EXPEDITION to Carousel station! & PH Welcome Center DMZ!

[Wassail]

(Please note there are spoilers for Carousel Station content below.)

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AI generated image of a bunch of sad expedition members about to be parasitized by weird fungal blobs.

Yes, it's me, Cormorant, general TRO layabout, fish-obsessed bird, and your expedition correspondent. On the occasion of the second mysterious Carousel station docking and expecting a parasite infestation of similar levels to the first appearance of the GHOST MEMORY (?) STATION, many souls from all over the Nexus gathered to explore.

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- You say, "Hello intrepid expedition team!" (2022-08-17 20:00:10).
- Astro Cat throws up what looks like space (2022-08-17 20:00:11).
- Antonine said, "Right - ahem, let there be lights" (2022-08-17 20:00:12).
- Maurice the Hormone Monster said, "Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an angel..." (2022-08-17 20:00:16).
- Samiel said, "Well, let's roll, shall we?" (2022-08-17 20:00:33).
- Punished SKK said, "I hope everyone makes it through alright!" (2022-08-17 20:00:35).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "EVILS GO SOUTH!" (2022-08-17 20:00:36).
- Astro Cat said, "Got it" (2022-08-17 20:00:50).
- Antonine said, "Hopefully we get back out when this thing slips out - good luck everyone" (2022-08-17 20:00:50).
- the tiniest baby EVER(very cute) trips the teleporter… “waahooooooo…” (2022-08-17 20:00:52).
- Astro Cat said, "Errr meow" (2022-08-17 20:00:57).
- Fenris lets out a howl. (2022-08-17 20:01:13).
- Crux sees the crowd and is already clearing his throat before remembering he agreed to not sing at this party (2022-08-17 20:01:25).
- Yirrict Blackheart said, "They are everywhere!" (2022-08-17 20:01:33).
- Samiel wonders if Sofia is coming (2022-08-17 20:01:53).
- ಠﭛಠ said, "Looks rough up there?" (2022-08-17 20:01:54).
- ಠﭛಠ said, "well no body die, up there. that'll probably keep the numbers down" (2022-08-17 20:02:16).

Haha! Yes, little Smirk! No one die up there and we'll keep the numbers down! Especially not you and no, this isn't foreshadowing! The expedition entered the station and was promptly greeted by...A hundred Marcos in the central area.

- Samiel heads on in, thumbs up (2022-08-17 20:03:03).
- You say, "In in! Go in!" (2022-08-17 20:03:05).
- Maurice the Hormone Monster said, "LETSGOOOOOOOO" (2022-08-17 20:03:19).
- There is a brief tingling sensation and a flash of green and amber light followed by a wave of nausea as you find yourself transported elsewhere. (2022-08-17 20:03:44).
- Maurice the Hormone Monster said, "oh" (2022-08-17 20:03:56).
- the tiniest baby EVER(very cute) emitted a blood-curdling, high-pitched scream, which echoed throughout the area. You were affected and gain the Frightened status effect for 10 ticks. 10 characters were affected. (2022-08-17 20:04:00).
- Macro Syndermata seems to use its bristles to sample the air. (2022-08-17 20:04:01).
- Macro Syndermata emits a rapid clicking sound that echoes through the station. (2022-08-17 20:04:01).
- Maurice the Hormone Monster said, "THEYRE EVERYWHERE!!" (2022-08-17 20:04:08).
- Astro Cat said, "Ummmm" (2022-08-17 20:04:08).
- Macro Syndermata seems to use its bristles to sample the air. (2022-08-17 20:04:13).
- Macro Syndermata brandishes the bristles surrounding its mouth. (2022-08-17 20:04:13).
- Astro Cat said, "Where do we start" (2022-08-17 20:04:15).
- Macro Syndermata swallowed Aethersprite whole and split asunder an instant later, birthing a new Macro Syndermata! (2022-08-17 20:04:16).
- Macro Syndermata attacked Aethersprite, killing them! (2022-08-17 20:04:16).
- Macro Syndermata swallowed Aethersprite whole and split asunder an instant later, birthing a new Macro Syndermata! (2022-08-17 20:04:17).
- Macro Syndermata attacked Aethersprite, killing them! (2022-08-17 20:04:17).
- Macro Syndermata ripples as its body color takes on a greenish hue! (2022-08-17 20:04:20).

Oh dear. But progress is made.

- Arica attacked Macro Syndermata with a Glacierblast spell , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:04:22).
- Arica attacked Macro Syndermata with a Glacierblast spell , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:05:09).
- Arica attacked Macro Syndermata with a Glacierblast spell , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:05:36).
- Arica attacked Macro Syndermata with a Glacierblast spell , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:06:17).
- Arica attacked Macro Syndermata with a Glacierblast spell , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:06:28).
- Punished SKK attacked Macro Syndermata with a Pump Action Shotgun , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:06:46).
- Axura attacked Macro Syndermata with a Firegout spell , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:06:59).
- Arica attacked Macro Syndermata with a Glacierblast spell , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:07:16).
- Axura attacked Macro Syndermata with a Firegout triggered spell , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:07:24).
- Mudrock attacked Macro Syndermata with a Sledgehammer , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:07:30).
- Crux attacked Macro Syndermata with a Blade of Light , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:10:50).
- Maurice the Hormone Monster attacked Macro Syndermata with a Battleaxe , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:12:11).

With the center area mostly clear (for now??) members of THE DOWNSTAIRS AGREEMENT went South while members of THE..uh. Members of THE UPSTAIRS AGREEMENT? went East!

Sadly, both agreements soon encountered a problem. The problem? There were like a thousand freakin' Marcos in here.

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One brave IB attempted to save a pirate marooned deep within enemy lines.

- Macro Syndermata swallowed Garnoc whole and split asunder an instant later, birthing a new Macro Syndermata! (2022-08-17 20:37:17).
- Macro Syndermata attacked Garnoc, killing them! (2022-08-17 20:37:17).

Pathos! & a general sense of doom, failure & the futility of existence. Etc! Expedition members retreated back to the central area. In the face of these OVERWHELMING HORDES some kept fighting! Some enterprising souls tried diplomacy.

- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER attacked Macro Syndermata with a HIMBO HAMMER, a Sledgehammer , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:41:26).
- You emote, " applauds the himbo." (2022-08-17 20:41:53).
- Macro Syndermata brandishes the bristles surrounding its mouth. (2022-08-17 20:43:21).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER attacked Macro Syndermata with a Whip of Suffering , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:43:22).
- Ishild clicks her tongue a few times. (2022-08-17 20:43:28).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "I THINK THIS MIGHT BE IT" (2022-08-17 20:43:47).
- Ishild said, "How do you say "parley?" in syndermata?" (2022-08-17 20:43:49).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "I'M SORRY, FRIENDS. AND WEIRD BIRD." (2022-08-17 20:43:59).
- Macro Syndermata ripples as its body color takes on a greenish hue! (2022-08-17 20:44:01).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "TRY PAINTING YOURSELF GREEN?!" (2022-08-17 20:44:11).
- Axura tries to make approximations of the syndermata clicking sound (2022-08-17 20:44:14).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER attacked Macro Syndermata with a Whip of Suffering , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:44:23).
- Ishild said, "I'M OUT!" (2022-08-17 20:45:24).
- Macro Syndermata brandishes the bristles surrounding its mouth. (2022-08-17 20:45:39).
- Macro Syndermata emits a rapid clicking sound that echoes through the station. (2022-08-17 20:45:40).
- Crux said, "I guess communicating with them is worth a shot." (2022-08-17 20:45:55).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER attacked Macro Syndermata with a HIMBO HAMMER, a Sledgehammer , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:46:05).
- Crux ripples as his body color takes on a greenish hue! (2022-08-17 20:46:15).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "GOOD TO SEE YOU, MARLEY!" (2022-08-17 20:46:20).
- You say, "Marley will save us. Just needs to kill." (2022-08-17 20:46:22).
- You say, "300 Marcos." (2022-08-17 20:46:28).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "AND KEEP AT IT CRUX! I'M SURE THEY'LL LISTEN TO US IF WE KEEP TRYING!" (2022-08-17 20:46:36).
- Quacking Skellington has exploded in a violent flash of hatred and hellfire, spraying heat and gore everywhere. You take 0 points of unholy damage. 8 characters and/or pets were affected by this attack. (2022-08-17 20:47:05).
- Macro Syndermata swallowed Quacking Skellington whole and split asunder an instant later, birthing a new Macro Syndermata! (2022-08-17 20:47:05).
- Macro Syndermata attacked Quacking Skellington, killing them! (2022-08-17 20:47:05).
- Marley Portsmouth attacked Macro Syndermata with a Sledgehammer , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:47:10).
- Crux brandishes the bristles surrounding his mouth (2022-08-17 20:47:21).
- Marley Portsmouth attacked Macro Syndermata with a Sledgehammer , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:47:26).
- Crux said, "Not noticing a response yet" (2022-08-17 20:47:34).
- Axura stares at crux, wondering where the bristles came from (2022-08-17 20:47:54).
- Marley Portsmouth attacked Macro Syndermata with a Sledgehammer , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:48:20).
- Samiel said, "Is this where we make the last stand?" (2022-08-17 20:48:42).
- Crux notices Axura's stare. "Namm provides" (2022-08-17 20:48:54).
- Marley Portsmouth attacked Macro Syndermata with a Sledgehammer , killing it! (2022-08-17 20:48:58).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "TELL ME MORE ABOUT DADDY NAMM" (2022-08-17 20:49:27).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "IS HE A DILF?" (2022-08-17 20:49:36).
- Macro Syndermata attacked you and missed! (2022-08-17 20:49:45).
- You say, "W...what." (2022-08-17 20:49:47).
- SUPREME HIMBO ENJOYER said, "AN EL(D)ER POWER (I)'D (L)IKE TO (F)-" (2022-08-17 20:51:04).
- You say, "SHUSH" (2022-08-17 20:51:16).
- Crux smiles and nods confidently in response to Himbo's question. "Yea, Namm is definitely a deity I like to follow" (2022-08-17 20:51:26).

Really warms this bird's heart to see such cross-faction understanding blossoming. Leaving the survivors huddling in their last stand at the teleporter, this intrepid bird returned to the Welcome Center where even more diplomacy and a DMZ was being established.

- (4 times) Macro Syndermata attacked you and hit for 5 points of piercing damage. (2022-08-17 20:51:52).
- You say, "Time for me to go!" (2022-08-17 20:52:02).
- You say, "Bye!" (2022-08-17 20:52:05).
- You say, "If anyone asks this was NOT my idea!" (2022-08-17 20:52:12).
- Axura said, "safe travels~" (2022-08-17 20:52:14).
- Macro Syndermata attacked you and missed! (2022-08-17 20:52:20).
- You say, "It was SEKKIS idea." (2022-08-17 20:52:22).
- Macro Syndermata attacked you and hit for 5 points of piercing damage. (2022-08-17 20:52:22).
- You land on the ground to use the means of transportation here. (2022-08-17 20:52:27).
- There is a brief tingling sensation and a flash of red and blue light followed by a wave of nausea as you find yourself transported elsewhere. (2022-08-17 20:52:27).
- Judgemaster, an Aethersprite, belonging to Syriti, healed you. You gain 10 hit points. (2022-08-17 20:52:37).
- An Aethersprite, belonging to Antonine, healed you. You gain 10 hit points. (2022-08-17 20:52:37).
- (2 times) Jadgemaster, an Aethersprite, belonging to Syriti, healed you. You gain 10 hit points. (2022-08-17 20:52:37).
- An Aethersprite, belonging to Antonine, healed you. You gain 10 hit points. (2022-08-17 20:52:37).
- You say, "Hello." (2022-08-17 20:52:37).
- You say, "I am NOT retreating. This is a strategic withdrawal." (2022-08-17 20:52:48).
- You say, "Also if anyone asks this was not my idea. This was SOUTHALL'S idea." (2022-08-17 20:52:58).
- You say, "Direct your complaints or court martials to him." (2022-08-17 20:53:05).
- Punished SKK said, "I don't think we've fed them more bodies haha. Damned 5G aliens." (2022-08-17 20:54:43).
- Arica said, "I'm pretty sure we thinned their numbers somewhat." (2022-08-17 20:55:52).
- Antonine raises a hand awkwardly, "The sprites have enough essence they can split when they eat them." (2022-08-17 20:55:53).
- Arica said, "Although I am less sure of how others fared that didn't travel with us." (2022-08-17 20:56:23).
- Maurice the Hormone Monster said, "I propose we make the welcome center a DMZ" (2022-08-17 20:58:14).
- Gigachad said, "the wizards did this." (2022-08-17 20:59:28).
- Marley Portsmouth said, "Righto! Barely slipped that one, didn't I?" (2022-08-17 21:00:40).
- Arica said, "Maurice, I have no authority to speak on anyones behalf other than my own, but I think that is an admirable idea." (2022-08-17 21:01:05).
- Arica said, "Let our animosities cool in the face of this alien threat." (2022-08-17 21:02:17).
- Syriti summoned 2 Aethersprites. (2022-08-17 21:02:36).
- Serana said, "Oh Sofia..." (2022-08-17 21:03:41).
- Serana gives her young companion a warm hug. "That was scary, huh? (2022-08-17 21:04:03).
- Marco Syndermata wanders aimlessly about the room, wondering why everyone is giving him weird looks. (2022-08-17 21:06:34).
- Arica said, "I think it's the name tag Marco." (2022-08-17 21:07:24).
- Arica said, "That and trauma from what's going on above us." (2022-08-17 21:08:01).
- Arica said, "Other than that you look like a sweet young woman" (2022-08-17 21:09:36).
- Marley Portsmouth said, "I haven't had this many fellows trying to kill me at once since that messy business down in Cirril! Queen's mercy!" (2022-08-17 21:09:44).
- Maurice the Hormone Monster said, "I got half exhausted just getting here. If we all sleep in here we'll be able to kill twice as many next time!" (2022-08-17 21:10:45).
- Serana nods. "Definitely. Especially since we all seemed to be extra rested sleeping outside these days... (2022-08-17 21:11:53).
- Serana said, "Though I personally never want to see one of those things ever again, I'd settle for cleaning them out." (2022-08-17 21:12:40).
- Arica said, "A well rested strikeforce and coordination seem key in tackling their numbers." (2022-08-17 21:14:32).

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Wow. What Nexal resilience! The finest tactical minds! In conclusion,

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[Wassail]

But wait! There's more! This BRAVE and DEDICATED expedition correspondent also has interviews and tactical insight from FRONTLINE expedition fighters!

"Maurice the Hormone Monster" said -

They rejuv mp though too
Yea watch their mp it goes up when they hit like wraith i think

"Samiel" said -

I'm standing with 3 syndermata and they don't attack me. Odd.
Interesting - they move past me to a bigger congregation of people

"Anomander Rake" said -

They didn't aggro right to where I was
So that's a good sign
Hiding will likely at least hold them off from just seeing me and heading right to my tile

A WM said -

I can confirm acid blood worked

Zealot Scout "Pyrite" said -

... killed 11 syndermatas and had 2 judges ap out and get eaten before the synders adapted and started doing holy damage/paralyzing pets

"Fenris" a good OS doggo said -

I'm surrounded on all sides and 2 AP left. Void is calling to me

Oh, that one was a little dark. Sorry.

Unfortunately, some expedition members were already beginning to dehumanize their enemy. Distasteful, yes, but this journalist cannot look away from the truth. (Pulitzer committee are you reading?) Identity redacted to protect the not-so-innocent.

just kill this sindermorong
chipping away at my hp

[Alkasyn]

How's that DMZ going? Is it like the Necrotic Tower? If so, I may visit!

[Karlito]

As the station has departed, only the most hardcore of Carousel-Heads remain. The truce seems to be holding... ok.

Someone has written ANGELS, DEMONS, AND TRANSCENDED! We wish to make this place a DMZ so that we may focus on this alien threat! No killing! in blood on a wall here.

[Repth]

This thread gives me butterflies.

[oath2order]

As the station has departed, only the most hardcore of Carousel-Heads remain. The truce seems to be holding... ok.

Someone has written ANGELS, DEMONS, AND TRANSCENDED! We wish to make this place a DMZ so that we may focus on this alien threat! No killing! in blood on a wall here.

I am absolutely in favor of enforcing a DMZ.

[lunalu]

wow can't believe I didn't see this great post by Corm.

I wonder how that many marcos got up there in the first place. Naughty Repth making it impossible!

[Wassail]

I KNEW IT WAS YOU EMMI

[lunalu]

It's been almost 2 years. I see no proof