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I don't care.

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I don't care.

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Voting closed: January 04, 2021, 02:28:47 am

[King Zultan]

If he can do all that as just a regular human imagine what he could do if he was ascended, I say we consider doing that at some point down the line.

[19_EgarAlnis]

[20]

Spoiler: Training (click to show/hide)

The Voidslayer taught you how to break yourself down and remain. You trained your mind and divinity while you teetered on the edge of insanity -- there is immense power there. You become one with the arithmetic, your physical form molded only by your mind. On the other end of the spectrum, your physical form grew stronger through the more mundane means.

You remember only a few times when you could no longer hold yourself together. Bringing one's self back together process...is time-consuming and confusing, but you had a strong sense of self-identity, and that helped much. But you can only assume those with a weaker Willpower -- they never return.

"You did well drawing out Eric's potential..."

[19] William and Cephie, you realize, perk up at that. The tension draws away from their frames with the praise, and Cephie shares a nano-feast with William. You let them rest as you pace, listening to the voices in your head as they consider how to train you and the other Ascended. After just but a few minutes, they look perfectly healthy, are bickering with each other over the fight -- both are laying the blame on the other. There's no real anger, so you do not intervene. No doubt, just relieving tension.

...it's...strange seeing this from the other side. How broken and beaten they were, only for them to be so perfectly fine just a few minutes later.

"...but next time you fight a mortal just make sure you win." Emma raises a brow from where she lazes on the bench at your cutting remark. Cephie and William are shocked but recover, giving a duck of their heads and a mumbled apology.

"Sorry, Patches."

"I will, Phe-Phe."

It seems the consensus is to train willpower in an isolated area? Is that correct?

[ZBridges]

Sounds good to me.

[Superdorf]

...you all should see this.

<I lay out for the others a montage of the memories I've called: images and ideas, describing the manner in which I learned my trade. The twisting of formulae-- the breaking and re-breaking-- power in madness, under the will of my [sculptor.]>

We all had our trials. We can call the old drills to us-- we can grind you to still higher fires, Phoebe. An ancient and fearsome power.
...'tis an ugly process. We attempt it at your own word.

[ZBridges]

This is an interesting about-face.  You had previously prevented nearly all attempts to train and experiment with Dust, because you felt it was too dangerous, but now you are proposing much more strenuous Dust-work than anyone has ever previously suggested.  What has changed?

[19_EgarAlnis]

Five years of condensed memories are revealed. The endless drills, the weeks of sleep deprivation, and the days of starvation training were mixed with intense physical and mental strain. Combat practice in the CBT pods, followed by an immediate simulated drill; you mastered the use of each firearm you were given, you traded sword blows with the Scions of Nobility and grew strong. Then there was the training with the disruptor chains. You were forced to fight as mortals do, with no powers and no healing surges.

But the worse was yet to come. Through a combination of powerful hallucinogens, taboo arithmetic, and ascetic living, you ripped yourself apart and entered into the state of Resonance.

There, you were lost. Concepts of time, of existence, pain, and worry all became foreign. All became energy. All became arithmetic. All became concepts. You were held together only by the personality etched into the 'Dust', only by the memories you had saved.

You could, if you so choose, create a similar schedule to this. But there is no time for anything else -- besides training.

[VoidSlayer]

I should point out the dangers are very real.  There is a reason the first generations of ascended viewed cohesion loss as a debilitating and degenerate disease before we found out it's benefits and ways to control it.

In addition I suggest putting the program together start to finish, using the computer on Cephie's ship and leaving one ascended out to monitor the process.  This is because at certain stages two way contact with us can be lost and that advise may be useful in bringing you all out of the state or bringing out the most potential.

As to the question, this is less about how to use Dust as building up a stronger base on which to use it. 

It would also put this whole empire building (farce?) on hold.  I was rather enjoying watching this again but it should of course be what is best for the current Sol/Soul.

In addition, even at your best, can you hope to face Magnus alone?  Would the time be better spent finding a way to Loom Eric a thousand fold and building an army of emo soldiers.

Sorry no direct advise, just a lot of questions.

[ZBridges]

We haven't really had a chance to hash out plans for defeating Magnus, but there are many options beyond just trying to beat him up when he arrives.  Hopefully in the near future we'll have a chance to discuss that in greater depth.

Also, that doesn't address the sudden change in my father's behavior.  He has always, always said that it is too dangerous to have low cohesion, to do anything that would lower it beyond unfurling wings, but now he wants to follow a plan that will set cohesion so low that it will push Phoenix to "the edge of insanity."  I am not criticizing; I simply want to understand.

[Superdorf]

My understanding of the situation has changed.

I... wasn't sure identity recovery was possible before. Cohesion loss was something I sought to avoid at all costs-- indeed, something that I deemed avoidable.

It's not, is it? Not if we expect our heir to take on the Plague, the Nobility, and survive. Only by "the triumph of Will over Reality", can such a thing be done. She'll fall apart, training or no training, if she can't learn to maintain identity-- the "I AM"-- within and despite that triumph. The only way out is through.

I'll not suggest we commit to a "regimen from hell" just yet. There's a nation here to consolidate first, and a planet to scour-- but afterwards, when there's naught left but to brace for Magnus? It's... worth considering. In the meantime, we've a wealth of mnemonic information to draw from for these smaller sparring-sessions.

Do you have memory of Alphira's training days, perchance? The methods used for her forging would be more... apt, perhaps, than our own.

[19_EgarAlnis]

[8] Alphira never listened to you -- her and Alphias were suspicious of the voices within their heads and resentful. They kept to themselves and starved you of data and new memories. You only knew they grew powerful at roughly the same pace, with Alphira becoming a match for her Sire(?) until her growth tapered off with the rise of her 'doldrums'.

You believe they focused on actual combat as opposed to training. You also remember several fights with other Ascended. Alphias, in particular, was relentless -- he never stayed down.

[ZBridges]

If we're done taking a trip down memory lane, can we actually get in some training now?

[19_EgarAlnis]

You shake your head, realizing that the others have started talking amongst themselves in the midst of your internal discussions.

"Oh hey, she's back." Emma notes after giving you a glance.

You smile sheepishly as you rise and brush non-existent dust from your clothing. "The ancestors were talking."

"Adorable." Cephie giggles, "How you still listen to them."

"Hmmh. I've been Ascended for three years and I'm probably twice as strong -- maybe you should listen to yours more often." You wryly point out.

Cephie gives you a grin, "Maybe if I was one of the Old Lines."


The wasteland spreads out in front of you as you disembark from the hovercraft. The moonless night hangs heavy, and there isn't a cloud in the sky. You give a slight shiver as the cold effects you even through your homeostasis, even through your coat. William has brought sparring equipment, and Cephie has brought nano-feasts. You approximate that you have at least a day or two before you have to return home -- Emma will need to be back tomorrow.

How/what powers do you train? How do you train Emma, Cephie and William? Which powers do they train?

Spoiler: Status (click to show/hide)

You are Pheobe Gainer and Pheonix
Local Time: [2300] 1/6/2011
Personal Time: 8 months
Empyreal Time: NO NETWORK CONNECTION.


You are missing your left arm.
Laterally, across your chest, is an ugly scar.


Your hair is a darker neon blue, speckled with gold, black and reds.
 
Cohesion: 40%
You are saitated.
Nano-feasts: 15

Spoiler: Inventory (click to show/hide)

Torso:A fitted grey shirt with long, tight sleeves.
Across Chest: Hardlight Emitter Shield (10/10)
[hidden]
[hidden]
On Waist: A blue, silk sash
On Shoulder: A red, silk capelet
On Legs: A pair of grey semi-formal, military-style pants.
On Feet: Woolen socks(hidden)
On Feet, Over [socks]: A pair of gray spacer boots[charred]

Spoiler: Powers and Skills (click to show/hide)

Max Willpower Linear Distance: [35 meters]
Max Willpower Diameter: [35 meters]
Sustained Powers: 2/5 (Bird of Sol's Reign:Permanant, Sol's Glamor: Permanant)

Overload: Trained
Bird of Sol's Reign: Great
Light of Sol: Novice
Conquerer's Aura: Initiated
-Voice of the Queen: Initiated
Inferno : Great
- Slayer's Blade : Initiated
- Controlled Fusion Reaction : Initiated
- Uncontrolled Fusion Reaction : Initiated
Healing Factor: Initiated
-Endurance Boost: Amateur.
-Strength Boost: Amateur.
Energy Manipulation: Lightning Novice.
Matter Manipulation: Silicon:: Experienced
-Silicon Sunder: Novice
Skill: Charisma: Apprentice
Skill: Attrition Warfare: Apprentice
Skill: Marksmanship: Proficient

Spoiler: Wealth (click to show/hide)

Array

Spoiler: Contracts (click to show/hide)

Cephie Lavoisier's Verbal Oath
One owed Favor: Ashley 'Ashes' Sol
Contract with the Retributionist's Valhol' Pirates, AKA the Twelve Clans of Old Skarin

Spoiler: Ties (click to show/hide)

Grandmother(adopted): Mother Nicole Gainer
--Contactable in Person
--High Influence with Scholars, Crusaders, the Thornton Family

Ruled Nation: Pheonix's Holy Fortress-State
A dominant power on McCreary's Planet, despite its recent foundation. Currently pursuing a policy of aggressive reclamation.
-Ruled by a council, headed by yourself.
-Theocratic Dictatorship
-The citizens revere you as their new God.

Organization: The Children of SEED
Nine individuals, with the minds of automata and the bodies of men and women. Their very presence grates on your nerves.
--Contactable in person, or by radio.

Organization: The Thornton Family
--Contactable through Emma, radio.
--High Influence within Steelworks 9 Region
--Subservient to you

Organization: Thornton Warmachines
A complement of hulking Thornton soldiers turned into cybernetically augmented heavy-duty infantry. Equipped with fusion reactor based las-gun assault rifles, Inferno Shotguns, super thick armor, and technicians standing by. They are also equipped with inter and intra-squad radio communicators.
--Lead by William Thornton

Organization: The Crew of Retributionist's Valhol, the Twelve Clans of Old Skarin
A motley collection of nearly three hundred pirates, who have crashlanded in the Outlands some thousand years ago. They are a representative populist enterprise.
--Lead by Captain Murdach Valhol.
--Contactable by Empyreal Communication Relay Network

Servant, Friend?: Cephie Laviosier.
An Ascended under contract to you for the next twelve years. She manipulates carbon and carbon-based structures.
--Contactable in person, or by radio.

Mercenary: Murdach Valhol
Captain of the Retributionist's Valhol.
--Contactable by Empyreal Communication Relay Network

Ally, Subservient: William Thornton
Leader of the Thornton Family of Businessmen.
--Contactable in person, or by radio.
--High influence within the Thornton Mercenaries
--High influence within The Thornton Family
--Feared within Steelworks 9 Region

Personal Scientist, Ally: Silas Thornton
--High influence within The Thornton Family

Consort, Annoying Oracle: Emma Thornton
--Contactable in person, or by radio.
--High influence within The Thornton Family

Pet, Threat: Mitch, the Barker
A bristly furred, stubby faced hellion of a canine that will possibly mutate in the future. His fur is a rusty red, mixed with brownish gray. His eyes are starting to be tinged with bright, electric blue.
-10/50 Obedience
-?/50 Affection
-5/50 Respect

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: Holdings (click to show/hide)

Pheonix's Fortress-State (McCreary's Planet)
Theocractic Dictactorship
Capital: Fortress City of Stormmont
Population: 4*10^6
Military: One (1) Corps of Active Duty Hover Craft Deployed Crusaders (Baseline, Mark 1, Hardened){Stationed in Stormmont, Fortified}
Three (3) Corps of Active Duty Defense Militias (Baseline, Mark .5){Stationed in SEED Holy Land, Fortified}
One (1) Corps of Active Duty Hover Craft Deployed Crusaders (Baseline, Mark 1, Hardened){Stationed in SEED Holy Land, Fortified}
One (1) Corps Reserve Crusaders (Baseline, Mark 1, Underequipped){Stationed in Stormmont, Fortified}
One (1) Company of Thornton Warmachines (Baseline, Mark ~1, Hardened Veterans){Currently Fighting in Steelworks Number Nine}
Commodities of Note: Nutrient Bar Rations [Food Stuffs] (equilibrium), Hydrogen Fuel Supplies (deficit), Medical Supplies (equilibrium), Consumer Goods (deficit), Electronics (deficit), Steel (equilibrium), Bioplastics (deficit), Chemicals (surplus), Luxury goods (low deficit), Alchoholic Beverages (surplus), Slug Weapons (deficit), Beetle Products (glut)
Quality of life: Food, clean water, lighting, sanitation, universal literacy, universal healthcare, universal higher education, lack of culture, lack of luxury, religious restrictions, and lack of universal rights
Population Morale: Medium
Government Legitimacy: Moderate.
Economy: Non-existant, survival focus
Territories:  SEED Holy Land
Ethnic Groups of Note: Thornton Family Group (Unified, Loyal, Criminal), Hoganson Family Group (Unified, Remnants), Sandsper Family, (Unified, Criminal, ? ? ?), Twenty Minor Families(Unified, Criminal), Western Outlanders (Remnants, ? ? ?), Eastern Outlanders (Twenty Clans, ? ? ?)

[Naturegirl1999]

We could train Silicon Sunder, Slayer’s Blade, Controlled and Uncontrolled Fusion Reactions, Strength Boost, Energy Manipulation:Lightning, among others, some powers we’re not as experienced with

[Superdorf]

<Mnemonic query: what other Old Lines exist, besides our own? By what name is Sadil's line known, in the reckonings of the Empyre?>
I can't do much towards the preparation of a training regimen for your compatriots-- we don't know what they're capable of yet. Test them. Find out what they can do. Find out where they can improve, and lend your expertise where needed.

As for yourself: you are skilled already, with the wielding of hydrogen and heat. I should like you to focus on other vectors today. Probability calculations; the prediction of trajectories. The manipulation and redirection of kinetic energy. The use of will to strengthen your hand, to lend force to your blows-- William can help you with that one, perhaps.

Beyond that: improvise. Extrapolate. Test yourself against the others, even as they test themselves against each other and against you. Draw from our shared memories-- from the remembrance of old wars. There are tricks there we've yet to consider, I imagine.

...Mind you set aside the Outlander silks before you begin. Wouldn't do to burn away their offerings in the fray!

[ZBridges]

Train probability manipulation and will extension at low cohesion.  Train Emma in strengthening her will.  Train William in basic hydrogen manipulation.  Train Cephie in shapeshifting into more foreign forms, such as into a Barker or inanimate object.