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Post by Panda on Mar 13, 2023 17:00:23 GMT
This is your private communication channel with me, the GM. Alibis, such that they are, will be posted here. Otherwise use this thread for whatever you want.
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Post by Panda on Mar 20, 2023 22:50:10 GMT
Chapter 1 activity:
You participated in the dodgeball game as described in the thread. Afterwards you worked on some things in the security office. You were still here when people came to inform you of the murder and bring you to the crime scene.
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Post by Panda on Mar 29, 2023 9:36:45 GMT
Chapter 2 activity:
Not wanting to participate in the festival, you instead passed the time in various ways. On the day of the festival, you spent most of your time on Suamp, organising the supplies. After the dance got a bit out of hand, you wanted to make sure no-one abused any of the medications, so it was important to catalogue their quantities.
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Post by satan on Mar 30, 2023 18:22:37 GMT
Swag. I am posting in here because I just realized this existed and I am a bad player lmao
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Post by satan on Apr 3, 2023 1:07:23 GMT
A gentle hand on the door. Open it with practiced ease. Keep the breathing steady until you know you're not being watched. Station the familiar in a secreted hole along the wall, where it can alert you to any who come by.
Sit in the chair. Head in your hands, welcome the dark that closing your eyes brings. It's not much. It's not nearly enough.
It hurts to breathe. It hurts to think. It hurts to live while the students have been the ones in danger. And now one has made such a drastic change to herself, with no knowledge on what she's done.
It's too much.
The cracks were already there. Spreading, spicerwebs connecting across the body and mind. Snapping strength that had long since been overtaxed, broken and exhausted, pushed too far and yet still needed to keep going.
An arm swipes across the desk, scattering piles of papers everywhere. Fluttering in the air, flopping onto the floor, smacking into the wall before joining their brethren on the floor. A second arm joins the first, a strangled scream rising in the throat, strangled in the chest and stopped!
Stopped. Stopped.
Stopped at the teeth, a deep, heaving sob taking over.
It is too much.
And yet it will never be enough.
He has to keep walking. Or it will not have been worth it.
-End of Chapter 2
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Post by satan on Apr 8, 2023 1:26:46 GMT
Stumble into the room blindly, crashing blindly against the walls in your haste. Stume further, catapulting into the bed, thonking your head onto the headboard.
Lie there. Try not to cry. Keep it in. Soldier on. You have to keep it together. Grit your teeth, desperately trying to not let it out, the moment of weakness will haunt you.
.... Is it weakness, though? Is it shameful? Hated? Angering? Triggering?
A swirling vortex of chaotic thoughts scream, no one voice heard above the others in the cacophony. Clapping your ears doesn't shut them out, doesn't even quiet them down even a little bit.
It hurts. It always hurts. The cracks just make it hurt more.
I want it to stop.
-Chapter 3
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Post by Panda on Apr 10, 2023 10:00:17 GMT
Chapter 3 activity:
You participated in the Rat Race. Nothing of note happened that wasn't already described in the GM post.
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Post by Panda on Apr 23, 2023 9:07:31 GMT
Chapter 4 activity:
You remained in your room in the blimp for a while. Eventually you decided to leave, not wanting to be on board when the storm hit. You met Felix and Nico as you headed to the exit, and then the three of you saw Faye entering the blimp as you disembarked. Wanting to patrol the island for a while, you split from the pair and made your rounds. At some point you ended up at the casino, and checked inside to discover most of the players hanging out there. You chatted with Korrigan here for some time, until he headed off for a nap, at which point you resumed your patrol.
A little later, you checked the prison and found Korrigan asleep in a bed inside one of the cells. Uncomfortable though it looked, it was probably better than being aboard the blimp right now. Not wanting to disturb him, you left for the beach. However, before you arrived, you heard the Alarm and changed course to head to the clock tower.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 14:02:49 GMT
Hawk closed his eyes, allowing a single tear to slip out, before his eyes opened again, full of brutal purpose.
His sword arm came up, then came back down with a sickening lurch, the head rolling and bumping down the aisle, as the tears started to fall in earnest down his face.
He picked up the head, staring into the lifeless eyes of the last member of the faculty, his bottom lip quivering before he let out a very shaky sigh, gently placing the head atop the fallen corpse, sitting down next to it, bowing his head in shame.
"I am dearly sorry I could not protect any of you," he intoned, bowing his head. "Isadora, Kameron, Neuron, Ige, Yugi…. Korrigan. I have failed in the one job I was supposed to fulfill, and to my eternal shame, I had failed it from the very beginning, and continued to fail it this entire time."
He shook his head, the tears of sadness, of anguish, slowly being replaced as sparks flew from him.
"I didn't just fail you, the fallen, the lost, the dead. I failed Kenji, I failed Su-Ah, I failed Yugi again, I failed Darren, liar and cutthroat though he was, and I have failed you, Faye. After all my talk of being head of security, I have failed and failed and failed, over and over, repeatedly ending up in the same situations I had sworn to never be in again: weak, pathetic, and powerless to stop the machinations of those around me.
"No more. I refuse to continue to fail, to come this far only to turn my back on this, my last chance! No more! I should have done this long ago, but caution won against my pride, even though I agree with mine prudence!"
He stood, his back stiff and ramrod straight, and he swung around to stare at Aardok. He raised his blade, pointing it directly at the demon's sneering snout.
"You." The word was laced with such hatred and cold rage, the man's face the eminence of wrath. "I know killing you won't bring them back. I know killing you probably won't even stop these games. I know even trying is a fool's errand. But I will be damned if I just let even one of the orchestrators of this whole event get out of this without paying the price! I challenge you, Aardok! I challenge you to a duel! For the right to leave this game, for Faye! Fight me if you dare!"
-A potential path
I have not read the thread yet, so I have no idea how much of this is still applicable. I am going to go do that.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 14:09:08 GMT
Beheading Korrigan is long past necessary.
You can take this path, though maybe not right now, as it would take attention away from Faye.
How do you want the fight to end? In a straight fight, Hawk would lose and die. However the plan was always that the players would defeat Aardok and escape, so you could tap into that if you think Hawk surviving and doing the killing blow is better for the story.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 14:21:21 GMT
I agree, a straight fight with "honor" is a fight I would lose. Good thing I planned to shove a grenade equivalent down Aardok's throat and make it explode.
There's a few ways this could go, depending on how the initial challenge is accepted or denied.
A) Challenge is accepted, venue is immediately prepared, fight go.
B) Challenge is denied, Hawk challenges via insult (claims Aardok is scared to fight a weak human who can't really cast), challenge accepted
C) Challenge denied, Hawk insults, Aardok turns it around and gives him more power (to even the playing field, the demon cackles), challenge accepted
D) Aardok could not care less, new route requeired
Beyond that, I'm not sure. My options here determine my path later, and there's quite a bit of disparity in how it could play out.
On a personal level, I have always seen it ending with Hawk shoving his arm down Aardok's throat and detonating a grenade equivalent, losing the arm in the process. Does that kill Aardok? Dunno, not my character.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 14:25:19 GMT
Aardok's always down for a fight, so it would be option A.
My original plan is that the players collective Innocence, due to forming so many close bonds and even uncovering the mastermind, gives them the power needed to defeat Aardok. Would Hawk tap into that? Or is he just planning to use a literal explosive?
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 14:31:12 GMT
I'm not entirely sure how to tap into the innocence point. Like, on a meta level. If it gives me free castings in times of incredible need, then I'll end up using it, though whether it's recognized as innocence... Questionable.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 14:34:05 GMT
I more imagined them conjuring up raw power and blasting Aardok with it. So maybe if everyone pours their power into Hawk's blade it would be enough to kill Aardok.
Hawk using a homemade bomb wouldn't work, I'd say. Otherwise someone would have killed Aardok ages ago.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 14:40:29 GMT
Mmmm... Then I'm not sure how to bring that in. From my end, anyway. Zofra can do whatever it wants as a reminder, that's not my wheelhouse.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 14:45:27 GMT
Well, I picture the scene as Hawk challenging Aardok, but he gets his ass handed to him. It's enough to give the other players hope though, and they start glowing with anime bullshit Innocence power. They send their power to Hawk, who uses it to overpower and defeat Aardok.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 14:50:10 GMT
Mmmmmmmmmmaybe? I can work with that, though the impartiality of it feels a little wrong to me. But like I said, I can work with that.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 15:13:16 GMT
Impartiality? I don't follow.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 15:16:57 GMT
Like, it just happens, and it doesn't have a unique effect per player. It's just A Thing, a plot device, if you would. Which is acceptable in terms of writing a story, I just have preferences for unique applications.
Hence why I asked if it gave me free casts. I had plans for those casts, tying their effects to specific players. Makes it feel more unique and more powerful, since it's actively changing how the fight is approached.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 15:19:54 GMT
It's the culmination of the players forging bonds and fighting evil. That's all. The form it takes is arbitrary. However I don't understand what you're asking for.
Magic is tied to 'evil' so not a good fit. If you want, just think of Innocence as giving you a power up. You still need to do stuff yourself.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 15:21:39 GMT
Like I said, I get that, and I can work with that. Doesn't change that I have opinions about it, but I work with the tools I am given.
So. Good to go?
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 15:34:10 GMT
No like I said I just don't understand what you're asking for.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 15:40:07 GMT
In simplistic terms, a series of "get out of bail free cards" that are powered by the innocence of the individual surviving players. To use an example, Yves' innocence would be something to the effect of summoning a thunderstorm, since that would
A) replicate a Yu-Gi-Oh card by the name of Raigeki
And
B) be personalized to her talent and to her character
And I would apply that logic to each character. Their individual innocence would provide a unique effect based on the magic system already present in the game.
But, as I have been saying, if that is not how Innocence is supposed to work, that is fine. I am fine with dropping this line of thought, regardless of how cool I personally think it is, without argument.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 15:44:08 GMT
Like I said, Innocence is arbitrary. If you want it to be that, it can be that. It's just the culmination of the players forging bonds and fighting evil; the form it takes is flexible.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 15:45:58 GMT
Really, now. Once again, I feel like I've just been crossing wires.
If that's the case, then I'd rather play it my way. 'cause Rule of Cool would be cool.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 15:52:10 GMT
So what's the specifics on how that would work? If everyone has unique abilities, who's writing those abilities? Who's writing the fight post(s)?
Also, it won't happen just yet. First Faye has to be taken away. There's also room for Korrigan to speak, but Neo might not be available until later this evening so that could come after Aardok's defeated.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 15:57:28 GMT
In order of simplest to answer to most difficult:
I figured the fight posts would be open posts vetween the two of us in the actual thread, with the rest of the surviving players permitted to add commentary.
It'll be faster and more concise for me to write up the abilities, then pass them your way for permission.
As for the specifics, well... That's a little open-ended. Not sure I know how to answer that clearly, because I'm also not sure what's being asked.
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Post by Panda on Apr 28, 2023 16:02:19 GMT
Specifics like the examples I gave.
I guess if you take the lead, maybe with Zofra adding an explanation, the other players will know what's going on and can join in, detailing their own contributions. Makes more sense than you coming up with other people's powers for them. And then I can finish the fight scene by bringing all that to its natural conclusion.
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Post by satan on Apr 28, 2023 16:04:36 GMT
Hm. That kind of makes sense. Having the survivors contribute their own things, I mean. It is rather last minute, however.
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Post by satan on May 4, 2023 5:58:08 GMT
The gravel path crunched under the tires as the car ascended slowly up the hill, the occupants currently hidden by the windows and the glare from the dawning sun just to the east. Soon enough, it stopped, the engine purring for a moment longer before it was turned off.
The driver's door opened, a heavy boot stepping out and crunching against the gravel, bearing the weight of the older man, his beard noticeably longer, though still well maintained. Scars marred his face, one especially noticeable across his cheek. Across his shoulders was a thick coat, especially at the shoulders, most likely due to the eagle that flapped its wings behind him and squawked angrily.
"Then go hunt. But stay close. We won't be here long," he spoke softly, reaching inside the backseat with his left hand.
The harpy eagle squawked again, stumbling out of the car and taking to the sky, quickly dwindling to a small pinprick as the old man straightened. He nestled a bouquet of flowers in the crook of his right arm, and in his left, he carefully held a bottle of whiskey and two cups.
He continued the journey up the hill on foot, taking his time. He was no longer a spring chicken, and events had conspired to ensure he remembered how old he was getting. But he was going to make it, one way or another.
At the top of the hill, he finally took in a deep breath, and smiled at the gravestone there. In front of it was a sword, broken, missing its handguard and with its grip hanging loosely by some threads, intent on keeping it together.
"Hello again, old friend," he continued softly. "It has been a very long time."
He walked up to the gravestone, setting the flowers onto its base, then sitting down in front of it, unstoppering the whiskey and pouring out two drinks.
"I'm sorry I didn't make it back sooner," he sighed out, stoppering the whiskey and setting it aside. "Things got... Difficult for a while. On my first day at the job, we all got transported to a hell realm. ... Save for myself, none of the staff made it out alive, and their deaths were nothing but a twisted game."
He looked down into the amber liquid, swirling it this way and that.
"I failed. I failed to do the one thing I thought I had to do. I couldn't protect any of them. Perhaps you would... No. You wouldn't laugh."
He turned his gaze to the sky, pensive.
"You would have said, 'We cannot protect everyone, and we cannot save everyone. We must save our energy for when we can protect and save, and not waste it before.'"
A chuckle, a shake of the head, a sigh.
".... Can people as bloody as us really save others, though? Should we try? And for what? To atone for our sins? Equivalent exchange? I do not understand. But I suppose I probably won't; after all, I was just another blade in the armory."
He considered the amber liquid again.
"I made a couple friends. Both died. But one asked me what my favored drink was. I told him whiskey. But that was always your favorite. Then again... We're one and the same."
Toss the drink back, shake the head as it burned on the way down.
"Well. I'll try to not get involved with any other plots involving demonic summoning. No promises, though. Hell might need a bit of cleaning out.
"..."
His hand brushes against the tombstone, feeling the letters that have nearly worn away.
"... If I try, will I find you again, old friend? Will I find all of you, and we can be together again...?"
His hand falls to his side, and he sighs again, shaking his head.
".... No. Your time has passed. The dead should remain dead."
He stood slowly, looking out beyond the hill, a small and sad smile on his face.
"Keep the roost warm for me, hawks. I'll be coming back soon."
He turned away from the field of graves and broken blades, heading back to his car. After all, he still had one last job to do. A debt to a friend...
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