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>>6178658
Who’s that howling in the distance!?! Why, it’s DARK QUEST, of course! Best stick to the path if you don’t wanna end up in its belly! Check out a few resources before we get this party started:

>Archive link to catch up with the last thread:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Quest
>Twitter Account with art and other stupid shit:
https://x.com/DemBonez3
>Pastebin for INVENTORY, SKILLS, and MORE:
https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA

Rolls 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!

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!

DISCLAIMER: THIS QUEST IS DARK. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

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>>6178659
So, you shiver with an amicable grin, can he help you?

A pair of weary green eyes the size of disco balls stare at you with silent ire while Volka and Tzah-Tzie back you up with reassuring smiles!

“... I said I’d examine you, didn’t I?” Oti replies in a tone drier than the Sahara, “You’re later than I’d like, but it can’t be helped.” The mage turns to enter the shop: its musky interior reeking of stale smoke and other nose-wrinkling aromas that remind you of your Uncle’s house! “Well, come in, I suppose. I just put the kettle on. And don’t even think of entering without wiping your feet first.”

“That sounds ‘TEAriffic!’ Ha! Get it?” Laughs Volka as she delivers a nudge that leaves your ribs sore! Answering with a polite laugh, you follow the Chytree into his shop and jolt a bit as the door slams soundly shut behind you! Seriously, TT?

“It wasn’t ME!” Yowls the bite-sized bard indignantly as she scurries close to your side! “It closed on its own!”

“Oh, you’re in for a veritable feast of excitement if that impressed you…” Scoffs Oti as he leads you past rows of what you can only assume are display racks. “We’ll speak in the parlor. Chop chop.”

You’re almost disappointed as you duck beneath a string of wooden items clunking over your head–does he, uh, does he get a lot of business for this stuff?

“The fireworks?” Oti answers with a shrug in his tone, “I’m hardly a wealthy man, if that’s what you’re asking.”

You bet, you reply with a sagely nod, not nearly as fun when you can’t see them explode…

“There’s more to fireworks than pretty lights...” Smirks the sorcerer with a polite laugh.

Volka frowns. “And I’m betting none of ‘em are lega- OOF!”

“I understand it’s a foreign concept for one of your stature, but do try to be careful,” Oti groans as your Skog pal untangles her face from a string of unseen fireworks, “I only just finished cleaning the shop...”

His bulbous glowing eyes fall on your stouter companion. “Oh, and I’d strongly advise against pilfering any of the merchandise.”

Tzah-Tzie answers with a frown. “What’s that supposed to mean, hmm?”

Oti turns his attention ahead. “It’s a warning. Though I suppose my security countermeasures could use a test…”

Coming to a halt in a significantly less-smoky room, the Chytree deposits himself into some kind of chair before looking your way expectantly. “I expect you have questions?”

When it becomes clear he isn’t going to direct you or your pals to a seat of your own, you decide to ask:

>Why fireworks?
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>He said he’s gonna examine you?
>Tell me a little bit about magic!
>What’s his story anyways?
>What does he know about teleporting to other worlds?
>Nah, let’s proceed!
>Write-In!

>>6178661
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>He said he’s gonna examine you?
>What does he know about teleporting to other worlds?
The rest can wait

>>6178661
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>He said he’s gonna examine you?
>What does he know about teleporting to other worlds?

>>6178661
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>He said he’s gonna examine you?
>What does he know about teleporting to other worlds?
Welcome back, DB!

>>6178661
>He seems pretty calm considering the city’s freaking out!
>Tell me a little bit about magic!

>>6178666
>>6178669
>>6178672
>>6178678
Dark Dorks, I present... THE TALLY:
>CITY'S GOIN TO SHIIIIIIT: 4
>EXAMINE: 3
>OTHER WORLDS: 3
>MAGIC: 1
Writing! Looks like the city wins it, but we'll chuck in examine and other worlds too! Pardon the impending long-ass wait.
>>6178672
Glad to be back, thanks!

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Well, yea, you reply as you sheepishly shift from foot to foot! Your answer earns you another defeated sigh from the moody mage. Gee, you sure missed those!

“Why do I even ask… very well then, what sweeping concepts can I demystify for you this time, hm? Morality? Love? The meaning of life?”

You’re just about to change your answer to one of those until you realize he’s being sarcastic. Maybe. You’d rather not bank on pissing Oti off, so you go for the obvious: he’s acting awfully calm considering what’s been going on all day!

The Chytree’s frown deepens as you hear a muffled clatter of dishware from what must be an adjacent room. “Yes I am. Next question.”

“You must’ve not heard, then: Chairman Fellick was found dead!” Interjects Tzah-Tzie with the energy of a gossiping housewife! “They think it might’ve been murder, y’know~”

“Oh no, how terrible...” Gasps the mage like a parent humoring a toddler, “Which one was he again? They’re all so memorable…”

You get it, you remark, he doesn’t care! Oti cocks his head to the side.

“Should I?”

“It doesn’t look that bad out there yet,” Answers Volka as her big yellow eyes shift towards the shop entrance, “But mark my words: things are gonna heat up before they cool down…”

“Yes, yes, you must really be on to something…” Nods Oti in the usual patronizing tone. “Suppose that means I’ll have much more business in the coming days–wise of you to seek me out now.”

Okay, you’ll bite: why is he so calm? Wizard or not, surely something about this interests him! Who’s gonna be the next Chairman? What’s gonna happen to Crossroads? C’mon, SOMETHING!

“I don’t bother wasting my thoughts on something as insipid as politics...” Snarls Oti derisively as if he’d just swallowed a cockroach, “In my experience if you’re pondering it then there are already hundreds of parties scheming about how to have it benefit them. These things sort themselves out one way or another.”

The wizard pauses as something clatters in from the next room–the source of the noise bobbing in the air as if it were adrift at sea. Leaning over to interact with it, the Chytree lets out a polite sipping noise. Ah, the tea.

“You’re still confused. Shocking.” He smirks as you listen to the tray depart from whence it came. “Death is about as common among mages as it is with Skogs, but unlike Skogs, when a wizard dies it’s usually for a reason.”

Volka opens her mouth to say something, but Oti cuts her off with laser-guided efficiency!

“‘Who gets the last Fried Durher Thigh’ is not a reason. Not to most civilized people, in any case.”

>CONTD.

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>>6178856
Leaning back in his seat as your Skog pal quietly fumes, Oti’s eyes glimmer a bit as he continues. “I won’t bore you with the details, but most wizard deaths are political in nature–even the ones that appear to be accidents.”

Volkir told you something similar, not that you share that with the Chytree. Political being, like, for power?

“Yes, Anton, for power.” Nods the mage as he takes another obnoxiously long sip from his cup. “If you can’t guard your secrets in the magical world, you don’t deserve them. Simple as that.”

“There’s a reason not everyone’s cut out to be a mage…” Adds Tzah-Tzie in a grim tone.

“And now you know the reason why I couldn’t care less about who died today!” Concludes the sorcerer with a triumphant slurp! “And don’t get me started on that ‘Red Comet’ hysteria you started…”

Eheheh… o-oopsie-daisy…

>CONTD.

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>>6178859
So, you continue in a desperate attempt to change the topic, what’s this ‘examination’ gonna be like anyways? N-no needles, right? No needles?

Oti stares at you like you just winked at his mother. “I don’t intend to torture you, I merely wish to ascertain how much demonic corruption has spread throughought your body-”

He KNOWS about that!? How?!

“I… you just told me on my doorstep,” The mage groans, taking another hearty swig from his drink as if it could save him, “Along with the rest of that inane synopsis of your adventure thus far…”

“Yea, even I thought that was a little odd!” Adds Volka as she gives your head a firm, but thankfully non-lethal pat! “But informative!”

Oh, you mutter, tone still tinged with confusion, that makes sense… but no needles, right? Your answer comes in the form of a drawn-out sigh.

“... fine, no needles, just a bit of magic. It’s more of a formality than anything else–there’s so much demonic energy in here I can practically taste it.”

“That far gone, huh?” TT remarks as she glances your way with an apologetic smile! “You think you can fix Ant, then?”

“That depends on what I learn from the examination.” Shrugs Oti as he polishes off his drink. “Theoretically it might be as simple as sending the corruption somewhere else… but beyond that, well…” He punctuates his statement with a long, hard stare. “... I’m confident in my ability to at least give you more control over it.”

Okay, you nod with a forced grin on your face, yea! You like the sound of that! Examine away, my guy!

“I’m not ‘your guy’ and we won’t be conducting the examination here.”

That earns a raised eyebrow from you. Why not?

“Because it might get messy. Shall we?” Rising from his seat, the Chytree beckons for you to follow him.

“Wait a sec: what about our tea?” Asks Volka with a nervous chuckle!

“I never said I was brewing tea for everyone,” Oti dryly replies as he leads you deeper into his abode, “Call ahead next time if you want tea and treaties’.”

“Yea, okay… shoulda called ahead, yep…” The Skog nods, “Dang it, Volka…”

>CONTD.

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>>6178860
Your gracious host leads you down a long, winding ramp that takes you deeper into the cold earth than anywhere else you’ve been today! As your shoulder brushes against the cold, mossy wall, your nostrils flare at the faint scent of something familiar…

“Quite a big basement you’ve got here, Ote.” Observes Volka as she stoops to avoid smacking her head on the ceiling. “Been here long?”

“The shop belonged to someone else,” The mage replies, pausing as the passage fills with the sound of grinding masonry and shifting stone, “But my lab, well… it goes where I go.”

“Lemme guess: the last owner ain’t around anymore, is he?”

TT!

The Durher’s question earns a laugh from the sullen sorcerer! “He is, in a way… well, parts of him, at least. You might meet him if he’s in a talkative mood, though he usually isn’t.”

As the sound of grinding stone ceases, you feel a sensation akin to a drop on a roller coaster as you step through… well, something. A barrier, maybe? Staggering into the wall, you quickly recover when all eyes fall on you!

“Worry not–we’ve merely crossed the threshold into my TOWER.”

You feel it long before you can ask: while the trip down was clammy and a bit unpleasant, you find yourself bathed in an almost homey warmth as the floor beneath you feet shifts from uneven stone to polished marble–each step making a definitive ‘clock’ as you proceed deeper into the wizard’s sanctum!

“Never been in a wizard’s tower before…” Mutters Volka as a low whistle escapes her lips, “Must be massive...”

“The size of my abode doesn’t matter–it all occupies quasispace and exists purely based on my own will and comprehension of its design.” Oti explains in a tone usually reserved for things such as ‘the answer to 2+2’ or ‘what sound does a doggie make’. Sensing he’s lost you, the mage lets out yet another sigh!

“This place, like all wizard towers, is a product of my will. It exists separately from our current reality, but because I know it exists I can keep it tangible, provided I choose to do so.”

So what happens if you stop thinking about it?

“You wouldn’t want to know, so keep your minds focused on where you are, please.”

Bristling at the sound of a distant CRASH, your worries are immediately waved away by your host. “My test subjects can become a little unruly–shifting into unperceived quasispace has that effect on them. Rest assured we’re perfectly safe!”

“But what abou-”

“Perfectly safe!” Oti repeats in a firmer tone!

>CONTD.

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>>6178861
Hey, since he knows so much about towers and quokkaspace, you begin in an uneasy voice, what’s his take on OTHER WOR-

“I said it before: I can’t help you return home.” The Chytree frowns as you feel the ground shift beneath your feet, “Teleportation around Zoral is simple enough: most literature on it was written long before the world went dark… but interdimensional travel, well…”

… it’s tricky?

“It’s not worth my time.” Corrects the mage. “Teleportation at its most basic state requires a firm understanding of where the destination is and the energy required to go there. Teleporting to another world would require an immense amount of energy… and a firm understanding of a very, very specific destination.”
You get it: it’s tough, you groan as you pass through a room filled with clanking, hissing machines, but what about this whole devil summoning thing then? How do people get demons over to Zoral?

“Many postulate that the ones who wrote those rituals in the first place were under the influence of a demon,” Replies the sorcerer in a slightly more hushed tone, “That or the instructions were transcribed from somewhere. There’s a wealth of ancient ruins to the South… most belonging to the Skog tribes of old, as well as a few Chytree colonies, but some have no names…”

It’s only when Oti pauses that you realize the ground’s been moving beneath your feet! Stumbling a bit, you blink the dry out of your eyes as the mage leads you into a chamber stuffed with an odor akin to the lovechild of a cheap clinic and an old person’s bathroom!

“And here we are…” Chuckles Oti as he floats ahead towards the center of the chamber, “Your friends are welcome to observe if they please, but there’s an exquisite lounge just t-”

“Have fun, Rook!”
“Yea, knock ‘em dead!”

Watching the girls scurry out of the room, both you and Oti exchange a rare understanding glance. Are uh… are they gonna be okay?

“I’ll rearrange things so that they find their way,” The sorcerer responds with a hint of sympathy in his voice. “But as for you, well… just stand in the center of the room. Follow the humming.”

Before you can ask, you feel a dull humming that permeates your leather boots! Taking a few cautious steps, you find that the vibrations grow stronger in a certain direction… following it about halfway, you can’t shake an uneasy twinge in your gut…

“I do have other matters to attend to this evening, you know.”

What do?
>One more question, Ote…
>Yea, let’s do this!
>Actually… let’s not.
>Can you bring TT and Volka back?
>Write-In!

>>6178863
>Yea, let’s do this!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

>>6178863
>Yea, let’s do this!
>Mutter: "This is how we die, uh?"

>>6178863
>Yea, let’s do this!
Less go!

>>6178881
>>6178897
>>6178901
>YESSSS
>>6178897
>Dis is iiiiitttt
Writing!

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So do you, probably, so steeling yourself with a steadying breath, you take the last few steps into the center of the chamber and give Oti a nod. Let’s do this!

“An excellent choice,” Responds the Chytree, his voice echoing uncannily as his eyes light up like Christmas lights! “Again, stay very still–this might hurt a bit…”

Watching him work, it suddenly dawns on you that this might kill you… Hey wait what was that about h-

Your last-minute question is cut short when Oti shouts a string of unrecognizable words that reverberate across the room! As each syllable leaves his… whatever Chytree have instead of lips, you feel a surge of energy probing and prying your body! Gritting your teeth as the magic does its, well, magic, you relax a little bit when you realize it isn’t hurting at all! It’s kinda like a bidet! And hey, your left nostril isn’t slightly clogged anymore!

Or was it the right one…?

With one last shout, Oti’s eyes dim as you feel the magic rush from your body like toothpaste down a sink leaving you with an uncanny ‘clean’ sensation… so, you begin, scratching your butt as the sorcerer recovers from the procedure, how’s it look in there?

“Well…” Huffs the mage as he slowly catches his breath, “The corruption has taken root.. That’s the bad news.”

Hey, great! If that’s the bad news then the good news oughta’ be really good, right?

“Well I wouldn’t consider it life changing,” Replies the Chytree as you return to his side with a spring in your step, “But you seem to have much more time than I had predicted. Very peculiar indeed…”

Hey hold on a sec, you frown, why is that peculiar? You’ve only been here, for like, a day!

“I’m not bragging when I say Chytree are more attuned to magic than the other Zoral inhabitants,” Brags the wizard as he begins to pace in a lazy oval, “And when you arrived I could sense an alarming amount of demonic corruption…” Pausing mid-step, the enchanter shrugs. “But perhaps I was merely detecting my test subjects… at any rate, this is excellent news.”

With a snap of his fingers, the mage turns to his left just as Volka and Tzah-Tzie come bounding back into the chamber! How was the lounge, ladies?

“Huh?” Grunts the Skog as she skids to a halt in front of you, “We didn’t-”
“Two seconds ago we were running through some kind of swamp!” Adds Tzah-Tzie with a frown! “What gives!? And why do my eyes sting so much!?”

“Ah yes, the CAVES OF ETERNAL LAUNDRY… I really should check in on my formal robes one of these days…” Muses the Mage as he shifts his gaze back to you.

>CONTD.

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“I have plenty to work with now, but I’ll need some materials first.” You feel a pointy claw-like appendage prod at your chest as Oti gives you a stern glare! “Which means you and your little friends have work to do.”

He never mentioned that, you groan! You’re tired!

“As am I, but somebody decided to drop in right before nightfall, so here we are!” Counters the wizard with renewed ire in his tone! “You may leave if you wish, but if you want to establish more control over your demonic urges-”

Well why didn’t he say so in the first place, you smile! If he’s doing you a favor then you’re happy to help him out!

“Helping people is the Lamplighter way!” Chirps Volka as TT begins to idly pluck at her Striilii. “What’s the task, hm? Outsmart a Gheedra? Solve a golem’s riddle?”

“Nothing so grandiose as those, I’m afraid,” Sighs the Chytree as he leads you out of the echoing chamber, “Though I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t somewhat dangerous…”

“Defying death is the Anton way!” Chirps TT as she gives her instrument a loud strum! “Let ‘em have it, Ote!”

Actually the Anton way is-

“The Mitaraan Temple, and most faiths in Zoral for that matter, have ways of diminishing and even outright expelling demonic corruption,” Oti explains as you feel the floor shift beneath your feet once more. “Light contamination, mind you.”

Let me guess, you reply as TT pauses playing for a moment to sniff the air, he’s got a better way?

“You catch on quick. Over the course of my research on demonic entities I've concocted a draught that should, when diluted with the correct ingredients, give the host more control over their corruption-”

“Hold on a tic: aren’t you trying to get cured, Rook?” Inquires Volka as she slows down to match your pace. “Couldn’t he just brew one of those Mitaaran potions for you?”

Oti stops mid-levitate and turns to face you with a steely look in his disco ball eyes. “That’s a question I’ll admit I’ve been pondering as well: are you trying to be cured?”

The question hits you like a pool noodle to the face! Well uh, you’re not complaining about the edge it’s given you in fights, but the whole ‘suffering for eternity once you die’ thing is a bit of a dealbreaker-

Oti cocks his head to the side. “Have you simply considered not dying?”

Oh shit, you exclaim, why didn’t you think of that before!?

>CONTD.

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The Chytree is not amused. Is he ever, though?

“Pedantic sarcasm aside, this realm is rife with potential ways to prolong your life to an unnatural length… and were you to capitalize on the boons this devil imparts on you, well…” Oti pauses to take a big whiff of air as a twinkle forms in his segmented eyes, “You could become a force to be reckoned with indeed…”

“I don’t know much about devils, Rook,” Chimes in Volka with renewed concern in her tone, “But I do know this: they’re sneaky. Give ‘em the opportunity and they’ll always twist it in their favor-”

“Don’t be dramatic.” The sorcerer interjects with a dismissive shake of his head, “Demons love a gamble: the more power they bestow upon their benefactee the more likely they will, to use the parlance of our times, ‘snuff it’. But with risk comes reward-”

“Can we plot world domination later, please?” Begs Tzah-Tzie as she takes a few steps closer to you with a worried look in her eyes, “Something about this place feels off...”

“We’re nearing my VIVARIUMS,” Oti explains as the flames of ambition slowly fade from his eyes, “The gates to them, at least. Your task is this: While I open the portal, you and your associates will gather the ingredients.”

“And what, pray tell, are you gonna be doing?” Inquires TT with renewed spunk in her tone!

“Waiting here to bring you back once you’ve completed your task. The gate can’t be opened from the Vivarium side–a safety measure, you understand.”

Before you can protest, your robes are buffeted by a colossal gale that rips through the massive chamber you emerge in! As wind howls around you like a pack of wolves, Oti pauses in front of… something.

“The gate is here. Once you’re through, don’t dawdle: you won’t be alone.”

What is this, his petting zoo too?

“I harvest components from the fauna as well. Now pay attention: you’ll be heading to…”

>An untamed rainforest!
>A frozen wasteland!
>A scalding desert!
>An underwater trench!
>Write-In

Last update of the evening, by the way! Thank y'all for giving Dark Quest a try again--here's to a solid and entertaining thread!

>>6179111
>A dark cave! Darker than normal!

>>6179111
>A frozen wasteland!

>>6179111
>A dark cave! Darker than normal!

>>6179173
What, like so dark we can't see eyes?

>>6179111
Sounds weird, but inriguing. I'l support:
>A dark cave! Darker than normal!

>>6179111
>A dark cave! Darker than normal!
This is very stupid and therefore should prove most entertaining

>>6179111
>An untamed rainforest!
we are so back

Looks like caves wins it! Would normally link to the posts, but apparently 4chan thinks I'm trying to spam, so here we are. Anywho, writing!
>>6179362
>This is very stupid and therefore should prove most entertaining
My writing process in a nutshell

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“A cave system. A very dark one.”

As a rule you try to be polite to everyone you meet, even folks you don’t quite agree with. Your memory’s been a little spotty since you arrived in Zoral, but you know this to be true.

That said, you can’t stop yourself from filling the room with a boisterous belly laugh that would make Volka proud, and based on the approving smile on her face, you’re pretty sure it does!

Doubled over with pure, unadulterated laughter for the better part of a minute, it’s only after you start wheezing that Oti makes an attempt to reestablish communication!

“Are you finished?” He asks with the tone of a man two seconds away from flinging a fireball your way!

Y-yea, you weakly reply, you’re… yea, you’re done…

“Marvelous. To answer what I’m certain you’re already pondering, there are corners of this world where the darkness is more powerful. Raw. Primal.”

“Why, though?” Inquires Volka as she gives your still-wheezing form a reassuring pat on the back. “Dark is dark, isn’t it?”

Oti nods. “Indeed, even the most diligent scholars have discovered remarkably little about Zoral’s… ‘condition’. Whether it’s caused by a curse or some natural phenomenon is still widely debated, but one detail remains constant:”

You lean in a little closer. Which is?

The mage’s eyes glimmer. “That the flora and fauna populating these dark corners are completely unique: organisms suited to complete and utter darkness, and I mean COMPLETE.”

And what, he wants you to grab some monster fur or something? The Chytree shakes his head.

“Luckily for you all I’ll need is FIVE SPRIGS OF ECLIPSEWEED– you’ll know it by the faint clicking sound it emits. I wouldn’t recommend petting the animals. Keep quiet and work quickly when you arrive–you’ll be operating at a disadvantage.”

“D’awww, is that concern I sense?” Chirps TT as a cheeky giggle escapes her lips!

“The last time someone was devoured I had to wait months before the cave’s inhabitants migrated away from the portal entrance.” His eyes shimmer. “Which reminds me: if you stumble across any remains, bring their belongings back to me.”

How… how many people has he sent-

>CONTD.

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>>6179506
“Right, one last thing:” Placing a claw on your forehead, the sorcerer mutters a few hushed words under his breath. Before you can protest, you feel something lingering in the back of your mind: the location of the gate.

“Use this to find your way back to the portal area. I’ll open it up and bring you back once you’ve collected the samples. Questions?”

“Yea…” Volka replies with a quizzical expression, “Are we going to get whatever you just gave Ant?”

“No. Don’t get separated. If he dies you can cut his head off and use it to return–it should vibrate the closer you get to the portal.”

Needless to say, that doesn’t assuage the Skog’s worries much. “And if his head is, erm… damaged?”

The Chytree gives her a long, hard stare.

“Hmmm… yes, don’t let that happen. Right, off you go.”

With a flicker in his eyes, Oti places his claws on something and begins an incantation! Like a storm forming, the space next to you roars to life with magical energy–the close proximity is enough to make your teeth tingle!

“Go now!”

Welp, no need to keep the man waiting! Taking a steadying breath, you take a step into the maelstrom and immediately feel a sensation akin to walking through an automated car wash!

“Hmm? Strange…”

You’re just about to ask what’s eating Oti when you feel your feet slip out from under you! Tumbling head over heels, you open your mouth to gasp and immediately regret it when your lungs take in an ample amount of… NOTHING!

Your chest aches, but just as panic begins to settle in, your face is buffeted by a much-needed gust of air and a crackle of magical energy! Landing in a heap on a stretch of cold, hard rock, you fill your lungs with thick, moist air just as you hear a pair of similar cracks ring out–guess that means Vo-OOF!

>CONTD.

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>>6179507
TT lands first–the small Spinner’s head crashing into your breadbox at what feels like terminal velocity! Your freshly-inhaled air barely leaves your mouth before your second companion arrives, and you’ll never guess where SHE lands!

Yep.

You awaken a few moments later feeling like you’ve just been hit by a truck to find the Skog shaking you like a ragdoll!

“Rook! Wake up!”

You’re just about to respond when you feel a small claw smack you across the face a few times! You’re up, okay!? You’re up!

“Really?” Asks TT as she delivers another slap, “Sorry, thought you were still out…”

Not for lack of trying, you grumble as you let Volka help you to your feet! As you wipe the dust and grime off of your robe, you take stock of your surroundings and, well… it’s not a lot to go on!

To say you’re in a cave wouldn’t be doing it justice–even the act of getting up sends an echo reverberating across the cavern system that rises high above your heads towards a ceiling you can’t perceive. In return, a handful of droplets rain down onto your head–the offending moisture thick and syrupy as you wipe it from your hair.

Further down, you hear something akin to birdsong: faint ‘ki-KREEs’ are met with even quieter ‘ZIZIII’s’, and before you even take a step you can hear the familiar trickle of water splashing and tumbling down the rock face…

An underground stream!

“Not bad for the first patrol, ey, rook?” Chuckles Volka as her clanking armor rings out across the cave! “Wait’ll the rest of the gang hears about this!”

“Big Eyes wasn’t kidding…” Remarks Tzah-Tzie with awe in her voice as she sniffs the air, “I’m picking up all kinds of new smells in here…”

Yea, well keep tabs on your scent, you warn as you send a cautious glance around the cave, and Volka’s. It’d suck to get separated down here…

“Let’s keep track of the route we take, too…” Muses Volka as she takes a step towards the sound of the water, “We might have to beat a hasty retreat…”

You haven’t heard any beasts yet, but that does little to make you any less paranoid. 5 SPRIGS OF ECLIPSEWEED– a clicking plant. Where the hell do you even start?

>Follow the stream!
>Let TT take the lead!
>Just pause for a bit… listen!
>Head towards the birdsong!
>Ask your companions something!
>Write-In!

>>6179508
>Just pause for a bit… listen!

>>6179508
>Just pause for a bit… listen!

>>6179508
>Just pause for a bit… listen!
Good spot to git gud with the echo ring, desu! A cave system that reflects sound better, and doesn't have eyes to cheat locations with.

>>6179640
+1

>>6179508

>>6179520
>>6179569
>>6179640
>HEY, LISTEN!
Caution wins the day once more! If that's the case, well...
>Roll me 1d100+1 (+5 Volka Senses (Extra Dark), +6 TT Senses (But Darker!), +3 Ring of Echos, -7 Born in the Darkness, -2 Dark, -4 Lotsa Noises) to get a bearing on your quarry! Best of 3!

Rolled 59 + 1 (1d100 + 1)

>>6179698
We'll let TT take the lead later.
But for now
F O C U S
O
C
U
S

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>6179698

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d100 + 1)

>>6179698

>>6179700
>>6179704
>>6179711
>HIGHEST ROLL: 98!
Cripes, okay! Starting the thread off strong, I see! Writing~

File: clickclick.png (40 KB, 800x600)

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Taking in your surroundings, it takes you a moment to realize your hands are trembling at your sides.

“You good, Ant?” TT asks as she gives your hip a gentle nudge. Yea, you mutter under your breath, just… still not used to a world without sights, is all. And the cave… the cave’s so darn…

“Humid?”

Loud, you correct, cringing at the sound of a droplet smacking the ground next to your foot, it’s loud...

You didn’t mean to, but your answer inspires the rest of your entourage to absorb the atmosphere for a bit. The distant crackle of pebbles slipping free of a crag, a heated argument from the cave-dwelling ‘Ki-KREEE’-ers, the trickle of water along the grooves of the cavern floor… anywhere else it’d be ambience, but here, well…

It’s the perfect cover.


Volka’s armor clanks as she crouches closer to you, her hot breath tingling your ear. “Yea… I get what you mean...” As the conversation lulls back into silence, something breaks through the rest of the noise: a sound so faint you’d miss it if you weren’t making an effort to shut up!

Click.

CliCLICK.

Click.

>CONTD.

File: unyieldingdarkness.png (203 B, 800x600)

203 B PNG

>>6179759
Groping at your sides, you clasp your hand onto a massive, scaly elbow and Tzah-Tzie’s hood hanging limply behind her head. Though the latter jerks upright at your touch, both girls seem to get the message. While the Skog’s tail wraps gently around your wrist, the Durher scales your back and wraps her arms around your neck like a koala.

“Boy, this is silly, isn’t it?” Volka remarks as a nervous laugh wriggles free of her lips! “Good thing no one can see us…”

Yea, you mumble as Tzah-Tzie gives your forehead a playful poke with her claw, wacky stuff…

“Keep it down!” Hisses the Spinner from her perch on your back, “We aren’t alone in here, remember?”

You and Volka answer her with silence as you proceed deeper into the caves. It’s tricky to pinpoint where the clicking originated, but your scale-clad scout seems to know what she’s doing! Aside from a few stumbles as you follow the stream down a steep incline, the trek goes relatively smoothly.

This place would almost be comfy if you weren’t certain you were being watched!

You must have taken two or three steps onto a patch of moss when you slam face-first into Volka’s outstretched hand–you’re about to ask why when you hear it:

CliCLICK.

CLICK.

CLICLICLICK.

And they’re all coming from different directions.

Another rock slips free of the cavern wall above you. Volka’s tail jerks your wrist urging you to choose! You’re two seconds away from picking at random when your Ring of Echos gives you a potentially life-saving clue:

The origin of the ‘CLICLICLICK’ sound lies further down the passage to your left… and while the other two clicks are soft, almost whispered, that one is clear… and bold?

The route ahead continues to follow the stream while the path to the right takes you deeper into what smells like fresh-cut grass… and garlic?

Which way do you go?
>Straight!
>To the Right!
>Listen again!
>Write-In!

>>6179760
>To the Right!

>>6179760
>To the Right!
He said it was faint

>>6179777
>>6179782
>To the Right!
'Right'ing! Ha ha, that's a little wordplay humor for ya. Yep, we like to have fun around here. Anyways, this'll probably be the last one of the night--hang on to something!

File: thecreatureapproaches.png (8 KB, 800x600)

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Something about the passage to the left makes your hair stand on end, so in response to Volka’s non-verbal question you give a non-verbal answer! It takes a few tugs for her to get the picture, but she figures it out around the eighth or ninth time you jerk your wrist to the right.

Splendid timing, too–as your prehensile-tailed tour guide leads you away from the stream, the uncanny feeling that you’re being followed only grows stronger! So much so that as you creep through a curtain of vine-like brambles that reek of old socks you barely notice Tzah-Tzie’s claws digging into your shoulders.

You’re about two seconds away from chucking her onto the ground when you hear it: a sudden shuffling of spindly appendages through the underbrush! Skidding to a halt thankfully muffled by the moss, you and your buddies tense up like a group of kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar!

Frozen in place, no one dares to make a move as the scrambling stops a foot or so in front of you. It goes without saying that you’re more of a visual guy than anything else, but based on what you heard you wager the critter ahead of you is just that: a beastie barely bigger than a fox… or a very fat squirrel!

Whatever the hell it is, it hasn’t moved since you did… the only question is: is it about to pounce, or scared out of its wits?

What do?
>Retreat!
>Defend! Prepare your shield!
>Move around it!
>Throw something to lure it away!
>Toss something at it!
>Make a scary sound!
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!

>>6179852
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!
FINALLY
A TIME TO PICK THIS OPTION

>>6179852
>Throw something to lure it away!

>>6179852
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!

>>6179852
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!

>>6179852
>Stay silent! It’ll think you disappeared!
Oh shit, has a grue finally found us?

>>6179852
>>Write-In!
try to catch it. i recon theres a 50/50 chance of it being cute. if not, it should be small enough to not be a problem anyways

>>6179869
>FINALLY
>A TIME TO PICK THIS OPTION
well yes, but this is the least funny opportunity to pick it

>6179869
>6179905
>6179911
>6179940
>STAY SILENT!
>6179874
>CHUCK SOMETHING!
>6180012
>CATCH 'EM ALL!
Writing~
>6180012
>Least funny opportunity
Unfortunately true

File: thwip.png (76 KB, 800x600)

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………….

………………….

…………………………….

…..
Oh, right… the narration! Sorry!

For a good minute or so the creature is treated to Anton Pea’s best statue impersonation. Neither Volka nor TT dare to move a muscle–whether this is due to them having complete confidence in you or being completely dumbfounded remains to be seen!

Not keen on backing down from this potentially-fatal game of chicken, you grit your teeth and devote even MORE energy towards… well, nothing!

…..


……..


Oh crud! LEG CRA-

Your thoughts and pain are put on the backburner when a sound rings out across the cave: a muted gurgle from the critter! It’s muffled by your moss-choked surroundings, sure, but in the yawning silence it sounds like a drawer full of silverware crashing to the floor! No sooner does the sound escape from your opponent’s gullet do you hear something whip through the air like a javelin–its origin far too close for your liking!

A pitiful squeak barely manages to wriggle free of the animal before it’s whisked away into the oppressive darkness… and then all goes silent once more.

It takes you a few moments to realize Volka’s tail is cutting off your wrist’s circulation. Giving your hand a gentle shake, the Skog slowly picks up on your issue and loosens her tail’s grip while TT removes her claws from your shoulders!

The three of you stand still as stones long after the blanket of quiet falls over your surroundings once more.With a steadying breath, you give your wrist a gentle shake to signal Volka to continue onwards, and the armor-clad amazon is only too happy to comply! Tromping through the sea of moss and fungal caps crowding your feet, your heartbeat slows as you hear a distant clicking up ahead…

Five sprigs, you think as you adjust the Durher clinging to your back like an oversized cat, you can do this!

Crap, they better not have barbs on them or anything like that. You’re gonna lose your shit...

... do you hear crackling?

>Home stretch! Let’s pilfer these plants! Roll me 1d100+2(+4 Volka Senses (Dark and a little rattled), +5 TT Senses (Also rattled), +1 Footwork, +2 Sneaky Leather Armor, -8 Born in the Darkness and Near, -2 Dark)! Best of 3!

Rolled 29 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>6180090

Rolled 21 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

Rolled 8 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>6180090

apparently Anton has hearing problems.

>6180091
>6180122
>6180126
HIGHEST ROLL: 31!
Yow! Writing~
>>6180131
What was that?

File: running.png (129 KB, 800x600)

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Pondering the mysterious noise further up in the caverns, you freeze up mid-stride as you nudge something with your boot! You don’t have to wait long to figure out what it is: seconds after tripping your nose is assaulted by a wave of itchy spores smelling like an unholy blend of chocolate and hot sauce!

Your years of food service pay off, however! Clamping your nose shut with the hand not currently wrapped in Volka’s tail, you bite your lip and channel all your willpower into containing the impending sneeze… and SUCCEED!

“Ha-choo~!”

TT, on the other hand, isn’t so lucky. Curse your bad luck! A moment’s pause passes by in which the whole cave delves into complete, uncanny silence…

And then you start running towards where you last heard the clicking!

You barely make it a few steps before something hot and sticky thwips past your cheek spritzing it with warm mucus! As you quickly wipe it off on your sleeve, another attack aims for your back–this one barely missing Tzah-Tzie!

Yelping in surprise, the girl leaps from her perch and takes her chances on her own–a good thing, too… following the jingle-jangle of Volka’s armor, you feel a jolt of sharp pain course through your back as something warm and sticky STABS into it!

As if things couldn’t get any worse, you feel the appendage hook into your wound and YANK you into the air with alarming strength! You’re only airborne for a moment, however, before Volka yanks you back to the ground with her tail!

“Not on MY watch! C’mon!”

Feet firmly back on the ground, you do what you can to elude your eerily silent pursuer and follow your Skog pal to where you hope the Eclipseweeds are growing! Though the fresh wound on your back starts to itch, you feel a slight pang of relief as the clicking grows closer with every step!

>One more! Roll me 1d100-4(+3 Volka Senses (A lil busy!), +4 TT Senses (See Volka), +1 Footwork, -10 Born in the Darkness and HUNTING, -2 Dark) to grab and go! Best of 3!

Rolled 20 - 4 (1d100 - 4)

>>6180189

Rolled 98 - 4 (1d100 - 4)

>>6180189
ANTON SPECIAL: WE'RE GOING TO LIVE FOREVER

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>6180206
hell yeah

>>6180189
Now to roll a 1 for comedic effect

>>6180208
Damn, so close.

>6180196
>6180206
>6180208
>HIGHEST ROLL: 94!
Dear lord, anon. Holy mackerel. Writing~ Also a quick Public Service Announcement: I'm not retarded (very)--for some reason 4chan thinks linking to your posts is spam so I have to just greentext 'em. Rest assured I still want you to receive credit for your many successes! And failures--especially the failures!

>6180210
Some day, anon... remember Pepper...

File: watchoutbelowagain.png (39 KB, 800x600)

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Whether it’s your sixth sense or simply survival instinct after spending so many years dodging items thrown by unruly customers, you find yourself diving forward just as another ‘thwip’ thwips at your haunches–the sudden leap of faith prompting Volka to let go of your wrist and sending you flying down a mossy incline!

Rolling like a cheese wheel down the semi-cushioned incline amidst a cloud of spores jostled free of the myriad of mushrooms around you, you shrug off the pain as best you can as you rapidly approach the mysterious clicking!

Another sticky spear embeds itself inches from your head just before you reach the base of the hill, but all it does is motivate you to get your rear in gear! Scrambling to your feet and limboing another thwip, you rush for the Eclipseweeds like your life depends on it… and it kinda does!

As you limbo beneath one last-ditch attempt to snare you, you drop to the ground and slide like a baseball player stealing home as the clicking becomes loud enough to make your ears sting!

You’re not sure if these are the right plants or not… hell, they might even be some kind of flesh-eating barnacle, but as you slip past the fortissimo florals you reach out and snatch a handful of-

OWWWW THEY DID HAVE BAAAARRRBSSS! OTI, YOU RAAAAAT!

Sonorous sprigs in tow, the fresh pain in your hand motivates you to quickly rise to your feet just as something BIG hits the ground next to you! Kicking a clump of moss in what you hope is its face, you follow the sound of Volka’s jangling armor back up the slope, each step barely gaining purchase on the mossy mound!

Though your pursuer thwips at your heels, you’re rescued by a tiny, but familiar claw grabbing your robe!

“You get ‘em, Ant?” Stammers Tzah-Tzie as you both get pulled up the incline by what you assume is Volka’s tail! Yea, you reply, but-

“Watch yer’ heads!”

Flung behind the Skog, you listen in awe as the gentle giant sends a Volka-sized rock tumbling down the hill! A sickening crunch reverberates across the caverns, but before you can give her a high-five the Grand Marshall is already scooping you and the Spinner up!

“It’s been fun, but I think it’s time to leave!”

Agreed, you nod as you try not to feel odd as Volka’s claw clasps onto your now-vibrating head! Oh right, Oti’s direction spell…

Retracing her steps, however, it rapidly becomes clear that it isn’t necessary. As you close in on your means of escape, a fresh new set of sounds and smells assault your senses:

Crackling flames… and smoke!

>CONTD.

File: ohfuckshesback.png (105 KB, 800x600)

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>>6180255
The three of you emerge back into the clearing you arrived in… at least, you think it is! What was once quiet enough to hear a microscopic pin drop is now choked with the roar of wild flames and the acrid odor of smoke and burning flesh!

Blinking the ash from your eyes, you wriggle free from Volka’s grasp and rush into the center of the cavern! What… what the hell HAPPENED!?

“EXACTLY!” Booms a haughty voice from above! “HELL HAPPENED! KYAAAHAHAHA!”

Oh no. Oh no... You’d recognize that voice from anywhere… you can’t see her, but you don’t need to-

“HELLo again, SLAVE!” Snarls the disembodied voice, “Did you truly think you could escape from me!?”

Volka, on the other hand, isn’t having it! “Who are you!? Show yourself!”

“Sheesh, you really are dumber than you look…” Snickers the voice from a completely different end of the cave! “I am REZALITH: DEMON QUEEN AND SCOURGE OF CHAAT’TAI!”

Her voice softens a bit. “Normally this would be where I’d say ‘look upon my form and despair’, but you sun-starved SIMPLETONS somehow managed to lose all the light in your wretched plane! And now you lead me into THIS cesspool! How am I supposed to SHOW myself, hmmmm!?”

You feel Tzah-Tzie step closer to your side. “Friend of yours, Ant?”

Not quite, you frown–she almost killed you when you first arrived… and you’re pretty sure that’s still on the menu…

“ANTON PEAS!” Snarls the demon, “You took something that wasn’t yours, you naughty little bastard, you! And I have come… TO RECLAIM IT!”

Sensing a fiasco in the making, you quickly reassure your companions that she isn’t talking about anything perverted! Honest!

“Uh-huh.” Snorts Tzah-Tzie.
“H-huh? P-perverted?” Volka stammers!

Well Rezzie hasn’t killed you yet, so you’re guessing she wants something. You’re in the portal zone too, so maybe if you buy enough time…

What do?
>Where have you been?
>Can this wait, please?
>What the hell do you want?
>RED says hi.
>Stay silent! She’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!

>>6180256
>Stay silent! She’ll think you disappeared!
We did a lame stay silent, we must make up for it with a funny 'stay silent'.

>>6180256
>RED says hi.

>>6180262
+1, sounds actually funny

>6180262
>6180279
...
>6180268
Devil May Hi
Looks like the silent treatment wins it!
>Roll me 1d100+4 (+3 Sneaky Leather Armor, +3 Rezzie can't see, +2 Impatient Rezzie +4 Loud-ass surroundings, -8 Devilish Senses) to........
....
.........
Best of 3!

Rolled 46 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>6180360

Rolled 37 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>6180360

Rolled 39 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>6180360

>>6180361
>>6180362
>>6180369
>50
Well then, this could go either way...

>6180361
>6180362
>6180369
>HIGHEST ROLL: 50!
Generally speaking a 50 or higher is a pass, slim though it may be! Let's write, though!

File: rezziepeeved.png (186 KB, 800x600)

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……………

Though the flames continue to rage around you, an uncomfortable silence somehow manages to fall over the cave as you…

……

You’re unsure whether or not your companions got the proverbial ‘memo’ or not. Maybe Volka caught on and clammed up, maybe TT buttoned her lips for her. Whatever the reason, it’s the DEMON QUEEN who manages to break the silence!

“What, no groveling? No moronic questions? Not even a dumb quip?” You can’t see her face, but you get the feeling she’s annoyed! “... did you pass out of sheer TERROR!? HAH! You would! Moron…”

The inferno continues to rage around you as you take the opportunity to relocate to a relatively less-burning corner of the room! The gamble pays off: mere seconds after vacating your position, that section of the cavern erupts in a violent conflagration that stings your back through your thick robes and armor!

“Oh come ON! Three of you and no screaming!? Not even a YELP!? How are you not BURNING ALIVE right now!? What’s WRONG with this place!?”

Throwing fireballs like they were free samples at a farmer’s market, the devil queen quickly turns the cavern into an oven… and though you manage to remain undetected, you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t getting a little toasty!

“COME. OUT. AND. DIE ALREADY!” She roars, sending another volley of fireballs across the room! “I WANT MY POWER BACK, YOU WORM!”

For once you’re glad to be everyone else’s bad luck charm… try as she might to spook you and your friends out of silence, all the devil accomplishes is destroying a section of an extremely unique ecosystem! Oti’s not gonna be pleased… which reminds you: is he gonna portal you outta’ here or WHAT?!

Hissing through her undoubtedly-clenched teeth, Rezalith hurls one last fireball at the ground and lets loose a groan that’d make any self-respecting teen proud!

“You… you sneaky little rats… you scampered off, didn’t you!? Just scurried away like wretched little rodents! I knew you were pathetic, but this… ooh, I’m going to take my TIME punishing you!”

With a flutter of batlike wings, the harried hellspawn departs in the direction you came from! “Start praying to whatever primitive gods abandoned you, Anton! I WILL get what I want!”

You wait until her muttering and fireballs become distant before daring to take a breath! The air is thick with smoke and ash, sure, but you aren’t dead! That’s something!

“HELLS!” Sputters Volka as she nearly collapses on top of you, “That was quick-thinking, Rook! Phew…”

“He’s just full of surprises, ain’t he?” Chirps Tzah-Tzie as she peeks out from behind your still-toasty robes! “We’d better leave before she catches on, though…”

Yea, that’d be nice, wouldn’t it!? You’re back where you started, when’s-

FWOOOOOSH!

>CONTD.

File: throughtheportallllll.png (186 KB, 800x600)

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>>6180456
-that idiot gonna bring you back!?

For the first time in what feels like hours you look upon a pair of familiar and perpetually-irked glowing green eyes! Err, hi, Oti! The trip back was a lot smoother than the trip there…

“I figured you could use a hasty extraction.” Drones the mage as your companions catch their collective breath at your sides! “You’re welcome, by the way. Did you get what I asked for?”

You’re just about to toss the Eclipseweeds over when you feel the portal ripple behind you–the disturbance making your teeth chatter as a wave of static brushes past your cheeks!

“Something’s coming through!” Snarls Oti as you turn to face where you came from, “What did you bring with you!?”

A devil, you bark back, how the hell did he not notice her when you came in!?

Oti’s eyes soften a bit as Volka squares up for a scrap! “A devil…? That changes things…”

“What are you doing!?” TT howls incredulously! “Close the portal already!”

You’re no expert on Chytree expressions, but you get the feeling Oti ain’t listening. “A real devil…”

What do!?
>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!
>Grab your pals and run! Oti wants her? He can deal with her!
>Get that portal closed! Distract the mage!
>Move into ambush positions!
>Stay silent! She’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!

Last update of the night, by the by. Sorry for the sporadic updates--been feelin' wonky all day. Here's to better writing tomorrow!

>>6180458
>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!
EAT SHIT.

>>6180458
>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!

>>6180460
Feel better soon, Bones!

>>6180458
>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!

>>6180458
>>Prepare to reflect whatever Rezzie’s gonna throw at you!
dont forget about "1 Magical Shield (Worn) (+Elemental/Phys Resistance, Can absorb and fire magic!)"

>6180479
>6180492
>6180524
>6180566
BACK ATCHA, BITCH!

Let's see how it goes!
>Roll me 1d100-5 (+1 Footwork, +2 Magic Shield, +3 ??? Resistance, +2 Got da' drop on her, +2 Spinner's Song, -2 Dark, -8 Devilish Senses, -5 PISSED OFF REZZIE) To reflect whatever's comin' for ya! Best of 3!
>>6180566
Aw yis you know I know it, bb >:)
>>6180494
Thanks! Nothing serious, just a funky feeling day, dig? Appreciate the regards, though!

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>6180643
Les go

Rolled 39 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>6180643

Rolled 83 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>6180643

>6180651
>6180661
>6180674
>HIGHEST ROLL: 78!
Writiiiiiiiing! Slippery little things, aintcha?

File: rezziereallypeeved.png (71 KB, 800x600)

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The optimist in you hopes that Oti has some kind of plan in mind for the enraged devil about to bathe the room in hellfire–it ain’t much, but it’s enough to keep you from tackling him to the ground and shutting the portal down!

Drawing theMAGICAL SHIELD you got the last time you went apeshit in a fight, you take position in front of the gate… if you’re lucky-

Err, Volka? You might wanna step back.

“Huh?” Stammers the scaly soldier as if you’d just woken her from a nap, “Oh! Right! Silly me!”

… if you’re LUCKY you can reflect whatever the heck she spews at y-

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGHHHHH!!!!!”

A gust of white-hot air heralds the arrival of your favorite hellspawn, not that the primal roar didn’t help, of course! Bursting forth from the portal shrieking like a cat at the vet’s office, Rezzie wastes no time bathing the chamber in hellfire! While Volka and Tzah-Tzie manage to dart out of the way, you remain smack-dab in the middle! Oh JEEZ...

They might be flames, but they hit your shield like a very hot TRUCK! Feeling your knees buckle at the sudden force, you grit your teeth and put every muscle you have into holding firm against the fiery blast!

“You malodorous MEALWORM!” Snarls the devil as she continues to spew flames all over the room like a very confused fire hose, “You tried to TRAP ME! I’LL TURN YOUR VERTEBRAE INTO A NECKLACE FOR THAT!”

Just when you thought she was getting tired, Rezalith kicks the flames up to 11! Stealing a glance at Oti, you listen in horror as he continues to intone… something!

“GRIND YOUR FLESH INTO PASTE! SQUEEZE YOUR EYES INTO PȂTÉ! PLAY JUMP ROPE WITH YOUR INTESTINES!”

Your legs grow weak as you feel the heat work its way past the shield and into your hands… you try to hold firm, but the shield starts to slip…

>CONTD.

File: rezziesmug.png (34 KB, 800x600)

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>>6180904
Just when your muscles give up the ghost, however, you feel something hold you steady from behind!

“Not on my watch… Rook!”

If the rest of her is getting scorched, she doesn’t show it–gritting her teeth with a weary laugh, Volka holds you steady from behind while Tzah-Tzie presses her head against your back and strums her Striilii like a madwoman!

“What… ngh… she said!”

Whether it’s divine providence or the power of friendship you can’t be sure, but once you’re bolstered by your pals, Rezzie’s flames die out!

“Nghh…. Used to be able to keep this for days...” She hisses! “Oh well… I’ll just have to maim you the old-fashioned way!”

Like a seagull gunning for a slice of pizza, Rezalith divebombs your position with a menacing cackle! Waiting until you see the reds of her eyes, you step forward and send the hellish energy in your shield back at her with a roar of your own!

For a moment all goes quiet: even Oti’s voice pauses to let the flames subside… but as you peek over your shield, you’re met by a pair of familiar and very SMUG red eyes!

Wait… wha?

“Weeiii, whuuuh!? Duh duuh DUUUUUUH!?!” She mocks, giving your shield a playful flick before her eyes go wide in mock embarrassment, “Oh, didn’t I say? Hellfire’s kid’s stuff to devils… you’d have a better chance beating me with that stupid SHIELD of yours! KYAHAHA!”

A pregnant pause settles in as the two of you stare at each other… until you raise your shield high above your head and bring it crashing down upon hers!

KLOOOOOOONK!

>CONTD.

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>>6180905
“Are you SURE that’ll hold her?”

Oti doesn’t bother looking back at Tzah-Tzie–the poor girl not daring to step out from behind your robes. Having carried the dozing devil back to one of the wizard’s labs, all you can do is watch as he secures her in what you can only assume is some kind of demonic dentist chair!

“This might come as a shock, but I’ve been studying devils for years,” Chides the mage as you lean against Volka like a crutch, “And yes, I’m certain.”

Not trying to doubt what he’s saying or anything, you begin in a contrite tone, but uh… how is he certain?

“Simply put: your ‘Devil Queen’ is nothing more than a fledgeling.” Oti explains as he finishes strapping Rezzie into the device. “Still leagues above devilspawn, but even at full power I’d hardly consider it anything higher than a lesser devil.” He tsks. “And here I thought you’d provided me with a real treasure…”

“Who’re… yer callin’... lessher…”

To her credit, it didn’t take long for the devil to wake up! Drunkenly tugging at her unseen bindings, Rezalith turns her droopy eyes in your direction and makes the best scowl she can manage.

“I din’ hear no bell…”

Sensing discomfort in your expression, Oti is quick to put your fears at ease. “I administered some Milach Decoction–It’ll make it more… docile. Feel free to speak to it, but use caution.”

She’s not an ‘it’, you correct as you take a few cautious steps closer. The mage merely shrugs in response before drifting over to a nearby workstation. “As you say, ‘meister’...”

“You…” Rezalith snarls, spitting the word out like it was a rotten chunk of meat, “You’re gonna regred dish…”

TT scoffs. “Says the girl tied to a chair…”

TT! Clearing your throat, you take another step closer to the detained devil. Rezzie, you begin in a diplomatic tone, how, uh… how ya feelin’?

“There r’ no wordsh… no expreshinsh in one thoushant planesh zat cud dishcripe how SHORRY yer gonna be…”

Super! Well since she’s awake, you wanted to say a thing or two… looks like she’s only awake enough for 1-2 Questions!

>Who are you really?
>What do you know about RED?
>How’d you find us?
>Do you know how to get outta this world?
>What’s this about stealing her power?
>Sorry about everything…
>Why shouldn’t you leave her with Oti, hmm?
>Nevermind, you’ll talk later!
>Write-In!

>>6180906
>What do you know about RED?
>What’s this about stealing her power?
I doubt asking her about how to leave, especially when she's fighting being both concussed and sedated. Let's see if she slips up and says more than she should about these two topics.

>>6180906
>What do you know about RED?
>What’s this about stealing her power?

>>6180906
>What’s this about stealing her power?
>What do you know about RED?

Also shoulda mentioned that'll be the update for tonight! For the newer folks I tend to write updates around 5-6pm MST! Thanks for your patience and for playing--I can see where the vote's going, but I'll do the update proper tomorrow! Seeya then.

>>6180964
Thanks for running, OP. See you then!

>>6180906
>What’s this about stealing her power?
>What do you know about RED?

>6180914
>6180927
>6180935
>6181047
POWERRRRRRRR
and
RED
Writing~

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Leaning in just close enough for her to hear you clearly while also staying out of bite range, you ask the doped-up devil a question that’s been eating away at you for a while: she said you stole her powers… wh-

“YESH!” Roars Rezzie as she tries and fails to jerk upright, “You SCHTOL ‘em… Schtol my SHPEDE.. Schtol my STRENFFF! Canneven lide da’ whole shiddy on fire cuz I ged too damned TIRED too damned QUIG! Sneaggy lil’ Andon…”

Limboing under a wad of spit launched your way, you open your mouth to respond, but she’s too damn quick!

“Cuddn’t even fide off thosh damn Templarsh… logged me in a SHELL at their shtubid liddle clubhoush… almosht purshed me too… gonna burn dat playsh to da groun onsh I ged my powersh bag an’ rib oud all yer bonesh…”

Volka cocks her head to the side. “How’d you mana-”

“AAALLL yer BOOOONESHH….”

“... How’d you manage to escape, anyways?”

Rezalith’s mouth hangs open for a moment or so until the girl’s brain catches up. “I pretenned ta’ be a bar a SHOAP…” She sniggers as a devilish grin forms on her face, “An gavem all da’ SCHLIP!”

Ignoring the groan coming from Oti’s side of the room, you try your best to chisel something helpful out of your cranky captive: how is she so sure YOU stole her powers? It’s not like you trie-

The devil makes an elaborate show of sniffing in your direction. “Yea…. yea, you’ve god DEVIL inshide ya… I can SCHMELL id…” Her sleepy expression slips into a grin once again! “‘Debbil inshide you’… HEH. I’m hilarioush…”

“So how does he get it back into you, huh?” Continues Volka, prompting the devil to explode into raucous laughter! “C’mon, tell us! How does he get it into y-”

Wh-what she means is, you stammer, deftly cutting off Volka’s repeat question, how can you give the power back to her? What do you need to do?!

“Tch… thash righd…” Scoffs Rezzie as she sends a dirty look your way, “I’M perfegt… nod MY fauld you god jealush an hadda shteal my powersh when ya telebordded here…” Her expression sours even more, somehow. “... quid YELLIN ad me.”

You’re not yelli-

“I shed SHTOB YELLIN AD ME!”

“He isn’t yelling at-”

“YOU DOO, FADDY!”

Volka’s eyes widen to the size of Oti’s. “I… I’m not FAT! Wh-I exercise every da-”

“SCHTOB YELLING!”

>CONTD.

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>>6181580
Several minutes pass before you’re able to calm Rezalith down again, and several more to convince her that no, Tzah-Tzie is not a quote: ‘Get Well Soon Snack’.

“Shtob shmellin’ sho delizhis den….” Grumbles the infernal interogatee with a dramatic eyeroll as the aforementioned ‘snack’ sidles up next to you!

“Maybe you can ask her about your, uh… new pal?” The Spinner suggests as she speaks to you in a hushed tone. Hey, you’ll try anything at this point… clearing your throat and straightening your posture, you brace yourself for another round of conversation!

Let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we?

The devil smirks. “Vunka?”

“What’s an elephant?” Inquires Volka as she fails to make the connection between Rezzie’s statement and her sudden bout of laughter!

You’ll uh, you’ll tell her later, you mutter! Look, you sigh, you wanna talk about your mutual friend, okay? RED!

The laughter dies in Rezalith’s throat as her eyes go full saucer-shaped! “... Red?”

Yea, you nod as you exchange a wink with TT, Red! You wanna know what she knows!

If you didn’t know any better, you’d say the devil sobered up a bit… with an apprehensive gulp, she asks a question in a quiet and very un-Rezzie-like tone!

“... are you sure?”

You and your pals exchange a wary glance… even Oti looks over from his workstation!

Yea, you nod… you wanna know!

“About… Red?”

A chill runs through the lab as you bite your lip! Tell me everything you know!

“Truly?”

YES, you groan, tell me about RED!

A twinkle flashes in the demon’s eye! “Itsh a COLOR, you dumb, schtubid, theebin’, moron uljraVIRGIN! KYAAAAHAHAHAHAHAH!”

Oh for crying out… gritting your teeth as the devil rolls in manic laughter, you lose your cool just long enough to snatch the girl’s bare arm into your hand!

It’s okay, though… you’re in control.

>CONTD.

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>>6181582
Something about your expression shuts Rezalith up, and as you lean in close you spot fear sprouting in her eyes… Feeling a sensation akin to twenty invisible fingers working your face into a cocky grin, you brush a finger against the devil’s cheek and nod.

“Y-” She stammers, trying and failing to pull away from your hand, “Y-you…”

That’s right, darlin’, you reply in a soothing voice, she ain’t off the ranch yet… not by a long shot...

Trembling like a leaf in a hurricane, Rezalith’s pupils become pinpricks as a low, rumbling laugh claws its way out of your throat! And don’t worry… you’ll be seein’ her soon, you reassure her, REAL soon…

The entity puppeting your body relinquishes control just as your captive devil EXPLODES! Shrieking like a banshee as she violently jerks against the bonds barely holding her down, Rezalith stares daggers at you through wide-eyes as foam dribbles from her gnashing teeth!

“I’M NOT GOING BACK! NOT AGAIN! YOU CAN’T TAKE ME!”

Hey, HEY, you shout as Oti rushes over with a fresh concoction and Volka steps in front of you and TT, cool down, Rez-

“HE’S ALREADY HERE! HE’LL SEEP INTO EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING! EVERYTHIIIIIIING!”

An invisible force slams the ranting Rezalith back onto the chair just long enough for Oti to pour the potion into her open mouth! Spitting half of its contents all over the lab, the girl lets out a few more desperate gasps before drifting into a swift, but sudden sleep!

For a moment the room feels like the cave you visited half an hour ago–tense and eerily quiet.

“Well,” Huffs the Chytree as his eyes pulse in frustration, “You’ve certainly treated me to quite an exhilarating evening…”

Happy to oblige, you scoff as you kick Rezalith’s chair, damn it, you didn’t find out ANYTHING!

“Maybe we did…” Muses Tzah-Tzie as she gives your leg a reassuring pat! “She said something about her powers leaving when she teleported here, right?”

“So maybe there’s a way to teleport ‘em back?” Volka concludes as her tail thumps the floor in thought!

“It’s certainly not unheard of…” Snapping an unseen digit, Oti steps aside as two figures with a humanoid gait march in unison over to Rezalith’s resting place–their three eyes glowing like Christmas lights, but bereft of anything resembling something living. “I suppose you could drop by later and speak to it again… I’ll keep it contained for the time-being.”

He’d do that for you? Really? The mage’s eyes flicker.

“I regret it already, but yes,” He replies, watching cautiously as his servants cart the dreaming devil out of the lab, “I’m far better equipped to contain the devil than those Mitaaran fools… should make for an interesting distraction from my other projects, at any rate.”

>CONTD.

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>>6181585
A solitary click escapes where Oti’s mouth might be. “That said, there are far more important tasks I must attend to this evening. If there’s nothing else…”

The POTION, you sputter, having forgotten until now, is it ready? You wanna get control over Red bef-

“I should have it completed by tomorrow.” The sorcerer replies as if you’d asked him to tailor a suit, “Come back then.”

Like, tomorrow night, o-

“Tomorrow.”

Gotcha. Well you’ve got him for another moment, at least–anything else before Oti kicks you out?
>Any clue what Rezzie’s freakout was about?
>Remind me: what will the potion do?
>How does he know so much about devils?
>Thanks for everything, Oti.
>Nope! Let’s go!
>Write-In!

>>6181587
Just to confirm...
>Ask him if you should worry about being randomly taken over at any time

>>6181590
Also, in case I ain't around for the next vote, somebody remember to ask TT if she's up for that offer of hers.

>>6181587
>Any clue what Rezzie’s freakout was about?

>>6181587
>Any clue what Rezzie’s freakout was about?

>>6181587
>How does he know so much about devils?
or
>>6181590 +1

>6181590
>6181730
Random takeovers kinda suck
>6181668
>6181679
What that bitch's problem

Writing!

>>6181595
Anon's got an eye on the prize it would seem

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One more thing, you interject as you feel an invisible force tug you towards what you hope is an exit and not, like, a stew pot!

The sensation subsides as another drawn-out groan escapes Oti’s… speaking thing. “One?”

Well… maybe two, you reply sheepishly! You’re just… you’re still a little rattled, to be honest…

“By the sudden possession?” Inquires the mage as Volka a skulking Tzah-Tzie by the scruff of the neck! “Not something you should get used to.”

Right, you nod, but is there any way you can, y’know, fight back against that? Last time you were zonked from, uh… a near-death experience, but-

“There is a way, actually!” Oti replies with a twinkle in his eyes! Oh neat, you grin, how-

“The potion.” He growls, patience wearing thin! “The potion I’d like to start working on. The potion I’m giving you for free. That potion.”

Right, you nod, but how do people like him resist? Y’know, if they’re studying demons and whatnot? The Chytree’s steely gaze softens a bit.

“Demons, as we understand them, are largely beings of pure will. Riistrom Kaargstin, one of the bigger names in Demonology, posits that the creation of a demonic plane is the result of an Archdemon simply willing it to exist. Combined with an innate attunement to magical power, he likened them not to powerful creatures or beings, per se, but to forces of nature. An Archdevil in their home plane could very well rival a god.”

“Wuh-r-really!?” Sputters Volka as she drops TT at her side!

“I have my doubts...” Shrugs Oti as he begins carving up some of the ingredients you gathered. “Mostly regarding the comparison of power. As far as I’m concerned, gods are just a different type of demon–a different twig on the same branch.” He pauses mid-chop. “... My colleagues at the University did not agree.”

“Gee, wonder why~oof!”

“Watch your step.” Chides Oti as Tzah-Tzie stumbles back to her feet and searches the area for whatever tripped her! “But back to my point: a battle with a demon will always begin and end with a battle of will.” He shifts his disco ball eyes in your direction. “My condolences.”

Har har. So he’s got nothing, then?

“Well, projecting one’s will across the planes is taxing, even for an archdemon...” The mage continues as he takes his fresh-chopped herbs and tosses them into something that sends a plume of sweet, burning scents into the air, “So as long as you don’t plan on making a house call any time soon, this demon you’re hosting will always have a slight handicap.”

So… so if you have a strong will, you begin, resolve creeping back into your tone and body, then you can resist him!

“It’s not that simple-”

You just need to not lose your cool! Hah! You can manage that–you do it all the time at work! Thanks, Oti!

The Chytree begins to click, but stops. “... yes, well… you’re welcome.”

>CONTD.

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>>6182115
Catching Oti in a good mood, you continue by asking about devils and will and stuff… was that what spooked Rezzie just now? You thought she was a queen or something!

“If its a queen then I’m a Skog.” The sorcerer snickers. “No, as I mentioned before I wouldn’t place it any higher than a LESSER DEMON--footsoldiers of the Archdemon, really… not much for scheming on their own–their dosage of their master’s influence is far too lacking.”

“She seemed plenty powerful when she was torching the place, though…” Shudders Tzah-Tzie as she leans against your leg! “And that’s after Ant sucked up all her power!”

Hey, you didn’t mean to!

“Indeed, Lesser Demons are anything but,” Nods the mage as he removes the charred herbs and transfers them to another table, “But in the demonic hierarchy they’re lowest second only to FLEDGELINGS...” He grunts. “The equivalent of demonic toenail clippings. Nasty things.”

So lemme guess, there’s Greater Demons too, huh? Your idea earns another nod of approval! “The generals, governors… loyal only to the Archdemon… and dwarfed in power by it as well.”

“And, erm, what does this have to do with her going crazy, again?” Inquires Volka with visible confusion in her eyes!

“By involuntarily spiriting away the devil’s power,” Oti sighs, “You’ve loosened the grip of its masters.” His eyes glitter with amusement. “It thought it was free. Ha! No more free than we are of our exoskeletons!”

Heheh… right… so she’s worried you’re gonna, what, send her back somehow?

“Demons jealously guard their power, even slivers of it, so yes… they’ll find some way to bring the Lesser Demon back into the fold.” The sorcerer glances in the direction Rezalith departed. “I don’t envy it…”

A shrill squeal of steam shatters the silence, summoning the sorcerer over to the source! “It’s been enriching, truly, but anything else will have to wait til’ tomorrow.”

Wait, you sputter, what’s he gonna do with Re-

A sensation akin to being chucked by a catapult takes hold as you blink and land in a heap onto cold, frost-flecked flagstone!

“Well that’s a fine way to get rid of guests…” Grumbles Volka as she peels herself off of the ground near you, “That’s gonna be sore tomorrow…”

What is?

“Everything…”

“His social skills could use some work,” Chirps TT approaching with a spritely spring in her step, “But ya’ gotta admit it was worth dropping in on the guy, right?”

Yea, you nod, shivering at the sudden reintroduction to the nippy weather, and for what it’s worth you’re glad you tracked down Rezzie–she could have become a real problem!

“Well we took care of her!” Volka concludes, sending a hearty laugh into the night sky as she wraps her burly arms around you and TT! “Lamplighters: A million, Devils: ZIP!”

>CONTD.

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>>6182116
After taking a few minutes to get your bearings, you and the gals manage to find your way back to a main street–the road choked with worried pedestrians hurrying home from their daily toils!

“Any last-minute stops?” Asks Volka as her armor clanks in a marching rhythm, “Reckon we oughta’ get back soon and see how the rest of the patrols went… but we can probably afford a detour or two!”

“Ouuugh, I hope not…” Groans Tzah-Tzie as she plucks a few lazy notes out of her instrument, “Any more excitement today and you’ll have to carry me, Ant…”

“I can do that too, if ya’ like!” Volka helpfully adds!

“Hmm… might take ya’ up on that…” Muses TT as she continues to walk with renewed energy! “Anywhere ya’ wanna check out, Ant?”

Well…

Pastebin Link: https://pastebin.com/xdk5kHyA
>Let’s just patrol a little longer!
>You wanna find that Clock Store from that mysterious note!
>Wanna laugh at the Mitaaran Templars for losing Rezzie?
>You kinda wanna look at the crime scene… the one where Guild Chairman Fellick was murdered…
>Nah, let’s go see how the other Lamplighters fared. You could use a drink, too!
>Write-In!

>>6182118
>Nah, let’s go see how the other Lamplighters fared. You could use a drink, too!
Let's get some rest, yo. We haven't had some real free time in a while. We went on that Spice City job, then straight to the patrol and stuff.

>>6182118
>Nah, let’s go see how the other Lamplighters fared. You could use a drink, too!
>WRITE IN: Not so-subtly try to mention the OFFER to Tzah, as per 4OT's wishes.

>>6182131
Based, +1ing

Also, I figure I should ask, am I the only one who repeatedly re-reads the swoos pool bit from last thread? It feels so comfy, just from reading it.

It's a real crime Anton seems to be deadly allergic to it.

>>6182118
>Nah, let’s go see how the other Lamplighters fared. You could use a drink, too!

>>6182131
I'll +1 the write-in about TT, too, but only if we do it in a stammering, spaghetti-spilling fashion,a s previously voted on in the prior thread.

>>6182157
As someone who used to sell and treat spas, a hot tub full of bacteria squicks me right out to be desu.

>>6182161
Maybe, but the idea of being in a warm humid nice smelling room in the darkness while some big titty shortstack pours warm water over your socks and massages your shoulders sounds like heaven. I'm not sure I'd be able to resist it even knowing it could kill me.

>>6182163
Aaah yes, and I forgot to add the best part - the shortstack speaks in that calm slow-lidded tone.

Gonna come back to this tomorrow--shit got busy once I got home today! In the meantime though I gave the Mindwave game demo a try and think I've found Volka's theme song:
https://soundcloud.com/dorkus-64/although-the-sky?in=dorkus-64/sets/mindwave-demo-ost&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Definitely check it out if you like WarioWare-likes!
Until tomorrow, KINGS
>>6182157
Took a lot of inspiration from the baths I visited when teaching in Japan--they know how to make 'em comfy in that neck of the world! Glad you got something out of it, anon.

>>6182118
>Nah, let’s go see how the other Lamplighters fared. You could use a drink, too!

>>6182163
>>6182167
I mean, shit, when you put it like that... What a way to go.

>>6182628
Damnit, I saw the post count go up and thought we were getting an update.

>>6182630
Sorry to disappoint--things got real busy on my end after work... should have an update for ya early on Saturday MST! Apologies for the delay, all!

>Back to the Bar
Wins it, by the way, not that that's a big surprise

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You’re with Tzah-Tzie on this one: between your near-death experience in the Swoos Lounge, the scrap with the Icers, your daring eggscape from the Spice Cartel’s casino, and your little errand for Oti, you’d say the ole’ fuel tank is close to empty right now…
The frigid evening air stings your cheeks as you give your friends a decisive nod. Time to call it a night!

The trek back to the Drunken Mile is relatively peaceful, not that that’s a high bar to clear given what you’ve tangoed with today… You pass by a few rowdy barhoppers, of course–some leering at your companions, others whistling at you, but nobody seems to be in a fighting mood save for one guy who can’t seem to peel himself off the cobblestone, so you’re good!

“I’ve been meaning to ask,” Volka begins as she catches a boozer mid-fall and orients him back to his wobbly feet, “What kind of music do you like the most, TT?”

The question takes the spunky Spinner off-guard. “What don’t I like!? Well ballads are a must… always love me a good story… but I’ve always enjoyed a good Duri too! People call me old-fashioned, but-”

“Duris are great!” Beams the Skog! “Always so easy to dance to, even if they’re sad…”

TT nods emphatically. “Pretty sure that’s in a Durher Rulebook or something–gotta be able to dance to it!”

“I like that one…” Huffs Volka as you stumble over a passed-out patron snoozing in the street, “Ma took me to listen to some Skog music once… wasn’t thrilled.”

Tzah-Tzie’s eyes light up with glee! “But those percussion instruments, though! The Thatha! The Priig! You just can’t get the same sound out of any other instruments… I’ve always wondered why…”

A nervous laugh creeps out of the side of Volka’s mouth. “...Probably because they’re wrapped in tanned flesh…”

“Ah.”

The conversation lulls into silence just as you arrive at THE BATTLE’S END TAVERN, at least you think you do. The whole ‘unable to read the bumps carved into the road’ schtick is starting to get old… Leading the charge as usual, Grand Marshall Volka pushes open the door and sends a dull creak into the alarmingly-quiet bar!

Warm air greets you as you enter, though it’s nowhere as stifling as it was when the establishment was standing room only a few hours earlier. Where once there was too much conversation for you to hear yourself think are now just the familiar and inviting staples of closing time: the clank of dishware being washed, floors being sweeped, and a complete absence of customers.

God, you love it…
>CONTD.

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>>6182986
“Hey, they’re back!”

Rushing over with what sounds like a tower of dishes in their tiny mitts, the Durher twins Dilah and Vilah ambush you with excitement only kids can provide!

“DIDJAHAVEAGOODPATROLANYFIGHTSDIDJAGETINTAANYFIGHTSWEHEARDASOUNDTHATMIGHTABEENAMONSTERBUTWEDUNNOFORSUREBUTITWASALOTOFFUNANDMSLILAWASSOCOOLANDEVENALTONWA-”

“Oi, did I say you two could take a break?” Following the brash, but warm voice over to the counter, you feel the stress of the day melt away as Ma gives you and your pals a nod! “Back from the front, I see… and in one piece, no less!”

Volka responds with a cheeky grin! “Yup yup! Don’t worry, Ma, we’ll clear out soon-”

The matron waves her off. “Take yer’ time… sleep doesn’t come easy for me anymore anyways.” The eyebrow over her remaining eye rises. “Reckon I’ll be pouring a few more nightcaps, ey?”

“Erm… y-yes please…” Mutters Volka with an apology in her eyes which earns a laugh from the bar baroness!

“Hells, sweetheart, I ain’t gonna charge ya for it… go siddown–I’ll send my new kitchen staff over once they grab the last of the dishes.”

She shifts her eye towards a familiar pair of orange ones toiling away behind the counter! “Hear that, Alton? You’re relieved from dish duty, soldier!”

The Mox finishes scrubbing a glass before giving Ma a firm nod! “Aye aye, ma'am!”

Before you can take a seat, you hear the door creak open behind you followed by the sound of tiny wings flittering over.

“Oh, you’re back.”

“Lila!” Volka exclaims, earning a pained wince from the Senior Lamplighter, “Hope the new recruits weren’t too much trouble.”

The pixie-like patrolwoman shrugs. “The opposite, really. No complaints from Pesli either.”

Your group shifts its collective gaze over to the back of the bar where the old oak man sits surrounded by Vuuse and her entourage… the latter peppering the veteran with questions like fans at a convention!

“Welp,” Sighs Volka as her armor clanks, “Let’s wrap things up, shall we?”

“Yes please…” Groans Lila as she blinks her colorful eyes a few times, “Head feels like it’s gonna burst…”

You raise an eyebrow in concern as everyone migrates towards Pesli’s table. Everything okay?

“Migraines…” Lila replies as she hovers past your cheek with a hint of appreciation in her tired expression, “Nothing new, though. Don’t worry.”

You put further questions on hold as you reach the table! “Ah,” Pesli intones, prompting the others to cease their questioning, “You return intact and well… we are pleased and relieved.”

>CONTD.

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>>6182988
“Boy, did you miss out!” Smirks Sino, the female Chytree and her counterpart Tiro nibbling on something!

“Tch… figures all it’d take for you to lose your fangs is a fookin’ treat...” Scoffs Vuuse, the Mzz’goe’virr’s sunny disposition not changing much since your last interaction. “Didn’t even get ta’ see THE PRUNER work his magic either… Hells…”

‘The Pruner’. Vuuse said it was Pesli’s moniker once upon a time, and based on what he said during the meet-and-greet you don’t think it had to do with his age or love of gardening… Impatience growing in all six of her eyes, Vuuse glares at Volka. “So what’s next on the agenda, ey? Singing a song? Hugs an’ kisses?”

“Not unless you want to!” Smirks Volka as she takes a seat at the head of the table! “Senior Officer Lila: ready to record the minutes?”

The Veeti rummages around in what sounds like a lot of pockets for someone shorter than your pointer finger. “As always.”

“Great!” Chirps the Grand Marshall, “Then let’s start with Senior Officer Pesli’s squad! Report!”

“Report on what?” Snorts Vuuse! “Helped an’ old biddy find her didrot… slimy little bastard got stuck in a drainage pipe.”

“An’ she gave us Pie Crisps to thank us!” Tiro adds, the male Chytree’s voice tinged with unusual mirth!

“Homemade!” Adds Sino!

“Exemplary work all around…” Pesli adds, punctuating his molasses-thick voice with a nod of approval. “We see great potential in officers Tiro, Sino, and Vuuse.”

The latter manages to roll all of her eyes. “And I see great potential in getting outta’ here while it’s still early… fookin’ Pie Crisps... Hells…”

“You had three, though, boss.”

“Shut it, Tiro, or you’ll be slidin’ home on your own guts.”

>CONTD.

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>>6182991
A smile plasters itself across Volka’s face! “Glad to hear it! Officer Lila?”

“Thwarted an attempted mugging in the Temple District.” Drones the pixie as if reading an expense report, “Note: exceptional work and control from Officer Alton–he managed to convince the snatcher to come quietly to the Bellcounter Guardhouse.”

“Wasn’t nuffin’...” Mutters the Mox as a sheepish smile forms on his fishy face!

“It was, don’t sell yourself short.” Lila chides as she shifts her weary eyes towards the Durher twins. “Wasn’t worried for a second, though: Officers Vilah and Dilah tracked the mugger down faster than I could.”

“Gotta wake up real early ta’ outrun us!” Vilah declares as she and her sister exchange a resounding high-five!

“A mugger catching a mugger… Fookin’ poetic.” Sniggers Vuuse, earning a glare from Alton.

“Liked ya’ better when yer’ big mouth was stuffed with pie.”

“Big-eyed pissant…”

“Thank you, officer!” Shifting her big, yellow gaze your way, the Skog gives your shoulder a playful nudge! “Officer Anton, would you like to give a report on our patrol?”

What say ye?
>No thanks, she can do it!
>TT might!
>Sure! (Tell EVERYTHING!)
>Okay! (Say you patrolled around the fireworks shop area… leave the other crap out)
>Stay silent! She’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!

>>6182994
>Okay! (Say you patrolled around the fireworks shop area… leave the other crap out)
Heeeey...you forgot the write-in!

>>6182994
>TT might!
She lives for this shit. It's literally why she's tailing us.

>>6182994
>TT might!
>>6183000
Guess Anton was too wimpy to bring it up. Tis what it is.

>>6183000
>>6183006
I'm getting there, don't worry... /;3

>6183000
Fireworks Patrol!
>6183001
>6183006
TT do something for once

Writing! Sorry, errands got in the way! Busy weekend, questers. Busy weekend.

>>6182994
>>TT might!

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A devilish grin worms its way onto your face as an idea comes to mind! No thanks, you reply in a cordial tone, but you know someone who WOULD!

You barely pivot a degree before the mischievous musician leaps atop the table and gives her Striilii a resounding STRUM!

“Gather round, all, and I’ll sing you a song, of wizards and devils and plans that go wrong! But no need to fear, I swear I’m not lyiiiiiiiiing…”

She leans in close to Vuuse, much to the ex-ganger’s chagrin.

“Cuz’ I’m speaking of course of ANTON THE UNDYIIIIIIIIING!”

Laying into the instrument like it owed her money, TT prances around the table as your fellow officers watch with expressions ranging from genuine excitement all the way to utter confusion! Oh, and anger! You can probably guess who.

“Iiiiit happened tonight in a fireworks store, began as a chore, but became so much more! He called on the aid of a wizard, but well….. Dear Anton locked horns with a monster from HELL!”

The twins gasp at the sudden profanity! By GOD!

“In the darkest of corners, the deepest of cracks, our hero knew not who was hot on his tracks! Twelve castles high! Eyes made of hellfire! Gnashing teeth, razor claws, and unquenchable iiiiiire!”

TT sidles up next to you and gives your face a pat with her swinging tail!

“Flames flew and earth shook and the cave rent apart! Til’ Anton roared out ‘Worry not, friends! Take heart!’ He gathered Hell’s flames in his magical shieeeellllld….”

The whole bar goes as silent as the cave as the Spinner lingers on that last note…

“AAAAAAND the devil’s own power became his to WIEEEEELD!”

Tzah-Tzie gives her instrument a series of powerful strums–each one evoking the image of you striking the devil! “One STRIKE of the shield and the beast was undone! Tossed back to the hells with its evil undone! To tell its foul kin who’d just sent it flyiiiiiing…..”

Another pause falls over the table as a mischievous glimmer appears in the Spinner’s eye!

“DAAAAAMNED RIGHT, all the hells fear ANTON THE UNDYYIIIIIIIIIIING!”

Tossing her Striilii into the air, the Durher pirouettes and snatches the instrument just in time to give an exaggerated bow to her impromptu audience, who immediately let loose with a string of whistles and hollers! Even Vuuse nods with approval!

“Yea… I’m not writing that all down…” Groans Lila, face scrunched up from the cacophony surrounding her!

“No foolin’? A demon?” Asks Alton, eyes wider than ever!

“Did it have horns!?”
“Did it spit poison?!”

“You can ask Anton and TT about it all you want later!” Sputters Volka, the girl balancing being awestruck and in charge as the Durher twins hop up and down like puppies! “L-let’s close out the meeting, yea?”

“Finally…” Grumbles Vuuse, though you notice her steely gaze lingers on you a little longer than usual…

>CONTD.

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>>6183215
You’re about to call her out when you hear a sequence of wood mugs slamming onto the counter across the tavern!

“Girls, a little help?”

Vilah and Dilah waste no time in helping Ma out! Returning with what must be a TOWER of drinks between the two of them, the orphans dutifully lay a mug in front of each Lamplighter!

“Ah-ah-ah!” Chides the bar matron as she strides over with a disapproving smirk, “I’ve got your drinks right here, ladies.”

“B-but we wanna drink too!”
“Yea!” Dilah agrees, “We’ve done it before, y’know!”

Ma shrugs. “Well then I guess I’ll keep the EXTRA-STRONG drinks for me, then! Oh well~”

She barely turns around before the twins are on her like fleas on a dog! “Okay, okay,” she acquiesces as she shoots you a wink, “Just sip ‘em, okay? All the classy ladies enjoy their drinks… not guzzle ‘em.”

“Thanks, Ma!” Answer the Durhers in perfect unison! Raising their mugs along with Volka, you join in just as the Grand Marshall clears her throat and beams at the people seated around the table!

“Well I’m not gonna mince words: Pesli and Lila don’t toss out praise, so I’m inclined to believe you earned it!”

“Hah! Damned right we did!” Snickers Vuuse, to which Volka smiles!

“I know this ain’t everyone’s first choice of duties and I know one patrol won’t make much of a difference, but know this:”

Her big yellow eyes sweep across the table. “Tonight you made a difference to someone when no one else would… and that’s something you can’t put a price on. Hope ta’ see you all tomorrow, Officers. Meeting adjourned, enjoy your drink!”

Clinking her mug with Lila’s sets off a chain reaction culminating in you taking a sip of a familiar, yet delicious draught…

“HELLS!” Sputters Alton as he nearly drops his tankard, “What IS this?”

“It’s damned good, s’what it is!” Remarks Sino as Tiro savors the taste next to her!

“Isn’t it?” Remarks Ma with pride in her voice, “Call it THE ANTON. As fer’ the recipe, well… that’s something you’ll have ta’ drag outta’ him!”

Uh-oh…

>CONTD.

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>>6183218
Deftly deflecting a barrage of questions from your comrades in arms, it isn’t long before the Lamplighters drape across the bar like clothing in a college dorm…

While Vilah and Dilah dutifully assist Ma behind the bar, Alton the ex-mugger nurses his drink in one of the seats.

Vuuse, Tiro and Sino, on the other hand, are busy playing some kind of game in the corner of the tavern–seems like their energy hasn’t waned much!

Volka and Pesli enjoy a drink in another corner, the two chatting like old pals.

You’re pretty sure you saw Lila head outside earlier–guess she doesn’t get cold easily?

In true TT fashion, the Spinner has posted herself at a table near the center of the establishment, notes from her instrument adding a calm ambience to the closed-down public house.

Won't be long before everyone turns in for the night... you get the feeling Ma ain't bashful about telling people to hit the road! Basking in the quietness of it all, you decide to bother…
NOTE: EVENT LOCKED IN: SPEAKING TO TT BEFORE BED!
>Volka!
>TT!
>Vilah and Dilah!
>Alton!
>Ma!
>Vuuse!
>Tiro and Sino!
>Pesli!
>Lila!
>No one! Just viiiiibe!
>Write-In!

>>6183215
>>6183218
>>6183219
Am I supposed to read this to the tone of Greensleeves

>>6183219
>No one! Just viiiiibe!
Anyway, I'll be happy to just vibe so we can get to the nice part.

>>6183219
>Alton!
>Vuuse!
Not so bad being a Lamplighter, huh, ye most- skeptical of recruits?

>>6183227
You should be reading every post I've ever made to the tune of Greensleeves, yes

>>6183219
>No one! Just viiiiibe

>>6183236
>>6183260
>We vibin

>>6183239
>Bet you dicks feel SILLY huh

Writing~

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Your brain tells you this is a tasty ‘networking opportunity’ to use the lingo of those tech bros that always used to camp out at your work with their laptops, and yet you can’t seem to peel yourself away from your seat on the far side of the bar! You’d hate to be perceived as antisocial, but after everything you’ve gotten away with today you’re just…

“Tired?”

The sudden question nearly sends you toppling out of your seat! Y-yea, you stammer as you regain your equilibrium, you can say that again…

“Plenty a’ rooms open here,” Grunts Ma as she masterfully demonstrates the ancient bartender art of polishing a glass! “Volka said you were offered a couch at the old coot’s potion shop?”

Yea, you nod, but you won’t say no to a comfy bed…

“You’re welcome to it, hon, long as ya’ don’t mind those two rugrats you pawned off onto me taking a room too.”

Your ears shift from Ma to the sound of Vilah and Dilah scampering around the kitchen! Sorry about that, you reply with an apologetic smile, you-

“Sorry?” Snorts the old Skog, “Kid, ya’ sent ‘em to the right gal–always happy ta’ get sweethearts like that off the streets!” She leans in closer, her massive frame towering over you like a shaken vending machine! “Came from The Rags District, right? Fuckin’ hell…”

Is that common, you ask? Kids just living on the streets?

“More than Crossroads’d like ta’ admit…” Growls the barmatron as she scrubs the glass a little TOO hard! “But look around–can’t see shit, so what’s a kid to do when their parents go missing?” A weary sigh escapes from her lips. “So I do what I can… just like you lot do what you can, ey?”

Absolutely, you answer, sleepiness weighing your head down as you nod! Well, uh… thanks again, Ma!

She raises her eyebrow. “For?”

For, well… everything!

The drinkslinger smirks. “Damn right. Tell ya what: howsabout another drink, hm? On the house!”

The next hour or so passes quickly–between sampling your drink and saying goodbye to your fellow Lamplighters as they slowly file out of the bar, you’re eventually left with the usual suspects: Tzah-Tzie and Volka!

“Where’d the twins go?” Inquires TT as she scurries into the chair next to you!

“To bed!” Ma answers as she makes a show of putting her last glass back into an unseen receptacle! “Not a bad idea, methinks!”

“You can say that again!” Volka laughs as she makes a show of stretching her arms above her head! “Ready ta’ head out, Rook? Don’t worry–that couch is much more comfy than it looks! Volka approved!” The Skog’s face scrunches up. “Hey, wait… where are you sleepin’ tonight, TT?”

The Durher blinks as she idly tunes her Striilii. “Whoops! That’s what I was supposed to do tonight! Totally slipped my mind!”

>CONTD.

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>>6183484
“What’s there ta’ think about? Sleep here tonight, sweetheart!” Ma grunts as her eye shifts in the direction the twins shambled off to about half an hour ago! “Wouldn’t call it comfy, but it’s safe!”

“Sure, aside from the beast nesting in the attic!” Giggles Volka!

“‘S not an attic, it’s a MASTER SUITE!” Corrects the bartender with a hint of ire in her tone! “An’ just you wait til’ ya’ get to be my age–you’ll be snorin’ too!”

Volka’s eyes widen. “Hells, I hope not…”

“I’d bet my bar on it!” Ma snickers with a cheeky grin! “An’ it’ll be your kids mouthing off to ya’, so get excited for that…”

The word ‘kids’ hits your stalwart Grand Marshall like a lightning bolt! “K-K-KIDS!? C-come on, Ma…”

About the couch, you interject in a diplomatic tone, you’re grateful to Volkir and all, but-

“But a bed sounds better, huh?” Volka smiles as she gives your head a firm, but nonlethal pat, “Don’t blame ya! Hells, maybe I’ll sleep here tomorrow night too! It’ll be a slumber party!”

“We can drag the rest of the Lamplighters in as well! I’ll provide the entertainment!” Chirps TT!

“Bold of ya’ to assume I’ll have room for your little army…” Frowns Ma as she steps out from behind the counter. “I DO run an Inn, y’know…”

“Well we’ll just take the party somewhere else if it’s too crowded, right?” Winks Volka as she heads for the door! “Get some rest, you lot–tomorrow’s just another battle!”

“Get home safe!” TT adds as you send the Skog packing with one last thanks! Watching her go, Ma rolls her broad shoulders and fills the bar with the sound of crackling bones! “Right, that’s it fer’ me… try not ta’ sleep in too late or you’ll miss breakfast.”

“G’night, Ma!” Smiles the Durher as the mistress of the house plods off towards the rooms!

“Stay outta’ trouble, you two~”

Heh, you stammer as the old Skog’s footsteps fade away, what’s that supposed to mean…

Turning your attention back to the bar, you notice your favorite Spinner’s lime-green eyes resting squarely on you…

“What indeed…” She smirks. “Didja like the song, Mr. Undying?”

Like is an understatement, you reply incredulously! You can’t believe she whipped that up in such a short time!

“You spoil me~” Drumming her claw on the counter, the girl’s gaze shifts from you and over to the back of the bar. “Buy a girl a drink?”

>CONTD.

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>>6183485
Well… if it’s just one… As you move to pick something out, you freeze… err, you have no clue what any of this is…”

“Just grab something from the bottom shelf,” She commands in a lackadaisical tone, “That’s where she keeps the cheap stuff!”

And if TT doesn’t like it?

The Durher shrugs. “Better to try something new than to wonder about it for the rest of your life…”

Huh. Poetic! Grabbing a random bottle, you return to the counter and get to mixin’! So, you begin, not really sure where you’re going…

>How’s she doin?
>Penny for her thoughts?
>She, uh… she’s not tired?
>How did she think that whole song up?
>You want her opinion on someone… (Who?)
>Stay silent! She’ll think of something to ask!
>Write-In!

>>6183486
>How’s she doin?
>She's, uh...she's not tired? How do you have so much energy, man?

>>6183486
>She, uh… she’s not tired?

>>6183486
>Penny for her thoughts?

>>6183486
>She, uh… she’s not tired?
>Penny for her thoughts?

>>6183502
>>6183585
Seconding

>>6183502
+1

>>6183486

>6183502
>6183504
>6183519
>6183585
>6183632
>6183936
The Tally:
>How Doin: 3
>Not Tired? Energy: 3
>Not Tired? : 3
>Penny: 1
Will probably get to writing tomorrow--today was real busy and is still busy. Apologies for the wait, gang!

>>6184162
That's three pennies!
>>6183632
>>6183585
>>6183519

>>6184277
Oh shit, you're right... my bad! We're doin' em all, folks!

>>6184447
FINALLY
WE GOT THREE PENNIES TO SPEND!
...
SHIT, WE DON'T EVEN USE PENNIES IN THIS SETTING.

>>6184448
>no pennies
Zoral is in Canada?

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How’s…. How is she doing?

A mischievous grin slips onto the Durher’s face. “You know what? I’m doing just dandy, Anton. How about you?”

The million-dollar question! Well, you shrug as you haphazardly splash alcohol together like a kid making mud pies, you’re not dead yet… and you’ve made some decent friends, so-

“To not being dead yet!” Snatching the glass from you with lightning speed, Tzah-Tzie clinks it against your bottle and downs the whole mixture with Volka-like fortitude! Erm, you stammer, she’s really getting into that ‘toast’ thing, huh?

TT’s expression takes a turn for the serious. “Trust me: as someone who makes a living writing songs about adventures… surviving the day is always worth toasting.”

You let out a singular chuckle, but rein it back when the girl’s face tells you she ain’t joking. Right, you nod, she, uh… She’s a bad luck charm too…Her lime-green eyes linger on you.

“You don’t really get used to it–watching people die.” She sighs as you pour yourself a drink, “Not like you should, of course…”

You raise an eyebrow as concern creeps into your expression. Who did she work with the longest?

“His name was Azdhol…” The Spinner replies without pause, “Azdol the Acrobat.” She smiles. “Skog, knew his way around a hammer… was always adamant about having a balanced meal before a job…” Tzah-Tzie sniffs as you pour her another ‘drink’.

Lemme guess, you interject with a grin, he was light on his feet? That earns a laugh!

“Noooooot exactly… he could barely walk without tripping over his feet!” A sly twinkle appears in the Spinner’s eye! “But the nickname made him feel a little less self-conscious about it, so…” Another shrug. “He always knew how to make people laugh–didn’t really care if he was the punchline or not…”

Basking in the nostalgia of a guy you never met for a moment, you wait a polite moment before asking a follow-up: and her shortest?

Tzah-Tzie’s brow furrows. “Thiine. Didn’t last long enough for me to think of a nickname for her.” She drums a claw on the counter. “I remember her though–very serious for a Gnok… kept her past close to her chest, but one thing did stand out…”

A fresh grin forms on the girl’s face. “Sweets. She LOVED sweets. Before we went on our first job she took me to this cake shop–some Gnok joint–and we must’ve demolished half the menu!”

The Spinner basks in the memory for a little longer, then shifts her saucer-sized gaze back your way. “I remember ‘em all, Ant… especially at night.” Dumping the fresh contents of her drink down her throat, the girl lets out an exultant sigh!

It’s not your fault, T-

>CONTD.

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>>6184525
“It’s not about faults, Ant,” She interrupts with a warm smile, “See… if I remember those adventurers… if I write songs about ‘em…” Her eyes shift ceilingward as another sigh escapes her lips, “then they’ll never be forgotten… and they’ll never really die.”

A reverent silence blankets the tavern once more as the two of you sample your beverages. In true TT fashion, she’s the one who breaks the ice: “I guess that’s the moral of the story, Ant.”

What is?

You feel a warm claw settle on top of your hand. “Be someone people’ll tell stories about… and you’ll live forever.”

Letting the words sink in for a moment, a devious look forms on the girl’s face. “But you didn’t linger around here to wax poetic, didja?” She leans in a little closer–the bangles in her hair jingling mere inches away… “You wanted to discuss something more academic, right?”

Err…

Taking her claw off your hand, she leans back with a look of mock pondering on her face! “Oh right… the lexical analysis of the expression: ‘if I told you you had a nice body…’”

… would she hold it against you...

Next thing you know, you’re being led through a door into a vacant bedroom–the air within is slightly musty, but warm enough to be inviting. Shutting the door behind you as if it were made of glass, Tzah-Tzie hops onto a bed and pats the space next to her!

“C’mon, I ain’t gonna bite~”

Hard to argue with that! Plopping down next to the spunky Spinner, you listen as she deposits her Striilii onto a creaky little end table next to the bed. So-

“Relaaaax, Ant,” She purrs, “I don’t plan on making things awkward, so let’s just take this slowly, m’kay?”

Slowly, you nod, yea, that’d probably be best… you feel a small fist playfully jab your shoulder!

“Well c’mon! I still know a thing or two from my time in a Swoos lounge–pick your poison!” Her expression takes a turn for the sly. “... unless you really wanted to discuss cultural idioms and expressions, that is~”

W-well, you gulp…
>You could use a massage…
>Let’s just talk more!
>Can she play you a song or something?
>Wanna, like, snuggle?
>Kiss her!
>Let’s stay friends… okay?
>Stay silent! She’ll think you disappeared!
>Write-In!

>>6184526
>Kiss her
Do it Anton! You can do it!

>>6184526
>Kiss her!
ANTON.
GET OVER THERE, ANTON.
GET UP ON THOSE GODDAMN JELLY LEGS OF YOURS
GO KISS THE GIRL.
YOU KISS THAT GIRL THIS INSTANT

>>6184531
He's gotta remember to take care though! If he accidentally hurts his mouth on dem cute little fangs, he might get a canker sore and ruin his entire month.

>>6184526
>Kiss her!
See, as much as I'd love to see TT giving us a repeat of the Swoos experience, I feel like it makes more sense for Anton to just gather up all his courage and pounce (heh) TT to kiss her before he chickens out

We can do the 'Swoos massage' stuff later. They've got normal hot tubs down here right? The kind that won't kill us that is. I'm sure TT will be even better than Reesma at it.

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>>6184528
>>6184531
>>6184546
>picrel
Okay you bastards, you asked for it...
>Roll me 1d100 (-5 Anxiety, -2 Strange... forgetting someone? Something?, +2 Growing confidence, +5 TT saw your heroic deeds) to not spill your spaghetti! Best of 3!

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>6184588

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>6184588

>>6184592
Hell yeah!

I wonder what would happen if i got a 100

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>6184588
AIE
AIE
AIE

>>6184594
>Not a 1
Clear! We've got a 95! Turns out Anton is an natural-born kisser, I uess.

>>6184590
>>6184592
>>6184594
>HIGHEST ROLL: 95!
Writing!
>>6184596
I'll get you someday, anons....

>>6184597
>I'll get you someday, anons....
Yeah, well, someday we'll get a 100 again! And it'll probably be another TT action, too. Can't beat the kot!

The suspense is killing me...

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The word ‘Swoos’ sends a tickle down your throat, but you fight back the feeling and stand proud under the mischievous musician’s smug stare! You’re not sure of much ever since you arrived in this wacky world, but one thing’s for sure:

You’d be lying if you said Tzah-Tzie hasn’t grown on you! Somewhere between wanting to one-up the cocky crooner and show her how you really feel, you gently clasp your hands on the girl’s diminutive shoulders and lean in…

“A-ANTON~”

Your lips connect with hers, sending a high-voltage current racing through your body! There’s a bit of fuzz, you notice, and the sharp, but tiny teeth are a bit shocking, but all of that fades into background noise as you feel the plucky performer press her petite body against yours… Bathing in each other’s warmth, you lose yourself in Tzah-Tzie’s embrace as she gently digs her claws into your back and tugs you onto the be-

”-n’t change the subject, Ant.”

She pushed away from your embrace, an annoyed glare burning holes in you behind thick Aviators.

You’re not… you just can’t get over how cute she i-

“They’re just my parents–why are you so scared to meet them?”

Your gut churned with fresh anxiety. You didn’t have an answer for her–you still don’t. Your silence hurt her–you could see it behind her shades.

“... this isn’t a joke, Ant…”

You know, you replied, but you’re just-

“Just WHAT?”

This is all too FAST!

Tzah-Tzie jerks back as the words leave your mouth–the volume rattling the thin walls as it pinballs around the room! As you struggle to process what just happened, you feel a warm claw caress your cheek!

“Ant,” the Durher whispers with concern in her eyes, “Are you… what’s wrong?”

Straddling your chest, Tzah-Tzie slowly dismounts and lays at your side–the items in her pockets jingling as she adjusts herself. Y-yea, you sputter, your mouth dry with shock, you just-we don’t need to stop-

“No,” The Spinner interjects with a shake of her head, “We should… I mean… I promised you I’d be more honest, and-”

A-and she did, you counter! You know her real name now! Ruusdi! She shakes her head again, this time biting her lip before speaking.

“Right,” TT sighs, “B-but there’s something else you should know… I just can’t… I can’t do this without you knowing…”

Okay, you stammer as a smile forces itself onto your face, y-yea! Let ‘er rip, h-haha! Gathering another gulp of air, Tzah-Tzie traces a claw down your cheek with apprehension burning in her eyes…

“I… well, t-technically speaking, Ant…” Her squeaky voice catches in her throat, but she gulps it down with renewed resolve on her face!

“I’m… married.”

Your heart drops like a bomb into your gut. E-exSQUEEZE me!?

>CONTD.

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>>6184701
It takes a few minutes of heavy breathing and nonsensical sputtering before you’re able to repeat yourself, albeit in a more composed manner: she’s m-m-

“Married, yea…” Tzah-Tzie replies weakly as an even weaker smile forces itself upon her face! “Well, slightly…”

How does that even work? What does she mean, exactly?

Rolling onto her back, Tzah-Tzie shifts her gaze to the ceiling– it’s probably a little easier to confess to. “My family name is Sulastir…”

Your eyes go Chytree-sized! That’s… you can’t… wh-what does that mean?

“One of the oldest UMBERAL... if you go back far enough on the family tree, you’d find my great grandfather: Haalmdar Sulastir.”

Something in your gaze reminds her you have no clue what she’s talking about.

“He’s one of Zoral’s first Ruuppaa Vineyard owners.”

Oh. OOOH. The girl responds with a despondent nod. “And, as it happens, my family was really close with The Spice Cartel… still is, last I checked…”

You open your mouth to respond, but she cuts you off! “It’s a family tradition,” TT spits, “Every few generations a Sulastir is married to some big-wig in the Cartel…” Her eyes flick your way, then back to the ceiling. “If you’re a daughter, at least…”

So, you stammer, she was-

“Yep, the lucky lady…” Groans the Durher as she shifts around on the bed. “They call it an honor… a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… but I could read between the lines. Doesn’t take an archmage to know what kind of life a Cartel wife can look forward to...”

But she got away, right? And that’s where the name comes from?

“It wasn’t easy, but yea…” Nods the girl as she wraps her arms around her trembling knees, “And I wasn’t exactly sneaky about it either… if my family knew I was still around, well… a-and if the Cartel knew-”

Hey, you whisper as you gently place your hand on TT’s shoulder, that’s all behind her though, right? I mean, you got attacked by assassins and Rezzie, but there’s no way those are related to-

“That’s what I keep telling myself,” The Spinner sighs as she squeezes your hand, “But the guy I was, well, betrothed to was pretty powerful at the time… didn’t seem like the type of scum to drop a grudge, so…” She pauses and lets her words seep in. “A-anyways, you wanted me to be honest, and well…”

The girl sends a shaky smile your way. “T-tadaaaah~”

Wow. Well, uh, that’s a three course meal to digest… What's worse, the Durher’s eyes aren’t leaving you… guess she’s waiting for you to respond somehow.

How do?
>You think you have a dark, mysterious past too, maybe…
>Who is this guy anyways?
>It doesn’t change a thing–you still like her!
>Has she talked to her family since?
>Does she want to, um, ‘take care’ of that guy?
>Write-In!

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Might be the last update of the evening, gang--full-disclosure: I recently acquired a puppy and it's been a rough transition from my usual NEETitude, so please bear with me as some updates take longer. I'll still be here, don't worry! Just didn't want you all to think I was intentionally teasing ya.

Maybe have one more in me tonight, but we'll see! Thanks for your patience as always, lord knows I'm begging a lot of it!

>>6184703
Hmm, so she ran away from an arranged marriage? Well,
>You think you have a dark, mysterious past too, maybe…
>It doesn’t change a thing–you still like her!
>Also some callback to how she pretended to be out wife in the casino
Wonder who that girl in the flashback is. Might have Anton had a girlfriend in the reel world? Ah, but she might not actually still have been with him by the time he was summoned.

>>6184701
Hell yeah, kiss!
>>6184705
Cute dog! I understand, though.
>>6184706
+1

>>6184703
>>6184706 +1

>>6184538
Cat bites are no joke, and Tzah-Tzie is probably less sanitary than your average cat. But dangit, I still like her

>>6184705
Take the time you need. Your quests are among the more active on the board, after all. A slight slowdown for you is just regular pace for most QMs.

>>6184706
+1

>>6184706
>>6184707
>>6184950
>Maybe Mysterious?
>You still like her thouggggghhhh~
>Casino Callback!
Writing!
>>6184725
>less sanitary than your average cat
Wait till she starts shedding

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You’ve never had trouble telling the truth–not that you recall, anyways. Even the few secrets you held close to your chest since you arrived in Zoral made your gut churn and your chest tie itself in a knot, and like a boa constrictor they’d both keep tightening until you spilled the proverbial ‘beans’!

You can’t relate to how hard it must be for Tzah-Tzie to share these intimate details with you, especially while sharing a room and a bed in a grubby tavern, but you can at least show her that you care! Giving her tiny shoulder a reassuring squeeze, you tell her that no matter who she is, was, or used to be, you still like her… and it’s gonna take way more than some fantasy greaseballs to change your mind about that!

“It… it’s been so long…” The Spinner stammers through a quivering lip, “You just… you get so used to lying, you forget who you are… it becomes so easy…”

Whatever version she is: Tzah-Tzie, Ruusdi, whoever… you’ll be her biggest fan, and that’s the truth!

The girl trembles as she opens her mouth to respond, but all that emerges is a weak, tittering ‘r-really?’

Of course, you reply with that dazzling smile of yours and a wink on top, ‘sides, if you ever run into this ‘betrothed’ of hers he’ll have to answer to her darling casino hubby, and well-

You get about halfway through the word ‘well’ when the Tzah-Tzie dam bursts with tears and laughter! Nuzzling your chest as she playfully smacks your shoulders, the girl barely manages to get words out through the deluge of tears and giggles!

“You…” She snickers, her petite frame quaking under her hysterics, “You’d be TEN times the husband he would be… A… a HUNDRED!”

Taking a steadying breath, the Durher rests her head on your chest and looks up at you with a weary, tear-streaked, but contented smile.

“Whoof… gimme a moment to process, Ant… I just shared one of my biggest secrets and you’re already proposing~”

Your anxiety returns with a vengeance! Errk-

Your reward is another smack to the arm… and a gentle peck on your cheek. “I’m joking, you big galoot… get ta’ know me a little first before you throw yourself at me, yea?” The girl grins. “But if you decided to try again later with some SONGSTONE EARRINGS, well…” She shrugs as she gives your nose a little ‘boop’ with her claw!

“And you still owe me a tour of your world once you find a way back! No backing out now!”

CONTD.

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>>6185425
Yyyyeaaaa, about that, you reply in a far-less charismatic tone as you gently wrap an arm around the girl as she continues to nuzzle your chest, if we’re playing the full-disclosure game, you might, uh… might have some weird shit waiting for you at home too…

TT looks up from the snuggling with concern. “You’re not betrothed to a Cartel member too, are you?”

Har har, you frown as you give her ear a playful flick, you’re… you’re not sure, really. Every now and then you unearth a memory like an old sock you thought you’d lost… some of them are whole–easy to recall…

“But others are just pieces, hmm?”

Yea, you nod, something like that. The girl answers with a biiiiiiig stretch and a yawn! “Well, ‘hubby dearest’, whatever deep, dark mysteries await you will have to tangle with me... and you saw me work in Gold Town…”

Yea, you scoff, she really had those security mooks on the ropes! Your joke earns you a nip this time! OW!

“Two wretched souls cursed to sow bad luck and discord wherever they walk… each wrestling with the sins of their sordid pasts…”

You groan. Another song?

“Better get used to ‘em, Ant,” TT snickers as she bites you again, this time a little more gently, “You’re gonna have to try REAL hard to get rid of me now…”

Planting another warm kiss on your lips, Tzah-Tzie dreamily stares into your eyes as silence blankets your room once more. “Mmm… who would have known the great and fearsome ANTON THE UNDYING was such a comfy pillow…”

If she adds that to a ballad…

“You’ll do what, hmmm?” She interjects with a playful glimmer in her eye as traces a loop on your chest with a claw, “Mr. Tough Guy~”

What WILL you do, hmmm?
>Who is this guy anyways?
>Has she talked to her family since?
>Does she want to, um, ‘take care’ of that guy?
>Ask her something else! (What?)
>That does it… fight back!
>Kiss her goodnight… she could use the rest.
>Write-In!

>>6185426
>Stay silent! She'll think you disappeared!

>>6185447
FUCK, I knew I forgot an option!

>>6185447
Kek.

>>6185426
>Do something about it - something SEXY!
I mean, I feel that's the angle she's going for. Can't leave a lady waiting.

After THAT's faded to black isn't it already har har, we can ask the big questions like:
>Who is this guy anyways?
>Does she want to, um, ‘take care’ of that guy?
We'll kick his shit in if she wants. We're already enemies of the Spiceys.

Going to bed soon--just a public service announcement that there probably won't be any 'hanky panky' this early on. That said, feel free to vote for whatever! Got some appointments tomorrow so expect late and few updates if any! Hope to seeya then and have a good Wednesday, folks.

>>6185426
>That does it… fight back!

>>6185426
>That does it… fight back!

>>6185480
>That does it… fight back!

>>6185462
Understandable, but honestly, I just don't quite know how more fitting of a moment for that you could get for such a thing, not after all these emotional revelations and the like. It just feels like the most fitting moment for it, no?

>>6185426
>Ask a question: when you left, you could have chosen anything... why music?

>>6185584
Well you aren't getting nothing, just don't expect a pastebin is all I'm sayin'. You'll see what I mean once I get back from work

>>6185636
>paste bin
Don't use that, it's all censored now. You should use rentry.org instead for that kind of stuff

>>6185636
I forgot you dabbled in [ADULT CONTENT]. I literally expected a fade to black, if anything.

>>6185660
Well, I certainly won't complain, whenever it happens, as long as it's sickly sweet,. Tzah-Tzie is for PURE VANILLA ONLY. The kind of vanilla that mercenary death squads in madagascar fight over and thieves risk getting their hands chopped off for.

>>6185665
I would also accept brat correction.

>>6185907
No. Only Vanilla. TT isn't bratty enough for that. Her teasing is too light and cute.

>>6185453
>DO SOMETHING SEXY
>AND ASK ABOUT THE GUY AND GETTING RID OF HIM!

>>6185480
>>6185549
>>6185584
>FIIIIIGHT

>>6185447
>STAY SILENT!

>>6185606
>WHY MUSIC?

Writing. Gonna be a short and late one, folks--tangling with some heavy shit today.

>>6185947
>some heavy shit
Sorry to hear it, DB.