What a lovely face we have here!

[the-bounding-interloper]

Well, well, well, what do we have here, hm?

Hello all, you may refer to me as The Interloper. Pleasure to make all of your acquaintances. I'm quite surprised there's Spire communication these days.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to see what everyone else in this Spire's up to...

//Hello! I'm @static-in-andante or simply Static! This is honestly my first time doing an rp ask blog (but i do rp pretty consistently) and I had to join in on the sts2 oc shenanigans

//Anyways meet The Interloper (they/it/ve)! Their whole gimmick is based around switching between masks constantly to attack, defend, or use other kinds of cards, akin to a probably more frantic/faster-paced Gremlin from Downfall mixed with the stances of the Watcher? They were also pretty loosely inspired by the Face Trader :3

//I won't be specific with blog rules, just no blatant NSFW and don't bring bigotry of any kind

//Tags: entertainer - ic post screenwriter - ooc post dancer - character mechanics post vocalist - lore post pirouette - rb trade face? - ask good face - other blog interactions

//Artfight for ref (and ig to attack lol)

[the-bounding-interloper]

What are your build archetypes?

I know you play around with faces, but how does that work? And are there any builds that don’t use faces? Card examples would be best.

To put it simply, my faces dictate what I can do! I am, quite unfortunately, powerless without a face, almost like you, unknown one. I am not as... versatile as some of the others here may be. But what I don't have in substance, I make up for in style~

//ooc under the cut (long)

This would probably be best explained OOC, and I was planning on making a post rambling abt this, so this is pretty convenient! Granted, I'm not the greatest at balancing mechanics, I'm mostly here to have fun, but I like thinking about them and planning theoreticals out.

Technically all of their builds are reliant on their faces because their cards are dependant on what mask is being worn. Without the mask, cards would technically be colorless & useless, but when hovered over, they show what card they would be when the specific mask is worn. Each card would have a random but set mask card within it depending on the rarity, rather than having variants of one card.

They stay with four (although i might change this to three) masks: the Entertainer, the Screenwriter, the Dancer, and the Vocalist, which causes the interloper's cards to be attacks, defends, reflects, or stuns respectively, the latter two being its specialized effects. They start each combat wearing a mask, which can be changed out at the Ancients + rests (maybe Merchant too? idk though) out of combat or changed via cards in combat. It's only classified that the Interloper has a mask if it has the respective mask to go along with it.

Reflect and Stun work similarly in the sense that you have to get a certain number of stacks for it to take effect, specifically in relation to the enemy's intent. When the stacks equate the # on the intent (for multi- attacks it would only be the 1st number) or is double for Stun, the intent will either be reflected to the opposite side at 50% (without canceling the intent however) or stunned completely, and then the effect would go away.

I'm still working on other masks they can wear, I kind of want to do something with the Red Mask and the Jeweled Mask but don't know yet, but I do have the Entrepeneur, which would be a stolen Merchant mask.

The Entrepeneur would probably be something where you can spend money for attacks/defends or gain money when doing xyz. Not fully fleshed out, just an idea.

I'm not sure if I want to have it be locked behind their form or just able to be discovered through rewards/the merchant but I was thinking about having the other Slayers as a mask type, which would coincide with a weaker build than the original. There'd definitely be a coded in limit of like 2 Slayer type masks in the deck at once (so once 2 slayer masks are obtained, no others show up) to prevent anything too crazy. I'm thinking for now Ironclad is Strength, Silent is Dex, Defect is Status, Regent is Card Creation, and Necro is Ethereal.

Cards would also be kind of "divided" between Mask and Actions, the former allowing you to switch masks and the latter dependant on the masks as I previously mentioned. There's probably a rapid-fire Mask switching build in there, I like referring to Reflect+Stun as Spindash, and probably a mini Slayer combo would be a build as well if it stays as a random chance mask rather than the form.

I'm still uncertain about what the form would be mechanically. Changing the starter mask originates from the starter relic, which when upgraded lets you choose what mask to start w/ at the start of combat, so probably not related to that. I wanted to call it Mimic Form, but that seems like it would tie too much into mimicing the slayers, which could work if I lock them behind the form. Another one could be Weaver form, maybe? Where you can choose to wear two masks as a time and then can choose which card plays? I don't really know.

But yeah that's my yap for now. Peace ✌️

[the-true-heir-of-stars]

Woah, that's an weird face you have there.

Well, no, not weird, per se. New. Distinct. Intriguing.

...can I try it on?

( @the-bounding-interloper)

ABSOLUTELY NOT!! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, ASKING THAT OF THE HEIR OF STARS?! MINIONS! MAKE IT BEGONE!!!

[the-bounding-interloper]

It skeddadles before the minions can catch up to it, disappearing in a hurry.

[the-bounding-interloper]

Another new face! The Defect waves, whirring and beeping. It makes a series of inquisitive, but friendly chirps, then somewhat vaguely makes a "tall" motion with its hands. Asking what brings zem to the Spire, perhaps?

@sosaysthedefect

The Interloper's head cocks to the side, examining the Defect. For a brief moment, it's almost as if the smile on its mask grows wider.

Hello little bot! I swear I recognize that little face of yours, but I can't quite put a pin on it...

It taps a finger on its 'chin'.

The Spire, hm? Well, you know how it is. A thing like me has... specific needs that I personally believe the Spire can offer me.

And I bet a certain someone has a particularly delectable face for me to obtain...

Oh, but never mind about me. What about you, my new friend?

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect whirs thoughtfully, trying to figure out how to explain. It points at itself, particularly its broken core and mismatched body, then gestures upwards, followed by vague hammering and bandaging motions, ended with it holding up two claws. It buzzes inquisitively again, tilting its head aside. Hopefully it got the point across...

[the-bounding-interloper]

You are... broken? I suppose he would be able to fix something like you...

...is there someone else in need of fixing as well? Sounds like he isn't doing his job very well, honestly.

Ve chuckles.

Are you currently on your way up? If you don't mind, I'd love to join you on your journey.

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect chitters affirmatively, holding up a Silken Tress it had gotten shortly beforehand. It would be interesting to figure out how to synergize with a new Slayer.

As a demonstration, it summons a couple of assorted Orbs, then beeps and buzzes at the other. Perhaps to ask for a similar show of power?

[the-bounding-interloper]

What I do? Nothing much, really, certainly not as flashy as your own.

From seemingly no where, ver mask switches between three other pale colored masks: a blue, an orange, a teal, then back to ver original pink. Ve jabs at the air, a little flourish appearing around the simple attack.

My masks allow me to act, quite like those little orbs of yours. I would have more, but that damned whale keeps taking them from me. A shame, really, but c'est la vie.

Perhaps... no, maybe later, but it would be quite interesting to wear a robot's face...

[sosaysthedefect]

It whines at that. It taps its face and makes some worried buzzes, flexing its claws a little. Maybe asking if it would hurt? Or warning zem about possibly being unable to talk... It was never especially fond of face swapping anyway, it felt weird.

[the-bounding-interloper]

I've suffered through worse. Not physically, at least, there's not really any pain to this sort of thing. Like putting on a mask, y'know? Well, no, you probably don't.

Of course, if you don't want to swap, that's perfectly fine. I have plenty of masks at my disposal, with possibly more to come!

[sosaysthedefect]

Well... Far be it from it to leave a fellow Slayer unaided... After a bit of internal struggle, it nods, though it seems a little nervous.

[the-bounding-interloper]

They clap their hands together, a little too eager.

Wonderful, wonderful! Now, just stay right there, alright?

Ve reaches over and taps the Defect once on the rough approximation of its forehead, and in a matter of seconds, the Interloper's mask has changed in the blink of an eye. The rest of vis head is normal, but vis mask has been exchanged for one that looks like a near-perfect replica of the Defect's own 'face' area. The Defect's frontal frame, meanwhile, has been replaced with the mask the Interloper was wearing originally.

[The Interloper obtains the card 'The Construct'] > Switch to The Construct mask

[The Defect obtains the card 'Strange Smiling Mask'] > (1 energy) Choose one of three Indigo cards to add to your hand. Exhaust

Oooh, this is a bit different. It is, of course, yet another mask for me, although I'm not quite sure how this works for you. It should be somewhat similar, although I guess the language barrier would still stand.

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect yelps, which is a slightly new noise at least. It gently prods at the mask that's now its face, tapping a knuckle against it. It tries to speak, but-

"0x536f2063 0x616e2049 0x2d204f68 0x0000002e" No dice. It makes some more buzzy beeping, though it sounds a bit more person-ish, akin to a video game character's talking blips rather than purely robotic.

[the-bounding-interloper]

Aw, shame. But, hey, you sound pretty cute like that!

They pat the construct on its head.

Alright, let's get this show on the road!

[the-bounding-interloper]

Another new face! The Defect waves, whirring and beeping. It makes a series of inquisitive, but friendly chirps, then somewhat vaguely makes a "tall" motion with its hands. Asking what brings zem to the Spire, perhaps?

@sosaysthedefect

The Interloper's head cocks to the side, examining the Defect. For a brief moment, it's almost as if the smile on its mask grows wider.

Hello little bot! I swear I recognize that little face of yours, but I can't quite put a pin on it...

It taps a finger on its 'chin'.

The Spire, hm? Well, you know how it is. A thing like me has... specific needs that I personally believe the Spire can offer me.

And I bet a certain someone has a particularly delectable face for me to obtain...

Oh, but never mind about me. What about you, my new friend?

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect whirs thoughtfully, trying to figure out how to explain. It points at itself, particularly its broken core and mismatched body, then gestures upwards, followed by vague hammering and bandaging motions, ended with it holding up two claws. It buzzes inquisitively again, tilting its head aside. Hopefully it got the point across...

[the-bounding-interloper]

You are... broken? I suppose he would be able to fix something like you...

...is there someone else in need of fixing as well? Sounds like he isn't doing his job very well, honestly.

Ve chuckles.

Are you currently on your way up? If you don't mind, I'd love to join you on your journey.

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect chitters affirmatively, holding up a Silken Tress it had gotten shortly beforehand. It would be interesting to figure out how to synergize with a new Slayer.

As a demonstration, it summons a couple of assorted Orbs, then beeps and buzzes at the other. Perhaps to ask for a similar show of power?

[the-bounding-interloper]

What I do? Nothing much, really, certainly not as flashy as your own.

From seemingly no where, ver mask switches between three other pale colored masks: a blue, an orange, a teal, then back to ver original pink. Ve jabs at the air, a little flourish appearing around the simple attack.

My masks allow me to act, quite like those little orbs of yours. I would have more, but that damned whale keeps taking them from me. A shame, really, but c'est la vie.

Perhaps... no, maybe later, but it would be quite interesting to wear a robot's face...

[sosaysthedefect]

It whines at that. It taps its face and makes some worried buzzes, flexing its claws a little. Maybe asking if it would hurt? Or warning zem about possibly being unable to talk... It was never especially fond of face swapping anyway, it felt weird.

[the-bounding-interloper]

I've suffered through worse. Not physically, at least, there's not really any pain to this sort of thing. Like putting on a mask, y'know? Well, no, you probably don't.

Of course, if you don't want to swap, that's perfectly fine. I have plenty of masks at my disposal, with possibly more to come!

[sosaysthedefect]

Well... Far be it from it to leave a fellow Slayer unaided... After a bit of internal struggle, it nods, though it seems a little nervous.

[the-bounding-interloper]

They clap their hands together, a little too eager.

Wonderful, wonderful! Now, just stay right there, alright?

Ve reaches over and taps the Defect once on the rough approximation of its forehead, and in a matter of seconds, the Interloper's mask has changed in the blink of an eye. The rest of vis head is normal, but vis mask has been exchanged for one that looks like a near-perfect replica of the Defect's own 'face' area. The Defect's frontal frame, meanwhile, has been replaced with the mask the Interloper was wearing originally.

[The Interloper obtains the card 'The Construct'] > Switch to The Construct mask

[The Defect obtains the card 'Strange Smiling Mask'] > (1 energy) Choose one of three Indigo cards to add to your hand. Exhaust

Oooh, this is a bit different. It is, of course, yet another mask for me, although I'm not quite sure how this works for you. It should be somewhat similar, although I guess the language barrier would still stand.

[the-bounding-interloper]

Another new face! The Defect waves, whirring and beeping. It makes a series of inquisitive, but friendly chirps, then somewhat vaguely makes a "tall" motion with its hands. Asking what brings zem to the Spire, perhaps?

@sosaysthedefect

The Interloper's head cocks to the side, examining the Defect. For a brief moment, it's almost as if the smile on its mask grows wider.

Hello little bot! I swear I recognize that little face of yours, but I can't quite put a pin on it...

It taps a finger on its 'chin'.

The Spire, hm? Well, you know how it is. A thing like me has... specific needs that I personally believe the Spire can offer me.

And I bet a certain someone has a particularly delectable face for me to obtain...

Oh, but never mind about me. What about you, my new friend?

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect whirs thoughtfully, trying to figure out how to explain. It points at itself, particularly its broken core and mismatched body, then gestures upwards, followed by vague hammering and bandaging motions, ended with it holding up two claws. It buzzes inquisitively again, tilting its head aside. Hopefully it got the point across...

[the-bounding-interloper]

You are... broken? I suppose he would be able to fix something like you...

...is there someone else in need of fixing as well? Sounds like he isn't doing his job very well, honestly.

Ve chuckles.

Are you currently on your way up? If you don't mind, I'd love to join you on your journey.

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect chitters affirmatively, holding up a Silken Tress it had gotten shortly beforehand. It would be interesting to figure out how to synergize with a new Slayer.

As a demonstration, it summons a couple of assorted Orbs, then beeps and buzzes at the other. Perhaps to ask for a similar show of power?

[the-bounding-interloper]

What I do? Nothing much, really, certainly not as flashy as your own.

From seemingly no where, ver mask switches between three other pale colored masks: a blue, an orange, a teal, then back to ver original pink. Ve jabs at the air, a little flourish appearing around the simple attack.

My masks allow me to act, quite like those little orbs of yours. I would have more, but that damned whale keeps taking them from me. A shame, really, but c'est la vie.

Perhaps... no, maybe later, but it would be quite interesting to wear a robot's face...

[sosaysthedefect]

It whines at that. It taps its face and makes some worried buzzes, flexing its claws a little. Maybe asking if it would hurt? Or warning zem about possibly being unable to talk... It was never especially fond of face swapping anyway, it felt weird.

[the-bounding-interloper]

I've suffered through worse. Not physically, at least, there's not really any pain to this sort of thing. Like putting on a mask, y'know? Well, no, you probably don't.

Of course, if you don't want to swap, that's perfectly fine. I have plenty of masks at my disposal, with possibly more to come!

[the-bounding-interloper]

“Fae.”

@askblogironclad

What, me? Please, the fae wish they were me.

I do not need your true name nor any name at all for any semblance of power. However...

It leans closer to the Ironclad's face.

That face of yours feels quite powerful. Would be a shame if it were to be, oh I don't know, replaced?

[askblogironclad]

“Please, I’ve seen your kind before. And I don’t think that damned demon would take kindly to theft of ‘his property’.”

[the-bounding-interloper]

That demon wouldn't even know his own face was replaced if it looked him in the eye.

But c'mon! It'd be fun! Just a quick little switcheroonie, pinky promise! I have other ways of getting your face without even botherin' ya!

[askblogironclad]

“I’ve dealt with a Face Trader before. No thanks.”

[the-bounding-interloper]

It switches out its usual smiling mask for a pale blue, slightly frowning one.

You're no fun.

[the-bounding-interloper]

“Fae.”

@askblogironclad

What, me? Please, the fae wish they were me.

I do not need your true name nor any name at all for any semblance of power. However...

It leans closer to the Ironclad's face.

That face of yours feels quite powerful. Would be a shame if it were to be, oh I don't know, replaced?

[askblogironclad]

“Please, I’ve seen your kind before. And I don’t think that damned demon would take kindly to theft of ‘his property’.”

[the-bounding-interloper]

That demon wouldn't even know his own face was replaced if it looked him in the eye.

But c'mon! It'd be fun! Just a quick little switcheroonie, pinky promise! I have other ways of getting your face without even botherin' ya!

[the-bounding-interloper]

“Fae.”

@askblogironclad

What, me? Please, the fae wish they were me.

I do not need your true name nor any name at all for any semblance of power. However...

It leans closer to the Ironclad's face.

That face of yours feels quite powerful. Would be a shame if it were to be, oh I don't know, replaced?

[the-bounding-interloper]

Another new face! The Defect waves, whirring and beeping. It makes a series of inquisitive, but friendly chirps, then somewhat vaguely makes a "tall" motion with its hands. Asking what brings zem to the Spire, perhaps?

@sosaysthedefect

The Interloper's head cocks to the side, examining the Defect. For a brief moment, it's almost as if the smile on its mask grows wider.

Hello little bot! I swear I recognize that little face of yours, but I can't quite put a pin on it...

It taps a finger on its 'chin'.

The Spire, hm? Well, you know how it is. A thing like me has... specific needs that I personally believe the Spire can offer me.

And I bet a certain someone has a particularly delectable face for me to obtain...

Oh, but never mind about me. What about you, my new friend?

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect whirs thoughtfully, trying to figure out how to explain. It points at itself, particularly its broken core and mismatched body, then gestures upwards, followed by vague hammering and bandaging motions, ended with it holding up two claws. It buzzes inquisitively again, tilting its head aside. Hopefully it got the point across...

[the-bounding-interloper]

You are... broken? I suppose he would be able to fix something like you...

...is there someone else in need of fixing as well? Sounds like he isn't doing his job very well, honestly.

Ve chuckles.

Are you currently on your way up? If you don't mind, I'd love to join you on your journey.

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect chitters affirmatively, holding up a Silken Tress it had gotten shortly beforehand. It would be interesting to figure out how to synergize with a new Slayer.

As a demonstration, it summons a couple of assorted Orbs, then beeps and buzzes at the other. Perhaps to ask for a similar show of power?

[the-bounding-interloper]

What I do? Nothing much, really, certainly not as flashy as your own.

From seemingly no where, ver mask switches between three other pale colored masks: a blue, an orange, a teal, then back to ver original pink. Ve jabs at the air, a little flourish appearing around the simple attack.

My masks allow me to act, quite like those little orbs of yours. I would have more, but that damned whale keeps taking them from me. A shame, really, but c'est la vie.

Perhaps... no, maybe later, but it would be quite interesting to wear a robot's face...

[the-bounding-interloper]

Another new face! The Defect waves, whirring and beeping. It makes a series of inquisitive, but friendly chirps, then somewhat vaguely makes a "tall" motion with its hands. Asking what brings zem to the Spire, perhaps?

@sosaysthedefect

The Interloper's head cocks to the side, examining the Defect. For a brief moment, it's almost as if the smile on its mask grows wider.

Hello little bot! I swear I recognize that little face of yours, but I can't quite put a pin on it...

It taps a finger on its 'chin'.

The Spire, hm? Well, you know how it is. A thing like me has... specific needs that I personally believe the Spire can offer me.

And I bet a certain someone has a particularly delectable face for me to obtain...

Oh, but never mind about me. What about you, my new friend?

[sosaysthedefect]

The Defect whirs thoughtfully, trying to figure out how to explain. It points at itself, particularly its broken core and mismatched body, then gestures upwards, followed by vague hammering and bandaging motions, ended with it holding up two claws. It buzzes inquisitively again, tilting its head aside. Hopefully it got the point across...

[the-bounding-interloper]

You are... broken? I suppose he would be able to fix something like you...

...is there someone else in need of fixing as well? Sounds like he isn't doing his job very well, honestly.

Ve chuckles.

Are you currently on your way up? If you don't mind, I'd love to join you on your journey.

[the-bounding-interloper]

Another new face! The Defect waves, whirring and beeping. It makes a series of inquisitive, but friendly chirps, then somewhat vaguely makes a "tall" motion with its hands. Asking what brings zem to the Spire, perhaps?

@sosaysthedefect

The Interloper's head cocks to the side, examining the Defect. For a brief moment, it's almost as if the smile on its mask grows wider.

Hello little bot! I swear I recognize that little face of yours, but I can't quite put a pin on it...

It taps a finger on its 'chin'.

The Spire, hm? Well, you know how it is. A thing like me has... specific needs that I personally believe the Spire can offer me.

And I bet a certain someone has a particularly delectable face for me to obtain...

Oh, but never mind about me. What about you, my new friend?

[the-bounding-interloper]

The bridge beckons… it hungers for your cards…

@the-hated-bridge

The eyes on its mask narrow into even thinner slits before returning to its usual state.

Tsk. Get! Shoo! Take my card and leave me be!

They manage to leave behind one of their starter, shifting cards before bounding beyond the bridge.

Stupid... damning...