RP - House

EN can sense Tae's frustration with continuing to not be that good at aiming. She decides it might be good to have a break from target practice for a while, chuckling as she slings a target one more time, then wanders over closer to Taeda once again.

"Ah'd say yer doin' pretty okay fer someone who jus' got those guns, like... minutes ago. Ah reckon... hmm... Lead th' blesster like ya'd lead a normal spell, an' as fer th' other gun those bullets are prolly travelin' at th' speed o' sound so don't worry 'bout it when yer up close."

She chuckles, one hand twitching like she wanted to headpat Taeda but refrained due to not knowing if that's considered lewd on this planet or not. Probably for the best. She then continues speaking after a moment, her voice gaining the slightest bit of concern.

"Sides tha'... well, ah can tell ya seem t' be gettin' a tad frustrated wit' 'ow thin's 're goin'. Maybe we oughta take a break fer a bit. Or 'ave a drink. Got a couple spare brews."

EN grins, holding out a Chairian Brew to Taeda in offering.


RP - farm

With the battle over, Verdana brushes off his shirt despite not needing to do so, then poses proudly before remembering that the rebels kind of already blew up the farm and made off with Echoss.

"...Right, they made off with him. Not that that's a worry, it's not like anyone is both very attached to him and also isn't aware that he'll probably just respawn safely back at the house if ki-"

He cuts off immediately when he sees Omorika doing a faceplant in the dirt nearby, then wanders over and crouches down beside her. After a moment of hesitation, he reaches out to gently pat her upper back with one hand, glowing softly with what he hopes is a comforting red light.

"There there. Don't be so hard on yourself. For one thing, nobody could really have stopped that happening, except maybe me if I could see anything properly through that annoying smoke, but I couldn't see anything properly through that annoying smoke so that's kind of a moot point. For another, he'll be fine. He's, like. A hivemind of butterflies or something, from what I've seen of him. I wouldn't be surprised if he just deleted that body the moment he couldn't trick the rebels into feeding him any more free information."

After saying all that, Verdana contemplates things, then gently pulls gravity upwards, trying to help Omorika get back on her feet.

"And two more things. One, you're way more valuable to us too, since it'd be... really bad if we lost you. Two... the dirt doesn't look like a comfy place to nap. You could rest on Couchtron for a bit if you want."


RP - somewhere

Calibri approaches Chloe. He's apparently viewing a list of things in the inventory while doing so.

"Heya. Looks like we ran out of some things, probably due to EN dumping a lot of materials into building a tank that we can't even be entirely sure is allied with us. So, like. We need more... uh..."

Beat.

"Silver Ingots and Platinum Ingots. And I suppose silver gears could be on the list too. And maybe like one other type of thing, if you can think of anything we desperately need more of. So, like... Wanna go out together?"

Beat. Cue heavy embarrassment from Calibri as he remembers what the words he just said could mean.

"Wait, let me rephrase. Bad choice of words there. Uh. Um. Like. Go out to harvest things. And I'd like to tag along. Partially because you're nice to hang out with, partially for protection, partially just... me having nothing else to do right now."

Another beat.

"Wow, I'm bad at humaning."

<ROUND TWO-HUNDRED AND ELEVEN>
JOE decides to reinforce the farm! He plants some Manabloom Seeds (let's say 8) fused with Psychoid Leaves (also 8), and then does some magical stuff to make them produce Illusory Traps! He then does... something(?) with some rock pillars, as well as 8 Shock Crystals and 2 Shimmering Clusters. This creates two... electric crystal laser sentries? Yeah. Sure.

He then decides to loot weaponry from the Rebels. This yields 20 Assorted Chairian Weapons. One of the Rebels swears under their breath. RIP in kill that one person's plan.

---

Echoss notes he hasn't been around for dinner. Chloe gives him a pat on the back.

CHLOE: Aw, you poor thing!
CHLOE: I can't believe you've missed Marron's cooking!
CHLOE: I'll tell her to give you an extra helping of... whatever it is we're having tonight, alright?
CHLOE: Or maybe you could ask her yourself?

CHLOE: ...Does she like you? I dunno.
CHLOE: She's kinda prickly, y'know? Like a cactus.
CHLOE: The most tsundere of plants.

Echoss then pauses, as he notes the farm might be under attack. Chloe sighs.

CHLOE: ...Really? What would somebody want with the farm of all things!?
CHLOE: Maybe they're hungry? I doubt that Manabloom makes a good stack, though.
CHLOE: I'd help, but I'm pretty busy with what's going on in the catacombs at the moment.

In the house meanwhile, both Mari and Echoss continue to patch up the walls. 30 Refined Wood later, and it seems that they've done a good job of finishing repairs! Mari recalls her drones.

MARI: Alright, guess we're done here.
MARI: What next? I mean, I guess we need a new door, but... that's about it, really.

The Sleuth is then commissioned to go and find a Shackled. He nods, plugs in the nearest window, and jumps through it. He returns moments later with a dead Shackled... and some Scan Data!

>Codex Updated!

Then, in the middle of the Rebel Duneyrr, Echoss decides to answer Linseed's questions. He silently listens to his responses. In response, he gets little more than a nod.

LINSEED: Noted.
LINSEED: That was a test to see if you were cooperative or not.

LINSEED: Now, answer me.
LINSEED: State the location of any facilities your faction makes use of.
LINSEED: If any locations you state are later determined to be false, you will be scarred.

To make a point, he allows a few droplets of burning oil to drip from his sword-hilt-flamethrower-things.

LINSEED: Understand?

LINSEED: ...I will divulge to you that as a whole, us Rebels are being rather pressed for time.
LINSEED: Sources indicate that the Sphere itself may be fundamentally unstable... but I'm sure you know all about that, don't you?
LINSEED: Don't waste our time. That is all.

...There is no time for games. Or I mean, you have plenty of time for games, but this is serious business.

---

Toast and Marron finish Movie Night! The sorceress sits up, and asks if Marron can try and help her get rid of her crystal arm. The puppeteer nods.

MARRON: Yeah, of course!
MARRON: I'm not sure what to do exactly, but while you were out...

Marron reaches into her own secret inventory page, and pulls out a small blue bottle labelled "MARRON THIS IS NOT FOOD DO NOT CONSUME". She pops it open to give Toast a gentle whiff- it immediately numbs her nose! Fortunately for her, the sensation fades soon enough.

MARRON: Anesthetic!
MARRON: Ette bought this stuff at the big ol' Temmie Supermarket down Nightmare Mountain, and now we get it supplied to us from Chaos!
MARRON: So, when we find whatever the hell we're gonna cut your arm of with, you won't feel a thing!

MARRON: ...Also, don't question the label, alright? Nothing weird happened with the bottle.
MARRON: Nothing.
MARRON: ...Maaaaybe I was tired one lonely day before I met you, and mixed this into my tea instead of sugar or honey.
MARRON: Maybe. I'm not saying I did, but...

Marron trails off.

MARRON: S-So... any ideas?
MARRON: I'm thinking that maybe Irongutta's big ol' axe waifu thing could lob it off with a single strike, maybe?
MARRON: The problem would be getting that oaf to not accidentally axe like, your skull... or the wrong arm.

It's a complicated process, it seems. Also, Nettle commissions Marron for the Singing Ring. She quietly takes 100 Credits from the reality-destroying Chairian, throws them at Chaos, then steals a ring that looks suspiciously like the Singing Ring while he's busy picking them up. Singing Ring get!

---

Venia picks up Maria, thus allowing the Sleuth to apologize to her.

THE SLEUTH: The detective clears his throat, a loud, ragged cough leaving his mouth.
THE SLEUTH: He speaks as calmly as he can, as to not alarm the small person. "Hello there, Maria. I am the Sleuth."
THE SLEUTH: "I have come to reconstruct diplomatic relations between our personas."
THE SLEUTH: Although he cannot remember much of what he's supposedly done to scare the small person, the decision is made to own up to it anyway. "I am sorry for whatever harm I may have brought upon you as a result of my actions."
THE SLEUTH: "As proof of this, I bestow upon you a rare confectionery delight."

He takes off his hat, then shakes it. Four pieces of candy corn fall out into his hands. The candy is then given to Maria. The Sleuth then pulls out a large bag of candy corn, and shoves more pieces under his hat. You never know when you might need it.

THE SLEUTH: The Sleuth, if he were not so hardboiled, would grin at his diplomatic prowess.
THE SLEUTH: "Are these reparations acceptable for you, lady Maria?"
CHLOE: You do know she's seven, right?
CHLOE: She probably didn't understand a word you just said.
THE SLEUTH: The Sleuth begins to think to himself. Was there something wrong with his message?
THE SLEUTH: Perhaps he would need to find a different way to deal with small people...

Venia then decides to go and examine the infernal deathtrap room- or at least, its representation in Bass's mind. She finds... a blazing hellpit. And, like the previous room she's in, there are elements of a theater. Of course, it's mostly on fire, but an usher helps take Venia to one of the seats, anyway. It seems that the performance tonight is taking place within the eternal fires of hell itself.

Today, Bass's hood seems to be off. There's really not much to say about his appearance. He's quite unremarkable in terms of appearance- one might call him a generic NPC. Or perhaps there's something to be said about his plainness, and short foliage. The fire seems to dim slightly, despite roaring as big as ever. The show's about to begin! A stone tablet is rolled onto the scene, and Bass lies down upon it.

BASS: so, uh
BASS: why am i here again

Another cultist walks in, with a vial of Fluxblood.

DOCTOR CULTIST: IT'S TIME
DOCTOR CULTIST: FOR THE PROCEDURE
DOCTOR CULTIST: THE INITIATION PROCEDURE
BASS: cool cool mr. doctor cultist
BASS: although why do i need to be on this ominous stone tablet
DOCTOR CULTIST: REASONS
DOCTOR CULTIST: LIKE THIS

Wooden shackles suddenly morph around Bass's arms and legs. He immediately begins to struggle against the restraints, panic beginning to overtake him.

BASS: Wait, w-why are you doing this?
BASS: I thought this wasn't a serious thing!
BASS: I didn't think this was a real-gorilla goddamn cult!
DOCTOR CULTIST: HUH? WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT?
BASS: I thought this was like, a front for a fun, sorta crazy club!
BASS: Who in their right mind WOULD run a serious cult dedicated to worshiping a god of destruction?

BASS: ...Wait, wait, wait.
BASS: You're not in your right mind, are you.
DOCTOR CULTIST: NOPE!
BASS: Ah.

BASS: To quoth the raven.
BASS: oh gorilla please no

Mr. Doctor Cultist's splits open, and two large tendrils of flesh(?) promptly pry Bass's mouth open. The bottle of Fluxblood is then not so much poured into Bass's mouth as much as it is yeeted at his head, shattering against him, covering his face with glass. Fluxblood pours into his mouth. And, despite his mouth being help wide open, and his throat being full of fluids... he cannot stop screaming.

BASS: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
DOCTOR CULTIST: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?
BASS: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
DOCTOR CULTIST: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

BASS: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNND that's the end of our show!
BASS: Be sure to attend our next performance, folks!

A crowd materializes around the theater once more, the blazing crowd furiously slamming their hands together, creating a weird clacking sound because Chairian hands clapping together probably sounds different. Venia once again, is escorted out of the room by an usher. She also finds that she has unwittingly obtained some merchandise- a vial of Fluxblood! For whatever reason, the ringing in Venia's head turns to whispers. The fibers of her being want nothing more than to pop open the bottle, and give it a chug! She's so thirsty, after all- the flames in that room must've really made her parched! Or maybe she literally can't be thirsty, because she's a water transcendent. Point is though, nature wants her to have a nice, refreshing drink of congealed blood.

Then, in the actual Rosen Catacombs, Venia tends to Nia's wounds, pouring some of Yggdrasil's Vessel into her mouth. Fortunately for the wizard, this is enough of a pick-me-up to help her back onto her feet. She gives Nia a quick peck on the cheek as she comes to.

NIA: My hero~
NIA: Thanks a bunch, Venia!

She takes a moment to examine the area. Something's totally off here, but she can't quite put her finger on it. Then, she realizes that there's block of rubble sitting casually on the wall! Or the floor? Nia's not entirely sure if what she's standing on should be called the floor, or the wall.

NIA: Huh? That's weird.
NIA: I'm guessing that gravity in this hallway is kinda gorillay, but why isn't that rock down here with us?
NIA: This hallway's dumb. Physics are dumb.

Mr. Krabs, from outside of the hallway where gravity is normal, tries to lower a rope down into the hallway... then pulls it back once he witnesses the rope go slack against the floor (which is a wall for Nia and Venia). Gravity does not carry it down to the duo down below. Well, that's inconsistent.

Then, to cap out the post, Venia decides to research the Bolt Accelerator and Ember Glow. This eats up a whopping 200 Samples. It's probably worth it, though!

---

Irongutta +1's his MHP and DEF, then busts into the Kitchen! He asks Maria if she enjoyed her new toy or not. Chloe immediately slams down her hands on the table, rattling it (and the cookies).

CHLOE: Irongutta, what were you thinking!?
CHLOE: Maria's just a little kid! You can't just go and give her... firearms!
CHLOE: What would Venia say if Maria accidentally shot herself?
CHLOE: Who would protect you from her?
NIA: Better question: who COULD protect you from her?
NIA: She's like, hella thick. Good luck stopping that!~
CHLOE: You're lucky Maria's a smart enough cookie to know guns are dangerous!
CHLOE: Otherwise, she could've been hurt!
CHLOE: Do you understand!?

NIA: ...I mean, it's just a glock.
NIA: It deals like, maybe (8-9) damage?
NIA: She's a toughie! She could tank-
CHLOE: N-Not the point!
NIA: S-Sorry!

Chloe seems like she'd be the sort of mom who would dropkick her child's bully, then throw them through the nearest window. Is that an example of good parenthood? Probably not.

---

Dorothy throws a chain down the Central Southern Hallway! Of course, the weird gravity takes effect, and the chain slinks along the floor. She decides to risk it, and go down anyway- the chain's been attached to the wall, so maybe she'll be fine? As she crosses the boundary, the effects of gravity on her body shift, and she begins to fall! Fortunately, the chain she's set out prevents her from plummeting. Unfortunately for her, due to the chain not actually falling down like she thought it would, it hasn't gone very far. Still though, they manage to take a shot at the Netwyrm head, ripping a large chunk of flesh from it.

The now-pissed head turns towards Dorothy, and begins vomiting Seekers at her. They don't fly out with a very high velocity though, so they just tumble to the pillow pile below, where Nia promptly flattens them against the walls with Boxican.

Elsewhere, Mustache Girl heads back down the chain. Plain and simple!

---

The Reflector breaks character! They morph away from Nia's form, causing the wizard a bit of disappointment.

NIA: Aw...
NIA: I liked you being me.

They go on, talking about how they were about to have an emotional outburst. Or how "Nia" was going to. Perspectives are weird.

NIA: Huh? Wait, are you talking about me or you?
NIA: Does like, staying as one person for two long make things painful, or something?
NIA: If so, that's... well, a pain.
NIA: U-Um...

While Nia ponders something to say to maybe try and reassure the Reflector, they promptly ask for a recommendation of somebody else to copy. Nia immediately throws out a suggestion.

NIA: Ooh! Copy Chloe!
NIA: She's that really hot blonde chick. She fought alongside you in the Baths?
NIA: I bet you'd like her!

...An interesting, if somewhat obvious suggestion.

---

Crya +2's her RES. Mixed bulk. The scariest kind of bulk.

---

Insert +1's their DEF, then does some plumbing! They decide to replace the toilet in the Ruined Baths.

Great success!

The toilet has been replaced. This consumes a... Toilet, predictably.

---

Auth asks if Omo was there when Acacia was taken. She shakes her head sorrowfully.

OMORIKA: I'm... afraid I was not.
OMORIKA: I wish I was. Perhaps I could've prevented her from suffering such a grievous injury, or have found some way to alleviate things...
OMORIKA: Alas, I wasn't. I also doubt I would've been of assistance- if anything, her feelings towards me would inflame the situation...

He then asks if she's seen anyone quite as injured as he'd like. A bit of a disturbing question, but Omo does her best to respond anyway.

OMORIKA: I... do not know of anyone with such injuries.
OMORIKA: Or at least, anyone properly accessible. Those with such injuries are most likely dead, or trying to recover within the Citadel.

Auth then grabs Marron, and asks her a few questions. She cast the ritual on Ette. Does she have any ideas for modifying the ritual to heal a single target. The puppeteer thinks for a few moments.

MARRON: Um...
MARRON: I'm not really an expert on the ritual, but... I can craft spells with my blood.
MARRON: I'm pretty sure I showed you that during Magic Club, right?
MARRON: Maybe I could like... write up my own version of the spell?
MARRON: I'd probably need to ask Chaos for some of the specifics of my magical system, but it'd probably be possible.

Omo decides to ask the puppeteer a question of her own.

OMORIKA: Miss Needleworker? A moment, if you would.
OMORIKA: Do you know of an individual who is suffering from any sort of severe, permanent injury?
OMORIKA: Sir Author would like to heal Acacia's burn wounds, and he'd like somebody to test a modified version of the ritual on.
MARRON: Uh... there's Toast!
MARRON: I'm gonna lob off her crystal arm soon, and she'll need a new arm in its place!
MARRON: We could try it on that, if you want!
OMORIKA: For a humanoid like miss Toast, missing a limb is likely as permanent an injury as a Chairian receiving a major burn...
OMORIKA: I'm sure it'd make a suitable test.
OMORIKA: Sir Author, what do you think?

Seems like you have your test subject now! If you think she'd work, anyway. There's a fair chance that Marron's going to shoehorn your butt into doing it, though. Such is love.

---

EN gives Taeda some more firearm tips. Try leading her shots a bit? And so she does, actually improving her accuracy by a deal.

TAEDA: O-Oh! That makes sense!
TAEDA: Aim where they're going, not where they are!
TAEDA: T-That helps...

Then, sensing the priestess's fatigue, EN recommends a quick break. Maybe have a drink, too? She's thrown a Chairian Brew, which isn't actually consumed from the inventory. She sits down against the central column of the hut, and takes a few moments to enjoy herself.

TAEDA: Thanks for the treat!
TAEDA: I'll just... rest for a bit.

Taeda proceeds to rest for longer than a bit, trying to not let on just how tired she is. Elsewhere, at the Farm, Verdana crouches down near Omorika, and does his best to comfort her. He notes that odds are, given Echoss's status as a hivemind of butterflies, that he'll be perfectly fine. Omo unfaceplants.

OMORIKA: I...
OMORIKA: I suppose that's true, isn't it?
OMORIKA: Perhaps that's why he allowed himself to be captured...

Omorika picks herself up, and quickly dusts herself off. She has a faint green blush.

OMORIKA: And here I was, having a meltdown over someone who would in actuality, be perfectly alright.
OMORIKA: Thank you for helping me see what should've been obvious, sir Verdana.
OMORIKA: I shall eagerly await his return, and whatever valuable tidbits of information he is able to discern for us.
OMORIKA: ...Of course, I do pray for his safety, but... Echoss is quite capable. I'm sure he'll be fine.

...That went surprisingly well. Elsewhere, Calibri approaches Chloe, asking for some Silver and Platinum Ingots. The swordswoman nods... and promptly freezes when he mentions going out together.

CHLOE: P-Pardon?
CHLOE: T-That's a weird way to a-ask me ou-

Calibri then immediately clarifies himself- he'd just like to tag along. Even with this confusion cleared, Chloe can't get rid of the scarlet glow illuminating her cheeks.

CHLOE: O-Oh! That. That's w-what you meant!
CHLOE: Eheheheh...
CHLOE: Sure, you can come with me.
CHLOE: With the rebels launching an attack on the farm, it'd be silly to not bring a bodyguard.
CHLOE: So... let's go!

The two of them go on a quick trip to the Old Gaiadiamond Mine, where they take a detour around the main entrance. After locating a few small veins of the minerals, the two of them return to the house swiftly, taking great care to ensure they're not followed.

CHLOE: Whew! Quite the haul we got there!
CHLOE: Enjoy~

Chloe tosses 30 Silver Ingots and 25 Platinum Ingots into the inventory. She also tosses 2 Plasteel into the inventory as well- a small bonus she found!

---

Elsewhere, outside of the Rosen Coffee Shop, Taeda hears cackling from not far down the hall. She pushes herself and her chair back, then hops off, landing on the stone floor with a gentle thud. She walks off towards the Chapel, taking a peek inside. There's movement. Rapid, frantic movement. Those Wildcards from before. They're... dancing? Why would they do that? Do Iti have a need to dance or express themselves? Frankly, she has no idea. She runs off to the nearest person she can find.

TAEDA: Not to alarm anyone, but it looks like some Iti are gathering in the chapel.
TAEDA: It's those weird card Iti you've been fighting! Why do they keep showing up?
TAEDA: I'm not sure what it is they're doing, but... we should put a stop to it!

...A simple request. A simple battle, right? Hopefully, those Wildcards know what's coming for them!

- = S T R I F E ! = -

---

<THE CHAPEL, ROUND ONE>
A simple battle, with a simple objective: defeat the Wildcards! Of course, they all have pretty sizable HP pools, and sky-high attack power, so maybe it won't be that simple. Just be careful with them, alright? Also, watch for the Weather effect: it's quite dark in this room, so you won't be able to see very well unless you're within range of a Torch. Manipulate them properly, and maybe you can make yourselves a force to be reckoned with...?

Echoss shakes his head
"I don't think she likes me all that much. Despite my best efforts she seems to be fairly convinced that I'm up to no good."
on the farm:
"I am frankly quite uncertain myself, but it's the Rebels and they seem to have something of a spiteful streak."


In the house...
"There's the door, yes, but also a few windows that were blown out, both in the main common room and the barracks upstairs. Perhaps you could work on replacing those as well? Once that's done I believe that'll be all of your help that I'll require."
Meanwhile, the Echoss golems gather up more refined wood and patch up the hole in the floor of the second story.


In the Duneyrr...
Echoss sighs. "This would be easier if you'd start with some questions I could actually answer, like our numbers or why we're here on Sussui.
I would hope that understanding that both our groups are under the same time limit to accomplish the exact same goal would give an understanding that perhaps pitting our forces directly against one another is in nobody's best interest."

For the dop above...
< EVERGROUND >
malik continue go up

I flush the toilet a few times. I don't know what I'm expecting to happen, but it's probably not going to.
On to more... productive actions, I set my resists to water and join the Chapel fight at R11, move to M11, shoot the second Screamer, and use a Bag of Tricks focused on the Diamond Wildcard.
(after Irongutta)

Rosen Catacombs

Venia would probably explore the place a bit more, but she has no time to faff around with such things. She starts going 'up' with a combination of the wooden platforms and the support pillars, landing on Q52. There, she charges up, and then fires, a resounding Purge, presumably blowing the door right off its hinges. Then, she does a bit of a roundabout, jumps up to the Rubble Pile, and leaps into the door from there.

"Surrender now and we'll save you a world of hurt!"

---

Mariaaaaaaaa

Maria looks mostly confused until the Sleuth hands out the candy. "Candy corn!" she exclaims, quickly snatching it up with a smile on her face.

"See? He doesn't want to hurt you, a really bad monster was making him do it," Venia says. Maria nods, clearly more interested in the candy. "Everything's all better in the living room, so let's go see about putting that saddle on Cushion!"

Venia gives an appreciative nod at the Sleuth, Nia and Chloe and hastens off to play surrogate mother to Maria. Cute.

---

Basscaper

Venia looks at the vial of Fluxblood she's just been handed and listens to the whispering and feels her parched throat. But something else rebels-she doesn't need to drink, the whispering was wrong, the Fluxblood didn't exist-and a set of instincts, sharp and fine, took over. She reaches for the Calm Mind Shard in the real world and in brisk movements, activates it. The fire of Pulchritude envelops her as a copy of the shard appears in her other hand. With a brisk motion, she places the vial on the floor, then stabs it with the Calm Mind Shard, fires of Pulchritude enveloping it.

The result, intended anyways, would hardly be extensive damage to Bass's mindscape-its too little. It wouldn't be a perfect cleansing of this corruption, surely-but it would utterly evaporate that Fluxblood and put that raging headache in its proper place. Silence the voices.

"Not happening, not happening. Little rotten butterfly, not happening."

Venia continues to the location of the normal barracks and gets ready for show number three.

---

Dorothy throws a Soda Bomb into the Netwyrm Head (preferably into its mouth), along with a Blossompetal to explode it.

---

MU lands next to Pionobot, silently pointing in the direction of the harpy nest. It seems she wants to fight them, but there's no way she's going in by herself. Or wake them up prematurely, which may be why she's not saying anything.

---

Boshi decides to do things! Namely, he approaches EN. "(Hey, mind helping me with something? I'm planning to take another crack at the river, but I'll need something tougher than a wooden raft. No need to go in any water yourself, just need a boat. Preferably one with guns.)"

Toast giggles as her girlfriend tells the tea story, before returning to the topic at hand (hah). "Oh yeah, Irongutta's new axe does seem pretty hefty. Though, are you sure the person or thing inside won't try to like... kill me? Actually, he's probably around here somewhere- maybe we can just ask him."

~~

Nettle uses the following materials in her crafting:
(T4) 1 Eterna Flower
(T4) 1 Infinite Glory
(T4) 4 Silverwood Logs
(T5) 1 Pail of Pure Water
(T1) 10 Frostleaves

She carves the silverwood logs such that the magic properties are retained, until she has something resembling a bowl. Into this she pours the pail of pure water. Following this are the petals of the Frostleaves and the Eterna Flower. The liquid gains a pale blue shimmer, as well as becoming slightly thicker- not to mention cold! She removes and discards the leaves once they have soaked for long enough. Then, she pours the liquid into the Infinite Glory. The fractal nature of the flower means that very little, if any, spills. The magic is quickly absorbed, creating the Icicle Rose!

Hat: Icicle Rose
Stats: (+4 MMP) (+4 SPC) (+2 DEF) (Avalanche)
Resists: Ice (30%). Poison (30%). Fire (-20%)
[Avalanche]: You may gain SP on the same turn you use your special, but not from your special itself. If a special grants you a status effect, then actions benefiting from it won't grant SP unless they would otherwise. Locked specials still won't allow SP gain.

With the pieces of her respec now crafted, she respecs, using a Soul Key!

~~

Nettle spawns in at R11, moves to M12, then uses Upheaval at I10! Life-giving energy surges through the Netu Patch as Ensnaring Eruption activates! Roots surge crash through the ceiling and floor, entangling everything in the nearby area!
This costs 27 MP total, and has 7 buff levels.

Having prepared some preliminary defences, JOE reenters the farm, and starts planting new plants in the remaining, non-rubble-covered spots.
...I can't actually view the plant list right now because of internet problems. Probably best to have a mix of turn times, since the farm's not reliably safe nowadays... Let's say a serenea flower, a fragapple, and... tornadoflowers where a thing, right? I think those were a thing.

After that, JOE walks over to the dark grey rubble on the left, and starts sifting through it for useful things. Like doors. There was a very reinforced door, so it's probably still intact, right? he tries to salvage that. could be good for a last redoubt, or terraform.

The Reflector shakes "Nia"'s head for her. Okay, this is getting confusing. Just imagine "Nia" shaking her head, but in a weird jerking motion that's a far cry from the fluidity she displayed earlier.

THE REFLECTOR: oh, no, that's not it that's simply not it at all!
THE REFLECTOR: well it is true that i do try to avoid staying in one reflection for too long but really that's to avoid getting sucked into the role not because it's painful or anything.
THE REFLECTOR: my intention my purpose was referring to nia, not you nia the other nia the one i currently wear the face of.
THE REFLECTOR: i simply had to suppress that part of myself or else i and by i i mean she would have no doubt had an existential crisis over the fact that she is no one and i am less than no one!
THE REFLECTOR: it happens to certain reflections who well i suppose i would call them sentimental in nature.
THE REFLECTOR: not their fault at all but well you know they become preoccupied with the new friends they've always had always had them since the beginning but not really, not in truth.
THE REFLECTOR: they begin pining for the life they can never have because they're not the one living it anymore! just a reflection now.
THE REFLECTOR: but don't worry she'll be back one day i'm sure. maybe even soon! after all i don't think we've exhausted our need for a talented mage and her talented mage reflection and her other talented mage reflection but rather more literal and also a tiny version of that selfsame mage no there's much more to come our way in this fight and in others!

"Nia"'s body slowly dissolves in a shimmer of light to reveal the Reflector's normal form, although their hair is now styled similarly to Nia's. You wonder if it will keep doing that with future forms.

---

Elsewhere, the Reflector begins to watch the duel between Fran and Marron with growing interest. Perhaps they'll intervene, or perhaps they'll just watch. If it does ever continue, that is.

Nidra puts two points in INT and sets the physical resistance on her nightgown to piercing.

---

Chapel
Spawn at R10.
Move to M10.
Wait until end of turn.
Use Sheep Counter on self.
Play Soft Chime: Perseverance.
Last Dream Spade Wildcard.
Use Special on Club Wildcard.
Retreat to N9.

Auth nods, as Omo mentions that she wasn't there and would likely aggravate the situation.

AUTH: I think you probably understand where my intent to help comes from, then...
AUTH: I don't know if this helps at all, but I think you're incredibly helpful. Maybe it might have incensed her, but I think your help would be invaluable.

Auth smiles, nervously, as they go onto speak to Marron.

AUTH: I recall that, Marron. I'm pretty sure you did show that off.
AUTH: On the tangential topic of Magic Club, I have something recently discovered to show off... but that's for later, I suppose.
AUTH: If you can think of something, I think that would be excellent. I'll go and find more resources for the ritual in the meantime...

Auth was about to go and start looking around for more resources for the ritual, before Omo asks her own question. Auth waits to see the response... it's an important one, given the question.

AUTH: Ah, I see! If I use the ritual on her, she'll probably get her lost arm back. Makes sense.
AUTH: And she won't have to do something like use a big chunk of her mana to maintain a fake arm or something.
AUTH: I'll be happy to try it. If it's okay with you, which I think it is.

Auth nods, then floats into the air to go and look for more materials...

----

Specifically, Auth floats out to the Scale Model of Yggdrasil, and hides in the forest. He floats, avoiding making sound, to see if there's more splinters of yggdrasil hiding in the forest. If he can find some, that's one resource he won't need to worry about finding more of for the ritual.

Auth looks around, repeatedly, and nervously. Using all his senses to detect if any Legion soldiers are coming to give him an unwelcome surprise in the form of bullets. For being too close to their tree.

----

Battle! Auth floats into the Chapel, spawns on R10, moves to Q10, and casts Perseverance on himself. Auth looks at the Wildcards... should be interesting to see how this battle goes, at least.

RP - house

EN chuckles quietly, letting Tae have her rest for now.

"Call on me once ye be needin' me fer doin' target practice again. Or fer other thin's. Jus' hangin' out's fine by me."

She's then approached by Boshi and commissioned to create a BOAT. She seems thoughtful...

"Sure, ah can do tha' fer ya. Bring me th' original raft, an' ah'll git t' work on it. Need t' 'ave a base t' know wha' ah'm workin' wit', o' course. Ah'll build ya th' best dang boat if ah can..."


Meanwhile, now that fun happy explore times are done, Calibri seems quite proud of the haul he and Chloe got together. He seems about to say something, though cuts off before he can even get a sound out, as though internally conversing...

"Oh right. Sis wants to know when you plan on picking her up. That sounds weird when I phrase it like that, but to be fair, her entire body is a weapon. And even that sounds weird. Man, normalcy doesn't seem to be a thing around here, huh."


RP - still the farm

Verdana seems visibly happier once Omo's cheered back up.

"Yeah, that's more the spirit. I'm sure he'll be back soon."

After that, Verdana decides to tend to the captured rebels. He seems thoughtful about how to deal with them... Then, after a while, he decides to talk to the Scarlet.

"Okay, this is a slightly difficult situation. Last I remember, we... don't actually have anywhere to keep prisoners. But don't worry, we're not going to kill any of you! That'd be mean, and probably also provoke angry responses from your allies. So..."

He shrugs, wandering around while handing out some Cures to help heal the bunch back up. While doing so, he tries to strike up some friendly conversation.

"...Honestly, if it weren't for it being monumentally stupid in a tactical sense, I'd be tempted to invite all you guys back to the house. It's pretty neat there. Unfortunately, it'd be monumentally stupid, since you'd definitely record down where you went and tell everyone you know about it. And then we'd have to deal with another siege. As if the Iti weren't enough when they showed up... Anyway! What can we talk about? Names? Careers? General life experiences? Super-important tactical information that we could know about? Or maybe even hobbies? I dunno. Say what you wanna say, I'm just a medic."

RP: Kitchen Nightmares Edition

Irongutta was taken aback, not by the fact that she slammed the table but her reaction. "...A little kid? Ya mean to tell me when you humie-types are just... completely defenseless when yer small?"

He raised a brow as he tried to process her rant. "I just don't get it. Wot are ya gonna do when ya aren't around to protect her, since yer so worried? An' if it's such a problem, why's she still got the bloody thing in her 'ands, then!?" Irongutta stepped over to Maria, taking the gun out of her hands and shoving it in his back pocket. He shot Chloe a glare as he sat back down, crossing his arms. "There, that better!?"

Exhaling loudly through his nose, he relaxed and softened his expression a bit.
"...I can't say I'm not fond of the little one. I didn't see the problem wivv givin' her her first dakka, is all."

He also responded to both of their comments regarding Venia by folding his arms and holding his head up adamantly. "Hmph! I can handle myself just fine, ya know."

---

Battle: The Chapel

Acting first this turn, Irongutta spawns in at R9 and moves to L7. He then uses Skeletal Toss to move the Torch that's at O4 to K10.

Moving before Nidra, Crya spawns in the Chapel battle at R10 and runs to N10 and uses Ice Stalagmites on J10.

<ROUND TWO-HUNDRED TWELVE>

Echoss notes to Chloe that it was probably the Rebels who attacked the farm. She nods her head in agreement.

CHLOE: I wouldn't be too surprised.
CHLOE: We did kinda thrash their big ol' war machine. They probably want to get back at us.
CHLOE: ...You'd think they'd attack something more important than a farm of all things, though.

Chloe finishes munching on her burrito. She lets out a satisfied "ahhh", and pats her slender belly. She then stands up, and stretches her arms out, above her head.

CHLOE: Whew! Thanks again for lunch, Echoss!
CHLOE: So... want to do anything else?
CHLOE: I'd be happy to stay and talk, but I think it'd pay for me to at least get walking to wherever the heck the Iti or Rose are gonna be next.
CHLOE: Or maybe it'll be both. Again.
CHLOE: Who really knows?

She giggles to herself as she awaits a response from him. Elsewhere, Mari and Echoss continue to cooperate. Echoss's golems throw 12 Refined Wood at fixing the floors, then join up with Mari to add new windows with 4 Glass Sheets, and a new door with 4 Refined Wood. Seems like repairs are complete at this point.

MARI: Whew. Job's finished!

MARI: Hey, y'know... what was this floor gonna be used for, anyway?
MARI: Like, we could probably like... put a garage here for all of our vehicles and other weird weapons.

MARI: And... for my best idea, we can make this smaller room my personal lab!
MARI: How about it? Nerd cave. TV on that wall over there, two shelves for my vidya, a big ol' couch, and a fridge full of that fizzy soda stuff that I like. The stuff that Chloe won't admit she's addicted to.
MARI: She says she's soooo healthy and fit, but I've seen her sneak multiple late-night sodas!
MARI: Can't blame her, though. It's good gorilla.

Meanwhile, on the Duneyrr, Echoss asks that Linseed begin with questions that are actually answerable. The rebel doesn't sigh or groan in frustration, but instead opts to manipulate his leg a little. It's clear that he's not very versed in the art of self-morphing. He appreciates the shape of his leg for a moment. He then promptly kicks Echoss through the metal bars, right in the face. He pulls his leg back swiftly, and morphs it back to normal.

LINSEED: Yes. Team up.
LINSEED: Quit wasting our time with that garbage.
LINSEED: The time for these negotiations ended with the destruction of R4-Sat0skr.
LINSEED: We can also go over the fact that you thwarted our assault on the Caravan, stopped one of our squadrons from obliterating a Chairian outpost, and have caused many soldiers to either die, or become captured.

LINSEED: Anyway.
LINSEED: Answer those questions you just posed. Go on.

Meanwhile, in the cell just opposite from Echoss, the injured Chairians within begin to stir. Seems that Linseed hasn't quite taken notice yet.

---

malik continue up. yes sir

---

Generic continues to flush the toilet. Once again, this is a huge success! He flushes it a few more times, each one being a huge success, or at least it is until the toilet makes some sputtering noises and doesn't flush properly. The next flush works fine, though.

Anyway, he then mashes the "R" key to rotate all of his resistances to water, then heads off to go heck up some Iti.

---

Venia wastes no time in smashing a door! She jumps up the wooden platforms, then blasts down the door with a pulsar of Purge! The door flies across the room, and promptly knocks over a cultist. They (and the door) tumble across the ground. By the time the cultist stops tumbling, they've passed out from door-related injuries.

...Now inside the room, she can see that the Rose Cultists are building an airship! It's... unclear how they've managed to get it to fit within this room, or why they have an airship. There's also a Rose Cultist with the traditional pirate captain hat standing on the prow on the ship, except the hat also has viking horns for some reason.

She then promptly yells at the Rose Cultists within to surrender. The captain rotates their hat 90 degrees, then pulls out a cutlass!

CAPTAIN: YAAAARRRR!
CAPTAIN: MATEYS, THIS HARLOT WANTS TO COMMANDEER OUR VESSEL!
CAPTAIN: LET'S MAKE HER WALK THE-
EXECUTIONER: wait, i thought we were going to be like
EXECUTIONER: fancy british steampunk pirates
ABSOLVER: yeah that's what we all agreed on
ABSOLVER: don't change the script, man
CAPTAIN: YARRRR WE CAN ARGUE ABOUT THIS LATER
CAPTAIN: FOR NOW, JUST MAKE HER SLEEP WITH THE FISHES!
EXECUTIONER: fine
ABSOLVER: agreed

...The "captain" cultist points their sword towards Venia, with great vigor! However, their vigor is too vigorous, so they end up throwing the sword off the bow of the ship. Not losing their thunder, they simply pull out a second sword, and point again! CHAAAAARGE!

- = S T R I F E ! = -

Meanwhile, in the Kitchen, Venia and Maria go off to place a saddle on Cushion. This leaves Nia, Chloe, and the Sleuth "alone" in the kitchen.

CHLOE: Huh, it's good to see you two made up!
THE SLEUTH: The Sleuth isn't quite sure if they really made up or not, but negotiations seem to have succeeded.


CHLOE: Oh, um...
CHLOE: I have a question, Mr. Sleuth.
CHLOE: Oh, um... d-do you go by that?
CHLOE: That's not the actual question, but... yeah.

THE SLEUTH: The Sleuth shrugs, then nods.
CHLOE: Oh, good!
CHLOE: Anyway... how do you feel?
CHLOE: Like... since losing the Butterfly.
CHLOE: I know you've been around for a long time, and I just really want to be sure you're alright.
THE SLEUTH: A curious inquiry. He hasn't really given it much thought.
THE SLEUTH: Truthfully, this is the first time he's thunk about it.
THE SLEUTH: Being normal. Or perhaps, "abnormal". How long had he had the Butterfly implanted within him?
THE SLEUTH: Surely, it was for at least half of his 'lifecycle' as he might call it. So was being without the Butterfly normal? Or was it abnormal?
THE SLEUTH: It was all quite confounding.
THE SLEUTH: But, as far as he knew, he felt alright. There was no voice ticking the back of his mind, pestering him.
THE SLEUTH: With his thoughts formulated, he begins to speak to the-
CHLOE: No, you don't need to say anything!

THE SLEUTH: He pauses. Why would the hysterical dame ask a question, then interrupt him before he could answer it?
CHLOE: T-That's, uh...
CHLOE: ...b-because I can... read your mind? Y-Yeah!
CHLOE: While you were thinking about it, I-I probed your mind, a-and learned all that you were going to say!
CHLOE: Sorry about that- it just makes things faster.
CHLOE: T-Thank you for your time!

Chloe bows politely, whilst Nia giggles from her chair.

THE SLEUTH: The Sleuth shrugs. The dame really was hysterical.
THE SLEUTH: Mind reading? Was that even something that was possible on a creature like himself.
THE SLEUTH: Perhaps it was. He takes a moment to question why the cyanette is giggling, before turning and leaving the premises, to return to his office.

He does what he just said he'd do. Once he's gone, Nia bursts into full-on laughter.

NIA: Mind reading? Niiiice!
NIA: Do you think that he even knows he says those things out loud?
CHLOE: I don't think so...
CHLOE: It's kinda quirky, but also makes it a bit of a pain to talk to him...
CHLOE: I wonder if I could explain it to him.

NIA: Ooh, ooh! Try reading my mind! What am I thinking about right now?
CHLOE: U-Um...
CHLOE: Making out with Venia...?
NIA: ...Huh, you really CAN read minds!
NIA: Wizardry!

Chloe sighs. Predictable as always, she thought. Meanwhile, in Bass's Mindscape, Venia decides that no: she's not drinking that Fluxblood! She impales the vial with the Calm Mind Shard, and flames of pulchritude envelop the blood. Soon enough, all of the blood has burned away. The constant droning in her head slowly weakens, though it refuses to leave. With her head slightly clearer, she decides to go and advance into what would be the most normal set of Barracks within the Catacombs. Once again, she's lead to her seat.

The bunk beds in this room-turned theater seem to have been piled over to represent some sort of... throne room? A cultist wearing what seems to be a gigantic (to the extent that it covers the whole room) shawl resembling bulbous, infected wood sits upon a wooden throne. An actress playing as Magnolia, stands in front of the Chairian on the throne. She's also flanked by two Old Guard. Around the room are various other cultists, one of them being Bass. "Magnolia" steps forward, and begins to speak. With her mouth. Theater can only get so accurate.

"MAGNOLIA": Hi! Hello!
"MAGNOLIA": According to our great leader Mr. Blobby, the time has come!
BASS: wait i thought their name was like-

"MAGNOLIA": This is like, the fifth time I've given this speech today cause we're not good at things, so I'll make it super quick!
"MAGNOLIA": Today, we've finally started making steps towards our ultimate goal!
"MAGNOLIA": The Sphere appeared just the other day as foretold, and with it, we can have the great big Reunion!
"MAGNOLIA": In maybe a month or two, we shall meet our <0>!
"MAGNOLIA": But not just once! Or twice! Or four times!
"MAGNOLIA": We'll be meeting <0> three whole times!
"MAGNOLIA": Then... there shall be a reunion.

"MAGNOLIA": ...I dunno what that means, and it's a bit spooky, but apparently <0> really wants one.
"MAGNOLIA": So, when <0>'s birthday comes around next week, I want us to all pitch in a whoooole lotta reunions!
"MAGNOLIA": Again, I don't know what that is, but do your best!
"MAGNOLIA": Have a good day, everyone! And remember to tell all of your friends to come attend these speeches, so I don't need to hold them six times!
"MAGNOLIA": It's really not fun!
"MAGNOLIA": Bye bye!

Magnolia bows, and the cultists funnel out of the room. Bass, before leaving the stage, looks towards the audience, fear in his eyes. The main lights dim, and a spotlight shines down on him.

BASS: Oh, Bass. What have you gotten yourself into?
BASS: First they've made you drink crazy juice each day, and now the "crazy hot chicks" they talked about have proven themselves to be literally crazy!
BASS: And also, literally hot, as in on fire!

BASS: There's something wrong here, and I can feel it.
BASS: We're gonna need to find a way to avoid drinking too much more fluxblood, but I wonder how?
BASS: There has to be something I can do. I can already feel myself losing it.
BASS: But... that'll need to wait. They won't let me leave the catacombs until "initiation" is complete.
BASS: There has to be some sort of way out...

BASS: ...and the way out, is through the doors behind you! Eyyyy!
BASS: Thank you all again for watching! You've all been wonderful!

The spotlight fades out, and the main theater lights flash back on, a chorus of applause coming with the light! The cast bows, and leave the stage. Even the person with the gigantic "wooden shawl" of sorts. Venia is once again escorted out of the theater, and returned to the main hallway. Only a few more rooms to go... or maybe, she could venture down the hall, and head somewhere more interesting? Who knows.

---

Dorothy bombs a Netwyrm Head! They throw a Soda Bomb at the Netwyrm Head, giving it acute liver poisoning. It then obtains acute full-esophageal burns as the Blossompetal causes the alcohol within the bomb to ignite, cooking the Netwyrm head from the inside. It becomes limp as it dies. The other Netwyrm Head doesn't take too kindly to Dorothy's presence, and... vomits up a beam of crimson light. This beam cuts the chain she was using to dangle safely into the room, causing her to fall onto a column not far from the maw of the worm itself.

Yeah, that thing's probably a bit of a hazard.

---

Toast asks Marron if Irongutta's axe is going to try and kill her. She shrugs. Sentient waraxes aren't her area of expertise.

MARRON: I mean, I think it's fine.
MARRON: I'd assume he's at least smart enough to use a weapon he can control, right?
MARRON: Also, I'll ask him about it later, maybe?
MARRON: Or maybe you can find him yourself. I dunno.

Elsewhere, Nettle does some crafting! 1 Eterna Flower, 1 Infinite Glory, 4 Silverwood Logs, a Pail of Pure Water, and 10 Frostleaves are thrown into a pile, and they magically transmogrify into the Icicle Rose! She then performs a respec, using a Soul Key in the process! Trait leveled to Tier 3!

---

JOE attempts to plant some crops. However, upon closer inspection, the soil is littered and embedded with various bits of filth and debris. Planting anything healthy here would take nothing short of a miracle. It'd take plenty of work to restore this place to its former glory.

JOE then decides to go and sift through some rubble, pulling out a surprisingly intact reinforced door! He slots it back into its proper point in the wall. At least that survived!

---

The Reflector clarifies some things for Nia. She has to inhibit a certain part of themselves to not have a full-blown existential crisis. Nia nods, still not fully understanding how the Reflector works.

NIA: Hm...
NIA: Well, maybe you'll be able to get that life you want eventually?
NIA: I wish you the best of luck with that!

NIA: Anyway, I think I need to get going.
NIA: Anything else you wanna tell me? I'll do my best for you!

Nia gives a warm smile to the Reflector. If she's not asked anything, she'll promptly remember that she should probably be in a pit(?) elsewhere in the Catacombs. She'll then chronologically correct herself to following Venia around.

---

Auth chats with both Omo and Marron. With Omo, she calls her helpful. She nods, giving a faint smile.

OMORIKA: Thank you, sir Author.
OMORIKA: I'm glad that you think I'm of assistance to you.

Then, turning to Marron, he notes that if she thinks of something, that'd be excellent.

MARRON: Yeah, alright.
MARRON: I'll do my best! For Toaster!

MARRON: ...Oh, yeah! If you want me to try and help with the whole "getting resources" thing, I'm game for that.
MARRON: Like, I could talk to Droplet, and see if she knows if there's more Godblossom Extract somewhere in the Church of Helix.
MARRON: There's probably another vial. The plot demands it.

Auth then floats away to go and search for more splinters from Yggdrasil. Within the forests around the tree, he fails to find anything, so he opts to approach normally. As he's not crazy enough to approach the front gate, he's able to easily extract a few splinters from the roots of Yggdrasil. This adds more than enough splinters to the Ritual Items in the inventory.

---

EN asks for Taeda to call her once she's ready. The priestess nods, then continues to sip on her beverage. She yawns heavily, before putting her drink beside her, and... suddenly nodding off to sleep. With this, Taeda's training suddenly produces an actual benefit, giving her a +1 to HIT.

Elsewhere, Calibri asks if Chloe has plans to make use of Sol Aeterna. She nods.

CHLOE: Oh, I do actually!
CHLOE: Riiiight... now!

Chloe equips Sol Aeterna, holding it close to her chest. She gets a better feel for the blade, swinging it a few times.

CHLOE: It's an honor to work with you, Lato!~

At the farm, Verdana decides to tend to the captured Rebels. He talks to the Scarlet as he casts a barrage of heals on the Rebels, soothing their wounds.

SCARLET: Huh, you're letting us go?
SCARLET: Thanks a bunch, mister!
SCARLET: Although, uh...
SCARLET: Won't our leaders get a bit paranoid if you just... let us go?
SCARLET: I mean, I guess there's precedent for you guys just being genuinely nice people, but maybe they'll think we spilled the beans about how the true purpose of this operation was to-

One of the Rebels manages to slip her hands free of the ropes, and they slap the Scarlet across the face. Another Rebel straight-up slugs her in the face. She promptly shuts up, a bit of sap trickling down from her nose.

SCARLET: I-I shouldn't have said a-anything!
SCARLET: G-Good job, me...
SCARLET: U-Ugh, a few more t-things like this, and t-they'll go from "thinking of disbanding the Scarlet unit" to "actually doing it"...

...She becomes quiet, barely looking at either her comrades, or Verdana. The animosity from the group is thick enough to cut with a knife...

---

Irongutta talks gun safety with Chloe. I mean, not really, but shhhh. There's a bit of culture shock for Irongutta when he learns that small children tend to have a hard time defending themselves.

CHLOE: W-What? Of course they're defenseless!
CHLOE: Like, I'm pretty sure most of the weapons our foes carry are bigger than Maria herself!
CHLOE: Don't tell me that Ork babies could punch a guy out the moment they enter the world...

The ork then questions what she'll do when she's not around to protect Maria. Chloe tenses up.

CHLOE: W-Well... I-I don't know!
CHLOE: The whole point is that we're around to protect her!
CHLOE: She's small, cute, and shouldn't even need to get into a battle, because she's like, seven!
CHLOE: Also, if we aren't around to protect her... then odds are, we all got killed by something. And I seriously doubt Maria could do something about whatever killed all of us.

Chloe lets out a heavy sigh, then panicks when she realizes that the gun ended back up in Maria's hands somehow.

CHLOE: W-Whoa, I thought I took that away from her!
CHLOE: W-Well, I look kinda d-dumb now, don't I...?

She gently bops her head against the top of the table. She keeps her head down as she speaks.

CHLOE: Look, just... we need to take care of Maria, alright?
CHLOE: A kid shouldn't need to handle weapons, especially if they don't want to.

Frustration bubbles around Chloe, but she slowly begins to loosen up. Nia gives Chloe a small pat on the head to reassure her. Pat pat. Then, the door from behind Irongutta suddenly swings open, as Marron kicks open the door.

MARRON: Hey, Irongutta! Finally found you!
MARRON: Do you think you could cut off Toast's arm for me with your axe?
MARRON: It's important, I swear!

That's... an awfully blunt request for a sharp object.

---

<THE CHAPEL, ROUND TWO>
Some of you have sustained light injuries, but really, things are going pretty well. If you're going for the achievement, you should either wipe out all the cards this round via some clever Nia-Nettle based positioning, or slide the Ace out of harm's way. Either would work, I'd say.

<AVIATOR'S BARRACKS, ROUND ONE>
Ooh, a side-view battle! Read the note at the top to learn about elementary physics on a 2D plane. Anyway, the Rose Cult has a decently entrenched position: the Captain and his Cannon will deal consistent ranged damage, the Absolver can pester you with long-ranged bolts, and the Niessence will pester you with pings if you rush the ship. Either play this carefully... or just run in really, really fast. Who knows?

Echoss stealth-respecs from Pow Hammer into Spawnpoint.


With Chloe:
"Yes, you'd think..."
"I'm afraid not, even with flight I'll need to leave now in order to avoid being late to the fight. Thank you though Chloe, this was enjoyable. Stay safe."
Upon Chloe's response, Echoss whirlwinds his way out of the halls and off to the farm, closing the not-timeloop

Echoss's hologram raises an eyebrow at Mari.
"Miss Elem if you want a 'nerd cave' you should build it yourself. We do not have enough space for an individual to take more than one bedroom for their own, and even that only stretches for so many party members.
This room was meant to be a secondary bathrooms area to accomodate how many people we have. The outer area could likely be a good setup for a tv and whatnot, but it will not be a private area."
While he speaks thusly, his golems get to work paving the floor of the bathroom with... I think it was stone bricks we decided on? I dunno, whichever material seems best for bathroom tile flooring substitute.


In the Duneyrr, Echoss's face squishes slightly at the kick, giving far more than a face should, and it pops back out cartoonishly back to normal once Linseed is done.
"I was not suggesting to team up, no. You made it quite clear you had no intent to do that when the Spherebreaker's first day here was punctuated by two different efforts to kill us, and with how much hostility further efforts to minimize your casualties whenever we go up against each other are met with. I was merely suggesting that we put mutual grievances aside enough to not get in each other's way. Though I suppose it was naive of me to assume such a thing of your group, oh well I tried.
As for your questions, our fighting numbers are roughly twenty to thirty individuals. With around another ten noncombatants. Some of us are here for personal reasons, but as a team, we're here to destroy the Sphere and the thing incubating within it before it destroys the universe.
As for your complaints, do you think that you'd have broken through your siege by this point? Time is very strict, and we had no option but to get through R4-Sat0skr in order to use our only option to bypass the shield. Had we NOT disrupted your efforts at the caravan, a third actor would've claimed the glyph and put it beyond both our reaches."

Metal Gear Solid T: Thyme Eater

Mr. Krabs uses the Combination Orb and inputs in three spells: Nanostorm, Suffocating Hatred, and Pow Hammer. He does so in that exact order.

...He's also coincidentally at the location of the farm, and gazes his peeping eye upon the devices the Rebels laid upon the portal device. He stares at it. Really hard. Exceptionally hard. His eyeballs actually reach out of their socket to put only scant nanometers of distance between themselves and the device in question. This is no ordinary, every-day scrutiny. This is advanced scrutiny, an extraordinary scrutiny.

---

Mariaaaaa

Maria and Venia are currently busy being cute and putting a saddle on Cushion. Nothing extraordinarily special.

---

Basscaper

Venia figures being a completionist in this hall is for her own good, and Bass's own good too. She carries on, checking the 'Clownverted' barracks.

---

Battle: Aviator's Barracks

Venia spawns in at P10, immediately activates Vigil, and summons a Featherduster Maid at N12. It doesn't take a genius to understand what the maid's holding. Goodness knows how it'll deal any damage at all, though.

Featherduster Maid stats here

Ziah smiles as Ette says his name, finding something about the way she plays with it as rather endearing.

ZIAH: Ette's a fun name, I like it.
ZIAH: Wish we'd met under better circumstances, but... yeah, it's nice to meet you too.

Once he's placed down, in a very caring and gentle manner that totally isn't a suplex, he does his best to make himself 'comfortable', or at least, as comfortable as he can be given his injuries, that is. Then, Ette sets about rebandaging him, quickly helping him out of his old bandaged and into a fresh set. With a soft, polite smile, Ziah makes it clear he appreciates the care.

ZIAH: Thanks for this, by the way...
ZIAH: Honestly don't think I would've...

He pauses.

ZIAH: Well, I wouldn't have been as well off if you hadn't found me.

Then, Ette asks him about why he's come here, which catches Ziah off-guard . He pauses, before letting out a quiet sigh as he responds.

ZIAH: I uh...
ZIAH: Was kinda getting GORILLAed up, hard.

He looks down at his now bandaged leg, and fails again to open his left eye.

ZIAH: Yeah... figured the only way to escape was...
ZIAH: Eh, that part isn't really important. I ended up here on accident, basically.

In an attempt to shift the topic, Ziah decides to ask about the other people Ette mentioned.

ZIAH: Oh uh, introducing me to new people could be nice...
ZIAH: Seems like I'm stuck here since...

Ziah pauses, shakes his head, and lets out a frustrated sigh, leaning back into the couch slightly.

ZIAH: It might freak them out that you've brought me here, so introductions are probably the right play.
ZIAH: I'd be happy to meet other people here if they're fine with it.

Post for above update?

The Wildcards
Daskter spawns at T10
and summons a Conscript Leader at U10

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Bhm...t#gid=440885005

Settings::
Attack: Piercing
Suicide Magical Attack: Psychic

Resist:
10% Dark+10% for OG,
10% Piercing+10% for the OG.

Weak:
10% Fire,
30%Slashing