2021 AB Oberon Pirates Incursion - Revision history

Krayfishkarl: /* The Dark Mage's Last Laugh */

2026-08-07T01:38:25Z

The Dark Mage's Last Laugh

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:38, 7 August 2026
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	What haunted Kristoph the most about the whole affair was that given the Dark Mage was his consciousness clone, in another life, he could have turned out just like him. But it was still a mystery to him over who created the Dark Mage, and what was there to gain from it. Not to mention, he knew that had he refused the original consciousness backup program during his nanomage training, the entire situation could have been avoided.		What haunted Kristoph the most about the whole affair was that given the Dark Mage was his consciousness clone, in another life, he could have turned out just like him. But it was still a mystery to him over who created the Dark Mage, and what was there to gain from it. Not to mention, he knew that had he refused the original consciousness backup program during his nanomage training, the entire situation could have been avoided.

	Joshua reminded everyone that many things could have gone differently, but that was just how things were. The PHIA Phorce was just a small group of people right now, and the galaxy was a big place. There was a real risk of involving forces far larger than they could possibly hope to handle alone. But every person they still managed to help still mattered. In defeating the Dark Mage, it was one less threat that put the lives of innocent people at risk. Not to mention, for the capture and defeat the crew of the ''MRS Macbeth'', the Merinian government rewarded the PHIA Phorce with a sizeable bounty.		Joshua reminded everyone that many things could have gone differently, but that was just how things were. The PHIA Phorce was just a small group of people right now, and the galaxy was a big place. There was a real risk of involving forces far larger than they could possibly hope to handle alone. But every person they still managed to help still mattered. In defeating the Dark Mage, it was one less threat that put the lives of innocent people at risk. Not to mention, for the capture and defeat of the crew of the ''MRS Macbeth'', the Merinian government rewarded the PHIA Phorce with a sizeable bounty.

	In the meantime, Kristoph vowed to get stronger. He wanted to train himself even further to avoid a situation where straining himself would cause people to get seriously hurt. Sophia and Angela agreed in that they should continue honing their skills as well. Before Joshua left the call, however, he told them they needed to rest. They were on vacation after all, and they still had some time left before they had to go home.		In the meantime, Kristoph vowed to get stronger. He wanted to train himself even further to avoid a situation where straining himself would cause people to get seriously hurt. Sophia and Angela agreed in that they should continue honing their skills as well. Before Joshua left the call, however, he told them they needed to rest. They were on vacation after all, and they still had some time left before they had to go home.

	After parting ways with Blacktide and Alphonse, the PHIA Phorce mutually agreed they needed to do something completely relaxing and destressing. Not to mention, getting cleaned up from all the toxic filth in the Condemned Zone. ~~The~~ unanimously decided to go to a spa. A hot tub and a massage parlor awaited them along with copious indulgence in seafood.		After parting ways with Blacktide and Alphonse, the PHIA Phorce mutually agreed they needed to do something completely relaxing and destressing. Not to mention, getting cleaned up from all the toxic filth in the Condemned Zone. They unanimously decided to go to a spa. A hot tub and a massage parlor awaited them along with copious indulgence in seafood.

	==Unfinished Business==		==Unfinished Business==

Krayfishkarl: /* The Dark Mage's Last Laugh */

2026-08-07T01:36:04Z

The Dark Mage's Last Laugh

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:36, 7 August 2026
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	Angela hopped in as quickly as she could, conducting first aid treatment to stop the worst of the injuries, but they would need a doctor. Thankfully, with Alphonse clearing a path, they were nonetheless able to safely steer the ship out of the Condemned Zone. The PHIA Phorce was in his debt for saving their lives.		Angela hopped in as quickly as she could, conducting first aid treatment to stop the worst of the injuries, but they would need a doctor. Thankfully, with Alphonse clearing a path, they were nonetheless able to safely steer the ship out of the Condemned Zone. The PHIA Phorce was in his debt for saving their lives.

	~~They~~ managed to rendezvous with other Blacktide ships. With the help of other nanomages, they succeeded in slowing down the out of control ''Orpheus'' to a complete stop. The surviving Oberon Pirates willingly surrendered themselves into custody, while medical personnel were dispatched to tend to the wounds of everyone. Alphonse was taken into an emergency ward on one of the ships. While he managed to awaken, the doctors revealed some grim news: Alphonse had strained himself so hard using his nanobots that his implants shortcircuited. He would never be able to use his nanobot powers ever again.		After a short time, they managed to rendezvous with other Blacktide ships. With the help of other nanomages, they succeeded in slowing down the out of control ''Orpheus'' to a complete stop. The surviving Oberon Pirates willingly surrendered themselves into custody, while medical personnel were dispatched to tend to the wounds of everyone. Alphonse was taken into an emergency ward on one of the ships. While he managed to awaken, the doctors revealed some grim news: Alphonse had strained himself so hard using his nanobots that his implants shortcircuited. He would never be able to use his nanobot powers ever again.

	Kristoph became overwhelmed with regret, holding himself responsible, but the other PHIA Phorce members assured him it wasn't his fault. It was only the Dark Mage to blame. Alphonse maintained a positive attitude though, and that he stood by what he did, feeling it was the right thing to do. He thanked the PHIA Phorce for giving him an experience that he won't forget.		Kristoph became overwhelmed with regret, holding himself responsible, but the other PHIA Phorce members assured him it wasn't his fault. It was only the Dark Mage to blame. Alphonse maintained a positive attitude though, and that he stood by what he did, feeling it was the right thing to do. He thanked the PHIA Phorce for giving him an experience that he won't forget.
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	After parting ways with Blacktide and Alphonse, the PHIA Phorce mutually agreed they needed to do something completely relaxing and destressing. Not to mention, getting cleaned up from all the toxic filth in the Condemned Zone. The unanimously decided to go to a spa. A hot tub and a massage parlor awaited them along with copious indulgence in seafood.		After parting ways with Blacktide and Alphonse, the PHIA Phorce mutually agreed they needed to do something completely relaxing and destressing. Not to mention, getting cleaned up from all the toxic filth in the Condemned Zone. The unanimously decided to go to a spa. A hot tub and a massage parlor awaited them along with copious indulgence in seafood.

	==Unfinished Business==		==Unfinished Business==
	As the vacation approached its end, Kristoph bid farewell to Sophia and Angela. They naturally replied that Kristoph ought to come back with them to Yeddo by this point. Kristoph agreed, now believing it was time to upgrade his dwellings. And he knew that in order to become stronger, he would need to be in person anyway as being in a vrNet avatar only allowed him to go so far. He promised them that he will be seeing them again soon.		As the vacation approached its end, Kristoph bid farewell to Sophia and Angela. They naturally replied that Kristoph ought to come back with them to Yeddo by this point. Kristoph agreed, now believing it was time to upgrade his dwellings. And he knew that in order to become stronger, he would need to be in person anyway as being in a vrNet avatar only allowed him to go so far. He promised them that he will be seeing them again soon.

Krayfishkarl: /* Hostage Situation */

2026-08-07T01:34:49Z

Hostage Situation

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:34, 7 August 2026
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	In the confusion, Kristoph took the opportunity to use his own nanobots to release the other PHIA Phorce members from their bindings to help them get back in the fight. In a situation of sharing a common enemy, Clockhands, Baldassarre and Pauline temporarily allied themselves with the PHIA Phorce in taking down the Dark Mage. They all teamed up with Twinkle boosting their abilities and fighting resolve.		In the confusion, Kristoph took the opportunity to use his own nanobots to release the other PHIA Phorce members from their bindings to help them get back in the fight. In a situation of sharing a common enemy, Clockhands, Baldassarre and Pauline temporarily allied themselves with the PHIA Phorce in taking down the Dark Mage. They all teamed up with Twinkle boosting their abilities and fighting resolve.

	In a decisive strike, Kristoph dealt the final blow to the Dark Mage with a well-placed nanobot spear. Now immobilized, the Dark Mage began to disintegrate, giving Kristoph one last chance to have a short parting, conversation. As the Dark Mage drew his last breath, he dissolved into a pile of shredded hardlight glass. It was finally over, or so he thought. Just before the Dark Mage vanished, he could swear he caught him smirking maliciously.		In a decisive strike, Kristoph dealt the final blow to the Dark Mage with a well-placed nanobot spear. Now immobilized, the Dark Mage began to disintegrate, giving Kristoph one last chance to have a short parting, conversation. As the Dark Mage drew his last breath, he dissolved into a pile of shredded hardlight glass. The remaining Oberon Pirates surrendered as there was no need for them to continue the fight.

			It was finally over, or so they thought. Just before the Dark Mage vanished, Kristoph could swear he caught him smirking maliciously.

	==The Dark Mage's Last Laugh==		==The Dark Mage's Last Laugh==
	Kristoph had become utterly exhausted, having strained himself so much to the point where he needed some time to recharge his abilities. However, the Dark Mage had one last trick. During the fight, he had rigged the ''Orpheus'' on a collision course with a nearby shipwreck. With the controls busted, they didn't have a way to avoid it. The PHIA Phorce and the surviving Oberon Pirates teamed up to manually redirect the ship, but it was to no avail. They were about to crash and most likely sink into the toxic waters below.		Kristoph had become utterly exhausted, having strained himself so much to the point where he needed some time to recharge his abilities. However, the Dark Mage had one last trick. During the fight, he had rigged the ''Orpheus'' on a collision course with a nearby shipwreck. With the controls busted, they didn't have a way to avoid it. The PHIA Phorce and the surviving Oberon Pirates teamed up to manually redirect the ship, but it was to no avail. They were about to crash and most likely sink into the toxic waters below.

Krayfishkarl: /* The Turning Tide */

2026-08-07T01:29:42Z

The Turning Tide

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:29, 7 August 2026
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	==The Turning Tide==		==The Turning Tide==
	With things having calmed down for a brief moment, Kristoph seemingly returned, stating that he defeated the Dark Mage~~. And~~ they were ready to head out. Kristoph somehow seemed unphased by the whole ordeal, but nonetheless was eager to head home. With the other remaning Oberon Pirates now locked in the brig, Alphonse plotted a course out of the Toxic Ship Graveyard.		With things having calmed down for a brief moment, Kristoph seemingly returned, stating that he defeated the Dark Mage, and that they were ready to head out. Kristoph somehow seemed unphased by the whole ordeal, but nonetheless was eager to head home. With the other remaning Oberon Pirates now locked in the brig, Alphonse plotted a course out of the Toxic Ship Graveyard.

	Having set sail for a little while, Sophia could not shake off a feeling that something was wrong. Despite the battle coming to a decisive end with some bounties acquired, Sophia kept worriedly pacing around. Angela suggested that she needed to distract herself. With plenty of vacation time left, perhaps they could spend a long time washing up in a nice bath, and perhaps become utterly relaxed at a lounge. So many luxuries sounded great right about to them.		Having set sail for a little while, Sophia could not shake off a feeling that something was wrong. Despite the battle coming to a decisive end with some bounties acquired, Sophia kept worriedly pacing around. Angela suggested that she needed to distract herself. With plenty of vacation time left, perhaps they could spend a long time washing up in a nice bath, and perhaps become utterly relaxed at a lounge. So many luxuries sounded great right about to them.
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	The Dark Mage also released the other captured pirates who would all guard the other PHIA Phorce members, who were now their prisoners. They confiscated their weapons and bound their hands.		The Dark Mage also released the other captured pirates who would all guard the other PHIA Phorce members, who were now their prisoners. They confiscated their weapons and bound their hands.

	==Hostage Situation==		==Hostage Situation==
	Elsewhere, Kristoph awoke from being unconscious for a short while. He found himself laying on his back inside an abandoned ship in a room buried in rubble and debris, trapping him where he was. Worse yet, a leak had sprung and the area was filling with water. He would not have long before his head would go under. The Dark Mage had defeated him and had seemingly left him to die.		Elsewhere, Kristoph awoke from being unconscious for a short while. He found himself laying on his back inside an abandoned ship in a room buried in rubble and debris, trapping him where he was. Worse yet, a leak had sprung and the area was filling with water. He would not have long before his head would go under. The Dark Mage had defeated him and had seemingly left him to die.

Krayfishkarl: /* Battle with the Oberon Pirates */

2026-08-07T01:29:04Z

Battle with the Oberon Pirates

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:29, 7 August 2026
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	Just when it looked like they were finally about to win, a large shipping container came hurdling their way, suddenly slamming against the ''Orpheus'' and causing major damage. The sudden motion flung Angela overboard and into the polluted waters below. While she managed to stay afloat, Bloodtooth began to charge towards her, taunting her on how he was going to devour her in front of her friends.		Just when it looked like they were finally about to win, a large shipping container came hurdling their way, suddenly slamming against the ''Orpheus'' and causing major damage. The sudden motion flung Angela overboard and into the polluted waters below. While she managed to stay afloat, Bloodtooth began to charge towards her, taunting her on how he was going to devour her in front of her friends.

	Joshua attempted to make a dash to dive into the water, but Clockhands breaking free of his confinement took advantage of Joshua's gap in his defenses and landed a clean hit on him, damaging his vrNet avatar and making him far less solid. With Alphonse nearly straining himself in stabilizing the ship and Kristoph being occupied with the Dark Mage, Sophia found herself having no choice. She leaped into the water to protect Angela. Just as ~~Bloodtooth~~ was about to chomp down on Angela, Sophia let out bolts of plasma to electrocute Bloodtooth, instantly killing him.		Joshua attempted to make a dash to dive into the water, but Clockhands breaking free of his confinement took advantage of Joshua's gap in his defenses and landed a clean hit on him, damaging his vrNet avatar and making him far less solid. With Alphonse nearly straining himself in stabilizing the ship and Kristoph being occupied with the Dark Mage, Sophia found herself having no choice. She leaped into the water to protect Angela. Just as the killer whale was about to chomp down on Angela, Sophia let out bolts of plasma to electrocute Bloodtooth, instantly killing him.

	Sophia and Angela clambered out of the water onto another nearby piece of floating wreckage. Henry Teach witnessed the entire affair, but he admitted he was not going to miss Bloodtooth. Though Sophia had reservations about what just happened, Angela was thankful regardless that she saved her life, and Joshua was thankful that Sophia saved his daughter.		Sophia and Angela clambered out of the water onto another nearby piece of floating wreckage. Henry Teach witnessed the entire affair, but he admitted he was not going to miss Bloodtooth. Though Sophia had reservations about what just happened, Angela was thankful regardless that she saved her life, and Joshua was thankful that Sophia saved his daughter.

Krayfishkarl: /* Battle with the Oberon Pirates */

2026-08-07T01:26:16Z

Battle with the Oberon Pirates

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:26, 7 August 2026
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	A battle at sea had begun. The PHIA Phorce worked together to man the different stations of the ''Orpheus'' while also using their own equipment and abilities to fight. Sophia launched plasma bolts while Kristoph formed some makeshift projectiles of his own, while also creating defensive barriers. The ''Macbeth'' returned fire with their own array of weapons that came equipped with the ship.		A battle at sea had begun. The PHIA Phorce worked together to man the different stations of the ''Orpheus'' while also using their own equipment and abilities to fight. Sophia launched plasma bolts while Kristoph formed some makeshift projectiles of his own, while also creating defensive barriers. The ''Macbeth'' returned fire with their own array of weapons that came equipped with the ship.

	It seemed at first that the PHIA Phorce had the advantage, but then something else began hitting the ~~ship~~. Packs of mutated Merinian anomalocaris charged at the ship, ramming at it. The Oberon Pirates had Aggravator Rampants at their side and had quickly gained the numerical advantage. Teach offered the PHIA Phorce the opportunity to surrender to which they obviously said no. The fighting continued, although they had much more to worry about with an army of Rampants and frenzied sea creatures all honing in on their position.		It seemed at first that the PHIA Phorce had the advantage, but then something else began hitting the ''Orpheus''. Packs of mutated Merinian anomalocaris charged at the ship, ramming at it. The Oberon Pirates had Aggravator Rampants at their side and had quickly gained the numerical advantage. Teach offered the PHIA Phorce the opportunity to surrender to which they obviously said no. The fighting continued, although they had much more to worry about with an army of Rampants and frenzied sea creatures all honing in on their position.

	While the PHIA Phorce held steady, the Oberon Pirates took on a far more aggressive stance. The ''Macbeth'' began to close the distance between it and the ''Orpheus'' and made an attempt to board. Baldassarre leaped across with Pauline and landed on the ''Orpheus'', ready to engage in melee combat. Clockhands followed right behind, using his additional limbs for easy grappling and climbing.		While the PHIA Phorce held steady, the Oberon Pirates took on a far more aggressive stance. The ''Macbeth'' began to close the distance between it and the ''Orpheus'' and made an attempt to board. Baldassarre leaped across with Pauline and landed on the ''Orpheus'', ready to engage in melee combat. Clockhands followed right behind, using his additional limbs for easy grappling and climbing.
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	Sophia and Angela clambered out of the water onto another nearby piece of floating wreckage. Henry Teach witnessed the entire affair, but he admitted he was not going to miss Bloodtooth. Though Sophia had reservations about what just happened, Angela was thankful regardless that she saved her life, and Joshua was thankful that Sophia saved his daughter.		Sophia and Angela clambered out of the water onto another nearby piece of floating wreckage. Henry Teach witnessed the entire affair, but he admitted he was not going to miss Bloodtooth. Though Sophia had reservations about what just happened, Angela was thankful regardless that she saved her life, and Joshua was thankful that Sophia saved his daughter.

	==The Turning Tide==		==The Turning Tide==
	With things having calmed down for a brief moment, Kristoph seemingly returned, stating that he defeated the Dark Mage. And they were ready to head out. Kristoph somehow seemed unphased by the whole ordeal, but nonetheless was eager to head home. With the other remaning Oberon Pirates now locked in the brig, Alphonse plotted a course out of the Toxic Ship Graveyard.		With things having calmed down for a brief moment, Kristoph seemingly returned, stating that he defeated the Dark Mage. And they were ready to head out. Kristoph somehow seemed unphased by the whole ordeal, but nonetheless was eager to head home. With the other remaning Oberon Pirates now locked in the brig, Alphonse plotted a course out of the Toxic Ship Graveyard.

Krayfishkarl: /* Merin's Condemned Zone */

2026-08-07T01:23:52Z

Merin's Condemned Zone

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:23, 7 August 2026
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	As they got closer to the Condemned Zone's entrance, the water turned a sickly green color due to spilled chemicals in the area. Trash and the floating, rotting carcasses of dead fish dotted the surface. Sophia and Angela almost immediately begin to gag at the stench. Fortunately, Alphonse came with appropriate equipment. Because the area they would be going into was highly toxic, they would all have to don plague masks along with rubber suits to wear underneath their clothes. Not only to protect them from the awful smell, but also any inherently airborne chemicals that could be leaking out from the pollution.		As they got closer to the Condemned Zone's entrance, the water turned a sickly green color due to spilled chemicals in the area. Trash and the floating, rotting carcasses of dead fish dotted the surface. Sophia and Angela almost immediately begin to gag at the stench. Fortunately, Alphonse came with appropriate equipment. Because the area they would be going into was highly toxic, they would all have to don plague masks along with rubber suits to wear underneath their clothes. Not only to protect them from the awful smell, but also any inherently airborne chemicals that could be leaking out from the pollution.

	Finally, they made it ~~pass~~ a series of warning buoys marking off the edge of the Condemned Zone where they could see dense clusters of the wrecks of abandoned ships. This was the Toxic Ship Graveyard. A disgusting place made more depressing by the dreary overcast and pouring rain. They all received a grim reminder that this was the result of the Virtual Wars, and it was heartbreaking to see what was essentially destroyed beauty. Kristoph took the moment to thank Alphonse for his work in Blacktide making such an effort to prevent the rest of the planet looking like what they saw.		Finally, they made it past a series of warning buoys marking off the edge of the Condemned Zone where they could see dense clusters of the wrecks of abandoned ships. This was the Toxic Ship Graveyard. A disgusting place made more depressing by the dreary overcast and pouring rain. They all received a grim reminder that this was the result of the Virtual Wars, and it was heartbreaking to see what was essentially destroyed beauty. Kristoph took the moment to thank Alphonse for his work in Blacktide making such an effort to prevent the rest of the planet looking like what they saw.

	The path was treacherous. They had to dodge debris to avoid the ''MRS Orpheus'' getting punctured by rebar, steel beams or other obstacles. There were even leftover sea mines from the war that were still primed.		The path was treacherous. They had to dodge debris to avoid the ''MRS Orpheus'' getting punctured by rebar, steel beams or other obstacles. There were even leftover sea mines from the war that were still primed.

Krayfishkarl: /* Eventful Sightseeing */

2026-08-07T01:18:15Z

Eventful Sightseeing

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:18, 7 August 2026
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	The group concluded their meal, with Angela kindly reminding everyone to take more motion sickness meds to ensure their lunches stayed inside of them as they explored the rest of the planet. Kristoph chimed in and explained that Merinians were naturally more resistant to motion sickness than other off world humans, but he took some anyway following one of Angela's lengthy rants about human metabolism.		The group concluded their meal, with Angela kindly reminding everyone to take more motion sickness meds to ensure their lunches stayed inside of them as they explored the rest of the planet. Kristoph chimed in and explained that Merinians were naturally more resistant to motion sickness than other off world humans, but he took some anyway following one of Angela's lengthy rants about human metabolism.
	==~~Eventful~~ Sightseeing==		==Sightseeing==
	The PHIA Phorce had the chance to do a bit of sightseeing. Immediately following lunch, they checked out the Noble Aquarium, a place where specimens of various wildlife were kept for educational and research purposes. They learned about the assortment of Merin's native, exotic wildlife from the different types of coral to the immense variety of crustaceans. They also learned of some of the more terrifying creatures such as the Merinian kraken, one of the largest predators on the planet.		The PHIA Phorce had the chance to do a bit of sightseeing. Immediately following lunch, they checked out the Noble Aquarium, a place where specimens of various wildlife were kept for educational and research purposes. They learned about the assortment of Merin's native, exotic wildlife from the different types of coral to the immense variety of crustaceans. They also learned of some of the more terrifying creatures such as the Merinian kraken, one of the largest predators on the planet.

	After the aquarium, they wandered about various city ships, exploring the local attractions as well as some miniature museums covering the known history of Merin. According to legend, the [[god ~~machine~~]] [[Poseidon]] once fought in an ancient war to protect the galaxy from a rogue AI. He was considered a patron deity for the Merinians. While he was still alive in the present day, he wiped his own memories following the [[Blackout]] to ensure his knowledge could not be used to threaten the galaxy ever again.		After the aquarium, they wandered about various city ships, exploring the local attractions as well as some miniature museums covering the known history of Merin. According to legend, the [[machine god]] [[Poseidon]] once fought in an ancient war to protect the galaxy from a rogue AI. He was considered a patron deity for the Merinians. While he was still alive in the present day, he wiped his own memories following the [[Blackout]] to ensure his knowledge could not be used to threaten the galaxy ever again.

	Later in the day, the group decided to relax at a pool aboard a cruise ship. Sophia once more took the opportunity to practice her swimming. Up to this point, their trip to Merin had been fairly uneventful as they had the chance to unwind.		Later in the day, the group decided to relax at a pool aboard a cruise ship. Sophia once more took the opportunity to practice her swimming. Up to this point, their trip to Merin had been fairly uneventful as they had the chance to unwind.

	==The Kraken==		==The Kraken==
	The PHIA Phorce's time at the pool would soon be interrupted. The boat they were on suddenly began making irregular movements, lurching side to side in a way that didn't flow with the natural waves. The other passengers on the ship began to worry that the ship had hit something or was about to capsize. Soon enough, the cause of the disturbance had shown itself. A Merinian kraken had risen to the surface, and it had been unrelentingly slamming the ship with its tentacles.		The PHIA Phorce's time at the pool would soon be interrupted. The boat they were on suddenly began making irregular movements, lurching side to side in a way that didn't flow with the natural waves. The other passengers on the ship began to worry that the ship had hit something or was about to capsize. Soon enough, the cause of the disturbance had shown itself. A Merinian kraken had risen to the surface, and it had been unrelentingly slamming the ship with its tentacles.

Krayfishkarl at 01:15, 7 August 2026

2026-08-07T01:15:40Z

Show changes

Krayfishkarl: /* Merin's Condemned Zone */

2026-08-06T22:21:34Z

Merin's Condemned Zone

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:21, 6 August 2026
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	Getting to Merin's Condemned Zone was not going to be as straight forward as it was on Yeddo given that they could not simply walk there. Sailing into the polluted waters was not only dangerous due to Rampant infestations, but the ship itself had to be reliably seaworthy due to the debris and pollution to navigate around. That was where they had to turn to Blacktide. Kristoph had a connection there as he once mentored an aspiring young nanomage named [[Alphonse Reefwood]] who later joined Blacktide after finishing his training at the Mages' Tower.		Getting to Merin's Condemned Zone was not going to be as straight forward as it was on Yeddo given that they could not simply walk there. Sailing into the polluted waters was not only dangerous due to Rampant infestations, but the ship itself had to be reliably seaworthy due to the debris and pollution to navigate around. That was where they had to turn to Blacktide. Kristoph had a connection there as he once mentored an aspiring young nanomage named [[Alphonse Reefwood]] who later joined Blacktide after finishing his training at the Mages' Tower.

	Kristoph arranged a meeting with Alphonse, hoping to borrow a ship that could be used to clear a path to the Condemned Zone. Alphonse, more than happy to do a favor for his old mentor, agreed to help. After asking the right people very nicely, Alphonse managed to secure the MRS Orpheus, ~~and~~ old but capable ship that could navigate the more polluted regions of the ocean. Despite Kristoph's warnings that they were going somewhere dangerous, Alphonse volunteered to come along anyway, serving as the ship's helmsman.		Kristoph arranged a meeting with Alphonse, hoping to borrow a ship that could be used to clear a path to the Condemned Zone. Alphonse, more than happy to do a favor for his old mentor, agreed to help. After asking the right people very nicely, Alphonse managed to secure the ''MRS Orpheus'', an old but capable ship that could navigate the more polluted regions of the ocean. Despite Kristoph's warnings that they were going somewhere dangerous, Alphonse volunteered to come along anyway, serving as the ship's helmsman.

	Following the trail based on Kristoph's findings took a long time. The storms rolling in led to rough waters, but in spite of that, they witnessed other ships from Blacktide attempting cleanup. They appeared as cargo ships with magnetic cranes and large nets to gather trash and refuse. Other nanomages were using their powers to precisely guide the machinery and to grab loose scraps that were otherwise not easy to obtain.		Following the trail based on Kristoph's findings took a long time. The storms rolling in led to rough waters, but in spite of that, they witnessed other ships from Blacktide attempting cleanup. They appeared as cargo ships with magnetic cranes and large nets to gather trash and refuse. Other nanomages were using their powers to precisely guide the machinery and to grab loose scraps that were otherwise not easy to obtain.
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	Finally, they made it pass a series of warning buoys marking off the edge of the Condemned Zone where they could see dense clusters of the wrecks of abandoned ships. This was the Toxic Ship Graveyard. A disgusting place made more depressing by the dreary overcast and pouring rain. They all received a grim reminder that this was the result of the Virtual Wars, and it was heartbreaking to see what was essentially destroyed beauty. Kristoph took the moment to thank Alphonse for his work in Blacktide making such an effort to prevent the rest of the planet looking like what they saw.		Finally, they made it pass a series of warning buoys marking off the edge of the Condemned Zone where they could see dense clusters of the wrecks of abandoned ships. This was the Toxic Ship Graveyard. A disgusting place made more depressing by the dreary overcast and pouring rain. They all received a grim reminder that this was the result of the Virtual Wars, and it was heartbreaking to see what was essentially destroyed beauty. Kristoph took the moment to thank Alphonse for his work in Blacktide making such an effort to prevent the rest of the planet looking like what they saw.

	The path was treacherous. They had to dodge debris to avoid the MRS Orpheus getting punctured by rebar, steel beams or other obstacles. There were even leftover sea mines from the war that were still primed.		The path was treacherous. They had to dodge debris to avoid the ''MRS Orpheus'' getting punctured by rebar, steel beams or other obstacles. There were even leftover sea mines from the war that were still primed.

	In addition to the other hazards, they found more Aggravator Rampants. Hostile, mutated sea creatures that would surface and ram themselves mindlessly against the boat, some of which were big enough to cause it to rock back and forth. Thankfully, there was nothing big enough to cause a capsize, but they nonetheless had to clear them out.		In addition to the other hazards, they found more Aggravator Rampants. Hostile, mutated sea creatures that would surface and ram themselves mindlessly against the boat, some of which were big enough to cause it to rock back and forth. Thankfully, there was nothing big enough to cause a capsize, but they nonetheless had to clear them out.
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	The Macbeth was the source of the explosive, the crew having fired a shot to test the resolve of the PHIA Phorce. But now that they had met one another face to face, they had the chance to talk for a bit in a confrontation. The PHIA Phorce got the vibe that they were disgruntled with the Federation. They had some sort of grudge left over from the war. Henry Teach seemed the most reasonable and levelheaded of the group. However, from an outside perspective, it was clear that despite Teach being captain, the Dark Mage was the one pulling the strings. While the other crew members were motivated by some sort of personal beef over the Federation, the Dark Mage was clearly motivated in seeing Kristoph suffer and nothing else.		The Macbeth was the source of the explosive, the crew having fired a shot to test the resolve of the PHIA Phorce. But now that they had met one another face to face, they had the chance to talk for a bit in a confrontation. The PHIA Phorce got the vibe that they were disgruntled with the Federation. They had some sort of grudge left over from the war. Henry Teach seemed the most reasonable and levelheaded of the group. However, from an outside perspective, it was clear that despite Teach being captain, the Dark Mage was the one pulling the strings. While the other crew members were motivated by some sort of personal beef over the Federation, the Dark Mage was clearly motivated in seeing Kristoph suffer and nothing else.

	==Battle with the Oberon Pirates==		==Battle with the Oberon Pirates==
	A battle at sea had begun. The PHIA Phorce worked together to man the different stations of the Orpheus while also using their own equipment and abilities to fight. Sophia launched plasma bolts while Kristoph formed some makeshift projectiles of his own, while also creating defensive barriers. The Macbeth returned fire with their own array of weapons that came equipped with the ship.		A battle at sea had begun. The PHIA Phorce worked together to man the different stations of the Orpheus while also using their own equipment and abilities to fight. Sophia launched plasma bolts while Kristoph formed some makeshift projectiles of his own, while also creating defensive barriers. The Macbeth returned fire with their own array of weapons that came equipped with the ship.