Reverse Gravity, in a localised column around Reisarf, with rare and brief bouts of reverse time.
With reversed gravity she would either be trapped within Deem, or sent as an attack force against The Sky.

>Why is he a girl again?
>I tell him to keep experimenting with that spell and to get changed and meet me in the thaumatorium.
Reisarf was told to change and did so.

> Possible Effects of potion
* Milk / Fertility Potion
* Potion of Excess Mental Storage - Causes brain matter to grow in 'redundant' areas. Side effects include dementia, multiple personality disorder, increased risk of stroke, and spontaneous casting.
* Lust Potion
* Ice Chain Bolt - an electric bolt with freezing properties begins to hit multiple targets in a row.
* Kemonomimi Transformation
* Water Absorption
* Charming Voice
* Irresistible To Cats
* Parasite Cleanser
* Super Senses

>>955189
yes yes yes yes yes yes y e s

>>955151
FLIP SIDE
A dimensional energy field that temporarily substitutes normal reality for one centered on the dungeon's themes. Example: A fireball becomes a water sphere. A light spell, a globe of darkness. A healing charm, a curse. A steel sword, an ironwood staff. People tend to stay unaffected, but may gain the sensation of what may have been had they chosen a different course in life.

DEEP DARK WATERS
The section of the Thaumatorium's waters touched by Reisarf's body becomes slick and oil-like and seems to suddenly go far deeper than the actual depth of the pool. Distant, strange constellations - or are those eyes? - shine faintly at the bottom, in strange defiance to the water's natural murk.

Open a temporary tunnel without actually damaging the surface. Previously solid volume is filled with water unnaturally suspended against gravity. When you stop spending mana to maintain it, the hole slams shut, crushing and trapping anything still inside. Could be a tactical shortcut, a pit trap in combat, a deadman switch https://project-apollo.net/mos/mos401.html in tense negotiations, or secure storage for any item sturdy enough to survive the slam.

>>955189
This sounds useful.

>>955240
That sounds pretty cool. Imagine: the adventurers come into the room and find nobody, even after they double-check. Believing themselves safe, they advance to pick up the key... only for a watery hole to open up on the ceiling, and Reisarf and Stargazer drop between them and the door, leaving them trapped.

I think it should be something that uses both Reisarf and Stargazer together as a nexus. Like, the space between them getting pinched together, or both of them acting as a pair of portals.
Failing that, I second the gravity-related suggestions.

Freeze breath!
Improved reactive teleport: pre-emptive teleport!

1/3 Deem 2020/02/16(Sun)17:09 No. 956492 ID: 7ebbf9
File 158190176004.png - (53.80KB , 800x600 , reisarf_explodes.png )

>En-

2/3 Deem 2020/02/16(Sun)17:10 No. 956493 ID: 7ebbf9
File 158190181972.png - (41.16KB , 800x600 , how_to_stop_an_exploding_reisarf.png )

No, I'm not putting up with this today. I push Reisarf into the water. Let her vomit out half formed spells there instead.

>Wait a minute... can you give the slime the dragon ring and some money to boost its stats enough that it will stabilize? Can slimes even wear rings...?
It has to value the gold and so far it has proven disinterested in shiny things.

>Why is he a girl again? Why did this happen between the room and the thaumatorium?
Did you forget he needs to be a girl to access his secondary mana pool? And that I ended up sealing it up in Stargazer when not needed so he can go back to being a boy?

I wait for the lights and warping shapes beneath the water to subside as the shadows dance and water surges in inconsistent obedience to gravity. She'll come up for breath eventually. And Stargazer would do something if she can't.

Eventually she does. Good lungs. "Are you alright?" I ask.

Reisarf nods.

"From that rather vigorous reaction to burn the raw mana out of your system, I think we can conclude that no, you can't drink raw mana."

Reisarf nods again. "Well at least we learned something."

I nod. Something about her face gives me pause. "Wait, you're serious."

3/3 Deem 2020/02/16(Sun)17:11 No. 956494 ID: 7ebbf9
File 158190187587.png - (23.66KB , 600x750 , wet_wizard.png )

----------------------------------------
Reisarf Silen
Lvl 2 Human Alienist (1=>2)
----------------------------------------
Power: E
Vitality: D
Accuracy: E
Speed: C
Wits: A
Skill: C
Spirit: A
Luck: C (D=>C)

A young magical prodigy wielding a chimerical staff, eyes opened to the lore of the outer spheres and insights from the world around her. Her spell channels have outstanding capacity and processing speed but her pact with Stargazer has left her fragile and her accuracy is abysmal. Although if the explosions are big enough, you don't really need to aim? Contamination from Stargazer has further improved her mana capacity at the cost of some gender inconsistency.

----------------------------------------
Detected Abilities
----------------------------------------
Passivity: Is it from staring unblinking into the eye of eternity or just her nature? Reisarf is extraordinarily laid back. She is immune to fear and resists all mind influencing effects.

Spawnpact: Reisarf is bonded to Stargazer and she has tutored her in the destructive and alien principles known to the Far Ones. It draws upon their understanding of distance, space and the illusion of form as well as bizarre spells drawing on the elements they have contaminated: shadow and water. Since these principles are difficult for a human mind to understand, Reisarf relies heavily on rote spells in battle, and has increased difficulty casting without Stargazer's aid.

Secondary Storage: While female, Reisarf can create a secondary reserve of mana inside her body by moving part of her normal pool of mana into it. Once created it is isolated and her mana will refill naturally. The secondary reserve can then be unsealed to refill her mana pool. While Reisarf is male, it is sealed inside Stargazer instead and inaccessible.

Rote Spells:
Stray Illume: A scattershot-style blast of magic missiles.
Gazerbeam: A magical laser. Power is enhanced when channeled through Stargazer.
Starlight Destroyer: A level 1 wizard should not have this spell. Full power destruction. Somewhat difficult to cast.
Spatial Warp: Teleports Reisarf several feet from her current position in a direction in line of sight. Can be automatically activated with a high probability of success when attacked. The exit point is difficult to predict and its disorientating to use.
Evil Eye: A paralysing curse that breaks the enemy's concentration and interferes with their movement.
Curse of Formlessness: A curse that attacks a creature's definition of its own shape, causing weakness and loss of coordination. After multiple applications or on a spectacular success, they are transformed into a slime-like creature.

Ritual Spells:
Matter Virus: A spell that mingles features of one material with another, creating a hybrid material with some of the properties of both.

----------------------------------------
New Rote Spells
----------------------------------------

Split Self: Reisarf splinters possibilities to become two Reisarfs: a male and a female. All injuries, mana use and other such things are combined back into one when the spell ends.

OR

Gravity Spasm: Creates a region of lowered or increased gravity. Low gravity has brief surges of reversed gravity while increased gravity has pulses of extremely high gravity.

OR

Invisibility Sphere: A spherical aura attached to Reisarf or Stargazer that turns people and objects inside it invisible. The size is tunable up to several metres across.

OR

Spatial Extrusion: Creates extra space, making an area larger. A spatial extrusion that would extend solid material instead fills the area with dark water that defies gravity. The space collapses violently when cancelled.

----------------------------------------

It looks like Reisarf's bout of cascading spells has giving her some insight, but needs a little help stabilising it into a new spell.

>Spatial Extrusion: Creates extra space, making an area larger. A spatial extrusion that would extend solid material instead fills the area with dark water that defies gravity. The space collapses violently when cancelled.
I like this one. Lots of room for creative applications.

Spatial Extrusion. The properties of this dark water are as mysterious as they are interesting. And a violent collapse? Great for holding a chokepoint by making it harder to traverse an area. Could also use it to store things temporarily, or power it up to make a bigger boss arena.

Invisibility sphere. You know what's worse than fighting an enemy mage at the end of a long rectangular room? The same thing but they can become invisible at will.

Wow, those are all neat. And as much fun as My Own Clone, Now Neither Of Us Will Be Virgins sounds, I am really curious about the potential of Spacial Extrusion. Sounds spooky and shadowy and disorienting for people trying to fight team orange.

>>956494
Split self! We uh, just need to make sure they're healed up before they recombine...

>>956500
With split self, maybe he can train two things at once? It sounds like they get all the consequences when they merge, so one could work on physical training and one could work on magic training. Doubling the same task might have consequences tho.

rolled 2 = 2

---

Split self sounds like it would cause the most FUN chaos.
Bet spacial extrusion is just so cool!
Lets make Split Self 1
And Spacial Extrusion 2

Gravity magic is best. Nobody expects it.

Split Self

>>956494
Spatial Extrusion all the way; looks like it'll have the most interesting uses, and if it can be expanded upon some truly alien geometries will likely be in the dungeon's future

Gravity really doubles-down on mobility inhibition. Just imagine the effect it would have on a victim of a formlessness curse! Also a great counter to water-walkers and swimmers and artists when the water suddenly flies into the air. It may also help with mining, provided it doesn't cause too many incidents. Then there is the awesome gains from Moriko and Hin training together in a super-gravity chamber.

Stargazer. Reisarf wanted to do a stupid. Deem helped. Reisarf is now unharmed. You don't need to be thankful, but please acknowledge that you haven't trained the necessary self-preservation impulses into Reisarf for this to be an unfortunate outcome. Deem helped, go be cranky at someone else, like us.

>>956494
I vote Split Self, partly for the multitasking potential, but mostly for the lewd potential.

>>956494
Spatial Extrusion

>>956494
Spatial Extrusion please.

Split self sounds fun, but Spacial Extrusion would be the one that adventurers would have the hardest time wrapping their heads around, I think.

>>956494
I'll have to say Split Self, letting Reisarf be in 2 places at once could be interesting, Stargazer's reaction could also be entertaining.

Split could also be used in events where he would normally take unavoidable damage, but then use themselves as cover, while they might die on recombining we have the sarcophagus.

It also has some other smaller practical uses such as discussing stuff with yourself more directly assuming they aren't both controlled by the same mind.

Spacial Extrusion sounds so cool. Visually the most interesting and that really spices up battles on top of the incredible tangible uses.

>>956560
Pardon the double posting, but to add to this there are also other handy non-combat applications of split self, notably potentially doubling the effect of exercise or study. Also something as simple as keeping watch in shifts ot scouting an area.

While I'd guess that invisibility sphere and spatial extrusion also have non-combat uses, particularly if used with enchantments, I feel Split Self has the most overall practical applications, especially given that the majority of our time isnt spent fighting.

>>956573
Putting in a vote for Split Self, because yeah. Halving research/study time is Important.

Not just because Ha Ha Funny Lewd Times.

Body doubles is great, but SPESS magics is cooler.

Gravity Spasm - extremely effective slow/stun spell; heavy targets get hit with low gravity and they wobble-float helplessly, light targets get pounded to the ground by gravity their frames can't handle. Slowing targets down is vital if you don't have good aim.

>>956494
Split Self sounds great, at first view looking like it'd basically double Reisarf's utility. The problem is... there's still only one of Stargazer, so the one who doesn't have her will amount to jack shit in combat.
Spatial Extrusion sounds amazing, period, so that's my choice. Still, I hope eventually Split Self can be learned on a subsequent level up.

I say we go split self, both for the shortened time it would take Reisarf to learn new things, but also because, it'll be nice just having an extra set of hands to help out around here.

For no reason other than the potential for ridiculous hijinks, split self.

Spatial Extrusion with a secondary vote into Gravity Spasm

Damn, Stargazer is pissed. better apologize for being so cavalier about Reisarf's wellbeing.

As for spells, while Spatial Extrusion sounds interesting and powerful, Split Self is a power multiplier. possibly even an experience multiplier if the spell lasts long enough for casual use. Either of those are important.
I vote Split Self.

For straight combat applications:

Gravity Spasm seems the most useful, a powerful area control spell is key wizard tool our alienist currently lacks. Immobilizing enemies also makes them easier targets.

Spatial Extrusion might be able to fill a similar role, depending on how specifically it could be applied.(say making on the a cube in the center of the room larger, or extruding an area upward) But my reading of the primary purpose is just takes a given room/area and makes it larger, expanding any solid areas as a floaty liquid.

Invisibility Sphere sounds like a great utility spell for an adventurer, but unless we desire to make discreet trips outside of the dungeon it seems to offer somewhat limited utility beyond conventional means of hiding within our dungeon. Depending on how selective the targeting is on the aura its nature makes it easy to tell where the caster is. He's in the center of the area where all the stuff has disappeared.

Split Self is high risk high reward way of doubling down on the damage of alienist, at least while Stargazer is independent. Reisarf has the mana reserves to make it work, but taking double damage is something he would best avoid.

Outside of combat:
Split self seems by far the most practical right now we're short of hands, and having Reisarf get twice as much done even when doubling the stamina cost seems too good to pass up. The increased task delegation is also incredibly useful in pinch, be that suddenly the whole dungeon is full snakes, or we need to get the magic sorted out by next week.

Given Reisarf is one of our best fighters at the moment. I think we should double down on that go for Gravity Spasm.

>>956494
Split Self because Reisarf already likes experimenting with dualism.

I don't understand. Stargazer has been so obstinate and judgemental! Now everyone is trying to reward her with a harem. This is not how you run a black company!

>>956822
*spittake*

Gold.

My main argument against Split Self is that it combines damage when recombining and because Reisarf isn't the most careful and isn't super tough that could really come to bite them in the ass.

Granted, Reisarf won't die for good while a member of Deem's Dungeon, so that's all well and good for us, but I worry about long term consequences. (Or, uh, the consequences of having one Reisarf die while the other doesn't. Will that tangle the resurrection somehow?)

Also, Stargazer may not like having her partner's body be messed with. Again.

>>956494
Spatial Extrusion

Spatial Extrusion. Reisarf already has another half, and a jealous Stargazer seems like a Bad Idea.

Spatial Extrusion

>>956863
Pretty that's not jealously displayed on Stargazer's... modest eyeball. It's disapproval and/or disgust at this recent string of events.

>>956873
It's a "did you just almost drown my man?" glare. But seriously, why are we caring so much about what Stargazer thinks about this? It was Reisarf's idea to drink the raw mana in the first place, she has no place to judge.

>>956494
It seems fitting to throw another vote on Split Self to match how divided we are.

I am slightly concerned about what it'd mean for food intake and rest requirements, but it still seems the most interesting option to me.

These all have some great combat potential, but one has even greater potential for shenanigans (which would be more than likely to Deem's dismay). I gotta say SPLIT SELF.

Possibly redundant vote for Spatial Extrusion, given that it was my own proposal anyway and appears to be in the lead.

Out of the other three, Invisibility Sphere seems the most likely to solve more problems than it causes.

1/2 Deem 2020/03/07(Sat)15:29 No. 958432 ID: 7ebbf9
File 158362378947.png - (29.24KB , 600x750 , reisarf_casts_spaceball.png )

>My main argument against Split Self is that it combines damage when recombining and because Reisarf isn't the most careful and isn't super tough that could really come to bite them in the ass.
Self duplication might not be the best choice then, Reisarf tires easily and can be careless.

>Split Self, partly for the multitasking potential, but mostly for the lewd potential.
No need to give Reisarf or Stargazer ideas then.

>Spatial Extrusion. The properties of this dark water are as mysterious as they are interesting. And a violent collapse? Great for holding a chokepoint by making it harder to traverse an area. Could also use it to store things temporarily, or power it up to make a bigger boss arena.
>Spacial Extrusion would be the one that adventurers would have the hardest time wrapping their heads around, I think.
Spatial Extrusion does seem like one to stir the heart, something truly unusual. I help Reisarf hold the shape of it, to stabilise the patterns into a new rote spell.

"I think the coordinates might be fairly arbitrary." Reisarf mutters. "If it was cast inside a person, what do you think would happen?"

2/2 Deem 2020/03/07(Sat)15:30 No. 958433 ID: 7ebbf9
File 158362383337.png - (22.86KB , 800x600 , i_dont_think_about_that_and_neither_should_you.png )

I consider my response.

"I think you should get some rest and some familiarity in using it before trying to find out."

As Reisarf has managed to blow through her entire supply of mana in a minute, I think that's for the best. Even with her Secondary Storage to offset the worst of it, that's a draining experience.

>If it can be expanded upon some truly alien geometries will likely be in the dungeon's future.
Toying with adventurers through shifting topologies is not a trick that never gets old. I just hope Reisarf doesn't throw herself too headlong into discovering it.

>Pretty that's not jealously displayed on Stargazer's... modest eyeball. It's disapproval and/or disgust at this recent string of events.
It was Reisarf's idea so perhaps Stargazer should think about where she's looking.

My dungeon's renovations are proceeding apace and I should leave for the town in the next few days if I'm to meet my deadline of returning the repaired Fixity Bangle to Liana's shop. While in town I'll see what other opportunities there are to gather gold too. I should think about who will be coming with me though. I'll have golems as porters but taking one or two of my denizens along certainly wouldn't hurt.

Take Merud and Moriko

Bringing Moriko along again as your right hand woman wouldn't be a bad idea. Also, Hin came with you to get away from town, but Merud pretty much dropped everything to come with you. Maybe you should take him in case there's some follow-up to be had with the golemeters' guild.

>>958433
>I just hope Reisarf doesn't throw herself too headlong into discovering it.
Why not?

>who to bring
Hmm, who wants to go? Take a survey. Might want to take different people than the ones that went to town on the previous trip, to encourage the idea that everyone will get to visit town when they want and you aren't favoring anyone for said trips.
I'm leaning towards taking Hin and Reisarf/Stargazer. Hin might want to look at smithing materials/tools/etc in town, and Stargazer might enjoy a break from Alkaline.

>>958433
Unless she's too busy, at least bring Hin, your resident blacksmith!

They're the one who fixed the bangle in the first place and now that they've got a proper darn forge to work with, they might want to display their good work, shop around for extra supplies with the local smith or smiths, maybe even go hunting for an extra commission or two to bring more gold flowing into the dungeon.

She could bring along her new Handy Hammer as a showcase of the magic item potential of your new dungeon.

>>958433
Be sure to bring Merud.

>>958433
Tell Reisarf to test her theories on giant frogs instead of herself.

I would bring Hin and Merud, they are the town residents. With both your sock-puppet and golemeter out, your digging and guard golems will lose some of their focus, but it will do you some good to remind yourself how to work that way.
Alkaline should learn to be without your hugs for a while, and will hardly be alone.
Really, everyone should learn a bit of independence while you don't have a voice around the dungeon. Some of them a getting a bit clingy.
Would an adventure help Worst Slime to gain a sense of identity? Might the temple have some stabilising magic, or it is all generally toxic to "enemies". Would giving Worst Slime a responsibility help it focus?
See if Hin can cook up some trinkets or has been working on any show pieces she might be able to finish and sell.

You'll remember to use a less alarming form when heading out, right? You don't need the church or whatever riding your ass. Bring Merud, as it would make things easier if the golem were to be seen with the golemeter than without, and Moriko, as she's your guard.

1/2 Deem 2020/03/24(Tue)01:01 No. 959591 ID: 7ebbf9
File 158503691657.png - (35.00KB , 800x500 , choose_your_hin.png )

>Might want to take different people than the ones that went to town on the previous trip, to encourage the idea that everyone will get to visit town when they want and you aren't favoring anyone for said trips.
That's true, I sent Merud and Moriko last time. Everyone might appreciate a change of pace.

>Unless she's too busy, at least bring Hin, your resident blacksmith!
>She's the one who fixed the bangle in the first place and now that she's got a proper darn forge to work with, they might want to display their good work, shop around for extra supplies with the local smith or smiths, maybe even go hunting for an extra commission or two to bring more gold flowing into the dungeon.
Given I am hoping to find alternative sources of gold while in town and there may be some extra business that would benefit from having Hin with me, she seems like the best choice.

I'll just take Hin. The rest of my denizens have plenty of work to keep themselves busy with.

>Maybe you should take Merud in case there's some follow-up to be had with the golemeters' guild.
He was in town just over a month ago and that'll leave my denizens very limited options for directing my golem workforce.

>Tell Reisarf to test her theories on giant frogs instead of herself.
I leave Reisarf with instructions to that effect. I also separately tell the same thing to Stargazer, just to be sure.

>>I just hope Reisarf doesn't throw herself too headlong into discovering it.
>Why not?
As amazing as I might be, rescuing my denizens from their own acts of mad folly can be an extended and involved process.

>Alkaline should learn to be without your hugs for a while, and will hardly be alone.
They're hardly that frequent in the first place.

>Would an adventure help Worst Slime to gain a sense of identity? Might the temple have some stabilising magic, or it is all generally toxic to "enemies".
It doesn't seem to understand much of what's going on around it. And there's nothing of worth in that place that I can't do better!

>Would giving Worst Slime a responsibility help it focus?
Its responsibility right now is "Not running into walls headfirst".

>You'll remember to use a less alarming form when heading out, right?
A-lar-ming?

2/2 Deem 2020/03/24(Tue)01:02 No. 959592 ID: 7ebbf9
File 158503694777.png - (15.44KB , 420x840 , moriko_a_sensible_outfit.png )

I do have one last project to take care of: an new outfit for Moriko.

We did talk about making clothes for each other while on the bear hunt.

While I have deliberately not been following too closely, it looks like my hammerai will finish an outfit for me before I leave for town. I need to design one for her, though I might revise and remake it once I've stocked up on better materials in town. Something a little more formal than her normal clothes I think, but practical enough to be worn when she will be representing me as a guardian of my dungeon.

>A-lar-ming?
You've probably never had much in the way of interactions with those who aren't - to some degree - reckless/brave dungeon delvers, but we assure you that these so-called 'normal people' exist and will likely blanch at seeing your more potent forms.

Just stick with something that showcases your natural beauty and magnificence, as opposed to your deadliness.

Suggestion 2020/03/24(Tue)03:04 No. 959601 ID: 977456
File 158504425183.png - (28.43KB , 417x840 , I likes the spikes.png )

I cannot art, but can I suggest solid armor with obnoxious spines everywhere? We are sticking to an Evil knight theme?

Twisty 2020/03/24(Tue)06:37 No. 959606 ID: 9caba2
File 158505707804.png - (66.20KB , 782x840 , I like cats and suits.png )

>>959591

>A-lar-ming?
The branch horns might draw unwanted attention.

You remember that human-looking form you had at the end of the imp invasion? That would be a pretty good fit for an appearance that wouldn't cause alarm. Though I imagine you'd want to change the ears to what you prefer.

>Outfit
For outfits for Moriko, since you wanted formal, I have something inspired by a formal outfit from where I'm screaming from, though I shortened the sleeves and opted for no shoes since I seem to remember Moriko being able to do her stuff best barefoot, or almost barefoot.

There's also some underwear as an optional bonus.

Their colour scheme should be fairly representative of you.

She's doesn't wear anything really tight or armored to maximise her connection to the earth pulse and acrobatic ability, right? What coverings she has used have been loose and don't hug the skin. Following that, perhaps a nice robe would do, one with loops for belts and straps that could secure it better when she needs to roll up her sleeves and clean someone's clock.
And to top it off, perhaps a cloak or cape instead of that all-obscuring poncho.
Something like Lulu's outfit in FFX comes to this artistically challenged mind, minus all the weighted training belts.

>>959591
>A-lar-ming
right now you look scary to humans. remember how you got a discount for looking cute? now it'll be the opposite of that.
>>959592
>moriko_a_sensible_outfit.png
someone draw her an Eiffel Tower dress. you know it must be done.

That suit is great, but the underwear might cause her to raise an eyebrow.

Suggestion 2020/03/25(Wed)10:56 No. 959684 ID: 2590db
File 158515898285.png - (54.19KB , 420x840 , Untitled25_20200325185507.png )

Here's my contribution.

Twisty 2020/03/26(Thu)09:07 No. 959744 ID: 9caba2
File 158523882912.png - (70.99KB , 782x840 , Eastern & Deemwear.png )

>>959592
Here we have another outfit & undergarments, I figure it's what you wear so it should be fine, but we can't just attach rocks to Moriko(yet?)

Suggestion 2020/03/26(Thu)09:09 No. 959745 ID: 432eee
File 158523897312.jpg - (40.08KB , 420x840 , Untitled-1.jpg )

the contract is fulfilled.

>>959744
Very civilian, but I kind of like this one.

Twisty 2020/03/27(Fri)13:12 No. 959845 ID: 9caba2
File 158533994015.png - (69.98KB , 782x840 , Adventurer and a bow.png )

>>959592
Another couple of outfits, the main outfit is not formal this time but should look more "generic adventurer"-ey, though the tassets might be a bit annoying.

And honestly I'm not doing footwear because I've yet to figure out how to portray it.

I do not understand why none of the underwear suggestions have themes of precious-metals and jewellery. Just some gold-coin print fabric would be a start.

>>959591
Make sure you tell someone else to keep an eye on Reisarf and make sure he doesn’t do any crazy experiments on himself. Just in case Stargazer can’t stop him by herself.

Suggestion 2020/03/28(Sat)04:34 No. 959907 ID: a6e7d9
File 158539528237.png - (54.29KB , 420x840 , I'm helping.png )

>>959592
I'm not entirely sure what we're going for, but this is probably it.

>>959845
I like this outfit.

So I think we should take the armor from >>959845 and replace the pants with the skirt from >>959744 and then combine the hood from >>959845 with the jacket from >>959744 so it is all one piece. Lastly, give them a hat like >>959845.

>>959845
>>959942
>>959951
I'm not that keen on the armor, it doesn't suit her fighting style. Maybe use something that resembles metal, but is actually lightweight and doesn't get in the way? It probably won't work as armor, just look like it, but still.

>>959955
I dunno. I can see her using a breastplate and bracers. Nothing that restricts movement and nothing too heavy, but enough to give her a little more survive-ability and a couple more options.

Twisty 2020/04/01(Wed)12:08 No. 960395 ID: 9caba2
File 158576811634.png - (78.68KB , 782x840 , Last outfit for now I swear.png )

>>959592
I'm sorry for submitting more outfits when I've already submitted 3 sets already, but I feel like this one's ended up decent.

The long hair ornaments are a mix of the eye-thingies she had in her "fierce hammer guardian" appearance some time ago, as well as some small metal strips on the upper arms and a miniature chestplate. Also a short scarf to keep the neck warm and look cool.

No undergarments this time, the righthand image is just an alternate top and with everything removed.

Though I wasn't sure if the lower half of the top should split in the front or the sides, I went with the front.

1/1 Deem 2020/04/12(Sun)02:17 No. 961660 ID: cadb36
File 158668304454.png - (63.04KB , 800x500 , a_short_history_of_dungeoneer.png )

I can't see it.

These are fine clothes for the most part, but they don't stir the heart. Moriko needs something more. Something distinctively her. Something distinctively me.

I suppose the problem is I don't yet know what that really means. Maybe it is still too early.

What little Moriko has told me and what little more I have seen into her tells me she has a conflicted mix of pride and shame at where she came from. The polished fighting skills she has such pride in have their root in her family descending from demons. She crossed the sea to escape that stigma.

For my dungeon, I have embraced the element of earth that I am most comfortable with and resolved to seek the shadows as I dig deeper. I will reshape the world around me and encourage each of my denizens to develop in their own way.

My first invader labelled my meager diggings a 'rocks, lizards and spooky things' dungeon on the basis of very little evidence. Since then, I have gone against my tendency towards barrenness and sought to introduce something verdant. But there is still much austerity to my current delvings; even my planned expansion will just be introducing gardens and monsters lairs and the bare minimum of a presentable dungeon. There's no... story to it as of yet.

The bulk of my forces thus far are golems and slimes. I have a collection of curios for my elite denizens, still mostly waiting to be polished and placed somewhere they can really shine. Much of what has happened so far has been shaped by chance encounter and my own instability.

Moriko will frequently be serving as my final guardian. What I want to give her is something to show her off in that role. The magical enhancements I use for her are understated for such a position, mainly concerned on shoring up potential weaknesses. I would like to continue implementing defensive golemetry into her outfit. Her style is more reliant on evasion, but armour may be useful depending on the exact pattern of the reinforcement I lay into her. The battle with her will be the culmination of everything the invaders have experienced. I want her appearance to be something to fill them with awe.

I want... a long flared dress of dark tassels, to evoke her accumulating from shadows and earth beneath her, with golem tendrils hidden amongst the tassels to provide the flaring and add to her own footwork while threatening others.

Slimes... adding slime is tacky, so what do they represent...? Versatility! Some sort of adjustible tool and weapon... maybe with a clockwork theme, bronzed and such as with Merud's golems. Something that can shoot darts, and retract grapples, and deflect blows, and catch weapons or grip terrain, and administer potions with no free hands, and burst with a spray of light to distract, or act as a lamp...
Some sort of spiked automatic-crossbow/winch bracer with shielding and light enchantments and mouth-operated fluid compartments... would clash with the "rising from the shadows of earth" theme...

The golems represent... determination? obedience? ... I like "indomitability"... but ablative. A golem torso plate to grasp and bind, but also to break, leaving pieces of itself, a trial of weight upon all who touch it. Yet itself somehow light? Perhaps it could draw more mass from its surroundings when damaged?

Ah... I think somewhere along the way we ended up presuming 'outfit for town' as much as 'outfit for final boss', which is what you clearly were asking for.

Taking into account she's a warrior with a focus on agility and landing severe concussive blow that - as a final boss - has to deal with parties with all manner of damage types - melee, ranged, spells and explosions, I think having -a- layer of armor might be important, but it should definitely not overly reduce the mobility which she relies on. A compromise could be in adding guards, gauntlets and greaves that would be more useful in deflecting blows and offer incidental protection from spells and ranged attacks than outright stopping them.

A parry build, if you will.

Also, while it might send the wrong signal, consider including a 'demonic' half or full mask of sorts. It serves both as partial protective gear and as intimidation, a strong signifier that 'this is an important fight with an important individual' (as much as a nod to her heritage). Plus it'll be a heckin' cool scene if it gets torn or taken off in battle during a duel to the last, revealing the intense and focused expression of the dedicated honorable woman beneath. Or, after being pushed towards her limits, she puts it on to acknowledge she has to fight like a demon to win. Either way, it serves as a change in the phase of the boss battle, if/when Moriko feels the enemy has proven themselves. If she's leery you give her the choice in how she wants to utilize something like that, if at all.

>'story' of the dungeon
I hadn't considered it before, but 'rocks, lizards and spooky thing dungeon' is still pretty accurate if you replace 'lizards and spooky things' with 'living and spooky things'. Earth, life and shadow, most of your minions seem to fall into these categories. While just my opinion, let me elaborate a little.

Merud and Hin are 'earth' aspected, and craft-focused considering their golemetry and smithery. Golems obviously go here as well.
Alkaline and Char are 'life' aspected, both protective and guardian focused. Slimes fit here.
Moriko and Reisarf are 'shadow' aspected, especially in terms of them having a different side to themselves (literally, in Reisarf's case).
Belphe... also leans shadow in that he's a spooky inexplicable monster that feeds off of the other aspects. An opportunist that can pop up anywhere.

There's overlaps too. Merud's infatuation with producing a real living golem gives him a 'life' tinge. Hin's giant heritage gives her a 'shadow side' to emphasize. Alkaline's shadow slick and curse eating prowess suggests life flourishing in and feeding off shadow in symbiosis. Moriko fits into the protective guardian, which overlaps with the guard theme of your life aspected minions.

I think you could work on the story of being a "Research Sanctuary With A Secret". You seem to have a mix of 'protective' and 'utility' motives for your minions, the former being Char, Moriko and Alkaline and the latter being your wizards and magic crafters (Merud, Reisarf, Belphe and Hin). So, an outcast wizard faction setting up to learn and study this dungeon for their own benefit who the protect faction allies with to defend their sanctuary. In this kind of space anyone can become a final boss - protecting one's home or investment are powerful motivators - and you can be the 'secret' boss, taking the role of the earth spirit luring in and cultivating followers or the 'living golem' that was a product of wizardly messin' about.

There's a strong core of truth to it that might appeal. Or perhaps it's too on the nose?

You need an outfit that shows your love for her. Your bond. Make the outfit like as unto the earth's embrace.

Maybe a golem outfit, but not one intended to augment or enhance the wearer. Robes of elegantly unadorned chiselled rock and shaped clay (backed by fabric to hold shape), animated only to avoid restricting the wearer as thick and heavy robes otherwise would. About to flow subtly when standing still, and open to allow unhindered movement without a thought needed. As your final guardian, her visage should be of her and you as one, and wrapping her in the very stuff of your being suits nicely.

>>961660
You should’ve been more specific in the first place. That way we wouldn’t have wasted time on outfits you were going to reject!

Hm. For something to shore up Moriko's defense while not decreasing her evasion, and showing off both the golemetry and the verdancy we're presenting in this dungeon, perhaps floating shields - long and slender, like casket lids, arranged in a cape-like formation. For verdancy, cover them in moss and ivy, plus maybe some old, rusted chains to connect them. If we must incorporate slime somehow, perhaps a water hammer with a malleable length and shape somewhere down the line?

The shield cape has some puzzle-boss potential. It makes it way harder to attack Moriko from behind, but it's also a blind-spot and has some gaps to slip an arrow through. We can place room's only light-sources in small alcoves around the periphery, and for the second phase, she can blast her shields outward, slamming them over the openings and plunging the room into darkness. A mask with an activatable night-vision ability would give her the advantage (and lessen the "normal human boss" aesthetic), and she can even tap into some of her shadow demon power without having to worry too much about people knowing. However, the moss on the shields will be facing into the room, and adventurers can set them alight to undo her advantage and possibly even stun or blind her.

On that note, perhaps we should hide fire arrows (and a bow to fire them with) behind a mini-boss for beginners who didn't have the right tools coming into this, and also fashion some puzzles around that item? Going for a Darkness element combined with the "fuel" that can be present in a verdant theme means that fire arrows would make for an excellent puzzle item. Lighting torches to just light the way or unlock doors, burn down foliage that would block an otherwise typical arrow target; the possibilities are there.

Honestly, nothing is going to say 'i am the defender of this place" and also screw with adventurer's weapon choices than a themed suit of lamellar armor and accompanying head gear, both made of devilbear bones and reinforced with whatever material and metal you and Hin can acquire while in town. (not the devilbear fur though, that needs to be converted into a rug for your eventual staff/break room.)

(i'll make a paperdoll soonish)

I'm just surprised nobody's done a john egbert or samurai jack yet

>>961966
Has anyone suggested traditional samurai armor, complete with masked helmet yet? Because a mask would be neat, and I like the aesthetic of Japanese armor

Incorporating the devilbear bones into the armor sounds like a great idea. Skull helmet!

Big antlers. Then, use monster corpses for a patchwork cloak and leather armor.

If were going to use Devil Bear parts without like, enchanting them or anything, Why not do her up in a Mononoke style pelt cape and cowl, with claws or fangs tying it? Then we can have a more stylish under-outfit, with which to look real cool when she throws off the cape in the second half of the fight?

When you say "clothes", we assume you don't mean something meant for combat. It would seem obvious you should some make grim, spiky black armor, but I'll suggest something a little different.

You should make her a nice dress, a long gown, but one slit on the side so it allows freedom fo movement. I like the idea of hanging cloth, all in a shadowy black or dark purple running to black. The hanging parts aren't combat effective but if imbued properly could give the impression of ephemereal shadows flowing off of her, a good fit for the shadow aspect of your dungeon, and Moriko's own shadow nature. This dress would offer little protection, but properly enchanted would likely empower what's already a significant strength, Moriko's ability to dodge.

This does leave the verdant aspect of your dungeon relatively untouched, but I can think of two possible crowns to go with it as well. One would be a more Moriko version of the horns you sprouted, crafted into a crown. Another would be a simple circle of flowers, either white to highlight Moriko's dual nature, or black to match the rest of the ensemble.

Going about it backwards. The austerity and bare functionality of your usual aesthetics are the true heart of the dungeon, of you yourself. Similarly, beneath any other trapping we add will be the naked skill of Moriko's dedication to the hammer.

However we clothe her, once she faces a true challenge, it should be made to fall away and so empower her with a metaphorical unburdening that spikes her capabilities temporarily. The release from the bondage of artificial aesthetic to bare her true form in all its glory.

>>963385
so what you're saying is, we should be giving her self-stripping clothes so she ends up fighting in the buff, gotcha

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>You need an outfit that shows your love for her. Your bond. Make the outfit like as unto the earth's embrace.
I don't think I'm capable of such a showing.

>I want... a long flared dress of dark tassels, to evoke her accumulating from shadows and earth beneath her, with golem tendrils hidden amongst the tassels to provide the flaring and add to her own footwork while threatening others.
Evocative but my prototypes are sadly unable to capture the look I'd hoped for.

Also, while it might send the wrong signal, consider including a 'demonic' half or full mask of sorts. It serves both as partial protective gear and as intimidation, a strong signifier that 'this is an important fight with an important individual' (as much as a nod to her heritage).
That seems like too sensitive ground to be treading at this moment, given that she's rejected that heritage to the point of causing her physical illness.

>Incorporating the devilbear bones into the armor sounds like a great idea. Skull helmet!
I dislike that bear too much to honour it in such a way.

>Here we have another outfit & undergarments, I figure it's what you wear so it should be fine, but we can't just attach rocks to Moriko(yet?)
A style of robe familiar to her might go down well.

>I can see her using a breastplate and bracers. Nothing that restricts movement and nothing too heavy, but enough to give her a little more survive-ability and a couple more options.
Yes Moriko needs a little more protection on her body at least.

>The golems represent... determination? obedience? ... I like "indomitability"... but ablative. A golem torso plate to grasp and bind, but also to break, leaving pieces of itself, a trial of weight upon all who touch it. Yet itself somehow light? Perhaps it could draw more mass from its surroundings when damaged?
>Hm. For something to shore up Moriko's defense while not decreasing her evasion, and showing off both the golemetry and the verdancy we're presenting in this dungeon, perhaps floating shields - long and slender, like casket lids, arranged in a cape-like formation. For verdancy, cover them in moss and ivy, plus maybe some old, rusted chains to connect them. If we must incorporate slime somehow, perhaps a water hammer with a malleable length and shape somewhere down the line?
I haven't the time or resources to enchant anything so I'll have to revisit any special features.

Moriko was concerned about frivolity so I will confine myself to focusing on something simple with a practical purpose first. Loose pants, a shirt with loose sleeves and some mainly ornamental, partially protective elements over the top.

"Do you like it?" I ask my hammerai. I feel uncharacteristically nervous.

"Ah, yes." Moriko says. "Thank you."

My fishing for details goes unrewarded but she seems happy so I will count this a success.

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Next Moriko unveils her efforts for my new outfit. Despite my deliberately ignoring her work, I do know she's had some assistance in making it. Merud helped mainly.

Robes for me. They feel a little more authoritative than my previous outfits, and a little like a golemeter's robes. It's perhaps a little plain but ornamentation is something easily added. I try to get some details out of Moriko on her design decisions but she's tight-lipped there too, I only learn that it's loose so I can modify my golem body or slip out of them if needed, and that they're a little modeled after what a noble would wear in her country.

I let Moriko know I'm very happy with the results and she fumbles for a response and excuses herself. I should train her to accept praise better.

>You've probably never had much in the way of interactions with those who aren't - to some degree - reckless/brave dungeon delvers, but we assure you that these so-called 'normal people' exist and will likely blanch at seeing your more potent forms.
This is hardly a potent form.

>The branch horns might draw unwanted attention.
They're purely ornamental.

>You remember that human-looking form you had at the end of the imp invasion? That would be a pretty good fit for an appearance that wouldn't cause alarm. Though I imagine you'd want to change the ears to what you prefer.
Given I'm already thought to be a golem in town, suddenly hiding it would be suspicious.

>Right now you look scary to humans. Remember how you got a discount for looking cute? Now it'll be the opposite of that.
An intimidation discount sounds acceptable to me.

>Slimes... adding slime is tacky, so what do they represent...? Versatility! Some sort of adjustable tool and weapon... maybe with a clockwork theme, bronzed and such as with Merud's golems. Something that can shoot darts, and retract grapples, and deflect blows, and catch weapons or grip terrain, and administer potions with no free hands, and burst with a spray of light to distract, or act as a lamp...
My denizens don't need to be all things at once, I simply want a feeling of coherence across my dungeon through emphasising a few themes.

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>I hadn't considered it before, but 'rocks, lizards and spooky thing dungeon' is still pretty accurate if you replace 'lizards and spooky things' with 'living and spooky things'. Earth, life and shadow, most of your minions seem to fall into these categories.
I suppose you're right, elements of crafting and strange life are starting to emerge. I shall have to encourage it.

>Going for a Darkness element combined with the "fuel" that can be present in a verdant theme means that fire arrows would make for an excellent puzzle item. Lighting torches to just light the way or unlock doors, burn down foliage that would block an otherwise typical arrow target; the possibilities are there.
I will have to return to thoughts on fire and light and how they might play out once I properly assume an aspect of shadow.

>I think you could work on the story of being a "Research Sanctuary With A Secret". You seem to have a mix of 'protective' and 'utility' motives for your minions, the former being Char, Moriko and Alkaline and the latter being your wizards and magic crafters (Merud, Reisarf, Belphe and Hin).
>You can be the 'secret' boss, taking the role of the earth spirit luring in and cultivating followers or the 'living golem' that was a product of wizardly messin' about.
>There's a strong core of truth to it that might appeal. Or perhaps it's too on the nose?
Too on the nose I think. I wouldn't want people to speculate on who I really am too much.

>Make sure you tell someone else to keep an eye on Reisarf and make sure he doesn’t do any crazy experiments on himself. Just in case Stargazer can’t stop him by herself.
I tell Merud to keep an eye out and tell Reisarf to try and discuss any experiments he intends to conduct with Merud first. I'm sure the two of them will talk my ears off once I return from town.

It's just Hin and myself traveling into town this time, a pair of golems serving as baggage carriers and extra muscle. A few days of hiking and then we'll be trading in some of my hard-won gold and accumulated curios to buy supplies and perhaps see about what other arrangements might be made. I must confess I'm looking forward to seeing Merud's golemeter colleague Kallia, the shopkeeper Liana, even her troublesome daughter and the handful of other townsfolk I've become acquainted with.

My dungeon has to keep growing, and this is the next step to achieve that.

END CHAPTER 6