ANTON PEAS: Cult-Crusher! Mob-Masher! Lord… Licker? You’ll, uh… you’ll have to workshop that one. Whoever you are, you’ve come a long way from being a simple grill-jockey–whisked away from your dead-end job and dead-end life to Zoral: a fantasy world shrouded in everlasting darkness, your proverbial ‘dance card’ has been pretty much filled! Sure, you’ve got a few new friends to back you up: TZAH-TZIE: a mischievous musician who just so happens to be your NEW SPECIAL LADYFRIEND, VOLKA: gentle giant and Grand Marshall of THE LAMPLIGHTERS: a volunteer group working to keep the city safe, MOROOK: a big-eyed bushman you managed to spring free of a cult base and Volka’s adopted brother, and REZALITH: a feisty fiend who, after a falling-out punctuated by her flying away to what you assumed was certain death, has returned unscathed! Maybe. A botched spell left her unconscious at a crucial moment on her quest, so who knows what really happened? Still, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss the darn devil!She couldn’t have come back at a better time, either. In your quest to reclaim your fuzzed-out memories, you and your pals have headed North to UMBERAL: a bonafide CITY OF TOMORROW run by a rogue’s gallery of SPICE CARTEL MOBSTERS and ARCHMAGE TRIER--the former having some history with your Bard beau, the latter one of four targets of the devil who currently has ‘dibs’ on your soul: RED.THE FOUR LORDS have ruled Zoral for years… maybe it’s time for a change? In exchange for their souls, RED promises you aid in the ensuing battles AND some help restoring your missing memories. With demonic powers in hand, you might just have a fighting chance! Hey, it’s not like you’ve got 20,000 BELLS to buy you a lead on getting back to Earth, right?Your hands are full, to say the least, but none of that can distract you from another inconvenient truth: your ex-girlfriend LIZ somehow found her way into Zoral! Why? That’s the Million-Bell Question, isn’t it? You haven’t the foggiest how she’s gonna react when you meet up… if you even run into each other, that is, but as bad as you left things, you really hope she’s okay…She’s a tough gal, though. If anyone’s gonna need help, it’s you!Taking your first steps into the gem of the North, THIS is where your tale continues…https://youtu.be/1lR8VLt1Xlk
>>6283332Check your bags before boarding, 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%20Quest>Pastebin for INVENTORY, SKILLS, and MORE:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA>Character and Other Info compiled by everyone’s favorite Spinner… Work in Progress (Seriously!)https://pastebin.com/YKhP6xCt>Twitter for updates, dumb art, etc.https://x.com/DemBonez3Rolls 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
>>6283333You wake up sore when a shrill whistle echoes across the train as it slows to a gentle, near-silent halt. Instinctively looking to your left, you can’t help but feel a little cheated when you remember there aren’t any windows.Not like you could see anything through ‘em anyways, but still!”Attention all passengers!” Chirps a cheery, if not somewhat mechanical voice through the intercom lurking in the corner of your car like a hornet’s nest, ”We have arrived in UMBERAL! Please carefully inspect your cabin for personal belongings before disembarking. TRIMBAULT ACADEMY and THE UMBERAL DEPARTMENT OF CITY WORKS welcome you to our fine city and wish you all the best in your many endeavors!”Yea, we’ll see about that, you scoff under your breath, giving the catthing pressed against you a few scritches behind the ears.“MmmMMmMm….” Purrs the pint-sized performer as she pries her face from your now drool-soaked chest and rubs the sleep from her eyes, “Home at last…” Tzah-Tzie makes her declaration with a sleepy scowl plastered on her face before engaging in an almost feline BIIIIIIIIIIIGGG STREEEEETTTCH!“About damn time.” Grumbles Rezalith, the devil sitting across from you with the usual frown on her mug. “Gonna lose my mind if I have to spend another minute on this stupid train!”You greet the demon with a weary grin. She certain she hasn’t lost it already?“Go to Hell!”Oh how you missed this…It takes a little more effort to wake Volka–the poor Skog paralyzed by a deep slumber fueled by the veritable FEAST you all had in the DINING CAR before retiring for a nap. When TT’s singing and… Striiliiing? doesn’t work, a few smacks to the face from Rezzie’s tail does…“S-STAY BACK!” Sputters the Skog, waking wide-eyed and bewildered as she nearly punches a hole in the wall next to her, “... Oh. ‘M-mornin’, everyone~”“‘Mornin’ yourself, sleepyhead.” Smirks the Spinner as she climbs off of you and back onto her own seat, “Sweet dreams?”“Ough,” Grumbles Volka as a bellowing yawn leaves her lips, “I wish...”“Well, we’re here.” Rezzie states, hopping out of her chair smiling and… wow, you forgot how short she is! “Shall we start with the burning first, or the slaughter? I’m partial to both, but if I had to pick-”All in due time, you interject diplomatically, you gotta track down your targets first… and that means we-“Have to spend DAYS wandering aimlessly and having stupid conversations?” The hellion interrupts with a groan that’d do any teenager proud, “You’re so predictable, AnTURD. That’s another problem of yours, y’know.”>CONTD.
>>6283335“Hey, sneaking around can be fun, y’know.” Counters Tzah-Tzie as she shoots the satan-thing a toothy smirk! “In fact, dear Rezalith, I have a gift or two for you~”Expecting an insult, you can practically see Rezzie’s thoughts slam on the brakes when she fully digests what Tzah-Tzie says! “... G-gifts?”“You betcha!” Chirps the Durher as she rummages around in a bag you didn’t know she had leaning on the side of her seat! “See, you probably noticed Volkie and Ant’s disguises-”“Disguises?” Blinks the demon, clearly befuddled as she steals a few glances at you and your favorite Skog.“Yup-yup~” TT nods, digging around in the sack like a raccoon through a dumpster, “Remember when Ant toldja’ about why we’re here?”“Vaguely…” Frowns the fiend as she steals a glance at you for support. You filled Volka and Rezzie in during your late dinner–the former about why you’re headed to Umberal, the latter just everything you’ve been up to. “Well if we plan on burning our foes and everything dear to them to the ground,” Continues the composer, her tail smacking against the wall as she continues to burrow into the bag, “We’ll have loads more fun if we take ‘em by surprise, right?”Rezalith opens her mouth to protest, but the words get caught in her throat as her eyes widen in realization! “Hey…” She mutters, “You might be right, Snack…”“Hehe… course I am!” Emerging from her burrow, TT plops a pile of… something into the demon’s lap! “So! If we’re gonna keep ‘em in the dark, YOU’RE gonna need… drumroll please!”Volka assists without any further prompts, of course, prompting you to follow suit!“Bum-bada-buuuum! A DISGUISE!” Announces the Durher as she twirls like a ballerina! “And you’re a lucky gal, Rez–I found a whole bunch of stuff for you to try on!”Pause, you interject with a furrowed brow, won’t Templars or Mages be able to track Rezzie down in an instant?“Lotta’ magic in Umberal,” Shrugs the Spinner as she leans against a very bewildered-looking Rezzie, “With luck she’ll just blend in with the rest of it! You will too, probably!”Well gee, that puts your mind at ease… Question #2–“Nope, no illusions!” TT answers with a wink! “I just look this good when I wake up! All natural~”“Give me some tips, Tee…” Mutters a sheepish-looking Skog as she stares enviously at the Spinner. “Waking up’s always a process for me, y’know?”>CONTD.
>>6283336Yea, hold that thought, you interject as you continue to lock eyes with the lutist, this stuff she found for Rezalith… where’d she get it? “Pffft… wh-where does anyone… get anything?” Answers Tzah-Tzie with an exaggerated eyeroll and a shaking smirk! “What does it mean to own something, really?”“Woah…” Volka mutters under her breath, “That’s… she’s got a point…”“Makes you think, doesn’t it?” TT answers nodding furiously!No, you groan, she doesn’t. And all it makes you think is ‘who is going to be pissed off about this stuff going missing’?“And who among them could stand before the GODLIKE might of ANTON THE UNDYING?” answers TT with a defiant grin! “... I’ll give the stuff Rezzie doesn’t like back! Honest!”Like she gave back that salt she took from the tavern?“Waid a sheck… dat’ wash Inngo’sh?” Volka innocently asks before gulping down something you didn’t know she’d been crunching on! “You told me that was your family recipe!”TT responds to both of you with a shrug. “Life hits ya’ fast! Blink and you’ll miss it!”Quit slinging slogans and answe-“BING-BONG! Time for a STUPID BREAK!” Growls Rezalith as she shakes a few items around in her claws! “I’m not a coward like you are, Anton… help me pick something.”Shooting a disapproving glance at the very smug Spinner, you begrudgingly rise from your seat to give Rezalith some help…Which disguise do you think is best for our favorite devil?>Option A!>Option B!>Option C!>What about THIS? (Write/Draw-In Within Reason! Anton has a hat on, y'know! Use that IMAGINAAAATION!)
We're already back? With the way you were talking next thread, I'd have expected it to be a while longer until the next one...>>6283337A is cool, but not actually an disguise. B is too stupid.>Option C!
>>6283338talking about the next thread*
>>6283338Eh, I say a lot of things. Most of them are wrong and stupid! We're baaaaaack!Oh, and I oughta mention that any of the disguises above are viable! Let that creativity run wiiiiillld~
>>6283338To be fair, Anton only has Funny Cat Thing Green Eye as his disguise.C would probably be a better disguise BUT.>>6283337>WRITE IN>Option A but...Didn't you hear, Rezzie? Gold goes well with Red.
>>6283342>To be fair, Anton only has Funny Cat Thing Green Eye as his disguise.Yeah, but his face is pretty normal. Rezzie is a lot more 'memorable'
>>6283342The idea is that we give her some fake golden teeth to put on.>>6283343Fair, fair. I'm just a sucker for shades personally.
>>6283343Damn right she is
>>6283337>Option C!
>>6283338>>6283452>C!>>6283342>A BUT GOOOOOLLLLDDD!Writing!
You’re not even sure any of Tzah-Tzie’s ‘findings’ will hide Rezzie’s demonic nature. Hell, you’re not even certain Rezzie can hide her demonic nature–she’s like a kid on a perpetual sugar high… with a submachine gun! Still, you wholeheartedly join Tzah-Tzie and Volka in inspecting the proverbial ‘goods’, making sure not to stare for too long lest the demon thinks you’re ogling her.You’re not keen on getting melted right after arriving in ‘The Gem of the North’.“Hmmm…” Grumbles Volka as she rubs her chin in deep contemplation, “The shades look good, Rez… real good… buuuut…”“But they’re a little derivative, right?” Frowns TT as she circles the harried hellion like a vulture! “We can both agree the Mox Smith Hood is bad, right?”“Oh yea, definitely!” Nods the Skog! “Even I can tell that one isn’t fashionable!”“Quiet, you. You’re a princess.” Snaps the Durher, sending the Skog into near tears!“Y-you… you really thiiiink sooo?”“AnTARD. You’re being insultingly quiet.” Hisses the hellspawn through clenched teeth. “My… ‘Gal Pals’... speak true, but I demand your input as well.”She… she really values your input that much?“Nope! I just wanna laugh at your choice!” She snickers with a wry grin! This girl… well if you had to choose-“You DO. Don’t even think of wriggling outta’ this one!”It’s an expre–ugh… you’ll… you like the VEIL, actually! It makes her look really mysterious!“Ooh, I see what you mean, Anton…” The Durher nods in approval as she watches Rez try it on again. “Alluring… exotic… like the Mzz’goe’virr dancers of ages past–gales on the dunes!”“Yea, what she said!” Grins Volka as Rezalith tries and fails to hide a sheepish smile behind the disguise! “You’re a gale and stuff, Rezzie!”“The Covenant is SEALED…” Rezalith announces with a flap of her wings! “At the advice of my friends I shall wear this disguise as if it were my own skin…”“Don’t get too attached…” Tzah-Tzie giggles, “It’s just another piece of clothing, Rez-”“There is but ONE garment I’ve worn in my brief, but songworthy existence:” Explains the devil as her tail cracks behind her like a whip! “Leather tanned from the flesh of those two weak to best me as we writhed and slithered out of our spawning pits!”“... So… you’re wearing your, erm… brothers and sisters?” Asks Volka in as innocent a tone she can muster. Rezzie scoffs.“In the weakest sense, yes… but mourn them not–they would do the same to me had I given them the chance! Were they so lucky…”Yea, this girl’s gonna need more than a veil… >CONTD.
>>6283556Rubbing your temples to fend off the headache already growing beneath, you nearly slap yourself upside the head as your in-cabin Teksoul sputters to life!“ASSASSIN!”“It’s just a helper, Rez-Rez,” TT purrs as she deftly grabs the devil’s hand before she can sling a fireball at the ghostly projection flickering to life in the center of the cabin! “Here… come hug my tail, okay?””Thank you for your patience. We have arrived in Umberal.” Coos the magical construct as its ‘eyes’ flit around like gnats under a patio light. ”We appreciate your patronage and live to serve… will you be requiring TELEPORTATION services today?”“Hah! No WAY!” Volka gushes, her big yellow eyes widened in disbelief! “Are you sayin’ that’s included with the trip?!””To a degree, yes… our services extend to assisting our customers in reaching their final destination…” The hologram hangs. ”Disclaimer: we are unable to provide teleportation to private addresses without the complete address. Incomplete information may result in unintended consequences.”Like what? The Teksoul-gram pauses even longer.”We are unable to provide teleportation to priva-”Nevermind, you shrug, guess that means we’re sticking to public places, right? TT nods with a look of utter bliss on her foxlike face as Rezalith gently strokes her tail. “MmmMmhmm~ or we just… walk~””A TELEFONT can be located outside of every major landmark, including the Skyrail Station. If you are unsure of your destination now, you may use them at your convenience once you know where you’re headed.”Does she have a list of, like, common places for people to teleport to? You’re uh… you’re not from around here, you add with a sheepish smile!”Certainly. Please listen carefully as our options tend to change depending on the season. Say a destination if you would like to learn more.”The Teksoul’s apparition reshapes itself into what appears to be some kind of MAP! Peering over the shimmering streets and buildings, your eyes can’t help but sting a little bit–you never thought you’d miss looking at a map!”In no particular order:”CHOOSE 1 OR MORE IF YOU WANT INFO!>UMBERAL HISTORY MUSEUM>CRYSTALMELT LODGE>SPLITSPRING TEMPLE TO THE EARTHMOTHER>TRIMBAULT ACADEMY: INFORMATION CENTER>THE NIGHT MARKET>SPICE N’ SUNDRIES NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS>THE CASK DISTRICTTT shudders. Something to say? “The Cask District is… where the wealthy families are.”>SMITH STREET>TRINE TOWER: GOVERNMENT WELCOME CENTER>Does she know of any good inns nearby?>You’ll walk, actually!>Write-In!
>>6283558>CRYSTALMELT LODGE>SPLITSPRING TEMPLE TO THE EARTHMOTHER>THE NIGHT MARKETThese seem like the ones that need some clearing up. And after that,>Does she know of any good inns nearby?
>>6283558>THE NIGHT MARKET>SPICE N’ SUNDRIES NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS>SPLITSPRING TEMPLE TO THE EARTHMOTHER>Does she know of any good inns nearby?
>>6283558>Does she know of any good inns nearby?Get our bearings and secure a home base. Then...>UMBERAL HISTORY MUSEUMLet's learn us about the local locale!
>>6283558>THE NIGHT MARKET>SPICE N’ SUNDRIES NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS>THE CASK DISTRICT
>>6283561>>6283573>>6283574>>6283600THE TALLY:>CRYSTALMELT: 1>SPLITSPRING TEMPLE: 2>NIGHT MARKET: 3>INNS: 3>SPICE: 2>CASK: 1Inns and Nightmarket seem to win it! Fret not, you'll learn more! Probably! Might take a while to write some of this out--apologies in advance! Got like, zero sleep last night and plans in the afternoon.A few tidbits since we have a new thread that you know of already:>Crystalmelt, as you recall, is the hoity-toity lodge nestled up by the mountains surrounding Umberal known for its natural hotsprings! You also recall that Lutza, TT's archnemesis and fellow Spinner, is also staying there. You were talking about having a 'duel concert' of sorts between her and TT to settle things, but she also mentioned helping you if you wanted to take down a certain Spice Cartel member she isn't fond of. Said to call on her if you wanted to brainstorm ideas. Also has TT's original Striilii and won't give it back until TT 'wins' it.>Spice N' Sundries is the company behind The Spice Cartel. You're unsure how much of it is actual production, but your pals assure you that Istaa Spice is used in pretty much every meal. TT says she and her family toured the place a few times around when she was... 'engaged'. It's a factory, alright, but there are places even her rich family weren't allowed to peek inside. VHALE NESSURMOS is the owner of the company. The name sends TT into quaking chills.>The Cask District is, based off of what TT said, where the old money in Umberal lives. Named after the casks used in Ruuppaa Brewing, which is how many of the families made their fortunes. You don't ask, but you can surmise TT's old family is there somewhere... and she was really clear about not wanting to see them.Anywho, I'll write up the other stuff in a bit! Stay tuned!
Clicking your tongue at your available options, you shoot Tzah-Tzie a sidelong glance and get a reassuring grin for your trouble. Cool as this all is, you’ll probably get a lot more information from the locals… and what better place to find locals than…Actually, you blink as if remembering something important, are there any taverns nearby?“Oho, THAT’S my Anton right there!” Volka exclaims, her sudden, bellowing laugh nearly causing the cart to rumble! “Drink-O-Clock!”The spectral city map flickers a bit at your question. ”There are a number of fine establishments here in Umberal–being the Ruuppaa Capitol of Zoral, it would be difficult NOT to find a tavern! I happen to recall frequenting THE BUSTED CASK quite oft-”A metallic SHRIEK pierces your room as the map display flickers in and out like a strobe light at a rave! Before you or your flummoxed friends can say anything, the din ends as quickly as it began!”Was there anything else I could assist you with?”Taking a moment to exchange a quiet and rather concerned glance, you move on to a hopefully safer topic… you’re not sure if this incorporeal concierge can punch you, but you move a little further away just in case. Erm, the NIGHT MARKET, you stammer… what’s that?“Ooh! I’ve been th-”The Spinner is swiftly shushed by the Teksoul’s soothing, yet stern tone!”THE NIGHT MARKET is a historic street in Northern Umberal named for its historic relevance: working late into the evening on Ruuppaa plantations, many workers were unable to make it to market in time before it closed.”“Used to be a big issue, apparently.” Tzah-Tzie remarks with a reverent expression. “Always been some friction between the plantation owners and vineyard workers. Doubt it’s gotten much better since I left…””Seeing this issue as an opportunity, a group of enterprising merchants formed THE NIGHT MARKET!” Chirps the Teksoul as if remembering a fond memory. ”When the day merchants departed, they merely set up in their stead! Humble beginnings to be sure… but today the street is one of Umberal’s busiest tourist attractions and home to nearly everything and ANYTHING you wish to purchase! ”The concierge’s ‘eyes’ darken.”Please note that THE NIGHT MARKET and its vendors do not, and will not deal in any commodity or trade deemed illegal according to Umberal’s laws. Slaves, narcotics, organs, historical relics, and unlawfully-recorded Speakstones are just a few examples of illegal commodities. Please shop responsibly!”“We went there a few times… as a family.” Adds TT, her lime-green eyes going a little darker as she reminisces. “Stalls are stacked now–used to be you’d levitate to the ones you wanted, but that got a lot of flack-”Levitate? What, can everyone do that in Umberal or something? The Durher shrugs.>CONTD.
>>6283838“Lotsa mages up North, Ant. Stay on your toes.”“She ain’t kidding, Rook!” Smirks Volka! “Might as well be the mage capital of Zoral, really! Spooky!”Think her dad would know a thing or two about Umberal? The Skog answers with a derisive scoff that puts a smile on Rezzie’s face!“Hells, don’t get him STARTED!” Volka groans with a grin! “It’s getting him ta’ shut up about it that’s the real trick… man hates it up here.”Why? The simple question seems to throw the poor Skog for a loop.“W-well, um…” She mutters, her tail flicking the floor beneath her, “I think he has some history with the academy. And the government. And the Spicys. And the Rich. And the Middle-Class. And the Poor. And most of the mages living here.” She blinks. “... You met dad. He can be, uh… hard to get along with?”Yea, you nod as your mind wanders back to the stunted, even by Durher terms, old man you met when you first arrived in Crossroads, you uh… you remember.“Seems easy to me!” Snorts Rezalith! “He can’t be all bad if he hates everything I hate!”You haven’t met half of those things Volka mentioned, though.“And I don’t INTEND to!” The devil concludes by crossing her arms! That settles that, you guess.“Anyways,” Sighs the Spinner as her tail flops against your side, “Market’s open during the day now too. Oh, and it’s true: you can find almost anything there.”Anything?“Probably!” The Durher replies with a bewildered look on her face! “Ain’t gonna be cheap though. Nothing in Umberal is.”“Tch. Money.” Rezzie hisses through clenched teeth. “Why bother when we intend to burn this place to ashe-”NNNGH! IX-NAY ON THE ALKING-TAY ABOUT BURNING THINGS IN FRONT OF THE OLOGRAM…HAY!“... Do you try to make me want to hit you?””Can I be of any other service? If not, I must politely ask you to disembark soon.”Is there?>Tell me about another place!>Just take us out of the monorail, please!>Any news bulletins we should know about?>Can I get another snack or something?>Teleport us somewhere, please!>Mind blasting us with those PHEROMONES one last time?>Nope! We’ll leave!>Write-In!
>>6283839>Nope! We’ll leave!Yep, let's go.
>>6283839>We’ll leave!>Mind giving us a snack before we head out, though?
>>6283841>LEEEEAAAVE!>>6283915>LEEAAAAAAVVEEEE!>BUT SNACKS?Fuck it, we snack-attackin' too. Writing! Also check out this wacky pic
Reminder to ask for an extra room on the way back to Crossroads so we can finally test that Pheromone thing for real with TT.
That’s okay, you reply as you look to your companions for confirmation, you’re just gonna leave the ole’ fashioned way! Your concierge flickers as you rise from your chair and stretch your arms high above your head with a satisfying crack!”Thank you for your patronage. We hope to have you aboard again very so–!”Oh uh, one more thing, you interrupt with a sheepish grin… any chance we could get a few snacks for the road?You and the gals leave the train a few ICE CAKES richer… well, except for Rezzie who tears through her supply like a rabid coyote in a beef jerky factory. A few conductors bid you cordial farewells and try not to laugh as you step onto a moving ramp and nearly tumble to the base–luckily Volka was ready to catch you by the collar!“Stick close, yea?” She giggles, ushering you, TT, and Rezzie close to her as you’re joined on the rampscalator by several other brave souls who chose to walk! It only takes a moment before you can feel it tickling your teeth: magic. Lots! While the occasional spell being cast before left your mouth feeling a little itchy, your descent into the Umberal Skyrail Station is akin to standing on top of a JACKHAMMER!If anyone else notices, they don’t make a show of it–several commuters step past you in a rush to get where they need to go, while others stand and mingle interspersed along the ramp like kids waiting for class to start. The station air is crisp, but not unpleasant, and a strange mixture of juniper, syrup, and yogurt caresses your nostrils as your ears struggle to adjust to the sudden burst of activity!You don’t have to see the station to know it’s PACKED. While Crossroads had its moments, like when that Chairman Fellick guy was pronounced dead, Umberal appears to be standing room only! Wrapped in a thick swathe of communal body heat, you feel warmer here than you did for the entirety of the train ride!“WELCOME TO UMBERAL!” Chirps a cheery, scratchy voice suspended far above your head! “PLEASE DISEMBARK THE INCLINEWAY CAREFULLY! THE UMBERAL STATION TELEFONT IS JUST AHEAD! BAGGAGE CLAIM AND THE COMPLAINTS DEPARTMENT IS TO YOUR LEFT. GIFTS, SUNDRIES, AND WASHROOMS ARE ON YOUR RIGHT! WELCOME TO UMBERAL! PLEASE DISEM-”A couple next to you POOFS out of existence and sends your teeth into CRITICAL ITCHINESS as a family of Mox float just above your head–their kid flicking something sticky on your face with a giggle as they fade into one of the many crowds above you.This is her hometown, you ask, shooting TT and incredulous glance! The catthing shrugs as she takes your hand in hers.“Well I wouldn’t call it home,” She answers with a forced grin, “But… y’know.” Her brow furrows as she spots something above. “Those are new though.”>CONTD.
>>6284417Following the furball’s gaze, you manage to spot not one, not two, but at least EIGHT Teksouls scuttling along the walls like spiders–their spectral eyes glittering in the darkness like fireflies on a Summer night.In true Anton fashion, you’re far too distracted to notice when the ramp ends, and Volka’s not quick enough this time around! Flopping to the polished floor like a fish, you quietly thank whatever deity is looking out for you when you realize no one noticed!“HAHAHA! AnTWERP! You FELL! Clumsy BEAST!”Well, almost no one… Picking yourself up off the ground, you and the others continue towards the aforementioned ‘TELEFONT’. Hey Volk, you remark as you exit the station and are immediately exposed to…… surprisingly warm and pleasant weather! Err, about Morook meeting up with us-“H-huh? Wha?”The Skog appears to be too busy gawking at the surroundings to hear your question… or notice all the scornful eyes glued to her large form. Mostly Durhers, you notice, and they don’t look like they wanna take the Skog out for a dinner and a show.Morook, you repeat, he said he was gonna meet up with us, right? Any clue how he plans on doing that?“Oh! Well, you know Mor!” She laughs, her thick tail slapping the smooth pavement-like path beneath, “He’ll probably just pop outta’ nowhere and say ‘lovely breeze today’ or something!”You’re about to respond when you feel a sharp tug on your hand and find Tzah-Tzie with a grave look on her face! You get your answer long before you can ask it–kicking the almost Christmassy aroma out of the air is the unmistakable scent… of spice.It’s not just near you–it’s all around. A few pairs of eyes avert their gaze from yours as you turn to meet them, while others continue their idle conversations. Even with your disguises on you still can’t afford to slack off here…You’re on THEIR turf now.A pair of Teksouls amble through the crowd ahead of you–their flickering eyes dwarfing even Volka as they pass! A few crowdgoers watch in awe as they pass, but others seem to give the constructs a wide berth.Does this ‘Telefont’ thing belong to the station too? Those things seem to have quite a long leash…”LoITERing iS NOt PERmitTED.” Drones a booming, droning voice behind you! Whipping around to face its owner, you only have to crane your neck back for a little bit before the construct stoops low to meet your eyes!”PlEAsE MOvE ALoNG. PUblIC SAFetY IS EVeRYBOdy’S RESpONSIBIlITY.”R-right, you stammer as you force out a quick nod, you’re going! Gripping TT’s claw extra tight, you lead your merry entourage away from the Teksoul and towards what sounds like a giant ASMR Video!>CONTD.
>>6284418You can’t see it, but you know it’s there–waves of unseen energy tug at your innards as you draw closer to a sound akin to someone playing crystal glasses–the low, thrumming tones eerily persisting over the din of the crowds around you! As you draw closer the tugging sensation becomes even stronger… so much so that even Volka seems a bit flummoxed!“Ough… not gonna get used ta’ that...” She mutters with discomfort written across her face! “This that TELEFONT, y’think?”“This is it, yep!” TT announces with a nod! “Just gotta think hard about a specific place you wanna warp to! Oh, and don’t mind the ‘tugs’. They’re there to keep you from splitting off into two places.”T-two… places? The Spinner nods.“Yep. Gotta think fast here in Umberal, slick. Lost a brother because of a teleport mishap once.”“He… died?” Asks Volka, worry creeping into her tone.“Nah, we just, y’know. Lost him.” The Durher replies as if recounting what she had for breakfast. “Heh, maybe he went to your plane, Ant!”“Heheh. Or mine!” Snickers Rezzie!“Hope not…”Well you’ve just arrived, but if you had to pick a spot to visit…WHERE TO?>UMBERAL HISTORY MUSEUM>CRYSTALMELT LODGE>THE BUSTED CASK INN>SPLITSPRING TEMPLE TO THE EARTHMOTHER>TRIMBAULT ACADEMY: INFORMATION CENTER>THE NIGHT MARKET>SPICE N’ SUNDRIES NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS>THE CASK DISTRICT>SMITH STREET>TRINE TOWER: GOVERNMENT WELCOME CENTER>Just keep walking around! Could be fun!Also holy SHIT I'm so sorry for the delay, all! Thought I was getting sick yesterday and spent most of it lying in bed... I think I'm cool now, but apologies for the radio silence! If you're just starting the quest I assure you it doesn't happen a lot! Honest!
>>6284150>implying the perfidious catthing needs pheromones to 'get down'
>>6284419>UMBERAL HISTORY MUSEUMTime for an educational trip!
>>6284421Ah, but if she's already like that without them, imagine how she'll be with it. It would be a shame not to try it at least once.
>>6284419>UMBERAL HISTORY MUSEUM
>>6284425>>6284512>FIELD TRIIIIIIP!Writing!>>6284426Hubris
The freaky concierge mentioned a museum, you remark as if trying to decide where to go for lunch, wanna start there?“Gathering intel on the enemy, are we?” Replies Tzah-Tzie with a bemused grin. “Only if we can make a stop in the gift shop~”“Hey, yea, that sounds fun!” Volka adds, bouncing on her heels! “Don’t know much about Umberal, actually! Ooh, and we can get souvenirs for the other Lamplighters!”Rezalith tosses her frown into the pile of responses. “Whats’a museum?”That settles it, you declare as you slap your fist into your palm! Field Trip time! All aboooaaaaaarrrdd!Your pals have already teleported away by the time a quiet ‘choo choo…’ leaves your lips. Well then. Focusing hard on your destination, you start to feel the invisible hands wrapped around you tighten the minute the museum comes to mind! Moments later you feel your consciousness FLING across space and time like a ball out of a pitching machine at the boardwalk… and when you open your eyes once more, you find yourself…… well, in the dark. Whatja expect?”BOARD THIS INCLINEWAY FOR THE UMBERAL HISTORY MUSEUM!”The scratchy voice high above your head takes you by surprise, as do most things, but what’s even more surprising is the crowds… or lack thereof! For a History Museum the outside seems pretty quiet… must be a workday?“Up here, Rook!”Volka and Rezzie are already halfway up the incline-thingy by the time you regain your senses–the former looking like a dog about to go to the park, the latter about to go to the Vet…“C’mere, you!”A small claw snatches your hand as your favorite fuzzball gives you a wink and tugs you onto the moving ramp! “Gotta’ stick with a buddy when you’re at the museum! Wouldn’t want you running off and getting lost, now would we?”What, you say with a scoff and a smile as you give TT’s claw a squeeze, is the Museum Monster gonna get you?“Mom used to a Skog would,” The Durher answers with a hushed tone and an embarrassed look on her face, “But looking back I realize how rotten that sounds...”You sneak a glance at Volka–the tall terror gleefully filling Rezalith in on what a museum is, much to the latter’s amusement. Did her parents take her to the museum a lot when she was young?“Not enough,” TT shrugs as she presses her cheek against your hip, making it a little hard for you to walk, “But we went on a lot of little trips. Outings. Errands. Hells, you’d hardly believe it… a pack of Durher kits scrabbling down the street after mom, shouting and screaming…”A long, almost nostalgic sigh leaves the girl’s lips as the image settles in your skulls. “Just one of her little slivers of freedom, I guess. And ours.”She almost sounds like she misses it. Tzah-Tzie bristles.>CONTD.
>>6284634“Sometimes I do,” she shrugs as her fuzzy tail smacks the back of your calves, “But if I compare the good and bad memories with my family, well…” The Durher hangs on the last word as she ponders the right response. “... a cage is a cage, Ant. No matter how many fancy decorations it has.”True that, you nod, giving her claw another gentle squeeze. True that…A whole family of dust moves into your vacant nostrils the minute you enter the Museum–you knew the places could be stuffy, of course, but this one?It feels more like a crypt than anything else! Making your way across a wide, empty foyer, you can’t help but tense up a bit as you spot the increasingly-familiar cool glow of a Teksoul’s gaze locking with yours from the other side of the chamber!”WElCOme TO-”“IGOTITIGOTIT!”You gotta hand it to Rezalith–she shows amazing and uncharacteristic restraint as the owner of the frantic voice seemingly appears smack dab in the middle of your little group… if you had a medal, you’d give her one!“Sorry! Sorry!” Sputters the bright-eyed Chytree as she frantically brushes the soot off of whatever it is she’s wearing! “W-welcome! Welcome to The Umberal History Museum! Admission is completely free as this fine establishment is run and sustained by Archmage Trier himself and we’ve got SO many amazing exhibits for you to see! Really nice, truly! Oh, and we do employ Teksoul docents and utilize Speakstone narrators, but we also have a wealth of highly-trained curators on-staff, one of which just so happens to be me! I’m here! Mhm!”And… who is she, exactly? Chytrees always seem one scare away from their eyes popping out, but this girl takes the cake.“OH! Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry, where in Zoral have my manners gone, hahah!” Straightening her posture, your anxious ambusher gives your group a genial bow!“I am CURATOR CHEESTI! A-and while I haven’t had the Meister title bestowed upon me yet, I can still gladly and effectively assist you in your quest for knowledge here in our humble establishment today!”“What about that thing?” Grumbles Rezzie from behind her fancy veil as her eyes drift over to the Teksoul.“Oh… th-the Teksoul, yes…” Cheesti murmurs like a child realizing there’s not enough snow to cancel school, “V-very impressive, yes, and if you wish it can certainly guide you around the exhibits…”What exhibits do they have here anyways?>CONTD.
>>6284638“Oh, what DON’T we have!?!” The docent exclaims, eyes lighting up like floodlamps! “Th-there’s the exhibit detailing Umberal’s founding under the ancient Khorrozeh Empire, of course… with an actual CHUNK of Khorozzeh levitating architecture, no less! Oh, a-and a separate exhibit highlighting Trimbault Academy and magic as a whole… If more contemporary history is what you’re here for then we have ANOTHER exhibit detailing The Finder War and the events leading up to it including primary sources from the Chytree Mages AND Coalition Soldiers!”Her gaze shifts over to Tzah-Tzie’s. “Y-your great, great, great grandfather might’ve fought in that one, l-little kit! H-heheh~”“I’m not little.” Grumbles the Spinner, evoking a sound from the docent akin to a squeaky toy being boiled alive! “And I ain’t a kit.”“O-of course not! Sincerest apologies, m-mistress!” You count about seven frantic bows before the Chytree continues. “A-and if you’re erm, ‘On the Warpath’ for… for WAR HISTORY, well, well there’s another exhibit on The Skog Wars as well… t-truly a bloody chunk of history… unfortunately… oh noooo… heheh…”“Oof… might be a bit too bloody for me, thanks…” Volka mutters with an apologetic laugh.“Th-that’s fine! That’s FINE!” Yelps the docent as she makes what you assume is some kind of wild, flailing hand gesture! “Th-there’s something for everyone here! T-trust me!” Snapping her claw, Cheetsi sends a conspiratorial stare your way! Guess Chytree can’t wink?“H-how about DEMONS? We have an exhibit on them, too! Fierce, nasty creatures, those! Oof!”“You forgot ‘PERFECT.” Grumbles Rezzie, earning another garbled series of squeaks from the kooky curator.“I-I’m sure they are!” She sputters, sounding close to tears. “B-but… but how will you know until… until you see the exhibit!? OoOoOh…”Rezalith turns to you with an unamused glare. “Can I eat this one?”No, you groan, y-“I-If taking a bite out of me will convince you to stay, then…” Cheetsi murmurs. Is she rolling up her sleeve!?Okay, you’d better put a plug on this, and quick. Rezzie’s definitely considering the offer!>We’ll just walk around ourselves, thanks!>Mind if we grab the Teksoul?>Would you be willing to show us around?AND YOUR FIRST EXHIBIT:>Umberal’s Foundation!>Trimbault Academy and Magic!>Rediscovering Umbera and The Finder War!>The Skog Wars!>Demons!>Where’s the Gift Shop?>Anything on (Write-In!)?>The Exit! Bye!
>>6284640>Would you be willing to show us around?She'll probably shrivel and die if we don't. >Umberal’s Foundation!Sounds interesting.
>>6284640>Would you be willing to show us around?Poor lass is going to have a heart attack at this rate. Might as well humor her.>Demons!Perfect, perfect demons...
>>6284640>Would you be willing to show us around?A favor from one desperate wagie to another.>DemonsSo Rezzie doesn't eat her
>>6284645>UMBERAL HISTORY!>>6284647>>6284686>EL DEMONIO!Splendid choices! I'll probably write this shit up tomorrowish, so what would you guys say to me having y'all check out UMBERAL HISTORY AND DEMONS? Let me know what you think--we could always have another vote for exhibit 2 if you guys have a true thirst for knowledge!
>>6284725WE MUST LEARN EVERYTHINGSure, that works.
You’re first-time visitors, you reply with a sheepish smile, so how about starting with Umberal’s history? Cheesti nearly jumps out of… well, whatever Chytree have. C-chitin?“R-R-R-REAAALLLLY!?” She sputters, eyes flashing with excitement! “I-I mean… y-yes, I’d LOVE to show you the exhibits! Ooh, you’re going to have such a wonderful and educational time! Y-you won’t be sorry!”Noticing Rezzie’s fiery eyes stealing a glance your way, you give your stubble-clad chin a few thoughtful scratches. Why not swing by the Demon exhibit too? Afterwards, that is!“YES! An excellent idea, sir!” Cries the curator with glee! “Th-they actually go well together! E-err, not to spoil anything, of course! Hehe…”The Chytree leans in closer with a conspiratorial tone: “Th-the demon exhibit’s my f-favorite, actually… s-such incredible beings…”T-totally, you nod, trying and failing to avoid Rezalith’s prying stare! S-shall we?The curator straightens up like a pole with a practiced nod! “Y-yes! At once! A-ahem… W-welcome to the Umberal History Museum! We invite you to take a j-journey with us through the vast annals of history in our proud city… a-and beyond! In the sp-spirit of Umberal ingenuity, we hope you’ll leave these halls today with a wealth of information… a-and an insatiable hunger for knowledge!”Marching backwards with renewed purpose, Curator Cheesti leads you down a passage you weren’t aware existed–your combined footsteps muffled by a plush carpet guiding you along the path!“To begin,” The docent squeaks, “The Umberal you currently find yourselves in isn’t the original, oh no! In truth, Umberal's iterations span far beyond those of any settlements to the South! C-care to guess which civilization Umberal first belonged t-”“The Khorrozeh Empire.” Grunts Rezzie, earning a bewildered stare from everyone in the group!“P-precisely!” Cheesti nods, eyes gleaming with approval! “Th-the Khorrozeh Empire… populated by a race of highly-intelligent sorcerers and shamans known as the NUGAAL! Thought the N-Nugaal aren’t around these days, their works remain scattered all across Zoral for us to study… a-and it was in this vast and powerful empire that Umberal was first established!”Pausing to catch her breath, the museum worker stops mid-step towards you with a flicker in her bulbous eyes! “Oh, m-my apologies… I forgot to mention I can offer you all magical sensory aids to better digest exhibit information… W-would you consent to letting me sharing some with you?”You respond with a blink. Are there actual exhibits, or…?>CONTD.
>>6285022“Oh! Y-yes! YES! There totally are!” Cheesti exclaims as if you’d just pressed a gun against her dog’s head! “It’s just… w-well, given Zoral’s inherit, erm, ‘S-Sensory Deficits’, it’s d-difficult to see the artifacts we have… a-and touching them is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN!” Her stiff posture relaxes a bit. “Erm… u-unless the curator gives you permission, that is… th-that’s me…”Tzah-Tzie eyes the girl warily. “You’re not gonna read our thoughts or anything, right?”“Assault my mind, witch, and you’ll find the task far more than you bargained for…” Snarls your favorite satan-thing!“Of c-course not!” The curator replies as she shakes her head back and forth! “I-imagine our reputation if w-we… if we violated your privacy like that! N-no… I…”Her eyes sink a little bit.“... I just want to ensure you enjoy yourselves…”You and the gals exchange another glance before TT answers your questioning stare with a shrug. This… isn’t dangerous, right?“Nope! Totally s-safe!” Cheesti chirps before her eyes droop again. “Erm… th-though I AM legally-obligated to inform you that all magic, even the simplest spell, m-may produce unexpected side-effects due to the natural entropy present in the magical exchange proc-”Oh brother… What's the call, chief?>Sensory Aids sound neat!>Nah, just talk at us! And let us know when we can touch stuff!>This is fishy. Let’s LEAVE!>Write-In!
>>6285024>Sensory Aids sound neat!Sure, why not. What's the worst that could happen? She'll steal our soul? Good luck, we don't have one.
>>6285025She'll have to tangle with our boy and /qst/'s sweetheart RED
>>6285024>Sensory Aids sound neat!HOOK ME UP, WEIRD GIRL.>>6285027Our dearest boy...our dearest lad...
>>6285025>>6285028>SENSORY AIIIIIDSSSSSWell who am I to say no to you scamps, right? Writing!
>>6283838>I happen to recall frequenting THE BUSTED CASK quite oft-Oh damn, these golems have actual people's souls imprisoned in them, huh?>>6284417>umberalconcept.png kek, gets me every time.
You’re in Umberal–the city with the biggest magic academy in Zoral, if you recall correctly. Why wouldn’t you partake in some sensory aids!? If the others are down, you reply with an eager grin, then sure! Lay it on us!“Works for me!” Adds Volka, grinning ear to ear!“Yea, why not?” TT shrugs.“My warning stands. You won’t get another.” Cool, seems like Rezzie’s onboard too! “Okay then!” Cheesti nods with renewed confidence in her voice! “Just… just relax your minds, okay? A-and please let me know if you feel any discomfort!”As the words leave the docent’s lips, you feel space warping around you as if you were being wrapped in tinfoil! The floor disappears beneath your feet, your teeth ache as arcane energy courses through them! You feel weightless, bodiless, and even senseless for a fleeting moment.. And when your feet touch down again on solid ground, you realize you’re no longer standing on a plush carpet…”The Khorozzeh Empire…” Cheesti’s meek voice now booms like a boxing announcer’s on fight night! “Mighty sorcerer king dynasties spanning all of Zoral!” You’re almost too rattled to realize you’re leaning against a railing, but what tickles you to your core isn’t the warm, slightly-rough ceramic currently pressed against your hands or the fruity scent of an orchard nearby… it’s the sting of roaring winds on your cheeks daring to tug at the COOL HAT currently resting upon your head!You don’t have to see it to realize whatever you’re standing on is flying... and it’s a long way down!“Historians called them BELTS: city flotillas drifting across the skies like clouds–sprawling metropolises kept aloft by sheer force of will! Umberal, its FIRST iteration, at least, was but one of these cities… and home to one of the Empire’s most esteemed magical academies.”A dull, mammoth rumbling echoes from above you as another floating fortress floats overhead–its monumental size chilling the balcony you stand on when it blocks the unseen sun!“The Nuugal, you see, manipulated magic as easily as you or I flex a claw… gifted in intellect and the arcane, they spurned their gods in favor of their own divine endeavors… Many Chytree Loremeisters posit that we Chytree were engineered by the Nuugal… bred as a slave caste, but retaining an affinity for magic not unlike our keepers. For centuries these mages ruled the land–trading territories through magic and blood… until one day…”Leaning on your balcony, it takes you a minute to realize just how quiet things have become… It’s the gradual, lurching sensation in your stomach that makes you realize you’re falling!>CONTD.
>>6285108“Calamity! Catastrophe! Khorrozeh collapses like a mighty leviathan! Cities dashed upon the land below! Others swallowed and shredded in storms of eldritch singularities!”White-knuckling the edge of the balcony, you grit your teeth as the floating island slowly spins as it passes a huge, humming SOMETHING during its descent–the anomaly tugging at your face as you plummet to the ground below!“A dramatic end for such a prolific civilization,” Cheesti continues as you feel your heart climb into your throat, “But what could have triggered it? How could a people so well-versed in the arcane meet such a complete and utter defe-”“A devil.”Ripped from your rapid descent, your trembling legs find themselves back on the museum carpet… your friends wide-eyed and similarly-terrified save for Rezalith, who looks as if she hadn’t felt a thing at all!“Well…” Stammers your curator, her reedy, strained voice a welcome reprieve from what you just experienced, “Th-that’s… that’s certainly one of the more popular theories, yes… the few singstones we excavated from Nuugal ruins mention the summoning of a devil, b-but as you’ll see in the Demon exhibit, the Nuugal were no strangers to devil-summoning-”“And if it was an ARCHDEVIL?” Asks Rez, cocking her head to the side. “What then?”“W-well, erm…” Stammers the Chytree, not expecting such a forward question, “Th-that would um… certainly explain the singularities and the falling cities, w-wouldn’t it?” She posits with a nervous giggle! “Th-the Nuugal may have passed on, b-but they weren’t stupid… many recovered texts suggest they developed, um, demonic c-countermeasures…”“And they still died. Typical.” Scoffs the fiend as she rolls her eyes in contempt! “Continue, Museum Witch. The city falling greatly amused me.”“Errr… y-yes! Of course!” Cheesti answers with an uncomfortable laugh! “Well the next section relates to th-the discovery of Umberal the First… A-and The Finder War…”Her disco ball-sized eyes glow as they fall upon you. “A-any questions before we continue?”>Nope! Next!>What spell did you just cast on us?>Any Nuugals left?>Does she know what Archdevil was summoned?>What other theories are there for the Khorrozeh Collapse?>How did the Nuugal ‘engineer’ Chytree?>Can we do the falling thing again? That was neat!>Do they have any examples of these ‘countermeasures’ here in the museum?>Write-In!
>>6285109>Does she know what Archdevil was summoned?>Do they have any examples of these ‘countermeasures’ here in the museum?Suspiciously Cowboy-Shaped Singstone
>>6285109>Does she know what Archdevil was summoned?>Do they have any examples of these ‘countermeasures’ here in the museum?>What spell did you just cast on us?
>>6285110+1
>>6285110>>6285131>WHICH DEVIL>COUNTERMEASURES /:3>>6285114>THE ABOVE BUT ALSO WHAT SPELL WAS THAT HOLY CRAPWritiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnng
The mention of the ‘D’ Word gets your curiosity pumping… and yea, you meant DEVILS! Pause, you mutter as you raise your hand in front of you like a crossing guard, you’ve got a few questions!“YES!” Cheers the Chytree under a hushed tone, “Errr, I mean… o-of course! Ask away a-and I’ll… I’ll try to answer it! Ch-challenge… accepted…”She said they have, uh… singstones… that talk about an Archdevil? And Countermeasures? Something stirs within your soul.“I’m a bit curious myself, actually! Wonder if I knew the guy?Oh good, RED’S still listening in… anyways, you groan, did those stones mention, like, a name or anything?“W-well…” Mutters the Museum Staff as her claw makes a rough scratching noise against her cheek, “The th-thing about singstones is that they grow fainter each time they share their message… s-so the ones studied here in Umberal were very faint when they were discovered…”“Yes or no, relic wench. SPEAK!” You really can’t express enough how proud you are of your girl Rezalith–rather than attacking your guide outright the fiend simply strides over and pokes her with a claw instead! If you only had a camera…“ACK! I-I think the devil’s name was AZBAAL!” Squeaks the curator! “Th-that’s what the meister said in the lecture I a-attended, at least…””Hmmm… nope. Never heard of ‘em.” Grunts your demonic roommate’s disembodied voice. You don’t say it out loud, but you recall RED’S true name being… KALAMAAX?Just thinking it sends a shiver down your spine.“Well there ain’t no Archdevils in Zoral anymore,” Volka remarks with a laugh, “So it sounds like those Khorrozehs did a good job getting rid of it, didn’t they?”“Seems so,” TT sniffs, “But how? Must’ve been some wild magic!”“Th-the Nuugal were gifted when it c-came to magic…” Repeats the guide, her gaze wandering down towards the floor. “Th-the stones mentioned spells, but… but no records remain of what they were…” Her eyes drift back your way. “Th-that was their way, really… the Nuugal tended to, well, improvise a lot when it came to spells, so…”So they didn’t write ‘em down, huh? The Chytree nods.“E-even nowadays mages can be so c-competitive…” Cheesti sighs. “B-before the Teksouls there were duels on the street l-left and right… a-and now…”And now? She sends a sidelong glance back where the Teksoul was in the foyer. “I… I miss the W-Watchman th-that used to w-work here… h-he would walk me back to, um, the s-staff dorm…”A distant slither sends the girl jerking straight up! “B-but th-things are so much safer now! Mhm! S-so convenient, th-those Teksouls!”>CONTD.
>>6285168An uncomfortable silence falls upon the room before the curator dispels it with a meek giggle! “A-anyways, l-let’s continue, shall we? Onward… t-to KNOWLEDGE!”The silence persists as you delve deeper into the beast… and after pausing to feel a chunk of masonry similar to the ones you scrambled across when escaping the Shyppas back on your ‘River Cruise’, you feel a faint breeze as you enter another section of the museum!“F-for a time, the great c-cities of Khorrazeh were lost…” Cheesti continues in an almost reverent tone. “Many sunk to the bottom of the seas… others cracked apart like dropped plates… b-but some remained more intact than others…”Her words fade into the aether as you feel yourself be whisked away again… and this time you’re somewhere colder… more rugged. Mud cakes your thick, itchy trousers as you carefully descend into a rough-hewn pit–the air brisk with approaching snow and the sound of workers chattering as they work to erect something around the perimeter!“Centuries after the fall of The Empire during the reign of Telassi Far-Reach, the Chytree Hierarchy funded and organized research expeditions all across Zoral…”A worker places something smooth and round in your gloved claw–its surface tickling your palm with the familiar tingle of magic… but it’s unlike any Chytree enchantment you’ve ever examined.“It was through one of these expeditions that the ruins of Umberal were discovered… not that there was much left to unearth. Aside from TRINE TOWER, much of the flying city was lost… though whether it was due to time and weathering or something else is difficult to say.”The clap of thunder in the distance rouses you from your inspection of the artifact… and it’s only after you feel slush patter across your face that you realize you’re in another time… and in another body.The air is musty with smoke, ozone, and rain… you stand quivering in a hastily-dug trench as your head quakes with residual magic.You’ve never experienced it as a human, but you know where you are almost immediately:A battlefield. You’re at war. What are you?>A Chytree Adept–trained in steel and sorcery, robes burnt and battered from battle!>A Mox Sapper–thick, banded mail chafing your scales with every step as you prepare to blow open the enemy defenses!>A Gnok Man-At-Arms–mud and blood caking your armor as you wade into battle with a heavy blade and mace jingling at your side!>A Durher Sniper–small and light, taking shots at the enemy as you and your partner dart from cover to cover!
>>6285172>A Mox Sapper–thick, banded mail chafing your scales with every step as you prepare to blow open the enemy defenses!THIS MOX IS TRAINED TO SMASH YOUR ASS.
>>6285172>A Mox Sapper–thick, banded mail chafing your scales with every step as you prepare to blow open the enemy defenses!Sure!
>>6285172>A Durher Sniper–small and light, taking shots at the enemy as you and your partner dart from cover to cover!
>>6285176>>6285217>MOX SAPPER>>6285304>DURHER SNIPERCatcucks fear the Mox MAHARAJAS. Hope you're ready to blow shit up. Writing, but it'll take a bit--starting new job stuff this week AND we've got people staying at the house, so apologies in advance for the delays!
“TUZ!” The word jerks your mind away from the thick, metal carapace encasing you like a coffin and the thick raindrops rattling against your helmet. ”The Finder War occurred long before the light disappeared,” Cheesti begins, her words bouncing through your head like an echo in a cave, “And we can only imagine the horrors those brave souls witnessed among the ruins of old Umberal….”The simple act of swiveling your head in the direction of the voice is enough to elicit a dull creak from your armor. We moving, you ask, the words crawling out of your dry, cracked throat muffled and weary.“All in due time,” Grunts your counterpart who addressed you–MODD was his name. Clanking into your hastily-dug trench swearing under his heavy breath, your fellow Mox studies you through goggle-encased eyes. “We wait for the giants to pass. Then we go.” ”The Chytree Hierarchy. The Coalition. When neither was willing to share the spoils buried beneath the ground, there was but one solution.”Zaan, you croak as you and Modd both turn to stare at the third Mox standing on the trench’s corner like a grim statue, hear that?“Hells…”The curse comes out of Zaan’s lips like a prayer as you feel the earth quake beneath your feet. Joining your companion at his side, you feel your scales quiver and a clawing sensation in your gut when you spot the source: long, confident strides carry them across the battlefield–each step clearing several groups of trenches. Magi’bahs. Elementals. Constructs of Magic and Energy. You’d seen some before in the traveling circuses that had passed through your village as a fledge, but these were no carnival attractions:These were giants.You watch with a mixture of terror and reverence as your brothers in the defensive lines scatter like Zitzers, limbs thick as towers crashing through their ranks like waves crashing against the sea cliffs. A few brave souls stand their ground only to evaporate like puddles in the heat upon making contact with the colossi.Flocks of those big-eyed bastards flank the giant’s heads–Chytree Maguses. Cocky shits. One is humbled for good when an arc of energy springs from a hill across the battlefield and vaporizes a hole straight through his chest. His comrades don’t even watch him drop to the ground.“Nice of the snipers to do their job…” Muses Modd as the remaining mages set the offending hill ablaze with arcane explosions, “Just like we practiced, ey, Tuz?”You bend as low as you can in your armor and square your stance as your fellow sappers chain a large, metal sphere to your back before handing the chains over to you.“It’s armed,” Modd continues as you finish locking everything into place, “So don’t go taking any spills until you’re on their side of the battlefield.”>CONTD.
>>6285560You test the weight. Heavy. Unwieldy. Of course it is. You thought this thing dispels magic!“It does,” Modd nods with a few dull creaks, “But it goes ‘boom’ too.” Slapping your shoulder with his mud-covered gauntlet, you can tell the Mox is grinning at you beneath his mask. “Tuz-”You know, you groan as you tap your forehead against his, if you can’t make it back, you’ll make it count. Another slap on the shoulder.“They’ll be spinnin’ ballads about us, brother,” He states with a muffled laugh, “We’ll never go to bed alone again after this!”Quit thinking about bedfellows and start thinking about covering my ass, you retort with a wry grin! Zaan, you grunt, we clear?Your quiet comrade stands silently for a moment. “... Aye, now or never, brothers.”Falling in behind Zaan, you and Modd descend the hill battered by wind, rain, and the quaking footsteps of the elemental giants lumbering across the battlefield.“Conjurer’s Camp can’t be too far from the front,” Zaan mutters, calculating every step he takes, “Set off the bomb there, ta-ta to the titans.”“We should hug this ridge,” Modd suggests, swearing as he stumbles, “Won’t see much resistance if we’re cautious.”“Or we cross to the other side,” Zaan grunts. “Get some footmen to cover us.”It’s risky, you add, but what about the trenches? Both of your comrades answer your question with stares.“That ain’t risky,” Modd scoffs, “It’s stupid. Even without the giants those trenches’ll be stuffed to the brim with constructs.”So you’ll have cover, you shrug. Not to mention sniper support from the opposite hill.“There’ll be resistance every path we take,” Sighs Zaan, “You’re the deliveryman, Tuz. Make the call.”Where to?>Hug your hill and stay out of sight!>Grab some footmen across the way!>Straight down the middle–trust the snipers!>Write-In!
>>6285562>Write-inGet some footmen to make a distraction and then try to sneak in while staying out of sight.
>>6285562>WRITE IN - FOOTMEN, MAKE A DISTRACTION. HUG THE HELL AND STAY OUT OF SIGHT.
>>6285574>>6285570+1
>>6285570>>6285574>>6285747>GET A DISTRACTION AND SNEAK!Ooh, that's using the ole' noodle! Sorry for the wait--today got pretty busy. Rest of the week will be busy too, most likely.>Roll me 1d100-2 (+4 Distraction, +2 Hill Coverage, +3 Coalition Training, -2 Slippery terrain, -4 Magical Senses, -2 Heavy Armor, -3 Many Constructs) to slip through undetected! Best of 3!
Rolled 96 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6285884
>>6285887Okay take it easy
>>6285889Nah, Tuz is our new protagonist now.
>>6285891That settles that, I suppose... guess I can hand Volka over to him
Rolled 32 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6285884
Rolled 54 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6285884AIE AIE AIE AIECRIT FAIL!!!
>>6285892Noooo! What about Jhairo?
>>6285933Hmmm... well if you insist, anon. I thought he wasn't a very popular option based on the interactions in the last thread, but far be it below me to refuse a request from one of my players! Jhairo it is! <3Also we got three rolls! I'll update tomorrow when I'm not busy. Apologies again--genuinely had no clue this week would get so busy! AIIIEEEE!
Zaan has a point, not that you liked to admit it. You’re a sapper, not a strategist… if someone asked you where to place a dozen blastcaps to topple a curtain wall, you’d have an answer before they were done asking the question! But deciding how to make or break this battle?History would remember you one way or another… and the thought terrifies you.The Chytree don’t make mistakes, you grunt as a spear of ice crashes further down the hill and showers your armor with dozens of tiny little ‘tink’s, so you need to be cautious…You know the trenches like the back of your claw by now–not even a column of giant Magi’bah and the world collapsing around you could hope to defeat the days you spent digging, reinforcing, and pacing from one end of the trenches to the other. Monotony is one hell of a teacher.Spurred onward by the ground shaking beneath your feet with each step the giants take, you and the others nearly catch a few blades to the face when you run smack-dab into the middle of a squad of Gnok swordsmen–their tall, armored forms making them resemble scarecrows wobbling in the middle of a storm.“Gentlemen,” Remarks their sharptoothed leader with a weary grin, “Care to join the charge?”You never liked Gnoks. Always scheming. Always hiding behind backhanded jokes. No, you growl with a frown, you’re here to ask a favor.The footmen creak in their armor. “Oh?” Replies the captain, “Well ask away, comrade,” He adds, stealing an amused glance at the rest of his troops, “We aim to please…”You’re headed for the Conjuring Camp, you croak as you give the payload on your back a good shake. And we’ll need some footmen to cover us.“Then they’ll paint a nice, big clanking target on us!” Scoffs Modd with a derisive shake of his head. “Come now, Tuz-”“Shorty’s right,” Nods the Gnok Captain, “That thing on your back won’t make it past the outer trenches if-”Which is why they’ll be heading in the opposite direction, you continue, earning a pair of stares from your comrades. “A distraction, ey?” The Gnok asks, his armor creaking as his head cocks to the side. “We were ordered to cover the snipers, Mox.”An explosion rocks the trenches just ahead of you, showering your helmet with a fresh layer of dirt, mud, and something… warmer. They’ll cover everyone by covering your approach, you argue! Without their constructs and conjurings, the Chytree are dead in the water!The Gnok leans in closer to meet your hard stare with one of his own. “And if your plan doesn’t work, we’ll be dead here. No snipers, no bombs. That sit right with you?”It doesn’t, but you don’t bother sharing that. You’re a sapper, not a strategist, after all, but if you only have a dozen blastcaps and you need to topple a curtain wall, well…It’s not about force... It’s about placement.>CONTD.
You answer the Gnok with a resolute nod. It’ll have to. The response earns a long, hard stare, followed by a laugh!“Ha! I like you, crazy, big-eyed bastard!” Clasping his claw on your armored shoulder, he gives it a firm shake. “Aizee, by the way. Reckon we oughta’ know each other before we charge off to our deaths.”Tuz, you respond, slapping your breastplate in a salute, and if this works, no one else is gonna die. Returning your salute, Aizee turns to his men and ushers them forward. “C’mon, men–we’re gonna make things nice and loud for our Mox mates here!” Being the first to mount the edge of the trench, he glances down at you as the rest of his soldiers follow suit. “Listen for the whistle, Brother Tuz, and move fast when you do–Mox aren’t known for their speed.”“Aye, we’re known for blowing things ta’ smithereens.” Snickers Modd from behind you. “Shall we?”We shall.Doubling back costs you precious time, but what choice do you have? The giants Zaan noticed before are now well past your outer defenses–sniper blasts whizzing through their bodies like a claw trying to catch a sunbeam.You make it to the foot of the hill when you hear it–a shrill, grating whistle rising above the trenches followed by the report of several magical blasts.“Don’t think about them,” Zaan warns as your gaze drifts down to the trenches, “Just move.”Sound advice. Scrambling along the hill takes energy you didn’t know you still had: each step along the slope threatening to send you tumbling down to the trenches. Each footfall nearly buckling beneath your heavy boots.Whatever Aizee and his men are doing, it works–a few Chytree Soldier Constructs march by, each squad moving in perfect lockstep with their three eyes glowing like grim lanterns in the mist.You tug your helmet tighter as you continue on.“Breathe easy…” Grunts Modd as he follows the same target you do, “Armor’s rated ta’ muffle magic, remember?”You do, but it doesn’t make you feel any safer. You know all too well what one Construct can do to a fully-plated soldier. Horrible things can sling spell and sword as long as their creators have energy to share… theirs was probably spread out in a recliner somewhere far, far ahead being fanned by a servant and sipping a warm drink.One bomb isn’t nearly enough for those big-eyed fops.>CONTD.
>>6286170Even with your armor, Zaan leads you across the hill like a trio of ghosts using the distant rumble of spells and stomps to mask your approach. You follow the hill as far as it’ll take you before it starts to level out, leaving you with two options: cross the flat, unforgiving No Man’s Land sprawling ahead of you…Or slip into the enemy trenches.With luck, Aizee’s distraction should have them occupied, but a trench is never not dangerous–the divots and scratches on your armor are evidence enough of that. Before you can really weigh your options, you and the lads are rocked free of your footing by a spell blowing a tree into splinters just a few paces away!“Think they’ve spotted us!?” Sputters Modd as you both slide into the nearest hole you can find!“If they did, they wouldn’t have missed…” Zaan hisses through his mask. “Stay close, brothers.”Ash and dust clings to your mask filter as you delve into the trenches–your breath shallow as you listen close for the sound of marching Constructs. Giant footfalls rock the ground in the distance. Spells soar across the ash-choked skies above. But here? Quiet as the grave. You tread lightly anyways… as best you can given what you’re carrying. Constructs are loud when they move, sure, but Constructs don’t need to move from their post to stretch their legs. Constructs don’t need to breathe, eat, or sleep.Constructs can wait as long as it takes.>Roll me 1d100-3 (+4 Distraction, +3 Coalition Training, -3 Enemy Trenches, -4 Magical Senses, -2 Heavy Armor, -1 Not As Many Constructs) for the final push! Best of 3!
Rolled 2 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6286172Let's do it, lads.
>>6286174Ouch, that's horrible. BUT. It's not a critfail!
Rolled 58 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6286172
Rolled 81 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6286172
>>6286174>>6286197>>6286210>HIGHEST ROLL: 78!That'll do it! Writing!
The mammoth steps of the conjured colossi fade behind you as you dive deeper into the belly of the beast. Your heart pounds against your metal-encased chest as you strain to listen for any ambushers waiting around the corner. Zaan moves like a shadow–an impressive feat for someone up to their frills in metal–but his patience pays off, as does yours: the Chytree might have the numbers advantage, but their soldiers are stupid. Brainless. Command warned you of Mzz’goe’virr mercenaries and poisoners on Hierarchy payroll–with luck they were engaging the Gnoks. Wherever they were, all the Chytree had were their precious Constructs: Metal husks driven by simple directions from their glowy-eyed masters. A Mox would have filled random trenches with traps. A Durher could pick up your metal moving a mile away. A Gnok, well…They probably would have been able to cheat their way into owning this land. Mzz’goe’virr? They’d be too busy skulking into the villages at night and snatching away all the fledges and kits.You offer a quick and quiet prayer to OAD thanking them that there aren’t any Skogs around.Advance. Creep up. Mace to the head. Advance. The process almost becomes rote until you spot runes glowing on the side of the trench hidden behind a pile of containers! Guess these Chytree CAN think like a Mox now and then.Too little, too late.You hear the Conjuration Camp long before you see it–clanking footsteps… dull, droning chants… you’d seen one before a few months back–circles upon circles of Chytree-woven mats to kneel on, warm vats of Suu Juice to pour on the mages to keep from keeling over of thirst. Even with the wards placed on your armor your scales tingle as a wave of magical energy washes over them! Leaving you and Modd to scout ahead, Zaan returns a few moments later with heavier breathing, but looking no worse for wear.“Y’okay?”“Sentry.” Zaan pants, prompting Modd to steal a glance behind you. “We’re not getting in there. There’s a barrier, an-”Won’t be a problem, you reply with a wink. Bomb’ll tear through the barrier too. Magic, remember? Your fellow Mox freezes like a statue before nearly keeling over with hushed laughter!“Godsdamned idiots, the lot of ‘em..” He mutters through his mask, “Them and their precious magic…”>CONTD.
>>6286323“What the Hells are we waiting for, then?” Modd groans! “Let’s set it up while we’re still unnotice-”Can’t, you reply with a shake of your head, gotta be higher up. Above the trenches. Both of your comrades balk at the news.“But… what if they see it?”Bomb’ll blow up no matter what, you reply with a weary shrug. Just have to hope they don’t teleport it away…Your conversation is cut short by a low, rumbling roar–one that rattles you to your very core! “What… the HELLS was that?” Hisses Modd, his fear palpable even through the mask!Doesn’t matter, you growl as you begin to ascend the side of the trench, bomb’s gotta be armed. You steal a glance at your fellow Mox. And they’ve got to get going.Zaan reacts as if you’d just slapped his sister. “Save it for the ballads, you stupid bastard–we’re not leaving without-”You’ll catch up, you groan, the chains holding the bomb beginning to dig into your shoulders, secure a way out–you won’t have time to sneak!Modd answers by digging his boots into the side of the trench next to you. “Stuff it up your arse, you stubborn, wart-covered prick. We arm it together, we run like Hell together.”“And if need be,” Zaan adds as he too starts to climb the side of the trench, “Then we all go out together.”“Whaddaya’ say to that, you stupid bastard?”What DID you say to that?>All together now…>I say start running, you idiots. (Go alone)>Write-In
>>6286167>>6286170>>6286172Wow, that is a FASCINATING picture of a magic war. Kudos, QM. Good damn job.>>6286323The Chytree are like a whole race of only ant QUEENS, huh? They just use constructs for drones and soldiers.>>6286324>All together now…What a band of brothers.
>>6286324>All together now…LISTEN, BROTHERSWE WILL KILLWE WILL NOT BE KILLEDLET'S DO THIS!!!!
>>6286389It was a difficult choice to decide whether I wanted to depict the horrors of war... it truly is Hell.>>6286389>ChytreeThey have a natural affinity for magic, yep! Ask Morook or Oti though... they definitely ain't QUEENS!>>6286389>>6286393>ALL TOGETHER NOWGonna write this one up some time tomorrow--still got a lot of stuff going on on my end. Thanks for being patient and apologies if the interlude's going a little too slowly! Seeya tomorrow!
>>6286439I like the downtime for lore, and it might reveal something to give us casus belli to kill Trier. The pacing is good.
What more is there to say? Arguing any more would cause a brawl, and you don’t plan on getting caught and killed because you pissed Modd off. Pausing mid-climb, you answer your fellow assholes with a weary groan. You weren’t planning on any heroic sacrifices, you just wanted to make sure your escape route was cl-“Yea, yea… Go to Hell, you idiot.”Two pairs of claws boost you over the edge of the trench and onto the dried-out scrub above. No time to dilly-dally–scrambling for the nearest cover you can find, the best you can do is a chunk of vine-covered masonry: a chunk of ruins those bug-eyed bastards were drooling over.Wonder what the previous tenants would think of you now… ready to blow each other to Hell and back over their old patio?Modd and Zaan are up and over before you know it–no big feat considering they aren’t carrying a bomb big enough to send the whole mountain ridge back to Mitaar. “Hells…” Grunts Modd as he squeezes in next to you behind your flimsy cover, “They’ve got more than just Constructs down in that camp, Zaan, you godsdamned moron.”“Dregs, I know.” Zaan hisses as he steals a quick peek out from behind the rubble. “Magicless Chytree… guess they found a use for ‘em after all.”Better than how they usually treat ‘em, you reply with a callous shrug. Won’t have to worry about class differences where they’re headed. With no more quips in your collective repertoire, the three of you get to work unpacking and arming the bomb–Modd’s on anchor duty, Zaan checks the primer, and you, well… you prepare the trigger enchantment.Useful bit of magic, that. Before you can finish, the hill overlooking the Conjuring Camp is rocked by something big–bigger than the giants, Hells, bigger than Modd’s little sister! You and Zaan exchange a few nonverbals before switching off as the air above the camp grows thick with the scent of ozone, ash…… and blood. Stale blood.That’s when you feel it: an uncanny, almost primal fear grips your bones as a rush of magical energy ripples across the battlefield that chills you to your very core! Sensing something amiss, your comrades join you to investigate!“Oad’s Waves…” Sputters Modd under his heavy breath, “What in the Hells are they conjuring!?”Jagged fissures spread across the trenches with the Conjuring Camp acting as an epicenter! A rain squall beats down upon your helmet with renewed fervor as you see something forming in the center of the camp like a fetus in an egg:Something big. Modd and Zaan stand in silent horror as you reach down to the DISRUPTER BOMB at your side…And activate the countdown.>CONTD.
>>6286668Welcome to Zoral, you mutter as you grab your dumbfounded ‘helpers’ by their collars and hop back into the trenches!The three of you knew exactly what you saw that day, but from the moment you took to the trenches like a pack of Tottas to the day you quietly passed away in your bed in the house next to that little vineyard you ended up owning, you never once ventured a guess as to what might’ve happened had you not blown that camp to smithereens.You did what you had to do. That’s all that matters.”The Chytree Empire collapsed shortly after,” Cheesti drones, her voice startling you after such a vivid memory, ”Though it wasn’t solely due to the advent of Counter-Magical Combat… Amid the chaos of The Finder War, The Skogs lead by Utzo Carved-Tusk cut a bloody swathe through both Coalition and Chytree territories… Neither governing body survived the ensuing chaos.”You find yourself back in the museum once again–a little rattled, but intact. You think!“B-but fr-from that chaos came n-NEW communities!” Chirps the Chytree as she tries to avoid staring at a somewhat sullen-looking Volka. “Umberal was one of them… a-after the abrupt end to The Finder War, it became a st-stronghold in the wake of the Skog Hordes… d-defended by Chytree and Coalition alike… a-and, of course, a-ARCHMAGE TRIER…”A peculiar sensation tickles you like a spider crawling on your neck. Dude must be pretty old then, you remark, earning another nervous laugh from your curator!“W-well extending one’s l-life isn’t, um… unheard of… i-in the magical community…” She weakly replies. “In fact, it’s almost a pr-prerequisite these days… d-dangerous times…”So he’s been running the show in Umberal this whole time then? “Mhm! I-in fact, his Mage Tower… in which w-we find ourselves now… was one of the biggest findings amidst the rubble of old Umberal after The Finder War…” Her glowing eyes take on what you assume is a Chytree smile. “Th-though back then it was only T- TRINE TOWER... th-the other parts didn’t emerge until after The Concord of Umberal was finalized… a-and he was declared Archmage and Arbiter.”“Sounds more like a king ta’ me…” Remarks Volka, the girl still a little sore at hearing about her race’s historical contributions. “W-well it’s easy to say from an outsider’s p-perspective…” Mutters the Museum worker as she scans the ceiling warily, “But l-look at the alternatives! The East is an untamed w-wilderness… The Skogs-erm…”The girl wisely cuts herself off, but not before earning a pointed stare from your favorite Skog.“Erm, a-and Cr-Crossroads is in turmoil over the de-death of their Guild Chairman… a-and they don’t even have a replacement set, d-do they..?”>CONTD.
>>6286671“Well nah, but-”“It’s a bit weird looking in from the outside,” TT shrugs as she gives Volka a reassuring pat on the leg, “But Umberal’s pretty stable, if nothing else.”“E-exactly! EXACTLY RIGHT!” Cheesti agrees with a series of frantic nods! “J-just wait… all of Zoral will be l-like Umberal one day… s-so exciting…”Eyes flickering like strobe lights, the girl addresses you all with baited breath! “Say… w-would you like to see Archmage Trier’s exhibit? I-it’s really neat a-and it even answers questions!”To your surprise, Rezalith is the first to speak in response! “Nature, as they say, calls. Where may I ‘do my business’, witch?”You shoot her a perplexed glance, but she doesn’t respond.“Well, um,” Giggles the docent, “A Teksoul can dire-”“No.”“Eep! W-well then, um…” Sputters the Chytree, “Th-then if you follow the spiral-patterned carpet-”The devil’s long-gone before Cheesti can finish. Turning back to you with silent panic in her eyes, she cocks her head to the side with a genial chirp! “W-well then… a-any questions, or…?”Well?>You had a question about those soldiers in the memory, actually!>The Finder War… you had a few questions about that!>Those bombs… any of those around this museum?>Did you say this museum’s a part of Trier’s Tower?>Let’s go to the demon exhibit, actually!>Yea, you wanna see this Trier exhibit…>We should probably track down our friend… (Go after Rezzie!)>Actually we should probably go…>Write-In!
>>6286673>Those bombs… any of those around this museum?I don't think they'd survive for so long, but you know, never hurts to asks. We sure could use one to murder that Spicy Lord, anyway.
>>6286676Just to avoid later confusion: Archmage Trier's the LORD RED was talking about taking down... and you've heard Trier has a deal with the Spice Cartel, but he ain't running it...
>>6286677No, I was talking about the spice cartel boss we were going to murder. I probably wouldn't try to use magic to kill a magic dude.
>>6286673>Those bombs… any of those around this museum?BLOW US UP LAD
>>6286680>>Yea, you wanna see this Trier exhibit…An anti-magic bomb seems ideal for that purpose to me, actually.>>6286673>Yea, you wanna see this Trier exhibit…
>>6286673>Those bombs… any of those around this museum?>>6286941Which is exactly why he probably has several ways of dealing with one.
>>6286673>>We should probably track down our friend… (Go after Rezzie!)We need to use the "bathroom" too.
>>6286676>>6286725>>6286967>BOMBS AWAY?>>6286941>TRIER PRESSURE!>>6287061>REZZIE!?Writing! Got a big meeting today so expect the update later.
You wouldn’t mind picking the big man’s brain a bit… but that flashback-memory… err… that FLASHBEMORY left your head rattling… especially that explosive finish! And it gives you a few ideas…Actually, you pipe up with a genial grin, you had a question about THE FINDER WAR! Seeing a way out of chasing down your fiend friend, the Chytree shifts her glowing gaze onto you with a cheerful click! “Certainly! A-ask away… it’s one of my f-favorite subjects, actually!”The docent deflates a bit.“Err… a-aside from all the killing, that is… I don’t really l-like violence…”“Heh. Get a load of this broad, Ant.”Ignoring TT and her nudging, you move forward with your question: those bombs… any of ‘em still lying around the museum? The resulting giggle from your guide sounds sweet, but you can’t help but be a little offended.“Oh no no NO!” She snickers with a shake of her head! “Errr, t-that is to say there aren’t any ARMED ones! Imagine how dangerous that would be!”“So there are bombs still lying around?” Tzah-Tzie retorts as she gives her chin a good scratch!“Mhm!” Cheesti nods! “Th-they’re in the DEMON EXHIBIT, actually! D-deactivated, but still the r-real d-d-DEAL! D-demon hunting is primarily left to the Templars th-these days… but as some of you might’ve noticed in the Sensory Aid, they were quite the breakthrough in magical deterrence, es-especially when facing demons!” Volka frowns. “I just got ta’ carve up a lotta’ Constructs… what’s that about bombs?”“Neat!” Tzah-Tzie grins! “I blasted a wizard out of the air! Say, let’s do it again!”She leans towards you with a conspiratorial glance. “D-devils are beings of almost pure magic, y’know… s-so if you can dispel them, well..”Her explanation is cut short by a faint slithering sound on the ceiling far above! Joining her in a despairing glance upward, you spot the telltale glow of a Teksoul’s face looming above like a spider!”PlEAsE COnTInuE TO ENJoy THe TOUrRrR…” “Yes! YES! G-good idea!” Cheesti sputters, the girl a few minutes away from forming a lake with the amount of sweating she’s doing! “Errr, L-let’s continue? Please? If.. if you’re okay with… pl-please?” So Trier keeps deactivated ANTIMAGIC BOMBS in his pad… makes you wonder if Rezzie didn’t run off to do some REZconaissance on her own!What do?>One more question!>Trier Exhibit!>Demon Exhibit!>What about the Skogs!?>Track down Rezzie!>Actually we should probably go…>Write-In!
>>6287257>Track down Rezzie!See, I was gonna say that we should tell her we want to grab Rez for the exhibit so so she doesn't start crying after thinking we're bored and want to leave or something, but then I realized that would be pretty funny.
>>6287257>Track down Rezzie!
>>6287259>>6287281>FOLLOW THAT FIEND!Ooh, daring, aren't we?>Roll me 1d100-5 (+2 Loose Footwork, +2 Not a busy day, -1 Rezzie head start, -3 Teksoul Security, -5 Trier's Tower) to track down the devil! Best of 3!
Rolled 44 - 5 (1d100 - 5)>>6287319WATCH AND LEARN
Rolled 82 - 5 (1d100 - 5)>>6287320NO U>>6287319Rolling.
Rolled 10 (1d100)>>6287319Lets gow
>>6287320>>6287352>>6287372>HIGHEST ROLL: 77!Writinnnnggggg!
Rereading the last post sends a shiver of doubt down your spine… You’re probably just overthinking it, you overthink to yourself as your companions study your blank expression with a mixture of doting adoration and mild concern, after all, you had that whole talk on the train! Rezalith’s smarter now! More cautious! And your pals had a point earlier: since when has anyone used the restroom in this DARK QUEST of yours?Surely she’s… just taking a little break?……Yea, RIGHT. Clutching your stomach in slightly mock discomfort (you’ve always had a weak tummy), you shoot your tour guide a pleading glance! B-bathroom, you whine through clenched teeth, wh-where…?! “Ah… th-the BATHROOM EXHIBIT...” The Chytree answers with a sagely nod, “O-one of our more popular exhibits, if you can believe i-”No, you groan, where’s… you wanna go where the other person in your group went!“... I’m still here, Ant.” Chirps TT down at your side with a reassuring smile! “Don’t worry!”“Heheh… hey Rook, where’d… where’d I go?” Snickers Volka, her eyes closed, but her mouth open wide with childlike glee.NO, NO, NO! You want… D’oh, where’d REZZIE go!? The one in the veil!? You wanna track her down! The curator lights up in recognition… and then subsequently deflates a bit.“... Oh… you… want a break too, huh…?”YES, you answer with an emphatic nod! She’s dang-err, you just… wanna keep an eye on her, is all! Cheesti studies your expression and relents with a resigned nod.“... I understand… My little sister can be a handful too…”The word SISTER drives a cold, hard spike through your head. She’s… she’s not your little sister, you mumble as you stumble through the sudden burst of mind fog! Thank God she isn’t… When your explanation doesn’t cut it, you add a little more argument to the pile: Look, it’s not that she’s weird or her exhibits are boring, you reply with a placating smile, it’s just-“YOUTHINKI’MWEIRDAND/ORMYEXHIBITSAREBOOOOORRIIIIING!?!?” Your hands find their way onto your face as you realize you’re dealing with the living, breathing equivalent of a house of cards… made of broken glass. You feel a tug at your robe and lock eyes with your favorite fuzzball. Yes?“Spiral-patterned carpet, remember?” She asks as she tugs you onto a particularly plush rug! “Don’t be too long, kay?”What would you do without her? Giving your gal an appreciative scratch behind the ears, you scurry off after your fiery friend while Volka and TT tend to the crying curator! Yeesh, some people…>CONTD.
>>6287652Though you keep the spiral-patterned path firmly beneath each footfall, you can’t help but feel an uncanny sensation in the walls around you… one frighteningly-similar to how you felt plumbing the depths of Oti’s Mage Tower back in Crossroads. You know as much about magic as you do Nuclear Engineering, but you remember one thing: Towers don’t keep their form for very lo-Your thoughts come to a screeching halt as something sharp rakes across your throat… not hard enough to draw blood, but-“SSSSCCHCHHT! Dead AGAIN, MORON.”Oh thank GOD. She didn’t break anything, did she? Retrieving her claw from your throat with a pout when she realizes you aren’t gonna react, Rezalith stretches her wings as she shoots you a sidelong and disapproving glance.“I could ask you the same thing, AntPERVERT.”That one doesn’t even make sense. The devil responds by wagging her finger in your face!“I think it DOES! Why ELSE would you follow me when I left to relieve myself, hmm? Greasy degenerate.”Hey, that’s not true! You’re not a degenerate!”Not my battle, Tex, but I’ve been rootin’ through your head long enough ta’ know THAT ain’t true… By the way, you can watch all this stuff on an ‘Inter-Net’?”Can it, RED. Rezalith bristles at the name of your mutual acquaintance.“And I DEFINITELY don’t wanna talk with HIM peeking in on everything you see and hear! Run along back to your other friends, AnTWERP!”Not until she tells you what she was doing, you deflect! The guide said this is TRIER’S TOWER! Doesn’t she remember what that means!?A look of rare recognition falls upon the fiend’s face! “... I can take it over… like the tower of that OTHER pervert who tried to contain me! Good thinking for once, idiot!”Not what you meant, you sigh. Look, security’s already pretty wary, so let’s just-… Huh. Rez?“Still here, moron. What do you want now?”Errr, you stammer as you give the ground a few taps, where’d… does she know where the carpet went? Testing the floor with her own feet, the devil answers you with an exasperated groan!“Nice going, AnTWIT. You scared away the rug with your incredible weakness and stupidity.”Not good. Taking a few cautious steps back the way you came, a sinking feeling pools inside your gut as you slowly realize you aren’t in the same hallway you were on the way over… the air temperature has dropped, for starters, but the way every noise echoes off the walls gets your heart racing too. It’s only after you endure a few pokes to the chest that your hellish companion realizes the gravity of the situation.“... Anton,” She growls, warily scanning the area around you, “Where are the others?”>CONTD.
>>6287653That’s what you’d like to know, you answer incredulously! You just went to use the bathroom! Where ARE they!? Where are YOU!? WHAT ARE Y-Your brief stint into the realm of Philosophy is cut short by a slap across the face! Phew, you sigh as you rub your sore cheek, thanks, Rez, you nee-OW!Okay, you mutter, that’s en-OW! YOU’RE FINE NOW! QUIT IT WITH THE SLAPPING!“‘Fine now’?” Blinks the demon as she cocks her head to the side in confusion, “... I was just doing that outta’ boredom.”Well let’s channel that into a more productive endeavor, okay? Picking a direction and walking, you indulge yourself with a confident nod as you feel a faint breeze against your face–one that smells like formaldehyde, but a breeze nonetheless! Let’s move, you suggest as you turn to give your fiery companion a reassuring smile, there’s gotta be an exit if we look around!“Fine,” She grumbles as she trots over to your side with all the enthusiasm of a gloomy teenager, “But if I get bored I’m gonna start ripping out your teeth, okay?”… If you answer ‘no’ will sh-“We are NOT open to negotiations, worm.”Fair enough. Making your way down the hall, you find your surroundings changing once again… >The air is sweltering–the sound of massive cogs clattering all around as a vast sea of sweet-scented SOMETHING bubbles below!>Clicks and clacks fill the air as the passage becomes a maze populated by the low drone of faint conversations and pens against parchment…>Silence greets you as your ears pop upon entering a vast bubble of… nothing? There’s ground beneath your feet, but everything feels almost… underwater…>You enter a hallway smelling faintly of syrup. A plush rug lies at your feet and a cheery, almost pleasant tune greets your ears as you continue down the hall…
>>6287654>The air is sweltering–the sound of massive cogs clattering all around as a vast sea of sweet-scented SOMETHING bubbles below!Cogs?
>>6287654>You enter a hallway smelling faintly of syrup. A plush rug lies at your feet and a cheery, almost pleasant tune greets your ears as you continue down the hall…Syrup? Trier does seem like the kind of person who might want to show them all
>>6287654>You enter a hallway smelling faintly of syrup. A plush rug lies at your feet and a cheery, almost pleasant tune greets your ears as you continue down the hall…
>>6287658>COGS!>>6287743>>6287789>HALLWAY!Writingggggg.
A warm curtain of sweet-scented air greets your nose as both you and Rezalith continue down a plush-carpeted hall serenaded by a faint, almost familiar tune piped in through the walls!“Where the HELLS are we?” Remarks the Rezzie as you run your hand along the smooth, plastic-like wall. “And where’s that DAMNED music coming from?”You’re not sure, you respond with a shrug as your hand glides over a closed, but heavy wooden door, but if you had to guess you’d say you’re in a DENTAL SURGEON’S OFFICE!“... What’s that supposed to mean?”You answer with a shake of your head and a sigh… she’s better off not knowing such horrors. Wherever you are, though, it’s gotta still be in the Tower, so-“Ah! There he is! Come right in, mate!”The sudden greeting sends you grinding to a halt, allowing Rezalith to plow into you from behind! Turning to face your greeter, you-OOOW!Are slammed face-first into the nearest wall by an irate Rezzie.“THAT’S for making me run into you, PERV.”Peeling your face off the wall, y-OW!“Two for FLINCHING!”… Peeling your face off of the wall, you pivot in the direction the voice came from and spot a pair of eyes staring you down from within one of the rooms lining the hall! Err, h-hi?“Hi yourself!” She chirps, leaning back in some kind of desk chair with a Gnok’s typical toothy grin! “Come come, don’t be shy!” As you file into the room–an office, you presume–your eyes produce quite little information… though you can still hear the tune in the corner of your ear. Something bubbles on the corner of the desk the Gnok rests her feet on that smells like liquid sugar…Her gaze hops from you to Rezalith, then back! “Brought a ladyfriend too, ey? Quite alright, quite alright…”“Ewwww, NO!” Gags your ‘ladyfriend’ as if she’d been asked to drink some sewage out of an old shoe, “Eeuuch, ‘his ladyfriend’, she says! Can you imagine!?”A ‘no, I’m not’ would have sufficed, but you don’t know else you expected from the demonic dame. Erm, you begin as you give your throat a good clearing, do… should we know you–“TOPPEL GRANSII at your service!” The Gnok interjects, leaping to her feet as an invisible hand clasps around yours and gives it a good shake! “Meister of Conjurations, Trimbault Academy! Graduating Cohort: The Gilded Makaar! Pleasure’s all yours, I take it! AH! Just kidding!”You didn’t think a conjured hand could jerk your arm around enough for it to hurt, kinda, but this Toppel broad managed, somehow. Yea, you weakly reply as you massage your shoulder, you’re-“Here about the ad, I know, I know~” The Gnok nods as she fiddles with whatever’s bubbling on the desk! “Well don’t be a stranger! Take a seat! Have some Sugar Tea! All the rage back in the East, y’know–can’t live without it!”>CONTD.
>>6287954A pair of cups slam in front of you and Rezzie, both positively SLOSHING to the brim with the saccharine drink! Exchanging a wary glance, both of you take a mug and sample its contents.In another world you might’ve liked whatever it is you just imbibed… or maybe when you were a Middle Schooler when a good drink was measured by how many toppings you could fit in it from the Froyo Place down the street.Today, though?It’s like you lit your tongue on fire with a missile made of sugar.N-not quite your thing!“Figures you’d hate it.” Scoffs Rezzie as she reveals a finished mug from behind her veil! “Weak.”Slamming her now-empty mug onto the desk with an exultant sigh, Meister Gransii shoots you an appraising and very twitchy glance.“Huh. Thought you’d be meatier. Oh well! Big gifts come in small packages, right?” Flopping back into her chair, the mage retrieves something from a drawer in her desk–one of those tablets TT’s always tapping away at, maybe?“So…’Ungaar Bloodshower’… Think you can best my top-secret, highly-forbidden PROJECT: F, do you?” She asks, her pinprick pupils darting between you and whatever it is she’s reading!“Who the HELLS is Un-MMFH!”They always say to never stick anything near the mouth when a person is having a seizure… something about biting that something off? Well you probably shouldn’t stick anything near Rezalith’s mouth either, yet here you are doing it! You doubt she’s just gonna lick your hand like Tzah-Tzie does, but you haven’t the foggiest about what’s going on… and you’re not sure if it’s the right time to let slip that you’re not actually this ’UNGAAR BLOODSHOWER’!What do?>Play along! Yep, that’s you!>Come clean! This has to be a mistake!>Play dumb! Whaaaa? Whoooo? Proooojecttt?>Stay Silent! She’ll think you disappeared!>Deflect! Tell us more about yourself, Toppel!>RUN!>Rezzie, you handle this!>Write-In!
>>6287956>Play along! Yep, that’s you!
>>6287956>Rezzie, you handle this!Funni.
>>6287956>Rezzie, you handle this!
AIIIEE! A TIIEEEE! I'll give this a little longer and then I'll roll for a decision. Seeya sooooon~
Rolled 2 (1d2)Seems long enough to me! Gonna roll for it and write whatever the result is. Might take a bit since, you guessed it, still entertaining. Hopefully will go back to normalish this week.>1=Play Along!>2= RezQuest Redux
>>6288306Questions come down like raindrops: does this Toppel chick work for Trier? Can you take this PROJECT F in a fight? Why is she even putting out ads to get folks to fight it!? Are you even supposed to BE here?!You can navigate this, you think as you steady yourself with a deep breath, just… just gotta take things one step at a time! Priority one: rein in Rezzie! Turning your attention to the feisty fiend, you lock eyes with the demon and send a reassuring nod her way–no need to worry, you think as if she could read your mind, you’ve got th-“Wrong person, idiot,” Blurts out Rezalith with the subtlety of a DJ at a funeral, “I’m gonna fight your lame invention, not Noodle-Neck here!”Rez, you hiss through clenched teeth, don’t-“Oh!” Blinks the Conjurer, “Is that right?”NO, you whine to yourself as your neck goes slick with sweat and your hands ball into fists at your sides, this isn-REZZIE QUEST!Please… please, no…https://youtu.be/gW8ChH1VLL0REZZIE QUEST! That’s right, virgins we’re BACK and we’re putting this boring-ass quest back on track! AnTARD’s doing that thing where he gets all sputtery and sweaty again, so you do what any good FRIEND would do and take over the situation!That’s right it’s RIGHT, you sneer as you help yourself to some more of that nice tea, you’re the one who’ll be taking the beast’s head today! Rather easily, you might add! The mage gives you an appraising, and kinda disconcerting, look.“Huh! Well I certainly don’t mind! Ya’ look a little different than I expected… and are also female, I think, but that’s fine! This is all totally fine!”A wry grin forms on the Moronmancer’s stupid face. “The question is… can you FIGHT?”You’ve got a mind to fight her right here and now, but you can already predict how THAT’LL go:‘Boohoo! I’m Anton and I have to TALK to EVERYONE! Assertiveness makes me cry! Where’s my furball safety blanket?! BoooOOoohoooo~’Nope, can’t have that. The question is, HOW do you convince this worm you can fight, hm?>Throw Anton around! He can take it!>Bully Anton!>Break some furniture!>Attack the mage!>Boast about your many, MANY exploits!>Write-In (And it’d better be GOOD, morons, or I’ll KNOW!)
>>6288489>Boast about your many, MANY exploits!You are da best. No need to hide it.
>>6288489>Boast about your many, MANY exploits!>Break some furniture to punctuate the dramatic retelling!Well you've got to have sound effects for the breaking bones!
>>6288489>Boast about your many, MANY exploits!>Break some furniture to punctuate the dramatic retelling!REZZIEQUESTFORTHEWIN
>>6288493>EXPLOITS!>>6288503>>6288553>EXPLOITS!>AND FURNITURE-BREAKING!Writingggg
’Can you fight?’ ‘CAN YOU FIGHT’!? Oh, to be one of these sharp-toothed, strange-scented safe plane-dwellers! Does ZYRAX THE BUTCHER BUTCHER FLESH? Do THE GUTTER TRIPLETS GUT?! DOES MYZOOR EYE-GOUGER GOUGE OUT EYES!?He told you he was gonna cut down on that, but you can’t tell if that was in earnest or another one of his famous ‘eye-cutting’ jokes… not that you ever found them funny, of course. Humor is for the WEAK! And you?You are not WEAK!https://youtu.be/vtlkwb9hqawIt would be so simple to consume this accursed office in ashes… even simpler to crack Anton open like the pathetic bag of bones, flesh, and juices he is, splay his gore like paint across a canvas, wrap his warm, soft arms around your shoulders a-Y-YOU MEAN WRAP HIS ENTRAILS AROUND YOUR SHOULDERS! LIKE A SCARF! A-anyways, it doesn’t matter! You’re REZALITH: FUTURE DEMON QUEEN AND SCOURGE OF CHAA’TAI… and you don’t bother with simple things, because they’re too simple, of course! Now, granted, EVERYTHING comes easily to you, but there IS one, small, laughably insignificant skill you’re still working on. That’s not to say you won’t soon master this extremely insignificant, useless, and barely-even-worth-your-time skill, but…… but you’ve been trying to get better at communicating with others. And you mean REALLY communicate, not do whatever it is SHY’SAA HONEYLIPS does in THE BOUDOIR OF SIN–you mean REALLY communicate! And not devour the listener’s soul afterwards!… Okay, you’re still undecided on that last part, but this, you’ve decided, has become your new grand challenge: the one that shall elevate you to your future throne and begin your eternal reign. For it is one thing to be feared–you learned that LONG ago–but it is another to be ADORED. WORSHIPPED…… Lo-err, LIKED!>CONTD.
>>6288605“Erm, U-Uungar?” Mutters the mage with a slightly-less smug look on her face, “Everything okay?”Anton stares you down with those big, dumb, pluckable eyes of his. “Rez-”Perfectly PEACHY, you answer with a cocky laugh! Planting your hands on your queenly hips, you cock your head defiantly at your interviewer! You and fighting are old, OLD friends, you explain, mimicking that Jester Anton dotes on so much–you always forget her name–so old, in fact, that you might’ve invented the word FIGHT! You simply can’t remember!“Ah.” Blinks the sorceress, clearly awestruck by that amazing fact about yourself that you just shared, “Well, um-”Tch. Not enough, it would seem. No matter–you’ve got PLENTY of stories to chill her blood and rattle her bones with! Anton might even wet himself! Wouldn’t THAT be fun? The question is… which tale should you tell?>Your skirmish with your fellow spawn out of the spawning pits!>Your mild disagreement with TEE’TIA FLESHRENDER over that one particularly-tasty soul!>Your disagreement with THE MINDRAZER during a trip to THE PILLAR OF FLAYED SKULLS!>The harrowing tale of the time you told off RED himself! He was so angry!>Tell ALL of them! Hope they have time to listen… oh wait! You don’t care!>WRITE-IN A WORTHY TALE!
>>6288607>Write-inThat time one of those scary beasties from this world was bothering you so you RIPPED IT APART with your BARE HANDS
>>6288608Ha ha yea that was a good one actually
>>6288609Ruz...>>6288605>wrap his warm, soft arms around your shoulders a->…Lo-err, LIKED!Razzie....>>6288607>WRITE IN: A BEAST WAS BOTHERING US SO WE RIPPED IT LIMB FROM LIMB!!! IT WAS A FEROCIOUS THING BUT WE'RE SO COOL!!!
>>6288605Even Rezzie, huh? Anton has a way with the ladies in this world>>6288607>Tell ALL of them! Hope they have time to listen… oh wait! You don’t care!We have so many good stories why not share them all, even if only one should be enough to prove our strength
>>6288608>>6288616>RIP AND TEAR!>>6288657>ALL OF THEM!>Roll me 1d-HA AS IF YOU'RE REZALITH YOU DON'T ROLL OVER FOR ANYONE! Unless you’ve dragged them into the air and are utilizing your patented Rezalith DEATHROLL, that is! Hahahah didja miss me man this quest was so dumb before >:3 anyways I'm writing so shut up and listen or I'll break your leg
They’re all good–they’re about YOU, after all, so why wouldn’t they be? But these peasants don’t know what it means to rip out your sibling’s steaming entrails and slather them all over your body like warpaint, so you opt to tell them a tale pertaining to an encounter with one of the local beasts!It must have been a few days ago, you shrug, tail swishing behind you as you recount one of your many AMAZING exploits, you were doing as you usually do: walking your own path, pondering what little mysteries you haven’t already solved-“Rezzie,” Groans Anton, “What on Earth are y-”Quiet, wretch, you snap with a sharp flap of your wings! You can contemplate things! You’re wise as you are strong! And BEAUTIFUL.“Hah! I’ll bet!” Toppel remarks as she gives your PERFECT FORM an appraising glance. She can’t see it, but you can tell she’s enticed. All sane creatures are! Anyways, you continue with a foxy grin, you were contemplating the universe when suddenly… CHAOS!Your tail slices through the desk as if it were made of something extremely weak… Like Anton! Recoiling in shock, awe, and a hint of excitement, The Gnok’s wide eyes jump from her bisected table over to you!“C-chaos!?”Yea, idiot, that’s what you said! Something came tearing out of the underbrush… something…… Crud, what scares these dorks again? ‘Everything’ is the obvious answer, but you really oughta highlight the important things… hmm.… Uncle Fleshripper was able to scare a lot of his prey. He wasn’t your actual uncle, of course, but a description of his features might do!HUGE, you exclaim, eyes widening as you recount your encounter! Like a mountain given legs! Lumbering through the vines with a roar that shook you to your very core! Tendrils whipping back and forth in search of blood and bone! And its mouth… each breath releasing a fetid torrent of corpse-stench and rot–“Wait a moment,” Stammers the sorceress as she adjusts her triangular monocle, “Are… are you saying you faced down… a FRUUM?”Hm? Yes, yes, that’s the name, you reply with a dismissive wave. Didn’t last long enough to leave an impression, really, but if that’s what they’re called, then sure-“A CRAGSTALKER FRUUM,” Repeats the enchantress with a sterner tone and incredulous look on her face, “The apex predator of the West? The beast not even the strongest Skog dares to tackle alone? THAT Fruum?” “Errr, what my friend Uungar is trying to say,” Anton begins with an even more worried look on his stupid face than usual, “Is-”>CONTD.
>>6288844Is that Anton here isn’t your FRIEND, you interject with a derisive laugh! He’s your SLAVE! And your name isn’t ‘Uungar’ either! You wanna be called ‘MyuuMyuu’!An exceptionally-pathetic whine escapes Anton’s lips, even by his standards. The Gnok stares you down as if you’d just turned into whatever weak creature she’s describing. “... Who are you?” She asks quietly. “Really?”What say you? You’ve got this in the bag–just gotta drive your majesty home!>FULL INTRODUCTION!>You’re MyuuMyuu, fool.>You’re a demon, that’s all that matters!>Reversal! Who does she THINK you are?>Hurt someone!>Write-In!
>>6288845>Reversal! Who does she THINK you are?That's the trick that stupid antard used to make you admit to wanting to stick around with his dumb gang.
>>6288846>REVERSE!I got bored, losers so now I'm writing too bad so sad
>>6288846+1
Oho, get a load of THIS lady! Who are YOU to ask MY name, you retort with a firm stomp! Who does she THINK you are, hm? Think nice and hard, now… you don’t wanna know what happens if you get it wr-“You’re a… you’re a DEMON, aren’t you!?” Sputters Toppel as the realization sinks into her expression like blood into a sponge! “A lesser? No, no… that can’t be… I can sense far too much power emanating off of you…”“A DEMON!?” Scoffs Anton with the most forced incredulous expression you’ve ever seen, “You must be mistaken, lady–MyuuMyuu here is-”Shut up, AnTURD, you snarl, of course you’re a demon!“I KNEW it!” Squeals the mage as she scrambles over the remains of her desk with her cheeks resting in her hands! “A… a REAL DEMON! And such a REMARKABLE specimen, too!”Finally, you remark, planting your claws on your hips and posing for your newest slave, nice to get some recognition around here! Well, go on! Keep praising!You’ll admit you’re a bit taken-aback when the sorceress flops to your feet and starts… is she bowing?“F-forgive my doubting of your immense power, fell mistress!” She exclaims, earning an even more worried look from Anton, “It would be an honor–no, a PRIVILEGE of the highest degree if you would let my lowly, INSIGNIFICANT creation test what little mettle it can muster against a demon of your ungnokly martial prowess! Only a being of your DIVINE WICKEDNESS could hope to demonstrate what unbridled power is… a-and with the data I collect from the fight, well…”The Gnok pauses her pleading to glance up at your face with confusion scrawled all over her expression! “... D-dark… mistress?”It takes you a moment to realize a solitary drop of blood is working its way down your cheek, sizzling all the way. Even Anton puts his usual worrying on hold to check in!“Rez?” He stammers, “Are you… er, everything okay?”Yes, you nod in a voice barely above a whisper, because for the first time since you’ve arrived in this ill-lit inbred commune, you’re finally… FINALLY...… Getting a fraction of the respect you deserve…[/red]>CONTD.
>>6288977Taking a minute to collect yourself interspersed with a few firm threats on Anton’s limbs to keep him quiet, you steady yourself with a deep breath and address your first follower. She isn’t going to call those damned Templars, is she?“P-perish the thought!” Toppel titters with wide eyes! “If they knew what I was up to… but Archmage Trier tends to turn a blind eye as long as it doesn’t interrupt his, um, activities…”Anton’s brow furrows. “Activi-”Quiet, mongrel, YOU’RE speaking! So she won’t squeal, yes? The Gnok nods!“Of course not! What kind of fool would I be if I ruined my chance meeting with a demigoddess such as yourself over silly legal concerns!?”A dead fool, you reply dryly. So this project of hers… it isn’t ‘legal’ either?“Well… n-not exactly…” Toppel sighs as her gaze hops away from yours! “I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise, my lady, but the process in creating my, well, creation is a bit… taboo? Not to the Academy–they couldn’t care less–but there are, um, shortsighted parties that would frown upon my methods…”“What… what did you make?” Stammers Anton. “What are we about to fi-”Hasn’t he met his STUPID QUOTA for the day yet!? She says she doesn’t want to spoil the surprise! DUUUURRR!Giving your Best Friend’s forehead a playful flick that sends him reeling in anguish, you turn to address the mage once more…>Let’s FIGHT!>Spoil a LITTLE BIT OF the surprise!>Where and when will this battle occur?>How do we leave this horrible place?>What will she do when you destroy her pitiful creation?>Tell us about her dark master. The Trier one, not you.>Shall we GAMBLE a bit on this battle?>You demand tribute. Give me something, worm!>Write-In!
>>6288978>Let’s FIGHT!Well, that girl's really laying it on thick, isn't she? I'm sure nothing will go wrong...
>>6288978>Let’s FIGHT!VIOLENCE.
>>6288977Ah damn, this Toppel lady knwos how to sweet-talk demons.>>6288978>What will she do when you destroy her pitiful creation?Since it's inevitable. And also:>Shall we GAMBLE a bit on this battle?if we win, she has to tell us everything about Trier and his creepy robots!
>>6288978>Tell us about her dark master. The Trier one, not you.>Shall we GAMBLE a bit on this battle?
>>6289130NGHSWITCHING VOTE TO THISREFUSE TO LET TIE HAPPEN
>>6288979>FIGHT!>>6289007>WHEN WE DESTROY THIS THING...>GAMBLE?>>6289130>>6289193>TELL US ABOUT TRIER!>GAMBLEEEE!Locked in! Will write the update after work today!
A devious, DEVILISH idea crosses your mind as you lock eyes with the sniveling summoner. Your FIRST follower! Clearly some celebrations are in order… say, you purr as you give your chin a contemplative rub, why don’t we make this little massacre more interesting, hmmm?“Yes! YES, my infernal flame!” Toppel gasps, “I-if my dark mistress truly wishes to battle in the nude, then-”Wait, what“Huh!?” The sorcerer sputters as she hastily tugs at the robe she’s thankfully still wearing, “Whaaa? Who said… err, wh-what did you have in mind?”You were thinking of doing a little GAMBLING, you reply with renewed moxie! Add some more fuel to the flames, so to speak…“Since when do you know about gambling?” Asks Anton in his usual, simpering tone! THE PERFIDIOUS SNACK showed you, you reply with a swish of your tail! Back on the train after he finished that painfully dull summary of why you’re here in the first place! Anton bristles like the sweaty little imp he is!“Are you SERIOUS!? She said she was taking you to the restroom!”And he believed her. Sad, really. Anywho, you continue as you focus your gaze back upon the trembling Toppel, what say you? If her creation wins-“”TH-THEN YOU’LL STAY WITH ME AND HELP ME WITH MY STUDIES, Y-YES?!” She sputters, practically salivating at the words launched from her lips! “A pureblooded demon… s-so POTENT with magical energy! We… we could accomplish so much, you and I! A-and I could make you breakfast every morning! And oil your horns! Now that my brother has moved out-”It never crossed your mind that you could possibly lose to whatever the HELLS this madwoman pieced together, but now more than ever you realize you MUST. NOT. LOSE.“... So we’re NOT getting naked, or…?”ANTAAAAAARD!A few kicks to Anton’s dumb ribs later, you turn your attention back to the matter of GAMBLING: if you win, you announce with a flap of your wings…>She is FORBIDDEN from conjuring up anything again!>She must teach you some MAGIC!>She must teach ANTON some MAGIC!>She must spill all she knows about this Trier character!>Write-In!Don't worry, folks--Trier talk comes after THE STAKES!
>She must teach you some MAGIC!MAGIC
>>6289528>She must spill all she knows about this Trier character!
>>6289528>She must teach ANTON some MAGIC!The way I see it, getting to "teach her" magic would clearly be a reward to this woman. But teaching that dumbass magic would not. And plus, anything he learns, Rez can force him to use however she wants.
>>6289528>She must teach ANTON some MAGIC!He's a dumb stinky dummy retard idiot. We're already SMART!!!
>>6289530>>6289534>>6289554>MAGIIIIIIICCCCC!>>6289531>TELL ME MORE!Will write tomorrow morning, most likely! Today got busy, to say the least
Right, you huff, turning your attention away from the delightful sound of Anton curled up and whimpering on the floor back over to your supplicant, WHEN you win you want her to teach him some MAGIC. Good stuff too, nothing silly.“L-like…” Toppel mutters as she struggles to pick the right words, “Like HEALING MAGIC?”No, you frown, too wimpy. And useless–AnTWIT here clearly regenerates. Watch.“Nghh…. U-urrrrrrgh…”… It just takes a while, you add with a flip of your hair. Do we have a CONTRACT? The Gnok’s eyes light up at the last word!“A CONTRACT!? A REAL DEVIL CONTRACT!? Y-YES! Yes, of COURSE, A THOUSAND TIMES OF COURSE! I-”Alright, no need to make it a thing. Oh, and she’ll have to make it SNAPPY, too–you don’t want to spend more than a thread in this buffoonish burg. Too dry.“Well I suppose I could impart some magic upon him…” Muses the mage as she glances over at a still very-not-regenerated Anton, “B-but surely you’d be willing to stay f-”Nope, you frown, too dry! Taking a seat on the corner of your minion’s diced desk, you look her in the eyes and study what little of her expression you can see! One more thing, you purr: you want to know about her DARK MASTER. Toppel’s cheeks flush.“W-well,” She stammers as she averts your steely gaze, “H-how does one describe the fury of a volcano? The MIGHT of a storm? The BEAUTY of a thousand gems-”All true. All VERY true, you interject with a flick of your tail, but you’re talking about her OTHER master. What was his name again, AnTOOL?“T-Trier… blgh…” Yea, that one.The Gnok’s eyes widen as uncanny horror takes root in her expression! “... D-Dark Mistress, I um…. It would be a very, very bad idea to speak idly about the Archmage in his own Tower-”It’s a very, very bad idea to refuse your whims, you fire back with a crack of your tail! Anton! Slap her!And just like that, the mage’s fear fades into… well, whatever you call it when she addresses you. “B-BUT MISTRESS! Only the sting of YOUR claw could enact just punishment for my transgressions-”You don’t wanna touch her, you reply with a snarl. And don’t call me BUTT MISTRESS!“This… feels dirty.” Grumbles Anton as he shuffles over to the mage.HE’S gonna feel dirty… when you BURY HIM ALIVE! Turning from you to Toppel, Anton prefaces the impending abuse with a soft ‘sorry…’ before giving the mage a weaker slap than you would have liked…… but totally expected. What a cream puff, that Anton… Now then, you continue with a predatory glimmer in your eye, Trier. Tell us everything you know. Plans. Weaknesses. Flavor. Go.>CONTD.
>>6289848“He’s working with the Cartel, right?” Adds Anton as his uncertain gaze meets yours. “What’s-”“H-he is…” Stammers the sorceress in a hushed tone, “And he’s old… VERY, very old… Umberal is like his body, and… and he does everything he can to preserve it-”All three of you freeze up at the distant sound of something… squirming further down the hall. The Cartel, you murmur, your ears perked up in search of subsequent sounds, what’s their deal?“P-p-people…” Toppel stammers, “In exchange, their leader is… p-protected…”“From what?” Anton asks in an almost reverent tone! “Please tell us!”The squirming draws closer. Powerful though you may be, you sense an invisible weight resting upon your shoulders as your breath begins to cloud in front of you!Toppel hesitates as the creeping darkness slithers into the mage’s office. “D-DEATH…”A few whispers leave the girl’s lips… and then you’re GONE!You emerge a moment later in another time… another place! The air is oddly devoid of any scents, but the air is thick with a miasma that almost drifts through you as it passes!“Phew…” Mutters your mage as she floats in the air a few feet ahead of you, “What part of ‘It’s DANGEROUS’ do you not understand!? This pocket dimension will give us a little more privacy, but that’s all! A LITTLE!”“So Trier has an eye on everything in Umberal, huh?” Remarks Anton as what little strength he has slowly returns to his body, “Scary stuff…”“Look, you don’t get far in the Mage Community without a few tricks,” Shrugs the sorceress as she pointedly adjusts her triangular monocle! “And Trier, well… I can’t say a lot without earning his attention, but he puts Umberal first, and that’s enough for me!” She shoots you both a sly glance. “And trust me: if he wants to see you, he’ll see you. Only a matter of time.”Is that why he brought us to her, then, you ask with a deepening scowl! Some kind of test of patience? Toppel cocks her head to the side.“... What are you talking about, Dark Mistress? You didn’t come of your own accord? I thought you were visitors to Trimbault.”“No,” Anton frowns, “We were… we were in the Museum, actually-”“Th-THE MUSEUM?!” Sputters the sorceress! “That’s on the other side of Umberal! S-so… so the Archmage, he…”Her eyes light up with renewed excitement! “He wants me to complete my project! My magnum opus! PROJECT F!”With a flourish in the air, Toppel intones a series of rapid incantations as the smooth marble-like floor below you trembles with arcane activity!>CONTD.
>>6289849“ARCHMAGE TRIER!” She cries as a presence begins to materialize in the center of the polished platform, “BEAR WITNESS TO THIS GORY GALA… AND THE BIRTH OF A NEW RACE OF PERFECT, UNDYING SOLDIERS! FORGED IN SANGUINE SORCERY… AND DEMONIC FLAMES!”A crack of lightning heralds the arrival of the conjurer’s champion in the center of your austere arena… and as the crackle of thunder and lightning fizzles away and Toppel’s breath turns heavy, your eyes meet with a pair of glowing red globes…“BEHOLD!” She announces with a menacing cackle, “My bothersome brother Obber… now the perfect blend of strength and sorcery! A creature that needs no food, water, or sleep… merely the blood of its enemies!”A pair of polished fangs glisten as the sorceress’ sibling sneers at you! No doubt about it, you think as you meet its fearsome gaze with one of your own, this thing has power behind it!… Still oughta’ be easy though.Anton blinks with the usual obliviousness illustrated in his expression. “... Did you make a vampire? That’s a vampire, right?”Toppel frowns. “Pfft! ‘Vampire’... What kind of a droll name is that!? No, dear boy… this… is a SANGUIPHAGE!”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsWtQ5SDQY8You crack your shoulders as your opponent does the same.“The wager still stands, of course!” Toppel announces as she drifts lazily above the battlefield and Anton takes a seat in one of the corners, “No need to hold back, Dark Mistress… every blow is valuable data!”With a snap of the witch’s fingers the two of you are off like a pair of fury-fueled fighter jets! No holding back… show them what a devil can do! HAIL TO THE QUEEN!>Roll me 1d100+2 (+10 Demonic Fury! -8 Sanguiphage Fury!) to draw first blood! Best of 3!
Rolled 76 (1d100)>>6289850Crazy hoe.
Rolled 64 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6289850Crazy woman. Fuckin' hell. Guess staying in the dark all the time isn't great for the mind.
Rolled 79 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6289850
>>6289851>>6289856>>6290008>HIGHEST ROLL: 81!As expected of REZALITH! Writing!>>6289851>>6289856She's not crazy, guys! Toppel's just... she's just really enthusiastic, okay? And she just wants to give Rezzie the respect and treatment she deserves! And if, y'know, that ends up with them going out for ice cakes and a long night out on the town, well... t-that's just data-collection!
You reach your opponent first, not that there was any doubt! Closing in as the air in the aether whips past your cheeks, time slows to a crawl as you lock eyes with your bloodsucking opponent!A mage’s hobby project. Few words adequately describe the shame of it all… yet as a change in the wind tells you your foe’s arms are moving to strike, you pause:Old Rezalith would have treated this fight like what it is: an insult. Base, really. But you’re no longer OLD Rezalith. You’re NEW REZALITH! With MAGIC! KNOWLEDGE!… and FRIENDS that care about your well-being… eugh, it stings to even THINK it, but it gives you pause! You misjudged Anton based on his weak and mewling exterior–look how THAT worked out! And the GREATER DEMON… If you had rushed into that clearing, well…You sense an opening in the Sanguiphage’s defenses… but you let it pass and dive low instead! Charging blindly into the assault… that’s OLD REZALITH! And now?You’re BETTER!The gamble pays off–a sinewy arm tears through the darkness towards where your head just was! Sensing your chance, you whip around mid-flight and deliver a devastating strike to the creature’s side, sending the Sanguiphage crashing across the marble like the patellas you used to skip across THE SEA OF SCARS! “THAT’S IT, REZZIE!” Anton cheers from the corner! “Show ‘em how it’s done!”You’d be lying if you didn’t feel a slight flutter in your chest… Bloodlust, probably. Totally normal!“Ah! Incredible~” Coos Toppel, the mage squirming with delight as she watches you from above! “But it’s far from over! Obber! RECOVER!”Oh no you DON’T! Bounding after the bloodsucker, you nearly misstep when your opponent ricochets off of the floor and launches himself your way with his steaming, toothy maw agape and fangs extended for a bite!Planting your foot on his feathered head, you kick with all your might and send him crashing into the ground like a sharp-toothed meteorite and sending you soaring into the air!“Oh, MISTRESS!” Groans the mage, “GRACE! POISE! SUBLIME BEAUTY IN THE DANCE OF DEATH~”You’re starting to get the feeling this is going beyond standard worship. N-not that you don’t know what worship is like, though! You have SO many followers! THOUSANDS, really–they just don’t know it yet!>CONTD.
>>6290051Anywho, you don’t want to seem weak–better wrap this up quickly. You could burn your foe to ashes with HELLFIRE, of course, or simply eviscerate them, but you DID pick up a few spells from your meeting with that old king or whatever… though you’d rather not show your hand with… with your OLD MASTER watching through Anton’s eyes and ears… not yet, anyway.Better keep it simple, if at all!What do?>HELLFIRE!>Tear this thing to shreds!>Pick something up and CRUSH this kook!>Throw them into The Void!>CREEPING HORROR (Blankets an area with existential DREAD!)>LIGHTNING BOLT!>ICE STORM!>CHARM!>SHIELD!>ACID ARROW!>MAGE HAND!>INVISIBILITY!>Write-In something else painful!
>>6290053>Pick something up and CRUSH this kook!Ideally so it can crawl out of the eat that girl when it's all said and done. This thing was supposed to be her brother, right? That would be ironic.
>>6290051Whew. That fight choreography! Now that's what I can SAKUGA!>>6290053>HELLFIRE!Try the old standby first.
>>6290053>PICK SOMETHING UP AND CRUSH IT>IF IT STILL MOVES, BURN IT
>>6290053>Pick something up and CRUSH this kook!
>>6290054>>6290122>>6290134>CRUUUUUUUSSHHH!!!!>>6290063>FROLLO>>6290122>ALSO BURN THEIR ASS IF THE CRUSHING DOESN'T WORK>Roll me 1d100-2 (+10 Demonic Fury!, -9 Sanguiphage Fury!, -3 Fast Target!) to crush this creep! Best of 3!
Rolled 80 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6290268I CAST ROCK
Rolled 8 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6290268I CAST CRUSH
Rolled 54 (1d100)>>6290268
>>6290269>>6290272>>6290294>HIGHEST ROLL: 78!Will write after work! WATCH OUT!
Tch, magic. You’ve got a tried-and-true spell in mind already: EARTH MAGIC!Leaning into a lazy backflip mid-flight, you scour the area for something you can use to bury this bozo with… Surprise, surprise, you can’t see anything! You hate this plane. There’s Anton, of course… He’s pretty boney, maybe his freakish skeleton would poke this Sanguiphage into submission?No… AnTURD is far too weak! You’d swing him once and he’d burst into vapor! He’s just a walking, gawping pile of disappointments, isn’t he? You’ll have to kick him once you’re done here!Then there’s the mage. You wouldn’t mind reducing her to a vapor, but you’re sensing some energy crackling off of her–a shield, perhaps? It’s a moot point anyways–annihilating her would also destroy any chance of Anton learning some new spells, and he could clearly use some! The pickings, as they used to say at the CHAA’TAI COMMUNITY GOREFEASTS, are slim… but like they ALSO used to say at the CHAA’TAI COMMUNITY GOREFEASTS, if there isn’t enough… just make more!Finishing your flip with a flap of your wings, you dart after the bloodsucking baddie fast enough to make your eyes sting! Good thing, too–seeing your approach, the Sangiphage greets you by opening its mouth and sending a swarm of buzzing, hissing critters in your flight path! Tucking your wings in, you dive through the deluge and just barely miss your target when he somersaults away upon hitting the floor!You weren’t aiming for him, though, not that that wouldn’t have been a good way to end things! Slamming into the ground, you feel the masonry shift beneath your feet as it explodes into chunks of rubble and sends a thick plume of dust and debris into the air! If the smokescreen irritates your enemy, he doesn’t show it, but no matter! Bursting out from the cloud with a chunk of rubble bigger than you, you pirouette like a dancer and deliver a blow that could liquefy bone into the fiend’s side!“HaHA! That’s the way, Obber!” Croons Toppel as you realize your attack was blocked by the beastie’s forearms, “Such impressive strength, even against a demon!”“I can’t see aaaanythiiiing…” Anton whines.Impressive… if you were a FLEDGELING THAT IS! If he’s so good at blocking your attacks, then you’ll just have to see how long he can keep it up! Swinging the rubble like a greatsword, you batter your opponent’s defenses, hammering against them like a mallet forging a blade!You’ve got him on the run–chasing Obber across the arena and pounding against his defenses, he still manages to block the brunt of your blows! Even changing up your directions and targets, the damned bloodsucker is just too FAST... >CONTD.
>>6290428“Yes, YES! Wear her down, dear!” Cheers the sorceress as she drifts above you like a cloud! “Brains AND brawn! An apex predator for a new age!”Brains… that’s IT! Baiting another swing at her brother’s hip, you swiftly pivot away as he moves to defend himself and leap into the air! Using your momentum and the arc of your swing, you bring the chunk of rubble CRASHING down upon the bloodsucker’s head… and, by extension, his BRAIN! Connections!Buried beneath your barrage like a stake in the dirt, your opponent is helpless to resist as you go to town on his unprotected dome… and just when you’re about to drive him all the way through the arena floor, you feel a pair of gnarled claws catch your weapon mid-fall!A faint rumble is all you feel before your makeshift cudgel is rent asunder by the bloodsucker’s claws! Before you can react, your side is met by one of the pieces of your crumbling club! Ducking the next attack, you dance away from the doofus as he rushes to smack you again…will he EVER lea-You blinked… and you missed it. One second he was in front of you, the next he wasn’t! Whether it’s magic, speed, or something else you can’t quite comprehend, but a panicked ‘REZZIE! DUCK!’ shakes you out of your sudden stupor!>Roll me 1d100-3 (+10 Demonic Fury! -10 Sanguiphage Fury! -3 H-HAIYAI!) for reasons! Best of 3!
Rolled 49 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6290430
Rolled 59 (1d100)>>6290430Kurayzy
Rolled 77 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6290430NGGHHH
>>6290438>>6290439>>6290470>HIGHEST ROLL: 74!TRICKSTER! Writing
What the HELLS is a Du-wait a moment, that’s what AnTWIT always says when he wants everyone to–!!!You dip low just in time to feel a pair of debris chunks slam together just above your horns! Dropping prone, you take your foe by surprise with a mule kick to the chest that sends him reeling!You don’t give him a chance to recover, especially knowing how quick he can move! Taking off like a bullet, you snatch him up by the throat, but blink in shock as he does the same to you! Soaring high above the arena, your attempt at choking the life out of the Sanguiphage is cut short once you realize he’s no worse for wear… but you’re starting to feel the pressure!“Toe-to-toe with a DEVIL!! AH~ what a glorious display!”Like HELLS it is! Swatting his claw away from your throat, you grit your teeth as Obber swings his arm back around and rakes his gnarled nails across your face! Grabbing him by the wrist, you grit your teeth and rattle his braincase with a gruesome headbutt… to which he returns the favor!“C-C’MON, REZ!” Shouts Anton from far below, eyes wide with worry, “SHOW ‘EM WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF!”You hate to admit it, but he’s RIGHT! You’re giving this abomination way too much credit! Reciprocating his headbutt with another one of your own, you can’t help but gasp as he meets you halfway! Your heads slamming together like two roaring waves, all you can do is bring your head back for another!AND ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER!>Roll me 1d100-2 (+12 DEMONIC FURY! -11 SANGUIPHAGE FURY!, -3 HE’S FAST!) to get aHEAD! Best of 3!
Rolled 65 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6290484Geez...four rolls...this magic better be worth it
>>6290486The magic was inside you all along, anon :)
Rolled 53 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6290484Bonk
Rolled 26 (1d100)>>6290484You can win it, Rez.
>>6290486>>6290491>>6290493>HIGHEST ROLL: 63!Of COURSE she can! She's REZALITH!!!! And don't worry--she won't have to roll for much longer! Writing!
You’ve never been one to back down from a challenge… not here, not in CHAA’TAI, not ANYWHERE! A manic grin forms on your face as you lean in harder with each headbutt–relishing every bit of sting in your skull as you connect with the Sanguiphage’s!WEAK! FLIMSY! PATHETIC! With each blow you feel your opponent grow weaker in your grasp… and as Toppel and Anton watch with baited breath and wide eyes, you tighten your grip around the fanged fool’s throat and deliver a decisive blow that would have sent him tumbling to the ground had you not been holding him!“StuPENDOUS!” Chirps the mage as she drifts at a safe distance, “Simply STUPENDOUS, Dark Mistress~ Oh, Obber, you flimsy little blockhead…”Tightening your grip around her brother’s neck as he desperately tries to claw your face, you thrust upwards with a powerful flap of your wings… and prepare for a rough landing!You don’t even bother slowing down as you dive towards the arena–after all, your opponent will have more than enough padding! Grinning from cheek to cheek, you barely notice as the freaky foe laps at what little blood you shed in the fight! Squinting as the air whips through your hair and against your face, you brace yourself to meet the ground and put this battle to an en-“IMPENETRABLE ORB.”A cry dies in your throat as you watch Rezzie and her opponent just kinda… freeze mid-fall! Blinking in confusion, you turn your worried gaze towards the vampire’s creator… and find her with a completely new aura about her!“HEY!” Snarls the devil as she pounds against the inside of her invisible prison, “What gives!?”Toppel replies with a menacing laugh as she stares down Rezalith and her creation like a cat eyeing a hamster in an unguarded cage! “YOU’LL give, ‘Dark Mistress’. Quite a bit, in fact!” Adjusting her monocle, the mage drifts away as Rezzie hocks a glob of HELLFIRE against the inside of the orb! “Do you know how valuable a pureblood DEVIL is to a mage?” She muses with a sultry grin! “A being of almost PURE magical power… why, with the right conditions, I would never have to sweat a drop again!” Her brow furrows with malicious intent. “And if I could find a way to eliminate the Archmage once and for all, well-”“What the HELLS are you doing, ANTURD!?” Snarls Rezzie, her muffled abuse still hitting your ears! “Burn her to ashes! C’mon already! DO IT!”Way ahead of ya! Your contacts sizzle a bit as you feel a familiar heat rush into your eyes… and a few motes of flame dance along your fingertips!>CONTD.
>>6290496“Oh? Now THIS is peculiar indeed…” Muses the mage as she dips lower to get a glimpse at you! “... You’re no Gnok, are you? Quite a bit of surprises tod-”CAN IT, GEEK! Hurling your Eldritch Armaments at the sorceress, you curse yourself under your breath as she blinks out of existence…“Shame you didn’t reveal this little trick sooner–I’d’ve caught you too!”And right behind you! LIMBOING under a spell aimed at the back of your head, you instinctively scamper away as you feel an unseen force tug at your eyelids!“Damn it, AnTWIT…” Groans your friend in between delivering some well-deserved kicks to Obber’s side, “You’ve got WAY more power than you think you do! Think BIG, you simpleton!”“Not too big, now~” Purrs Toppel as energy collects in her claw stretched out at her side, “This won’t take long.”https://youtu.be/YrznkrQ_VJsShe’s right… gotta THINK! THINK!What comes to mind?>A BRILLIANT BEAM!>A HUMMING BLADE!>A BOILING FOUNTAIN!>QUICK, PRECISE DARTS!>A GROUND-RATTLING SHOCKWAVE!>MOLTEN ARMOR!
>>6290514Yep, knew it, it was a trap.>A BOILING FOUNTAIN!She seems to be able to blink around. This looks like an AOE attack to me.
>>6290517Sorceresses, man...
>>6290514>A BRILLIANT BEAM!ANTON BEAM!!!
>>6290514>A BOILING FOUNTAIN!
>>6290517>>6290690>FOUNTAIN!>>6290568>ANTON BEEEMUUUULooks like lots of hot gushing wins, you degenerates. Gonna write this later today--got more people visiting this weekend so expect delays!
The hairs on your neck bristle as you sense a spell on the way! Darting to the side just in time to avoid an acrid-scented explosion that showers the ground in hissing goo, you nearly stumble over yourself when you just barely hop over a SECOND spell! And a THIRD! A FOURTH!“Spry little fellow, aren’t you?” Remarks your foe as she blinks into the air in front of you! LIMBOING just in time to avoid a cone of stone-cold spikes to the face, your Hellish counterattack comes far too late! Rising to fling more flames from your fingertips, you realize she’s already long gone…“Not a demon, either… but something else…”… and just over your shoulder! A resounding BOOM batters your eardrums as you’re flung across the arena, your face skidding along the marble as the mage reappears above you with a gloating grin!“Care to share with the class, hmm?”Debris tumbles to the ground as something gathers around Toppel’s arm… but before you can guess what it is, she brings the whole thing CRASHING down to the ground in front of you! Thrown into the air once more, you catch Rezalith groaning in disappointment as you tumble gracefully back onto your face… this jerk is TOYING with you!Peeling yourself off the floor, you just barely manage to bring out your MAGIC SHIELD in time to deflect a trio of crackling projectiles! “No wonder your demon asked me to train you!” Giggles the Gnok as she blinks around you peppering your shield with projectiles, “One measly little fire spell? How droll~”You’re too focused on intercepting the sorceress’ spells to notice what’s going on beneath you… and when you finally realize the rumbling at your feet isn’t your empty stomach, y-https://youtu.be/2iZsz0K_OxAA GEYSER rips through the marble below you like a shark breaching the water–its boiling-hot water burning your buns as it lifts you high into the air!An unseen hand snatches you up by the neck at the apex of your flight as its arcane owner poofs into existence right in front of you with fresh smugness in her eyes!“Really, now… it’s no fun if you can’t fight back! How about we head back to my tower, hm? Have some more tea? Run a few experiments?”Anger wells up within you as you struggle to escape the Gnok’s grasp… think… BIG…“I just want to hear those three magic words first~” She purrs as your teeth rattle heralding the approach of another spell! “’I… Give…’”Too slow… too inaccurate… blasts… geyser…THAT’S IT!>CONTD.
>>6290916The few orbs you conjure coalesce in your hand like drops of rain on a window… and with all the fury you can muster, you send their combined power bursting from both of your hands like a roaring river!“Hang on-”https://youtu.be/ARwUoFn8LTASearing heat washes over your captor like a tidal wave, filling the air with an acrid, almost medical smell as something crackles beneath the demonic deluge! Feeling the Hermetic hold lift from your head, you’re once again entrusted to gravity and begin to plummet towards certain pain!“NO FAIR!” Cries the sorceress as she rematerializes a few feet away with a pout on her face, “What the HELL are you anyways!?”Spinning like a top mid-fall to avoid her magical missiles, you wait until you can almost HEAR the ground approaching before you send another fiendish fountain pouring from your hands! To your great (and VERY MUCH welcome) surprise, you’re pushed up and away from where the geyser impacts, sending you tumbling a few feet away just beneath the menacing mage! Sensing your schemes, she teleports away again… but you know her game now!Rematerializing behind you only to get ANOTHER geyser to the gob, the Gnok is blasted away like a kid in front of a fire hose–whatever it is shielding her fizzling and crackling under duress!You’re ANTON THE UNDYING, you declare with a cheeky grin! ILLUSIONIST! Turning your attention over to an awestruck Rezzie, you send a wink the girl’s way!Leave this phony to me!“Ph-PHONY!?” Snarls the sorceress as the faintest of blushes appears on Rezalith’s face (and a HUGE one forming on the Sanguiphage’s), you decide to do just that! How do you take out this trash?NEW MOVE: HELLGEYSER! You can coalesce flame orbs in your hands... and send them blasting into your foes like a geyser! You can even launch yourself, if you're smart about it!PASTEBIN: https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA>Heat up some THROWING KNIVES and chuck em’ her way!>Bait her in close… then use your CURVED BLADE!>This HELLGEYSER move is good… let’s put it to good use!>You’ve got plenty of HELLFIRE ORBS… make her dance a bit!>Bait an attack, then reflect it with your MAGIC SHIELD!>Write-In!
>>6290919>Bait her in close… then use your CURVED BLADE!She already saw our magic shield. She thinks we're a magic man. Which will make it all the more surprising when we beat her over the head with a sword.
>>6290919>Heat up some THROWING KNIVES and chuck em’ her way!She'll be expecting spellcraft, not a physical attack! Probably!
>>6290919>Heat up some THROWING KNIVES and chuck em’ her way!HOT METAL.
>>6290953>>6291013>KNIFE PLAN, MAN!>>6290952>THE BLAAAADELet's cut to the chase!>Roll me 1d100-2 (+2 Loose Footwork, +2 Lotsa Knives, +2 Hellishly Hot!, -4 Magical Shielding, -4 Speedy Sorceress) to show her how KNIFE you can be! Best of 3!
Rolled 21 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6291062KNIVZES TO MEAT U
Rolled 39 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6291062
Rolled 79 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6291062Come on
>>6291126
>>6291126I KNEEL
>>6291064>>6291091>>6291126>HIGHEST ROLL: 77!Whoof, nice save! Should have more free time tomorrow, Dark Dorks, so expect an update early in the Sunday AM! Thanks for being so patient!
As you cook up some more burning justice in your hands, Toppel doesn’t wait around for an encore! Slamming the ground in front of her sends a quake rippling through the arena along with several thick chunks of earth that her eyes disappear behind!“SEEKER BARRAGE!”Do mages have to shout out their attacks like that, or is it just a tic? You’ll have to ask later.A sound akin to a magical machine gun echoes from behind what you can only assume is a wall of rock, but you’ve already got a plan! With a handful of THROWING KNIVES in hand, you dart forward just in time to avoid the beginning of the barrage! Zig-zagging towards your quarry, you leapfrog over a crackling projectile and use your newfound ability to launch yourself into the air like a burning clay pigeon!Soaring like an eagle over the earthy obstacles, you lock eyes with the mischievous mage as the rest of her attacks go wide!“O-HO! FOOLISHNESS, THROUGH AND THROUGH!” Toppel flashes you a cheeky grin as you feel the air tremble around you! “YOU’RE BEATEN! OSPMAAN’S-”You never find out what spell OSPMAAN whipped up, and it’s all thanks to the dagger you chuck at the kooky caster! In any other situation it probably would have bounced off, but with the added heat of HELLFIRE the burning blade slams against the unseen aegis surrounding the sorcerer with a resounding ‘CLANG’!The poor girl is far too stupefied by your attack to dodge the second one, but by the time you chuck another she’s already poofed out of existence!“A bold attempt, but-”‘CLANG!’‘POOF!’“H-HEY! Stop that! This shield won’t buck-”‘CLANG!’‘POOF!’“Oh, REAL mature! Well you can’t keep landing EVERY thro-”‘CLANG!’‘POOF!’“HOW MANY OF THOSE DO YOU HAAAAVE?!?”As you finish your flight by landing with a flourish, you realize a couple of things: Toppel can’t seem to cast when she’s busy teleporting… and her eyes are starting to look a little tired! Poofing out of thin air above you, she raises her arms above her head with a manic look on her face!“PLAYTIME IS OVER! OSPM-”‘CLANG!’‘POOF!’“AAAAUGH!!!!”In a last-ditch attempt to end your endless knife-throwing, Toppel descends upon you like a hawk, the air around her crackling with fierce, otherworldly energy!Her shield’s weak though… it’s now or never! What’s your decisive blow!?>Fire orbs! Cook through that shield!>Hellgeyser her into the air!>Stick a blade straight through that shield!>Magic shield! Let her slam right into it!>NO-SELL! Step aside and let her faceplant (Warning: big Kayfabe violation)>Hungry, RED?>Write-In!
>>6291959>NO-SELL! Step aside and let her faceplant (Warning: big Kayfabe violation)We're an comedical unlikely underdog, breaking kayfabe is part of our kayfabe.
>>6291959>NO-SELL! Step aside and let her faceplant (Warning: big Kayfabe violation)What is stepping aside, but LIMBO on another axis?
>>6291968Ha ha you guys are really getting the hang of this LIMBO tech, I love it
>>6291959>NO-SELL! Step aside and let her faceplant (Warning: big Kayfabe violation)F U N N I
>>6291962>>6291968>>6291978>NO-SELL!Extremely unprofessional Anton move here nglAnyways writing
… Do hawks have teeth? You don’t think so, but you coulda swore some birds had SOME kind of-“YOU’RE BEATEN! KNOW YOUR PLAAAA-”https://youtu.be/iDLmYZ5HqgMOpe, you’ll have to think about Bird Teeth later–looks like the crazy lady didn’t have a plan to slow her fall. Shame, that. By the time she’s done peeling her face off the floor, you’ve already got a handful of flames and a blade in your other–both of which couldn’t miss her even if you tried!“Ngh… D-don’t think you’ve… won…” Grumbles the Gnok as she shoots you a defiant glare! “For power, I’ll fight for as long as it TAKES! Setbacks… injuries… not even DEATH will stop TOPPEL GRANSII from acquiring the power she DESERV-”You can’t feel your teeth rattle anymore, you nonchalantly remark, does that mean her shield’s gone? The sorceress’ eyes go wider than a Chytree’s.“O-OBBER! HEEL-”The two of you shoot a glance at the caged combatants to find that not only is the orb containing them gone, but that Rezzie didn’t even wait to land before introducing her boot to the bothersome brother’s braincase!“SLIPPERY BUFFOON!” She snarls menacingly as a sad-faced Sanguiphage slowly sinks deeper into the ground with each kick, “THAT’S for being stuck in an ORB with me!”As the cold, unforgiving reality of the situation settles into Toppel’s previously prideful expression, the Gnok spends a quiet moment to weigh her few options before scrambling into what you assume is her kneeling at your feet!“PLEASEDON’TKILLMEPLEASEDON’TKILLMEPLEASEDON’TKILLMEALLIHAVEWAITINGFORMEISAPETTOTTAATHOMEANDMYIMBECILELAYABOUTBROTHERBUTNOWHE’SASANGUIPHAGEANDIHAVESOMANYTHINGSIWANTEDTOSEEANDDOANDFEELSOPLEASEPLEASPLEA-”It becomes hard to hear what she’s saying after that–you’ve dealt with enough drunk customers before to know that her face is probably pressed against the ground again. You already have a vague idea of what Rezzie will want to do with this one-“STOP COWERING WHEN I KICK YOU!”But a mage in the hand is worth, like, two in the bush? That’s another expression you should look up when you get home–what’s the deal with the bush?Anywho, what do? You might not wanna go overboard–she’s still pretty unstable.>Ice this broad!>Gimme some MAGIC!>Tell us about Trier!>Her brother. You want him!>She’s coming with YOU!>Take us to Trier!>Find our friends!>Tell me something! (What?)>Gimme all your stuff!>Write-In!
>>6292138>Gimme some MAGIC!>Tell us about Trier!Uphold the original deal, damn it!and...>Take us to Trier!>Find our friends!Normally I'd aim for the Spicys first, but if we leave Toppel alone she'll tip her boss off... And I don't trust her enough to keep her around long, either.
>>6292138>Gimme some MAGIC!>Tell us about Trier!The more magic we have, the cooler we are. The cooler we are, the more we can get CUTE GIRLs to fruitlessly yearn for us while we stick to our catwife.Also, Trier's important.
>>6292138>Gimme some MAGIC!>Tell us about Trier!We can think about stuff like getting back to our friends after that.
>>6292146Okay, but hear me out, what if, we used our cool magic, to duplicate Anton so each girl can have her own instead of having to fruitlessly yearn for him?
>>6292188The world can't handle multiple Antons, much less ONE, anon...
>>6292193Yes, but consider this>Happy Volka>Happy Rezzie>Happy TT
>>6292145>MAGIC!>TRIER!>AND THEN TRIER AND OUR FRIENDS, BUTTHEAD!>>6292146>>6292187>TRIER!>MAGIC!Writinggggggggg>>6292197But... but would ANTON be happy
>>6292228>But... but would ANTON be happyWhich Anton? Anton "Father of 100 Kits" Peas, Anton "Keeper of Green Cinnamon Buns" Peas, or Anton "Demon Queen's Personal Stress Ball" Peas?
>>6292231The last one in particular would probably not be very happy.
>>6292245That's because Queen Rez violently murders anyone who finds out about the part where she kisses him better.
>>6292248You'd better start running, Anon... I... I think she read what you wrote..
>>6292249She may strike me down, but she will never stop me from shipping AntRez.
Let’s start over, you interject with a steely stare, TRIER. What does she know? When it becomes evident that you don’t intend to light her up like a Christmas Tree, the Gnok meets your gaze with her own tear-slaked eyes!“I-If he finds out that I t-told y-”Welp. Hey Rez, want a sna-“WAITWAITWAITWAITWAAAAIT!” She sputters with a wild look in her eyes, “I… I can’t tell you much-”Rez-“BUUUUT I can tell you some things!” Toppel sputters with a shaky smile! Letting Rezalith return to kicking her new chew toy, you turn your attention (and mean glare) back upon your prisoner! She said something about getting rid of him.“I said NO such thing!” The mage mutters, trembling like a shaved cat in a blizzard! “But… but maybe I had, um… p-pondered… it? Once or twice, tops!” Placing her monocle back on her eye with a trembling claw, the Gnok continues in a hushed tone. “N-next to impossible… they say he’s died a few times already… how else could he still be in charge of the city? Man has countermeasures, I think… no mage can survive that long without them…”So what, you scoff, he has, like, ‘Body-Doubles?’ The Gnok nods!“Simulacra… extra vessels… maybe even a life or two stored away in a deep, dark barrow…” Hisses the Sorceress as you feel the pocket plane around you waver like a tent in a storm, “B-but we’ve ALL thought about it! Why am I getting singled out!? I just… with enough power, maybe I could…”Her complaints fall upon deaf ears as the uncanny feeling of being tossed around like a ball of yarn in cat’s claws settles into your gut–the small world around you rocking and rolling like a ship on a stormy sea! As you feel the reality around you peeling apart like old wallpaper, you lock eyes with Toppel–the look on her face telling you she’s about a minute away from being folded like a chair!MAGIC, you snap! Gimme some! Toppel answers with a noise akin to a cat being fed through a panini press!“AAACK! B-b-b-but I h-have to l-leave… N-NOW!”“HEY ANTIT! TELL THAT MAGICAL MORON TO STOP SHAKING THE PLANE! I CAN’T KICK HER DUMB PET AS HARD WHEN IT'S MOVING! IDIOT!”The sudden request is topped when you feel a pair of baggy-sleeved arms wrap around your legs!“I can give you s-something small, but… but if you let me go NOW I can reward you more later! P-please~” The sorceress whines as she pleads your ear off with watery eyes!Your SPELL options (CHOOSE 1!):>ICE BOLT!>STONESKIN!>MAGE HAND!>CHARM!>SUMMON FAMILIAR!>BLINK!>HEAT METAL!>LIGHTNING BOLT!>GREASE!>HASTE!>COUNTERSPELL!>LET HER GO AND GET SOMETHING BETTER LATER!
>>6292262And how do we know she's actually gonna Reward us later"?
>>6292262>COUNTERSPELL!The guy we're gunning for has spells, and we want to counter him, so...
>>6292265Rezzie will kick her ass if she doesn't... eventually! NO ONE CAN HIDE
>>6292262>LET HER GO AND GET SOMETHING BETTER LATER!Choosing this option so she tries to flee and Rezzie can hunt her down like a dog. I'm sure she'll enjoy it.
>>6292262>LET HER GO AND GET SOMETHING BETTER LATER!but have her make a deal with Rezzie so she can't just leave without losing her soul
>>6292262Bleh. I don't wanna do this but I also don't wanna tie.>LET HER GO AND GET SOMETHING BETTER LATER!
>>6292266COUNTERSPELL!>>6292282>>6292486>>6292495>LET HER GO NOW AND GET SOMETHING LATER!Ballsy, but that's just how Anton rolls, doesn't he? Will write up later in the day--new job starting this week! AAAIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEE
You’re not exactly keen on potentially creating another reoccurring rascal–lord knows one SALTY SUUTZ is more than enough–but the prospect of the terrified Toppel reducing your brain to mashed potatoes isn’t too choice either.Rez, you bark, prompting your favorite fiend to pause ever-so-briefly from burying a very distressed-looking Sanguiphage in the floor, come get this mage’s scent!Darting over with a befuddled look on her face, the devil shoots you a sidelong glance as she gives the sweating sorcerer a good whiff! “... Who told you I could track scents?”No one, you shrug, you just kinda assu–never mind, doesn’t matter! You know better than to answer THAT one, especially with the sour look creeping onto Rezalith’s face! Now, you add, struggling to keep your footing as you feel the plane rock around you like the inside of a washing machine, she can go… but if she tries to skip out on your wage-“YEPYEPYEPI’LLCONTACTYOUIFYOUDON’TIDIEBYE”A sensation akin to being YANKED offstage by one of those novelty canes grips you as you feel reality spin and stretch all along the way! Thankfully the alien sensation only lasts for a moment… but as you peel yourself off of a completely different floor, you can’t shake a sense of impending dread when a cruel realization forms after a minute devoid of verbal abuse:Rezzie’s GONE.It takes you a moment to realize you aren’t in Toppel’s office any more… far from it! Cracking your jaw back into place, you find yourself alone in…>A vast field of bitter-scented grass that comes up to your elbows…>A cramped, flooded tunnel with a persistent moldy humidity that rankles your nostrils…>Somewhere quiet… but when you dare to take a few steps, you stumble into a wall of what feels like the smooth, cold surface of a mirror… >A chunk of rubble barely more than a few steps wide… and the lurching sensation in your stomach tells you it’s drifting through a vast, empty expanse…Might be the only update tonight, Dark Dorks--brain's cooked from Day 1 of work today. Will hopefully have more gas in the tank tomorrow!
>>6292760>A chunk of rubble barely more than a few steps wide… and the lurching sensation in your stomach tells you it’s drifting through a vast, empty expanse…A rock floating through space? Sounds cool.
>>6292760>A chunk of rubble barely more than a few steps wide… and the lurching sensation in your stomach tells you it’s drifting through a vast, empty expanse…
>>6292760>Somewhere quiet… but when you dare to take a few steps, you stumble into a wall of what feels like the smooth, cold surface of a mirror… >>6292761>A rock floating through space? Anton's from Earth. Been there, done that, lol!
>>6292761>>6292886>>6292974>ROCK AND ROLL>>6292895>QUIET DOWN, WILL YA?Looks like the rock wins! Will write once work is done!
Dry, craggy rock threatens to trip you as it takes over for the polished marble in the Eldritch Arena from before… but every step you take is uneven… shaky! Like a vast, stony tightrope stretched across…… Well, good question, actually. It takes you a moment to realize you’ve been holding your breath, and when you dare to sniff the air your nose is met with an oppressively-cold, dry sample… like pressing your nose up against an industrial-strength air conditioner!Stranger still is the air around you–it stays still as you cautiously creep across the crags. Stagnant, even. In place of the smell of dead air, however, is a scent strikingly similar to MUSTARD–the tangy taste causing your nose to rankle in stunned shock!Your foot slips on a loose pile of gravel. Sliding into something resembling the splits, a fresh grimace forms on your face as you try to stifle the yelp welling up inside your throat-And then you hear it: an impossibly-deep rumbling noise somewhere between a bullfrog croak and a hiccup that reverberates across the vast abyss and sends an uncanny rattling through your bones!T-TRIER?You can’t see it, but you can sense it–a colossal entity drifting up through the murk towards your pithy little island like a monstrous sea jelly–the mustard scent now pungent enough to sting your nose and prick at your eyes!Rising above you like a droning mountain peak, your observer looms over you in deathly quiet judgement long enough for you to realize your heart is banging against your chest…“WE ARE THE GOD OF THIS REALM.”Oh. OH. Woah, so… wait, so are they Trier, or-“WE ARE NOT THE MAGE,” Booms the voice rattling around your skull, “WE SIMPLY ARE.”Neat, well okay then! Well it hasn’t tried to eat or stop you from moving yet… what do?>What are you doing here?>Where’s Trier?>What do you know about Teksouls?>The Spicys? Know ‘em?>Have you seen my pals?>What’s godhood like?>Where are we?>ATTACK!>LEAVE!>Write-In!
>>6293106Wait, hm, if this is like, his dimension, or something, I wonder if this is where he keeps those antimagic bombs.
>>6293106>What’s godhood like?>WRITE IN: Seen any antimagical stuff, my lad?
>>6293106>>Write-In!"Nice weather we have today, ain't we?"
>>6293187+1 to the conversational opener. Small talk is important!Then >>6293129 +1>>6293106
>>6293129>>6293187>>6293207>GODHOOD LIKE?>ANY ANTIMAGICAL STUFF?>NICE WEATHERWriting! Might be a while! Sit tight!
https://youtu.be/HCIXPHWM9SMWhen it becomes clear you aren’t gonna get smited… smote? Smittened? Whatever it is, your mind races with possibilities: what do you do? What do you SAY? Should you bow? Sacrifice something? A GOD! A real GOD! You always had your doubts, especially considering GREASE MONKEY exists, but here one is… as real as you are!… wait, ARE you real? Hey, maybe you can ask him! Or her! It! After a few intense moments of silent internal struggle, you land on an old, but amicable classic:Nice weather today, huh?You feel the rock beneath your feet quake as the GOD emits a deep, rumbling groan that shakes you to your core!“ONE OF THE MANY PRODUCTS OF MY GRAND SAGACITY…” The GOD intones, each syllable rattling your head like a maraca! “GOOD OF THOU TO NOTICE, MORTAL.”It’s uh… it’s a bit dry, you meekly remark, can he make it rain and stuff too? “OF COURSE!” Drones the deity, “A MERE TRIFLE… AN AMUSING QUESTION, FOR A MORTAL…” You feel your flimsy footing flutter beneath your feet as the gargantuan god lurches forward like an omnipotent glacier! “...IF NOT A TAD… IMPRUDENT…”Sensing you’ve slighted him somehow, you quickly fire back with a swift apology! You didn’t mean to peeve him off, you reply, your hands moving to make a plaintive gesture, you just… couldn’t he, like… show you? Just for a sec!“I CAN… BUT I SHALL NOT.” Intones the immortal with a hint of derisiveness in his tone! “MY DOMINION IS PERFECT… WHAT REASON DOTH I HAVE TO AMEND IT?”Alright, yea, that’s a decent point, you reply with a sagely nod… feeling the conversation slow to a soon-to-be-screeching halt, you decide to probe a little further into the creator’s cranium!So… what’s godhood like anyways? The GOD drifts a bit in quiet contemplation like an iceberg adrift in the night.“DULL,” He intones, “DREADFULLY, DREADFULLY DULL… FOR WHAT ELSE IS THERE WHEN ONE IS ALL-SEEING? ALL-KNOWING?”Games?“CHILDISH.”Err, creating life?“TOO NOISY.”Ooh, what about expanding the world? That sounds exciting!“AND DOUBLE THE TIME IT TAKES TO TRAVERSE MY ALREADY-PERFECT REALM? NAY, THIS ISLAND SUITS ME JUST FINE…”You’re about to make another suggestion when it hits you: wait… isn’t he omnipotent? An uneasy silence blankets the murky abyss.“... I HATH NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS… DO NOT TEST MY PATIENCE, MORTAL… THE MAGE KNOWS I AM NOT TO BE TRIFLED WITH… THOU WOULDST DO WELL TO LEARNEST FROM THEIR EXAMPLE…”… he CAN do God things, right?>CONTD.
>>6293310“I HATH A MIND TO ‘DO GOD THINGS’ RIGHT NOW, WHELP…” Grumbles the god as he looms over you like a hammer over a particularly-fragile teacup!Yea, sure… okay, you sigh as you feel a headache start to form, this mage: what does he do when he swings by? You’re guessing he doesn’t ask him to change the weather?“CERTAINLY NOT!” Scoffs the supreme being, “NAY… THE MAGE ONLY APPEARS WHEN HE SEEKS MY AROUSAL…”Your eyes go full Chytree! Ex-SQUEEZE ME!?“INDEED,” The God groans with a hint of pride in his booming baritone, “MINE DIVINE BARBELS SECRETE A DELIGHTFULLY-DIVINE NECTAR… A POWERFUL BOON INDEED, …” You can’t see any eyes, but you feel a hint of smugness emanating from the immortal. “BUT THEY ONLY OOZE WHEN MY INTEREST IS ADEQUATELY PIQUED… AH, WHAT A CURSE, DIVINITY…”Wait, so… so just to be clear, you mutter in a voice still very much rattled by confusion, he’s… he’s not talking about, y’know… AROUSAL arousal, right?The deity answers with a derisive snort, which is pretty weird when you feel it in your head, if you’re gonna be completely honest.“...GETST THOUST MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER.”Right, sorry… you’re the asshole for taking it that way… say, since you’re on the topic of the mage, has he noticed any kind of… ANTIMAGIC WEAPONS of any kind lying around?“NO, I’M CERTAIN I’D NOTICE IF A BASE, UNGODLY TRINKET SUCH AS THAT WAS STORED IN MY DESMENE…” Drones the demiurge with a dismissive click of… something. “THOUGH ON A SIMILAR SUBJECT, MINE DIVINE OOZE IS A POTENT WARD AGAINST ALL THINGS MAGIC…”… he’s just making stuff up now, isn’t he? The abyss shudders.“I’M A GOD. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?”Touche… well this has been enriching, but you’re starting to worry about your pals–knowing TT she’s probably already tried to pilfer half the museum… still, not every day you get to chat with a ‘god’... What’s next?>Can you get The Mage over here?>How about you prove you’re a god, hmm?>Surely you can bring my friends here, right?>Wanna see something neat? For some OOZE?>Let’s see how tough you are! ATTACK!>I gotta go, GOD. Seeya!>WRITE-IN!
>>6293311>WRITE-IN>Can you uh...send me back to where I was?I don't imagine we can just "leave"
>>6293311>What does Trier do with the ooze, anyway? Since your'e all-knowing and all, surely you know that?We need intel!
>>6293311>Can you do anything about this demon, Red, possessing me?
>>6293357Ooo, that's a good one, too... Except Red will hear it.
>>6293311>What does Trier do with the ooze, anyway? Since you're all-knowing and all, surely you know that?>Also how can I get out of here. Can you uh...send me back to where I was?
>>6293447>>6293316>>6293313>WHAT'S WITH THE OOZE?>CAN YOU SEND ME BACK?>>6293357>GET THIS ASSHOLE OUTTA MY HEAD!Writing! Gonna take a while because of work, so expect an update later in the afternoon, my dearies
https://youtu.be/4EC4yO5ckzEThis ooze, you begin in an unsure tone, wh-“THE DIVINE OOZE.”… Yea, you nod, that... What does Trier do with it? The Supreme Being continues to loom over you ominously!… Is he oka-“YES, YES… WHO IS THIS ‘TREEYUR’ YOU SPEAK OF?” A pause. “... NOT THAT I DON’T KNOW ALREADY, OF COURSE… I JUST KNOW OF SO MANY ‘TREEYUR’S AND-”The Mage, you huff, the one that comes to collect ooz-“OF COURSE… TRYER THE MAGE! YES, I HAD SUSPECTED THAT WAS THE ONE…” A sound akin to a mountain burping reverberates across the abyss! “WHAT DOTH I CARE WHAT A SUPPLICANT DOES? WHATEVER HIS PLANS ARE, THEY’RE FAR, FAR BELOW MY LOFTY, ENLIGHTENED MACHINATIONS…”You’ve hit a divine wall, that’s for sure… leaning in a little closer and donning your best ‘TT Face’, you try your best to pry a few bricks loose! C’moooon, he’s not even a LITTLE interested? He DOES know… right?You’re nearly knocked off your smug feet as GOD rumbles like a big-headed volcano! “UNCOUTH MORTAL! FLEETING RABBLEROUSER! WHO ART THOU TO DOUBT MY UNDOUBTABLE DIVINITY!?” You have half a mind to leap off the rumbling rock, but the other half tells you getting smitted will be a way quicker death than leaping into what very well might be an infinite abyss. Shame the GOD in question hasn’t charted it out!Gritting your teeth and hiding your money-maker behind your hands, you only dare to peek out once you feel the shaking subside!“... MY MAGNIFICENT MIND RECALLS HIM MENTIONING USING THE OOZE FOR SOME ‘PROJECT’…” Drones the deity like a clearly omniscient being, “SOME PITHY MORTAL BLATHERING ABOUT ‘PROTECTING TEKKANAZOULS’ OR SOMETHING-OR-OTHER… THOUGH WITH HOW MUCH THAT MAGE MUTTERS TO ITSELF YOU’D IGNORE IT TOO…”Magical protection for his army of magical whatchamacallits. You’d be feeling a lot safer if Trier’s ‘Teksouls’ didn’t make your skin crawl… you haven’t had the pleasure of tangling with one yet, but those cult goons you ran into on the train didn’t make their move until the Teksouls were taken outta’ commission…Your eerie thoughts are swept up by an even more unnerving one: if Trier has this thing cooped up for ooze harvesting… then what else is he kitting his private army out with?You don’t really wanna find out, but you aren’t gonna find much of anything out lingering around in here, are you? >CONTD.
>>6293694… Yea, no way. Dwarfed by GOD’S massive form, it dawns on you after a few moments of uncomfortable silence that this thing is in no rush to answer any of your questions… or prolong the conversation on its own. Hey, uh, you mutter, earning a groan from the god that nearly sends your island spinning even faster, any chance he could get you back into The Mage’s tower? With, y’know… his godliness?“TCH. MISERABLE MORTAL. YOU ENTER MY DESMENE, MOCK MY DIVINITY, AND NOW THOUST SEEKITH TO MAKE DEMANDS!?”The fuming GOD presses against the tiny island like a truck against a mailbox… with similar results! “THINE TRESPASSES NUMBER FAR TOO MANY, KNAVE! SUPPLICATE! KNEEL! LET THINE GRATITUDE FOR MINE MAJESTY SPILL OVER… OR SUFFER ITS DIVINEST OF WRATH!”A familiar, but not entirely welcome consciousness wriggles into your head. ”If this thing’s a god, pard, then I’m a plumber…”Your first god and you’ve already pissed it off. Not a good look for Anton Peas! Wrenched from your thoughts as you feel the stone shift beneath your feet, your mind goes into PANIC MODE as you decide to…>ENTERTAIN!>GROVEL!>FIGHT!>STAY SILENT! HE’LL THINK YOU DISAPPEARED!>INSULT!>WRITE-IN!
>>6293696>GROVEL!It may not be God, but we ARE in its house and we DO want a favor... Assuming it even has the means to send us back?
>>6293696>ENTERTAIN!WE'RE A MAGICIAN, RIGHTLET'S FUCKING JUGGLE!!! DO SOME MAGIC TRICKS (forma de not actual magic)
>>6293696>ENTERTAIN!We're just a silly little mortal.
>>6293698>PLEEEEEASSSEE>>6293711>>6293732>THE PRESTIGE!Time for the ole' RAZZLE-DAZZLE!>Roll me 1d100-3 (+2 Illusionist Initiate, +3 What I was MADE FOR, -7 Judgemental GOD, -1 Oh god what do I do) to show this God what you got! Best of 3! Might even through in a BONE-US if you have a good idea of what trick/entertaining thing to do in PITCH BLACKNESS! OOoOOOoH!!
Rolled 54 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6293808SHOW HIM THE POWER OF VENTRILOQUESTERSUDDENLY WE'RE HEREsuddenly we're on the other side of the room AND THEN WE'RE BACK AGAINno wait i'm over there again(All we're doing is messing with how distant our voice sounds)
Rolled 10 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6293808
Rolled 57 (1d100)>>6293808
>>6293816>>6293819>>6293823Not great nor terrible...
>>6293698>>6293711>>6293732Our priority should be the ooze, not leaving.So um, entertaining is supposed to work i think?And I also wonder whether Red is hungry... or does pluming.
>>6293816>>6293819>>6293823THE ROLLS:>54!YOWZA, just scritched by! Will write after work today... and maybe we'll actually get outta' this dang GOD'S REALM
It’s risky, you think as your little sliver of stability rocks beneath your shoes, but it’s the only chance you’ve got! Squaring your stance like a sumo wrestler, you take a long, deep breath as you begin to flex your vocal cords…!“PRESUMPTUOUS WRETCH!” The GOD snarls, his booming voice rattling you AND the island you’re struggling to stand on to your core, “BEGIN THINE PENANCE OR RECEIVE THINE JUDGMEN-”It’s Do-Or-Die time! With a crack of your neck, you close your eyes tight and begin what might be your very last performance… figures you’d get an audience like this!For the briefest of moments, the abyss grows silent: no rock creaking beneath you, no antiquated threats from GOD... just you.And your stage.‘eeey lookit me i’m anton peas and im over here now hehehe and now i’m over here woah how’d i get so high up’The deity’s breath catches in his undoubtedly colossal throat as your voice hops, skips, and leaps across the vast edges of the expanse like a pernicious pixie! “WHAT… WHAT SORCERY IS THIS!?” He snarls, stammering in disbelief! “EXPLAIN THYSELF, CHURL!”You don’t, of course. Cackling like a gremlin as you whisk your voice across the void, you don’t stop until the supreme being SLAMS a writhing limb the size of a bus onto the island’s edge… a move that thankfully doesn’t splatter you into a fine mist, but DOES launch you off the rock and screaming into the aether!“CEASE YOUR SORCERIES!”You would if you COULD! Flailing through the air like a squirrel slipping off a power cable, your eyes widen at the harrowing realization that you could be falling for a very, VERY long t--ime?The cold, dry climate of the infinite abyss gives way to an oppressive shroud of thick, smoky air that reeks of stale medicine, rotting paper… and rot. Like a baseball through a neighbor’s window, you find yourself crashing into a place wholly unfamiliar to you… and yet you can’t shake a persistent, haunting feeling:You should not be here!>CONTD.
>>6294162https://youtu.be/_oMu2xy1LAMA symphony of clanking cogs, bubbling brews, and churning machinery greets you as you struggle to regain your bearings, but above the discordant din rises another sound: a voice, you think: one second crackling and raspy, the next booming as if amplified by some kind of machine.“UNIts 280 thROUGh 475, ADjusT SWEEPing PAttERnS bY THReE BlOCKs–FOURTH QUADRANT REAPPLY OUTER SHIELDS–ACTIVE CASE 5066: puRSue BELLigEReNT: iNCreaSE TaRGEt DISTanCE By TWo STRideS, MAIntAIN SCRyING LOck suppLEMENtaRY UNIts ONE THROUGH eighT MAinTAIn TRackING DIsTANCE ANd RElaY TO purSUER UNiTS-”The commands come in constant, uninterrupted cant punctuated only by the occasional damp cough, gasping wheeze, or the occasional mechanical squawking sound akin to radio static. Taking a few cautious steps towards its source, you find the culprit drifting above like a police radio duct-taped to a lost balloon! Three massive flickering globes towering over you like lights on a Christmas Tree that should have been replaced years ago–their owner barely reacting even as you stand beneath his glowing gaze... Magical energy radiates from the mage, its overpowering energy causing you to violently tremble and squint as if he'd emptied an entire bottle of cologne over his head! You can practically TASTE it!“HASTE. POWER WORD KILL. MEtaMAGIcal AddENDUM: EXPAnd TARgET DIaMEter by 3 FeET ANd FOur inchES. WAit buT A MomENt–SWEEp MONorAIL CArS EIght ThROUGH ELEveN ANd CAchE ALl OBsERvatiONS TAKe A SEat!”No doubt about it, you think as the mage continues to float about the chamber, this is him: Mr. Umberal. Archmage of Trimbault Academy. One of four LORDS the devil sent you to destroy…ARCHMAGE TRIER. In the flesh.”Ant?” Mutters RED with uncharacteristic unease in his voice, ”Don’t even THINK of attacking this guy yet…”What do?>Confirm: is he Trier?>Ask about the Spicys!>Query about the Teksouls!>Inquire about your pals!>Take a seat and chill for a bit!>Chat with RED. What’s wrong?>LEAVE!>Write-In!
>>6294167>Chat with RED. What’s wrong?>LEAVE!I loathe to trust Red, but if *he* says something is a bad idea, I ain't gonna try to prove him wrong.
>>6294171+1
>>6294171>>6294246>CHAT WITH RED.>AND LEEEEAAAAVE!Writing!
Yea, nope. Even if you weren’t put off by this mage muttering to himself like the dude who lives in the alley behind your work, the fact that RED of all people is showing concern is, well…Yea, you should leave. Leaving Trier to his… Trierings, you make a hasty about-face and creep off in the direction you came from like a dog trying to dip out of a bath!”I can sniff his soul from here, kiddo,” The devil’s disembodied voice hisses in a conspiratorial tone, ”And it’s all over the place–chopped up and tossed all around like cheese on chili–”“UNiTs FIve thrOUgh ELEvEN, DIVIsioN EIghTy-TWo! ENErgY SPIkES DEtectED FORTY-EIGHT DEGREES! INterCEpt!”… and there you are stepping back into the center of the chamber with its owner zipping about above you like a deranged, magical bee!“UNit SiX, MarkET DivISION FoUR–ADjUst ELEvation: NEgatIVE TwO FLOOrs!”Yep, he’s still busy. Taking off in another direction, you manage to reach the perimeter unscathed, now you just need t–“HOld FoR EXchanGe–unITS ONe ThrOUGH TWElvE FOUNTAIN DIVISION, MArk AND PurSUE UNIdentiFIIIIED DISSIDEntS TWenTY DEgrEeS! MAsS INVISibilitY, MAss SILEnce, METAMAgical ADdenDUM…”…o find a way… out?You’re back in the center of the room again, Trier paying about as much attention to you as a cow does to a cricket. Before you can make a third escape attempt, you hear something big with wooden legs clatter onto the floor behind you–before you can object, an unseen force guides you into…… the comfiest chair you’ve EVER sat in! Before you can voice your approval, the mage emits a series of clicks, creaks, and bird-like squawks that send a ripple through the thick, smoky air around you!“ACtiVATE SIMulaCRA DivISIons TWEntY THRougH FIFty…” You feel a shift in the magic flooding the chamber–it’s moving. “...SIX. NEw DIREctiveS: RElAy DirECTIveS TO MoBILe TEKsoUL PLAtforms–PARAMETEr: ALl. COllECt AND COmmiT AlL ACquIREd DATA. REPeaT INdeFINITely.”For the briefest of moments the chamber seems to grow silent. The moment is short-lived, of course, and as the pleasantness of the quiet gives way to unease, you can’t help but notice that your gracious host and his lantern-like eyes are now all completely focused on YOU.You REALLY wish he’d say something… What do?>Question him about himself!>Errr.. introduce yourself!>Ask about the Spicys!>Query about the Teksouls!>Inquire about your pals!>What’s with all the magic?>Write-In!
>>6294312I'm guessing the Teksouls hold chopped up bits of his soul so let's ask...>Ask about the Spicys!
>>6294312>Errr.. introduce yourself!With n alias!>Query about the Teksouls!So, you chopped yourself into horcruxes, huh?
>>6294312>>6294347+1I think its time for Trier to meet the esteemed Tony Battle
>>6294312> uh, nice weather we have today?
>>6294326>SPICYS?>>6294347>>6294391>INTRODUCE WITH ALIAS (Tony Battle unless something else gets voted! WATCH OUT!)>>6294439>WEATHER!Locked and loaded--will probably write it out later in the afternoon!
>>6294510Oh right and the winning votes also included questions about Teksouls sorry Dark Duders I haven't had a sip of coffee yet and have a meeting in less than ten. THE GRIND
When it dawns on you that he doesn’t plan on vaporizing your ass, you put on your friendliest (given the circumstances) smile and wave at the nice magical Autocrat.Hey there, you croak, each word just barely wriggling out of your mouth with the speed and guile of a severely-dehydrated caterpillar, you’re TONY BATTLE-A sound somewhere between a buzzer and a saw raking over a piece of corrugated metal bursts free from the mage’s mouth, wherever the hell it is!“ATTemPT AT FALLLSEHOOd REJecteD–CORRECTION: IT goes bY ‘ANTON PEAS’. ADDendUM: ALIas UNNecessARY–PRocEEd WITH THIs EXCHAAAAnGe ACCordINGLY.”Oh. Well, uh… shoot. How’d he- a garbled squawk rings out from across the chamber, but Trier’s right above you…“SEE All. KNoW AlL.” The mage bluntly replies, “SEEn in CRoSsRoAAAAdSss. ssssEEn IN GOLd TtTOWN. SeEEN ON SKyRAILLLL…. KNOWN. KnoWN. KNOWN.”Each iteration of the word sends a shiver down your spine… you had a feeling Trier would know a thing or two being a mage and all, but the fact that he had you in his sights since Crossroads, well–“ANomALY.” The mage squawks as he drifts over to one of the unseen contraptions lining the room, “INtERlOPER… UN.KNOWN FacTOR…” His lantern-like eyes turn to cast a wary gaze upon you. “... DISsIDENT…?”Look, you retort, raising your voice to be heard over a sudden burst of clicks from the sorcerer, you just want to go home, okay? You aren’t planning on making a fus-“StATIStICALLY… INCORrect. FalSEHOOd? IGnORAncccce?” Trier counters, cocking his head to the side with a series of unsettling cracks, “MUltIPLe EVEnT: CATEgORY–’FUSSES’ RecOrDed and CACCheeed….” His eyes stoop lower to loom over you like a chandelier, causing you to wonder if he’s floating or just that tall… or both! “MOtivEs… UNClEar. DanGEROUs.” You feel an unpleasant air wash through your body as if it wasn’t there.“SOMe DEmon,” Observes the occultist as if diagnosing a disease, “But NOT MOsssT. MAjoriTY… UNKNown. UNDOcumenteedd. UNPRobedddd..”Ooh, uh… l-let’s not do the ‘probing’, okay? Y-you’ve got a girlfriend an-“ApPEal REEEEJEEEECCCTEEEED…” The caster clicks as his eyes draw closer to yours, “WIll KNOw. MUSSSSt KNOw. WHAt. IS. iT.”Opening your mouth to give Trier the skinny on humanity in a nutshell, your presentation is put on hold by something… or rather a bunch of somethings restraining you in the chair like strips of magical duct tape!“DO. noT. MOve.”>CONTD.
>>6294605In the span of a blink, you go from relative comfort to feeling completely and utterly DRAINED--your eyes half-lidded, head throbbing with dull aches, and sharp, stinging pain all across your arms… but when you move to inspect the damages, you find your limbs completely unscathed…“SSSAmple AnAlYSis In PROGResSssS...” Purrs the potioneer as he reappears in front of you with what almost sounds like a smile in his mechanical tone, “FURther EXChanGE PErmITTed.”Well that’s a relief… trying and failing to ignore what just happened, you try and fail to shake some of the fog away from your head before indulging Trier. Those… ‘TEKSOULS’, you begin, the name causing the mage’s eyes to flicker in recognition, are they… him?“TEkSOuls ARE UMBERal.” Drones the wizard, “WE Are UMbERal… UMberAL WAs. IS. And… WILl bE.”Oh good, that clears things up! So what’s the big secret, huh? He slices off a bit of soul into them, or-“SOuL… LIFe EssSsence… YeEEesss…” Trier purrs, eyes glowing brighter as he repeats the words, “ADdENduM: ClaRIfICAtiON–MOrE than WE. moRE THan UMbeRAl’S LIFe EssENce. SSSsoUUls…”A low rumbling leaves his throat like a lion about to growl.“REturN TO the CycLE: WASTeFUl. CHAoS. TEkSOUl… PermaNENCe. OrdER. USEful, yessSSs.”But he just said he’s Umberal!“WE arE UMberAL… TEKsoulS ARe UmberAL…” His gaze shifts skyward. “...CRoSSroaDs. BArBArIan WAstES. SeAs. WildLAnds… AlL WIll bE UMbERAl…”His tone takes on a deeper, darker tint. “... WE. Are. UmbEral… ”Eerie. So he controls them, right? The Teksouls, that is. The mage creaks in response. “COnfuSion. CLaRIfiCAtion MeTaphOR: UMBerAL: BodY… TEksOUL.. ClAwS… WE… MInD..”So that’s how he saw you coming… but you didn’t see any Teksouls in Crossroads. A dry rasp leaves the mage’s throat. A laugh?“CoRReCT.”Crap. The conversation lulls into another uncomfortable silence. H-how long will those samples take, exactly?“InORDInaTe. IF ExchANGE IS compLETe, dismiSSaL APProVED.” His eyes flicker. “AddENDUm: LEaviNG UMberAL IS FORBIddEN. ‘EnJOy. yOUr. STAy’.”A part of you wants to ask ‘for how long’, but you think you know the answer… and RED’S assessment of the situation doesn’t fill you with confidence.What do?>Question him about himself!>He has eyes on the other regions?>What’s his endgame here?>Ask about the Spicys!>What does he know about demons?>So Teksouls… their ‘souls’ aren’t just yours…>Inquire about your pals!>What’s with all the magic?>Odd question, but does he get many assassins?>Err, yea, you’ll leave, actually!>Write-In!
>>6294607>What does he know about demons?>What’s his endgame here?Might as well make the most of this.
>>6294617Sure, let's do that.
>>6294617>>6294621>DEMONS?>ENDGAAAAAME?Writing!
>>6294617+1, we'll have to assume our friends are fine if he's willing to let the likes of US go roam the city.
As nice as it would be to hop out of the chair and run for the hills like a bat outta’ Hell, you’re smart enough to realize the gravity of the situation you’re in. If it weren’t for your ‘exotic’ nature, you’d probably never be able to speak to this guy! Speaking of ‘exotic’...He’s an Archmage, you begin as said Archmage drifts away from you to monitor whatever it is he’s got cooking in the chamber, what does he know about demons? His answer starts with a dull screech… like a car door scraping against the side of a building!“VUlgAAaar… VIOlent!” Snarls the sorcerer with unusual venom in his peculiar voice, “POWERrrr INCarnaTE… RUIN INCarNATE! NO. SummONinG IN UMBerAL! NOnE! AnD YEt…”You’re glad Rez isn’t here right now–you’d have to hold her back!“RUineD KHoRRoZeh… NEARly RUined UmbERAL…” He hisses, spitting out each word like an undercooked piece of steak, “ALwAyS EScapING. ALWays SCHEmINg. TRoUbleSOOOome…”Something flickers in Trier’s eyes. Something mischevious. “COUNtermeasuRes MaDE. MAny, MANy for UMBerAL. NO TEmplARs. IRREleVANT!” The sound of a crackling claw reverberates across the chamber. “MAGicAl ORdNANCe… ANCient MAgicS To DRaiN THEm To AShESsss…. hiDDen.. HIdDEn…”His eyes sway in the darkness. “NOt. WorTH. THE. TRouble. DEsTROY THem ALl…”Your body’s hellish roommate stirs. “Well how’s THAT supposed to make me feel?”“ADdENDum: REEk of DEVIlry…” Hisses the mage as he studies you with his lantern-like eyes, “anD MOre.. unKNown. WE wiLL UNcOVER youR SECRets IN DUe timE...”Yea, can’t wait… part of you wants to ask more about that ‘Demon Draining’ magic, but not while RED’S tuned in… could there be a way to drain him from you? Like changing the oil at work? And as for devil summoning, well… sounds like it’s frowned upon in Umberal and all that implies, but maybe the right mage has an idea or two?One last thing, you segue as Trier takes a break to mumble a few things under his raspy breath, he’s the head honcho in Umberal-“wE ArE UMBErAL.”Yea, you heard–but all these Teksouls, deals with the Spicys… what’s his endgame anyways?The sorcerer straightens, sending a symphony of cracks echoing across the atrium! “SUMMaRIzING: umBERal IS EtERNAl. WE Are ETernal. AlL WIll JOiN UMberAL… CHaoSS TO ORDErrr. EVerYTHinG IN ITs PLAcE…”You can see where this is going, but you ask anywho. So Crossroads, The Skoglands–“OBSoleTE. IrReleVANt LArVae plAYINg AT CIViliZATIooOOn…” Trier croaks. “PrOGNOsis: CRoSSrOAds–GloRIFIeD TRaDING POssST. DEAd RUlER. UnSUItABLE REplACEMEnTS… BArBariAN HORdeS: INoRDInANt IGNoRANCE. TriBEs COlLApSE WIThOUt FoE. STaGnANt CUlTuRE. COntRIbuTE NOTHing ANd WIll InEvITably FadE LIkE FlaME IN SToRM….”>CONTD.
>>6295033Good thing Volka isn’t here either… and what, uh, what about the other two Lords? No love lost on any of them, huh?A series of clicks scramble out from Trier’s throat. “WOrDS INSuffICIENt. IMMEsURABLe LOAThiNG. EAsTeRN BEaST MAtCHEd ONlY IN FEral BRuTisHNess by SKoGBEasts.” He pauses. “... SEa WitCH QuIET For MAnY CyCLeS. ConCERnIIING. BuT Not UNWElCooome...”Drifting high above your head, the sorcerer surveys his surroundings as if he could actually see them!“TEkSOUl PRoJECt NEAring COmpleTIOn. NExXt PHAse: LIBerATE CRosSrOAds. NEXt PH-”Wait wait WAIT, you blink in confusion, he means conquer Crossroads, right?! Is… c-can he just say that?“ClArIFIcaTION: LIbERAte. AnD WE CAAaan. CRoSSRoaDs BlEEdS ANd WEakeNs With NO LEader. SolUTION: STrATEgIC DEpLoYMEnT OF TEkSOUl/MAgE LEgiONs To StrATEgIC CenTERs…PRoJECTEd REsissSTanCE: MinIMAL.” Well okay, guess he’s just telling you everything, then! So that’s why he’s working on Teksouls?“InCORReCT. CroSSrOADs LIBeRATIOn MEReLY FoRtuitOUS TImIng. ShakEN BY REd ComeT. PRimITIVe SupERsition.” Trier concludes with a derisive crackle. “SkOG InVAsiON IneVITabLE. FuUXi QuEeN SYSSka WAkES. HUNgERrrs. BroOD SWarm IneVItable. ConFlicT UnavOidabLE. MUSt LIberAte.”Another pause.“... AdDEndum: HIStoRICAL DaaatA On BARRBAriAN HORRRRDes SuPPoRTS HIgh proBABIlTy of POst-COnQUEst RevELRy And MatING–EaSY PReY For FUUxI BRooD… COnClusiooon: PosTPOnE CroSrOAds TekSOul LIbEraTION pendING FaLL to SKoG anD SUbSEQUEnt FuUXI InvADErRRRs…”Not even a second after he comes to his conclusion, a dull WHIRR emits from Trier’s body!“ADDENDUUUUM: HIstORiCAL ANd TAcTICAL DatA PosITS fuuxI HIVes chaLlENgINg to UpROOt… SUpPlEmenTARy daTA: fuuxI DO. NOt. TakE PRisONERs. OpTImAL TacTIcs: LIBerATe CroSSrOADs AFFFFTer SkOG InVAsiOn. LIbeRATe BEFoRE FuUXi BRooD SWaaaRm. Yeeeesss….”And just like that, the Archmage returns to his prescheduled flitting about the chamber as if he were making your breakfast. He’s… telling you a lot, you remark, struggling to figure out what you plan to tell your pals, isn’t he worried someone will, y’know-“DEnIED. PLans Are FOOlProOF. CroSSroADS WIll BE LIBerATEd. CroSSRoaDs and ITS PEoplE WILL BeCOME UMberAL. UMBerAL WIll PErSErVere… EvErLAStINg EMpIRE IN EvERLAstING DARKNESSSSS…”>CONTD.
>>6295034Oh good, he noticed that, did he? Does his ‘Everlasting Empire’ plan on bringing the light back?“IrRElEVant. WE CRaFtED THe DArkNESS… ElDRITCh PAcTs BenEAth THE SyMBol OF SUN…”Okay, coo-WAIT, WHAAA??! The mage turns to face you once again with his hollow eyes.“OuR DEsIGN. ouR WIll. GoDS REpLACeD, StoWEd AwAY. WE PRevAIL… ”The words leave your ears ringing as Trier resumes muttering to himself. Did… there’s no way, right? He just admits that… that the darkness is his fault?”All the more reason to put him down, then, huh, pard?” Muses RED as you stand in the center of the chamber still processing everything. Y-yea, you nod, but… but he said-”I gotta think on a few things first. We’ve got a bad hand, kid–times like this? It pays to FOLD.”For once you agree… something tells you Trier wouldn’t be this candid if he wasn’t able to back it all up, and even with your Hellish Helper you get the feeling now’s not the best time…What do? Might have time for one last question based on how he’s muttering again…>Question him about himself!>The other ‘Lords’... what does he know?>Can he NOT invade Crossroads, please?>The darkness… He started it, so can’t he end it!?>Would he know how to get you home?>Ask about the Spicys!>So Teksouls… their ‘souls’ aren’t just yours…>Inquire about your pals!>What’s with all the magic?>Odd question, but does he get many assassins?>Err, yea, you’ll leave, actually!>Write-In!
>>6295035>The other ‘Lords’... what does he know?
>>6295042Oops forgot to remove that.
>>6295035>Hey, uh, are our pals safe?>After he answers, err, yea, you’ll leave, actually!I trust RED as far as I can throw him but 'all knowing, all seeing demigod who created the darkness we're in' is like25 times out of our league.
>>6295042>>6295044I'll keep this open a while longer and roll a tiebreaker if nothing changes! Seeya in a bit!
>>6295311Fine. Swapping to support sya's vote >>6295042
>>6295042+1
>>6295042>>6295314>>6295339>LOOOORRRRDDSS?Works for me! Writing!
He doesn’t seem very fond of the other Lords, you remark, your innocent observation earning a series of crackles from Trier’s body that make your stomach turn!“AsSESSMEnT InDICAtES InORDInaTE IGNORANCE!” Shrieks the sorcerer as he appears in front of you in a burst of magic! “HEeD CORrecTION: BEaSTS. VErrrRMIN… SUPpOSED SOVErEIGNTy PRoDUCt OF ThaT INFERRRNAl PACT!”Pact?“DDArknNEss BrouGHT UnPreCIdentED CHAoS! ExcEEdED ExPECtaTIONS…” Trier buzzes as he clinks away at something in his claws, “DeTRIMEnTAL tO GOvERnANCEEE… PaCT mADE. BorDErrRRssss establisssssheed. ChArTER wRIttEN. AgrEEments…”The mage’s ‘face’ stoops down to your level again as he continues to work on whatever he has in his hands. “AtTACK HeLD TErRIToRy… PacT BRokEN! CRoSSrOAds… NEuTRAL ZzZONE…”So if that orc chief attacks Crossroads–“KHOdRA…” Hisses Trier with extra disdain, “WIll. NOT. DIE. TRoUBlESOmE BeAssT… PpILFerS UMbERAl InNOvAtORs… THIeF! THIIIEFF!”You nearly tumble backwards as the wizard screams the word over and over! Innovators? So, people?“BuILD UmBerAAAL! ExPAAAnD UMberAL! IMPROvE UMBERal!” Snarls Trier! “OuRs! OOOURRS!”You’re not the biggest fan of this guy, but you can empathize with him here: if the Skogs are taking slaves, well–“FuuXI HIIBerNATe… TunNel VerMIN…” The conjurer croaks with disdain! “MAtrIArCH WAkES… RED COMET...”Oops.“EaST StiRS witH DaTA… ‘SeTTlERs DISaPpeArIng.. ScuTtlIngs AmidSt THE FUNGal BloOmS… MOtHEr HUNgry… BroOD CollEct FOOD…LoCAl BounTIes.. SeEk To ThiN ThE HOrdES..” A trio of clicks wrench free of the mage’s throat… laughter?“MolEGg burIeD beFOrE. Won’T suCcEEd AgaIN. fuUXi ExcElLENt MEmOry. BrIlIant LEaRneRs…WiLl NOT SuffICe…”And that just leaves The South…“MIKK. ConNIVIng BOtTOMFEeDEr…” Trier’s head cocks to the side with a reverberating crack. “WouLD TAUnT US. SlIP INtO OUr MinDs. PRoD. prOBe. ThReaTs. No MOrE. AlIVe… bUT SIlENt. PACt BRokEN? DaTA INCoNCLuSIVe. TekSOUl SCoUTS NoT REtUrING. ImPlICatIONS… IntrIGUInG…”Part of you is glad you didn’t head South if it’s even got Trier concerned… all in due time, you guess. When the conversation slips into the aether once again like a fart on the prairie, you lever yourself out of your seat and take a few cautious steps towards the exit. Well, uh, you mutter, this has been fun, but->CONTD.
>>6295396“ExiTInG UMbERAl iSsS ImPoSSIble…” The Archmage hisses, not bothering to look your way, “RemAIN. IT WIll Be COLlEcTED WHEn samPLe ANaLYsIS Is COMPLEted…” You feel a ghostly finger trace down your spine. “WE WIll UnCOVer yoUR SEcRets.”Looking forward to it, you reply with a grin! Turning to leave with renewed pep in your step, you’re stopped once more by a crackle of magic behind you! “AdDENDum…” The mage’s croaking voice nearly drowns out the sound of fists banging against the inside of something thick glass maybe? Whirling around to face the Lord, you find yourself staring wide-eyed at a familiar pair of red eyes suspended high above! REZZIE!“LAwS CLeAR: DEMOnS WiLL NOt BE TOlERaTEd…” Trier drones as Rezalith’s curses fail to pierce the prison! “wiLL UtILIze…”Anger wells up in your chest as you storm over to the sorcerer! If he even THINKS of hurting her-“DEnIED. ‘THE ANTON’ HoLDs NO PoWER HErE. SpECuILAtiON: IT WiLl be FReEd WhEN AnAlYsiS IS COmplEtED…” The mage’s eyes flicker with mischief. “COlLATerAAAAl…”Sonnovabitch. What do?>Agree. He’s not wrong…>Bargain! What would it take for her to stick with you?>Convince him to relinquish Rez!>Swap! Would he take another person as collateral instead?>Reason! He really wants a devil in his Tower?>Write-In!
>>6295397>Reason! He really wants a devil in his Tower?FREE MY REZZIE
>>6295397>Convince him to relinquish Rez!I don't imagine he'd second guess himself.
>>6295397Stay silent, he will think you've somehow escaped, but no seriously>Convince him to relinquish Rez!
>>6295530SHIT, I KNEW I forgot an option! Will check on this tomorrow--getting a little late on my end. Seeya then, hopefully!
>>6295405>REASONIIIING!>>6295454>>6295530>CONVINCE!Let's see if you can break through this wizardly wall...>Roll me 1d100 (+2 Illusionist Initiate, -10 Lord Logic) to win him over! 1-3 BONE-US points added to roll if you can come up with a convincing Write-In! Best of 3!
>>6295628Whoops, that's a 1d100-8. Sorry all, no coffee yet.
Rolled 5 - 8 (1d100 - 8)>>6295628"Listen, you probably already know what that devil is. The shit inside ME is weirder, right? More interesting to study?"
>>6295634well thank god we only crit fail if we roll a nat 1, r-right?
>>6295636Right you are, my boy. Also don't forget you guys have today's BAD LUCK BALATRO if you wanna spend it on this if you fail!
Rolled 85 - 8 (1d100 - 8)>>6295628Let's go bawss.
Rolled 10 - 8 (1d100 - 8)>>6295628
>>6295645our savior...in this time of (s)need...
>>6295634>>6295645>>6295652>HIGHEST ROLL: 77!Well shoot, lucky ducks! Writing!>>6295653We LOVE ZTd9QQt/, folks
Yea, you trust this guy with Rezzie about as much as you trust yourself with a bag of STEAK CHIPS... that soggy texture… that smoky, saucy aftertaste… Mmm-MMM!… What were you thinking about? Oh right, saving the steak chick–err, the Devil! Planting your feet firmly on the floor, you turn to face Trier with the sternest expression you can muster, which is a lot harder when its target keeps zipping around the chamber! HEY!The mage regards you with the same blank stare. “... iT LinGErrRs….”Damn right you do, you reply in a tone DRIPPING with Rezzie-tude! You’re not leaving without your friend!It’s subtle, at least by Rezalith’s standards, but as the words leave your lips, you spot the devil recoiling in genuine shock!… wow, you didn’t know her face could get that red either!“DEnIED.” Crackles Trier, the mage pausing mid-flight to loom over you once again, “HErE COnTAInED. herE UtILIzED. HErE. HERE.”Utilized for what? He clearly knows all there is to know about demons and has plenty of power to go around, you retort, and he said it himself: they’re nothing but trouble! So why even waste his time?A dull hiss trickles out from the sorcerer’s throat. “HerE SEcURED… MORe PRePAReD THAn IgNOrANT EMPerOR WAs-”Is that right, you muse, making a show of tapping your chin with your finger in thought (a gesture you recall no one can see, but you do it anywho), so what was all that about ‘UMBERAL IS WE!!!’? ‘WE CITY AARRREE’? Hmm?Oh hey, Trier IS capable of emoting–see, there he goes shooting you a withering glare! “... CoRRecTIoN–”Yea, you know that wasn’t his exact wordage, but it’s what he said, right? And he’s clearly going to keep tabs on you, so why not just hand the devil off now? She’ll be easier to watch when she’s at your side, right?There’s a shift in the room’s air as the Archmage weighs your argument–either that or he’s coming up with the best way to murder you–but after a few tense moments, the atmosphere shifts back into its original smoky, acrid-scented norm!“sO BE iT…” Before you can respond, you feel a familiar toasty presence at your side–a flap of wings confirming what you already knew!“Stupid WIZARDS!” Rezzie snarls as Trier hovers over you both like a sinister blimp, “Try that again and see what happe-”Th-thank you, Mr. Archmage, you interject with a nervous laugh! You’ll take good care of her, don’t worry! The sorcerer answers you with an almost staticy crackle.“TaKE HEeD. YOu. ARE. perCEIVED.”>CONTD.
>>6295978With that, you feel the air wrap around you both like vines! When they unfurl, you find yourselves in an unfamiliar place… one faintly smelling of salt, sugar, and spice… but not the kind you’ve learned to worry about!“ANTOOOOOOOOON~”You don’t even have time to roll to dodge the musical missile that plunges into your side! Instinctively wrapping a shaky arm around the familiar fuzzball firmly fastened to your flank, you breathe an inward sigh of relief as a pair of yellow eyes tromps over accompanied by a relieved grin! T-Tzah-Tzie? Where are we?“The Gift Shop, Rook!” Chirps the smiling Skog as her beefy tail slams against what you hope is a very sturdy display case, “Headed back here when you and Rez wandered off!”A nip on your hand brings your attention back to the diminutive Durher! “Scurry off without us again and I’ll bite a finger off, got it!?”Errr, you mutter, exchanging a wary glance with a somewhat-rattled Rezzie, y-yea… you got it…“Swell~” Joining Volka in the happy tail-wagging hootenanny, Tzah-Tzie shoves a SMALL VIAL into your hand with a mischievous wink! “And hey, guess who got ya’ somethiiiiing~?”Oh, uh, thanks, you mutter, your mind still two posts behind! TT answers with a chiding frown. “Is your head okay? You don’t even know what it is yet!”You’re fine, you answer with the least-convincing nod ever, you just, uh… you’ll talk about it in a bit…” Your eyes wander around what little they can perceive and fall upon a TekSoul staring you down from what you assume is the cash till.Preferably somewhere else. FAR from here.“Okay…” The Spinner nods with concern leaking into her expression. “Well, um… it’s MUSK! Y’know, stuff boys wear to uh… to smell nice!”Giving the vial a whiff, your nose is greeted with the faint scent of something sweet–like a cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven! Ooh!“Oh-ho~ did I guess right?” TT asks with mock contemplation and a cheeky grin! “Does my dearest of darlings LIIIIIKE it? Does it set his heart aflutter and his face aflush, I wonder~?”“She told me she got it cuz’ it’s sweet! Like you!” Volka explains with a laugh before locking eyes with a now somewhat-annoyed Spinner! “Oh, crud! Sorry, TT…”“Ngh… I was saving that line…” She mutters with a shake of her head! “Ah well, no harm done. Ooh, we got something for you too, Rez!”“Creepy old fogey—huh? Wha?” Roused from her ramblings, Rezzie recoils in rapid realization when Volka places… something... around her neck!>CONTD.
>>6295980“Go on, give it a shake!” The Skog chirps! Wiggling her neck, the devil can’t hide her delight when her new accessory lets out a series of gentle jingles! “H-huh??” Sputters the satan-thing with naked confusion in her eyes, “Wh-what’s the meaning of this??”“It’s called a BLIZZARDBELL!” Tzah-Tzie explains! “Old Umberal custom–girls would wear ‘em around their necks so they wouldn’t stray too far from their sweethearts in a storm!” Her smile takes a turn for the sheepish. “It uh… carried over when the darkness came. Still pretty popular, even if you don’t have a ‘special someone’!”“Fool. I have THREE ‘Special Someones’...” Huffs the hellion as she gives her new gift another shake. “And I won’t let you all wander either! I accept this tribute!”‘Shocked’ doesn’t do your feelings justice as you exchange a wide-eyed glance with the other gals. Whether it’s due to the events of the last few posts or something else, well… Rezzie’s making progress, that’s for sure!In any case, you’re back with your friends, and all that entails… What's next?>Where’d the Curator go?>Check out the Gift Shop!>What happened when you left to find Rezzie?>Let’s get outta here, guys…>Be right back… (Talk to RED)>Write-In!
>>6295982>Fool. I have THREE ‘Special Someones'Anton, Volka and TT confirmed to be Rezzie's Harem.>What happened when you left to find Rezzie?
>>6295982Awww, Rezzie, I could just smooch you. Granted, you'd probably taste like blood and ash but still.>Check out the Gift Shop!
>>6295982>What happened when you left to find Rezzie?
>>6295985>What happened?>>6295987>Gift Shop!Fuck it, we'll do both! Will write later in the afternoon on Monday! Have a good start to your week, all!
>>6296147Pft. someone just closed the tie right as you said that, Bones.Oh well, the more the merrier.
>>6296151Son of a gun, you're right... Sometimes I swear you guys wait for me to post! Well whatever, we'll still do both--you can ask questions AND check out a Gift Shop--Anton's JUST THAT POWERFUL
>>6296152Waow...the man of every girl's dreams...
>>6296152>>6296153Clearly Trier is no match for him
Checking out the GIFT SHOP of course! You don’t care if the prices are outrageous or if a Teksoul stares you down: visiting the Gift Shop at the museum is a sacred, time-honored tradition… and you’re gonna honor it, damn it!“... Are you okay, Ant?” TT asks meekly with concern on her face, “You-”GIFT SHOOOOOOP!Your excited exaltation is answered by a firm smack upside the head and a menacing jingle! “Quit yelling, AnTISM!!”But… but you just can’t wait to scope out the Gift Shop! Rezalith blinks at your excuse.“Ah. Neither can I.” So how about an apology, hmmm? “No.”Leading the way with springy steps and a swishing tail, Tzah-Tzie keeps close to your side with a wary glint in her eyes as she silently surveys the shop! It’s…… Well, dark, what did you expect? To compensate, however, the store greets you with a cheery, if not somewhat muffled tune piped in from a corner-mounted Speakstone and a welcoming fragrance reminiscent of mulled wine and freshly-restored wooden furniture.“WELCOme TO THe OffICIAl UMBerAL HIStoRY MUSeUM GIfT SHOpPE…” Drones the Teksoul lurking behind the register like a tiger in a cafe, “ACCepT nO SuBStiTUTEs…”So what happened when you left to grab Rezzie anyways, you ask as you follow a web of well-placed rugs to a few merch displays!“Well we waited for a while,” Tzah-Tzie shrugs, taking your hand in hers as she leads you around the displays like a mother guiding her child, “‘til the Curator mistook one of Volka’s sneezes for a growl…”Oh lord… What happened?“She suggested we move on!” Shrugs the Spinner as she tugs at your robe to get you to stoop to her height, “Said one of those Teksoul freaks would direct you and Rez back to our group.”Well that never happened, you reply with a derisive snort as the trendy troubadour places a pair of spectacles on your face and frowns. “Yea, well… turns out the next part of the exhibit was all about The Skog Wars-”W-Wars? The Durher nods.“Yea, there were a lot of ‘em. Smell this.”You acquiesce, of course, and are rewarded with a fruity, almost tart fragrance! Ooh!“Anyways,” TT continues, her cheeks reddening at your response, “Volka started crying, I got mad at the Curator, you and Rezzie were nowhere to be found, and to top it all off our guide got called away by a Teksoul to speak to her ‘Boss’, whoever that is…” Placing a fresh pair of spectacles on her snout, Tzah-Tzie turns to you for inspection. Blue lenses. Not bad!Sssso you guys just came back here? TT shrugs. “It was either that or wander around, and if you two managed to find your way back just as Volkie and I began the search party, well…” A shiver rocks her tiny body. “As far as places to get lost in, a mage’s tower is probably one of the worst, Ant.”Yea, you snort, no kidding…>CONTD.
>>6296346“... What happened to you two anyways?” She asks, her voice lowering as her gaze dances between you and the Teksoul Cashier!You’ll uh… tell her later, you mutter in a far less-subtle tone. Preferably somewhere far from Mage Towers. VERY far. The Durher’s eyes widen in horror as the implication settles in, but before you can speak any further, you’re accosted by a horrifying beast!“ROOOOK! Ya’ GOTTA try this Ruuppaa Syrup, mate! It’s-” Sensing a serious conversation, the Skog settles down. “Ah. On the clock, ey?”On the clock, you reply with a surreptitious nod. You’ll fill her in later, but for now-“S-syrup?” Asks the Skog with puppy dog eyes.… Syrup.“Oh, right!” You feel a metal card slip into your hand. “The Teksoul that took our guide away gave us a voucher each!” Explains TT with a grin! “Already spent ours, but you still have one!”Thanks, you smile, but uh… what about Rezzie? Tzah-Tzie answers with a puzzled expression.“Only gave us three for some reason… and before you start pointing claws, NO, I didn’t snatch hers!”See, that just makes her more suspicious, you retort with a frown!“I mean it! Honest!” Pleads the performer as she claws at your robe! “C’mon, Ant, I wouldn’t take stuff from friends!”She better not, you growl, or you’re letting her explain it to Rezalith! You feel a bushy tail possessively wrap around your leg! “But… but what of my daring and dashing bodyguard!? Surely you wouldn’t leave a defenseless damsel like myself to fend for her loneso-NYAAH!”“Don’t worry, T!” Volka announces with a boisterous laugh as she lifts the perfidious Striilii-player into her arms, “LAMPLIGHTERS CODE: ALWAYS DEFEND THE WEAK!”“Hear that, Ant?” Chides Tzah-Tzie nestled within Volka’s beefy arms, “VOLKIE’S got my back~”She also called you weak, you fire back! After a few moments of browsing, you think you’ve surveyed the better part of the shop’s stocks…>CONTD.
>>6296348CURRENT BELLS: 7600!https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyAGIFT SHOP STOCK:Blizzardbell Necklace (200 Bells)Ice Cake Musk (400 Bells)Mountain Hot Spring Water Vial (300 Bells)Mountain Berry Perfume (500 Bells)Miniature Anti-Magic Bomb Replica (500 Bells)Museum Ice Cakes (300 Bells)Sap Sticks Five Pack (200 Bells)Ruuppaa Syrup Candy (200 Bells)Ruuppaa Syrup Bottle (600 Bells)Devil Eye Spectacles (400 Bells)Sea-Blue Spectacles (400 Bells)Grass-Green Spectacles (400 Bells)Mox Sapper Mask Replica (600 Bells)Umberal-Scented Hair Bangles (400 Bells)Magical Umberal Masonry Chunk (500 Bells)Berry Tea & Museum Mug (300 Bells)Archmage Trier Talking Plushie (600 Bells)Teksoul Talking Plushie (500 Bells)Archdevil Talking Plushie (500 Bells)Trimbalt Academy Wand Replica (400 Bells)Skog Soldier Spear Replica (400 Bells)Chytree Slinger Weapon Replica (400 Bells)Umberal Museum Warm Socks (300 Bells)Umberal Museum Warm Cloak (500 Bells)Umberal Mountain Musical Horn (400 Bells)Museum Noisemaker Stick (200 Bells)Donation Box (Any Amount Appreciated 0w0)What Buy? Add the quantity to your post if you wanna buy anything at all! Oh, and you have ONE VOUCHER! Get 300 Bells off of any single purchase! Golly!
>>6296351>DONATION BOX (100 bells)Just to be nice.>Blizzardbell Necklace (200 Bells, x1)Wink.>Archdevil Talking Plushie (500 Bells, x1, use the Voucher on this.)Rezzie...>Ruuppaa Syrup Candy (200 Bells, x1)Volka...>Grass-Green Spectacles (400 bells, x1)TT...>Trimbalt Academy Wand Replica (400 Bells, x1)Every good mage needs a wand.100+200+300+200+400+400 = 1600 spent. Solid 6000 bells left.
>>6296358Shouldn't we get the bomb replica so we know what we're looking for?
>>6296386Oh, damn, didn't even think about that. Sure.>>6296358Replacing the WAND with the BOMB REPLICA. Brings us up to 1700 spent and 5900 bells left.
>>6296389Also, I don't get why you're being another necklace and glasses. TT and Volka already bought those.
>>6296390Well, she got blue glasses and green would be nice for later. As for the neclace.Well, we could get the Noisemaker stick for Distraction plays?
>>6296391The Glasses just seem really expensive and not that necessary when we already have a pair
>>6296393Fiiinnneeee. Okay.>>6296351New shopping list.>DONATION BOX (100 bells)Just to be nice.>Ruuppaa Syrup Candy (200 Bells, x2)Volka...Also, just good as gifts or ice breakers. Who doesn't like candy?>Archdevil Talking Plushie (500 Bells, x1, use the Voucher on this.)Rezzie...>Miniature Anti-Magic Bomb Replica (500 Bells, x1)So we know what to look for.1500 bells spent, 6100 bells left.
>>6296396Wait, didn't math, that would be 1200 bells spent. Forgot about the voucher. So that's 6400 bells left.
>>6296396Sounds good to me.
>>6296396+1
>>6296351>Ruuppaa Syrup Bottle (600 Bells) x1>Mox Sapper Mask Replica (600 Bells) x1>Umberal Museum Warm Cloak (500 Bells) x1>Miniature Anti-Magic Bomb Replica (500 Bells) x1Skog Soldier Spear Replica (400 Bells) x1Leaving us with 5.800 after spending 1800
>>6296396>>6296401>>6296583>DONATION BOX (100 Bells!)>2x Ruuppaa Syrup Candy (400 Bells!)>1x Archdevil Talking Plushie (500-300=200 Bells!)>1x Miniature Anti-Magic Bomb Replica (500 Bells!) >>6296613>1x Ruuppaa Syrup Bottle (600 Bells!)>1x Mox Sapper Mask Replica (600 Bells!)>1x Umberal Museum Warm Cloak (500 Bells!)>1x Skog Soldier Spear Replica (400 Bells!)Looks like the above list wins it! Will write once I'm done with work in the afternoon! Also weird shit: for, like, most of yesterday I didn't even see the convo about the mini bomb replica and ditching the glasses. Like, I swear it wasn't even there. What the heck.Anyways, writing eventually! Thanks for being patient--new job, odd hours!
The till-manning Teksoul speaks nary a word as it stoically stares you down and packages your purchases… part of you almost cracks a joke, but you decide against it right at the last second. He probably wouldn’t get it anyways.Leaving the shop with your not-so-ill-gotten goods, you waste no time in distributing what you got, starting with everyone’s favorite Skog!“D’awww, AAAAAANT…” Volka purrs as you place a daintily-wrapped bag of SYRUP CANDIES in her claw, “Ya’ didn’t have to do that for me!” You didn’t, you reply with a shrug as the gleeful giftee’s wagging tail takes out what sounds like a sign of some sort, but you DID! Just uh, make sure to savor ‘em, okay? She answers with a blank stare and a guilty gulp.“Whatsat, Rook?”Never mind… Oh yea, hey Rez! Got something for you too! The finicky fiend’s too busy marveling at the faint jingle her new accessory makes to hear you–it isn’t until you place the ARCHDEVIL DOLLY in her claw that she realizes you were speaking to her at all! “Eh?” She mutters, giving the souvenir a good shake, “What manner of dish is this?”It’s a doll, you answer as the demon rubs the toy against her cheek like she was checking it for contraband, you uh… you snuggle with it when you sleep or feel sad… overwhelmed-“Revolting. I hate it.” Rezzie snarls as she hugs the gift close to her chest. “What is this even supposed to resemble, anyways? Your face?”Heh, no, you reply with a smirk, that would be priceless.… it’s supposed to be an Archdevil, you mutter, shielding said face when it looks like she’s about to punch you! Rezalith responds with a derisive snort.“Tch… they don’t look like this at ALL.””Gotta agree with her there, Tex,” adds RED’S disembodied voice, ”Funny thing, though–we can really take whatever form we want-”Great, great, you answer with a disinterested grumble. Leaving the devil to her dolly, you finally take out the ANTI-MAGIC BOMB REPLICA from the bag and give it a good inspection. A network of thin, immaculately-cut grooves line its smooth surface with countless bumps in between–each one the same exact shape and size as the last!“Let me guess,” Purrs Tzah-Tzie as she slinks out from behind you to get a closer look, “‘Historical Research’, right?”Exactly, you answer with a wry grin, nothing more, nothing less! Shooting you a sly wink, the Spinner cocks her small head to the side. “Sooooo?”…. Sooo?“Where’s my gift, hmmmm?” TT answers as her tail gives the back of your leg a gentle smack! “Ah, I see, I see~ Holding off until you find the right thing, aren’tcha? You sly thing, you~”>CONTD.
>>6296908Yea, you nod, of course! You didn’t wanna get her some goofy tchotchke from a museum! Tzah-Tzie answers with a sympathetic sigh and a smile. “You spoil me, you know that, Anton? I await whatever you get me with BAITED BREATH and a HEAVING HEART~”God, she’s such a THEATER KID. Giving the girl a few scritches between the ears (which, based on the contented sounds that leave her lips were MUCH-needed), you pause your petting for a moment to give her new accessory a playful tap! Besides, you chuckle, she bought those BLUE SPECTACLES, didn’t she?The Durher mutters something, but you can’t quite make it out, especially when she’s avoiding your gaze… almost as if she–DAMN IT, TZAH-TZIE!CURRENT BELLS: 6100!Scruffed and two seconds away from being marched back into the Museum with an apology and a returned pair of spectacles, Tzah-Tzie’s ears twitch as a look of confusion falls over her face! “Wait, Ant… do you hear that?”Nice try, you snort, but she’s not slipping out of this one!“Don’t think she’s trying ta’ slip outta’ nothin’, Rook,” Volka remarks as her big yellow eyes narrow in concentration, “Listen…”You hear it almost immediately: shouting voices from the base of the Museum Ramp Entrance… and one sounds alarmingly-familiar!“Who I travel with is none of your concern, whelps!”Scampering down the ramp, you and your friends spot the source of the disturbance almost immediately: a group of Chytree stare each other down just between you and the TELEFONT: three on one side bristling with youthful anger, and on the other side, well…“Now scurry back to that daycare you call a dorm before I SEND you there!”“Oh good,” Grumbles Rezalith as she gives her doll an idle squeeze, “The pervert’s here…”OTI. The last time you saw the mage you’d saved his tower from a very irate Rezzie… and now he’s here antagonizing what sounds like a group of-“If this was CHUUTRA-LEY you’d lose your name, you know!” Scoffs the leader of the bunch, “Cavorting around with a damned DREG like that…”“Y’know they don’t got magic fer’ a reason, yea?” Croons one of the accosting Chytrees, “They’s CURSED, they is!”“You’ll wish you were cursed if you keep antagonizing me…” Oti snarls.Behind your favorite mage stands MOROOK, the ranger clearly flummoxed. Whether that’s due to the harsh words or simply being in the confines of a city, however, remain to be seen. Meeting your gaze with his, the Chytree’s eyes flicker as if signaling you to do something!But WHAT?! Dang it, Morook!>CONTD.
>>6296909“Ant…” Hisses Tzah-Tzie as she tugs at your robe, “Rooftops.”Following her spectacled-stare, you spot an unfortunately familiar glow surveying the scene from above–a Teksoul’s eye, no doubt about it.What do?>Address the aggressors! What’s going on?>Check in with Oti. Problems?>Point out the observer!>Let Oti handle it!>Sneak Morook outta there!>Write-In!
>>6296911Oh and duh>Try to scare the aggressors off!
>>6296911>Try to scare the aggressors off!We've got Volka and Rezzie, we can scare them good.
>>6296911>Try to scare the aggressors off!Prepare for a tactical CATTHING throw...if need be.
>>6296911>Check in with Oti. Problems?Better not to draw any extra attention from the Archmage just now.
>>6296913>>6296915>SCARE!>>6296940>CHECK IN!Looks like it's a one-way ticket to SPOOK CENTRAL!>Roll me 1d100-1 (+5 Strength in numbers, -3 Trimbalt Tools, -3 Teksoul Surveillance) to spook these mooks! Best of 3!
Rolled 66 (1d100)>>6296973
Rolled 76 - 1 (1d100 - 1)>>6296973
Rolled 21 - 1 (1d100 - 1)>>6296973BOO
>>6296974>>6296987>>6296988>HIGHEST ROLL: 75!What can I say? You've got a whole monster squad at your disposal! I'll let you think about which one of them is the scariest! Wink!I'll write this next update probably after work tomorrow--gonna have a lot of ground to cover now that your two favorite Chytree buds are back in town!
You have no clue who these charming Chytree chaps are or what got them so worked up–knowing Oti he probably instigated the whole thing–but you get the sneaking suspicion that if someone starts a fight, that Teksoul looming above like a spider is gonna end it!Down you stride like a lord looking to greet his subjects, Tzah-Tzie on one side trying to look as tough as she can (and failing. Adorably.), Rezzie on the other nibbling on her doll.Ahoy there, you announce, earning everyone’s attention and a perplexed glance from your favorite fiend, what seems to be the problem, ey?“No problem of yours, Gnok,” Growls the leader of the Chytree–err, the ones you AREN’T friends with! “Run along now.”“The problem,” Corrects Oti, his eyes flashing with renewed boldness, “Is that these three stooges believe being students grants them the freedom to push their unsolicited opinions on others.” His neon green eyes shift over to said students. “It does not.”“TRIMBALT ACADEMY, dreglicker!” Roars the lead student’s subordinate! “An’ it’s common knowledge, innit? Them magicless Dregs are CURSED!”“Shoulda’ been drowned the minute he hatched…” Adds the quieter troop in the triumvirate. “Walking embarrassment…”“The only walking embarrassments I see here are you,” Oti hisses as his eyes light up with accumulating energy, “But continue to harass my companions and you’ll be stumbling embarrassments. Or worse.”A menacing chitter leaves the lead student’s lips. “That a threat?”“A threat is a declaration of something one intends to do.” Growls your favorite mage as the Teksoul stirs above, “So yes. Yes it is.”Giving Oti’s shoulder a reassuring pat (much to his visible confusion), you take your place next to him and just in front of Morook, the latter’s mood hard to gauge. Last time you were in an altercation he was one of the first to throw a punch, so if you can at least hold off on that, well-“Move aside, mate,” The lead student drones as he quietly accounts for the change in numbers, “This is Chytree business.”Well you just so happen to be in the business yourself, you reply with a cocky grin! Of FRIENDSHIP, that is! With these two! You try not to react to Oti’s weary groan.“Better leave while you can!” TT adds,striding to the front with a strum of her Striilii! “You know how strict Umberal is about leaving garbage lying around!”“Go dig a burrow, fuzzball!” Student #2 Sneers!“Can I eat them now?” Rezzie groans, tucking her doll into an unseen pocket! Well–“Words, words, words!” Scoffs Student #1, “Typical tourists! Think you’re tough, ey? Come on then!”A derisive laugh leaves the Chytree’s mouth as he and his pals exchange a few sneering smirks!“Well? Who’s gonna make the first-”“WHAAAAAT DID YOU SAAAAAAAYYY???”>CONTD.
>>6297277The bellow from behind you sends everyone into a panic, especially your would-be opponents! Wide-eyed and jittery, the leader barely manages to mumble out a weak ‘S-s-s-sKoG…” before he and his magic-wielding mooks scamper away like a pack of coyotes!“Volka!” Chirps Tzah-Tzie as the rest of you breathe a collective sigh of relief, “You tough cookie, you! You spooked ‘em away like a pack of tottas!”“Huh?” The Skog grunts, confusion painted all over her face, “I was just askin’ them to repeat themselves–got some of that Ruuppaa Syrup stuck to my ear…”Morook’s eyes flicker. “... How did you manage that, exactly?”“Huh?”“Nevermind.” His expression softening (what little expression there is), Morook turns to face you and your friends with a grateful glow in his eyes! “Glad you showed up when you did… that could have turned ugly.”“They already WERE ugly…” Growls Oti as the magical aura fades from his eyes, “Still alive, I see. How fortunate.”“Nice to see you too…” Grumbles Tzah-Tzie as Volka scampers over to trap Morook in a bear hug! “What are you two doing here anyways?”“Asking you the same question.” Oti snaps as his green eyes fall upon you with the usual venom! “Do you know how long I spent waiting for you to pick up that damned potion? The one you specifically ASKED me to make?”Oh… OOOH, you stammer as it all comes back to you, the one designed to loosen RED’S control over you… r-right…”And here I was thinking you didn’t need it anymore…” Muses the Archdevil’s disembodied voice with a touch of disappointment.“Yes, ‘r-right’.” The sorcerer snaps as his eyes hop over to Morook. “If I hadn’t run into him at your usual haunts I never would have found you… and now you’re causing trouble in UMBERAL?” The mage punctuates his statement with a weary sigh. “Explanations. Now. Not here, though. I assume you’re at least smart enough to surmise Umberal isn’t famous for privacy?”No kidding, you remark, your eyes darting to the now-vacant rooftops above. But listen, you add with a wary tint in your tone, it’s uh… it’s gonna be a doozy.“I’ve dealt with forces your feeble mind can’t even begin to comprehend,” Retorts the wizard with a roll of his bulbous eyes, “Trust me, nothing you say could even begin to shock me.”“I’m shocked.”Oti’s not alone. Sitting around a thick wooden table like members in a board meeting, your pals react to your retelling of your recent exploits about as well as you’d expect. Even Tzah-Tzie is stunned, which is a bummer because you were REALLY enjoying her musical accompaniment and bardic embellishments!“You… met Archmage Trier?” Stammers Morook, his already-enlarged eyes frankly pushing it at this point!>CONTD.
>>6297279“Crossroads… is gonna be invaded?” Mutters Volka, whose eyes adopt a similar size, so all things considered she deserves some credit.“The darkness… he conjured it?” Asks Tzah-Tzie as she feverishly taps away at her stony tablet!“Rezalith… is the GREATEST?”You uh… you didn’t say that, actually, you reply with an apologetic smile. “Well I wasn’t listening.” Rezzie shrugs as she idly digs a divot in the table’s surface with her claw. “But we know it’s true, so-”“Okay, this… this isn’t as bad as I thought it would be…” Oti mutters under his breath. It’s not?“No. It’s far worse.”Oh. “Where do I even begin?” He asks incredulously! “Where do WE even begin? Do you even realize the gravity of the situation you’re in?”No, you shrug, but he’s got a good track record of laying it out-“Let me illustrate it for you:” The Chytree interrupts in a cool, measured tone clearly DYING to turn into a frantic scream, “You, an outsider who’s only been in this realm for a few days, planned a trip to one of the most highly-surveilled cities in the land to not only assassinate the head of Zoral’s de facto Crime Syndicate, but ALSO the leader of said city who’s been alive longer than most written languages have.”His neon eyes pick you apart from across the table. “Did I summarize it correctly?”Yea, you nod with a smile, y’know he really oughta’ write the opening blurbs for the thread–he’s much more succinct than the hack writing this right no-“DOES THE CONCEPT OF SUICIDE NOT EXIST IN YOUR HOME PLANE!?”Well, uh, you stammer, nearly bowled out of your chair by the sudden outburst, it exists, yea… some people think it’s a major sin, but there’s these people called ‘Samurai’ who considered it one of the most noble ways to-“Just… stop talking…” The mage mutters with a dismissive shake of his head. “Every word makes me want to hurt you more...” “M-maybe we just take things slow-like?” Volka suggests as she scoots a little closer to a very stunned Morook. “Y’know, piece by piece? Work our heads around it all?”“Yeeeeaaaaa, let’s go with that…” Tzah-Tzie nods as she casts a concerned glance your way. “Anton, what… what did Trier mean when he said he’d ‘collect’ you?”Her guess is as good as yours, you reply, prompting some moisture to well up in the performer’s eyes. Things aren’t looking good, that’s for certain, but you’ve at least got a whole team here with you now… and this sick hideaway. Whose was this again?“Volkir’s.” Morook answers, his monotone voice barely betraying the anxiety in his eyes, “Had a message for you all, by the way, but we’ll get to that, I suppose.”>CONTD.
>>6297280Where, uh… where do you start?>The Darkness. Trier said he conjured it.>The Spicys. We need to plan for them while we can.>Crossroads. How’s it doing? Besides the imminent invasion, that is.>Trier. We need to take him down and RED needed to think…>Oti and Morook. What did you miss while you were gone?>This hideout. It’s safe, right?>You can talk about this later–there’s somewhere you wanna go!>Write-In!
>>6297281>This hideout. It’s safe, right?We need a place where we can silently discuss>Trier. We need to take him down and RED needed to think…
>>6297281>This hideout. It’s safe, right?We should probably wait to be out of sight, out of mind.>Trier. We need to take him down and RED needed to think…
>>6297304>>6297309>HIDEOUT...>TRIER!Writing!
>>6297304>>6297309+1
First thing’s first, you begin as you take the opportunity to lean back in your chair, this safehouse you segued so quickly into… it’s uh… safe, right?“Safe enough,” Morook replies with a shrug before digging around in his pockets. “Managed to fill dad in on what we were doing and where we were headed–The Old Man practically threw the key at me.”“D’aww, how IS pops anyways?” Asks Volka, her thick tail giving her chair a beating! “Miss him…”“Well he sent me with a Speakerstone,” The Ranger replies as he places said stone on the table, “Said it was fine for everyone to listen, so…”The air above the table crackles as the stone comes to life with a gravelly voice you haven’t heard since you first arrived in Zoral! ‘Meister Volkir’: ex-mage, adoptive father to Morook and Volka, and now a humble potionseller. You wonder what wisdom he has to offer…’--is thing on? Damn it all, who pulled these stupid talkie-boxes out of their asses anyways? I’ll bet it’s those lazy MOX… couldn’t enchant something if their drippy little lives depended on it… Ugh…’“That’s my pops~” Volka sighs with a wistful smile! “I miss him and his jokes…”…Is there a way to fast-forward these things?“Fasting…forward?” Morook blinks. Never mind.’--ever did an honest day’s work in their lives… anywho, if this IS on, I wanna start by speaking to Antoine… you there, freak?’Oh, you sputter as you subconsciously bolt upright, y-yessir!‘Sit back down, idiot, this is a recording, not an interrogation…’ Grumbles the pre-recorded potionmixer! Oh. S-sorry…‘And quit apologizin’. It’s pathetic. Anyways, let me just say that despite it all, I was wrong about you. I thought you were nothing but a clueless idiot who’d be dead within the day… and I’m glad to say you exceeded my expectations!’Well, um, gee… thanks, Volkir-‘MEISTER Volkir, moron. And yea, you exceeded my expectations–I never thought anyone would be DUMB enough to race over to the Mage Capitol of the world, especially when he’s clearly some kind of anomaly BEGGING to be dissected, but congratulations! YOU EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!’“H-hey… come on, pops,” Volka stammers from across the table, “He didn’t-”‘It’s a recording, honey, you don’t gotta try to defend him…’“Oh. R-right…” The Skog sighs as she sinks back into her seat.‘And put that on a coaster, please, sweetheart–that table’s worth more than all of your dumb little friends, especially the thief.’“HEY!” Snarls TT as you hear something clatter out of her claws and back onto the table! Waiting until his daughter puts her beverage onto a coaster with remarkable timing, the recording continues:>CONTD.
>>6297425‘So congratulations, by the time my layabout son gets there you’ll probably be lobotomized and/or separated into jars already. In the off-change you AREN’T, though, you’ll probably need a place to cower when you inevitably screw everything up–and for the record I ain’t doing this for YOU… I’m doing it because you somehow suckered my daughter into tagging along in your little death march. Die all you want up there, but if she loses even a FRACTION of a scale I’ll–’“Sheesh, the old fart can really gab, can’t he?” TT groans as she stuffs something into her pockets. “Get to the POINT already, riiight?”“I’m GETTING to it, you Kleptomaniacal Kit! That place is loaded with magical traps, by the way… set ‘em myself! There’s your first an’ LAST warning! Paws off!’ The room fills with the crackly, phlegmy sound of Volkir clearing his throat. ‘Like I was saying… it ain’t much, but you should be safe in there for a time, at least. Warded it myself back in my younger days… which reminds me: make sure you give the beds a wash or two before using ‘em. And the kitchen counters. And the baths. Oh, and definitely the tables, too. Used ta’do a lotta ‘Research’ back in my Trimbault Student and Professor days…’“Huh.” Morook remarks as the rest of you hastily remove your elbows from the table surface.‘’Anatomy Research’, get it?’ Cackles the old coot, “Hells, you wouldn’t BELIEVE how many co-eds I used to bring home! Ahhh… but not any more… not. Any. more….’ Punctuating his sentence with a cough, Volkir gathers the strength for one last burst of info: ‘But enough about me… now’s about the time you have one of those inane questions of yours, so let’s hear ‘em–I probably already know what you’re gonna ask, so…’You’re a bit skeptical, you admit, but the guy IS a wizard… or was one, at least. Couldn’t hurt to ask!CHOOSE 1:>What’s he know about Trier?>Any word on getting you home?>Trimbault Academy… he worked there, what does he know?>The Spicys–any news or intel on them?>What’s the situation in Crossroads?>Ha! Got you, old man! You don’t HAVE questions!>Anyone wanna ask the perverted old lech anything?>Write-In!
>>6297426>What’s he know about Trier?>Trimbault Academy… he worked there, what does he know?>Anyone wanna ask the perverted old lech anything?
>>6297431He said choose one, speedreader-kun.>>6297426>Trimbault Academy… he worked there, what does he know?
>>6297431You're cruisin' for a long-range smack upside the head, kiddo
>>6297435you didn't BOLD the CHOOSE 1 while pointing at it with FLASHING RED ARROWS at it...it's YOUR fault...
>>6297436You guys didn't turn that on in the Accessibility Options in the Dark Quest Options Menu
>>6297440What are the other options?
>>6297442High-Contrast Text, Dictation Options, and Colorblind Mode. Also there are extra cosmetics but you didn't shell out for the Dark Quest: Darker Edition Pre-Order Bundle either
>>6297443Screw that, I'm gonna pirate it and get all the extras + the deleted scenes.
>>6297426>Trimbault Academy… he worked there, what does he know?
>>6297426>>The Spicys–any news or intel on them?This and the Trier question are the ones that could help us now, but I don't expect him to have up to date info on Trier.
>>6297433>>6297526>TRIMBAULT>>6297431>KNUCKLEHEAD>>6297617>SPICYSLooks like Trimbault wins it! Will write after work!>>6297445>deleted scenesa-anon....
>>6297628>a-anon....Yes, all of them. Especially THAT one.
>>6297426>What’s he know about Trier?He must have a weakness!
>>6297640>>6297431Okay, okay, if gouKz was a little speedier this woulda' been a tie for Trier as well, so I'll try to work in some Trier info into this too, okay? Okay.You guys are just so darn PERSUASIVE with those puppydog eyes...
Before you can ask anything else, the Speakstone crackles to life again! ‘Let’s see here… if I was a mouthbreathing idiot, which I’m NOT, where would I shuffle off to? Oh yea… TRIMBAULT. They call it a school, but the place might as well be some kinda’ maniac daycare center–psychos outnumber the idiots five to one, the ‘MERIT’ system actively encourages killing off the competition… oh, and the whole thing is run by that wrinkly bastard TRIER. Steer clear of THAT dusty sonnovabitch…”“He’s not wrong. Trimbault’s pedagogical practices have always leaned heavily on ‘experience-based learning’...” Oti adds as he dismissively shakes his head. “Duels, assassinations, theft…”“Sounds like good prep for the mage world…” Shrugs Morook with the usual blank expression. “From what I’ve heard, at least.”“You’ve heard correct.” Nods Oti. “Which is precisely why none of you should be going there without a good reason… and this ‘assassination plot’, well-”“Alright, time’s up! Quit chattering and listen to your elder!” Interjects Volkir’s disembodied and disinterested voice! “I’m old enough to know you’re not gonna listen to any warnings I throw at ya, so what the Hell? Might as well lay all my bells on the table.” Another round of gutteral throat-clearing later, the Durher continues! “Somewhere in that hideout should be my old KEYSTONE--the thing they give professors to actually access the damn place. Without it you’d never get past the reception hall–not without enrolling, at least.” Hmm, you remark, so if you enroll–A dry, raspy laugh fills the room!“HA! Don’t even THINK about it, kid! A Maakar would have a better chance! Probably graduate with honors, too, given the competition! Nope, unless you can ‘borrow’ someone else’s student credentials I’d say the professor route’s the way to go–turnover rate’s sky-high for both students and teachers so they’d never pick ya’ outta’ the crowd, but professors have access to much more facilities than students… course, if ya’ get caught you might get dissected, dueled to death, or worse: forced to TEACH!’T-t-TEACH?!?https://youtu.be/T-BOPr7NXME‘... Sorry, had to zap a totta. Sneaky little bastard… anywho, ordinarily I’d let you die doing whatever harebrained scheme your invalid brain cooked up, but those academy bastards took away my tenure AND garnished my pension, so take the key and go nuts! The more chaos the better!’>CONTD.
>>6297756“I beg to differ.” Oti differs, “Assaulting one of the largest establishments in Umberal, however deserved it is, will only set in motion events you cannot begin to comprehend-”‘Assaulting Trimbault Academy would be the best thing you could do for that town if ya’ ask me,’ Croaks Volkir. ‘Place has had a stranglehold on magical education for too long. And they slighted me. Just don’t stick around long enough to piss off the Archmage–if he sets his sights on you, hoo boy… stick a fork in your head, because it’s DONE!’An uncomfortable silence blankets the room as you exchange a round of concerned glances with your pals.“Okay, okay, shaddap, that’s enough laughter…’ The old Durher snickers through the Speakstone! ‘If ya’ DO piss him off, though, well… I had a plan cooked up back in the old days–one that woulda’ sent that bag of bones back to Hell where he belongs…’Everyone’s faces light up! H-he did!?“Huh. Wish I could remember what the Hells it was… ah well. The good news is that everyone hates that bastard, especially the Academy Professors–that’s how it was when I worked there, anyways, don’t have any reason to assume it’s changed. Heard from an old colleague he’s putting together some kind of new-fangled magical construct supposed to run the whole city… HAH! I’ll believe that when I see it! And with these cataracts of mine, well…’Clearing his throat one last time, Volka and Morook’s dad finishes his long-winded statement. “Prick was always too focused on the wrong details–takes forever to make a decision and lets everything else fall by the wayside–so if you DO have a run-in with Trier, try to get him focused on something, then slam something else into his fat skull while he’s computing it! Oh, and look up PROFESSOR LIS’TAT if you somehow manage to get into the academy without getting vaporized. Chytree gal. Smart. Bold. Got chitin in all the right places. She uh… well I was gonna say she owes me a favor, but she paid me back in full quite a few times, if ya’ catch my meaning…’“H-huh?”‘Don’t worry about it, sweetheart, just another dad joke.’Volka’s confused eyes light up like high-beams on the freeway! “Oh! Okay! Haha!”‘Right, that’s it. Tail’s achin’ up somethin’ FIERCE right now, so I’m gonna lie down. If you’re not Antoine and you’re listening to this, bring his freakish corpse to me in Crossroads–I’ll pay ya for your discretion. If it IS Antonio still listening, disregard that last part.’“Well,” Coughs Tzah-Tzie with a nervous giggle, “That was infor-”‘And if he ISN’T listening, and by that I mean he died, then yea–I’ll even pay for a little freak blood. Don’t even TRY to haggle, though. Okay, how do I turn this damned thing off… love you, honey.’>CONTD.
>>6297757“Love ya-miss ya-mean it!” Volka chirps, grinning ear-to-ear!‘Mor, take care of ‘em, kid.’“Can and will, pops.” The Chytree answers with a stoic nod. With the Speakstone ceasing its speaking, the room falls into blessed silence once more…“... That was informative.” TT concludes. “Y’know what they say: ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’...”“Moronic. Why keep enemies close when you can merely bury them?”Well, you remark, deftly dodging Rezalith’s unnecessary question, that certainly gives us a few options for the Trier issue…“It doesn’t.” Scowls Oti as he leans back in his chair. “You don’t seem to comprehend what you’re trying to do here, so allow me to illuminate you: you, a piece of extra-dimensional detritus, seeks to defeat a nigh-immortal archmage left over from an Empire of immensely-talented beings who not only wielded magic as easily as you breathe, but ALSO had to create new slave races when they wiped out all of the existing sentients. A being backed by an academy full of deranged mages AND an army of freakish constructs!”The sorcerer pauses to let the words sink in. “You wouldn’t be the first to try, and you’ll find out firsthand why people far stronger than you don’t.”What say you?>You don’t really have a choice…>What would HE do then, hmm?>You’ve been hearing this shit since you arrived in Zoral!>Maybe we shouldn’t kill him…>... Why are you even here, Oti>Stay Silent! He’ll think you disappeared!>Write-In!
>>6297758>You’ve been hearing this shit since you arrived in Zoral! Also, why are you even here if you're just going to yell at us.WE'RE AN ANOMALY AND WE'RE GOING TO WIN.
>>6297758>You’ve been hearing this shit since you arrived in Zoral!we da ball
>>6297767+1, and remind him we have a genuine Archdevil helping us for now and that the deranged mages hate their boss' guts and might be willing to help if we play our cards right.>>6297758
>>6297767>>6297769>>6297843>YOU'VE HEARD THIS SHIT ALREADYWriting~>>6297767>AnomalyHey, Anton's human! Kinda!
Oh brother, here we go AGAIN! Gathering every ounce of Rezzie-esque angst you can muster, you respond to Oti’s warning with the MOTHER OF ALL EYEROLLS!“... Very mature-”No, you interject, reaching across the table and wagging your finger knowing damn well Oti can’t even see it, you’re DONE with this BS! All you’ve heard since you’ve arrived is ‘myeh-myeh-MYEH! Yer gonna DIE, Anton! Myeh-myeh-MYEH! These guys are meeeeaaaan! MYEEEH!’The Mage’s perpetually-perturbed eyes flicker. “... Are you done?”No, you scoff with a cheeky grin slipping onto your face, you’re NOT! Just the other day you stopped Rezalith from taking over his stupid tower!“Tch… I could’ve kept it…” The devil snorts, “If I FELT like it!”You disbanded a cruel gang of hoods called THE ICERS and had ‘em join THE LAMPLIGHTERS! And right after that you burned down a whole Casino belonging to the biggest crime syndicate in the land! You even almost tore one of their leaders a new one! Oh, and you SURVIVED!“Yes, well-”Oh, and by the way? There’s a psychotic DEATH CULT that’s been trying to summon demons for the past week or so, and guess who thwarted them every step of the way?“Well uh… didn’t Rez kill everyone the first time, Rook?” Volka asks with an innocent smile.“And your friend killed the others.” Morook dutifully reports. “Luz, right?”LIZ, you correct, and that doesn’t matter! Point is, you’ve been foiling plots and breaking hearts left and right! And the only common factor between every misadventure, folly, and pratfall is that every time you had someone howling in your ear about how DANGEROUS it was! But y’know what you think?“SING IT, ANT!”The whole table, yourself included, pauses to send a perplexed glance over to Tzah-Tzie–the bite-sized Bard sheepishly sinking deeper into her chair with cheeks redder than ketchup.You uh… you think those naysayers are just SCARED! They’re so used to living in the dark… living under the rule of these ‘Lordly Losers’ that they forgot what it’s like to feel the wind on their face and the sun in their hair!… Or the sun in their face and… look, forget it! Point is, you’re DONE hiding! You’ve got demon blood pumping through your veins! You’ve got fire at your fingertips! You’ve got magic shields, enough hardware to invade a small nation, and the best group of buddies a guy can ask for!You try not to grin too much as you watch said buddies light up at your words–even Rezzie can’t help but blush a bit! Turning your attention back over to Oti, you match his steely gaze with one of your own!You’re not going to wait around to get got by mobsters, mages, or anyone else, you hiss through clenched teeth, so what’s it gonna be, huh?! Is he in… or is he just gonna BITCH!?>CONTD.
>>6297945Silence falls over the room once more as your words ring loudly in your friend’s hearts!“Welp, I’m convinced.” Morook remarks as Volka smacks her fists together! “Hell yea, Rook! Color me FIRED UP!”“Y-yea… about time you showed some backbone…” Rezzie mutters as she hides behind her doll! And Tzah-Tzie, well…You uh… you might wanna avoid being left alone with her for a while. Let her cool off a little. While your friends share their support in their own special ways, Oti stares you down like a cow watches a passing locomotive.“Hmph… You may be right… to a degree.”High praise coming from Oti. You let him continue.“I won’t pretend to approve of this, nor will I ignore the gravity of the situation,” He adds as his disco ball eyes sweep across the table, “But you did do me some services in the past, and OTI KIILNAAVEN isn’t one to let debts linger…”Okay, you groan, so he’ll help? The sorcerer nods, if only a little begrudgingly.“... I shall. ‘Fight Magic with Magic’, as they say…” His eyes narrow. “You’ll certainly need it.” “So…” Volka mutters meekly like a kid asking to use the restroom, “How, um… what are we… what should we do?”“Dad’s credentials should help a lot,” Morook volunteers in the usual carefree drone, “He’s rough around the edges, but he’s rarely wrong–and if anyone has a plan to deal with Trier, it’s other mages.”“I’ll admit I’ve entertained the thought in the past,” Oti adds as if you were discussing favorite breakfast dishes, “I never taught at Trimbault, but I was a student there… for a time.”Morook clicks in response. “Yea… it shows.” “There’s another thread we aren’t tugging at though…” Tzah-Tzie mutters, face scrunched up in thought and a lot less, erm, amorous than it was earlier, “The Cartel. You… said they’re providing him with bodies, right, Ant?”Yea, you nod, the very thought making your skin crawl, that’s what The Spicys and Trier keep saying, anyways, but they’re being pretty evasive…“Then why not just ask ‘em?”The whole table’s supply of eyes shift over to Rezalith, the girl still hugging her doll close like a Spy Movie Villain’s cat. “You wanted to bust some heads, didn’t you? Why not do it at the same time?”Ahhh, you nod with a grin, kill two birds with one stone, huh? The devil stares you down with renewed ire.“I don’t need stones to kill, AnTARD. Focus, if you please.”Right. She’s got a point–you did come here to give TT some closure… and if Vhale and his cronies are dealing with Trier, then surely the hardened mobsters have some kind of Ace in the Hole over him?“Also means they’re protected by him.” Adds Morook as he rocks back and forth in his chair. “And they protect him.”Ugh… >CONTD.
>>6297946What about you, RED? Any thoughts? You feel a familiar presence stir within you.”Didn’t figure him ta’ be THAT much of a precautioneer…” The Archdevil drawls with the cadence of a Western Flick Star, ”And I haven’t really wrapped my head around all the ins-n-outs of magic in this here plane. If someone could fill us in on how his ‘failsafes’ work, well… I figure I could handle the rest.”Relaying your conversation to the others, you get a few nods from the Wizard-In-Residence. “It’s old magic, that’s for certain. Very old.”“Great,” TT sighs with a Rezzie-esque eyeroll, “So how do we stop it?”“That’s just IT. It’s OLD.” Repeats the Chytree with extra venom in his voice, “The Academy has a FORBIDDEN SECTION in the SCRIPTORIUM... Not even professors may enter without a specific title in mind and a very, VERY good reason.” Something clicks near his mouth. “The good news is that if there’s any literature on splitting one’s soul, it’ll be in there… but I don’t have to remind you that the academy is an extension of his Tower. He holds all the cards there.”“Tower?” Rezalith asks with a grin growing across her face, “Say… why don’t I just do what I did to your dumb little pervert den? Y’know… make myself comfortable?”“By all means, do.” The sorcerer sneers. “Your feeble attempt to wrest control of one of Zoral’s oldest living mages would work as an excellent distraction… and it might even rid us of you once and for all. I see no downside.”“Tch… I could write miles of poems about the stuff you don’t know about me…”Volka blinks. “You write poems?” Rezzie swiftly shuts her trap.“Hey Ant,” Tzah-Tzie remarks as she casts an appraising glance over you, “You still have your souvenir from the Museum?”Sure, you nod as you fish the REPLICA ANTI-MAGIC BOMB from your pocket, right here!“There’s a whole historic district here in Umberal populated by smiths, tinkerers, the works.” The Durher begins with a glimmer in her eye, “SMITH STREET. You can probably guess why!”And they might know how to, uh… The conniving catthing shrugs.“If anyone would know where to FIND one, it’d be someone on that street.” She replies with a cheeky smirk! “That or the Academy. A street’s loads easier to sneak into than a hoity-toity mage academy, though.”“There is also… one thing I can assist with:” Oti adds with unusual wariness in his tone, “I know of a spell that can change one’s appearance… temporarily, of course.”Hmmm… into aaaaaanythiiiiing?>CONTD.
>>6297948“Not exactly… The spell is most potent when transmogrifying the target into something similar in size and shape,” the mage explains. “So if I were to cast it on you, for example, I would be unable to shape you into a Skog… or a Molegg.” His eyes cast downwards at Tzah-Tzie. “Or Durhers. Veeti.”That… sounds pretty helpful, you’re not gonna lie! How long would it last? Your question is answered by a noncommittal grunt.“A few hours, maybe. With enough focus and proper preparations, of course.” His eyes fall back upon you. “The right person with the right disguise and credentials could snoop around the academy. It would be like they were never there at all.”“Woof… this… this is a lot, guys, not gonna lie…” Groans Volka as she massages her hidden tusks in befuddled anguish! “But the more we plan, the better it could go, yea?”Right, you nod, and if all else fails, well…“We improvise, right?” Tzah-Tzie interrupts with a reassuring grin!Exactly.What’s the first step of the plan, hmm?>Investigate the Spice Cartel Connection!>Track down that Gnok Mage that you and Rezzie fought!>Go to Trimbault as a Student… Can Oti get you in?>Head to Trimbault as a Professor! Volkir, don’t fail you now…>Get Oti’s Glamour Spell ready–you can plan who gets the treatment now!>Let’s explore town a little bit… maybe something will come to us!>Write-In!On that note, folks, gonna be heading outta town for the weekend so expect the next big update some time next week! Might fit in one or two in the interim, but just warning ya!
>>6297950>Track down that Gnok Mage that you and Rezzie fought!>Head to Trimbault as a Professor! Volkir, don’t fail you now…>Get Oti’s Glamour Spell ready–you can plan who gets the treatment now!Okay, so the plan is this: grab that mage, Oti glamours she, Oti, and Anton.Meanwhile..>TT, Volka, Rezalith, Morook, go check Smith Street!When you have this many friends, it pays to split the party and cover all bases!
>>6297950>Get Oti’s Glamour Spell ready–you can plan who gets the treatment now!>Head to Trimbault as a Professor! Volkir, don’t fail you now…
Those are all good plans anons, but also I wanna see what happens if we're left alone with TT.
>>6297953Eh, since no one else seems to be voting, guess I'll swap to backing this.>>6298174Mmh, that would be nice but I also don't wanna lose my legs during 'love' making.
>>6299054Didn't you hear Anton's speech? He's just built different. He can take it.
>>6297950>Let’s explore town a little bit… maybe something will come to us!
>>6298174Look, I love our cat-goblin too, but OP can only write so many sex scenes.
>>6297953>>6299054>GRAB TOPPEL!>NEW JOB!>GLAMOURRRRRR!&>TT, VOLKA, REZZIE, AND MOROOK HIT SMITH STREET!>>6299181>EXPLORE!Looks like splitting the party wins for now, folks! Good timing too, because I'm BACK! I'll put together the update on Tuesday though--pretty wiped out. Thanks for being so patient!>>6298174I'll tell you this, not that it should be shocking: she was probably gonna tell you what she thought of your little speech. Intimately. Not that she ever really needs a reason, though--girl's the kind that knows what she wants, when, and how!>>6299294Extremely true
>>6300327Welcome back, QM!
>>6300335Thanks, anon--happy to be back, actually! Got that questin' itch, but work is totally happening tomorrow
You’re thankful for all the options, but you don’t exactly have the luxury of time here in Umberal… it’s easy to forget you still have the Cartel to watch out for, assuming Trier doesn’t snatch you up first, that is! The odds, as usual, are against you… but that hasn’t stopped you yet! It ain’t ideal, you begin as you pound your fist into your open palm, but you’ve got an idea! After relaying your plan to the others, you’re met with a few nods and grunts of approval–not exactly the raucous applause you expected, but you’ll get there some day.You’ll get there…“More thought-out than I expected.” Oti remarks in what you assume is his version of a compliment, “I should mention, however, that spreading a Glamour over several targets will diminish its power greatly. It’s best utilized by one person.”Alright, you shrug, but he can do it, can’t he? The Chytree bristles.“Of course I can ‘do it’,” He sneers, “Just don’t be surprised when the illusion doesn’t last as long as it could have.”You’ll cross that bridge when you reach it. Smith Team, questions? Concerns? Quandries?“Sure do!” Volka chirps, face scrunched up in intense confusion, “Why is it that some nights it’s more comfy to sleep on my back, but every now and then I like sleeping on my belly?”“I think he meant questions about the plan, Vol.” Mutters Morook as he gives his sister’s arm a reassuring pat.“WHOOPS!” The Skog sputters as she jerks upright in shock, “Yep, sounds clear as crystals to me!”“Just to confirm:” Purrs Tzah-Tzie as she drums her claws on the tabletop, “We’re looking for someone who can hook us up with Anti-Magic gear, yea?”That’s right, you nod with a cheeky grin on your face, but they can use their best judgement. Better to have and not need than need and not have, right?“And if I ‘judge’ that we need to tear someone apart?” Rezzie chimes in with the subtlety of a brick through a church window. Shit, she’s right… maybe it’d be a good idea to designate a team leader…Who should lead Smith Team?>Tzah-Tzie (Sneaky, Local, Perfidious)>Morook (Composed, Observant, Hard to Read)>Volka (Intimidating, Tactical, Gullible)>Rezalith (Rezalith, Rezalith, Rezalith)>No one!>Write-In!
>>6300564>Morook (Composed, Observant, Hard to Read)He's smart.
>>6300564>Morook (Composed, Observant, Hard to Read)The only man besides us...he deserves this honor.
>>6300565>>6300666>MOROOK!A good choice... or IS IT!? Writing!
The choice is, by and large, a no-brainer. Morook, you mutter as your eyes wander over to his, you’re in charge of Smith Squad. If the Chytree has any arguments, his gaze doesn’t betray them. “Leave it to me, then.” He answers in a remarkably calm manner while Rezalith silently rips him apart in her head, teeth clenched and eyes trembling.“I presume we’ll be leaving soon?” Oti asks with a dismissive sigh. He presumes right, you fire back as you rise from your seat, and whatever happens, we’ll all meet back here, okay? No heroics!“Awww, c’mooooon!” Groans Volka as she and the others rise from their chairs, “Not even a lil’ bit?”That’s up to SMITH LEADER, you reply with a wink, to which Morook answers with a polite laugh.“We’ll keep the swashbuckling to a minimum if we can help it.” He answers as his eyes sweep across his subordinates. “We’re on enemy turf here. No sense prodding the Zitzer nest.”“Oh Hells, it’s SPREADING.” Rezzie gags! “The minute a fight starts, though, I’m not holding back! Consider that a warning!”“Probably not a bad idea…” Tzah-Tzie mutters to herself as her fluffy tail sneakily caresses the back of your leg. “I doubt the Spicys will let us off with a warning this time around…”“Say, yea…” Volka remarks with a flicker of concern in her big yellow eyes, “What are we gonna do about them, ey? You know they’re gonna be sniffin’ around…”You’ll cross that bridge when you get to it, you shrug. There’s a good chance that Vhale has something to keep Trier in check, but if it comes down to the wire then you’d rather scope out Trimbault while you can. Morook grunts in assent.“The paranoid maniac Archmage does sound like a more immediate threat, yes.” Tzah-Tzie bristles with renewed fire in her eyes!“Yea… and I wanna be there when we tear his smug ass to shreds…” The sudden venom in her tone causes Rezzie to beam with… pride?“The Snack…” She remarks with a slow nod, “There might just be hope for you yet…”“If we’re all done practicing our threats, shall we put the plan into action?” Oti interjects with enough venom for both of them! “Trimbault is best infiltrated whilst we still have the element of surprise… and if we intend to acquire this other mage, well…” The sorcerer punctuates his statement with a weary groan. “Do we really have to track them down?”Don’t worry, you grin, he’ll love her! Plus she owes you a favor and seemed pretty desperate, so-“A winning combination if ya’ ask me!” TT giggles with a wink! Oti isn’t impressed.“...I didn’t, but very well. Is there anything else we should cover before you collect that TOKEN?”>CONTD.
>>6300734Is there?>About the Darkness–any thoughts about that, guys?>The Spicys. We need to plan for them while we can!>Crossroads. How’s it doing? Besides the imminent invasion, that is!>Oti and Morook. What did you miss while you were gone?>Any input, RED?>Talk to someone in private! (Who?)>You wanna scope somewhere else out first… (List available if voted on!)>Write-In!
>>6300735>Talk to someone in private! (TT)Before you say anything, I have a genuine thing. See, Otti is a good leader and all, but I'm not sure he's "Experienced" when it comes to dealing with Rezzie. So we should basically tell our dear cat that its her "Secret Mission'" to keep the demon from going on a rampage. She's the Rezdawg Handler.
>>6300736>OttiMorook* I mean
>>6300735>Talk to someone in private! (TT)Smooch the cat thing. Tell the cat thing to watch over Rezzie.>Any input, RED?After we're done talking to our cat.
>>6300744+1>>6300734
>>6300736>CATTHING COMMUNICATION!>>6300744>>6300792>CATTHING COMMUNICATION!>RECONNOITER WITH RED!Writing!
That’s it for now, you report with renewed resolve in your tone and expression! Let’s track down the old man’s credentials and mosey! Before anyone can mosey anywhere, however, your eyes fall upon the cuddly catthing next to you as she munches on a handful of something crunchy… sensing your stare, the feisty fuzzball tries her best to send a toothy grin your way without letting slip whatever it is she’s munching on! Gulping it down with a bit of effort, she cocks her head to the side with a coquettish wink!“‘He drunkenly drifted, path serenaded with sighs… he was lost once again! Lost again in her eyes~’”TT, you’re good at tracking things down, you remark, grinning and failing to hide the redness in your cheeks, mind helping me find Volkir’s keythingie?The Spinner shudders. “Only if you promise to wipe it off a bit when we track it down… who knows where it’s been…”It’s been in his love nest, you answer as a chill runs down your spine, not even HELLFIRE will do the trick…The foxthing giggles at your joke as she playfully bats at your hip. “Alack! Alas! A bitter defeat from a trinket so crass!” Cutting her off with a quick scratch behind one of her tall, narrow ears, you nearly forget what you’re doing when the Durher leans into your touch with a contented hum! C’mon, you grumble as the others take off to inspect the new safehouse, save that energy for searching, okay?She answers your request with a skeptical glance. “I’m an artiste, dear–I can do both, y’know~” Leading the way into the next room with the confidence of a movie star, Tzah-Tzie drops the theatrics for a second as she waits for you by the threshold. “You can taste the magic in the air, can’t you? Old coot probably knows we’re here already–all that’s left is to wait for him to dangle the foul thing in front of our noses.”You don’t smell the magic, unfortunately, but you do smell the stale, musty scent of a student’s dorm… The air is almost unpleasantly cool and moist as you follow TT into the room–the walls around you creaking and groaning in protest despite the relatively calm weather outside, not that you notice any windows, of course.Your foot catches on a stack of heavy stone tablets and sends you tumbling across the room like a drunken gymnast into what your back registers as a desk when it slams into it! Splaying out on a thin rug worn thinner from time and use, you stare upwards at the indiscernible ceiling as Tzah-Tzie looms over you like a bright-eyed vulture!“Looks like you found ‘Meister Volkir’s notes…” She observes, snickering as she delivers his title in a posh accent.>CONTD.
>>6300877While the diminutive Durher can’t exactly help you to your feet, she nonetheless takes your hand in two of hers and tries her best to tug you back up! “Hard to believe the old fogey used this place for something other than rutting, huh?”Yea, you reply, grimacing as you struggle to avoid thinking of the elderly Durher’s conquests, but, like, that’s what you do in Universities, right? Socialize? Study?The girl’s head cocks to the side as confusion spreads across her face. “Never been–had a private tutor.”Oh, you reply with a listless blink, that’s… yea, that tracks…” Sensing something amiss, the Durher dares to step a little closer with concern in her eyes. “Did you go to an Academy, or?”A crack appears in your mind’s persistent cloud layer. No… you, uh… you didn’t want… no, you COULDN’T…“Oh.” Tzah-Tzie replies with a click of her tongue. “Well for what it’s worth, you still turned out pretty clever, Ant.”The response tears you away from your silent confusion! N-no, you sputter, you went to school, you just… Well, there’s this higher education called ‘College’ and a lot of people go there once they’re done with regular school…“But you couldn’t go…” The Spinner repeats, each word echoing as she circles the study. “Did… did you wanna go?”You’re uh… you’re not sure, you answer as you shift your weight from one foot to another. Maybe… but maybe… you didn’t?Tzah-Tzie blinks as she sifts through your answer. “Well don’t worry, Ant–we’ll get those memories of yours back. Tzah-Tzie guarantee!”You open your mouth to protest, but you can’t really fight against that cheeky grin of hers… Yea, you nod, she’s right. Your answer earns a triumphant twirl from the troublesome troubadour!“Course I am! Always right, mhm!” Winking at you over her shoulder, the Durher begins to unceremoniously tear the place apart like a Fed looking for evidence! H-hey!“Less reflecting, more inspecting!” She barks as she disappears inside what you assume is a drawer! “Chop chop!”Joining her in the hunt, you start in a dust-filled armoire near where TT left you. On a separate note, you begin, trying not to flinch as you’re showered in something thick, powdery, and sticky like a spider web, would she mind keeping an eye on-“Rez-Rez? Way ahead of ya.” Says the Spinner as she chucks some clutter onto the floor behind her, “Might even bag some HOLY SYMBOLS TO KNODD just to keep her on good behavior…”The name doesn’t ring any bells, but Trier’s comment about sealing away the gods causes something to chime in your head… Knodd, you repeat absent-mindedly, who’s he again?>CONTD.
>>6300882“EARTHMOTHER’.” The catthing coughs, “Didn’t really follow her much being in a traditional Durher household and all, but she’s always been a big deal here in Umberal. Splitspring Temple’s probably been around almost as long as Umberal has…”So she’s not a local? TT laughs.“Not really–she’s got a lotta Molegg fans, though.” Shifting her search to another shelf, the Durher’s eyes dance over your way. “There was something about all rock and dirt being born from her, or something? Dunno the specifics, but I ran into one of her priestesses once… never thought a Molegg could move so gracefully… sing so beautifully…”It takes you a moment to realize the fuzzball has stopped–her face glazed over with a blank, almost awed expression. She, uh… is she a fan?“Wha? Huh?” Shaking off the stillness in her expression, the Spinner lets out a nervous laugh! “Sorry, lost myself for a second there… nah, Durhers tend to stick to VIISLA THE HUNTRESS or BIISI THE FOOL...” Biting her lip in thought, the girl shoots you an apologetic glance. “If I had to choose, I’d go with BIISII. He looks out for the aimless–points us on the right path, throws a win our way now and again.”Let me guess, you begin with a wry grin forming on your dust-covered face, patron saint of gambling, right? The Spinner averts her eyes. “... something like that…”Bingo.“What about you?” The question takes you by surprise. Huh? “Your gods, silly. You have ‘em in your plane, right?” A cocky smirk spreads across the Spinner’s face. “Bet you worship some kinda’ luck god too, don’tcha?”Yet again your answer is obfuscated by the fog. You… maybe you did, you diplomatically reply, but uh… you’re not sure anymore.Maybe you just gave up.“Nyoho~so mysterious...” Purrs the performer as she makes a show of looking you over, “We’ll unravel your mysteries one of these days, Anton… one at a time~”You hope so, you reply in a somewhat rueful tone, these foggy memories are killing you… The mischief in TT’s face gives way to a reassuring smile as she studies your somber expression. “We’ll get there, Ant,” she replies softly as she returns to her search, “We’ll get there…”It takes you a moment to realize you’re clenching your jaw.>Roll me 1d100-3 (+3 TT Leads the Way, +3 Arcane Assistance, -9 DEAR LORD THIS PLACE IS A MESS) to track down the Keystone! Best of 3!Probably gonna be the last update of the night. Will do another on Wednesday!
Rolled 26 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6300884
Rolled 99 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>6300884OUR DICESHALL SAVE USNOT GODS.
>>6300888>99>tripsWell, I guess that settles it.
Rolled 86 (1d100)>>6300884ALL HAIL THE DICE
>>6300888
>>6300885>>6300888>>6300891>HIGHEST ROLL: 96!Yeesh, save some for the elevenish boss fights you've got waiting for ya! Writing!
Your meandering into morosity is cut short when your hand glides across something small, smooth, and circular on the top shelf of the ancient armoire!Finding a foothold on a conveniently-placed stool (no doubt placed there by the previous master of the manse), you step up and grab the trinket from its hiding place! TT, you announce as confidence seeps back into your speech, you think you found i-A dull CRUNCH rings out from beneath your feet as your primordial perch crumbles into splinters beneath your weight! Toppling forwards like a beach umbrella in a hurricane, you slam against the classical cupboard with the full weight of your face and earn a shower of debris and dust for your efforts! Free of charge!“ANT!” Squeaks Tzah-Tzie as she watches from afar in abject horror and mild amusement, “W-WATCH OUT!”Too little, too late… the whole kit and kaboodle comes crashing down upon you like those damned freezer shelves at work! Luckily the flimsy furniture’s metamorphosis into a pile of toothpicks is pretty much complete by the time it hits you. Spitting a few foul-tasting gobs of termite buffet out of your mouth, you slowly wriggle free from the rubble as the fearless fuzzball takes the opportunity to pick through the wreckage!D-did she find the… the thiiiing?“Hm. Won’t know til’ we ask ‘Oddy’ out there…” Snorts the Spinner as she tosses the token you found in the air like a coin! “And check this out…”Stooping low to meet your prone form, the Durher ties a gossamer chain around your neck as something cold and hard lands on your chest. Jewelry?“Some kinda’ amulet.” The Durher shrugs as she watches you rise back onto your feet! “Feels weird, huh?”She’s not wrong–running your fingers along the pendant, you swear you feel a slight jolt dance along your digits… and just when you’re about to let it drop, the air around you begins to feel a bit… muffled?What IS this thing?“Musta’ been sitting somewhere inside that cabinet…” Muses the musician before a sly grin slips onto her face! “... Hope it ain’t one of those SEX-SWAPPING AMULETS...”The words live for about half a second before setting off every, and you mean EVERY warning bell in your body! W-W-W-WHAAAA!?!“Relax, relaaaax!” Snickers the Spinner as she gives your side a gentle kick, “They don’t exist!” Her sultry smirk fades into a stony stare. “Probably.”She’s the worst. She’s the WORST. Why do you let her do this to you? Sensing your inner struggle, Tzah-Tzie puts your worries to rest with a cheeky snicker as she trots towards the way you entered!“You’re a delight, you know that, Ant?” She remarks with a wink, “Just a gift that keeps on giving…”>CONTD.
>>6301221And she’s a pain, you fire back as you struggle not to let her smile spread to your face, and you’ll get her back one of these days, count on it! She responds with a scandalized scoff!“Such a temper, such a temper! We’ll have to find a more positive outlet for all that energy…” Giving her lips a surreptitious lick, the girl dismisses the argument with a gentle shake of her head. “You coming?”In a moment, you reply as a singular bead of sweat trickles down your neck from the exchange, just uh… gotta talk to your pal… TT’s nose scrunches up, not that you can see it.“Euch. Don’t have too much fun…””She can stay!” RED exclaims as you watch the Durher depart, ”She’s practically my gal too, y’know, Tex… and phew, some of my harem guys and gals could learn a thing or tw-”Stay away from TT, you bluntly interject as you lean against Volkir’s writing desk, we gotta talk!The demonic presence setting up shop in your soul reluctantly shifts around. ”Ain’t healthy to keep things bottled up, pard. Take it from yer’ ole’ pal RED.”Yea, you snort, you’ll keep that in mind, DAD. The slight earns a snicker from the entity.”C’mon, kid… yer’ makin’ me blush here…”Well you’ve got the room to yourself–er, yourselves... What’s next?>Why does he want to take these Lords down again?>Any idea on how to defeat Trier?>The Spicys… he’ll be able to wreck them, right?>You could use some more power…>Why does he keep bringing TT up?>Tell me more about himself!>Any chance you could get an advance on one of your memories?>It’s a stretch, but has he heard anything from your friend Liz?>What are his thoughts on (Which Character?)>Does he know anything about that Greater Demon the Cult tried to summon?>Write-In!
>>6301227>Any idea on how to defeat Trier?>Does he know anything about that Greater Demon the Cult tried to summon?I wouldn't trust him on anything else. The demon he might know something about, and Trier's part of his goal. Since he wants us to take out the other lords he probably won't make a plan that'll screw us over.
>>6301227>Any idea on how to defeat Trier?>Does he know anything about that Greater Demon the Cult tried to summon?>Why does he keep bringing TT up?
>>6301288>Why does he keep bringing TT upProbably because she's our "Squeeze" and he's pretty much watching us on a Live feed?
>>6301304Still, couldn't hurt to ask.
>>6301306Not really much of a question there, she's our girlfriend and he's the puppeteer possessing us who sees everything we do, including all our activities in bed.
>>6301314Ehhh. Fine, fine. Swapping my third question in >>6301288 to >It’s a stretch, but has he heard anything from your friend Liz?I know the answer we'd probably get isn't much but it couldn't hurt.
>>6301230+1>>6301288He was in our head when we went all the way down to TT town. Of COURSE he's into that.
>>6301227>Any idea on how to defeat Trier?>Does he know anything about that Greater Demon the Cult tried to summon?
>>6301230>>6301339>>6301436>HOW TO DEFEAT TRIER?>GREATER DEMON?>>6301317>HOW TO DEFEAT TRIER?>GREATER DEMON?>LIZ?Looks like Trier and the Demon win... will write when work gets out!
So, you huff, not particularly eager to hear what the Hellspawn has to say, he all but rushed you out of Trier’s place the minute you met the guy… What happened? Cold feet? The entity quivers.”What happened,” RED grumbles, ”Is that I saved your soul, amigo. For myself, granted, but saved nonetheless.”Yea, you picked up on that, you retort as you idly drum your knuckles against the desk’s surface.”You don’t sound too thrilled, pard.” The devil remarks, sending a pang of irritation through your skull. Dude takes your soul hostage and expects a pat on the back every step of the way… ”Look, I took one glance at the guy and made a judgement call–I ain’t about to bench one of my star players when we’re still in the first quarter, you feel me?”You blink. You… you really don’t! Is… was that a SPORTS metaphor? What IS he?!”The guy lookin’ out fer’ ya, Tex. Can’t wait ta’ get ya’ down here full-time and all, but there’s too much work to be done on your end… and that means we gotta play things smartlike.”And what, pray tell, does ‘smartlike’ look like, exactly? Because when you agreed to that contract you assumed he knew what he was doing!”Valid feelings, valid feelings…” The devil replies with a nod in his disembodied voice, ”All said, my knowledge of your world’s magic is about as fuzzy as a mid-Winter Jackalope-”It’s not really your world, you retort with a frown–you’re still trying to find a way back to yours!”Right again… but the point still stands, pard: unless we hash out how that spooky sonnovagun splits his soul up, we’re deader than a polecat at the bottom of a cistern…” An unseen force compels you to lift your hand to your chin and give it a contemplative stroke. ”This academy… I’d bet my britches that if we track down any information, it’ll be there. Or from that mobster Trier pals around with.”So what, we just keep an eye out for dirt on Trier while we’re skulking around, you reply with a derisive snort! That was your plan already!”But wait… there’s more!” Answers the Archdevil with that raspy laugh that still makes the hairs on your neck stand on-end! ”I know it makes you… squeamish… but if you could get your hands on someone with a bit-a know-how, well…” The demon pauses, no doubt licking his lips wherever the hell he is.He’ll what? Suck out their soul and figure it all out?”Cripes, Anton, you make the process sound so VULGAR!” RED groans with a good-natured sigh! ”But yea… folks tend ta’ become a LOT more talkative when we roll out the welcome wagon for ‘em in CHAA’TAI… and I figure we can save a whole lotta’ time that’d normally be spent negotiatin’, fightin’, that ole’ song-n-dance.”>CONTD.
>>6301640You’ll… definitely think about it, you reply, goosebumps forming as you revisit the last time RED got hungry on your behalf. He’s not wrong–not at this moment at least–there’s no telling how long it’ll take before Trier sends for you again. Best prepare as best as you can, even if that means getting your hands a little, well…Dirty.Speaking of, you begin with a frown, he knows about that GREATER DEMON the BURROWER CULT morons tried to summon, right? Another crackly laugh reverberates around your noggin!”HA! Oh they summoned ‘em alright! Ole’ CEEZ’GAAR BLOODSIPPER, that murderous sonnovabitch…” Laughing as if reminiscing at a High School Reunion, RED lets out a nostalgic sigh. ”Dumber n’ a bag of ticks and twice as mean… but the way I see it, if he’ can’t hang onto all that power, well…” The sound of something being spit hits your inner ear. ”Reckon he didn’t deserve it in the first place.”So what, you begin with curiosity building in your body, is he back there with him now? You thought he-”HA! He WISHES!” The devil croons with a derisive laugh! ”Sure, a sliver of ‘em came back… as a FLEDGELING. As for the rest of his power, well…” The cowpoke hesitates as if remembering a funny joke. ”Someone else is using it now. LOADS better, if I do say so myself~”So he knows, you mutter under your breath, frown deepening at the devil’s constant cat-and-mouse games! Who got there before Rezzie?! Who snatched it all up?!? You can feel the presence mull over your words for the briefest of moments before answering in a tone bordering on… pride?”Take a wild guess, Anton. You know EXACTLY who.”Your innards drop into the freshly-formed pit in your stomach as his answer echoes around your skull… of course–how could you have missed it? She came here just like you did–a failed ritual!You’d barely even considered the situation since Rezalith relayed it to you on the train, but now that you do, well…”Anything you’d like me to pass along?” He asks with a smile in his voice! ”Words of wisdom? Positive affirmations?” The smug grin in his speech spreads wider. “... or something SPICIER? Don’t worry–I ain’t gonna tell fuzzball! Scout’s Honor, Tex~” Liz….What do?>Yea, I do.>No.>Has he been telling her about all of your shenanigans?>He got her in the same BS agreement, didn’t he?>Where is Liz? What is she doing?>Has she mentioned you at all?>You’ll talk about this later, but you have other things to discuss.>You’re done talking with him. For a WHILE.>Write-In!
>>6301646What exactly does "Yes" or "No" mean here
>>6301646Whoops, sorry--back's hurting something fierce today and it's been messing with my brain!YES meaning you wanna pass a message along to Liz, NO meaning you don't wanna pass along anything. Sorry for the confusion! Might take the rest of the day off to recuperate
>>6301646>He got her in the same BS agreement, didn’t he?>Yea, I do.Might as well pass something, I guess, but I don't really have any idea other than apologizing for dragging her into this mess, which isn't particularly helpful.
>>6301659+1 to calling Red out, and to apologizing.>>6301655Feel better soon, QM.
>>6301659+1>"Guess you're stuck with me. I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess.">>6301655Take it easy, QM.
>>6301659>>6301704>>6301747>SAME DEAL, HUH>YEA: MY SINCEREST APOLOCHEESEWill write later this afternoon, most likely! Back is still feeling fucky, but we'll see what happens! Thank you for the well-wishes and sorry for the sporadic updates!
Flatfooted. Stupified. Befuddled. Three words you don’t tend to use often, but fit pretty darn well in your current situation… and why wouldn’t they!? Your Ex is here with you in Zoral–that alone is crazy enough–but not only is the Used Car Salesman in your head telling you she’s in the same boat as you, she’s also juiced up on GREATER DEMON!?Flatfooted. Stupified. Befuddled. It’s not enough that you didn’t even remember how you left things with Liz until a few days ago… you also have no idea how to react to the news now. RED can talk with her… does she know where you are? Is she safe? Is she gonna kick down Umberal’s gates to come get you… or is she just going to chew you out?There’s too much noise. Too much going on… and yet at the same time you know you can’t neglect the only other human in Zoral, even if she is jacked up on demonic energy!A weak ‘how’ leaves your lips as RED’S presence hovers in the corner of your perception.”Don’t fret, Tex–she’s doing just fine… given the circumstances an’ whatnot.” The voice explains in an almost placating tone, ”Hell, she’s almost TOO fine! At, uh… taking care of herself, I mean!”You can’t help but cringe at the devil’s phrasing. Amiable though he may seem, the Archdevil’s honeyed words tend to conjure the image of some greasy sex shop proprietor more than a singing cowboy–like every word has some kind of innuendo slipped in.So, you continue in a measured tone as you try not to betray your growing irritation, she has the same deal, doesn’t she? When she dies-”IF she dies!” Corrects the cowpoke, ”But yep, same terms, different client! Rules are rules, pard–I don’t make em’...”Doesn’t he, though? He answers your question with a dismissive laugh.”I don’t expect ta’ see her down here for a while, though–gal’s the type Death has ta’ take while she ain’t lookin’.” You can almost feel the devil’s eyes boring into you with a hint of… judgement?”Took to the whole thing like a horse to hay, actually. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t admire her open-mindedness! You could learn a thing or two, amigo! Maybe snatch up a little more power too-”You recall very little about Liz, but what you DO know is that she’s anything but squeamish! Just the idle thought of what RED did in the Swoos Lounge still makes your spine tingle… as do some of your follow-up questions:What happens when a soul gets snatched?”There… IS something else, actually…” The devil mutters like a kid about to share a bad report card, ”For the sake of transparency, mind.”>CONTD.
>>6302033Let me guess, you reply with a weary sigh, she’s going after the Lords too? You can almost feel RED’S presence deflate like a balloon at a kid’s party.”... Spoilsport. But yea, I figure if you’re both motivated-”WAIT, you sputter as the realization hits you like the cabinet from a few posts ago, what happens if she gets to them first!? What about your memories!?”Good question!” The demon laughs as if you’d just asked him why ducks stand in the rain! ”I guess I can’t penalize ya’ if you’re too slow, but… well it’d probably limit how many memories you’d get a return on, I’d reckon-”That’s bullshit, you snap! That’s BULLSHIT! RED quivers in the corner of your consciousness. ”Oh quit being such a sourpuss–you’ve claimed TRIER already! Hells, I’d say you’ve got a head start!”He’s enjoying this, isn’t he? Forcing you to scramble around like rats? The entity shrugs. ”I’m just making the best of a crummy situation, pard… and I highly, HIGHLY recommend you do the same…” A fresh smirk squirms into RED’S raspy voice.”Your ex-better half certainly has.”His answers only create more questions: how far will Liz go in this little game of his? Who else is in on it? Can you even assume she’s the girl you used to date? ‘For the sake of transparency’... yea right! Transparent as mud, maybe. You’d be furious if you weren’t buried under everyone else trying to kill you… and as much as it pains you to admit it, you don’t think you have the luxury of time or means to rush off to wherever Liz is right now to make sure she’s okay…Which means trusting her strength.… and RED’S word. He can communicate with her, right? You feel the fiend nod in that strange, non-corporeal way that you still haven’t gotten used to.”You betcha! Got a message for the lil’ lady? Not TOO risque now~ Just kiddin’!”You’re starting to see why Rezzie hates this guy so much. Look, you sigh as you struggle to put your thoughts in row, just… tell her that you’re sorry, okay? She’s stuck here with you now, but that doesn’t mean you don’t feel responsible for it all. And horrible about the whole thing…”Mhm, mhm~I’ll make sure she gets the memo, pard!” Chirps the cowpoke as if he was Liz’ bubbly secretary. ”Bet it’ll thaw some of that frosty exterior she’s always got going on… ahhh, who am I kiddin’?”There will be a day, you think to yourself as the Demon Lord laughs at your expense, that you’ll be the one laughing. You really, really hope it comes soon.>CONTD.
>>6302035”High hopes, amigo…” The devil replies in a cool, rumbling tone. ”High hopes…”Anything else you wanna talk about? This guy makes your skin crawl.CHOOSE 1:>Why does he want to take these Lords down again?>The Spicys… he’ll be able to wreck them, right?>You could use some more power…>Why does he keep bringing TT up?>Tell me more about himself!>Any chance you could get an advance on one of your memories?>What are his thoughts on (Which Character?)>Nope. We’re done.>Write-In!On a slightly-related note: I give you all full license to stove my dumbass skull in with a claw hammer if I continue to fuck up formatting like I just did three times in a row. Thanks, kings
>>6302037>Nope. We’re done.We're good.
>>6302037>Nope. We’re done.
>>6302041>>6302121>STICK A FORK IN US... CUZ WE'RE DONEWriting!
The air in the office grows colder as your exchange comes to a screeching halt. What more needs to be said? The shifty bastard holds all the cards for now: yours, Liz’s, and even Trier’s in a weird, roundabout way! He’s a necessary evil, you think to yourself as your fists ball up at your sides, with an emphasis on evil... but if Liz is abiding his antics, well…You’re going to have to deal with it too.”AAAaAAAaAnd SENT!” Chirps the cowpoke in a bit too cheery of a tone! ”Don’t you worry, amigo–the minute she has a reply you’ll be the first to know! Probably!”Whatever, dude… waving him off in your head, you leave Volkir’s office for hopefully greener pastures. Any more from this guy and you’re gonna get a LICORICE HEADACHE! EUCH!“He lives…”Morook’s observation is about as necessary as it is energetic, but you manage to meet the Chytree’s gaze with a wry grin and a quiet ‘for now!’“So! How’s your pal doing?” Volka innocently asks as she bolts upright in whatever couch, armchair, or plush piece of furniture she’s currently crushing! “‘Pal’...” Scoffs Rezzie as she finishes carving something into the wall with her claw before glancing over her shoulder at you, “He’s a lot of things, but a ‘pal’ isn’t one of them…”“Right, right… my bad!” Nods the Skog as Tzah-Tzie and Oti emerge from the doorway across from you. “How’d it go?”You relay the details of Liz’ situation as best you can… and the fact that she’s in the race to squash the LORDS too. By the time you’re finished, the room is about as quiet as the office you just left.“That’s… that’s horrible…” Volka whines as her gaze falls to the floor! You know…“She probably came here to save you too!” The Skog adds, her big yellow eyes growing even bigger! “A-and now…”You know, you repeat as you struggle to keep your cool! It’s… it’s not ideal…“Ideal or not, we might want to address the Fruum in the cellar…” Morook mutters, prompting Volka to leap into a battle stance that nearly bowls Tzah-Tzie over!“FRUUM!? WHERE!?!?”“... It’s an expression, Volk.” The ranger answers with the sigh of a man who’s had this exact exchange with her many, many times.“What are these ‘EKSPRE-CHUNS’ you all keep blathering about?!” Snarls Rezzie with a flap of her wings! “What magic is this!?”Morook, you interject just as Oti looks ready to fill the room in frost, what exactly do you mean by that? He answers you with a dire look in his turgid eyes.“My… experience with your friend is limited,” He begins in a diplomatic tone, “But from the moment she was brought into this world she didn’t hesitate to destroy everything and anything in her path…>CONTD.
>>6302168“Right…” Tzah-Tzie ponders as she slinks over to your side, “She nearly took your head off, didn’t she, Mor?”“I’d… rather not reminisce.” He answers with a nervous chuckle. “But consider this, Anton: if her memories are in the balance, will she erm…”Play nice? You’re not sure, you answer with a shrug of your own. You have that balm that Veeti gave you, but from what little you remember, Liz has always been pretty prickly even in the best of circumstances.“Then she’s a liability.”The sureness in Oti’s voice takes you all by surprise. Turning to face him, you can’t help but let out a quiet ‘excuse me?’“She’s a liability.” The mage repeats in an even colder voice. “Until she proves otherwise you should stay on guard, especially with how forward your mind’s new tenant has been with information.”TT stirs. “Yea… he could totally tell her where we are, couldn’t he?” Her eyes shift over to you with growing concern. “Might not be a huge deal now, but if we take down a lord or two…”It’s not gonna come to that, you firmly interject, you’ll reach her! She might be pissed off, you continue, but she’s not stupid… and knowing her she’s probably about as excited as you are about dealing with an Archdevil, so-“Speculation,” Sighs Oti, “But I suppose it’s all we can manage for now.” His green eyes dance down to your collar. “... What do you have around your neck?”“Ain’t it keen?” Giggles Tzah-Tzie as she wraps her arms around your waist, “Just a little ENGAGEMENT PRESENT~”Morook’s eyes flicker! Rezzie looks disgusted! Volka’s face lights up like a proud parent! Oti looks ready to kill everyone!“C-CONGRATULATIONS, YOU TWO!!!” Squeals the Skog as she claps her claws together with delight! “WOWIE!”Damn it, TT! No, you grumble as you give her ear a flick, it’s not a… whatever she just said it was! You found it in the office along with the KEYSTONE, you think.“Awww….”“Hmmm…” Gliding over to examine your findings while Volka’s enthusiasm vanishes, Oti nods as you pass over the token you took. “Feels attuned to Trimbault, yes… no sign of any specific owner either. A prize indeed.” Turning his attention to your amulet, however, the sorcerer recoils upon reaching for it! Is uh… he okay?“Tch… yes, yes…” He mutters as he shakes some pain off of his claw, “Quite the find you’ve made there… some kind of RESISTANCE TO MAGIC AMULET if I had to wager…”“WAGER?!”You give TT’s ear another flick. So… like a shield?>CONTD.
>>6302169“Yes and no.” The mage muses as he circles you like a menacing disco ball, “It doesn’t protect so much as it dissolves... think of it like a leaky roof, albeit with magic. A powerful bauble, to be sure.” His eyes narrow. “Keep it close.”NEAT! Nice to see the universe throwing you a bone now and then! Giving the trinket an appreciative poke, you decide to give its finder a few ear scritches as well! She’s earned ‘em!“MmmMM~” The Durher purrs as a contented noise leaves her lips, “So are we all set, then, or…little to the left, please~”Are you? As TT leans into your touch, you decide to…>Hit the road! You’ve got a nasty Gnok to nab!>Talk to someone real quick! (Who?)>Search the hideout a little longer!>You wanna check one more place in Umberal out before you separate (Locations Will Be Provided If You Need ‘Em!)>Write-In!Also at LONG LAST I think I finally found Tzah-Tzie's voice: https://youtu.be/CexqYQcprr8
>>6302171Cool bauble acquired! And also, our situation with Liz is no good. What can we even say?>Yeah, I was a stupid who chose horribly, but by the time I got that memory back I was already dating some local creature, so uh, kthanksbye
>>6302171>Hit the road! You’ve got a nasty Gnok to nab>>6302174Eh, the local creature is better than Liz anywho
>>6302214>Eh, the local creature is better than Liz anywhoLiz seemed to be with Anton at his crappiest and tried really hard to make him improve. Easy to say that TT is better when all she's had to do is swoon over "Chadton Peaks, Heroic Underdog of the Dark World" and not "Anton Peas, the fuckin' wagie loser"If we hadn't already got locked on the cat route, fixing that giant fuckup of his would have been the very minimum to do.
>>6302171>You wanna check one more place in Umberal out before you separate (Locations Will Be Provided If You Need ‘Em!)
>>6302174Good morning or afternoon or evening, everyone! I'm always happy to see discussion going on, but I don't know if this is a vote for the current options or not. Let me know!Will keep things open for a bit and if there's still a tie I'll call on RANDO.
>>6302444That's not a vote, that's just me pondering what the hell we can say to Liz given our current status.My actual vote is>Hit the road! You’ve got a nasty Gnok to nab!
>>6302214>>6302445>HIT THE ROAD>>6302340>CHECK OUT A SPOTWorks for me! Writing!
We’re all set, you answer as you give the fuzzthing one last scritch! One more thing before we head out, you add as your eyes sweep across your motley crew of misfits, and it’s IMPORTANT!“TEAM NAMES!”Err, no, you stammer as your planned statement is knocked clean out of your mouth by Volka’s enthusiastic interruption, you’re-“I’ll throw ‘TEAM MAAKAR’ into the hat,” Morook states with a hint of pride in his monotone voice! “Fierce hunters. Practitioners of incredible pack tactics, or ‘PACKTICS’ as I like to call them!”“Pfft, no wonder Lila thinks you’re a kook…” Snickers his half-sister as Rezalith watches with the usual disapproval.“If we wish to strike fear into our foe’s hearts, the choice is a simple one:” The devil announces as she shoots you a sidelong glance! “We shall be known as…”… Anton’s Face?“ANTON’S FACE! KYAAAHAHAHAHA!”Oti sends a haggard glance your way. “If you begin to ponder the faintest iota of a ‘Team Name’-”No no, you interject with a shake of your head, you’re good! Guys, you repeat with a bit more oomph in your tone, you’re heading out–they know the drill!“Right!” TT answers with a discordant strum of her Striilii, “Smith Street!”Good to see someone’s listening! Morook straightens up at the Spinner’s strumming.“You have a replica, right? Mind handing it over?”Sure, you reply as your hands dive into your pockets, just gimme a s–wait… what the HELL!? Your eyes widen and your blood goes cold as you struggle to locate the REPLICA BOMB--did you DROP it!? Maybe during the encounter with the students, or?“Right here, Ant~”You indulge in an inward sigh of relief as Tzah-Tzie waves the item in question around in her claw, probably. You can’t see shit. Part of you wants to scold her for rooting around in your pockets, but you know better by now! Giving her a sneaky kiss on the cheek (and earning a trio on your lips in vile retribution), you turn to your favorite sorcerer and steady yourself with a sigh. Ready?“No. Where exactly are we headed?”D’OH! He’s RIGHT! That crazy girl never gave you an address! CRUD! Oti stares at you as if you’d just arrived at the fancy restaurant, but never booked the reservation. Answering you with a long, rattling sigh, the mage’s eyes head for the ceiling in contemplation!“I should have expected this… do you know this woman’s name, at least?”How would that help? The Chytree replies with a crackling hiss!“Just… a name... Give it to me.”Eerie, you think as the Chytree’s eyes continue to bore through your skull, but okay! Her name is, uh…“TOPPEL GRANSII, Ant!”Thanks, Tzah-Tzie. Did you get that, Ot–>CONTD.
>>6302484You’ve never seen a shocked Chytree before, but you’re pretty sure that’s shock on Oti’s face. Err, you frown, does… does he need you to repeat that, or…?“... Gransii. Of course it would be Gransii…”… T as in Turnip… O as in Opossum–oh, but the o is silent in that word, so-“Shut up. We’re leaving.”Well alrighty then!CHOOSE YOUR PERSPECTIVE:https://youtu.be/KgvFmhP7GMs>TEAM MAKAAR!>TEAM ANTON AND OTI!
>>6302486I'm gonna have to go with...>TEAM MAKAAR!Always fun to have a POV switch.
>>6302486>TEAM MAKAAR!
>>6302486>TEAM ANTON AND OTI!
>>6302507>>6302610>>6302742>TEAM MAKAAR!>>6302756>ANTONOTI!Sorry all, wasn't THAT big of a decision! This weekend has already gotten pretty darn busy so updates might continue to be sporadic! When it rains, it pours, know what I mean? Will try to write some stuff early or later on Sunday--hope to seeya then!
Your name is MOROOK and you HATE Cities.You were spared the brunt of it when your new friend Oti teleported you here from Crossroads, but if you had known what you were getting yourself into, well…You probably would have stayed home.A gut-wrenching ride through one of those damned TELEFONTS spat you out into a sea of SMITH STREET-goers… the chattering masses dwarfing any crowd you ever braved in Crossroads. Even with the road slowly conveying your forward, you can’t help but tense up as a constant surge of impatient pedestrians shove and slink past you and the girls like their lives depended on it!And the noise. The NOISE! You’d learned how to tune out background chatter growing up in CHUUTRA-LEY, but tuning out other Chytree and some magic here and there is one thing…“JEWELRY! FIIIINE JEWELRY! KIIDO’S CORNER! FOLLOW MY VOICE!”“KONAAL’S CONSTRUCTS! THEY CLEAN! THEY COLLECT! THEY PROTECT!”“DON’T BE A SNACK! GO ON THE ATTACK! COME TO REDNA’S FOR THE FINEST POKERS, SLICERS, AND SLINGERS IN TOWN!”‘The City of the Future’, or so they keep saying… and yet the whole place is standing room only and is louder than a pack of mating Niiski. But while those sounds were natural and, if you’re being honest, somewhat endearing while camping beneath the open sky, the constant cacophony here in Umberal just feels… perverse.And then there’s the magic. You can almost understand why Lila’s head is always throbbing–the energy had never really bothered you much before, but here? It’s stifling. Your claw idly wanders to the SLINGER slug across your back as the unyielding advertisements cause you to bristle up with growing anxiety. It wasn’t ole’ reliable–that was taken from you when you were caught by cultists–but your backup could still fell a bull Makaar from across a fenn provided you hit the right spot–“Butter? Seriously?”Through some small miracle, the sound of your companions chatting behind you rouses you from your Metropolis Morosity. Glancing over your shoulder, you find Volka exactly where you left her: speaking with her diminutive new friend Tzah-Tzie about, well… who knows?“Thresher Seed Butter, mhm!” The Spinner nods from atop your sister’s broad shoulder! “See, your hair is so long and thick, Volkie, but–”Ah. cosmetics. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t happy to see your sister making friends… especially ones outside of The Lamplighters.“So that’s it, then? Just rub some in after bathing?” The Skog replies with her brow freshly-furrowed in intense concentration! “But I already use hair soap-”>CONTD.
>>6303063“And that’s just Step 1, my dear!” Smirks the Spinner with a twinkle in her eye! “You put the Seed Butter in after you rinse! And I’m betting you wash the soap out right after lathering, don’t’cha? Tell me I’m wrong!”Your sister shrinks into a sheepish slouch. “... it makes my eyes sting if I don’t get it out fast…”“Thank the GODS I found you when I did!” Groans the Durher, her head whipping back in exaggerated relief! “Here, pet my tail and see for yourself-”“Oi.”Oh right, her. Following the voice to its source, you find yourself staring down Anton’s fiendish friend Rezalith. You haven’t had much time to get acquainted, and while Volka seemed to enjoy her company, you aren’t entirely swayed. Volka enjoys everyone’s company… to a point.What can I do for you, Rezalith?The demon’s lips curl into a sneer from behind her gossamer veil. “Ho ho~it’s not what I want, Large Eyes, but what YOU want… and I can smell it from a mile away!”This oughta’ be good. And what, pray tell, is that, you laconically reply.“Your fear is palpable, whelp… your chitin creaks. Your eyes quiver…” She leans in close, but doesn’t exactly meet your height. Nevertheless, she proceeds. “Our foes outnumber us a hundredfold… and every step we take in this wretched place only tightens their grip around our necks…”You keep quiet. If you can’t keep polite, keep silent–an old family saying.“It’s not too late to turn tail and run home~” The devil continues with a saccharine smirk! “Do you really have what it takes to lead us, hmm?”Tzah-Tzie Tzah-Tzold you this might happen. Perceptive little thing, if a bit too talkative for your tastes. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t still a little rattled from your misadventures with that cult, but you’ve observed enough fauna to see what this is:It’s posturing. Playing. Poking to probe out weaknesses.You doubt she intends to hurt you, but the way you respond might influence how the demon handles you in the future…What do?>Redirect: She’s got some fine senses–any threats in the crowd?>Converse: Tell me about yourself!>Establish Authority: STARE.>Ignore: don’t feed the beast.>Evade: Talk to Volka and TT!>Write-In!
>>6303064>Redirect: She’s got some fine senses–any threats in the crowd?We are being spied on at aall times.
>>6303064>Redirect: She’s got some fine senses–any threats in the crowd?
>>6303083>>6303128>REDIRECT!Good call, good call! Enrichment AND security, gotta love it! Still plenty busy over here so for now...>Roll me 1d100-2 (+5 Devil Senses, +4 Ranger Senses, -7 AUUUUGGHH CITIIIIIEEESSSS!) to see if the clear is coast! Best of 3! Go, Rezalith!!!https://youtu.be/mth6uVKPsOM
Rolled 22 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6303317roll
Rolled 4 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6303317
>>6303318>>6303320Cities really aren't for these two, are they?
>>6303321Rezzie can't perform without Anton around.
Rolled 64 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6303317
>>6303318>>6303320>>6303344>HIGHEST ROLL: 62!Looks like Rezzie CAN perform without Anton... sometimes! Maybe it works with Morook as well? Or is it TT? Volka? Hard to say... anywho, will write the update later on Monday! Seeya then, true believers!
Not looking to be swept into a power struggle, you redirect Rezalith with a ready reply: she’s got some keen senses–does she notice anything amiss? The devil answers with a spirited scoff!“Pfft! ‘Amiss’! The only thing ‘amiss’ is you strutting about like you’re in char-”So no then, you reply with a halfhearted shrug, it’s okay–it’s hard to do that with such a big crow-“HEY! If anyone was watching us I’D know it!” The demon interjects with renewed fire in her eyes! “And NO, I don’t sense anything ‘amiss’!” Rezzie finishes her statement with a sigh and a pout! “Of course, if I could fly-”Nuh-uh, you interject as you try not to react to a group pushing past you, remember what we agreed on:“No eating The Snack. FINE.”No, you sigh, no flying unless we’re attacked. Rezalith’s eye twitches. “... Yea, that too.”Just think of it this way, you add with a glimmer in your eye, the more vigilant you act, the more likely it is you’ll be able to fly and maim our foes, right? A particularly wicked grin slips onto Rezalith’s sullen face.“Ho ho ho… bold of you to assume I’d leave them maimed...”It was a gamble, but it seems to pay off–from that moment on the devil spends her energy watching your perimeter and everyone near it like a Tiijhek on the hunt… which, as far as you’re concerned, is fine by you!So, you remark as you slow down to keep pace with Volka and TT, any thoughts on who to speak to about our… project?“Oof… I didn’t wanna mention it, but…” Tzah-Tzie begins as she leans down from Volka’s shoulder with a hushed tone, “I’m not sure how we’re gonna do this without arousing suspicion…”You answer with a curt nod. For every ten pedestrians around you there’s at least one TekSoul–some striding through the crowd like ghosts, others merely lurking along the walkways with their eyes glowing menacingly in the darkness. You’d have to be a special brand of fool to assume Trier isn’t already keeping tabs on your group, and if he sees you commission a wartime-era anti-magic bomb?You’ll need to be subtle, that much is certain, but subtlety won’t help you track down someone eager to put together a bo-OOF!Something short and fuzzy bumps into you from the side, spilling what sounds like a tower of parcels all over the walkway! Your left claw immediately leaps to secure your bell pouch–the other catches the collider mid-fall eliciting a quiet ‘oof!’ from her lips!“Oh no… OH NO!”Scrambling to retrieve the packages before they’re trampled, the girl is taken somewhat off-guard as you and Volka swoop in to assist! “I’m so sorry!” She stammers as you gather up the missing cargo much to the chagrin of the pedestrians around you, “I didn’t know I was so close to the edge of the conveyapath an-”>CONTD.
>>6303718“Not to worry, miss!” Volka interrupts as she puts on her ‘Lamplighter Grin’ and puffs herself up with pride, “Accidents happen, but assistance? That’s on us!”You’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss the big oaf. Shaking your head with an inward smile, you turn your attention over to the young lady. She isn’t hurt, is she?The Durher gives herself a hasty patdown before shaking her head! “Nope! Just a little rattled!” Steadying herself with a sigh, the girl gives you a deep bow sending the bangles in her unseen hair a-jangle! “I’m Yuuti, by the way! So sorry again for bumping into you!”It’s fine, you answer as you cock your head to the side, she didn’t hurt you that much. For some reason that elicits a giggle out of the girl.“Heheh~well sorry anyways!”“Say, what’s in the boxes anyways?” TT observes, looming over her fellow Durher from Volka’s mighty shoulder! “Oh! Lunches for some of the vendors!” Yuuti answers with a sheepish grin! “Ah… but they’re probably mush after that fall…”“Hey, food’s food!” Volka replies with a belly laugh! “Smells GREAT by the way! Bet it’s fresh-baked, isn’t it?”You’ve never cared much about food–and neither has the Chytree race, for that matter–but you’d be lying if the savory scent wafting out from the containers didn’t pique your interest, if only a little bit!“Hey, hey!” The Durher growls with mock anger in her eyes, “Keep that tail away! This is for the customers!” Punctuating her warning with a wily laugh, the Durher’s bangles jingle again. “But there’s plenty more at my family’s restaurant if ya’ want a reward~”Volka’s mouth is fast, but yours is faster! No thanks, you answer, but that’s nice of her to offer!“Hey…” Purrs Tzah-Tzie with a curious look in her eyes, “You deliver meals, yea? You must know a few people here on Smith Street.”“Of course!” The other Durher replies with a twinkle in her eye, “Like the back of my claw!”“Maybe you could help us out then:” She continues as if putting together the plan as she goes, “We’re looking for an old pal: name’s Obber.”“Heh… that’s like asking for a mage in Trimbault!” Yuuti sighs with an apologetic smile! Where’s she going with this?“He used to work at Trimbault, actually!” TT continues, eyes wide in recollection! “Did maintenance there! She wouldn’t happen to know a guy like that, would she?”You open your mouth to object, but Volka beats you to the punch!“OOooH! Inngo’s pal, yea? From the tavern!”...How does she remember these things?>CONTD.
>>6303719“Right you are, my fierce-blooded friend!” Turning her attention back to Yuuti, Tzah-Tzie cocks her head to the side with a pleading grin! “You… you wouldn’t happen to know of anyone like that, wouldja?”The deliveryDurher blinks. “Hmmm… I know a few that might fit the bill… Pretty common name though.”Who sounds like the most likely candidate to have done maintenance at Trimbault? And is a friend of Inngo the Tavern Molegg?>Obber the Miller>Obber the Boilermaker>Obber the Fungiworker>Obber the Scrapsmith>Nevermind, we’ll find one on our own!
>>6303722Hmm, that sounds like a lore check for the early threads. The issue is that I'm too lazy to check.Anyone?
>>6303723It ain't, don't worry! I just want you to think about who might have worked at Umberal! You DID get told by Inngo to look up his friend Obber in Umberal, but don't worry--there aren't any 'gotcha's here... or ARE they? OoOooHH!
>>6303722>Obber the BoilermakerInns have Boilers right?
>>6303722>Obber the BoilermakerWho DOESN'T know an Obber in plumbing or HVAC, am I right?
>>6303722>Obber the Boilermaker
>>6303730>>6303814>>6303885>>6303893>OBBER THE BOILERMAKERThe choice is made... will write this up later today!>>6303814So true, questie>>6303730We can only hope...
With not much else to go on, you employ Yuuti’s help in tracking down Obber the Boilermaker. Bombs explode, boilers sometimes explode–there’s logic there somewhere. To her credit, the dainty Durher navigates a lot better than she did when she plowed into you–after only a few minutes of walking you find yourselves outside of a small metal building that absolutely REEKS of scheckt, machine oil, and ash!“Here we are!” She chirps, twirling around with her cargo carefully carried in her claws! “Hey, thanks!” Smiles Volka as she stoops to one knee to give your guide a gentle pat on the head, “You really helped us out, y’know that?”“Well flag me down if ya’ see me again and I’ll help your tummies out too!” The baker giggles with a swish of her tail! “Just watch your step from now on, yea?” Tzah-Tzie adds with a cheeky grin as she dismounts your sister’s broad shoulders. “Another spill like that and you’ll be bringing your customers soup.”Yuuti's eyes bug out in horrified realization! “OH NO! I-I’M LAAAATE!” Scampering off before you can get another word in, she leaves you and your companions at Obber’s door with nothing but the chatter of the crowd around you and the faint clang of machinery from within!“Well!” Remarks Volka with a thump of her tail, “She was nice! Really saved our scales there, didn’t she?”“Her scurrying away like that activated my prey drive, but I didn’t tackle her.” Rezzie growls from behind her veil. “Praise me.”“Atta’ giiiirlll~” The demon recoils at Tzah-Tzie’s seemingly-genuine praise and the ensuing pat on the head, but she doesn’t shy away! Okay, you begin, plan’s simple: the first step is determining if this Obber is the one the Tavernkeeper mentioned.“Right,” TT agrees with a hearty nod, “Gotta make sure he’s trustworthy!”Indeed. After that, well, we’ll improvise. Pushing the door open, your eyes are immediately bathed in a sweltering layer of hot, steaming condensation–like a Swoos Lounge without the Swoos!.. N-not that you’ve ever frequented one of those establishments, of course. Volka would never let you hear the end of it… and if Lila found out, well-“ELLOOOOO?! OBBERRRR?!”Speaking of which, your half-sister’s shout nearly bowls you over as it rattles the veritable forest of metal bits and machine parts hanging from the ceiling like Puiccha Vines! Amidst the jangling jungle of gizmos and gadgets comes a loud CLONG followed by a stream of muttered curses!“CLOSED!”Tzah-Tzie’s face wrinkles up in disbelief. “Didn’t seem closed when the door was left open.”“CLOSED!”She’s right, you reply with a nod, if the store was closed, he would have taken the care to lock the front door first. Quite the misstep.“DAD-GAMMERITALL… Get over here then! Blasted door…”
>>6304046With no reason to refuse, you lead the ladies deeper into the jungle and find a pair of old, crusty, and very irate eyes staring up at you sideways from what you assume is some sort of workbench. Obber, you presume?“T’Hell’s askin’!?” He snarls as he tightens some kind of contraption on the bench. “Sorry ta’ interrupt your work, sir,” Volka begins with a contrite expression creeping onto her face, “But we’re looking for a friend of our pal Inngo-”“INNGO!?” The Gnok growls, slamming a tool onto the table with wide-eyed disbelief, “Stupid bastard’s still alive, ey? Well jolly good for him…”So you know him? The mechanist answers with a hasty grunt. “Funny as a blade to the eye, dull as a Chytree in the sack. Aye, I know ‘em.” Adjusting his position on the table with a few muffled clinks of metal, Obber narrows his tired eyes at your entourage. “So what ya want then, ey? New debt collectors? Got two things fer’ ya: FUCK an’ ALL!”He seems to be the right Obber, but is he the right man for the job? What do?>He has debt issues?>He worked at Trimbault, right?>You have a project for him…>What’s he working on?>Let someone else handle this (Who?)>What’s his take on Umberal?>Write-In!
>>6304047>He has debt issues?>You have a project for him…If you're in debt, then we've got something that might help with that.
>>6304047>What’s he working on?>You have a project for him…
>>6304050>DEBT?>PROJECT!>>6304052>WORKING?>PROJECT!Straight to the point! Writiiiiiiiiiing
You’ll be the first to admit you’re not what one would call a ‘Social Shyppa’, but even you can tell Obber isn’t the type to make smalltalk, so you get straight to the point!You have a job for him, actually, you answer with eyes a-flicker! One that practically screams ‘Boilermaker’! The Gnok answers with a long, weary stare.“... you need a boiler?”Tzah-Tzie skips forward with a twinkle in her eyes and a song in her speech before you can respond!“Not a boiler, no sir, though it might sound a bit tragic–see, we need something that cries out with a boom… and sews HAVOC!”The workshop falls into gut-wrenching silence as Tzah-Tzie slowly shrinks under the Gnok’s tired glare.“E-erm, we need-”“Don’t like her. If she talks again yer’ asses are flyin’ out the door.”Noted! As the sulking Spinner slinks behind your Skog sister, you take the lead in negotiations! You want one of these, you begin as you place the REPLICA ANTI-MAGIC BOMB on the workbench next to Obber’s sideways-facing head, and it’d be a rush order.Taking the trinket in his claw to examine it, the Gnok lets out a rough, derisive snort! “HAH! Ta’ HELLS with that! The hell d’ya take me for, ey? Some kinda saboteur? Fuck off…”The greater part of you wants to obey–you’re not one for negotiations even on the best of days–but Anton’s life hangs in the balance here… and you’re not about to give up!He can’t, you retort in a measured tone, or he won’t? The boilermaker studies you like a Slinger pointed at his skull!“... Oh I can put together mosta’ everything…” He growls, voice rumbling in his throat as if someone were listening in, “But that right there’d be drawin’ a Skog-sized target on my arse… an’ I got plenty enough troubles already as ye can see!”“Err… w-we can’t, actually…” Volka mutters apologetically, prompting the craftsman to slam a fist against his table!“CAN’T YER’ SEE I’M BUILDIN’ A ‘KILL-MYSELF-MACHINE’!? Hole-headed bastards!”You can’t help but hiss a bit at how he addresses Volka. You do now, you observe with glowing eyes.“I was wonderin’ why your head was like that…” Your half-sister replies with a nervous giggle. Behind her TT struggles to bite her tongue while Rezzie?Well, Rezalith’s just sullen as usual.“Well now y’know! And ya’ also know I’m busy… so put a Totta egg in yer boot an’ BEAT IT!”>CONTD.
>>6304159Keep it together, Morook–he’s just like a Niiski: stubborn, irritable, and smells like dung! Don’t back down!He can do what he likes, you continue, but why exactly is he so eager to kill himself? The Gnok blinks in clear confusion–he didn’t expect you to ask…“W-why? WHY!?” He roars, causing whatever cruel apparatus his head currently occupies to rattle and clank, “Those Swooshuffing Witchhumpers at Trimbault! They canned me! ME! After I kept that damnable death trap up an’ running for YEARS!”Now we’re getting somewhere. That’s terrible, you remark with as much sympathy as you can muster (which, unfortunately, isn’t a lot), so he must be really upset at them, isn’t he?“YER’ DAMN RIGHT I IS!” Obber growls as his eye starts to twitch! “Barely got two bells ta’ rub together… and those Spice-scented muckabouts won’t leave me the hells alone! I don’t got their money for the damned workshop! I don’t got the damned money fer’ NOTHIN’!”But if he DID have the money, you interject with a placating tone, would he be able to build your little project?“NO!”Okay, great! Tha-erm, you beg his pardon?“I’m suicidal, but I ain’t STUPID!” The moron jeers as his claw slams on the workbench again! “If ye’ think them mad bastards runnin’ the city’ll kill ya quick-like, ya’ got another thing comin’!” Seeing something in your stare, Obber calms down a bit. “... What d’ya want somebody ta’ build somethin’ like THAT fer anyways?”Well?>TRUTH!>LIE!>DEFLECT!>STARE!>Let someone else handle this! (WARNING! HE MIGHT NOT BE LYING ABOUT TT TALKING AGAIN!)>Write-In!
>>6304162>Write-inHalf Truth! We gotta take out somebody dangerous, but he shouldn't worry because if it fails we won't be alive to tell on him, and there'll be no way to trace it back.
>>6304165+1, sensible approach.>>6304162
>>6304165>>6304194>HALF-TRUTH!A sensible approach... but WILL IT PAY OFF!?>Roll me 1d100-4 (+3 Sensible Approach, +2 The Enemy of My Enemy? -2 Kinda Busy Here, -2 TT DOESN'T Lead the Way, -5 Sensible Concerns) to make him see reason! Best of 3!
Rolled 87 (1d100)>>6304214
>>6304221(It will)
Rolled 65 - 4 (1d100 - 4)>>6304214>WILL IT PAY OFF!?Yes.
Rolled 51 - 4 (1d100 - 4)>>6304214Now to finish it
>>6304221>>6304223>>6304236>HIGHEST ROLL: 83!Would usually wait for a third voter, but whatever! Writing.
You can practically hear Tzah-Tzie dying to open her mouth, but you give the girl a reassuring pat on the head before giving the craftsman an answer.Without giving away too much, you begin in a measured tone, a close associate of yours is going after someone powerful… and dangerous. Obber’s eyes bore into you–the white globes searching for a crack in your airtight composure!Very dangerous. The Gnok twitches in his metal trap. “This…. ‘someone’... they aren’t your run of the mill mage, are they?”You answer with a stare. He weathers it pretty well for a time, but it only takes a minute or two for him to fold like a cheap tunic.“Y’know,” Obber grunts as his ample weight shifts next to his workbench, “There are much, MUCH easier ways ta’ kill yerselves, y’know. Hells, I’m just about finished makin’ one–quick. Clean.”“He won’t fail!”You and Obber share a look of surprise as you turn to face your sister! Volka-“ He WON’T!” She repeats as she and Tzah-Tzie firmly shake their heads in unison! “I don’t got any magical spells or divining orbs or anything like that, but I know he’ll do it! I can feel it right here!”The Skog gives her chest a good pat, the sound bouncing around the workshop like the Crossroads Belltower at noon! Bending over to let TT whisper into her ear, Rezalith sends a determined glare Obber’s way!“The Snack says our guy’s capable of anything: that he can move mountains. Part seas.” Her brow furrows. “But I know for a fact he can’t. He’s pitifully weak and cries a lot even when I barely even hurt him, so–”The devil’s explanation is cut short when the Spinner VIOLENTLY yanks her back down to whispering level!“... Oh. She meant he’s unstoppable and really good at not dying.” She shrugs. “I guess I’d agree with that… but my point still stands: he’s really pathetic.”“Hmmm…” Obber muses as he weighs your collective words like bells on a scale, “And what’s stopping this ‘He’ from squealing like a Niiski if he DOES fail, ey? Lotsa’ folks here can make dead men tell tales, y’know.”True, you remark as you give your chitin a thoughtful scratch, but how?The Boilersmith answers with a derisive snort! “Magic, ya’ hooplehead! We’re in Umberal!”Right, right, you nod, the same magic one of those bombs would deal with?The Gnok opens his mouth to protest, but all that comes out is a weak, strangled sound that dies about halfway out! Gears turn behind the machinist’s wild eyes…“... You aren’t messing about, are ya? You really believe the shit yer’ sayin…”>CONTD.
>>6304268You answer with another shrug. Saying what? You just came in for a new boiler. A raspy laugh leaves the Gnok’s lips.“Hells, it’s yer’ funeral… Suppose I knew where to track down that… special order of yers…” He begins in a measured tone, “An antique like that’s mighty expensive… especially the real, working McCoy. Not ta’ mention bein’ a rush order an’ all..”The price. Of course there’s a price. Giving your eye a good rub, you let out a sigh you didn’t know you were holding in as Tzah-Tzie looks about to burst!Obber doesn’t seem as annoyed anymore, so maybe he’ll let her talk? Then again, you’re doing great so far…What’s yer offer?PASTEBIN LINK:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA>BELLS: Anton might not like paying, but if it gets you the real deal…>FAVOR: He doesn’t seem to like Trimbault much–maybe you can get away with something?>APPEAL: Wouldn’t he like to be known for helping when all this is said and done?>A NEW BEGINNING: … The East…>TZAH-TZIE: She probably knows how to negotiate…>Write-In!
>>6304269>A NEW BEGINNING: … The East…If that's not enough, we can add some bells. But he doesn't seem to be very much enjoying his stay here after being fired.
>>6304268>“... Oh. She meant he’s unstoppable and really good at not dying.” She shrugs. “I guess I’d agree with that… but my point still stands: he’s really pathetic.”Kek, the paradox of the pathetic but unbeatable hero. it's like we're Mister Magoo, except we're ALL blind as bats in here!>>6304269>FAVOR: He doesn’t seem to like Trimbault much–maybe you can get away with something?Let's go for it. he was goign to die, anyway. He can still die later, if he really wants. But maybe, just maybe, he can kill the guy whose order fucked him over, and revenge is priceless.
>>6304269>A NEW BEGINNING: … The East…
>>6304270>>6304326>>6304328>A NEW BEGINNING!>>6304279>FAVOR!Looks like the new beginning wins it! Will write later today... WATCH OUT!
There is… one thing you can offer. Not lightly, of course, but if this Boilermaker truly is in as dire straits as he claims to be, well…What if, you begin as you cautiously reach into your pocket, you could offer him a fresh start? A new beginning? The Gnok snorts.“I’d tell ya’ to come up with a real offer,” Obber answers with a sneer! “The Hells is that supposed to mean, anyways? ‘Fresh Start…’”Exactly what it sounds like, you retort as your eyes bore holes into his, a new name. New home. All of that pesky baggage from before left to rot along the wayside.You take a careful step towards the machinist. Fresh start.He opens his toothy mouth to scoff at you again, but his words die halfway out of his throat when he notices you’re not laughing.“... So easy, is it? Away from these damned mages? And the Spicys?”“M-Mor?” Volka mutters as she sends you a sidelong glance, “What, uh… what are you talking about?”You don’t answer, of course–you’re breaking the rules enough as-is. Instead you simply place a cold, round token onto the workbench next to Obber’s puzzled face. Picking the trinket up, you watch as the Gnok’s surly expression fades into the ether as his claws read the finely-etched words carved into the token’s surface.“... This…” His mouth goes agape as awe creeps into his eyes. The word slips out of his mouth barely above a whisper. It’s almost reverent.It’s simple, you continue, not bothering to glance at your no-doubt equally befuddled pals, follow those instructions to the letter. Shed your name, your past, and everything that goes with it. Disappear into the night… and emerge free on the other side.Your eyes continue to burn through him like candles in the night. It’ll be brutal, you add, eyes trembling as you feel the phantom pains of the trek you once endured, grueling. Your feet will bleed–chitin’ll crack. You’ll wake up in the night with your blood running cold and a rasp in your voice…But you’ll be free.Your words hit their mark–you know because they hit you the exact same way long ago. So, you continue as your head cocks to the side, do we have a deal?If your companions have any questions, they keep them to themselves for now. And Obber? He merely nods as you hear him pocket your token.“I’ll be damned…” Putting your offer somewhere safe, the Boilermaker gives you an appraising look as the gears start to turn in his sideways head. “You’ll get your antique. Not now–noon at the earliest.”What guarantee do you have that it’ll work, exactly?“Heh! Ask your good pal Inngo,” The Gnokk retorts with a wily grin! “I don’t deal in crummy merchandise… especially when I’m paid right.” His smile droops. “... Reckon if it doesn’t work out you’ll know where ta’ find me. If ya’ live, that is.”>CONTD.
>>6304553It isn’t ideal, but it’s not like you have a choice. Fine, you shrug, where and when will we find our souvenir? Your answer comes in the form of a key tossed at your eye. You catch it.“There’s an ole’ tool shed along the SOUTHWESTERN SNOWMELT CANALWORKS OFFICE. Around the back, got an old fence surroundin’ it creakier n’ sin. Don’t got a timeframe fer’ ya, but once I track the thing down it’ll be waitin’ fer’ ya there.”And if it isn’t?“Then help yerself to this machine here,” Obber growls as he gives his gizmo a slap! “Because whoever gets me will come after you lot as well!”You exchange a glance with the rest of your entourage–if anyone has any objections, they don’t voice them. Hard to tell with Tzah-Tzie considering she’s still holding her tongue, but…“Oh yea,” Volka begins in a slightly lower voice, “How uh… how’s the thing work, anyways? Y’know…” She pauses for a moment, her big yellow eyes sweeping the ceiling, “IF we were gonna use it, that is.”Great job, sis.“I wouldn’t know anything about that,” Obber shrugs with a twinkle in his eye, “But I’d wager they were pretty easy to arm back then… least that’s what the museum says.” His brow furrows. “Heard later on that folks could modify ‘em to not go boom, actually–just release an anti-magic field.”His eyes search yours. “Whaddaya think of that, hm?”What DO you think of that? >Sounds useful. (Yes, modify it!)>What kind of bomb doesn’t go ‘boom’? (Leave the BOOM)>To limit collateral damage, I bet. (Could he leave the boom, but make it smaller?)>One quick question…>Write-In!
>>6304554How's this bomb activated anyway? I hope it's not just a "in person" thing.We gotta keep the boom of course. I don't like our chances otherwise.
>>6304565If the flashback is anything to go on, it's activated manually, but can be set off for a timed detonation. Could it be done remotely? Maybe if someone had a construct to use... or a MAGE HAND...
>>6304569Ah yes, that was a spell option. I guess we can have a look at getting it.>>6304554>What kind of bomb doesn’t go ‘boom’? (Leave the BOOM)
Wait, how big is the bomb explosion radius again?
>>6304554>To limit collateral damage, I bet. (Could he leave the boom, but make it smaller?)I don't want to kill anyone who hasn't wronged us.
>>6304638Hard to say given the weird educational flashback you got in the museum, but given how it handled the Chytree Camp back in the day you wager it could level a three-story apartment building at least. Wide blast radius. There's a reason asking for one of these would raise a few eyebrows!
>>6304554>Sounds useful. (Yes, modify it!)
>>6304554>>To limit collateral damage, I bet. (Could he leave the boom, but make it smaller?)
>>6304554>What kind of bomb doesn’t go ‘boom’? (Leave the BOOM)Make it go Kablooey
Golly, a three-way tie. Guess I'll leave this open for a little longer before rolling RANDO. Seeya soon, maybe!
>>6304782As tiebreaker sama, I decree>To limit collateral damage, I bet. (Could he leave the boom, but make it smaller?)
Limiting the damage is so gay and lameEnjoy the bomb not being able to finish off Trier because you chose the LAME and GAY option
>>6304931:^)
>>6304641>>6304833>>6304925>BOOM BUT SMALLER>>6304572>>6304913>LEAVE THE BOOM>>6304773>>6304782>NO BOOMLooks like smaller boom wins it after a long, grueling battle! Well guess what: I got plans this evening so I might have to hold off on the update til' TOMORROW! HAHAHAHAH
You make a show of considering the Gnok’s words as you slowly digest the subtext. You weren’t there to witness what the History Museum had to offer, but from what was described to you coupled with your own understanding of historical conflicts the Anti-Magic Bombs used against your people were anything but subtle.Did they get the job done? History says yes. Would Anton want a bomb that would no doubt vaporize himself and the rest of your merry band unless he armed it with more than enough time for Trier to teleport it into the ocean? Probably not.Limiting collateral damage, you remark with a subtle nod of your head, a short-ranged strike that would trade range for user utility… your eyes wander back over to Obber’s face. You’d imagine that would be very useful to someone with a grudge…“Hmph. Could probably be done easy-like too…” The machinist adds with a twinkle in his eye. “By someone skilled enough in that kinda thing, that is.”Silence blankets the room as the two of you stare each other in the eyes, a contract quietly forming.“Stop talking about stupid BOMBS.” Snarls Rezzie, the devil opening her mouth after several minutes of blissful quiet, “If you don’t have one, you don’t have one! Quit wasting our time, IDIOT!”“You’re right…” Chuckles Obber as he steals a knowing glance your way, “There’s no way any of us could get ahold of something like that…”“Exactly my point, you drooling simpleton! Why are we even wasting our time here?!”Several tense moments of trying to subtly rope Rezalith into the conspiracy end in abject failure, no that you expected any different. Leaving the machinist with one last clawshake, you can’t help but tense up a bit as he tugs you into earshot:“CANALWORKS OFFICE. SOUTHWESTERN. Check later today. Somefolk catches wind? Don’t be alive when they come fer’ ya.”Leaving the Boilermaker to his tinkerings, you shepherd the ladies out of the sweltering workshop and back into the pleasantly crisp mountain air. You probably make it a few blocks before your Spinner finally speaks!“Holy HELLS, Mor!” Sputters Tzah-Tzie as if she’d been holding her breath the whole time, “Where’d you learn how to negotiate like that!?”Your response is cut short by a mountainous figure blocking your path!“And what the Hells was that about a fresh start, huh!?”Volka looms over you with a mixture of confusion and concern in her wide yellow eyes–right, you think as you meet her stare with one of your own, you’d never bothered telling her about, well…That.You can’t explain now, you reply with a shrug, but rest assured it-Wait a moment…>CONTD.
>>6305385“Huh? Wh-what’s the game, ey? Th-there ain’t any scalesuckers on me, are there!? G-get ‘em off, bro! GET 'EM OOOFFF!”As your sister frantically pats herself down, you deftly snatch a small disc off of her back and hold it close to examine!It’s faint, but whatever it is vibrates at a steady, intermittent pace. Scentless. Small. Flat enough to barely register on a Skog’s scales, sensitive though they may be.And it’s still vibrating in your claw as Tzah-Tzie taps your hip with wide, worried eyes.“Hey, um… does it seem a bit quiet to you?”Pedestrians still mill about, of course, but once she mentions it you can’t not notice it:No Teksouls in sight… and the shoppers around you give your group a wide berth…That’s when you hear it: a faint, sharp ‘THHHHP!’ far beyond the crowd!https://youtu.be/V3P7cTvY0YE>Roll 1d100+2 (+5 Devil Senses, +4 Ranger Senses, -7 AUUUUGGHH CITIIIIIEEESSSS!) for reasons! Best of 3!
Rolled 69 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6305388AMBUSH
>>6305389lol nice
Rolled 37 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6305388AAAAAAAAAAA
Rolled 68 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6305388
>>6305389>>6305396>>6305578>HIGHEST ROLL: 71!Will write the update later today, hopefully!
>>6305388Ah shit, we were bugged the whole time.
A sharp ‘DOWN!’ rips free from your mouth as you tackle Tzah-Tzie to the floor knowing full well trying the same on your sister would be like tackling a wall! Thankfully she hits the ground a moment later which just so happens to be quick enough to let whatever was just aimed at you sail by like an angry Zitzer!“HELLS!” Sputters the Skog as she presses her bulk against the polished walkway beneath you, “What was THAT?!”A dull ’TNK!’ slams into the ground inches from your eye before you can ponder up an answer! Leading the others forward along the ground slithering like a pack of didrots with wingrot, your mind races as even more ‘THHHP’s ring out from the throngs of shoppers around you!“FINALLY,” Snarls Rezalith, flapping her wings with a menacing grin, “Time to turn up the heat a little bit!” Her burning eyes narrow. “That means ‘I’m gonna turn this street into melted glass’ if you couldn’t pick it u-”The devil’s scheduled heat adjustment is cut short by a thick tail slapping her to the floor just as another projectile whizzes by with barely a sound!“Nobody’s burning anybody!” Hisses your sister as she plants the pyromaniac on the floor! “Too many bodies!”“Bold of you to assume I’d leave bodies...”Tzah-Tzie crawls over with a tremble in her tone and a wideness in her eyes! “Volka’s right–listen!”You already are, of course, and what you hear doesn’t inspire much confidence! Even as shots continue to slip through the shoppers, their conversations continue as if they hadn’t noticed a thing at all… they aren’t all plants, right? The Spinner shakes her head.“No way–too many to pay, too many to keep quiet…” Tzah-Tzie mutters through clenched teeth. “And the Teksouls-”Her explanation is cut short by another trio of projectiles whizzing over your head! Even while flat on the ground the shots are getting closer, and the Teksouls striding among the crowd don’t seem to be in any hurry to apprehend the shooters… if they even notice them in the first place!“How… how the HELLS do they not notice anything!?” Hisses Volka in growing disbelief! “I thought they were supposed ta’ be top-of-the-line!”That’s the problem, you answer grimly, you think they DO know…Another shot hurtles past Tzah-Tzie, sending a shower of fuzz into the air as she yelps in surprise before crashing into the ground mere inches in front of your face with a menacing ‘KLCK!’ Finding the projectile embedded in the walkway thanks to a fresh web of paper-thin cracks surrounding its epicenter, you wrench it free and bring it close for an inspection!Magic? None. Shape? Broad in the back sloping into a fine, barbed tip in the front… and the odor? Musty. Sour. A fungal fragrance emanating from the damp tip… You give it a light lick just to be certain.>CONTD.
>>6306351“Mor,” Volka whines as she continues to keep Rezzie below the firing line, “What… what is it!?”BEDCAP, you reply as you pocket the projectile for future pondering, a potent paralytic when pounded into a poultice… not popular, either–used by big game hunters…… and assassins.Another shot slams into the ground next to your arm as if to tell you ‘What’cha gonna do about it?’ Just as you dare to scurry forward towards whence you came, a chorus of crackling, droning voices ring out across the Smithing District:”AtTenTION SHOppERs: ThE SMiTH STrEEt TElEFOnT IS CURrENTLY OUt Of ORDer… PlEAsE COnTINUe TO PErUSE… THE MatTEr WIlL BE REsOLVEd SHoRTLY…”“Didrot Drool!” Curses Volka as Tzah-Tzie cranes her ears skyward, “Now what!?”You don’t fancy your chances against one of those Teksouls, much less a group of them, but with the Telefont out of commission there’s really only one thing to do:>We’re leaving the district the old-fashioned way. Follow me!>Split up and find these snipers. They aren’t gonna let you go easily…>These Teksouls… if you could bait one of your attackers into hitting one…>Cause a panic. Your attackers clearly aren’t trying to hit civilians, so if they’re running around…>Let’s bag a sniper. All together–we move as a group!>Distraction! If you can find where the shots are coming from…>Write-In!So, SO sorry for the delay, all–had visitors over for the entire weekend and didn’t expect to be as swamped as I did. I promise not to leave you hanging next time–will provide much more timely updates in the future if it happens again!
>>6306352Some SMOKEBOMBS would be real nice, if we had any. I don't suppose there's any magic we can use for that?
>>6306360Here's Rezzie's spells (that we know of so far):SPELLS (That we know of)HELLFIRE: Natural ability. Hellish flames that stick to whatever they touch, don't extinguish from water.CREEPING HORROR: Blankets an area with existential DREAD!LIGHTNING BOLT: Bolt of lightning that hops to a few targets!>ICE STORM: AoE storm of ice crystals that create a layer of spiky frost on the floor!>CHARM: If it can bypass someone's will, this spell turns the target into the equivalent of a friendly acquaintance for a short period of time.>SHIELD: Conjures a shield that protects the user from physical, ranged, and even some magical attacks. Will break under enough duress.>ACID ARROW: Bolt of acid that can eat through armor and surfaces. Also smells funky.>MAGE HAND: Conjured hand that can operate equipment and carry light objects.>INVISIBILITY: Renders the user invisible for a short period of time. Can still be seen in the right light, covering, etc.
>>6306352>These Teksouls… if you could bait one of your attackers into hitting one…REZZIE, USE MAGE HAND. GRAB SOMETHING METALLIC, SOMETHING THAT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE, AND THROW IT NEAR A TEKSOULBAIT AN ATTACK.
>>6306365Is there any uh...water, nearby? I don't know if hydrants exist or whatever.>>6306367I don't think that would work. The Teksouls clearly know what is going on and are just letting it happen.
>>6306368I mean, I'm not trying to convince the Teksoul. I'm trying to make some noise so the attackers hit one of them.I'm just voting for something. If you can think of something better I'll vote for that.
>>6306370My point is that having them attack the Teksoul won't change anything.My idea was to find a way to create some sort of "smoke screen" but for that we'd need water we can hit with hellfire.
>>6306373...You could just try combining ice storm and hellfire, you know, if that's really what you want. Frost is water. Hellfire would boil it. I'm not really in the mood to argue so that's the obvious combination I can think of.
>>6306375Actually, that sounds like it would work.>>6306352>Get Rezzie to Cast Ice Storm + Hellfire to create a giant smokescreenThis should not only make it harder for them to shoot, it should also drag a lot of attention and cause a panic.
>>6306368The majority of Umberal is kept relatively pleasant in terms of climate control, so you don't recall noticing any clumps of snow or puddles lying around. You could probably find some kind of water source like a drink or something lying around if you searched, but you're also a little busy getting shot at.>Hellfire+Ice StormCould definitely make some steam, yea... Assuming the snipers are using sight to blast at you! The chaos probably wouldn't help them aim, though :)
>>6306398>Assuming the snipers are using sight to blast at you! Doesn't really need to be sight. If it's sound, all the steam hissing will definitely throw it of. If it's smell, well, that takes care of that too. If it was some magical aimbot we'd already be dead and they wouldn't be missing.
I take it we're rolling with the 'Hellfire+Ice Storm' Combo then?
>>6306436yeah
>>6306436yeah I guess. Giving my obligatory +1, not in the mood to argue or stall.
>>6306380>>6306441Alrighty then... >Roll me 1d100-4 (+5 Devil Magic, -9 Suppressing Fire) to put the plan in motion! Best of 3!
Rolled 69 - 4 (1d100 - 4)>>6306447AIE
Rolled 61 (1d100)>>6306447That's another 69 in the first roll.
>>6306450Yea, what the frick? Getting some mixed messages here
>>6306451SIMPLEREZZIE IS GOING TO [REDACTED] [EXPUNGED] [CENSORED]
>>6306455Trust me, anon, and trust me well: you do NOT want the Rezzie shenanigans
Rolled 32 - 4 (1d100 - 4)>>6306447
>>6306352>spoilerYou're a pretty dang reliable QM. Nobody is going to begrudge you a short delay or worry oevrmuch unelss it's, like, a week.>>6306365>INVISIBILITYIsn't that a little redundant right now? This isn't Well Lit & Highly Visible Quest. kek
>>6306559>Well Lit & Highly Visible QuestThat would be the name of the sequel, where we follow Banton Peas, Anton and TT'S 54th Kid.
>>6306448>>6306450>>6306553>HIGHEST ROLL: 65!That'll do something, yea! Will write something up later in the day!>>6306559Thanks, anon, but I still don't want to leave anyone hanging and I didn't mention the weekend would be THAT swamped! Wow! Appreciate the kind words all the same!
Rezalith, you bark as another projectile impacts just a barb’s-length from your claw, you can perform magic, right!?“Tch… perform...” Scoffs the satanthing as darts whiz above your heads, “I don’t perform anything–I… REZALITH! Shape the very cosmos themselves! Move mountains! Part seas! Remember when The Snack said Anton could do that? I can ACTUAL-”We need STEAM, you hiss, just barely ducking another barbed bullet, NOW!The devil opens her mouth to say something mean, but thinks otherwise when something buzzes a bit too close to her wing for comfort! Tucking them at her sides, she begins to intone some unfamiliar words beneath her breath… her gleaming eyes glowing warmer as each syllable slowly escapes her lips!At the same time, you and the others watch with growing horror as her claws light up with fresh flames… a perfect beacon for whoever’s aiming your way! You want to warn her–maybe even tackle her to the ground, but before you can act–‘WHUMP!’The incantation leaves Rezalith’s mouth in a panicked yelp as Volka’s tail swats her legs from behind and sends her tumbling backwards! Perfect timing, too–as a spell surges above you like a rain cloud, another shot zips through the now no longer occupied space where the demon’s head just was!Not one to waste a chance to cause mayhem, Rezalith lands in Volka’s lap and sends a ball of sinister, crackling flame skyward–the orb meeting the magical mist with predictable results!’THOOOOOM!!!’A thick cloud of sweltering fog blankets the crowd like spores from a Mountainous Cloudcap–which reminds you: you really ought to grab some on your next foray into the wilds so you can make some mushmeal ointment–igniting a panic amongst the crowds AND earning the attention of the local constabulary! ”UnSANcTIONeD USE Of MAgIC!!!” They drone in unison as their glowing eyes fade away in the mist, ”REMAiN WHEre YOu ARE… AdJUStING SeARch PAtTeRNS, INTerCEPT VecTOR PLoTTeD–” “There!” Rezalith huffs as she extricates herself from your sister’s embrace, “Happy!?”Very, you reply with an appreciative nod, you’d be jumping for joy if you weren’t about to be killed. “This won’t last long…” Tzah-Tzie whines as she sidles up next to your favorite Skog, “Whatever we’re gonna do, we’d better do it now!”What’s next?>Split up and try to find the snipers!>All together now: find a sniper while they’re flatfooted!>Create a distraction somewhere in the cloud!>Get out of the crowd and out of this damn street!>Have Rezzie fly someone to a vantage point!>Write-In!
>>6306686>All together now: find a sniper while they’re flatfooted!Well, we got our distraction. We might as well use it.I was tempted to just run but I imagine the argument against that is "BUT WHAT IF THEY ATTACK US LATER???", so let's nip this thing in the bud.
>>6306686>Get out of the crowd and out of this damn street!>Have Rezzie fly someone to a vantage point!My idea is, we 'pretend' to try to escape while Rezzie moves to find the snipers who will be trying to chase us.
>>6306686>Get out of the crowd and out of this damn street!
>>6306690>>6306696>>6306756THE TALLY:>FIND A SNIPER TOGETHER! -- 1>GET OOOUUUUUTTT! -- 2>REZZIE! GO! -- 1Last roll! Maybe!>Roll 1d100+2 (+4 Ranger Senses, +5 Devil Senses, +3 TT Leads the Way, +3 Smokescreen, -7 AAAUUGH CITIES, -5 Teksoul Patrol) to beat a hasty retreat while you still can! Best of 3!
Rolled 35 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6306769TT LOVEREZZIE LOVEMOROOK, UH, LOVE?
Rolled 65 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6306769Nigerundayo!>>6306770Hey, what's wrong with Morook? He's a cool guy. Nice brother to Volkie.
Rolled 15 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6306769
>>6306770>>6306771>>6306779>HIGHEST ROLL: 67!That'll do 'er! Writing!>>6306770>No Oti lovebaka fr
>>6306781the 'baka' was supposed to be 'so much hate' abbreviated but apparently I need to be FILTERED here
You’ve got little to gain here and a LOT to lose! Even if you did track down your would-be snipers, you’re not too confident the Teksouls would let you get away with anything, so as panic settles into the crowds of shoppers, you take the opportunity to turn to face the others with a sharp click!STAY CLOSE!https://youtu.be/j_bjuld64QcTaking off like a pack of startled Nooxi into the mist, you let go of a breath you didn’t know you were holding when your would-be assassins fail to draw a bead on you or your pals!“H-hey! Watch it!”Pushing through a group of befuddled Chytree girls with a curt, but polite ‘pardon!’, you lead your own ladies away from the shopping district as the sound of stomping tendrils thick as fungitrunks fills the mist around you!As you break free of the sweltering shroud, you come face-to-whatever Teksouls walk around on–the construct’s eerie eye boring a hole into yours from far above! Neither attacking nor blocking your advance, the thing barely reacts as you take the VIBRATING DISC and slap it on its towering tentacle!In all your haste you nearly tumble over a waist-high barricade bordering what sounds like some kind of bizarre roadway… but in place of Strider-led wagons and Nooxi comes a discordant din of clanging bells, hissing engines, and clattering carts!What in Viisla’s name IS this place!?“Gearway!” Tzah-Tzie reports as she struggles to regain her breath before clambering onto Volka’s shoulder, “No foot traffic allowed!”“No walking!?” Sputters Volka in growing disbelief, “How the Hells is a gal supposed ta’ get around a place like this?”The Durher’s eyes dart to the left. “There should be a footbridge if we look aroun-”A screech of claws along the stone to your right cuts the conversation short… metal ones if the menacing clang of steel against the street is any indication! Before you can react, three pairs of eyes descend from the metal monster attached to small, stunted, and snarling faces…Of course, you think as you pick up the faint sound of Slinger strings being tugged taut, this is Umberal... Low centers of mass. Tall, pointed ears finely tuned to pick up changes in wind and temperature… and a nose trained to smell a drop of ichor or blood a hundred Skog strides away!these aren’t just Snipers–they’re DURHER SNIPERS!“Can we KILL something now!?!” Rezzie snarls as she struggles to await your command! You aren’t surrounded anymore, but…“Mor!” Volka announces, “Got a plan!”With the sound of Teksouls tromping from whence you came, you decide to…>ATTACK!>VOLKA’S PLAN!>DIPLOMANCE!>WRITE-IN!
>>6306795>VOLKA’S PLAN
>>6306795>VOLKA’S PLAN!I TRUST YOU, VOLKA-SAMAI FUCKING KNEEL. LEAD THE WAY
>>6306795>VOLKA’S PLAN!Lamplighting time!
>>6306796>>6306798>>6306810>VOLKA'S PLANHoo boy. Writing~
You’d be lying if you said you were in your element here–what the Hells even is a ‘Gearway’ anyways!? What was wrong with Striders? Sure, they’re notoriously surly, extremely territorial, the venom in their bite causes necrosis and they smell like Volka did when she accidentally took a dip in that cesspool when you were a bit younger, but…You’re getting ahead of yourself. While you know the wilds like the back of your claw, Volka lives, breathes, and eats ‘cities’... and if she’s got an idea, well…Something in your expression betrays your assent, prompting the Skog to spring into action! “REZ!” She shouts as the snipers take position, “FIRE! NOW!”A devious cackle leaves the demon’s lips as her claws alight with unholy heat, but just as the flames appear on her fingers she’s snatched up like a lost larva!“GUH!?” She sputters as your sister picks you up as well, “U-UNHAND ME, BRUTE!”“HOLD TIGHT, NOW! THROW!”Time slows to a crawl as Volka puts her ‘plan’ into action–leaping atop the fence with uncharacteristic grace, she launches herself (and, by extension, you) towards the center of the aforementioned ‘Gearway’ as a barrage of barbed bullets scream past you! Meanwhile Rezalith hurls her searing salvo at your attackers as she dangles from the Skog’s claw like an unruly kit!Your ichor goes cold as you feel something massive and metal graze your back… but whatever Volka’s gamble was, it pays off! Landing with a resounding ‘CLANG’ against the side of some kind of colossal commuter cart, your sister transfers you from her claw to her tail to get a better grip on your new ride!“W-W-WHERE ARE WE GOOIIIIINNGG!?!?” Shrieks Tzah-Tzie as she clings for dear life to the Skog!“AWAY!” Volka laughs, the girl barely reacting to the blistering cold stinging your eyes as your ride continues at a breakneck pace!To their credit, one last sniper shot crunches deep into the metal side of the train, but as you climb atop the cart and help the others up, you can’t help but relax a bit when additional attacks fail to appear!“HAH!” Whoops the Spinner as she twirls around on her toes, “Modern Engineering! Gotta love it!”Don’t celebrate too hard, you warn with a wry grin in your gaze, if they found us in Smith Street they can find us elsewhere too…“Woo…” Mutters your half-sister as she flops onto her back and sighs, “Yea… who were they anyways? Trier’s goons? Spicys?”“Worse,” TT answers with a frown, “I think they were working in tandem. You saw how those Teksouls reacted…”Right, you nod, they didn’t. But they disabled that teleporting thing-“Telefont.”Right, that. And they herded the crowds so we would be boxed in.>CONTD.
>>6306834“Tch… for all the good THAT did!” Answers Volka with a cheeky grin! Giving your shoulder a playful–and still VERY painful–punch, the Lamplighter bats her big eyes your way!“Soooo? Not bad for a plan, huh, Mor? Ehh? EEEEhhh?”Not bad at all, you answer with pride in your tone! But we’ll have to be extra light on our toes now… especially if we still intend on collecting that ‘antique’ later…“I’m… worried about Ant…” Tzah-Tzie mutters, earning a nigh-imperceptible nod from Rezzie. “You think he’s okay?”What about Oti?“Oh.” The Durher grumbles, “... Yea, him too.”“Why not just go after them?” The devil asks with a fresh frown. “I can track AnTWIT down easily, you know.”“Hmmm… I can’t decide if it’d be better for Trier and the Spicys if we stuck to a big group or not…” Volka replies with a frown of her own, “Dad’s apartment oughta’ still be safe, at least…”Preemptively stretching the Slinger on your back, you decide the best course of action would be to…>Head back to the safehouse!>Track down Anton!>Go somewhere else! (Options Provided If Needed)>Double-Back and try to grab a Sniper!>Cause a distraction somewhere else in the city!>Write-In!
>>6306835>Go somewhere else!You should go somewhere first BEFORE going to the safehouse. They might still be on your trail and all...go have lunch or dinner or something, I dunno.
>>6306835>Go somewhere else!SHAKE THEM OFF
>>6306835>Go somewhere else!Time to give Volka some reward food for being such a clever and good girl.
>>6306874+1>>6306835
>>6306835>Go somewhere else! (Options Provided If Needed)
>>6306839>>6306851>>6306874>>6306878>>6306922>SOMEWHERE ELSE (FOOD, PROBABLY!)Dzamnnnn, look at that SYNERGY. Writing!
You let your head rest against the cold, hard metal as you carefully weigh everyone’s words. Heading directly back to the safehouse, let alone going after Anton, could be risky–the ambush made that clear as crystal. With Trier’s Teksouls and assassins working in tandem, you’re not even certain you can lay low anywhere anymore… but the fact that they didn’t just blow you up on-sight means they must still be trying to maintain a level of subtlety… right?Tzah-Tzie, you begin as you continue to mull over things in your head, you wouldn’t happen to know where we could find some good food, do you? The Durher’s puzzled blink is overshadowed by your sister leaping to her feet!“MEAT! LET’S GO SOMEWHERE WITH MEAT! BET UMBERAL’S GOT FOOD TA’ DIE FOR, RIGHT!? RIIIIIGHT!?” “Errr… w-welll…” Stammers the Spinner as she looks to you and Rezzie for assistance, “I, uh… look, do we really wanna go out for lunch when-”We did our part on the ‘antique’, you calmly explain as you sit up to face the girls, now it's up to the craftsman to deliver–any attempt to check in would undo what we just did.Your eyes sweep over to Volka, the Skog trying and failing to keep her tail from thumping excitedly against the roof of the train. If we’re still being tailed, you continue, you don’t want to lead anyone to anything sensitive… So why not grab some lunch?TT opens her mouth to object, but relents when your words hit their mark. “... Yea… yea, that makes sense.” Clearing her throat, the girl’s eyes light up with renewed enthusiasm! “In THAT case, I know JUST the place!”Volka’s tail breaks free of its will-imposed prison. “OOH! What’s it called!? Is it a stew joint!? Skewers!? Ooh, what about BAKED MEAT!? Juicy and glazed…”“Ah-ah-ahhh~” Chides the Durher with a wagging finger in her tone, “It’s a SECRET! Wouldn’t want anyone following, would we?”Your sister calms down, if only just a little bit. “Right… right, you’re right…” Her big yellow eyes hop over to the pensive-looking devil further down the cart. “Whaddaya say, Rez-Rez? Fancy sampling some of the local culture?”“Tch… ‘Culture/i]’. THAT’S a stretch…”Sounds like a ‘Yes’ to you. So, you remark as you turn your attention back to TT, where to?“Well the first step,” She begins as she steals a sidelong glance off the side of the train, “Is getting off this thing…”Joining her on the edge of the train, you let out a low chitter as you hurtle through the ‘City of Tomorrow’ at breakneck speed…You hope Anton hasn’t run into any problems yet…>CONTD.
>>6307130“This is a problem.”Oti’s sudden snap out of silence sends you shuddering in shock! C-come again? Oh, you’re ANTON PEAS, by the way.“This. Is. A. Problem.” He repeats with not nearly as much attitude as you expected! “Do we really need to drag this simpering sorcerer with us to Trimbault? Truly?”You don’t ‘need’ anything, you sigh as you run a hand through your shaggy hair, well… except for food, of course. And air.“... She’s a rogue element. And, from what you told me, a panicked one as-”Oh, and water… and stable internal conditions. Homeosomething...“... A panicked one as well.” The mage grumbles with a dull flicker in his eyes! “You say she intends to run from Trier–what reason would she have to assist us in any way?”Because you’re the reason she isn’t a viscera stain on Rezalith’s lips, you answer with a pointed glare! You know a cornered, defeated beast when you see one, okay? You worked retail!“All the same, I doubt we’ll glean anything of use from her even as a shield,” The Chytree chirps glumly. “Don’t act surprised when she inevitably disappoints us.”Whatever you say, dad. Turning your attention back to your host, you shift your weight a bit on the lavish couch you and Oti have been sitting on!So, you begin with a fresh smile, about that favor…Toppel Gransii sits across from you in what you assume is an equally-plush recliner–a fresh cup of Sugar Tea clattering in her trembling talons!“Y-yes…” The Gnok stammers, still recovering from her unique look into your not-so-private conversation with Oti, “What can I do for you, hmm?”Her Sanguiphage sibling tops your cup off with a dead stare in his glowing red eyes. Thanks, Obber.What do?>You want that spell she promised you!>You need intel on Trimbault Academy!>She mentioned Trier’s ability to avoid dying… what’s she know about that?>She’s coming with you to Trimbault!>How does she plan on escaping Umberal anyways?>Is her, uh, 'Brother' gonna be okay?>Oti, any questions?>Write-In!
>>6307131>You want that spell she promised you!First things first, obviously. And once we get that...>She mentioned Trier’s ability to avoid dying… what’s she know about that?At this point, she'll be in too deep. If Trier knows she gave us magic we used against him, she's toast.
>>6307131>You want that spell she promised you!>She mentioned Trier’s ability to avoid dying… what’s she know about that?
>>6307132>>6307142>>6307156>MAGIC!>INTEL ON TRIER'S TRICKS!Writing!
Spells, you begin with a few hasty snaps of your fingers, let’s go! The sorceress stares at you like a dog being asked to file a tax return.“Which spell?”The one she promised you when you kept your devil pal from EVISCERATING her, you continue with fresh impatience in your tone! “Ah yes,” Toppel mutters, ire creeping into her tone and face as she recalls your last encounter, “How could I forget…”That’s what YOU’RE saying! Shifting her shaky eyes from you to Oti, the witch studies his glowing features for an uncomfortable moment before turning her attention back to you!“Yes, yes, I did say that, didn’t I… didn’t think you’d actually come to collect…”Well she thought WRONG, you answer with a cocky grin! Now let’s get to spellin’, shall we?“Tch… very well then…” Rising from her seat with all the enthusiasm of a student being called on to answer a question in class, Toppel strides over to where you’re sitting, her unseen heels clicking against the hard floor!“And before you whine, know that imparting even the simplest of spells onto a beginner’s mind can rend it asunder like an old jugroot, so-”“Incorrect.” Oti sneers as he eyes the witch like a hawk, “There is always a risk to the impartee, yes, but a great deal of the task’s success or failure falls upon the imparter.” His eyes flicker. “And I’ll know if you even ponder failing intentionally, so don’t.”The Gnok’s wild eyes fall upon the Chytree’s. “... Do… I know you?”“You don’t. Begin.”Not exactly filled with confidence by the exchange, you take a deep breath as you feel an alien presence slowly worm its way into your skull…A sensation not wholly unfamiliar to you anymore, especially with all of RED’S shenanigans!As the entity slips between the folds in your mind, a concept starts to take root like a germinating seedling…CHOOSE YOUR SPELL….>DISPEL MAGIC>COUNTERSPELL>HYPNOTIC CHIMES>SLOW>FLY>ARCANE GUARDIANS>FEAR>SANGUINE TOUCH>Kick Toppel! That's IT!? (WRITE-IN A MAYBE AND I'LL CONSIDER IT...)
>>6307179>SLOWLet's synchronize our clocks, gentlemen. We have all the time in the world.
What spells do you anons think would be most useful to 'deal' with Trier, assuming our main weapon is still gonna be the antimagic bomb?
>>6307182Well, probably either Slow (gives us more time to plant it), Arcane Guardians (meat shields) or Dispel Magic/Counterspell (anti-magic, duh).I imagine Fear and Hypnotic Chimes would be decent Crowd Control but who knows if that's necessary?
>>6307186I dunno. Bones did say that maybe we could get a construct to "remote detonate it" rather than have it be on a timer.
>>6307196We still have to plant the bomb. So whatever helps us plant the bomb would probably be the best one. Fly might be good for mobility? Slow would be good for buying more time in case shit goes crazy?If you really want a dissection>Dispel MagicAssuming DnD logic, this deals best with magical security moreso than dealing with active spell casting.>CounterspellAnti-mage defense.>Hypnotic ChimesProbably a weak AoE Charm that disoreints a lot of people, sine we do just have flatout Charm as a thing>Slow Slows things around us. Generally applicable. Any enemies would be hampered by having to swim through magically induced slowness.>FlyMobility. Self explanatory. >Arcane Guardians Probably summons some meat shields to help out in combat or to slow down anyone chasing us.>FearProbably spooks a lot of people. Crowd Control>Sanguine TouchMaybe a self heal? Touch someone, drain their blood? Or just more single target damage. Hard to say.I dunno. You pick whatever sounds most useful to you.
>>6307179>DISPEL MAGICThis feels like it'd be the most useful, I guess.
>>6307179>COUNTERSPELL
>>6307180Welp, swapping this to Dispel Magic just to break the three way tie.
>>6307204>>6307474>DISPEL MAGIC>>6307374>COUNTERSPELLTHE CONTRACT IS SEAAAALLEEEDDD! DISPEL MAGIC wins it! Will write later today, probably! Also for the record these spells won't work EXACTLY like they do in, say, TTRPGs, so expect a bit more creativity and freedom with your choice! Quests, amirite
>>6307491True. I just used TTRPG as a frame of reference since one anon wanted a dissection of them before he could vote so I just bullshitted something based on the names.
>>6307492Oh don't worry, so did I
>>6307491Darn. I missed the vote. I would have voted for Dispel magic or Counterspell anyway, though, so fair enough.
>>6307512Sorry about that! Hopefully you guys'll find some use with this one!
Magic. It’s all you’ve heard about ever since you arrived in this kooky burg. Your interactions with witches and wizards have been relatively limited, but one thing’s for certain: magic is NASTY! Crap, you can still hear the sound those cultists made when that LARIUS guy popped their heads like grapes! You’re… you’re gonna need therapy!One step at a time, Anton. In any case, your musings wander over to a concept… one stemming from those long nights practicing sleight-of-hand tricks in your room:What if you could make that magic… DISAPPEAR?You don’t have your wand, hat, or trusty assistant anymore–lord knows how you convinced her to wear that outfit in the first place–but the basics are still there! You just need to fight magic with MAGIC!https://youtu.be/MvXUZKEkhDANEW SPELL–DISPEL MAGIC: Choose a CREATURE, OBJECT, or MAGICAL EFFECT and CONCENTRATE… presto-change-o! The magic or spell is GONE! Careful, though–the further, smaller, and/or more powerful the spell, the harder it is to remove… just be careful not to ENHANCE it!A rattling gasp rips free of your throat as you return to reality to find Toppel looming over you with intense concentration etched into her expression, no doubt encouraged by the even more intense look Oti’s giving her from her side!“There…” She grumbles as she sends a withering glare your way, “Debt paid. Get out.”In a minute, you fire back, prompting her beastlike brother to bristle a bit, there’s one more thing you want before you let her go–“Out of the question!” Snarls the sorceress with a petulant stomp of her foot! “Obber’s MINE! I had to deal with his antics growing up–he’s MINE! End of story!”You, uh… you don’t want her freak brother, you answer as you send an apologetic glance over to the smiling Sangiuphage, you want INFO. Info on TRI-“NOPE! NOPE! NONONONO! NO!” She interjects with wide eyes and trembling lips! “I’m lucky enough to have escaped from our last encounter–I’m not about to ring a dinner bell for-”“You are… and you WILL.” Oti interjects with the usual cuddliness in his tone. “Consider it this way: the sooner you provide us with sufficient answers, the sooner you’ll be able to scurry away like a totta.”Toppel opens her mouth to retort, but pauses when her jaw slackens and her eyes glisten with… recognition?“... You…” She mutters under her awestruck breath, “It’s… it’s you, isn’t it!?”For the first time in your ‘friendship’, you watch Oti tense up… almost as if he were… embarrassed?>CONTD.
>>6307635“... It’s not. Whoever it is you’re blathering abou-”The tension between the mages dissipates like a fingernail in one of the deep fryers at work–well, on Toppel’s side, anyways–and before he can do much about it, Oti is TACKLED by the Gnok into…… a hug!?“OTES!!!” She squeals as she shakes the Chytree around like a chewtoy, “It’s YOU! It’s really, REALLY YOU!”“N-no, I-”“You dyed your eyes and altered your voice, but I’d recognize that dry wit and those insults ANYWHERE!” Toppel coos as she affectionately rubs her cheek against his! “I waited years, you know…”Oti, you mutter with unfiltered befuddlement in your tone and expression, what the Hell’s going on here? The mage tries and fails to extricate himself from the smitten sorceress.“What’s going on,” He growls as he resigns himself to his fate, “Is that this is a problem. Did I not make it clear the first few ti-”“Oti and I used to be thick as thieves!” Toppel gushes with a cheery giggle! “Back in university, you see…” She casts a sly glance at her fellow magic-wielder. “Couldn’t keep us apart–classes, the hallways, even the dormitor-”“Yes, yes, parasites could learn a thing or two…” Grumbles the enchanter as he tilts his head away from hers! “But that’s not importan-”“Everything changed after the incident,” the girl continues, the giddiness in her voice giving way to a hint of concern, “You said you’d come back for me, Oti, but-”“But I didn’t. So glad we reconnected.” Turning his attention to you, an impatient flicker appears in the Chytree’s eyes. “Ask your questions.”Toppel blinks in confusion at her old beau. “Wait! If… if I tell you what you want… you’ll take me with you, won’t you? Otes?”“No.”The sorceress’ dreamy eyes fall upon you and harden immediately. “Talk some sense into your new friend or I’ll blow us all into the next plane.”Oti follows suit, minus the dreamy eyes. “Try to talk some sense into me and I’LL blow us all into the next plane.”Mages…What do?>Appeal to Oti! C’mon, man… >Appeal to Toppel! She still owes you!>Appeal to Obber! Talk to your sister, dude!>Stall! How about we all wait for Trier, hmm?>Deflect! They can work their crap out later!>Goad! She probably doesn’t know anything anyways…>Reason! Spill the beans first, THEN we’ll discuss the next step!>Stay Silent! They’ll think you disappeared!>Write-In!
>>6307637>Write-InPromise that if she works with us we'll use the uh...psychic art of COUNSELING from our homeworld to help solve their situation.
>>6307649+1, it's the funniest option.>>6307637
>>6307649+1ANTON-SAMAUSE YOUR POWER FOR GOOD.
>>6307649>>6307694>>6307696>COUNSELING!Oh shit, we're bringing out the big guns I see! Writing!
All threats aside, these two could DEFINITELY benefit from some sense being talked into them! You could too–any intel on Trimbault is A-OK in your book! The question is… how?Look, you begin in a level, placating tone, no one stands to gain anything from blowing us all into the next plane-“I disagree.” Oti interjects with a flicker in his eyes, “I cut this farce short and get some peace and quiet-”BUT, you continue with a pointed glare, there’s plenty to gain if we help each other out…The mages shoot each other a sidelong glance. “...Such as?”“...Such as?”Well, you continue, channeling as much ‘Tzah-Tzie’ness as you can muster, think about it! Why are they both so interested in you in the first place, hmmm?“I’m not interested in you, though.”Oti, you groan, THINK! You’re from another plane! He took samples! And Crazypants over here was gonna capture you and everything!“... I was going to do that, yes…” The Gnok mutters with an embarrassed look on her face. Oti refuses to comment.So, you continue with the lure cast into the proverbial ‘creek’, wouldn’t they both like to hear some… FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE? Both of the magic users perk up like cats hearing a can of food being opened!“... What kind of forbidden knowledge?” Asks Oti, the Chytree clearly a tough-sell even when he’s supposed to be on your side!“... What power do we stand to gain?” Toppel adds, her eyes burning a hole through your face!Ah-ah-ah, you tut, wagging your finger, ‘crip pro grow’! She needs to tell you what you want first! The sorceress answers you with a fresh pout! “At LEAST give me a hint! That’s not fair!”“Yea!” Adds Oti before swiftly realizing his mistake! “Ahem… yes, acceptable.”Okay, you sigh, taking your time to respond so you can REALLY get them hooked, it’s a dark, POWERFUL set of spells and knowledge designed to redirect… and CONTROL!You call it…COUNSELING!https://youtu.be/QKOef6NvmZIBoth mages recoil at the word! “And… and you’ll share this… this Khaun-Suuling... if I answer your stupid questions?!” Toppel sputters, barely able to believe her good fortune!Exactly, you nod! So how about it? The Gnok doesn’t even need to think.“ASK! ASK AWAY!” She croons, grinning ear-to-ear! “Control… redirection… extradimensional POWER… all MINE…”Yea, well, you begin with a small chuckle, hold onto your hat, kid, because you wanna know about TRIER!>CONTD.
>>6307719Any enthusiasm the sorceress had disappears faster than an opened bottle of hooch outside of an AA Meeting! “Oh…” She mutters, giving her brother a baleful glance, “... W-well if I am to gain the power of KHAN-SUULING–”She mentioned he’s tough to kill, you begin, speaking slowly so that RED can listen close! Simulacrum! Extra ‘lives’! You wanna know what she means!“Was the conversation we had in my Pocket Plane not enough!?” Toppel groans as a chill drifts into the study! “Yes, he has countermeasures! People have tried to kill him before and failed, okay!?” The irritation in her tone fades a bit as she remembers something. “... though… the Simulacrum aren’t his ‘lives, per se…”To his credit, Oti holds his tongue rather well as she continues to ponder. If that’s the case, you continue, then what about those extra lives she mentioned? How do those work? Toppel twitches under the questioning.“It’s… hard to say…” She replies, each word creeping out from her lips like a rabbit in hawk territory, “Trimbault’s Staff Members had their suspicions, of course: it’s clear there’s Necromancy at work, but historically speaking that branch of magic requires a great deal of life energy and sacrifice to sustain…”“And he’s been around for a very long time…” Oti muses, having finally managed to break free from his ‘gal pal’. “If he was operating under traditional necromancy he’d need hundreds of lives to sustain his current form…” He shakes his head. “No, he’s far too subtle. There must be something else to it.”“He is old, yes…” Toppel agrees with a soft nod, “No doubt he’s aware of Ancient Magic we can only hope to imagine.” She blinks. “There… was some inquiry about his background at the academy, actually–the KHORROZEH WING. It wasn’t unheard of for Staff to, well, use that department to, well, study the Archmage a bit…” A wry grin slips onto her face. “... For the sake of understanding Khorrozeh Arcanology, of course.”So if somebody discovered anything, you begin in a wary tone, it’d be there? Toppel nods.“Where’s the best place to hide a secret from a Gnok? Right under their horn.”Yea, you nod, you uh… you’ve totally heard that before…“So that’s all, is it?” Oti adds, his tone still cold despite the promise of forbidden knowledge, “All that time in Trimbault and you know nothing of the Archmage?” Toppel flinches!“I… It’s not like I was ALWAYS plotting against him!” She sputters! “I had my own projects to work on! L-like Obber! Look how agreeable he is now!”“Indeed,” The Chytree replies thoughtfully, “He used to be extremely vexing…”The Sanguiphage doesn’t react as he pours everyone a fresh cup of Sugar Tea...>CONTD.
>>6307720Seriously though, you continue, that’s all she knows? Every little bit helps!“Well…” The sorceress answers as she shifts her weight from one foot to the other, “There… there were rumors… that he might not have ‘extra lives’ at all…”You frown. Meaning?“He’s… he can switch.” She concludes as the air around you becomes deathly cold, “It would certainly make sense–if he could merely leap to another shell somewhere else, well-”She’s about halfway through her statement when Obber tenses up and lets the tea he’s carrying tumble to the floor with a resounding CRASH! Before she can react, the three of you freeze like deer in the headlights as a faint sound creeps into your ear from the ceiling above…Slithering. “HELLS…” Snarls the Sorceress, “I didn’t even finish packing…”“We can discuss this later,” Mutters Oti as his eyes sweep the room around you, “We should go. Now.” He turns to face Toppel. “Are there any exits apart from the front and back doors to the building?”She blinks. “There’s the sewer in the basement… And the roof–most of the surrounding buildings are close enough to levitate to…”Wait a sec, you frown, why not just teleport? Both mages answer with a withering glare!“It’s risky,” Toppel answers in as measured of a tone she can muster, “A mage can trace the residual magic to a general destination.”“And a very skilled mage can trace it to a precise point.” Oti adds with a grave look in his eyes. “I’m sure those ‘TekSouls’ can manage.”A wet slap hits a wall just outside of Toppel’s apartment. Whatever you plan on doing, you’d better do it fast…What’s the plan?>Hurry to the back door!>Out the front!>The sewer! Through the basement!>The roof! NOW!>Teleport!>You have a new spell–let’s stand and fight!>Distract! Someone can go out and lead them away! (Who?)>Stay Silent! They’ll think you disappeared!>Write-In!
>>6307722Here's an idea..>Teleport SOMETHING to make it seem like you teleported away>THEN go through the sewerIdeally we'd teleport a living thing but I imagine Toppel doesn't want to part with her lobotomite demon brother.
>>6307726I like this plan. +1So, how are we going to gaslight Oti into accepting the crazy psycho mage girlfriend he deserves?
>>6307726+1>>6307733Hopefully they'll bond over fleeing the Tekstapo.
>>6307726+1
>>6307722>>6307726 +1
>>6307726>>6307733>>6307734>>6307751>>6307813>TELETRICKERY AND SEWER SCURRYING!Devious! I love it! And since it involves illusions, well...>Roll me 1d100+2 (+2 Illusionist Initiate, +3 Sneaky Leather Armor, +3 Sneaky, Sneaky, +4 Two Mages, -5 Teksoul Security, -5 Surrounded???) to make it work! Best of 3! Will probably write the rest of the stuff later this afternoon!>>6307733>spoilerIf anyone can do it... it's ANTON PEAS!
Rolled 99 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6307917Roll
>>6307921Jesus Christ, anon, you're gonna gaslight Oti into accepting the crazy psycho mage girlfriend he deserves at this rate
>>6307922That's the goal, chief.
Rolled 91 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6307917
Rolled 19 (1d100)>>6307917Well, now we just gotta hope we don't get a 1>>6307922Friendship with Anton x TT is over, Oti x Toppel is my new best friend
>>6307921>>6307926>>6307927>HIGHEST ROLL: 101!!!Cheese Louise! Will write the update later this afternoon!>>6307927Yea, Anton X TT is old news!
Wait a second… you’ve got two mages… and they can both teleport! You’ve got a plan, you begin as the sounds outside the building creep closer, but they’ll have to work fast!“Yes…” Oti nods, still cool as a glowing cucumber, “If we give her to the Teksouls-”Toppel’s monocle, well, topples from its perch on her eye! “H-HEY! DON’T JUST GIVE ME AWAY LIKE THAT!”You weren’t planning on it, now shaddap and listen! They said teleportation leaves behind a residue, right? Oti tenses up.“Correct. Now if there aren’t any other facts you need confirmed, can we divert our thoughts towards an actual plan?”Here it is, you continue with a cocky grin: Toppel will teleport one object–one large enough to seem like one of us! And Oti-“... will do the same…!” Toppel mutters before the realization hits her like a brick! “Yes! Yes, that might just work!”Yea, you grin, ‘The Ole’ Switcheroo!’“And where, pray tell, will we depart from, hm?”He’s not gonna like it, you retort, a chill running down your spine as you recall Tzah-Tzie’s ‘shortcut’ into Crossroads, but the sewer might be the best bet…Oti’s biting rebuke is put on hold by a faint whirring from beyond the wall followed by the uncanny sound of something CARVING through! What the Hell are these things capable of anyways?! Before you can get an answer, both Oti and Toppel pick their targets and sling some spells as you and Obber watch with baited breath!C-can they go any faster?Oti doesn’t even need to glance your way for you to feel his ire! Nor does Toppel. Guess it’s a mage thing? In any case, it doesn’t take long for two magical ripples to rock the apartment–doesn’t take too short either, but beggars can’t be choosers!“There,” Oti grumbles over the sound of the gut-wrenching drilling, “Just sloppy enough.”Toppel chimes in with a curt nod. Guess that’s that! Right, you hiss, show us to the cellar! Stiffening at a quiet click from his sister’s mouth, Obber leads the charge out the apartment and down the hall while the mages float close behind! Trying your best to keep up on your very non-magical legs, you pick up the pace as you hear the other doors lining the hallway preemptively lock as you scramble by!“Quick! In here!” Barks Toppel as she ushers everyone into what appears to be a cramped room! Stuffing yourself between Obber and Oti, you send her a sidelong glance as the path you came from shuts with a quiet hiss! What… where are we?“Ho-HO! This, my primitive pet, is just a taste of magical machinations!” She answers with a smug grin! “Behold… the SCENDOCHAMBER!”>CONTD.
>>6308038The room jerks a bit before slowly descending towards what you assume is the cellar. Ah, you remark as you give the wall an idle flick, an elevator…“No, you prole, we’re descending.” Mutters Oti as Obber hops up and down with a gleeful grin. “Do try to keep up.”The ride is slow. Painfully slow. Like ‘The elevator at your apartment building with the perpetual mold smell’ slow! So slow, in fact, that by the time you reach the bottom floor your leg’s starting to fall asleep… but as the doors creak open to let the dank, clammy basement air into the ele–sorry–SCENDOCHAMBER, you and the rest of your enchanted entourage freeze up like magic-wielding statues at the sound of something huge and gaunt tromping down the hall to your right like a lost elephant!Waiting until the shape stomps up to the next floor, you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in! Phew!“See? Haste makes waste.” Chortles Oti as if he had anything to do with the damn SCENDOCHAMBER taking so long! Okay, you groan, let’s find this sewer, shall we?You don’t have to search for very long. Obber’s vamp–erm, SANGUIPHAGE senses lead him straight to the entrance: a tough, heavy metalwrought trapdoor that feels like it could withstand a bomb, let alone the few kicks you deliver to its surface! To make matters worse, your hand comes across something looped through a groove in the floor and the entrance–a dense, rectangular thing with a toughness similar to the door it’s barring!A LOCK!Relaying your findings to your ‘friends’, your worries are immediately bested by a blizzardy blast from Oti’s palm followed by a flurry of force from Toppel’s! Their combined efforts flash-freeze the lock and shatter it like an expensive vase… and with the obstacle overcome all that remains is for Obber to slink over and lift the door open!The ensuing stench is, well… painfully familiar. And very unwelcome.“Euuugh…” Toppel groans as she leans against Obber for support, “Do we have to go this way?”“Yes,” Oti sneers as he descends into the sewer, “Unless you’d prefer to negotiate with the unfeeling automatons hunting you, that is.”“I’ll pass.” The sorceress fires back with a withering glare. “Come along, Obber.”>CONTD.
>>6308039You and her brother trail behind as the trapdoor clatters shut behind you! Pinching your nose shut as hard as you can, you still can’t manage to escape the stench! The rot assails you to your very core, working its way inside through your mouth and eyeballs when you refuse access through your nostrils! To say it leaves you woozy would be an understatement, but at least you aren’t being followed!… Right?“Step lightly–We’re not safe yet.” Oti warns as he slows his levitation down enough to meet your lagging pace. “Where’s our next destination?”Where indeed? You can barely focus thanks to the overwhelming aroma, but if you had to make a choice…>Straight to Trimbault! You can use that GLAMOUR SPELL before you enter the academy!>To the Safehouse! Regroup and replan!>Somewhere Else! Things might ease up if you separate from Toppel!>Smith Street! You should check in on the others!>Write-In!
>>6308041>Straight to Trimbault! You can use that GLAMOUR SPELL before you enter the academy!Better to strike when the iron is hot and they're searching for us somewhere else. With a 99 roll, the plan ought to have worked.
>>6308042Be warned... TOPPEL WILL FOLLOW YOU! AND HER SHITHEAD BROTHER
>>6308043I really don't see what's so bad about Obber
>>6308042+1
>>6308041>Straight to Trimbault! You can use that GLAMOUR SPELL before you enter the academy!WE MUST KEEP GOING WHILE OUR LUCK IS BLAZING HOTWHILE WE GOT LADY LUCK BY THE TITS.WE MUST RIDE THIS WAVE OF FORTUNE
>>6308042>>6308074>>6308090>TO TRIMBAULT!Writing!
Trimbault, you answer as decisively as you can while trying not to puke, that’s your next destination! Oti looks at you with mild surprise and the usual amount of irritation.“Do I dare ask why you’ve come to that decision?”You can’t really explain it, you explain, but you’re just… you’re just feeling really LUCKY all of a sudden, y’know? Like Lady Luck is hugging you close and letting you whisk her across the dance floor… and neither of you are about to let go!Toppel and Oti stare you down as if you’d just started peeing out of your eyes. Does… do they… do they get you, or…?“I don’t,” The sorceress replies with a hint of pity in her tone, “And quite frankly I’m glad… these fumes must be hitting you exceptionally hard.”“Need I remind you that Trimbault’s an extension of Trier’s Tower?” Oti adds, not bothering to respond to your question. “We’ll be walking into the Fuuxi’s Nest even with that Glamour Spell, you know.” His eyes flicker as they dance across Toppel’s form. “Not to mention the unnecessary baggage we’re carrying.”The look she gives him could cleave stone! “BAGGAGE!? All these years and you call me BAGGAGE!?” The ire in her expression takes a turn for the sultry as she presses herself against the Chytree’s side!“...You DO remember how our fights always tended to end… don’t you?”“A fit of passion,” He grumbles, “And that’s precisely how I’ll end this fleeting little partnership if you continue to cling to me like that.”“Give up the tough act, Oti… you missed this–I can smell it~”Nausea creeps up your throat as Oti avoids her gaze with an irate grumble–whether it’s them or your rank surroundings remains to be seen, but one thing’s for certain: if you don’t move soon you’re gonna RALPH!You’re going to Trimbault, you repeat with renewed resolve, and that’s that! There’s no telling what Trier’s got cooking for you… and you haven’t even heard from the Spicys yet! Once they catch wind of you being here in Umberal…Crud, what if the others are in trouble?“They’ve a Skog, a Demon, and a Dreg among their number,” Oti replies in what you assume is supposed to be a placating tone, “Not to mention that Spinner Girl of yours. Those of her profession, and I use that term lightly, tend to be harder to kill than a Matured Fuuxi Nest.” His glittering eyes shift over to you. “They’ll be fine.”He doesn’t exactly exude bedside manner, but something about Oti’s certainty is infectious–continuing along the pristinely-kept metal causeway, you soon find all of your worries fading away like, well… crap in a sewer!Gotta say, you mutter as you plug your nose even harder, this sewer seems a lot less nasty than the one in Crossroads…>CONTD.
>>6308141“Crossroads! HA!” Toppel croons as her brother joins in with a dopey grin, “Small wonder–those barbarians probably host gatherings down there, don’t they?”“Frolic and festivities for the whole family…” Muses Oti with a cheeky glitter in his gaze. Is he laughing? “Stay your worries–our gracious host ensures Umberal’s waterways operate efficiently and effectively. As long as we give the city’s constructs a wide berth we should emerge unscathed.” His eyes flicker again. “Albeit a bit more pungent.”He’s not wrong–aside from the trickling condensation from above, the roaring river of sludge at your side, and the occasional distant clank and clatter of what you can only assume are Umberal’s dutiful sewer custodians, your trek deeper into the depths is relatively peaceful… Until…>A new smell pierces your plugged nose–meat. Old, rotten meat… and everything that comes with it!>The path dries out a bit, but not before depositing you into a path lined with old, carved stone… and the smoky scent of a distant fire reaches you and your allies…>The river of refuse empties into a vast cistern, but above the scent of tepid water and waste comes another peculiar scent: something… sweet?>A few twists and turns deposit you into a maze of rough-cut caverns… and as the air grows thick with heat and moisture, you can almost swear you can hear a distant song…
>>6308147>The river of refuse empties into a vast cistern, but above the scent of tepid water and waste comes another peculiar scent: something… sweet?Something sweet, ay? The last time we found a sweet scent we got a cool trinket out of it.
>>6308147>The river of refuse empties into a vast cistern, but above the scent of tepid water and waste comes another peculiar scent: something… sweet?We'd better look out for sewer mutants
>>6308147>The river of refuse empties into a vast cistern, but above the scent of tepid water and waste comes another peculiar scent: something… sweet?WE'LL BURN ANY SEWER MUTANTS IN OUR WAY
>>6308152>>6308226>>6308228>CISTERN!You got it! By the way, I'll be heading outta town this weekend so expect delays. Should get in a few more updates today, though!
>>6308329See you soon, QM!I'm out of town, too, so tht works out well for me, kek.
You follow the winding river of refuse deeper into the dingy depths–the metallic gantry feeling downright pristine compared to the slog you had back in Crossroads! But just when you’re starting to feel at ease, you’re overwhelmed by a thick curtain of humidity–one that bathes your face in what you really, REALLY hope isn’t evaporated waste…But you know better by now.It takes you a moment to realize you might be wrong. The deeper you trek into the humid hollows the more the foul, rancid aroma of excrement and filth is beaten back by something else:Something sweet, but off... like a basket of rotting leaves… or a barrel of fermented apples.The rot’s still there, you realize as the narrow passage opens up over a vast expanse where the sound of crashing ‘water’ rings in your ears, but it’s a different bouquet of smells–one that even puts the mages on-edge!“Wait.” Oti barks, not that you needed a reason to. Standing in statuesque silence over the fetid waterfall, the sorcerer remains in quiet contemplation as you listen to the filth roar and splash below while Obber anxiously dances back and forth on his unseen heels…“Zetsut?”The word is unfamiliar to you as it leaves Toppel’s lips, but you can’t ignore how it comes out uncertain… and afraid.You’ve heard of Zetsi–Volka’s Lamplighter buddy Pesli was one of them, wasn’t he? Old guy. That bitch Vuuse said he used to be a killer? Reminded you of that talking tree in those commercials begging you to recycle…“Could be an old colony.” Oti answers with the usual frown in his tone, “But no need to take any chances.” His bulbous eyes shift over to his fellow spellcaster. “Your brother. Send him ahead.”“Right.” Toppel turns to her pet Sanguiphage and spurs him forward with a few quick snaps of her claw! Scuttling down the wall like a lizard, Obber leaves you to wait with the witch and wizard as he scouts ahead… So, you begin, Zetsut–“Peculiar things.” Toppel begins as she cocks her head to the side, “Not quite dead, not quite alive either. Tricky to detect.”“They’re the end of the Zetsi life cycle, to put it simply.” Oti adds with a shrug of his unseen shoulders. “Rain falls, snow melts, Zetsi become Zetsut. A natural inevitability, really.”And let me guess, you groan as you struggle to make out any shapes or eyes below, they’re dangerous? Both mages answer with a noncommittal grunt.“They can.” Toppel nods as she adjusts whatever it is she’s wearing, “Some of them still have their heads on straight, but others can be, well…” She shudders. “A bit spore-happy.”THAT gets your attention! They have spo->CONTD.
>>6308355Your thought is put on hold when a dull rumble approaches you from behind, followed by the sound of a roaring river! In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, neither mage bothers to look your way as they levitate to what you assume is a safe spot… as for you, well…You must have left your jetpack in the shop! LEG IT!!!>Roll me 1d100+3 (+2 Loose Footwork, +3 LIMBOOO! +4 Mage Guidance, -5 Uncertain Footing, -1 Dark) to flee the filth! Best of 3!>>6308354All according to plan......
Rolled 76 + 3 (1d100 + 3)>>6308356Dew it
Rolled 43 + 3 (1d100 + 3)>>6308356ANTON SPECIAL FORME: L.I.R (LEG IT, RETARD!)
Rolled 19 (1d100)>>6308356Underground colony in sewers? What's next? A bunch of orphans trained and raised by an old guy?
>>6308359>>6308360>>6308364>HIGHEST ROLL: 79!Say what you will about the boy, Anton knows how to run away from something! Writing!>>6308364Those notes were shared with you in CONFIDENCE
Luckily you’ve had plenty of experience running for your life as of late, so without even bothering to glare at the levitating layabouts you dash forward along the path as fast as your legs can take you!Unfortunately you misjudge how much path you have left and crash into what you’re guessing is a safety railing at the edge of the catwalk. Hey, at least it’s sturdy! Your footing isn’t, however, and like a cup of coffee placed a tad too close to an office worker’s elbow, you go tumbling over the edge with one of your trademark panicked yelps!It’s a good thing you have not one, but TWO mages to assist you–who else would mutter a halfhearted ‘careful…’ as you tumbled to your certain doom? Fortunately for you, your doom isn’t as certain as you think! Rolling down a series of slanted scaffolding like a marble, you’re eventually deposited at the bottom of the falls in a foul-smelling, but still breathing heap!Face down in what you hope is a pile of mud and sewer driftwood, you feel something claw at your back and react accordingly with a swift kick at the offender’s groin! Sure, it was a little embarrassing when you realized you signed up for a Women’s Self-Defense Course way back when, but you can’t deny you learned some handy tools of the trade!A weak gurgle rings out from your would-be assailant as you scurry to your feet! Whirling around to face them, you relax a bit when you’re greeted by a pair of glowing red–and clearly wincing–eyes!Obber, you sigh, you really gotta come up with, like, a signal or something! The Sanguiphage is too busy cradling his sore crotch to weigh in. “Oh good, you’re alive.”Oti descends from above with the typical greeting before hovering in front of you like a Fairy Godmother… but while storybook Fairy Godmothers tend to be warm and kind, the Chytree regards you like one of those charred rat corpses you always used to find at the bottom of the fryers at work!“IS HE DEAD?! QUICK, HARVEST HI-oh… you’re alive.”You can see why these jerks got along. Wiping the gunk from your robe, you give them both a clearly forced grin. You’re good! Thanks for the help, by the way!“We’re still beneath Umberal,” Oti retorts with a fresh glare, “Excessive magical use could alert the Constructs.”“Or whatever’s skulking around down here.” Toppel adds as she leans against her beau, who quietly but firmly drifts away. “Speaking of skulkers, what are you doing here, Obber? I told you to scout.”The Sanguiphage opens his toothy maw to respond, but his sister cuts him off with a sharp snap of her claw! “Too late, we’re already in the thick of it. And here I thought I’d my modifications actually made you useful for a change… can’t cook, can’t follow orders, can’t defeat a devil… a beautiful, elegant, POWERFUL devil--”>CONTD.
>>6308415“What the Hells are you talking about?” Oti mutters as Obber shrinks under the abuse!“Mmm… SO powerful…”“GRANSII.”“Whuh!?” The Gnok sputters as she’s forcibly removed from La-La Land, “O-oh! I was, um… absorbed in thought… r-research thought…”“Focus on ‘Getting Out Of Here Unscathed’ thought, if you please,” The Chytree drones as his eyes scour your surroundings for movement, “I have far too much to accomplish before becoming some kind of sporepuppet dancing at the whim of a pack of geriatric ghouls, thank you very much.”“Always so forceful...” Groans the Gnok before she turns to address her sullen-looking brother. “Did you manage to uncover ANYTHING useful? Hmm?”After a few minutes of vague hissing, clicking, and groaning, Toppel begrudgingly gives her brother a pat on the head before turning to face you and Oti.“It’s a village of sorts. Mainly concentrated in the center, of course. Obber doesn’t think anyone saw him, but Obber doesn’t think much anyways, so…”“Yes, yes, he’s pathetic,” Oti says with an impatient sigh, “Proceed.” “There’s a tunnel across the cistern,” Toppel adds with a huff. “But it’s blocked by… growths. Razing the settlement would be the swiftest solution, but-”RAZING IT!? Your sudden outburst causes your companions to recoil! “As I said,” Toppel growls, “It would be the fastest solution…”“And a prudent one.” Oti adds with a grave nod. “Zetsun are unpredictable. Charming one second, vicious the next. Like Shyppas, but less motivated by food, moreso by…” He hangs on the last word. “... progeny.”“We can skirt the village, but the best route extends along the cistern water’s edge,” Toppel adds with a deepening frown, “Obber claims to sense something in the sludge, so stealth would be preferable.”A low wheeze escapes her brother’s perpetually-smiling lips. “Right, right… there’s some kind of TOWER on the side of the village opposite from the water.” She pauses. “Could belong to the COLONY ELDER.”You blink. Are they…“Lucid? Yes, comparatively.” Oti interjects in a Naturalist’s tone. “Aggressive? Every colony is different.” His eyes flicker. “I tend to assume the worst.”Yea, you noticed. Weighing your options of moving forward, you decide to…>Fight your way through to the exit!>Sneak along the waterfront!>Slip through the village proper!>Pay a surprise visit to the Elder!>Find a Zetsun and ask to parlay!>Cause a distraction and slip by!>Send Obber out again to scout!>Head back the way you came!>Write-In!
>>6308417>Cause a distraction and slip by!Poor Anton and Obber, being abused by those jerky mages.
>>6308417>Sneak along the waterfront!
>>6308417>Cause a distraction and slip by!What a freak. 'research thought', yeah.
>>6308435>>6308437>DISTRACTION!!!>>6308436>SNEAK!Anton's always up for a good distraction, it's a fact! Here we go:>Roll me 1d100 (+3 Sneaky Leather Armor, +2 Illusionist Initiate, +4 Mage Guidance, +3 Obber Aid, +2 Loose Footwork, -1 Dark, -7 Zetsun Sporemind, -3 Uncharted Turf, -3 Blocked Exit) to DISTRACT! Best of 3!>Also feel free to come up with HOW to distract if you like... OR leave it to ME... heheh...PASTEBIN:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA>>6308435To be fair Obber was probably a total jerk before being 'improved'. His sister sucks too, though.>>6308437You just don't get it, anon! She was contemplating future projects, that's all! G-get your mind out of the gutter!
Rolled 13 (1d100)>>6308453I can think of one or two ideas but I don't wanna use the items.
Rolled 53 (1d100)>>6308453WE RAWDOG THIS.WATCHANDLEARNalsoidontblameherrezzieis-
>>6308453Also,>Obber was probably a total jerkAccording to the crazy hoe and the grumpy jerkass. No, I think Obber was a GOOD MAN who was BETRAYED and LOCKED IN THE SANGUIPHAGE
>>6308453Set off some of the Blastcap Bombs from a good distance away or if they are timed set them to explode after about five minutes
Rolled 80 (1d100)>>6308453Okay no one else is rolling I'm just gonna do it
