- Location
- USA
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Is that how that works? Here I thought playing lots of those just gets you addicted to it LMAO
A Simple Transaction I
- Thread starter Rihaku
- Start date
- Original
Maragas
Nothing to see here.
- Location
- Tree House
For me it made big numbers boring. Don't get me wrong, it's still a rush to see numbers go up but you eventually realize there is no difference between seeing +1 to 1 and +1e100 to 1e100.
There are some great Idling games though, don't get me wrong. A Dark Room and Universal Paperclips are classics for a reason.
- Location
- Earth
Argh I am much too slow for this sort ofthing nowadays, will have to finish this later!
have a very preliminary family fishing trip portrait
Also where did you get your hands on a camera Gisena
have a very preliminary family fishing trip portrait
Also where did you get your hands on a camera Gisena
Last edited:
[X] Of Fishermen, A King
[X] Keep Your Own Counsel
Yolo.
Mmm, I'd like to keep the option where we continue to hoard our Arete.
...
Some thoughts on the Forebearer, whose power we grasp, and who is NOT the tyrant.
Are all the powers we grasp the Forebearer's to begin with?
If so, then he's not really dead because he has Dead But Dreaming. Or perhaps he ascended to become one of these mysterious hidden ones, a process that required his mortal self to die, and he watches the world from some eldritch vantage point. Personally I'm a bit skeptical of anyone who, having gained immortality, decides to die of old age naturally.
Or perhaps he's opposed to these hidden ones, and so they used their powers(?) to insure that he considered dying of old age a good idea? Maybe he saw the war was unwinnable and just checked out.
The relationship between Tyrant and Forebearer is interesting as well. I think it's something like the relationship between Sauron and Melkor, in the sense that one is a lesser version of that greater evil. It's even said that the Tyrant's power comes from his Ring of Hunger, just as Sauron's power came from ring(s) as well.
The Tyrant kept the blade in his own catacombs. Was his decision to leave it there out of love and respect for his family, or did he fear the blade's power, or was he just unwilling or unable to perform the magic to wield it himself?
I'm not sure what ritual would call the Forebearer back, but restoring his sword and then taking up his mantle seems like a good start.
Or perhaps the resurrection is a bit more esoteric. Perhaps if you pretend to be the Forebearer long enough and well enough, you become him in truth. "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be."
[X] Keep Your Own Counsel
Yolo.
Mmm, I'd like to keep the option where we continue to hoard our Arete.
...
Some thoughts on the Forebearer, whose power we grasp, and who is NOT the tyrant.
Are all the powers we grasp the Forebearer's to begin with?
If so, then he's not really dead because he has Dead But Dreaming. Or perhaps he ascended to become one of these mysterious hidden ones, a process that required his mortal self to die, and he watches the world from some eldritch vantage point. Personally I'm a bit skeptical of anyone who, having gained immortality, decides to die of old age naturally.
Or perhaps he's opposed to these hidden ones, and so they used their powers(?) to insure that he considered dying of old age a good idea? Maybe he saw the war was unwinnable and just checked out.
The relationship between Tyrant and Forebearer is interesting as well. I think it's something like the relationship between Sauron and Melkor, in the sense that one is a lesser version of that greater evil. It's even said that the Tyrant's power comes from his Ring of Hunger, just as Sauron's power came from ring(s) as well.
The Tyrant kept the blade in his own catacombs. Was his decision to leave it there out of love and respect for his family, or did he fear the blade's power, or was he just unwilling or unable to perform the magic to wield it himself?
I'm not sure what ritual would call the Forebearer back, but restoring his sword and then taking up his mantle seems like a good start.
Or perhaps the resurrection is a bit more esoteric. Perhaps if you pretend to be the Forebearer long enough and well enough, you become him in truth. "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be."
Praehihr
Rihaku
The Internet
Praehihr
"The Decimator's Affliction," he said. "Ten percent of all life force within its radius is consumed every year."
"That's... right." Letrizia responded, eyes wide. "You've heard of it before?"
"I have it," he replied, staring into the distance. "Though it receded after I slew that pirate. One of many Curses I've taken on in exchange for the power of unlimited escalation, growth without limit or bound."
At this, Letrizia's response was drowned up by a low rumble from her Armament.
Verschlengorge's eyes flashed blue, a light so harrowing and sublime that it struck him insensate, lake and sun and sky rendered an amateur's daubing before the absolute truth of that blue, this world - all worlds - cut away like an unpeeling rind to reveal the blinding firmament beneath.
"Praehihr." The Armament spoke, breaking the spell, and bowed its head; slowly the blue bled from its eyes until they wholly reverted, mere gold once more.
"Prae... hihr," Letrizia spelled out, somewhat stunned at the pace of recent occurences. "The prefix indicates 'one who is cursed,' but with an appellation of grandeur, like royalty. The suffix -hihr can only mean 'implement.' Praehihr... the best translation would be something like, Accursed Implement."
Accursed Implement. He directed his gaze heavenward, knowing how futile that was. "Yes. That sounds about right."
"This is incredible," Letrizia said slowly. "I've never heard of an outsider with so deep a connection to the Foremost. And to be familiar enough that they had a name for your kind! I can't believe this is all a coincidence. Something must have bound you together with Verschlengorge. The synchronicity of your Astral shadow, perhaps! This could be a major breakthrough in the science of Astral Rank..."
Called it fate, coincidence or the product of design, whatever confluence of events had occurred to bring them together seemed to push towards one inevitable conclusion. There was no getting around it, no abdication or escape. He would have to get in the robot.
But for all that he was not master of his own destiny, still he could do this one thing.
"Yes. We shall investigate..." He turned back to the lake. "After I'm done fishing."
---
The winner last time was [X] Spill. [ ] None was also eliminated; Hunger will work to generate an impressive bounty of fish, but to what degree?
[ ] Substantially (+Letrizia, Tired, +Improved Nutrition)
[ ] Of Fishermen, A King (+Gisena, +Legendary Fish, +???, Exhausted)
You have 7 Arete. Choose only one option below:
[ ] El Stats - Master of the basics. A formidable quantity of raw physical attributes to buttress your capabilities and round out your weaknesses. Compensates easily for the damage you've already sustained and can move swiftly and gracefully to seize opportunities in the future.
Echo of the Forebear + Undying Echo
Sleep of the Just + Slumber of Aeons
Spends 4 Arete.
[ ] Lord Reaper - An offensive juggernaut. The withering power of the Fell-Handed Stroke imbued into every blow combined with a devastating secondary attack allows this build to strike well above its weight class, but it somewhat lacks defensive options. Nonetheless, initiative and a good offense can compensate for much. Effective against powerful single enemies, somewhat vulnerable to mobs. Extremely high rate of Experience gain if properly employed.
Echo of the Forebear
Fell-Handed Stroke
A Thousand Cuts
Spends 7 Arete.
[ ] Star-Cloaked Shroud - A greedy yet defensive build. With access to the Fell-Handed Stroke, enemies can be bled of their life and will even as the Evening Sky's resilience repels all assault. The comprehensive resistances and protection from harm yielded by the Evening Sky make a wide array of ventures practical, from dungeon-delving to monster farming. Additionally, the magnificence of that star-cloaked shroud casts its bearer in proud relief, imparts the thunder of midnight to his utterances, and thereby provides a notable bonus to social encounters. Well-balanced, yet formidable on and off the arena grounds.
Fell-Handed Stroke
Evening Sky
Spends 7 Arete.
[ ] A Curse, Deferred - The Decimator's Affliction laid to rest for two whole years. Seven hundred fifty days of freedom from a Major Curse, and the relentless cost it demands of all around you. Can there be a greater relief than this, from the burdens of time and guilt? What matters power, if misery can be undone by its forswearing?
Echo of the Forebear
Fell-Handed Stroke
Conclusion
Spends 7 Arete.
Choose wisely. Choose well. For all those that have come before.
"The Decimator's Affliction," he said. "Ten percent of all life force within its radius is consumed every year."
"That's... right." Letrizia responded, eyes wide. "You've heard of it before?"
"I have it," he replied, staring into the distance. "Though it receded after I slew that pirate. One of many Curses I've taken on in exchange for the power of unlimited escalation, growth without limit or bound."
At this, Letrizia's response was drowned up by a low rumble from her Armament.
Verschlengorge's eyes flashed blue, a light so harrowing and sublime that it struck him insensate, lake and sun and sky rendered an amateur's daubing before the absolute truth of that blue, this world - all worlds - cut away like an unpeeling rind to reveal the blinding firmament beneath.
"Praehihr." The Armament spoke, breaking the spell, and bowed its head; slowly the blue bled from its eyes until they wholly reverted, mere gold once more.
"Prae... hihr," Letrizia spelled out, somewhat stunned at the pace of recent occurences. "The prefix indicates 'one who is cursed,' but with an appellation of grandeur, like royalty. The suffix -hihr can only mean 'implement.' Praehihr... the best translation would be something like, Accursed Implement."
Accursed Implement. He directed his gaze heavenward, knowing how futile that was. "Yes. That sounds about right."
"This is incredible," Letrizia said slowly. "I've never heard of an outsider with so deep a connection to the Foremost. And to be familiar enough that they had a name for your kind! I can't believe this is all a coincidence. Something must have bound you together with Verschlengorge. The synchronicity of your Astral shadow, perhaps! This could be a major breakthrough in the science of Astral Rank..."
Called it fate, coincidence or the product of design, whatever confluence of events had occurred to bring them together seemed to push towards one inevitable conclusion. There was no getting around it, no abdication or escape. He would have to get in the robot.
But for all that he was not master of his own destiny, still he could do this one thing.
"Yes. We shall investigate..." He turned back to the lake. "After I'm done fishing."
---
The winner last time was [X] Spill. [ ] None was also eliminated; Hunger will work to generate an impressive bounty of fish, but to what degree?
[ ] Substantially (+Letrizia, Tired, +Improved Nutrition)
[ ] Of Fishermen, A King (+Gisena, +Legendary Fish, +???, Exhausted)
You have 7 Arete. Choose only one option below:
[ ] El Stats - Master of the basics. A formidable quantity of raw physical attributes to buttress your capabilities and round out your weaknesses. Compensates easily for the damage you've already sustained and can move swiftly and gracefully to seize opportunities in the future.
Echo of the Forebear + Undying Echo
Sleep of the Just + Slumber of Aeons
Spends 4 Arete.
[ ] Lord Reaper - An offensive juggernaut. The withering power of the Fell-Handed Stroke imbued into every blow combined with a devastating secondary attack allows this build to strike well above its weight class, but it somewhat lacks defensive options. Nonetheless, initiative and a good offense can compensate for much. Effective against powerful single enemies, somewhat vulnerable to mobs. Extremely high rate of Experience gain if properly employed.
Echo of the Forebear
Fell-Handed Stroke
A Thousand Cuts
Spends 7 Arete.
[ ] Star-Cloaked Shroud - A greedy yet defensive build. With access to the Fell-Handed Stroke, enemies can be bled of their life and will even as the Evening Sky's resilience repels all assault. The comprehensive resistances and protection from harm yielded by the Evening Sky make a wide array of ventures practical, from dungeon-delving to monster farming. Additionally, the magnificence of that star-cloaked shroud casts its bearer in proud relief, imparts the thunder of midnight to his utterances, and thereby provides a notable bonus to social encounters. Well-balanced, yet formidable on and off the arena grounds.
Fell-Handed Stroke
Evening Sky
Spends 7 Arete.
[ ] A Curse, Deferred - The Decimator's Affliction laid to rest for two whole years. Seven hundred fifty days of freedom from a Major Curse, and the relentless cost it demands of all around you. Can there be a greater relief than this, from the burdens of time and guilt? What matters power, if misery can be undone by its forswearing?
Echo of the Forebear
Fell-Handed Stroke
Conclusion
Spends 7 Arete.
Choose wisely. Choose well. For all those that have come before.
Last edited:
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
[x] Substantially (+Letrizia, Tired, +Improved Nutrition)
[x]A Curse, Deferred
[x]A Curse, Deferred
- Location
- US
[X] Of Fishermen, A King
[X] A Curse, Deferred
[X] A Curse, Deferred
- Location
- Pindorama
It seems that the Armaments were made by or with Curbearers, potentially for other Cursebearers. The sign of respect the Devourer paid us bodes well for our own compatibility.
Also that thing can still fucking talk. These thing are less EVA-like by the minute.
Still, what a ride these two updates have been; Knowledge was definitely worth it.
[X] Substantially (+Letrizia, Tired, +Improved Nutrition)
[X] A Curse, Deferred
My previous vote, made in a provisional manner.
Also that thing can still fucking talk. These thing are less EVA-like by the minute.
Still, what a ride these two updates have been; Knowledge was definitely worth it.
[X] Substantially (+Letrizia, Tired, +Improved Nutrition)
[X] A Curse, Deferred
My previous vote, made in a provisional manner.
That reaction was far better than I was even thinking to hope for. Sure all this talk about study to advance astral science could lead to bad places, but overall it turned out excellent so far.
Rihaku
The Internet
Her Armament did just bow to Hunger. Power needs no prerogative.
- Location
- Planet Earth
Arrgh! Well done Rihaku, I'm having a hard time picking between them, they're all so tempting!
Alright, Option Reviews!
Good for pursuing further development, Dead But Dreaming lies tempting at the end of this path.
[X] A Curse, Deferred - The Decimator's Affliction laid to rest for two whole years. Seven hundred fifty days of freedom from a Major Curse, and the relentless cost it demands of all around you. Can there be a greater relief than this, from the burdens of time and guilt? What matters power, if misery can be undone by its forswearing?
The Weakest of the plans in actual power, be it combative or social, yet as it itself states there is more to life than just power. This grants us contentment and mental health. It makes our Lord Hunger somewhat less of a broken wreck of an isekai protagonist. It means that Gisena is less likely to die before we even start building our empire let along finish it. It means we aren't a Wound that Walks, constantly draining away the life of all around us, and such a reward is priceless. Additionally, for those that like gambling, this option has a very interesting Mystery Box sitting in it, and one I'm quite curious about.
As for the fishing votes, well we've got a decent chance at earning another Arete point before the next update, and Legends are built upon Legendary Deeds. As such, how could I vote to be anything but a Fisher King?
[X] Of Fishermen, A King (+Gisena, +Legendary Fish, +???, Exhausted)
Alright, Option Reviews!
El Stats is simple and basic, yet still quite potent and protective, and best of all its cheap leaving us Arete for future purchases(like, probably in maybe 2 updates.
Good for pursuing further development, Dead But Dreaming lies tempting at the end of this path.Ehh, not my favorite. Good for powerleveling, bad for safety as its a glass cannon, too risky for use IMO.
Oh you cruel bugger this one's tempts me. Perfect coloration, safest option to have in combat due to defenses, its bonuses will grow in time as I'm pretty sure its linked to our Accretion, and best of all this provides a bloody Cha+. This is perfect for a Nightmare Praetor! That said, it fits Nightmare Praetor in all ways, including the ruthlessness and mental alteration inherent in it. Not only will we likely be changed somewhat by it, but by taking this we're passing up on Curse Mitigation and harming others when we could have avoided it. As such I'll be voting.
[X] A Curse, Deferred - The Decimator's Affliction laid to rest for two whole years. Seven hundred fifty days of freedom from a Major Curse, and the relentless cost it demands of all around you. Can there be a greater relief than this, from the burdens of time and guilt? What matters power, if misery can be undone by its forswearing?
The Weakest of the plans in actual power, be it combative or social, yet as it itself states there is more to life than just power. This grants us contentment and mental health. It makes our Lord Hunger somewhat less of a broken wreck of an isekai protagonist. It means that Gisena is less likely to die before we even start building our empire let along finish it. It means we aren't a Wound that Walks, constantly draining away the life of all around us, and such a reward is priceless. Additionally, for those that like gambling, this option has a very interesting Mystery Box sitting in it, and one I'm quite curious about.
As for the fishing votes, well we've got a decent chance at earning another Arete point before the next update, and Legends are built upon Legendary Deeds. As such, how could I vote to be anything but a Fisher King?
[X] Of Fishermen, A King (+Gisena, +Legendary Fish, +???, Exhausted)
Rihaku
The Internet
Numbers going up is only irrelevant when they are disconnected from real stakes. Most people would feel sharp emotion at, for example, their bank account balance going up or down. Or their lifespan.
Where do you think? She made it.
The Foremost are certainly an enticing mystery! Be careful not to end up dead by it. You don't have New Game+!
Of course it can talk, it's (theoretically) Rank 10! There's very little in this universe it cannot do, if properly motivated.
How does it feel to be reduced to merely another Implement in the Foremost Catalogue? A
Last edited:
And on that note...
[X] Lord Reaper
[X] Substantially
I've been convinced, the ability to rocket up the ladder if we position ourselves correctly is simply extremely tempting. Only downside is I feel exhaustion would interact pretty badly with this powerset so can't really vote for it.
Last edited:
That was a great scene, nothing like having the Armament speak and bow its head to make an impression. In hindsight, Spill was worth it for the plot hooks alone; when the pigeons inevitably come home to roost, we'll deal with them. But for that, we need power.
[X] Of Fishermen, A King
[X] El Stats
Getting in the robot constitutes an Arete expenditure opportunity, so reserving some for that would be nice. Call me callous, but I don't think we can afford to take Conclusion here, not in any sense but the most literal. The opportunity costs are just too painful. This is apparently something the Human Sphere has experience with, so they're likely to have options. We have a month of total reprieve already, before even seeing what Gisena brings to the table in terms of mitigation.
[X] Of Fishermen, A King
[X] El Stats
Getting in the robot constitutes an Arete expenditure opportunity, so reserving some for that would be nice. Call me callous, but I don't think we can afford to take Conclusion here, not in any sense but the most literal. The opportunity costs are just too painful. This is apparently something the Human Sphere has experience with, so they're likely to have options. We have a month of total reprieve already, before even seeing what Gisena brings to the table in terms of mitigation.
Strange9
hdellaverson@gmail.com
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
[X] Of Fishermen, A King
[X] El Stats
Gimme those staaaaats.
This build seems to offer an excellent mix of raw stats (for the purpose of shovelling ever more shades into Hunger's gaping maw), and raw fish (for the purpose of shovelling yet more in...).
Plus, hey, we also preserve some Arete for emergencies: given the Apocryphal curse, preserving operational flexibility for emergency growth in a previously unseen direction is paramount.
[X] El Stats
Gimme those staaaaats.
This build seems to offer an excellent mix of raw stats (for the purpose of shovelling ever more shades into Hunger's gaping maw), and raw fish (for the purpose of shovelling yet more in...).
Plus, hey, we also preserve some Arete for emergencies: given the Apocryphal curse, preserving operational flexibility for emergency growth in a previously unseen direction is paramount.
Rihaku
The Internet
I see a lot of people voting to be Exhausted alongside taking the option that gives the least immediate power!
This isn't herding nuclear-powered cats, I'm just trying to keep these lemmings from the precipice!
You're investigating Verschlengorge, but you didn't take Commune With It, so any Arete expenditures coming up will be a while yet.
This isn't herding nuclear-powered cats, I'm just trying to keep these lemmings from the precipice!
You're investigating Verschlengorge, but you didn't take Commune With It, so any Arete expenditures coming up will be a while yet.
TwistedJester
Tired Lurker King
- Location
- Hell
[X] Substantially
[X] Star-Cloaked Shroud
[X] Star-Cloaked Shroud
Last edited:
- Location
- US
I thought we could remove the Exhausted debuff with the expenditure of 1 Arete though? If we can't, that changes things.
Genesys
(Discrete Mokona)
- Location
- California
[X] Substantially
[X] A Curse, Deferred
She took that a tad better than I expected, hm. Still don't want to pick a 7-pt and Fisher King, and considering how I argued against Spill+Fisher King, and that those risks still kind of apply- though it wouldn't be malice but carelessness- these options seem prudent.
Though the 7-pt power options are... tempting.
[X] A Curse, Deferred
She took that a tad better than I expected, hm. Still don't want to pick a 7-pt and Fisher King, and considering how I argued against Spill+Fisher King, and that those risks still kind of apply- though it wouldn't be malice but carelessness- these options seem prudent.
Though the 7-pt power options are... tempting.
