Space Oddity (A Honkai: Star Rail Quest)
On phone invisitext requires active effort to notice
- Pronouns
- Any
Oh damn, I thought that was just strange spacing.
From 1.2:
Darkness.
Memories.
"I wish you were here's" and "I wish you stayed with me's".
All your regrets—and somehow, the smallest bit of loathing—all seep into you, in the abyss of unconsciousness.
And at the center of it all…
The gaze of those strange beings called the Aeons.
Three faces turn to look at you.
(Is this the first time? No, is this the last?)
Empty eyes, bored eyes, and kind eyes stare into you.
And Xipe speaks.
"Go. You have OUR blessings."
I didn't even notice this when I read that chapter.
Darkness.
Memories.
"I wish you were here's" and "I wish you stayed with me's".
All your regrets—and somehow, the smallest bit of loathing—all seep into you, in the abyss of unconsciousness.
And at the center of it all…
The gaze of those strange beings called the Aeons.
Three faces turn to look at you.
(Is this the first time? No, is this the last?)
Empty eyes, bored eyes, and kind eyes stare into you.
And Xipe speaks.
"Go. You have OUR blessings."
I didn't even notice this when I read that chapter.
Kermie
Probably Currently Writing
- Location
- Somewhere on the planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
Shelley would have been able to explain and understand what was going on here in much, much greater detail…
But she was knocked TF out by Kafka's whisper, so for now, vague foreshadowing and metaphors is all you get.
[X] Fight The Legion [DANGEROUS]
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
Kafka is innocent here
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
Stelle is her own brand of weird!
Kafka is innocent here
[X] Fight The Legion [DANGEROUS]
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
Kermie
Probably Currently Writing
- Location
- Somewhere on the planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
Dan Heng and March 7th have gotten entries in Personae Dramatis (Persons of interest).
Check it out in Informational, underneath the new "Astral Express" tab!
Oh, and don't forget to vote if you haven't already; we've only got 5 votes, all for the same strategy at the moment.
Check it out in Informational, underneath the new "Astral Express" tab!
Oh, and don't forget to vote if you haven't already; we've only got 5 votes, all for the same strategy at the moment.
Last edited:
[X] Fight The Legion [DANGEROUS]
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
ThatGuyWithIdeas
Treize died for our sins
- Location
- Romania
[X] Fight The Legion [DANGEROUS]
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
- Location
- United States
[X] Fight The Legion [DANGEROUS]
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
Recently came across this. Have actually played the game though been awhile since last played. Mainly due to a trend of have storage issues so can't update.
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
Recently came across this. Have actually played the game though been awhile since last played. Mainly due to a trend of have storage issues so can't update.
Vote closed: 1.3
Kermie
Probably Currently Writing
- Location
- Somewhere on the planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
We're bouta make Gepard look like a four star with this one.
Sensation 1.4: Void Space
Kermie
Probably Currently Writing
- Location
- Somewhere on the planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
[X] Fight The Legion [DANGEROUS]
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
-[X] Primary Strategy: Focus on overwhelming defense, and then pick off members of the Legion when they get too close.
-[X] Shelley will Support
—[X] Shelley supports March
-[X] March will focus on keeping shields up, maybe freeze an enemy here or there if they're planning something
-[X] Stelle will spread out the damage she's dealing, going for the most amount of damage she can rather than kills.
-[X] Dan Heng will take down the enemies weakened by Stelle.
The space between you and the Voidrangers lessens, empty space quickly being replaced by gaping maws and armored soldiers.
It takes you about five seconds to plan out your plan. Your Devil Hunt trained brain tunes out everything else, only focusing on a way out of the situation.
Realistically, it might not work, there's too many extra things you can't account for, too many enemies, too little camaraderie.
But then, you look over at the others.
Arlan is on the ground, so he can't do much, but the others…you know they have a chance.
March is one of the sweetest girls you've ever met, with a heart of gold and a bow arm of steel.
Stelle might be strange, but if Kafka taught her, she must have the same bravery that you know Kafka has.
And if you can trust Stelle around him, Dan Heng's probably cool.
"Dan Heng! Stelle!" you yell, "Focus down the enemies and spread out respectively! There's too many enemies to run away from!"
Dan Heng and Stelle look at each other and then at you, before nodding. They immediately both jump up, and bash their bat and spear into armored soldiers.
Stelle swings her bat into a wide arc, focusing more on hitting as many targets as possible, than any kind of focus. Her powers of Destruction have a clear effect, the lightning on the bat becoming pure kinetic energy. The swarm is knocked back, slamming into each other in a chain of human(?) dominoes.
She focuses her hands, clearly preparing for a huge blow. She tenses up, charges her bat, dousing it in Destruction, before declaring her resolution clearly.
"Rules are…meant to be broken!" And with that, she slams her bat into the Legion, breaking up their formation and slamming them into the walls. The Legion's carefully placed soldiers look close to breaking, and they almost leave craters in the walls.
Also, "rules are meant to be broken?" If you had any doubt as to whether or not she knew Kafka, it's gone, dead in the ground. That's exactly the kind of thing she'd say.
Dan Heng follows it up, with his spear piercing through each weakened enemy, taking them out as they hit the walls. He dodges with inhuman grace, before putting a quick stab through each Voidranger's head, putting them out of their misery.
He focuses on a huge four legged Legion soldier, likely their general. For a second the world freezes—
And the scenery shifts, into autumn trees and a white sky that reflects his Inner World. He moves his arm back, and readies up his body, locked onto the Legion's general.
And with one, invisible cue, he dashes straight through.
"This sanctuary is but a vision—break!"
And with one quick stab, the Legion general and the sanctuary vanish like a bad dream.
And five to fifteen more Legion pop in to take its place. They replace the space that the other Legion took, seeming to replace it like nothing even left. All of them seem to focus exclusively on your group, instead of any researchers.
"No," you think with horror, "they're here for me specifically. I'm the Emanator here; they see me and the Express as the clear greatest threat."
Dan Heng and Stelle are pushed back by an unending tide, their weapons serving as weak makeshift barricades.
"March! Shelley!" Dan Heng yells out. "Support us over here!"
You don't miss a beat—a quick laser shot directed at your head is dodged with grace, and you respond in kind with a fire bolt from your trumpet.
You put your hand on March's shoulder and grip tightly.
"March, I'm a Harmony Pathstrider." You say, trying your best to maintain your calm for this next part. "Let me support you, so that we can resist the next wave."
March turns to meet you, and nods. "Alright, let's go, Ms. Shelley!"
"Please, just call me Marie!"
Right as you say that, your Spirit Sync roars to life, its power unleashed. The sound of fire rushes to your ears, and you put your hands together.
[March 7th Relationship Level (1) + Shelley Effort Level (2, Main Focus of Plan)-1=2]
[Spirit Sync Level 2!]
You put your hands out, as March 7th shoots out a barrage of icy arrows. "March! Everything into defense!"
March nods, and swings her arms in an arc, before pointing up. You follow her practiced motions, your arms lighting up pink and red respectively.
You say it together. "With us out here, how can we lose!?"
A multitude of star shaped shields surround the group, and everyone gathers around, their backs to each other. Arlan's in the middle, now swinging his sword wildly as the shield protects him as well.
[Physical Roll:
+10% Good Skill
+20% Shielded By Cuteness!
-10% Injured
+5 Spirit Sync]
[18! Amazing Success!]
The Legion charges in, but every single one of their blades bounces off. No—their blades and lasers sink in, but your combined shields make them feel like tickles. Stelle and Dan Heng continue their assault, following the same general strategy as before.
Meanwhile, you and March 7th keep on counter attacking the second each enemy gets close, freezing and immediately melting the enemies as they raise their blades.
The individual shields are more of a comprehensive shell around the group now. It's like a Tesludo-Testuro? Testudo formation; you learned about those in history class.
March groans. "Hey! You meanies! Haven't you heard it's rude to gang up on someone?"
You wipe a bead of sweat off your brow—just because Spirit Sync seriously buffs combat ability, doesn't mean that it's flawless. You can only keep up the group wide shield for so long. "Don't worry March, we just need to hold out, and they'll tire themselves out!"
…you seriously aren't sure if you believe your own words anymore.
[Physical Roll:
+10% Good Skill
+20% Shielded By Cuteness!
-10% Injured
-10% Exhausted
+5 Spirit Sync]
[18! Great Success!]
Just before you fall down from exhaustion, March reapplies her shield, which gives you just enough time to catch your breath. You notice the constant stream of Legion is starting to slow down.
"Alright, they're exhausted everybody! We just need an opening!" you say, muscles and bones aching.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a weaponized drone appears! It slashes through all the lower level Legion soldiers, before dazing the Legion's general. You guess that the reinforcements have arrived, after all.
It comes to a stop in front of you, drawing the attention of the general.
"I think that'll do it!" Stelle says.
"Go!" Dan Heng yells, leading the group over to the elevator. You all get on, and you slap the elevator button as March fires one last arrow to dissuade the Legion from coming any closer.
Five minutes late, you all are limping into the Master Control Zone, exhausted but proud.
[Your Reputation Level with the Astral Express has grown to 1!]
[Your Relationship Level with Dan Heng and Arlan has grown to level 1! Your Relationship Level with Stelle and March 7th is getting closer to 2…]
A red haired woman looks up at you. "Good to see you all got here," she says, sipping her coffee calmly. "Why does it always have to get this exciting?"
"Whew, Himeko~ What took you so long!" March complains. "We had to fight off all those Legion like they were locusts! Have you ever had to shoot locusts with a bow?"
You quickly put your hand on March's mouth; it wouldn't do to have unnecessary conflict right now, right after you just fought off about fifty different soldiers.
"Please don't listen to March, she's just a bit worked up from having to do so much fighting. My name's Shelley, she's Stelle…" Stelle waves.
"And your name is?"
The woman waves at you and Stelle. "Hey, nice to meet you two. I'm Himeko, navigator of the Astral Express."
"And as for March's question," Himeko replies, "I wouldn't have made too much of a difference. My orbital cannon can deal with a whole bunch of enemies at once, but I can't just blow up the space station—Herta would NOT like that."
She has a W H A T. You've gotta ask her about the casual orbital cannon she just has.
She turns to Arlan, who looks like he's about to collapse. "Are you ok?" She asks, "Asta's been worried about you."
"I'm fine, a quick patching up will do," Arlan hurriedly mutters. "Thanks for asking. I'll report the situation to Lead Researcher Asta immediately. Bye."
He then goes off to the medbay, or to wherever sad, self sacrificial injured boys go to brood and groan.
Himeko turns back to you and Stelle, an expectant look in her eyes. "By the way, March wasn't too much trouble for you two, right?"
You talk first. "She's a great girl! I helped her out back when we were fighting the Legion. What do you think, Stelle?"
"Stelle, think carefully about how you wanna reply to that." March warns, a clear annoyance in her tone.
Stelle looks a bit surprised from being put on the spot. She looks at March, and seems to study the girl she was fighting alongside. After a moment of deliberation, she speaks.
"She defended us against the Legion, so I'm glad for that, but I've never met a more energetic girl before in my life."
March jumps back and puts a hand to her chest, faux insulted. "...That's just my charm! And I didn't cause any trouble. You just have to get used to me... Look, Dan Heng agrees, right?"
The man in question looks up from a book, with a look saying "leave me out of this." His response implies about the same.
"I have the right to remain silent."
Himeko laughs pleasantly. "Look at you all, you've already gotten really close."
She gestures to you to come over to the front of the room. "Come on, Asta has been worried about all of you."
Oh crud, you forgot to end that conversation with Asta before running off because of the Spirit Whisper. You should really explain yourself.
As you walk up to her, Asta seems both extremely focused and stressed. "Projectile radar tracking, normal. Telemetry signal frequency unusually high! Maintain at normal levels!"
She clicks a few buttons, activating a few switches, before speaking into the intercom. "Our measurements predict that the Legion is about to unleash over ten waves of continuous attacks. Everyone, brace yourselves!"
The floor shakes and rumbles, but the space station stabilizes in a heartbeat. You all breathe a sigh of relief.
March waves over to Asta. "Asta! We're back!"
Asta steps back from her control console, seemingly relieved as well. "Whew, I'm glad you're all back safe. Arlan just told me about the situation at the storage zone."
"And about his injury... Thank you, for all your help."
She then spots you, over in the back. "Oh! Ms. Shelley! I haven't seen you since this disaster started! I imagine you were able to handle yourself, considering you are a Em-"
You cut off Asta on that last part of that sentence, shaking your head over in the back of the group, where only she can see you. You'd much rather the Astral Express hear out your story on your own terms, thank you very much!
"-ployee of the space station!" Asta awkwardly finishes. "A contractor that we hired specifically for cases like this, yes."
Dan Heng ignores the awkward conversation you two are having, and just gets straight to the point.
"What is the current situation on the space station?" He asks.
Asta sighs, she's visibly exhausted by now. "The situation is under control for now: The damage to our security system was minor. The intruder only managed to alter a small amount of data, so it was easy to fix."
Asta puts down her hand she was holding up, and she sits down, practically drained by now.
"The real problem lies with the researchers... They trust Madam Herta wholeheartedly and never thought that the space station would be breached by the Legion. A broken spirit is far worse than a broken body."
Himeko decides that it's about time for her to take a break, and addresses the Astral Express.. "Everyone, Shelley, Stelle, go speak with the researchers. Right now, the space station can't afford any more unexpected turns, especially from within."
Himeko turns back to Asta. "Have you tried contacting Herta?"
"I sent multiple letters, all met with silence. You know her, Himeko, the space station is but a mere warehouse for followers and rare items. She doesn't really care about it."
You did get the impression that Herta only cared about her scientific research over others earlier. Hearing a confirmation from someone else only serves to support your impression.
Himeko sighs. "I knew it... No matter. I'll also end a letter to Herta and tell her that we've brought the rare item she seeks. At least that might get her attention."
"That would be of great help, thank you Ms. Himeko."
Asta turns away, as March and Dan Heng go over to help out the space station's inhabitants. Looks like the conversation is over for now.
Now for the hard part. You've got to do a bit to help out as well. And you've also got to decide…
Do you want to tell the Astral Express about your status as a new Emanator? Or should you just keep that a secret, since you don't want them treating you differently? They seem accepting, but are you sure about that?
Either way, you'd rather not do anything that would hurt anybody, but life's just too complicated sometimes.
Ah well Shelley, you'll figure it out in time. Decisions, decisions…
Free Roam Segment!
[ ] Plan (Write In)
3 AP available. (You're under time constraints thanks to the disaster right now, so there goes an action.)
Exploration:
-[ ] Help out the researchers.
Short Term Benefit: May make your rolls in the next few updates a bit better, now that you've got some motivation to help.
-[ ] Get your Injuries treated.
Removes [Injury] temporary flaw.
-[ ] Help the Security Department exterminate the Legion on the floors below. (Combat)
Short Term Benefit: May make the coming fights a bit easier.
—[ ] What's your combat strategy?
-[ ] Do something else. (Write In, subject to QM veto if unrealistic.)
Improvement:
(Two choices in this section maximum)
-[ ] Prepare for the coming fights. (Physical)
Short Term Benefit: Gives a small modifier to Physical rolls next combat.
-[ ] Spend some time socializing with the inhabitants of the station. (Social)
-[ ] Spend some time reviewing combat strategy with Arlan. (Mental)
Short Term Benefit: Might give you an idea of what the Legion's planning.
-[ ] Ask Asta about the technology of the space station. (Technical)
Bonding:
(You have one extra Free Action for this category of action.)
-[ ] Hang out with…
Astral Express:
—[ ] …March 7th.
—[ ] …Dan Heng.
—[ ] …Himeko.
—[ ] …Stelle.
Herta Space Station:
—[ ] …Arlan.
—[ ] …Asta.
—[ ] …Herta. She's not here at the moment.
Continuances:
(No time for being sidetracked! You've got a space station to help out!)
And finally, what are you going to do about revealing your status as an Emanator?
[ ] Just tell the Express, dammit!
-May as well rip off the bandage.
-They seem like a fairly accepting group, after all.
[ ] (0.75) Keep it on the down low for now…
-You'd much rather not have them depend on you…
-(Weighted vote) But at the same time, it would hurt to lie to people you already trust.
Vote in plan format, please.
6 Hour Moratorium.
[X] Plan Testudo Formation
-[X] Primary Strategy: Focus on overwhelming defense, and then pick off members of the Legion when they get too close.
-[X] Shelley will Support
—[X] Shelley supports March
-[X] March will focus on keeping shields up, maybe freeze an enemy here or there if they're planning something
-[X] Stelle will spread out the damage she's dealing, going for the most amount of damage she can rather than kills.
-[X] Dan Heng will take down the enemies weakened by Stelle.
The space between you and the Voidrangers lessens, empty space quickly being replaced by gaping maws and armored soldiers.
It takes you about five seconds to plan out your plan. Your Devil Hunt trained brain tunes out everything else, only focusing on a way out of the situation.
Realistically, it might not work, there's too many extra things you can't account for, too many enemies, too little camaraderie.
But then, you look over at the others.
Arlan is on the ground, so he can't do much, but the others…you know they have a chance.
March is one of the sweetest girls you've ever met, with a heart of gold and a bow arm of steel.
Stelle might be strange, but if Kafka taught her, she must have the same bravery that you know Kafka has.
And if you can trust Stelle around him, Dan Heng's probably cool.
"Dan Heng! Stelle!" you yell, "Focus down the enemies and spread out respectively! There's too many enemies to run away from!"
Dan Heng and Stelle look at each other and then at you, before nodding. They immediately both jump up, and bash their bat and spear into armored soldiers.
Stelle swings her bat into a wide arc, focusing more on hitting as many targets as possible, than any kind of focus. Her powers of Destruction have a clear effect, the lightning on the bat becoming pure kinetic energy. The swarm is knocked back, slamming into each other in a chain of human(?) dominoes.
She focuses her hands, clearly preparing for a huge blow. She tenses up, charges her bat, dousing it in Destruction, before declaring her resolution clearly.
"Rules are…meant to be broken!" And with that, she slams her bat into the Legion, breaking up their formation and slamming them into the walls. The Legion's carefully placed soldiers look close to breaking, and they almost leave craters in the walls.
Also, "rules are meant to be broken?" If you had any doubt as to whether or not she knew Kafka, it's gone, dead in the ground. That's exactly the kind of thing she'd say.
Dan Heng follows it up, with his spear piercing through each weakened enemy, taking them out as they hit the walls. He dodges with inhuman grace, before putting a quick stab through each Voidranger's head, putting them out of their misery.
He focuses on a huge four legged Legion soldier, likely their general. For a second the world freezes—
And the scenery shifts, into autumn trees and a white sky that reflects his Inner World. He moves his arm back, and readies up his body, locked onto the Legion's general.
And with one, invisible cue, he dashes straight through.
"This sanctuary is but a vision—break!"
And with one quick stab, the Legion general and the sanctuary vanish like a bad dream.
And five to fifteen more Legion pop in to take its place. They replace the space that the other Legion took, seeming to replace it like nothing even left. All of them seem to focus exclusively on your group, instead of any researchers.
"No," you think with horror, "they're here for me specifically. I'm the Emanator here; they see me and the Express as the clear greatest threat."
Dan Heng and Stelle are pushed back by an unending tide, their weapons serving as weak makeshift barricades.
"March! Shelley!" Dan Heng yells out. "Support us over here!"
You don't miss a beat—a quick laser shot directed at your head is dodged with grace, and you respond in kind with a fire bolt from your trumpet.
You put your hand on March's shoulder and grip tightly.
"March, I'm a Harmony Pathstrider." You say, trying your best to maintain your calm for this next part. "Let me support you, so that we can resist the next wave."
Tutorial: Spirit Sync Levels
Spirit Sync has different levels as to how much it enhances you and your allies. It is determined by a combination of Relationship Level, the level of effort Shelley is using, and whether Emanator/Aeon powers are being used. It's then subtracted by one. Let's have a look!
Level 0: A mild enhancement, shared between both of you. Needs fairly close proximity (10 ft) to work, which is why Shelley didn't use this one Arlan.
+3 to rolls concerning what is trying to be supported, so usually Physical.
Levels 1-2: A vaguely visible, red-orange fiery aura is visible between the user and receiver, and their attacks are coordinated. A Spirit String also connects their pinkies, though it becomes invisible and intangible after a few inches.
Above buff becomes +4-5, and both partners get advantage (roll two dice, take higher amount) on their rolls. Also enhances Pathstrider abilities at 2.
Levels 3-4: At this level, Shelley could easily go into the receiver's Inner World, as well as vice versa. The aura effect is now visibly pronounced to anyone who can see. At Level 3, emotions start being shared, and at Level 4, the partners can read each other's thoughts. (Only on a level of absurdly good coordination, no direct mental messages.)
Above dice buff is now +6-7, and one time during Spirit Sync, a roll buffed by dice effects becomes considered as a forced Nat 20. May have an effect on story and relationships.
Level 5: ???
This will be revealed later…
Spirit Sync has different levels as to how much it enhances you and your allies. It is determined by a combination of Relationship Level, the level of effort Shelley is using, and whether Emanator/Aeon powers are being used. It's then subtracted by one. Let's have a look!
Level 0: A mild enhancement, shared between both of you. Needs fairly close proximity (10 ft) to work, which is why Shelley didn't use this one Arlan.
+3 to rolls concerning what is trying to be supported, so usually Physical.
Levels 1-2: A vaguely visible, red-orange fiery aura is visible between the user and receiver, and their attacks are coordinated. A Spirit String also connects their pinkies, though it becomes invisible and intangible after a few inches.
Above buff becomes +4-5, and both partners get advantage (roll two dice, take higher amount) on their rolls. Also enhances Pathstrider abilities at 2.
Levels 3-4: At this level, Shelley could easily go into the receiver's Inner World, as well as vice versa. The aura effect is now visibly pronounced to anyone who can see. At Level 3, emotions start being shared, and at Level 4, the partners can read each other's thoughts. (Only on a level of absurdly good coordination, no direct mental messages.)
Above dice buff is now +6-7, and one time during Spirit Sync, a roll buffed by dice effects becomes considered as a forced Nat 20. May have an effect on story and relationships.
Level 5: ???
This will be revealed later…
March turns to meet you, and nods. "Alright, let's go, Ms. Shelley!"
"Please, just call me Marie!"
Right as you say that, your Spirit Sync roars to life, its power unleashed. The sound of fire rushes to your ears, and you put your hands together.
[March 7th Relationship Level (1) + Shelley Effort Level (2, Main Focus of Plan)-1=2]
[Spirit Sync Level 2!]
You put your hands out, as March 7th shoots out a barrage of icy arrows. "March! Everything into defense!"
March nods, and swings her arms in an arc, before pointing up. You follow her practiced motions, your arms lighting up pink and red respectively.
You say it together. "With us out here, how can we lose!?"
A multitude of star shaped shields surround the group, and everyone gathers around, their backs to each other. Arlan's in the middle, now swinging his sword wildly as the shield protects him as well.
[Physical Roll:
+10% Good Skill
+20% Shielded By Cuteness!
-10% Injured
+5 Spirit Sync]
[18! Amazing Success!]
The Legion charges in, but every single one of their blades bounces off. No—their blades and lasers sink in, but your combined shields make them feel like tickles. Stelle and Dan Heng continue their assault, following the same general strategy as before.
Meanwhile, you and March 7th keep on counter attacking the second each enemy gets close, freezing and immediately melting the enemies as they raise their blades.
The individual shields are more of a comprehensive shell around the group now. It's like a Tesludo-Testuro? Testudo formation; you learned about those in history class.
March groans. "Hey! You meanies! Haven't you heard it's rude to gang up on someone?"
You wipe a bead of sweat off your brow—just because Spirit Sync seriously buffs combat ability, doesn't mean that it's flawless. You can only keep up the group wide shield for so long. "Don't worry March, we just need to hold out, and they'll tire themselves out!"
…you seriously aren't sure if you believe your own words anymore.
[Physical Roll:
+10% Good Skill
+20% Shielded By Cuteness!
-10% Injured
-10% Exhausted
+5 Spirit Sync]
[18! Great Success!]
Just before you fall down from exhaustion, March reapplies her shield, which gives you just enough time to catch your breath. You notice the constant stream of Legion is starting to slow down.
"Alright, they're exhausted everybody! We just need an opening!" you say, muscles and bones aching.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a weaponized drone appears! It slashes through all the lower level Legion soldiers, before dazing the Legion's general. You guess that the reinforcements have arrived, after all.
It comes to a stop in front of you, drawing the attention of the general.
"I think that'll do it!" Stelle says.
"Go!" Dan Heng yells, leading the group over to the elevator. You all get on, and you slap the elevator button as March fires one last arrow to dissuade the Legion from coming any closer.
Five minutes late, you all are limping into the Master Control Zone, exhausted but proud.
[Your Reputation Level with the Astral Express has grown to 1!]
[Your Relationship Level with Dan Heng and Arlan has grown to level 1! Your Relationship Level with Stelle and March 7th is getting closer to 2…]
A red haired woman looks up at you. "Good to see you all got here," she says, sipping her coffee calmly. "Why does it always have to get this exciting?"
"Whew, Himeko~ What took you so long!" March complains. "We had to fight off all those Legion like they were locusts! Have you ever had to shoot locusts with a bow?"
You quickly put your hand on March's mouth; it wouldn't do to have unnecessary conflict right now, right after you just fought off about fifty different soldiers.
"Please don't listen to March, she's just a bit worked up from having to do so much fighting. My name's Shelley, she's Stelle…" Stelle waves.
"And your name is?"
The woman waves at you and Stelle. "Hey, nice to meet you two. I'm Himeko, navigator of the Astral Express."
Himeko
The navigator and the one who fixed up the Astral Express. A woman who is always exploring new frontiers.
The navigator and the one who fixed up the Astral Express. A woman who is always exploring new frontiers.
"And as for March's question," Himeko replies, "I wouldn't have made too much of a difference. My orbital cannon can deal with a whole bunch of enemies at once, but I can't just blow up the space station—Herta would NOT like that."
She has a W H A T. You've gotta ask her about the casual orbital cannon she just has.
She turns to Arlan, who looks like he's about to collapse. "Are you ok?" She asks, "Asta's been worried about you."
"I'm fine, a quick patching up will do," Arlan hurriedly mutters. "Thanks for asking. I'll report the situation to Lead Researcher Asta immediately. Bye."
He then goes off to the medbay, or to wherever sad, self sacrificial injured boys go to brood and groan.
Himeko turns back to you and Stelle, an expectant look in her eyes. "By the way, March wasn't too much trouble for you two, right?"
You talk first. "She's a great girl! I helped her out back when we were fighting the Legion. What do you think, Stelle?"
"Stelle, think carefully about how you wanna reply to that." March warns, a clear annoyance in her tone.
Stelle looks a bit surprised from being put on the spot. She looks at March, and seems to study the girl she was fighting alongside. After a moment of deliberation, she speaks.
"She defended us against the Legion, so I'm glad for that, but I've never met a more energetic girl before in my life."
March jumps back and puts a hand to her chest, faux insulted. "...That's just my charm! And I didn't cause any trouble. You just have to get used to me... Look, Dan Heng agrees, right?"
The man in question looks up from a book, with a look saying "leave me out of this." His response implies about the same.
"I have the right to remain silent."
Himeko laughs pleasantly. "Look at you all, you've already gotten really close."
She gestures to you to come over to the front of the room. "Come on, Asta has been worried about all of you."
Oh crud, you forgot to end that conversation with Asta before running off because of the Spirit Whisper. You should really explain yourself.
As you walk up to her, Asta seems both extremely focused and stressed. "Projectile radar tracking, normal. Telemetry signal frequency unusually high! Maintain at normal levels!"
She clicks a few buttons, activating a few switches, before speaking into the intercom. "Our measurements predict that the Legion is about to unleash over ten waves of continuous attacks. Everyone, brace yourselves!"
The floor shakes and rumbles, but the space station stabilizes in a heartbeat. You all breathe a sigh of relief.
March waves over to Asta. "Asta! We're back!"
Asta steps back from her control console, seemingly relieved as well. "Whew, I'm glad you're all back safe. Arlan just told me about the situation at the storage zone."
"And about his injury... Thank you, for all your help."
She then spots you, over in the back. "Oh! Ms. Shelley! I haven't seen you since this disaster started! I imagine you were able to handle yourself, considering you are a Em-"
You cut off Asta on that last part of that sentence, shaking your head over in the back of the group, where only she can see you. You'd much rather the Astral Express hear out your story on your own terms, thank you very much!
"-ployee of the space station!" Asta awkwardly finishes. "A contractor that we hired specifically for cases like this, yes."
Dan Heng ignores the awkward conversation you two are having, and just gets straight to the point.
"What is the current situation on the space station?" He asks.
Asta sighs, she's visibly exhausted by now. "The situation is under control for now: The damage to our security system was minor. The intruder only managed to alter a small amount of data, so it was easy to fix."
Asta puts down her hand she was holding up, and she sits down, practically drained by now.
"The real problem lies with the researchers... They trust Madam Herta wholeheartedly and never thought that the space station would be breached by the Legion. A broken spirit is far worse than a broken body."
Himeko decides that it's about time for her to take a break, and addresses the Astral Express.. "Everyone, Shelley, Stelle, go speak with the researchers. Right now, the space station can't afford any more unexpected turns, especially from within."
Himeko turns back to Asta. "Have you tried contacting Herta?"
"I sent multiple letters, all met with silence. You know her, Himeko, the space station is but a mere warehouse for followers and rare items. She doesn't really care about it."
You did get the impression that Herta only cared about her scientific research over others earlier. Hearing a confirmation from someone else only serves to support your impression.
Himeko sighs. "I knew it... No matter. I'll also end a letter to Herta and tell her that we've brought the rare item she seeks. At least that might get her attention."
"That would be of great help, thank you Ms. Himeko."
Asta turns away, as March and Dan Heng go over to help out the space station's inhabitants. Looks like the conversation is over for now.
Now for the hard part. You've got to do a bit to help out as well. And you've also got to decide…
Do you want to tell the Astral Express about your status as a new Emanator? Or should you just keep that a secret, since you don't want them treating you differently? They seem accepting, but are you sure about that?
Either way, you'd rather not do anything that would hurt anybody, but life's just too complicated sometimes.
Ah well Shelley, you'll figure it out in time. Decisions, decisions…
Free Roam Segment!
Tutorial: Free Roam Segments
Sometimes there are segments of the actual game where you're just intended to grind and do side quests, while waiting for the next update. Free Roam segments are supposed to represent these segments, while also giving Shelley and Stelle a much needed breather. Here's how it works:
You have a set number of AP (Action Points), usually 4, but that can be affected by the situation. They can each be spent (in plan form) on as many choices from one of four Categories. These categories are:
Exploration: General opportunities, that can stay or go depending on the location or time. These can give various buffs or debuffs, and it's a fairly safe choice. Also, write-ins are permitted here.
Improvement: Gain experience towards improving one to two stats of your choice, and maybe a short term benefit.
Bonding: Gain Relationship Level or progress towards another Relationship Level with a character in the area.
Special note: Since you took the Perk [Revelation from Above] your Harmony perk of being able to socialize with others has been enhanced! You get an extra free action for this category only, each Free Roam segment.
Continuances: Representative of the Trailblaze Continuances of the actual game, these adventures take place after the main story of each planet, and will likely have a mini-arc (2-4 updates) dedicated to them. Usually have pretty good benefits, but you guys can choose to put them off until later if you wish.
Sometimes there are segments of the actual game where you're just intended to grind and do side quests, while waiting for the next update. Free Roam segments are supposed to represent these segments, while also giving Shelley and Stelle a much needed breather. Here's how it works:
You have a set number of AP (Action Points), usually 4, but that can be affected by the situation. They can each be spent (in plan form) on as many choices from one of four Categories. These categories are:
Exploration: General opportunities, that can stay or go depending on the location or time. These can give various buffs or debuffs, and it's a fairly safe choice. Also, write-ins are permitted here.
Improvement: Gain experience towards improving one to two stats of your choice, and maybe a short term benefit.
Bonding: Gain Relationship Level or progress towards another Relationship Level with a character in the area.
Special note: Since you took the Perk [Revelation from Above] your Harmony perk of being able to socialize with others has been enhanced! You get an extra free action for this category only, each Free Roam segment.
Continuances: Representative of the Trailblaze Continuances of the actual game, these adventures take place after the main story of each planet, and will likely have a mini-arc (2-4 updates) dedicated to them. Usually have pretty good benefits, but you guys can choose to put them off until later if you wish.
3 AP available. (You're under time constraints thanks to the disaster right now, so there goes an action.)
Exploration:
-[ ] Help out the researchers.
Short Term Benefit: May make your rolls in the next few updates a bit better, now that you've got some motivation to help.
-[ ] Get your Injuries treated.
Removes [Injury] temporary flaw.
-[ ] Help the Security Department exterminate the Legion on the floors below. (Combat)
Short Term Benefit: May make the coming fights a bit easier.
—[ ] What's your combat strategy?
-[ ] Do something else. (Write In, subject to QM veto if unrealistic.)
Improvement:
(Two choices in this section maximum)
-[ ] Prepare for the coming fights. (Physical)
Short Term Benefit: Gives a small modifier to Physical rolls next combat.
-[ ] Spend some time socializing with the inhabitants of the station. (Social)
-[ ] Spend some time reviewing combat strategy with Arlan. (Mental)
Short Term Benefit: Might give you an idea of what the Legion's planning.
-[ ] Ask Asta about the technology of the space station. (Technical)
Bonding:
(You have one extra Free Action for this category of action.)
-[ ] Hang out with…
Astral Express:
—[ ] …March 7th.
—[ ] …Dan Heng.
—[ ] …Himeko.
—[ ] …Stelle.
Herta Space Station:
—[ ] …Arlan.
—[ ] …Asta.
Continuances:
(No time for being sidetracked! You've got a space station to help out!)
And finally, what are you going to do about revealing your status as an Emanator?
[ ] Just tell the Express, dammit!
-May as well rip off the bandage.
-They seem like a fairly accepting group, after all.
[ ] (0.75) Keep it on the down low for now…
-You'd much rather not have them depend on you…
-(Weighted vote) But at the same time, it would hurt to lie to people you already trust.
Tutorial: Weighted Votes
Sometimes, a choice will come up where for in-character reasons, Shelley's seriously opposed or disposed to doing it.
In these cases, the number of votes will be either multiplied or divided by a certain number. For example, since Shelley doesn't like lying to people she trusts, the number of votes for that (say, 4) would be multiplied by 0.75. (So it would go to 3.)
Just because a vote is weighted differently, does not mean that the QM is pushing you toward or away from those actions. It just means that doing so will change Shelley's character, as what she's doing is different from what she'd normally do.
Sometimes, a choice will come up where for in-character reasons, Shelley's seriously opposed or disposed to doing it.
In these cases, the number of votes will be either multiplied or divided by a certain number. For example, since Shelley doesn't like lying to people she trusts, the number of votes for that (say, 4) would be multiplied by 0.75. (So it would go to 3.)
Just because a vote is weighted differently, does not mean that the QM is pushing you toward or away from those actions. It just means that doing so will change Shelley's character, as what she's doing is different from what she'd normally do.
Vote in plan format, please.
6 Hour Moratorium.
Author's Note: What a doozy of a chapter. Introducing three new mechanics is never fun, but I hope they all make sense, and flesh out the gameplay of this quest.
You guys did well on the combat! Two good rolls helped out, but you all managed to get one of the win conditions for the fight: wait until Himeko gets there. (For reference, the other one was to smack the Legion general into oblivion, likely with Stelle's help.) Kudos to @CryoIce , and good luck on his Quest.
Spirit Sync was one of those things where I was wondering if it was too powerful. However, I eventually decided on the same reasoning, as the devs, as to why characters like Acheron and Welt are so powerful.
"They're extremely powerful Emanators or on that same level in the lore; they should feel powerful in gameplay as well."
Thank you for reading, and as always, remember to react with a like and vote, and make sure to discuss your thoughts on the current situation in the Quest.
You guys did well on the combat! Two good rolls helped out, but you all managed to get one of the win conditions for the fight: wait until Himeko gets there. (For reference, the other one was to smack the Legion general into oblivion, likely with Stelle's help.) Kudos to @CryoIce , and good luck on his Quest.
Spirit Sync was one of those things where I was wondering if it was too powerful. However, I eventually decided on the same reasoning, as the devs, as to why characters like Acheron and Welt are so powerful.
"They're extremely powerful Emanators or on that same level in the lore; they should feel powerful in gameplay as well."
Thank you for reading, and as always, remember to react with a like and vote, and make sure to discuss your thoughts on the current situation in the Quest.
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Kermie
Probably Currently Writing
- Location
- Somewhere on the planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
Read the tutorial for Free Roam Segments.
TL;DR: Yes.
- Location
- United States
[] Plan Interacting with Ata
-[] Get your Injuries treated.
-[ ] Ask Asta about the technology of the space station. (Technical)
-[]Hang out with...
—[ ] …Asta.
—[] …Stelle.
Fine with that plan, but wanted to just post an alternate plan. Also interact with the neice.
Also there is one adorable member on the station that we must meet when possible.
...Wonder if Shelley can understand animals...? I'm thinking of some parts involving March 7th
-[] Get your Injuries treated.
-[ ] Ask Asta about the technology of the space station. (Technical)
-[]Hang out with...
—[ ] …Asta.
—[] …Stelle.
Fine with that plan, but wanted to just post an alternate plan. Also interact with the neice.
Also there is one adorable member on the station that we must meet when possible.
...Wonder if Shelley can understand animals...? I'm thinking of some parts involving March 7th
Shelley’s Voice Lines
Kermie
Probably Currently Writing
- Location
- Somewhere on the planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
I did say I'd do it next update, after all.
Part 2 of this post: Part 1
Voice lines for if Shelley was a playable character in HSR.
CV: Jill Harris
(Voiced Noelle from Black Clover)
Japanese CV: Fairouz Ai
(Voiced Power from Chainsaw Man and Jolyne from JJBA)
Part 2 of this post: Part 1
Voice lines for if Shelley was a playable character in HSR.
CV: Jill Harris
(Voiced Noelle from Black Clover)
Japanese CV: Fairouz Ai
(Voiced Power from Chainsaw Man and Jolyne from JJBA)
Combat Voice Lines:
| Battle Begins: Weakness Break |
| We have an advantage! |
| Battle Begins: Danger Alert |
| Everyone, I'll be taking care of this. |
| Turn Begins |
| Let's make this a good show. |
| Our Harmony is your end. |
| Turn Idling |
| Alright, don't be relaxing on me too long now. |
| Basic ATK |
| Eat this! A flash of inspiration! |
| Skill 1 |
| This is my promise, from me to you… |
| Skill 2 |
| Tune up! *trumpet blares loudly* |
| Hit by Light Attack |
| Been through worse. |
| Hit by Heavy Attack |
| Focus… |
| Ultimate: Activate |
| Now, let's begin this performance. |
| Ultimate: Unleash |
| This is our stage to perform on, so let's go for it, everybody. Now, Strike Up The Band! |
| Talent |
| Let me help you out~ |
| *quick note on saxophone* |
| Downed |
| Sorry, guys… Sorry, Kafka… |
| Return to Battle |
| Thanks, we're not done yet! |
| Health Recovery |
| Ready for the next performance. |
| Technique |
| *hums pleasantly.* |
| Battle Won |
| Great job, everybody! |
| Treasure Opening |
| More supplies is always good. |
| Maybe I can make a song about this. |
| Precious Treasure Opening |
| Beautiful like a pleasant melody. |
| Successful Puzzle-Solving |
| Harmonized perfectly. |
| And there's our solution. |
| Enemy Target Found |
| Everyone, ready up. |
| Returning to Town |
| You guys can rest. I'll be going around to help the people here. |
| First Meeting |
| The name's Shelley Marie, I'm a Emanator of Harmony and retired Devil Hunter—but you already knew that, Stelle. |
| Greeting |
| Another day of helping others. That's what'll make up this productive day. |
| Parting |
| A nice day, but all good songs come to an end. Let's get back on the Express. |
| About Self: Music |
| If Devil Hunting hadn't worked out, one of my plans for the future was being one of those street performers, playing my trumpet on the street side. |
| About Self: Weapon |
| Word of advice: those who follow Xipe can make any tool of music a tool of violence. |
| Chat: Devil Hunters |
| We did good things in the name of evil, we did bad things for good. But that life wasn't for me. |
| Chat: Visiting an Aeon |
| What was seeing Xipe like? Imagine the best meteor shower ever…now make that a hundred times cooler. |
| Hobbies |
| Helping others is the best use of my time. But if you're talking about personal matters, it's learning new songs on trumpet or saxophone. |
| Annoyances |
| Listen, we're both not sure how you're related to Kafka, but she really needs to pay her child support if she's related to you how I think she might be. |
| Something to Share |
| I usually spend some down time playing music on the streets of whatever planet I go to. In general, people just put credits into my pocket when I do so. |
| Knowledge |
| Xipe may preach Harmony, but don't believe that Harmony is always peaceful. THEIR gaze can also be burning to the evildoers. |
| About Stelle |
| You're a star child: you've got big things ahead of you. Don't forget that. |
| About March 7th |
| She's energetic, but don't dismiss her. She's already a well experienced trailblazer. |
| About Dan Heng |
| I wish I knew more about him, but for now he's just another crew member on the Express. |
| About Himeko |
| She's very smart. But just where did she get that orbital cannon?! About Kafka We might not have been born that way or lived that way. But I really think she's my sister from another mother. |
| Eidolon Activation |
| To even further frontiers of Harmony… |
| Character Ascension |
| I shouldn't be slacking off on training. What would the other Devil Hunters be thinking if they saw me? |
| Max Level Reached |
| We've reached a new limit. I hope we can keep playing on for a long time. |
| Trace Activation |
| My songs are sounding more melodic by the day! |
| Added to Team With Stelle |
| Let's dance, Stelle! |
| Added to Team With March 7th |
| We can make new memories together, March 7th. Here; I'll show you my music. |
| Added to Team With Dan Heng |
| Hey, Mr Strong but Silent, cover me. |
| Added to Team With Himeko |
| Redheads unite, I suppose! |
| Added to Team With Kafka |
| We don't usually get this opportunity to fight together…watch my back, ok? |
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Poll On Genshin Closed
Kermie
Probably Currently Writing
- Location
- Somewhere on the planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
If you're reading this, the "yes or no on Genshin characters" has come to an exact tie. So, I will be making a compromise. I will have au versions of Genshin characters, but they will not be used as filler. They will all be characters who interact well with the main characters. Let me explain.
Multiple people dislike Genshin's story. Now I'm talking about the whole thing, because you've got things like Fontaine Archon Quest, which is peak all the way through. But do you know why they hate it?
Because a lot of Genshin's story is conveyed through exposition; through Paimon. And people hate that, and for good goddamn reason! When information is being fed to you via exposition instead of natural character moments, it feels bad in large qualities.
If I had to use a metaphor, it's the difference between eating microwave meals and cooking something good. Yes, the microwave meals are easy to make and will get you from point a to b without your stomach crying in pain, but actually cooking up a meal will make sure that you won't die from malnourishment and have to eat bland crap the whole time.
Paimon feels more like a mouthpiece for lore, and people don't just come to Genshin for that! They come for the dynamics and arcs between the characters.
Take the dynamic between Navia and Neuvilette for example!
That's a good character arc and interesting dynamic all at once!
By the way, that was in the first half of the Fontaine quest. The weaker half.
So when I involve any Genshin characters, they will play off the HSR characters in interesting ways.
I'm talking about Baizhu, someone who wants to seek immortality so that no one gets hurt, and Blade and Jingliu, characters who were hurt by the curse of immortality, of being lonely!
I'm talking about Lisa, who lost part of her lifespan seeking knowledge and chose to become a normal librarian instead of an academic, and Dr. Ratio and Ruan Mei, who keep on chasing after more and more knowledge, but can't acknowledge who detached they are from other humans!
Every single Genshin character won't be filler. They'll have their own character arcs and dynamics, they'll fit into the universe, with the HSR characters being affected in turn.
Is that a good enough compromise for everyone?
Multiple people dislike Genshin's story. Now I'm talking about the whole thing, because you've got things like Fontaine Archon Quest, which is peak all the way through. But do you know why they hate it?
Because a lot of Genshin's story is conveyed through exposition; through Paimon. And people hate that, and for good goddamn reason! When information is being fed to you via exposition instead of natural character moments, it feels bad in large qualities.
If I had to use a metaphor, it's the difference between eating microwave meals and cooking something good. Yes, the microwave meals are easy to make and will get you from point a to b without your stomach crying in pain, but actually cooking up a meal will make sure that you won't die from malnourishment and have to eat bland crap the whole time.
Paimon feels more like a mouthpiece for lore, and people don't just come to Genshin for that! They come for the dynamics and arcs between the characters.
Take the dynamic between Navia and Neuvilette for example!
One's a normal human who had her father die because of an unfinished case, while the other's the judge of that case and the whole nation, who due to being a dragon, doesn't understand human emotion. Understandably, when Neuvilette seems to not care about her father's death, it really affects Navia, which sets off a character arc for them both!
When Navia finishes her quest to find justice, she meets up with Neuvi at her father's grave. And you really get a sense of how they both changed. Neuvilette says that he understands Navia's grief now, and that he wants to make sure he and Navia's organization (the spina di rosula) can work together so that no more unneeded tragedies can happen again. He's more willing to work with and understand humans.
And Navia's found closure, and she's learned to forgive Neuvilette, because she was never actually angry at him, she just angry because she could never get over her grief. But now that she's resolved her problems, she wants to live up to her father's legacy, instead of just being shadowed and mired in it.
When Navia finishes her quest to find justice, she meets up with Neuvi at her father's grave. And you really get a sense of how they both changed. Neuvilette says that he understands Navia's grief now, and that he wants to make sure he and Navia's organization (the spina di rosula) can work together so that no more unneeded tragedies can happen again. He's more willing to work with and understand humans.
And Navia's found closure, and she's learned to forgive Neuvilette, because she was never actually angry at him, she just angry because she could never get over her grief. But now that she's resolved her problems, she wants to live up to her father's legacy, instead of just being shadowed and mired in it.
By the way, that was in the first half of the Fontaine quest. The weaker half.
So when I involve any Genshin characters, they will play off the HSR characters in interesting ways.
I'm talking about Baizhu, someone who wants to seek immortality so that no one gets hurt, and Blade and Jingliu, characters who were hurt by the curse of immortality, of being lonely!
I'm talking about Lisa, who lost part of her lifespan seeking knowledge and chose to become a normal librarian instead of an academic, and Dr. Ratio and Ruan Mei, who keep on chasing after more and more knowledge, but can't acknowledge who detached they are from other humans!
Every single Genshin character won't be filler. They'll have their own character arcs and dynamics, they'll fit into the universe, with the HSR characters being affected in turn.
Is that a good enough compromise for everyone?
Peppy probably got his space suit and jetpack and is doing Spy Doggo on the Legion.