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File 170863018546.png - (235.76KB , 1295x1295 , 022124_FromNothingTitle.png )
1084137 No. 1084137 ID: 1effd3

From nothing, a new beginning.
Expand all images
>>
No. 1084138 ID: 1effd3
File 170863028644.png - (183.68KB , 1200x1000 , 022124_FromNothing1.png )
1084138

The small being struggles to wake, feeling gradually returning to her body. It’s cold, and the darkness is oppressing. She manages to get to her feet and open her eyes.
>>
No. 1084141 ID: 1effd3
File 170863053026.png - (158.69KB , 1200x1000 , 022124_FromNothing2.png )
1084141

“Where… am I?”

Surrounded by darkness, a faint light shows itself along the crumbling path. Instinctually, she began to walk towards the light.

“What’s this?”
>>
No. 1084142 ID: 1effd3
File 170863063133.png - (139.06KB , 1200x1000 , 022124_FromNothing3.png )
1084142

The faint light was coming from a staff nearly twice her height. It looked worn and bleached, one of the only things of white in this endless black, surrounded by bleached bricks and ornate stonework.

“It’s… ok to take this… right?”
>>
No. 1084143 ID: 1effd3
File 170863068723.png - (241.50KB , 1200x1000 , 022124_FromNothing4.png )
1084143

...
>>
No. 1084144 ID: 1effd3
File 170863085964.png - (495.63KB , 1200x1000 , 022124_FromNothing5.png )
1084144

MAKE YOUR WILL KNOWN.
>>
No. 1084145 ID: 660f7a

Give me a son
>>
No. 1084146 ID: d840d1

>>1084144
Yes, hi, hello. Someone ordered an otherworldly consciousness?
>>
No. 1084147 ID: 7c0da2

I like this place, my will is to see more of it.
>>
No. 1084148 ID: d9de31

I want to see some people.
>>
No. 1084149 ID: 83f7d2

Ask the light how many wishes you get.
>>
No. 1084152 ID: 19bd49

PINEAPPLEEEEEEEES!
>>
No. 1084156 ID: 6a4d6d

Ask for more light in this endless darkness
>>
No. 1084158 ID: 0ec851

To seek truth.
>>
No. 1084165 ID: a7a180

Feed me CORN DOGSSSSS.
>>
No. 1084175 ID: aebb38

WE ARE THE ONES WHO SEEK ETERNITY
ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD, RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES
OUR WILL IS THE ONE OF WHO SEEKS GLORY AND FAMILY
A SON WILL SUFFICE, HIS STRENGTH UNMACHED
TO LEAD US TORWARDS A BRAVE NEW WORLD
TO REACH THE TRUTH AND THE BEGGINING
LET OUR WORDS RESONATE FROM NOTHING
AND LET THERE BE LIGHT
...
also a cheeseburger pls we hungy
>>
No. 1084180 ID: e139aa

APOTHEOSIS
>>
No. 1084190 ID: 184595

DIVIDE THE DARKNESS FROM THE LIGHT
>>
No. 1084191 ID: a40f53

Reclaim your name
>>
No. 1084203 ID: 2f41db

>>1084144
"Where am I?"
"What are you?"

Good starts little one.
Small step to begin a journey.
>>
No. 1084216 ID: 2aa5f0

greetings
>>
No. 1084226 ID: 841200

>>1084144
I demand knowledge and understanding
>>
No. 1084315 ID: 1effd3
File 170872949877.png - (246.18KB , 900x750 , 022324_FromNothing6.png )
1084315

>Yes, hi, hello. Someone ordered an otherworldly consciousness?
>Greetings

“AH! Y-you speak??”

>Reclaim your name.

“My name? It’s… I think… Silv? Or is it Mithra? They both feel correct to me…”

>"Where am I?", "What are you?"
Good starts little one. Small step to begin a journey.

“I… I don’t know where we are. I’m… uhh…”

>WE ARE THE ONES WHO SEEK ETERNITY
ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD, RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES
OUR WILL IS THE ONE OF WHO SEEKS GLORY AND FAMILY
A SON WILL SUFFICE, HIS STRENGTH UNMATCHED
TO LEAD US TOWARDS A BRAVE NEW WORLD
TO REACH THE TRUTH AND THE BEGINNING
LET OUR WORDS RESONATE FROM NOTHING
AND LET THERE BE LIGHT
>Give me a son

“Sorry, I’m confused?”

>Feed us pineapples/cheese burgers/corndogs!

“Are those food? I’m actually kind of hungry…”
>>
No. 1084316 ID: 1effd3
File 170872953370.png - (148.15KB , 900x750 , 022324_FromNothing7.png )
1084316

>I like this place, my will is to see more of it.
>I want to see some people.
>To seek truth
>Ask for more light in this endless darkness
>DIVIDE THE DARKNESS FROM THE LIGHT

“More light would be nice. Could you make some…? Please?”
>>
No. 1084317 ID: 1effd3
File 170872955890.png - (182.08KB , 900x750 , 022324_FromNothing8.png )
1084317

Silv holds the staff above her head as the light from it steadily gets brighter. As it brightens, you can better see your immediate surroundings. There's a few ruined walls, crumbling bits of furniture, scraps of fabric, grass, and… a black thing chewing on something. Oh, and a great deal of infinite nothingness around you.

“Oh, that’s much better! There’s… not much around here.”

>I demand knowledge and understanding

“I agree. I don’t really know who I am besides my name, and I don’t know anything about you either…”

“Do you have a name? And what should we investigate first?”
>>
No. 1084318 ID: a7a180

Black thing. Participate in the food chain.
>>
No. 1084319 ID: 19bd49

Eye of Infinite Psyche

Check out that black thingy over there.
>>
No. 1084320 ID: 443b73

We are Bob
>>
No. 1084321 ID: 184595

There is no name for us; we are legion, with many names, and no name.

Go to black thing.
>>
No. 1084323 ID: 2f41db

>>1084317
To the black thing but cautiously.
Dont want to be the next thing it decides to chew on eh?

Oh and, yeah.
No idea what we are, but bob is as good a name as any
>>
No. 1084324 ID: 5b2941

>>1084315
You're not sure of your own name? Curious. Well, your (metaphysical?) nametag says Silv, so I suppose that's what I'll call you. An interesting thing about "Mithra" is that it's a name associated with a deity. Are you in any way divine?

>>1084317
Oh, asking a name of us is an exercise in futility. "Voices" or "Eye" will do.
>>
No. 1084325 ID: 273c18

>>1084317
We are The Eye That Sees Infinity. Tetsi for short.

That black thing is an anomaly. Approach with caution.
>>
No. 1084327 ID: 8f9bc4

The ground stops for no reason. It was obviously cut out from around here. How can you get back the rest of the ground? That might be where the food is.

Be wary of the black thing.
>>
No. 1084330 ID: af7615

D'aww, she's cute.

And yeah, I guess approach the black thing? New frend get? Fingers crossed?
>>
No. 1084331 ID: eb0a9c

Say hello to what remains when a world dies. Congratulations on surviving the final chapters of the apocalypse.

Now investigate the shadowy bug-thing in front of you.
>>
No. 1084340 ID: aebb38

We are legion, bob, tetsi, I, Eye of Infinite Psyche, etc. We have no name. We have all names We wan't to see the black thing. We want to bash the black thing. We don't know what is the black thing. Is the black thing a son? Is it food? We are curious, hungry, happy, sad. We want food. We want a son. We want ourselves and you. We are everything and nothing. We must go. We must make the nothing into something. Let's spread the light into this nothing. Let's go to the black thing. Let's start our journey.
>>
No. 1084358 ID: 2aa5f0

>My name? It’s… I think… Silv? Or is it Mithra? They both feel correct to me…
Greetings Silv Mithra, I notice you're left handed, I also notice that the path to your right there is something laying next to the ruble there.
>>
No. 1084359 ID: 6a4d6d

We are so many, different voices, different wits, different wills, one body. Call us how you like it more, little one.

We should go to check that little creature right there, perhaps know more than us, perhaps know less than us, or perhaps is an enemy, so be cautious.
>>
No. 1084433 ID: 0ec851

>>1084325
Tetsi's good. Though trust me, infinity's not all it's chocked up to be.
>>
No. 1084443 ID: 1effd3
File 170881326405.png - (217.34KB , 900x750 , 022424_FromNothing9.png )
1084443

>Eye of Infinite Psyche
>The Eye That Sees Infinity. Tetsi for short.
>Asking a name of us is an exercise in futility. "Voices" or "Eye" will do.
>We are so many, different voices, different wits, different wills, one body. Call us how you like it more, little one.

“I suppose I’ll call you ‘The Eye’ for now.”

>You're not sure of your own name? Curious. Well, your (metaphysical?) name tag says Silv, so I suppose that's what I'll call you. An interesting thing about "Mithra'' is that it's a name associated with a deity. Are you in any way divine?
>say hello to what remains when a world dies. Congratulations on surviving the final chapters of the apocalypse.

“When a world dies?? Is that why I don’t remember anything? Also I don’t feel particularly divine…”

>That black thing is an anomaly.
>Cautiously investigate the black thing.

“Everything is kind of black around here though…”

Silv slowly approaches the back of the pile of debris that the creature is currently by. It looks like a weird kind of slug? It doesn’t seem to react to her, and appears to be eating… a rock? Just… a rock?

”I’m pretty sure rocks aren’t edible… Ugh, I just remembered that I’m hungry.”

”It doesn’t look too dangerous… I need something to eat, but I don’t know if that thing is edible–”
>>
No. 1084444 ID: 1effd3
File 170881330607.png - (253.95KB , 900x750 , 022424_FromNothing10.png )
1084444

POMPH
>>
No. 1084445 ID: 1effd3
File 170881332325.png - (134.90KB , 900x750 , 022424_FromNothing11FlareRune.png )
1084445

The creature expels something from its back, faintly glowing and floating along gently. It’s shape strange, but not entirely abstract.

“...Should I pick it up?”
>>
No. 1084446 ID: 273c18

Take the glowy thing.
>>
No. 1084447 ID: 5b2941

>>1084445
sure, when has picking up strange glowing things ever gone wrong for us?
>>
No. 1084449 ID: 5ebd37

Ah yes, a pictograph. This one means you should do a headstand.

And yes pick it up, not like we've got a much else going on.
>>
No. 1084450 ID: 6a4d6d

Pick it up, but be cautious
>>
No. 1084451 ID: 19bd49

Either it's trying to communicate, or it's converting stones into... some sort of a product, because this isn't what poop normally looks like.
>>
No. 1084453 ID: 7c0da2

Why not ? We like kinda abstract shapes. Don't you ?
Also, poke the creature with us. Using the non-eye end, please.
>>
No. 1084456 ID: 184595

Do not take the sigil! It is for us. Touch us to the sigil, and let us claim our right to it.
>>
No. 1084457 ID: 2f41db

>>1084445
Itnlooks like an attempt at communication.
Respond in kind.

I guess you could talk, but it may only recognise gaseous emissions as language.
>>
No. 1084460 ID: aebb38

We imagine an alphabet greater than all the languages in the nothing of the world. But it is empty, we must put the letters in it. Is this a letter? The only way to know is to interact with it.
>>
No. 1084464 ID: eb0a9c

Use us to take the glowy thing.
>>
No. 1084492 ID: 0ec851

Stick us in it. Glowing runes are my favorite food.
>>
No. 1084541 ID: 1effd3
File 170891843760.png - (279.59KB , 900x750 , 022524_FromNothing12_pick_it_up.png )
1084541

>Pick up the glowing thing.
>Interact with it.
>Caution, use us to touch it.

Silv extends The Eye over the creature, careful not to disturb it. The Eye touches the strange object and… nothing happens. It just floats off a little bit.


“I guess it’s safe to touch it?” ,Silv says as she reaches for it.

“It’s… pleasantly warm.”
>>
No. 1084542 ID: 1effd3
File 170891846912.png - (237.14KB , 900x750 , 022524_FromNothing13_noms.png )
1084542

>Glowing runes are my favorite food.

Silv’s stomach growls.

“...”

NOM
>>
No. 1084543 ID: 1effd3
File 170891849944.png - (203.46KB , 900x750 , 022524_FromNothing14_runepoisoning.png )
1084543

Silv coughs violently!

“BAD IDEA IT’S REALLY HOT!!!”
“Why did I think that was a good idea?!”

Silv gained the ability to learn and use runes!
Silv learned the Flare Rune!

As Silv introspects and regrets her decisions, you feel something has changed about you.

— — —

Name: Silv Mithra:

Race:???

Class Archetype: Spellcaster
Class: None


Abilities:

Skitter: Increased speed for movement and actions.
Runelearner: Can learn the fundamentals of the universe, runes.

Spells: Flare

Special Equipment: The Eye



Name: The Eye/Tetsi

Class: Artifact

Abilities:

Illuminate: Lights up the area around the Eye.
Weak Identify(shared): Can be used to identify creatures and objects.
Weak Dowsing: Locates the closest ‘target’ to self, guides in a direction. Can also place markers on objects and locations to find them again. Limit 1 marker.
>>
No. 1084544 ID: 5b2941

>>1084543
Hmm. So what does this Weak Dowsing thing target? Activate it.
>>
No. 1084547 ID: 2f41db

>>1084543
Until recently it was inside another living creature.
Id expect some warmth to...
Oh.
It was a flare rune.
That explains it.

Try to Parp out some thankyou gasses to our new best friend with the weird language.
Im convinced this is how they talk.
>>
No. 1084554 ID: 273c18

Alright let's Identify the dark sludge creature.
>>
No. 1084560 ID: 8f9bc4

Hey! Now what are we gonna eat?!

> Name: Silv Mithra:

> Race:???

Anyway, cast Identify on yourself.
>>
No. 1084578 ID: 184595

It is us that commands the power of identification. And you, Silv Mithra, are identified to us as Runelearner and Skitterer; as one charged with heeding our word.

Let this slug will now be identified to us, as well. Our dowsing immediately drew us to its power, the source of runes, we will hereby mark it, that we might return to it and add to your powers of creation in the future.

Silv Runelearner, you are to summon a flare, to cast further light into the void. Let us see the vastness of its expanse!
>>
No. 1084579 ID: eb0a9c

Let's place a marker right where we were. For all we know, it could be the gate to get us out of this cluster.

Time to [scan everything].
>>
No. 1084583 ID: 37587f

We are gonna keep the cute slug that creates runes and we are going to name it "Scrunkly", for he shall be adopted as our son. This is not negotiable. Also, Silv, sweetie, next time you eat something, please don't eat slug rune poop, its bad for your heatlh.
>>
No. 1084584 ID: 2aa5f0

identify the black thing
>>
No. 1084592 ID: 7c0da2

You must be really hungry to try and eat that. It came out of a weird bug thing. Well, you look like a bug thing too, so maybe it's normal for you? What do you usually eat?

As for us, we should mark our current location, so that we may find our way back to it if need be.
>>
No. 1084758 ID: 1effd3
File 170908984692.png - (129.25KB , 900x750 , 022524_FromNothing15_Pokedex_Moment.png )
1084758

>You must be really hungry to try and eat that. It came out of a weird bug thing. Well, you look like a bug thing too, so maybe it's normal for you? What do you usually eat?

“I don’t know, I was following your lead!”

>Anyway, cast Identify on yourself.

Silv seems to have already triggered Weak Identify with her earlier introspection.

>Identify the creature
>SCAN EVERYTHING
>We are gonna keep the cute slug

“I guess we can keep it? It’s not like there's anywhere it could go.”
After a few more coughs, Silv picks herself up and casts Weak Identify on the strange creature, still eating some rocks.

Voidling

“Weak Identity is, well, weak. I guess I got more info before because it targeted myself…?”
Silv tries to identify everything she can on her small island, to much similar results, however, it doesn’t work on the stonework circle.

Rock, dirt, grass.

“We didn’t learn much about anything, huh Tetsi?”
>>
No. 1084759 ID: 1effd3
File 170908987576.png - (206.50KB , 900x750 , 022524_FromNothing16_MagicalCompass.png )
1084759

>Summon a flare, to cast further light into the void. Let us see the vastness of its expanse!
“Flare!”
Silv creates a mote of fire, and throws it into the void. It floats for a bit before dissipating.
“The expanse is indeed vast.”

>Use Weak Dowsing
>Leave a marker on the circle.

“Dowsing, locate, uhh… food?”
[i]Upon activating the spell, several glowing arrows begin to rotate around SIlv and The Eye in multiple directions. Several point at the nearby weeds and grass and quickly vanish, while others quickly fizzle out without any target. Only one arrow remains, slowly moving to a stop, pointing somewhere into the void.

>>
No. 1084760 ID: 1effd3
File 170908989958.png - (210.04KB , 900x750 , 022524_FromNothing17_FallenDown.png )
1084760

Silv walks up to the edge of her island and looks down into the vast nothingness, and back to where dowsing pointed.
“...Tetsi if you have an idea, I’d love to hear it-”

KRACK

The edge of the island crumbles from the additional weight of the Voidling that crawled up behind her, and she begins to fall.
>>
No. 1084761 ID: 1effd3
File 170908991421.png - (178.33KB , 900x750 , 022524_FromNothing18_Hanging_In_There.png )
1084761

Silv screams and closes her eyes, tightly hugging The Eye as she falls.

She stays like this for a while, until something latches onto her tail. Slowly opening her eyes, she sees she’s only fallen a few feet away from the island, and that the Voidling from before stuck itself to her tail.

“We’re… not dead? We’re not dead!”,she says as she starts flailing around, trying to reach the island.
After some really bad swimming movements, she manages to reach the island again, Voidling still stuck to her tail.

“OK, not going to die by falling… still really, really dark though. Are we really going to follow Dowsing?”

Silv’s stomach growls.
>>
No. 1084762 ID: 273c18

>>1084761
Hmm. Well, you can try picking up those other things Dowsing pointed at. Grass and stones. See if either of those are edible for you. Keeping some stones on you could be useful for maneuvering in the void as well. Throw a stone and you'll be propelled in the other direction.

Since we can float, you could take a running jump to launch yourself into the void in the direction of the main Dowsing signal.
>>
No. 1084770 ID: 5ebd37

Before leaving, can you crawl under the island to check if there's anything there? Get a feel for how this gravity works while solid ground is still here.
>>
No. 1084779 ID: 5b2941

>>1084770
Oooh, old school Spelljammer gravity? I dig it
>>
No. 1084795 ID: 2f41db

>>1084761
Daww.
Youve got a pet now silv.
Lil' buddy for life.
Plus he might emit more runes which is a cool trick.
I think you should call him "pooty"

>>1084770
Seconding this.
For all we know there could be another surface if gravity shifts beneath.

Im suspecting we may have to adapt to unconventional three dimensional thinking in this void.
>>
No. 1084806 ID: 2aa5f0

>Are we really going to follow Dowsing?”
you're still hungry aren't you?

Also I think I might have figured out what you are. You have a magical item that grants you powers, a cute mascot like creature following you around... you might just be a magic girl.
>>
No. 1084823 ID: 184595

The slug proves its value as a companion not only for its ability to bestow upon you runes, but its loyalty and steadfastness. We owe it nothing less in return.

If this ruined splinter of land truly contains no sustenance suitable for you, then we must strike out into the void. I trust you to be able to tell if the plants that yet cling to this clod are digestible to you; if they are not, then we must explore. The dowsing may provide a way to navigate in the empty vastness when our other senses fail; should it come to such exploration, trust in your powers, and cast off.
>>
No. 1084827 ID: 7c0da2

Follow the dowsing, it's the only direction we got at the moment. But before we go, take some rocks with you. It's what our new pet eats, apparently.
>>
No. 1084833 ID: 8f9bc4

We're the only light, so everything you see that is dark will stop being dark, once you bring us there. It might take a while. Maybe if you got a running start you could keep up the momentum?
>>
No. 1085015 ID: 1effd3
File 170933700262.png - (173.77KB , 900x750 , 022924_FromNothing19.png )
1085015

>Food and Dowsing
>Check under island
>Investigate Gravity

“Guess we are…”
Silv pulls the voidling off her tail, and slowly crawls off the island's edge. She learns that there’s nothing under the island,gravity stays aligned to the island's surface, and that she is really bad at swimming. After she crawls back on the island, she uses Dowsing again to place a marker, figure out her heading again.

>Name the Voiding Pooty
“We are not naming it Pooty. We can name it when we get back,” Silv says, dragging the Voidling onto the pile of rocks that it was eating previously.”I don’t know if you understand me, but stay here until me and Tetsi get back ok?”
The voidling returns to peacefully eating rocks.
>>
No. 1085016 ID: 1effd3
File 170933701575.png - (69.75KB , 900x750 , 022924_FromNothing20_Just_Keep_Swimming.png )
1085016

“Ok, I can do this. I can do this… Ready Tetsi? Here we go!”
Silv goes to the furthest end of her island, and starts running towards her Dowsing target, obscured by the Void. She leaps into the unknown, screaming as she does so.

>I think I might have figured out what you are. A Magical Girl!
“I am a girl, and I know a spell, so I guess so?” Silv replies, flailing about the darkness around her, following her glowing arrow.
>>
No. 1085017 ID: 1effd3
File 170933703574.png - (475.42KB , 900x750 , 030124_FromNothing21.png )
1085017

After a few minutes of swimming badly in the Void, Silv reaches another island. It’s bigger than the one she started on, but this one has strange architecture and is hazy. Dowsing stops working once she gets on the island, so she’ll have to look around the hard way.

“Where should we look first?”
-Road
-Metal Boxes
-Strange Vehicles
>>
No. 1085018 ID: a7a180

>Metal boxes
THE COWARDS, THE FEEEEWLS!
>>
No. 1085019 ID: 273c18

Look in the boxes.
>>
No. 1085020 ID: 8280e8

Let's go check out the metal boxes. They look like we call "dumpsters". Could always be some usable stuff in them.
>>
No. 1085022 ID: 184595

If my assessment is correct, a myriapoda like yourself should find much sustenance in the box. It may require a bit of digging, but I trust that you will find something comestible within.

And failing that, you may make interesting discoveries that illustrate the nature of the place you're exploring.
>>
No. 1085025 ID: 2f41db

>>1085015
Tell pooty to be a good boy and mama silv will bring him back a nice rock to eat.
>>
No. 1085026 ID: 2f41db

>>1085017
I agree with the others.
Highest chance for food is in the boxes.
May not be pleasant but better than nothing.
>>
No. 1085027 ID: 5b2941

>>1085022
Silverfish aren't myriapods, tho, they're hexapods.
>>
No. 1085030 ID: 5ebd37

Make a quick check if the vehicles are unlocked, before you search the metal boxes.
This might be a good time to throw something back towards the home island to see if we'll need to transport anything we find by hand.
>>
No. 1085031 ID: 2aa5f0

boxes are meant to hold things so probably start there.
>>
No. 1085059 ID: eb0a9c

>>1085017
It's a bizarre version of our world. Why are all the wheels sawed in half? W-
... Damnit. Noting else is significantly different. The rest looks like a typical day in the city. And what lurked in the night drove us insane.
>>
No. 1085061 ID: 8f9bc4

Huh. Galvanized steel fences? And is that real glass in those two structures before you? Vehicles? How would they move?
>>
No. 1085062 ID: 5b2941

>>1085059
I don't think they have wheels. I think we're seeing the wheel wells.
>>
No. 1085220 ID: 1effd3
File 170949518247.png - (514.25KB , 900x750 , 030324_FromNothing22_DumpsterDiving.png )
1085220

>Metal Boxes
>Check the boxes
>Boxes usually have food.
Avoiding the cracks in the road proves tricky with the local haze, with Silv almost tripping several times. The smaller box is sealed up pretty tight, and SIlv is unable to open it. It is quite heavy as she pushes it next to the larger box, and climbs up to open the larger one. Inside is a bunch of garbage, a voidling, and a new type of rune?

Tremor Rune obtained! Silv learned Tremor!

“I’d rather not eat garbage if I can avoid it… I’ll do it if I can’t find anything else, because I also don’t want to eat a rune again.”
>>
No. 1085221 ID: 1effd3
File 170949519690.png - (152.19KB , 900x750 , 030324_FromNothing23_Realization.png )
1085221


>This might be a good time to throw something back towards the home island to see if we'll need to transport anything we find by hand.

“Ah… I don’t have a bag.”
”This stuff is too heavy for me to lift… and my free hand has this rune… what should I do?”
-Look for bag
-Try new spell
-Something else?
>>
No. 1085222 ID: a7a180

Use Tremor on one of the cars.
>>
No. 1085227 ID: a94f5d

>>1085220
Listen, eating the rune is the best way to keep it safe, who can steal if from you if it's in your stomach?
>>
No. 1085258 ID: 273c18

Well, it's fine if we just leave things lying around. Use the world as our backpack... until we find a bag.

Let's check the cars now. Uh, the vehicles.
>>
No. 1085261 ID: 56db77

>>1085221
Try absorbing the rune, maybe there are ways other than eating it?
>>
No. 1085265 ID: 7c0da2

You mean you need to hold he runes to cast the associated spell? That can't be right, when we used identify on you it said you can learn them. In fact, we are pretty sure you learned Tremor already, we could see it happen. Just drop the rune and try to use your new spell on the locked box.
And if it doesn't work, well, we are sorry but you may need to eat this rune too.
>>
No. 1085270 ID: 2f41db

>>1085221

So, those weird carriages. The original riders may have left anything.
Bags, food anything.
Could be a myriad of supplies in there for you silv.
>>
No. 1085272 ID: 8f9bc4

Feed us the rune! We're hungry too!
>>
No. 1085327 ID: 5ebd37

>Look for bag
There's a fair chance of a bag in one of those vehicles.

Try pressing the rune to our eye. Or just tuck it into your hair for safekeeping.
>>
No. 1085377 ID: 184595

You still lack sustenance, Runelearner. Employ your dowsing ability once more to locate food; you should be much closer than before.
>>
No. 1085590 ID: 1effd3
File 170975914012.png - (329.20KB , 900x750 , 030624_FromNothing24_Learned_HM_Strength.png )
1085590


>Feed us the rune!
>Try absorbing the rune.
“We tried giving you the rune already. If you didn't absorb it, I don't think I can, except by eating it.”

>Tuck it into your hair for safekeeping.
“I suppose I could do that,” Silv says, putting the Tremor rune under her hat.

>Use Tremor.
>You mean you need to hold the runes to cast the associated spell? That can't be right, when we used identify on you it said you can learn them. In fact, we are pretty sure you learned Tremor already, we could see it happen. Just drop the rune and try to use your new spell on the locked box.
“I don’t need the rune to cast the spell. I think I just need to obtain the rune to learn the spell. I’m not sure what else I can use the rune itself for… besides a terrible snack.”
Silv casts Tremor on the locked box, and it begins to rise! Well actually, the chunk of rock UNDER the locked box begins to rise.
“We can lift rocks now! Let’s see if I can bash this box open…”
After several rock assaults on the top of the box, Silv managed to open it enough for her to look inside. Inside is an assortment of junk, but the most important thing is a few bags of food!
>>
No. 1085592 ID: 1effd3
File 170975921605.png - (282.62KB , 900x750 , 030624_FromNothing25_NOMNOMNOM.png )
1085592

>You still lack sustenance, Runelearner. Employ your dowsing ability once more to locate food; you should be much closer than before.
“NOM NOM NOM”
”I think weak dowsing only gives a general area since it stopped working when we got here.”
>>
No. 1085593 ID: 1effd3
File 170975923264.png - (481.83KB , 900x750 , 030624_FromNothing26_SilvUsedRockSmash.png )
1085593

>Let's check the cars now. Uh, the vehicles.
>Use Tremor on one of the cars.
>There's a fair chance of a bag in one of those vehicles.

Silv tries to open the vehicles to no avail, so she starts bashing them with rocks using Tremor. After a while, she manages to break in, get some bottles of water, additional food, and a very worn bag.

“I should be able to move the metal box with Tremor, and bring it back with me. Is there anything else around here I should take–”
>>
No. 1085594 ID: 1effd3
File 170975924650.png - (293.27KB , 900x750 , 030624_FromNothing27_YOU_CAN_SEE IT_CANT_YOU.png )
1085594

Something is off.

-Leave
-Investigate
>>
No. 1085595 ID: 86e259

Unsure. I'm leaning slightly towards leaving, acquiring more spells, then coming back to investigate once we can cast e.g. Disintegrate or Time Stop, haha

We could...hide in a car and observe? Might backfire.
>>
No. 1085596 ID: 273c18

The light went out? Or, does it just not reach anymore... Is the thing above us? Our eye is looking up.
Anyway, we should leave right now. Shove what you found in your bag and skedaddle. We are not equipped to fight existential threats.
>>
No. 1085598 ID: 7c0da2

Well, bashing things with chunks of rock makes a lot of noise. Maybe it attracted more voidslugs ?
Try levitating on a piece of rock with tremor to look around from above. Be careful not to fall.
>>
No. 1085601 ID: 5b2941

>>1085594
Investigate
>>
No. 1085602 ID: 184595

Cowardice is unbecoming. There is no call for fear; let the promise of knowledge calm your nerves, and identify what is off and why.
>>
No. 1085608 ID: 2aa5f0

well you did find the food you came here to find, and you got a voidling back home waiting for you so might as well take off.
>>
No. 1085623 ID: a7a180

Dowse for trouble.
>>
No. 1085628 ID: 2f41db

>>1085594

Maybe the noise drew sonethings attention.

Time for caution silv.

Leaving isnt necessarily the safest choice.
You will be exposed and vulnerable when drifting back to home rock.

Before you do that, you need to be sure whatever is making your antennae itch isnt something more adapted to the void than you.
Otherwise itd be like trying to escape a shark by choosing to swim.

If it looks like it wont be able to do anything to you while leaving, can reconsider then.
>>
No. 1085654 ID: 5ebd37

>>1085623
And make it double! I mean, uh, dowse for... hmm what would be most likely to constitute a danger? Try dowsing for minds.
>>
No. 1085660 ID: a94f5d

>>1085594
So how do you feel about rocks for breakfast? Boulder-sized ones.
>>
No. 1085684 ID: 53560f

Watch the stars, you might be about to get grabbed. Otherwise, if you aren’t in immediate danger you should stay quiet and listen before moving somewhere else.
>>
No. 1085707 ID: 8f9bc4

Yes investigate the ground, investigate any changes in light, any strange sounds... start by investigating the inside of the vehicle you busted open as a potential hiding spot.
>>
No. 1085950 ID: 1effd3
File 171003637354.png - (103.36KB , 900x750 , 030924_FromNothing28_.png )
1085950

>>1085628
>>1085684
>>1085595
>>1085707
Silv crawls into one of the vehicles, trying her best not to make a sound. Looking up, all she sees is void and the occasional speck of light.

Some of the specks are moving, and something is moving in front of the void. Something big. Silv dares not breathe.

>Cowardice is unbecoming. There is no call for fear; let the promise of knowledge calm your nerves, and identify what is off and why.
”I think fear is perfectly acceptable right now, but I’ll try.”
”...Identify.”Silv whispers, looking up at the void.

Voidling

”THAT IS NOT A VOIDLING.”
>>
No. 1085951 ID: 1effd3
File 171003639785.png - (305.52KB , 900x750 , 030924_FromNothing29_Clawmachine.png )
1085951

>Try dowsing for minds.
>Dowse for trouble.
”I don’t think dowsing can do any of that, and I’d rather get out of here!”

>Investigate the ground, investigate any changes in light, any strange sounds...
Silv strains her eyes trying to see the “voidling” above her, but only seeing the darkness of its form blocking the void, barely making out what appear to be arms, lazily reaching outwards. It’s hard to tell, but it looks to be grabbing large chunks of debris…
...and it just grabbed the dumpster.
”TIME TO GO.”
>>
No. 1085952 ID: 1effd3
File 171003642057.png - (161.36KB , 900x750 , 030924_FromNothing30.png )
1085952

Silv dashes towards the edge of the island in an instant, while the dumpster slowly ascends into the darkness. She leaps into the void, and keeps going.
>>
No. 1085954 ID: 1effd3
File 171003652407.png - (207.19KB , 599x750 , 030924_FromNothing31_Naptime.png )
1085954

It feels like an eternity, but she finally returns to her island. Exhausted, Silv lays down next to the crumbling wall. The voidling from before is still here, and moves up next to her.
“Oh, you’re still here? You’re much less scary than that other voidling. I did say we’d name you when we got back… Tetsi, can you keep watch while thinking up some names…? I kinda like… Voidy…” yawns Silv, as her exhaustion takes her.[/i]

SUGGEST NAMES FOR THE VOIDLING
>>
No. 1085956 ID: cb6417

>SUGGEST NAMES FOR THE VOIDLING
Bugsy. As for why I picked that name (looks at Silv)... no idea really.
>>
No. 1085960 ID: 37587f

He's our son! :D Let's call him Son.
>>
No. 1085962 ID: 5ebd37

Noid
>>
No. 1085964 ID: a3a6e9

Hmm. Do we want an on-the-nose name, equivalent to "spot" or "puddles"? We could go with "Onyx", "Poots", or "Licorice".

If not, dunno, roll the dice; "Sammy", "Miss Sprinkles", "Mr Gobgob", "The Snark", "Jim"....
>>
No. 1085965 ID: a3a6e9

Also. This suggests an ecosystem (try to avoid being on the business end of it) - if dumpsters are being eaten on the regular, that suggests dumpsters are coming from somewhere, on the regular. I guess keep your eyes peeled for it.
>>
No. 1085966 ID: 273c18

>>1085594
(I opened this up in an image editor and messed with the levels, you can indeed see the thing.)

>>1085950
Oh it's a... let's call it a Behemoth Voidling. Not sure if that was actually dangerous... It looks like a... flat volcano. Smoking calderas on its back, multiple arms. Considering the voidlings so far have been eating inorganic matter it probably wouldn't have tried to eat you on purpose, but if it was eating the island then it probably wouldn't have been a good idea to stay there anyway.

>>1085954
>name the little voidling
Flan.
>>
No. 1085970 ID: 2f41db

>>1085954
Pooty.
It was the first noise he made when you met him.

Hmm.
I wonder what the extent of our abilities are?
Maybe we can cast our senses a little wider so we can warn our tired ward earlier if something does drift close?

Void behemoth is abgood name.
Fortunately it seems to be a grazer rather than a pursuit predator.
No less scary if one floats up on silvs honerock, but at least escapable.
>>
No. 1086003 ID: 5b2941

>>1085954
Voidy? That'd be like calling you Si- oh. Sure, Voidy is fine.
>>
No. 1086008 ID: 56db77

>>1085954
Pootis
>>
No. 1086032 ID: 184595

Not only from nothing, but to nothing, as well, it would seem. These creatures great and small seem to consume any remaining matter they can reach. Will the giant produce and equally giant rune?

As for our valiant companion, who provided the first rune to expand our powers, we owe a noble name. "Prometheus," I suggest, as it is this slug who brought us the gift of fire, and our first whiff of the empyrean magicks.
>>
No. 1086042 ID: a7a180

Flarey. He did cough up the flare rune after all.
>>
No. 1086217 ID: 1effd3
File 171027984434.png - (184.22KB , 900x750 , 031224_FromNothing32.png )
1086217

After a long and dreamless sleep, Silv wakes to a new day(?), Tetsi in hand. It was much nicer than when she first woke up!

“Good morning Tetsi. Did anything happen while I was asleep?” Silv asks.
>Behemoth Voidling. Not sure if that was actually dangerous... It looks like a... flat volcano. Smoking calderas on its back, multiple arms. Considering the voidlings so far have been eating inorganic matter it probably wouldn't have tried to eat you on purpose, but if it was eating the island then it probably wouldn't have been a good idea to stay there anyway.
>Void behemoth is a good name. Fortunately it seems to be a grazer rather than a pursuit predator.
“I suppose that is a good name for the… ‘Voidling’ from yesterday. Even if it wasn’t going to harm us, I really didn’t want to stay. Oh, what happened to the voidling we had? Did you guys come up with a name yet?”

>Names: Prometheus, Flan, Pooty, Pootis, Noid, Son, Bugsy, Voidy, Flarey
“Those are some good names. I think I like Flan the most, it’s better than my suggestion. So where is Flan?”
Silv looks around for Flan, which isn’t difficult when there’s only 1 wall on the island. The voidling seems to have produced a new rune!
>>
No. 1086218 ID: 1effd3
File 171027986408.png - (244.83KB , 900x750 , 031224_FromNothing33.png )
1086218

Stream rune Obtained! Silv learned Stream.
Silv has gained a deeper understanding of Runes.

“Stream? Like water…?...Hey!” Silv checks her bag, Flan ate one of her water bottles! How rude! “Flan, you can’t eat my things!”
“Blek.”
Flan feels different somehow.
COMPANION RECRUITED
>>
No. 1086219 ID: 1effd3
File 171027988953.png - (293.11KB , 900x750 , 031224_FromNothing34_WhichPill.png )
1086219

“Identify!”

— — —
Name: Flan

Race: Voidling
Natrualborn of the Void, they consume and recycle all that exists. Smaller voidlings can only eat matter that breaks down into the most basic of runes.

Abilities:
Breakdown:Voidlings consume any matter for sustenance, and convert it into runes. It is not a fast or efficient process.

”Did Identify get stronger? Or is it because Flan is my friend now?” Silv wonders.



Name: Silv Mithra:

Race:???

Class Archetype: Spellcaster
Class: None


Abilities:

Runelearner: Can learn the fundamentals of the universe, runes.
Skitter: Increased speed for movement and actions.

Spells: Flare, Tremor, Stream

----------------
Updated Abilities:
Runelearner: Silv now has the ability to invert runes into their opposites, convert physical runes into other known runes, and combine runes into greater runes. There are more applications for runes.
----------------

“I can use runes for stuff? Before we figure out what to do next, should we try this out? We have a Tremor and a Stream rune at the moment.”
>>
No. 1086221 ID: a7a180

Use Stream to create a waterfall to traverse the void on.
>>
No. 1086222 ID: 273c18

>>1086219
I wonder if this means that behemoth voidling was producing complex runes? Maybe those are the "stars" we see in the sky!

>do stuff with runes?
Tremor is very useful and we don't know if it will be removed from our spell list if we use it for inversion or combination, so let's experiment with Stream. Invert it!
>>
No. 1086230 ID: 5ebd37

Try out stream, aimed off the side of the island just in case its stronger then expected.
>>
No. 1086232 ID: 7c0da2

Start by trying out Stream. We don't know what inversion would do to it, we don't want to lose it if it's good. Flare is a better candidate for inversion I think, it just makes fire, and there isn't much around to set fire to. And we shouldn't burn what little matter is still around anyway.
And try to feed food to Flan, to see what rune it turns into.
>>
No. 1086235 ID: eb0a9c

Seems pretty straightforward; get your island self-sufficient and mobile, then scavenge the void for components and tamable voidlings to power your rune farm, which you can mass produce and experiment with to create stronger runes until you can create a new world.
>>
No. 1086238 ID: 5ebd37

>>1086232
But we don't have the flare rune anymore, unless... uh Silv did you swallow that whole?
>>
No. 1086241 ID: 5b2941

>>1086238
>convert physical runes into other known runes
we should be able to turn any rune into Flare
>>
No. 1086244 ID: 273c18

Oh, I guess we could try to "retrieve" the Flare rune. Except, Silv just ate. Better to do it when her stomach is empty.
>>
No. 1086247 ID: 8f9bc4

Don't worry I'm sure we'll get Flare rune back in due time. ;) ;)

Wait is Flare the opposite of Stream? Tremor is incredibly useful I don't want to mess it up by inverting it. If you combine Tremor and Stream I suppose you'll get... ...mud?
>>
No. 1086249 ID: 5b2941

>>1086247
I mean, generally "opposite" is a bidirectional quality so if we invert Tremor into anything else, we should be able to get Tremor back by inverting it again, right?
>>
No. 1086254 ID: 031458

...You slept for a while. That big voidling is probably gone now...

Go back to where that strange island you visited was. There could be a really good rune there now!
>>
No. 1086275 ID: 2f41db

>>1086219
Class: none.

I resent that.
Silv is classy.
She didnt eat out of a dumpster when given the chance AND didn't name her new buddy flan after an amusing fart noise.
Pure.
Class.

Inverted runes?
Well, inverting flow would dry or dessecate if it produces water normally but perhaps I'm being too literal.
Tremor moves rocks after all, not so much shaking them apart.
Seeing an inverted rune may give us more understanding on how these work so, I say breakfast followed immediately by experiments.
>>
No. 1086354 ID: 2f41db

It just occurred to me, the flow i was speaking of was stream.

Distracted by thoughts of the kind of runes a void behemoth could be building
Apologies silv.

I still say experiment time is on the cards.
A single usage rightly aligned then a single use inverted.
The latter more cautiously though.

Inverted flare my bring darkness, but it may also bring cold. Flare implies energy, light, life and heat.

Inverted stream may dessicate and dry, but it could also solidify things.
Stream implies flowing motion, liquid like. Its inverted form may suspend motion.

Tremor was used to move a rock. In one sense it moved a part of an object away from its whole.
Inverted it could simply bring stasis, but it could potentially bring a sundered object back together. A repair.

The reason im hypothesising this way about the runes is this.
They may have literal, rudimentary uses, but the target of a rune may be as much of a component of the resulting effect as the rune itself.

There may be far more to them than simple but useful magics their literal implementation implies.
Interpretation and mastery may lead you to more nuanced and curious effects, rune wielder Silv.
>>
No. 1086491 ID: 1effd3
File 171054630599.png - (119.63KB , 659x659 , 031524_FromNothing35.png )
1086491

>But we don't have the flare rune anymore, unless... uh Silv did you swallow that whole?
>Don't worry I'm sure we'll get Flare rune back in due time. ;)
“I don’t like your implications here.”
>>convert physical runes into other known runes
>we should be able to turn any rune into Flare
“I’m still able to use Flare without the physical rune. I think when I ate it, it gave me Runelearner?”
>That big voidling is probably gone now… Go back to where that strange island you visited was.
“Even if I wanted to, I have no idea how to get back there.”
>>
No. 1086492 ID: 1effd3
File 171054633163.png - (260.90KB , 900x750 , 031524_FromNothing36_SilvUsedSplash.png )
1086492

>Start by trying out Stream.
>Use Stream to create a waterfall to traverse the void on.
Silv casts her new Stream spell, where it conjures a small stream of water. Not powerful, but could put out a fire.
“I guess I don’t have to worry about water any more, but that doesn’t excuse you for eating one of my bottles Flan!”
“Blek!”
>>
No. 1086493 ID: 1effd3
File 171054635551.png - (230.76KB , 900x750 , 031524_FromNothing37_Inverisons.png )
1086493

>>1086354
>Seeing an inverted rune may give us more understanding on how these work so, I say breakfast followed immediately by experiments.
After a small breakfast of potato chips for Silv, and some more rubble from around the island for Flan, Silv began experimenting. Inverting the Stream rune resulted in a Flare rune, and inverting the Tremor rune resulted in a new rune.

Breeze Rune obtained! Silv learned Breeze.
“Ok, so Tremor inverts into Breeze and back, and Stream inverts into Flare and back.”

Trying her new spell, it produces a small gust, rustling a little grass and dust.
“I just realized, I don’t think I’ve felt any wind since I first woke up. It feels nice.”
>>
No. 1086494 ID: 1effd3
File 171054637596.png - (145.64KB , 900x750 , 031524_FromNothing38_PoutySilv.png )
1086494

>Seems pretty straightforward; get your island self-sufficient and mobile, then scavenge the void for components and tamable voidlings to power your rune farm, which you can mass produce and experiment with to create stronger runes until you can create a new world.

“That's great and all, but I have no idea how to do any of that. All I have is this rock, you and Flan, and these runes I don’t know how to use!” Silv pouts, throwing the runes across the island.
“It’s so barren here… a pond or something would be nice.”


Create pond?
>YES
-NO

>>
No. 1086495 ID: 1effd3
File 171054641378.png - (163.54KB , 900x750 , 031524_FromNothing39_PondAcquired.png )
1086495

Suddenly, the Stream rune dissipates into the ether, its presence replaced by the emergence of a tranquil pond.

“...Did I do that?”
>>
No. 1086496 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1086495

Something sure did!

More importantly, runes can create lands, and resources! You should collect more!

The only question I have is should you invert Tremor or not? Would it be better if your island expanded with Tremor or Breeze?

Too bad you didn't combine Tremor and Stream. I bet that would have made a lot more land than the two lesser runes.
>>
No. 1086497 ID: 7c0da2

Interesting. Can you still use Stream without the rune ?
If you can, try using the Tremor rune in the same way to see if you can make more ground to expand your island.
>>
No. 1086499 ID: 2aa5f0

CONGRATULATIONS! you can now create things to improve your island! Now quick, add blackjack an hookers to make sure your island is better then everyone else's by default.
>>
No. 1086500 ID: 37587f

Hey Silv, now that you had a breath of fresh air, er, breath of fresh runes, do you now have any idea of what is going on? How did you get here? Wait, how did we get here? Who are we?
>>
No. 1086501 ID: 273c18

Anything else you want? Go on, make a request.
>>
No. 1086505 ID: 5ebd37

Having obtained the breeze spell the question is; can our island move, and how do we construct a sail? That behemoth might show up again, and we don't want to loose everything if it does.

So the pond showed up when you thought about it, but there was the option to refuse. Test this out with the tremor rune. Think about some earthy things, like hills or boulders, and see if the option appears but choose no. Can you turn Tremor into only one thing or are there endless possibilities?
>>
No. 1086506 ID: 2f41db

>>1086493
Good work silv!

Okay, it looks like the runes here are fundamental elements.
Fire and water generation.
Earth and air manipulation.
Interaction with specific targets may tender varied results, but theyre excellent foundations.
Hmm.
It could be worth seeing if flare-stream allows you to manipulate existant matter of their domains and if tremor-breeze allows you to conjour earth and air into existance.

My reasoning behind this request is that
The runes may grant more than just a single spell,
it may be that they are the key which allows you to enforce your will upon that aspect of reality.
Some uses may be easier to achieve for certain aspects, like a natural use, but it could be capableof so much more albeit with grwater difficukty.

Oh! Silv, an idea!
Can you maybe use the breeze to help you control your floating a bit more when you travel the void?

And good work with that pond.
Looks real nice.
Make sure flan doesnt drink it all.
>>
No. 1086650 ID: 184595

Tremor is now the only rune we possess. I think we should hold onto it for experimentation. After dowsing for more runes, I want to try combining some, and seeing what we can forge from the four elements. Or maybe there are more? An aether spell might be interesting in a world full of nothing.
>>
No. 1086654 ID: eb0a9c

We're new to this, but we've seen similar things.

You're a Void Survivor. A kind of lesser god.
It'll take time to build a new world, but there's an infinite supply of detritus from dead worlds and torn realities floating into the void, ready to be consumed.

For now, you have a raft, and we are the build tool.

I suggest we protect the center. Looks like our powers work best on this conduit, and I don't know if we can make another one, so build all your defenses around this circle thing.
>>
No. 1086676 ID: 1effd3
File 171078903991.png - (169.42KB , 900x750 , 031824_FromNothing40.png )
1086676

>Something sure did! More importantly, runes can create lands, and resources! You should collect more! Too bad you didn't combine Tremor and Stream. I bet that would have made a lot more land than the two lesser runes.
>If you can, try using the Tremor rune in the same way to see if you can make more ground to expand your island.
>So the pond showed up when you thought about it, but there was the option to refuse. Test this out with the tremor rune. Think about some earthy things, like hills or boulders, and see if the option appears but choose no. Can you turn Tremor into only one thing or are there endless possibilities?
>>1086506
“I’m willing to use my last rune to see if I can expand my island, but it means we won't be able to experiment until we get more, and we need multiple runes to attempt combining them to see what happens.”
Silv focuses on the Tremor rune in her hands. She only has the option to expand the platform by a very small amount. A single rune doesn’t seem very powerful.

>Tremor is now the only rune we possess. I think we should hold onto it for experimentation. After dowsing for more runes, I want to try combining some, and seeing what we can forge from the four elements. Or maybe there are more? An aether spell might be interesting in a world full of nothing.
“I can turn runes into other runes, remember? I also think it’s too vague of a target for Dowsing.”

>Having obtained the breeze spell the question is; can our island move, and how do we construct a sail? That behemoth might show up again, and we don't want to lose everything if it does.
>CONGRATULATIONS! you can now create things to improve your island! Now quick, add blackjack and hookers to make sure your island is better than everyone else's by default.
“I’m not sure how a sail would work, but we would need a sail first, and a bunch of other stuff.”
“I don’t know what blackjack is? And do you mean hookers like fishing hooks…?”
“Actually… if we could move, could we hook the smaller bits to our island?”
>>
No. 1086677 ID: 1effd3
File 171078906409.png - (158.11KB , 900x750 , 031824_FromNothing41.png )
1086677

>We're new to this, but we've seen similar things. You're a Void Survivor. A kind of lesser god. It'll take time to build a new world, but there's an infinite supply of detritus from dead worlds and torn realities floating into the void, ready to be consumed. For now, you have a raft, and we are the build tool. I suggest we protect the center. Looks like our powers work best on this conduit, and I don't know if we can make another one, so build all your defenses around this circle thing.
“You mean the stones where I first found you? I still can’t identify it, but you might be right.”

“I’m going to use the rune to expand the island, but we need to figure out what to do next. We need more food, something to make a sail, and maybe some stuff to build with. Dowsing should help us find all of those. We’ll hopefully find some runes while exploring too!”


Options for Weak Dowsing:
-Food
-Wood
-Cloth

Provide an Environmental keyword
>>
No. 1086678 ID: 5b2941

>>1086677
>Options for Weak Dowsing
well, you already found food and you're wearing clothes, so the only one we don't have at all is wood I guess?

>Provide an Environmental keyword
floaty
>>
No. 1086679 ID: 83f7d2

Attempt to perform equal amounts of mining but also crafting.

>Provide an Environmental keyword
Stone.
>>
No. 1086680 ID: eb0a9c

Start with food production. If you have an unlucky streak and go weeks without finding a food island, it's over.

Keyword: POTATO
>>
No. 1086681 ID: 8f9bc4

You might be able to fashion a sail out of wood and cloth! But the food situation is pretty dire. Most importantly, you need more runes.

Searching for anything should lead you to voidlings, which could produce runes. I say dowse for food, and search for runes while getting the food. Then combine the runes, and destroy them to further expand the island, to create a farm, to grow more food.

Once the food situation is managed, you can work on installing solar sails.
>>
No. 1086684 ID: 5b2941

>>1086677
>>1086680
>>1086681
...wait a second.

>>1086219
>Natrualborn of the Void, they consume and recycle all that exists. Smaller voidlings can only eat matter that breaks down into the most basic of runes.
Is there anything in Silv's snacks that could be considered basic? Something like "plant" or "meat"? we could just give some to Flan to get a rune.
>>
No. 1086693 ID: 861ceb

I'm going to go with food in the hopes of adding a fruit tree or a small farm to the island in the hopes of making it self sufficient just incase we ever hit a rough patch were we can't find anything around us or are forced to stay on the island for whatever reason.
>>
No. 1086695 ID: 273c18

>>1086677
Let's get some wood.
Keyword: Overgrown
>>
No. 1086698 ID: 2f41db

>>1086695
I concur.

Wood and overgrown.

Theres a possibility of finding other things we havent considered in such an environment too.
>>
No. 1086702 ID: 5ebd37

>hook the smaller bits to our island
Yesss, be a pirate!

Wood is all around useful, lets search for that as we have food for the moment.
Keyword: Fungal
>>
No. 1086708 ID: a7a180

Dowse for wood.
>Giant
>>
No. 1086750 ID: af6d69

>>1086695
Good suggestion +1
>>
No. 1086918 ID: 1effd3
File 171115704290.png - (389.61KB , 900x750 , 032224_FromNothing42_FoodHiding.png )
1086918

>Wood: 6
>Food: 3
>Fabric: 0
“Ok, wood it is.”

>Is there anything in Silv's snacks that could be considered basic? Something like "plant" or "meat"? we could just give some to Flan to get a rune.
“But I don’t have much food!”

Silv uses her remaining rune to expand the island by a small amount, capturing the nearby floating rocks in the process. It isn’t much, but it is noticeable!
“Ok Flan, you stay here and keep out of trouble while I’m gone.”
“Blek!”
Silv empties her bag of food, hiding it under some larger stones to keep Flan from eating it. Activating her Dowsing, she heads towards the nearest source of wood in the darkness.
>>
No. 1086919 ID: 1effd3
File 171115707194.png - (398.19KB , 900x750 , 032224_FromNothing43_TooManyShrooms.png )
1086919

Despite her poor void-movement skills, Silv gradually approaches her destination. Unlike her previous destination, she can see this one from a distance.

Giant glowing mushrooms dominate the distant landmass, to a point where several mushroom stalks have broken off around the island. Small patches of stone and rock pierce through the overgrowth, and a soft wind blows luminescent spores about. This place looks promising!
>>
No. 1086920 ID: 1effd3
File 171115711705.png - (789.44KB , 900x750 , 032224_FromNothing44_ShroomTown.png )
1086920

Silv arrives at this new place, admiring the beauty all around her, vastly different from the last place she visited.
“This place is so pretty Tetsi. We should definitely bring some of these back to plant. I might be able to drag some of the smaller mushroom trunks back, but I’m not sure. For now, I want to look around. Where would you like to go?”
>>
No. 1086921 ID: 861ceb

Identify the floating voidlings. Especially the glowing one in the back. Want to make sure he's doing ok before thinking of bringing back the mushrooms lease it make Flan sick.
>>
No. 1086923 ID: 273c18

>>1086920
Oh hey, analyze those floating voidlings. Those look like smaller versions of the big one that ate the other island.

That's odd, why are there webs? Careful, there could be spiders about. Examine the webs too.
>>
No. 1086924 ID: 83f7d2

Hello I would like to order one (1) mushroom.
>>
No. 1086925 ID: 17374b

>>1086918
>“But I don’t have much food!”
and when you have a food rune you'll have infinite food, silly

>>1086920
if you can find any that are tender when young they may double as a food source
>>
No. 1086933 ID: 2f41db

>>1086920
Theres a few voidlings.
One appears to be infested with fruiting glowshroom.

As to the shrooms:
Getting a small one would be good idea, but see if you can gather some spores.

Primary action would be first checking those new voidlings.
Make sure theyre friendly like flan.
>>
No. 1086934 ID: 2f41db

>>1086921
Very good point.
Flan isnt just useful.
Hes become... precious to us.
Wouldnt want anything bad to happen to him silv.
>>
No. 1086935 ID: 5ebd37

Identify the glowy voidling.
investigate the mushroom trees. How do they feel? Do they seem sturdy?
>>
No. 1086940 ID: a94f5d

>>1086920
Y'know, if you ever feel like your battery's low, you can eat a glowing mushroom.. or so I've heard.
>>
No. 1086943 ID: eb0a9c

Start off by collecting fallen mushroom branches. Prioritize anything that looks like it contains spores.
Head in, collect runes, and try to capture another voidling.
>>
No. 1087191 ID: 1effd3
File 171148869109.png - (202.68KB , 900x750 , 032624_FromNothing45_ENHANCE.png )
1087191

>Identify Voidlings
>Identify Mushrooms and Webs
“Oh, that’s new!”

Floater Voidling
One of many variants of Voidling. Slow and weak, they pose little to no threat.

Glowing Mushrooms
Unknown species of mushroom. Can grow to be very large if they have enough nutrients. The spores are dangerous in high concentrations. The webbing is a similar type of fungus that clumps into a blanket-like mass.

“Seems like Identify is a little stronger than before. Didn’t tell me much about the mushrooms however. The floaters are kinda cute.” Silv says, patting one of the nearby Floaters.

>Start off by collecting fallen mushroom branches. Prioritize anything that looks like it contains spores. Head in, collect runes, and try to capture another voidling.
There isn’t much in terms of fallen branches, just a lot of normal size mushrooms covering the ground. Silv picks enough to fill her bag, she can make room later if she finds some runes.
>>
No. 1087192 ID: 1effd3
File 171148871329.png - (465.66KB , 900x750 , 032624_FromNothing46_Ambush.png )
1087192

>Identify the glowing voiding
>One appears to be infested with fruiting glowshroom.
“Where? I don’t see one like that-”
As Silv looks around, an unnatural shadow passes over her. Looking up, she manages to stumble out of the way of a tendril trying to grab her!

Infected Voidling
A voidling that’s been exposed to high concentrations of spores, influencing its behavior to be more aggressive.

“I guess that’s what you were talking about Tetsi. Looks like the spores made it go crazy!”
The infected voidling lunges at Silv again, and she quickly dodges.
“W-what should we do Tetsi? I can outrun it, but it might come after us later!”

-RUN?
-FIGHT?
>>
No. 1087193 ID: a7a180

Beat the spore stuffing out of it.
>>
No. 1087194 ID: 5b2941

>>1087192
-FIGHT
Mushrooms are weak against fire, right?
>>
No. 1087196 ID: 5ebd37

Cast Flare! Dodge roll! These things don't seem to be that quick so keep your distance.
Your combat level is rather low, better to flee at this point. Though if the opportunity presents give it a wack with us to see how tough it is.
>>
No. 1087197 ID: 273c18

>>1087192
Let's see how effective Flare is in a fight.
>>
No. 1087198 ID: 8f9bc4

Cast FLARE! In a forest full of flammable mushrooms and spores! What could possibly go wrong?

But no seriously, RUN. It's not intelligent enough to hunt you, so get some distance from this mushroom forest, and then you can easily fight it, if it pursues.
>>
No. 1087202 ID: 7c0da2

Fight it. This is a nice opportunity to see how effective your spells are in combat.
Those mushrooms could be flammable, so avoid Flare if you can. We will try Dowsing for weak points while you fight.
And please don't use us as a weapon unless you really need to.
>>
No. 1087213 ID: 861ceb

hit it with your stick.
>>
No. 1087214 ID: eb0a9c

Burn the forest around it, then see how the battle unfolds and run or press on from there.

This might be bad. The mushrooms are potentially your best food source (at least until you get potatoes, so OP), but if their spores can infest voidlings, it could destroy your entire base. Maybe grow them in a chamber and set the air on fire every time you transition to harvest?
>>
No. 1087216 ID: 2f41db

>>1087192
Yah!
That was too close silv.
Bat it away with us and get a little distance.

If the air is too spore heavy, open flame could bloom out of control.
Like a spark in a flourmill.
If flare is to be used, make sure youre safely distanced.
>>
No. 1087226 ID: f2c52d

There doesn't seem to be a high concentration of spores in the air considering Silv isn't showing any ill effects. There probably *were* high concentrations judging by the infested voidling.

There's not enough spores in the air to explosively detonate, Silv has Stream to put out the fire, Flare should be safe-ish.

You should try every rune against that Voidling. Never know when you might need to kill one, and knowing which runes are most effective might save you.
>>
No. 1087316 ID: 1effd3
File 171166110115.png - (413.51KB , 900x750 , 032824_FromNothing47_Battle!.png )
1087316

>Attack! This is a nice opportunity to see how effective your spells are in combat. Those mushrooms could be flammable, so avoid Flare if you can. We will try Dowsing for weak points while you fight.
>Cast Flare! Dodge roll! These things don't seem to be that quick so keep your distance.
>Cast FLARE! In a forest full of flammable mushrooms and spores! What could possibly go wrong?
>If the air is too spore heavy, an open flame could bloom out of control.
An area full of probably flammable stuff. Consensus: FIRE BAD IDEA.
”I didn’t think about Flare being a problem here. Breeze and Stream seem too weak to do anything. I think using Tremor and hitting it with you is my best option. Sorry in advance Tetsi!”
Silv uses Tremor to lift a chunk of stone, however, there is a problem. The thick mycelium is making it difficult to pull it free from the ground.
>>
No. 1087317 ID: 1effd3
File 171166112943.png - (222.31KB , 900x750 , 032824_FromNothing48_Fall.png )
1087317

The infected voidling slowly approaches while Silv continues to struggle with lifting the rock. It’s about to strike her when-

SNAP

Silv falls over backwards as the mycelium gives up its struggle. The stone, flying over her head, crashes down on top of the infected voidling, sending up a cloud of spores.

“T-that was too close…” Silv says, picking herself up and brushing the spores off, the pinned voidlings tendrils waving weakly.
“Next time, I’m using you to hit it. Tremor isn’t reliable with all the mushrooms covering the ground.”
[i]As Silv turns to leave, you notice the voidling start to…burn? You don’t know how to describe it. In its place is a couple of runes you know, and something else?
>>
No. 1087318 ID: 1effd3
File 171166114606.png - (235.52KB , 900x750 , 032824_FromNothing49_Voidmatter.png )
1087318

Voidmatter
Void given form. A fundamental of Nothing, yet Everything.

“Is this what Voidlings are made of? It makes sense I guess. Should we keep it?”
“Oh, and what should we do next? We can stick around and look for some loose runes, try to tame another voidling, or leave. If we stay, there's a chance we encounter more Infected Voidlings.”

-Runes
-Taming Attempt
-Leave with loot+some wood
-Other?
>>
No. 1087320 ID: 8f9bc4

Well I'd like to flesh out your base, get some stronger combined runes, try to figure out better ways to defend yourself. I'm a stick, so it's your choice what to do. Recommend brief exploratory forays until you're a little more prepared.

So yes, explore more, try to tame voidlings, but return with your spoils soon. Wouldn't recommend fighting more.
>>
No. 1087321 ID: 273c18

>>1087318
I don't think we have enough room at base for two voidlings. Let's look around for runes. You could use Tremor to drag that loose rock around so you can easily fight from now on!
>>
No. 1087322 ID: eb0a9c

If I understand correctly, Void matter consists of everything that is fundamentally incomprehensible to all forms of real-space life. No mortal, no god, no insane eldritch entity within the crevices of deep space, can truly comprehend the 'mass' and 'matter' that forms life within the void - but they can observe that it is something; a black box, which takes inputs and spits outputs.

We comprehend the fact that this matter can be explained and understood. But we must also accept that we will never be the ones to do it, nor will anyone that isn't a form of Void life.

>What do
Tame one voidling, then bounce. Worry about breeding them later.
As for other enemies, prepare some rocks right now so you can cast spells more quickly.
>>
No. 1087323 ID: 2f41db

>>1087318

First up, are you ok silv?
That must have been nerve wracking.

I say take whatever it is.
The void matter.
What wood and shrooms you already have should be enough to get a start on something.
Id say try to tame and take home one.
Not just as a friend for flan.
The more diverse forms of voidling you can study and understand, the better prepared youll be when you return here to gather more wood and supplies.

You may even be able to train one of these to fetch and carry light things.
>>
No. 1087324 ID: 861ceb

did you grab the wood you wanted yet?
>>
No. 1087340 ID: 5ebd37

Good job Silv!
Gather those runes to expand our island. Keep gathering wood for a bit, just keep an eye out and stay in open areas.
>>
No. 1087356 ID: 7c1f1c

Retain this voidmatter, Runelearner. It may prove to be beneficial to the friend we've left back home. Seize these runes, as well--they will allow our domain to expand and prosper further.

Gather as much shroomwood as you can carry, and then return to our base of operations.
>>
No. 1087391 ID: 7c0da2

Take everything but only go back to our island if you can't carry anything else. And keep the big rock around in case another infected voidling shows up.
>>
No. 1087445 ID: 8f9bc4

I'm going to name the rock Peter. Peter's our friend.
>>
No. 1087680 ID: 1effd3
File 171202284190.png - (219.08KB , 900x750 , 040124_FromNothing50_ShroomLogger.png )
1087680

>First up, are you ok silv?That must have been nerve wracking.
“I’m ok. I wasn’t ready for that, but it wasn’t nearly as scary as the behemoth.”

>did you grab the wood you wanted yet?
>Gather as much shroomwood as you can carry, and then return to our base of operations.
“I’m going to try to drag the big mushrooms that fell off the island using the stringy fungus stuff. I’m not sure how I’m going to cut the mushroom logs later though.”

>Retain this voidmatter, Runelearner. It may prove to be beneficial to the friend we've left back home. Seize these runes, as well--they will allow our domain to expand and prosper further. Gather as much shroomwood as you can carry, and then return to our base of operations.
>I say take whatever it is. The voidmatter. What wood and shrooms you already have should be enough to get a start on something. Id say try to tame and take home one. Not just as a friend for flan. The more diverse forms of voidling you can study and understand, the better prepared you'll be when you return here to gather more wood and supplies. You may even be able to train one of these to fetch and carry light things.
>Take everything but only go back to our island if you can't carry anything else. And keep the big rock around in case another infected voidling shows up.
>I'm going to name the rock Peter. Peter's our friend.

“You guys can never decide whether you want me to use you to hit things or not…”
Silv decides to look for some runes before trying to tame one of the floater voidlings around, dragging the big rock as she does so. After a little while, she manages to find another rune, however she encounters an infected slug type voidling. She easily dispatches it with the big rock where she gains another rune and some voidmatter. She removes some more mushrooms from her bag to make space for them, then decides to try to tame a voidling.

Silv doesn’t actually know how to tame voidlings, so she just tries to feed a floater some rocks and mushrooms while talking to it. Apparently, this is enough to work for Silv, because it begins to follow her around.
“Ok, it’s time to head back. We’ll give you a name when we get home, but we have to drag these mushroom logs with us first.”

[i]Using Tremor to move the rock around, Silv pulls a bunch of fungal vines down, and wraps them around some of the large mushrooms that fell off the island. She slowly drags them back home, with the floater in tow.
>>
No. 1087681 ID: 1effd3
File 171202285758.png - (139.17KB , 900x750 , 040124_FromNothing51.png )
1087681

After an agonizingly slow trip dragging logs, Silv returns to her island with a bag full of stuff and a floater voidling. In total, you got:
x2 Voidmatter
x3 Giant Mushroom Logs
x20 Small Mushrooms
x1 Floater Voidling
x4 Runes

“Blek!” Flan seems to be happy you’re back! It doesn’t seem like he managed to get into your food stash, but you still need a proper way to store stuff. You give him a few pats and look around the island. Doesn’t appear like they’ve made any runes while you were gone.

“I think that went well! We got some stuff to build with, as well as some runes. I’d like to make some shelter, but I want to combine some of the runes we got. Remember, We can turn runes into other ones we already know!”
You know the following runes you can combine into more complex ones: Flare, Tremor, Stream, and Breeze.
You have 4 runes available.
>>
No. 1087688 ID: 5b2941

>>1087680
>“You guys can never decide whether you want me to use you to hit things or not…”
look, we're probably an unbreakable artifact, but are you strong enough to do any damage like that?

>>1087681
>Doesn’t appear like they’ve made any runes while you were gone.
you'd probably have a food rune if you had let them eat some of your food instead of stashing it all

>You have 4 runes available.
uhhh... which ones? I guess if they were new you'd have told us, I suppose. Anyway, you have 4 known runes, so that's only 6 possible combinations. Assuming you can't combine opposites, that's only 4: b+f, b+s, f+t, s+t. I'm also assuming you can't combine two of the same rune, or you'd have another 4.
>>
No. 1087693 ID: 5ebd37

Take the logs and make a lean-to over the wall corner. Its not much, but it'll be cozy and you can reuse the logs later.

Don't combine opposing runes until we understand the process a bit more they might explode
>>
No. 1087694 ID: 273c18

>>1087681
We have four extra runes which means we can combine some to create two complex runes.
Tremor+Stream. Stream+Breeze. I want to see if we can make some plant and weather related runes.

Hmm, do you have any ability to cut up the shroomlogs into usable planks? Maybe you can break up some stone into sharp pieces to chop with, but what we really need is a saw.
>>
No. 1087697 ID: 56db77

>>1087681
Try to combine Tremor and Stream
>>
No. 1087699 ID: 8f9bc4

Remember you can swap any rune for its opposite, before combining!

I agree with trying out Tremor+Stream and Stream+Breeze. Those seem like the best runes to combine for base expansion purposes. Don't combine Flare+Tremor yet, until you have some way to safely contain molten magma.
>>
No. 1087700 ID: 031458

Combine Stream and Breeze

Combine the resulting rune with breeze again.

Combine that resulting rune with breeze again!

I'm hoping for something like Rain -> Storm -> Gale
>>
No. 1087710 ID: 2f41db

>>1087681

Thats a lot of material to work with.
Youve got more than the parts to build a shelter here, you have the foundations of a hone.
Well done silv.
You must be tired though.
Take a short rest and consider our collective musings.

>4: b+f, b+s, f+t, s+t. I'm also assuming you can't combine two of the same rune, or you'd have another 4.

Hmm.
I wonder...
Maybe combining the same rune is how you augment the power it can manifest?

Ive also been wondering what would happen if you fed a rune to a voidling.
Or the voidmattet.
I suspect that the latter would result in growth, either mentally, physically or both.

Unfortunately such experiments are best done at a time when we have a surplus.
Right now the runes are all too essential as tools to risk.

Perhaps silv should start by securing the shroom trees in place.
See if we can figure out how to get a roof over her head.
I know theres no weather to shelter from, but it cant feel all that comfortable sleeping under that yawning void.
So exposed...

Oh!
Maybe some of the fungal strands could be woven together and suspended between the wall corners
Make a hammock.
A little comfort to help you rest all the better.
>>
No. 1087821 ID: 7c0da2

> “You guys can never decide whether you want me to use you to hit things or not…”
You can do magic. Why would you use us to whack things when you can fry them with magic? Or bash them with a rock? Or mildly inconvenience them with a spray of water or a strong breeze in the face?
Speaking of which, I suggest combining two Flare runes together. Maybe it will create a Blaze or something like that. Or maybe Breeze and Flare, you should try that too. Don't forget to invert the result.
And be careful to point your spells away from the mushrooms when you try them.
>>
No. 1087822 ID: 8f9bc4

W-we're delicate, OK?
>>
No. 1088104 ID: 1effd3
File 171245060898.png - (187.97KB , 900x750 , 040624_FromNothing52_Tantrum.png )
1088104


>look, we're probably an unbreakable artifact, but are you strong enough to do any damage like that?
>You can do magic. Why would you use us to whack things when you can fry them with magic? Or bash them with a rock? Or mildly inconvenience them with a spray of water or a strong breeze in the face?
>W-we're delicate, OK?
“See, you can never agree on this! Also, rude, I can swing you fast enough to do some damage!” Silv complains, swinging Tetsi around wildly.
>>
No. 1088105 ID: 1effd3
File 171245063086.png - (208.47KB , 900x750 , 040624_FromNothing53_Nature_Eldritch.png )
1088105

>Combine Stream and Breeze, Combine the resulting rune with breeze again. Combine that resulting rune with breeze again! I'm hoping for something like Rain -> Storm -> Gale

“I feel like that’s a bit wasteful. I’m only going to fuse twice, because I want to keep the other 2 runes for later.”

>I agree with trying out Tremor+Stream and Stream+Breeze. Those seem like the best runes to combine for base expansion purposes. Don't combine Flare+Tremor yet, until you have some way to safely contain molten magma.
>Try to combine Tremor and Stream
>Hmm. I wonder… Maybe combining the same rune is how you augment the power it can manifest?
>b+f, b+s, f+t, s+t.
>Don't forget to invert the result.
Silv begins by fusing Tremor and Stream together.

Nature rune obtained!
“Nature! That should be plants and stuff, right? Also, I didn’t seem to learn a new spell from it.”
Inverting the Nature rune also resulted in another new rune!

Eldritch rune obtained!
“No spell for this one either, but what does it mean though?”
>>
No. 1088106 ID: 1effd3
File 171245065596.gif - (90.90KB , 840x700 , 040624_FromNothing54_BlastRuneGif.gif )
1088106

Next, she attempts to fuse two Flare runes together. The result is… slightly unstable. The new rune vibrates violently in Silv’s hands, threatening to go off at any second.

Blast rune obtained! Silv learned Lesser Blast.
“This feels… very unsafe.”
Silv cautiously converts the Blast rune into another that shouldn’t explode. “I think we should limit that runes use. I did learn a new spell though.”

Silv tests out Lesser Blast on the edge of the island. It does just about what you’d expect it to.
>>
No. 1088107 ID: 1effd3
File 171245067352.png - (127.13KB , 900x750 , 040624_FromNothing55_Chopper.png )
1088107

>Ive also been wondering what would happen if you fed a rune to a voidling. Or the voidmatter. I suspect that the latter would result in growth, either mentally, physically or both. Unfortunately such experiments are best done at a time when we have a surplus. Right now the runes are all too essential as tools to risk.
“Yeah, I don’t want to spend our limited resources on stuff like that right now.”

>Take the logs and make a lean-to over the wall corner. Its not much, but it'll be cozy and you can reuse the logs later.
>Perhaps silv should start by securing the shroom trees in place. See if we can figure out how to get a roof over her head. I know there's no weather to shelter from, but it cant feel all that comfortable sleeping under that yawning void. So exposed…
>Hmm, do you have any ability to cut up the shroomlogs into usable planks? Maybe you can break up some stone into sharp pieces to chop with, but what we really need is a saw.
“I have to keep the logs off the island, otherwise they’re too heavy to move. The only way I can think of to cut them is maybe a sharp rock using Tremor?”

After a few attempts, Silv manages to get a sharp-ish rock to break apart the shroomlogs. They aren’t pretty, but she makes a few shroomplanks to make a lean-to with. x2 Shroomlogs remain.

Silv lets out a yawn. “Ok, I’m getting tired now Tetsi. We'll figure out how to plant the small mushrooms tomorrow, but other than that, what should we do?
The Floater Voidling lets out a loud puff of air. Seems you forgot to name it!
“Sorry, we hadn’t forgotten about you! Tetsi, do you have any names for our new friend? My idea is Flumph.”

Stay and work on the island, or explore? If explore:
Options for Weak Dowsing:
-Food
-Cloth
-Other

Provide an Environmental keyword
Fungal and Overgrown cannot be reused.
>>
No. 1088110 ID: a7a180

Work on a shelter, or at least a dugout.
At least you can do your business by just going off the island.
>>
No. 1088111 ID: 2f41db

>>1088104
...
..
.you are truly a master of the martial arts.
>>
No. 1088112 ID: 5ebd37

Ought to dowse for food, unless you can dowse for seeds. Although with no sun it might be hard to farm. Sustainable food is a must.
keyword: scraggly

Flumph, ah that's great, go with that.
>>
No. 1088115 ID: 2f41db

>>1088105
Nature and eldritch rune.
Makes sense.
The natural world and the eldritch are opposites while not being opposed. Same coin, different sides.
Hmm.
No inherent spell.
Either theyre an interim thatll develop into a spell or theyre a property rune.
Sonething you can latch on to a spell, effect, item or subject.
Have you tried casting two runes at once silv?

>>1088107
Flumph is perfect.

Silv, use those fungal strands and make yourself a hammock.
String it between two corners of the building walls.
If youve never seen one its like a...
A...
A cocoon of pure comfort.
If you can master climbing into it.

Hm.
Cloth if we have more than two days food remaining.
Otherwise, got to keep yourself fed silv.

Environmental keyword : ruin.
>>
No. 1088116 ID: 273c18

>>1088107
Flumph is good.

Dowse for food.
Keyword: Bricks
>>
No. 1088117 ID: 8f9bc4

OK so combined runes can be unstable. Combining Flare and Flare went about as well as pushing two positive magnetic monopoles together. Can you use the Nature rune to expand your island? Might result in something useful. You could explore more, maybe some food to stock up on. Or sleep. Would you feel better sleeping with a roof over your head? Not like it's going to rain on you here. If you would, you could probably make a crude lean-to by leaning the mushroom planks against the stone ruins.

Exploration Keyword: Comfy
>>
No. 1088119 ID: 2a0cd7

>>1088117
Makes me think of a magical rune accelerator. Smash unstable runes together to create exotic runes that can only exist for picoseconds.
>>
No. 1088140 ID: 5b2941

>>1088104
oh, that was fun. Again! Again!

>>1088106
you forgot to invert Blast, tho. I'm sure you'll be able to do it before it explodes if you're fast enough, I believe in you!
>>
No. 1088143 ID: f2c52d

I wonder if combining two of the same rune is what makes runes unstable, and not necessarily the Flare components.

Considering that Tremor is the most useful rune as of right now, you should look into upgrading it somehow. Combining 2 Tremors might yield a more powerful version.

I wonder what land comes out of the Blast rune?
>>
No. 1088154 ID: 7c0da2

We have an Eldritch rune. We have a Blast rune. Combining them would probably be very fun.
I wonder if we could keep combining Blast runes together (and converting them to something harmless immediately), until we have a rune powerful enough to create a sun ? Not necessarily a big one, just big enough for our island.
Anyway, I advise dowsing for Food. You don't have much of it. Keyword : Hollow.
>>
No. 1088165 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1088154

We'll get right on the task of creating a sun as soon as construction of the rune accelerator is finished. Until then, Silv has more eh... immediate problems, like food, spores, giant voidlings, and getting lost.
>>
No. 1088243 ID: 863ae7

We never inverted Blast. Might as well do that.
>>
No. 1088624 ID: 1effd3
File 171297170518.png - (229.34KB , 900x750 , 041224_FromNothing56_MasterCraftsman1.png )
1088624

>Food: 5
>Cloth: 1
>Other: 0

>Ought to dowse for food, unless you can dowse for seeds. Although with no sun it might be hard to farm. Sustainable food is a must.
“Ok, we’ll look for more food after I rest, and get the mushroom patch organized.”

>Flumph is perfect.
>Flumph is good.
“Ok, our new friend's name is Flumph!”
COMPANION RECRUITED

— — —
Name: Flumph

Race: Floater Voidling
Natrualborn of the Void, they consume and recycle all that exists. Smaller voidlings can only eat matter that breaks down into the most basic of runes.

Abilities:
Breakdown:Voidlings consume any matter for sustenance, and convert it into runes. It is not a fast or efficient process.
— — —

>Work on a shelter, or at least a dugout.
>If you would, you could probably make a crude lean-to by leaning the mushroom planks against the stone ruins.
>Would you feel better sleeping with a roof over your head?

“What do you mean, I already did that, see?”
>>
No. 1088625 ID: 1effd3
File 171297173234.png - (204.53KB , 900x750 , 041224_FromNothing57_MasterCraftsman2.png )
1088625

THUNK

“...I’m going to go to sleep now.”
>>
No. 1088626 ID: 1effd3
File 171297175473.png - (203.14KB , 900x750 , 041224_FromNothing58_Gardening.png )
1088626

Silv awakes to another sunless darkness lit by Tetsi. After breakfast, time to set up the mushroom farm!
Silv decides to set up a little farm on the longer end of the island, where she plants 10 of the small mushrooms to hopefully start growing. The other 10 are to be eaten later. Maybe.

>Silv, use those fungal strands and make yourself a hammock. String it between two corners of the building walls. If you've never seen one it's like a cocoon of pure comfort. If you can master climbing into it.
“That sounds nice, but I don’t know if I could make that!”


>We have an Eldritch rune. We have a Blast rune. Combining them would probably be very fun.
I wonder if we could keep combining Blast runes together (and converting them to something harmless immediately), until we have a rune powerful enough to create a sun ? Not necessarily a big one, just big enough for our island.
>Makes me think of a magical rune accelerator. Smash unstable runes together to create exotic runes that can only exist for picoseconds.
“What’s an accelerator? And do you really think we could make a sun??”

>I wonder what land comes out of the Blast rune?
“I’d rather not find out!”

>We never inverted Blast. Might as well do that.
>you forgot to invert Blast, tho. I'm sure you'll be able to do it before it explodes if you're fast enough, I believe in you!
Silv cautiously converts a rune back into Blast, and tries to invert it, to no success.
“Doesn’t seem like Blast can be inverted. I guess some runes don’t have opposites maybe?”



“Flan, Flumph, I’m going to look for some food. Please don’t eat the mushrooms and other things I’ve stashed away, ok?”
“Blek!”
Flumph responds with a puff of air.

After activating Dowsing, Silv and Tetsi head out in the nearest direction of food.

>Nature and eldritch rune makes sense. The natural world and the eldritch are opposites while not being opposed. Same coin, different sides. No inherent spell. Either they’re an interim that’ll develop into a spell or they're a property rune. Something you can latch onto a spell, effect, item or subject. Have you tried casting two runes at once silv?
“By ‘casting two runes’, do you mean spells? I tried, but I couldn't focus on it. I do wonder why Nature and Eldritch didn’t give me a spell for them when the other runes did, it might be as you suggested.”
>>
No. 1088627 ID: 1effd3
File 171297178594.png - (283.61KB , 900x750 , 041224_FromNothing59_NewDestination.png )
1088627

Ahead of Silv lies the target of her Dowsing. The island is uneven and covered in a swamp, where lies a multitude of ruins, dead trees, and craters. Large crystals pierce the ground, and toxic gas hangs low over the water. This… doesn’t seem like the best place to find food, but this is where Dowsing has led you.
>>
No. 1088628 ID: 1effd3
File 171297180252.png - (479.00KB , 900x750 , 041224_FromNothing60_ToxicBlue.png )
1088628

“This place is… something. Will we actually find food here?”
“So what should we do first?”
>>
No. 1088629 ID: 184595

Be cautious of the noxious vapors. Even if they leave you with your life, they may harm you or alter your mind in unpredictable ways.

Reach for things that are near at hand; the blue ferns, with their shoots and fruits, seem like they have the greatest potential to provide nourishment. It may be prudent as well to retrieve a sample of the crystals growing here.
>>
No. 1088636 ID: 5b2941

>>1088626
>Please don’t eat the mushrooms and other things I’ve stashed away, ok?
Just let them eat a little of it, maybe you'll get a rune that will get you a spell that summons food.

>>1088628
those are some neat crystals. I don't suppose they're edible, right?
>>
No. 1088638 ID: 80c73b

Are those shadows alive? Are those silos in the background?
>>
No. 1088639 ID: 80c73b

>>1088627
Also those "stars" look ominously like giant voidlings
>>
No. 1088643 ID: 273c18

>>1088628
Oooh pretty. (What keyword did this? Ruins I guess?)

Careful going. Break some crystal to bring back, Flumph might like it. Check out the ruins!
>>
No. 1088653 ID: eb0a9c

This... looks familiar.
Okay, if I remember correctly, those crystals can make people smarter - but it also scrambles their brains. For obvious reasons, they only do the procedure on babies.

In any case, crystals are ordered patterns of matter, which should translate to powerful runes. Get as many types as you can, you're going to give Flan a buffet.
>>
No. 1088654 ID: 2f41db

>>1088628
Kts an eerily beautiful islet.

Hmm.
Well., i dont think giant salt crystals would count as food, but dowsing hasnt been wrong yet...

If the plants dont have readily apparent fruit, the roots may be edible.

There could be something living in the water but that toxic looking miasma is something you want to avoid. Breeze it away if you approach.

The final food candidate i see is the one i hope is a failure.
Dead trees are a good place to find bugs, grubs and other insects. Edible, but notappetising.

I say start with the plants.
>>
No. 1088656 ID: 861ceb

Identify plants and crystals?
>>
No. 1088662 ID: 7c0da2

Take some of those crystals and inspect them. How heavy are they ? Are they fragile ? How do they taste ? We should try to identify them too.
Then to the ruins !
>>
No. 1088664 ID: 273c18

Oh yes use Identify on the crystals and plants before you put your mouth parts on them.
>>
No. 1088666 ID: 5ebd37

cast identify on the crystals and plants
>>
No. 1089053 ID: 1effd3
File 171338223822.png - (372.20KB , 900x750 , 041624_FromNothing61_Toxigrowth.png )
1089053

>Are those shadows alive? Are those silos in the background? Also those "stars" look ominously like giant voidlings
Silv stares at the lights above, seeing if any are moving or obscured. Fortunately, none of them seem to belong to any giant voidlings.

>Reach for things that are near at hand; the blue ferns, with their shoots and fruits, seem like they have the greatest potential to provide nourishment. It may be prudent as well to retrieve a sample of the crystals growing here.
>Identify plants and crystals?
>Oh yes, use Identify on the crystals and plants before you put your mouth parts on them.
>cast identify on the crystals and plants
“I’m too far away to Identify the crystals in the middle of the swamps. The only one I think I could get close enough to check is that big one further in. Let’s check out these plants though.”


Toxigrowth
These blue plants grow from the polluted mud of the swamps here. The fruit, while edible, is poisonous to most forms of life. Eating too much in a short amount of time will cause a toxin buildup to occur. The toxins are most heavily concentrated in the plants roots.

“Ok, Toxigrowth is at the top of “things I shouldn’t eat” list. Can Voidlings eat it though? I should probably take a few fruits with me.”
x5 Toxigrowth Fruits obtained.
>>
No. 1089054 ID: 1effd3
File 171338225365.png - (451.97KB , 900x750 , 041624_FromNothing62_ToxRuins1.png )
1089054

>Be cautious of the noxious vapors. Even if they leave you with your life, they may harm you or alter your mind in unpredictable ways.
>Careful going. Break some crystal to bring back, Flumph might like it. Check out the ruins!
>In any case, crystals are ordered patterns of matter, which should translate to powerful runes. Get as many types as you can, you're going to give Flan a buffet.
>There could be something living in the water but that toxic looking miasma is something you want to avoid. Breeze it away if you approach.
“There’s some ruins on the way towards the big crystal, so I’ll check that out first.”

Metal scraps litter the ground, and the shells of forgotten vehicles rust away. Toxigrowth creeps its way along the building’s ruined bricks and metal skeleton. A low miasma clings to the ground. Silv blows it away with Breeze.
“What is this place? And what happened here?”
>>
No. 1089055 ID: 1effd3
File 171338227283.png - (580.28KB , 900x750 , 041624_FromNothing63_ToxRuins2.png )
1089055

Inside, rubble and torn metal litter the ground. There is a great number of voidling slugs in here eating the rubble, along with some runes.
x2 runes obtained.
“More runes! Nothing new, but it means we can use them when we get back home.”

Silv begins to walk out of the ruined building, towards the giant crystal structure in the crater.
“Let's see if we can get a bit of this crystal now!”
>>
No. 1089056 ID: eb0a9c

>>1089053
Some recipes include trace amounts of toxic ingredients, like nutmeg.

>>1089055
Metal! Literally!
Steel is strong and abundant, but you don't have the means to produce it yet. Grab some, and try to get your voidlings to recycle it into steel-production runes! Steel alloys are mostly iron and oxygen, so it should be non-toxic.

Lastly, tame some more voidlings.
>>
No. 1089064 ID: 80c73b

>>1089055
Are those shears on that pile?

>>1089056
Maybe feed one of the fruit to a voidling here to tame it...and if it's poisonous, at least you didn't poison st that was already your friend. ;P
>>
No. 1089067 ID: 273c18

>>1089055
Oooh, metal. We should take some of that back.
Is that a smaller crystal back there you can identify?
>>
No. 1089076 ID: 5ebd37

See if you can find a nice metal bar in the rubble, to use as a pick for crystal samples.
>>
No. 1089078 ID: 2f41db

>>1089055
The steel is a good find.
Seems quite well preserved.
Difficult to transport but in the future itll be a useful building material.
Smaller parts could make a more reliable wewpon than beaning things on the head with us.

The advice to take a little is very sound.
As is taking that tool ifnit is indeed one.

Other than that, the crystal calls.
>>
No. 1089087 ID: 8f9bc4

This place is a brick building with steel girders and walkways. What happened here is something broke a hole in the wall. The real question is who built it, and where did they go?
>>
No. 1089117 ID: 85a0df

>>1089054
...is that a tank?
>>
No. 1089169 ID: 7c1f1c

Clearly, this construction hasn't come from nothing. We've seen ruins of roads and automobiles, and here, perhaps great industry, as well. We must be journeying in the wake of great destruction that has shattered some prior civilization. Runelearner, you would do well to take heed of the nature of this wreckage, and endeavor to know the cause of the broken land's fate. We may need to avoid it, ourselves.
>>
No. 1089171 ID: 273c18

>>1089117
Just looks like two rectangular pieces of rubble to me.
>>
No. 1089186 ID: 7c0da2

It appears those voidlings can't digest metal, and it's a bit too heavy to bring back. That's a shame, we could use a metal rune. Take some small metal parts, maybe it'll prove useful at some point.
>>
No. 1089189 ID: 8e6873

I've been thinking...
The opposite of Blast could be many things: Implode, Collapse, Stabilize, Freeze, Order, Vacuum, and Void are what immediately come to mind. Perhaps if the inverse concept is too open ended then the possibilities can only be made by combination?
>>
No. 1089476 ID: 1effd3
File 171390078931.png - (378.04KB , 900x750 , 042324_FromNothing64_Shovel!.png )
1089476

>I've been thinking… The opposite of Blast could be many things: Implode, Collapse, Stabilize, Freeze, Order, Vacuum, and Void are what immediately come to mind. Perhaps if the inverse concept is too open ended then the possibilities can only be made by combination?
“Like… I have to try to invert Blast while also trying to fuse it?”

>...is that a tank?
>Just looks like two rectangular pieces of rubble to me.
“What’s a tank?”

>Metal! Literally! Steel is strong and abundant, but you don't have the means to produce it yet. Grab some, and try to get your voidlings to recycle it into steel-production runes!
>It appears those voidlings can't digest metal, and it's a bit too heavy to bring back. That's a shame, we could use a metal rune. Take some small metal parts, maybe it'll prove useful at some point.
>See if you can find a nice metal bar in the rubble, to use as a pick for crystal samples.
>Oooh, metal. We should take some of that back.
>The steel is a good find. Seems quite well preserved. Difficult to transport but in the future it'll be a useful building material. Smaller parts could make a more reliable weapon than beaning things on the head with us. The advice to take a little is very sound. As is taking that tool if it is indeed one.
“If I remember correctly, the small voidlings we’ve seen so far can only eat things that convert into basic runes. I suppose metal is too complex. I can try digging around this pile for some smaller things, because I definitely won't be able to drag it to the island's edge.”

Silv digs around the pile of rubble and metal for a short bit, and found the following:
x7 metal scrap obtained.
small Shovel-Pick obtained.
“This is neat, the top part moves up and down!”

>This place is a brick building with steel girders and walkways. What happened here is that something broke a hole in the wall. The real question is who built it, and where did they go?
>Clearly, this construction hasn't come from nothing. We've seen ruins of roads and automobiles, and here, perhaps great industry, as well. We must be journeying in the wake of great destruction that has shattered some prior civilization. Runelearner, you would do well to take heed of the nature of this wreckage, and endeavor to know the cause of the broken land's fate. We may need to avoid it, ourselves.
“With the way everything is wrecked, it’s hard to tell if it's all just old, or if something destroyed it all. I definitely know it’s hard to survive here, even if you didn’t have poisonous fruits to eat. Also, what’s an automobile?”
>>
No. 1089477 ID: 1effd3
File 171390081937.png - (449.39KB , 900x750 , 042324_FromNothing65_.png )
1089477

After playing with the shovelhead for a bit, Silv leaves the ruin and resumes heading towards the giant crystal. Toxigrowth and dead trees litter the landscape, with the craters and swamp scattered around. Some of the swamps seem to have creatures in them, but it’s hard to tell with the murky water and toxic gas around.
>>
No. 1089478 ID: 1effd3
File 171390085044.png - (693.51KB , 900x750 , 042324_FromNothing66_toweringCrystal.png )
1089478

The crystal towers above Silv and the surrounding landscape, sitting in its gas filled crater. Silv can blow away the gas, but it won’t last long until she has to do it again. Got to be quick!
>>
No. 1089479 ID: 1effd3
File 171390086850.png - (546.25KB , 900x750 , 042324_FromNothing67_DiggyDiggyHole.png )
1089479

Reaching the massive crystal at last, Silv begins hitting it with the shovel.

TIIIING
TIIIING
TIIIING

A decently large chunk of crystal breaks off, and Silv casts Identify on it.

Toxcite
Crystalized Toxin. A tough crystal with a muddy, semi-transparent coloration, it pulses with an unsafe, negative energy.

”...Well, that explains everything being toxic around here. Do I …still want a chunk of this stuff?”
>>
No. 1089480 ID: 80c73b

Um...maybe? Do you have a bag or something that isn't your hands or pockets? Maybe you could hold it with the shovel.... And uhhhhh, see if one of the unaligned voidlings nearby can eat it
>>
No. 1089488 ID: eb0a9c

If one of the giant void beasts comes to devour your island, this is your deterrent.
>>
No. 1089489 ID: 5ebd37

You're not equipped to keep something toxic stored safely yet. This chunk seems like a bust, except for your cool new pick.
>>
No. 1089490 ID: 861ceb

I say drop it. your current home island is to small for you to have somewhere to place this safely without risking poisoning the rest of the island and you don't really have a container laying around to safely store it in so none of your voidlings won't eat it by mistake...
speaking of voidlings, what are the ones around here eating?
>>
No. 1089494 ID: 7c0da2

I'd advise against bringing it back or carrying around too much.
We don't really have a use for it, we don't know how to handle or store it safely, and apart from its name and appearance the only thing IDENTIFY returned was "unsafe negative energy".

One thing we can do is experiment with it before we go.
Bring it somewhere away from the other crystals, if possible without touching it. Then try your current runes on it, except blast. Do not use blast on it. Be careful and ready to jump into cover if it looks like it's going to destabilize.
Finally, try fusing it with one of the runes you just found. Like when you fuse two runes. Or maybe try physically pushing the rune into it ?
>>
No. 1089496 ID: 273c18

>>1089479
I don't think we have any way of carrying toxin safely, much less storing it in a way that won't gas up our home base. Leave it for now. If we ever need it we can come back to get it.

Investigate the creatures in the gas.
>>
No. 1089509 ID: 2f41db

>>1089479
An automobile is a form of conveyance.
Entirely useless now

Good find with that tool.

>>1089477

Oh.
You know, this place really is beautiful.
Shame its so deadly

>>1089479

...mmm.
That doesnt look safe at all.
Id say take a tiny bit but void only knows what you could be scattering into the air if you break it smaller.

My curiosity is driving me to want samples to experiment with to find out whether the crystal is coalesced from present toxins or a generating source of the toxic pollution.

Applications exist for either form.

All the same, best leave it.
I wouldnt want to see you hurt for my curiosity, nor what would happen if flan got ahold of it.
>>
No. 1089769 ID: 1effd3
File 171417469254.png - (338.02KB , 900x750 , 042624_FromNothing68_.png )
1089769

>Um...maybe? Do you have a bag or something that isn't your hands or pockets? Maybe you could hold it with the shovel.... And uhhhhh, see if one of the unaligned voidlings nearby can eat it
>You're not equipped to keep something toxic stored safely yet. This chunk seems like a bust, except for your cool new pick.
>I say drop it. your current home island is to small for you to have somewhere to place this safely without risking poisoning the rest of the island and you don't really have a container laying around to safely store it in so none of your voidlings won't eat it by mistake…
>I'd advise against bringing it back or carrying around too much.
We don't really have a use for it, we don't know how to handle or store it safely, and apart from its name and appearance the only thing IDENTIFY returned was "unsafe negative energy".
>I don't think we have any way of carrying toxin safely, much less storing it in a way that won't gas up our home base. Leave it for now. If we ever need it we can come back to get it.
>...mmm. That doesnt look safe at all. Id say take a tiny bit but void only knows what you could be scattering into the air if you break it smaller. My curiosity is driving me to want samples to experiment with to find out whether the crystal is coalesced from present toxins or a generating source of the toxic pollution. Applications exist for either form. All the same, best leave it. I wouldnt want to see you hurt for my curiosity, nor what would happen if flan got ahold of it.
“We are all in agreement then, I don’t see much use for this stuff besides looking pretty.”


>One thing we can do is experiment with it before we go. Bring it somewhere away from the other crystals, if possible without touching it. Then try your current runes on it, except blast. Do not use blast on it. Be careful and ready to jump into cover if it looks like it's going to destabilize. Finally, try fusing it with one of the runes you just found. Like when you fuse two runes. Or maybe try physically pushing the rune into it ?
Silv quickly leaves the crater with the Toxcite chunk in hand, before the gas can condense again. After making some distance, she sets the Toxcite chunk down, and thinks about what to do.
“Hmm, I’ve only found two runes on this trip so far, so I’m only going to experiment with 1 rune. Let's try a Stream Rune.”
Silv takes a Stream rune, and tries to push it into the Toxcite chunk. She feels like it could do something, but doesn’t seem like she knows how to accomplish it. Perhaps for experience is needed?
“That didn’t work. I felt like I could do something, but I don’t know what.”
>>
No. 1089770 ID: 1effd3
File 171417471691.png - (174.89KB , 900x750 , 042624_FromNothing69_FEESH.png )
1089770

>An automobile is a form of conveyance. Entirely useless now
“Good to know.”

>Investigate the creatures in the gas.
Approaching one of the nearby swamps, Silv looks around at the dark shapes darting below the water. Several jump out of the water and swim in the air when she approaches, allowing her to Identify them!

Swimmer Voidling
One of many variants of Voidling. Swimmers are much faster than previously encountered voidlings, and move through the air as if it were fluid.

“Aww, these guys are kinda cute! Doesn’t seem like the water and gas bothers them.”
Something on the water catches your eye, and you direct Silv’s attention towards it.
“Huh? What’s that?”
>>
No. 1089771 ID: 1effd3
File 171417474218.png - (579.96KB , 900x750 , 042624_FromNothing70_swaaamp.png )
1089771

...It’s a new rune!

...In the middle of the swamp where the Toxcite is.

There appears to be several runes in the swamp water. Do you and Silv risk it?
>>
No. 1089775 ID: 5b2941

>>1089770
the council is in agreement: those are cute

>>1089771
can you use Breeze to get them to you without going in? Otherwise, tame one of those swimmer voidlings and get them to bring them to you.
>>
No. 1089776 ID: 273c18

>>1089775
Yeah, let's try a creative workaround. Wading in potentially-toxic water seems like a bad idea. Blowing the runes towards shore should work? We could also try making a rock bridge.
>>
No. 1089792 ID: eb0a9c

Okay, see if those voidlings like toxic fruit, or whatever rations you've brought. If you can tame one, you can get them to push the runes to you and then bring them to your pond.
>>
No. 1089808 ID: 861ceb

well there's a lot of junk laying around the island, can you just find some stuff to make a bridge or use your rock spell to make yourself stepping stones towards the runes?
>>
No. 1089809 ID: 5ebd37

Tremor lets you lift rocks, how much control do you get? could you use a rock to push the runes out to you?

If that doesn't work then a nice stone step bridge should, plenty of ground to work with
>>
No. 1089816 ID: 2f41db

>>1089809
This is an excellent idea.
The former then the latter.

No contact with the water.
At all.

Oh, and keep one antennae on those frankly adorable voidling swimmers.
Cute is not mutually exclusive with danger.
>>
No. 1089942 ID: 1effd3
File 171435263037.png - (268.34KB , 900x750 , 042824_FromNothing71_.png )
1089942

>the council is in agreement: those are cute
”Yes they’re cute, but not the main point right now!”

>can you use Breeze to get them to you without going in? Otherwise, tame one of those swimmer voidlings and get them to bring them to you.
>Yeah, let's try a creative workaround. Wading in potentially-toxic water seems like a bad idea. Blowing the runes towards shore should work? We could also try making a rock bridge.
>Okay, see if those voidlings like toxic fruit, or whatever rations you've brought. If you can tame one, you can get them to push the runes to you and then bring them to your pond.
>well there's a lot of junk laying around the island, can you just find some stuff to make a bridge or use your rock spell to make yourself stepping stones towards the runes?
>Tremor lets you lift rocks, how much control do you get? could you use a rock to push the runes out to you? If that doesn't work then a nice stone step bridge should, plenty of ground to work with
>This is an excellent idea. The former then the latter. No contact with the water. At all. Oh, and keep one antennae on those frankly adorable voidling swimmers. Cute is not mutually exclusive with danger.
”Breeze won’t work. Those runes are stuck in the swamp muck. Tremor is a good idea, but I can only affect rocks within reach of me, and I don’t know how deep the swamp is, so a pathway might not work. Best option is to try to tame a Swimmer voidling.”
>>
No. 1089943 ID: 1effd3
File 171435264454.png - (191.39KB , 900x750 , 042824_FromNothing72_Flyfishing.png )
1089943

Silv grabs some nearby Toxigrowth fruit, and tries to tame one of the voidlings. After a couple of failed attempts, she manages to tame a swimmer voidling.

Unfortunately, this voidling doesn’t seem to understand the concept of “directions” very well. After much wasted time, Silv manages to make the voidling understand what she wants it to do, and retrieves as many runes from this swamp.
x6 runes obtained.
Harm rune obtained!

“Harm… makes sense I guess? But look at all these runes we got! I don’t have much more room in my bag, so we should leave soon. Maybe bring more Toxigrowth fruits? Also, any name ideas for this voidling?”

SUGGEST NAMES FOR THE VOIDLING
>>
No. 1089944 ID: 37587f

Yes! We asked for one son, and now we have an entire family! We are very pleased with this. Soon we shall become the Mithra family, greater than the greatest emnpires that existed in the old world! And thus it is only logical for us to give even greater names to our children. We shall give this one the honorary title of DON JUAN SANTIAGO HERMOSO DE LA MANCHA RUBRA CALIENTE III JUNIOR. All caps.
>>
No. 1089945 ID: 5ebd37

well they got you the harm rune so, how about Harmony?

See if they can tow you back home.
>>
No. 1089960 ID: 194362

>name for voidling
Ghoti (pronounced as fish)
>>
No. 1089962 ID: 2f41db

>>1089960
I like this as long as we dont have to explain it to silv
>>
No. 1089966 ID: eb0a9c

Spathiwag (The Inheritor)

Grab any metal tools you can find on the way back.
>>
No. 1089969 ID: 5b2941

>>1089960
I vote for Ghoti, but pronounced "ghoti"

>>1089943
btw, do invert that rune. Might be nice to have a heal spell.
>>
No. 1089978 ID: 80c73b

>>1089966
"Spathiwag" somehow sounds correct.
Though, I'd also accept Harmony.
>>
No. 1089979 ID: 184595

It is good to be concsious of the limits of your carrying capacity, Runelearner, but think also on how you might harness that capacity you have more fully: combine the runes, and free space for more metal and crystal.

We have already remarked upon the Swimmer's attractive appearance; in the spirit of giving it a name both honorable and fitting, I suggest "Siren" or "Naiad."
>>
No. 1089998 ID: 56db77

>>1089969
+1 for ghoti
>>
No. 1090008 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1089969

In particular, do not apply the rune to your own island without first inverting it. I don't want to imagine what any rune combo involving a "harm" rune would produce...

...unless you're into that, Silv?
>>
No. 1090083 ID: 1effd3
File 171459095501.png - (201.90KB , 900x750 , 050124_FromNothing73_.png )
1090083

>DON JUAN SAN-
”No.”
>Harmony, Ghoti (pronounced as fish), Ghoti (pronounced as Ghoti), Spathiwag, Siren, Naiad.
“I like Ghoti and Naiad the most, but I think I’m leaning more towards Naiad. Your name is now Naiad!”

COMPANION RECRUITED

— — —
Name: Naiad

Race: Swimmer Voidling
Natrualborn of the Void, they consume and recycle all that exists. Smaller voidlings can only eat matter that breaks down into the most basic of runes.

Abilities:
Breakdown:Voidlings consume any matter for sustenance, and convert it into runes. It is not a fast or efficient process.
Fluid Efficiency:Can generate runes from fluid matter more efficiently.
— — —
>>
No. 1090084 ID: 1effd3
File 171459098595.png - (303.63KB , 900x750 , 050124_FromNothing74_LifeRune.png )
1090084

>btw, do invert that rune. Might be nice to have a heal spell.
“Normally I’d wait till we are home to invert runes, but it seems like a good idea if you’re correct Tetsi.”

Life rune obtained! Silv learned Recovery!

“It did give me a healing spell! I’m not hurt, but it’ll be helpful later, I’m sure. Let’s collect some more stuff then head home.”
“Flyff!”

>In particular, do not apply the rune to your own island without first inverting it.
“I don’t plan on it.”

After spending some more time on the Toxcite island, Silv begins to head home with Naiad in tow. The total amount of things Silv collected here is:
x7 Toxifruit.
x10 Metal Scrap.
Pick-Shovel.
x8 runes.
>>
No. 1090085 ID: 1effd3
File 171459100741.png - (135.86KB , 900x750 , 050124_FromNothing75_.png )
1090085

After an uneventful return trip, Silv arrives home to greet her other voidling companions. Naiad dives into the pond, and Silv investigates any changes to the island.
Voidlings tried to get into Silv’s stash, but were unsuccessful.
Glow Mushroom patch has grown x1 new mushrooms.
x2 runes obtained.

“Ok, I want to make a plan! It’s getting a little crowded here, and I think giving us a bit more to stand on would be helpful. We have 12 runes available to us, and I’d like to use 3 to expand the island, and one to make the pond bigger. I want to keep 4 runes spare, so that leaves us with 4 runes to combine with. So what runes should we combine this time?”
>>
No. 1090087 ID: 031458

I think Nature + Life is a given!

I'm curious about Eldritch + Nature. Have you combined runes with their direct inverse before?

Maybe Life + Blast could be cool!

Blast + Harm is certainly... The most direct route to violence if you feel you need it, I'd think...

Also, the description of the toxifruit mentioned they were toxic because they absorbed the Poison around them.

If you plant them somewhere clean will they grow as something edible?

If you plant them somewhere with a strong runic influence will they absorb that instead?
>>
No. 1090089 ID: 5b2941

>>1090087
>Also, the description of the toxifruit mentioned they were toxic because they absorbed the Poison around them.
>If you plant them somewhere clean will they grow as something edible?
>If you plant them somewhere with a strong runic influence will they absorb that instead?
if we put an area of Life in the island and plant them there, would they grow into Goodberries?
>>
No. 1090096 ID: 031458

>>1090089
...
You're a genius!
>>
No. 1090098 ID: 7c0da2

Let's try to turn that pond into some kind of hot spring or healing spring !
If combining Flare and Life gives a result, you could try adding it to the pond. If it doesn't, try to add either Life or Flare to it.

As for what other runes to use for expansion, I'd say Life, Nature and Breeze. But that's playing it very safe, so I'm not against trying Eldritch or Harm instead of Breeze to see what it does.

And for the combinations, I like Eldritch + Fire and Life + Breeze. Eldritch + Life is very tempting too, as is Eldritch + Eldritch. Or Eldritch + Anything, really, it's just such an intriguing rune...
A somewhat less dangerous-sounding option is Life + Blast, although we don't really need a wide area Recovery.
And remember to invert the result when possible !

Unrelated to the task at hand, you should pet your voidlings and tell them they are good voidlings. Maybe play with them.
>>
No. 1090100 ID: 2f41db

>>1090085
Good ideas aleeady for combinations.

The lifezone, toxberry seeds to make goodberries is a particular flash of genius.

Id only add, if you have time, see if voidlings are capable of obedience training.
Got to see if theres a better way of keeping them out of the stash.
>>
No. 1090134 ID: 5ebd37

I'm interested what land we can get from a wind rune. one combined with life or nature might make something that helps spread growth.

A couple of straight forward earth runes to expand around your shack. give yourself some room to build.
>>
No. 1090142 ID: 56db77

>>1090085
I agree life + nature could be very interesting and potentially make for a good island extension
>>
No. 1090184 ID: 7c1f1c

I would think that Tremor is the rune to look at if we wish to expand the land's extent. We need to build out the rock on which we find ourselves floating, and the rune whose purview is stone presents itself as the most viable for that task.

Nature and Temor; Life and Tremor; perhaps once we have established additional lands, we can seed them with Life and Nature, or create weather with Breeze and Nature. But let us learn the runes in their proper order, and see what Tremor can do to expand our island.
>>
No. 1090207 ID: 379606

>>1090184
I think he's got the right idea. Last time we used a rune other than tremor on the island, it formed a pond from land that already existed. Perhaps certain runes are foundational like tremor being land.
>>
No. 1090287 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1090207

Assuming she has another Tremor rune to expend. I haven't been keeping track, but Silv has been finding a bunch, so surely some of them are Tremor?
>>
No. 1090296 ID: 1effd3

>>1090287
Runes can be converted into other known runes.
>>
No. 1090297 ID: eb0a9c

Uh... are those two playing, or trying to eat each other?

>Life Rune
I recognize that one. That's the symbol for DNA. Most carbon-based life runs on a simple principle: every species has a set of instructions that 'tell' it how to do everything. Life, at its core, simply 'makes' stuff called proteins, and the combinations of proteins become so complex that they can determine pretty much everything about a species.
Here's the thing: most magic-centered civilizations never learn about DNA or its shape. Who could have advanced this much in runecraft to discover this?

>Land
Whatever you decide, concentrate on filling the concave area. We don't want more bits of land to fall off, it's unstable as it is.
>>
No. 1090456 ID: 1effd3
File 171504021699.png - (266.44KB , 900x750 , 050624_FromNothing76_NewRunes.png )
1090456

Rune combinations attempted:
Stream+Life: Success
Eldritch+Nature: Failure
Stream+Stream: Success
Breeze+Flare: Success
Breeze+Breeze: Success

The combination of Stream and Life created a new rune!
Potion Rune obtained! Inversion creates another rune. Toxin Rune obtained!
“Potion and Toxin? Not sure what Potion does, but Toxin is definitely something harmful.”

Eldritch and Nature did not fuse. No runes wasted.

The combination of Stream and Stream created a new rune!
Ice Rune obtained! Inversion failed.
“Two Stream runes create Ice… So like Blast, combining two runes makes a stronger form of it?”

The combination of Breeze and Flare created a new rune! It is slightly unstable.
Static Rune obtained! Inversion failed. Silv learned Static.
“This rune doesn’t feel as unstable as Blast was.”
Silv tries her new spell. A small amount of electricity gathers around her hand.

The combination of Breeze and Breeze created a new rune!
Gale Rune obtained! Inversion failed.
“I think this confirms it. Two runes of the same type seem to strengthen each other.”

>Life Rune. I recognize that one. That's the symbol for DNA. Most carbon-based life runs on a simple principle: every species has a set of instructions that 'tell' it how to do everything. Life, at its core, simply 'makes' stuff called proteins, and the combinations of proteins become so complex that they can determine pretty much everything about a species.
Here's the thing: most magic-centered civilizations never learn about DNA or its shape. Who could have advanced this much in runecraft to discover this?
You used too many big words, Silv is currently trying to process what you just said. You even see smoke coming from her little noggin.
>>
No. 1090457 ID: 1effd3
File 171504023771.png - (170.22KB , 900x750 , 050624_FromNothing77_Playtime.png )
1090457

>Unrelated to the task at hand, you should pet your voidlings and tell them they are good voidlings. Maybe play with them.
>Uh... are those two playing, or trying to eat each other?
”They’re playing. Probably.”
”...I don’t know if Flumph even has a mouth to eat with. I should play with them a bit.”
After discovering new runes, Silv plays with her voidlings for a bit as a break. They’re all happy :3

>Id only add, if you have time, see if voidlings are capable of obedience training. Got to see if theres a better way of keeping them out of the stash.
“Training these guys may take a while, since I don’t really know how to train them. What I really need is a box! Currently I just stick them behind a few bricks that I hope they can’t move.”
>>
No. 1090458 ID: 1effd3
File 171504026138.png - (201.76KB , 900x750 , 050624_FromNothing78_IslandExpansion.png )
1090458

>Also, the description of the toxifruit mentioned they were toxic because they absorbed the Poison around them. If you plant them somewhere clean will they grow as something edible? If you plant them somewhere with a strong runic influence will they absorb that instead?
>if we put an area of Life in the island and plant them there, would they grow into Goodberries?
>You're a genius!
>The lifezone, toxberry seeds to make goodberries is a particular flash of genius.
>I would think that Tremor is the rune to look at if we wish to expand the land's extent. We need to build out the rock on which we find ourselves floating, and the rune whose purview is stone presents itself as the most viable for that task. Nature and Temor; Life and Tremor; perhaps once we have established additional lands, we can seed them with Life and Nature, or create weather with Breeze and Nature. But let us learn the runes in their proper order, and see what Tremor can do to expand our island.
>A couple of straight forward earth runes to expand around your shack. give yourself some room to build.
>I think he's got the right idea. Last time we used a rune other than tremor on the island, it formed a pond from land that already existed. Perhaps certain runes are foundational like tremor being land.
>Whatever you decide, concentrate on filling the concave area. We don't want more bits of land to fall off, it's unstable as it is.

“We don’t have much room to experiment with, so I agree that Tremor to expand is the safest option. Don’t forget these ideas for later though, they’re all good ones! I’ll plant some of the Toxigrowth Fruit after I expand the island and sleep, I’m getting rather tired…”
>>
No. 1090459 ID: 1effd3
File 171504027896.png - (142.07KB , 900x750 , 050624_FromNothing79_.png )
1090459

Island size increased.

Silv eats the last of the snacks she has in her possession, readies herself for sleep, and a new day(?).

Stay and work on the island, or explore? If explore:
Options for Weak Dowsing:
-Food
-Cloth
-Other
Provide an Environmental keyword
>>
No. 1090462 ID: eb0a9c

Check on the mushrooms. Harvest a few, cook them, and see if the voidlings can eat the shrooms safely. Then cook a few more and leave them as dinner.

With your Gale rune, you should be able to transport a crate of supplies. Work on building storage packs for harvesting more stuff while we work on dowsing.

Let's dowse fooor... [Tools].
>>
No. 1090465 ID: 5ebd37

Try a mushroom for food. Also try out the pick, is it any good at cutting shroom wood? Building a shelter you can actually sit up in, as well as a storage box, should be the next goal.

If the pick isn't good at shaping the wood then lets dowse for metal and hope it leads to tools.

keyword: vast
>>
No. 1090466 ID: 031458

Keyword:Garden

Dowse:[Other]->[Ash]

Seeking ashes could lead us to fertilizers, steel, weapons, bones, ruins, building materials, food, cookware, alchemy tools and ingredients, a variety of strange runes, secrets of entropy both grand and terrible, and possibly even survivors of fallen world's.
To seek ashes is to seek the forgotten embers of the warmest of hearths and hottest of fires. The echos of the most brilliant forges and brutal wars. The violence and power of nature's most awesome mountains and man's most terrible hubris.
Ashes whisper the secrets of times long past; They've so much to teach.
>>
No. 1090468 ID: 273c18

>>1090459
Cloth
Streaming
>>
No. 1090473 ID: 8f9bc4

Not the most ideal land expansion for adding new things, but with more space in the middle you can even build a little house. Not that you know how to build a house!
>>
No. 1090475 ID: d87606

Let our keyword be "Healing." We seek to make of our island a scab over this shattered world, and encourage it to once again live and grow. As we have restored the divot in the crescent, may this recovered land purify the toxifruit, and recover their original and nourishing form.

With that as our task, let us stay here, and tend our garden. Rapidly, we see that we are building no simple retreat from which we conduct our sorties, but a place that is alive, and that must shelter and husband a growing ecosystem. Add to it the toxifruit, and harvest the mushrooms.

And continue in your office, Runelearner. You have gained much knowledge lately, which shows glimpses of knowledge yet to come. Once our fledgling habitat has begun to flap its own wings, we must set our sights on determining how the Voidlings create the stuff of your power.
>>
No. 1090481 ID: 2f41db

>>1090459
Im glad silv got a chance to play, even if it was brief.
Not just for the voidlings.
For her too.

...last of the food.
Oh.

That looks like a priority.
May come with storage too.
Dowse for food.

Keyword: enclosed

I would have go with seconding ash because everything said there is accurate and i hope we go in the future but ash is likely to destroy anything edible despite the other wonderful discoveries to be made.
>>
No. 1090746 ID: 1effd3
File 171547632046.png - (178.34KB , 900x750 , 051124_FromNothing80_Silv_is_not_a_chef.png )
1090746

>Check on the mushrooms. Harvest a few, cook them, and see if the voidlings can eat the shrooms safely. Then cook a few more and leave them as dinner.
>Try a mushroom for food.
Come morning(?), Silv wakes, and looks over the island. Naiad has produced a rune while she slept, and the mushroom patch has grown. There are now 5 runes in storage, and the mushroom garden contains 17 mushrooms.
Despite not knowing the first thing about cooking or preparing food, Silv manages to perfectly cook them with her Flare spell. They’ve got a spongy texture and taste a bit better than dirt.

>Work on building storage packs for harvesting more stuff
”I don’t have anything to make it though! All I have is some shroomwood and metal bits!”
>Also try out the pick, is it any good at cutting shroom wood? Building a shelter you can actually sit up in, as well as a storage box, should be the next goal.
>Not the most ideal land expansion for adding new things, but with more space in the middle you can even build a little house. Not that you know how to build a house!
“I have a house! It’s just not a good house.”
Silv takes her shovel-pick, and hacks away at one of the shroomlogs. Much more efficient than a rock, but doesn’t mean she’s good at it.
x7 shroomplanks.

>Plant the Toxigrowth Fruit and harvest Glowshrooms.
>As we have restored the divot in the crescent, may this recovered land purify the toxifruit, and recover their original and nourishing form.
Silv digs a spot in the ground to bury two of the Toxigrowth Fruits she got. They probably need a lot of water because it was growing in mud before, right? Afterwards, she harvests some of the mushroom patch, and puts it into storage.
x7 glowshrooms added to stash.
Mushroom patch x10
>>
No. 1090747 ID: 1effd3
File 171547634552.png - (62.42KB , 900x750 , 051124_FromNothing81_.png )
1090747

>Food: 1
>Cloth: 1
>Other: Tools
>Other: Ash x2

>Seeking ashes could lead us to fertilizers, steel, weapons, bones, ruins, building materials, food, cookware, alchemy tools and ingredients, a variety of strange runes, secrets of entropy both grand and terrible, and possibly even survivors of fallen world's. To seek ashes is to seek the forgotten embers of the warmest of hearths and hottest of fires. The echos of the most brilliant forges and brutal wars. The violence and power of nature's most awesome mountains and man's most terrible hubris. Ashes whisper the secrets of times long past; They've so much to teach.
>I would have go with seconding ash because everything said there is accurate and i hope we go in the future but ash is likely to destroy anything edible despite the other wonderful discoveries to be made.
After hiding the stash behind the large bricks as usual, Silv activates Dowsing for Ash, grabs her shovel-pick, and heads off into the void.

>Im glad silv got a chance to play, even if it was brief. Not just for the voidlings. For her too.
“It was nice to play around with them. I’d like to do it more, but there’s a lot to do to keep going.”
>>
No. 1090748 ID: 1effd3
File 171547636229.png - (283.62KB , 900x750 , 051124_FromNothing82_Biodome#713.png )
1090748

A strange, domed building sat alongside tall, shattered walls of metal and glass. Metallic tendrils stretch across the landscape to smaller, far more ruined structures. Within the shattered dome, Silv can see smoke rising from within the broken dome.
>>
No. 1090749 ID: 1effd3
File 171547641885.png - (495.53KB , 900x750 , 051124_FromNothing83_.png )
1090749

“What is this place? And what should we do first?”
>>
No. 1090750 ID: 273c18

Looks like some kind of habitat. Check to see if you can get through that door. You might have to break in somewhere else though.
>>
No. 1090752 ID: 8f9bc4

Smoke means fire, and fire means ash!
>>
No. 1090753 ID: eb0a9c

Jackpot.
It's still smoking. Interesting; it must have 'died' recently, but the exact criteria needed for reality to accept this chunk of matter is still beyond us.

Use your magic to clear any traps. You need to sprint through this place; there might still be survivors!
>>
No. 1090755 ID: 031458

Seek the smoke.
Something is still burning, somehow.
Whatever it is will surely surprise us.
>>
No. 1090757 ID: 5ebd37

What's that box next to the door? If it's a control panel then using static might shock it into unlocking.
>>
No. 1090770 ID: 2f41db

This is a good find.
Theres life here despite the fire and ruin.
Fresh growth.

As you pass by the object dug into the ground just spare it a quick glance.
Im wondering whether its a mooring cable of some kind or something more complex.
If its hollow, could be an alternative entrance at the broken points.

The box on the wall seems a promising start though.
>>
No. 1090775 ID: 7c0da2

There is no doors on the smaller domes, which means the tubes are probably how people entered. Of course, now you can also try climbing, but I don't recommend it.
The structure behind the main dome seems distinct from it, it reminds me of the ones we found on the toxic island yesterday, with lots of girders. From the look of it the domes could have been a greenhouse, and the other ruins may have been some kind of habitat, or maybe simply a place to study or process whatever was growing in the greenhouse.

Anyway, for now you should try the door. There is several all around the dome, so if this one doesn't open maybe another will. And be careful not to step on glass shards once you're inside.
>>
No. 1090983 ID: 1effd3
File 171574000230.png - (475.12KB , 900x750 , 051424_FromNothing84_knockknock.png )
1090983

>Smoke means fire, and fire means ash!
>Seek the smoke. Something is still burning, somehow. Whatever it is will surely surprise us.
>This is a good find. Theres life here despite the fire and ruin. Fresh growth.
”I mean that makes sense.”

>As you pass by the object dug into the ground just spare it a quick glance. Im wondering whether its a mooring cable of some kind or something more complex. If its hollow, could be an alternative entrance at the broken points.
>There are no doors on the smaller domes, which means the tubes are probably how people entered. Of course, now you can also try climbing, but I don't recommend it. The structure behind the main dome seems distinct from it, it reminds me of the ones we found on the toxic island yesterday, with lots of girders. From the look of it the domes could have been a greenhouse, and the other ruins may have been some kind of habitat, or maybe simply a place to study or process whatever was growing in the greenhouse.
Silv walks up to the large structure reaching over the landscape towards the dome. It appears to be made from very solid metal, with no obvious points of entry. It sounds hollow, but the echo is very dull. The walls behind the large dome have their edges torn and warped, likely by whatever caused this place to reside here. Silv begins walking down the path towards the dome.
>>
No. 1090984 ID: 1effd3
File 171574006696.png - (142.85KB , 900x750 , 051424_FromNothing85_BadSecurity.png )
1090984

>Looks like some kind of habitat. Check to see if you can get through that door. You might have to break in somewhere else though.
>Anyway, for now you should try the door.
Silv arrives at the dome and examines the door. It’s metal, heavy, and she can’t find a handle anywhere. Who designs a door like this?!

>What's that box next to the door? If it's a control panel then using static might shock it into unlocking.
>The box on the wall seems a promising start though.
“Control panel? This thing?”
She moves to the side of the door, where there's a slab of black glass. On it is a symbol that looks sort of similar to the Static rune, where she places her hand.
“Static!”

Electrical sparks jump from Silvs hand into the glass slab. The door flickers to life, and painfully creaks open.
>>
No. 1090985 ID: 1effd3
File 171574010596.png - (955.40KB , 900x750 , 051424_FromNothing86_PrettyPlants.png )
1090985

The inside of the ruined dome is quite different to its outside. Trees and plants flourish here with an array of colors unlike anywhere you’ve been so far. Streams flow with clean water. The air smells clean, except for the faint scent of smoke and ash.
>>
No. 1090986 ID: 1effd3
File 171574012305.png - (350.49KB , 900x750 , 051424_FromNothing87_BetterSecurity.png )
1090986

...Oh, and also some plants are pointing spears at you.
>>
No. 1090987 ID: eb0a9c

YES! Survivors!
Use a gale rune to knock them away, then get to cover! We'll work on communicating with them, just hang tight!
<Attention, unknown entities! We would prefer to stand down from hostilities and enter an alliance! We know the basics of where you have ended up, and the most important thing you need to know is that giant monsters look for big
places with stuff and then eat all the big places
! Please respond!>
>>
No. 1090989 ID: 5ebd37

Just back up out the door, then try talking to them.
>>
No. 1090993 ID: 2f41db

>>1090985
My word its beautif-
>>1090986
EEEK!

No sudden movements.
Try to communicate passivity and friendliness.
Theyre plants.
How do you talk to plants?
Quick!
Photosynthasize at them!
.
Scratch that.
Do the first thing with body language.
>>
No. 1090998 ID: 273c18

>>1090986
Those don't look like very effective spears. How tough is your exoskeleton?
Just try talking to the plants for now, and if that doesn't work, you could try... giving them some water? Or have us give the sticks a smack to discourage uppity vegitation.
>>
No. 1090999 ID: a7a180

Chopsticks? Why, you shouldn't have.
Time to eat!
>>
No. 1091005 ID: 861ceb

wait, which of the flowers are pointing sticks at you?
>>
No. 1091006 ID: 7c0da2

It's very pretty in here. It's so colorful compared to outside. Be careful not to step on any flowers.
The static symbol on the door panel is interesting. It seems whoever built this place knew about runes and how to use them.

>>1090998
Oh, yeah, good idea (except the smacking part, please don't). They're plant, they'd probably like having more water. In fact, you could even make them a pond with a Stream rune.
Anyway, be nice to the local flora, talk to them, make it clear you are not a voidling here to eat everything. If they don't seem to understand you, maybe sing at them? How good are you at miming?
>>
No. 1091110 ID: 02a379

Flare for self defence?
>>
No. 1091131 ID: b0aae4

>>1091110
That'd burn everything and everyone. Maybe us too.
>>
No. 1091133 ID: 8f9bc4

Tell them you're just here for the ash, not their delicious juicy fruits! You have no interest in their mouth-watering, tempting, succulent flesh!
>>
No. 1091231 ID: 1effd3
File 171605480484.png - (290.84KB , 900x750 , 051824_FromNothing88_AngryAngryPlants.png )
1091231

Plants of many different appearances point wooden spears and plant spikes towards Silv, clearly not happy with her presence here.

>Just back up out the door, then try talking to them.
>My word its beautif- EEEK! No sudden movements. Try to communicate passivity and friendliness. Theyre plants. How do you talk to plants? Quick! Photosynthasize at them! Scratch that. Do the first thing with body language.
>Just try talking to the plants for now, and if that doesn't work, you could try... giving them some water? Or have us give the sticks a smack to discourage uppity vegitation.
>Oh, yeah, good idea (except the smacking part, please don't). They're plant, they'd probably like having more water. In fact, you could even make them a pond with a Stream rune.
Anyway, be nice to the local flora, talk to them, make it clear you are not a voidling here to eat everything. If they don't seem to understand you, maybe sing at them? How good are you at miming?
Silv slowly begins to walk backwards towards the door, the hostile plants slowly following her. ”I-I’m not here to cause you harm! I’m just here to explore!” she stammers, trying not to aggravate the plants further.

>Tell them you're just here for the ash, not their delicious juicy fruits!
”I don’t think that they understand me!”
Silv continues back towards the door, trying any sort of body language to calm down the plants. It doesn’t seem like it’s working, and it looks like they might attack soon.
>>
No. 1091232 ID: 1effd3
File 171605482219.png - (148.47KB , 900x375 , 051824_FromNothing89_Standoff.png )
1091232

>Flare for self defence?
>That'd burn everything and everyone. Maybe us too.
”I smell smoke, so they should know what fire is. If I hold it in front of me, maybe it’ll keep them away?”
“Flare!”
Silv creates a mote of fire in her hand, and points it towards the plants, causing them to stop instantly in their approach. Silv and the plants continue their standoff, before the plants start chittering amongst themselves. Silv has no idea what they’re talking about, but it sounds… hopeful? Several break off and head deeper into the overgrowth, leaving the others to continue pointing their spears. At least they don’t seem as angry as before?

After a short bit, one of the plants that had run off previously returns, and chitters something to the others, who in turn, lower their weapons. It then gestures and chitters towards Silv to follow them into the overgrowth.
“They don’t seem like they’re going to attack me for now, and I think they wan’t us to follow them? Do we follow them Tetsi?”, Silv says, extinguishing the Flare in her hand.
>>
No. 1091233 ID: 5b2941

>>1091232
diplomacy! let's see what they want
>>
No. 1091234 ID: eb0a9c

Yeah. You're here early, you've got time before a titan-class voidling eats this place.

Your primary objective is to inform this tribe of the impending danger. Even if they don't join you, they need to be ready to defend their home.
>>
No. 1091246 ID: 273c18

Yeah let's see what they want.
>>
No. 1091248 ID: 8f9bc4

That's the last reaction I expected. Go see what this is about!
>>
No. 1091249 ID: 5ebd37

Well this seems promising, don't agree to be part of any quests or prophecies until you learn the language though.
>>
No. 1091255 ID: 861ceb

SCAN THEM MY LIEGE!
>>
No. 1091262 ID: 2f41db

>>1091232
Theyre kinda cute when you look closer.
And theyre not threatening with spears.

I say follow.
Theyre the first non voidlings youve met and thats important.
They may have insights to share if you can find a way to bridge the language gap.

Even if you cant, its still company of a sorts.
The void is just that little less empty now.
>>
No. 1091421 ID: 1effd3
File 171625162135.png - (243.24KB , 900x750 , 052024_FromNothing90_Florafolk.png )
1091421

>diplomacy! let's see what they want
>Yeah let's see what they want.
>That's the last reaction I expected. Go see what this is about!
>Well this seems promising, don't agree to be part of any quests or prophecies until you learn the language though.
>Theyre kinda cute when you look closer. And theyre not threatening with spears. I say follow.
Theyre the first non voidlings youve met and thats important. They may have insights to share if you can find a way to bridge the language gap. Even if you cant, its still company of a sorts. The void is just that little less empty now.
”It is nice to…talk to someone? Not really sure what we’re doing counts as talking, but I definitely appreciate being able to interact with someone.”
Silv follows the plants deeper in, continuously trying to talk to them to try to make sense of what they say. They seem to understand each others “intention”, but not words. Charades does help.

>SCAN THEM MY LIEGE!
”Oh that's a good idea.”

Florafolk
Plants capable of complex thought, the Florafolk are a young species created a long time ago by forgotten hands. Obviously, weak to fire.
Primary Runic Affinity: Nature.

”Runic Affinity? That hasn’t shown up before.”
Before Silv can think anymore on it, she and the Florafolk have reached what appears to be their village.
>>
No. 1091422 ID: 1effd3
File 171625164234.png - (653.23KB , 900x750 , 052024_FromNothing91_Leader.png )
1091422

The village is small, but many Florafolk are running about. There are several piles of junk on the outskirts, with several Nature runes in them. Under the large tree in the village center they are heading towards, several Florafolk seem to have been burned, under the care of others.. Also under this tree is a larger, older looking Florafolk with a spear with a charred end. Seems like they may be the leader here.

“Chregikkerk? Chrattikerk?” they ask.

“...Sorry, I don’t know what you’re saying…”, she says scratching her head.

Silv and the Florafolk leader spend a while trying out different methods of communicating. With the help of the younger Florafolk, they manage to figure out that having the Florafolk draw is the easiest method for communication.
>>
No. 1091423 ID: 1effd3
File 171625165865.png - (573.19KB , 900x750 , 052024_FromNothing92_MasterArtist.png )
1091423

The Florafolk leader takes its burnt speartip and begins drawing their story. They draw some florafolk-like shapes with their spears, next to some symbols, and some black blobs. They then draw a hole with florafolk throwing the blobs and symbols into it.

“You were… hunting voidlings because they were eating your plants? And disposed of the runes and voidmatter into a hole?”

The leader nods their head, and begins drawing again. The next scene they draw shows the hole again, surrounded by florafolk with spears, fighting against some sort of creature.

“A monster showed up, and you fought it?”

The leader resumes drawing once more, showing fire between the florafolk and the monster. They then gesture towards the burned florafolk under the tree with them.

“You were unable to beat it, and you turned to the most dangerous weapon you could think of, fire?”

The leader once again nods, and points it's burned spear towards Silv and Tetsi, then once again towards the symbol of fire in the dirt.

“You want us to fight it?”

The leader bows their head low to the ground, asking for their aid.

Silv twiddles her thumbs, unsure what to do.
“I’d hate to not help them, but we’ve never fought a monster before…“What should we do Tetsi?”
>>
No. 1091424 ID: 0db8d3

Let's fight! It might be a first for us, but we have magic to both dish out and deal with violence. Plus, it sounds like there could be a TON of runes down there!
>>
No. 1091427 ID: eb0a9c

This would explain where the larger void beasts come from. If at least one of them survived in the hole, only to be showered with a diet of runes and other void beast corpses...

The Florafolk are oblivious to what they have created. That void beast could potentially be tamed, giving them an endless source of greater runes to maintain their little world. Now that they've angered it, you may be forced to kill it.

Try to offer resources and materials to the boss monster, but if it fights, hold nothing back.

Either way, you'll want to experiment in the future with other voidlings and runes, see if you can replicate the metamorphosis while keeping the ex-voidling tamed.

Also, you should make sure your voidlings don't kill each other down the line. Now that we have evidence of potential predation, we should really make sure they learn their 'siblings' are not food, mostly with shock therapy every time one of them bites another.
>>
No. 1091438 ID: 8f9bc4

Odd, if it is a monstrous voidling, they obviously sent it flying off already, so why are they worried about it coming back? Is it still here, somewhere? Then why isn't it tearing up the island like that other giant voidling you saw?

Voidlings can die, and you can get some good runes from them, so I say fight it. These plant people need help. And you're totally not going to chew hungrily on their fronds.
>>
No. 1091443 ID: 5ebd37

Lets not get ahead of ourselves. If the thing is still here lets observe it from a distance first.

You should do some practice with flare before attempting combat. Alternatively with flare as an infinite source of flame you might try constructing something that throws burning objects. Perhaps a sling or catapult.
>>
No. 1091451 ID: 210c4f

Well the first thing you probably want to do is find the beast and scout it out to see if it’s something you can actually fight. Then decide if you should fight it or not.
>>
No. 1091454 ID: 273c18

>>1091423
Sure, let's try to fight it. First thing you should do though is go outside and practice some combat moves. Like, throwing around rocks and fire. Hmm, I wonder if now would be a good time to start combining runes to see if you can make something with pure combat applications? Oh, what's our spell list now? I know we have Flare, Tremor, Stream, Breeze, Static, Recovery, and Lesser Blast. Am I forgetting any?

Try out Lesser Blast in an empty space outside, to see exactly what it does. That might be our big gun, or we might have to combine the blast rune with something to make it more offensive. We could also try combining Static with another rune to make a stronger lightning spell? Hmm, Static and Breeze maybe? Did we ever combine Breeze and Stream to make a cloudy/foggy spell? That and Static should make a stormy rune, which could perform like a long range lightning attack. If the enemy they're fighting is a robot, and I suspect it is, then we're going to need lightning.
>>
No. 1091462 ID: 184595

Do not discount your bravery, Runelearner--you have indeed fought with monsters before, and lived to tell of it. Have you forgotten your battles with the corrupted voidlings? You've displayed your mettle there, and have grown even stronger since. You have no reason to fear whatever beast has cowed this people. And should it prove to be voidling kin, then you have now more experience than anyone else in handling them. If the thing can be tamed, then you, if anyone can tame it. Agree to confront the menace; you will be able to do them a favor one way or another.

It is only now that you have come into possession of the Nature rune. Having learned it, perhaps you can now identify which things fall under its aegis. Allow them to see this rune, and judge their reaction to it.
>>
No. 1091465 ID: 80c73b

Tame it, or drive it off, or kill it, or run away, in approximately that order
>>
No. 1091466 ID: 273c18

>>1091462
Counterpoint: we could have a lot of reasons to fear whatever it is, depending on what it is.

Oh I guess we should hold off on combining runes until we see what it is. It's not currently attacking the settlement which implies it is not chasing down anyone it sees so we should be able to look at it and then decide how to fight it without being forced to fight immediately.
>>
No. 1091474 ID: 2f41db

>>1091423
The monster...
I think they accidentally created it.
Some kind of voidling amalgam beast.

I say fight.
They need help and you, silv, are more powerful than you may feel at times.
You've found friends in this lonely void.
Cant leave them to their fate now.

Besides...
The rewards will be plentiful from the runes they threw in
However, fire may not be the answer.
To them it is the ultimate weapon but thats a subjective position.

So, cautious approach.
Find where it is and see if we can land a scan first.
The pit may be a good starting point.
>>
No. 1091697 ID: 1effd3
File 171658772696.png - (349.78KB , 900x750 , 052424_FromNothing93_.png )
1091697

>Fight for the Florafolk!
”Ok, let's do it!”
“Sir, we're going to do our best to help you and your people.”
The leader florafolk raises their head and chitters something neither of you understand, but assumedly it’s a “thank you”. They then gesture in a way that suggests if Silv needs anything.

>Lets not get ahead of ourselves. If the thing is still here lets observe it from a distance first.
>Well the first thing you probably want to do is find the beast and scout it out to see if it’s something you can actually fight.
>>1091462
>Counterpoint: we could have a lot of reasons to fear whatever it is, depending on what it is.
>So, cautious approach. Find where it is and see if we can land a scan first. The pit may be a good starting point.
“Can you show us the monster?” Silv asks, pointing at the drawing and making a binocular shape with her hands on her head. The florafolk leader taps its spear on the ground several times and mimics Silvs gesture, implying that the monster is aggressive towards whatever it sees. Perhaps scanning it after other preparations is best.

> First thing you should do though is go outside and practice some combat moves.
Silv lets the florafolk leader know that she wants to begin preparing, and that she’d like to practice. The leader draws again, letting Silv know she can, and that the village is open to her to explore. She bows to the leader, and begins to head outside the dome to practice her magic.
>>
No. 1091698 ID: 1effd3
File 171658775135.png - (502.82KB , 900x750 , 052424_FromNothing94_LittleWatcher.png )
1091698

>The monster… I think they accidentally created it. Some kind of voidling amalgam beast.
>This would explain where the larger void beasts come from. If at least one of them survived in the hole, only to be showered with a diet of runes and other void beast corpses… The Florafolk are oblivious to what they have created. That void beast could potentially be tamed, giving them an endless source of greater runes to maintain their little world. Now that they've angered it, you may be forced to kill it.
“We don’t know how voidlings do the things that they do, but maybe you're right? Maybe raw voidmatter awakens as new voidlings?”
“...I have voidmatter in my stash. If it does become a new voidling, that’s bad.”

Silv gets outside the dome, and looks for a suitably grass-free area to practice her magic.
>Oh, what's our spell list now? I know we have Flare, Tremor, Stream, Breeze, Static, Recovery, and Lesser Blast. Am I forgetting any?
“Nope, that’s all the spells I know currently. We’re tried all of them except for Recovery, I should probably do that.”
Silv casts Recovery, and her hands give off a faint warm light. She has no idea how effective it is because there's nothing to heal around her at the moment!

Silv begins to practice her other magic as well; here is the breakdown of her current spells:

Flare creates a small ball of fire in her hand that she has to throw.
Tremor takes any nearby ground/stone Silv focuses on and levitates it. Limited if the ground is restrained in some way.
Stream produces a small flow of water with very little pressure.
Breeze generates a very light gust of wind. Enough to kick up a little dust but not much else.
Static covers Silvs hand with weak electricity.
Lesser Blast causes a small blastwave directed from Silv. Not strong, but point-blank would hurt
Recovery heals assumedly! Can’t really test it without an injured target.

What should Silv do next?
-Practice More
-Explore the Village
-Other?
>>
No. 1091699 ID: 5b2941

>>1091698
>Recovery heals assumedly! Can’t really test it without an injured target.
weren't there burned florafolk around?
>>
No. 1091709 ID: 2f41db

>>1091699
Scorched trees too.

Test recovery, but practice afterwards.
Once we kmow what you can heal, that can inform how risky we want to be with our spells.
>>
No. 1091711 ID: 861ceb

probably get a bit more practice in and also one of the plant folk are watching you from behind a rock.
>>
No. 1091712 ID: 273c18

Tremor still kinda seems like our best offensive tool, unless something is particularly vulnerable to fire. I guess we could shock something with static, maybe use stream to make the target wet first, but it's weak electricity so it won't deal a lot of damage to most things.

Heal some of the plantfolk. Then I guess practice throwing flare, since you haven't thrown it much before and thus might need to work on your aim.
>>
No. 1091739 ID: 0db8d3

Let's explore a bit, maybe find a couple runes.
We should combine something with blast to make a stronger spell to take this thing on. Probably Blast blast, blast flare, or blast Harm me thinks.
>>
No. 1091746 ID: 5ebd37

>>1091699
Look around and see if there are any injured you could try helping. Burned plant life would be a good first test.
>>
No. 1091749 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1091698

raw voidmatter awakens as new voidlings, when you combine it with runes. They were also tossing runes into that pit, as they don't seem to have a runelearner to use them.
>>
No. 1091952 ID: 1effd3
File 171692236709.png - (376.68KB , 900x750 , 052824_FromNothing95_LitterWatcher2.png )
1091952

>Test Recovery on the burned Florafolk first.
>weren't there burned florafolk around?
>Scorched trees too. Test recovery, but practice afterwards. Once we kmow what you can heal, that can inform how risky we want to be with our spells.
“Oh, you’re right! Recovery should hopefully work on the florafolk. We should head back to check.”

>Let's explore a bit, maybe find a couple runes. We should combine something with blast to make a stronger spell to take this thing on. Probably Blast blast, blast flare, or blast Harm me thinks.
“There were some junk piles in the village that had some runes in them, I’m sure they won’t mind if we take them.”

>also one of the plant folk are watching you from behind a rock.
Silv looks around as she heads back towards the florafolk village, and spots the florafolk watching her. They hide behind rocks and trees as she turns around, but still sees them peeking from their hiding spots. Looks like Silv’s got a fan.
>>
No. 1091953 ID: 1effd3
File 171692240872.png - (469.88KB , 900x750 , 052824_FromNothing96_LayonHands.png )
1091953

>raw voidmatter awakens as new voidlings, when you combine it with runes. They were also tossing runes into that pit, as they don't seem to have a runelearner to use them.
Returning to the village, SIlv goes to check out the junk piles. They mostly consist of dead wood and leaves, but there are a considerable amount of runes in them as well.
x9 Nature runes obtained.
“They likely don’t know anything about runes and how they work. Honestly, I don’t know much about them either. Something about them does feel… familiar somehow. Like I’ve learned something similar before…”, Silv says, before her attention is drawn towards the burned florafolk, lightly whimpering in pain.
“Let’s go Tetsi, and see how effective Recovery is!”

It is, in fact, not very effective. Recovery does heal the florafolk, but the process is very slow, and Silv is exhausted by the time she’s finished healing. It is definitely not a spell that is “combat efficient”. The florafolk are very happy however.
>>
No. 1091954 ID: 1effd3
File 171692243168.png - (337.09KB , 900x750 , 052824_FromNothing97_sleepytime.png )
1091954

>Tremor still kinda seems like our best offensive tool, unless something is particularly vulnerable to fire. I guess we could shock something with static, maybe use stream to make the target wet first, but it's weak electricity so it won't deal a lot of damage to most things. Then I guess practice throwing flare, since you haven't thrown it much before and thus might need to work on your aim.

After resting for a while, Silv heads back outside the dome to practice her magic. Flares get thrown, and rocks get tossed, and she gets tired VERY quickly.
“Why am I so tired…? Is it mana depletion…? I…need a nap…”

“...Wait, what’s mana depletion…?”
>>
No. 1091955 ID: 1effd3
File 171692245192.png - (201.12KB , 900x750 , 052824_FromNothing98_aForgottenMemory.png )
1091955

”--you casted too much Silv. Mana Depletion is when ██ individual's mana is drained to the point ██ near-zero. This was █▚█▟█ to be your next lesson, but it seems someone █▟█ impatient.”

”...Sorry █▟█▚██…”

”Do not worry about it little one. Rest. Tomorrow ██ continue your lessons with █▟▚█–”
>>
No. 1091956 ID: 1effd3
File 171692246592.png - (355.70KB , 900x750 , 052824_FromNothing99_.png )
1091956

“...”
>>
No. 1091957 ID: 5b2941

>>1091956
Hm. Silv? you got a little something on your face.
>>
No. 1091969 ID: 5ebd37

careful, don't spook them.

Also are you feeling... blue?
>>
No. 1091979 ID: 2f41db

>>1091956
We saw it too silv.

Fragmented memory but real.
Obscured but not lost.

Maybe recoverable if...
No.
Not important right now.

Say.
Your new friend is feeling a bit more brave.
You two resting like that,.its kinda sweet.

Say hello softly. Or by gesture.
Let them know youre fine with them.
>>
No. 1091995 ID: 9bbb0e

If using too many spells will get you sick, you need a way to store spells for later. Do you still have any of those water bottles?

You could try applying a Potion Rune to it while casting a spell to store the magic in potion form.
>>
No. 1091998 ID: 5b2941

it might actually be a good idea to use a rune here instead of your island to make a healing zone. That way both you and the burned florafolk have a place to regenerate without you having to actively cast. Also, maybe fuse Life+Life? an unstable but more powerful healing effect might be a good thing.
>>
No. 1092001 ID: 273c18

>>1091956
Are you ok?
>>
No. 1092002 ID: 56db77

>>1091956
Pet the puny plant person
>>
No. 1092005 ID: b09d4a

They have marked you with their scent and have claimed you as their own.
>>
No. 1092184 ID: 7c1f1c

Altering this island's landmass is something that should be undertaken only with the knowledge and approval of its permanent residents. I'm sure such a thing will not be an issue, given how readily we see them warming to our presence, and once you've vanquished the source of their fear one way or another, they'll be doubtless only more glad to supply you with such approval. But at the moment, there are more pressing issues, that require as much mana as we can muster. It is good now that we understand its limits; let us survey the place the foe is known to dwell.
>>
No. 1092317 ID: 1effd3
File 171737414642.png - (148.87KB , 900x750 , 060224_FromNothing100_patpat.png )
1092317

>Hm. Silv? you got a little something on your face.
>Also are you feeling... blue?
>Are you ok?
“Huh? Am I… crying? Who was that? Why… can’t I remember?”

>We saw it too Silv. Fragmented memory but real. Obscured but not lost.
“A memory? Is that what it was? I wish I could remember more… How long have I been sleeping?”

>Your new friend is feeling a bit more brave. You two resting like that,.its kinda sweet. Say hello softly. Or by gesture. Let them know youre fine with them.
>They have marked you with their scent and have claimed you as their own.
>Pet the puny plant person
Silv looks down to see the small florafolk sitting by her side, and lightly pats them on the head.

“Hi there little guy, how are you doing?”

The florafolk chitters happily. Good sign.

“We should return to the village, shouldn't we?”

More chitters.

>If using too many spells will get you sick, you need a way to store spells for later. Do you still have any of those water bottles? You could try applying a Potion Rune to it while casting a spell to store the magic in potion form.
”I forgot my bottles at home, all I have with me is runes and some cooked glowshrooms. Oops!
Silv proceeds to eat 3 cooked glowshrooms, and offers one to the small florafolk, who accepts.
>>
No. 1092318 ID: 1effd3
File 171737416433.png - (242.22KB , 900x750 , 060224_FromNothing101_BeastRune.png )
1092318

>it might actually be a good idea to use a rune here instead of your island to make a healing zone. That way both you and the burned florafolk have a place to regenerate without you having to actively cast. Also, maybe fuse Life+Life? an unstable but more powerful healing effect might be a good thing.
>Altering this island's landmass is something that should be undertaken only with the knowledge and approval of its permanent residents. I'm sure such a thing will not be an issue, given how readily we see them warming to our presence, and once you've vanquished the source of their fear one way or another, they'll be doubtless only more glad to supply you with such approval. But at the moment, there are more pressing issues, that require as much mana as we can muster. It is good now that we understand its limits; let us survey the place the foe is known to dwell.
“I don’t know how to make a healing zone here. Back home we have the circle of stones you have to be on for us to use runes on the island, and I don’t know if this place has anything like that. I’m… also not confident in my abilities yet… I can see if fusing two life runes creates anything though.”
The little florafolk watches in amazement as Silv combines runes!

Life+Life: Success
The combination of Life and Life created a new rune! Silv discovered
Beast Rune obtained!

“Beast? Like animals? What do you think?”, Silv asks the florafolk.

“Chrittr?”

“...You probably don’t have animals here…”
“We should head back now Tetsi. I think I’m ready for this.”
Silv begins heading towards the florafolk village, with the small one following close behind.

It is almost time to fight the monster, are you and SIlv ready?
>>
No. 1092319 ID: 273c18

>>1092318
Ready as we'll ever be.
>>
No. 1092320 ID: 861ceb

can't really think of anything else we can do to prepare.
>>
No. 1092323 ID: 5ebd37

You can do it Silv!
>>
No. 1092324 ID: 7c1f1c

Bring it on
>>
No. 1092334 ID: eb0a9c

Before you start, let's set up a unique marker that our Dowsing can quickly locate, so we can come back to this island later.
>>
No. 1092338 ID: ec502a

>>1092318
Some backup weapons would be a good idea, even just some simple javalins to slow it down if things go bad
>>
No. 1092344 ID: 2f41db

>>1092318
Ready and eager to help, silv.

Need to get your new friend somewhere safe first.
Cant risk them following you into danger.
Theyre curious, bold and smart.
One day you may find yourself teaching rune and magic to someone like that.
>>
No. 1092348 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1092338
Good idea. Our spells are still pretty basic, so chasing out a Void Behemoth is a daunting task.
>>
No. 1092657 ID: 1effd3
File 171789147812.png - (470.72KB , 900x750 , 060824_FromNothing102_.png )
1092657

>Before you start, let's set up a unique marker that our Dowsing can quickly locate, so we can come back to this island later.
“I’m pretty Dowsing only has one marker, and it’s currently set on our island. I could try dowsing for ‘florafolk’, but that might be too specific.”

>Ready and eager to help!
>Bring it on!
>Ready as we'll ever be.
The florafolk village is busy with many members grabbing sharpened sticks and rocks for the upcoming fight. They gather around the leader, who seems to be waiting for you.

>Some backup weapons would be a good idea, even just some simple javalins to slow it down if things go bad.
>Good idea. Our spells are still pretty basic, so chasing out a Void Behemoth is a daunting task.
”I think the florafolk have the spears for that. Also, I’ve got the shovel!”

>Need to get your new friend somewhere safe first. Cant risk them following you into danger. Theyre curious, bold and smart. One day you may find yourself teaching rune and magic to someone like that.
“I don’t think I’d be able to teach them anything… I don’t remember much about myself, or know much about magic and runes… Where did they go anyway?”
Looking around, you see the small florafolk has joined in the gathering around the leader. Looks like you don’t have to worry about them too much.

Silv approaches the florafolk leader, who has been waiting patiently for her arrival.

“I’m ready. Where is the monster?”

The leader chitters to the many florafolk with spears, and points deeper into the woods. They nod, and begin tugging at Silv to follow them.
>>
No. 1092658 ID: 1effd3
File 171789150237.png - (462.13KB , 900x750 , 060824_FromNothing103_PreludeToFight.png )
1092658

After a short bit of walking, the florafolk go quiet and start walking more cautiously. They point towards a clearing behind the bushes just ahead.

”It’s right up ahead?”
The florafolk nod. They begin moving into position, while Silv creeps closer to get a better look into the clearing.
There isn’t much in the clearing, but this seems to be where the florafolk fought the monster last, guessing by the patches of ash and charcoal scattered around. There's a large pile of plants and debris in the center, but there's no clear sign of-

!
“Wait…!”
>>
No. 1092659 ID: 1effd3
Audio Bonus_-_Wind_Of_Battle_Looped.mp3 - (3.20MB )
1092659

>>
No. 1092665 ID: 1effd3
 

The pile of debris stirs!

“Identify!”

Nature Runeling
The result when Voidlings consume runes, something they cannot process under normal means. A great number of Nature runes are stuck inside it, and it has assimilated the Nature around it, mutating into this monstrous form. Very dangerous.
Primary Runic Affinity: Nature. Secondary: Unknown.

“Ah. Fire.”

The Runeling lets out a loud screech. It definitely knows you’re here!

“How should we handle this Tetsi?”
>>
No. 1092667 ID: 273c18

Wait, it eats runes? Maybe we can give it a really unstable rune. Mix up a blast+blast and throw it at it? It's a little risky since we don't know how long the unstable rune will last before exploding, so let's save that for a last ditch effort.

For now, use Tremor to lift up something to hide behind and start throwing Flare at it.
>>
No. 1092668 ID: 2f41db

>>1092665
Keep distance at first.
Ranging shots to get an eye in.
Learn how far it can reach or respond to your attacks.


(That animation was a wonderful idea and a great touch)
>>
No. 1092670 ID: 5ebd37

At least it seems rooted in place. Keep your distance and lets see how much damage a flame will do.
>>
No. 1092695 ID: 8f9bc4

Maybe Eldritch could be of some use? Does the inversion of a rune cancel it out? I wonder what eldritch blast would do...
>>
No. 1092700 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1092665
If the runes are stuck inside of it, maybe you could knock them loose somehow.
The blast rune >>1092667 suggested as a grenade could work, either for that or for damage. We could try throwing it and detonating it with a Fire spell.
Otherwise, getting the runes inside loose would require getting pretty close, so we'd need to weaken it first. Fire spell on its own isn't very potent or far reaching, but maybe you could give some braver florafolk flaming javelins.
>>
No. 1092702 ID: 861ceb

wander if throwing fire in it's mouth will light up the nature runes inside it?
>>
No. 1092705 ID: eb0a9c

You're dealing with a wild animal. You need to attempt to defuse the aggression but simultaneously prepare your counterattack. If it lunges, combine a gale and fire rune. Try every rune in your inventory, see how it reacts and you can work out a strategy to kite it.
>>
No. 1092726 ID: 7c0da2

No need to rush. You should try to find out its secondary runic affinity. I'm assuming you can't Identify what it is because you don't know that rune yet, but maybe we can deduce the combination that created it. Do you sense something familiar about it, something that feels a bit like a rune you know ? Given all the Nature runes lying around that second affinity could be the result of Nature + Something.
The florafolk tried fire already, but it doesn't mean you can't try lobbing some fireballs at it too, from a safe distance. Try to determine its reach and mobility before going in, it's important that you stay safe.
>>
No. 1092758 ID: 7c1f1c

The thing has seen you, but you do not know that it has decided you are threatening to it. The Florafolk may have worked against our end by antagonizing it previously, but fight only if you must. We know you have precious little mana with which to win the day, and any blow avoided is ammunition for later.

You know the runes the Florafolk are ignorant of; is it possible to summon the runes inside of the creature to yourself, and thus dislodge them, ending their influence? An endeavor to reverse the mutation may prove the quickest way to victory. Plying the creature with the inverse rune of its mutation is a tactic well worth an attempt.
>>
No. 1092933 ID: 1effd3

Next update will be slow, who knew figuring out how to animate in a week would make you so tired?

Also, we have a Wiki!
https://questden.org/wiki/From_Nothing

Will try to have update in the next week or two.
>>
No. 1092935 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1092933
Learning to animate just for the quest. That's some huge effortposting, salute to you.
>>
No. 1093366 ID: 1effd3
File 171927564616.png - (564.44KB , 900x750 , 062424_FromNothing105_SilvUsedFlare.png )
1093366

>Wait, it eats runes? Maybe we can give it a really unstable rune. Mix up a blast+blast and throw it at it? It's a little risky since we don't know how long the unstable rune will last before exploding, so let's save that for a last ditch effort.
”I’m not certain that’s what it meant, but unstable rune throwing is the last option.”

>The thing has seen you, but you do not know that it has decided you are threatening to it. The Florafolk may have worked against our end by antagonizing it previously, but fight only if you must.
”...If this thing merged with nearby nature, does that mean it ate some Florafolk? It would make sense why they view it as an enemy. So maybe it sees anything that moves as an enemy?”
Almost as if in response, the Runeling screeches once more, the ground quaking.

>Keep distance at first. Ranging shots to get an eye in. Learn how far it can reach or respond to your attacks.
>At least it seems rooted in place. Keep your distance and lets see how much damage a flame will do.
>You're dealing with a wild animal. You need to attempt to defuse the aggression but simultaneously prepare your counterattack.
“Flare!”
Standing at the farthest point that she can, Silv conjures a Flare, and throws it towards the Runeling. Several of its vines darted in front of it, blocking the attack, and leaving only a small burn where it hit. The Florafolk hiding among the bushes let out cheerful chittering, but go silent as the Runeling swiftly recovers and screeches once more.

“I think I’m going to have to use Flare a lot more.”
>>
No. 1093367 ID: 1effd3
File 171927566833.png - (338.17KB , 900x750 , 062424_FromNothing106_RunelingUsedRootWave.png )
1093367

>wonder if throwing fire in it's mouth will light up the nature runes inside it?
>If the runes are stuck inside of it, maybe you could knock them loose somehow. The blast rune >>1092667 suggested as a grenade could work, either for that or for damage. We could try throwing it and detonating it with a Fire spell. Otherwise, getting the runes inside loose would require getting pretty close, so we'd need to weaken it first. Fire spell on its own isn't very potent or far reaching, but maybe you could give some braver florafolk flaming javelins.
Silv starts running around the Runeling, throwing Flares, hoping to deal some lasting damage. The Runeling blocks some, but several manage to hit its main body, causing it some burns.

>Maybe Eldritch could be of some use? Does the inversion of a rune cancel it out?
“I tried combining Eldritch and Nature runes before, but nothing happened.”

The Runeling screeches, shaking the ground as it does…
...Wait, why’s the ground still shaking?

Sliv quickly dodges out of the way as a row of spikes erupt from the ground!

>No need to rush–
“I think rushing is a good idea right now!”
>>
No. 1093370 ID: 1effd3
File 171927577181.png - (252.83KB , 900x750 , 062424_FromNothing107_.png )
1093370

Silv has the advantage of speed, but her weak attacks deal very little to the Runelings defense, even with the Florafolk throwing their spears to help. Dodging and throwing the occasional Flare is the most she can do right now.

Options and time are limited. Silv can:
try to throw a Blast rune.
retreat.
Other?
>>
No. 1093374 ID: eb0a9c

Think of blast runes as grenades. You need to stuff it in the beast's fleshy interior for the bomb to have a full effect!
For now, use everything in your arsenal and see what sticks!
>>
No. 1093382 ID: 5ebd37

The arena has a bunch of spikes in it now. Think you could use tremor to hurl one at the foe quickly enough to still dodge?
>>
No. 1093383 ID: 981910

You are not only wielder of runes, but Runelearner. Use your learning, and conjure a Lesser Blast; it will be a dire strait before we threaten the home of the Florafolk with an explosion whose ferocity we know not how to gauge. We have yet resort before that.
>>
No. 1093384 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1093370
Throw a Blast rune. If it doesn't go off on impact, use a Flare to detonate it.
>>
No. 1093387 ID: 2f41db

>>1093370
...cant think of anything else to try.
Cant risk you passing out after a protracted fight of lots of light blows...
Blast rune it is.
Hmmm.
The wood its absorbed looks like it may be giving structural support to the amalgam.
Destroy that at it may not be able to hold together.
Try to get the blast rune into that hollow or opening.
Hurl the blast rune but maybe try to nudge on target with tremor?

Then, as said already, flare to ignite if it doesnt explode on impact.
>>
No. 1093390 ID: 861ceb

>try to throw a Blast rune.

might as well see what id does. though maybe wait for it to send up another row of spikes so you can use them as cover incase the blast is a bit bigger then what we think it will be.
>>
No. 1093393 ID: 273c18

Ah, it's got roots? Start using Tremor to pull up dirt. Uproot the plant, or at least expose its roots! Then you can attack the roots, and those should be more vulnerable than the main body. If you can get a good sized stone out of the ground you can smack the body or the voidling flesh part of it to deal some better damage, probably.

What are you unsure about in regards to weaponizing an unstable rune? To be clear, I didn't want to throw a regular Blast rune, I wanted to try combining two Blast runes together to make something MORE unstable. Though if you think a Blast rune will explode given enough time I suppose you could try it. ...oh, I wonder how it would react to Toxcite or a Harm rune...
Oh I feel dumb, why haven't we tried mixing Harm with Flare to make a more dangerous fire attack?
>>
No. 1093395 ID: 8cb907

>>1093393
...Can we just use straight Harm?
>>
No. 1093396 ID: 273c18

>>1093395
Harm has no associated spell. If we really wanted to try to get some more damaging long range spells we'd have to disengage first I expect.
>>
No. 1093410 ID: 0db8d3

Flare+Blast then throw that, or if it offers a new spell, FIREBALL!
>>
No. 1093415 ID: 69cc32

>>1093370
Can you distract it with something it’d see as food, letting you get in a better shot?
>>
No. 1093615 ID: 273c18

Oh, more ideas:
Try casting flare through us, maybe we can empower spells.
Try casting flare multiple times without throwing it, to make a bigger ball of fire! A more intense fire is more likely to get through the enemy's defense.
>>
No. 1093659 ID: 1effd3
File 171987492226.png - (365.75KB , 900x750 , 063024_FromNothing108_SilvUsedLesserBlast.png )
1093659

>The arena has a bunch of spikes in it now. Think you could use tremor to hurl one at the foe quickly enough to still dodge?
>Ah, it's got roots? Start using Tremor to pull up dirt. Uproot the plant, or at least expose its roots! Then you can attack the roots, and those should be more vulnerable than the main body. If you can get a good sized stone out of the ground you can smack the body or the voidling flesh part of it to deal some better damage, probably.
“I can’t stand still long enough to use Tremor in any way!” , says Silv, dodging another row of root spikes heading towards her.

>You are not only wielder of runes, but Runelearner. Use your learning, and conjure a Lesser Blast; it will be a dire strait before we threaten the home of the Florafolk with an explosion whose ferocity we know not how to gauge
Silv quickly uses a Lesser Blast on the roots that tried to hit her, shattering several of them to splinters. The Runeling screeches in anger as it pulls its roots back into the ground.

“Hey, that worked Tetsi! Maybe a Blast rune will work--”

The Florafolk chitter loudly towards Silv as the ground begins to rumble again. Roots begin to close in on the clearing, forcing Silv closer to the Runelings vines.

“Uh oh.”
>>
No. 1093660 ID: 1effd3
File 171987494248.png - (461.73KB , 900x750 , 063024_FromNothing109_EXPLOOOOOSION.png )
1093660

>Think of blast runes as grenades. You need to stuff it in the beast's fleshy interior for the bomb to have a full effect! For now, use everything in your arsenal and see what sticks!
>Throw a Blast rune. If it doesn't go off on impact, use a Flare to detonate it.
>The wood its absorbed looks like it may be giving structural support to the amalgam. Destroy that at it may not be able to hold together. Try to get the blast rune into that hollow or opening.
“I don’t know what a grenade is, but I’ll throw this like one!”
Silv pulls a rune out of her bag, and converts it into a Blast rune while dodging the incoming vines. She throws it just like if she was throwing Flare, and it arcs towards the Runeling. It braces its vines in front of itself for protection, as it had previously.

With a thunderous crack, multiple vines are torn to bits, momentarily stunning it. Silv converts and throws another Blast rune at the Runeling, detonating right beside its main body. Suddenly snapping back to its senses, the Runeling lets out an ear-shattering screech, forcing Silv and the Florafolk to cover their ears.
>>
No. 1093661 ID: 1effd3
File 171987498134.png - (252.42KB , 900x750 , 070124_FromNothing110_KRACK.png )
1093661

It begins to thrash it vines around erratically in a panic, kicking up the dirt as it does so. It’s gone berserk!

>Flare+Blast then throw that, or if it offers a new spell, FIREBALL!
>Oh, more ideas: Try casting flare through us, maybe we can empower spells. Try casting flare multiple times without throwing it, to make a bigger ball of fire! A more intense fire is more likely to get through the enemy's defense.
“I don’t think now is the time for experimenting--””

KRACK

Oh, that’s going to hurt.
Silv and Tetsi got hit by a thrashing vine, and are sent tumbling some distance.
>>
No. 1093662 ID: 1effd3
File 171987500255.png - (146.79KB , 900x750 , 070124_FromNothing111_.png )
1093662

”--Time for review. What are spells?”

”Spells are a means to give █▚██▟ instructions and direction?”

”True, but WHAT is a spell?”
”Spells, no matter the Origin or type of spellcasting, are composed of █▚███▟██ components. The core component is immutable by itself, but with the addition of other components, alters the core, and thus, the spell produced. With the same two components, you can ██▟█▚ several different spells.”

”How?”

”The simplest example is with Fire as a core, and Inertia to alter it. Inertia can be applied in multiple ways to the Fire; sending the core ▚██▚█ as a projectile, or spreading the Fire out around you. If constructed incorrectly--.”
>>
No. 1093663 ID: 1effd3
File 171987503497.png - (285.86KB , 672x750 , 070124_FromNothing112_ThrashAndBash.png )
1093663

All Silv hears is muffled sounds as she slowly regains consciousness. Grabbing Tetsi once more, she knows what she has to do.
>>
No. 1093664 ID: 1effd3
File 171987505702.png - (259.16KB , 900x750 , 070124_FromNothing113_MAQ_When.png )
1093664

CREATE A 3 RUNE SPELL FROM YOUR KNOWN RUNES.
>>
No. 1093666 ID: 273c18

>>1093659
Oh you have to stand still to use Tremor? Bad drawback...

>>1093664
Flare as the core, Breeze to give Inertia... how about Blast or Harm to make it stronger?
>>
No. 1093671 ID: 0db8d3

Here's several I can think of.

Lesser Fireball
{Stream}-((Flare))≠{Blast}

Lightning Bolt
{Static}-((Static))≠{Blast}

Lesser Thunderstorm
{Gale}-((Stream))≠{Static}

Twister
{Ice}-((Gale))≠{Flare}

Stone Buckshot
{Blast}-((Tremor))≠{Gale}

Air Bullets
{Blast}-((Gale))≠{Blast}

Rejuvenate
{Nature}-((Recovery))≠{Potion}

Strange Regeneration
{Potion}-((Eldritch))≠{Recovery}

Cone of Anti-Life
{Breeze}-((Harm))≠{Eldritch}

Corrupt
{Harm}-((Eldritch))≠{Nature}

Create lesser Undead
{Potion}-((Eldritch))≠{Harm}

Life Drain
{Static}-((Harm))≠{Recovery}

Mutate Self
{Nature}-((Eldritch))≠{Potion}

Healing Word
{Recovery}-((Recovery))≠{Recovery}

Flamethrower
{Gale}-((Flare))≠{Flare}

Fox Fire
{Breeze}-((Flare))≠{Harm}

Earth Spike
{Stream}-((Tremor))≠{Stream}

Honestly I think Fox Fire might be the best one. A weak but ranged fire attack using all basic runes should be safe, effective, and mana efficient. That said, Lesser Fireball and and Flamethrower could end things more quickly at the cost of more mana, given they use more advanced runes. Buckshot or Lightning Bolt could probably end this near instantly, but do we have that much mana?
Alternatively I suppose we could just keep doing what we're doing, and use a healing spell to win the battle through attrition...
Or we could do something... Crazy.
>>
No. 1093674 ID: 5ebd37

Would applying potion to flare and tremor make a lob-able magma chunk?
Gale with static and flare might make a fire storm.
>>
No. 1093681 ID: 2f41db

>>1093666
>>1093671
Even if foxfire is one of the less potent ones itd have to be stronger than unaltered flare.

I think youve both got fireball figured out too, but collateral damage chances spike higher with that.

Only thing i can think of is a flare core, gale momentum, static augment.
A firebolt that clings. Fire that dances across the target like electricity would.
Net of fire, if its a valid combination.
>>
No. 1093686 ID: 7c1f1c

By learning will we triumph. Our knowledge of runes will be our overpowering strength. We know its runic affinity is Nature, and we have seen already the effectiveness of the Lesser Blast against the foe. Let us imbue our Blast with the element we know to be most deleterious to an avatar of Nature: the Eldritch.

Flare + Flare + Eldritch
ELDRITCH BLAST
>>
No. 1093690 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1093666
Flare with Breeze and Harm attached sounds powerful but also widespread, more like a Burning Hands. Will it catch the Florafolk in the fire?
>>
No. 1093698 ID: 5b2941

>>1093664
>MAQ_When
well ain't that the question we're all asking
>>
No. 1093969 ID: 1effd3
File 172047520982.png - (312.66KB , 900x750 , 070824_FromNothing114_.png )
1093969

>>1093671
>>1093686
NOT ENOUGH “INSTRUCTION”...

>Would applying potion to flare and tremor make a lob-able magma chunk? Gale with static and flare might make a fire storm.
POTENTIAL RESULTS. LACKS MEANINGFUL INSTRUCTION HOWEVER.
>Flare as the core, Breeze to give Inertia... how about Blast or Harm to make it stronger?
>>1093690
THIS SHOULD FUNCTION. IT SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH INSTRUCTION TO LIMIT UNINTENDED RESULTS.

x3 runes consumed.
>>
No. 1093970 ID: 1effd3
File 172047524592.png - (388.66KB , 900x750 , 070824_FromNothing115_FlareMortar.png )
1093970

Time seems to slow down for Silv as she raises Tetsi towards the rampaging Runeling.

“...Flare as the core…”

“...Breeze to provide inertia…”

“...Blast to augment the core to detonate on impact…”

The air crackles and burns in front of Silv and Testi, as something new is created from nothing.

”...Flare Mortar!”
>>
No. 1093971 ID: 1effd3
File 172047527133.png - (838.46KB , 900x750 , 070824_FromNothing116_Kwispy.png )
1093971

The spell impacts the Runeling, engulfing it in a brilliant blast of cinders. It reels and screeches from the fire, its body burnt and torn, but ultimately not yet defeated. Silv launches another Flare Mortar, wherein it once again impacts the Runeling. Silv collapses and drops Tetsi after being drained of her remaining mana, unable to witness the effort of her labors.
>>
No. 1093972 ID: 1effd3
File 172047528826.gif - (70.73KB , 720x600 , 070824_FromNothing117_Kwispy.gif )
1093972

...You get to see a cool explosion though.
>>
No. 1093973 ID: 1effd3
File 172047532178.png - (429.30KB , 900x750 , 070824_FromNothing118_HeroesWelcome.png )
1093973

The Florafolk enter the clearing once the dust settles, and quickly bring you and SIlv back to their home, where they lie her on a pile of soft(?) leaves. After some time, Silv finally wakes up, surrounded by many Florafolk.

“Ow… Did I win?”

Cheers erupt from the Florafolk as they surround Silv. The Florafolk Leader even gives her a pat on the head. Suffice to say she indeed won, although a little worse for wear. Silv is still recovering and mana is fairly depleted, so using Recovery at the moment might not be possible.

Several Florafolk come up and deposit everything that came from the Nature Runeling near to you and Tetsi.
“Oh, thank you! That’s a lot of stuff…”
x8 Voidmatter obtained.
x27 Nature runes obtained.
For some reason you feel like this is more than what Silv can put in her bag…

What should you do now? You should return home soon.
Self-reflection.
Pack up and leave.
Other?
>>
No. 1093974 ID: a7a180

Use some of the resources you can't pack with you to cast some helpful spells for the florafolk. Or maybe you can even craft them into items!
>>
No. 1093975 ID: 273c18

>>1093973
If we can't carry all these runes then we should use them. I feel as though the best way we can do that right now is to try new rune combinations!
Flare+Tremor
Life+Harm (death?) Wait, did you try inverting Life?
Nature+Breeze
Tremor+Tremor
Static+Static
Gale+Stream
Nature+Stream
Beast+Eldritch

Hmm, can you think of a combination that might lead us to more abstract meanings like intelligence or strength?
>>
No. 1093976 ID: 273c18

Oh but maybe some self-reflection first. How are you doing?
>>
No. 1093977 ID: 79993d

Self reflection! Show us the stats!

Also, cant we find a box or something to carry stuff back? You need a box
>>
No. 1093981 ID: 0db8d3

Let's wait a little bit for some mana to recover. Eat a bit and rest up. I have an idea.

Beacon
{Eldritch}-((Static))≠{Flare}

First We'll use Static as a base- The essence of the spell is a field of energy.

We will then use Eldritch To modify that field. We need it to stay in an arbitrary place in space, and we need it to function indefinitely. To do so falls afoul of the natural laws of physics. We'll tie it directly to the arcane to draw it's power and to exert our will upon the arbitrary space.

Finally, The field will be infused with an aspect we can borrow from the Flare rune: Light.

The resulting spell should create a permanent source of light in a place of our choosing. When placed near the highest point of the island, it should act as a brilliant star in the void. So long as it persists, we'll be able to find our way back here to visit our new friends!
>>
No. 1093982 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1093973
If we leave the large cache of nature runes here, it may help us locate the island again in the future. Once we have a more effective way of keeping track of islands, we could put them to use expanding our island with natural growth and possible look into the florafolk joining us there as we develop it.
>>
No. 1093984 ID: 861ceb

>What should you do now?
rest until you can defend yourself again then thank the plant people for their hospitality and then head out.
>>
No. 1093986 ID: 51ed13

Do they do parties? This seems like an appropriate time for a small party.
>>
No. 1093997 ID: 2f41db

>>1093982
Good idea.
Rune concentrations as nav points.

Perhaps silv could use one or two to give this land a kickstart in its healing.
Side benefit would be it being good practice but mainly itd get the florafolk back on thier feet quicker.
>>
No. 1094002 ID: 2a82d3

I bet your Recovery runes would more effective if you combine with another rune that matches the affinity of the target. Nature to natural things, Eldritch to eldritch. If you can stretch the definition of Recovery enough, you could even rebuild a better hous waitaminute

If everything we've done, are doing, and are going to do is going to lead to recovering your memories, that would imply we're highly in sync with you. That doesn't happen easily by accident. Did you mean to seek us out? If so, why? If you didn't mean to, how?
>>
No. 1094003 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1093997
Unfortunately, I think we can only use them to shape land around our stone circle. Which is why I'd like the florafolk to join us over there eventually, or ideally find a way to get their land mass to ours'. These weird facilities are too unique to warrant just abandoning, and they already have homes and attachments here they just fought to protect.
>>
No. 1094004 ID: 8f9bc4

Congratulations, Silv! You're starting to remember a few things! Sad things, but better than no things. It gives you something to strive for, building your little home here in the void.
>>
No. 1094013 ID: 2f41db

>>1094003
Ah damn.
Could potentially try for a renewal spell though in the meantime.
Drawing the lands together would be a good long term goal.
>>
No. 1094159 ID: 7c1f1c

Reflect, runelearner. You are starting to remember more and more of your previous learning; your craft is returning to you. Think on these things. What can you recall about your former education? Who was it that gave it to you? How did you come to learn these secrets?
>>
No. 1094373 ID: 1effd3
File 172126122663.png - (129.08KB , 482x750 , 071624_FromNothing119_StatusUp.png )
1094373

>some self-reflection first. How are you doing?
>Self reflection! Show us the stats!
>Reflect, runelearner.
”Identify.”

— — —
Name: Silv Mithra:

Race:???

Class Archetype: Spellcaster
Class: Thaumaturge


Abilities:

Runelearner: Can learn the fundamentals of the universe, runes. Silv can combine, invert, and convert physical runes, among some other uses.
Skitter: Increased speed for movement and actions.

Spells: Flare, Tremor, Stream, Breeze, Lesser Blast, Recovery, Static

Equipment: Tetsi, Worn Bag
----------------
New Abilities:
Spellcrafter: No matter the origin or type of spellcasting, spells are constructed from components and instructions. Silv can create templates for new spells out of physical runes, up to her maximum spell count. The runes are consumed by this process, but the spell can be used until it's replaced with a different spell.
Maximum Spells: 1 (Flare Mortar)

— — —
Name: Tetsi

Class: Artifact

Abilities:
Illuminate: Lights up the area around the Eye.
Identify(shared): Can be used to identify creatures and objects.
Dowsing: Locates the closest ‘target’ to self, guides in a direction. Can also place markers on objects and locations to find them again. Limit 1 marker.
----------------
Updated Abilities:
Identify(shared): Now capable of gaining more information from a target, such as runic affinity..
Dowsing: Marker limit increased to two. “Home” is now a permanently remembered location.
— — —
”Looks like we got some new abilities Tetsi. You can mark more stuff now, and we can always find home! What’s ‘thaumaturge’ though?”

>If we leave the large cache of nature runes here, it may help us locate the island again in the future.
>Good idea. Rune concentrations as nav points.
”I think dowsing getting improved kind of negates this, but maybe a useful idea later.”

>Use some of the resources you can't pack with you to cast some helpful spells for the florafolk. Or maybe you can even craft them into items!
>If we can't carry all these runes then we should use them. I feel as though the best way we can do that right now is to try new rune combinations!
>>1093981
”I’m too tired to try this at the moment though…
>>
No. 1094374 ID: 1effd3
File 172126125087.png - (173.31KB , 900x750 , 071724_FromNothing120_SQUARE.png )
1094374

>Also, cant we find a box or something to carry stuff back? You need a box
Silv asks the Leader and other Florafolk about a box or container to put the stuff from the Runeling in. Some of the Florafolk run off and should be back in a bit.

>Do they do parties? This seems like an appropriate time for a small party.
”They seem like they’re already celebrating.”

>Perhaps silv could use one or two to give this land a kickstart in its healing. Side benefit would be it being good practice but mainly itd get the florafolk back on thier feet quicker.
>Unfortunately, I think we can only use them to shape land around our stone circle. Which is why I'd like the florafolk to join us over there eventually, or ideally find a way to get their land mass to ours'. These weird facilities are too unique to warrant just abandoning, and they already have homes and attachments here they just fought to protect.
>Ah damn. Could potentially try for a renewal spell though in the meantime. Drawing the lands together would be a good long term goal.
”I don’t understand much about runes or how you work Tetsi, but I think the stone circle back home is important somehow. I was hoping you’d know more than me.”
>>
No. 1094376 ID: 1effd3
File 172126127695.png - (221.56KB , 900x750 , 071724_FromNothing121_I_Feel_Like_this_is_against_.png )
1094376

>Congratulations, Silv! You're starting to remember a few things! Sad things, but better than no things. It gives you something to strive for, building your little home here in the void.
>Reflect, runelearner. You are starting to remember more and more of your previous learning; your craft is returning to you. Think on these things. What can you recall about your former education? Who was it that gave it to you? How did you come to learn these secrets?
”I don’t know who that is in my memories, but I feel they were important to me for some reason… as for knowledge, I’m not sure it’s supposed to… intentionally apply to runes? I don’t know how to explain it.”

After a bit, some Florafolk return with… the tree trunk that was part of the Runeling, and some smaller pieces of wood and vines. Looks like they’ve wrapped it all together to make a fairly flimsy container, but it should work on a one way trip.
“Looks like we should be going now Tetsi. I think I’m rested enough to head home.”
>>
No. 1094377 ID: 1effd3
File 172126130413.png - (305.69KB , 900x750 , 071724_FromNothing122_.png )
1094377

The Florafolk help carry Silv’s belonging to the edge of the island as she sets up a marker with Dowsing. She waves goodbye to the Florafolk, and ventures into the darkness towards her home.
— — —
The air has gotten a little colder once Silv returns to her island, where her voidlings are waiting for her.
“Hey we’re back, did you behave while we were gone?”,Silv asks as the voidlings swarm around her. Silv is too tired at the moment to unpack and check everything, so she decides to go rest some more in her little shelter, leaving you to stand by and watch.
>>
No. 1094378 ID: 1effd3
File 172126132279.png - (237.95KB , 900x750 , 071724_FromNothing123_Quiet.png )
1094378


>>
No. 1094379 ID: 1effd3
File 172126134256.png - (244.15KB , 900x750 , 071724_FromNothing124_Stowaway.png )
1094379

Wait.
>>
No. 1094381 ID: 5b2941

>>1094379
oh hey, new pet
>>
No. 1094387 ID: 273c18

>>1094379
Ah, your new friend seems to have stowed away in the container. Sleepover I guess?

>>1094373
Hmm, Thaumaturge is basically just another word for wizard, but it specifically means "worker of miracles". I dunno what it means in this context.

...we should try to Identify the stone circle later.
>>
No. 1094399 ID: eb0a9c

Well, as long as they don't kill each other...

We'd better make sure the Root didn't regenerate.
>>
No. 1094407 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1094379
That must be why the stump was so heavy.
We should make sure the florafolk knows the local voidlings are friendly. They haven't had the best experiences with them.

>>1094387
>Identify the stone circle
Good idea, it should give us more information now.
>>
No. 1094408 ID: 44c167

An admirer, or could they be, an apprentice? I hope they're not being missed back home. And that we have something they can eat while they're here.

The voidlings are going to eat that wood aren't they.
>>
No. 1094410 ID: 07a5ab

Might as well invite them over to rest next to the snuggle bug and make sure they don’t attack. Any of the voidlings or vis versa
>>
No. 1094412 ID: 0db8d3

I see a cute stowaway!

Cuddle Tiems?
>>
No. 1094414 ID: 2f41db

>>1094377
Rest well silv, youve more than earne-
>>1094378
...
>>1094379
...brave little thing arent they?
Guess they really like you silv.
Oh well.
Ŕoll out the guest bed.
Well, guest bit of floor then.
Ŵe could do with finding you some mossy growth to harvest...
>>
No. 1094567 ID: 0db8d3

You know...

We really should douse for an abandoned furniture store or something...
>>
No. 1094568 ID: 5b2941

>>1094567
Not a bad idea, but how would Silv carry it?
>>
No. 1094577 ID: 24c12e

>>1094568
Maybe we can figure out a telekinesis spell?
>>
No. 1094581 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1094568
Ride it like a surfboard.
>>
No. 1094880 ID: 1effd3
File 172221603828.png - (44.99KB , 405x750 , 072824_FromNothing125_Im_Frond_of_you.png )
1094880

>oh hey, new pet
>Ah, your new friend seems to have stowed away in the container. Sleepover I guess?
>I see a cute stowaway! Cuddle Tiems?
>Rest well silv, youve more than earne- ... ...brave little thing arent they? Guess they really like you silv. Oh well. Ŕoll out the guest bed. Well, guest bit of floor then.
“What’s up Tetsi…?” Silv says tiredly as she pulls herself up. “H-huh?! Why are you here little guy? Did you follow us??”

The small florafolk gives off some cheerful chittering.

“I don’t know exactly what you’re saying, but you want to stay with us?”

The little florafolk lets out a single definitive chirp.

>Might as well invite them over to rest next to the snuggle bug and make sure they don’t attack. Any of the voidlings or vice versa
“It’s a bit chilly, how about we get some sleep, and we’ll introduce everyone in the morning?”
The small florafolk gives off a little chirp, and snuggles in with Silv.

COMPANION RECRUITED
— — —
Name: ???

Race: Florafolk
Plants capable of complex thought, the Florafolk are a young species created a long time ago by forgotten hands.
Primary Runic Affinity: Nature.

Abilities:
Photosynthesis: Doesn’t require physical food given enough water and strong light.
Temperature Volatility: Vulnerable to intense heat, cold, and fire.
>>
No. 1094881 ID: 1effd3
File 172221607199.png - (249.87KB , 900x750 , 072824_FromNothing126_InventoryManagement.png )
1094881

Morning(?) is cold, and Silv and the florafolk eat the remaining glowshrooms she cooked. Time to get to work!
x5 cooked glowshrooms lost.

Stats after Silv does her chores:
The mushroom patch has grown another 6 shrooms for a total of 16.
The two toxigrowth fruits she planted have sprouted. They should bloom in a few days.
— — —
She organizes the islands inventory into the temporary container from the florafolk:
x5 Toxigrowth fruit
x7 Glowshrooms
x10 metal scraps
x1 Shroomlogs
x7 Shroomplanks
x2 waterbottles
x10 Voidmatter
x35 Runes
— — —
>That must be why the stump was so heavy. We should make sure the florafolk knows the local voidlings are friendly. They haven't had the best experiences with them.
Silv introduces the small florafolk to the voidlings, and they take it very well. Way better than you expected actually. Weren't they supposed to dislike voidlings?
“You’re fine with them? I thought you guys didn’t like them?”

Cheerful chitters.

“I still don’t know what you’re saying…”

>An admirer, or could they be, an apprentice? I hope they're not being missed back home. And that we have something they can eat while they're here.
“So why did you follow me here?”

They chitter while waving their arms around excitedly. Admirer? Looking for adventure perhaps? You need to figure out a way to understand them better. And a name, can’t call them little guy forever.
>>
No. 1094882 ID: 1effd3
File 172221608981.png - (160.27KB , 900x750 , 072824_FromNothing127_MiracleMaker.png )
1094882

>Hmm, Thaumaturge is basically just another word for wizard, but it specifically means "worker of miracles". I dunno what it means in this context.
“Worker of miracles? What counts as a miracle?”

The little florafolk holds up a nature rune.

“...I guess that counts?”

>You know… We really should douse for an abandoned furniture store or something...
>Not a bad idea, but how would Silv carry it?
>Maybe we can figure out a telekinesis spell?
>Ride it like a surfboard.
“I was only able to drag the shroom wood here because they were already floating in the void, and I can’t really move them well on the island. A spell to help move heavy stuff would be nice…”
>>
No. 1094885 ID: 1effd3
File 172221620446.png - (290.56KB , 900x750 , 072824_FromNothing128_Manapulse.png )
1094885

>...we should try to Identify the stone circle later.
>Good idea, it should give us more information now.
“Identify!”
Silv casts Identify on the stone circle. A pulse of energy suddenly flows through the island, nearly knocking Silv of her feet.
“W-what was that??”

Manapulse Nexus
A focal point of the energy that flows throughout the world. This nexus is the only one remaining of this network, and is almost damaged beyond recovery. But still, it persists.

“... I don’t fully understand. Do you know what it means Tetsi?”
>>
No. 1094888 ID: dd2d5b

>>1094885
>Do you know what it means Tetsi?
...oh. I think I might. Manapulse, the energy that flows. And this is a nexus? and it's the only one remaining and almost out? that's not good. It might spell disaster for basically everything if it finally collapses.
>>
No. 1094892 ID: 3c8716

for little guy's name, i'm thinking Fern would be a good, simple name!
>>
No. 1094893 ID: 273c18

>>1094885
Sounds like a leyline. If I'm right, then... well, think of Manapulse as if it's water flowing deep underground, and the Manapulse Nexus is like a well that you can use to draw from the Manapulse. "this network" implies that there's more than one network. If we can find more of these then maybe we can make a new network? Or if the network refers to the world overall, then... well, at best we could make another one to link up to.

I think we're going to need to research more rune types and maybe find a "language" rune to understand the florafolk. First thing we should do is to try creating runes relating to life and death. For instance, try inverting Life and then, assuming you get Death out of it, combine Life and Death to hopefully get a Soul rune or something like that. Then try combining Soul with various base elements to see if that gets us anything. We're looking to create runes relating to the senses or mental faculties, which we can then combine with the Life or Beast runes to get runes relating to smarter creatures like people, and through *that* rune we can probably reach concepts relating to civilization like tools and language.
>>
No. 1094895 ID: 44c167

It reacted to your spell, maybe it needs energy to recover. Try casting a small spell like healing or gust on it. Maybe put a nature rune near it to see if it absorbs it.
>>
No. 1094896 ID: 273c18

Oh, the Nexus reacted to mana being sent at it, so maybe I have it backwards and it's meant to be an input spot?
>>
No. 1094899 ID: b17e7f

I don't think the circle is an input. Silv felt a lot more energy come out of the nexus than the Identify spell inserted into the nexus.

Considering it is nearly broken and the last one we're likely to encounter, Silv probably shouldn't experiment with it too much. I wonder if there is a way to find a different broken nexus in order to figure out what not to do.
>>
No. 1094900 ID: 7c1f1c

We see once again that we are not starting from nothing; remains of a shattered world lie all about us. This must have been one of many portals that opened onto the same corridor, but now the door is jammed, and with no other outlet. If we should come into the knowledge or expertise to repair it, and we meet another such portal to link it to, you may serve a great purpose in this shattered existence, restoring great magical highways to use. I would not doubt that it be the reason you awoke where you did; by the old network, you may have been sent here, to survive the catastrophe that then tore that network apart.

How that might be done is currently a mystery; perhaps if you remember more of the world from before its disintegration, that may give us some clues on what we seek. In the meantime, we have more pressing matters before us; we must cultivate our rock.

We have many runes of Nature; might they be used to bolster the productivity of our gardens? We have seen how, in excess, their use can lead to tragedy. Let us weave them into a spell that we can control; what does a fusion of Nature and Life yeild?

>>1094893
Note, friend, that Life inverts to Harm: https://questden.org/wiki/From_Nothing_Runes
>>
No. 1094902 ID: 273c18

>>1094900
Oh nuts. Okay, how about Life+Harm? That might lead to Death.
>>
No. 1094903 ID: 273c18

Or maybe Death is just Harm+Harm. Could try Beast+Beast too.
>>
No. 1094905 ID: 2a82d3

>“I still don’t know what you’re saying…”
She saying she's not like the rest of them, probably. She did leave them to follow you.

>And a name, can’t call them little guy forever.
Does "Leaflet" work? You could try to get an actual, more true name out of the bugger, but, if you can't pronounce it, a nickname will do.

>A spell to help move heavy stuff would be nice…”
Maybe think less spell, and more helper. You have four now. Surely there must be a way for them to contribute.

Say, have you wondered what will happen of you binded specific runes to them?

>Manapulse Nexus
>A focal point of the energy that flows throughout the world. This nexus is the only one remaining of this network, and is almost damaged beyond recovery. But still, it persists.
"Almost beyond recovery" isn't "beyond recovery". Couldn't hurt to use a Recovery rune.

Recovery+Nature+Eldritch could make for an interesting spell to craft, the first as bridge for the other two. Hard to give up Flare Mortar, though. Maybe you can memorize it?
>>
No. 1094908 ID: c93e10

It means it’s a fixer upper. Might be able to find a way to connect this island to other islands. Not sure what that will do, might merge them, might set up some sort of traveling network that could let you travel between connected islands quickly, could just power up this island letting you grow it out quicker and to a larger degree… or something else entirely. Can only guess at this point.

All I can say is maybe keep an eye open for more of these circles on other islands from now on.
>>
No. 1094910 ID: 273c18

...huh, now that we know what it's called, can we dowse for it?
>>
No. 1094915 ID: 65649c

We should seek out more ruined Mana Nexi. With enough pieces or examples, we may be able to repair this one.

If we can successfully repair this one, perhaps we can build new ones, and weave laylines throughout the void...
>>
No. 1094919 ID: 2f41db

>>1094915
Its a good idea.
Perhaps if we focus our dowsing or maybe see if sylv can augment it somehow, then we could pick up vestigal trails left over from the network and follow them.
Even if we find only fragments and ruined nexus points, we could discover useful info and things.
>>
No. 1094934 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1094915
Good plan. We should dowse for another Mana Nexus.

Fern should be good as a nickname for now.
>>
No. 1094991 ID: 0db8d3

Maybe we could make a spell to mend stone? It probably won't fix the thing entirely, but it might help.

I'm thinking {Tremor}-((Life))≠{Order}

The spell is effectively a reprogramming of the basic recovery spell.

The Core of the spell is Life. We will after-all, be performing a recovery.

We'll modify it with Tremor though. We'll use tremor to overwrite it's normal function of affecting living matter to instead affecting stone.

We'll then instruct it in what to do by pushing what info the Order rune brings, which we will use to uncover the true nature of the subject.

Essentially, the spell mends stone objects by bringing them closer to their true nature. Put another way, it "heals" an object by removing entropy that was introduced after it's creation.
>>
No. 1095225 ID: 1effd3
File 172264578861.png - (134.06KB , 900x750 , 080224_FromNothing129_.png )
1095225

>...oh. I think I might. Manapulse, the energy that flows. And this is a nexus? and it's the only one remaining and almost out? that's not good. It might spell disaster for basically everything if it finally collapses.
>Sounds like a leyline. If I'm right, then... well, think of Manapulse as if it's water flowing deep underground, and the Manapulse Nexus is like a well that you can use to draw from the Manapulse. "this network" implies that there's more than one network. If we can find more of these then maybe we can make a new network? Or if the network refers to the world overall, then... well, at best we could make another one to link up to.
>Oh, the Nexus reacted to mana being sent at it, so maybe I have it backwards and it's meant to be an input spot?
>I don't think the circle is an input. Silv felt a lot more energy come out of the nexus than the Identify spell inserted into the nexus. Considering it is nearly broken and the last one we're likely to encounter, Silv probably shouldn't experiment with it too much. I wonder if there is a way to find a different broken nexus in order to figure out what not to do.
>We see once again that we are not starting from nothing; remains of a shattered world lie all about us. This must have been one of many portals that opened onto the same corridor, but now the door is jammed, and with no other outlet. If we should come into the knowledge or expertise to repair it, and we meet another such portal to link it to, you may serve a great purpose in this shattered existence, restoring great magical highways to use. I would not doubt that it be the reason you awoke where you did; by the old network, you may have been sent here, to survive the catastrophe that then tore that network apart. How that might be done is currently a mystery; perhaps if you remember more of the world from before its disintegration, that may give us some clues on what we seek. In the meantime, we have more pressing matters before us; we must cultivate our rock.
>"Almost beyond recovery" isn't "beyond recovery". Couldn't hurt to use a Recovery rune.

“We tried casting Identify before and nothing happened… the only thing we’ve done since then is put some runes into the island…and we can only put runes into the island when you're at the Nexus… Do you think that putting runes into the island is somehow repairing the Manapulse?”

>It means it’s a fixer upper. Might be able to find a way to connect this island to other islands. Not sure what that will do, might merge them, might set up some sort of traveling network that could let you travel between connected islands quickly, could just power up this island letting you grow it out quicker and to a larger degree… or something else entirely. Can only guess at this point. All I can say is maybe keep an eye open for more of these circles on other islands from now on.
>...huh, now that we know what it's called, can we dowse for it?
>We should seek out more ruined Mana Nexi. With enough pieces or examples, we may be able to repair this one. If we can successfully repair this one, perhaps we can build new ones, and weave laylines throughout the void…
>Its a good idea. Perhaps if we focus our dowsing or maybe see if sylv can augment it somehow, then we could pick up vestigal trails left over from the network and follow them. Even if we find only fragments and ruined nexus points, we could discover useful info and things.
Silv attempts to Dowse for Manapulse Nexi, but nothing happens. Either it doesn’t work, or there’s none nearby.

>>1094991
“...But we don't have an Order rune?”

>for little guy's name, i'm thinking Fern would be a good, simple name!
>Does "Leaflet" work?
“We need to give you a name… how does Fern sound? Or Leaflet?”
The small florafolk makes a gesture which seems to signify the first name. Say hello to Fern!
“Ok, we’ll refer to you as Fern now-ouch!”
>>
No. 1095226 ID: 1effd3
File 172264580319.png - (113.50KB , 900x750 , 080224_FromNothing130_Sore.png )
1095226

Silv grabs her side, where she got hit hard by the Runeling the other day.
“Right, still hurting… I think this is a good chance for a low energy day. What do you think Fern?”

Fern nods its head in agreement.

“We have 35 runes total, which we can use to combine into new runes, or use to make the island bigger. Oh, we should probably keep some extra for if I need to make a new spell… what was that light spell you suggested before?”

Silv isn’t going out to another island today, just some light busywork at home.
Decide how many runes to use, and how to split them up. Runes for the island will be used a little later.
>>
No. 1095238 ID: 273c18

>>1095226
Combine Harm+Harm, Beast+Beast, Tremor+Tremor, Breeze+Stream, Tremor+Flare, Nature+Breeze, Nature+Tremor.
We can dump some more matching runes to make our current island features bigger, and see if adding some Nature runes will generate an area with some vegetation.
>>
No. 1095246 ID: 9bbb0e

Ice+Nature = Winter?
Flare+Nature = Summer?
Life+Nature = Spring?
Harm+Nature = Autumn?

We should definitely use some Nature runes to grow vegetation. Maybe Beast runes could produce some animal life, but we don't really have room for that yet.
>>
No. 1095250 ID: 2f41db

>>1095226
Fern is wise.
You need a rest day.

Take it easy silv.
Maybe play with your voidling buddies a bit.

As to runes...
>>1095238
All sound choices.

Hm.
Did we try inverting gale?
May be worth checking.
>>
No. 1095258 ID: 273c18

Erm, if we're just deciding proportions, then...
10-15 runes on new runes, 15-20 on expanding the island.
>>
No. 1095262 ID: 44c167

Have you tried inverting gale, beast, or static yet?

Try to keep about ten runes in reserve, and do whatever with the rest.
Think about expanding the pond so you can fit a raft and lounge around. You deserve a nice rest.
>>
No. 1095264 ID: dd2d5b

>>1095250
>>1095262

see
>>1090456
>Gale Rune obtained! Inversion failed.
I'll see about adding failed interactions to the wiki once I'm back home.
>>
No. 1095292 ID: 248c93

No order rune?
*Checks*
Huh. In which universe did we have an order rune? I get them mixed up. I bet if we combine the right thing with Eldritch we can get chaos and invert it, but I don't think we have the right runes right now...

Anyway! Light spell, let's bring that back up-

{Eldritch}-((Static))≠{Flare}

First We'll use Static as a base- The essence of the spell is a field of energy.

Then we'll use Eldritch To modify that field. We need it to stay in an arbitrary place in space, and we need it to function indefinitely. To do so falls afoul of the natural laws of physics. We'll tie it directly to the arcane to draw it's power and to exert our will upon the arbitrary space.

Finally, The field will be infused with an aspect we can borrow from the Flare rune: Light. Flare is effectively heat, static is electromagnetic energy. Light is electromagnetic energy. Fire glows because it's so hot that the matter within is shaking at a frequency that emits visible light. So we modify the frequency of the static field to match the heat of flare.

The resulting spell should create a permanent source of light in a place of our choosing.

For a temporary light source instead, have it draw from your mana and only use Eldritch for the location.
If you have difficulty with Eldritch, or worry that drawing mana from whatever place that rune connects to might attract the attention of extra-dimensional beings, you can use [Tremor] instead. Set the target to a stone, and use it to modify ((Static)) to draw energy from the stone. (Everything is technically energy) The stone should glow and slowly, slowly dissolve to nothing over time. It'll also take the top layer of skin off your fingers when you touch it, so you know, choose a spot for the thing first. Oh, and it'll also become *slightly* radioactive. So don't sleep on it.
>>
No. 1095606 ID: 3f8c34

Did we try life and harm yet?
>>
No. 1095818 ID: 1effd3
File 172360747343.png - (203.29KB , 900x750 , 081324_FromNothing131_NewRunes.png )
1095818

>Erm, if we're just deciding proportions, then...
10-15 runes on new runes, 15-20 on expanding the island.
”Ok, let's use 12 then for 6 combinations.”

Rune combinations attempted:
Harm+Harm: Failure
Beast+Beast: Success
Tremor+Tremor: Success
Breeze+Stream: Success
Nature+Harm: Success
Nature+Breeze: Failure

Harm and Harm did not fuse. No runes wasted.

The combination of Beast and Beast created a new rune!
Primal Rune obtained! Inversionfailed.
“Double Beast is…Primal? I wish I understood these runes better…”

The combination of Tremor and Tremor created a new rune!
Ore Rune obtained! Inversion failed.
“Ore? What’s ore???”

The combination of Breeze and Stream created a new rune!
Climate Rune obtained! Inversion failed.
“Ok, I know what climate is, it’s something to do with the weather.”

The combination of Nature and Harm created a Toxin rune!
Alternate creation of Toxin rune discovered.
“We made Toxin again? So we can get rune inversions from combining runes too?.”

Nature and Breeze did not fuse. No runes wasted.

“Huh, we didn’t use as many runes as I thought we would.”
>>
No. 1095819 ID: 1effd3
File 172360749845.png - (207.10KB , 900x750 , 081324_FromNothing132_Marshlight.png )
1095819

>>1095292
“Let’s see if this works…”
Silv proceeds to take a deep breath, and begins to craft the new spell.

“Static as the core for a field of energy…”

“Eldritch to modify the core, to allow it to function outside of normal means…”

“Finally, Flare to modify the cores field further, granting it light and heat…”

x3 runes consumed.

A glowing purple orb spawns forth, giving off a warm but eerie aura. Silv tries to touch it, but its aura of static shocks her hand away. No touching!
“Ouch! I didn’t expect it to shock me… What’s a good name for this spell… How about ‘Marshlight’?”

Flare Mortar forgotten.
Marshlight learned!

“You don’t have to always light the island now Tetsi! How does that feel?”
>>
No. 1095820 ID: 1effd3
File 172360751372.png - (99.59KB , 900x750 , 081324_FromNothing133_SilvHomeMap1.png )
1095820

“If we keep 10 runes in reserve, that gives us… 18 runes we can use for the island.”
“We’ve only used Tremor and Stream to expand the island before, so I don’t know what other runes will do. Instructions on how to use the runes might be important, seeing as it gave us the pond before. We’ll only know once we try I guess.”

Deliberate on how the 18 runes can and should be used for the betterment of the island.
>>
No. 1095821 ID: 5b2941

>>1095820
Life for sure, you want your home to be a place that helps you recover more easily. Also, let's get those goodberries started.
>>
No. 1095822 ID: 273c18

>>1095818
Oh neat! Ore would be... uh, imagine rocks that can be melted down and processed to produce metal or other materials. Useful rocks, basically. I imagine if you combined Ore and Flare you'd get a Metal rune.

>>1095820
How about you use some Nature runes to make a cozy grassy area with some trees or bushes? Next to the pond, ideally.
>>
No. 1095823 ID: b1a0ea

>>1095818
Expand the land around the pond with one more Tremor.
Nature rune to create a garden, which will hopefully produce some renewable food. Place it near the pond.
Try a Climate rune to create a weather cycle.
>>
No. 1095828 ID: 861ceb

if we turn our island into an X does that mean we'd have to worry about pirates looking for treasure?
>>
No. 1095835 ID: 2d8695

Hmm, we forgot flash mo
>>
No. 1095836 ID: 2d8695

*...ortar; was that a mechanic we knew about?
>>
No. 1095841 ID: fab65c

>>1095836
Yeah, we can only hold onto/memorize one spell at a time right now.
>>
No. 1095842 ID: 0db8d3

>>1095836
Yeah. We can create/utilize an enormous number of spells, but it costs runes to build one and we can only hold one at a time at the moment. Silv can cast that one spell as often as her mana allows, though.
>>
No. 1095870 ID: 355e44

4 stream to expand the pond
6 tremor to make an elevated area opposite the pond. something to make your sleeping area feel less exposed and add a bit of verticality to this space. Add 2 ore runes to try and get copper, tin, iron, or coal.
scatter some nature runes around the pond to get some plants and trees. try for a fruit tree if you can. Also one or two beast runes to get birds or fish. something you could hunt in a pinch if other food is scarce.
>>
No. 1095872 ID: 2a82d3

Set aside a few runes to build up your ...house a bit. Some, uh, walls would make the place cozier, along with a few beds or places to sit. Your roommate and pets would appreciate you building a space for them, as well. A table and chairs would be nice too, if you can figure out how yo craft them.

How do you think you'd get Wood? Tremor and Nature?
>>
No. 1095884 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1095872

Might also be nice to fortify the place.
>>
No. 1095895 ID: deb35c

Ore is a rock that contains useful, potentially harvestable minerals, such as metals. Probably worth trying it on the island and see how good your shovel-pick is at picking.
Some could definitely use a tree or two around here from a nature rune. Putting weather on a place this small feels odd, but it would be good to get a sense of how much a climate rune can do at once, so sure, lets see how much cloud it can make.
>>
No. 1095963 ID: 2f41db

>>1095819
It feels kinda nice to have sone lighting backup. but hey, it was no problem. I kinda enjoyed pretending to be a lighthouse.

The expanded landmass with tremor the others mention is a good idea. So is expanding the water source.

Im wondering if beast and stream would let us make fish for the pond...

The ore rune could prove to be very useful but ensure you use it away from the water or food.
Some ores can be very bad for you if ingested.
>>
No. 1095973 ID: 5b2941

>>1095819
Lights are good, but the "no touchy" might actually be better. You could do things like block pathways with these, using them like electric mines.
>>
No. 1095983 ID: 1effd3
File 172393650704.gif - (73.32KB , 600x500 , FromNothingUpdateGifs1.gif )
1095983

Figuring out island expansion soon! Get your ideas in before its too late!
>>
No. 1096004 ID: 56db77

>>1095983
Lets put dome nature and life rune expansions around the lake
>>
No. 1096005 ID: eb0a9c

Create some kind of geothermic core to keep the island warm. Then, work on building disposable extended platforms to test which areas are the least stable during a collision, and to collect various items using traps.
>>
No. 1096069 ID: 0db8d3

Let's use primal in the expansion. I'll explain it to you, it is ironically complicated rune despite the fact that it should be able to simplify things.

Literally, something primal is the first, the original. Of course, what's original is often unknowable, so it's function will likely change with your intent.
For example, Let's say you made a spell with (Primal)≠{Flare}-(Gust), Where flare is the core to create fire, modified by primal, and the modified flare is then channeled through gust to shape it, creating a spell that creates a flame thrower of Primal Fire. Your intent will be shaped by what your understanding of what the first flame was like. If you subscribe to a myth of the origin of fire, such as the Titan Prometheus stealing fire from the gods to offer it to humanity (They were a specie of hairless apes)- then you're flamethrower will simply be more powerful than usual, godly fire is surely greater than normal fire after all. On the other hand, if your understanding includes a secret of the previous universe- the true origin of the original fire- where the chaos caused by the start of time birthed and destroyed unknowable fundamental forces. Here, I'm a single moment, where once impossible energies so great that things such as temperature had no meaning, coalesce into the first matter. These first particles burned at heats no longer possible- and what's more- they were hateful of their own existence, eagerly destroying themselves, boosting their already cataclysmic heat to yet greater heights, even as space itself desperately worked to pull them apart.
If you were to use that understanding, that little spell could destroy worlds- if you had enough mana.

Primal means more than just original, though. It's often used to describe ancient life- much of which used to be Enormous[/]. Think towering trees that touch the sky, and massive beasts the size of buildings, and insects the size of you. Primal life tends to be [I] Simple but powerful. Likewise, primal landscape tends to be rough and extreme, as it's had less time to be softened by the wearing of time.
This is why I think primal is a good idea for this expansion. It'll make your other additions greater, and right now I think it's a good idea to maximize the expansion. Primal will probably have significant side effects on existing land, so we should probably use this opportunity to use it while there's not much here.

On a side note, should we find a complex rune in the wild, I'm willing to bet combining primal with it might simplify it We don't know how many base level runes there are, after all.
>>
No. 1096254 ID: 1effd3
File 172428510893.png - (269.22KB , 900x750 , 082124_FromNothing134_Expansion1.png )
1096254

Total Runes allocated: 18

x6 Tremor to expand around the pond, and a raised section.
x3 Stream to expand the pond itself.
x4 Nature around the pond.

Silv focuses on the pond using the Tremor ,Stream, and Nature runes. New landmass spreads out, while a chunk reaches upwards. The pond grows wider and deeper, grass grows, and short plants and shrubs form around the pond.

“Oh wow… that did a lot. It’s much more lively here now.”

Fern chirps excitedly, and goes to run along the edge of the newly formed pond.
>>
No. 1096255 ID: 1effd3
File 172428513383.png - (516.85KB , 900x750 , 082124_FromNothing135_Expansion2.png )
1096255

“Now what's next…?”
x1 Life rune, and x1 Climate rune.

Silv tries to focus on an area of healing with the life rune. This doesn’t happen, instead, nature around the island gets grown. Some shrubs have turned into trees and more grass and flowers grow.
There are now 30 Glowshrooms in the garden, and the Toxigrowth plants have bloomed. They should provide fruit soon.
“I don’t think I managed to make that healing area you guys wanted. Looks like Life just grew the plants around here.”

Next, she uses the Climate rune on the island. The air is still chilly, but now, the air is no longer still. A slight breeze begins to blow through the grass and rustle the tree's leaves.
>>
No. 1096256 ID: 1effd3
File 172428514923.png - (150.53KB , 900x750 , 082124_FromNothing136_Expansion3.png )
1096256

>Create some kind of geothermic core to keep the island warm. Then, work on building disposable extended platforms to test which areas are the least stable during a collision, and to collect various items using traps.
“Geo…thermic core? What’s that? Also it has been getting cold recently…”
“For platforms, I do have another shroomlog I can cut up into planks, but I don’t know how to build platforms.”
>>
No. 1096257 ID: 1effd3
File 172428516695.png - (176.43KB , 900x750 , 082124_FromNothing137_Ponder.png )
1096257

>Ore would be... uh, imagine rocks that can be melted down and processed to produce metal or other materials. Useful rocks, basically. I imagine if you combined Ore and Flare you'd get a Metal rune.
>Ore is a rock that contains useful, potentially harvestable minerals, such as metals. Probably worth trying it on the island and see how good your shovel-pick is at picking.

“Oh, ore is just metal and stuff? Then we could probably use tha-”
>>
No. 1096258 ID: 1effd3
File 172428518204.png - (198.55KB , 900x750 , 082124_FromNothing138_Fumble.png )
1096258

Due to the new breeze, Flumph bumps into Silv, causing her the fumble the runes she currently has in her hands.

x2 Ore and x1 Primal rune added.
>>
No. 1096259 ID: 1effd3
File 172428520160.png - (368.90KB , 900x750 , 082124_FromNothing139_ChromaticCopper.png )
1096259

>>1096069
Two clusters of ore have sprouted from behind Silv’s little hut. The ore is brown with an iridescent sheen.
“Oops, I didn’t mean to do that! W-what is this stuff?”

Chromatic Copper
A special variant of Copper that has a beautiful sheen to it. What uses it may have are unknown to you.
Primary Runic Affinity: Ore. Secondary: Primal.

Silv gives it a few taps. “...Is it just copper or…? Well, I can't undo it now...”

>It feels kinda nice to have some lighting backup. but hey, it was no problem. I kinda enjoyed pretending to be a lighthouse.
>Lights are good, but the "no touchy" might actually be better. You could do things like block pathways with these, using them like electric mines.
“Those are some neat ideas Tetsi. And don’t worry, you’re still our main lightsource elsewhere.”

“With all that taken care of, what should we do next? My side still hurts a bit, but I’ve still got energy to do stuff around the island.”
>>
No. 1096260 ID: eb0a9c

>>1096256
It means make a miniature sun made of molten rock and stuff it in the center of the island. Most planets with life have one of these, they naturally regulate extreme temperature fluctuations.

>>1096259
I wanna scan for kelp n' fish. Now that there's enough 'life' because magic stuff, we should be able to create a sustainable fishing spot.
>>
No. 1096261 ID: 273c18

Oh, such beautiful water!

>>1096259
Geothermic activity is when you have a planet with residual heat inside it from when it was a ball of molten rock, resulting in a mostly-liquid core. Planets tend to have an associated magnetic field while the core is still molten, though this shouldn't be relevant to you since there's no stellar radiation we have to worry about; the magnetic field is what shields the surface from harmful radiation.

If you can allocate Flare runes to make heat sources here and there that might warm things up a bit.

Since the Life rune didn't work for a healing spot, maybe a Potion rune could work? Make a healing bath.
>>
No. 1096267 ID: 299b7c

>>1096259
So you can use runes in conjunction with one another with the nexus, interesting. Let's not mess around with magma and fire terrain until the island is a little larger, so we can experiment away from the habitat.

>>1096261
Life+Potion could work, but let's make it separate from the normal pond so we don't bork up the fledgling ecosystem.

>>1096260
Dowsing for fish to inhabit the pond sounds like a good plan for our next expedition.
>>
No. 1096273 ID: 2f41db

>>1096259
Youve done very well indeed.

Trees!
Beyond my expectation.
What's more, theyre close enough for you to try that hammock thing i told you about when youre ready.

Now you have a breeze, were going to have to prioritise the shelter.
Climate is essential but with it comes some hardship from the elements.
Protection from that and a more cozy sleeping arrangement will do wonders for your recuperation and energy levels.
>>
No. 1096276 ID: 355e44

So you can combine runes for the island eh? Then try two stream and one flare to get a hot spring. Warm water to lounge in should be just the thing to make your side feel better.

I'm realizing the ore isn't of use until we get a good source of heat for smelting. So then the only thing to do around the island is improving the shelter. Do you think Fern would like to help?
>>
No. 1096277 ID: 8f9bc4

> W-what is this stuff?”

Oh, Chromatic metal is just what you use to craft a base computer and a hyperdrive.

wait shit wrong game
>>
No. 1096330 ID: 0db8d3

Oooh! Copper is good! Magic copper is even better!
To make actually useful stuff we should mix it with tin to make bronze... I wonder if there's magic tin. Tin ore is cassiterite... Magic cassiterite? I know it used to form around hot springs. Those sound fun! I hot spring would probably be flare, stream, tremor. If we wanna get magic ore out of it we should also add Ore and primal, obviously. Five runes is a lot though... But I bet you could do with a hot bath. Just a thought.
>>
No. 1096431 ID: 1effd3
File 172452574349.png - (95.56KB , 900x750 , 082424_FromNothing140_.png )
1096431

>It means make a miniature sun made of molten rock and stuff it in the center of the island. Most planets with life have one of these, they naturally regulate extreme temperature fluctuations.
>Geothermic activity is when you have a planet with residual heat inside it from when it was a ball of molten rock, resulting in a mostly-liquid core. Planets tend to have an associated magnetic field while the core is still molten, though this shouldn't be relevant to you since there's no stellar radiation we have to worry about; the magnetic field is what shields the surface from harmful radiation.
“I… don’t know if I can do that.”

>Now you have a breeze, were going to have to prioritize the shelter. Climate is essential but with it comes some hardship from the elements. Protection from that and a more cozy sleeping arrangement will do wonders for your recuperation and energy levels.
“I would like a blanket and not sleep on the ground.”

>Since the Life rune didn't work for a healing spot, maybe a Potion rune could work? Make a healing bath.
>Life+Potion could work, but let's make it separate from the normal pond so we don't bork up the fledgling ecosystem.
>So you can combine runes for the island eh? Then try two stream and one flare to get a hot spring. Warm water to lounge in should be just the thing to make your side feel better.
“No more rune-ing for today!”

>I'm realizing the ore isn't of use until we get a good source of heat for smelting. So then the only thing to do around the island is improving the shelter. Do you think Fern would like to help?
>Oooh! Copper is good! Magic copper is even better! To make actually useful stuff we should mix it with tin to make bronze... I wonder if there's magic tin. Tin ore is cassiterite... Magic cassiterite? I know it used to form around hot springs. Those sound fun! I hot spring would probably be flare, stream, tremor. If we wanna get magic ore out of it we should also add Ore and primal, obviously. Five runes is a lot though... But I bet you could do with a hot bath. Just a thought.
“You really want me to take a bath… I’m not that dirty am I?”
“I don’t know anything about metal, so I’ll go with whatever you say about it for now.”
“I’m not sure that Fern is strong enough to move the stone blocks, but they can probably move the planks around. Not sure I can move the blocks myself right now either… wait…”
>>
No. 1096432 ID: 1effd3
File 172452576104.png - (213.57KB , 900x750 , 082424_FromNothing141_BobTheBuilder.png )
1096432

Silv tries to move the stone blocks using Tremor, and is successful at it.
“...Could I always move these with Tremor? That would have made organizing this place easier…”


Fern chitters, Flan “blek”-s, Flumph lets out a puff, and Niaid “flyff”-s.

“Well Fern, do you want to help me reorganize our home?”


Fern chirps in response.

Over the next few hours, Silv and Fern(with the occasional help from the Voidlings), move the stone blocks and planks from the initial ruin over to the cliff face, where they construct a slightly better structure. Once they finish, they prepare to rest, and decide to eat some Toxigrowth Fruit.

It is very sour.
x3 Toxigrowth Fruit in storage.

“Good night Tetsi, Fern. Tomorrow I think we’ll go dowsing for some fabric or something. Something soft to sleep on would be nice~”

Options for Dowsing:
-Cloth
-Other
Provide an Environmental keyword

Fern will be tagging along.
>>
No. 1096433 ID: 273c18

>>1096432
Cloth.
Keyword: decay.
>>
No. 1096435 ID: 5b2941

>>1096432
Furniture
Keyword: maze
let's go to IKEA
>>
No. 1096438 ID: 355e44

Cloth
keyword: Dusty
hopefully find an old store, or warehouse.
>>
No. 1096446 ID: b87b96

>>1096435
Dowsing:Ikea
Keyword: 3008

I know that sounds like nonsense, but trust us, you'll find everything furniture related that you could possibly need!
Meatballs, too.
>>
No. 1096447 ID: 2f9996

>>1096438
Seconded
>>
No. 1096454 ID: 2f41db

>>1096432
I really like the ikea idea but i just dont think silv is ready for that domain...

Dowse ;cloth
Keyword: patchwork
>>
No. 1096475 ID: 0db8d3

I guess the Toxigrowth fruit indeed aren't poisonous if they aren't growing in poison!

They're probably really handy for cleaning up polluted places...

Also- you're almost certainly quite dirty, though I doubt anyone around would complain. In truth, hot baths are just Really Nice. You work hard. You deserve nice things.
>>
No. 1096494 ID: 1effd3

>>1096475
"They're actually the Fruits I picked originally. I have 3 left."
>>
No. 1096526 ID: c615ac

>>1096494
Oh!
Well then I guess they're even better!

Do let us know if you end up feeling really bad, though. We can show you some spells to fix you up should the worst happen!
>>
No. 1096544 ID: 8f9bc4

Dowse: cloth
Keyword: fluffy
>>
No. 1096681 ID: 1effd3
File 172498385270.png - (166.20KB , 900x750 , 082924_FromNothing142_UpdatedIsland.png )
1096681

Morning(?) comes around, and once again, the air is colder than before. Silv is able to handle it, but Fern looks like they’re starting to get uncomfortable. They both eat a Toxigrowth Fruit and do the morning chores. Fern picks up whatever new runes the Voidlings have made, and Silv checks the gardens.
x1 Toxigrowth Fruit left in storage.

The Glowshroom garden has grown to 59 caps. Silv harvests 40 of them and puts them into storage. Should cook them into something soon.
Fern picked up a Tremor Rune, Breeze Rune, and two Stream runes. New total is 14 runes.
The Toxigrowth plants look like they will bear fruit tomorrow!

>I guess the Toxigrowth fruit indeed aren't poisonous if they aren't growing in poison! They're probably really handy for cleaning up polluted places...
"They're actually the Fruits I picked originally. I have 1 left."
>Oh! Well then I guess they're even better! Do let us know if you end up feeling really bad, though. We can show you some spells to fix you up should the worst happen!
“I’m feeling a little off, but maybe it’s just the cold? Fern doesn’t seem like they’re doing great though.”


“C-c-chittrrrr.”

>Also- you're almost certainly quite dirty, though I doubt anyone around would complain. In truth, hot baths are just Really Nice. You work hard. You deserve nice things.
“A warm bath with it getting cold would be nice…”
>>
No. 1096682 ID: 1effd3
File 172498387791.png - (258.72KB , 900x750 , 082924_FromNothing143_Patchwork.png )
1096682

>Cloth: 5
>Ikea: 1
>Furniture: 1

“You want to come Fern?”

Fern enthusiastically chirps.

Silv throws a couple of runes into her bag and grabs her pick-shovel. Fern grabs onto her tail as they set off to follow the Dowsing target.



An old ruined building stands alone. It looks like it belongs, but at the same time… something about it is out of place. Banners and tapestries are hanging everywhere without reason, patchworked, and various states of decay. Colorful but also dead.
>>
No. 1096683 ID: 1effd3
File 172498389299.png - (337.79KB , 900x750 , 082924_FromNothing144_Threashold.png )
1096683

“So… where should we start? I’m feeling a little over-stimulated…”
>>
No. 1096684 ID: eb0a9c

>Void-patterned 'weave' sewn into patchwork banners
It's possible that they sew the skins of their prey into their trophy banners. Be cautious.
>>
No. 1096686 ID: 273c18

Ok, the poison-grown toxigrowth fruits might be slightly poisonous then. Try roasting them next time to see if they're less sour-- the sour taste is likely the poison. Give Fern a heal, would you?

>>1096683
Are those footprints? Recent, or old?
Hmm. I think what happened here is someone or something has been putting the fabric over a pre-existing ruin. It wasn't like this before.

Advance with caution. Check inside before disturbing the fabric.
>>
No. 1096687 ID: 355e44

Before you go in, investigate the voidling sewn into the red cloth over there. Is it hostile? dead?

The weird cloth and the footprints indicate this place might be occupied. Do you hear anything around?
>>
No. 1096688 ID: 3ae33e

Well you know the drill. New place so scan everything so we have a better idea what we’re working with.

Also does your plant buddy generate body heat? Because if so finding them a blanket would help keeping them warm, but if not then you’re either going to have to start putting up a fire or just carrying them around so they can siphon your body heat to keep them from freezing.
>>
No. 1096692 ID: 273c18

Wait, is there wind here? We only had wind at home when you added a Climate rune. Should the flags be flying and the streamers fluttering?
>>
No. 1096695 ID: 8c7eaf

Hmm... Looks like an old factory that's been somewhat recently redecorated. A textile mill, perhaps.

This place is probably inhabited. Be sure to announce yourself before entering.
>>
No. 1096697 ID: 78ea3e

>>1096683
Try to identify the different textiles, maybe identify is upgraded enough to see what they're made of. The void-cloth is especially strange.
Check the old walls at the edges of the island too, they look see-through. Are they glass? Plastic?
>>
No. 1096701 ID: 2f41db

>>1096683
How delightful.

Theres a plethora of resources already visible and, hopefully, more besides yet to be discovered inside.

Before exploring inside we could do with gathering up and stacking the cloth were taking.
Thickest and warmest looking.
In the short term it will serve as a tent and padded ground cover to help with the encroaching cold.
Long term itll make blankets, bedding and extra layers of clothing.
Hopeful,y whatever they used for sewing here is still to be found...
I wonder what they were doing though?
Moreover, i wonder if theyre still here...

When it comes to heading inside, let us light the way silv.
>>
No. 1097134 ID: 1effd3
File 172576089235.png - (194.56KB , 900x750 , 090724_FromNothing145_Hmmm_Yep_Thats_Fabric.png )
1097134

>Ok, the poison-grown toxigrowth fruits might be slightly poisonous then. Try roasting them next time to see if they're less sour-- the sour taste is likely the poison.
>Also does your plant buddy generate body heat? Because if so finding them a blanket would help keeping them warm, but if not then you’re either going to have to start putting up a fire or just carrying them around so they can siphon your body heat to keep them from freezing.
“Sour is poison, ok. Fern is weak to extreme cold and heat according to Identify, so we could maybe get something heavy enough for some clothes for them.”

>Well you know the drill. Scan everything!
>Void-patterned 'weave' sewn into patchwork banners
>Try to identify the different textiles, maybe identify is upgraded enough to see what they're made of. The void-cloth is especially strange.
Silv investigates the long banners of fabric, and Fern tugs on them. The primary rune is unknown, but the secondary runes vary between Nature and Beast. By the looks of it, the void-weave is just pure Voidmatter.

Fabric
Common fabrics of varying materials and thicknesses.
Primary Runic Affinity: Unknown. Secondary: Beast or Nature.

Voidmatter
Void given form. A fundamental of Nothing, yet Everything.
Runic Affinity: Unknown.

“Looks like we don’t know what the main rune for this stuff is, only the secondary ones. I think the secondary ones tell us what the source of the fabric is, maybe?”

>>1096701
Despite Silv and Ferns efforts, they don’t have the means to cut the fabric. Whoever made these banners and tapestries sewed then in a way that makes them hard to cut without something sharp.

>Wait, is there wind here? We only had wind at home when you added a Climate rune. Should the flags be flying and the streamers fluttering?
“There’s been wind elsewhere, just not very often.”
>>
No. 1097135 ID: 1effd3
File 172576092009.png - (345.34KB , 900x750 , 090724_FromNothing146_Dusty.png )
1097135

>Are those footprints? Recent, or old? Hmm. I think what happened here is someone or something has been putting the fabric over a pre-existing ruin. It wasn't like this before.
“I don’t know how to tell how old the footprints are… Do you Fern?”

Fern shakes their head and gives a negative sounding chirp.

>It's possible that they sew the skins of their prey into their trophy banners. Be cautious.

Silv and Fern slowly approach the main doorway to the building. The doors show signs of rust, and have been left open. From the doorway, you can see more cloth and spools of thread strewn about the dark and dusty building, covering old metallic contraptions. It vaguely reminds you of the interiors of the buildings where you first found Toxcite.

>Hmm... Looks like an old factory that's been somewhat recently redecorated. A textile mill, perhaps. This place is probably inhabited. Be sure to announce yourself before entering.
“...Hello? Anyone home?”

No response.
Silv and Fern stand there a little bit longer, waiting if anyone replies. Nothing.
“Is it safe to go in?”
“Chirrrp?”
>>
No. 1097136 ID: 1effd3
File 172576094017.png - (386.00KB , 900x750 , 090724_FromNothing147_ScoobyDoo_Where_Are_You.png )
1097136

>When it comes to heading inside, let us light the way silv.
Fern holds onto Silvs tail as Tetsi lights the way inside, The soft dust disturbed as they walk by.

What would you like to do?
>>
No. 1097137 ID: 2f41db

>>1097136
There is so much usable cloth in there and...
And...
...
Is it just me or do those pincushions look an awful lot like spiders?
...hm.
Oh.
Theres something else up there too...
>>
No. 1097138 ID: 273c18

There's something weird on the wall to your left, high up.
Hey, this is a good time to use that light spell!
>>
No. 1097139 ID: 0db8d3

Silv, cast a Marshlight directly above you!
>>
No. 1097154 ID: 861ceb

if you can find a none dusty piece of cloth you may want to wear it as a makeshift mask to keep yourself from being choked by dust.
>>
No. 1097155 ID: 355e44

light the room and look up
>>
No. 1097239 ID: 1effd3
File 172599917549.png - (168.27KB , 900x750 , 090924_FromNothing148_Pincushions.png )
1097239

>There is so much usable cloth in there and… And… Is it just me or do those pincushions look an awful lot like spiders?
Silv leans in closer, using Tetsi to light up the table. There are a few fluffy pincushions that look like little plush-spiders. As Fern tries to reach for one, it begins to awkwardly waddle away.
”Oh, these things are pretty cute… What do you think Fern?”
[small]”Chirrp.”


>if you can find a non-dusty piece of cloth you may want to wear it as a makeshift mask to keep yourself from being choked by dust.
”I’ve got my neck thingy, I can pull that up if I need to.”
>>
No. 1097240 ID: 1effd3
File 172599920648.png - (247.31KB , 900x750 , 090924_FromNothing149_OminousShadow.png )
1097240

>Silv, cast a Marshlight directly above you!
>There's something weird on the wall to your left, high up.
>Theres something else up there too…
“A-above m-me…?”
Silv, Fern, and Tetsi all slowly look up, and Silv quietly casts Marshlight. As the the light begins to spread, it reveals…!
>>
No. 1097241 ID: 1effd3
File 172599925196.png - (285.14KB , 900x750 , 090924_FromNothing150_DirtyLaundry.png )
1097241

...Nothing but a bundle of scrap rags hanging from the ceiling.
“Not funny Tetsi…”

“Chirrr…”

...clack…clack…clack…
An almost imperceptible dull mechanical whir grabs everyone's attention. The pincushion spiders quickly waddle out of sight into the bundles of fabric and thread.
>>
No. 1097242 ID: 1effd3
File 172599927088.png - (126.35KB , 900x750 , 090924_FromNothing151_W3AV3R.png )
1097242

“...I think we should go…”

Somethings at the doorway.
>>
No. 1097246 ID: 273c18

>>1097242
The six points of light in its face, we saw something like that above you.
Anyway, just put the marshlight between you and it, and stay defensive for now. Say hello? We didn't know anyone was living here.
>>
No. 1097247 ID: 6f5529

Spooookyyyyy
But threat unconfirmed. Agreed, stay defensive, try to communicate.
>>
No. 1097250 ID: bc7e88

>>1097242
Their face looks kind of like the plush-spider eyes, but they stand tall like a person.
Are they a spider pretending to be a person or a person pretending to be a spider? Maybe a spider-person?

Friend? But be careful for fabrics that might try to grapple you. They might be a magician that controls fabrics, and responsible for the plush-golems.
>>
No. 1097251 ID: eb0a9c

Don't attack immediately. Remember, you're the invading adventurer here.
Offer a few runes.
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No. 1097252 ID: 861ceb

...scan it, if you'd please.
>>
No. 1097253 ID: 355e44

Oh right, scan it. And tell Fern to be ready to run and hide if a fight starts.
>>
No. 1097254 ID: 0db8d3

>>1097251
If this thing isn't friendly we'll need those to load an offensive spell though!

Offensively, Marshlight is at best a handheld taser.
>>
No. 1097256 ID: 2f41db

>>1097242
Sylv.
We were not messing with you.
The thing above had the same pattern of eyes.
Whatever it is, it is fast and it is quiet.
That means it wanted you to see it right now.
No ambush.
Keep your guard up though.
There's hope for communication,but not worth risking your and ferns safety.

Greet them.
Apologise for intruding.
Even if they dont understand you, the tone of your words will carry simplistic meaning.
>>
No. 1097404 ID: 1effd3
File 172636100909.png - (137.04KB , 900x750 , 091424_FromNothing152_W3AV3R_2.png )
1097404

>The six points of light in its face, we saw something like that above you. Anyway, just put the marshlight between you and it, and stay defensive for now. Say hello? We didn't know anyone was living here.
>Spooookyyyyy. But threat unconfirmed. Agreed, stay defensive, try to communicate.
>Sylv. We were not messing with you. The thing above had the same pattern of eyes. Whatever it is, it is fast and it is quiet. That means it wanted you to see it right now. No ambush. Keep your guard up though. There's hope for communication,but not worth risking your and ferns safety. Greet them. Apologise for intruding. Even if they dont understand you, the tone of your words will carry simplistic meaning.
“H-hello? S-sorry, we didn’t realize anyone was living here-”

...clack…clack…clack…clack…
The mechanical whir speeds up slightly, and it’s posture changes slightly.
”[TRESPASSER. FORCE IS ALLOWED.]”
Its posture changes slightly again.
”[Apo-po-pologies, it is currently outside of visitation hours.]”
Fern hides behind Silvs dress.

>...scan it, if you'd please.
>Oh right, scan it. And tell Fern to be ready to run and hide if a fight starts.
“Identify?”


W3AV3R model no.163
An automaton powered by clockwork and magic.It appears to be in a fair amount of disrepair..
Primary Runic Affinity: Unknown. Secondary: Unknown.
Abilities: [BLOCKED]
Service: 4/6 Priority
[BLOCKED]: 2/6 Priority

”Blocked? Identify can be blocked??”

”[This unit's d-d-designation is that of W3AV3R. An automaton design specifically for use in the t-t-textile industry, as well as security.]”
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No. 1097405 ID: 1effd3
File 172636104035.gif - (94.78KB , 720x600 , 091424_FromNothing153_ERROR.gif )
1097405

>Don't attack immediately. Remember, you're the invading adventurer here. Offer a few runes.
>If this thing isn't friendly we'll need those to load an offensive spell though! Offensively, Marshlight is at best a handheld taser.
”I have two runes on me, and I don’t know if any of my normal spells will work on it, so keeping the runes ready is a good idea.”

>Be careful for fabrics that might try to grapple you. They might be a magician that controls fabrics, and responsible for the plush-golems.
“Did you make these cute doll things?”


One of W3AV3R’s eyes quickly flashes red, and goes back to blue.
”[UNSANCTIONED ACTIVITY.]”
”[Truth be told, the factory has been closed abnormally long. It has been quite …idling. My skills indeed made the fabric golems. They don’t do much besides assisting in sewing. I have also-]”
An eye goes red.
”[ILLEGAL MODIFICATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY.]”
”[Repaired the holes and structural integrity of the factory.]”

“Do you think you can help us out?”

”[In what way?]”

“We came here looking for fabric-”

Another eye goes red. W3AV3R’s begins to jitter increasingly.
clack-clack-clack-clack-
”[TRESPASSING. SEARCHING FOR FABRIC. THIEF.]”

Silv slowly begins to back away.
”Tetsi, I think now would be a good time for one of your ideas…!”
>>
No. 1097406 ID: 5b2941

>>1097405
"if you're not open then we'll just leave. when are your visitation hours?"
>>
No. 1097408 ID: eb0a9c

"-and we would like to trade. Our fresh flax for your high-quality fabrics, our fruit-based powder-dyes for your runes."
Flax refers to threads made of plant fiber.
>>
No. 1097414 ID: 113f76

>>1097405
The service mode seems to be struggling against a security mode. Who's in control is the number out of 6.

Stating intent to do business and asking for the visitation hours should hopefully tip things back in favor of service mode.

We don't really have the technical skills to help ease its malfunctions right now, beyond that. We should consider moving outside, but don't approach it, see if it will move aside and allow you to leave. Approaching may tip towards security.
>>
No. 1097416 ID: 2f41db

>>1097405
We dont want to take, we wish to trade.
A factory without purchasers for its orders is not fulfilling its purpose!

Sylv.
They appear torn between higher intelligence and rudimentary protocols.
Need to phrase things in such a way that fit within the frame of the simplistic ruleset that holds influence.
A factory recieves materials.
A factory produces goods.
If these parameters are not met then it is nonfunctional.
We are now part of your supply chain.
>>
No. 1097418 ID: 273c18

>>1097405
Ah, it's of two minds. The red lights seem to be how much it's leaning towards security/aggression. Currently you are breaking two laws: you are trespassing and you have given the indication you're a thief. Best to solve both those problems quickly.
Tell it you are not going to steal, and do not wish to break any of its laws. Perhaps you can talk outside if that's more comfortable? You are willing to purchase fabric. What does it accept as currency or trade?

Hey do you remember anything about robotics? Any chance you could repair this guy? Too bad we don't have a repair spell.
>>
No. 1097422 ID: 861ceb

uh, ask how is planning to buy or trade theft?

Oh, maybe ask for a job so you have a reason to be here without them getting pissy and ask for a tour if they're not against the idea.
>>
No. 1097444 ID: 0db8d3

Before us is a forgotten production and security drone. It is heavily damaged.

It's old directives still function, however, time has given birth to a unique personality beneath. Due to this it has a split personality.

The color of the eyes denote the level of control each personality currently has.
Red for the automaton, blue for the friendly personality.

The red personality is currently in a high state of alarm and control. We need to placate it. If we can avoid a fight, we'll have a new friend we can bring back. Choose your words carefully, Silv.

Raise your hands slowly so it can see you aren't a threat.
Tell it you surrender and would like to be escorted from the building. Once outside, feel free to talk normally to it. The red personality should be much less aggressive with you outside, which will make it safer and easier to talk with blue.

Due to it's nature, if a fight breaks out Marshlight will likely destroy it utterly- but it can probably rip Fern apart in seconds.
May we avoid such tragedies.
>>
No. 1097461 ID: 355e44

Play the part of a prospective client. Apologize for entering uninvited, but there were no listed visiting hours. Ask if they will allow you to step outside so you can discuss business.

It might be a long shot, but see what they can tell you about the owner of this factory, and whether you might be able to purchase it.
>>
No. 1097462 ID: 2a82d3

To trade! Trade! Patch your holes with whatever runes we got, and it'll look nicer than cloth. We swear!
>>
No. 1097662 ID: 1effd3
File 172703742913.png - (210.13KB , 1200x571 , 091924_FromNothing154_.png )
1097662

>Ah, it's of two minds. The red lights seem to be how much it's leaning towards security/aggression. Currently you are breaking two laws: you are trespassing and you have given the indication you're a thief. Best to solve both those problems quickly.
Tell it you are not going to steal, and do not wish to break any of its laws. Perhaps you can talk outside if that's more comfortable? You are willing to purchase fabric. What does it accept as currency or trade? Hey do you remember anything about robotics? Any chance you could repair this guy? Too bad we don't have a repair spell.
”I don’t even know what robotics is!”

>"if you're not open then we'll just leave. when are your visitation hours?"
>The service mode seems to be struggling against a security mode. Who's in control is the number out of 6. Stating intent to do business and asking for the visitation hours should hopefully tip things back in favor of service mode.
>We dont want to take, we wish to trade. A factory without purchasers for its orders is not fulfilling its purpose!
>Play the part of a prospective client. Apologize for entering uninvited, but there were no listed visiting hours.
>Oh, maybe ask for a job so you have a reason to be here without them getting pissy and ask for a tour if they're not against the idea.
“We’re here as clients! Sorry for entering without permission, but we didn’t see any visiting hours, and the front door was open!”

Several of W3AV3R’s eyes click to blue,red, and blue again.
”[An honest mistake. Management has been meaning to replace the locks. As for visitation hours, they are from the factories opening hours to early afternoon.]”

“...And what time is it now?”

”[...Unknown.]”
”[NOT THOSE HOURS.]”, the other personality quickly interjects, reclaiming an eye.

”[...If power were restored, we would consider those the opening hours.]”
”[NO WE WILL NOT. WE DO NOT HOLD THAT LEVEL OF AUTHORITY.]”
”[Management is not present, and there are potential clients standing in the factory. It would look poorly for the c-company if we were to keep them waiting.]”

clack-clack…clack-clack-
The mechanical whirring has slowed a bit.
>>
No. 1097663 ID: 1effd3
File 172703746167.png - (296.80KB , 900x750 , 092124_FromNothing155_.png )
1097663

“So… how do we do business? Do we make a deal or…?”


”[It would be best to-]”
”[CONTRACT FORMS ARE IN THE OFFICES IN BUILDING B.]”
”[You are finally accepting?]”
”[ACCEPTING? NEGATIVE. POINTS HAVE MERELY BEEN MADE. ‘WE’ ARE ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY.]”

“Should we wait here?”

”[NEGATIVE. WE DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO ENTER THE OFFICES. YOU MUST RETRIEVE THE FORMS.]”

...clack…clack…clack…clack…
The whir has calmed down.

“Ok! Thank you very much Mr. Weaver. We’ll be right back with those forms!” Silv says, giving a quick bow and turning around to walk down the factory floor.
>>
No. 1097664 ID: 1effd3
File 172703748319.png - (158.37KB , 900x750 , 092224_FromNothing156_.png )
1097664

“Chirr?”

“Yes Fern, we should be all good now, thanks to Tetsi. We just have to get the forms for Mr. Weaver and-”
>>
No. 1097665 ID: 1effd3
File 172703750828.png - (165.90KB , 900x750 , 092224_FromNothing157_.png )
1097665

”[WAI-]”
SLAM
>>
No. 1097666 ID: 1effd3
File 172703752599.png - (88.45KB , 900x750 , 092224_FromNothing158_TRANSGRESSION.png )
1097666

”[WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO ENTER A RESTRICTED AREA? I CERTAINLY DIDN'T.]”
>>
No. 1097668 ID: 273c18

Oh great, there's more than one. Tell them you were told by W3AV3R to get forms from building B.
>>
No. 1097669 ID: 5a925d

I think the Security mod just tricked us and service mode
>>
No. 1097671 ID: 0a03a6

>>1097666
"Quote: You must retrieve the forms. We are currently following the instructions of senior on-site security staff."
>>
No. 1097676 ID: 355e44

apologies, we are having trouble parsing your commands and are unfamiliar with this facility. Where exactly are we required to go?
>>
No. 1097684 ID: 2f41db

>>1097666
Im not sure we even got more than a step away...

Ok.
Tell it "of course were not going to enter without permission. We shall contact security or a position of authority at office b before entering."
Ask it if office b is under their designated duty, and if not then why is it working outside its remit?
Also ask if implying that prospective clients are unprofessional is really the best thing they can do for the company? It could be taken as an insult and jeopardise future contracts...
>>
No. 1097688 ID: eb0a9c

"Protocol C-23 states that any contract that is legally impossible to legally perform is considered nullified and voided! You ordered me to move into a restricted area that I did not have clearance for! If it is illegal for me to follow the orders you gave, you cannot hold me in contempt for breaking the law by following your orders, and you cannot accuse me of rejecting orders if those orders directly lead to illegal actions!"
>>
No. 1097689 ID: 03c58a

Tell them weaver sent you her to gather forms to be able to be able to discuss the purchase or trade of goods and were told to go alone as they couldn’t leave there area and the forms are needed do to staffing issues. If you are unable to go further to retrieve the needed forms do to not being aloud in here you would gladly wait in a more suitable area if they or someone who is aloud to roam the area to retrieve the needed forms.
>>
No. 1097718 ID: 1effd3

There isn't another W3AV3R, this is the same one.
>>
No. 1097719 ID: 273c18

>>1097666
Ask how you are supposed to retrieve the forms, then.
>>
No. 1097723 ID: 5b2941

>>1097676
>>1097688
>>1097719
I don't think Red W3AV3R is interested in doing things the right way; rather, it's using the rules as an excuse to pick a fight. So trying to be reasonable won't work, and making up rules to the workplace they know better than us most definitely won't either.
>>
No. 1097724 ID: 0db8d3

Cast a Marshlight defining the location to be always just beyond Tetsi's leading edge. It should follow our movements precisely. This thing is fast, but a single hit from Marshlight should be lethal to mechanical entities such as this...

Enough of this charade!
You've been outside.
You know your company is no more.
Even if you're slaved to your old directives, you're clearly capable of deciding HOW they're carried out.
So what do you want?
We can help you.
I don't want to hurt you.
>>
No. 1097725 ID: 2a82d3

>>1097665
Oh no, what happened to our friend?

>>1097666
... light?
>>
No. 1097726 ID: 861ceb

...I'm starting to get the inkling we should just burn this place down and look somewhere else. I mean you can make fire, this place is nothing but cloth and dust. Probably go up real nice.
>>
No.