Torcuil has spent the last spent the last hour at a fever pitch of activity, grabbing books, discarding them, shuffling papers, analyzing diagrams,... he knows he's on the verge of something, and something big. Tracy continues to try and vie for Trump's attention with a variety of methods. Let's not forget that Trump is a 6'2" human, and Tracy is,... what, 3'6" standing upright? Thez has fallen asleep in her zombie-bath, and dusk approaches.
Oh yeah, this is the Tabletop Gaming continuation thread from
https://mlpol.net/vx/res/20.html if ya didn't know. Pull up a chair! New players are always welcome.
352 replies and 43 files omitted.
>continuing
The Game operated on basic principles; that the audience had a moderately deterministic authority with the regard to players, and that the player had only slightly MORE deterministic authority. The player, as in the individual behind the character, has been removed from the deterministic equation.
This world is a microcosmic battle-ground where individual players - through their characters - wage metaphysical order unto the otherwise pre-determined chaos that is life. In assuming control of one level of experience, the individual metaphysically engenders assumption of control on corresponding levels.
>>1416Proceeds to help self to to garments (that'll fit), and modifying makeshift knife-cozy*
*Checks out knives*
I don't imagine Tracy to be very much of a crafter (hooves), but she can at least maintain/upgrade her shit.
Will continue with details.
[1d10+3 = 9]>>1426>being a newb in craftsTracy finds numerous scraps, lengths, and strips of a variety of thicknesses of leather, but lacks the ability to operate the jewelers equipment to make buckles and retainers. Beginning to curse this silly place, she spies a big roll of a thick shiny material with adhesive on the inside of the strip. There is a sign that reads "Gorilla tape, please conserve".
>Tracy successfully fashions a harness ... capable of holding 9 knives
>>1426I know you're away,... but don't go, k?
[1d20 = 9]>>1428>>1427>>1428
>9 knives
Why do I keep nerfing myself? I could've just said nothing...I'm still keeping my knife collection/box.
Roll to restock it with some fancier equipment than just those kitchen knives, that I have so many of.
>>1429I'm still alive, motherfucker!
[1d20 = 4]>>1431>9Can I scavenge anything special from that?
>>1432U BETTER BE O;_;O
>>1433Not yet unfortunately, all the equipment here is geared toward modifying/refining/developing a given substance. Since your knives are finished (and keen) there's nothing left to do with them.
>Srsly tho, r u ok? o_o' Shit hasn't even started yet. My biggest concern is losing power. It's my first hurricane, but I don't give a fuck.
*sharpening intensifies*
>>1435>AND LO, THAT BITCH DID CALMSo yeah, you find a few more knives in the sink (there's a dishwasher even!) incuding a phatty axe of a cleaver (the one with the hole in it), all keen.
>>1423How is your situation? I hope you're alright.
>keen
Just the way I like them.
>>1438If you've ever seen a professional cutler's satchel (improvised term); essentially a quiver except containing a variety of kitchenware (Dexter comes to mind) then you have a fair idea of what Tracy has at her disposal now.
>>1437Don't worry about him. He probably just went to bed, like a normie, because he knew he'd have to do shit in the morning. I just have chronic insomnia, so I'm staying up anyway.Having secured my equipment, I grab my makeshift bag, and furtively head over to where I sense my betrothed moving (towards football).
>>1442Aw fug. Guess I'd better get out of bed.
>>1444>murderous tripsWe left off with a spherical nonphysical interface that you have a good idea how works.
The error message indicates that this facility is in actuality, only about 30% of a much larger facility which at the moment lies buried.
Trips confirm.
*continues closer towards football, following the trail of Flashy's footsteps*
>>1445>30%Huh
I stick my arm in the bubble
>>1447Pic is error schematic.
Blue area is active, orange area is standby, red area is kill.
>>1449Good job, you've confused me
What the hell is an "error schematic"?
[1d20 = 19]>>1446>taking advantage of the available furniture to obscure her approach>>1447Thez jabs you in the back, prodding you further into the sphere.
Once inside, its almost like being underwater, partially because everything is bathed in a pale blue illuminescence. Sound is dampened also like being under water, but with greater clarity as though the sound is a latent afterthought.
The display shows a fault in the advance systems (the lower compartment), otherwise all systems operational.
[1d20 = 20]>>1451I inquire if this is a spaceship or just a strange bunker
>>1455Thez is outside the sphere, waiting.
>ATM green is computer display, pic related Is it weird if I (not Tracy) already kind of want to fug Thez? Idk what she even looks like..
>>1457I'm almost done rendering her, but she hasn't shown but her face yet. Soon.
>>1457Eh, kinda but not really
Anyway
I ask Thez whats wrong with the advance systems, and if we can help
>>1457>>1460>~_~#Since the facility is up and running, all illusory magic is nullified. Thus, what appear to be Thez's outer rags can be seen as devilish wing wrapping around her body. Since she knows the camera is on her, she flaps open her wings for a moment w/ the latest (still missing layers of opulence, but all the frosty is gilt).
>>1462>that much skinB E G O N E T H O T
jk
>>1463Oh great, does this mean investigation time?
>>1464Well, the ppl who got the building running last time aren't here and I never got the explanation anyway. I DO know that there's a downstairs that is currently full of dirt.
>>1464And yeh, btw she's a nudist. For all intents she keeps her wings wrapped around her, and her tail wrapped like a belt, but yeah
>>1466>nudistOh, wasnt expextin that
>>1465Does anyone know how to make a fucking shovel around here?
We're going to neeed lots
>>1467Yeah, I don't think we're gonna get there on our manpower for the time being.
But since I know no one is eavesdropping, let me tell you some more about this place.
Originally, the walled area you've seen was once a citadel city. The city sits atop a high mountain, from which the reigning party of the time unleashed their will upon the Game. It looks like everything went to shit along the way, but it looks like the old Shard isn't broken yet!
You see, the game is interwoven with interests and awarenesses far above/beyond the physical. 3d is only a step on the latter, but the Game is open to many other levels. You'll find players from EVERY possible scenario! The audience its SELF gets a say in what happens to players and characters!
>>1470>FINALLYYes, but lets keep playing
The Game jokes aside, I am sincere about continuing. This Game is geared toward microscopically establishing one's will in a given framework, wrought with as many twists and turns as I can throw.
In establishing one's will in the microcosm, one resolves themselves to establishing and developing themselves in the macrocosm.
Tl:dr, by owning in the Game you will own in the real.
>>1466>>1462Well, that's better than her original depiction as anime. Still, I do not trust this Thez. She looks like some ancient evil once sealed away and now unleashed.
Um... So my character previously has moved before Football, has dropped his sword and is kneeling before it. Do I get imparted with wisdom? An info dump? More powers?
[1d20 = 10]
Rolling in case there is anything that should be rolled for
>>1473Football is you, and you are Football. When you reach out your hand, you are reaching out a network of Footballs. All Footballs exist, operate, and store of/by will of John Elway, and John Elway has smiled on you.
What would you have explained?
>>1475Woah. What does Football Will I do?
>>1474When you find one in need of Football, give it unto him but only Football. For giving Footballs unto one who is not a Denver Bronco could lead them to ruin. Thus you may heal the sick with Football, but only the players should you heal great injury, but unto them you may.
Further may you bestow OFFENSE or DEFENSE, depending upon what need arises.
Still more may you BLOCK for any present character, without incurring attacks of opportunity from foes.
Lastly, you may in times of dire need and not to be abused, give Football unto a fallen character, for Foorball is Life, and bitches are gonna die.
When desired, you have the option to BLITZ the opponent, and in extreme circumstances can call upon shenanigens.
>>1477>>1478Amen. Praise be to Football.
Having been blessed with the gift and presence pf Football, and of the ability to use Football in the service of others, Trump leaves, spirit uplifted, back into the Workship area. (I'm pretty sure that means my character will encounter Tracy)
>>1479Nope, wandering in almost a stupor, you find yourself ascending the central staircase where you find Thez standing and Torxuild transfixed, interacting with a sphere he stands at the middle of.
[1d20 = 18]
Unless 1, Thez punches Trump in the gut.
"Isn't it great when everything comes together?">
>>1481Um... Trumpaladin is surprised to encounter Thez and Torucil together, and still elated (almost intoxicated) from his encounter with football
>>1482Trumpaladin is even more surprised to be punched in the gut, and isn't quite in a state of mind to fight right now
>>1484>Trump makes a mental note of his first interaction with ThezSo does Trump get a quick rundown?
Deus Vult. Kek Vult. Celestia Vult, Discord Vult. I Vult, (You) Vult. Ihr vult bist.
Waifu thief did nothing wrong!
https://youtu.be/5rYFkS1Tacw>And so it came to be that the party did avoid further injuring themselves for the moment, and did hasten in their pursuit of Footballs, unto a world that did not yet know Footballs. Torcuil struggles to understand an otherwise unknown form of Magic, its implications and magnitue, Trump steels himself to bear the weight of Football with shining resplendence, and Tracy is just awesome.I can continue, but now is a good stopping point.
And now for something completely autistic.
Thez stands at 4'2" in height. She's too short and stocky to be an elf, and she's way to thin to be a dwarf. Her ears are pointy, but that doesn't really help much, and there are the (now) obvious wings and tail. Also her hands and toes end in claws.
That aside, she's also wearing (in a manner of speaking) a ridiculous amount of wealth in the form of gems (imagine every white speck was a small cut/polished stone) gilt, chains, rings, etc. In a literal sense she is naked, but the array of ducats covering her body gives her a 'wearing lingerie at least' appearance, accented by a black-and-gold streaked scale covering her nethers. She wears two garters, one gold and one platinum; the former has a small knife in a sheath with one of the largest rubies you've ever seen as well as a dizzying array of stones (the img isn't finished, imagine the whole thing was a mosaic of stones) while the latter is so intricately designed that it appears to be frosted lace rather than metal and stones. Placed along its length is a sequence of large stones. Around her waist is a time-weathered belt of seemingly martial arts origin, with intricate symbols along its length. Around her abdomen is something of a weight-lifter's belt, with silvery clouds rimming the top and bottom. Weaving its way through her hair is dragon sculpture with ruby eyes and tail, that blinks every so often (it's just an effect, its not an actual creature). Tl:dr she's wearing a dragon's hoarde worth of wealth.
Her arms are a bit distinct. At the base of her shoulders are a pair of something like arm bands. They're hinged and sculpted in the manner of a demonic face, and what's more, they appear to be biting into her skin, drawing blood that is visible. Past those golden bands her arms are glossy and black, though they have the same detail and appearance as the rest of her (except black).
Her whole body is accented with thick scales of a maroon color, the rest of her being a deep purple in hue.
Her boots are of black suede, evidently having been damaged and repaired more than once. In fact, they are the only aspect of her that isn't ridiculously over-the-top (they are magical though Xp).
Oh yes, and she's carrying that broom I mentioned. Black wood, with thin plasticky reeds, and a single black ring about 2' down the handle.
Oh, and she has a pair of severed horns (think Hellboy) peeking above her ears.
>>1462I stand by my pre-made decision: Would fug.
>>1492*Glares suspiciously and angrily from hiding spot*
>>1496That would be showing unfair partiality for one player over another, and I'm afraid I cannot agree to that.
>>1488Let me unbox this for a moment.
>Deus Vult God's will.
>Kek VultGod's will but more determinate in the observance of God.
>Celestia Vult, Discord VultThis is a big one, because it is in observance of many principles (as in 'a principle', not 'rules' or w/e). In MLP, Celestia's polar opposite is Luna with all the sun/moon iconography. At the same time, as the principle of order, Celestia is equally opposed by Discord. Now Discord gets seduced by Flutters for obvious reasons (Fluttershy is all about nature, and nature is all about chaos, so its an easy easy feat lul) but still represents in principle an oppositional element to Celestia.
So basically, the statement is "By will of order, is will of chaos"
>I Vult, (You) VultBastardized, but easy; I possess a will that is determinate, in this spiralling, chaotically-ordered experience, equal and identical to yours, if it be manifest and asserted (again, one of the purposes of this thread/experiment).
>Ihr vult bistMore bastardization, but a manifold statement (in the sense that our will begins from an individuated standpoint and arrives at a cohesive statement created by all the participants).
>Waifu Thief did nothing wrongIts not like we're talking vows or anything,....
>>1493Careful myah, she's an Egregore
>>1492Those neck/shoulder bands have me curious. Are they a restraint of some kind placed on her long ago? Does the blood give power to magic? Or does she really just like jewelry that much that she'll wear something that cuts into her neck? All will be revealed in time I guess
>>1504(not neck, arms)
Well, from Trump's position there is little about her that ISN'T curious.
>jewelryYes and yes, its both valuable and aesthetic.
Since you're all starin' at me, lets just say I've been playing the Game for a LOOOOOONG time. ^_^
>>1507>The mask (now hanging from her belt 'cuz illusions are dispelled within the building) is also lined with gilt and gems which I'm not gonna bother illustrating. Its just absurd.>she blushes intensely (almost a chocolate-cherry hue) as she feels increasing examination.Here anon, you look like your throat is getting dry. Have some water.
>offers cup of water >>1508>Having already emerged from hiding spot*Suspiciously inspects cup, but accepts it graciously*
*As I inch closer to Flashy, still staring, I inquire*
"... If I took that mask, would you die?"
As you would will, the mask is a tool. It allows its user to mask their appearance and hide from (((scrutiny))).
>ponders for a moment
Die? Oh goodness no! Whatever would make you think that? (both innocent and sly)
"Since the building is up and running and we don't have to worry about eavesdroppers, let me show you around a bit!"
>whoof, she appears over by John Elway
In the event that someone falls in battle, John Elway can cure/heal any adversity with His Footballs.
>gestures toward the double-doors
Any combative need can be found in the workshop/mess hall, where you can practice and work toward killing shit while you nom!
>whooof, appears by the Library
The library comprises the most authoritative works on intelligence and magic that can be found, both in and out of this particular construct (meaning, anything a character would wish to learn 'can be found here'.).
>whooof, appears back on the dais
And this is kind-of the control panel, though its mostly used as the high ground during invasions. Oh, and if you see a 2'-tall fellow with golden hair wandering through, check the rooms for firetraps. The surfaces are kinda slick, so you can easily slide down from above but don't expect to climb back up, and if we ever get this thing out of the ground, the outside is enchanted so you can walk on it irrespective of gravity. Any questions?" <3 ^_^
>>1512*Is now completely pressed-up against Flashy*
>Slightly irritatedBut where's the exit?! And why'd we get picked for this "Game" thing anyway?
>>1514"The exit is at the base of the stairs, on the north side of the building, where we were murdering zombies earlier. Great initiative by the way, you didn't even bother to introduce yourself before handling business. As for why you were picked, I would say it probably has something to do with how you handle business. Imagine that everything we (as characters in this descriptive) do is witness to a variety of beings, entities, and consiousnessess well beyond our own. Now imagine that those entities w/e are eternally bored. When one such as these sees an individual of particular significance, intrigue, or flavor, they are often quite dismayed to see their termination. Someit somewhen along the line decided that there should be more for such awesomer characters, and ultimately this is the du juor edition.
Think of it as Final Fantasy Football, if you will.
>>1515Trumpaladin speaks out after hearing of his purpose here. "I was defender of a Nation. I served a higher purpose. Not an entertainer."
Trumpaladin wonders why something as great and holy as Football would be in the same mess as Thez and her game
>>1515>puts on a slight air of haughtiness, in response to having her manners corrected"Pardon my crudeness, but that's just how I roll, bitch.
Anyway, as for who I am, you may refer to me as Mrs. Sentry, or Tracy if you will.
>>1517*grips leg*
As for my purpose... Well, my husband here has made quite a few enemies in recent years, in more ways than you could imagine.. On my last whack, I discovered that he's racked-up a bounty of more than six gorillion shekels on his head. I've been hoping to convince him to ditch his guardsmen duties and run off to a patch of land I bought-up in the West, but he insisted that he had some "unfinished business" at the border to take care of first. Last time he left for a special mission, I didn't see him again for more than two months, so I set out to follow him on this one: I had just lost his trail, when I saw a blinding light, and woke up to myself here."
>>1523>the introduction bit wasn't a correction, it was a sincere appreciationWell, if you're looking to kill your enemies, in the most brutal and whimsical terms that you and others can imagine, to whatever degree of exhaustive detail you wish to supply, then this is the place.
As for "unfinished business", that too is something the Game is good for. Whether literally or figuratively, one is led inexorably to resolution.
You're still holding that glass of water I gave you?
>>1524*Stops water at lips right as she was about to drink it*
"...Yes..?"
>>1523>Trump turns to argue with TracyAlright, first off all it is *you* with a bounty on your head, not I. Do you think they would keep me on the payroll at the same time there is a bounty on me (unless you count private bounties... I forget). Second, the Donkey cartel was a serious problem that needed to be taken care of, and I did. Thirdly, you are crazy and need to stay away from me.
*tries to pull leg and move away*
I'm still in service to the Guard, and I need to get back
>>1526>get back>still in servicePerhaps you were and most dutifully at that, but if you're HERE, its cuz ya done died. Whether you can go BACK is an iffy proposition. There have been characters who were able to "resume" their "normal" positions in life, but those are few and far between.