- Location
- USA
- Pronouns
- He/Him
A Simple Transaction I
- Thread starter Rihaku
- Start date
- Original
Mission success!
I did briefly wonder which Catherine it was referring to, but in the wake of the name reveal a fake-out would be poor form. We don't know much, but she seems saintly (why'd the Tyrant choose someone so apparently virtuous?), and Edeldross is redemption/restoration made manifest. It purifies things, makes them good, mirroring what she wanted for her adoptive father's empire.
High Glades
Rihaku
The Internet
High Glades
Returning to civilization, Hunger collected Gisena before making his way to the bounty office. It was time to collect on the Rotspawn he'd killed, though the harvest of power from the creature itself was payment enough in his mind.
"What an odd creature," Gisena remarked, poking gingerly at the decapitated head.
"What's odd about it?"
"Hm?" She raised a finger to her lips. "I can think of a few things! This specimen decided to go hunting for exotic monsters after declaring he'd take a vacation. He then pushed himself so hard that he was slain, returning as a pale wraith to present the trophy of his mutual-kill to a society of strangers!"
"Sounds normal to me," he demurred. "I've always heard geniuses were very adaptable. Failing to pick up on a consistent pattern of behavior, perhaps you're losing your touch."
Gisena laughed. "I'm too distracted by all the wondrous technology around! I haven't even had time to complete my meditations..."
"Speaking of which," she continued, "Letrizia asked us to find a Hot Springs resort to stay in. I did some digging and these two look the most promising. What do you think?"
She fanned out a pair of pamphlets, one for a starkly modernist resort, the other a decadent eastern-style villa.
"This one," he pointed at the latter. "What else are we going to spend the money on?"
"Fair enough," Gisena said, walking around to his other side. "Oh, your arm's growing back! First your sword and then your arm, I see you have your priorities in order!"
"Would any man choose otherwise?" He deadpanned. "But yes, I slew a monster with four arms. That seems to have granted enough power to overcome the Tyrant's curse and repair my one. I was lucky. It was considerably stronger than I expected."
"Congratulations!" Gisena clapped. "Now we just have to fix your eye, lung, liver and heart and you'll be good as new!"
"...There's nothing wrong with my heart."
"Heartbreak's a serious condition, you know? And extravagant luxury is just the remedy. Never leave home without it!"
The bounty office paid out a generous sum for the Rotspawn's head, noting that it was the first Primary-grade Rotspawn downed in months. Their overawed desk staff beseeched Hunger to campaign against the Rotbeast itself, but he refused.
"Turning down a battle? Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Gisena placed a palm on his forehead as if to check for fever.
"We've got other priorities; the Temple comes first. Slaying this Rotbeast might be the work of an afternoon, or it could take weeks and months. Targets that big are usually well-fortified or they'd be hollowed out by opportunistic predators."
"A sensible precaution! Perhaps the creature you killed was also a genius?"
"Given all the things you've claimed a genius can do, I'd be surprised if the category included anyone besides you."
"Aw! You always know just what to say." Gisena hugged his arm cheerfully.
"Speaking of which, how did Letrizia's infiltration mission go?"
"She snuck in and pretended to be a transfer student during their lunch hour. It worked well, at least until she got caught! But there weren't any serious consequences. Even out here, provoking the Empire by detaining a duchess would be a bad idea!"
"The Empire hasn't even bothered sending a team to retrieve their Armament."
"That we know of," Gisena nodded, "But the separatists don't know that! Why risk making an enemy of the Artriez dynasty over something so petty? The magics here are basically an open secret anyway."
"I haven't heard anything, or seen mages at the front."
"That's what you have us for! Most of their mages are children, teenagers at the oldest. They practice the manipulation of semi-conceptual forces called Imaginary Elements. The children have given themselves the somewhat presumptuous title of 'High Elementalists.' The Rotbeast began its incursions around when their first Elements manifested, so it's quite a controversial topic!"
"Weren't you planning to call yourself a 'High Sorceress' after completing your meditations?"
"Well yes, because I've earned it!" Gisena pouted. "There aren't even any normal Elementalists for these kids to place themselves above!"
"Matters of self-proclaimed sorcerous nomenclature being of utmost priority to the intellect of a genius like yourself. Even above battlefield fashion, apparently."
"Don't tease me on this," Gisena's pout intensified, tears shining brilliantly in her eyes. "I've worked hard..."
"Hard work doesn't deserve to be teased? I'll remember that," he said, with the tone of a man marking down his ledger.
"Good!" Gisena chirped, skipping ahead with playful grace. "Now, let's go see the resort. I can't wait to spend your money on such frivolous magnificence!"
"Who said you were going to? The room will be for me. You may hunt your own Rotbeasts if you'd like to chip in for a suite."
"Don't worry, I'll earn my keep! We'll have Letrizia expense it for us when we get back, so it's really the Empire's money!"
"I'll take your statement on credit, but if it falls through then you'll owe it all back, with interest."
"Naturally!" She raised two slender fingers. "Maiden's honor!"
The resort itself was a traditional Eastern-style enclave carved into the mountain at the heart of Elixir territory. Deep within the towering stone was a spring of mystical water heated by geothermal flows. The core pools in which this water accumulated had the highest magical purity, and each five-star Elixir resort held a direct tap to this most pristine of reservoirs. Rumors abounded as to the source of the magic, but according to Gisena, who'd studied a sample of the water, it was a spontaneous manifestation the likes of which occurred from time to time in the Voyaging Realm.
"I wonder what they'll do when it runs out?"
"The water or the magic?"
"The magic. It looks like it'll last for maybe... sixty more years? It'll peak in strength within the next five and decline steadily afterwards. It's strongest on nights with a full moon. We have waning gibbous, which is the third-most optimal condition..."
"Such analytical prowess."
"Only the best for my favorite creditor!"
The Kaguya, their chosen residence, was considered the most premier lodgings in the entire Sovereignty. Such luxury did not come cheap, but Hunger had little attachment to the currency of this minor nation.
Letrizia met them on the tram up to the hotel, excitedly expounding on the magic system she'd discovered while Gisena examined every detail of the tram itself.
"It's called High Elementalism and each kid has their own unique element, with physical and sometimes magical properties! I asked and they said anyone young enough has a chance to develop it by bathing in the hot springs." Letrizia fidgeted excitedly.
"I also got you blood samples from a couple of the stronger mages." She tossed her hair, expression smug. "Boys are so easy to manipulate."
He soberly reached out a hand, taking the vials. "Gisena. I fear our charge may be taking the wrong lessons from this experience."
"Hm?" She looked up from the now-exposed circuitry of the tram's computer. "Oh, yes. Letrizia, don't manipulate boys for gain, or at the very least, let them down gently when you're done."
"Teaming up on me," Letrizia huffed, crossing her arms. "After all the good work I did!"
"Think about it from their perspective," he said sternly. "How would you like it if you were infatuated with someone who only wanted to use you for your blood?"
"H-hmph! I can't help if they're throwing themselves at my feet!"
"A capable Armament pilot lacks even this amount of discipline? I'm surprised."
"F-flattery will get you nowhere! Besides, y-you're one to talk about lacking discipline. How come you're in ghost form again?"
"That's a lack of wisdom," he answered sagely, "not of self-control. I only endangered my own heart, not those of your innocent classmates. And I got my arm back, so it was completely worth it."
"T-they're not even my real classmates!"
Famished after a long day of hunting, espionage, and technological research, the three of them set about immediately to the food service, where a sumptuous repast awaited. Before them were bright crimson shells of freshly steamed lobster set atop a fountain of golden garlic-butter sauce; crisp egg cakes perfectly warmed and daubed with truffle glaze; hand-pressed nigiri artfully arranged with rice-grains glistening like pearls; thick cuts of opulently marbled steak seared openly on the fires; crystal-chilled fruits like jeweled fists translucent; and a cornucopia of lesser fares each superbly executed, containing ingredients of impeccable freshness. It was a vast, indulgent, omnivorous feast and Letrizia sighed in delight, wandering from station to station, hands folded as if in a dream.
Hunger ate steadily but tirelessly, powering through with superhuman constitution to sample each delicacy in turn, while Gisena cheerfully mooched from their plates, slowly talking the food-addled Letrizia into paying for it all. Delightful as it all was, however, there was still something missing, some inexplicable element that rendered it less than totally satisfying.
Hunger paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. Ah, that was it. Though he'd indirectly hunted for it, he had not caught this meat himself. For all its joys and wonders, this commercial fare just wasn't the same as consuming a fish off one's own line.
---
Two days at the resort and then it's back to the Temple for Hunger & Co. What is his general strategy for dealing with the Inner Temple?
[ ] Farm, then Clear - Challenge those in the Encampment to duels; if victorious, proceed to attack the Middle Temple until Outrider patrols are exhausted; if victorious, proceed to attack the Inner Temple. Combat will hone the edge of his prowess in his new magic.
May theoretically encounter useful allies
Chances can be improved by tactics
Hunger's estimated risk assessment for the first stage:
*60% chance of uneventful victory
*20% chance of challenging opposition (enter battle or 1+ conditions)
*20% chance of potent opposition (enter battle or 1+ major conditions)
[ ] Offensive Bias - You've dithered long enough. Cut through.
Discounts Once and Future by 1 Arete
+5% Effectiveness in battle, improves Rank gains from battle.
Hunger's estimated risk assessment:
*40% chance of uneventful victory
*15% chance of potent foe (1 major condition)
*35% chance of peer-level foe (enter battle)
*5% chance of overwhelming foe (enter battle)
*5% chance of stupendously dangerous foe (enter battle and prepare to die)
[ ] Stay and Train [-1 Arete] - Though it physically pains him to do so, it's best to get reasonably familiar with his new powers before challenging the Temple. Letrizia's hangers-on are more than willing to spar with Hunger, and by wagering days of service he can mitigate the penalty for non-lethal sparring. May also represent an opportunity to recruit more manpower, though the ethical considerations are potentially fraught...
*Letrizia's new friend group is mostly composed of juniors and seniors, aged 17-18. Too young for war in Hunger's eyes, and support positions are difficult to make feasible given the nature of 'High Elementalism.' That said, there are those among them who possess Elements of incredible utility.
*You can get more party members by having them run away from home to join you.
*Hunger is considerably more adept at controlling his Element than he otherwise would be.
---
What is the Imaginary Element of Duchess Letrizia Artriez?
[ ] Sharpbright - The sharp bright sword of will that brings mere physical law to heel! A focused form of Pressure itself that allows Letrizia to improve her effective Rank in situations where being "sharp" or "bright" would be relevant. Both literal and metaphorical interpretations fall within its remit. With sufficient control, Letrizia can even permanently increase her actual Rank by such means, though this is a slow and arduously difficult process...
*Doesn't work if she tries to buff other people, though she can still fight on the same side as other units with Rank
*Reaching the apex of Low Rank is trivial, reaching the apex of Middle Rank extremely difficult, and anything involving High Ranks involves legendary levels of mastery
*Allows her to advance her research into the nature of Pressure and Astral Rank!
[ ] Exavolt - A tremendously versatile and staggeringly powerful energy that would actually be relevant in combat even at your scale. Combining broad varieties of electromagnetic force with the concept of excessive scale, this would allow Letrizia to easily defend herself in combat from the Astral Beasts currently attacking Verschlengorge, and can eventually develop into wide-ranging control of magnetism, visible light, gamma radiation, microwaves, and so on.
*Substantially increases Verschlengorge's effective firepower
*While many noncombat applications are possible, almost all require extensive mastery to pursue
*Far more capable in physical combat than an equivalent level of Sharpbright
---
If all goes well, the Patreon should be up tomorrow! Finishing the bonus content has been tough with this pace.
Returning to civilization, Hunger collected Gisena before making his way to the bounty office. It was time to collect on the Rotspawn he'd killed, though the harvest of power from the creature itself was payment enough in his mind.
"What an odd creature," Gisena remarked, poking gingerly at the decapitated head.
"What's odd about it?"
"Hm?" She raised a finger to her lips. "I can think of a few things! This specimen decided to go hunting for exotic monsters after declaring he'd take a vacation. He then pushed himself so hard that he was slain, returning as a pale wraith to present the trophy of his mutual-kill to a society of strangers!"
"Sounds normal to me," he demurred. "I've always heard geniuses were very adaptable. Failing to pick up on a consistent pattern of behavior, perhaps you're losing your touch."
Gisena laughed. "I'm too distracted by all the wondrous technology around! I haven't even had time to complete my meditations..."
"Speaking of which," she continued, "Letrizia asked us to find a Hot Springs resort to stay in. I did some digging and these two look the most promising. What do you think?"
She fanned out a pair of pamphlets, one for a starkly modernist resort, the other a decadent eastern-style villa.
"This one," he pointed at the latter. "What else are we going to spend the money on?"
"Fair enough," Gisena said, walking around to his other side. "Oh, your arm's growing back! First your sword and then your arm, I see you have your priorities in order!"
"Would any man choose otherwise?" He deadpanned. "But yes, I slew a monster with four arms. That seems to have granted enough power to overcome the Tyrant's curse and repair my one. I was lucky. It was considerably stronger than I expected."
"Congratulations!" Gisena clapped. "Now we just have to fix your eye, lung, liver and heart and you'll be good as new!"
"...There's nothing wrong with my heart."
"Heartbreak's a serious condition, you know? And extravagant luxury is just the remedy. Never leave home without it!"
The bounty office paid out a generous sum for the Rotspawn's head, noting that it was the first Primary-grade Rotspawn downed in months. Their overawed desk staff beseeched Hunger to campaign against the Rotbeast itself, but he refused.
"Turning down a battle? Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Gisena placed a palm on his forehead as if to check for fever.
"We've got other priorities; the Temple comes first. Slaying this Rotbeast might be the work of an afternoon, or it could take weeks and months. Targets that big are usually well-fortified or they'd be hollowed out by opportunistic predators."
"A sensible precaution! Perhaps the creature you killed was also a genius?"
"Given all the things you've claimed a genius can do, I'd be surprised if the category included anyone besides you."
"Aw! You always know just what to say." Gisena hugged his arm cheerfully.
"Speaking of which, how did Letrizia's infiltration mission go?"
"She snuck in and pretended to be a transfer student during their lunch hour. It worked well, at least until she got caught! But there weren't any serious consequences. Even out here, provoking the Empire by detaining a duchess would be a bad idea!"
"The Empire hasn't even bothered sending a team to retrieve their Armament."
"That we know of," Gisena nodded, "But the separatists don't know that! Why risk making an enemy of the Artriez dynasty over something so petty? The magics here are basically an open secret anyway."
"I haven't heard anything, or seen mages at the front."
"That's what you have us for! Most of their mages are children, teenagers at the oldest. They practice the manipulation of semi-conceptual forces called Imaginary Elements. The children have given themselves the somewhat presumptuous title of 'High Elementalists.' The Rotbeast began its incursions around when their first Elements manifested, so it's quite a controversial topic!"
"Weren't you planning to call yourself a 'High Sorceress' after completing your meditations?"
"Well yes, because I've earned it!" Gisena pouted. "There aren't even any normal Elementalists for these kids to place themselves above!"
"Matters of self-proclaimed sorcerous nomenclature being of utmost priority to the intellect of a genius like yourself. Even above battlefield fashion, apparently."
"Don't tease me on this," Gisena's pout intensified, tears shining brilliantly in her eyes. "I've worked hard..."
"Hard work doesn't deserve to be teased? I'll remember that," he said, with the tone of a man marking down his ledger.
"Good!" Gisena chirped, skipping ahead with playful grace. "Now, let's go see the resort. I can't wait to spend your money on such frivolous magnificence!"
"Who said you were going to? The room will be for me. You may hunt your own Rotbeasts if you'd like to chip in for a suite."
"Don't worry, I'll earn my keep! We'll have Letrizia expense it for us when we get back, so it's really the Empire's money!"
"I'll take your statement on credit, but if it falls through then you'll owe it all back, with interest."
"Naturally!" She raised two slender fingers. "Maiden's honor!"
The resort itself was a traditional Eastern-style enclave carved into the mountain at the heart of Elixir territory. Deep within the towering stone was a spring of mystical water heated by geothermal flows. The core pools in which this water accumulated had the highest magical purity, and each five-star Elixir resort held a direct tap to this most pristine of reservoirs. Rumors abounded as to the source of the magic, but according to Gisena, who'd studied a sample of the water, it was a spontaneous manifestation the likes of which occurred from time to time in the Voyaging Realm.
"I wonder what they'll do when it runs out?"
"The water or the magic?"
"The magic. It looks like it'll last for maybe... sixty more years? It'll peak in strength within the next five and decline steadily afterwards. It's strongest on nights with a full moon. We have waning gibbous, which is the third-most optimal condition..."
"Such analytical prowess."
"Only the best for my favorite creditor!"
The Kaguya, their chosen residence, was considered the most premier lodgings in the entire Sovereignty. Such luxury did not come cheap, but Hunger had little attachment to the currency of this minor nation.
Letrizia met them on the tram up to the hotel, excitedly expounding on the magic system she'd discovered while Gisena examined every detail of the tram itself.
"It's called High Elementalism and each kid has their own unique element, with physical and sometimes magical properties! I asked and they said anyone young enough has a chance to develop it by bathing in the hot springs." Letrizia fidgeted excitedly.
"I also got you blood samples from a couple of the stronger mages." She tossed her hair, expression smug. "Boys are so easy to manipulate."
He soberly reached out a hand, taking the vials. "Gisena. I fear our charge may be taking the wrong lessons from this experience."
"Hm?" She looked up from the now-exposed circuitry of the tram's computer. "Oh, yes. Letrizia, don't manipulate boys for gain, or at the very least, let them down gently when you're done."
"Teaming up on me," Letrizia huffed, crossing her arms. "After all the good work I did!"
"Think about it from their perspective," he said sternly. "How would you like it if you were infatuated with someone who only wanted to use you for your blood?"
"H-hmph! I can't help if they're throwing themselves at my feet!"
"A capable Armament pilot lacks even this amount of discipline? I'm surprised."
"F-flattery will get you nowhere! Besides, y-you're one to talk about lacking discipline. How come you're in ghost form again?"
"That's a lack of wisdom," he answered sagely, "not of self-control. I only endangered my own heart, not those of your innocent classmates. And I got my arm back, so it was completely worth it."
"T-they're not even my real classmates!"
Famished after a long day of hunting, espionage, and technological research, the three of them set about immediately to the food service, where a sumptuous repast awaited. Before them were bright crimson shells of freshly steamed lobster set atop a fountain of golden garlic-butter sauce; crisp egg cakes perfectly warmed and daubed with truffle glaze; hand-pressed nigiri artfully arranged with rice-grains glistening like pearls; thick cuts of opulently marbled steak seared openly on the fires; crystal-chilled fruits like jeweled fists translucent; and a cornucopia of lesser fares each superbly executed, containing ingredients of impeccable freshness. It was a vast, indulgent, omnivorous feast and Letrizia sighed in delight, wandering from station to station, hands folded as if in a dream.
Hunger ate steadily but tirelessly, powering through with superhuman constitution to sample each delicacy in turn, while Gisena cheerfully mooched from their plates, slowly talking the food-addled Letrizia into paying for it all. Delightful as it all was, however, there was still something missing, some inexplicable element that rendered it less than totally satisfying.
Hunger paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. Ah, that was it. Though he'd indirectly hunted for it, he had not caught this meat himself. For all its joys and wonders, this commercial fare just wasn't the same as consuming a fish off one's own line.
---
Two days at the resort and then it's back to the Temple for Hunger & Co. What is his general strategy for dealing with the Inner Temple?
[ ] Farm, then Clear - Challenge those in the Encampment to duels; if victorious, proceed to attack the Middle Temple until Outrider patrols are exhausted; if victorious, proceed to attack the Inner Temple. Combat will hone the edge of his prowess in his new magic.
May theoretically encounter useful allies
Chances can be improved by tactics
Hunger's estimated risk assessment for the first stage:
*60% chance of uneventful victory
*20% chance of challenging opposition (enter battle or 1+ conditions)
*20% chance of potent opposition (enter battle or 1+ major conditions)
[ ] Offensive Bias - You've dithered long enough. Cut through.
Discounts Once and Future by 1 Arete
+5% Effectiveness in battle, improves Rank gains from battle.
Hunger's estimated risk assessment:
*40% chance of uneventful victory
*15% chance of potent foe (1 major condition)
*35% chance of peer-level foe (enter battle)
*5% chance of overwhelming foe (enter battle)
*5% chance of stupendously dangerous foe (enter battle and prepare to die)
[ ] Stay and Train [-1 Arete] - Though it physically pains him to do so, it's best to get reasonably familiar with his new powers before challenging the Temple. Letrizia's hangers-on are more than willing to spar with Hunger, and by wagering days of service he can mitigate the penalty for non-lethal sparring. May also represent an opportunity to recruit more manpower, though the ethical considerations are potentially fraught...
*Letrizia's new friend group is mostly composed of juniors and seniors, aged 17-18. Too young for war in Hunger's eyes, and support positions are difficult to make feasible given the nature of 'High Elementalism.' That said, there are those among them who possess Elements of incredible utility.
*You can get more party members by having them run away from home to join you.
*Hunger is considerably more adept at controlling his Element than he otherwise would be.
---
What is the Imaginary Element of Duchess Letrizia Artriez?
[ ] Sharpbright - The sharp bright sword of will that brings mere physical law to heel! A focused form of Pressure itself that allows Letrizia to improve her effective Rank in situations where being "sharp" or "bright" would be relevant. Both literal and metaphorical interpretations fall within its remit. With sufficient control, Letrizia can even permanently increase her actual Rank by such means, though this is a slow and arduously difficult process...
*Doesn't work if she tries to buff other people, though she can still fight on the same side as other units with Rank
*Reaching the apex of Low Rank is trivial, reaching the apex of Middle Rank extremely difficult, and anything involving High Ranks involves legendary levels of mastery
*Allows her to advance her research into the nature of Pressure and Astral Rank!
[ ] Exavolt - A tremendously versatile and staggeringly powerful energy that would actually be relevant in combat even at your scale. Combining broad varieties of electromagnetic force with the concept of excessive scale, this would allow Letrizia to easily defend herself in combat from the Astral Beasts currently attacking Verschlengorge, and can eventually develop into wide-ranging control of magnetism, visible light, gamma radiation, microwaves, and so on.
*Substantially increases Verschlengorge's effective firepower
*While many noncombat applications are possible, almost all require extensive mastery to pursue
*Far more capable in physical combat than an equivalent level of Sharpbright
---
If all goes well, the Patreon should be up tomorrow! Finishing the bonus content has been tough with this pace.
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Honestly if I ever wind up drawing Catherine my mind's eye is already very clear:
basically_catherine.jpg
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
- Location
- Eugene OR US
Hunger has found his true desire, the one true path of his life is that of a fisherman.
It is important for several reasons. One, it may take an action to use the buff and it takes significant effort as stated in the blurb, two we may not have pure edeldross on hand when we need the buff, three if the buff runs out when we need it and cannot refresh it will be very problematic, four I would like Orion's with nerfed stats to be more competitive, minor +protections might seem pointless but they lead to iridescence and pearlescence which are both useful and we do not yet know what is beyond them or if we will unlock something like blood enhancements for the evening sky, five wisdom and charisma are really quite valuable and I would feel more comfortable spending picks on them if I knew I was getting the picks worth. Essentially I don't want to have to worry about refreshing the buff and the other considerations behind it and would like to go down the protection tree in evening sky eventually, and I think that wisdom is probably incredibly valuable to us a reckless a we have been and thus it would be nice to get full +s for it. Also the buff will be that much better if we get full stats rather than partial ones. The Mali's might not seem like much but it will add up over time in various ways.
Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
It's possible to overturn or support Rihaku's omake/argument system, if you consider it. Create a voting faction which pre-commits to either voting to balance out vote counts (effectively maximizing argument/omake power - the more even, the more decisive), or to imbalance votes as much as possible (minimizing omake/argument power, due to a greater hurdle).
This, of course, requires being willing to consistently vote for options one does not like. Effectively you would be voting against the system as opposed to votes within the system. It would be very meta, and I doubt such a faction would garner more than 4 or 5 voters at most. Even then, they would suffer at every vote as they prioritize changing the system over personal livelihood.
This, of course, requires being willing to consistently vote for options one does not like. Effectively you would be voting against the system as opposed to votes within the system. It would be very meta, and I doubt such a faction would garner more than 4 or 5 voters at most. Even then, they would suffer at every vote as they prioritize changing the system over personal livelihood.
Rihaku
The Internet
It'd be closer to Control's level of firepower, though her level of actual control would be unimpressive to start! Still, having one's attacks and blocks infused with the power of excessive scale is quite convenient. Conceptual effects are usually difficult to challenge with the mundane, but when that mundane power is of excessive scale, anything could happen... Smash particles together at high enough speeds and reveal the secrets of creation; gather enough ordinary mass in one place and forge a singularity!
Is that not what he knew all along?
LordOfMurder
Bhaal
- Location
- Australia
My heart is healed I love it! You're the best Rihaku!
Despite how silly she is it's clear that Gisena cares about us a lot.
++ All Stats shows it's value as Hunger forces Gisena to pull out her banter trump card!
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Rihaku
The Internet
Unlike votes-only quests, there's nothing stopping us from arbitrarily disregarding factions with malicious intent. I was reading that bleach quest you guys linked me to and apparently it (or at least the accusation thereof) was a substantial problem there. While it would be annoying for the vote talliers who'd have to manually exclude known members, literal spite factions have no power here.
How cliche! Hunger is still a ghost this update, why would he need to bathe?
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
Anyway, my general impression is that Exavolt is a "basic" immediate combat usable buff (although "excessive" electromagnetic force applied on interplanetary scales will remain relevant for a long time to come!), whereas Sharpbright leans far more on long term synergies - it will advance Letrizia's studies on Astral Rank further, and will almost certainly synergize better if she ends up unlocking her power as the Devouring Sorceress.
LordOfMurder
Bhaal
- Location
- Australia
[X] Offensive Bias
[X] Sharpbright
Sharpbright because I don't particularly care about Zea's combat effectiveness and think it's more fitting for her.
Offensive bias because I'm willing to risk a 5% chance of death and a 5% chance of a super tough fight for a 90% chance to cut through!
Stay and Train is out because lol child soldiers and spending arete and Farm then clear is a bit too slow paced.
[X] Sharpbright
Sharpbright because I don't particularly care about Zea's combat effectiveness and think it's more fitting for her.
Offensive bias because I'm willing to risk a 5% chance of death and a 5% chance of a super tough fight for a 90% chance to cut through!
Stay and Train is out because lol child soldiers and spending arete and Farm then clear is a bit too slow paced.
- Location
- US
I'm leaning towards Stay and Train. Since Edeldross won, not taking advantage of its ability to replicate Graces with training would be criminal.
[X] Stay and Train [-1 Arete]
[X] Exavolt
[X] Stay and Train [-1 Arete]
[X] Exavolt
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How many event horizons does it take to bend an infinite straight??
LordOfMurder
Bhaal
- Location
- Australia
Seems cruel to make Zea a Mikoto expy on top of being an Asuka expy!
ImperatorV
The Laughing One
- Location
- The Voyaging Realm
Huh, SORD gang can give Letrizia a sword of sorts now...
Anyway, on the actual vote topic: I'm fond of Farm then Clear. I see no point in hanging out with Teenagers, and Offensive Bias has a 35% chance of "Serious fight" and 10% chance of "Haha you're fucked." Not great odds, especially with our historical luck in these kind of rolls.
Farm and Clear is safe without wasting time like Stay and Train does.
I guess the benefit of Offensive Bias is that we have an actual chance to clear the Temple before Apocryphal kicks back in. Which is not to be underestimated, but the risks are high.
On Letrizia Elements... While SharpBright is cool for her research, Exavolt seems much more combat oriented, and the Apocryphal is going to come back soon. Something happening to Letrizia while we're in the Temple is likely, and a massive combat power boost would be very reassuring. I don't want to lose our cute Duchess, and also she's super useful as a contact in the Human Sphere.
Anyway, on the actual vote topic: I'm fond of Farm then Clear. I see no point in hanging out with Teenagers, and Offensive Bias has a 35% chance of "Serious fight" and 10% chance of "Haha you're fucked." Not great odds, especially with our historical luck in these kind of rolls.
Farm and Clear is safe without wasting time like Stay and Train does.
I guess the benefit of Offensive Bias is that we have an actual chance to clear the Temple before Apocryphal kicks back in. Which is not to be underestimated, but the risks are high.
On Letrizia Elements... While SharpBright is cool for her research, Exavolt seems much more combat oriented, and the Apocryphal is going to come back soon. Something happening to Letrizia while we're in the Temple is likely, and a massive combat power boost would be very reassuring. I don't want to lose our cute Duchess, and also she's super useful as a contact in the Human Sphere.
- Location
- Brazil
Ahhhh
[X] Farm, then Clear
[X] Exavolt
I think Sharpbright would be more useful, but having mini-control sounds too much fun.
This was a fun one.
Just reiterating that we shouldn't put too much faith in these percentages.
Anyway somewhat inclined to farm here, Stay seems like it'll take a good amount of time and also siphons off some of the cream of the societies hopes of dealing with the Rotbeast, feels kind of shitty. If I had more faith in Hunger's estimates I'd consider offensive more viable, as is though he doesn't really have much information to base it off, and his Rank isn't so high I'm putting total faith in intuition.
Just reiterating that we shouldn't put too much faith in these percentages.
Anyway somewhat inclined to farm here, Stay seems like it'll take a good amount of time and also siphons off some of the cream of the societies hopes of dealing with the Rotbeast, feels kind of shitty. If I had more faith in Hunger's estimates I'd consider offensive more viable, as is though he doesn't really have much information to base it off, and his Rank isn't so high I'm putting total faith in intuition.
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Don't worry, we'll get plenty of practical training on our way to the free the ring
Thanatanos
PvP Lover, Assasin Player
[X] Farm, then Clear
Potential allies you say?
Potential allies you say?
Rihaku
The Internet
Hunger himself was their age when he was literally whisked away on a magical adventure, and look how he turned out! You couldn't ask for a finer example...
There are those who say that Arete is a small price to pay for time...
Well, she does have Verschlengorge for fighting right now, but Exavolt would make her much more relevant if you can find a safe place to store him and need a third party member in dungeons. On the other hand, Sharpbright is useful politically and off the battlefield in a number of arenas from the start, and it's her passion to research!