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>>6178658
Who’s that howling in the distance!?! Why, it’s DARK QUEST, of course! Best stick to the path if you don’t wanna end up in its belly! Check out 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%20Quest
>Twitter Account with art and other stupid shit:
https://x.com/DemBonez3
>Pastebin for INVENTORY, SKILLS, and MORE:
https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA

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!

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!

DISCLAIMER: THIS QUEST IS DARK. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

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>>6178659
So, you shiver with an amicable grin, can he help you?

A pair of weary green eyes the size of disco balls stare at you with silent ire while Volka and Tzah-Tzie back you up with reassuring smiles!

“... I said I’d examine you, didn’t I?” Oti replies in a tone drier than the Sahara, “You’re later than I’d like, but it can’t be helped.” The mage turns to enter the shop: its musky interior reeking of stale smoke and other nose-wrinkling aromas that remind you of your Uncle’s house! “Well, come in, I suppose. I just put the kettle on. And don’t even think of entering without wiping your feet first.”

“That sounds ‘TEAriffic!’ Ha! Get it?” Laughs Volka as she delivers a nudge that leaves your ribs sore! Answering with a polite laugh, you follow the Chytree into his shop and jolt a bit as the door slams soundly shut behind you! Seriously, TT?

“It wasn’t ME!” Yowls the bite-sized bard indignantly as she scurries close to your side! “It closed on its own!”

“Oh, you’re in for a veritable feast of excitement if that impressed you…” Scoffs Oti as he leads you past rows of what you can only assume are display racks. “We’ll speak in the parlor. Chop chop.”

You’re almost disappointed as you duck beneath a string of wooden items clunking over your head–does he, uh, does he get a lot of business for this stuff?

“The fireworks?” Oti answers with a shrug in his tone, “I’m hardly a wealthy man, if that’s what you’re asking.”

You bet, you reply with a sagely nod, not nearly as fun when you can’t see them explode…

“There’s more to fireworks than pretty lights...” Smirks the sorcerer with a polite laugh.

Volka frowns. “And I’m betting none of ‘em are lega- OOF!”

“I understand it’s a foreign concept for one of your stature, but do try to be careful,” Oti groans as your Skog pal untangles her face from a string of unseen fireworks, “I only just finished cleaning the shop...”

His bulbous glowing eyes fall on your stouter companion. “Oh, and I’d strongly advise against pilfering any of the merchandise.”

Tzah-Tzie answers with a frown. “What’s that supposed to mean, hmm?”

Oti turns his attention ahead. “It’s a warning. Though I suppose my security countermeasures could use a test…”

Coming to a halt in a significantly less-smoky room, the Chytree deposits himself into some kind of chair before looking your way expectantly. “I expect you have questions?”

When it becomes clear he isn’t going to direct you or your pals to a seat of your own, you decide to ask:

>Why fireworks?
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>He said he’s gonna examine you?
>Tell me a little bit about magic!
>What’s his story anyways?
>What does he know about teleporting to other worlds?
>Nah, let’s proceed!
>Write-In!

>>6178661
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>He said he’s gonna examine you?
>What does he know about teleporting to other worlds?
The rest can wait

>>6178661
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>He said he’s gonna examine you?
>What does he know about teleporting to other worlds?

>>6178661
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>He said he’s gonna examine you?
>What does he know about teleporting to other worlds?
Welcome back, DB!

>>6178661
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>Tell me a little bit about magic!

>>6178666
>>6178669
>>6178672
>>6178678
Dark Dorks, I present... THE TALLY:
>CITY'S GOIN TO SHIIIIIIT: 4
>EXAMINE: 3
>OTHER WORLDS: 3
>MAGIC: 1
Writing! Looks like the city wins it, but we'll chuck in examine and other worlds too! Pardon the impending long-ass wait.
>>6178672
Glad to be back, thanks!

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Well, yea, you reply as you sheepishly shift from foot to foot! Your answer earns you another defeated sigh from the moody mage. Gee, you sure missed those!

“Why do I even ask… very well then, what sweeping concepts can I demystify for you this time, hm? Morality? Love? The meaning of life?”

You’re just about to change your answer to one of those until you realize he’s being sarcastic. Maybe. You’d rather not bank on pissing Oti off, so you go for the obvious: he’s acting awfully calm considering what’s been going on all day!

The Chytree’s frown deepens as you hear a muffled clatter of dishware from what must be an adjacent room. “Yes I am. Next question.”

“You must’ve not heard, then: Chairman Fellick was found dead!” Interjects Tzah-Tzie with the energy of a gossiping housewife! “They think it might’ve been murder, y’know~”

“Oh no, how terrible...” Gasps the mage like a parent humoring a toddler, “Which one was he again? They’re all so memorable…”

You get it, you remark, he doesn’t care! Oti cocks his head to the side.

“Should I?”

“It doesn’t look that bad out there yet,” Answers Volka as her big yellow eyes shift towards the shop entrance, “But mark my words: things are gonna heat up before they cool down…”

“Yes, yes, you must really be on to something…” Nods Oti in the usual patronizing tone. “Suppose that means I’ll have much more business in the coming days–wise of you to seek me out now.”

Okay, you’ll bite: why is he so calm? Wizard or not, surely something about this interests him! Who’s gonna be the next Chairman? What’s gonna happen to Crossroads? C’mon, SOMETHING!

“I don’t bother wasting my thoughts on something as insipid as politics...” Snarls Oti derisively as if he’d just swallowed a cockroach, “In my experience if you’re pondering it then there are already hundreds of parties scheming about how to have it benefit them. These things sort themselves out one way or another.”

The wizard pauses as something clatters in from the next room–the source of the noise bobbing in the air as if it were adrift at sea. Leaning over to interact with it, the Chytree lets out a polite sipping noise. Ah, the tea.

“You’re still confused. Shocking.” He smirks as you listen to the tray depart from whence it came. “Death is about as common among mages as it is with Skogs, but unlike Skogs, when a wizard dies it’s usually for a reason.”

Volka opens her mouth to say something, but Oti cuts her off with laser-guided efficiency!

“‘Who gets the last Fried Durher Thigh’ is not a reason. Not to most civilized people, in any case.”

>CONTD.

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>>6178856
Leaning back in his seat as your Skog pal quietly fumes, Oti’s eyes glimmer a bit as he continues. “I won’t bore you with the details, but most wizard deaths are political in nature–even the ones that appear to be accidents.”

Volkir told you something similar, not that you share that with the Chytree. Political being, like, for power?

“Yes, Anton, for power.” Nods the mage as he takes another obnoxiously long sip from his cup. “If you can’t guard your secrets in the magical world, you don’t deserve them. Simple as that.”

“There’s a reason not everyone’s cut out to be a mage…” Adds Tzah-Tzie in a grim tone.

“And now you know the reason why I couldn’t care less about who died today!” Concludes the sorcerer with a triumphant slurp! “And don’t get me started on that ‘Red Comet’ hysteria you started…”

Eheheh… o-oopsie-daisy…

>CONTD.

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>>6178859
So, you continue in a desperate attempt to change the topic, what’s this ‘examination’ gonna be like anyways? N-no needles, right? No needles?

Oti stares at you like you just winked at his mother. “I don’t intend to torture you, I merely wish to ascertain how much demonic corruption has spread throughought your body-”

He KNOWS about that!? How?!

“I… you just told me on my doorstep,” The mage groans, taking another hearty swig from his drink as if it could save him, “Along with the rest of that inane synopsis of your adventure thus far…”

“Yea, even I thought that was a little odd!” Adds Volka as she gives your head a firm, but thankfully non-lethal pat! “But informative!”

Oh, you mutter, tone still tinged with confusion, that makes sense… but no needles, right? Your answer comes in the form of a drawn-out sigh.

“... fine, no needles, just a bit of magic. It’s more of a formality than anything else–there’s so much demonic energy in here I can practically taste it.”

“That far gone, huh?” TT remarks as she glances your way with an apologetic smile! “You think you can fix Ant, then?”

“That depends on what I learn from the examination.” Shrugs Oti as he polishes off his drink. “Theoretically it might be as simple as sending the corruption somewhere else… but beyond that, well…” He punctuates his statement with a long, hard stare. “... I’m confident in my ability to at least give you more control over it.”

Okay, you nod with a forced grin on your face, yea! You like the sound of that! Examine away, my guy!

“I’m not ‘your guy’ and we won’t be conducting the examination here.”

That earns a raised eyebrow from you. Why not?

“Because it might get messy. Shall we?” Rising from his seat, the Chytree beckons for you to follow him.

“Wait a sec: what about our tea?” Asks Volka with a nervous chuckle!

“I never said I was brewing tea for everyone,” Oti dryly replies as he leads you deeper into his abode, “Call ahead next time if you want tea and treaties’.”

“Yea, okay… shoulda called ahead, yep…” The Skog nods, “Dang it, Volka…”

>CONTD.

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>>6178860
Your gracious host leads you down a long, winding ramp that takes you deeper into the cold earth than anywhere else you’ve been today! As your shoulder brushes against the cold, mossy wall, your nostrils flare at the faint scent of something familiar…

“Quite a big basement you’ve got here, Ote.” Observes Volka as she stoops to avoid smacking her head on the ceiling. “Been here long?”

“The shop belonged to someone else,” The mage replies, pausing as the passage fills with the sound of grinding masonry and shifting stone, “But my lab, well… it goes where I go.”

“Lemme guess: the last owner ain’t around anymore, is he?”

TT!

The Durher’s question earns a laugh from the sullen sorcerer! “He is, in a way… well, parts of him, at least. You might meet him if he’s in a talkative mood, though he usually isn’t.”

As the sound of grinding stone ceases, you feel a sensation akin to a drop on a roller coaster as you step through… well, something. A barrier, maybe? Staggering into the wall, you quickly recover when all eyes fall on you!

“Worry not–we’ve merely crossed the threshold into my TOWER.”

You feel it long before you can ask: while the trip down was clammy and a bit unpleasant, you find yourself bathed in an almost homey warmth as the floor beneath you feet shifts from uneven stone to polished marble–each step making a definitive ‘clock’ as you proceed deeper into the wizard’s sanctum!

“Never been in a wizard’s tower before…” Mutters Volka as a low whistle escapes her lips, “Must be massive...”

“The size of my abode doesn’t matter–it all occupies quasispace and exists purely based on my own will and comprehension of its design.” Oti explains in a tone usually reserved for things such as ‘the answer to 2+2’ or ‘what sound does a doggie make’. Sensing he’s lost you, the mage lets out yet another sigh!

“This place, like all wizard towers, is a product of my will. It exists separately from our current reality, but because I know it exists I can keep it tangible, provided I choose to do so.”

So what happens if you stop thinking about it?

“You wouldn’t want to know, so keep your minds focused on where you are, please.”

Bristling at the sound of a distant CRASH, your worries are immediately waved away by your host. “My test subjects can become a little unruly–shifting into unperceived quasispace has that effect on them. Rest assured we’re perfectly safe!”

“But what abou-”

“Perfectly safe!” Oti repeats in a firmer tone!

>CONTD.

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>>6178861
Hey, since he knows so much about towers and quokkaspace, you begin in an uneasy voice, what’s his take on OTHER WOR-

“I said it before: I can’t help you return home.” The Chytree frowns as you feel the ground shift beneath your feet, “Teleportation around Zoral is simple enough: most literature on it was written long before the world went dark… but interdimensional travel, well…”

… it’s tricky?

“It’s not worth my time.” Corrects the mage. “Teleportation at its most basic state requires a firm understanding of where the destination is and the energy required to go there. Teleporting to another world would require an immense amount of energy… and a firm understanding of a very, very specific destination.”
You get it: it’s tough, you groan as you pass through a room filled with clanking, hissing machines, but what about this whole devil summoning thing then? How do people get demons over to Zoral?

“Many postulate that the ones who wrote those rituals in the first place were under the influence of a demon,” Replies the sorcerer in a slightly more hushed tone, “That or the instructions were transcribed from somewhere. There’s a wealth of ancient ruins to the South… most belonging to the Skog tribes of old, as well as a few Chytree colonies, but some have no names…”

It’s only when Oti pauses that you realize the ground’s been moving beneath your feet! Stumbling a bit, you blink the dry out of your eyes as the mage leads you into a chamber stuffed with an odor akin to the lovechild of a cheap clinic and an old person’s bathroom!

“And here we are…” Chuckles Oti as he floats ahead towards the center of the chamber, “Your friends are welcome to observe if they please, but there’s an exquisite lounge just t-”

“Have fun, Rook!”
“Yea, knock ‘em dead!”

Watching the girls scurry out of the room, both you and Oti exchange a rare understanding glance. Are uh… are they gonna be okay?

“I’ll rearrange things so that they find their way,” The sorcerer responds with a hint of sympathy in his voice. “But as for you, well… just stand in the center of the room. Follow the humming.”

Before you can ask, you feel a dull humming that permeates your leather boots! Taking a few cautious steps, you find that the vibrations grow stronger in a certain direction… following it about halfway, you can’t shake an uneasy twinge in your gut…

“I do have other matters to attend to this evening, you know.”

What do?
>One more question, Ote…
>Yea, let’s do this!
>Actually… let’s not.
>Can you bring TT and Volka back?
>Write-In!

>>6178863
>Yea, let’s do this!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

>>6178863
>Yea, let’s do this!
>Mutter: "This is how we die, uh?"

>>6178863
>Yea, let’s do this!
Less go!

>>6178881
>>6178897
>>6178901
>YESSSS
>>6178897
>Dis is iiiiitttt
Writing!

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So do you, probably, so steeling yourself with a steadying breath, you take the last few steps into the center of the chamber and give Oti a nod. Let’s do this!

“An excellent choice,” Responds the Chytree, his voice echoing uncannily as his eyes light up like Christmas lights! “Again, stay very still–this might hurt a bit…”

Watching him work, it suddenly dawns on you that this might kill you… Hey wait what was that about h-

Your last-minute question is cut short when Oti shouts a string of unrecognizable words that reverberate across the room! As each syllable leaves his… whatever Chytree have instead of lips, you feel a surge of energy probing and prying your body! Gritting your teeth as the magic does its, well, magic, you relax a little bit when you realize it isn’t hurting at all! It’s kinda like a bidet! And hey, your left nostril isn’t slightly clogged anymore!

Or was it the right one…?

With one last shout, Oti’s eyes dim as you feel the magic rush from your body like toothpaste down a sink leaving you with an uncanny ‘clean’ sensation… so, you begin, scratching your butt as the sorcerer recovers from the procedure, how’s it look in there?

“Well…” Huffs the mage as he slowly catches his breath, “The corruption has taken root.. That’s the bad news.”

Hey, great! If that’s the bad news then the good news oughta’ be really good, right?

“Well I wouldn’t consider it life changing,” Replies the Chytree as you return to his side with a spring in your step, “But you seem to have much more time than I had predicted. Very peculiar indeed…”

Hey hold on a sec, you frown, why is that peculiar? You’ve only been here, for like, a day!

“I’m not bragging when I say Chytree are more attuned to magic than the other Zoral inhabitants,” Brags the wizard as he begins to pace in a lazy oval, “And when you arrived I could sense an alarming amount of demonic corruption…” Pausing mid-step, the enchanter shrugs. “But perhaps I was merely detecting my test subjects… at any rate, this is excellent news.”

With a snap of his fingers, the mage turns to his left just as Volka and Tzah-Tzie come bounding back into the chamber! How was the lounge, ladies?

“Huh?” Grunts the Skog as she skids to a halt in front of you, “We didn’t-”
“Two seconds ago we were running through some kind of swamp!” Adds Tzah-Tzie with a frown! “What gives!? And why do my eyes sting so much!?”

“Ah yes, the CAVES OF ETERNAL LAUNDRY… I really should check in on my formal robes one of these days…” Muses the Mage as he shifts his gaze back to you.

>CONTD.

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“I have plenty to work with now, but I’ll need some materials first.” You feel a pointy claw-like appendage prod at your chest as Oti gives you a stern glare! “Which means you and your little friends have work to do.”

He never mentioned that, you groan! You’re tired!

“As am I, but somebody decided to drop in right before nightfall, so here we are!” Counters the wizard with renewed ire in his tone! “You may leave if you wish, but if you want to establish more control over your demonic urges-”

Well why didn’t he say so in the first place, you smile! If he’s doing you a favor then you’re happy to help him out!

“Helping people is the Lamplighter way!” Chirps Volka as TT begins to idly pluck at her Striilii. “What’s the task, hm? Outsmart a Gheedra? Solve a golem’s riddle?”

“Nothing so grandiose as those, I’m afraid,” Sighs the Chytree as he leads you out of the echoing chamber, “Though I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t somewhat dangerous…”

“Defying death is the Anton way!” Chirps TT as she gives her instrument a loud strum! “Let ‘em have it, Ote!”

Actually the Anton way is-

“The Mitaraan Temple, and most faiths in Zoral for that matter, have ways of diminishing and even outright expelling demonic corruption,” Oti explains as you feel the floor shift beneath your feet once more. “Light contamination, mind you.”

Let me guess, you reply as TT pauses playing for a moment to sniff the air, he’s got a better way?

“You catch on quick. Over the course of my research on demonic entities I've concocted a draught that should, when diluted with the correct ingredients, give the host more control over their corruption-”

“Hold on a tic: aren’t you trying to get cured, Rook?” Inquires Volka as she slows down to match your pace. “Couldn’t he just brew one of those Mitaaran potions for you?”

Oti stops mid-levitate and turns to face you with a steely look in his disco ball eyes. “That’s a question I’ll admit I’ve been pondering as well: are you trying to be cured?”

The question hits you like a pool noodle to the face! Well uh, you’re not complaining about the edge it’s given you in fights, but the whole ‘suffering for eternity once you die’ thing is a bit of a dealbreaker-

Oti cocks his head to the side. “Have you simply considered not dying?”

Oh shit, you exclaim, why didn’t you think of that before!?

>CONTD.

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The Chytree is not amused. Is he ever, though?

“Pedantic sarcasm aside, this realm is rife with potential ways to prolong your life to an unnatural length… and were you to capitalize on the boons this devil imparts on you, well…” Oti pauses to take a big whiff of air as a twinkle forms in his segmented eyes, “You could become a force to be reckoned with indeed…”

“I don’t know much about devils, Rook,” Chimes in Volka with renewed concern in her tone, “But I do know this: they’re sneaky. Give ‘em the opportunity and they’ll always twist it in their favor-”

“Don’t be dramatic.” The sorcerer interjects with a dismissive shake of his head, “Demons love a gamble: the more power they bestow upon their benefactee the more likely they will, to use the parlance of our times, ‘snuff it’. But with risk comes reward-”

“Can we plot world domination later, please?” Begs Tzah-Tzie as she takes a few steps closer to you with a worried look in her eyes, “Something about this place feels off...”

“We’re nearing my VIVARIUMS,” Oti explains as the flames of ambition slowly fade from his eyes, “The gates to them, at least. Your task is this: While I open the portal, you and your associates will gather the ingredients.”

“And what, pray tell, are you gonna be doing?” Inquires TT with renewed spunk in her tone!

“Waiting here to bring you back once you’ve completed your task. The gate can’t be opened from the Vivarium side–a safety measure, you understand.”

Before you can protest, your robes are buffeted by a colossal gale that rips through the massive chamber you emerge in! As wind howls around you like a pack of wolves, Oti pauses in front of… something.

“The gate is here. Once you’re through, don’t dawdle: you won’t be alone.”

What is this, his petting zoo too?

“I harvest components from the fauna as well. Now pay attention: you’ll be heading to…”

>An untamed rainforest!
>A frozen wasteland!
>A scalding desert!
>An underwater trench!
>Write-In

Last update of the evening, by the way! Thank y'all for giving Dark Quest a try again--here's to a solid and entertaining thread!

>>6179111
>A dark cave! Darker than normal!

>>6179111
>A frozen wasteland!

>>6179111
>A dark cave! Darker than normal!

>>6179173
What, like so dark we can't see eyes?

>>6179111
Sounds weird, but inriguing. I'l support:
>A dark cave! Darker than normal!

>>6179111
>A dark cave! Darker than normal!
This is very stupid and therefore should prove most entertaining

>>6179111
>An untamed rainforest!
we are so back

Looks like caves wins it! Would normally link to the posts, but apparently 4chan thinks I'm trying to spam, so here we are. Anywho, writing!
>>6179362
>This is very stupid and therefore should prove most entertaining
My writing process in a nutshell

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“A cave system. A very dark one.”

As a rule you try to be polite to everyone you meet, even folks you don’t quite agree with. Your memory’s been a little spotty since you arrived in Zoral, but you know this to be true.

That said, you can’t stop yourself from filling the room with a boisterous belly laugh that would make Volka proud, and based on the approving smile on her face, you’re pretty sure it does!

Doubled over with pure, unadulterated laughter for the better part of a minute, it’s only after you start wheezing that Oti makes an attempt to reestablish communication!

“Are you finished?” He asks with the tone of a man two seconds away from flinging a fireball your way!

Y-yea, you weakly reply, you’re… yea, you’re done…

“Marvelous. To answer what I’m certain you’re already pondering, there are corners of this world where the darkness is more powerful. Raw. Primal.”

“Why, though?” Inquires Volka as she gives your still-wheezing form a reassuring pat on the back. “Dark is dark, isn’t it?”

Oti nods. “Indeed, even the most diligent scholars have discovered remarkably little about Zoral’s… ‘condition’. Whether it’s caused by a curse or some natural phenomenon is still widely debated, but one detail remains constant:”

You lean in a little closer. Which is?

The mage’s eyes glimmer. “That the flora and fauna populating these dark corners are completely unique: organisms suited to complete and utter darkness, and I mean COMPLETE.”

And what, he wants you to grab some monster fur or something? The Chytree shakes his head.

“Luckily for you all I’ll need is FIVE SPRIGS OF ECLIPSEWEED– you’ll know it by the faint clicking sound it emits. I wouldn’t recommend petting the animals. Keep quiet and work quickly when you arrive–you’ll be operating at a disadvantage.”

“D’awww, is that concern I sense?” Chirps TT as a cheeky giggle escapes her lips!

“The last time someone was devoured I had to wait months before the cave’s inhabitants migrated away from the portal entrance.” His eyes shimmer. “Which reminds me: if you stumble across any remains, bring their belongings back to me.”

How… how many people has he sent-

>CONTD.

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>>6179506
“Right, one last thing:” Placing a claw on your forehead, the sorcerer mutters a few hushed words under his breath. Before you can protest, you feel something lingering in the back of your mind: the location of the gate.

“Use this to find your way back to the portal area. I’ll open it up and bring you back once you’ve collected the samples. Questions?”

“Yea…” Volka replies with a quizzical expression, “Are we going to get whatever you just gave Ant?”

“No. Don’t get separated. If he dies you can cut his head off and use it to return–it should vibrate the closer you get to the portal.”

Needless to say, that doesn’t assuage the Skog’s worries much. “And if his head is, erm… damaged?”

The Chytree gives her a long, hard stare.

“Hmmm… yes, don’t let that happen. Right, off you go.”

With a flicker in his eyes, Oti places his claws on something and begins an incantation! Like a storm forming, the space next to you roars to life with magical energy–the close proximity is enough to make your teeth tingle!

“Go now!”

Welp, no need to keep the man waiting! Taking a steadying breath, you take a step into the maelstrom and immediately feel a sensation akin to walking through an automated car wash!

“Hmm? Strange…”

You’re just about to ask what’s eating Oti when you feel your feet slip out from under you! Tumbling head over heels, you open your mouth to gasp and immediately regret it when your lungs take in an ample amount of… NOTHING!

Your chest aches, but just as panic begins to settle in, your face is buffeted by a much-needed gust of air and a crackle of magical energy! Landing in a heap on a stretch of cold, hard rock, you fill your lungs with thick, moist air just as you hear a pair of similar cracks ring out–guess that means Vo-OOF!

>CONTD.

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>>6179507
TT lands first–the small Spinner’s head crashing into your breadbox at what feels like terminal velocity! Your freshly-inhaled air barely leaves your mouth before your second companion arrives, and you’ll never guess where SHE lands!

Yep.

You awaken a few moments later feeling like you’ve just been hit by a truck to find the Skog shaking you like a ragdoll!

“Rook! Wake up!”

You’re just about to respond when you feel a small claw smack you across the face a few times! You’re up, okay!? You’re up!

“Really?” Asks TT as she delivers another slap, “Sorry, thought you were still out…”

Not for lack of trying, you grumble as you let Volka help you to your feet! As you wipe the dust and grime off of your robe, you take stock of your surroundings and, well… it’s not a lot to go on!

To say you’re in a cave wouldn’t be doing it justice–even the act of getting up sends an echo reverberating across the cavern system that rises high above your heads towards a ceiling you can’t perceive. In return, a handful of droplets rain down onto your head–the offending moisture thick and syrupy as you wipe it from your hair.

Further down, you hear something akin to birdsong: faint ‘ki-KREEs’ are met with even quieter ‘ZIZIII’s’, and before you even take a step you can hear the familiar trickle of water splashing and tumbling down the rock face…

An underground stream!

“Not bad for the first patrol, ey, rook?” Chuckles Volka as her clanking armor rings out across the cave! “Wait’ll the rest of the gang hears about this!”

“Big Eyes wasn’t kidding…” Remarks Tzah-Tzie with awe in her voice as she sniffs the air, “I’m picking up all kinds of new smells in here…”

Yea, well keep tabs on your scent, you warn as you send a cautious glance around the cave, and Volka’s. It’d suck to get separated down here…

“Let’s keep track of the route we take, too…” Muses Volka as she takes a step towards the sound of the water, “We might have to beat a hasty retreat…”

You haven’t heard any beasts yet, but that does little to make you any less paranoid. 5 SPRIGS OF ECLIPSEWEED– a clicking plant. Where the hell do you even start?

>Follow the stream!
>Let TT take the lead!
>Just pause for a bit… listen!
>Head towards the birdsong!
>Ask your companions something!
>Write-In!

>>6179508
>Just pause for a bit… listen!

>>6179508
>Just pause for a bit… listen!

>>6179508
>Just pause for a bit… listen!
Good spot to git gud with the echo ring, desu! A cave system that reflects sound better, and doesn't have eyes to cheat locations with.

>>6179640
+1

>>6179508

>>6179520
>>6179569
>>6179640
>HEY, LISTEN!
Caution wins the day once more! If that's the case, well...
>Roll me 1d100+1 (+5 Volka Senses (Extra Dark), +6 TT Senses (But Darker!), +3 Ring of Echos, -7 Born in the Darkness, -2 Dark, -4 Lotsa Noises) to get a bearing on your quarry! Best of 3!

Rolled 59 + 1 (1d100 + 1)

>>6179698
We'll let TT take the lead later.
But for now
F O C U S
O
C
U
S

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>6179698

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d100 + 1)

>>6179698

>>6179700
>>6179704
>>6179711
>HIGHEST ROLL: 98!
Cripes, okay! Starting the thread off strong, I see! Writing~

File: clickclick.png (40 KB, 800x600)

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Taking in your surroundings, it takes you a moment to realize your hands are trembling at your sides.

“You good, Ant?” TT asks as she gives your hip a gentle nudge. Yea, you mutter under your breath, just… still not used to a world without sights, is all. And the cave… the cave’s so darn…

“Humid?”

Loud, you correct, cringing at the sound of a droplet smacking the ground next to your foot, it’s loud...

You didn’t mean to, but your answer inspires the rest of your entourage to absorb the atmosphere for a bit. The distant crackle of pebbles slipping free of a crag, a heated argument from the cave-dwelling ‘Ki-KREEE’-ers, the trickle of water along the grooves of the cavern floor… anywhere else it’d be ambience, but here, well…

It’s the perfect cover.


Volka’s armor clanks as she crouches closer to you, her hot breath tingling your ear. “Yea… I get what you mean...” As the conversation lulls back into silence, something breaks through the rest of the noise: a sound so faint you’d miss it if you weren’t making an effort to shut up!

Click.

CliCLICK.

Click.

>CONTD.

File: unyieldingdarkness.png (203 B, 800x600)

203 B PNG

>>6179759
Groping at your sides, you clasp your hand onto a massive, scaly elbow and Tzah-Tzie’s hood hanging limply behind her head. Though the latter jerks upright at your touch, both girls seem to get the message. While the Skog’s tail wraps gently around your wrist, the Durher scales your back and wraps her arms around your neck like a koala.

“Boy, this is silly, isn’t it?” Volka remarks as a nervous laugh wriggles free of her lips! “Good thing no one can see us…”

Yea, you mumble as Tzah-Tzie gives your forehead a playful poke with her claw, wacky stuff…

“Keep it down!” Hisses the Spinner from her perch on your back, “We aren’t alone in here, remember?”

You and Volka answer her with silence as you proceed deeper into the caves. It’s tricky to pinpoint where the clicking originated, but your scale-clad scout seems to know what she’s doing! Aside from a few stumbles as you follow the stream down a steep incline, the trek goes relatively smoothly.

This place would almost be comfy if you weren’t certain you were being watched!

You must have taken two or three steps onto a patch of moss when you slam face-first into Volka’s outstretched hand–you’re about to ask why when you hear it:

CliCLICK.

CLICK.

CLICLICLICK.

And they’re all coming from different directions.

Another rock slips free of the cavern wall above you. Volka’s tail jerks your wrist urging you to choose! You’re two seconds away from picking at random when your Ring of Echos gives you a potentially life-saving clue:

The origin of the ‘CLICLICLICK’ sound lies further down the passage to your left… and while the other two clicks are soft, almost whispered, that one is clear… and bold?

The route ahead continues to follow the stream while the path to the right takes you deeper into what smells like fresh-cut grass… and garlic?

Which way do you go?
>Straight!
>To the Right!
>Listen again!
>Write-In!

>>6179760
>To the Right!

>>6179760
>To the Right!
He said it was faint

>>6179777
>>6179782
>To the Right!
'Right'ing! Ha ha, that's a little wordplay humor for ya. Yep, we like to have fun around here. Anyways, this'll probably be the last one of the night--hang on to something!

File: thecreatureapproaches.png (8 KB, 800x600)

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Something about the passage to the left makes your hair stand on end, so in response to Volka’s non-verbal question you give a non-verbal answer! It takes a few tugs for her to get the picture, but she figures it out around the eighth or ninth time you jerk your wrist to the right.

Splendid timing, too–as your prehensile-tailed tour guide leads you away from the stream, the uncanny feeling that you’re being followed only grows stronger! So much so that as you creep through a curtain of vine-like brambles that reek of old socks you barely notice Tzah-Tzie’s claws digging into your shoulders.

You’re about two seconds away from chucking her onto the ground when you hear it: a sudden shuffling of spindly appendages through the underbrush! Skidding to a halt thankfully muffled by the moss, you and your buddies tense up like a group of kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar!

Frozen in place, no one dares to make a move as the scrambling stops a foot or so in front of you. It goes without saying that you’re more of a visual guy than anything else, but based on what you heard you wager the critter ahead of you is just that: a beastie barely bigger than a fox… or a very fat squirrel!

Whatever the hell it is, it hasn’t moved since you did… the only question is: is it about to pounce, or scared out of its wits?

What do?
>Retreat!
>Defend! Prepare your shield!
>Move around it!
>Throw something to lure it away!
>Toss something at it!
>Make a scary sound!
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!

>>6179852
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!
FINALLY
A TIME TO PICK THIS OPTION

>>6179852
>Throw something to lure it away!

>>6179852
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!

>>6179852
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!

>>6179852
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!
Oh shit, has a grue finally found us?

>>6179852
>>Write-In!
try to catch it. i recon theres a 50/50 chance of it being cute. if not, it should be small enough to not be a problem anyways

>>6179869
>FINALLY
>A TIME TO PICK THIS OPTION
well yes, but this is the least funny opportunity to pick it

>6179869
>6179905
>6179911
>6179940
>STAY SILENT!
>6179874
>CHUCK SOMETHING!
>6180012
>CATCH 'EM ALL!
Writing~
>6180012
>Least funny opportunity
Unfortunately true

File: thwip.png (76 KB, 800x600)

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………….

………………….

…………………………….

…..
Oh, right… the narration! Sorry!

For a good minute or so the creature is treated to Anton Pea’s best statue impersonation. Neither Volka nor TT dare to move a muscle–whether this is due to them having complete confidence in you or being completely dumbfounded remains to be seen!

Not keen on backing down from this potentially-fatal game of chicken, you grit your teeth and devote even MORE energy towards… well, nothing!

…..


……..


Oh crud! LEG CRA-

Your thoughts and pain are put on the backburner when a sound rings out across the cave: a muted gurgle from the critter! It’s muffled by your moss-choked surroundings, sure, but in the yawning silence it sounds like a drawer full of silverware crashing to the floor! No sooner does the sound escape from your opponent’s gullet do you hear something whip through the air like a javelin–its origin far too close for your liking!

A pitiful squeak barely manages to wriggle free of the animal before it’s whisked away into the oppressive darkness… and then all goes silent once more.

It takes you a few moments to realize Volka’s tail is cutting off your wrist’s circulation. Giving your hand a gentle shake, the Skog slowly picks up on your issue and loosens her tail’s grip while TT removes her claws from your shoulders!

The three of you stand still as stones long after the blanket of quiet falls over your surroundings once more.With a steadying breath, you give your wrist a gentle shake to signal Volka to continue onwards, and the armor-clad amazon is only too happy to comply! Tromping through the sea of moss and fungal caps crowding your feet, your heartbeat slows as you hear a distant clicking up ahead…

Five sprigs, you think as you adjust the Durher clinging to your back like an oversized cat, you can do this!

Crap, they better not have barbs on them or anything like that. You’re gonna lose your shit...

... do you hear crackling?

>Home stretch! Let’s pilfer these plants! Roll me 1d100+2(+4 Volka Senses (Dark and a little rattled), +5 TT Senses (Also rattled), +1 Footwork, +2 Sneaky Leather Armor, -8 Born in the Darkness and Near, -2 Dark)! Best of 3!

Rolled 29 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>6180090

Rolled 21 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

Rolled 8 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>6180090

apparently Anton has hearing problems.

>6180091
>6180122
>6180126
HIGHEST ROLL: 31!
Yow! Writing~
>>6180131
What was that?

File: running.png (129 KB, 800x600)

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Pondering the mysterious noise further up in the caverns, you freeze up mid-stride as you nudge something with your boot! You don’t have to wait long to figure out what it is: seconds after tripping your nose is assaulted by a wave of itchy spores smelling like an unholy blend of chocolate and hot sauce!

Your years of food service pay off, however! Clamping your nose shut with the hand not currently wrapped in Volka’s tail, you bite your lip and channel all your willpower into containing the impending sneeze… and SUCCEED!

“Ha-choo~!”

TT, on the other hand, isn’t so lucky. Curse your bad luck! A moment’s pause passes by in which the whole cave delves into complete, uncanny silence…

And then you start running towards where you last heard the clicking!

You barely make it a few steps before something hot and sticky thwips past your cheek spritzing it with warm mucus! As you quickly wipe it off on your sleeve, another attack aims for your back–this one barely missing Tzah-Tzie!

Yelping in surprise, the girl leaps from her perch and takes her chances on her own–a good thing, too… following the jingle-jangle of Volka’s armor, you feel a jolt of sharp pain course through your back as something warm and sticky STABS into it!

As if things couldn’t get any worse, you feel the appendage hook into your wound and YANK you into the air with alarming strength! You’re only airborne for a moment, however, before Volka yanks you back to the ground with her tail!

“Not on MY watch! C’mon!”

Feet firmly back on the ground, you do what you can to elude your eerily silent pursuer and follow your Skog pal to where you hope the Eclipseweeds are growing! Though the fresh wound on your back starts to itch, you feel a slight pang of relief as the clicking grows closer with every step!

>One more! Roll me 1d100-4(+3 Volka Senses (A lil busy!), +4 TT Senses (See Volka), +1 Footwork, -10 Born in the Darkness and HUNTING, -2 Dark) to grab and go! Best of 3!

Rolled 20 - 4 (1d100 - 4)

>>6180189

Rolled 98 - 4 (1d100 - 4)

>>6180189
ANTON SPECIAL: WE'RE GOING TO LIVE FOREVER

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>6180206
hell yeah

>>6180189
Now to roll a 1 for comedic effect

>>6180208
Damn, so close.

>6180196
>6180206
>6180208
>HIGHEST ROLL: 94!
Dear lord, anon. Holy mackerel. Writing~ Also a quick Public Service Announcement: I'm not retarded (very)--for some reason 4chan thinks linking to your posts is spam so I have to just greentext 'em. Rest assured I still want you to receive credit for your many successes! And failures--especially the failures!

>6180210
Some day, anon... remember Pepper...

File: watchoutbelowagain.png (39 KB, 800x600)

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Whether it’s your sixth sense or simply survival instinct after spending so many years dodging items thrown by unruly customers, you find yourself diving forward just as another ‘thwip’ thwips at your haunches–the sudden leap of faith prompting Volka to let go of your wrist and sending you flying down a mossy incline!

Rolling like a cheese wheel down the semi-cushioned incline amidst a cloud of spores jostled free of the myriad of mushrooms around you, you shrug off the pain as best you can as you rapidly approach the mysterious clicking!

Another sticky spear embeds itself inches from your head just before you reach the base of the hill, but all it does is motivate you to get your rear in gear! Scrambling to your feet and limboing another thwip, you rush for the Eclipseweeds like your life depends on it… and it kinda does!

As you limbo beneath one last-ditch attempt to snare you, you drop to the ground and slide like a baseball player stealing home as the clicking becomes loud enough to make your ears sting!

You’re not sure if these are the right plants or not… hell, they might even be some kind of flesh-eating barnacle, but as you slip past the fortissimo florals you reach out and snatch a handful of-

OWWWW THEY DID HAVE BAAAARRRBSSS! OTI, YOU RAAAAAT!

Sonorous sprigs in tow, the fresh pain in your hand motivates you to quickly rise to your feet just as something BIG hits the ground next to you! Kicking a clump of moss in what you hope is its face, you follow the sound of Volka’s jangling armor back up the slope, each step barely gaining purchase on the mossy mound!

Though your pursuer thwips at your heels, you’re rescued by a tiny, but familiar claw grabbing your robe!

“You get ‘em, Ant?” Stammers Tzah-Tzie as you both get pulled up the incline by what you assume is Volka’s tail! Yea, you reply, but-

“Watch yer’ heads!”

Flung behind the Skog, you listen in awe as the gentle giant sends a Volka-sized rock tumbling down the hill! A sickening crunch reverberates across the caverns, but before you can give her a high-five the Grand Marshall is already scooping you and the Spinner up!

“It’s been fun, but I think it’s time to leave!”

Agreed, you nod as you try not to feel odd as Volka’s claw clasps onto your now-vibrating head! Oh right, Oti’s direction spell…

Retracing her steps, however, it rapidly becomes clear that it isn’t necessary. As you close in on your means of escape, a fresh new set of sounds and smells assault your senses:

Crackling flames… and smoke!

>CONTD.

File: ohfuckshesback.png (105 KB, 800x600)

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>>6180255
The three of you emerge back into the clearing you arrived in… at least, you think it is! What was once quiet enough to hear a microscopic pin drop is now choked with the roar of wild flames and the acrid odor of smoke and burning flesh!

Blinking the ash from your eyes, you wriggle free from Volka’s grasp and rush into the center of the cavern! What… what the hell HAPPENED!?

“EXACTLY!” Booms a haughty voice from above! “HELL HAPPENED! KYAAAHAHAHA!”

Oh no. Oh no... You’d recognize that voice from anywhere… you can’t see her, but you don’t need to-

“HELLo again, SLAVE!” Snarls the disembodied voice, “Did you truly think you could escape from me!?”

Volka, on the other hand, isn’t having it! “Who are you!? Show yourself!”

“Sheesh, you really are dumber than you look…” Snickers the voice from a completely different end of the cave! “I am REZALITH: DEMON QUEEN AND SCOURGE OF CHAAT’TAI!”

Her voice softens a bit. “Normally this would be where I’d say ‘look upon my form and despair’, but you sun-starved SIMPLETONS somehow managed to lose all the light in your wretched plane! And now you lead me into THIS cesspool! How am I supposed to SHOW myself, hmmmm!?”

You feel Tzah-Tzie step closer to your side. “Friend of yours, Ant?”

Not quite, you frown–she almost killed you when you first arrived… and you’re pretty sure that’s still on the menu…

“ANTON PEAS!” Snarls the demon, “You took something that wasn’t yours, you naughty little bastard, you! And I have come… TO RECLAIM IT!”

Sensing a fiasco in the making, you quickly reassure your companions that she isn’t talking about anything perverted! Honest!

“Uh-huh.” Snorts Tzah-Tzie.
“H-huh? P-perverted?” Volka stammers!

Well Rezzie hasn’t killed you yet, so you’re guessing she wants something. You’re in the portal zone too, so maybe if you buy enough time…

What do?
>Where have you been?
>Can this wait, please?
>What the hell do you want?
>RED says hi.
>Stay silent! She’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!

>>6180256
>Stay silent! She’ll think you disappeared!
We did a lame stay silent, we must make up for it with a funny 'stay silent'.

>>6180256
>RED says hi.

>>6180262
+1, sounds actually funny

>6180262
>6180279
...
>6180268
Devil May Hi
Looks like the silent treatment wins it!
>Roll me 1d100+4 (+3 Sneaky Leather Armor, +3 Rezzie can't see, +2 Impatient Rezzie +4 Loud-ass surroundings, -8 Devilish Senses) to........
....
.........
Best of 3!

Rolled 46 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>6180360

Rolled 37 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>6180360

Rolled 39 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>6180360

>>6180361
>>6180362
>>6180369
>50
Well then, this could go either way...

>6180361
>6180362
>6180369
>HIGHEST ROLL: 50!
Generally speaking a 50 or higher is a pass, slim though it may be! Let's write, though!

File: rezziepeeved.png (186 KB, 800x600)

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……………

Though the flames continue to rage around you, an uncomfortable silence somehow manages to fall over the cave as you…

……

You’re unsure whether or not your companions got the proverbial ‘memo’ or not. Maybe Volka caught on and clammed up, maybe TT buttoned her lips for her. Whatever the reason, it’s the DEMON QUEEN who manages to break the silence!

“What, no groveling? No moronic questions? Not even a dumb quip?” You can’t see her face, but you get the feeling she’s annoyed! “... did you pass out of sheer TERROR!? HAH! You would! Moron…”

The inferno continues to rage around you as you take the opportunity to relocate to a relatively less-burning corner of the room! The gamble pays off: mere seconds after vacating your position, that section of the cavern erupts in a violent conflagration that stings your back through your thick robes and armor!

“Oh come ON! Three of you and no screaming!? Not even a YELP!? How are you not BURNING ALIVE right now!? What’s WRONG with this place!?”

Throwing fireballs like they were free samples at a farmer’s market, the devil queen quickly turns the cavern into an oven… and though you manage to remain undetected, you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t getting a little toasty!

“COME. OUT. AND. DIE ALREADY!” She roars, sending another volley of fireballs across the room! “I WANT MY POWER BACK, YOU WORM!”

For once you’re glad to be everyone else’s bad luck charm… try as she might to spook you and your friends out of silence, all the devil accomplishes is destroying a section of an extremely unique ecosystem! Oti’s not gonna be pleased… which reminds you: is he gonna portal you outta’ here or WHAT?!

Hissing through her undoubtedly-clenched teeth, Rezalith hurls one last fireball at the ground and lets loose a groan that’d make any self-respecting teen proud!

“You… you sneaky little rats… you scampered off, didn’t you!? Just scurried away like wretched little rodents! I knew you were pathetic, but this… ooh, I’m going to take my TIME punishing you!”

With a flutter of batlike wings, the harried hellspawn departs in the direction you came from! “Start praying to whatever primitive gods abandoned you, Anton! I WILL get what I want!”

You wait until her muttering and fireballs become distant before daring to take a breath! The air is thick with smoke and ash, sure, but you aren’t dead! That’s something!

“HELLS!” Sputters Volka as she nearly collapses on top of you, “That was quick-thinking, Rook! Phew…”

“He’s just full of surprises, ain’t he?” Chirps Tzah-Tzie as she peeks out from behind your still-toasty robes! “We’d better leave before she catches on, though…”

Yea, that’d be nice, wouldn’t it!? You’re back where you started, when’s-

FWOOOOOSH!

>CONTD.

File: throughtheportallllll.png (186 KB, 800x600)

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>>6180456
-that idiot gonna bring you back!?

For the first time in what feels like hours you look upon a pair of familiar and perpetually-irked glowing green eyes! Err, hi, Oti! The trip back was a lot smoother than the trip there…

“I figured you could use a hasty extraction.” Drones the mage as your companions catch their collective breath at your sides! “You’re welcome, by the way. Did you get what I asked for?”

You’re just about to toss the Eclipseweeds over when you feel the portal ripple behind you–the disturbance making your teeth chatter as a wave of static brushes past your cheeks!

“Something’s coming through!” Snarls Oti as you turn to face where you came from, “What did you bring with you!?”

A devil, you bark back, how the hell did he not notice her when you came in!?

Oti’s eyes soften a bit as Volka squares up for a scrap! “A devil…? That changes things…”

“What are you doing!?” TT howls incredulously! “Close the portal already!”

You’re no expert on Chytree expressions, but you get the feeling Oti ain’t listening. “A real devil…”

What do!?
>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!
>Grab your pals and run! Oti wants her? He can deal with her!
>Get that portal closed! Distract the mage!
>Move into ambush positions!
>Stay silent! She’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!

Last update of the night, by the by. Sorry for the sporadic updates--been feelin' wonky all day. Here's to better writing tomorrow!

>>6180458
>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!
EAT SHIT.

>>6180458
>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!

>>6180460
Feel better soon, Bones!

>>6180458
>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!

>>6180458
>>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!
dont forget about "1 Magical Shield (Worn) (+Elemental/Phys Resistance, Can absorb and fire magic!)"

>6180479
>6180492
>6180524
>6180566
BACK ATCHA, BITCH!

Let's see how it goes!
>Roll me 1d100-5 (+1 Footwork, +2 Magic Shield, +3 ??? Resistance, +2 Got da' drop on her, +2 Spinner's Song, -2 Dark, -8 Devilish Senses, -5 PISSED OFF REZZIE) To reflect whatever's comin' for ya! Best of 3!
>>6180566
Aw yis you know I know it, bb >:)
>>6180494
Thanks! Nothing serious, just a funky feeling day, dig? Appreciate the regards, though!

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>6180643
Les go

Rolled 39 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>6180643

Rolled 83 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>6180643

>6180651
>6180661
>6180674
>HIGHEST ROLL: 78!
Writiiiiiiiing! Slippery little things, aintcha?

File: rezziereallypeeved.png (71 KB, 800x600)

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The optimist in you hopes that Oti has some kind of plan in mind for the enraged devil about to bathe the room in hellfire–it ain’t much, but it’s enough to keep you from tackling him to the ground and shutting the portal down!

Drawing theMAGICAL SHIELD you got the last time you went apeshit in a fight, you take position in front of the gate… if you’re lucky-

Err, Volka? You might wanna step back.

“Huh?” Stammers the scaly soldier as if you’d just woken her from a nap, “Oh! Right! Silly me!”

… if you’re LUCKY you can reflect whatever the heck she spews at y-

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGHHHHH!!!!!”

A gust of white-hot air heralds the arrival of your favorite hellspawn, not that the primal roar didn’t help, of course! Bursting forth from the portal shrieking like a cat at the vet’s office, Rezzie wastes no time bathing the chamber in hellfire! While Volka and Tzah-Tzie manage to dart out of the way, you remain smack-dab in the middle! Oh JEEZ...

They might be flames, but they hit your shield like a very hot TRUCK! Feeling your knees buckle at the sudden force, you grit your teeth and put every muscle you have into holding firm against the fiery blast!

“You malodorous MEALWORM!” Snarls the devil as she continues to spew flames all over the room like a very confused fire hose, “You tried to TRAP ME! I’LL TURN YOUR VERTEBRAE INTO A NECKLACE FOR THAT!”

Just when you thought she was getting tired, Rezalith kicks the flames up to 11! Stealing a glance at Oti, you listen in horror as he continues to intone… something!

“GRIND YOUR FLESH INTO PASTE! SQUEEZE YOUR EYES INTO PȂTÉ! PLAY JUMP ROPE WITH YOUR INTESTINES!”

Your legs grow weak as you feel the heat work its way past the shield and into your hands… you try to hold firm, but the shield starts to slip…

>CONTD.

File: rezziesmug.png (34 KB, 800x600)

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>>6180904
Just when your muscles give up the ghost, however, you feel something hold you steady from behind!

“Not on my watch… Rook!”

If the rest of her is getting scorched, she doesn’t show it–gritting her teeth with a weary laugh, Volka holds you steady from behind while Tzah-Tzie presses her head against your back and strums her Striilii like a madwoman!

“What… ngh… she said!”

Whether it’s divine providence or the power of friendship you can’t be sure, but once you’re bolstered by your pals, Rezzie’s flames die out!

“Nghh…. Used to be able to keep this for days...” She hisses! “Oh well… I’ll just have to maim you the old-fashioned way!”

Like a seagull gunning for a slice of pizza, Rezalith divebombs your position with a menacing cackle! Waiting until you see the reds of her eyes, you step forward and send the hellish energy in your shield back at her with a roar of your own!

For a moment all goes quiet: even Oti’s voice pauses to let the flames subside… but as you peek over your shield, you’re met by a pair of familiar and very SMUG red eyes!

Wait… wha?

“Weeiii, whuuuh!? Duh duuh DUUUUUUH!?!” She mocks, giving your shield a playful flick before her eyes go wide in mock embarrassment, “Oh, didn’t I say? Hellfire’s kid’s stuff to devils… you’d have a better chance beating me with that stupid SHIELD of yours! KYAHAHA!”

A pregnant pause settles in as the two of you stare at each other… until you raise your shield high above your head and bring it crashing down upon hers!

KLOOOOOOONK!

>CONTD.

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>>6180905
“Are you SURE that’ll hold her?”

Oti doesn’t bother looking back at Tzah-Tzie–the poor girl not daring to step out from behind your robes. Having carried the dozing devil back to one of the wizard’s labs, all you can do is watch as he secures her in what you can only assume is some kind of demonic dentist chair!

“This might come as a shock, but I’ve been studying devils for years,” Chides the mage as you lean against Volka like a crutch, “And yes, I’m certain.”

Not trying to doubt what he’s saying or anything, you begin in a contrite tone, but uh… how is he certain?

“Simply put: your ‘Devil Queen’ is nothing more than a fledgeling.” Oti explains as he finishes strapping Rezzie into the device. “Still leagues above devilspawn, but even at full power I’d hardly consider it anything higher than a lesser devil.” He tsks. “And here I thought you’d provided me with a real treasure…”

“Who’re… yer callin’... lessher…”

To her credit, it didn’t take long for the devil to wake up! Drunkenly tugging at her unseen bindings, Rezalith turns her droopy eyes in your direction and makes the best scowl she can manage.

“I din’ hear no bell…”

Sensing discomfort in your expression, Oti is quick to put your fears at ease. “I administered some Milach Decoction–It’ll make it more… docile. Feel free to speak to it, but use caution.”

She’s not an ‘it’, you correct as you take a few cautious steps closer. The mage merely shrugs in response before drifting over to a nearby workstation. “As you say, ‘meister’...”

“You…” Rezalith snarls, spitting the word out like it was a rotten chunk of meat, “You’re gonna regred dish…”

TT scoffs. “Says the girl tied to a chair…”

TT! Clearing your throat, you take another step closer to the detained devil. Rezzie, you begin in a diplomatic tone, how, uh… how ya feelin’?

“There r’ no wordsh… no expreshinsh in one thoushant planesh zat cud dishcripe how SHORRY yer gonna be…”

Super! Well since she’s awake, you wanted to say a thing or two… looks like she’s only awake enough for 1-2 Questions!

>Who are you really?
>What do you know about RED?
>How’d you find us?
>Do you know how to get outta this world?
>What’s this about stealing her power?
>Sorry about everything…
>Why shouldn’t you leave her with Oti, hmm?
>Nevermind, you’ll talk later!
>Write-In!

>>6180906
>What do you know about RED?
>What’s this about stealing her power?
I doubt asking her about how to leave, especially when she's fighting being both concussed and sedated. Let's see if she slips up and says more than she should about these two topics.

>>6180906
>What do you know about RED?
>What’s this about stealing her power?

>>6180906
>What’s this about stealing her power?
>What do you know about RED?

Also shoulda mentioned that'll be the update for tonight! For the newer folks I tend to write updates around 5-6pm MST! Thanks for your patience and for playing--I can see where the vote's going, but I'll do the update proper tomorrow! Seeya then.

>>6180964
Thanks for running, OP. See you then!

>>6180906
>What’s this about stealing her power?
>What do you know about RED?