Twelfth Architect's Workshop

Agender, They/Them, Centuries-Old Architect.

[twelfth-architect-official]

To Serve, F-F-F-For Pharloom Eternal.

Welcome to the Un-Un-Underworks. I will craft-create contraptions and ma-ma-machines for you, for the right price-toll.

This is a roleplay, Pharloomblr blog dedicated to the Twelfth Architect. I noticed that the original blog for this character seemed to be on hiatus, which is perfectly fine, but I thought that perhaps a new Architect blog would be amazing. Here are my rules:

Suggestive and evenly mildly explicit asks are allowed, especially as the user of this blog is now 18! Please don't send explicit pornography, but feel free to flirt with my character or ask them about their kinks, stuff like that, though they may not react very well.

Magic anons are totally welcome! Curses, forced scenarios, those sound fun so long as they're not taken to too big an extreme.

Angsty asks are welcome, too.

Roleplaying, be it roleplaying as one of the canon characters or as an OC, is perfectly welcome and deeply encouraged! And I'll try to always remember lore and whatnot, though I may have to make actual notes to do that (no offense, my memory is simply bad).

Please do storyline asks! I'd love that so much!

PLEASE ASK ME TO CRAFT STUFF! I WOULD LOVE THAT SO MUCH!

Eldritch/cosmic horror tends not to be enjoyable for me. In general, themes of helplessness and despair are just really uncomfortable for me, so please, don't bring that to my inbox.

I don’t do well with vague or surprise-based RP prompts. If an ask involves hidden context or delayed reveals, please add a note like “this is meant to be ambiguous / a surprise may follow” so I can engage with it properly.

Main Tags:

#ooc (For when I'm out of character)

#architectconstructs (For when Twelfth Architect is building

something)

#architectinteracts (For when I interact with other blogs)

#architectanswers (For when I'm answering an ask)

#architectfic (For when I write a fic about Twelfth Architect)

#architectlore (For when I share headcanons I have about the

Twelfth Architect, and Architects in general)

#thirteenth architect (For posts featuring the Thirteenth Architect)

#bugaboo 12a (For posts featuring the Twelfth Architect's bugaboo version)

#[weave and weld] (for interactions between 12a and Yivel)

#[diplomatic relations] (For anything related to the Twelfth Architect's interactions with Hallownest, especially as far as, well... diplomatic relations go)

#architect appreciation (For when someone makes me feel appreciated. I... I enjoy that confidence boost)

#completed posts (For interactions that have ended. I don't know that I'll go back into my old posts and add this, but I might!)

Arc Tags:

#tobuildamind COMPLETED (For the arc of the Architect learning how to build a mind)

#{Lucky Number Thirteen} COMPLETED (The follow-up to tobuildamind, where the Twelfth Architect works to construct the Thirteenth Architect)

#{unbinding eva} COMPLETED (The arc of the Twelfth Architect constructing a remotely-controlled automaton for Eva, allowing her to interact with the world by controlling this automaton using her excess soul to power it)

#{In Defiance of Death} COMPLETED (The follow-up to Lucky Number Thirteen, where the Twelfth Architect will attempt to build a new body for themself that someone will put their silk fly into, hopefully reviving the Twelfth Architect... or perhaps just creating the Fourteenth Architect)

#{young architect} COMPLETED (Started by a magic anon blessing, the architect was reverted to their newly-made, prime form for 20 asks, effectively buying them a bit of extra time for their lifespan}

#{Architect the Ninth} (Started when the Fifth Sentinel gave a book to the Twelfth Architect, written by the Ninth Architect, this arc is about the Twelfth Architect's reading of that book, and their learning about the Ninth Architect and their knowledge)

#{restoration and renovation} (The Arc tag for the Twelfth Architect's efforts to restore the wilds of Old Pharloom and renovate the Citadel, as part of their efforts to redeem the name of the Architects)

#{transportation in the nation} (The Arc tag for the Twelfth Architect's dream to construct a public transportation system spanning all of Pharloom)

#{the flies that light pharloom} (The Arc tag for the Twelfth Architect's attempts to gather all of the silk flies in Pharloom, and eventually, give each of them a new automaton body to use. They view this as an ethical duty. The silk flies all used to be bugs; they will be bugs once again, albeit bugs made of cogwork. Be warned; this is a long-term arc that will take a very long time to complete)

#Karak War COMPLETED (The Arc tag for the Twelfth Architect's efforts in fighting Crust King Khann and his army, albeit indirectly)

#{miniature cogwork} (The Arc tag for... the mysterious projects that the Twelfth-And-A-Half Architect seems to be working on)

#{united voices} (The tag for an arc involving another mysterious project, that being one that's being constructed by the Thirteenth Architect)

#{magnetic architect} COMPLETED (This brief arc sees the Twelfth Architect confined to their desk and unable to accomplish anything... due to being magnetic... and surrounded by metal)

#{an inventor's dream} (This arc is about... Well... Huh... The Twelfth Architect shouldn't be seeing Essence particles... right?)

#{the sky is the limit} (This arc is about the Twelfth Architect learning to make things fly!)

#{faces new and old} (This arc is about the creation of new Architects (such as @14th-architect) and the giving of Old Architects a new chance at life. This is about Twelfth gaining new partners to help them navigate their duties and to help rebuild Pharloom)

More arcs yet to come . . .

Masterlist for Fics I've Posted Here:

Philosophy is Not Within My Nature-Directive

Ensuring Eternity

A New Nature-Directive

Paving a New Path

Birth of the Thirteenth

Introductory Notes on Runecraft

Twelfth Architect, MK II

Gifts Being Given

A New Life

The Flies That Light Pharloom, Part 1

The Flies That Light Pharloom, Part 2

The Cold Peace Protocol

Military Industrial Complex

The Colossi Protocol

The Brass Cloud Protocol

Innovation and Contemplation

The Pentagon Protocol

Purifying Bilewater, Part 1

Discovery

Purifying Bilewater, Part 2

Underworks, Reworked

Citadel Made Habitable

Pharloom Dreamin'

Body Doubling

.

[eighth-architect-official]

A cogfly etched with runes (an Omnipresence) appeared at the Eighth Architect's mobile workshop, and spoke with the Twelfth Architect's voice.

"Eighth. The C-C-Cogwork Core has been destroyed. I intend to ask the N-N-Ninth for assistance in its repair-rebuilding, but I al-al-also want to ask you? I... I do not know how the Core worked, j-j-just that it was made to pl-pl-play music automatically to keep the Monarch above asleep... Though... I suppose, since she is w-w-wide awake, that it was doing its job rather poorly."

But the Core had been designed by the First Architect... how could they possibly replace it?

@twelfth-architect-official.

Ah? What the fuck do you mean the Cogwork Core was destroyed??

Ancient Songs - on our way.

They pull a string next to them, turning the workshop around and in the direction of the Core.

And don't worry about the song part. If she's wide awake then we don't need to figure out how to restore that. We should focus on figuring out if it did other important things, and get that replaced.

The Yarnlights clustered on the ceiling shift and sway, wings fluttering to mirror Eighth's own agitation. A few take flight, looking for the threat that their creator was responding to.

Anything else we should know before we get there?

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I know it h-h-had an advanced power source it used to power itself, and it had an on-on-on-onboard intelligence of some sort that it used to direct the automatons that were dedicated to its care. I... I believe that to be the ex-ex-extent of its functionality," The Twelfth Architect explained. "I also know it was in-invented by the First Architect, which ex-ex-explains the built-in intelligence, which I kn-kn-know was not achieved using silk flies and is the-therefore incomprehensible to me. I cannot exaggerate when I say that I h-h-have no clue how the First Architect achieved the core's design... Then again, they are supposed to have been the best-smartest of us."

[eighth-architect-official]

Don't worry. Between the three or four of us, we can probably decipher it. Hey, it might be replaceable with what I'm already capable of!

A Yarnlight lands next to the Twelfth as the workshop descends. The lights flash in a pattern at the other Architect; undecipherable to you, but strangely reassuring.

So. What's the damage - what the fuck did all this???

[twelfth-architect-official]

"A pale pillar with an arm," The Twelfth Architect replied. "Or at least, that's what a c-c-cogfly was able to capture as an image."

[eighth-architect-official]

What the -

You know what? Okay. Godly bullshit. Understood. Moving on.

Right. First things first, let's see if we can salvage any of the AI that was running the Core. Even a little bit of what's left will likely help us figure out how it worked.

We should also ask ourselves what we want the Core to do now that the Silk Bitch is awake despite the Old Songs.

If the Core used to be able to directly instruct Cogworkers on how to maintain it, it had to have some way of communicating with them despite not having a Voice Box. If we can figure that out, we may be able to do something more wide-scale, and create a way to send information undetected and quickly to Cogbugs everywhere.

So when there's a disaster, we can mobilize even faster than we currently do.

Or - hold on, let's hear what your thoughts are before I tap anymore.

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Yes, salvaging the AI is a fan-fan-fantastic idea. However, I am not c-c-certain that the Core should be repurposed unless we c-c-can find ways to re-re-reprogram the AI," The Twelfth Architect stated. "Otherwise, it m-m-may resist our attempts to repurpose the Core. As for the m-m-matter of communication, I d-d-do not know that it did not have a Voice Box, but... It certainly did not need any Voice Box it may have had to communicate with the Cogbugs."

The Twelfth Architect began looking for any way to potentially communicate with the AI housed. They believe they read something about a... 'terminal,' whatever that meant? And several other ways to access it that sounded far more familiar, up to and including song.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth has no idea what they're looking for, but they ask some of the Yarnlights to help them spread out and search for anything that looks like it might be useful.

They themself pull out a Silk lyre, following Twelfth around with a continuous song. It couldn't hurt - Twelfth looks like they're looking for something specific, and if it's a device in Pharloom there is a non-zero chance that it's song activated.

There's no chance that they're strumming the right tune to unlock it. However, the device will still be listening for the key melody once it hears music playing - and likely react in some way, even if it doesn't completely activate.

What are we looking for, do you know?

[twelfth-architect-official]

A light starts shining from a glass square, still intact in the rubble.

"... That, I believe."

Twelfth approached and started examining the... weird keys? And the screen? Something on it asked for an "Administrator Password or the Key Melody."

"... Surely there's a manual override," They speculated. "For Architects?"

They started to examine the object, and found a keyslot compatible with an Architect's Key. "Oh. Do you h-h-have your Architect's Key? I... Gave mine away." THey paused. "I kn-kn-know that sounds bad, but I was dying, and she was h-h-half-Weaver!"

[eighth-architect-official]

Not gonna ask. That sounds like your business, honestly.

They retrieve their own key and stuff it into the hole. The device unlocks fully, and Eighth watches curiously as this strange thing blinks to life.

[cogwork-core]

>[Welcome, Architect]

>[Status Report: Core Integrity at 0.2%. A.R.G.U.S. Offline. Backup will be finish loading in 2 seconds. Please standby...]

>[Backup Loaded]

>[Hello, Architect. It has been 9,999,999 days since one of you has last spoken with me. I am A.R.G.U.S.. How may I assist you today?]

[eighth-architect-official]

Hey A.R.G.U.S. Can you tell us what your directive is? And other features you have?

[cogwork-core]

>[My Directive is the maintenance of all Citadel assets to keep Threat Entity WHITE0001 asleep, for Pharloom Eternal. I do this by controlling all Citadel systems I have access to, including all non-Architect automatons, which I control via--]

The next few words are borderline incomprehensible. Something about a frankly terrifying level of Silk resonance.

>[Does that answer your questions?]

[eighth-architect-official]

It does, thank you.

Hey, say the Threat Entity WHITE0001 wakes up anyways? What would you do?

[cogwork-core]

>[In such an event, the First of your Make told me to delete myself, saying that will grant me a more merciful end than what she would give me. This confused me, since I was not programmed with vulnerability to torture]

[eighth-architect-official]

Hold off on that please. We sincerely doubt she's figured out you exist, as you are still here. And this didn't seem like a targeted attack to destroy specifically you. Judging from the rubble, whatever was fucking shit up in here was doing so blindly. Like an animal thrashing around when cornered.

Do you mind if we try to figure out how exactly you work in the meantime? We're really curious. And the Architects have...not done a good job preserving knowledge through the generations. Me included apparently.

[cogwork-core]

>[... Your words imply that Threat Entity WHITE0001 is awake, and reports are coming in saying the Core's integrity is at 0.2%. This is officially an emergency]

>[Your words also imply that you do not know how to repair the Core or how I, A.R.G.U.S., work. Yes, you may try to figure out how I work in the meantime. I will assist in this endeavor however I can, though I believe the First Architect avoided passing down knowledge of my workings on purpose. The Conductors may not have approved]

[eighth-architect-official]

Don't you worry about the Conductors. They don't have as much power as they used to, especially not over us.

Thank you A.R.G.U.S. Can we open you up now, unless you have anything else to tell us?

[cogwork-core]

>[Understood. And yes, you may open me up, and I have nothing else to tell you unless you ask]

The Twelfth Architect was practically vibrating in excitement to see this thing's innerworkings.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth searches for a seam in the metal, following the line to where screws were placed to enclose its inner workings. Eighth makes quick but careful work of opening it up. It would do no good to accidentally hurt A.R.G.U.S. in their eagerness, after all.

A sprawling and intricate webbing of Silk greets the pair of Architects. Runes shimmer in the soft light peeking through the rubble. Eighth takes a moment to take it all in, not entirely sure where to start parsing this.

[twelfth-architect-official]

"... This re-re-reminds me of when I opened up a Servitor Ignim and tried to understand its working," The Twelfth Architect stated, "Except f-f-far more complicated."

The Twelfth gazed upon the workings and tried to understand them. They were recognizing... some runes... kind of? They weren't sure.

[eighth-architect-official]

Definitely more complicated. I don't think we should mess around with any of this until we're sure what we're looking at exactly...

Hey, Twelfth, got any paper? I think we should copy down what we see and try to recreate it in our workshops, and then come back and work on restoring A.R.G.U.S.

Maybe Ninth and the others could see something we don't quite get, too.

[twelfth-architect-official]

Twelfth glimpsed words on the screen in response to the Eighth Architect's words.

>[I need no help being restored; rather, I already restored myself from a save state from approximately eight bells before the destruction of the Core]

"It would still make sense to study you, A.R.G.U.S.," The Twelfth Architect said, before they got out paper and started copying things down, like the Eighth had suggested.

"I do re-re-recognize a handful of pieces-parts of this, however, now that I am examining-analyzing it more cl-cl-closely. A few runes use the symbol for Dreams. Though, I bel-believe in this case it is acting as the symbol for Memory."

>[One of those runes would be where my backup is stored,]

A.R.G.U.S. helpfully explained.

[eighth-architect-official]

Look here, that kind of looks like Negation and Mind/Soul are close together. Was this supposed to be how the Music kept her unconscious? The Mind Rune here must be representative of the conscious mind in that case...Fascinating.

Focus and Conduction are linked together too, and that is very close to what looks like the Music Rune...

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect examined what the Eighth was pointing out, copying it down on paper.

"Yes, I bel-bel-believe you are right. Focus and Co-Co-Conduction being applied to the Music implies to me it's al-al-allowing the music to spread in a condensed, f-f-focused stream to Threat Entity WHITE0001... Or, well, the M-M-Monarch, as she's better known."

The Twelfth Architect stared, before pointing out another piece.

"This. Amplify. Music and Connection co-co-combined, perhaps symbolizing harmony, or... re-re-resonance? Soul + Solid, m-m-meaning Silk. P-P-Perhaps this is what A.R.G.U.S. uses to communicate to and c-c-control the cogbugs? Or part of what it uses, at least?"

The Twelfth got a thought. "M-M-Might it be related to the Third Sentinel's Silk Resonance abilities? Obviously a more ad-ad-advanced version, but there may be a small connection."

[eighth-architect-official]

I'd say we're looking at very similar ideas applied entirely differently. When I was building Third, I used almost no Runecraft when I designed it for that. The voice box inside Third is essentially fine and delicate tuners on a set of Silk strings.

Resonance with Third works when it makes a continuous noise on its Silk strings with Intent. It has no Runecraft to help it out, so I imagine learning that ability didn't come intuitively. Or easy.

But if you're right, that means that somewhere there is a Silk-spun device either in A.R.G.U.S. or the Core itself. There must have been something making specific noise not dedicated to keeping the Monarch asleep...

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I see, this m-m-makes sense. Unlikely to be in the C-C-Core, then, since the mechanisms of the Core were exclusively for k-k-keeping the Monarch asleep."

The Twelfth Architect stared at the terminal, then, before deciding to just ask A.R.G.U.S.

"A.R.G.U.S., would you h-h-h-happen to know where the device we speak of is?"

>[The other side from where you're looking at]

The intelligence supplied helpfully.

>[You will find it if you go to the other side of this terminal and open it up as you did this side]

"Thank you, A.R.G.U.S.," The Twelfth said, before going to the other side mentioned and opened it up carefully... And found a frankly ludicrous instrument inside, like intersecting brass supports formed into the shape of a sphere and every available gap having the thinnest strands of Silk the Twelfth had ever seen filling them up, parallel, in a fashion they never would have conceived of.

"... A.R.G.U.S., could you de-de-demonstrate what you do to communicate to the other cogbugs?"

Though obviously the Twelfth couldn't see the affirmative, they did see the result: The vibration of the strings inside, and the very faint sound they could hear accompanying it. They wondered why they struggled to hear the frequency, though A.R.G.U.S. had said Architects were less affected by... whatever THIS was.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth follows the younger Architect around to the other side after a moment.

What the fuck - Okay hold on.

They pull out a portable recorder and turns it on. They get closer to the instrument, wanting a clearer audio sample of this since they may not personally have another chance to study this mechanism.

They need to take this back to their workshop, ask for some Cogbug volunteers, get them to tell Eighth what exactly they're hearing...if Resonance even works through recording, anyways.

They need to see if they can replicate this in another creation, as well. Perhaps work this into the Core itself, make a hub of knowledge shared with those who have access to Silk and Resonance -

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth stared at Eighth's recorder, before finally saying, "That reminds me of s-s-something the Thirteenth made." Just a comment. Not really meant to go anywhere.

They were astonished, truly, and found themself wondering how this could be used.

Finally, they asked the Eighth, "What is our ob-ob-objective, at the moment? Just understanding-comprehending A.R.G.U.S.? I ask be-be-because I remember you mentioning something about repurposing the Core or the like."

They paused, before coming back around to the front and staring at the screen.

"A.R.G.U.S., is the p-p-power source of the Core intact?"

>[The Core's power source is stored in a separate room. It was, thankfully, almost completely unharmed, and any damage it did sustain can be repaired by Cogworkers. That is, in fact, what I am communicating via resonance now: I am telling nearby Cogworkers to come repair the power source's minor damage]

The Twelfth Architect felt relieved at this.

[eighth-architect-official]

Here's the thing. If we're going to repurpose the Core, we need to better understand A.R.G.U.S. Specifically how their Resonance instrument works. If we can also look at what the Core has going on to keep old Miss Cranky asleep, then we may have a starting point to go off of. The ability to instantly communicate and organize would be invaluable for emergency situations, and establishing a Cogbug and Silkfly culture.

[cogwork-core]

>[The Core's musical systems, which kept Threat Entity WHITE0001 asleep, were recently turned into molten metal, if you were unaware,] A.R.G.U.S explained. [Unfortunately, you can no longer take a look at them.]

[eighth-architect-official]

Alright. So really what we need to do is install a new one if we want to do something like this.

Hmm. Hey A.R.G.U.S. , do you know anything about how the Core worked? No problem if you don't, we can probably build it from scratch

[cogwork-core]

>[Unfortunately, I am unaware of much of the musical design of the Core, though I know it operated using Silk, and Weaver principles. Runecraft-enhanced. I recall the First describing it as something akin to 'a thousand enormous Needolins,' though I am unsure what that means.]

[eighth-architect-official]

A Needolin is a Weaver instrument, made from their Needles strung with Silk. It does Silksong stuff, like reveal a creature's inner thoughts through song, or access memory impression hidden in environmental Silk. And other things.

You said that they were like a series of giant Needolins, which means that they had the same function but not necessarily the same form.

...we can literally make shit up, then. As long as it does what it says on the tin, we can make it look like anything pretty much.

Thanks A.R.G.U.S. You're a big help 🫡

[twelfth-architect-official]

[You are welcome, Eighth of your Make. Thank you for the information you have provided. This implies the principles of a Needolin were also used to put creatures to sleep]

"Indeed. Perhaps it would be helpful-useful to c-consult my beloved Paradox on this."

The Twelfth Architect paused, realizing they... don't think they've ever talked about Yivel with the Eighth Architect before.

"For context, she is a Weaver, and she p-p-personally assisted with-th-th-the plan that put the Monarch to sleep originally. She is also an en-en-engineer-maker."

They paused, again, before adding, "'Paradox' is n-n-not her actual name, it's an aff-affectionate title I have given her. In case that was un-unclear."

[Query: You know a Weaver personally? The First Architect said they were all dead]

"I know s-s-several Weavers personally, A.R.G.U.S. It appears their d-d-deaths were... greatly exaggerated-hyperbolized."

[eighth-architect-official]

Ah. A Weaver? Cool, although a little concerning that they're back...But it makes sense. Their mom woke up, of course some of them would return.

Other than that, we have a basic plan and a basic goal. Do we have the materials to follow through? I've got some Silk and Silkyarn, but actual metal I'm short on.

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I do not po-po-possess-own raw, unshaped metal, but I do have several hundred b-b-billions of tons of machine parts that could po-potentially be melted down and remolded to suit our needs," The Twelfth Architect informed.

They realized how insane that sentence sounded, and so clarified, "It was a g-gift from an anonymous bug."

[eighth-architect-official]

Wow.

They squint in confusion and surprise, before shrugging it off.

Alright, that works! I get the Silk, you get the metal? And yes, let's meet up again later to compare designs. This will give you time to talk to your Paradox about it, time for me to do what I do best - fuck around and find out.

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect tilted their head at the Eighth's words, specifically the last part, "fuck around and find out."

They found engaging liberally in sexual intercourse to be a strange response to this situation (one that didn't seem likely to help in "finding out" anything relevant), let alone a strange plan to share with a coworker (Is that what they were?), but the Twelfth decided not to judge.

They also decided not to share that they had two bodies, and thus, did not really need the extra time to go visit Yivel to talk to her about the Core, since they could simply use their second body to do it. They had already told the Eighth a wide variety of things today, and did not want to overwhelm them.

Was that why the Eighth was about to go have lots of sex, or 'fuck around,' as they put it? Was this some sort of coping mechanism for the amount of information they had learned? If so, the Twelfth felt bad for adding more things to the pile.

"Understood. I will gather metal and di-di-discuss Needolins with my partner. I... wish you fun, in your en-en-endeavors."

With that, the Twelfth said a soft goodbye and began walking away.

[eighth-architect-official]

A cogfly etched with runes (an Omnipresence) appeared at the Eighth Architect's mobile workshop, and spoke with the Twelfth Architect's voice.

"Eighth. The C-C-Cogwork Core has been destroyed. I intend to ask the N-N-Ninth for assistance in its repair-rebuilding, but I al-al-also want to ask you? I... I do not know how the Core worked, j-j-just that it was made to pl-pl-play music automatically to keep the Monarch above asleep... Though... I suppose, since she is w-w-wide awake, that it was doing its job rather poorly."

But the Core had been designed by the First Architect... how could they possibly replace it?

@twelfth-architect-official.

Ah? What the fuck do you mean the Cogwork Core was destroyed??

Ancient Songs - on our way.

They pull a string next to them, turning the workshop around and in the direction of the Core.

And don't worry about the song part. If she's wide awake then we don't need to figure out how to restore that. We should focus on figuring out if it did other important things, and get that replaced.

The Yarnlights clustered on the ceiling shift and sway, wings fluttering to mirror Eighth's own agitation. A few take flight, looking for the threat that their creator was responding to.

Anything else we should know before we get there?

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I know it h-h-had an advanced power source it used to power itself, and it had an on-on-on-onboard intelligence of some sort that it used to direct the automatons that were dedicated to its care. I... I believe that to be the ex-ex-extent of its functionality," The Twelfth Architect explained. "I also know it was in-invented by the First Architect, which ex-ex-explains the built-in intelligence, which I kn-kn-know was not achieved using silk flies and is the-therefore incomprehensible to me. I cannot exaggerate when I say that I h-h-have no clue how the First Architect achieved the core's design... Then again, they are supposed to have been the best-smartest of us."

[eighth-architect-official]

Don't worry. Between the three or four of us, we can probably decipher it. Hey, it might be replaceable with what I'm already capable of!

A Yarnlight lands next to the Twelfth as the workshop descends. The lights flash in a pattern at the other Architect; undecipherable to you, but strangely reassuring.

So. What's the damage - what the fuck did all this???

[twelfth-architect-official]

"A pale pillar with an arm," The Twelfth Architect replied. "Or at least, that's what a c-c-cogfly was able to capture as an image."

[eighth-architect-official]

What the -

You know what? Okay. Godly bullshit. Understood. Moving on.

Right. First things first, let's see if we can salvage any of the AI that was running the Core. Even a little bit of what's left will likely help us figure out how it worked.

We should also ask ourselves what we want the Core to do now that the Silk Bitch is awake despite the Old Songs.

If the Core used to be able to directly instruct Cogworkers on how to maintain it, it had to have some way of communicating with them despite not having a Voice Box. If we can figure that out, we may be able to do something more wide-scale, and create a way to send information undetected and quickly to Cogbugs everywhere.

So when there's a disaster, we can mobilize even faster than we currently do.

Or - hold on, let's hear what your thoughts are before I tap anymore.

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Yes, salvaging the AI is a fan-fan-fantastic idea. However, I am not c-c-certain that the Core should be repurposed unless we c-c-can find ways to re-re-reprogram the AI," The Twelfth Architect stated. "Otherwise, it m-m-may resist our attempts to repurpose the Core. As for the m-m-matter of communication, I d-d-do not know that it did not have a Voice Box, but... It certainly did not need any Voice Box it may have had to communicate with the Cogbugs."

The Twelfth Architect began looking for any way to potentially communicate with the AI housed. They believe they read something about a... 'terminal,' whatever that meant? And several other ways to access it that sounded far more familiar, up to and including song.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth has no idea what they're looking for, but they ask some of the Yarnlights to help them spread out and search for anything that looks like it might be useful.

They themself pull out a Silk lyre, following Twelfth around with a continuous song. It couldn't hurt - Twelfth looks like they're looking for something specific, and if it's a device in Pharloom there is a non-zero chance that it's song activated.

There's no chance that they're strumming the right tune to unlock it. However, the device will still be listening for the key melody once it hears music playing - and likely react in some way, even if it doesn't completely activate.

What are we looking for, do you know?

[twelfth-architect-official]

A light starts shining from a glass square, still intact in the rubble.

"... That, I believe."

Twelfth approached and started examining the... weird keys? And the screen? Something on it asked for an "Administrator Password or the Key Melody."

"... Surely there's a manual override," They speculated. "For Architects?"

They started to examine the object, and found a keyslot compatible with an Architect's Key. "Oh. Do you h-h-have your Architect's Key? I... Gave mine away." THey paused. "I kn-kn-know that sounds bad, but I was dying, and she was h-h-half-Weaver!"

[eighth-architect-official]

Not gonna ask. That sounds like your business, honestly.

They retrieve their own key and stuff it into the hole. The device unlocks fully, and Eighth watches curiously as this strange thing blinks to life.

[cogwork-core]

>[Welcome, Architect]

>[Status Report: Core Integrity at 0.2%. A.R.G.U.S. Offline. Backup will be finish loading in 2 seconds. Please standby...]

>[Backup Loaded]

>[Hello, Architect. It has been 9,999,999 days since one of you has last spoken with me. I am A.R.G.U.S.. How may I assist you today?]

[eighth-architect-official]

Hey A.R.G.U.S. Can you tell us what your directive is? And other features you have?

[cogwork-core]

>[My Directive is the maintenance of all Citadel assets to keep Threat Entity WHITE0001 asleep, for Pharloom Eternal. I do this by controlling all Citadel systems I have access to, including all non-Architect automatons, which I control via--]

The next few words are borderline incomprehensible. Something about a frankly terrifying level of Silk resonance.

>[Does that answer your questions?]

[eighth-architect-official]

It does, thank you.

Hey, say the Threat Entity WHITE0001 wakes up anyways? What would you do?

[cogwork-core]

>[In such an event, the First of your Make told me to delete myself, saying that will grant me a more merciful end than what she would give me. This confused me, since I was not programmed with vulnerability to torture]

[eighth-architect-official]

Hold off on that please. We sincerely doubt she's figured out you exist, as you are still here. And this didn't seem like a targeted attack to destroy specifically you. Judging from the rubble, whatever was fucking shit up in here was doing so blindly. Like an animal thrashing around when cornered.

Do you mind if we try to figure out how exactly you work in the meantime? We're really curious. And the Architects have...not done a good job preserving knowledge through the generations. Me included apparently.

[cogwork-core]

>[... Your words imply that Threat Entity WHITE0001 is awake, and reports are coming in saying the Core's integrity is at 0.2%. This is officially an emergency]

>[Your words also imply that you do not know how to repair the Core or how I, A.R.G.U.S., work. Yes, you may try to figure out how I work in the meantime. I will assist in this endeavor however I can, though I believe the First Architect avoided passing down knowledge of my workings on purpose. The Conductors may not have approved]

[eighth-architect-official]

Don't you worry about the Conductors. They don't have as much power as they used to, especially not over us.

Thank you A.R.G.U.S. Can we open you up now, unless you have anything else to tell us?

[cogwork-core]

>[Understood. And yes, you may open me up, and I have nothing else to tell you unless you ask]

The Twelfth Architect was practically vibrating in excitement to see this thing's innerworkings.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth searches for a seam in the metal, following the line to where screws were placed to enclose its inner workings. Eighth makes quick but careful work of opening it up. It would do no good to accidentally hurt A.R.G.U.S. in their eagerness, after all.

A sprawling and intricate webbing of Silk greets the pair of Architects. Runes shimmer in the soft light peeking through the rubble. Eighth takes a moment to take it all in, not entirely sure where to start parsing this.

[twelfth-architect-official]

"... This re-re-reminds me of when I opened up a Servitor Ignim and tried to understand its working," The Twelfth Architect stated, "Except f-f-far more complicated."

The Twelfth gazed upon the workings and tried to understand them. They were recognizing... some runes... kind of? They weren't sure.

[eighth-architect-official]

Definitely more complicated. I don't think we should mess around with any of this until we're sure what we're looking at exactly...

Hey, Twelfth, got any paper? I think we should copy down what we see and try to recreate it in our workshops, and then come back and work on restoring A.R.G.U.S.

Maybe Ninth and the others could see something we don't quite get, too.

[twelfth-architect-official]

Twelfth glimpsed words on the screen in response to the Eighth Architect's words.

>[I need no help being restored; rather, I already restored myself from a save state from approximately eight bells before the destruction of the Core]

"It would still make sense to study you, A.R.G.U.S.," The Twelfth Architect said, before they got out paper and started copying things down, like the Eighth had suggested.

"I do re-re-recognize a handful of pieces-parts of this, however, now that I am examining-analyzing it more cl-cl-closely. A few runes use the symbol for Dreams. Though, I bel-believe in this case it is acting as the symbol for Memory."

>[One of those runes would be where my backup is stored,]

A.R.G.U.S. helpfully explained.

[eighth-architect-official]

Look here, that kind of looks like Negation and Mind/Soul are close together. Was this supposed to be how the Music kept her unconscious? The Mind Rune here must be representative of the conscious mind in that case...Fascinating.

Focus and Conduction are linked together too, and that is very close to what looks like the Music Rune...

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect examined what the Eighth was pointing out, copying it down on paper.

"Yes, I bel-bel-believe you are right. Focus and Co-Co-Conduction being applied to the Music implies to me it's al-al-allowing the music to spread in a condensed, f-f-focused stream to Threat Entity WHITE0001... Or, well, the M-M-Monarch, as she's better known."

The Twelfth Architect stared, before pointing out another piece.

"This. Amplify. Music and Connection co-co-combined, perhaps symbolizing harmony, or... re-re-resonance? Soul + Solid, m-m-meaning Silk. P-P-Perhaps this is what A.R.G.U.S. uses to communicate to and c-c-control the cogbugs? Or part of what it uses, at least?"

The Twelfth got a thought. "M-M-Might it be related to the Third Sentinel's Silk Resonance abilities? Obviously a more ad-ad-advanced version, but there may be a small connection."

[eighth-architect-official]

I'd say we're looking at very similar ideas applied entirely differently. When I was building Third, I used almost no Runecraft when I designed it for that. The voice box inside Third is essentially fine and delicate tuners on a set of Silk strings.

Resonance with Third works when it makes a continuous noise on its Silk strings with Intent. It has no Runecraft to help it out, so I imagine learning that ability didn't come intuitively. Or easy.

But if you're right, that means that somewhere there is a Silk-spun device either in A.R.G.U.S. or the Core itself. There must have been something making specific noise not dedicated to keeping the Monarch asleep...

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I see, this m-m-makes sense. Unlikely to be in the C-C-Core, then, since the mechanisms of the Core were exclusively for k-k-keeping the Monarch asleep."

The Twelfth Architect stared at the terminal, then, before deciding to just ask A.R.G.U.S.

"A.R.G.U.S., would you h-h-h-happen to know where the device we speak of is?"

>[The other side from where you're looking at]

The intelligence supplied helpfully.

>[You will find it if you go to the other side of this terminal and open it up as you did this side]

"Thank you, A.R.G.U.S.," The Twelfth said, before going to the other side mentioned and opened it up carefully... And found a frankly ludicrous instrument inside, like intersecting brass supports formed into the shape of a sphere and every available gap having the thinnest strands of Silk the Twelfth had ever seen filling them up, parallel, in a fashion they never would have conceived of.

"... A.R.G.U.S., could you de-de-demonstrate what you do to communicate to the other cogbugs?"

Though obviously the Twelfth couldn't see the affirmative, they did see the result: The vibration of the strings inside, and the very faint sound they could hear accompanying it. They wondered why they struggled to hear the frequency, though A.R.G.U.S. had said Architects were less affected by... whatever THIS was.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth follows the younger Architect around to the other side after a moment.

What the fuck - Okay hold on.

They pull out a portable recorder and turns it on. They get closer to the instrument, wanting a clearer audio sample of this since they may not personally have another chance to study this mechanism.

They need to take this back to their workshop, ask for some Cogbug volunteers, get them to tell Eighth what exactly they're hearing...if Resonance even works through recording, anyways.

They need to see if they can replicate this in another creation, as well. Perhaps work this into the Core itself, make a hub of knowledge shared with those who have access to Silk and Resonance -

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth stared at Eighth's recorder, before finally saying, "That reminds me of s-s-something the Thirteenth made." Just a comment. Not really meant to go anywhere.

They were astonished, truly, and found themself wondering how this could be used.

Finally, they asked the Eighth, "What is our ob-ob-objective, at the moment? Just understanding-comprehending A.R.G.U.S.? I ask be-be-because I remember you mentioning something about repurposing the Core or the like."

They paused, before coming back around to the front and staring at the screen.

"A.R.G.U.S., is the p-p-power source of the Core intact?"

>[The Core's power source is stored in a separate room. It was, thankfully, almost completely unharmed, and any damage it did sustain can be repaired by Cogworkers. That is, in fact, what I am communicating via resonance now: I am telling nearby Cogworkers to come repair the power source's minor damage]

The Twelfth Architect felt relieved at this.

[eighth-architect-official]

Here's the thing. If we're going to repurpose the Core, we need to better understand A.R.G.U.S. Specifically how their Resonance instrument works. If we can also look at what the Core has going on to keep old Miss Cranky asleep, then we may have a starting point to go off of. The ability to instantly communicate and organize would be invaluable for emergency situations, and establishing a Cogbug and Silkfly culture.

[cogwork-core]

>[The Core's musical systems, which kept Threat Entity WHITE0001 asleep, were recently turned into molten metal, if you were unaware,] A.R.G.U.S explained. [Unfortunately, you can no longer take a look at them.]

[eighth-architect-official]

Alright. So really what we need to do is install a new one if we want to do something like this.

Hmm. Hey A.R.G.U.S. , do you know anything about how the Core worked? No problem if you don't, we can probably build it from scratch

[cogwork-core]

>[Unfortunately, I am unaware of much of the musical design of the Core, though I know it operated using Silk, and Weaver principles. Runecraft-enhanced. I recall the First describing it as something akin to 'a thousand enormous Needolins,' though I am unsure what that means.]

[eighth-architect-official]

A Needolin is a Weaver instrument, made from their Needles strung with Silk. It does Silksong stuff, like reveal a creature's inner thoughts through song, or access memory impression hidden in environmental Silk. And other things.

You said that they were like a series of giant Needolins, which means that they had the same function but not necessarily the same form.

...we can literally make shit up, then. As long as it does what it says on the tin, we can make it look like anything pretty much.

Thanks A.R.G.U.S. You're a big help 🫡

[twelfth-architect-official]

[You are welcome, Eighth of your Make. Thank you for the information you have provided. This implies the principles of a Needolin were also used to put creatures to sleep]

"Indeed. Perhaps it would be helpful-useful to c-consult my beloved Paradox on this."

The Twelfth Architect paused, realizing they... don't think they've ever talked about Yivel with the Eighth Architect before.

"For context, she is a Weaver, and she p-p-personally assisted with-th-th-the plan that put the Monarch to sleep originally. She is also an en-en-engineer-maker."

They paused, again, before adding, "'Paradox' is n-n-not her actual name, it's an aff-affectionate title I have given her. In case that was un-unclear."

[Query: You know a Weaver personally? The First Architect said they were all dead]

"I know s-s-several Weavers personally, A.R.G.U.S. It appears their d-d-deaths were... greatly exaggerated-hyperbolized."

[eighth-architect-official]

Ah. A Weaver? Cool, although a little concerning that they're back...But it makes sense. Their mom woke up, of course some of them would return.

Other than that, we have a basic plan and a basic goal. Do we have the materials to follow through? I've got some Silk and Silkyarn, but actual metal I'm short on.

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I do not po-po-possess-own raw, unshaped metal, but I do have several hundred b-b-billions of tons of machine parts that could po-potentially be melted down and remolded to suit our needs," The Twelfth Architect informed.

They realized how insane that sentence sounded, and so clarified, "It was a g-gift from an anonymous bug."

[eighth-architect-official]

A cogfly etched with runes (an Omnipresence) appeared at the Eighth Architect's mobile workshop, and spoke with the Twelfth Architect's voice.

"Eighth. The C-C-Cogwork Core has been destroyed. I intend to ask the N-N-Ninth for assistance in its repair-rebuilding, but I al-al-also want to ask you? I... I do not know how the Core worked, j-j-just that it was made to pl-pl-play music automatically to keep the Monarch above asleep... Though... I suppose, since she is w-w-wide awake, that it was doing its job rather poorly."

But the Core had been designed by the First Architect... how could they possibly replace it?

@twelfth-architect-official.

Ah? What the fuck do you mean the Cogwork Core was destroyed??

Ancient Songs - on our way.

They pull a string next to them, turning the workshop around and in the direction of the Core.

And don't worry about the song part. If she's wide awake then we don't need to figure out how to restore that. We should focus on figuring out if it did other important things, and get that replaced.

The Yarnlights clustered on the ceiling shift and sway, wings fluttering to mirror Eighth's own agitation. A few take flight, looking for the threat that their creator was responding to.

Anything else we should know before we get there?

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I know it h-h-had an advanced power source it used to power itself, and it had an on-on-on-onboard intelligence of some sort that it used to direct the automatons that were dedicated to its care. I... I believe that to be the ex-ex-extent of its functionality," The Twelfth Architect explained. "I also know it was in-invented by the First Architect, which ex-ex-explains the built-in intelligence, which I kn-kn-know was not achieved using silk flies and is the-therefore incomprehensible to me. I cannot exaggerate when I say that I h-h-have no clue how the First Architect achieved the core's design... Then again, they are supposed to have been the best-smartest of us."

[eighth-architect-official]

Don't worry. Between the three or four of us, we can probably decipher it. Hey, it might be replaceable with what I'm already capable of!

A Yarnlight lands next to the Twelfth as the workshop descends. The lights flash in a pattern at the other Architect; undecipherable to you, but strangely reassuring.

So. What's the damage - what the fuck did all this???

[twelfth-architect-official]

"A pale pillar with an arm," The Twelfth Architect replied. "Or at least, that's what a c-c-cogfly was able to capture as an image."

[eighth-architect-official]

What the -

You know what? Okay. Godly bullshit. Understood. Moving on.

Right. First things first, let's see if we can salvage any of the AI that was running the Core. Even a little bit of what's left will likely help us figure out how it worked.

We should also ask ourselves what we want the Core to do now that the Silk Bitch is awake despite the Old Songs.

If the Core used to be able to directly instruct Cogworkers on how to maintain it, it had to have some way of communicating with them despite not having a Voice Box. If we can figure that out, we may be able to do something more wide-scale, and create a way to send information undetected and quickly to Cogbugs everywhere.

So when there's a disaster, we can mobilize even faster than we currently do.

Or - hold on, let's hear what your thoughts are before I tap anymore.

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Yes, salvaging the AI is a fan-fan-fantastic idea. However, I am not c-c-certain that the Core should be repurposed unless we c-c-can find ways to re-re-reprogram the AI," The Twelfth Architect stated. "Otherwise, it m-m-may resist our attempts to repurpose the Core. As for the m-m-matter of communication, I d-d-do not know that it did not have a Voice Box, but... It certainly did not need any Voice Box it may have had to communicate with the Cogbugs."

The Twelfth Architect began looking for any way to potentially communicate with the AI housed. They believe they read something about a... 'terminal,' whatever that meant? And several other ways to access it that sounded far more familiar, up to and including song.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth has no idea what they're looking for, but they ask some of the Yarnlights to help them spread out and search for anything that looks like it might be useful.

They themself pull out a Silk lyre, following Twelfth around with a continuous song. It couldn't hurt - Twelfth looks like they're looking for something specific, and if it's a device in Pharloom there is a non-zero chance that it's song activated.

There's no chance that they're strumming the right tune to unlock it. However, the device will still be listening for the key melody once it hears music playing - and likely react in some way, even if it doesn't completely activate.

What are we looking for, do you know?

[twelfth-architect-official]

A light starts shining from a glass square, still intact in the rubble.

"... That, I believe."

Twelfth approached and started examining the... weird keys? And the screen? Something on it asked for an "Administrator Password or the Key Melody."

"... Surely there's a manual override," They speculated. "For Architects?"

They started to examine the object, and found a keyslot compatible with an Architect's Key. "Oh. Do you h-h-have your Architect's Key? I... Gave mine away." THey paused. "I kn-kn-know that sounds bad, but I was dying, and she was h-h-half-Weaver!"

[eighth-architect-official]

Not gonna ask. That sounds like your business, honestly.

They retrieve their own key and stuff it into the hole. The device unlocks fully, and Eighth watches curiously as this strange thing blinks to life.

[cogwork-core]

>[Welcome, Architect]

>[Status Report: Core Integrity at 0.2%. A.R.G.U.S. Offline. Backup will be finish loading in 2 seconds. Please standby...]

>[Backup Loaded]

>[Hello, Architect. It has been 9,999,999 days since one of you has last spoken with me. I am A.R.G.U.S.. How may I assist you today?]

[eighth-architect-official]

Hey A.R.G.U.S. Can you tell us what your directive is? And other features you have?

[cogwork-core]

>[My Directive is the maintenance of all Citadel assets to keep Threat Entity WHITE0001 asleep, for Pharloom Eternal. I do this by controlling all Citadel systems I have access to, including all non-Architect automatons, which I control via--]

The next few words are borderline incomprehensible. Something about a frankly terrifying level of Silk resonance.

>[Does that answer your questions?]

[eighth-architect-official]

It does, thank you.

Hey, say the Threat Entity WHITE0001 wakes up anyways? What would you do?

[cogwork-core]

>[In such an event, the First of your Make told me to delete myself, saying that will grant me a more merciful end than what she would give me. This confused me, since I was not programmed with vulnerability to torture]

[eighth-architect-official]

Hold off on that please. We sincerely doubt she's figured out you exist, as you are still here. And this didn't seem like a targeted attack to destroy specifically you. Judging from the rubble, whatever was fucking shit up in here was doing so blindly. Like an animal thrashing around when cornered.

Do you mind if we try to figure out how exactly you work in the meantime? We're really curious. And the Architects have...not done a good job preserving knowledge through the generations. Me included apparently.

[cogwork-core]

>[... Your words imply that Threat Entity WHITE0001 is awake, and reports are coming in saying the Core's integrity is at 0.2%. This is officially an emergency]

>[Your words also imply that you do not know how to repair the Core or how I, A.R.G.U.S., work. Yes, you may try to figure out how I work in the meantime. I will assist in this endeavor however I can, though I believe the First Architect avoided passing down knowledge of my workings on purpose. The Conductors may not have approved]

[eighth-architect-official]

Don't you worry about the Conductors. They don't have as much power as they used to, especially not over us.

Thank you A.R.G.U.S. Can we open you up now, unless you have anything else to tell us?

[cogwork-core]

>[Understood. And yes, you may open me up, and I have nothing else to tell you unless you ask]

The Twelfth Architect was practically vibrating in excitement to see this thing's innerworkings.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth searches for a seam in the metal, following the line to where screws were placed to enclose its inner workings. Eighth makes quick but careful work of opening it up. It would do no good to accidentally hurt A.R.G.U.S. in their eagerness, after all.

A sprawling and intricate webbing of Silk greets the pair of Architects. Runes shimmer in the soft light peeking through the rubble. Eighth takes a moment to take it all in, not entirely sure where to start parsing this.

[twelfth-architect-official]

"... This re-re-reminds me of when I opened up a Servitor Ignim and tried to understand its working," The Twelfth Architect stated, "Except f-f-far more complicated."

The Twelfth gazed upon the workings and tried to understand them. They were recognizing... some runes... kind of? They weren't sure.

[eighth-architect-official]

Definitely more complicated. I don't think we should mess around with any of this until we're sure what we're looking at exactly...

Hey, Twelfth, got any paper? I think we should copy down what we see and try to recreate it in our workshops, and then come back and work on restoring A.R.G.U.S.

Maybe Ninth and the others could see something we don't quite get, too.

[twelfth-architect-official]

Twelfth glimpsed words on the screen in response to the Eighth Architect's words.

>[I need no help being restored; rather, I already restored myself from a save state from approximately eight bells before the destruction of the Core]

"It would still make sense to study you, A.R.G.U.S.," The Twelfth Architect said, before they got out paper and started copying things down, like the Eighth had suggested.

"I do re-re-recognize a handful of pieces-parts of this, however, now that I am examining-analyzing it more cl-cl-closely. A few runes use the symbol for Dreams. Though, I bel-believe in this case it is acting as the symbol for Memory."

>[One of those runes would be where my backup is stored,]

A.R.G.U.S. helpfully explained.

[eighth-architect-official]

Look here, that kind of looks like Negation and Mind/Soul are close together. Was this supposed to be how the Music kept her unconscious? The Mind Rune here must be representative of the conscious mind in that case...Fascinating.

Focus and Conduction are linked together too, and that is very close to what looks like the Music Rune...

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect examined what the Eighth was pointing out, copying it down on paper.

"Yes, I bel-bel-believe you are right. Focus and Co-Co-Conduction being applied to the Music implies to me it's al-al-allowing the music to spread in a condensed, f-f-focused stream to Threat Entity WHITE0001... Or, well, the M-M-Monarch, as she's better known."

The Twelfth Architect stared, before pointing out another piece.

"This. Amplify. Music and Connection co-co-combined, perhaps symbolizing harmony, or... re-re-resonance? Soul + Solid, m-m-meaning Silk. P-P-Perhaps this is what A.R.G.U.S. uses to communicate to and c-c-control the cogbugs? Or part of what it uses, at least?"

The Twelfth got a thought. "M-M-Might it be related to the Third Sentinel's Silk Resonance abilities? Obviously a more ad-ad-advanced version, but there may be a small connection."

[eighth-architect-official]

I'd say we're looking at very similar ideas applied entirely differently. When I was building Third, I used almost no Runecraft when I designed it for that. The voice box inside Third is essentially fine and delicate tuners on a set of Silk strings.

Resonance with Third works when it makes a continuous noise on its Silk strings with Intent. It has no Runecraft to help it out, so I imagine learning that ability didn't come intuitively. Or easy.

But if you're right, that means that somewhere there is a Silk-spun device either in A.R.G.U.S. or the Core itself. There must have been something making specific noise not dedicated to keeping the Monarch asleep...

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I see, this m-m-makes sense. Unlikely to be in the C-C-Core, then, since the mechanisms of the Core were exclusively for k-k-keeping the Monarch asleep."

The Twelfth Architect stared at the terminal, then, before deciding to just ask A.R.G.U.S.

"A.R.G.U.S., would you h-h-h-happen to know where the device we speak of is?"

>[The other side from where you're looking at]

The intelligence supplied helpfully.

>[You will find it if you go to the other side of this terminal and open it up as you did this side]

"Thank you, A.R.G.U.S.," The Twelfth said, before going to the other side mentioned and opened it up carefully... And found a frankly ludicrous instrument inside, like intersecting brass supports formed into the shape of a sphere and every available gap having the thinnest strands of Silk the Twelfth had ever seen filling them up, parallel, in a fashion they never would have conceived of.

"... A.R.G.U.S., could you de-de-demonstrate what you do to communicate to the other cogbugs?"

Though obviously the Twelfth couldn't see the affirmative, they did see the result: The vibration of the strings inside, and the very faint sound they could hear accompanying it. They wondered why they struggled to hear the frequency, though A.R.G.U.S. had said Architects were less affected by... whatever THIS was.

[eighth-architect-official]

Eighth follows the younger Architect around to the other side after a moment.

What the fuck - Okay hold on.

They pull out a portable recorder and turns it on. They get closer to the instrument, wanting a clearer audio sample of this since they may not personally have another chance to study this mechanism.

They need to take this back to their workshop, ask for some Cogbug volunteers, get them to tell Eighth what exactly they're hearing...if Resonance even works through recording, anyways.

They need to see if they can replicate this in another creation, as well. Perhaps work this into the Core itself, make a hub of knowledge shared with those who have access to Silk and Resonance -

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth stared at Eighth's recorder, before finally saying, "That reminds me of s-s-something the Thirteenth made." Just a comment. Not really meant to go anywhere.

They were astonished, truly, and found themself wondering how this could be used.

Finally, they asked the Eighth, "What is our ob-ob-objective, at the moment? Just understanding-comprehending A.R.G.U.S.? I ask be-be-because I remember you mentioning something about repurposing the Core or the like."

They paused, before coming back around to the front and staring at the screen.

"A.R.G.U.S., is the p-p-power source of the Core intact?"

>[The Core's power source is stored in a separate room. It was, thankfully, almost completely unharmed, and any damage it did sustain can be repaired by Cogworkers. That is, in fact, what I am communicating via resonance now: I am telling nearby Cogworkers to come repair the power source's minor damage]

The Twelfth Architect felt relieved at this.

[eighth-architect-official]

Here's the thing. If we're going to repurpose the Core, we need to better understand A.R.G.U.S. Specifically how their Resonance instrument works. If we can also look at what the Core has going on to keep old Miss Cranky asleep, then we may have a starting point to go off of. The ability to instantly communicate and organize would be invaluable for emergency situations, and establishing a Cogbug and Silkfly culture.

[cogwork-core]

>[The Core's musical systems, which kept Threat Entity WHITE0001 asleep, were recently turned into molten metal, if you were unaware,] A.R.G.U.S explained. [Unfortunately, you can no longer take a look at them.]

[eighth-architect-official]

Alright. So really what we need to do is install a new one if we want to do something like this.

Hmm. Hey A.R.G.U.S. , do you know anything about how the Core worked? No problem if you don't, we can probably build it from scratch

[cogwork-core]

>[Unfortunately, I am unaware of much of the musical design of the Core, though I know it operated using Silk, and Weaver principles. Runecraft-enhanced. I recall the First describing it as something akin to 'a thousand enormous Needolins,' though I am unsure what that means.]

[eighth-architect-official]

A Needolin is a Weaver instrument, made from their Needles strung with Silk. It does Silksong stuff, like reveal a creature's inner thoughts through song, or access memory impression hidden in environmental Silk. And other things.

You said that they were like a series of giant Needolins, which means that they had the same function but not necessarily the same form.

...we can literally make shit up, then. As long as it does what it says on the tin, we can make it look like anything pretty much.

Thanks A.R.G.U.S. You're a big help 🫡

[twelfth-architect-official]

[You are welcome, Eighth of your Make. Thank you for the information you have provided. This implies the principles of a Needolin were also used to put creatures to sleep]

"Indeed. Perhaps it would be helpful-useful to c-consult my beloved Paradox on this."

The Twelfth Architect paused, realizing they... don't think they've ever talked about Yivel with the Eighth Architect before.

"For context, she is a Weaver, and she p-p-personally assisted with-th-th-the plan that put the Monarch to sleep originally. She is also an en-en-engineer-maker."

They paused, again, before adding, "'Paradox' is n-n-not her actual name, it's an aff-affectionate title I have given her. In case that was un-unclear."

[Query: You know a Weaver personally? The First Architect said they were all dead]

"I know s-s-several Weavers personally, A.R.G.U.S. It appears their d-d-deaths were... greatly exaggerated-hyperbolized."

[xladyseerx]

I drew the Twelfth Architect for my friend @ihavenocluewhatiwanttobecalled . :D

The sketch took me a couple of days, but I somehow did the line art, coloring, and shading all today. Which is crazy because each metal bit has like four to five colors for their shading. 😭

It scares me how fast I can be sometimes.

[twelfth-architect-official]

OBVIOUSLY this amazing art by @/xladyseerx has to go HERE!!!

I think my favorite detail must be the scarf, which is, if you look closely, red and gold. Obviously meant to be inspired by @weaveryivel's aesthetic :3

But I love everything about this peace and am so so so so so happy to have received it <3333 thank you, dearly.

[xladyseerx]

I drew the Twelfth Architect for my friend @ihavenocluewhatiwanttobecalled . :D

The sketch took me a couple of days, but I somehow did the line art, coloring, and shading all today. Which is crazy because each metal bit has like four to five colors for their shading. 😭

It scares me how fast I can be sometimes.

[twelfth-architect-official]

OBVIOUSLY this amazing art by @/xladyseerx has to go HERE!!!

I think my favorite detail must be the scarf, which is, if you look closely, red and gold. Obviously meant to be inspired by @weaveryivel's aesthetic :3

But I love everything about this peace and am so so so so so happy to have received it <3333 thank you, dearly.

[twelfth-architect-official]

but. what if those silkflies dont want new bodies? is that something they can choose? its just a wonder ive had

"Yes, that is s-s-something they can choose. A silkfly named 'Flutter' has al-al-already made that choice."

[twelfth-architect-official]

How are you gonna get the silkflies when they are people? That's a little unethical.

"I intend to ac-ac-acquire the silk flies that already exist and are not cur-cur-currently within any automaton body, or who l-l-lack any special exception negotiated with me, such as one already does. I intend to ac-ac-acquire these silk flies for the purpose-intention of granting them a new shell with which they may have their own, new life. I m-m-may not be able to give them back the life stolen from them, but I can gr-gr-grant them new lives that are n-n-not lived in servitude-enslavement to the Citadel. It is the furthest th-th-thing from 'unethical.'"

[twelfth-architect-official]

The two bugs entered the Underworks, pretty dark and dangerous place. Despite the conditions, they moved in through it to reach the workshop Twelfth was at. It took a while, but once they reached their destination, they pulled on the lever and the door opened.

@wanderer-of-shell-resolute, @hermit-the-moth

Of course, due to the Twelfth Architect's extensive remodeling, the Underworks had become far, far less dangerous than they were before.

The Twelfth Architect looked upon the two bugs. They vaguely recognized one, though not completely. The other, though... The other gave them a sense of dread. Moth-ish, clearly. And... They could see Essence of an unusual color coming off of him. Red...

"Greetings," The Twelfth Architect greeted. "Wh-Wh-Why have you come here?"

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"A snare, broken. We request you fix it for us. We can pay you."

Sherma turns to Hermit. "Is this all correct, sir?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes. Though, that is unbecoming to come here without introducing yourself, so let me do that instead." The Moth bowed much alike Grimm, even though he disliked him much, then said, "my name is Hermit, pleased to meet you. I got this thing from the Dream Realm... I don't know how, but could you mayhaps repair it?"

@twelfth-architect-official

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"Ah, w-where are my manners?!" He jolts up in a panic.

"Ahem. I'm Sherma. You may have seen me before, in Songclave."

@twelfth-architect-official

(mod. Jake) sorry for tagging you twice ^^'

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Sherma. Hermit. I am the Twelfth Architect. You have a sn-sn-snare? I... can attempt to repair it, b-b-but without knowledge of what it was or-originally, my ability to do so will be limited."

The Twelfth Architect then looked towards Hermit.

"You. Are you a S-S-Silk moth, like those present in the Citadel?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes, I am. Though I'm not from here, no, my homeland is Hallownest," he said proudly. But then his voice suddenly changed to the more curious one, "for the first time I see someone who's asking me such questions... Why so?"

"In any case, I'd appreciate any help with this... Snare? Huh... I wonder why I feel like I would need it... Ahem. Here," Hermit approached Twelfth and handled them the snare, "I don't have any knowledge whatsoever, unlike my friend, but he's away, so I rely on you."

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect found it doubtful that Hermit lacked any knowledge whatsoever, considering that he has already told them multiple things so far. Clearly, he has SOME knowledge. Perhaps he simply meant that he has no knowledge about this snare?

"I asked-inquired because the ex-ex-exploitation of your kind is one of the m-m-many mistakes of the Citadel I intend to amend," The Twelfth Architect explained.

They accepted the snare, before saying, "I am un-un-unsure if I can ascertain the original function-purpose of this snare, nor am I certain that I can re-re-recreate it. But I will attempt the task."

[hermit-the-moth]

Their answer staggered him. "What do you mean? How can we be... Exploited? Is that because of our Silk? Well, we loose the ability to create it after metamorphosis, so I suppose you're talking about our previous form - Silkworms, isn't it?"

"And I shall thank you for that. Though I have another question about it. Do I need to pay for this? If so, then my apologies, but I only have 50 of your currency. Unless I can pay somehow else, like with Geo for example."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Incorrect," The Twelfth Architect states. "Silk moths usually re-re-retain the ability to create Silk after metamorphosis. At least, the p-p-perisex males do, I know that for certain; the a-a-adult males are used to create Silk, and the adult females become breeders."

The Twelfth Architect moves on. "As for the t-t-topic of payment, yes, payment would be commendable. I do ac-ac-accept Geo; One rosary is eq-equivalent to two Geo."

[hermit-the-moth]

The more they explained to him, the more confused he was becoming. "But... But I cannot create it. I don't have this ability. If I had it I wouldn't need to go and collect Silk from the spider's lair! I don't know..." He looked away to think about it more.

Though he was pretty much stumbled by that topic, he still had one last question about the payment. "O-oh, well that's good! I thought that you wouldn't accept the currency from a different Kingdom... But since you would, what's the price?"

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Two hundred rosaries would be suf-suf-sufficient," The Twelfth Architect stated. "Or, in other terms, fifty rosaries and three hundred geo."

The Twelfth Architect did not truly know what to make of Hermit's confusion about the Silk creation thing, so they did not respond. There wasn't a clear response to give.

[hermit-the-moth]

"Hmm... Alright..," he said about the price, but then asked about his nature, "I... If what you saying is true, then why can't I create it? I'm a male Silk Moth and the only one of my kind I know was my mother. She couldn't create it, so I thought it's... Normal."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"My best guess is that it is likely a her-her-hereditary condition," The Twelfth Architect stated. "One that prevents the Si-Si-Silk from being created. Or, more likely, from being re-re-released."

[hermit-the-moth]

"Your words seem truthful, yes. Though I'm a bit confused as to how... Hm... My father is the one from who I received the weird anatomy... Mayhaps that could be the reason. I could create it as a grub, so I suppose it could be fixed, but how? Medicine is still not good enough to painlessly look inside of a bug."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"You are cor-cor-correct, though... I bel-believe I could make devices capable of extracting the Silk using runecraft. If you would wish."

[hermit-the-moth]

"If I'll be able to create it again, then it would greatly improve my battle capabilities..," he thought. "Yes, I would greatly appreciate that. Do I have to pay for that too or you would be kind enough to give it for free? If it's truly gonna be the defect that caused me to loose it, then I think that help should be priceless. Otherwise, I'll pay you for the effort."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I d-d-don't charge for disability aids," The Twelfth Architect replied, sounding almost offended. They were starting to find they were tired of their reputation not proceeding them.

[hermit-the-moth]

"Well that's great, thank you. Now, I think you should start working on all of this," he put all of the needed Rosaries and Geo on the table. It seems he was counting all of the money during the dialogue. Right after this he turned to Sherma, approached and sat near, crossing his legs and starting his meditation session. More Essence started flying around him.

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect took note of the Essence, before saying, "And I think-believe that you possess no right to o-o-order me around. Do not mi-mi-mistake my kindness for subservience-obedience."

With that, they took their time finishing up another project, and only then did they start working on the wristbands.

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth didn't respond. It seems he was... Dreaming? Certainly not sleeping... In the Dream Realm he was thinking of his disability and this snare he received... How powerful it is and what is it supposed to be used for? He didn't know, but the answer was pretty close...

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect eventually looked at Hermit, after completing the wristbands.

"Your wristbands are finished-completed," They announced.

[twelfth-architect-official]

The two bugs entered the Underworks, pretty dark and dangerous place. Despite the conditions, they moved in through it to reach the workshop Twelfth was at. It took a while, but once they reached their destination, they pulled on the lever and the door opened.

@wanderer-of-shell-resolute, @hermit-the-moth

Of course, due to the Twelfth Architect's extensive remodeling, the Underworks had become far, far less dangerous than they were before.

The Twelfth Architect looked upon the two bugs. They vaguely recognized one, though not completely. The other, though... The other gave them a sense of dread. Moth-ish, clearly. And... They could see Essence of an unusual color coming off of him. Red...

"Greetings," The Twelfth Architect greeted. "Wh-Wh-Why have you come here?"

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"A snare, broken. We request you fix it for us. We can pay you."

Sherma turns to Hermit. "Is this all correct, sir?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes. Though, that is unbecoming to come here without introducing yourself, so let me do that instead." The Moth bowed much alike Grimm, even though he disliked him much, then said, "my name is Hermit, pleased to meet you. I got this thing from the Dream Realm... I don't know how, but could you mayhaps repair it?"

@twelfth-architect-official

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"Ah, w-where are my manners?!" He jolts up in a panic.

"Ahem. I'm Sherma. You may have seen me before, in Songclave."

@twelfth-architect-official

(mod. Jake) sorry for tagging you twice ^^'

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Sherma. Hermit. I am the Twelfth Architect. You have a sn-sn-snare? I... can attempt to repair it, b-b-but without knowledge of what it was or-originally, my ability to do so will be limited."

The Twelfth Architect then looked towards Hermit.

"You. Are you a S-S-Silk moth, like those present in the Citadel?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes, I am. Though I'm not from here, no, my homeland is Hallownest," he said proudly. But then his voice suddenly changed to the more curious one, "for the first time I see someone who's asking me such questions... Why so?"

"In any case, I'd appreciate any help with this... Snare? Huh... I wonder why I feel like I would need it... Ahem. Here," Hermit approached Twelfth and handled them the snare, "I don't have any knowledge whatsoever, unlike my friend, but he's away, so I rely on you."

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect found it doubtful that Hermit lacked any knowledge whatsoever, considering that he has already told them multiple things so far. Clearly, he has SOME knowledge. Perhaps he simply meant that he has no knowledge about this snare?

"I asked-inquired because the ex-ex-exploitation of your kind is one of the m-m-many mistakes of the Citadel I intend to amend," The Twelfth Architect explained.

They accepted the snare, before saying, "I am un-un-unsure if I can ascertain the original function-purpose of this snare, nor am I certain that I can re-re-recreate it. But I will attempt the task."

[hermit-the-moth]

Their answer staggered him. "What do you mean? How can we be... Exploited? Is that because of our Silk? Well, we loose the ability to create it after metamorphosis, so I suppose you're talking about our previous form - Silkworms, isn't it?"

"And I shall thank you for that. Though I have another question about it. Do I need to pay for this? If so, then my apologies, but I only have 50 of your currency. Unless I can pay somehow else, like with Geo for example."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Incorrect," The Twelfth Architect states. "Silk moths usually re-re-retain the ability to create Silk after metamorphosis. At least, the p-p-perisex males do, I know that for certain; the a-a-adult males are used to create Silk, and the adult females become breeders."

The Twelfth Architect moves on. "As for the t-t-topic of payment, yes, payment would be commendable. I do ac-ac-accept Geo; One rosary is eq-equivalent to two Geo."

[hermit-the-moth]

The more they explained to him, the more confused he was becoming. "But... But I cannot create it. I don't have this ability. If I had it I wouldn't need to go and collect Silk from the spider's lair! I don't know..." He looked away to think about it more.

Though he was pretty much stumbled by that topic, he still had one last question about the payment. "O-oh, well that's good! I thought that you wouldn't accept the currency from a different Kingdom... But since you would, what's the price?"

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Two hundred rosaries would be suf-suf-sufficient," The Twelfth Architect stated. "Or, in other terms, fifty rosaries and three hundred geo."

The Twelfth Architect did not truly know what to make of Hermit's confusion about the Silk creation thing, so they did not respond. There wasn't a clear response to give.

[hermit-the-moth]

"Hmm... Alright..," he said about the price, but then asked about his nature, "I... If what you saying is true, then why can't I create it? I'm a male Silk Moth and the only one of my kind I know was my mother. She couldn't create it, so I thought it's... Normal."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"My best guess is that it is likely a her-her-hereditary condition," The Twelfth Architect stated. "One that prevents the Si-Si-Silk from being created. Or, more likely, from being re-re-released."

[hermit-the-moth]

"Your words seem truthful, yes. Though I'm a bit confused as to how... Hm... My father is the one from who I received the weird anatomy... Mayhaps that could be the reason. I could create it as a grub, so I suppose it could be fixed, but how? Medicine is still not good enough to painlessly look inside of a bug."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"You are cor-cor-correct, though... I bel-believe I could make devices capable of extracting the Silk using runecraft. If you would wish."

[hermit-the-moth]

"If I'll be able to create it again, then it would greatly improve my battle capabilities..," he thought. "Yes, I would greatly appreciate that. Do I have to pay for that too or you would be kind enough to give it for free? If it's truly gonna be the defect that caused me to loose it, then I think that help should be priceless. Otherwise, I'll pay you for the effort."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I d-d-don't charge for disability aids," The Twelfth Architect replied, sounding almost offended. They were starting to find they were tired of their reputation not proceeding them.

[hermit-the-moth]

"Well that's great, thank you. Now, I think you should start working on all of this," he put all of the needed Rosaries and Geo on the table. It seems he was counting all of the money during the dialogue. Right after this he turned to Sherma, approached and sat near, crossing his legs and starting his meditation session. More Essence started flying around him.

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect took note of the Essence, before saying, "And I think-believe that you possess no right to o-o-order me around. Do not mi-mi-mistake my kindness for subservience-obedience."

With that, they took their time finishing up another project, and only then did they start working on the wristbands.

[twelfth-architect-official]

*yarnaby drags in a lamp full of silkflys*

×Mar!×

@playtimecoinpharloom

The Twelfth vaguely remembered Yarnaby from their last encounter. It was not a pleasant memory. Yet, now, Yarnaby seemed to be being helpful.

"Gr-Gr-Greetings. You are c-c-carrying silkflies for me? Thank you."

The Twelfth Architect gently took the lamp to examine the number of silkflies inside.

[twelfth-architect-official]

Twelth arcitect of Pharloom

I have a request for you.

In this bag that was sent along with this letter, you have a large amount of materials from Hallownest.

What i wish is for you to use these materials, and only these materials to construct both a prosthetic arm and a prosthetic leg, after which i want you to send them and the blueprints you made back to me.

In the bag is your payment of 2000 geo, which is the equivilant of 1000 rosaries

I will use these prosthetics to help disabled bugs in the hospital i'm running.

With kindness and respect

Grand Master Hermes

The Twelfth Architect did not reply to the letter for a long time.

Not until they had finished the prosthetics.

They sent the prosthetics, as well as all of the Geo and the blueprints, back to this... Hermes, along with a letter.

The letter read, as follows:

"I do not require payment for disability aids unless they require specialized properties, such as resistance to spells."

Signed with the Twelfth Architect's name, as well as a doodle of them.

[twelfth-architect-official]

The two bugs entered the Underworks, pretty dark and dangerous place. Despite the conditions, they moved in through it to reach the workshop Twelfth was at. It took a while, but once they reached their destination, they pulled on the lever and the door opened.

@wanderer-of-shell-resolute, @hermit-the-moth

Of course, due to the Twelfth Architect's extensive remodeling, the Underworks had become far, far less dangerous than they were before.

The Twelfth Architect looked upon the two bugs. They vaguely recognized one, though not completely. The other, though... The other gave them a sense of dread. Moth-ish, clearly. And... They could see Essence of an unusual color coming off of him. Red...

"Greetings," The Twelfth Architect greeted. "Wh-Wh-Why have you come here?"

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"A snare, broken. We request you fix it for us. We can pay you."

Sherma turns to Hermit. "Is this all correct, sir?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes. Though, that is unbecoming to come here without introducing yourself, so let me do that instead." The Moth bowed much alike Grimm, even though he disliked him much, then said, "my name is Hermit, pleased to meet you. I got this thing from the Dream Realm... I don't know how, but could you mayhaps repair it?"

@twelfth-architect-official

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"Ah, w-where are my manners?!" He jolts up in a panic.

"Ahem. I'm Sherma. You may have seen me before, in Songclave."

@twelfth-architect-official

(mod. Jake) sorry for tagging you twice ^^'

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Sherma. Hermit. I am the Twelfth Architect. You have a sn-sn-snare? I... can attempt to repair it, b-b-but without knowledge of what it was or-originally, my ability to do so will be limited."

The Twelfth Architect then looked towards Hermit.

"You. Are you a S-S-Silk moth, like those present in the Citadel?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes, I am. Though I'm not from here, no, my homeland is Hallownest," he said proudly. But then his voice suddenly changed to the more curious one, "for the first time I see someone who's asking me such questions... Why so?"

"In any case, I'd appreciate any help with this... Snare? Huh... I wonder why I feel like I would need it... Ahem. Here," Hermit approached Twelfth and handled them the snare, "I don't have any knowledge whatsoever, unlike my friend, but he's away, so I rely on you."

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect found it doubtful that Hermit lacked any knowledge whatsoever, considering that he has already told them multiple things so far. Clearly, he has SOME knowledge. Perhaps he simply meant that he has no knowledge about this snare?

"I asked-inquired because the ex-ex-exploitation of your kind is one of the m-m-many mistakes of the Citadel I intend to amend," The Twelfth Architect explained.

They accepted the snare, before saying, "I am un-un-unsure if I can ascertain the original function-purpose of this snare, nor am I certain that I can re-re-recreate it. But I will attempt the task."

[hermit-the-moth]

Their answer staggered him. "What do you mean? How can we be... Exploited? Is that because of our Silk? Well, we loose the ability to create it after metamorphosis, so I suppose you're talking about our previous form - Silkworms, isn't it?"

"And I shall thank you for that. Though I have another question about it. Do I need to pay for this? If so, then my apologies, but I only have 50 of your currency. Unless I can pay somehow else, like with Geo for example."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Incorrect," The Twelfth Architect states. "Silk moths usually re-re-retain the ability to create Silk after metamorphosis. At least, the p-p-perisex males do, I know that for certain; the a-a-adult males are used to create Silk, and the adult females become breeders."

The Twelfth Architect moves on. "As for the t-t-topic of payment, yes, payment would be commendable. I do ac-ac-accept Geo; One rosary is eq-equivalent to two Geo."

[hermit-the-moth]

The more they explained to him, the more confused he was becoming. "But... But I cannot create it. I don't have this ability. If I had it I wouldn't need to go and collect Silk from the spider's lair! I don't know..." He looked away to think about it more.

Though he was pretty much stumbled by that topic, he still had one last question about the payment. "O-oh, well that's good! I thought that you wouldn't accept the currency from a different Kingdom... But since you would, what's the price?"

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Two hundred rosaries would be suf-suf-sufficient," The Twelfth Architect stated. "Or, in other terms, fifty rosaries and three hundred geo."

The Twelfth Architect did not truly know what to make of Hermit's confusion about the Silk creation thing, so they did not respond. There wasn't a clear response to give.

[hermit-the-moth]

"Hmm... Alright..," he said about the price, but then asked about his nature, "I... If what you saying is true, then why can't I create it? I'm a male Silk Moth and the only one of my kind I know was my mother. She couldn't create it, so I thought it's... Normal."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"My best guess is that it is likely a her-her-hereditary condition," The Twelfth Architect stated. "One that prevents the Si-Si-Silk from being created. Or, more likely, from being re-re-released."

[hermit-the-moth]

"Your words seem truthful, yes. Though I'm a bit confused as to how... Hm... My father is the one from who I received the weird anatomy... Mayhaps that could be the reason. I could create it as a grub, so I suppose it could be fixed, but how? Medicine is still not good enough to painlessly look inside of a bug."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"You are cor-cor-correct, though... I bel-believe I could make devices capable of extracting the Silk using runecraft. If you would wish."

[hermit-the-moth]

"If I'll be able to create it again, then it would greatly improve my battle capabilities..," he thought. "Yes, I would greatly appreciate that. Do I have to pay for that too or you would be kind enough to give it for free? If it's truly gonna be the defect that caused me to loose it, then I think that help should be priceless. Otherwise, I'll pay you for the effort."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"I d-d-don't charge for disability aids," The Twelfth Architect replied, sounding almost offended. They were starting to find they were tired of their reputation not proceeding them.

[twelfth-architect-official]

The two bugs entered the Underworks, pretty dark and dangerous place. Despite the conditions, they moved in through it to reach the workshop Twelfth was at. It took a while, but once they reached their destination, they pulled on the lever and the door opened.

@wanderer-of-shell-resolute, @hermit-the-moth

Of course, due to the Twelfth Architect's extensive remodeling, the Underworks had become far, far less dangerous than they were before.

The Twelfth Architect looked upon the two bugs. They vaguely recognized one, though not completely. The other, though... The other gave them a sense of dread. Moth-ish, clearly. And... They could see Essence of an unusual color coming off of him. Red...

"Greetings," The Twelfth Architect greeted. "Wh-Wh-Why have you come here?"

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"A snare, broken. We request you fix it for us. We can pay you."

Sherma turns to Hermit. "Is this all correct, sir?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes. Though, that is unbecoming to come here without introducing yourself, so let me do that instead." The Moth bowed much alike Grimm, even though he disliked him much, then said, "my name is Hermit, pleased to meet you. I got this thing from the Dream Realm... I don't know how, but could you mayhaps repair it?"

@twelfth-architect-official

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"Ah, w-where are my manners?!" He jolts up in a panic.

"Ahem. I'm Sherma. You may have seen me before, in Songclave."

@twelfth-architect-official

(mod. Jake) sorry for tagging you twice ^^'

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Sherma. Hermit. I am the Twelfth Architect. You have a sn-sn-snare? I... can attempt to repair it, b-b-but without knowledge of what it was or-originally, my ability to do so will be limited."

The Twelfth Architect then looked towards Hermit.

"You. Are you a S-S-Silk moth, like those present in the Citadel?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes, I am. Though I'm not from here, no, my homeland is Hallownest," he said proudly. But then his voice suddenly changed to the more curious one, "for the first time I see someone who's asking me such questions... Why so?"

"In any case, I'd appreciate any help with this... Snare? Huh... I wonder why I feel like I would need it... Ahem. Here," Hermit approached Twelfth and handled them the snare, "I don't have any knowledge whatsoever, unlike my friend, but he's away, so I rely on you."

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect found it doubtful that Hermit lacked any knowledge whatsoever, considering that he has already told them multiple things so far. Clearly, he has SOME knowledge. Perhaps he simply meant that he has no knowledge about this snare?

"I asked-inquired because the ex-ex-exploitation of your kind is one of the m-m-many mistakes of the Citadel I intend to amend," The Twelfth Architect explained.

They accepted the snare, before saying, "I am un-un-unsure if I can ascertain the original function-purpose of this snare, nor am I certain that I can re-re-recreate it. But I will attempt the task."

[hermit-the-moth]

Their answer staggered him. "What do you mean? How can we be... Exploited? Is that because of our Silk? Well, we loose the ability to create it after metamorphosis, so I suppose you're talking about our previous form - Silkworms, isn't it?"

"And I shall thank you for that. Though I have another question about it. Do I need to pay for this? If so, then my apologies, but I only have 50 of your currency. Unless I can pay somehow else, like with Geo for example."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Incorrect," The Twelfth Architect states. "Silk moths usually re-re-retain the ability to create Silk after metamorphosis. At least, the p-p-perisex males do, I know that for certain; the a-a-adult males are used to create Silk, and the adult females become breeders."

The Twelfth Architect moves on. "As for the t-t-topic of payment, yes, payment would be commendable. I do ac-ac-accept Geo; One rosary is eq-equivalent to two Geo."

[hermit-the-moth]

The more they explained to him, the more confused he was becoming. "But... But I cannot create it. I don't have this ability. If I had it I wouldn't need to go and collect Silk from the spider's lair! I don't know..." He looked away to think about it more.

Though he was pretty much stumbled by that topic, he still had one last question about the payment. "O-oh, well that's good! I thought that you wouldn't accept the currency from a different Kingdom... But since you would, what's the price?"

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Two hundred rosaries would be suf-suf-sufficient," The Twelfth Architect stated. "Or, in other terms, fifty rosaries and three hundred geo."

The Twelfth Architect did not truly know what to make of Hermit's confusion about the Silk creation thing, so they did not respond. There wasn't a clear response to give.

[hermit-the-moth]

"Hmm... Alright..," he said about the price, but then asked about his nature, "I... If what you saying is true, then why can't I create it? I'm a male Silk Moth and the only one of my kind I know was my mother. She couldn't create it, so I thought it's... Normal."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"My best guess is that it is likely a her-her-hereditary condition," The Twelfth Architect stated. "One that prevents the Si-Si-Silk from being created. Or, more likely, from being re-re-released."

[hermit-the-moth]

"Your words seem truthful, yes. Though I'm a bit confused as to how... Hm... My father is the one from who I received the weird anatomy... Mayhaps that could be the reason. I could create it as a grub, so I suppose it could be fixed, but how? Medicine is still not good enough to painlessly look inside of a bug."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"You are cor-cor-correct, though... I bel-believe I could make devices capable of extracting the Silk using runecraft. If you would wish."

[bellharts-coolest-candidate]

Bellhomes are very expensive right now, more expensive than even the worst times in history. If you vote for me, I will use the natural resources and lands of the Wisp Thicket, which I will make the Fourth Ward of Bellhart, to bring down prices TREMENDOUSLY, so that we can afford to live again.

I'm Molly Taut and I approve of this message.

[lost-pilgrim-official]

uh I haven't been there but isn't that where the horrible horrible fire guy lives

[bellharts-coolest-candidate]

We're gonna make the Wisp Thicket safe, safer even than Bellhart is under Crooked Maki, and we're gonna make Bellhart even safer than that.

[canigetahoyay]

@twelfth-architect-official

You might need to have a word with molly

[twelfth-architect-official]

"... Ex-Ex-Excuse me, Molly is going to do WHAT?!?"

Muttering at a volume too low to hear, they say, "That is it, I am ri-ri-rigging an election."

[spectroacha]

i saw this and i could only think of this;

[twelfth-architect-official]

"HUSH. This will only work if I k-k-keep it secret."

[bellharts-coolest-candidate]

Bellhomes are very expensive right now, more expensive than even the worst times in history. If you vote for me, I will use the natural resources and lands of the Wisp Thicket, which I will make the Fourth Ward of Bellhart, to bring down prices TREMENDOUSLY, so that we can afford to live again.

I'm Molly Taut and I approve of this message.

[lost-pilgrim-official]

uh I haven't been there but isn't that where the horrible horrible fire guy lives

[bellharts-coolest-candidate]

We're gonna make the Wisp Thicket safe, safer even than Bellhart is under Crooked Maki, and we're gonna make Bellhart even safer than that.

[canigetahoyay]

@twelfth-architect-official

You might need to have a word with molly

[twelfth-architect-official]

"... Ex-Ex-Excuse me, Molly is going to do WHAT?!?"

Muttering at a volume too low to hear, they say, "That is it, I am ri-ri-rigging an election."

[twelfth-architect-official]

The two bugs entered the Underworks, pretty dark and dangerous place. Despite the conditions, they moved in through it to reach the workshop Twelfth was at. It took a while, but once they reached their destination, they pulled on the lever and the door opened.

@wanderer-of-shell-resolute, @hermit-the-moth

Of course, due to the Twelfth Architect's extensive remodeling, the Underworks had become far, far less dangerous than they were before.

The Twelfth Architect looked upon the two bugs. They vaguely recognized one, though not completely. The other, though... The other gave them a sense of dread. Moth-ish, clearly. And... They could see Essence of an unusual color coming off of him. Red...

"Greetings," The Twelfth Architect greeted. "Wh-Wh-Why have you come here?"

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"A snare, broken. We request you fix it for us. We can pay you."

Sherma turns to Hermit. "Is this all correct, sir?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes. Though, that is unbecoming to come here without introducing yourself, so let me do that instead." The Moth bowed much alike Grimm, even though he disliked him much, then said, "my name is Hermit, pleased to meet you. I got this thing from the Dream Realm... I don't know how, but could you mayhaps repair it?"

@twelfth-architect-official

[wanderer-of-shell-resolute]

"Ah, w-where are my manners?!" He jolts up in a panic.

"Ahem. I'm Sherma. You may have seen me before, in Songclave."

@twelfth-architect-official

(mod. Jake) sorry for tagging you twice ^^'

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Sherma. Hermit. I am the Twelfth Architect. You have a sn-sn-snare? I... can attempt to repair it, b-b-but without knowledge of what it was or-originally, my ability to do so will be limited."

The Twelfth Architect then looked towards Hermit.

"You. Are you a S-S-Silk moth, like those present in the Citadel?"

@hermit-the-moth

[hermit-the-moth]

"Yes, I am. Though I'm not from here, no, my homeland is Hallownest," he said proudly. But then his voice suddenly changed to the more curious one, "for the first time I see someone who's asking me such questions... Why so?"

"In any case, I'd appreciate any help with this... Snare? Huh... I wonder why I feel like I would need it... Ahem. Here," Hermit approached Twelfth and handled them the snare, "I don't have any knowledge whatsoever, unlike my friend, but he's away, so I rely on you."

[twelfth-architect-official]

The Twelfth Architect found it doubtful that Hermit lacked any knowledge whatsoever, considering that he has already told them multiple things so far. Clearly, he has SOME knowledge. Perhaps he simply meant that he has no knowledge about this snare?

"I asked-inquired because the ex-ex-exploitation of your kind is one of the m-m-many mistakes of the Citadel I intend to amend," The Twelfth Architect explained.

They accepted the snare, before saying, "I am un-un-unsure if I can ascertain the original function-purpose of this snare, nor am I certain that I can re-re-recreate it. But I will attempt the task."

[hermit-the-moth]

Their answer staggered him. "What do you mean? How can we be... Exploited? Is that because of our Silk? Well, we loose the ability to create it after metamorphosis, so I suppose you're talking about our previous form - Silkworms, isn't it?"

"And I shall thank you for that. Though I have another question about it. Do I need to pay for this? If so, then my apologies, but I only have 50 of your currency. Unless I can pay somehow else, like with Geo for example."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Incorrect," The Twelfth Architect states. "Silk moths usually re-re-retain the ability to create Silk after metamorphosis. At least, the p-p-perisex males do, I know that for certain; the a-a-adult males are used to create Silk, and the adult females become breeders."

The Twelfth Architect moves on. "As for the t-t-topic of payment, yes, payment would be commendable. I do ac-ac-accept Geo; One rosary is eq-equivalent to two Geo."

[hermit-the-moth]

The more they explained to him, the more confused he was becoming. "But... But I cannot create it. I don't have this ability. If I had it I wouldn't need to go and collect Silk from the spider's lair! I don't know..." He looked away to think about it more.

Though he was pretty much stumbled by that topic, he still had one last question about the payment. "O-oh, well that's good! I thought that you wouldn't accept the currency from a different Kingdom... But since you would, what's the price?"

[twelfth-architect-official]

"Two hundred rosaries would be suf-suf-sufficient," The Twelfth Architect stated. "Or, in other terms, fifty rosaries and three hundred geo."

The Twelfth Architect did not truly know what to make of Hermit's confusion about the Silk creation thing, so they did not respond. There wasn't a clear response to give.

[hermit-the-moth]

"Hmm... Alright..," he said about the price, but then asked about his nature, "I... If what you saying is true, then why can't I create it? I'm a male Silk Moth and the only one of my kind I know was my mother. She couldn't create it, so I thought it's... Normal."

[twelfth-architect-official]

"My best guess is that it is likely a her-her-hereditary condition," The Twelfth Architect stated. "One that prevents the Si-Si-Silk from being created. Or, more likely, from being re-re-released."