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Uzu just hums thoughtfully as two girls come into view, trudging towards you with intent. The one on the left is a recently familiar one – a short, slender Neuromancer that goes by Tabby, whose cunning has allowed her and her two allies to infiltrate each of the cult’s factions to better understand their intentions…but as valuable as their insight has proven, you’d still like to get a better grasp on what a ‘true believer’ looks like. To that end, the girl he’s brought with her is one of the more vocal members of the ‘Neutral’ faction, the one that supposedly errs closer to your intentions than the other two whose…liberties…with your message may prove to be the fuse that sets this whole thing alight.

The Daughter in question is a fair-skinned young woman, calcite shards protruding haphazardly from her slight frame. The whiteness of her skin and alabaster of the shards only serve to highlight the bright scarlet cysts that dot her slight form, each one roiling with a violent red liquid, seemingly ready to burst at the slightest touch. Her conspicuously scarlet irises go wide the moment she lays eyes on you, and she dares not utter a word before you even as Tabby takes her leave to give you, Uzu, and one of the Neutrals’ more outspoken members some privacy.

“Beau, I presume?”

The girl gives a dumbfounded nod, arms slack at her sides as you gesture to the seat that’s facing yours. She obliges while still keeping her crimson gaze transfixed on yours, and it’s a long moment before she dares to finally speak aloud.

“I have to say, it’s…it’s an ho-honor.” She begins, nervously trying to figure out what to do with her hands as she squirms in her seat. “So, ah…w-what can I do for you?”

>>”Well, to start off…I’d like to know a little about you and how you came here.”

>>”If you were to summarize you and your fellows’ ideology to a layperson, what would the ‘high-points’ look like, exactly?

>>”I’d like to get your take on things. Not just the group you’re a part of and the other two factions, but earth’s situation as a whole.”

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open until 2PM, Eastern time. I hope everyone is doing well, and it's good to be back.)

>>4248680
>"Beau, ill be honest with you. Im not here for any reason that will please alot of people. But im hoping i can at least understand the situation and di my best to leave here having set things straight as well as possible."
>Sigh, and start off simply.
>"To that end, im trying to... Understand this place better. So, please, if you would be willing... Why did you come here? What about it drew you in, made you stay?"
>"...what is it you believe, you and those who stand with you here?"
>"From what i hear, many people here are putting me on too high a pedestal, which is quite troubling as i don't want to be on a pedestal at all."
>"And even worse,i hear you and yours might be the inly ones who even listen to what im actually saying... But i suppose we'll see how accurate that is, if you're up to it?"

>>4248684
Always good to be back. Hope you're doing well Bhop.

>>4248680
So she is an Albino probably with a humoral generator hybrid and calcite powers. Neat.

Vote:
>"The honor is all mine. Beau. You see i have come here after i talked with Charon a while back to see what all of this was about. And well to get a grasp of the situation."
>"They could tell me a couple of things but since many of the people here think Charon is to important to talk to them about internal politics i thought it best to take a look myself."
>"So to start this all off. Who are you and where did you come from? But most importantly WHY did you come here?"
>Silently wish you had Dorian here so you could share a drink with this girl cause she seems nervous as hell.
>"I have heard you are part of a neutral faction. Is that correct? How woudl you describe your goals. The goals of your faction so that a layperson could understand them."
>"Boil it down to its core you could say."

>>4248684
Nice to see your back.

What about the changes to the system? i take it those require a little more time in the oven of ideas

Mostly asking since i dont want to create the extra levels for the Europe crew Powers when the system is gonna be overhauled soon.

>>4248695
Only big issue i see is the factions themselves might have their own names and view, calling even the neutral faction by what a 'spy' trying to simplify things for us by such called them might not sit well even with them.

Best to leave the naming of groups to the groups while we still want them to be willing to talk to us.

>>4248680
Ammending vote from>>4248695
to
>"The honor is all mine. Beau. You see i have come here after i talked with Charon a while back to see what all of this was about. And well to get a grasp of the situation."
>"They could tell me a couple of things but since many of the people here think Charon is to important to talk to them about internal politics i thought it best to take a look myself."
>"So to start this all off. Who are you and where did you come from? But most importantly WHY did you come here?"
>Silently wish you had Dorian here so you could share a drink with this girl cause she seems nervous as hell.
>"I have heard you are part of one of those factions. Is that correct? How would you describe your goals. So that a layperson could understand them."
>"Boil it down to its core you could say."

>>4248698
yeah okay i can see that. she will probably tell us that but until then we can leave that open to leave the impression we chose the people at random

>>4248684
Doing fine myself.

Cradleton Chapter 7 update:

I find myself beset by things I realized that had to be written down and set up before the big climax.
Mainly generating two dozen individual daughters from scratch, each with individual motivations, power sets, and classes with a d12 dice generator to be used as set pieces.
And that's just the beginning.

>>4248680
>"First off...I'd like you to relax. Breathe deep with me. In. and out."
>"I'm going to be here for a while, so I would like to get your take on things."

>>4248701
On chapter 7;
Sounds neat, and rough. But don't feel afraid to both wing it as you need it so long as you remember it, and only make and reveal what you need for any not going to get a real limelight. Really, all im saying is dont drive yourself crazy trying to make two dozen fully fleshed out characters who might only get minor use is all.

>>4248701
Sounds like quite the task you set for yourself. Best of luck anon

I myself am putting the finishing touches on chapter 11. Just have to put in the last scene after their feast. and then its off for some proofreading.

>>4248684
Weekend was fine. But i am starting to feel kinda sick. maybe i caught something when i drove to work on my bike(its still relatively chilly) and my throat feels a bit dry. I just hope its nothing mayor.

On the other hand a friend of mine wants to start an Elder Scrolls Pen&paper RPG campaign..... So yeah i made a character and am helping out two other pepole with the mechanical side of things since that homebrew changed quite a few things from DND 5e

>>4248709
Oh, don't worry about that. I've got down the bare minimum. And despite writing down their name, their class, the barest of gimmicks and their basic motivation/history in regards to this event, already they're developing quirks and interactions that's making them memorable in my mind's eye. They're a rather colorful bunch. The same goes for the notable enemy elites...well...some of them.

The reason I had to go through char gen is because the initial draft as is with the big plan to bail Carter out reads like a bamboozle out of nowhere without providing enough mandatory context as well as providing clarity to the fight scenes unless I do a set-up scene that introduces them as well as highlighting the plan and the stakes. The set-up will also serve to show how effective of a Force Multiplier Andersen's assistance can be to even out the odds despite being put on the sidelines by his wife.

>>4248724
well do what you need, and good luck.

>>4248695
(It's going fairly well, and as far as details go I'll likely drop some more information by day's end for everyone's consideration and to see how you all feel about the two proposed changes.)

>>4248821
Good to hear. and looking forward to those though i wont be there to immediately respond...

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>>4248821
well, looking forward to what your ideas are, but we'll see how they look when they're out and about.

also, the picture for Beau was one of the ones in my folder to post. on one hand, one less on the backburner, on the other, dang, the backlogs starting to overlap with what you already got.

>>4248838
(On that note, had someone posted it before? It was further up in my folder than I recall when I first saved it, so I suddenly got worried that I'd nabbed a pic that someone else had posted for a character of theirs...)

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>>4248856
i dont remember posting it, but if i did it certainly wasn't as a character.

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>>4248680

"The honor’s all mine, Beau.” You say with a smile that you hope has the intended effect of calming the girl’s taught nerves. “You see, decided to visit after Charon told me a little about the people that had been gathering in my name. I wanted to see what this was all about, maybe get a better grasp of the situation. I think a lot of the people here assume Charon is too important to talk to them about internal politics i thought it best to take a look myself."

Beau nods sharply, having finally settled her hands firmly in her lap…and you find yourself wishing for Dorian’s presence, if only to offer this girl something to calm her nerves.

"Beau, I’ll be honest with you - I’m not here for any reason that will please a lot of people. But I’m hoping I can at least learn about the situation and do my best to leave here having set things straight, as much as is possible." You continue with a sigh, holding the girl’s deep red eyes as she swallows hard. "To that end, I’m trying to... Understand this place better. So, please, if you would be willing - why did you come here? What about it drew you in, made you stay?"

Swallowing again, Beau glances between you and Uzu before she answers hesitantly. “I, uh…I visited the Monastery a lot, before you came through. I was there, actually…the first time you came. I didn’t realize who you were at first. Not until everything…happened…there, and you toppled the Spiraling Fear. I knew you were someone special, after that. Everyone did, I think. I was passing through a settlement that Charon had destroyed a while back, when they came and started talking about you. About what you stood for. That’s what drew me in…but as for what made me stay, well…”

She shrugs, then smiles.

“…it’s the people, really. At least with the Adherents…that’s what we call ourselves, since we try and stick to the spirit of what you’re doing…the Adherents really make you feel welcome. They sit down. They listen. They don’t want to take anybody for granted. Everyone’s welcome, as long as you’re willing to do the right thing, to listen and be listened to, in turn.”

Beau glances up at you with a shy, crooked smile.

“Like you, really.” She adds, softly.

"I see.” You say, mulling over her words before you drop the more important question. “So what is it that the Adherents believe? If you were to boil it down to its core, in a way – what are they all about?”

“Well, to put it simply…we’re about what *you’re* about. Freedom for people to make their own choices. Listening first, then taking action as need be.” She explains, her nerves loosening the more she speaks. “We don’t have any Skintalkers like the other two major factions, but we think that your actions speak for themselves without any interpretation needed. We…*I* like to think that the example you’ve set needs no explanation.”

(Continued)

>>4249047

"From what I hear, quite a few people here are putting me on too high a pedestal.” You say tentatively, watching the girl nod attentively as you speak. “It’s a little troubling, as I don't want to be put on any pedestal at all, really."

“Y-yeah.” Beau chuckles. “I mean, there are still some in the Adherents that think you’re god’s gift to everyone in the Crucible…but that’s kind of the exception, as opposed to the rule. We just admire what you’re trying to do as the first really worthy goal any Daughter’s publicly stood for. I guess it comes from the fact that you’ve done *so* much since you came on everyone’s radar, and you’ve even got Mara’s blessing, since she’s trying to delay the Crucible for you to ascend the Cord. You’ve made where you stand perfectly clear…and that’s part of the reason we want to fight alongside you, when you make your move.”

“How so?”

“Well…it’s part of a Daughter’s inherent drive to journey to the Cord, but you’re the first to openly declare your intention to let the world take its course. There’ve been others who’ve had a grand plan or some vision for a better future, but only you have said that you want everyone to have control instead of trying to guide how the chips fall, yourself.” Beau elaborates, admiration evident in her shining eyes. “It’s your Laissez-faire attitude towards Earth’s future that’s led us to want to see you succeed…and it’s why we want to help you secure the chance for us to have that future, no matter what it takes.”

Beau chews thoughtfully on her lower lip before she asks; “Miss Shu, if I may speak frankly?”

“Please do.”

“I know a lot of the Adherents don’t have much to contribute in terms of combat, but if we can give you even a sliver of a chance to reach the Cord unscathed, then I think it’s worth it. Not just for us, but for everyone that’s going to come after. For the ones that’re going to come back, after you finish this. I think most everyone that’s part of the Adherents know that you and your family are willing to lay down your lives to give humanity a choice of how to move forwards, and we’re willing to do that, too…even if it’s not a future we’ll live to see.”

“I think one of the veterans that I spoke with put it best, a Phantasmal Conduit that’s done a lot to keep people in the Adherents calm with her power.” Beau adds thoughtfully, just before you’re about to protest. “She gave up everything to fight for her country, because she wanted to make sure that the people she loved…and even people she’d never met before, people she’d *never* meet…had the freedom to live their lives the way they say fit. For good or ill, she wanted people to be able to choose, and for that she gave up her own freedom of choice.”

Beau shrugs, grinning sheepishly.

(Continued)

>>4249049

“I’m not as brave as she is, and I’m certainly not as disciplined…but I think what drives us is the same, and I think a lot of my friends and peers would agree. We’re here to make a stand for the future, come what may. Your idea of the future is one we’re willing to die for, so that others will have the chance to live in it.”

“Beau…I know you were nervous when you arrived, but I have to say that you’re quite eloquent.” Uzu admits with a gentle smile, prompting a snort of laughter from the girl before you.

“Oh gosh, heh….thank you. I’m really not that great one-on-one. I prefer talking to crowds, actually.”

“Can’t say I’ve heard that before.” Your ally grins, cocking one eyebrow. “Normally it’s the other way around.”

“Well, I was completely hopeless before I joined drama club to get over it, but I got so used to public speaking that solo stuff still freaked me out.” Beau says with an embarrassed giggle. “Still does, as I’m sure you can tell…sorry.”

“You’ve nothing to apologize for, Beau. You’ve been exceedingly helpful.” You add with a reassuring smile, prompting another giggle out of the still-nervous young woman. Reflecting on what she’s revealed, it seems that the Adherents are trying to stick to the spirit of your message, as opposed to the word…words that’ve no doubt been twisted by the other two segments of the cult Charon’s unwittingly assembled. Maybe the fact that the Adherents don’t have a Skintalker is a good thing…or maybe they’re a little too willing to throw themselves on the merciless fire that is the path to the Cord.

To the end, of all of this.

>>”What’s your take on the other two factions and their leaders?”

>>“Tabby said that you were fairly outspoken among the Adherents. How’d that come about, if you don’t mind my asking?”

>>”You mentioned a friend of yours, a Phantasmal Conduit that keeps people calm with her power. An emotional field, I presume?”

>>Try to gently tell Beau that as much as you appreciate her and the other Adherents’ willingness to fight for the cause, living for that future is nobler than throwing their lives away for it.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next three hours.)

>>4249052
>"I appreciate, and even commend the thought Beau. not of the Adherents sticking to my word as scripture, but of your willingness to try and help others... even at such a cost."
>"And... for your trust in me and mine."
>"...But i still cant give you my blessing to help me assault the Cord."
>Hold up a hand, to stop her protest before it starts.
>"I cant let people lay down their lives in my name, or with me having given my consent, even if i trust they are doing it for the right reason underneath."
>Smile, softly, but sadly.
>"But i wont stop you from having that choice either. It wont be with my blessing, or with any flag ive consented to, literal or metaphorical... but I wont stop you or anyone else from doing what you think is right, or what you think is necessary once that day comes. I just..."
>Grip Uzus hand for support, but keep Beaus eyes, and give her the honest truth.
>"Thats something im still coming to terms with asking my family to do, even though i know its necessary. to be honest? you being so genuine about it? so honest in why you and the adherents want to help? it only makes the idea harder to live with."
>"...But come what may, so long as i make sure its your choice for the right reasons... ill find what i need to to live with it. I only hope you all can understand where im coming from where i say my peace on it."
>"To be honest, You and yours sound exactly like the people id want left once im in the cord and cant help out here anymore, over being more bodies littering the floor.

>Give you and Beau a moment, before continuing.
>“Tabby said that you were fairly outspoken among the Adherents. How’d that come about, if you don’t mind my asking?”
>”You mentioned a friend of yours, a Phantasmal Conduit that keeps people calm with her power. An emotional field, I presume?
>”What’s your take on the other two factions and their leaders?”

>>4249052
>"I absolutely appreciate you wanting to help me out in reaching the cord. I have to say that i am not one to push people into things. I can however not condone you throwing your lives away for me or my family. To be honest. Even mid level daughters are little more than cannonfodder in the endgame. I believe you girls can have so much of a greater impact by helping people in need out here instead of throwing yourself into the grinder."
>"So what do you think about the other factions?"

>>4249052
Amending from>>4249089
to supporting >>4249088

>>4249052
>"Beau...as much as I appreciate your choice and decision of laying your lives down for me, I cannot give you my blessing nor accept your aid in assaulting the Cord."
>"I cant let people lay down their lives in my name, or with me having given my consent, even if i trust they are doing it for the right reason underneath."
>Smile, softly, but sadly.
>"But i wont stop you from having that choice either. It wont be with my blessing, or with any flag ive consented to, literal or metaphorical... but I wont stop you or anyone else from doing what you think is right, or what you think is necessary once that day comes. I just..."
>Grip Uzus hand for support, but keep Beaus eyes, and give her the honest truth.
>"That's something im still coming to terms with asking my family to do, even though i know its necessary. to be honest? you being so genuine about it? so honest in why you and the adherents want to help? it only makes the idea harder to live with."
>"It will only make the burden harder for me to carry, knowing that lives are being thrown in front of my feet in a noble yet senseless sacrifice."
>"I appreciate your offer to help and your willingness to fight, but what point is there if there aren't any people like you left to live in the future that we've fought so hard for?"
>"Fight for the future you wish to live for. So that when the Crucible ends, there will be people like you and I to inhabit the planet we saved."
>"To know that selfless people like you, those who adhere to the spirit of doing the right thing? To know that they threw their lives away to shield a person like me instead of saving countless others on the planet? It will only make the final climb harder. I don't think I can live with that sort of burden. I still have yet to come to grips with that reality in regards to my family either."
>"I respect your choice to aid me even if I don't give you my blessings because you and yours think it's the right thing to do, but please know that I'm turning your offer down because to me, that is the right thing to do."

>>4249088
Anon. I think you could add this to mirror our sentiments:
>"I respect your choice to aid me even if I don't give you my blessings because you and yours think it's the right thing to do, but please know that I'm turning your offer down because to me, making sure that people like you live in the future you have fought for instead of sacrificing themselves for that future is the right thing to do."

>>4249132
eh, nah.
i respect the sentiment of yours but i agree with and like the wording of my own much better. I suppose im willing to let BHOP take a gander at both as he likes but i prefer how mine comes off and ends off much more personally.

>>4249056
One question OP..... This is spoiler related to the eleventh Chapter......

Do you think i captured a burnt out Magpie or an incredibly angry and frustrated Magpie?

A large woman trudges out of the Laughing Gremlin, she steps up to the balustrade and lights a cigarette. The voice of the woman in her head still echoing in her mind. “Damn you Mara. There is no loner anyone here that can help you. You took the strongest groups they had here and fed them to that thing. And i am pretty sure this new group has left already.” she almost yells and kicks the balustrade. Her kick sends a couple of calcite chunks flying, as she groans and inhales the cigarette in a single breath.

“Fine i will keep an eye out if i see them. A helicopter isn’t too hard to spot. But i will tell them everything and warn them of the danger beforehand” Magpie groans at the cold voices insistence she track down that group and conscript them. She glances up at the sky when the sound of a Helicopter breaks the slight sizzling sound of the english drizzle. Then she briskly turns around and stomps back inside yelling for more booze and if that helicopter belonged to the group that had rushed to help Kassy.

>>4249056
or did i capture a Magpie at all?

related to>>4249189

>>4249189
(I'd say you captured a Magpie in the final stages of her and Mara's friendship, actually.)

>>4249197
so..... too late in their relationship?

I would guess so since they had that big hunt together....

So i should probably tone it down a bit...

>>4249203
(If that's what you're going for, then I'd say toning it back a bit would sound more in line with that time frame.)

>>4249207

Sorry to have you play editor..... But i really want to capture her personality at the time since she is not my creation.

This more like it?

A large woman trudges out of the Laughing Gremlin, she steps up to the balustrade and lights a cigarette. The voice of the woman in her head still echoing in her mind. “Mara listen to me. There is no longer anyone here that can help you. You already recruited the strongest group from here.” she groans barely holding herself back from kicking the balustrade. She groans and inhales the cigarette in a single breath as she listens to the voice in her head.

“Fine i will keep an eye out if i see them. A helicopter isn’t too hard to spot. But i will have to warn them….. about what happened.” Magpie whispers her brow furrowed. She glances up at the sky when the sound of a Helicopter breaks the slight sizzling sound of the english drizzle. “So how long do you think till we finally find someone?” she continues, sounding tired, when the voice in her head stays quiet. “Soon. I can feel it” Mara replies before cutting the link on her side. Magpie briskly turns around and shuffles back inside asking for more booze and if that helicopter belonged to the group that had rushed to help Kassy while feeling so incredibly tired.

I still may use the tone of the other scene.... for a later point in the story.... probably a couple weeks later.

>>4249226
(That's much more accurate to that point in her timeline, yes.)

>>4249236
Ok thanks for helping me out.

Now i have send it off to my proofreader (proofreading for logic errors not grammar or spelling since he suck at that more than i do)

maybe i will send it to my brother as well..... He isnt as much of a nerd as i am..... but maybe he can help with Proofreading


So the chapter will probably be out at the beginnning of the weekend

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I'm a little behind on my reading the veins but I found this today and it really just belongs here. If Gina ever needs an upgrade to her headphones...

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>>4249052

"I appreciate the thought, Beau...commend it, even." You reply with a warm smile. "Not of the Adherents sticking to my word as scripture, but of your willingness to try and help others...even at such a cost. To say nothing of the trust you all have put in me and mine."

She returns your smile, even as it fades when you add; "...But I still can't give you my blessing to help me assault the Cord."

You expect a protest, if you're being honest. Some small sound of shock, or a sputtering of confusion...but to your surprise, the girl seated before you just gives you a slow, solemn nod, waiting for you to continue.

"I cant let people lay down their lives in my name, or with me having given my consent, even if I trust they're doing it for the right reason." You follow with a sad smile. "But I won't stop you from having that choice, either. It won't be with my blessing, or with any flag I've consented to, literal or metaphorical...but I won't stop you or anyone else from doing what you think is right, or what you think is necessary once that day comes. I just..."

"I know you'd never ask. You wouldn't ask anyone that, and it's obvious with how much you care about your family that asking them to fight alongside you is enough of a struggle. That being said...I hope this doesn't come off in a bad way, but..." Beau interrupts gently, hesitating a moment before she firmly adds...

"...we're not doing this for you. We're doing this because it's the right thing to do."

You blink, tilting your head as Beau takes a breath.

"You, me, everyone that Charon's gathered...in one way or another, we're all fighting for the future. We're going to do everything we can to ensure you get the chance to give us ours. Regardless of our differences, we know you'd never ask us to help...so we're going to do what we have to. Of our own free will."

"...Okay." You say after a few moments of silence, leaning back in your chair as you consider how to reply. "Well, come what may...so long as I make sure its your choice for the right reasons, then I'll find what I need to live with it. I can only hope you all understand where I'm coming from where I say my peace on it."

"We will." She assures you, her optimism evident in her shining eyes.

"To be honest, you and yours sound exactly like the people I'd want left once I'm in the Cord and can't help out here anymore, over being more bodies littering the floor." You remark grimly and to that, Beau simply shrugs.

"Oh, I'm sure that there will be some that decide to stay behind. It's part of what Tabby and I are doing now, actually - touching base to see who's really convicted about the Cord and who's better off staying behind to help the world that we'll make." The girl informs you with a nod.

“Speaking of whom...Tabby said that you were fairly outspoken among the Adherents. How’d that come about, if you don’t mind my asking?”

(Continued)

>>4249367

"Oh, well...kind of by accident?" Beau giggles, relaxing a fraction. "There was an argument between two Adherents a couple of days back, and when I spoke up, I made a point of saying how we were all fighting for the same thing...and people just started listening to me, so..."

"Like Bee did, a bit ago?"

"Ha, yep!" She affirms, just before her eyes go wide. "Wait, you were here for that?"

"That was my first introduction to everyone, actually. I'd just arrived, so you all made a unique impression." You say with an easy-going laugh, one that the girl across from you indulges in, herself. ”So, you mentioned a friend of yours that keeps people calm with her power. An emotional field, I presume?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah! Aniyah's great. Her power's not that invasive, but it just projects this passive area of good vibes around a couple hundred yards or so. Doesn't work for everybody...namely the Righteous Furies. Aniyah's power doesn't seem to work on them as a whole, really."

"I take it that's one of the other two factions?" You ask, and Beau nods. ”What’s your take on the other two factions and their leaders?”

"They're...well-intentioned. Yeah, we'll go with that." Beau says with a tight, forced smile. "The Furies are angry...though 'indignant' might be a better word for it."

"Justified anger, you mean?" You prompt, and Beau nods sadly.

"Yeah...I've spoken with some of the girls on that side of the fence, and while I don't appreciate their bloodthirst, I also can't say that I've been through what they have. Maybe if I did, I'd be singing a different tune." She admits. "Their self-appointed leader goes by Dimezza. She and her sister, Alecto, have kept their followers' anger at a simmer for weeks now. I'm not sure how they've managed it, but the two of them have kept them in line for the most part. I haven't spoken much with them directly, though."

"And the other faction?"

"The Vigilant, yeah." Beau supplies. "The seem...fervent, but nice overall. Unfortunately they're the ones that've been toiling away at making that pedestal you're not fond of, so you'll probably have a hard time with them. Leyra's...no fun to talk to, if I'm being honest. Kind of stuck-up, for no good reason?"

"I know the type." Uzu says, and you're not sure if that's a rib at herself or not as you consider Beau's words carefully. Beau's been helpful, not to mention surprisingly at peace with what you anticipated would be a contentious declarations...though you have the sneaking suspicion that it'll be the Vigilant that won't take what you have to say lying down. In any case, the Adherents have made it clear that they're not the ones you need to be worried about...

...for now, at least.

>>There's one or two other things you'd like to bring up to Beau before she leaves [Write-In]

>>Thank Beau for her time, and grit your teeth as you speak with the Vigilant.

>>Let Tabby lead Beau away, for now...it's time to talk to the Furies.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening to give myself time to recover from a particularly busy day. Voting shall remain open until 9:00AM tomorrow, Eastern time, with posting to resume at approximately 2:00PM. Thank you all for your patience, participation, and enthusiasm, and know that in a little while I'll be posting the general idea of the system updates I have in mind.)

>>4249366
(I legitimately laughed out loud. This is great.)

>>4249374
>Thank Beau, and give her a hug on the way out.
>"Thank you, truly. your honesty even despite everything is more than i could ever ask for, truly."
>"Ill let you know, i plan to address the cult as a whole before i leave. id... appreciate you being very discrete and careful with letting anyone know im here until im ready but.... i also think i can trust you to know who you might need to tell to prepare for that, and to make sure no unwanted ears overhear about it?"
>Smile, but also sigh.
>"I promise ill do my best to learn and hear about... all of this, and say what needs to be said how it needs to be said... but im sorry that i cant guarantee nothing bad might come out of what i need to do here either..."
>"I can only ask for forgiveness over anything that might happen, even if i believe doing and saying something here is the right course of action."

>Let her go, then call in whoever they have prepared, but leaning towards the Furies if you have a choice.

I personally think dealing with understandable anger might be more up our alley than twisted and misguided stubbornness. heh, Rath alone might of prepared us for the Furies well enough, but the Vigilant honestly sound like the exact types that lead to Isabelle, Uzu, and Magpie scenarios...

>>4249379
sorry to hear this monday wasn't much better than the usual, but, i suppose no one would be surprised by now, eh?

hope you get some rest, and interested to see what your solution to what was it? 600~ish abilities to keep track of, is?

>>4249366
I find these deeply disconcerting in a way that many of the more gory things shared in these threads aren't.

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>>4249379
Alright OP sounds good though i will be going to sleep now.

Have a nice relaxing Fungal Spa that is managed by a slime girl

>>4249374
>"Thank i can not express how much i appreciate your honesty with me"
>"Please be careful not to let anyone know i am here quite yet. I will address all the daughters together after i had a talk with prominent figures on all sides."
>"It might make things worse but if i am to stick to my guns i will try to learn everything i can before i go out there and address them all with what i think will need to be done."
>"I hope that Shipping wars will then be the worst thing anyone will have to face here but I can only ask that you can forgive me if things go very bad. Sadly sometimes people don't want to listen"

>Let her go, then call in whoever they have prepared, but leaning towards the Furies if you have a choice.

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>>4249396
Yeah...We can deal with the furies, given that we've dealt with hot-heads with a surprising amount of success.

But it seems like our track record has shown that we don't do well with those with heads up their asses.

>>4249379
I hope to see the changes.

My life has been rather shaken by the fact that I just found out that I was laid off amidst the lockdown. This is going to make my job search even harder now given my resume track record and current events. The picture is not truly indicative of my current mood, but still it's a general feeling as to how I feel about my status.

>>4249422
Umph....

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope things will get better soon

>>4249422
(I'm so sorry to hear that, Anon. Considering that my first Quest stopped abruptly when I faced the same thing, I know how you feel. You've got this, though. It's a weird time, but I know you'll get through it. I hope things improve soon, Anon.)

>>4249374
>>Thank Beau for her time, and grit your teeth as you speak with the Vigilant.

I think that as difficult to deal with as the Vigilant are going to be, ultimately that conversation is going to be less heavy than the one with the Righteous Furies. Even if one of them has renamed herself "unending anger". Seriously, Alecto? No way that's your real name, no sane parent names their child after one of the Erinyes.

>>4249379
Thanks for running, BHOP. Sorry to hear your day was busy. I hope you get some rest, friend.

>>4249422
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, anon, that's a shitty thing to find out happened. I hope it work out for you.

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>>4249422
oof, really sorry to hear that, truly. my own search for a job has been... iffy, due to all this too. but hang in there man, im sure you can turn this around.... or society/everyone will all be dead as the virus mutates and becomes a true pandemic, but hey, still solves the problem technically.

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(Gentlemen, below you shall find the ideas that I've tentatively worked out.Let me know what you think, and I'll take it into consideration as always.)

(First, regarding abilities and level maximums. I am considering one of two options. The first is bringing Cores down to 15 lvls max, hybrids to 15, and all other abilities to 10, for a simple reduction of 5 lvls per ability type.)

(Alternatively, the one I'm more leaning towards is a massive simplification - Cores and Hybrids get 10 lvls, with normal abilities having 5.)

(The reason I'm leaning more towards this option is the simplification of it all there are too many numbers in play, and too few of the ability levels feel imactful enough for the investment until later levels. Any level cut will essentially compact the trees and force each level to carry more weight, which I'm honestly all for. I've tested it with several of the skill trees in play, names everyone's Cores and hybrids, and I've been satisfied with the results. Now, keep in mind that the base mechanics in play haven't changed - the trees have been compressed and streamlined, not cut that much in terms of content.)

(What's more is that each skill tree would not come with a summary page that's at the start of it - it would list basic functions as well as the elemental damage that is inherent [or technically optional, as in the case of your Swarmlings' flamethrowers], allowing for a quick reminder at-a-glance for any and all skill trees.

(Either of the compression options would work, but the end result would be skill trees that are much, much easier to read. However, that would require a considerable amount of character sheet tweaking on my part, but it will absolutely be worth it on your end, I believe. Being able to assess the tools you have at your disposal swiftly in the middle of battle is my goal here, in addition to making a full-blown trawl through your powers punchy and fun to read instead of a complete slog)

(Additionally, this will also adjust the level-up points given, as each individual level is far more impactful than in the current system. As I said, I've been pleased with how it looks, but let me know what you think.)

>>Elemental musings to follow...

(Continued)

>>4249871

(Now, on to resistances, immunity, and absorption.)

(The proposed system would work thusly - imagine a bar with tic-marks on it, let's say around fifteen marks in all. This bar is a Daughter's level of resistance to a given attack type/element. Let's call this example Daughter, ah...Exa. Sounds good. Starting on the left-hand side, let's say Exa has 3 pts. of resistance in Heat. Each point reduces incoming damage from that element by a certain percentage.)

[The percentage is on my end, so just focus on whether or not what I'm proposing feels right.]

(Now, Exa has a Relic that grants her an additional 2 pts. of resistance to Heat. At 5 Lvls, she now has immunity. Awesome. Now, if she faces a heat-using foe that ignores 1 Lvl of resistance, Exa takes damage, because it's being calculated as her having 4 Lvls of resistance.)

(Wind it back - Exa now has 7 Lvls of resistance to Heat, because she met Shu, and Shu gave her a Relic. She's nice, like that. Exa faces the foe from the last paragraph, whose resistance reduction only brings Exa down to 6 Lvls of Resistance. She's still immune, so Exa takes no damage.)

(Now, at 10 Lvls of Resistance, Exa gets Absorption, with it following the same idea as Immunity. If you're hit with something that ignores enough levels of resistance to knock Absorb down to Immune, then the damage might not have gone through, but at least you're not giving someone HEALTH.)

(Under this new proposed system, I'd reword abilities that grant immunity to a given element at granting +5 Lvls of resistance, and items that grant Absorb as giving +10 Lvls of Resistance. Shortcuts, basically. Now, under this system, the inverse would be true, in that 'Ignore Immunity' and 'Ignore Absorb' would instead turn into 'Ignore 5 Lvls of Resistance' and 'Ignore 10 Lvls of Resistance', respectively. Thus, stacking even more Lvls of Resistance is never really a bad thing, as a maxed-out Lvl 15 Resistance that's hit by a -5 Res attack would still absorb it, so surplus isn't useless, in this case.)

(Now, to character sheets - if something like this system goes through, I'd make a simple Resistance addendum to the skill sheets, showing an abbreviation for each element and their associated Resistance Lvl. that the playable character has. It would be simple to remember, with clear-cut thresholds.)

>>END

(So, those are the ideas I've been batting around for a little while, now. Let me know what you think or if you'd like to propose any alternatives - I'm open to it all, as I'd like to streamline the experience for you all and return to making things more intuition-based as opposed to getting everyone lost in the numbers.)

(I hope everyone's day has gone well, and I wish you a restful night, one and all.)

>>4249871
>>(What's more is that each skill tree would *NOW* come with a summary page that's at the start of it - it would list basic functions as well as the elemental damage that is inherent [or technically optional, as in the case of your Swarmlings' flamethrowers], allowing for a quick reminder at-a-glance for any and all skill trees.)

(Correcting a grievous spelling error in this sentence.)

>>4249871
How would reducing the level cap affect hybridization? I can't see how you could reduce the level cap without also changing the hybridization point, not without also implicitly changing the power level of a lot of skills. Like, currently, most of our hybrids were made at the level five point. If you reduce the level cap for regular skills to five levels, that means that instead of being hybridized when they were one third of the way complete they were hybridized when they were maxed out. So either you have to give the skills a power boost so that they feel right for a max-level skill, or you have to implicitly reduce the power by saying that that's as strong as the skill would get at maximum level. Or, you change when skills can be hybridized, compact the skills in the hybrid down to level three and say that skills can be hybridized at three and five instead of five and ten.

>>4249900
(Hybridization could occur at Lvls 3 and 5 instead of 5 and 10. Now, if we go with my first example, then Hybridization at 5 and 10 would stay in effect, obviously.)

>>4249910
So there would still be some change to how hybridization works. Instead of it being at intervals of a third of a skill's maximum, it would be at intervals of half. I wonder how that would change our willingness to hybridize, when taken together with the increased value of each level? Well, I'd be willing to see how it works. I would like to have an example before judging whether to go ten-max (fifteen Core and Hybrid) or five-max (ten Core and Hybrid), however. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you write up a tree under all three formats? Maybe show us Trypophilic Hive, since our look-ahead means we already know all but the final level. Seeing that in twenty-max, fifteen-max and ten-max versions would help figure out what level of compression works best. I know that's a fair bit of writing for a system you haven't fully balanced yet, though, so I'd understand if you'd rather not, though.

As for the new elemental system, sounds reasonable. It's sort of what we originally had, just with different increments. I've got no objections with that. Slight bit of confusion, though: Would the levels in-between Immunity and Absorption offer anything incremental, or just a buffer? Like, would absorb some damage and ignore the rest, or just ignore all damage and not get any Absorption until you hit the 100% Absorb point?

>>4249926
(Getting Typophilic Hive into a readable state is actually at the top of my priority list. Once I have the examples of how it would look in both of the formats I mentioned, I'll be posting it here in a Google Sheet. It's still going to take a little while, though.)

(Now, as for the levels between Immunity and Absorption - they currently don't offer anything aside from a buffer, and that's one part of the system I don't like. I had a system where originally, the abilities that ignore Immune and Absorb would still ignore them, but the levels of resistance would still be in effect, meaning that stacking resistance levels would still be a good idea, because if someone cut through your Immune/Absorb, then you'd still be able to fall back on the Resistance Lvls. you'd accumulated. I couldn't figure out a decent way to not make Immune/Absorb feel kind of tacked-on, though.)

(Alternatively, I've also considered doing away with the immune/absorb system entirely, and just make abilities that improve resistance up to simple 100% resistance, with immune/absorb being reserved for high-level skills, and coming with some sort of cost.)

>>4249871
>First, regarding abilities and level maximums.
im more than fine with dropping the max down to 10/10/5, though a few things;

First, how come all hybrids now are level 10 max? seems a bit unnecessary for them to get such a massive boost to full levels, especially given part of the reason for the changes. seems like its incentive's hybridization a bit much too. i mean, no matter how good an ability is getting access to double the potential sooner cant hurt honestly, especially if points are now more valuable per. on top of the caveat all max level abilities can be hybridized(which you have no said if you plan to change though), i do feel it gives a ton more weight towards hybrids and away from standards. it also brings up the issue of capstones. can you really make a single free level balanced properly compared to double the max levels in both ability and stats? it feels like with such a higher discrepancy it would be too easy to lean on way or another. i suppose it will depend on just how much rarer points are now, but with How many hybrids we got and with incentives to hybrid eventually anyways, on top of the possibility of incentives to hybrid more often, it still feels like them being at 10 still allows for some level of bloat to still hit, though again, an estimate on how often we get levels will help here a bit, but i can still see issues arising with the worth of standard abilities over the massive difference in levels, and possibly still the number of levels aswell.

Secondly, how will these changes effect Augments, Passives, and Ability-Specific Augments, both in their commonality, and as we have them now? as for ideas, all i could think of is making them alot rarer but maybe like, mini-levels, such as 1-3 levels as a side tree, over trying to consolidate things that dont make sense into the core ability or into eachother. the biggest issue i think is the Arbiter. if im correct, it is why we only be 'universal' Augments now, over Ability-Specific, no? and i think the 'mini-tree' idea would only work with Ability-Specific. hell, with the new system, it makes Augments alot more dubious in general due to them being such a work around to avoiding bloat, regardless of anything else said. kinda i think wraps back around to the tree-caps. how do you make one level worth it over investing into the 5/10 tree, when points are now rarer, and vise versa to not making that single level TOO worth taking comapratively?

lastly, if you need some help reorganizing once this is finalized, feel free to ask. ill have to rework the public character sheets anyhow so ill already be in some form of the mud there as it is i suspect.

(1/2)

>>4249994
>>4249876
sounds good to me. so long as we, you know, cough cough, had the actual rules somewhere to see, i think you could keep the 'flare' of the writing as 'immunity' and such, but i understand wanting it to be simple over stylish too.
i will say though, albeit depends on how you do it of course, adding in a list of resistances and such would still be difficult so long as some daughters have such sporadic ways to gain and lose it, though i suppose it could just be for 'permanent' levels, though my only concern then would be people not taking temporary into account.

bah, ill wait on that to see the new levels, and i suppose worse case just add a * or ~ or something to signify its malleability(on our end on our sheets at least). yeah, that'll probably work, especially(hopefully) with the number of things to keep track of in general going down significantly too.

>>4249871
>>4249876
one last question for now;
any plans or thoughts on relics? with bloat being in part a major reason to change things, do you plan to make even lower tier relics more expensive but possibly slightly more flexible to help stem relics from just becoming a replacement for growth, and do you plan to rework existing relics, especially levelables, to take into account the new balance? (id also be willing to help rework my own relics, such as the Sui line, once i see the new system too.)

(2/2)

>>4249994
>>4249996
(I'm about to head to bed, so I'll be addressing these excellent questions first thing in the morning. I appreciate you taking the time to read through my rambling, and I hope you have a good night's rest as well.)

>>4249937
for Absorption at leasy you could have how much is absorbed scale off of how many extra levels of resistance you have after the base to get Absorption, i think that would work swell honestly. Resistances already have the incentive of getting you less damage and eventually immunity, and then any after Absorption would now too.

the issue with full blown immunity is just... you cant add anything to that BUT healing, which is a thing you get later. you cant be any more immune than immune afterall.

i suppose you could 'cut out' immunity, or well, more like, have any levels immediately after immunity start giving absorption, again, based off how many levels over immunity you have. that way theres no dead zone between immunity and absorption, and it honestly does kinda make sense for extra levels after immunity to instantly lead to that.

you could just make levels of resistance rarer, OR, if you still want an 'absorption' unlock, make the increments of absorption all after immunity give you a very small amount, but once you hit where you want absorption to be, any levels after that ramp up the absorption level significantly compared to the 'dead zone' levels. keeps absorption sorta its own thing still, without leaving levels that give nothing, though it does still make absorption much less its own thing.

>>4250003
its no problem, and heres another for the stack hah.
you get some rest, and know im looking forward to it, and hope we can work this out splendidly together.

>>4250003
Good night, BHOP. Sleep well.

>>4250013
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. Have there be an intermediate stage between Immunity and Absorption. Each level over Immunity grants fractional Absorption, until you hit max. You can actually define the math for all damage-reduction as a single function that way, F(X)=D(1-cX), where D is the damage of the attack, c is a constant, and X is the number of levels of resistance. Suppose c=0.2, then five levels of resistance would get you immunity, since damage would F(X)=0. Six levels of resistance would get damage as a negative value, F(X)=-0.2D. You'd heal some damage, ignore the majority of the attack. Ten levels of resistance would get complete absorption, F(X)=-D. And then you should probably cap it there, or else you get more healing than the damage would have been, which probably shouldn't work. But still, it makes things much simpler to calculate.

>>4250032
that depends both on how easy it is to get resistance levels and BHOP. getting more health back than the attack did is hardly the oddest thing for the Crucible to do so far. i think the biggest issue though is not making levels after max absorption dead levels, as a max absorption would just move where the problem lies technically.

mind you, you could also make 100%+ Absorption something specific abilities give, or again, like with the immunity dead-zone, simply make it after 100% again give absorption at a much slower rate. we'll see. the biggest thing i think to take into account here is BHOPS want for growth to always be viable and something to go after, over ever hitting a wall, which is also where some of my thoughts on Hybrids up above came from.

>>4249871
>>4249876
A nice night typing away at Chapter 7 gets ruined by Mother preferring to yell at and call me down like a goddamn butler to watch over the family cat who is having kidney stone problems instead of asking my sister to help watch over the cat and treat it like a bonding opportunity. Apparently having a boyfriend gives her an automatic pass to just about every single goddamn house chore.

Bringing Cores and hybrids down to 15 and mono-non-cores to 10 is a good start. the second alternative is too big of a compression.

A question that brings up to mind to me now is simply the levels that each amalgam and slain daughter now yields. A total compression of the 20 level tree would mean the surviving daughters and amalgams would yield less biomass for a daughter to grow at this stage. Sure you're bringing meaning to choice more when it comes to leveling up, bringing the rarity of level up points up, but that also means demand for juicier bounties will go up as suddenly basic amalgams will be farmed and hunted more for sustenance and staving away hunger rather than growth by mid-to-endgame daughters while daughter who were born super late now have to deal with long-term daughters who acquired tons of levels and abilities crammed into their character page prior to the "Crucible Level Compression update".

In the meta/IC perspective, this would mean either more amalgam hunting that now carries a weight of trying to stave off hunger (due to the Abyssal Hunger world mod), and an increase in daughter v. daughter conflicts as more ambitious daughters will likely now try to hunt big game amalgams as well as adopt a vulture playstyle. I get that it shows how dire the situation's become and provides more meaningful choice, but it feels like the pace of the story is slowly accelerating to a point where it seems like it's all business for Shu and the family given the sheer feeling of time compression and time dilation dissonance between IC and OOC since Shu woke up/quest began.

>>4250053
>>4250013
For the immunity deadzone, why not give the levels invested after immunity a scaling chance to suddenly turn an ignored attack into absorption with the absorption rate going at the same rate as the scaling chance to absorb an attack?

For example: Exa has a lvl 7 resistance against heat, which means she's immune, but also gets a small chance to absorb the damage? her absorption chance/rate is 20%, so there will be a 20% chance she'll convert 20% of the damage normally ignored into healing.

Also, I have literally no idea why this came up, or why it somehow makes sense but hear me out: The dancing pallbearers meme in the Crucible. Have it be a random event. Just a group of Vitruvian and alien skeletons with snazzy suits carrying a bloody coffin housing Bhop's Corpse and dancing to an unknown song in a giant conga line that can't be interrupted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9V78UbdzWI

>>4250129
>Bringing Cores and hybrids down to 15 and mono-non-cores to 10 is a good start. the second alternative is too big of a compression.
i disagree alot. i think even the second options still not enough honestly, especially when you take into account the bulk of each level is going to increase by a good margin. even with the 10/10/5, were still gonna probably be at a potential of 60+ things to keep track of per character by the end, and thats still without augments, passive, and relics being taken into account. except with trying to keep the feel and malleability of the levels, it will still probably feel like more than 60 aswell when you take into account all the little details and such. 10/5/5 or something would still be alot, but considering how you can only be expected to make each level have so much ,it would still make actually understanding, remembering, and finding things significantly simpler to pick up and use, even if each level has a bit more to it.
also, id assume hes doing a full overhaul, previous stuff and daughters would be brought in line as if this had always been the system(as best as can be done obviously). this i think is a purely mechanical change being treated IC as if it had always been this way, and things behind the scenes would be moved around and re-balanced to take that into account.

also, things ramping up kinda would make sense regardless.

>immunity deadzone
eh... i think that makes it too unreliable. i could maybe see if he goes the route of still 'unlocking' 100% Absorption after a certain point(Albeit with a much lower damage absorption when it does proc), but that would both be too sporadic for my tastes if thats all he does.

>>4250155
>>4250129
>>4249871
actually, 8/6/6 might be better. still keeps the numbers low but doesn't leave such a massive staggering gap between any type of ability set, especially for Standard where the Capstone helps even things out too.

assuming the number crunching on BHOPS side works and he doesnt have a reason for steadfast sticking to integers of 5.

>>4249876
This sounds interesting. I think i can work with that. Avenger will need some reworks but mostly just number crunching.

However the Zone between immunity and absorbtion feels kinda dead. SO doing what>>4250129 suggested seems rather useful on that front.

>>4249871
I would probably personally go for the lower one. reducing the levels to 10/10/5.
And nothing apart from extreme compression would honestly truly work. Or maybe it could be a 10/8(or 7)/5 split.

Let the Hybrids be a bit stronger than a normal skilltree while letting cores stay strongest with normal abilites being just that

This was honestly a question i was asking myself for a while (at least when i was not busy planning my next DND Session...Hooray for planning large Scale battles..... And thank fuck for Strongholds and Followers from Matt Colville)

Took me a while to get to this. While i finally got through to tech support this morning to reset my login credentials(i had been stuck in limbo for like three weeks on that) i cant change them on the Company IPad i have for my work in the office at home. So i have to wait now until i am back to the office where i can change it. So yeah... until then no more emails and no more shared project works i can take part in..... Horay

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>>4249374

"Thank you, truly.” You say, tentatively stepping forward for a hug that Beau returns warmly, to your pleasant surprise. “Your honesty even despite everything is more than I could ever ask for."

The girl in your arms laughs lightly at that, until you lean back a bit to hold her gaze.

"I’ll let you know, I plan to address the cult as a whole before I leave. I’d appreciate you being very discrete and careful with letting anyone know I’m here until I’m ready, but...I also think i can trust you to know who you might need to tell to prepare for that, and to make sure no unwanted ears overhear about it. Am I right?"

“Oh, totally.” Beau replies with a fervent nod.

"I promise I’ll do my best to learn and hear about all of this, and say what needs to be said how it needs to be said...but I’m sorry that I can’t guarantee nothing bad might come out of what I need to do here, either. I can only ask for forgiveness over anything that might happen, even if I believe doing and saying something here is the right course of action."

“Hey, it’s okay! You’re apologizing for things that haven’t even happened yet!” She snorts, grinning at you. “I think you’ll manage…and if things go sideways, then we’ll help out, okay? You keep saying we’re not alone, and neither are you.”

“Much appreciated.” You smile back…though you have to raise an eyebrow as Beau quickly eyes you up and down, even bringing the flat of her hand to compare your respective heights. “Uh…what’cha doing?”

“Just winning a bet, is all.” Beau cryptically replies, flashing you a grin just before giving you one last quick squeeze of a hug. “But yeah, I’ll keep things on the down-low. It’s been a pleasure, and just remember what I said about you not being alone in this thing, okay?”

You nod as Tabby draws closer, turning to the petite Neuromancer as you steel your nerves.

“I think I’m ready to talk to the Furies, if they’re good to go.” You declare, and you watch as the girl’s eyes shimmer with gold before she nods. You don’t have long to collect yourself when Dyna appears on the horizon, flanked by a pair of starkly different Daughters. The tallest of the trio stands a head over Dyna, loosing a bark of laughter when she realized who she’s been led to meet and grinning from ear to ear as she comes to stand before you.

“Shu – this is Dimezza.” Dyna says, jerking a thumb left towards the taller of the newly-arrived pair, following up with a gesture to the right; “And this is Alecto. Imma’ head out, but I’ll be around if you need me.”

(Continued)

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>>4250923

Giving the Paladin a thumbs’ up, you turn your attentions to the pair that stand before you, both of them more amused than surprised. Dimezza cuts in imposing, if ill-defined figure, her flesh practically roiling with movement just beneath her skin as large, canine shapes threaten to burst forth at any moment. Not even her face is safe from the movement of the half-formed pups, and as you meet her slitted eyes a flash of tooth and claw bulges out of one socket before submerging once more. Alecto’s the far more unassuming of the two, a hoodie-clad figure who barely comes up to the older girl’s shoulder. You can’t tell much about her power or corruption at a glance, but there’s something about the girl that seems to vibrate in place, a certain volatility that nags at your instinct and even irks you, on some level.

“Figured we’d meet, sooner or later.” Dimezza growls, folding her arms as she smiles down at you.

“Care to sit?” You offer, gesturing to the other chair. Dimezza pats Alecto on one shoulder, and the smaller girl wordlessly moves to occupy the too-large chair as the taller woman seems content to loom behind it, arms folded and resting on the back of the calloused seat. Resuming your relaxed position next to Uzu, the pair just stare at you in stony silence for a long moment before it’s broken by the towering young woman, wolfish grins flickering along her mouth and down her limbs.

“Can’t shake the feeling we’ve been called into the principal’s office.” Dimezza says, chuckling darkly. “So, Defiant – are we in trouble?”

Your eyes flit over to Alecto’s hooded face, her own gaze hidden from yours. She hasn’t moved since she sat down, and all the while Dimezza’s words hang in the air like rancid bait…

…and she’s waiting to see how you’ll bite.

>>”I’d like to start this off by saying that I want to hear about you from *you*. I want to hear your take on the Furies and what you stand for.”

>>”Well, ’principal’s office’ certainly isn’t the vibe I wanted to start off with…I’d prefer to begin with learning a bit about you two and how you came across Charon.”

>>”If you’re getting that vibe from me, then I’m curious to hear what you think I might be upset about. Last I heard from Charon, the factions were helping out around the Crucible…”

>>”The feeling’s mutual…but it doesn’t have to be. I want to talk. Get to know you both, away from a crowd. You and the others assembled in my name, so I’m just curious, is all.”

>>”You two - you have Skintalking, right? I’m getting the impression that you’re not exactly pleased with me…am I right in assuming that it has something to do with my interview with Orwell?”

>>Stay silent, and wait for one of them to speak.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next three hours. Also, I’ll be addressing some questions raised above…)

>>First, how come all hybrids now are level 10 max?

(Because I’m an idiot, and I meant to put 5. Cores=10, Consumed=5, Hybrids=5. I think the 10 for Hybrids came from Core Hybrids *maybe* going to 10, but I’m still iffy on that point. I may make it so that just straight Cores are the only thing that goes to Lvl 10, to make them a little more special and to have less to deal with in the long run. That *should* solve the problems you mentioned in the continuation of your question, but if you see something it wouldn’t, then let me know.)

>>Secondly, how will these changes effect Augments, Passives, and Ability-Specific Augments, both in their commonality, and as we have them now?

(I’m considering making them a bit rarer on the whole. I considered mini-levels, but that’s just more to deal with and read, which kind of defeats the point of the compression, in my humble opinion. Now, to make Augments more appealing I’m likely going to loop back to my original intention for them – a useful perk for a skill tree that also grants a bigger stat bonus than a typical level. That’s the general plan anyway, but if you have any advice or ideas, then let me know.)

>>lastly, if you need some help reorganizing once this is finalized, feel free to ask.

(It’ll be a herculean task, so while I’ll be going through it first to do the initial compression on my own version of the Character Sheet, I would appreciate you and anyone else who’s up to the task to give it a read-through when I’m done to ensure it’s…y’know. Readable. And not as wordy as I can sometimes get. Brevity is the soul of wit…and I’m not witty.)

>>any plans or thoughts on relics?

(Like you alluded to, I’ll be reviewing Relics post-compression to see if there’s anything else that can be done.)

>>Resistances/Immune/Absorb

(Actually, I kind of like the idea of a 10-point scale, like follows.)

0-Take normal dmg.
1-20% Res.
2-40% Res.
3-60% Res.
4-80% Res.
5-100% Immune
6-20% Absorb (Absorb 20% of incoming dmg as HEALTH, and so forth.)
7-40% Absorb
8-60% Absorb
9-80% Absorb
10-100% Absorb

(Thoughts?)

>>4250165
(Hm…I actually kind of like the 8/6/6 better, to be honest. I may work with that.)

>>4250129
(I fully endorse the Coffin Dance. It’s hilarious.)

>>4250926
Vote;
>"I'd be lying if i didn't say i had reasons to suspect that might be what you need..."
>shrug, and give them a genuine smile.
>"But no, you're not, or at least i hope not."
>"Im simply here for now to learn, and listen. to give everyone their chance to talk and explain and give their take."
>"...but i also cant promise anything about what will happen next either."
>Chuckle, and lean forward.
>"So. please, if you're willing, care to indulge a curious stranger? id love to hear about how you two met, how you came to find out about this place, and why you stayed?"
>"What is it the furies stand for, believe in? Id love to hear from you..."
>look to Dimezza for a moment, and hold her gaze, before turning to Alecto.
>"...BOTH of you."

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>>4250926
Found a better more stylish picture of Dimezza

>*sigh*
>"The moment I become a principle or a title is the moment I stop being who I am. A Defiant, a hunter of gods, an adoptive mother I may be, but an authoritarian I am not."

>”If you’re getting that vibe from me, then I’m curious to hear what you think I might be upset about. Last I heard from Charon, the factions were helping out around the Crucible. And I approve of that general kind of sentiment.”
>"So lets talk shop."
>"But before we talk shop, hear me out on this request when you speak."
>"Hold nothing back. Insults, biases, misconceptions, let me hear it all your words and your body language. My empathy field may be neutered, but even I can tell you have lots on your plate that you would like to spew out and get off your chest."
>"If you'd like I can make it a private conversation"
>”I’d like to start this off by saying that I want to hear about you from *you*. I want to hear your take on the Furies and what you stand for.”
>"I also would like to hear Alecto's take from her own words."
>”You two - you have Skintalking, right? I’m getting the impression that you’re not exactly pleased with me…am I right in assuming that it has something to do with my interview with Orwell?”

>>4250923
>You smile back…though you have to raise an eyebrow as Beau quickly eyes you up and down, even bringing the flat of her hand to compare your respective heights. “Uh…what’cha doing?”
>“Just winning a bet, is all.
There's a bet about how tall Shu is? I know she's a relatively tall lady, but that still seems odd. What, is the rumor that we're a giant? Come on, we're probably like 6'1" at most.

>>4250926
>Dimezza cuts in imposing, if ill-defined figure, her flesh practically roiling with movement just beneath her skin as large, canine shapes threaten to burst forth at any moment.
Huh. Hive Mistress/Vitruvian, maybe? Interesting hybrid.

>You can’t tell much about her power or corruption at a glance, but there’s something about the girl that seems to vibrate in place, a certain volatility that nags at your instinct and even irks you, on some level.
I'm going to guess self-focused Neuromancy, possibly hybridized with some Phantasmal Conduit to draw energy from strong emotion.

>>Write-In
>"If this was the principle's office I'd be sitting backwards in this chair and calling you 'gang'. I'm not that much of a cliche, am I?"
>"Nah, you're not in trouble. Or at least I hope you're not, I don't actually know you. That's why I'm here. I've heard things, some good, some bad. But I figure it's best if I hear it from you, with no one else's bias."
>"So, mind indulging my curiosity? Honestly, I just want to know more, it would be pretty shitty of me to form an opinion on you girls without ever actually speaking to any of you. You've got me at a disadvantage, you've heard my words but I've never met you. Please, tell me about these Righteous Furies that have gathered here."

>>4250928
>Because I’m an idiot, and I meant to put 5.
I apologize but this line made me reel with laughter. not what i expected, but it got me good. but yes, i think that more or less 'answers' most of the rest.

>I’m considering making them a bit rarer on the whole.
alright. at this point like i said, id have to see the re-work and how common/rare things will actually be to give any further opinions, which im certain you are still hammering out, so, could work, sure.

>I considered mini-levels, but that’s just more to deal with and read, which kind of defeats the point of the compression, in my humble opinion.
nah, you're right. plus with the hard compression the level difference isnt enough to really feel right either.

>Now, to make Augments more appealing I’m likely going to loop back to my original intention for them – a useful perk for a skill tree that also grants a bigger stat bonus than a typical level.
and how will this work with the difference between Ability-Specific Augments(which we cant get anymore), and just general Augments? that description sounds like its getting rid of general Augments and only making Ability-Specific ones appear now, or is this a case of too many uses for the same word again?

>I would appreciate you and anyone else who’s up to the task to give it a read-through when I’m done to ensure it’s…y’know. Readable.
im more than up for it.
does bring up one question/issue though... Hive Mistresses. their quirk doesn't exactly work well or fit with being compressed at all really. only Class as a whole i can think of that feels like it might not work in their current form/how you have given us them in this, while for the others i can only think of some specific Abilities that might possibly give a little bit of trouble.

>I’ll be reviewing Relics post-compression to see if there’s anything else that can be done.
Gotcha, sounds good.

>Resistances/Immune/Absorb
works for me. like i said, main thing for further thoughts will be on just how common resistance levels end up being.

>I actually kind of like the 8/6/6 better, to be honest. I may work with that.
Sounds good, looking forward to seeing how you hammer this all out either way.

>>4250957
>There's a bet about how tall Shu is? I know she's a relatively tall lady, but that still seems odd. What, is the rumor that we're a giant? Come on, we're probably like 6'1" at most.
i think hes just heckling my earlier joke about them having something like that going on.

>>4250947
>>4250926
amending vote;
>"I'd be lying if i didn't say i had reasons to suspect that might be what you need..."
>shrug, and give them a genuine smile.
>"But no, you're not, Its not my way of doing things, even if ive heard rumor its what you might need a bit of... which i hope to find out is wrong."
>"Im simply here for now to learn, and listen. to give everyone their chance to talk and explain and give their take."
>"...but i also cant promise anything about what will happen next either."
>Sigh, and lean forward.
>"So. please, if you're willing, id love to hear about how you two met, how you came to find out about this place, and why you stayed?"
>"What is it the Furies stand for, believe in? Id love to hear from you..."
>look to Dimezza for a moment, and hold her gaze, before turning to Alecto.
>"...BOTH of you."
>"Hold nothing back, i want your honest take on anything and everything you're willing to say."

>>4250928
So what's will happen to the augments that we already gathered? Will they be compressed? or will we keep them?

In retrospect it makes Augmentation heavy builds more powerful before the level compression patch as Daughters can still increase their power by investing back into their main ability trees now that augmentations have become a more rare commodity.

>>4250987
(You'll be keeping your Augments, unless any issues arise...which I don't really foresee.)

>>4250962
>Because I’m an idiot, and I meant to put 5.
>I apologize but this line made me reel with laughter.

(Ha, glad I could offer a laugh, truly.)

>>4250996
well, it will look and feel a bit out of place and janky to have that many in the new system i suppose, but actual mechanical issues i cant foresee no.

oh, well speaking of that, suppose it is a good thought/question the other Anon put forth though didn't directly ask. is this purely an OOC change, or are you planning to make this shift an IC thing?

>>4250999
(I was initially intending to simply make it an OOC change, but I have to admit I'm toying with it being IC. We'll have to see, but it will likely end up being a ret-con.)

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>>4251005
alright. ret-con certainly would be easier to do, even if it will probably leave some necessary artifacts of the change over with no real explanation, but thats fine. you do what ends up working best on your end... or just feels right, even if its a pain in the ass.

>>4251005
I think a change of this magnitude works better as an OOC retcon. Just because so much about the Crucible's systems changing would feel like a really big event that the team would be obligated to investigate and get sidetracked on.

>>4251005
OOC retcon is probably for the best. Some things just cant be explained away just like that.

Unless Everythign/Nothing intervenes but that would make no sense and pull way to much attention from the main plotline

>>4251023
(Yeah, he has to be pretty hands-off at this point, so him intervening wouldn't make any sense.)

>>4251026
He made something else angry.... Maybe the wife?

Maybe another true crucible winner..... That went for the true ending...

>>4251032
More likely its coworkers. The Nothing has implied that it's not the only being responsible for the Crucibles. Presumably it going out of its way to talk to us has gotten it some disapproving looks.

>>4251037
Maybe. But who knows. For all we know the crucible is how his kind reproduces and interfering would be considered.... well improper conduct around small children.....

>>4251026
Oh, how will level compression affect Corruption? Seems like thresholds, when you start to gain it, and how much you gain it by would have to change drastically.

Hell the corruption changes might have a more noticeable IC impact than the other aspects of this change.

>>4251041
(Given that level-ups won't be as big, then there will necessarily be more/faster corruption, so the next few levels you'll be taking will make the corruption more apparent on the Daughters that haven't shown it yet.)

(I'm considering having corruption start to kick into full gear around Lvl 3 or 4 in a given tree, but I'll be messing with that to see what feels right.)

>>4251052
By the way OP i did notice that the Fan Work Sheet at the top of the page only contains the material for the Groups, Misc Works, Carter and the Pepperbox Gang.

Maybe at the time you didn't find it. I can still post the newest version of the Nexus again if you want me to.

>>4251052
alright.
i suppose we didn't fully know those mechanics anyways so its hard to gauge, just something i realized IC will without a doubt have to be a 'memory hole' as it was, as you would have to lower how much max level corruption changes a daughter significantly for the change not to be noticed IC there.

biggest issue would be for those that dont start out giving corruption on the 5 level system, as suddenly having those last 2-3 levels have that much ramped up corruption would be very different. like party poppers except your teammate just yeeted you out a window because she just became 1/3 a dinosaur because she had a bag of Crucible Crunchies.

>>4251058
(Oh! Please do, I'd like that to be added.)

>>4251052
So we'll finally see what Amara is turning into, then? None of her skills have breached level ten, we've been focusing on diversifying her power set, so the only mutation she has are the cat ears from Predation's Insight and the blue hair and heterochromia that she's always had (the heterochromia might even be from before the Crucible, that is something some humans exhibit). I look forward to seeing what she turns into, I'm still hoping that it's going to be "ninja".

>>4251062
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17ejDZVktHJJvuFtSNEbglCiuxXcksnRv7pNXLXdA1v4/edit?usp=sharing
This is the version that people can only look at and follow the links on


https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YHEpTq1YGphXNSKuIe2IsT1IEO48EbSxdHwDuILB5qo/edit?usp=sharing
And this is the version anyone can edit if they so choose to do so.

You can use whichever version you want. i will keep both up to date.

>>4251062
oh hey BHOP. not the most bodyhorror out there, but still a very neat concept here.
should be the current 3 Gifs this persons posted.
the odd but neat Dust girl Gifs, if it has shifted before you view them.
https://twitter.com/Nazoani_museum

>>4251103
(Oh, this is slick. I love the fluidity of everything, and that's actually how I imagine Humoral Paladins merge.)

>>4251162
...huh, i only just now realized in the first one they toss out two cats aswell when they do that too.

>>4251164
(...a Hive Mistress too, I see.)

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>>4250926

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I had reasons to suspect that might be what you need..." You say with a shrug, before adding with a smile; "But no, you're not. It's not my way of doing things...even if some say you might deserve it."

"Ha - well, we'll see." Dimezza chuckles.

"I'm simply here to listen and learn. To give everyone their chance to talk, explain, and give their take....but I also can't promise anything about what will happen next."

Sighing, you lean forward in your seat. "So. Please, if you're willing I'd love to hear about how you two met. Maybe also about how you came to find out about this place, and why you stayed?"

"Okay...well, Alecto and I knew each other before all this." Dimezza explains, leaning in a little against the chair as she speaks. "She was up and about before I was, and she stuck around to make sure nobody bothered me. She's awesome like that. The two of us ran into Charon with our people when we finished helping a settlement with a little problem of theirs - just no-good bandits, really. Charon saw what we were doing, said they were helping people, and we saw a chance to do some good on a bigger scale."

"You said 'your people'. Were many of the Furies with you already?" You ask, and Dimezza grins.

"Yeah, there were already two dozen of us, and that number's only grown since more people've joined up with Charon. Some prefer the way the Vigilant or the Adherents do things, but we welcome the ones who really resonate with what we stand for."

"And what is it the Furies stand for, believe in? I'd love to hear from you..."

Shifting your gaze to the smaller girl, you add; "...both of you. Hold nothing back, I want your honest take on anything and everything you're willing to say."

"Justice."

In a mere two syllables, Dimezza gives you pause. That single word is a line in the sand and a loaded gun all at once. The woman that uttered it without hesitation and with utmost seriousness isn't smiling, anymore.

"Justice, in a world that didn't give it a chance before all this." She echoes as Alecto tilts her head up slightly towards her friend. "It wasn't long after Alecto and I started west that we learned about the Cord. About what it did, and about the neural copies of everyone from before. We resolved then and there to win this thing. And not just the way it expects us to win...I mean *really* win. With her abilities and my strength, we figured we'd pick up some numbers and make a play at ending the Crucible...and then, wouldn't you have it? A solid contender showed up out of nowhere, talking about returning power to the people."

Dimezza smiles, nodding towards you.

"You've given a lot of people hope for a better future...but you know that, already." She continues. "I guess it makes sense that you'd want to bring back everyone. You think everyone should have a choice, and that's fine. Honestly, you've given a lot of my girls exactly what they've wanted, in a roundabout way."

(Continued)

>>4251197

"I'm...afraid I don't follow." You say, confusedly looking between the two Daughters. Dimezza just looks at you for a long moment, quietly sizing you up before she speaks again.

"Alecto, could you go find Dyna? I'll join back up after Shu and I are done here, alright?" She says, gently placing a hand on the small girl's shoulder. Alecto hops up and out of the chair, and it's as Dyna leads her a little ways away from you and Uzu that Dimezza slowly comes around the chair, deliberately taking her seat.

"May I ask you a personal question, Shu?" She asks, hands folded and hanging in front of her even as tufts of hair sprout only to be subsumed immediately by her ravenous flesh.

"By all means."

"Have you ever been taken advantage of?"

You blink. "How do you mea-"

"I don't just mean sexually. I mean have you had choice robbed from you. Have you had someone make a call that changed your whole life, one that you were powerless to stop?"

"I..." You hesitate, thinking back on Mother, on West...on Sam. "...yes. Yes, I have."

"Okay. Then you can understand, at least in some way, what every single member of the Furies has been through." Dimezza says, her voice flat and chillingly cold. "I was a social worker before all this. Saw a lot of things nobody has any business seeing happen to people it should never happen to...people that don't have as many years under their belt as you and me, if you understand what I'm saying. Do you understand what I'm saying, Shu?"

You glance at Alecto's back in the distance, the expressionless young woman silently walking alongside Dyna.

"I do."

"So when I say that Alecto and I wanted to go to the Cord and scrub the copies of everyone she and the rest of the Furies had been hurt by, you understand exactly what we're about." Dimezza says, your eyes widening at her declaration.

"You wouldn't be giving those people a choice."

"Oh, you're absolutely right...so given what you said on your interview, we made some adjustments I think the Furies can live with. They're honestly kind of excited." Dimezza nods, lips pursed. "Bring them back, if you want. The rapists. The abusers. The people that the old world let slip through the crippled, broken fingers of the law. Give them the choice they didn't give my girls. Man, woman...bring them back, Defiant. By all means."

Golden irises around jet-black slits, aimed at you. Unblinking. Unyielding.

Inconsolable.

"Because the only choice I'm going to give them is to face justice for what they've done...or run, and die tired."

>>"I can't condone what you're going to do...and if you decide to go through with this, I will try to stop you."

>>"...I see. I said I wasn't going to control things, and I stand by that. But if you're willing to let - even *encourage* - these young women to commit murder, then that blood's on your hands. Not mine."

>>You need some time to think on Dimezza's words, so ask her something else [Write-In]

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Voting shall remain open for the next three hours, Gentlemen.)

>>4251201
>take a long, deep breath.
>"Look.... I understand. i do. There are some people who would be brought back who need to pay for what they did before all this, people who have done terrible things."
>"But thats the problem. you, right now, say it simply. Rapists, Abusers, the Grime of the earth...."
>"But what IS an abuser Dimezza? or, more importantly, how far does it go before they deserve death, over just being an ass?"
>"And once you and yours get that ball rolling... how long before that anger, that need for justice... keeps rolling?"
>"How long before its all just opinions, people who just had one bad day and didn't do anything truly wrong are suddenly getting torn asunder over a slight misjustice they may of done from only a certain point of view?"
>"How long before you're nothing but a roaming band of vigilantes all with their own views they're willing to drop someone over at the tilt of a hat, regardless of how wrong what they did actually was?"
>"...if Charon hadn't found you, if the Vigilantes and Adherents weren't here to counterweight you, could you honestly say you wouldn't be slipping too far into that by now... can you say you haven't seen any of it already?"
>Give Dimezza a few moments, keep eye contact, stand your ground.
>"I understand the anger, i understand the pain too."
>"But theres a reason im not letting anyone, even my family, even myself, be the arbiter of who is or is not worthy of coming back... and once they are? It'll do no one any good to let anyone pick up that torch. you think you hold it high, you think you keep it contained... but it'll be a raging forest fire no one can control in jut one blink."
>"I wont rule what comes next, hell, If im being honest id like to retire, not even have so much as a mayorship after this..."
>"But i wont stand aside and let injustices infront of me continue to happen either. That means any of those damned fucks fall into old habits? ill be right there with you to tear them apart."
>"But you or anyone else unfairly try and persecute each and every perceived sin? try and dig up any and all dirt and crimes just to put someone on the chopping block?"
>"A sword cuts both ways Dimezza... and your thinking too easily leads down a path where you end up no better than those who deserve whats coming their way."

I'm thinking of pointing out that even the scum has loved ones. Loved ones that even if they understand that the person has committed crimes, still wouldn't want them to die or be tortured for it, and might try to seek revenge on those enacting their Justice. And that spirals out into a cycle of vengeance.

Shu did already face that kind of problem a little with Rath not wanting her family to come back but understanding Heather wants to save them still. That's kind of personal though, so I wouldn't use her as an example for someone we just met, or certainly not by name.

>>4251247
there is some weight and point there yeah. dont think it exactly related to Raths situation though, but thats a different topic.
mainly it depends on the situation is why i think that parts a bit loose to be the only/main focal point. some people very much cross the line hard enough to where even their loved ones cannot justify being upset or seeking vengeance for them being punished. hell their family might even hate them or enact the punishment themselves given a less lawful world.

the main problem like i pointed out is just how opinionated that line and what counts towards that can get, and its only once the anger and hatred start boiling over that you might really get situations like you mentioned, where the person didnt really deserve punishment or that level of punishment. i can work in a bit though about that if you want though, its not a bad thing to bring up at all like i said, only not sure it works on its own.

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>>4251204
>>(My face when I posted the version of the update that didn't include my re-write that pulled in the other votes.)

>>4251253
Care for a bamboozle?

I know it's too late to bamboozle that post. But you could write another and retcon it to walk it back.

>>4251258
(You have no idea how tempted I am. I was flipping back and forth between two writing programs I use, since I finally worked out the bugs in one but I ported the wrong text over from the less-useful one. If there's a split, I do try to bring in everyone's writings since they're always so good...)

>>4251269
do it if you feel its right.
will probably have to rework my vote but hey, is what it is.

>>4251271
(Literally nothing changes as for what Dimezza says, it was just your opening words to her, really.)

>>4251269
please do if you feel tempted. Some added context would be wonderful.

>>4251275
ah.
still though. do what you need. just... before it too late to delete the old, i suppose.

>>4251280
>>4251271
>>4251278
(Ah, I'll leave it as-is. It doesn't look like 4chan's letting me delete it, anyway. The original one basically took the opening lines of >>4250957 and added in a bit of >>4250948 where Shu discusses her empathic field.)

(If anything, this just makes me want to save up for a new computer faster, now. Being able to work on Google Docs finally would be a dream come true.)

>>4251201

>"I can't condone your sentiments. I can't condemn your anger. I can't chide you for the decisions you made. I sympathize with the pain you and your fellows have suffered."

>"The Crucible was thorough in its selection that it chooses daughters who have been trauma victims one way or another."

>"But what I can say is that I don't approve of your plans post-Crucible. You can call it justice, you can call it revenge, you can call it Karma, but as it is, you're treading a dangerous line. But cross that line and follow through with that ill-intent and you and the Furies will be no better than the ones they've been hurt by, because as it is right now? Those victims of abuse will have powers that they will gladly lord over the people they've been haunted by when the Crucible is stopped. That is 2 years of festering hate unleashed on vulnerable people unable to fend for themselves by women with inhuman superpowers compared to those who will be brought back. Soon, those people will be seeking refuge and help from social workers like you, and those people who survive will now be the victims of abuse with trauma on their minds and revenge in their hearts."
>"That's not helping people from recovering from abuse. That's creating more abusers and more victims. That's going against your line of duty as a social worker."
>"That's just starting a cycle of trauma, abuse, hate, and revenge."

1/2

>>4251201
>>4251228
>Take a moment, and lean back, look down at your hands.
>”Dimezza… I know a girl. Wonderful at heart, but has a spirit, an anger to her i think you would appreciate all too well.”
>”But… she has a hangup we had to work through. She didn't want her family to be brought back. Strict, religious folks. Not abusive in the more… direct ways, but they still confined her. They still had a way of life they forced on her, that held her down, that caused her so much misery and pain. They abused her, on accident maybe, but she still couldn't be herself, still felt fear of what would happen if she stepped out of line.”
>”...but that didn't change the fact, we both knew neither of us had a right to stop them from coming back.”
>”Do they really deserve no second chance Dimezza? Do they really deserve to be hunted down and cut down like animals? Thats what i mean Dimezza. To this girl, the thought of her family coming back was more painful, more terrifying than anything she has faced in the Crucible… yet all they did was think they had a way of life that would help her, all they did was think they were saving her soul.”
>”Its not just about if it will lead down a dark path Dimezza, you already are on it. That family… may of hurt their daughter, but while it would be so easy to justify not bringing them back, or to let her views become law and let her throw all her might and hatred at them… its also just as arguable they did nothing wrong, or nothing so deserving of such a fate.”
>Sigh, and lean forward, meeting Dimezzas eyes again.
>”dont let anger blind you, dont let it control you or the furies lives. Theres a time and place for retribution, those that deserve it…. But if its all you preach, if its all you follow… pretty soon you’ll put down someone who didn't really deserve it… and those who loved them will be on YOUR heels, to get their due justice in on you.”
>”...and i just dont want to see anyone enter into that circle that never ends… i dont want to see people like you, whos hearts are so big… let it burn and shrivel up with hate… until you're the person someone else with a big heart has to put down.”

>>4251318
>>4251201

>"That time spent in this Crucible or even post-Crucible can be better spent on helping the wounded and the victimized move on and let go of their past so they can heal as a person instead of being haunted by it. To dig deeper into their past and hold on to their grudges with a deathgrip won't do any of them any favors."

>"I'm telling you this to warn you of the hubris in your folly and that mindset you and the Furies subscribe to. Cross that line, and you'll be no better than the victims you seek to protect from abuse. Cross that line, and you'll become the abusers. Cross that line and I will have to stop you before it gets too out of hand."

>"I don't intend on being a law enforcer nor assume a position of authority nor leadership. But I cannot stand to hear nor see such ill intent and stand idly by."

>"But there's a reason I'm not letting anyone, even my family, even myself, be the arbiter of who is or is not worthy of coming back... and once they are? It'll do no one any good to let anyone pick up that torch. you think you hold it high, you think you keep it contained... but it'll be a raging forest fire no one can control in jut one blink."

>"I don't know if my words will reach through to any of you. And I know that having to let go of that hate and pain is hard to do, but believe me when I say this. I could have easily walked down that path of vindictive rage when...B'ni left and attacked me... I too was wronged, exploited and betrayed. I could have easily deleted Sam when I had the chance, I could have easily consumed B'ni and left her to rot in my dreamscape when I had her dead to rights...but instead I chose to let them go, gave them a second chance, and let bygones be bygones. It was painful, having to let go of your grudges and move on, but believe me when I say this. It was the right thing to do, and now I don't have to worry about their actions haunting me at every turn. If I can do it, then so can you and yours."
>"But if you still can't learn how to let go? If you still decide to stay mired in years of festering hate and frustration against people who literally cannot touch you now? If you still choose to go down that path of petty revenge? I cannot stop you from making that decision. But I will stop you from following through on it.

>"And if you do decide to go down that route...Be prepared to dig two graves."

(Gentlemen, it appears that an obligation has come up on my end that will take the better part of the afternoon/evening, so I will be shuffling things around a bit - voting for the next update will remain open for the next four hours, and I should have some time late this evening to finish it off. I shall post it tomorrow morning at 10:00AM, with voting to remain open until 2:00PM.)

(My apologies for the delay, and if the revised schedule doesn't work for you for some reason, then please let me know. I'll still be checking in frequently, so let me know, and once again, my apologies for the unexpected delay.)

>>4251319
>>4251228
>>4251201
grah, fuck me and this nonsense.
this is me adding a second part BHOP, not changing my vote. fucking hell i thought i copied that bit too.

>>4251324
(No worries, I suspected you were adding a second part since they flowed so well.)

>>4251323
I'm actually fine with this, I just got back from dealing with the pharmacy and I need a little time to compile my own thoughts on this. So I'm good with extending this voting period some.

As for your sudden obligation, I hope it goes smoothly and doesn't take up too much of either your time or mental energy to deal with. Take care of yourself, BHOP. Later.

>>4251323
oh, well, i have to get up alot earlier than expected then to catch the update, but you do what you need to then BHOP. hope its nothing serious BHOP, and that it at least goes smoothly.

>>4251326
yee, just mildly annoying i missed copying that little bit, but thanks for understanding.

>>4251318
>>4251322
this is kinda iffy to me ill admit.
some points i think need more attention feel rushed, while i feel like it focuses too much on just the Crucible or other very specific circumstances, over the morality and stances of it in general. feels like some parts lack a bit of emotion too, in exchange for actually sounding more like a principle lecture or something aswell.

It also feels like the ending is all off center. the last two lines sound like we might even cut her down here and now, or hunt her down after this is all over, over a general idea we wont simply stop helping after all this, and a more general sense the path she is on will lead others in general to possibly come after her just like she is others.

Im also unsure on Isabelle as a good example. it just... it has some weight yes, but so much of it was centered on the relationship of Sam and Isabelle with us just getting caught up it just feels too easy for it to be brushed off as not being the same level or severity Dimezza is talking about, which in alot of ways it isnt. Rath only fits better because of the dichotomy of parents and children, aswell as her family fitting the theme of not being here anymore but possibly being brought back.

>>4251319
>>4251228
Looks like we've got relatively the same idea although the prose used varies wildly between us.

Think we can combine ideas? I think there are some lines from my vote that could be used to enhance your vote when written in your prose.

I can't help but find my writing and concentration split between something as severe as asserting our philosophy and that trying to write up the framework of chapter 7 and 8. What I've written in chapters 5 & 6 have drastically altered what's narratively feasible for the initial drafts that I have for 7&8. It's going under a major re-write with entire pages of sections either getting cut out or rewritten.

Chapter 7's framework key scenes is mostly there, with some spots that could make for a troubling transition, while chapter 8 is getting an entire rework from the ground up as I have to re-establish which key scenes actually fit.

>>4251351
You're right on your analysis. my spoilered post here explains the reason why my write-in seems so roughshod: >>4251353

>>4251353
maybe. would help a bit to have examples of what you think works from yours alongside mine, and all that. already a two parter so at this point expanding it a bit isnt a bad idea at least. lordy knows its a difficult situation.

deserved and understandable rage, but the flames blinding the person wielding it, instead of being used to guide their path in the dark.

oof, sounds like alot, but keep at it. im sure you'll figure it out.

>>4251362
>>4251351
Can we point out the idea of being able to let go that sort of vindictive rage? Not necessarily chide them for it, but remind them that knowing what pains you is the first part of the step, with the rest being able to move past it in order to heal.

>>4251362
Something I'm trying to write up but am having trouble phrasing is the idea of what exactly the anger they have could be blinding them to. Address the practicalities of seeking justice for everyone that they could be missing, because they're stuck in this mindset of "they'll either willingly submit to punishment for their crimes or we'll hunt them down in the street like dogs". Because there's no way that bringing everyone back is going to be simple and easy, there's going to be a rebuilding process. One that, if they're staying focused and not getting distracted, they can influence to get them what they want. We're going to have to build an entirely new society, they can get in on the ground floor and make sure it has a justice system that doesn't let people like that through the cracks. They're so used to the idea of being the victimized outsider that they can't see the potential to work within systems.

>>4251379
ill think on where i could put that in, but at the moment no spots coming to mind. hrm... maybe after we give the Rath example i could put something in naturally, ride off the example to talk about that.

Hard because rage isnt outright bad, and theirs is also very justified. and there are also some who if they run into again... yeah, you cant really tell them not to break their spine. its just the utter lack of chance and the hunting them down, aswell as where that easily leads that makes that so... very iffy to not hold up an hand to try and stop. the law is far from perfect but theres a very good reason we have courts instead of just swinging axes around vigilante style, even if some will still deserve the death penalty/never seeing daylight again, whichever it is you believe.

>>4251393
i get what you mean, but read again. Dimezza doesn't care if they will submit or not, she will hunt them down and kill them regardless. if they're sorry or not? if they have changed or not? her wording very heavily implies they die no matter what, which kinda nullifies alot of the ideas you have there.

mind you, it might even be in part because she understand trying to get them behind bars or something over killing them just wont be feasible, both from said lack of society and said new abilities they may have, but thats only me guessing and cant know for sure. she could just be so mad she doesn't care.

>>4251396
>>4251407
I think we should ask the extend of how far deep in the rabbit hole of rage and revenge the furies are just to gauge how malleable they are to the idea of mercy and being able to move on.

>>4251409
not sure the people who are filled with rage are the best to gauge their own rage and how far its going on their own, which i think is part of the problem.

>>4251407
Maybe I'm just being too optimistic in thinking that they'd be okay with non-fatal punishments so long as people submit. That the abusers who are willing to face their fate will be given some clemency, and it's only the ones who still try to escape justice that will be treated so harshly. You're probably right, though, and they want to kill them all.

Still, I think there's something to the idea. Pointing out that being distracted by the desire to seek retribution and how it could prevent them from making sure this doesn't happen again. And no, "everyone's too scared of the mutant ladies killing them for being abusive" is not going to make sure it doesn't happen again, study after study has shown that fear of violent punishment is actually a very poor way to prevent crime. But maybe that's a conversation best saved for later, talking about the practicalities of implementing change in the new world. I don't know.

>>4251419
yeah... i think part of the problem is, if we dont hit at and work on the root of the issue, them being in law/government rebuilding might actually end up worse than them being vigilantes, or at least could be just as bad. hate to say it, but i could see them twisting reconstruction and lawmaking to be beyond what i reasonable over their fears and anger and need for retribution, and just instead cause an unfair justice system or something instead of just going out and ignoring wanting law to take care of it at all.

>>4251407
>>4251419
we have about 3 hours left to discuss and come up with a well cohesive argument this before voting closes The best time is now.

>>4251201
>>4251228
>>4251319
>>4251324
slight Amendment;
>take a long, deep breath.
>"Look.... I understand. i do. There are some people who would be brought back who need to pay for what they did before all this, people who have done terrible things."
>"But thats the problem. you, right now, say it simply. Rapists, Abusers, the Grime of the earth...."
>"But what IS an abuser Dimezza? or, more importantly, how far does it go before they deserve death, over just being an ass?"
>"And once you and yours get that ball rolling... how long before that anger, that need for justice... keeps rolling?"
>"How long before its all just opinions, people who just had one bad day and didn't do anything truly wrong are suddenly getting torn asunder over a slight misjustice they may of done from only a certain point of view?"
>"How long before you're nothing but a roaming band of vigilantes all with their own views they're willing to drop someone over at the tilt of a hat, regardless of how wrong what they did actually was?"
>"...if Charon hadn't found you, if the Vigilantes and Adherents weren't here to counterweight you, could you honestly say you wouldn't be slipping too far into that by now... can you say you haven't seen any of it already?"
>Give Dimezza a few moments, keep eye contact, stand your ground.
>"I understand the anger, i understand the pain too."
>"But theres a reason im not letting anyone, even my family, even myself, be the arbiter of who is or is not worthy of coming back... and once they are? It'll do no one any good to let anyone pick up that torch. you think you hold it high, you think you keep it contained... but it'll be a raging forest fire no one can control in just one blink."
>"I wont rule what comes next, hell, If im being honest id like to retire, not even have so much as a mayorship after this..."
>"But i wont stand aside and let injustices infront of me continue to happen either. That means any of those damned fucks fall into old habits? ill be right there with you to tear them apart."
>"But you or anyone else unfairly try and persecute each and every perceived sin? try and dig up any and all dirt and crimes just to put someone on the chopping block?"
>"A sword cuts both ways Dimezza... and your thinking too easily leads down a path where you end up no better than those who deserve whats coming their way."

(1/2)

>>4251201
>>4251432
>Take a moment, and lean back, look down at your hands.
>”Dimezza… I know a girl. Wonderful at heart, but has a spirit, an anger to her i think you would appreciate all too well.”
>”But… she has a hangup we had to work through. She didn't want her family to be brought back. Strict, religious folks. Not abusive in the more… direct ways, but they still confined her. They still had a way of life they forced on her, that held her down, that caused her so much misery and pain. They abused her, on accident maybe, but she still couldn't be herself, still felt fear of what would happen if she stepped out of line.”
>”...but that didn't change the fact, we both knew neither of us had a right to stop them from coming back.”
>”Do they really deserve no second chance Dimezza? Do they really deserve to be hunted down and cut down like animals? Thats what i mean Dimezza. To this girl, the thought of her family coming back was more painful, more terrifying than anything she has faced in the Crucible… yet all they did was think they had a way of life that would help her, all they did was think they were saving her soul.”
>”Its not just about if it will lead down a dark path Dimezza, you already are on it. That family… may of hurt their daughter, but while it would be so easy to justify not bringing them back, or to let her views become law and let her throw all her might and hatred at them… its also just as arguable they did nothing wrong, or nothing so deserving of such a fate.”
>Sigh, and lean forward, meeting Dimezzas eyes again.
>”That fuel, that fire and rage? Dont let it blind you, when you could use it to light your path and lead you out of the dark, when you could use its warmth to heal your and others wounds, instead of using it to burn everything in your path down."
>"Dont let it rage as an inferno until it starts to consume you and them too."
>”dont let anger blind you, dont let it control you or the furies lives. Theres a time and place for retribution, those that deserve it…. But if its all you preach, if its all you follow… pretty soon you’ll put down someone who didn't really deserve it… and those who loved them will be on YOUR heels, to get their due justice in on you.”
>”...and i just dont want to see anyone enter into that circle that never ends… i dont want to see people like you, whos hearts are so big… let it burn and shrivel up with hate… until you're the person someone else with a big heart has to put down.”

(2/2)

>>4251201
Amending my votes:
>>4251322
>>4251318

to support
>>4251432
>>4251437

I've...got nothing to add.
Can't think of anything to contribute. Many of the points have been touched upon already.

>>4251362

I've hit a rather large snag in the epilogue.

I'm at a loss on how Carter would behave when he's reminded/told that he slept with multiple women for the purpose of purging a sex-cult created drug out of his system while Carter was black-out drugged. The first thing that came to my mind is that he would be angry and grumpy as hell, but that's as far as I can go because I don't really know how to recover the story from that point onward as I can't help but feel Carter's outlook would be forever soured even if he was told the women he slept with willingly consented and volunteered in order to purge the relic-forged-drug out of his systems.

I'm trying to entertain other options for my initial draft but they would require extensive reworking of Chapters 7&8.

Care to help me out with your 2 cents?

Speaking of which relic drugs. I think I just entertained the idea a problem that could happen post-crucible: Forge-Drugs. Consumable Relics that act as hardcore drugs not unlike the Altered Altar's drug use to calm hunger.

>>4251201
Oh, yeah, never voted in support. Let me do that real quick before the voting period ends.

>>4251432
>>4251437
Supporting.

>>4251803
>Speaking of which relic drugs. I think I just entertained the idea a problem that could happen post-crucible: Forge-Drugs. Consumable Relics that act as hardcore drugs not unlike the Altered Altar's drug use to calm hunger.

Honestly, if people are just using Forges to make drugs, post-Crucible, I will be thankful. They're some sort of infinite energy generator possibly powered by being connected to the home-dimension of a Great Old One. Even if nobody unlocks some horrifying physics research from them, we know that they're at minimum capable of being turned into nuclear-grade explosives. These things are dangerous, one of the things we do when we activate the Ecosystem/Civilization Reboot function is hoover up any unattended Forge Cores, keep them out of dangerous hands. Don't steal any from people who already have some, but at least limit the supply waiting to just be picked up.

>>4251803
i probably would need a bit more context to all this that might be major spoilers to fully understand his mindset, but from what you have just told me he probably wouldn't take it well at all, 'angry and grumpy' would be underselling it.

he would probably honestly be close to hunger madness upon first learning of that, and would probably have to both leave and never see those girls again to try and avoid any issues he has with all that, essentially trying to outpace the problem. considering everything, he wouldn't care if they consented, his problem would be he himself didn't. he would probably understand they tried but couldn't find another method to purge the drug, but considering everything this story has put him through on top of his past, it would be a 'forgive but cant forget' situation, where he could maybe reconcile with the intent of what they did but not the actual implementation, and would probably set him a few steps back in a different direction in terms of any progress towards opening up to people. make him wish to move on and try and forget them and the entire ordeal however he can.

he would probably also hate himself a bit for not being strong enough to overpower the drug and letting that happen too, even despite any logic of understanding relics and crucible powers just dont really work that way.

>>4251803
>>4251824
i mean, sadly i think Forges will be crucial to leave out for people to use. too useful to rebuilding society, and too many relics already about to where they might be necessary to keep the power balance in check. plus, you know, hoarding them all up kinda feels like mothering the world a bit.

that is, assuming we dont basically cut ourselves/our Crucible off from that and other such things when we end it 'incorrectly'. (which we dont know, but do know its not impossible our plans might not fit in with the 'Mother of All' ending either. could, but we cant confirm that in either direction really.)

>>4251845
We can distribute them to settlements, where they can become part of municipal infrastructure. It's not that I don't think people should have them, I just don't want them to be lying around. It's like nuclear power. I trust people to operate nuclear reactors. I don't trust a world in which you can go hiking and stumble upon a nuclear reactor waiting for someone to take it home with them. It's two very different levels of security.

As for the Forge Cores shutting down, entirely possible. Same with our powers. All the matter and energy Crucible biology needs comes from some extradimensional source. Winning the Crucible properly and shutting it all down may break that connection, too. Either just as a consequence of turning the systems off, or as an intentional action on the part of the Nothing and its peers. We'll have to see how it goes. I do hope that we can at least keep something good, though. Like, even if things shut down, humanity still learns some cool new science that we use to make our own advanced tools. But we'll just have to see how it goes in the endgame.

>>4251834

Thanks for your valuable input anon, I was afraid Carter would behave like that, hence my asking. If I were to continue writing this path, then it would have the opposite result and development that I intended for Carter to progress through, and it is clearly not what I intended to write. Therefore I will have to take another close and serious look at my drafts to see what works and what doesn't work as it's telling me it's both a bad idea AND it will be executed.

>>4251862
eh, Forge Cores are far too important for us to not be hypocrites to control their spread and distribution like that. taking control of that is too much of exactly what we said we wanted to avoid doing.

it might end up being on a biological level our abilities can and are kept, its just the amount of biomass and such we have to work with is now limited to whatever our physical bodies have to work with, and maybe any extra meat you carry around with you. but yeah, we'll have to see how it goes.

>>4251865
well, glad it helped i suppose. take your time, and im sure you'll think of something.

>>4251896
I have all the time to think about it yet impatience gnaws at my mind. Such is hubris. Your feedback's put several previously discarded ideas back on the table thankfully, some of them may help me connect the key scenes in a more natural way and maybe leave Carter on a better footing with better self-confidence after the entire ordeal.

>>4251896
>>4251862
Forge cores and crucible related technology will be a very contentious subject in the endgame and post-crucible earth, not to mention what might happen should we end the crucible in either the wrong way or the proper way.

>>4251896
>eh, Forge Cores are far too important for us to not be hypocrites to control their spread and distribution like that. taking control of that is too much of exactly what we said we wanted to avoid doing.
I get the scenario you're worried about, Shu monopolizing access as a means of control. "Agree with Shu's morals, or you don't get vital infrastructure". But at the same time, I can't accept the idea of just leaving a bunch of dangerous machines scattered around with no restriction on them. And there's also just the fact that if Forge Cores are going to be so important for infrastructure, we don't want them lying around in the wilderness because that means they're not being used to help people. There has to be some way we can quickly get the Forge Cores into the hands of people who will use them for good without it leading to Shu having undue influence over the developing society.

What if we took Shu out of the equation? Take everyone out of the equation, in fact, make it an automated process. Program the reconstruction process to take unattended Forge Cores and distribute them to settlements that need them. Not continuously, so there's this constant shifting access (that would be a nightmare, and also make any biases we failed to remove from the selection criteria become very pronounced), but just as the initial set-up when we start things rebuilding. I don't know, maybe that's infeasible, there's still so much we don't know about the reconstruction. But I want to think that we can optimize this. Establish security, don't harm freedom, help rebuild society faster.

>>4251973
yeah... no. see, this is the thing. when we decided not to rule the world and leave things up to the freedom of humanity to figure out and decide upon, Forge Cores, Old World Lost Tech, Engines... all of that was included in that package. just like we bring back murderers and rapists knowing they might very well abuse the situation and continue to do bad, we cannot in any way take control of how or where technology and assets get distributed. its not our place to decide or control those things, no matter how dangerous or useful they are. the minute we decide that, even an automated system, is the minute we have gone past letting choice and humanity matter, and made it about what we think is best or think should be done.

its a risk, even a devastating risk, but its no more one than we already would and do have now. its no more a risk than the utter devastation letting some of these abilities stick around could be, and no less out of our control than the DOs having nukes and technology powerful enough to where they think they can escape the Crucible. its simply not our place to make those decisions or control that outcome.

>>4251973
>>4251862
The power to impose worldly change on the world with divine authority is ripe with abuse. Fudging the admin control to make forge cores and automated process is essentially rendering Shu a hypocrite. Even going around post-crucible hoarding Forge cores and ensuring equal distribution would render Shu a hypocrite because that's her robbing choice and opportunity from other people.

>>4251999
though at least with her doing it personally shes not abusing giving herself godlike powers and control, over being as close to an equal as you can be and having to actually go about it like anyone else would. still probably hypocritical, but much much less so id argue, with a bit more argueability to doing such a thing.

probably wouldnt be worth the effort though. finding them, collecting them, then finding a place worth giving it too would be... very tedious for sure.

>>4251991
>>4251999
>>4252009
Okay, I'm completely lost on what our goals are, then, and I don't know how to ask without you yelling at me for being an idiot. Like, aside from the general goal of "revive humanity", I'm so lacking in understanding of our aims that I feel like any attempt to reach clarity would just make it look like I'm being deliberately obtuse. I swear I'm not, though, I just am very confused right now, and it's making me worried that there's something wrong with my thinking. How long have I been up, am I just delirious from exhaustion? I don't think I've been up that long. I'm still going to go to bed, though, maybe this will make more sense in the morning.

>>4252060
i think the issue is you think we HAVE overarching or grand goals.
we dont, and thats the point. our goal is to do the bare minimum necessary to free humanity from the grasp of the Crucible and its rules so as to allow Humanity to again have a future for it to decide on its own, for better or worse. our only goal is to restore freedom to humanity in as the Crucible robbed it from us.

all thats required for that is bringing everyone who was taken by the Crucible without a choice back, getting rid of the imposed rules of the Crucible that make natural sustainable living impossible(such as the hunger and mechanics that ensure no ecosystem within it can thrive or last to force an eventual winner), and do the bare minimum necessary to ensure the world and ecosystem itself can exist without the Crucible and its rules. all we want is to give back Humanities freedom and future to itself, and ensure no one else can later come and abuse the Cord to undo that.

thats it. nothing else. no Shu on a golden Throne. No deciding who lives or dies, both current and of those that come back. no making things a safe, perfect utopia.no ending world hunger, no ending pain, no rewriting humanity to be a better species, both physically or morally. no popping out a Forge Core and Engine into each and every settlement, or getting rid of all of them(besides if for some reason doing so is necessary for our base goals or something), and no ensuring Settlements even survive.

its not ours or any others place to decide what humanities future or goals will be, or to ensure we thrive or die. its only ours to return that choice as much as it ever was TO Humanity, over the Crucible. whatever happens next, will be up to the survivors to hammer out and figure out.

Right, got some sleep, feeling more lucid, let me try to make sense of things.

>>4252073
No, that's not the issue, because that's what I want too. I think the point of confusion I was having is that it sounded to me like we weren't doing that. So okay, let's discuss to make sure I understand: How are we defining "minimum requirements"? What is the least we need to do to enable humanity to have a chance to rebuild and take control of its own destiny?

I think, and I guess this perspective is not shared but I want to at least explain it, that we need to distribute tools and resources as part of that minimum intervention. I don't want to make some sort of utopia, like you said it's not our place to try to force humanity to thrive according to our plans. But it is our place to ensure humanity survives. At least in the short term, if decades or centuries down the line we wipe ourselves out, then that's on humanity. We deserved that. But if humanity dies out soon after ending the Crucible, then that's us having failed to properly fix things. And I'm worried that's going to happen.

Because the Earth is in ruins, right? We've seen that most shelter is damaged or destroyed, utilities like power generation or water management are offline and the networks in tatters, and there's no food production. Even with the ecosystem restored, the planet is in no condition to house a population of seven billion. Even with Daughter abilities to help in rebuilding, you're going to see a lot of death before things stabilize. I think we have an obligation to minimize those deaths however we can. And the best, most egalitarian way to do that is to widely distribute tools and resources to help in rebuilding. It doesn't have to be Forge Cores, I can bend on that specific issue, but it should at least be some sort of aid package. Get everyone back up to the level where they're not struggling to survive for reasons outside their control, and move forward from there.

Of course, I admit that's based on a lot of assumptions about how the reconstruction works. Maybe it won't put people back where the Cord took them from, but rebuild them inside the Cord. Plenty of space for an arcology capable of housing all mankind. Interim housing, with basic but unsatisfying accommodations so that people want to go out and rebuild the Earth, but it can be safely done in stages. Or maybe the reconstruction would be able to put everything back exactly as it was before the Crucible, and so we'll be able to recover and repair all of human infrastructure to pre-Crucible levels. I am fully willing to admit that I could be totally wrong about the necessity of distributing resources to avoid massive Malthusian death. I guess I should have prefaced the entire thing with a "assuming worst-case conditions where humanity is revived in-place, leading to thousands of scattered communities cut off from essential resources and with no infrastructure". That would have made this less of a hassle.

>>4252541
and i highly disagree with all of that basically.
ignoring the issues with the fact we dont know the indepth of what we can do or will need to do, its still not our place or goal to do any of that. Humanity is already finding ways to survive without us, and while yeah they'll be issues and even death and suffering, they'll find it out without us so long as we set the world up to even be able to survive without an overseer.

we sit there and decide to try and herd people like cattle and decide exactly what they will need and deserve to get to survive, then it both might never end, breaks from what we wish to do, and will start to incentive people and groups to rely on us and our handouts over finding their own way to survive, no matter how minimalistically we try and keep it. we have no obligation to do any of that, and id even argue if we have any obligation, its the opposite. hell, id even argue leaving the world off needing to struggle so they come to be discontent with Shu or even hate her would be a good thing, but thats also based off some ideas not wrapped up in this current conversation.

all we should or need to do is stop the decay and make it possible for stabilization to happen, not actually stabilize things. again, it what we need to do and how will depend on 'what ifs' neither of us can answer right now, but assuming things stay 'similar' to what they are now, no, its not our job or goal to even give them tools. those already exist or the resources and means to make them already exist. its up to them to figure it out and survive, otherwise the point of them being given freedom and us not taking control was pointless. the minute we decide anything to any level such as even that, is the minute we may aswell give up on not just being a god who controls every little detail of their lives. if they struggle to survive, then so be it. its their job to find a way to move forward, to either be strong enough to move forward, come together to find a way, or fail and wither out. they figure out how to survive on their own, no handouts, no tool or resources given anymore freely than the earth ever gave them out, or they die. but if they die, then so be it. its terrible, but people dont grow in luxury. again, if they cant find a way without us, then there was no point to any of it.

>>4252563
>>4252541
Though we have to decide one thing i think.

How many resources are we gonna take for ourselves?

We have no obligation to everyone else but we have an obligation to assure that our family will survive. Otherwise with the deaths of us or our family this would be pointless as well. Not for Humanity but for Shu and family on a personal level.

>>4252570
well again, so much of that will depend on just what we can do or happens. but i dont think we'll need to directly take anything. we'll either have the connections available to just integrate into a settlement, and/or enough of our own stuff simply saved up to not need to take anything else.

>>4252563
Why are we even bothering, then? No, really, why isn't Shu just fucking off and claiming the Cord the normal way and playing exactly like Ozmas did? Why do we care enough to help people, and save them, and prevent them from unnecessary death and suffering? If it's okay to stand back and let it happen to billions of people under the logic that if they really wanted to survive, they'll figure something out, why is it not okay on the individual scale?

>>4252570
Presumably we won't be sociopaths, and integrate into a society. Help rebuild, establish security and prosperity, make it so that sort of resource hoarding isn't necessary.

>>4252621
i am pretty sure resources will be tight for at least some time for everyone. (Probably enough time that quite a few people will die from exposure/ lack of food, predators and such) If we really want to integrate into a society we need to bring things to the table that will be valuable for them as well.

and sure most people would be happy to help us out for quite awhile but we cant be leeches. Good Will eventually dries up.

But i agree with you we shoudl prepare for a worst case scenario

>>4252629
Yeah, the party might wind up with some odd jobs. Shu's entire career experience involves fighting mutant monsters, in a world without those it would take some adaptation. But I feel confident we can find things to do, even if it's just as laborers. Going to be plenty of need for spare hands. Especially if Daughter abilities remain, then Shu could harvest an entire field with nothing but herself and some swarmlings. Farmer Shu, they call her.

>>4252621
what? because the Crucible is a massive, artificial shift imposed on us that forces some form of ending, and if it gets its way it guarantees everyone dies. we're still helping people tremendously by even just breaking the Crucible and restoring some form of freedom, its giving them both time and a chance the Crucible by design makes impossible so long as its still running.

You're also acting like there is no difference between helping those right infront of you on a micro scale, compared to dictating everything to everyone on a macro scale. Shu can and probably still will help out locally wherever she ends up after the Crucible, but there a massive damned difference between say, helping Laoc as they ask or need it with your own strength, compared to hijacking a foreign parasite thats put a death grip on the entire planet to decide alone what is or isnt best for humanity, regardless of how much you actually do with it.

its utterly simple. we're doing this because even doing what i said is still making sure Humanity even has a damned chance or choice at all, whereas winning normally ensures the exact opposite, or doing nothing at all is just even from a selfish standpoint risking letting someone else win and kill you along with the planet, on top of the fact of course breaking the crucible like i said is helping everyone.

its literally the difference between living our own morals, and forcing them on everyone. we help those individually because they ask or need it individually and we're there to do something. we dont tell Laoc how to run things, now do we? because its not our place to enforce our viewpoint on them no matter how much we prefer it, its at best only our job to convince them of it.the scale also matters. humans are humans, and Shu is no exception. what may be minor to you, might be a thumb squishing everything one cares about to another. once we try and use something as big as the Crucible to any degree over the bare necessary minimum it forces us to use it to even be able to exist, we ARE forcing something on someone somewhere, possibly even a massive chunk of the population. and no one has should have the right to do that, especially with so much power behind us to possibly just flick any dissenters away. Shu, our family, anyone else? none of them should have that right. if the Crucible wasnt a threat to the very survival of humanity in a very direct and deliberate way, we wouldn't have any excuse to even be doing what little we plan to do either, but theres a line between struggling to survive and guaranteed destruction of your entire race. the Crucible was made to basically fore the second, being hands off and leaving people to figure things out for themselves does not guarantee the second, or even the first, even if it does leave the first a possibility.

the world doesn't need an administrator, even temporarily. it just needs to not be designed to decay no matter what anymore.

>>4252638
That's great, anon, but you're not answering the question I asked. Why is it okay to let billions of people suffer and die, but not okay to let one person suffer and die? Nothing about forcing morals on people, that wasn't your argument. Your argument was that it's not our job to keep people from dying in agony, that if they don't want that they should be self-reliant and find the strength to move forward on their own. So why do billions of people have to live by that rule so long as we don't see them, but anyone we do see gets to be coddled with aid? Doesn't seem fair, being pretty biased towards the individual. They don't deserve that.

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>>4251201

Drawing in a long, deep breath, you struggle to find the words to address the woman that sits across from you...and when you finally speak, you feel like it's across a vast, yawning chasm.

"Look.... I understand. I do. There are some people who would be brought back who need to pay for what they did before all this, people who have done terrible things." You admit, seeing a flicker of something like hope in Dimezza's golden eyes. "But that's the problem. You, right now, say it simply...rapists, abusers, the grime of the earth...but what IS an abuser, Dimezza? More importantly, how far does it go before they deserve death, over just being an ass? And once you and yours get that ball rolling, then how long before that anger, that need for justice keeps rolling into something unstoppable?"

"It shouldn't stop." She replies simply, her eyes hard. "Justice should never, ever stop moving. It did in our world, and that's half the reason my girls found themselves where they did."

"No, Dimezza...how long before its all just opinions, people who just had one bad day and didn't do anything truly wrong are suddenly getting torn asunder over a slight misjustice? How long before you're nothing but a roaming band of vigilantes with a warped code that says it's fine to willing to take a life and the drop of a hat, regardless of how wrong what they did actually was? That's not justice, Dimezza - that's whim. That's murder."

"My girls are my responsibility." She replies calmly. "They get their justice, and that's it. They stop. I'm the one that'll make sure of that."

"...If Charon hadn't found you, if the Vigilantes and Adherents weren't here to counterweight you, could you honestly say you wouldn't be slipping too far into that by now? Can you say you haven't seen any of it already?" You counter, alarmed at the woman's adamant optimism even as you hold her gaze and stand your ground. "I understand the anger. I understand the pain, too. But there's a reason I'm not letting anyone, even my family, even myself, be the arbiter of who is or is not worthy of coming back...and once they are? It'll do no-one any good to pick up that torch. You think you hold it high, that it's contained in your grasp, but it'll be a raging forest fire no one can control th second your hand slips...and it *will* slip, Dimezza."

She makes a small sound, something that's between a cough and a laugh that makes you shake your head.

"I won't rule what comes next." You continue, chuckling lightly. "Hell, if I'm being honest I'd like to retire. Not even have so much as a mayorship after all this...but rest assured, I won't stand aside and let injustice continue."

"Oh?"

(Continued)

>>4252654

"Any of those damned fucks fall into old habits? Then I'll be right there with you to tear them apart." You declare, earning an appreciatively raised eyebrow from the woman seated across from you. "But...if you or anyone else unfairly try to persecute each and every perceived sin? If you try and dig up any and all dirt and crimes just to put someone on the chopping block? Then I'll be there, and I won't be on your side. A sword cuts both ways Dimezza... and your way of thinking can all too easily lead down a path where you end up no better than those who deserve what's coming their way."

"That's...fairer than I expected." She admits, relaxing her grip on the armrests slightly.

”You know what, Dimezza?" You say, realizing something as you look down at your knuckles. "I know this girl. She's wonderful. She's kind, she's caring, she's...well, she's the most passionate girl I've ever met. She's got this spirit, this anger to her I think you would appreciate all too well.”

”But she has a hangup we had to work through - she didn't want her family to be brought back. Strict, religious folks. Not abusive in the more…direct ways, but they still confined her. They still had a way of life they forced on her, that held her down, that caused her much misery and pain. They abused her. On accident maybe, but she still couldn't be herself, she still felt fear of what would happen if she stepped out of line.”

Slowly closing your hands into fists, you can't help but imagine a pair of shining citrine eyes even as you close your own.

”...But that didn't change the fact that we both knew neither of us had a right to stop them from coming back. Do they really deserve to not have a second chance? Do they really deserve to be hunted down and cut down like animals? That's what I mean, Dimezza. To this girl, the thought of her family coming back was more painful, more terrifying than anything she's faced in the Crucible. Yet all they did was think they had a way of life that would help her, thinking they were saving her soul.”

”It's not just about *if* it will lead down a dark path...you're already walking it, Dimezza. That family may have hurt their daughter, but while it would be so easy to justify not bringing them back, or to let my friend's views become law and let her throw all her hatred at them, it's also just as arguable that they did nothing so deserving of such a fate.”

With a sigh you look up, catching Dimezza's gilded gaze.

”That fuel, that fire and rage? Please don't let it blind you when you could use it to light a path out of the dark. When you could use its warmth to heal your wounds and those of others, instead of using it to burn down everything in your path."

"I can withstand that fire, Defiant." She replies firmly.

"Can they?"

For the first time in this entire conversation, you see Dimezza falter. Just a little.

(Continued)

>>4252655

"What I'm asking is to not let it consume you and them, both." You implore, leaning forward. "There's a time and place for retribution, but if it's all you preach, if it's all you follow, then pretty soon you’ll put down someone who didn't deserve it. Then those who loved them will be on YOUR heels, to get the justice owed them. I just don't want to see anyone shackle themselves to another cycle. I don't want to see people like you whose hearts are so big just burn and shrivel up with hate…until you're the person someone else with a big heart has to put down.”

Dimezza's quiet, after all that. You wait for a moment, until she draws in a deep breath, holding it for a long second before she finally exhales with slow deliberation.

"Huh...didn't know you'd be an even bigger bleeding heart in person." She says, though her words are tinged by the slight smile that's curved her thin lips.

"Takes one to know one - you were fighting this fight long before I was, it sounds like." You counter softly with a smile of your own. "You're a good person, Dimezza. You care about those girls, probably more than anyone else in their lives ever has."

"Unfortunately, yeah." Dimezza nods, staring past you as the gears turn in her mind.

"Justice delivered with a measured hand." The Gluttonous muses thoughtfully, the knuckles of her right hand tucked just under her chin as she studies you. "I'll hold you to what you said, Defiant. About you being right there with me to tear them apart."

"*If* they fall back into old habits." You add pointedly, prompting a slow blink from the woman before you.

"Hm." She murmurs. "I'll concede that some moderation wouldn't be a bad idea, where the Furies' justice is concerned. I'll take it under consideration."

"And as for what I said about the cycle you're threatening to start up?"

"I guess we'll see." She replies, holding your gaze just as you held hers mere moments before. "But I think we can both agree that we're fighting to reach the same goalpost, for right now. Keeping that in mind - while I know a lot of my girls are insistent in helping you reach the Cord safely, I assume I'd be correct in that you'd rather they not?"

"If it can be helped, yes." You admit.

"I'll see what can be done on that front, then." She says in a businesslike tone. "So, is there anything else I can help you with?"

Her hands, now folded in her lap. Her mouth, a hard, uncompromising line. The deviation in subject, delivered in clipped, yet polite lines. She's not angry, just...closed off, at least for now. You're not sure if your words really resonated with her, but they had to be said, regardless.

You can only hope you planted a seed that she'll let grow, in time.

>>Part ways with Dimezza, and speak with the Vigilant.

>>Send Dimezza on her way, and take a moment to rest and check in with your allies.

>>Oblige Dimezza's change in mood, and ask her about [Write-In].

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open until 2PM, Eastern time.)

>>4252657
>"...be honest with me, how bad is it among the Furies?"
>"I plan to address everyone as a whole before i leave here. it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences, but knowing just how much i may need to tread the line cant hurt."
>"...and id still like to talk to Alecto too, if shes up for it."

>>4252657
>>Part ways with Dimezza, and speak with the Vigilant.
>"No, we're good. Take care of yourself, Dimezza. Your girls, too."
>Stand, give her a handshake good-bye.
>"Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go talk to the Vigilant. Here's hoping they're not as bad as I'm afraid they are."

>>4252657
>" for now please tell me. How zealous are the Furies? How many of them do you think could explode at a moments notice?"
>"I plan to address everyone as a whole before i leave here. it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences, but knowing just how much i may need to tread the line cant hurt."
>"...and id still like to talk to Alecto too, if shes up for it. Otherwise i will talk to the Vigilants...... "

>>4252646
i did answer it, not my fault you cant understand it.

it is ok to let one person die, even if you could do something about it. it just depends on the context, just like how i gave you ample context for why we shouldn't help billions you seem quite intent to just ignore.

and yes, it is biased towards the individual, because when you are dealing with an individual, you HAVE to be direct, and understand the situation more directly. you have to be more personally involved generally speaking. when you are dealing with an individual, its personal, its right there, and it allows you to have more of a chance to truly gauge the cost, both physically and morally, for both you and them.

but every person you add to that, it becomes harder and harder to gauge, harder and harder to truly be able to say its what they wanted or needed, over simply what you thought or decided they wanted or needed. from a town, to a state, to a nation, and then the entire world and every human in it. the further up you go, the more your decisions will have to be more vague, more generalized, and to do them, you have more control in your own hands.

it is exactly what they deserve, and exactly what they need. everyone. to not have us deciding things, and to not have us holding them up from afar. when you go macro, the problems become macro, aswell as the solutions. you're not helping a lone person fight off a lone Amalgam by that point, you're either deciding who gets all the resources to fight them off, or assigning hunters or guards to defend them. but at some point someones gonna have a guard hovering over them they dont want, or not be allowed to venture out when they want because of the risks. one group will need more than another, and suddenly you're playing favorite, or they abuse the extra given to them, and suddenly you have to step in. except here you're not an elected government, made up of equals that could to some degree be fought back against. here, your sitting on a throne that makes you a god no one can hope to match.

It simply both isnt worth the risk of what it could slip into, isnt something we should abuse, even minorly, isnt something justifiable to use, and the very idea of it taints any and all actions we make with it by the very nature we are giving ourselves such power and authority, no matter how we decide to use it.

>>4252666
Right, except here's the thing: I never proposed any sort of constant oversight and micromanagement. That was you, with your slippery-slope arguments. What I proposed was just that we make tools available, to those who needed them. Just a basic aid package that we could distribute far and wide. Yes, it would be generalized and vague. That's the point. The generalized nature means that no, it can't solve everything for all people, but it also means that there's no need to micromanage ever last little detail of people's resource usage. We'd just give toss them out on the wind, give them to every group.

I don't want to play favorites. I don't want to have Shu stay up there in the Cord controlling it. I just want to change the starting conditions of the post-Crucible world a little bit, make them more favorable. If, after the fact, it turns out that the resources available to people aren't enough, well that sucks but we at least gave them more than nothing. And it wouldn't be any more a use of authority than any other thing we're adding to the starting conditions of the post-Crucible world. It's of the same moral character as getting rid of hostile Amalgams or restoring the ecosystem. A use of power, a decision made for the world, but one that is neutral at worst.

And the thing is, Shu deciding not to try to improve the starting conditions is still her deciding the fate of the world. The choice not to act is a choice all the same. Either way, Shu's choices will have huge repercussions, she can not recuse herself of the moral responsibility of accessing the Cord. Every decision she makes in regards to it, action and inaction alike, is her wielding control over humanity. So if we're stuck in that moral dilemma regardless, I'd at least like to do something to prevent gigadeaths.

>>4252686
no, im not implying anything, only responding to what you are implying and condoning with what you are saying.

any decision like that is still Shu deciding how resources should be distributed and what should be done beyond the bare necessity for there to even be a world at all, regardless of what you say or how its done. Shu might have to make a choice, but one is still her choosing how things should be done more over less, no matter how you slice it, and thats goes against what we have said we plan to do and what we should do. your acting like the context of both is the same when they are not. one is still her deciding more and dipping her toes further into how and what should be done over the other, and her deciding as little as possible is what we have both said we will do and the right thing to do. its not a moral dilemma, because not going any further than necessary fits what we have set our morals out as moreso, while doing even an 'aid package' is being hypocritical to what we said we would do once we are in that position. its still putting what Shu thinks of as enough in more weight over not, still putting more of what needs to be done or should be done in Shus hands than should be in anyones hands, even if only by a drop, its still a drop no one should have a right to have.

if this is what you wanted, then you shouldn't of ever agreed to this and should just vote for Shu going full god emperor, because its what you're wanting anyways.

>>4252703
Oh, you want to do this slippery-slope strawman bullshit some more? Okay. The logical extension of what you're implying and condoning is that we don't bring anyone back at all. If it's not acceptable to use power on a large scale, even for compassionate reasons, then we can't revive humanity. Because that's Shu deciding that humanity should exist. It's got nothing to do with wanting to do the right thing, it's her forcing her opinions and morality on the rest of the world. How dare she do that? It doesn't matter that the people want to be alive, power can't be ethically used to help people because the decision to help is a selfish one. Any decision other than inaction is a selfish one, when you have power.

If this is what you wanted, then you shouldn't have ever agreed to this and should just vote for Shu going full apathetic nihilist, because it's what you're wanting anyways.

>>4252713
oh fuck off with that strawman bullshit you utter fucking hypocrite.

no, Shu undoing the destruction of humanity that was done is not the same thing as her deciding to give an extra and unnatural boost to the world, just like how her choosing to save humanity from an imposed time limit is different than how she does it and how far she takes it. the fact you cannot understand this or how Context matters means your opinion is utterly worthless if you cannot understand even these basic concepts to decision making, nor how you cant seem to understand how scale matters.

there is a line of morality that is very arguable to not be entirely opinion based, and makes it irrelevant if its even selfish or not to do it. why? because you cannot even have a moral argument if there is no humanity in the first place, just like how if we do not make the ecosystem at least able to survive on its own, nothing else matters. but once we go beyond that, it DOES end up being simply based upon morality and opinions, because past that survival is already possible, so its only about how much we think people should struggle, weighed in against how much control we think Shu should have. but none of that matters if there is no humanity around for us to even make or not make a moral decision for. from there, its about undoing the lack of choice done to those people, and nothing else.

unlike you, nothing ive said hasn't backed up how ive voted for Shu or what im saying. the choice of Humanity existing or not is not a moral one, because there has to be a sentient race around in the first place for morals to matter. and even without that, at its base its Humanity as a species vs the Crucible as a species. you dont need morality at all to choose your own species survival over the other, thats just basic nature. we just happen to also be able to argue a moral reason behind it too, if we so desired.

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>>4252713
>>4252703
Both of you are arguing either in circles or intentionally taking both of each other's arguments and skewing them hard to make strawmen out of the other.

Stop it.

>>4252541
I understand your perspective on wanting to do something more than simply save the world and cut the planet's ties to the crucible, by advocating for Shu being an active participant in rebuilding. But I think this is where things get skewed between the two of you. And I know that you're worried about the super-long term problems such as reconstruction and rebuilding humanity. We get that. But that's a long ways away. We can't really plan that out if our doom is guaranteed by the Crucible happening right now. That problem can be left for the rest of Humanity to decide.

>>4252563 is arguing against using the God console to enforce those changes. He doesn't have any qualms in helping people out here and there. He's arguing the "bare minimum" is basically using the God console to stop the Crucible cycle and ensure that Earth and its inhabitants can have a chance of surviving post-crucible by taking care of the biggest problems first (Hunger system and the Crucible's set-up of forcing an eventual winner). That's his bare minimum requirements. However he is also arguing that he doesn't want to go any further than that when using the God Console because that just a huge invitation to the temptation of power abuse and corruption. He's not against long term planning, but what he is against is the abuse of power. Unless the people decide to entrust that power into Shu, we aren't going to use it as we know our moral limits.

But then the two of you began talking past each other and started making straw men. This is my perspective as to what's going on in this argument.

>>4252713
>>4252730
(Piggy-backing off what >>4252738 said, I believe you both have valid points. You're sticking to your guns, and I admire that greatly.)

(Now, continuing the argument would only serve to pit immovable forces against each other in my humble opinion. You're both heated, and you both have the [fictitious] future of humanity at the heart of your good intentions.)

(You're free to do as you like, though I will say that continuing doesn't seem like it'll change much, considering how passionate you both are about your individual points.)

>>4252738
>>4252764
Yeah, alright, I'll just drop it, then. You're right, no point in continuing, to be honest at this point I know that and I'm really just responding because I'm too emotionally invested not to. Sorry for cluttering up the thread with rancor.

>>4252738
>>4252764
yeah, fine. need to learn some people just cant be reasoned with and arent worth the effort.
sorry for filling the thread up with that nonsense.

>>4252769
>>4252773

No worries. It does bring up valid points and very serious moral problems which your arguments have highlighted for the rest of us to muse upon in our downtime. It also goes to show how well invested into this game we are.

>>4252769
>>4252773
(Hey, it's okay. You're both eloquent and passionate, and you're deeply invested in where you're coming from. I welcome the discourse, as long as it doesn't fall into the trap of going at each other on a personal level. I'm honestly honored to have that caliber of discussion arise from the story, almost as much as I appreciate you both being willing to take a step back.)

(Thank you both for everything you contribute, truly. Like >>4252783 said, I'm glad I've been able to inspire this level of investment with the Quest.)

>>4252657
>>4252661
amending to support >>4252665
instead, for one reason. his addition of zealotry is something id like to hear about. how far does the cult like Shu aspects go in the Furies? its been said to be there, but i am very interested how far they go and how they came about, due to the fact the Furies integrated into Charons group, over being formed within it.

(Gentlemen, I'll be wrapping up the next update when I get home. I hope everyone is doing well, one and all.)

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>>4253012
eh, tired as my sleep schedules kinda all over the place and the time i meant for a nap was used on other things, but could be worse.
hope your days going well though.

>>4253012
I got out of tech support hell..... Took me almost all my minutes i had on my phone but yeah i got out

So pretty great actually

I hope yours as well

>>4253012

Hey bhop. I've got a good song that I want to share with you. I think it'll really help set the mood/tone/stage for the final battle on the Cord's summit.

Just picture this:
Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiXiLtAeBt0
>Stage: Crucible's apex
>Scene: A grand eldritch throne sits at the center. The sun has been Eclipsed by the moon casting a celestial shadow over the throne, yet the coronal ring provides enough light to set an otherworldly mood. over the edge of the throne lies the planet's horizon, covered by the membrane that envelops the earth.
>Shu stands before the throne taking in the grand majestic view before heading towards the throne to topple it
>But before she can take another step. The Cord has one final defense. It summons it's last champion. The previous Mother. The last winner.
>A clash between old and new. Two opposing wills. One looking up at the encumbant in defiance, another looking down at the usurper in a downcast look of despair.
>No words are exchanged. A solemn look of respect is exchanged between the two. Both of them know they cannot walk way from this. Not unless one of them dies for it.
>The battle commences. The weight of aeons of a relentless cycle clashing against newborn defiance.
>All the while the world watches. the galaxy watches, the cosmos, the gods, all of time and space, standing still to view this insignificant spectacle given grand importance equal to the birth of everything and nothing.

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>>4252657

“I’d like to know how...zealous…the Furies are, in your opinion.” You begin, moving the discussion to more tactical matters. “I plan to address everyone as a whole before I leave here. It needs to be done, regardless of the consequences – but knowing just how carefully I need to tread would help.”

“Zealous? They’re a group of high-school and pre-teen girls that look up to you like you’re some sort of goddess. Does that answer your question?” Dimezza says with a wry laugh. “Seriously, Alecto and I understood where you were coming from with your interview, but as for the rest? I think they just saw you as saying that *they* had control. If you’re looking for them to get the big picture of everyone having a chance, then you’d have to make it exceedingly clear to them where you stand.”

“Do you think they’ll take it well?”

“That depends on what you’re going to say, exactly.” Dimezza admits after a moment’s hesitation. “If you phrase things to them the same way you phrased them to me, well…let’s just say putting on the kid gloves wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“I’d like for you to be by my side when I address everyone…if you’re up for it.” You forward, and Dimezza considers it for a moment before voicing her reply.

“Alright, as long as Alecto’s in the crowd to do some mitigation.” She relents. “She can do more on the ground than I can to help.”

“Speaking of whom, do you think I could speak with her? Only if she’s up for it, though.”

At that, Dimezza glances around her seat to see Dyna playing with the younger girl in the distance, engaged in what you can only assume to be some sort of Simon-Says-esque game if Dyna’s rapid fluctuations are any indication. The woman seated before you whispers something under her breath, and you see the vague, distant form of the younger girl pause. A second or two passes until Dimezza slowly turns back to you with a somewhat surprised expression.

“She actually is, yeah.” The woman replies, rising from her seat as you watch Alecto start towards you. “Look, Defiant…”

The taller woman looks to you, her golden eyes lacking the hard-edge from earlier. “…I appreciate you hearing me out. I came at you hard, and you stood your ground.”

“Likewise.” You reply with a smile, taking the hand she offers with a firm shake. “I hope we can work towards something good together.”

Dimezza places a gentle hand on Alecto’s shoulder with a light squeeze as the smaller girl gives her friend a subtle nod. Resuming her seat from earlier as Dimezza goes to speak with Dyna, Alecto pulls her hood back to look at you in full, a single dark brown eye staring out at you from beneath black bangs. The other socket is a mouth with tightly-gritted teeth, grinning out at you without expression.

(Continued)

>>4253238

“Thanks for being willing to talk.” You start with a warm smile, one that doesn’t seem to faze the girl at all. She just nods slowly, staring at you vacantly as you try to figure out what to say.

"I listened."

Her voice is soft, so soft that you almost don't catch her words before they're carried off by the chill breeze that whips across the blistered Fleshscape. You're about to ask for some clarification before a tilt of Alecto's head draws your eyes to Dimezza, in the distance.

"I see...and what did you think of what I said?"

She's quiet for a long moment, and then...

"I don't know."

With a shrug of her shoulders, she continues in that same, flat tone, devoid of intonation or inflection.

"I don't know what to think. I'm...." She trails off, searching for the right word. "...disappointed. Maybe."

"Okay...and why are you disappointed?"

"I don't think you've been hurt. Not like us. Not like me." She replies evenly, having not moved a muscle, except to nod towards Dimezza. "I thought you'd understand."

"I...I *do* understand, Alecto." You say, leaning forwards. "I understand how-"

"No. No, you don't." The young girl interrupts, without a hint of irritation. "If you did, you'd be mad, too. You'd be mad like Dimezza."

Her head tilts, slightly, as she adds-

"Like me."

"You're...angry?" Uzu says hesitantly. "Right now?"

Alecto nods.

"Always." She replies, quietly. "You gave up feeling what others feel. I thought you'd be stronger. I thought you'd open yourself to people. Not shut them out."

She shrugs, again.

"I thought you were stronger than me. But I know now that I'm stronger than you."

You're at a loss as Alecto stands up, staring down at you with that damnably vacant expression.

"Your speech will go fine. The Furies will listen. They won't get mad." She informs you coldly. "I'll just get stronger. So you don't need to worry."

"I...I don't understand, Alecto." You say, shaking your head.

"Are we done here?" She counters quietly, slowly slipping her hands in her pockets. "I am, if you are."

You blink in the face of this iscrutable girl, with a glance to Uzu indicating that she's completely taken off-guard by this whole bizarre interaction.

>>"Please, just...sit down. I want you to understand where I'm coming from, because I don't think you get what I'm trying to do."

>>"Alecto...what's wrong? I just want to understand where you're coming from, truly. Like I said with Dimezza, you don't have to hold anything back. I want to know how you feel...that's all."

>>"Alecto...what is it that you can do, exactly?"

>>Let her go. If she doesn't want to listen to how you really feel, then you can't force her to.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two-and-a-half hours. I do hope your day is going well, and my apologies for the delay in the update. Technical issues and literally a dozen small interruptions have been preventing me from updating for the better part of an hour and a half.)

>>4253260
>Sigh, stand up and put a soft, but firm hand on Alectos shoulder.
>"Please... Talk, really talk. none of... this, this side stepping and rushing past the point. I want to understand you, really understand where you're coming from and why you feel this way... but you're assuming i already have my mind made up without even letting me listen to your side of things."
>"...and you're also not giving me a fair chance to explain where im coming from either. not everyone needs to be told the same thing in the same way to understand it, and that goes for me just as much as you."
>"So... please. indulge me, if nothing else. tell me your story, what you believe, why you're disappointed."
>"And maybe then i can understand you better, and that'll let me help you to understand mine better too."
>"...but if not?"
>Let your hand fall, a sad smile on your face as you shrug, motion for the door.
>"Then its your choice, I only hope you know... Im more open to others than i ever was before, and maybe you'd give me the chance to let you understand why."

grah, yeah, this is exactly what i was gonna mention about what Dimezza said about the Furies looking up to us like a goddess. its not *just* a damned cut, its a cult of abused minors. whew, this and them are... not a fun situation. this is unintentional hero worship and indoctrination that honestly im not sure we can deal with, this feels like the type of stuff it takes years to undo and move on from... but i still think things need to be said here, im just starting to think we might just have to accept we're gonna hurt people here, and at best only plant the seed to help them move forward from all this.

>>4253129
(Oh, this sent chills up my spine. An excellent song, and a fantastic write-in, if I may say so.)

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>>4253265
oof, sorry to hear that, but hope they cleared up and you can relax a bit on your end.

>>4253288
(Ha, we'll see. I'm just sorry I kept you all waiting.)

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>>4253296
hey, its fine, you were busy.

also, congrats on making me frustrated to no end at a character in half an update.
If Alecto doesn't have a 'brick wall' ability i'll be sorely disappointed.

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>>4253260
>"Maybe i haven't. I am only a month old after all."
>"As such i ask you to talk to me? Not at me, not towards me and certainly not around me. I want you to talk to me about what your story is, what you belive and why you sound so disappointed."
>"And in return i will try to make my choice understandable for you as well."
>Open your arms as if to say look around
>"But if you dont want to? Its your choice not to talk or listen to me. I can only offer to listen or talk, i cant force you to do it like that power could have"
>"Because after loosing that power i finally feel like i can truly be close to someone again. If you let me i will explain why even if you sotn want to talk"

>>4253265
I am sorry to hear your day has been so ... questionable. I hope it improves.

Have a small aspect of the god of treachery and disease to improve your day by ruining the day of your enemies

>>4253313
You mean the 'No U' Teenager rebuttle?

>>4253260

I think Alecto is mad at us because of the fact that we cut-off our empathy powers. She seems fixated on strength as a result.

And if I were to infer from her reaction. She's disappointed from the fact that we don't feel her rage, that we aren't immersing ourselves in her pain. It's almost as if she was banking on the idea that Shu would use her empathy field and let Alecto infect Shu with her festering anger in order to synchronize and gain Shu's sympathy. Almost as if she's relying on power as a crutch to support her insecurities and anger.

>Take out a Neurojack and offer it to Alecto.
>"My empathy field may be neutered, but that doesn't stop me from trying to be more open to others and trying to feel what others feel. I want to know how you feel because I want to actively learn how you feel. Not passively through an empathy field.
>"You said I don't understand you. I WANT to understand you."
>"I'm giving you a chance to help me understand you. If words aren't your strong suit in communicating to others how you feel, then this may be a substitute."
>"But I want to say this, telling people you you feel by actively talking to them, actively communicating with them is far more engaging and empathizing. It helps me get to them and how they feel better, then it will help you too.
>"It's your choice. You can let me know how you feel through your words, your memories, and your feelings... Any of the above, All of the above. Talk it out, show me your feelings through the neurojack, help me learn and understand...or you can walk away disappointed."

>>4253282
Nobody said therapy can be solved simply by acquiring power. And that sort of mindset is what Alecto's gunning for. The problem with the Furies is that they're all sharing that mindset and almost believe that gaining power is the best solution to solving their past traumas. And from a person who's been through therapy sessions and seen psychologists, recovering from past traumas is not an easy quick-fix. it's a tedious process where I have the opportunity and chance to verbally let loose all of my frustrations and stress through words and talk out my problems. And when it's all said and done, the therapist writes down what I said and tries to help me move past my problems by collaborating with me and talking things out to figure out my hang ups and what I can do to move past them and grow.

>>4253284
I'm glad you liked it. I'm very attuned to music. much of the songs that I listen to are instrumentals or songs that I found from music videos.

>>4253313
>>Have a small aspect of the god of treachery and disease to improve your day by ruining the day of your enemies

(Both the image and the sentence speak to me on a spiritual level. Nicely done.)

>>4253313
(Anytime. For every time that Rath is great, Gina is flirty, or Amara is adorable, there will be an equivalent exchange of sometimes justified dickery somewhere in the Fleshscape.)

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>>4253331
Ah yes-yes Skaven always good-best cure for man-things bad-worse day

I thought it would. I always about using this picture in my writing but i instead used this one

>>4253317
im not sure Shus age really matters here. again, Shu didn't lose context of the world before, and hot damn, Shu has been through more in her life than most ever would, hell, even compared to a ton if not most Crucible contenders she has been through the wringer, both emotionally and physically. shes even been in positions where she cant do anything physically, aswell as suffered from mental abuse.

im not gonna say its the same still of course, only i dont think her age has anything to do with it nor is Shu lacking in any context to suffering on a personal level.

>You mean the 'No U' Teenager rebuttle?
hah, she should probably have both honestly.

>>4253326
eh, im not sure i agree with using Neuromancy here. it just feels like it confirming her thoughts and viewpoint that we were weak for and that giving up the Empathic Field was a mistake. jumping at all to using it just feels like all it is doing is confirming everything she is thinking, even if only in her eyes over literally.

>Furies
well yeah, i agree. dont think i said they were right acquiring power would solve things here? i was more of saying the Furies and their problems are deep, deeper than i think can be solved here, over only setting the foundation for it.

>>4253331
well, i only hope we can get through to Alecto... though if my suspicions are correct she has done something to herself, it might be literally impossible.
...and she would also be a hypocrite, which would only add to the frustrations.

>>4253346
(Good Lord, the Skaven are so blasted cool. It reminds me of back in my Magic the Gathering days, where I ran a Nezumi/Rat deck that infuriated everyone I played with.

>>4253260
Amendign vote from >>4253317
to
>"Like you said. Maybe i don't understand."
>"As such i ask you to talk to me? Not at me, not towards me and certainly not around me. I want you to talk to me about what your story is, what you belive and why you sound so disappointed."
>"And in return i will try to make my choice understandable for you as well."
>Open your arms as if to say look around
>"But if you dont want to? Its your choice not to talk or listen to me. I can only offer to listen or talk, i cant force you to do it like that power could have"
>"Because after loosing that power i finally feel like i can truly be close to someone again. If you let me i will explain why even if you sotn want to talk"

>>4253356
They have quite a few cool concepts with their warpstone technology. While i dont collect them i have faced them on the tabletop.... They can be frustrating to deal with......
Teleportshenanigans and quite a few good spells and abilities taht can make them absolutely deadly

anyways i should head to bed.....

what with public transportation not really beign an option right now i have to get to work on my wiredonkey(read bike)

And i should go to sleep now to at elast get like 6 hours of sleep.

As such Good Night OP

Good Night Anons

>>4253372
(Sleep well, and get some good rest.)

>>wire donkey
(Pfhaha, oh, that's great.)

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>>4253372
night Anon.
dont let the construct bedbugs devour you whole!

>>4253260
>>Write-In
>"Why'd you agree to talk to me, Alecto? I don't think it was just to tell me you were disappointed and not give any context. That's just wasting both our time"
>"I think you've got a lot to say, Alecto. A lot of ideas you want to express, or else you wouldn't have bothered speaking to me. And I'd like to hear them. Maybe you're right, maybe I'm doing this wrong, so please, tell me.
>"Of course, ultimately it's up to you. It's not my right to go battering down your barriers and force you to talk to me.
>"That's why I got rid of my empathic field, actually. It wasn't because I didn't want to empathize anymore. It's because it was starting to become invasive, force that connection. It was a violation."
>"I don't want to do that to anyone. So if you don't want to talk, that's fine. Just know that I want to listen."

>>4253372
Good night, anon. Sleep well, don't let the cablemule bite.

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>>4253356
Ikit claw set the bar for me to be honest when it comes to Warhammer Fantasy. Of all the races to marvel at, a race of constantly backstabbing man-sized rats who somehow are savvy enough to turn raw magic into nuclear fuel and ammunition is probably the best kind of batshit insane.

They even made a Space rocket and fooled everyone into thinking it was a comet.

>>4253387
hrm... thats a good point on the Empathic Field, and im not even against it, my only thought is explaining how it could be an invasion of privacy, and even result in purposeful or accidental abuse of others might help us to help her understand us greatly let her know even if she sees it as a tool of connection others might be hurt by it, even traumatized, and her view isnt the one that matter or way it would be perceived. would help us to counter balance her argument too, depending on how she puts it.

only thing is, I dont think going hard on the details here is a good idea until we convince her to talk and we listen to her first, but without deeper context i feel like the impact is lost a bit and it might be using it up as ammunition too early and without enough powder behind it maybe.

>>4253404
>>4253387
It's a good point with the empathy field, but the first thing we have to do before explaining ourselves is to first convince Alecto to come to the table and have us and her come to an understanding. Only after we have her come to the table and have her talk her feelings out do we explain to her our reasons for cutting off the empathy field.

>>4253409
yeah, my hangup with mentioning it now too.
like i said earlier i dont think using or suggesting Neuromancy is a good idea either though.

>>4253404
>>4253409
Fair points, this might not be the point in time to say it. I do want to bring up respect for boundaries, though. I feel like it's important to know that we don't feel like we have a right to an explanation, that we want to know more but the power is in her hands here.

>>4253417
sure.

>>4253260
>>4253282
Amending;
>Sigh, stand up and put a soft, but firm hand on Alectos shoulder.
>"Please... Talk, really talk. none of... this, this side stepping and rushing past the point. I want to understand you, really understand where you're coming from and why you feel this way... but you're assuming i already have my mind made up without even letting me listen to your side of things."
>"...and you're also not giving me a fair chance to explain where im coming from either. not everyone needs to be told the same thing in the same way to understand it, and that goes for me just as much as you."
>"So... please. indulge me, if nothing else. tell me your story, what you believe, why you're disappointed."
>"And maybe then i can understand you better, and that'll let me help you to understand me better too."
>"...but if not?"
>Let your hand fall, a sad smile on your face as you shrug, motion for the door.
>"Then its your choice, and ill Respect your boundaries. If it doesn't feel right, if you're not comfortable opening up to me even a little bit... then i understand, and i wouldn't want to put any undue stress on you."
>"I only hope you know... Im more open to others than i ever was before, and maybe you'd give me the chance to let you understand why."

>>4253260
Amending my vote >>4253326 to

>Sigh, stand up and look at Alecto with a soft gaze.
>"Then why'd you agree to talk to me, Alecto? I don't think it was just to tell me you were disappointed and not give any context. That's just wasting both our time"
>"I think you've got a lot to say, Alecto. A lot of ideas you want to express, or else you wouldn't have bothered speaking to me. And I'd like to hear them. Maybe you're right, maybe I'm doing this wrong, so please, tell me."
>Raise your arms and spread them out in an open gesture to beckon to Alecto.
>"Please... Talk, really talk. none of... this, this side stepping and rushing past the point."
>"You said I don't understand you. This is my first time meeting you. I WANT to understand you."
>"I want to understand, to really learn more about you, where you're coming from, and why you feel this way..."
>Let your hands drop in disappointment. Look down.
>"But you're refusing to give me that chance."
>"You think I'm refusing to understand you...If you think I'm refusing your chance to make me understand you..."
>Look up at Alecto again, raise one hand out to offer as an open handshake, with another gesturing towards the table.
>"Then here's your a second chance here."
>"All you need to do is to sit down at the table and simply talk. And I'll listen."
>"So... please. indulge me, if nothing else. tell me your story, what you believe, why you're disappointed."
>"You can let me know how you feel through your words, your memories, and your feelings in a manner that makes you feel comfortable... Any of the above, All of the above. Talk it out, Help me learn and understand you..."
>"And maybe then i can understand you better, and that'll let me help you to understand mine better too."
>"...but if you refuse?"
>A sad smile on your face as you shrug, motion for the door.
>"Then its your choice, I only hope you know... I'm more open to others than i ever was before, and maybe you'd give me the chance to let you understand why."

>>4253448
eh... i dislike this. expanded it way too much, with some stuff it didnt need, and also i dont like the pity party Shu is throwing for herself in the middle there at all. wouldn't like it normally, but within the current context that just feels wickedly out of place and even maybe manipulative, if it doesn't cause outright backlash instead.

>>4253453
Fair point of criticism.

>>4253444
I'll generally support this write-in, but what's bothering me is the write-in to put a hand on Alecto's shoulder. I'm conflicted by it because while the gesture is good in that it shows that we are generally trying to show that we want to understand and that we're not done with Alecto, the gesture itself may illicit a bad reaction out of Alecto as physical contact with traumatized people tends to provoke a violent coping mechanism.

>>4253467
Yeah, that's a good point. We should respect her personal space boundaries as well as her social ones.

>>4253467
hrm, fair criticism in return. think it might work if we put it further in, warm her up to the idea first? if not, im fine removing that bit. she felt like deep down she needed a hug as it was, but yeah i can understand if its too early or we need to work our way up to that if even a shoulder pat is at all possible.

just cant be at the end though if we do keep it, wouldn't make sense to put the options on the table then hold her in place, even temporarily or even if thats not what the gesture means.

>>4253475
What if we wrote it in a way that we slowly approached her while we talk? see how sensitive Alecto is to her personal boundaries. See if she's receptive to a personal gesture like a hug or a pat on the shoulder if she lets us and respectfully back off at the first sign of resistance or skittishness.

I understand that you have the hunch that Alecto is in dire need of a hug, but lets treat the gesture carefully.

>>4253492
hrm, maybe... only issue is its pretty hard to kinda write it in a way thats either-or, and even if we back off, trying at all might make her too uncomfortable.

>>4253444
>>4253260
Amending again;

>Take a deep breath, and stand up and meet Alectos gaze with a genuine and compassionate, but concerned look.
>"Alecto, please dont just brush this off. You came in here for a reason, and i dont think thats all it really was about..."
>"Please... Talk, really talk. none of... this, this side stepping and rushing past the point. I want to understand you, really understand where you're coming from and why you feel this way... but you're assuming i already have my mind made up without even letting me listen to your side of things."
>"...and you're also not giving me a fair chance to explain where im coming from either. not everyone needs to be told the same thing in the same way to understand it, and that goes for me just as much as you."
>"So... please. indulge me, if nothing else. tell me your story, what you believe, why you're disappointed."
>"And maybe then i can understand you better, and that'll let me help you to understand me better too."
>"...but if not?"
>Let your hand fall, a sad smile on your face as you shrug, motion for the door.
>"Then its your choice, and ill Respect your boundaries. If it doesn't feel right, if you're not comfortable opening up to me even a little bit... then i understand, and i wouldn't want to put any undue stress on you."
>Offer her a hand, to gently lead her back to the chair, or give her a shake goodbye, if shes unwilling to stay. if she doesn't accept it either way, resorting to a wave to either direction will do.
>"I only hope you know... Im more open to others than i ever was before, and maybe you'd give me the chance to let you understand why."

still really unsure about even a handshake offer like this, but its that or nothing, and ill accept if people think nothing works better.

>>4253492
The sense I get from what little we've seen of Alecto so far is that she's definitely the sort of person who can't admit what they need. The sort of child, rather, she's how old? But yeah, between her age and what trauma she's suffered, I don't think she's able to express the level of vulnerability needed to acknowledge that they feel bad. She'll just get stronger, then what she's feeling won't bother her anymore, she's got a solution, stop pushing. There isn't a problem, don't treat her like she's got a problem.

Also, I just had a chilling thought: If it hadn't been Isabel, Ozmas would have tried to go after one of these girls to body-snatch. Abuse victims that she thinks she can psychologically manipulate by preying on their need for comfort and their inability to acknowledge that need? Yeah, the Furies would have been her next target, I think. Isabel was just more convenient, she was closer and the drama around the time of Almath gave Ozmas a ready hook to try to manipulate.

>>4253517
yeah, possibly, though that depends on how much they knew about Mothers true intentions, which may of been alot actually, from what Dimezza said. they formed the Furies before we came around really, and said they figured out the truth more or less pretty early on.

still though, lets be honest, the Furies are at that age it sounds like where everyone is an idiot, with abuse sprinkled on top. would still be a dubious situation, yeah.

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>>4253260

You rise from your seat, holding Alecto's gaze as you speak, each word chosen with utmost care.

"Alecto, please don't just brush this off." You begin gingerly. "You came in here for a reason, and I don't think that's all it was about...so, please, Alecto - talk. Really, truly talk. None of this...side stepping and rushing past the point. I want to understand you, *really* understand where you're coming from and why you feel this way. But it feels like you're assuming I already have my mind made up without even letting me listen to your side of things."

Alecto's just as expressionless as before, but her body language has shifted. Her hands are still in her pockets, but as she tilts her slight frame towards you just a hair, you get the sense that she's listening to you.

For now, at least.

"And you're also not giving me a fair chance to explain where I'm coming from, either. Not everyone needs to be told the same thing in the same way to understand it, and that goes for me just as much as you."

"Okay." She says flatly, her one-word-response noncommittal.

"So, please. Indulge me, if nothing else. Tell me your story, what you believe, and why you're disappointed." You gently plead. "Maybe then I can understand you better, and that'll let me help you to understand me better too...but if not?"

Letting your hand fall to your side, you fix the girl with a small, sad smile.

"Then it's your choice, and I'll respect your boundaries. If it doesn't feel right, or if you're not comfortable opening up to me even a little bit? Then I understand, and I wouldn't want to put any undue stress on you. I only hope you know that I'm more open to others than I ever was before, and maybe you'd give me the chance to let you understand why."

Alecto tilts her head an inch to one side, as if in curiosity. She stays that way for a long moment, and when she moves again, you think it's to leave until she withdraws one hand to reach up and push back her hood. Her hair is a dark, greasy affair, thoroughly unkempt and messy after having been concealed within the garment for who knows how long. You catch a glimpse of a mouthful of gritted teeth at the nape of her neck as she shakes out her hair, a light grinding noise filling the air as she moves to sit down once more.

"Dimezza earned my story...but if you want to understand my disappointment, then that's fine." She begins as you strain to hear her words even now, seated a mere two meters away. "I know how I feel. I know how the Furies feel. Every single one of them. I feel their rage. Their hurt. Their fury. Their fire. I feel all of that from them, but in you, it's...different. Like it's dying. Like it's just embers. You're just...tired, almost."

Well...you can't exactly argue the 'tired' part, but you hold your tongue as the young girl continues.

(Continued)

>>4253604

"If you'd been hurt like we had, then I'd feel it. I could get stronger, if you felt like we did. But I'm not getting anything from you. That's why I'm disappointed. The Furies, Dimezza, even me...I can keep it all right here." She says, tapping a spot between her chest and her stomach. "I can get stronger from it all, but you...you don't have anything but these sparks of something that doesn't taste like what we have, deep down."

Wait.

...Taste?

"Stronger...you said that earlier." You say slowly, sharing a glance with Uzu as her eyes widen, just a fraction. "Alecto...what are your powers, exactly?"

"Conduit." She replies calmly, allowing her arm to rest on that of the chair. "Hybridized Gluttonous at the same time that Dimezza combined her Gluttonous with Predator. My Core lets me use what I feel and force it on others. Make them understand. Now? Well...I can feel their anger, too. Not just my own. I can feel it. Touch it. Taste it..."

Suddenly, every mouth on her body except the one on her face grinds their teeth with barely-constrained rage.

"...and eat it."

Her flat tone. Her expressionless facade. Her vacant expression.

It's no act.

It's just a plate, wiped clean.

"I can eat it all, even my own. It just makes me stronger." She explains. "The Furies...I don't take all of what they have. They need it to keep going. It's the fire that keeps them alive. Keeps them fighting. But I can keep them calm, with this. And I can make sure all that strength doesn't go to waste."

You blink, as the full, terrible reality of what Alecto's doing hits you full-force.

"You're...you're eating their emotions. Their rage." You say, not so much a question as a statement of sobering fact. "But the Hunger, won't it-?"

"Dimezza said she could handle the fire." Alecto interrupts. "She can, because I can. It's not a burden. It's fuel. I keep it all in me. It's my secret weapon. So when I said that the Furies would listen to your speech...I meant it. They don't know what I'm doing, and that's fine. I'm like Dimezza. I keep my promises, and I look after people that hurt. Really, truly hurt."

Orwell. Her hybrid allows her to feed on attention, on the goodwill of her viewers...but this? This girl's a repository of indignation, an bottomless pit of hatred that she's siphoned off of herself and others. Alpha was a literal bomb, but Alecto?

She has the potential to be so, so much worse.

>>"Alecto...I *am* angry. Just because I don't hate the same way you do doesn't mean that I'm not hurting over what's been done to me or my family. Hurt comes in all different shades, or flavors, so to speak - it's not all the same."

>>"...Does Dimezza even know you're doing this?"

>>"Alecto...that's not your burden to bear. That's...if you think anger and heartbreak is so vital to existence, to strength, then aren't you robbing the Furies of something that's rightfully theirs?"

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>4253623
She's a sin-eater. Lovely. Oh, I don't even know where to start with this girl.

>>4253623
Damn. To think Alecto is almost the same as Kanna. To carry such a heavy burden. She's a trooper yet at the same time what she's doing is unnecessary.

>>4253629
This reminds me of an old aspect of League of legends with a champion named Renekton. His job was to ward off intruders and consume the wicked, only for the wickedness to infect his mindset. And eventually Renekton became wicked himself because he was seeped in so much sin that he's completely become someone else.

(Gentlemen, I am considering pausing here for the evening, given how exhausted I am at current. For now, I'll leave voting open for the next twelve hours, with posting to resume tomorrow at approximately 2:00PM Eastern time...barring any workplace associate deciding to dump conspiracy theories on me for two hours straight. Thank you all for your patience, participation, and kindness, and I'll be around for the remainder of the evening as I attempt to get to bed at a decent time.)

(I wish you all a restful evening, and take care.)

>>4253651
That sounds good. I've got to go get started on dinner, anyway, so that works for me. Have a nice evening, BHOP, I hope you get some rest. See you tomorrow.

>>4253629
>>4253642
>>4253510
(Also, I'll be completely frank - you all were on a razor's edge as far as the vote went, because touching Alecto or violating her personal space in any way would've resulted in a Phantasmal AoE that would've been absolutely devastating...if not to you, then to anyone within a considerable radius. I was watching the voting unfold with bated breath.)

>>4253661
Good thing we realized not to. I wasn't thinking about it in terms of threat to us, just not wanting to have her freak out, but still good that treating the traumatized child with decency allowed us to avoid a horrible fate. It's always nice when treating people with decency has immediately practicable real world benefits.

>>4253623
>"Alecto... Its not like that."
>"That anger? even hate you feel? you feed off of? I HAVE felt that before, i HAVE felt that pain..."
>"But i CHOSE to let go of it, to move on from it. to heal, to use that fire to move on and help others, over letting it stew or consume me."
>"Im not weak for moving on from it Alecto, im stronger than ive ever been, stronger than i ever could of been if i had let it be all that guided me forward."
>"That part of me? those ideas you and the Furies came to admire? if i had held onto my anger, my pain, let it consume me... those wouldn't exist, those grew from me using that heat to forge something new, something better, over burning everything down."

>Sigh, and get to the real crux of the issue put forth.
>"Alecto... you cant keep eating their anger, their hate. not without their consent. its wrong. its terrible. its stealing a part of them, its tearing a chunk of who they are out, choosing for them what is best, instead of letting them decide what to do with it."
>"...its abusing their trust Alecto, its abusing their emotions, their hate, its doing exactly to them what you so wish to get justice from others for."

>Meet her eyes, letting a sternness, an unmoving and unwavering conviction aimed sorely at her.
>"I got rid of my Empathic Field because it was invasive. it gave those id use it on no choice in what they revealed to me, no choice as to what was said, what was hidden."
>"It was abusive, or so so easily so. it left no room for choice, no room for privacy. it too easily would allow me to manipulate and twist others as i saw fit. I got rid of it not to cut people off Alecto, but because i couldn't dare ask them to open up to me while i had such a power to hold over their heads."
>"..and you're doing exactly to those girls what i feared i may do to my family."
>Sigh, and let your emotions wane, let your compassion back in.
>"Alecto... i get it. i understand you're only trying to help... but this isnt how you do it, this isnt right. those girls, they need help, they need to find a way to let their fire become something beautiful, something warm to heal and lead others... or they need a release, to let it burn until it no longer is strong enough to hurt them."
>"All you're doing is dragging out their pain, all you're doing is not giving them the chance. i know they hurt, i know they are in pain..."
>"But you help them, you help that fire becomes something useful, over tearing it out of them."
>"you need to trust them, just as much as they trust you. you need to be honest with them, let them have their choice, their freedom, over choosing for them the right path."
>"Isnt that what you're here for? why you call came here? to help, not to subdue. to give back choice, not take it away like so many did to you and your friends."

(1/2)

>>4253670
>>4253623
>"Alecto... ive been abused. my first friend in the Crucible lied to me, hid info from me, and expected me to bend to her every whim and want. she then nearly took everyone i cared about away from me."
>"A woman i looked up to, a hero of the Crucible... every step i take, i learn more and more about how far over the line, how much she manipulated people, how much she left on my shoulders without my consent or knowledge."
>"and.. another friend. she lied, she abused my trust, she used my love for her to get an opening, and went to hurt others. she stabbed me in the back and told me to move on from it."
>"I know pain, i know anger Alecto... but i dont let it consume me. i dont let the pain be a wound that wont heal. i use it to help others, to grow, to try and prevent others pain."

>"I... I cant sit by and let you rob choice, rob those poor girls of even more of themselves after the worlds taken so much from them. please... think about what you're doing, really LOOK at it."
>"Its not right, it wont help, all it does is drag out the pain, the inevitability of it all. it doesn't help the root of the problem, doesn't help them come to term or move on at their core."
>"You dont have to do this Alone. you dont have to take on their or your own burdens by yourself. let them help you Alecto, truly help you, just as you want to help them. theres other ways, softer ways..."
>"Hasn't the world had enough rough edges, enough fists raised? please... let them go, let them find their own path... help them find a softer way forward... and let them help you find it too."
>"...because if you dont... then its not just a matter of time before that anger, that hate? starts to turn you into what you wish to destroy... no... you're already past that line and becoming it... but its not too late to step back over."

(2/2)

>>4253651
hey, if you need your rest, take it. please, have a good night, and hope its restful.

also, were they at least interesting conspiracy theories?

>>4253661
yeah, i thought that was a bad idea, glad we backed off on it.

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>>4253661
Goddammit bhop. Shit is super tense as is and now you gleefully reveal the mines you've planted in the field while showing us the measuring tape of how close our margin of error was?

Have a pile of Amara look-alikes.

>>4253672
>>4253664

I'm glad that my hunch was correct and raised the issue.
I'm also glad that we followed through on that hunch.
I'd like to congratulate ourselves, but we're only the half-way point in dealing with the cult. We have this, then the Vigilants, and then the big breaking speech/Hannibal lecture for everyone.

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well, i need to catch some sleep dangit.
was hoping to be around for any discussion here, but we'll see what happens i suppose. hopefully ill be up on the back end of things i suppose.
though knowing me ill probably be up super early in the morning, damn my night-owl tendencies.

hope everyone has a nice afternoon regardless though.

>>4253671
>>4253670
I've got some issues with this write-in: mainly telling Alecto she's crossed the line. The bit at the end saying it's not too late to step back over seems to soften the blow, but it doesn't really help but give the sense that she's already been condemned to her fate.

We're trying to help Alecto gain perspective, telling her that she's crossed the point of becoming the monster she wished to destroy sounds downright cruel, but we need to draw for her another line to give her a better sense of perspective.

It's true that Alecto's already abusing the trust and consent of the other Furies through her powers, but it doesn't feel like she's crossed the line of "going for broke" / passed the horizon threshold. She knows what she's doing is helping in the short term and knows right from wrong, which is good, but it also means she's not completely gone yet.

I think conveying:
>zone of non-abuse || Moral line of abuse || Alecto || Moral line of no return || Point of No return

Would help Alecto immensely.