Jail Quest: a text adventure occasionally illustrated.A night of drinking and a failed attempt to cheat on cards had landed you the strangest job slash community service sentence you've ever had: ensuring Gongalla Gaol survives the reality storm called Singularity.Now you travel around with your employer and a handpicked crew to survey the four Reality Anchors. Hey, beats being tarred and feathered, right?Previous thread:https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2025/6274911/Gongallaverse:https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Gongalla%20GaolYou suddenly jolt wide awake in an unfamiliar room, with no recollection of the past few hours. It even took you a few seconds to remember you are Rosa Montagni, and another few seconds to realize the other person in the room is your crewmate, Valencio. Slowly, hazy recollections piece together a loose narrative of previous events: you've reached Viridis, the first leg of your journey to the East's Reality Anchor, when you receive news that your go-to destination slash transport, the walking city Freeport, had problems with its engine. Then you were sidetracked into a casino, where you played cards and unwittingly aided a truant Hexbourne student against a haughty twin Hexbourne students sent to retrieve him. Then you got entangled in a complex emotional... something with the casino owner, Don Bosco. Something about your mentor, Sierra (no relation to Sierra, the deity of the South anchor) and copious amounts of drinking? That must be why your memory's so hazy.
>>6322745"Hey, you're finally awake."Valencio leans in. Had he waited for you by your bedside? You look around the room, and it's just him and you."Hey, Valencio - where's Nemo and Craig?"You just hope they didn't repeat what happened at Pinewatch."Uh, well... about that..."----------THREE HOURS EARLIER...You are Craig Snorlison, and you are absolutely bored. Since you've entered a pact with one of your spirits, Scholar, you've been stuck reading and re-reading the grimoire Rosa bought you."I'm tired of reading the same book over and over again..."Scholar pops up beside you, sensing a logical solution to your problem."Then, you might want to acquire new literature."Is there even a bookshop around here?"But I can't leave on my own! Rosa told me to stay here...""There is a myriad of solutions currently available to you. It is up to you to select one."True... you rack up your youthful goblin brain and soon enough, several possibilities are made apparent.>CHOOSE ONE>□ Sneak out the hotel and find some kind of bookstore>□ Find books to read inside the hotel, there must be some, right?>□ Ask Nemo to accompany you to look for books in town>□ Wait, what if you write a new book for you to read?>□ Other (fill in)
>>6322747>□ Sneak out the hotel and find some kind of bookstoreOf course.
>>6322747- Find books to read inside the hotel, there must be some, right?
>>6322749+1
>>6322747>□ Sneak out the hotel and find some kind of bookstorewe are SO BACK
>>6322747>□ Sneak out the hotel and find some kind of bookstoreAdventurr awaits! Huzzah!
>>6322747>>□ Find books to read inside the hotel, there must be some, right?
>>6322747>□ Ask Nemo to accompany you to look for books in town
Rolled 1 (1d2)A tie, this early in the quest? Let us consult the winds of fortune!>1: sneak out>2: hotel reads
>>6322747"What is it, Craig?"Oh snap, Nemo noticed you talking with Scholar! Quickly, you gotta be like Rosa...!"Oh, uh, nothing! I just gotta uhh look for something to read. In the hotel. For Scholar's thing! I'll just uhh look around and go back, yeah! Gottagobyenow!"Nailed it! Nemo just stares at you as you exit the hotel room and into the halls."I doubt there are adequate reading materials within the hotel's area."Scholar pipes up as you sneak closer towards the hotel lobby."Well duh! We're sneaking out! There's gotta be something good to read in Viridis, right?""Hmm, true."With that, you find yourselves at one of the major streets of Viridis - where once again you gotta think up where you're headed, specifically."Now, where do we go to find some books?"Scholar glimmers with information, gleaned from your memories and calculations."I recall hearing about Hexbourne dropouts occupying one of the abandoned towers in the outskirts of town. They likely have their tomes, but it could prove to be a dangerous ordeal.Then there is the train station, it is very likely to have a news or magazine vendor or two.Or perhaps try the fish market? Despite its name, they don't just sell fish over there. Maybe there's a bookstore hidden amongst the stalls.And there could be book shipments in the docks - the East island denizens must source their reading materials from here."Well there you have it, plenty of choices! Where do you want to go to?>CHOOSE ONE>□ Abandoned Towers. Magic tomes and adventure!>□ Train Station. Maybe you can people-watch too?>□ Fish Market. Talk with the locals while we're at it!>□ Docks. Nobody'll expect you there!>□ Other (fill in)
>□ Abandoned Towers. Magic tomes and adventure!
>>6325140>□ Abandoned Towers. Magic tomes and adventure!Also consider it scouting for info re: the actual Hexbourne Academy island
>>6325140I say again: HUZZAH
>>6325140>>6325213>□ Abandoned Towers. Magic tomes and adventure!Now with actual vote.
>>6325140To you, this is a no-brainer."Let's find those magic tomes!"Not only you'll satisfy Scholar's requirements, but you'll also learn more magic stuff. And of course, the adventure! Something every goblin boy needed in their life!"That is quite ambitious of you. However, there are currently 8 fully abandoned towers, and 12 partially inhabited ones. Do you intend to search every single one of them?"Oof, Scholar here throwing hard facts at you. You haven't thought that far yet! But that's not all."Furthermore, how do you intend to get there? Some of these towers are half sunken into the Eastern sea. Don't tell me you'll walk the entire time?"Hmm, good point... but you've been thinking. There are surely options you can choose."As you say, there are a myriad of options! Like, there's bound to be some kind of public transport around here, like shuttle boats. We can also try and hitch-hike! If that doesn't work, we can ask Ling to get us there, right?"And of course you haven't discounted actually walking there... you might, however, now have an idea on how to find the right tower.>CHOOSE ONE>□ We ask around! Maybe on seedy places!>□ We climb one tower and look at the others - feel where the magic is strongest!>□ We go check all 20! It'll take time, but we'll be thorough!>□ Other (fill in)>ALSO CHOOSE ONE>□ Take public transit>□ Try to hitch-hike>□ Ask Ling for a lift>□ Take a hike and walk>□ Other (fill in)
>>6326893>□ We climb one tower and look at the others - feel where the magic is strongest!Probably for the best.>□ Take a hike and walkWalkin's good for you son. We're not going through all 20 after all.
>>6326893>We climb one tower and look at the others - feel where the magic is strongest!>Public TransitWhat could possibly go wrong?!
>>6326893>□ We climb one tower and look at the others - feel where the magic is strongest!>□ Ask Ling for a lift
>>6326900+1
>>6326893>>□ We climb one tower and look at the others - feel where the magic is strongest!>□ Ask Ling for a lift
Yet another tie - let's ask the winds of fate, then.>1: public transport>2: Ling ride
Rolled 1 (1d2)>>6327696Rats forgot the dice
>>6326893"About the tower, we just need to climb one and sense the others - there's got to be a stronger magic feel from the right one, right?"You hope Scholar sees your reasoning for it."Hmm, you've devised an interesting plan. How about transport?"It was a tough choice between calling on Ling and looking for a public transportation, but you've come to a decision."Well... this is a stealth mission, so Ling would tattle on us to Rosa! So let's find a public ride!""Mm, logical. Lead the way, there should be plenty in this street."Soon after, you find an interesting one: a beltrider, modified to hold a sideseat. You've rarely seen one in New Avalon, and the driver is a curious one - a goblin as big as an orc, and with a tusk like one, too! Or is she an orc with a goblinish face? Must be a cross, like your mother, but different."Hey, kid! Looking for a ride?"Without further deliberation, you happily reply."Yeah!"The orc then stoops down to regard you."Name's Gill Gortha. Where to?""Oh, uh, I'm Craig Snorlison. Is that the nearest abandoned tower? I wanna look around.""Sure is! Are you on an adventure? Looks a bit young, but then again, I went adventuring when I was roughly your age."She adjusts he goggles so it covers her eyes, then motioned you to step into the sideseat, chatting the whole time."Snorlison, eh? Wor, I know a Sanya Snorlison during my time at Hexbourne."What! She knew your mom?! This is big news! Suddenly, a lot of questions bubble in your head, and unluckily (luckily?) only a couple actually left your mouth.>CHOOSE TWO>□ You knew my mom?!>□ You went to Hexbourne?!>□ My mom went to Hexbourne?!>□ You went adventuring at my age?!>□ Are you a cross of orc and goblin?>□ Other (fill in)
>>6328695>□ You knew my mom?!>□ My mom went to Hexbourne?!Those seem most relevant.
>>6328706+1>inb4 there's a reason why some secretly call it "Sexbourne"...
>>6328695>>6328706+1 LORE!!!
>>6328706+1>>6328695
>>6327698Shouldn't have let them in charge of that
>>6329033Kek
>>6328695>□ My mom went to Hexbourne?!
>>6328695In your astonishment, you let your tongue slip."You knew my mom?! And she went to Hexbourne?!"Matching your amazement with her own, Gill replies as the beltrider cruises away."Well, I'll be! You're Sanya's kid?! Yeah, we both went to Hexbourne, we were dorm-mates. I specialized into magitech engineering, while she went to pursue magical history - but we became best friends. Cor, those were the days... her wanderlust was stronger than the average goblin, though. Left soon after she completed her thesis - something about relics."You wondered if mom's wanderlust was why she left you in aunt Jemima's care as soon as you turned ten, which is about a year or so ago. As you were busy pondering, you suddenly feel the beltrider slow down."Well, here we are, Craig! Dunno what adventure you'll have in this tower, but I hope it's a good one!"Gill really seems to enjoy the time with you - must be fond memories of her time with mom."Thanks, Gill! Say, how much for the ride?"Nemo did give you like, twenty scrip back at the hotel."Usually it's ten scrips, but for you it's free! Ain't feel right, charging your best friend's kid."Mighty generous of her! But then again, aunt Jemima taught you to pay workers their due - and you'd feel a bit guilty if you don't...>CHOOSE ONE>□ Pay her immediately! Wages are no joke>□ Thank her with a hug and get in the tower>□ Ask her to wait for you, you still need a lift to the next tower>ALSO CHOOSE ONE>□ Just stroll right in>□ Ask Gill to accompany you in the tower>□ Carefully check for traps or dangers, the place is old>□ Try to detect if there's any mana signatures in this tower before you ascend>□ Other (fill in)
>>6331490>□ Pay her immediately! Wages are no jokeBeltrider workers have it toughAND AS FOR SECOND VOTE>□ Carefully check for traps or dangers, the place is oldYou bet there's still traps in here even if many others nearby also had the same idea to loot this place
>>6331490>>□ Thank her with a hug and get in the tower>□ Ask Gill to accompany you in the tower
>>6331490>□ Ask her to wait for you, you still need a lift to the next tower>□ Try to detect if there's any mana signatures in this tower before you ascendWe should check first. If there aren't any signatures there's no point. We take a ride to the next one and THEN pay her for the full ride.
>>6331490>□ Thank her with a hug and get in the towerLady. Killer.But also...>□ Ask her to wait for you, you still need a lift to the next tower (you'll pay for THAT at least)>□ Try to detect if there's any mana signatures in this tower before you ascend
>>6331490>□ Pay her immediately! Wages are no joke>□ Try to detect if there's any mana signatures in this tower before you ascendSafety and kindness first!
>>6331490>□ Pay her immediately! AND Hug her!>□ Try to detect if there's any mana signatures in this tower before you ascend
>>6331490>□ Thank her with a hug and get in the towerI veto paying her anything, that would be rude
>>6331490You'd feel real bad if you don't pay her, so you gave her ten Scrips."Aunt Jemima always said to pay workers their due, a fair wage is their right!"Gill smiles as she leans in to receive your pay."Hehe, that's a good lad-"That's right when you give her a bonus surprise hug! Everyone loves a surprise hug. She blushes as you sink into her abs."Also, thanks for being mom's best friend.""Awwh, how sweet! You've done Sanya proud, Craig! Now go have a good adventure in there!""I will!"Gill returns to her beltrider and speeds away, as you approach the tower looming in front of you. Most of it is natural - Gongalla tend to grow buildings like these - but the entrance is built by people. Still, it's kinda different from the other built buildings in Viridis, though... better take a quick mana signature check.After some concentration, you see that there's mostly signatures of enchanted things or magitek inside - traps? Or something else? There's also a group of magic users, their signature is unmistakable. But are these the Hexbourne dropouts, or somebody else? Other than that, there's also a source of natural mana on the tree on the roof, and some unknown mana signatures amidst a lot of enchanted/magitek on the topmost floor.You remind yourself that this doesn't reveal any non-magical traps, if any, exists in the building. Your goal is to get to the roof to look at the other towers for strong mana signatures - but then again, aren't you curious to see what these mana signatures actually are?>CHOOSE ONE>□ Form a long magic finger to poke everything in your path>□ Form two stretchy magic arms so you can climb the sides to the roof>□ Form a big floating magic hand to carry you while not touching the ground>□ Other (fill in)
>>6333786>□ Form a big floating magic hand to carry you while not touching the groundAnd go to the top to check out that "Unknown" stuff. Hidden magic is always best magic.
>>6333796+1
>>6333786"Aunt Jemima" is against unpaid labor? Kek, that checks out.>□ Form a big floating magic hand to carry you while not touching the ground
>>6333786>□ Form a big floating magic hand to carry you while not touching the groundNeed a hand?
>□ Form a big floating magic hand to carry you while not touching the ground
>>6333786>□ Form a big floating magic hand to carry you while not touching the ground
>>6333786Quickly assessing your options, you choose the least exhausting option: going straight to the roof via floating magic hand. Sure, the magic use will tire you, but it's nothing compared to walking up the tower on foot. Also if you speed the hand up enough, you'll use less mana overall!So with a simple motion, you conjure up mana in the form of your hand, but bigger and floating. With you safely on top, you move it up towards the roof, and you enjoy the rushing wind for a few moments as the hand accelerates upwards.In no time at all, you've reached the roof, which is dominated by the trunk and roots of a naturally-growing tree. To the side, you see a roof access door, and it seems that someone has built a crude observation platform up here - one which you might use, even though it's essentially just a folding chair and a pair of nocs.You remembered the source of natural mana you've sensed while mana scanning, and decide to look at the canopy of the tree. At first, all you see is just leaves, a lot of them - it seems like the tree is blooming, somehow. Petals fall around you, but you see no flowers. But there, what's that? Nestled right where the trunk splits into several branches, you see a box-like object. Could that be the source of the mana?Then again, those nocs really seemed to have been left there recently. Someone might get back there and see you on the roof. What should you do now?>CHOOSE ONE>□ Use the nocs to check the other towers, take your time looking>□ Use the nocs to check the other towers, be wary of someone going through the door>□ Check if you can get to the unknown mana signatures via the door>□ Get that box, might be important by the mana it's emitting>□ Hide and see if anyone's about to get back to the roof>□ Other (fill in)
>>6335000>□ Hide and see if anyone's about to get back to the roofNo need to rush.
>>6335000>□ Hide and see if anyone's about to get back to the roofHaste, they say, makes WASTE
>>6335000>□ Hide and see if anyone's about to get back to the roofWe don't lose much time doing this
>>6335000>□ Hide and see if anyone's about to get back to the roofJust to make sure they're cool.
>>6335000That hunch of yours turns out to be right - your goblin ears picks up the sound of footsteps from the roof access. Thinking fast, you noticed that the roots of that roof-tree forms a tiny grotto of sorts, and you're small enough to hide behind a root. So obviously you quickly hide there.Moments pass as if they're days as the sound of footsteps reach the top of the stairs - or at least, that's what you guessed. The latchless door opens to reveal a tall reptilian man armed with a kind of long rifle. He's carrying a small dog woman, ropes thick around her torso."Lemme go this instant, you big, vile, yet sexy hunk! Or else you'll get punched in the junk!"The dog woman can only launch verbal assaults at her captor, despite her best physical efforts. To this, the big lizard just drops her next to the platform and sat down on the folding chair, right after he picked up the nocs and unslung his rifle."Yer fault fer sneakin an snoopin about, miz! Now, I reckon yer after dat bounty of mine. Well, ya ain't gonna geddat one."You waited a little bit more, but the lizard's still sitting on his spot and occasionally takes a look at a distant point with his nocs - while the teensy dog woman sulks, her anger still simmering. And you're stuck hiding behind a very large root. This won't do!>CHOOSE ONE>□ Stand still in hiding, at least until the lizard leaves>□ Use magic to magically slap him right now>□ Use magic to rescue the dog-woman>□ Use magic to sneak past the duo>□ Other (fill in)
>>6337601>□ Use magic to sneak past the duoSusie Deltarune...
>>6337604+1Susie if she was a male sniper assassin instead and partially Australian
>>6337601Holy shit husband alert>□ Other (fill in)>Make a magical distraction to maybe get Lizard Lad to move away far enough for us to help?
>>6337607>Random criminal with an actual bounty and a gunNaw. Rosa's got plenty of options who she actually knows and are better people.
>>6337608I wasn't talking about Rosa
>>6337609I was talking about me
>>6337607+1>>6337601
>>6337607>>6337608>>6337609>>6337610This is why I love /qst/ :B
>>6337610Based NGL>>6337601>□ Other (fill in): Wait until we know more about the situation. Odds are the dude is waiting for something, else he wouldn't be standing there.
>>6337948I feel called out... but also honored. And regret nothing
>>6337948Kek maximus
>>6337948Kek!
>>6337606So, given the zeitgeist around recent popular reptilian characters, do we have a composite 'Gummisuu'?>□ Other (hide/assess the situation more thoroughly. Is the dog-woman in actual danger here?)
>>6337601Oh, how you wish you knew any invisibility or stealth spell! But your spell repertoire mostly consists of conjuring up magical versions of your own bodyparts. Well, other than the two special ones you've learned from the Ouroboros Parable grimoire. One of them, clone, still technically counts as body projection magic. And the other's too dangerous for casual use - or at least that's what Nemo said.Good thing you can improvise, though.Concentrating mana into your hand, you prepare yourself to send a projection behind the roof entrance - one whose movements are linked with your hand. Soon enough, a resonant finger snap can be heard from there, prompting the lizard to abandon his vigil to check the noise."Ya betta come out, or get a fresh new hole! Which choice you fancy?!"As he's busy being distracted, you quickly and silently make for the dog lady. She spots you as you get close, but you quickly put your finger on your lips before she even makes a sound."Sshhh, let's go before he gets back!"Your whisper seem to have reassured her... but how are you going to rescue her?> CHOOSE ONE>□ Try to cut her ropes>□ Use magic to set her loose>□ Conjure a floating palm and ride it down>□ Magic fist the lizard from afar>□ Climb on top and spam the distraction snap to make him check the bottom floors>□ Other (fill in)
>>6339605Can we use the palm to like, throw him from the top of the building?It's okay, he looks like a tough cookie. He'll survive.
>>6339605>□ Try to cut her ropesWe don't want to tucker ourself out with iveruse of magic, when we might need it to defend ourselves.
