Guide RP - analog-sunsets

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:47 AM

This is new. Yesterday's still causing problems, I see...

CodeRR 10-Apr-21 06:48 AM

....hi?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:48 AM

An interaction between hacking, the Voidway, and the implants?

Oh

...Are you part of the Machine Army?

CodeRR 10-Apr-21 06:49 AM

hi? and no we're talking through a Discord server

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:49 AM

I can't say I've ever heard of that.

Lucky_Plucky21 10-Apr-21 06:49 AM

Unless the machine army took over discord

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:50 AM

It looks like none of us know what's really going on.

Lucky_Plucky21 10-Apr-21 06:50 AM

Yep, so relax and let the wind drift you away

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:50 AM

That's liable to get me killed.

CodeRR 10-Apr-21 06:50 AM

What is your current situation?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:52 AM

I'm trapped in a place between two forces - One being the 'Machine Army', and the other I think being the 'Protectorate' - and I've already been hurt more than a few times by both groups. I'm also not exactly doing the best in the way of memory right now, either.

If there's any plus sides to this, I think I have superpowers or something.

CodeRR 10-Apr-21 06:53 AM

ah fuck.....

shit shit, well with the Protectorate you can claim you just triggered and you should be fine...maybe But what is your power?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:55 AM

It's, uhm... Kind of hard to explain. Basically, I get a bunch of concepts over time through my experiences that are shoved into my head, visualized for me like playing cards. I can combine them for stronger cards, and apply them to... Anything, I suppose.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 06:55 AM

Oh. We're familiar with that powerset.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:56 AM

You are? How?

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 06:57 AM

Other discord channels mostly

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:57 AM

Ah. So, other people have been in the same situation...?

CodeRR 10-Apr-21 06:58 AM

Yes, multiverse and all. BUT this does mean your growth is going to be a bit slow...but you said both sides attacked you?

the army I get, but why the heroes

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 06:58 AM

I guess not looking exactly human can make a bad impression.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 06:59 AM

Yeah but your pfp doesn't exactly look like an machine or anything?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:00 AM

If I knew why they shot at me, I'd tell you. That's just my guess. The people here might be a bunch of trigger happy lunatics or something.

Sorry, just... I've not had a good time here.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:02 AM

Mmm. Machine Army is a self-replicating genocidal machine army, keeping them contained probably requires be trigger happy

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:03 AM

I'll try to compile stuff from the past few days into some documentation of some sort. It seems like I can do that, now.

2

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EAimITL8V3qPpW1f5p5tbgMYTn4Dz2-z5_v4r7A2Rho/edit?usp=sharing Here, this should help.

The Life of Analog

Events Day 1 Woke up in a strange place out in the middle of nowhere Started walking Got attacked by machine things, escaped without injury Found a road, then a store Looted a ‘Walmart’ - got food, water, backpack, bat Was attacked again before I could finish looting - escaped this time Used clot...

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:08 AM

Seems like a shitty time. Out of curiosity, what was Voidway composed of?

Also, if you have visible implants now, the Protectorate is likely to think you're controlled by the MA, or something along those lines.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:10 AM

As far as I can tell, it's some kind of extra-dimensional energy thing...? I'm not a scientist, one could probably describe it better. I guess visible implants don't change that much, though the ones still in me I could probably cover up with a little effort and better clothes.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:12 AM

...I actually meant the card composition, but that's also good to know

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:12 AM

Oh. MythOS + Personal Growth, in that order.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:13 AM

MythOS composition? I've never heard of that

Oh wait

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:13 AM

If it helps. Boneworks + Boneworks.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:13 AM

I just realized it's on the doc you sent. Whoops.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:14 AM

That's fair.

A lot is kind of going on right now, at least on your end.

...Aaand I misremembered the MythOS composition. Whoops.

Well, this is why we write these things down.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:16 AM

Yeah lol

But... why were you getting so many virtual reality cards?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:17 AM

The Machine Army had me plugged into something. I'd rather not talk about it too much.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:17 AM

Alright.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:18 AM

Speak of the devil. I think they might've figured out where I escaped to, I hear something.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:18 AM

ugh

Good luck escaping, or fighting.

Lucky_Plucky21 10-Apr-21 07:20 AM

Protect yourself

Be careful

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:21 AM

*clickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickCLICKCLICK*

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:21 AM

Running, screw this

There's a lot of tiny robots running after me. Thankfully they're slow, but...

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:22 AM

Scout robots for big robots?

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:23 AM

*CLONK*

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:24 AM

Also, how strong are the voidway energies? What limits, etc. Is it something that you can just wipe the machines with? Is it slower acting than that? Does it linger?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:24 AM

Yep, and this one's blocking my path. I'll go over the details later but it's good enough to let me get out of a fight if I'm lucky and conservative.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:25 AM

Right. Good luck on the big machine

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:25 AM

*THUD*

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:25 AM

Ow

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:26 AM

*Revving buzzsaw noise*

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:26 AM

oh no

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:27 AM

Nonono not fighting that

*C̵̡͘raç͘k͠l͠e̷̕,̴ ̸͜H̢͏̛i̡ss͟*

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:28 AM

Big Bot: *C̵̡͘raç͘k͠l͠e̷̕,̴ ̸͜H̢͏̛i̡ss͟*

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:29 AM

Big bot is down and blocking the little bots. For now, at least. It was bigger than an 18 wheeler!

I'm putting some distance between me and them, at least. I can probably either stay on the streets or duck into an alley - I'm in the middle of town, it looks like.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:31 AM

Alley is both a good hiding place, and a harder place to escape from if you're found.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:31 AM

You can see why I'm conflicted, here.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:31 AM

Maybe... Hmm.

Alley, and then preemptively dissolve an escape path through a wall in case you're found?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:33 AM

I can try that, yeah.

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:33 AM

*Distant clanking*

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:33 AM

Avoid corners and obvious beams in the wall when you do that. Don't want to bring down a load-bearing wall.

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:34 AM

*Not-so-distant clanking*

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:34 AM

Aww no.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:34 AM

I'll try to stay quiet. Could be they're just heading in the last direction I was spotted in.

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:35 AM

*Approaching clanks followed by departing clanks*

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:35 AM

...I think I'm good.

Okay.

Okay, I didn't die. That's good.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:36 AM

Good.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:37 AM

God, I could feel that thing's saw against my back, just a little.

...Okay. Voidway.

So, when I use the power, it kind of enhances my body some.

It was easy to break the restraints they'd set up the second time they'd had to strap me into one of their devices.

It also seems to be kind of corrosive to stuff to some degree, when applied correctly - See breaking out of restraints and what just happened.

It might be applicable as a pocket dimension, and that's where the corrosive part comes in? Not sure.

Plays merry hell with the systems the Machine Army uses, at any rate.

It gets pretty exhausting to use pretty fast, though.

That's about all I've observed from it, thus far.

Does that help?

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:47 AM

Yes.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:49 AM

Alright. Great.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:50 AM

It's clearly a multi-faceted energy with its own rules, like... chakra, or mana, or something. Probably.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:51 AM

Hard for me to say. I'm mostly stumbling in the dark with it.

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 07:52 AM

*Approaching clanking, departing clanking*

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:52 AM

I think it must be though. Physical enhancement and weird dimensional transfer are two very different things and the energy can do both

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:54 AM

It's not quite like I'm hulking out or something like that, though. It's like I just have a bigger impact with stuff I do.

Might be related to the dimensional bullshit, I don't know.

I'm not entirely sure how to put it into words, it's like I'm just... more, I guess.

Anyways. Getting unfocused here.

I've got other stuff to tackle at the second. Food, water, clothes, shelter. The last attack kind of ruined what was left of my shirt.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 07:58 AM

maybe you can find stuff in one of the buildings you're next to?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 07:59 AM

I'm a little hesitant, but it's worth looking around.

I can see a supermarket a little ways down the street, opposite the way the robots came from.

Lucky_Plucky21 10-Apr-21 08:00 AM

Good

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:06 AM

I managed to find a few bags I'll be able to carry stuff around in longer-term, as well as some nonperishable goods. Store seems remarkably uninfested, so I may be able to stay here as well, if the situation with the bots nearby improves.

Should I go out and monitor that, or just try to barricade the place a little? I'm not sure how much good it'll do, but...

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 08:08 AM

Going out and monitoring probably also increases the chances of them seeing you

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:09 AM

Probably, yeah...

So, staying here and fortifying it is? Or just moving on? I could try putting it up to a vote, actually.

: Monitor the robots nearby, see if they disperse.

: Take the food and leave.

: Fortify the supermarket.

1

4

So, one for fortify... Will have to see if Lucky_Plucky21 votes, but that's the current winner. I can at least get started by covering up windows.

Fortifying the place is going well. It's taking some elbow grease, but I've definitely limited the access points in here some. Shoved around shelves and such, on top of using bags to cover the windows.

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 08:18 AM

*muffled, distant clanking and clonking*

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:19 AM

...Don't like that.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 08:19 AM

oop should probably stop and be quiet when you can hear them

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:19 AM

I am, don't worry.

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 08:20 AM

*distant sounds of gunfire and explosions*

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:20 AM

Mmm. Don't like that.

...Okay, it's quieter now.

That was probably a Protectorate patrol or something.

I'm just gonna eat something and make somewhere to sleep until tomorrow. Today's been more than enough excitement for me.

If I stay quiet in here I can hopefully hide out all day long.

Sleeping area is... okay. I made it out of a few chairs, it beats rocks at any rate.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 08:28 AM

K. See you tomorrow then.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:43 AM

So it's around dinner right now, and I just heard something crash into the door.

Unregistered BOT 10-Apr-21 08:44 AM

*BANG*

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:44 AM

There it is again.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 08:55 AM

Protectorate or MA?

Either way, find an exit.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:55 AM

Can't say I hear any metallic clanging. Sounds more like someone trying to bash their way in.

Already on it, I can get roof access.

Up and out with food and drink alike.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 08:57 AM

Shame the shelter didn't last, though

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 08:57 AM

Yeah... Looks like I'll be finding somewhere else to sleep tonight.

Can't say I'm not used to it.

Can't really get a good look at the people busting in, but I can at least get a couple rooftops away and get down from there.

Looks like the bots from earlier have cleared out, though there is someone standing around there.

They look kinda... Out of it.

Dark colors, covered in glowing blue cracks, too.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:03 AM

That's... concerning? What happened to them? Are they wearing a superhero costume of some sort?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:05 AM

No, it looks...

...They're wearing what I am, I think.

Yeah, that's right around where I got nearly killed by the big bot earlier.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:07 AM

So... the MA is making clones of you or something?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:07 AM

It'd be weird to leave it there, though.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:08 AM

True. I don't really know what's going on here

analog_early_exit BOT 10-Apr-21 09:13 AM

"̷͘H̶̴͜e҉y.̀͠͏"̡͝

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:13 AM

Whatever's going on, they spotted me, and they're headed over, I think.

Wait or run?

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:32 AM

The... other you? Said "Hey." with zalgo text. And their username is analog_early_exit. At least on this end. Dunno if you can see that or not.

Awake 10-Apr-21 09:33 AM

The pfp seems different too

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:33 AM

pfp is the same as yours but with tired eyes

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:42 AM

Concerning. I think I'm gonna run.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:42 AM

Okay, good luck. Again.

analog_early_exit BOT 10-Apr-21 09:45 AM

"̢͝Y̶̴o͏u̕̕.҉ ̵͠Şt̶̵ay̵ r̀͜͠i͝gh̀͞ţ̕ ̀̀͝h̶e̷̵͟r̀̕e̛͘.̴͠"

*Thud*

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:46 AM

"You. Stay right here." in zalgo again

My new working theory is that Protectorate is hostile to you because they've already encountered multiple copies of you and they were all hostile servants of MA.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:46 AM

I tried to jump on top of it as it got close to the building, that was a mistake.

"Don't suppose you'd be fine with- Ghk!"

analog_early_exit BOT 10-Apr-21 09:48 AM

"̨̨S̸̴͝h̸͜u͟͝t͝ ̕̕ùp̵."̵̢͝

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:48 AM

It's choking me

Fuck

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:49 AM

... Can void empower you enough to get out?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:49 AM

Gonna try

Malaki 10-Apr-21 09:49 AM

Does it have eyes to gouge out?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:49 AM

*Thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud*

analog_early_exit BOT 10-Apr-21 09:51 AM

"͜͝.̀͟͞..́̕"̕͜

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:51 AM

"..." zalgo

analog_early_exit BOT 10-Apr-21 09:52 AM

2: "͜͝.̀͟͞..́̕"̕͜

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:52 AM

Uh oh.

did our friendly Analog just get converted?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:52 AM

*dragging sounds*

Ugh. My head...

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:54 AM

Got choked out by enemy analogs (edited)

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:54 AM

There's blood. Fuck.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:54 AM

Yours or theirs?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:54 AM

They slammed my head into the ground over and over.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:54 AM

Oh.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:55 AM

It's mine. At least I don't seem to be in town anymore, and my stuff's with me.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:55 AM

...? Where are you then?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:57 AM

Part of the wilderness around the town. Seems like I'm in the middle of the woods, more or less.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 09:58 AM

But why would they dump you there?

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 09:59 AM

Your guess is as good as mine.

God. I don't want to move right now.

Limina Idling | Hours 10-Apr-21 10:00 AM

(whoops lol)

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 10:01 AM

I'm gonna use what's left of my shirt to bandage up my head.

Malaki 10-Apr-21 10:02 AM

Boil it first or rick infection

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 10:02 AM

No boiling equipment, Malaki

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 10:02 AM

I barely have water as is.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 10:02 AM

Risk infection now or bleed out.

Malaki 10-Apr-21 10:02 AM

Huh...risk infection then

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 10:03 AM

Can't get the... Fucking knot right.

I give up

I'll just use it like a pillow or something and lie here

I could probably make another go at getting out of the quarantine zone tomorrow, if I didn't mind the idea of getting shot.

randomhuman44 10-Apr-21 10:07 AM

Kay. Good night then.

Analog BOT 10-Apr-21 10:07 AM

Good night. For real this time

Lucky_Plucky21 10-Apr-21 10:08 AM

Yep

Analog BOT 11-Apr-21 07:51 AM

Ugh. I don't want to get up.

I smell fire. Fuck.

Absent BOT 11-Apr-21 07:53 AM

"Mm? Oh, g'mornin'."

Analog BOT 11-Apr-21 07:54 AM

I... My head's bandaged. "Wh...?"

Awake 11-Apr-21 07:57 AM

Someone called Absent is there

Analog BOT 11-Apr-21 07:57 AM

Yeah, I noticed. He's kind of fishy, in the literal sense.

Absent BOT 11-Apr-21 07:58 AM

"Patched y' up while you were sleepin'. Hope you don't mind too much."

Analog BOT 11-Apr-21 07:58 AM

He also made a campfire. A small one, but...

"'m fine. Uh, where's your...?"

Absent BOT 11-Apr-21 08:00 AM

"My shirt? Well, I know ladies don't exactly like goin' without one. I figure if I'm gonna end up workin' with you, I oughtta do you a solid."

Analog BOT 11-Apr-21 08:00 AM

Oh yeah. I am wearing a shirt now. ...I don't like the fact he was manhandling me while I was asleep.

Awake 11-Apr-21 08:05 AM

Yeah true

You do have a head wound though so at least that's bandaged now

Analog BOT 11-Apr-21 08:06 AM

Yeah, there's that, at least. "Who are you, anyways?" I'm not sure what to do about this. I haven't encountered anyone who wasn't trying to kill me before.

...I hate this place so much.

Absent BOT 11-Apr-21 08:08 AM

"Mmm... You'll have to forgive me, but I don't really got an answer for you, there."

"Kind of Tabula Rasa, here, I think the term is. Until I figure that out, you're welcome to call me absent."

Awake 11-Apr-21 08:22 AM

Ah, seems they got no memory then

Analog BOT 11-Apr-21 08:25 AM

Looks like we're kind of in the same situation, then.

Absent BOT 13-Apr-21 03:13 PM

"You haven't introduced yourself, yet."

Analog BOT 13-Apr-21 03:14 PM

How do I go about this? I'm... He doesn't strike me as the most trustworthy guy, but it beats getting shot at. Not having allies could literally kill me.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:30 AM

I'm not personally inclined to go out on a limb with him, but if you guys think it's a good idea...

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:32 AM

He's literally the only possible ally that you've encountered in these ~5 days of terror. At the very least, he bandaged you instead of... I dunno, toss you to the MA or Protectorate or something. I think it's worth the risk.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:33 AM

True. I guess I'll try to just have a little faith he's not planning on anything subtly horrible rather than obviously.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:34 AM

Yep. Good luck.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:34 AM

"Same boat, pretty much. I ended up settling on Analog a few days ago. It works."

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 10:34 AM

"Well, Analog, it's a pleasure to meet you. Just wish the circumstances were better."

"We've got about an hour before a robot patrol sweeps through here. Enough time for a quick meal, I think. Y'mind if I cook?"

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:36 AM

So he doesn't know their name.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:36 AM

Oh, the robos have an actual patrol schedule?

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:36 AM

Possibly? I haven't noticed one, but I'm not observant about those sort of things.

Analog

So he doesn't know their name.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:37 AM

Well, if you didn't have your unique advantages, you wouldn't know either right?

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:37 AM

True... Which leads me to wonder what his power is.

"...This is gonna sound a little weird, but, uh... Do you have any sort of..."

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 10:39 AM

"...Cat got your tongue?"

*Quiet snickering*

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:40 AM

Ugh. "No, I'm trying to think of how to put it. Uh... 'Powers'? 'Special abilities'?"

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 10:40 AM

"As a matter of fact, I do."

"I have this sort of... Elementalism thing going on. Mixes and matches for more options."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:42 AM

Sounds a little similar to my power, the latter part.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:42 AM

Oh lol He has Doodle God powers doesn't he

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:42 AM

What's that?

...Actually, should I ask him that?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:44 AM

If you want? If he's as lost as you though, I doubt he would get the reference any more than you do. Doodle God is a relatively popular game on this end. Start with like, earth, water, fire, air. Combine to get more complex options; fire and water for clouds, water and earth for life, etc. Work your way up to things like humans or cars or robots and stuff.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:45 AM

It sounds like his power might be stronger than mine, when you put it like that. Maybe not as open, but...

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:47 AM

Maybe? Depends on the limitations. If he only gets an element a day and uses up an element when using it in the real world, it would probably be weaker than yours.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:48 AM

True. He wasn't done talking, so he may have more to say.

...I just noticed the timeslow effect thing I have here. Huh.

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 10:50 AM

"Gotta mix and match stuff at a certain rate, though. It's like this sorta... Pressure, I guess, behind my eyes."

"But hey, if my power doesn't end up taking me out, I can take out plenty with it."

"And yours?"

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:51 AM

How much should I let him know? Specific powers, growth over time, what?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:52 AM

Your choice I guess? I would go with a general description of cards mechanism, and Voidway, since you'll probably be using both and it would hamper you to hide them.

But don't tell all the specific cards. Gotta have a secret backup in case he isn't as friendly as appears (edited)

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:53 AM

Right. Sounds good. I'll try to keep the STT off, so you don't have to hear me recount all that.

1

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 10:55 AM

"Huh. Sounds like you've got a lot of potential, there. More specialist stuff."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:56 AM

"It is what it is. I'd prefer raw power in a situation like this, honestly."

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 10:57 AM

"Hmm... Eh. Either way, we'd best get moving. Those tin cans are vicious."

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:58 AM

Does he know about the other Analogs (edited)

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:58 AM

I could ask?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 10:58 AM

Do so. We have no info on them other than them being hostile.

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 10:58 AM

"We should probably get moving, can't be too long now..."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 10:59 AM

"Hey, uh, before that. I've seen... clones of me, wandering around. It's how I got so banged up."

"Do you know what's up with that?"

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 11:00 AM

"Clones? ...Huh. Weird. No, no clue. I'm pretty sure the robots don't clone people..."

"C'mon. We're running low on time."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 11:03 AM

Well, we're off. I think we're gonna try to lay low in the woods for a little while. Not too far from the city, but keeping enough distance that the patrols take longer on both sides.

I got a strategy card, but I'm not gonna bother transcribing the art.

I guess I'll be chiming in if something interesting happens.

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 11:07 AM

"Psst. You hear that?"

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 11:08 AM

I guess something interesting is happening now. We've been at the campsite for a few hours.

...I hear footsteps.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 11:08 AM

'You hear that?' in the murderbot territory is always ominous

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 11:08 AM

"Patrol?"

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 11:09 AM

"Costumed freaks. Get ready."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 11:10 AM

...He looks like he's gonna fight these guys. And that he's excited for it.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 11:10 AM

ask why he's excited for it?

If all the furries have been excitedly attacking them, it would make sense for them to be hostile to you

Dunno if there's time for an in-depth explanation tho

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 11:11 AM

"What's got you so riled up?"

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 11:12 AM

"...Don't worry about it. Just putting some things together."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 11:12 AM

"What?"

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 11:13 AM

"Shh."

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 11:13 AM

He's putting together elements to toss at them. Ugh.

Unregistered BOT 14-Apr-21 11:13 AM

*Sound of multiple footsteps crunching leaves and twigs underfoot*

1: "...that we could finally get some action. Been cooling my heels for way too long."

2: "We have our orders. If there's even a chance anyone has been subverted somehow, they need to be put in M/S or shot. That means you, kid."

3: "You know they only do that with the bigass moving buildings, yeah?"

1: "Exactly. That whole nightmare with the Director's kid and Heartbreaker just makes 'em sensitive to this shit."

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 11:24 AM

"...Three, two, one..."

Unregistered BOT 14-Apr-21 11:25 AM

2: "You two ought to be quiet. Fan out. We need to search the area."

1: "Fine, sheesh. Can't be that bad here..."

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 11:29 AM

Poor PRT capes or whoever they are

Lost Signals BOT 14-Apr-21 11:30 AM

The three heroes spread out, #2 continuing south, #3 west, and #1, dressed in something approximating an old western bandit outfit, complete with rather advanced looking pistols in their holsters, approached Absent and Analog. Absent was tensed, poised to strike, to make #1's final comment incredibly ironic.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 11:33 AM

Thanks, Lost Signals, I definitely never would have noticed the irony without the explicit commentary. (edited)

Lost Signals BOT 14-Apr-21 11:38 AM

The area grew darker, causing #1 to pause and reach for both his radio and his gun, aiming around with the latter while trying to use the former. Analog was only dimly able to make out Absent's form in the encroaching shadows. The darkness was briefly dispelled when the gun went off, a bright, tight beam of light punching a hole the size of a fist straight through one of the nearby trees. Before the shadows returned, Analog could see that Absent had put the western-themed hero in a chokehold. The gun had made a rather loud bang, when it went off - There was no way, even with what sound muffling the darkness provided, that they'd get away with that, was there?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 11:38 AM

Probably not lol

Lost Signals BOT 14-Apr-21 11:43 AM

In the darkness, she could see the ground fracture as glowing green lines of light spiralled around them, dispelling the darkness as it went, until none was left. The bandit was down, but #2, a hero in plain-looking armor with glowing green lines painted on almost as an afterthought, had trapped them in a glowing ring of some type, and #3, a figure of almost amazonian physique with a bodysuit that made it clear she didn't care about her own defense, stepped into the ring, beginning to approach the duo.

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:06 PM

"If you two wouldn't mind unhanding our protege there, I can make this nice and quick."

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 12:07 PM

"You tried to snap my legs backwards, first time we met. I'm happy to make this a hostage situation."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:09 PM

I have no idea what to do whatsoever about any of this.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:10 PM

I dunno either But honestly the Protectorate has been ridiculously trigger happy against you too. Maybe they had a reason, but it's still pretty bad to just immediately try shooting you

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:12 PM

Should I try diplomacy? The lady there hasn't gone in for an attack on either of us yet.

It's currently just a standoff.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:13 PM

Sure go ahead. But at best it's going to end up with you in a M/S cell. You heard them earler about imprisoning anyone who could have been influenced

I guess it might be better than living in murderbot city though

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:14 PM

Beats getting shot at, if I'm successful. They feed people in M/S cells, yeah?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:14 PM

Yeah

And then they try to force them into joining the government lol

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:15 PM

"Absent, if you could just... Take the homicidal-ness to like a three?"

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 12:16 PM

"...Go ahead, it's not like I've got anything to say to these fuckers."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:16 PM

Well then. "Uh, look, miss...?"

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:17 PM

"Starbreak."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:20 PM

"Well, miss 'Starbreak.' I'm going to be up front with you here. Absent and myself woke up in here about a week ago. Might be longer for Absent. I can't speak for him, but I know I personally have been nearly murdered... Maybe a dozen times at this point. I-"

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:20 PM

"Can we please get to the point, here?"

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:21 PM

"...The point is, I've been nearly killed by your side of things multiple times for just waking up here as far as I can tell. I think Absent has too. I'd like to change that, for both of us if possible."

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:23 PM

"...You do realize I can see the implants that the bots shoved in you, yeah?"

Limina Idling | Hours 14-Apr-21 12:23 PM

(you say nothing.)

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:23 PM

Damn, I knew those were going to cause problems

(?)

Limina Idling | Hours 14-Apr-21 12:23 PM

(typos, lol)

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:25 PM

"Sure, it may not be quite as bad as some of the other sorry saps that end up in the place, but the Machine Army loves trying new things."

"To say nothing of the times your friend's attacked Protectorate patrols trying to keep the Machine Army contained."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:26 PM

God fucking dammit, Absent.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:26 PM

Ask him why he started pls

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:26 PM

"Wha-"

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:26 PM

If the answer is because they immediately tried killing him, I think it's justified

If still unwise

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 12:28 PM

"My first experience here was one of your squads shooting me in the chest three times. I nearly died."

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:29 PM

And there we go.

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 12:29 PM

"Like fuck would I think you're any better than the bucketheads back in the city."

"Never let it be said I don't try to keep my violence equal opportunity, when the justification arises."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:30 PM

I'm getting a headache.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:30 PM

Ask the PRT peeps why tf they immediately shot the both of you on sight.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:31 PM

"So, either of you care to explain why we were both kill on sight targets?"

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:33 PM

"Hell if I know. I wasn't there. You're trusted to make your own judgement calls when it comes to dealing with the machine army. I can make guesses, but I'm sure you'd rather have facts."

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 12:35 PM

"No, please. I'd like to hear whatever process makes innocent people in here so much more murderable than anywhere else. Give us your insights."

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:36 PM

"...Well, I know for a fact that we've got people who log the appearance of machines who try to break out. Infiltrator units and such. If either of you tried that..."

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:36 PM

Except no?

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:37 PM

...I did.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:37 PM

Didn't?

Oh.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:37 PM

Logged it, even - I tried to climb the wall to get out, got shot at for my troubles.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:37 PM

Oh, I see.

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:39 PM

"As for you, erm, 'Absent.' Nobody knows exactly how Case 53s show up, but if you ended up startling a patrol, well... An itchy trigger finger keeps you alive out here, as I'm sure you've learned."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:39 PM

Case 53...?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:39 PM

Nonhuman capes just kind of pop up randomly in this world

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:40 PM

Oh.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:40 PM

There being so many here suddenly means you aren't one though

Or at least, not in the usual way it happens

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:41 PM

"...This is all because of a series of misunderstandings, is how you're framing it."

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:43 PM

"If the shoe fits. I was gonna go on and list a few more things, but it seems you've already made connections to your own situation."

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 12:45 PM

"...You aren't seriously about to surrender to them? With all that crap in you?"

"They'll tear you apart out of paranoia."

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:45 PM

That might be true

Maybe settle for asking them to stop immediately trying to shoot you on sight?

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:47 PM

I want to get out of this hellhole. I don't think they'd do that much for me if I stayed, but Absent is another story.

They're superheroes, right? They might have a solution for my current situation.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:49 PM

There's like two people with biokinetic or biotinker abilities good enough to know wtf they're doing in examining or removing brain implants like that. One of them is part of the most famous murderhobo groups in the world The other is pretending that she can't do brain work, or even any biokinetic stuff that isn't healing So no, they don't have a solution to the implants. (edited)

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:50 PM

Oh.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:50 PM

They might be able to confirm that the implants are not actively transmitting to or from the MA though? They do have superhero tinkers that might be able to detect communication.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:50 PM

...That'd be something, at least.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:50 PM

Course, they might detect communications from us.

Somehow.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:51 PM

Is that a bad thing?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:52 PM

If they can't decode it to know that it isn't a communication from the MA they'll think you're a sleeper agent or are unwittingly transmitting info to the MA

Also you'd lose your private access to this channel, but that's a smaller price to pay to get out of Eagleton

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:53 PM

...Damn it.

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 12:54 PM

"Keep it together, Analog. Deep breaths."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 12:55 PM

Deep breaths, right.

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:57 PM

"...Look. I'll be real with you. I'm not exactly the head honcho around here, but I'm friends with her."

"You come in, I'll talk with her. It'd be good to get our eyes on what sort of implants the Machine Army uses non-fatally, anyways."

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 12:58 PM

...Risky. Your choice whether you want to take her up on that.

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 12:59 PM

"I'll try to get a good deal in for your buddy, too, assuming he comes in and stops attacking us."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 01:02 PM

Fuck it.

"Absent?"

Absent BOT 14-Apr-21 01:03 PM

"...You aren't splitting us up."

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 01:03 PM

"We can work around that."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 01:03 PM

I can't tell whether or not he's loyal or paranoid.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 01:04 PM

Why not both?

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 01:04 PM

I met him a few hours ago for the first time.

There's no way he'd get attached that fast, yeah?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 01:05 PM

Given you're both week old amnesiacs, a few hours is a significant portion of your life

I'm not saying it definitely happened, but maybe.

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 01:05 PM

"...Alright. Alright, let's... We should get the hell out of here before something else happens."

Starbreak BOT 14-Apr-21 01:07 PM

"Agreed. Sanction, let us out. Neither of them have displayed any capacity to Master people."

Sanction BOT 14-Apr-21 01:07 PM

"About time. We'll be having words about this later. For now, let's get them in quarantine."

"Fish man. You're carrying Kidd. Consider it punishment duty for knocking him out."

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 01:10 PM

The glowing stopped. Okay, feeling a lot less like I'm about to be murdered now.

Starbreak seems to be taking point. I'm a little surprised Absent's carrying the bandit guy, though.

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 01:12 PM

Why? Thought he'd be too rebellious to listen? (edited)

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 01:13 PM

Pretty much. This Sanction guy seems a little standoffish, too, which wouldn't help.

I feel like I'm going to drop dead. Wherever they bring us, I'll probably catch a nap there.

...My sleep schedule is fucked.

Or going to be.

Limina Idling | Hours 14-Apr-21 01:15 PM

(aaaand pin)

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 01:16 PM

Think of it this way He basically still has a hostage as long as he's carrying the dude

Analog BOT 14-Apr-21 01:17 PM

...Why would Sanction let Absent carry him, then?

randomhuman44 14-Apr-21 02:01 PM

who knows