1/2 Silv 2025/01/20(Mon)12:06 No. 1102659 ID: 1effd3
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An island of lost history, long forgotten structures of a once great civilization. Now, crumbling and toppled towers gather dust, slowly consumed by the void.

Floating towards the island, you and Silv realize that this is by far the brightest place you have been by far. A sunlight quality provided by the bright spot between the frosted and dusted islands.

2/2 Silv 2025/01/20(Mon)12:06 No. 1102660 ID: 1effd3
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Landing at the edge of the island, you arrive at what appears to be a main street, heading towards a large collapsed tower. On the right, you see a smaller intact tower, and far beyond that, a raised plateau. There are quite a few voidlings about.
“What do you think Tetsi? What should we do?”

Well, I guess we could (carefully) glance into buildings as we make our way towards the center, stopping to investigate anything noteworthy. So far we don't have a deadline (do we?), so it just depends how long we want to spend here. (Unless the islands were set to crash into ours or something?)

>>1102660
start by identifying the voidlings, there seem to be more types than the ones we already know. I kinda want one of those with tentacles

Now that we're a bit closer, can we Identify the bright spot?
Also be sure to Identify any new voidlings you see. For the bestiary entries!

Head towards that central structure at the end of the street while poking your head into nearby buildings to see if there's anything interesting in them.

Stroll around and observe the cool new voidlings. Especially the ones with all the tentacles.

Long ago, on a world long past, deep down in the darkest abyssal reaches of a great ocean, existed a phenomenon known as a "Whale Fall"

The corpse of a gargantuan animal would sink to the barren sea floor. In it's decay an entire rich and vibrant ecosystem would form that could last for decades at a time.

This place reminds me of that. There are surely many treasures to be found, not only from the ruins themselves, but from the voidlings consuming then. Be careful though. There's probably something around that eats these couplings, along with something nastier that eats those.

...Were we a part of this, once? In all our journeys as spirits, we've helped others build nations up... and tear empires down. I don't think I've ever been to this place in its original world, and yet...

Hm.

First up, taming. There's another voidling like Flan. Each voidling you tame is a voidling that can help you scavenge and one less voidling eating away at the structures.

Scour each type of house. Get a feel for the general wealth index of each building. Ideally, you want to take the voidlings and let them feast upon the security defenses and vault doors, then swoop in and grab the loot before the Voidlings think they're supposed to eat it.

Show us every bit of technology - every complex looking object - and we'll tell you if it's probably worth collecting.

Finally, we should find a way to build some kind of temporary storage space, something the voidlings are averse to eating, so we can perform multiple scavenging tours and get through the city faster. The faster we scavenge, the less precious objects the voidlings will obliviously eat away before we can get to them.

>>1102660
Check out the black gunk on the wall. Ancient graffiti? Void goop?

Take Voidling

>>1102660
This place is thick with voidlings.

We should proceed down the street, noting voidling reactions and ready to thwack or zap any that look too unfriendly.

Aaaand maybe stay in the middle of the street when passing the alleyways.
I just got a mental image of something called a trapdoor spider.
Uh.
Ignore that silv.
Just dont be close and easy to grab incase something is lurking.

1/3 Silv 2025/01/24(Fri)14:56 No. 1102792 ID: 1effd3
File 173775940488.png - (164.93KB , 900x750 , 012325_FromNothing2_003_GottaScanEmAll.png )

>Now that we're a bit closer, can we Identify the bright spot?
“I’m still too far to use Identify. I think I need to go up directly to it to make it work.”

>start by identifying the voidlings, there seem to be more types than the ones we already know. I kinda want one of those with tentacles
>Also be sure to Identify any new voidlings you see. For the bestiary entries!
>Stroll around and observe the cool new voidlings. Especially the ones with all the tentacles.
>Take Voidling
“We can try to tame voidlings later Tetsi, but we can see what these new voidlings are.”

Crawler Voidling
One of many variants of Voidling. Slug-like and slow, pose little threat.
Primary Runic Affinity: Unknown.

Crawler Voidling
One of many variants of Voidling. Same classification as it’s slug-like counterparts, but with limbs that help in movement and consumption of matter.
Primary Runic Affinity: Unknown.

“Some of the slug voidlings are pretty big… that one has two vents on its back!” Silv says, pointing at a larger voidling.

>Check out the black gunk on the wall. Ancient graffiti? Void goop?
They’re holes in the buildings.

2/3 Silv 2025/01/24(Fri)14:57 No. 1102793 ID: 1effd3
File 173775943383.png - (600.93KB , 900x750 , 012425_FromNothing2_004_Cityviewing.png )

>Well, I guess we could (carefully) glance into buildings as we make our way towards the center, stopping to investigate anything noteworthy.
>Head towards that central structure at the end of the street while poking your head into nearby buildings to see if there's anything interesting in them.
>>1102673
>This place is thick with voidlings. We should proceed down the street, noting voidling reactions and ready to thwack or zap any that look too unfriendly.
>Long ago, on a world long past, deep down in the darkest abyssal reaches of a great ocean, existed a phenomenon known as a "Whale Fall". The corpse of a gargantuan animal would sink to the barren sea floor. In it's decay an entire rich and vibrant ecosystem would form that could last for decades at a time. This place reminds me of that. There are surely many treasures to be found, not only from the ruins themselves, but from the voidlings consuming then. Be careful though. There's probably something around that eats these couplings, along with something nastier that eats those.

Silv walks by the crumbling ruins around her, looking through the holes and broken windows. Most things have long turned to dust, with metal slowly rusting behind. Most of all that remains are mechanical parts of varying complexities and rusted furniture frames. Pipes and larger constructs bridge between buildings and the streets, riddles with holes of time and void. The road is littered with rubble and scrap that Silv has to climb over. Along the way, she picks up some runes produced by the voidlings, who are too preoccupied eating the buildings.

x5 Tremor Runes obtained.

“They all seem too busy eating stuff to pay attention to me. Seems pretty safe to me-”

> Aaaand maybe stay in the middle of the street when passing the alleyways. I just got a mental image of something called a trapdoor spider. Uh. Ignore that silv. Just dont be close and easy to grab in case something is lurking.
Silv has also gained a new fear.

3/3 Silv 2025/01/24(Fri)14:57 No. 1102794 ID: 1effd3
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“That’s… much bigger than I thought it was.” Silv says as you and her stare up at the massive broken structure before you.

Towering and broken, a monument to forgotten history. Crumbling bridges stretch from the base, buildings crushed where they had fallen. Something on the street level of the structure catches your eye. You see… a lot of things really. Like, a lot. You saw some similar things on the walk over, but not nearly this many. Tetsi uses Identify on one of the things on the ground while SIlv is still staring at the collapsed tower.

— — — — —
Automata Golem
Construction Golem Model No.710
Unit Status: Depreciated
Core Status: Destroyed
Cannot be recovered.
— — — — —

What would you like to tell SIlv?

These robots are all dead. Looks like they were thrown out because they were obsolete; it would cost more to repair them than to just build a new one.

Slice one open. I want to get a look at its innards; complex parts are hard to come by, and you shouldn't let them become slop.

Hmm... We can work with this.

All these golems are dead, but many look like standardized models. I'm willing to bet we could find enough working parts between all of them to make one working one, if not here then back at base.
Take us around to inspect and identify these things. If we can reassemble one, it might be able to tell us what happened. Or help us carry stuff, at least.

>>1102800
One problem: Silv is not a robot engineer, she might have issues identifying non-broken parts, even if we were able to non-destructively disassemble all the working parts so that they could be reassembled.
Related problem: non-destructive disassembly requires knowledge of how the robots are meant to be disassembled! I guess we could trial-and-error our way through but I don't know if we have that kind of time.
Lastly, I don't agree that the robots are the same model. The arms look different.

Silv, what's the rest of this rubble? There's too much to look at all at once, for us, so we've lost some detail.
That's a long ladder, you up for climbing? Hmm, how are you going to carry us while climbing? Maybe it would be better to circle around and find a ground-level entrance.

>>1102804
I wonder if we can Identify individual parts, even recursively

>>1102804
Engineering smengineering.
Look `round.
Find parts.
Lego together.
?????
Profit!

There's an access ladder and no ladder guard, so this wasn't a fortified keep or anything. You don't put ladders somewhere you don't want people to go. Climb up and see what's on the other side, leave the golems. They'll still be here if we find some schematics.

>>1102827
More so if its a standard model it sort of breaks down to matching parts eventually

Say, you don't happen to have Red Weaver's core in your bag? Could be they're compatible. If you put them in a partially rundown one we could see if they're willing to work with us, without them being able to run amok.

>>1102881
That's... not the worst idea. Since we're no longer in Weaver's territory they won't have any reason to attack us... unless this place is somehow associated with the same company.

At the minimum there could be parts to trade with weaver blue.
Hes going to value compatible salvage.
Eventually need it too.

Uhhhh, I think a large part of the problem is that Red became unstable with time - he could well find an excuse to attack us (we're a known tresspasser/vandal, he claims this place as his territory....) or he might just hightail it back to blue and cause problems THERE. We should probably not put the unstable combat personality into an even larger, tankier body. At least not until we find a way to repair him.

1/2 Silv 2025/01/27(Mon)13:08 No. 1102964 ID: 1effd3
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>Say, you don't happen to have Red Weaver's core in your bag? Could be they're compatible? If you put them in a partially rundown one we could see if they're willing to work with us, without them being able to run amok.
>That's... not the worst idea. Since we're no longer in Weaver's territory they won't have any reason to attack us... unless this place is somehow associated with the same company.
>Uhhhh, I think a large part of the problem is that Red became unstable with time - he could well find an excuse to attack us.
“No… I left it back at the island. Also, it’s broken, isn't it?”

>There's an access ladder and no ladder guard, so this wasn't a fortified keep or anything. You don't put ladders somewhere you don't want people to go. Climb up and see what's on the other side, leave the golems. They'll still be here if we find some schematics.
“It looks like it should hold my weight…” Silv says, tugging on a few rungs on the ladder. Rusty, but should be able to hold her.

>Hmm, how are you going to carry us while climbing?
Silv turns to look at you confused.
“Do you… not realize you just sorta… float around sometimes? Can you follow me up the ladder like that?”

Silv starts climbing the ladder, and you just sorta… float behind her as she does. Reaching the top of the ladder, you look out over the crumbling city. There are multiple smaller towers that resemble the massive broken one you are standing on, and many buildings are damaged, rusted, and void-eaten. There is also a VERY big voidling up here, so maybe give that one a bit of space.
“Wow… even like this, this place is… pretty. I wonder what it was like before all of this.”

>>1102796
>>1102800
>>1102804
>I wonder if we can Identify individual parts, even recursively
>Engineering smengineering. Look `round. Find parts. Lego together. ????? Profit!
>More so if its a standard model it sort of breaks down to matching parts eventually
“Tetsi… do you want me… to check all of those things down there?”
You squint and look off to the side.
“...”

2/2 Silv 2025/01/27(Mon)13:08 No. 1102965 ID: 1effd3
File 173801213720.png - (417.06KB , 900x750 , 012725_FromNothing2_007_517-V.png )

After about an hour of walking around the massive broken tower and scanning everything, you find out some things.
Everything is broken beyond repair, and neither of you know what is and isn't useful. Did find some more runes though.
x2 Tremor Runes obtained.

“All of these golem things are broken Tetsi, can we look for other stuff?”

Tetsi gives that look of “just one more”.

“Ok, fine. One more, then we go look for other things.”
Silv looks around for a random broken golem to Identify, and walks to a smaller cylindrical one.
“...Huh?”

— — — — —
Automata Golem
Servitor Golem Model No.517-V
Unit Status: Complete Motor Function Failure
Core Status: Depowered, Recharge Required
Forced Reboot Required.
— — — — —

“Forced reboot? Is that, uhh… what I did to that door at Ferns home? Should I do that again Tetsi, use Static on it?”

Absolutely. For science!

>>1102965
sure, what's the worst that could happen?

Complete motor function failure, so that means it can't move, even if it's recharged.

sure, and if it proves hostile well... it is missing some of it's legs so I doubt it would be able to chase you. Plus after two hours of this I would like some kind of payoff you know.

>>1102965
Sure, Static is weak enough it should do something without causing much damage.

>>1102965
Naturally.

>>1102964
Wait... we float?
Quick! Flee skyward! FREEDOOOMmmaaah, im just kidding silv.
Far too attached to you now.
Id miss you.

>>1102965
As noted above, lack of motor function means no threat of movement.
Will give you time to assess if its another friend or redcore.
Though, i wouldnt stand right infront of that eye when you zap.
Incase of unexpected discharge.

1/4 Silv 2025/01/30(Thu)15:25 No. 1103071 ID: 1effd3
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>Wait... we float? Quick! Flee skyward! FREEDOOOMmmaaah, im just kidding silv. Far too attached to you now. Id miss you.
“That’s nice of you to say Tetsi! But have you really never noticed you float?”

>Absolutely. For science!
>sure, what's the worst that could happen?
>Complete motor function failure, so that means it can't move, even if it's recharged.
>sure, and if it proves hostile well... it is missing some of it's legs so I doubt it would be able to chase you. Plus after two hours of this I would like some kind of payoff you know.
>As noted above, lack of motor function means no threat of movement. Will give you time to assess if its another friend or redcore. Though, i wouldnt stand right infront of that eye when you zap. Incase of unexpected discharge.
“Ok, here goes… Static!”
Silv puts her hand onto the golem as a crackle comes from her palm.
...And nothing happens.

“...”
She tries again.
...Nothing.

Several more tries later, still nothing happens.
“I guess Static isn't strong enough… Do I need a stronger spell??”
“Or maybe a Static rune?”

3/4 Silv 2025/01/30(Thu)15:26 No. 1103073 ID: 1effd3
File 173827956184.png - (450.01KB , 900x750 , 013025_FromNothing2_010_Step3_UnexpectedDischarge.png )

Ah yes, the unexpected discharge.
x1 Rune consumed.

4/4 Silv 2025/01/30(Thu)15:26 No. 1103074 ID: 1effd3
File 173827957494.png - (494.01KB , 900x750 , 013025_FromNothing2_011_Step4_Profit.png )

“Ow…” Silv says, lying on the dusty ground a few feet away.
“Did it work at least…?”

Air hisses from the upper portion of the golem as you begin to hear the sound of long seized mechanisms begin creaking once more. The golem shudders as lights begin to glow from glass spheres on it.
“...”
“...”
“...?”

The light moves around at random before focusing on Silv.
“DID YOU REACTIVATE THIS UNIT?”

“Yes. Who, or what, are you?”

“THIS UNIT'S MODEL NUMBER IS NO.517-V, USED FOR CIVIL SERVICES. YOUR RACE IS UNKNOWN TO THIS UNIT.”

“Uhh… I don’t really know what I am, but my name is Silv! And this is Tetsi.”

The golem looks around some more.
“YOU LIKELY HAVE QUESTIONS. THIS UNIT WILL ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THEM AS I COALESCE AND REFORMAT. ”

Silv looks at Tetsi.
”I’m thinking about asking what happened here. You’re good with questions Tetsi, what will you ask?”

I knew I could float, Silv. Or rather, some of me did. I don't experience the world like you do, Silv. I'm like, dozens of people at the same time but in one body. We're-I- am not always on the same page as myself.
An artifact known as The Orb of Infinite Psyche was used in my creation. It's name alone should hint at my nature.

As for questions, yes an account of what happened here and how it's world met it's end would be a great place to start.

Beyond that, I would request information on how to safely remove it's core so it might be restored to a working body in the future, unless you wanna float it's entire bulk back to our own island when we're done here.

>>1103074
>517-V
wow, what are the odds? you have almost the same name

>>1103074
Ask if it has any knowledge of the void. Oh, ask about... uh, did we get any names related to W3AV3R's company? I'd like to confirm this place is from the same world. It's possible this void is a world-graveyard of sorts.
Oh, ask what kinds of useful things are stored here, and if there are any guards that would still be active. Tell it of your situation, that should give it a good idea of the needs and moralities involved.

>That’s nice of you to say Tetsi! But have you really never noticed you float?
Perception is weird as I see the world less in motion and more... as a slide show really. Can pick up the major details easily enough and it can sometimes help when trying to study or focus on something specific but little details can get loss... like movement. I honestly always thought you were just sticking us in the ground to keep your hands free.
Sound is also weird since it's less like I'm hearing something and more like I'm... reading it. usually not a bad thing but if a lot of people are talking at once it can become confusing who's saying what since most of the time everyone sounds exactly the same.

>I’m thinking about asking what happened here
Yeah that's a pretty good question, go ahead and ask it. Also ask what all the towers were for, since they seemed to have quite a few of the smaller ones dotted around the city and even the ruins of the big one is still pretty damn big.

>>1103073
Aw dammit, i told you t-
>>1103074
-... never mind.
Slight crispy but no injuries i hope silv.

Questions?
Start small.
Name of this place.
Purpose of it if not obvious from the name.
Maybe ask for a description of the species it does recognise as creators or main users, unless its database is a bit fritzed out.

One thing to consider.
This one is bluecored.
Seems quite friendly or at leadt accommodating.
Ask if we can help it facilitate repairs from nearby salvage.
I know we seem to try to make friends wherever we go, but this time it could be more literal.

>>1103074
Oh crap
Find a way to order them to cancel reformatting! If they reformat they'll become amnesiac and you'll lose all the knowledge you might need to scavenge and rebuild the goods in this place!

Ask for their protocols. Find a way to convince them that, as the only remaining sapient organic entity in this city, root authority is automatically assigned to you. They'll bend the knee if they are convinced you're the acting admin.

If you can't succeed in the above, at least ask what are the most useful materials this industrial sector produced and where to obtain them. You also need blueprints to create your own facility.

Industries like this can make or break civilizations. Every scrap of knowledge counts.

>>1103095

Do we know if they are doing a full reformat or just only of some disks to get them back to full use? Maybe there's a translation error?

Ask if by reformat, they mean wipe of their memories, or simply some maintenance on their ability to think that maintains their memories and personality and capabilities?

>>1103074
Where are the golems usually repaired? They should have parts and schematics there.

1/2 Silv 2025/02/03(Mon)12:47 No. 1103210 ID: 1effd3
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>>1103095
>>1103097
“What do you mean by ‘reformat’? You’re not giving yourself amnesia are you?”

“INCORRECT ASSUMPTION. THIS UNIT HAS BEEN INACTIVE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, AND IS ATTEMPTING TO OPTIMISE PERFORMANCE. MEMORY WILL BE UNAFFECTED.”

>What is this place? And what happened?
“What is this place?”

“THIS IS–WAS THE CITY OF MAINEFALIS, CAPITAL OF THE NATION OF ARMAGNICA. MOST ADVANCED NATION IN THE REALM.”

“What happened here?”

The golem is quiet for a few moments before speaking up again.
“HUBRIS.”

“Hubris?”

“MY CREATORS SOUGHT GREATER HEIGHTS TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE. THEY PERFORMED AN EXPERIMENT, AND THEY TORE MOST OF MAINEFALIS FROM OUR REALM, AND ENDED UP HERE.”

>Ask if it has any knowledge of the void.
“What do you know about the Void? Oh, that’s this place.”

The golem contemplates.
“...SHORTLY AFTER MAINEFALIS ARRIVED IN THE VOID, DARK CREATURES STARTED TO SWARM AND ATTEMPT TO EAT WHATEVER THEY COULD.”

“Voidlings.”

“ADDING TERM TO VOCABULARY. THE SMALL VOIDLINGS WERE NOT A PROBLEM, HOWEVER, LARGER ONES SOON APPEARED THAT COULD DAMAGE INFRASTRUCTURE. THE PROBLEM WAS COMPOUNDED BY A SEVERE DROP IN ARCANE FORCES DUE TO THE LEY LINES BEING DAMAGED.”

“Ley Lines? I think Tetsi mentioned something similar about the Manapulse Nexus…”

“WITHOUT ARCANE FORCES PRESENT, OUR ENERGY DEPLETED, AND MOST OF THE GOLEMS WENT SILENT, INCLUDING THIS UNIT.”

>Also ask what all the towers were for, since they seemed to have quite a few of the smaller ones dotted around the city and even the ruins of the big one is still pretty damn big.
“What are the towers?”
“THEY FORMERLY BROADCASTED ARCANE ENERGY FROM THE LEY LINES, WITH THE ONE WE ARE NEXT TO A PRIMARY BEACON. SMALLER ONES HELP SPREAD ENERGY AROUND, WITH SOME BUILDINGS HAVING DEDICATED TOWERS.”

2/2 Silv 2025/02/03(Mon)12:47 No. 1103211 ID: 1effd3
File 173861565480.png - (151.79KB , 900x750 , 020325_FromNothing2_013_JobHunting.png )

>Tell it of your situation, that should give it a good idea of the needs and moralities involved.
Silv explains to the golem about her collecting stuff and surviving in the Void.
“IMPRESSIVE, YOU ARE ABLE TO NAVIGATE AND SURVIVE THIS PLACE. SOMETHING MY CREATORS WERE SEEMINGLY UNABLE TO ACCOMPLISH.”

>Ask if we can help it facilitate repairs from nearby salvage. I know we seem to try to make friends wherever we go, but this time it could be more literal.
>Where are the golems usually repaired? They should have parts and schematics there.
“Can we help repair you? There's a bunch of other golems around, but you’re the only one that seemed like we could wake up. All the others are broken.”

“REPAIRS MUST BE DONE BY AN EXPERIENCED AUTOMATA ENGINEER, AS BODILY HARM IS VERY PROBABLE DUE TO INEXPERIENCE. REINSTALLING THIS CORE INTO ANOTHER UNIT IS MORE LIKELY TO SUCCEED. HOWEVER, CHANCES OF FINDING AN INTACT FRAME IS AROUND 2%-”

The golem trails off for a moment.
“...INCORRECT. THERE IS A 10% CHANCE, ASSUMING THE BEST CASE SCENARIO.”

“Really? What is it?”

“CURRENT CITY INTEGREY IS UNKNOWN TO THIS UNIT, BUT NEARBY SHOULD BE A MUSEUM.”

“Museum…?”

“CORRECT. IF INTACT, THERE IS A HIGHER PROBABILITY OF AN INTACT FRAME, DUE TO THEIR PRESERVATION TECHNIQUES.”

“So we just have to find this museum thing, and we can help you? Ok, we’ll go find it and-”

“WAIT.”

Silv stops and turns back to the golem, clicks and whirs coming from inside its body.
“THOSE THIS UNIT PREVIOUSLY SERVED ARE GONE, AND WILL NOT RETURN. BY DEFINITION, THIS UNIT IS FREE TO MAKE ITS OWN DIRECTIVE. IF YOU ARE CAPABLE OF RESTORING THIS UNIT TO FUNCTIONALITY… WE WILL REGISTER YOU AS OUR NEW MASTER, AND SERVE YOU TO THE BEST OF THIS UNITS ABILITY. OTHERWISE, THIS UNIT WILL RETURN TO SILENCE.”

>>1103211
Nice, a new ally! Tell it you'll do your best. Where's the museum?

>>1103211
Gathering the misfits of the Void is what we do. One of the things we've been doing, anyways. Welcome to the team! Assuming we find you a new body, that is.

sure, we're always up for making new friends. The void aint so bad when you have people around you to help. and speaking of help what do we need to do to help you fix yourself? just find a body and drag it back here or something else?

>>1103211
That sounds doable. Plus itll take us to a place of interest.
Ask for it to guide you in removing the core or whatever you must do.
Lets get him moving in short term.
Long term we can see if we can encourage some kind of steps towards a form of sentience like weaver seemed to be making.
If its possible.

If using that terminology makes them more comfortable, then sure. Now where would that museum be?

Nice. Let's start by recruiting some more voidlings. Have them carry the big guy around, in case we can't find a sustained chassis in time.

Alternatively we could just take the core with us. How many mega-cities did Armagnica have again? We might find survivors one day.

Think we can float him around with us as we explore?

1/1 Silv 2025/02/09(Sun)13:50 No. 1103543 ID: 1effd3
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>Think we can float him around with us as we explore?
>Nice. Let's start by recruiting some more voidlings. Have them carry the big guy around, in case we can't find a sustained chassis in time.
“Tetsi, I don’t think we have any way to move them…”

>Nice, a new ally! Tell it you'll do your best. Where's the museum?
>If using that terminology makes them more comfortable, then sure. Now where would that museum be?
“Where’s the museum?... Also what is a museum?”

“MUSEUMS ARE INSTITUTIONS IN WHICH RELICS OF THE PAST ARE DISPLAYED. THE LOCATION OF THE MUSEUM IS UNSURE TO THIS UNIT DUE TO DAMAGE, HOWEVER, THE BUILDING ITSELF HAS AN ARCANE TOWER INTEGRATED INTO ITS CONSTRUCTION.”

>Gathering the misfits of the Void is what we do. One of the things we've been doing, anyways. Welcome to the team! Assuming we find you a new body, that is.
>Alternatively we could just take the core with us.
>sure, we're always up for making new friends. The void aint so bad when you have people around you to help. and speaking of help what do we need to do to help you fix yourself? just find a body and drag it back here or something else?
>Ask for it to guide you in removing the core or whatever you must do.
“So how do we get you to your new body? We can’t really carry you…”

“ALL YOU SHOULD NEED TO DO IS INSTALL MY CORE INTO THE PROPER RECEPTACLE, AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. I SHALL BEGIN SHUTTING DOWN IN PREPARATION FOR CORE EXTRACTION…”

Air hisses as the golems lights go dark, and with the sound of grinding stone and metal, a panel opens on the side. A glass-like sphere, no bigger than a fist, lies inside.
“Like this?”

No response.

“I guess you can’t talk when you’re asleep, huh?”
Silv picks up the sphere from inside the golem and puts it in her bag.

Damaged Golem Core
The spell-channels within this core are damaged, but still functional. Less efficient, but it will make do.
Runic Affinity: Unknown, Unknown.

“Let’s see… tower… tower…”
Looking around, you can see 4 smaller towers, two one the city below, and two on the city above(where one has broken).
“Where should we check Tetsi?”
-Lower level, closer tower.
-Lower level, farther tower.
-Upper level towers.

>>1103543
arcane towers are generally pretty tall

Museums typically have grand architecture. But if you none of them look particularly fancy from here just start at the closest.

lets start with the closest tower and fan out from there. I mean we were planning on exploring this place anyways, might as well be thorough.

Lower City, far Tower.

If I remember our approach correctly, that tower is part of another building, while the close one is stand alone. The building is also in what looks like a once dense part of the city laid out for aesthetics, so probably the museum.

The upper city looked more like some sort of industry, not a population center. Hard to say from view we got coming in, but Lower City Far Tower is probably the best bet.

>>1103551
Sounds like an accurate take on the situation.
This way silv.

Be sure to put the core in something soft and protective, not just clanking around with your rocks or whatever and getting scratched

>>1103543
Honestly we should probably visit them all for knowledge. Try the closest one first.

Lower, closer.

>>1103551
Changing my vote to this, actually.

1/1 Silv 2025/02/15(Sat)12:24 No. 1103798 ID: 1effd3
File 173965107540.png - (759.05KB , 900x750 , 021525_FromNothing2_015_.png )

>Be sure to put the core in something soft and protective, not just clanking around with your rocks or whatever and getting scratched
“All I’ve got in my back is some runes, and some cooked glowshrooms. It’s safe to put in here, right?”

>Museums typically have grand architecture. But if you none of them look particularly fancy from here just start at the closest.
>lets start with the closest tower and fan out from there. I mean we were planning on exploring this place anyways, might as well be thorough.
>lower City, far Tower. If I remember our approach correctly, that tower is part of another building, while the close one is stand alone. The building is also in what looks like a once dense part of the city laid out for aesthetics, so probably the museum. The upper city looked more like some sort of industry, not a population center. Hard to say from view we got coming in, but Lower City Far Tower is probably the best bet.
>Sounds like an accurate take on the situation.-^
>Honestly we should probably visit them all for knowledge. Try the closest one first.
>Changing my vote to this, actually. ->>1103551

-Lower Close: 3
-Lower Far: 3
-Silvs choice: Lower Close.

—
Walking around the ruins and alleys, you travel to the nearest of the towers on the lower city. It appears to be just a lone tower in the middle of a city square(its circular though?), with a lot of Voidlings at the tower's base. You can actually see the father tower straight down the road, hiding behind another building. Maybe that’s the museum?
x3 Tremor Runes obtained.
x1 Ice Rune obtained.
Silvs bag is getting full…

“My bag is getting full… should we look around these buildings Tetsi, or head for the next tower?”

>>1103798
Head for the next tower.

One quick look.
Try to find a delivery mechanism of some kind. Something to launch your loot out into the air where you can retrieve it later.

Don't really need all these tremor runes. Combine some into ore runes to save space. Might as well see if that ice rune will combine with tremor or ore while you're at it.

I mean, I guess we could probably cut through some buildings to get to the next tower so I guess we can check them out as we're passing through.

Yeah, as you acquire too many runes you can experiment with combining them.
Maybe just cursory inspections, unless you see something interesting?

>>1103798
>All I’ve got in my back is some runes, and some cooked glowshrooms
you didn't bring the pick?

>>1103802
that'd be just wasting them, since we can just switch any rune to any other known rune without spending any. Better just try some of the combinations we don't have yet, like >>1103805 says

2/1 Silv 2025/02/15(Sat)17:09 No. 1103809 ID: 1effd3
File 173966818301.png - (119.63KB , 659x659 , 031524_FromNothing35.png )

>>1103802
>>1103808
"I suppose I could combine some runes, and I can convert them into other ones at will... What combinations would you like to try Tetsi?"

For previous combinations: https://questden.org/wiki/From_Nothing_Runes

I've been thinking about Toxin + Ore. Thinking about it a lot.

>>1103809
Hm.
What is our current carried count?

Oh, and we can invert a few tremors if we need to.
Oh!
Ice is an advanced on and we dont know what happens with ice tremor or ice breeze yet.
Not sur on the former but the latter sound a good candidate for a cone of arctic air.

>>1103810
That's fantastic!

I wanna see Primal combined with something. Perhaps Life, Nature, or Potion?

>>1103798
Maybe we can find another bag in one of these, or a storage container for our stuff back home.

>>1103809
so I'm a bit curious as to what happens if you combine a primal with eldritch

1/3 Silv 2025/02/25(Tue)08:23 No. 1104200 ID: 1effd3
File 174050060387.png - (243.27KB , 900x750 , 022425_FromNothing2_016_Runing.png )

x14 Runes available:

Rune combinations attempted:
Toxin+Ore= Success
Static+Static= Success
Breeze+Life= Failure
Life+Harm= Success
Tremor+Flare= Success
Toxin+Harm=Success
Primal+Eldritch= Failure(?)

The combination of Toxin and Ore created a new rune!
Corrosion Rune obtained! Inversion creates another rune. Decay Rune obtained!
“Corrosion and Decay… They’re kinda the same… Right?”

The combination of Static and Static created a new rune! It is slightly more unstable.
Charge Rune obtained! Inversion failed. Static spell has been improved.
“A new rune, and my Static spell got improved?”

Breeze and Life did not fuse. x2 runes lost.

The combination of Life and Harm created a new rune!
Cycle Rune obtained! Inversion creates another rune. Stagnate Rune obtained!
“Cycle and Stagnate…?”

The combination of Tremor and Flare created a new rune!
Convection Rune obtained! Inversion failed.
“???”

The combination of Toxin and Harm created a Decay Rune!
Alternate creation of Decay rune discovered.
“Huh, another alternate creation…”

Primal and Eldritch did not fuse… yet. x2 runes lost.
1 attempt performed.
“Doesn’t seem like that combo worked either Tetsi.”

THE CONCEPT REFUSES TO REALIZE, BUT IT IS THERE. MORE ATTEMPTS ARE REQUIRED.

x5 Runes remain in the bag.

2/3 Silv 2025/02/25(Tue)08:23 No. 1104201 ID: 1effd3
File 174050063469.png - (385.67KB , 900x750 , 022425_FromNothing2_017_Museum.png )

>One quick look.
>I mean, I guess we could probably cut through some buildings to get to the next tower so I guess we can check them out as we're passing through.
>Maybe we can find another bag in one of these, or a storage container for our stuff back home.

Silv weaves through broken buildings following the road to the next tower. It seems anything soft rotted away long ago, leaving only things that don’t decay as easily. There's crates and such, but carrying around one of those would be cumbersome while exploring.

—

The museum stands solitary in the city plaza, it’s windows shattered and walls cracked with age.

3/3 Silv 2025/02/25(Tue)08:24 No. 1104202 ID: 1effd3
File 174050065094.png - (197.23KB , 900x750 , 022425_FromNothing2_018_InTheHallsOfHistory.png )

“...Wow…” Silvs voice echoes through the dusty hall, light streaming in from the broken skylights. Long forgotten exhibits yearn to be witnessed once more, despite that none shall come.
But one has come.

“We can… take a look around right? I mean, to find the frame for this core, yeah…?”
Silv is doing a bad job of hiding her excitement.

kid the whole reason we're here is to explore. Knock yourself out and take a look around. Unless we find a layline I doubt we'll be coming back here so enjoy it while you can.

Corrosion and decay both represent an increase in entropy, but decay is wrought by life where corrosion is done through simple chemical reaction.

I always thought the static spell was missing something! Plus now we have a rune to make mana batteries with!

Cycle and Stagnate are conceptually linked to life. Put simply life is born then it dies. From it's body new life emerges. I don't think the rune has to interact with life exclusively though. Rather, it should iterate any closed loop.

Stagnate is just that, to stop a cycle. It could be used to create cursed immortals and undead, or to simply preserve food.

Convection has to do with the movement of heat through a medium. It can be used for climate control, weather spells, and well alchemy.

And primal plus eldritch seems... so powerful it needs multiple attempts? we'll worry about that later.

We should try imbuing more runes and spells into things when we get back...

Anyhoo, as for the here and now- Hell yeah! Take your time, Silv,
We're just as curious as you are!

>>1104200
>Breeze and Life did not fuse. x2 runes lost.
Ah. So there IS a cost to not doing this in a nexus.
>Life+Harm= Success
So fusions between inversions are possible? Interesting. When we have the runes to spare, I'd like to check out Flare+Stream and Tremor+Breeze, then.

>>1104202
Take your time, we're not in a hurry. Yet, at least.

>>1104200
We have a hidden insight. Primal plus Eldritch can work, but we'd have to attempt it multiple times. So, it's expensive, whatever it is. Might be worth dumping some runes into it every now and then to try getting it. Or maybe we wouldn't lose runes for trying it at home?

>>1104202
Yeah! Let's explore! Make note of anything intact. Are there any brochures?

Look around for the cool loot

>>1104200
>Corrosion is the inverse of Decay
I was not expecting that, but it makes sense if you twist the meanings. If decay is the death of multicelluar life into base components, the corrosion is the death of synthetic infrastructure (especially walls) into bacterial life. Try both runes out on living and nonliving beings, see what happens.

>Cycle and Stagnate
When applied to yourself, Cycle increases your regenerative biology (how fast you heal from wounds and disease) at the cost of lifespan. Stagnate does the opposite.

>Convection
Okay, you know how magical ice doesn't melt even after putting flames next to it? That's because the magic is suppressing convection, which represents the flow of heat transferring from excessively high areas to excessively low areas. If any form of energy is concentrated, in its natural state it seeks to expand outwards and transfer until all areas are even in energy suffusion. Now, the inverse of convection should be Vacuum, which is an absence of any matter or other means of transmission energy, but... this whole world is a Vacuum, and yet... it's not. It's not like the vacuum in most realities, which may be why you can't create Vacuum runes here.

Looks like attempting to merge Primal and Eldritch did something on our end, but it still fizzled. I get the feeling you shouldn't experiment with this until we're ready to fight a Horror.

>Museum
We're the last among the last sapient guests before this place is eaten by voidlings, so feel free to take everything you can. Find a chassis that emphasizes strength, if we can get our new golem to carry half the museum out, this mission will be a success.

>>1104202
I saw no deadline on the core.
We have time.
Moreso, its a wise use of it
You never know what youll discover.

I'm pretty sure in this case "convection" refers to the movement of lava underground.

>>1104200
>Corrosion and Decay
One is of inorganic material, the other of organic.

>Cycle and Stagnate
Cycle advances things, Stagnate halts them?

>Convection
This creates intense atmospheric heat, like from lava.

>1 attempt
Hm. Whatever it is, it either doesn't want to exist or reality doesn't want it to exist. It might be dangerous to press forward.

>>1104202
It's dark in here. We still have Marshlight prepared, right? Let's get a Marshlight going.

>>1104206
Let's save more experiments for later. We're down to 5 runes, we need at least 3 to craft a new spell if we need one while exploring here.

1/2 Silv 2025/03/04(Tue)11:07 No. 1104503 ID: 1effd3
File 174111525372.png - (627.22KB , 900x750 , 030425_FromNothing2_019_DontTouchTheExhibits.png )

>>1104204
>>1104206
>>1104215
>>1104220
>Let's save more experiments for later. We're down to 5 runes, we need at least 3 to craft a new spell if we need one while exploring here.
“You’re saying Primal and Eldritch did do something? We can try it again later, but it would probably waste a lot of runes… We don’t have many runes at home either, and they’re probably more useful for making the island bigger.”

>kid the whole reason we're here is to explore. Knock yourself out and take a look around. Unless we find a layline I doubt we'll be coming back here so enjoy it while you can.
>Hell yeah! Take your time, Silv, We're just as curious as you are!
>Look around for the cool loot
>Yeah! Let's explore! Make note of anything intact. Are there any brochures?
>It's dark in here. We still have Marshlight prepared, right? Let's get a Marshlight going.
Silv starts to walk around the dusty halls of the museum, placing Marshlights as she does, lighting the forgotten exhibits. Many are decayed and corroded, but from what you can tell, this museum mostly housed technological innovations and historic objects. There are some old rusted swords, broken energy devices, and broken golem frames. Some of the displays are missing however, but their plaques remain. You read some of them while Silv plays around with the exhibits.

First Attempt of Non-Magical Mechanical Flight
Designed in █████ by ████ ██████, this gyrodine was his first attempt at non-magical powered flight. He ████ ████ ████-(Most of the text is faded, and you quickly get bored.)

Rune-Conduit Engraving Laser
A damaged ████ used in the early days of Mainefalis. Used primarily in the construction of ████ golems and ████ towers to channel arcane energy more efficiently. The principle of █████-(You quickly get bored again.)

Failed Prototype Battery Core
One of the first Core prototypes used in arcane devices. This specific prototype could hold a large amount of arcane energy, however would discharge it all incredibly quickly. ████ was damaged in ████ during testing, and no longer ████-(You once again, get bored.)

After exploring and playing with the exhibits for a while, you and Silv head for the other side of the museum. Most objects in the remaining exhibit halls are rusted bits-n-bobs, devices broken beyond repair, and small magical trinkets with no clear use.

2/2 Silv 2025/03/04(Tue)11:07 No. 1104504 ID: 1effd3
File 174111526957.png - (405.11KB , 704x750 , 030425_FromNothing2_020_Storage.png )

After breaking down a stubborn door, Silv enters a backroom of sorts, full of crates and workstations, all looking rather dilapidated.
“We didn’t find anything in the main area, but this place seems like storage. Do you think we’ll find a working golem frame here Tetsi? The golem said they’d be in good condition here, but everything so far isn’t looking great...”
“Wait, what's that?”

The back of the room has several large cylindrical containers, connected to the wall by pipes and conduits. Beside them is a cracked glass panel, and a receptacle that is connected to the walls piping.
“I guess this must be it… It’s got the thing to put the orb like the golem said. S I just put this here and-”

As Silv puts the golem core onto the receptacle, it quickly gets pulled into the wall with a loud *clunk*, and vanishes. Duller clunks can be heard behind the wall and in the pipes. Nothing else happens.
“I suppose I probably need to charge this thing? Like with the golem?”

That glass panel needs a charge yes. But is our improved spark too much for it? We need something to test it on.

>>1104504
Not sure. What's that next to the wall, a control panel? The mechanisms here are still functional so there's at least some power, which means the control panel should work. We shouldn't need to charge anything, just gotta push the right buttons.

Let's do an infusion.
Go back and grab the Failed Prototype Battery Core.
infuse it with the new CHARGE rune.
Instruction: Invert base function; Reconfigure into Regulated arcane energy emitter/charging device;Set Power Source(Rune);

Then use the infused device powered by a static rune to charge the machine.

>>1104522
Pretty much this. And keep the Battery Core, you might be able to jury-rig an EMP out of it (electric explosive, deals extra damage to golems and other machines while keeping life intact). Extremely useful against giant robots.

>>1104503
I'm wondering if you're probably better off keeping that helmet? You don't wanna get your head hurt after all.

>(You quickly get bored again.)
What's happening to our attention span? Usually we're very interested in how this kind of stuff works.

the battery core might be useful but from what was readable from the plaque it sounds like while it can hold a nice charge it's just going to dump it all at once the same if you just zapped the machine yourself... though if you do need a larger charge than your normal zap then it could be useful.

>>1104504
I think youre right.
Just remember about the potential feedback zaps this time.
If you zap yourself too often youll do yourself a mischief

I think its implied the acutal displays are missing, its only thier info cards

>>1104527
Yeah but I'm pretty sure the methods these people used and the methods is and Silv use are fundamentally different. Its almost like these people were writing code in assembly, but it's and Silv are writing in Python with ChatGpt open. Their way was more powerful, but we can do more with way, way less.
Earlier, we made a magic artifact by shoving a rune and some void goop together. Something automated the change.
The way I see it, the flawed, broken battery is just raw material and a ball of concepts. The item itself should be less important than the concepts represented by it's existence, theoretically at least. I dunno if it'll work, but I think it's worth a rune to find out.

>>1104504
Yeah, looks like the panel needs power to run the activation process. If we find the generator and stick a marshlight in it, the normal power system should ensure it doesn't let too much power throigh and overload. Follow where the tubes and wires go.

1/4 Silv 2025/03/07(Fri)11:54 No. 1104619 ID: 1effd3
File 174137726352.png - (87.55KB , 900x750 , 030725_FromNothing2_021_SomethingPrecious.png )

>I'm wondering if you're probably better off keeping that helmet? You don't wanna get your head hurt after all.
“But my hat is important to me!”

2/4 Silv 2025/03/07(Fri)11:54 No. 1104620 ID: 1effd3
File 174137727962.png - (122.58KB , 900x750 , 030725_FromNothing2_022_SomethingBorrowed.png )

“...Wait, why is it important…?”

3/4 Silv 2025/03/07(Fri)11:55 No. 1104621 ID: 1effd3
File 174137730351.png - (186.97KB , 900x750 , 030725_FromNothing2_023_ForcedReboot.png )

>>1104522
>>1104523
>>1104527
>I think its implied the actual displays are missing, it's only their info cards.
The plaques you read before were from displays that were missing their exhibits. Unfortunate, because you’re sure they were cool.

>>1104545
Silv nods along, but it’s clear to you she has no idea what you are talking about.

>Yeah, looks like the panel needs power to run the activation process. If we find the generator and stick a marshlight in it, the normal power system should ensure it doesn't let too much power throigh and overload. Follow where the tubes and wires go.
From the looks of the pipes and conduits, they appear to be connected to the Arcane Tower of the museum. If it's supposed to power the whole building, Marshlight probably wouldn’t be enough, even for this backroom.

>That glass panel needs a charge yes. But is our improved spark too much for it?
>Not sure. What's that next to the wall, a control panel? The mechanisms here are still functional so there's at least some power, which means the control panel should work. We shouldn't need to charge anything, just gotta push the right buttons.
>I think youre right. Just remember about the potential feedback zaps this time. If you zap yourself too often youll do yourself a mischief
Silv does as you say, and starts tapping the glass panel, looking for buttons.
...There are no buttons, just a dark piece a cracked glass.
“Ok that doesn’t work. Now to use Static carefully.”

Grabbing the sides of the panel, Silv tries to cast Static as carefully as she can, and thanks to her spell being improved, she has improved control of the power output!
Starting out low and slowly ramping up, the glass panel begins to flicker to life.

4/4 Silv 2025/03/07(Fri)11:55 No. 1104622 ID: 1effd3
File 174137732529.png - (419.51KB , 900x750 , 030725_FromNothing2_024_Build-A-Bot-Workshop.png )

Many buttons and text appear on the glass panel.
“Hey, I did it! So uhh.. What’s it saying Tetsi?”

—
Golem Restoration System Online
WARNING: Damaged core inserted. Core Stress limited. Please insert different core, or repair the current core.
Damaged Core Stress Limit: 2/3 Available.
One module pre-loaded into Frame: No. M31-D.

Caretaking Module Ω: [Core Stress 1]
Install Location: Head.
████████████████████████████████████

Modules found in storage. Accessing records…
...
...
...Records Located. Displaying available modules:

Mobility Module α: [Core Stress 1]
Install location: Legs.
Enhanced lateral mobility for the unit. Not compatible with Mobility Module β.

Mobility Module β: [Core Stress 2]
Install location: Legs.
Enhanced vertical mobility for the unit. Not compatible with Mobility Module α.

Bio-Furnace Module λ: [Core Stress 1]
Install Location: Torso.
Allows the unit to fuel itself using biological matter, assisting if offsetting energy requirements.

Machine Learning Module α: [Core Stress 1]
Install Location: Head.
Capable of memorizing and performing physical actions. Can memorize 2 instances.

Security Module Δ: [Core Stress 2]
Install Location: Arm.
███████████████████████████████████

What modules would you like to install? 2 Core Stress is available for module installation.
—

You tell Silv what the panel says.
“Modules? Install? I don’t understand what any of that means, but you seem to do Tetsi, so I’ll let you choose what to do, and tell me what to press on the glass!”

Modules are things that give the golem more abilities.
To install something is to attach and make ready for use.

Currently it has a "Caretaker" Module Installed...
No info as to what that means, probably useful though.

Available is...
Something that looks like a weapon, Something to let it learn, Something to let it "eat" so it uses less mana, Something that lets it fly, float, or jump good, and something that lets it go fast.

We can choose two unless we pick the Weapon or the Flight(?) module, those have to be taken on their own with nothing else.

Personally I think we should get the Speed (Mobility Alpha) and Learning modules.

They got swords and shields here (a few of which we should totally take) which can pass for weapons should we need them and energy use is a problem we can solve on our own. Passing up upwards mobility hurts but i think passing up machine learning hurts more.

Okay, a module is a part that can be installed on many different types of entities, so you could put it on a guard robot, a walking supercomputer, or even a nurse droid, and it would give all of the above the same abilities.
Modules are going to be useful from here outward; if one of your golems breaks down, you can take their core and modules and stuff them in another. That is, if you can find a shipment of spare chasses in time.

Caretaking module Omega looks like the program installed on the core. Looks like they're supposed to start out at 0 stress but the damage increased it to 1. But we don't have any means of fixing them, so whatever.

Get the Bio-furnace. We don't have any means of efficiently powering golems, so giving our new friend an alternate means of absorbing power - through our farms - will be essential. We can worry about efficiency later, right now we need them functional and ready to carry as much of this island's tech resources as possible.

Last module will be Mobility Module Alpha. This gives the golem faster movement speed, but no jump jets to defy gravity... but since we're kind of stuck in a space void, we can just parachute from the top if we need items from higher locations.

Alright, once your new servant is up and running, their primary objective should be to find a way to repair and reconstruct even more golems, secondary objective will be collecting any rare components that are at risk of being eaten by the voidlings. Once you've reconstructed an army (or at least tried), have the golem(s) build a cart and carry as much resource as you can, then make it back to the island and deposit. Repeat for the ice island, and continue making trips until the giants arrive.

Seems simple enough. Let's get into the world-building business!

>>1104620
Did your teacher give you that hat? I wonder if your teacher was also your mother?
>>1104622
Hard pass on the security module. We already saw how that can go bad! Though, it is on the arm, which implies it's a weapon and not a behavior alteration... still, better safe than sorry, especially since it has a blacked-out description.

Hmm, I think getting a mobility upgrade is important. During a tough fight, you need to stay mobile, and by perching on the robot it can handle both your evasive needs. Without a detailed description it's hard to tell exactly how good either one is, but I'm leaning towards the first one.
If we're doing that, Machine Learning seems like the best option for the leftover point, since while Bio-Furnace would be good for efficiency, we don't know how much organic matter it consumes and you might be able to recharge the bot with your advanced Static anyway.

>>1104624
Caretaker is Installed on the Golem head not the core itself.
We would have more max Stress if the core were undamaged.
Starting at 1 instead of 0 is because Caretaker fills 1 stress slot.

I feel the bio-furnace is a must since we really don't have a way to reliably recharge a golem should it run out of power

next I'll say Learning Module as I feel that would be more useful though I won't say no to Module α but I don't think that is as important since the description says Enhance so I believe they'll be able to move around even without it.

so Bio-Furnace and Learning Module have my votes

>>1104622
Both αs will work fine, I think

>>1104635
>I feel the bio-furnace is a must since we really don't have a way to reliably recharge a golem should it run out of power
I mean I'm pretty sure Static's got us covered

>>1104624
I agree with kome, his ideas are well thought-out and rational.

>>1104620
It matters to you, so it matters to us.
You'll remember one day.
Likely out of nowhere.
Besides that, its cute.

>>1104624
Improved speed may also confer improved carrying capacity which we could really do with.
Agreed on the biofurnace.

For now our new pal wont be operating independantly so machine learning isnt as important as it will become.

I'll be closing the suggestions in a few days to a week, so get what modules u want installed into the golem, as an upcoming update might take me some time due to other obligations and plans

1/1 Silv 2025/03/12(Wed)11:27 No. 1104849 ID: 1effd3
File 174180404261.gif - (139.16KB , 560x467 , 031225_FromNothing2_025_Initializing.gif )

>Did your teacher give you that hat? I wonder if your teacher was also your mother?
“I… don’t know…?”

>It matters to you, so it matters to us. You'll remember one day. Likely out of nowhere. Besides that, its cute.
“Thank you, Tetsi.”

>>1104623
>>1104624
>>1104632
>>1104634
>>1104635
>>1104656
>>1104681
Votes:
Mobility α: 6 votes
Learning α: 4 votes
Bio-Furnace λ: 4 votes

Silv must break the tie in the vote!
“You have a lot of good points Testi…”
“The golem being able to eat would be neat, but we don’t really have that good of a food supply. We can likely recharge it using Static or runes like before, and getting runes is probably easier. I’m not sure exactly what ‘machine learning’ is, but it sounds better in the long term, so I think I’ll vote for the Learning Module.”

Silvs vote has been cast!
-Mobility α
-Learning α

“So now I just tap these things on the glass, right?” Silv asks, tapping icons on the glass.
The icons shift around, and a new dialog box appears.

—
Golem Restoration Initialized
Frame: No. M31-D: Core Stress 3/3 with current Modules:

Caretaking Module Ω: [Core Stress 1]
Mobility Module α: [Core Stress 1]
Machine Learning Module α: [Core Stress 1]

Begin Golem Restoration Sequence?
-NO
>YES
—

Silv presses the button.

—
Golem Restoration Initialized
Process might take some time: Please stand by…
—

Clunking can be heard from within the walls, air begins to hiss from pipes, and the arcane conduits begin to activate. You and Silv take a couple of steps back as things happen.

I wonder if the core will like it's new configuration... I hope so.

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.

>>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?

>>1105875
I hope not.
The way kazooie is shaking...
Oh.
Thats something to watch out for.
In this environment at least, they react to dangers we may miss.
Good bo-..uh good gi-..
...hm.
Way to go little backpack dude.

If you need to turn a corner till we leave that thing waaay behind, poke us out a little and we'll see if we can spot danger.

Tech rune though.
Nice find.

>>1105877
I think its a Runeling like the plant one... but what is this ones.. rune-element thing

Oh, if we do decide fighting it might be worth it, we should get Galena to help, and put Kazooie down in a safe spot.

I mean, we got a large enough variety of runes to create some terrifying offensive magic. It's just that runes are kinda at a premium right now.

If we're gonna burn 3 for a spell we'll be kinda locked in to hunting until we can find more runes. There *Should* be a ton around here somewhere. That also mean's there *Should* be something just as horrific as hidden around here as well.

High risk, High reward- but do we want to kick that hornet's nest?

1/5 Silv 2025/04/15(Tue)14:03 No. 1106312 ID: 1effd3
File 174475100792.png - (566.40KB , 900x750 , 041525_FromNothing2_037_.png )

>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?
>I think its a Runeling like the plant one... but what is this ones.. rune-element thing
”Big. Very big.”

>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.
>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.
>We literally just got three runes, we could make flame mortar again if we wanted to. But do we want to?
>I mean, we got a large enough variety of runes to create some terrifying offensive magic. It's just that runes are kinda at a premium right now. If we're gonna burn 3 for a spell we'll be kinda locked in to hunting until we can find more runes. There *Should* be a ton around here somewhere. That also means there *Should* be something just as horrific as hidden around here as well. High risk, High reward- but do we want to kick that hornet's nest?
>Oh, if we do decide fighting it might be worth it, we should get Galena to help, and put Kazooie down in a safe spot.
”We knew about the Nature Runeling before and were prepared for it. We didn’t expect one right here, right now! I don’t know if Galena can fight, but we need to plan. We should go back and see what Galena thinks.”

2/5 Silv 2025/04/15(Tue)14:03 No. 1106313 ID: 1effd3
File 174475103302.png - (176.14KB , 900x750 , 041525_FromNothing2_038_Investigation_Begin.png )

>If you need to turn a corner till we leave that thing waaay behind, poke us out a little and we'll see if we can spot danger. Tech rune though. Nice find.
”Ok, I’ll poke you around the corner. What do you see?”


Tech Runeling

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

Abilities:

3/5 Silv 2025/04/15(Tue)14:04 No. 1106314 ID: 1effd3
File 174475105251.png - (233.39KB , 900x750 , 041525_FromNothing2_039_IMMA.png )

Prototype Battery Core:Unstable energy storage device. Stores a lot of energy, but can release its energy suddenly and quickly.

4/5 Silv 2025/04/15(Tue)14:04 No. 1106315 ID: 1effd3
File 174475107701.png - (282.66KB , 900x750 , 041525_FromNothing2_040_FIRIN.png )

Conduit Engraving Laser: Device to carve into stone and metal to lay the basis of rune-conduits. Power output unstable.

5/5 Silv 2025/04/15(Tue)14:06 No. 1106317 ID: 1effd3
File 174475120838.png - (730.23KB , 900x750 , 041525_FromNothing2_041_MAH_LAZAH.png )

BWEEEEEEEEEEEM

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
Silv runs as fast as she can to the edge of the plateau, not daring to look back. After running all the way back to the museum, does Silv stop to catch her breath. The Tech Runeling has not followed you.

>>1106317
Wheeeeeeee! AGAIN! AGAIN!

>>1106317
Holy moly! Yeah that's a scary opponent. Good news, it takes a little bit to charge that laser. We could potentially fight it with Galena's help. Strike, move behind cover, strike again, repeat. We can also try attacking it from an angle it can't retaliate from, like on top of a roof. Or we could scout around around it to see if there's any way to, say, drop a big rock onto it from the safety of the rooftops.

Let's see what Galena thinks.

Or maybe we could collapse a building onto it...?

Holy shit they have a death ray!

OK THAN. We now know that it can shoot lasers. If you could find a mirror you could possibly reflect the attack back at the thing but I doubt we'll find one around here given how ruined everything is. Also I think I found a weakness on the thing if we do end up getting into a fight with the thing for whatever reason.

It has an unstable power source that can't really control how much energy it gives off, so if you can target it, it could cause it to go critical and explode and if you can't you could probably get it to waste it's shots as it should run out of energy fairly quickly meaning that unless it has somewhere to recharge it won't be able to use it's strongest attacks once it runs out of power. Just obviously make sure not to get hit by said attacks while it still holds a charge.

So in short it seems to be more of a burst fighter. LOTS of power up front but if you can drag it out into a prolonged fight it will quickly tire... or at least that's what I got from it in the few seconds we got a chance to take a peek.

>>1106329
>If you could find a mirror you could possibly reflect the attack back at the thing but I doubt we'll find one around here given how ruined everything is.
Any sufficiently polished metal is a mirror, and we have access to plenty of metal AND someone who's a pro at cleaning.

>>1106321
oh yeah, just bait it into taking out the supports on a tower and it will crush itself. a classic move.

But hopefully we don't have to go up there again. Lets see if Galena is finished what she was doing.

Oh, it's got a Guardian laser.

Well, the good news is that if it's incorporating tech, that means it's made itself vulnerable to any exploits in that tech. We should talk to Galena about what their golem tech is weak to.

>>1106317
Bwah!
Bigbadblubeams!
Cheese it!
Uh.
I mean Flee! At all haste!
No straight lines!
Zig zag.
Serpentine, silv, serpentine!

I would bury it under rubble, but... I wonder...

If you could goad this Tank to fire at the foundations, you could detach entire buildings and spend some time moving them to act as miniature islands surrounding your home to make a proper archipelago.

Right now, it's too great a threat to face. But find some way to lure it into shooting at floors and walls. Colored tags or certain scents might cause a reaction, so place those around town and see where it shoots.

>>1106317
The weapon and its energy storage medium are both unstable. Do your best to try and provoke it into attacking repeatedly so long as you can do so without putting yourself in greater danger. It will likely explode if it continues to use unstable high energy equipment.

I just thought of a simple, useful spell for this.

Breakpoint

Static-Tech-Stagnate

Tech extends Static and Stagnate.
Tech is the core of the spell.

Interface with target - suspend operation at current state.
If target throws error[any] or denies access, then forcibly cease energy flow within target.

---That's It---

Any tech item or tech affinity creature affected by this spell will seize until the spell ends. Simple argets and Insecure tech can be stopped indefinitely with virtually no mana cost. Complex and Secure targets may continuously drain mana and may remain partially functional during the duration.
This spell may cause lasting harm to bio-technological entities.
This spell will fail on anything non-technological that lacks tech affinity.

If we meet up with Galena, we can use this spell to freeze the Tech Beast while she bludgeons it to death! Free runes!

>>1106434
A DDOS spell seems useful, but I think we're forgetting the runeling isn't just its incorporated tech. Even if this works and we could freeze up its laser, it's still a massive voidling and could just step on us. We need a suitable weapon of our own first.

>>1106456
Yeah I was thinking the same.
I figure since it's at least tech affinitied, the laser will shut down but the body will only be partially affected.

You think Galena won't be enough to take it?
I imagine a combat Golem limb bludgeon or piece of rebar would be enough once we hit the thing with the spell, in the hands of a robot, that is.

>>1106360
We dont have a real driving need to fight it that we know of.
Nevertheless, planning out a way to fight it is worthwhile.
So dont worry silv.
Were not gonna urge you to run right at it, but if we end up cornered better to figure this out now than in the middle of it.

1/2 SIlv 2025/05/03(Sat)09:54 No. 1107431 ID: 1effd3
File 174629127898.png - (224.21KB , 900x750 , 050225_FromNothing2_042_recordkeeping.png )

Reentering the museum, you and Silv find Galena in the storage room organizing some things into crates. She turns to you as you approach.
“Master Silv, you appear to be out of breath. Are you alright?”

>Let's see what Galena thinks.
Silv tells Galena about Kazooie, and the Runeling in the raised city.
“That is indeed a dangerous foe you encountered. According to the museum's records, a broken energy device and etching laser were removed shortly prior to the Mainefalis incident, and this Runeling seems to have taken possession of them. However, I am perplexed as to how they’re functioning.”

>Lets see if Galena is finished what she was doing.
“Before we continue on about the Runeling, did you finish what you needed to do?”

“Yes. I’ve investigated the records and collected anything that might be of use, ranging from historical texts to some technical documents.” she says, gesturing to a bunch of trapezoidal objects inside a crate.
“Also, referencing the records last interaction dates, I can confirm the Mainefalis incident occurred… roughly 347 years ago.”

“That’s so long ago… How old does that make you Galena?”

“...This frame was constructed roughly 100 years before the incident, making it about 447 years old. My actual core would be 424.”

2/2 SIlv 2025/05/03(Sat)09:55 No. 1107432 ID: 1effd3
File 174629131002.png - (256.35KB , 900x750 , 050225_FromNothing2_043_.png )

>>1106319
>Or maybe we could collapse a building onto it...?
>>1106329
>We dont have a real driving need to fight it that we know of. Nevertheless, planning out a way to fight it is worthwhile. So dont worry silv. Were not gonna urge you to run right at it, but if we end up cornered better to figure this out now than in the middle of it.
“The main reason I can think of fighting it is for the Runes it’d drop, and we do need a lot of runes.”

“Given the risk factor, I agree with planning countermeasures for should the need arise. I recommend observing it to learn more of its behaviors.”

>I would bury it under rubble, but... I wonder… If you could goad this Tank to fire at the foundations, you could detach entire buildings and spend some time moving them to act as miniature islands surrounding your home to make a proper archipelago. Right now, it's too great a threat to face. But find some way to lure it into shooting at floors and walls. Colored tags or certain scents might cause a reaction, so place those around town and see where it shoots.
“Etching lasers are not designed to be that powerful, only going about a centimeter into the surface layer of a material. Granted, it is somehow functioning while broken, so an investigation into these characteristics is valid.”

>If you could find a mirror you could possibly reflect the attack back at the thing but I doubt we'll find one around here given how ruined everything is.
>Any sufficiently polished metal is a mirror, and we have access to plenty of metal AND someone who's a pro at cleaning.
“Unfortunately, reflective metal and mirrors do not alter an etching laser's trajectory. Highly polished crystal would, but the odds of finding that currently are near zero.”

>Well, the good news is that if it's incorporating tech, that means it's made itself vulnerable to any exploits in that tech. We should talk to Galena about what their golem tech is weak to.
>The weapon and its energy storage medium are both unstable. Do your best to try and provoke it into attacking repeatedly so long as you can do so without putting yourself in greater danger. It will likely explode if it continues to use unstable high energy equipment.
>>1106434
>A DDOS spell seems useful, but I think we're forgetting the runeling isn't just its incorporated tech. Even if this works and we could freeze up its laser, it's still a massive voidling and could just step on us. We need a suitable weapon of our own first.
>Yeah I was thinking the same. I figure since it's at least tech affinity, the laser will shut down but the body will only be partially affected. You think Galena won't be enough to take it? I imagine a combat Golem limb bludgeon or piece of rebar would be enough once we hit the thing with the spell, in the hands of a robot, that is.
“A forced shutdown spell… I did not know such a thing existed.”

“I don’t fully understand how, but I can make new spells using the runes we collect.”

“Astonishing Master Silv. Able to create spells and choose their effects… Even experienced mages from Mainefalis would spend years attempting such things.”
“Even if it doesn’t fully stop the Runeling, I am confident that limiting its actions would allow us to slay it. However I do have a question Master Silv.”

“Yes?”

“If it fuses with anything that has a tech affinity, would I not get consumed by it?”

”...I did not think of that. But wait, if it merges with nearby tech, shouldn’t it be like… the entire island?”

to be fair we never actually saw it fuse with anything, it already was packing that laser when we stumbled across it. If it can absorb tech I doubt it's as simple as it just having to touch whatever it wants to absorb. Granted it does have some understanding of tech if it can graft the laser onto itself in the first place but I don't really see it making the thing more dangerous than just having the thing crush you with it's bulk. Either way it's going to ruin your day.

Surely the entire island isn't tech. Most of it should be like, stone and concrete.

For it to integrate the laser so functionally would suggest it has some intelligence. Maybe we could get our little friends to help out more.

Anyway better not risk Galena, at least until we observe it near some other tech to see if it absorbs it.

>>1107432
The other runeling we fought was similar, wasn't it? It absorbed a tree and vines, but not the ground. I can think of two explanations for why the runeling hasn't absorbed more of the island:
1, it can only fuse with things that are very close in concept to its rune. The buildings have too many elements that make them aligned with stone instead of tech.
2, it is limited by its size.
As for why it was able to use the damaged tech, well, I think the most likely explanation is that it's using its own body to fill in for the damage. It's also possible that it deconstructed the broken tech and reformed them as its own? But that seems too difficult.

Anyway, let's do more observation of the enemy I suppose?

>>1107432
Attempt to merge it with a large heap of concrete traveling at profound velocity from above.

>>1107432
However it integrates tech or qualifies something as tech, Galena would definitely be vulnerable. Depending what form the anti-tech spell takes, getting her near where it's being cast could also damage her.

We need to find some sort of ranged weapon for her. Do the records she found have anything about the city's siege defenses?

The fusion process is a rarity that happens in non-natural circumstances - for instance, a mass of voidlings left to starve with nothing but their own rune refuse in a pit.

Further absorption is possible but may be difficult for this specific souped-up Runeling.

Let's disable the maniac. We can do a study on the components, see if it's better to capture or dissect it.

>>1107431
Resist the urge to call her big sis galen.
Resist i say.
>>1107432
Runes reward and stopping this thing thing either reaching an unmanagable size or some kind of voidling critical mass...
Need to be catious with galen though.
Shes right.
It could absorb her.
May even be drawn to her...
Hang on.
Was it destroying or smashing the technit absorbed?
If not, that could mean galen would be able to lure it with less risk of being shot as it wouldnt want to destroy all that delicious fresh technology...

1/1 Silv 2025/05/14(Wed)11:40 No. 1108016 ID: 1effd3
File 174724804657.png - (176.48KB , 900x750 , 051425_FromNothing2_044_.png )

>Resist the urge to call her big sis galen. Resist i say.
”Why would I call her big sis Galen?”

>to be fair we never actually saw it fuse with anything, it already was packing that laser when we stumbled across it. If it can absorb tech I doubt it's as simple as it just having to touch whatever it wants to absorb. Granted it does have some understanding of tech if it can graft the laser onto itself in the first place but I don't really see it making the thing more dangerous than just having the thing crush you with it's bulk. Either way it's going to ruin your day.
>Surely the entire island isn't tech. Most of it should be like, stone and concrete. For it to integrate the laser so functionally would suggest it has some intelligence. Maybe we could get our little friends to help out more. Anyway, better not risk Galena, at least until we observe it near some other tech to see if it absorbs it.
>>1107450
>However it integrates tech or qualifies something as tech, Galena would definitely be vulnerable. Depending what form the anti-tech spell takes, getting her near where it's being cast could also damage her.
>The fusion process is a rarity that happens in non-natural circumstances - for instance, a mass of voidlings left to starve with nothing but their own rune refuse in a pit. Further absorption is possible but may be difficult for this specific souped-up Runeling. Let's disable the maniac. We can do a study on the components, see if it's better to capture or dissect it.
>Runes reward and stopping this thing thing either reaching an unmanagable size or some kind of voidling critical mass… Need to be cautious with galen though. Shes right. It could absorb her. May even be drawn to her… Hang on. Was it destroying or smashing the technit absorbed? If not, that could mean galen would be able to lure it with less risk of being shot as it wouldnt want to destroy all that delicious fresh technology...
“Tetsi has a few ideas, but they generally agree it’s too big of a risk to you without us learning more. They do want us to stop it before it gets too big, and they said something about critical mass…?”

“Critical mass?” Galena ponders for a moment.
“Is it possible that the Runeling has a maximum threshold related to its size?”

“Threshold?”

“Let me rephrase: Can its body only support a certain amount of runic mass? Like trying to carry overly stuffy luggage.”

“Huh. I think I get it. Like it gets full from eating?”

“Exactly. This also helps explain the presence of specific runes in its concentrated area.”
“I can begin observation later, for I would like to take these supplies back to your place of residence, as well as familiarize myself with what remains of Mainefalis. The decision is ultimately yours however.”

“We’ve been gone for several hours… I feel like we should go check on Fern and make sure they’re ok. What do you think Tetsi?”

Options:
-Return to Fern with supplies.
-Other
-Investigate the light.

>>1108016
The light? Do you mean the other island? If we're done with this one, then let's check on Fern.

>>1108016
Investigate the Light

We do need to figure this out before the home freezes, but it would be good to unload some supplies first. Lets ask Galena if she knows anything about the light on the way.

Heading back will give Galena a good view of the whole island, and yeah we should go grab Fern.

...

Also, our island has likely changed in our absence, I wanna see if that hot spring really did appear.

I'm pretty confident we'll have an opportunity to return here to give this place a more thorough go around, but I've got the feeling it'll be more dangerous next time we come. I really don't like the idea of keeping that laser voidling alive, especially since our island is going to come into close contact with- or even possibly get stuck floating with- this one.

>>1108016
She seems to be a lot older than you.
And taller.
Plus shes giving off a big sister aura.
Aaaand a nickname would be a sign of affection.

Never mind.

Fern, drop supplies.
Ask galena about the light.
A good plan.
Maybe get her input on the island on return if there arent anynimmediate emergencies to deal with.

>>1108016
Yeah, we can head back and regroup. Further exploration can be a project for tomorrow.

1/4 Silv 2025/05/21(Wed)17:10 No. 1108391 ID: 1effd3
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-Home/Fern:5
-Other:0
-Light:1
You have chosen to head home for the day(?).

>Heading back will give Galena a good view of the whole island, and yeah we should go grab Fern.
>Check on Fern
>Yeah, we can head back and regroup. Further exploration can be a project for tomorrow.
“Let’s head back home! We need to introduce you to everyone else there.”

“Very well Master Silv.”

Galena picks up the crate of supplies, and follows you and Silv outside into Mainefalis.
x2 Tremor and x2 Frost runes obtained.

>She seems to be a lot older than you. And taller. Plus shes giving off a big sister aura. Aaaand a nickname would be a sign of affection.
”Oooooh I see.”
”...What’s big sister aura?”

>Lets ask Galena if she knows anything about the light on the way.
The void gets colder as you leave the ruins of Mainefalis towards home. You have a good view of the other island, crusted in ice and frost, and the strange light between the two islands.
“Galena, do you know anything about that light there?”

“I do not. It was not present 347 years ago during the incident, but it appears to be lighting up both islands quite well..”
She glances back at Mainefalis.
“I can also confirm that 98% of the Mainefalis landmass is gone.”

“That’s… a lot.”

>Also, our island has likely changed in our absence, I wanna see if that hot spring really did appear.
”You really want that hotspring Tetsi… but why would there be one after we left? Don’t we have to make it?”

CHEKHOV'S GUN HAS BEEN LOADED.

2/4 Silv 2025/05/21(Wed)17:11 No. 1108392 ID: 1effd3
File 174787266397.png - (212.48KB , 900x750 , 052125_FromNothing2_046_.png )

“Fern, we’re back! And we’ve got a new friend!”

The frost has built up a bit more since you left, and Fern is huddling near the fire. Upon seeing you, they jump up and give Silv a hug.
“Chirp! Chiiiirp?”

“This is Galena! She’s going to be joining us!”
“Galena, this is Fern, our plant friend!”

Galena puts down the crate and quickly bows.
“Pleasure to meet you Fern.”
She glances around at the island.
“I see that I have… A lot to work with.”, she says with maybe the slightest hint of exasperation.

3/4 Silv 2025/05/21(Wed)17:11 No. 1108393 ID: 1effd3
File 174787268674.png - (135.93KB , 900x750 , 052125_FromNothing2_047_Chekhovs_Gun.png )

Flan and Flumph interact with the new arrival Kazooie, but someone's missing.
“Hey Fern, do you know where Naiad is?”

Fern suddenly freezes and begins swaying slightly. They’re trying to avoid eye contact with you.
“Chiiiiiiiiiiiiirp…?”

“Master Silv, I do believe they’ve misbehaved somehow.”

“...Fern, what did you do?”

4/4 Silv 2025/05/21(Wed)17:11 No. 1108394 ID: 1effd3
File 174787270866.png - (310.84KB , 900x750 , 052125_FromNothing2_048_Your_Naiad_Evolved!.png )

“...Why is Naiad like three times larger than before?”

Do you have any requests, Galena? We have tech runes now, so we could make a section of the island with a tech affinity.

>>1108393
Fern, did you feed Naiad something?
This is slightly worrying. We need to avoid letting our voidlings getting any bigger than that. We still don't know that much about how their lifecycle works or how likely the bigger forms are to eat bits of our home island.

>>1108393
See?
Big sister aura.
Projecting the fear of being told off to any misbehaving younger sibling in the radius of effect. Fear of punishment or even worse than that,them being disappointed in you.

Uh.
Naid IS looking a lot bigger...
Usually returning to a significantly larger exotic pet means they ate the others, but they seem to be ok... so...
Do they appear gravid?
I mean, did they make the voidbeast with two backs?
Do they even do that?
Hmn.
Ask fern.
galen is- sorry, galena is right.
She does look guilty.

Now Fern, no matter how cute they look you can't overfeed the voidlings. So what did they eat, runes? Did you see which ones?

Yeah, I think Fern needs to be taken off ranching duty. Galena can work with wild animals until we find more golems.

Did… did they feed him runes or something? Don’t voidlings usually get bigger the more runes they have?

Hmm... I think the tech rune has opened doors for us. If we were to infuse a large patch of dirt with Tech, Tremor, and Stagnate runes, we could potentially create simple earth golems that could commanded into a form which could then be made permanent and self repairing. We can make an actual, warm home rather than this stacked up hovel. I'm also willing to bet Tech + Tremor might make a golem rune or something similar, which would simplify the process.

We seriously need more runes though.

>>1108415
Ooor this could lead to a borg or phyrexian situation. From wat weve seen, Silv needs context and understanding for things to fully utilize them. Galena has an affinity we dont know yet either.

Oh right we should Identify Naiad now.

>>1108419
Oh I wish.

The system or whatever it's called can indeed step in and make assumptions when we don't give it enough info (like with that void fire), but it readily accepts any pseudocode we give it.

Silv's understanding is more of a bottleneck for us rather than a prerequisite. While we can write/program as long and complex of a spell or infusion as we want, if the concepts and/or complexity overwhelm Silv then she won't be able to execute.

This is all to say: If we write a simple pseudocode program with clear purpose through the lense of currently unlocked runic concepts, we can produce any effect we want, no gray goo/borg/phyrexian risks at all.

If we want to increase possible length or complexity we will either have to teach Silv more stuff, or discover a language she can read without our help so we can record detailed instructions for her.

>>1108429
That's... mostly wrong. We can't supply "pseudocode" to anything directly, we're instructing Silv to make spells. Those spells require a structure that she can't deviate much from.

>>1108430
I don't see what you're getting at. Since I described Silv as a bottleneck required to execute our instructions, doesn't that imply what you just said?

>>1108394
Well, she's not rampaging. I agree, let's pop an Identify.

>>1108431
It's like putting cause before effect. You're talking about it as if we're making the spell and then Silv is the problem if it doesn't work. In reality, we're the problem. We keep trying to get her to make spells that don't fit with the required spell structure.
There's no "bottleneck", there is no "system" to accept "pseudocode". She has told us how to make spells, so we're not going to get anywhere trying to make spells any other way.

>>1108455
What are you even talking about? We've only ever been given vague outlines on how the magic system works, and then when we try to use it we get warnings and errors. What I'm describing is a way to interact with whatever system there is based on lessons I've learned studying the errors it's thrown at us and trial and error. You said there's a pre-defined structure, what is it then?
Also, *both* we and Silv are the problem and that's fine! We are organically discovering a complex magic system and finding creative ways to solve problems and create tools with that system, however all actions must be communicated and performed through an imperfect actor- Silv. Whether we expand our knowledge of the magic system, attempt to use what we know in clever ways, attempt to improve our imperfect actor, or something else entirely, all are valid ways to approach situations.

Your rigid thinking would make sense in a video game or established canon. This is an ongoing, incomplete narrative where our suggestions can and often do shape the world through the author's lense.

Also I believe our argument has reached sufficient length that we should move this to questdis.

1/2 ASP-Ian 2025/05/29(Thu)09:02 No. 1108807 ID: 1effd3
File 174853452582.png - (145.51KB , 791x750 , 052825_FromNothing2_049_VoidNoodle.png )

>Oh right we should Identify Naiad now.
>Well, she's not rampaging. I agree, let's pop an Identify.
“Identify!”
— — —
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.
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.
Fluid Efficiency:Can generate runes from fluid matter more efficiently.
----------------
Updated Abilities:
Specialized Breakdown [Fluid]: Replaces the Breakdown and Fluid Efficiency abilities. This Voidling can only consume fluids, in exchange for greater efficiency in rune generation.
— — —
“It doesn’t look like Naiad changed much, just that they can only consume fluid now, but it’s more efficient?”

“Isn’t that good Master SIlv?”

“Kinda? But we don’t know much about how Voidlings grow or do things besides eat and make runes… and become giant rune monsters.”

>Fern, did you feed Naiad something? This is slightly worrying. We need to avoid letting our voidlings getting any bigger than that. We still don't know that much about how their lifecycle works or how likely the bigger forms are to eat bits of our home island.
>Naiad IS looking a lot bigger… Usually returning to a significantly larger exotic pet means they ate the others, but they seem to be ok... so...
>Now Fern, no matter how cute they look you can't overfeed the voidlings. So what did they eat, runes? Did you see which ones?
>Did… did they feed him runes or something? Don’t voidlings usually get bigger the more runes they have?
>Yeah, I think Fern needs to be taken off ranching duty.
“Fern, what runes did you feed Naiad? We need you to tell us, or I won’t let you take care of the Voidlings anymore!”

Fern suddenly explodes into a cacophony of chirps and flailing vines. It sounds like they’re spilling their guts about something, but unfortunately, you have a minimal understanding of Fern.

2/2 ASP-Ian 2025/05/29(Thu)09:02 No. 1108808 ID: 1effd3
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Fern then grabs a burnt stick and starts scribbling into the dirt, while still chirping up a storm. The scribbles remind you of the Elder Florafolks, but there’s many more directional arrows used. One of them you do recognise immediately.
“The Nature Runeling?”

Fern continues to draw arrows and symbols, crossing out ones that look like runes.
Galena observes the chittering doodles, her eyes dashing between the lines drawn.
“...I think they’re saying they’ve done this before.”

”WHAT?!”

Fern quickly dashes away into the storage, and brings back a piece of Voidmatter.
“You fed Naiad Voidmatter, not runes?”

“I see now.” Galena says. “Voidlings consume matter to produce runes, but consuming Voidmatter instead accumulates mass for the Voidlings.”

Looking through your supplies, you and Silv notice that x2 Voidmatter is missing from Inventory!
“So they don’t get bigger unless they… eat each other?”

“Or otherwise consume Voidmatter in one form or another.”

After more doodles and chirping, you begin to put together that Fern and the other young Florafolk were feeding voidlings runes, and then when they got fed Voidmatter, that’s when things escalated out of control. Simply put, Fern created the Nature Runeling by accident.

>>1108808
Alright, it sounds like feeding runes to voidlings is bad, and creates Runelings which are hostile(makes sense, runes are basically voidling poop so feeding a voidling runes can't be healthy), but feeding them voidmatter is fine and just makes them progress along a normal evolution line. Hmm, where does voidmatter come from though? I wonder if voidmatter was made by whatever process destroyed these worlds.

Considering we spend runes to expand the island and thus create matter, and then voidlings eat matter to create runes... is that cycle lossy or gainy? Do we want to make our voidlings as big as possible and let them eat bits of the island that we can then rejuvenate via the runes they make? Or will we need to bring in outside materials to keep them fed?

We could measure how much water is in the pond now, and how much is in the pond when Naiad next makes a rune. Then use the rune and see how much bigger the pond gets. But all that would take a while to do, and we need to get back to the freezing problem.

In the meantime, Fern please don't feed them any runes, and keep a track of how much voidmatter you give them. Not too much, we might not have enough island to feed them if they all get big.

>>1108808
Ok, I'm not sure I follow. I get that Fern is the one who accidentally created the Nature Runeling by feeding voidmatter to voidlings, sure. But then why did they go and do it again with Naiad? Do they want another Runeling?

>>1108812
I think its implied it made the runeling first, then gave it voidmatter which made it big and ahressive. And now is avoiding runes entirely. Granted Fern has a more limited understamding than even us

>>1108808
This also implies that "killing" a big one is more akin to splitting them back into smaller ones, but let's not entertain that line of inquiry at this moment.

>>1108812
She thought her pet was hungry, and wanted to feed it. That does belie the application of organic assumptions to an inorganic being, but it's not like we're not guilty of it as well.

It does seem like the aspirational tamer could use a companion more in sync with her traditions, though.

>>1108808
Hm.

Shes repeating an action, but must be doing it more cautiously.
Otherwise we'd have a far larger voidling here.

Experimentation and the curiosity that inspires it is commendable.
We have learned something new about voidlings as a result
However, given how wrong it can go, its not a thing to do unplanned or alone.

Larger voidlings, tamed, may be important to this biosphere were trying to bootstrap from, well, nothing.

Make sure she knows to tell you next time she tries.

huh, good to know... but does this mean we have to worry about our voiding eating each other?

Also I think this also means that the next time we expand the island we're going to have to make a bigger pound for Naiad.