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Post by Vilicious on Jul 31, 2012 18:17:38 GMT -8
((New strategy: Coordinates for better understanding. They are not part of the map.)) [Vance enters at E5] Upon entering the archway, Vance's body peels away from itself and off to oblivon... for but a moment.
It reconstitutes at the center of a second room accompanied by a dizzying sensation of slowly (but perceptibly) spinning... and spinning... and spinning... and spinning. The flighty sky of the previous chamber is replaced by a sight that spins in tandem with... wait, no... the platform is spinning. Or is it the sky that's spinning? Out there in the darkness can be seen two seemingly identical images of this one platform except that on each of the other two, an unfamiliar figure stands where Vance himself stands...
Down on the ground, visible closer than the constantly moving horizon, 8 pillars stand in a silent circle around the navi, markless but for some single square on the backside of each which cannot be read from this angle. Beyond them and running along the edge of the entire room are more teleportation pads.
[Xyz enters at E5]
In front of the navis, a single plaque stands with its marbled surface incribed with words...
Knowledge; Chapter 4: "Decision Making" "The best decision for you is not always what you deem correct, nor is it necessarily a conclusion to which normal logic succeeds."
...and upon finishing the reading, the voice from before suddenly booms from the space between chambers (or is it just the space above this?):[/color] ????: "Intriguing. Information on Vance.EXE does not suggest he would be among the first three to enter the instance. Perhaps there is something more to this navi? And Xyzillentz. Probability of early entry rose significantly with the given company and situational distraction. Not unintelligent, certainly manipulative. Depending on degree of involvement, other probabilities may be heavily adjusted. In the interest of time and not watching the inane struggles of the incompetent, however, there will be granted one hint per floor until such a time as it is deemed prudent to deliver another. Alternatively, you may waive any future hint upon entering a floor and before you arrive on it: Should you do this, it may be lucrative for you even at the cost of those who have found their way to you. Here is your hint for the second floor: You stand at the center of a broken compass. In some ways, some points, however, remain unbroken. The true two exits to this floor lie along the paths of such points."[/color] Properties: Regeneration OFFLighting: Less DimStage: MetalExits: ? & ?Posting Time Limit: 48 hoursMap
[ 9 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ 8 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_?_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 7 ] [_x_][___][_?_][___][___][___][_?_][___][_x_]
[ 6 ] [_x_][___][___][___][_&_][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 5 ] [_x_][_?_][___][___][_o_][___][___][_?_][_x_]
[ 4 ] [_x_][___][___][___][___][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 3 ] [_x_][___][_?_][___][___][___][_?_][___][_x_]
[ 2 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_?_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 1 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ yx] [ A ][ B ][ C ][ D ][ E ][ F ][ G ][ H ][ I ] [_ o_] = Vance, Xyz [ ...] = Empty space [_x_] = Teleporter [_? _] = Pillar (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [_& _] = Plaque (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [/font]
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Post by Snakeskin on Aug 1, 2012 0:51:41 GMT -8
Xyzillentz was mildly surprised by the return of the booming voice, but he hid it well (the fact he was wearing a helmet that concealed his face certainly helped). He was also somewhat aggravated it had called him manipulative. It was TRUE, certainly, but why did they have to go and SAY it? That wasn't terribly helpful at all.
As before, he made a point to look around the "room" carefully. He read the plaque, observed the pillars... but what stood out the most was unquestionably the disorienting spinning. For all he knew, the first room had been spinning as well - there had been no frame of reference. But here it seemed there was. An obstacle intended to confuse them? Or a hint of some sort? Then he noticed the other two platforms... identical, it seemed, save for their occupants. Quite a puzzle in and of itself.
"Probabilities heavily adjusted? By little old me? Oh, how very complimentary of you." He spoke in an exaggerated, flattered tone to the no-one that was nowhere in particular. Then he turned to the more tangible companion beside him. He didn't bother with a handshake or other such formalities - the voice had basically introduced them already.
"So, Vance. Apparently we're either on an unethical reality show or part of some experiment. Either way it's probably beneficial for us to figure this out. Unless it's a trick and a trap, which it could be. I've got... several thoughts regarding this area. I'll think out loud, if you don't mind. It will probably help you... not that I mean that as an insult to your intelligence."
He smirked under his helmet, pausing for a moment before placing a hand on his hip, cocking his head to the side, and continuing.
"Unless, of course, you'd rather not listen to someone so 'obviously manipulative'."
He strained the last words in a sarcastic manner. Again, they were true - but anything he could do to cast doubt on the notion could prove beneficial. And it's not like he was actually LYING to this stranger... yet.
_________________
Xyzillentz makes no move.
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Post by Shin Sato on Aug 1, 2012 16:07:12 GMT -8
[bgcolor=003374]A nauseating sensation ran through Vance upon arrival. As if a part of him had been ripped away. Something... insignificant, it felt like, for his will and composure were all in tact. When it dawned on him to inspect his being, however, that too appeared intact. He shrugged the sensation away and inspected the room around him, a new sensation dawning on him. Spinning, spinning, spinning spiniiiiiing... That wasn't stopping any time soon it seemed.
Pillars and teleportation space not unlike the one that sent him here lined the area, the first thing that came to mind was how tedious a task it would be to investigate the lot of them. He noted too the figures on the other platforms, the other participants perhaps? No, what glimpse he got resembled none of the folk he'd studies just moments prior. Then the plaque came into view. Well, Vance's decision was always correct for him, but the navi wielding chaos in one of it's more raw forms had no issue kicking 'normal logic' to the curb.
"Intriguing. Information on Vance.EXE does not suggest he would be among the first three to enter the instance. Perhaps there is something more to this navi? "
"Well, certainly." the blue vested navi replied, lacing each syllable with a hint of sarcasm. He turned now to his new roommate, Xyzilletz, king of the tongue twisters? Whatever the case, a helping hand would not be slapped on the wrist, but nor would he let it hold him down. Vance regarded him with eye contact, or was he assumed was such with the obstructing mask, for a moment, signalling a quick silver thumbs up as he took his first steps.
"Hear that Yuzu? Got a nice fellow here willing to help out." Vance chimed back. Yuzuki nodded in silence, whether the gesture would be seen or not. Vance's first steps were slow, careful, well placed so not to topple in his trek. "Well, that suits me just fine, sir. Just make sure to think real loud, I'll be inspecting the area over yonder." Vance pointed a finger towards what was northeast from their plaque-reading position.
He gradually made his way to one pillar, then the other, inspecting each thoroughly for information, and taking a look into the row of teleporters outlining the platform. It suited him to look down rather than up, as the latter would just made maintaining balance more difficult still.
"You're not planning to inspect them all, are you?"
"While that sounds a fine way to pass time, alas, no. I was thinking something a little more efficient and a little less tedious."Vance quickly replied to his operator's question, with good humor, though the question may have irritated posed by anyone else. He feel need at all for a helping hint, however, in fact the option to opt out of them was quite appealing to him. But since it had been extended to him regardless, Vance put it to work with what he inspected so far of the room.
((Vance expends all slots and moves two spaces Up-Right and examines the pillar at G7, then proceeds a space Down and another Down-Right to inspect the pillar at H5.))
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Post by Vilicious on Aug 2, 2012 12:29:34 GMT -8
As Vance passes the pillars to read their inscription and check them for other devices, they turn toward Xyzillentz at the center of the platform. G7 reads "N," while H5 reads "NW."Properties: Regeneration OFFLighting: Less DimStage: MetalExits: ? & ?Posting Time Limit: Appx. 55 HoursMap
[ 9 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ 8 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_?_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 7 ] [_x_][___][_?_][___][___][___][_N_][___][_x_]
[ 6 ] [_x_][___][___][___][_&_][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 5 ] [_x_][_?_][___][___][_o_][___][___][_NW][_x_]
[ 4 ] [_x_][___][___][___][___][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 3 ] [_x_][___][_?_][___][___][___][_?_][___][_x_]
[ 2 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_?_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 1 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ yx] [ A ][ B ][ C ][ D ][ E ][ F ][ G ][ H ][ I ] [_ o_] = Xyz [_ o_] = Vance [ ...] = Abyss [_x_] = Teleporter [_? _] = Pillar (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [_& _] = Plaque (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [/font]
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Post by Snakeskin on Aug 4, 2012 11:08:51 GMT -8
The darkloid took immediate notice of the newly-revealed lettering. It certainly did look like a compass.
"Vance, maybe it's better for one of us to stay at the center. I can see all the pillars from here. They're compass directions - of course, the voice said most were broken. Maybe if you go around revealing them all, I can look at them and try to figure out the pattern. I'd offer to go around too, but I don't trust this place not to switch things up while we're not looking. Deal?"
__________
((Short suckish post. I's tired.))
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Post by Shin Sato on Aug 5, 2012 14:32:37 GMT -8
[bgcolor=003374]Xyzillentz's words graced the ears of yonder light haired navi, but they did not please. Vance was none to excited to continue the tedious task he'd already set aside in his mind, no not a bit. "Oh pish posh, certainly you're a bit more trusting than that. I'll admit it's no fun time hobbling around a spinning platform, but I should say there's little danger in it. One way or the other, 'tis a far better option to make our way out as quickly as possible, it'd be a task as lengthy as it is tedious to make my way around every last pillar. Besides, I can read them just fine as well walking along the inside now that I know they'll turn to me as I pass."
Vance threw out those words as he continued the clockwise stroll. They came out of his mouth as if he were commenting on the weather to a passerby, but with a stern enough under tone to get the point across, Vance hadn't any intention of turning every last pillar on his own, it would be either time consuming or resource consuming, neither one he cared to waste.
The first to pillars, upon inspection, offered up one clue to him with one possible solution. Perhaps a face down compass? This explained the first two directions, but he wasn't going to pass judgment on this alone. Vance passed by two more pillars, stopping in front of the fourth so far to inspect the group as a whole before turning back to his partner in puzzling.
"Hmm, in fact I may just stop here, hard to say. I should hope to be able to make a well educated estimate without turning every last one of the things. But... then again I may continue yet. What do we have here?"
((Vance moves 1 space Down-Left and 1 Down to inspect the pillar at G3, then 1 space Down-Left and 1 Left to inspect the pillar at E2.))
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Post by Vilicious on Aug 5, 2012 19:18:03 GMT -8
The answer comes to Vance in the language of two more pillars turning inward: "NE" and "W"Properties: Regeneration OFFLighting: Less DimStage: MetalExits: ? & ?Posting Time Limit: Appx. 48 HoursMap
[ 9 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ 8 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_?_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 7 ] [_x_][___][_?_][___][___][___][_N_][___][_x_]
[ 6 ] [_x_][___][___][___][_&_][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 5 ] [_x_][_?_][___][___][_o_][___][___][_NW][_x_]
[ 4 ] [_x_][___][___][___][___][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 3 ] [_x_][___][_?_][___][___][___][_NE][___][_x_]
[ 2 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_W_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 1 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ yx] [ A ][ B ][ C ][ D ][ E ][ F ][ G ][ H ][ I ] [_ o_] = Xyz [_ o_] = Vance [ ...] = Abyss [_x_] = Teleporter [_? _] = Pillar (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [_& _] = Plaque (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [/font]
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Post by Snakeskin on Aug 7, 2012 12:51:33 GMT -8
Disappointed but accepting of the terms, Xyzillentz shrugged. "All right then, but if something crazy and dangerous happens because of this, it is very explicitly your fault."
He walked over to the pillar directly to his left and activated it - but the whole time, he kept a watchful eye on one of the other grids that seemed to be floating in the air - specifically, the figure that had been standing at its center. He had a hunch about it - but he wasn't exactly in the mood to share it with Vance at the moment.
_____________
Xyz expends all 3 attack slots this turn to move straight into B5 and inspect the pillar.
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Post by Shin Sato on Aug 7, 2012 14:02:12 GMT -8
[bgcolor=003374]Vance's glassy eyes only narrowed as we walked to the west most pillar, again by his primary perception. Yes, let's walk to on of the nearer pillars and see what it does, never mind the other fellow on a direct course for it. Vance heaved a sigh under breath, his path having been elongated either by ignorance or spite, which he scarcely cared.
Nevertheless he nodded with silence in response and continued. Very quickly now he'd formulated and dismissed a possible solution, disappointing to find he still needed to turn more pillars yet, but with any manner of luck, these would be the last of them before the way was clear. He knew now what he thought he should look for, it had just not yet shown itself.
Vance turned one more pillar, and with Xyzillentz blocking the way with a priory turned pillar, he shifted and began cutting a cord through the circle, making it halfway towards the next portal before stopping to survey the scene thus far. Not just to check and see if a solution had yet revealed itself, but rather surveying the scene as a whole. He'd become accustomed to the spinning notion, but it's cause was yet unknown, just like the identity of the mysterious figures in the distance.
((Vance moves one space Left and one Up-Left to inspect the pillar at C3, then moves Up two spaces.))
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Post by Vilicious on Aug 7, 2012 20:16:42 GMT -8
Again pillars turn. In one of the overhead discs, a red streak makes its way around over half of the circle in one effort, and then that disc fades from view.Properties: Regeneration OFFLighting: Less DimStage: MetalExits: ? & ?Posting Time Limit: Appx. 48 HoursMap
[ 9 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ 8 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_?_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 7 ] [_x_][___][_?][___][___][___][_N_][___][_x_]
[ 6 ] [_x_][___][___][___][_&_][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 5 ] [_x_][_S_][_o_][___][___][___][___][_NW][_x_]
[ 4 ] [_x_][___][___][___][___][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 3 ] [_x_][___][_E_][___][___][___][_NE][___][_x_]
[ 2 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_W_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 1 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ yx] [ A ][ B ][ C ][ D ][ E ][ F ][ G ][ H ][ I ] [_ o_] = Xyz [_ o_] = Vance [ ...] = Abyss [_x_] = Teleporter [_? _] = Pillar (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [_& _] = Plaque (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [/font]
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Post by Shin Sato on Aug 8, 2012 0:06:15 GMT -8
[bgcolor=003374]The first pillar turned by Xyzillentz was none much a joy for Vance to lay eyes on, but his own turned pillar raised a brow. He stepped back, registered all the pillars, raced through a few solutions in his head, and came up with one. The pillar right in front of him, just a few steps North, he glared into it's masked back with a smirk on his face, one born of all the confidence in the world.
Enough confidence not to consult his green fellow of a puzzle mate, he didn't even pose it verbally to Yuzuki, though a general understanding had been reached on first inspection of the room's workings so she'd not be in the dark. No, his vest waved in the spinning breeze, but it's own did not in his judgement.
It was not a lack of patience, just pure, unfiltered confidence. No pride either, no but a bit of conviction. Even a bit of the gut played a role, as did his mind. He walked right up behind the next pillar, back to back with it Vance was now, it's inscription free for Xyzillentz to read now though Vance himself didn't' bother to look back. He stopped then, not looking back, but called out in a manner of courtesy. "Well, I think I've found my answer here, and at the least it's worth a try in the name of progress, I'd say. If you don't see me pop right back in, it ought to be safe to follow. At least, I hope you'd be willing."
With that, Vance picked and chose his path, the portal just beyond the last turned pillar. His logic, though not the only thing he relied on in his judgement, was simple: If two points were correct, perhaps they were opposite. If two directions were properly opposite, they could well be the two exists. Through process of elimination, Vance pegged the SW and NE pillars as the only possible fits for the bill remaining, meaning the nearest pillar would surely reveal the SW direction in his wake. So he did, make his way onwards and through that portal.
((Vance moves 2 spaces Up, and one space Up-Left to enter the Teleporter at B8, turning the pillar at C7 on the way there.))
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Post by Snakeskin on Aug 9, 2012 15:13:49 GMT -8
Xyzillentz was admittedly frustrated that his companion seemed to have worked things out before him - moreso since he wasn't sharing his theories. Admittedly, Xyzillentz himself had not really done so either - not that he believed it would have made a difference in Vance's predictable circle around the area.
Hoping to save face, he looked around the floating disc again, observing the pillars, seeing what was missing and what matched up - and sure enough, he came to the same conclusion. Southwest and Northeast were all that had the potential to match up. That led to an interesting question, though - which should he take? Should he follow Vance or try to strike out on his own? Would Vance be valuable or a hindrance going forward? Or would they both wind up in the same place anyway?
As he pondered, he walked back into the center of the area. This way, whatever he chose, his destination would be easily accessible. Besides - he wanted to watch and see if Vance's plan worked.
____________________
Xyz expends all 3 attack slots to move to E5.
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Post by Vilicious on Aug 10, 2012 19:51:29 GMT -8
((It may begin changing to a 24 hour limit with occasional exception, but not this turn.)) As Vance takes a step into the chosen portal, he experiences in return the feeling of reality itself peeling away...[Vance exits at B8] [Vance appears at E5] [/b] [BZZT!]-[Elementless]-[C/S-Attack] - Unavoidable, Cuts Undershirts, Cuts DS - Deals damage equal to any HP gained over their Max HP. - Deals additional damage equal to [10]% of the target's Max HP. - Deals additional damage equal to [10]% of the target's Max HP for each previous time they've been struck by "BZZT!"[/ul][/ul] Pain wracks Vance alone as the snake-navi stands nearby: A strike of malice driven to his very core, imprinted with strips of an image of a metallic face on which the mouth, despite appearing emotionless, twitches at one corner in the suggestion of a smile.
Again the voice makes itself present:????: "Curious attempt by Vance. Not the first such by any party, but clearly incorrect. And now Xyzillentz and Vance are even made wary of the truth of concept, the proof of constraint, the purpose of an open field: Incorrect attempts will only be tolerated to such an extent as their bodies can tolerate it before being terminated.
In fact, one even escaped the torment by means of a communicated intent! Nearly impressive, if the attempt itself weren't so disappointing." Properties: Regeneration OFFLighting: Less DimStage: MetalExits: ? & ?Posting Time Limit: Appx. 48 HoursMap
[ 9 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ 8 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_SW][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 7 ] [_x_][___][_SE][___][___][___][_N_][___][_x_]
[ 6 ] [_x_][___][___][___][_&_][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 5 ] [_x_][_S_][___][___][_o_][___][___][_NW][_x_]
[ 4 ] [_x_][___][___][___][___][___][___][___][_x_]
[ 3 ] [_x_][___][_E_][___][___][___][_NE][___][_x_]
[ 2 ] [...][_x_][___][___][_W_][___][___][_x_][...]
[ 1 ] [...][...][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][_x_][...][...]
[ yx] [ A ][ B ][ C ][ D ][ E ][ F ][ G ][ H ][ I ] [_o_] = Vance, Xyz [ ...] = Abyss [_x_] = Teleporter [_? _] = Pillar (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [_& _] = Plaque (Does not take up the whole Space, can be navigated over) [/font]
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Post by Snakeskin on Aug 10, 2012 23:06:36 GMT -8
Xyzillentz was actually somewhat surprised by Vance's painful rejection - though not even remotely by the other, greater supposed "revelation."
He spoke in a condescending tone - to the voice and Vance, or to one or the other, or neither. It wasn't terribly clear, especially with his face hidden beneath the helmet.
"Oh, was it not supposed to be obvious this was a deadly game? I mean really, dear, it wouldn't be nearly as fun if the stakes were lower."
There was room in the statement for Vance to misinterpret it and assume Xyzillentz was in control of the situation, or otherwise aware of the challenge's inner workings. Xyzie knew that - it would be interesting, in fact, to see how his companion would react. Assuming, of course, they wound up together again once he made his move.
He looked again to his previously considered destination, Northeast - and he saw that Vance's recent failure did rule it out, but did not necessarily make it useless... This time he spoke directly to his injured "teammate."
"Now that you're done waltzing around the place, allow me to elaborate on a hunch. They're spaced farther apart than normal, but North, Northeast, and East are in the correct positions relative to each other, Northeast dead center between them. They're the only spots that applies to. Also, I don't know if you saw that red streak of light a little while ago, but it went around just about the same distance as there is between the two spots - and it happened when you uncovered the pillar marked East. You'd already gotten North. Just seems logical... and I suppose it's my turn now."
Xyzillentz waltzed casually into the "East" portal - partially an act to hide the suspense he couldn't help but feel.
_____________________
Xyz expends all 3 AS this turn to move to B2.
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Post by Shin Sato on Aug 11, 2012 17:38:09 GMT -8
[bgcolor=003374]Vance sinks just a bit closer to the ground as he reappears, a strike of pain cut clear to his core attempting to shake is resolve. His eye focused out, pupils rattling in their sockets for a short time. But surely and quickly he steadied himself, returning the smile he glimpsed inside much stronger and leaving no evidence of pain to those around.
No pain no gain? Sounds like a plan indeed. Pain only drove this warrior further to the edge, and when he jumped off Vance wold only soar. So come, anonymous assaults, with all you might and be laughed at by the amused smirk of a man who's known greater pain still.
Filtering out the irrelevant, by mention of his serpentine company, Vance realized it just as quickly. Somehow he'd forgotten, but now that image of red streaked across the sky was vivid in his mind, and his next destination was all the clearer. But what foolhardiness had caused such a costly brain lapse? What on Earth could inflict such? Vance would wrack his brain over the matter for some time to come.
For now, though, he proceeded silently, pocketing his own hands in his vest and taking off in the opposite direction of his companion, for the time being. He strode with moderate speed and continued into the Northern portal.
((Vance moves 3 spaces Up-Right, and enters the portal at H8))
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