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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.



guffawsungraciously: he's pissiliy crossed his arms (as the friendship goes resentment grows)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-05 01:58 am (UTC)(link)
...

He is Heliodor's other highest ranking general.

[he crosses his arms stiffly. he does not feel like elaborating.]
divinevoid: (🟨 SELF-SATISFACTION)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-05 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I see. You two never got along, I presume?

[ Jasper is acting so pissy, so by the question Void Archives seems to be presuming that is the case. But rather, they are seeing if there is something else to it.

Not really delicate, though really, they've always been blunt. ]
guffawsungraciously: jasper looking really cranky! (oh sure just give hendrik another trophy)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-05 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
Of course not.

[...it's said perhaps a little too emphatically...]

He is a brainless, stubborn slab of meat only worth putting at the front of the army because nothing has managed to kill him yet.
divinevoid: (🟨 TALK)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-05 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ That sure was a lot of energy in that response. It could always be genuine, they suppose.

It's only the description that nets a raised eyebrow. ]


Is that so...? I thought it would be rather difficult for an individual to achieve 'high-ranking general' due to sheer luck. Can you see why I would consider that quite improbable?

Unless there weren't that many threats for Heliodor to contend with?

[ Which, due to them witnessing Mordegon in that nightmare, they doubt. ]
guffawsungraciously: he's pissiliy crossed his arms (as the friendship goes resentment grows)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-05 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmph. I will not say he is terrible at fighting, and he seems... decent for morale. But I do detest the man for a number of extremely valid reasons.

[are they valid, jasper. are they really.]
divinevoid: (🟨 LISTEN)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-05 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh? Well, it is natural for knights to be decent at conjuring morale and fighting.

[ Valid reasons that he doesn't seem fit to immediately elaborate on and don't quite give a clue as to why he would be giving this man the cold shoulder.

Well, Jasper never struck them as the type to necessarily hold back his opinion, so there must be...something else to it? ]


With all of that in mind, then...would you say that he is the type of person to indulge in sabotage, against others? Or regard them in contempt, and ignore their presence on a consistent basis?
guffawsungraciously: he's smugly brushing his bangs out of his face. (THIS WORLD IS IMPERFECT)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-06 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
...As I said, he can be stubborn and a poor communicator, but I feel like sabotage is beyond him. Really, he is honest and sincere to a fault.

[grumble grumble.]

I am certain that this apparition is being more intentionally malicious than the real Hendrik would be, but I do not know his angle.
divinevoid: (🟨 HELPFUL?)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-06 05:22 am (UTC)(link)
Very well.

I believe that is enough background at the moment. Though while I do have some guesses, I don't see a reason to start throwing them out point blank until we get something a bit more substantial.

[ They look on over to "Hendrik"...assuming the image of him is still within hearing range, but you know, presumably kept his back turned or whatever position he's in now. ]

Oh, Sir Hendrik, might this kind and benevolent soul have a moment of your time~? I have to wonder whyever you find yourself unable to speak a word to Sir Jasper. It isn't very knightly of you, you know!
Edited 2025-02-06 05:40 (UTC)
guffawsungraciously: a smirky look, like you would expect from a piece of shit (kittyface...???)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-07 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
[...okay that does get him to chuckle under his breath a bit, which is probably some sort of success. Hendrik, however, is not amused as he turns to address Void Archives.

"Nor is high treason, which is why I have no intention of speaking to the man."

...well, he's not quite as amused anymore, but you know.]
divinevoid: (🟨 SNEER)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-07 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ Now, hearing Jasper's chuckle, Void Archives is pretty certain that there is something like a semblance of success to be detected in there, up until the phantasm of Hendrik decides to say something decisively unpleasant. ]

Is that so? Have you ever considered that you were being quite unreasonable? High treason is quite a big deal, yes.

But, does it ever really mean that someone so honorable should give another knight the cold shoulder? While knights must certainly protect their kingdom, and uphold chivalry, they must certainly be honorable in their conduct, yes? Therefore, is it not dishonorable to ignore someone like Sir Jasper?

For shame, Sir Hendrik. I imagined that knights such as yourself were quite respectable individuals~

[ This argument might be not be the best they've ever leveraged given that high treason really isn't something that can ... defended. If this can be considered a proper one. But, they are also adding their own flair to it, so...? ]
guffawsungraciously: jasper looking really cranky! (oh sure just give hendrik another trophy)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-08 08:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hendrik also kind of... looks Void Archives over and narrows his eyes.

"Your logic truly makes no sense. Did he put you up to this somehow...? In any case, I have no intention of giving him what he wants."]


Oh, wonderful. He will not simply leave, then...
divinevoid: (🟨 ❓)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-08 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Tsk.

[ A pity that they can't simply aggravate such specters out of existence, but maybe it shouldn't really be all that surprising that it wouldn't be a simple matter.

Still, Void Archives is not going to give up. They did come here in order to help out Jasper, and they have only grown in the amount of stubbornness that they do so inherently posses. ]


No, though it surprises me little...these phantasms of the mind are quite difficult to deal with.

[ Back to Hendrik. ]

You are quite stubborn, aren't you? I will have you know that I am my own person and decided to do this of my own volition. Please, don't be too shocked by this fact! But, do answer this for me, Sir Hendrik - beyond a response from you to him, what do you think he wants? What would make you reconsider?
guffawsungraciously: jasper looking frustrated and kind of, you know, taking a breath because he got owned (I'M JUST A LITTLE BIRTHDAY BOY)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-08 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[...Jasper just kind of grits his teeth in agitation.]

...listen, I do not care whether or not he pays any attention to me, I just wish--

["He is lying. He simply wishes for any acknowledgement, whether it be positive or negative. I have no intention of reconsidering my stance on this matter."

...

he's. he's actually kind of mad both for being put on blast and also because hendrik would NEVER be so emotionally intelligent.]
divinevoid: (🟨 DISAPPOINTMENT)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-08 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ ...Oh, so it's like that.

Ah. Some understanding filters into their field of view at this. Especially when they suspect Jasper is in denial - which, really, is quite something of a hurdle to contend with. ]


I see.

[ They simply say, before going quiet, considering the matter even further. This is actually kind of territory they haven't treaded before and pretty much can fuck it up (which, they seriously don't want to), but you know what. They're not a coward. ]

And you're saying you have never given him such things before? That he hasn't already had it? [ ... ] Isn't it quite a pity that you're clearly being a fool, in retrospect, Sir Hendrink? By insinuating that such a thing has been impossible? That will have ever been impossible, by your actions now?

[ Not necessarily what Hendrik is saying, but they may as well attempt some kind of unique angle (if it could be called that, it's still their usual fashion.) ]
guffawsungraciously: an angry and somewhat disbelieving look! (I CALL HAX)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-09 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
["That is not true. He is simply hung up on a promise the two of us made as a child."]

...

Can we... not discuss this any longer.

["Something he should have grown out of long ago."]
divinevoid: (🟨 SNEER)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-09 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
If it isn't settled, this phantom will continue to see to appearing in your general space, without granting you any semblance of peace - indeed, it shall continue to be a disquieting presence that no silence can alleviate. That would be quite a pain, no?

[ If they were the type to be conflict-adverse, they may consider it. But, they know all too well that it'll do no favors; least of all Jasper, who they're committed to lending a hand here. And, despite what consequences may transpire, they intend to see through it to the end.

But, Hendrik's words in the end frame it as a shame. Is it Jasper who is ashamed for holding on, when he believes he will only be denied? ]


As for you, Sir Hendrik, I must ask:

What, exactly, is wrong with someone holding onto a promise? Even if it was made at such a young age? Well?
guffawsungraciously: a somewhat confused look. (who is this... sassy lost child?)

[personal profile] guffawsungraciously 2025-02-11 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
I can ignore him now. I know what angle he is going for, so I can simply tune him out.

[he says, trying to convince himself....

Hendrik shakes his head, in any case.

"He is trapped in the past. He does not understand that the rest of us have moved on from such childish things, and moved on from him."]
divinevoid: (🟨 (X) DOUBT)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-11 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ ...Jasper's words are spoken as if they are the truth, but Void Archives feels as if they are at least very confident that would not end well for a litany of reasons. Most of which having to do with the fact that these things are persistent and irritating for all the obvious reasons specters seem to exist to function in the first place. ]

...Not to doubt your ability to soldier or weather through such matters, but I do believe that tuning them out won't make the phantasm disappear. Eventually, it will start to be quite a pain once your patience has been stretched thin.

[ Including right now, wherein it talks as it does now. Which, honestly, is speaking to quite a very rude tune - to that of which they do not feel inclined to like in the slightest. It feels like a personal slight, even...particularly the insinuation he has been discarded, and that makes them arch a brow. ]

'The rest of us?' You must be quite delusional. Speaking such words as if they are a fact, when they are clearly anything but. Let me say something, Sir Hendrik:

Is it a fact that everyone has suddenly moved on from their past and left behind their childhood and ties? I would certainly argue not. Which then leads myself to the fact that it is true he must face that past, instead of ignoring it now. [ A pointed look at Jasper, then back to Hendrik. ] However, I am quite certain that your assertion about those other matters are hardly true. Otherwise, this kitchen would be quiet, and bereft of anyone in it, no?