>>907178
>"There we go," shouts Suo. "Problem temporarily solved if we get out of range!"
So does that mean that Sandalphon can’t move, but is still able to attack?

>Escape or stay?
I kinda want to stay. We could show Sandalphon that we’re friendly by helping it.

Then again, maybe we should leave? That might be the best way to show Sandalphon we’re not a threat to it.

I’m not sure what to do.

>[ Threat assessment online. (2 turns) to next subsystem repair. (2 turns) to consciousness restoration. ]
So that’s what Sandalphon repaired. Now it has: Passive: Threat Assessment: Know all enemy capabilities, health, and status.

And when it’s consciousness comes online, that would make talking to it easier. Not to mention that if we convince it to join us, it’d be a really powerful ally! Although, I’m sure with those abilities it has, there’s going to be a huge drawback to using them in order to prevent our team from being too overpowered this early in the story!

>>907178
Just wait. Let the chaos creatures back away from the robot, maybe try talking to them at a distance.

If possible, let's not exit the battlefield or retreat, I sort of want to wait out the bot waking up.

Don't waste an extra turn waiting. If you're going to run, run. Otherwise, prepare for your next move. Do not stay out in the open and do nothing.

>>907231
We can have Scanner scan both varieties of chaos creature, but there's not much else to 'prepare' if we want to wait for the robot to wake up and talk to it.

Grab popcorn and just watch.

can we get the next few turns consecutively up till something moves to attack us?

Scanner 3 should warn them that they shouldn't outright attack it, it's much too tough to beat in the time they have.

1/3 - 2018/12/12(Wed)14:13 No. 913825 ID: 221205
File 154465283994.png - (11.89KB , 800x600 , f-48.png )

COMBAT ROUND 3

Ichor Remnants Turn

The group runs away far enough that the remainder of the combat no longer matters.

END OF COMBAT STATS
Render: 15/15 Ichor
Calliope: 11/12 Ichor
Scanner 3: 8/8 Ichor
Zu: 10/10 Ichor
Typhoon: 12/12 Health
Monsoon: 12/12 Health

Barrier: 10 Structure
Barrier Cage: 10 Structure

No ichor gained.
Total ichor: 18

END OF COMBAT

2/3 - 2018/12/12(Wed)14:14 No. 913826 ID: 221205
File 154465287062.png - (18.42KB , 800x600 , f-49.png )

From a distance, the group watches the chaos creatures also run far away in the other direction.

Sandalphon pauses, then loudly proclaims [ No immediate threats detected. Resuming self-repair. ] It pauses, slowly sits down in its spacial cage, and slumps forward.

"Well," says Scanner 3, "looks like that... could have all been completely avoided."

Typhoon waves her wings as her wind hammer disperses into air. "So what do we do now?"

Zu looks around. "We should not be near the ancient machine. We have no way of knowing whether it will be safer or deadlier if it returns to its full awareness."
"We've come very far," says Monsoon. "This forest is the safest place I've seen."
"Right next to the old machine soldier?"
"We just need to stay away from it and things will be fine," says Monsoon, shrugging. "There's more forest. Let's head downstream."

Without any other idea of where to go, the ichor creatures and soroi slowly wind their way through the forest, following the river.

3/3 - 2018/12/12(Wed)14:14 No. 913827 ID: 221205
File 154465289140.png - (23.05KB , 800x600 , f-50.png )

The group comes to another clearing in the forest next to the river, except this time without dormant engines of ancient destruction.

"We can stop here, I think," says Scanner 3. "Nothing of concern for miles around. Well, except the machine but we're far away enough from that now, I think."

The group sits around in a circle, save for the two soroi, who have already started drinking from the river and splashing themselves and each other with water.

Zu looks up to the sky. "It's so bright."
"It's getting darker," says Scanner 3. "We'll need to put up shelters soon."
"Shelters?"
"Calliope's built them for us before."
Calliope nods. "I'm good at making a little ichor go a long way by now." She absently blows an ichor bubble, plucks it from her mouth and pops it.
Zu tilts its head. "We are creatures of living magic. Hot, cold, rain, snow, none of it should affect us."
"Maybe that's the case for creators," says Render. "The longer we've been independent, the more the wear and tear of the environment becomes something that matters."
"Also," says Calliope, looking at the two soroi, "we aren't all ichor creatures anymore."

Typhoon raises her head. "We can sleep under the stars. We've done it a lot before."
Monsoon stands up. "It's been getting colder, though. I think we're getting closer to torpor."
"Torpor?" Zu tilts its head the other way.
"It's like winter for the soroi," says Scanner 3. "They have different seasons in their homelands. "
"Winter?"
"Things get colder and darker. Wow, you were not kidding about never leaving the storm islands."
"Dark rain as a constant means never being surprised by the environment."
"Winter," says Typhoon, sounding the word out. "So that's how you say that word. Still, I feel a little sad we don't know a fire soroi rulebreaker, a little fire would be nice right now."
"I can make a fire," says Render.

The others look to Render expectantly.

"...I'll make a fire," says Render, gathering up bits of loose twigs and sticks and scraping his blades together.
"Wow, you look good at that!" says Typhoon. Calliope nods and moves up to Render, pressing up against his back as she tries to study whatever technique he's using to create a fire.
Render blushes and scrapes his blades together harder.

"You feel really tense, Render," says Calliope.
Render doesn't say anything but shifts his legs closer together.

As the group watches Render, Monsoon trying to keep from laughing, the sun lowers in the sky. It is not yet dusk, but night is approaching, and they seem unsure of whether to set up a temporary camp or try to establish their settlement here with more permanence in mind.

>>913827
We came here to make a permanent camp, so let's stick with the plan.

Get the base started, no better time than the present.

well you're next to a fresh source of water, the trees seem to be doing a good job at keeping you hidden... yeah this isn't a bad spot to set up a settlement.

I'd suggest having people on watch for the night and just have them switch throughout the night so everyone can get some rest. We still don't know everything that is in these woods and we do know that some things in here aren't all that friendly.

>>913827
Time for a body massage! Also, yeah, let's start building a proper fortification. Maybe a burrow?

>>913827
Start base building.

Base building good.

>>913827
>"You feel really tense, Render," says Calliope.
>Render doesn't say anything but shifts his legs closer together.
If Render knows anything about masterbation, then I’ve gotta say good luck doing that with blades for hands!

Maybe Calliope can help him with that? ~ <3

>temporary or permanent?
Might as well try to set up a permanent one. You’ve got a source of water here, which will be necessary for your non-ichor team members.

.....hey, do ichor creatures need to drink water? Can you guys drink water? If so, does drinking water do anything for you guys?

Yay, and update! I was afraid this was dead!
--

Lets start base building. Make sure to build it underground so you can use the earth as insulation as well as fortification (which is a must with a possibly uber strong enemy relatively close by). Lets also skip the fire until we have some sort of shelter set up so we don't give off light. Smoke should only be a problem during the day, but you can see a fire for quite a ways at night, even in the woods.

>>913873
Ha.
Time and a place.

>>913890
Oh! I would still like to know what exactly a breeder is in this context.

(btw, just noticed that Render was made to be a consort by his creator after she realized he hated violence, but he had conflicting feelings about it. Anyway, bottom line is that he probably has the equipment, but Calliope is probably making him really uncomfortable, not to mention reminding him of his creator)

Make a temporary camp. We'll look for a better spot for a more permanent camp tomorrow.

Calliope, ask Render if he needs anything.

>>913917
Lets not ask that. Pretty sure Calliope is the source of the mental strife.

I suppose we could wait on finalizing the location until we see a map, however.

>>913936
>Pretty sure Calliope is the source of the mental strife.
Then she can also be the source of getting rid of what she accidentally caused!

>>913948
Her sexual advances (whether intentional or not) are what's causing the problem, having sex isnt going to fix it. Render is going to feel used and possibly violated.

>>913960
What you're saying makes no sense. If Calliope is making Render horny, it means he finds her attractive and that he would like to have sex with her. I don't see how doing something you want to do with someone you like could make one feel used and violated.

Set up a temporary camp, if you aren't attacked tonight it will be a good start. There is more scouting to be done before we settle.

>>913976
That is dangerously close to the kind of logic that supports rape. Arousal isnt a conscious choice.

>>913985
The logic that I'm applying is with the assumption that these quest characters are currently capable of conscious choice and consent.

>>913827
Set up permanent camp.

>Awkward moment
Ha!

Render, I think Calliope can help you with that problem you're having.

Apologize for getting Render embarrassed, while hinting that the offer is still on the table.

Tease render for getting embarrassed, while hinting that the offer is still on the table.

>>913826
>Zu: Ask the soroi if they recognize that kind of machine from anywhere

1/4 - 2018/12/23(Sun)12:02 No. 914870 ID: 221205
File 154559532208.png - (53.45KB , 800x600 , f-51.png )

Calliope realises Render's embarassment, and awkwardly moves away from him. "Sorry, heh."
Render doesn't say anything, but looks like he's caught between saying something or trying to ignore what just happened.

Typhoon watches, and elbows Monsoon, grinning. Monsoon looks at her, confused.

The group decide this is as good a place as any to start building. After some discussion regarding what to build, they decide on an underground shelter for now.
As Render finishes making the fire, Zu starts excavating a large pit with its limbs distorted into shovels. Calliope gives Zu direction on the size and shape of the cylindrical hole, considering a dome structure for complete enclosure of the structure by ichor to keep out damp and prevent the collapse of dirt into the structure. Scanner 3 points out areas of weak soil and rock to dig through and firmer areas to provide support. Spike bolts and arches of ichor are used to keep the entrance tunnel supported.

The two wind soroi watch, not really able to directly help with digging or ichor shaping, and instead they both try to fish from the river. Well-timed gusts of wind startle some small river fish onto the banks, where the soroi fling them into the air and catch them in their beaks. Render helps the soroi to clean and cook the fish.

As the sun sets, Zu is piling dirt onto the ichor dome Calliope has formed from about 10 units of ichor. The dome is thicker than required, Calliope pouring more ichor into it than necessary for preparation for any unforeseen issues and expansion preparations.

The entrance at the moment is a slope facing away from the river, to prevent water flowing into the base.

2/4 - 2018/12/23(Sun)12:02 No. 914871 ID: 221205
File 154559534382.png - (14.99KB , 800x600 , f-52.png )

The moon rises.

Zu looks to the night sky. "The stars are very clear out here. There are no rainclouds to hide them."
The two soroi look to each other and the fire, undoubtedly highly visible now. Monsoon is the first to speak. "Someone should keep watch."
"I do not sleep," says Zu. "I can maintain watch for the night if you need to sleep."
"No," says Render. "Even creators cannot stay vigilant forever. We'll do it in shifts."
Scanner 3 nods. "Four shifts. Me, Zu, Render, and..."
Monsoon raises a wing. Scanner 3 nods.
Typhoon tilts her head. "Why four? Why not six?"
"We need at least some of us to sleep well. We'll alternate whoever that is. Tonight, you and Calliope."
Zu looks around. "Who decided you were in charge of watch shifts?"
Scanner 3 shrugs. "No one. But we needed decisions made so I made them. Do you disagree?"
"No, your watch plan is better constructed than I would expect for a reconnaissance unit."
"Staying observant is part of who I am," says Scanner 3, twitching its antennae. "This isn't my first night watch."

The group lingers around the fire while Scanner 3 rests on the floor, antennae twitching around as it watches for anything of interest.

Zu and the two soroi head down to the base to prepare for watch and prepare sleeping arrangements respectively, leaving Render, Calliope and Scanner 3 alone.

3/4 - 2018/12/23(Sun)12:02 No. 914872 ID: 221205
File 154559536552.png - (199.37KB , 800x600 , f-53.png )

Scanner 3 can detect, some distance away, the presence of the three chaos creatures from before. Much like ichor creatures, they are glimmering beacons of raw energy that cannot hide from its well-attuned senses.

They appear to have set up a camp themselves, within a gelatinous bubble of swirling chaotic miasma the size of a large hut, rippling and distorting. Scanner 3 was not aware that chaos creatures needed nor desired shelter or sleep, but two of them appear to be resting. Another lingers at the entrance like a snail peeking out of a shell, and Scanner 3 can't tell exactly why they're still in the area.

Scanner 3 is momentarily startled when it hears a voice in its head.

~I can tell you're looking at me, ichorthing. I once was a cilial morph, I have some of my senses from that still echoing through me.~

Scanner 3 is surprised, but also shares the capacity to remote message. ~Yes. Hello. I do not mean you harm, I'm just keeping watch. Stay away from our camp and we'll stay away from yours.~
~I'm also keeping watch. Mostly on the celestial.~
~Why not leave the forest?~
~This is a good spot. Secluded, flourishing with life, far from civilization. We want to set up an anchor here.~
~Anchor?~
~Our business, not yours. We'll respect your territory if you respect ours.~

Some time passes.

~My name is Suo.~
~I'm Scanner 3.~
~...is that a name or a title--~
~It's a name, thank you very much.~
~I feel we share a common set of enemies. Perhaps you would be open to discussion?~

Scanner 3 mulls on the concept. Having previously identified these chaos creatures as followers of freedom and individuality, it at least knows there's a chance these chaos creatures may not immediately betray them. ~I need to think about it.~
~Well, we're not going anywhere soon. And if what I can sense is right, neither are you.~

4/4 - 2018/12/23(Sun)12:03 No. 914873 ID: 221205
File 154559538598.png - (19.32KB , 800x600 , f-54.png )

Render and Calliope look at each other awkwardly.

"So, uh..." says Calliope. "Nice fire."

Render nods meekly, eyes to the ground.

"What's wrong?"
"I honestly don't know, Calliope. Something about you is making it trickier for me to talk to you and I don't know what that is."
"Did... Did I do something wrong?"
"No, no, I think it's a problem with me. You sort of remind me of my creator and it's... making me a little confused, I guess," says Render, awkwardly rubbing a claw lengthwise down his arm, faint scratch marks fading as fast as they appear.
"Confused?"
"I might... feel attracted to you, Calliope."

Calliope looks confused. "Is that bad?"
"No but I see you as a friend and a confidant, not a... not a breeder drone, alright?"
"I mean I was literally made to be attractive to--"
"That's the thing! None of us are what we were made to be, we're people, not disposable soldiers! I can't justify wanting to use you like an object!!"

The forest goes awkwardly quiet. Scanner 3 says nothing, watching and listening without a sound.

"...okay," says Calliope. "I, uh. I don't know how to respond to that."

>>914873
Eh, it's fine to want things like that so long as you keep in mind that they're still also a person, even during and after.

Think they should bang? I feel like it wouldn't be a horrible idea, there's no other relationship drama that could come up as far as I know and the current issue needs to be resolved.

It isn't objectification if you care about the person. It's just desire.

>>914873
If the objectification is reciprocal and shared with positive feelings, is it really objectification?

>>914877
This.

She is more than just an object. It's good that he realizes that. But he might be thinking too hard about it. If the desire is mutual and respect for everyone is given at all stages, then there is no issue.

>>914882
Agreed.

Render, you're still using your hands to slice. The only difference is that you're now doing it out of your own free will and for whatever purpose you desire. It's the same with Calliope. She can now do whatever she wants. Objects can't make decisions so as long as you allow her to make them, she's not an object. The only thing you need to do is ask her what she wants - if she wants to do something with you. And if she agrees, it means that that is her decision, as a person.

>>914872
Ask what the celestial is and why they're so worried about it.

>>914873
Attraction and affection are different things, but need not be mutually exclusive.

>>914872
Ask how often the sannersoon come out this far. Do they avoid the forest?

Your creator wasn't an object, so if she reminds you of her, what's the harm?

>>914900
Also, Calliope should ask Render what his creator was like and why she reminds him of them.

Everything has a nature, Render. We, just like everyone else, didn't get to choose ours. It makes no difference that someone designed ours.

It's good that you don't want to use me as an object. I am my own person after all. But sometimes, It's ok to give into our natures, Render. Maybe I'll want to be used like an object sometimes.

Why don't you ask me, and find out.

>>915023
Cuz he had mixed feelings about his creator. Hated his existence, but loved her. And then was retroactively made into her consort.

So, this may be a tad groundbreaking, but maybe a good start to overcoming this sort of thing would be some clothing. Render wont be as uncomfortable if Calliope isnt strutting around with her baps and vag on display.

Plus, clothing can offer protection both from the elements, and in the case of things like kevlar, from combat as well.

Additionally, if no one has noticed, ur all white af. That isnt a very natural color so lets try to either make some wearable camouflage or some body paint so as to blend in better. Weapons (and some grabbers for Render) would also be useful.

Btw, are Calliope's breasts capable of functioning (soylent, maybe)? That could be a source of emergency nutrition for the more biological members of the troupe if we end up under an extended assault. If not, we need to set up an indoor farm.

If we can secure the door further and create an airlock, we probably won't need someone to stand watch, or at least not outside.

>>915029
Perhaps instead of body modification, we could use her bubble blowing to push food in when she blows ichor bubbles? They seem pretty strong and with no air getting in, also as sterile as whatever is poured into them.
Things like chewed salted foods would definitely work, and if she could sterilize her gullet comfortably she could do dried and liquid food too.
It would be less useful for large storage but if you can pop the bubble without getting the contents all over you it's a durable and long-lasting food container.

>>915059
Body mod?

No, i was asking if they are currently capable of functioning, not whether we could make them function. Your bubble suggestion is valid, but i think the biologicals may be a bit more amenable to something like a hydroponics garden.