ANTON PEAS: that’s your name… don’t wear it out! Feels like it’s been ages since a botched summoning ritual brought you to ZORAL: a fantasy world shrouded in perpetual darkness… but you’ve really only been here for a few days–and BOY have you been busy!Your memories? Foggy! A way home? Uncertain! People trying to kill you? Very Yes! To say this new world is treacherous would be an understatement, to say the least, and to make matters worse, an archdevil who calls himself ’RED’ is your best chance at remembering who you were! His price? Slaying THE FOUR LORDS: a kooky quartet of tyrants and beasts who jealously rule their slice of Zoral with an iron fist… or claw… or whatever they have! Having just put an end to the overdue reign of ARCHMAGE TRIER in the never-sleeping city of UMBERAL, your aggressive altruism freed none other than KNODD, Earthmother and god of the land!Juiced up on divine powers and named the first ’CHAMPION OF THE GODS’, your new status attracted the notice of several high-rung folks, chief among them THE STAR-CLOAKS: a clandestine cadre of mages devoted to maintaining order in Zoral, no matter the cost! Weirder still was when you met their Guildmaster: VOLKIR! Volka’s adoptive father and curmudgeon par excellence, the old coot didn’t waste much time in tossing a new crisis your way: per what you heard from Trier, there’s a SIEGE headed to CROSSROADS! Who’s planning it and why? The details are foggy, but who better than you is there to help save the day?Having just acquired several Emergency Supply caches for the city from a pair of Spice Cartel Holdouts, you turn your heroic attention towards your next task: investigating a group of HEDGE MAGES holed up in one of Crossroads’ many parks… and maybe even recruiting them to your side! With the trade hub bursting at the seams from civil unrest and outside influence, you can use all the help you can get your mitts on… something tells you this ain’t gonna be easy!Making your way across a rapidly-deteriorating city, THIS is where your story continues…NEW DIVINITY-POWERED THREAD THEME!https://youtu.be/p4Z96WwZrL0
>>6405694Bar the gates and hunker down with the rest of the lads… it’s DARK QUEST! Take a peek at the links and rules below while you’re at it–you’ll be glad ya’ did!>Archive link to catch up with the last thread:https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Quest>Pastebin for INVENTORY, SKILLS, and MORE:https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA>Character and Other Info compiled by everyone’s favorite Spinner…https://pastebin.com/YKhP6xCtRolls 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!!! 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
>>6405696“About time.”Speak of the devil and he shall appear, you reply with a wry grin and an odd and extra-angry glance from Rezalith next to you.The three-eyed construct doesn’t even have to turn around to address you as you enter the store–a series of chimes announcing your arrival like a pixie garage band. “Toppel and I are downstairs entertaining our… guest.” Oti continues as his autonomous assistant finally faces you. “Hurry down and we’ll cut to the main course.”Sure, you shrug, face puckering at the acrid smell of gunpowder blanketing the store, but… why HERE exactly? You had to hoof it halfway across CROSSROADS! And people are getting looty!“Don’t act like I didn’t carry you most of the way…” Snarls Rezalith, the fiend’s wings flapping angrily as she sends you a sidelong and very snippy glance!You didn’t know a magical construct could frown, but ya’ learn something new every day! “Surely you recall this is where my TOWER is located?” Asks the Chytree’s disembodied and perpetually-peeved voice as you firmly, but politely snatch a particularly-large piece of ordnance out of Rezalith’s eager claws, “The defenses are primed. No one will be able to scry us or our new tenant, and if they do, well… they’ll wish they didn’t.”The automaton pauses.“... And it’s a FIREWORKS SHOP. Who buys fireworks at a time like this?”… What if someone wanted to use them to blow something up? People are getting a little antsy outside, what with the martial law and-A faint metallic rumble wriggles free of the robot. A laugh?“The shop’s closed–I unlocked the door when I sensed your approach, but unless someone else shows up in the nex-”A door’s-worth of perfect timing slams into your back and sends you stumbling, heralding the arrival of an EXEPTIONALLY surly-looking Skog! With you too busy peeling yourself off the floor and Rezzie too busy snickering at your misfortune, it falls upon Oti’s magically-animated merchant to take charge of the situation!“We’re closed. Go away.”Expertly-handled. Yep, that oughta’ do it.“Now hold on a coupla twoertree seconds!” Growls the giant as he stoops under the doorframe with a stony look in his eye, “I’s been tryin’ ta’ frequent dis’ here fireworksery fer’ weeks now, see?!”“And why, pray tell, can’t our automated associates assist you… sir?” Oti answers in a tone that usually precedes a particularly murderous spell.“It’s a special order I’ve got, see?” Explains the Skog as he steps over your still-collapsed carcass! “An’ they kept tellin’ me ta’ speak ta’ the manager about it! So where’s the manager, ey?”An uncomfortable silence settles over the shop as you stumble to your feet. “He’s… a bit tied up,” Groans Oti through his construct, “But-”>CONTD.
>>6405703“Oi. You.” The Skog snarls, jabbing a claw into your recently-risen chest that is TOTALLY gonna leave a bruise, you just know it, “Youse’s the manager, ain’tcha? Well MANAGE!”You answer his request with a befuddled blink followed by a placating grin. And, uh, what makes him assume you’re the manager of this fine establi-“Yer’ the only one in ‘ere, ain’t ya? ‘Side fer’ your security wench, that is!” He rumbles as his eye flits over to a confused Rezalith! Bad move, you think with a sinister smile! She’s not gonna let him talk about her li-“I want my name to be BEATRY.”Goddamn it. Look, you groan, you’re no-“Anton,” Oti’s construct crackles, “I’ve too many potions on the boil right now. Handle this swiftly. Or I will.”Why are YOU always handling everyone else’s problems? When’s someone gonna handle YOUR problems, huh? You were fine with helping Tzah-Tzie scratch that itch between her ears before she ran off to help with the RECRUITMENT DRIVE! You politely listened to Volka’s joke through the COMMS DOOHICKY! AND Morook’s attempt at one! You even acquiesced when Rezalith ordered you to give her a compliment–any why wouldn’t you? She was carrying you, like, a million feet above the city!This uh, ‘customer’ doesn’t seem too riled up, but you dunno how much that’ll change if you screw things up here! Taking a steadying breath, you decide to…>Double-down! We’re closed! Come back later please!>Indulge! What exactly does he need?>Probe! Can’t he come back later? What’s the rush?>Delegate! Rezzo, deal with this guy!>Deflect! You’re not the manager, dude, and the guy who is is a powerful and really impatient wizard!>Stay Silent! He’ll Think You Disappeared!>BIISII’S BAG!>Write-In!
>>6405705>Deflect! You’re not the manager, dude, and the guy who is is a powerful and really impatient wizard!
>>6405705>Deflect! You’re not the manager, dude, and the guy who is is a powerful and really impatient wizard!Missed you, bub, and glad to be back in Zoral!
>>6405706>>6405823>>6405825>DEFLECT! Writing! Expect it to take a little time though--my idiot brain decided to start this shit when I'm busy. Leopard can't change its spots I guess!>>6405825Thanks, big dog--missed you jerks too. And writing.
You’re not exaggerating when you say you don’t have time for this. The siege of Crossroads approaches, probably–hard to say considering how dark this damn place is–and you’re no expert, but you’re pretty sure whoever’s coming isn’t going to give anyone advance notice!Look, you begin with a contrite smile and a sigh, you’re… you’re not the manager here–Hell, you don’t even work at this joint. The Skog’s face scrunches up in confusion.“Then why the HELLS-”You have to meet with the guy in charge, you continue in the most measured tone you can muster, who just so happens to be a really powerful and EXTREMELY impatient wizard… and Crossroads itself hangs in the balance, so-The tusked terror’s sour expression softens somewhat. “... Oh. You ain’t jokin’, are ya…?”Fraid not, you shrug, you don’t wanna alarm him or anything, but there’s actually a siege on the horizon an-“A SIEGE?” Sputters the Skog as his eyes bulge in shock, “Hells, and here I am tryin’ ta’ grab some fireworks for my boy’s birthday! Tapping tottas… B-but a siege? Ya’ sure?”You can’t help but blink at the sudden reveal. Y-yea, you nod, did… does he not notice how tense it is outside? You must’ve passed, like, six lootings on the way here!“Woulda’ been seven if you didn’t wuss out on me…” Rezzie grunts as she idly juggles some explosives.She’s damn right you did!The customer’s face scrunches up with very Volka-esque contemplation.“... I DID hear a few soothsayers shouting about the end times and the red comet, yea…” He murmurs, stroking his tusk in thought. “But I reckoned that was just from Guild Chair Fellick dyin’! Ya’ hear about how they still haven’t got a suspect? Scary!”Yea, it’s, uh… it’s really been at the forefront of your mind, you reply with a half-assed nod. Your answer isn’t wholly-sarcastic–your recon mission to the Bell Tower with Tzah-Tzie a few days ago left you with more questions than answers: sure, you managed to fight off that one BURROWER CULT summoner Jhairo and snag their hand in the process, but from what you gathered from the scene and your subsequent cult infiltration, the Burrowers didn’t seem to be the ones behind the death of Crossroads’ de facto ‘ruler’...Fat load of good the ensuing lockdown did. Granted, you had to leave town through secret smuggling tunnels, but you don’t need to see to tell the town’s losing its cool–and a siege is only gonna add more fuel to the fire!So uh, you cough, would it be okay if he came back another time, or-“Wha? Of course, of course!” Answers the Skog with an embarrassed laugh! “Hells, if we’ve got a siege on the way then it can wait! Stay safe, lil’ buddy!”Errr, y-yea, you too, you mutter as the Skog departs with an amicable wave! B-big buddy…>CONTD.
>>6406031“Tch. Poor performance indeed!” Rezzie grumbles as a blanket of fresh silence falls over the shop. Is that right, you remark as you make your way towards the entrance to Oti’s Tower, and what, pray tell, would SHE have done differently, hmm?“5% Discount on his next purchase for being such a trooper.” She replies with a glimmer in her eye! “Rewards loyalty and encourages word-of-mouth advertising that’ll appeal to the wary consumer. Anyone can buy a firecracker these days, but finding a store that cares about its customers? THAT’S money in the bank.”… Yea alright, let’s just go already.“AnTURNIP doesn’t even know about Retention 101… SAD!”SSHHH!!!“That was quicker than I anticipated.”Yea, you scoff as Oti’s bright green eyes await you at the bottom of a long, spiraling ramp, no thanks to him! What’s he thinking, foisting a customer on you like that? The Chytree shrugs.“You’re better with people.”… Okay, granted, but-An exultant cackle echoes across the antechamber as a pair of orange eyes dart around a corner and rush over to the Tower’s master!“HaHAAA! Took some time, but that mischievous little mage is ready to siiiing~”“Perfect timing–our interrogator is here.”Following Oti’s gaze over to yours, the mirth in Toppel’s delighted Durher face dissipates like sugar in a rainstorm!“... Ah.” She remarks as your presence settles in, “... I should… probably put something on… huh.”Oti’s stare only intensifies. “I haven’t a clue why you didn’t sooner, but I know better than to ask.” The sorceress’ expression sharpens.“Y-you know I work best this way! And I never heard you complaini-”Fun as this conversation is, you interject with a pointed sigh, this mage they caught–what’s the story?“What indeed…” Toppel huffs as a snap of her fingers swaddles her unseen form in fresh magic, “We found them skulking about BRAITHWIID PARK a few hours ago. Mox girl. Kinda jittery.”You blink. So they just… kidnapped some random lady from the park?“Would it KILL you to give me some credit?” The sorceress groans as her eyes dance over to Rezzie for encouragement! She gets none.“... The girl reeks of magic–you’ll smell it too.” Toppel continues with a halfhearted sigh. “Nothing in her pockets save for a few bells and some Scraperoot. Here’s the important part, however: she was CLOAKED. Tried her damndest to hide every and any magical signature… but look where it got her!” She concludes with a triumphant laugh!Who’s watching her now?“Obber,” The girl shrugs, “But don’t worry–he knows better than to play with the goods.”“Her magical abilities should be fettered for a time…” Adds Oti as he leads you closer to where they’re keeping her, “I trust the potion worked?”>CONTD.
>>6406032“Course it did!” Toppel answers with a twirl! “She’s rattled, but she’ll talk–I’d bet my name on it!”Part of you wants to bring up how you just ran into Toppel’s brother at Torfeo’s place, but you decide otherwise when Oti half-leads, half-ushers you down the hall, leaving Rezalith to fend for herself against her ‘biggest fan’.“The prisoner should be malleable,” He begins in the usual stern, vaguely-condescending tone, “But ask your questions slowly and clearly.”Anything in particular you should fish for? The Chytree nods.“We need to know who else is with her and what they intend.” He answers, drifting at your side like a loyal party balloon. “With luck they’ll merely wish to be left alone.”… And… without luck?“They’re up to something.” Oti answers as his eyes burn into yours. “... Do you feel lucky today?”You don’t bother answering. Turning the corner places you in a room ripe with the smell of ozone, alcohol (of the medical variety), and several more medicine-like fragrances your nose has trouble placing. In the center of it all sits a Mox–the girl’s half-lidded gaze and dopey grin hiding any sense of fear or worry!“We’ll be outside.” Oti hisses as you feel his presence depart from your side, “Call if you need us!”Making your way inside, you hear a few familiar claw-clicks against the stony floor. Obber, you begin, any ideas on where to start?“Click.”Good call. Where do you begin with this one?>Introductions! You’re Anton! Who is she?>To the point: What is she doing in the park?>Associates: Who are her friends?>Demographics: Where is she from, exactly?>Current Events: She knows there’s a siege coming, right?>Comforts: Does she need anything?>Profession: She’s a mage, right? Shouldn’t she be at Trimbault Academy or something?>W-wait a sec! Toppel! Oti! You've got a question!!!! P-PLEAAAAASSEEE!!!>Write-In!
>>6406033>Introductions! You’re Anton! Who is she?
>>6406033>Introductions! You’re Anton! Who is she?>Demographics: Where is she from, exactly?Let's get to know each other, shall we?
>>6406033>Introductions! You’re Anton! Who is she?>To the point: What is she doing in the park?
>>6406036>>6406043>>6406044THE TALLY:>INTRODUCTIONS: 3>WHERE FROM: 1>WHAT YOU DOIN: 1Screw it, I'll toss 'em all in! Writing!
Hey, you might’ve indirectly been involved in kidnapping her, but that doesn’t mean you have to be mean about it! Clearing your throat to get the captive caster’s attention, you give the Mox that winning Anton Smile of yours as you introduce yourself!ANTON PEAS: that’s your name… don’t wear it out! Feels like it’s been ages since a botched summoning ritual brought you to ZORAL: a fantasy world shrouded in perpetua-Err, s-sorry, you cough as the Mox watches in muted confusion, force of habit! Anyways, you’re Anton! Who is she? Still gobsmacked by what you can only assume is a far cry from whatever Toppel and Obber were putting her through, the Mox stammers out a quiet response:“O-O-Oodeel…” She squeaks, Toppel’s potion clearly not doing as much for her nerves as the sorceress suggested, “C-can you let me out, please?”All in due time, you reply with a laugh! But look, Oodie–can you call her Oodie?If Oodie has any complaints, she doesn’t voice them.… Super. So Oodie, you uh… where is she from, anyways? The Mox stirs with discomfort etched into her expression.“... Wh-why?”You’re just curious, you answer as you approach with a nonchalant shrug! You, uh… you heard she was hanging out in the park and-“BIRSTAADT…” She interrupts–eyes widening as she realizes she talked over you! “E-errr, I… I’m from Birstaadt… th-the briarberry town…”Wow, you answer as a low whistle leaves your lips, quite a jaunt, that!“... It’s… a Hamlet… right outside Crossroads…”Ah. Well. Clearing your throat again, you make the rare decision NOT to embarrass yourself any further! Here’s the thing, you begin in a placating tone, you heard through the grapevine that she and some other people are, well… loitering in the park.You pause as the girl starts to tremble.M-maybe even lurking? Perhaps? What’s that all about? The girl turns away from your question as panic wells up in her face!“... N-nothing really…”Huh. Well, you tried… Clapping your hands together with a sigh, you move to leave the room–or you try to at least! Before you can get very far, you feel a beak dig into your robe and tug it back towards your interviewee! Obber, you hiss, what’s the deal!? She said they weren’t-That’s when it hits you. What if… what if she isn’t telling you the whole truth!? Scratching your somewhat-hairy chin in thought, you abandon your abandoning and turn your attention back towards your mark!There’s no way that’s the truth–not unless this is just some random Mox, that is! You’ll admit you wouldn’t put it past Oti and Toppel to kidnap a random woman off the street–you literally met the former in the middle of a kidnapping and the latter, well…Toppel’s never really struck you as a girl flush with morals…>CONTD.
>>6406183Steadying yourself with another breath, you begin to conjure up an idea–you know she’s not telling the truth now, of course, but how do you get it outta her?>Cooperate: Tell her you’re trying to save the city! You’re a hero and you need her help!>Bargain: If she tells you you’ll let her go! And her pals, maybe!>Befriend: Hey, want something to eat?>Intimidate: She wouldn’t like to make you angry…>Stay Silent! She’ll think you’re super angry!>Good Cop/Bad Cop: Bring Toppel or Oti in! That’ll get ‘em on your side!>Your ole’ pal RED has some ideas…>Obber: You’re not sure what he’ll do, but maybe he can help?>Plead: C’mon you really really need this>Authority: Hint at who she’s dealing with! It’d be a REALLY bad idea to not cooperate…!>Write-In!
>>6406185>Cooperate: Tell her you’re trying to save the city! You’re a hero and you need her help!We're the GOOD GUYS. We love being GOOD>Befriend: Hey, want something to eat?And that means you're our FRIEND NOW :^)
>>6406185>Cooperate: Tell her you’re trying to save the city! You’re a hero and you need her help!That's exactly right! >Obber: You’re not sure what he’ll do, but maybe he can help?I'm not sure what he would do at all... And I'm not afraid to find out!!!
>>6406185>>Cooperate: Tell her you’re trying to save the city! You’re a hero and you need her help!
>>6406237>>6406275>>6406298THE TALLY:>COOPERATE: 3>BEFRIEND: 1>OBBER: 1Looks like COOPERATION wins the day--let's see how it pays off!>Roll me 1d100 (+3 All The World's a Stage, +2 Favorable Beginnings, +2 Potion'd, -4 These people kidnapped me, -3 Who is this person and what are they doing?) to convince her to open up to you! Best of 3!
Rolled 70 (1d100)>>6406383First roll of the thread, can't be THAT bad
Rolled 91 (1d100)>>6406383
Rolled 53 (1d100)>>6406383
>>6406385>>6406389>>6406391>HIGHEST ROLL: 91!!!You've foiled my plans this time, but I'll get you, my pretties... and your little CATTETHINGE TOO!After I write the update, that is. Writing.
You’ve never been a good judge of character, but this Hedge Mage trembling in front of you like a chihuahua in a blizzard? You don’t think they’re ‘Evil Ringleader’ material. A goon or lackey at worst–and at best? You’re not up to date on age ranges for Zoral’s races either, but she seems like a kid to you–one who is clearly in over her bulbous, scaly head! Look, you sigh as the girl’s big, trembling eyes burn into your skull, you don’t know what she and her pals are up to, but that isn’t important right now!“I-It’s… n-not?” She mutters, casting a wary glance your way!You have very good reason to believe that Crossroads is going to be under siege soon, you explain, but you and your friends? You’re here to save the day! The wary glance only becomes… warier.“R-really?”Yea, you nod, you’re working with the city–err, well, you’re more of an independent contractor really–and you just came back from acquiring a boatload of EMERGENCY SUPPLIES!“You…” She stammers as the suspicion starts to fade from her voice, “You did that?”Absolutely, but it’s kind of a long story so she can read the last thread if she wants the details! Check it out here!https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2026/6361939/Just like that the wariness returns. “... How do you do that? With your words? Was that another language, or-”“Click.” Obber interjects.He’s right–you really need to keep your beak to the grindstone! SO, you cough, in the interest of saving lives, what are her friends up to anyways?Like a stone being dislodged from its spot along a trail, the Mox’s panicked silence gives way to a defeated sigh!“We… we just want to use our magic for good, y’know?”Is… that not allowed? You’re not really up to date on magickal politics.“Click.”Wait, seriously?“Yes…” Oodeel mutters in assent, “It starts when you’re young–the moment you show signs of… well, talent, people start to show up: Templars. Wizards. City ‘Officials’ who don’t show your parents any identification… and it just gets worse the older you get…” She continues as her voice grows quieter with each syllable! “They say it’s different in Umberal, but only if you’re rich… and the West, well… Sk-Skogs don’t like magic…”So let me guess, you interrupt with a frown, she and her pals are, what, just free agents?“Aiido–h-he’s the leader of the pack–he was a pen pal of mine.” Oodeel answers as the specter of a smile slips onto her face. “He’s a mage too… One day he just… asked to meet. So I did.”Your frown deepens. He didn’t…“Hurt me? No, of course not!” She answers almost incredulously! “Turns out he… he was corresponding with a lot of people… l-like me…”Mages that weren’t too keen on being monitored, huh? The Mox nods.>CONTD.
>>6406401“None of us came from wealth or status, really.” She shrugs. “So Aiido, he… he suggested we just… work for ourselves. If we all team up, well-”They’d be a force to be reckoned with, huh? She shakes her head with a weak smile.“F-force? No, just… we’d look out for each other… a-and others, if they needed help…”A girl after Volka’s own heart, you think to yourself with a wry grin. Still, it’s hard to believe these folks could warrant such a stir from the city… guess you gotta dig deeper.So, you continue, what brings them to the park, then? Couldn’t they just… y’know, magick up a cabin or something?“Oh, we’re… we’re not LIVING in the park…” Oodeel explains as the tension slowly fades from her form, “We, well… w-we have a… a job…”Ah. And there it is. What job, exactly? The girl squirms a bit in her seat–probably some kind of dentist chair, knowing the kooks you hang out with.“Under the park, well… th–there’s supposed to be a… a vault…” She begins, still clearly unsure if she wants to tell you or not, “W-we were asked to open it…”You and Obber exchange a glance. Probably. Hard to tell when the guy’s all-beak–you really oughta get him and Toppel to go back to their original forms…… or not, actually. Obber looks a lot less creepy as a Maakar bloodsucker.Oodeel’s eyes nearly pop out as an invisible timer seems to go off in her head! “A-AH!!! A-And I REALLY need to get back to them! Th-they’ll be worried SICK about me a-and… and the job–w-we need to do it SOON or-!”You’d love to ask her more, but the poor thing’s practically gnawing at whatever’s restraining her to the chair… moreover, how much would she even know about the job anyways? Never hurts to ask, but she’s got a point–once her pals notice she’s gone missing, well…What do? (Choose 1 or more, but remember: you’re on a schedule!)>What’s in this vault?>Who hired them?>’Under the park’? Do they plan on digging or something?>Tell me more about your friends!>This sounds like a dangerous job. Is it a dangerous job?>Do they need help?>They need to cancel. It’s not a good time for it!>Be right back–you gotta talk to your associates.>Write-In!
>>6406403>They need to cancel. It’s not a good time for it!Let's get right to the point. This is a really bad time to be doing this, man. Maybe wait, I dunno, forever before you do it.
>>6406403>Who hired them?>Write-in: Maybe let's put a fork in this, and you tackle this vault situation AFTER we've managed to break the siege? I don't think it's a good time to do that for your sake, and might be a problem for everyone else too.
>>6406403>They need to cancel. It’s not a good time for it!
>>6406475>>6406627>YEA TIME TO RESCHEDULE DUDE>>6406477>WHO HIRED THEM>ALSO YEA DO IT AFTER THE SIEGESorry for the wait--Friday got mad busy! Looks like telling them to call a rain check wins it. Writing later today!
