ImperatorV
The Laughing One
- Location
- The Voyaging Realm
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A Simple Transaction I
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- Original
Tyrant_Rayne
Probably Not Evil… Maybe
- Location
- Canada
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Well...
I'm pretty interested in mastering the crafting aspect of the Realm.
One part because it's about mastering parts of the Realm of Evening, so that we can better use it.
And one part because we have two people with Findross and Myth-power and crafting on our side, Gisena and Adorie, who might unlock "Foremost Maker" together.
Which means that if all 3 of us focus on crafting in here, we might see some synergy and returns here.
I think most of us zeroed in on the Grace option because there is so much previous material to draw on there; there's like two dozen Graces you can draw on for inspiration, so it is easy to speculate and come up with build ideas, and so on, about it.
But I think Plowshares to Swords would be a superior option; because it focuses on making all our next weeks in the Realm better. Whereas the Grace research is just about unlocking an upgrade or power-up for a friend. Which, well, can be very good of course.
But I'd much rather fix our sword, learn how to command the Realm of Evening -- with it, we can heal and rest and fish and restore Versch and make the Elixir Springs, I bet! -- and maybe it will mean that all three of Hunger, Gisena, and Adorie are putting their heads together and doing this crafting and researching stuff. And I think that will be a great option.
Zampano
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
- Location
- Simping for DSB
What if we aren't capable of fixing the sword during this proc? Would you feel differently if you knew that the payoff for Plowshares wasn't going to come into effect for another month of game time?
Edit: I say this because it isn't guaranteed to work the first time, and we have 2 other mandatory tasks this proc (COMFY and Huntress' Moon, specifically)
Unshattered
Rihaku
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Unshattered
Hunger awoke to a crackling hearth-fire, scent of smoke and delicate sweetness intermingling in the air, yet a sharpness like the first chill of winter upon his breath.
A single slender hand was placed against his breast, the Armor of Midnight having long discorporated. Beside him was the Forebear's Blade, its lengthwise splintering bandaged with blood-soaked strips of Nilfellian silk, stitches of lilac findross holding the wound closed. He looked up to see Adorie with eyes scrunched closed, whispering silently to herself as she channeled the power of her bloodline into him.
Hunger grunted, evoking a startled gasp from the girl. He rose to a sitting position. Adorie determinedly kept her hand on his chest, as if attempting to force him back, but to simply no avail.
"I'm fine," Hunger said, this time managing to hold still his expression despite the painful weariness still permeating him. There seemed to be no danger of further degradation at this point. "Thanks for watching over me. How long was I out?"
Adorie looked as if about to protest, then thought better of it, her gaze flicking downwards. "Ten hours. You needn't have pushed yourself so hard just to defend the Walls. I, all of us, were so worried about you..."
She tensed, hand curling in frustration, sniffling once.
"I've had worse," Hunger replied, placing a hand gently atop her head. "But your concern, and assistance, are appreciated."
He looked down at his physical form, wholly unscathed due to the power of the Ring. "I didn't expect to fare as well as I have. You must have played a part in that."
"Hmph," Adorie turned her nose up. "We shall see how well you fare when Lady Gisena is through with you."
"But I'm more powerful than ever." Hunger raised an eyebrow. "As are you, it seems. But Gisena hasn't made you a Sorceress."
Even in her disheveled state, it was clear she had somehow attained greater heights; storybook princess no longer, now a demigod queen from elysian myth, whose heart-breaking loveliness and terrible power of spirit could bring invaders abject to their knees.
Adorie shook her head. "Mm. I performed an ancient version of our House's Succession Oath. It allows me to draw upon the full power of Lady Winter, who originally endorsed our bloodline at Nilfel's height."
"It must have been a dangerous thing, to yield such might and yet remain un-performed." Hunger observed. "It seems I'm not the only one who has pushed himself. What would Nilfel have done, if they had lost both Champion and Queen in one fight?"
Adorie pouted. "If you can take refuge in victory, then so shall I. The Fonts of Myth themselves have re-opened! The people have never been happier. We may, someday, even return to the glories of old, which have all-but been forgotten..."
Hunger scoffed. "I'm a bad influence on you all."
She smiled wanly. "Only if one considers heroism to be bad."
Gisena was wroth, as he expected, and observed archly that the Maiden could restore the dead to life - so Hunger had to find a means of sacrifice that resurrection could not overcome. Letrizia was alternatively wracked with guilt for bringing Procyon down upon them, and worry for her family in light of the war in Human Sphere. Even Aeira and Aobaru were somewhat dispirited, given their modest contributions to that terrible battle.
Hunger had faced worse situations in his campaign against the Tyrant, but it was clear that all would benefit from a period of prolonged relaxation, ideally with time dilated to supersede the progression of outside events.
The Cloak of Sky did not disappoint; now having fully digested Augustine's power, it manifested a portal to magic unbound, a star-trammeled private realm whose morphic essence responded directly to his desires and commands. Hunger placed a hand against the gateway and felt the contours of this new capability in his mind.
This was magic of deific scale, a singular Realm of Evening to which they once a month could steal; positioned by sidereal arcana outside of ordinary time, such that they could experience three weeks within, yet emerge a single instant after the moment of their entrance. Much was possible within that dreamlike expanse: opulent luxuries could be conjured out of nothingness; anagathic peaches and fountains of ambrosia, flora and fauna of mythic proportions, reagents with magical or curative properties, even dire monstrosities to challenge Hunger himself.
Data continued to stream into his mind, winking into existence like the stars following nightfall. The respite proffered by Evening was truly formidable, capable of offering even additional mitigation to his Curses while within. Even Augustine in the fullness of her power could not remotely have achieved that, which lead Hunger to wonder what exactly this demi-realm was, and how the Cloak had accessed it...
Three weeks per month was the limit of their habitation, but Gisena had been correct. It would have been the perfect solution for intensive training before he fought Procyon.
Nonetheless the deed was done, and the tools of unbound progression could now be turned towards respite. From the death of Procyon Hunger had reaped a bountiful repast; a large fraction of his enemy's Pressure assimilated into his own, his Blade-enhanced Rank now half a step above even the Armament's reality-enfolding might.
Once he recovered he would have strength to spare, enough at least to fight an Armament head-on with some semblance of equality, rather than the desperate all-out struggle that had precipitated his current injuries. Were it not for Vanreir's technique and Letrizia's presence, he would have been defeated for certain; and without Adorie's bloodline, would have slain himself even in victory.
"Alright," Hunger turned to his party. "We have fairly broad control of reality within, including eventual access to most of Augustine's effects. I can take up to seven people inside. That just covers all of us, including Verschlengorge."
"I suppose it wouldn't count as abandoning my people if no time passes within," Adorie said shyly.
"Nonesense!" Gisena hugged her. "If Hunger continues to insist on flagrantly over-using the Praxis, I'm afraid you'll have to accompany us to the Human Sphere and beyond. But you're free to use this time and come up with a statement for why you're abandoning them!"
"I'm ready to train!" Aobaru said forthrightly, eyes literally blazing. "You won't stay ahead of me forever, Lord Hunger! Let's do this!"
Hunger contemplated his immediate plans. They intended to venture to the Human Sphere immediately afterwards, which meant the possibility of a conflict against multiple Armaments simultaneously. The Apocryphal Curse was likely to engineer that possibility even if it was innately unlikely.
Facing two such monstrosities head-on was a daunting proposition, even given his new strength. But from another perspective, he was only one major force multiplier away from comfortably navigating even a full Armament encirclement.
His Rank at least was sufficient to the task, though his physical attributes were largely deficient, especially his raw striking power and toughness, which would have been hopelessly behind without both the Praxis and Armor of Midnight.
Gisena pushed him gently, and he stepped across the threshold, entering Evening's Realm.
"Still thinking about the fight?" Gisena asked. "Good! You deserve to stew in your regrets a little. Even a genius like me can't keep up such reckless abandon, especially if you make it a habit."
"With reckless abandon comes commensurate growth." Hunger smiled. "You could simply admit that you can't catch up anymore, Lady Nullity. But don't be discouraged so easily. We have plenty of downtime now for you to work on Augustine's runes. Perhaps you can keep pace for a while longer if I slack off in here."
"How merciful," she fluttered her lashes. "Though I'm surprised you can still remember what it means to slack off... It looks like poor Adorie was able to keep most of your essence inside, after all."
"Despite my best efforts," Hunger shook his head. "I was really just trying to forget your particular definition of genius, but I'm afraid it's blotted all over my mind."
"Are you that eager for more instruction from me? Well, I have been neglecting you somewhat. I'm sorry, hun!"
"Apology accepted," Hunger said gravely. "But feel free to continue such salutary neglect. I hope you're instead able to apply that genius to the workings of this Realm. It doesn't seem overly sensitive to my idle thoughts, which is good, but how exactly am I supposed to direct it..."
Behind him, his companions filed in, Verschlengorge bringing up the rear with ponderous, thundering stride. As it entered the portal sealed, and the Realm of Evening awakened once more.
It sprawled before them in undulating magnificence: hillsides of dun violet framed by clustered glades of dusky olive; still ponds of indigo beneath a velveteen sky. Terraced greenery lead down from their entry point into a grand amphitheater, whose dust of crumbling marble retreated from the touch so as not to stain their forms. A trellis of vines crawled across its face; berries in fragrant, heavy bunches glistening like clustered stars.
There was a tranquility to even the taste of the air, coolness like the first fall of night, but without discomfort or ill refrain. His Cloak was absent here, but the heavens themselves held its texture, and his mental directions towards the Cloak seemed now to affect the Realm entire. He directed a thought at the amphitheater and dissolved it, leveling the hillside and conjuring a great river to flow beside, then raised a manse of deific grandeur in its place.
Interesting.
He summoned a grouping of stars down from the heavens, shining dots that compressed into jewels of faceted light as they glided down to orbit his upraised hand. He could feel the heat and full magnificence of the celestial objects so-contained, their bridled fury simmering just underneath the verge of casual perception. With another thought he dismissed them, banishing them back to their place in the sky, then causing them to wink out, cease to exist, then re-emerge as a constellation of different shape.
"Mhm." Hunger grunted. A slight strain pinched at his temples. It seemed there was a cost to alterations of such scale and at such distance, even if minute. Best not to exert himself overmuch while he was still recovering.
Mere city-level changes at the local scale had not bothered him at all. But just how vast was this Realm of Evening, and how empty, that it would respond so completely to his claim alone?
---
[X] Myth and Legend, Grievous Exertion and King of Winter were the winners previously. Through the power acquired by invoking the Oath of Winter, Adorie has mitigated Grievous Exertion by 90%, reducing its penalties to -0.2 Rank, -2% All Stats, etc.
How shall Hunger spend this crucial first week in the Realm of Evening? There is much to be done, almost infinite versatility to be captured within, but it would be best to direct his focus in a limited way for now.
[ ] Evening Chill - Slowly ease into his takeover of the Realm by focusing mostly on amenities and necessities. The creation of high-quality foodstuffs, sleeping quarters, entertainment and other creature comforts, including the honeyed pinnacle of libations, ambrosia. +Mental Stability.
[ ] Always Forward - Best to first master the Realm of Evening's martial purpose: the creation of challenges appropriate even to a being of Hunger's might. Start slow, with one-pick fights for the first few days, then escalate into two-pick fights later on. Given the controlled conditions of the Realm, and almost trivial level of access to healing even for Hunger's Second Stage, fights within will have to be more difficult than usual to qualify for relevant quantities of experience.
*Gain 10 picks for the week. No Advancement purchased may be worth more than 2 picks.
*Gain proficiency with basic combat-related tasks performed by the Realm.
[ ] Plowshares to Swords - The Forebear's Blade is in functional condition - Gisena's findross stitching is more durable than any mortal twine - but it'd be best to repair the weapon fully before any challenging fights occur. That will require a level of mastery over the crafting-related functions of the Realm that would boggle even a dedicated archmage - but Hunger has long since exceeded such power by vast orders of magnitude. Now all he needs, is the skill.
*Hunger makes progress mastering the crafting-based aspects of the Realm. Though objects can't be taken out, the effects of foods and elixirs ingested within do persist. Thus, he needs to develop some kind of potion or consumable reagent that can repair a small wound in the Forebear's Blade... a treacherously difficult task, but not one beyond the power of the Realm.
*Degree of progress will depend on rolls, but skill accrued can be applied to other ends, like creating lifespan-extending vegetables for Letrizia or repairing Verschlengorge.
*If you don't fix the Forebear's Blade at some point, Hunger will have a hard time exerting his full power in prolonged engagements, especially if Adorie is not present to prevent further diminishment.
[ ] Mantle of Grace - Hunger will focus all his active efforts on assisting Gisena in Grace research and creation, tripling her effective progress. This will allow her to complete one Major Working this week.
*With a Major Working, Gisena can replicate for herself any of the Graces offered to Seram in A Simple Transaction 0, or modified versions of any Grace present on the Sorceress Council. There is enormous potential and versatility here. Gisena will prioritize her personal combat ability unless directed to acquire a support Grace; reasoning that her High Grace of Nullity is essentially irrelevant until she develops combat-reflexes relevant at Hunger's level.
*Gisena can also design an Edeldross Grace for Hunger, though it'll likely be somewhat weaker than the findross Graces she uses herself. Nonetheless, the right Grace could be a powerful force multiplier.
[ ] Something Else - With practice, Hunger can effectively alter reality within in a myriad of ways. You may propose a different focus for Hunger this week, if you are interested in producing a specific effect. For example, he could focus all the Realm's resources on training Aobaru, if he wanted to.
---
Socializing. Choose 2 characters to socialize with this week, or 3 if Evening Chill was taken. Hunger won't neglect the other characters, but will mostly leave them to their own devices. Mantle of Grace counts automatically as socializing with Gisena.
[ ] Adorie - The Princess, now Queen of Nilfel was instrumental in Hunger's recent victories, and deserves to rise in his esteem for such contributions. Since you have Season's Greetings, it would be good to know more of Nilfel anyway, and perhaps you can help Adorie create a palatable cover story to justify traveling with Hunger. And with her new Rank, there's much progress to be had in the Empyreal Signs... +Adorie, +Sign Augmentation, applying a moderate upgrade to one of Hunger's existing Signs.
[ ] Letrizia - Though Gisena is already undertaking the task of emotional support for Letrizia, Hunger can offer a different perspective given his long years of experience in war. The Duchess has much on her mind. +Letrizia, +Imperial Data.
[ ] Gisena - Aside from providing her insights into the Realm of Evening, the Maiden of Nullity is an all-encompassing genius who has spent entirely too much time in research lately. Excited as she is by her vast and newly magical capabilities, she should still take some time to enjoy the Realm of Evening. ++Gisena.
[ ] Aobaru - He wants to train. Hunger can train him. And ideally it should be communicated to Aobaru that he should do as Hunger says, and not as Hunger does, for the Chosen of the Voyaging Realm is not always the most level-headed of young men. This party already contains Hunger; it cannot abide his recklessness multiplied. +Aobaru, ++Aobaru Power, though he still won't be near Hunger's own strength.
[ ] Aeira - Though Hunger is now King of her polity and can ostensibly fund - or simply order forgiveness - of her family's debts, the Shadowcord specialist has continued to serve ably and without complaint. She's always been a well-prepared, capable, and professional ally, and deserves some appreciation and training besides. ++Aeira, +Aeira Power.
Hunger awoke to a crackling hearth-fire, scent of smoke and delicate sweetness intermingling in the air, yet a sharpness like the first chill of winter upon his breath.
A single slender hand was placed against his breast, the Armor of Midnight having long discorporated. Beside him was the Forebear's Blade, its lengthwise splintering bandaged with blood-soaked strips of Nilfellian silk, stitches of lilac findross holding the wound closed. He looked up to see Adorie with eyes scrunched closed, whispering silently to herself as she channeled the power of her bloodline into him.
Hunger grunted, evoking a startled gasp from the girl. He rose to a sitting position. Adorie determinedly kept her hand on his chest, as if attempting to force him back, but to simply no avail.
"I'm fine," Hunger said, this time managing to hold still his expression despite the painful weariness still permeating him. There seemed to be no danger of further degradation at this point. "Thanks for watching over me. How long was I out?"
Adorie looked as if about to protest, then thought better of it, her gaze flicking downwards. "Ten hours. You needn't have pushed yourself so hard just to defend the Walls. I, all of us, were so worried about you..."
She tensed, hand curling in frustration, sniffling once.
"I've had worse," Hunger replied, placing a hand gently atop her head. "But your concern, and assistance, are appreciated."
He looked down at his physical form, wholly unscathed due to the power of the Ring. "I didn't expect to fare as well as I have. You must have played a part in that."
"Hmph," Adorie turned her nose up. "We shall see how well you fare when Lady Gisena is through with you."
"But I'm more powerful than ever." Hunger raised an eyebrow. "As are you, it seems. But Gisena hasn't made you a Sorceress."
Even in her disheveled state, it was clear she had somehow attained greater heights; storybook princess no longer, now a demigod queen from elysian myth, whose heart-breaking loveliness and terrible power of spirit could bring invaders abject to their knees.
Adorie shook her head. "Mm. I performed an ancient version of our House's Succession Oath. It allows me to draw upon the full power of Lady Winter, who originally endorsed our bloodline at Nilfel's height."
"It must have been a dangerous thing, to yield such might and yet remain un-performed." Hunger observed. "It seems I'm not the only one who has pushed himself. What would Nilfel have done, if they had lost both Champion and Queen in one fight?"
Adorie pouted. "If you can take refuge in victory, then so shall I. The Fonts of Myth themselves have re-opened! The people have never been happier. We may, someday, even return to the glories of old, which have all-but been forgotten..."
Hunger scoffed. "I'm a bad influence on you all."
She smiled wanly. "Only if one considers heroism to be bad."
Gisena was wroth, as he expected, and observed archly that the Maiden could restore the dead to life - so Hunger had to find a means of sacrifice that resurrection could not overcome. Letrizia was alternatively wracked with guilt for bringing Procyon down upon them, and worry for her family in light of the war in Human Sphere. Even Aeira and Aobaru were somewhat dispirited, given their modest contributions to that terrible battle.
Hunger had faced worse situations in his campaign against the Tyrant, but it was clear that all would benefit from a period of prolonged relaxation, ideally with time dilated to supersede the progression of outside events.
The Cloak of Sky did not disappoint; now having fully digested Augustine's power, it manifested a portal to magic unbound, a star-trammeled private realm whose morphic essence responded directly to his desires and commands. Hunger placed a hand against the gateway and felt the contours of this new capability in his mind.
This was magic of deific scale, a singular Realm of Evening to which they once a month could steal; positioned by sidereal arcana outside of ordinary time, such that they could experience three weeks within, yet emerge a single instant after the moment of their entrance. Much was possible within that dreamlike expanse: opulent luxuries could be conjured out of nothingness; anagathic peaches and fountains of ambrosia, flora and fauna of mythic proportions, reagents with magical or curative properties, even dire monstrosities to challenge Hunger himself.
Data continued to stream into his mind, winking into existence like the stars following nightfall. The respite proffered by Evening was truly formidable, capable of offering even additional mitigation to his Curses while within. Even Augustine in the fullness of her power could not remotely have achieved that, which lead Hunger to wonder what exactly this demi-realm was, and how the Cloak had accessed it...
Three weeks per month was the limit of their habitation, but Gisena had been correct. It would have been the perfect solution for intensive training before he fought Procyon.
Nonetheless the deed was done, and the tools of unbound progression could now be turned towards respite. From the death of Procyon Hunger had reaped a bountiful repast; a large fraction of his enemy's Pressure assimilated into his own, his Blade-enhanced Rank now half a step above even the Armament's reality-enfolding might.
Once he recovered he would have strength to spare, enough at least to fight an Armament head-on with some semblance of equality, rather than the desperate all-out struggle that had precipitated his current injuries. Were it not for Vanreir's technique and Letrizia's presence, he would have been defeated for certain; and without Adorie's bloodline, would have slain himself even in victory.
"Alright," Hunger turned to his party. "We have fairly broad control of reality within, including eventual access to most of Augustine's effects. I can take up to seven people inside. That just covers all of us, including Verschlengorge."
"I suppose it wouldn't count as abandoning my people if no time passes within," Adorie said shyly.
"Nonesense!" Gisena hugged her. "If Hunger continues to insist on flagrantly over-using the Praxis, I'm afraid you'll have to accompany us to the Human Sphere and beyond. But you're free to use this time and come up with a statement for why you're abandoning them!"
"I'm ready to train!" Aobaru said forthrightly, eyes literally blazing. "You won't stay ahead of me forever, Lord Hunger! Let's do this!"
Hunger contemplated his immediate plans. They intended to venture to the Human Sphere immediately afterwards, which meant the possibility of a conflict against multiple Armaments simultaneously. The Apocryphal Curse was likely to engineer that possibility even if it was innately unlikely.
Facing two such monstrosities head-on was a daunting proposition, even given his new strength. But from another perspective, he was only one major force multiplier away from comfortably navigating even a full Armament encirclement.
His Rank at least was sufficient to the task, though his physical attributes were largely deficient, especially his raw striking power and toughness, which would have been hopelessly behind without both the Praxis and Armor of Midnight.
Gisena pushed him gently, and he stepped across the threshold, entering Evening's Realm.
"Still thinking about the fight?" Gisena asked. "Good! You deserve to stew in your regrets a little. Even a genius like me can't keep up such reckless abandon, especially if you make it a habit."
"With reckless abandon comes commensurate growth." Hunger smiled. "You could simply admit that you can't catch up anymore, Lady Nullity. But don't be discouraged so easily. We have plenty of downtime now for you to work on Augustine's runes. Perhaps you can keep pace for a while longer if I slack off in here."
"How merciful," she fluttered her lashes. "Though I'm surprised you can still remember what it means to slack off... It looks like poor Adorie was able to keep most of your essence inside, after all."
"Despite my best efforts," Hunger shook his head. "I was really just trying to forget your particular definition of genius, but I'm afraid it's blotted all over my mind."
"Are you that eager for more instruction from me? Well, I have been neglecting you somewhat. I'm sorry, hun!"
"Apology accepted," Hunger said gravely. "But feel free to continue such salutary neglect. I hope you're instead able to apply that genius to the workings of this Realm. It doesn't seem overly sensitive to my idle thoughts, which is good, but how exactly am I supposed to direct it..."
Behind him, his companions filed in, Verschlengorge bringing up the rear with ponderous, thundering stride. As it entered the portal sealed, and the Realm of Evening awakened once more.
It sprawled before them in undulating magnificence: hillsides of dun violet framed by clustered glades of dusky olive; still ponds of indigo beneath a velveteen sky. Terraced greenery lead down from their entry point into a grand amphitheater, whose dust of crumbling marble retreated from the touch so as not to stain their forms. A trellis of vines crawled across its face; berries in fragrant, heavy bunches glistening like clustered stars.
There was a tranquility to even the taste of the air, coolness like the first fall of night, but without discomfort or ill refrain. His Cloak was absent here, but the heavens themselves held its texture, and his mental directions towards the Cloak seemed now to affect the Realm entire. He directed a thought at the amphitheater and dissolved it, leveling the hillside and conjuring a great river to flow beside, then raised a manse of deific grandeur in its place.
Interesting.
He summoned a grouping of stars down from the heavens, shining dots that compressed into jewels of faceted light as they glided down to orbit his upraised hand. He could feel the heat and full magnificence of the celestial objects so-contained, their bridled fury simmering just underneath the verge of casual perception. With another thought he dismissed them, banishing them back to their place in the sky, then causing them to wink out, cease to exist, then re-emerge as a constellation of different shape.
"Mhm." Hunger grunted. A slight strain pinched at his temples. It seemed there was a cost to alterations of such scale and at such distance, even if minute. Best not to exert himself overmuch while he was still recovering.
Mere city-level changes at the local scale had not bothered him at all. But just how vast was this Realm of Evening, and how empty, that it would respond so completely to his claim alone?
---
[X] Myth and Legend, Grievous Exertion and King of Winter were the winners previously. Through the power acquired by invoking the Oath of Winter, Adorie has mitigated Grievous Exertion by 90%, reducing its penalties to -0.2 Rank, -2% All Stats, etc.
How shall Hunger spend this crucial first week in the Realm of Evening? There is much to be done, almost infinite versatility to be captured within, but it would be best to direct his focus in a limited way for now.
[ ] Evening Chill - Slowly ease into his takeover of the Realm by focusing mostly on amenities and necessities. The creation of high-quality foodstuffs, sleeping quarters, entertainment and other creature comforts, including the honeyed pinnacle of libations, ambrosia. +Mental Stability.
[ ] Always Forward - Best to first master the Realm of Evening's martial purpose: the creation of challenges appropriate even to a being of Hunger's might. Start slow, with one-pick fights for the first few days, then escalate into two-pick fights later on. Given the controlled conditions of the Realm, and almost trivial level of access to healing even for Hunger's Second Stage, fights within will have to be more difficult than usual to qualify for relevant quantities of experience.
*Gain 10 picks for the week. No Advancement purchased may be worth more than 2 picks.
*Gain proficiency with basic combat-related tasks performed by the Realm.
[ ] Plowshares to Swords - The Forebear's Blade is in functional condition - Gisena's findross stitching is more durable than any mortal twine - but it'd be best to repair the weapon fully before any challenging fights occur. That will require a level of mastery over the crafting-related functions of the Realm that would boggle even a dedicated archmage - but Hunger has long since exceeded such power by vast orders of magnitude. Now all he needs, is the skill.
*Hunger makes progress mastering the crafting-based aspects of the Realm. Though objects can't be taken out, the effects of foods and elixirs ingested within do persist. Thus, he needs to develop some kind of potion or consumable reagent that can repair a small wound in the Forebear's Blade... a treacherously difficult task, but not one beyond the power of the Realm.
*Degree of progress will depend on rolls, but skill accrued can be applied to other ends, like creating lifespan-extending vegetables for Letrizia or repairing Verschlengorge.
*If you don't fix the Forebear's Blade at some point, Hunger will have a hard time exerting his full power in prolonged engagements, especially if Adorie is not present to prevent further diminishment.
[ ] Mantle of Grace - Hunger will focus all his active efforts on assisting Gisena in Grace research and creation, tripling her effective progress. This will allow her to complete one Major Working this week.
*With a Major Working, Gisena can replicate for herself any of the Graces offered to Seram in A Simple Transaction 0, or modified versions of any Grace present on the Sorceress Council. There is enormous potential and versatility here. Gisena will prioritize her personal combat ability unless directed to acquire a support Grace; reasoning that her High Grace of Nullity is essentially irrelevant until she develops combat-reflexes relevant at Hunger's level.
*Gisena can also design an Edeldross Grace for Hunger, though it'll likely be somewhat weaker than the findross Graces she uses herself. Nonetheless, the right Grace could be a powerful force multiplier.
[ ] Something Else - With practice, Hunger can effectively alter reality within in a myriad of ways. You may propose a different focus for Hunger this week, if you are interested in producing a specific effect. For example, he could focus all the Realm's resources on training Aobaru, if he wanted to.
---
Socializing. Choose 2 characters to socialize with this week, or 3 if Evening Chill was taken. Hunger won't neglect the other characters, but will mostly leave them to their own devices. Mantle of Grace counts automatically as socializing with Gisena.
[ ] Adorie - The Princess, now Queen of Nilfel was instrumental in Hunger's recent victories, and deserves to rise in his esteem for such contributions. Since you have Season's Greetings, it would be good to know more of Nilfel anyway, and perhaps you can help Adorie create a palatable cover story to justify traveling with Hunger. And with her new Rank, there's much progress to be had in the Empyreal Signs... +Adorie, +Sign Augmentation, applying a moderate upgrade to one of Hunger's existing Signs.
[ ] Letrizia - Though Gisena is already undertaking the task of emotional support for Letrizia, Hunger can offer a different perspective given his long years of experience in war. The Duchess has much on her mind. +Letrizia, +Imperial Data.
[ ] Gisena - Aside from providing her insights into the Realm of Evening, the Maiden of Nullity is an all-encompassing genius who has spent entirely too much time in research lately. Excited as she is by her vast and newly magical capabilities, she should still take some time to enjoy the Realm of Evening. ++Gisena.
[ ] Aobaru - He wants to train. Hunger can train him. And ideally it should be communicated to Aobaru that he should do as Hunger says, and not as Hunger does, for the Chosen of the Voyaging Realm is not always the most level-headed of young men. This party already contains Hunger; it cannot abide his recklessness multiplied. +Aobaru, ++Aobaru Power, though he still won't be near Hunger's own strength.
[ ] Aeira - Though Hunger is now King of her polity and can ostensibly fund - or simply order forgiveness - of her family's debts, the Shadowcord specialist has continued to serve ably and without complaint. She's always been a well-prepared, capable, and professional ally, and deserves some appreciation and training besides. ++Aeira, +Aeira Power.
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[X] Plowshares to Swords
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
Repairing the Forebear's Blade (through this or Reversion, if viable) is a no-brainer, Hunger can't afford to let that weakness languish until the Curse builds up enough credibility to exploit it. Crafting's also a core part of Accretion, for all that the thread's neglected it. There may be Rank-up opportunities to be had by pursuing it. Even if that's not the case, early development of crafting skills broadens Hunger's options in the future. For the social section, choosing Adorie and Letrizia is the natural follow-up to the recent battle. Letrizia was confronted with evidence of open war in the Human Sphere; her father the Archduke might be dead, the very existence of her house in jeopardy.
She learned that Atven was infatuated with her right after Hunger killed him. Even if he was Republic scum, they were teammates for a time. As for Adorie? Hunger may have saved her nation from the Republic's incursion, but she saved him from the aftermath of his heedless valor. If Nilfel's to serve as an Apocryphal shelter going forward, Adorie needs to retain influence over the nation. To that end, more brainstorming is required. Hunger spent his Heroic Upgrade for their benefit, but gratitude's fickle and fleeting, not a hook to hang lives on. Who's to say Nilfel won't lapse into imperialism in Adorie's absence? Her accompanying him seems set in stone, so the consequences should be managed correctly.
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
Repairing the Forebear's Blade (through this or Reversion, if viable) is a no-brainer, Hunger can't afford to let that weakness languish until the Curse builds up enough credibility to exploit it. Crafting's also a core part of Accretion, for all that the thread's neglected it. There may be Rank-up opportunities to be had by pursuing it. Even if that's not the case, early development of crafting skills broadens Hunger's options in the future. For the social section, choosing Adorie and Letrizia is the natural follow-up to the recent battle. Letrizia was confronted with evidence of open war in the Human Sphere; her father the Archduke might be dead, the very existence of her house in jeopardy.
She learned that Atven was infatuated with her right after Hunger killed him. Even if he was Republic scum, they were teammates for a time. As for Adorie? Hunger may have saved her nation from the Republic's incursion, but she saved him from the aftermath of his heedless valor. If Nilfel's to serve as an Apocryphal shelter going forward, Adorie needs to retain influence over the nation. To that end, more brainstorming is required. Hunger spent his Heroic Upgrade for their benefit, but gratitude's fickle and fleeting, not a hook to hang lives on. Who's to say Nilfel won't lapse into imperialism in Adorie's absence? Her accompanying him seems set in stone, so the consequences should be managed correctly.
Rihaku
The Internet
Since you picked Chill, you can select an additional Socialize option!
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
COMFY
[X] Evening Chill
[X] Aobaru
[X] Aeira
[X] Gisena
[X] Evening Chill
[X] Aobaru
[X] Aeira
[X] Gisena
- Location
- Louisiana
[X] Plowshares to Swords
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
I think we should be productive in learning the realm the first two weeks and comfy third, helping companions accomplish things earlier will result in a more efficient pillar run overall.
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
I think we should be productive in learning the realm the first two weeks and comfy third, helping companions accomplish things earlier will result in a more efficient pillar run overall.
Tyrant_Rayne
Probably Not Evil… Maybe
- Location
- Canada
[X] Plowshares to Swords
[X] Aobaru
[X] Letrizia
I do want to chill but fixing our sword is a priority. The fact that it helps us get better at controlling the realm is a nice bonus. For our relationships Letrizia gives us knowledge on the human sphere. Since we're heading off after this that would be good to have. Aobaru because we do sort of have commitment to training him. Let's stop ignoring that shall we?
[X] Aobaru
[X] Letrizia
I do want to chill but fixing our sword is a priority. The fact that it helps us get better at controlling the realm is a nice bonus. For our relationships Letrizia gives us knowledge on the human sphere. Since we're heading off after this that would be good to have. Aobaru because we do sort of have commitment to training him. Let's stop ignoring that shall we?
ImperatorV
The Laughing One
- Location
- The Voyaging Realm
[x] Evening Chill
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
[X] Aobaru
Right, reasoning.
Mental Stability is required. We've spent sanity and now need to recoup it. If we keep putting it off we will keep running into things we need to delay it for. I'd be willing to accept Sword Repair or a Grace, but I'm pushing for the mental stability first because it's important and too-often delayed.
Adorie social gets us a Sign upgrade, which is a cheap increase in power that we can get without using the main action. Hanging out with her after she saved our hides is also a good thing.
I believe Birdsie really wanted an Aobaru upgrade at some point? I think I remember something like that. Anyway, it's a ++Power so a very worthwhile use of time.
Letrizia because Evening Chill gets us a third social slot, and she seems to have taken recent events poorly.
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
[X] Aobaru
Right, reasoning.
Mental Stability is required. We've spent sanity and now need to recoup it. If we keep putting it off we will keep running into things we need to delay it for. I'd be willing to accept Sword Repair or a Grace, but I'm pushing for the mental stability first because it's important and too-often delayed.
Adorie social gets us a Sign upgrade, which is a cheap increase in power that we can get without using the main action. Hanging out with her after she saved our hides is also a good thing.
I believe Birdsie really wanted an Aobaru upgrade at some point? I think I remember something like that. Anyway, it's a ++Power so a very worthwhile use of time.
Letrizia because Evening Chill gets us a third social slot, and she seems to have taken recent events poorly.
- Location
- Louisiana
I wonder how effective it would be if we dedicated a week to repairing versch. I can't imagine many better opportunities and the poor guy has been pretty banged up for a while.
- Location
- Earth
[X] Plowshares to Swords
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
[X] Evening Chill
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
[X] Aeira
I like Orm's reasoning re: companions. Adorie saved Hunger's life and has some stuff to handle in order to come with him, and Letrizia has quite a lot to unpack.
I'd like to see Hunger sit Aeira down and be like "I slew an Armament and barely survivied, and now I intend to press on to greater heights, without pause." Is the most normal highschooler in our posse still down for this?
[X] Adorie
[X] Letrizia
[X] Aeira
I like Orm's reasoning re: companions. Adorie saved Hunger's life and has some stuff to handle in order to come with him, and Letrizia has quite a lot to unpack.
I'd like to see Hunger sit Aeira down and be like "I slew an Armament and barely survivied, and now I intend to press on to greater heights, without pause." Is the most normal highschooler in our posse still down for this?
Tyrant_Rayne
Probably Not Evil… Maybe
- Location
- Canada
I mean we're already about to head to the HS and with Hunger at the level he is we don't really have to worry about Armaments as much... so long as we aren't attacked in the middle of space anyways... do we have methods to fight in a vacuum?
Yeah, comforting Letrizia conveniently pulls double duty by allowing us to extract information from the Duchess! The situation in the Human Sphere's developed significantly, but Hunger needs to know basic facts about what he could be walking into. There are unanswered questions in her history as well. She's said nothing about the jointly-funded agency she worked for and we don't why an Astral Lord put a price on her head. And then there's 'the reality of Letrizia's family strife' that Gisena supposedly deduced...