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Sunspider · 07-18-2017, 09:49 AM

NUKE9.13 Wrote:Our quest to restore power is (sort of) complete! HUZZAH.

Heck yeah, solving puzzles!
You permit yourself a small, congratulatory fistpump in celebration.

[Image: tiny_huzzah.png]

NUKE9.13 Wrote:Alright, new quest: Fix ye Radio.

>Take BOOK, CIRCUIT BOARD, and BATTERY(?)

You gather up a collection of items from the shelves.
The Book of Schematics and Sketches could be helpful.
Maybe the Batteries and Circuit Board could fit into something?
You're not sure, but you pack them all into your Duffel Bag.

[Image: book_worn_sketch.png]

When you're finished, the Bag is filled it to capacity.
You can't fit anything else inside. Not even your Flashlight, to free your hand.

If there's anything else you want to bring with you, you'll have to hold it. Or give it to the Robot.

NUKE9.13 Wrote:>Go upstairs again

Sir Knight Wrote:Check for any changes to functional objects

Your Bag full of loot, you head up the stairs, returning to the Chamber above.
Much like the room you were just in, this area is also lit up by Emergency Lights.

Other than that, not much seems to have changed.

NUKE9.13 Wrote:>Use guitar repair tools to open up the RADIO.
>Try to fix ? ? ?

As you step over to the Green Radio, you hear more faint static. It kinda freaks you out again!
This time, though, it sounds real? Like the static is something your ears are actually hearing now, instead of...?

[Image: radio_noise.png]

Yeah. It sounds more like normal, Non-Psychic-Hell Radio static now. This is a good thing.
Perhaps it only needed power? Or maybe... whatever happened earlier was all in your head?

Whatever! That's not important!

What is important is that, though you haven't tested it yet, it seems like it might be working now.
And if it ain't broke...

What do you want to do with it?

Sunspider · 07-18-2017, 09:50 AM

spümpkin Wrote:Turn the flashlight off, for starters. Gotta save batteries. Then, proceed to listen to the radio.

Since these Emergency Lights are on, you don't really need to be wasting batteries.
You switch your Flashlight off, though you keep holding it in your hand.
It's not that you don't want to put it away. There's just no room in your Duffel.

[Image: listen.png]

With your other hand, you grab the Hand Unit of the Radio, and nervously listen again.
As suspected, there's nothing inexplicable or spooky going on, now that it's under power.
There's no obvious signals or words or anything that you notice either. Only a bit of soft static.
It's like something is transmitting constantly on the other end... but it's all White Noise.

monk12 Wrote:Investigate the possibility that the hand unit is not a speaker but a microphone; "Hello Hello Test Test" and such

OceanSoul Wrote:+1 if we also say "Cleanup in isle 3", "Richard Bitrary to the principal's office", and other such classics.

Hmm, there's a thought. Maybe this Radio is actually a transmitter?
You don't see any obvious Push-To-Talk type buttons on the Hand Unit, but you try talking anyway.

[Image: testing_testing.png]

Testing, testing. Testing the microphone.

Oh hey, the static stopped as soon as I started talking.
This thing Voice Activated or something? Hello hello, do you copy?
Is anybody there? Hello?

Attention all miners. Attention miners.
Paging Hugh Jazz, Mike Rotche, and Seymore Butz.
Code Orange outside the... Basement Office I guess?

That means someone threw up, just so you know.

Not sure who. But it was probably the Robot?
Totally wasn't me. I'm just saying.

[Image: hana_rough_blush_sheepish_LFR.png]

Thank you. That will be all. Over!

Even if no one was on the other end of that, you still feel pretty silly.
You wonder what your still-nameless Robo-Buddy thinks about it...

NUKE9.13 Wrote:Oh no! Robutt! What happen?> Examine Robot. What's wrong with it?

Sir Knight Wrote:Hopefully it's merely in a low-power mode waiting for our return.

Gently pat robot on the head.

Wait, is the Robot okay? They're looking kinda weird and listless there...
Maybe they're just sleeping, though?

You gently prod the Robot's screen, like you did when you first mistook them for a touchpad.
The glassy surface feels warm, and buzzes again as your hand makes contact.

When you do that, the eye flickers back onto their screen, looking up at you expectantly.
Looks like they just went into some kind of Standbye mode while you were gone?

Hey there buddy. Good to see you again.
I missed you earlier, when I went downstairs.
Why didn't you come with?

You can't? What do you mean?
If you can't handle the stairs, I could probably carry you or...

You can't go downstairs, because...
...that's not in our contract?

Then, what? I don't get this Contract thing!
You said you'd help me through this Mine, right?
Shouldn't you have gone down there then?

I mean, it's not a big deal to me. I'm not upset about it.
But you said you couldn't because of your Contract.

Wait...

Was it a different Contract?

Oh. Dang.

Look, I don't see why that place would be off limits?
It was just... a storeroom, or an office, or something.
But... I take it that this other Contract is important.

It's actually a really big deal for you?

StrawBarrel Wrote:> Introduce ourselves to the Robot.

OceanSoul Wrote:> ...ask robot if it has a preferred name.

Okay, okay.

I don't entirely get your whole "Magic Robot" situation?
But if this other Contract is a big deal, or kinda stressful...
Wanna change the subject?

Like, for starters, I still don't know your name!

Let's see, "Robot" "Not-Equal"... "Something"?
You're saying... that you don't have a name?

Then what do people call you?
...or what should I call you?

Oh, yeah! I think I saw that earlier.
In the text. On your face... screen? Whatever.

Anyway, "Star-Cee-El-Aye-Dash-Eks-Star" is a mouthful.
Would just "Clax" be cool?

You can call me Hana.

I'm at least pretty sure that's my name.

"Flower" huh? Yeah, I guess that works.
I'm surprised you know that's what Hana means!

...honestly, I'm kinda surprised I know what it means?

Anyway, it's nice to be officially introduced, Clax.
I wanted to do introductions earlier, but...

Hey there, stranger? You still there? [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

Sorry for the wait. Chatterbox was buried in my pack.
But we, uh... we heard you, haha?

Anyway, you wouldn't happen to be "Hanaki" would you?
We've, uh... we've been looking for them.

Sunspider · 07-18-2017, 09:51 AM

StrawBarrel Wrote:Ask Clax if they know who is on the line.

Hey Clax? Do you recognize this voice?

Egan_BW Wrote:We are pretty sure our name is just Hana, but yeah, Hanaki could be it, because we don't know anything about anything right now. Speaking of which, perhaps the person on the other end could help out with that?
Also we might be Maria.

Show Content

Yeah, err... this is Hanaki. Who wants to know?

Lands and stars! I'm so glad you're okay! [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

Uh...

This is Octavo of Ash Mill. Representing the Ashwood Watch.
We caught wind of your... situation? Honestly, I was fearing the worst.
But let's not get into that, haha? I'm glad everything is fine.

Anyway... what brings you to this dusty old Shard, Hanaki?

To be honest, I don't really know?
I was kinda hoping you could help me out with that.

And... this might be Hanaki? I'm pretty sure my name's just Hana.
Though, it might be Maria too. I'm not totally sure anymore.

I kinda just... woke up here? I don't really know anything about anything, right now.

O-oh? ...Oh. Shoot. [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

Huh? What's going on? Everything okay over there?

Hanaki... I'm sorry, Hana? [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

This is what I was afraid of. This is bad. Really bad.

Just... just try to stay calm, okay?

Err, oooookay? I'm... still feeling pretty calm.
Though what you said should probably make me nervous?

I mean, should I be doing something right now, or...

No, j-just stay on the line. I'm... I'm here. [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

You're here. Here to...?

I-I'm... I'm here to rescue you! [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

Gentlefish Wrote:U-um, rescue me from what? Can't you just tell me how to get out of here?

Tiruin Wrote:You don't sound like you want to be direct.

You're planning to rescue me? From what, exactly?

From this Shard. This, uh... place? Where you are. [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

So, i-if you can just tell me, er... where you are?
And just stay put there, until I can get to you? Don't exert yourself?

I'll take care of this. I can do this. So, j-just stay calm, and...

Look... unless you're being vague on purpose?
Would it kill you to just tell me what the hell is going on?

No! No, I'm... I don't want to be vague! [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

It's just dangerous if you... there's just... there's things going on.

Too much for you to... in your condition, it's better that you don't know.
I wish I could say more, but i-it's too much for you! So please just stay calm!

Egan_BW Wrote:Tell the person to spill the damn beans and stop being so ominous.

Sir Knight Wrote:"Great! I always wanted more incomprehensible half-help wrapped in mind games and riddles! Up until now, I only had a headache and certain electrical burns to keep me occupied! Why don't you keep on talking while I go get lost in this mystery cave?"

Haspen Wrote:Promptly freak out.

Oh, it's too much for me, huh?

Well listen up whoever-you-are, from the Watch.
Last thing I need right now is more Ominous Mystery Garbage.
I'm... frankly I'm getting sick of it!

How about you stay put, calm yourself down, and tell me what's going on?
Sounds like you're a few seconds from having a breakdown.
You're obviously not emotionally prepared for this.

W-what? I don't understand... [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

That's right. You don't understand.
You don't know me, or what's going on here, at all!
And that's the thing, isn't it? Neither of us do!
But you know what I do know? In the last few hours?

I've been electrocuted half to death by some architecture.
Knocked out for who knows how long, in a dangerous place.
Got lost in total darkness, when a Magic Robot stole my flashlight.
Even just listening to some Toaster-ass Radio just... made me puke?
My head is a mess! I can't even remember my name?
When I try to remember anything... anything! My thoughts just...
I don't even know what! They melt. They turn into noise.

So yeah, buddy. Between all that, and a god-awful headache?
I don't exactly have the time, or the patience, for your crap too!
So you can go take your half-assed heroics, and stuff 'em somewhere.

And once you're done with that? Feel free to keep talking to yourself.
I'm going to go get lost in a cave.

W-wait, please don't go! It's dangerous! [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

You're too Soulfrayed! The... the first Eidolon you see will... will...

...

Hana? Are you still there?

...

Oh, lands... you really messed this one up, huh Tav.

Sunspider · 07-18-2017, 09:51 AM

StrawBarrel Wrote:Clax: Apply Empathy.

No. I'm done talking to them right now.
You can do whatever you want.

Come with me, or stay here. It's your choice.

Tiruin Wrote:Hana: Remember one of the nicer characters you've played as--what would she say to you?

Show Content

'Sup, nerd? [Image: hana_conscience_pb_RFL.png]

Oh okay. We're doing this thing now.
The "Tiny People That Represent Your Conscience" thing.

This is a thing that's actually happening.

To my brain.

Sure seems that way! [Image: hana_conscience_pb_RFL.png]

Cool. It's about time I stopped pretending this was real.

Or not insane.

How's it going, Princess Bloodthorne?

Oh, you know. Until a few seconds ago, it wasn't? [Image: hana_conscience_pb_gesture_RFL.png]

But hey, what about you? You seem kinda pissed.
What happened, dude?

Ugh... it was just that rando on the radio.
Pulling some kind of "I can't tell you anything" crap.
Heaping more "Vague Spooky Mystery" onto a crap situation.

I mean, it's stressful enough being lost somewhere, right?
On top of that, having this... brain thing? Not remembering?
I don't need constant reminders of that, right now.

Yeah, I feel you on that. That sorta stuff's getting you upset? [Image: hana_conscience_pb_RFL.png]

Getting brow-beaten with reminders that you've lost your mind?

Exactly!

She said. To her literal hallucination. [Image: hana_conscience_pb_RFL.png]

[Image: hana_rough_blush_nervous_LFR.png]

Err, sorry. No offense, Princess. You're a cool hallucination.

Yeah, I know. [Image: hana_conscience_pb_RFL.png]

Anyway, like I was saying. I need to focus right now, right?
And to do that, I sorta need to forget how messed up things are!

Maybe later, after I get through this, and out of here?
Then I can... process whatever's happening?
And try to figure out who I was, or who I am, or whatever?

Sure. That's a pretty solid plan. [Image: hana_conscience_pb_gesture_RFL.png]

Put those feelings on a shelf somewhere. Handle where you're at now.
Other stuff comes later.

Oh, and that "Stay put, calm down, and do nothing" bit?

They honestly expect me to sit on my ass? Do nothing to figure this out?
Is it weird how upsetting that is? Am I in the wrong here?

Oh hell no, honey! [Image: hana_conscience_pb_yell_RFL.png]

They pulled that "Damsel In Distress" garbage?
You don't need any of that played-out trash, dude!

Yeah. That's what I was thinking.
I'm not about to just sit around, and wait for somebody to...

Hey, Hana? Lady Bloodthorne? [Image: hana_conscience_maria_gesture_RFL.png]

Can I cut in real quick?

Uh... sure. Though I don't recognize you.
Wait, are those the clothes from my... dream?

Yes. I'm Maria, I guess? [Image: hana_conscience_maria_RFL.png]

I mean, not really? I'm just imaginary. But I wanted to say.
Did you... notice how worried the person on the radio sounded?

...yeah. Yeah, I did.

Kinda like they were afraid they weren't up to... whatever this is?
It sounded like they were trying to get psyched up or something.

Like their "I can do this" was as much to reassure them as it was for me.

Well, they know more about the situation than you do, correct? [Image: hana_conscience_maria_gesture_RFL.png]

And, they also seemed to be worried about you, too. Genuinely.
Possibly even a little scared for their own sake?

There's a lot of unknowns here. But they seemed to be looking out for you?
And they seem to know something about the dangers of this situation.
So... don't you think you were a bit hasty, by suddenly leaving?
Don't you think you ought to go back, and try talking this out?

Maybe you two can work together, right? Help each other out!
It doesn't have to be one-sided. You can try to convince them.

I suppose that's true... I did kinda storm off.
Maybe we could talk it out? I don't know... I still feel conflicted.

Good points all around, ladies. [Image: hana_conscience_pb_gesture_RFL.png]

But, just as a quick rebuttal... how about Fuck That Shit?
You really think they're not just going to pull more coy crap?
And do you trust them to tell you what's up, more than your own eyes?

Judging by the sound of things, they think you're frail and helpless right now.
So what, then? You agreeing with that? You throwing in the towel?
You want to be that kind of person?

You got this far on your own, haven't you? In a situation this crazy?
So, what makes you think you need their help, Hana?
You're tough, and you're smart, and you're capable. You can handle this on your own.

Trust yourself, dude. Right now, you're the only one you can trust.

Sunspider · 07-18-2017, 09:52 AM

Dermonster Wrote:Ignore radio! You don't need it! You can figure this out on your own!

DolosusDoleus Wrote:Now seems like an opportune time to do some investigating.

>Approach window
>Ask Clax if they recognize anything about the view outside the window.

After a quick farewell to your Advice Hallucinations, you resolve to continue exploring.
You're confident you can handle this without ambiguous help, from ambiguous strangers.
Whoever was on the other end of that Radio can just go worry about themselves.
And they'll surely give up and leave eventually. Right?

Meanwhile, you'll find your way around on your own. And you'll figure out what's happening, too.
You'll be fine. Everything will be fine.

NUKE9.13 Wrote:I'm with Bloodthorne. Let's go explore some more.

>Examine window. Who says you can't get out of here? You can leave whenever you want.
>...
>Right?

monk12 Wrote:Assuming nothing dangerous is spotted, autodefenestrate

Egan_BW Wrote:Guys, it's still not a window. It's a doorway.

For now, you decide to backtrack to where you first woke up, and look outside the bright opening.
As you head toward it, you hear a hurried clicking sound behind you, as Clax catches up.
You don't really need their help either. But part of you is still glad they're coming with.

Together, you make your way to the small, Lit Chamber.

[Image: brightness.png]

After all that time in the dark, you forgot how bright it was outside this window.
Or was this more of a Doorway?

Whatever. It's a hole in a cave wall. It's technically neither of those things.
But man, that glare is something else. You can barely see what's outside, from in here.
And it's really bringing that headache from earlier back. And kinda makes your teeth itch?
...is that normal?

Either way, you step under the stone arch, and out into the blinding light.

[Image: hssssk.gif]

With this awful glare, it's hard to tell what you're looking at.

And your head is absolutely killing you.

[Image: hssssssssk.gif]

Sunspider · 07-18-2017, 09:53 AM

NUKE9.13 Wrote:Oo-er.

>Back inside back inside back inside

spümpkin Wrote:And mayyybe go back to the radio and ask what the hell is going on. We obviously can't do anything not migraine-inducing out here.

Go back inside?

Elephant Parade Wrote:Flaw: Overconfidence

No.

No, you're not giving in to fear here.

You've already made up your mind. You don't need anyone's help.
Even if the sky inexplicably looks like a bad Analogue TV.
And even if this is a headache-inducing and totally alien situation.
Or even if this is dangerous or difficult or... whatever else.

What you need are answers.

And you're going to find them on your own.

Worldmaster27 Wrote:CLAX doesn't look so good right now :I

Sir Knight Wrote:Give Clax a reassuring pat on the head.

You turn to Clax. Their display screen is completely full of static.
As you look, they turn to face you. They seem to be responsive, and still move like normal?

Still, there's no harm in asking if they're okay.

Hey, Clax buddy?

Your screen's been all messed up since we got out here.
Are you doing okay?

It's hard to tell through the static, but you think you saw a Thumbs Up in there.
You hope this... whatever's going on out here isn't going to hurt them.

monk12 Wrote:let's go rock climbing to get a good view of this incomprehensible landscape!

If you want to get a good view, it'd help to have a high vantage point.
You decide to scale a nearby Rocky Outcropping, to get the lay of the land.

Show Content

It's a pretty straightforward climb, made a bit tricky by carrying a Flashlight.
Still, you make it up onto a Higher Ledge. High enough to look around.

[Image: scout.gif]

Egan_BW Wrote:Okay, hopefully this can help us understand what that person meant when they said this place was a "shard".

AoshimaMichio Wrote:Looks like migraine.

Feels a bit like migraine too... whoof.
You shield your eyes, and take a long look at the landscape.

[Image: vantage.gif]

Or maybe it's not so long after all. Seems the ground just... stops.
It's all floating masses of dirt and rock, drifting in a mess of light and static.
You wonder if this is what a "Shard" is? Shattered land, floating in a void?

The sky seems to be flickering with bright color, too.
As you look, the glare, or something else... for some reason?
It's getting hard to think clearly. Your thoughts are getting muddled.

Although... honestly?

The way it's sorta hard to think? The way your head feels funny?
It feels kinda good.

The light is a little harsh on the eyes, but the colors in the sky are nice.
Even just looking at them feels... really nice. Comfortable. Familiar.
The smell of a meal your Dad made. The feel of following your favorite bassline.

[Image: null_index.gif]

Was the sky always like that? That's how it was before, right?
Makes you want to lay down for a while, and...

TheBiggerFish Wrote:AAAAGH WTCARP IS THAT WEIRD GLOWY STATIC THING?!

Egan_BW Wrote:Ignore the "non-space" outside. Seriously, don't look at it.

Wait, what the heck?

You look away from the Sky. Something about staring into the colors was...
It felt almost like that brain static was leaking in. Through your eyes.

No. The sky is not normal right now. This is all very much not normal.
What the heck was that, though? Why did you just think...

[Image: ray.png]

Show Content

From nowhere, your heart is stricken by a sharp and sudden hurt.
With it, shadowy half-memories of grief and hopelessness ache through you.
Feelings that have always been there. Lurking below the surface of your mind.

The fear you've felt since you woke up here. The feelings you keep ignoring.
Your constant confusion, your frustration, your mistakes, and your powerlessness...

They coil and twist together, blooming into a cold and despairing pain.

StrawBarrel Wrote:Eventually different thoughts and emotions should crawl into our mindset. Return to the toaster-radio to confirm we are still there.

spümpkin Wrote:We need all the exposition we can get! Just tell the radio-person that we don't want to be sitting around forever, waiting, and we want actual info.

Maybe apologize, too.

So hey. I'm back. Are you still there?

Hana? Is that you? [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

Lands I was so worried. And I'm...

Look, I...

...I'm sorry for...

What, haha? I couldn't hear you. [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

We were talking at the same time. You go first.

Oh, uh. Sure. Just...

Look. I'm sorry that I snapped at you.
I've been on edge. This has been pretty stressful.
Being stuck somewhere unfamiliar. No idea why. No clear purpose.
Heck, only remembering a few scraps of who I am? It's been hard, okay?

But I know I shouldn't have gone off on you and... you know.
You were trying to help me out. And I appreciate that.

Oh, Hana. It's totally understandable. [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

I'm sorry I didn't just tell you what was going on, too.
I should've been more sensitive to why you were upset.

After forgetting... losing yourself like that.
Withholding information, when that's the one thing you needed?

Sure I was nervous... but I absolutely should've known better.

Yeah.

I guess we both messed up here, huh?

I guess so, haha. But hey, I'm glad you didn't leave. [Image: mine_radio_RFL.png]

Who knows what might have happened?

Ḃ͈A͔͉̯̰Ḑ̥̤̼͚̻̀̈͋ͪ͑̾_͇̪̒U̸̳̜͌I̼̊̓̚D̡̳̙͖̺̬͍̩͌ͧ̽͑ͦ̈͌ Wrote:I guess you know the anŝ̺̲͚͉̐̉̒w̠̖̘͕̉ͤer to that now, huh.

...what?

Oh. That conversation wasn't happening, was it?

Bͭͩ̊͒͂A͍̜̯̬̓͛̑́̓ͩD̦̍̈́͗͝_͍̫̙̺ͧͬͨŲ͋͋̌͆I̬͖̫͍͚̝̩͌͛̇D͙̎ͫ̇̋͐ Wrote:Nice work alie̵ͨ̋̊͌͌̆͆n̟̙̤̹̤̦͕̏̽͐̋͜ȃ̞̯̜t͔̫̟̳͇͡ing a potential ally, and ge̮̗̻̯̙̖̬͋̑͑̅̀̏ͦt͍͋͊ͧting yourself hurt. Again.

That's right. You got angry, and left.

Never went back.
Never said you were...

Tiruin Wrote:Do something better!

B͈̰̻͑ͤ́ͯ̕Aͮͧ̄҉̗D̡͔̠͈͖̪͖_̨̠͙̭̈ͅU̓Ĭͣͮ̎ͤ͏̰̪͕͉̩D͓̟͍̲̓̾ Wrote:You betrayed me. When I needed you...

DolosusDoleus Wrote:> Panic

B͕͛̄͑A̻͚͓ͅD̰͓̗̙ͪ̌̀͟_̝͓͎̀U̦̣͓̫̝̦͋ͭͅI̵D̛͖͉͇̪̤̻ͫ͛ Wrote:...and you won't get̮͖͓͚͙̗͔̿ͥ̂̇͜ away with this.

Egan_BW Wrote:Might as well stop

Honestly, what are you even doing, right now?
You're wandering blindly again, but by choice this time!
All because you didn't want to ask for help.

Do you want to get yourself more lost, or hurt, or something?
Are you truly so afraid to count on a stranger, that you'd risk...

BA̔ͬͮ҉̹̞̼̥̜͍D_UID Wrote:You need to keep movi̴̱͉̩̺͚̚n̰͖ͣ̿ͤ͞ͅg forward.

...Mom?

Ugh, that's right. You're Outside, with the colors and light.
And... something just happened.

It felt like something literally hit you in the feelings?
You wouldn't know how else to describe it.

It doesn't feel good at all.

Sunspider · 07-18-2017, 09:54 AM

monk12 Wrote:Fight off the bad vibes

Whatever that was, it dredged up a lot of raw emotions. Hard feelings. Doubts.
Important things, maybe? But the kind you've been trying not to think about.
Things that would probably mess you up, if you really thought about them?

Your resolve feels a bit thinner, every time you pretend those feelings aren't there.
Every time you pretend this situation isn't insane and terrifying?
But you've got to keep doing that, if you want to keep going.
And you need to keep going. Unless, you suppose, you're ready to just...

Ugh... focus Hana!
You'll figure this out. You can do this. No quitting yet!

Dermonster Wrote:To the left!

OceanSoul Wrote:Guess you should just entirely avoid looking at the weird sky, and look for unique features or objects on the left side of this island.

Sir Knight Wrote:I'm particularly bothered that there's a migraine splat on the ground behind us. I mean, in similar circumstances that would be one's own brains. I have no idea if that's an "eidolon," and it'd be strange since they seem more like entities instead of migraine-beams, but what do I know?

You shake those thoughts from your head, and take stock of the area.
This Plateau is pretty small. Just a stone ridge, jutting out from a cliff face to the Southwest.
It's pretty bare, but for some boulders that broke free and tumbled down from the cliff above.

Of course, you do notice a Strange Splatter behind you, which is new.
Whatever's going on with the Sky out here... looks like some of it is on the ground now?

Just to be safe, you try not to look too closely at it.
You've had quite enough mindscrewery for one day. Enough for many, many days.

Worldmaster27 Wrote:Inside good, inside safe?

Sir Knight Wrote:I'm just waiting for us to break our neck climbing back down!

Well, you can't think of any more good reasons to be out here, right now.
But you can think of several good reasons not to be.
Not the least of which is this Incomprehensible Migraine Garbage.

You're a little worried about getting hurt, climbing down from this Ridge.
As you hesitate, Clax draws close to the ledge below, and gives you a reassuring nod.

What, are they planning to catch you if you fall?

[Image: climb.gif]

Even though you doubt they'd be much help, the gesture is a little reassuring.
You hop down to a Large Boulder, and make your way down without incident.

Together, you step back into the sheltered shade of the Mine.

[Image: shelter.png]

You feel better already.

OceanSoul Wrote:Well, we entered some sort of quantum state for a moment there. Go back to the radio for real this time, tell him how we got mentally hit in the head, and ask him if we'd want to pick up whatever fell out of our head.

Sir Knight Wrote:The migraine-splat on the ground outside was attaining coherence. Coherent migraine. This is approximately terrifying.

You may as well head back to the Radio.

As you walk back inside, you allow yourself a moment to wonder.
What even was that Splatter on the ground?
And why does thinking about it make you feel so scared?

You did your best to avoid looking at it directly, for the sake of your battered brain.
Even just out of the corner of your eye, though. Something about it seemed... familiar? Dangerous?
You kinda wish you'd taken the time to get a better look... but maybe it's for the best.

No sense dwelling on that mystery right now. You shake the thought from your head.
Besides. With any luck, that's the last you'll see of all that mess!

Tiruin Wrote:> Begin communications session.

So hey. I'm back. Are you still there?

You wait for a moment. Then for another moment. And another. And another.
You stand there, waiting for a minute or more. But there's no reply.

Nothing but silence and white noise on the other end.

Tiruin Wrote:> Leave a message anyway

Your friend doesn't seem to be on the line anymore. Just dead air, like before.
Even so, you decide to try talking to them. Maybe they'll hear it? And if not...?

...honestly, you probably need to get some of these feelings off your chest.

[Image: radio_recap.png]

I don't know if you can hear me right now.
But, if you can? I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry.
Sorry that I yelled at you, and that I stormed off, and...

Yeah. I'm just sorry.

I was freaking out, okay? Honestly, I still kinda am.
More crazy crap just happened, and I don't understand it.
I mean, haha... what else is new, right?

[Image: hana_rough_base_LFR.png]

Anyway, guess that's my excuse for snapping at you.

I've kinda forgotten what I told you, already.
Don't know how much you know about my situation, either.
You seemed like you might want to know what's going on?

And maybe I need to talk about it, too. To process it.
If you're already gone, guess I'll just be venting into the Ether.

Either way, it seems like the thing to do.

...

I should probably start from the beginning...

You proceed to share what's happened since you woke up here.
By the time you finish, you still haven't heard from anyone on the Radio.
Even so, going over the events of the last few hours helps you feel better.
Nothing's really changed, but it feels a little easier to understand?

Anyway, Hana...

You've been sitting here talking about things that already happened for long enough.
It's time to figure out what happens next.

Sunspider · 07-25-2017, 11:46 AM

Okay folks, we're all caught up and ready for suggestions. Thanks again for your patience, and for holding off on posting until now.

Let's go~!

Smurfton · 07-25-2017, 04:35 PM

Ask if CLAX knows what's going on, and ask if they have any combination suggestions. It feels like having a full inventory is the best time for experiments.
Also, would CLAX mind using TRANSMIT on Hana with the invalid mana type 'willpower'?

**sprïly** · 07-25-2017, 10:54 PM

Move onwards, deeper into the mine. We can't really go out, anyway.

Tuesbirdy · 07-26-2017, 12:41 AM

(07-25-2017, 10:54 PM)spümpkin Wrote: »Move onwards, deeper into the mine. We can't really go out, anyway.

The only way out is through presuming there is an out, anyway, and you're not stuck in metaphysical static-suffused surrealism hell forever.

Anyway, what I'm saying is: Onward, to adventure!

Reyweld · 07-26-2017, 02:44 AM

>Ask if Clax can convert any of its mana types into food, there probably isn't much to eat in a mine and you'll go hungry eventually

Wessolf27 · 07-26-2017, 10:33 AM

>Maybe ask Clax if they have a way to communicate with their other buddy? Having another companion wouldn't be so bad.

FlanDab · 07-26-2017, 11:58 AM

>Rest. Sleep.

The One Guy · 07-26-2017, 05:05 PM

> Ask Clax if it also saw the static outside of if there's something messing with your perception.

Sunspider · 07-31-2017, 03:00 PM

StrawBarrel Wrote:Ask Clax if they know what has happened.

That One Guy Wrote:> Ask Clax if it also saw the static outside of if there's something messing with your perception.

You know this place, so I should probably ask you.
Do you have any clue what was going on outside?

What do you mean "Shrug"? That was weird!
...you did see the weirdness, right?

Yeah, it was bright, and... maybe "Swirly Thing"?
If that means "Freaky Mind Static", we're on the same page.

Was this place always like that, though?
It looked like the land was... falling apart.

Oh, really? Guess this situation is weird for you too, then.

Any clue why it was messing with my head?
And why it jacked up your screen?

Okay. Maybe we can figure that out later.

If they come back, that Radio Person seemed to have some idea what it was?
I'd be just as happy if we never see it again, though.

Sir Knight Wrote:drop the stupid Corroded Bar and Toasted Notes so you can put away the Flashlight already.

Hey, another thing. My pack is pretty full.
Can you carry some things, without eating 'em?.

I'm serious! These things might turn out to be valuable.
You're not allowed to eat them for Mana, or whatever.

Okay... if you promise.

You fish through the Duffle and swap your Flashlight for the Toasted Notes and Corroded Fuse.
As you pull them out, Clax's rear port begins to glow again.

You carefully bring the items close, as they're pulled into the pastel light...

[Image: fuse_blown.png]

As they disappear, the items are registered to Clax's CHARACTER STATUS.
You take the opportunity to get a sense of their whole STATUS situation, while you're here.

[Image: clax.png]

Show Content

Worldmaster27 Wrote:Is it at all possible to take the radio with us, in case radio bro calls back as we're off wandering

Smurfton Wrote:ask if they have any combination suggestions.

While we're at it, could you take this Radio too?
It'd be nice to be able to chat while we roam, just in case.

It looks like it's plugged in to the structure here. Maybe for power?
But I figure you could plug it into yourself, and...?

So, you can take it... but not power it?
It's not going to be real useful if we can't turn it on.

Aren't you some kind of Magic Robot? Can't you do something to...

Your question is interrupted by a rhythmic, echoey, metallic scratching sound. The source is definitely nearby.
Sounds like it's coming from inside those Iris-Shuttered Pipes in the Bricked-Up Pit?

Smurfton · 07-31-2017, 03:11 PM

Well if we're taking the radio, let's fuse it with the oversized batteries using grass mana.
Call out to the noise, see if they are friendly before running away or helping them.

Tuesbirdy · 08-01-2017, 12:03 AM

Knock on the shutters and say hello!

**sprïly** · 08-01-2017, 07:40 AM

(08-01-2017, 12:03 AM)Tuesday Wrote: »Knock on the shutters and say hello!

Do this!

Sunspider · 08-01-2017, 01:27 PM

The scratching sounds from within the Sealed Pipe continue.
The initial shock has worn off, but you're still feeling pretty concerned.

You take a moment to get your bearings, then turn back to Clax.

Smurfton Wrote:Well if we're taking the radio, let's fuse it with the oversized batteries using grass mana.

Hey, buddy? I don't know what's in that pipe right now...
But in case it's something nasty in there, and we need to hoof it?
I want us to be able to use that Radio on the go, okay?

Can you do your... Artifice thing, with the Mana I gave you earlier?

Oh, cool. Then can you try fusing the Radio with this Battery?
See if you can make something that can power itself.

In the meantime, I'm gonna check out this whole pipe situation.

You take one of your two Large Batteries out of your Duffle Bag, and set it next to the Radio.
You don't really know how this Artifice Gate stuff works, but you're pretty sure Clax can handle it from here.

[Image: fusion.gif]

Tuesday Wrote:Knock on the shutters and say hello!

Smurfton Wrote:Call out to the noise, see if they are friendly before running away or helping them.

As you get close to the Pipes, the scratching at the Iris Shutter stops.
You hesitate for a moment. Maybe whatever's in there heard your approach?
There's no sense pretending no one's here, anymore.

You rap the back of your hand against the Shutter, and call out.

[Image: pipe_check.png]

Hello? Is there anybody in there?

You knock a few more times, then wait. At first you only hear more silence.

Eventually, a faint shuffling can be heard. Then, the steady scraping from earlier picks up again.
Sounds like something sharp, scratching the inside of the Shutter, and catching on the grooves.

Hey, whoever you are in there?
If you're feeling friendly, I could use more friends right now.
And if you're not? I still don't want to hurt you.

I might be able to find a way to open this thing, and...

Show Content

Lordlyhour · 08-01-2017, 01:48 PM

BEFRIEND THE KITTY

**sprïly** · 08-01-2017, 01:52 PM

Use our latent cat-in-trouble-activated super strength to wrench the shutters open with our bare hands.

The One Guy · 08-01-2017, 05:02 PM

> CAT!!!!!!

Tuesbirdy · 08-01-2017, 06:17 PM

Time to either open the shutters, or find a way to muscle them open!

Reyweld · 08-01-2017, 06:35 PM

(08-01-2017, 01:52 PM)spümpkin Wrote: »Use our latent cat-in-trouble-activated super strength to wrench the shutters open with our bare hands.

This, but it doesn't work. Get Clax to help.