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File 143112222176.png - (43.16KB , 900x700 , 101.png )
639082 No. 639082 ID: defceb

Prologue:http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/615246.html
Expand all images
>>
No. 639089 ID: defceb
File 143112319847.png - (312.07KB , 900x700 , 102.png )
639089

“...and you’re dead!”

>”Best 10 out of 18?”

“That was your 12th try. I don’t think a xiphos is working for you.”

>”Well, I do have these weird insect claws for fingers…”

”You did ask for it. If the two of you are done playing with swords, I believe you had some questions for me?”
>>
No. 639090 ID: 79940c

Did we make the comms, yet?

>I don’t think a xiphos is working for you.
Face it Alex, you're no Grecian sword-fighter. You're more the mad scientist type.

At least she has a sword. Though we still need to upgrade it to a fancy science-sword if we get into a fight with hunters. (Did we get plans for that yet?).
>>
No. 639092 ID: bd8b82

she also had much more training and practice. those are important when using swords. we can stick to death rays. hmmm... can we make high a high capacity battery? and then a laser gun to use it.

also since she is good at using the sword we could upgrade it to a power sword. aka coat it in a high energy matter disruption field.
>>
No. 639093 ID: 9ddf68

I thought we used scythes made of dust that kinda makes us look like a praying mantis for our go to melee weapon?

whelp this is something I'm going to need to improve on if I want to live past a week. Not always going to be able to run and hide from every fight and I also won't always have the luxury of distance either.

Thank your mentor for helping us and as for sidney, did she get those blue prints for those things we asked for? and also since we're going to a festival how will money work? I mean I know we can pay using dust but do we just dump a pile of the stuff on the merchant's desk, have to package it in a special container, or what? figure it would be better to ask now instead of when we're trying to buy something and hold up the line.
>>
No. 639132 ID: 6410b7

>>639089
There is something I've wondering Sidney is dust just nanomachines that we interface with through our circuits? Could we create a device that fine tunes over dust?
>>
No. 639166 ID: bd8b82

>>639132
what do you mean "fine tunes over dust"?
>>
No. 639217 ID: 9297f4

>>639166
I think he means "fine tune our dust." We should either find a weapon type that fits us, or switch to range. How durable chains made from dust would be?
>>
No. 639242 ID: 186e27

>>639089
Oh yeah we did have a few.
What sort of tech did we miss between 2000 AD and whenever it is now?
How much of it can you access?
How much of that can we make?
What has humanity been doing in the intervening years?
How come humanity hasn't evolved?
If we made it into extrasolar space, how come we left our origin system behind?
>>
No. 640481 ID: ea0ad9

>I don’t think a xiphos is working for you.
We're more of a speedy build than a power one. A rapier for rapid back-and-forth movement, or a scimitar for just quick movement in general, would better suit us.
>thought we used scythes made of dust
That could work, but it's probably a better idea to use our dust to enhance one that already exists. Like, coating the blade of it to cut better.
Hmm. That might actually allow us to use a dull blade, which we bind to the forearm and slide it out with our dust when it's ready for use.
>and then a laser gun to use it.
I know you can get lasers that slowly cut through things, but I think it's going to be slow regardless of material, not just against stone. They're also rather thin, that's like giving a person paper cuts over the course of hours.
Don't they take a lot of energy, anyways? Good part is we should be able to easily carve out the amplifiers for it using our dust.
>aka coat it in a high energy matter disruption field.
For her sword? Won't work, it would have to be actively powered, and she's not trained in that.
>>
No. 640484 ID: bd8b82

>>640481
not NOW, i mean after we do some book learning and get like, very small super high power batteries or reactors. just replace the little pommel sphere with a power generation device.
>>
No. 643446 ID: defceb
File 143271680871.png - (242.64KB , 900x700 , 103.png )
643446

>”I don’t think a brute force weapon suits me. Maybe something built for agility, like a scimitar or those scythe claws, will work. What do you think?”

“Raw-dusting a simple weapon like a sword is effective as long as you can focus to maintain it in combat.”

“Looks kind of heavy.”

>”Light as a feather. Last resort, I think I’m really more the mad science type to be honest.”

“...mad science?”

>”Like Franken- no, you wouldn’t know that. Like, uh…. Icarus? Doesn’t ring a bell? Sydney?”

“He is likening himself to the overly passionate and intelligent.”

“Ohh, like the story of Lysander!”

>”Yeah, like uh…. like that guy. Who is that guy?”

“He thought he could eat the sun and absorb its powers. Spent their whole life building wild contraptions to fly up there. I never did find out what happened to him in the end, though.”

“It’s about what you’d expect in a story about someone flying to the sun.”

>”Maybe not exactly like that guy. Sydney, science questions.”

“Shoot.”
>>
No. 643449 ID: defceb
File 143271712223.png - (141.49KB , 900x700 , 104.png )
643449

>”How about that communication device?”

“Ready to go. It has a low level of power consumption, so you can probably run it just using yourself as the battery until you find something better.”

>”Perfect. Also, I’ve just been wondering. It’s been about… 5 billion years? Why haven’t humans evolved?”

””Oh but they have! Sort of. As far as my records show, there isn’t one singular ‘human race’ line as you knew it. Instead, given the large amount of time necessary for space flight that have been several divergent species that have evolved in their own direction. Each generational ship launched in the early years became the foundation for a different branch of humankind. Then once a galactic-scale society started building up, all the different branches got reintroduced and became more… muddled and different. Add factors like genetic augmentation, cybernetic uplifts, inter-species breeding (not recommended reading), rampant viral nano-machines, symbiotic species augmentation and it gets even weirder.”

“THEN add in the fact that every now and then a seed ship will pop back up, reintroducing humans from earlier generations and the whole thing just ends up being a huge clusterfuck. Currently I lack the necessary database and you lack the proper genetic testing tools to figure out where the humans on this world lie in that family tree.”

“On the bright side, I can say with certainty that the people of this world have no appendix. Progress!””


>”What about tech? Latest and greatest?”

“I’m not sure where I could even begin. You’re roughly 5 billion years behind, after all”

>”Why not start with dust. This is all nanomachines right?”

“Technically no, nano-scale construction suffers in matters of providing power to independent machinery that small. The definition is also muddled by whether or not you consider simultaneously networked dust particles to be one large machine or several independent ones.”

>”Why would that get in the way?”

[color=#0066cc]“How would you feel if you were referred to by your organs independently?”


>”But I’m a permanent interdependent construction. The dust particles still function separate from each other outside greater whole.”

“Hm… it’s a difficult concept to get across without fully explaining pseudo-quantum computing.”

>”Which is…”

“Difficult to explain without a thorough understanding of compressed transistors and heat slips.”

>”That sounds made up.”

“It’s very impressive, I assure you.”

>”So if all this impressive tech is around, where did everyone go? Why did they leave this system?”

[color=#0066cc]“Officially speaking, this solar system is considered a national park and nature reserve. It is illegal for people to venture within 2 light-years of this location. Preserving the natural beauty of it, and whatnot.”


>”So where did people go?”

“...are you sure you want to know?”

>”I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t.”
>>
No. 643450 ID: defceb
File 143271717496.png - (144.79KB , 900x700 , 105.png )
643450

“...I don’t know.”

>”...you don’t know?”

“Alex, hold still. I think I saw something on your back.”

”I don’t know. Access to the greater netsphere was cut off when this system was made into a nature preserve. Since then we’ve received distant signals but even that’s stopped. There’s nobody calling out there anymore, and as far as I can tell they all just… left.”

>”What do you mean, they left?”

”I mean just that. Moved out, relocated, packed up their universal bags and skipped town. There’s nothing popping out on any sensors. As far as I can tell, we’re all alone.”

>”...I don’t like the sound of that, Sydney.”

“Stop pacing for a second I think it’s a bug.”

>”Ooo~, what kind?”

“I don’t know, it’s kind of bright. Looks like a little red dot.”
>>
No. 643451 ID: e114bc

>>643450
Laser sight!? ...wait, why would there be a laser sight on you and they haven't fired yet? I can't imagine anything here needing to line up a shot for that long. Maybe it's someone just looking at you with a sniper rifle? Maybe it's that User we're looking for, checking you out.

For safety's sake, erect a shield in the direction of where the laser sight is being aimed from, and make a few flying remote cameras to go looking around in that direction. Come to think of it we should always have some remote cameras flying around in the periphery, so we can't be ambushed like this.
>>
No. 643452 ID: a19cd5

>>643450
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE
>>
No. 643453 ID: 9ddf68

little red doooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH FUCK!

Might not be a sniper but honestly everything is bronze age tech here, the only things we have seen that go beyond that are ruins and those robots trying to kill us. So it's probably a sniper and we should probably grab our friends and take cover... actually do what you did to escape last time, make a dust cloud (normal dust again) and use that to escape. Probably help if you throw another one of those cloaking shields around your group as well.
>>
No. 643458 ID: 88960e

>Since then we’ve received distant signals but even that’s stopped. There’s nobody calling out there anymore, and as far as I can tell they all just… left.
That or there's been a major shift in communications technology and we've been left behind. (Like, who needs radio transmissions if you figured out ftl entanglement comms)?

>laser sight
Get down!

Can we coat ourselves in a thin layer of dust dedicated to detecting when we're being painted by targeting systems like that?

Phonita, the red dot is a target! Like an archer, except worse.

Sydney, is there a user close enough to be the sniper?
>>
No. 643459 ID: bd8b82

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE

make small a fog cloud that will make the laser visible letting you trace it's path.
>>
No. 643501 ID: ea0ad9

>inter-species breeding (not recommended reading)
...That's kind of what my first thought was when you mentioned it getting muddled upon re-introduction to one another. Or did you mean with non-human descendants?
>it’s a difficult concept to get across without fully explaining pseudo-quantum computing.
So basically, we're tapping into another dimension's energy, somehow. Or the inbetween. Except Pseudo means not quite, so, what, we're skimming the edge of this dimension? Are we scraping bits of the skin off of it, is that what the dust is?
>compressed transistors and heat slips.
I have no idea what that first one means, but I'm guessing heat slips has to do with the dimensional weak points.
>There’s nothing popping out on any sensors. As far as I can tell, we’re all alone.
Hopefully, it's not some stellar virus that killed everybody off, and more that in solidfying this system's state as a reserve, they just... sealed it up. Some sort of signal catcher that would prevent them from entering the system. Would make sense, if the system is dying, to seal it up.
>>643459
No need to be dramatic about dodging, but a dust cloud should help you trace it if it is a laser. Just "Kick up" a light layer of dust, enough to see a laser, but not to give away that you suspect anything.
>>
No. 643522 ID: 78a595

>>it’s a difficult concept to get across without fully explaining pseudo-quantum computing.
>So basically, we're tapping into another dimension's energy, somehow. Or the inbetween. Except Pseudo means not quite, so, what, we're skimming the edge of this dimension?
Um, that's a really bad conclusion to jump to, really. Quantum doesn't mean 'alternate dimensions'. >>/questdis/91411

Given Sydney's comments on organs and networked structures of dust, it sounds more like pseudo-quantum computing is pseudo in that it's not operating solely on the quantum scale. There are smaller parts, and bigger structures of smaller parts.
>>
No. 643668 ID: defceb
File 143279987167.png - (306.71KB , 900x700 , 106.png )
643668

>"Get down, it's a sniper!"
>>
No. 643669 ID: defceb
File 143279989006.png - (175.23KB , 900x700 , 107.png )
643669

>"...or it's actually just a cute little b-"
>>
No. 643670 ID: defceb
File 143279992886.png - (296.28KB , 900x700 , 108.png )
643670

-BOOM-
>>
No. 643673 ID: e2a92b

Watch out for that falling tree! Oh, and the gunman who's shooting at you, I guess! Stay below the treetops!
>>
No. 643674 ID: e114bc

>>643670
Maybe it's BOTH. A bug that serves as a targeting aid.

Better double the thickness of that shield. Let's construct a railgun and return fire.
>>
No. 643675 ID: bd8b82

move, get Sydney to crunch power of the shot and tell us if we can make a shield capable of full deflection.
>>
No. 643677 ID: ecd0ab

>>643670
Try not to get your friend shot.
>>
No. 643684 ID: 402286

Whelp! I take that as a good sign to leave. Grab your friend, create a dust cloud for cover and cloak up again. Try not to fly above the trees as that just makes you a bigger target.
>>
No. 643686 ID: 88960e

Resist urge to look up up skirt.

Grab friend, hustle her behind cover, and see if Sydney can get eyes on whoever's shooting you. What are we dealing with?
>>
No. 643696 ID: ecdd59

>>643670
Oh bugger, that shot looks like it went through all the trees behind it.
Auuugh we cant fly away because we'll be an open target, we can't go through the trees because it'll just punch through them.
Quickly, burrow and fortify, construct a railgun STAT.
>>
No. 643704 ID: d4a543

Foxhole. Use dust to remove soil from underneath yourself and pile it up in the direction the shot came from. Doesn't take much digging to get most of your vitals behind multiple meters of dirt, if you're laying prone already and being attacked by someone close to the horizon. Add a thin layer of metal about 20 cm beyond the enemy-facing side of the dirt pile to act as a spall shield, so hypervelocity shots waste most of their energy on shattering themselves and concussing the air rather than doing to your dirt pile what the first shot did to that tree.

Then, or ideally while that proceeds autonomously, analyze the spectra and flicker-pattern (if any) of that bug's light and set up a laser disco-ball sort of thing laying false targets all over. If you get a fix on the attacker, refocus the disco ball into a single intense beam to burn out their sensors.

Maybe also swat the original bug so it stops homing in on your center of mass.
>>
No. 644079 ID: defceb
File 143297806569.png - (316.63KB , 900x700 , 109.png )
644079

“ALEX WHAT WAS THAT?”

>”Remember when I said I was being hunted by killer robots?”

“I THOUGHT YOU WERE JOKING.”

>”I wish. Sydney, can I make a shield against that?”

“With a raw dust shield? Nope”

>”Foxhole it is! Can I get a shot off with a railgun?”

“If you drain the dust cells directly you could get one good shot off. Maybe a second if you tap into yourself for the rest of the charge, though you’d be feeling it all day.”

>”Sydney I need ideas fast.”

“Average user response is to [panic], [flail], and [get shot].”

>”I need GOOD ideas fast!”

“Shoot a drone and take it’s battery? If you dust the body you could recoup the cost of the shot as well.“

>”Can you analyze the spectra and flicker-pattern of the bug?”

”...which one?”
>>
No. 644080 ID: 9ddf68

Photina, get down! Sidney, the comms you gave me are working right? can you scout for the shooter and tell me where he's at so I can blow him to pieces?

give Photina a fox hole for her to freak out in without us having to worry about her getting shot, get some kind of scope or something on the rail gun so we can send an accrute shot at the shooter once Sidney finds him. As for the bugs... can we send out our own flashing bugs to try and confuse the shooter or are these things sending out a signal? Oh and I think one is under Photina's butt so might want to get rid of that.
>>
No. 644081 ID: bd8b82

hmm... check for discrepancies between bugs. if 4 bugs are one way and the 5th one is slightly different then that bug is the one we want.

can he also run interference? they haven't broken psychopomp constructs yet, so ether they wont or can't shoot sydney down so making the firing solutions require damaging sydney could make them hold fire.
>>
No. 644082 ID: cb299e

Wait... Is she in the foxhole with you?
>>
No. 644089 ID: 0207a0

Kill the bugs! swat them with your hands and dust flyswats!
>>
No. 644095 ID: 82c018

Uh, is that shrapnel in your friend?
>>
No. 644108 ID: 8e0b6a

Why didn't you make the foxhole big enough for her? Make it bigger!

Also, aw man, she just shrapnel in the butt. Sorry.

>railgun
I'm not such a fan of this idea to gamble all our dust charge on a single shot or two. There's gotta be more cost effective weapons.

Also, shooting one and harvesting the body for dust has to be a tactic that's been used before. That's going to make to harder to pull off without being shot, if they can predict what you're going off.

>”...which one?”
Any one!

I don't suppose your familiar with the design of the thing hunting us?
>>
No. 644111 ID: 202c27

>>644079
Are you saying the bugs are different frequencies?
Are they transmitting anything, or is it only the colours? Can we drown them out?
Can we fire an EMP? Can we make some fake bugs to distract the shooter? (I mean like a swarm here)
Can we make the dust emit a wavelength of light in antiphase with the bugs', making them seem invisible?
If a shot hit you what would happen? Can we use you to scout their location?
Analyse the shot direction, speed and composition from the shatter pattern of the shield and the hole in the tree, what are they shooting at us, what are they shooting at us with, where are they and how long before they reload?
The multiple bugs either mean its many guns, one gun with many backups, one real bug and many decoys or something else.
Get phonita in a foxhole of her own or pull her in with you, careful, shes wounded, probably wood shrapnel or shrapnel from the shield when it shattered.

Whats the limiting factor for the railgun shots? Is it energy or the amount of dust? Could we build something to harness kinetic energy from a railgun shot and transfer it into something useful?
>>
No. 644113 ID: ecd0ab

>>644079
Noooo I said not to get your friend shot! She's bleeding!
>>
No. 644121 ID: 60700b

Photina, if they manage to see your face, they may associate you with me, and if they do, you may never be able to go back to your normal life.
>>
No. 644285 ID: e114bc

>>644079
Alright test killing one of the bugs. Low-power autotracking laser should work. Kill one that's not near you or your friend and the drone shouldn't be able to shoot you due to it. A fully enclosed foxhole can keep the bugs from getting a fix on you, too. They're obviously programmed not to settle on the environment. How expensive would it be to burrow underground and resurface somewhere else?

Also of note is that the drone shot from a high angle. It's above the forest. If we can keep from getting landed on by the bugs, we can keep moving through the forest I expect. If we are to fire back we need a targeting solution of our own. Best thing I can think of is multiple camouflaged camera drones on the treetops.
>>
No. 644324 ID: bd8b82

>>644285
not necessarily above it. being in a tree could also give you that angle.
>>
No. 644328 ID: ea0ad9

What we need is a bug zapper. Hopefully they're attracted to it just like old-time bugs were, so we can keep them off of us to kill them off for a low cost.
>>
No. 644736 ID: d4a543

Wooden butt-shrapnel is an infection risk. Send some dust in there to... hmm. Convert some of the cellulose to ethanol for disinfection, being careful not to let any methanol loose in her bloodstream, and restructure the rest into bandages to stop the bleeding and keep other foreign matter out of the wound. Such as the dirt she just sat in.

Analyze ALL those red-dot bugs, with particular attention to anything that differentiates them. Also, if Sidney has a high-speed camera or something available for instant replay of where the shot came from, that'd be great. Even if the sniper isn't still there it's a start.

Keep expanding the foxhole until you need to reassign digger-dust to something else specific. Consider burrowing your way out of the current killing ground as an option. Remember that taking down hunters raises your threat level, which brings more hunters, and the trap-and-subvert plan somewhat depends on them underestimating you.
>>
No. 644836 ID: 8e0b6a

The lower right bug looks like a red exclamation point. Is that significant? Does that mean it has a lock, or that the next shot is incoming, there?

It's right at the corner of the wall, not sure if it has line of sight on someone who will get him.
>>
No. 645712 ID: defceb
File 143348978668.png - (260.25KB , 900x700 , 110.png )
645712

>”Any one!”

“I suppose if you captured one, I could start a thorough analysis and-”

>”On it, go find the sniper! Photina!”

“You want me to try sneaking around to- HEY!”

>”No time to explain, get in here!”
>>
No. 645715 ID: defceb
File 143348984969.png - (247.19KB , 900x700 , 111.png )
645715

>”Gotcha!”

-BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM-
>>
No. 645716 ID: defceb
File 143348988984.png - (333.76KB , 900x700 , 112.png )
645716

“Alex, I have good news and bad news.”

“The goods news is that the sniper is not hiding.”

“The bad news is that they’re support units, meaning you’re probably about to have a party.”

>>
No. 645734 ID: e114bc

>>645716
Christ. Well. Let's turn their forces against them. Analyze the blinking pattern of the captured bug. If it's predictable, make some of your own and prepare to send them against any other drones that show up.

We should also try hitting it with a railgun shot to see how much damage we can do. If we can do significant damage we could take it out, steal its battery, and run for it. Use the optical camouflage again while running.
>>
No. 645937 ID: bd8b82

aim for the shoulder connecting the gun to the main body. with it's gun and an arm missing it should be relatively easy to finish it and get it's goodies. that power cell should give us a much larger range of options for dealing with the rest.
>>
No. 646052 ID: dafc39

If we take the dust-power from our body, can we kind of... get it back with the battery?
>>
No. 646108 ID: 88960e

If we're about to be engaged, we won't be able to kill a sniper and dust the body. We won't be able to get out that far.

Bless Photina's weapon with dust, so it'll be effective against metal, if she's crazy enough to engage.

We need to split up. Move away from here before whatever's coming hits the foxhole.

Be real convenient if we could hack the snipers' targetting. (There is more than one, right)?
>>
No. 646117 ID: 9ddf68

well shit, if we're about to engage more then one enemy we should probably get rid of the rail gun what with only having two shoots before we pass out.

Hey Sidney, bad time I know but did my threat level increase while I wasn't looking? I thought I only was deemed to be killed by melee weapons only what changed?
>>
No. 646298 ID: ea0ad9

JEEZ, that thing's SUPPORT?! It's a bloody tank! We need to GTFO. Is it possible to use our dust to create "Flares" that will act as lures for the bugs, or blind the sniper to them?
>>
No. 646420 ID: ab7529

>the sniper
>they’re
Singular or plural? Important distinction, Sidney. If there's only one, we have a window to take it out before the party reaches us, so were aren't dodging sniper fire at the same time as everything else.

If there's multiple snipers, coming out of cover to take one while an unknown threat closes isn't viable. Nor is burning up a big chunk of our dust to do so. With one, it is.

If it's one sniper, we should take it out, fast, so we can deal with whoever is coming, sans enemy support.
>>
No. 646449 ID: d4a543

Alright, plain sight and stationary. Excellent.
Support units are specialized in hitting hard from far away, and tend to count on that distance for their defense. That's where the term "glass cannon" comes from. We need to save energy for dealing with the better protected combatants and/or running away.

Can we hit that scope on the main gun with a railgun shot at, say, 10% power? Use a piece of that salvaged hullmetal as the slug, since it's probably hard to digest, and if possible shape it so it splinters on impact.

Goal is to disable the targeting optics as thoroughly as possible without completely obliterating, so the sniper drone wastes time and clock cycles on in-situ repairs instead of replacing the entire scope, and is thus effectively neutralized long enough for us to escape. Follow-up shots to the other sensors might make sense in other circumstances, but it's got a whole swarm of forward observer drones so we can't actually blind it that way.

What's the dish for, Sidney? Satelite uplink, or tactical radar?
>>
No. 647063 ID: defceb
File 143375101057.png - (323.74KB , 900x700 , 113.png )
647063

>”Sydney, how many snipers am I dealing with?”

“I saw shots from two different directions after you went bug swatting, so I can estimate at least two.”

>”Run some numbers for me. I want to land a shot through their scope, disable them long enough to slip away. Can I drop the charge for the rail gun a decent amount?”

“You wouldn’t be able to penetrate their armor but the glass of the scope would be-”


-BLAM!-
>>
No. 647064 ID: defceb
File 143375104870.png - (232.71KB , 900x700 , 115.png )
647064

>”Well that wasn’t so hard. Where's the other sniper?”

“Behind you!”

>”Ah!”
>>
No. 647065 ID: e114bc

>>647064
Snap shot. Try a 100% power shot, then relocate in a burst of Dust. See if you can keep Photina safe in a reinforced shell using available materials.

You could also try to fool its optics by bending light so that you're displaced from its perspective.
>>
No. 647066 ID: ecd0ab

>>647064
That robot is trying to steal your style. Chop him up and steal his battery.
>>
No. 647075 ID: 9ddf68

quick, wrap it up in that webbing/net we made for that flyer back in the city. It will disable him and could actually take pursuers off our back if they stop and help him.
>>
No. 647091 ID: 88960e

Compound eyes, we saw that coming.

Dodge by taking to the air, be very aware of the positions of the targetting bugs and possible sniper shots.

A net to tangle the spear is a pretty practical low cost counter, and sets it up for easier shooting when we have a better shot.

If we haven't thrown dust at it already, science Photina's sword up to cutting through metal levels. There's a non-zero chance she might attack that thing or need to block an attack.
>>
No. 647278 ID: defceb
File 143383217968.png - (184.69KB , 900x700 , 115.png )
647278

“Alex, is there any way I can help?”

>”I got this, run!”
>>
No. 647279 ID: defceb
File 143383219308.png - (360.47KB , 900x700 , 116.png )
647279

>”Fu-”

“HEY!”
>>
No. 647281 ID: defceb
File 143383232880.png - (249.03KB , 900x700 , 117.png )
647281

“BACK OFF!”
>>
No. 647283 ID: e114bc

>>647280
Well well well, it seems she has some hidden power after all. A "holy shit Photina" is in order. Be glad she never did that when you were sparring. Set some Dust to disassembling the robot for useful parts. Wires and such. It would be pretty sweet to cobble together some giant robot for us to pilot...

That wasn't the sniper though. If Sydney can spot the other one for us we need to take it out before we can continue moving. Unless we killed all the aimbugs? If the bugs are gone we can just keep going, using the forest as cover. Maybe even some camo to boot.

Also it appears pure Dust is an easily-broken material. Can we mix other materials with it? Like, can we have Dust eat up some iron dust or something to reinforce a structure?
>>
No. 647335 ID: 9ddf68

Ah! well... Thanks you for the help I truly am greatful but you just kind of made yourself a target as well... and now we can't let any of them escape. If they do they'll come back in greater numbers and with meaner weapons so uh... stick close to me, if the get near feel free to use sword, I'll try and take them from a distance and keep us covered.

Sidney, what can you tell me about these guys? is there armor more resistant to kinetic damage, ballistics, heat, what? kinda want to know so I know what weapon to make next.

can we get sonar or something up right now to see if we can spot any more hostiles around us (and have it take the shape of fluffy antennas on our head like that of a moth)
>>
No. 647337 ID: bd8b82

crack dat robot open and steal it's heart...i mean power cell.
>>
No. 647338 ID: 88960e

Alex, should have made a real net, not left it a dust construct if you expected it to hold.

>>647281
Huh. Impressive. We didn't even mod the sword, did we. And it's not showing dust color- she didn't either. She cut through solid metal with pure strength, and she ain't even a user. Plague build is impressive. Wonder if that's normal or she's exceptional. Ask Sydney later.

In the meantime, intervene before she gets sniper. No standing out in the open like that longer than necessary.

Careful with the spearbot. Beheaded and down an arm doesn't necessarily mean it's dead, or no longer a threat.

Exclamations of wow and thanks are also probably appropriate.

Only bad news is she just added herself to the enemy's friend / foe identification database. She's gonna be stuck traveling with us, she'll just be a target living in a civilian area.
>>
No. 647360 ID: 2a7417

Drag it into the tree cover to disassemble it. Disassemble vital components first so it can't get back up again should we have to leave it for a while - joints, CPU, power conduits, etc.
>>
No. 647406 ID: d4a543

First, grab the spear, both for personal use and in case that thing isn't all the way dead. Time permitting, drain the power cell, but do NOT thoroughly mutilate or salvage the remains. Subverting a hunter later on is most likely to work if it comes as a complete surprise, and showing signs of interest in the anatomy now might tip them off.

Tell Photina you now feel better about your relative lack of skill at swordplay. There's no shame in losing to the best.

Keep looking for the other sniper, and prepare to depart.
>>
No. 647408 ID: bd8b82

>>647406
not drain, just jam our hand through it's chest and rip it out, then flee.
>>
No. 647419 ID: ea0ad9

>>647281
Wow. Hopefully that isn't a big drain on her dust reserves, though.
>>
No. 647420 ID: ea0ad9

>>647408
The problem with ripping it out is that we make an enemy of them. However... We've already done that, so I suppose there's no reason not to. And Sydney said that leaving them able to return to service is just asking them to kill us, anyways.
Let's avoid total demolition of the unit, as that could bring up our threat level quickly, but removing the power core should mean that we've got one less hunter after us even if the others ignore it to follow us (Which I think is quite likely), while leaving it able to be returned to service once we're far, far away.
>>
No. 649960 ID: defceb
File 143494213367.png - (236.60KB , 900x700 , 118.png )
649960

>“Where’s the battery!?”

“I imagine it would be stored in the chest, where it’s best protected-”

>”Pardon me Mr. Robot I need this. Thanks, bye!”
>>
No. 649962 ID: defceb
File 143494221764.png - (364.61KB , 900x700 , 119.png )
649962

>“Photina, we need to fly out now!”

“Oh no, I did it again, didn’t I?”

>”You practically cleaved the thing in half!”

“I’m sorry Alex, I thought it was going to hurt you and I lost focus and-”

>”It was awesome!”

“What?”

>”I got the battery!”

”That should last you a while. I’ve located the other sniper and cracked the bug’s code. I think you can trick the sniper into shooting it’s allies now if you so choose. Can’t guarantee it won’t catch on though.”

>>
No. 649964 ID: 9297f4

Might as well. Anything for a couple of seconds.
>>
No. 649965 ID: 0fc976

See if the sniper bot can trickshot all three of those bots at once!
>>
No. 649966 ID: 9ddf68

might as well, it could let us slip ahead and get away before they figure out what we're doing. Just aim for the bots closer to use with the sniper fire.
>>
No. 649967 ID: ab7529

>I’m sorry Alex, I thought it was going to hurt you and I lost focus and-
For future reference, saving out life and/or killing evil robots is not something to apologize for! That's a good thing.

Maybe ask Sydney about how plague dust users work. Is that a normal thing? Why's she ashamed of it? You're kind of surprised non-users are capable of taking these things on.

Also, careful. You can't put on a lot of speed or suddenly change directions without risking dislocating her arm, or breaking a bone, the way you're holding her. It might be worth taking a moment to switch to a better carry when you can.

>think you can trick the sniper into shooting it’s allies now if you so choose. Can’t guarantee it won’t catch on though.
If we fire rounds between us and them, like there's a timing error, we can get them to back off without giving away to the sniper we hacked it. Save tricking it into firing directly at an ally when we really need it.
>>
No. 649969 ID: e114bc

>>649962
YESSS friendly fire please.
>>
No. 650010 ID: ea0ad9

Let's save the trick for when we really need it, like if there's one in the optimal path out.
>>
No. 650042 ID: defceb
File 143495604203.png - (286.92KB , 900x700 , 120.png )
650042

>“Photina, up!”

“Ooh, soft fur.”

>“How many bugs do you think I can get away with, Sydney?”

“I suppose if you released several at once, the sniper would automatically attempt to shoot each one that lands before being able to confirm friendly fire.”

>“So a lot. Got it!”
>>
No. 650043 ID: defceb
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650043

“Oh by the way, considering the munitions, if they get hit in the wrong spot they might-”
>>
No. 650044 ID: defceb
File 143495612681.png - (214.34KB , 900x700 , 122.png )
650044

“...explode.”
>>
No. 650047 ID: defceb
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650047

“...huh, didn’t expect that.”
>>
No. 650048 ID: e114bc

>>650047
What were you expecting?
>>
No. 650049 ID: 26d95a

He's probably dead. Time to go home.
>>
No. 650050 ID: bd8b82

ouch. an who's this bitch?
>>
No. 650058 ID: defceb
File 143495981795.png - (184.63KB , 900x700 , 124.png )
650058

“Begin audio log.”

“Primary target entered conflict with four Valkyrie and two Canine units. Appeared to hack our targeting bugs and used them to to force friendly fire upon the Valkyrie units, destroying them. Resulting explosion presumably killed the target. I’m more than a little disappointed, I was hoping for a fun hunt for once. Requesting to return home.”

“...”

“...fine. I’ll begin searching for any signs of the corpse with remaining units. End audio log.”

>>
No. 650059 ID: defceb
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650059

“...so, think they’re dead?”
>>
No. 650061 ID: e114bc

>>650059
Look over the barrier with a mirror.
>>
No. 650064 ID: 26d95a

With any luck they think we're dead. Time to skedaddle.
>>
No. 650070 ID: bd8b82

re-engage optic camo, fly upwards with the smoke a way. be a smoke cloud.
>>
No. 650079 ID: 1baf0b

Do stuff with the battery.
>>
No. 650080 ID: 88960e

Can we manufacture partially destroyed corpses of ourselves with dust? If any enemy unit follow up on that, we want them to believe the explosion killed us.

Also, reinforce to Photina that killing robots trying to kill you is a good thing, why's she sorry. And maybe ask Sydney about plague dust people- how's that work, and is it unusual?
>>
No. 650084 ID: 9ddf68

let's not stick around to find out.

Sidney, you still ok?
>>
No. 650099 ID: 2a7417

Try to hide evidence of your dust fortifications. You might be able to convince the hunters that you were caught in the blast.
Speaking of dust, I bet you could top off your reserves from the debris of the explosion. Just a quick siphon, and then you're gone with the blastwave!
>>
No. 650249 ID: d4a543

Pop quiz, Sidney! In previous cases where a flying-bug-type user was killed by an explosion of this approximate type and magnitude, what sort of readily-identifiable remains were left behind? Relatively intact corpse punctured by fragments, shredded corpse, or charred skeleton, or what? Regardless, how quickly could we fab up such a thing, is there any chance it would hold up under scrutiny, and how much closer to the blast center would it need to be for immediate and permanent incapacitation to be plausible?
>>
No. 650289 ID: 88960e

>>650249
That's kind of brilliant. If there's one thing Sydney should know, it's exactly what a dead user should look like after a wide variety of incidents.
>>
No. 650739 ID: d4a543

Once you've got the fake corpse in place and are at least five miles away from the battlefield, treat Photina's injuries and ask about what usually happens when she loses control.

Possibly also take the opportunity to look up her tunic or otherwise attempt something lewd and inappropriate, but desist immediately unless she enjoys it.
>>
No. 651047 ID: defceb
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651047

>”I think I see one of them still moving around.”

“Should we fight it?”

>”No, let’s tend your wounds and then get out of here.”

“Oh! Thank you.”

>”About back there-”

“I’m sorry, again. I don’t usually freak out like that.”

>”No, no, no it’s okay! Killing those robots is always a good thing, it might’ve offed me first if you hadn’t intervened. What was that though?”

“It doesn’t happen often, I swear. Sometimes I just… panic. A little. And lash out.”

>”And cleave through reinforced armor?”

“Like I said, I lash out. Most people don’t trust me after it happens, if they even trust me beyond my condition at first.”

>”Well I think it’s awesome.”

“Oh! Uh… thanks?”

>”Sydney, are you okay?”

“Worried, but unharmed. I’m heading to your location now.”

>”Make sure you’re not being tailed, take your time if you have to. Also, I need a corpse.”

“I have an extensive collection of users who have died from similar blasts. I suppose if you were to fabricate one, it would suffice long enough to escape.”

>”And about Photina...”

“Plague is best related to a lottery system for super powers. On one hand, the victim could be gifted with rage-induced strength, like Photina. Or have half their body ‘repurposed’ into a marble statue. Which kills them, by the way. There isn’t a ‘normal’ result from the plague, it is random by nature.”
>>
No. 651048 ID: defceb
File 143539205675.png - (144.22KB , 900x700 , 127.png )
651048

>Leave a fake corpse
>Take down the fortification
>Top off dust reserves with the debris.
>Stealth out

“There is a small settlement ahead. They will have food and information on the local area. Additionally, there appears to be a small military regimen camping there. I believe their presence is related to the user we are looking for. Do you wish to make a stop there?”
>>
No. 651051 ID: ecd0ab

>>651048
Only if we can do so stealthily. We don't want to give away that we are alive right after bothering to fake our deaths.
>>
No. 651053 ID: bd8b82

yeah, if we can get there without being tailed then it's a good.
>>
No. 651057 ID: 9ddf68

only if we're not being followed. Would really hate myself if I lead a bunch of killer robots into a town and have them all slaughtered by said robots.

Also this user, know anything about him... or her? doesn't have to be much just even a name or a tittle would be fine.
>>
No. 651088 ID: b6178d

Photina has super-strength! And is good with a blade. Impressive! Might want to look into ways to help her more directly choose how to direct or suppress her emotions/powers. Any kind of self-conditioning training that would be able to aid her more than she's already aided herself? Mind over matter meditation stuff? If panic and emotion is what triggers the rage, there could be more things she could do to get control over how and when to feel like feeling panic-ragy.

And yeah, silent entry is probably wise. Getting out of the area right now is probably wise, too, before anyone comes to check up on their bot. How's the scene look? Plausible? Does the last remaining killbot have any recording thingamajig we'd want to take out of the picture before leaving?
>>
No. 651105 ID: ab7529

>Plague is best related to a lottery system for super powers. On one hand, the victim could be gifted with rage-induced strength, like Photina. Or have half their body ‘repurposed’ into a marble statue.
Well, I guess it's lucky for all of us she's not a statue!

>Do you wish to make a stop there?
We can't be seen. It won't do any good to fake our death if the investigator can find reports of us alive after the blast just a short bit away. Be nice to leave a trail colder than that.
>>
No. 651120 ID: 0fc976

Avoid settlement. Acquire food elsewhere. Raid a farm perhaps, abduct a cow like the bug-eyed alien you are?
>>
No. 651447 ID: d4a543

Would it be useful to pretend Alexandrius Falt is dead and gone by keeping the active camo on full time and so forth, and that Photina has been reanimated as Sidney's new active user?
>>
No. 651889 ID: defceb
File 143565726636.png - (167.08KB , 900x700 , 128.png )
651889

>”Let’s make sure we’re not being followed and maybe we can sneak in there real fast.”

---

“...and there it is! A small town.”

“More a village”

“Kind of a settlement. Out here their main concerns are food, sex, and the occasional hungry wolf passing by.”

>”You still have wolves in this day and age?”

“In a manner of speaking. You probably wouldn’t recognize them as a wolf compared to the kind you’re familiar with. If you look a little to the right you should be able to spot a temporary camp that has been set up. Either military or mercenary forces are passing through, possibly related to the user we’re looking for.”

>”Speaking of, where are they?”

“There’s a bridge not too far past the town, they’ve been resting there for a while now.”

>”Any info we could get on them beforehand?”

“I’ve been asking, but their psychopomp has declined to share information so far.”
>>
No. 651890 ID: bd8b82

stop in town for some grub. to pay for it we can like, fix something that seems important to the food person. then head to the camp. try to eavesdrop, do they hate/fear dust or are they actually investigating?
>>
No. 651894 ID: 88960e

>I’ve been asking, but their psychopomp has declined to share information so far.
Is that usual? How much info did you give out about me? At the very least, they can infer someone is nearby, if you're asking.

Could we dust up a spyglass? Get a look at these mercenaries? (Careful of lens glare, we don't want to give ourselves away).
>>
No. 651975 ID: defceb
File 143569564528.png - (211.96KB , 900x700 , 129.png )
651975

>”Is that normal? Do they ask about me?”

“Depends on the user. I would ask your permission before sharing information about you as well, the user we’re looking for probably just declined to share.”

>”So they haven’t asked about me at all?”

“They don’t seem interested in you in the slightest.”

>”I’m wounded, Sydney. Truly wounded.”

>Dust up a spyglass, take a peek at the mercenaries

>”Sydney, if you can’t get anything on the user can you tell me about their psychopomp instead?”

“Absolutely.”

>”I’m seeing something that looks like a four-winged version of you on their scroll.”

“That is correct.”

>”Looks like the mercs are looking for the same person we are then.”

“Oh, oh, let me see! …oh, uhm… Alex, I’m pretty sure they’re here to kill your friend.”

>”You can tell that just by looking?”

“They’re armed, armored, and waving around a bounty notice. You don’t carry those around to give out hugs.”
>>
No. 651977 ID: 2a7417

How good are you at hiding, Sydney? Maybe you can hang out up in the air like a spyplane?
>>
No. 651978 ID: 9ddf68

ask Photina if she's familiar with the mercenary group at all or no? would be nice to know a little more about them. As for what to do, I say fly around while sticking low to the ground and see what we can pick up with the spyglass. Oh and can anyone read what the bounty the one guy is holding up says? Might give us an idea on why they're chasing this guy.
>>
No. 651986 ID: ab7529

Sydney, just in case we run into any mercenaries who don't stop to count the wings, how good are you at hiding or looking like something else?

Can Photina or Sydney read the bounty notice from here? (Do we need to do a zoom and enhance?). It would be nice to know what the actual charges are.

Hmm. So we're either right on top of a user who needs to get away from the torches and pitchforks, on a menace user who's made himself a problem for these people. Be nice to know what kind of trouble this is before we stick our noses in it.

Wait, do I still have a nose? My face is kind of pointy... *start patting and feeling around*
>>
No. 652010 ID: e114bc

>>651975
Well he's not a friend. Users can hinder or help each other, and it looks like this guy might not be the friendly type.

Maybe we can go down and ask what the bounty on his head is for. In disguise. Giant bug suddenly flying into town is going to freak people out.
>>
No. 652013 ID: bd8b82

>>651977
or he can attach to our back and make it look like we have more wings.
>>
No. 652029 ID: ea0ad9

>Alex, I’m pretty sure they’re here to kill your friend.
Sydney, I hope you're sending them a warning about this.

Looks like the Psychopomp has very thin wings forming an X-Wing pattern, while the User... Looks to be a bit of a Plague victim, themselves. Is there any data online about the mercenaries who use that Wolf insignia?
>>
No. 652110 ID: defceb
File 143571629490.png - (187.28KB , 900x700 , 130.png )
652110

>”Sydney, are you sending this info to them?”

“I could if you want me to.”

>”Know anything about these Mercs?”

“I know this one! Meliton used to do business with them. Called themselves the Silver Pack. He told me that they used to belong to a city-state. When the city burned down they were stuck out of a job, and chose mercenary work to put food on the table. Meliton says they’re useful for their… disk-reteon? They’re not opposed to shady work. They have at least two mages that I know of, the kind with tattoos like yours.”

>”Can you read the notice?”

“It’s too small.”

>”Try zooming.”

“Zoom? Ooooh. Looks like someone is offering top coin for the persons’ head on the grounds of murder. Something about a merchant and fighting on a bridge.”

>”I’d like to know more before we stick our nose into this trouble… Wait, do I still have a nose?”

“I haven’t seen one. Or your mouth, now that we’re talking about it. Can’t you smell things?”

>”I can but… Sydney, where’s my nose!?”

“I couldn’t just slap a human nose on your bug face, that would be creepy. By which I mean creepier than you already are.”

“I think he’s cute.”

“We’re getting off topic. What’s the plan, Alex?”
>>
No. 652111 ID: 9ddf68

>>652110
>I think he’s cute.
AH HA told you!

>We’re getting off topic. What’s the plan, Alex?
uh, I mean, best we go down and try to figure things out. I mean we could dust up some clothes to help us blend in and ask around town. See if we can't get a better idea while also looking for supplies.
>>
No. 652118 ID: ecd0ab

Clearly we should take a leaf from our enemies playbook and build autonomous drones to do our bidding.
>>
No. 652120 ID: ab7529

>I think he’s cute.
Give Sydney your best "I told you so" look.

>They have at least two mages that I know of, the kind with tattoos like yours.
Ooh. Other dust users. Maybe not amped up to user levels like we are, but as Photina proved, that could still be a non-trivial threat.

>no nose
My antennae maybe? Some bugs smell with those right?

>no mouth
Well hopefully I won't just starve like those copper moths.

>what do
Well... we could warn the other guy these people are looking for him. Problem is we don't know if he's a jerk or not, and if he'll just leave the area, or attack them.

We could try going into town to try getting more intelligence, and finding supplies and seeing if I have a mouth to put said supplies into but that might get complicated if we get mixed up in this. Or bad for the town if more killer robots find me.
>>
No. 652130 ID: 0fc976

Dust yourself a nose.
Just kidding. As a bug, maybe you smell or even taste with your appendages!
I say we find their leader and assassinate him, and maybe his direct subordinate.
>>
No. 652240 ID: ea0ad9

>Well hopefully I won't just starve like those copper moths.
Typically, moths have a proboscis "Straw" known as a Galea. I've actually seen Moths from that pre-Dust era and while they did have the Galea, it often was not visible.
The majority of adult-staged moths actually have this Galea, with a minority losing some or all of their mouthparts, like the Coppermoths did. It's very, VERY rare for them to have more carnivorous or omnivorous mouths like their larvae did, rare enough that there weren't even any non-sciency names that I could find...

I'm guessing that I've got some awesome beak hidden in here that opens up to reveal mandibles and an otherwise normal set of teeth? For the record, moth mandibles were tiny little things which basically only grasped things by working together, they otherwise had to use their limbs to help position and move the food around.
>>
No. 652280 ID: ab7529

>>652240
Our copper moth buddies aren't alone- there's a whole family of moths whose adult forms lack digestive tracks, that have to reproduce before they run out of reserves.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturniidae#Adults

It really wouldn't be a surprising design here, considering a user's life expectancy- Sydney wouldn't have needed to give Alex something that would last. And/or we could theoretically built to subsist solely on dust.
>>
No. 652284 ID: d4a543

So, all the psychopomps are working toward the same objective, and we've got a comm channel to this X-wing psychopomp, but they're not interested in sharing? Well, how secure is this channel?

Assuming the tower defenders haven't got a plausible way to be listening in, tell the other psychopomp we've got flight capability, a whole heap of information about military strategy and tactics that's been redacted from the official libraries, and a plan to breach the tower which actually becomes more likely to succeed the harder defenders try to kill us, provided it's got adequate resources up front. We could outrun the Silver Pack, while carrying a passenger, hundreds of miles in a day no sweat, or dramatically improve the chances of profitable victory in a fight... as part of some mutually-beneficial deal. No lone outlaw can afford to ignore willing allies.
>>
No. 652285 ID: b6178d

>>652110

Told you, Sydney! Always go for the adorabug option!

Anyway, plan, plan. HUM. 'Discrete' mercs looking for someone with a psychopomp, with orders to kill. Guessss we wanna be discrete ourselves.

You should lay low for a while, Sydney. Or, er, lay high. We can keep in touch with you through our new comms, right?

We should also consider what we might possibly use for bribing townsfolks or mercs, if need be, and dust it up ahead of time. I'm guessing we don't want to make a big showing of our mighty mighty dust abilities, what with us wanting to stay on the down-low to avoid killer bots for a while.

Heck, that's a thought. What's currency around here like? Kind of hoping there's more to it than 'food, sex or the occasional wolf pelt'.

Once we've gotten ourselves sorted for what we might need for the dust stuff, Photine and Alex can head into town and attempt to get in touch with the locals to inquire, curiously, about the presence of the silver pack and who the poor sod they are looking for is. Might be we can pry more information out of them.

As for infodumping on other guy's psychopomp... let's not immediately do that? We don't know the guy, and for all we know, he'd be happy to use us as a distraction against the Silver Pack. We can always do it later if we don't make any headway in town.
>>
No. 652322 ID: d4a543

>>652285
Not saying we should tell him everything we know, just mention the fact that we know useful things as an attempt to open negotiations. If this guy got in a lethal fight while crossing a bridge, instead of just hopping over the river at any convenient point, then he most likely doesn't have flight capability, or even realize the extent to which it's possible.

Sidney, check GPS logs. How long has the user in question been active, and how far has he traveled in that time, to the nearest order of magnitude?
>>
No. 652324 ID: ab7529

>>652284
>Well, how secure is this channel?
It's not secure, considering at high enough threat levels that admins can order psychopomps to divulge their location.

The pyschopomps are the enemy are working against each other, but they're still part of the same system. The only reason the enemy hasn't won by killing off the pyschopomps is there's an injunction against it.
>>
No. 652648 ID: defceb
File 143587160619.png - (108.02KB , 900x700 , 131.png )
652648

>”Hey Sydney.”

“...what.”

>”Told you so.”

“I’ll never hear the end of it.”

>”We need information. Let’s sneak down there and find out what they know. Sydney, you stay high and out of sight. Let the other guy know we can fly, we have a plan, and that we’re friendly. The rest we can tell them in person. Also, we’re going to need something to bribe the townsfolk if need be. I’m hoping it’s a little more complex than food, sex, and wolf pelts?”

“Of course, that was just a simplified overview.”

“I have some gold. That dust you’ve been sweeping up along the way could work too. Anything shiny and pretty, really. You, however, are going to need to blend in.”

>”I could use the stealth camo again to-”

“I meant clothing. If you at least dress like you’re properly civilized then they won’t immediately assume the worst from your appearance.”

>”But I am civilized! If anything I’m too civilized for this world.”

“Then you need to dial it back to our style. Fortunately for you, I’m here to help.”
>>
No. 652650 ID: defceb
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652650

>”They’re staring at me.”

“They’re just jealous of your fashion.”

>”You really think so?”

“I don’t know, I tell myself that whenever they stare at me though. But nobody is assuming you’re a monster looking to eat their children, so that’s a plus.”
>>
No. 652653 ID: 7dc3ab

Quickly start whistling a tune that shall remove all doubt of your shady character look. (What shall we do we a drunken sailor?)
>>
No. 652655 ID: 57d76a

>>652653
Make sure it's the medley with "Donald Where's Your Trousers".

Also nice "Little Red Riding Hood" style you've got going on there. snrkkkk
>>
No. 652659 ID: 311774

>>652653
Why whistle?
Turn it into a straight up musical. Let those pipes of yours loose Alex! Show the world the beautiful singing voice you have!
>>
No. 652660 ID: ab7529

>>652650
Maybe they just think you're short!

I wonder if the dust-wings are catching more eyes that the face. Shiny does draw attention.

>welcome to town
Hmm. So you're the local exert, where do you think we should go?
>>
No. 652670 ID: bd8b82

rub your leg on your wings and play a song.
>>
No. 652672 ID: ebcefd

>>652653
Hum a showtune.
>>
No. 652674 ID: 9ddf68

you know being around this many people I'm start to realize just how short I am... OH god do they think I'm a kid or something?
>>
No. 652678 ID: defceb
File 143588241685.png - (204.67KB , 900x700 , 133.png )
652678

>”I could whistle a tune.”

“I don’t think that would help.”

>”SIng an opera?”

“That doesn’t sound helpful either…”

>”Maybe if I rub my leg on one of these wings I’ll chirp like a bug.”

“Let’s ask this person!”

“Oh, hello, hello! Welcome, welcome, you’ve chosen a good time to arrive. The market is alive today, for once. How can I- you’re not infectious are you? Of course not, pardon me for even asking. And is this fellow your uh… pet?”

>”I have a name. It’s Alex.”

“Aah! I mean, uhm, pardon me. How I can help you two?”

“I heard there was an outlaw on the loose nearby. Have you heard anything?”

>”Also what’s this? Grain?”

“Oh it’s terrible. Truly terrible! That monster pretended to be the bodyguard for a fair merchant, and struck them down at the bridge outside town! Perhaps their kind are just too brutal for any of us to be safe. Uh, by, uh, their kind I mean fairy-folk, not uh… people with conditions like yours. Of course…!”

“Oh, of course, truly terrible. Is that why the mercenaries are here then? To protect us?”

>”Is it edible? Is this what passes for food in this age?”

“Oh no, the merchant they struck down had ties to some wealthy men. They put out a bounty on the outlaw’s head, and now those mercenaries are here to collect. They brought a small army's worth of men though, which between you and me seems a little excessive. Not that my wallet is complaining, lots of men means loads of trade to go through.”

“Do you know anything else?”

“Just rumors. Some say they’re a barbarian, standing twelve feet tall and breathing fire. Or that they’re actually a vengeful spirit who came back and eats people! But if they were hired to be a bodyguard that must mean they are strong, and at least seemed personable enough to win the merchant’s trust. Hey! You have to pay before you can eat those.”

>”Oh, this is food.”
>>
No. 652682 ID: 9ddf68

what about the merchant, what did you know about him before he died?

Also how much is dust even worth?
>>
No. 652684 ID: bd8b82

show him a both a small nugget of gold and a dust clump of equal size and ask how much each is worth.
>>
No. 652698 ID: ab7529

>Some say they’re a barbarian, standing twelve feet tall and breathing fire. Or that they’re actually a vengeful spirit who came back and eats people! But if they were hired to be a bodyguard that must mean they are strong, and at least seemed personable enough to win the merchant’s trust.
Not really enough info to go off of, but that suggests they went the humanoid tank route. Probably not plague, and I want to guess birthright rather than exposure.

>That monster pretended to be the bodyguard for a fair merchant, and struck them down at the bridge outside town!
Hmm. The most likely scenarios are either the user specifically targeted the merchant (had a grudge? Wanted something the merchant had?), or they got attacked by killer robots and the user was blamed.

>You have to pay before you can eat those
Too bad! I already ate one. I can pay now, though, if you'll still take it.
>>
No. 652709 ID: bd8b82

>>652698
could also have been an attempted double cross. the merchant decided to sneak attack their own guard, perhaps the price for guarding was so high they felt it was worth it? it failed and they were killed in retaliation.
>>
No. 652824 ID: b6178d

Let Photina, who knows how the economy works, pay for us, rather than accidentally flashing signs of having deep pockets. We want to save that for when we actually want to bribe someone!

Anyway, that's all very interesting, shopmistress. Why'd you call this dangerous fellow a fairy, though? I mean, obviously he wasn't a -real- fairy. Real fairies should be small, cute and cheerful; like me! Not dangerous, fire-breathing and hurting honest merchantfolk... he was an honest merchant, right? Wait, no, that might be one of those difficult words. Oxymon? Oxymonon? Something.

... what I mean to get at, was the dead guy a good guy?

Also, I'm not saying I am a fairy with magical powers. That would be ridiculous. And untrue. Because I'm not.

>actually want to bribe someone!

Uh... anyway, want a little shiny dust to tell us more of what happened at the bridge and with the fairy guy? Or at least tell us of someone in town who might do so? And will it pay for more of these foodstuffs? They're quite tasty!

... sorry, I've got wandering mandibles.

(If we're going to stand out like a sore fairy anyway... maybe play the part?)
>>
No. 652825 ID: ab7529

>>652824
Could we not say all that fairy stuff and get the town even more suspicious of us than our appearance makes them.
>>
No. 652827 ID: b6178d

>>652825

It's a fair point. We'll attract attention faster this way.

We might also make progress faster by directing the locals' suspicions in ways that make sense to them! If they're suspicious that we're here to, say, rid them of a local problem, then they won't mind our presence so much, would they?

Also, if they're suspicious we have strange magical powers, they might not want to sell us out or mess with us. Their suspicion and xenophobia could also be turned into interest and fascination: just WHO is this mysteriously handsome, and charming, bug-man that's come into town?

Or they could try selling us out to the Silver Pack for a high price... but hey, at least someone's getting something out of the deal.
>>
No. 652835 ID: ecd0ab

We're a traveling dust wizard. Looking for other dust wizards. Because we're probably hiring. Also pay for what you're eating but don't get ripped off.

We need to see if we can put together a generator of some kind, something we can use to convert some of the more plentiful resources, like wood or coal, into the resource we need more of, charge for our battery/batteries? We could probably manage a steam engine of some kind, but we would need some metal and water to manage that. Also magnets, I guess.
>>
No. 652959 ID: defceb
File 143599542816.png - (138.15KB , 900x700 , 134.png )
652959

>”Too bad! I already ate one. I can pay now though so-”

“No, I’ll pay, a coin for the grain and another if you know anything about the merchant.”

“For such a generous soul as yourself? I suppose I know a thing or two. The merchant in question was Lycus of Kardia. They were the shady type, but they made enough friends in the city governments to keep their feet out of the fire. I figured it was only a matter of time before they tried to burn someone who wouldn’t let him walk away. If they tried to turn on someone as savage as those fairy-folk then it’s only natural that they would end up in the ground.”

“You sound awfully cheerful about their situation.”

“They were competition. The kind I don’t appreciate having around. My life is a little easier now knowing they’re gone.”

>”What do you mean about fairy-folk?”

“Ah! A foreigner, I presume? Not familiar with the local lore? I have just the thing for you! Gaze upon this fine amphora, decorated with the visage of one of the very fairy-folk of which we speak. Fairies roam our lands, capturing the spirits of the dead to do their bidding. Everywhere they go they bring trouble in the form of war, disease, famine, all sorts of problems. If you’re the religious type, I hear they’re the servants of Ashsarame.”

“Old goddess figure, has snakes for hair, wears a robe of snakes, waves snakes around in her hands. Not exactly the most creative.”

“Ahh, the lady is educated as well! The amphora is for sale by the way, I’m sure a refined gentleman like yourself would appreciate it’s excellent craftsmanship.”
>>
No. 652962 ID: ab7529

>They were the shady type, but they made enough friends in the city governments to keep their feet out of the fire. I figured it was only a matter of time before they tried to burn someone who wouldn’t let him walk away
Well, that's circumstantial evidence the the user we're here to meet probably isn't a crazy murderer who killed out of hand.

>The amphora is for sale by the way, I’m sure a refined gentleman like yourself would appreciate it’s excellent craftsmanship.
Decline politely. You're the kind of tinkerer who likes to make your own stuff when you can, and fine pottery doesn't hold up well to life on the road, unfortunately.

>fairy folk
Hmm. If that's the lore, it's kind of surprising Photina didn't recognize Sydney as a
harbinger of doom. I mean, this isn't her town, but we didn't travel that far, either. Maybe a question to ask after we've left the stall.

>what do
Well, I think we got as good intelligence as we can really get- no one's going to know for sure about the user. I guess we use the time we're in town to get a decent meal and maybe whatever supplies are convenient and can't easily be dusted up?
>>
No. 652963 ID: 9ddf68

>The amphora is for sale by the way
"how much dust would that cost me?"
Be nice to know what the locals think of us without having to play 20 questions. We could also double check with Sidney when we regroup and see if this is more propaganda bullshit that seems to be making her job harder.
>>
No. 652965 ID: ab7529

>>652963
It's not propaganda bullshit, it's the completely natural fallout from giving random people super powers while killer robots chase after them.

Not everyone is gonna use that power responsibly, or make sure they don't cause collateral damage. It's to be expected that what passes for civilization around here should be wary of them.
>>
No. 652966 ID: bd8b82

make a basic low energy simulacrum with dust. "i'm the making stuff kind of wizard, stuff doesn't really interest me, can't make proper food though. that's where you come in" and let the fake dissolve.

hmm... ask about the tower. what's local lore about what the tower is and why it is.
>>
No. 652968 ID: 57d76a

>>652959
Wow, that's a very Grecian urn. Actually, there's a lot of Grecian elements to this culture, aren't there? That seems notable. Not sure why someone would be deliberately fostering those though. Seems rather unlikely for them to just spring up though.

>Fairies roam our lands, capturing the spirits of the dead to do their bidding. Everywhere they go they bring trouble in the form of war, disease, famine, all sorts of problems.
I'd be offended if that wasn't so accurate. Although I expect the problems usually come in the form of giant killer robots.
>>
No. 652970 ID: 9ddf68

>>652965
>It's not propaganda bullshit, it's the completely natural fallout from giving random people super powers while killer robots chase after them
meant more along the lines of if they think the killer robots following the fairies work for the fairies, how much of the stories are true and what is simply being exaggerated, are their lessions or morals at the end of every story saying to hate the fairies and their ilk, that sort of thing. I knew not everyone brought back is going to be a saint seeing how one of the books we got to read by Sidney was called "An idiot’s guide to not getting human friends killed".
>>
No. 652975 ID: b6178d

>>652959

It's a lovely amphora; unfortunately we're kind of on the move right now and wouldn't want to risk such a fine work of art on the road.

If we can manage to phrase it well, perhaps ask if she knows if anybody actually saw Lycos and his bodyguard. Then we can seek them out for more questioning.

Might also want to stock up on food while we have the chance... unless we/Photina don't need that much?

Also: Fine, y'all were correct about not pretending to be fey.
>>
No. 652990 ID: 742b4a

>>652959
Do not demonstrate Dust control here.

Before you decline, how useful would the thing be for raw materials? Remember that reinforcing Dust with other materials results in a much stronger construction.
>>
No. 653000 ID: d4a543

Ask about that archmage from Edessa, the one with the fusion reactor.

>>652990
It's clay. If we're just going to use it as raw materials we could get cheap amphorae without decorations.
>>
No. 653009 ID: ea0ad9

Huh, neat looking design upon the pot, and an amphora would have it's uses. Not really sure if I've got enough for it, though.

(Just play it like we don't have a whole lot and see what his offer is, if he gives one.)
>>
No. 653043 ID: defceb
File 143604321790.png - (116.51KB , 900x700 , 135.png )
653043

>”It really is a fine amphora, but unfortunately we’re the travelling kind and it wouldn’t fare well with us. Just some food for the road, please.”

“Of course, of course, I understand. Fine art like this is so precious after all. Grain, wine, some bread, all for the fair price of two drachma?”

“Fair for the city maybe, but out here I’ll give you five obol.”

“One drachma, three obol?”

“One drachma or we go somewhere else.”

“Very well, very well, all the goods for the price of one drachma. Enjoy your travels, I do hope we can meet again.”

>”Oh, before we go I had one last question.”

“Anything for a fine customer.”

>”Do you know anything about an Archmage from Edessa?”
>>
No. 653044 ID: defceb
File 143604323875.png - (117.31KB , 900x700 , 136.png )
653044

“...No. Farewell. Goodbye. Have fun on your journey.”
>>
No. 653045 ID: 742b4a

>>653044
...is that a marking on his face? Exposure pattern, that he wears that hat to hide?

I wonder if you can ask to speak to him in private.
>>
No. 653046 ID: ab7529

Be oblivious to the merchant's chilly reaction to that. Good thing bugs have a pretty good poker face.

'Kay, thanks. Byyyyeeee!

Beat it, review info with Photina as you eat. So it sounds like our friend probably had to deal with a merchant who tried to cross them. Maybe wonder why she hadn't heard stories about faeries being bad news.
>>
No. 653055 ID: 9ddf68

hit a sour note I see
>>
No. 653139 ID: ea0ad9

>Be oblivious to the merchant's chilly reaction to that. Good thing bugs have a pretty good poker face.
>'Kay, thanks. Byyyyeeee!
Yeah, this sounds good.
>>
No. 653156 ID: defceb
File 143608555785.png - (67.44KB , 900x700 , 137.png )
653156

>”Kay, thanks, byyyyeeeee!”

“Yeesh, they turned ice cold at the end.”

>”Yeah, I noticed. So about that whole fairy-folk talk, did you know about that?”

“What, fairy-people being doom and gloom? Sure, my parents used to tell me stories.”

>”But when you ran into Sydney and me-”

“Well, they also told me stories about a Sasquatch that would sneak into the house and eat me if I were a bad child.”

>”You believe in the Sasquatch!?”

“About as much as I believe in a woman who wears snakes for clothes, or dragons that burn down whole cities in a single night, or ancient undead kings who store their souls in jars. Come on, don’t be silly!”

>”That merchant seemed to believe it.”

“And some people believe that praying to a gold statue will make their yearly harvest improve.”

>”Fair enough.”

“So, the way I see it, the whole conflict between our new user and the late merchant could have been caused by either of them. Do you want to keep gathering information in town, or head out to meet them?”
>>
No. 653158 ID: 9ddf68

think we should only keep looking only if we can find someone who was actually there. Otherwise I think we'd just attract to much attention to ourselves.
>>
No. 653168 ID: b6178d

Another avenue of investigation might be finding someone who knows if Lycus of Kardia was doing anything in particular at the time he got killed. Was he trading something special, did he have a deal going down, or similar things of interest.
>>
No. 653183 ID: ebcefd

>a woman who wears snakes for clothes, or dragons that burn down whole cities in a single night, or ancient undead kings who store their souls in jars.
You know, most of those things are actually pretty plausible in slightly modified form. The snake lady could be some tower admin or spokesperson who is really into the "dangling wires" look, any big flying machine with bombs could fit the profile of a dragon, and Sydney is basically operating from a soul jar so someone embodied might as well.
>>
No. 653184 ID: ab7529

Hey, good for us, we found a skeptic in the land of myth.

>About as much as I believe in a woman who wears snakes for clothes, or dragons that burn down whole cities in a single night, or ancient undead kings who store their souls in jars
Hmm. Snakes could possibly be woven together, but without some means to control them, or keep them passive, they wouldn't stay in formation. There are probably robot dragons. And uploading a person into a long term storage medium is theoretically possible...

>So, the way I see it, the whole conflict between our new user and the late merchant could have been caused by either of them. Do you want to keep gathering information in town, or head out to meet them?
User. She already adopted our jargon.

Well, unless we can find a witness, or someone who knew what the merchant or user were planning in advance (a friend or co-conspirator?), I don't think we can narrow it down any further than that.
>>
No. 653188 ID: bd8b82

not much to ask... maybe see the military 'wizards' and see if they know a trick or two. give them a trick back, like the railgun.
>>
No. 653196 ID: 0fc976

>>653188
But that would violate the Prime Directive!
>>
No. 653197 ID: ab7529

>>653188
Let's not go arming one side in this conflict before we decide who's side we'd want to be on.

Especially as the other user would probably take us arming the people out to kill them as a hostile act. It's not unreasonable to assume they're monitoring the mercs.
>>
No. 653288 ID: defceb
File 143614420496.png - (141.09KB , 900x700 , 138.png )
653288

>”Maybe if we ask about that Lycus guy directly we can find something interesting. I’ll try asking the villagers.”

“I’ll ask the mercenaries. Perhaps they can be swayed by my feminine charms ...if they’re not hostile to my condition, that is.”

---

>“Finally I can take this hood off. It’s been cramping my antenna this whole time.”

“I thought those were just for show.”

>”I use them! I think, maybe, I still haven’t figured out what they do yet. Any luck with the mercs?”

“Most of them wouldn’t even talk to me. Those that would, refused to share information. ‘Business secrets’ and all that. Though with a little eavesdropping I heard that the mercenaries are looking for a box the merchant was carrying. That might have been important. How about you?”

>“Lycus of Kardia was a grade A asshole, but he was an asshole with friends in high places. Last they saw him, he was acting super paranoid as well. This all sounds shady to me.”

”Long time no see. I looked ahead for the user, they’re just down this trail.”
>>
No. 653289 ID: defceb
File 143614422366.png - (102.78KB , 900x700 , 139.png )
653289

“Also, I’m 90% certain they’re taking a nap.”
>>
No. 653290 ID: ab7529

>Also, I’m 90% certain they’re taking a nap.
Well, that's probably safe, if they can count on their psychopomp to wake them if something dangerous approaches. Still kind of silly to sleep that out in the open. They're confident.

What's with the different number of wings, Sydney? Stylistic choice, or indicator of rank or class?

Is the the box they're sleeping on?

Hmm. Do we just say hi and see what happens?
>>
No. 653293 ID: 742b4a

See if you can look at (not touch) the box and maybe tell what's in it.
>>
No. 653305 ID: 9ddf68

I bet he names his sword compensation... no we are not going to say that to his face

Well seeing how his dust isn't blue that means he's either an an exposed dust user or plague user. Seeing how he has a dust made sword thought I'm guessing he's an exposure user since it would be rare for a plague user to have much control over dust. Well might as well go say hi.
>>
No. 653312 ID: 0fc976

Right, he's just sleeping. Why don't you initiate a handshake protocol with his psychopomp?
Users are hunted, this one might be laid out as bait for others.
>>
No. 653365 ID: defceb
File 143617084545.png - (305.97KB , 900x700 , 140.png )
653365

>”Does it mean anything for their psychopomp to have more wings?”

“A purely stylistic choice, for visual differentiation.”

>”Hey sleepyhead!”

“Hmnng, huh?”

”You have pending messages, and [three] visitors.”

“Of course. I can’t even rest through sunset undisturbed these days.”

”One [human], [dust attuned], [plague]. Appears to have bronze plating across the right side of their face. One [anomalous life form], [dust attuned], [exposure]. Insectile appearance. Classified [cute]. One [psychopomp], designation [Sydney].

“Are you another person looking to kill me, then? Did you think a surprise attack in my sleep was beneath you?
>>
No. 653368 ID: bd8b82

>>653365
"that's what the pending messages are about. we both have these cute fairies, wondering if you wanna team up to break something"
>>
No. 653369 ID: 57d76a

>>653365
> Classified [cute].
Apparently were so cute that's now our most noteworthy feature! I'm not objecting.

>Are you another person looking to kill me, then?
No, no, you've got me wrong! I'm here to... Uh...
... why were we here again?
Oh right team ups yes?
>>
No. 653372 ID: b6178d

>>653365

Not really! You happened to be one of the closest users to us, and we were curious and wondering whether we could be of help to each other.

Speaking of which, hello! I am Alexandrius Falt, recently-made user, and these are my friends Photina and Sydney. (Sydney, you -have- updated your status to 'friends' with me, right? If not, do eeet.)

You and your psychopomp would be...?
>>
No. 653374 ID: 9ddf68

>Are you another person looking to kill me, then? Did you think a surprise attack in my sleep was beneath you?
No, not really looking for a fight truth be told, and if I was going to attack you while you slept I would have actually attacked you while you slept not yell out hello.

As for why I'm here, truthfully I was hoping that we might be able to team up, or at the very least agree not to try and kill each other whenever we come across each other. Oh and I understand if this is sudden so feel free to take your time coming up with an answer, wasn't 100% sure whether you were actually sleeping or not and regardless I'm not really expecting an immediate answer since this is pretty much just coming up out of no where.
>>
No. 653375 ID: 7dc3ab

I would hug you, but I don't know what you would do..... would you like a hug?
>>
No. 653378 ID: 88960e

No, not here to try and kill you. Probably. Definitely would have gone for the suprise attack.

Just dropping by, you know. I'm kinda new at this. We're peers, see? We both got psychopomps, or faries, if you prefer.

Introduce self, see if he's got a name.
>>
No. 653391 ID: 696535

>>653365
I have literally just met you and I already have no idea what you're talking about.
>>
No. 653392 ID: ecd0ab

No if we were here to kill you we DEFINITELY would have taken advantage of the napping. Too many robots trying to kill us to ignore advantages like that.
>>
No. 653394 ID: d4a543

"I've got a plan for getting to the top of that tower, but it depends in part on coordinated close-range combat, which Photina here can confirm is not my strong suit. I hear your last bodyguard job went sour. Are you ready to get back on the figurative horse, and maybe depart in a literal high-speed invisible aircraft before the wolves catch up?"
>>
No. 653403 ID: 2a7417

I thought you were the ambush, lying around in the open like that! Seems you're pretty confident you can take on giant killer robots.
>>
No. 653482 ID: ea0ad9

>>653365
Dang, we might be classified as cute, but this guy's classified as Badass.
>“Are you another person looking to kill me, then? Did you think a surprise attack in my sleep was beneath you?”
I don't kill people I just met! Uh, sorry to wake you up, but I figured you'd want to know that there are some guys who do want to kill you heading this way.
>>
No. 653497 ID: ab7529

>I don't kill people I just met!
Well, unless they try to kill me first, maybe. That's sort of what happened with the robots.
>>
No. 653508 ID: e114bc

>>653365
What's in the box? WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!
>>
No. 653702 ID: a1c36b

Oh. Is the other user a female? Seems like a female. Be careful, she might be as strong as Photina and/or stronger. spooky
>>
No. 653706 ID: 7dc3ab

*spoopy
>>
No. 653829 ID: d4a543

>>653497
>Well, unless they try to kill me first, maybe. That's sort of what happened with the robots.

Nope! Out of six known attackers, one escaped entirely unscathed, three fell to friendly fire, Photina chopped one up without explicit orders, and one was blinded but otherwise intact due to a deliberate choice on our part to refrain from full lethal force.

Overall, that's a fairly extraordinary degree of restraint, considering the circumstances. Granted, we arranged the friendly fire, but they're the ones who decided to continue shooting into a melee without proper IFF tags, when the sniper could as easily have accepted being temporarily neutralized and waited for a better opening.

Alexandrius Falt has never, in his current life, attacked with the pure intent to kill.
>>
No. 653911 ID: defceb
File 143634621003.png - (198.20KB , 900x700 , 141.png )
653911

>“No, No! I’m not here to fight you! Actually come to think of it I haven’t directly killed anything myself yet.”

“You’ve shown remarkable restraint in that regard.”

>”Anyway, I’m Alex. I’ve got a plan for reaching the top of that tower, but I can’t do it on my own. If you’re willing, I’d think we could team up and help each other actually succeed at this insane goal we’ve been given. Also, there’s a pack of mercenaries on their way who do want to kill you and uh… wow, you’re tall.”

”What did you say your name is again?

>”Uh… Alex. Alexandrius Falt?”

“May I call you Iskandar? Iska, for short?”
>>
No. 653913 ID: 26e769

Okay!

But, um, what should I call you?
>>
No. 653914 ID: 3d39db

>>653911
If we're giving nicknames, it's only fair we get to return the gesture in kind.
What's your name?
>>
No. 653915 ID: 562051

You can, but I need to know one thing. How do you see through that mask?
>>
No. 653916 ID: 99cfa8

>>653911
Uh. Sure I guess? Why, does that mean something?
Or is it just easier for you to pronounce or something?
>>
No. 653918 ID: 2ac9e7

>“May I call you Iskandar? Iska, for short?”
I'm sensing theirs a story behind that name. But if you don't mind me asking what's your name.
>>
No. 653920 ID: b6178d

>“May I call you Iskandar? Iska, for short?”

I don't see why not! It's close enough, given that Iskandar's the persian name for 'Alexander'. Though I'm not (yet) as great as that namesake! Certainly not in size, at least.

Ancient Earth references, intentional or not, keeps cropping up with remarkable frequency, Sydney. Unless that was a translation error?
>>
No. 653923 ID: b6178d

>>653920

In fact, thinking about it, wasn't Edessa reputedly the first capital of Macedonia? Pella was the capital by the time of Alexander the Great, but Edessa was still in Macedonian territory.

Maybe, if these references aren't totally random, but instead interrelated, this user - having the cultural base to know the Persian name of Alexander - knows something of Juno from Edessa?

Or maybe I'm grasping at straws. Couldn't hurt to ask, either way! Unless she has a more violent reaction than the shopkeep. Then it could hurt a lot.
>>
No. 653927 ID: 88960e

>May I call you Iskandar? Iska, for short?
Does that name mean something? So long as it doesn't mean something terrible like "person I'm going to kill", sure, why not.

So what's your name? Or do I get to name you too?

(If they introduce themselves but not their psychopomp, follow up, ask after them).
>>
No. 653942 ID: 2a7417

I like that name. Not as much as Imperious Doombug, Lord of a Thousand Comets, but it's a start.
>>
No. 654096 ID: d4a543

We're still headed for the festival of lights, right? Initial demonstration of rapid, stealthy transport as a show of good faith (and field test for carrying two people at once), then we can get to know each other during the party before discussing the plan in detail. Can't be too careful who you trust with even the broad outlines of such grand subterfuge.
>>
No. 655507 ID: defceb
File 143675294069.png - (229.37KB , 900x700 , 142.png )
655507

>”Uh, okay!”

“Little Iska.”

“I’m Photina!”

“And I’m Sydney.”

“Iskandar, defending man. Photina, light. Sydney, from Sidon.”

“You may call me Suha, and my compatriot goes by Kaveh.”

“Suha, forgotten or overlooked. Kaveh, blacksmith figure of mythology.”

“That accent, are you from one of the barbarian tribes?”

“In my time your people were the vagrant tribes, clinging to the light of our civilization. It seems time has turned the tables, but I will not tolerate such an accusation again.”

>”You… wouldn’t happen to know anything about a Juno of Edessa would you?”

“Edessa, former capital city. Juno, divine figure of mythology.”

“I first lived a long time ago, little Iska. If you believe that anyone I knew then is still alive now, it would be quite a feat on their part.”

“Interjection; you are alive, and you knew yourself back then.”

“Don’t mind Kaveh.”

>“So would you like to work together?”

“Doubtful. I have a history of being... what was the terms you used, Kaveh?”

“Backstabbed, thrown under a bus, betrayed, hung out to dry-”

“Those. I’ve grown tired of it.”

“Trust issues.”

“-ahem-, Kaveh, we agreed to discuss this later.”

“Interjection; right now is a later relative to our first discussion.”

“Later-er, Kaveh.”

“You seem to be doing well enough now though.”

“Suffice to say, they believed me to be weaker than I truly am. I repaid their kindness seven-fold each time, as the ruins of our conflicts will testify.”
>>
No. 655513 ID: e114bc

>>655507
So he's been active for a while, huh? Ask for any advice on dust constructs. We're a bit new, only just recently discovered you have to reinforce it with other matter to get a truly hard material.
>>
No. 655515 ID: 0fc976

Can Kaveh actually forge things? Sydney, can you do that?
>>
No. 655517 ID: 9ddf68

well if you don't want to work together can we at least agree not to screw each other over both directly and indirectly? I mean enough things are trying to make our lives miserable already don't see why we should add to each other's burdens.
>>
No. 655519 ID: ab7529

>I first lived a long time ago, little Iska.
Me too, I think! I mean, there are some big holes in my memory, but the stuff I do remember is pretty old.

>working together, doubtful
Well, if you change your mind, I was planning on trying to subvert our enemy's means of production. After I help Sydney get off-grid.

Um, actually, before you say that, use the private comms to double check with Sydney that casually mentioning disconnecting isn't the kind of thing another psychopomp might get really upset over. Kaveh isn't going to object to this strategy?

But no, if you aren't comfortable working with anyone, we can leave you in peace after we talk.
>>
No. 655541 ID: b6178d

Yup, most of those names and references seem to place Suha from the Old Earth Persian/Iranian region, it's all very Middle-East/Ancient World-y. It's certainly starting to beggar belief that the names and roles are at all coincidence, and it's beginning to worry me that Sydney with all his access to modern records would have no access to records that relate to these references. Someone or something clearly does, after all, given how they keep cropping up.

>>655507

>If you believe that anyone I knew then is still alive now, it would be quite a feat on their part.

Well, if you want try feats of impressive longevity on for size, there's always 'several billion years old and on the wrong planet to boot'. Little Iska = Big mystery! So, yes. There's certainly potential. Juno being a goddess-figure would not be out of character to the power Sydney's sources told us they've wielded. They're no user, apparently, but that doesn't preclude being powerful or long-lived.

At any rate, we'll respect whatever your wishes are concerning cooperating. If you don't want to join forces, we'll leave be.

Even so, if anything ever happens and we're nearby, would you be opposed to us helping out if we can? There would be no obligation to do the same in reverse. Consider it a favor to Kaveh as much as anything; both of us alive means a bigger chance that one of us succeeds in our mission, and he's clearly not opposed to you having a little extra help.

Heck, if there is anything in particular you need right now we've also got a pretty good handle on our dust crafting.
>>
No. 655560 ID: ea0ad9

>“Don’t mind Kaveh.”
Can't say I'd mind one who brings out the technicalities! It's a pretty fun game to point them out.
>“Doubtful. I have a history of being... what was the terms you used, Kaveh?”
Ah, well, if you ever want to message me for something, I'll keep my line open. Unless, like, I'm sleeping or something, but as long as you aren't going to be one of the guys hunting me I have no reason to distrust you! ...And yes I know that sounds incredibly naive given your lot in life sounds to have been full of things to cause doubt, but what can I say, optimistic to a Falt.

Before we part ways, those mercs I mentioned are that way. Whether you're the sort to go for pre-emptive strikes or wait in ambush, I assume that would be useful information.
>>
No. 655589 ID: defceb

>>655560
>optimistic to a Falt
*painful groaning sounds*
>>
No. 655590 ID: defceb
File 143677244267.png - (174.53KB , 900x700 , 143.png )
655590

>”Alright, I can respect that. But, hey, if you ever need anything, I’ll be keeping my communications open. As long as you’re not one of the people hunting me, that is.”

”I’d love to say that won’t come to pass, but stranger things have happened.”

>”Oh, also, the mercenaries are probably going to be coming your way soon. Uh, you know, in case you want to set up an ambush or something.”

“They probably won’t leave me alone if I run, so I’ll save them the trip. Have fun out there.”
>>
No. 655618 ID: bd8b82

not entirely a bust. have a potential alliance later. for now let's continue on our course. the brain station!
>>
No. 655623 ID: 9ddf68

well if nothing else it was nice meeting you Suha. You too Kaveh. I do hope that we'll work together in the future or at least not have to try and kill each other every time we cross paths.

Well that was interesting if nothing else. Guess it's time for us to head to the festive then unless either of you two think we should do something else first? I mean with the machines thinking I'm dead, at least for the time being, and Photina still having some time before she needs to head back home it's starting to look like this is the best time to head out.
>>
No. 655641 ID: b6178d

>>655590

Well, good luck. Though, almost forgot to say, the mercs seem to be looking for a box not as much as you. Presumably something Lycus of Kardia had. Must be terribly important to whoever sent them so if you have it now, it might be worth a closer look to determine why. If you haven't figured that one out already.

Anyway, we should go do that thing, Photina. The festivus!
>>
No. 655644 ID: 88960e

Bye then. Good luck!

Hmm. Pity we really don't have a way to prevent Suha from massacring the mercenaries. They're just doing what they're paid to, and she's just defending herself.

Hmm. I suppose if we made something sufficiently valuable out of dust, we could pay them to drop it? Although they still might not be willing to breach an existing contract. Or I guess if we brought the box back, the merchants might lose interest? No telling if Suha would give it up though, and then the mercenaries would be pissed we stole their job.

Ask your travelling companions for their impressions of those two.
>>
No. 655667 ID: d4a543

>>655644
>I suppose if we made something sufficiently valuable out of dust, we could pay them to drop it?

We've got no mechanism by which to enforce a ceasefire. For a buyout to be effective, we'd have to track down whoever was offering the bounty, and persuade them to rescind it. Then the mercs would either switch to a better-paying job, or pick a fight over the breach of contract. It'd probably be more appropriate to call our payment "reparations" rather than a "bribe" at that point.
>>
No. 658791 ID: defceb
File 143807290052.png - (78.32KB , 900x700 , 144.png )
658791

>”By the way! Those mercenaries seemed to have been looking for some box more so than yourself.”

“This little thing? I found it on some merchant a ways back. Well, their treasure is my trash. You can have it!”
>>
No. 658792 ID: defceb
File 143807294895.png - (130.23KB , 900x700 , 145.png )
658792

Sidney’s Notes;

Suha and Kaveh have been classified as [Acquaintances].

[Battery] added to your inventory! This high-capacity device can provide a lot of power for your machinations, though we currently lack any effective means to recharge it.

[Peasant Disguise] added to your list of outfits! Rural people seem to believe you’re at least civilized while wearing a disguise like this, which helps in the not-getting-stabbed department.

I’m worried about Suha encountering the mercenaries. The two are likely to clash in the village, and the odds of collateral damage around such a user are quite high. Are you sure letting them walk away was the right choice?

Our encounter with the hunters was an unusual jump in difficulty. They don’t act without reason, but nothing we saw could explain it. I feel like we must have missed something back there.

>>
No. 658793 ID: defceb
File 143807297133.png - (53.32KB , 300x700 , 146.png )
658793

“...the body was a fake! Furthermore, the target in question has allied themselves with another capable individual.”

“218… 173…”


“The girl is no threat by herself. Assigning a threat-”

“Threat assignments are none of your concern, Oh-Four.”

“The primary target has shown understanding and capabilities beyond any like we’ve seen in the past thousands of years, to waste our time and resources on lesser-”

“150… 80…”

“WASTE? You dare speak of waste, after your failure of an idea?!”


They better not be talking about me.

“Your pet project-”

damnit

“-has been a drain for far too long!”

“43… 20....”


“You speak too soon, Oh-Six. Their potential is still yet unreached.”

“SILENCE! Silence, all of you! That’s enough bickering, we will hear the story straight from the source. Child!”

Fuck, they remembered I’m still here this time.

“2… 0. Archiving information. Combat log- ERROR. Integer overflow.”

“Care to explain what happened out there?”


Oh, I don’t know, he did a sick ninja flip and disappeared in a puff of fuck-all. What the hell am I supposed to say to this?
>>
No. 658797 ID: bd8b82

just describe it as honestly as you can, if they don't believe you then that is their problem not yours.
>>
No. 658803 ID: 9ddf68

>I’m worried about Suha encountering the mercenaries. The two are likely to clash in the village, and the odds of collateral damage around such a user are quite high.
...Fuck! din't think of that. Can you shoot them a quick message asking for them to fight away from the town if possible. Reason being that people not involved shouldn't suffer and if that doesn't work try going with it might be easier to lure the mercenaries out then to attack them in a entrenched fort.

>Oh, I don’t know, he did a sick ninja flip and disappeared in a puff of fuck-all. What the hell am I supposed to say to this?
that you engaged the target only for him to activate a large explosion escaping in the confusion and leaving behind a fake body to cover his tracks.
>>
No. 658809 ID: 88960e

>I’m worried about Suha encountering the mercenaries. The two are likely to clash in the village, and the odds of collateral damage around such a user are quite high. Are you sure letting them walk away was the right choice?
Honestly? No. But we didn't have a good lever to move Suha away from the village, and she looked more than capable of kicking our assess if we tried to do the hero thing. That and I'm not sure how comfortable I am attacking someone, let alone a fellow user, just cause they're strong enough to cause damage.

We might have better luck paying off the mercenaries. Why risk a fight if you can get paid for delivering the box anyways? Mercs tend to be very pragmatic if they survive long.

>voices
Oh, huh. The Enemy is a collective.

>what the fuck do I say
The target understands the fundamental principles of asymmetrical warfare. He's been using misinformation and confusion to turn our attacks, and convert our superior firepower and numbers into an asset rather than the hazard they should be.

Evading the initial search drones with flight wasted our time. The false body wasted time and resources to investigate. The friendly fire incident cost us units in an engagement we should have had the advantage in, and once again, put us in a situation where we would have to waste time and resources to verify if we got a kill. Worse, this pattern means we will be forced to spend similar resources in the future- we cannot trust anything short of a confirmed kill.

Each encounter cost our opponent minimal energy compared to what our forces spent- either for naught or to our detriment.

Conclusion: we should stop playing his game. Stop giving him pieces to deceive and play against each each other. Send one high value executioner. One capable enough to see past the tricks. Let's see how well our budding trickster fares when faced with a straight up fight.

Tl;dr- stop putting idiot drones in the way and let me take him.
>>
No. 658834 ID: 2a7417

The target used brute force and a sheer disregard for tactical thinking to bludgeon every robot to death with their own arms. The sniper bot was trying its best to hit him, but was distracted by a shiny object, i.e. the other robots' faceplates. My tactical recommendation is robots with fewer arms and no heads.

(We're not your buddy, girl! Wage a war of disinformation! Viva la resistance!)
>>
No. 658982 ID: b6178d

>Drone-dog discus.

D'awww!

>>658792

Not gonna lie; doing nothing about a big fight in the middle of that town is gonna nibble on the conscience a bit. Got kind of distracted, thinking the Silver Pack were camped outside town, not inside, but guess they'd not say no to free cover if push came to shove (or shove came to giant-sword-to-the-face). Things could indeed get quite ugly.

... though getting the mercs to maybe back off of Suha is going to take, what, a two-minute detour by flight to deposit the box we just got?

We can just drop it at the commander's tent and leave a strongly worded message that they gtfo asap.

(Though it would be nice to at least check what's in the box, even if we're going to be passing it on.)

Or, if she's not out of earshot, we can just warn Suha that the Pack has at least two mages, and she might want to be careful with the collateral, cuz' the people in town weren't all that bad.
>>
No. 659052 ID: defceb
File 143815062428.png - (89.24KB , 500x700 , 147.png )
659052

“The target is clearly familiar with the concept of asymmetrical warfare. They’ve been using misinformation and confusion to turn our advantage into theirs. Evading our drones, friendly-fire, and leaving behind a fake body just wasted our time and resources. Worse, in the future we’re going to have to rely on nothing short of an absolute confirmed kill.”

I hope this means I’ll get the use the knife…

“We should stop giving him the pieces to play against each other, and instead send one high value execution. Someone who can get the job done up close and... personal…”


“Just what do you mean to imply there?”

“I’m saying just send me this time. I’ll hunt him down without your baggage and end it properly.”

“Baggage? Our drones are-”

“Terribly unprepared for this type of encounter. Your options are either to send out overwhelming forces or just me.”

Maybe they’ll crunch when I kill them. Like an insect.


“Unprepared. Sounds like oh-Four’s problem in that regard.”

“I build models fit to the challenge. They are the only real challenge left on this rock.”

“...very well. Depart immediately. We’re done here.”
>>
No. 659054 ID: defceb
File 143815071990.png - (73.93KB , 500x900 , 148.png )
659054

“...so that worked.”

“And the IFF signals?”

“Disposed of. The friendly fire was kind enough to destroy any sign of tampering as well.”

“Perfect. Disregard the girl, I’m only interested in the bug.”

“No kind words of motivation?”

“Your combat abilities are above-average compared to drones in your size and build.”

Oh, thanks, that’s so reassuring.
>>
No. 659055 ID: defceb
File 143815076844.png - (116.94KB , 600x400 , 149.png )
659055

"Does this outfit make my butt look fat?"
>>
No. 659061 ID: 0fc976

>Examine "butt"
>>
No. 659075 ID: ea0ad9

>"Does this outfit make my butt look fat?"
Only of reasonable, healthy proportions, not quite "Fat" but if you were to start swaying it in front of somebody they're likely to notice.
>>
No. 659076 ID: 69aa21

>"Does this outfit make my butt look fat?"
Examine outfit.
>>
No. 659085 ID: e114bc

>>659055
Why are there like 50 of Alex?

Also, to answer Sydney's question: avoiding collateral damage is part of the mercs' job. They can just fight outside the town.
>>
No. 659185 ID: defceb
File 143820841368.png - (283.21KB , 700x900 , 150.png )
659185

>”Only of reasonable and healthy proportions. I wouldn’t say fat, but if you were to sway it in front of someone they would surely notice.”

“You’re hardly even looking.”

>”Speaking as somebody who has touched your butt, in combat I might add, you have nothing to worry about there.”

“I just want to look good for the festival. It’s a place for celebrating and fancy clothes, not humdrum boring attire. You’ll have to find something fancy to wear too.”

>”Like that disguise earlier?”

“If you want to look like a farmer.”

>”Pardon me, I’m a few billion years behind your fashion curve.”

“...are you going to sit there and play with that box all night or are you going to see what's in it?”
>>
No. 659187 ID: 50b1b0

>>659185
No. There's probably an assassin-bot hidden in it. I'm trying to find a good angle to attack it from.
>>
No. 659188 ID: ab7529

>You’re hardly even looking.
Compound eyes! I can look with hardly looking!

>are you going to sit there and play with that box all night or are you going to see what's in it?
I shouldn't open it inside a retail business, just on the off chance it's something dangerous, or messy.

>You’ll have to find something fancy to wear too.
Hmm. Will a fancy party care less about the looking like a bug thing? Concealing clothes and fancy doesn't always mix. (Are we doing fancy Axel paperdoll now).
>>
No. 659189 ID: f16b9e

>>659185
>You’ll have to find something fancy to wear too
Fancy dress fancy dress fancy dress FANCY DRESS FANCY DRESS FANCY DRESS WE ARE GOING IN A FANCY DRESS
>>
No. 659190 ID: a19cd5

>>659185
Get outside and use your dust to open from a distance. duh.
>>
No. 659191 ID: 26e769

>>659189

WE ARE SO WEARING THE FANCIEST DRESS
>>
No. 659197 ID: bd8b82

>>659189
>>659191
fancy ROBE.
>>
No. 659203 ID: ab7529

The fancy outfit will have to include little bangle-7 things. Those go good with bug limbs.

>dress
Obviously it has to be cut like one of those ones with the fuzzy poof at the top. Except that will be our fluff.
>>
No. 659204 ID: 9297f4

Well, on to her outfit, DAT LEG. Could kill a man with thighs like that.

As for the box, it's a really nice box.

For our outfit, I want pants. Do people normally wear pants cause I've been seeing togas and the like everywhere.
>>
No. 659205 ID: 0fc976

>>659191
>>659197
Fancy TOGA. Get with the preshistoric times.
>>
No. 659208 ID: 69aa21

>>659191
>>659197
>dress
>robe
Pretty sure we're a guy... Wait Sidney, I'm still a guy right? It never crossed my mind to see just how many changes were made when I got my wings.
>>
No. 659210 ID: 60700b

>>659208
Also "Alex" is a gender neutral name.
>>
No. 659212 ID: 9297f4

>>659210
Not Alexandrius. That's a manly name if I've heard it.
>>
No. 659215 ID: 60700b

>>659212
I was going off the nickname, but you're right.

Photina, you look very pretty in that.
>>
No. 659216 ID: b6178d

Might as well pop it. Sydney would have told us if he was sensing something volatile or dangerous from inside it and it's too late to return it now.

As for dresses, yours does look good on you (Right the appropriate amount of risque!), and I've got ideas for myself, but I need some help narrowing it down, plus with seeing what's available.

For one; are there other fine local outfits we can get from around here that would fit me or be modifiable to?

For two; whatever local suppliers lack, I can probably dust up something neat on my own! Even so, I could still use a few pointers on what's trendy around these parts, just to keep myself from looking too outlandish.

As for what I'd want, well, boots are kind of a lost cause with my legs, which leaves...

A hat! It'll make me more distinct; human brains are all about facial recognition and reading, and since I've substituted key features with smooth chitin and these multi-faceted beaus, it might be nice to have something else to catch the eye too. Other than the swirling tattoos.

Body-wear! While I certainly could go for some exotic combo of my own make, I'm intrigued by what local options there are with the tunics and togas.

Accessories! Anything goes as long as it doesn't go to ridiculous excess and it matches the rest of the getup, be it feathers, jewelry, broaches, baubles, rings or whatnot. I wonder if I can hang anything from my antennae without ill effect...
>>
No. 659217 ID: ab7529

Wait, the most important question: how are we making Sydney fancy. She can't wear anything! (Maybe she could pretend to be a firework).

>>659210
>>659212
"Sydney" sure is, though.
>>
No. 659228 ID: 8d9368

>>659185
How do wizards dress? Dress up like a fancy wizard. Still wondering what the deal is with that Archmage from Edessa. Where's Edessa?
>>
No. 659248 ID: f16b9e

>>659208
Are you implying guys can't wear dresses? Rude.
>>
No. 659250 ID: 7dc3ab

Only thing I'm thinking of is a tuxedo.
>>
No. 659277 ID: 69aa21

>>659248
Depends, are we Scottish?
>>
No. 659330 ID: ea0ad9

Whatever we wear, it has to show off the fluff. *Puff out fluff proudly* It's a moth thing, Photina, you wouldn't understand.
>>
No. 659332 ID: 7dc3ab

But are we a moth, or some other specie of insect.
>>
No. 659358 ID: b6178d

>>659330
>>659250

Gah. Now I can't get the idea of a tuxedo suit incorporating the fluff for the v-shape out of my head.
>>
No. 659377 ID: d4a543

>>659358
Ooh, make the black parts of the tux out of a carbon nanotube weave overlaid with crystalline scales in an interlocking lamellar pattern. Raw materials should be literally dirt cheap, it's probably lightweight and bulletproof, and nothing says extravagance quite like being clad entirely in diamonds.
>>
No. 659461 ID: 5a02f7

>>659330

Yes. Our fluff must be on display.
>>
No. 659842 ID: 2eeb65

Dat leg tho
>>
No. 660868 ID: defceb
File 143898422301.png - (384.20KB , 900x600 , 151.png )
660868

>“I have compound eyes! I don’t have to look directly at you.”

“...what?”

>”It’s a weird bug thing. I’m still getting used to it. Same thing with the local culture. To be honest I’m getting rather homesick for pants.”

“Pants?”

>”Back in my time we had pants, and ties, and shirts with blue hedgehogs on them.”

“Well that sounds silly.”

>”So does running around in towels.”

“It’s called a toga and it’s the pinnacle of fashion! Don’t you like how it shows off my leg? I think I have lovely legs.”

>”Everyone here seems rather comfortable being… exposed.”

“This is a festival.“

>”Fair. So I was thinking of either a fancy dress or toga or some sort of tuxedo.”

“I don’t know what that third option is but it has to show off your neck fluff.”

>”Is that an order?”

“Yes! Your neck fluff is my favorite feature, I refuse to you leave this building without it on display.”
>>
No. 660869 ID: defceb
File 143898425770.png - (160.90KB , 700x450 , 152.png )
660869

>”..um... Photina.”

“Yes?”

>”I’m trying to change clothes.”

“Yes, I noticed.”

>”You’re staring.”

“...is that a problem?”
>>
No. 660871 ID: ab7529

>“I don’t know what that third option is but it has to show off your neck fluff.”
We got a winner, here.

>“...is that a problem?”
...

Um, no, I suppose not.
>>
No. 660873 ID: 9297f4

I don't think we have a package, and even if we do, it's bound to be internal. So strip away.
>>
No. 660875 ID: e114bc

Be bashful. This is a bit of a culture shock, isn't it?

Don't let her see your junk at least.
>>
No. 660877 ID: 5a02f7

> “Yes! Your neck fluff is my favorite feature, I refuse to you leave this building without it on display.”

This is a woman after our own insectile vascular organ.

I guess modesty died out along the way of a billion years of evolution. Well, when in Rome...
>>
No. 660879 ID: 9ddf68

>...is that a problem?
is this a culture thing or a personal one?

Be bashful and shy about it.
>>
No. 660891 ID: b6178d

>Your neck fluff is my favorite feature!

I'm sorry we ever doubted you, Photina.

>>660869

Bit confused, that's all! I mean, it's almost like you're subtly hitting on me--waaaaait. Are you subtly hitting on me?! Because if so, I'd have no choice but to offer you a date. Which could definitely make this a tux-able event!

>satyr masks

Say, by the by, what's up with the masks and horns over there? Is the Festival of Lights associated with any particular being or whatnot?
>>
No. 660907 ID: ebcefd

It seems a bit redundant when I was walking around without clothes most of the time we have known each other, but ok.
>>
No. 660909 ID: e114bc

>>660907
I think he's had on a bodysuit this whole time. He's just taking it off now.
>>
No. 660970 ID: ea0ad9

>“Yes! Your neck fluff is my favorite feature, I refuse to you leave this building without it on display.”
Glad you agreed, but I'm going to have to show you what a Tux looks like at some point.
>“...is that a problem?”
...That's what I'm trying to figure out! That would have been a problem back where I came from but I guess from how everybody here is exposed, it isn't?

>“It’s called a toga and it’s the pinnacle of fashion! Don’t you like how it shows off my leg? I think I have lovely legs.”
Oh, by the way, yes. Proboscis, fluff, and legs are the big things about moths. Speaking of which, we need to get you a feather boa, too!
>>
No. 660977 ID: defceb
File 143901672081.png - (41.91KB , 300x310 , 153.png )
660977

>“I- I guess that’s okay. Do you usually watch people change clothes?”

“Usually I help. In fact most of the time I help Meliton pick out his outfits for the day- oooh, that’s what your abs look like.”

>”Where I’m from we don’t watch people strip naked… most of the time, I guess.”

“Your culture is weird.”

>”Your culture is weird.”

“You’re weird.”

>”Nuh uh, you’re weird.”
>>
No. 660978 ID: defceb
File 143901674355.png - (276.07KB , 1000x1000 , 154.png )
660978

>“So how about this fancy piece? Do I look like I belong around here?”

“You look like you came from one of those island cities. Which is good, since you are a foreigner around here I guess. Though you should stop slouching.”

>”I’ve never had to wear this much jewelry before.”

“I like the look though! You’ll fit in nicely with that.”

>”And how about this piece?”

“...what is it?”

>”A tuxedo!”

“...and those?”

>”Pants!”

“They look so constrictive.”

>”Pants were underappreciated in their time. Now they’re extinct. Truly a great loss.”

“I think it’s a nice outfit though. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb, but if that’s what you want then go for it.”

>”Hm, decisions, decisions…”
>>
No. 660981 ID: fa0ef9

Be the utmost gentleman in the festival and wear the tuxedo. We shall show them, we shall show them ALL.
>>
No. 660982 ID: 4f556f

>>660978
A.
A.
A.
A. A. A. A. A.
We do, however, look severely overdressed compared to everyone else. That needs to be rectified.
>>
No. 660983 ID: 9ddf68

well since this is a party I guess we can go with A but when we start doing 007 shit, like breaking Sidney out of that building, we can wear the Tux. Because it would be criminal to never wear such a fine suit.
>>
No. 660984 ID: 8d9368

>>660978
Honestly kinda like both of these, can't really pick.
>>
No. 660989 ID: ea0ad9

>We do, however, look severely overdressed compared to everyone else. That needs to be rectified.
Hmm. Well judging from those men over there, it's fine for men to show off their legs, too, so we could probably trim an inverse V into the darker part of the skirt.

Let's save the Tuxedo for a more formal party, it's not exactly "Festival" wear. "Formal," in this case, Photina, means when you just sit around like a bunch of goons and eat high class foods. ...Come to think of it, I wonder why we considered those to be parties? They're mostly just for showing respect to somebody who just had a very important anniversary or something. It doesn't even have to be something cheerful--Tuxedos are good for both celebrating and for mourning. Maybe that's why they're both black and white.
>>
No. 660990 ID: ea0ad9

>>660989
This is a vote for A, by the way.
>>
No. 661000 ID: e114bc

>>660978
Let's fit in. A.
>>
No. 661020 ID: 60700b

>>660983
I agree.
>>
No. 661022 ID: b6178d

>>660978

Aw man, they're both really cool outfits. Whichever one we don't wear we'll have to find an excuse to wear later.

That said, Tux it up with B. This is the biggest festival of the year, so surely we can afford to look great at it!
>>
No. 661029 ID: 5a02f7

B is fabulous, but A is sensible.

A.
>>
No. 661030 ID: 5c9255

A. When in Rome...
>>
No. 661040 ID: ddcf3c

>>660978
>no cape
it's like you don't even want to look magnificent
>>
No. 661047 ID: 71c504

Bee.
>stick out like a sore thumb
What gave it away, the wings?
>>
No. 661048 ID: b7a3d6

>>661030
!
>>
No. 661049 ID: fa0ef9

What is it lad, what shocking revelation has just been revealed to you. Tell us, TELL US.
>>
No. 661063 ID: ab7529

>[Pants] look so constrictive.
Hey, if they were baggy, they wouldn't show off legs.

And I'll have you know people once fought for the right to be able to wear these.

We're gonna have to show her a fancy dress or something from your time, later. Not all your culture's clothes are restrictive slash don't show anything off.

>>660978
I love the suit, but this really seems like the kind of party where everyone is in partial states of undress, which kind of works against it.
>>
No. 661260 ID: ad69de

sydney, two things.

one, did we remember to ask the other user not to fight in the town to avoid collateral damage? we should probably do that.

two, i think i have a better idea than disconnecting you. if we sort out some long range encrypted communication and you go hide somewhere you could still feed us netsphere informatio, hacking capabilities and general advice without risking killing you and wasting the time and effort of breaking in there to find your body.
and in any case losing the netsphere information and risking the usefulness of your hacking is not worth staying undetected in my eyes.
>>
No. 661331 ID: d4a543

Outfit B, with the previous caveat about bulletproof ultratensile carbon. Blending in was a lost cause the moment we chose flight capability over a human-shaped chassis.

>>661260
Given the disparity in computational resources, I wouldn't trust any crypto other than a one-time pad, which still requires hardware access at some point to do right.
>>
No. 661333 ID: 3663d3

b
>>
No. 661433 ID: eb385b

>>660978
A
>>
No. 661476 ID: dccc95

Bees!
>>
No. 661479 ID: 2a7417

You look so fly in that tux! (Uhh, so moth?)
>>
No. 661521 ID: 98f925

>>660978
Damn that tuxedo is fine.
go for A but keep B in storage or something, maybe make a mafia hat when you inevitably encounter the robots again, they'll spend resources trawling their archives and get hilariously confused when they see a swinging mobster moth after them
>>
No. 661523 ID: 98f925

>>661521
we need to design some cool clothing for Alex sometime.
i'm thinking, captain morgan coat with a hoodie underneath?
needs more class
>>
No. 661640 ID: defceb
File 143927264801.png - (151.89KB , 400x700 , 155.png )
661640

>“Damn, I feel fancy.”

“You look it, too. By the way, where is Sydney?”
>>
No. 661641 ID: defceb
File 143927271466.png - (76.39KB , 550x400 , 156.png )
661641

“And the machine lord spoke, ‘You need not but look above you, for I have always been there.’”

>”How ominous.”

“It’s from a personal favorite. The Giant’s Grave, by H.Anselm. Criticized in it’s time for extreme length and overwhelmingly depressing attitude. It was quite popular amongst the cybernetically immortal. A piece you really need to live for at least a thousand years to fully appreciate. Nice dress.”

>”Thanks! So what did you find up there?”

“No robots in sight, at least that I could find. No users, either. I did however find an archmage.”

>”Juno?”

“An archmage, not the archmage. They go by the name of Korvo and are doing stage magic for entertainment at the moment. Making quite a healthy amount of coin in the process. They could be relevant, or not. I’ll reserve that judgement for you.”
>>
No. 661645 ID: e114bc

Could be useful to talk to, and learn something, after the show. Also watch the show and try to guess how he's doing it (but don't say out loud).

I like how we made Alex a cross-dresser for no particular reason, and nobody thinks twice about it. I imagine it's very freeing.
>>
No. 661656 ID: 3663d3

>>661645
that's like calling a kilt a skirt.

let's see what's around.
>>
No. 661658 ID: 1d0d36

Well we're here to relax so I say watch the play. It could be fun and I'm sure there are worse ways to start off the festival then watching a street act.
>>
No. 661661 ID: e114bc

>>661656
He's calling it a dress, they're calling it a dress... it's a dress.
>>
No. 661682 ID: e114bc

Oh, and open the box!
>>
No. 661685 ID: 03ad7b

Relevant schmelevant. I wanna see a magic show!
>>
No. 661699 ID: 88960e

Well, we can't talk to them in the middle of their show. That would be rude.

Mingle a bit, then wander in the direction of this magic show?

...what qualifies one as an archmage? Is there a test? Something you have to be able to do?
>>
No. 661701 ID: d4a543

Haley Anselm? Wasn't she one of the first humans to be destructively uploaded?
>>
No. 661834 ID: 34a64b

Heeeeey Sidney, what can you tell us about the life and times of a contemporary of Anselm's: M. Castillo. We'd like to know for reasons.
>>
No. 661848 ID: e85915

now that sydney is here and the questions are no longer completely irrelevant i would humbly request to point at >>661260
>>
No. 663852 ID: defceb
File 143997335781.png - (37.62KB , 543x356 , 157.png )
663852

>”Sydney, I have more questions.”

“I have more answers.”

>”About that last user, Suha. Did we ever get that message to her, to avoid collateral damage?”

“I did send her a message, yes.”

>”Did they respond?”

“...so how about those other questions?”

>”Sydney, you’re dodging the question.”

“Well, they got the message, at least. But apparently they marched into the center of town to do their fighting, and... I think it’s best the rest remain vague. You’re not responsible for their decisions, Alex.”

>”...it was that bad?”

“Suha was unharmed.”

>”Oh, yay, a small relief. Also, I was wondering if it would be possible to - instead of disconnecting you from the system - set up some kind of encryption communication process? I think having access to netsphere information and the usefulness of your advice is a necessary boon for this venture.”

”...if you think it’s for the best, I could start putting together crypto information right now. However, I have little doubt that the enemy’s computational resources far outstrip our own.”

>”Last question. It’s about that author you mentioned earlier… well, actually, it’s about one of their contemporaries.”

“I can’t see how they’re relevant to our situation, so I’ll take the answer for that elsewhere.”
>>/questdis/94224
>>
No. 663853 ID: defceb
File 143997341146.png - (492.08KB , 1200x600 , 159.png )
663853

>”This place looks like a market.”

“That’s because we’re in the market, you goof. The whole city is celebrating! We can find practically anything here - music, food, naked wrestling, trinkets, lanterns. Ooh, actually, can we go light some lanterns? I’ve never gotten to light any of them myself but this is the festival of lights so I feel like I really should at some point. Or we could go find that Korvo person first, if you’d like.”
>>
No. 663856 ID: e114bc

>>663853
Let's light some lanterns and get food, then go see korvo. Later if we have time we can watch some naked wrestling.
>>
No. 663862 ID: 77f772

Sure, in fact lets hit all of them. This is a party isn't it? Oh and before I forget Sidney, is there anything you really want to do/see here? I mean this whole trip was your idea.
>>
No. 663886 ID: e97f26

If this is gonna be fun, we need to show it by having a little pep in our step.
>>
No. 663889 ID: 88960e

>>663852
Oh come on, Suha. I thought you were gonna let the mercs come for you, not bring the fight to them. RIP town.

>>663853
Yeah okay, let's do the lights.
>>
No. 663893 ID: 9297f4

What was that about wrestling?
>>
No. 663911 ID: 2a7417

[Bluff] "I was top of my class in naked wrestling! Let's do it."
>>
No. 663926 ID: 2e5e5f

>>663853
>naked wrestling
is that what you're into, photina?
>>
No. 663929 ID: 8d9368

What is pharmaceutical tech like around here? And how useful is dust for producing them?
>>
No. 663933 ID: b6178d

>I think it’s best the rest remain vague.

Fudge. Well. Live, learn, strive to be better.

>>663853

Speaking of, I've heard it's better to light a flamethrower than to curse the darkness. Let's put up some lights, then spend a little time enjoying ourselves, visiting shows and shops, before we go do anything serious-like. Yes, we'll even go spectate the naked wrestling, for Photina's sake. Yup, totally only for Photina's sake.
>>
No. 663962 ID: 4f556f

>>663933
Spectate?

Hell, we're gonna we're gonna participate! It's a good way to show the people we're not a threat as well as perhaps impress Photina and maybe any bachelors who happen to take fancy to us

And if this Korvo person is currently a stage magician, then they will probably be in the vicinity of the performers.
>>
No. 663978 ID: 77f772

>>663962
But we're weak as hell. I mean we have good dust control and a good head for science and engineering giving a ton of options but physically we're nothing special, as our little sword practice lessions earlier tought us.
>>
No. 664021 ID: defceb
File 144004072829.png - (66.86KB , 264x430 , 160.png )
664021

>”Sydney, do you have any preference on what we do? This was originally your idea.”

“Everything~ I shall enjoy it from here.”

>”On… my head?”

“Look, I’ll even minimize my settings so I’m not in the way.”

“Awww, you’re adorable.”

“I always am.”
>>
No. 664022 ID: defceb
File 144004076444.png - (103.23KB , 639x378 , 163.png )
664022

“What… what is this?”

>”Looks like yogurt.”

“I’ve never seen it packaged this way. How am I supposed to eat it?”

>”You just tear one end and squeeze to- hey!”

“Sorry!”

>”This is groooooossss.”

“I’ll get a towel, stay right here.”

>”I think it got in my fluffffff.”

“Now you’re just whining.”

>”My poor fluff!”
>>
No. 664023 ID: defceb
File 144004079097.png - (151.34KB , 434x906 , 162.png )
664023

“...and if I connected it all right, then the lantern should draw light out from the tree and- ah-ha! It works! Fly free, little lantern! Fly free!”

>”So this tower’s a power source?”

“Like an artificial tree, of sorts. There used to be thousands of them dotted across the landscape. Now this is one of the few remaining. It’s in a state of disrepair as well, in peak condition it could do so much more than light a city.”

“It’s more than just lighting a city! It’s a celebration! That we still can light the city, for good health and good harvests, that we’re not dead in a ditch somewhere. I’ve never been able to make it to the festival and light one myself, though.”

>”How do I get this thing to work…?”

“It’s already lit up. Just let it go and it’ll do the rest on it’s own.”




“...hey, Alex?”

>”Yes?”

“Thank you.”
>>
No. 664024 ID: defceb
File 144004084055.png - (152.67KB , 795x412 , 161.png )
664024

”C’mon Pleiades! I’ve got money on you!”
“You’ve got him Milo! Go for the flip, GO FOR THE FLIP!


>”I don’t think I’ve ever been around this many naked people before.”

“KICK HIS ASS- what was that, Alex?”

>”Oh, I, uh, wrestling here is different from my time. There’s a lot more just… flopping about.”

“Isn’t it great~?”

>”They also usually have something to keep the wrestlers from getting thrown into the audience.”

“But that’s the best part!”

“I hope they get thrown into me~”

”nononoNONOOOOOOO, c’mON!”
“Ha! Easy money!”


>”Y’know, I was, uh… top of my class in naked wrestling.”

“Really? You should get out there, then! It’ll be fun! Unless you die. But then the other guy loses if you die so at least you’ll die a winner!”

>”O-okay!”
>>
No. 664025 ID: defceb
File 144004088396.png - (49.24KB , 323x373 , 164.png )
664025

>”I challenge the next guy!”
>>
No. 664026 ID: defceb
File 144004100457.png - (91.80KB , 291x445 , 165.png )
664026

”I’ll put 20 drachma on the big guy!”
“I’ll vote for the underdog. 12 drachma on that weird animal!”
“I think it’s a bear?”
“No way, you’re thinking of that librarian. It’s clearly a butterfly.”


“Hm, smaller than I was expecting.”

>”...is this a bad time to mention I don’t know how to wrestle?”

“No punching, kicking, biting, gouging of the eyes or grasping of the genitals, You score a point by making my back, hip, or shoulder touch the ground, if I concede, or leave the ring. We start in the center of the ring, and after each point we get a short break. Match starts and ends on referee’s call, and if you break any of the rules they will start whipping you until you stop.”

>”But whipping will injure my pretty back!”

“Then don’t break the rules. Now, we fight to three points using only what nature has given us.”

>”My stunning good looks and lovable attitude?”

“Our bodies.”

>”Right. Our, uh, rock hard, glistening, sweaty bodies.”

“My eyes are up here.”

>”Yes but your abs are down here.”
>>
No. 664027 ID: 0fc976

Do your best. If things don't work out, well, all that dirt you eat can be converted into stored dust.
>>
No. 664028 ID: 9297f4

Go for legs and use his weight against him then? We probably should avoid using our dust powers or flight.
>>
No. 664029 ID: e114bc

>>664026
...Alex, how much can you carry while flying? Nothing in the rules about flying. He'll probably interfere with your flying so you'd only be able to manage it in short bursts or as a surprise.

Anyway, wrestling like this is all about leverage, but you need some power too. You can in theory use his own strength against him, but only if you don't get grabbed and he's probably gonna grab you quick.

So get ready to lose hard, Alex.
>>
No. 664030 ID: ab7529

>>664021
Sydney-Tiara. The perfect disguise! We get to look fabulous, Sydney gets to be around, and no one freaks out over a fairy flitting around.

>“Our bodies.”
Well, that includes our wings, technically. Problem for wrestling is you don't any have leverage in the air. Also, it's going to be a lot easier to injure delicate wings.

>how fight
Use your small size, I guess. Be nimble, low to ground, dart around, try to upset his footing (Fight like kid link- really short and lots of rolling). Flys are really only useful for evasion.
>>
No. 664031 ID: 7aadf7

Don't fly. The festival-folk might see it as unfair and get pissy; we want them to like us, right?
>>
No. 664033 ID: 8b741d

>>664026
Use your size disadvantage to your advantage! Try to stay out of his grab and upset his balance when you're in a suitably safe position like to the side of him. Hitting him from behind would do nothing, because none of the specific parts needed to score a point would hit the ground.

But the main thing is to stay away from his grasp. If he gets hold of you then it's all over... Unless, your carapace is slick enough to weasel your way out of his hold?
>>
No. 664035 ID: 3bc92d

Feint to the side, then leap into flight and zip around the other man. Try to get him into a headlock.
>>
No. 664041 ID: a107fd

He's way heavier than you; use that. Prance around until grabbed, then lift into the air until he's underneath, then stop flying in such a way that his back hits the ground before yours.
>>
No. 664071 ID: defceb
File 144005506577.png - (41.71KB , 630x378 , 166.png )
664071

>”aaaAAAHHH!”

“Third point! Victory to Hypatos!”

”Oh damn it all.”
“Never bet on things that look like they can fly.”

>>
No. 664072 ID: defceb
File 144005511501.png - (56.63KB , 656x376 , 167.png )
664072

“For this next act, I will need a volunteer from the audience! My lovely assistant Hera will- oh look here comes one now!”
>>
No. 664074 ID: defceb
File 144005522472.png - (135.55KB , 826x642 , 168.png )
664074

“Hey, kid, are you okay?”

>”Hi, I’m Alex. I’m lightweight, aerodynamic, and I think that last hold gave me a face-full of di-”

“You’re okay. I hope you like magic shows because you just volunteered.”
>>
No. 664075 ID: e114bc

>>664074
Sure, I'm a bit naked right now though. Got a loincloth?
>>
No. 664087 ID: 3663d3

start singing do you believe in magic, and summon your clothes.
>>
No. 664096 ID: 77f772

Summon clothes, then fly up so you're about twice as high in the air as he is tall, then gently float down.

" ok, what do you need me to do?"
>>
No. 664134 ID: 88960e

>>664074
That is the best news I've had in several minutes!

Nice glasses-tattoos, by the way. That's neat.
>>
No. 664141 ID: 3abf6b

Do I ever!
>>
No. 664161 ID: ea0ad9

>I hope you like magic shows because you just volunteered.
"It's not going to damage the fluff, right? 'Cause that's the only way I could dislike magic."

Don't use dust yourself unless they say to. Proper dust control probably either is a part of their secret, or would just ruin the experience because they have no dust control whatsoever.
>>
No. 664166 ID: 2a7417

Equip some dust covers (ha) and follow along with the magician.
>>
No. 664176 ID: b6178d

>>664072

Bouncy, too, apparently.

>>664074

*pthui*

I'm game! Alexandrius Falt, at your service. Hi everyone!

>>664166

This, if anything! It's not such a good idea to out-show the showman... let's see what they've got, before we get too fancy ourselves.
>>
No. 664193 ID: a107fd

Dust up a swirly smoke cloud around yourself until you're upright or at least marginally dignified, then pull the smoke back in so it vanishes into your sleeve, and bow. "Yes! I, Alexandrius Falt, am willingly participating in this magic show."
>>
No. 666211 ID: defceb
File 144109534757.png - (194.54KB , 804x423 , 169.png )
666211

>”I’m game! Name’s-”

“Alex! I brought your clothes! You really, what was the phrase Sydney used, got kicked in the ass?”

“Received an ass-kicking, classified [thorough].”

>”...Alexandrius Falt, at your service. Nice tattoos.”

“They’re not- hm, my name is Hera, assistant to Archmage Korvo. I’ll lead you on stage in a moment for the trick. It’s going to be a disappearing act, so once the tarp is thrown over you I highly suggest you stand perfectly still. Also, you’ll want to close- er, cover your eyes because you may briefly see inside-out during the performance.”

>”Inside out?”

“Also please don’t distract Korvo, just answer any questions he poses to you directly and quickly, don’t speak otherwise, and most importantly I can see that you’re dust attuned so please don’t try to show off once you’re on stage. If you’re one of those wizards who absolutely must test their mettle please wait until after the performance. Oh, and your psychopomp will have to remain out of sight until after the show. Understand?”
>>
No. 666219 ID: d93d23

Oh no, no mettle testing. If anything you were hoping you could speak to Korvo after the performance.
>>
No. 666225 ID: a107fd

Put an active-camo dust shell around Sidney. "Is this sufficiently out of sight?"
>>
No. 666228 ID: 88960e

>you may see inside out
Suddenly, I don't think Alex is covering his eyes. Too much tempation.

>not tattoos
Wait, does that mean they're functional holo-glasses or something? Even cooler.

>your psychopomp will have to remain out of sight until after the show
Yeah, we've already been trying to avoid spooking people with her. That's cool. Low profile, Sydney?

>mettle testing
I'd be more interested in a chance to talk shop after the show, if the archmage would oblige.
>>
No. 666246 ID: f074b5

These guns won't remain out of sight!

Acquiesce to the assistant's other stipulations for your cooperation in this exhibition.
>>
No. 666250 ID: 6c6c55

>>666211
no eye covering. gotta science this
>>
No. 666286 ID: e114bc

>>666211
Wear clothes, Mostly cover eyes.
>>
No. 666308 ID: 9ddf68

put on clothes first. Then see whether or not Sidney can hide on your head or will need to switch over to Phonita's head for a bit.
>>
No. 666312 ID: ea0ad9

>Oh, and your psychopomp
We'll have to ask them how they knew about that after the show. Either the assistant or the magician must be a user.
>>
No. 666331 ID: 57dfcc

>>666312
Not necessarily. It strikes me that if you're strong enough to become an archmage, you're going to end up interacting with users, either as peers or opponents at some point. Even if neither of them in a user, they're in a position to have learned something about them.
>>
No. 666663 ID: 3bc92d

Don't cover your eyes. You've got to see what this wizard does, so you can replicate it later and become a world-famous magician yourself.
>>
No. 666688 ID: fbc59e

Close eyes, the wizard says to do that for a reason I think...
>>
No. 666883 ID: defceb
File 144126728549.png - (91.79KB , 688x433 , 170.png )
666883

>”Low profile, Sydney?”

“Very well. Photina? Let us be off to the audience.”

“Follow me, please.”
>>
No. 666884 ID: defceb
File 144126736449.png - (115.58KB , 606x512 , 171.png )
666884

“They look like a bug?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of those before.”
“Maybe it’s the drinks we’ve had.”


“Everyone, before we go on to the last part of the performance, let’s have another round of applause for our brave volunteer! psst, hey kid, introduce yourself to the audience. Speak up so everyone can hear..”
>>
No. 666892 ID: ef2801

"Name's Alex"

Don't see much of a reason to get flashy with our introduction. Plus I kinda want to see what this trick is. Oh and make sure you speak loud enough for the crowd to hear. I mean they're already freaking out a little about how we look, once they find out we can talk as well it should give us a quick laugh.
>>
No. 666922 ID: 88960e

Wave enthusiastically. Heeeeey, everyone! I'm Alex! Who's ready to see some magic?!
>>
No. 666936 ID: 0fc976

"I am [LOUD DIAL-UP NOISES]! We come in peace!"
>>
No. 666938 ID: d93d23

>>666922
This is just perfect. Do this.
>>
No. 666939 ID: 845929

Let it be a name that cannot be spoken in human tongue.
>>
No. 666941 ID: 2a7417

Hey Sydney, don't translate my name for them, okay? I wanna see their reaction.
>>
No. 667187 ID: ea0ad9

>>666892
>Don't see much of a reason to get flashy with our introduction.
>>666922
>Wave enthusiastically.
These are good points. Be enthusiastic, but not flashy. "Hi! I'm Alex!" is all we need. Nothing major or startling.
>>
No. 667191 ID: b6178d

>>667187

These are probably for the best. Again, it's a show, and to try to steal the show would be rude to the person we want to ask (possibly rude-seeming) questions after the show. Let's focus on making a good first impression!

Though we're hella peeking at what being turned inside out looks like. Let's hope it's not as puke-inducing as it sounds.

(It's totally going to be puke-inducing. Might want to dust up a barf-bag.)
>>
No. 667381 ID: 99cfa8

>>666936
Pfft, can we do this please?
>>
No. 668768 ID: defceb
File 144186705377.png - (86.12KB , 819x581 , 172.png )
668768

>”Hi, I’m Alex! Are you ready to see some magic- oh hi tarp.”

“It talks!?”
“Meh, I’ve seen a talking animal before.”
“You also eat wild mushrooms.”

>>
No. 668769 ID: defceb
File 144186707034.png - (72.33KB , 384x624 , 173.png )
668769

“Now, look and be amazed! Before your very eyes I will make Alex disappear, and then reappear completely unharmed!”

“Alex, was it?”

“As was demonstrated before, there are no trap doors on this stage. I think it’s safe to say our volunteer has no body-doubles waiting in the audience as well.”

”I think we’d notice if there were two of them!”

“Remember, eyes closed.”
>>
No. 668771 ID: e114bc

>>668769
Do I look like I have eyelids to you?
>>
No. 668772 ID: 3663d3

"but i wanna see the 4th dimension"

then "fiiiine, gosh"
>>
No. 668773 ID: b03335

Cover eyes with a sigh then peek through your fingers.
>>
No. 668775 ID: 0fc976

Take a compound interest in what you see.
>>
No. 668779 ID: defceb
File 144187087385.png - (1.65KB , 500x500 , 174.png )
668779

>”Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine.

“They’re ready.”

“Count with me! Three! Two! One!”
>>
No. 668781 ID: defceb
File 144187093086.png - (37.07KB , 500x500 , 175.png )
668781

>>
No. 668782 ID: defceb
File 144187094287.png - (96.02KB , 765x484 , 176.png )
668782

>>
No. 668783 ID: defceb
File 144187095891.png - (39.38KB , 500x500 , 177.png )
668783

>>
No. 668784 ID: defceb
File 144187097641.png - (1.65KB , 500x500 , 178.png )
668784

>>
No. 668786 ID: defceb
File 144187104374.png - (98.58KB , 570x615 , 179.png )
668786

”Where did they go!?”
“Maybe a trap door?”
“No way, there’s no trap door on this stage.”


“Feeling amazed already? Have a look at the back row!”

”NO WAY HE DID IT!”
“Pssh, it’s because he’s one of those wizard-types.”
“I know a few and they can’t do anything like that.”
“I need to see that again. Is he going to do another show?”


>”...what the fuck?”
>>
No. 668788 ID: e114bc

>>668786
Did you hear anything while you were... wherever you were? The sound of water, perhaps?

Go ask how he did it!
>>
No. 668789 ID: 3663d3

huh, anubis.

teleportation would be handy. gotta learn how he did that.
>>
No. 668794 ID: b03335

Well that was kinda cool. We should ask Sidney what her take on that would be.
>>
No. 668801 ID: 88960e

Anubis fishes? Chill dude, I guess. Although I thought this was magic-future Greece, not Egypt!

Check later with Sydney to see if anything interesting happened when you disappeared, like if she lost your signal.

...quick, take a bow! Showmanship, here.

(Also I feel like we should unabashedly be all "I peeked!" layer too).
>>
No. 668806 ID: 088824

Teleportation sounds pretty useful. Perhaps the wizard's willing to exchange his skills for something?
>>668801
He might've been fishing in the Styx.
>>
No. 668810 ID: 486096

Exclaim how that was so cool and we have never seen anything like it. (So did we peek or did we see that despite our eyes being covered?)

We should not ask these questions in front of the audience (many stage magicians like to keep their audience wondering), but after the show we should definitely ask this guy how he did that and also ask Sydney what our signal did during that time.
>>
No. 668825 ID: 0fc976

>>668810
We can't actually close our eyes.

Bow and wave for the audience, but after the show ask if that teleport trick in any way involves raising the dead. When asked if you looked, deflect with saying you felt a sudden chill. It wouldn't be our first trip to the afterlife, we suppose, but we'd rather not go there more than is necessary.
>>
No. 668830 ID: a6f913

>>668810
seconding asking sydney what that looked like to them.
>>
No. 668883 ID: 149da0

>>668830
Sydney can show us actually, since she should be recording.

>>668786
Check that you haven't been replaced with a robot double!
>>
No. 669360 ID: defceb
File 144213205307.png - (64.57KB , 701x660 , 180.png )
669360

“Alex, that was so cool!”

>”What just happened?”

“He did this flourish and it looked like he struck you with that lady’s staff.”

“Your signal vanished for a moment, but I don’t see any anomalies now that you’ve returned. I’ve recorded the incident for later viewing if you so wish.”

“But instead of being all THWAK, ow! You vanished! He waved around the tarp and everything!”

>”I totally peeked.”

“I was all ‘oh no! Alex has vanished!’ but then he pointed up to here and you were totally there! Here. In this spot.”

>”I think I saw Anubis?”

“An ancient egyptian god of the afterlife?”

>”Or something that looked like Anubis.”

“Closest relations, [folk lore], [fairy tales], and [dead cults] show close matches. Old stories of people seeing a dog-headed man in times of near-death. Considered a bad omen. If you put any belief to these tales, we should be concerned.”

“How did he DO that? Can you do that? ...can I do that?”

“Unlikely.”

“Aww. So Alex, what now? I was thinking we could visit the pools, or check out statues, or I heard some music earlier that might be fun.”
>>
No. 669361 ID: 3663d3

well, if i had to guess, he seemed surprised to seem me to. anyway, we need to talk with magic man.
>>
No. 669365 ID: 9c86f0

Ask about Anubis then check out their kind of music.
>>
No. 669366 ID: 9ddf68

well first let's ask magic man about that spell, then let's find the music.

Oh and as for the Anubis look alike, I don't see how a confused fishermen is a sign of a bad omen. Granted if our positions had been switched and I was the one fishing only to have a jackal man appear in front of me only to disappear a moment later I'd probably react the same way.
>>
No. 669368 ID: 2f4b71

>>669360
>it looked like he struck you with that lady’s staff
So she's probably the actual Dust user, with the 'magician' just being a performer.
>>
No. 669379 ID: 269c44

How much time elapsed between our disappearance and reappearance; and how fast would that mean we moved (assuming all time disappeared was spent moving)?
As a side note, I am concerned he might have done the philosophically worrying "disintegrate and reassemble" version of teleportation to us, but I am not sure how we would tell.
>>
No. 669382 ID: b7190e

>>669360
we're off to see the wizard
>>
No. 669385 ID: 149da0

>Old stories of people seeing a dog-headed man in times of near-death.
Well, technically, I am near death. Except just to the right rather than the left. I mean, it's only been a day or so.

>so Alex, what now? I was thinking we could visit the pools, or check out statues, or I heard some music earlier that might be fun.
Well, I think if we should try to talk to the wizard.

If we can't (he won't see us, crowd in the way) music and dancing sounds fun. Then we can relax in the pools! (And see more naked people).
>>
No. 669390 ID: ea0ad9

Wait, it was the lady's staff that I was hit with? She's also the one that mentioned knowing you're a psychopomp, and that I'm a user. I think she's the real magician behind all this. I wanna talk with her.
>>
No. 669394 ID: e114bc

>>669390
Oooooh, you may be right!
>>
No. 669440 ID: a107fd

Go talk to the lady and point out that, while she never actually gave you a chance to explain this, it is in fact physically impossible for you to close your eyes so you're worried whether seeing that dog-headed fisherman will cause you any ongoing problems.
>>
No. 669485 ID: defceb
File 144220218786.png - (76.62KB , 585x358 , 181.png )
669485

“Your shows are certainly becoming popular.”

“And exhausting. You go on ahead without me. I think I’d rather like to relax here with my drink for a while.”

“Oh no, what will I ever do without you?”

“Hera.”

“I’ll get lost forever. It’ll be so lonely.”

“Hera, please.”

“Enjoy the adoration of your fans while I’m gone.”

>”Hello!”

“Speaking of. I’ll leave you to get acquainted.”
>>
No. 669486 ID: 3663d3

a wanna learn how you did that, and b. explain epic quest.
>>
No. 669488 ID: 0fc976

So, has anyone ever not returned from that teleport?
>>
No. 669489 ID: 149da0

>>669485
Hey guys! So fun fact, I don't think I actually have eyelids anymore.

>I’ll leave you to get acquainted.
You sure you don't want to talk shop? You're a dust user too, aren't you?
>>
No. 669493 ID: e114bc

Teleportation would be really useful, please explain how you did that.
...or is it uncontrollable where you end up, and only goes a short range?

Also, which one of you actually did that?
>>
No. 669494 ID: 9ddf68

"Would it be to much to ask just how exactly you did that?"

also I have a question, is this silhouette style just an artistic choice or does it have something to do with the teleportation spell
>>
No. 669503 ID: defceb

>>669494
It's just an artistic choice. The panels don't have much in the way of new visual information to convey and I've been under a lot of stress lately, which has been negatively affecting my art. I figure silhouette panels like these are a decent concession to not be bogged down on the panels for a million years without much loss. I'm sorry if they're not to your liking.
>>
No. 669506 ID: 9ddf68

>>669503
no no, it's fine, I just was a bit paranoid that us seeing the dog guy cursed us or something and the new look was just hinting at the non existent curse. That's all
>>
No. 669515 ID: ea0ad9

>You sure you don't want to talk shop? You're a dust user too, aren't you?
Not in front of the "Magician." It's possible she's got a psychopomp, and that could give it away.
>a wanna learn how you did that, and b. explain epic quest.
Not very stealthy if you're explain what you're doing, and a magician never reveals his secrets.
"Well, I was hoping to speak with you as well, miss, perhaps later?"
After that bit, we can ask the magician if we're in danger from having had our eyes open during that.
>>
No. 669549 ID: 2f4b71

>>669485
Just ignore the magician guy entirely and talk to the 'assistant':
>Hi! How did you do that? Was it the staff? Can you teach me how to do it too? Who was that dog-head guy?
>>
No. 669552 ID: 88960e

>>669515
It's not giving anything away. The blue tattoos / circuits out her as a birthright dust user.
>>
No. 669560 ID: 2a7417

How can I use magic to get better at naked wrestling?
>>
No. 669723 ID: a107fd

What's the range on that magic trick, and are there any other inherent limitations? See, I'm trying to get to the top of this tower, no, not the festival thing, that one on the horizon over there, and while I already have a somewhat plausible plan I'm not in a position to be passing up any possible shortcuts.
>>
No. 669729 ID: defceb
File 144230584132.png - (92.32KB , 665x394 , 182.png )
669729

>”I was hoping to speak with you as well, miss.”

“...very well, you have my attention.”

>”I was actually wondering how you did that last trick-”

“No.”

>”bwuh?”

“What Hera was trying to say is that I have no interest in sharing my technique with you. You are hardly the first mage to ask after my skills, and I’d hate to see you get hurt trying to imitate them.”

“Alex is skilled! I can testify on his behalf.”

“Impress me. If you’re as great as the lady thinks you are then maybe I can change my mind.”
>>
No. 669732 ID: 3663d3

get out the battery, it's time for some MAGIC! create a laser strong enough to punch a hole in a cloud.
>>
No. 669736 ID: a8bdb3

Impersonate Hero of Alexandria! Build an aeolipile out of dust. A primitive steam engine will show them you know about physics.
>>
No. 669737 ID: ad936f

I think we should just straight up ask them what they'd find impressive.
>>
No. 669740 ID: 2a7417

You can... Make an apple disappear! (By eating it.)
>>
No. 669742 ID: 4be41f

>>669729
you must shout "BEHOLD!" before anything that you choose to do. it is only proper.

we're gonna have to use out specialty; anachronistic technology. powerful lasers, robots, an engine, a rifle, holograms/lcd/touch screen, a hot air balloon/zeppelin.

or you could invisibilitify yourself like you did that one time.
>>
No. 669743 ID: 21e528

>>669736
A tiny steam engine... and then once they get a good look at it we pull out a laser and melt it!
>>
No. 669747 ID: 6750cf

I'm pretty sure just flying will do, but >>669732 is more amusing.
>>
No. 669750 ID: 88960e

>I’d hate to see you get hurt trying to imitate them.
If they know anything about users or psychopomps, they know you don't have a much of a life expectancy anyways.

>impress me
Rube Golberg espresso maker. An entire rooms worth of whirling contraptions for the best thing they've ever tasted.
>>
No. 669803 ID: 8d9368

>>669743
wow please don't melt any steam engines we make they are expensive
>>
No. 669812 ID: e114bc

Don't waste too much power on a demonstration. Not unless you can buy the resources to fuel a generator of some kind to recharge your battery.
>>
No. 669879 ID: defceb
File 144238150777.png - (89.46KB , 618x400 , 183.png )
669879

>”Behold! The Aeolipile! Capable of turning steam into motion!”

“Neat!”
>>
No. 669880 ID: defceb
File 144238152989.png - (31.71KB , 774x433 , 184.png )
669880

“You can take care of this without me, Korvo.”

“Uh... that’s kind of cool, I guess. Can’t say I’m impressed, though”
>>
No. 669881 ID: e114bc

>>669880
How about a tesla coil?
>>
No. 669883 ID: defceb
File 144238224249.png - (89.34KB , 389x640 , 185.png )
669883

>”Behold! The Tesla Coil! If I were to turn it on it would shoot lightning all over the place! But I won’t because that’s dangerous.”

“Neat!”

“Look, uh, Alcaeus? I won’t say your ideas lack merit but your technique is… fragile.”
>>
No. 669885 ID: e114bc

>>669883
Uh. What do you mean by fragile? Like, weak material-wise? If so, got any tips to help with that? Seems like reinforcing the Dust with available raw materials helps.
>>
No. 669889 ID: 0fc976

Well, it is called Dust. Of course it could be scattered by a sneeze.
>>
No. 669890 ID: defceb
File 144238381546.png - (41.17KB , 669x410 , 186.png )
669890

>”What do you mean by fragile? Like, weak material-wise?”

“Not quite, though that is a side effect. It’s… hm, what’s the best way to explain. Here, try that again.”

>”ooookay then. Behold! The-
>>
No. 669891 ID: defceb
File 144238382826.png - (52.52KB , 609x335 , 187.png )
669891

>”hghgnnnnghkkk”
>>
No. 669892 ID: e114bc

>>669891
So... easily disrupted. Alex lacks focus. FOCUS MORE BETTER.
>>
No. 669894 ID: 3663d3

well then, what's the secret to not losing it when attacked?
>>
No. 669895 ID: 0fc976

Gross dude, don't put your arm in his mouth like that!
>>
No. 669904 ID: ad936f

taze him
>>
No. 669913 ID: 88960e

Make an anvil appear over his head anyways.

And then tell Photina not to cut his arm off or anything, it's cool.
>>
No. 669914 ID: e1ea4d

hmmmm how about delegation? make something that'll trigger the Tesla coil creation by itself?
>>
No. 669928 ID: 6ee1f4

If he has a way to keep casting despite being punched we would be happy to hear it. ...And perhaps to see a demonstration?

(From this guy's reactions, it seems that both him and the lady are dust users rather than one or the other.)
>>
No. 669942 ID: ea0ad9

>>669891
Focus on building it one bit at a time, then. Wire by wire.
>>
No. 670011 ID: 8d9368

>>669891
He didn't say 'cast fireballs at me', he said 'impress me.' He should have been more damn specific.
>>
No. 670012 ID: ad936f

>>669942
that's the opposite of what we need to do. We need to not think about doing it and just do it
>>
No. 670106 ID: defceb
File 144247336391.png - (135.73KB , 690x451 , 188.png )
670106

>”ggak”

“Alex, are you okay!?”

>”aahhg, I’m okay. I think.”

“You’re unfocused, your technique is lackluster, and your constructions were, at best, fragile.”

>”I feel dizzy…”

“Relax, I just scrambled your circuits. It’ll wear off.”

>”You can just DO that?”

“You were wide open, in every sense of the word. I’ve been lead to believe Users lives are noted by conflict, so I hoped you would be more prepared but…”

>”Well if you know the secret to not getting punched out I’d love to hear it.”

“Hmm, you know the phrase, healthy body, healthy mind, something like that? A man much wiser than me said it in much nicer words. Maybe start there.”
>>
No. 670108 ID: e114bc

>>670106
Sydney why am I apparently a shitty User but you want me to attempt a near-impossible task anyway?

It sounds like "healthy body" means you have to work out? Get stronk? Also how the heck do you refine your Dust technique? I mean what more is there to it than "think of a thing"?
>>
No. 670117 ID: 230832

Huh, well I guess it's better we learned about this now then when our lives are on the line. Ask if he has any other advice he'd think could help and ask how long tell your wings come back? Because honestly, without the wings and the ability to fly I feel pretty defenseless right now.

Well anyways we keep these guy held up long enough and it wouldn't be fair to him or our two friends if we held everyone up the rest of the night. Thank for the time, advice, and the show and let's see what kind of music this place has.
>>
No. 670128 ID: 3663d3

well, you've kinda just shot things from a distance. before they could get close enough to do anything like that.

anyway, one problem is we can't exactly do training. we need to be ready at all times for giant robots to try and kill us, so doing things that leave us tired, even for a little while, is kinda impossible. like working out. unless you know a way to improve me without that.
>>
No. 670132 ID: ad936f

Ask our psychopomp how to work out an insect body. And ask him what this has to do with knowing how to teleport.
>>
No. 670139 ID: 88960e

>I’ve been lead to believe Users lives are noted by conflict, so I hoped you would be more prepared but…
To clear that up, you're half right. Users do lead lives of conflict, but said conflict generally doesn't let us live long enough to capitalize on that. I've been at this a day.

Sydney! What percentage of users survive at least as long as I have?

Pretty much every user you meet is a person of great potential, with little chance to act on it.

Right now knowledge is actually more useful to me than skill, since I actually started with a bunch of that. And it's a lot faster to pick up. So... If you won't teach me, can we talk theory?
>>
No. 670140 ID: 0fc976

The secret to not getting punched is to run away, climb up a tree and throw rocks at 'em.
>>
No. 670290 ID: defceb
File 144255271292.png - (58.34KB , 409x408 , 189.png )
670290

>”Sydney why do I suck at everything?”

“We all start somewhere.”

>”Well, thanks for the advice Korvo.”

“Finally someone who listens.”

>”Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll have time for proper training. I have to be ready for giant robots to burst out of the ground-”

“Sometimes literally.”

>“-at any moment trying to kill me and lifting weights will leave me tired and vulnerable.”

“....hm. Well, you’re one of the first mages I’ve met who hasn’t been a huge ass so… maybe I could give you a bit of a jump start.”

>”Yeah, fuck it, what do I have to lose?”

“Organs, friends, confidence, pride…”

>”That was rhetorical, Sydney.”

“Alright. Just don’t bite your tongue.”
>>
No. 670291 ID: defceb
File 144255273184.png - (74.30KB , 500x385 , 190.png )
670291

“...this may sting a little.”
>>
No. 670292 ID: defceb
File 144255274632.png - (226.74KB , 1000x468 , 191.png )
670292

Choose one!

Stealth Bug - Alex’s dust illusions become more efficient and he becomes capable of creating a dust-double on the fly. His outer shell also becomes capable of self-camouflaging, allowing him to become invisible at no cost. A must have for the bug on the run.

Hard Light - Alex’s body and raw dust constructions become reinforced, allowing both of them to endure more pain and suffering in combat. Additional organ protection also helps against internal injuries, sonic damage, and chemical weapons. Perfect for the bug getting punched.

Vampire - Alex gains the ability to drain dust directly from living beings. If he kills another User in the process, he can steal one of their abilities. Bleh, bleh, I vant to suck your bloooood.
>>
No. 670293 ID: 3663d3

i vote hard light.
>>
No. 670295 ID: ea0ad9

>”Sydney why do I suck at everything?”
>“We all start somewhere.”
Hey, the right answer was that I'm Unorthodox, Sydney!
>Jump start
I don't want to kill other users, so the vampire's out, but we can't just run from everything, so we need Hard Light.
>>
No. 670296 ID: eb385b

>>670292
I vote Vampire
>>
No. 670300 ID: 0fc976

Wampire! Invisibility is useless against the hunters' superior sensor suites (if visible spectrum invisibility only) and vampirism lets us gain even more abilities. "But vampirism's also useless against robots!" you cry. Well BLEH BLEH I VANT TO SUCK YOUR BLOOoooOOOD also not all of our hunters are robotic.
>>
No. 670303 ID: c74c7b

>>670292
Hard light.
Vampire is operating off of too much of an assumption that we otherwise haven't seen come into play yet. Are we gonna see enough dust users that an ability like that is going to be that useful?
>>
No. 670304 ID: e6fcea

Given how we dealt with the ambush some time ago, I'd say Hard Light would be reasonable.
>>
No. 670305 ID: 0062af

Hard Light seems to the most handy in a pinch. More power to the deflector shields, captain!
>>
No. 670307 ID: e114bc

>>670292
Hard light. Because if we're going to use bigger guns we need better materials for those guns, without having to cannibalize the environment, which is slower and won't work at all if we're flying. Also, good for not dying to the tiniest things! Like being punched!

I hope we can make a dust clone if we have preparation time.

I'm not voting for Vampire because we have not had any indication we'll ever run out of dust, and therefore it's only good for stealing abilities. In that case, we have to kill at least one other User, and from the sound of things Alex might not be able to pull that off. Also, other Users seem to be rare. Also it seems maybe an evil power? Just a bit?
>>
No. 670312 ID: 0fc976

>>670307
Powers aren't good or bad, it's how you use them. Not all Users are as benevolent as Alex. (See: The one that's been tasked with killing us)
>>
No. 670325 ID: ea0ad9

>>670307
Dust is infinite, but takes time to generate. Being able to get it faster would actually be helpful.
>>
No. 670330 ID: 1ec2ef

Hard light or stealth. Those are my votes
>>
No. 670333 ID: ad936f

stealth sounds perfect for what we've doing, but if we ever want to actually fight anything we're gonna want to be less of a glass cannon, my vote goes to hard light.
>>
No. 670338 ID: 5a02f7

Hard light!
>>
No. 670339 ID: 88960e

>>670292
Alex is a mad scientist slash crafter. Hard light makes our things better, and protects us when they blow up in our face. That's a must.

Plus magic forcefields have to help when a personal goal is to build your own atomic reactor.
>>
No. 670342 ID: 863006

vampire is cool in theory but we'll never ever use it. just, ever. we're too nice. can you imagine us killing someone using this? i can't imagine us killing anyone sapient at all.

i'd go for stealth but that's the easiest one to overcome. infrared vision alone basically renders it useless. echolocation is another method.

hard light is for the non-forethinkers. we should build armor and a gas mask instead. the internal injury protection would be nice though.

overall i'd go for hard light, it'll always be relevant and will give us some more leeway to come up with something clever.
>>
No. 670344 ID: 5efe8a

Hard Light will help out with surviving more immediate threats as well as our attack plans on that great, big tower. Yet, I keep wanting to pick Vampire for the initial hard mode, not to mention that it'll help compensate later when the attack plans falter, as they usually do, with a (hopefully) greater number of skills. Also would give us more reason to get experience in, y'know, actually winning combat instead of pulling off successful escapes.
>>
No. 670352 ID: d66a73

Hard Light. We are too picky about who we kill for Vampire to be likely to have many returns, and Invisibility can be countered even if it is multi-spectrum by some of the same things that Hard Light would protect us from (like AoE sonic or gas attacks).
>>
No. 670354 ID: 88960e

>>670291
Whoo! That's a rush. I changed my mind, getting punched in the face is awesome!
>>
No. 670364 ID: 2a7417

When ve go vampire, ve can put fangs on our bug. Ah! Ah! Ah!
>>
No. 670405 ID: defceb
File 144261558612.png - (100.30KB , 491x460 , 192.png )
670405

You’ve chosen Hard Light!
>>
No. 670408 ID: defceb
File 144261572113.png - (1.51KB , 491x460 , 193.png )
670408

”He’s been out for a while now…”

“He needs the rest. Korvo essentially rearranged his organs.”

>>
No. 670410 ID: defceb
File 144261581664.png - (125.65KB , 671x489 , 194.png )
670410

“Are you sure holding him here will help?”

“He’ll appreciate it, I’m positive.”
>>
No. 670411 ID: 3663d3

"yep, this is definitely very comfortable"
>>
No. 670412 ID: fede3c

"I also can't tell if I need to throw up or not."
>>
No. 670414 ID: 9946e2

I'm up, not sure about walking yet so I'm just going to lay here for a minute. What I miss and how much time is left of the festival? If it's over sorry I ruined your guy's night.
>>
No. 670415 ID: b6178d

>>670408

Considering a rearrangement was likely to happen to my organs anyway, I think I'm good. Thanks for watching over me, guys. And, uh, where's Korvo? He needs thanking too, if I'm correctly understanding the changes he made.
>>
No. 670416 ID: 149da0

This >>670411 and this >>670354

>>670410
Test your powers! Make something cool to look at out of hard light forcefields to show her your gratitude. Like an intricate little dragonfly, say. (Flit around, land on her nose).
>>
No. 670426 ID: 0fc976

Blow a raspberry. *Pbbbbbbbbbbbbt*
>>
No. 670452 ID: ad936f

>>670412
Can we even throw up?
>>
No. 670500 ID: 67d5dc

There are certainly much worse ways to have my organs rearranged.
>>
No. 670508 ID: 863006

>>670410
wait!
guys!
WAIT!

she doesn't have underwear!
>>
No. 670512 ID: 3663d3

>>670508
compound eyes
>>
No. 671304 ID: defceb
File 144282710692.png - (163.81KB , 810x527 , 195.png )
671304

>”Yep, this is definitely very comfortable. But uh… I can’t tell if I need to throw up or not.”

“Not on my lap, please.”

>“What did I miss? Is the festival over? I’m sorry if I ruined your night.”

“It’s okay. I’ve just been enjoying the view from here. You’re up in time for a parade.”

>“Naked runners. I don’t know why I’m still surprised at this point.”

“Is it so weird?”

>“Cultural differences, I guess. In my time nudity wasn’t really a thing. Er, for most people.”

“Your time was weird.”

>“Your time is weird.”

“You’re weird.”

>“You’re weird.”

“Hm... do you miss it? Your old life, I mean.”
>>
No. 671308 ID: ad936f

I can't say I remember the specifics. Least not of my personal life. I say my time but I really mean the time that I'm most knowledgeable about. Hell, the language I'm speaking didn't even exist back in "my time". sigh Everything about my life is bizarre.
>>
No. 671309 ID: 149da0

>“Hm... do you miss it? Your old life, I mean.”
I dunno, this life is pretty cool. Even with the weirdness. Maybe because of the weirdness. It's not like I remember a whole lot of the parts of my old life that applied to me. Just sort of the general stuff.

Plus hey, I'm a wizard now. That's cool.
>>
No. 671336 ID: 2a7417

Not really. We don't have personal memories of our time, heck for all we know we were just implanted with those memories when we woke up. Our time is now.
that could have been a John Cena reference if you chose Stealth Bug, you knuckleheads.
>>
No. 671343 ID: 4780ef

don't really remember my old life truth be told. Just bits and pieces. Besides, nothing good ever came from living in the past, I'm more of a hear and now kind of guy anyways.
>>
No. 671364 ID: e114bc

>>671304
Well, air conditioning was nice.
>>
No. 671371 ID: ea0ad9

>do you miss it? Your old life, I mean.
In that it was peaceful and I didn't have to worry about being hunted down, yes. But, I definitely like this life, too. I can fly, I get to travel and see a bunch of new places, and do a lot of other cool things that I couldn't before.
>>
No. 671379 ID: 3663d3

>>671371
and hang out with a cute girl.
>>
No. 671567 ID: 263d48

>>671304
on the one hand things made more sense and were less dangerous.
on the other hand we've got a vulva in our face.
>>
No. 671882 ID: a107fd

Kiss her belly button.
>>
No. 671887 ID: e114bc

>>671882
Gosh can't we at least hold hands first?
>>
No. 671917 ID: a107fd

>>671887
Yes, we can hold hands first. In fact we did, as part of the the whole stealthy airborne extraction thing. We've also gotten shot at by killbots together, and presumably picked wood splinters out of her thighs before infection set in. More recently, she watched us wrestling a huge brawny guy, naked. I think a quick experimental kiss would not be wildly excessive, as escalations of intimacy go, with the usual caution about desisting if she reacts at all negatively.
>>
No. 671931 ID: 88960e

>>671379
*beat* Turn, pet Sydney. Who's a cute glowbug.
>>
No. 672393 ID: defceb
File 144314785036.png - (147.99KB , 600x491 , 196.png )
672393

>”Air conditioning was nice.”

“Was that a type of magic?”

>”Felt like it. I didn’t get hunted by robots, either. But now I can fly! Plus travel to all these cool news places, do wizard magic, and hang out with a cute girl!”

“Who, Sydney?”

“Hello.”

"You are a cute little glowbug, Sydney."

"I'm [flattered]."
>>
No. 672396 ID: 5a02f7

W-well, I didn't mean Sydney, exactly. More like... like you.
>>
No. 672398 ID: 149da0

>>672393
Cute girls, even!
>>
No. 672410 ID: e114bc

>>672396
Bonus points for booping her nose while saying this.
>>
No. 672413 ID: defceb
File 144315217062.png - (166.36KB , 600x491 , 197.png )
672413

>”Cute girls, even!”

“Girls? But there’s only Sydney and mysel- UUUUUUHHHHH."
>>
No. 672414 ID: defceb
File 144315219511.png - (95.85KB , 743x434 , 198.png )
672414

“llllLLLLOOOOK at the time I’m hungry, are you hungry, I’m going to go find food and something I don’t know
>>
No. 672415 ID: defceb
File 144315222568.png - (55.90KB , 571x430 , 199.png )
672415

>”Sydney.”

“I don’t think she was prepared for that kind of attention.”

>”Sydney.”

“What?”

>"She wasn't wearing underwear."
>>
No. 672416 ID: 5efe8a

Mission: Success. Good job.

Well, you still gotta boop noses. And at some point try out your new skill.
>>
No. 672424 ID: 3663d3

well, get some practice with that new hardlight stuff. make a few shields and assorted knick knacks.
>>
No. 672428 ID: a09448

you two are perfect for each other.

So what's left to do with the festival or if that is truly over and done with what's next on our todo list?
>>
No. 672439 ID: 149da0

>>672413
Haha, don't embarrass her too much, or she might go dust circuit hulk again.

>She wasn't wearing underwear
*Look up* And neither are you! Naughty little Tinkerbell.

And yeah, let's experiment with making small hard light constructs while we wait for Photina to calm down and come back with food.
>>
No. 672450 ID: defceb
File 144315653356.png - (103.16KB , 682x682 , 200.png )
672450

>”And neither are you!”

“Rude.”

>”Lewd. So what can I do with my new dust skills?”

“Nothing right now. Between Korvo scrambling your circuits and the upgrade, you’ll still recovering.”

>”Lame. I got new toys, I want to try them now!”

“Patience is a [virtue].”

>”Reclassify patience as a boring virtue.”

“Patience is a [boring virtue].”

>“Ha. ...Hey, Sydney, does it seem quiet to you?”
>>
No. 672451 ID: defceb
File 144315655315.png - (131.69KB , 919x518 , 201.png )
672451

>”...where did everyone go?”
>>
No. 672453 ID: e114bc

>>672451
Looks like we have to face the CONSEQUENCES. Turn around and ask who your shadow is. Anubis?
>>
No. 672460 ID: 3663d3

looks like anubis totally saw you seeing them.
>>
No. 672468 ID: af99b1

neat trick you're pull off with your shadow.
>>
No. 672469 ID: 149da0

Man, it would sure suck if I was attacked by ROBOTS when I was helpless, and in the middle of a town too.

*beat, turn to shadow*

Oh, hey there, Jackal-god. How you doing? fishing trip over already?
>>
No. 672471 ID: 0f1c4d

I believe the response here is "Doggy!"
>>
No. 672509 ID: defceb
File 144316201925.png - (47.10KB , 501x351 , 202.png )
672509

>”Man, it would sure suck if I was attacked by ROBOTS while I was helpless, and in the middle of the town, too!”

>”Oh hey there Jackal go- oh, uh, you’re not the jackal god. Uh… hey there.”
>>
No. 672510 ID: defceb
File 144316203298.png - (41.67KB , 475x652 , 203.png )
672510

“Hey there.”
>>
No. 672511 ID: defceb
File 144316205232.png - (93.96KB , 542x491 , 204.png )
672511

>>
No. 672512 ID: defceb
File 144316211871.png - (186.60KB , 1000x539 , 205.png )
672512

Fuck, I shouldn’t have ever become a mercenary. Should have lived off the farm like the rest of my family. Marry off with some girl. Grow old. Now I’ve lost an arm, and by the looks of it the rest of my crew, too. Fuck this job. Fuck that monster.
>>
No. 672516 ID: e114bc

>>672512
You should probably get the hell away from the target, you're no match for him.
>>
No. 672519 ID: 149da0

>>672510
...I don't suppose you're interested in negotiation, diplomacy, a civil discussion, or telling me your plans in great detail?

>>672512
Maybe if you stop annoying her, she won't kill you.

Or she'll at least make it quick.
>>
No. 672527 ID: 3663d3

get a psychopomp
>>
No. 672544 ID: defceb
File 144316550134.png - (27.00KB , 811x451 , 206.png )
672544

Yeah, fuck it. I'll run home like a coward. Nothing is worth fighting this thing.
>>
No. 672545 ID: defceb
File 144316552205.png - (94.89KB , 811x451 , 207.png )
672545

Oh no. Oh nooononononono.
>>
No. 672547 ID: 4928ef

>>672545
Put your arms up and show you mean no more harm? Does this person want to kill you? They haven't seemed to directly hit you yet, just intimidate and scare you.
>>
No. 672548 ID: e114bc

>>672545
So uh how many civilians died by the way?
>>
No. 672554 ID: defceb
File 144316826412.png - (108.44KB , 547x630 , 208.png )
672554

“I give up. You caught me.”

“Don’t turn around.”

“Is this the part where you kill me?”

“I could sit here and wait if you prefer to bleed out.”

“Is there anyone else left?”

“Just you and me now.”

“And the villagers?”

“Kaveh?”

“I’ve given up on keeping track during your rampages.”
>>
No. 672555 ID: e114bc

Ask her why she even killed the villagers. They posed no threat and had no involvement in the fight.
>>
No. 672558 ID: defceb
File 144316955279.png - (27.20KB , 407x226 , 209.png )
672558

“Why? They didn’t pose a threat to you.”

“Neither did your friends, but that didn’t stop them from seeking to kill me either. Don’t try to preach morals at me, mercenary. I’ve seen how your people fight. Torching the fields, killing the men, selling the women. We walk a path of fire, everything around us is doomed to burn in kind.”

I don’t want to die here…

“I guess you’re lucky to be the last one, at least. How do you want to die?”

Not here. Not now.
>>
No. 672559 ID: 1b358e

Sounds like you need someone to burst out of somewhere to lend a hand.
>>
No. 672570 ID: 5e36c6

>How do you want to die?
truth be told I rather not if it's all the same to you.
>>
No. 672574 ID: ad936f

use your secret weapon
>>
No. 672576 ID: 88960e

>>672558
Later. Much later.
>>
No. 672582 ID: 2a7417

In the arms... *suggestive eyebrow wiggling* of an angel.
>>
No. 672586 ID: 9be6f5

Of old age.
>>
No. 672720 ID: e607cd

in bed, surrounded by your grandchildren.
>>
No. 672885 ID: a107fd

Hypothermia, after watching the last star burn itself out.

Seriously, though, we both know I'm a mercenary, and I think it's fairly obvious they're not paying me nearly enough for this shit. I wanna work for you. If you haven't got any cash on hand, I'd be willing to accept the continuation of my miserable life in lieu of first month's wages.
>>
No. 672901 ID: defceb
File 144330323824.png - (61.13KB , 786x368 , 210.png )
672901

“Truth be told, I’d rather not.”


“Or… or die of old age I guess. In a bed. Surrounded by grandchildren. That’d be nice. We all die eventually, right?”


“Look, I’m a mercenary. This wasn’t anything personal. I’m not getting paid nearly enough for this shit.”






“Well what are you waiting-”
>>
No. 672903 ID: defceb
File 144330325289.png - (58.90KB , 878x388 , 211.png )
672903

“...for?”

Great. Alone. Now I feel silly.
>>
No. 672904 ID: e114bc

Head back into town for medical attention.
>>
No. 672908 ID: b5b419

>>672903
>>672903
And hey, maybe if you get better you can help patch things up and smooth things over. If you're gonna abandon being a mercenary, you can restart here.
>>
No. 672909 ID: 9ddf68

alright...well then. Try to stop the bleeding if you can and head towards the nearest town for help. see if you can't find a way back home and see what kind of job you can pick up with one arm. I think you could probably pull off a Shepard with one arm... or see if you can't find a way to open your own tavern or something. Just something that isn't likely to kill you and would let you find a nice girl and start a family because I'd rather not go through something like this again if at all possible.
>>
No. 672910 ID: 149da0

>>672903
...you're not waiting for me to think I'm safe or something before you kill me, right?

*wait*

Okay then. I'm going to walk back towards town now and try to find medical attention or supplies or civilian survivors. Hopefully before I bleed out. It you're still here and going to kill me before that, I can't stop you.
>>
No. 673011 ID: 0fc976

Why would she bother finishing the job? You're 'armless. Ar ar ar!
>>
No. 673116 ID: defceb
File 144333657567.png - (57.78KB , 878x388 , 212.png )
673116

Yeah. Time to find a medic and find another line of work. Maybe find a cute girl and settle down somewhere. That sounds good. Not dying out here sounds very good.
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