Voting is now open for Chapter Nine and will remain open until 9pm EST on Sunday, July 10th.
You have two options as to where to vote and where to argue: 1: You can vote and argue here, in this topic. 2: You can vote by visiting the Comments section in The Legend of Snake archives at AO3 and responding to my 'Chapter Nine Voting' Comment.
You can only vote at one location, but you can post your thoughts on both locations. Just be sure to post your GameFAQs screen-name in the Comments at AO3.
Oh hey, by the way; it's back!!! (You can pretend to be excited now)
-- The Legend of Snake: http://tinyurl.com/3cal86z The LoS Instruction Manual: http://tinyurl.com/3jlax8h
So hyped and then it's something I've already read. Should've expected because you lost the votes. No problem with that. YAY VOTING!
A: Go to the marketplace with Rikku. - It'd be nice to look around, but we have no cash. We could be doing better things with our time. Plus, the last time we got a look at the marketplace, IIRC, there was a big tent with a "No Al Bhed" sign. Tom Nook's place? We'd probably want Rikku to come along just because she knows the area and we could subtly see if her thief skills are up to par, but bringing her to Nook's wouldn't be good. And again, no money.
B: Go to the marketplace without Rikku. - Advantage: Meeting Tom Nook and maybe learning more about the Anthros. Tom Nook could be a great ally since he's likely a strong businessman with a great deal of market strength. Disadvantages: We want to build up relationships and kicking Rikku to the curb for no reason would suck. We have no money. Tom Nook could be an even worse enemy since it's likely he has higher ties, especially to Vercetii or possibly even the Link Administration... which doesn't hurt actually if we go to him. Still, no cash and no Rikku. Not yet. Maybe tomorrow.
C: Go to Seventh Heaven with Rikku. - We shouldn't go back to Seventh Heaven so soon. Not after the poker game.
D: Go to Seventh Heaven without Rikku. - Even worse.
E: Ask Rikku for directions to the Anthros' park; travel to the park with Rikku. - Best not to let her in on it yet. Going there is a good move to survey the area, but showing our face might mark us later. We'll see.
F: Ask Rikku for directions to the Anthros' park; investigate the area without Rikku. - Dick move.
G: Attempt to speak with Odessa in Room 101. - We need more information from Odessa. Not just on how she knows about Snake, but who she's working for, her relationship to Meryl, and more information about the factions and conflicts. Rikku's obviously intimidated by her so she wouldn't like coming, and if we take her, we don't really want her privy to too much information (yet).
H: Ask Rikku where to find Jax Briggs, and attempt to speak with him. - Dick move to Canderous, but another viewpoint would be nice to have.
J: Attempt to gain access to Vercetti's headquarters with Rikku. - Oh how I miss Oddity XD
K: Attempt to gain access to Vercetti's headquarters without Rikku. - We should totally do that.
I'm leaning between A, E, and G. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages, but likely give us the most gain. C & H have higher risk with no tangible reward; they could be great options or they could be wasted time (or worse), so they're out. We need to stay quiet right now so going to hot zones for little reason is a bit absurd. I'll think more on it before July 10th.
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"Because they don't want to reason about what they consider a masterpiece and be hurt when they realize it was all useless." - Umineko on Lost
The old chapters have been extensively editted, so there is new material in there (and it took me long enough to do so), but yeah, sorry for the lack of new content. I actually did have vote totals saved. But I had written a draft of Chapter Nine (now Chapter Ten) that I cannot find. And rewriting what had been lost did not sound exciting, so I'm holding a recite now in hopes the results change (and I am on vacation and have limited Wifi access now anyway, so why not.)
-- The Legend of Snake: http://tinyurl.com/3cal86z The LoS Instruction Manual: http://tinyurl.com/3jlax8h
Read it again and I definitely notice some differences.
Forgot all about Yosuke and Junes. Again, no cash, but it's a place to go and there's opportunities abound. Don't really care about building up a link with Yosuke though. If Snake thinks Rikku inadvertently causes trouble, Mr. Yosuke "I Get Five Embarrassing Nicknames Before I'm Formally Introduced" Hanamura will be our nightmare.
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"Because they don't want to reason about what they consider a masterpiece and be hurt when they realize it was all useless." - Umineko on Lost
Leaning toward A. It's a chance to see the market, get a better idea of just what social link options are open to us, and possibly overhear some gossip about the Anthros without checking out their park just yet. Not to mention the chance to build up the Rikku social link. She might not be the most useful person to have around, but the more friends, the better.
Alternately, surveying the Anthros without Rikku seems like a good option. Might be dickish to ditch her, but bringing her along would probably be unwise -- for one, she might screw things up, and she's also been established as quite gossipy, and I don't think that spreading information about the Anthros mission would be a good idea just yet. Furthermore, there will be plenty of opportunities to build up social links, whereas this mission needs to be completed as soon as possible.
Also, what direction are we thinking of taking overall? Odessa's organization seems filled with potential allies, but Vercetti's crew also has a chance of providing some heavy hitters. Maybe work toward a potential Al Bhed-Vercetti alliance with the Emerald as a bargaining chip?
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I also think going back to Tifa's bar eventually is worth considering.
Oh hey these are better written than they were before.
Anyway I am leaning E right now. The way I figure things it works best to have a girl like Rikku hanging around us rather than not when you are doing recon so to speak. It is one thing to want to go unnoticed but it is better to be noticed and not be at all suspicious. Having a guy look around by himself being all silent and stuff wouldn't be too prudent in my mind.
Also hi Mega Mana lol.
-- Sir Chris http://img.imgcake.com/Chris2pngas.png
1. She is still a thief, if not a great one. And she has more knowledge of Sector 7 than us. Which means she could prove helpful for scouting the Anthro Park. 2. If we are discovered than we go to what Sir Chris mentioned.
As for Rikku being gossipy, I'm not sure how big a deal it is that other members of the Al Bhed know about the mission. I mean Ordo did scream out the mission in the middle of the cafeteria to begin with. So there is a chance that news of what he is planning has already gotten around.
I'd avoid 7th Heaven or Vercetti right now. We need time to focus when/if we ever try and approach Vercetti, and 7th heaven might bring more unwanted attention (and I doubt Luigi would still be there).
As much as I love Jax, I see no real benefit to meeting him right now.
Market is a real wildcard, could prove extremely helpful, could be completely worthless.
I'd vote for E right now, with F, A, and B being the other things I'm considering (in that order).
-- (Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~ All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.
Ffff, I had a big outline typed up on every choice, but it got eaten up by a mistype. Oh well, it's probably for the best.
Still waffling between A, E, and G. I want them all to get done and I expect we can easily get to them in the next three days, it's just a matter of what takes priority and how Rikku influences it because I'd want to take her along for now.
Marketplace: + She knows people, we meet Yosuke, she knows the best places to shop (and to steal from). - People know her, we might get tagged as Al Bhed (which could work in our favor for Al Bhed-leaning markets but not for some like Tom Nook), we'd likely spend most of our time at Junes with Yosuke instead of better browsing and meeting new people, she might fail at thieving (or get us chased out of shops). I'm likely worrying too much about her presence.
Anthros: + We don't have to tell her why, we learn more information about them and the dissension between clans, we explore the area, she can show us amateur parkour, we may meet or see various Anthro characters that we may want to have on our team or to stay away from (I still really, really want Tails if he's there), less conspicious with her around - We might have to tell her why and keeping her out of the loop could hurt her in three days, Anthro characters may see/smell us, they may peg us as Al Bhed by our association to Rikku (though it's likely even without bringing her, they could smell the Al Bhed stink on us)
Odessa: + If Odessa kicks her out of the room we don't get blamed, we learn more about factions/Vercetti/mysterious Al Bhed Leader/her ties to Campbell and Meryl, best chance for another infodump, learn more about Ordo, Amir, and Jax as well as other Al Bhed character and possible leaders of the Necro and Anthro factions - Rikku probably wouldn't like going back to Odessa's, Odessa might not kick her out this time (unlikely), if left to herself she might hear gossip about Ordo in the cafeteria and want in, Odessa might not be in her office at this time (not sure if that was a thing), nothing proactive
Talking with Odessa is a big priority, but it can also wait until this evening without losing anything. The Marketplace and Anthro trip would be somewhat different environments in the evening... though I'm just remembering we're under a giant metal plate so daylight doesn't really factor in to the mood of the environment or getting a better look at things.
I wouldn't have said this last time, but I think going to see the Anthros with Rikku is a good move. Best way to gather intel for the immediate side-mission, we learn more about the state of Sector Seven, and we may meet potential allies. Markets casual value while Odessa's an infodump we shouldn't delay too long, but can put off for one or two more chapters without Rikku wanting to be around.
E
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Pyre GIR (9:26:57 PM): You lack a basic grasp of human nature that can only be learned through living IamSoCool84321 (9:28:07 PM): ur dumb
Oh hey guys just to remind you, though I should have done this earlier, you're technically supposed to bold your votes for them to count and whatnot.
Achromatic posted... Oh hey these are better written than they were before.
...I thought the original drafts were well-written in and of themselves, but I do feel the new versions are better polished. The originals were marred with tense changes for one, as well as some weird language where it felt in retrospect like Snake briefly broke character, and one or two exchanges that were kind of funny but also somewhat thematically inappropriate
-- The Legend of Snake: http://tinyurl.com/3cal86z The LoS Instruction Manual: http://tinyurl.com/3jlax8h
We should also keep in mind that, if we take Rikku along on the recon mission, there's a good chance that she'll be recognized as Al Bhed, and we're therefore less likely to make "friendly" contact with any Anthros we come across.
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Though given that we're gonna rob them, I'm not sure how relevant that is.
We get to meet Yosuke, we can ask him about the Anthros, he should know something since he works in the marketplace. Also it's the best choice for Rikku's social link.
If we just waltz into Anthros' territory it's going to be very suspicious. They might not even let us in unless we have a good reason to be there.
Talking with Odessa is important, but we can do that later.
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Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel.
We've already seen the Marketplace and even Junes, with Rikku before. Yes, we'd meet Yosuke, but we can't befriend everyone in the world and we have only a limited time before the sidequest. Ignoring the main plot (Odessa) and the sidequest (Jax, potentially Nook, the Anthro Park) to go making friends with someone just because we have a Level 1 Social Link with their girlfriend seems like a dumb move to me. We're not going to be in Sector 7 forever and we almost certainly won't be bringing these all our Social Links with us.
nintendogirl1 posted... We've already seen the Marketplace and even Junes, with Rikku before. Yes, we'd meet Yosuke, but we can't befriend everyone in the world and we have only a limited time before the sidequest. Ignoring the main plot (Odessa) and the sidequest (Jax, potentially Nook, the Anthro Park) to go making friends with someone just because we have a Level 1 Social Link with their girlfriend seems like a dumb move to me. We're not going to be in Sector 7 forever and we almost certainly won't be bringing these all our Social Links with us.
In that case, which do we do first? And do we do it with or without Rikku?
I get that time is limited, but if we commit too quickly to the main plot or sidequest, we're likely to miss out on some of the opportunities in front of us.
We could always come back when we get gil. Best for Rikku, but Rikku isn't a priority.
Current priorities IMO
A) Topple Link and dismantle his administration while replacing it with something better before the end of the year - B) Destroy the Mako Gear factories before... the end of the year? Christmas? - - C) Move through the sectors to get closer to Link / Leave sector Seven & access Sector Six - - - D) Overthrow, ally, or find a way around Vercetti & his organization to reach Sector Six - - - - E) Unite the factions, empower one or two factions, or ignore the problems of Sector Seven (scummy Snake) to disrupt or gain a bargaining chip towards Vercetti
From here, it's mostly my opinion the order: - - - - - F) (LORE, INFO) Discover who the mysterious leader is behind Al Bhed, what he knows, what Odessa's connection is to Meryl and Colonel Campbell, and why the factions are the way they are - - - - - - G) (MISSION) Aid Canderous Ordo in his mission against the Anthros. How we go about it is still undecided. We have three days. - - - - - - - H) (SUB-LEVEL) Procure money, make social links, and explore Sector Seven
Building up a relationship with Rikku and Yosuke just to build them up shouldn't be a big thing. I definitely see advantages to the market with Rikku (meeting shopkeepers, learning more about stores, mild discussion about why there's a "No Al Bhed" marking on that store, maybe getting free stolen goods) so I definitely see why it has merit.
The Marketplace isn't a bad idea, but going there just to build up Rikku and meet Yosuke's not the best reason.
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“So we’ve cornered Andy and Kyle in the Swarts stairwell and then this guy comes out of NO WHERE like ****ing Batman or something.” ; ExTha is the man
While not unexpected, I have to say that the lack of interest is mildly discouraging. It won't prevent the next chapter from appearing on schedule, but still.
-- The Legend of Snake: http://tinyurl.com/3cal86z The LoS Instruction Manual: http://tinyurl.com/3jlax8h
A: Go to the marketplace with Rikku. B: Go to the marketplace without Rikku.
These options basically read: A) Meet Yosuke. B) Go check out Tom Nook's store.
We've been to the marketplace with Rikku already. It's not a bad decision, but it's not brilliant. Yosuke is another Al Behd member, he has links to easy food, but we can already get food from him via Rikku or free from the cafeteria. He does also share a room with Amir, which is another possibly better way to get in contact with him.
Tom Nook on the other hand is an Anthro, who is willing to deal with humans, so we would be able to find a limited amount of information out there. Definitely an idea to consider.
C: Go to Seventh Heaven with Rikku. D: Go to Seventh Heaven without Rikku.
These 2 are shots in the dark at a place we left hastily after a fight. Sure, we might run into someone useful, but it's definitely not a worthwhile choice.
E: Ask Rikku for directions to the Anthros' park; travel to the park with Rikku. F: Ask Rikku for directions to the Anthros' park; investigate the area without Rikku.
These are the most direct way of scouting for the sidequest and also, easily the most risky. Rikku is Al Behd and taking her into hostile territory with no idea what we're facing is absurd. Going without Rikku is better, but still carries an element of risk. It would be better to have some knowledge before we blunder in.
G: Attempt to speak with Odessa in Room 101.
Odessa has made it clear that she's not going to tell us what we want to know till it's time. She holds all the cards at this point and we won't be able to pressurize her into anything without poisoning her towards us.
H: Ask Rikku where to find Jax Briggs, and attempt to speak with him.
This is what I believe is the best option. We further ingratiate ourselves with the Al Bhed, by talking to someone who has some influence and some money. He will have information about Canderous, who despite his Social Link, we still know nothing about and probably about the Al Bhed.
J: Attempt to gain access to Vercetti's headquarters with Rikku. K: Attempt to gain access to Vercetti's headquarters without Rikku.
There is no reason for us to do these whatsoever.
So, for those reasons, I'm voting H and would urge you all to do the same, with B my second choice if I had to make one.
Meeting with Jax is really something I haven't considered. For one, we've already told Ordo we'd do it and Ordo's awesome. Jax was an ass to Ordo. **** him. He skimped on money and belittled the old warrior. I know that's how I've held it for the longest time now.
But Ngirl presents a valid viewpoint. He's a power in Al Bhed. And turning the chessboard over, Ordo may not be that great. He had to have done something to piss Jackson off so much. "It's just sad, Ordo, when a teenage girl accomplished more for our tribe than you have in the past month" has to have some nugget of truth to it (and also speaks well of Rikku if Jackson just doesn't outright hate the guy for poor reasons). It also doesn't speak well of our mission if Ordo backs out at any time. He may not be the most reliable guy, even though I enjoy him. Jackson would not only provide a different perspective on Ordo allowing us to make a better judgement call on how much we pursue him, but a stronger vision of how Al Bhed operates, what faction relations are like and how they came to be, whether he really hates old people or it's just Ordo, and maybe information on Odessa and the mysterious benefactor. We may also get another view on Rikku, Yosuke, Amir, and those we haven't met. It's also close by and won't take too much time out of the day as, say, going to Anthro town or the Marketplace would (I don't think).
"Real soldiers fight for a cause, for something greater than themselves."
He sounds like he'd make a great ally.
I'd like to change my vote from E to H
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“So we’ve cornered Andy and Kyle in the Swarts stairwell and then this guy comes out of NO WHERE like ****ing Batman or something.” ; ExTha is the man
MWIS, a friend of mine basically gave me a computer. While I've had trouble getting it to work, I've been able to get my old laptop drive in there and got ALL my old archives back. Looking at it I unfortunately only got the first topic archived, but if you still want them for what old debates we had and whatnot I can email the files or upload them online or something.
The prospect of getting more info and getting another contact in Al Behd is very appealing, especially if it will help our upcoming mission. However, I am kind of nervous of the impact this will have on our link with Canderous.
The only other option I'd consider is F. But before we go headfirst into Anthro territory, I think it would be prudent to get info from someone in Al Behd about what to expect on this mission.
No way we're taking Rikku. While Sir Chris has a point that a lone man investigating is supicious, I think that investigating with a known Al Behd member is even worse. It's going to be a lot harder to remain unnoticed, and not necessarily because of her mouth; I think people are really underestimating her ability to be serious when it comes time for our first mission with her. But apparently Rikku just made a huge victory for Al Behd, or at least she's been making a noticeable impact for them, based on what Jax said. This immediately raises the stakes if we get in trouble, as if she's even seen, it's will probably draw attention. And the situation will escalate a lot quicker if the Anthros find an Al Behd tie. Some lone human is either dumb and curious or a mercenary. 2 humans, one who is known Al Behd, is an attack and will put them on high alert, ruining our mission in 3 days.
The risk is too high to take Rikku, especially when we can get similar or better information from Jax and still go it alone.
From: nintendogamer88 | #040 MWIS, a friend of mine basically gave me a computer. While I've had trouble getting it to work, I've been able to get my old laptop drive in there and got ALL my old archives back. Looking at it I unfortunately only got the first topic archived, but if you still want them for what old debates we had and whatnot I can email the files or upload them online or something.
While not unexpected, I have to say that the lack of interest is mildly discouraging.
I was really excited when I saw this topic and wanted to reread all the old chapters before casting my vote but got swamped with work this week. My interest level is very high and I should be voting next round.