Rsps with webclient spawn d claws and master

unclebens

2019.12.21 01:52 shroomscout unclebens

unclebens is a beginner-friendly community created by Shroomscout to share the "Ready Rice" technique, a simple and beginner-friendly method for cultivating mushrooms without a pressure cooker. This community is also for any other questions you might have! PLEASE do not source mushrooms/spores/cultures here (see rules #1 and #2).
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2024.05.21 12:56 BlacksmithPristine88 I often get problem with raid or rarer other event not spawning on Cassandra but I never get any specify error i debug log, maybe someone with better knowledge could look at my debug log and my mod list and give some clou what is causing the problem

I don't know what I can do anymore, as i get the bug whit raid not spawning really often without any error or clue, I is hard to test whit different mod list because i take a long time to tested. Maybe there are some more obvious problem on my mod list that someone better informed cloud spot? if something i deleted my user folder and content folder on steam and download everything again.
Here my log
Mono path[0] = 'D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Managed'
Mono config path = 'D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/MonoBleedingEdge/etc'
Initialize engine version: 2019.4.30f1 (e8c891080a1f)
[Subsystems] Discovering subsystems at path D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/UnitySubsystems
GfxDevice: creating device client; threaded=1
Direct3D:
Version: Direct3D 11.0 [level 11.1]
Renderer: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (ID=0x1be1)
Vendor:
VRAM: 8060 MB
Driver: 31.0.15.5244
Begin MonoManager ReloadAssembly
Initializing input.
Input initialized.
Initialized touch support.
UnloadTime: 0.933400 ms
RimWorld 1.5.4085 rev545
Mod ReGrowth: Wastelands Fishing Patch dependency (regrowth.botr.wastelands) needs to have and/or specified.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Mod ReGrowth: Wastelands Fishing Patch dependency (vanillaexpanded.vcef) needs to have and/or specified.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-0000020375D78110.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-00000203779C1250.dll
[Biomes! Islands v2.2.0.0] Initialized
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037D17E940.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037CF01010.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037CB8D010.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037C946010.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037C808020.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037C85E010.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037C978820.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-0000020375C89530.dll
1.0.8864 ::
1.0.8865 ::
1.0.8864 ::
[Interaction Bubbles v3.0] Initialized
ReSplice: Charmweavers 1.1-Lurelings-rev5
ReGrowth: Core 3.6-Mundi-rev6
ReGrowth: ReTextures 1.2-Clapham-rev4
ReSplice: Core 1.0.1-Shelley-rev4
Parsed 0.125 as int.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Parsed 0.15 as int.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Parsed 2.5 as int.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Parsed 7.5 as int.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Could not resolve cross-reference: No Verse.SoundDef named Pawn_Melee_Punch_HitBuilding found to give to Verse.RaceProperties Verse.RaceProperties (using undefined sound instead)
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Could not resolve cross-reference: No Verse.SoundDef named Pawn_Melee_Punch_HitBuilding found to give to Verse.RaceProperties Verse.RaceProperties (using undefined sound instead)
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Knowledge data was missing key BMT_HungeringAnimalsConcept. Adding it...
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Knowledge data was missing key BuildersTryMine. Adding it...
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
[Pathfinding Framework v0.5.5.0] Mod initialized.
MovementDef count: 9
[Biomes! Core v2.6.2.0] Initialized
[Biomes! Caverns v1.6.3.0] Initialized
Texture LitterBox has dimensions of 256 x 256, but its mask has 64 x 64. This is not supported, texture will be excluded from atlas
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Texture LitterBox has dimensions of 256 x 256, but its mask has 64 x 64. This is not supported, texture will be excluded from atlas
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Translation data for language English has 27 errors. Generate translation report for more info.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
[Cherry Picker] The database was processed in 00.64949 seconds and the following defs were removed:
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Mace,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Shiv,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Gladius,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Ikwa,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Knife,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Spear,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Club,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Axe,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Revolver,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Autopistol,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_BoltActionRifle,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_PumpShotgun,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_MachinePistol,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_SniperRifle,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_AssaultRifle,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_HeavySMG,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_LMG,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Minigun,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_ChainShotgun,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_ChargeRifle,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_ChargeLance,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Mace,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Gladius,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Knife,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Spear,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Sword
[KCSG] Vanilla Base Generation Expanded contains 8 missing symbols.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
[KCSG] Vanilla Factions Expanded - Ancients contains 4 missing symbols.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
MeditationFocusDef Void does not have a MeditationFocusExtension, which means it will not have an icon in the Psycasts UI.
Please ask Ludeon Studios to add one.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
[TrueTerrainColors v1.12.14] Extracted true colors from 1464 terrain defs in 493.71 seconds using a RenderTexture of size 4112x4112.
[XML Extensions] Initialized 1 SettingsMenuDef(s) and found 0 unused key(s) from 0 mod(s)
[XML Extensions] 5033 total patches run in 37945ms, 0 failed
Using DDS for Animals: False
33
Using DDS for Arsenal: False
22
Using DDS for Artistic: False
55
Using DDS for Basic: False
27
Using DDS for Biotech: False
33
Using DDS for Child-Care: False
22
Using DDS for Cuisine: False
47
Using DDS for Factions: False
68
Using DDS for Misc: False
40
Using DDS for Recreation: False
18
Using DDS for Scientific: False
29
Using DDS for Styles: False
133
Using DDS for Vanilla: False
12
Using DDS for Projector-Throne: False
Using DDS for Projector-Throne_grand: False
Setting ERN_Amaro trainability to Advanced
Setting ERN_BigCarbuncle trainability to Advanced
Setting ERN_Carbuncle trainability to Advanced
Setting ERN_Chocobo trainability to Intermediate
PickUpAndHaul v1.1.2¼ welcomes you to RimWorld with pointless logspam.
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Found 5 biome variants in mod Biomes! Islands.
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Found 6 biome variants in mod Biomes! Caverns.
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Found landform data in the following mods: Geological Landforms, Biomes! Caverns
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Loaded 40 landforms of which 0 are edited and 0 are custom.
MVCF successfully applied 56 patches
[ShowMeYourHands]: Defined hand definitions of 320 weapons
adding BorealForestto primary biomes
adding Tundrato primary biomes
adding ColdBogto primary biomes
adding IceSheetto primary biomes
adding TemperateForestto primary biomes
adding TemperateSwampto primary biomes
adding TropicalRainforestto primary biomes
adding TropicalSwampto primary biomes
adding AridShrublandto primary biomes
adding Desertto primary biomes
adding ExtremeDesertto primary biomes
adding RG_TemperateGrasslandto primary biomes
adding RG_AspenForestto primary biomes
adding RG_BoilingForestto primary biomes
adding TemperateGuldenForestto primary biomes
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
Unloading 5 Unused Serialized files (Serialized files now loaded: 7)
Unloading 1421 unused Assets to reduce memory usage. Loaded Objects now: 97345.
Total: 1887.802500 ms (FindLiveObjects: 13.610400 ms CreateObjectMapping: 17.643200 ms MarkObjects: 1845.528100 ms DeleteObjects: 11.020100 ms)
Unloading 3 Unused Serialized files (Serialized files now loaded: 7)
UnloadTime: 0.385100 ms
Unloading 1 unused Assets to reduce memory usage. Loaded Objects now: 97735.
Total: 1540.643400 ms (FindLiveObjects: 5.084100 ms CreateObjectMapping: 16.061600 ms MarkObjects: 1519.352600 ms DeleteObjects: 0.144800 ms)
Initializing new game with mods:
  • brrainz.harmony
  • Ludeon.RimWorld
  • Ludeon.RimWorld.Royalty
  • Ludeon.RimWorld.Ideology
  • Ludeon.RimWorld.Biotech
  • Ludeon.RimWorld.Anomaly
  • tidal.morevanilla.textures
  • vanillaexpanded.backgrounds
  • Owlchemist.CherryPicker.tmpfix
  • OskarPotocki.VanillaFactionsExpanded.Core
  • ReSplice.XOTR.Charmweavers
  • VanillaExpanded.VWENL
  • loregret.veextra.nonlethal
  • rimsenal.EVP
  • VanillaExpanded.VanillaAnimalsExpanded
  • VanillaExpanded.VAEEndAndExt
  • VanillaExpanded.VAERoy
  • VanillaExpanded.VAERoy.OmegaChickenPatch
  • VanillaExpanded.VAEWaste
  • VanillaExpanded.VAPPE
  • VanillaExpanded.VAEAccessories
  • VanillaExpanded.VARME
  • VanillaExpanded.VanillaBackstoriesExpanded
  • VanillaExpanded.BaseGenerationExpanded
  • Neronix17.Retexture.VanillaBeards
  • VanillaExpanded.VBrewE
  • VanillaExpanded.VBrewECandT
  • VanillaExpanded.VBrewESP
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEPower
  • VanillaExpanded.VChemfuelE
  • VanillaExpanded.VCookE
  • VanillaExpanded.VCookEStews
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEA
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Empire
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Deserters
  • VanillaExpanded.VWEL
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Pirates
  • OskarPotocki.VanillaFactionsExpanded.SettlersModule
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Tribals
  • VanillaExpanded.VCEF
  • VanillaExpanded.VCEFAddon
  • VanillaExpanded.VFECore
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEArchitect
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEArt
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEFarming
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEMedical
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEProduction
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEPropsandDecor
  • VanillaExpanded.VFESecurity
  • VanillaExpanded.VFESpacer
  • VanillaExpanded.VWE
  • VanillaExpanded.VTEXVariations
  • VanillaExpanded.VPsycastsE
  • pathfinding.framework
  • BiomesTeam.BiomesCore
  • BiomesTeam.BiomesIslands
  • sarg.alphaanimals
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Mechanoid
  • Dubwise.DubsBadHygiene
  • Farxmai2.VanillaFurnitureExpandedPack
  • VanillaExpanded.VGeneticsE
  • VanillaExpanded.VGeneticsEMoreLabStuff
  • VanillaExpanded.VHE
  • Neronix17.Retexture.VanillaHair
  • VanillaExpanded.HelixienGas
  • VanillaExpanded.Ideo.Dryads
  • VanillaExpanded.VIEHAR
  • VanillaExpanded.Ideo.IconsandSymbols
  • VanillaExpanded.VMemesE
  • VanillaExpanded.Ideo.RelicsAndArtifacts
  • VanillaExpanded.Ideo.SophianStyle
  • VanillaExpanded.VIESAS
  • VanillaExpanded.VNutrientE
  • VanillaExpanded.VPersonaWeaponsE
  • vanillaracesexpanded.android
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.Core
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.AspenForest
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.BoilingForest
  • VanillaExpanded.VPlantsE
  • VanillaExpanded.VPlantsEMore
  • VanillaExpanded.VPlantsESucculents
  • VanillaExpanded.VPE.Hemosage
  • VanillaExpanded.VPE.Puppeteer
  • vanillaracesexpanded.archon
  • vanillaracesexpanded.customicons
  • vanillaracesexpanded.fungoid
  • vanillaracesexpanded.genie
  • vanillaracesexpanded.highmate
  • vanillaracesexpanded.hussar
  • vanillaracesexpanded.lycanthrope
  • vanillaracesexpanded.phytokin
  • vanillaracesexpanded.pigskin
  • vanillaracesexpanded.sanguophage
  • vanillaracesexpanded.saurid
  • vanillaracesexpanded.waster
  • VanillaExpanded.Recycling
  • VanillaExpanded.VanillaSocialInteractionsExpanded
  • VanillaExpanded.Temperature
  • VanillaExpanded.VTEXE
  • VanillaExpanded.VanillaTradingExpanded
  • VanillaExpanded.VWEC
  • VanillaExpanded.VWEG
  • VanillaExpanded.VWEHW
  • VanillaExpanded.VWETB
  • brrainz.cameraplus
  • sarg.alphabiomes
  • sarg.alphagenes
  • sarg.alphamechs
  • Sarg.AlphaMemes
  • sarg.magicalmenagerie
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  • ReGrowth.BOTR.BorealForestExpansion
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.ReTextures
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.SwampExpansion
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.TemperateForestExpansion
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.TropicalExpansion
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.TundraExpansion
  • Mlie.ChooseWildAnimalSpawns
  • Telkir.TMods.MoreFloors
  • anthitei.athsstylegothic.style
  • pphhyy.GuldenNew
  • BiomesTeam.Oasis
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  • BiomesTeam.BiomesCaverns
  • pphhyy.LightlessEmpyrean
  • imranfish.xmlextensions
  • vat.epoeforked
  • JGH.EPOE
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  • vat.epoeforkedroyalty
  • LimeTreeSnake.Systems
  • Erin.Hairredux
  • Erin.Hair2
  • rimsenal.hair
  • Neronix17.Retexture.RimsenalRimhair
  • CM.Ideology.Upscaled (incompatible version)
  • CM.Ideology.Upscaled2 (incompatible version)
  • Rooboid.RoyalhairHD
  • Rooboid.GlasseshairHD
  • Rooboid.Hdhair
  • TheVanityProject.GenderUnlockedHair
  • won.hair
  • won2.hair
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  • JintuziLamian.Hairstyle.AFUMenshairstyles
  • BotchJob.HTHair
  • Absolute.Legends.Hair
  • Erin.AzaphraeBiotech
  • cf.anomalyupscaled
  • mosi.MoreMiniHorns
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  • rimsenal.Sophian
  • rimsenal.Techist
  • rimsenal.Urb
  • Rimsenal.Askbarn
  • Rimsenal.Harana
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  • Better.Plants
  • cat2002.showhair
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  • StyleRevised.Animalist (incompatible version)
  • Cookie.RealRum
  • yamazaki.animalhoods
  • smartkar.athenaframework
  • Anthitei.ATHsIdeoColorPalette.Colors
  • Anthitei.ATHsStyleDraconic.Style
  • Anthitei.ATHsStyleableFramework.Style
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  • marceline.cribretexture
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  • Vesper.EGIHologramsandProjectors
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  • det.epochsincense
  • det.epochspottery
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  • det.phaseweaponry
  • detvisor.pulseweaponry
  • com.yayo.yayoAni.continued
  • Mlie.JinRohKerberosPanzerCopArmor
  • Gerrymon.KinkyBodyStraps
  • m00nl1ght.MapPreview
  • Oken.UseEyesLayerMechanitor
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  • Mo.MHScanner
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  • Mlie.RimworldSpartanFoundry
  • Mlie.SpartanFoundryWarcraft
  • Aoba.WarCasket
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  • Mlie.SpookyScarySkeletons
  • Dra.StyleChangeAnytime
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  • Shenanigans.TechTattoos
  • Rooboid.RooTattoo
  • oracle.erin.tattoos
  • Shenanigans.TribalTattoos
  • JintuziLamian.Gene.XenoCosmetic
  • zylle.ChildrensDrawings
  • Happycam.ChristmasTreesExpanded
  • det.avaloi
  • det.boglegs
  • det.stoneborn
  • det.venators
  • neronix17.hd.pawns
  • Erin.Body.Texture
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  • Erin.Ferret
  • Erin.JapaneseCuisine
  • Erin.JapaneseFurniture
  • Erin.LizzardDoggo
  • Erin.Mountain
  • Erin.Palamutes
  • Erin.Shisune
  • MasterLorian.EyeImplantsRetextured
  • kathanon.FixStyledBlueprints
  • Tials.Floordrawings
  • BotchJob.GallatrossandFriendsRetextured
  • GM.Nautian.Style
  • Lusty.HelltakerGenes
  • Hex.Retexture
  • Rince.Ideo.WarframeSymbols
  • kikohi.jewelry
  • Jaxe.Bubbles
  • Animal.BedsNew
  • ObsidiaExpansion.Xenos.Mothoids
  • ObsidiaExpansion.Xenos.Tortle
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  • ObsidiaExpansion.Xenos.Ceratons
  • ObsidiaExpansion.Ideology.Icons
  • ObsidiaExpansion.Ideology.StylePack
  • ObsidiaExpansion.HQ
  • densevoid.onebedtosleepwithall
  • Mehni.PickUpAndHaul
  • pphhyy.SanguinaryAnimals
  • pphhyy.ToxWeapons
  • Mlie.PrisonersShouldFearTurrets
  • Mlie.ProstheticNoMissingBodyParts
  • Uuugggg.ReplaceStuff
  • Garethp.ReplaceStuffCompatibility
  • ReSplice.XOTR.Core
  • telardo.RomanceOnTheRim
  • Rooboid.BirthmarksandBlemishes
  • Robotrowful.Apparel
  • Mlie.RoyalThrumbos
  • det.dwarvenstyle
  • FluffyTowels.warcaskethaulpatch
  • Mersid.WCE2Updated.Core
  • alt4s.VisitSettlements
  • TribalCrib.Mod
  • Gunmar.TribalWarriorSet
  • Trickity.WC.Rags
  • zal.vfetmodpatches
  • Shavius.Oreno.VFE.DubsBadHygiene
  • SirVan.SteelRetexture
  • LimeTreeSnake.Xenotech
  • Koni.Misc.Toxlamps
  • Trickity.Samurai.Faction.Styles
  • Ushanka.BiologicalWarfare
  • Ushanka.LuciferiumExpansion
  • Ushanka.GlitterworldUprising
  • det.spacerarsenal
  • Bonible.vanillalaserretexture (incompatible version)
  • GHOST.TribalIcons (incompatible version)
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Map added on tile - TileId: 27399, Landforms: , BiomeVariants: , Topology: Inland, TopologyValue: 0, TopologyDirection: South (F)
Unloading 0 Unused Serialized files (Serialized files now loaded: 7)
Unloading 1 unused Assets to reduce memory usage. Loaded Objects now: 103818.
Total: 1610.991700 ms (FindLiveObjects: 4.992200 ms CreateObjectMapping: 10.976600 ms MarkObjects: 1594.827700 ms DeleteObjects: 0.194800 ms)
submitted by BlacksmithPristine88 to Stellaris [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 12:55 BlacksmithPristine88 I often get problem with raid or rarer other event not spawning on Cassandra but I never get any specify error i debug log, maybe someone with better knowledge could look at my debug log and my mod list and give some clou what is causing the problem

I don't know what I can do anymore, as i get the bug whit raid not spawning really often without any error or clue, I is hard to test whit different mod list because i take a long time to tested. Maybe there are some more obvious problem on my mod list that someone better informed cloud spot? if something i deleted my user folder and content folder on steam and download everything again.
Here my log
Mono path[0] = 'D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Managed'
Mono config path = 'D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/MonoBleedingEdge/etc'
Initialize engine version: 2019.4.30f1 (e8c891080a1f)
[Subsystems] Discovering subsystems at path D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/UnitySubsystems
GfxDevice: creating device client; threaded=1
Direct3D:
Version: Direct3D 11.0 [level 11.1]
Renderer: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (ID=0x1be1)
Vendor:
VRAM: 8060 MB
Driver: 31.0.15.5244
Begin MonoManager ReloadAssembly
Initializing input.
Input initialized.
Initialized touch support.
UnloadTime: 0.933400 ms
RimWorld 1.5.4085 rev545
Mod ReGrowth: Wastelands Fishing Patch dependency (regrowth.botr.wastelands) needs to have and/or specified.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Mod ReGrowth: Wastelands Fishing Patch dependency (vanillaexpanded.vcef) needs to have and/or specified.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-0000020375D78110.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-00000203779C1250.dll
[Biomes! Islands v2.2.0.0] Initialized
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037D17E940.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037CF01010.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037CB8D010.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037C946010.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037C808020.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037C85E010.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-000002037C978820.dll
Fallback handler could not load library D:/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld/RimWorldWin64_Data/Mono/data-0000020375C89530.dll
1.0.8864 ::
1.0.8865 ::
1.0.8864 ::
[Interaction Bubbles v3.0] Initialized
ReSplice: Charmweavers 1.1-Lurelings-rev5
ReGrowth: Core 3.6-Mundi-rev6
ReGrowth: ReTextures 1.2-Clapham-rev4
ReSplice: Core 1.0.1-Shelley-rev4
Parsed 0.125 as int.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
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(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Parsed 7.5 as int.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Could not resolve cross-reference: No Verse.SoundDef named Pawn_Melee_Punch_HitBuilding found to give to Verse.RaceProperties Verse.RaceProperties (using undefined sound instead)
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Could not resolve cross-reference: No Verse.SoundDef named Pawn_Melee_Punch_HitBuilding found to give to Verse.RaceProperties Verse.RaceProperties (using undefined sound instead)
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Knowledge data was missing key BMT_HungeringAnimalsConcept. Adding it...
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Knowledge data was missing key BuildersTryMine. Adding it...
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
[Pathfinding Framework v0.5.5.0] Mod initialized.
MovementDef count: 9
[Biomes! Core v2.6.2.0] Initialized
[Biomes! Caverns v1.6.3.0] Initialized
Texture LitterBox has dimensions of 256 x 256, but its mask has 64 x 64. This is not supported, texture will be excluded from atlas
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Texture LitterBox has dimensions of 256 x 256, but its mask has 64 x 64. This is not supported, texture will be excluded from atlas
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
Translation data for language English has 27 errors. Generate translation report for more info.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
[Cherry Picker] The database was processed in 00.64949 seconds and the following defs were removed:
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Mace,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Shiv,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Gladius,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Ikwa,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Knife,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Spear,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Club,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Animalist_Axe,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Revolver,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Autopistol,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_BoltActionRifle,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_PumpShotgun,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_MachinePistol,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_SniperRifle,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_AssaultRifle,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_HeavySMG,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_LMG,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Minigun,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_ChainShotgun,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_ChargeRifle,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_ChargeLance,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Mace,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Gladius,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Knife,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Spear,
  • ThingStyleDef/AM_Techist_Sword
[KCSG] Vanilla Base Generation Expanded contains 8 missing symbols.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
[KCSG] Vanilla Factions Expanded - Ancients contains 4 missing symbols.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
MeditationFocusDef Void does not have a MeditationFocusExtension, which means it will not have an icon in the Psycasts UI.
Please ask Ludeon Studios to add one.
(Filename: C:\buildslave\unity\build\Runtime/Export/Debug/Debug.bindings.h Line: 39)
[TrueTerrainColors v1.12.14] Extracted true colors from 1464 terrain defs in 493.71 seconds using a RenderTexture of size 4112x4112.
[XML Extensions] Initialized 1 SettingsMenuDef(s) and found 0 unused key(s) from 0 mod(s)
[XML Extensions] 5033 total patches run in 37945ms, 0 failed
Using DDS for Animals: False
33
Using DDS for Arsenal: False
22
Using DDS for Artistic: False
55
Using DDS for Basic: False
27
Using DDS for Biotech: False
33
Using DDS for Child-Care: False
22
Using DDS for Cuisine: False
47
Using DDS for Factions: False
68
Using DDS for Misc: False
40
Using DDS for Recreation: False
18
Using DDS for Scientific: False
29
Using DDS for Styles: False
133
Using DDS for Vanilla: False
12
Using DDS for Projector-Throne: False
Using DDS for Projector-Throne_grand: False
Setting ERN_Amaro trainability to Advanced
Setting ERN_BigCarbuncle trainability to Advanced
Setting ERN_Carbuncle trainability to Advanced
Setting ERN_Chocobo trainability to Intermediate
PickUpAndHaul v1.1.2¼ welcomes you to RimWorld with pointless logspam.
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Found 5 biome variants in mod Biomes! Islands.
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Found 6 biome variants in mod Biomes! Caverns.
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Found landform data in the following mods: Geological Landforms, Biomes! Caverns
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Loaded 40 landforms of which 0 are edited and 0 are custom.
MVCF successfully applied 56 patches
[ShowMeYourHands]: Defined hand definitions of 320 weapons
adding BorealForestto primary biomes
adding Tundrato primary biomes
adding ColdBogto primary biomes
adding IceSheetto primary biomes
adding TemperateForestto primary biomes
adding TemperateSwampto primary biomes
adding TropicalRainforestto primary biomes
adding TropicalSwampto primary biomes
adding AridShrublandto primary biomes
adding Desertto primary biomes
adding ExtremeDesertto primary biomes
adding RG_TemperateGrasslandto primary biomes
adding RG_AspenForestto primary biomes
adding RG_BoilingForestto primary biomes
adding TemperateGuldenForestto primary biomes
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
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finished biome cycle
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finished biome cycle
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finished biome cycle
finished biome cycle
Unloading 5 Unused Serialized files (Serialized files now loaded: 7)
Unloading 1421 unused Assets to reduce memory usage. Loaded Objects now: 97345.
Total: 1887.802500 ms (FindLiveObjects: 13.610400 ms CreateObjectMapping: 17.643200 ms MarkObjects: 1845.528100 ms DeleteObjects: 11.020100 ms)
Unloading 3 Unused Serialized files (Serialized files now loaded: 7)
UnloadTime: 0.385100 ms
Unloading 1 unused Assets to reduce memory usage. Loaded Objects now: 97735.
Total: 1540.643400 ms (FindLiveObjects: 5.084100 ms CreateObjectMapping: 16.061600 ms MarkObjects: 1519.352600 ms DeleteObjects: 0.144800 ms)
Initializing new game with mods:
  • brrainz.harmony
  • Ludeon.RimWorld
  • Ludeon.RimWorld.Royalty
  • Ludeon.RimWorld.Ideology
  • Ludeon.RimWorld.Biotech
  • Ludeon.RimWorld.Anomaly
  • tidal.morevanilla.textures
  • vanillaexpanded.backgrounds
  • Owlchemist.CherryPicker.tmpfix
  • OskarPotocki.VanillaFactionsExpanded.Core
  • ReSplice.XOTR.Charmweavers
  • VanillaExpanded.VWENL
  • loregret.veextra.nonlethal
  • rimsenal.EVP
  • VanillaExpanded.VanillaAnimalsExpanded
  • VanillaExpanded.VAEEndAndExt
  • VanillaExpanded.VAERoy
  • VanillaExpanded.VAERoy.OmegaChickenPatch
  • VanillaExpanded.VAEWaste
  • VanillaExpanded.VAPPE
  • VanillaExpanded.VAEAccessories
  • VanillaExpanded.VARME
  • VanillaExpanded.VanillaBackstoriesExpanded
  • VanillaExpanded.BaseGenerationExpanded
  • Neronix17.Retexture.VanillaBeards
  • VanillaExpanded.VBrewE
  • VanillaExpanded.VBrewECandT
  • VanillaExpanded.VBrewESP
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEPower
  • VanillaExpanded.VChemfuelE
  • VanillaExpanded.VCookE
  • VanillaExpanded.VCookEStews
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEA
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Empire
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Deserters
  • VanillaExpanded.VWEL
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Pirates
  • OskarPotocki.VanillaFactionsExpanded.SettlersModule
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Tribals
  • VanillaExpanded.VCEF
  • VanillaExpanded.VCEFAddon
  • VanillaExpanded.VFECore
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEArchitect
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEArt
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEFarming
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEMedical
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEProduction
  • VanillaExpanded.VFEPropsandDecor
  • VanillaExpanded.VFESecurity
  • VanillaExpanded.VFESpacer
  • VanillaExpanded.VWE
  • VanillaExpanded.VTEXVariations
  • VanillaExpanded.VPsycastsE
  • pathfinding.framework
  • BiomesTeam.BiomesCore
  • BiomesTeam.BiomesIslands
  • sarg.alphaanimals
  • OskarPotocki.VFE.Mechanoid
  • Dubwise.DubsBadHygiene
  • Farxmai2.VanillaFurnitureExpandedPack
  • VanillaExpanded.VGeneticsE
  • VanillaExpanded.VGeneticsEMoreLabStuff
  • VanillaExpanded.VHE
  • Neronix17.Retexture.VanillaHair
  • VanillaExpanded.HelixienGas
  • VanillaExpanded.Ideo.Dryads
  • VanillaExpanded.VIEHAR
  • VanillaExpanded.Ideo.IconsandSymbols
  • VanillaExpanded.VMemesE
  • VanillaExpanded.Ideo.RelicsAndArtifacts
  • VanillaExpanded.Ideo.SophianStyle
  • VanillaExpanded.VIESAS
  • VanillaExpanded.VNutrientE
  • VanillaExpanded.VPersonaWeaponsE
  • vanillaracesexpanded.android
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.Core
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.AspenForest
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.BoilingForest
  • VanillaExpanded.VPlantsE
  • VanillaExpanded.VPlantsEMore
  • VanillaExpanded.VPlantsESucculents
  • VanillaExpanded.VPE.Hemosage
  • VanillaExpanded.VPE.Puppeteer
  • vanillaracesexpanded.archon
  • vanillaracesexpanded.customicons
  • vanillaracesexpanded.fungoid
  • vanillaracesexpanded.genie
  • vanillaracesexpanded.highmate
  • vanillaracesexpanded.hussar
  • vanillaracesexpanded.lycanthrope
  • vanillaracesexpanded.phytokin
  • vanillaracesexpanded.pigskin
  • vanillaracesexpanded.sanguophage
  • vanillaracesexpanded.saurid
  • vanillaracesexpanded.waster
  • VanillaExpanded.Recycling
  • VanillaExpanded.VanillaSocialInteractionsExpanded
  • VanillaExpanded.Temperature
  • VanillaExpanded.VTEXE
  • VanillaExpanded.VanillaTradingExpanded
  • VanillaExpanded.VWEC
  • VanillaExpanded.VWEG
  • VanillaExpanded.VWEHW
  • VanillaExpanded.VWETB
  • brrainz.cameraplus
  • sarg.alphabiomes
  • sarg.alphagenes
  • sarg.alphamechs
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  • sarg.magicalmenagerie
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.DesertExpansion
  • ReGrowth.BOTR.BorealForestExpansion
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  • anthitei.athsstylegothic.style
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  • vat.epoeforked
  • JGH.EPOE
  • tarojun.epoeforked.AllowDirectCrafting
  • vat.epoeforkedroyalty
  • LimeTreeSnake.Systems
  • Erin.Hairredux
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  • Neronix17.Retexture.RimsenalRimhair
  • CM.Ideology.Upscaled (incompatible version)
  • CM.Ideology.Upscaled2 (incompatible version)
  • Rooboid.RoyalhairHD
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  • JintuziLamian.Hairstyle.AFUMenshairstyles
  • BotchJob.HTHair
  • Absolute.Legends.Hair
  • Erin.AzaphraeBiotech
  • cf.anomalyupscaled
  • mosi.MoreMiniHorns
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  • rimsenal.Sophian
  • rimsenal.Techist
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  • Cookie.RealRum
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  • com.yayo.yayoAni.continued
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  • Happycam.ChristmasTreesExpanded
  • det.avaloi
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  • det.stoneborn
  • det.venators
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  • Erin.Body.Texture
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  • Erin.Ferret
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  • Erin.LizzardDoggo
  • Erin.Mountain
  • Erin.Palamutes
  • Erin.Shisune
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  • GM.Nautian.Style
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  • ReSplice.XOTR.Core
  • telardo.RomanceOnTheRim
  • Rooboid.BirthmarksandBlemishes
  • Robotrowful.Apparel
  • Mlie.RoyalThrumbos
  • det.dwarvenstyle
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  • SirVan.SteelRetexture
  • LimeTreeSnake.Xenotech
  • Koni.Misc.Toxlamps
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  • Ushanka.BiologicalWarfare
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  • Ushanka.GlitterworldUprising
  • det.spacerarsenal
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  • GHOST.TribalIcons (incompatible version)
[Geological Landforms v1.6.10] Map added on tile - TileId: 27399, Landforms: , BiomeVariants: , Topology: Inland, TopologyValue: 0, TopologyDirection: South (F)
Unloading 0 Unused Serialized files (Serialized files now loaded: 7)
Unloading 1 unused Assets to reduce memory usage. Loaded Objects now: 103818.
Total: 1610.991700 ms (FindLiveObjects: 4.992200 ms CreateObjectMapping: 10.976600 ms MarkObjects: 1594.827700 ms DeleteObjects: 0.194800 ms)
submitted by BlacksmithPristine88 to Stellaris [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 07:17 SirGalahad1401 chunks of water disappearing in certain (repeatable) conditions

I am dealing with a strange issue I hope someone might have experience with. My current modlist seems very stable and has everything I want, including grass lods. However, there are certain spots where, when water transitions between LOD and full model, it disappears.
This is what it looks like if I quickly go from anywhere on the "tamriel" worldspace to this specific point.
https://imgur.com/a/nCpngLN
However, even without restarting the game. If I simply fast travel to a city, then fast travel close to the point and go there, the water appears totally normal:
https://imgur.com/a/IThMOZr
Although I've been modding my skyrim for a long time, I must admit I still use LOOT to make my load order, and I don't know better than it does. Here is my current load order:
Skyrim.esm
Update.esm
Dawnguard.esm
HearthFires.esm
Dragonborn.esm
ccasvsse001-almsivi.esm
ccBGSSSE001-Fish.esm
ccbgssse002-exoticarrows.esl
ccbgssse003-zombies.esl
ccbgssse004-ruinsedge.esl
ccbgssse005-goldbrand.esl
ccbgssse006-stendarshammer.esl
ccbgssse007-chrysamere.esl
ccbgssse010-petdwarvenarmoredmudcrab.esl
ccbgssse011-hrsarmrelvn.esl
ccbgssse012-hrsarmrstl.esl
ccbgssse014-spellpack01.esl
ccbgssse019-staffofsheogorath.esl
ccbgssse020-graycowl.esl
ccbgssse021-lordsmail.esl
ccmtysse001-knightsofthenine.esl
ccQDRSSE001-SurvivalMode.esl
cctwbsse001-puzzledungeon.esm
cceejsse001-hstead.esm
ccqdrsse002-firewood.esl
ccbgssse018-shadowrend.esl
ccbgssse035-petnhound.esl
ccfsvsse001-backpacks.esl
cceejsse002-tower.esl
ccedhsse001-norjewel.esl
ccvsvsse002-pets.esl
ccBGSSSE037-Curios.esl
ccbgssse034-mntuni.esl
ccbgssse045-hasedoki.esl
ccbgssse008-wraithguard.esl
ccbgssse036-petbwolf.esl
ccffbsse001-imperialdragon.esl
ccmtysse002-ve.esl
ccbgssse043-crosselv.esl
ccvsvsse001-winter.esl
cceejsse003-hollow.esl
ccbgssse016-umbra.esm
ccbgssse031-advcyrus.esm
ccbgssse038-bowofshadows.esl
ccbgssse040-advobgobs.esl
ccbgssse050-ba_daedric.esl
ccbgssse052-ba_iron.esl
ccbgssse054-ba_orcish.esl
ccbgssse058-ba_steel.esl
ccbgssse059-ba_dragonplate.esl
ccbgssse061-ba_dwarven.esl
ccpewsse002-armsofchaos.esl
ccbgssse041-netchleather.esl
ccedhsse002-splkntset.esl
ccbgssse064-ba_elven.esl
ccbgssse063-ba_ebony.esl
ccbgssse062-ba_dwarvenmail.esl
ccbgssse060-ba_dragonscale.esl
ccbgssse056-ba_silver.esl
ccbgssse055-ba_orcishscaled.esl
ccbgssse053-ba_leather.esl
ccbgssse051-ba_daedricmail.esl
ccbgssse057-ba_stalhrim.esl
ccbgssse066-staves.esl
ccbgssse067-daedinv.esm
ccbgssse068-bloodfall.esl
ccbgssse069-contest.esl
ccvsvsse003-necroarts.esl
ccvsvsse004-beafarmer.esl
ccBGSSSE025-AdvDSGS.esm
ccffbsse002-crossbowpack.esl
ccbgssse013-dawnfang.esl
ccrmssse001-necrohouse.esl
ccedhsse003-redguard.esl
cceejsse004-hall.esl
cceejsse005-cave.esm
cckrtsse001_altar.esl
cccbhsse001-gaunt.esl
ccafdsse001-dwesanctuary.esm
_ResourcePack.esl
Treescale.esm
Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch.esp
Vanilla Script MicroOptimizations.esl
Unofficial Skyrim Modders Patch.esp
Unofficial Skyrim Creation Club Content Patch.esl
Landscape and Water Fixes.esp
MajesticMountains_Landscape.esm
LegacyoftheDragonborn.esm
Cathedral - 3D Mountain Flowers.esp
Water for ENB.esm
Natural Waterfalls.esp
Lux Via - Markarth Entrance and Farm Overhaul.esp
MajesticMountains_Moss.esp
AnimatedShips.esl
Lux Orbis - Master plugin.esm
BSAssets.esm
BSHeartland.esm
BS_DLC_patch.esp
RU_CityTreesSE_DragonBridge.esl
Ryn's Snazzy Last Vigil.esp
NoBrokenWhiterunTower.esp
JSwordsD.esm
Vigilant.esm
Natural Waterfalls - Dragonborn.esp
Lux - Master plugin.esm
Armors of the Velothi Pt2.esl
RU_CityTreesSE_Karthwasten.esl
RU_CityTreesSE_Rorikstead.esl
RU_CityTreesSE_Falkreath.esl
1Dwemer.esl
RU_CityTreesSE_Ivarstead.esl
evgSIRENROOT.esm
Markarth Outskirts - Water for ENB patch.esp
Seascale.esl
Siege at Icemoth.esp
1NDArmor.esl
1Markynaz.esl
1WR.esl
1NGarmor.esl
1YsmirArmorSE.esl
Lux - Resources.esp
Lux Via.esp
SmoothCam.esl
SimplyOptimizedScripts.esl
Vanilla Scripts Enhanced.esl
Wyrmstooth.esp
EVGAnimatedTraversal.esl
DynamicCollisionAdjustment.esl
Environs Master Plugin.esp
1Three-eyedSwallow.esl
1FlutedArmor.esl
FerrumNibenis.esl
siltstriderarmor.esl
VigilantHiResPackSE.esl
Experience.esl
Kanjs - AIO Books Patch.esl
Natural Waterfalls - Dawnguard.esp
RU_CityTreesSE_Whiterun.esl
RU_CityTreesSE_Markarth.esl
RU_CityTreesSE_Solitude.esl
TES4WaitMenu.esl
Sentinel - Distribution Framework.esp
TrueHUD.esl
NorthernIce.esp
DynDOLOD.esm
Particle Patch for ENB.esp
SkyUI_SE.esp
SMIM-SE-Merged-All.esp
Audio Overhaul Skyrim.esp
Immersive Sounds - Compendium.esp
AOS_ISC_Integration.esp
Thaumaturgy.esp
Lux Orbis.esp
JKs Skyrim.esp
Landscape Fixes For Grass Mods.esp
AI Overhaul.esp
MysticismMagic.esp
Lux Orbis - JK's Skyrim patch.esp
NAT-ENB.esp
HappyLittleTrees.esp
Lux Via - plugin.esp
Locked Chests Have Keys.esp
Adamant.esp
Apothecary.esp
Landscape and Water Fixes - Patch - LFfGM.esp
Artificer.esp
Environs - Abandoned Abodes.esp
Ryn's Standing Stones.esp
Lux Orbis - LotD patch.esp
SkyTEST-RealisticAnimals&Predators.esp
Embers XD.esp
RAEQuestRequirements.esp
Ryn's Dragon Mounds AIO.esp
RU_CityTreesSE_Rorikstead_JKSkyrimPatch.esp
WhiterunMarket.esp
Lux Via - Whiterun Market patch.esp
Unique Border Gates - Fixes.esp
Bruma Unique Border Gates Patch.esp
RU_CityTreesSE_DragonBridge_JKSkyrimPatch.esp
MajesticMountains.esp
Skoglendi - A Grass Mod.esp
NoGrassias.esp
Environs - Kolskeggr.esp
Sentinel.esp
Sentinel + CC Armors.esp
Unmarked Locations Pack.esp
JKs Skyrim - AI Overhaul Patch.esp
Environs - Shrines of Talos.esp
JK's The Bannered Mare.esp
Inigo.esp
mihailcrowsandravens.esp
Northern Scenery _Tundra.esp
Grass Patch - All CC Mods.esp
Innocence Lost - Quest Expansion.esp
Landscape For Grass Mods JK'S Skyrim.esp
DBM_Vigilant_Patch.esp
Markarth Entrance and Farm Overhaul Light Plugin.esp
Environs - Shrines of Talos - Lux Orbis and JK's Skyrim Patch.esp
Blubbos_Riften_Trees_2022_JK_Skyrim.esp
mihailhummingbird.esp
mihailchickenvariants.esp
Quick Start - SE.esp
Sorcerer.esp
Spaghetti's Faction Halls - AIO.esp
aMidianBorn_Book of Silence.esp
Lux Orbis - Ryn's Standing Stones patch.esp
Landscape and Water Fixes - Patch - Tundra Homested.esp
The Heart Of Dibella - Quest Expansion.esp
Northern Scenery_Ansilvund.esp
NorthernScenery_IronBindBarrow.esp
DBM_JKSkyrim_Patch.esp
Unmarked Locations Pack - Ryn's Dragon Mounds Collection Patch.esp
JKs Skyrim - Fishing patch.esp
Landscape and Water Fixes - Patch - Farming.esp
Environs - Greenwood Shack.esp
mihailpigeon.esp
Environs - Whiterun Watchtower.esp
PaarthurnaxQuestExpansion.esp
College Of Winterhold - Quest Expansion.esp
Reverb Interior Sounds Expansion.esp
AcousticTemplateFixes.esp
mihailhousecat.esp
Skykings Unique Signs.esp
Paragliding.esp
LeapsOfFaith.esp
Lux Orbis - Markarth Entrance and Farm overhaul patch.esp
Environs - Tundra Farmhouse.esp
Missives.esp
Markarth Outskirts - Natural Waterfalls patch.esp
Lux Orbis - JK's Whiterun Horses patch.esp
JKs The Drunken Huntsman.esp
Lux Orbis - Whiterun Market patch.esp
Sentinel + CC Netch Leather.esp
mihailmountainlion.esp
Lux Orbis - Unique Border Gates Fixes.esp
Lux Orbis - Saints and Seducers patch.esp
Lux Orbis - CC Fish patch.esp
mihailemperorpenguin.esp
LeapsOfFaith_LOTD_Patch.esp
Lux Orbis - Tundra Homestead patch.esp
The Standing Sound Stones.esp
StandingSoundStones_Ryns Patch.esp
Nilheim_MiscQuestExpansion.esp
Unmarked Locations Pack - Lux Via Patch.esp
Caught Red Handed - Quest Expansion.esp
Unmarked Locations Pack - Solstheim.esp
Northern Scenery - BleakFallBarrow.esp
Markarth Entrance and Farm Overhaul - Via patch.esp
CC Goblins Unique Border Gates Patch.esp
Lux Orbis - USSEP patch.esp
Unique Border Gates - EVG Traversal Patch.esp
DBM_JaysusSwords_Patch.esp
Lux Orbis - Wyrmstooth.esp
JELWyrmstoothCausePatch.esp
Lux Via - Wyrmstooth addon.esp
JELWyrmstoothCuriosPatch.esp
DBM_Wyrmstooth_Patch.esp
Northern Scenery_Angarvunde.esp
Lux Orbis - Farming CC patch.esp
Lux Orbis - Ryn's Dragon Mounds.esp
Environs - Hroggars House.esp
Environs - Kolskeggr - Lux Orbis Patch.esp
Spaghetti's Orc Strongholds - AIO.esp
Environs - Riften Warehouse.esp
Lux Orbis - Embers XD patch.esp
mihailwhalebones.esp
Majestic Mountains - Creation Club Landscape Patch.esp
BS Bruma - MM Patch.esp
RU_CityTreesSE_Whiterun_Addon0.esp
BSHeartland - No Custom Map Markers.esp
Abyss.esp
DBM_Missives_Patch.esp
USMP - LOTD patch.esp
Whiterun Market - JK skyrim patch.esp
Spaghetti's Faction Halls - AIO - USSEP Patch.esp
Eli_InigoBloodchillPatch.esp
RU_CityTreesSE_Solitude_Addon0.esp
Eli_Landscape Fixes Hendraheim Patch.esp
Environs - Western Watchtower - Lux Orbis Patch.esp
Natural Waterfalls - SLaWF Patch.esp
Lux Via - Ryn's Standing Stones patch.esp
Lux Orbis - Arms of Chaos CC.esp
Markarth Entrance and Farm Overhaul - USSEP patch.esp
Spaghetti's Solstheim - AIO.esp
Armors of the Velothi.esp
Lux Orbis - USMP Patch.esp
Environs - Hroggars House - Lux Orbis Patch.esp
Unmarked Locations Pack - Fixes.esp
Landscape and Water Fixes - Patch - Alternative Armors - Elven Hunter.esp
VolkiharSoundscapeOverhaul.esp
Lux Via - JK's Skyrim Patch.esp
MBW Dragon Souls to Perk Points.esp
1FlutedArmor - Shield and Broadsword by Xtudo.esp
LOTD Unique Border Gates Patch.esp
RU_CityTreesSE_Markarth_Addon0.esp
MCMHelper.esp
QuickLootEE.esp
BetterThirdPersonSelection.esp
SkyHUD.esp
UntarnishedUI_Blur.esp
UntarnishedUI_Subtitle.esp
MoonsAndStars.esp
ENB Light.esp
Lux Via - Blended Roads Bridges Texture sets.esp
Lux Orbis - Bow of Shadow CC.esp
Lux Orbis - Lord's Mail CC.esp
Lux Orbis - Saturalia CC.esp
Lux Orbis - Spell Knight Armor CC.esp
Natural Waterfalls - LFfGM Patch.esp
Landscape and Water Fixes - Patch - Hendraheim.esp
Lux Orbis - Environs - Greenwood Shack Patch.esp
Lux Via - CC Farming Patch.esp
Embers XD - Patch - Goldenhills Plantation.esp
Embers XD - Fire Magick Add-On.esp
NAT - Patch - Rudy ENB.esp
TrueDirectionalMovement.esp
Precision.esp
SkyClimb.esp
ArtificerXav.esp
Eli_SMIM-Hendraheim-Patch.esp
Simplicity of Snow - Dwemer Sanctuary Patch.esp
Simplicity of Snow.esp
CBBE.esp
DynamicDungeonLoot.esp
ValhallaCombat.esp
HandtoHand.esp
Arena.esp
Additional Dremora Faces.esp
Vigilant Voiced.esp
Inigo Riding Patch.esp
Horse Whistle Key Lite.esp
AcousticTemplateFixes_CC_Farming.esp
AcousticTemplateFixes_CC_Seducers.esp
AcousticTemplateFixes_ReverbInteriorSounds.esp
Reverb Interior Sounds Expansion_VolumeSlider_Rain.esp
Reverb Interior Sounds Expansion_VolumeSlider_Thunder.esp
DeadlySpellImpacts.esp
DeadlySpellImpacts Transparency Fix.esp
RaceMenu.esp
RaceMenuPlugin.esp
RichMerchantsSkyrim_x10.esp
Rielle Objects Secured.esp
ChillwindDephts.esp
evgSIRENROOTthecausepatch.esp
evgSIRENROOTtraversalpatch.esp
Bandit Lines Expansion.esp
Civil War Lines Expansion.esp
Forsworn and Thalmor Lines Expansion.esp
Vampire Lines Expansion.esp
Brawl Lines Expansion.esp
Additional Dremora Faces - CC The Cause Patch.esp
Additional Dremora Faces - Mysticism Patch.esp
Dremora Lines Expansion.esp
TimingIsEverything.esp
NARC SE for Vanilla.esp
Stamina of Steeds.esp
EnchantableSpecialItemFix_Gaunt.esp
EnchantableSpecialItemFix_USSEP.esp
Extended Guard Dialogue.esp
Eli_HomeinaHat.esp
Apothecary - Fishing Patch.esp
Apothecary - Rare Curios Patch.esp
Apothecary - Saints & Seducers Patch.esp
SmoothJumpINISettings.esp
Abyss - Adamant Patch.esp
Bloodmoon.esp
Ascension.esp
Desecration.esp
Stellaris.esp
Stellaris - Adamant Patch.esp
EVGConditionalIdles.esp
Lunaris.esp
Arclight.esp
Flames of Coldharbour.esp
Flames of Coldharbour - Adamant Patch.esp
Reanimated Detector.esp
Keytrace.esp
FNIS.esp
TKDodgeSE sound.esp
dD - Enhanced Blood Main.esp
Dynamic Impact - Slash Effects X.esp
Dynamic Impact - Slash Effects X-03EBT_ISC.esp
AOS_EBT Patch.esp
dD-Larger Splatter Size.esp
The Whispering Door - Quest Expansion.esp
The Whispering Door QE - USSEP Patch.esp
Belethor's Sister.esp
CRH_USSEP Patch.esp
The Whispering Door QE - EVGAT Patch.esp
Innocence Lost QE - USSEP Patch.esp
NPCs React To Invisibility.esp
NPCs React To Invisibility - Bow of Shadows Patch.esp
CarriageAndStableDialogues.esp
Wild Horses - Dialogues.esp
Animals Swim.esp
Sleeping Expanded.esp
Use Those Blankets.esp
NPCs React To Necromancy.esp
NPCs React To Necromancy - No Consequences.esp
NPCs_Wear_Amulets_Of_Mara.esp
Immersive Rejections.esp
JustBlood.esp
SunAffectsNPCVampires.esp
SunAffectsNPCVampires - ExcludeFriendlies.esp
DynamicMercenaryFees.esp
StoreDoorbells.esp
Whiterun Watchtower Doesnt Start Broken - Siberpunks Cut.esp
TheEyesOfBeauty.esp
The Eyes Of Beauty - Elves Edition.esp
Chest Variants.esp
Spaghetti's Palaces - AIO.esp
Shaders of Solstheim.esp
XPMSE.esp
FSMPM - The FSMP MCM.esp
_Fuse00_ArmorRaven.esp
Vampire Armor Expansion.esp
Armors of the Velothi - Ashlander Seer And Indoril Wayfarer Crafting.esp
AOTV_Beast_Helms.esp
blendedshrooms.esp
Dynamic Things Alternative.esp
RadiantRequirements.esp
Apothecary - Wyrmstooth Patch.esp
Apothecary - Bruma Patch.esp
Simplicity of Snow - BSBruma Patch.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - Beyond Skyrim.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - Wyrmstooth.esp
DBM_Adamant_Patch.esp
DBM_DDL_Patch.esp
DBM_ISC_Patch.esp
DBM_SMIM_Patch.esp
Lore Weapon Expansion.esp
Leveling Freedom.esp
UniqueDragonPriests_XB.esp
ForswornRetexture Unique Armor of the Old Gods.esp
ReadingIsGood.esp
NPCsReactToFrenzy.esp
evgmodularSMPhair.esp
Shrubbery Symphony Enhanced Greenery.esp
Rally's Common Furniture.esp
JS Dragon Claws - Wyrmstooth Patch.esp
Skyking Soul Gems.esp
Unmarked Locations Pack - Sovngarde.esp
Unmarked Locations Pack - Forgotten Vale.esp
Unmarked Locations Pack - Soul Cairn.esp
WIZ_FoscsF.esp
GDOS - Splendid Mechanized Dwemer Door.esp
Origins Of Forest - 3D Forest Grass.esp
Rudy Nordic Pottery SSE.esp
RallysAnimMarket.esp
Diverse Campfires BOS.esp
BlendedRoads.esp
Skoglendi Tweaks.esp
HYORFishing&SurvivalPatch.esp
DBM_SkyTEST_Patch.esp
Fluffworks.esp
JKs Skyrim - Gray Cowl Patch.esp
MurderOfSongbirds.esp
WhalesOffTheCoast.esp
Stones of Solitude.esp
Fluffworks - CC Pets of Skyrim Patch.esp
Fluffworks - CC Wild Horse Patch.esp
WildwoodEchoes.esp
Lux Orbis - LotD JK's Skyrim patch.esp
GDOS - Glorious Solitude Door - Rotation Fix.esp
USMP - AI Overhaul patch.esp
USMP - Timing is Everything patch.esp
USMP - USCCCP patch.esp
JKs Bannered Mare - Immersion Patch.esp
JKs Drunken Huntsman - Civil War Champions Patch.esp
JKs Drunken Huntsman - USSEP Patch.esp
Ryn's Snazzy Last Vigil - Ebony Warrior Overhaul.esp
NPCs Take Cover.esp
DBM_JKBannered_Patch.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - JKs Bannered Mare.esp
SOS MM.esp
BlackreachEerieAmbience.esp
DistantDragonRoars.esp
Embers XD - Patch - Beyond Skyrim - Bruma.esp
Lunaris - Adamant Patch.esp
Desecration - Adamant Patch.esp
Rally's Crates.esp
Vigilant CBBE Patch.esp
Rally's Nord War Horns - Unique Torygg's Horn.esp
DBM_JKDrunken_Patch.esp
CaravansDialogueExpansion.esp
Nordic Winds.esp
WindhelmDialogueExpansion.esp
Arclight - Adamant Patch.esp
Skyking Signs - Bruma.esp
Extended Bandit Dialogue.esp
Lux Orbis - Goblins CC.esp
Lux Orbis - JK's Drunken Huntsman patch.esp
Lux Orbis - JK's Bannered Mare patch.esp
The Royal Seat - BOS Color Variance.esp
Sentinel - Unique Stormcloak Meshes.esp
Sentinel - Unique Skyforge Meshes.esp
Sentinel - Unique Guard Meshes.esp
Sentinel - Imperial Crafting.esp
1Dwemer.esp
1FlutedArmor.esp
1Markynaz.esp
Sentinel + BS Bruma.esp
Sentinel + CC Backpacks.esp
Sentinel + CC Fearsome Fists.esp
Sentinel + CC Ghosts of the Tribunal.esp
Sentinel - Adamant Patch.esp
Sentinel - USSEP Patch.esp
RibbitRemix.esp
SRP Additional Landscape Parallax.esp
Happy Little Trees - Ivy on Trees.esp
Solitude Braziers.esp
TMDWinery.esp
Water for ENB (Shades of Skyrim).esp
Water for ENB - Patch - Landscape Fixes for Grass Mods.esp
Markarth Outskirts - Water for ENB (Shades of Skyrim) patch.esp
Natural Waterfalls - Water for ENB Patch (Shades of Skyrim).esp
Lux.esp
LUX - Apocrypha Patch - Rudy ENB NAT.esp
Ryn's Snazzy Last Vigil - Lux Patch.esp
Environs - Hroggars House - Lux Patch.esp
Environs - Riften Warehouse - Lux Patch.esp
Environs - Shrines of Talos - Lux Patch.esp
Environs - Kolskeggr - Lux Patch.esp
Environs - Tundra Farmhouse - Lux Patch.esp
Lux - Legacy of the Dragonborn patch.esp
Lux - USSEP patch.esp
Lux - CC Fish patch.esp
Lux - Water for ENB patch.esp
Lux - Markarth Outskirts patch.esp
Spaghetti's Palaces - AIO - Lux Patch.esp
Lux - No grass in caves patch.esp
Lux - SLaWF patch.esp
Lux - Bittercup Patch.esp
Lux - Bloodchill Manor patch.esp
Lux - Dawnfang CC.esp
Lux - Dead Mans Dread Patch.esp
Lux - Elite Crossbows.esp
Lux - JK's Bannered Mare patch.esp
Lux - Embers XD patch.esp
Lux - Farmer patch.esp
Lux - Forgotten Seasons.esp
Lux - Ghosts of the Tribunal CC.esp
Lux - Goblins CC.esp
Lux - Goldbrand CC.esp
Lux - Hendraheim patch.esp
Lux - Inigo.esp
Lux - JK's Drunken Huntsman patch.esp
Lux - JK's Skyrim.esp
Lux - Legacy of the Dragonborn - JaySuS Swords Patch.esp
Lux - NAT ENB.esp
Lux - Nchuanthumz Dwarven Home patch.esp
Lux - Necrohouse patch.esp
Lux - Pets of Skyrim CC.esp
Lux - Saints and Seducers patch.esp
Lux - Shadowfoot Sanctum patch.esp
Lux - Siege at Icemoth patch.esp
Lux - Sirenroot patch.esp
Lux - Staff of Hasedoki CC.esp
Lux - The Cause patch.esp
Lux - Tundra Homestead patch.esp
Lux - Umbra CC.esp
Lux - Vigil Enforcer CC.esp
Lux - Vigilant patch.esp
Lux - Water for ENB (Shades of skyrim) patch.esp
Lux - Whiterun Market patch.esp
Lux - Wyrmstooth.esp
VSO_LUX Patch.esp
Bashed Patch, 0.esp
Synthesis.esp
DynDOLOD.esp
Occlusion.esp
I would greatly appreciate any input on what might be causing this strange issue.
submitted by SirGalahad1401 to skyrimmods [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 05:19 Score_Useful A Tragedy of Errors: a hot mess Dark Urge story

TL;DR

This is a summary of the wildest playthrough I’ve ever done in my attempt to collect all of the Dark Urge endings and see lots of unique story elements.
I set out to create a whimsical idiot who stupid-ed her way through major plot points so that I could see unexpected outcomes. I did not expect to experience the gut-wrenching, Shakespearean tragedy that this story became.
This post is quite long. I wanted to share it with this community because the experience genuinely left me speechless and I thought you might appreciate it. What Larian has created with this game is beyond next level. Contains MASSIVE SPOILERS, you’ve been warned.

I am on a personal quest to collect all of the possible endings for Dark Urge. I wanted to do this in a way that was meaningful and honest to the character I created. I love the role playing aspect of this game, I was super into LARPing as a kid and have been known to play DnD on occasion as an adult. I completed the game 3 times prior to this run: good guy Tav (saved the world, got the nice party etc), once as full on psycho Dark Urge who destroyed the world for Daddy, and once as Full Redemption Dark Urge who fully rejected Bhaal at every turn and also saved the world. So at this point, I know most of the possible storylines and plot points.
I really wanted to get the very bad ending I had heard about: the one where Dark Urge accepts Bhaal but decides to save the world and ends up going crazy. So I set out to figure out what a character would look like whose fate would naturally lead them to this path. I also wanted to see some of the more niche story elements that I had not yet experienced. I metagamed this a bit (I don’t know if it’s possible not to once you’ve played for like 800 hours) and worked backwards from the major plot points that I wanted to see to settle on my character’s personality.

Meet: Ceres

Asmodeus Tiefling. Storm Sorcerer. All around hot mess.
One of her first great ideas: watching a monster be born because it looked cool.
Her key personality traits:
Alignment: Chaotic trying-to-be-Good

Below follows the major defining events that happened in each act for her, and the tragic conclusion to what I initially thought might be a silly romp of a stupid character. Some of this I metagamed, but much of it happened organically.
Note: I played on Tactician as I normally do, so some of the encounters I had the freedom to redo to get an outcome I wanted. This being said, I rolled with mistakes and events almost all the time. The only encounter I ended up reloading several times was Orin… jeez that fight is a bitch when you are squishy.

Act 1

Ceres saved the goblin Sazza and let her escape, only to realize that she would then bring word of the location of the grove where her people were camped to a pack of vicious goblins. Off to a great start.
She killed Karlach because she fully believed Wyll and the “Paladins of Tyr” that Karlach was a monster. Then she instantly regretted it because she killed one of her own people. Her and Wyll talked about this and both felt terrible. She agreed whole heartedly to help Wyll rescue his father to make up for this.
Ceres stole the idol of Sylvanus while the druids were chanting, because she thought that her and Astarion were clever enough to do it without getting caught and she loved the kiddos who had put her up to the task. She ended up starting a huge battle by accident where many of her people were killed.
When she got to the goblin camp, she spoke to Sazza who told Minthara where the grove was. Terrified to blow her cover and get killed while surrounded by enemies, she agreed to help Minthara. Once Minthara left, she freed Halsin and he helped her kill Dror Ragzlin. So at least that was one problem solved.
She helped Zevlor defend the grove, but it was a close call. The afterparty was… subdued. Zevlor even commented on how so few of his people still remained. No Druids were left, save Halsin.
Ceres then tried to redeem her cowardly blunders by rescuing some Gnomes in the Underdark and helping out the Myconids as best she could. But her idiocy once again got a lost Dwarf killed when the mushrooms exploded around him.
After allowing Lae’zel, her most trusted companion, to enter the Zaithisk, she saw the vision of the legions of Githyanki being consumed by Vlakkith. Terrified of this vision and of the Gith in general, she offered the prism willingly to the inquisitor when asked. Upon entering the prism, she knew she couldn’t do what the goddess had demanded. She trusted and respected her dream guardian. She ended up having to kill the Githyanki leader she had tried to trust.
She then went after the legendary "Blood" she had heard about, but ended up blowing up an entire building full of people in the process. Lae’zel was incredibly mad at her. Thankfully, she heard the wisdom of Voss when he came to her camp, and trusted Lae’zel to choose what to do with the new information about Vlakkith and Orpheus. She agreed to help Lae’zel however she could. She owed her that much.

Act 2

Gale professed his love to her and they spent a magical night together. But he said he loved her immediately and it really scared her. It was too much too soon, and she told him as much. He sulked and was upset with her for the rest of their time together. She didn’t know it at the time, but she threw away her best shot at a nice supportive partner.
Instead of the hopeless romantic Wizard she could have loved, she fell for the broken shell of a man that is Astarion. She believed she could be happy with him, even though she didn’t fully understand their relationship and neither did he.
Ceres reached the Nightsong, but was truly terrified of Balthazar. She figured that maybe her best chance of getting to meet the Absolute and figure out what the hells was going on was to fulfill her promise to Z’rell and send the Nightsong to Ketheric Thorm. He seemed to know her from before, and figured that maybe getting close to him was the best way to solve the mystery of her past and of the tadpoles. In doing this, she lost one of her best friends. Shadowheart left in anger, never to be seen again. Needless to say, her plan was a very bad one.
She refused to kill Isobel or kidnap her per Z’rell’s direction, as she knew this would doom many good people. As punishment, Ketheric sent her to Balthazar’s necrotic laboratory where she had to fight her way out of some evil wombs that silenced her magic.
Live Ceres reaction: her plan is not going well... again.
She found Mizora stuck in a pod and attempted to free her to help her friend Wyll. But as she was very unobservant and failed to read either of the buttons, she pressed the wrong one and killed Mizora instead of freeing her. Wyll ended up as a pile of ash back at the camp. Her crew was quickly dwindling.
Somehow through all of this, she managed to defeat Thorm, spare all of the Harpers from dying, and lift the Shadow Curse. She sought the forgiveness of Dame Aylin for what she had done, and received it. Isobel was reunited with her love and Ceres was relieved to see that some good had come from the mess she had made.
The following night, Astarion had to tie her up while she went crazy trying to kill him. He was kind and expressed empathy. She thought maybe there was hope for her after all. At this point she was wildly in love with him but was scared that her feelings and her messed up brain had put him in so much danger.

Act 3

She finally discovered who she was and was beyond terrified to be the daughter of an evil god. She sought the council of everyone at camp. Jaheira and Astarion were very supportive and told her she would be ok if she stayed strong… something she did not excel at in the slightest. Astarion told her that “the life of a mind-addled slave is worse than death”. This ended up being the most hypocritical thing he ever said to her.
She fell a little in love with Halsin, and was surprised and a bit excited that Astarion was ok with it. She still felt a little weird about being in an open relationship but felt encouraged by the possibilities for a time. They both made her happy for different reasons, and she enjoyed fighting by his side. Her final team was Astarion, Halsin, and Lae’zel.
Via the encouragement of her most trusted advisor Lae’zel, Ceres signed the deal with Raphael. She failed at lying to the Emperor, who was very mad at her for what she had done.
Gale expressed to her that he wanted the Crown of Karsus. After much debate, she was convinced by his arguments that he could do better than Karsus and could reforge it. She felt terrible for having broken his heart before and so encouraged him to go after his dreams. After all, she had encouraged Lae to stand up to Vlakkith, so Gale should stand up to Mystra too, right?
When they were ready, it came time to face her partner’s oppressor. After defeating him, Astarion insisted that taking his place and taking the power was the right thing to do. So she helped him. They were both driven constantly by fear, and she empathized deeply with his desire to be rid of that fear. It was the second biggest mistake of her life. (FYI - I metagamed this part. I knew full well what I was getting into here, I've done both paths of his romance before. It was a key part of her story.)
She didn’t want to be made into a vampire spawn. But at the insistence of someone she truly believed she loved, she went along with it. He became controlling and abusive. But she figured that after all the wrongs she had done and all the people she had gotten killed, she probably deserved this life.
This was confirmed to her when she submitted to the Mapping of the Heart in a place called the House of Grief. The priestess there told her she had a wayward heart, and explained that this meant she was incapable of allowing herself to feel happy. She then discovered that the priestess was a Sharran and was actually searching for Shadowheart, who had abandoned Ceres long ago. She told them as much and they tried to kill her. So she had to kill them. She then found two people chained up in a secret room. She couldn't free them.
After confronting her past and killing her sister Orin, she faced a terrifying choice: kill the world for the god that made her, or die. Already used to being treated like a possession by her partner and terrified to die, she agreed to accept Bhaal’s favor. She was distraught when she had to kill the kind and supportive (not to mention living legends) Jaheria and Minsc, and that she roped her other companions into this mess. This was truly the biggest mistake of her life. She was horrified of the monster she had become.
Seeing that she had been party to forcing Halsin into killing so many of his former allies, she broke it off with him. She was ashamed that her actions had put him into such a position, and was afraid of what she might do to him. She believed she did not deserve someone so good.
She accepted from then on that she would be a slave to at least one dark master for the rest of her days. At this point she had completely lost all sense of autonomy: trapped between a controlling partner who had hypocritically turned her into the thing he hated, and the god of murder who gave her the ultimatum that she must kill the world.
In a last ditch attempt to salvage what she could of the mess she had made, she tried to be brave and take down Gortash the tyrant. She attempted to help the Gondians that he had captive but she failed to deactivate a device and the whole Iron Throne was reduced to rubble before she could help them. She felt absolutely horrible that, once again, her foolishness had gotten so many killed.
After defeating Gortash, she spoke to the god Bane himself, who told her she was well on her way to serving him and his goals. The idea that she could be working towards the ends of an additional dark power was too much. She was overwhelmed with the grief of trying and failing to be a good person for so long.

Endgame

Upon reaching Orpheus, Ceres wanted desperately to side with the Emperor, whom she had trusted the whole time. But with an ultimatum from her most trusted friend Lae’zel, she chose to free Orpheus. She felt proud that she had signed the contract with Raphael for a good reason. She upheld her contract, and never entered the House of Hope.
After defeating the Netherbrain, she knew there was no way she could act upon what Bhaal had insisted that she do. She could not doom the whole world after she had already doomed so many people before. She wanted, more than anything, to be a good person in spite of all her failures. She allowed Orpheus to destroy the brain, knowing full well she had condemned herself to a terrible fate.
Her friends left her one by one. Lae’zel upon her new red dragon, Gale to find and claim the Crown of Karsus for himself, Vampire Lord Astarion and Halsin to the pub to grab some wine and celebrate. She smiled for the last time.
The last smile of a doomed soul.
She felt the rage of the god she had defied boiling up inside her. But now she was tired. Tired of being controlled, being abused, tired of the blood and death. In a single act of courage she had never before possessed, she ended her own life, rather than become the murderous puppet of her father Bhaal. The last words anyone ever said to her in life were: “What in the hells do you think you’re doing?”
After causing the needless deaths of so many due to ignorance and carelessness, Ceres finally did something good for the world. Her ending was just for her. She had lived her whole remembered life trying to help others get what they wanted and living with the consequences of her foolhardy choices. In the end, she got what she didn’t know she wanted: peace. Floating alone in the void, she met a familiar face. For the first time in her miserable existence, someone named her “hero”.
(Queue massive waterworks from me, I'm tearing up again writing this)

In the End

Ceres broke my heart in ways I never expected. It was a beautiful roller coaster of a story that really hit home with me. Ceres unintentionally embodied many of my greatest personal flaws, and it showed me much about the folly of trying to please others. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to create a more compelling character.
If you have, for some reason, taken the time to read all of this: Thank you so much. If you have any character stories you'd like to share, please pass them along. I'd love to read them.
And a huge heartfelt THANK YOU to the team at Larian for creating a truly epic masterpiece. I genuinely can’t believe I got this experience from a video game. It is a wonder.

PS - because she never even set foot in the House of Hope, Raphael was still alive in the end. He came to find her in the afterlife and deliver a monologue about Gale going after the crown and his plans to rise from the ashes of the divine civil war he was sure Gale would cause. I presume that, in a few hundred years, there will be an epic showdown between Dekarios the Divine and Raphael. And Ceres will watch from the afterlife, calmly, with a smile on her face and no more voices in her head.
submitted by Score_Useful to BaldursGate3 [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 01:35 0422 Struggling with independent cat after baby

I adopted my cat (W) 8 years ago at 1 year old; he is about 9 now. W is gentle and cute, social, playful and active, but has food scarcity fears. I assume its because he was abandoned in an empty apartment with another cat - but it’s just a guess.
We have automatic feeders set for twice a day (7am, 5pm). W will eat all the food as quickly as he can, even if it makes him throw up, and bat the feeder whenever he thinks we aren’t looking.
We’ve had to “correct” a lot of poor behaviors from W:
For the most part, we’ve been really successful with nulling these behaviors and he has been a great cat.
We have another cat, D, who is 11 years old and was already part of our household when we brought W home. The two coexist - but do not like each other. W constantly antagonizes D. D is on zoloft because of stress and W constantly trying to dominate him.
D is my spouses cat and my spouse is definitely the “alpha” of the house. W is absolutely my ride or die, but we are not the alpha lol. My spouse does not treat W as lovingly as he treats D - im sure this also is frustrating for W.
Our child is turning two and ever since we brought kiddo home, the cats have not been happy. When kiddo is at daycare Monday-Friday, the cats are both pretty good - but when kiddo is home, D prefers to be locked in our master bedroom (where his automatic feeder is) and W tries his best to engage with the kid or get our attention.
Lately his antics have been getting more and more extreme and he has been resorting to his previous poor behaviors: running over our heads, chewing my hair, sneaking out the door, clawing etc.
He has also added a really aggressive new one: stealing food off our plate…as we are eating it. It doesn’t matter what it is, meat, vegetables, salad, ice cream - he will sneak around us and try to grab it. He is especially apt with the kids food, since we are usually distracted at dinner while getting them to eat.
I don’t like using negative reinforcement, but im at wits end. We’ve had to lock him in a room while we are eating.
We also have a screened in porch that both cats have been huge fans of for the past four years. Well, W intentionally has destroyed one of the screens and escaped. I fixed it this morning, and let him out this afternoon and he immediately set to tear it again. It is unrepairable now and neither cat can go outside. I was able to get him back into the house from the woods. He didnt run from me when i went to collect him.
Our house is one level and 2400 sq ft.
Any advice?
submitted by 0422 to CatAdvice [link] [comments]


2024.05.20 23:56 Whirlwinds228 Animus touched objects in the Starstealers possession. I made up some of these and have some canon items in there as well.

A bunch of Animus touched objects in the Starstealers possession. You guys are welcome to help me come up with names lol.
I need name suggestions for some of them so you guys are welcome to help me come up with names for some of them. Some of them are kinda lame or boring. So help would be appreciated!
Also tell me what you guys think of these! I would love to know your guys opinions! :D
1.) Darkstalkers’ Dreamvisitor: Darkstalker The family found one of the Dreamvisitors and purchased it off the underground magic market. Starseeker was the one who found and bought it and it has remained with the family since then. It is heavily protected and only allowed to be used by trusted family members or be monitored.
2.) Darkstalkers fire-shooting spears: Darkstalker Also bought in the underground magic market, this time from Civet from his first few years of being the Head. He managed to get his claws on three of the ten being sold. They are routinely put in a spell room to keep old magic alive and strong since the magic is getting older and weaker as time goes on. Rarely used to preserve the magic remaining inside of them. They made their own versions of the spears but still keep Darkstalkers’, as a kind of flex I guess.
3.) Soulreader: Darkstalker Bought by Starseeker from the underground market after it was stolen from the Dragonets at Jade Mountain Academy over a hundred years ago. Only used on animus dragons(Starseeker, Mojave, Hamada, Hyena) and is preserved in the artifacts room to keep its weakening magic alive, it is not used often but Hamada has used it plenty of times on Hyena and Mojave to be safe. Coyote uses it on Hamada too but not as often.
4.) Immunity crests: Starseeker Made when Starseeker was the head of the family and lasted till Hamada’s turn. These were crests of the Starstealers symbol given to the Diamondbacks during their times of friendliness. They were only given to the Diamondbacks and after the fallout between the two families such enchantments were never made again. For safety reasons. The Diamondbacks still have these enchantments and are now subsequently immune to animus magic and any magic in an area within a 40 foot radius of these crests will immediately be canceled out.
5.) Starseekers shields: Starseeker Starseekers dangling moon earring, it grants a protection spell to keep the wear from harm or any kind of threat. She enchanted it when she first arrived and started to form the Mafia, due to various assassination attempts. She has enchanted other jewelry with the same enchantment, any dragon who is the head of the family receives one to be an extra safe guard. Any dragon of importance also receives such jewelry.
6.) Starseekers Observatory: Starseeker Starseeker was an avid astronomer and stargazer. She enchanted a normal observatory to have walls with actual views of the stars in live time incase for any reason the stars aren’t visible. Many use this as a place to relax and destress, Mojave tends to go there when he is having his ‘bad days’.
7.) Hyena, Mire, and Everblazes’ fire cuffs: Hyena Cuffs enchanted by Hyena to allow the wearer to bend and control fire. Only Mire, Hyena, and Everblaze have these cuffs. Hyena and Mire have matching gold ruby encrusted cuffs while Everblaze has gold and teal gemstones with feathering on the sides. Everblazes' is different as it diverts his firescales to pyrokinesis, while Hyena and Mire just have normal fire-bending and are not firescales. Everblaze also has blue flames rather than Hyena and Mires’ normal flames.
8.) Hyenas’ shapeshifting earring: Hyena Hyena enchanted this when he was younger and his father, Hamada, wouldn’t allow him to go out as himself for safety reasons. He can shapeshift into any tribe and even change his gender, though he rarely uses this function it is there for emergencies. Mire borrowed it for a little bit and has his own copy of the spell but in a separate ring on his claws. He doesn’t wear this often and hides it safely in his room.
9.) The cloak of anonymity: Starseeker A cloak made by Starseeker during her first few weeks in the Scorpion Den to keep herself anonymous and safe from Nightwing scouts looking for her. Its enchantment makes dragons ignore and just view the wearer as a boring non-important stranger, even if the wearer is being seen by their own family. Hamada uses this often for when he sneaks out and only Gila is immune to it and can see who is actually under the cloak.
10.) Darkstalkers’ gifts of super strength, speed, gifts of mind reading or prophecy: Darkstalker Managed to get their hands on one of each and maybe some extra. Usually given to family members of high importance or family members with vulnerabilities that need to be protected like Atacama or Civet. The dragons who have had one: Civet, Atacama, Coyote, Galah, Gazelle. They don’t wear them all the time, only Atacama wears hers full time, she usually wears the Invulnerability bracelet. But she has worn almost all of them.
11.) Hamadas’ spell reader: Hamada A scroll enchanted to document every spell Hyena has ever or will ever cast. Hyena doesn’t know about this spell at all and Hamada intended to keep it that way. Was enchanted before Hyena even hatched to be prepared for any accidental spells he casts before he actually finds out about his magic. Hamada checked it everyday and every week to make sure Hyena didn’t do anything without permission. This has the unintended consequences of Hyena becoming a literary master in his writing to work around these restrictions and not have Hamada know the true intention of his spells. Hyena can write in the most poetic and elegant of styles only to be insulting you and your entire bloodline at the same time.
12.) Obsidian blade and Obsidian Throne: Starseeker The Obsidian Blade is used when a new head of the family is officially chosen. It will cut the palm and the moons on the throne with glow if they are truly of Starstealer blood. It will not glow if they are not from the direct family line and they will not be allowed to be the head of the family. The blade works in tandem with the throne, so you need the Obsidian Blade to actually initiate a new head of the family.
13.) Hyenas’ wooden snake: Hyena Hyena enchanted a little wooden rattlesnake toy of his to come alive and be his pet/friend when he was six. He still has it at thirty four years old but keeps it hidden in his room. It keeps him company when he is alone or just vibing. Sometimes he will bring it out but not often. It's a little worn from age and the wood finish is starting to wear but Hyena hasn’t made any move to fix it up. There is no special enchantment to it, it's just his little pet he made as a dragonet.
14.) The summoner: Mojave Enchanted by Mojave, the Summoner is a golden snake made of plated gold pieces and can be sent anywhere to anyone. Only those who are wanted can see the snake and follow it to the dragon controlling it. The dragon controlling it can simply send it or actually see through the eyes of the snake and talk to said summoned dragon. It all depends on their choice and really is only used to summon someone in the Compound or within the range of the Scorpion Den. It has never been used anywhere beyond the Stronghold. It can teleport but usually just slithers really fast, the dragons who use it prefer short distance because of timing. The dragons who use it can see it but if it is being used and they aren’t a target they can’t see it. It can be summoned and be seen by the user if they say a specific phrase. Hamada mainly uses it on Hyena because he doesn’t go out of his way to leave his office to get himself. He also uses it whenever he doesn’t feel like finding them himself lol. Hamada is the only dragon in the family who has used it as extensively as he has. It is used on spy missions and is perfect for startling or threatening an enemy without being actually there.
15.) Eye of Onyx: Jerboa Queen Aardvarks’ mother was killed by the Eye of Onyx, as she wore a fake one. But one day wore the real one by mistake, killing her. Aardvark was reasonably traumatized and placed the Eye of Onyx in the claws of the Starstealers. Probably not a very good decision on her part to be honest. They keep it safely tucked away in the main artifacts room with all the other animus touched items. It can be handled if the dragon is wearing a certain pair of cuffs to act as a shield between the dragon's talons and the Eye so they aren’t actually touching it. Though Atacama and Gazelle have been able to hold it without protection. Everyone else though, must wear the protective cuffs. If not pretty much everyone else in the family would probably be dead if they actually touched it. Especially Hyena lol.
16.) Mojave’s animus suppressor(Might need to ask for a name): Hamada Due to Mojaves unstable mental state, his magic had to be sealed away for his safety and others. It was cast by Hamada and is an irremovable bracelet on his wrist. Hamada can turn it off if he wanted to but wouldn’t cause Mojave is just too unstable.
17.) Hyenas’ heart: Hamada Hyena is an artificial animus and was enchanted by Hamada using both Soul and Surface magic. His heart was enchanted to produce its own magic and act as an artificial ‘well’. He has a quicker recovery rate and can refill on Surface magic much quicker than anyone else. He has a pretty deep ‘well’ and is only second to Hamada for a very dangerous reason. He only doesn’t realize how to be that dangerous and reach his full potential. Due to Hyena being an artificial animus, he has no ‘soul’ to damage. So he can use as much Soul Magic as he wishes, but he does not know he can do this. He has been taught that using Soul Magic is dangerous and not to be used unless absolutely necessary. So, yeah, he has the potential but doesn’t unlock it because he was taught not to.
submitted by Whirlwinds228 to WingsOfFire [link] [comments]


2024.05.20 23:53 Slayrides Malzahar's Much Needed Changes (thoughts)

What’s up all!
I have been really thinking about the state of Malzahar over the past few months, and I find that as much as I love my main, he needs to be changed. Now I want to break this down into sections, as it should be laid out more thematically and appropriate to real champion design changes.

Before that, I want to state my credentials:

  1. Have been playing League since beta
  2. Have played in basically every rank at some point or another, playing Malzahar in every one of those.
  3. Currently ranked peak is Masters, currently D1 in current season
  4. I can respect strengths and weaknesses of the champ without having a “my champ” mindset

Malzahar Lore in current abilities


Issues with Malzahar currently


(NEW) Suggested rework options (will keep names the same if it’s a similar idea, otherwise would rename accordingly)



Consensus

The way I imagine this would work is to really bring the void of Malzahar forward. I think allowing us to see more of the void involved would be great. I think both styles would keep so much of his identity as this poke/dot character, but also bring him into relevancy with current champ design. I don’t think it makes him too complex, but rather just gives complexity to the character that’s currently missing. Instead of having the voidlings feel useless, we can allow them to play a bigger role, while feeling like you “control the void” or rather are at least ok with the void. The first iteration I think focuses more on current gameplay, but actually could make him feel smoother to play potentially. Focusing more on recasting visions for big team fight vision spreads, and letting you really “spread the word” of the void lol.
The second iteration I thought would focus more on these creatuers of the void they said he can control. Giving a new identity to the character in a sense. Allowing you still feel the malzahar dot power, but also feel like your ultimate is everything malz sees. It’s the destruction and oblivion coming forward and leaving havoc in its wake. I think the idea of focusing more on poke and empowering your ultimate or farming now gives you decision making. Originally I imagine you permanently increase the voidhemoth forever moving forward, but I think it makes more sense to have each iteration need to be empowered independently. Scaling of course. But it incentivizes a more aggressive playstyle with high upside.

Now, I know Riot wouldn’t probably touch any of this and doesn’t care to read over another “champion rework design” but MAYBE they’ll see some ideas here and at least start toying with Malzahar to bring him into relevancy.
submitted by Slayrides to leagueoflegends [link] [comments]


2024.05.20 22:55 Plastic_Finish1968 The Long Walk Home: chapter 11 (Bliss is the Word of the Day)

The mysterious and tragic disappearances of entire planetary civilizations aside, I would say things were looking up. It was no longer a battle for every breath, only a small skirmish. My shoulder was regaining mobility, the monsters were small in comparison to Brad, and Ted was giving me yet another silent treatment. Bliss is the word of the day. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Not the Ted part; he wouldn’t talk to me.
The gravity in this place decided to do its own thing yet again when the far wall in front of me quickly turned into a floor. I was headed towards it fast. There was nothing I could do but brace for impact. Being knocked out this many times in a row can't be good for a guy. I’m going to have some serious issues when I’m older.
I wish I could say I had another dream while I was out, another insight into a lost civilization or microorganism like before, but no such luck. Whoever sent it last time was either asleep on the job or simply had nothing more to show me. That’s fine. I’m more of an active participant type guy when it comes to the creation of life. Never was the type that could just watch.
Thankfully, the Jim-bobs didn’t fall for the same trap I did. They waited for me. When they were sure I wasn’t dead, they stomped and chittered from their position, far away from me, and the sudden shift gravity decided to inflict upon me.
“Urgh,” was all I could manage as I rolled over to stare up at my friends. There they were, clung to a wall, or... the floor? Fifteen to twenty feet away from me. They didn’t want to take the dive, and I don’t blame them. We sat there, staring at each other, wondering how we would reunite before we each decided this would be goodbye.
I waved, and they sent their vibrations to feet that could never comprehend their meaning. I was going to miss those ugly guys. One by one, they turned back and crested a corner until I was left staring up at nothing. To be honest, I would have left earlier, but I twisted my ankle something fierce. I had to give it a moment.
“Welp, guess I should hobble away,” I prompted to Ted.
Nothing: Ted was really giving it to me this time.
With a grunt and a heave, near stability came to me, and I shambled along, back on my path. That brought a swift end to my good times. Especially the sore feet.
Have you ever read the book "1984"? Of course you haven’t. You haven’t even hatched yet. There’s a quote, and I find it particularly appropriate in times like this.
“Of pain you could wish only one thing: that it should stop. Nothing in the world was so bad as physical pain. In the face of pain, there are no heroes, no heroes...”
Yeah, seriously, ouch. I’m going to have to buy myself a new pair of feet: these two are good and truly shot. You know what I need? A good shot of adrenaline to remind me pain is only physical. Hey, guess what happened next.
I found there was only one way to go, so I went. The usual wet sticky sounds one's foot made when walking were unusually loud here; that isn’t good, and the sounds of clicking along the way weren’t comforting either. Sounds, in a place like this, are never good. Either friend or foe, the maker of sounds, should always be avoided. They are either the cause of harm, or lead harm to you.
The effort to lift my foot increased proportionally to the increased volume my feet made. Just what you need with a bad ankle. It was like the floor was crawling up my foot and biting down on rubber soles. I had to tear it free every time. First, I lost a boot. That’s fine. It was threadbare by now, but then came my socks. I can’t get new socks in a place like this, so naturally, I fought to keep those. It was a losing battle. I hated to leave behind anything from Earth. I kept losing familiar things to the unfamiliar. Then I was rendered completely immobile.
“The heck?” were the words that came to mind, then “oh crap!” came after. Both figuratively and literally.
The cause of the “oh crap?” Along came a spider. About half a million of them. I suppose “spider” wouldn’t be accurate. You know, I heard once, that the human mind can capture and process the image of a spider before it can do the same with food. Priorities, right? Probably why every conversation about spiders devolves into “BURN THE HOUSE DOWN!” Personally, I liked spiders, but these things were worse. They triggered that same mental reflex, but upon further examination, if you can bring yourself to linger on them, you could see they were nothing like spiders. Even a spider would look upon one and say “that’s way too many legs.” Or perhaps they too would ask “WHERE'S THE FLAME-THROWER!?” if unlucky enough to capture one in its web.
“Kaboom,” went the Tedidian gun, and about a thousand of them were vaporized, along with a good chunk of floor, and a thousand more took their place.
“Kaboom! Kaboom!” It was no use.
I turned the gun on myself. What was it? Hamlet's conundrum—"to be or not to be." To suffer the slings and arrows of the mob, or to die by one's own hands. I think that’s what it means, though I never was good at subtext. More of a Michael Bay type of guy. Give me explosions. Have a cool guy walking away as he flicks out a spent cigarette. Macho—can’t get enough.
That’s twice now I’ve waxed poetic out of loneliness. I’ve made it nine hours through a Ted-imposed silent treatment, and I’m already contemplating nobler things. I need a hobby.
If I had a greater cause, I might be quoting something different. I might stand tall blasting and shouting, “ask not the reason why, ask but to do and die.” I’m not that man, though. I was left staring at a literal wave of incomprehensibly terrifying monsters, wondering, “Should I pull the trigger?” I suppose it makes me a coward. It’s not my fault. Being a coward was something that happened to someone, not what they are. Bravery has happened to me plenty of times too, maybe it’s time cowardice happened to me.
I suppose you’d like to hear what happened next. You aren’t interested in philosophy, are you? Neither am I, to be honest. “Eat me after I die,” I always thought. “Not before.” But these things looked like they could multitask.
I heard a mechanical clink of metal, over the swarming chatter of sharp legs, then my whole world went ablaze. I shut my eyes to keep the outrageous light out, but the smell of burning hair? The smoke and charred meat? That was stitched into my nostrils for the rest of time. Was this the creepy-crawlies' doing? Are they cooking me alive? My finger wrapped around the odd alien trigger and began to squeeze, but I realized I hadn’t actually felt pain yet.
I was waiting for the cue. With eyes shut, waiting for the feeling of sharp pointy fangs, the expanding pain of heat, or paralysis-induced venom, if these things were equipped with such weapons. I would feel that, and know it was time to end my travels, but it never came.
Tentatively, I opened my eyes. The fire still burned, but in broad sweeping motions. It was being sprayed outwards as if wielded by a small exterminator. Was I rescued? Did someone gaze upon this ugly damaged ape and deem him worthier than all the other creatures of the crypt? Did someone break protocol and save prey from predator on this safari? It seemed someone had.
Small white robotic things torched every living being in sight, save for me. I stood motionless. Perhaps they hadn’t seen me. Perhaps this giant pillar of a crypt monster is unseen or unseeable by their robotic eyes. Did they even have eyes? I never saw any. One did see me, and it approached me.
It moved to me laterally. If I were the engineer in charge of building these things, I would have turned them ninety degrees. They walked sideways, though who am I to determine which way is front on someone else’s robot. It was squat like a crab too, had many little claw-like manipulators, and an ever-burning torch about its midsection, which it expanded into a stream, using it to free me. I expected pain, but it had an apparent masterful knowledge of fire and its practical uses. It did not burn me, only what it was intended to burn, the sticky sap-like floor.
“Uh—thank you?”
The largest white metal plate on top illuminated in a short blink.
“I’ll take that as a ‘you’re welcome.’ Stick with me, and maybe I can return the favor.” I pointed to myself with my thumbs.
I know. Presumptuous of me to ask them to stick with me when they were the prepared ones. They thought to send robots capable of saving themselves. Or—what if they weren’t robots? Is there a little man inside piloting them? Are they living creatures themselves, growing metallic exoskeletons? Perhaps—if I could just pry one open and look inside, my curiosity could be sated. I wonder if they tasted like crab too. No—I—I shouldn’t. It might offend them. They were all I had now.
In total, I counted five of them, and they did a professional's job at clearing the path. No bug was safe in their line of fire. No bug smaller than three inches, that is. There’s always a bigger one. I should have expected as much by now.
There was, of course, only one way forward. This being right into the path of mamma and pappa. Yeah, those things the crabs destroyed were babies. Imagine how the parents reacted. Pretty much exactly how you’d expect.
I was still in no condition to run, but when the robots found that fire was ineffective against the bigger ones, they left me behind.
“No, it’s okay, I’ll fight them off on my own!” I shouted. After them.
Forward, into their gaping maws, was still the only way to run, regardless. The crabs zipped around, confusing the stomping, stabbing appendages of the beasts, until one, then two made it through. The third wasn’t so lucky. It swerved left, then right, then right into the waiting jaws of the beast. It smashed to pieces. Goodbye new friend. Is it bad I'm jealous of the monsters? I haven't had crab in a very long time. I doubt aliens would taste anything like crabs, but if I closed my eyes, just maybe—
“BANG BANG!” went my gun. With the crabs out of the way, I dropped the two monsters like a sack of potatoes.
“Told ya I’d pay you back!” I shouted.
The mechanical retreating clinks paused, then slowly returned. It must have been a cool sight: me with a smoking gun standing over the dead bodies of two incomprehensibly terrifying monsters. Total 180 from where I was moments before. I was back, baby. Yeah—I know it helps when you've been given alien technology.
submitted by Plastic_Finish1968 to HFY [link] [comments]


2024.05.20 22:54 Plastic_Finish1968 The Long Walk Home: chapter 11 (Bliss is the Word of the Day)

The mysterious and tragic disappearances of entire planetary civilizations aside, I would say things were looking up. It was no longer a battle for every breath, only a small skirmish. My shoulder was regaining mobility, the monsters were small in comparison to Brad, and Ted was giving me yet another silent treatment. Bliss is the word of the day. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Not the Ted part; he wouldn’t talk to me.
The gravity in this place decided to do its own thing yet again when the far wall in front of me quickly turned into a floor. I was headed towards it fast. There was nothing I could do but brace for impact. Being knocked out this many times in a row can't be good for a guy. I’m going to have some serious issues when I’m older.
I wish I could say I had another dream while I was out, another insight into a lost civilization or microorganism like before, but no such luck. Whoever sent it last time was either asleep on the job or simply had nothing more to show me. That’s fine. I’m more of an active participant type guy when it comes to the creation of life. Never was the type that could just watch.
Thankfully, the Jim-bobs didn’t fall for the same trap I did. They waited for me. When they were sure I wasn’t dead, they stomped and chittered from their position, far away from me, and the sudden shift gravity decided to inflict upon me.
“Urgh,” was all I could manage as I rolled over to stare up at my friends. There they were, clung to a wall, or... the floor? Fifteen to twenty feet away from me. They didn’t want to take the dive, and I don’t blame them. We sat there, staring at each other, wondering how we would reunite before we each decided this would be goodbye.
I waved, and they sent their vibrations to feet that could never comprehend their meaning. I was going to miss those ugly guys. One by one, they turned back and crested a corner until I was left staring up at nothing. To be honest, I would have left earlier, but I twisted my ankle something fierce. I had to give it a moment.
“Welp, guess I should hobble away,” I prompted to Ted.
Nothing: Ted was really giving it to me this time.
With a grunt and a heave, near stability came to me, and I shambled along, back on my path. That brought a swift end to my good times. Especially the sore feet.
Have you ever read the book "1984"? Of course you haven’t. You haven’t even hatched yet. There’s a quote, and I find it particularly appropriate in times like this.
“Of pain you could wish only one thing: that it should stop. Nothing in the world was so bad as physical pain. In the face of pain, there are no heroes, no heroes...”
Yeah, seriously, ouch. I’m going to have to buy myself a new pair of feet: these two are good and truly shot. You know what I need? A good shot of adrenaline to remind me pain is only physical. Hey, guess what happened next.
I found there was only one way to go, so I went. The usual wet sticky sounds one's foot made when walking were unusually loud here; that isn’t good, and the sounds of clicking along the way weren’t comforting either. Sounds, in a place like this, are never good. Either friend or foe, the maker of sounds, should always be avoided. They are either the cause of harm, or lead harm to you.
The effort to lift my foot increased proportionally to the increased volume my feet made. Just what you need with a bad ankle. It was like the floor was crawling up my foot and biting down on rubber soles. I had to tear it free every time. First, I lost a boot. That’s fine. It was threadbare by now, but then came my socks. I can’t get new socks in a place like this, so naturally, I fought to keep those. It was a losing battle. I hated to leave behind anything from Earth. I kept losing familiar things to the unfamiliar. Then I was rendered completely immobile.
“The heck?” were the words that came to mind, then “oh crap!” came after. Both figuratively and literally.
The cause of the “oh crap?” Along came a spider. About half a million of them. I suppose “spider” wouldn’t be accurate. You know, I heard once, that the human mind can capture and process the image of a spider before it can do the same with food. Priorities, right? Probably why every conversation about spiders devolves into “BURN THE HOUSE DOWN!” Personally, I liked spiders, but these things were worse. They triggered that same mental reflex, but upon further examination, if you can bring yourself to linger on them, you could see they were nothing like spiders. Even a spider would look upon one and say “that’s way too many legs.” Or perhaps they too would ask “WHERE'S THE FLAME-THROWER!?” if unlucky enough to capture one in its web.
“Kaboom,” went the Tedidian gun, and about a thousand of them were vaporized, along with a good chunk of floor, and a thousand more took their place.
“Kaboom! Kaboom!” It was no use.
I turned the gun on myself. What was it? Hamlet's conundrum—"to be or not to be." To suffer the slings and arrows of the mob, or to die by one's own hands. I think that’s what it means, though I never was good at subtext. More of a Michael Bay type of guy. Give me explosions. Have a cool guy walking away as he flicks out a spent cigarette. Macho—can’t get enough.
That’s twice now I’ve waxed poetic out of loneliness. I’ve made it nine hours through a Ted-imposed silent treatment, and I’m already contemplating nobler things. I need a hobby.
If I had a greater cause, I might be quoting something different. I might stand tall blasting and shouting, “ask not the reason why, ask but to do and die.” I’m not that man, though. I was left staring at a literal wave of incomprehensibly terrifying monsters, wondering, “Should I pull the trigger?” I suppose it makes me a coward. It’s not my fault. Being a coward was something that happened to someone, not what they are. Bravery has happened to me plenty of times too, maybe it’s time cowardice happened to me.
I suppose you’d like to hear what happened next. You aren’t interested in philosophy, are you? Neither am I, to be honest. “Eat me after I die,” I always thought. “Not before.” But these things looked like they could multitask.
I heard a mechanical clink of metal, over the swarming chatter of sharp legs, then my whole world went ablaze. I shut my eyes to keep the outrageous light out, but the smell of burning hair? The smoke and charred meat? That was stitched into my nostrils for the rest of time. Was this the creepy-crawlies' doing? Are they cooking me alive? My finger wrapped around the odd alien trigger and began to squeeze, but I realized I hadn’t actually felt pain yet.
I was waiting for the cue. With eyes shut, waiting for the feeling of sharp pointy fangs, the expanding pain of heat, or paralysis-induced venom, if these things were equipped with such weapons. I would feel that, and know it was time to end my travels, but it never came.
Tentatively, I opened my eyes. The fire still burned, but in broad sweeping motions. It was being sprayed outwards as if wielded by a small exterminator. Was I rescued? Did someone gaze upon this ugly damaged ape and deem him worthier than all the other creatures of the crypt? Did someone break protocol and save prey from predator on this safari? It seemed someone had.
Small white robotic things torched every living being in sight, save for me. I stood motionless. Perhaps they hadn’t seen me. Perhaps this giant pillar of a crypt monster is unseen or unseeable by their robotic eyes. Did they even have eyes? I never saw any. One did see me, and it approached me.
It moved to me laterally. If I were the engineer in charge of building these things, I would have turned them ninety degrees. They walked sideways, though who am I to determine which way is front on someone else’s robot. It was squat like a crab too, had many little claw-like manipulators, and an ever-burning torch about its midsection, which it expanded into a stream, using it to free me. I expected pain, but it had an apparent masterful knowledge of fire and its practical uses. It did not burn me, only what it was intended to burn, the sticky sap-like floor.
“Uh—thank you?”
The largest white metal plate on top illuminated in a short blink.
“I’ll take that as a ‘you’re welcome.’ Stick with me, and maybe I can return the favor.” I pointed to myself with my thumbs.
I know. Presumptuous of me to ask them to stick with me when they were the prepared ones. They thought to send robots capable of saving themselves. Or—what if they weren’t robots? Is there a little man inside piloting them? Are they living creatures themselves, growing metallic exoskeletons? Perhaps—if I could just pry one open and look inside, my curiosity could be sated. I wonder if they tasted like crab too. No—I—I shouldn’t. It might offend them. They were all I had now.
In total, I counted five of them, and they did a professional's job at clearing the path. No bug was safe in their line of fire. No bug smaller than three inches, that is. There’s always a bigger one. I should have expected as much by now.
There was, of course, only one way forward. This being right into the path of mamma and pappa. Yeah, those things the crabs destroyed were babies. Imagine how the parents reacted. Pretty much exactly how you’d expect.
I was still in no condition to run, but when the robots found that fire was ineffective against the bigger ones, they left me behind.
“No, it’s okay, I’ll fight them off on my own!” I shouted. After them.
Forward, into their gaping maws, was still the only way to run, regardless. The crabs zipped around, confusing the stomping, stabbing appendages of the beasts, until one, then two made it through. The third wasn’t so lucky. It swerved left, then right, then right into the waiting jaws of the beast. It smashed to pieces. Goodbye new friend. Is it bad I'm jealous of the monsters? I haven't had crab in a very long time. I doubt aliens would taste anything like crabs, but if I closed my eyes, just maybe—
“BANG BANG!” went my gun. With the crabs out of the way, I dropped the two monsters like a sack of potatoes.
“Told ya I’d pay you back!” I shouted.
The mechanical retreating clinks paused, then slowly returned. It must have been a cool sight: me with a smoking gun standing over the dead bodies of two incomprehensibly terrifying monsters. Total 180 from where I was moments before. I was back, baby. Yeah—I know it helps when you've been given alien technology.
submitted by Plastic_Finish1968 to humansarespaceorcs [link] [comments]


2024.05.20 22:45 TheBlaringBlue Gaming's Art of the Keepsake

I’ve had a lot of adventures in my life.
I’ve traveled, made friends, seen sights, competed in sports, and participated in events.
Sometimes, following any of these endeavors, a small object would find itself in my possession. A knickknack, a totem, a doodad.
Maybe it was a collection of Mardi Gras beads from my trip to New Orleans. Or a t-shirt tossed by a cheerleader at a sporting event. A toy from a claw machine. A mixtape from a friend. A thank-you note. A cheap piece of junk from a tourist’s gift shop.
Whatever they were didn’t matter — what matters is that they were often a representation of whatever moment in time they came from.
I never threw these things away. I set them on my desk or on my shelves. When those spaces filled up, I bought two small storage containers. They’re filled to the brim and I’m currently filling a third.
Why keep the color-coordinated bandana a stranger gave me in the park during Pokemon Go’s heyday? Why hold onto the Save the Date from my high school friend who ended up getting divorced not two years later? What significance or use could I possibly have for those goofy White Elephant gifts my kickball team gave at the yearly Christmas party?
No purpose, no reason and there is none, respectively.
And yet I don’t want to let them go. You see, they are reminders of times and experiences — Keepsakes. Mementos. Souvenirs. In some ways, they’re a physical collection and documentation of my life.
It reminds me a little bit of this weird quirk I have when I play video games.
--
I likely dumped more than 500 hours across all my Skyrim save files. There was no other game, there needn’t be any other game and there still hasn’t been any other game since.
In my adulthood, I returned to one of its many definitive editions for one last victory lap. With my experience, memory and fully-formed adult brain, I approached the game methodologically, in an optimal order, carefully. I built my ideal character and crafted only what was needed — down to the last iron ingot. I explored, I experienced — I did every major and minor quest, making it my perfect playthrough.
One thing I love about Skyrim is the loot. Yes, there’s 20 million iron daggers and boring, inventory-cluttering useless items… but then there’s the special ones.
There’s the unique weapons at the end of each Daedric quest. The trinkets from the Thieves Guild. Spellbooks, statuettes and storybooks. The eerily-delivered note for the assassin’s questline. The robes of the king, the rings and necklaces of Jarls.
You know them — the items with one-of-a-kind names and designs that are specific to each of their quests.
You see, these items carry a story with them. How you stole for them or killed for them. Traveled, battled, talked, stealthed, lied, solved your way into their possession. They’re the game’s biggest treat.
That’s why, at the culmination of my final ever Skyrim playthrough, I bought a house in Whiterun and filled it with these objects.
Weapons and armors on the walls and on the racks, items and books placed carefully on shelves - but not just any weapons, armors, objects and books. Only the special ones. It was a house that told the story of all of my adventures.
I sat down in a chair next to Aela the Huntress in my castle, my throne room. I saved my game one final time.
--
For all of gaming’s swashbuckling adventures, magnificent worlds and large stretches of land to traverse, they don’t always give us too much to remember them by, do they?
I appreciate Skyrim so much for understanding the nature of the epic they were creating. The ability to fill your house with display cases, armor mannequins and weapon racks demonstrates the developer’s awareness of their playerbase and the scale of the adventures they were sending them on.
These are adventures to cherish, to tell tales of, to be remembered.
Will anyone else give me what Skyrim did?

The answer’s yes, actually.
It’s a fascinating yes, too — because not every keepsake system is cut from the same cloth. Games offer unique takes on the mechanic that energize it, give it new life and perspective and add layers of meaning to it in fresh ways.
And I’ve got plenty of examples.
--
In The Outer Worlds, special items you collected while out adventuring would be placed in specific locations throughout your ship, The Unreliable, upon return. These included things like:
• Posters • Signs • Various ISO items • Tossballs & Tossball cards • Golden bird statuettes • Many, many more
Sometimes these were stored by the game in your captain’s quarters, but other times, they’d appear in your squad’s quarters instead.
No matter where they got stored, these items were more than just junk. They were signature weapons of terrible villains whom you defeated, they were outlandish garb from flamboyant characters who painstakingly passed away to protect your life, they were motifs of resource-gouging corporations whom you shutdown for the good of cities and planets.
They were special, they were keepsakes. Their addition made The Unreliable feel alive and lived in, part of your own, unique journey, filled with the stories and tales of your adventure and — importantly and specifically to The Outer Worlds — your choices.

The second and third installments of the Mass Effect series contained model ships you could buy from vendors that would then go on display on desks or on racks in your spaceship, The Normandy.
These are a little different because you buy them, rather than slice somebody’s head off for them, but they still count.
What makes them still count here is twofold:
• Some model ships only become available after completing certain missions that actually involve the ship you’re buying a model of, so they still serve as a reminder and memento of specific accomplishments in this way • If you transferred your save data through the games, models you collected in ME2 would appear automatically on The Normandy in ME3. Being able to carry souvenirs into a sequel is exceptional, and a feat I’ve not found any other game to match.
Mass Effect: Andromeda saw a return of this feature, too. You ended up re-gathering old ships of yore in this installment, however. Andromeda also featured a more traditional collectible-style search; these model ships were looted from various locations in the world.
The original trilogy used the model ships as landmarks for its major moments, to be remembered across the series, while Andromeda paid homage to the previous games and encouraged its players to explore its world more thoroughly.

In Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, building up your burgeoning young settlement of Ravensthorpe is a central gameplay mechanic — as you acquire more resources to build with, the size of the village grows both in length, width and inhabitants.
The game includes optional side quests that change those who wander your evolving home and hub in medieval England. They include:
• Capturing a stray cat • Saving a fox from a burning home • Befriending a fallen hunter’s wolf pet
In each instance, the living being will join your settlement — the cat will stay underneath Eivor’s seat in your longship, the fox will wander Ravensthorpe and the wolf will welcome you in your personal quarters, howling at your arrival.
You can interact and pet them whenever you like, playing a short animation displaying the affection between the two.
These three “collectibles” don’t feel like trinkets, but living, breathing additions to your home that give it joy and life, as well as keep you young.

Speaking of Norse culture, central to Biomutant is a form of Yggdrasil — the WorldTree.
Central to Biomutant’s story is saving the old, decaying and currently-being-eaten-by-giant-monsters WorldTree. And there are two impressive quests in the game that reflect back to the player their efforts in saving it.
One quest saves the tree from festering toxins below its roots — and the tree’s colors change from green to fluorescent white as a result.
Another quest by the name of Aurora has you activate monoliths around the map that direct energy to the WorldTree. The quest climaxes by having the tree give off a swirling, sparkling aura that hangs perpetually while you travel the world and complete more objectives.
It even matches your affinity — if you’re taking the side of love and justice, the aura is white, while if you play for the destruction of the planet, the aura will hang black.
What’s special about these to me is that they don’t do anything. They don’t get you any closer to saving the world or the tree, but they definitely did something important –
The WorldTree’s central location in the map and absolutely massive scale allow for it to be seen at all times from just about anywhere in Biomutant’s world. This means, after I had completed these two quests, the fruits of my labor were on gloriously beautiful display at all times.
Biomutant’s mementos aren’t keepsakes you can’t take with you when you leave the planet — they’re visual celebrations of your hard work, an ever-present reminder of your endeavors and care for a dying world.

More briefly, Cyberpunk 2077 allowed you to fill V’s apartment with keepsakes as well, featuring dream catchers, posters, paintings, action figures and more.
In Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance Ace Azzameen’s personal quarters would fill up with medals and displays as you progressed through the game.
In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, some of the most legendary Zelda equipment ever was available to the player, including the Sword of Six Sages, the Fierce Deity Sword, and the Biggorons Sword — all of which can be hung in display cases in Link’s home.
Meanwhile, Uncharted 4 greets players near its opening sequence with an attic filled with memorabilia and keepsakes that Nathan Drake himself has kept after all these years. It’s not us — the players — ourselves collecting and hoarding, but it was lovely to see Drake thinking along the same lines as us souvenir psychopaths.

I’ll end with gaming’s classic — Mario. The red-hatted Italian also did the keepsake thing in one of his most beloved installments.
Super Mario: Odyssey allowed you to decorate The Odyssey with stickers and trinkets from your escapades by spending purple coins you could collect while out adventuring on one of the game’s many worlds.
A vanilla Odyssey player’s ship might look the same as it did at the game’s start, but a completionist might have a slew of trinkets and décor, like:
• Peach’s Model Castle • Dinosaur models and trophies • Shiverian Nesting Dolls • A plush frog • Flowers and a watering can from Steam Gardens • Statues of Pauline, Jaxi, Jizo • A lamp and rock fragment of the moon
Hell, the game director himself sounds like he’s read this very article:
“But what about decorating the ship? There’s a shop that appears in many kingdoms where you can buy souvenirs and stickers using the purple coins you’ve gathered.
Collecting memories is one of the best parts of traveling, don’t you think?” –Kenta Motokura
The ability to make The Odyssey your own evolved the traditional fetch-quest nature of collectible gathering and drove the player to go that little bit of extra distance in exploring and engaging with the various kingdoms and mastering the game’s platforming.
--
Video game narratives and their accompanying worlds are monstrously large nowadays. As enjoyers of the medium, us gamers spend a lot of time in them.
Like, a lot.
In recognition of this, game developers have given gamers a number of distinct tools to document their triumphs and sagas — each with their own unique flavor of congratulations and commemoration.
For our enormous investment with huge worlds and long, winding quests, something tangible we can keep hold of provides value, meaning, memories. They make our journey — one which we have committed so much to — special, transcendent, our own.
They give us things no other entertainment medium can give.
So fuck photo mode. A picture isn’t worth a thousand words — my keepsakes are.
(A special thanks to the members of patientgamers for their contributions to this post that helped inform this essay with games I have and have not played.)
submitted by TheBlaringBlue to patientgamers [link] [comments]


2024.05.20 16:00 Equilibrium404 [The First Rule of Scrap Collection] A Crack in Time Fanfic by me!

“Local officials are calling it a “disaster of unprecedented proportion”, and a “tragic loss of life”.
"Despite investigative efforts producing only guesswork regarding the identity of who could be responsible for such an attack, confirmed casualties are already rising into the hundreds. The devastating loss of life has resulted in waves of tragedy and outrage among those affected by the disaster. Families mourn for relatives that will never come home, and crime rates have skyrocketed in the surrounding areas since the chaos first unfolded. "
"Despite the sorrow, it’s clear that the community is united by a single burning question: why wasn’t this tragedy stopped before it started? We’ll be bringing you coverage of the event live on air, as investigative efforts continue to go underway. Coming up next: A glimpse into the mind of a Tachyon apologist. Thirty-four-year-old Daniel Lloyd was arrested during a violent protest, demanding the release of Drophyd forces involved in the now mysteriously-vanished tyrant’s former attack on Kerwan - But why? All this and more right after the break. Channel 2 News”.
“Hey, would you mind turning that off, little outsider?” A metallic voice like a cheap walkie-talkie called out behind the counter. “Went through the trouble of fixing that box and all it does is shout bad news.”
“Sure thing.”
A small blue humanoid with wide eyes nodded, and swung down from the counter to flick off the radio. His workshop clothes were grimy and stained with oil, and small stubs of what would soon be horns poked out the sides of his head.
“Still, it’s nice to know what’s happening out there. Right, Rasper?” He said, turning back and jumping up to grab the top of the counter.
“You don’t need the news to see that the galaxy’s going down the drain.” The figure replied, stretching upwards to place a chunk of scrap on a high shelf.
His hunched shoulders and long neck easily identified him as a Vullard, with reptilian spines running down his back to the tip of his red, spottled tail. As was trademark with Vullards, his head was enclosed in a carefully constructed metal case equipped with vocal synthesizer, oxygen respirator, and mp3 player. The case stretched vertically like a cylinder, with two blue lenses sticking out the sides to function as eyes. A pair of flaps covered the lenses and occasionally flipped up and down to wipe off dust and debris. The bottom end of the helmet lifted up and down when he spoke to mimic a mouth. After reaching the shelf, he groaned and reached a hand to his hunched back, rubbing it sorely.
“The Agorians are running rampant, that Nefarious guy made an alliance with the Valkyries, and now there’s rumor of not just one, but TWO Lombaxes running around? The world’s going crazy, I tell ya…”
“What’s a Lombax?” The smaller figure asked.
Rasper shrugged. “Truth be told I don’t really know either, little outsider. But they’re bad news, apparently.”
The smaller figure looked back out into space. Despite having told Rasper that his name was Junpo, the Vullard wouldn’t call him anything but outsider. From what he’d heard from passing travelers, that seemed to be a social norm with Vullards.
Leaving Rasper to his work, Junpo walked out of the shack and into the grassy field beyond. Their pitstop “Sell-n-Soar” rested on a meager 30 foot wide asteroid dotted with grass, that remained positioned in space outside of orbit through some gravitational force he didn’t understand. The asteroid was wide on top with a flat grassy surface, and tapered down to a sharp point of dirt and stone at the very bottom, as if the entire space had been violently ripped from the surface of some other planetoid. On the far side of the asteroid was a landing pad and a spherical Grummelnet weapons vendor that Junpo was too young to legally operate. On the opposite side was a makeshift playground Rasper had cobbled together for him in his spare time.
The Sell-n-Soar shack stood in the center of the grassy plain, and occasionally bits and pieces of the hodge-podge structure would chip off of the building and float into space, merging with the thick rings of junk that littered the sector. Fastened to the side of the shack was a large claw, attached to a crane. The claw was hooked up to a sturdy tether system, and could be used to shoot out and grab at orbiting scrap. The shack used to have a bright neon sign stapled to the top to attract travelers, but it was shot through by a drunk Agorian speeder one night, and went careening into the depths of space.
Junpo loved sitting at the edge of the asteroid with his feet dangling over the edge, looking into the great wide plane of space beyond. The Vela sector was painted with swathes of bright lime greens and teal blues that swirled through the dense rings of junk that always orbited by. The trails of scrap seemed to collect the unwanted litter and debris from across the universe, ending up in massive streams of cold metal that twisted and curved between the planetoids of the Vela sector like immense rivers of scrap. When the rivers wound their way across the face of stars and suns, it would create thick ribbons of shadow which danced cold beams of frigid darkness across the depths of space. Junpo let out a breath to marvel at the majesty of what was just beyond their tiny little shack. It never failed to remind him of how small he was, and how large the universe could be. Out there, somewhere…
“You really think my parents are still looking for me?” Junpo asked, turning his head back to look at Rasper.
The Vullard stopped in his tracks, as the flaps over his eyes blinked rapidly.
“…They’ll come back one day, little outsider.” He said. “Now come over here, I got a job for ya.”
Junpo followed as Rasper led him into the tiny back-room of the shack. The newest harvest of scrap from the junk rivers cluttered most of the room, nearly filling it up to waist level. There was only a thin path carved through the junk to walk and catalogue the haul.
“Alright, let’s go over this again. What’s the most basic rule of scrap collection?”
“All scrap has value”. Junpo parroted in a clear voice.
“Exactly. Now look, we got scrap up to our ears out here, but it’s not as simple as collecting it and selling it again. Figuring out how to best cultivate the value of each scrap collection is the tricky part. That takes the keen eye of an experienced collector. And… that’s what I want to start teaching you, little outsider.”
Junpo blinked wide. “Really? You mean-”
“Yeah, I’ll let you in on some trade secrets. If you want any chance of getting off this rock someday instead of inheriting my shack, you’re gonna need a way of making bolts. Plus, it’ll be nice having more help with the business, my back’s been killing me.”
Junpo jumped excitedly. “When do I start?”
“Right now, if you want.” The Vullard replied, gesturing to the scrap. “The very first thing you gotta learn about scrap collection is how to sort it. When you get enough experience, you can tell its potential use and profit margin at a glance, but we’ll start slowly with what we got here, for the time being. It looks like a decent haul, so it won’t be a waste of time either.”
Rasper began to teach Junpo the difference between tools and widgets, and decommissioned devices of all kinds. He instructed him on the basics of potential value, both past and present, and who would want which scrap and why. When the little boy grew bored of the sorting, Rasper began to teach him the basics of operating the scrap tether, and Junpo became quickly enamored with shooting the massive claw out into space, pulling back potential treasures in its grip. As the hours went by, Junpo quickly lost track of time, and it was only when he heard the deep hum of a spacecraft docking at their landing pad that he realized they had been working late into the night.
“Sounds like we got a customer, little outsider. You just wait here for a minute.”
As soon as Rasper left the room, Junpo dropped the scrap and followed him out, being careful not to get swept off his feet by Rasper’s lumbering tail. The arriving vessel was sleek and sporty, with a shiny chrome exterior and a deep red under-glow along the belly and wings. As the engine whirred to a stop, two figures leap out the side. One was a large black and blue robot with red visor, wide shoulders, and massive brick-like hands. The other was a smaller reptilian humanoid with pale purple skin, dressed in a crisp business suit. His scales gleamed in the starlight, and a long sail-like fin ran down his back to his tail. The robot’s steps made the asteroid rumble underfoot, while the reptilian figure’s bright pink eyes shone hungrily, as his serrated teeth parted in a grin.
Junpo looked to Rasper and saw him frozen stock still. It appeared as if he were trying to blink, rub his back, and run away at the same time, but could instead do nothing at all.
“Little outsider, you better stay inside for a bit, alright?” He said, looking back inside the shack. When his head swiveled down to see Junpo by his side, his mouth gaped in horror.
“Rasper G. Carver, my my… It’s been a while!” The lizard said, as his serpentine tongue slid between his serrated teeth. His words were greasy and smooth. “I trust the business has been treating you well?”
“Oh… You know how it is, outsider. New haul, more work…” Rasper said, trying to subtly shoe Junpo back inside the shack. “Pretty quiet around here, since the Agorians stopped coming by.”
“Am I still considered an outsider, after all the business we’ve done together? My name is Zarnoc. Use it, please.” The lizard said. “But yes, without those bumbling muscle-bound brutes wandering about, this stretch of space is almost peaceful. Who do you have to thank for that, I wonder?”
“O-Of course, I’m eternally grateful for all that you guys’ve been doing, keeping them away and s-”
“HEY!”
Rasper was interrupted as the lizard whipped his head back with a shout to see the large robot clutching the Grummelnet vendor in one hand, shaking it upside down like a bag of candy. The vendor was shouting a ceaseless stream of profanity from its awkward position, although its insults seemed to go completely over the head of the giant sentinel.
“Get over here! You’re supposed to be intimidating!”
The robot flinched in surprise before setting the vendor back down, daintily swiping the dust off the cursing sphere’s sides before shuffling to Zarnoc. The Grummelnet vendor clamped tightly shut, muttering more curses under its breath.
“Now where was I? Ah, yes.” The lizard began, clearing his throat. “It’s been quite a lot of trouble for us to keep the Agorians out of this part of the sector, and it’s only gotten worse. From our perspective, such a transaction is purely business. We extort- I mean, bargain with you thriving settlers to hand over some of the proceeds from your operations, as a protection fee. Simple enough, right? Well, the Agorians aren’t seeing it that way. Our thriving collaborative business has been treated as an act of war by those dumb brutes, and our master has been hindered in his own business because of Agorian retaliation. Not that they could do much to Lord Vorselon anyway, but it’s definitely pricked the master’s ire. You understand what I’m saying?”
Rasper nodded, his eye-flaps blinking rapidly.
“Good. This is where we reach another point of negotiation in our fine, civilized discussion: Lord Vorselon demands an increase in tribute.”
“How much?”
Zarnoc pretended to count on his claws. “Mmm… about ten thousand bolts per month?”
“Ten thousand?!” Rasper echoed. “I don’t make ten thousand in a year, let alone a month!”
“I don’t care, and neither does Lord Vorselon. If you can’t pay up now, we’re ordered to raise this sad rock to the ground.”
“Now w-wait a minute there, outsider. Can’t you give me some time?”
“Oh, you’d rather talk with the Agorians instead? I’m sure they’d make excellent negotiators.”
“Look, I’ll give you everything I have; all the scrap I’ve got. Take it. It’s yours.”
Zarnoc laughed. “Why don’t we wrap it all up in a pretty red bow and take it to the master on a silver platter? No, there’s nothing of value here, except your bolts. Now hand them over.”
Junpo grabbed hold of Rasper’s hand, but the action caught the lizard’s notice.
“Who’s that?”
“Oh, him? He’s a, uh… Well, his parents left one day and…”
“Hmm... Another orphan, abandoned by incompetent parents who couldn’t provide any better. I understand, truly.” Zarnoc said, closing his eyes in a mock prayer. “Mine treated me no better. Now look where I am…”
“My parents didn’t abandon me!” Junpo shouted, still clutching to Rasper’s hand. “They’re coming back someday! I know it!”
Zarnoc’s mouth lit up in a wicked smile. “That’s what they all say. Trust me kid, I’ve seen it a hundred times. I’ve lived it. You’re abandoned. You’ve got nobody. You were left here to die alone.”
Junpo leapt forward, but Rasper’s usually frail arms pulled him back with shocking force. Junpo looked up to the Vullard’s metal head, but it was locked on to Zarnoc’s own face. The lizard appeared deep in thought, before his wicked eyes trained back on Junpo.
“Say, that kid’s got no attachments, and besides you there’d be no witnesses. Why don’t you hand over him this month in lieu of your payments and we’ll call it a day? He’s still young – there’s limitless potential. Lord Vorselon can brainwash him into a killer assassin, or something. Yes, that would please him very much.”
“Now hold on just one second there, outsider!” Rasper said as the large robot bent down to drag Junpo away. “I can’t let you do that! He’s under my protection!”
“Too bad. You’re under our protection.”
The large robot scooped up Junpo by the scruff of his collar and firmly swung him over its broad shoulders, knocking the breath out of his chest as he gasped for air. Rasper hobbled after him on wobbly legs, but was forced to stop and clutch his back with heaving breath.
“Rasper!” Junpo cried out as he was thrown into the cruiser.
As the door to the cruiser closed, Junpo was enveloped in blackness as bright red logistics panels popped up to illuminate the darkness. The robot gave him a light pat on the head, and Junpo heard Zarnoc cackling from the cockpit seat, out of sight.
“We’ll take the kid, and blow this scrap-heap to bits. Activate the turrets!”
As the robot stood up to flick a switch, the entire ship jerked to the left from the force of a massive impact, causing the left-hand door to peal open.
“What-”
The Vullard had shuffled back inside and aimed the scrap-tether claw directly at the cruiser, trapping it in its grip as the door tore wide open.
“You give back the little outsider and leave! Now!”
Junpo saw Rasper standing at the landing pad, and was astonished to see a bright yellow ‘Negotiator’ Missile launcher cocked over his right shoulder.
“That Vullard’s insane!” Junpo heard Zarnoc cry in disbelief as the ship’s safety alarms whirred to life.
Taking his chance, Junpo ran for the opening in the door, dodging a swipe from the massive robot to stand on top of the tether claw. The ship was hovering about fifteen feet above the landing pad, with the tether cable running to it like a tightrope. Rasper stood below the ship, with the Negotiator pointed right at it.
“Jump, little outsider! I’ll catch you!”
Junpo’s knuckles turned teal as he gripped the edge of the cruiser. The robot grabbed at his foot from behind and clenched it tightly, but at the same moment, the ship lurched to the right, sending them both tumbling out into space. For a brief moment, Junpo and the sentinel soared through space at alarming speed. Junpo kicked away at the robot before landing in Rasper’s arms. The behemoth robot’s head collided with the edge of the asteroid, tearing it clean off as the lifeless body floated into deep space. The Vullard sighed.
“This is gonna get me in all kinds of trouble, but…”
Rasper pulled the trigger, and a high velocity missile shot out with a trail of smoke. The torpedo appeared for a brief moment as a blindingly bright comet, before exploding next to the shuttle. The blast caused a deep rumbling boom and a massive shockwave to peal out through space, causing the tether hook to come undone by its very force. The ship wobbled mid-air before plummeting below the asteroid, until it eventually stabilized a distance away. Junpo thought he could still hear Zarnoc’s distant cursing as the ship retreated.
Junpo and Rasper sat still on the landing pad for several minutes, breathing heavily.
“This means we’re gonna have to move.” Rasper muttered, tossing the Negotiator into the grass. “I was just starting to like it here, too…”
“Thank you, Rasper.” Junpo said. “You saved me.”
His wide eyes paired with a massive grin as he beamed up at the Vullard, who’s troubled hunch softened at the sight.
“Anytime, little outsider.”
They sat that way a while longer, breathing heavily as they looked out into space. Rasper kept turning his head to the boy and opening his mouth, before closing it again. Eventually, he spoke.
“Look… I’m gonna be honest with you, little outsider. Your parents probably aren’t coming back. You got a whole life ahead of you; I don’t want to see you waste it waiting on some deadbeats that don’t care about you. You deserve better than that.”
Junpo’s mouth sunk in a frown as he looked into his lap.
“No, you’re right… I guess I knew that already. I just thought - maybe…”
“What’s the first rule of scrap collection?” Rasper said softly.
Junpo stared at Rasper in confusion, tears welling in his eyes.
“All scrap has value.” The Vullard said. “And even if your parents couldn’t understand that, you’re priceless in my eyes, Junpo. Now, I know I’m probably not what you imagine when you think of a father, but you can call me family anytime.”
Junpo leapt at Rasper and hugged him close.
“Thank you.”
submitted by Equilibrium404 to RatchetAndClank [link] [comments]


2024.05.20 02:37 iamjacks000 I am once again asking for list advice

Hey there! New to DG. This is the list I am working towards. What can be added/discarded. Thanks in advance!
Created with BattleScribe (https://battlescribe.net) ++ Army Roster (Chaos - Death Guard) [1,995pts] ++
Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)
Detachment Choice: Plague Company
Show/Hide Options: Chaos Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Nurgle Daemons are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible
Typhus [80pts]: Master-crafted manreaper, Warlord
Biologus Putrifier [50pts]: Hyper blight grenades, Injector pistol, Plague knives
Biologus Putrifier [50pts]: Hyper blight grenades, Injector pistol, Plague knives
Lord of Virulence [80pts]: Heavy plague fist, Twin plague spewer
Plague Marines [180pts] . Plague Champion: Plague boltgun, Plague knives . Plague Marine w/ blight launcher: Blight launcher, Plague knives . 8x Plague Marine w/ boltgun: 8x Plague boltgun, 8x Plague knives . Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Plague belcher, Plague knives
Plague Marines [180pts] . Plague Champion: Plague boltgun, Plague knives . 8x Plague Marine w/ boltgun: 8x Plague boltgun, 8x Plague knives . Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Plague belcher, Plague knives
Death Guard Cultists [50pts] . Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Cultist firearm . 9x Cultist w/ flamer: 9x Brutal assault weapon, 9x Flamer
Deathshroud Terminators [120pts] . 2x Deathshroud Terminator: 2x Manreaper, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet . Deathshroud Terminator Champion: Manreaper, Plaguespurt gauntlet
Poxwalkers [50pts] . 10x Poxwalker: 10x Improvised weapons
Death Guard Chaos Spawn [70pts] . 2x Chaos Spawn: 2x Hideous Mutations
Foetid Bloat-drone [90pts]: Plague probe . 2 plaguespitters: 2x Plaguespitter
Foetid Bloat-drone [90pts]: Fleshmower, Plague probe
Myphitic Blight-haulers [100pts] . Myphitic Blight-hauler: Bile spurt, Gnashing maw, Missile launcher, Multi-melta
Myphitic Blight-haulers [100pts] . Myphitic Blight-hauler: Bile spurt, Gnashing maw, Missile launcher, Multi-melta
Plagueburst Crawler [180pts]: Armoured tracks, Heavy slugger, Plagueburst mortar . 2 entropy cannons: 2x Entropy cannon
Plagueburst Crawler [180pts]: Armoured tracks, Heavy slugger, Plagueburst mortar . 2 entropy cannons: 2x Entropy cannon
Death Guard Rhino [75pts]: Armoured tracks, Plague combi-bolter
Great Unclean One [230pts]: Doomsday bell, Plague flail, Putrid vomit
Nurglings [40pts] . 3x Nurgling Swarm: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
++ Total: [1,995pts] ++
Created with BattleScribe (https://battlescribe.net)
submitted by iamjacks000 to deathguard40k [link] [comments]


2024.05.19 22:46 gutterbrush Returning player - potential list feedback

Hope this doesn’t fall foul of the ‘don’t ask for lists’ rule - I have a potential list but would really welcome some feedback from those who actually know what they’re doing.
For a bit of context, 40k was a big childhood deal for me but I am depressingly old enough for that to have been back in the days of 2nd edition (yep, I know) when Thousand Sons was not even a distant dream and basically everyone played Ultramarines and a lot of a game involved breaking out cutouts for the range of weapons. Clearly, because that is how time works whether we want it to or not, a lot has happened since then both in terms of real life and in terms of the development of 40k but I am now at a point where for better or worse I am considering indulging in a bit of a nostalgia itch that’s been building for a while and getting back into it - at least in terms of buying and painting some models, as a bit of a treat to the childhood me who couldn’t really afford any decent models or paints back in the day.
The Thousand Sons have caught my eye, I can’t really say why although maybe it’s not unrelated to the fact that even younger me was also obsessed with ancient Egypt (I also obviously enjoy being the ‘bad guys’). As I say, I’m not necessarily looking to play too many games if any (no one wants a 40 year old turning up to such things, I would imagine, especially one who is indulging himself by buying whatever models he fancies within reason because he now can) and the chances are these models will just sit on display somewhere to make me smile (I may have to convince my wife on the display part, but I remain optimistic). But nonetheless I would like to imagine that it’s an army that could potentially make sense in a practical context.
What I have (very) roughly come up with so far is a list of:
Magnus Exalted sorcerer Tzangoor shaman Infernal master 20 rubric marines 5 occult terminators 20 tzangoors 20 cultists 6 tzangoor enlightened 2 chaos spawn 1 rhino 1 helbrute 1 vortex beast
My thinking is that the cultists, spawn, and tzangoors could be the ‘advance force’ at the front of the battle, causing a bit of damage hopefully but more than anything just keeping the opposition busy whilst the marines move up supported by the Helbrute and Vortex beast as essentially cover artillery. The terminators could jump in the rhino and basically problem solve where needed, e.g. dealing with any particularly stubborn enemies. Then Magnus and the others could cause psychic chaos whilst moving up the board behind the other lines (and being relatively protected).
Is this tactically sound? Would this even make sense or is it a completely random assortment (it almost certainly is, as it’s largely just a selection of models I liked the sound and look of and imagined the use of)? It does sound like A LOT of models for an army which from what I have read is often seen as being handicapped by the exact opposite, so am I missing something?
Since coming up with it I have thrown this list into New Recruit and seen that I have somehow actually underestimated the points cost so may have to trim a bit of if I am going to pretend it’s a hypothetical 2000 points army but it still feels like a decent starting point…to me at least. Anyone else got any thoughts? I’d love to find a few points to have some blue horrors in there too, but that’s for the next phase!
submitted by gutterbrush to ThousandSons [link] [comments]


2024.05.19 17:18 Med4g Who to swap out for archaludon?

Who to swap out for archaludon?
https://preview.redd.it/m3ftqh6kfe1d1.png?width=1561&format=png&auto=webp&s=4d59985530419518b9d7c705f3e60c7f0ee16836
classic, stage 98.
Just spawned into an encounter with archaludon. Should I catch it (4 rogue balls + 1 master ball is def enough), or not? If I catch it, who to swap out?
Movesets are as follows (feel free to give suggestions for these too):
Skeledirge (DPS)-- Torch Song, Flamethrower, Snarl, Shadow Ball Meowstic (Support) -- Light Screen, Reflect, Disarming Voice, Psychic Excadrill (Sub-DPS) -- Metal Claw, Swords Dance, Earthquake, Rock Slide Raichu (Sub-DPS, Paralyze Support) -- Zippy Zap, Pika Papow, Spark, Agility Gyarados (DPS) -- Bite, Crunch, Waterfall, Dragon Dance [Adamant Nature] Klefki (Support??) -- Flash Cannon, Play Rough, Draining Kiss, Foul Play (yes prankster does not function cuz i just caught her and she only gives me "N" moves)
Oh and these are the Archadulon's stat things (if catch, guy will be lvl 67 only as well, but i have 2 candy jar stacks so... )
https://preview.redd.it/xh233krpge1d1.png?width=571&format=png&auto=webp&s=04ca342dbcb6128666d915e55f2291ed12289d99
submitted by Med4g to pokerogue [link] [comments]


2024.05.19 15:48 lightingnations I found my girlfriend’s secret Google account and it feels like our entire relationship is built on a lie

I met Luna on a train two years ago. I’d just escaped from a toxic relationship, so romance was the last thing on my mind, but then she sat across from me in the carriage and asked about the book I was reading. She had a copy in her bag and wanted to know if it was any good.
I'd never felt such an instant, effortless connection with anybody before. I took a chance and asked her to dinner, and by the time the waiters cleared away our desserts, I already felt comfortable being vulnerable around her. So we went on a second date. And a third. And next thing I knew, we were planning our second anniversary.
Now in all that time, she never once gave off any 'creeper' vibes. But then a few months back, I stayed the night over at her place. When she got up to use the bathroom, I grabbed her laptop off the side desk so I could catch up on some work e-mails, and the incognito tab was just sitting there. My first thought was: either she's having an affair or she's got a secret fetish.
What I found instead was a Google account with a photo album called ‘Michael’s EX’. In it, there were 427 photos of my former girlfriend turned psycho stalker, Sadie. This included shots of ‘Sadie the stalker’ with her family, screenshots of her passport—the works. On Facebook, Sadie's latest post said Moving to the Philippines, and since then she’d become a social media church mouse, so how did Luna keep her under surveillance? And how did you even get PERSONAL ID from a person halfway across the globe?
Down the hall, I heard the bathroom door swing open. Quickly I closed the laptop and pretended to be asleep until Luna planted a kiss on my lips. “Wakey wakey Bugs.”
I faked a stretch. “Morning Lola."
(At school, the other kids christened me ‘Bugs’ because of my cartoonishly large front teeth; I called Luna ‘Lola’ because of her blonde bangs and heart-shaped face.)
“How about we grab a fry for breakfast?” Her smile didn’t seem genuine, more like she was wearing a mask.
“Crap. I forgot I’m doing overtime today, I’ve gotta get to work.” With that, I shot out of there faster than a bullet train to Tokyo.
Because I didn’t wanna believe the worst about someone I cared so deeply about, I didn’t contact the police (not that anybody could’ve guessed what Luna was up to) and made excuses whenever she asked to meet, delaying the decision whether to end our relationship.
At night, I couldn’t sleep. Every time a hedge rustled outside, I’d run to the window and pull back the curtain only to discover a black cat skulking around the garden. I put this down to my previous relationship leaving me with a mountain of unresolved PTSD.
Sadie the stalker also seemed normal until we moved in together. After that she started picking fights if she caught me talking to another woman, even just distant relatives or childhood friends. The screaming matches went from weekly to nightly, only ever ending when I conceded to her every wish and gave her full access to my phone and social media accounts. I literally needed to grab my clothes into a bag and run away one night, and then I started hearing noises outside my new apartment. And although I never found any evidence, I was pretty sure she’d broken in at one point because the books on my side table were suddenly out of order one day. What hurt the most was Luna knew all this and still acted the way she did.
Right as I reached my lowest point, my close friend Gertrude called and said, “The universe is telling me you could use a sympathetic ear.”
I told her the universe didn’t know the half of it.
I’d met Gertrude—aka my surrogate mother—on a flight to London. Passing over Wales the aircraft hit heavy turbulence, and the grey-haired hippie in the seat next to mine squeezed my hand so tight that my fingers turned blue. After we levelled off, she apologized and said, “So what’s calling you to London?”
“A job.”
A few glasses of wine from the service trolley later, she blurted out, “You know your aura is strikingly similar to my husbands.”
“Uhh, thanks. Where is he now?”
“Oh, he burned to death in a house fire.”
Gertrude’s eyes started welling up. To take her mind off the subject, I said, “I lied earlier. I’m going to London because I fell in love with a Londoner.” I pulled up pictures of Sadie (back in her pre-stalker days) on my phone. “We met in Italy. She looked flustered trying to read a map book so I offered to help. Next thing I knew, we were planning a trip to this place called Orvieto.”
“Michael, I need to know how this story ends. Gimme your number.”
Since then, we’d met two or three times a year.
I laid the whole mess out over pizza. It was the first time since finding the Google account I didn’t feel hidden eyes crawling all over me.
Just as I wrapped up the story, over in the corner booth, a family burst into a chorus of happy birthday. A waiter appeared carrying a chocolate cake, capped by a giant candle that looked more like a flare. Gertrude tensed up.
“So what do you think about all this?” I asked.
She looked back at me and said, “It’s possible your reaction has been a touch on the dramatic side.”
“DRAMATIC??”
“Well consider things from Luna’s point of view. Your last relationship lasted for, what, three years? Maybe she felt threatened.”
“I don’t believe this.” I grabbed a cigarette from my pocket, but Gertrude snatched it away.
“You know how I feel about you poisoning your lungs, Michael.”
“Don’t you start. I got enough of that crap from Luna.”
Gertrude always encouraged me to work through my romantic problems. Ultimately, I decided her love of fairytale romances clouded her judgement and ghosted Luna instead. But I couldn’t escape her shadow. She always felt close. In fact, it got so bad that at a friend’s costume party several weeks later, my eyes kept compulsively scanning the crowd as if she was there in disguise, ready to pounce.
I stood off to the corner until, over the sea of heads, I spotted a beautiful stranger dressed as Jarlath the Goblin King. I took a shot of liquid courage and made a B-line towards her.
Halfway across the crowded room, beer splashed across the front of my Ziggy Stardust outfit.
“I am so sorry,” a female pirate said, patting me dry.
“Don’t worry about it.” Every time I tried circling her, she moved to cut me off.
“I am such a klutz. Why don’t you come into the kitchen so I can clean up this mess?”
I put my hands on her shoulders and steered her out of the way. “It’s fine. Trust me.”
Approaching Jarlath from behind, heart slamming against my chest, I said, “Well this is awkward. One of us is gonna have to change.”
Jennie had bright blue eyes and dimples impossible to miss. Ten minutes into our debate about David Bowie’s greatest album, I said, “You know Absolute Bowie are playing the Half Moon next week. I could take you?”
“Sorry. I’m going with my boyfriend,” she said with a sympathetic smile. From beside the buffet table, the pirate stared daggers in our direction.
“No worries,” I replied, despite the fact I was brimming with jealousy.
The next day, as I jogged off my hangover, a brown-haired lady cut across my path and we both went spinning to the ground.
“Flip, sorry.” I rushed to pull her up by the hands. “I’m like a bloody zombie lately.”
She did a doubletake. “Ziggy, right?”
There was no mistaking those eyes. “Jarlath?”
“Well, Jarlath or Jennie. Eithers fine.”
“Right. Well, sorry again. Enjoy Absolute Bowie.”
Before I could jog away, she said, “Hey, so that guy I was seeing? Turns out he’s a total prick.”
Jennie and I went for coffee. Coffee morphed into drinks. Drinks morphed into a steamy make-out session on my sofa.
But as she covered my neck in soft kisses, my stomach turned. It felt like cheating. So, I put the brakes on things and said, “I can’t do this. I’m really sorry. You’re amazing, but I just got out of a serious relationship…and…it’s just…”
“Hey, don’t worry about it.”
We agreed we’d let our connection blossom in its own time.
Jennie had a playful mystique to her. Within a handful of dates, we’d developed inside jokes and could tell what the other was thinking. But Luna’s imprint was hard to shake, to the extent I almost mixed up the two ladies’ names multiple times.
To detox, I suggested Jennie and I spend a romantic weekend in the Lake District, because after two days of hiking and kayaking my ex would no doubt be a spec in the rearview mirror.
Hours before we set off, however, Luna’s mom called. She wanted to meet and wouldn’t accept any excuses.
“Look, it’s obvious why I’m here,” she said, sitting across from me in Starbucks. “Ever since you and Luna broke up, she’s been acting…different.”
“Different? Different how?”
“I call but she hardly answers. I go over to her place but she’s never there. Now she’s telling me she needs to find herself. Says she’s moving to Australia.”
Her fingers tightened around her cup. “I need to know what happened between you two. And I don’t care if that paints anybody in a bad light. I’m just worried about my daughter is all.”
I told her about the Google account.
“Did you confront her about it?”
“Hell no. I ghosted that crazy bitc—” I cleared my throat. “I mean, I just…stopped seeing her.”
She started crying so loudly customers at nearby tables paused their conversations. I touched her forearm, promised I’d call if I remembered anything else, then set off for my romantic weekend.
But while Jennie and I enjoyed all that fresh air and pub food, a thought nagged at me. Luna adored London, so why move to Australia? It seemed so out of character. Back at our rented cottage, I was so fixated on the thought I needed a smoke, badly.
“What the hell is that?” Jennie demanded, as she stepped onto the front deck.
I glanced at my hands. “Uhh, a cigarette.”
“Michael! Don’t be sarcastic. You know how I feel about those things.”
“…Do I?”
“Uhh, well it’s the same as anybody else. Quit poisoning your lungs and put that thing out.”
“Alright alright, geeze. Sorry Luna.”
“That’s okay.”
A knot formed in my stomach as she went back inside. I’d called Jennie Luna by mistake. And she hadn’t noticed. In fact, her reaction to me smoking was identical to Luna’s—even the snappy way she said the ‘poison your lungs’ line.
I followed Jennie into the lounge, where she’d curled up on an armchair with a Colleen Hoover novel. She was hiding something. What else did she know about Luna? Maybe I could trick her into revealing some details…
From behind, I started massaging her shoulders. “Sorry for being rude before. I know what you said came from a place of love.”
“That’s okay.”
I waited until her eyes drooped shut, then said, “It really is perfect here, huh? Maybe we should stay forever.”
“Wouldn’t that be amazing?”
Her little groans of pleasure, the rhythm of her breathing, it all felt so familiar. I waited until the tension in her neck dissolved, then I pushed my lips against her ear and whispered, “So how about we take this into the bedroom…Lola.”
“Hmm. Sure thing Bugs.”
My hands froze. Jennie jumped up. “Uhh, that felt so good, why’d you stop?”
“What did you just say?”
“What did you just say?”
“I called you Lola,” I replied, my arms frozen in midair. “And you called me bugs.”
“Like the cartoon, right? I thought it’d be a cute nickname. Anyway, I’m tuckered out.” She forced a yawn. “Why don’t we get some sleep?”
As her hand laced with mine, an image of me waking up drugged and gagged and tied to the bedposts flashed before my eyes.
I said, “Sure. I just…need to use the bathroom first.”
The second the door shut behind me, I flew out of the house, climbed in my car, and sped away.
Within seconds my phone started blowing up with calls, followed by texts. Where are you going? Is everything okay?
No, I wanted to reply. I’m onto your sick little game. Whatever it is, I’m onto it.
Luna stalked my stalker, now Jennie somehow knew Luna and I’s nicknames. How? Did all women take turns drawing straws and whoever picked the short one needed to become my girlfriend?
I couldn’t go home. For all I knew, my exes would’ve been there burning effigies of me. I needed a safe place. Somewhere I could lie low until I got all this straightened out.
“Of course you can stay,” Gertrude said over the phone. “I’m out with some friends, but I’ll meet you later. If you hop the side gate there’s a spare key under the kissing gnomes out back.”
Gertrude lived in a detached house in Wembley. It took a bit of foraging to find the gnomes hidden beneath the weeds in the brown, patchy garden.
I needed to shoulder the door open. Inside, a mountain of letters and flyers had piled up on the welcome mat.
Down the hall, a huge archway connected the landing with a lounge, where a bar sat against the far wall, surrounded by upholstered sofas, a low table, and tie dye sheets strung over the filthy carpet. Everything had a real elegant vibe, despite the musty air.
I’d drained two glasses of whiskey before Gertrude arrived.
“Looks like you’ve had a rough evening.”
I said we could talk in the morning.
“Not a chance. You can’t take negative energy to bed. Come on, confession is good for the soul.”
She sat on the sofa and patted the empty seat next to her. So, with a weary sigh, I shared a tale of deranged exes.
“Crazy,” she said.
“I sure can pick ‘em, huh?”
“No, I mean you’re crazy.”
“What?”
“Think about it. What’s more likely: that your ex’s are secretly in collusion, or you’re being paranoid? Look how bloodshot your eyes are. When’s the last time you got a good night’s rest?”
She made a great point; teenagers on the street occasionally shouted ‘Bugs’ or ‘Thumper’ at me. Jennie might’ve come up with the nickname herself. I pinched the bridge of my nose, groaning.
“Look, sleep here tonight. Tomorrow we’ll brainstorm ways you can make it up to Jennie.”
I fumbled through my pockets for a cigarette.
“Really?” Gertrude said. “If you insist on poisoning your lungs, can you at least do it away from my home?”
“Well if I can’t smoke, I’m gonna need a refill.” I shook my empty glass.
On my way toward the bar, a wave of wooziness hit me. My first instinct was to blame it on the alcohol, but there was something else.
It was her reaction to the cigarette. My finger ran through the thick layer of dust along the bar’s countertop. Why was it like the place had been abandoned? Why did Gertrude always pressure me to stay with my psycho girlfriends? And how come she always reached out, as if on cue, whenever my relationships hit problems? It couldn’t be coincidence…
I poured two glasses of whiskey and carried them to the sofa. “So, you’re really against the whole smoking thing, huh?”
“Of course. It’s a filthy habit.”
“Yeah. Plus, there was that mess with your husband. House fire, right?”
“I’d rather not discuss it.”
“Sure, sure.” I ignited the lighter with a roll across my trouser leg.
Gertrude grabbed a cushion and hugged it. “What are you doing?”
“Alright, cut the crap. What the hell’s going on? Have you been sending your friends to date me?”
“What are you talking about?”
I wrestled the cushion from her and held the lighter beneath it. “I want an explanation right now or I’m torching this place.”
This was an empty threat. I wasn’t some pyromaniac—I just wanted answers. Inch by inch, I raised the flame. “Last chance. Why are the women in my life acting weird?”
Gertrude grabbed for the lighter. As I swatted her wrists away, we both got scorched, and for a moment her skin went wild with spasms, a sensation I can only compare to reaching inside a bucket of wet, writhing maggots. My gaze whipped between her face and her hands, which vibrated like plucked guitar strings.
Before I could scream, she yanked me up, clamped a cold, wrinkled palm across my mouth, and forced me against the wall. I thrashed around, unable to move. For a lady old enough to collect a pension, she was crazy strong.
She waited until I ran out of breath, then said, “Michael, please. I’m not going to hurt you. Open your heart and listen.”
What else could I do?
“You were right before. I have been keeping a secret from you. The truth is, I’ve been in love with you since we met. I’d never flown before. And you were so so sweet. You started talking about this other woman, but I knew our energies were perfect for each other. And it’s like I always say, love makes us do crazy things. You can’t begrudge me that can you?”
She looked as if she expected me to respond, so I shook my head.
“But I think we’ve reached a point where our connection is so deep we can be completely transparent with one another.” She took a slow, steady breath. “Michael, all your ex’s, Luna, Sadie, Jennie. They’ve all been…well, me.”
I stared at her, confused.
She sighed. “It’ll be easier if I just show you.”
Out of nowhere her hand wriggled again, then her face tightened, as though the skin was being stretched over the bone. Wrinkles smoothed out and colour bled into her grey hair, turning it brown, and within seconds I found myself face-to-face with Jennie. Even her vintage clothes morphed into a green blouse and white slacks.
“See?” she said in Jennie’s voice, her now blue eyes locked on mine.
I screamed into the soft flesh of her palm.
“Sssh, it’s okay. I’m not gonna hurt you. Watch.”
Her entire body jerked and twitched, the muscles spasming as she shifted from Jennie to Luna. “See? Think of these as costumes”—from Luna to Sadie—"the important thing is what’s underneath. And you’ve fallen in love with what’s underneath three times. Now I’m going to let go, but I need you to promise you won’t overreact. Understand?”
On the verge of a panic attack, I nodded furiously.
The second she pulled away I made a break for the exit. The thing posing as Sadie grabbed me and hurled me backwards against the wall.
Like a disappointed teacher, she put her hands on her hips. “I’ve been so patient with you, Michael. So very, very patient.”
She blocked off any hope of escape. I sidestepped around the outer edge of the room, towards the bar.
“All those years moulding you. Trying to grow you into the man I know you can be. I really thought we had it this time. For the record, I wanted to do this the easy way. But drastic times...”
I was so scared I slammed right into the cabinet and yelped. Glass bottles chattered together, and then something wet ran down the back of my shirt. It was whiskey, leaking from the overturned bottle onto the carpeted floor.
Speaking more to herself now, Gertrude said, “I’ll just have to keep you here until you love me as much as I love you. Of course, that means posing as you so nobody gets suspicious, but that’s no trouble. I’ll tell your dad you’re moving to Italy. You always loved Italy.”
Pose as me? She'd been killing my ex's and taking their place, I was just the latest in a long line. She’d keep me as a personal sugar baby if I didn’t escape, but how? She was impossibly strong, and the only thing that seemed to scare her was…
Snatching the bottle, I doused the remaining whiskey all over the carpet and furniture. As I flicked the lighter open, Sadie’s hands shot up.
Bugs…darling…what are you doing?”
I took three slow, steady breaths. “Breaking up with you, you crazy bitch.”
I tossed the lighter forward. Within seconds flames sprung up all around us, spreading as far as the sofa. Sadie’s shoe caught fire, and as she stamped around, unintentionally fanning the blaze, her body writhed again, starting with the ankles. Fat boils climbed up every inch of exposed skin, milky white and with the consistency of frog spawn, like she’d had a killer allergic reaction to poison ivy.
She dropped to her knees, wailing like a wounded animal. This was my chance.
I made a break for the exit, giving the creature as wide a berth as possible. But as I got one foot planted in the hall something clamped tight around my ankles. My chin hit the floor, then I started sliding backwards.
I twisted onto my back. Where Sadie’s left arm should’ve been, a tentacle-like appendage stretched across the length of the room, a distance of over twenty feet. It reeled me toward her like a fish on a line. Whatever that thing was no longer looked human. It melted like an ice statue, with no bones or connective tissue inside, its lips nose and mouth becoming hideously elongated before dripping off in huge globs like melted candlewax. A fire alarm started wailing as the tentacle dragged me through the flames, scorching my arms and legs.
The loose mass of skin reached out and encased me like a mother bird sheltering its eggs.
“WHY WON’T YOU LOVE ME?” all my ex’s voices screamed at once. Whichever direction I looked, silhouettes of faces rose and fell, as if trying to burst through. Parts of them dripped inside my mouth, disgustingly warm with a bitter taste worse than Vaseline.
I put everything into clawing my way out if there. What was left of the beast had the consistency of wet clay and came apart just as easily. I tore away chunks until there was a hole large enough to squeeze through. Then, I crawled along surrounded by black smoke.
At the far side of the room I risked a glance back and saw a bumpy, uneven hand reaching out of a puddle of ooze. Soon I was crawling over the bristly welcome mat, then fumbling for the door. All I remember after that are paramedics wrestling me into an ambulance…
A specialist officer came to see me at the hospital the next morning. They’d been unable to contact the homeowner, Gertrude Huyton, and through his line of questioning I could tell they hadn’t found her ‘remains’ inside the charred house. Like the wicked witch of the West, my stalker had melted. I told the officer she said I could stay the night, and that I probably started the fire by dropping a cigarette.
“In that case, we’ll keep trying to reach her.” He walked to the curtain surronding my bed and paused. “Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, her cat is missing.”
“Her...cat?”
“Yeah. The little black one. One of the firemen pulled it out of the wreckage. The poor thing had burns over its legs but it ran off before anybody could take it to the vet.”
I swallowed a gulp and thanked him for telling me.
And now I’m still sitting here listening while nurses rush back and forth, terrified any one of them might be Gertrude…
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2024.05.18 22:03 TemperatureBest8164 Altered Beast(Alter Self) Build - Drunken Master 5/Alchemist 4/ Genie Warlock 2

![image](https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/altered-beast-streets-of-rage-sega-movies-shows-1201933661/)
Recently I have been looking at the alchemist artificer trying to find the best ways to optimize its features and I feel like taking some of the worst classes and subclasses a challenge worth pursuing. I also saw alter self and realized I got to try and make something from that... As I worked out the build progression it reminded me of an 80s video game Altered Beast.
Build Rules: 1. can not go below baseline damage through level 11 by Treantmonk standard. 2. Must use alter self spell.
Progression Levels 1-5:
Race: Human, Stats- 9/16/14/13/14/13, quarterstaff and explorers pack
Drunken Master - The first 5 levels will play like a slightly underpowered monk, all ASIs go to DEX. Drunken master will make you more useful as you will be able to hit and run and nothing depends on wisdom other than AC.
Ending Stats: 9/18/14/13/14/13, AC: 16, DPR: 16.79, HP: 38
Progression Levels 6-9:
Alter self is a bad spell but it does let the natural weapons make unarmed strikes, it does plus 1 damage and it lasts for 1 hour. By gaining it through an elixir you do not have to concentrate and technically it is a second level spell you can remove concentration from and cast for a first level slot. This is the best alter self will be in D&D likely... If your DM lets you drink potions as a bonus action then I would go with two spell wrought tattoos of divine favor for your infusions. (mage armor as as ac bump is fine too...) If he/she does not let you BA to drink a potion then consider a homunculus servant. The elixirs have a feature that allows them to be fed to an unconscious person as an action and it stands to reason that it is easier to feed it to a conscious person. Using your BA you can have the humculous feed someone with its action. This will allow you to more effectively use your elixirs/potions but since alter self lasts an hour we are just going to assume that we do not need to worry about that because we will proactively drink it in any remotely dangerous area. At level 8 your alter self potions will ease the blow of having to wait to max DEX at level 9. I am assuming an alter self potion covers two combats as Treantmonk makes that assumption for Hex on the warlock. So at this point you are transformed 6/8 combats and have divine favor to really beef up your attacks(attacks with natural weapons are weapon attacks for divine favor).
Ending Stats: 9/20/14/13/14/13, AC: 17, DPR: 21.03, HP: 66 (no divine favor in damage calculations as it is not sustained)
Progression Levels 10-11:
Take 2 levels in Genie warlock. The short rest spell slots provide 4 slots. 1 will be used for an alter self potion and the remaining 3 slots on hex. Genies Wrath will bump damage. I will assume hex coverage constantly. On a BBEG hex will not need to be moved and on smaller encounters divine favor will be used to ease BA contention. Armor of shadows will bump AC by 1 and Fiendish Vigor will bolster our hit points.
Ending Stats: 9/20/14/13/14/13, AC: 17, DPR: 33.03, HP: 80 +9 Temp every encounter
Future Enhancements:
There is lots to consider for later levels. I would try to convince the DM to allow you to build an insignia of claws as your replicate magic item. Another 5 level will bump martial arts die so will one level of fighter.
I hope you enjoyed this build idea!
submitted by TemperatureBest8164 to 3d6 [link] [comments]


2024.05.18 19:18 Athrek Guide to the Optimal Questing Route, First Half

Hello everyone! I know it's been a long time but with the DLC on the way and work slowing down for a bit, I've decided to start writing guides again. With the DLC a month away, I've decided to focus my efforts on guides that will help prepare for the DLC and have a few others that are just about ready as well.
With all of the patches over the years, the questlines have been changes fairly significantly. It is now nearly impossible to "break" any questlines by accident but many of my previous guides were made to avoid that happening. Given that, they have lost some of their purpose and aren't as optimal as they previously were. I have went through the game again and learned all of the new tricks to optimize the questlines so that you can take the least amount of steps possible to receive all of the questlines best rewards.
So what this guide is meant for is to help with getting characters through the game with all of the unique quest rewards as optimally as possible. So there should be nothing unnecessary within this guide and it will take you from location to location without consideration for level or build. Given that, you may need to do side objectives and leveling for your personal run, but you can just continue following from where you left off. Due to Reddit's character limit, I have to separate this guide into two parts but both halves are already available.
I hope everyone enjoys the guide and please let me know if you have any suggestions, fixes or feedback!

Second Half

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

Limgrave

Stormveil Castle/Limgrave 2

Note: Roderika's Crimson Hood is in the Grafted Scion room in Stormveil now and a Golden Seed is where she was at Stormhill Shack.

Liurnia Lake

Raya Lucaria/Liurnia Lake 2

Caelid

Altus Plateau/Mt Gelmir

Underground

Leyndell

This is the end of the First Half of the guide but I will be posting the Second Half immediately. I hope everyone enjoyed the guide and hope you'll stick around for more or check out my other Guides.

Second Half

submitted by Athrek to eldenringdiscussion [link] [comments]


2024.05.18 19:13 CatherineL1031 The Beginning of my Descent [Lorepost Part 3]

The Beginning of my Descent [Lorepost Part 3]
Hello again everyone, I’ve decided to put the baking tips here this time. This is one that has been a huge help for me when it comes to cutting cakes. It’s much easier and cleaner to cut a cake when it’s been chilled for a few hours. So, once your cake has baked and firmed up in the pan (about 15-20 minutes, you want to make sure it’s set but still slightly malleable), take it out, let it come to room temperature, and then cover with foil or plastic or something to prevent it from drying in the fridge. Let it cook for a few hours to finish solidifying, and then cut. Also, if you have the means, a sheet cake cooks and cools a lot faster and more evenly and a cutter can be used to make perfect even circles.
Now, it’s a bit strange to start with the baking tips, I know. But, those are saved as a reward for making your way through my ramblings about youth and glory and adventures. This time, I wanted to put it here as a sort of apology for what’s to come. The last two stories have been very positive, very upbeat, very fun. However, the next century of my life I’m about to share with you all…
I wouldn’t blame any of you if you looked at me differently, I’ll just say that.
I’ll stop beating around the bush, and get right to the point.
So, my immortality was secure, I’d have my perfect body for as long as time existed or until I was killed by a stronger, more capable opponent. I had a good group of friends who knew they could depend on me whenever they needed help with something, and I got to kick the ass of a lich! I had accomplished so much in just over 100 years of life, and now I had a supposedly infinite amount of it to spare if I played my cards right! I felt unstoppable, and wanted to help others like I had helped my companions.
I became a mercenary, a witch for hire for adventures that might be too dangerous for parties. I stopped lying about my strengths, making sure it was known I held Master rank in two magic fields. Most people do not like to play the role of support, and it’s never a bad idea to have extra healing, so I started to hone my craft in Healing and Protection magic as well. I was a force to be reckoned with, and I would make sure the world knew it!
I had wished to continue adventuring with my previous companions, but each of them had decided to take their own path in life. Har decided to take a more involved approach with his church, Ralin returned home to overtake her brother as chief of her clan, and Vex was heading back to the mountains to further hone her building expertise and learn to become an artificer for enchanting! It was sad parting ways, we had been together for such a short time but we had accomplished something so impressive! Oh well, that’s life, you know? I made them promise to keep in touch, and we did for the most part! Har became a bit hard to reach at times due to moving around, so it was always a treat to see him when I could.
Anyways, I soon began to gain some fame. I was a topic of conversation now who had been promoted to expert in the matter of a month after I helped some newbies on their quests. I was someone who everyone knew was dependable and talented. Best of all, I was a cutie, and everyone loves to have a cute witch on their team!
I had all but abandoned my previous life’s calling in favor of glory seeking, which is something I still look back on with regret. I was becoming more selfish, more focused on building myself up instead of using my powers for the good of those who might not be able to ever have access to these powers. The Phoenix Rebirth had become a popular spell among us in the community, though, so people were still getting help. I had published it free to all magic shops, all magical teachers, even sent the entire process and methods for casting it through the OrbNet before I left to go on my mission to fight the lich. I just wanted to be sure it was in the world, pending the potential worst. It was at a huge loss, but it has now become the platform by which a lot of Gender spells are cast, so it was all worth it.
My time as an adventurer was amazing, I met so many cool people, fought so many horrifying and awesome beasts, even got to kiss a dragon! They don’t have lips, so it’s not the best kiss, but it’s still something worth bragging about. I felt so good helping people in a different way, and I was becoming more and more popular through the years. I was now Catherine, Lady of Flames, Master of Forms, a stable in the adventuring party call list. It felt amazing.
The excitement lasted for about 15 years of being called to help on missions, but then it was quickly soured after a single mission. Nobody mentions this, but once you become a powerful enough fighter, you start to garner the attention of those in need of protecting. This is definitely not a bad thing, especially when it is someone who is in genuine need of it, but that is not usually the case. Particularly, you garner the attention of the wealthy, who believe all problems can be solved with money. I would liken them to devils or demons, but that isn’t fair to them…devils and demons at least have codes they follow.
Anyways, one such noble approached me. Well, not actually her, one of the elves she had employed in her service. Her name was Duchess Cordelia, Lady of Farlon, Heir to the Rose Throne, Daughter of Zavier Goradel and Collector of Fine Arts. Yes, she made you say each one of those every time you addressed her, and in the correct order. She was…there’s a word I don’t like to use to describe her, a word that to me is very offensive but to others means nothing. I’m sure you can guess the word of which I speak, I simply refuse to say it outloud. She was, though, and a massive one at that.
She had called upon me after an omen in the sky had warned her of an invasion by some of the forces of hell. It was something we all saw, and while it was a terrifying experience, I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t the coolest and most spectacular shit I had ever seen. Whoever had cast it had placed some illusion magic to make the sun look like a flaming skull that called specifically her and her family out. I still remember what it said because it was just that cool.
‘Cordelia, Zavier, Helena…you have toyed with forces beyond your control, and for that you will be punished…My legions will march on your town, turning it and everything your pathetic hands have dared to touch into naught but a fine ash. You cannot stop me. You cannot persuade me. You cannot survive…’ and then it was over, the sun was back to normal. Fucking baller move, right? That’s how you threaten some assholes’ life!
So, I was called, along with Magnus Haradel and Desdamona Torres. Magnus was another high ranking member of the guild, an older Drow chap who still remains the most talented sword wielder I’d ever seen. His white hair was always tied into a neat bun, and he dressed simply. His armor was enchanted, but looked similar to any generic armor you could buy. He held a very respectable air about him, a sense of power that told anyone he could easily defeat them, but a calming sense that assured them he would only do it if he was threatened.
Mona was an alchemist who concocted and brewed the strangest potions I had ever seen. Some of them would cause an opponent to explode, some would freeze them in place, some when opened and poured onto the ground summoned these giant venus fly-trap looking creatures with razor sharp teeth that would devour whatever she commanded. She was a half-goblin, parents being a full goblin and an elf. Their genes worked together very well, because Mona herself was truly stunning. She has black hair, lime green skin, and wore a long back robe that flowed down her slender body. More impressive, however, was that she was Archmage levels in her Alchemical field, the highest one could get back in the day.
It was our job to protect Cordelia and her parents, Zavier and Helena. They would not share any information with us about what they had done, how it had pissed something off, or what to expect, but they did tell us we’d be ‘handsomely compensated should you survive’. Assholes…we needed information to do our job! Holes in information leads to holes in strategy, holes in strategy leads to unnecessary risk, and unnecessary risk leads to uncertainty and potential death! Ugh, whatever, it was just one job, then hopefully we’d never have to deal with them again and they’d descend into obscurity.
So, the job was set. Magnus, Mona and I got better acquainted with each other and started to plan our defensive means and offensive responses. We had no idea what we were facing, how many it would be, where it would be coming from, or when! We had one of the five answers we desperately needed, so we had to do the best we could. Magnus suggested we employ the help of additional adventurers; clerics, paladins and the like who are good at protecting and supporting. Their job would be to round up the town to a safe location and watch over them until one of us gave the all clear. Mona and I agreed, and I decided to spread the word that the people needed to be taken to safety and guarded until whatever was going to happen had happened; he did threaten the entire population, so better to be safe.
Mona started to lay a protective parameter around the Goradel mansion in the form of explosive concoctions that seeped into the ground and bottles of Acid Arrow that, when broken, would attack the nearest hostile creature. She had also managed to brew a few potions of invisibility for the townsfolk, given the guards potions of strength, mana regeneration, health regeneration and spell boosting, and gave herself, myself and Magnus potions of regeneration, potions of Free Casting (basically downing one allows you just have a reserve of mana to pull from without worry), and potions of Iron Skin that would give us amazing defense without slowing us down. She was a really, really talented Alchemist, even crazier was that she was only 30, very young for a half-elf/half-goblin. She definitely had a gift.
I, meanwhile, decided to try something new. I had been toying around with a few things in my off-time, and with my knowledge of Shifting Magics I decided to try out something that could prove beneficial. I had come across many beasts in my time, some of them easy to understand and study, others so wildly complicated that it took me years of dissecting, studying and charting to get a solid understanding of what the hell was going on internally. I had taken some lessons from Grandmaster and Archmage Shifter’s who were willing to teach, and with enough practice I was finally able to harness the form of other, less common creatures! I had mastered the standard offensive animal forms like tiger, wolf, bear and eagle, but didn’t know how dangerous our targets were going to be, so I decided that we needed to go hard, fast, and leave no possible room for error.
I downed the two bottles of Free Casting that Mona has brewed, and began my shift. I had again mixed my Phoenix Rebirth with these form changes, so the only pain I was receiving was to my mana pools. However, thanks to Mona’s amazing abilities, I was able to shift without trouble!
I got down on all fours, and soon my size began to expand. My teeth turned from their normal human color to a stained and dark brown. My face started to extend forward into a muzzle, my teeth being replaced by sharp, deadly fangs. My canines extended further than the rest, creating a deadly row of fangs. My lips retracted back, and my face began to turn scaly and red as my face became more and more canine. The only thing unchanged on my face was my eyes, as they were my Keepsake (many Shifters have a certain aspect of themselves they keep permanent, no matter what, to remind themselves of their true form).
The scales continued down, a large, fleshy tail sprouting from my back and extending out. From snout to tail, I was now 30 feet in size, but I was not yet finished. The scales extended down my whole body, but they looked more like regular sinew and flesh as my body was covered in a protective coat of blood red scales. My legs began to crack and bend as muscle appeared to support my now larger weight and size, and my toes extended a double set of claws on each foot. The form was complete, now for one final touch.
All across my red tail, bones began to jut out like my sharpened fangs, covering it from my hindquarters to the very tip of my tail. It was definitely an easy target should something decide to attack my tail, but the shards and spikes allowed me to slice through weaker enemies that dare to try. Even better, I could slam my tail against the ground to loosen some of the shards and fling them towards my target. I was a true beast, an imperfect dragon known as a fanged drake. While not near as strong as a true dragon, I had seen first-hand the damage and strength they possess, and now it was all mine. Magic was a bit harder to cast in this form, but I still had access to Apprentice level Pyromancy and some support spells like Enhance Speed, Feather Fall and Enhance Ability.
The stage was set, we were ready to fight whatever came our way. Magnus had enchanted his greatsword with every enchantment he could cast without overloading it, Mona held potions in her hands, and I stood at the front, smoke coming from my body as I waited. We were ready, we were going to defend these poor villagers and the shitty people who barely even gave a shit about their safety!
We waited, and waited, and waited. Seems I had used my change too early, and turning back would just be a waste of mana, so I decided to travel into town and help with carrying or leading others to safety. I had modified the vocal cords of this beast to be more in-line with standard humanoid ones, so it allowed me to speak. It was just not very fun, given my voice was incredibly gruff and deep due to the creature's size. I ran to the guards, my now muscular legs allowing me to jump great distances, my long claws able to help me climb with relative ease. It didn't take long to find the groups and their protectors as they were leaving town.
I jumped down to check and make sure everything was okay, and even got to meet Har again! He looked so much more mature, his black hair and green eyes showing a bit of age, but it seemed he was happy. We used a few minutes of walking time to catch up, and I got to hear all about his journey.
After our mission, he made it his job to find undead who had been driven mad, and help them see the light again. He had seen many undead who had been brought back against their will, and many who suffered purely because they weren't allowed a choice in their rest being disturbed. He had helped them find peace, shown them the light of Theia, his goddess, and allowed them to return to their peaceful slumber in their designated afterlife. He had even married the cute man at the bar that I had convinced him to chat up, and they had a daughter named Athena! Apparently she was 7 years old and the sweetest thing, according to Har. I told him he better let me visit her once this was all over, and he happily accepted.
Our sweet reunion was cut short, however, as the clouds in the night sky started to swirl and gather. Once again we saw the decrepit and harrowing skull that we had seen yesterday appear again. Except, this time it didn't talk. It merely let out an ear-splitting screech that rattled your very soul. A few of the people were so terrified they had fainted, so I yelled at them to carry all they could, and run! Fast! They were quick to agree, those who could carry grabbing the unconscious and those from my back with haste so that I could rush back to the mansion.
I arrived right in the nick of time to see absolute hell spewing from the mouth of this skull. We heard horrid shrieks and cries of birds, the hissing roars of giant snakes, and the unholy screams of Abyssal Spiders.
The birds were like Corvids, but towering in height. They easily reached 30 feet in size, their beaks sharpened and rigged with teeth-like bumps running down the entirety of their beaks. Their eye sockets were sunken and shallow, small eyes giving off a haunting and piercing glow. Parts of their body showed their exposed, fleshy bodies underneath. Their skin was red, and covered with scars, exposed bone and sinew from what looked to be countless battles.
The snakes were unlike anything I've ever seen, they were black and blue striped, with arms and legs, and stood upright! They were not as tall as the Corvids, only measuring 15 feet tall, but they possessed a whip-like tail that flowed almost the same length as their bodies. Their mouths oozed a green venom that coated their fangs, and their necks were able to flare into hoods like a cobra.
Finally, were the spiders. Along with being giant, like the size of a Clydesdale giant, they possessed hundreds of eyes across their entire body. Their fangs dripped with venom, and thick hairs were present across their entire bodies. Each hair on their back was able to pierce skin and inject with the same poison in their fangs, and their webs were known to carry a necrotic slime that would eat away at skin.
We definitely had our work cut out for us, this horde of creatures was coming right for the Goradel residence and they were ready to kill anything and everything in their path. The crows rushed through, their massive size crushing smaller houses and easily breaking through larger ones that were in their way. The spiders simply crawled over them, leaving a trail of webs and venom in their wake, and the snakes…apparently their tails were going to be quite the problem, as not only were they long, they were sharp enough to slice trees, wildlife and building cleanly with just a single slice of the tail.
We were truly, without a doubt, up a fucking creek with this one.
We sprang into action as quickly as we could. We saw our foes pouring out, and our objective was simple protection of the village, her people, and the asshole nobles that caused all this. I ran right towards the spiders, knowing that they were the threat that could cause the most damage with their necrotic webs and flesh-melting venom. The smoke coming from my mouth started to turn black as I approached one of them, letting out a blast of fire from my mouth that quickly set it and its attempted web in flames. It shrieked as it skittered and writhed in pain, trying to attack me in retaliation. I was quick to slice one of its legs off with my claws, and sink my teeth into the back of its head. It gave a few more twitches and finally fell still.
I threw it to the side as I continued doing my best to draw them towards a common area, minimizing the potential risk of them running out of town and tracking down the other parties currently in hiding. It worked very well, as once they notice a threat, they will continue to attack! The problem was, it worked very well, and once they noticed a threat they would continue to attack until it died! The horde of spiders was gaining on me, all I could do was use some flames to burn the webs they attempted to ensnare me with and use my claws to slice any that came from the front. I was not doing well by any means, but I was now at least within sight of my companions.
My joy was quickly cut short as I felt a burning string of web wraps itself around my tail. I had gotten careless, and was definitely paying the price. If you’ve never been hit by necrosis, allow me to explain the feeling as best I can. Imagine a hot knife being thrust deeper and deeper into your body and feeling your cells, muscles, tendons and fat dying around it. Not just cut, or severed, dying with little chance to repair it without some heavy magic. If it goes around a vital part, like a shoulder, leg or neck, you will start to slowly feel yourself losing all feeling as it just falls. It’s a truly horrible experience, avoid it if you can.
This is to say, I was currently in for absolute hell as I felt this experience being run through the part of my tail that carries most of my projectile spikes. I could feel each tendon snapping, my skin burning away, and the discs of my now expended spine starting to crack and rip. I had to make a choice, fast. My desperation led me to only one single solution; I knew the tail had to go.
With a pained howl I raised my claws, and sliced clean through the tail on my back. I cannot explain how truly horrible of an experience this was, mostly because I think my mind has blocked it out to protect itself. It fell to the ground with a wet squelch, blood pouring out of the open wounds on my back. I sent a breath of flame onto the spider and his silk, and sent another onto my nubbed tail. Again, another experience I believe my mind has blocked out to protect itself!
Don’t get hit by necrosis, kids.
I ran to Mona, who was currently being swarmed by a group of Corvids, and offered my assistance. I was pissed, I was angry, and I wanted to kill! As one of them dived down, I jumped onto its chest and sunk my fangs directly into its neck. It let out a pained screech as I felt its blood fill my mouth, my claws wildly slashing at its chest through skin, flesh, bone, whatever I could scrap and slice, I did. I had truly let this creature’s feral nature take over my mind for the time being, but I did not give a damn, we needed to win.
The beast fell back to the ground, and I let out another challenging roar to the other beasts nearby. My claws and fangs erupted in flames as I continued to wildly attack the ones threatening Mona, knowing I needed to protect her as she concocted and threw brew after brew onto what she could. Magnus was doing absolutely amazing, without a doubt the best of us. He was handling the snakes by himself, expertly dodging and slashing at them each time they tried to grab him, bite him, slice with their tails, or trample him. He would wait for them to attack and in the blink of an eye, whatever they tried to attack him with would be gone. Heads, tails, legs and arms started to litter the ground near him as he showed absolute power and authority.
Mona, meanwhile, had been mixing something special while I distracted the snakes and corvids. Her alchemical traps had mostly been activated already, melted and bubbling piles of what were some of our enemies scattered through the warzone. She yelled at me to give her a boost, and I managed to snap free from my feral state. She held something in her hands I cannot even begin to describe. It was completely dark, but…empty. The energy that came from it was unlike anything I have ever seen since, it was like staring into the nothingness of space while being surrounded by it on all sides. She slammed it onto the ground, and the darkness surrounded her.
Flesh and feathers from the Corvids started to break from their destroyed and lifeless bodies, attaching itself to her back and clothes. One of their skulls burst into pieces as it flew towards her, reassembling itself onto her face in a makeshift mask. Their bones and talons began to collect into her hands, and within a matter of seconds she was holding a powerful, pulsating scythe. In that moment I saw something I truly hope to never see again. I saw death. The truest form of death was standing before me, and its energy chilled my very soul. I could feel the contempt the energy had for me, as if it knew I had extended my life outside of its natural reach.
She ordered me to come, and I knew I had to obey. I grabbed her with my fangs, and placed her onto my back. Her body was cold, I was terrified of what I saw before me, but so was everything else. I felt a hand rest onto my head, and I could feel…warmth. Mona reassured me that it was going to be okay, and pointed her scythe forward. I collected myself again, and sprinted towards our enemies.
Mona sliced and slashed them each with one clean swipe from that scythe, each of them falling dead in our path. I used my flames to burn any webs that had been placed, focusing on the ground while she focused on taking down these enemies with the grace and power of a god. As I saw this, I truly understood how far the gaps between Master and Archmage truly were when it came to the arcane arts. I still had so much to learn…
Our combo attacks came to a screeching halt, however, as we heard a pained scream from behind us. We both looked to where Magnus was, and we could see that he had been injured. One of the snakes had managed to sink its tail through his shoulder, and another currently had its fangs embedded into his side. We let out a scream as we charged towards them as they bit, stabbed, and slashed poor Magnus. I tackled one of the snakes off, sinking my burning fangs into its neck and ripping its head off in one solid motion. Mona jumped from my back, holding her hand out as she said…something, and the snake was turned to dust.
Magnus fell to the ground, howling in pain as he regained his footing. I cried out that he needed to be healed immediately, and begged Mona to throw him something from her belt. He paid me no mind, and just ran back into the fight. He was so badly injured, but that did not stop him for a second. He continued fighting as if nothing had happened, and we knew we had to do the same.
The fight lasted for hours, the hordes of enemies seeming endless. The town had been turned to rubble at this point, any signs of life save for the Goradel mansion had vanished from this now tarnished and barren land. As the sun rose on the next day, we saw the warzone in fresh light. Mona had returned to normal, her breathing short and labored as she laid on the ground. I had turned back to normal, wounds covering my body and in desperate need of healing, but I didn’t care. I saw Magnus sitting on the corpse of one of the Corvids, a cup of ale in his hand and blood pouring from him. I rushed to him, begging him to let me help him, but he just shook his head.
He took a long, slow sip of his ale, let out a deep sigh and motioned for me to sit with him. I got down as best I could, every instinct telling me to heal me, but he continued to refuse. Eventually he spoke as we stared at the sunset. ‘Catherine,’ he said to me, ‘everyone has a torch to burn. Some burn longer than others, and we don’t get to decide how long they burn…’ He leaned against his sword with a smile, taking one last sip of ale. I asked him what the hell he was talking about, but as I looked at him, I could tell…
He was gone…
The light had gone from his eyes, but that smile remained on his face. As I saw this, all I could do was cry. I had lost people before in my life, but I was always able to help the ones that could be helped from injuries! I just hugged him as I sobbed, and sobbed, and sobbed. Even worse was having to heal Mona back to consciousness with the remainder of my magic and share the news with her. We cried together; we hadn’t known each other for more than a day, but we all held a deep respect for each other. Knowing that we had failed him and caused his demise, the town being destroyed, our barely achieved victory…none of it felt worth it in the end.
As we cried, we heard the doors to the Goradel manor open. Out stepped Zavier, Cordelia’s father. He looked at the scene, nodding as he saw our handiwork and commended us. ‘Weren’t there three of you?’ he asked as he looked at us with such lack of regard. ‘Magnus…he’s dead…’ Mona said as I helped her up, wiping the tears from her eyes. ‘Hm, pity…very well, would you like his share? We had already set aside 3 payments, we will split it between you both should you wish’. I still don’t know why what he said caused me such anger, but I could feel my blood boil. Our comrade that had been one of the best members of the guild, the one who had fought to defend his worthless ass, the reason he was standing here right now and not a pile of meat being devoured by beasts didn’t even give a shit that he was gone!
‘This isn’t fair’, I thought to myself, ‘we protected them and they are treating us like pawns!’ Mona could tell I was getting angry, so she answered that we’d take his share and have it sent to our accounts at once. She pulled me away from this pitiful excuse for a human, and I just screamed in anger. She told me that she agreed, that it wasn’t fair to Magnus, or us, or the people of this village, but that we couldn’t let his sacrifice be in vain. With his share of the cash and ours, we could afford to build a new settlement for the displaced of this village. She managed to talk me down from my anger, she was really talented like that. I took a few deep breaths, patted my cheeks, and nodded. It would be better to use the money for good in Magnus’ honor, all the stories I had heard of his exploits usually ended with him donating a large portion of his earnings to those affected by disasters such as this.
Mona left to inform the survivors that the victory had been achieved, but at the loss of Magnus. While she did that, however, I began to plan. I don’t know if it was the loss of a comrade, the pain still coursing through my body, the stress and trauma of what we had just gone through, but letting it go was not an option for me at this point. I knew I had to show these fuckers torment, I knew that they needed to pay for the callous disregard for anyone who wasn’t themselves. So, I gathered samples. I had a bag of holding on my side and began to stuff it with the bodies of our defeated enemies. The spiders had all been burned and crushed beyond study, but many of the Corvids and Serpents were still able to be studied and understood. Once I had my samples, I looked at Magnus with more tears.
I was going to avenge him, I was going to show these rich pieces of crap just how insignificant they were, and I was going to make sure they paid the price…
There was no way I could carry his body with my strength, he was far too bulky for me, so I used my magic to carry him. Even with my weakened state I couldn’t stop myself from giving him a proper burial. He deserved it, he deserved so much more than what he got. I summoned a shovel into my hands, and began to dig. I think I made it about 3 minutes of digging before my body finally gave up on me, and I fell. I don’t remember much of what happened after that, I guess I had passed out from exhaustion.
When I awoke, I heard Har’s voice calling to me. I was so tired, my body aching and burning in such pain as I tried to move every muscle I could. I looked up, and we were in a cemetery. I could see Magnus’ body laying in a now dug grave, dressed in his elegant but simple armor, eyes closed and mouth still holding that same smile as I had seen before. A ward of protection was currently being cast around his burial grounds, designating this land as sacred ground that could not be touched by any means. No necromancer could get to his body, and no thieves could rob him of his belongings. I was sitting next to a patched up and tired looking Mona, and we both just sobbed gently as we watched him being buried.
Hundreds had gathered to pay their respects, all of those that Magnus had saved, protected, worked with, allied, even some who I later came to learn saw him as a rival. All of them were paying their respects to this true paragon of an adventurer, and all I could think about was getting revenge for him…
Ah, sorry, I didn’t realize how long I had been sending through the OrbNet. It might be best to end this part of my life here for the time being. Thank you again for reading, if you managed to find an old witch’s story interesting. Once I work up the courage to share the next part with you all, I hope you will continue to view me in a positive light. You will hear things that…well, you’ll see. Thank you for your time, I love you all, my siblings in the arcane.
submitted by CatherineL1031 to wizardposting [link] [comments]


2024.05.18 19:01 ZHODY ZHODY's Diamond Rock Reverse-Monolocke, Part 2: Dragonless in Floaroma

Part 0: Rules and expectations Part 1: Hidden resistance
Where I left off My Bagon easily dispatched Roark’s Ground-types and most of his Cranidos’ HP before a stray crit took her from us far too soon. The Rock Smash Beetles managed to avenge her. Team: Schist/Bagon (14), Ijolite/Kricketune (12), Aplite/Kricketune (12), and Chert/Kricketune (12).
Squirrel rage Well, first things first is deciding on the team I’ll be taking through Ravaged Path. Chert headed into the PC and I pulled out the Starly duo, Kimberlite (who got the Quick Claw) and Gossan. Laterite/Magikarp and Lherzolite/Zubat also joined, though Mars’ lowest level is 14, so no Magikarp Tackle.
After letting lv. 6 Lherzolite solo the rare Trainer Pokemon weak to Leech Life, I came across the Pachirisu Double Battle. I was scared of them, but a quick check of Serebii showed that they don’t have any Electricity. ...But then they both crit Gossan with Quick Attack before he got off his Growl. Luckily he survived, but I spent the rest of the battle building up Fury Cutter to troll them while Gossan Growled them. Not a good start to the update, yeesh!
The next set of grunts don’t pose any more risk than the first, so it wasn’t long before I was saving in front of Floaroma Meadow’s Honey Tree and transferring the save to PkHeX to make the tree shake right away. I got a masculine Combee, but as I stated in Update 0, Male Combee will be edited to be female. They got named Essexite, since it’s a city in the UK, which has a monarchy. I hope there’s no beef between the two, I just wanted the name to make sense.
Anyway, some grinding helps Kimberlite and Gossan to evolve into some Intimidating Staravia. Watch out, Purugly!
VS Commander Mars Team: Ijolite (16), Kimberlite (14+Quick Claw) + Gossan, Aplite, and Lherzolite (14).
Her Zubat has Toxic, so I had Lherzolite face off with it. I’d say it was a scary battle, but Mars’ AI got stuck on the heavily resisted Leech Life, heh! I’ve heard that D/P’s Trainer AI just chooses moves at random, and that battle sure felt like evidence of it.
Kimberlite only stayed out long enough to Intimidate Purugly before swapping to Gossan to lower her Attack further. The Faint Attack didn’t do much thanks to the 2 Attack debuffs, but his Wing Attack didn’t do much either.
So Ijolite came in instead, only for Scratch to crit her down to yellow, ack! Purugly decided to use the resisted Faint Attack after I healed, so I was fine to use Rock Smash the next turn. He got the Defense Debuff, but Purugly’s HP got low enough for it to eat Sitrus, ugh. Ijolite took Purugly back down to red the next turn, but Purugly’s damage had also taken him back down to yellow. So after another healing turn and two more attacks from Purugly, Ijolite KO’d with Rock Smash!
Thanks for the Double Intimidate, K&G! I didn’t expect a Kricketune to be my best Pokemon when I started this run, but not having a crutch to lean back on is a bit thrilling.
Eterna(l flight) By happenstance I had fought Mars on a Thursday, so I didn’t have to wait that long for a Drifloon to come along. Oolite/Drifloon came at lv. 22, Gardenia’s ace level cap, so he’ll be sitting in the box while I go through the forest.
Route 205 held my first Radar Pokemon! After messing around with Save States (so I don’t have to keep stopping to charge it), I eventually figured out the Radar and got Boninite/Hoppip! She doesn’t come with any useful moves yet, so she'll be dragged around in front for a bit.
The route held a few moving trainers with Rocks that made me stop and wait, but I eventually arrived at Eterna Forest. I was sad to see that Cascoon/Dustox only appears here in Pearl, but I wound up encountering two Murkrows alongside Cheryl. They were both identical sans a level difference, so I let Cheryl decide which one should die. She left the higher leveled one barely standing, so I caught and named him Obsidian.
After that was the first Multi Battle of the forest, the only one that’s mandatory, and I was quickly forced into being solo, augh! Luckily the Pachirisu was already mostly dead when that happened, so it wasn’t long before I could send in Gossan to clear out the Bug Catcher’s half of ‘mons. My luck isn’t starting off too hot in Double Battles...
Once I got into the city I grabbed the Exp Share for Boninite and introduced myself to the Champion before running off to the ponds. Of course, all I got there was another Magikarp, Diabase. There were two more encounters to the East though, ʻAʻa/Ponyta from Rt. 211, and another Zubat from Mt. Coronet, Pegmatite. Since I was playing at night, there was a chance that I’d get a Hoothoot on 211, but I’m glad I got the Ponyta, since I was saving that name for one. Also, uhhh, he has the 5% Shuca Berry? That’s really only useful for my Ponyta, but it’s always neat when I get a rare held item.
VS Gardenia Jupiter’s level caps are lower than Gardenia, so I’m only going in with four Pokemon: Oolite (22), Lherzolite (19+Quick Claw) + Kimberlite and Chert (19). I could also bring ʻAʻa, but I’m not expecting any issues, so he’d have nothing to do.
Chert got to lead, since he sat back during the Roark trouble. His Sing missed, and Gardenia had Cherubi set up Safeguard right after, so I had Chert set up one of my favorite moves instead. After the first Fury Cutter, he was seeded. After the second, Cherubi used Growth. The third brought Cherubi straight to red HP, but a hit from Grass Knot on top of Leech Seed brought Chert to yellow. Cherubi failed to set up another Safeguard while I healed Chert, so Fury Cutter was fine to KO the next turn. And the equally Pure-Grass Turtwig? Fury Cutter OHKO.
Though Chert won’t be able to easily cut through Roserade’s Poison-typing, so Lherzolite came out to make it dizzy. After that Supersonic, Lherzolite halved Roserade’s HP with a Wing Attack before it hit itself! Unfortunately, Roserade healed most of that back by munching on their Sitrus, but Lherzolite was free to knock Roserade to red when they used Poison Sting the next turn. Gardenia dragged out the battle by healing, but two more Wing Attacks finished it off.
Yeah, that’s what I expected to see. I’m probably one of the few people who like Fury Cutter, though I have to admit it’s not a great move for Nuzlockes.
VS Commander Jupiter After a quick trip into the Old Chateau to confirm it was Zubat-less for my first Token, I made my team for Jupiter: Adamellite/Zubat (20+Quick Claw), Ijolite (18+SilverPowder), Obsidian (18+Pecha) + Aplite and Gossan (18). Obsidian is here in case things need to get Hazy, heh.
Adamellite was here to deal with her Zubat, though this one didn’t have Toxic. Supersonic missed, but it only used the heavily resisted Giga Drain instead. Jupiter didn’t get stuck on it like Mars though, and took Adamellite to half HP with Wing Attack before she did the same in return. I clicked Supersonic again and this time it landed and made the Zubat hit itself! One more speedy Wing Attack took it out.
Gossan Intimidated Skuntank right off the bat. I went to set up Double Team, but Skuntank landed Smokescreen first. Thankfully, the next Smokescreen missed while Gossan doubled up on the Double Team. They missed two more moves after that while I had Gossan start using Wing Attack, taking Skuntank down to yellow before they had a Sitrus snack. Skuntank finally went for Night Slash then and halved his HP!
Wing Attack missed that turn, but Gossan hit Skuntank to yellow the next turn before setting up a third Double Team... Only for Poison Gas to land the next turn, right when Gossan brought Skuntank to red. That seemed like a sign to swap to Obsidian, who immediately got Smoke in his face. After a resisted Night Slash I used Haze to get rid of the smoke (though it also removes the Intimidate...), before taking the skunk out with Wing Attack!
Hmm, I should’ve given Gossan a Pecha as well, huh? I only had three, though, so I guess my hoarding instincts kicked in. Well, at least this update had a better ending than the last.

Team:

  • Gossan the Staravia♂ (19) - Quirky, Intimidate [Quick Attack / Wing Attack / Endeavor / Double Team]
  • Ijolite the Kricketune♂ (18) - Gentle, Swarm [Fury Cutter / Leech Life / Rock Smash / Sing] - SilverPowder
  • Aplite the Kricketune♂ (18) - Impish, Swarm [Fury Cutter / Leech Life / Rock Smash / Sing]
  • Adamellite the Zubat♀ (20) - Calm, Inner Focus [Astonish / Wing Attack / Bite / Supersonic] - Quick Claw
  • Obsidian the Murkrow♂ (18) - Naughty, Insomnia [Astonish / Pursuit / Wing Attack / Haze] - Pecha Berry

Box: 13

Staravia (19), Magikarp (7, 10, 4), Zubat (4, 19, 6, 12), Kricketune (19), Combee (8), Drifloon (22), Hoppip (16), Ponyta (13)

Deaths: 1

Bagon (5-14)
submitted by ZHODY to nuzlocke [link] [comments]


2024.05.18 18:50 Athrek Guide to the Optimal Questing Route, First Half

Hello everyone! I know it's been a long time but with the DLC on the way and work slowing down for a bit, I've decided to start writing guides again. With the DLC a month away, I've decided to focus my efforts on guides that will help prepare for the DLC and have a few others that are just about ready as well.
With all of the patches over the years, the questlines have been changes fairly significantly. It is now nearly impossible to "break" any questlines by accident but many of my previous guides were made to avoid that happening. Given that, they have lost some of their purpose and aren't as optimal as they previously were. I have went through the game again and learned all of the new tricks to optimize the questlines so that you can take the least amount of steps possible to receive all of the questlines best rewards.
So what this guide is meant for is to help with getting characters through the game with all of the unique quest rewards as optimally as possible. So there should be nothing unnecessary within this guide and it will take you from location to location without consideration for level or build. Given that, you may need to do side objectives and leveling for your personal run, but you can just continue following from where you left off. Due to Reddit's character limit, I have to separate this guide into two parts but both halves are already available.
I hope everyone enjoys the guide and please let me know if you have any suggestions, fixes or feedback!

Second Half

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

Limgrave

Stormveil Castle/Limgrave 2

Note: Roderika's Crimson Hood is in the Grafted Scion room in Stormveil now and a Golden Seed is where she was at Stormhill Shack.

Liurnia Lake

Raya Lucaria/Liurnia Lake 2

Caelid

Altus Plateau/Mt Gelmir

Underground

Leyndell

This is the end of the First Half of the guide but I will be posting the Second Half immediately. I hope everyone enjoyed the guide and hope you'll stick around for more or check out my other Guides. We also have a Website, Youtube and Discord so be sure to check them out!

Second Half

submitted by Athrek to Roundtable_Guides [link] [comments]


2024.05.18 13:49 Shaskais Interesting bits from the 10th Chaos Space Marine codex

The bits:
-Not only does the flesh of Chaos marines fuse with their armor, but their minds also fuse with the machine spirits of their wargear. A Chaos Marine's armor will mutate and be reshaped by the Warp taint to reflect his obsessions and their affinity/allegiance to the gods of Chaos.
-Following the Scouring and the exile to the Eye of Terror, none of the Traitor Primarchs were interested in unifying the Traitor Legions. Mortarion and Lorgar mostly shunned Real Space. Mortarion busied himself in reshaping his Daemon world into an image of his destroyed homeworld Barbarus. Lorgar self-exiled himself to the Daemon world of Sicarus. Magnus focused his attention on curing his legion from their curse of mutation. Fulgrim lost himself in a spiral of excess and pleasure. Perturabo fixated on pursuing his vendetta with the Imperial Fists rather than the pursuit of grand conquest. And so with no unifying leader, the traitor legions were fragmented by infighting and the cruel whims of the Chaos Gods.
-When Abaddon rose as Warmaster, he resolved to learn from the mistakes of his genesire. He swore to never bend the knee to the gods of Chaos, and to never sell his soul to them no matter how tempting their offers of powers. Abaddon refused to surrender his morality for immortal power and guarded it well.
-The 13th Black Crusade hasn't ended. It's reaching its peak in the Indomintus Era. Though Cadia had fallen, the war for the Cadian Gate continues. Furthermore, Abaddon is expanding his warfront elsewhere such as the Nachmund Gauntlet. These are but a few of the schemes Abaddon seeks to enact to topple the Imperium. Should Abaddon succeed in them then the power of Chaos will be unleashed from the Warp toward Terra itself.
-With each conquest, Abaddon paved a path toward Terra. However, what was unknown for the rest of the galaxy was his plan to unpick the veil between the Materium and the Warp. For thousands of years under the cover of false objectives and even entire Black Crusades Abaddon sought out and destroyed the Pylons wherever he found them. Sometimes he did so personally, other times via his agents, or by using the Planet Killer and the Blackstone Fortresses.
-The Fall of Cadia was the culmination of Abaddon's millennia-spanning grand plan, a plan that tied together the events of Pandorax, the Siege of Fenris, and others. The Great Rift was born, flooding the galaxy with the stuff of the Warp. Acting as his vanguard the traitor legions and renegade warbands smashed their way through the Cadian Gate and emerged on the other side. The traitor forces brought destruction and bloodshed to world after world empowering the Warp and causing the daemonic legions to follow in their wake. Invasion after invasion, the Crimson Path expands toward Terra.
-The Chaos Gods and their legions believe that the fall of Terra and the destruction of the Emperor would be the ultimate prize, the conclusion of the war between the Materium and the Immaterium. Yet, Terra's fall is one part of Abaddon's plan for vengeance, not the end. Abaddon is aware that the ultimate victory of the Chaos Gods would be bad for his mortal self so he has no intention of depending on the Chaos Gods in achieving the victory he seeks. For now, Abaddon is all too content to have the forces of Chaos carve a path toward Terra.
-In the Age of the Great Rift, the forces of Chaos are prowling the stars in numbers not seen since the HH. Not even the Imperium Sanctus is safe from their wrath. However, it's in the Imperium Nihilus where they are at their strongest. Isolated from each other and shorn from the guiding light of Terra, the isolated bastions of the Imperium are being beset by the forces of Chaos from within and without. The overstretched defenders of the Imperium still valiantly attempt to stem the overwhelming tides of Chaos, chief among them are Dante and the returned Primarch the Lion who rage against the encircling darkness. Yet their efforts are nothing but futile gestures. Candles of hope set before a raging inferno of hate.
-Roboute launched the Indomintus Crusade to save the Imperium from collapse yet even this colossal assemblage of Imperial might cannot hope to repel every Chaos incursion. Conflicts are flaring up in every Segmentum of the Imperium and in each the influence of the Despoiler can be felt.
-Though Chaos is ascendant gutted on conquest and slaughter, Abaddon knows that he must maintain the momentum of his Black Crusade by feeding it constant conquests and victories or else risk his forces fragmenting before he could topple the Imperium.
-Abaddon and the Black Legion value value renegades from the Space Marine chapters who join their ranks. These turncoats bring them an abundance of information about the Imperium and its defenders allowing Abaddon's formidable intellect to fashion accurate and complex plans that inflict the maximum damage to the Imperium. In the past it allowed the Black Legion to deceive sector fleets, steal geneseed from loyalist chapter strongholds, and strike at key industrial zones.
-Lord Iordax Quan is one of the most singularly dedicated Black Legion commanders to the cause of destroying the Imperium. His focus on the Long War resulted in him rejecting the blessings of the Dark Gods and surrounding himself with fellow true veterans of the Long War whose thirst for vengeance remains undimmed. His focus, his dedication, has led to Abaddon deploying him to crucial warzones. He is currently serving in the Cadian system purging the last Imperial holdouts.
-Solomon Akurra the character from Mike Brooks' novel "Harrowmaster" is mentioned in the codex. Akurra had seized control of the Serpent Teeth's warband and now commands the mobile Star Fort the Unseen. He gathered around him a loose alliance of Alpha Legion warbands that he dubbed the Ghost Legion. In his burning desire to take the fight to the Imperium, he is exploiting the sorry state of the Imperium to add to its misery. Using his strategic mind and the sinister skills of the Alpha Legion, Akurra had deceived entire systems to swear allegiance to the Ghost Legion further destabilizing the Imperium. The majority of the Psyphos subsector is now under his rule. Yet this is merely the start of the seeds of anarchy he will plant in Segmentum Pacificus.
-When the Great Rift opened, the three stars of a system close to the galactic core and bordering the territories of the Greater Thurian League were swallowed up by the expanding Warpstorm known to the Kin as Orgvayr. The surging Warp energy resulted in the trio of stars going supernova at the same time creating a nebula of tainted clouds of astral debris riddled with Warp rifts which acted as refuge for many Chaos warbands including the Iron Warrior warband known as Abrial's Claw. The determined Iron Warriors took to besieging the mighty strongholds of the Kin and several fell before them.
-The short story "The Traitor's Tarot" from the 9th ED CSM codex is again here in the 10th Ed codex. They added four images to accompany the paragraphs that described the heretical artwork. I appreciate rereading the short, it's a good story but I would have very much liked a new story to come with the new codex. You get me?
-Traitor fleets have no fear of the raging tides of the Warp. They sail through and from even the hearts of Warpstorms. The remarkable ease with which the heretics are navigating the turbulent Warp makes it seem that the hands of the Chaos Gods protect them as they emerge over their prey worlds. Within the darkness of the Imperium Nihilus, the traitors have enacted butchery and atrocity of epic proportions on the isolated worlds of the Imperium. The luckiest of their victims are those who meet quick ends. Those who survive face a fate worse than death at the hands of the heretics.
-Worse still for humanity, within Nihilus many of the traitors' unnatural abilities and blessings are being empowered. Their wargear swell and blaze with the power of the Chaos Gods and their sorcery are reaching new levels of dark majesty and potency.
-The isolation of Imperial territories in the Imperium Nihilus made many Imperial worlds and systems believe that they are the last of humanity. Some broke off from Imperial rule and transformed into their own kingdoms and nations. The decline of Imperial faith soon saw these independent realms and worlds rot from the inside out as the insidious whispers of daemons spread to the populace and Chaos cults flourished.
-Traitor empires are rising in the Imperium Nihilus. Worlds that had once served the Imperium now fuel the warbands and legions of Chaos with their resources and industry. Abaddon has a hand in the creation and location of some of these heretical empires. It's unknown whether these empires are part of some scheme of his or are merely a vision of a galaxy under his rule.
-Vashhtorr's origins are unknown, forgotten by history. It's possible he was created by the technological and scientific advancements of the DAoT, spawned by the galaxy-shaping technology of the Old Ones, or came to being when primitives first mastered fire and created sharp tools.
-Vashtorr and Perturabo enjoy a beneficial but less than friendly relationship with each other. They cooperated in many nightmarish projects. The Daemon Primarch has regularly allied his Iron Warrior warbands with the Arkifane.
-Wyrmwood is a perversion of the tunneling devices used by the Old Ones to create the Webway. It's the Key for the Lock of a vault that contains a godly weapon capable of altering the fate of the galaxy. In search for the lock, Wyrmwood carves its way through the Webway and Real Space in an insane pattern known only to Vashtorr. Wyrmwood is unrestrained by the laws of time and space. The Imperial agents are struggling to catch up to Wyrmwood as it emerges into sectors across the breadth of the galaxy. The daemon world is crossing vast tracks of space in mere hours, that would have taken Imperial fleets months to sail through. By the time Imperial fleet heeded distress calls and arrived at Wyrmwood's reported location, the daemonic world engine would have long departed having left behind nothing but ruined worlds and tears in reality.
-Even the Asuryani, who are enraged at the corruption of the Webway technology and fearful of the damage Wyrmwood will inflict on the Webway tunnels, are struggling to track down Wyrmwood. Their seers are unable to crack the code of Vashtorr's insane search pattern. Only Craftworld Altansar, due to their bitter experience with the Warp and its mutilation of reality, are making progress in tracking Wyrmwood. However, thus far, the Asuryani's efforts to draw Vashtorr into battle were met with dismal failure.
-Reports hint that Wyrmwood is about to appear in the Pariah Nexus. Other reports hint that it will appear in the Ghoul Stars. What is certain is that nowhere is safe from Vashtorr's wrath.
-Vashtorr is a timeless being. Linear time is of no consequence to him. While the efforts of his foes might delay his search, he will have his prize sooner or later.
-Vashtorr has near limitless control over technology. The nature and origin of the technology do not matter to Vashtorr, his understanding is without limit. Vashtorr can unmake or take control of any device created by mortal hands with a mere gesture.
-Within the superstructures of the Soul Forges nests the daemon engines known as the Venomcrawlers. They hunt and down devour daemonic entities that get discarded by Warpsmith and Masters of Possessions. The raging essences of these consumed entities power the daemon engines' weapons. When daemonic prey becomes lacking Venomcrawlers start hunting the Soul Forges' heretic marine masters to keep themselves fed.
-The Dark Mech provides the hosts of Chaos with armor, weapons, daemon engines, and even battle fleets. Without the Dark Mech the armies of Chaos might grind to a halt.
-While the physical shells of captured Imperial war machines are desecrated and reshaped into horrific forms, their machine spirits are sent to the Soul Forges within the Warp to be driven to madness.
-Some Soul Forges are rumored to predate mankind, that they are eternal and ruled over by unknowable entities.
-The captive daemons are dragged screaming by ropes fashioned from the hair of murderers and chains of bones into the Soul Forges where Warpsmiths bind them into daemon engines and then bludgeon them to submission with runic wards and rituals.
-Abaddon is not only feared by the High Lords of Terra. Within the halls of the greatest Xenos Empires, the Warmaster's name invokes fear.
-So mighty has Abaddon become after 10K years that only the Daemon Primarchs could challenge his position. Yet these figures are too focused on their pursuits to risk war with the Despoiler and his vast legion.
-Only Abaddon can unite the forces of Chaos. To do so is a continuous fight for the Warmaster especially when marshaling allied forces whose allegiance belongs to their gods alone. Getting these opposing servants of the Chaos Gods to set aside their rivalries not only for a short period of time but for years is proof of his supreme willpower and the high regard and fear felt toward him by the traitors even by those who hate him and wish him to fail.
-Haarken was once a Night Lord. His ruthlessness saw him rise to the command of the Night Lord warband known as the Gloomtalons. Haarken would lead his warband into raids on the worlds of the Imperium. He would always proclaim his coming victory and a world's doom on the vox broadcasts before leading his formation of raptors through the night sky to butcher any who foolishly resists and make examples of them. Haarken would kidnap the leaders of Imperial worlds and give them the choice of swearing fealty to him or suffering a prolonged agonizing death. Through a network of spies, Haarken ensured the Imperial leaders who bowed before him were kept in line. Thus Haarken grew rich in wealth and plunder. However, despite his successes as a pirate and raider, he found no satisfaction. He felt empty. His black heart yearned to strike a lasting blow against the Imperium.
-Haarken prayers were answered when Abaddon's attention fell on him. During the muster for the fifth Black Crusade, Abaddon offered the Haarken the honor of fighting alongside his Black Legion. Abaddon was straightforward with Haarken. He did not promise Haarken riches and plunder but the chance to strike a telling blow against the hated Imperium. And if he served well Abaddon would grant him further chances to bleed the Imperium. It was as if Abaddon peered through Haarken's soul and fulfilled his deepest desires. Haarken then and there knew he was standing before greatness, a warlord with the strength, charisma, and vision to bring the Imperium crashing down.
-During the battle for the city of Kasyr Lutein, Haarken and his Gloomtalons flew ahead of Abaddon and his Black Legion. Haarken unleashed unspeakable acts of violence and terror on the defenders of the city. The demoralized Imperials were annihilated by the combined might of the Black Legion and the Night Lords.
-Ultimately, the Fifth Black Crusade came to an end and the traitors were forced back to the Eye of Terror. However, the Imperials paid a terrible price to do so and the Elysian sector was ravaged. Having witnessed firsthand the supreme might and leadership of Abaddon, Haarken bent the knee to the Despoiler and donned the black and gold of the Black Legion. Since then Haarken carved a place for himself among the vanguard of the Black Legion eventually earning himself the title of the Worldclaimer for the countless worlds he conquered in the name of Abaddon.
-Abaddon acknowledged the loyalty and good service of Haarken by bestowing upon him the title of the "Herald of the Apocalypse" and the Helspear, a weapon that befits his new position as Abaddon's mouthpiece.
-Haarken is wholly devoted to Abaddon and his cause. From the Nachmund Gauntlet, he is committed to tearing a path toward the Sol system. He yearns for the day when he would drive his spear into Terra's surface and proclaim the end of the rule of the False Emperor.
-The Iron Warriors honor the Chaos Gods as a pantheon, though few among their number are truly devoted. Their true loyalty belongs to their Daemon Primarch whom they believe saved them from being sacrificed by the Emperor.
-Many Chaos warlords look down on the methods of Alpha Legion, but Abaddon does not. Abaddon appreciates their skills and makes good use of them. More than once the Warmaster employed the Alpha Legion to sow discord and anarchy before his invading fleets. However, Abaddon knows that the Alpha Legion are dangerous allies for their goals and true motivations are closely guarded secrets.
-Despite the revulsion and mistrust Abaddon feels toward the Word Bearers for reminding him of the shameful depths Horus fell into in his worship of the Chaos Gods. he had made common cause with them on many occasions. The effectiveness of the Word Bearers as warriors, both possessed or not, is something the Warmaster cannot deny. It's a source of strength he cannot afford to discard. Lorgar for his part sees Abaddon as a tool to spread the Word of the Ruinous Powers to the very heart of the Imperium.
-Most Night Lords do not seem to worship the Chaos Gods in the same degree as the other traitor Legions. They fight only for material gain and personal pleasure. They look down on fanatical marines, be they worshipers of Dark Gods or the False Emperor. They place their respect not in faith but in strength, strength and terror.
-The Night Lords will fight for any cause as long as the plunder is good and they have ample opportunity to inflict as much bloodshed and anguish as they can. This made some Night Lords warbands pledge their service to alien warlords.
-After the birth of the Great Rift, the Red Corsairs have become experts in navigating the border regions between Warpstorms and Real Space. They established secret bases in the liminal zones. One of them is a significantly large base called the Tyrant's Gate in the Imperium Nihilus. Every sin and vice is indulged on that world. The world is orbited by weapon shops, docks, and defense platforms. Within the Warp, a sorcerous anchorage allows the battleships of Chaos to translate directly from and to the planet's orbit swiftly.
-Imperial reports that Huron Blackheart was spotted in two Segmentums at once seem to all but confirm that he struck some sort of bargain with the Chaos Gods.
-In exchange for his skill, Fabius had struck bargains with Chaos warlords, including the Daemon Primarch. He favours no client over the other, not even his gene-father.
-In recent years, Fabius has acquired samples from the Primaris marines and the Custodes. What he intends to do with them is unknown.
-The daemon Q'o'ak the Boundless is said to have drawn the ire of his master Tzeentch by meddling in his plans. To rid himself of Q'o'ak's ceaseless meddling, Tzeentch bound him to a weapon. Each time the weapon clashes with an enemy blade, the enemy falls victim to Q'o'ak temporal tampering. How Q'o'ak traverses time while imprisoned within the weapon remains unknown but with each soul he pulls from the web of fate a fresh plume manifests from the weapon's hilt.
Emeys Varran, the Apostle of Discordance, is unusually zealous in his devotion to Dark Gods for a trusted lieutenant of Abaddon. Despite his zealous faith in the Chaos Gods, Varran's true loyalty lies with Abaddon and the Black Legion. He is one of the Warhamer's few trusted confidants. Varran holds an intense and violent hatred toward the Sisters of Battle after losing his left eye to a neural wipe during the siege of the Chaos Knight World of Dharrovar. Abaddon dispatched Varran to aid Haarkin in seizing control of the Nachmund Gauntlet.
The Vashtorr and Black Legion vs T'au short story:
The world that Vashtorr manifested upon had a half-destroyed ancient city. Within the city was a temple whose structure was etched with daemonic scripture. This was Vashtorr's target. The T'au presence on the world was an unexpected complication. The T'au were giving the traitor and heretic forces stiff resistance and barring their way to the temple. The T'au in their determination to cling to the world had littered the battlefield with the Black Legion dead. Yet Vashtorr knew that the mortals' resistance was futile. Wyrmwood was entering into alignment over the world and it would seal their doom.
As Wyrmwood completed its alignment, the planet's surface quaked and monolithic structures erupted from the earth. This disordered the T'au lines and forced them into a fighting retreat. The Black Legion and Vashtorr's tech cultists pressed the attack.
Vashtorr could sense the call of the Warp-tainted relic, how it begged for release. He made his way to the temple but found T'au stubbornly standing between him and it. The Black Legionaries, daemonic engines empowered by Vashtorrr and his servants, and a horde of cultists fell on the T'au. Vashtorr himself joined the fray. With a gesture, he turned the energy of a force field that protected a squad of fire warriors against them. The fire warriors screamed as their armor melted and their skin was seared. The Black Legion marines finished off the reeling survivors with their chainaxes and bolter stocks.
T'au reinforcements sent from their orbiting fleet joined the battle. Battlesuits, tanks, hovering barricades, and aircraft plunged from the skies. The firepower of the T'au scythed through cultists and marines alike.
Vashtorr waded into the T'au lines with his hammer, pulping and smashing the Xenos aside. With a gesture, he unmade a T'au skimmer from within causing it to crash into a trio of battlesuits and explode. Through the flames, he strode toward the temple's entrance only to find his way barred again.
A T'au suit descended down in front of Vashtorr. Its pilot uttered a warcry before shooting Vashtorr. The shots impacted Vashtorr causing him to stagger back slightly. Vashtorr examined his form where the shots were hitting him. His daemon flesh was being burned away revealing the cogs beneath and his form was flickering.
Vashtorr extended his wings and was carried toward his Xenos foe by unholy energies. As he fell upon the battlesuit he projected his voice into its communication system telling the pilot that he was being so proud of the ingenuity of his technology, he was so reliant on the mechanical.
Vashttorr smashed down the battlesuit with his hammer and hit it again and again until he cracked its armor. Then pinned it down with his hoof. From his form tentacles emerged and wormed their way into the suit. Vashtorr poured a fragment of his power into the battlesuit and willed it to be unmade. Even though the pilot's soul was weak and small, he could still feel their fear.
Vashtorr stepped away from the battlesuit's wreckage and strode again toward the temple. As ever mortal resistance was nothing more than obstacles to be overcome by a being of infinite patience such as he. He will find the Lock and then reality itself will tremble before him.
submitted by Shaskais to ShaskaisWarhamBits [link] [comments]


2024.05.18 08:15 JzaDragon X-Men’s Bastion (1 Artificer/19 Necromancy Wizard)

A build for 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons
Sebastian Gilberti, a.k.a. Bastion, is a human/sentinel hybrid, the product of combining a master mold and a nimrod into a living person. Bastion is thus far proven to be immortal, infinitely calculating and patient but with a singular hatred for mutantkind from his Nimrod programming. Prior defeats had only refocused him into grander and deadlier returns, one time sending time portals from a robot apocalypse future with an endless wave of Nimrod sentinels to the X-Men’s timeline, resulting in multiple main character deaths just to be forestalled. For Bastion, there’s no such thing as overkill. He is the future incarnate.
Bastion:
8/14/15/14/12/8 with a +2 in Intelligence and a +1 in Constitution
Level Progression:
1st level goes to Artificer to start with con save proficiency and medium armor, then the rest goes into wizard. ASIs are spent on maxing intelligence, getting Resilient:Wisdom, War Caster, and Subtle metamagic.
Level 1:
Artificer spells: morning prepare, int mod +1, so start with four, gain one at 5, and one at 9
Cantrips:
1st:
Necromancy Wizard:
Wizard Spells: wiz level + int mod prepare (extras at 5 and 9), start with a book of 6 + 2 per level up
Cantrips:
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
4th:
5th:
6th:
7th:
8th:
9th:
Tactics:
Mighty Fortress:
Bastion has a lot of army building to do, so first order of business is going to have to be Mighty Fortress. You can make these permanent and even avoid the material cost by using Wish over the course of a year, so selling one can bankroll everything else you’ll be getting up to. When he’s ready, a Mighty Fortress of his own will serve as his Operation Zero Tolerance secure lab. There he can have all manner of sentinel and prime sentinel manufactory as well as stash his emergency Clone.
Simulacrum:
You’re going to be very busy with the various sentinel-making schemes, so perhaps your best course is to start with Simulacrums of yourself to multiply your efforts. These are your Nimrod model sentinels, any one of them a match for the X-Men themselves. The Wish spell casts Simulacrum instantly, and even duplicates of yourself without a 9th slot gets things moving at a dizzying rate. A Boon of High Magic to have a spare 9th slot circumvents this, if desired.
True Polymorph:
Simulacrums have your Spell Masteries as at-will options but otherwise don’t get slots back, so a spent Simulacrum can still be made useful with True Polymorph, turning it into another creature of a cr equal to its level for one hour. Here I go with the Ogremoch, a cr 20 gargantuan earth elemental with over 500 hp, making them a kaiju-sized godzilla sentinel like the one that flattened Genosha, able to deal double AND maximized damage to structures due to the Siege Monster trait and its attacks being adamantine. It also resist magic, has legendary resistances and legendary actions. By taking from its own hp, Ogremach is able to also deploy a swarm of earth elementals and gargoyles as its own fleet of sentinels from its own body.
Awakening:
As detailed in my Sentinel build, I outlined a way to make a huge sized construct into a Warrior sidekick that is able to level up alongside you. With a Ravnica background you are able to add the Awaken spell, which with Nystul’s Magic Aura confusing what creature counts as a plant, you give intelligence and language to a cr 0 stone giant construct. If you can’t find a stone giant construct, True Polymorph’s object into creature option can make one for you, permanently. Nystul’s and Awakening and it then can qualify as a sidekick, helped with True Polymorph adding the detail that it is friendly to you, and it can then gain attack actions and the full breadth of leveling for a Warrior Sidekick which is basically a discount Fighter. Keep these alive through enough fights and these too can rise to level 20.
Command Undead:
If you won’t be leveling a sidekick from 1 and need a Sentinel on the fly, the object into creature option of True Polymorph has an upper cr limit of 9. A good contender here is a Barrowghast, a cr 7 huge undead with good hp, a slam attack and a strength drain that raises a zombie with each humanoid it can kill by draining. Conjure the Barrowghast and concentrate for 1 hour to make it permanent, then immediately use Command Undead. It has to fail a Charisma save in which it has -2, then becomes your loyal ally indefinitely, limit of 1.
Summon Greater Demon:
Bastion’s most important aspect is his ability to mass produce prime sentinels, a seemingly endless supply of human-sized minions to fight on his behalf. The Planar Binding spell helps make this possible, turning what is normally an hour summon into a year-long one. Using the secret lab home base, a Glyph of Warding with a precast Magic Circle to contain a demon has Summon Greater Demon cast over it, upcast to a 6th to be able to pull in a cr 7 Maurezhi. Maurezhi is able to assume the appearance of a humanoid it eats for 1d6 days, making them capable of assuming that person’s life. Its claws can paralyze and its bite can kill by draining a target’s Charisma score with no save, dying immediately if it drops to 0, and if that target is a humanoid, they are raised again as a Ghoul, a cr1 undead that can also paralyze with its attack.
Create Undead:
The 6th level spell Create Undead gives you the ability to make stronger undead minions. Cast as a 6th slot, you can raise three Ghouls; each level upcast increases the number and strength of your summons, up to a 9th slot raising six ghouls or three Ghasts, a cr 2 undead with a paralyzing attack and poisoning aura. Ghouls and Ghasts are significant because the Maurezhi reraises fallen Ghouls and Ghasts with a 5 or 6 recharge; by having multiple Planar Bound Maurezhis, you can keep this very frequent. Not reraisable by a Maurezhi but also available from upcasting Create Undead to an 8th slot are Wights which can raise their own set of zombies. They can control up to 12 but if you just don’t care about controlling zombies then it’s only limited by the number of humanoids they can slay.
Animate Dead:
Speaking of zombies, Animate Dead is doubly efficient for a Necro wizard. Raise Zombies for minions that can resist being destroyed or Skeletons for minions with a solid ranged attack. A single bonus action can command all zombies or skeletons within 60’ of you, potentially hundreds at a time, but if by the Sanctuary spell or a magic item mentioned below you aren’t concerned about who they attack, simply let them loose near to your enemies.
Demiplane:
A fun trick with hordes of undead is to pack them into a Demiplane spell. Demiplane is an 8th level spell that creates a 30 cubic foot pocket space. Skeletons and Zombies don’t need to breathe or be comfortable, so fill the whole thing up. Per Squeezing rule, a creature can squeeze into a space made for one size category smaller than itself, so a large creature that is 10’ long, wide, and high, could squeeze into a 5’ cube. Or to put it in other words, eight large creatures could cram into 10’ cubic feet if they all squeezed and stacked up neatly. Demiplane’s 30 cubic feet is 176 squares, meaning you could have up to one thousand, seven hundred and twenty-eight medium undead dudes all human pyramidding in there, floor to ceiling. The Demiplane then seals and remains that way until such time as you cast it again, opening it up for a veritable army of uncontrolled minions to pour out of. The door remains open for a full hour, giving them enough time to pop out and get running. Point the exit to any living victims and let their nature do the rest.
Sanctuary:
Whatever the size of Bastion’s army, targeting you won’t end it, as you have Contingency Dimension Door as well as Clone for exiting a losing fight, and your horde can operate just fine without you being present. You can also easily maintain Sanctuary on yourself, forcing casters to risk wasting slots, even with Dispel Magic. Furthermore, Wither and Bloom is a spell mastery for you and doesn’t have to deal damage at all for the healing to work, so you can spend every round healing a minion of your choice for 1 hit die + your int mod. Sanctuary doesn’t prevent AoE spells such as Fireball, but Charm Person cast before Sanctuary would, as the charmed condition prevents them from causing damage to you, thereby also protecting the minions in your immediate vicinity, and if you upcast Charm Person you can select multiple enemy casters at once. In short, you discourage quick solutions to dealing with you or your army, making every last hit point of your horde matter. If and when you choose to end Sanctuary so you can affect an enemy with damage or control, Bastion has a solid AC and can manage his own hp with Wither and Bloom, Cure Wounds, and Grim Harvest.
Magic Item Wishlist:
The X-Men in 5th ed D&D Full Build List
submitted by JzaDragon to 3d6 [link] [comments]


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