>Wake UpToday is the big day.Your name is Polka Gay, and as of late, you've been stuck writing LOSER stories for your HIT magazine, D.A. Voyeur. It wasn't always like this though....In your heyday, you were a legend. Things like uncovering the Bog-Hogger of West-Creek and investigating the nefarious local STRING QUARTET put. you. on. the. map.Hell, you even dismantled a polycule or two. If there was ever a mystery within the 30 mile radius of this shitty college town you call home, then you've gotten to the bottom of it.However, times change. Interesting cases dry up quick, and people move on & graduate. A good journalist knowns to never give up, but a great one knows you HAVE to keep things fresh. That's why this- THIS is your big break.>You look over to the ticket sitting on your desk. - Springfield Museum is proud to present: The Anomie Manuscript - This manuscript, famous in numerous occult circles, has never been made public. EVER! Myths abound regarding its mystical properties have been theorized for centuries. Super powers, resurrecting the dead, even low cost transitioning could be made possible using the knowledge found within this LEGENDARY artifact. No one knows where it came from, but that doesn’t matter. It’s here, in your town, right now, and the opening is TODAY.Of everything you’ve seen in your time as an investigative journalist, you know this story will take the cake. You can just FEEL it. >Retrieve items - Museum Ticket - Fresh Journal - Lucky PenOpening your journal up to page one, you jot down:~Uncover the secrets of the Anomie Manuscript~(You used to not need to do this, but after the abduction you can't be too sure anymore).-Pause- With your journal and pen filling one pocket, your ticket safely tucked inside as a bookmark, you have an entire pocket worth of room for one last tool. What do you decide to bring with you on this harrowing new case?>Trusty Flashlight>Almost Empty Wallet>Giant Mystic Coin>Write-in
>>6401697>>Write-in>Replica Indiana Jones Whip
>>6401697>Trusty FlashlightThis light got us through alot, it'd be a shame to pass it up.
>>6401702>Giant Mystic Coin
>>6401697>Trusty flashlightI'd like to be able to see, please
>>6401724>>6401702Writing.
>You grab your trusty flashlight.A light ~flick~ to the switch causes the 10,000 lumen beast to surge to life. Light errupts from its bulb, a burning smell soon filling your room. Yeah, this babys still got it.You aren't sure when you last changed its batteries, but you also don't remember it ever running out in the past. Even if it does somehow run out, it still makes for one hell of an improvised weapon.>Equip FlashlightPocketing the trusty tool into your open slot, you make your way downstairs. All is well until the sound of the telivison causes you to groan. You were so caught up on the thrill of investigation ahead, you completely forgot the most vital part. Actually getting there.Normally, you would just walk, but you don't really want to today. It's about an hour trip on foot and it's pretty hot given the summer heat.Normally, you would just steal your sisters car. But how can you do that if she is present in the house at this very moment.Smart, powerful, and perpetually single, your sister Enola is one of the top professors within her department at the university. What's more, she's just as deadly as her namesake implies. If she caught you trying to steal her ride, she'll kill you. You can’t think of a single time you’ve dealt with her and walked away totally victorious. The only odd thing about her is the fact her PHD is focused on something useless like DIRT.You are now standing in the living room. The evil thing in front of you stares up from her recliner. You notice the unopened beer in her hand. One wrong move and she'll chug it. She looks up at you."What's up Polka?" - She says with a soft smile, obiously feigning any sort of interest in your response. You'll have to tread very carefully if you want a ride.Thinking fast, you pick the best course of action:>Ask politely for a ride>Mansplain and Manipulate>Figure out where she keeps her keys>Fight her>Write in
>>6401797>"Hey I think that's the last brew, mind tossing me your keys? I plan to get some more"
>>6401797>>6401806+1 to this
>>6401806This is pretty smart but knowing siblings it might not work. Still willing to throw a +1 on it though
>>6401806>>6401818>>6401821>"Hey I think that's the last brew, mind tossing me your keys? I plan to get some more"Writing.
"Sissssster..." You say, snapping with both of your hands as you gesture towards her, "Ya know, I think that was the last of the brew. Mind tossing me ya keys so I can grab some more? Hate for a lack of beer to get between you and ya time off." Anola's eyes narrow, her smile shifting into a more neutral position all while one eyebrow begins to raise. She opens her lips, only pause just a moment before returning to her smile and saying."You know Polka, that would sound really convincing if it weren't coming from the broke 25 year old I call my brother. One who lives off his sister's dime I might add...">Yikers, uhhhh... You can't really argue against that logic. Fuuuuck...She continues."I know we only have the one car but you don't even have your license yet. If you want to go somewhere you can jus-""No!" You cut her off, throwing your hands to the air for a breif moment, "I just really wanted to make your day today. I know you've been really stressed about this new project at the dir-""Geology""At the GEOLOGY lab, and I figured grabbing you more beer while you unwind would help ease your mind."- Live by the bit, die by the bit -You think to yourself, as your sister seems to consider something in silence. You lie a lot in this line of work, at least in order to get the TRUTH. You'd never LIE about the TRUTH. After much internal contemplation, Enola let's out one final sigh. She cracks open her beer, taking a long swig of it before pulling out her wallet. In silence, she plucks a crisp 50 DOLLAR BILL from its confines, flicking it your way. You catch the bill with deft hands, before looking back at her confused. "What? It's for the beer." She says, giving you a awkward chuckle. "There is a corner store down the road. A cheap 30 pack is twenty bucks, you can keep the change and use it for whatever. Just make sure you get the kind I like."Retrieving your journal from your pocket, you jot down:-Buy Enola her cheap beer on the way home- Now we're talking. Not only have we recieved funds directly from the enemy, but your superiority let you come out on top. We'll still have to buy beer on the way back, but so long as we ration it, we should have enough after the bus fair. You slide the bill into your journal before heading out the door. (1/2)Hate to cut it so early, but I realize I have work in 6 hours and need sleep. Second half with the choices should be up tomorrow.Probably planning on doing 2-3 per day
>You arrive to the museum post hasteThe bus driver was a little annoyed with you after you handed him a CRISP $50 for the fare. More so after asking for change in all $1. Now 48 bookmarks richer, his opinion means nothing to you. Or is it 49? The Schrodinger's bookmark needs not be addressed as the difference between a $50 and a $1 is that of a castle to a pawn. >You shake your headTangents need not apply. You have your (2) missions and adding more points of investigation will just confuse you further. Examining your new surroundings, you are shocked and appalled. What the fuck, no one is even here? This is one of the most important days in history and guestamating, there are only like 6 people max. Sure, there are more if you count the little green men, but you hate those guys. What the hell??? You’d try and feign ignorance, but you can't even do that with the doors agape. Not a person in sight.>You make your way insideMaking your way inside is simple enough. The building's stony facade WOULD provide absoulute fortification against harsh weather and the odd stray cannonball, but with the doors wide open, nothing stops you from coming in. Footsteps echo. They start when you walk and stopping when you stop. Where are the kids? All the attractive liberal art majors? You can’t be the only one here, can you? It IS summer break but this is ridiculous. And this is the GRAND fucking OPENING of their new exhibit.The lack of security you understand. Buget cuts sucks, but it's not like the Guards ever caught anyone. They tried their best, but man… all that remains now is a lone receptionist.>You approach her deskClearly she wants something from you given her annoyed look. You keep some distance however. This woman, in her early 20's, seems to be sick. She seemed normal at first, but now she's clearing her throat every time you take a few steps. You imediately stop when she does this, before resuming your walk. Some people just have no class. "Welcome." A monotone voice greets you. You notice as eye's narrow underneath a thick pair of spectacles. "You… I recognize you…. Now where-?” She hurries to look amongst the papers at the desk, as if a mad lawyer searching for decisive evidence.Choosing to ignore her, you look up, making eye contact with a handsome young man pictured behind the counter. - Warning, These individuals are BARRED from entry under any circumstances - It reads.Heh... That's funny, I wonder what this is for. Bangs covering the right side of this young man's face. His jaw line and nose, emmaculate. Polka Gay... Huh...Polka must be quite the popular name. Paper's shuffle, giving you a moment to respond. What do you do?> Retrieve your Ticket> Lie> Sneak> Attack> Write-in
>>6402165>Brush our bangs behind our ear, stick the pen on our ear to keep the bangs from coming back down, reporter style. Is she asks, our name is Austin Shay.
>>6402165>>6402169+1. This works
>>6402169>>6402179Locked and writing
>Brush our bangs behind our ear, stick the pen on our ear to keep the bangs from coming back down, reporter style. If she asks, our name is Austin Shay.Dude... Fuck yeah. You bring your hand up to your left eye and with the fineness of an Adonis, you slide it under and up. Your smooth, silky hair shifts from its usual postion and with a twirl, you pluck your pen from the journal and slide it behind your ear. It does feel like the clip got caught in something, but no matter, you look GOOD right now.In fact, you begin to admire yourself in the reflection of the receptionist's spectacles. Men used to go to war over looks like these. Ever read the Odyssey?>You take one final lookYou have SO got it on. All the while, the Receptionist looks on at you, a fearful look in her eyes. She must be a new hire given how you don't recognize her, and your best guess is she's a holdover student not getting paid for this shit. >Retrieve your ticketPlucking your O.G. bookmark from the front of your journal and shifting your furthest forward to replace it. You present your ticket to the woman."Admission for one." Says Austin Shay, famed style reporter for hit magazine A.D. Watcher. "Here to see the brand new exhibit, don't you know?“I see… Uhm, regarding - “ The woman begins to speak up as she takes your ticket, but with a raise of your hand, you cut her off.“No, we're good. Oh, and I know my way around this place Honey, so don't even bother. BUT, I guess you need my name for the log book, right?" You slide one of her papers to face you before taking her own pen. In large text, you leave a signiture."The name’s Austin. Austin Shay." You lean in close. "That's Austin like the J and Shay like Hay. O.K.?""Uh....""Oh yes, a tip.” You slide one of your $1s across the table. “Don't spend it all in one place~”*Wink* Leaving another woman speechless yet again, Austin Shay heads towards the new exhibit hall.(1/?)Another partial update to close the night. The rest of it along with the choices going up tomorrow. The writing IS done, it's the sketching that's slowing me down and the next few will have quite a bit.Next one is where things start kicking off so be prepared for some bullshit.
A calamity can be defined in two ways: - A disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering. - A state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss. “Calamity.” Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, 22 Apr. 2008. Gazing unto the new exhibit hall, no utterance of sound can be heard. No shuffling of excited feet eager to learn, no baited breaths held in for dramatic effect. Not one shadow creeps among the flickering lights. The room is empty, the red carpeted path now left for one. It leads you deeper inside. Tapestries hang on walls freshly painted. A display of countless images can be seen. Images showing men and women all bearing expressions of agony and change. It's as if some madness has overtaken them. Metamorphosis followed by Apothiosis, the titles read, in turn followed by Sanguine, Moist Dreams, and Bernard. All images illustrated by the same mysterious name, and within the center of the hall lies a display case. Velvet rope forms a grand perimeter around it, an elevated platform raises for all present to see. Papers can be seen laying atop it from a distance, and the plaque underneath reads out. Magistar Rendgully’s Magnum Opus - The Anomie Manuscript>PROCEDE Your legs move on their own. A stumble into a sprint. You can see it now. On that beautiful marble platform lies a velvet pillow and on that velvet pillow is a sign. A simple paper plaque, folded once to prop up the weight of its words. “We regret to inform you that the Anomie Manuscript is currently missing from our collection, if you have any information regarding this or see anyone suspicious, please call ~~~-~~~-~~~~”This. Is a Calamity. >You fall to your knees and weep. This- This can’t be. Don’t they have security for this?? You’ve waited your entire life for a story as good as this and you were ROBBED. You start to feel nauseous as the room begins to spin. Twisting effigies and ill mannered thoughts parade around you in this carousel of negativity. Lights flicker and images cackle, before all goes dark as you plunge into the abyss. What a second... Wha- What was that... The room might have plunged into darkness, but you can tell you aren’t alone. Heavy breathing can now be heard...(2/4)
>10,000 LUMEN FLASHLIGHT, GO!The blinding light is soon followed by a loud shriek. “GYAAAAAAA!!!”
GUH???? A MUMMMY????Aww hell no, you weren't prepared for this. The shock of it all causes you to drop your light, the room returning to darkness once again. Heavy footsteps beat against the floor like a wardrum and you feel yourself shoved to the cold floor. Salvation crackles as the lights flicker on, but the monster has disapeared.NO! You do not have time to wait. Your hand shoots to your journal, whipping it open with a force that sends all 47 of the bookmarks flying into the air. With mind to pen and pen to paper, fresh notes violate the once virgin page as ink gushes forth.-Evil She Mummy-No, too presumptuous-Evil She? Mummy-That's better, you think, squishing a question mark between your already condensed handwriting. It’s peposerous to believe in the existence of female Egyptians, especially in this bum fuck nowhere town, but weirder things have occured. Plus, with the miracles of modern medicine, anyone can become anything. No, no, no! This isn’t the time for diatribes Polka. FUCK, I mean Austin. Man, your head hurts really bad now. Looking back towards the mummy for a- What?It's gone!What the fuck?You look back to your journal.Your bookmarks, they're all gone too!Fuuuuuuck. Dude how the hell are you supposed to keep track of your pages now. And you still have to buy your sister her beer. First the missing manuscript, now this. This day keeps getting worse and worse. Your gaze returns to your journal. Turning to the first page, you update your objectives- Find the missing Anomie Manuscript - - Mummy? - A single drop of sweat rolls down your cheek. Things are starting to get really heated up now.You take a deep breath in and think about how to proceed.>The Mummy has to have something to do with all of this, why else would one be in a museum>Forget the she/her, investigate the missing manuscript>Bang your head with your hand over your abject failure of an investigation so far>Write in
>>6402561>Forget the she/her, investigate the missing manuscriptNah dog I ain't about to catch a curse
>>6402561>CURSE OF RA! Beam it in the eyes with the light and club the fucking thing
>>6402561>Forget the she/her, investigate the missing manuscript
>>6402562>>6402607>Forget the she/her, investigate the missing manuscriptLocking it here and will resume tomorrow.
>>6402642Heads up, update will be pushed to tomorrow.Car troubles resulted in me losing most of my time today.
>>6403017>just found this quest>QM diedFjust like the mummy...
Welp. At the least we won't be killed by our sister for not buying her beer, I guess.
