>>72691
(pssst! the archives, they contain the death totals. We killed lots of warriors, several heavies, and a squad of royal guards.)

>>72691

ASSESSING LOOSES: Moderate losses to WARRIORS and HEAVY WARRIORS, minor losses to ROYAL GUARD CURRENT TOTALS: 600 WORKERS 301 WARRIORS 78 HEAVY WARRIORS 45 ROYAL GUARD ENERGY RESERVES ASSESSMENT REQUEST: INCOMPATIBLE COMMAND CLARIFICATION: Order batches of a given caste, and the group will begin being constructed. The rate of construction is influenced by the energy requirement. COMMAND:_________

>>72697
Make a SUBSERVIENT QUEEN to create a sister colony.

>>72700

COMMAND: Create subservient queen PROCESS BEGUN GUNS OF BRIXTON NOTICE: MINOR TIME-LAPSE DUE TO BREEDING STRAIN SUBSERVIENT QUEEN PERCENT COMPLETE: 21% TUNNEL MODIFICATION PERCENT COMPLETE: 52% NOTICE: WORKERS found new potential foods: Leaf Type A Leaf Type B Leaf Type C Bark Type A Bark Type B Vine Type A Stalk Type A Stalk Type B COMMAND:________

>>72703
Gather 20 units of each type. Also evaluate availability of each type, and how renewable each is.

>>72704

ASSESSMENT: Availability of goods. PLENTIFUL NOMINAL SCARCE RARE LEAF TYPE A LEAF TYPE C BARK TYPE A STALK TYPE A LEAF TYPE B STALK TYPE B VINE TYPE A BARK TYPE B WORKERS have already brought back a sample of 5 units of each good. COMMAND:_________

>>72708
Set 50 workers each to harvest Leaf A, Leaf B, and Bark B. Send 20 workers each to harvest Leaf C and Stalk B. Send 5 workers each to harvest Bark A and Vine A. Send 1 worker to harvest Stalk A.

Evaluate resource replenishment with this setup.

>>72715
[code:]COMMAND: Accepted
201 Workers assigned to above ground flora resource gathering resource gathering.

ASSESSMENT: ERROR
Found resources have not been tested for usefulness, storage not recommended until they have been analyzed.


COMMAND:________[/code]

>>72731
Test one unit of each food by having a worker eat it.

>>72734

TEST COMMENCING: ........... ........... ........... ........... INITIAL FINDINGS AVAILABLE: NUTRITIONAL VALUE: NONE LOW NORMAL HIGH VINE A LEAF A BARK A BARK B LEAF B STALK B STALK A LEAF C FURTHER DATA CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE COMMAND:________

>>72806
Adjust workers thusly:
50 gathering Leaf A
5 gathering Leaf B
30 gathering Leaf C
5 gathering Bark A
75 gathering Bark B
2 gathering Vine A
1 gathering Stalk A
30 gathering Stalk B

Evaluate plant recovery for long-term sustainability.

Also, test all types of food on Warrior, Heavy Warrior, and Royal Guard castes.

>>72812

HARVESTER REDISTRIBUTION CONFIRMED. DISTRIBUTION: 50 gathering Leaf A 5 gathering Leaf B 30 gathering Leaf C 5 gathering Bark A 75 gathering Bark B 2 gathering Vine A 1 gathering Stalk A 30 gathering Stalk B EVALUATING PLANT RECOVERY: ERROR UNKNOWN TERM: SELF-SUSTAINING DISREGARDING CLARIFICATION: All breeds can eat the same food, it is part of their design. COMMAND:_________

>>72824
Make more Bohemian Rhapsody.

>>72824
query: what are our capabilities? And will our current foraging of the local flora have any destructive effects? Do we have ant self sustaining sources of food maybe a fungus farm?

ASSESSING..... ASSESSING..... WARNING: Unknown amount of time has passed. ASSESSING: ERROR REASON: No records exist connecting now and the time period foraging occurred. ASSESSING: Bohemian Rhapsody Stores have been replenished. ASSESSING: Surrogate Queen complete ESTIMATION: Time gap of approximately two hours. ALERT: Valiance reported as detected near spire shortly before loss of records. ASSESSING: No threat currently detectable. FOOD ASSESSMENT:>>72825 Bohemian Rhapsody stocks are full. Attempt Refinement? >>72946 EXPLANATION: Fungus farm exists for Bohemian Rhapsody. QUERY: Self-Sustaining: Definition COMMAND:__________

>>76457
Yes, attempt refinement.

>>76457
do we have any unique individuals

>>76457
their were other termite haves around right? ARe they our sisters?

>>76457
Sustainable: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

If the speed at which the harvested resource is replenished is equal to or greater than the speed at which it is harvested, then the harvesting of that resource is sustainable.

>>76458

REFINEMENT: UNDERWAY >>76550 CLARIFICATION: Gun Of Brixton is the hive mind that controls her drone progeny. One mind, a legion of forms. >>76563 ASSESSMENT: Each Spire is controlled by a given sapient queen. Guns Of Brixton currently has no alliances/vendettas with any other spires. >>76587 DEFINITION: Accepted ERROR: Other spires also harvest resources. Their harvesting cannot currently be accurately assessed. PROGRESS: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY REFINEMENT: 4% WARNING: Valiance traces in spire theorized to include Primal Valiance. COMMAND:__________

>>76752
Something with a Primal Valiance invaded, but didn't take any Bohemian Rhapsody?

Check numbers of current servants for losses.

>>76771 ASSESSMENT: No missing bodies ASSESSMENT: Primal Valiance traces found in areas previously attacked. HYPOTHESIS: Bearer of Primal Valiance investigated attack. ERROR: Bearer of Primal Valiance of a divergent source to prior attackers. No known reason to investigate attack. PROGRESS: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY REFINEMENT: 8% COMMAND:___________

>>77020
Send the SUBSERVIENT QUEEN out to make another colony.

Create 50 Warriors, 25 Heavy Warriors, and 15 Royal Guard.

In addition, send 100 Warriors, 20 Heavy Warriors, and 10 Royal Guard with the SUBSERVIENT QUEEN to protect her.

>>77886
And start spamming mutalisks.

>>77886 >>77887 CLARIFICATION: Subservient Queen Purpose: -designed to improve production capabilities of the spire. -to allow more units to be produced at the same time -to allow units to be readies faster. CLARIFICATION: Only %.02 of Subservient Queens claim names and found spires. CLARIFICATION: Guns Of Brixton is one of such. COMMAND: (50) Warriors, (25) Heavy Warriors, (15) Royal Guards produced. PROGRESS: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY REFINEMENT: 11% REINFORCEMENTS PRODUCTION: 19% COMMAND:___________

>>78828
Stop harvesting Vine A at 20 units, Stalk A at 10 units, and Leaf B at 40 units, since they serve no purpose yet.

Send 50 idle Workers to expand knowledge of surrounding territory.

>>78835 ORDERS: Workers, IDLE: investigate surrounding area, seek to expand knowledge. WORKERS DISPATCHED ..... ..... TIME ELAPSED PROGRESS: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY REFINEMENT: 24% REINFORCEMENTS PRODUCTION: 100% COMPLETE WORKERS INITIAL SCOUTING: COMPLETE Reinforcements available DATA: Workers found spire next to it completely abandoned, and it seems to have it's Bohemian Rhapsody reserves still. DATA: Workers found evidence the Primal Valiance bearer detected in the spire was also present at the now empty spire adjacent to this one. DATA: Primal Valiance scent found nearby, on top of a nearby large rock. Bearer presumed present. DATA: Strangely shaped, golden insect leg found. DATA: A small party of small to mid sized insects approaches the Crucible Of Valiance. COMMAND:__________

>>79015
begin claiming empty spire as yours.
move insect leg into food storage.

>>79688
Convert the spire to a Greater Spire, start muta production, and turn some to Guardians.

>>79688 COMMAND: [GOLDEN LEG] stored in spire. COMPLETED COMMAND: Attempt to claim empty spire. ERROR: Unidentified rot is corroding the empty spire from the top earthward. ASSESSMENT: Bohemian Rhapsody reserves are stored beneath ground level. CALCULATION: 81% probability workers could claim the Bohemian Rhapsody and return with at least 25% of the reserves. CALCULATION: 45% probability workers could claim the Bohemian Rhapsody and return with at least 50% of the reserves. CALCULATION: 27% probability workers could claim the Bohemian Rhapsody and return with at least 75% of the reserves. CALCULATION: 12% probability workers could claim the Bohemian Rhapsody and return with all 100% of the reserves. PROGRESS: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY REFINEMENT: 31% COMMAND:____________

>>80713
Send 50 warriors above ground to meet the group of insects approaching. Do not attack before they do, but block the path to the entrance tunnel.

Send 300 workers to collect Bohemian Rhapsody from the spire. Pull from idle workers first, then exploring ones. Send one extra to investigate the Primal Valiance user more closely. Attempt communication?

Once the spire has been dealt with, send the workers back to fill jobs they were interrupted from.

>>80732
(roll a d100 to determine how much Bohemian Rhapsody is successfully harvested.)

rolled 87 = 87

---

>>80971
okay.

Haha, wow. Additional command: Expand the Bohemian Rhapsody storage area.

>>80984 COMMAND: Retrieve Bohemian Rhapsody ISSUED: 300 Workers, idle first >>80985 COMMAND: Expand Bohemian Rhapsody storage facilities. COMMAND ACCEPTED >>80732 COMMAND: 50 Warriors, guard entrances to spire. STIPULATION: Do not engage intruders unless attacked. COMMAND: 1 Worker, sent to attempt communication with presumed source of Primal Valiance. ........ ........ ........ ASSESSMENT: All 100% of Bohemian Rhapsody reserves retrieved. ASSESSMENT: Group of small to midsized intruders currently at a short distance from spire and guarding warriors. ASSESSMENT: Worker beginning to ascend rock presumed to have a Primal Valiance bearer at it's peak. ASSESSMENT: Additional Bohemian Rhapsody reserves increases time needed to refine stock. PROGRESS BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY REFINEMENT(Of new total stock): 23% BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY STORAGE EXPANSION: 48% COMMAND:__________

Ant Quest Side Stories, Chapter 4 Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/11/28(Sat)10:15 No. 82591 ID: 6164e0
File 125943214044.jpg - (504.44KB , 1024x816 , Bob Marley.jpg )

Well, finally made it. Pfaw, you would think with how many members can't fly, be it from injury or design of form, that a base atop a tree would be considered inadvisable, but no. Took me a good half hour to make my way up to where the apprentices preparing for their first placement are.

But the point is I'm here. Ah, I can here the sound of jousting mandibles, of weighty clashes, I can smell determination, hope, desperation, envy and diligence. This isn't the absolute pinnacle of the tree The Beatles call home, but still, the massive branches have been carved out, tunnels and platforms abounding.

I nod to Big Duo as I arrive, one of the others tapped to be a judge for this batch of apprentices, and wonder where Guns N' Roses, the final of the three judges, could be. Usually, she is quite punctual.

Well, there is some time before the official judging starts, and I have some few moments to take an unofficial peek at an apprentice or two before the judging starts.


Hm. Should I wait here (perhaps converse with Big Duo), or should I wander over to the sound of sparring to get a sneak peek at those we will be judging?

>>82591
Get a sneak peek, see who to look out for this time.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/11/28(Sat)14:39 No. 82690 ID: 6164e0
File 12594479455.jpg - (291.46KB , 900x917 , 7 Year Bitch.jpg )

>>82598
Hm. Might as well get a look at those I am going to be judging now, when they aren't trying to impress the judges.

I wander over to one of the leveled sections of intertwined branches, to find a small crowd of future members of The Beatles, all at varying stages in their developement and instruction, clustered around two beetles, both tense and ready for the bout to begin.

...In particular, I can taste the desire for battle, the desire to reav a slaughter-filled path through her foes emanating from one of the two beetles. Her scent identifies her as 7 Year Bitch.... ah, she's one of the apprentices I am judging today.

The instructor watching the match lets out a hiss, and the two titans lumber towards each other, building up speed.

A horrendous cracking noise is heard as the two finally meet. I would expect the larger beetle to be winning this contest of strength, and yet 7 Year Bitch slowly is pushing him back, rage, excitement, bloodlust and joy rolling off of her in a chaotic wave.

How can..... Ah. I see the ichor starting to leak from her spiracles, the cracks slowly whispering across her legs: She pushes her body past it's reasonable limits, without care for the repercussions: Victory, conquest, those are the only things she sees. I watch as she strains, heaves, more ichor dripping from her as she heaves her opponent out of her way, slamming him against the tree. The instructor calls the match, and 7 Year Bitch hisses in triumph, euphoria washing off of her as she emerges victorious.

.....Hm. Her dedication to victory is certainly unquestionable, but I wonder at her long term viability: Fighting like that usually leads to a bright yet brief career.


Hm..... how should I feel about her nigh-berserker dedication to victory? Certainly there are merits to it, but.....


How should I take what I just saw, for the purposes of evaluating her later? Should I stay and try to glean more information, or should I continue wandering, and try to find more of the apprentices that I will be judging?

>>82690
I think that's all you need to learn about her. She's strong, but she's not smart. Victory at all costs seems like a good idea, but it's bound to get you killed. Seems that she'll do reasonably well, but prowess is not measured solely in strength.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/11/28(Sat)23:31 No. 83120 ID: 6164e0
File 125947988843.jpg - (228.78KB , 680x962 , In The Way.jpg )

>>82730
I continue along, letting the brutal 7 Year Bitch continue in her bloody practice.

I see an arena with only a single audience member, the judge disinterested. It is hard to disagree, as the fight is horrendously one sided, a powerful beetle knocking about it's far smaller foe. Shortly, the little combatant is knocked prone, it's form battered and dented, it's spiracles heaving in exhaustion.

".....A......again...... please."

Oh? The little one wants to challenge her foe again? Well, I suppose some learn their limitations more slowly than others.

"Again? Hah..... look, this is what, the thirtieth time you have challenged Anberlin, do you really think anything has changed? Face it, you aren't going to win."

The little one struggles to it's feat, slowly limping it's way over to the center of the ring.

"Doesn't..... matter. I'll try.... again, and again.... as many times... as it takes. What kind of.. warrior.. would I be, if.. I gave up so easily?

Oh? So this is the plucky little one I heard about, In The Way. Certainly, that will, that dedication to meeting the expectations of others, to striving for success, it is phenomenal, the will of a titan.

...It is sad, that such determination is trapped within such a form. I doubt she will be able to even succeed in the trials without a Valiance to compensate for her... deficiencies.

...And yet, that absolute, complete and utter devotion, that perfect loyalty to the creed of The Beatles.... there are only a scant few who could be considered even half as dedicated.

I am torn. I want to applaud her will, but I cannot deny her lack of power.


How should I view what I have seen? Should I try to learn more about In The Way? Should I inspect who the lone audience member is? Or should I go looking for other apprentices?

>>83120
It all depends on how much she is improving from the experience. If she learns from each battle, and her sheer willpower allows her to fight over and over again without giving up, then she will slowly grow to become a better warrior despite her size.

>>83123
strength can be gained, skill can be taught, but such a force of will can only come from within. With someone to mentor this one, to take her under a wing, there is much potential here.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/11/29(Sun)00:33 No. 83133 ID: 6164e0
File 125948359595.jpg - (328.68KB , 1000x1500 , Excalibur.jpg )

>>83129
Hmm... Valiance could provide strength, but the same is not true of such dedicated will as this one has.
>>83123
...But if she does not learn from her failures, can that will truly be claimed as useful? Some thirty failed attempts to surpass this one,and she still gets trounced handily....

Once more she challenges Anberlin, and once more she falls. If there was any difference between this and her last bout, I cannot percieve it.

Anberlin looks down on her prone form, and sighs.

"...I won't fight you anymore. You could die if you keep this up."
"But-"
"But nothing. You're up for evaluation today, do you really want to ruin that crippling yourself? Just head back and do what you can to freshen up, okay?"
"...Yes."

As Anberlin and the instructor acting as judge depart, In The Way turns to the lone audience member, pride radiating from her.

"Did you see, did you see? I finally dodged two of Anberlins kicks in a row! I knew I could do it!"

A sense of.... peace? Not quite paternal or even familial, but protective nonetheless, faintly emenates from the audience member.

"I saw, In The Way, I saw your acheivement. You are improving, bit by bit."
"I just wanted to say thanks for the advice you gave me, Anberlin really does list to the left when he tries to kick too quickly! I couldn't have done it without you, Excalibur."

Oh? So this is the one that Big Duo nominated for early acceptance into the Rite Of Apprenticeship. Not even fully grown, and already his prodigious jaws make him larger than several full members of The Beatles.


Should I continue listening, or should I approach them and address them? Or should I go elsewhere? I still have some time before the official evaluations begin.

Address them. The little one could easily become as deadly as the other if she awakens a Valience.

>>83142
I decide to hail both In The Way and Excalibur, in the hopes of gaining more incite into to radically different apprentices of The Beatles.

“Hail, apprentices? How fare thee?”

Only In The Way turns to face me, but it is Excalibur who responds first.

“You are Bob Marley, yes? I recognize your scent.”
“Oh? I do not recall having met you before.”
“Strictly speaking, you have not. I was, however, present at a function you attended some time ago. It was when Big Fau challenged The Ace Of Spades for leadership of The Beatles.”
..? Nearly every member of The Beatles was present for that, it was huge to see someone actually challenge The Ace Of Spades. But the apprentice remembers my scent that clearly, merely from being in the same area as me? Quite the feat, that.

As I ponder this, Excalibur turns away, and begins to march off.

“Now if you will excuse me sir judge, I am required to participate in some sparring.”
“Oh!”

At this, In The Way excitedly darts off after the larger crimson beetle, my presence already forgotten. So, In The Way is quite attached to Excalibur. I wonder, is it admiration, friendship, or something else? I suppose I shall have to see more to be sure.

…Ah, I think I smell Guns N’ Roses now. Are all three judges finally present? I imagine that means the official events will be starting in the near future.


Should I follow Excalibur, or seek out the other judges?

>>92812
How did the fight between Big Fau and the Ace of Spades go?

Seek out the judges.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/16(Wed)10:56 No. 92885 ID: 6164e0
File 126098976763.jpg - (266.76KB , 2136x1373 , Guns N Roses.jpg )

>>92830
Of course Big Fau fell before The Ace Of Spades, no other outcome was expected. There is a reason that one has been the leader of The Beatles since it's founding: He forged this organization out of his own strength, prodigious even among titanic beetles. Big Fau was bested without The Ace Of Spades ever having to reveal the Primal Valiance he possesses.

A pity. In the sixteen ages I have known our leader for, I have not even heard of him using his greatest Valiance. I was hoping to see it revealed in the bout, as I imagine many spectators were.

Well, if all three judges are here, I imagine I should meet up with them, prepare for the event itself. I track both Big Duo and Gun N' Roses's scents back to the trunk of the tree, to find the two amiably chatting.

As usual, Gun N' Roses is late, and I see several organizers of these events rushing about, trying to make up for lost time now that all three judges are here.

By the time I make it over to my two fellow judges, a small crowd has started to form, in anticipation of the judging. Excellent, that means I shall be able to reference the general membership of The Beatle's opinion on any given performance, during the judging. Such things, I feel, are just as important as my own opinions, as these are the ones the apprentices will eventually be serving alongside.

As I approach, Gun N' Roses hails me, a lazy warmth spilling from her.

"Oh-ho, Bob Marley, it has been some time since I have seen you: I hope your crops do well?"

Hmph. The moocher. I spend most of my time cultivating my preferred type of intoxicant/food source, and pushy gluttons like Metallica and my fellow judge invariably partake of my food, without ever asking or caring about the effort it takes to grow such things.


Should I tell her the truth, that the plants are doing well, or should I lie, and say the crops are doing poorly in the hopes of warding her off? And what event should I suggest we view first, a set of Sparring, a Race, or a Tactical Appraisal session? All three must take place before we can move on to further events.

>>92885
Give her a nuetral response, like "There was some trouble recently, and my harvest is limited as of late."
Let's go watch Excalibur spar. With a name like that...

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/17(Thu)16:17 No. 93565 ID: 6164e0
File 126109543460.jpg - (149.79KB , 800x1200 , Beatles Promising Newcomer Excalibur.jpg )

>>93532
"The crops have not been performing as well as I would like, sadly. Putting that aside for now, though, I suggest we go watch some sparring, I know at least three of the apprentices are there, and one named Excalibur has a match soon."

Big Duo speaks up before Gun N' Roses can even respond, his interest clearly piqued.

"Excalibur? Then I agree with Bob Marley, we should go watch the match. A good chance to see an apprentice in action."
"And this has nothing to do with your favoritism towards Excalibur, I take it?"
"Please, if you can find another apprentice with combat skills as great as his, please, point them out. No? We are a mercenary force, and strength is of the utmost importance."

After some more light banter and bickering, we make our way along one of the larger branches in the massive tree, passing by a few clearings still being used for practice spars between Beatles members, until we come upon a fairly large crowd, gathered around one of the fields. Unsurprisingly, I can smell Excalibur within the mass.

While I contemplate how to get closer without alerting any apprentices that the judges have come to watch, Big Duo simply clears a path by dint of his bulk and strength, which Gun N' Roses traverses in his wake amiably.

....I follow along after, knowing it futile to attempt to remain hidden now.

I see Excalibur is facing... oh? Why is Barael, one of the longfangs here? And why is an apprentice about to face off against an elite member of the Beatles that specializes in fighting singularly powerful foes?

...And why does Excalibur smell so calm in such a situation? He is fighting Barael, a longfang with considerable weight, strength and experience advantages over him.

..Well, either this will be very, VERY interesting, or it will be very predictable.

Big Duo seems confident in the apprentice, so I suppose I shall-
"Hey. Marley."
"What is it, Big Duo?"
"[10 units of Bohemian Rhapsody] says Excalibur is going to win this."
"what? You want to gamble while serving as an arbiter?!"
"You gonna take the bet or not?"

The crowd starts to go quiet as the fighters get ready. Barael tilts his head from side to side, stretching, while Excalibur only opens his prodigious mandibles wider, setting himself firmly in place.


...What should I do? Should I accept the bet, or not?

>>93565
No bet. Jesus, Excalibur is a little frightening.

>>93565
Excalibur is probably going to win, yes... but betting is not fitting of a judge.

>>93565
Excalibur has his own little minion, large ambitions, and is very calm while facing off against an apparently vastly superior foe. He needs watching.

Don't take the bet. Besides the ethical issues, you might actually lose.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/17(Thu)17:21 No. 93610 ID: 6164e0
File 126109931598.jpg - (244.46KB , 1200x800 , Beatles Excalibur Sparring.jpg )

>>93568
>>93573
>>93576
Perhaps I could claim the reason to be because I do not approve of such frivolous acts as gambling when working. Or perhaps it is because of how clam Excalibur appears. Either way.... I do not wish to accept this bet.

"No deal, Duo."
"HAH! Smart. Now, watch this, it should be quite interesting, I think."

I watch as the spar begins, unsurprised to see Barael charging forward, his mandibles starting to softly glow.

BARAEL'S BLADE!

Barael's mandibles become inflamed as he dashes towards the still stationary Excalibur, who-

THE SWORD!

I barely even catch what happens as the two fighters meet. Excalibur snaps his jaws open far wider than I would have thought possible, catching one of Barael's forelegs before it settles upon the ground, unbalancing the charging warrior. Excalibur's jaws slam shut with tremendous force, catching the larger beetle's own jaws firmly in their grasp.

With a heave, Excalibur lifts Barael off the ground, his legs now futilely scrabbling in the air, his mandible's fires extinguished in his surprise.

Barael struggles on for a few moments to retaliate in some format, before the bout is called, in Excalibur's favor. He drops his hold on Barael, who now appears enraged he was caught off guard so.

Interesting. He didn't approach it as a means of proving his strength, even when judges where present, but only as a means of most effectively achieving victory. I understand now why Big Duo was so confident, and yet.... 'tis true enough, that Excalibur won, but did he actually prove himself stronger? He only fought to win by the rules of a practice match as quickly as possible.

...As a judge, I could request that the two fight again. Barael would likely be more wary this time, and his anger should lend him strength, should he channel it appropriately.


What should I do? Should I force a rematch? Commune with someone?

Ask Duo if he thinks a rematch would be a good idea.

Do not FORCE a rematch, but request one. If Excalibur declines it is every bit his right.

>>93610
An honest match with a seasoned veteran would tire out Excalibur, even if he is as skilled enough to win. It would skew the examination.

>>93755
I agree. This is fair.

>>93770
The examinations are largely informal: All that matters is the end opinion of each judge on the apprentices. Strictly speaking, the judging has already started.

>>93623
"Duo, what say you, should Barael be given another chance, now that he is more wary, more focused?"
"Hmm.... well, it would certainly be a harder fight for Excalibur.... Ah, I do not know. I default to you, Bob Marley. What do you think should be done?"
>>93755
>>93818
"....Excalibur!" I blast the area with my scent, gaining everyone's attention as I address the apprentice. He simply looks at me, waiting to see what it is I wish to communicate.
"If you are willing, I would like to see you spar with Barael once more. What say you, apprentice?"

Excalibur continues to stare at me for a time, before he nods his head, and once more turns to face Barael.
"So Big Duo, what are your assessments of how things will go this time?" Guns N' Roses inquires as she trundles closer, her interest clearly piqued.
"...I don't really know, actually. Excalibur is very good at catching his foes off guard, but Barael is going to be more careful now.:
"Would you wish to make that bet you offered Bob Marley now? I would be willing to wager."
"...Yes. Yes I would. [10 units of Bohemian Rhapsody], on Excalibur winning."
"And so I shall be the same on Barael. Let us see how this goes."


OPTION: This fight can either be viewed normally from Bob Marley's perspective, or as one of the participants. If it is chosen to be viewed from a participant's vantage point, a D2 shall be rolled, to determine which one is followed. A 1 will dictate Excalibur, a 2 Barael.


From which viewpoint, Judge or Combatant, shall this fight take place?

rolled 2 = 2

---

>>93829
Combatant.

Excalibur Excalibur Excalibur Excalibur...

>>93892
DAMN!

Quick, delete the post before Bob checks!

>>93892
>>93893
>>93904

I HAVE SEEN

>>93892

BARAEL, VETERAN LONGFANG, CHOSEN

Oh, I am going to grind that little cretin into paste, I will crush him for humiliating me so!

I see Excalibur before me, once more standing still, his mandibles held akimbo, awaiting my strike. I am perhaps 10 centimeters away from him, and considering that each of us are near to 4 centimeters each in length, the distance is short enough to be crossed very swiftly. Both of us are capable of flight, but at this proximity, it's usefulness can be difficult to exploit.

Barael's Abilities

BARAEL'S BLADE
Valiance
Can emit phosphorous and sulfur based powders constantly for five seconds, causing the mandibles to ignite and be inflamed for five seconds. After each use, twenty seconds must elapse before it can be used again.

TO TAKE THE BLACK
Valiance
Barael can eject ink from an organic jet built into the bottom of his jaw. The jet must first be readied before a given use, which takes 2/3 of a second.


I am... normally... fairly deft in my footing, despite my previous performance. I am also a very capable flier. Sadly, I do not know much about how Excalibur fights, other than his recent performance.


How should I approach this?

>>93959
Fight defensively. Ready the ink RIGHT NOW, and fire it when he becomes impatient and closes the distance. Then flip the little bastard.

>>93961
If he is so confident that he can employ that attack of his on me again so simply, then I shall endeavor to not give him the chance.

I set my jaw as I begin to prepare a blast of To Take The Black to blind my foe.

I see Excalibur tweak an antenna the moment I begin my preparations. He suspects I am preparing something, although it's unlikely he could predict what it is having never seen it before, or heard about it, since we Longfangs stand somewhat apart from the rest of The Beatles due to our... specialization.

Excalibur clamps his legs firmly onto the ground and flares his shell swiftly.

...Hrm, almost ready...

Excalibur's shell snaps shut with vicious force as I finally fire To Take The Black

MAGIC SWORD!

TO TAKE THE BLACK!

!? Excalibur is hurtling at me, far more swiftly than I anticipated. Thankfully, his speed works against him, as he charges straight into the jet of blinding ink.

....And seems completely unfazed by the loss of vision as he collides with me, accelerating to make sure he can strike me before I can move.

The impact is jarring, but my carapace can take such an impact. I manage to right and reorient myself, to find Excalibur already using his antenna to scrub the ink off of his eyes. He still does not seem able to see, although given enough time he will be rid of the ink.

I was thrown some fifteen centimeters away by the charge, and while jarring, I am not injured.


What should I do?

>>94548
Come from the side. He won't see something like that coming, considering his LOLCHARGE 'strategy'.

Press the advantage. It might be best to keep the second Valiance under wraps for now in case he doesn't know you have it, so rip into him the old fashioned way.

>>94554
>>94561
While he already has seen my other Valiance, Barael's Blade, the one I awakened myself, he does not know the mechanics behind it, not after only seeing it once. I decide to keep it in reserve for the moment anyway, just to keep something in reserve should I need it.

I circle around to Excalibur's side, noting that he does not even pause in his scrubbing to attempt to detect my placement by sound sans the scrubbing noise so close to his head. However, I do note him setting his jaws askew once more, only this time, stretching them.... phenomenally wide, now running parallel to each other like a great set of horns jutting from either side of his head. I was... not aware mandibles could even be opened that wide, not for beetles of our size. Quite flexible... and, if he demonstrates control over them equal to our first bout, potentially dangerous.

I continue to circle about, now somewhat behind and to the right of Excalibur, still vigorously scrubbing at his eyes. He still cannot see, but for how much longer, I cannot say.

I charge towards his flank at full speed, eager to finally beat some respect into this apprentice.

As I charge, I see Excalibur slam the end of his right mandible into the floor, driving it into the tree. Why-

THE SWORD!

Excalibur's form blurs as he wrenches his right mandible shut while kicking off the ground, his body careening through the air about the staked mandible. His rapid movement wrenches the mandible free, now turned to face towards my charge by his rapid movement.

And then I note he has once more flared his shell open and gripped the ground. That littl-

MAGIC SWORD

With my forward motion, the charge becomes far more brutal, and Excalibur rends a long gash down my side as he barrels past my left side, my body wrenched about by the impact. It wells with some ichor, but is not grievous enough to cause me undue worry. Damn that upstart, that caught me by surprise! As far as I can tell, though, he still can't see yet. If I could get close to him without him hearing my approach.... or, if I came at him with inflamed mandibles, I would gladly suffer another hit, if it meant I could counterattack, I know my personal mandible to be quite devastating. Currently, I am some twenty centimeters behind Excalibur.


What should I do?

>>94936
Well, flying is harder to track, isn't it? Get close to him via the air and use Barael's Blade again.

>>94942
Buzzing wings make a lot of noise. He'd probably notice us.

But, if we fly high enough, we'll be out of his hearing range. Then we can just stop flying, and land on the ambitious little upstart.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/20(Sun)16:29 No. 95499 ID: 6164e0
File 126135539092.jpg - (266.99KB , 1020x680 , Excalibur Emerald Sword Suplex.jpg )

>>94942
>>94973
Yes, if I take to the air and attack him from above, he should not be able to face my assault as easily, both of our forms designed for dealing with lateral threats. And if I simply drop onto him after ascending, he should not even be able to hear my approach. If I couple that with Barael's Blade, I could end this match now, and pay back the whelp for the humiliation he heaped upon me.

I flick my shell open and unfurl my wings, taking to the air with a furious burst of noise and wind. I see Excalibur cock his head to the side, his antenna still furiously scrubbing at his eyes. Then... he begins to make his way along the curve of the arena floor, finding a perch where the tree limb begins to slope away, his head aimed towards the sky, but not at my location.

I flutter still higher, in the hopes of gaining enough height to drop on him in silent surprise, ready to employ Barael's Blade as necessary. Once I am some thirty, forty inches above him, I snap my wings in and close my shell, descending towards Excalibur's form. At some ten inches distance, I ignite my mandibles in preparation for the conclusion of this match.

BARAEL'S BLA-!?

!?!? One of my mandibles won't ignite properly, it-

EMERALD SWORD!!

I snap my attention back to Excalibur, to see his shell flared open, his mandibles canted incredibly wide as he leaps from the tree branch, his wings buzzing furiously as he builds momentum, aimed straight at me. It seems he can hear the hissing flames shrouding one of my fangs. But as he nears me, he snaps his wings shut, abruptly accelerating even further, and jets into me faster than I can react to, his mandibles swinging shut about me with a morbid finality.

Our forms collide heavily in the air, and we crash back down onto the branch heavily, Excalibur's tenacious hold around me unrelenting.

But he is not done. As we crash to the ground, he immediately heaves his body, redirecting the force of the fall into flipping me about, and drives the ends of my mandibles into the tree, pinning me in place.

....The time he charged me, right at the start of this bout: I thought the impact caused me no harm, but he clearly damaged the pores on one of my mandibles with the strike, that's why it wouldn't ignite. ....Did he plan this? After seeing me use Barael's Blade but once, he realized how to wound my from to impede it?

...I

...I cannot free myself, either from the tree or his grip.

...I lost.

To a foe who was blinded for most of the match, who had to find me by sound and scent alone.

.........................................[BOB MARLEY].........................................


The match is called, with Excalibur once more the winner.

"HAHA! What do you think of that, Guns? I told you he was something special!"
"...I must admit surprise. Very well, Duo, after we are done here, I shall get you your winnings."

Guns N' Roses is not the only surprised one. I was not expecting Excalibur to direct the flow of the fight so deftly as that.


Well, what kind of opinion should I hold on Excalibur so far? On the one hand, his performance in practical combat is stellar (THREE abilities, without any Valiance to employ? Most interesting). On the other hand, he is rather consistently said to only perform well in combat, being apathetic towards most other pursuits....

Perhaps I should speak with him?

>>95499
Of course! He's excellent. As we've seen before with the relationship with the other beetle, he also seems to have a little talent teaching as well.

>>95499
What other pursuits are there, anyway? Let's go chat with him a little more.

>>95560
Anything the judges want, really. But each apprentice must be judged in the following categories before this event is over. Each apprentice must be deemed 'acceptable' or better by at least two judges in three categories or more to pass, and be eligible for the Rite Of Apprenticeship, their first active duty:

1: One-on-one sparring against other beetles to display hero-killing capabilities.
2: One vs. many group combat against a local beehive, to display ability to best groups of smaller foes.
3: Tactics comprehension: Hypothetical scenarios will be presented, with the judges assessing how each apprentice chooses to respond.
4: Ability to defend a target (An Acorn) from attack by others (The Beatles trainers).
5: A mobility test, assessed via a race from the base of the tree to the very top.

Other than the race and the one vs. many assessment, both of which involve all apprentices at the same time, any apprentice can be made to take any test in any order, the judges choosing when it happens. Excalibur's performance now can be used for determining how well he does in one on one matches: I would hazard to guess he passes in the eyes of all three judges for his display.

>>95501
I hail Excalibur, only moments before the boisterous Big Duo does the same.
"Excalibur, an admirable performance, that."
"Hah, quite the sight, you pulling those fancy moves! Well done, squirt!"

Excalibur, who had been finishing cleaning the last specks of ink from his carapace meticulously, stops grooming himself, standing stock-still. ...He smells.... wary?

"I...I simply chose the most sound actions I could take, in each situation."

"Bah, nonsense! You were stellar, kid!"
"I must agree with Big Duo, your aptitude for dueling is most commendable."

...He still smells wary, but something else is creeping into his scent. ....Nervousness?


What should I do? Now that Excalibur is speaking to us, he could be tested on tactics, by being presented with a hypothetical scenario to solve. Perhaps I should come up with one? Or should I do something else, such as request the presence of other apprentices to test, or move on to another subject?

>>96184
Tactics test!

>>96204
Hmmm...

"The enemy holds an object of great value that you are seeking, along with four other beetles. Assume for the purpose of this test that their abilities as warriors are average. The enemy has strong fortifications and an enourmous advantage in numbers. How do you proceed?"

>>96204
>>96228
Yes, this is a perfect chance to assess his ability to plan battles.
"Excalibur, say that you and four other beetles, presumed graduates of The Beatles, are tasked with retrieving a specific object from a heavily fortified enemy location, where there are sufficient enemy forces as to constitute an enormous number advantage. How do you proceed?"

Excalibur looks at me askance for a moment before responding, his nervousness gone, now replaced with.... mild irritation?

"Firstly, the specifics of who those other Beatles members fighting alongside me are would be needed before any plan of this nature could be made, as relying on individual potent units is largely based around exploiting each individuals particular strengths as much as possible.

Secondly, who the enemy is would need to be known. Is it a beehive? A termite mound? An outpost of The Mandarinian Empire? Any of these examples would have radically different methods of approach desired. There is no blanket answer from a tactical standpoint, not in this situation.

And lastly, no battle strategy can predict what shall happen over the course of a conflict: It is by it's very nature chaotic and unpredictable. Staying open to changing your methods immediately based on new events is the cornerstone of a good warrior. Planning an approach that may be rendered irrelevant by a new development or new intelligence gained mid-battle seems pointless. Just approach and adapt."

...Hm. while I suppose there might be some truth to the viewpoint he is expressing, he also seems to be missing the point of the question.


What was the point, and how did he do, in my opinion? And more importantly, does he have a mind that could be considered capable for leadership in military planning?

>>96757
He did very well!

Questioning the question itself is key to winning any situation! Gathering information before making a decision is important. I'd say the kid passes!

>>96757
I say he failed to take into account the possibility of the item being impossible to retrieve.

In this sense, he just correctly answered a trick question. I believe he did quite well.

>>96796
All he has proven is that he likes to know a lot of information before he commits to anything. Sometimes you cannot know everything, and trying to take the time to figure it out will mean mission failure. You must simply act quickly on best guesses and gut instinct. He does not know with precise detail what the other warriors are capable of, only that they posses no spectacular valiances, and the enemy is a foreign group of large, primarily land based insects who's brutal attacks have left few witnesses.

He did well in some respects, he adequately stated concerns which would be important in a combat situation, but he is somewhat lacking in other areas.
"You are the leader of a party, consisting of 2 stag, a tiger and a Hercules beetle, returning from a mission with the payment and an item in tow. You are accosted mid-journey by a force of innumerable 'bullet' ants. The Hercules was put down instantly and the items were taken and moved inside the large group of ants. The item must be retrieved. The beetles along with you posses no valiances. How do you proceed"

>>96762
>>97001
Certainly, if Excalibur's goal was to dissect the evaluation process and debunk it, he did neglect to acknowledge the possibility of impossible orders, or how knowing everything you could wish for planning purposes is an impossibility of it's own, the same as a generic answer being universally applicable.

>>96759
>>96796
...Although I could be acting harshly, I know tactics are something of a personal point of interest, and conflict and war theory are specialties of mine. He readily recognized the inherent trap in my vague question, and does demonstrate a practical acknowledgment of the need for flexible responses on a battlefield.

>>97009
Perhaps a non-trick question, then? To more directly assess how he approaches difficult scenarios?

"Then what of this scenario, Excalibur: You are the leader of a party, consisting of 2 stag beetles, as well as a tiger and a Hercules beetle, all members of The Beatles, returning from a mission with payment and a specific item in tow. You are accosted mid-journey by a force of innumerable 'bullet' ants. The Hercules was put down instantly and the items were taken and moved inside the large group of ants. While the payment itself is of importance, the additional item must be retrieved at any cost. The beetles along with you possess no valiances. How do you proceed?"

"That... depends. If our force is close enough to known locations of other The Beatles members or manned outposts, then at least one beetle should withdraw to seek reinforcements while the rest engage and harass the ants to prevent their departure or use of the item, whatever it may be. If, however, there is no chance of reinforcements, and we are faced with a force much larger with the capability to slay us.... well, none of that really matter, if the item must absolutely be retrieved, then if necessary, all but one soldier would be sacrificed to clear a path to retrieve the item and secure it's safe acquisition and removal from the hive. If possible, a plan to minimize losses might be enacted based on the specifics of the situation, but if the highest priority is the item's retrieval, than that is what must occur, no matter what."

Hm. Well, between this and his previous response, I imagine I have enough to determine if he passes from a tactical standpoint.


Does Excalibur possess sufficient tactical capabilities as an apprentice? And what else should I do? Perhaps summon other apprentices for appraisal, or move on to a different event?

>>97333
I would say he passes. Excellent. I hope he develops a Valiance, as good as he is without, imagine his power with one!

I would say that his tactical mind is definitely en tact an sound, though i must say that i don't like his attitude. i don't believe that he is showing proper respect.

Lets move on, call the other wannabes to do this trial. give them the same scenario.

>>97663
nah, different scenarios all around. The point is not how they respond to this specific question, or if they get the "right" answer, it is to judge their ability to think around a problem tactically.

>>97333
Excalibur shows a pragmatic and analytical approach to the challenge, though it lacks creativity and passion. He does get a pass for being able to think things through, but unless something changes about his thought process, it is unlikely he will find himself in a true leadership role. He may be suited to a second-in-command, advisory role in squad based deployment.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/26(Sat)20:12 No. 98721 ID: 6164e0
File 126188715143.jpg - (232.01KB , 680x1020 , Beatles Gallows Pole Appraised.jpg )

>>97663
>>97719
>>97334
Hmm. Well, attitude problems that could potentially cripple him in a supreme leadership role aside, he does display a sound grasp of general tactical planning, despite his crass nature. I must rate him as passable, and I imagine that the other two judges will feel the same.

I put out a call for apprentices, so that all may be tactically assessed and evaluated in one-on-one sparring now whilst we are here. I see beetles running about, looking from apprentices.

The first one to arrive is a heavy beetle with a brilliant green shell. He nods to Excalibur as he comes to a stop before us. ...From his scent, his name seems to be Gallows Pole.


Should I ask him a tactical question first, or ask him to do some sparring (And if so, against a fair opponent, or against a much stronger one [or someone specific])? Or should I do something else?

>>98721
Give him a fair opponent to fight. Then question him on his tactical knowledge.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/28(Mon)18:47 No. 100248 ID: 6164e0
File 126205485166.jpg - (250.08KB , 1020x680 , Beatles Gallows Pole Ranked Match.jpg )

>>98731

I call for an opponent to be brought for Gallows Pole, someone challenging but expected for an apprentice to spar against.

...Oh? The new one coming to face apprentices has just the same sheen to his shell as Gallow's Pole... Ah. His scent identifies him as Blind Guardian, from the same clutch as Gallows Pole. He however has already exited apprenticeship, and serves as a baseline instructor after having passed the Rite Of Apprenticeship some time ago.

Hm. I detect a singularly potent and intense pocket of emotions wafting through the air. Well, in any event, let's find out how well the apprentice can handle himself.

ROLL 1d2
1: Gallow's Pole
2: Blind Guardian

rolled 1 = 1

---

Either one will be interesting to play as. Hoping for Gallow's Pole though.

>>100260
GALLOW'S POLE CHOSEN

....Well.

I did not expect that I would have to face one of my brothers during these evaluations, but such seems to be my fate.

So, I must fight one of my brothers to be assessed by the judges here, hm? Well, I suppose I must accept my fate, and fight Blind Guardian.

Blind Guardian is larger and stronger than me, though I am faster than him. I know this rather concretely, as I recall our time spent as new members of The Beatles, I remember growing alongside him.

Both of us have mandibles built for the same purpose: To flip, to spin and imbalance our foes, to expose their belly to the sky, and feast upon them. Neither one of us possesses much cutting force, but our ability to spin anything we grasp is not to be underestimated.

If I am t face my brother now, then this will in all likelihood come down to mandible rotation. At any given time that I lock fangs with my brother, I can choose to try to heave his bulk in a given direction right or left. So, I can attempt to predict the directions that he shall try to spin me in, in an effort to counteract them. I can predict anywhere from one to five turns in a single bout. The more turns (left or right) that I correctly predict, the more I can benefit from my perception, and manipulate my foe with my knowledge. However, mistakenly predicting a turn is highly disadvantageous, so I endeavor to be as accurate as possible.

My brother, Blind Guardian, stands before me. The one watching our match as arbiter signals the start of our contest.


What should I do? And if I try to predict Blind Guardian's turns in the next clash of fangs, what directions do I think he shall turn, and how many (between 1 and 5 turns) should I try to predict?

>>101917
hrr grr grr grrk. need more data.
You have obviously fought him before. Does he tend to favor any strategies or have any habits? do YOU?

>>101974
My brother Blind Guardian is fairly capable, when it comes to choosing directions to apply torque. As far as I can recall, not once has he established a definitive pattern for his assault.

Contrary to this, I do have an as of yet established pattern for mandible use:

Normally, I follow a pattern of LEFT LEFT RIGHT, usually following it with LEFT RIGHT LEFT thereafter. As far as my brother is concerned, I am not aware of any established directional preferences.

Blind Guardian still stands immobile, waiting for my choice of action. As of yet, he has not adopted any stance for this fight, content to wait for me to act first.


What should I do?

>>101989
Well, if he knows your rotation strategy, he'll try to counteract it. Go with RIGHT RIGHT LEFT.
He'll realizes you're reversing your rotation, so rotate LEFT RIGHT LEFT. Switching between your normal and it's reverse should confuse him.

Oooor, you could throw in a random bit once in a while. Maybe change your pattern to a 4-turn, and then switch between the 4-turn sets, some 5-turn sets, and your usual 3-turn sets.

Improvisation is always a good thing too.

alternately, you could try to catch him off guard with a different opening attack entirely. It may devolve into a turning match anyway, but if you can catch him off balance at the start, you will have won a potent mental edge.

My brother has taken advantage of my patterns before, and I wonder if this match shall end the same as so many others. Other times I have tried to outsmart him, to alter my patterns, but he has been able to keep up each time, every time.

>>102309
...But perhaps if I were to expand my repertoire? Even though our mandibles are made for turning and flipping our foes, that does not mean it is all we can do: I shall abandon my normal methods, for the moment at least, and attempt to upset Blind Guardian's focus.

As he starts to trundle towards me, his mandibles held wide, I charge forward, slamming into one of the widely held mouth-parts of Blind Guardian, spinning his body about, surprise faintly emitting from his form.

>>102026
I cannot relent now, not when I have unsettled him, even if only just: I must continue, attempt to press this momentary advantage as much as I can. I start off with an inverted form of my normal attack pattern. grabbing his head and sharply wrenching RIGHT RIGHT LEFT, the final turn sending my brother skittering across the tree trunk. I race after him, unwilling to let this moment of strength pass so quickly. As I reach him, he manages to latch his mandibles about me as I do the same to him.

I return to my normal rotation pattern, hoping to catch him off guard. The first turn catches him unprepared, his head wrenching to the left.... but his uncertainty seems to lesson. My followup turn to the right is met with some resistance, and I smell his uncertainty vanish. When I attempt to turn him to the left again, I find my efforts turned upon me, as Blind Guardian pulls and twists at my head, using my own force to enhance his efforts.

>>102280
But when I turn for a fourth time, attempting to wrest control back from Blind Guardian, he seems ill-prepared... or at least, he seems so. As he loses his footing, he violently flings his head bout, and we both fall to the ground, our bellies to the sky as we roll about on our shells.

Currently, we are both upside down, on our back shells, some scant five centimeters apart.


What should I do?

If you are truly faster than your brother, now is the time to press your advantage. Get to your feet and close with him before he has a chance to recover himself. Flip yourself up with a flick of your wing shell if you are the sort of beetle capable of such motions. In any event, you must close the gap and grasp your opponent quickly, by his mandibles, or anything else which presents itself, and turn for all you are worth.

Left Left Left Left RIGHT

With any luck, he will be too shaken to catch your first few turns, but he will expect that in your haste you have fallen back on your old turn pattern. He will expect the third to be to the right, and then you will have him.

Press our advantage, we're faster. We may not be able to get to him before he rights himself but we should be able to reach him before he regains his bearings. When we reach him attempt to flip him with a solid RIGHT LEFT RIGHT.