>>788532
Oh, and
TEACH JASPER: Stealth & espionage.
because that's literally their entire job.

We should talk to Jasper personally, apologizing for the circumstances and explaining why our actions were necessary. We need to be sure that they understand that we don't want to force them into anything, but that it's in our mutual interests to cooperate, and that we'll be as welcoming as we can assuming they do.

>>788532
don't know if i'm 100% for setting up a nuclear power plant, however well maintained it would be, but figuring out whether or not we can make healing items is important.

>>788533
We should really be starting from simple power sources like manual labor and spawned batteries and moving our way up towards nuclear stopping once we find something that provides enough energy to satisfy the machine, but I'm not convinced the CREATE interface has enough dexterity to interpret that correctly without my having to type out a massive wall of text explain each step, which I don't want to do, or doing each step one-by-one, which won't play nice with our time limit.

I wouldn't be all that mad if Spit started trying to out-heal and out-infrastructure us, considering it means we get all the vulnerable infrastructure without all the everything getting blown to hell. The nuclear plant also makes a nice distraction for Spit, as we don't lose all that much if it goes down, and a properly constructed nuclear plant is a bitch to take down.

>>788537
Agreed, a nuclear plant however safe is a target for Spit's sabotage.

Create an herb garden.
Nice little thing for a gardening hobby, cooking, and alchemy.

Some good ideas, others not so much.
JASPER's going to have it rough, because doing espionage is going to conflict with more moral actions, maybe. Teach it some compensating value, but not all morality.
Healing up is an excellent idea, though healing bullets are frightfully misguided.
I don't think BUDDY's personality is really suited to teaching, although it would probably like to tend a garden...

the costumes clearly took a lot of work, but the characters look less like themselves.

>>788532
99% of a Nuclear power plant is little more than a giant steam engine. The tricky part comes with the heat source.

A sufficiently sized chunk of radioactive material heats water to make steam which turns a turbine. Because It can become so hot as to vaporize the water before it comes into contact with the material, Neutron absorbing Rods are set up to be inserted into the material to slow it's decay and control it's heat. It gets more complicate too and requires constant monitoring.

Honestly though modern electrical solutions are meant to service entire cities. We have a half a dozen foot tall cat creatures.
Solar panels, windmills, or a river and water wheels should be enough.

If we need serious power we can just create a Geo-Thermal Power Station and a River.
With magic available to dig a hole, all we need do is dump water down it until it reaches a depth where it vaporizes, and then use that steam to power a steam turbine.
Simple. Cheap. Effective.
If only it were so easy in real life XD.

Geothermal seems like a good choice for power generation since we can easily just create a big ass lava lake under it. Uh, not near the sanctuary, though.

Jasper's shaping up to be a classy sort. If we want them to understand morality but not be necessarily bound by it or be able to think around it, able to justify doing bad things sometimes...

How about we TEACH JASPER: PHILOSOPHY? You can have "evil" philosophers but generally anyone who can be called a philosopher at least has some sort of standards of action or motivation or reasoning that they hold themselves to, even if it ends up being kind of a weird one. Basically, it'd give them the tools to come up with their own custom morality. It might also be useful for converting Spit's TCPs, down the road, since she'll probably teach them all sorts of unpleasant things.

Also TEACH MARNET: WRITING since she's missing it.

>>788752
I agree. TEACH JASPER: Philosophy

>>788670
Good points all around, I hadn't even considered geothermal as an option. Let's go with this.

TEACH JASPER: showmanship
TEACH JASPER: distraction
I want a magician ghost

I've been thinking of things Spit could be planning. Here's some ideas of things we should be prepared for:

An absurdly destructive, possibly abstract TCP. destruction type? black-hole type? Who fucking knows, but it'd be a really fucking stupid to expect her to do something standard and predictable if she has the ability to do something like this. Let's not forget that she has won more than once in the past.

Some ridiculous gigantic gauntlet; something where the battle is less of a fight between our cats and more of a struggle to not die to like 400 thousand traps.

Chemical or bio warfare. I wouldn't put it past spit to just start gassing all of our cats, or create a super-virus, assuming something like that is possible.

TEACH jasper: play
CREATE: obstacle course playground extension

can we make a set of personal clothes for jasper as well? everyone else has a second set of clothes except for them

>>788757
Agreed.

>>788803
Black hole type... or rather singularity type, would probobly be in our playfield. Though i suppose its not impossible for spit to know of thier existance...

>>788803
>>788944
Shit, she could even create an antimatter type TCP if it meant winning.
Truly, spit's worse than kome!

Wasn't the whole "avoid an arms race" thing supposed to prevent Spit from throwing stupidly overpowered crap at us?

>>788968
A Singularity creates antimatter while surviving the inevitable explosion.

Once again though, unless spit hails from an advanced civilization it would seem that anti-matter would be one of our own unique secret weapons.

>>788484
Teach JASPER : SINGING and MEOWING

>>788997
[/Spoiler]We have been heavily advised against then hard-no'd by the author on this
Stop[/spoiler]

So, Jasper! Apologies for the abrupt toss into the deep end right as you start life. You holding up ok? If you need anything now's the time!

>>789353
was that a Letterkenny reference, of all things?

You keeps this divine collective on point, and that's what I appreciates about ya.

1/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:16 No. 789928 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034339398.png - (9.42KB , 500x500 , 28.png )

Everyone puts their weapons aside for now, seeing no point to carrying them around the house.

>CREATE: HEALTH TRANSFER GUN
The gun is lightweight, and will be able to transfer health from one TCP to another. This gun will only be able to transfer one hit point of health at a time, and will not aid in easing pain. No one picks it up yet, unsure who should be in charge of it. Marnet pipes up that they should maybe give it to her, seeing as she may just be the strongest out of all of them- no offense, of course!

>CREATE: HEALING FRUIT TREE, MEDICAL HERBS, HEALTH POTIONS
The alchemy room and garden are outfitted with new plants and some potions, the garden initially bearing FIVE FRUITS and FIVE HERBS. These plants will grow over time, and the healing fruits are only effective when fresh. The medical herbs are more effective when dry.

There are FIVE HEALTH POTIONS to start, and more can be created in the lab only by combining ONE FRESH FRUIT and ONE DRIED HERB each.

There are more seeds for the herbs on the shelf, if needed.

2/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:17 No. 789929 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034342269.png - (8.62KB , 500x500 , 29.png )

>CREATE: GOD MASKS
5 new masks are created, 4 that you recognize, and one that you don’t.

The WRETCH MASK allows the user to change temporarily into solely their innards, allowing for extra mobility and the ability to change their shape. How much health the user is willing to spend is directly linked to how long this form lasts.
The EASTWOOD MASK allows the user to process poisons and other harmful ingested materials more effectively, with the possibility of getting addicted to said substance and requiring it to keep its overall strength and will to go on.
The MILLER MASK allows the user to manipulate the natural world around it, such as controlling vines and the ground beneath their feet. How much they can control is directly linked to how much health the user is willing to spend.
The SPIT MASK allows the user to inflict more pain with any attacks, but with no added damage. How much health the user is willing to spend is directly linked to how much pain they cause per attack.
The WAX MASK allows the user to pick up on what balance changes and arms race-esque effects creating or giving specific items will do, with no health cost.

3/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:17 No. 789930 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034345734.png - (6.56KB , 500x500 , 30.png )

>CREATE: NEW ROOM FOR JASPER
A new room is made for Jasper, coming off of the other side of the attic. They don’t seem particularly impressed, but thank you regardless, floating around restlessly.

>CREATE: MESSENGER BAG, PERSONAL CLOTHES
Jasper is given a messenger bag as an INVENTORY. They are also given a poncho and necklace to wear casually, which they tuck away for now.

4/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:18 No. 789931 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034350462.png - (5.66KB , 500x500 , 31.png )

>CREATE: NEW ROOM FOR MARNET
A new room is made for Marnet is well, extending from the attic- in between Dad and Jasper’s rooms. She dives into her new pool immediately- and thankfully, her clothes are waterproof.

>TEACH MARNET: WRITING
Marnet can now write. She plans to scribble on everything in reach when she can!

5/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:19 No. 789932 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034354990.png - (7.83KB , 500x500 , 32.png )

>CREATE: WALKER TRAILER
A trailer is made for the walker, empty aside from a small pile of pillows on one side- likely for a resting area. The back opens up to allow for large objects to be moved inside, and the entire layout can be modified as you wish.

>GIVE SPHINX: SCRATCHING POST, PYRAMID SPHINXHOUSE

The Sphinx is told to watch for threats, and sings praise for its new treats. It sniffs them and decides to settle on top of the trailer instead, in true cat form.

6/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:19 No. 789933 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034358540.png - (11.23KB , 500x500 , 33.png )

Everyone regroups in the living room.

>TEACH MARNET: CAPTURE, PRISONER CARE, SENSE MOTIVE
>TEACH ALL: RATIONALITY, RISK MANAGEMENT, GAME THEORY, PSYCHOLOGY, PSYCHOANALYSIS (CHILD ABUSE AND STOCKHOLM SYNDROME)


Marnet is hesitant to address her new skills, but thanks you for them anyway.
The others look equally nervous about their new skillsets, particularly about the knowledge of child abuse and Stockholm syndrome. Are we children? Is this going to happen to us- are we going to do this to other people? Primus in particular seems rattled, an unusual state for him- audibly asking if the other TCPs were really going to be that traumatized by their actions if they chose to go violent.

7/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:20 No. 789934 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034361381.png - (12.12KB , 500x500 , 34.png )

>TEACH JASPER: VOCALS, OPERA, GRACE, WRITING, READING, MORALITY, MORTALITY, HERBOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY, DISTRACTION, SHOWMANSHIP
>GIVE JASPER: MICROPHONE
>TEACH DAD: VOCALS

Jasper reels even more than the rest at the amount of skills coming in at once, especially the concepts of morality and mortality.

They can die, they say aloud. We can all die. They hold their head in their hands, pushing and pulling at their phantasmic skin in a nervous motion. Are we okay with this? Why do we have to die someday? Are we going to die horribly, and in pain?! Everyone shuffles their feet, and Buddy speaks up first.
It says that if they do die, it will be a noble death, even if it hurts. Fighting for the void is scary, but it’s what they were here for and they care about the void, even if their decisions are confusing. Primus pipes up that you know what’s best for them, but nothing seems to reach Jasper. They ask why they have to answer to this god anyway, that they don’t even know you and this is happening, and they’re scared-

Dad goes back into comforting mode, handing over her mask. It’ll help you communicate with our void, she says. They are a kind god, and enjoys giving hugs and comfort to us directly, when we need it. Please trust us. We’re a family now, and we want you to be a part of it. You add that if there’s anything that you can do for them, you’re willing.

They reluctantly take the mask, not yet putting it on. They’ll talk to you later, they say, when they have more of a handle on the situation. Not yet.

8/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:21 No. 789935 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034367834.png - (12.40KB , 500x500 , 35.png )

Dad goes into damage control mode, getting everyone situated and cozy on the living room floor. She turns to Jasper and helps them onto the couch, and starts singing at a soft volume, Jasper slowly joining in. Dad’s voice is deep but soothing, Jasper’s light whispers complementing it well. You make out the exact lyrics as best you can, listening just as eagerly as the rest.


Dad: Come on and sing this song
Jasper: I’m really not so sure.
Dad: Come on it won’t take long!
Jasper: And this song’s got no alure.

Dad: Come on give it a shot
Jasper: Eh, I’d rather not
Dad: Really, this is great!
Jasper: No, really, it can wait.

Dad: Sure I know it’s fast
Jasper: How longs this gonna last?
Dad: Just put a good foot forwards
Jasper: spoken Wait, you do realize that I don’t have any feet, right?

Dad: Come on, just once, for me?
Jasper: Okay, we’ll see.


Jasper/Dad: It’s been… ten minutes/It’s been… two days
Jasper/Dad: Since I came alive/ Since I came alive
Japser/Dad: I can’t wait to see the strange /And since then so much has changed.
Jasper/Dad: Things I haven’t gotten to / Things I never thought I’d see
Jasper/Dad: Cause I just don’t know / … I will tell you
Jasper/Dad: Where I might end up / where we’re going to.
Jasper/Dad: And now as it all might end / And now as it all might end


Jasper – cutting in: You know, you’d all make decent friends
Dad: See?
Jasper: And this singing thing’s not bad
Dad:Yup
Jasper: Anything to get
Jasper/Dad: me through these next few moments / us through these next few moments

Jasper: Here upon this stage I am met with questions, they’re flooding in my mind with no discretion.
I am born wearing a mask and I learn what life is – only to be told to risk it all in a moment of crisis.
Who will live and who will die, is it even worth the try. To risk the chance and throw it all away?
And in the face of this holy deliverence, is it my role to be cursed with indifference?
To risk your life in glory, or to live without a story. What am I supposed to do?!

Dad: Hey… uh, don’t be so morose.
Jasper: Please I’m already a ghost.
Dad: And sure we might all die
Jasper: You say that like it’s fine.

Dad: Voidsy’s got our back!
Jasper: I’m not sure I can trust.
Dad: cmon, cut them some slack.
Jasper: But I suppose it’s them or bust.

Everyone claps for them, and Jasper does a tiny bow.

9/9 mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)01:22 No. 789936 ID: 85cc2c
File 149034373686.png - (5.45KB , 500x500 , 36.png )

You get back to work creating things as they all calm down, a note materializes before you can CREATE a GEOTHERMAL PLANT

“Creating an energy source outside of magic and standard machine workings will work, but it will require my administrative intervention to ensure balance is kept. Are you sure you want to do that?”

please only suggest with yes or no.

>>789936
Naaaaaah.

>>789936
No.

>>789936
no thanks

>No

>>789936
HARD no.

>>789936
No.

(can we suggest other stuff or was that just referring to the geothermal plant?)

no

>>789936
No for now.
Make sure to praise Japer and dad on their singing also we should probably apologize for teaching Mortality to what amounts to basically an infant TCP

can we apologize to jasper



and then hug them?

No.

Hmm. Probably shouldn't, then. For one thing, creating a geothermal plant could be extension create lava and such underground, where the sanctuary is. Though perhaps having an administrator's particular attention on this game might be helpful? Convince a certain person not to be a cheaty cheater? We could have a kitty put on the Wax mask to see if there are any more particulars to be had about this choice.

Speaking of, it's possible that a TCP would get some type of bonus for using their own creator's mask, less health for greater effect sort of thing. We should distribute those masks to our allies, each their own. As for Spit's mask... well, we don't want to use it, but Spit will probably want it, so it might make good bait. Stow it down in the UnSanctuary and it might tempt her enough to send one of her TCPs down there. We need to explore down there anyway. And give our allies some news, though only after we settle our TCPs down and see to their needs.

I still want to CREATE a HEDGE MAZE, for defense. And because it's cool. With like, statues and sundials and things. Maybe it would have treasure and secrets hidden inside?

No.

>>789935
I apologize if I went a little fast, Jasper. We have power, but it's not infinite, and our wisdom definitely isn't.

A Geothermal plant would be easy to balance... It's only as powerful as the amount of water you give us to use with it.

Can we use the Wax mask to see what kind of effect it would have on the game?

Nope.

Ask the wax mask what would happen if we made a bunch of copies of all our magic stuff (masks, hat, wand, alchemy junk).

>>789936
Ask who this is.

mortis 2017/03/24(Fri)17:22 No. 790151 ID: 85cc2c
File 149040135389.png - (7.15KB , 500x500 , 37.png )

You give a hard no on that one, and the note disappears as you say it to yourself. For now, the game will continue as planned.

Your TCPs are calmer now, playing with eachother and babbling amongst themselves. They hug eachother, make jokes, and check out eachothers outfits. Even Jasper relaxes into the family, and an immense feeling of pride fills your chest. Even with everything going on, the resilient little cats find a way to enjoy their lives, no matter how brief it has been.

You could almost forget that they're going to war, and that some of them may not come back in one piece. Spit's laughter resonates in your collective mind and the letter you just received makes you wonder just how much you're being monitored.

You shake your thoughts away, focusing on the now.

The real game was just beginning.

INTERMISSION END

>>789933
The point of learning about Stockholm syndrome and child abuse is, I think, because Spit is likely to be abusive to its cats, but that doesn't mean they wont necessarily be still loyal to her.
She is, as near as we can tell, horrible to everyone, including those she has made, and you will need to be ready to help those who have suffered under her power, even though they will likely want to fight you for her.

>>790180
This. This exactly. We should've focused on Deprogramming abused people.

>>790251
>>790180
It doesn't really matter if they don't understand the implications just yet, as long as they know what to do when the time comes.