tippler 2021/12/29(Wed)18:20 No. 1018732 ID: eedbeb
File 164083081717.png - (435.44KB , 1000x1100 , p125.png )

With Carbon no longer aggressive, Chuck turns his head to see the owner of the hoarse voice.

Addiction: Power

okay tight

>>1018732
Oh. Looks like Silicon's body mutated from eating other Silicon elementals. ...actually that doesn't make much sense, why didn't Carbon's body do that? Might be something unique to either of them... or Silicon morphed that "core" to look more villainous.

>is our baby
In the literal sense?! It's a silicon carbide sword? I thought changelings were the only spirit type that could breed. I guess with enough power, anything is possible...

>Silicon is addicted to Power, Carbon is addicted to Control
Somehow I don't think the retirement will last long. You're going to want that anti-addiction upgrade soon. Also just straight up tell them their addictions and that giving you mana so you can get that upgrade to cure them is PRETTY DANG IMPORTANT all things considered.

>>1018732
Remember how Silicon said that he wasn’t attractive and you said that you wouldn’t judge and would be happy to meet the real him? Now’s your chance to keep your word!

Let Silicon know that you think he looks pretty cool!

And the vents? The Guild wants you to open them, so they wouldn't want to see you "killed".
Assume a combat stance in case anyone walks in on you.

Y'know, now would be the perfect time to mess up this entire plan and screw over these two.

Goodness sir, you look INSANELY POWERFUL

Ask Pord if he really thinks this is his father.

tippler 2021/12/30(Thu)08:07 No. 1018801 ID: eedbeb
File 164088044913.png - (253.31KB , 1000x1100 , p126.png )

“Wow.” Chuck says.
When Silicon notices Chuck is looking, the elemental ducks his massive head towards the wall.

“Don’t hide, you’re super cool! You’re so big and you have those sick extra heads, it’s totally villainous.”

“Oh. Thanks. I can’t control my form like other spirits so I’m glad you think it’s okay.” Silicon mumbles.

Carbon huffs. “I’ve always said your form is fine. Anyway, Chuck, return to the outside area so we can start releasing the robots.”

tippler 2021/12/30(Thu)08:07 No. 1018802 ID: eedbeb
File 164088045858.png - (288.45KB , 1000x1100 , p127.png )

“Hold on a sec, are you guys really going to retire once you’re defeated? I can see what you both have an affinity for and in my professional spirit opinion you’re not going to let things go.” Chuck asks.

“Well of course not, we still have the company to think about.” Silicon says. “I will no longer be the supreme supervillain but I will still be a responsible CEO.”

“And the mana vents?”

“I’ll open them back up, but I’ve already redirected the flow of mana so the mortals will still lose their magic.” Silicon shrugs. “Adventurers are mild entertainment, but all of the elves and spirits agree they are just too annoying. Run along, Chuck, the robots need to stretch their legs.”

tippler 2021/12/30(Thu)08:07 No. 1018803 ID: eedbeb
File 164088046654.png - (397.75KB , 1000x1100 , p128.png )

Chuck has three ending paths he can take once he leaves Silicon’s room. The paths are mutually exclusive, and if he fails because of Rhine’s interference, he’ll default to Silicon’s ideal plan.

A. Battle with Baby:
Chuck will increase his bond with Pord by fighting the robots, which will let him injure (and low chance kill) Silicon.

B. Spell Mastery:
Chuck will level up and learn to wield his anti-addiction spell, before using the spell on Silicon and Carbon.

C. Mystery Path:
There’s a way to take away Silicon’s power permanently that has been hinted at but not explicitly mentioned in the quest or by suggestors. Chuck can only take this path if he thinks of the method.

C. I bet it involves convincing Rhine to become an eldrich, and/or somehow getting the Eldritch in the planet's core to help fight against Silicone since silicone seemed to threaten to pulverize bob if he used mind magic against him and was concerned about the Eldritch in the planet's core ruining his plans. He did seem to nonconcently enter that one owl's dream thanks to Tom. Might be hard to do since Rhine hates us, but where theres a will, theres a way. https://questden.org/kusaba/quest/res/1017029.html#1018112

maybe rhine if he is an eldritch can commune with the eldritch at the planet's core and get it to take silicone's power since it is the source of all mana, or use his mind magic on silicone? Turning Rhine into an eldritch would involve breaking his meditation when he's in an egg. Gotta convince him to do that

If that isn't the way to go about this, then B, just so we can cure Uzak and Maddie

C will likely involve kidnapping an egg, which you could ostensibly do but would have you shunned from the spirit community and you wanna see wingnut again. Or it will involve somehow convincing Rhyne that he should become an eldritch so he can completely steal or seal the source of magic in Silicon. Personally I feel like that'd be a dick move to permanantly fuck over Rhyne but sacrifices would have to be made to achieve an ending where magic is still available to all.

I feel like [B is my choice though] because even if you fail you'll still be able to cure Maddie and Uzak and you just want to go back to dad anyway, which fits more in line with chuck's personality.

Though if eldritching Rhyne or stealing an egg becomes more of a thing I'd be down to try that.

Honestly I'd love a combo of B/C You syphon silicon's power with rhyne and eventually work to cure silicon and carbon of their addictions in the post-story, all while taking care of the brother you messed up to "save the world"

>>1018803
B

>>1018803
C probably involves using the sword to Cut silicon's power, or some other metaphorical severance.

I wanna do B though. We can also remove Rhine's addiction, which will calm him the fuck down.

>>1018803
>The paths are mutually exclusive
We can only pick one? Then I guess I'll choose B.

>>1018806
>>1018808
>Make Rhine eldritch
Wouldn't it be easier to tell the Guardians the plan? I'm sure they could get in contact with other eldritchs without us having to rely on a newly hatched Rhine to succeed.

Bob's your uncle. Find someone with sufficiently silicon-related trauma and drag Silicon into the dream, then banish him to the shadow realm with dream-Pord. Assure Bob that between the guardians and Pord, you'll be ale to defend his corporeal self as well as the dream.

tippler 2021/12/30(Thu)15:25 No. 1018834 ID: eedbeb
File 164090672866.png - (365.62KB , 1000x1100 , p129.png )

>B
Chuck has an inkling of an idea of how to use what he learned about the eldritch to take out Silicon, but he doesn’t feel confident pursuing it. He’d rather focus on his addiction powers so he can get Rhine to chill, make sure Silicon and Carbon don’t try this villain shit again, and help Aunt Uzak and Maddie later.

He cuts a new portal back outside and hurries out of the way of the amassing mortal forces. Everyone, including the Guardians, seem too focused to help, so he’ll be moving on his own.

Chuck needs mana! He’s currently at 8 units and needs at least 22 more to reach a high enough level to cast his anti-addiction spell on Silicon and Carbon (guaranteed success). At level 2, he can cast on Rhine and mortals (1/2 success). He still has the gun which contains 5 units. The gun is a good non-lethal way to deal with people so Chuck may want to keep it.

tippler 2021/12/30(Thu)15:25 No. 1018835 ID: eedbeb
File 164090675126.png - (269.27KB , 1000x1100 , p130.png )

Here are Chuck’s current possible sources of mana ordered with low to high random possible quantities:

-Loot the abandoned tents for magical items (1-4 units per item, 1/4 chance to find an item in each of the 20 tents, takes 1 update to search 5 tents, 1/4 chance of Rhine ambush each update)

-Sneakily steal from the Guardians while they battle (3-7 units per theft, 3 opportunities, 1 update each, 2/3 chance of success)

-Go to the dungeon entrance and drain the portal station (10 units, 2/3 chance of success, can be retried but takes another update)

-Find someone still in the office to kill or extort (15 units, success rate depends on tactics)

He has 6 updates of time to get the necessary mana. Traveling to a new area (dungeon entrance or office) takes one update and gives Rhine a 2/3 chance to ambush Chuck, leading to delays and possible fratricide. Chuck doesn’t have to end his turn in the main cave because Silicon will stall for him.

What should Chuck do first?

>>1018835
Portal station is risky but its best we open strong, I say that. Worst comes to worst we can eat Rhine...

Pickpocket the Guardians.

>>1018835
Our best chance is to reach level 2 so we can use the power on Rhine when he ambushes us. This means our first action should be something that has low or no chance to trigger the ambush.

Drain a guardian. I'm sure they have mana to spare, considering they offered some before.

Extort Rhine, he will be a problem for a majority of the updates, I say find him, shoot him into submission, and try to siphon mana from him. It may work, it may not, but you know he's hunting you, so I say lay a trap, go somewhere obveous, teleport using Pord and attempt to disable him, he's so focused on hunting you and revenge, try to counter him and make him innefectual.

I'M NOT SAYING KILL HIM OKAY

We can even spend some mana strengthening our bond with Pord to make it less likely it accidentally kills him. I'm willing to expend the 1-2 mana for it since we'll get a ton from sucking from Rhine!

>>1018835
>What should Chuck do first?
Politely ask Pord for some mana.

With the bond we’ve built with them, I’m sure Pord would give us some mana.

tippler 2021/12/30(Thu)19:04 No. 1018876 ID: eedbeb
File 164091986758.png - (413.19KB , 1000x1100 , p131.png )

Turn 1 of 6

>Check with Pord
“I don’t suppose you can give me any mana?” Chuck asks the sword, which screeches apologetically. Now that Chuck’s examining the artifact, he can sense very strong bindings keeping it secure. There’s no way he’d be able to extract anything from Pord’s vast reserves.

>Steal from Guardians!
Chuck may be a good boy, but theft is pretty tame considering and the Guardians’ offered him mana before so it’s easy to rationalize as just bad timing.

The giant door is cracked open and a stream of slithering, skittering robots is pouring out. Chuck spots Kol hanging back and aims a small portal behind the mouse. Nobody notices the small opening and Chuck manages to drain 4 mana before Kol moves away.

tippler 2021/12/30(Thu)19:04 No. 1018877 ID: eedbeb
File 164091987691.png - (303.95KB , 1000x1100 , p132.png )

The mortals give a collective gasp when Carbon emerges and swings himself up on one of the wall cliffs. The ape surveys the proceedings, occasionally twitching a finger to make a mortal lose their balance.

From what Chuck can see, the robots are acting more aggressive but only inflicting mild wounds like bruises and scratches, while the mortals are smashing the artificial creatures to bits at every opportunity.

Chuck has 12 mana out of 30 total needed. He can level up as a free action next turn. If he wishes to level, what physical differences should Chuck add to his form and what should he do next?

Level up - focus on either SPEED or REFLEXES however you quantify that, basically you want to be able to react faster and shoot faster.

Keep sucking the mana from the dudes here, better to just do it all in this area before going somewhere else. (If we stay here we don't get attacked by rhine right?)

>>1018877
>Level up?
Yes.

>What physical differences should Chuck add to his form?
Give himself some muscles and become a little taller.

>What should he do next?
Attempt draining another Guardian.

>>1018877
Keep getting mana from people here.

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)10:36 No. 1018924 ID: eedbeb
File 164097577478.png - (260.36KB , 1000x1100 , p133.png )

Turn 2 of 6

>Level Up
Chuck focuses on his being, pushing his mana into his physical form. His tail lengthens and he goes down on all fours to stretch into an agile, strong figure.

Chuck is now faster and stronger, and rolls based on these quantities will have higher chances of success.

He gains a new ability:
-Stage Intervention (3 mana, if successful, the target realizes their need to change and their cravings decrease)

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)10:36 No. 1018925 ID: eedbeb
File 164097578725.png - (426.84KB , 1000x1100 , p134.png )

>More steal
Chuck’s line of sight is drawn to Casey, a lithe figure of metal and flesh effortlessly seizing robots with her blue mana tentacles and dashing them against the ground. He cuts a portal above her and starts slurping as quietly as possible.

Casey doesn’t notice what he’s doing, but Chuck only manages to drain 4 mana. Rats!

He has 16 mana out of 30 total needed, with 6 units being available for spells.

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)11:49 No. 1018928 ID: eedbeb
File 164098017048.png - (272.29KB , 1000x1100 , p135.png )

Turn 3 of 6

It’d be unfair to leave Gabe out of the theft arrangement, so Chuck locates the reddish mouse who’s wrestling a larger robot with a long twisty neck. Chuck’s getting awfully good at this portal business and goes undetected once more, this time drawing a sizable 6 mana units from the mouse’s metal arm.

He has 22 mana out of 30 total needed, with 12 units being available for spells.

Chuck is doing great, but must move on to one of the three other methods to secure the rest of his mana. What should he do next?

Extort Rhine! You're faster and stronger and he'll probably hunt you down anyway. Shoot em up with your pistol but dont pord him.

But if everyone wants to be BORING then just drain the portal station and get the final units of mana you need, all while expecting Rhine to come and fight you in the process, wasting a few turns.

Head to the dungeon entrance, and be ready to stage an intervention if Rince intervenes.

>>1018928
Go to the dungeon entrance and drain the portal station

Tents next. Search until Rhine shows up then hit him with Craving to weaken him before trying the cure.
Hmm how is Rhine going to try the ambush? We are faster thanks to portals and addiction sense can tell us if he is hiding as an object or smth.

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)16:49 No. 1018989 ID: eedbeb
File 164099816138.png - (281.46KB , 1000x1100 , p136.png )

Turn 4 of 6

>Portal Station
Good boys don’t loot and good boys don’t kill! And Chuck is the supreme good boy, unmatched in his pure unadulterated mental reconstruction via zen meditation bullshit the massive eldritch in the center of the planet pulled on him.

He can still rationalize some harmless theft. Artificial mana is easily replaced unlike magic weapons, so stealing from the portal gate is merely a minor inconvenience.

On the other side of the entrance cave is a lone tunnel sloping upwards. Chuck has never been to this area so he strides forward on foot.

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)16:49 No. 1018990 ID: eedbeb
File 164099817350.png - (377.52KB , 1000x1100 , p137.png )

After a while of traveling in the tunnel, Chuck emerges to a strange sight. What looks like a massive playground fitted with clear plastic tunnels, slides, and simple puzzles is set in a tall cave. There’s a sign for a bathroom to his right and the stone under his claws has been polished smooth by countless little paws.

He doesn’t have time to admire the brightly colored hunk of plastic before a set of monkey bars melts into a familiar vicious leer.

“Hey bro.” Rhine says. “So nice of you to try mind controlling me. How about you give me that sword?”

Chuck already has a plan, he keeps Pord low and aims a 1 mana cravings spell at the rapidly approaching changeling. Rhine tries to duck out of the way but the level 2 spell hones in on him and sends Rhine skidding to a stop.

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)16:49 No. 1018991 ID: eedbeb
File 164099818298.png - (267.85KB , 1000x1100 , p138.png )

“This is so fucking stupid.” the changeling slams the ground with a fist in frustration. “Why doesn’t anyone understand? Why can’t I just have what I want for once? They chose to give the sword to you, Ahpin chose me to offer to Carbon—you get everything and I’m sick of it.”

The changeling has been weakened, giving Chuck bonus odds (3/5 chance) on his intervention spell, but he’s also including Chuck in his revenge addiction now.

Chuck shoots the spell anyway and holds his breath.

Rhine drips goo onto the floor for a few seconds, then raises his head.

“I’m going to kill you, Chuck.”

Chuck has 18 mana out of 30 total needed, with 8 units being available for spells. Rhine is pissed.

What should Chuck do?
A. Kill Rhine, get 15 mana
B. Make a run for the portal station (2/3 chance, he can get there on turn 5 if he succeeds)
C. Attempt the spell again (4/5 chance this time, takes a turn)

Make a run for it. One shot to be the big enough man to solve this cleanly.

>>1018991

Silicon might have given me Pord, but what I wanted was my bro. (c)

I'll vote C, but if it fails, I'm gonna be voting kill rhine, sorry y'all.

Launch yourself into a grapple with the shapechanger, using your enhanced body and reflexes to counteract his abilities for long enough to get some speechifying in. You've a couple of very valid points to whack Rhine over the head with at this point.

"Okay, so. Yes, a literal magical intervention is mind control. And, sorry, that one went wrong. My bad. Still. It's to get you better bro. Your obsession ain't healthy. Listen to yourself! That other magician Dad was with lost all her magic because they actually tried to trick Carbon rather than offer either of us up. Don't use Dad playing along to save you as your reason for wanting revenge!

And... getting to know Carbon a bit, I'm not 100% sure he'd actually have eaten either of us. See, I read up and learned most spirits will offer threats against changelings to scare 'em from mischief, but only rarely follow through. His addiction isn't 'hunger', it's 'control', so he'd probably have just made you into an intern early.

Anyway, I have a plan now and it might be good for... everyone? If you wanted a moment to shine, it's literally right now, bro, because you can help everyone by helping me. Otherwise I might HAVE to do Carbon and Silicon's supervillain defeat thing - and that is STILL gonna leave them alive and wanting to be in charge!"

C) Stage Intervention (with a bunch of good reasons)

(Maybe you can convince Rhine to help loot the tents next turn? Between that, absorbing the portal and eating the gun we have a chance to get enough mana to not have to select kill/extort anyone on Turn 6 to go ahead with Plan B.)

>>1018990
>So nice of you to try mind controlling me.
I wouldn’t have needed to do that if you weren’t trying to attack me!

>How about you give me that sword?
Their name is Pord. And they can’t hurt Silicon or Carbon, so even if I gave them to you, you wouldn’t be able to kill Silicon or Carbon!

Also, that’s literally what they want us to do with Pord. They want us to attack them, so they can fake their deaths! Do you really want to go along with their plan and do what they want us to do?

>>1018991
>Ahpin chose me to offer to Carbon
We both know that he wasn’t going to let Carbon hurt you!

>What do?
C

>>1018991
Tell him you're trying to help him, and C.

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)20:54 No. 1019044 ID: eedbeb
File 164101288214.png - (268.68KB , 1000x1100 , p139.png )

Turn 5 of 6

>C
“I’m not going to give up on you, Rhine!”

The changeling lunges on all fours at Chuck, who uses his new speed to dodge out of the way, careful to avoid clipping Rhine with Pord. He fumbles for the gun and fires a few stun shots that sizzle against Rhine’s strange flesh.

Rhine shrieks with pain and extends his hands to grab Pord’s handle.

“Stop it! Let go, the sword won’t even work on Carbon and Silicon, I asked!”

To Chuck’s horror, Rhine manages to wrench Pord out of his grip. The sword immediately plummets blade first against the stone, scouring a deep gouge as Rhine struggles to pull it upright.

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)20:54 No. 1019045 ID: eedbeb
File 164101289052.png - (250.28KB , 1000x1100 , p140.png )

While Rhine is dealing with Pord, Chuck puts his thoughts together.

“I understand why you’re upset, I was scared in the cafeteria so I tried to charm you, but I don’t want anything bad to happen to you, I’m trying to help you let go of this obsession.”

Rhine drags Pord towards Chuck, and with a surprising show of strength, swings it against the spirit’s leg.

Chuck freezes, but the blade never makes contact, stopping independently with a quiver.

Rhine stares at the uncooperative sword. “It doesn’t even work for me.”

He punches Chuck, which hurts, but isn’t terrible, and crumples into a sniffling ball. Chuck recovers from the hit and crouches by his side.

“I’m sorry Ahpin hurt you but you know he didn’t mean it. That guy loves us, even if you don’t feel like he’s your dad anymore.”

tippler 2021/12/31(Fri)20:54 No. 1019046 ID: eedbeb
File 164101289940.png - (258.48KB , 1000x1100 , p141.png )

“I hate you.” Rhine mumbles.

“I want my brother to be okay.” Chuck says. He readies the intervention spell again.

This time it settles over Rhine almost peacefully, like a soothing smell or a warm hug. The changeling sniffs a few more times then raises his head.

“I’ve been chasing this impossible thing. I feel like if I don’t have this, I don’t have anything.”

“You can do whatever you want with your life, but don’t base it on Carbon and Silicon.” Chuck says quietly.

Chuck has 15 mana out of 30 total needed, with 5 units being available for spells. Rhine is now his ally and will assist with mana collecting tasks but won’t contribute his own mana.

Chuck can either portal back to the battlegrounds and loot tents with Rhine at 2x speed, or continue to the portal station with an improved 4/5 chance of success.

I'm pretty sure the portal station has a better chance of getting us exactly the mana we need for the level. Well, mostly I don't want to think about the odds of 10 rolls of the dice for 1-4 mana.

>>1019046
Give your brother a hug!

Continue to the portal station.

Attempt portal drain. If it fails then we have one more action I think, which we can spend portaling to the offices and try to find someone to drain in desperation. We can promise to give them mana back later, it's just borrowing!

Portal, 4/5 is better then like... 1/256 twice

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)08:43 No. 1019076 ID: eedbeb
File 164105543247.png - (219.37KB , 1000x1100 , p142.png )

Turn 6 of 6

>Portal Station
“I need to get some more mana.” Chuck tells Rhine. “Up on the surface there’s a portal station that I’m aiming for, can you come with me?”

“Ok.” Rhine rubs the tears out of his eyes, reabsorbs them into his hand, and gets to his feet.

Chuck and his brother navigate the maze of kid sized obstacles in tentative silence. Rhine might be on his side now, but they aren’t bosom friends. There’s still so much Chuck doesn’t know about Rhine’s time with Dusty as a changeling.

“I’m trying to get Silicon and Carbon to stop being addicted to power and control. They’re still planning to take mana from the mortals and continue their weird intrusive robot business after I pretend to defeat them.” Chuck says once they reach another stone tunnel.

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)08:44 No. 1019077 ID: eedbeb
File 164105544294.png - (432.56KB , 1000x1100 , p143.png )

“You’re gonna use the spell you just did on me?” Rhine asks.

“That’s the plan.”

“Hm.”

The air gets warmer and fresher as Chuck ascends, until he emerges on a well-worn dirt path. The portal gate resembles a thick metal arch and appears to be off.

“Oh hey, it’s Ahpin’s kids.”

Three familiar green tinged figures are sitting in the grass, playing a card game. The shark waves them over.

“I need the mana from this portal gate for final battle reasons.” Chuck explains.

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)08:44 No. 1019078 ID: eedbeb
File 164105545012.png - (263.09KB , 1000x1100 , p144.png )

“Say no more, even though we’re supposed to be guarding it, there’s nothing worse than authority figures getting in the way of heroes.” the shark replies.

Chuck thanks her and approaches the metal structure. It’s a little taller than him with little doors on the legs where the mana batteries must be hiding. With some generous cutting with Pord, Chuck gets the casing off and the battery exposed.

He opens his mouth to drain the mana, but nothing comes out. Alarmed, he tries again, with no success.

Chuck spends the next fifteen minutes desperately trying to get the battery to cooperate. Why isn’t this working?

“There’s some kind of ward on it.” Rhine says eventually. “They must have been trying super hard to keep it secure.”

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)08:44 No. 1019079 ID: eedbeb
File 164105546039.png - (243.74KB , 1000x1100 , p145.png )

Chuck a deep breath, calms himself, and is about to dive back in when Silicon’s voice blares out of Pord’s eye.

“Hello? Hello Chuck? Where are you? I gave my big speech and now we are sitting around like idiots waiting!”

“I—I’m busy with something.”

“Well it can’t be more important than this. Get back here right now, I’ll make small talk until you arrive.”

In an unlucky turn of events, Chuck failed to extract the mana from the portal station. He now must return to the battlefield.

He may not be able to spell Silicon and Carbon, but he can still talk to them using what he’s learned. What should he say to get them to change their minds on the mana vents OR the robots?

Make a compelling argument to Silicon about how his consuming of countless spirit was and is still horrible. He's not just a story-time villain, he's straight up a legitimate force of pain and suffering to the world.

Alternatively

Don't show up. Let's just portal out of the dungeon and let the heroes kill those two maniacs for real.

>>1019079
>not enough mana
Do you have enough time to ask the three familiar green tinged figures for some mana? If they each give you some, that might be enough for you to be close enough to your goal, you can just get the remaining mana from draining the gun.

>What should he say to get them to change their minds on the mana vents OR the robots?
The whole reason Silicon is doing this is because he believes he’s one of those villains that’ll improve the quality of life of people and contribute to technological innovations. He’s doing that with his robots, so I don’t think we can convince him to give up on that.

We’ll need to somehow convince him to reopen the mana vents. I just don’t know what we’d say to him.

>>1019090
>let the heroes kill those two maniacs for real.
I’m pretty sure both of them are too powerful for that.

Yeah ask the Nunyas for mana. It's important, you don't need that much more!

>talk to Carbon and Silicon
Tell them they are addicted. They are not in control of their actions. That should give Carbon pause considering his addiction, at least.

And, if that fails, tells EVERYONE the plan with the sword and the secret retirement and still hijacking the mana vents under everyone's noses. That should take away Silicon's power.
Metaphorically, I mean.

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)15:54 No. 1019109 ID: eedbeb
File 164108124535.png - (246.71KB , 1000x1100 , p146.png )

>Ask for mana from the Nunya’s
Chuck grabs Pord and scrambles back to the green gang. “Guys, hey, can I have some of your mana really quick?”

Bob raises his small tendril head. “You don’t want this stuff, trust me.”

“How about you two, the mortals?”

“That’s kind of a big ask, we need our mana for casting spells and unlike you we can’t get it back.” the shark says.

“Please, it’s for a good cause, I’m trying to stop—“

“I’m hearing a lot of chattering and not a lot of returning to the dungeon.” Silicon via Pord interrupts.

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)15:54 No. 1019110 ID: eedbeb
File 164108127170.png - (326.42KB , 1000x1100 , p147.png )

The ground under Chuck caves in and he screams as he free falls. Pord is wrenched from his grasp, which is probably good for safety reasons, and after a few tense moments Chuck lands in a net of carbon fiber at the ceiling of the battlefield.

“—anyway, that’s how Carbon and I solved the puzzle of the Murder Mystery Dungeon when we were young. Also Gabe, I fucked your nephew.”

Silicon is sprawled on his side, addressing the assembled army. Where his room once was is a yawning chasm.

Pord floats down next to Chuck, and he cuts himself free, which unfortunately results in him rapidly falling once more.

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)15:55 No. 1019111 ID: eedbeb
File 164108129946.png - (374.62KB , 1000x1100 , p148.png )

A black rope catches him around the middle and gently lowers him to the ground.

“Oh my! How could this be? My own intern turning against me?” Silicon says dramatically. “What a big sword you have, Chuck, I sure hope you don’t kill me with it!”

“Can you just…be quiet for a second?” Chuck asks wearily.

“I am very sorry, you need to have your speech too, of course.” Silicon zips his mouth shut and throws away the key.

Chuck takes a deep breath. “Silicon, you and Carbon really are villains. You’ve consumed countless other spirits and even though you could have killed a lot more, it’s still a horrible thing.”

Silicon nods.

“I’m a—no, I’m THE spirit of addiction. And I can see you’re both addicted to what your power and influence has brought you and the control you have over other people’s lives. I’m asking you to do the right thing and take a step back. Consider what’s really important to you and let the rest of us live our lives.”

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)15:55 No. 1019112 ID: eedbeb
File 164108132356.png - (408.30KB , 1000x1100 , p149.png )

The whole cave is silent for a moment.

“Okay, we’ll think about it.” says Silicon. “Slice me up, Chuck.”

Chuck bunches up his powerful legs and leaps, slashing Pord across Silicon’s neck. It never touches the elemental, of course, but the cut creates a dramatic red line across space. Silicon tips himself gently off the cliff and Carbon leaps after him.

Chuck lands hard, buckling to one knee. The weight of the last three days catches up to him, and he stays there as the army breaks into cheers.

>>1019112
Alright, victory pose and all that, ham it up for the crowd so Silicon's plan doesn't get ruined and also ruin everyone else's day in the process.

See if you can get some cool shit to share with Rhine later.

tippler 2022/01/01(Sat)20:39 No. 1019172 ID: eedbeb
File 164109838860.png - (325.07KB , 1000x1100 , p150.png )

The mortals know it was fake. He knows it was fake too, but that doesn’t stop Chuck from pulling a sweet victory pose and roaring his triumph to the adoring crowd.

Pord is still in his hand, and is enough of a deterrent that he isn’t swarmed and carried off to the post battle orgy. The Guardians give him a respectful salute, before rushing to join the rapidly proliferating bacchanal.

Chuck smiles and readies Pord.

Where should Chuck go?
-The office, to see his friends
-The surface, to see his family

The office before going back to family. Gotta see if our bro wants to hang with Dad and say goodbye to everyone. We might not come back or something.

Office first!

We're probably not coming back here. The office.

>>1019172
It sure would be a shame if these mortals were too busy celebrating to notice us getting some more of their mana. We’d put it to good use by making sure we’re strong enough to cure the addictions of Maddie and Uzak.

>Where to?
Heads the office to say goodbye to our friends and pick up our brother. Then we go home.

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)08:05 No. 1019215 ID: eedbeb
File 164113953667.png - (367.33KB , 1000x1100 , p151.png )

>Steal mana from mortals?
Chuck knows the intervention spell and has enough mana (including the gun) to cast it on Uzak and Maddie. There’s no need to screw over the celebrating mortals.

>The office
Chuck doesn’t know if he’ll get the chance to see his friends once he goes to the surface, so he cuts a portal across the tent cave, and another one to the cafeteria.

Delphine and Clementine are sitting at a table, enjoying a bottle of mold liquor. They jump when Chuck emerges from a crack in space.

“Hello dear, is it done?” the camel asks.

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)08:06 No. 1019216 ID: eedbeb
File 164113956318.png - (235.91KB , 1000x1100 , p152.png )

“Yeah. Yeah I think so. The mortals are having an after-party.”

Delphine gags. “I’m going to have to clean up their mess, disgusting.”

“Take the day off.” Clem suggests.

“Everything’s going to solidify and get stuck in the cracks. Anyway, since it’s safe the others should be coming back soon.”

Chuck sits at the table and sips from his cup while the two orange hued women chat. There are a few small tremors, but no robots show themselves.

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)08:06 No. 1019217 ID: eedbeb
File 164113958254.png - (303.62KB , 1000x1100 , p153.png )

The only warning he gets is the clunk of boots before he’s seized from behind by a meter of high speed goblin.

“Chuck!” Wingnut squeals. “You’re still here! And you’re alive! Oh, pour me a glass, Clem.”

“And he’s bigger.” Gabriela notes, eyeing Chuck’s new muscles.

“Your gun was a big help, I shot Rhine with it.” Chuck squeaks.

“Really? I’m so glad.” Wingnut kisses Chuck on the cheek.

Hey, where be Aloise and Rhine at. Also ask if even though your going outside, if you could still come visit then and vice-versa

Give her a hug and enjoy a moment of chaste bonding with your new friends.

>>1019217
Use your new longer tail to give Wingnut a hug while she’s behind you.

Ask if anyone has seen Rhine anywhere?

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)15:27 No. 1019268 ID: eedbeb
File 164116605359.png - (222.34KB , 1000x1100 , p154.png )

Chuck hugs Wingnut with his new and improved tail and accepts a smooch from Gabriela.

“Where’s Rhine?” Aloise asks. The scorpion circles around the table to sit at the last remaining seat.

Wait a second, where is Rhine? Last time Chuck saw his brother was at the dungeon entrance before Silicon unceremoniously summoned him back to the battleground. There wouldn’t really be a reason for Rhine to return to the office, so Chuck can only hope the changeling hasn’t gone far.

“I don’t know, probably somewhere on the surface.” Chuck shrugs.

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)15:27 No. 1019269 ID: eedbeb
File 164116607421.png - (395.32KB , 1000x1100 , p155.png )

Chuck spends the afternoon laughing and talking with his friends until the bottle is empty and he’s surprisingly worn out.

He stands with a stretch. “I think I’ll head out, my dad’s on the surface and I’m going to go live with him. Will I still be able to get to this office later?”

“I hope so, we’ll find you even if Silicon moves things around.” Wingnut promises.

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)15:28 No. 1019270 ID: eedbeb
File 164116609327.png - (190.19KB , 1000x1100 , p156.png )

As Chuck prepares to portal hop out of the dungeon, a bright screen catches his eye. A little spidery robot is beckoning to him from the tunnel leading to the warm rock room, the same place he originally hatched.

What should Chuck do? This will be the last scene of the quest:
-Go to the surface and find Ahpin
-Talk to Silicon one more time

What do you want, Silicon. Also, have you seen Rhine?

Might as well talk to silicon

>>1019270
God fine talk to Silicon. It's not like he's gonna kidnap you again.

>>1019270
>robot
I wonder if that’s actually Rhine and he just wants to pretend he’s Silicon to try and get you to come over?

Might as well go see if that robot is actually Silicon or if it’s just Rhine in disguise.

Might as well give Silicone the sword back. Tell him you're not addicted to power, so you don't really need it, and you got some friends' addictions to cure... but if Silicone and Carbon would like to get their addictions cured, you'll be happy to do that someday.

>>1019284
Don’t give away Pord! They’re our friend!

We should probably ask for a cover for them so they don’t accidentally cut and kill anyone.

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)18:35 No. 1019297 ID: eedbeb
File 164117734618.png - (225.90KB , 1000x1100 , p157.png )

>Silicon
Chuck follows the robot to the little cave and hops up onto the ledge to sit.

“I kind of expected you to spend more time dead. What’s up?” Chuck asks.

The robot grabs a long, dark sheath and struggles up the rock with small exclamations like ‘oh my’, ‘deawy me’, ‘hold on a second’.

It finally pulls itself level with Chuck with a sigh. “I should’ve given you dis when I gave you de sword, but as you know we were interrupted. Pord is much safer this way.”

Chuck accepts the sheath and slides Pord home. “Thanks.”

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)18:35 No. 1019298 ID: eedbeb
File 164117735666.png - (201.04KB , 1000x1100 , p158.png )

“Next, I realize I never told you my twagic backstory.” Silicon says.

“Er, it’s okay, you don’t have to—“

“I came into being as a changeling many centuries ago, in some aristocrat’s abandoned library. I don’t know why the owner went missing, they may have merely been on a long vacation.” Silicon continues.

Chuck sighs and prepares to hear Silicon’s tale.

“Dere were two of us who stayed together, there were enough enchanted tomes dat we had plenty to eat and enough other books that we weren’t bored, though I was smaller and weaker than her. When it was time to become an egg I hid in de back of an old sofa.”

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)18:36 No. 1019299 ID: eedbeb
File 164117736468.png - (323.30KB , 1000x1100 , p159.png )

“I don’t know what went wrong with de other egg, Carbon tells me he found an eldritch pwowling the stacks when he came to burn paper for an easy meal. He beat it to death, but its corruption had already reached me and I hatched…wrong. I was not an eldritch, but I couldn’t control my form and was feeble.”

Oh yeah, Silicon did have those weird muddy green eyes. Chuck hadn’t put two and two together and realized the elemental was corrupted.

“Carbon spared me and I became his companion. I was de dreamer, and he kept us out of trouble as we traveled de world. Dose were the happiest moments of my life, when things were simple. I dragged Carbon to all the dungeons that I had read about in books and we became adventurers.”

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)18:36 No. 1019300 ID: eedbeb
File 164117737515.png - (184.90KB , 1000x1100 , p160.png )

The robot falls silent, tapping the stone with its quaint metal feet.

“Well, I don’t want to bore you with all the details. We went wrong. And you were right dat I have a pwoblem with power. I still feel insecure, like I am the weak little cweature I was as a changeling and young spirit, and that fear drives me to want more and more. I’ll work on it. Carbon too. Is dere anything else you’d like to tell me before you go?”

Silicon, there's one more addiction you have that I didn't mention. You're addicted to deez.

>>1019301
I was going to make a thoughtful response, have chuck offer to help him with his addictions so that he could live the life he wants to.

But no, ending on a Deez nuts joke is exactly what I want.

"Well I mean, yes, but I won't because it would be the polite thing to do."

Do a deez nutz joke.

If you can, open a portal to the Nutz bar. (not sure if we could tho since Chuck probably doesnt know that place)

Let's end it with some levity. Deez nuts!

>>1019300
"Yeah. I quit."

>>1019300
I can't believe we're provoking an eternity of villainy for a deez nuts joke. If you do make the joke, first tell him that despite the kidnapping, and despite being compelled into service for a villainous entity you really get the feeling that he's not a bad person, just a little careless. Then give him a hug and tell him that you also appreciate the job experience.

Deez nuts joke is fun, Silicon's obviously a guy who likes to have fun.

Say you were pretty upset about the kidnapping at first, but you found your brother and nobody got hurt so you can't stay mad. And maybe if he finds another adventure to look forward to he can hit you up

>>1019309
This

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)19:45 No. 1019313 ID: eedbeb
File 164118153258.png - (176.78KB , 1000x1100 , p161.png )

Chuck claps his hand lightly on the robot’s thin shoulder. “You have another addiction I didn’t tell you about.”

“Oh no! What is it?”

“Deez.”

Silicon 404s. “Dese what? I do not understand.”

Chuck prepares the killing blow. “Deez nuts.”

The robot flaps its metal limbs in the air. “A joke! You have outwitted me! Very good my former intern.”

“I believe in you man, get better and thanks for the job experience.”

tippler 2022/01/02(Sun)19:45 No. 1019314 ID: eedbeb
File 164118154189.png - (384.20KB , 1000x1100 , p162.png )

Thank you for reading This Isn’t Working.