Friends at the Table

• Perpetua 20: A Roar Across Cenn 02

  After an ominous meeting with Thereus Aegir, leader of the Hexcloaks, Caoimhe Wake regroups with Brontë Adelvys and Antistrophe Landrace, fresh from their victorious Beachminton showdown in Seawalk. Caoimhe shares the ultimatum she received from Aegir: Find out whether the recent earthquakes are tied to Castine, Living Metal. Which raises the question: How does one go about investigating a member of the Ennead while he is surrounded by his most loyal followers?  This week on Perpetua: A Roar Across Cenn 02 Perpetua Guide [In Progress v.05] NPCs & Monsters [PNMS] I’ve been waiting to put these in until we had stats, but I guess we just aren’t getting those during the early acts. Jimmy Cone & Johnny Cakes [NMJJC] Traits: Arrogant, Ambitious, Competitive, Playful Stats: ???  Attacks: Ace Killer, Back to the Fundamentals, Big Little Bro Backhand, Big Little Bro Beachminton Bash, Classic Comeback Shot, Desperate Dexterous Swing, Dexterous Hit, Final Shot, Jimjam Slam, NORMAL OL' HIT, Patty-Cake Patty-Cake Baker's Lob, Rapid Fire Double Down Super Shot, Slippy Slappy Overhand, Signature Dexterous Hit, Veteran's Return Spells: ??? In-Game Description: Brotherly heirs to the Cenn City dessert empire. Sigh. I don’t really get it. Why do they share a character profile page when they clearly have different stats? Why aren’t their stats visible even after you beat them in Beachminton. Is their whole concept some sort of reference I don’t get? I think this game is pretty funny, but every comedian has some bad jokes.  Kley Kaina [NMKLA] Traits: Skeptical, Mysterious, Just, Vengeful Stats: ???  Attacks: ??? Spells: ??? In-Game Description: Caoimhe’s childhood friend, a Poison Elf who has trained to be a doctor. Somewhere along the way, they developed strange allegiances. You know when you watch an anime and you go “I hope that side character gets a whole episode?” That’s how I feel about Kley. What’s their deal!? Why are they so pissed off about Caoimhe joining the Hexcloaks. And what “strange allegiances” do they have?  Delani Kaina [NMDLK] Traits: Faithful, Brusque, Determined, Demanding Stats: ???  Attacks: ??? Spells: ??? In-Game Description: Kley Kaina’s mother and a loyal follower of Castine. On a pilgrimage to Cenn. I wish she wasn’t so mean to Kley, but I can’t help but like her. It’s funny that she has a big crush on Castine, it’s sort of like being in love with a Greek God, but I guess that happened in myths too so why not in a game? Thereus Aegir [NMTHA] Traits: ??? Stats: ???  Attacks: ??? Spells: ??? In-Game Description: Leader of the Hexcloaks. “Leader of the Hexcloaks.” That’s it!? You couldn’t even say “Cruel leader of the Hexcloaks” or “Mysterious leader of the Hexcloaks?” Not saying more makes him even MORE mysterious. And why are his TRAITS hidden? It’s not like he’s hiding being a jackass, he just is one! Athon, Castine’s High Cleric [NMATH] Traits: Devoted, Strict, Punctual, Knowledgeable Stats: ???  Attacks: ??? Spells: ??? In-Game Description: Castine’s chief attendant, responsible for the affairs of his Temple. Athon is sort of a mirror. If you choose all the hostile dialog options, he’s a real prick back to you. If you choose all the more quiet, humble ones, he’ll reflect respect back to you. I’m not sure it really matters if you piss this guy off or not, but if you don’t want to get scolded, just be polite and patient. Castine, Living Metal [NMCLM] Traits: Curious, Mercurial, Empathetic, Caring Stats: ???  Attacks: ??? Spells: ??? In-Game Description: Second newest member of the Ennead. Connected to metal and physical damage.  I have some guesses about what “second newest” member of the Ennead means, but that’s it for now. Here’s my big theory though: There’s gotta be some connection between him and Scintero, since Scintero is “Living Bolt” and Castine is “Living Metal,” right? Hosted by Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social) FeaturingAli Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Art Martinez-Tebbel (amtebbel.bsky.social), Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social), and Andrew Lee Swan (swandre3000.bsky.social) Produced by Ali Acampora Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp) Cover Art by Ben McEntee (https://linktr.ee/benmce.art) With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint This episode was made with support from listeners like you! To support us, you can go to friendsatthetable.cash.  

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• Perpetua 19: A Roar Across Cenn 01

  Called to Cenn, City of Iron Chains, Caiomhe Wake, Antistrophe Landrace, Brontë Adelvys (and his two attendants), arrive to find crisis rumbling in burg. The Hexcloaks have quietly taken over town governance, while outside, tremors have turned to quakes, even bringing harm to the Ironclad Parade—the statuary whose inhabitants were once devotees to Castine, Living Metal. Perhaps such devotion is earned in part by the curious community that Castine has built here in Cenn since his arrival a century ago. While the archeological dig that gave Cenn its full moniker continues, the city is now known just as well for the smells of its sizzling food, its many seaside diversions, and the spiritual contemplation offered by the lunar temple that graces the moon resting at its center. There, Castine walks with pilgrims who have traveled seeking his company, his wisdom, or his divine favor. But however pure he’s kept his temple, he could never keep it safe from the prying eyes of the other members of the Ennead: Ryme, Master of Ice. Lucena, Bringer of Light. Zephius, the Old Wind. Gritt of the Earth. Scintero, Living Bolt. Cinner, Soldier of Ash. Pharmakos the Poisoner. Caliginia, Fated Darkness. None of these divine beings are omniscient, and none omnipotent, but each is capable, powerful, and driven by their own ends, their own understanding of responsibility, and their own relationship to the Perpetuan Cycle.  “What must they think,” you might wonder, “about the Sourcerot, which threatens to end the world ahead of its scheduled decline? What must they think about these heroes journeying across continents in search of destiny?” Well, my own thoughts will be saved for now. But soon, in the city of Cenn, one so-called god will speak. This week on Perpetua:  Perpetua Guide [In Progress v.05] MiniGames and Side Activities [MGSA] Wordzin [MGWZ] In-Game Description: A word-association game with its origins in the Elevana League town of Burzin.    You’re prompted with one word and then you’re given a choice of words to pick that all could be associated with that first word. Your goal is to pick the same word as the second “dealer.” At first, I thought that this game was totally random, but after talking to people on the forum, it sounds like you can start to predict what style of word the computer will pick based on which dealer modeler is being used. The one with the long fancy mustache tends to pick adjectives fancy words and is the only one who uses adverbs. The lady with the big eyes tends to pick animals and weapons. The guy with the apron on picks verbs the most (but not exclusively). When you get the twin dealers, though, it IS totally random! I guess it’s like they have an inside joke going? Calstega Cook Off! [MGCO] In-Game Description: After the success of the first cooking competition, the people of Northcrook decided to run a regular Cook Off competition as part of a ‘neighborhood revitalization’ effort.   The game basically counts on you paying attention during the first time this minigame shows up, because there is NO tutorialization after that. You’re just dropped back into the town as if you’re not even in a minigame. Once I loaded a save and was confused why I couldn’t even leave the screen, because I forgot I saved after starting the Cook Off!   So : Step 1: Pay attention to the theme of Cook Off is. They say this up top and will NOT repeat it. 2. Try to learn the judge’s tastes. Most of the time you can do this through a few skill checks, but once I had to do a duel, and once they made me do this weird tower puzzle (a minigame INSIDE of a minigame!?). 3. Come with good ingredients. Even though you can normally buy ingredients inside of a settlement (you have been doing that, right?) you can’t do it once you start the Cook Off! Beachminton [MGBM] In-Game Description: The favorite pastime of Cenn’s beach goers. Hit the Sandy Shuttlecock onto your opponent’s side, but be careful not to break it!   I don’t know anything about real badminton, except that every single word associated with it is funny. But Beachminton is pretty simple: Look at the sand ball to see how close it is to breaking apart: if it’s in crisis you can see sand falling off of it while its in slow motion between rounds. If it’s close to breaking, try to hit it with your weakest character and use any tricks you can to do low damage. If it’s not close to breaking, try to hit it as hard as you can. At least that’s how I play! Hosted by Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social) Featuring Janine Hawkins (@bleatingheart), Sylvi Bullet (@sylvibullet), and Keith J Carberry (@keithjcarberry) Produced by Ali Acampora Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp) Cover Art by Ben McEntee (https://linktr.ee/benmce.art) With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint This episode was made with support from listeners like you! To support us, you can go to friendsatthetable.cash.  

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• Perpetua 18: Sizzling Rivalry, Crashing Waves! 04

  After escaping one ambush in their hotel room and a second aboard the Buzzard Black, the crew of the Little Snail is finally preparing themselves for their climactic showdown with the deadly hitman, Genuine Sincere. They’ll need the right location, the right gear, and the right magical protection. And then, of course, they’ll need a little luck. This week on Perpetua: Sizzling Rivalry, Crashing Waves! 04 Perpetua Guide [In Progress v.04] NPCs & Monsters [PNMS] Genuine Sincere [NMGNS] Traits: Cold-Blooded, Bought, Veteran. Eagle-eyed Stats: DEX 10, INS 6, MIG 8, WLP 6 Attacks: Ancient Passikan Rifle Shot, Suppressive FIRE, COLD Snap, LIGHTNING Strikes Twice, A Shot in the DARK Special Abilities:  Countershot, Reinforcements, Take to the Sky (Crisis!) In-Game Description: Former colleague of Uncle Nicky. Veteran hitman in the service of....  As far as I’m concerned, this is the first real boss fight of the game, even if you’re jumping between both West and East campaigns. The Kalsi fight has a potential “hard mode,” but you can stop it from even happening at all based on your choices. Genuine Sincere, on the other hand, will keep sniping at you until you finally fight him. (Though I am curious if the game ever forces a traditional fight with him, or if you can complete the whole campaign with him occasionally taking a potshot through your window. Anyone test this out yet?) All of that is to say: Come in prepared! First of all, keep any elemental weaknesses in mind (like Elena’s weakness to bolt) because four out of the five attacks Genuine has are elemental in nature. Worse: He’s the first enemy who can actively MAKE YOU WEAK to an element.  He can also debuff you in a number of different ways, so bring enough IP to Tonic your way through the fight if you need to. On top of all that he’s a Villain and a Champion class enemy, so even if you try to grind to beat him, he’s going to end up with a lot more HP than any one of your party members. Yikes. Oh, and did I mention, he isn’t even alone? He starts the fight with a Hoodlum Mechanic [NMHMC] and a Gangster Killer [NMGKL] on his side, plus a (de)Activated BuilderBot [NMABB] that can be used against you if the Mechanic can get control of it. DON’T LET THAT HAPPEN. Starter Tip: As far as I can tell, you have three places you can confront Genuine in the city: The clock tower where he snipes you from as you enter (and when you’re in the hotel.) The beach at Rose Shore (which is definitely the hardest, because of some enemies that can join from the sea). And one of the industrial buildings in Highrail. That last one is the hardest to setup, but BY FAR the easiest to win at. ESPECIALLY if you can manage to stop his “Reinforcements” ability to continually give him more Mechanics and Killers on his side! Hosted by Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social) Featuring Ali Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Art Martinez-Tebbel (amtebbel.bsky.social), Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social), and Andrew Lee Swan (swandre3000.bsky.social) Produced by Ali Acampora Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp) Cover Art by Ben McEntee (https://linktr.ee/benmce.art) With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint This episode was made with support from listeners like you! To support us, you can go to friendsatthetable.cash.

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• Perpetua 17: Sizzling Rivalry, Crashing Waves! 03

  After being taken under the wing of Commodore Onyx, the crew of the Little Snail were brought up to date on the situation in Calstega Bay and beyond—learning for the first time details about a larger conflict between light and dark. But soon, they’ll learn just how limited the protection of this “protective custody” is. As Genuine Sincere begins to pull tight his snare, will Elena, Jonathan, Nicky, and Veile escape the hotel, or will they find their destiny cut short? This week on Perpetua: Sizzling Rivalry, Crashing Waves! 03 Perpetua Guide [In Progress v.04] Some Feedback [Page 15 of 18] CarlsSr But anyway speaking of cooking, I feel like I run out of ingredients with Nicky too much. Is there any way to get more besides traveling? Alukard83 Wow, a useful question from Carl, I never thought I’d see the day. Shouldn’t this be its own thread though? CarlsSr They don’t let me make threads on the forum for some reason. TheUnforgivenIII The fact that you’re having problems is just more PROOF that this faq sucks. And so does this message board, I hope the site closes. Alukard83 You could always just do easy travel in a circle right outside a city where it’s safest to try to get some extra ingredients.  Btw why are you always so angry Unforgiven? Must be all that Metallica you listen to. Maybe try listening to some real music for a change, like Bauhaus. Though maybe for someone like you, you should try some BEGINNER stuff, like The Cult or Nine Inch Nails! XxZelgadyskXx I don’t know the answer to this one Carl, but for quick questions like this you’re always welcome to come hang out on the IRC channel! We’re on DALnet! Oh, and I haven’t used it yet but try Nicky’s. We’ll even let you start new conversation topics if you want n.n;;;; TheDiamondRanger What’s an IR Channel? CarlsSr It’s okay guys, I decided to just give Nicky the “Gathering” camp skill. Seems like that will work FriendofNei Wait, Carl, don’t! I haven’t had time to update the guide yet, but DON'T TAKE THAT SKILL I hope you keep more than one save file... Hosted by Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social) Featuring Ali Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Art Martinez-Tebbel (amtebbel.bsky.social), Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social), and Andrew Lee Swan (swandre3000.bsky.social) Produced by Ali Acampora Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp) Cover Art by Ben McEntee (https://linktr.ee/benmce.art) With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint This episode was made with support from listeners like you! To support us, you can go to friendsatthetable.cash.  

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• Perpetua 16: Sizzling Rivalry, Crashing Waves! 02

  Many are the questions that run through the heads of the Little Snail’s award-winning chefs as they are paraded through the streets of Calstega Bay. Some are quite philosophical: When is a victory a failure, and when might imprisonment be protection? Others are more mundane in nature: What is wrong with this Commodore, and how much trouble are we in? They will find answers to some of these questions, certainly, but some answers are only doors to new mysteries and new visions of the world… This week on Perpetua: Sizzling Rivalry, Crashing Waves! 02 Perpetua Guide [In Progress v.04] NPCs & Monsters [PNMS] Hoodlum Mechanic [NMHMC] Typical Traits: Boastful, Irritable, Proud, Strong Stats: DEX 6, INS 6, MIG 10, WLP 8 Attacks: Flash Orb, Heavy Wrench Special Abilities: Field Repair, Electroswing, Bad Temper In-Game Description: Mechanic for the Calstega Bay Cheetahs. You might read “mechanic” and think “brain, not brawn.” But the Cheetah Gang’s mechanics are a bit of both. They have giant, electrified wrenches and they know how to use ‘em. That said, they aren’t especially hard to hit, so if you’re aggressive, you can knock ‘em out before they get the upper handon you. Starter Tip: Make sure to take them out (or at least disable them) before you try to focus on any automatons or constructs, otherwise you’ll find that the damage you do gets repaired away! Gangster Killer [NMGKL] Typical Traits: Sneaky, Perceptive, Arrogant, Fast Stats: DEX 8, INS 6, MIG 6, WLP 8 Attacks: Knife Toss, Steel Dagger Special Abilities: None In-Game Description: Cold blooded killer for the Cheetah gang.. These guys are just about the most basic enemy in the game. They do one thing: Damage. They don’t have a ton of HP, they don’t have a bunch of special moves or spells. They just stab you as hard as they possibly can.  Starter Tip: Not much to say, except hope that you don’t get dazed by their Knife Toss! Activated BuilderBot [NMABB] Typical Traits: Sneaky, Perceptive, Arrogant, Fast Stats: DEX 8, INS 6, MIG 10, WLP 6 Attacks: Hammer Smash Special Abilities: Barrier Projector In-Game Description: A Calstega Bay Construction bot that has been modified by the Cheetahs.  I didn’t expect robots to pop up in this game, did you!? If you let a mechanic activate them, they can become a real problem. Not only do they have a really strong melee attack (that can slow you if it hits!) but their Barrier Projector can also prevent the party from fleeing. That said, if you get lucky, you can get one for yourself and use it not only in battles against high-value monsters that flee, but also in some Adventure Field Puzzles, and even in the boss fight at the end of Calstega Bay! Starter Tip: If you can get a BuiilderBot into crisis, it gains the unique “Exposed Core” debuff,  losing its fire and ice resistance, but also turning all of its melee damage into Bolt. Hosted by Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social) Featuring Ali Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Art Martinez-Tebbel (amtebbel.bsky.social), Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social), and Andrew Lee Swan (swandre3000.bsky.social) Produced by Ali Acampora Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp) Cover Art by Ben McEntee (https://linktr.ee/benmce.art) With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint This episode was made with support from listeners like you! To support us, you can go to friendsatthetable.cash.

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