ANTON PEAS: that’s your name, don’t wear it out! Originally a mild-mannered grilljockey, a botched demonic summoning brought you to ZORAL: a fantasy world shrouded in perpetual darkness!You get used to it!The memory loss and everyone trying to kill you? That’s the tricky part. See, your unexpected trip landed you in one Hell of a mess: not only did you lose a huge chunk of your memories, but you also forfeit your soul to RED--you don’t know the specifics, but essentially your summoning granted you some DEMONIC POWERS, so it’s not all bad! What IS bad is what you’re up to now: your hellish helper can restore your memories, but he won’t do it for free! The price: delivering the heads of THE FOUR LORDS OF ZORAL: tyrants and titans that rule the darklands with iron fists, claws, and… you dunno, tentacles, maybe? There’s a reason they’ve ruled for so long, however, and despite your platoon of pals and plentiful powers you can’t help but feel a little apprehensive about the whole thing!Exhibit A: ARCHMAGE TRIER. Arriving in UMBERAL: Zoral’s very own city of tomorrow, you were swiftly introduced to the TEKSOULS: menacing magitek that follow every whim Trier can think up… and you met the guy–he thinks a LOT!Not to be outdone, you also ran into THE SPICE CARTEL--not only is Umberal their home turf, they’re also running some kind of deal with the Archmage… as for what it is, well, you shudder to think!Your search for leverage over the Archmage took you to TRIMBAULT ACADEMY: Zoral’s most prestigious magical academy, and whole you managed to snag some goodies and teach a surprisingly-decent class (don’t ask), you didn’t manage to find notes other mages took on their Archmage adversary! Even worse, all signs point to The Cartel snatching them up for their own perfidious plots!Luckily you had an in: TZAH-TZIE, skilled songstress and your current beau, has an axe to grind with her musical rival LUTZA. Having saved the starlet from a kidnapping on the Umberal Skyrail, you earned your way into holding a concert in Umberal, and some of the biggest names in The Cartel just happen to be huge fans!You were just about to plot out the details at the glitzy CRYSTALMELT HOT SPRINGS LODGE when you ran smack-dab into The Cartel’s higher-ups… and the big cheese himself, VHALE NESSURMOS.Did we mention he’s also your girlfriend’s husband? And that she freezes up like a clam on Pluto at the mere mention of his name?Cornered by the Cartel, THIS is where your tale continues…https://youtu.be/1lR8VLt1Xlk>CONTD.
>>6322706Welcome to DARK QUEST! Leave your worries by the door with your shoes, ya’ ain’t gonna need ‘em! Socks optional!>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 fuzzball! 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
“So,” He begins as if catching up with an old friend, “How’s my… blushing bride, hmm?”An uncanny silence blankets Lutza’s suite as the question echoes in your skull, the words violently crashing against it as if they were trying to break out! Ever the professional, Joplin the Manager and one of Lutza’s Skog Bodyguards stand between the mafiosos and his managee–the former’s stern expression even stonier as the room’s tension becomes thick enough to taste!Rolo and Sixface, however, remain bent in perfect bows, neither daring to speak over their boss.And Vhale?The Durher just stares you down, unblinking, his eyes deader than a shark’s. Borderline emotionless, but with a hint of amusement? You don’t sense ire in his gaze, you think, but you don’t sense much of anything, really.That’s what worries you.Though the mafia don is several heads shorter than you, the simple gesture sends a shiver down your spine as if you were staring down the barrel of a bootlegger’s shotgun…With a hair trigger.Vhale doesn’t repeat his question, but you get the burning sense that he isn’t going to let you go without an answer. But how do you respond to the man who nearly snuffed the whimsy out of Tzah-Tzie’s eyes? A monster so vile Tzah-Tzie forced herself to vomit all over to escape his… ‘touch’ on their expedited honeymoon? How do you respond to Vhale Nessurmos: Cartel Kingpin, Ally to the Archmage, and breaker of spirits?>She’s safe.>What does he care?>She’s upgraded, actually!>He’s not getting her back.>Spit in his face.>Stay Silent! He’ll think you disappeared!>Come closer and I’ll tell you.>ATTACK!>Write-In!
>>6322708>She’s safeI can't say I like him, but we can't kill him just yet. Not with Trier still around.
>>6322708>She happy now, if you really care.Some spite is appropriate.Welcome back, QM!
>>6322708>>6322744 +1
>>6322708>She's actually happy now.Spitepilled. Let spite fill your soul, Antard.
>>6322744Hey gurl heeeeyyy~>>6322744>>6322761>>6322767>She's happy now, if you really care>>6322721>She's SAFEWriting! Good to be back even if it was only a short amount of time
She’s happy now, you spit as you meet his dead gaze with a glare, if he cares, that is!“No..” Shrugs the Durher as if you’d just asked him how hungry he was, “But I’ll admit my curiosity was piqued when I learned she didn’t become Makaar fodder or some bandit’s plaything…” Vhale cocks his head to the side. “She is my property, after all.”Oh, you scoff with a derisive smile, is that what he thinks? “It’s what I know.” The Durher answers in the same lackadaisical tone. “Her dear parents came crawling on their hands and knees to my father and I with the marriage certificate already stamped with their seal… practically threw her at me, really.”Steel clinks at the Cartel Kingpin’s side as he crosses one leg over the other. “It matters not how many men she’s lifted her tail for–and I suspect that’s quite a number–but it’s the same principle as my blade, really: some knuckle-dragging invalid can swing it around all he wants. Drool on the hilt, rub it against his chin…”It’s only now that you realize Vhale hasn’t blinked once since his unexpected arrival.“But were they to make the assertion that my blade belongs to them, well…” A claw idly taps against the sword at his side with a rhythmic ‘tink’, “That would be a very, very ill-informed idea indeed.”Vhale’s gray eyes tremble briefly.“... Drafty in here.”The words scarcely leave the Kingpin’s lips before his subordinates spring into action!“T-take my cloak, sir!”“A-and my hat-”Vhale neither looks at or acknowledges Rolo or Sixface as they scramble over to offer up to him their belongings. Rolo’s Mzz’goe’virr femme fatales, however, stand like gargoyles behind your chair, both wound up like homicidal Jack-In-The-Boxes waiting to pop!“So!” The Durher announces with the faintest hint of levity in his droning voice, “Let’s talk. ’Anton.’”You blink. About what? Vhale doesn’t.“Your reward,” He replies as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, “For returning my stolen property, of course.” His head cocks to the side once more. “Surely you didn’t come all this way just to sample my limitless charm and legendary hospitality…” His empty eyes briefly flick over to his cowed subordinates. “Or did you simply wish to embarrass my subordinates?” A few tsks leave Vhale’s lips as he dismissively shakes his head. “Letting a rampant arsonist like this wander Umberal unimpeded, Rolo? Sixface? Poor form indeed…”The Durher known as Sixface averts her eyes as Vhale’s wander over to hers. “I’m accustomed to Rolo disappointing me, but I entrusted City Affairs to you… as a treat.”“F-forgive me, boss, but–” Sixface stammers as an uncanny bulging occurs in her eyes as she stutters out an excuse, “B-but he… he’s been claimed by… y-you know…”>CONTD.
>>6322847Vhale yawns as his gaze shifts back onto you. “Is that right?” He leans forward to study what few features he can see. “That’s a shame.” He leans back as quickly as he shifted forward. “The Old Man’s grown a bit too comfortable claiming what’s ‘his’, it would seem…” A faint grin creeps onto Vhale’s dour face. “But that’s no concern of yours, is it? Anton~”Look, you begin as you stare Vhale dead in the eyes, you didn’t come here to collect on some deranged ‘finder’s fee’, okay? So he can-“I insist.” The Durher interjects, barely raising his tone. “I’m well aware that she’s here–your entourage was spotted long before you reached Crystalmelt.” An unnerving crackle comes from his shoulder. “Quite a few of you in your merry little band, aren’t there?” Vhale leans forward in his seat once more. “But we will collect her. You and your friends will be on the next train out of Umberal by the time she suspects anything. The question is,” His voice hangs on the last word causing it to come out like a hiss, “What. Is. Yourrrr….” The Durher pauses for almost playful effect, “... Price?”“B-boss…” Rolo mutters under his breath, “T-the Archmage’ll be pissed… a-and he bu-”“Busted your toy Casino in Crossroads, I’m aware.” Purrs Vhale, his unblinking eyes not leaving yours. “My heart bleeds for you, Rolo… but when this transaction concludes, so too will our… disagreements.” Your Poker face falters, if only for a moment. Is he seriously trying to bury the hatchet?“So,” Vhale repeats, “How much is the whore worth, hm?”What say ye? What is Tzah-Tzie worth?>You want to know how to kill Trier.>Bells. More bells than you’ll ever be able to spend.>You want her to play a concert. With Lutza.>You want a way back to your home plane.>You’ll have to think about it.>Fuck you.>Fuck you.>Write-In!
Whoops, forgot a few options that are less... dealy.Inventory: https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA>Reach into your BIISII'S BAG!>Ask to use the bathroom!>BLASTCAPS!>Burn the floor and signal Oti!>
>>6322849Man, I don't wanna throw away this whole plan we had to kill Trier and have a cool fight...but it's definitely gonna happen if we make Vhale Flambeé
>>6322873I'll say one thing and then shut up:Toppel and a few other folks mentioned that Vhale doesn't die that easy..
>>6322873But on the other hand telling him to fuck off is certainly an option too. Okay now I'll seriously shut it
>>6322874The issue is that even if he did we wouldn't be able to do it.>>6322871Screw it,>BISII BAG
>>6322849>You want her to play a concert. With Lutza.Gives us lots of time to plan a double-cross with our boo.
>>6322849>You want her to play a concert. With Lutza.Let's not unleash the bag upon him just yet.. We must as well try to get something out of this.
>>6322883>BIISII'S BAG>>6323003>>6323014>CONCERT!Will write tomorrow! Sorry, busy Friday!
The word he uses to address Tzah-Tzie slaps you in the face like a rotten fish. Your teeth clench. Fists ball up at your sides. Your temples heat up and a vein throbs on your forehead as every voice in your head tells… no, SCREAMS at you to wipe the smirk off of this asshole’s face with two handfuls of hellfire!It’s more than he deserves… and yet you hesitate.She has a name, you spit as you lean forward to meet Vhale’s stony gaze with one of your own, and she wants to play a concert with Lutza. That’s why you’re here in the first place!Vhale doesn’t flinch at your request, nor does he seem too threatened by it. “Names are for those that warrant them.” He shrugs, leaning back as his eyes dance over to his subordinates. “A concert, hm?”“Y-yes, sir…” For the first time in what feels like ages, Lutza speaks up from behind her bodyguard bulwark! “We began planning on the Skyrail--sh-she can play well an-”Her first and last public performance…” Vhale sighs as the corner of his mouth curls up into a crooked grin, “Fitting.” His dull eyes jerk back over to yours. “So that’s it, is it? You gain nothing, she gets one last desperate gasp of freedom?”That’s right, you nod, holding your Poker face together as best you can, and that’s that.“And that’s that…” Vhale purrs as his claw clinks against his blade a few more times. “Send her up.”Hastily rubbing at her eyes, Sixface leaps to her feet for another swift bow. “O-of course, boss!”Hey, you begin as Sixface darts out the door, she doesn’t-“She does.” The Kingpin interrupts as one of his fangs pokes out from between his lips, “Would you rather we keep it a surprise? That’s cold, Anton…” His gaze drifts over to Lutza once more. “Where and when do you intend to hold this… ‘bash’?”“Tonight.” Answers Joplin, the Gnok Manager stealing a glance your way that almost says ‘just trust me’. “Here in Crystalmelt.”“Interesting venue choice.” Remarks Vhale, claw still tinking away at his blade, “Why not have it at the estate?”“For the sake of everyone’s privacy and safety we found it prudent to choose a more public area,” Joplin adds, earning a nod from his managee, “The crowds my client attracts tend to be rather large… and unruly, at times.”Before you can discuss it further, you hear a pair of familiar pitter-pattering feet enter from the front of the suite! “LUTZA~” Chirps and all-too-familiar and chipper voice, “Better start practicing, beca-”Skipping around the corner, Tzah-Tzie freezes up at the sight of Vhale, her words screeching to a halt in her throat with a violent choking noise! As the color and life drain from her features, the Kingpin takes a long, hard look at the girl as if inspecting her for damages.>CONTD.
>>6323272“Well, well, well…” He purrs, relishing the reaction he receives as he slowly rises from his chair, “She’s finally come home.”Betrayal and confusion clouds Tzah-Tzie’s eyes as they frantically flit around the room in search of an exit… but despite the abject terror in her features, the girl doesn’t dare move… not even when Vhale closes the gap between the two and lifts her chin with a claw.“So.” He remarks, his bride trembling as his hands begin to wander around her body, “Music, hm? You never showed me your singing voice.”Tzah-Tzie’s on lockdown. No vitriol leaves her lips, no bites meet their mark… it’s as if she’s a completely different person–or an animal, rather. Trembling in place, she doesn’t respond or react to Vhale as he takes his time planting a kiss on her pursed lips.“You’re nervous. Don’t worry–we’ll have lots of time to get… reaquainted.” Vhale’s sharklike eyes drift back over to you with an almost teasing glimmer. “Anton and I had a long talk… and he settled on quite the finder’s fee for your return.”She doesn’t have to say anything to show her betrayal. As her eyes whip over to yours you see it plain as day: confusion. Anger. Despair.And Vhale? He’s just lapping it all up.You meet her gaze and mouth the words ‘trust me’, but you’re not sure if they hit their mark or not. Tzah-Tzie’s no fool, you know that better than anyone, but sometimes she’s almost too good of an actress…“In return for Anton and company’s safe passage out of the city, you and Lutza will be playing at a concert tonight,” Vhale continues, earning an uneasy snigger from Rolo, “Here at Crystalmelt.” He makes a show of rubbing his chin in mock contemplation. “Think of it as… a going away party.”TT doesn’t respond, but Vhale does. A sharp CRACK rings across the room as he brings his claw across her cheek! Lutza gasps. Joplin and her Skog bodyguard flinch. Rolo and his girls stand stoic. And you? All you can do is gnaw on your cheek to keep yourself from tackling the bastard to the ground…“What do we say when someone does something nice for us?”Tears begin to trickle down Tzah-Tzie’s trembling face. “... Thank you…” She stammers, her eyes burning into the floor. “Thank… you…”“Good girl.” Giving her shivering head a pat, Vhale shifts his gaze back your way once again. “A deal’s a deal, Anton Peas.” He turns to face Joplin. “Tell the concierge what you need. We’ll foot the bill.”The Gnok nods in silent assent as the Kingpin’s gaze falls upon a still-staken Lutza. “Break a leg, hm? This is my wife’s big night, after all…”Vhale doesn’t even acknowledge Lutza’s wary nod as he takes the first few steps towards leaving the suite, but pauses.>CONTD.
>>6323276“Ah.” Turning to face the still-statuelike Tzah-Tzie, a sharp whistle escapes his lips prompting Rolo’s floozies to scoop your girl up in their arms!“We’ll take care of her until ‘Showtime,” Explains Vhale as TT hangs limply in the Mzz’goe’virr girls’ grasp, “My mansion has plenty of quiet rooms to practice in.” That crooked smile creeps onto his face as he turns to face you. “Wouldn’t want her getting… distracted, now would we?”For the briefest of moments Tzah-Tzie’s terror is replaced by something else… you can’t quite tell what it means, but her eyes meet yours as she changes. What could she mean?“Was there anything else?” Mutters the Durher, eyes still unblinking as he lingers by the door. “Rolo, track down Six before we leave. You know how hungry they get.”“Righto, boss…”Anything else? This might be the last time you get to talk to Vhale or TT for a while…>TT stays with you!>If he even THINKS of hurting her…>Him and Trier–what’s the connection?>Trier’s not going to intervene, is he?>What guarantee do you have that the cartel will stop hounding you?>Fuck you, Vhale.>Let’s shake on it.>ATTACK!>Write-In!
>>6323280>Trier’s not going to intervene, is he?We might as well get some info. I trust TT to know we've got a plan, anyway.
>>6323280>TT stays with you!He can have her back after the concert if he's still alive, which at this rate he will not be but until then, she stays with us and our friends. This is her last desperate gasp of freedom. THAT is the deal.
>>6323284Knowing we have a plan is one thing, but leaving her in the clutches of her abusive husband is another.
>>6323291Do you think he's going to accept that?
>>6323293If he has the sort of mindset where he thinks we're being legit with this deal to begin with, why not? If he genuinely thinks we're trading TT to him, he might just think we want one last roll in the hay before she goes away, or to try to apologize.And if he deosn't accept, I'm afraid we must flambe him.
>>6323294I'm pretty sure he'd think we just want to find a way to escape with her. Even if he agreed he'd get a lot more guards on our tail.
>>6323296I'm personally more confident of our ability to operate with his guards watching us than I am in leaving out chinchillathinge in his claws, alone and without back-up. He is exceedingly rapey.
>>6323297That's cool but I still think he's not gonna let us. Plus, we kinda have to leave her alone when it's time for the showdown and we have to go somewhere else.I get that you don't wanna leave TT alone but I really don't think that he will accept it or that it would make things better.
>>6323301Then we cook him. That's my vote, anyway. We'll see what others do, but I won't vote to leave TT alone with her rapist and his goons. Blame the QM for getting me invested in her well-being.
I'ma keep this open a little longer and then roll for it!
>>6323280>TT stays with you!Ah, should've voted a while ago, was distracted. TT is with US.
>>6323533Works for me!>>6323284>TRIER>>6323289>>6323533>TT'S WITH YOU, BITCHWriting!
Yea there is, actually! Taking a confident step towards the Durhers, you try not to smile as Tzah-Tzie glances up at you like a puppy being rescued from a well! She’s staying with YOU.She doesn’t even wait for permission before tackling your midsection and burying her damp face in your robes! By the time you feel her trembling head pressed against you, however, Rolo and his goonettes already have you in mangling range!“Oh?” Vhale remarks as lazy amusement trickles into his tone, “What gave you that idea?”YOU did, you reply, not even dignifying Rolo or his floozies with a glance as you hug Tzah-Tzie closer! How’s she supposed to rehearse if she’s locked up in a dungeon?! Just look at her–she’s terrified!Vhale gives her about half a second of a glance. “I fail to see how that’s my problem. She’s getting her little concert, what does it matter if it’s good or not?”TT is still trembling as you dare to take a step past the Mzz’goe’virr towards Vhale. They don’t stop you. He has the rest of his sad, sad little life to torment her, you snarl, causing your favorite furball to peek up at you from her robe refuge, so you’re taking her off his hands til’ tonight!By the time a sharp whistle leaves Rolo’s lips, his goons are already at your sides! Feeling a blade on each side of your face, you can’t help but let loose a sardonic laugh! You don’t care how many goons tagged along on their little spa-date, you begin in a low, but angry tone… you’re taking her with you! And you’ll bulldoze any Spice-scented shovelhead that gets in your way!You didn’t do too well in your High School Physics classes, but if the tension in the air was dense before, it’s definitely DOUBLE-DENSE now! Rolo stands like a statue, face contorted as he waits for permission to tear you limb-from-limb! Following their boytoy’s cue, his girl’s blades sink deeper into your flesh! Lutza watches with reddening cheeks from her seat as Joplin and the Skog bodyguard prepare to throw down too!And TT? She just squeezes you tighter.Vhale, on the other hand, looks……Delighted?You brace yourself for an attack that never comes–not from him, nor from his cronies, the latter clearly as befuddled by the outcome as you are! “Bold, Anton…” Purrs the Kingpin with the faintest glimmer of a twinkle in his dead, unblinking eyes, “Refreshingly bold.” He jerks his head towards the suite’s exit, prompting his entourage to leave you where you stand. “The whore is yours… for now.” He adds as Rolo’s glare burns a hole through your skull, “Enjoy her while you can.”Vhale departs as abruptly as he arrived–no fanfare, no last-minute threats from his lackeys… just a Durher leaving the suite like he owned the place followed by his humbled henchmen. >CONTD.
>>6323629Even as the door shuts behind them, no one in the room dares to make a peep… until Tzah-Tzie breaks free of her spell and collapses into a sobbing mess at your feet.“I’m… I’m sorry…”Ten minutes later, TT is still inconsolable as she buries herself in Volka’s embrace. Lutza’s apology is swallowed up by the gang, but no one seems eager to accept it. “That brute Rolo has a habit of accosting Ms. Lutza without an invite,” Joplin adds as the Tiito Triplets guard the door with renewed vigor, “I assumed your arrival would hasten his departure…” The Gnok’s steely gaze slips floorward. “... But nothing could have prepared us for… him.”Oh, well that makes it all hunky-dory, then, you snarl! They couldn’t have given you a warning!? Not even a ‘Hey, watch out: SPICE CARTEL’S HERE!’?!“P-please, Anton…” Lutza pleads, lip trembling as Joplin opens his mouth to retort, “If you have to blame anyone, blame me–I made the call. Not Joplin.”“So we should roast you then?” Rezzie remarks, idly picking between her teeth with a claw, “Just say the word, Anton.”You nearly take her up on the offer–seeing TT bawling in Volka’s arms like this awakens a primal anger in the deep recesses of your gut. Not demonic, nor magical… just…You.“It’s unfortunate we couldn’t smuggle someone inside their manor… their eyes will be painted on us until the concert…” Morook begins, pausing as he realizes something in his speech. “E-erm, n-not to be grim, of course-”“Let’s be realistic then: our enemies have no obligation to honor the agreement.” Oti interjects with the usual irritation in his tone, “This concert is our shield, and a flimsy one at that. The minute we step out of the public eye we’ll be dealt with.”His eyes flicker as they fall upon you. “And if you still intend to infiltrate their home during the festivities, there’s no longer a guarantee that Trier’s… ‘interest’... in you will keep you safe.”“AAAannd there’s no guarantee Vhale won’t gut you like a mudpoke at your next encounter.” Toppel helpfully adds.“I… I mean I know he’s scary, but,” Volka begins, her voice softened so as not to disturb the Durher seeking refuge in her lap, “But what’s stopping Rezzie or Anton from, y’know… toasting him?”“As I mentioned in our… first encounter...” Grumbles the sorceress with a sigh, “Vhale Nessurmos is… well, very difficult to kill, to put it bluntly.”“Most crime lords are…” Replies Morook with a hint of cheekiness in his tone.“I meant it literally.” Toppel adds with growing ire in her orange eyes. “I never had a lapse of judgement big enough to convince me to antagonize the man, but from what I’ve gathered here in Umberal, there have been attempts. Many attempts.” >CONTD.
>>6323630Her eyes sweep the suite like a camper telling a campfire ghost story. “Blades. Bombs. Swords. Sorcery. They say he was beset upon by a mob of mercenaries at a dinner party once–they waited until he imbibed some Vibertooth venom and descended upon him like a pack of Makaar…”… And?“And when the cries settled… only he remained.”Fantastic, you growl, so you’ve got not one, but TWO assholes that refuse to die easily! Does anyone have any ideas that aren’t just ‘oooOOoh NO OnE EvER BEaT ThEmMmM!!!’?Rezzie raises her claw almost immediately. You think. Stupid darkness. Yes, Rez?“If this Val idiot stole the notes from this Tier moron, they probably don’t like each other, right?”You open your mouth to respond, but your tongue gets tied! Y-yea, you reply with a slow nod, probably…“So why don’t we just tell that dumb wizard guy that the dumb crime guy is trying to kill him?” The devil continues with a derisive sigh! “Rend two souls with one claw.”That’s… is that what the saying is? Rezzie answers by crossing her arms and groaning. Guess so.“It’s… not ideal,” Morook begins as he cautiously steps around Rezalith’s suggestion, “But she might have a point… we can’t do much until the concert without being watched… and that BOMB still needs to be retrieved…”Right, the Anti-Magic Bomb you asked them to order… you totally forgot! Well, you sigh, none of this is ideal, but Rezzie has a point: if anyone would know what’s going on with Vhale, it’s him.“But…” Volka mutters as she strokes the still-trembling TT, “H-he said he was going to send for you, r-right? If you bother him now, do you think he’ll…?”You don’t know what he’ll do, you fire back, and frankly you don’t really care--a showdown with that deadeyed dick is inevitable and you wanna be ready for it when it happens!Volka nods as she digests your answer. “Yea… yea, fair enough…”“Whatever you intend to do, I’d suggest you do it now.” Joplin interjects with a polite cough. “They’ll be scheming, no doubt–that should give you some time before the concert. I’ll delay it as best I can as well.”Jop, you begin in a softer tone, thanks. The Gnok nods.“I, err…” Volka mutters, not daring to get up, “I should… I mean, I can stay here if-”Before she can stammer out a response, the Spinner stirs in her lap with damp, reddened eyes and renewed determination on her face.“I’ll be fine.”TT, you begin as relief creeps into your tone, s-she doesn’t have t-“I do.” She snaps as she peels herself out of Volka’s hug, “And I will. If there’s anything… ANYTHING I can do to help put that pompous prick in the ground any faster, I’ll do it!”>CONTD.
>>6323632Still sniffling as she strides over to where you stand, Tzah-Tzie stares up at you with big, emboldened eyes. “That… bastard can’t be allowed to survive the night, Anton… I won’t let him hurt anyone else ever again.”Let me guess, you mutter as a wry grin slips onto your face: another ‘Tzah-Tzie Guarantee’?She wipes the wetness from her eyes and matches your smile. “Damn right it is!”Giving the girl a nod, you can almost feel something scraping at the back of your mind… a faint, simple word on repeat:”sOoN…”You get the feeling you won’t be waiting long to chat with the Archmage… good. You could use his input. Until then, however, what’s the next step?CHOOSE ONE:>Speak to someone in the gang! (Who?)>Talk shop with Lutza and Joplin about the concert!>Travel somewhere else in Umberal! (Destinations provided if voted for!)>See if anyone here can train you while you have some downtime! (COMBAT? MAGIC? STEALTH? DIPLOMACY?)>Investigate that mental itch NOW rather than later…>Write-In!
>>6323633>Talk shop with Lutza and Joplin about the concert!If I remember exactly, a spicy stole the immortality secrets right? It's clear they're doing something. Maybe we can get Trier to take out the bastard. Then we blow him up. Actually, if we had the bomb already I'd blow both of them up. At once. But we don't...
>>6323636The Cartel seems to have stolen the notes compiled on Trier by the Trimbault Academy Mages, yea... secret to immortality? Maybe not. Stuff that could probably waste the Archmage? Maybeeeeee~You also recall that there's definitely some kind of deal between Trier and The Cartel: The Cartel provides bodies, living or otherwise, and in return they get... something.
>>6323640Well, it don't matter why they want it so long as we can convince the schizophrenic technolich that they're up to no good and that he should kill them.
>>6323640It sort of counts. Trier's secret to immortality is not being destroyed by whatever the notes say can waste him.>>6323636+1, let's make this count. I like your plan, anon, but also>Talk shop with Lutza and Joplin about the concert!we can't let Vhale ruin TT's big comeback grudge match mega-concert. he's caused her enough pain, and this was a big deal for her.
>>6323633>Talk shop with Lutza and Joplin about the concert!Total Vhale Death.
>>6322706Woooooooo we are so back!
>>6323636>>6323654>>6323657>CONCERT TALK!Writing!>>6323741Hell yea we are, questie
Letting the ominous warnings in your head slip for the time being, you focus your attention towards something you HAVE some semblance of control over:The concert!“I’ve already spoken to the staff here at Crystalmelt,” Joplin begins with a twinkle in his steely eyes! “There should be no problems holding the event here tonight, especially with the… financial aid we’ve been granted.”W-wait, you sputter, how did he talk to them already?! We just finished meeting wi-“Magic.”Oh, right, he can do that ‘Mind Talk’ thing… okay, you shrug, so that’s one detail settled, but-“The performance will be held on the roof to discourage attacks and… eager fans. The Triplets have already informed me of an escape route from the roof to the hot springs in case of fires or other emergencies–it should suffice for our purposes. My contacts here in Umberal coupled with Cartel word of mouth should provide adequate advertising,” He continues, turning to his client and earning a nod. “And for added chaos we’ve opted to waive any kind of ticket fee.”Tzah-Tzie’s damp face widens into a manic grin! “Th-the whole CITY’S gonna be here! It’s gonna be a MADHOUSE, Ant!”And… that’s okay with Lutza, right? The starlet answers with an extra-saccharine smile!“The Cartel offered to foot the bill–it’d be rude not to accept their hospitality~” Her smirk stiffens. “Vhale’s… Captain... receiving the same punishment will be more than enough of a payment.”The realization hits like the final piece slipping into place on a jigsaw puzzle. Something about her dumb contract forbids Lutza from speaking about it, but the answer is clear as day:She wants ROLO dead too. Fine by you…“It goes without saying, but if you intend to handle any unfinished business I’d budget yourselves some time to return here before sundown.” Joplin adds, earning a few murmurs of assent from your team. “The city’s Speakstones announce every hour, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”“As for the setlist,” Lutza purrs, eyes lighting up with naked anticipation, “I’ll start with a few of my ‘not-as-popular’ ballads to get the crowd warmed up… that’ll get them to stick around for the good stuff!”Time’s of the essence, you explain, so the longer they can keep everyone entertained, the better!“Oh, I think we can make that work…” Giggles Lutza from her seat! “A few technical difficulties before showtime, a few short speeches–” Her eyes light up with almost Tzah-Tzie-esque mischief! “... Maybe a few words from Vhale himself…”“Prick’s about as social as a Bull Makaar,” TT spits, “But he’ll jump at any opportunity to make himself seem bigger than everyone else…”>CONTD.
>>6323825And it’ll ensure he’s onstage while you snoop around in his house, you add with a smile! You’ll definitely think about it…“As for, erm… your entrance…” Lutza adds, uncertain eyes drifting over to Tzah-Tzie, “We… we don’t have to do this now, Tzah-Tzie… especially with the Cartel an-”“Pfft, backing out on me already?” The Spinner laughs, earning an embarrassed grin from her opponent, “Not on your life, sister–I’m gonna school your butt in front of the whole city… Cartel and all!”“I was hoping you’d say that…” Lutza nods with renewed flame in her eyes! “You can make your grand debut when the crowd calls for an encore… I trust you can improvise for a song or two?”“Tch, I eat improvisation for breakfast!” You can’t help but smile at TT’s renewed pep–all the more reason to put the guy who makes her so damn upset on ice! Which reminds you…Vhale.“We… should probably operate under the assumption that he won’t stay for the whole thing,” TT begins, a faint tremble in her voice. “And that he’ll assume we’re up to something.”“Your friends were right before,” Lutza agrees as she casts a sympathetic gaze over to Tzah-Tzie, “There’s something protecting him… and it may very well have to do with The Archmage…”Then you’ll just have to ask him, won’t you? Silence falls over the room as your rhetorical question falls flat! And hey, you add, maybe you can even get him to kill Vhale FOR you!“That’s…” Oti begins as he slips into the conversation, “Very unlikely, but…”“But you can bet his Teksouls’ll be there,” Tzah-Tzie remarks, face scrunched up in thought. “So if you COULD somehow put a splinter between them, well…”Dude was crackling and croaking on repeat about how much he loves Umberal, you shrug, so if you can play on that, well…“It goes without saying, Mr. Peas,” Begins Joplin with another polite cough, “But I want you to know that whatever happens, on my name, honor, and integrity as a manager, we won’t allow anyone to lay a finger on Ms. Tzah-Tzie.” He punctuates his declaration with a bow.If all goes well, you reply with a reassuring smile, he won’t have to worry about that at all!“Anything else we should clear up while we can?” Lutza asks, prompting TT to look your way too. “It’ll be hard to reach us when we’re performing, so…”Is there?>What’s the plan for after the performance?>You wanna adjust something.>You wanna know exactly what security’s plan is!>Who should you talk to if something goes awry?>Nope, sounds good to you!>Write-In!
>>6323826>Nope, sounds good to you!I can't think of anything at least.
>>6323826>What’s the plan for after the performance?I sort of suspect we'll be making hasty exists, so we should know where to regroup. Volkir's old pad again?What I'm thinking is we find the notes, read them, leak them to a Teksoul and say some cartel guy dropped them, and that might be enough for Trier to attack the concert.
>>6323836+1
>>6323826>>6323836 +1
>>6323831>NOPE>>6323836>>6323859>>6323951>AFTER?Writing! Expect delays, feeling like hot garbo today
There is one thing, you answer with a touch of uncertainty creeping into your tone. Suppose we need to beat a hasty retreat–“As I mentioned before, the roof has an Escape Route-”No, totally, you interrupt with an apologetic laugh, but you mean, like… AFTER. Even assuming everything goes peachy with the concert, you’ll probably need a quick route out of town… or at least a place to hunker down!“Ant’s right,” TT adds with a small groan, “Ritzy as this place is, it won’t stop an army of crazed fans…” She blinks. “Oh. Or Spicys… Or Teksouls.”“I’ve already arranged for a few safehouses scattered around Umberal,” Joplin answers with a fraction of a shrug. “Comes with the territory. Leaving Umberal, however, is another story-”“WAIT!”Lutza’s soft-as-the-seaside voice jumps to an alarming volume that spooks everyone in the vicinity! She, however, looks happier than a clam in a… clam resort? Whatever, she looks excited!“Rolo, he…” She stammers, her face scrunching up at the sound of his name, “He didn’t take a train to Umberal…”Yea, you snort, the thing woulda’ buckled under his weight if he did! Up top!“You’re right,” Mutters Joplin as Tzah-Tzie slaps you some palm, “He wouldn’t stop bragging about his ‘Flying Machine’... called it ‘tip-top’ and wouldn’t stop gushing about how comfy the beds were…”“Wha-wha-WHAAA!?” Sputter TT, eyes wider than a Chytree’s, “D-did you say a ‘FLYING MACHINE!?’”What SHE said! Is it here!? Here in Umberal!?!“Oh it’s here alright…” Murmurs the musician as she shuffles around awkwardly in her seat, “Docked and moored at the Nessurmos Estate. Rolo’s been too paranoid to sleep anywhere else. It would certainly explain how he arrived so swiftly.” Her jade eyes flicker with mischief! “If we could get our claws on it we’d be out of Umberal long before anyone could catch us…”“Not to mention ruin that bastard’s day a second time…” Purrs TT, not even trying to hide her enthusiasm! “Oh… but how does it work? Any ideas?”Lutza answers with a befuddled grin. “Wish I knew… but it was built in Umberal and if flies. It’s gotta be magical…”“As excited as you may be by the prospect of adding the theft of an extremely high-profile vehicle to your grand escape, Miss Lutza, I would highly advise weighing other options as well.” Joplin replies, earning a round of annoyed groans for his trouble! “They’ll pause Skyrail transit, I can almost guarantee it, but there are maintenance trains that won’t be hindered…” His brow furrows as he weighs your limited options. “Worst case scenario I know a back alley telemage or two. They could get us out of the city for the right amount of bells.”>CONTD.
>>6324286We don’t need to figure it out now, you add, still totally out of your depth, but if they need a place to lay low you’ve been given free reign over an apartment in the city–one with some pretty decent magical wards, you think!“... You think?” Lutza asks, the look on her face clearly not inspired.Yea, you nod, Volka’s dad put ‘em together and he’s… well, he’s really old, but knows his magic! TT, where’s the address again?As Tzah-Tzie relays the info to the starlet she spent whole threads threatening to annihilate, you turn your thoughts to other, less-green pastures… and even those are put on hold when you hear a demure knock on the door to the suite followed by a less-than-demure appearance by the Tiito Triplets!“Z’Crystalmelt Staff, Miss Lutza!”“Askin’ fer’ Mister Peas, Miss Lutza!”“Says he’s bein’ called to the lobby, Miss Lutza!”“Thank you, boys.” The Durher replies, putting goofy grins on each of the Skog’s faces! “Leave Tzah-Tzie with me, Anton. I’ll keep her close.”“H-hey, I’m no princess, alright?” Stammers the Spinner as she swoops in and wraps her noodly arms around your waist! “And as for you:”Climbing your trunk like a lovestruck squirrel, TT plants a big, warm kiss on your lips… and a few more for good measure! It’s only after you run your fingers through her hair and tickle her ears a bit that she begrudgingly pulls away!“Guess our Umberal date might have to wait…” She sighs, gently caressing your cheek. “...Don’t pull any punches tonight, okay?” She requests, a mixture of worry and longing lingering in her lime-green eyes! “I want us to be able to laugh and boast about whatever happens tonight…” Her cheeks get a few shades redder as her bashful eyes fall groundward. “... for years to come…”Any last remarks to TT? Or anyone else?>You promise!>She needs to be careful tonight!>Knock ‘em dead at the concert!>Write-In!This meeting might take a while… Who will lead the Bomb Pickup Squad?>Volka!>Morook!>Rezzie!>Oti!>Toppel!
>>6324287>Knock ‘em dead at the concert!You gotta win.>Morook!He's the one that promised the payment for the guy right?
>>6324287>Knock ‘em dead at the concert!>Morook!
>>6324287>Knock ‘em dead at the concert!>Morook!He's literally the only ine with a healthy sense of caution and tact... No offence to Volka, who wiuld be great if we were going loud.
>>6324294>>6324379>>6324401>KNOCK'EM DEAD!>MOR!Writiiiiiiiiiiing!>>6324401>Implying Rezzie isn't THE BEST at, among many, MANY other things, CAUTION and TACT
You give your favorite fuzzball another tender peck on the lips before answering with a reassuring smile. Don’t worry about you, you add as you squeeze the girl’s small shoulders, just worry about knocking ‘em dead at the concert tonight! Give these Umberal punks a night to remember!THAT makes her smile. “Oh you know I will… and… and I know it’s dumb, and selfish, and impossible, but…” A nervous giggle leaves her lips as her grin droops. “... I wish you could be there to watch me…”You give her hair a playful tousle! Just keep playing, okay? You’ll make it to the encore! Her eyes shine like emeralds at your vow, lips trembling as she nods in assent!“Y’know… you’re just crazy enough for me to believe that…” Gulping down the lump welling up in her throat, the Durher wipes her damp eyes on your robe and plants one last smooch on your cheek before disembarking!“I’ll be looking for your eyes in the crowd, Ant…” She adds as a forlorn, but soothing smile forms on her face, “I’ll spot ‘em… I mean it!”You never had a doubt in your mind… giving her hair another tousle, you bow in thanks to both Lutza and Joplin. Take care of this one, you add with a laugh in your voice, she can be quite the handful!“Tch, never heard you complain…” Grumbles TT with a wry grin.“I’ve forged a career wrangling… ‘problem cases’...” Adds Joplin with a rare twinkle in his eye, “Consider it an occupational hazard.”“I’ll keep an eye on her too, don’t worry!” Giggles Lutza as she crosses over to her rival and wraps an arm around her shoulder! “Just call me ‘Big Sis’!”“H-hey…” Stammers your team Spinner with a fresh blush on her face, “W-we’re still enemies, y’know…”Leaving them to their rehearsal, you make your way over to the rest of the team as they put their planning on hold! Mor, you begin, he knows where to pick up the bomb, right?“Aye, cap’n.”… He uh… he doesn’t need to call you that… The Chytree’s eyes dull.“Understood, cap’n.”… Is he comfortable leading the team to pick it up?“Perfectly, Anton.” He replies in a tone that could either mean confidence or just the usual Chytree drone, “The Spicys got off easy last time… any more underhanded tricks and the Teksouls’ll be scraping their remains off the street.”“FINALLY!!!”You try not to smile at Rezalith’s outburst. And fail. Good man! You move to give the Ranger a pat on the shoulder, but a claw intercepts your hand and grips it tight!“You do realize,” He adds, voice low and eyes glowing with fresh excitement, “That pulling this off will shake Zoral by its very foundations?”You answer him with a smile as you squeeze his claw right back! That’s the plan!>CONTD.
>>6324443“Viisla favors the cautious,” Morook drones with flickering eyes, “But they have a soft spot for the bold, too.” He lets your hand go with a steadfast nod. “Good hunting, Anton. Shall we meet at the safehouse before the concert?”Good call! No sense in playing your hand too early… and there’s no telling how long this meeting will go. Speaking of, you leave the rest of the crew with a wink as the Tiito Triplets open the door to the suite for you.“Tusks forward an’ head high, Mister Peas!”“Leave the worryin’ ta’ us, Mister Peas!”“Ain’t no one gettin’ their claws on Miss Tzie, Mister Peas!”Thanking the boys as you exit the suite, you meet the Lodge Staffer with renewed confidence in your step and pride on your face… to which they’re pretty indifferent, unfortunately.“P-please… th-this way, Mr. Anton…”You don’t need to be that alcoholic sleuth you’re not supposed to serve at work to realize something’s rattled this staff member, and when you follow them down to the lobby it doesn’t take you long to understand why!”TARgeT IDeNTIfIED…”The declaration comes in triplicate, albeit spoken in different cadence and pitch by the Teksoul trio lingering in the lobby. Bracing yourself for an attack that never comes, it takes you a moment to let your guard down! Errr, yea, that’s you…The constructs’ unseen limbs form a barrier around you like a very confused python… a dull tingle forms in your teeth as you sense magic seeping from their ever-glowing eyes!”STanD BY foR TRaNSPOrtaTION… DO. NoT. MOve.”A few days ago you would have been rattled by teleportation’s roller coaster-esque jerk, but now?Now it’s just Tuesday.… Is it Tuesday? What day is it in Zora-PERSPECTIVE CHOICE: WHO’S UP NEXT?>ANTON!>MOROOK!>WRITE-IN! JUST KIDDING, THOSE TWO ARE YOUR ONLY CHOICES! DON’T PICK THIS OPTION I SWEAR TO GOD YOU GUYS
>>6324444>MOROOK!M-Dawg's time to shine.
>>6324444>WRITE-IN! JUST KIDDING, THOSE TWO ARE YOUR ONLY CHOICES! DON’T PICK THIS OPTION I SWEAR TO GOD YOU GUYS:)
>>6324459That's it quest over I've had it up to here with your shenanigans
>>6324444>WRITE-IN! JUST KIDDING, THOSE TWO ARE YOUR ONLY CHOICES! DON’T PICK THIS OPTION I SWEAR TO GOD YOU GUYSThis quest needs to end right here, I have too many stuff I've been putting off to read and if I don't have any new stuff I might start getting my backlog done.
>>6324444>MOROOK!
>>6324444>WRITE-IN! JUST KIDDING, THOSE TWO ARE YOUR ONLY CHOICES! DON’T PICK THIS OPTION I SWEAR TO GOD YOU GUYSDembones>MOROOK!
>>6324457>>6324514>>6324638>MOROOOOOOOOKKK!!!!>>6324459>>6324512>END THIS FARCE ALREADY PLEASE QM>>6324638>DEMBONESDEMBONES: that's you! Your shoulders creak and your eyes burn as you struggle to shake the sleep off of your gnarled, wretched form. Licking your chapped lips, you dump the lukewarm remnants of your coffee thermos down your parched throat in a vain attempt to fill the void in your core with something... ANYTHIOkay okay let's just roll with Morook. Writing!
>>6324727Your boots splash through icy puddles as you lead the way through Umberal’s labyrinth of winding alleys and crowded thoroughfares. You’re MOROOK, of course, and you don’t think you’ll ever get used to a place like this.‘City of Tomorrow’? You hope not…With Anton off to meet the Archmage, you thought it prudent to check in on your ‘order’--the sooner you can get off the streets the better, you think as your trek leads you to the canals–the roar of yachts and clanking of colossal machines dipping their cold appendages into it like River Friilkas doing little to soothe your unease.Your foes took you by surprise before–this time they won’t be so lucky. The plan, as it was before, is simple:Find the bomb. Take the bomb. Bring the bomb to the safehouse. One, two, three.Easier said than done, however–as if the city clamor wasn’t enough, the magical contamination is nigh-overwhelming here in Umberal… and though you can’t use magic you can’t help but feel the arcane weight in the air around you press down on your shoulders and make your head heavier! If this is how you feel, then how does Oti manage it? Hells, what would Lila think?… There’s probably a reason you don’t see any Veeti in these cold, cold streets, but you’d be lying if you said you wouldn’t appreciate her company.For all the wonders Umberal holds, there’s no shaking it from your mind:Something is profoundly wrong with this place!It matters not. You’ve a job to perform, and you don't make a habit of betraying expectations! Come sorcerers or Spicys, you’ll be ready for them all–Umberal’s a lot less frightening when you liken it to a jungle…Who did you bring with you anyways? Did you opt for a smaller, quieter group, or did you prepare for WAR?CHOOSE ZERO OR MORE!>Volka>Rezalith>Toppel>Oti>Obber
>>6324775>Volka>RezalithGotta take Volka, and we can't trust the other ones to trust Rezdawg
>>6324776Toppel trusts Rezzie... she trusts Rezzie hard...
>>6324779Toppel has an restraining order and is not allowed to be within 100 meters of Rezzie.
>>6324775>Volka>RezalithPartly because I also do not trust Rezalith unsupervised.
>>6324776>>6324945>REZ-DAWG>VOLKA-CHANLocked in! Will probably write the update tomorrow--feeling a bit under the weather for the last few days
With Anton off at his meeting and Tzah-Tzie prepping for her big debut, your squad choices were a bit more limited than before–not that you mind, of course. In any other situation you’d be operating solo, but after what happened earlier, well…You can never be too careful, can you?Volka trudges at your side with her thick tail swaying behind her and big yellow eyes darting after every person you pass. At first glance you’d assume she was 100% focused, but the way she grinds her teeth intermittently tells a different story. You might be of different ages and species, but you know Volka better than almost anyone…And you know she only grinds her teeth when something’s on her mind. Something besides the task at hand.Rezalith, on the other hand, skips a few feet ahead like a pet Makaar being taken out for a hunt! She’s even humming a tune, too!“Kiiiillliiiing! Kiiiiilliiing! Gouging, stabbing and kiiiiilllliiiing~”Rezzie, you groan, do you really have to ask her again? The demon sends a glare your way that could freeze magma!“Tch… fine, FAT EYES…” Her skip turns into a dull trot as her sunny expression darkens. “ANTON would’ve let me sing the song…”You hate to break it to her, you mutter, but you aren’t him.“Yea. NOTED.”“Rezzie…” Volka chides in a motherly tone, promptly defusing the feisty fiend. “Where we headed again, Mor?”SOUTHWESTERN SNOWMELT CANALWORKS OFFICE, you recite, just like you’d been doing over and over in your head the whole afternoon, in some tool shed around the corner.“Right, right… yea…” The Skog nods, biting her lip in quiet assent. “Tool shed…”The Buumot bumps and grooves carved into the road at your feet tell you you’re on the right track–you just hope Obber The Machinist has already dropped off the hardware by the time you arrive.… Funny how many Gnoks are named Obber, now that you think about it.What do on the way to the office?>Check in with Volka!>Try to talk to Rezzie!>Double-check your Slinger.>Listen to the world around you!>Just keep walking and stay sharp…>Write-In!
>>6325284>Listen to the world around you!Gotta be careful.
>>6325284>Just keep walking and stay sharp…
>>6325290>STAY A WHILE AND LISTEN!>>6325293>KEEP WALKING!Fuck it we'll blend 'em together. My bad for making them so similar!>Roll me 1d100((+5 Devil Senses, +4 Ranger Senses, -7 AUUUUGGHH CITIIIIIEEESSSS!) to see what your Chytree senses can sense! Best of 3!
Rolled 24 (1d100)>>6325429
>>6325431>>6325451Ha, do I hear one more 24?
Rolled 20 (1d100)>>6325429
>>6325537Awww so close to a triple
>>6325538And no better for us either way. Poor Team Morvolkalith.
>>6325431>>6325451>>6325537>HIGHEST ROLL: 26!Welp time to kill Morook, Volka, and Rezalith. Will write this up tomorrow--sorry for the slow updates. Think I'm not sick though, so that's a relief!
>>6325550RIP, half the main cast. :(
In moments of unease like this, you fall back on your old standby: letting nature speak. Try as you might, however, you can’t quite seem to find the right ‘frequency’. What normally comes easily to you in the wilds, and what you could even manage in certain parts of Crossroads, seems outright impossible even on the canal’s rim… Too much noise, you think as you struggle to drown it out with your own thoughts, just too much noise…“Alright there, Mor?” Volka asks, breaking from her own wariness for a moment to offer you a reassuring smile! “Constipated?”You’re fine, you reply, waving her off with your tone of voice, just… keep sharp, okay?“Righto…”You’re not fine, actually, but you don’t bother relaying that to your scaly sibling. It’s not the clanks and hisses and groans and chatter that picks away at your head like a miner’s chisel, no… it’s the perpetual feeling of precariousness you can’t shake from your head that’s been following you ever since you arrived in this wretched burg!It’s like standing on the edge of a vast pit… or showing up uninvited to a funeral. It’s grim and foreboding enough without the sense that you don’t quite belong, and the feeling’s only grown since you arrived.Continuing along the canal, you silently hope whatever Anton does gets you out of Umberal. The sooner the better!To your surprise–and concern–the front of the CANALWORKS OFFICE is remarkably quieter than the rest of your stroll–nestled at the back-end of a short alleyway, the office is located in what seems to be a small cul-de-sac along with a Shipping Guild Office and some nondescript warehouse. Nothing out of the ordinary for a Crossroader. “Tch…” Rezzie grumbles as she samples the air with a few sniffs, “Smells like mold and guts back here.”… She’s mad about the guts? The demon shrugs.“Makin’ me hungry…”“Where’d, uh… where’d you say the stuff would be again, Mor?” Volka hisses as her eyes trace the building rooftops.Round the back, you mutter as you switch out your city-stepping for your practiced ‘Ranger-Walk.’ Umberal might be kept sunny and clear through magical means, but you still make a point to step heel-first and far away from the many puddles dotting the ground. With each step you take, you take a moment to listen, but try as you might, well…Yep, too much damned noise. Persistent, too.Finding the building’s corner with your claw, you pause for a moment just to be safe… and when you hear nothing but the distant clank of a windmill on the roof and the toot of a canal skiff, y-“AAAAAAUUUUUUUGH!”For a fraction of a second you feel hot, panicked breath on your face that reeks of booze, meat, and poor dental care! By the time its owner stumbles backwards wide-eyed and mortified, you’ve already got your Slinger trained on where his heart should be!>CONTD.
>>6325758A Gnok, you swiftly realize, and a familiar one too!“Obber?” Mutters Volka as she swiftly sheathes her blade, “W-weren’t you stuck in that trap in your workshop?”The Machinist answers your sister with a wide-eyed stare! “The fuck ye’ onnabout!? I made the darned thing–I ken get meself out!” Scarcely do the words leave his lips before another thought arrives in his head–one that tinges his shock with anger!“A-and what the HELLS d’ya think yer’ doin’, askin’ me ter’ come out here again!? I paid my part of the bargai–”Hold on, you interject as calmly as you can, what does he mean ‘again’? “Zackally what it sounds like ‘again’ means, again!’” He sputters in growing disbelief! “I dropped off the ‘toy’ like you asked me to, an’ I barely got back to the shop when ye come in an’ tell me ta’ pick it up an’ move it!” You hear something jingle near his cloak pocket. “So here I am movin’ it! Bright-eyed bastard…”“H-hang on,” Volka stammers as her claw returns to her blade’s grip, “He did? Morook?”“No! Some completely identically yeller-eyed Chytree that knew about our arrangement did!” Scoffs the Gnok with growing unease! “YES, HIM!”You and Volka exchange a worried glance while Rezzie merely stands there with the usual frown. Look, you quietly begin, whoever came to him, it wasn’t you.Obber looks ready to dispute that claim, but after searching your steely gaze for a moment, his anger gives way to something else…Concern. Yep, that’s the one.“Wh-” He grunts as his eyes flit around the alleyway, “Th-then..”Silencing him with a sharp hiss, you cautiously turn around to find the alley bare behind you! Unsure of what the game is, you know one thing for certain: you probably have a moment or two before the puppet master realizes you know something’s up!What do?>Send Rezzie to scout!>Run for the canal!>Address whoever’s watching you… if there IS someone!>Double back deeper into the alley Obber came from!>Make a distraction!>Write-In!
>>6325759>Send Rezzie to scout!GO GO GADGET DEMON THING
>>6325759>Send Rezzie to scout!REZZIE, LISTEN. LISTEN REZZIE. IF YOU GET HIM IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS, WE'LL LET YOU EAT **ALL** THE GUTS YOU WANT.
>>6325765>WE'LL LET YOU EAT **ALL** THE GUTS YOU WANTDamnit anon, now she's gonna be too full for dinner.
>>6325766It's worth it, trust me, fifty million IQ play here.
>>6325767It's not gonna be worth it when she spoils her appettite.
>>6325761>>6325765>REZZIIEEEEEEEYea guys I don't wanna railroad but Rezalith's totally gonna ruin her appetite and won't want ANY dinnerHERE GOES SOMETHING!>Roll me 1d100-2 (+5 Devil Senses, +4 Ranger Senses, -4 Unideal Positioning, -2 Loud Obber, -5 They know how you work now) to see how Rezzie does! Best o' three!
Rolled 16 (1d100)>>6325829Roll
Rolled 98 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6325829I sincerely doubt Rezzie will ever, ever turn down the opportunity to eat someone.
>>6325870The dice seem to agree.
Rolled 33 (1d100)>>6325829
>>6325833>>6325870>>6325884Yea okay it looks like bribing Rezzie with treats works. Will write this bad boy up midday on Friday! Thanks for playing, all!
No time to think on it–you’re encased by buildings and there’s only one way back out to the canal! For the briefest of moments you sense a flicker of magic activating above you, and that’s all the info you need to make your move!Rezalith, you bark in a firm, but hushed tone, can-“Yea, yea… ‘Stay quiet, don’t touch anything’, blah blah bl-EEH?!”You cut the diminutive devil’s regularly-scheduled sarcasm short by placing your claws on her shoulders! Rezalith, you repeat as your eyes lock with hers, can she check the rooftops for enemies?“Y-yea…” She mutters, unsure how to respond. And if they’re an enemy, you continue, eyes glowing brighter with every word, you want her to–You’ve never seen Rezalith light up like she does at that moment, but when she does, well…It’s almost endearing?“S-say it…”Eliminate them, you add with a hint of satisfaction in your voice! However she sees fit!The girl freezes for a moment… her face frozen and her expression perplexed as she tries to puzzle out the obligatory catch in your request… but once she realizes there is none, well…“Give ‘em Hell, Rez!” Volka’s encouragement is all the permission she needs! Taking to the sky with a menacing cackle, the demon is immediately beset by a hail of the same sharp-edged Slinger Darts you nearly got acquainted with back on Smith Street!“HELLS!” Sputters Obber as he slips behind Volka for cover, “They’re gonna tear her ta’ shreds up there!”No, you reply with a smile in your voice, not exactly!https://youtu.be/go_imOL6wgwRezalith’s taken to flying in the darkness rather well–twirling through the cloud of darts as gracefully as a barbwinged Shuuk, the demon dives towards one of the unseen shooters with menace in her eyes!A panicked shriek rings out across the alleyway as you sense the shattering of a magical shield, followed by another sequence of wet, unintelligible cries and a few other noises you’d rather not describe! Showered by a gory mist, you dart further down the alley as a few darts embed themselves into the pavement at your feet! “Think she can handle it by herself?” Volka asks as the sound of roaring flames rip across the rooftops followed by terse, foreign orders! Duuric, you think as you wind up your Slinger and load a few darts of your own, pity you never learned the language.The language quirk Anton received when summoned could probably decipher what they’re saying, but you get the feeling it isn’t anything important. Still, there sounds like there’s an awful lot of them up there… and while some Snipers focus on the flying fiend, you know it’s only a matter of time before they draw a bead on you and the other landwalkers…
>>6326085What do?>Encourage Rezzie some more!>Cover fire from below! Suppress the Snipers!>Try to find a way up with Volka!>Sibling Sling! Have Volka toss you to the rooftops!>Escape in the chaos!>Write-In!
>>6326086>Sibling Sling! Have Volka toss you to the rooftops!
>>6326085>Sibling Sling! Have Volka toss you to the rooftops!TRUST IN THE FLOW.
>>6326088>>6326089>>6326162>>6326166>SUPER SIBLING SLING!Damn, lookit that synergy! Can't promise a wealth of updates today given it's Spooky Time, but we'll see what we can do!>Roll me 1d100+2 (+5 Volka Strength, +3 Snipers 'Suppressed', -4 Uncertain Landing, -2 Nasty Snipers) to see how you land! Best of 3!
Rolled 68 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6326180
Rolled 30 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6326180AIEEEEEEEE
Rolled 69 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6326180
>>6326192>69>on a sibling rollWhat did the dice mean by this?
>>632619671, anon. For our sanity, it must be read as a 71.oh god they're stepsiblings too
>>6326200MOROOK ONII-CHAN I'M STUCK
>>6326181>>6326182>>6326192>HIGHEST ROLL: 71!... I go to buy some candy corn for one minute and I come back to DEGENERACY. You'd better all find a corner and think about what you've done while I write...
>>6326213Are you telling me Morook doesn't hug his imouto? For shame...
>>6326221Of course he hugs her, even Morook knows Volka gives the best hugs. She's like a twelve-foot scale-covered teddy bear
Rezalith’s a tough one–fast too–but you remember all too well what these Snipers were packing during your last dance! Another dart slamming into the floor next to your boot is all the proof you need to confirm what you already know: they’re dipped in BEDCAP. One prick from those will paralyze you for hours… and two or three will take down even the toughest Skog!You’re not sure how many they’ll need for Rezzie, but you don’t plan on giving them a chance! Whipping your head around to your scale-clad sibling, the words come out of your mouth almost on instinct!Volka! SIBLING STRIKE TWENTY-THREE!The Skog’s eyes light up as if a spell was just broken! “RIGHT!”Muscle memory kicks in as you curl into a ball while Obber watches in naked confusion! Before can ask or anyone can get shot, Volka lumbers over and scoops you into her empty hand before skidding around the corner and into the center of the fray!Darts shower the ground around you both as Volka’s powerful legs pound across the paved road! Reaching terminal velocity just as a cackling Rezalith strafes another rooftop with Hellfire, you press your Slinger close to your chest and inhale as your sister brings her arm back like a catapult…She skids to a halt. Always does. Your breath leaves your mouth just as you feel your body leave Volka’s arm, and with the grace of a Glaivehead carving through a Winter current you sail through the air and scan for targets!The Snipers on the roof you’re headed towards are too busy trying to tag Volka to notice you–silly mistake for a pack of cold-blooded mobsters, but they won’t live to regret it. It’s a good thing you coiled your Slinger before your flight–while Volka pirouettes and weaves through the Slinger storm you aim your weapon at your first quarry…‘SLLLUNK!’The dart sails from your Slinger like a leaf on the wind–you filed the trigger down yourself, after all. Though you didn’t have time to coat your darts, it doesn’t matter much–your shot strikes true and…Hm. Not quite. You weren’t wrong earlier–Rezalith’s flames definitely wreaked havoc on a few magical shields. Unfortunately for you your target wasn’t one of them! Nevertheless, your shot wasn’t totally meaningless–a burst of magical resonance tickles your jaws as you load another dart… and by the time you’ve spun your Slinger for another shot, you can hear your target struggling to contain their heavy breathing as they pick themselves back onto their feet!‘SLUUUNK!’They try to dodge, of course–even with the moss padding on your weapon it still makes a considerable bit of noise when firing–but you don’t go hunting without expecting the game to bolt. Your dart hits its mark a few strides away from where the Sniper began, and your reward is a pitiful yelp followed by one of your would-be assassins tumbling onto their face!>CONTD.
>>6326242You know this, of course, because you land right next to them. Your boots muffle your arrival, but the other Snipers are definitely on the alert now! A well-timed swoop from Rezalith, however, puts their search for you on hold–great timing, too, because you know all-too-well that Durher Snipers never work solo.There’s a Spotter nearby, you’re certain of it!Ducking behind some bulky machine, you spin your Slinger as quietly as you can before a peculiar noise rings out from the other side of your cover!Gurgling. It’s weak, but still audible. The Durher’s dead, no doubt about that, but the shot wasn’t clean–if they keep making noise they’re bound to draw their partner.The question is, do you shut them up now? The rules are the same here as they are in the wilds: Noise is death…What do?>Shoot them from cover. Quiet.>Get close and finish them off with your Ankle Dagger.>Let them gurgle. See if it’ll attract their Spotter.>Throw something–try to lure another Durher into your sights!>Write-In!
>>6326244>Throw something–try to lure another Durher into your sights!
>>6326244So much for "Lamplighters never kill," huh? Well, desperate circumstances...>Throw something–try to lure another Durher into your sights!
>>6326265Hohoho, Morook ain't a Lamplighter! Also those are Rubber Darts, or something
>>6326267
>>6326267Gurgling in his own blood? Uhh, no, Morook just sent him TO THE DUNGEON
>>6326250>>6326265>>6326410>>6326415>THROW SOMETHING!>Roll me 1d100+3 (+5 Ranger Senses, +3 Snipers 'Suppressed', -2 Uncertain terrain, -3 Trained Snipers) to see how effective your trick is! Best of 3!>>6326276Morook sent that second-rate Sniper with a second-rate Slinger to the SHADOW REALM
Rolled 3 (1d100)>>6326479
Rolled 35 + 3 (1d100 + 3)>>6326479Watch and learn.
Rolled 39 + 3 (1d100 + 3)>>6326479
That one anon who always pines for more failure must be having a blast, kek...
>>6326491i am, thank you very much :-)
>>6326480>>6326481>>6326490>HIGHEST ROLL: 42!Welp, time to kill everyone. Writing!
The winning move, as you’re already aware of, is to make some noise! Far away from your hiding spot, but just within your firing range! Scooping up a hefty chunk of debris off the ground courtesy of Rezzie’s rampage, you ready your Slinger in your other claw before lobbing your stony distraction a few strides away!It bounces once. Twice. Rolls for a second or two… and then?Nothing. It’s hard to tell if it was even heard over the sound of Rezalith tearing apart the burning roof across from you and everything on it, but if you could hear the pebble then surely a Durher co-You almost don’t sense it–lingering magic at your back! With too little room to shoot, all you can do is whip around just in time to feel a thin blade rake across your lower back!A muttered curse confirms what you already know: you’ve got company! Small, angry-eyed, Durher company, that is! He might’ve whiffed the first stab, but that doesn’t stop the Sniper for long–a flurry of swipes encroaches upon you as you back away and dodge using the sound of the blade for guidance! It keeps you from getting stabbed, of course, but every moment you spend dodging is one you don’t spend drawing your own blade!Feeling your back press against a wall, you seize the opportunity and kick off the surface to deliver a kick at the furball’s face! They duck it, of course, but you use the opportunity to hop over their blade and escape the corner!Stooping low to retrieve your close-quarters weapon, a hiss escapes your mouth as you feel the Durher’s knife scrape the chitin just below your left eye! Punishing the attempt with a headbutt to his skull, you groan inwardly as the Spice Carteler shields his face with his forearms and whips at your eyes again with his tail!Ducking below the attack, you use the opportunity to draw your blade and slash at the Sniper–it’s a bit too slow and wide to connect, but it buys you some distance… and distance is what you need the most!Squaring up with blades drawn, the two of you circle each other like two Makaar fighting over a fresh kill… the footing is fraught with bits of rubble and puddles of molten glass and metal, but neither one of you seems keen on making any mistakes!For a while you let your blades do the talking–and you hate to admit it, but this Durher’s got some moves! Even your quietest movements are picked up long before they land, and it takes every ounce of concentration you have to hear where his strikes are coming from!You kick some rubble his way–he sidesteps it! He ducks below your blade? You slam the guard into his cheek! You snatch him up by the ears? He BITES!You’re almost ready to call it a draw when you hear it–the flapping of massive wings and the uncanny tingling of infernal magic forming above you! You and the Sniper’s eyes both dart away for a second to see what’s happening, though you already have a hunch…>CONTD.
>>6326640“KYAAAAAAHAHAHA!!!! BEST! DAY! EVERRRR!!!!”It’s going to be your LAST day ever if Rezzie torches your rooftop again! You indulge in an inward sigh of relief–it’s Rezalith! She knows you’re not an enemy! She’ll put the flames away once she sees you…Um.Okay, the flames in her hands aren’t dissipating. You and the Sniper exchange a concerned glance as the happy hellion prepares to flash-fry the rooftop!>Roll me 1d100-2 (+5 Ranger Senses, +3 Forester’s Footwork, -3 Panicked Sniper, -7 I Love The Smell of Hellfire In The Morning…) to GET OUTTA THERE! Best of 3!
Rolled 9 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6326641
Rolled 23 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6326641I AWAKEN.WATCH THIS
Rolled 26 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6326641
Rolled 90 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6326641
>>6326784Just a few seconds too late
>>6326644>>6326779>>6326783>HIGHEST ROLL: 24!Watched. Writing~
>>6326786>>6326849
Taking a brief time out from killing each other, the two of you break into a sprint as the fiend flies your way with a rooftop’s-worth of Hellfire in her claws! It doesn’t stay there long, however–manic laughter echoes across the rooftops as Rezalith unleashes her fiendish fury, setting the area around you ablaze in a festival of flames!You don’t know why you get so poetic in life-or-death situations. Curious.In any case, the rubble at your feet doesn’t slow you down much–the years you spent chasing game through the wilderness made for good practice! Neck-and-neck with your opponent, the two of you barely exchange a glance as another Sniper sails over your heads and down to the street below! With luck Volka will catch them, but-‘SPLRKKKCKSH!’… Guess not.Hurdling a chunk of hissing metal, you can’t help but stumble a bit as the building beneath you quakes under the Hellish assault! Imminent death is pretty motivating, and with one last burst of speed you reach the edge of the rooftop, take a steadying breath as the world slows down around you…And LEAP!It’s not a leap of faith–not exactly. Amidst the chaos and carnage around you, you heard the flames and the ‘fwiip’ of Slinger darts from the adjoining rooftop long before you leapt! Landing’s gonna be the tricky part!Listening to the way the wind changes as you descend towards the next building, you tuck and roll just in time to cushion the fall–your chitin protecting you from most of the burning and melted debris!Coming to a rolling stop just by the edge of the new rooftop, your opponent skids to a halt next to you as well–their light and fuzzy frame barely making a sound on impact! Before hostilities can resume, the two of you turn back towards your old battleground and watch in wide-eyed shock as the whole building crumbles into a burning ruin! Meeting eyes with the Sniper, the two of you pause for a moment before sharing a relieved laugh!The moment passes when the Durher delivers a surprisingly-powerful tackle to your center of mass that sends you tumbling over the side of the building. Fair, honestly. As you tumble through the ash-choked air like the Sniper you heard splattering on the pavement just a few moments before, your mind wanders to a not-as-pressing issue:Where’s Obber in all this? Does he have the bomb?Oh right, you’re falling to your death. Right on cue, however, you feel a pair of musclebound and scaly arms snatch you out of certain doom’s clutches!“HaHA!” Volka exclaims with a triumphant grin, “Hadja’ scared, didn’t I?”Terrified, you laconically reply. What happened to the other one who fell?“Oh, her?” Volka asks, her eyes darting over to the alley where you left Obber, “I caught her too! Just takin’ a nap!”… You heard something splatter...>CONTD.
>>6326891“Oh yea… they had some kinda jam jar in their cloak.” The Skog stammers as she strides back over to cover with you in tow, “Can’t kill on an empty stomach, I guess!”So true… As you return to the alleyway, Obber The Machinist greets you with the usual wide-eyed and incredulous glare.“Damn it all, I shoulda’ crushed my head back in me Workshop! The Hells’re we supposed ta’ do now!?”Good question, you remark as Volka gingerly places you next to the snoring Sniper on the ground, Rezalith’s already torched a building, so it might not hurt to leave before reinforcements ar-As if on cue, a fleet of the creaking, hissing contraptions that nearly intercepted you all before near Smith Street skid into the alley! Boots pour out of the vehicles like Tottas escaping a sinking ship, and a few of the owners grab your attention immediately:No sooner do they squeeze out from the contraption’s cramped confines do a pair of Skogs take turns stabbing each other with blades! A look of growing concern etches into Volka’s eyes as the Skogs begin to tremble and froth at the mouth!“Mor…” She stammers as you watch their pupils shrink, “They’re going Berserk…”You noticed. Even as Rezzie strafes the convoy with a volley of flames, the Skogs and their Slinger-strapped supporters barely react! Before YOU can react, you feel the Tinkerer shove a hastily-wrapped package into your arms!“Ye want it so bad!? THERE! Now get me outta’ here!”Easier said than done–the Spicys have the exit alleyway blocked now, and Rezalith’s still busy melting the Snipers above! The reinforcements don’t seem keen on talking, either…What do?>Steal a vehicle!>Have Rezzie make you an escape route!>Introduce these City Slickers to NATURE! FRUUM CALL!>Have Volka smash a way through!>Try to find a way back to the rooftops!>Write-In!
>>6326892>Introduce these City Slickers to NATURE! FRUUM CALL!
>>6326892>>Introduce these City Slickers to NATURE! FRUUM CALL!KILL.
>>6326905>>6326906>>6326958>FRUUUUUUUM!Oh shit son>Roll me 1d100-1 (+7 Nature Knowledge, +2 Rezzie Support, -10 Inferior Numbers) to spook 'em! Best of 3!
Rolled 3 - 1 (1d100 - 1)>>6326986
Rolled 78 - 1 (1d100 - 1)>>6326986
Rolled 21 - 1 (1d100 - 1)>>6326986EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
>>6326995>>6326998>>6327002>HIGHEST ROLL: 77!Writing! Later today, that is! Happy Monday, all!
This is their turf you’re on, that’s for certain, but despite all of their city-slickin’ there’s one thing you’d bet they’ve never had to tangle with…Vol, you mutter hastily under your breath, follow your lead!You put your plan into motion long before your sister can assent. Good thing, too–those Skogs are about two seconds away from flying off the handle! But if they’re too angry to think clearly…Spreading your jaws as far as they’ll go, you gather a menacing gurgle in your gullet before letting loose with a fierce, rumbling cry into the city sky that bounces around the cul-de-sac with a beastly timbre!The surrounding buildings prove to be more useful than you’d thought–even burning, they still manage to amplify your voice, turning an admittedly-second-rate Fruum call into a roar that even manages to get Rezalith’s attention! While the Cartel reinforcements falter for a moment, their berserkers react like any beast would! Gnashing their teeth and stomping in response, the Skogs shower the alley with drool as their glowing eyes dart around in a vain attempt to locate the threat!Amidst the confusion, one lucky rooftop sniper takes the opportunity to draw a bead on Obber… not that you notice outright, of course… It's only after you hear the dart slip from their Slinger far above that you realize what’s happening!And that’s all the berserkers need to ply their trade!Something about the noise sets them off, prompting the two tusked titans to tackle each other like a pair of Niiski fighting over a mate! Most of the reinforcements dart out of the way, but a few unlucky mobsters are caught in the clash and are subsequently bowled over!One of the contraptions they came in on goes next–while the wrestling match rages past the parked vehicles, the non-berserk baddies take aim your way! By the time they prepare to fire, however, you’re already three steps ahead!What do!?>Run for it!>Use the confusion to assault the Cartel goons!>Steal a vehicle!>Slip back the way you came and hide somewhere until they leave!>Write-In!Sorry for the wait, all--remember when I said I didn't think I was getting sick? I think I might be getting sick. Pardon my slowness in advance!
>>6327470>Run for it!
>>6327470>Steal a vehicle!Asset acquired,
>>6327470>Steal a vehicle!YOU'RE GETTING SICK? WE MUST DO SOMETHING SICK.
>>6327470>Steal a vehicle!
>>6327471>RUN, SCOOB!>>6327524>>6327529>>6327627>GRAND THEFT AUTO: UMBERALWill write it up later today! Pardon the wait!
>>6327738No worries, QM. I hope you're feeling better?
>>6327743A little! Takin' 'er easy for now, but thanks for the concern
Your legs carry you on swift, long strides towards the nearest Cartel Member before leaping into the air! Hurtling towards the Slinger like a glowing-eyed missile, you deliver a dropkick into their center of mass that sends them flying across the pavement!Luckily Volka gets the message you don’t have time to send–loping over with the comatose Carteller slung over one shoulder and a very befuddled Mechanist over the other, a cheeky grin spreads across the Skog’s face as…… she too dropkicks a Durher, this one skipping across the alley like a rock across a pond! “Safe travels!”Vol, you hiss as the berserk Skogs barrel through another squad of Snipers, the contraption! Taking a moment to weigh your words, an apology creeps into your sister’s expression as The Machinist’s face lights up from her shoulder!“Oh! Good call, Mor!”It doesn’t take long for you to understand why Obber’s so excited–as the three of you–err, four if you count your hostage–scramble over to the nearest, non-tipped-over vehicle, the Gnok wastes no time in slipping into what you assume is the driver’s seat!“GET IN!” He roars, prompting the Spice Cartel to riddle the gizmo with Slinger Darts, “NOW!”“OI!” Snarls a Sniper as he fires a shot just over your head, “THAT’S OURS!”Not for long, you reply with a flicker in your eye! Slipping into a shockingly-comfortable leather seat next to the Gnok, you can’t help but wince at the sudden sound of shrieking metal above your head!“Sorry!” Volka chirps as she hefts what remains of the vehicle’s roof like a shield, “Ain’t built for tight spaces!”Before you can slam the door shut, one of the Cartel Goons has the bright idea of holding it open! “SIXFACE says ‘hiya’, cree-”‘Hiya’, you reply back as you deliver a firm chop to their throat! Falling to the ground in a gagging heap, they do little to stop you as some unknown gadget roars to life on the front of the vehicle, causing the whole thing to tremble!“H-hey…” Volka stammers as she fends off a few more darts with her new shield, “You know how ta’ use one of these things, yea?”“Not at all!” Cackles The Machinist as you feel the ‘thing’ move beneath you! “Hang onto something!”The contraption screeches out of the alleyway just as Rezalith bombards it with fresh Hellfire! Through some divine providence The Machinist doesn’t manage to crash the damn thing either, and by the time you skid back out Canalside you can already feel your claws trembling from how FAST you’re going!“Hells, Hells, Hells…” Grumbles the Gnok as your ride weaves back and forth like a drunk on their way home, “How’s a man supposed ter’ navigate this derned thing…”As if on cue, a disembodied voice fills the cabin!’TekNav online! Where can I direct you today?’>CONTD.
>>6327882A dart embeds itself in the back of your seat with a muffled, but menacing ‘thmp!’ prompting The Machinist to glance your way with a pleading stare!ANYWHERE BUT HERE!A garbled squawk echoes through the cabin in response!’Understood! Next stop: Umberal Skyrail Station! Please follow the Directional Taps to-’Your driver doesn’t pay attention to the instructions, not that you blame him much–no sooner did you escape the alley ambush do three other Cartel Contraptions dart out after you–each one filled to the brim with hardfaced hoods!Speeding around the corner, it doesn’t take long for you and your pursuers to CRASH into one of Umberal’s busy thoroughfares, much to the crowds of pedestrian’s chagrin!“M-move!” Sputters Volka as Obber straightens the vehicle out, “L-Lamplighter Business! Nothing to worry about!”As your pursuers gain on you, the left side of the vehicle emits a series of rapid taps strong enough to make your eyes rattle! “GUH!?”Recoiling on instinct, Obber The Machinist makes a hard right, causing the contraption to crash through some kind of-“FRUUUUUUIT CAAAAARRT!” Sputters Volka as she wipes the fresh-squeezed juice from her eyes!’Wrong Way~Please follow the Directional Taps!’“DON’T TELL ME WHAT TER’ DO, WOMAN!” Snarls the Gnok as he slaps a claw against the driver’s wheel!’Acknowledged. TekNav disabled. Drive safe!’ The voice scarcely disappears before your getaway vehicle crashes through another vendor stall-“OOH! Meat skewers!” Chirps Volka as she stuffs a few in her mouth, “Keeb hitting thosh!”“ACK!” Babbles the Boilermaker, “D-DO TELL ME WHAT TER’ DO! PLEASE!”As the TekNav comes back to life with a chime, your pursuers approach from behind! “No fair!” Volka snarls as she preemptively raises her roof shield to bear, “We’re the ones blazing a trail an’ they just hafta’ follow us!”It’s bad, you reply with a shrug, but you might be able to use it to your advantage too! Leaning in to address where you think the TekNav’s voice comes from, you announce that you’re gonna need directions to somewhere ELSE!’Where can I direct you today?’Well?>The Canal! Let’s see how well they drive next to some water!>Smith Street–lots of Industrial equipment there, you remember…>Crystalmelt Lodge! Those mountain trails can be awfully treacherous!>Just find me a (Write-In a place you could lose these mooks in!)
>>6327887>Smith Street–lots of Industrial equipment there, you remember…We will trick them into running into some poor wagies carrying a giant sheet of glass across the street
>>6327887>Smith Street–lots of Industrial equipment there, you remember…
>>6327887>Smith Street–lots of Industrial equipment there, you remember…BREAK THEM WITH OUR MACHINES....
>>6327887>Smith Street–lots of Industrial equipment there, you remember…Leading them right back to Crystalmelt seems like an awful idea, and >>6327897 is as good an idea as any other.
>>6327882Wow, Bones that Tekcruiser looks pretty cool>>6327887>Smith Street–lots of Industrial equipment there, you remember…
>>6327897>>6327906>>6327937>>6327941>>6328085>SMITH STREEEEEEEEETTT!Writing later!>>6328085Preorder the Official Dark Quest Concept Art Book now to get this and MORE!
Smith Street, you answer in a much calmer tone than the first time, Industrial Sector!You’re about to ask your driver if there even is an Industrial Sector near Smith Street when your navigator responds with a cheery blip! ’Understood! Next st-’The confirmation is cut short by a chunk of vendor stall crashing onto the road next to you! Stealing a glance behind the vehicle, you watch in shock and awe as a pair of familiar glowing eyes and drool-spackled teeth gain on your getaway gizmo!“Crud!” Volka exclaims as the tusked terror gets closer, “Berserkers are here, Mor… and they’ll be able ta’ catch up, believe me!”You never doubted her! Poking your head out the side of the cruiser with your Slinger at the ready, you confirm what Volka already did for you:Both Skogzerkers are hot on your tail and catching up by the second! Most of the pedestrians manage to dart out of the way, but the ones who aren’t so lucky are torn from the path and hucked your way as projectile weapons! Even worse, three cruisers full of Spicy Slingers make up the rear!“We’re never gonna make it ta’ Smith Street at dis’ rate!” Whines The Machinist as a Durher lands on the front of the vehicle with a muffled ‘oof’ before rolling off the side! “Do somethin’!”He’s not wrong–between the bystander bombardments your ride is still being peppered by Slinger Darts… and if they’re loaded up with the same paralytic agent the Snipers used, you and the others won’t be able to shrug it off!Weaving through the marketplace in a vain attempt at following the TekNav’s tapped directions, you send a furtive glance skyward–no sign of Rezzie yet! Hey, you remark as another dart punctures your seat from behind, what ARE we going to do about Rezalith?“Oh, don’t worry ‘bout her!” Volka laughs as a few more darts and a young Chytree bounce off of her ceiling shield, “She always tracks us down–she’ll come around once she’s had her fun!”You just hope she does before you get ripped to shreds, you laconically reply. In any case, you’re on your own for now, and the Teksouls you speed past don’t seem keen on interrupting the chase! It all falls down to you…You need TIME! How do you slow ‘em down!?>Hit the brakes! It’ll ding up the cruiser a bit, but it’ll surprise your pursuers when they slam into it!>They want to throw pedestrians? Volka–give ‘em a taste of their own medicine!>Slinger time! Focus on the drivers!>Slinger! Try to disable the Skogs!>You just smashed through two market stalls–surely there’s something you can use here as an obstacle…>Write-In!
>>6328245>Slinger! Try to disable the Skogs!>>Use some of the paralytic darts stuck in our upholsteryAfter all, "One prick from those will paralyze you for hours… and two or three will take down even the toughest Skog!"
>>6328362+1
>>6328245>Slinger! Try to disable the Skogs!
>>6328362>>6328366>>6328368>SLINGER THOSE SKOGS!>PARALYTIC DARTS!Nice thinking, anon! That'll only help you when I ask you to...>ROLL ME 1d100+2 (+4 Ranger Senses, +3 Paradarts, +2 Big Targets, -5 Berserk Skogs, -2 Slinger Suppressed!) to stun those Skogs! Best of 3!
Rolled 5 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6328373
Rolled 27 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6328373
Rolled 82 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6328373Oh god, these rolls...
>>6328515At least you saved us
>>6328374>>6328502>>6328515>HIGHEST ROLL: 84!Drat, and here I was so excited about KILLING EVERYONE... okay, writing...
Volka can handle the shooters… probably. She seems to be having fun deflecting their darts, at least. A few shots slip by her shield and slam into the chassis around you, however, which startles you at first…… but also gives you an idea!Plucking what you can from the mess of bent and broken darts around you, you manage to scrounge up about FIVE BEDCAP DARTS! You can probably fix a few of them in a bit, but for now, well…You’ve got some HUNTING to do!Loading a recycled dart into your Slinger, you zero-in on the closest Skog to your getaway vehicle. Not that it’s difficult, of course–berserk Skogs might be stronger than a Mother Fruum and twice as vicious, but stealth isn’t really their specialty!The glowing eyes make for a good landmark–drawing a bead between those, you methodically trace downwards to where the neck meets the head, making sure to adjust a bit in case your quarry has an unkempt mane, of course. The tip of the throat–the Skog sweet spot. You’d learned it long ago wrestling Volka for the last piece of Solemnday Salt Candy–tough as they are, even Skogs have some soft spots… and while that fiasco culminated with you frantically apologizing to a sobbing Volka for hours, this one might just end on a good note!Your claw tugs against the trigger–not too hard, of course, just enough to ready the shot–and with a firm exhale you poke your head out the side of the cruiser and let the dart fly!You don’t even wait to see if it hits its mark before loading another dart–the Spice Cartel shooters catch on to your game almost immediately, so much so that one of their cruisers slips between you and your Skog target before opening fire once more! The plan’s abandoned long before it matures, however–still berserk, your quarry body slams his allies out of the way before renewing the chase! Another dart sails past the flurry directed at you, and while your first shot got no confirmation, the second one does! A pained bellow rings out from behind you as the Skog visibly staggers… but it’s just like you said before: Skogs don’t go down that easily, especially when they’re raging!Another dart whizzes past your eye as you lean out to take another shot. Then another! And ANOTHER! Ducking back inside, you feel a few more darts puncture the back of your seat and sigh–what is this thing made of?You’ll find out later. As the cruiser skids around a corner, you spot your Skog as they lope after you panting profusely. With the other cruisers still around the bend, you take a gamble and take a shot!Time slows to a crawl–for the Skog at least–as your dart finds its mark: three bullseyes, you think as the tusked titan’s gait becomes sluggish, not bad!>CONTD.
>>6328759With a baleful groan, the pursuer stumbles to the side of the road and lands in a heap next to what seems to be a pair of Durhers! The smaller one, a female, you assume, stiffens in fear as the Skog’s eyes become clearer.“AAAAIIIIEEE!!!! MOSSORI, HEEEEELP! A SKOOOOOG!”“Wha… where am I…?” Mutters the Skog, more confused than anything!“GET AWAY FROM MY MATE, YOU BOOZE-SWILLING BRUTE!”You’re too far away to watch the aftermath, but the tingle of magic you feel in your eyes tells you that Durher was a mage… Your theory’s confirmed when an arcane eruption rocks the street behind you and an unidentified limb slams against your ride!“W-well!” Stammers Volka as she gingerly nudges the Skog scrap onto the road with her tail, “G-guess these Umberalans incant first and ask questions later…”Guess so, you shrug as you steal a glance at the still-comatose Sniper hostage Volka threw in the back. Better him than us.“... Right…”’Approaching Smith Street Industrial Zone~’ chirps the TekNav as the acrid smell of smoke and burning steel hits you like a wood paddle!“Now what!?” Grunts Obber The Machinist as he accelerates! “And before ya’ ask, NO, we ain’t hiding out in my workshop!”You weren’t going to suggest that, you fire back with a hint of ire in your tone, y-Your answer is cut short by a volley of darts whizzing over your head as your pursuers resume the chase–minus one Skog! Returning fire with your Slinger, you try not to fall out the side of the vehicle as Obber makes a hard right down a bumpy, foul-smelling road!You can feel your brain rattling around in your head as the cruiser clatters across what might just be the worst path you’ve ever blazed… and you’ve climbed the Skyraker Range! To make matters worse, it isn’t long before you feel the vehicle begin to slow down…“Scheckt!” Snarls Obber as he slams his fists on the steering wheel, “Road’s full of it!”As he struggles to get you out of the gunk, you watch in growing concern as the Cartel Cruisers skid onto a parallel road and prepare for a broadside attack! The remaining berserker, however, has no qualms about following you into the muck, nor does he seem too inconvenienced trudging through it with raw fury in his burning eyes!“Mor!” Volka whines as her eyes dance between the shooters lining up their shots on the perimeter of the scheckt pit and the approaching berserker, “Any ideas!?”A few, yea… you only have TWO BEDCAP DARTS, but the cruiser’s still moving… albeit slower than before! If you could knock the Skog over, he might have trouble freeing himself…What do?>Back the cruiser into the Skog!>Volka, wrestle him!>Distract him, Volka! You’ll gather some more darts!>Lure him into the crossfire yourself!>Dip some darts in scheckt–then fill his face with ‘em!>Write-In!
>>6328760>Distract him, Volka! You’ll gather some more darts!>Dip some darts in scheckt–then fill his face with ‘em!Both? Both.
>>6328848+1
>>6328848>>6328850>VOLKA, DISTRACTION!>SCHECKT DARTS!So be it! But first... a QUESTION:Are you guys trying to use the distraction to get more BEDCAP PARALYTIC DARTS, or are you using the distraction to cover the Berserker's face in Scheckt Goo?Whatever it is...>Roll me 2d100! 1 for Volka, one for darts! I'll do the math on my end...>ROLL 1:+0 (+5 Skog Strength!, +4 Volka Footwork, -7 BESERK SKOG!, -2 Sniper Suppressed!)>ROLL 2:+1 (+4 Ranger Senses, +2 Scheckt Darts, +2 Big Target, -5 Berserk Skog, -2 Sniper Suppressed!)Best of 3 Rolls! Will probably write the update tomorrow!
Rolled 20, 68 = 88 (2d100)>>6328908THE FIRST EVER CHECK TO HAVE DOUBLE NAT 1S
Rolled 70, 84 = 154 (2d100)>>6328908Goo-darts seems more immediately practical, while Volka run inetrception. That was my intent, at least.
Rolled 97, 58 = 155 (2d100)>>6328908
>>6328925>HIGHEST ROLLS: 97 & 85!Well shit, okay! Like I said, I'll write the update later on Friday, but let me know if you plan on using the distraction any differently otherwise I'm just gonna roll with >>6328916 ' s rad plan.>>6328915>double nat 1'sNot today, Satan
Your mind races as you struggle to put a plan together–Volka’s shielding has done a good job of keeping you from being skewered, but if you had to choose between what to get rid of first, you’d pick the berserker any day! Your encounters with them have been thankfully slim and for good reason–you know exactly what a berserk Skog is capable of in close quarters…One thing’s for certain: the results are never pretty!Vol, you shout as you take a handful of fresh darts from your pack, stall him! Your half-sister reacts about as well as you expect:“Leave it ta’ me, Mor!”What did you do to deserve her? Leaping off the back of the cruiser with the roof in tow, Volka lands in the scheckt seep with a dull ‘splutch’ as a few more darts ding off her makeshift shield! Giving it a few lovetaps to get her berserk counterpart’s attention, she strides through the muck between her opponent and the cruiser while keeping the shield ready to deflect!She doesn’t have to wait for long–the berserker rushes her immediately with wide eyes and flared lips! Lunging at your sister, the Skog nearly stumbles as she effortlessly pirouettes out of the way… but not before a trio of darts whizz past her head!If she’s worried, she does a good job of not showing it–while she dances around her new partner and Obber tries his best to keep the cruiser rolling, you begin dipping your darts in the ooze! It’s slow-going as you try not to get any goo on the dart shafts, and the potshots taken at your eyes don’t help either, but by the time a dart nearly clips your throat you duck back into your ride with a clawful of GOO DARTS!Is it enough? You’ll have to see! Aiming in the direction of the rampaging ruffian, you line up your Slinger as best you can on the berserker’s face! If you can just sink one of these into his mou-‘CLANG!’Hold that thought. Ducking just in time to avoid another volley of darts from the cruisers across the scheckt from you, your hesitation is met with the usual compliments from The Machinist!“DO SOMETHIIIIING!”You’ll have to thank him for all the encouragement later. As another round of darts riddle the side of the cruiser, you rise into a firing position just as the Skog seems to get the better of your sister!DUCK!It’s a good thing the berserker isn’t in his right mind right now, and even better that Volka is! Ducking just as your dart leaves the Slinger, the girl watches from below as your shot sails into her opponent’s face and impacts with a resounding ‘SPLUTCH!’Volka’s eyes light up as the sudden shot makes the Skog stumble, but the victory is short-lived–ripping the offending ooze dart AND a tusk from his face with a gut-wrenching RIP, the berserker continues to menace Volka as she scurries away on all-fours!>CONTD.
>>6329216No time to lose now–as darts pepper your position you load another one into your Slinger… and this time you dare to take your time!‘SHWWWIP!’A dart rakes across your chitin-clad shoulder as your own attack slips free from your Slinger! While you’re left with a close shave, your target isn’t as lucky–as the faintest of tingles spreads throughout your shoulder, a sudden strangled sound leaves the berserker’s lips as your ooze-caked dart slips into his open mouth!VOL, you roar as the Snipers continue to add holes to your cruiser, c’mon!“W-WAIT!” Braving the berserker’s mad flailing, Volka’s tail whips across his ankles and sends him tumbling into the gunk… but not before she guides him into falling on his side!“Your NOSE!” She pleads as the scheckt around her is riddled with fresh darts, “You gotta… j-just breathe through your nose an-”Her request is answered by a swipe at her face! Eyes wide in shock, Volka barely reacts as the claw is sent reeling by one of your last few scheckt-covered darts!MOVE!!You don’t need to tell her twice. Striding through the muck back to the cruiser, she gives the vehicle a silent shove that sends you squealing back onto more-solid land!“HAHA!” Roars Obber as his claws drum against the wheel, “We’re alive again!”Swell, you huff as you help your sister back into the cruiser, now let’s GO!Your unconscious Sniper hostage stirs in the backseat, blissfully unaware of everything happening around her as the cruiser picks up speed again! Sensing your impending escape, the Spice Cartel Cruisers rejoin the chase as well as your driver takes you down a road into somewhere warmer and far more crowded!Workers of all shapes and sizes dart out of the way as you plow down the road as the sound of massive machines hum just above your heads!“Smelterworks!” Reports Obber with a snide laugh! “They’d hafter’ be mad ta’ follow!”“And, erm,” Volka stammers, still shaken by the rampaging Skog, “Why would they be mad, exactly?”As if on cue, a chorus of shouts rings out across the path as some smelter workers lose hold of something BIG! Leaving it where it lands, they run for the hills as the air fills with a dull hiss emanating from where they just were!“More accidents round these parts then there are Durhers in Umberal!” The Gnok explains as you speed past! “Like I said, they’d be crazy to-”‘TUNK! TUNK! TLINK!’>CONTD.
>>6329217… Guess they’re crazy, you drone as the Cartel Cruisers gain on you from behind, their seemingly-endless supply of darts ricocheting off the back of your ride! As you exchange a few darts of your own, you notice their shots widen little by little… until eventually you realize they aren’t aiming at you anymore!“Errr,” Volka stammers as her big yellow eyes lift towards the sound of colossal, clanking machines overhead, “I’m guessing they aren’t just giving up…”As if on cue, a loud ‘KWAAANG!’ rings out across the way as something SNAPS overhead! What follows is a dull hum as something OOZES onto the road from above–the heat from the discharge hot enough to make your eyes burn even from the safety of the cruiser!“HELLS!” Obber roars as he skids around the piping-hot perimeter, “They’re tryin’ ta’ cook us!”Well, you groan as more and more ‘TWANG’s fill the air above you, don’t let them!>Roll me 1d100-2 (+3 Obber’s Home Turf, +2 Slow Ooze, -7 Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Goop!) to not get globbed! Best of 3!
Rolled 16 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6329219
Rolled 34 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6329219
Rolled 32 - 2 (1d100 - 2)>>6329219
>>6329217Volka is such a cinnamon roll.>>6329222>>6329230>>6329231But this, this is a lot less sweet...
>>6329222>>6329230>>6329231>HIGHEST ROLL: 32!https://youtu.be/uJV-pfsx_UMAlright here we go
Your cruiser weaves through the molten minefield effortlessly at first–even without the TekNav’s aid, Obber manages to keep you far from the sizzling snares through sheer instinct alone!But as you’re painfully aware, instinct can only get you so far… and your pursuers have plenty of targets to bullseye! All it takes is one overcompensated turn before your driver realizes his mistake, but before he can straighten the wheel out you feel the vehicle SPLASH through a gummy glob of goop!“AAAAUUGH!”Something sprays Obber through the windshield, and while it doesn’t kill him outright, it does cause him to lose hold of the wheel! Reaching over the writhing Gnok for the wheel, you do your best to correct your course… and suddenly YOU’RE the one driving!“Hang in there!”Scooping up your predecessor in her tail, Volka gets to work tending to his burns as you slip into his seat! Levers and buttons cover the surface just below the steering wheel, and that doesn’t even begin to describe the jungle of pedals at your feet!That’s not what worries you though–as your boots brush across their many options, your foot comes across one pedal that remains depressed even without your aid! Prodding at it with your toe, you recoil immediately as it comes into contact with something hot and hissing!“I… I think he’ll be fine!” Volka chirps as a sigh of relief creeps into her shaky voice! “Heyyy, I didn’t know you could drive one of these!”You CAN’T, you groan, but you’re open to learn! Gripping the wheel in your trembling claws, you try your best to focus on the sound of the tipping buckets above to predict where more ooze will fall… but it’s only a temporary solution! You need to escape!Easier said than done, however… The ride wasn’t smooth before, but after Obber’s incident you can definitely tell one of the wheels is half-melted!To make matters worse, all you can do is flinch as your cruiser crashes through some kind of guard rail… and you get the feeling you’re not headed anywhere better!Where do you end up?>A forest of crashing pistons big enough to crush a Thunderwalker!>A steam-choked cistern with narrow walkways!>A maze of gargantuan grinders showering the path with sparks and debris!>The Food Court!
>>6329273>A forest of crashing pistons big enough to crush a Thunderwalker!
>>6329273>A steam-choked cistern with narrow walkways!We can abandon the vehicle and disperse if need be!
>>6329273>A steam-choked cistern with narrow walkways!RUN. RUN INTO THE STEAM.
>>6329273>A steam-choked cistern with narrow walkways!
>>6329299>>6329308>>6329423>STEAAAAAAMMMM>>6329297>PISTONS!Writinggggg>>6329308The Stanley Parble method. I dig it
Your rough landing sees you splashing into a shallow puddle with a sharp, metallic groan! Showered by a wave of hot, acrid-scented water, you shake it off as you continue down the path ahead of you full-speed ahead!“EY!” Shouts a bewildered Molegg worker as you fly past, “YOU SHOULDN’T BE DOIN’ DAT HERE!”“SORRY!” Volka cries back with an apologetic smile, “WE DON’T HAVE A CHOICE!”“ALRIGHT…”He doesn’t even bother warning your pursuers, but based on how fast the Cartel cruisers are going, he probably wouldn’t have appealed to them either! The worker isn’t wrong, though–you get about a few seconds of regular road before it gives way to the telltale rattling of metal catwalk… You couldn’t say what it’s built over, but one thing’s for certain: the minute you drive over it the whole vehicle becomes a steambath!Your Sniper hostage grumbles a bit at the sudden increase in humidity, but Volka’s a bit more preoccupied with the Snipers you HAVEN’T captured yet!“HELLS!”A salvo of darts ricochet off of her ceiling shield as one of the cruisers takes the opportunity to approach your vehicle’s flank! Greeting them with a bestial roar, your half-sister swings her shield at their cruiser, prompting the party to add some distance between you!No time to breathe, though–while one cruiser backs away, another SLAMS into your flank, sending the vehicle into a swerve! Frantically tugging at the wheel, you struggle to maintain your composure as both Volka and the injured Obber cry out in shock!Not hard to find out why–Snipers on both sides light up your vehicle, both of them just out of bumping range! Just as you’re about to throw caution to the wind and press down one of the pedals not welded to the floor, however, a violent hiss rocks the catwalk as a massive plume of steam erupts from beneath you!A metal guiderail squeals and shrieks as you swerve out of the thick of the cloud, but some of the Spicys aren’t as lucky! A sharp wail rings out from one of the Snipers–one of the few that didn’t duck back into the cruiser, you wager–and as their Slinger clatters to the catwalk they tumble out of the vehicle and land safely on the gantry above the ste-‘SCCCRRRRLUUUTTCCH!!!’… Only to be mulched by the third Cruiser. Reap what you sow…There’s plenty more Slingermen where that came from, though, and as you continue to race across the catwalk with no turn in sight, it becomes increasingly clear that you need to get rid of these pursuers… FAST.What’s the plan?>Drop Volka’s shield–the catwalk’s narrow enough to become a roadblock!>Have Volka chop the chains holding the catwalk segments up!>Scrape the guardrail to reduce speed, then bump these cruisers off the edge!>Grab your people and bail out of the cruiser!>Volka! Boarding action!>Write-In!
>>6329642>Drop Volka’s shield–the catwalk’s narrow enough to become a roadblockNOOOOOOO NOT RANDOM CARTEL SNIPER #6
>>6329656+1, let's send the dearly deceased Durher some friends in the afterlife.>>6329642RIP Bozos
>>6329656>>6329687>ROAD'S CLOSED!>Roll me 1d100+2 (+5 Ceiling Shield! +5 Skog Strength!, -8 Speedy Spicys!) to block these punks! Best of 3!
Rolled 18 (1d100)>>6329722
Rolled 55 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>6329722
Rolled 40 + 2 (1d100 + 2)I'll just do the last one then
>>6329725>>6329777>>6329778>HIGHEST ROLL: 57!Writing the last update of the night!
One thing’s certain: you need a solution! You’ve got a hostage who’s bound to wake up any moment, an injured Machinist who isn’t fit to drive anymore, a ‘go’ pedal welded to the bottom of the cabin, and a roof-wielding Skog who’s currently the one thing between you and getting skewered!What’s worse, every attempt you make at dodging darts from your persistent pursuers sends you slamming into a guardrail–and you don’t need to hear the sparks fly to realize the path’s getting slimmer by the moment! With your problems increasing and solutions diminishing, you turn to Volka with the only thing you can think of!Vol, you bark as you struggle to hold the cruiser steady amidst a dart shower, the roof–DROP IT!“Huh? But what about the dar-” Her eyes light up as you manage to gain a little more distance from the Cartel! “OH! Sure thing! Sheesh, why didn’t I thinka’ that… silly Volka-”NOW, PLEASE!As Volka drops the ceiling onto the catwalk, you can’t help but steal a glance behind you to observe the fruits of your labor! You’re almost glad you did, too–as the roof shield clatters onto the catwalk, both cruisers trailing you act simultaneously!One simply tries to barrel through… and for a moment it seems like it’ll work! Lurching forward as the roof of your cruiser crunches under whatever’s propelling the vehicle, the Cartel Cruiser gets about a few strides before violently JERKING forward and tumbling like a pebble down a hill!For several seconds, a series of metal crunches fill the air and don’t stop until the cruiser does… and as it tumbles its last, its interior becomes deathly silent!Cartel Crew #2 isn’t too lucky either–skidding to the side in a vain attempt at dodging the massive obstacle, only panicked shouts and screams leave the vehicle as the driver loses control… and in his desperate attempts to straighten the wheel, he sends himself and his peers crashing through a guardrail and down to the massive steambath below!Where two cruisers fail, the remaining one succeeds–breaking through the barriers formed by their crashed comrades and the roof that caused it, the Cartel Goons lose a bit of speed after an unsettling ‘CRUNCH’ rings out from the front of their cruiser! Nevertheless, they persist, but now you’ve only got one last group to deal with!… and no shield...… and no idea where you’re headed.As if on cue, a series of reverberating ‘CLANG’s ring out in front of you as you feel your cruiser cruise down a rapidly-declining slope!“Errr, Mor-”You know, you calmly reply as your claws scrape divots into the wheel, and you’re thinking!Your pursuers aren't slowing down either, but it’s do-or-die time now! The question is, what DO to NOT DIE?>Keep driving! Don’t stop!>Try to grab the hostage and Obber and bail out!>Just bail!>Shout for Rezzie!>Crash your cruiser into the side to stop!>Write-In!
>>6329899>Try to grab the hostage and Obber and bail out!
>>6329899>Shout for Rezzie!REZZIE SAMAI KNEEL.
>>6329942>>6330068>Grab and bail!>>6329955>REZZZZIEEEEE!!!!Will write this out later on Monday! Today got busy, apologies!
Gizmos are replaceable. Lives aren’t. Abandoning your grip on the wheel, you stoop down and scoop up your Sniper prisoner in your claws before sending a terse glance Volka’s way! Picking up on your meaning almost immediately, she hoists the injured Obber over her shoulder like a sack of siiqbeans and leaps in tandem with you out the side of the cruiser!Your chitin takes the brunt of the impact–good thing, too–Durhers are known for a lot of things, but being durable isn’t one of them! Hugging the hostage close to your chest as you roll across the dipping catwalk like a barrel, a spike of pain shoots through your back as you slam into the base of a guiderail with a resounding ‘CLUNG!’Volka slams against the catwalk’s border with a groaning Gnok Machinist in tow–your half-sister just a hair’s-bredth away from being rolled over by your pursuer’s remaining vehicle!While their cruiser continues down the rapidly-dipping catwalk, a few Snipers bail out for one last attempt at bagging you. Fortunately you don’t need two claws to fire a Slinger… and Volka doesn’t need any to bat them away with her tail!You still have the bomb. You still have the others… but a low groan in the catwalk around you suggests that won’t be true for much longer! Scrambling to your feet, you lead the charge up the steep incline as you feel the path around you sink with every step! Just a few more strides, you think as your eyes pulse wildly, just a few more–… Strides.Fate proves to be impatient today. Giving up the ghost with a head-splitting shriek, the metal catwalk crumbles beneath you like a piece of rootcake, sending you, Volka, and your rescuees tumbling downwards to join your would-be interceptors in the sea of steam below!Volka shouts your name, but you don’t respond. The hissing pit below you reminds you of the Kii’raverr Saltpools located in the Northern Skoglands–natural phenomena caused by volcanic geysers intertwining with natural salt deposits carried over by countless hairline streams.They say the water in those pools reverses aging. Cures illnesses. Rejuvenates the soul.You wouldn’t have minded seeing them, you think as the hissing beneath you grows louder. Just once.Cities, you think as a hint of laughter creeps into your thoughts, those things’ll kill ya…>CONTD.
>>6330646You’re Anton Peas, and you feel like you’ve been standing here for ages!Still finding your balance from the post-teleportation jitters, it didn’t take long to realize you’re back in Trier’s Tower…Nor did it take you long to notice you’re in a completely different room than before. No Inner Sanctum, no creaks and squeaks surrounding you like some kind of clock factory run by rats, just…Bubbling. A sharp, medical odor that pricks your nostrils, frigid air nipping at your fingers, and nonstop, incessant BUBBLING.But what really gets your attention isn’t the symphony for your senses, no… it’s what you see:Eyes. Massive, misty, lanternlike eyes towering over you in triplicate glowing like skyscraper windows on a foggy night. Rows and rows and rows and rows of unblinking, unwelcoming eyes!Teksouls. Thousands of them drifting and bobbing like carrots in a boiling stewpot–”TEksOULsSSssS….” squawks a familiar voice you’d hoped to not hear again any time soon from behind you, ”ANAAaAAlysISssS?”It’s only after a few more mechanical bleats and clicks leave his lips that you realize he’s asking you a question.ARCHMAGE TRIER has summoned you once more… and it sounds like he’s asking you for…Feedback?What say you?>They’re impressive…>Could use some work…>They’re horrible…>You’re not sure, really.>FREAKY.>Stay Silent! He’ll know you’re still there!>Deflect! You wanna ask him something!>ATTACK!>Write-In!
>>6330647>FREAKY.Dey freaky, son.
>>6330647>FREAKY.>Could use some work…Freaky, evil things. Yucky. No good.
>>6330653>>6330664>FREAKY!>>6330664>COULD USE SOME WORK!WrrrrRrRRRITTTTIIIIINNnNNGNGGGGGGNGG
>>6330647>They’re impressive…but>FREAKY.
You take a moment to sample the goods a little longer–as certain as you are that they’re in, like, maintenance mode or something, you can’t shake the uncanny sensation of being watched... and not just by the Archmage looming over you!Teksouls… where do you even start with these things? They’re controlled by Trier, that much is certain, and the jury’s still out on how exactly they’re put together, but you’re pretty sure it’s a bit more involved than hitting up a Forge-A-Friend Workshop! And even if they were given life by breathing a wish into their ear or something, that doesn’t excuse the fact that the Cartel fits somewhere into the equation… no amount of snuggles can omit that!Are they convenient? Probably? You’ve spent more time running from them than you have availing yourself of their amenities, though, so y’know… kinda biased! But could you see them becoming popular? Widespread?… Not really.. But there are folks who still eat the ’From the Fathoms of the Fryer’ value pak at GREASE MONKEY, so maybe you’re just an outlier.If you’re really being honest with yourself, the things put your hair on-end. Every time you look in their spectral eyes it’s like staring down a crusty old animatronic… or one of those greasy fairground workers in the big mascot suits!Freaky!Your answer elicits another metallic squawk deep within Trier’s towering form! ”ASsESSmenT SUgGEStS LImITeD COMPReHENsiON…”Has anyone ever told him that if he doesn’t have anything nice to say he shouldn’t say it? The Archmage doesn’t respond, not that you expected him to. Drifting from Teksoul to Teksoul like a menacing balloon, the wacky wizard falls silent as he inspects his magnum opuses… More like magnum DOPEuses!… man, you wish Volka was here. She’d appreciate that one!”INEffECTT-TIve… InSuFFicieNT…” States the sorcerer, each stunted syllable raking out of his throat like a rake shoved through a rusty food processor, ”IN. COM. PLETE…”Yea, well, you sigh as you give the air an idle kick, if everyone got it right the first time around life would be dull, ri--ght?One blink later you find yourself stuffed into a containment tank of your own! But unlike your Teksoul neighbors’s setups, the oversized jar lacks the goop they bob around in like glowing stew meat!”SOLUtioN… UNknOWWWN…” Groans the Archmage, his eyes flickering as he presses them against your cell like a kid peeking into a fish tank, ”... UnTIL… NOw…”Your blood runs cold as something else presses against your tank: a vial, you think, given the faint clink it makes tapping against the glass, but inside, well…>CONTD.
>>6330818You can’t see it, hear it, or smell it, but the answer comes to you as clear as a crisp Spring morning:There’s a piece of you in that vial, you realize with growing unease, a piece of your… youness!When the HELL did he collect that, you snarl, fists beating against the inside of your enclosure!”INItiaL COnTAct…” Trier replies as an unseen appendage brings your sample closer to his eyes, ”SAMpleSSSS… COLlecTED… TesSssTS… triALSss… YEEEeeEeeeSss…”Super, you groan as Trier drifts deeper into the darkness, and what, pray tell, did he figure out from his little science fair project, huh? Your Blood Type?”VItaE… OVErWHElmING…” Trier gurgles, eyes appraising you from the shadows! ”UnPReCEdeNTED… InCOMPaRAblE…” His face approaches you once again, inky eyes lit up like a Halloween decoration!”UN..REfIIIiiined… YEt… LIMITlesssss POteNTiAl….”You can’t help but blink at that… your… ‘Vitae’ has limitless potential? That’s not what your Little League Coach said! What the Hell’s a ‘vitae’ anyways? And wait a sec… Why is he TRAPPING YOU!? K-KIDNAPPING! KIDNAPPIIIIIING!”ViTAe ANAlySISsss preSenTssSS COmplICATIOnSs…” Trier hisses, casting a wary glance at the shadows around him! ”OTheRrs WIlL ComE… SssSEEk itSS PowErrr…” The grim glow in his eyes goes even greyer. ”SOlutION: IsSOlAte. ConTAin. SEqueSssSter… DUraTIOn: indeFFFinaTE…”You scoff–what other response is there? He… he wants to contain you? Forever? In a HERMIT CRAB TERRARIUM?”ComPLIaNCE ISssS…” Trier begins, eyes dimming as another thought seems to force its way into his head, ”... ENCouraGEd…”Confusion seeps into your skull. What, you respond with a forced laugh, he can’t force you? The stony stare you get in response tells you everything you need to know. Cool, you answer with a shrug, then you refuse! Bye!… Oh right, you’re stuck in a tank thing. Can he, like, magic you up a ladder or someth-”RElINquISHmeNT… IMPerRrATIvee…” Trier persists, clearly making no attempt to conjure up any Laddermancy, ”ImPuRITiES… FlAWs…YyyeeEeEssss…”Your first instinct is to tell him where to shove his impurities, but then it hits you:You have bargaining power! Whatever the Hell it is he wants, he wants you to offer it willingly! What a MAROON!>CONTD.
>>6330822Something wriggles within the folds of your consciousness. ”Thinkin’ what I’m thinkin, hoss?”Probably not, you shrug, but you could probably come up with a thing or two! What’s the play here?>Tell Trier you need more free time! To, uh, prepare for imprisonment, or whatever!>Probe Trier for more info about your ‘Vitae’!>Your friends… what about them?>Tell him about Vhale’s plans!>Make him an offer–you want something in return!>Refuse! You’re not just giving your soul or whatever over!>Use the opportunity to attack! Get ‘em, RED!>Speak to RED! What’s his take on this?>Write-In!
>>6330824Internally:>Speak to RED! What’s his take on this?Out loud:>Tell Trier you need more free time! To, uh, prepare for imprisonment, or whatever!We still have the concert and the heist to sort out.
>>6330844This is good but we should tell him about Vhale. Perhaps something like>See I would love to work with you but the Cartel is making it hard. BTW did you know they stole papers on your immortality? Curious."
>>6330856I think we should try to get access to those papers, first, before we tip him off... We need a way to bypass his immortality, too, after all.
>>6330824>Speak to RED! What’s his take on this?
>>6330824>>6330844 +1
>>6330844>>6330924>SPEAK TO RED!>YOU NEED MORE TIIIIIIME!>>6330896>SPEAK TO RED!Writing! I'll see if I can't mash all this together
You never thought you’d admit it, but you’re almost glad RED’S sharing your headspace–now if only you could distract Trier long enough to have one of those ‘Thoughtversaitions’--”unitSss 228 THrRougH 301: RECAlibrATE SeCCCtOR 8 SwEEP refEReNCINg…”Oh! Perfect! RED, you begin as you subconsciously turn away from your gracious host, what’s his take on this?Something cackles from beneath your mind’s folds. ”My take? We hit the JACKPOT, pard!”You run your hand across the cold, slick surface of your tank. Yea, he’s gonna have to explain THAT one…”What’s there to explain? You heard him, didn’t ya?” The demon snickers to himself as if remembering an old joke, ”Poor bastard needs us to WANT to hand over the goods! We’ve got him right where we want ‘em!”Sure, you shrug, but what exactly ARE the ‘goods’ anyways? Your soul? Blood? Mojo?”Soul, if I had ta’ guess…” The Archdevil replies, prompting a pang of worry in your gut! ”But don’t worry, kid–nothin’s gonna happen to your soul… not if I have anything ta’ say about it!”You feel better already, you reply with a Rezzie-worthy eyeroll. So that ‘impurity’ crap–”Think of it this way, amigo:” RED interjects as you feel a disembodied claw clasp your shoulder, ”Say yer’ takin’ your ladyfriend to the steakhouse for her birthday… you orderin’ skirt steak… or VEAL?”… Is… is that a euphemism, or…?”It’s a question, kid–a rhetorical one!” He answers as Trier drifts away to yell at the wall. ”Guys like us? We like our meat JUICY!”You’re, uh… you don’t eat steak much, you reply as you force an apologetic laugh in for good measure. Why is veal superior again?”Whoof… we’re gonna have to get you some meat, friendo…” The devil sighs, sympathy slipping into his voice! ”Nevermind that–point is, some folk’ll die before accepting anything less than perfection… and this Trier fella? He strikes me as a perfectionist!”But… is that normal? For humans, you mean? RED borrows your shoulders for a shrug.”Don’t take this the wrong way, Ant, but I’ve had plenty a time ta’ appraise your soul… AND that sweetheart Liz’, to be transparent-like…”Call it clingy, but you’re not a big fan of how liberally he talks about examining your ex’s soul…”And I gotta say, pard, HUMAN SOULS? Didn’t know they made ‘em that finger-lickin’ good!” You try not to shudder as the sound of disembodied lips smack within your psyche. ”Deal’s a deal, course… an’ I don’t get high on my own supply… not during work hours, at least! HAR!”>CONTD.
>>6331217So he wants to EAT your soul, you ask incredulously, not bothering to wait until RED’S raspy laughing fit concludes! ”Aaahhh, I doubt it… reckon he’ll just use it fer’ somethin’. Couldn’t tell ya what that is, but-Your eyes meet with your new neighbor’s, and you’d be lying if you said a Teksoul wasn’t something of an improvement–somehow you doubt these guys blast Nightcore at 3am… Strange… they might be machinelike, but when you stare at them long enough they almost seem…Actually, you mutter in your mind, you think you might have a hunch as to what he’d be using you for!”What?! Whatwhatwhatwhat? Don’t leave me hangin’, kid!”The Teksouls, RED! They’re run on PEOPLE! Or, like, a PART of people, probably! That’s why the Cartel’s giving him the living and dead… and THAT’S why they seem so damn eerie all the time!”Huh… hey, that’s a pretty good idea, now that I think of it…”Sure, you shrug, but that seems like a waste, doesn’t it? What good would you be in one Teksoul? And why would he go through all this trouble just for that?”... Maybe he’s not gonna use you in just one?”The Archdevil’s words put you into pondering mode–is… can he do that? You’ve never sliced up a soul before, but-”Oh sure ya’ can! Slice ‘em, squish ‘em, stir ‘em up and slurp ‘em…” RED explains like your granny sharing a recipe, ”Plenty a ways to prepare a soul… Now splitting one? Shoot, that’s beginner stuff, now that I think about it!”He’s pretty chipper for someone who’s about to get his investment stolen. Another raspy laugh leaves RED’S unseen lips!”Have a little faith, Anton… I didn’t get to where I am today by rolling over for the first jumpy wizard that comes along!”See, he SAYS that, you think back pointedly, but he was trembling in his britches the last time you met Trier!”True, but now we’re back… and we hold ALL THE CARDS!” Snickers the Satanthing! ”Shoot, we really oughta’ capitalize on this, pard! And don’t worry about this whole ‘soul’ thing none… I got me a PLAN…”Can’t WAIT to hear it….”Oh ye of little faith… don’t you worry, RED’s got this all under control, you’ll see~”Yea, that’s what WORRIES you! That said, if RED’S feeling fine about all this, well…Maybe you DO have some bargaining power. Trier hasn’t mind-controlled you yet or anything, so who knows?He also hasn’t come back over to spew crazy at you for a while. Guess the man really is busy!What’s next?>Ask more about souls!>Inquire about Liz!>Pry his plan out!>Get Trier’s attention!>Write-In!
>>6331219>Pry his plan out!The rest is interesting, but this is priority numero uno while have the time and Trier is occupied.
>>6331227That seems smart but again I really want to try to get Trier to take on the Cartel. He's our best tool to deal with Vhale.
>>6331219>Pry his plan out!Alright, RED, hit us. Hit us with your SPECIAL SAUCE. Your SPECIAL REDNESS.
>>6331219>Pry his plan out!
>>6331227>>6331243>>6331336>PRY OUT HIS PLAN!WrrrRRRrrRRRITINGGGG!>>6331243>rednesspicrel
Nuh-uh, you think as Trier continues to bark orders at nothing like a mad vagrant, you want specifics on this ‘plan’ of his! The devil squirms within your psyche.”Fine… but you might not like it…” He warns with apprehension creeping into his tone!You don’t like anything he does.”Whaaa? C’mon, pardner! What about that KEEN HAT I whipped up for ya?” … Alright, that was pretty cool, actually. What’s it made of anyways?”Would you believe it was ‘ethically sourced’?”You would not.”In that case… you’re better off not knowing!” RED chirps, prompting your eyes to flit over to your NIFTY HAT resting on your head! ”But anywho, the plan… let’s talk about the plan!”Yea, let’s! He said you might not like it–why?”Well I know how SQUEAMISH you get about me, uh… ‘takin’ the reins’...” Mutters the maledict like a kid getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar, ”But try this on fer’ size, kid: Trier wants our buy-in, yea? So we buy in… AFTER naming our price, that is!”Okay, you shrug, but-”Not TOO much, mind–he’s a powerful mage, never been more sure of somethin’ in my life–and while he seems open to negotiatin', we don’t wanna push him into desperation, y’hear?”That’s… that’d be bad, huh?”I reckon so. Hell, if it were me I’d just lock ya’ in THE VESTIBULE OF VIOLENCE for a few millenia until ya’ warmed up to me! Bet he can do something similar if he were so inclinated!”Well THAT puts your mind at ease! So we ask for something-”But not TOO much!”… But not TOO much… maybe a little more freedom for the concert, maybe some stuff on Vhale?”It’s what I’D do!”… And then what? You’ve never traded your soul before.Willingly.”And let me again say how so, SO sorry I am about that being sprung onto you! But it’s a matter of perspective here, Tex! Y’know, your gal pal didn’t take long to warm up to the ide-”You’re not Liz. RED answers with a raspy chuckle.Trust me, I’m WELL aware… which is why ya’ ain’t gonna like what I have ta’ say about Step Two…”You steal another glance at Trier, the wizard staring blankly at one of the many Teksouls housed in the containment facility. The Archdevil’s right, but you aren’t too keen on sticking around HERE for eternity either…The plan. Lay it on you!”Atta’ boy. So here’s the idea:” Purrs the possessor from within your head, ”When agreement time comes, let ME take the wheel. I’ll agree, I’ll shake on it. Even-Stevens!”>CONTD.
>>6331504You can’t help but blink. That’s… how the heck is THAT supposed to work?”By way of semantics, amigo, they’re the lifeblood of deals like this!” Cackles the demon!But… won’t that, like, surrender HIS soul to-”HA! ME?! A soul!? Bless yer’ heart, you’re as fresh in the head as a newborn heifer, ain’tcha?”When you don’t respond, the devil clears his intangible throat. ”It’ll work, friendo. Trust me, I know my way around a Faustian Deal… and I’ve got too many plans for your soul to hand it over to some twitchy twit like Trier! And I know ya’ ain’t a fan of it, but I want ya’ ta’ TRUST me this once!”His voice lowers as the traces of mirth drain from his tone. ”It’s the best chance you’re gonna get…”That’s what he said about being able to deal with these Lords, you pointedly fire back! Remember when he told you to not attack at all? You do!”Beating this guy and navigating a bad deal are two different rodeos, buckaroo… and one of them will most certainly lead to the other!”Words, words, words… you just hope he can back them up! Before you can pry further, your tank is enveloped by a bright, spectral sapphire glow!”AlLoTTed ConSIDeRAtioN TIme ExxXxpireD… ReITerAAAte: SuRReNDEr VITae… W-W-willINGly… ApPRoVe TranSactiooOn. APPRooVE…. YeeeEEessSSSs…”Trier’s eyes bore holes into your body amidst a symphony of mechanical chitters and squawks! Guess he’s done waiting…Well? What’s yer’ offer? Choose one or more, but don’t get TOO greedy!>You have questions first!>Destroy the Spice Cartel!>Vhale. Whatever protection he has on him, you want it gone!>You want freedom until dawn!>The Teksouls… you want them gone and everything FREED!>He knows about demons, right? You want to know how to sever a contract!>You want a way back to your own plane!>The other Lords–how would one defeat them?>Magical artifacts! You want one!>Bells! Lots of bells!>You want your friends to be protected!>Magic! He can teach you some!>Write-In!
>>6331506See, this is why I wanted to talk to him about the cartel going behind his back. I don't wanna have to spend our offer on getting him to murk Vhale...Obviously, the best would be to find a way to sever a contract, but it's hard to do that when RED is around listening. In fact, it'd just ruin the chances of it working.I guess we could ask him a question and then just tell him, but would that count towards the whole "offer" limiter? Hmm.
>>6331511Questions will not, no! Trier's just, uh... not very socially-conditioned, as I'm sure you're aware of already
>>6331512Alright, then.>>6331506>You have questions first!And then we tell 'im about Vhale. Either we convince him to kill him, or it helps him be swayed enough to actually help us evaporate the cartel.
>>6331506>You have questions first!
>>6331506>You have questions first!YOU LIKE KNOWLEDGEWE LIKE KNOWLEDGESEE??? WE'RE ALREADY BONDING, YOU AND ME, TRIER-SENPAI.WE HAVE SOME QUESTIONS...
>>6331515>>6331537>>6331560>QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS...Writinggggg!>>6331560Ya love ta see it, folks
Actually, you reply, struggling to stand tall under the burning glare of the mage’s three glowing eyes, you have some questions that need answering first!Something between a buzz and a click prefaces the mad mage’s answer: ”DEniEEDD! DENiiED! INsuFfICIEnt REasONING! IrrELEvAAAANT! IRRelEVANT! YIEld! SUbmiT! SURrrENDErRr!!!”The air itself around you seems to twist and tumble like a forming storm, but the tek tantrum only bolsters your confidence! You’ll submit, you retort, hastening your speech as you notice the glimmer in the wizard’s eyes at the magic word, IF he satisfies your curiosity… AND agrees to your conditions!Trier takes it about as well as you expect. ”INSuboRDInaTION BOrrrDERinnnG TtTREaSssOOOOn! AnaLYsIs: REbelLiON FUeleD BY InORDiNATE IGNoRANCE!”A few seconds of guarding your face later, you realize he doesn’t plan on making your head explode. Hey, he took it better than you expected! Just as relief washes over you, your body is rocked by a massive explosion across the chamber! Your bones ache and your eyes sting as you recover from the shock, but Trier isn’t shook in the slightest–guess he’s the one who did it.A muffled whine and a series of clicks echoes from behind his eyes before the incensed sorcerer finally follows up!”... IF iT wiLL WITHholD VItAE PENdinG EXchANGe, THEN ExECUte DISSScourSE… STaTe QuerIEsssSS…. YesSSs…”That ‘YesSSs’ didn’t sound half as enthusiastic as it usually does–you can tell the dude’s pissed. Still, pissed doesn’t mean uncooperative–guess you have the floor! The question is… what to ask? And will he even bother answering?What do you ask Trier? He probably only has enough patience for THREE QUESTIONS at most!>What does he plan to do with you?>The Lords. You wanna know more.>He said he CAUSED the Darkness–what HAPPENED!?>The Cartel… you want to know all about their deal!>Vhale–how is he protecting Vhale?>Demons–what does he know about stopping them?>You want to know more about Nuugal and the Khorrozeh Empire!>Why does he want to sack Crossroads?>What would ‘yielding’ to him entail, exactly? Will you die?>Your friends–what does he plan on doing with them?>Why did he show you the Teksouls?>What’s next in his master plan?>Write-In!
>>6331597>What does he plan to do with you?>The Lords. You wanna know more.>Write In - Does he know that the Cartel recently just stole papers on his immortality?
>>6331597>WRITE IN: HEY THE CARTEL STOLE YOUR SHIT, YOU KNOW THAT, RIGHT?>The Lords. You wanna know more.>What would ‘yielding’ to him entail, exactly? Will you die?
>>6331606+1>>6331597
>>6331597>The Lords. You wanna know more.>Write In - Does he know that the Cartel recently just stole papers on his immortality?>What would ‘yielding’ to him entail, exactly? Will you die?
>>6331602>>6331606>>6331643>>6331761TtAlLy CccOUnTeD. DIsPlAYInG ReSUlTSss, YeeEESsss...>Plan for you: 1>LORDS: 4>Cartel stole your shit homie: 4>Yielding? What's that mean actually: 3QuErIEs WRrrITTen AnD CaCHeD... coALLAtinG ReSPonSEs...
>>6331847First of all, you begin as Trier’s eyes bore into you like lights in a dentist chair, assuming you do ‘yield’--”yieLLlD! YessSSsS…”Hey, you didn’t agree to it yet! ‘Yes Means Yes’!To his credit, the mage backs off with a respectful nod. Good for him, man! Anyways, you continue, what would that process mean, exactly? You don’t really wanna die, so-”AssEsSMEnT InCorReCT… DEaTH DeTRimeNTAl TO VitAE EXxxXTRActiON PRocESs!”Wait, really? Cool!”MORtaL ExPIrATIOn SeqUEnCeee: ViTAE CasST INto GrEAt CyCLE… REwaRDs… PuniSsHMEnTssS… REBIrth. ASsESSmENT: SySTEm InEffICIEnT. SOLuuTION: PosSStpoNE DEaTH INDEfinITElY, YyEsSss…”Alright, you were kinda happy when you heard he wasn’t planning on killing you, but when he puts it like that it almost sounds li-wait, you blink in confusion, he knows what happens when you die!?A dull whirr leaves the space beneath Trier’s eyes. ”WE aRE AWaRE. QUEry IRrELeVANT. ProCEEd!”Okay, okay, sheesh! Sorry you’re a little curious about one of life’s biggest questions!”ApolOGY ACknOwlEDGed.”So what, you frown, he’d just… keep you here? Collecting ‘vitae’ or whatever like tree sap on a maple farm?”SUmmARy SuffICIEnT. PRoJECTed LOsSEs OvEr TIme–CaUSE: HuSK DEgrEDatION–OptIMAl SOlUtiONS: FacILItaTE ‘SpEcIEs X’ BrEeDINg viA CLonINg oR NAtuRAL MAte.” The sorcerer’s eyes burn into your as they search for a question you couldn’t answer even if you wanted to:”HuSK OrIgINATInG PLAnE LOcaTION UNknOWN. MEmORIEs CorrRUPtED. SOluTION: AMpLIfIED PSyCHIc PRoBING SuppLEMEnTED bY PEriODIc SPIriTUAl InTerrRrrOGatION sEsSIonS…”You weren’t really onboard with this process before, but you certainly aren’t now! Still… ‘corrupted’? You just thought being summoned, like, summoned your memories elsewhere! Does that mean RED could fix them for you?Speaking of, Trier’s a LORD... and while he talked a little bit about his peers the last time you chatted, you didn’t really grill him on information… Maybe he knows something that’ll help you deal with them?Those, uh… other LORDS, you begin, wh-The mage bristles at the word like a cat facing down a vacuum cleaner! ”THIEvvES! TyRAnTS… ParAsSSSIIttES…. theY CONSsUMe… WE CreATE…”Okay, no love lost on them, huh? Something tells you he doesn’t wanna waste much breath on them… that and the buzzing sensation in your ears. Maybe you should stick to one?Who do you ask about?>KHODRA: SKOG WARLORD OF THE WEST!>SYSSKA: FUUXI BROODMOTHER IN THE EAST!>MIKK: MYSTERIOUS THING TO THE SOUTH!
>>6331943>MIKK: MYSTERIOUS THING TO THE SOUTH!Probably the one we'd know the least about.
>>6331943>MIKK: MYSTERIOUS THING TO THE SOUTH!MYSTERY BOX.
>>6331943>MIKK: MYSTERIOUS THING TO THE SOUTH!This is the perfect time to add some specificity to that description.
>>6331943>MIKK: MYSTERIOUS THING TO THE SOUTH!BOX
>>6331956>>6331994>>6332068>>6332077>MIKKSTERY BOXSplendid choice! Will write this up later on Friday. Apologies for today's delays--was a little busy even after work!
