shardmods: (Default)
shardmods ([personal profile] shardmods) wrote in [community profile] shardbond2025-02-02 11:59 am

WEEK 4






You were successful in repelling the robots attacking the city, but you've been left with far too many questions. For once, Tails doesn't have any answers for you, and a gloomy uncertainty has fallen over your three allies. It probably doesn't help that everyone had a rough time of it last week. A win is a win, but it doesn't really feel like a win when you're not even sure who this unknown threat is...

Regardless, life goes on. Things are a bit different this week in Chicago, however.


THE CITY


You'll need to be careful now more than ever when heading out into the city. Though Eggman's usual robots are still present, their numbers have been cut drastically. Far fewer drones patrol the streets, with only the occasional tank or B33 to be seen. You can still find and fight them, and they will still call for backup, but it seems like you all really have destroyed a lot of them.

But there are the new additions to Eggman's forces. Unlike the white chrome versions, these are here to cause problems. You can find them patrolling sometimes... but usually you'll find them in the city proper, destroying whatever they can. Whenever they catch sight of you, they will stop at nothing to try to pursue you and destroy you.

The city itself is still undergoing changes, with more of that white chrome spreading throughout, as if infecting the structures themselves. The Badniks will still destroy even that, though; it's more like they're mindless machines than carrying out any precise orders.

But in a stroke of good luck, occasionally you'll find that some of the humans recognize the danger they're in. It's only when confronted with a robot - but you might hear a scream, or see them try to run away, and if you save them, you may even be able to get a few words in before they simply return to their monotonous lives. You won't be able to get any truly valuable information from them, but they will thank you repeatedly for helping. They don't seem to realize that they're being controlled by someone else, even if you ask them about it.

VISIONS


If you thought last week was a lot, get ready for the madness of week 4!

You may still have nightmares. You may still be pulled into each others' nightmares (same as last week, if you'd like to play out more of these). Or maybe you'll finally be able to catch a break and get some z's, but even if you are lucky enough for that, you'll still be dealing with everything else.

You may find yourself randomly teleported into the city. This happens at random, and can happen to multiple people at the same time. One minute you may be waking up, the next you'll find yourself surrounded by robots ready to kill you. And yeah, the robots are a feature, not a bug. No matter how it happens, you will always be facing down robots whenever you're brought into the city. Enjoy!

But maybe your luck holds out and you're unaffected by that. Well, there's still the visions to deal with!

There are two different kinds of visions that may happen.

The first are the more minor ones - where you may see the people closest to you (positive or negative). They will appear for others as well, and they will gladly speak with you - though they aren't exactly behaving in the way they should. They will torment you, reminding you of past failures and imperfections, and speaking as though everything is your fault. They will follow you wherever you go, and will only fade when someone else has helped you come to terms with the horrid things they're saying. These visions are a manifestation of a character's psyche and thus are based on their own perceptions of their friends/enemies and their own faults. They're incapable of interacting with the world or the characters, but they sure can insult you!

The second are much larger in scope. No matter where you were, you may find yourself pulled into friend's memory. These memories are one-for-one versions of what exactly happened, though now you're here! Are you playing the role of someone else, or are you just a bystander in all that's happening?

The character having the vision may or may not be aware of you initially, but once they're made aware of your presence, the vision will still play out as the memory would. The only way to stop it - aside from simply letting it play out in its entirety - is to drastically alter the memory in such a way that it cannot get itself back on track. Considering the trauma some of the people in this game have, it might be a good idea to help break them free of it.

Regardless of which happens to you (the nightmares, the teleportation, or the visions), your vision will turn bright red for a moment afterwards - it vanishes quickly enough, but it leaves you with the eerie feeling that you're being watched.

SHARDS


Your powers are growing, and you'll find you're able to defend yourself with your power in some way, even if yours is a power made for support. All characters are now able to fire off a blast of energy in their shard color to defend themselves - this attack will grow stronger in time, but at least everyone should be able to defend themselves (somewhat) now?

As you fight with your allies - particularly those you have a close bond with, positive or negative - you may feel the tug of something in the back of your head; it tells you that you can do more. Together, you can become more powerful. You can use your shards together. Doing so will grant you a new power, or strengthen the one you already have. The more you trust one another, the easier this power will be to use.

It might be good to experiment with these new powers; after all, you never know when you may need them.

TAILS' TASKS


Like last week, Sonic Team is still in need of rings. Rings are still annoying to get. You'll probably need help to get them, but they're worth collecting. So make sure to grab some for Tails!

You may also be tasked with tracking Chaos Energy. Like with tracking rings, Tails will give you a device that can pick up on the signature. You should be careful in approaching, especially if the signature is a large one, considering the three enemies you faced last weekend. Still, Chaos Energy may lead you to more of Eggman's fake Chaos Emeralds, which could prove useful...

Tracking the source down will lead you to one of the weekly enemies with a shard somewhere on its body. It will be much harder to kill than the regular versions of that enemy, and capable of some kind of special power (players' choice). Crushing the shard will weaken the enemy and bring it back down to its normal power level, making it fairly easy to defeat, but if you manage to defeat it without breaking the shard, you can bring it back to Tails for examination.


ENEMIES


Though you can still find the enemies from previous weeks in Chicago throughout the city, their numbers have thinned. Mostly, you'll be running into new faces - robots that don't look anything like Eggman's usuals. They are very rarely actually patrolling or idling, instead focused on destroying parts of the city or attacking any people unfortunate enough to get in their way.

Moto Bugs are... rather cute. They roll around on their singular wheel and can slash with their front claws, though primarily they deal damage by ramming into things at fairly high speeds. They're fairly weak, all things considered, especially by now. They're completely powerless when knocked over or onto their backs. Though one Moto Bug is weak, you will never find them alone - instead, you'll usually find at least 3-5 of them in a group.

Crabmeats are robotic crabs. Where does the meat come in? Unclear. Regardless, they're stronger than Moto Bugs and are capable of both bashing with their massive claws and snipping, and either way they are capable of a good deal of damage if you get hit. They're slower though, which means getting out of the way shouldn't be too hard. Like Moto Bugs, these usually are never alone, often working in pairs.

Buzzers are bees. Did you think we were done with bees? We are absolutely not done with bees. These bees function almost identically to the B33 models in that they're capable of firing lasers from their stingers, divebombing to try to sting, and generally be(e)ing a nuisance. Unlike the B33 models, they do not have a glaringly obvious weak point and are a bit harder to hit and destroy as a result. Though you may rarely encounter only one of these bees out in the wild, usually you'll run into groups of them and they will not be(e) happy to see you.



divinevoid: (🟨 SMUG)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-03 01:54 pm (UTC)(link)
i. aggrieved;

[ Now, Void Archives isn't entirely too surprised to notice that the nightmares persist - there is no doubt in their mind that their enemy clearly noted the effect it has had on everyone's person. That is actually a problem in of itself, but even further still are the changes that are brought as a result of this week's unfortunate...aspects.

For one matter, there is the problem behind the visions. Then, there is something else entirely.

That 'something else' follows them well after they've made tea and are now in the hallways. A familiar sort. ]


How long until you manage to tear some of those here asunder with your efforts? But, you don't quite care about that, do you?

[ They keep walking as he follows. ]

Isn't there another way to adhere to your goals? I'm sure you understand...you and I are hardly all that different after all, old friend.

[ At this, Void Archives stop walking, facial expression momentarily blank, but then they crack a smile, and do nothing but laugh for a long while. Seems like it could be worse? ]

ii. the state of you;

[ Nearby one of the shops, Void Archives is hanging around, but not inside. Off to the side, they're talking to a brown-haired man with glasses - he looks quite severe. ]

You can't keep going on like this. Even those who didn't know you would have expected better from you.

[ The blond scoffs lightly. ]

...What everyone should have expected doesn't matter. I never really needed anyone's approval to do anything.

That is how I am, isn't it? That hasn't changed whatsoever.

[ ... ]

What about your performance so far? Hasn't it been lacking? ...You're nowhere near achieving your purpose.

[ Here is where Void Archives goes quiet. ]

iii. omen;

[ The sky is dark with a clear and obvious red that looks foreboding even from a distance.

Red crystals dot the streets of a strange city, and littered there are buildings that are tilted or otherwise destroyed.

There's a long pathway around the city that eventually leads to a haunting, crimson castle, with strange, ominous vermillion crystal spikes here or there littered in its surroundings, making it appear quite formidable. Not much noise is there to accompany it, but walking into it reveals that there is a familiar blond with a strange mask, and they are facing down a party of separate individuals; a couple of young ladies and young men. ]


iv. gallery of phantasms;

[ After they have helped with the rings, they make their way here, and go to settle themselves down to look at one of the works on display.

They're sitting on the floor, looking at a random painting, and then chuckle to themselves; a rare moment from all the chaos means they also thought to bring a drink with them to partake, sipping at it.

But, they don't say anything. Whatever they're thinking, it's anyone's guess. ]


v. wildcard;

[ Same as usual, whatever isn't above feel free to fling my way! They can be found in the city doing tasks. There is also an option to experience a nightmare, but please let me know and I'll throw a new one. ]
Edited 2025-02-03 18:12 (UTC)
noirge: (yves05)

iii.

[personal profile] noirge 2025-02-05 06:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ hell yeah a lum/va cyoa.

I mean, sure Yves is visit the castle! You think he gets to ever go into the one back home on his island with the Worst VN Mooks of our vidya generation? No! So he's going to to see the masked guy that seems familiar once he steps inside, but keep a distance so he doesn't interrupt anything. ]
divinevoid: (🟨 MASK)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-05 05:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Welcome, special guest and observer Yves.

Anyway, Yves will see the blond floating in the air, spreading their hands out - one hand bare, one gloved. The familiar tone of Void Archives' voice reverberates throughout the area, soft, playful, theatrical, and yet clear as day, "Welcome, my little friends from Schisksal! Alas, you kept me waiting for so long."

There's a momentary pause, only for the blond to add, "I'd like to express my gratitude to you all - thanks to you, I finally got to meet the Herrscher of Reason. You have been a great help."

They don't even allow the others to speak, immediately going on the offensive. "Well then...Lucheni, I need to borrow your servant for a while, to entertain our kind helpers."

Wow, they resorted to violence real quick, huh...but there are probably reasons for that.

In a blink of an eye, a frightening crimson robot makes its appearance. Then, it begins to attack the party, which consists of a black-haired swordswoman, a black-haired male, alongside some others.

Will he watch until the end? It does seem like a fierce battle could be difficult to interrupt. ]
noirge: (yves17)

[personal profile] noirge 2025-02-07 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, so that's how it is. He seems to have stumbled upon the lair of the Cube. It seems the Cube is traitor-shaped, or perhaps used these individuals. What a large head you have, sir. But Yves remains calm as he approaches forward to get a better view, like a referee of a game on the sidelines. He doesn't draw his weapon against the robot... but he looks to the party. ]

Good luck! Don't let this diversion stop you.

[ They should win, Yves thinks. That feels right. He'll continue to watch, though! But every so often he moves his gaze upwards towards Void Archives. What are you doing now, buddy? ]
divinevoid: (🟨 UNPLEASANT)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-07 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The black-haired woman turns to look at Yves in shock. Due to the very dire circumstances him just being there and speaking up is enough to affect events. ]

"A civilian? How...we thought all of the survivors were..."

[ Void Archives seems to take notice of Yves' presence. A slight shift from the script.

"Oh? Three new faces. I didn't know Schicksal admits male members now. He doesn't look like a Kaslana."

Then, they chuckle, as if amused. After that, they suddenly turn their attention towards the swordswoman, speaking gently, "It's been awhile, Miss Raiden. You've changed so much. Which reminds me...hey, Lucheni, tell your general to be careful. This lady here is the former Herrscher of Thunder.

Her powers must be of great value. Take it all for us."


The strange part about this battle is that Void Archives isn't fighting themselves, nor acting as support, and they are simply hovering above ground, as if disinterested in participating directly. Pretty weird, isn't it...?

Right after, the machine is suddenly defeated by the party.

Then, suddenly, there is the sound of a strange entity, not unlike the sound of a particular aquatic creature - perhaps a whale. Yves can feel that when the noise arrives, it causes a full body shudder and a cold sweat. Whatever it is, it must be dangerous. But, then the blond says with something like...reluctance (?), "Fine...you owe me one..."

The swordswoman shouts: ]


Watch out!

[ And then, still following the script of the memory, they raise a hand, seeming to summon a strange, powerful shockwave of golden energy that expels from it and to the surroundings of the entire castle itself. Up to Yves if he gets caught up in it, though there's some rubble to jump behind if he distances himself further. ]
Edited 2025-02-07 14:39 (UTC)
noirge: (yves08)

[personal profile] noirge 2025-02-10 06:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ He thought he could just watch this play out, huh. Well... too bad, and he's definitely embarrassed. ]

Sorry, I'll stay out of way, promise!

[ He is but an ordinary human but... What's this about being a male Schicksal or something... he may never know. Asking the Wikipedia here may be worth it but also... maybe not. ]

What isβ€” Yikes!

[ Whale whale whale... He has good enough reflexes to jump behind some rebel, buts far from anything graceful. Honestly he just doesn't want to get hurt and have strangers worry about him? He already is terrible with handling his own pain. ]
Edited 2025-02-10 13:24 (UTC)
divinevoid: (🟨 DIVINE KEY)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-10 01:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ And, really, is the trouble worth it...?

Whatever the case, the dark-haired woman seems to immediately position herself in front of the blond-haired construct, katana out in a defense position. She throws her head back, asking those behind her: ]


You okay?

[ Then, she shouts: ]

"You're not hurting my team!"

[ Which clearly solidifies her as the leader of this group of heroes, it seems. Void Archives merely states, "So be it. The one posing the biggest threat..."

In a flash they hold up one hand, and golden chains extend out of nowhere, binding Raiden in an instant - her hands forced behind her back, sword discarded due to the way the chains constrict and having moved to restrained her. "...Must be taken out first, no?"

Yves suddenly has a feeling that this is going to end badly. But not for Void Archives.

The machine from earlier makes a reappearance, stabbing some kind of sharp implement right through the bound woman (its weapon), forcing her up into the air with its strength - her body just dangles there as blood slides down from the wound. The other members of the group look on horror and terror as Void Archives speaks in a cold, clinical tone, "Her Herrscher energy is invaluable. Leave nothing behind."

A strange golden shield appears around the robot. The platform begins to shake as the woman remains suspended in the air and strange energy gathers around the weapon and the machine. Meanwhile, the dark-haired young man and his two mobile companions attempt to attack the shield, and it feels like some sort of countdown has started. To what? Well...

"Guess we'll leave this to your little general, Lucheni. Let's go open the gates of stars for the Sky People."

Maybe that answers the question. ]