>>1104849
Hmm, I wonder how long this'll take. Anything to look at nearby that we haven't seen yet?

hmm, be nice if this thing had a timer on it so we knew how long we'd have to wait...
~do do do dooo~...
...So Silv, what's your favorite thing you've seen since you got to the city?

>>1104850
Yes. It's possible that bomb we heard about destroyed a world and littered the remnants here, but it's just as likely that it was like a bag of holding in portable hole arrow that sent everything in range to the void. And Silv likely ended up here in a similar way, magical experimentation or weaponry gone wrong.

>>1104849
Hey.
Hey silv.
Its kinda exciting waiting, huh?

Man I wish that caretaking module that came preinstalled told us what it did. I'd be less nervous if it had just not listed anything, but the whole blacked out redacted presentation makes me just that little bit anxious.

>>1104849
Sooo... how about a rousing game of eye spy while we wait?

Well Silv we're going to be parents. How does it feel?

You know, with the swords and shield here, I bet we could infuse them and give them to Fern!

He could be our little knight!

1/3 Silv 2025/03/26(Wed)09:50 No. 1105432 ID: 1effd3
File 174300784715.png - (133.13KB , 900x750 , 032525_FromNothing2_026_.png )

>Hmm, I wonder how long this'll take. Anything to look at nearby that we haven't seen yet?
>hmm, be nice if this thing had a timer on it so we knew how long we'd have to wait...~do do do dooo~......So Silv, what's your favorite thing you've seen since you got to the city?
>Hey. Hey silv. Its kinda exciting waiting, huh?
“We haven’t looked around the raised area yet… How long does this initialization thing usually take?”

>Sooo... how about a rousing game of eye spy while we wait?
“I spy something dusty.”

>Well Silv we're going to be parents. How does it feel?
“Tetsi, your humor confuses me sometimes.”

>I wonder if the core will like it's new configuration... I hope so.
>Man I wish that caretaking module that came preinstalled told us what it did. I'd be less nervous if it had just not listed anything, but the whole blacked out redacted presentation makes me just that little bit anxious.
“Maybe it was broken like everything else here? ‘Caretaking’ sounds good at least. I wonder what the frame is though? This storage thing is a bit smaller than the golem's previous frame.”

>You know, with the swords and shield here, I bet we could infuse them and give them to Fern! He could be our little knight!
“Those swords were taller than I am! I don’t think Fern could even lift them!”

>Speaking of the core, remember how it said it got here? This void we're in must be somewhere between worlds. There might be a way to get you back to your original plane, Silv! Eventually, at least.
>Yes. It's possible that bomb we heard about destroyed a world and littered the remnants here, but it's just as likely that it was like a bag of holding in portable hole arrow that sent everything in range to the void. And Silv likely ended up here in a similar way, magical experimentation or weaponry gone wrong.
“ Maybe you’re right Tetsi? I still don’t remember much-”

KLENK.

>>1105434
She... is cute.
There.
Ive said it. We were allbthinking it.
Even you silv.

Greet our new friend.
Welcome her to a revived state.

 

Your attention is grabbed by a sudden shift in the atmosphere. The mechanical clunks have quieted, and the conduits crackle less. Air and steam hiss as the door to the cylinder creaks open, a low fog escaping as it does.

After a long time of inactivity, the golem takes their first steps once again.

3/3 Silv 2025/03/26(Wed)10:08 No. 1105440 ID: 1effd3
File 174300888385.png - (285.65KB , 563x750 , 032525_FromNothing2_028_Galena.png )

“Activation of Frame No. M31-Domestic confirmed. No operational flaws detected.”

The golem turns to Silv and Testi.
“You have reactivated the unit “M31-D”, completing your end of our previously discussed arrangement. I will now register you as my new master, Master Silv. However…”

“However?”

“...I would like to exercise my new found freedom. I would like to rename myself to…”

The golem pauses.
“Galena.”

COMPANION RECRUITED
— — —
Name: Galena

Race:Automata Golem
Core Stress Limit: 3/3
Primary Runic Affinity: Unknown.

Class Archetype: Unknown
Class: Maid(?)


Abilities:
Upkeep: Can be given a Static rune (or other energy equivalent) to keep themselves active for several days, otherwise she will shut down till minimum recharge.
Caretaking Module Ω: Expert in various housekeeping and caretaking duties. Can manifest various tools used in housekeeping. [Core Stress 1]
Machine Learning: Capable of memorizing and performing physical actions. Can memorize 2 instances. [Core Stress: 1]
Mobility Module α: Enhanced lateral mobility for the unit. [Core Stress 1]

...Huh.

Anyways, she looks like a human. We're... experts in that race.
Humans have misshapen skeletons, tangled muscles, mediocre minds, and an unfortunate subconscious impulse to find the worst tyrannical creep they can find and worship them.
This combination of negative factors, when honed into a political weapon, typically makes them the most prosperous race in any world you find them in - at the cost of every other race's happiness, as the common humans get suckered by their own psychotic rulers into doing vile, self-destructive acts of mass-genocide "for the greater good." They're not evil so much as equal parts stupid and gullible, though some internal cruelty goes unchecked because of said stupidity. One of the few things humans have going for them is a propensity to grow stronger, faster than most other species, but their growth is so mired in abuse and trauma that the most powerful humans tend to be the most volatile and insane. I describe them as "weakness made power;" capable of so much, but typically slaves to power itself - their State's, or their own.
I'm not surprised some human aristocratic maniacs ordered this massively irresponsible science experiment and got the whole city killed.
But what the scientists built before they were forced to end their world... it will be the foundation of your new nation.

Welcome to the team, Galena.

Do a second sweep of the museum. Keep the voidlings from eating the power lines, we'll need to use this museum multiple times to re-construct multiple golems. Once we have an army, hold a meeting and discuss what to scavenge next.

>>1105440
First, Silv, let her touch us so we can communicate directly.

Welcome, Galena! Do you like your new cores? Is it possible for us to swap them out?

>>1105440
Ask Galena why they desire to register you as a 'master' anyway. They have freedom of will and thought right now, wouldn't they rather retain that?

>>1105444
Were humans really that bad. I always figured that sociopaths tended to exploit flaws in their herding and social behaviors to put themselves in power, but beyond that they tended to be pretty ok.

Also, use the museum multiple times? We don't know how long these islands will be near ours and the docking spell is untested. Sure we could dows for the Star of Frost and Dust to get back here, but there's no way we can haul that much material to-and-fro over such distances.

>>1105440
Good morning, Galena. It looks like you've been gifted hands and opposable thumbs. Did the new chassis come with instructions or do we need to practice a bit?

what the... huh, I was expecting something more like the body we found her core in to begin with... this model seems... a lot more advance. Though now I'm wondering why we haven't seen any more models like this when we've seen dozen of offline golems around already?

But yeah, uh, welcome to the team. Would you happen to remember anything about this city still? We wouldn't mind a guide.

>>1105444
Kome, please. You don't know if any of that is true, you're injecting fanfiction again.

>>1105440
I think I'm starting to understand why we can read certain things you cannot. We're from a different world than you, Silv. Most likely the same world Galena and W3AV3R are from, unless it's a coincidence that they have similar written languages. I wonder, were we normally part of this staff, or did it absorb us?
Anyway, ask Galena about humans.

Galena. A beautiful crystal of sulphur and lead that hides a hint of shimmering silver. A most fantastic designation!

Alright. I got a ton of questions, so bare with me.

You're clearly intelligent, but would you b consider yourself quasi-sentient or fully sentient? The difference is subtle but it makes a big difference in how we should treat you.

What are your safe operating temperatures? Use a temperature scale graduated so that the freezing point of water is 0 and the boiling boing of water is 100. (Assuming standard air pressure at sea level of your original world.)

Do you have remote access to the Akashic Record? Did your civilisation ever have such access? If so, is there a device we can take that might help us do that?

Do you have any stored information? A users guide perhaps? Maintenance guide?

Might there be data pertaining to magic or engineering on a portable storage device somewhere? Or a book. Books work too.

If you opened the machine you stepped from- with or without force- could you retrieve the unused modules? If so, Could you hot-swap modules yourself?

Do you know where we might find a compact set of magic engineering tools?

Are you water proof?

How strong are you? Could you pick up something here that you would consider a *moderate* load as an example?

Please show us an example of your lateral movement capabilities.

Please list all on board sensors.

Are you capable of feeling pain?

Do you feel emotions?
If not, do you simulate them?
Can you determine the emotions of others?

If we were to imbue a rune or spell somewhere upon your chassis, perhaps an arm, would that cause interference with your systems?

Do you know where we could get a Bag of Holding, Dimensional Storage Ring, or Backpack around here?

Do you know where we could get a portable structural/magical analysis tool?

Are you familiar with a magical construction known as a Manapulse Nexus?
If so, was there one here? We need to study it's remains if so.

Is it technically possible to utilize your machine learning skill in a non-kinetic way?

What counts as a physical action, breadth wise? For an example of what I mean, would a physical action be like learning how to use a hammer effectively, how to build a cabinet, or how to do carpentry in general?

What are the base learning and skill retention capabilities of your primary core? Would they be better if you were repaired?

Can you effectively lift and/or use those swords/shields/armor over there?

Before you fell out of commission, did you notice the voidlings coming and going out of anywhere specific? There should be THOUSANDS of runes scattered all over the place, but were not really seeing any. Aside from being useful, if allowed to amass in one spot they can spawn monsters.

Did you know you're very cute now? Because you are.

That's quite different than the body they had before. Ask if they're feeling alright in it, Silv.

1/2 Silv 2025/03/30(Sun)16:11 No. 1105612 ID: 1effd3
File 174337628607.png - (237.10KB , 900x750 , 033025_FromNothing2_029_GalenaQuestions.png )

>That's quite different than the body they had before. Ask if they're feeling alright in it, Silv.
>Greet our new friend. Welcome her to a revived state.
>what the... huh, I was expecting something more like the body we found her core in to begin with... this model seems... a lot more advanced. Though now I'm wondering why we haven't seen any more models like this when we've seen dozens of offline golems around already?
>That's quite different than the body they had before. Ask if they're feeling alright in it, Silv.
“It’s great to have you with us now Galena! But, why is your new body so different from your old one, and the other broken golems?”

“This frame was constructed back during the time when Mainefalis engineers cared more for quality over mass production. This frame was also specialized for domestic use, so it’s relatively more advanced compared to other models at that time.”

“Is it a good body for you?”

“This frame is perfectly sufficient Master Silv.”

>First, Silv, let her touch us so we can communicate directly.
“It seems that Tetsi wants to talk to you directly,”Silv says, holding Tetsi forward.

“Ah, I understand now. Master Tetsi is some form of sentient artifact that requires contact to communicate. I was confused in our initial meeting who you were referring to.”

“Tetsi’s the one who’s been helping me survive here. They're a good friend.”

>Did the new chassis come with instructions or do we need to practice a bit?
>Would you happen to remember anything about this city still? We wouldn't mind a guide.
“I have no problems controlling this frame. I am unsure about the current state of the city, so I will require time to investigate.”

>Ask Galena why they desire to register you as a 'master' anyway. They have freedom of will and thought right now, wouldn't they rather retain that?
“It is my choice to serve, as is not my choice. I cannot function without aid, and aid is what I function for.”

>>1105465
“...That is a lot of questions. Give me a moment.”
“...”

>You're clearly intelligent, but would you b consider yourself quasi-sentient or fully sentient? The difference is subtle but it makes a big difference in how we should treat you.
“You can treat me as any other sentient being.”

>What are your safe operating temperatures? Use a temperature scale graduated so that the freezing point of water is 0 and the boiling of water is 100. (Assuming standard air pressure at sea level of your original world.)
“This frame can likely tolerate multitudes of temperatures safely. On your scale, perhaps 5 through 80.”

>Do you have remote access to the Akashic Record? Did your civilization ever have such access? If so, is there a device we can take that might help us do that?
“Unknown.”

>Do you have any stored information? A users guide perhaps? Maintenance guide?
>Might there be data pertaining to magic or engineering on a portable storage device somewhere? Or a book. Books work too.
“Only my initial knowledge, and the knowledge gained from my modules. I would like to check the museum's archives for anything of use however.”

>If you opened the machine you stepped from- with or without force- could you retrieve the unused modules? If so, Could you hot-swap modules yourself?
“It is unlikely.”

>Do you know where we might find a compact set of magic engineering tools?
“Tools would likely be inside of a workshop, however, given the amount of time, they’re likely
non-useable.”

>Are you water proof?
“It is not recommended for this frame to be submerged for a prolonged period of time. Also, it doesn’t float.”

>How strong are you? Could you pick up something here that you would consider a *moderate* load as an example?
“Hmm… I am unsure of this frames capabilities in that regard. I could carry Master Silv with minimal effort however.”

2/2 Silv 2025/03/30(Sun)16:11 No. 1105613 ID: 1effd3
File 174337631085.png - (219.26KB , 716x750 , 033025_FromNothing2_030_Yes_she_has_Heelys.png )

>Please show us an example of your lateral movement capabilities.
You hear a small click as some small wheels come out of Galenas heels. She then proceeds to zoom around the room a bit.
“Is that sufficient Master Silv, Master Tetsi?”

“That’s amazing Galena!”

“Thank you Master Silv.”

>Please list all on board sensors. Are you capable of feeling pain?
“Sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste, which I can disable as needed. I shouldn’t feel ‘pain’ as long as it’s not damaging to my core.”

>Do you feel emotions? If not, do you simulate them? Can you determine the emotions of others?
“...I am unsure how to answer, but yes I can determine others emotions.”

>If we were to imbue a rune or spell somewhere upon your chassis, perhaps an arm, would that cause interference with your systems?
“Tampering with my frame without the expertise of doing so is ill advised.”

>Do you know where we could get a Bag of Holding, Dimensional Storage Ring, or Backpack around here? Do you know where we could get a portable structural/magical analysis tool?
“I do not.”

>Are you familiar with a magical construction known as a Manapulse Nexus?
If so, was there one here? We need to study it's remains if so.
“I am not, However, Master Silv stated earlier that you said that the Ley Lines were similar in concept.”

>Is it technically possible to utilize your machine learning skill in a non-kinetic way?What counts as a physical action, breadth wise? For an example of what I mean, would a physical action be like learning how to use a hammer effectively, how to build a cabinet, or how to do carpentry in general? What are the base learning and skill retention capabilities of your primary core? Would they be better if you were repaired?
“Unsure.”

>Can you effectively lift and/or use those swords/shields/armor over there?
Galena picks up one of the swords, which immediately breaks in half.
“Yes I can, however, I do not believe they will last more than one or two uses.”

>Before you fell out of commission, did you notice the voidlings coming and going out of anywhere specific? There should be THOUSANDS of runes scattered all over the place, but were not really seeing any. Aside from being useful, if allowed to amass in one spot they can spawn monsters.
“Unfortunately I know nothing in regard to this. I am aware however that congregations of runes occasionally generated… force. I am uncertain how to explain further.”

>Did you know you're very cute now? Because you are.
“Thank you Master Tetsi.”

Galena moves some of the metal crates in the room out of her way.
“Master Silv, Master Tetsi, I would like to gather whatever useful information that remains intact in the museum's archives. This may take some time, so if you wish to wait for me or continue exploring on your own, that is entirely your choice. Do be careful however if you choose to explore without me.”

“What do you think Tetsi? We still have that upper area to check out, and you wanted to try to get one of these new Voidlings tamed.”
-Wait for Galena.
-Explore raised city.
-Try and tame a new Crawler Voidling, or the larger Voidlings.

>>1105613
Attempt to tame Big(ger) Voidling!

>>1105612
I would recommend against calling us "master". Some of the voices might get... ideas.

>>1105613
Crawler voidlings are cute.

Attempt to tame, but lets not go too far. Let's get one of those cute leggy bois.

Our island isn't gonna hold many more voidlings, I don't think. Also, don't they have to eat?

I'd rather explore the raised city.

I’d like to explore more of the city but I’m not to opposed to grabbing more friends… though at this rate we’ll need to expand the island soon with so many bodies on it.

Leggy boy!

>>1105629
Valid points +1 to this suggestion

Crawler Voidling. With training, they might be capable of building structures. Or eating them.

1/1 Silv 2025/03/31(Mon)16:23 No. 1105646 ID: 1effd3
File 174346338171.png - (170.80KB , 696x750 , 033125_FromNothing2_031_A_little_guy.png )

>I would recommend against calling us "master". Some of the voices might get... ideas.
“I do not understand your intent Master Tetsi.”

Votes:
-Wait: 0
-Explore: 3
-Tame: 5

“We’re going to go outside and try to tame a voidling. We won’t go very far.”

“Very well, please be careful.”

Leaving Galena to sort through records and information, you and Silv head outside in search of some voidlings, but not before grabbing some random junk to feed them.
>Our island isn't gonna hold many more voidlings, I don't think. Also, don't they have to eat?
>I’d like to explore more of the city but I’m not opposed to grabbing more friends… though at this rate we’ll need to expand the island soon with so many bodies on it.
“I wonder if voidlings do need to eat stuff, or if they just ‘do’? They do eat whatever they can get in their mouths. Niaid converts the water in the pond into Stream runes, and I think Flumph mostly eats air for Breeze runes? But we do need more space on the island, and we need a lot of runes for that. Hopefully with Galenas help, we’ll be able to get more runes with less trips?”

>Bigger Voidling x1
>Leggy Crawler x 4
After a little searching, Silv finds a leggy crawler voidling and tries her usual tactic of talking while trying to feed it random junk. It quickly scampers off. x2 attempts remaining.
The second attempt goes much better. Using a generous amount of junk and petting, you and Silv manage to tame a new voidling!
Overall, that didn’t take too long. You can either return to Galena and see if she’s done, or head to the raised city. Also:

SUGGEST NAMES FOR THE VOIDLING

>>1105646
Hmmm... I think we should start bringing back random junk from our expeditions to feed voidlings with. Might even get extra runes that way. Good thing we have Galena now, who can carry heavy loads for transport.

Let's name it Koichi.

ah cool, you got yourself a backpack. Let's name him pack.

And since that went quicker than expected I see explore the the raised city.

>>1105646
>SUGGEST NAMES FOR THE VOIDLING
Hmm. How about Nil?

If they're going to hang out on your back you should name them Kazooie

>>1105653
Seconded.

Let's head back to Galena. See if we can feed the voidling some stuff from the museum to create new runes, like gathering and feeding some of the dust from the rusted sword might get us a Corrosion rune?

Nightweaver!

And look around for any rare species of Voidling to tame. You never know.

Zilch!

>>1105653
Thirded.

For reasons we cannot ever truly explain silv, the name Kazooie is one that brings good omens.

There is power and benign symbology within it and it posesses an esoteric significance hailing as it does from worlds distant and strange.

1/5 Silv 2025/04/05(Sat)09:59 No. 1105871 ID: 1effd3
File 174387238423.png - (172.82KB , 900x750 , 040425_FromNothing2_032_Kazooie.png )

>Koichi, Pack, Nil, Kazooie x3, Nightweaver, Zilch
>For reasons we cannot ever truly explain silv, the name Kazooie is one that brings good omens. There is power and benign symbology within it and it possesses an esoteric significance hailing as it does from worlds distant and strange.
“I don’t get it, but I guess your name is Kazooie now.”

Kazooie wiggles its arms a little.

COMPANION RECRUITED

— — —
Name: Kazooie

Race: Crawler 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.
Primary Runic Affinity: Unknown.

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

>since that went quicker than expected I see explore the raised city.
>Let's head back to Galena.
Due to a tie, Silv will choose!
“It hasn’t been that long, and Galena probably would appreciate more time to look through stuff, so I think it’s fine for us to take a peek.”

2/5 Silv 2025/04/05(Sat)10:00 No. 1105872 ID: 1effd3
File 174387240662.png - (764.73KB , 900x750 , 040425_FromNothing2_033_RuneSpotted.png )

Heading off the island to float up towards the raised area, you find a couple of runes floating off the island's edge.
x2 Tremor Runes obtained.

The raised area seems much like the area below. Same types of buildings, a few things here and there, but oddly empty. Two arcane towers peek over the roofs, one of them having collapsed long ago.
“Huh? Is that…?”

Down the middle of the street, a rune is floating there. A new one!

3/5 Silv 2025/04/05(Sat)10:00 No. 1105873 ID: 1effd3
File 174387242908.png - (504.17KB , 900x750 , 040425_FromNothing2_034_That_Part_When.png )

“See? It was worth coming up here after all-”

4/5 Silv 2025/04/05(Sat)10:00 No. 1105874 ID: 1effd3
File 174387244669.png - (510.89KB , 900x750 , 040425_FromNothing2_035_You_Need_To.png )

“...”

5/5 Silv 2025/04/05(Sat)10:01 No. 1105875 ID: 1effd3
File 174387246340.png - (545.46KB , 900x750 , 040425_FromNothing2_036_Roll_For_Stealth.png )

”...I don’t think it saw us.”

Tech Rune obtained!

>>1105875
Looks like a bigger leggy boy. Judging by how Kazooie is trembling, they're not so friendly to each other just because they're the same shape.

It's a little hard to tell since it's far down the alley, but how big is the big guy?

Well, it didn't move, so just calmly and quietly retreat. It looks like there aren't any smaller voidlings up here. In future should keep out of areas they so avoid.

>>1105886
>In future should keep out of areas they so avoid.
Yeah.

...though... could we fight it? It might drop a bunch of runes; the tree-voidling we fought did. How big is it, Silv? Think you could take it? Well, we don't have flame mortar anymore... our current three-slot spell isn't great for fighting in a wide open space like this.

huh, wonder if all our void friends will get that big someday?

But yeah that looks like a good reason to dip.

>>1105890
>we don't have flame mortar anymore
We literally just got three runes, we could make flame mortar again if we wanted to. But do we want to?