Your sprained ankle barely carrying you. The dull throbbing pain in your head at least numbs the pain in your shoulder and forearms. Though it does little to quell the pain in your side from your broken ribs. You glance over to the group of people behind you. Dressed in black school uniforms, roughly a dozen of them.They are all standing roughly ten-fifteen feet behind you. Looking at you with hate, and some fear in their eyes. They are clumped up together like posing for a group photo, and do not advance on you. Even though they've been kicking the hell out of you a minute ago. Then a long shadow descended from the direction the sun was setting, and covered you all. Forcing them to back off as if something physically pushed them away."Go on! Get out of here!" their leader yells, but does not cross the long shadow.Whatever curses leave your mouth, they are barely a whisper, you cough as you continue. Away from them, away from your home. Following the distant figure that casts that long shadow.You look down upon yourself, and verify that your strongest asset is still there, surviving the battering.>Your fist, you always had the meanest right punch>Your leg, it started with kicking ball and soon it became kicking people>Your abs, rock hard and keeping your organs mostly protected, helping stamina >Write-in
>>6347275>>Your fist, you always had the meanest right punch
>>6347275>Your leg, it started with kicking ball and soon it became kicking people
>>6347275>fist
>>6347282>>6347285>>6347287Yes, your arm is still by your side. You could always swing it well, and the moves just felt right, driving and twisting the impact to get where you wanted. If the shadows recede, and those bastards attempt to get you, then you will take you down the first one to reach you for sure.>[Strong Fist trait added]Minutes pass, and you increase the distance, but they do not pursue. The one who casts the shadow, however, doesn't seem to get closer. The distance somehow remains the same, but you push on. You cannot go back, or you'll be killed. Once the Bishop and the Brotherhood learns of your blasphemy, you'll be executed publicly. You will have wished that your classmates finished you off with blunt instruments rather than receiving whatever punishment they mete out in the Black Hill.You carry on, and the minutes become hours. Adrenaline faded away long ago, overtaken be wariness, and you fall to one knee again.> Keep crawling> Yell to get the attention of the figure> Collapse> Write-in
>>6347297>Keep crawlingDeath is behind us
>>6347297> Keep crawling
>>6347297>Keep crawling
Writing
>>6347300>>6347301>>6347324You don't give up. You are already past the buildings of the coven, nearing to the edge of town, where the last row of the buildings are touching the swamp outside. You know they'll get you here, pressing your palm against the surface of the road, and push yourself on. You barely notice your body going numb, but you notice the hard stone changing to wet mud. You stop for a moment, gazing at the source of the shadow above you.Then you lose consciousness.You wake with a numb mind, as if from a long sleep. You try to get up, and realize two things. First, you are on a rickety bed, and second, you feel no pain. You don't have much time to think about it, as you can see a man standing near your bed.He is the largest man you have ever seen. Tall as a giant, and wide. Lacking the lanky proportions that people of that height should get, possessing the rippled physique of a bodybuilder, with limbs as thick as some people's torso. His arms are bare, and wearing a cape on his back which flows as if in the wind. His eyes are kind, burning auburn, and his smile is bright. Though that could be just the sun shining behind him through the windows of the rickety old cabin."Hello young one." He says putting his fists on his waist. You open your mouth but he holds out a hand before you get out the first syllable, and his bright smile fades."No. Who I am is not important. What is important is, who are YOU? Because the person who you were yesterday is gone. Your people have cast you out, you know that, and you cannot go back as you are now. You must chart a new path for yourself. You have to ask in what direction? What is it that you want from the future?">Justice>Revenge>Power>Write-in
>>6347338>Write-in "I want to know the truth of what happened on the night of April 19th three years ago..."
>>6347338>power
>>6347338>Power
>>6347341>>6347346>>6347355"Power, eh?" There is a shadow of a frown crossing his face before his bright smile returns. "There are many ways to power. No single one is there to be the strongest, and all have their price. The most fundamental price is just heart and soul, as you pursue perfection. It only gets more expensive with that.""I can offer you a trade like this" he opens his palm, and there is a little fire in it. Blue and flickering, not visible coming from anything. "You may take this flame, and try to tame it, but it might consume you. Maybe tomorrow, maybe a decade from now on. Or never."He points with his other vast arm to the side without turning. His finger is trained at the rickety window of the wooden cabin you are currently in. Looking around, it looks like it has been abandoned for many years."Across the marshlands, following the path, you find the outskirts of another city. Regardless of your choice, that is your next step. See new horizons. See what life is like.">"I want to know the truth of what happened on the night of April 19th three years ago..."His smile is now gone, remembering that dark day, and he gently shakes his head. "Your friend Erik was stronger than you, after a fashion. He caught on quicker, and was driven by his curiosity of what really takes place in the Black Hill. But it was foolish of him to seek rather than flee. Foolish and admirable. They've caught him, and that was the end of his story.">Take the flame>Leave the flame>Write-inAlso going to bed now, will post again at the end of the timer. https://www.tickcounter.com/countdown/8910961/champion-of-the-street-quest
>>6347374>Take the flame
>>6347374>>Take the flameWe carry the flame
>>6347428>>6347446>>6347447>>6347612>>6347614You reach out to the small flickering flame and it almost leaps on you, running up your fingers and arm, twirling around you shoulder and making a final skip to your chest, all in two blinks. You want to scream, but the fire is consuming all the air in your lungs, letting out a rasping whine. You cannot move for almost a minute, but the burning sensation slowly dissipates.[Inner Flame gained]You can still feel it there if you concentrate, rising and ebbing with your breath. It is much more faint than it seemed a moment ago. You are also feeling pretty hungry. The giant nods. "It won't burn you today then. Do not let your guard down. I am off. Be strong, and never compromise yourself. If all is well, we will meet again."He turns around, opens the decrepit wooden door of the cabin, and ducking under the frame, leaves you alone in the hut. Getting up from the bed and opening the door, you see that you are in the middle of a flat wetland. There is no sign of the man as far as the eye can see.The hut standing between two little hills like a small island rising above the flatness. You can see some miles away the city the man pointed to. Can't be more than two hours of walk.>Head towards the city>Stay the night in the hut for now>Go out and discover the wetland a little>Write-in
>>6347618>Stay the night in the hut for now
>>6347618>Go out and discover the wetland a little
Okay I am taking a nap. Will update after the end of this timer if we got the votes.https://www.tickcounter.com/countdown/8918617/champion-of-the-street-quest
>>6347618>>Go out and discover the wetland a little
>>6347695>>6347718>>6347771You step out of the wooden cabin, and walk away from the island. Taking a closer look at it, the land isn't entirely flat, just the pockets of water on it make it seem so. Yellow mud and water are everywhere, broken by the occasional foliage. The horizon is bare to the right.You almost sink into one of the puddles, as it turns out to be much deeper than you thought. Your black shoes were already wet, but your trousers of the same color got muddy and wet up until the knee now. You are more careful with the water now, eventually finding something unexpected.There is a stone road less than an inch beneath the water. You recognize the dark cobblestones. It is the same road that leads outside of the town you were born in, letting a truck or a horse carriage come in. You didn't get to meet any outsiders, or speak to many. They lived on the outer rings of the conclave, and as long as you remember you lived in the cloister, having your education.You can see the city you were directed into far. So the other end must lead back to where you came from. You are not ready yet, but it is good to know for future reference.You try to move on, when you hear a rasping sound.Ribbit.The toad is squatting on the middle of the road. Large and warty almost ten inches across, with limbs tucked beneath it's bulging frame.> "You're standing in my way, fool!> "We're friends now." [Grab the toad]> Ignore the amphibian> Write in Sorry, out again. https://www.tickcounter.com/countdown/8923941/my-countdown
>>6348068>"We're friends now." [Grab the toad]
>>6348068> "We're friends now." [Grab the toad]
>>6348068> "You're standing in my way, fool!I bet this toad knows some sinister kung fu.
>>6348072>>6348137>>6348197>>6348365You declare your friendship and reach for the amphibian. The creature takes it with stoic calmness, and acknowledges it with a croak.>[Gained Toad?]With not much else left to discover on the wetland, the sun beginning to descend, both your hands being full with your new friend, the best course of action left is to make your way towards the city.The sun is already halfway through the horizon when you reach the first buildings. They are different from the brick buildings and the light ornamentation of the town you are from. Instead they are towering gray concrete with at least six floors each. They seem abandoned and in a shoddy condition. Broken, or boarded up windows and cracked facades. The only improvement is that there is a drainage system, and you are standing on pavement, instead of slippery mud.The streets are also far more littered than back at home. Pieces of paper and other bits are everywhere. Trashcans are filled to the brim or knocked over, and a layer of graffiti covering everything. There is a food cart closing for the day, packing up the things inside. Someone is nailing up a window from the outside with a few homeless-looking people. Others are pulling their furniture up a fire escape, before pulling the ladder as well. You realize you don't have any money, and it seems like everyone is vacating the streets for the night.> Try to join up with the homeless boarding up a place> Ask if there is room for one moor on the fire escape> Ask the hot dog cart if they have any leftovers> Write-in
Goin to sleep.
>>6348472>Try to join up with the homeless boarding up a place"Hey, do you guys need any help? I'm lost, and I don't know why you'd want to board up that window, but I'm glad to lend a hand if I can spend the night with ya'll."
>>6348472> Ask the hot dog cart if they have any leftoversfood good
>>6348472>Ask the hot dog cart if they have any leftovers
>>6348472> Ask the hot dog cart if they have any leftovers
>>6348681>>6348701>>6348824>>6349010Mea culpa, writing.
>>6348681>>6348701>>6348824>>6349010>>6349756You approach the hot dog cart. It is a large bulky thing, with some reinforced metal padded onto it. An older man is putting away things hastily, and writing what's left of his daily ingredients onto a notepad. Deciding to try your luck with him, you approach with the toad in hand."Excuse me." you say addressing him, and his hands shoot out to the lever beside him that you assume closes the metal grating on the cart, but stops when he notices you."Oh hello, we are closing now. Stove is already shut off.""Well I was wondering if you could spare something. I didn't eat anything since yesterday."He grabs the lever again, and is about to send you off, with the practiced moves of someone who has been asked for free stuff by homeless all the time. He takes another look at your worn-out uniform. It used to be a nice black piece with shirt and buttons. The beating, dragging yourself through the streets, then the wetland didn't do your look any favors. "You haven't been living on the streets for long, have you?""No, not since yesterday." At least you think it was yesterday. Can't be more than a day."Alright, I'll see what I can get you." He moves around the cart, checking all sorts of cupboards outside of your view. In a few minutes you get a meager sandwich. Bread is a bit more dry than you are used to, and everything in it was likely made from leftovers, but it still tastes good after the long abstinence."Alright, now better scram, the sun is going down.">A) "Any places I could go?" >B) "Where are we?">C) "What's wrong with the night?">D) Do as he says, and find a place for the night>E) Write-in
>>6349775>A) "Any places I could go?"
Taking a nap will be back in 12 hours
>>6349968+1
>>6349968>>6350043>>6350158"Any places? Where the hell did you come from? Don't you have a hideout or something?" He rumbles a curse of disbelief and leans out of the cart to the side, which is not an easy feat with his big belly. "Hey Ronnie! Ronnie get over here!"One of the homeless-looking fellows turns away from the board-up. He has a short beard, and black hair in a ponytail. Wearing the long, trademark coat of a hobo. He closes the toolbox he was putting the hammer away in, and waddles over to the two of you. "What is it Brent?"By this time Brent closed down the double-grates of his cart, and exited via the door. The whole setup looks weirdly sturdy to you. Then again the whole cart is a lot older and rusty too, than the nice clean food cards you were used to at the yearly carnival"Check this kid out, he's got nowhere to go.""Okay?""Don't you 'okay' to me, the sun is almost down. Grab him, and take him in for the night.""Just one night.""What do I care if one or hundred, we just can't leave him out now." Ronnie looks like he would like to argue, but looking around thinks better of it. "Come on kid, bring your toad and let's go." You two get going while Brent locks the cart's door behind him, and disappears in another street. The place Ronnie and you go into is the small boarded-up section they worked on. It was likely a tiny, two-room shop at some point, but was picked bare long ago. You find four other people in there. The air stinks of unwashed bodies and stale food. One of them is glued to the inside of the boarded-up window. While the rest are in the inner room. Some splayed out in different positions on the floor."Not really air-tight. We 'd better not make any lights." the one examining the window says>A) Find a corner for yourself>B) On second thoughts, maybe there is another place you could find>C) Look for some insects for the toad>D) Write-in
>>6350236>Write-in "Hey, uh, maybe a dumb question but why are we boarding up windows and keeping the lights out? And is it safe for me to sleep in that back corner of the room?"
>>6350299"Hey, uh, maybe a dumb question but why are we boarding up windows and keeping the lights out? And is it safe for me to sleep in that back corner of the room?" The two look at each other in confusion before Ronnie speaks up."So the ghouls don't get us?" he shares a look with his compatriot "I know it is not ideal, but as long as they hear no sound, and see no lights, we'll be fine. We have done this before a few times. You'll be fine as long as you don't like, yell in your sleep or something. You're not a yeller, right? Otherwise you should sleep during the day instead."You have never really heard of ghouls before. You've been taught that there are things outside beyond the town, but never seen anything bad. People could walk at night, just not many had any reason to. Things are apparently different here. Once the exchange is over, Ronnie and the other one, - called Martin - push a desk to the door just to be sure."Ah shit the toad, we need to find it a box or something.""You can just leave it out. Ghouls don't go for cold-blooded creatures.""You sure?" Martin raises an eyebrow."Yeah I saw them cross a cat once, didn't even give it a second look." Ronnie confirms."You moron, cats are not cold blooded.">A) Let the toad out for the night>B) Find a box to contain your toad>C) It will be fine, he is a good toad>D) Write-in
>>6350352>Let the toad out for the nightPat him on the head and tell him to stay close, stay quiet, and stay hidden. I hope we find him in the morning, but even with a box I am afraid of him croaking and endangering the others.
Going to bed. Will be up again in 12 hours.
>>6350352>A) Let the toad out for the night
>>6350359>>6350462"I'll put him out." you say, and after a little shuffling you are given access to the exit. You pat the toad on its head with one finger. "You stay safe, I'll be back tomorrow." you give it a wink, and it gives you a wink with both dark eyes. Or maybe it was just a blink.The nightlife of the nearby wetlands has already started to fill the air. Crickets, some other toads, and thousands of bugs make their song as the last rays of the sun are touching the horizon. You no longer hear it though once you are back inside, assuming some talking should be fine, especially with the other room between you.You join the others. Some are already deeply snoozing, used to this sort of accommodation, or the whole situation. Maybe they just never got up. Aside from the smell, it is dry and warm. Only the faint rays of the streetlight penetrate though the boards."So what is your story?" Ronnie asks you"Me?" you ask "I've got exiled from home. One day I'll return though, and right what is wrong.""Return huh?" he leans back, looking at the ceiling "Man, I've been on the road for so long, I've got no place to return to. Take it from me, if you have no home, have a dream to keep you warm.""Why don't you have anywhere to return home?""Eh, Sobekians raided my home like... gods, so many years ago. Chopping people left and right, capturing people. Barely got with my hide out intact. Been on the move since.""That sucks" Martin says "I have got into a tough spot between the Iron Marshall and some gang. They tried to stash some drugs on me, and the Marshalls used the opportunity to bust a lot of them. My excuses weren't flying so I had to split."You have never heard of either of these groups.>A) Ask if they know anyone good at fighting>B) Ask about the two groups>C) Ask about the place where you're at.>D) Write-in
>>6350532>Ask about the place where you're at.
>>6350532>C) Ask about the place where you're at.
>>6350532>Ask about the two groups
Sorry lads, holiday season. Back and writing.
>>6350562>>6350820>>6350835Apparently both Ronnie and Martin are dispossessed, so they don't find it weird that they have to fill you in on what's what around here. From their words, you figure that this is one of the outer sections of the great urban area that lies further on. There are places where the infrastructure gets better, but different factions also get more serious about who can walk their streets. There are also struggles for more for the territory, and have more iron control. People living here rather trade that for scrutiny for nightly raids from inhuman creatures.You also noticed that they call different more livable sections "towns", but from your understanding, those are just better maintained neighborhoods. There is also a large, mostly intact urban center somewhere called the "Capital" but you almost have to be born there.The water of the wetlands seeps into it every season from the nearby river. Apparently flooding is a problem that many sections of the city experience. High grounds are also somewhat more contested."At least there are no tributes to pay." Martin says and there are nods of agreement around. Everyone goes quiet when screams can be heard from outside. Inhuman gurgles, screeches, and as well one unmistakably human shouting."Shit. I think they got someone."Some of the sleeping people turn to their other side, continue their sleep. Those who are awake share worried looks and stay quiet. You notice a suspicious air duct on the wall, maybe it can lead outside.> A) Better try to sleep. Not much you can do> B) See if the chute leads you out of the building> C) Crawl closer to the boarded up windows and see what it is.> D) Write-in
>>6353847>C) Crawl closer to the boarded up windows and see what it is.
Writing.
>>6353887>>6354112"Psst, where are you going?!" Martin hisses at you in a very subdued manner."I gotta see what's going on." you reply, carefully moving beneath the level of the window, while the sounds do not cease. Getting close, you peek over the windowsill in a hole that's missing from one of the boards.Beneath the light of the streetlamps you see them. They can be mistaken for bald, pale humans if one looks at them from a distance, seeing only their head and shoulders. From this close you can see the long hunched, almost crouched stance, and their disproportionately long fingers with clawed tips.There are four of them circling around a person, 20 yards away. Making a cacophony of gurgling sounds as they snap their sharp teeth at the man, who has his back against the light, making him hard to see.One of the pale figures gets too close in their feral intimidation, and the man springs forth with a yell. For an instant, you can see a flash of silver between his fingers, but they are too far apart to hold any weapon. It's over the moment you see it, and the monster falls on the ground, head split. Now that your eyes are drawn to it, you see three more of them lying around with similar wounds.You don't have much time to look at, as the man changed his position and now you can see him fully. He is wearing long brown robes, and a lighter sash, but his clothing is not really in focus, as his most striking feature is his face.He has the smooth, polished head of an ant. The dance continues. The ant headed man maneuvers, not to show his back to the encircling predators, and the ghouls keep searching for an approach. The group gets farther and farther, disappearing behind the corner in a few minutes.Next day Ronnie gets to work at removing the nails, while others fan out to find a better place.> A) Look for a job> B) Try to follow the trail of the ant-headed man> C) Scout out the city at daylight> D) Write-in
>>6355084>A) Look for a job
