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Recent Events Summary:

You turn your gaze upon the final shard waiting at the Frozen Hand - Wrath. But first, you need to have a conversation with Ellendra Kalladar - the elven Queen that started all this so long ago.

But flying straight to the xenophobic elvish isles could pose many problems. But you know another elf - Valeria Kavanere - leader of those that call the Great Forest home, and members of your growing northern alliance.

Valeria is distant cousins with the elf queen, Kalladar - and they've been in contact. You gained great insight into your own nature, and the nature of the world. It was Queen Kalladar who gave you the ability to resist and deform from Erebus's programming - which was the only thing that stopped his ultimate goal of erasing Chaos. As you've reforged yourself, the burden on the queen has lessened.

But at the same time, Chaos is growing uncontrollably. Magic is getting stronger. Demons grow more powerful. How long can Venia last in a world of god-like titans? It must be brought back under control, or it, too, could consume the world.

Verlia and the queen agree that only Erebus's true might can do the job that must be done. With the future poised on a knife's edge, you traveled to the Palace of Shadow, Erebus's old base. First, you must subdue the final shard, and then set out to the place beyond Venia - from where Erebus originally came.

Your battle with Wrath tore open the palace and spilled out onto the snow-covered ice of the Frozen Hand, but you reigned victorious and united the final shard of your old self. In investigating old magic in the Palace, you saw a vision of what you believe to be Erebus's place of origination - a lone island in the Endless Void, far south past the edge of the world.

A sudden new arrival had you on your toes once more - but the Black Lady has proved a reasonable leader, and seeks new opportunities through your growing alliance.

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Ability Tree

GREEN abilities have been unlocked and learned.

BLUE abilties are unlocked, but are not yet purchased.

RED abilities are revealed, but locked due to prerequisites.

UNDERLINED abilities are active-use, as opposed to passive. Not all active abilities require mana.

All Revealed Ability Descriptions:

http://pastebin.com/UVzVKdyA

Books the Main Character has read:

http://pastebin.com/dAXR00gP

Character Sheet including learned abilities and other important information:

http://pastebin.com/QzURqEAL

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Titanic now lasts five turns, and can be cancelled before ending.

>Dark Wave - Unleash a mighty shockwave of Shadow centered on you. Low offensive power, but high knockback. (3 or 8 experience, 50 foot or half-mile radius, respectively).

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Current Statistics:

HP: 65/81
Mana: 6/58
EXP: 2

Shards of Order and Chaos:

(Retribution) - Strong
(Maker) - Weak
(Silence) - Normal
(Peace) - Empowered
(Breeze) - Strong
(Hammer) - Strong
(Ardor) - Empowered
{Resolve} - Strong
{Humanity} - Resonant

--Summoned--

Wisp - 1 mana to order

--Automatons--

Earthen Construct (currently in Haven)

--Equipment--

Utility belt with purse

--Inventory--

Sun-Moon Key
Lightning Key

--Teleport Anchor--

Haven - Inner Fortress

--Current Location--

Palace of Shadows

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Known Mana Pools:

Jacob's Field - entrance to Hecate's tomb - Spirit
Palthair Mines - Magnock's Lair - Spirit
Archon - Spirit District - Spirit
Archon - Shadow District - Shadow
Archon - Earth District - Earth
Archon - Water Distric - Water
Haven - Shadow
Abbotsford - Shadow
The Frozen Hand - Palace of Shadow - Shadow

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3rbTmBstTA

<You seem very familiar with the archmage, though he knows little of you,> you say.

"...you know who Melody was." The Black Lady raises the Staff. "You know what this is. What it means to him."

<...I do.>

"I took it, Shadow," she says, "because I thought he would be not far behind. Because I thought that with this..." A grim smile crosses her face. "I was young. And stupid, by proxy. There was a time...we...shared many things together. But after he entered the Archonium...he changed for the worse. He became like his father. He..." She shakes her head, then looks back at the staff. "With this, I thought to lure him out of that damn city, get him to chase me. And when he found me, I'd snap him out of it. Things would go back to the way they used to be. But..." Her voice becomes soft. "He never showed up. And you know him. You know how he is, now. Hellbent on duty. He's woven so many webs he's caught himself in them."

She glances up to you. "I can't rely on him. He doesn't even know I'm me, not anymore. Melody is a footnote on the pages of his life, and I have no intention of trying to make it otherwise. We're different people, now...and I fear that his heart has been rotted by his own self-imposed isolation."

<Perhaps he's more flexible than you think,> you say. <He'll need to know you're coming, at least, among others. For Arland itself...this is all going to be a bit of a surprise. But the others need to know you'll be there. I can't surprise them like that.>

"...I will trust your judgement on the matter, assuming I have your protection," she says.

<If the hearts and minds we mean to win over turn on you,> you say, <it is very likely they'll turn on me.>

"Then...?"

>con't

<And in the case that happens,> you say, <I'll stand by your side.>

The Black Lady nods, and for the first time, she allows her grip on the Staff of Winds to relax. She smiles. "Then we have an accord...Shadow. If you would, please keep my identity, my history, a secret. It's a past that's long been buried. It's better that way."

What is your next move?

>have the Lady stand by, and inform your allies of your agreement
>bring the Black Lady with you to visit some of your allies immediately
>have the Lady give you a tour of her lands
>discuss something else with her, or ask a question (write-in)
>go after Adavan, Obis, and Freja
>some other strategy

>>28045080
Persuade her to give us the Staff.

Then consume it.

>>28045080
We should probably go after our friends. Can we telepathically let our allies know we have met the Black Lady, and that she is an ally?

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>I posted all my opening stuff right in a row without an interruption

>>28045080
>go after Adavan, Obis, and Freja
We definitely need to talk this new development over with everyone but first things first.

>>28045080
I'd say go to Obis so his ass doesn't die, then we meet back in Haven. Plan to reconnect with Melody in some time so we can bring her to Haven without any surprises

>>28045080
>have the Lady stand by, and inform your allies of your agreement
This is gonna need another talkathon with Auriel, huh.

>>28045109

Telepathy only extends as far as a normal voice could. Walls and other other sound barriers don't affect it. You have to know the general location of a person to shout telepathy at them. You have to know their precise location to keep it private.

>>28045080
>Ask a question.

"What races does Vampiria hold, and what are their attitudes regarding peace?"

>>28045080
Let's ask for a way to contact her when needed. It would also be good if we could move freely in Vampiria if needed.

>>28045112
I got a lucky refresh within 2 seconds of it starting, but I just sat and looked at the screen and thought to myself, "No. I have not enjoyed this in a long enough time to do this." and I let it sit. Not loss of enjoy to point of won't participate, but is not something you should be celebrating.

>>28045080
>go after Adavan, Obis, and Freja

Should we anchor in this place?

>>28045253
It has a manapool right by it. So no.

>>28045253
There's a mana pool here, bro.

It's how we got here in the first place.

>>28045267
Oh that's right. Disregard

>>28045183

Well shit, that was depressing.

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>>28045144

The Black Lady shifts slightly, considering your question. "Vampiria holds only humans, as do most places," she says. "Vampires...few. You see...I am strong, but I'm rather unique. One such as me is created when a normal, weak vampire - which is easily bested even by a normal man of average strength - bites and transforms a mage into a vampire. The second of the lineage and a mage's magic combine to form a stronger, powerful being - the sort of one intended by the experiment in the first place. It is something I've studied extensively, for my own sake." She shrugs. "There are no more vampires of the first lineage left. A large handful of my best mages are as I am, but the stories of a viral vampiric noble class lording over the greater population are grossly exaggerated. The Ring City uses us as a tool to keep its hegemony intact."

>>28045153

The Black Lady proffers to you a small, black cylinder. "I had predicted that might be a problem. This only has a single use - it's very difficult to create, you see. But for five minutes, you will be able to speak with me over any distance. That should be enough time to communicate what needs communicating." She hands you the thin object. "Until that time, I will ready my forces, but I cannot afford to overextend myself. Be cautious in your promises to others. Though, when the time of your meeting arrives, I will be there to support your claims. I just hope they don't try to stone me on sight."

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Do you ask anything else before going after your friends?

>>28045318
Sunlight. I assume we will have to arrange for this meeting to be at night. Or will she be able to deal in her own way?

>>28045318
I think we're good. Probably going to need that cylinder for convincing Auriel or alternatively we could get everyone together and let her speak for herself.

>>28045318
Pocket the magicphone. Bid her farewell and let's be on our way

>>28045318
Warn her that Fang wants the staff. So, if he learns she has it, it will likely turn into a shitshow of him trying to get it from her.

>>28045408
And her secret being found out. Which is honestly not something I feel she should keep hiding if she wants to convince Archon to team up with her.

>>28045430
Yeah, we should say something about that. While we don't intend to go around shouting about how Black Lady = Melody, keeping it buried might unnecessarily grind the process. And I really do think that Fang regrets never seeing her again.

>>28045408
We need the staff to free geb.

>>28045318

>>28045408
>>28045430
Tell her this. Fang will know she is Melody if the staff is on her hands at the meeting. Also mention the whole sunlight problem.

>>28045458
We can't free Geb anymore, SM would surely use that natural 1 and everyone would die.

>>28045318
Ask how she got on and off the island.

>>28045450
Not only that, but Abigail was very sympathetic over that regret and she's becoming the most influential person there outside of Yi Fang since she's the main person behind this whole motion towards peaceful alliances. If Abby knew she was Melody as well things would go a lot more smoothly.

>>28045485
This

>>28045478
You don't have proof that he will

>>28045486
Yeah, this needs mentioning.

Also that >>28045458
What was the thing we needed to make him not crazy? I know the staff was only for the tornado.

>>28045485
Also this. I am very impressed with her survival on the shithole known as Xile.

>>28045516
I do not, but the risk is too great.

>>28045520
A parasite that Hyperion put on him needs to be removed, and apparently Flint can do it if we get rid of his parasite first.

>>28045520
Flint with the parasite removed

Can someone make a paladin wearing a beret that says "REMOVE PARASITE"

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>Best quest MC comin' through.

>>28045486
Mentioning this would probably be good. The Black Lady would probably really like Abby, especially since she made the decision to destroy the Archonium.

>>28045564
>those lips.

>>28045564
"I've seen some shit"

>>28045538
Criticals don't automatically result in people dying

Hi Shadow Master, how was your week?
I say we go tell our allies

>>28045570
For sure.

<I'd like you to meet the only politician in Archon to gain her popularity by other means than murder. She destroyed the Archonium.>

>>28045318

<I have heard vampires are weak to sunlight. Will that be an issue?>

The Black Lady grimaces. "The first of the vampires...the results of those experiments...were indeed weakened by sunlight. A deficiency of some natural part of the soul caused their skin to turn to ash if they were exposed. I do not have that problem, thankfully. Light magic is always a hassle for our element, though."

<Something I was curious about. How on earth did you get on and off the Xile?>

The Black Lady grins. "It was a work of art. I'm sure you know that the Skysever itself was made to counter Shadow, specifically. But ever spell has a weakness. Given enough time - which is something I had - I was able to find a crack in the spell that enabled me to hide from it. In a manner of speaking, I made the Skysever think that I was not there by balancing the means by which it detects mobile, airborne objects to make an area around me null and void."

<Sounds complex.>

"It was. Fang would have sold his soul for the trick. I was gone by then, though." She sighs. "Getting off was another problem entirely. I was totally unprepared for the sheer magnitude of the spell within the storm of Xile. I thought it would be like being in the eye of the storm, but it was where the storm was worst. Not to mention the things there, the mutated creatures gone feral, blood magic everywhere, the natives...the first thing I did was create a sort of safe-haven, using the best of my magics to remain undetected. I spent years there, living like a rabbit in a hole. Eventually, I developed a long-range teleportation that could get me around the wall of wind and down onto the ground. I was so weakened..." She coughs a weak chuckle. "I was so weakened, that a lone vampire in the Great Forest was able to bite me. Just a coincidence...but I suppose that's all life is, really. One after another."

>con't

<By the way, I'd keep the staff hidden,> you caution. <Fang wants it badly. If he knows you have it...>

"I have kept it hidden for over a hundred years, Shadow. I have no intention of changing that policy." She gives the staff a slow twirl. "Besides, it might be obvious that I was Melody should I walk up holding this."

You nod, concerns assuaged. But the situation bothers you. If anything could get to Archmage Yi Fang...it might be the fact that Melody is still around. <I'm not sure keeping who you are a secret is the best strategy,> you say. <In fact, revealing that you're Melody might really help with Fang.>

She gives you a look of sharp disbelief. "You would not say that if you heard his last words to me."

<...which were?>

"I paraphrase...it's been a while. But it was along these lines: 'I'm sick and tired of your pathetic whining. I don't need some bitch second-guessing my every move. If you can't understand that I've got to do this, then get the hell out of my office.' ". She sighs heavily. "I called his bluff. I guess he really meant it."

How do you proceed?

>tell her about Abigail and the destruction of the Archonium
>tell her Fang regrets that she left
>both of those
>let the subject drop; it isn't your place to say anything
>some other strategy

>>28045686
>both of those
Especially mention that Fang pretty much wants Abigail to do exactly what she's doing for him.

>>28045686
>both of those

>>28045686
>>both of those

cause if we dont then they will go full tsundere for the rest of the quest and no one wants to watch that

>>28045686
>both of those

>>28045686
Just the Abigail thing. Tell her that it is Abby that connects us to Fang and what kind of person she is, plus the sway her words hold with Fang.

>>28045713
Abby is the spirit version of Melody

>>28045713
Yeah, this. Fang knows he's been doing the wrong thing but he's also convinced it's way too late to change.

>>28045686
>both of those

>>28045686
>both of those

Looks like we have a small crowd tonight. I like it.

>>28045828
might be cause AOPHQ started like 1 hour before this

>>28045828
I know! Now I can samefag twice as hard and not be suspected!

>>28045686
Its not our place to mention Fangs regrets.

>tell her about Abigail and the destruction of the Archonium

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>>28045874

<I take it you haven't heard of Yi Fang's niece. Abigail.>

The Black Lady blinks. "...I didn't realize his brother had married. That doesn't sound like an Archonian name." Her face, surprised, turns grim. "I hope the apple fell far from the tree. Very far from the tree."

<...she was the first person I met...well...yes. She was the first person I truly knew after returning to this world...as I am now. We are close. She is...important to me, in that respect, and I am connected to Fang through her. She was a girl of 9 years...though now, she is 20.>

The Lady's eyes open wide in shock. "He put her through that thing. Dear elements. What became of her?"

<Upon exiting the Archonium,> you say, <she asked me to destroy it, so that it would never again hurt anyone else. And I did.>

"And...he...Fang just let you?!"

<He stood by and left the choice to her,> you say. <And though it took her some time, she has come to grips with her position as a councilor of Archon. She seeks to remake her country - she wants it to be a place of fairness and prosperity. She is determined to put Fang's methods behind them all, enough of the scheming, the infighting, the killing. Her conviction gained her councilorhood in an 8 to 2 vote. Her goal is to rebuild Archon's relationships with its neighbors by become the cornerstone of the alliance that faces the demons, and in so doing pivot them from a slow decay into a new era of peace.>

"...and the Archmage has what, to say about all this, exactly?"

>con't

<She told him, in different words, to get the hell out of her office,> you say.

"No. He wouldn't stand for it."

<It's true. I believe you would have appreciated the looks on their faces when she talked down to him in the middle of a council meeting.>

"That's ridiculous." She chuckles lightly. "It's like some stupid joke. He simply wouldn't allow himself to lose face like that."

<Only for her,> you say. <You see...Fang regrets what he's done. I know this. He sees a new hope for her, and in her. He sees Abigail as Archon's redemption, because he thinks that it's too late for him to change. Too late to go back. And maybe he's right. If he tried to put a new foot forward, everyone would just believe it to be another plan, another angle...just like you do. Just like you said. He's been that way for so long, he's mired in it...and he despises it.>

"...I...can hardly believe you," the Lady whispers. "After all this time? Can that be true?"

<It is true,> you say. <I've seen it with my own eyes. I've heard the words from his lips. His methods have backed them into a corner. He knows that the only way out for Archon is by another, totally different path, a leap into a new era. Abigail's leadership is that leap. He's passing the torch. You might say it's his greatest scheme of all. He's getting rid of himself.>

The Lady swallows hard. She closes her eyes. "...I...I must consider this. But...I will reveal myself in my own way. Though...thank you for your words, Shadow. Perhaps I might..." She takes a long breath, and forces her expression to be still once again. "Well. We shall see."

What do you do next?

>ask her anther question
>on to adventure!

>>28045951
>on to adventure!
<Excuse me, I have a prophecy to stop.>

>>28045951
>on to adventure!

>>28045951
Go eat stuff in the palacebase

>>28045951
We really do need to look at the things in this palace.

Wasn't there some "Touch the thing, and stuff happens." thing to touch?

>>28045951
adventure time

>>28046031
The altar, we'll need to head back to it to warp out anyway.

>>28046031

Yes, the altar/throne back in the room with the mana pool.

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>>28045951
Adventure!

>>28046063
Can we touch it? Does that count as part of the adventure?

>>28046063
I say we touch the thing on our way out then. We can head back to explore more after dealing with Adavan and them.

>>28045951
Touch the altar before leaving. We must explore the whole palace later.

<I have other things to attend to,> you say, <but you are very well met, Melody. I'm glad we've spoken.>

"...as are you, Shadow," she says. "But do remember to call me 'Lady', at least."

<I will.>

She turns, then glances back at you. "...you are...much more human, than I expected. If I may say so."

<I'm more human than I expected, as well. Time changes all things.>

"...so it does. I'll expect your contact soon." She walks out of the palace. A moment later, you feel a huge, rising wind, and the little ball of elements that were her mages rocket off to the south.

You turn back to the palace proper. There remains the half-destroyed archway that showed you a vision of the lone isle out in the void...and then, back in the room with the mana pool, the strange altar you remember from so long ago.

What do you do?

>consume the remains of the archway. No one else should glean that knowledge
>head for the altar. It's the top priority at the moment
>don't mess around with the palace; nothing here is going anywhere soon. Go to the mana pool and teleport back to Haven
>some other strategy

>>28046063
touch it

>>28046118
>>head for the altar. It's the top priority at the moment

What was the archway knowledge again? Did we already learn it?

>>28046118
>>consume the remains of the archway. No one else should glean that knowledge
>>head for the altar. It's the top priority at the moment
won't take long

>>28046118
Touch the altar. Consuming the archway would be rash, maybe we can repair it later.

>>28046118
ask shards about the archway

>>28046136
basically the entire endless void and and the opposite of this place

>>28046149
It seems to be pretty beaten down and we have an airship that can get through the sky-sever for void travelling.

>>28046159

Retribution has foggy memories of destroying it as Wrath upon detecting your presence, and the 'chaos' inside of you. Apparently it was functional as something more than a means to view the island. That is a backup measure in case it was damaged. What it was originally use for it unknown.

>>28046197
Well, if it was instinctual to destroy the thing upon simply detecting Chaos it's probably not good to leave it lying around. I'd eat it.

>>28046197
Yeah we should consume it then.

>>28046197
im gonna guess we cant rebuild it, so consume it

>>28046197

so it may have been the easiest way into the void stronghold....

>>28046275
We've got NyxStyx for that now, though.

>>28046275
>An entire world full of nothing but Erebi
Oh, the horror. What would we call it? Darkspergland?

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You decide to consume the archway. The magic-laden stone goes down easy. Its heavy power isn't something to be taken lightly.

>you've gained 8 experience (total: 10)

A long walk through the palace brings you back to the room with the mana pool and the altar. A few blocked paths here and there remain from Wrath's titanic charge, but most of it seems to be structurally sound. You wisely use the concentrated power of the pool to restore yourself to full capacity.

>HP: 81/81
>mana: 58/58

The room is as you left it: quiet, and dark. The back of the altar stretches up high into the nothingness far above, where not even your sight can penetrate.

What do you do about the altar?

>attempt to destroy it
>attempt to consume it
>touch it; try to explore its functionality
>explore up into the darkness
>some other strategy

>>28046197
Can we make a mental copy of it before consuming it?

>>28046332
>touch it; try to explore its functionality

>>28046332
>touch it; try to explore its functionality
then
>attempt to consume it

>>28046332
Would analyze be a waste of time?

>>28046332
>>touch it; try to explore its functionality
>>explore up into the darkness
Send a wisp to scout while we study with our shards.

>>28046332
>touch it; try to explore its functionality
This thing knows where all the Chaos is leaking out from. Pretty damn useful thing to keep around.

>>28046332
So can we make more than 1 construct.
I have been wondering this since its not a summon and it can help haven.

>>28046363
I like this. Seconding.

>>28046363
Or just make wisp touch it? Brilliant, I know.

>>28046362
>>28046332
How about both analyze and deep focus.

>>28046332
>>touch it; try to explore its functionality
then
>attempt to consume it
then
>explore up into the darkness

>>28046332
if all else fails to yield any results consume it

>>28046362
>>28046395
we did that before

>>28046363
>>28046362
>>28046395
These three get my vote.

>>28046423
>>28046428
>>28046358
Why the hell should we consume it? It's like the only lead on stopping Chaos from shooting up out of the earth.

>>28046433
I thought we didn't do anything since we were trying to stealth towards wrath.
>>28046454
xp is probably why.i don't know if they are part of the hydra party though.

>>28046454
we don't know what it does yet.

presumably all it does it tell us where the other elementals are

You analyze the altar again, reading the words written there by none other than you.

"The annihilation plan might effect memory stability. This is a note in case such an eventuality does occur. This device allows long-distance detection of major chaotic points. Activates upon touch. Avoid chaotic points until power is restored. Lines were set to converge three sub-units on this location. Two should be here; the third is higher in the complex. Go and gather it, first."

It makes sense. You were Judgement and Temerity to begin with. Wrath has been here all along...

But you wonder what it means to detect points of chaos? Perhaps that has something to do with the sensation you were granted all that time ago.

Your Focus tells you that the magic within the altar is extremely powerful. It is the most purified sense of Shadow you've ever felt - similar to the airship which you changed with your abilities, or one of your shards. Definitely a work of Erebus.

The back of the altar continues up, up, and into the top of the palace. In a way, it's like the spine of the entire structure. Nerves...spine...sensory? Perhaps this particular construction has something to do with it's ability to sense chaos.

Your relationship with the altar feels...altered, for lack of a better term. There is a slight repelling force from it onto you...small, but definitely there. Is that because of the chaos you've grown within yourself? Probably.

What do you do?

>a thing like this is best left alone
>touch the altar; attempt to explore its functionality
>take no risks; consume it immediately
>some other strategy

>>28046474
The same argument can be used or consume and what you used as an example is more than enough reason not to consume.

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>>28046454
the same reason we consume shit everynight, to try and take over the abilites chart!

>>28046479
No wisp scouting mission?

>>28046479
>>touch the altar; attempt to explore its functionality
we have to know

>>28046479
I'm guessing it detects elemental lords.

>>28046479

touch it. If Erebus built it, then we should be able to 'renovate' it... possibly with Humanities help...

>>28046488
i meant consume after we find out what it does, as long as it isn't too important.

cause know where the elemental lords are isn't an incredible feat when they're unsealed and they ain't moving when they are

>>28046479
>>touch the altar; attempt to explore its functionality

>>28046479
Hey shadow master can you check my question out >>28046384
>>28046479
Also lets ask our shards for advice here.

>>28046479
>touch the altar; attempt to explore its functionality

>>28046519
Yesss.

>>28046479
>touch the altar; attempt to explore its functionality
then
>take no risks; consume it immediately

>>28046544
>>28046536
>>28046531
>>28046519
>>28046505
>Activates upon touch. Avoid chaotic points until power is restored. Lines were set to converge three sub-units on this location. Two should be here; the third is higher in the complex. Go and gather it, first
>the third is higher in the complex. Go and gather it, first
There is a reason he repeated the question.

>>28046565
It was talking about Wrath. We were the other two sub-units. Judgement and Temerity.

>>28046565
the third was wrath
the first two were us and temerity

>>28046565
*why

>>28046579
>>28046575
Well i stand corrected, but do you guys think its a good idea to touch this with out consulting some one?

>>28046598
there is literally no one else in the world who would have any idea what this thing does. no one

>>28046614
1.melody is a genius
2.our legion buddy might have an idea.
They are the only two who might figure it out.

>>28046598
We've touched it before. Of course, we were "uncorrupted" then and this thing is plugged into the whole Palace or something. Might put the place on red alert, but eating it might also cause just as much problems in terms of system/structaral integrity of the place.

>>28046614
our shards.

>>28046638
or it might give us a super shadow mech

you never know

or a new shard, one that aids all senseing rolls

>>28046650
we have asked our shards twice already

>>28046638
True, it reminds me of the place where abby lost her hand.we need to go there again soon to clean the place out.

>>28046651
We've got all the shards, though.

We'd have to use Artifact on a giant construct/automaton to get a shadow mech.

>>28046672
Not really with the two mech upgrades we can make our own giant robot.

>>28046672
not necessarily. cause i don't think we needed Sword/Hammer to become complete.

and Erebus may have created more than one artifact

So once we get hydra who is up for actually finishing up the spirit tree?

>>28046532

>Construct - Create an earthen golem assistant with a tiny power core. It isn't very intelligent, and can follow only simple orders, such as "move that boulder" or "protect this person". Otherwise, it will default to being your bodyguard. It shares earth/shadow elements. Golems last until defeated, but only 1 can be controlled at a time. (4 mana)

>>28046532

Talking to your shards at a whim was a special feature of the Archonium; to do it now, you need to meditate for a long period of time, unless via QM fiat I throw you a bone. You had your bone when you just asked what the archway was and got some quick info from Retribution.

-----------
-----------

Vote 1:
>touch altar

Vote 2:
>consume altar

Vote 3:
>ignore altar

>>28046699
im thinking getting ghoul + Ghost + Fae

>>28046699
i'm up for it, but we need corrode first.

>>28046706
1

>>28046688
Sword/Hammer wasn't an artifact. It was literally a part of Erebus that he gave to David for a while.

>>28046706
1

>>28046706
1

>>28046706
1

>>28046706
1

>>28046706
1 then 2

>>28046706
1

>>28046723
that is what an artifact it

>>28046706
1

>>28046706
1

SM. Can you tell us if we have all our shards and what exactly Sword/Hammer is in comparison to other artifacts to clear things up?

>>28046706

Consuming this thing before knowing what it does would be extra stupid, guys.

>>28046706
Well i feel stupid, i'm guessing the same thing applies to machina vita?
>>28046716
The summon tree is getting the ass end of the exp use since people want to finish up other trees before it.

Guys I don't think consuming this thing is a good idea. It might be important for the seal.

>>28046769
Hammer is a shard.

>>28046769
>SM. Can you tell us if we have all our shards
some anon assumed we were complete last thread and SM laughed sat him, so i think we still have more things left to get first.

>>28046706
We should max out the construct portion of the earth tree so we can make the highest tier construct and artifact it.

>>28046779
No it isn't exactly a shard it is more like a part of erubus.

>>28046769

Sword/Hammer is a shard. It has no relation to the artifact skill aside from granting you that skill when you acquired it. People mistook it for an artifact you created because of its power, when it was a shard of you all along.

You might say that all the shards are a result of Erebus using Artifact on himself. Division of labor and all that.

You've collected all the shards.

>writing to touch altar

>>28046791
I thought that was a joke considering the spoiler text

>>28046810
Denser than depleted uranium...

>>28046803
The construct machina vita doesn't have a limit for constructs so i'm assuming we can make more than 1(though it would cost alot of resources) unless the construct limit goes to the machina vita as well.

>>28046841
We've been over this before, but MV is an upgrade to Construct. The 1 limit still applies.

>>28046827
It might be, but from what >>28046823
He just said it sounds like erubus left some of his things behind, but not enough to be considered a shard.

>>28046706
Vote 4:
>Reforge altar with Humanity

>>28046870
I was dissapointed when we didn't find anything inside our pocket from erebus

You reach out to the shadowy seat. The location of the Elemental Lords is too tempting an offer to pass up. And who knows what other secrets it could show you?

You touch the altar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n8xjj_SZLY

The text on the back immediately vanishes. A translucent floating board full of square buttons appears in the air before you. Each square is inscribed with a small symbol, unfamiliar and alien.

But you know them. They're the letters of the alphabet. This is your language.

------------
Warning! -- Warning! -- Warning!
------------

Chaotic access attempt detected at Vigil sensory uplink.

Self destruct activating in five seconds.

Input override code to cancel self-destruct.

------------
Warning! -- Warning! -- Warning!
------------

<5>

You immediately turn toward the mana pool. You have to teleport out of -

Black lines form over the mana pool. They twist, turn, warp, and then the pool is gone.

<4>

This isn't good.

What do you do?

>consume the altar, quick!
>guess an override code!
>run back through the palace!
>some other strategy

>>28046865
Speaking of robots whats pour to do list again?
I thought we were gonna search for city 001 and 002.

>>28046940
Lol. Idfk what to do here.

>>28046940
>run back through the palace!
Use Breeze. I'm not going to try and eat something just to get blown up when it fails.

>>28046940
>>consume the altar, quick!
I FUCKING KNEW IT.

>>28046940

Try 'Order' as an override code

>>28046940
>>guess an override code!
It's been said at some point in the quest, hasn't it.

QUICK! What was the inscription on the moonsong!

>>28046940
>run back through the palace!
Supersonic + Breeze

>>28046940
>>consume the altar, quick!
Gaping maw and Ardor+peace

>>28046940
If Erebus was anything like us, the override code will be "Override Code."

>>28046940
>>consume the altar, quick!
Ardor and Gaping maw

>>28046940
>run back through the palace!

>>28046980
I'm guessing its either this or order

>>28046940
>consume the altar, quick!
ardor+gaping maul

>>28046980
<The Song of the Moon, the Void Twixt Stars,> you read. <The Destruction of Chaos.>

>>28046940
We know the language, write Order as fast as possible and rapid blink away without waiting if it works or not.

File: 1383283865820.jpg-(80 KB, 350x335, 1371620200565.jpg)

80 KB JPG

>>28046997

>>28046940
>>consume the altar, quick!
ardor+gaping maw

>>28046940

No wait, WAIT! Consult the shard inside of you that comes up with really shitty names! Ask it!

File: 1383283931083.jpg-(44 KB, 420x500, scared.jpg)

44 KB JPG

>>28046940
>Black lines form over the mana pool. They twist, turn, warp, and then the pool is gone.
>This thing is about to detonate with the force of INFINITE MANA
There is going to be a big fucking hole in Vampiria.

>>28046940
Order, or overide

consume on 1

>>28046940
>consume the altar, quick!
ardor and gaping maw that shit, blink if doesnt work

>>28047060
that would take too long.

Vote 1:
>guess a code (there is enough time for two attempts)

Vote 2:
>run at maximum possible speed

Vote 3:
>consume at maximum power

>>28047046
This

this is why it is there and in a language no one else can read

>>28047078
1

>>28047060
Problem: We are that shard.

>>28047078
2

>>28047069
we still have that portal

>>28047078
3

>>28047078
1

>>28047078
3

>>28047078
ORDER.

>>28047078

1

>>28047078
1

>>28047078
1

>>28047078
1

>>28047078
3

>>28047078
3

>>28047078
1

Do the Moonsong inscription

Fuck, why not just teleport to Haven using our portal anchor?

>>28047078
3

>>28047139
that is the last resort.

>>28047139
The explosion would come through the portal and shoot hyperfunneled dense shadow magic like a cannon.

Guys we guess this>>28047046
Why else would he have put that on there in a language no one else can read?

>>28047147
Teleport to tarun gakth instead?

>>28047156
Can't. No mana pool and only one portal anchor.

>>28047156
We don't have an anchor there and the mana pool is gone.

>>28047078
1

>>28047151
DING DING DING this man's got a strong point here.

>>28047078
3

>>28047078

cutting off votes

>>28047078
3

Guessing a code;

Which code do you guess?

Vote 1:
>Order

Vote 2:
>Moonsong inscription: 'The Song of the Moon, the Void Twixt Stars. The Destruction of Chaos.'

So after a failed attempt full consume?

>>28047209
2

>>28047209
2

>>28047209
2

>>28047209
2

>>28047209
1

>>28047212
Get 2 attempts

then consume. If that fails we use haven anchor.

>>28047209
1

>>28047212
I honestly think we should've just gotten the fuck out of here with our super speed instead of tempting fate like this but apparently everyone else is okay with risking getting hit with a shadow mana pool powered bomb at ground zero.

>>28047238
We don't have enough time for that many actions.

>>28047238
No. We Fast Blink out with Breeze's help because we'll be exposing the blast to Haven by opening a portal.

>Attempt to consume
>"Hey guys, so you remember that critfail?"
>Drains all our shards
>"Oh, by the way, Erebus stuffed Hyperion under the floorboards. You have 5hp left and the Elemental Lord of Light is pissed."

>>28047209
if we fail consume

Guys, we should pocket the altar and let it explode in there

>>28047209
2

>>28047304
Too big. It stretches up all the way to the top of this thing.

>>28047314
True

You desperately input the code on the keys. It had to be something close to Erebus's heart, right?

The
Song
Of
The
Moon
The
Void

<3>

Twixt
Stars
The
Destruction
Of
Chaos

An angry red beep blinks twice at you.

----Incorrect access code----

<2>

What do you do!??!

>>28047335
Fuuuuuuuuuck.

>>28047335
consume max power

>>28047335
Fast Blink out.

>>28047335
order

>>28047335
Eat it

>>28047335
Consume

>>28047335
Get out of dodge.

>>28047335
consume+ardor+gaping maw

>>28047335
Wasn't the password to the room with Isolation in it just "Shadow"?

Although I think we should just CONSUME

Rolled 2 + 4

>>28047335
Order

then if that fails gaping maw consume

Maybe if we eat it things will be like old cartoons where out stomach poofs up for a moment and smoke comes out our ears.

>>28047335
Enter "rainbows"

File: 1383285312891.gif-(569 KB, 162x152, boon of laughter.gif)

569 KB GIF

We are so fucked. I wonder if this has enough juice to one-shot us.

>>28047335
eat it

Consuming at maximum power.

Roll 1d100

Rolled 2

>>28047440

Rolled 96

>>28047440
Without a 100 we go boom

Rolled 44

>>28047440

Rolled 22

/tg/ diiiice!

>>28047440
come on

Rolled 53

>>28047440

>>28047452
>>28047456
>>28047448
Hopefully Ardor at Empowered can do something with this.

Rolled 6

>>28047440

File: 1383285608094.gif-(262 KB, 110x176, spede_foreheadslap.gif)

262 KB GIF

Rolled 21

>>28047440
This is like deciding to burn a library when the whole world had only one.

Rolled 87

>>28047440

Rolled 38

>>28047440
Rollin!

Rolled 68

>>28047440

>>28047493
Said library is about to go critical and cover the world in shitty short stories.

Rolled 21

>>28047440
pleaze 100

Rolled 70

>>28047440

File: 1383285757141.gif-(1.43 MB, 275x208, suicidefallonfire.gif)

1.43 MB GIF

Rolled 38

>>28047448
>>28047487
>>28047493

mfw

SM at the end of the thread PLEASE tell us what we could've done with the shrine.

I MUST KNOW.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQDA3AX5Zqs

You set yourself Your magic opens a churning bit of the nether to vaporize your meal. Ardor's power floods through you. You deform into an amorphous pool of ink and enclose over the altar.

The magic inside of it is thick - hard to destroy. The power from the mana pool churns below it. You push yourself to your limit, forging forward, chewing, gnawing, absorbing.

The magic trembles and warps. Something in the altar begins to buckle.

<1>

>you've gained 14 exp (total: 24)

You've eaten through the bottom of the construct. You start upward, chewing and crunching and absorbing as fast as you can. You slowly side up into the darkness above.

You already know you're not going to make it, but you're committed.

<0>

wha-phoomph

wha-phoomph

The spell igniting the destruction stutters, as if struggling to get off the ground. Eating part of it bought you a bit more time...you go as fast as you can, gaining speed when the magic thins, but you can't see a thing.

>you've gained 8 exp (total: 32)
>Ardor - Broken

wha-BOOOOM

>con't

An explosion with all the power of the void erupts beneath you. Like a chain of death, it follows you up into the darkness. You abandon your attempts to eat through it and beat your wings furiously, but it's far to fast for you to outpace it. The magic reaches you in a heartbeat, and you're churned up into a whirling mess of limbs, caught in the undertow of huge ocean. The force rockets you up the chimney-like structure of the core like a shot out of an airship's deck cannons.

>you've taken 54 damage (27/81)

You fly from the top of the core, smashing through the roof of the chamber, into another room, and then smashing through that as well. You're thrown out into the blizzard, smoking and ripped and torn.

You fall, dazed. Your vision is shaky, but the sounds draw your attention. The palace is collapsing .A beam of shadow shoots from the core and up into the sky, parting the clouds and throwing the swirls of snow backward. For a brief moment, the skies are clear and silent.

And then, the force is drawn inward, the air rushing into the palace as if it's the center of a tremendous vacuum - and the palace implodes upon itself. Stone and shadow blast and crack and rumble as the entire construct is twisted and torn down into the pile of rubble.

You're able to flare your wings before you land, skidding to a halt on the barren ice of the Frozen Hand.

The Palace of Shadow is totally annihilated.

What do you do?

I can't think of anything the password could have been. Either it was hidden *really* well in some of the lore we've learned, or we were literally flying blind. I think this is a bonus boss of sorts.

>>28047661
Teleport back to Haven and recover with the mana pool there. Then head out to find Obis, Adavan, and Freja.

Lets get Hydra.

Oh and maybe Shadowrage.

And that brings our total number of singular rolls where you really could have died in one stroke up to three!

>>28047710
I kept trying to tell people to just fucking run, but no.

>>28047661
buy hydra and hit go in the water

>>28047710
What was the code?

>>28047705
This.

File: 1383286822888.gif-(171 KB, 220x170, chomp.gif)

171 KB GIF

>>28047662
I bet it was Order.

Trying to consume the thing was possibly the stupidest thing we've done in a while.

>>28047661
Ardor.gif

>>28047720
Everything worked out fine

Rolled 18

>>28047737
>Trying to consume the thing was possibly the stupidest thing we've done in a while.
Not really many alternatives. If we had tried 'order' and it was wrong we were completely boned.

>>28047661
Buy Hydra. Go back to Haven. Talk to people about where our other people went.

Tell Flint that it was a good thing he didn't come, as he would have died three times over.

>>28047709
Supporting Hydra, more in the mood for Machina Vita though.

>>28047661
buy hydra and spirit lash

Was the password "Password", or something similar?

>>28047783
>Wrath fight
>Black Lady and her elite vanguard
>exploding castle

Yeah. It would not have been good.

>>28047737

The code wasn't anything you would be able to guess right now.

To be honest, a good consume roll was the best option. I had a little scale from 4/3 to 1/3 of your HP based on the consume roll. After Ardor, you had a 20% chance of dying instantly.

Trying to run would have given you a 30% chance of dying instantly.

Alright, it's time to buy Hydra and go back to Haven. I'll post the updated ability tree, and then the first post of the next thread will be the arrival at Haven.

>un momento

>>28047830
>After Ardor, you had a 20% chance of dying instantly.
>Trying to run would have given you a 30% chance of dying instantly.
See that, runfags? Fuck you, CONSUME is the way.

>>28047737
haha

>>28047830
Figured as much.

It *was* an optional sidequest which we were supposed to revisit later. But we had no way of knowing that, and the only way to find out was to trigger it. Ehhh, win some, lose some.

>>28047886
I really wanna know what it was though, and what we could have done

>>28047830
TEAM HYDRA FINALLY ACHIEVES THEIR DESTINY

Am I the only one who thinks Team Hydra would make a bitching name for the evil organisation in a pokemon game?

>>28047830
So we couldn't have altered our perception when interfacing with the machine and brute forced the password?

>>28047909
Can we start letting other people buy the skills they want now?

>>28047909
Maybe for a marvel universe crossover