Thread #6361939
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You’re ANTON PEAS: mild-mannered frycook, stage magician, extradimensional tourist, and now a mafioso mulcher!
You heard right! Life’s been a whirlwind ever since you woke up in ZORAL: a fantasy world shrouded in perpetual darkness. There’s your fuzzy memories, of course, not to mention the fact that your gun-crazy ex-girlfriend LIZ somehow found her way in after you! Oh, and let’s not forget how your soul’s being held hostage by the eponymously-named RED: an archdevil who–in return for the demonic power you inadvertently pilfered on your arrival–wants you to slay THE FOUR LORDS OF ZORAL: a rogue’s gallery of godlike tyrants, monsters, and all-around persons of low moral fiber!
Thankfully you’re not alone… you’re more popular than ever, in fact! There’s TZAH-TZIE, of course: your feisty ladyfriend and a brash bard, VOLKA: Grand Marshall of a neighborhood safety group called THE LAMPLIGHTERS whose kindness is only matched by her dizzying size, MOROOK: a quiet, but competent ranger and Volka’s half-brother, REZALITH: once a fearsome foe, now one of your most powerful–and loyal–allies, OTI: skilled sorcerer with a chip on his shoulder, and TOPPEL: a manic mage with a penchant for less-than-ethical experiments and running into trouble!
Your arrival in UMBERAL: the gem of the North and self-proclaimed ‘City of Tomorrow’ was anything but uneventful. Despite being watched by the cold, unyielding gaze of ARCHMAGE TRIER: one of the many lords on your death docket, Umberal is also well-known for being home to the infamous SPICE CARTEL: a criminal enterprise whose reach spans all of Zoral… and maybe even beyond!
Well, it did, anyways. In search of ways to defeat the aforementioned archmage, your search inevitably led you to cross paths with the cartel, along with their leader, VHALE NESSURMOS--Tzah-Tzie’s ‘betrothed’ and Five-Star jerk! The feud reached its breaking point when he and his lackeys kidnapped your favorite catthing, and in a climactic clash in the cartel’s compound you managed to not only best Vhale and reclaim your girlfriend, but also acquire NOTES on how to defeat the seemingly-invincible archmage!
The battle may be won, but the war is far from over: Vhale’s lieutenants may not be as dead as you hope, and their troops won’t forget the blow you struck any time soon! Not to mention you’ve got an appointment with TRIER at dawn whether you like it or not! For now, however, all you can do is sit back, relax, and watch as your spunky Spinner’s concert comes to a close!
Ears still ringing from the bardic brawl’s aftermath, THIS is where your tale continues…https://youtu.be/1lR8VLt1Xlk
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>>6361939
Find your seats and don’t forget the snacks, it’s DARK QUEST! Take a look at a few resources before we get this party started:
>Archive link to catch up with the last thread:https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Que st
>Pastebin for INVENTORY, SKILLS, and MORE:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA
>Character and Other Info compiled by everyone’s favorite Spinner…https://pastebin.com/YKhP6xCt
Rolls are handled by a 1(or more)d100--I take the BEST OF THREE ROLLS! 1’s are CRITFAILS while 100’s are CRITSUCCESSES! Certain boosts and maluses will be applied based on the situation and existing skills.
PLEASE ONLY 1 VOTE/ROLL PER PLAYER! If it’s exceptionally slow I’ll ask for people to roll again!
BEEP BEEP! NEW MECHANIC!!! Thank you to the brave anons that weighed in last thread to make it happen: BAD LUCK BALATRO: Every day you get ONE reroll on a LUCK-BASED ROLL (Bluffing, Acrobatics, Dodging... situations where BAD LUCK would make sense per the anon that suggested it! Swell idea, mac!) I will provide the prompt when appropriate!
Describing your actions, write-ins, and GENERAL CREATIVITY are all APPRECIATED AND REWARDED--we like to keep things LIGHT and CHILL here, so come on in and have some fun! FAN ART, THEORIES, AND CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK ARE ALL VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!
DISCLAIMER: THIS QUEST IS DARK. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
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An uncanny dryness cakes your parched mouth as you stand gobstruck at the foot of the stage atop CRYSTALMELT LODGE. The icy air pricks your wide eyes and stings your ears, but you don’t pay it any mind–but you pay the sensations no mind as the crowd below explodes into raucous cheers.
At center stage stands Tzah-Tzie–the girl panting like a dog after a long walk on a hot Summer’s day… and grinning from ear to pointy ear like a cat that caught the canary! Basking in the crowd’s adoration, the girl still can’t resist shooting you a cheeky wink–the small gesture sending a shiver down your spine and a goofy smile onto your face!
“HELLS!” Exclaims a boisterous and very-familiar voice as it approaches your flank, “Didja’ hear her up there, Rook!?”
Your first reaction is to assume the question’s of the rhetorical variety, but once you remember who’s asking it you waste no time in responding! Yea, Volka, you respond, beaming like a sentient headlight, you heard her alright!
“That right there?” The Skog smiles with a satisfied nod, “THAT’S music!”
She can say that again! Before she can say it again, however, you sense a pair of flapping wings ferrying someone down to the ground next to you!
“REZA!” Chirps Volka as she snatches up the fiend in a bearhug, “Not bad, right? Riiiiight!?”
“ACK!” Snarls the satanthing as she makes a show of ‘struggling’ to escape the gentle giant’s grasp, “I… It was adequate! The Snack is good for something other than Emergency Rations, I suppose!”
High praise from Rezzie! Before you can interrogate her further, your posse is approached by a pair of bulbous yellow eyes–their owner groaning as he hobbles over. Morook, you begin with a wry grin, thoughts?
“... I mean no disrespect,” He weakly drones with a flicker in his eyes, “But I’m glad it’s over…” Sensing a faux-pas, the Chytree straightens his posture with renewed vigor in his gaze! “Th-that’s not to say I’m not impressed by Ms. Tzie’s skills, of course! Very musical, yes!”
“I’m fluent in Morookish,” Volka chimes in, “And that means he liked it!”
“My aching head…”
>CONTD.
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>>6361941
… right… As your favorite catthing exits the stage opposite from her opponent Lutza, you can almost see a glimmer of hope in her rival’s purple eyes…
“Quite the show, that! Top-notch performance indeed!” You barely even notice Toppel as she poofs into existence behind you all–the sorcerer still small thanks to Oti transmogrifying her into a Durher.
“Didn’t peg you for a music fan, Top!” Volka remarks, earning a shrug from the witch.
“True artistes flock together, you know!”
No one dares asks what art she practices, nor does anyone try to react as her vampire-turned-Makaar brother approaches the group with impeccable timing.
“Where’s Oti?” She asks, idly kicking her sibling to the side.
Probably still watching over the crowd like a vulture, you respond with a half-shrug. You just hope he finishes enchanting your robe soon–something tells you you’re gonna need it!
“ANT!!!!”
The shout doesn’t prepare you for the fuzzy torpedo crashing into your chest! Nearly bowling you over, Tzah-Tzie plants a big, wet smooch on your cheek before pulling back with a cheeky, if not somewhat weary, grin on her foxlike face!
“Weeeelllll?” She coos with a roguish glimmer forming in her big green eyes, “Was I great, or was I GREAT!?”
What say ye?
>You kicked BUTT out there!
>Pretty good, kid!
>Tease her a bit! She was okay!
>Just ask the crowd, dude!
>Thoughts, everyone?
>Is she okay? She got a little emotional at the end there!
>Write-In!
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>>6361941
Welcome back, QM! I just want to say that whenever Rezalith calls TT "The Snack," I picture The Cheat from Hemostat Runner. From now on, that will be my mental image of her.
>>6361946
+1
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Okay, it goes without saying that you’re proud of your favorite fuzzball, but if she keeps this up you’re gonna have to take her to the mechanic for a SMUG Check! Gracing the gremlin with a gentle and well-deserved headpat, you lock eyes with the performer and grin.
Does… does she mean the performance, or-
“No, I meant my hair, Anton.”
W-wait, rea-
“OF COURSE I MEANT THE PERFORMANCE!”
“I was a little confused too, not gonna lie!” Volka admits, shaking off the embarrassment with a hearty laugh! Riiiight, you nod as you give your fuzzy chin a good rub, yea, it… it was neat! Lots of energy!
You don’t mean to sound like a cultural chauvinist, but you don’t normally find Durhers threatening–aside from Vhale, of course, but he’s deader than Disco now! The look Tzah-Tzie gives you as your assessment leaves your lips, however…
“... Neat?”
Y-yea, you add as you try not to react to your friends cautiously clearing the area around you, it was pretty good, y’know? A real toe-tapper!
The Durher’s eyes continue to bore holes through yours as you feel her claws dig deeper into your sides–you’re unsure if Durhers can chew through bone or not, but something about the way she stares you down prompts you to shield your sternum.
As the tension in the air becomes thick enough to spread across a bagel, the girl dispels the murderous atmosphere with a sing-song laugh as she gives your forearm a playful, but still painful, nip!
“Jackass…” TT mutters with a derisive snort and a toothy grin, “You’re from another plane–what would YOU know about good music anyways, hmm!?”
Hey, you counter, she heard your SANDY SEASHELLS spiel… you’ve forgotten more things about music than she’ll ever kn-OW!
“Alas! Alack!” Sighs Tzah-Tzie as her teeth leave your forearm, “My music was so moving! So provocative! So befuddlingly BEAUTIFUL that it pulverized that poor pudding populating his porous pate!”
“There’s something IN there?” Rezzie remarks as she gives your head a flick! OW!
“M-music… can DO that!?” Sputters Volka, much to her brother’s chagrin.
“No, Volka… no it can’t.”
“Actually, with the right frequency it could-”
As Toppel mutters to herself about death music, your favorite Durher presses her head against your abdomen and sighs a weary, wistful sigh. Bell for her thoughts?
“I’ve been swept up in a maelstrom…” She muses from the comfort of your shirt, “I… feel sad, sure, and worried… and angry…”
You know exactly who caused those feelings, but you don’t say his name.
“And yet I feel… excited.” She murmurs as she gives you a gentle squeeze, “And proud… and… and light–lighter than a sunbeam!”
>CONTD.
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>>6362056
Craning her neck upwards, the girl gives you a fresh smile through her still-damp eyes. “It’s weird, but I feel… alive… Like I just took a deep breath after being underwater.”
Her small skull cocks to the side as you feel her foxlike ears flatten against her hair. “Does that make sense? I’m feeling oddly poetic tonight…”
Yea, you nod as you give her thick hair another playful tousle, you think it does! The Spinner smiles. “Great, because if I so much as smell a bed in the next few minutes I’m gonna pass out… whoof!”
“Dawn IS approaching…” Morook mutters remorsefully as you feel Tzah-Tzie slump against your trunk, “Anton, are you-”
‘Prepared’? Good question, you reply with a halfhearted shrug! How do you even begin to prepare for a showdown with one of Zoral’s most powerful mages? Granted, you’ve got an ANTI-MAGIC BOMB ready to ruin his day, Oti’s weaving a spell into your COMFY ROBE that should trap the Archmage in one body, and RED is standing by to steal the sorcerer’s soul…
But having all the pieces of a magic trick? That’s easy. Pulling it off? That’s a whole other story! Speaking of, as you stand trapped within the vise-grip of your favorite fuzzball, a pair of steely, familiar eyes approaches from around the corner of the stage!
“A fine performance indeed, Miss Tzie.” Remarks Joplin as the Gnok sends an appraising glance TT’s way, “Miss Lutza wishes to speak with you at your earliest convenience.”
“That was fast, huh, Ant?” Chuckles Tzah-Tzie as she shoots you a wink before releasing her hold on you, “You sure she doesn’t need a moment or twenty? Don’t wanna interrupt a sob sesh-”
“You’ll find us in the suite.” Replies the manager in a matter-of-fact tone. “We’ve also reserved a room for you to ‘meet-and-greet’ some of your new fans.” Striding over with purpose, Joplin drops a key in Tzah-Tzie’s hand, much to her befuddlement. “The Tiito Triplets will join you as a security precaution, but as your manager I encourage you to limit the number of meetings, should you choose to do any at a-”
“W-wait a tick–” Stammers Volka, her face mirroring Tzah-Tzie’s as the two of them study Joplin’s dour expression, “Did… did you say-”
“’As your manager?’”
The Gnok stiffens at TT’s question as if he’d just stepped on a tack. “... I, erm… I certainly wouldn’t scoff at the suggestion....” He answers, cutting himself off with a forced cough. “Were it suggested, that is…”
>CONTD.
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>>6362058
Beating a hasty retreat, Joplin leaves you standing alongside the stage with Tzah-Tzie, Volka, Morook, Rezzie, Toppel, and Obber as the crowd below continues to mill about outside CRYSTALMELT LODGE. You get the feeling this kind of thing doesn’t happen every evening–especially as your eyes wander over to the blue, gaslamp-like eyes guarding the crowd’s perimeter.
Dawn is coming, you think as Tzah-Tzie sends a concerned glance your way, but what should you do in the meantime?
>Greet some fans with TT!
>See what Lutza wants!
>Check in with Oti about your Enchanted Robe!
>Talk to Toppel about demons!
>Call Joji! Bring the airship around!
>Strategize with Morook and Volka!
>RED–Is he ready?
>Write-In!
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Oti’ll track you down when he’s done, you think as you give your galpal’s ears a reassuring scritch, sending her into a purring fit as she leans into your fingers. The only thing that’s certain, you quietly reason to yourself, is that whether you succeed against Trier or not, your pals will need to be ready to depart from Umberal at the drop of a hat!
Better get your ducks in order while you can, starting with whatever Lutza wants! Relaying your idea to your pals, you’re met with a resounding display of SYNERGY when everyone nods in assent!
… Even TT! What about her fans, though?
“Pssh, doing a fan meet-n-greet at the first performance? Desperate, much?” She chirps, tossing her hair to the side with a defiant smirk! “Gotta build up to it, y’know? Cultivate that mystique! Can’t just rush into it!”
Kinda like-
“Exactly,” Purrs the performer as her tail gently smacks your side. “Besides, I’ve got my biggest fans right here!”
“Heheh… guilty!” Smirks Volka, the girl grinning from ear to ear! That’s… not really what she meant, bu-
“Probably for the best–seems like a good way to let an angry Carteler close, security be damned.” Morook drones with a gloomy sigh.
Rezzie frowns, as she is wont to do. “So we get a show and a meal–what’s the problem?”
Okay, you sigh with a clap of your hands, Lutza’s suite! Let’s mosey! Crystalmelt Staffers usher you and the gang over to a covered rampway leading back into the Lodge, and once that’s taken care of it doesn’t take long for you all to make your way back to Lutza’s Lodgings. The damage from the earlier battle is all but repaired, save for the faint scent of ozone just barely permeating the Lodge’s persistent pine-and-berry scent. Joplin opens the door long before you knock, and directs you inside with a stoic flick of his eyes.
When you enter, Lutza is already waiting–eyes still damp with emotion as something rattles in her trembling arms. Not waiting for an invitation, Tzah-Tzie takes a few steps ahead of the herd before stopping a few arm’s lengths shy of her opponent!
“Let’s make this quick.” She mutters with fresh ire on her foxlike face, “Give it back.”
A weak smile slips onto Lutza’s face as she gives her Striilii a gentle strum. “... You’re amazing…”
The compliment sends your catthing off-guard, but she swiftly recovers. “Y-yea, damn right I am!” She scoffs, wide-eyed and gobsmacked, “Now give it-”
“I knew you had potential…” Lutza continues as her gaze falls floorward, “Knew it the moment you stepped onto that stage with this Striilii.”
>CONTD.
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>>6362342
TT’s eyes narrow in growing confusion. You don’t have to be a fuzzball expert to know she didn’t expect this. “That’s… that’s then, this is now! Now quit acting all humble and give me-”
“You had that spark in your eyes back then… and now?” The performer’s peepers return to study Tzah-Tzie. “They’re burning... burning brighter than ever before.” Lutza’s smile widens as pride floods into her features. “Brighter than mine di-”
“Will you SHUT UP already!?”
TT’s sudden outburst nearly sends you tumbling into Volka… and Lutza? She barely even fliches!
“You wanna talk about the PAST!?” Snarls Tzah-Tzie as she takes a step closer, “You wanna talk about BURNING!? That Striilii you took… that was the one good memory I had of my past life!”
Like a switch being flicked, The Spinner’s bubbly demeanor shifts into unfiltered ire! “You wanna wax nostalgic? Want to reminisce about how I became a PARIAH after that little duel of ours? How I couldn’t pluck a single godsdamned note after that without being recognized as the girl who embarrassed herself in front of Lutza!?”
TT’s melodious voice cracks as she grits her teeth in defiance. “How I had to scrimp and save every bell I could scrounge up to resculpt my eyes and voice just to avoid getting recognized? The INDIGNITIES I had to endure!?”
“A Spinner’s Duel is-”
“SHUT UP!”
For the first time since you met him, it’s Joplin’s turn to look shocked–the explanation dying in his throat as TT’s order emerges from her throat ragged and angry!
“You… you KNEW you were better than me…” The Crooner continues as her pinprick pupils return to Lutza, “And you raised those stakes knowing damn well that they’d ruin me!”
“But it didn’t ruin you, did it?”
The response takes TT off guard as Lutza’s eyes grow firm under her gaze. “You were bloodied. bruised... but not beaten. You were discouraged… but you didn’t give in.”
Tzah-Tzie’s mouth moves to respond, but no words emerge.
“You said it yourself: your path was rough and rocky… but it led you to countless others. Now here you stand: stronger. Wiser. Every note and lyric bolstered by the stories you’ve collected along the way.”
Her gaze softens. “I still remember my first–a tired-eyed man shuffling in from the cold… the sound of one boot hitting the floor before being ambushed by his giggling daughter…” Lutza blinks a tear off of her eyelid and onto the plush carpet. “The sound his calloused claws made as they scraped the Striilii strings… slow. Soft. Near-silent. Their sounds drifting away in a dull haze as I laid in his lap, my eyelids growing heavy…”
The Spinner bites her lip as her amethyst eyes lift skyward. “I remember all of them. You do too, don’t you?”
>CONTD.
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>>6362343
TT blinks in angry confusion. “Of… of course I do, but-”
“You only reach the end of that path once, you know.” Lutza sighs as she gives the instrument in her arms a loving stroke, “I’ve known that for some time, and yet…” She swallows the lump forming in her throat. “Stories aren’t spun behind security guards and closed doors… they’re found in the dark corners of the world–paths we don’t want to tread after tasting fame’s sweet nectar.”
Tzah-Tzie recoils a bit as her rival strides forward and gently places her instrument into her outstretched claws–an invisible weight leaving Lutza’s shoulders as she passes it off.
“Don’t ever let that flame die, Tzah-Tzie.” Lutza concludes as her sad smile rises with reassurance, “And don’t ever lose track of who stoked them.”
For once in her life, TT is speechless, as are Morook, Volka, and Rezzie (you assume Toppel went off to bother Oti). You don’t envy her, that’s for sure–this was supposed to be her moment of vengeance–of closure! And yet?
The spunky Spinner just stands there with her sister’s gift trembling like a green-eyed leaf in the wind, neither one of them daring to make another move.
Maybe… you should step in?
>It’s time to bury the hatchet, TT.
>Let’s go.
>You two aren’t so different, are you?
>Was there anything else, Joplin?
>How’s it feel, TT?
>Where are you headed next, Lutza?
>Is it cold in here, or is it just me?
>Hug it out already, girls.
>Stay Silent.
>Write-In!
>>6361958
I want you to know that this comment kept me up last night thinking about who everyone's Voice Actor would be. Hope you're happy, you ROGUE!
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>>6362342
TT has hair to toss? Like, long, human-style head-fur? this changes everything!What, exactly? I'm not sure. It's just not how I pictured Durhers.
>>6362344
>How’s it feel, TT?
A little prompt, to get her going.
>I want you to know that this comment kept me up last night thinking about who everyone's Voice Actor would be. Hope you're happy, you ROGUE!
I am, yes. Who'd you decide on?
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>>6362357A few off the top of my head thus far (and subject to change since I got, like, zero sleep last night):
TT: Sarah Stiles
Volka: Samantha Béart
RED: Sam Elliott
Rezzie: Melissa Fahn
Vhale: Dan Southworth
Rolo: Richard Hawley
Volkir: David Kaye
Trier: Tony Jay (RIP)
Oti: Rich Keeble
Toppel: Sarah Pitard
Morook: Martin Starr
Anton: Billy West
Liz: Still eludes me.
Sometimes I write and these change in my head, though, especially Anton's, but some of 'em are pretty solid in my mind
What are YOUR VOICES for each character, Dark Dukes?
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The ensuing silence sends a shiver down your spine. So, you cough into your hand, shattering the quiet like a phlegmy wrecking ball, how’s it feel, TT?
The words dispel the lingering anger in the fuzzball’s features, prompting her claws to find the instrument’s frets! A few soft notes slowly slip from the Striilii’s surface as if they were asking permission to be heard… and within moments the room is filled with the dulcet tones of a forlorn song!
Losing herself in the music, TT’s eyes close and her expression softens as the notes travel across the suite like clouds drifting through clear, blue skies taking the room’s tension away with them. Listening in soothing silence, you and the others let your ears feast as TT gets reacquainted with her old instrument. Volka’s tail tries to tap the floor to the beat, but by the time the girl gives up the song fades away into nothingness like a dream dispelled by a pleasant awakening.
Emerging from her trance with a warm smile on her face, TT meets your gaze with an over-the-shoulder glance.
“It…” she begins in a hesitant tone, “It feels like… home...”
“I thought you hated your home, thou-err, I mean-”
“I mean the feeling, you know?” Tzah-Tzie softly replies as she shrugs off Volka’s faux-pas, “Like coming home after a long, long journey. And there’s a warm fireplace waiting for you… the scent of hot stew cooking on the stove… a nice, toasty blanket…”
For the briefest of moments you see it: Tzah-Tzie’s vision of home and all it entails!
“A fire would be nice…” Muses Morook as his sister licks her lips with her eyes closed behind him.
“Stew…” Rezzie grunts, tail whipping back and forth in excitement!
Rubbing her cheek against the Striilii like a doll, TT’s eyes wander back over to Lutza–the other starlet merely watching with a mixture of pride and relief in her gaze. “I…” begins TT, the word coming out choked, “I’m-”
“Hold onto those images.” Lutza requests, closing her eyes in earnest, “Keep them close to your heart and anywhere can feel like home.”
Tzah-Tzie’s eyes light up at that… but their glimmer fades with a resigned sigh. “Why… why are you making it so hard for me to-”
“To hate me?” Lutza interjects as a single laugh leaves her lips, “It’s selfish, really… I would love nothing more than to be your rival, Tzah-Tzie–to test my mettle against yours until our tails grow mangy and grey…” A mischievous grin slips onto the Spinner’s face. “But I’d prefer to do it as an artistic colleague… and maybe… if you’d have me…”
TT whispers the word long before it can leave Lutza’s lips. “... A friend?” Her rival nods. “... I dunno, Lutz… my mind’s a mess, I’ve got so many thoughts flying around my head an-NYAAGH!”
>CONTD.
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>>6362506
“SIMPERING HAIRTHING!” Suspended by her scruff from Rezzie’s claw, TT wriggles in vain like a kitten that got caught in the kibble bag!
“R-Rez-Rez!” Sputters your favorite Skog as she debates stepping in, “That’s-”
“Not only do you freely deny the soft one’s oath of FRIENDSHIP, you would also shy away from her CHALLENGE?! Have you no shame, Snack!?”
“H-hey! I have… I have PLENTY of shame, thank you very much!” Sputters the Spinner as she sways back and forth in the demon’s grasp like a pair of fuzzy dice from a rearview mirror! “I just… sh-she’s-”
“Swearing FEALTY to you… and you refuse!” Scoffs the Satan with an eyeroll you can feel! “Have you not witnessed the immeasurable POWER such a pact imbues!? Do you FEAR friendship!?”
“NO!” TT wails as she struggles to stop spinning, “I… I have PLENTY of friends! I love friends! I… I make friends all the time! Ant, tell her to leggo, will ya!?”
“Feast your eyes upon the Volka: the spring in her step–the ease at which she dances past attacks and swings her blade! Impossible for one of her size!”
“H-hey, it’s all muscle!” Stammers the Skog as her cheeks turn a shade redder! “M-most of it, at least!”
“And THIS thing!” Rezzie continues as she nearly smacks Morook in the eye with her dangling Durher! “He reeks of fungus and mold and skulks around like a PIT WRETCH searching for marrow to slurp up! Imagine the power he could wield if he had FRIENDS!”
“... Rude.”
“And who could forget your… your…” The devil trips over her words as she struggles to get the right one out! “B-BOSOM-BUDDY ANTON!”
Now it’s your turn to feel like a deer in the headlights–but TT’s giving you a run for your money too! “He steals hearts as easily as a HEARTGOUGER would… steal a heart! And despite his homely appearance and milquetoast disposition, he struck down your wicked wedder… and now stands to topple the very pillars of this wretched world!”
I think what Rezzie is, uh, trying to say, TT, you begin in a desperate attempt to cut the Hellion off, is that, well… maybe it’s worth trying?
“You do appear to have several things in common.” Morook remarks, his tone still stinging from Rezalith’s rebuke, “and for what it’s worth, I enjoyed the music you made together.” His big yellow eyes glitter at Lutza. “How have I barely heard of you up until now?”
>CONTD.
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>>6362507
“Preeeetty sure that ain’t her fault, Mor…” Chides his half-sister as she gives his head a ‘gentle’ flick that fills the suite with a sickening crack! Weighing your words like they were lined in gold, TT’s face is still scrunched up in thought when Rezalith deposits her back onto the carpet.
It’s hard to say what kind of mental battle is going on behind the fuzzball’s eyes, but after a moment of visible contemplation, her expression softens… not in defeat or resignation, but something else…
A familiar smile forms on the Durher’s face. “Okay, Lutz... you’re on.”
Lutza looks shocked at first–composed though she may be, the girl clearly didn’t expect that from her fellow bard! “O-okay!” She sputters, wide-eyes gleaming with excitement, “Yes! It’s official, then! We’re rivals!”
“Friendly rivals.” Corrects the catthing with a flick of her tail. “But just so we’re clear: this isn’t gonna stop me from dueling you, y’know!”
“HA! I’ll simply have to prepare, then!” Lutza counters with a competitive smirk of her own! “And know this, Tzah-Tzie: I won’t take this loss lying down!”
“Better work on that fretwork then–I caught you slipping!”
“As did I–you’ll ruin your vocal cords if you don’t sing from the diaphragm, you know!”
“Pfft, that’s kit stuff!”
“I mean for the whole performance!”
“Y-yea, I know that! It’s just hard when you’re playing for hours-”
As the Durhers descend into a maelstrom of musical tips, you and the others are ushered away by Joplin–the manager’s step a bit springier than usual!
“I didn’t wish to ruin the moment,” The Gnok begins in a measured tone, “But from a professional standpoint those two stand to take Zoral by storm–I’ve an eye for these things, you know.”
“Don’t need an eye for it!” Scoffs the Skog behind you! “Watching those two on stage? Whoof! I got shivers!”
“Even I enjoyed myself.” Adds Morook! “... To a degree.”
“You have enough on your plate as-is,” Continues the manager with a satisfied quarter-smile, “But I hope you’ll keep the suggestion in mind once your schedule’s cleared up some.”
That’d be up to her, you answer as you steal a glance at your favorite Spinner–the Durher still gleefully conversing with her rival giddier than a schoolgirl!
“Indeed…” Joplin remarks with a nod. “Guard her close, then–she has talent.”
Oh, you know, you respond beaming with pride, you knew it the minute you met the little gremlin!
>CONTD.
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>>6362511
“On a more pressing note,” Joplin segues, “I trust you haven’t forgotten about our offer to your pilot?”
Nope, you reply as you fish the CLICKER out from your pocket, you can summon him with this at any time–said he’d touch down in the back! The Gnok nods in approval.
“Capital. We shouldn’t dilly-dally–every moment we remain at Crystalmelt is another opportunity for our foes. Speaking of…” His eyes narrow as he leans in closer. “Miss Lutza’s… ‘Fan’... what’s become of him?”
Last you saw the big oaf, you answer with a shrug in your voice, he was leaping off the side of the airship… inconclusive, to say the least.
“Hm.” Joplin’s brow furrows at your answer. “Not ideal, but the sudden restructuring of their hierarchy should keep them busy for a time.” A heavy sigh leaves his lips. “Was there anything else? Otherwise we really should depart.”
Rolo... you'll get that singing scallywag eventually! Anything else for these guys?
>Ask him about Rolo!
>What’s next for him and Lutza?
>Does he really think TT has talent?
>Any advice for Trier?
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>>6362512
>Warn him he *might* want to keep a way outta town open, just in case
Things might get TRICKY soon. If Trier and Vhale end up dead on the same night, this means this city filled with criminals, cutthroat businessmen and dangerous mages will be up for grabs. Not to mention the other lords.
>>6362514
That's putting it lightly, if Anton's Billy West, that's a range of Fry to Elmer Fudd.
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>>6362525
Alright gimme a sec here
TT: Sarah Stiles (Tootsie the Musical)
Volka: Samantha Béart (Karlach: Baldur's Gate 3)
RED: Sam Elliott (Cowpoke: The Big Lebowski)
Rezzie: Melissa Fahn (Gaz: Invader Zim
Vhale: Dan Southworth (Vergil: Devil May Cry 3)
Rolo: Richard Hawley (Djikstra: The Witcher 3)
Volkir: David Kaye (Ford Cruller: Psychonauts)
Trier: Tony Jay (RIP, Frollo, The Elder God in Soul Reaver... Dude was an institution)
Oti: Rich Keeble (Monoco: Expedition 33)
Toppel: Sarah Pitard (Darumi: Hundred Line)
Morook: Martin Starr (Freaks N Geeks, Silicon Valley)
Anton: Billy West (Fry: Futurama)
Liz: I know this I frickin swear
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Speaking of, you remark as TT and Lutza continue to chatter on the far side of the suite, you’re pretty sure the airship will work out, but-
“But there may be… complications following the deaths of several prominent Umberal figures.” The Manager mutters with the usual stony expression. Well, uh… yea!
“We expected as such. ‘Plan for Plan B’--an old saying I picked up during my time in the Lancers. There’s an old HYDROMANCER’S LABORATORY bordering the Northern Canals–technically owned by Trimbault Academy, but barely used anymore according to a friend. We’ve a boat stashed away there–we’ll rendezvous there if anything goes wrong. Not that far of a jaunt, considering.”
“And the Canals,” Morook counters, “They’ll be safe?”
“Safer. Comparatively.” The Gnok promptly replies. “I hope you understand that if you succeed at what you intend to do, Umberal will light up like a powder keg.”
You know, you reply with a shrug, but you don’t exactly have a choice…
“No great changes ever happen smoothly.” Joplin shrugs. “And if we’re discussing evils, eliminating the Archmage is certainly the lesser. Those Teksouls can’t be allowed to persist–not here, not anywhere.”
“Phew! And here I was thinking I was the only one who found ‘em freaky!” Volka sighs with relief! “You wanna call the airship now, Rook?”
There… is one last thing, you add as you lean in closer to Joplin. Does he… does he really think TT has talent?
You make a mental note to never play this guy in Poker as he answers your question with the usual steely gaze.
“Of course. I don’t waste time on hopeless cases–neither does Miss Lutza.” One of his brows raises ever so slightly. “Do you think we employed your assistance on the Skyrail on a mere lark?”
No, you answer with a nervous grin, it’s just that… like, how does he know, y’know? You didn’t think it was possible, but the manager’s posture stiffens even more at your question! Answering it with a long, weary sigh, he leads you further away from the Durhers.
“As you may have already surmised, I haven’t always been a Manager.”
“Potent magic, iron will, precise movements…” Morook observes, eyes glimmering in the dark like salt lamps, “You mentioned the Lancers.”
“Indeed. CALLAY LANCER DIVISION 22. Enlisted barely before my first feathers grew in. Left with a smattering of lofty titles, a lord’s estate here in Umberal… and more bad memories than I could ever hope to forget.” You hear something wooden strike the wall near the Gnok’s feet. “Lost it in the last FUUXI OFFENSIVE. Kept the peg to remind me that it could’ve been my head.”
>CONTD.
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>>6362763
The look in Volka’s big yellow eyes tells you Joplin was either some kind of hero or just really, really lucky to be alive. You don’t interrupt.
“Spent most of the campaign in a Medical Tent. Normally a grunt’ll spend a minute or two with a Healer, but-”
“But Fuuxi Venom can negate magical energy.” Mutters Morook with an apology in his gaze!
“Quite the problem unless you’re a Skog.” Joplin nods as his stern gaze wanders over to Volka. “Doesn’t hinder natural regeneration, but magical is out of the question. Takes a different breed of gumption to serve in a Medical Tent when fighting Fuuxi–takes mettle. And…” For the briefest of moments, Joplin’s eyes tremble.
“... Creativity.”
Sensing a change in your expression, the Manager proceeds.
“I was stuck in one for a month–nothing to do but practice my incantations, map out the area with the sounds I heard outside the tent… there were others, of course, but you can only speak to another Lancer for so long before wanting to tear his arms off.”
It takes you a moment to register Joplin’s remark as a joke–Volka lets out a singular laugh.
“Better men than I would’ve gone mad from the boredom…” He continues, gaze drooping as he starts down a path he hadn’t walked in ages, from the looks of it. “But there was this one Healer–MIISMI--must’ve been the smallest Durher I’d ever met. Always moving, that one.” He adds as a sliver of fondness slips onto his face, “The lads and I would take bets on how long it’d take for her to stop scampering around.”
Joplin frowns.
“Never did get those bells Tonig owed me.”
This ‘Miismi’, you begin, was she also a-
“A Spinner? Never got the chance, no.” Joplin gruffly replies. “Worked at an apothecary run by her family–cared for her parents, nieces, and nephews when she wasn’t. Tied bandages a bit too tight, but…”
The Gnok’s voice trails off as the faintest of glimmers forms in his stony eyes.
“But her voice… it was her voice that saved us.” Another quarter-smile graces his lips. “She’d start softly–barely above a whisper–but when the other Healers didn’t stop her, well…” His eyes close as he takes a long, hearty breath. “The tent didn’t feel like a prison anymore.”
“This girl…” Rezzie frowns, throwing in a scoff to hide her obvious interest, “What became of her?” The question wipes all traces of mirth away from the Gnok’s face.
“PRAJEN SHAKES. Must’ve caught it tending to all of the sick and injured–the girl barely ever sat down… practically slept on her feet.” Another sigh escapes his mouth. “She passed before the brass could even send her home. The Prajen’s a nuisance to most races– runny eyes, chills, irritation around the teeth–but the smaller folk?”
>CONTD.
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>>6362764
His eyes briefly shift over to Lutza and TT–the girls still giggling like old friends.
“After she went, the tent became a tomb again. Some of us persisted, healed, and went back to the front, but others?” His raptor-like eyes fall upon you. “Some just stopped fighting. Never left their sickbeds.”
Clearing his throat, Joplin straightens up his posture before continuing. “Music is… a powerful, powerful force. It can keep a man marching when he’s got no strength left to give… bring hope to the hopeless… Hells, Iasman and the Fruum tells the tale of a Gnok who soothed a rabid Fruum’s spirit with his trusty Orgnay.”
“They have been known to react positively to the right tune, yes…” Nods Morook.
“I can’t even remember why I enlisted back then,” Joplin concludes, “No doubt some selfish, infantile reason characteristic of a hotheaded youth with nothing to take it out on. When I was honorably discharged, however, I had a purpose–a calling, you might say.”
Managing Spinners?
“When I met Miss Lutza, she was up to her ears in predatory contracts–she was young. Foolish. But she didn’t have to be prey.” The Manager casts a fond glance over to his client. “She wasn’t my first representee, and I don’t intend for her to be my last.” His eyes wander back over to yours. “In a perfect world I would not be needed, but I exist because you don’t need to be a crippled soldier to understand the truth.”
You blink. Which is?
“The world is not kind, Mister Peas,” The Gnok answers plainly, “But it doesn’t have to be.”
“YES!” Exclaims Volka, causing the Durhers to freeze like raccoons caught stealing from a dumpster, “That’s… that’s EXACTLY what I’ve been sayin’! Ever hear of THE LAMPLIGHTERS?”
The Manager frowns. “... Those suicidal neighborhood watch-”
“Yea! To the ‘neighborhood watch’ bit, not the first part!”
“Yes.” Joplin nods, clearly doing his best to be diplomatic, “The execution could use some work, but I admire your goals, lofty though they may be.”
“Well someone’s gotta do ‘em!” Volka counters as she puffs out her chest with pride on her face! “The goals, I mean!”
“Too true.” He nods as something flickers in the corner of his eye, “It’s a long, dizzying climb, hope–but it doesn’t have to be undertaken alone.”
Another cough leaves the Lancer’s lips as you almost pick up a hint of… embarassment on his face?
“At any rate, you didn’t ask for a sermon. The girl has talent–I’d bet my life on it. Speaking of,” He adds as he regains his professional aura, “Shall we call the transport now? The longer we wait, the more our foes stand to gain.”
Well?
>One more question!
>You wanna ask Lutza something!
>You gotta talk to TT real quick!
>Let’s strategize here!
>You wanna track down Oti and Toppel first!
>Sure, let’s ride!
>Write-In!
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You’ll catch up with them in a jiff, you begin, giving your CLICKER a few of its namesakes based off of the instructions Joji gave you, you wanna check in with Oti and Toppel before hitting the skies!
“Euch. The Odd Couple, huh?”
TT and Lutza approach just in time for the former to land a well-timed barb. Yea, you nod, they’re pretty much the best chance you have against Trier right now. Aside from YOU-KNOW-WHO, of course.
Something stirs beneath the folds of your shattered psyche like a dog waking up to its food bowl being filled.
”Eh? Huh? Cripes, Tex, what the Hells did that dead-eyed creep stick you with?”
Doesn’t matter, you reply curtly. TT, Volka, Morook, Rez: Joji should touch down in the back soon–you mind telling him what the new situation is?
“GLADLY!” TT chirps, “The sooner we leave this crazy town, the better!”
“A-AND ON AN AIRSHIP, TOO!” Squeals the Skog as she and her half-brother exchange a high-five! “ALL ABOARD!”
“Tch… it’s just flying...” Grumbles Rezzie, trying not to smirk as Volka slaps her some palm too!
Anyone see those kooky conjurers, you idly ask as the rest of the gang prepares for departure! Last you checked, Oti was looming over the concert like a hawk with a grudge!
“They should be able to find you if you return to the roof.” Morook suggests with a shrug. “Just listen for the bickering.”
Good point and well-made! Leaving your entourage to their own devices, you return the way you came and ride the SCENDOVATOR back up to the top of the lodge! True to his word, it doesn’t take long for you to locate the caster couple–even in the brisk pre-dawn breeze you can hear the two arguing long before you spot them!
“You’re toying with forces you cannot even begin to comprehend!” Oti snarls at a clearly-incensed Toppel while Obber watches from the sidelines like a child witnessing their parents fighting!
“I comprehend them just fine!” The witch counters! “If that twit fails, who do you think The Archmage’ll come after next, hmm? We need a definitive victory! No half-measures!”
“The Archmage is the least of your concerns.”
“What’s THAT supposed to mean!?”
“Unknown risks… which is precisely what you’ll be adding if you…” The mage’s glowing emerald eyes fall upon you as you approach. “You’re late.”
He didn’t exactly give you a timeframe, you retort! And what’s this about risks!? Your question earns a groan out of Oti and a triumphant laugh out of Toppel!
“Merely the newest product of my vast, incalculable intellect!” Cackles the witch with a mischievous glint in her eyes! “My colleague believes otherwise.”
>CONTD.
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>>6363178
“Your colleague KNOWS otherwise,” Grumbles Oti as an invisible pair of hands drapes your COMFY ROBE neatly in your arms. “Perhaps another round of that COUNSELING will set you straight…”
Yea, you don’t have nearly enough time for another one of those, you answer with an eyeroll that’d make Rezzie blush in envy! You’ve got an airship to catch, so let’s cut to the chase–what’s wrong now?
Toppel responds by retrieving a small glass object from whatever it is she’s wearing. “In the interest of helping you succeed, I brewed this: I call it an AETHERIC SIPHON!”
Sounds like a techno band. And what, pray tell, does this siphon do?
“This vial holds a cocktail of regents that, when triggered by an appropriate reaction, shall SLURP the magical energy out of anything that treads close enough to its epicenter!” Toppel’s eyes meet yours with a roguish grin. “What’s a mage without his magic, hmm? No need to thank me–just bear in mind who made your victory possible! Maybe you could put in a good word with that fiend of yours~”
Sucks the magic out, huh? Sounds a little too good to be true…
“That’s because it is.” Oti interjects glumly. “What this gibbering simpleton neglects to consider is the sheer density of Umberal’s magical energy–you’ve sensed it, haven’t you? The atmosphere is positively saturated.”
Lemme guess, you sigh, he’s worried it’s just gonna keep chowing down?
“And he’s a buffoon to assume I didn’t consider that when mixing the concoction together!” Toppel whines like a grounded teenager! “It’s a trap, not a damned magical maelstrom!”
“You’ve tested that theory, then?” Asks Oti with a pointed glare. His colleague takes a moment to respond.
“... I didn’t get the chance to test it on a focus group, no, but-”
Oti turns his attention your way. “Your robe’s finished, Anton… and you’ll be happy to know that it won’t open an insatiable magic-eating rift when it triggers.”
“Yes, nice and safe! By-the-books! That’s our Oti!” Chides Toppel with a derisive snort! “Come now, Anton dear–you’ve seen my work! Do you wish to scrape through by the skin of your teeth… or do you wish to WIN!?”
You steal a glance at Obber. She did make him, it’s true…
“Nevermind Obber–he’s always been a failure.”
You’ve got an airship to catch–what’s the play here?
>Take Toppel’s ‘Gift’!
>Refuse Toppel’s Concoction!
>Grill them more! How likely is it for a rift to form?
>Interrogate Toppel! You wanna know EXACTLY how this tool works!
>Write-In!
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>>6363180
If the fear is that the rift will just keep eating and growing and eating and growing, as I understand it to be... Something like that could destroy the city's infrastructure entirely, and maybe kill a lot of people. It could erase Rezalith as an extraplanar being.
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Damn. This has been at a standstill for a while, sooo.
>>6363251
Changing to +1 this.
I like the idea of somehow weaponizing the rift but also, I can't really blame Oti for saying it's too dangerous and stupid to use. Better to go on the safe side when we're murderizing John Trier
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You’ll take any advantage you can get against Trier-
“HOHOHO! Too bad, so sad, OT-”
… but you’re gonna be real: the all-consuming magical vortex? That might be a yellow flag! The Durher visibly droops at your follow-up as if you’d just refused to attend her birthday party.
“D’oh, come OOOONNNN! Here I am trying to assist and reward you for welcoming me into your little team and this is the thanks I get!?”
“He never said you were part of the team.”
True, you shrug, but you never said Oti was a part of it either! You can almost see the teeniest, tiniest sliver of a reaction to your counterpoint in Oti’s bulbous eyes before you continue what you were gonna say.
This concoction, you begin in a far more diplomatic tone, walk me through it! How does it work? What would keep it from turning into a doomsday device? Toppel jolts upright at the opportunity to explain!
“Well it’s hardly reinventing the wheel!” She begins with an exaggerated shrug! “I merely mixed together a simple solution of magic-consuming ingredients-”
What ingredients? Why doesn’t everyone make these things? The witch frowns.
“You wouldn’t know them! And they don’t make them because I’m not EVERYONE! I’m TOPPEL GRANSEE--master mage an-”
“You used MAGEBITE, didn’t you?” Groans Oti, not even bothering to wait for his companion to finish. “I trust you calculated-”
“Its reactive properties in regards to SPELLBLIGHT POWDER? Yes, as a matter of fact I DID!” She counters, blowing a raspberry at her detractor! “It may shock you to hear this, but I DO know quite a bit about alchemy, Oti. You’d know that if you didn’t up and wander out of my life like a moody ghost, you know!”
Amusing as it is to watch them bicker like an old married couple, you interject, you aren’t exactly flush with free time right now! This mixture thingie–how does it work?
“Each ingredient has been measured out in careful proportions so as to avoid the issue Oti here won’t stop blathering about.” Toppel replies, much to her colleague’s chagrin. “The vial it’s housed in has been doused in an igniting agent–one that will set the reaction in motion when colliding with something at sufficient velocity.” The witch gives your forearm a firm squeeze and frowns.
“... That should suffice. Exposed to the igniter AND the atmosphere outside of the vial, the mixture will rapidly burn through its inherent magical energy–so much so that once the ‘fuel’ in the mixture runs thin, it will gather more from the area around it!”
See, that’s where you start to get a little concerned–when does it stop? Oti joins you in a pointed stare along with Obber–the transmogged Maakar silently judging from the floor next to his sister.
>CONTD.
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>>6363668
“When the fuel burns out, of course!” She flippantly replies as she lazily kicks her brother away! “The reaction generating the arcane siphon isn’t infinite--if the ingredients sustaining it burn away then so will the transference of magical energy… and any ‘vortexes’ you simpletons keep simpering about!”
A fresh frown forms on the fuzzball’s foxlike face. “Just like logs in a campfire. You do have campfires in your plane, don’t you?”
Yea-
“Combustion? What about combustion?”
Y-yea, you nod, you definitely have that too…
“Same principles!” Toppel concludes with a dramatic huff! “Where was all of this hemming and hawing when this fathead ran his greasy little talons all over your robe, hmm?” Her frown curls into a cheeky grin.
“Ah, I get it–you’re fine with men fiddling with your belongings, aren’t you~”
You and Oti exchange a stoic, brotherly glance.
“... Shall I vaporize her? Or shall I regale you with embarrassing facts about this smug sorceress?”
Later, maybe. Sooner if she keeps being all smarmy!
“H-hey, there’s no need for any vaporizing! O-Or facts!” Toppel interjects with a nervous chuckle! “I… c-can’t I just help you!? You could’ve hurt me earlier and you didn’t! I-I’m merely repaying your courtesy! Nothing more, nothing less!”
You blink. Hurt her? You could’ve ground her into mulch, if you remember correctl-
“E-exactly! See!? W-we work so well together!” She sputters, eyes wide and…Jesus Christ, is she about to cry?
“Click.”
“Silence, Obber, you filth-ridden degenerate, you!”
Oti, you add as you weigh the witch’s words, any other thoughts?
“Many, but I’ll keep it short.” He scoffs, eyes flickering. “If you face The Archmage in his Inner Sanctum, you’ll be battling in a concentrated cage of magical energy–such is the nature of Mage Towers, and his is no different.”
So… still a ‘no’ then? The Chytree shrugs.
“If a vortex does form, which is alarmingly likely even if my… companion measured her materials correctly… the tower may contain it for a time.”
Let me guess, you sigh, there’s a ‘but’.
“But if the tower crumbles with its owner,” Oti adds, “Or it slips free of its quasidimensional constraints, the vortex will feed on everything within… and will no doubt emerge immensely powerful.”
What if you use that ANTI-MAGIC BOMB? The Chytree and Durher exchange a glance.
“... It’d be your best chance.” The wizard replies with a dull glow in his gaze. “But I believe that would be of more use against The Archmage and his automatons.” He sends a sidelong look over to Toppel.
>CONTD.
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>>6363669
“If you truly wish to help, you can achieve that by making him stronger. Faster. Use your spells. The chance of those backfiring are much slimmer in comparison, even for you."
“Tch…” Grumbles Gransee with a derisive snort, “It’s HIS choice, you know! Not that he’ll be making many others if he falls in battle! And neither will we, lest you forget! I seek decisive victory, not near-death experiences!”
You still don’t know what to think about Toppel–maybe it’s the fact that she tried to capture you and Rezzie on your first meeting, maybe it’s how her eyes widen and her breathing hastens when she spots the fiend, maybe it’s how eagerly she derides her transformed sibling… or maybe it’s just the fact that despite their squabbling, you can sense genuine concern for Oti beneath her frequent and unrelenting barbs…
”... You’re such an idiot, Ant…”
You are–don’t need memories to know that–but now’s your time to make a wise move…
If only you knew which one it was!
What’s the plan?
>Take the Concoction!
>Refuse the Concoction! Buff me instead!
>Ask Oti about something!
>Stay silent! They’ll think you disappeared!
>Ask Obber for his opinion!
>Write-In!
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The jury’s still out on whether you want to carry what very well might become a magical black hole on your person, but a few MAGICAL BUFFS would hit the spot!
“Good to see you’re still capable of some form of sensibility.” Oti remarks with a smile in his voice. “Refreshing, really.”
“I’d say you’ll regret this decision,” Toppel pouts as she joins her better(?) half in giving you a magical boost, “But you probably won’t be capable of regrets when you fail... Or any complex thoughts, for that matter.”
Duly noted, you dryly reply. A sensation akin to walking through an automatic car wash sends jitters down your spine, but when the magical ‘brushes’ finally finish their work, you feel like a whole new man… or at least one that just drove off the lot!
ARCANE AEGIS: A MAGICAL SHIELD WILL SHIELD YOU FROM A MAGICAL HIT! ONCE IT DOES ITS JOB, THOUGH, IT’S DONEZO!
MAGICAL MOXIE: A CORNUCOPIA OF BUFFS HAS MADE YOU STRONGER, SPEEDIER, AND SMARTERER! +3 TO ALL COMBAT/DEFENSE ROLLS FOR THE NEXT FEW HOURS!
“There,” Oti sighs as you do a few jumping jacks, “That should keep you alive for at least an extra three seconds.”
“Two, maybe.” Frowns Toppel as she gives you an appraising glance.
“Hmm… Two point fifteen?”
“Optimistic…”
Thanks, TEAM. Rolling your eyes, they eventually settle on someone who’s been relatively quiet for the whole conversation–not that he was much of a talker to begin with! Obber, you begin as you thoughtfully tap your chin, what’s his read? Is his sister on the right track here?
“Click.”
’A chance not taken is a chance forever lost’... the Maakpire has a point. Even if you don’t use Toppel’s concoction, it could certainly prove useful down the line… and you get the sneaking suspicion it’d be safer with you than her…
Relaying your decision, both mages respond more or less how you expect:
“Decisive AND bold! You never cease to amaze me, boy!”
“And you never cease to amaze me either…” Oti quips with a defeated sigh. “I do hope you’re ready to accept the consequences your actions may bring.”
If what you’re hearing is true, you deflect as you tug your COMFY ROBE back on, Umberal is gonna have problems regardless! Stowing TOPPEL’S AETHERIC SIPHON into your pocket right next to your ANTI-MAGIC BOMB and your BLASTCAPS, you feel a somewhat warmer breeze tickle your cheeks.
“Dawn approaches.” Oti recites as his gaze turns skyward. “We’d best get underway then. You mentioned an airship?”
You did? The Chytree answers with a shrug.
“Where is it?”
>CONTD.
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>>6363774
As if on cue, you hear the roar of four massive engines approaching from above, much to the concertgoer’s excitement and confusion! Even the Teksouls can’t help but track the vessel’s loud approach–their eyes following the cacophony like cats eyeing a laser pointer!
You feel a beak bump against your leg followed by a wary ‘click’. Obber’s right, you think as you adjust your COOL COWBOY HAT and the mages prepare to depart, ‘time is never hoarded–merely spent. What matters most is to whom it went.’
Trier will come for you soon, that’s for certain–the question is, who will you spend your LAST BIT OF TIME WITH!?
(You'll have a little time to talk strategy with Morook and Volka as well as say 'hey' to Joji, but this decision will be of a more social, character nature! WATCH OUT!
>VOLKA!
>MOROOK!
>TT!
>REZALITH!
>OTI!
>TOPPEL!
>OBBER!
>JOJI!
>RED!
>YOURSELF!
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It doesn’t take long for you to find your ride–though you’ll admit you have a little trouble boarding thanks to all the rubberneckers watching in awe from the Lodge’s back patio! Even with Lodge Security doing their best to contain the situation, you only really manage to get through when Oti gives you and Obber a telekinetic lift over the crowd!
A quick eye count tells you the rest of the gang is already aboard long before you climb the loading ramp–Lutza’ Security Trio guard the passage like bridge trolls while she and her Manager hastily retreat into the airship’s bowels to escape the roaring crowd!
“There he is!” Volka remarks as you scamper up the ramp, “Thought we lost ya, Rook!”
“I was this close to getting her to chuck me back into the Lodge!” TT adds as she ambushes you with a surprise hug! “Where’d you run off to?”
Tying up some loose ends, you explain before making your way to where you recall one of the ship’s SPEAKERSTONES was. Joji, you announce, you’re all aboard!”
“With a few more passengers, I see!” Chirps the Mox’s voice with glee as it crackles free of the magical speaker! “I might have to prepare some appetizers! Good golly!”
Just, uh… just focus on flying, okay? Rezzie appears behind you with a sour expression.
“I want snacks.”
LATER!
Your pilot doesn’t waste any time–a massive blast of steam heralds your departure as the steel surrounding you shudders from the force… and before you can say ‘Sleepy Cookies’ the airship rockets into the air!
“OOooOOughh…” Volka groans as you feel your innards flip and churn like pancakes on a griddle, “That’s… gonna take some getting used to…”
Morook, on the other hand, stands frozen in wide-eyed awe like a Chytree Statue as he watches the crowd’s eyes swiftly fade into the inky blackness below!
“Viisla…” He mutters in palpable disbelief, “This… this is…”
Turbulence rumbles through the vessel, nearly sending Morook tumbling down the loading ramp, but a well-placed tail saves him!
“High-up, yep!” Laughs a queasy, but still pleasant Volka as she gives her brother a noogie! “Eugh… now I gotta lie down…”
“Impressive…” Muses Oti as he watches from afar, “Most impressive.”
“THAT’S putting it mildly!” Sputters Toppel as she scurries around the cargo hold in wide-eyed confusion! “Th-they propulsion systems… how do they manage such power with so little magical influence!? I barely feel any aetheric contamination, and yet-”
Once the initial excitement fades, Joji gives your gang the ‘audio tour’ of the airship, only this time he does it while still flying the dang thing!
“Dunno about you all, but I need a minute ta’ get my bearings…” Admits the Skog with a hint of color in her cheeks!
>CONTD.
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>>6364056
“Yea… I gotta catch my breath too.” TT adds, prompting a round of various forms of assent. Retreating to the OBSERVATION DECK, you find the location brisk and windy, but also relatively quiet.
A good place for some last-minute introspection, you think as you lean against a guardrail overlooking the yawning abyss, but also…
”Ah… ya’ feel that, kid?”
… whatever this is supposed to be. The Archdevil’s consciousness spreads through your skull like it was reclining in an easy chair.
”Feels like change.”
‘Change’, you scoff. What is he, a revolutionary now?
”I’m a pragmatist, Ant… I don’t see problems or shortcomings… I see potential. And Zoral?”
You feel a weak urge to raise your arms dramatically. You acquiesce, of course.
”Ripe and fertile for the taking.”
Oh yea, you nod flippantly as you wrestle your arms back down to your sides, prime real estate! Say, look down there! That’d be a great place for a skull tower, right? Oh, and maybe a blood moat and a crucifixion hill to tie it all together…
”THERE’S the Anton I know: so little faith, barely hidden under a dusting of humor…” The devil retorts with a raspy laugh. ”Is that REALLY who you think I am, Tex? Some head-collecting monster with a waxed mustache and a big, red pitchfork?”
He doesn’t exactly give off altruistic vibes, you retort as you push off the guardrail and begin a long, meandering trot around the deck! Why, are you missing something?
”Tabula Rasa, amigo… a fresh canvas just begging to be painted on!” A spirited sigh leaves your lips. ”And it’s WASTED! WASTED on a cowardly quartet and their godsdamned DARKNESS!”
You don’t notice RED getting angry much… but when he does, you can certainly feel it–your fingertips burn, your eyes sting, and for the briefest of moments you can almost feel something scraping away at the inside of your psyche!
Simply put, it gives you the heebie-jeebies!
”But you know what the worst part is?” He continues in a cool, measured tone. ”Everyone just accepts it.”
It’s not like they really have a choice, you shrug, these LORDS have a reputation for being kind of a big dea-
”Just like Vhale, right?” RED snickers as an image of the dead-eyed Durher creeps into your mind’s eye! ”The big, bad crime lord–sliced first and asked questions later, but even with all of those men and all of his power…”
You blink.
”That’s right…” RED purrs with undisguised glee, ”He fell. By your hands. Not an army, not an assassin…”
You feel a presence loom over you from behind like a teacher staring over your shoulder.
”You.”
>CONTD.
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>>6364057
…Technically it was Sixface.
”Don’t be coy, Anton–this whole wretched world had ages to put that sick bastard in the ground themselves… and while I’ll admit I felt a bit slighted by your decision to hand his soul off to whatever’s in that bag of yours, you can’t deny that you’ve left quite the impact in such a short time!”
Happy to disappoint, you smirk! But as mean of a guy as Vhale was, he was just that: a guy. Trier, well-
”Trier, Khodra, Sysska, Miik, they’ll all fall, Anton–I’m so certain of it I can taste it.”
And then he’ll move in, move around the furniture a bit, and then what? Zoral’s hosted its share of demons before, you grunt as you return to your favorite spot on the guardrail, and they might not be as eager for a replacement Lord as he thinks!
”They’ll take anyone and anything this world gives them–they made that plenty clear when they allowed these clowns free reign for this long. The question is… who will be there to claim it when the dust settles?”
That gets your attention! What’s that supposed to mean? Giving away his betrayal plot a little early, doesn’t he think?
”So much NEGATIVITY!” RED groans from within your consciousness! ”Where’s your imagination, Anton? Where’s your spirit? Your soul!?”
With him, last you checked! And you’ve got plenty of imagination, thanks–you’re very, very good at imagining what he’ll do to Zoral if he gets a turn in the driver’s seat!
”I knew Rezalith would poison your image of me…” RED sighs. ”Do you really think I’m incapable of benevolence, Anton? That I’m not capable of sharing a domain? You don’t seem to have the same reservations around our favorite fiend…”
Crud. That’s… that’s different, you fire back with a glare! She’s… she’s proven herself to b-
”Useful? So if I were to slip into your little adventuring party would you give me the same graces? Will I formally join ‘Team Anton’ when we soundly trounce Trier?”
The demon borrows your body to adopt a pondering pose. ”Or maybe I just need to adopt a softer, more feminine form…?”
Th-that’s definitely not gonna work, you sputter! You’re taken, by the way!
”Anything is possible when you’re a being of pure magic, kid.” The Archdemon purrs with grim satisfaction in his tone. “But since you’re oh-so-eager to shoot down my ideas, let’s hear some of yours, hm?”
The presence closes the gap.
”Assuming you succeed–that you free Zoral of these pesky Lords… What's next?”
What… what IS next?
>You’ll go home, duh!
>You might stick around for a bit…
>Zoral might need some guidance…
>Whatever your friends wanna do!
>I might be open to working with you…
>Stay silent! He’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!
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>>6364059
>Stay silent! He’ll think you disappeared!
I feel like there's an issue here which Anton might begin to be realizing, and that is that Zoral is uh, ridiculously better than anything he could have possibly gotten on earth.
I mean, yeah, we wanna show it to TT and all, but what was Anton before? A wagie loser with no future. Now he's a cool globetrotting adventurer and slayer of villains and monsters with a bardic girlfriend and a whole posse of friends.
Besides tourism, what does Anton really have left in earth?
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>>6364067
This is true. Earth has its charms, and Zoal has its problems, but there's really nothing apart from maybe teh darkness itself which makes Zoral especially worse on aggregate... And for our boy, it's way better.
Hence:
>You might stick around for a bit…
At least until we can determine how to safely show TT around Earth and, ideally, make it back again.
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The answer is simple: you’ll go back home, of course–isn’t that what started you down this path in the first place? Get your memories back, find a mage that can whisk you away back to… wherever you’re from?
It’s been your goal from the beginning… but somewhere along the path you picked up a hitchhiker–or maybe some kind of metaphorical tick:
Doubt.
It started small, of course: a lingering apprehension at the thought of returning home. Scattered memories focusing on your dead-end job rather than a wealth of family and friends. An uncharacteristic apathy learning that Liz followed you in.
Sure, Zoral has its share of issues: vicious monsters, cruel tyrants, unstable government… oh, and the darkness. But darkness can be navigated–people have been doing it here for ages, apparently–and the beasts and baddies? Vhale doesn’t seem as tough anymore! And speaking of people…
Volka. Morook. Rezzie. TT. Even Oti, Obber and Toppel, to a degree… you feel like you’ve known them better than your family and friends at this point–and with that realization comes an even more jarring one:
Would recovering your missing memories change that?
On Earth you were a nobody–a failed magician, a lousy boyfriend, a perpetually-weary wageslave drifting through days like a leaf in a pond.
You were nothing on a fast-track to becoming… nothing. You don’t need memories to know that.
The fact that you barely even react to that realization tells you everything you need to know.
But here? Your hands tighten their grip around the observation deck guardrails. You’re not just somebody… you’re you--no frills, no fake smiles, just Anton Peas… Adventurer. Fiend-Slayer.
Friend.
”This world doesn’t need to be governed by fear, Anton.” The devil’s voice rouses you from your innermost thoughts like a pail of cold water to the face! ”And once we’ve ousted these self-proclaimed ‘lords… stamped out that idiotic cult… remove those yellow-bellied holdouts who let it go on like this for so long?”
One of your fists balls up in defiance.
”We’ll give Zoral the world they deserve: not through fear, but passion. Not by apathy, but by action!”
Hearing RED speak like this is jarring, to say the least–not just because he doesn’t sound like as much of a cowpoke, but for a brief moment… the briefest... you almost want to believe what he’s saying.
”A world for people like you and I…” He continues in an almost reverent tone, ”A world shaped by DREAMERS. DARERS! DOERS!”
And if someone has a different dream than him? What happens then, hmm? You feel the Archdevil’s ego shift within your psyche.
>CONTD.
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>>6364384
”Words without action are just that, Tex… and real leaders fight for their ideals.” He pauses for a moment in quiet contemplation. ”Crossroads… they said anyone could run for Guild Chair, didn’t they?”
Eyes on the prize, you grumble as you give your own forehead a flick. You’ve still got an Archmage to thrash–is he gonna fight for those ideals?
”Trier’s gone soft, kid… too many years playing ‘Mayor’ in that tiny tower of his.” RED sneers with barely-hidden glee. ”Just do your thing, I’ll do mine, and we’ll have his head sizzling on a platter before brunch!”
Right, you nod, ‘by brunch’... with no way to ‘hang up’ on the Hellspawn, you drift into an uneasy silence for a few seconds before two pairs of heavy footfalls emerge from the bowels of the ship!
“ROOK! We wanted t-WOOAAAH!!!!”
“Watch the rails, Volk…”
A familiar Skog scampers over to the railing next to you wide-eyed like a kid on a cruise ship! True to Morook’s words, the guardrail groans as his sister presses her impressive weight against it… but in a rare feat of engineering, it holds firm!
“Good place to prepare.” Remarks Morook as he takes his place at your side opposite Volka. “Having second thoughts?”
No, you flatly reply, you’re backed up against a wall now–all that’s left is to fight like a cornered raccoon! The Chytree’s eyes pulse.
“Raccoon?”
Weird lil’ Earth critters that eat garbage and skulk around at night, you answer with a bemused grin. He’d love ‘em. The ranger nods.
“You might be right–I can only imagine how ecologically diverse your plane must be… and with light, no less!”
“Yea, sounds wacky!” Giggles Volka as she basks in the brisk wind assailing your faces! “Raccoon! Raccoon, raccoon, raccoon…”
Not that you mind, you politely begin, but did they just come up here to share the breeze, or…? Volka jolts upright.
“Whuh? OH! Right!” Focusing her big yellow eyes on you, the Skog sends a reassuring grin your way as her big tail smacks the deck with enthusiasm! “Mor and I are here ta’ getcha’ all set for the big battle!”
“As much as we can before dawn, at least…” The Chytree adds with an apologetic chirp. “I’d offer advice for dealing with an Archmage, but few have managed to escape an altercation with him unscathed, as I’m sure you can imagine…”
That’s… understandable, you say with a shrug. So uh… how DO they plan to help you, then?
“Ha ha! Good question!”
>CONTD.
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>>6364385
You wait for a follow-up that never comes… not until you ask it, at least. Volka, you sigh, does… does she have any ideas?
“Well, uh…” She mutters as she meekly scratches her head, “I have a few ideas of ideas, yea!”
Hoo boy… slumping against the railing like a sad balloon, you feel a gentle claw give your shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
“Trust her, Anton,” Morook drones with a glimmering gaze, “You’ve seen sis in action–she won’t do you wrong. And neither will I.”
You’d be lying if you said that didn’t make you feel a little better! Straightening up your posture, you turn to Volka with renewed gumption in your gaze! What’s she got, huh?
“Well~”
CHOOSE YOUR BONEUS! This'll stack with the BONEUS buffs you got from Morook and Toppel... but it'll only last for the duration of the BOSS BATTLE with Trier! Don't forget to save your game, kids!
>Cardio time! You’re gonna run circles around that fossil! (SUCCESS = SMALL BONEUS TO DODGE CHECKS!)
>I want ya to HIT me! No holding back–one-hundred times oughta’ do it! (SUCCESS = SMALL BONEUS TO PHYSICAL ATTACKS!)
>Let’s work those MAGIC MUSCLES! (SUCCESS = SMALL BONEUS TO MAGIC ATTACKS!)
>You’ve got quite the arsenal–let’s brainstorm on how to use it! (SUCCESS = SMALL BONEUS TO ITEM USE ROLLS!)
>I think it’s time… that we SPARRED, Rook! (SUCCESS = SMALL BONUS TO DODGE, PHYSICAL, AND MAGIC! FAILURE = :C)
>Need a pep-talk, Rook? (???)
>Write-In!
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>>6364387
>You’ve got quite the arsenal–let’s brainstorm on how to use it! (SUCCESS = SMALL BONEUS TO ITEM USE ROLLS!)
We don't need a pep-talk. We're not particularly sullen, besides realizing that we don't really have a reason to go back to our world.
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Toppel and Oti buffed you up already, you reply with an apologetic smile, but you’ve got more ordnance in your pockets than a backpacking secessionist–and while you’re fine with whiffing a fireball, you don’t wanna waste your ANTI-MAGIC BOMB!
Volka and Morook exchange a satisfied smirk, which is admittedly a little unnerving in the latter’s case!
“Weapon Drills, huh, Rook?” The Skog asks with a twinkle in her eye! “Ain’t nothin’ to ‘em!”
“I daresay it might be our specialty.” Nods Morook with a matching glimmer in his gaze! “We’ll need to get started now, though–dawn isn’t far.”
Rad, you reply, wide-eyed and eager, but… but how are you supposed to jam-pack all this training into such a short ti-
“HOLD IT!”
A familiar, if not somewhat weary voice rings out from the rampwell leading back into the airship’s bowels, and at the top panting like a dog in July is none other than–
“TT!” Volka exclaims as she swiftly sweeps the cuddly critter up into her beefy arms, “Didja come to watch us train?”
“Nope,” The Spinner explains as she gently nuzzles the Skog, “I came to help!”
“Appreciated,” Morook replies with an apology in his tone, “But three instructors might be a bit much-”
“Oh, I won’t be teaching...” TT retorts as she gives her recently-reclaimed Striilii a strum, “I’m here to play.”https://youtu.be/HjyfApjOzyw
The half-siblings exchange a sidelong glance… followed by a resolute nod!
Say what you will about the Half-Siblings–they don’t waste time when it’s on the line! Laying each item out flat on the deck, you try to keep up as your pals run you through a rapid-fire training sesh!
ITEM PASTEBIN:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA
“BEND YOUR ELBOW! AIM THE ROD WHERE YOUR ENEMY’S HEADED, NOT WHERE THEY ARE!” Morook barks as you struggle not to giggle at the word ‘rod’!
“LET THE WALLS DO THE WORK! BANK THOSE BLASTCAPS!” Shouts Volka, batting away your thrown (and unlit, don’t worry) blastcaps with her tail!
“WHEN YOU’RE HOLDING A BLADE, YOU’RE MAKING A WALL! BUILD IT AWAY FROM YOU!”
“REEL THAT SEA SNAGGER WHEN YOUR CATCH IS WORN OUT!”
“ARM THE BOMB! DISARM THE BOMB! ARM! DISARM!”
“P-PLEASE PUT AWAY THAT ANKLEBITER, ANTON…”
“”TELESCOPE THAT MEATHOOK!”
By the time Tzah-Tzie’s Tzah-Tzong hits the chorus a second time, your muscles are aching and your brow is damp with sweat! How… How long have you been training for!?
“Erm… t-two minutes, maybe?” Stammers Volka as she struggles to find a tone that doesn’t sound condescending! “N-not that I expected you to last longer or anything! That’s a great amount of time! S-super!”
>CONTD.
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>>6364722
“Still,” remarks Morook, “You catch on quick, Anton. Feel better?”
GOODIE GURU: +2 To Item-Use Rolls until the end of THE BATTLE!
Much, you reply with a satisfied nod! That three-eyed freak won’t know what hit him!
“Damn right!” Chirps Tzah-Tzie with a spirited Striilii strum! “Archmage? He’ll be… ArchMULCH by the time you’re through with him!”
“Yea!” Snorts Volka as she gives TT’s hair a playful tousle, “He’ll be looking for a new way to earn a, uh… ArchWAGE! Since he’ll be out of a job and all!”
“He’ll be dead.” Morook states plainly.
Clearing your throat in a vague attempt to salvage the situation, you wipe the sweat from your forehead before turning to address your friends!
Guys, you begin, whatever happens with Trier, you want them all to know something:
The gang watches silently.
You… you couldn’t have done this–ANY of this–without them! They were there for you when no one else was, stood up for you when it’d be easy to just stand aside, and now?
You wipe away a sweat drop trickling down your cheek.
They’re about to go to town on a guy who’s probably older than written language and just as powerful… just because they’re your pals!
THE DECK’S GONE QUIET! ALL EYES ARE FROZEN ON YOU! IT’S ROUSING SPEECH TIME! WHAT’S YOUR ANGLE?
>Focus on friendship! They’re the best!
>Stick to safety! You’re not losing any of them in the coming battle!
>Anchor to being aggressive! Don’t pull any punches!
>Strictly strategy! They all know their strengths–teamwork’s the name of the game here!
>Write-In!
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>>6364722
>lasted two minites, but it's f-fine, hahaha
TT knows we take a couple tries to get into a groove.
>half-siblings
I mwant to ask, but do you mean adopted/step siblings? Or are the terms interchangeable in whatever Zoralians speak?
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No time like the present, you think as you steady yourself with a deep breath! If you don’t get these words out now, you might not get another chance!https://youtu.be/VTsD2FjmLsw
Today, you begin as your pals watch with rapt attention, you go toe-to-toe with ARCHMAGE TRIER: an ancient sorcerer backed up with ages of knowledge and an army of constructs fueled by souls! A dude so scary that some people don’t even utter his name! A three-eyed freak hell-bent on ruling Umberal forever… and eventually all of Zoral!
A cocky grin slips onto your face as you pace around the deck! He’s big, you continue, he’s bad... he even admitted to having a hand in plunging this world into darkness… that alone should tell you all just how confident he is on never being kicked out of his throne! But there’s one thing his arcane knowledge can’t buy:
You come to a dramatic halt facing your merry band of misfits.
FRIENDS.
When your audience continues to listen quietly, all you can do is give ‘em more of what they want!
The truth is, you continue with growing excitement in your gaze, is that you’re not much of a fighter… never was! Where you come from, you’re expected to let a shoplifter take whatever they want from the register, even if they come into the restaurant brandishing a muddy twig! You never signed up for self-defense, you startle easily, and for all intents and purposes, you probably should’ve died minutes after arriving here in Zoral!
Determination slips into your expression as your eyes sweep the ‘crowd’. But you didn’t, you conclude with a resolute nod, and it wasn’t thanks to DEMON POWERS or the heaps of energy in your soul or whatever Trier is drooling over–you survived because you had backup! A team of fighters and fiends! Conjurers and catthings! A gallery of oddballs and outcasts… and the best friends you could ever ask for!
You feel flames flicker to life in your chest as your words come easier!
When we went after Rolo’s casino in Gold Town, they called us crazy! When we shipped off to Umberal, they said it was impossible! When you rushed off to Vhale’s Manor for a showdown, the odds were against you… and as you stand here about to stare Trier dead in the eyes, what do you feel? Fear? Regret? Acceptance?
You answer your own rhetorical question with a vigorous headshake!
NO, you declare with a stomp of your foot, you feel GOOD! DAMN GOOD! Because even when your back’s against the wall… when there’s enemies pounding on the gates and there’s more than you can count…
You adjust your COOL HAT with a confident grin!
You know that no matter the place, your friends’ll be there with you knee-deep in the mud and ready to throw hands until the last foe falls!
>CONTD.
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>>6364840
Your pals remain stunned and silent… but you’re not done yet!
You’ve had close calls, you continue in a slightly more measured tone, and you’ve come close to losing folks every step of the way… but today? Today will be DIFFERENT! Today you’re on the OFFENSIVE! Today, you repeat, each utterance of the word louder than the last, you’re not losing ANYONE! And when you’re finished with Trier, you conclude, voice dropping just above a whisper,
…he’ll wish he had what we had. Because together? We’re unstoppable!
Holding for applause that never comes, it takes you a somewhat embarrassing amount of minutes to realize your friends weren’t rendered speechless by your rousing speech…
And you’re pretty sure the engines on this airship can’t function in complete silence.
And now that you think about it, why are everyone’s eyes so… lackluster? It’s like looking through an old movie filter or someth….
…thing.
“DaWN."croaks a deep voice rattling like a rusty old toy.
You barely even noticed how cold the air became.https://youtu.be/CcOTCWYypjA
Turning to face its owner, you have to crane your neck all the way back to meet the three eyes glowing in the murk like a ghostly lighthouse. The world around you stands still like a picture in a museum save for you.
And TRIER.
Drifting like a scarecrow, the archmage extends an appendage down to you heralded by a gut-wrenching series of cracks and pops like a dead tree slipping loose from a web of old vines!
“coME.”
How do you respond?
>Let him take you. The Tower is his turf, but you’ve got that bomb… and Toppel’s party favor…
>Resist here. You don’t relish fighting in the sky, but if you can ruin his focus and unfreeze your pals…
>Ask a question! You’ve earned that much!
>Bargain! You’re not going anywhere without your friends!
>Protest! There’s no WAY it’s dawn yet! R-right?
>Stay silent! He’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!
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>>6364841
>Let him take you. The Tower is his turf, but you’ve got that bomb… and Toppel’s party favor
No point acting out. We're killing you, Trier, we're murderizing you funky town style. Just not right this second.
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Stealing a glance at your pals still paralyzed in place, you turn to face the Archmage with a resigned sigh. This was intentional, you think as you feel space warp around your body like an ethereal tent in a storm–even with the gang backing you up and a lack of Teksouls, there’s no way you’d remain airborne for long. Your encounter with Sixface and Rolo earlier confirmed that much!
Your hands remain hidden in your pockets as reality straightens itself out again, placing you in a room you’d rather not visit ever again.
Trier towers over you, eyes glowing like lanterns in the mist as your senses are assaulted by the acrid odor of potions and stale corpses. The room is circular, you think as your RING OF ECHOS slowly adds to your mental map with each drop of condensation and each hiss of steam. Tall–dizzyingly tall–but not much to sneeze at diameter-wise.
You cautiously trace a finger across the ANTI-MAGIC BOMB sequestered within your pockets. Assuming the Archmage doesn’t vaporize the ordnance or teleport it to Timbuktu, he’s gonna have a hard time avoiding its effects… as will the Teksouls chittering in their glass cocoons lining the chamber.
“yiELD.”
Trier doesn’t waste any time, does he? Looming over you like a sentient floodlight, the mage waits for your response as you feel an uncanny tugging sensation on your very being…
”Tell him to spin on it, kid–we’ve got all the cards here.”
You never thought you’d be comforted to hear RED’S voice, but as you face down one of Zoral’s LORDS alone, well…
You’d be lying if you said you didn’t appreciate the backup.
“umbERaL WaiTS. EtERnItY waiTS. it JOIns umBEraL EVeRBURnIng… EVERlaSTINg, YeeEESSSSs….”
Trier’s massive eyes quiver in barely-hidden anticipation as a chorus of unnerving cracks and pops ring out from his gaunt form. The magic in the air around you is stifling like a bathroom after taking a long, hot shower–but rather than warming you to the core, this contamination chills you to your very center!
The Mage said it himself–your ‘essence’ or whatever will be less-refined if he takes it by force… and Trier seems like too much of a perfectionist to go that route without trying alternatives. That said, however, the mad magician is remarkably silent as he awaits a response.
Like a dog waiting patiently for a treat, you get the feeling Trier’s patience is running very, very thin.
But his eagerness leaves him open. You’ve got the first move, whatever it may be!
What do?
>Talk to Trier first! Take him off-guard!
>Tell him to ‘spin on it’!
>Time for Toppel’s Tincture! AETHERIC SIPHON!
>Arm that bomb and blow this lab a new one!
>Wanna take over, RED?
>Let Trier make the first move–you’re on his turf, after all!
>Fake him out! 'Agree' and use that to get close!
>Stay silent! He won’t think you disappeared!
>Write-In!
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>>6365075
I'll make it even easier for you guys since it might've gotten lost in translation with Oti and Toppel's bickering--if this gangly SOB touches you or your robe you can trigger the spell--just be ready for whatever comes next! :^)
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>>6365228
KEK. Well, at least it wasn't a nat 1.
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You’re still not sure what the hell Trier is, really, but if what everyone says is true, the guy can switch from body to body like jackets in a menswear boutique! You don’t know the specifics–probably wouldn’t even if you could read the notes his detractors left lying around–but if the spell you snatched from Vhale is legit, it should keep the fearsome fossil from jumping ship!
With baited breath, you preface your response with a weary sigh before moving to wriggle free of your robe! By the time your arms are lifted over your head, however, every glowing eye in the room is staring you down like you’re about to perform!
It’s not like you wanted to freeze–not really! But sensing something awry, Trier took it upon himself to lock you in mid-shed! Leaning low to cock his head to the side, the mage doesn’t even bother asking what you’re doing… but you can tell he won’t let you go without an answer!
Slow your roll, you grunt, finding it difficult to explain locked in place like an action figure with sandy joints, you just… need a favor before you proceed!
Trier’s eyes flicker. “... DenIEd. ConTRaCT seaLED. aidED. assISTeD. WAITED.”
It’s nothing big, you groan as you try not to oversell the act, you just need him to give your ROBE to your pals! Once, y’know, he finishes doing whatever he plans on doing!
The Archmage stares you down as if you’d just took a dump on his floor.
… It’s, uh… sentimental?
“ANAlysIS: MagICAL. ENChaNTmENT… FAMiliar… ExaMINAtiON REquIRED.”
Feeling a magical tug on your robe, you sputter out a response just before it can slip from your shoulders! W-wait! He doesn’t need to do it now-
It’s too late–Trier yanks the robe free of your waifish, T-shirt-clad form faster than Tzah-Tzie in that broom closet on the Skyrail! Hearing the robe flutter into the Archmage’s gnarled claw, you struggle to recall what it was you needed to do to trigger the fireworks…
Right, you think as a noise somewhere between a wheeze and a click leaves the mage’s lips, you have to…!
“SorceRY!” Exclaims the Archmage in genuine surprise, “IMpERiAL…” Stooping low to meet your gaze once more, your bones rattle as the mage’s raspy voice shakes you to your very core!
“wheRE… DID-”
He’s a magician, you interject, squaring your stance for whatever’s about to come next, is he familiar with the concept of ‘The Prestige?’”
Invisible talons close around your body.
“WHERE???”
It’s the third act, you reply as you feel a familiar chattering in your teeth! The payoff–the punchline!
You don’t know what spell Trier’s cooking up, but in his confusion he doesn’t let the robe leave his grasp… meeting his dead gaze with a cheeky grin, you give the wizard a firsthand example:
COUGH!
>CONTD.
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>>6365363
For a moment, all is still–silent enough to hear a mouse tiptoeing across the room in slippers… but just when it seems like the robe didn’t work, Trier’s towering form starts to convulse!
Scores of voices burst forth from the sorcerer’s mouth in a chorus of unintelligible screeches and screams as his body writhes like a cat about to be given a bath! Words overlap, noises drown out interjections, and at the apex of the Archmage’s flight all the clicks, screeches, howls, and cries come together in a deafening crescendo!
And for the briefest moment, all goes quiet.
Ta-dah~https://youtu.be/mn2pptUoVM0
Whatever Trier was collapses in a heap just a stone’s throw from your feet–the impact sending a violent tremor across the lab!
”Well I’ll be damned…” RED remarks in disbelief, ”I can’t smell anything lingering in that carcass… it really WORKED!”
“DUplICItOUS WRETCH!”
The insult works its way down to you from far, far above… its owner’s eyes burning bright with fresh anger as they menacingly scuttle towards you like a pissed-off spider!
“THiS ExcHAaANGe… IS OVerrRrR!”
It’s hard to see in this dang darkness, but you feel something tug on the corner of your soul… you wouldn’t have a clue as to what was happening had RED not burst into triumphant laughter!
“I ain’t got no soul to TAKE, you dumb sonnovabitch!” Croons the hellspawn as Triersoul’s eyes flicker with fury! ”This is it, Anton–curtains rise!”
“SubTErFUGe… TreACHErrRrRy….” Hisses the Archmage as you feel the air around you ignite with fresh magic, “IT WoulD LEt UMBerAL DIm… EXssSTinGUiissSSShh!”
That’s right, you nod as you draw your MAGIC SHIELD in one hand and conjure some HELLFIRE in the other, you’re ANTON PEAS–your soul belongs to no one but yourself… and it’s ‘lights out’ for him!
The magic around you begins to shift… you’re in the eye of the hurricane now, Anton!https://youtu.be/IunbXWab1_Y
>Roll me 1d100-3 (+2 Buffs, +3 Swift Footwork, +3 Magic Shield, +2 LIMBOOO, -8 Lordlike, -5 Irritated Trier) for reasons! Best of 3!
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You’re not waiting for an invitation! Bolting towards the whining wizard, you launch yourself into the air with a well-timed HELLGEYSER and fire off a salvo of HELLFIRE ORBS!
Each shot goes wide–the near-misses all prefixed by reality shifting awkwardly like a poorly-edited movie! It’s not just your head, however–as another shot goes wide and the wizard reappears behind you, you notice a definite shift in one of your HELLFIRE ORBS’ altitude.
Even worse, the magical energy emanating from Trier’s Teksoul Transplant makes the back of your eye sockets itch–and any animosity he might’ve displayed a moment ago is long gone! He’s calm, you think as you hit the ground with an awkward attempt at tucking-and-rolling that just turns into a flop, TOO CALM!
Nearly stumbling into a hissing, crackling barrier surrounding you like a magical playpen, you send another serving of searing orbs Trier’s way… but the mage effortlessly bats them away!
“it REMainS unCOOPErATIve.” He states plainly like a doctor giving a diagnosis, “DeFIANT”
He’s damn right you remain ‘unCOOPErATIve’, you snarl back! You’re not giving up, so he’d better just make like a croupier with a deck of cards… and DEAL WITH IT!
Trier’s borrowed joints creak and groan as he looms over you like a menacing windmill!
“we HaVE PerSIsSsSTED for AGes. We obSErvED THE SIgnING oF thE FirST DemONiC PAcT. We obseRVED thE DEatH Of thE EMpERoR aS IT chOKeD On itS OwN IcHOr. WE OBservED CitaDELs as THEy PLUnGED earthBOuND throUGH the CLOUDlAYer liKE rainDROps…”
Not even a few more fireballs stop Trier as you feel arcane energy well up beneath your feet!
”WE obsERvED aS THIs worLD bECAmE ENshrOuDED In DIVINe DarkNEsS… WE OBserVEd a NEW uMBERaL RiSE FROm iTs oWN ASHeS…”
His eyes glimmer as you feel something lasso your being… almost as if you were about to be-
”OuR POwER Is ONLy MatchED BY ouR BOUnDLeSS PATIEnCE. wE aRe a LORd: touCHEd by DIvinITY. ForgED In ShaDOW. It wiLL ReleNT. It WILL yieLD. WE WIll ObsErvE THIsSsss.”
“M A Z E.”
The word echoes in your braincase as it leaves whatever passes for a Teksoul’s lips… and like a bad comedian being yanked offstage with a comically-large cane, you feel an unseen force RIP you from your dimensional moorings and fling you into the aetheric expanse like an extradimensional frisbee!
Spinning and shrieking all the way, you instinctively tuck your limbs close to your body as your flight path roars with the grinding and groaning of pillars and walls rising out of the abyss, slowly encasing you in a magical tomb!
Landing in a particularly-befuddled heap on a rough-hewn cobblestone floor, it takes you about a moment to realize where you are!
STUBBED TOE COUNTER: 34!
>CONTD.
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>>6365661
A narrow passage–very narrow given how quickly you managed to smack your foot against a wall–expands far ahead of the dead end you landed, and any attempt to HELLGEYSER your way to the top proves fruitless. No matter how high you travel, the walls merely extend a little higher… and had you not kinda twisted your ankle on the landing, you’d probably try again!
”Whoof. Maze. That’s a kick in the head…”
RED, you exclaim as you pace around your new prison, what… where are you? What happened to the fight? The Archdevil borrows your aching shoulders for a quick shrug.
”On-hold, from the state of things…” He replies with a dispirited sigh. ”I reckon Trier’ll keep ya’ here ‘til you change your mind… or lose it.”
Figures, you reply as you slump against the wall. Well it’s a maze–doesn’t that mean there’s a way out?
”Sure, on principle…” RED replies. ”Might be far, though.”
HOW far? You’re not spending another thread on build-up again! The players are gonna dip faster than a tortilla chip at a dip convention!
”Hate to crush your spirits, pard, but the maze scales with the caster’s skill, so…”
Swell, you groan, so you’ll get out of here in your fifties!? Will Zoral still be around by then? Will your friends!?
”Hold your horses, Tex–I was just getting the bad news out first!” Chides the demon who ISN’T currently trapped in a labyrinth! ”Good news is that there IS an exit… somewhere! Might even be around the corner–could totally miss it if you picked the wrong path straight out the gate, y’know?”
You aren’t convinced. Is… does that happen? Seriously? Another borrowed shrug lifts your shoulders.
”It’s what I’d do!”
He’ll have to forgive you for not dancing for joy. Does he know any other alternatives to navigating a maze in complete and utter darkness?
”Hmm….” RED mutters as you idly flick the wall and frown, ”The caster has to concentrate to maintain the maze… so if you were to break his concentration somehow, well…”
Then the maze would disappear, you chirp with renewed pep in your step! But he’s probably aware of that too, huh?
”Not ta’ mention if I was just swindled by some extraplanar pipsqueak I wouldn’t take anything at face value either!” Adds the demon. ”He should be stuck in that weaker body for a while, though, so at least we don’t have to worry about that, right?”
Sure, you sniff, you can focus on worrying about the maze instead…
”AND the monsters.”
Your eyes widen. Muh-muh-muh-monsters?
”Yep! Mazes are full of ‘em! The good ones, at least!” RED replies in a chipper tone! ”Traps, too! Nasty ones! Watch that toe, kid! Ouch!”
>CONTD.
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>>6365665
You slide down the wall and onto the labyrinth floor and let out a much-needed groan… you knew this wouldn’t be simple–knew it the minute you got outta bed this morning–but this i-
Wait a second, you’ve been up for, like, a whole DAY now! No wonder you feel so terrible! Crap, you’re gonna catch a cold if you keep pulling all-nighters like th-
”Kid? You already losin’ yer’ marbles?”
Getting there! Newly-equipped with all of RED’S hot tips, you decide to…
ITEM PASTEBIN:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA
>Hit the maze! Go LEFT!
>Maze-O-Clock! Go RIGHT!
>Try to get Trier’s attention!
>You have demon powers! Maybe if you smack the walls enough…?
>Talk about something else with RED!
>Write-In!
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>>6365668
>Maze-O-Clock! Go Right!
>and...use that spool of Silk we have to mark our path!
The whole thing is this place is meant to confuse and make us lose our track. We should at least leave a trail marker of sorts in case we come across dead ends. If we notice the line snaps, we also know someone is following us.
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Like it or not, you’re going nowhere, and fast! Rising to your weary feet, you begin your trek down the corridor and keep on truckin’ until you come to the first–of what you presume will be many–junction!
”Could be worse, y’know.”
HOW?
”... Could be a four-way intersection.”
Stunning commentary as always. As you weigh your options, a flicker of an idea appears in your head! Quickly retrieving your SILK SPOOL from your also quite-voluminous SNEAKY LEATHER ARMOR pockets, you let the end of the line drop to the floor at your feet and indulge in a wry grin.
”Oh-ho! That’s usin’ the ole’ noggin!” RED exclaims with what sounds like genuine pride in his tone, ”So THAT’S why you stuff anything that ain’t nailed down in your pockets, huh?”
That’s exactly it, you nod as you take a right turn, you knew you’d be flung into a labyrinth eventually!
”Follow-up question:” RED adds as you try not to balk at the sound of something between a chicken being throttled and a pig eating a can of baked beans echoes down the corridor you didn’t take, ”Why go right?”
Because, you shrug as you choose the same option at the next fork, it seemed like the ‘RIGHT’ choice!
”... I’ll uh… I’ll let you work.”
Suit yourself! Your gamble pays off–sure, your strategy leads you into several, SEVERAL dead-ends, but with your trail of silk it’s easy to keep track of where you’ve been! You’d be lying if you said the process wasn’t a little dull, but at this point you’d shovel dung over begging TRIER for any aid!
The upside of the situation, you realize as you make a snap decision NOT turn right into what sounds like a wall of solid ANGRY BEES, is that The Archmage is in no rush here–he’ll wait as long as you need! But the same goes both ways, and assuming you don’t get chased by a GIANT CARTOON CAT WITH A MALLET or something in the next few posts, you might be able to take a breather before leaping back into the battle!
What a maroon!
Just when you’ve found a strange acceptance of the situation, you feel a fresh breeze caress your face as your ears are treated to the zen sound of…
Fountains?
“Oh-ho… you’re new...”
Roused from your rote right-turnings by the sound–the VOICE, mind you, not the fountains, those don’t scare you at all, honest–you try your best to zero in on the owner’s eyes…
And find none!
“No need to search,” Purrs a playful and remarkably clear androgynous voice just ahead of you, “I don’t have any~”
While the search for eyes comes up slim, your survey still manages to bear fruit… between the fountains sits a mouth–small, demure, and relatively normal save for the two dull teeth sticking out!
>CONTD.
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>>6366154
Speaking of fruit, the mouth’s owner positively REEKS of the stuff–whatever you’re staring at, you muse to yourself in silent contemplation, is definitely not a member of any of the races you’ve seen so far!
“Stare all you like, blue-eyes~” Giggles the gazee as they bask in your unfiltered attention, “In terms of time, we’re all quite rich here!” The smile slips sideways. “... You do realize that, yes? Are you a nitwit?”
The question takes you off-guard. Y-yea, you nod, err, you mean ‘no’! You’re not a nitwit!
“Nitwits come in all shapes and sizes, you know.” Purrs the fountain-dweller as a lackadaisical laugh leaves their lips, “Did you come here willingly?”
N-no, you shrug, you were sent-
“Then that would make you much less of a nitwit… but not by much!” They reply in a matter-of-fact tone! “To come to this Labyrinth willingly would be nitwitworthy indeed… but being tossed here by The Master, well… that’s not entirely unnitwitly, now is it?”
True, you nod, but they seem to be pretty darn confident in their nitwit knowledge… So what does that make them, hm?
“What indeed!” Giggles the voice! “The Master placed us here, and while we know how to leave, we do not…” The smile cocks to the side, presumably along with the head it belongs to. “Why do you think we linger, new friend?”
Because they can’t? Your answer is awarded with a stomp of an unseen foot!
“Just so!” Giggles the grinner! “We could, but we won’t… because what if we can’t? If we can and we do, will we be?”
You’re uh… you dunno, you weakly reply as you feel a fresh migraine settling in, are they not from Zoral, or…?
“We are not ‘from’, we simply ‘are’!” Explains the maze-dweller! “This fountain garden is our home, our world, our charming oasis in the desert of the dull~”
So are they a construct? You’ve never seen one of… whatever they are before!
“Constructed, maybe, but not a construct!” Answers the voice as its owner adjusts their sitting position, “Being, perhaps, but not a being!”
Someone else in your entourage might find this conversation thrilling, but you’ve got places to be… look, you sigh, they said they know how to exit-
“Had your fill of the maze already? I don’t blame you.” Scratching their side with an unseen appendage, the Maze Dweller’s smile widens with fresh mischief! “But it’s hardly sporting to just give away privileged information like that, is it?”
It… it could be sporting, though, you whine as you put on the best puppydog eyes you can muster! C’moooonnn~
>CONTD.
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>>6366156
“What’s the rush?” Muses the Maze Dweller with a shrug of their unseen shoulders, “You’re the first conversation partner I’ve had in ages... not much for gabbing, my neighbors.” Reclining a little further back, your new friend gives you an appraising look with their nonexistent eyes!
“Hm. No… no, I don’t think I’ll tell you. Not yet, at least.”
That’s… that’s fine, you reply through clenched, angry teeth, but do they plan on telling you SOON? You’re in a bit of a hurry!
“Well bully for you, Mr. ‘In A Hurry’!” The smiler sighs! “Very well, then–let’s play for it!”
You can almost hear the enthusiasm rushing out of your body like a pack of rats from a sinking ship. Play?
“Yes! Play! Revel! Carouse!” Chirps the Labyrinth Loiterer, “I get my fun and you get your exit! IF you win, that is!”
… And if you don’t win?
“Hmmm… I suppose you’ll have to stay here until I decide what to do with you!” They answer with a shrug in their voice! “That sounds fair, doesn’t it? You’ll be leaving me here all to my lonesome if you win, after all!”
It doesn’t sound fair, but you don’t tell them that! It’s risky, that much is certain, but if you succeed at whatever this thing thinks up you’ll have a straight shot to the exit…
And if you fail, well, you were just about to go toe-to-toe with an Archmage–what’s one… whatever this thing is?
Okay, you shrug, what’s the game?
>SCAVENGER HUNT! You find it, I’ll even let you keep it!
>JOKE CONTEST! Whoever has the last laugh… LOSES!
>SPARRING SESH! I’ll go easy on you!
>RIDDLES! A classic!
>MAGIC SHOW! The most impressive magician wins!
>Hey, where are you going?[RUN!]
>[ATTACK!]
>Write-In!
Holy hell, sorry for the wait, all! ISP shit the bed mid-update yesterday and I didn't really get it back until an hour or so ago!
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>>6366161
You know, when I saw the "fountain" bit and stuff, I thought this was gonna be some "mermaid-calypso-woman-who-tries-to-make-you-stay-forever-willingly" thing, but then it turned out to be a cheshire cat with a small mouth.
Either way
>RIDDLES! A classic!
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How about a game of RIDDLES, you suggest, earning a manic grin from your new pal!
“R-RIDDLES!?” They exclaim, not even trying to hide their excitement, “Yes! YES! Let’s ‘RIDDLES!’ An excellent idea!”
Alright, you nod, let’s! You and riddles go together about as well as peanut butter and tuna, but they don’t need to know that! Besides, how bad could a riddle be from a Maze-Dwelling Smilebeast?
… Wait. Crap.
“Ho ho ho! RIDDLES!” They chirp as unseen appendages slap the stony floor with glee, “I simply cannot wait!”
Y-yea, you nod, so… what’s the riddle, huh? The Maze-Dweller’s mouth freezes mid-mirth.
“What indeed? Why is a riddle such a decadent delight-”
No, seriously, you interject with barely-contained annoyance, when are they gonna ask you the riddle? Your question is answered with another eyeless stare.
“Oh! I don’t know any riddles!” Shrugs the smiler in a ‘what-can-ya-do’ tone! “I presumed you’d be the teller… and I’d be the judger!”
That’s… that’s not how riddles work, though! And what do they mean by ‘judger’ anyways?
“Well,” The smirker says with an exaggerated stretch, “My Riddle Reservoirs are depressingly desolate… but a Riddle shared is a Riddle gained! Though a middling riddling simply won’t do: it must be a Riddle that’s hard to outdo!”
… A-and what exactly qualifies as a GOOD riddle? Can they give you a clue?
“I cannot!” Shrugs Smiley, “If I knew a GOOD riddle I wouldn’t be asking–but since I don’t know, it’s you I’ll be tasking!”
Just stop with the rhyming–it’s getting outrageous! And worse, you add, wide-eyed, it’s becoming contagious!
You’ll need a good riddle, annoying, but true… but what kind should you share? What’s the move here? What DO?
>Make up something random! They don’t know what a riddle is!
>Give them a classic!
>Treat them to a really TRICKY riddle!
>Relate it to something in the maze!
>Write-In!
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>>6366555
>Just stop with the rhyming–it’s getting outrageous! And worse, you add, wide-eyed, it’s becoming contagious!
I really like you, Bones.
>Write-in
I am not sure if Anton is familiar with Conan, and I don't know if Mazey is.... But I kind of want to just pose the 'Riddle of Steel', and maybe just explain the full context and story around it. There doesn't seem to be an expectation that Mazey will /solve/ the riddle, just 'gain' it, or hear it. I may change my vote if another anon has a good idea.
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>>6366662
>>6366825
>>6366938
>>6366660
>CLASSICS! (Beginning of Eternity, How Many Cig Butts, Cracked/Folded, Men love more than life)
>>6366561
>TRICKY!
>>6366584
>CONAN REFERENCE
Also thanks, anon! Ma always said if I can't be pretty or smart I could at least be funny
>>6366714
>YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW, DO YOU?!
Looks like the classics win it! Writing in a bit!
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They asked for a riddle, so you riddle away! Lucky for you, you’ve got quite the array!
Erm… sorry about that. As we were saying, you manage to recall quite a few brainteasers off the top of your head–decent ones, too, though you can’t begin to remember where you heard them from!
The Smirker’s smile widens with each one you share:
“I am the beginning of eternity…”
“I can be cracked…”
“I am what men love more than life…”
“Okay have you ever watched Blonan the Berserker because there’s this whole riddle in there that…”
You get through about half of them before you start to notice something: enthusiastic though they may be, Mazey doesn’t know ANY of them! Doesn’t even venture a guess!
“Yes… yessss!” They cackle with unfiltered glee, “These riddles, superb! They just can’t be beat! What a pleasure it’s been! What an absolute treat!”
Yea, that’s enough of that! So, you reply in a painfully unrhymed response, glad they enjoyed it all, but-
“ANOTHER!” Mazey exclaims, bouncing up and down with glee, “TELL ME ANOTHER!”
Look, you groan, you’re happy that they’re happy, but-
“And I’m happy that you’re happy!” Chirps the maze-dweller! “Happiness is so much happier when you’re happy together, isn’t it? I can’t remember the last time I felt this ALIVE!”
Y-yea, you nod, ditto… but uh, you really need to hit the road, so could they tell you how to leave now?
The smiler’s smirk sinks. “... Oh. Right. Our deal… yes, we did agree on an agreement, didn’t we?”
Their lips curl into a fresh grin. “Yes… yes, I shall impart upon you this wisdom… but only if you solve… THE RIDDLE!https://youtu.be/mjf73oM5O1o
Your eyes nearly leap from their sockets! Th-THE RIDDLE!?https://youtu.be/mjf73oM5O1o
“The very same!” Nods the Maze Dweller as their fountains gurgle in menacing unison! “You didn’t think I’d let you leave without solving… THE RIDDLE?”https://youtu.be/mjf73oM5O1o
You’re gonna be honest–you were kinda expecting to leave without solving… THE RIDDLE!https://youtu.be/mjf73oM5O1o
“Foolish… and FALSE!” Giggles the Labyrinth-liver with extra tooth in their smile! “Gird yourself well… it’s time for… THE RIDDLE!”https://youtu.be/mjf73oM5O1o
You gird yourself as best as you can gird, given the circumstances… okay, you sigh, you’re ready… for THE RIDDLE!https://youtu.be/mjf73oM5O1o
“Listen close, and listen well–the right response my wrath will quell!” Clearing their throat as you gulp down the lump forming in your throat, Mazey gives you… THE RI-nah you get it by now!
>CONTD.
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>>6366992
“I am what men love more than life
Fear more than death or mortal strife
What dead men have and rich require
I'm what contented men desire~”
“WHAT,” giggles the Riddle-Giver, “Am I-”
Nothing, you flatly interject, the answer’s nothing. The creature’s mouth sits agape in complete and utter shock!
“H-how did-”
You literally just told them that riddle, you answer in the kindest tone you can manage! It’s… they need to come up with their own, or-
“Ooooohhhh!” Groans the Maze Dweller as you hear something smack against their forehead, “That’s… you’re absolutely right–I was so excited about my first riddle that I-”
It’s fine, you reply with a reassuring, if not somewhat rankled, smile, they’ll just need to come up with some more, right? They’ve uh… got plenty of time to ponder some!
The smile sinks again. “... Maybe.”
You’re about to ask what they mean when the answer slaps you in the face like a frozen tuna–if you beat Trier, will they-
“THE RIDDLE lies ruined! The conundrum askew! Hearken well, Riddle-Ridder, what I impart upon you!”
Wait, you sputter as you’re yanked back to reality, they’re telling you NOW-
>Roll me 1d100-4 (+3 Riddle Buddy, -7 Complex Details!) to keep up with the deets! Best of 3!
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Directions leap from the Labyrinth Dweller’s lips like fireworks on the fourth of July as you struggle to snatch them out of the air! You don’t sense a malicious intent in how fast the creature explains the route out, but it still takes some doing to avoid falling behind!
“... and above all,” Mazey concludes with a prize-winning smile, “Do NOT, I repeat, NOT go near THE LIMBGNASHER!”
You have a good idea why, but you still can’t help but ask. Why should you not go near-
“Because he’ll gnash your limbs.” Mazey answers plainly. “Unless you don’t have limbs, that is! But if you got here you probably have the normal amount, right? Eight? Nine?”
Errr, sure, you nod, that’s… that’s definitely the ballpark figure, yea… So just to confirm–
“Yes! YES, please confirm!” Chirps your dungeon-dwelling direction-giver, “Take all the time you like! I’m not going anywhere! You are, but it doesn’t have to be soon! I don’t mind!”
… Riiiight… so, you frown, they weren’t kidding, were they? You just need to-
“Keep making left turns, yep!” They nod! “I’m aMAZED that you traveled so far in the wrong direction! Lucky you!”
Yea, you scoff, lucky you… welp, you grunt, slapping your thighs and rising to your feet in the universal Mid-Western symbol for ‘I’m leaving’, you’re gonna go now. Sorry you can’t stay any longer!
“W-wait!”
Hoo boy, boss fight time… bracing for an attack, all you get is a sound akin to your new ‘pal’ hacking up a hairball! Before you can ask, you feel something fluffy, gossamer, and a little damp drift into your hand!
Some kind of feather?
Err-
“Just… take it, please?” Mazey pleads with a trembling smile, “You don’t belong here, so you shouldn’t be here, but I belong here and I should… but maybe I could belong somewhere else… if it’s just a little piece of me?”
Sticking the MAZE FEATHER in your COOL HAT’S band, you give the critter a gracious nod. Keep thinking up new riddles, okay?
“I think I’ll think…” They sigh as they recline against one of the unseen fountains. “And I’ll think, think, and think…” Before you can depart, the creature calls after you as if you’d forgotten your sunglasses!
“Wait!” It howls, “One last thing!”
S-sure, you nod as you barely avoid stumbling over your own feet, what’s up?
“What are you called?”
You answer with a slow blink. You’re ANTON, you reply with a reassuring grin! What are they?
“I’m not called...” They shrug, before their smile widens in sudden realization! “Oh! Call me RIDDLE!”
>CONTD.
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>>6367034
Riddle, you repeat, earning a delighted chirp from the creature, you’ll remember that!
Leaving them to their riddlings, you retrace your silk-lined steps back the way you came–for a time, at least! After what seems like an hour or so, you find yourself at the end of the line… and definitely not back at the entrance!
”Think someone got hungry?” RED asks as you steal a worried glance around you! A quick examination of the thread tells you everything you need to know–the end is frayed, not cut, and feels warm, damp, and a bit tingly when your finger comes in contact with it!
But what’s worse is the sound you hear coming from the passages to the left, to the right, and ahead of you… a distant crunching--rhythmic enough to be a creature’s gait, maybe, but too off-kilter and quiet to nail down where it’s coming from!
”You think that thing’ll be as friendly as the other one?”
You don’t bother answering the Archdevil’s question–you know how to leave… the question is, what do you do NOW?
>Go STRAIGHT! You can go left in a bit!
>Turn LEFT! Might as well start now!
>Head RIGHT! Just a little bit, though!
>BACK AWAY! You can let whatever it is pass!
>STAY SILENT! It’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!
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….
…..
….
..
Wh-what? You… you want a description!? RIGHT NOW!? I’m the narrator–you can’t just replace me if whatever’s skulking around hears my dulcet voice and–
Okay, fine, FINE, you don’t have to bring up contractual obligations! Hardass….
What? N-no, I was just uh, clearing my throat! Yep! Ahem! AHEM!
Heavy footfalls thud ever-closer as you weigh your options–even if you knew who owned them, would it be smart to lose them in the maze? What if you hit a dead-end? What if you ran into something worse? L-like THE LIMBGNASHER!? O-or a GIANT CARTOON CAT WITH A MALLET!?
For a magical time-out, this labyrinth sure seems perilous! Part of you wants to believe Trier would carefully pad out the maze menagerie with non-lethal critters, but the other part knows there are much, MUCH worse things in this world than dying!
Right, time to focus! With none of your options standing out as ‘the best’, you go for a wild card… It’s a long shot, you think as you cast your gaze skyward, but you saw this in a video game once–that means it’s gotta work!
As the plodding footsteps approach from what could be any of the corners around you, you leap like a squirrel and spread your arms and legs wide like a starfish! Your gamble pays off–your opening bet, at least–and by pressing your palms and feet against the walls you’re able to slowly climb higher!
You must get about three fruit carts high before you hear it–buzzing and crackling like a beehive made out of old newspapers comes the owner of the footsteps… and they came from the RIGHT passage! D’oh, that was your second guess!
All the same, your prediction has no effect on the creature’s ability to detect you! Trudging along like a drunk on his way home, the swaying shambler pauses mid-intersection as if it had just realized it forgot its keys!
Sweat builds on your brow as you press your feet and hands harder against the walls… it’s not strenuous work, but you won’t be able to treefrog forever! The beast below shuffles indifferently at your plight–every cautious step it takes coupled with a series of rapid, croaking clicks skittering out from where its mouth must be like spiders!
You will yourself to remain still–solid like a statue–and though your measly muscles begin to burn, the stalker lingers… and lingers!
Doesn’t this dingus have a JOB!? MOVE ALREADY!
Just when you feel one of your heels slip ever-so-slightly from the wall, a low, despondent WAIL rises above the maze like a trumpeting elephant! Jolting upright with a gut-wrenching click, the shambler shambles off in what you assume is the noise’s direction… and after waiting another minute to be certain, you cautiously slide down to the maze’s rough-hewn floor once more!
>CONTD.
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>>6367442
Phew! Wiping your sweat-slaked face clean on your T-Shirt sleeve, you survey what limited surroundings you can suss out and sigh… your limbs might not be gnashed, you think as you stretch your arms over your head, but your silk was snagged… meaning you’ve got quite a way to go!
”Our new pal said ta’ head LEFT, yea?” RED reviews as your eyes turn leftward. Yea, you nod, no time like the present, right?
Off you trot. Leaving a fresh trail of silk behind you, you resume the painstaking process of turning LEFT and ONLY LEFT! You hit some dead-ends, of course, some just bare walls, other passages blocked by vines, stone, and something that feels an awful lot like chewed-up breakfast cereal, but as you persevere through the pitfalls you eventually start to feel… guided?
It’s subtle, at first, and you have to pause for a moment to let what sounds like a pile of pure pea soup pass by, but once you zero in on the sensation you can’t NOT notice it–like a magnet tugging on your heart, you sense a destination nearby… something that you’re almost certain HAS to be the exit!
There’s just one problem: the sensation you’re getting, well…
”It’s coming from the RIGHT…”
Yea, you were just about to think that, RED, but good looking out! Maybe the LEFT path snakes around to the exit? Or maybe you’re supposed to keep turning left until you feel an exit? What would the exit to the maze even look like? You doubt they’re gonna have a folding table set up for you with juice boxes and cookies…
Before you can ponder things further, your ears pick up a sound from the path you came in from–it’s subtle, sure, but it’s there–something’s slithering through the maze… and it’s BIG!
Where to?
>LEFT! HOLD THE COURSE!
>RIGHT! FOLLOW THE EXIT!
>STAY SILENT! IT WORKED LAST TIME!
>WRITE-IN!
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>>6367443
>LEFT! HOLD THE COURSE!
Nuh-uh, not gonna get seduced away by Weird Feelings. It wasn't right turns that got us feeling this close to escape, was it?
I'd be willing to bet that as soon as we take a right turn ONCE, the number of left turns we have to take to get out resets.
That's what I would do if I were an Evil Archmage Bastard Guy....
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You’re already running late for a hot date with a wicked wizard–whatever’s coming after you can wait in line! Trusting Riddle’s words over your own intuition, you make a hard left at the intersection as the stretch of maze behind you starts to quake in your pursuer’s wake!
It doesn’t take long for you to regret your choice–scampering around the corner, you nearly trip and stumble off an unmarked edge–and whether it leads to a bottomless abyss, a boiling cauldron, or a relatively safe, but still painful fall that scrapes your knee you have no clue… but a swift inspection tells you it’s much wider than you think!
You don’t have time to think, though! Taking a deep breath as the maze walls groan and quiver behind you, you take a running start and add a little HELLGEYSER boost in for good measure!
A rattling howl rocks the walls just as you launch yourself across the gap–and even in mid-flight you can feel some wretched beast’s attention burning into your back! Slamming face-first into a wall, you slide down its surface like a bird that just hit a window and land in a heap on the other side of the pit!
Splayed out on your back, you barely have time to crane your neck backwards–and you immediately wish you didn’t! Another bone-chilling howl leaves the sinister slitherer’s presumably massive maw, and what was a yawning gap for you proves to be hardly a stumble for the beast! As its smooth body slides your way with no-doubt menacing intent, you leap to your feet and dart down the corridor like a bat out of dark Hell!https://youtu.be/ODW6slPtG9I
>Roll me 1d100-4 (+2 Buffs, +3 Swift Footwork, +2 Head Start! , -4 Hasty, Unstable Retreat, -7 GIANT FRILLED MUORASSK!!!) to get outta' there! Best of 3!
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It ain’t easy running for your life, especially when you can’t see an inch in front of you and you’re being chased by what sounds like a leech the size of a bank! Nevertheless, you persist! Scampering along like a dog running from a bath, it doesn’t take long for you to get intimately acquainted with another fork in the road!
STUBBED TOE COUNTER: 35! OUCH!
Painful as your abrupt introduction is, it’s nothing compared to what you might’ve felt had you not stumbled backwards from the wall like a dazed cartoon! No sooner do you teeter backwards does an acrid-smelling glob of SOMETHING splatter against the side of the maze–and while you don’t get the brunt of the blow, you manage to catch a few flecks of the odorous ichor on your shirt… and boy are they STICKY!
You don’t plan on hanging around to see how that particular trick helps this malevolent mollusc catch its prey! Hanging a left, you feel your foot catch on something at the passageway’s mouth… something that sends a chain-reaction in motion within the maze’s walls!
M-maybe that’s the Maze’s exit opening up!?
Another gob of gluestuff splatters on the ground behind you as your undulating adversary angrily approaches! As you delve deeper into the next corridor, however, you’re greeted by a chorus of swiftly-swinging objects slicing through the air!
You don’t have the luxury of slowing down, so you grit your teeth and charge forward through the unseen obstacles! Welcoming you with an almost bell-peppery aroma, the traps seem to have a mind–and a hunger–of their own! Lashing out at you like leafy vipers, the vicious vines turn the relatively-normal pathway into a gardeny gauntlet!
LIMBOing and leaping past the vile veggies as they swing at you like angry pool noodles, the howling horror picks up speed behind you with another screech that sends a shiver down your already-shaky spine!
Just when you think things can’t get any worse, reality once again comes in swinging first and asking questions later like a drunken stepfather–a pit opens up beneath your next frantic step that sends you tumbling into a yawning abyss!
All you can do is scream as you fall into certain doom–you tried, you think to yourself, you really tri-OOF!
Okay, the good news is that the pit you fell into is only about shoulder height… the bad news is that you’re still stuck in a pit, a howling worm thing is just around the corner, and you shrieked when you fell and everyone definitely heard you.
Scrambling out of the pit the way you came, a quick examination confirms your worst nightmare: there’s a way across the pit, alright… and it’s via a LEDGE just above you! Even worse, the sound of grinding masonry hits your ears from across the crevasse…
Another salvo of slitherer spit sails a little too close past your hatted head, and with that you have all the motivation you need to get climbing!
>CONTD.
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>>6367577
Scaling the ledge with all the grace of the drunken star of an energy bar commercial, you barely manage to mount the outcropping before awkwardly stumbling off the side and back to where you came from! Damned controls!
A menacing moan and hot, foul-smelling breath muddles your musings as your pursuer approaches posthaste!
Leaping atop the ledge once again, you don’t even bother trying to find footfalls! Going off of the spotty assistance your RING OF ECHOS can give you, you launch yourself off the edge with a HELLGEYSER just as something warm, long, and prehensile darts out of the wormthing’s mouth and swipes at your legs!
Your flight lasts a little longer than your first one, but your arm catches on a wall as you descend, sending you spiraling to the maze floor in a spinning heap! The beast behind you is nowhere near as hindered, so when you stumble to your sore legs, the serpentine stalker is already nearly upon you!
Cradling your sore arm, you realize what you bumped into almost immediately–grinding and groaning as they scrape past the labyrinth’s floor come the walls… their glacial pace still spelling certain doom if you linger any longer!
Sprinting forward with renewed motivation, your exit is hindered as the monster sends several tongue-like tendrils your way–a last-ditch attempt at snatching you up like a particularly succulent piece of popcorn!
Your sprint turns into a shuffle as the walls continue to close in… and finally a shimmy! ‘This is one way to get a little thinner!’, you think as the passage narrows, but your pursuer is too hell-bent on snagging you in its tongues to laugh!
As the walls start to squeeze you like a tube of toothpaste, your foot slips through a small niche too tiny for you to walk through! Toppling onto your back, you swiftly shimmy through the space as speedily as you can… emerging into a spacious chamber on the other side!
A pit forms in your nearly-crushed chest, however, as you realize your head is strangely colder than usual! Frantically reaching back into the closing corridor, your arm is met by a flurry of tongues desperately scraping at your limb!
Your palm finds its prize, however, and with your misplaced COOL HAT in hand, you yank your arm back just as the closing walls scrape your knuckles on the way out!
A baleful moan rocks the maze as the labyrinth walls close behind you with a deafening THUD... leaving you sitting on the other side with your heart jackhammering in your chest and a much-needed dose of sweet, sweet silence!
A familiar sensation tugs at your body–THE EXIT, you think as your eyes wander towards the sensation’s source! With nothing separating you any longer, however, the pull slowly drags you across the ground like a river’s current!
>CONTD.
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>>6367578
You’re just about to cannonball into the portal when you feel something sinister poke at your consciousness!
”Hold your horses there, pard… you know where that leads, right?”
New Jersey?
”Back to TRIER!” RED groans, clearly not picking up on your joke. ”And I’d bet my boots that the minute we pop outta’ that portal, he’ll be waiting!” Your face scrunches into a frown. ”We need a plan.”
Good point and well-made, you nod as you take a deep, steadying breath, you’d rather not come back here again if you can help it!
”Then let’s be ready to give him a little scare, yea?” The demon answers with a smirk in his voice! ”Gimme the reins, pard–I’ll fix his wagon before you can say ‘Maze Managed’!”
You’re all for a demonic sucker punch, especially if it ends the fight early, but something tells you Trier isn’t just gonna hand over the win! Still, you really, really don’t wanna get mazed again! What if it’s randomly-generated!? That would suck!
What’s the plan, Stan? Choose one for your opening move!
PASTEBIN:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA
>Give control to RED!
>ANTI-MAGIC bomb! He won’t be able to zap it away in time!
>Toppel’s AETHERIC SIPHON! Can’t send you to the maze if he has no magic!
>BIISII’S BAG! Add a little chaos to Trier’s order!
>Go full HELLFIRE! Light him up!
>Write-In!
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>>6367580
The ANTI-MAGIC BOMB is still a bomb, so even if he didn't have much magic left over from the AETHERIC SIPHON or if he escapes the siphon the bomb can still do some damage to Trier! He is in a Teksoul frame at the moment, after all~
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>>6367579
>ANTI-MAGIC bomb! He won’t be able to zap it away in time!
Hmm
Well!
>Write-in
Toss in a couple of blast caps AND the anti-magic bomb, together! He may get one or two of the projectiles if we roll low, but it'll likely put him on the back foot and shake him up. I feel like we should keep RED and the Siphon in our back pocket for now...
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>>6367577
>reality once again comes in swinging first and asking questions later like a drunken stepfather
DARK humor as we were forewarned at the beginning of the quest... R, did we just learn a bit more about our amnesiac protagonist??
>>6367578
Our protagonist who is Indiana Motherfucking JONES!
>>6367580
I'd normally be down to support the one-two punch of antimagic there, but Sloucho has a point: if we use up all our trump cards at once, we're helpless.
>>6367579
>Give control to RED!
Let's see what he's got.
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Yaknow, I think I want to change my vote. I like a vote where there are multiple appealing options. We should go big with RED, I feel he must be really itching to cut loose, and that would still give us two more tricks up our sleeve - and we're already a trick deep! Common magician W...
>Give control to RED!
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You know what? Sure! Why not? Trier might be expecting a counter-attack, but will he really expect RED to emerge and rip his soul out of his borrowed body? You could end this right here… right now! AND hold onto an ANTI-MAGIC BOMB and a MAGIC VORTEX POTION THING!
… IF RED can handle it, that is. Can he? Your answer comes in the form of a derisive snort!
”The old coot said it himself, didn’t he?” The demon retorts with grim satisfaction in his tone, ”What killed his civilization… his grand empire?”
Well history has shown that too much power given to a small group of people will inevitably-
”Underestimating a DEMON, kid. No need to get all textbooky on me.”
Right, that was gonna be your second choice! But surely he’s learned from back then, right?
”The fact that he didn’t kill us outright when he examined us tells me he hasn’t learned diddly-squat.” Explains the Archdemon with a borrowed shrug. ”Or he did and he thinks he can handle it. Which, might I add, he can’t.”
Bold words, you counter, but can he back them up?
”I did a little research,” RED replies in a matter-of-fact tone, ”And that demon they summoned way back when? That ‘Azbaal’ fella?” The Archdevil laughs as if remembering the punchline of an old joke. ”Get this–he wasn’t even an ARCHDEVIL! They got folded by a GREATER DEMON! Ain’t that a kick?”
You’re not completely convinced. He ‘did a little research?’
”We HAVE libraries in CHAA’TAI, Anton. We’re not SAVAGES, y’know.”
Let me guess, you frown, the tomes are bound in the flesh of the damned? Penned in gore and viscera?
”Cripes, has Rezalith been giving you the answers? And what’s wrong with gore and flesh? Makes the stories more personal!”
No comment. As untrustworthy as he may be, RED wouldn’t be so eager to do this if he didn’t get something out of it… so with a long, weary sigh, you acquiesce with a nod. If he thinks he can end this quickly, you conclude, struggling to ignore the hot, effervescent sensation welling up in your body, then he can take the wheel.
Your head would’ve popped off if it wasn’t attached to your neck!
”YESSS!!! THAT’S THE WAY, PARTNER!” The devil cries, borrowing your limbs to do a playful jig, ”I… I knew you’d see reason eventually! I mean… you’ve got SO much power! And yet you barely even-”
Just make sure he takes care of your moneymaker, okay? A stern glare forms on your face as you poke your cheeks a few times for emphasis!
>CONTD.
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>>6367774
”You’ve already done the heavy lifting, kid–with that weaker shell and the magic he expended casting us into this damned maze?” RED punctuates his statement with a menacing chuckle. ”Oh… and I’m getting hungry too. Poor sonnovagun won’t even know he’s dead!”
It’ll have to do, you think as you try to relax your mental ‘grip’ on your own body. You scarcely have a moment to relax before you feel something take root in your very being–phantom tendrils spreading through you like infernal kudzu!
”That’s right….” your puppeteer purrs as you feel your consciousness scoot into the back seat, ”Just leave it to ole’ RED….”
Even in the passenger seat you can feel it–an overwhelming heat burning within your body like a blast furnace! Taking a few tentative steps forward, your devilish ‘driver’ balls your fists in grim satisfaction as your voice comes out in a tone that isn’t quite your own:
“Watch closely now, kid,” You sneer as you feel your lips curl into an uncanny grin, “This is how real Empires are formed…”
Roll me 1d100+5 (+2 Buffs, +3 Swift Footwork, +15 REDREDRED, -8 Lordlike, -7 Trier is waiting) to let’er RIP! BEST OF 3!
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Rolled 60 (1d100)
>>6367777
>"oops sorry pardnar guess you're dead. welp, off to getting tortured in cha'atai you go"
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Welp, Anton, sorry to say but I gotta take yer soul now.
Yep. I fucked up your body beyond repair. Real nasty job I did. Sorry.
Hope you won't miss the cattethinge.
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>>6367778
>>6367795
>>6367790
>NAT 1
Would you believe I was hoping this might happen?
... What am I saying? Of course you would! WRITINGGGG~
>>6367790
>>6367800
It's okay, guys--we've got a good REPLACEMENT protagonist in store:
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Lightning flies through your veins as RED lunges for the portal leading back to reality… and TRIER!
You barely even feel a lurch in your stomach as you travel–aside from the hellfire coursing through your blood, everything feels muted... dulled. You’re an observer trapped within your own body, and all you can do is watch as you feel yourself emerge into Trier’s lab!
You don’t even need to be in control to know he’s waiting for you–and while you’re locking eyes with the Teksoul, RED is taking your body into evasive maneuvers! Good thing, too–magical energy washes over you the minute you emerge, and when the feeling subsides you find yourself high in the air above the Archmage!
A series of rapid-fire incantations leave the wizard’s ‘mouth’ as your body plummets towards the ground–but rather than dodge and weave, RED harnesses your HELLGEYSER power to rocket towards the wizard at terminal velocity!
If the mage is surprised by the move, he doesn’t show it–fields of magic spring up around you in an attempt to slow your descent. They’d probably work, too, if RED wasn’t so hell-bent on slipping past them like a coke-fueled fighter pilot! Even as you feel massive orbs of HELLFIRE flicker to life in your hands, Trier appears to be going easy on you–so much so that he doesn’t even move as he bats the attacks away with a flurry of unseen magical shields like whiffle balls!
Spreading a wave of HELLFIRE out ahead of his descent, RED uses the distraction to slip past the wizard’s spells and defenses! As he approaches from behind, you can feel a mass of DEMONIC ENERGY well up in your arms, culminating in a pair of gnarled, glowing CLAWS!
Before they can sink into their target, however, another pop of magic whisks your body over to the other side of the lab!
Turning to face Trier with a spirited snarl, RED burns away a fresh salvo of spells and smirks as the Archmage’s eye burns into your borrowed flesh!
“aSsSEsSSMeNT:” He drones, not bothering to pause as RED rushes at him again, “DemOnIC COnTamInATIOn HeiGHTenED. UnIdeNTIfIED mAGICal TraCeS…”
Swatting you away with a magical barrier, the mage continues his analysis as RED leaps out of the way of a bubbling, oily draught from Trier’s tendrils!
”claSSificAtiON: interLOPeR.”
“Took you long enough,” RED retorts as he pirouettes past one of those sweet-scented sleep spells, “My client’s taking a little break. He’s already spoken for, you see.”
An unseen force clamps around you, but the devil shrugs it off!
“anomAlOus esSEnCe… geASs InvaLidaTiON… conTrrAacCctsssS…” Trier mutters, eye flickering with each word, “... it IS… COMPROMISEd.”
>CONTD.
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>>6367875
“Oh, we’ve made a compromise, alright.” RED retorts as flames build between your fingers, “And I’m sorry he isn’t here to say it himself, but it doesn’t involve you.” A wry grin slips onto your face. “But if you’re willing to negotiate something on the side, well…”
A series of whirrs and metallic groans leave Trier’s ‘face’ as you hear something extend down to your level–he’s… is he actually going for it!?
Your body tenses at the gesture–not out of fear or worry, no, but from excitement. RED never really detailed his Ace in the Hole plan, you realize as you feel your own arm extend for a handshake, so could this…?
The flames in your fists dissipate as a thick, segmented tendril coils around your hand like a steel snake! Locking eyes with the enchanter, RED shudders as you feel HUNGER course through your body!
“... foR umBerAL…” Trier drones as you feel the heat build in your chest, “... FOr EtERnITy.”
“Yea,” RED replies with a genial grin, “For Eternity.”
From the depths of your core you feel it–a massive, burning presence surfacing like a leviathan from the darkest depths… miles of indescribable hunger masked by the screams of incalculable souls–the sound only audible to you as the writhing mass rushing from your soul like an eel from a rocky crag!
You know this beast, you think as the entity’s foul, incorporeal appendage latches onto the treasure stowed away deep within Trier’s Teksoul shell! It hides its true form beneath a shroud of imitated altruism and quirky mannerisms…
It has many names: ARCHDEVIL. DEMON. KALAMAAX.
You know it as RED.
For the briefest of moments, all perception fades, save for the sweetest ambrosia your mind has ever supped upon: pure power. Succulent soul! Infinitely more potent than the morsel you took in that Swoos Lounge in Gold Town! his… this essence, it’s…!
For the briefest of moments, the light in Trier’s eyes extinguishes… along with every inch of magic–not just in the lab or the tower, no…
In UMBERAL.
But the sensation is just that–temporary. A feeling akin to someone shutting down the GULPEE machine mid-pour washes over you as you feel… a struggle?
RED’S confidence wanes. This was unexpected.
“attEmPTeD absOrBTiON By MatERiAL PRoXY…” Trier muses, his eyes flickering in what you almost perceive as… amusement? “ConSciOuSnEsS iSolaTED To SinGulAR shELL, aetheRiaL cirCulAtiON revErSEd drAwING IN ExtERnAL EsSENCE… HUNGEr. FamiLIAr… HATED… HUNGER…”
You struggle to break free of Trier’s grasp, but even with RED’S strength you can’t break free–not without losing your hand! As your ‘driver’ struggles in vain, Trier’s gaze shifts spectrum–his eyes going from blue to… amber?
>CONTD.
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>>6367876
“ConCLUsiON:” Drones the mage as his undulating appendage begins to burn your hand like a white-hot poker, “ATTemPT… InSpIRED…”
RED’S influence burns away from your being as your consciousness is thrust back into the driver’s seat… and into a rush of pain akin to a chainsaw digging into your flesh!
“... YEt FUTILe. AeTHERiAL PolARITy ReVERsED. MaGiCAl ReSERvES NomINAL.”
Trier’s grasp on your hand loosens for a moment, but it’s enough! Wrenching your sore wrist free, you feel a dull, throbbing ache radiate through your skull along with the burn of holy energy rushing through your veins!
You ready yourself for an attack that never comes–in its place, however, comes a chorus of clanks, whirrs, and metallic grinding! Blinking the haze from your stinging eyes, your mouth drops to the floor as you watch the lab walls illuminate with scores of brilliant lights!
”UNITS… ALL…” Drones the mage as the chamber’s pressure builds under the weight of magical energy, “DiVERt PoWEr to AdmIN. ExECuTE…”
The tower rocks beneath a tempest of eldritch air–the energy within so potent you can feel it sting your flesh! And the Teksouls on the walls? They drift towards their master like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle… and when they reach their target:
CLANG! WHIRR!!! TTTSSSSTT!!!
What was once a trio is now a tower of Teksoul eyes–their master looming over you like a monument to pure, magical power!
“StrATeGY LOGGed…” Booms the Archmage as the air around him crackles with power and his seemingly-endless eyes burn into you, “IT wiLL NEvER suCCEed AGAIn.”
A moment of uncanny silence passes as you feel the weight of the world fall upon your trembling shoulders.
“EsSENCe degraDAtiON… ACcEpTablE LImiTsSS…”
Your teeth quake as you feel multiple spells build in Trier’s writhing mass of tentacles!
“YiElDINg… UnnECeSSaRy.”https://youtu.be/97nty9EOJtY
“HaSTe. AethERiC BluR. InTenSiFY. ExPAnD. EleMEnTAl BaRrIEr. PhanTAsmAL ImAgE. DivINE BarrIER: AttUnEmENT: THe VaGraNT. FiReBAll. DIsINTeGRate. LightNInG BolT. DeatHCLOuD. ICe StoRm. EarthEN TOmB. PoWEr WorD KILL. MEtAMAgiCAL ADDenDUM: MulTiCASt. MULTiCAsT. MULLLTICAAAASSSSST.”
Dang it...
>ROLL ME 1d100-12 (+2 Buff, +3 Swift Footwork, -12 LORDLY, -5 HOLY BURN!) to NOT DIE! BEST OF 3!
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>>6367887
holy shit we nearly got two nat 1s in a row jesus
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>>6367891
Luckily for all of us, I already rolled befroe I finished reading.
>“HaSTe. AethERiC BluR. InTenSiFY. ExPAnD. EleMEnTAl BaRrIEr. PhanTAsmAL ImAgE. DivINE BarrIER: AttUnEmENT: THe VaGraNT. FiReBAll. DIsINTeGRate. LightNInG BolT. DeatHCLOuD. ICe StoRm. EarthEN TOmB. PoWEr WorD KILL. MEtAMAgiCAL ADDenDUM: MulTiCASt. MULTiCAsT. MULLLTICAAAASSSSST.”
Damn, One For All, calm down.
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You’ve been to the beach before. Quite a few times, actually–and when you weren’t busy digging holes to the center of the Earth or bodysurfing, you’d usually spend your time trying (and usually failing) to outrun the waves.
Most of your memories remain fuzzy–hidden beneath a blanket of impenetrable fog–but like many of the other memories you’ve uncovered, this one is remarkably clear…
… And pretty much useless.
Still, it does assist in making an important point! See, when you were a kid, some of those waves seemed absolutely massive–inescapable! You’d wade for your life, of course, and while sometimes you’d make it by the skin of your teeth, more often than not you’d be toppled beneath the water’s weight. You never got hurt. Never drowned. Never needed, like, CPR or anything like that…
But those memories of staring in wide-eyed alarm at the glistening wave towering above you just before the crash?
You feel something similar as the lab holds its non-existent breath in grim anticipation…
And Trier’s wave of spells descends like a magical tsunami!
With your hellish help hidden behind your new burn, all you can do is scramble away like a cockroach as the world crumbles around you! Like dodging hail in a storm, however, that’s easier said than DONE!
The ground quakes and cracks beneath your feet just as a fleet of fireballs hammer the floor–you dive for cover, of course, but are caught mid-leap by the chorus of explosions!
Launched skyward, you barely manage to twist mid-flight in time to dodge a bolt of lightning… but your escape is cut short when you’re struck by a shower of ice spikes! As the frozen flechettes carve through your armor like subzero shrapnel, you’re caught mid-fall by a well-placed portal that plops you back at your prior position on the floor!
The stench of ozone fills the air as Trier sends a magical bolt your way–whether it’s that Death Word or Disintegrate you have no idea, but you don’t stick around long enough to find out! Squirming away like a worm outta’ hell, you nearly inch your way into a burning pit courtesy of those fireballs!
Rolling out of the way of the first Killbolt, you feel the very air sting your lungs as the projectile makes its impact… but by the time the next one hits, you’re already outta’ there!
What begins as a desperate bid for survival… well, it stays a desperate bid for survival! Dancing between attacks like the star of a fast-forwarded dance vid, you gradually feel the compounding effects of having your demonic powers hindered…
>CONTD.
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>>6367914
Your breaths become more ragged. Your muscles ache. Your thoughts grow slower. And Trier?
He just looms above you like an angry traffic light–every eye in his Teksoul entourage glaring impassively at you as their owner flings every spell in the book your way!
Things are grim, to say the least–you took a gamble on RED and it backfired. Would Trier have gotten this pissed inevitably? Probably. You can reflect on your strategy if you manage to make it out of this alive!
A viscous wad of acrid-smelling gunk surrounds you mid-thought, and as you dive over it to escape the ensuing cloud that fills your throat with a dagger-like sensation, you decide to cook up a plan while you still can!
What do!? You only have time for ONE right now! W-WATCH OUUUT!!!
>BLASTCAPS! THROWING KNIVES! Chuck everything! Give yourself time to think!
>BIISII’S BAG! C’mon, dude!
>Cast DISPEL MAGIC! It might slow him down a bit!
>TOPPEL’S THING! Siphon that magic!
>ANTI-MAGIC BOMB! Historically-Accurate, BITCH!
>HELP! You need HELP!
>WRITE-IN!
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A mage-mashing device with a boom for good measure? Yep, it’s gotta be the bomb! Sidestepping a ray you can’t quite identify, but assume is horrible, you reach into your massive pockets for the ANTI-MAGIC BOMB!
Hey… did you lose weight, or-
Your answer comes in the form of roaring winds culminating in a violent storm… and you’re definitely in its path! Leaving your pocket with the occult ordnance in hand, you hold onto the bomb for dear life as mighty winds scrape your face like scimitars!
“IT WILL BREAK,” Trier snarls as you pick up speed and crash through a blanket of jagged icicles, “IT WILL BEND.”
You barely have time to react to your fresh scrapes and wounds before the Triernado drags your through a cloud of spinning blades! Scrunching up like a pillbug, you deflect what you can with your MAGIC SHIELD as you pick up speed!
“IT. WILL. BOW.”
Your MAGIC SHIELD keeps you safe for a time… desperately wriggling past the lightning, flames, and rays you don’t manage to deflect with your shield like a worm in a blender, you’re left flatfooted when something much, MUCH bigger intercepts you mid-flight!
A meteor, you think as a sizzling, stony surface slams into you, or would it be considered an asteroid? You never really learned the difference!
Whatever it is, it catches you mid-air like a flyswatter meeting its mark, and while you struggle to peel yourself free, you feel one of the lab’s walls rapidly approaching!
Wait a second… it’s not getting closer… y-y-YOU ARE!!!
Wall and space rock debris shower your body as, in a rare instance of luck, your ride pivots juuuussst enough to spare you from being stuck between a rock and a hard place! In a very common instance of unluck, however, the wizard’s tower proves not to be as sturdy as you expect… and when magic meets magic, there’s really only one result:
The lab’s wall collapses on impact, and like a cheesy sci-fi flick everything in the lab is violently torn through the ensuing hole–air, debris, storage cells, and yes, especially YOU! Tumbling into the abyss like a wine glass perched a bit too close to the edge of a coffee table at a party, you grit your teeth in the blistering cold and hold the bomb close as Trier blinks into the space just ahead of you!
The wizard stays silent as he slings a wave of spells your way–though your RESIST MAGIC AMULET slows down the smaller projectiles, it can’t do much when what sounds like a spear the size of a tour bus pierces your asteRIDE and scatters the ensuing debris around the abyss like pool balls!
You land on a chunk swept up in the tornado. Hard. Battered and bloody, your legs struggle to manage your weight as you stagger to your feet with defiance painted on your features!
Clutched in your dirt-caked hands? One ANTI-MAGIC BOMB for Mr. Trier! EXPRESS SHIPPING!
>CONTD.
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>>6368257
Passing through a portal, your debris island rushes towards Trier as he and his eye collection whip up a fresh spell! But by the time you emerge, your fingers have already activated his ‘birthday present’!
The device whirrs to life at your side as you feel the familiar tingle in your teeth–until it doesn’t! Blinking in confusion, you barely react when the device is violently flung from your grasp by an unseen force!
“UmBErAL….” Croaks Trier as a quartet of beams carve through your footing, “aLL FoR UMBeRAL!”
With no other recourse, you take a page from your bomb’s book and LEAP from the debris just as a pocket of intense gravity slams into it from above! To your quiet delight you don’t fall to your death, but the good vibes die quickly when you remember why you aren’t falling–swept up in the storm, all you can do is try your best to find debris footholds to leap off of in pursuit of your device!
It’s armed, your training made damn sure of that, but if it doesn’t reach Trier, well, a bomb is only as useful as how many things it blows up, right?
Your thoughts are cut short by the sound of roaring flames just ahead of you–another meteorsteroid, you surmise, but instead of one large rock, you’re looking at a cluster!
Readying your MAGIC SHIELD, an idea comes to mind: a crazy, stupid, painful idea…
Slipping your feet into the shield’s straps, you bite your lip and bend your knees for what you’re about to do!
The abyss around you fills with magical darts and crackling beams as you aim a mule kick at the nearest lava rock… and PUSH OFF with all your might! Your soles bubble and your feet sting on impact, but the gamble pays off–and as you fly through Trier’s magical assault like a pigeon through a fireworks show, you repeat the steps on the next few orbs!
Though your feet burn and your body aches, you approach the last rock as the bomb’s metallic grinding and chittering grows louder! Just one more lea-
-p!
If you blinked, you would’ve missed it–emerging from a well-placed portal, you find yourself far above the source of the ticking… and in a perfect spot to be encased in spells! Feeling the abyss rumble to life around you, you take a deep breath as you remove your feet from your shield…
And kick off of it towards the bomb!
The air around you erupts in magic as the Archmage senses your plan–whether he has no clue what your item is or he does and doesn’t want to trigger it remains to be seen, but one thing’s for certain–Trier is NOT keen on letting you have it!
You’ve long since given up on appeasing him, however, so even as spells crowd your path, you merely grit your teeth and do what you do best:
LIIIIMMBOOOO!!!!!
It’s the same concept, you think as you weave past the conjurer’s countless castings, the bar is just a little more… experimental! And can kill you!
>CONTD.
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>>6368258
You’re too fast to catch in a portal, so when Trier conjures a cloud of frost expecting you to slow down, you merely close your eyes and don your WINTER CLOAK! Your exposed flesh cracks and stings, but you’re too focused on the prize now… and that bomb’s gonna blow soon!
Emerging from the cloud covered in crystals, you wrench your arm free with an unsettling CRUNCH and ready your TELESCOPING MEAT HOOK! The air around you crackles as Trier prepares to box you in, but it’s too late…
Swinging the steak stick with all your might, you lob the ANTI-MAGIC BOMB at The Archmage like a star batter…
Your very surroundings seem to hold their collective breath as the payload silently soars towards its target… and for the briefest of moments you feel time hang like lag in a MeTube vid…
But when the sensation passes, Trier is still there. And the bomb?
‘Click.’
You didn’t know what to expect from an ANTI-MAGIC BOMB--not entirely, at least. You saw what a big one accomplished in that flashback at the museum, but when the bomb does it’s job, well…
It feels like a pop. A dull one–like your ears when you’re on an airplane–but then you feel the sting. Persistent, like a big needle being jabbed through your very being, pulsing from your head to your aching, stinging toes!
It’s much quieter than you imagined, you think as you feel weight return to your shoulders and the roar of the storm die down around you, and Trier?
He drifts, floating frozen in space like a scarecrow on a windless day… and as you watch his extra eyes power down one by one and pieces of his new body shed like a snake’s old skin, it dawns on you that you’re still falling…
Right, you think as you peer into the yawning void below you, mage’s tower.
The sound of crackling flames pierce the abyss as Trier follows–and though he makes no move to attack you, his remaining eyes burn into you like cattle pokers… and slowly but surely, magical energy crackles in the air around you as you begin to hear distant shrieks and howls…
He’s not done, you think as you drift down to wherever the crack in the tower leads, and you aren’t either… but with your demon powers on the fritz it isn’t gonna be easy…
That’s when it hits you–the smell of rain-slaked soil and dew-covered grass. The shade of an old oak tree. The trickle of a babbling brook. The gentle caress of a warm, cliffside breeze.
Something–no, someONE is trying to reach out to you…
Do you reach for them?
>YES
>NO
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Time slows to a crawl around you as you zero in on the source… their presence is small–fainter than a whisper–but they’re close. Close enough for you to reach out to!
You steal a glance at Trier and shiver. Still there, of course, but frozen in place mid-conjuring. His conjurees? Silent for now, you realize, but not for long knowing your luck.
Questions pound the inside of your head like raindrops: what is this presence? Why’d it wait til’ now to reach out? The one that dwarfs the rest also happens to be the most obvious of the bunch: who has the power to put your battle on hold?
There’s only one way to get answers, of course, so letting your weariness even out the growing trepidation in your stomach, you reach out to help the presence through…
A smooth, delicate hand clasps around yours… and for the briefest moment you see it: a flash of light–bright, but not painful. Warm, but not scalding! The aches and pains drain from your body as the scent of fresh-tilled soil and wildflowers tickles your nose… and before you can properly react, you hear an unfamiliar voice echo through your head:
”Anton Peas: Traveller… Redeemer… Friend of the Righteous, Foe of the Wicked… Your actions speak… and The Earth listens...”https://youtu.be/tPJGN20Ey_4
They uh… they have you at a disadvantage, you reply as a nervous laugh leaves your lips!
”We are the whisper on the prairie wind… the warm embrace of fertile soil… the mountain’s shadow and the sun’s gentle kiss…” Each title brings with it a feast for your senses: a gentle breeze, sunlight on your cheeks, and the pitter-patter of rain against your window. ”We are the first harvest… the glitter in the ground… the stalwart stone, the tallest tree… the roaring river… this land is our body, its people our children, their plights our purpose…”
A name drifts into your skull–one you’ve heard a few times, but never really put much stock into until now! Is… are they-
”We are The Bountiful Harvest…” The voice answers with a demure smile in their tone, ”The Canvas… The Earthmother… We are KNODD… and you, dear traveler, are our redeemer… our rescuer…”
W-wait, wait, WAIT, you stammer, that’s… you–errr, I mean, your uh, your m-majest-wait, but… but how!?
”The contract brokered by The Sage in Light’s Cradle has been broken.” They respond as if you totally understand what the Hell they’re talking about, ”And my bonds with it.”
Bonds? Light’s Cradle? L-look, you stammer, this is a lot to take in an-
>CONTD.
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>>6368396
”The Sage stirs fueled by fresh fury,” The God interrupts, ”And your Fiend cut off, for a time…” You feel Knodd’s presence stoop to your level–their quasitangible breath smelling of fresh fruit. ”But be it spell or sorcery, you shall succeed today–let us aid you in battle, o’ Divine Liberator–let us return The Sage to the Earth… together.”
You don’t have to be very religious to discern that this isn’t an order… but a request. Divine, sure, but a request all the same. You sense no lingering malice or wariness in the God’s tone–and as the remaining weariness leaves your limbs, you realize you may be standing at a crossroads of sorts.
Where each path leads, well… you haven’t the foggiest, but if RED had anything to say about it he’d be chirping up a storm right about now!
What do? Knodd will give you some strength regardless, but what path do you take?
>The Champion of the Gods (The Hammer of the Divine… Avatar of the Imprisoned Gods...)
>The Spirit of Humanity (No gods. No demons. Just a man...)
>The Half-Fiend Hero (A Dark Knight… Righteous Wielder of Infernal Flames...)
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Actually fuck it I figure I should give some more deets here. None of these will totally upend the story, mind, but I'll give you a vague idea of what each choice might provide...
-Champion of The GodsKeep your current Demon Powers, but gain godly ones as well. Take your place in the good graces of Zoral's gods and bask in the rewards that provides.
-The Spirit of HumanityKeep your Demon powers, but you embrace your human heritage. No divine boons or pacts, no descent into demonhood, just your own gumption and bonuses born from your sheer determination and will.
-The Half-Fiend HeroYou're stuck with RED for now... why not embrace it? Expand your demonic powers and accept your Satany skills. 'Work' with RED and reap the rewards, but never forget who you really are
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>>6368397
>The Spirit of Humanity (No gods. No demons. Just a man...)
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>>6368492
I'll say this and shut up (and probably write an update earlyish on Sunday)--None of these 'routes' will lock you out of helping Rezzie if you wish to pursue that. I will also say that SPIRIT OF HUMANITY route won't keep you from getting some perks either if that helps inform your decision!
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>>6368495
Well, the idea of telling Jhairo we are literally holier than thou does seem funny. And I guess the main reason I went with humanity first was because of Liz, but then again, it doesn't really matter much about it does it?
Alright, I'll make it this way, if somebody else flips or it ends up being tied by a new vote consider me changed.
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>>6368498
I'll switch to Godhammer - I like the idea of Anton being Just A Guy but I voted before I had a full concept of what was up, I didn't know there would be magic swag. More RED powers would be cool, but I think juicing with God Gainz will make us more versatile in a pinch. And we are in a pinch!
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Gods. You can’t say you’ve ever met one–not with your memories scattered to the wind, at least–but you’d be lying if you said the idea of some big, omnipotent being looking out for you didn’t sound appealing! Scraps of scattered recall flit through your head like candy wrappers in a typhoon–
“It was in God’s plan…”
“They’re with God Now…”
“We’ll pray for you…”
Words propped up by forced smiles and awkward hugs meant to warm your soul… yet leaving you even colder than before.
And now? The Earthmother itself wants you to tag them in. Would God do the same in your own world?
Would God even listen?
Look, you begin as your inner religious crisis slaps a sheepish smile on your face, you’re, uh… not really up to date on worship procedures, bu-
”You are a stranger in a strange land,” The Earthmother coos, ”While others would save themselves, you tend to a flock that is not your own.”
A sweet, lemony scent tickles your nostrils.
”You owe us nothing… yet you risk everything.”
A warm breeze caresses your ear. “This world yearns for a Champion… one who wields kindness and compassion–strength and sagacity. We are honored to be the first to bequeath unto you your new title… and our strength, should you choose to accept it.”
‘Accept it’, you echo in a tone barely above a whisper, is… you still have a choice?
”The path you walk is yours alone,” Knodd replies in a soothing voice, ”But we would walk it with you… if you allow it.”
You know the answer, of course. You’ve known it ever since you stumbled free of that cult charnel house Rezzie cleared out… since Volka and Morook nursed you–a stranger, an alien--back to health… since Tzah-Tzie gave you that first, cheeky grin you’re powerless against… since your actions, however small, gave someone hope.
Hope in a world left to die in the darkness.
Extending your palm for a handshake, you instead feel an intense warmth enveloping your body!
”Let it be so. Walk tall, mortal: as of this moment, each step you take brings dawn in your wake.”
As time resumes its march, your descent is cut short by the feeling of Earth beneath your feet–grass-covered soil meeting every footstep!
Trier warily watches from afar as whatever spells he was cooking up around you fizzle into the void. “... eneRGy SiGnAtuRE… ImPossIBLe…”
>CONTD.
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>>6368797
Knodd’s voice booms across the abyss–its motherly tone bolstered by barely-contained ire!
”OUR PRISON WAS CONTINGENT ON YOUR LIFE, MAGE–I WITNESSED YOUR CRAVEN RITUAL AT LIGHT’S CRADLE…”
“I-IGNORaNCE!!!” Trier squawks into the void, ”wE LIVE-”
”SEMANTICS! THE FIEND’S PLOY FAILED, BUT YOUR LIFE WAS LOST! A MOMENT, A MILLENIUM… IT MATTERS NOT: THE EARTH BEARS WITNESS… AND ITS CHAMPION WILL RENDER JUDGEMENT!”
“’JudGeMENT!’” Snarls the sorcerer as the tower groans under a rush of magical energy entering from outside, ”imPRisONEd GODS! reSHapED reAliTY! builT NAtiONS! WE ARE LORD! WE ARE THE LAND!”
Newfound power courses through your body like a power conduit as you too gather energy–given, not stolen–and when you open your eyes, you can feel them glowing–not just with power…
But with the blessing of the gods!https://youtu.be/ctk9ZZjdX7A
Any last words for Trier before you start caving his skull in?
>Your term limit’s up, pal!
>It’s time to move on!
>This is for all those souls you stole!
>He likes magic, right? You’re about to make him disappear!
>In the name of the Earth, you’ll punish him!
>Stay Silent. He’ll freak out!
>Write-In!
Oh, and you have the floor, of course. Pick an OPENING ATTACK courtesy of Knodd!
>EARTHEN PRISON!
>METEOR SHOWER!
>MOUNTAIN’S FURY!
>THOUSAND THORNS!
>SANDSWEPT STORM!
>WRITE-IN ANOTHER EARTH-THEMED ATTACK!
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>>6368798
>He likes magic, right? You’re about to make him disappear!
>EARTHEN PRISON!
Best ironic combo AND suitable for an aspiring magician. Everyone knows the secret hiding place is key fro any disappearing act. Plus, Knodd's the Earthmother or whatever,and we're from Earth... Come on, it's golden!
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>>6368802
>NERRRRR IRRELEVANT DATAAAA NERRR
>THOUSAND THORNS!
>>6368806
>https://youtu.be/9YR2dV7kTKk
>MEATBALL SHOWER
>>6368821
>>6368823
>>6368889
>FOR MY NEXT ACT...
>EARTHEN PRISON!
>>6368928
T-T-TWO-TZIE!? I love this artstyle of yours, anon! Great character interpretations! Also dear lord one TT's enough can you imagine TWO!?
>>6368930
>>6368932
Exactly. Two times the smug. Two times the Theater Kid Energy. Two times the TAIL!
>Roll me 1d100+7 (+2 Buff, +3 Swift Footwork, +10 GODLY, -5 Lordish, -3 Angry (But Weakened) Trier) to divine some retribution! Best of 3!
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Angry as he is, Trier doesn’t dare make the first move–you spot the tiniest of twitches in one of his many eyes as he stares you down… The Archmage knows who’s backing you now, and for the first time in what might be ages, well…
He’s nervous.
Staring the sorcerer down from your peaty perch, you feel divine energy radiate from your body to the void around you as your mind floods with possibilities! Reaching out into the aether with your newfound strength, you address your adversary with a cocky grin!
You like magic, right, Trier?
He responds by flinging a salvo of spells your way… but you don’t plan on running anymore! Flexing your divinity, the magic is intercepted by several stony spires emerging from explosions of dirt and soil! Sensing danger, the Archmage teleports away in a flicker of magic, only to emerge surrounded by even more pillars!
Because you’re gonna make him disappear!
The Archmage warps again, yet every time he appears he’s met by even more Earth… and before long the wicked revenant has all but built his own tomb! As his eyes barely shine through the orb of Earth built around him, Trier lets loose with a feral, mechanical squawk as magic surges from his body!
The spells batter your stone like hail, but the prison holds firm–and with every blow they take, the barrier tightens!
“MusT! musT PErSErVERE!” He howls as your magic closes around his construct corpse, “UmBERaL… eteRNAl-”
A dull CRUNCH echoes across the void as your Earthen Prison meets its mark… and squeezes! In a last-ditch attempt to escape, Trier warps once more… but you’re ready for him!
Your opponent emerges screaming as a jagged spire emerges just as he does–cleaving his mish-mash of bodies in twain with a violent groan of metal! Writhing in shock, Trier is barely able to react as a monolith bursts forth from the abyss and makes a beeline for his remaining eyes!
Magical force rushes forth from his flailing tendrils, but it’s too panicked–too rushed! Slamming into him with the force of a train, the monolith sends the mage careening across the abyss!
As you launch yourself after him with a springboard made of stone, you realize your mistake a little too late! Dicing your monolith into ribbons with magically-augmented tentacles, Trier turns his gaze upon you–his eyes flickering and leaking steam through networks of cracks spiderwebbing across them!
“WE. ARE. UMBERAL.” He roars as the tower quakes beneath you once more from the influx of incoming magic from the city outside! “WE. WILL. PERSIST!”
He’s preparing one last gamble–no doubt something ancient and terrible that could even send Knodd reeling… and yea, he might have ages of experience on his side, but he’s forgetting one very important detail:
>CONTD.
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>>6369220
“I knew there was something special about you…” TT purrs as she traces a claw through your messy hair, “I knew it the minute I saw you…”
“Course we do, ya’ big goof.” Snickers the Skog as her tail slaps against the floor! “Lamplighters stick together! It’s a rule!”
“Someone needs to stick close to make sure you don’t blow yourself up…” Adds her half-brother with a shrug and a smirk in his voice!
“That’s… what I’ve been pondering.” Rezalith answers softly. “You, Volka, Teetee… you’re not just my allies anymore…” You know what she wants to call you, but discomfort wins out in the end, it seems.
You’re ANTON PEAS… and you’re a far better magician than he’ll EVER be!
>How do you dethrone LORD TRIER?
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The void erupts around you with violent crackles and hisses–the telltale signs of you being surrounded by Trier’s last gamble! Glancing skyward, you rethink your options as the air above you fizzles to life as well!
Your only route, it would seem, is to slip below the barriers! That’s right, you realize as you borrow some more magic from Knodd and stretch your back one last time, your only option is…
To LIMBO!!!https://youtu.be/gV0ujTVD9kI?list=RDgV0ujTVD9kI
Your stomach lurches as you let the soil dissolve beneath you, and by the time Trier begins conjuring another cluster of spells below, you’ve already caught yourself in a firm, but gentle cluster of godly vines!
As the vines underhand toss you beneath Trier’s conjurings, you sail across the void towards your target with divine power trailing in your wake! To his credit he manages to sling a few spells at your approach… and when those don’t land he lashes out with a fistful of tentacles instead!
The Archmage, however, seems to have spent too much time in the library–his flailing isn’t fast enough… not enough to stop your closing act! From the darkness above comes a slab of stone bigger than a diner–you’d have made it a little bigger, but you wanted to save some ‘oomph’ for the tricky part!
Trier catches the slab with a barrier, of course, but the other stone coming from below?
Yea okay, he stops that one too. But between all the spells he tossed at you before coupled with the smacks you gave him earlier and the one-two punch of having to conjure some hasty barriers?
Trier’s caught. Caught trembling between your rocks like a roach caught between a boot and a hard floor! Despite his staunch stoicism, you can feel it radiating off of his frankenbod like bad cologne–confusion. Anger. fear.
“... ImPoSSibLe…”
No, you correct as you pump a little more pressure into the slabs, imPROBABLE!
… B-bitch!
The Mage’s barriers flinch briefly… and then give out, sending a reverberating CRUNCH across the void. As if held up by his existence, the tower begins to lurch around you as you sense an overwhelming aura emanating from where Trier once stood!
Err, hovered!
Wait, crud! His soul! You’ve gotta grab his soul for-
”We are aware of your contract, Champion,” Knodd interjects as time slows to a crawl around you once more, ”But we would make one more humble request…”
RED? Screw that guy, you say with a derisive scoff! They can just vaporize that whole Lord agreement, right? Hell, they can get rid of your demon stuff too! Fire away!
The god’s presence sinks at your request.
>CONTD.
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>>6369322
”Alas,” Knodd replies with fresh pain in their voice, ”Infernal arrangements are beyond our purview… and we have been absent from this realm for some time…”
Now it’s your turn to sink. W-wait, you stammer as confusion worms its way into your tone, they… they’re a god, right!? Surely they can, like… f-filibuster? Is that the word? You don’t know much about contracts–shit, can RED HEAR you!?
It is disconnected… for now. But It will return… and It will demand its due.” The smell of berries begins to engulf you. ”But while an Archdevil may match a God, they are helpless before our combined might. If you liberate my kin, they too shall pledge you their strength.”
That’s… not ideal, you groan, but what choice do you have?
”We must reassert our presence in this realm… bide our time and recover our divinity. But we will not leave you untended, Anton–while we cannot lend you the extent of our strength, we will bestow upon you a power to rival the profane gifts given to you by The Fiend…”
That’s… very much appreciated, you reply with as grateful of a smile you can manage, but they mentioned a request?
”Your contract bids you to collect the Lord’s Souls for The Fiend… his purposes are unknown even to us, but surely you have come to a similar conclusion?”
Yea, you shrug, you don’t think he’s gonna rob from the Lord and give to the poor…
”We can conjure energy on-par with The Sage’s Soul… you may offer it to The Fiend, and while we cannot guarantee It won’t eventually see through our ploy, you will be doing this world a great kindness indeed by letting The Sage return to the Great Cycle…”
No offense, you frown, but did they catch what Trier was up to? Do they really, truly believe giving his soul a mulligan is-
”Be they wicked or be they righteous, all deserve to return to the Great Cycle… it was his refusal of this that drove The Sage so mad… and it will deliver and redeem him as will the countless souls he so jealously hoarded.”
A warm wind fills the void where Trier’s remains linger… and as it rushes past you can almost hear a clamour of whispers whip by like someone speaking to you from a speeding train!
”We understand the gravity of your contract, however. The decision is yours to make, Champion, and ours to respect.”
>CONTD.
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>>6369323
Listening to the enslaved souls depart from Trier’s body, you render your decision:
>Give Trier’s Soul to RED
>Let Trier pass on. Give the decoy to RED
AND
CHOOSE KNODD’S BOON!
>GEOMANCY: Yank stone and soil from the Earth! Give yourself a boost! Fling it at a foe! Dig for treasure!
>VIRTUOUS VINE: Conjure a vine weave strengthened with divinity! Ensnare your foes in their burning embrace! Snag things from far away! Swing to and fro!
>SIFTING SAND: Summon a storm of divine sand! Blind your foes, create hills and barriers, send your enemies packing with gusts of holy grains!
>CLAY COAT: A suit of armor formed from divine clay! Weather the strongest heat, stop attacks dead in their tracks, shape it into a bridge, a shield, or something else in its non-rigid form!
>SPIRIT SLING: A ranged weapon that turns any stone into a divine projectile! Hold a stone close to an element to mirror it! Never want for ammunition again!
>MUD MAUL: A divine weapon that can go from rigid to flexile at a mere thought! Slip past enemy defenses, extend and smite far-away foes, widen the weapon for advanced defense!
>WRITE-IN SOMETHING ELSE (Within reason please I'm just a lil QM nyaaah~)
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>>6369333
It's mostly out of spite. I'm not going to argue that giving him the fake would be a better choice. I just want Trier to eat shit, that's all.
I genuinely don't expect it to win.
As for the BOON, I can see value on GEOMANCY, SIFTING SAND and VIRTUOUS VINE. I don't think we really need armor or a weapon, I prefer more magical powers if anything. Vine might be funny but I'm a sand chud.
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Wait, shit, what about the *other* souls? We might be able to trick RED for now, but if we get to a second soul we might just need to give it, and I feel like Trier is the one person we can be 100% sure deserves it...
Bones, if it isn't too much of a spoiler, will we get this option again, to use a fake soul or not?
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>>6369366
The decoy was said to be something that he could eventually see through, so it's not a risk free option. The choice is either "empower RED but we won't get on his bad side", or "Prevent him from getting powerful, but he'd be pretty miffed once he sees through our ruse."
Depending on what Bones says, giving him the soul might be fine if it's the only one we have to give him.
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>>6369366
If Knodd can make a decoy there's a good chance the other gods can too. I won't say it's the safer option because RED is pretty sly, but he also won't get a LORD SOUL either if you go with the decoy. As per your contract you are supposed to give RED the other LORD souls too, especially if you're the one that wastes em.
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>>6369378
Hmm, I'm not sure. I don't like the idea of giving him a Lord Soul but I also can't have him find out for now. We might be able to figure out a way to deal with him next time, but right now?
Of course, we're probably gonna have to make him spit out the soul when the time comes.
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>>6369381
The choice isn't really something we can delay, you know? Either we give it to him now, or we give him the decoy that he'll probably figure out sooner or later.
I say we give him the soul. Trier deserves it and it'll lower his guard once we find a way to trick him later, with the other Lords. There's only two options here, man.
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>>6369296
*Patting my stalactites*
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>>6369325
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>>6369327
>>6369394
>>6369413
Guys, I'm just saying, the guy we're empowering is apparently best described as"–a massive, burning presence surfacing like a leviathan from the darkest depths… miles of indescribable hunger masked by the screams of incalculable souls–the sound only audible to you as the writhing mass rushing from your soul like an eel from a rocky crag! It hides its true form beneath a shroud of imitated altruism and quirky mannerisms"
Our charming cowpoke Kalamaax is probably worse than Trier, and we're giving him seemingly Trier's powerful spirit AND (if I'm understanding correctly) the spirits of many, many archmage victims.
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>>6369325
>Let Trier pass on. Give the decoy to RED
VIRTUOUS VINE: Conjure a vine weave strengthened with divinity! Ensnare your foes in their burning embrace! Snag things from far away! Swing to and fro!
Spider-Ant, Spider-Ant
Does a bunch of things a spider can't
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>>6369489
>pictured: our buddy
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>>6369327
>>6369394
>>6369413
>>6369594
>GIVE TRIER TO RED
>>6369361
>>6369536
>GIVE DECOY
And as for POWERS...
>6369326
>6369361
>6369413
>GEOMANCY
>6369327
>SAND
>6369536
>VINE
>6369594
>MAUL
Decisions, decisions, am I right? Don't worry--there's plenty more where that came from! Still waking up and got some more meetings, so expect an update a little later! Writinggggg
>>6369394
>Next lord might not be such a poopoohead
We shall see! : ^)
>>6369489
Yes
Sorry for the tags--dumbass 4chan thinks I'm spamming people so I hope I got everyone
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You relay your choices to Knodd and brace yourself for the inevitable fallout, but when a moment passes and you find yourself unsmote… er, unsmitten? Unsmited?
…unsmotled?
Knodd graciously chimes in as you cautiously withdraw your hands from your face.
”So be it. We regret that we could not lend you our aid sooner–were it so, you would not be bound by that foul contract…”
Yea, for what it’s worth, you meekly reply, you would totally send him back to the Circle of Life or whatever if there wasn’t a chance of RED finding out and eating your soul like a Cheese Puff.
”We bear no ill will–virtue moves as a mighty glacier… neither time nor tumult will keep it from its final destination.”
The Earthmother clearly hasn’t ever heard of FLAMETHROWERS, but you’re not petty enough to argue! So, you cough, is it okay if-
”Fulfill your contract, Champion–we shall quit this place thereafter.”
Erm, v-verily, you nod! Patches of soil form beneath each step you take as you approach the monoliths acting as Trier’s temporary tomb… and as his tower trembles around you like a matchstick sculpture you feel an uncanny shiver travel down your spine!
Stopping mid-stride, your fists ball at your sides as the sensation slowly winds around you like a spectral serpent… and from the inky void comes a calm, resigned voice…
“So this is it, is it? Understandable.”
It takes you a moment to identify, especially in the absence of stunted sentences and mechanical squawks, but you’d know the owner anywhere:
Trier, you frown, if he’s got any tricks left–
”We are undone,” laments the entity, ”As is Umberal… our legacy. Our jewel glittering eternal…”
Yea, you retort, kinda hard to appreciate the sights when the mayor’s slurping up souls for his Death Squads… oh, and the rampant Crime Syndicate really put a damper on the nightlife!
“Too soon…” Moans the spirit, leaving you uncertain if he can even hear you, ”Too soon… our empire was to reign eternal–divinity at any cost…”
That’s the thing about costs–they tend to add up!
“We fell dormant surrounded by screaming and smoke… and awoke to bitter cold and primitive chitters…” The entity trembles. “... We had lost all… and in the end learned nothing.”
A hush falls over the tower.
“Divinity… at any cost.” Clusters of goosebumps form on your flesh as you feel the Archmage’s ghastly gaze fall upon you. ”Our time passed long, long ago… and yet we kept too busy to acknowledge it. And now?”
It’s Trier’s turn to shiver… and compared to the loads of unpleasant encounters you’ve had with the guy, this small gesture feels… oddly human.
“Time… nothing but time…”
>CONTD.
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>>6369731
His eyes fall upon you once more. “We have… one last request. A selfish one.”
You’re not backing out of feeding him to RED, you firmly reply!
“Learn from our mistakes–our madness.” Trier replies calmly. ”Lest you repeat them.”
Huh. You, uh, you expected a lot more dramatic fist-shaking and ‘if it’s the last thing I doooo’s! Feeling a familiar–and very fiendish–presence stir within you, you leave Trier with a parting remark:
>You deserve this, you know.
>Any other regrets?
>Sorry it didn’t work out.
>Send me a postcard when you get there!
>Don’t worry–you’ll send him some company soon.
>Umberal will persist.
>Stay Silent. Give your Archdevil what he wants.
>Write-In!
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>>6369733
>You deserve this, you know?
An empire built off the suffering of hundreds of thousands of souls is not an empire worth ruling, Trier.
>Umberal will persist.
But there will always be a way forward. Just not with you in the picture.
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As far as you’re concerned, you only owe two things to Trier: Jack… and shit. And you haven’t the foggiest idea of where you can find the former! Whether it was a product of madness, evil, or outdated ideology doesn’t change a thing–Trier would’ve gladly turned all of Zoral into a Teksoul-policed shithole, and had you not stepped in, well…
He might’ve actually gotten away with it.
Umberal, you begin in as measure of a tone you can muster, will persist, Trier. He might’ve lost track somewhere down the line, but it’s people that make an empire, city, hell, even an apartment complex great! And thanks to him they’ll be fighting for their lives trying to bring normalcy back… but when they do, well…
You give the ghost a stern, determined glare.
They’ll rebuild. Turn this place into something even better than it was… but he won’t be around to see it.
The wraith weighs your words. “... Umberal… was not the mightiest citadel in our flotilla. Its academies paled in comparison to The Ebony Spires of Tuoron… and the amphitheater may as well have been a garden compared to Innok’s Dawnwater Arena.”
Trier casts his glance skyward. ”But if I try… if I… focus hard enough… I can still picture it: the sunset gleaming off the aqueduct’s surface… the smell of flatbread as we scampered through the alleys… and the music… we always had music…”
A weary sound leaves the Archmage as his eyes fall upon you once more.
”I had forgotten… a small price to pay.” His eyes glimmer. “The first of many, I suppose. Proceed, Half-Fiend. I am ready.”
As if on-cue, a familiar presence makes itself known deep in the dark recesses of your psyche…
”PHEW!” RED remarks as he lets out something resembling a yawn, ”Got a little dicey back there, huh? Oh, but where are my manners?”
Your body JERKS towards Trier’s lingering presence as time slows to a crawl and hedonistic bliss envelops you once again–and while the Archmage fought tooth-and-nail against it before, there’s barely any struggle this time around as you feel his essence fade from the tower quicker than a fart in a hurricane! And you?
As RED savors every last drop of soul, you just stand there shuddering like a chihuahua left in the rain… laughing. Smiling. Drooling.
You… you could get used to this…
It’s only when you feel something prodding your cheek that you realize you’ve lost track of time–and it’s your own finger, too!
”First time, huh, kid?” RED snickers as you feel the post-meal haze leave your head, ”Nothing quite like it, is there?”
Thoughts come delayed as you continue to recover from the feast. You’re… he’s…
>CONTD.
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>>6369814
”Got a lot to answer for? Owes you something? Relax, Tex,” the demon purrs like a cat that just got the canary, ”Gotta wait a few minutes to digest, y’know.”
Minutes… do you even have that much… time?
Your answer comes in the form of the tower groaning and trembling in its death throes around you… or lack thereof. Before you can ask, your Archdemon answers with a raspy laugh!
”It’ll hold… for a little longer, at least. So! Quite a nasty bit of work you pulled off back there, pard!”
That’s IT!? You nearly lost because of his bullshit and all he can say is ‘good job’?!
”We ran into a hiccup, but it all worked out, right?” He replies, cool as a cucumber! ”And you know what? I screwed up, champ–I’ll be the first to admit it! These LORDS aren’t pushovers, that’s for sure…”
Yea, you’re SO glad you’re still able to workshop about it! What would he have done if you bit the big one back there anyways? Because, y’know, you almost DID!
”What we’re doing now, bud: strategizing. Reflecting. LEARNING!” Retorts the devil with an incorporeal shrug! ”And hey, you even freed a god and got a cute new power out of it! We made out like bandits, didn’t we?”
Y-yea, you frown, barely able to contain your confusion, he… he’s cool with that?
”Not a big fan of the divine if I’m being entirely honest,” RED sighs like you’d just offered him a snack he doesn’t like, ”But I ain’t prejudiced! They want the LORDS gone, right? So do we, amigo!”
Sure, you shrug, but what happens when he has all of his sou-
”That, my friend, is a bridge we’ll cross when we reach it… and you know what? I think we might just manage if you keep up the hustle! Phew, Liz is gonna flip her glasses once she hears abou-”
A sudden coughing fit stops the devil’s sentence dead in its tracks! ”Err, but we can worry about that later… so! Can’t let my STAR PLAYER go without some payment, now can I? Say what you will about ole’ RED, but he always… ALWAYS rewards good work! And on-time, to boot!”
Your blood heats up beneath your flesh as you feel its demonic ‘gift’ reassert itself…
”So!” Begins the demon, ”What say we go fishing for some memories, ey, Jefe? Just let that mind of yours sit back and relax for a bit… whoof, and maybe reorganize a little! This place is a pigsty!”
You’re not exactly thrilled about RED poking around in your memories, but as he rummages around like an old lady at a thrift store, you feel something slowly emerge from the mind-enveloping mist…
>A call from your sister
>A meeting with your parents
>The bar after the breakup
>The lawyer’s office
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An austere office emerges from the fog like a ghost ship–polished wood surfaces, thick, dark curtains obscuring the room’s sole window, shelves stuffed with rows of thick books with titles ranging from ‘The Art of the Argument’ to ‘Follow the Money: Case Studies in Corporate Malfeasance’.
A sole orchid tries and fails to tie the sweltering room together–the plant’s flower long-since shriveled and its leaves barely holding their own above a cluttered mahogany desk. And behind it?
The office’s owner dabs some more sweat off his brow and onto an already-moist handkerchief–his wrists leaving condensation where they sit on the desk. You steal a sidelong glance at the vent near the ceiling tasked with keeping the room pleasant.
It’s trying its best… which, you’ve long since realized as you wipe your face onto your sleeve for what feels like the eighth time in the last minute, isn't very good at all.
A rough hand gives your shoulder a gentle squeeze as its owner–your father–throws in his best attempt at a reassuring smile. Must’ve interpreted your eye movement as something else…
And your mother? Stiller than a statue–the same expression carved into her face she’s been wearing for weeks. You get no reassurances from her.
“Apologies again about the heat…” Mutters the office’s owner in that reedy, but contrite tone of his as his spectacled eyes reach across the desk to your family, “The technicians say the replacement part’s on backorder, but… erm…” He abandons the sentence quicker than a rat at a cat convention. “... Wade, Enid, Anton… I appreciate you all coming in to discuss things. I understand you all have busy schedules, but I didn’t want any details to become lost in translation through email or-”
Can he, uh… can he give you a note for work, or something? The Lawyer’s eyes dart over to yours like a raccoon caught pilfering from your trash bin!
“S-sorry?”
Y’know, so you have, like… a permission slip? Can he do that?
His eyes boring into you is all the answer you need. Nevermind, you begin, y-
“I… yes, sorry, we don’t do that…”
That’s cool… That's cool…
“Sorry…”
No, you’re sorry!
Both of you trail off into another awkward silence, but swift, decisive action from your father salvages the situation! “So,” he begins, pausing briefly to clear his throat, “Why are we here?”
“Yes, well…” The lawyer begins after another brow-dabbing, “I, erm, I don’t know if you’ve been following the news–”
“No.”
Your mother’s voice cuts straight to the point–no frills, no wasted breath… It was as if every syllable uttered caused her immeasurable pain behind that stony expression.
You never got used to it.
“What… she means is,” Your dad continues, “...is we’ve been trying to avoid it. Given the, um-”
>CONTD.
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>>6370090
“Yes, I understand…” The Lawyer nods, making a clear attempt to avoid meeting your mother’s steely gaze. “Simply put, given all that’s occurred as of late it’s been proving exceptionally difficult to meaningfully connect and communicate with the company’s legal team… and I wanted to explain myself while also floating the idea again of-”
“We’re NOT settling.” Your mother snaps, eyes wide with growing ire, “Our daughter is-” She pauses mid-sentence, pain etched into her face as if something had pierced her chest. “... Was not… not a mad scientist, or a corporate drone, or… or a damned STATISTIC!”
With every word that leaves her lips, your mother rises even further from her chair wild-eyed and angry.
“She was our DAUGHTER! We want JUSTICE, not a PAYOFF!”
“A-and I’m right there with you!” Sputters the Lawyer as your mother slumps back into her seat! “We’re all on Team Peas here, but…”
Your hand awkwardly hovers over your mother’s shoulder for a moment… but when push comes to shove, you bring it back to your lap.
“But we need to face facts:” Explains the Office owner with a long sigh. “If we continue down the path of… well, what we’re doing now… we’ll be waiting for a long, long time.”
“How long?” Your father asks placidly. The Lawyer’s face scrunches up like a bug about to be stepped on.
“I won’t lie,” He mutters, “The company, well… there’s a good chance it won’t be around for much longer. With the CEO dead and their family under investigation… not to mention the debate over who’s at fault and the ongoing investigation, well…” They gulp down a lump welling up in their throat. “The legal teams we’re sparring with now might not be there in a month’s time… maybe even a week.”
The office falls silent once more.
“I… I know it isn’t ideal,” The Lawyer concludes as his gaze falls deskward, “But I don’t want you all to go to war for the next few years and emerge empty-handed. It… it won’t bring her back–”
“Dylan.” Your mother whispers, her eyes zeroed-in on the ratty red carpet.
“... Dylan.” The representative reverently repeats, “It won’t bring… Dylan back, but… accepting a settlement now is, in my opinion, the best course of action.”
Your mother and father fall silent. You were content to let everyone else talk back then–people tended not to pry much if you kept your mouth shut, and it usually worked, which suited you just fine.
… On everyone except Liz, that is.
In this memory, however, you did say something–you recall that much. What was it, again?
>How much is the settlement?
>What’s gonna happen to the company?
>Did the investigation find out anything else?
>Other people are suing, right?
>Mom? Dad? Thoughts?
>You stayed silent, actually.
>Write-In.
Sorry for the wait! Had net issues earlier today!
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>>6370158
>Oh, by the way... remember that roll I had you do?
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You remember not caring much about the company–who would run it next, where all of its employees would run off to if it really was on a crash-course towards dissolving… truth be told, not much mattered to you back then, and your thoughts felt almost as hazy back then as they do now.
At least now you have ‘Teleportation Sickness’ or whatever as an excuse, but back then?
You just wanted to flick the ‘Autopilot’ button on your life. Anything to avoid staring down that open wound carved into your soul.
Did… did they find out anything else, you ask weakly, shrinking back in your seat as all eyes in the room fall upon you! In, uh, the case?
“I, er, well…” Stammers the Lawyer as he tries to find something on his desk to focus his gaze on, “It’s… still an ongoing case–the authorities are still conducting interviews, canvassing the island, identifying bod–erm, th-they’re supposed to be quite good at what they do over in California, but, well, I don’t have to tell you that it’s a slow process…”
He doesn’t. Your parents may have been able to escape the news, but you?
Customers, coworkers, miles of Tweeter and MeTube posts… no one could shut up about it, and who could blame them? A graduation party became a mad science bloodbath–it sounded like something right out of a B-Movie… and it all happened to kids just below your age.
You thought folks would be a bit more rattled, especially after that other incident in California not too long before–some kind of dog treat-borne psychosis? Everyone got over that pretty quickly… would this blow over too?
Vigils for the students who didn’t make it. Protests, crowdfunding, theory and reaction videos…
No one really cared much about what happened to the people working in the labs they uncovered on the island… whether or not they had a choice. Only that they caused it:
Hauser Pharmaceuticals.
>CONTD.
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>>6370179
The edge of the memory hits you like a brick wall at a brisk jog–so much so that even RED recoils with you!
”H-hey, Tex, what’s… y-you good!?”
No, you groan as you mentally claw at the memory like a cat locked behind a door, you… wh-where’s the rest of it!?
”Rest of what?”
The MEMORY, you snarl! This… there’s no way that’s all!
RED responds with a weary sigh. ”That’s… that’s what I was able to dig up, kid… for now, at least! Those thoughts of yours are locked up tighter than a nun’s undie drawer!”
Weird. Also, what!? He said he could get them all back for you!
”I… look, I’m trying here, buckaroo, but-”
Will he DIE if he goes a minute without, like, making an excuse or something!? He tells you he’ll be able to one-tap Trier… and he FAILS. ‘Oh yea, pilgrim! I’ll lasser up ya some memories, darn’ tootin’!’ And he FAILS!
”I know that memory might’ve made you a little upset, pard, but-”
That contract you signed, you begin as rage slowly spreads through your body, was GRADE-A CRAP! You agreed to take down Lords because he said it’d be a snap! He promised you memories! How the… FFFUCK is he not breaking the rules right now, huh!? HUH!? Lying PRICK!
”E N O U G H!”
The sudden response sends you reeling–your anger billowing away in an imagined wind as you feel the presence in your body churn and roil with overwhelming R A G-
And just like that, the sensation stops. ”... I… you’re right, kid…” The Archdevil begins in a low, defeated voice, ”The truth is… I don’t know as much about this plane as I thought I did… but traveling with you? Meeting all of these people, visiting these places? I’m learning! And… and you’ve got every right to be angry at me–I’ll be the first to call it like it is–but even if it takes me til’ the end of time, well…”
The voice hits a speedbump.
”A contract’s a contract. I’m gonna get you those memories back. All of them.”
You let go of a long, long sigh you didn’t know you were holding in as RED finishes speaking. Part of you wants to believe him–hell, it’s not like you’ve been embracing your demonic nature, so maybe that ties into it? Liz could probably fill you in… if she ever actually wants to speak to you again, that is.
>CONTD.
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>>6370181
On the other hand… you’ve got your friends now. You’ve got GODS, too, apparently! You may be stuck with RED, but is he really your only option for your memories? Do… do you even want to remember them all?
You’re tired. Killing an Ancient Dead-ish Wizard and a psychotic Crime Lord within the same few hours’ll do that to a man. Right now you just want to share a drink with your pals and tumble into a nice, warm bed…
Crud, TT’s not gonna let you nap at all, is she?
”... I’ll… leave you to it for a spell, Anton.”
With that, the bubble of dilated time around you bursts, thrusting you back into what feels like standing in a skyscraper mid-demolition… all while the world’s crappiest garage band is serenading you!
”Your matters are settled?” KNODD’S voice, motherly though it may be, still startles you with how sudden it appears! ”I must tend to my flock for a time… but I will return you to your allies, should you wish it.”
What do?
>Yea, take me back.
>I have some questions for you first, KNODD.
>I wanna talk some more with RED.
>Write-In!
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>>6370198
It's better to know, if only for what we do. Don't take me wrong, I like TT, but if I knew about what Anton did to Liz I would have definitely waited out to try to make it right. I'd rather not repeat that.
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‘Should you wish it’... the words echo through your weary head as Trier’s Tower violently trembles beneath you. What… what do you wish, really? Every minute you’ve been in Umberal has been nothing but utter chaos–you broke into one of the biggest Mage Academies in Zoral, tussled with Toppel when she tried to kidnap Rezalith, nearly lost Tzah-Tzie to her psychotic mafia don ex, shot a Shapeshifter with an airship cannon…
And after almost dying to a nigh-immortal Mage thanks to a demonic ‘oopsie’ and getting cheated out of your contractually-promised memories, you somehow managed to free and win the favor of a god.
It’s been a long day, you think as you pick a direction to focus your attention on, and as far as you’re concerned, you were ready to ditch this ‘City of Tomorrow’ yesterday!
The odds, as usual, were against you… and yet here you are.
Take me back, you finally answer as weariness slowly sinks back into your body, you’ll, uh… you’ll talk more with them later, yea?
”It shall be a long, tumultuous climb back to our prior majesty,” KNODD replies as you feel an earthy, almost fungal scent wrap itself around your body, ”And we expended much of what we saved to assist you in battle, but fear not, Champion–you have done us and our ilk a great service this day… and the Earth does not forget.”
Bracing yourself for the inevitable ‘yank’ that always goes hand-in-hand with teleportation, you’re admittedly alarmed when in its place you simply… Pop.
“Say,” suggests a familiar voice, “How about one last song, huh? Before the final battle!”
Your gaze is met by a pair of familiar eyes–lime green, vaguely feline, both of which glitter with excitement as they turn to face the two other pairs: both yellow, one segmented and glowing like a camp lantern, the other snakelike and already collecting tears!
“Y-yea!” Sputters Volka as she tries to stifle her sobs, “I… w-we’ve got this, you guys! That old bag won’t know what hit him!”
“Once more unto the breach, ey, Anton?” Morook adds with a glimmer in his gaze! It takes a moment for an answer to stumble out from behind your lips–you’re not dreaming, you think as you survey your limited surroundings–polished wood floor, crisp, morning air, the dull groan of steam pipes from the hull beneath your feet…
You’re back on the airship, that much is certain, and while your body still aches from the battle, it almost feels as if-
“YOU!”
Another Chytree materializes in front of you with an equally-agitated Durher at his side! Oti, you begin in a plodding voice, what’s-
“What’s going on!? What did you do!?”
… Que?
“That shift in the Aether!” Toppel snarls as she hops up and down for emphasis! “Can’t you taste it!? The whole-”
“Click.”
“SILENCE, WORM!"
“ANTARD!!”
>CONTD.
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>>6370395
The door leading into the airship’s bowels nearly flies off its hinges thanks to whatever abuse Rezzie imparted upon it! Flying over with determination in her crimson eyes, the fiend examines you like a pawn shop owner! C-can you help her?
“... You smell bad.” She concludes as her face scrunges up with dismay, “Like a church. Go roll in some blood.”
“Oh shoot! We totally shoulda’ hit the baths before the battle!” TT groans as if forgetting to turn off the stove at home, “Think there’s still time for-”
“Wait. Your. TURN!” Snarls the green-eyed sorcerer as he repositions himself directly in front of you, “Answer the question, Peas–”
“HOLY HAMMERS!”
Barely recovered from Rezzie’s attack, the door swings open once more courtesy of another well-timed kick from the airship’s owner! “Just picked up the peculiarist readings on the sensors–I trust magic ‘bout as far as I can throw the darn stuff, but did any of you magey types–oh. Enjoying the Observation Deck, I see!”
Oti looks just about ready to chuck the pilot over the edge of his prized Observation Deck when you feel it–an ethereal shockwave that nearly sends you sprawling onto the deck!
“H-HANG ON!” Joji cries as the Mox struggles to stay on two feet, “A-and if ya’ gotta fall, try not to damage the deck–I just polished it!”
If anyone hears his warning, they choose not to heed it–toppling like pins at a bowling tourney, you and the rest of the gang barely have time to lie on your faces before Umberal erupts in a low, persistent groan that culminates near the city’s center!
“H-hey! That’s…”
Scuttling over to the guardrail, Tzah-Tzie is the first to point out the obvious: the sound is coming from the biggest building in Umberal: TRINE TOWER. Trier’s seat of power!
“Trimbault too!”
Morook isn’t wrong–not to be outdone, the mage academy also lets loose a defeated whine… and just before someone else can state the obvious, the air around you erupts in an ear-splitting orchestra of shaking structures!
“W-what’s…” Volka blinks as she struggles to come to terms with the chaos, “Did… is Trier doing this?!”
“An ARCANE SURGE…” Oti remarks in a tone that betrays neither anger or confusion, “The product of a massive shift in arcane energy… but of this magnitude..!”
As the Earth shifts beneath Umberal, the deck rumbles beneath a surge of thick, icy air… and as your skin tingles and burns from the sudden change in temperature, you feel it:
A gossamer flake of frost settling on your neck. Then another. And another.
It’s snowing.
“Ant…” Volka murmurs, wide-eyed and curious, “Did… something happen?”
Yea, you nod as the faint scent of berries sweeps across the deck, you WON.
>CONTD.
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>>6370396
Time becomes a blur after that–some of the gang is skeptical at first, and who could blame them? From their perspective you went to grab fresh air, and the next minute you’re sailing above the city in a snow flurry while its government seat crumbles to the ground like a poorly-built treehouse!
Needless to say, the results were mixed: some remained confused–Oti and Joji especially–but while the latter wasn’t entirely privy to your plans for the Lord, the former, well…
You’ve never seen him that shocked before. And you’d be lying if you said you weren’t a little satisfied by it! Then came the excitement, the tackles, the kisses… you can probably guess who gave you what. Next thing you know, you were whisked away to the REC DECK--and after Lutza and her entourage came to investigate the commotion, well…
You’ll admit you had your doubts before–even equipped with so many amenities, the REC DECK just seemed to be missing something…
But now? The air is warm and thick with revelry, music, and the scent of fresh booze! As TT and Lutza trade off on playing requests, Rezzie and Morook take turns on that plush pad with the metal squares performing… some kind of dance?
Toppel and Oti lurk by the bookshelf–the two mages having an animated conversation as they slowly peck away at their respective drinks.
As for Volka, well, she’s with Joji over by that rope you noticed earlier–the one looped into that aquarium or whatever? Whatever the tinkerer’s telling her, the girl seems excited…
The Tiito Triplets, on the other hand, are hard at work in the galley–the Skogs’ boisterous laughter carrying into the Rec Room past the galley window. Every now and then you hear a quiet ‘click’ too–guess Obber’s a chef as well?
And Joplin? He just sits in one of the plush easy chairs sipping a drink and watching his client perform. Smiling.
Cradling your own warm drink, you take in the sights and sounds with a satisfied sigh–Joji said he sent a message topside to see what’s happening in the city, but for now?
You can afford to be a little selfish. You fought for this, after all.
The day is young… and while you’re pretty beat, you can probably rub a few elbows before hitting the sack! The question is… who do you approach first?
>TT and Lutza!
>Rezzie and Morook!
>Toppel and Oti!
>Volka and Joji!
>The Skog Triplets and Obber!
>Joplin!
>RED?
>Just… chill for a bit. Maybe someone will come bug you!
>Go to bed now. You’re beat!
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Truth be told, your first instinct is to get acquainted with the sleeping pods–you’re barely coasting by on the divine boost KNODD gave you… and the last time you got even a bit of shuteye was on the train to Umberal! How the heck are THESE freaks still making merry!?
Your confusion melts away as Tzah-Tzie sends a wink your way from the stage and Rezzie starts to bark ‘feedback’ at Morook as he struggles to keep his balance on the bizarre dancing apparatus. You can’t be mad–not really–they’re celebrating your victory, right? They’re celebrating you being alive… and just… life in general, you guess!
Why, then, do you still feel so… ehh?
Fatigue. Gotta be. You’ve got the gods on your side and you beat a guy so nasty some people refused to even use his name. Which reminds you…
Volka clocks your approach long before it’s clear you’re heading over to their side of the deck. Eyes wider than Morook’s and tail pulverizing the floor, the girl goes a good one… maybe two seconds before scampering over to you and picking you up like a fluffy cat!
“THE MAN OF THE HOUR!”
It’s a good thing you haven’t eaten much recently, because in true Volka form, the Skog starts to spin you around like a ragdoll much to the rest of the gang’s amusement!
“Guess I can’t call ya ‘Rook’ anymore, huh, mate?” She giggles as you struggle not to pass out from the G-Force! “Howabout a promotion to “Lou,” ey? Like… ‘Lieutenant’??? Just kidding! Haha! Unless…?”
You’re about to gurgle out a response when a pair of blue-goggled eyes accost you mid-spin–their owner grinning ear-to-ear… or whatever Mox have!
“Bang-up job back there, my boy!” Joji exclaims as he tries and fails to keep pace with your spinning form, “First my Debt Manager, now an Archmage? You’re deadlier than a case of Ridgepox!”
Yea, you meekly reply as Volka finally slows down, sorry for dragging him into all this–
“D’oh, pish-posh!” The Mox mutters with a vigorous shake of his head, “You’re much better company than those Cartel folks! And you haven’t tried to extort from me once since we met!” You can almost swear one of his goggle lenses shifts.
“... You… aren’t planning on extorting from me, right?”
“Wouldn’t dream of it!” Volka interjects as she puffs out her chest with pride! “We’re THE LAMPLIGHTERS! Protectors of the Weak!”
“OH!” Exclaims the Mox, “I heard of ya’! You’re those suicidal-”
“NOT TRUE!”
Look, you interject, you didn’t mean to take advantage of his hospitality like this–once he drops everyone off he’ll never have to get tangled up in this Lord Business agai-
>CONTD.
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>>6370675
“Why in the HELLS would I ever do that!?” Sputters the pilot, showering your face in spittle! “You lot are barreling down the rough, twig-riddled path of peril! Adventure! Derring-do!”
“We… we do love our derring-do, it’s true!” Laughs Volka as she places you back on the ground with a good-natured pat on the head that only leaves your ears slightly ringing! Progress!
“An opportunity like this only comes once in a Tinkerer’s lifetime! Hells, one-HUNDRED lifetimes!” Continues the mechanist with unbridled excitement! “A mighty hero traveling the four corners of the land to rid it from evil… why, it’s right out of a ballad, it is!”
Don’t say the ‘B-Word’ too loud, you hiss through clenched teeth as you try not to notice TT’s unblinking stare from the stage, she’s, uh… a bit territorial in that respect-
“And how d’ya expect ta’ cross the world anyhow? Slaying beasts, thwarting evil, rescuing damsels–”
“H-hey, he’s… he’s spoken for!” Volka stammers, punctuating the statement with a nervous laugh! “N-no damseling for him!”
“Why, with SHUURI, of course!” Oh. He’s not even listening. “Speed and style! Power and panache! When they sing songs of your exploits, boy, Shuuri’ll be there too like your mighty steed! And once airships catch on, well-”
Yea, you smile, you uh… you think you get the picture.
“I may be but a humble Tinkerer,” Joji concludes, “But you may consider me your humble servant, sir, not just for liberating me from those who would choke the livelihood out of me, but also for those other deeds you mentioned before!”
“Shoot… and I was havin’ so much fun camping under the stars…” Volka sighs. “Mor’s gonna gripe, but hey! Flying machine! Pretty swanky, ey, ‘Lou’?”
Dodging her ‘friendly’ nudge with a nod, you realize you haven’t really given the tinkerer a destination… though you doubt anyone’s in any rush to charge off towards another LORD right now!
You’ve still got a little energy to chat and you can give Joji a destination before you head to bed… the question is, what should you do now?
>Talk to Volka!
>Chat with Joji!
>Examine the Rope and Aquarium contraption!
>Set Course For Somewhere Else!
>Write-In!
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>>6370676
>Talk to Volka!
What are her plans? Does she want to stop off at Crossroads for a bit, make sure wverything's locked down before we depart again? After everything that happened, we should at least make sure the Spicys in that town aren't arming up to take revenge, right?
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Good question, actually! Maybe it’s the drinks or maybe it’s the nonstop fighting for your life, but whatever the reason, you don’t feel ready to make a decision on your own right now… but there’s one gal you can always count on for sound tactical advice!
Grand Marshall, you begin, prompting the amazon’s big, yellow eyes to fall back upon your diminutive form, what are her plans now?
“Step One: pound down a few more of these!” The Skog smirks as she empties her tankard down her gullet with an exultant sigh! “Dunno if it’s because it’s local or not, but this Ruuppaa’s actually getting me a little giddy, if ya’ can believe it! After that, well, Pops here says his Engineer loves to play ’Pully’ with this here rope, but-”
“Worry not! Flake’s merely a tad overwhelmed!” Laughs Joji with a glimmer in his goggles! “When I told her we were picking up a whole party? Hoo-hoo! She nearly leapt through the hull!”
“Boo…” Grumbles Volka with a childish pout, “Guess I’ll hafta’ test her strength later, then…”
Exciting as that all is, you interject with a polite laugh, you, uh… you meant her plans for what’s next. Did she wanna check in on everyone back in Crossroads? Her dad? Ma? The Lamplighter crew?
“Ohhhh, gotcha!” Nods the Grand Marshall with a sheepish smirk! “Yea, I would, now that ya’ mention it–we left the city in a pretty sorry state before we ducked outta’ town last time… can’t imagine it’s gotten any better in our absence.”
Her warm expression takes a turn for the stern. “... Hells, and if what you said Trier said is true, they’re due for a SIEGE, aren’t they?”
Crap, you totally forgot about that! She’s right, you reply as you shake your weary head in shame, Trier was pretty much certain of it! What if it’s already happening!?
“I think we’d’ve heard about it by now if it was,” Shrugs the Skog as she leans against the wall and puts on her thinking cap, “Can’t exactly hide a siege these days, especially against one of the biggest cities in Zoral. Though it’s not like Fuuxi ever serve anyone a formal declaration of war or whatnot…”
And Skogs do? Your favorite Skog answers with a frown.
“Heeeeyy, we’re not all hut-stomping monsters, Rook. And most Breakerlords don’t do sneak-attacks or anything tricky like that.”
Because it’s dishonorable?
“Because they don’t need to!” She replies with a flick of her tail. “Every now and again some upstart fledgling tries, of course, but it never ends well for ‘em… ‘s what Ma always told me, at least..”
It’s still a good idea to check in though, right? The Cartel probably heard about Vhale by now too!
>CONTD.
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>>6370758
“Hells, you’re right!” She hisses, wide-eyed and alarmed! “Yea, we should definitely check in then–see what’s what, y’know? And spread the word while we still can!” For a moment it looks like Volka wants to stop there, but her lips keep moving, if not gradually.
“Hey, um… about the Cartel…”
Yea, you blink in confusion, what about it?
“Well I… I didn’t tag along, so,” She continues, lowering her voice as her eyes dance between you and the Durher performing in the corner, “He’s… you… you got him, yea?”
Oh yea, you answer with a resolute nod, he’s deader than disco.
“Huh?”
Nevermind.
“That’s the ticket, Rook!” She nods as she wipes a few beads of sweat from her brow, “Beat the bad guy and saved the girl! Hells, a few girls from what I heard!”
Volka, you begin as you tank a ‘soft’ pat on the shoulder that leaves it aching, what does she want to ask? The enthusiasm in the girl’s face melts away like a popsicle on a hot tin roof.
“Well,” She stammers as her tail retreats between her legs, “I, uh… I tried to talk to TT about it, and…” Gulping down a Skog-sized lump in her throat, she gathers her courage and locks her yellow eyes with yours!
“He… didn’t… hurt her… right? Anton?”
Leave it to Volka to ask the hardest-hitting questions… You don’t know, you reply in a tone barely above a whisper, she… didn’t want to talk about it.
Volka casts a sympathetic glance over to the caterwauling cattething, a quiet ‘hells’ leaving her pursed lips.
“That’s…” She begins, searching her big head for the best words, “I’m so sorry, Tzah-Tzie…” Her big eyes wander back over to yours a bit damper than before. “... I screwed up again, Anton… if I’d have been more attentive–kept a closer eye on things–she wouldn’t… there wouldn’t have-”
Hey, you begin, gently placing your hand on her wrist, that’s… it’s not her fault, okay? She wasn’t the one who kidnapped TT, or–
“I didn’t stop the bastards either!” She snaps as a rueful laugh leaves her lips! The party chatter dips for a moment, but builds back up after they assume Volka was just being loud again!
“... I get that you’re tryin’ to be nice an’ all, Rook,” She continues in a much softer tone, “But don’t scratch my scales and tell me you’re a tree branch–I’ve been scrapping all my life, y’know? Been doing it since I first stood on my own two feet.”
>CONTD.
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>>6370759
Her gaze droops to the ground. “TT’s got her charms and her music, Rezzie’s spunky, but secretly really good at cooking… Morook knows the wilderness like the back of his claw… and you, well…” Her eyes steal a glance your way before returning to the floor. “You can handle anything, Rook. A-and me? Fighting’s the only thing I’m good at, really… and when push comes to shove, I can’t even protect my best friends…”
Steadying herself with a deep, ragged breath, the Skog sends a forced smile your way. “Shoulda’ seen her face light up when she told me how ya’ saved all her sisters. Looked like she was ready to explode, that poor thing…” The girl nods slowly. “That’s my Rook, right there…”
Lifting her mug again, Volka lets out a despondent grunt when she remembers how empty it is. “I’m gonna grab another drink, so-”
You can’t just leave her like that, can you? How do you respond?
>She’s more than her sword arm!
>You fucked up too.
>We’ll get better together!
>Is that all she thinks of herself?
>Let her go–she clearly needs some space.
>We should do something for TT.
>Write-In!
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>>6370763
+1 to both sentiments, because...
>>6370760
>One of the things Volka is very good at is being considerate, morally upright, and always looking out for her friends
>You'd be lying if you said you didn't feel guilty about... Whatever happened to TT... Lie k maybe you should have been there to stop it, or anticipated this from someone with a name like "Sixface"
>But what the Lamplighters have achieved here wouldn't be possible without Volka, and now it's time for their Grand Marshall to focus on the "community spirit" part of her mission!
I will not allow a sad Volka to persist. it is unacceptable.
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You’ll never get used to seeing Volka like this: stumbling beneath the weight of her impossible expectations and kicking herself when she’s down! Despite all of her strength, kindness, and resolve in the face of danger, she might just be the most sensitive one of the group–for better or worse.
Gently snatching the Skog’s wrist mid-departure, you meet the girl’s sullen gaze with a firm stare. Is that all?
“Errr… y-yup?” She stammers as confusion seeps into her saddened expression. “I… the mug’s empty, Rook-”
You’re not talking about the drink, you continue as you take a step closer, you’re talking about her! She keeps coming back to the same conclusion: that she’s just some big brute made to smash things!
Volka shrugs. “And I can’t even do that right…”
Tzah-Tzie lost a duel to Lutza and it nearly ruined her. Rezalith spent one shift in a kitchen before nearly killing a customer. Morook got kidnapped and nearly sacrificed by a cult! And you, well…
Your chest tightens as the image of Tzah-Tzie’s vacant stare appears clear as crystal in your mind’s eye.
… You had a fistful of Hellfire, an angry Rezalith watching your back, and enough weaponry to take over a small town on your side… and Vhale still would’ve skewered you if it wasn’t for Sixface betraying him!
Volka’s eyes widen, but her lips remain sealed.
And… and it hurts, you hiss through clenched teeth as the rest of your gang struggles not to eavesdrop, it hurts knowing how one thing–one tiny, insiginificant thing–could’ve tipped the scales the other way… could’ve saved that friend… won that bet…
You steady yourself with a resolute breath before meeting the Skog’s gaze once again.
And the worst part? Those failures don’t stop at hurting us, you sigh as you struggle to put a weary smile on your face. They rob us of remembering everything that we did right.
You give Volka’s thick wrist a tender squeeze. She doesn’t pull away.
You wouldn’t have lasted a minute in Zoral without her and Morook–even less if you made it to Crossroads. And you’re not the only one either, you continue as confidence works its way back into your voice! Rezalith… She considers her one of her best friends! TT too!
You don’t know Morook very well, you say with a sheepish shrug, and the guy’s really hard to read, but the way his eyes light up when he speaks to her?
Well… does he react that way with anyone else he associates with?
“But-”
And then there’s the others, you add before she can deflect, all of those wayward souls she saved with THE LAMPLIGHTERS! How many people has she helped back onto their feet? Told that everything’s gonna work out? Made smile?
“Pssh,” The Skog stammers with a small smirk, “T-that’s not-”
>CONTD.
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>>6370833
It IS, you exclaim, this time DEFINITELY earning everyone’s attention, and she needs to stop pretending like it isn’t! She’s the rock we all rally around!
“The beacon shining through the darkness!”
Now it’s your turn to be befuddled! Following the words to their origin point, you try not to balk as Tzah-Tzie punctuates her declaration with a spirited Striilii strum!
“The flames of friendship!” Adds Rezzie!
“The Tower of Power.” Morook mutters with a flicker in his eyes!
“Endearing.” Oti grumbles as he turns away from the group, “Alarmingly.”
“Infectiously effervescent!” Chirps Toppel–the Durher’s fuzzy cheeks betraying how boozed up she is.
“Click.”
“We just met an hour or so ago, but ya’ seem like a good egg!” Concludes Joji as he finally leaves your huddle to grab a fresh drink!
And Volka? The poor girl looks ready to melt beneath the floor, but not out of embarrassment!
… Okay, maybe a little embarrassment.
Yea alright a lot.
“Y-you guuuuys….” She stammers, eyes flitting to and fro in a desperate attempt to find a corner where people aren’t staring at her, “I…”
You’re not just a sword arm, Volk, you repeat as you give her a reassuring pat for once, you’re our lamp shining bright through the storm–the steadfastest supporter, the wall we can all lean on…
You don’t even realize you’re smiling again until the Skog smiles back at you.
And when she’s weary from holding us all up, you conclude as you squeeze her arm one more time for good measure, we’ll be there to prop her up too!
In true Volka fashion, the gentle giant makes it a good thirty seconds before exploding into happy, albeit VERY loud sobs! Taking that as their collective ‘cue’, The Gang and Lutza’s entourage gather around the bar to cheer her up, partake in the grub whipped up by Obber and the Tiito Triplets… AND to refill their tankards!
By the time everyone secures a refill, The Skog’s already smiling again–albeit with a much wetter face than before! Flanked by Tzah-Tzie on one side and a–and she’d probably rip your throat out for mentioning it–very supportive-looking Rezzie, it isn’t long before spirits are raised once more…
And though your body feels weak and your eyelids feel heavy, you can’t shake the goofy grin plastered on your face not from booze or fatigue… but genuine happiness.
You could sit here forever.
“ANT!”
Or not! Jerking upright, you find your favorite fuzzball staring at you from her Skog sanctuary!
“How about one of those ‘Toastings’ you did when we first met?”
“Hey, yea!” Volka giggles as she raises her mug, “TOAST US! SHOW THEM THE TOAST!”
“‘Toast’...?” Oti repeats as he tries not to react to Toppel nuzzling his chest with the full force of her face, “What manner of sorcery do you speak?”
>CONTD.
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>>6370834
You know what? They’re absolutely right! Standing atop your seat as best you can a few drinks deep, you raise your mug high above your head and wait until you’re pretty sure everyone else follows suit!
So… what, pray tell, should you toast to?
>To Zoral!
>To Us!
>To never giving up!
>To Ruuppaa!
>To Airships!
>To Adventure!
>To Light!
>Write-In!
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A toast… has it really been that long? When you ponder it, you’ve only been in this world for a short while–barely even a workweek–and yet here you are about to share a toast with a room full of your new friends!
When was the last time you did the same on Earth? Did you even mean it?
Enough of that thinking! Blaming your negativity on the drowsiness settling in, you bring your freshly-filled mug close to your chest as you mount the bar with help from Volka and the Tiito Triplets!
A toast, you begin as your pals watch with rapt attention, is a dedication–a ‘thank you’ to the gifts we have and a shared hope for what we yearn for!
“Like… a prayer?” Joplin inquires as he takes a seat between Morook and Rezalith.
Yea, you nod, but better–it’s not a plea or anything like that… it’s… it’s like a reminder of what we all value!
“A shared dream.” TT suggests with a hopeful grin!
Exactly! So, you add as you audibly clear your throat, everyone raise your tankards!
They do so, of course–why wouldn’t they? Even Oti can’t help but join in, the prickly punk! You dedicate this toast, you begin as a smile slips onto your face, to ZORAL! To Spinners, Big-Winners, and All-You-Can-Eat Dinners! To the end of Trier–an Umberal that’s now freer–and above all, of course, the warm breath of KNODD!
“To a rough, winding path, and lots of friends to travel it!” TT adds!
“And moments like this! Lots, LOTS more!” Giggles a misty-eyed Volka!
“Cool breezes, fresh air, and plenty of sun.” Morook murmurs with twinkling eyes!
“More bloodshed and brutality!” Says Rezzie, “... and friends, I suppose…”
Toppel nearly falls out of her stool before Oti catches her! “An’ partiesh n’ LOVE an’ puzzshles to shoooolvE!”
“And music! And dancing!” Lutza laughs with a demure smile!
“And people to enjoy it with.” Nods Joplin!
“Endless skies, clear weather, and always room to improve!” Joji exclaims! “That reminds me–I really ought to take another look at Shuuri’s underside when we-”
“PEACE!”
“CAMRADERIE!”
“AN’ TABLES FULLA’ HOT GRUB!”
“Click.” Obber concludes after his Skog Sous-Chefs, “Clack.”
Y-yea, those too, you reply with a laugh! Talk about a meaty toast! To the world we deserve, you conclude as your gaze sweeps across the bar one more time, and everything in it!
>CONTD.
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>>6371144
With that, you traverse the bartop clinking as many mugs as you can! It catches on quick, to say the least, and as the Rec Deck erupts in clinks and laughs, you seal the proverbial ‘deal’ by taking a long, exultant swig from your tankard!
That, as you might imagine, catches on too!
Alright, you groan as you let Volka help you back to the ground, it’s been a blast, but-
“D’awww, c’mon, Ant!” Whines TT as she senses your intent, “Just one more drink, yea?”
“Not every day you slay a Lord, y;know.” Morook chimes in with the faintest hint of a smirk in his tone.
“We can sleep on the way ta’ Crossroads, Rook!” Says Volka with a cheeky smile!
You try to suppress a grin of your own, but it turns out to be a little trickier than beating Trier… okay, you sigh, just one more! Then it’s off to bed for the all-forseeable future!
“DEAL!” Shouts Tzah-Tzie as one of the Triplets tops you off with Ruuppaa! The effervescent elixir tickles your nose with sweet-scented foam as you bring it to your lips…
Not every day you slay a lord…https://youtu.be/wk7xOKXw5wA
>Roll me 1d100 for reasons! Best of 3!
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>>6371164
>Also you frickin maniacs were like--clamoring to date the catte before we even had an overarching quest
I've come to the conclusion that it's a bad idea to randomly lock in to a random character and jump to them because then you get situations like this where you've only known each other for two days but you're soulmates and then it's revealed you had a childhood friend who you spent every single day of your life until approximately 1 week ago and now she's barely a thought in your head
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‘Just one more’, you said… one for the road! A nightcap!
The rest of your night devolves into a disjointed slideshow with the projector run by a pack of opossums on a sugar high! Some moments are more vivid than others–
–Screaming–not singing–’Star Truckin’’ with TT and Lutza trying to accompany you–
–Spinning and dancing across the Rec Deck with a VERY giggly and VERY drunk catthing–
–A pull-up contest with Rezzie, Morook, Volka, and the Triplets on the Observation Deck Guardrail–
–An impromptu magic show featuring you, Toppel, and Obber as your trusty assistant–
–Puking your guts out from the Cargo Hold–
–Morook hugging you and… well, you can’t quite make out words, but you think he’s telling you how cool you are?--
–More pullups–
–Dance with catte–
–Dring–
–cat–
–puke–
Through some divine mercy, the presentation crashes and burns just in time for you to find yourself shambling down the airship corridor like a zombie… alone.
You might not remember much of your past life, but you remember nights like this: nights where closing your eyes felt like dangling from a roller coaster–sore throat, pounding temples, and a persistent ache hammering your body like an army of tiny, invisible hammers!
‘Just one more’... yea right…
Just when you zero-in on another great spot to deposit your puke, another body comes crashing into yours, sending you slamming into the wall like a wayward racquetball!
Damn it, TT, you slur, not bothering to peel your sweat-slaked face off of the bulkhead, you’re… you’re very fragile right now–
“Sh-shorry…”
The voice sobers you up a bit–it’s not Tzah-Tzie’s, that’s for sure… and as you clumsily flop over to ID your ‘assailant’, you can’t help but balk a bit when you’re met by a pair of big, green eyes!
Oti?
“Andon…” He grunts, swaying back and forth like a scarecrow in a hurricane! “Sh-shorry… aboud…”
It’s… it’s fine, man, you mutter with a crooked grin, it was… a mistake, yea?
“... Sorry…”
In any other situation you’d leap at the chance to get Oti to lighten up a bit, but your heavy eyelids, burning throat, and aching body don’t do much to add to your already dwindling patience! Steadying yourself with a big, acidic sigh, you turn your full attention back towards the Chytree and try again:
Sorry for what, exactly?
Your breath catches in your throat as any trace of inebriation in Oti’s features disappears in the blink of an eye!
“For this.”
>CONTD.
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>>6371230
A brief whiff of ozone and a chatter in your teeth are the last things you feel before the world goes dark…
…Well, darker. Darker than a tarpit on a cloudy Winter’s night… YES I know it’s Dark Quest, but–look, you pass out, alright? I’m trying my best here! For a while, all is blank–no gods, no cowpoke demons, no memories, dreams–prophetic or otherwise–just sweet, uncut oblivion.
You awaken to your own gasping, ragged breath to find yourself in, you guessed it, MORE inky darkness! But in place of the steam engines’ muffled roar and the clanking of beverages comes a dull, persistent hum…
The air is dry here–just brisk enough to be uncomfortable, but without a lick of breeze. Save for the droning, the place is eerily silent, and as you begin the arduous task of recalling how you arrived, you feel a pair of invisible bracelets looped around your wrists behind your back…
Handcuffs. Magical from the feel of it, and from the fact that despite multiple tries, you can’t seem to conjure any magic–fiendish or otherwise!
Stranger still is RED--or lack thereof! You neither hear or feel the fiend in your body as you struggle to break free… is he being suppressed?
Your attempts at breaking them go about as well as you can expect, and just when you’re about to try that one move you learned from ‘HENRY HAMDOONI’S POOF–THERE IT IS HANDBOOK’, the room is ROCKED by a shrill shriek just a few feet away!
“W-where… h-huh!?”
Female. Somewhat squeaky, you think as you try to locate its owner, and definitely familiar!
“... H-hello!? A-anyone? Obber? O-Otes? Th-this isn’t amusing, you know!”
Toppel. That rings a few bells–even with what feels like a sledgehammer pounding the inside of your skull, you manage to recall the brief moments before your nonconsensual departure:
Oti tracked you down on the way to bed… but why?
Whatever the reason, you aren’t going to suss it out on your own! Stumbling to your still-wobbly feet, you take a few cautious steps towards the witches’ voice as you call out to her. Toppel, you begin, are you ok-OW!
STUBBED TOE COUNTER: 36!
Can you really call it ‘stubbed’, though? You get about a few steps in before your foot comes in contact with some kind of barrier–one that doesn’t fully stop you like a wall, but in the short time your foot touches it sends a spear of pain up and down your body like a living, breathing, and VERY irate arrow!
“A-Anton!?” Toppel sputters as you collapse onto the floor like a bag of ill-placed groceries, “What’s… what’s the meaning of this? Where is everyone!? How did-”
The answer, you presume, to many of your questions enters the room through an entrance just in front of your ‘cells’ that opens with a smooth hiss not unlike a door straight out of a sci-fi flick!
>CONTD.
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>>6371232
“O-OTI!” Snarls Toppel as a pair of stern, glowing green eyes stops just in front of you both, “What is-”
“I can’t speak long, so listen well:” He begins in an even more curt tone than usual, “You will be collected shortly. I will have no recollection of this conversation. The others are safe. You are too so long as you cooperate.” The Chytree pauses as a confused noise leaves Toppel’s lips. “I have time for one brief question–I can’t promise I can answer it.”
With Toppel too busy stammering, that privilege falls to you! One question, huh? Where… where do you even begin!?
>Where are we?
>Why did you do this?
>Who is he, really?
>Who put him up to this?
>Can we leave?
>Where are your pals?
>Why are you cuffed?
>How did we get here?
>Is HE safe?
>Why shouldn’t you knock his block off the minute you’re out?
>How long has he been planning this?
>Write-In!
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Oh you’ve got a question for him alright, you reply, bloodshot eyes wide and teeth clenched in hungover fury, and it’s an easy one!
What the HELL is going on, Oti!?
“YEA!” Toppel adds with a stomp of her tiny foot, “What HE said!”
“Your recent actions have caused concern among the organization that employs me.” Oti answers, eyes flickering like a candle in the evening breeze, “They don’t intend to kill you–merely to assess. Ascertain. Understand.”
Oh great, you groan, good! That’s a relief, really… WHO DOES!?
“And why am I stuck here with him!?” Snarls the sorceress in the other cell! “I’M not an alien and you know it!”
Turning around with a weary grunt, Oti mutters a few incantations under his breath… and out from the murk comes a set of familiar shapes glowing through the gloom like those dino stickers you used to have on your ceiling!
STARS… several tiny stars wrapped around Oti and glittering like a cloak!
“The truth is:” the wizard explains as the color drains from Toppel’s face, “I’m not a rogue wizard… nor am I a fireworks seller, an adventurer, or a slaver. I’m a STAR CLOAK SENTINEL tasked to bring you in for appraisal.”
As the stars fade from his robe, the chytree looks at you over his shoulder. “And for what it’s worth, I am sorry… but the situation was out of my hands long before we met.”
You don’t even know how to respond, so you don’t. Star Cloak? Sounds like some kinda Action Figure!
“Remember: when we next meet I’ll have no recollection of this conversation.” Oti warns as he takes a few cautious steps towards the door. “Stick to the truth and don’t cause waves. We’ll meet again shortly.”
With that, the moody mage leaves as abruptly as he arrived… leaving you to stew in the information he left you with… and a very, VERY concerned-looking Toppel! So, you grunt as you take a seat on the cold metal floor, care to share her thoughts?
“There’s no way… i-it’s impossible…” Stammers the sorceress as she shrinks into the corner of her cell, “They don’t… how on Zoral did he-”
TOPPEL, you repeat, sending a jolt through the worrisome witch, what the hell was he talking about?! Who are the STAR-CLOAKS?
“R-right, right… you wouldn’t know… how could you?” She mutters as she slowly regains her wits! “The… The STAR-CLOAKS are… well, a group of mages who think they know how the world should be run… and by whom. And they make it their business to ensure just that… and by any means necessary, might I add!”
Okay, you frown, are… are they evil, or?
>CONTD.
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>>6371383
“Difficult to say…” The magess mutters with a furrowed brow, “They try not to intervene directly unless it’s absolutely necessary… and when they do they certainly don’t have any scruples! But good? Evil? Are… are we good? Could we be judged as evil?” Her bloodshot eyes widen in growing horror. “Am… am I evil!? I… I didn’t do anything wrong! I just wanted to create a race of blood-fueled superbeings who worshipped me as their master..!”
You’re way too hungover and tired to start debating morality here! Your point is, you continue in as measured of a voice as you can manage, should we be planning a breakout? Her dearest Oti didn’t make it sound like we had much time before being ‘collected’!
“Yes! Wait… n-no… I… UUURGH! I don’t KNOW!” She groans as she flops to the floor in defeat! “If Oti was ordered to kill us he would’ve done it ages ago–so there might be a sliver of truth to what he said…”
… And if there isn’t? The Durher’s tired eyes meet yours in grave silence!
“... Do you still have that AETHERI-”
Yea, you nod as you steal a surreptitious glance around the room, you do, but-
“Capital! We’ll save that for a rainy day, if you get my meaning!” The sorceress sneers with a menacing smirk! “Not the first magical prison Toppel Gransee has busted out of… and it won’t be the last, I can assure you that!”
You blink. This… is a magical prison? They have those?
“Secrecy is the STAR-CLOAKS’ strength…” She hisses, giving her cell a once-over, “So I couldn’t tell you the span of their reach… but making a magical prison comes easily to a cadre of paranoid mages–just stick a pocket dimension beneath the right reality fold, take turns stuffing it with magical energy, and presto-change-o: Wizard Prison!”
Wizard Prison. It was only a matter of time, right? You knew icing Trier wouldn’t be as simple as it sounded… but these guys aren’t allied with him, are they? If they were you wouldn’t be sitting pretty in a cell about to be ‘assessed’...
As big of a jerk as Oti is–and that estimation has climbed DRASTICALLY in the past few posts, mind–he hasn’t steered you wrong yet… so is there a method to this madness?
You’d be lying if you said you were eager to find out…
Anything else you wanna ask Toppel? She seems to know a thing or two about your situation…
CHOOSE TWO!
>What does it mean for us if Oti’s a Star-Cloak?
>Do these guys work for the LORDS?
>What does she plan to say at her ‘assessment’?
>Why is Oti pulling this crap NOW?
>So is Oti still our friend, or?
>We can fight these kooks, right?
>Has she run into any Star-Cloaks before?
>How do you become a Star-Cloak?
>Have these guys been around for long, or?
>So are you gonna turn back into a Gnok now?
Save your breath… you’ll need it for your trial, or whatever!
>Write-In!
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>>6371384
>What does it mean for us if Oti’s a Star-Cloak?
>Why are YOU, exactly, here?
I mean, out of all people, Toppel seems like a weird choice for them to grab over just us, or perhaps Rezalith given her demonic heritage.
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THE TALLY:
>>6371387
>>6371419
>>6371420
>>6371451
>>6371565
>What does it mean if Oti's a Star-Cloak - 5
>Why are YOU here!? - 2
>These guys been here long? -2
>Run into before? - 1
Looks like Oti, Why Toppel's here, and been around win it! Sorry for the wait--been running errands. WRITING EVENTUALLY
>>6371420
>Toppel
>Lovable
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You start with the obvious: why is SHE here?
“D-don’t sound so disappointed!” Toppel fires back with an indignant glare! “And how the hells should I know!? I’m innocent!”
… didn’t she beg to come with you and Oti because Trier was hunting her down for turning Obber into a vampire and playing god? Isn’t that, like, one of her big character points? The sorceress takes the question about as well as you’d expect.
“Th-that’s still not STAR-CLOAK-worthy! And it’s a victimless crime–if anything I IMPROVED Obber! Right?”
“Click.”
Oh, he’s with her too. Hey, bud!
“Clack.”
“Wait a minute…” Mutters the mage with wide eyes and rising excitement in her tone, “Th-that’s it! Of course–it’s the only explanation!”
Care to share with the class?
“My dear, DARLING Oti would never leave me in the lurch!” She chirps, face flushed like the jerk just asked her to prom, “OBVIOUSLY he intends to grant me amnesty for my harmless experiments! You performed the rite of Ka’hnsuuling--he’d never leave me to rot in Spellkeep! That explains his sudden absence so long ago too! STAR-CLOAKING!”
How does that all apply to your ‘assessment’, though? The witch answers with an irritated frown!
“I don’t know! They’re separate cases, probably! I’m as confused as you are!”
You highly, HIGHLY doubt that, but what Toppel said about separate cases might not be too far off, especially if Obber’s here too… so, you continue, what exactly does it mean if Oti’s actually a… y’know…?
“It means,” She huffs, eliciting a surprised squawk from her beaky brother as she picks him up and squeezes him like a teddy bear, “That he’s a lying, sneaky, son of a Mzz’goe’virr!”
Err… c-can she say tha-
“He raises to Trimbault’s Top Ranks without me, inadvertently slays some thickheaded heir from some poncy Chytree family… and he doesn’t even tell me he’s ALIVE!?” Toppel gives her brother another forceful squeeze as fresh anger seeps into her features! “I’ll pay every lie from that sniveling boor TENfold, you mark my words–”
Could that’ve been his motivation, though? Escaping retribution or something? Now it’s your brow’s turn to furrow as you struggle to piece together the puzzle.
“It’s… not unheard of…” Toppel sighs as her brother tries to break free of her grasp in vain, “They came up from time to time during my Trimbault tenure. The Star-Cloaks… they seem to poach mages of great power… and a secret they can exploit.”
So what, it’s just one big blackmail party? Sounds like a hostile work environment to you… and you worked at GREASE MONKEY!
>CONTD.
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>>6371858
Her bright orange eyes explore the unseen ceiling. “Not all of them, though. A few are scouted on pure merit alone. Some even believed many of Trimbault’s staff were among their ranks, but Star-Cloaks go through great lengths to hide their allegiances…
They’re not that popular, then? Toppel shoots you a sidelong glance.
“Would you be if you supposedly had a talon in every major power shift in Zoral’s recent history?” She counters. “Like I said before–the Star-Cloaks’ power comes from their secrecy… imagine what all of those secrets would do to someone, compounded over time?” The girl shudders. “And to think my dear Oti had to deal with it all alone…”
So she’s not mad at him, o-
“OF COURSE I’M MAD!!!” The sorceress shrieks, sending her brother skittering for the hills! “The smug bastard could’ve at least sought me out! Sent a message, an anonymous gift, SOMEthing! I could’ve supported him! Shared his burden! He didn’t even need to reveal who he worked for, but…”
Flopping onto her back with a defeated sigh, the witch’s eyes scour the ceiling for answers… and find none.
“... But he didn’t have to do it all alone…”
Secrets and Blackmail. Not the tools of a historically-good-aligned trade, but from what you’ve gleaned from Toppel, the whole thing sounds like some kind of neutral magical spy ring to you! And while those training vids you were forced to watch at work always warned how dangerous spies can be for the brand…
Oti went out of his way multiple times to keep your head on its shoulders. And you did just kill Trier, so-
The door to the jail hisses open as abruptly as the last time, but in place of Oti comes another figure–one whose eyes are obscured by what you assume is a baggy hood or a very floppy hat!
Man, you hope it’s the latter!
“Peas.” Drones the hat-wearer as he glides towards your cell, “You have been summoned… to the CHAMBER OF ARBITRATION!”https://youtu.be/jpvJjwGqjPU
Of course it would…
“You will follow closely AND swiftly. You will not speak unless spoken to, and will only act when prompted to do so. You may remain silent if you wish. Do you understand and accept?”
… are, you stammer as you shoot Toppel a worried glance, a-are you allowed to answer, or-
“Satisfactory. Come.”
… is that an order, because you have a girlfr-OOF!
An unseen appendage prods you towards the mage and out of your cell’s stinging bounds through a convenient gap in the stinging ‘fence’!
“H-hey!” Toppel snarls as you’re led towards the door, “What about me!?”
“Wait.” Your mage guide mutters, not bothering to look back as he leads you out through the door. “... to the CHAMBER OF ARBITRATION!”https://youtu.be/jpvJjwGqjPU
>CONTD.
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>>6371861
“... At least give me a tablet to read…”
“Click.”
“Not with me in the same room, you untouchable!”
Based on what Toppel told you, you expected your jaunt to be a bit more… fancier? But as you dutifully follow your host through a maze of empty narrow corridors, it eventually dawns on you that this is all you’re gonna get!
Aside from the distant clank of silverware, hissing pans, and spirited chatter. Guess you passed the cafeteria?
Still, as you approach the arbitration chamber you can’t help but feel a strange sensation in your soles–like the whole place is moving… drifting in a vast, stormy sea…
Unfortunately the time it takes to traverse the Star-Cloak Citadel isn’t enough for you to develop your sea legs… and just when your mind’s about to wander away from that lingering queasiness in your stomach, you emerge into a vast, circular room like a gladiator entering an arena!
In place of a roaring crowd, blaring trumpets, and a grape-fed Emperor, however, is a strong, almost painful layer of magic blanketing the chamber–so strong, in fact, that you nearly empty what little contents remain in your tummy right there!
If your guide gives a crap, he doesn’t show it–guess he’s the strong, silent type! Silently drifting to the center of the chamber like a lost balloon, he floats in place for a moment as you take your place behind him before addressing the darkness!
“Arbitrators… we bring you-”
“Anton Peas, yes, yes, we know, Acolyte Aile.” Groans a sultry female voice from far across the chamber. “You may observe the proceedings from the ENTRANCE TO THE CHAMBER OF ARBITRATION!”https://youtu.be/jpvJjwGqjPU
“...If you desire extra credit, of course.”
For the first time in your brief relationship, your escort almost looks excited as he practically skips over to the entrance you emerged from! Watching him skip away like a kid in a candy store, your attention is violently tugged back to the owner of the female voice!
“ANTON PEAS,” She booms, sampling each syllable of your moniker like a tasty hard candy, “You are brought before this tribunal for the purpose of explaining–and, if necessary, defending–your actions, past, present, and future–on this plane.”
“You will be granted a chance to speak for yourself,” Adds a stern voice akin to an old, burnt-out Middle School Principal, “And shall also be granted the liberty of calling character witnesses to testify on your behalf.”
“Heed these words well:” Concludes another shrill female voice, “The findings of this assessment will determine your fate henceforth. Know that this arbitration is no small contrivance–one we do not exact without careful consideration and reasonable cause.”
>CONTD.
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>>6371864
The shrill one pauses.
“Your actions have spoken much for you over the past few days… now it is time for you to speak for yourself.”
“Do you have any questions before we begin?” Purrs the sultry–and vaguely familiar–voice! “Requests?”
“Our Gastromancers produced an overabundance of nutcake this morning,” Adds the principal, “Highly recommended.”
“I found it gritty, myself...” Grumbles Shrill Lady.
“You find everything gritty! This is known to us!” Counters Principal!
“Don’t you start with me again!”
“I shall start whatever I see fit to!”
“Stubborn Niiski!”
“Squawking Tiijhek!”
“ENOUGH!”
The arbitrators fall silent beneath their sultry counterpart’s brusque demand, draping a deathly silence across the chamber!
“... It IS good, though.” She adds under her breath. “Right. Where shall we begin, Peas?”
Where indeed!
>Can I know who you all are first?
>Where am I? I was in an airship with my friends!
>You guys are Star-Cloaks, right? Can you give me a quick rundown?
>What’ll happen if you guys judge me innocent? Or Guilty?
>You wouldn’t happen to be able to get me home, would you?
>Are my pals in danger?
>Is Toppel a part of this, or?
>Can I get some food and drink, actually?
>Where’s Oti?
>How do these hearings usually proceed? What’s the, like, order of events?
>No questions–let’s get this over with!
>Stay Silent!
>Write-In!
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>>6371867
>Are my pals in danger?
>How do these hearings usually proceed? What’s the, like, order of events?
>You guys are Star-Cloaks, right? Can you give me a quick rundown?
>What’ll happen if you guys judge me innocent? Or Guilty?
>Also, I'll take some of that nutcake.
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>>6371874
>>6371946
>>6371978
>>6371979
THE TALLY... OF ARBITRATIONhttps://youtu.be/jpvJjwGqjPU
>WHO ARE YOU - 2
>PALS OKAY? - 4
>TOPPEL? - 3
>ORDER? - 4
>NUTCAKE- 4
>STAR-CLOAK RUNDOWN- 1
>IF I INNOCENT? GUILTY? - 1
There ya have it, folks--we'll stick with pals, order, and nutcake for now! Can probably weave the Toppel question in there too! WRITIIIINGGG but might be busy today too so expect delays!
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First thing’s first, you begin as you feel the weight of the assessor’s unseen eyes press down upon you, nutcake. Let’s go.
Principal Assessor speaks with a hint of smugness in his tone. “Acolyte Aile?”
“O-of course, Assessor!” Bowing low enough to lick the ground, your escort scampers off in search of the promised provisions!
Second question, you continue as you clear your raspy throat, your pals: what’s going to happen to them?
“If you go free, they will remain none the wiser.” Coos Ms. Sultry. “And unharmed, of course.”
“All the same, countermeasures shall be performed to maintain our secrecy.” Ms. Shrill adds with emphasis on the ‘C’ word! “But we shall cross that bridge if we arrive there.”
“You may call them in as character witnesses,” Principal drones, “But know that any knowledge of this place and this hearing will be stricken from their memory once their testimony is concluded.”
Oooookay, you nod, and if you uh… don’t going free?
“We will ensure they have no memory or knowledge of your existence.” Shrill explains, sending a pang of fresh concern through your chest! “And we will take measures to return them all to their respective day-to-day routines.”
“Worry not–the process is simpler than it sounds… and quite painless!” Concludes Sultry as a shiver slips down your spine!
Does, uh… does that extend to Toppel too? The assessors exchange a glance, you assume. Take off those hoods! Or hats!
“She… is to be given a separate hearing.” Says sultry in an uncertain tone. “Never mind her–focus on yourself.”
“It’s in your best interest.” Mr. Principal warily adds!
Super. So, you sigh, how… how does this normally go, anyways? Opening remarks? Cross-examinations? Brief Intermission?
“Per the established precedent,” Shrill begins, well… shrilly, “The assessors will begin the hearing by establishing observations, evidence, and the information gathered thus far.”
“The accused is free to respond to these observations.” Principal grunts.
“Once responding remarks are concluded, the accused may summon TWO CHARACTER WITNESSES to speak on their behalf. Leave the acquisition and travel to us.” Sultry states.
“Lastly, the assessors shall deliberate privately and render judgement.” Concludes Shrill in a less-shrill voice! “And yes, if the proceedings extend past noon we will break for lunch and tea.”
“Don’t forget the mandatory stretch break.” Mutters Principal.
“Yes, of course.”
“Is this explanation adequate?” Sultry inquires as you hear a door hiss open from behind you! Yyyyea, you nod as a bouquet of baked, spicy aromas heralds the arrival of a plate holding a pastry asserting itself into your hands, that’ll-
“Oh, do try it!” Principal urges, earning a groan from his shrill-voiced associate! “While it’s hot!”
>CONTD.
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>>6372176
“It would’ve been better with a mug of Gluuk.” Grumbles Shrill. “He’ll be drier than the Kaazmaak Wastes before he can give his testimony…”
“STRIKE THAT FROM THE RECORD!” Snarls Mr. Principal, sending you and Acolyte Aile reeling in shock! “Gastromancer Ullid has mastered the art of keeping the nutcake hot and syrupy… and moist!” Principal argues as you idly prod the sticky confectionary with your finger, “A mug of Gluuk will just give the accused a stomach ache!”
“I’ll strike YOU from the record-”
“Assessors, please…” Sultry grumbles, ending their feud long before it can begin, “Try the pastry, Anton. We will share our findings.”
Orders are orders! Warm, sticky spice sticks to your fingers immediately after you lift the cake to your lips. A cautious bite sends your hangover symptoms reeling as if they’d just taken a right hook to the gob–and in their place stands sweet, spicy goodness with the consistency of a honey bun!
“Sentinel to the Stand.”
The words barely leave Mr. Principal’s lips before another presence emerges from beyond the assessor’s area, and though they don’t introduce themselves, you recognize the curt voice’s owner immediately!
“As Sentinel tasked with the observation of the anomaly, I obey.” Oti…
“Reporting Sentinel,” Begins Shrill-Voice, “Do you pledge to provide testimony that adheres to the truth?”
A pause.
“... I do.”
“Proceed.”
You’d be lying if you weren’t a bit interested too–when you first met Oti it was outside of The Far-Throw Tavern with that creep SALTY SUUTZ...
“Observation of the anomaly began with its arrival in Zoral about a week ago,” Oti begins in a tone better-suited for reading off a shopping list, “Initial reasoning was to investigate a surge of magical energy typically related to an EXTRAPLANAR SUMMONING.” You feel his unseen eyes fall upon you from afar. “Anomaly was not present upon arrival on-site, but evidence at the scene suggested a failed summoning.”
That’s an understatement, you think as the assessors murmur in assent! Rezzie cleared the place out! Save for those damned beakwolves…
“Assessment of the site cut short by the arrival of an unknown individual and several armed agitators.” Continues the Chytree, “Location of ritual site tagged and logged with supervising Scribe. Anomaly trail lost for a time, but reacquired traveling to Crossroads.”
That’s right–you and Volka traveled on foot while Morook went to investigate–guess Oti didn’t see fit to intervene on his behalf…
“Considering the storm predicted by Scribes,” Oti adds, “I predicted the anomaly would seek shelter. Reacquired trail near The Far-Throw Tavern. Located an appropriate mark and fabricated a cover story via magical fabrication.”
So Oti and SALTY... they didn’t know each other?
>CONTD.
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>>6372177
“Contact delayed by the arrival of an unknown party–assassins. Small-time cutthroats, didn’t provide employer information even after more… invasive methods.”
Who could forget your first night in Zoral? TT asserting herself into your party, Volka snuggling with you like a teddy bear, the unexpected assault by assassins in the night…
“Following the encounter, we made contact with the anomaly.” Explains the enchanter with the faintest hint of bemusement in his voice! “Initial assessment: unimpressive.”
HEY!
“Conflict-averse, lacking physique suggested a race not dependent on physical ability alone…” He pauses. “Aura… peculiar. Alien, of course, but coupled with Infernal signatures.”
RED.
“Warranted further research. Accompanied anomaly and associates to Crossroads–assessed anomaly’s martial prowess against a Cistern Construct. Results…” You can hear a frown slip into the Chytree’s tone. “Unimpressive.”
“You acquired samples from the anomaly, yes?” Principal inquires.
“I did.” Oti answers, “But the process was hindered by the appearance of an outside element–the fiend summoned in tandem with the anomaly.” He pauses. “Anomaly assisted in the fiend’s recovery. Moreover, the anomaly cooperated with our requests with little resistance. Implies sound judgement and altruistic tendencies.”
“When did you ascertain the anomaly’s intent to assassinate The Archmage?” Inquires Shrill-Voice, earning a few grunts of assent from their associates!
“Not until reacquiring them in Umberal.” Answers Oti with a touch of irritation in his tone, “As mentioned in my reports, the anomaly abruptly disappeared from Crossroads after an altercation in the ‘Gold Town’ District. It wasn’t until I located one of their associates that I was able to reacquire the target.”
Right–Morook went back with Jhairo… and returned with Oti in tow. You did find that a little odd!
“The anomaly expressed its intent shortly after its arrival in Umberal.” The sentinel states. “Motivation unclear at the time, but we assumed it had something to do with the anomaly’s fiendish contamination.”
“This… contamination,” Principal begins, “Do we consider it a driving factor?”
Another pause. “Unclear.” You exhale some air you didn’t know you were holding in! “Based on our observations it’s undeniable that an outside entity holds influence over the anomaly… we believe this is the primary motivation behind their actions thus far.”
You feel a familiar pair of eyes burn into you. “Yet the anomaly has displayed… exemplary restraint given their circumstances.”
“Hmph… not the case with the seconda-” Sultry grumbles.
“SHHHT!” Snarls Shrill-Voice!
‘Secondary’? Are they talking about… LIZ?
>CONTD.
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>>6372178
“M-moving on,” Shrill-Voice sighs, “You abetted and aided the anomaly in this Archmage endeavor… why?”
For the first time since you met him, Oti stumbles over his words. “I… believed the matter would resolve itself. Measures were prepared to retrieve the anomaly upon expiration, and yet…” His voice hangs in the rift again. “... the anomaly succeeded. Time and time again.”
“Do you believe this is due to their fiendish contamination?” Shrill-Voice pointedly asks.
“No.” Oti replies, “As I asserted before, I have little reason to believe the contamination is governing the anomaly’s actions. Their actions thus far have only supported that belief.”
“How do you explain the altercation at Nessurmos Manor, then?” Principal interjects.
“The Cartel abducted a close associate of the anomaly.” The sentinel asserts, “It wouldn’t be the first time they instigated a confrontation either. Moreover,” The Chytree continues with a hint of satisfaction in his voice, “The majority of casualties found at the Nessurmos Estate were, per Scribe initial investigation reports, primarily incurred by Archmage constructs.”
The assessors dip into a flurry of murmurs and mutterings as you quietly nibble your nutcake. You’d rather not come here at all, you think as the sugary sweetbun soothes your sore throat, but from what you’ve gathered thus far, Oti’s giving you some pretty high praises!
You can’t help but wonder how things would change had you frequented a more-aggressive route… and what that means for LIZ… She never did get back to you–and while it’s easy to blame that on RED, a part of you wouldn’t blame her for being a bit standoffish…
“Sentinel,” Sultry states as the murmurings draw to an abrupt close, “Do you have any other pertinent information to add to your testimony?”
“I do.” He answers with a nod. “While I can’t speak on the subject of the anomaly’s demonic contamination and its long-term effects, nor do I fully comprehend its decision-making ability, this Sentinel believes they could be a great asset to our cause, if nothing else.”
You feel several unseen eyes fall upon you JUST as you shove the last bits of nutcake into your mouth!
“Accused, do you have any questions or clarifications to make?”
Well? (CHOOSE THREE!)
>You just wanna go home, that’s all!
>Do they want you to share some more info about humans?
>You’re trying to get rid of your contamination!
>You’re apparently the Champion of the Gods now!
>What does he mean, ‘asset to your cause’?
>Why didn’t he help Morook back at the Cult Site?
>Speaking of Crossroads, they know there’s a siege on the way, right?
>Trier was going to harvest your soul! You did everyone a favor!
>Have they heard about another human at all?
>Nope, you’re ready to proceed!
>Can I get some more nutcake? That shit was bangin’, twin.
>Write-In!
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>>6372179
>Trier was going to harvest your soul! You did everyone a favor!
>AND he was going to take over Crossroads, maybe the world!
>Speaking of Crossroads, they know there’s a siege on the way, right?
...
>Can I get some more nutcake? That shit was bangin’, twin.
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Heck yea you do, starting with the obvious: could you get some more of that nutcake? That was… that was scrumptious!
“HA! I told you!” Croons Principal Voice, much to Shrill’s chagrin! “Acolyte!”
“Y-yes, Assessor!” Aile sputters, bounding out of the room like a magical rabbit!
“Delighted as we are to hear you enjoy our nutcake,” Purrs Sultry as she attempts to regain control of the conversation, “We-”
Can… Can you get the recipe for that later? Assuming you don’t get, like, sealed away for eternity or whatever?
“Yes, we’ll get you the recipe.” Sultry curtly replies! “But back to the matter at hand–”
Right, right… Look, you begin in a diplomatic tone, they already heard it from Ot-err, THE SENTINEL, but you wanna set the record straight! The truth is, Trier was on you like spice on a nutcake the moment you set foot in Umberal!
“Haha! Good one!” Principal snickers!
Thanks, man… but anyways, he conducted some tests on you as well–and he was ready to put a kibosh on his ‘Soul Collection’ racket with the Cartel if it meant he could get his claws on yours!
THAT earns the council’s attention!
“Oh,” Shrill begins, no doubt leaning closer with interest, “Is… is your soul THAT powerful?”
Part of you wants to explain further. Another part wants to let them all know you’re officially a champion of the Gods–well, god, but still!
Another part, however, trusts these mages about as much as you can see them… who knows what they’d do if they discovered how juicy you were? Errr, you mutter as Acolye Aile’s return is heralded by the scent of a warm, spicy pastry slipping into your hands, you uh… you don’t know the specifics, but the point is that he didn’t really give you a choice!
“And yet you lived.” Principal remarks as you bite into your fresh nutcake, “Impressive as it is unlikely for a creature such as yourself…”
Hey, you didn’t ask to be whisked away to Zoral, okay? And you’ve gotten really lucky ever since you’ve arrived! Speaking of, they’re pretty lucky as well! Trier was plotting to take over the whole world!
The council barely reacts to your dramatic reveal, and as you realize too late, your accompanying jazz hands don’t add much in the darkness.
“Yes… we were aware of his… ambitions.” Mutters Shrill-Voice as her peers grumble in assent. “In truth, we sought to influence the Archmage… subtly.”
“Yet here we are with a yawning power vacuum. And you in the middle of it.” Sultry sighs in a more mildly-inconvenienced tone than anything else!
They don’t sound very burnt up about it! Or the whole ‘world domination’ plot, for that matter!
>CONTD.
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>>6372320
“Oh, our organization is no stranger to World Domination Plots…” Purrs Sultry as if recalling a funny joke, “And while you HAVE placed us in a precarious–and quite unprecedented–situation, we know better than to despair when other opportunities present themselves in chaos’ wake.”
“Which, as you have no doubt ascertained, is why we are meeting in the first place.” Explains Mr. Principal. “To be more specific: would your continued existence help… or hinder... our plans?”
“Should we leave you on a loose leash,” Adds Shrill, “Or keep you close? The mind boggles...”
Yea, your mind is boggling pretty hard too, y’know! And as fun as this has been so far, you’ve got places to be! Or have they not heard about the Crossroads Siege?
To your surprise, this elicits a storm of whispers from your assessors! As they speak in hushed and frantic breaths, Aile hovers awkwardly at your side–the Acolyte politely refusing as you hold out your plate to them to sample some of the contents!
And Oti? You can’t really tell if he’s still there or not!
“We… heard rumors of such, yes…” Sultry begins in a measured voice, “But our agents in the Skog Capitol of KAMRAK to the West have ascertained no such plans from the Breaker Council… Some war parties patrolling their claims, but a siege?”
“And while there has been increased seismic activity to the East, there is nothing to suggest a Fuuxi horde on the move.” Principal adds with a sigh of relief. “Did the Archmage truly believe a siege was on the horizon?”
Would you lie about that? He said it himself, you retort with a sigh of your own, he planned on amassing an army of Teksouls, right? When he had enough and the power to keep them running, he planned to send them to Crossroads–it was a little fuzzy as to when he would, but you definitely recall him mentioning AFTER the Skogs, BEFORE the Fuuxi!
“Rest-assured we will investigate these claims regardless of the outcome of this hearing.” Sultry replies. “But you bringing it to our attention will not go unnoticed. But let us return to the matter at hand…”
“You.” Shrill coldly interjects!
“... Yes, I was going to say that.”
“Sorry…”
“Was there anything else, or are you ready to call in your witnesses?”
Witnesses… you’d love to see your pals, but is it necessary? Relaying your thoughts to the Assessors, you get your answer just as you polish off a second nutcake! Nutlicious!
>CONTD.
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>>6372321
“It is not required,” Principal replies as if thinking of the matter himself, “But their testimony could very much sway our verdict.”
… For better, right?
…
… For better?
“You may also advocate for yourself,” Shrill steps in, “But it has had… mixed results… historically.”
“We may also forego this step if you’re ready for us to deliberate.” Sultry sighs, clearly favoring the idea of a speedy trial! “But heed us well: once we’ve made our decision, it is absolute.”
Gosh, no pressure, right? They said you could have, like, two or three people, yea?
“Indeed.” Sultry answers, “Their memory of their summons will be wiped upon delivering their thoughts, however, so do try to avoid enacting some hare-brained escape scheme, if you please.”
Drat! Well this is why you always have a Plan B, right? The question is, who will you call to the uh… witness stand? CHOOSE UP TO 3!
>No one! They can figure stuff out on their own!
>You! You wanna testify!
>Volka!
>Tzah-Tzie!
>Rezalith!
>Toppel!
>Oti! That’s right, bud!
>Obber! Err, Toppel’s brother, that is!
>Joji!
>Lutza!
>Joplin the Manager!
>Knodd!
>Liz!
>RED!
>Meister Volkir!
>Jhairo!
>Salty Suutz!
>Someone Else! (Who?)
>Can you have more nutcake though seriously just one more (Doesn’t count as one of the three)
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>>6372322
Memories erased after all huh? Maybe we should call Volka so we can confess we lied about being an boobies inspector without making it awkward. Not that she didn't pass with flying colors.
>You! You wanna testify!
Every single lawyer video and crime drama said this is a stupid idea, but we'll prove them wrong!
>Lutza!
She can tell them about the Cartel and whatnot.
>RED!
The Devil as My Witness.
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>>6372322
>Volka!
>Tzah-Tzie!
and our trump card:
>Toppel!
She can talk about her counseling session, and how it's affected her. We are both POWERFUL and WISE, and an obvious force for goodness and stability :)And it will guilt Oti good and put Toppel's best foot forward
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>>6372324
>Maybe we should call Volka so we can confess we lied about being an boobies inspector without making it awkward.
Telling her when we know she won't remember means nothing, and also we're currently on trial so maybe let's not admit to being a pervy liar.
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>>6372328
TT know all of our deeds for her ballads, and knows how to make us look like heroic and positive force. Volka can attest to how invested we are in Crossroads and Zoral more broadlyfor a guy who's barely been here a week, kek
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>>6372322
>Lutza!
And
>Volka!
And
>Oti! That’s right, bud!
I know Oti already gave us high marks in his report. He has already taken risks for us on a couple of occasions now - giving us a heads up, after kidnapping us, and helping with Trier. So... I think if we give him the floor to speak at greater length about us, not within the parameters of a Report, and as a card carrying member of their Cloaked Order.... He stands the best chance of making the best argument on our behalf in terms they both understand and care about.
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Rolled 2 (1d2)
>>6372324
>>6372325
>>6372382
>>6372417
>>6372448
THE TALLY:
>YOU - 2
>LUTZA - 4
>RED - 3
>VOLKA - 2
>TT - 1
>TOPPEL - 1
>OTI - 1
>VOLKIR - 1
Looks like LUTZA and RED win it! As for the last one I'll flip a coin between ANTON (1) and VOLKA (2). Update'll probably go up a lil' later today--watch the space!
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Enticing as it sounds to fill the ‘witness bench’ with your pals, something tells you these mages are looking for a more objective perspective… better even it out a bit, then! For your first character witness, you declare in a booming voice like a lawyer in a movie, you call to the stand–
“We don’t have a ‘stand’.” Warns Shrill-Voice.
… You call… LUTZA!
Any shred of decorum and/or mystique your Assessors have dissipates as the name leaves your lips!
“L-LUTZA!?”
“OH my GOD I LOVE Lutza!”
“I saw her at the Crystalmelt–to DIE for!”
If Oti’s still there, he’s remarkably silent. And Aile? He looks borderline constipated trying his damndest to remain ‘professional’ in front of his bosses!
Amidst the flurry of fan-maging, a pair of familiar–if not somewhat weary–lavender eyes poofs into the center of the chamber–their owner turning a peculiar shade of red and squealing in confusion when she realizes she’s somewhere new!
“Wh-where am I!?” Sputters the starlet as her gaze flits over to you! “A-A-ANTON!? I was sleeping–Wh-what’s the meaning of-”
“ohmygodsohmygodsohmygoooodssss” Stammers Principal!
“It’s… it’s HER!” Squeals Shrill-Voice!
“I, erm… M-Miss Lutza, your grace…” Sultry begins, stumbling over each syllable like a log on a dark hiking trail, “We, um… well, we’re big, BIG fans of your work, and-”
“Anton, what’s happening?” The Spinner repeats as her embarrassment gives way to concern, “Are… is everything alright? Where are we?”
Some STAR-CLOAK place, you shrug, earning a trio of annoyed groans from your Assessors, but she’s safe–you just needed her to back you up on something!
“Uuugh… as Anton here was saying,” Sultry grumbles as Lutza seems to settle somewhat, “You have been summoned here by THE STAR-CLOAKS to testify on behalf of this anomaly!”
“A-and if it’s not too much to ask I have some merch I’d love you to sign…” Adds Shrill-Voice with a barely-contained giggle!
“M-my daughter would also die if you could record her a message on a Speakerstone–”
“I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about Anton!” Interjects Lutza as her voice and demeanor shift into IDOL MODE! “Or ‘Mr. Dependable’ as I like to call him!
S-sh-she does!?
“She DOES!?” Titters the trio!
“Err, well then… this should only… only take some time–a minute, I mean! Haha!” Loudly clearing her unseen throat, Sultry moves on to the business at hand! “You are no doubt aware that Anton is not from this world…”
“Mhm!” Lutza nods, “I daresay he’s OUT of this world! Hehe!”
Not even the nutcake can compete with Lutza’s pure sweetness…
>CONTD.
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>>6372569
“R-right! Yes!” Sultry stammers! “Do, um, what would… his character–what are your thoughts? On it? M-Miss Lutza?”
The bard gives you an appraising look and, after tossing in a wink for good measure, turns to address the council!
“Where do I begin? I first met Anton in Crossroads–Gold Town, to be precise-”
“OOH! That was when you were performing at-”
“That’s the one!” Nods the starlet at Shrill-Voice’s suggestion! “But behind the plush curtains and gilded tableware was… well, I can really only describe it as evil. Pure, unadulterated EVIL.”
The Council lets out a tandem gasp.
“People were being ferried out of the city through a tunnel in the basement.” Lutza continues in a grave tone, “The sick, the poor, debtors–some even donated their loved-one’s corpses for debt forgiveness… but it wasn’t until later that I realized what it was all for…”
You know, of course, but you don’t dare interrupt. Holding it in for a moment as the Assessors hang on her every word, Lutza finally dispels the suspense:
“Teksouls. Trier’s army of automatic enforcers… everyone had their suspicions, of course, especially if you lived in Umberal, but one man dared to obtain the truth:” Her glittering, if not somewhat weary eyes fall upon you.
“Anton Peas–dimensional detritus who not only burned The Cartel’s smuggling ring to the ground, but faced down and defeated one of the most powerful tyrants in Zoral’s history… a man who owes us nothing, yet has shed blood time and time again to deliver this land from wickedness… and bring HOPE back from beyond the horizon! And why?”
A warm smile forms on the dainty Durher’s face.
“... Because that’s just the kind of person he is. When I was in danger on the Umberal Skyrail, he rushed to my aid without a second thought… and if we had even ten more Antons in this world, well…” Her voice trails off as she shrugs. “Maybe things wouldn’t be so dark around here anymore.”
Lutza’s closing statement is received with a round of raucous applause–Principal Voice even throws in a few whistles! You’re not sure if that’s the standard procedure for these hearings, but who are you to tell them how to react to someone making you look good?
“Well, then!” Remarks Sultry as her peers settle back into their unseen seats, “Was there anything else you’d like to ask your witness before we send her back, Anton?”
Is there? You’ll definitely tell her ‘thank you’, but if Lutza isn’t gonna remember it, does it matter?
>Nope! Next victim, please!
>Lutza, do you think it’s alarming that I have, like, a demon in me?
>Lutza, what are your thoughts on Tzah-Tzie and I?
>Lutza, would you mind giving these kind folks those autographs and whatnot?
>Lutza, why are you so radical?
>Lutza, do you plan on traveling with me more, or?
>Write-In!
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>>6372573
Any specific detail(s) you want her to focus on in particular if this vote wins? Remember that Lutza hasn't been with you the whole time so some of her testimony might be what she heard from you--granted she had a pretty good seat to observe stuff that occurred in Umberal!
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>>6372692
More so how we were attacked by the cartel (who was in fact targetting her) before we even arrived at the city and continued to be attacked up until we murderized them. That should be enough to show we were acting in self defense against them.
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First of all, you begin as you give the gal an appreciative grin, thanks for coming out here to testify on your behalf!
“I didn’t really have a ch-”
Second, you interject, does she mind going into a little more detail about why you ran afoul of The Spice Cartel and Trier in the first place?
“Oh!” Blinks the bard, “Y-yes, of course! Where do I even begin…? We officially met on the Umberal Skyrail–Joplin, my manager, was concerned about security aboard the train, especially with how certain… elements of Cartel hierarchy acted around me.”
“Acted?” Asks Principal, prompting Lutza to squirm like a fresh worm on a hook!
Sorry to interject, you interject, but that fat jerk ROLO has her locked in a magically-bound contract… keeps her from talking about him too.
“Y-yes…” Lutza nods as she sends a thankful smile your way, “The organization has not been subtle about its desire to acquire me… exclusively. So when I learned that Anton was aboard, especially after what happened in Gold Town, well…” The girl hides a shiver beneath a forced shrug. “How could I refuse?”
“The Skyrail remains unaffiliated with any criminal elements.” Sultry counters in a slightly less-starstruck tone. “Skyrail Security is handled by Trimbault Academy and Umberal City. Were they not a reasonable option?”
“As we later learned, The Cartel was providing souls to The Archmage… but before I learned that from Anton and his friends, I just had… a feeling. I can’t explain it any better than that. And it paid off–Anton foiled a kidnapping and bombing plot in tandem with my own security team.”
She’s right–but the kidnappers weren’t Cartel… they belonged to that darn CULT OF THE BURROWER you’ve run afoul of so many times! Part of you wants to correct her, but what would you even say? Has the cult infiltrated the Star-Cloaks?
“Quite the intuition you have, Miss Lutza.” Shrill remarks, her tone betraying neither relief or suspicion. “Proceed.”
“Err, yes, of course…” Mutters the musician as she picks up where she left off! “Shortly after we arrived in Umberal I was approached by The Cartel–I was to be the main event of a ‘Welcome Back’ party for Rolo… but I suspect it wouldn’t have ended there. I instructed my manager to direct Anton and his associates to my suite at Crystalmelt on the off-chance things became dicey… and they may have saved my life.”
“This… is refreshing to hear, Miss Lutza,” Principal sighs, “But please try to focus on Anton, if you please.”
“Right.” She answers with a spirited nod! “He and his associates joined my security detail in Umberal–one of them even played with me at the concert-”
>CONTD.
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>>6372734
“OOH! Yes! Tzah-Tzie! She was INCREDIB-” Exclaims Sultry in a very UNsultry manner! “Erm, I mean… y-yes, our, um… SCOUTS reported on that… a-and the airship entrance… a-and final number…. and the closing speeches...”
“Well then you’ll no doubt know the circumstances leading up to that dramatic entrance!” Lutza segues with renewed pep in her proverbial ‘step’! “You see, as we were preparing to perform, Cartel Agents assaulted our suite… and even kidnapped my co-performer!”
“The motivation for assaulting Nessurmos Manor, yes?” Inquires Shrill as you feel unseen eyes fall upon you from the gloom!
Yea, you nod, she’s… well, she’s important to you–really, REALLY important… a-and, um, The Cartel had been coming after your other friends ever since you reached Umberal too, so…
“So to review,” Principal interrupts as he loudly clears his throat, “Miss Lutza witnessed firsthand your Gold Town Raid–”
Which, mind, The Cartel started! They stole a poor Molegg lady’s eggs an-
“Seeing how you performed, Miss Lutza, fearful for her life, hired you as security in Umberal?”
“Yes.” Lutza nods.
“Miss Lutza, one more question, if you please…” Purrs Principal as the shivering starlet perks up, “Do you believe Anton demonstrated reasonable restraint and judgement when under your employ?”
The Duher answers with a confused blink. “I… I was kept safe and sound for the majority of the trip. I learned of threats I never would have suspected… and…” A sheepish grin forms on the girl’s demure face. “And I was able to make amends with… with an old rival. I couldn’t have asked for a better bodyguard.”
“Hm.” Responds Principal Voice, “Very well then. If there’s nothing else-”
WAIT!
Rushing over to Lutza, you gently place a palm on her shoulder!
… and immediately retract it when you realize how uh… bare it is. Is… that why she was so embarrassed when she was teleport-
“Y-yes, Anton?” She stammers in a vain attempt to drown out the reddish tint spreading through her cheeks! “Anything… else?”
You uh… would she mind signing a few autographs?
Several minutes of awkward Assessor Giggling and tablet-signing later, you feel a familiar tingle in your teeth as the starlet is portaled away along with her memory of what just transpired!
“Hells, hells, HELLS!” Exclaims Principal as his associates examine their merch, “My daughter is going to be THRILLED!”
“J-just so you’re aware, Anton,” Stammers Shrill-Voice in short breaths, “This little, erm…”
“Surprise?” Sultry suggests!
“SURPRISE will not affect our judgement!” She concludes! “Speaking of, do you have any other witnesses?”
Yea, you begin, but they’re, uh-
>CONTD.
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>>6372735
“Oh! Is it the OTHER Durher?!” Sputters Sultry with barely-contained excitement! “Oh, she was absolutely delightful! Yes, definitely call her in next!”
“Now I’M curious!” Principal adds with a grin in his tone!
N-no, you reply in an apologetic voice, you, er… they’re not a… musician. You think!
“Well…” Shrill begins as she rises back to baseline shrillness, “Who is it, then?”
”Guess I’m up ta’ bat, huh, pard?” RED asks with barely-contained mirth in his tone! ”Say, how about I take the wheel, huh? Let me field some questions for a bit!”
Why… why on Earth, Zoral, Chaa’tai, or any other world would you ever… EVER let him do that? Your shoulders are borrowed for a shrug.
”You’re still hungover? I can explain the details about our arrangement better than you can? They asked for a character witness and I have a right to speak for myself?”
Alright, alright, alright, you groan as the council begins to chitter with rising confusion, he makes a good point, but-
“Anton,” Sultry begins in a wary tone, “Who do you intend to call as a witness?”
A low groan leaves the space next to the Assessors–guess Oti’s still there and he knows what you intend to do!
And you? You kinda know… you’re not gonna let RED take over without being introduced first, but what’s the game plan here? These guys know you’re ‘contaminated’, but…
>Introduce and be the interpreter for RED!
>Introduce and give the reins to RED!
>Nevermind, this is a bad idea! Choose someone else!
>Write-In!
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>>6372736
>Introduce and give the reins to RED!
Acting as an interpreter doesn't really work. I'd say so long as we make it clear we're doing this willingly, aka, we can choose for this to happen, then that shouldn't end too badly.
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>>6372736
>Nevermind, this is a bad idea! Choose someone else!
I really think we should double-dip with Oti still, and get his personal testimony to go with the report he already read, since we know he is on our side and HE knows what these guys wanna hear.
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Rolled 1 (1d2)
If I had a nickel for every time we've run into a tie in this darn quest...! Coinflip time!
>1--Interpret!
>2--Let RED speak!
Expect an update later this afternoon based on whatever happens with the coinflip!
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Well, you begin with the confidence of a juicy hunk of brisket at a starved dog convention, you uh… they keep mentioning ‘contamination’, but-
“Demonic influence is no laughing matter, Anton.” Sultry explains like a parent who caught their kid stealing from the cookie jar, “Without proper precautions, even a lesser fiend can cause irreparable chaos.”
“Like that one demon you insist on cavorting around with.” Shrill-Voice pointedly shrills. “Rezalith, was it?”
Everyone calls her ‘Rezzie’, you reply, earning a smattering of murmurs from your Assessors! They, uh… they’re not gonna take her away or anything, right? To the HELL POUND or whatever?
“We have not dismissed the possibility of getting the HELL POUND involved, no.” Principal coldly replies. “But that matter and many more hinge on this case’s verdict.”
Hooraaaayyy….
“So.” Sultry begins in a slightly less-stern voice, “Who’s next?”
You wanna call, uh… your demon contractor! The Assessors, as you can probably imagine, do not sound thrilled!
“Powerful though we may be, Anton,” Explains Shrill in a clearly rattled tone, “We will not summon an unshackled GREATER DEMON in SPELLBELT’S conf-” The Mage’s words tangle up in her throat as she realizes her mistake! “I-IN THIS PLACE!”
Her colleagues fail to correct her on another point, you notice–they think RED’S a GREATER DEMON...
W-well, you cough, could, uh… is there any way to have a talk without bringing him here?
”Scoot over, kid!”
And without him taking control of your body?
“Tch…”
“There… is a way, yes.” Sultry begins as if pondering the possibility herself mid-speech, “Sentinel, the fiend communicates with the host through thought, is that correct?”
“It is.” Oti answers flatly.
“Then if you allow it, Anton, we will plumb your mind and converse with the demon that way.” You can’t see it, but you’re pretty sure she cocks her head to the side. “Do you comply?”
… w-will it h-hurt?
“No, it won’t HURT.” Grumbles the magess! “Do you want us to confer with your contractor or not?”
D-do you?
>Yea, go for it. Just mind where they’re poking!
>Actually, nevermind… you’ll let him take the wheel for a sec!
>Errr, can I call someone else up, actually?
>Stay Silent! They’ll Think You Disappeared!
>Write-In!
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>>6373080
>Errr, can I call someone else up, actually?
RED just keep the bench warm... Oti please if you would say more nice stuff before these guys clock that the devil on our shoulder has an ARCH before his job title!
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On one hand, you’re not exactly keen on having wizards poke around in your thoughts like kids through a garden on an Easter Egg Hunt! That said, who better is there to speak on your behalf than the devil the mages are already aware of… and who needs you in one piece to get what he wants?
The whole situation stinks worse than that mystery meat your boss Lars buys in bulk and keeps wrapped up in a separate corner of the freezer… but when has anything been easy for you?
… seriously, when? Man, you wish you could remember something useful for a change!
Okay, you nod with what little resolve you can manage to slap onto your face, let’s do this! Just, uh… keep their mental mitts out of your private stuff!
“Very well,” Purrs Sultry as you feel a subtle ‘knock’ on the corner of your consciousness, “Just try to relax an-”
You mean it, you repeat as anxiety slowly wells up in your core, watch it! Especially anything labeled ‘Tzah-Tzie, Lutza, Volka, Liz, Toppel, Rezalith, Durher Girls, Skog Girls, Demon Girls, Wardrobe Malfunctions, Wet Tunic Contests, Cuddling, NSFW, Maid Costume-”
“Y-yes, we’ll, erm… we’ll use our due diligence…” Sultry hastily replies!
“Just try to keep your mind clear.” Adds Principal as you feel three new consciousnesses squeeze into your mind like commuters on a crowded train, “Interference will just complicate things. Don’t think about thinking.”
‘Don’t think about THINKING!?’ That’s like saying ‘Try to relax’! What’s gonna happen, anyways? Are they gonna see your thoughts?
You don’t get an answer, but you do feel a familiar presence worm its way out from the dark corners of your cranium and saunter over to greet the newcomers!
“Assessors!” RED purrs like a cowboy straight out of an old Western Flick, ”Make yourselves at home, I insist…”
HE insists… oh brother… Steadying yourself with a deep breath, you try your hardest to…
Relax.
>Roll me 1d100-2 (+7 Eloquent Archdevil, +3 All the World’s a Stage, -9 Assessor Observation, -3 ‘Try to relax’) to….
(Best of 3, by the way!)
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It’s tricky, clearing the thoughts from your head like weeds from a football field… but you manage, somehow. Fortunately for you, RED wastes no time in getting the ball rolling!
”So…” He begins, savoring the title like a choice cut of meat, ”To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, ladies and gentlemage?”
The Assessor’s voices pipe into your mind almost clearer than RED’s... and you can tell they’re on-guard!
“That’s precisely what we would like to know.” Sultry begins with a curt, no-nonsense tone! “We could sense the demonic corruption on The Anomaly long before he arrived–are we to assume you were tethered to him without an ulterior motive?”
Your ‘tetherbuddy’ answers with a snort and a snicker! ”Shoot, I just do what I’m told! You seem like a smart bunch–surely you know about the Demonic Hierarchy?”
“We do,” Principal answers with a snarl, “And don’t call me ‘Shirley’.”
”Then you know I couldn’t tell you if I tried.” RED sighs with a borrowed shrug!
“We do have means to… loosen your lips, fiend.” Sultry counters.
”Then why aren’t you using them?”
The Assessors fall silent for a pause bordering on uncomfortable–but RED beats them to the punch with a well-timed laugh!
”Just kidding! Hells, lemme guess–you’re the fun ones at work parties, ain’tcha?”
“Explain how you laid claim to The Anomaly.” Shrill-Voice calmly asks. “Before you initiated this ‘Lord Contract’.”
”Someone in this plane fatfingered a summoning ritual–happens to everyone, really.” Begins the demon as if recounting his day, ”Snagged a good deal of power from one of my lackeys–couldn’t tell ya HOW, but-”
“Why didn’t your… ‘lackey’ simply take it all back?” Interjects Principal!
”Why indeed…” RED grumbles. ”Bit of a firecracker, that one–she came close, but Anton’s charms won out in the end. Can’t even recall the last time she mentioned power now that I think on it…”
“Charms…” Sultry repeats, her mental voice clearly deep in thought, “Describe them.”
”Anton, Anton, Anton…” The fiend repeats with a grin, ”He has a way with people–I can’t take credit for that.”
“You can’t… or you won’t?” Shrill prods.
”Look, I know what you’re thinking–I’ve got this poor little mortal dancing on my burning puppet strings! But believe me when I say: the kid’s taken every opportunity he can to kick me to the curb. Downright heartbreaking, if I had one!”
“And the elimination of the Lords–that was your idea?” Inquires Sultry.
>CONTD.
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>>6373227
”Can ya’ blame me? People wouldn’t stop talking about ‘em ever since we arrived… be lyin’ if I said they didn’t intrigue me…”
“To what end?” Asks Principal! “What do you intend to do with their essence?”
”My home plane could use some… restructuring.” RED retorts, barely pausing for a beat! ”Again, you understand the hierarchy-”
“And the other?”
That shuts the fiend up… but only for a moment!
”... Another?” He replies with just the right blend of cluelessness, ”Another what? demon?”
“The Second Anomaly.” Sultry continues in a hardened voice, “The Sentinel observing her went dark-”
”Ha! Doesn’t everything in this plane?” When he doesn’t get a laugh, RED shifts gears. “... what, pray tell, would that have to do with lil’ ole’ me?”
“They’re also corrupted.” Sultry-Voice explains, still keeping her cards close to her chest, “Our operative confirmed as much in their last report… that and the fact that The Anomaly appeared far less squeamish about it.”
”What can I say? Anton’s one-in-a-million!” RED responds with a spirited shrug! ”Kid gets handed the keys to the castle and what does he do? Chucks ‘em in the moat! Chivalry, thy name is Anton!”
“This Second Anomaly…” Principal steps in while his Sultry colleague ponders, “You wouldn’t happen to know who their ‘patron’ is, would you?”
“That information would be well-appreciated…” Adds Shrill-Voice, earning a contemplative grumble from your hellspawn!
”No shortage of ambitious Greaters in my plane…” He muses as if ordering from a diner menu, ”But even if I did know I wouldn’t give that information away for free…”
Another smile creeps into his tone–and you can feel the teeth in this one! ”Secrecy is our greatest ally too, y’know…”
Your mind falls silent.
“Very well. Know that the offer remains on the table.” Principal concludes, his tone tinged with doubt. “Our Order doesn’t take losses lightly.”
”Neither does mine.”
As the conversation settles into a stalemate, a thought occurs to you–one small enough to not set off any warning bells, from the looks of it! Maybe you could ‘nudge’ RED into getting more info out of these guys? At the very least he might have a detail or two left over if your memory gets wiped after the trial!
What do?
>Stay silent. Let them wrap up!
>’Second Anomaly’. You want to know what they know about her!
>’Sentinel’. These operatives of theirs… How do you even ID them?
‘Oti’. Speaking of Sentinels…
>’Demons’. They seem somewhat used to dealing with them…
>Write-In!
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It ain’t easy keeping your mind clear, especially when a group of people are using it like a conference room–but as the conversationees continue to fling barbs at each other like water balloons, an idea occurs to you…
These Star-Cloaks–they haven’t crucified you for wasting Trier… so even if you DID throw a wrench into whatever plan they were cooking up, you get the feeling there’s no love lost between them and THE LORDS! Which, if you’re intuiting correctly here, means they probably have plans and intel on the other jerks as well!
You can’t ask them outright, of course, but you’ve got someone who wants the Lords gone even more than you do… and he knows a thing or two about jerking people’s chains! Steadying yourself with a sigh, you think of what you wanna know about for the splittest of seconds… it’s up to RED to figure out what you mean!
‘LORDS…’
“Hm?” Sultry asks, sending a spike of anxiety down your spine, “What was that?”
Oh, err, t-that!? W-well, um, y’see, I err uhh–
CHORDS! you think as your heart pounds against the inside of your chest, you, uh… you really oughta’ practice your CHORDS later! With your gal-pal! The Spinner from Lutza’s concert!
Your mind falls silent once more as you feel the mage’s suspicions burn into your being like some arcane cattle brand!
“Good idea.” Sultry finally answers with a warm tinge in her tone, “She was really something else! Or… or so I HEARD...”
Just when things are about to get really awkward, your knight in RED armor leaps to your aid!
”Wait a minute…” He begins with all the smiling mirth of a conman finding a new mark, ”I see what’s going on here…”
“Do you?” Shrill counters with a smirk of her own, “And what, pray tell, is happening, demon?”
”It’s simple, really–dunno why I didn’t see it before!” RED snickers to himself! ”You sent your dog to watch us–hell, even had him track us down before we were even two steps into this Umberal burg!”
“For someone lost in another plane, your host has been rather busy.” Counters Principal! “What’s your point?”
”Oh, don’t play dumb…” Chides the devil, ”You have this big, master plan for dealing with the LORDS… but when we whip up a plan and execute it, your loyal little Sentinel not only falls in with our merry band of misfits, but also HELPS us beat him!”
“What’s. Your. Point?” Sultry snarls!
The archdevil takes a moment to savor the position you put him in–and another for good measure!
>CONTD.
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>>6373595
”You… you don’t have a plan at all, do you!?” He answers, barely containing a raspy laugh! ”All of this secrecy, these fancy-shmancy titles, this sham of a ‘hearing’... and for what? A world you can’t even see run by a cadre of insane freaks that you haven’t gone after until NOW?”
“That’s ENOU-”
”You don’t even know their names, do you? Need a hint?”
“SILENCE!” The chamber echoes with Sultry’s very unsultry shout! “Who do you think we are, fiend!? Our operations have unearthed more information than you ever will!”
“P-Professor-” Mutters Principal!
“What do you know of the schism brewing among the Skog ranks!? The disappearance of the RIDGEBASIN colony to the East!?! The Steel-Covered Shamblers to the South!?”
“PROFESSOR!”
You can’t quite make it out in the gloom, but Sult-err, ‘Professor’ seems to realize her mistake a tad too late… and her peers are none too pleased about it!
“... Your testimony has been weighed, demon.” Principal grumbles as you feel them vacate your mind, “And don’t think for a second that we won’t be watching you.”
”Perfectly fine by me!” RED sneers with barely-concealed mirth, ”We’ll be keeping an eye on you as well, won’t we, Anton?”
Come OOOON, duuuuudee….
“I can’t speak for my peers,” Shrill-Voice begins, no doubt sending a nasty glance at her fellow female, “But I’ve heard quite enough testimony…”
“As have I.” Grumbles Principal, “Anything else you’d like to disclose?”
“I… I do not.” Sighs Sultry, shame burnt into her words like grill lines on a steak!
“Then we shall proce–”
Hey, hey, HEY, you snarl with wide eyes and indignation you can taste, what about your third witness, huh? They PROMISED!
“... I… suppose we can hear more…” Principal groans, clearly not having as much with RED as he did with Lutza, “But for your sake, Anton, please… please summon someone a little more… erm…”
“Agreeable?”
“Yes,” Principal answers Shrill with a nod in his tone, “Please.”
You call as a witness… VOLKA!
“So be it…” Gathering unseen energy, the chamber echoes with unseen energy as your Skog pal crackles into existence…
“Volka,” Begins Principal voice, “You have been summoned t-”
His introduction is cut short as a sound akin to a truck shifting gears on the highway fills the chamber… followed by a drawn-out, nasally breath…
… Is… is she snoring?!
>CONTD.
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>>6373596
Repeating the action a few more times, Volka confirms for you all that yes, she IS snoring! You’ve witnessed firsthand how good she is at sleeping, of course, but standing up after being teleported? There’s a professional right there!
“I knew we should’ve done this in the afternoon…” Huffs Sultry as Oti remains quieter than usual! “Acolyte!”
You’d nearly forgotten Aile was watching from the door, but the eager-to-please acolyte makes himself known with a loud ‘Yes, Assessor!?’
“Wake her.”
A strangled protest barely wriggles free of your lips as the Acolyte assents–drifting over to the sleepy Skog with all the purpose of a determined blimp, the mage produces something from their cloak–a wand, maybe–and gets to work prodding Volka’s face!
‘Work’ is the operative word here–by the three minute mark the acolyte’s still poking… and the Skog is still dozing!
“Should…” Sultry begins in an uncertain tone, “Should I call the Somnimancers?”
“How… how can this be?” Shrill-Voice stammers as Aile begins to whimper from the constant prodding, “What… what IS she?”
“I’ve never witnessed anything like it…” Principal remarks in a hushed tone, “In…Incredible…”
She’s a heavy sleeper, you explain as if no one else had come to the same conclusion, but this is deeper than usual!
“I… may have slipped some tranquilizing agents into our beverages during the ‘victory soiree’.” Mutters Oti from the far-end of the chamber. “... sorry.”
You’re about two seconds away from stepping in and wiggling some trail jerky under Volka’s nose when a shrill shriek rings out from the center of the chamber!
“W-what’s-”
“She’s got Aile!” Sputters Principal in response to Shrill’s question! “Quick, before-”
“MmmmMmghh…” Grumbles the Skog as her thick tail slaps the ground beneath her, “Thash… thash fine… I don’t got work til’ later, Ma…”
An uncomfortable silence fills the chamber, disrupted only by Aile’s frantic struggle to wriggle free from the girl’s grasp!
“... Wherezis?”
As The Council regards Volka’s question with silent confusion, you cross to the center of the chamber and take a position at the Skog’s flank! Volka, you whisper, you-
“EEeeEEEyyyyy, ANTooooOOn!” She chirps, eyes still shut tighter than a bank on pretty much any holiday, “Heeeyyy, stranger~wanna snuggle?”
… You uh, you have some friends here that wanna ask her some questions, you explain as you take a few preemptive steps away from the sleeping giant!
“Oh yea?” She remarks, teetering on her feet like a flag in the breeze, “Bring… bring ‘em onnn!”
“Err, Miss Volka,” Principal begins in a wary tone, “You’ve been with Anton since he arrived in Zoral-”
>CONTD.
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>>6373597
“Yup yuuuuup, thig as thieves, he an’ I…” She mutters with a demure giggle! “He’s… he’sh a riot, ain’d he…?”
“Y-yes, I… I suppose he is…” Principal stammers, no doubt feeling his peers scrutinizing him. “What would you say motivates him?”
The Skog stands still for a moment. “Jushtiz...”
“Is…” Sultry hisses, “Is that a real response, or-”
“I can’t tell…” Shrill mutters, “We’re the bloody Star-Cloaks–can’t we just wake her up-”
“Ant’s… he’sh da BESHT...” Mutters the amazon, rousing The Assessors from their discussion! “He’s… he’s smart… tough… and… and mosht of all…”
The Council leans in closer. You think! “M-mosht of all…?”
“...KIND.” Volka coos, “So… so KIND… guy can’t shtop runnin’ aroun’ n’ nearly gettin’ killed fer’ other folks… a dyed-in-the-scales Lamplighter righddere…”
“L-Lamplighter?” Repeats Principal Voice.
“That gang of suicidal vigilantes who-”
“NOD… shuishidal!” Grumbles Volka as she gives the ground another slap with her tail! “... bud yea… wish he’d shtig aroun’ ferebber, but he’s godda’ go home…”
The Skog sniffs. “Godda… go home, but…”
Now it’s your turn to ask! B-but?
“... Bud I wann’em to shtay…” The Skog sighs. “Him’n TT… and Reshy… an’ da’ uthers…”
“Aren’t… aren’t you worried about the corruption?” Principal weakly asks.
“Mmm…. nah.”
“Why?”
“.... Nah.”
“This is nonsense…” Groans Shrill-Voice, “Militia Captain or not, I doubt she’ll tell us anything groundbreaking in this state… shall we send her off?”
Shall they?
>Yea, let the poor girl rest!
>Wait! You know how to wake her up!
>Hold it! You wanna ask her about your work so far!
>Pause! You wanna inquire about your choice of allies!
>Freeze! You wanna quiz her on your noble quest!
>Write-In!
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>>6373607
Good point, if she doesn't remember it then it's worth less. Still, feels kinda lame to not use the memory wipe thing to do at least one cool thing we wanna say...
I'm guessing it would probably be weird to whisper her an "I'm sure you would have made a great girlfriend too" so I guess I'll just stick with
>Yea, let the poor girl rest!
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Oh, uh, just one more thing, you answer as you send a grateful smile Volka’s way, let the record show that in this state there’s NO way our pal Volka here is lying!
“That… doesn’t make sense.” Shrill-Voice counters.
Yes it does!
“Mhmmm… thash’ a biiiiiigg pastry…”
… A-anyways, you add, they can send her on her way… after you do THIS!
You go for a headpat until you remember The Skog is easily almost twice as tall as you are! Err, ACOLYTE!
“Y-yes, Anomaly!” Aile sputters as he rushes to your side, “What is your command?!”
Wait, that actually worked? Err, a stool, you bark, sending the mage scurrying like a magic-wielding mouse, chop chop!
“... You don’t have to take commands from an Assessee, Acolyte…” Mutters a dumbfounded Sultry when the eager acolyte comes rushing back with furniture in tow!
Aile takes it like a dog caught peeing on the new rug. “Oh, erm… a-apologies, Assessors…” You, however, have already scaled the stool to deliver a much-deserved headpat! Making contact with the musclebound madam’s thick mane of hair, you try not to slip off of your perch as she leans into your touch like a cat!
“Ehehehe~”
“Alright, alright, enough petting the witnesses…” Grumbles Principal as The Skog’s tail thumps against the ground with glee! “And step aside–don’t want to teleport your hand along with her.”
Yea, no thanks! Dismounting the stool, you listen as Volka’s steady, if not somewhat loud, snoring disappears in a snap of magical energy! Hopefully she’ll get a good night’s sleep…
“So concludes witness testimony!” Shrill-Voice exclaims, yanking your attention back towards The Council! “With the information provided, we The Assessors are prepared for deliberation!”
“Sentinel, you are dismissed.” Sultry adds, prompting an already-quiet Oti to, well… continue to be quiet! “Acolyte-”
“YES, Assessor?!”
The Assessor in question takes a long, steadying breath before delivering her request. “Please take The Anomaly back to the holding cells.”
Just so you’re clear, as Aile approaches you from behind, how long does this deliberation stuff take, usually? You’ve got a cat to take care of!
“We do not take these matters lightly,” Replies Principal with a shrug in his tone, “But we also wish to respect the time and schedules of our Assessees.”
“We shall render our verdict within the month.” Shrill-Voice concludes before a befuddled grunt leaves her unseen lips! “Oh wait, the Sorcerous Soiree is coming up… ah yes, we’ll have an answer two months from now. Thank you for your patience~”
Their response smacks you in the face like a pop-fly ball at a baseball game–a slow arc followed by a sharp, painful landing! H-hey, you sputter, so does that mean they’ll bring you back in two months, or-
“Acolyte,” Sultry repeats in a less-sultry, more stern tone, “Cells. Now.”
>CONTD.
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>>6373958
A pair of ethereal arms clasp your shoulders, but you’re ready for them! Dropping limp like a toddler refusing to put on a sweater, your desperate measure seems to pay off!
“ACOLYTE,” Shrill-Voice shrills in growing disbelief, “What, pray tell, is the issue here!?”
“He’s… it’s… his full body weight…” Aile grumbles as his arcane grasp struggles to move you, “I… I can’t…”
“Oh for the love of…” Groaning in disbelief, The Assessor picks you up with an arcane appendage of her own–but a swift HELLGEYSER jostles you free and elicits a startled gasp from the whole panel!
You’re pretty sure you can hear a subdued laugh from where Oti was, too…
“Y-you would DARE oppose us!?” Stammers Shrill-Voice as her peers join her in unintelligible sputtering, “The STAR-CLOAKS!?”
Yea, you frown, you WOULD! Dare, that is! Landing on the floor like a cat, you flex your magical muscles and conjure up a fistful of flames in one hand as you get a good grip of some solid stone masonry in the other! Not wanting to play your GOD hand yet, you leave the latter where it sits… for now!
“Very well, then…” Principal coldly replies as you feel the magical mustiness in the room shift, “If you will go willingly, you will go bleeding...”
“Oh! OH!” Aile exclaims, stopping The Assessors dead in their tracks, “Assessors, if I may-”
“A bit busy here, Acolyte…” Sultry grumbles as her voice closes ranks with her fellow mages, “Make yourself useful and grab a mop from THE VESTIBULE OF CLEANSING-https://youtu.be/jpvJjwGqjPU
“... Yes, that.”
“B-but Assessors-”
“Don’t call us ‘Butt Assessors.’”
“J-just please… PLEASE allow me to remove this garbage from your mighty gazes!” Aile pleads, earning a deafening silence in return! “... by defeating him in combat. Not trying to pick him up again.”
A trio of ‘oooh’s fill the chamber.
“Hmm, very well…” Principal replies as Acolyte Aile disappears with a muffled ‘thhp!’ and reemerges facing you in the center of the chamber, “Complete this task and we’ll give you some Extra Credit…”
“Fail and we’ll beat him regardless.” Sultry shrugs. “But, hmm… you’ll have to buy us all sweets as punishment.”
“The fancy ones!” Shrill-Voice chirps, clearly already warmed-up to the idea! “Not that lab-conjured swill!”
“I… I WON’T fail!” Aile exclaims in a reedy, yet still pretty-spirited voice! “Anomaly… you may wield fierce, otherworldly power, but…”
The arcane energy blanketing the chamber is set ablaze as a rush of energy explodes from where you assume Aile is standing!
>CONTD.
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>>6373960
“In a matter of minutes… you’ll be seeing STARS!”https://youtu.be/-JnEhrXgvoc
A round of groans leave The Assessor’s area.
“For the record,” Sultry sighs as Aile warms up what is no-doubt a nasty spell, “That ISN’T our catch-phrase or anything.”
“I’d banish myself if I was ever caught saying that…” Principal adds.
“I’d banish you too.” Shrill mutters beneath her breath.
>Roll 1d100-2 (+3 Swift Footwork, +2 LIMBOOO, +2 Sneaky Leather Armor, +3 Magical Shield, -7 Star-Cloak Acolyte, -5 Angry Aile!) to dodge whatever’s coming! Best of 3!
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You haven’t slept in ages. You’re hungover, but the nutcake kinda helped on that front. You just took down one of the most powerful mages in Zoral… and you were giving him a good run for his money even without RED or KNODD taking over!
You’re ANTON PEAS, damn it, CHAMPION of the God (s pending their release) and if this glitter-wearing goofball thinks he’s gonna knock you around like a cheap punching bag, well…!
“PETRIFY!”
Oh crud, you gotta dodge!
“You don’t have to shout your spells, you know.” Sultry sighs as you deftly LIMBOOO beneath Aile’s opening act! PETRIFY, you learn, has a somewhat smokey aroma… with a hint of vanilla? Good to know!
“CONE OF FROST!”
And that one, you realize as you pirouette out of the spell’s way, smells like battery acid! Hey, you’re learning! Sidestepping a pool of cherry-scented GREASE and slapping away a salvo of ACID ARROWS with your trusty MAGIC SHIELD, you’re admittedly taken off-guard not by the spells, but by how Aile uses them!
Dodging beneath a spray of flames, you nearly stumble as your foot connects with a patch of frozen ground, and while you’re regaining your footing, your opponent is blinking into existence right in front of you!
“SHOCKING GRASP!”
The Acolyte’s spark-spewing claw comes close–a bit too close! Fortunately for you, too close doesn’t mean ‘close enough’... and as you slip beneath his clumsy lunge, you raise your shield into a nasty uppercut that–
“GALE BLAST!”
… Protects your eyes from stinging as a rush of wizardly wind rips you from the floor and sends you soaring across the chamber!
“ROCK WA-”
HELLGEYSER!
Hey, you can do his trick too! Launching yourself past the craggy barrier that bursts from the ground with seconds to spare, your hellish boost sends you SLAMMING into Aile like an Acolyte-Seeking Missile! Fortunately for you, your MAGIC SHIELD tanks the brunt of the blow, but UNfortunately for you, Aile appears to be surrounded by one of those SHIELD spells mages love so much!
Punk must have put it on long before the battle… and while he doesn’t seem phased by your torpedo impression, the action still sends him flying backwards for quite a way… enough for your spectators to gasp in shock… and Oti to let out another quiet, singular chuckle!
Whose side is that guy ON!?
Skidding to a halt a few feet away, Aile wastes no time in blinking out of existence again… and reappearing at your flank! Weaving through your MAGIC SHIELD swings like some wacky teleporting boxer, the Acolyte slips in an electrically-charged swipe every few blinks… but Volka and the others didn’t teach no ninny!
>CONTD.
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>>6374018
Your footwork? SOLID! Your breathing? A little congested, but that’s okay! Your hangover? Bad, but the lingering headache and the anger accompanying it motivate you to finish this soon!
“LUNAR BLADE!”
Oh gods, not the LUNAR BLADE! Leaning back as you feel an otherworldly edge nearly give you an impromptu shave, you somersault a healthy distance away and regain your footing in seconds flat!
… Okay, actually you just kinda flop to the ground and barrel-roll to safety, but you get back up really quick! That wasn’t an exaggeration! Aile’s still coming for you, though, so you’d better think of something to slip him up!
What do?
PASTEBIN:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA
>DISPEL MAGIC! Bye bye, shield!
>You’ve got HELLFIRE--cook this turkey!
>Stick to the tried-and-true! TELESCOPING MEATHOOK!
>THROWING KNIVES! You’ve got plenty! Trip ‘em up!
>Time to show off your GODLY GIFTS! Yank up a chunk of Earth and GROUND this goof!
>VENTRILOQUISM The Assessors–he seems to listen to whatever they say! Distractions!
>BIISII’S BAG! Add a little CHAOS to the equation!
>Write-In!
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>>6374019
>VENTRILOQUISM The Assessors–he seems to listen to whatever they say! Distractions!
He IS very impressionable. Use it as a distraction to...
>Time to show off your GODLY GIFTS! Yank up a chunk of Earth and GROUND this goof!
And announce what we're doing. To tangle with us is to tangle with KNODD.
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>>6374147
>>6374156
>>6374232
>>6374234
THE TALLY:
>VENTRILOQUISM - 3
>GOD GIFTS - 3
Double-action! Looks like I've got some work to do. Don't worry about adding/subtracting from your rolls--I'll just calculate them using my MIGHTY, SLIGHTLY-ABOVE BELOW AVERAGE INTELLIGENCE MIND!!!
>Roll me 2d100 to:
>1) Distract Aile! Bonuses: -1 (+3 All The World's a Stage, +3 Aile's Weakness, -7 Star Cloak Acolyte)
>2) Git 'em with THE ROCK! Bonuses: +1 or -5 (+3 If Distraction Works, +3 GEOMANCY, +2 Champion of Knodd, -7 Star-Cloak Acolyte, -3 If Distraction FAILS)
BEST OF 3! Update'll probably come later today--got shit to do!
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>>6374273
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Ducking another spell that reeks of… you dunno, worms? An idea comes crashing into your head like a baseball through a pensioner’s window! It’s no small feat given how ragged and sore your vocal cords feel, but just as the Acolyte prepares for another arcane assault, a familiar voice leaves someone’s lips!
hey its me mister assessor acolyte cut it out acolyte its the assessor lookit me
The no-doubt nasty spell forming in Aile’s claw fizzles out as its owner lets out a befuddled gasp! “A-as you wish, Assessor!”
“Wh-what!?” Sputters Principal Voice in naked disbelief, “H-how did…?!”
“Acolyte, belay that order!” Sultry snaps, her voice quavering and confused, “Defeat The Anomaly-”
She’s TOO LATE! Your jaw’s already relaxed! Your lips are stiff!
hey miss acolyte over here just sit tight over there bud it’s me
“G-GUH!?” Exclaims the Sultry One as Aile joins her with a pathetic whine!
“ACOLYTE!” Shrill shrills as you surreptitiously snag a good hunk of ground to tug on with your GEOMANCY, “It’s using UNIDENTIFIED MAGIC! Steel yoursel-”
THUMP!
Aile never saw it coming… which isn’t that impressive given where you are, but your spell does the job nonetheless! Skipping across the chamber like a stone across a creek, your obstinate opponent crashes into the wall with a resounding ’BRRZZT
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You smell the fizz and pop of magic being conjured a mile away, but before you can respond-
“ANOMALYABOUTTOGET’MAZE’DSAYSWHAT”
What? Oh cra-
“GALE BLAST!”
Sultry’s intonation is drowned out by the Acolyte’s sudden shriek!
“Aile, you blithering idio-”
And like a tablecloth in a tornado, you AND Sultry are launched across the chamber–the latter ‘poof’ing out of harm’s–A.K.A the floor’s–way, and the former, well…https://youtu.be/VcK16kNQBZYhttps://youtu.be/iDLmYZ5HqgMhttps://youtu.be/3U6E6TEoPoA
… Ow.
By the time you scramble back onto your feet, Aile’s already looming over you like a dog over an unguarded cookie!
“With the stars as my witness, I’ll PUNISH YOU!” He snarls as both of his hands crackle with magic!
“That’s… not a STAR-CLOAK thing either, by the way.” Sultry explains in a pained voice.
“Feel our POWER!” The acolyte shrieks as the air around him shivers with growing magic! “MIGHTY, TWINKLING, PO-”
POFF!
A well-placed chunk of rock shuts him up pretty quick, AND sends the sorcerer tumbling to the floor like a ragdoll! Coughing and groaning like you did that one time you got hit in the tummy by a football at the park, Aile has, needless to say, a hard time casting any more spells as you approach him with a handful of SAND!
Before you can deliver the FINAL BLOW, however, you feel not one, not two, but TEN arcane auras surrounding you! What the frick!?https://youtu.be/bcuI96by5g8
“We’re STAR-CLOAKS.” Principal groans with barely-concealed boredom as the three of them drift towards you. “Masters of Magic. The Conjurer Creme de la Creme.”
“And unlike our irksome apprentice here, we can cast more than one spell at a time!” Shrill adds as you start to lose track of where you are! “WITHOUT shrieking its name!”
“You probably haven’t had the pleasure of exploring a mage’s MAZE yet,” Purrs Sultry with smug satisfaction, “But you’ll have plenty of time to get used to i-”
You DID explore a maze, you snarl! When you fought TRIER! And it SUCKED!
“... Oh.” Mutters Shrill-Voice as she and her pals no doubt exchange a concerned glance, “W-well erm, this one… doesn’t have an exit!”
“So don’t even try to look for one!” Sputters Principal! “We’ll come get you once you’ve cooled down a bit. Just count yourself lucky we didn’t get our GRANDMASTER involved!”
Why, you scoff, so he could watch you beat the tar out of them? This is bullcrap, by the way–it’s three against one!
“W-what about…” Gasps Aile from his spot on the floor, “M-me…”
“You don’t count.” Sultry snaps. “Just stay down and think about what sweets you’re going to buy us!”
>CONTD.
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>>6374893
“THE GRANDMASTER is a wizard beyond your meager comprehension!” Shrill adds as you feel the familiar sensation of having your atoms rearranged, “And he will be none too pleased that you opted to cause such a… a…!”
“Kerfuffle?” Principal suggests.
“Yes! That!”
Oti, you groan, is… is he really gonna let this happen? Seriously? The shadows answer with a noncommittal grunt.
“Not my call to make, Anton.”
GREAT.
A yawning void opens beneath you with a dull roar as an unseen current tugs you towards its maw like a rubber duckie to a bath drain! Just when one of your boots is about to be launched into the rift, however, a pop of magic from across the chamber stops the trio dead in their tracks!
“Why the HELLS did I sense my DAUGHTER being summoned to SPELLBELT!?”https://youtu.be/gNHooTszyW4
You recognize the raspy, perpetually-annoyed voice long before its owner emerges from the shadows–dull, grey-lavender eyes, bushy eyebrows, and a pair of dulled, albeit still-prominent teeth…
And the acrid smell of potion reagents pungent enough to make your eyes water!
V-VOLKIR?!
“G-g-GRANDMASTER!” Shrill-Voice stammers in disbelief, “This… what are-”
“Answer MY question first, Ghira!” Snarls the aged apothecary as he slowly taps his way over with his walking stick! “And take those damned hoods off–you all look stupider than usual!”
The Trio assents like a group of kids caught throwing rocks at a window, as do their subordinates–Oti looks familiar enough, of course, and while Aile–revealed to be a maroon-eyed Mzz’goe’virr–, the Skog council member with the Principal-like voice, and the Shrill-Voiced Mox ‘Ghira’ don’t, you nearly stumble over your own feet as you lock eyes with Sultry!
Not that you could miss them, of course–dark pink, big as Oti’s…. Dead-ringers for the pair you ran into during your brief tenure at Trimbault Academy!
Professor… Lis’tat?
“Hello again, ‘Professor’...” She grumbles, averting her large eyes in embarrassment, “This i-”
“Forget the freak for now!” Grumbles Volkir as he swings his cane in the air like a sword, “What’s my daughter doing here, ey? I told ya’ I wanted ta’ keep her outta’ this!”
“S-she was called in as a character witness…” Stammers Shrill-Voice, A.K.A Ghira! “For the Threat Assessment-”
“‘Zat right…?” The Durher remarks as he turns to give you a good, long stare. “Hmph! She’s been gone longer than ever because of you, boy! You’d better be keeping her fed! Skogs gotta eat, y’know! Takes a lotta’ grub ta’ keep those scales shiny and tusks firm!”
Y-yea, you nod, unsure of how to proceed, you’re, uh… you’re taking care of her! Somehow that declaration STILL manages to annoy the old coot!
>CONTD.
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>>6374897
“Fweh! Try takin’ care of her for a few years an’ come back to me! I swear, if you even try to take advantage of her pure heart-” Interrupting himself with a coughing fit, the decrepit Durher nearly smacks your nose off with his cane! “Hey, that’s right! Where’s my BELLS, ey? TWENTY-THOUSAND to get you home! I didn’t forget–why did you!?”
Before you can answer, the foxlike fusser takes a few whiffs in your direction. “Huh. Ya’ smell like tombrot. Old prick finally got what was coming to ‘em, huh?”
“Yes, Grandmaster,” Begins Professor Lis’tat in a placating tone, “Which is why we saw fit to conduct an apprais-”
“Pah! ‘APPRAISAL!’” Scoffs the sorcerer as he prods your chest with his walking stick, “Blue-eyed bastard’s barely got a bad bone in his body! Even I can see that!”
“A-all the same, Grandmaster,” Principal adds, “We thought it prudent to-”
“Bring him HERE? And fight him!?” Croaks the conjurer, tail swishing behind him like an angry broom, “You’re supposed to question the poor bastard!”
“Yes, well,” Ghira begins, her large Mox blinking anxiously, “He wasn’t amenable to waiting here while we conducted our deliberations-”
“You told him you were gonna hold him?”
The Chamber falls silent.
“You’re supposed to wipe his mind, dump him back on land, and grab him again once you’ve reached a verdict, you godsdamned CLOWNS!” Snarls the Durher as his cane smacks the floor with unbridled menace! “Hells, I can’t turn away from you lot for a second, can I? And you plan on being Crossroad’s next GUILD CHAIR?”
The Mox shrinks at that question as recollection floods your mind–that’s right! GHIRA was one of the chairman candidates! You never met, but she was… you’re pretty sure she favored Umberal?
“That dream is…” The Mox sighs as her large eyes flit in your direction, “No longer possible, Grandmaster. The scheme has fallen apart.”
“Good!” Laughs Volkir! “Thought it was stupid from the start! Time for a new one!”
Having held his tongue for the majority of the conversation, Oti tests the waters with a well-timed clearing of his throat! “If I may, Grandmaster-”
“You may’nt.” The old codger crackles as his weary eyes turn their attention to you. “So TRIER’S toast, hm? Was wondering why that message of mine triggered in my old Umberal apartment.” He gives you another sniff and frowns. “You smell different. Ain’t just hellfire and that damned thief’s scent anymore. What did you do, boy?”
You, uh… you might’ve freed KNODD from some kind of prison? You’re a champion now!
“HAH! ‘Champion!’” The Durher chuckles, “Sure ya’ are! An’ I’m the Queen of Mzz’ovra! Bow!”
>CONTD.
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>>6374899
His subordinates following his command only makes Volkir angrier. “Alright, alright, cut it out! We’ve got company, you brown-nosing bastards…”
You never thought you’d be happy to see Volka’s adoptive dad, but here you are! With your maze trip postponed for the all-forseeable future, you decide to take the opportunity to get some answers!
The question is, where do you start? CHOOSE 3 FOR NOW!
>You’re really a Champion of the Gods! Honest!
>Does he track Morook and Volka all the time?
>He knows Crossroads is gonna be sieged, right?
>What’s with all these familiar faces? They’re all Star-Cloaks!?
>He’s the Grandmaster–what can he tell you about the Star-Cloaks?
>Lis’tat–what the Hell is SHE doing here!?
>You had a question or two about Devils, actually.
>Am I free to go after this?
>What can he tell you about the other Lords?
>Can I have some more nutcake?
>He doesn’t seem that surprised that Trier’s gone.
>What’s this about a plan for Umberal and Crossroads? And Ghira?
>Write-In!
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>>6374900
>You’re really a Champion of the Gods! Honest!
>He knows Crossroads is gonna be sieged, right?
>Am I still going to be mind-wiped after this?
We can talk to him about the rest later, if he doesn't keep us here or wipe our mind too badly.
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>>6374903
>>6374914
>>6374923
>>6374941
>>6374943
THE TALLY:
>YOU'RE A CHAMP! - 5
>FACES - 1
>PLAN FOR UMBERAL AND CROSSROADS - 1
>LORDSSSSS - 2
>FREE TO GO/MINDWIPED (Fuck it they're so similar so we'll just bump it up I don't even listen to the rules man I'm a rebel) -4
>CROSSROADS SIEGE - 2
Looks like the winners are CHAMPION, AM I GOOD AFTER THIS, and a toss-up between CROSSROADS SIEGE and LORDS. We'll do all-four tomorrow, probably--had a big day today and I'm all written out!
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But first you’ve gotta set the record straight here: you aren’t just some extradimensional ragamuffin anymore, you begin with a placating smile on your face–you’re… you’re actually, really, TRULY the champion of the gods!
This earns you another round of raspy laughter only an old coot like Volkir can provide… and while it doesn’t hurt your feelings at first, you’ll admit it kinda stings when his subordinates join in on the fun too!
“HA!” Coughs the Grandmaster as his cane taps along with him, “And… and I’m a talking Maakar!”
But… but he ISN’T, you whine!
“Exactly, dumbass!” All of the mirth drains from the Durher’s voice and expression as he channels the energy into swatting your head with his walking stick! “An’ you ain’t a CHAMPION either!”
Why not!? KNODD even said you were, so-
“Kid, if I had a bell fer’ every person who claimed they were something because some voice in their head told them so, I’d be too busy countin’ em’ all to tell you how stupid you’re sounding right now!”
“You feel it though, don’t you, Grandmaster?” Asks Oti, earning several sour looks in his green-eyed direction, “Ordinarily I wouldn’t believe it myself, but-”
“Sentinel, I’ve been sensing auras before you were a twinkle in your father’s massive eye.” Volkir counters with a shake of his head, “He hasn’t died yet, I’ll give him that, but his power’s demonic–I tested it myself back when he first stumbled into my shop!”
“It’s been… different ever since he returned from the battle with Trier, though-”
“‘DIFFERENT’ doesn’t mean diddly-squat!” The Grandmaster groans! “Devils can look, sound, smell, and taste however the hells they want–wouldn’t be the first time they acted like ‘Gods’ either!”
You hate to admit it, but you can’t help but root for Oti as he doubles-down in front of his boss! “But the gods DO exist-”
“Go read a history tablet if you don’t believe me!” Scoffs the potionseller as he gives you another poke with his cane! “There’ll be plenty of time to do that once you’re reassigned to scribe duties for all this insubordination I’m hearing!”
Oti’s expression tells you he has more to say–much more–but he somehow manages to hold his tongue or whatever Chytree have! Turning his attention back to you, a mischievous gleam forms in Volkir’s dim eyes.
“In fact, why not test it again right here and now, hm?” He suggests as you feel the air around him fizzle with the start of a spell! “His ‘holiness’ surely won’t mind a little holy magic, will he?”
H-he doesn’t have to do that, you stammer, but neither Volkir nor his subordinate sorcerers seem keen on stopping!
>CONTD.
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>>6375454
“We’re STAR-CLOAKS, boy, not peasants–we deal in facts, not fantasy!” Sensing the spell reach its rumbling, crackling apex over your head, you grit your teeth and blink the sting from your eyes as you prepare to…
>ROLL ME 1d100-10-
From the acrid smell of ozone emerges another odor–faint, but somewhat familiar: a cross somewhere between mint… and roses?
Volkir smells it too, of course, and the scent freezes the doddering Durher dead in his magical tracks as his cloudy eyes widen in utter befuddlement! Where his spell stalls, the odor prevails, and like a burst dam, the aroma WASHES over the entire chamber like a fine-scented flood!
”The Champion speaks the truth, mage.” Intones a familiar, and very much-appreciated voice! ”We are KNODD: The Bountiful Harvest. The Canvas. The EARTHMOTHER… and were it not for the actions of this ‘Anomaly’, a prisoner we would remain…”
The chamber falls so silent you could hear a pin drop–wrapped in felt! Frozen in silent shock, none of the mages, not even Oti, dare make a move or a sound as KNODD’S radiance sends flower-filled cracks spidering across its vast surfaces…
So, you begin with barely-contained smugness, do they believe you n-
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-”
A Few Minutes Later…
“Which is why,” KNODD sternly concludes like a mother scolding her son as the room around you reeks of magic and destruction, ”Nearly rending this place asunder–and my champion with it–is counterproductive to our whims. Apologize.”
“... Sorry, Anton…” The mages grumble, still jittering from the magical moshpit that just transpired.
”Sorry for WHAT?”
“... For flying off the handle.” Volkir grumbles, his eyes lingering on a particularly-interesting spot of floor.
“... And casting enough spells to level an army...” Adds Principal.
“... And nearly killing The Champion of the Gods in the process...” Lis’tat mutters.
“... And raising our voices at Aile when he started crying…” Ghira ‘Shrill-Voice’ stammers.
“I w-w-wasn’t… c-cr-cr-”
“And… doubting you, Anton.” Replies Oti in an uncharacteristically-contrite tone of voice!
”That’s more like it.”
“But… but can you really blame us, O Glorious Earthmother?” Volkir inquires with the meekest voice you’ve ever heard him put on, “There’s-”
”We are KNODD. We can blame whoever or whatever we want.”
“Y-yes, but… but there’s never been a CHAMPION of a god, much less THE Gods!” The Durher squeaks as his subordinates (with the exception of Oti) mutter in assent! “Never in all of Zoral’s history–and believe me, I’ve checked!”
>CONTD.
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>>6375456
”Dire times call for dire measures.” KNODD replies in a grave tone. ”We did not believe a champion was ever required… yet we did not foresee being sealed away by dark magicks either.”
Yea, about that, you gently interject, Trier said he was the one who ushered in the darkness… but shouldn’t it be gone now, then? KNODD definitely didn’t waste any time the minute he ‘died’!
“Safe to assume he wasn’t lying…” Muses Volkir as he paces the room, cane tapping the floor like a broken metronome! “Crazy bastard didn’t need to. Never did.”
So if he wasn’t lying, you remark as the rest of the Star-Cloaks exchange a curious glance, then who’s the culprit?
“All of them.”
All eyes fall upon Professor Lis’tat as the Chytree madame lights up some kind of pipe and takes a few puffs from it. “HEROR’S THEORY. Unsubstantiated as far as they go, but-”
“But it would certainly explain why the darkness hasn’t waned even in the wake of The Archmage’s defeat…” Grunts Principal-Voice! Sorry, you frown, but who’s this ‘Harold’ guy?
“Trimbault Alumni–and a Star-Cloak.” Oti explains with a shrug. “Had a reputation for crackpot theories–someone you’d expect ranting on a streetcorner, not teaching.”
“Ole’ kook was ancient long before the world went dark, too.” Volkir adds with a sagely nod. “But he did have a few pearls of wisdom interspersed in the shit–one of them being that there wasn’t one sole perpetrator of spreading the darkness.”
But a God did that, right? You heard something about a VAGRANT? The chamber shudders as the word leaves your lips!
”We… know this name…” KNODD says in an almost… reverent tone, ”But we know naught of its owner. Yet gods come and go–some content to drift the astral sea in search of something to sate their divine ennui….”
… They’re saying this guy made Zoral dark because he was bored?
“Based on the state of things, it’s more likely that he was paid to.” Ghira sighs, her big Mox face scrunched up in confusion. “It would explain why our gods are imprisoned…” Her eyes wander around the room as if searching for a spider on the ceiling. “... And so weakened.”
”It is true. We find our power lacking, and not from lack of use.” Drones the deity.
“Intriguing…” Lis’tat murmurs as eagerness creeps into her voice, “Imprisoned and drained… but where did all of that divine power go?”
“Hmph… I’d wager it went to the fuckups that sealed them away in the first place,” Volkir snaps with a fresh frown, “That or this VAGRANT...”
You’re still spotty on these rituals, you add with a sheepish smirk–any idea what happened?
>CONTD.
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>>6375457
“Course I do! I’m old AND wise, damn it!” The Durher scoffs as if you’d just flicked his ears! “Evidence has long-since faded, though, but the historians say it all sprang from THE TOWER OF DAWN outside of Crossroads.” A rueful laugh leaves the old codger’s lips. “Not a bad place to start if you’re lookin’ ta’ cover up all the light, hm?”
So the rituals… they took place there?
“I didn’t say that!” Grumbles the grandDurher! “I said the darkness sprang from there! Clear the stupid outta’ yer’ ears! Hells, you kits don’t remember anything! When I was your age we didn’t even need to write things down–it was all safe n’ sound up here!”
You can’t quite see it, but you’re pretty sure he’s tapping his skull. Okay, you sigh, so where did they start, then?
“Where’d what start?”
“That’s the crux of the issue, really…” Lis’tat remarks as she generously steps in. “In the ensuing chaos of the darkening, no one was able to investigate.”
“The binding rituals, however they occurred, may not have been performed by the LORDS at all.” Adds Principal with a shrug. “Though it’s clear the LORDS were the ones who benefitted from the transaction.”
So it could’ve been them, you repeat, or it could’ve been someone working on their behalf…
“And the more of ‘em you kill,” Volkir cuts in with a twinkle in his eye and a toothy grin on his face, “The more gods you save! Not a bad deal, boy!”
Oh, so NOW he’s acting supportive? Your rhetorical question gets a rhetorical answer–a smack on the face from a walking stick!
“Course I am!” Volkir growls as you back away from his swinging cane, “It’s one thing to say you’ll kill those LORD pricks–it’s another entirely when you actually manage to pull it off!” The Grandmaster’s eyes burn into yours as he studies your expression.
“... You could look a little more heroic, but you’ll do. I hereby pledge THE STAR-CLOAKS to assist you however they can.”
“W-wait a moment, Grandmaster,” Ghira exclaims as Principal lets out a sound akin to a rat being stabbed, “You… you aren’t really-”
“I AM really!” Volkir snarls, turning his caned fury onto his subordinates, “I’m the Grandmaster, damn it, and I won’t be the one known for letting the CHAMPION OF THE GODS get eaten by a starving Makaar on the side of the road!”
So does this mean you won’t get brainwashed anymore? Another thwack smacks you square between the eyes! OW!
“Why the Hells would I do that? Nothin’ ta’ wipe in that head of yours, boy!”
“It… it is standard procedure, Grandmast-”
>CONTD.
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>>6375458
“The new standard procedure is gonna be me chucking you off SPELLBELT if you keep second-guessing me!” Volkir shouts, causing his subordinates to huddle together in shared terror! “When some godsdamned freak from some other godsdamned plane appears with a godsdamned GOD then you HELP him, godsdamn it!”
Not that you don’t appreciate the support, you pivot, making certain you’re out of cane range before continuing, but Trier claimed Crossroads might be under siege in the near future and-
“Hells, another one?” Groans Volkir like a kid being woken up to go to school, “Ghira, would either of your fellow idiots know about a thing like that?”
“If ZIST or KHUBRI know, they haven’t mentioned it…” The Mox replies as she ponders the question herself. “But I don’t see what either would gain by keeping that information close to their chest…”
“Go back and get the city ready for it, then!” The Grandmaster decrees! The Guild Chair Candidate reacts about as well as you’d expect.
“B-but… but what about Umberal an-”
“The Archmage you were supposed to influence is DEAD. Crossroads is about to be overrun by Skogs, or Fuuxi, or whoever the Hells else! If this isn’t an opportunity to rebrand and gain influence, I don’t know what the Hells is!”
A city’s going to be attacked and he’s worried about influence? The Grandmaster shoots you a withering glare.
“Course I am! Either the city stands and everyone remembers the candidate that warned ‘em all, or the city falls and everyone’s too dead to complain!”
You want to argue with him because he just spouted some of the most callous bullcrap you’ve ever heard, but Volkir does have a point. In that case, you retort, how should we prepare?
“We get back to Crossroads, what else!?” The Durher explains, earning a few nods from his fellow mages. “Town’s been on red-alert for some time now, but while Ghira’s busy greasing the nobility’s claws we can focus on assessing the threat. Bellcounters ain’t gonna act without sufficient evidence.”
“It shouldn’t be difficult to verify,” Oti chimes in, “It isn’t easy to keep a siege force hidden for very long–unless they’re a pack of Fuuxi, that is.”
They’re the ones that don’t give off any magical vibes, right? The whole room answers with a grave nod.
“Magic-resistant, too.” Lis’tat shudders as she takes another puff from her pipe, “Dreadful things. I hate to admit it, but if there truly IS a siege on the horizon I hope it’s Skogs doing the sieging.” Her eyes flicker as Principal-Voice shoots her a wary glance. “... No offense intended, Assessor Shuur’ley.”
“Little taken.” The Skog Sorcerer curtly replies.
>CONTD.
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>>6375459
“Help yourself to some nutcake while ya’ can, boy.” Volkir orders as he gives your shoulder what you assume to be a gentle pat with his cane. “And speak to Lis’tat when you’re ready to leave this hellhole.”
Wait a sec, you blink, can’t… do you get to see all the cool stuff the STAR-CLOAKS have at their disposal, or-
“We don’t have TIME for the tour–there’s a siege on the way!” The old man counters as his cane-pats turn cane-PAINFUL! “We’ll sort everything out once my damned side-business isn’t in danger of being stomped into splinters! Need anything else, now’s the time!”
Is there anything else? At least you’re not in danger of getting your brain wiped!
>You had a question about one of the LORDS, actually!
>How do these sieges usually go?
>What assistance will the Star-Cloaks provide, exactly?
>Since when are you a GRANDMASTER!? Who the heck ARE YOU!?
>You wanted to ask him about DEVILS, actually!
>He seemed pretty shocked by KNODD–what does he know about the Gods?
>You wanna talk to someone else first… (Oti, Lis’tat, Ghira, Shuur’ley, Aile)
>Yea, let me get back to the gang… Toppel’s coming too!
>Write-In!
Sorry for the wait, all--been getting shit sleep and lots of work to do as of late. Promise it won't always be this crazy!
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>>6375460
>How do these sieges usually go?
Obvious question.
>He seemed pretty shocked by KNODD–what does he know about the Gods?
MORE LORE, QM. MORE LORE.
>You had a question about one of the LORDS, actually! (Who should I pursue next?)
BLOOD.
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>>6375464
>>6375544
>>6375568
>>6375633
>>6375707
THE TALLY:
>SIEGES? - 4
>WHICH LORD NEXT? -4
>LEAVE -2
>ASSISTANCE? -1
>GOOOODSSS -2
Sieges, Lords, and GAWWWWDDDSS wins it, from the looks of things--afterwards we'll make like a tree and get the Hell outta here!
Also in true questbitch fashion, expect delays today--woke up with a headache and might be getting sick. We shall persist, but apologies in advance! Update a little later in the afternoon, most likely!
>>6375707
>MORE LORE
Okay you asked for it bucko
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Actually, you reply with a sheepish smile, you do have a few questions since he’s here–
“Of course you do…” Grumbles the Durher with a weary shake of his head, “Hells… y’know I usually charge for consultations?”
Champion of the Gods.
“Bastard.” Leaning on his walking stick with a despondent groan, the old man meets your gaze with a sharp one of his own! “Ask away then, but make it quick! I didn’t come here ta’ be your tour guide…”
Didn’t he come here to check if Volka was okay?
“Damn right I did! I’d tear this plane and all its neighbors to SHREDS for that girl! And don’t you forget it, boy!”
You uh… you’ll keep it in mind, you reply as the remaining Star-Cloaks–Oti included–scamper off to prepare! So, you begin, sieges… how do those usually go, anyways?
“Pah! They’re sieges! You don’t have those in your plane?”
Not since like, Year Negative Twelve, maybe? Oh, there was this time where the FBI raided this guy’s house in your state, though-he was, like trying to build a giant mech or something and they drove this tank right through his wall-”
“A siege, boy, is when attackers surround a settlement and try to starve the people inside out!” Volkir begins like a tenured professor who didn’t get his morning coffee. “Why bother attacking the damned place when you can just wait the defenders out?”
Yea, you nod, you understand the concept, but-
“Ain’t as simple as it sounds, mind you! Fuuxi tend to disrupt the flow of magic in general, so teleportation? Barriers? Forget ‘em! And those damned Skogs know a thing or two about disrupting magic as well–and their knowledge of Siege Engineering is second to none!”
So what can you expect if you’re running off to stop them, exactly? Catapults?
“And then some!” The old man exclaims as if recounting a particularly-exciting football game, “During the last siege of Crossroads they had the bright idea of launching CLUSTER BOMBS over the walls–Bellcounters shot most of ‘em down, mind you, but that’s the thing about cluster bombs–when they blow up, they release more bombs! Clever bastards! We’ve got toys and tricks of our own in Crossroads, of course, but-”
Why can’t they just block them with magic, though? Your question earns you a near-death experience with one of Volkir’s classic cane swipes!
“ARE YOU LISTENING OR NOT!? They got these doohickeys that disrupt magic, damn it! Fills the air with Skog War Chants, can barely hear yourself think! No, if a siege DOES occur they’re the first things that gotta go, those CHANTERS!”
So they bomb the city and, like, wait it out?
“Why wouldn’t they?” Volkir answers with a shrug! “No sense in losing soldiers on some failed charge–with the right perimeter and tools for the job they can just wait the city out.”
What about food, though?
>CONTD.
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>>6375857
“Use your head, boy! They just eat whoever’s dumb enough ta’ try an’ escape!”
Oh yea, huh… he mentioned past sieges–how’d they get broken, anyways?
“Hmm… well the last one was a few years back–must’ve been led by… Guul’rash, I think his name was. Some punk relative of Khodra’s.” The Durher’s face scrunches up in thought. “Not a bad commander, that one–a bit too popular, though. Skogs stuck to every word he said like scheckt.”
What happened?
“I’m GETTIN’ there!” The sorcerer snarls! “Siege lasted a full week, give or take… and Guul’rash got cocky. Started celebrating with his men long before Crossroads gave up–could hear their drunken singing every damned night, the damned fools…”
A guttural noise leaves Volkir’s throat as he clears it. “Bellcounters saw their chance–prettied up one of their Skog Recruits and sent her out to, erm, ‘get acquainted’.” A faint twinkle appears in the Durher’s eye. “Needless ta’ say, she didn’t stick around to snuggle. When Guul’rash’s men found out, they broke–some led a suicide charge against the walls, others fled. Not much for changes in leadership, Skogs. And they haven’t seemed to change much in that respect either!”
So if you take down their leader-
“Easy there, twinkle-tail! The first step is ascertaining whether or not there even IS a siege!”
But then you ice their leader, right? Volkir nods. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my ripe old age, it’s that if you can avoid a fight, do it. It’s what’s kept me so young and sagacious, y’know!”
Sagacious, huh? And how will we know a siege is happening, anyways?
“Same way we always learn:” Grunts the Durher with a tap of his cane, “A few folks try to leave town, come back in pieces… or not at all. Next thing you know you’re smelling campfires outside the walls–nothing too big, mind–Skogs don’t wanna give up the game that easy–but eventually they abandon the sneakyness. Skogs get bored easy, y’know!”
He pauses. “Won’t be easy ta’ tell with Crossroads still on lockdown after the Chairman Assassination… means some unlucky bastards’ll have ta’ scout outside the walls.” His eyes flit in your direction. “Sounds like a job for a ‘Champion’, wouldn’t ya say, boy?”
What about Fuuxi? The question sends a shiver down the spellcaster’s spine!
“Hard ta’ miss–Fuuxi don’t give a damn about stealth or strategy when they’ve got numbers.” He says with a frown. “Best case scenario: they’ll tunnel up into some crowded thoroughfare–worst case, they’ll burrow into someone’s old basement and terrorize the populace for a few days while those dumbshits in the Bellcounters try to track down where they’re emerging from.”
He said the way to stop the Skogs is to kill their leader, but what about Fuuxi?
>CONTD.
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>>6375859
“Flood the tunnels with water, acid, anything that’ll make ‘em reconsider.” The wizard answers as if reading off a shopping list. “They don’t have commanders, really, so ya’ just gotta kill em’ until they realize what they’re doing is stupid.” A growl leaves his lips. “Oh, an’ if you ever get taken alive by one… don’t.”
… H-huh?
“Ain’t worth going after kidnapees in those tunnels,” Volkir concludes, “So I recommend keeping a blade in your boot or something just ta’ be safe. Gods ain’t gonna save ya’ from the Fuuxi, no sir. Oh, and don’t get caught by Skogs either. Just don’t get caught at all, really. There’s another pearl of wisdom you can put in your cap.”
Could Crossroads get support from anywhere else, maybe? The question puts Volkir into a rasping fit! “HA! Got any armies lying around, boy? Nah, Crossroads is on her own… and even if Umberal wasn’t reeling from your change in management, they’d probably side with the invaders, the toffee-nosed pricks! I’m glad ya’ killed their crusty old leader! Good riddance to all of ‘em, I say!”
Does that mean he’s next in the crusty succession line? Volkir answers how you’d expect. OW!
“Save your quips for the battlefield! And don’t test me–I can kill ya’, resurrect ya’, and kill ya again long before any GODS catch on, got it?”
Yes, grandpa…
“And don’t call me GRANDPA! Just thinking of your squishy paws anywhere near Volka makes me ILL! Stick to that mangy thief of yours, or I’ll know!”
Eager to shift subjects away from your ‘mangy thief’, you decide to go try one out that Volkir can’t possibly dislike–assuming you survive… whatever’s gonna happen in Crossroads, you begin, any idea on which LORD you should go after next?
“Yea, all of ‘em!”
… in the absence of being able to split yourself into three, you continue in as measured of a tone you can muster, who should you investigate?
“Hmm… hard ta’ say. The minute the others hear Trier’s gone, well…” The sorcerer sighs. “It’s gonna be open season in Zoral.” Blinking as he thinks, the Durher meets your gaze once again. “Might depend on how the siege shakes out, I’d reckon–if Skogs show up and get whalloped, they’ll tuck their tails an’ flee for at least a few more months. They ain’t used ta’ getting beaten, after all.”
And if it’s Fuuxi?
“Then the sooner you investigate SYSSKA the better.” The wizard replies! “A Fuuxi siege means she’s hungry… and if she is, then so are her little darlings! And they don’t roll over as easy as Skogs do, believe you me!”
They’re in the EAST, right? You heard they were spotted in the wilderness-
>CONTD.
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>>6375861
“Sure, but that’s the thing about Wildernesses: they’re WILDERNESSES. You can stumble through that tangled mess for months before ya’ find any burrows, and the Fuuxi ain’t dumb–got a nasty habit of cutting off routes to their main tunnels.”
The Durher coughs into his claw. “We had a few operatives in that colony RIDGEBASIN--before it went dark, mind–place wasn’t exactly paradise before everyone went missing, but it’s a lead… and that’s better than most!”
Good to know… what about MIKK, though? The old man shudders.
“... Messes with your head, which is bad on its own… but word is MIKK’S gone–well, different? Spends more time underwater these days. And before they stopped reporting, our operative claimed there were some kind of… I dunno, Lobotomites roaming around? Tough as nails, too–metal stuck all over ‘em like they fell into an ugly vat.” He pauses. “They say there’s some kind of RESISTANCE effort forming down there too–someone rallying all the villages that haven’t had their brains scooped out yet.”
A resistance?
“In the loosest sense.” Volkir snarls! “Our ex-operative mentioned something about RAELO... odd pick for a banner ta’ rally beneath, if ya’ ask me…”
Odd?
“Oh right, you don’t know nothin’....” Blinks the conjurer with another noisy throat-clearing! “It’s like this: you’ve got your older gods: KNODD, VIISLA, HELAA, and OAD... used ta’ be called other things, mind, but they also used ta’ belong to just one race. Viisla, for instance, was ours–Durher Goddess of The Hunt.”
The geezer takes a long breath–guess it’s been a while since he’s talked to someone for so long! “YOUR new best friend looked out for the Molegg… Helaa and Oad–the Sky and Sea Gods, mind you– were Mzz’goe’virr and Mox go-to’s, respectively.”
What about BIISII? Volkir answers with a noncommittal grunt.
“Biisii’s a strange one–can barely tell if he was ever around ta’ begin with… but that’s just a perk of being the God of Fortune, ain’t it? Absent until he ain’t!”
Miitar seems pretty present though. The Grandmaster spits.
“Course he does! Damned Gnoks spent a century or so rounding up all the High Priests and vaporizing ‘em until everyone agreed on a Pantheon! New, shiny names for ‘em all, and guess who gets the biggest slice of the religious pie, hm? Go on, guess!”
Err, M-Mitaar, you ask, weaving between cane stabs!
“Damn right! Figures he an’ his folk’d be the hardassiest of the hardasses…” Volkir grumbles with a shake of his head! “Can’t go a day without those knuckledragging Templars snooping around my shop… poking all the merchandise and leering at my darling daughter! Pah! They can take their light and shove it, if ya’ ask me!”
So there’s a bit of, uh… animosity, huh?
>CONTD.
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>>6375862
“Depends on where ya’ are!” Smirks the sorcerer! “Just try mentioning Mitaar to one of Viisla’s Pathfinders in the East–you’ll be stuck on a thorn with yer’ guts hangin’ out like sausage links before ya’ finish sayin’ his name! Pantheon… ha! More like PantheOFF!”
Is that why he was so confused by the whole ‘Champion’ thing?
“It weren’t the only reason, but it was a big one!” Volkir nods! “See, the gods didn’t like each other even before the darkness arrived, so seein’ ‘em come together now? That’s how ya’ know they’re real desperate!”
The old Durher slips his cane behind your head and pulls you down to his level. “An’ that Earthmother? She put on a good show, but take it from me, boy–that god is WEAK.”
Didn’t feel very weak when she helped you fix Trier’s wagon.
“KNODD’S one of the oldest gods in the land–if they had their full power, we wouldn’t even be in this situation!” He hisses through clenched teeth! “Not that we don’t appreciate the support, but give ‘thinking’ a try once in a while, pup–you might enjoy it!”
One more thing–you didn’t hear RAELO in his rant just now-
“Huh? Did they drop you on your head for fun when you were born?” Croaks the old coot! “I already told ya’ about him!”
Wh-when?
“A moment ago!”
Huh… c-can, uh, can he tell you again? The Grandmaster responds with a polite nod!
Yea, just kidding.
“RRrrnnnGHH! Youth is wasted on you blockheads! If I was your age and some ‘GOD CHAMPION’ we wouldn’t even be having this conversation right now–I’d be too busy at my victory parade! … Or tending to my Victory Harem… Hm.”
Please, please, PLEASE start talking about Raelo again, you plead in a vain attempt to evict that mental image! C’mon, dude!
“Alright, alright! Just don’t ever ask me again or I’ll smack ya’ upside the head so hard your grandkits are gonna feel i-” His eyes widen as his sentence comes to a screeching halt. “... HA! Grandkits! As if! Nevermind what I said–just hurry up and shut up!”
You don’t know how to do that, so you just stand perfectly still. It seems to work!
“RAELO is… well, all things considered they’re pretty new.” Volkir muses as he leans against his cane for support!
How can a god be new if-
“Shaddap! I told ya’ to hurry up, remember? Now where was I…” The Durher’s nose lets out a long, resigned puff of air. “Oh, right–RAELO! Started off as some kinda cult at first–”
The Cult… of the BURROWER!? The old man eyes you as if you’d just asked him for Volka’s hand in marriage!
“Huh!? No, no… Burrower? Never heard of ‘em!”
Hm.
>CONTD.
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>>6375863
“No, Raelo was some kinda’ NUUGAL deity,” He continues as he begins to pace around you in contemplation, “Hard to say of what, exactly–the Nuugal ain’t around anymore to shed light on it and the only one who could was a crazy, pompous bastard who got killed by some extradimensional dolt! HAH! Gods, I’m glad that prick’s dead!”
Yea, you’re, uh… you’re welcome…
“Don’t interrupt! So as I was saying, according to Nuugal pictoglyphs, Raelo was a being of vast power, and that’s high praise coming from them!”
He can say that again!
“Don’t tell me what to do, boy! But yes, very powerful, just like all Nuugal things.” Says the Grandmaster with an approving nod! “Star-Cloaks ‘borrowed’ a few of their ideas for SPELLBELT, y’know. It’s what keeps the whole damned flotilla, well… flotillaing.”
Wait, you blink, are… are you in the sk-
“Couldn’t begin to tell ya’ what Raelo’s original name was–something longwinded and Nuugal, most likely–but Raelo roughly translates to ‘THE ENTICING FLAME’... and his followers, what few there were back then, attributed him to ‘The Spark’.”
You’re almost afraid to ask, but you do it anyways: ‘spark’?
“Yes, ‘The Spark’!” Groans the Grandmaster as he sends a half-hearted swing at your head! “Inspiration! Ambition! Passion! Hells, do you need me ta’ paint a picture!? Euch, my condolences to that Durher Girl of yours… even if she is a shameless thief!”
You’re gonna be honest–he sounds like a cool god! Volkir shrugs. “You can see why he caught on in such a short time, then–had quite a following back when I was a pup… Mitaarans didn’t like him, though–not one bit.”
Because he was popular? What is this, High School?
“Came ta’ blows a few times–probably why there’s so many godsdamned Mitaaran Templars in Crossroads.” Explains the Durher as he stops in front of you. “You can probably guess who won–but now, well…” He bites his lip. “Now it sounds like whoever’s resisting down South is gathering under RAELO’S banner… couldn’t tell ya what their angle is, but you can bet your fat head that we’ll be watchin’ em.”
Ignoring the jab at your fat head, you finish things up with one last thought: Does he think RAELO got trapped like the other gods, or?
“Would I be puttering around here if I knew!?” Barks the Durher! “Doesn’t make sense if you follow the Arithmetic–if Trier had one god and the other Lords do too, then that’d leave quite a few unaccounted for, wouldn’t it?”
Yea, you shiver, that’s… that’s spooky!
“No it isn’t. Quit acting all skittish–you’re a Champ, not a Chump!”
>CONTD.
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>>6375864
Ending his explanation with a drawn-out coughing fit, Volkir looks you in the eye and sniffs. “You’d best get going–we’ll send ahead to Crossroads and put out some feelers about the siege. Gods willing it’ll bear some fruit.”
One more question, actually–can, uh, your friends-
“I’d ask ya’ ta’ keep your mouth shut about all this,” Grunts the Grandmaster with an indignant glare, “But I know you won’t be able to and I don’t wanna get smote by a god for wiping your dumb head clean. Just keep this ‘Star-Cloak’ thing close to your chest if ya’ know what’s good for you!”
Is… is he threatening you?
“What? No, idiot–I’m saying it’s good for you to have us Star-Cloaks watching your back!” Volkir indignantly exclaims! “We know Zoral like the back of our claw! You want us on your side, trust me!”
Taking a few tiny cane-aided steps away, Volkir stops one last time to glance at you over his shoulder.
“Right, now that the Tiijhek’s outta’ the bag we’ll have to assign you a HANDLER.”
You… do you need to be handled?
“Course you do! How else are we supposed ta’ keep tabs on your misadventures, hmm?” Volkir replies! “They won’t be hovering over you, of course, but they’ll be your point of contact with us for the all-foreseeable future. Who’s it gonna be?”
You, uh… who are your choices, anyways? This… this is all so sudden!
“Relax, moron, you’re getting a handler, not a husband. There’s PROFESSOR LIS’TAT, of course–smart, shrewd, and spicy. I could also spare that moron AILE to get some actual experience… and then there’s OTI, that glum prick.”
Do, uh… do you need to choose now? If you choose one of them will you never see the others again?
“Yes! And No!” He grumbles impatiently! “Communication is key, as is maintaining our secrecy! If the wrong person discovers our organization, well-”
R-right, you nod, trying and failing to ignore the visceral ‘KkKkKkRRrkRRrrCCchh!’ sound that leaves Volkir’s lips! In that case…
>You have one more unrelated question for him!
>Oti! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
>Lis’tat! She was pretty helpful with that intel in Trimbault…
>Aile! Some new blood couldn’t hurt!
>I can’t decide!
>Write-In!
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>>6375840
Thanks, twin--feeling a bit better, but it's been slow-going writing-wise for the last few days so we'll see if that's just all the loredropping, illness, or BOTH! Don't worry--we'll get back to the shenanigans soon!
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>>6375865
>Lis’tat! She was pretty helpful with that intel in Trimbault…
NO MORE QUESTIONS
IT IS TIME
FOR ANTON
TO UNLOCK ANTON FORME ANTON.
I'm more than happy to leave Oti behind in the dirt, and while I'd always take the newbie if given the chance, this sounds a little too serious to risk it with a newbie.
I could be convinced to pick Aile, though.
ANTON NOTES
-KILL SYSSKA NEXT.
-MIKK TERRITORY HAS LOBOTOMITES. BASED.
-FLOOD FUUXI TUNNELS
-KILL SKOG LEADER
-KISS WIFE
>>6375866
I do not blame you. Get better soon, bud.
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You’d be lying if you said you weren’t a little miffed about Oti’s actions in the past hour or so, but out of all the options he’s the one who knows you best… and the one YOU know best! Who knows what wacky quirks the other Star-Cloaks have!
Relaying your decision to the Durher, Volkir answers with a derisive snort.
“Huh. Woulda’ taken the lady, myself, but if you want to keep chumming it up with the moody, backstabbing Chytree, well… different strokes I reckon!”
Part of you wants to remind him that you’re happily taken, but you doubt it’d make Volka’s dad any nicer. Before he can even summon the Sentinel, Oti’s big, green eyes flicker into view just a few steps away before their owner drops into a deep bow!
“Grandmaster.”
“Stand up, retard.”
He does so, naturally, but not without a violent flash in one of his disco ball peepers! If Volkir notices, he doesn’t mention it.
“‘His Divine Majesty’ here opted ta’ keep your sneaky ass around,” Explains the Grandmaster as his cane swings in your direction and nearly knocks your nose off! “Don’t gotta’ explain what that means, do I?”
“... You do not.” Oti replies in an even more dispirited drone than usual! Is he upset? Relieved? Hard to tell with this dude…
“Your orders haven’t changed,” Continues the ole’ codger in a curt and shockingly-professional voice, “save for one caveat–you’re the middleman here. If he wants something from us, he’ll go through you. We want something from him, well…” His cloudy eyes wander over to yours. “You get the idea.”
“I do.” Oti answers with a polite nod.
“Great.” Volkir gives you an appraising glance. “And before ya’ ask, yes, I intended on having you listen in. Intel, support, hardware–you need it? Just ask.”
Do… do you get to know what kind of hardware you ca-
“Not now.” Growls gramps, “I’ll have those lazy scribes put together something for Oti here to glance at. For now, rest up and uh…” His sentence ends with an impromptu shrug. “... Don’t die.” His eyes flit back over to Oti’s. “Hear that, Sentinel? He’s your responsibility.”
“Yes, Grandmaster.”
“Good!” Finishing his speech by spitting something on the floor, Volkir gives you one last hard glance. “Right, that’s it. Fuck off. Oti’ll get you back where ya’ need to be.”
By the time you blurt out a quick ‘thanks’, the Durher has already faded into the shadows! Turning your attention back to your ‘Handler’, you’re not entirely surprised when you see his eyes already halfway to the chamber’s exit!
Hey, you begin as he leads you both out of the chamber, is he gonna–HEY!
To Oti’s credit, the Chytree stops mid-drift, but his eyes fail to meet yours. “We need to collect Toppel.”
>CONTD.
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>>6376276
Yea, in a minute, you snarl as you grab one of his shoulders and spin him around to face you! What the HELL, man!?
His eyes flicker. “... You’re upset.”
Oh, you blink in mock surprise, is... is that the vibe you're giving o-DAMN right you are! He couldn’t even wait for you to sleep off your hangover before he… he KIDNAPPED you!?
Another flicker. “It wasn’t a kidnapping.”
It totally was! And that’s not an answer! A quiet sigh leaves the mage’s unseen lips. “As I said before, this had t-”
You don’t even realize your fist is moving until it meets the wizard’s stiff, chitinous chest, but by the time you do the Chytree is already keeled over and coughing like a chainsmoker!
“I… deserved that.”
Yes, you nod, voice amplified by the sudden spike of adrenaline, he DID! You can deal with his ‘smarter-than-thou’ schtick, but you draw the line at being BETRAYED! Or did he not realize you could’ve been locked up by his work buddies? Indefinitely?
Oti stays stooped low as he weighs your words with a baker’s precision. “... They didn’t think you would defeat Trier.” His somewhat dimmer eyes wander back up to yours. “And neither did I.”
Yea, well, SURPRISE!
“It was.” He coughs, not bothering to stand up just yet. “They demanded I bring you in–high priority. No witnesses.” A faint glimmer forms in his eye. “... You scare them.”
Yea, well getting KIDNAPPED by a secret mage society scares YOU!
“You… you don’t understand.” Coughs the Chytree before cautiously regaining his footing, “They had a plan. An idiotic plan that would’ve handed the world to Trier, but a plan nonetheless.” A sharp SNAP echoes across the corridor as Oti cracks his neck. “You foiled it.”
You… don’t understand, you blink in confusion, is… isn’t he on their side? Toppel said the Star-Cloaks coerce people into their ranks some times, but-
“My lips…” Oti begins as his voice hitches in his throat, “... Are sealed.”
You can’t help but tense up as you feel something touch your shoulder–a claw–no, some kind of three-digited talon. Heavy, yet alarmingly soft.
“You didn’t need to keep me. I…” His eyes flicker as they dodge yours. “... You have my gratitude.”
An uncanny quiet falls over you both like a curtain. You have no clue what Oti’s deal is, but you can’t imagine what he just did is anything but real.
Anything you wanna say or do before you pick up his pain-in-the-butt girlfriend?
>You could’ve told me, y’know.
>How long has he worked for them?
>He can’t talk much about his… contract… Can he?
>Any other info he can divulge about the Star-Cloaks?
>Sorry for smacking you.
>So he never really believed in you, did he?
>Volkir said he was supposed to help you–what can he do, exactly?
>Nope. Let’s pick up the other cattething.
>Write-In!
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>>6376277
>>Any other info he can divulge about the Star-Cloaks?
>>Sorry for smacking you.
Gonna assume he's been with them way before meeting us, ofc, and he knows now he coulda told us. Curious about what else he'll share with us though.
I think the way he spoke about us in his report and his choice to take a risk to give us a heads up are both better indicators of his character than his doubting us or following orders from the dweeb tribunal.
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>>6376277
>How long has he worked for them?
>Any other info he can divulge about the Star-Cloaks?
A stupid, idiotic plan being foiled isn't a bad thing. Big whoop, their egos got bruised and they wanted to lock us up forever. I'm not apologizing for the smack.
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He seems to be having some issues expressing himself, especially when it comes to his job, but maybe Oti can still give you a hand?
The Star-Cloaks, you begin, your cautious tone earning a wary glance from the conjurer, anything else he wants to share with you while you’re alone? A frustrated, almost pained grunt leaves the mage’s mouth before he stammers out a stunted response:
“Don’t… trust.”
You weren’t exactly planning on it, you flippantly reply. Oh, he means his employers? Oti takes the jab about as well as you’d expect.
“The Star-Cloaks,” He begins, running an imaginary comb over every word, “They don’t serve Zoral, Anton. Or you. Or me.”
You’re about to ask him to elaborate, but you don’t. Toppel said something similar, but you wouldn’t exactly say you’re surprised that the clandestine network of unhinged mages wasn’t working in the public interest.
“As of now, their interests align with yours.” The sorcerer continues, periodically glancing into the shroud of shadows surrounding you, “For now.”
And let me guess, you sigh, once they don’t-Oti interjects with another grunt.
“There’ll be others like me once we depart. Watchers for the watchers. Don’t make the mistake of assuming they’re your ally.”
Seriously, dude? One of your best pals is the Grandmaster’s daughter! Is he really saying you’re not gonna get any slac-
“Star-Cloaks come from all walks, Anton, many of them unwillingly.” Oti mutters as his eyes dim to a less-conspicuous hue. “They aren’t a unified front, but there’s more of them than you think. Crossroads. Umberal. East, North, South… and there’s blood in the water now that one’s gone missing in the South. One voice doesn’t speak for them all–do you understand?”
Factions. He’s talking about factions, isn’t he? The Chytree neither nods or shakes his head. Does he think a Star-Cloak could be in cahoots with the CULT or-
“My lips are sealed.”
Super. And where, pray tell, does he stand, then?
“... With you.”
You have a hard time believing that after everything that’s happened, you retort with a fresh frown plastered on your face.
“Understandable.”
This guy… shaking off what little irritation you can manage, you step aside to invite him to continue leading you back to the cells. One more thing, you remark just as Oti begins to drift away. What happens if your interests no longer align with these Cloak factions?
The mage hovers in quiet contemplation. “We deal with them.”
Oh hey, here comes another headache! Letting loose a resigned sigh, you follow your Handler back through the maze of corridors trying and failing to ignore the uncanny sensation of being watched from the shadows…
The two of you walk in silence for a time–neither of you uttering a word ‘til you enter the cellblock from earlier.
>CONTD.
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>>6376672
“Oh, look who it is!” Toppel growls as she kicks her brother off of her lap, “Have fun, did you? Well I’m just SWELL, thanks… and no, I DIDN’T get a book to read!”
“We’re leaving.” Oti mutters, flipping Toppel’s ire head-over-heels! “Anton has the Star-Cloaks’ support now.”
“H-how did… but… but you can’t… they… why aren’t you… A-a-and my t-trial!?” Sputters the sorceress as she snatches her beaked brother back off the ground to hug tight, “I’m… I’m FREE!?”
“... We’ll get to it later.” Oti coughs, causing his fellow conjurer to deflate like a leaky bouncy castle. “Ensure all belongings are secured–we won’t return here for some time.”
“I certainly hope not!” Scoffs the sorceress with a spirited flick of her tail! “This whole debacle is unwarranted and an utter waste of my precious time! Get us out of here, Oti.”
“As her highness commands…”
The buzz of magic in your skull does little to assuage your returning nausea or headache, and by the time you, Toppel, Obber, and Oti reappear in the cold, hard bowels of the airship, you’re ready for another puke sesh!
“FINALLY!” Groans Toppel as her brother scampers away like an angry lapdog, “You and I have a LOT to talk about, Ot-”
Another burst of magic cuts the enchantress off long before she can finish, wiping the anger off of her face like a hot towel! “Wh-where…?”
“You’re sleepwalking again.” Oti drones as he gives the girl a pat on the head, based on the excited trill that leaves her lips. “Go find a sleeping pod.”
“O-okay~” She mutters as a mischievous smirk forms on her face, “Say… I’m a bit smaller in this form, Otes… maybe we can sha-”
“Go on…” Groans the Chytree with a shake of his head, “... I’ll think about it.”
Leaving her beau with a spirited smooch on whatever counts as a Chytree’s cheek, Toppel departs into the darkness leaving you both staring at each other like territorial alley cats. Mindwipe, huh?
“I don’t have the patience for complications.” Oti dryly replies, “You can share what transpires tomorrow, but know this: everyone aware of our organization becomes a potential target.”
An unsettling silence falls between you once more.
“... Sweet dreams.”
With that, the surly sorcerer slips into the shadows… and while you can’t exactly say you’re pleased with how things turned out, you’d be lying if you didn’t notice a shift in the mage’s demeanor… a small, tiny, near-insignificant shift, mind, but a shift nonetheless!
You’re pretty sure he meant the whole ‘sweet dreams’ thing!
Fatigue kicks in long before you find the crew quarters–fortunately the loud snoring of its occupants makes it easy to track down. As the weight of the last few hours finally kicks in, you wriggle inside the first empty hole in the honeycomb-esque wall of sleep pods you can find!
>CONTD.
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>>6376674
The interior is cramped, doubly-so when you shut the porthole closed behind you, but the moment your cheek makes contact with the plush sheets and pillow, you’re out quicker than a candle in a blizzard!
Your mind, however, remains restless, and with nothing better to do…
It weaves together a dream… but of what?
>The FUTURE!
>The PAST!!
>The PRESENT!!!
>The SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!!!! (Write-In!)
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A long, contented yawn leaves your lips as you slowly shrug slumber’s shroud from your supine shoulders. A perfectly-cool pillow cradles your head as your left leg dangles over the side of a large, plush bed–your exposed skin sprouting goosebumps beneath the gentle tickle of a mid-morning breeze.
You blink… and blink… and blink once more–but even as you feel the last vestiges of sleep fall from the corners of your eyes, you can’t quite seem to get a glimpse of the world around you. Yet in place of the unyielding void you’ve grown so accustomed to is a warm, persistent glow–one that basks the room around you in a pleasant, welcome warmth.
Sunlight!
Jolting upright, you feel a mass of thick, toasty hair against your cheeks and chin, and a quick inspection with your calloused hand finds a long, jagged scar etched beneath your eye… and your face coated in what can only be a full, luxurious BEARD!
A squeal gathers in your gullet when you hear a noise across the room that sends it falling back into the depths of your chest. A creak–faint, but real–followed by a smattering of hushed giggles, whispers, and-
“ATTAAAAAACCKKK!!!!”
You can barely gather your bearings before you’re beset upon by a pack of fearsome, laughing…
Kids?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFY_62Mirvs
“Get ‘is leg, twerp!” Barks the boldest as he tackles you to the bed!
“I told you not to CALL me that!” Whines another as her soft, tiny claws pin your ankle to the mattress! “Why do I have to do all the work!?”
“I’m blockin’ his exit!” Shouts another boy from your bedside! “You do your job an’ I’ll do mine!”
You open your mouth to react, but before you can manage a syllable you feel another fierce attacker wrap their fuzz-lined arms over your mouth!
“Ha-HA! Sneak attack, you scoundrel! Howd’ja LIKE it!?”
“What did I tell you about following the PLAAAAN!?” Groans Bold Boy as he struggles to keep you down! “Whatever… C’mon, everyone! We got ‘em on the ropes!”
This… this is BAD! What do!?
>Let them win!
>Show them your AWESOME POWER!
>Write-In!
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>>6376826
>Show them your AWESOME POWER!
We have to at least make them work for the victory. it makes for a better story when they do beat us, and as a showman and a spinner's kits, they ought to appreciate the importance of proper narrative pacing.
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An early morning sneak attack–these rugrats are getting bolder! But boldness, as your pal Volka always said, doesn’t equal power!
You make a novel attempt at ‘struggling’ beneath their fuzzy onslaught--pawing at the claws covering your eyes, kicking and writhing to the delight of your rascally wrestlers!
“H-hold, everyone!” Chirps the ‘leader’, barely containing the growing excitement in his tone as he presses the attack on your chest, “We’ve… we’ve got him!”
Crud, you groan, much to the misfit’s amusement, can… can’t we talk this out!?
“No chores for a week!” Laughs the sentry posted at your bedside!
“And a cookie–no, a BOX for each of us!” Croons the rogue behind your head!
“Give in, foul demon!” Orders the ringleader, “Today the battle belongs to us!”
“Yea, to us!” Cackles his sister as she continues to press your ankle against the bed! “Give in!”
R-reasonable demands, you sputter, making a show of gasping for breath,
BUT YOU REFUSE!
Reaching behind your head, your hands wrap around your blinder’s trunk! No sooner does a shocked yelp leave her lips before you bring her crashing down upon her stalwart brother–not hard enough to hurt, of course, but enough to look dramatic!
“AUGH!”
“OOF!”
While the two tykes try to untangle themselves, you lift your leg and, by association, the ankle-pinner, into the air and slam her into the mish-mash of sheets and pillows bunched up at your feet! A mischievous cackle leaves your bearded lips as you grab a handful of sheets and deftly scoop your attackers up like apples at a street market!
“H-hEY!” Whines the ankle-pinner, “Th-that’s–no FAIR!”
“MERCY!” Cries her sister from within the fabric folds, “I… I surrender!”
“THE PLAN!” Their brother shouts, wriggling in vain as you hold them all aloft like a trophy trout, “S-stick to… the plan!”
Turning your attention to your bedside bulwark, all you need to do is send a menacing grin his way to send him scampering for the nearest closet, screaming all the while!
So, you begin as you give your bag of belligerents a playful shake, sneak attacks, huh? You didn’t teach them to do that…
“B-but…” Mutters the girl who covered your eyes, “You’re too STRONG!”
“Yea!” Groans her sister, “too strong!”
“L-Lamplighter… T-tactics Chapter 12..!” Their brother grunts, “He who decides the battlefield–ngh, get your smelly TAIL outta my face!”
“Move your smelly FOOT first!”
“RRnghh! D-decides the battle!”
Yea? How’d that work out for them? Your rhetorical question earns you a round of inarticulate, but still quite irked, grumbles! Pouring the pipsqueaks onto the bed–with the exception of their deserter comrade, who watches warily from across the bedroom–you give the kids a good, long stare as they await your judgement!
>CONTD.
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>>6376969
Not bad, you remark, causing the kerfuffle to let out a communal sigh of relief, but they gotta play to their strengths more!
“We DID though!” Argues the ringleader–he clearly gets it from his mom– “I spent all morning planning that attack an-”
All morning? All eyes fall upon the ‘fearless leader’ as if he’d just farted in an elevator. Does that mean they haven’t done their chores yet?
Even the breeze seems to fall silent as the kits realize how grave the situation is!
“We… we were gonna do them… eventually!” Ringleader replies as all of the bravado leaves his tone, “But-”
“But mom told us to wake you up!” Chirps Lil’ Miss Sneaky with a smile that she DEFINITELY got from her mom! “Honest!”
Honest? The smile fades.
“... w-well… not really…”
“I wanted to do chores!” Cries the kit across the room! “Th-they made me do it!”
“DID NOT!” Squeaks his ankle-pinning sister!”
“DID TOO!”
“DID NOT!”
Oh brother… Giving your face a few gentle slaps, you decide to make the most of this little ambush…
What ask?
>Where’s their mom?
>Where’d the rest of them go?
>What are their plans for today?
>Any news to share?
>They’re just dreams, right?
>Get going–you’ve gotta get up!
>Write-In!
BONUS: WRITE-IN the kit’s names (RINGLEADER, ANKLE-PINNER, BED SENTRY/COWARD, AND SNEAK-ATTACKER! There’s four of em! Otherwise I’ll name the rest!
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>>6376971
>Where’d the rest of them go?
Ringleader = Anzth-Tzea combination of both parents' names
Ankle-Pinner = Voti, named after Volka and Oti Bedsentry/coward = Morez, Morook and Rezalith.
Sneak-Attacker = Vidi named after Vilah & Dilah.
What do you guys think?
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Alright, here's my own suggestion for the names: the first starts with BANTON, who will be the new protag-
Okay seriously though, might it not be a bit too early for that? For all we know, one of our friends might make a badass sacrifice that legally binds us to name a kid after them.
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>>6376971
>Where’d the rest of them go?
>Where’s their mom?
KID NAMES
RINGLEADER: Tzeon (I think it's better way of combining their names than the demon-sounding one MJU proposed, at least in trying to pronounce it. Pronounced like you're a French man trying to say Leon.)
ANKLE PINNER: Voti.
SENTRY: Volkar.
SNEAKER: Rezlu
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I still think this is hasty, but if I'm to give some names...I think the Ringleader should be Zane. That sounds like the name of a propa big brotha and firstborn.
As for the others, I know Ankle Pinner is a girl, but I'm a bit confused as to Sentry and Sneaker.
>>6377000
No offense Tzeon sounds like a cross between Tzeentch and Zion.
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>>6377005
True, but basically anything with Tzah-Tzie added in will sound either like you're summoning a demon, or you're mentioning Zion.
We could always name one of them Tez, as a very cute homage Tzah-Tzie, instead of trying to mangle a name together. Also not really a bad name for a boy or a girl. I'd probably vote for that was my Ringleader name.
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>>6377008
Anon, despite what all the fandom shippers have surely told you, children do not in fact need to be named like fusions of their parents.
As for Tez, it sounds like something weird in my language so I think I'll stick with Zane.
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>>6377010
Yeah, yeah, I get it. I only realized the idea was bad after sounding it out. I'm going with Tez since I like it, and ehhh. I'm not going to try to change your mind, I just like Tez better.
I mean if we accounted for foreign languages a lot of names sound stupid.
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>>6376972
>>6376980
>>6376984
>>6377000
THE TALLY
>MOM? - 2
>NEWS? -1
>REST OF EM? -2
>PLANS? -1
As for the names, well, that's still under construction it seems! No worries, it's not like they're REAL! Haha! Food for thought though. Writing, but expect delays--lotta shit happening this weekend as you might've assumed with how long this reply took. Sorry again, folks--living in interesting times here
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>>6377360
THEY'RE REAL TO ME DAMNIT.
>Writing, but expect delays--lotta shit happening this weekend as you might've assumed with how long this reply took.
No problem. You're literally doing this for free. As long as we keep getting the funny characters eventually, I'm fine waiting a little longer.
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Alright, alright, you groan in a vain attempt at stopping the ‘DID DUEL’, before they shout your ears off: should you be worried about any other attempts on your life this morning? Hm?
Your gamble pays off and your ears thank you as the shouting match fades away leaving you with a gaggle of confused kits!
“No, papa, you’re safe!” Announces the ringlead–no… he’s… ANTHONY, right? TONY for short, and ‘TONE’ when his mother warns him to watch his tone. Hard not to snicker when she pulls THAT card out… not that he gets mouthy often. Tony’s hardly older than the rest of ‘The Pack’, but the ringleader title suits him well.
Ever since he could walk he’s been looking after his siblings. Caring. Selfless. You’d love to say he got that from you, but-
“Mama sent Miilo and Leti to the market,” He continues with the gravitas of a trusty advisor reporting to the king, “And Tuuli and Nuushi are listening to her play!”
“THEY didn’t do their chores either~” Croons REZDIN, the rogue of the bunch! “So if we get in trouble then they should too, riiiight, papa?”
“Yea!” Her spunky sister VIVI chimes in! “All for one and one for all!”
“That ain’t how it works…” Grumbles VOLKAR from the safety of the closet. Giving both of the girl’s hair a playful tousle, you rise from the bed and leave Tony with an appreciative nod. You’re gonna go dispense JUSTICE, you explain as the kids exchange a satisfied smirk, but if they’re not working on their chores by the time you get back–
“Aye aye, sir!” Barks Tony, prompting the others to fall in like a squad, “We won’t let you down!”
At ease, you laugh, breaking the group’s ranks with a single smile, and no snacking, okay?
“W-really!?” VOLKAR groans, eyes wide in disbelief, “But-”
Because you’re gonna eat breakfast together, okay? Like a family. The kit’s eyes light up like Christmas Lights!
“C-can we have… EGGS!?” Sputters Vivi!
“And SHARDBERRIES?!?” Adds Volkar as his earlier ire instantly vanishes!
Yes and yes, you nod, but chores first! High-five if they understand!
Four paws slap yours in quick succession. Understood! With the matter settled for now, you don the coat draped over the room’s only chair and try not to trip over your kids as they scamper out of the room ahead of you, pushing and shoving each other all the way!
As you slowly make your way down a hall and down a set of creaky wooden corkscrew stairs, you emerge into not a vast, but an open living room–the soft, carpeted floor littered with toys and other trinkets.
The air is pleasantly warm–a blessing compared to the sweltering heat outside–and as you pass by Vivi and Rezdin furiously scrubbing away at a pile of dishes in the sink, you hear the faint plink of distant, but familiar notes from beyond the home’s walls…
>CONTD.
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>>6377534
Following them to their source leads you to a garden–its occupants doing well if the flowery aroma and the buzzing and clicking of pollinators are any indication! A path of well-polished river rocks leads you down the hill to a narrow promontory saved from the sun’s full force by a smattering of tall, bending trees.
Sitting beneath them is a familiar Durher–her eyes closed in quiet concentration as her claws dance across her Striilii. A pair of kits act as her audience–one with their mouth shut tighter than a bank door as they listen intently, the other’s head bouncing along to a rhythm completely their own.
The former doesn’t react–not audibly, at least–as you take a seat on the gravely floor between them, but the latter can’t help but let a quick ‘PAPA!’ leave his lips before he realizes his mistake!
And Tzah-Tzie? She just keeps playing, but you can’t pretend not to notice the sly grin slipping onto her serene face! Basking in her music, you nearly nod off again when a soft, but VERY familiar voice reaches your ears!
“Well, well…” The Spinner smiles, “He lives… AGAIN!”
Yea, you snort as you match her smile, no thanks to the hired muscle she sent after you!
“Hmmm?” She responds with barely-concealed exaggeration, I was here all along, wasn’t I, kids?”
“Mhm…” Nods the quiet one–TUULI, you recall. The girl barely talks, but-
“YEP! Just Striiliiing with the sunrise, pops!” Exclaims NUUSHI as he gives his own instrument a few discordant strums! “Lovely day for it!”
You’ll bet… joining your favorite fuzzball on her stone bench perch, you instinctually wrap an arm around her shoulders as she leans against you with a contented sigh! Still working on that new song, huh?
“Bleh… if only!” Groans the Spinner as Nuushi continues practicing, much to his silent sister’s chagrin, “More like trying to coax the idea out from…” TT pauses, hands flailing in an inarticulate gesture. “... The Aether? The Musical Plane?”
The Spinnerverse?
“Who the Hells knows…” She groans before she realizes her error! “... Don’t swear, kids.”
“Yes, mum…”
“Anyways,” The Spinner sighs as she continues to idly plink away, “It’s there somewhere–just wish I knew where ‘there’ was… oh, if only there was some DARING, ROGUISHLY HANDSOME HERO out there who could free me from this mire of moroseness!”
Her head flops against your chest as her eyes meet yours with a tenderness you’ve never really gotten used to. Small as she is, you can still barely feel her heart aflutter as her back presses into your chest! Stooping over to meet your lips with hers, you give the girl a long, tender kiss until you remember who your audience is!
“Wow…” Nuushi remarks as his sister sits frozen in panicked awe, “Some honest folk are trying to practice music here, y’know…”
>CONTD.
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>>6377538
“Practice your chords, mister.” TT chides as her tail thumps against the bench! “And mind where your eyes wander.”
“Y-yes, ma’am…”
Tracing a claw through your beard, TT nods in barely-disguided approval. Did she find some crumbs, or-
“Just shaddap and let me enjoy my man, please~” She purrs as her other claw gives your knee a disapproving flick! “You really should’ve grown one of these sooner, y’know. VERY heroic. VERY dashing.”
The leaves above your alcove shudder in the morning breeze–a welcome respite from how warm it’s been. Giving TT’s ears a much-needed scritch, you decide to enjoy the relative silence a little longer before breaking it unceremoniously!
>Is she going to go on tour again soon?
>Any word from the others?
>She sent Miilo and Leti to the market? Alone?
>Remember the good ole’ days?
>So… the kids…
>About US…
>About your family…
>Write-In!
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So, you begin as the Durher gently takes your hand in hers, is she going on tour again any time soon, or? Your question earns an inquisitive glance and a wolfish grin from your ‘better’ half.
“THAT eager to get rid of me, are we?” She smirks as she gets comfier against your chest. “Nuushi, are you and your father planning a mutiny, hmm?”
“Mother dearest,” Purrs the kit with an award-winning grin, “What could possibly inspire us to revolt against your even-pawed and benevolent rule?”
TT responds by reaching down from the bench and flicking a tiny pebble at the kit. “Sneaky lil’ bugger.”
You don’t WANT her to leave, you protest, earning an appreciative nuzzle from the Spinner, you just noticed it’s, well… been a little while, is all! Doesn’t she wanna travel a bit more?
“Does a totta want to root through garbage?” She retorts with a shrug and a sigh. “But I also want this, my sweet–a few lazy days here and there, waking up in a warm, plush bed, being surrounded by some of my favorite people~” Her eyes flit to yours and study them intently. “Sometimes a girl wants to adventure… and sometimes she wants to be pampered and loved! Simple!”
You give her head another scratch as an uncertain smile slips onto your bearded face. Her fans might not feel the same–
“Ehhh, let ‘em sober up a bit.” Shrugs the Spinner as she kicks her stubby legs in mock–and somewhat lazy–protest, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, y’know! I think they can handle another month or two, especially after, well…” A faint glimmer forms in her eye. “Well, after all we did for ‘em, right?”
How could you forget? You remember it all–your dances with danger, your heroic exploits, the ups, the downs, and the all-arounds… twists, turns, betrayals, befriendings, gods, demons, witches, warlocks… all of it and more is etched into your mind like a new tattoo! Why, you could probably recount ANY of those wild moments right now if you felt inclined to!
Yea, you reply with a dopey grin and a nod, that was… that was bananas!
“Mhm…” TT replies with a wistful sigh, “Quite a path we’ve walked, hm?” She gives your hand a gentle squeeze. “And we’ve got plenty more to travel, Ant.”
“Uh-oh, Tuul–mom’s blabbing about ‘paths’ again…”
“That ‘path blathering’,” TT replies as a muted giggle leaves Nuushi’s sister’s mouth, “Is what set me on the path to stardom, thank you very much!”
Nuushi’s head cocks to the side. “I thought saving the world was what did that.”
“Well sure, that helped… a bit.” Brushing her snarky son off with a dismissive wave, TT turns her attention back your way. “We keep getting those coupons for Rezzie’s restaurant, by the way.”
>CONTD.
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>>6377858
Oh brother, you groan as an ache forms in your stomach, you’re still digesting the last visit!
“I thought the ringweed soup was delicious!” Nuushi chirps as his sister nods in assent, “Why can’t you cook like that, mom?”
He can’t see Tzah-Tzie’s eyes from how she’s sitting, but Nuushi will never realize how close he came to being punted down the hillside by his ‘mother dearest’. “... Hear that, Anton? She’s spoiling the kids.”
You know how Rezzie gets, you answer with a shrug, if you keep ignoring the invites, they’re gonna start showing up on fire! You can’t keep replacing mailboxes–you just can’t!
“She still invites Volka, right?” TT asks, ears aflutter, “Rezalith’d have her hands full feeding all those Lamplighter companies-”
Nah, you frown, Volka’s been out of town for a while now. Giving speeches or something? You can’t remember the specifics.
Now it’s TT’s turn to look befuddled. “Out of town? Who said that?”
Morook.
“... And when did you talk to Morook?”
A few months ago, you think? Dude wanders off into the woods on a whim and reappears, like, a year later.
“Did he bring Lila with him?”
That Veeti Lamplighter? How could he forget? You’re still not sure how that works, romantically-speaking, but-
“Ah-ah-ah! Ix-nay on the omance-ray!” TT hisses through clenched teeth as her eyes dart towards the kits! R-right…
You can’t help but smile a bit at the mention of your pals–it’s hardly all of them, of course, not to mention the new ones you’ve made in the wake of your deeds, but even in your comfy cottage surrounded by your family, you can’t help but miss those days you spent travelling the globe with the gang…
And now? Well, the path stretches on. And sometimes they branch off.Now that you think about it, though, you’re still a little curious about someone…
PICK ONE FOR NOW!
>Jhairo
>Volkir
>Lis’tat
>Oti
>Toppel
>Liz
>Vilah and Dilah
>Joji
>Lutza
>Joplin
>Write-In
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>>6377860
Hmm, now that's a thinker. There's Liz, sure, but I still find her existence very awkward for reasons. Lutza doesn't feel like she'd be that interesting to see since she's just a rebel spinner. I guess there's Oti and Toppel...?
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You want to know it all–does Lutza still play with TT? Did those Durher street urchins Vilah and Dilah end up okay? What happened with Professor Lis’tat, Volkir, and the other Star-Cloaks? And that Templar HUNK– you’re not the biggest fan, but… you’d be lying if you said you didn’t hope things worked out for him!
As your mind spins from all the possibilities like clothes in a washing machine, one name slips into the load that gives you pause:
Liz, you begin as your eyes widen as if recalling the name of an old friend, what… What happened to Liz?
“She’s dead, remember?”
Oh yea, you reply with a sagely nod, that makes se-wait, WHAT!? Tzah-Tzie meets your panicked gaze with one of lazy serenity. That’s, you sputter as your kits watch the conversation unfold with reassuring smiles, you… wh-r-th-there’s no way that’s true!
Tzah-Tzie answers with a Tzah-Tzhrug. “Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t.”
All you can do is blink as confusion takes root in your gut. Wh-wha?
“A premonition? A path left untraveled?” Sighs the Spinner as she snuggles closer, “A lingering doubt… or just a piece of your perfect ending?”
Look, you stammer, struggling to keep your smile as the ones on your children’s faces only grow wider, just… how exactly does she d-
“Who cares?”
The question hits you like a two by four to the face. Wh-what?
“Who cares?” TT repeats with a cheery giggle!
YOU do, you fire back as you struggle to extract yourself from beneath the girl’s smiling head, you can’t ju-
“Do you really want to know what happens to your lame old ex, Anton?” Tzah-Tzie asks as she continues to pin you to the bench with her uncannily-heavy body, “Do you really care what anyone is up to in your little fantasy, or are you just…” Her still-smiling head cocks a little too far to the side, “Going through the motions?”
Look, you groan as your kit’s stares burn into your cheek like sun through a magnifying glass, if this is about your missing memories, y-
“There it is again. Those pesky missing memories of yours~” Chirps your galpal as her eyes widen with glee, “So convenient! Follow the path, never go back. Follo w the path, no going ba ck!”
Though your limbs feel like molasses, you somehow manage to wriggle free from TT–no, dream Tzah-Tzie! That’s right, you mutter as you crab-walk away from her still-smiling, still-reclining form, you’re DREAMING! This is just a dream!
“You don’t care about them at a l l, do you?” TT continues as you feel heavy paws clasp your shoulders from behind, “You don’t care what our childre n are na med. Whe ther or not I go o n tour. You couldn’ t care less about wher e Morook wanders off or who Volka talks t o or wha t Rezalith w a nts…”
>CONTD.
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>>6378335
Jerking free of the claws dug into your shoulders, you whip around to find both Nuushi and Tuuli staring you down with empty eye sockets–their features dripping to the ground like a chocolate bar left in the sun!
“Where did you com e from, ANTON PEAS?” Purrs the performer as she rises from the bench like something out of an old-timey vampire flick, “Are your parents okay? Who do they have left now?”
Shut UP, you roar as you stumble to your heavy feet, this–this is all bullshit! A bad dream!
“You’re right–who cares?” Shrugs the Spinner as she scuttles off of the bench like a spider, wide-eyes not leaving you for a second, “You’re too busy. Too wor rie d. Too deep in an epic quest to ask that question you D R E A D:”
An unsettling crack rings out across the dreamscape as TT’s head reasserts itself. “What next?”
What’s next, you begin, chest heaving with heavy breaths, is that you’re gonna wake up! Keep talking, asshole, you’ll be having breakfast soon!
“A perfect family. A perfect home. A perfect life.” Recites Dream Tzah-Tzie as she shambles closer with an even wider smile, “But what next? Do you even want that? Or are you just going through the mot-”
SHUT UP! You shove the anomaly away, but it merely staggers back a few steps before resuming its grim march!
“How long would you last before run ning away, Ant on?” It asks, eyes glowing brighter as the colors fade around you, “A year? A week?” The hillside retreat vanishes in a flash of light, and in its place–
“Do you ‘love’ me, An ton?”
Her droning voice comes in stereo now–one from her lips, the other from a familiar smirking face with dead, sharklike eyes!
“Or is that just what’s expected of you?” Vhale asks with a rueful laugh! “Could you really spend the rest of your life with me?”
“A year?” TT adds.
“A week?” Vhale concludes as his blade leaves its sheathe with a dull metallic hiss! “Or did I just get to you fi rs t?”
Your feet are firmly frozen as you watch Tzah-Tzie’s head tilt back to present her throat to her ex! You open your mouth to scream, but nothing comes out!
“If only there was an ‘out’...” He purrs with a daring glimmer in his eye!
“Some kind of exc use to slither aw ay again like the simpering coward you are~” TT giggles as she leans into Vhale’s side!
“Wouldn’t it have been nice to barge into that mansion ballroom… just in time to watch him slit my pretty little t h r o a t?”
‘Shhckt.’
You freeze at the sound of tiny drops hitting the ground like the beginning of a rain squall. Vhale is gone.
>CONTD.
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>>6378336
“Think of all the P I T Y you’d get~” Purrs TT as the ‘rain’ continues to pitter away at the floor beneath her, “All the A TT ENTION… you’d be free again, A nton Peas… just li ke when you gave up on your dream job… when your stupid, P E R F E C T sister died… when you spurned Liz… when you botched that s tu pi d ritual-”
You want to scream. Shout. Tear your hair out in handfuls! The rainfall becomes a deluge as TT’s eyes fade into the aether…
“Would it even matter if I looked and talked like this instead, Rook?” Asks Volka–her big, friendly face curled into something more… intrigued.
“Or like this, AnTARD?” Snarls Rezzie as her red eyes make a show of avoiding yours with the faintest glow of pink on her cheeks!
“Did it matter when I looked like this?” Asks a pair of sunglasses–its owner’s unblinking gaze boring into you like a drill.
“Do you even believe in anything?” Asks YOUR voice as the presence shifts into a perfect reflection of your own, trembling face! “Or do you just pr efe r being led around by life?”
You feel the dream’s grasp on you fade, if only somewhat. How… how do you even begin to respond?
>This is bullshit. You got drunk–this is just a bad dream.
>You’re going to do better.
>They’re wrong.
>They’re right.
>Attack
>Stay Silent. You’ll Think You Disappeared.
>Write-In!
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>>6378337
>They’re right.
I guess it's unfair of me to say as someone who also voted for it despite later regretting, it's literally true that TT only really became our beau because she was the first to make a move
This doesn't mean he doesn't actually like her or that he wanted her to die. But like. If Volka wasn't so innocent, or if Rezzie appeared earlier, or especially if we knew about Liz...we would not be where we are.
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>>6378462
That's just life. There are billions of people even on just our own planet, and chances are there's at least a few that any given person would mesh well with. You end up with the first such person you hit it off with, usually.
>They’re right.
But I'm willing to vote for Punished Anton rather than risk attacking blindly in our sleep. Good way to roast a harem with hellfire, that is.
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>>6378473
But that's not really just it, right? anton was already doing it. he had liz. And he quit her. then he met a girl like Volka, but she was innocent, so he didn't really do anything.
we've only known TT for like...a few days. but because she was the first to flirt we basically declared undying love. I honestly don't wanna meet Liz because then we have to explain how we suddenly decided "yo, I kinda decided this girl I met a few days ago is my true forever love"
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Your fists ball at your sides. Your nostrils flare. Your face goes flush as anger pumps through your blood like high-octane racing fuel! Trembling with rage, your mouth opens to give this dream a piece of its subconsciously-conjured mind!
… yet there you stand, powerless.
The Tzah-Tzie hovers in front of you, hollow eyes burning into your very being and sending rivets of white-hot pain through your chest… but it doesn’t speak. Doesn’t chide. Doesn’t cackle any more critiques of your character or vile taunts…
It just waits there. Just like you.
Its words wash over you like a vat of hot oil, and though they sting–GOD, how they sting–you still stand. Battered. Bruised.
But not beaten. You know why, of course–this isn’t some horrible curse or a hideous monster come to devour your dreams like a buffet platter.
These are your thoughts… ugly and sad as they may be, you realize as the Tzah-Tzie’s gaze softens, they’re still yours.
The words come out of both of your mouths.
You’re right.
When was the last time you even thought of home? Of your parents? Of Liz? The truth is clearer than crystal–no amount of divine or devilish powers could change it–you’re welcome being led, especially when it relinquishes you of responsibility!
A hot tear rolls down your cheek as the Tzah-Tzie disappears into the dream. Do you really love Tzah-Tzie? Did you really love Liz? Would you ever truly love anyone or anything? Your questions fade away just like everything else–would anyone care if you just disappeared with them?
Would anyone really notice?
A gentle warmth envelops your body as the tears slowly dry mid-descent and a faint whisper trickles into your ear:
“We have hurt. But we can heal. We have taken, but we can give. We have erred… but we can learn.”
A choked gasp leaves your lips at the sound of the low, female voice–it’s… it’s so familiar, but–
“Forge your own path, Anton. You and you alone can lay claim to who you can be.”
You emerge from the dark recesses of your mind with a dull ache in your skull, crust in the corners of your eyes and mouth… and a fresh, damp streak down your cheek.
But you’re smiling.
And two large, lime green eyes smile back.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
>CONTD.
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>>6378504
You’re so, so, SO sorry!
“No, no… I-ow, Hells…– d-deserved that!” Mutters Tzah-Tzie as she rubs the back of her head with a sheepish smile! “And that bump I got jerking back takes my mind off of my hangover, so…” Punctuating her explanation with a shrug, the Durher snuggles up closer to you in the sleeping pod and gives your arm a reassuring squeeze. “Did you fall into the toilet or something on the way to bed last night? I didn’t see ya.”
You uh… yea, you nod with the events of your ‘Trial’ still fresh in your head, sorry you didn’t join her. You had some nasty dreams, and-
“No, it’s… for the best, really…” The Spinner sighs with a nervous laugh, “I was all over the place in bed last night. Kicking, rolling, chills running all over…”
Bad dreams? The look TT gives you tells you everything you need to know.
“... Yea.”
Does she, uh… wanna talk about ‘em? The girl shivers at your side.
“Not… particularly?” She stiffly answers, “Do you… wanna talk about yours?”
Not… particularly, you answer with a wry grin, earning a giggle from the girl as she gives your nose a playful poke.
“Guess this is our punishment for not snuggling, huh?”
Guess so.
“Sorry, I…” TT’s smile droops a bit as she retracts into her own corner a bit. “I was…” The girl pauses to gulp down a lump growing in her throat. “... If you ever need to vent, though–dreams, problems, whatever… I’m here for you, Anton.” The Durher gently prods your leg with her bare, slightly fuzzy foot. “You don’t need to carry all those expectations on your own, y’know.”
You blink. Can… can she even carry that much, or?
A sharp, but gentle pain spreads through your bicep as a pair of sharp teeth nip into it! “Jerk! Don’t underestimate me, boy…” She warns as her tail smacks the sides of the sleeping pod with growing mock ire, “I wield more power than you could ever begin to imagine…!”
You meet her threat by plucking the girl up by her tiny shoulders and holding her aloft as high as you can in the tiny pod! Is that so?
“H-hey!” She sputters, wriggling like a caught kitten, “Put me DOWN this instant, you oafish brute! Put me down so I can dole out your–ngh–medicine!”
Letting her wriggle a bit, you consider the cattething’s question a little longer…
What do?
>Share your dream!
>Try to get her to share first!
>Ask why she’s in your pod in the first place!
>Get up–you think you smell breakfast cooking!
>Write-In!