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- Domains
- Mechanics
- Characters
- Mainline Story
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OPENING SCENE
You open on a military base in a private meeting room. The table in the center takes up half the space of the room, but is large enough to accommodate 12 chairs, even though only (players #) are currently occupied. The room is otherwise decently lit, and the silence speaks volumes, only interrupted by the visual loudness of the (country) flag against the front wall before you.
After several minutes of dead silence, the door directly to the right of the flag opens and in steps (players #) high ranking officers armed with the latest and greatest two handed military combat rifles, full thickly plated chest armor, and a surprisingly large backpack CLEARLY filled to the brim with supplies.
The officers step back, take a saluting pose, and the farthest left one announces in a boisterous voice "ROOM CLEARED. SEND IN THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF."
In steps a man everyone in this room recognizes as the president of the goddamn US of A himself, carrying a confident smile and a stack of file folders under his arm. He politely turns to the officers and says "thank you gentlemen, at ease."
The soldiers step back and assume a more laxed position, but no less threatening with those guns in hand. He turns to all of you and clears his throat before dropping his folders onto the table, them opening to reveal every personal record and document to ever have your (player #) names on them.
"I thank you for stepping forth to participate in what is now known as the single most dangerous recon mission in history. I know you've been briefed on it multiple times, but I'd like to take the jargon out and shoot straight so there's no misinterpretation, and when I'm done, I want each and every one of you to decide once and for all if this is really a task you are prepared for."
He grabs a remote from his pocket, presses a button, and lowers a projector screen in front of the flag, then starts pulling up images on it of a massive island from a small projector in the ceiling. "For as long as we have documented it, we have been aware of a mysterious unknown land mass in the middle of the Pacific."
"This mass is approximately 10 miles wide, nearly circular, and is completely surrounded by a colossal rock wall. We believe this land mass is occupied with people who, bare minimum, have the tools and numbers needed to shape it as such."
"Now I'm sure you've heard of us using... less than friendly means of gaining entrance, and it is true, but it has failed at every turn. Either the weapons we use never make contact or have no effect if they do."
And true to his word, you see several clips of missiles, bombs, and massive artillery that would eventually evaporate a continent essentially either bounce off the rock walls, or explode on impact and leave none.
"We are, of course, curious to see if such an amazing material has military applications, but samples show that whatever is causing it is not the rock itself, but something inside the island. In comes the Program."
"Twice a year for over a century now, we've sent soldiers, scientists, engineers, the best of the best men and women we had to offer inside through this one entrance, a small cavern near the water's edge. Despite that, every single one of them has never returned, and we never receive communication from them again."
"As such, the military has opted to start taking in people of a more... unique background this time around, which is where you all come in. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be the same as those before you. Infiltrate this island, gather any and all intel you can about this place and its inhabitants, and (for once) return alive."
"Now I know ya'll have lives, assets, and dependents of varying degrees, but we always ask for people to be prepared to never return to them. But in exchange, they will also have the most to look forward to."
"There is a dedicated monthly budget for this project, and all the excess proceeds went into essentially a "reward" for anyone that came back. That is well over a century's worth of amassed funds, and if any or all of you (players #) return with anything of value, you get the whole sum."
He then slides a folder toward your group with a single sheet of paper inside, listing a sum of money that would take a chunk out of the national debt. "In addition, we would even be willing to discuss your personal records and how to make certain... red flags and highlighted marks disappear."
"In the meantime, your personal possessions, homes, assets, and everything else would be funded by this budget and cared for either by your pre-selected caregivers or ones we select if needed. We do this for 25 years, and if you do not return, any remaining assets are liquidated and added right back into the budget."
"And that is about the nitty gritty of it. If you are still interested, we will leave immediately to get you geared up in the finest weapons, armor, tactical equipment, and... essentially everything these gentlemen behind me are wearing and then some."
"If you have questions, feel free to ask now. And if you are having second thoughts, the exit is right there. And trust me when I say, no hard feelings, braver men and women have walked away from this offer. Myself included."
He waits for anyone to ask questions or walk out of the room before finishing, "Very well then, welcome to Project Evermore. Gear up, your chopper leaves in an hour."
SEVERAL HOURS LATER
The helicopter escorts you from the base to a military aircraft carrier floating in the water, where they will double check your gear and weapon stock. They also give each of you a "signing bonus" in the form of $100,000, but instead of your own currency, it is broken up into 100 different types worth about $1,000 each. They say it is "just in case there IS civilization based on ours, this will help you survive among the most likely related countries."
They then drop you onto a speedboat, jetting quickly through the water to the island entrance, a deep rounded cave opening about 20 feet in width and height. You all step off the boat as the driver turns back and hands one of you a signal flare gun, to let them know if and when you are ready for your return trip. You are now faced with the ocean at your backs and the cave before you, and it only gets darker as you look deeper in.
*IF YOU ENTER*
While the rock is overall rough, it is definitely NOT a natural cave. The walls have something of a carved and scraped pattern in them, like chisels were taken to it but not with a rhythm in mind. Even the floor itself shows a fair level of smoothness.
About 20 minutes walking into the cave, your flashlight shows the floor is not only getting more smooth, you could almost recognize a pattern in the ground.
(NOTICE ROLL) You hear a soft rumbling noise in the distance, slow and repetitive, like a growl on a repeat pattern.
*IF THEY CONTINUE*
The noise only grows louder as you continue, the path before you slowly but surely getting even cleaner and more uniform, until you spot a light in the distance, coming from a lantern hanging off the front of an old wooden shack, roughly ten feet in height and wide enough to occupy the entire right side of the pathway.
The box itself is fairly well maintained, a simple paint job coats it in a basic blue and white, but there are no obvious markings on it. There IS a large square opening on the front, which looks like an open window, and that repetitive rumbling noise is as loud as it could possibly be AND is coming from inside.
(INVESTIGATE ROLL) Approaching the opening, you see a man sprawled out on a chair, and he isn't moving much. His legs are loosely flopped, his arms are hanging freely beside him, and his head is flopped almost all the way back and to the side.
*If they start chattering, panicking, or running toward the opening, tell them the guy just snored loud as shit.*
*If they make literally ANY noise at all, or move him in any way,*
He suddenly snaps his eyes open and shouts "OH FUCK" as his body flails and falls backward, chair and all. "Owww...."
After a minute, he stands up and dusts himself off, revealing himself to be a golden blonde Stallion of just over 6 feet, in a tan button front shirt and black slacks, dusting himself off. "Sorry about that, these shifts're so freaking boring... it's hard to stay awake."
*If their weapons are aimed at him,*
He just stares at each of them for a moment and flatly states "Look I'm excited to see you all too, but please keep it in your pants?"
He squints at all of you for a moment. "Wait... I don't... are you all new people?"
*IF THEY CONFIRM*
He becomes excited. "Fantastic, I love greeting new arrivals! My name's Reiji, I operate the doorway into this little hovel we call home. I'm basically just here to answer any questions and to give the traditional warning that once you go in, there is a very definite possibility you might not leave. If you're all set, then I'll open the door."
Once the questions are done, he pops out of a door on the left side of the box, walking to the far left wall and placing his hand on it. "And the password is... OPEN SAYS ME."
Bright golden lines suddenly start growing from his hand into the wall for a few moments, before the rock wall behind him opens to reveal another stretch of path into the distance. But it is slightly obscured by a strange gold membrane of energy. (INVESTIGATE ROLL) And it is definitely magical in nature. "Alright, just follow the path ahead until you come out of the cave. Best of luck to you all!"
*IS HE COMING*
He laughs a little and shakes his head. "No, I still have a few hours on my shift, go on ahead."
*IF THEY CONTINUE*
Walking through the strange energy is no real issue, it just feels like walking through a wall made of cool wind.
*But if you have any PLUS in MANA, you notice your magic feels a little... off, since you walked through the membrane, a little more... energetic*
CAVE EXIT
After another mile or so of walking, you finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it borderline blinds you as you walk out and see... about 50 people walking around, happy as can be, in front of what looks like a large tree and pond park within the rock walls.
Some teens are riding on bikes on the paved sidewalks in the distance, some children are playing with toy cars in the grass around you, some adults are eating ice cream under some shady trees or on benches, and there are a few birds chirping in the trees eating away at the fruit and berries hanging from their branches.
You also see a few people using low grade magic to douse each other in water playfully, or to heal a kid's scraped knee, or to ignite some clubs and do a flaming juggling routine. Magic looks to be about as normal as cell phones for you.
*IF THEY USE COMMS*
The second you attempt to use it. your device SCREECHES and SQUELCHES with static, getting g the attention of a walking by family of parakeets. The mother and father stare angrily at your group before covering their two childrens' ears and walking away with a huff.
You didn't notice it because of the blinding light, but the path you were walking on has completely changed into a concrete slab path cuttiing through the massive park, leading to a small concrete building covered in a golden colored roof, with a banner in front saying WELCOME NEWCOMERS and a series of signs with (what you assume) is the same phrase in several additional languages.
*IF THEY GO INSIDE*
You open the glass door wrapped in steel framing and head inside to a fairly basic but spacious facility, and it resembles a tourist rest stop.
- Right beside the door is a crate of cold glass bottles of clear liquid, and there is a sign above it saying FREE TO TAKE in about ten languages
- On the left, there are racks of pamphlets, brochures, and maps in a myriad of different languages, with most of the prints in English.
- On the right, there are walls of corkboard covered in fliers about upcoming events, job openings, and other ads with phone numbers.
- In the middle is a six foot tall and twrnty foot wide circular corkboard with a round map of the planet, covered in thousands of pushpins, with several unused ones in a box below.
- On the far wall behind the map is a series of bathrooms, one on either side of the glass exit door leading to the outside path.
*AFTER THEY LEAVE*
The path out the door leads you directly across another massive patch of grass and trees, but you can more clearly see deeper within, and you bear witness to a fully functional massive city, hundreds of people walking, biking, driving, or riding a trolley on the defined roads.
- On the left is a massive residential neighborhood filled to the brim with houses, most of them two stories tall
- On the right is a bustling business area filled with storefronts, each with simple signs representing them
- You can see a group of white and gold buildings farther in, multiple people in dressier clothes carrying suitcases walking between them.
- There is a fairly large sized road sign at the end of your pathway pointing in five directions. RESIDENTIAL, BUSINESS, CAPITOL, GATED, and ESSENTIAL are all pointed out individually in different directions
*Every place they visit, have them make NOTICE rolls to detect if they are being followed*
You are approached (if not straight surrounded) by a group of average looking thugs carrying baseball bats, chains, rocks, and other random items. Most of them look young college age, wearing bandanas or helmets and otherwise REALLY generic clothing. But their leader, a six foot white ram, steps forward with a chuckle, wearing a black leather jacket and wielding a white shortsword that is CLEARLY too small for him.
"Well hey there strangers, we're the welcome wagon, here to welcome you to Diadem." He aims his blade at your group. "Get 'em."
AFTER THE FIGHT
*IF THEY WIN*
The attackers lie on the ground, groaning in agony at their defeat. The ram is in shock, holding his head to keep a bleeding injury from pouring out. "What the fuck ARE you people?! Regalia Hunters?! Thunder Force?!"
(NOTICE ROLL) You suddenly detect the stench of ozone, and in a matter of moments, both your group and the Marauders are surrounded by a series of oddly dressed soldiers, their bodies lightly cloaked in silver trails of electricity.
Each one is geared up with a thin knee-length black jacket trimmed in inch-wide silver all along the body and at the ends of the sleeves, the letters T.F. emblazoned on the back in identical silver. These coats somewhat hide a silver chestplate & matching gauntlets, black tact pants leading down into black boots with silver laces, chrome half-masks covering the bottom halves of their faces, and sunglasses that perfectly hide their eyes.
"Shit! Thunder Force!" The ram tries to scramble away, but two agents step up and each grab an arm, stopping that right quick. Their outfits' silver stripes begin to glow and crackle with energy, and all three appear to be teleported away, as do all the other knocked out thugs.
(NOTICE ROLL) The ground is scorched in several straight lines, implying they were really just moving insanely fast.
One of the operatives stays behind, a Panther man standing at just over six feet in the same outfit with a visible scar under his eye. "I don't know who you are, but you have helped us contain a significant threat today, and we appreciate your assistance."
Your group is suddenly approached by dozens of passerbys, all of whom are really curious and start bombarding you with questions. He will lean down and mumble to your group "Consider this my compensation."
You hear him speak loudly and proudly. "People of Diadem!" That declaration alone was loud enough to cause everyone to back away a good couple feet, before he continues, "I apologize sincerely for the commotion, the Marauders paid us yet another visit! But with the help of these valiant heroes, they were soundly defeated AND in record time!"
The random people around you slowly but surely start to applaud and cheer for your group, giving you a few moments of (honestly well deserved) glory. You get offered handshakes, a couple people want autographs, the whole ordeal you'd expect.. But once the excitement dies down,, the people start breaking away, trying to clean some of the debris up.
He will turn back to your group. "I must return to my duties. Head to Capitol Quartz in the city center and ask to see the King. If nothing else, he will also want to thank you for your service." His body will begin to crackle with identical electrical energy before he takes a single step away and is GONE in a flash, only leaving another scorch mark.
*CAPITOL QUARTZ*
The capitol itself is actually five different buildings, four of which are surrounding the larger one in the center. Each one has several floors and you can spot businessmen walking around inside them through the windows or between each building with armloads of papers.
-----
*IF THEY ASK*
A brown deer man stops and approaches your group, sipping a cup of coffee softly. His suit is black, his tie is red, and his gold nametag reads YAOTL. "You uh.. look like you need some help?"
*THE KING*
"Oh you're here for him? He should be working today, uh.. Head to the main complex, the big one in the middle. They'll be more helpful. Now I have a meeting in like five minutes, so good luck to you all." He will trot off to a different building in the complex, sipping his coffee as he goes.
-----
The main complex building is almost physically identical to the buildings around it, but is a bit wider with more prominent doors on the front and a large staircase leading up to it. The staircase is loaded with more people all talking, trading papers, and seeming to enjoy the day.
*INSIDE*
The inside is just as massive inside as it is out, several people are walking about in professional suits, carrying stacks of papers across a spacious marble-lined floor covered with deep red carpets. You only see a few desks and tables out here, hardly anything that would be royalty related, but there are several doors all over the place with gold colored nameplates.
You see a fox man in a black and red suit approach your group curiously, his gold name badge reading NASH. "Hello? Can I help you?"
*ASKING FOR KING/SAY THEY ARE NEW*
"Oh! Well my name is NASH, I'm the King's Aide. Gimme one sec and I'll see if he can squeeze you in." He trots over to a nearby desk with stacks of paper, pencils, and an old fashioned intercom box. He will push the speaker button before speaking, "Your Majesty, we have some new local heroes here that I think you would like to meet?"
The voice on the other end is a bit garbled, but you do hear someone say SEND THEM IN PLEASE. He picks up a clipboard and guides you through a pair of double-doors marked KING'S CHAMBERS, down a looong carpeted hallway deep into the building. "I'm assuming you have questions, but I'm gonna ask you to hold onto those until you meet the man in charge, if that's okay."
He takes you to a massive pair of golden colored doors, one of which is open, and guides you inside before closing them behind you. The office is nothing spectacular, a few file cabinets, a couple couches on the left and right surrounding a decent sized coffee table, one large wooden desk, one chair behind it, and one man sitting in it.
Behind the desk sits a deep purple birdman, draped in the finest golden laced draperies you've seen anyone manage to pull off, and whom sticks out a bit compared to the rest of the room and people. He stands and walks around, revealing himself to be just under 5 feet tall, offering to shake each of your hands. "Hello, my name is Akarui, and I am King of the city of Diadem. I understand you valiantly kicked the asses of the local Marauders, despite being brand new to our little slice of paradise?"
*AFTER THEY RETORT*
He will hop onto the desk and sit on it like a chair in front of you all, guiding you to sit on the couches. "I'm sure you have endless questions and I will be happy to answer all of them for you here and now."
ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AS HONESTLY AS YOU CAN
*WHAT IS THIS PLACE*
"The core of it is, countries from across the world suddenly saw this land mass spawn and wanted to find out what happened. Every one of them sent in soldiers, scientists, and volunteers of the highest caliber to the land, but none of them ever came back."
"The reason is because of the special magic of this land. I'm sure you saw the golden membrane that surrounds our city as you came in. It's difficult to put into words, but its a type of protective magic, a barrier built into the rock itself. The magic prevented our ancestors from leaving, so rather than simply starve, they found a way to cultivate and make the land liveable."
"And since the first wave didn't make it back, the various countries kept sending new ones every so often to find out what happened. A new generation would be added several times a year from all across the globe, refreshing the gene pool, and we became a capable city. Far from perfect, but akin to what many would consider a paradise."
*WHAT ABOUT THE ATTACKERS*
"THAT would be the Marauders. Or at least that's what they're calling themselves. They're just a huge collection of troublemakers that hate not being able to leave. Their logic is since they are stuck here, they may as well make everyone else as miserable as they are. We ARE trying to find a DIFFERENT way out of this island, but... yeah."
*THUNDER FORCE*
"Ah yes, our soldiers in silver. They are the peacekeeping force in this town, our version of the police and military all rolled up into one. Someone found out harnessing lightning magic in our bodies in just the right way gave people a massive speed and strength boost, so those that were gifted for it usually ended up joining them. And thanks to the Marauders, they have recruitment drives every week it seems.."
*HOW DID THEY CULTIVATE*
"THAT would be thanks to the Domains adjacent to the city. I'm sure you noticed we don't exactly have the LARGEST amount of liveable space, but there are other magics at work here. We aren't really sure how or why, but there are gateways leading to other uh... domains is what we call them, where we managed to find and cultivate resources from. One gives us our food, one gives us our wood, one gives our metal, all the major resources are provided."
*POWER IN TOWN*
"Funny story, THAT was a happy accident. About 20 years ago, we had our scientists try and devise a way out of town that DIDN'T rely on some... I'm just gonna say it, hokey magic legend to get out of, and tried to drill our way out. We managed to make a hole straight down through the island, with some casualties, but we couldn't exactly escape through it."
"Being on an island in the middle of the ocean with our limited resources meant it wasn't a feasible or safe escape plan, so our remaining engineers converted it into an access point for a hydroelectric generator system. Took a few years, and it's a bit buggy at times, but it makes living here so much more pleasant."
*DIFFERENT WAY / HOKEY MAGIC LEGEND*
"There's an old island legend that predates all of us, says there's a way for US to escape. There are several uh... let's call them "treasures" that basically act as magic keys, and if you get them all, you can "liberate the people" or "be given any wish" or something, the legend is REALLY fucking old. It's all very mystical and religious in tone, but noone has ever actually got them all, or we wouldn't... ya know... BE here. Uh, provided that legend is true of course."
*NO OTHER QUESTIONS*
"Okay well, before before you go, I'd like to offer you a token of my gratitude for your selfless service." He will reach back and hit a button on his desk on his own intercom. "Nash, please bring me Anais and Garamond." It takes a moment, but the double doors open again, and Nash steps in with a pair of people, a man and woman both dressed in suits.
(NOTICE ROLL) You notice Nash is walking with a bit of a limp, his hair is ruffled some, and his shirt is wrinkled in the front. The guy is shaking his head a little, and the lady has a kind of "superiority" judgment in her eyes.
Akarui walks back around to his seat. "This is Garamond of the local Bank, and this is Anais of the Homeowners' Association. We're gonna transition you from your currency to ours, AND get you a decent place to live so you don't have to worry about either. And since you helped us, I'm footing the bill for the first month AND paying for the transaction fees out of pocket. Consider it a token of my gratitude."
Garamond, a portly Dachsund in a deep blue suit, steps forward first and asks for any currency you have on hand. When he sees you literally have a hundred different types of cash, he is a bit ecstatic, and hands over a bag each of coins in various sizes.
The coins themselves are relatively basic. They come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100, and are all fairly lightweight. He explains their currency is called Z, and each coin is filled with magically infused sea salt using a special type of INFUSION technique that is a trade secret even on the island, so every coin is ever so slightly special and practically impossible to fake. (If you count it, you have each been handed a bag of 1,000z)
Anais, a well groomed Sheep woman in a red suit with a bit of a grumpy disposition, steps forward after and asks several basic questions. The biggest ones are your names, ages, species, and how many of you plan to live together & separately.
Based on that, she offers you three options. They have some relatively low cost 2 bedroom apartments, some midrange houses with as many as 4 bedrooms, and some vacant Gated community homes with as many bedrooms as needed.
-----
*IF THEY SELECT GATED*
Anais will perk RIGHT the fuck up, her demeanor doing a complete 180. "Well fantastic, I should let you know that there are some special... let's call them 'guidelines' we follow there. Nothing too special, just that you keep your yards trimmed to a certain height, you choose specific colors for your fence & house to be, no noise after a certain time of night--"
She is interrupted by Akarui with a bit of irritation. "ANAIS... We've been over this. The people can do whatever they want with the houses, the lawns, the parties, I do not care. So long as they don't blow them up or set the yard on fire or anything, it is theirs to do with as they wish." Anais suddenly returns to her prior demeanor of irritation, and simply hands you a fancy looking piece of folded paper before walking away.
*IF ANYWHERE ELSE*
Anais will sigh a little. "Are you sure? Given the size of the group, you might be comfortable in a larger home, in our more upright living area?" Akarui will clear his throat, causing her to shut right up, and hand your group a document before stepping away with a scowl.
-----
Akarui claps his bird hands together. "And you are officially all set. Feel free to stop by any time if you have questions, concerns, change in circumstances, anything like that. I'm usually busy running the town, so you might have to set up appointments with Nash first, but I'm here to help. Have a fantastic day, and Welcome to Diadem!"
Nash will guide your group back outside and ask to see your map & approval letter. Once he sees both, he points out exactly where your new home(s) can be found, and a VIVID description of how to get there on foot. He shakes each of your hands one last time before waltzing himself back inside the building and closing the doors behind him, leaving you to your own decisions from here.
OUTSIDE TOWN HALL
(NOTICE ROLL) You hear a rustling noise and a hissing voice from beneath a shady tree, calling out to your group. "Ooooh~ Fresh meeeaaat~" The voice is coming from a large black tarantula man, but his appearance is somewhat obscured by a long brown trenchcoat.
*IF ANYONE REACTS*
He raises all six arms at varying degrees and angles. "Don't be alarmed, I'm just here to offer my... special services~" He laughs a sinister chuckle before giving a generous bow and continuing, "Call me Striker~ I'm an informant, here to offer my information and 'special skills' to you and yours, for a small fee of course~ Tell me, you all seem a bit out of sorts... I could give you a bit of guidance as a one-time courtesy for free?~"
*IF THEY ASK ABOUT FREEING THE PEOPLE*
"Free the people of Diadem? How incredibly noble... and fruitless. Half the newbies that worm their way around try to find a way to do it, but most of them give up sooner rather than later. However..." He thinks for a moment, his multiple arms tapping his chin like long fingers. "...the last one to try mentioned the way to free Diadem was connected to the old lore of the land, but most people have forgotten it to time."
He raises one spiderleg digit. "AH... but there WAS a copy of the nation's old history book in the bookstore over in the Business district last I checked, there might be some treasures hidden in there~" He pauses and raises a second leg on the same side. "But I should warn you, the old bookstore owner can get a bit... ornery~"
"That's all I have for now, but if you require my assistance for anything else, just find a shady little spot and call for me with coin at the ready~ I'll be seeing you soon~" He then slithers up into the tree and vanishes as quietly as he came.

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# In the town
https://youtu.be/ddMSMwKQkKI?si=pwNsQ33NsDURbyq1
# During fights
https://youtu.be/8Q7cioftmKs?si=eQbKsZr_OY7tH8-_
# During challenges
https://youtu.be/3YO67uD8TAo?si=hV-EQlpzo8NdrvE8
CITY CENTER - CAPITOL QUARTZ
A fairly spacious five-building district, all white marble roofed with gold, sits in a square formation in the direct center of this city. Each building is dedicated to the different necessary functions and filings that keep the entire city ran as efficiently as possible.
The center building is the City Hall, where the King of Diadem (as he is currently referred to) and the other top representatives of the city are all working hard every day of the week (but not weekends) making all the important decisions for the good of the people
EASTERN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
A compact but comfortable array of over 8,000 homes, each roughly 1,500 square feet with a good size yard in the front and back covering the rest of the 1/8 acre space. Each of the 36 streets and 12 avenues has a 2x11 block of houses, each with a two lane car width street & sidewalk.
And, the farthest right streets have been converted into three-story apartments for those with either lesser income or who don't feel the need to own a full home.
NORTHERN BUSINESS DISTRICT
This busy business section has everything a thriving town would ever need! And with over 1,000 acres of storefronts, you'll never visit every store in a single day.
WESTERN ESSENTIALS DISTRICT
This district houses a myriad of what most people would consider to be the most important facilities for the land itself that makes all our citizens as comfortable as they can be.
SOUTHERN GATED DISTRICT
This illustrious private access area is dedicated to three types of people:
- The ruler of the land and other high-tier people
- The people that desire (and can afford) a nicer home
- The retirees whom require more dedicated care
OUTSKIRTS
The forefathers that built and governed this land wanted to ensure every available piece of land could be used for the betterment of the people, no matter how trivial or small it was!
-----
Outskirt NE - Welcome Facility
The entryway to the entire city, there is a massive rounded information center full of freely take-able items including maps, brochures, glass bottles of water, advertisements for jobs & upcoming events, and more, all in a myriad of different languages. Around the building is also free access spaces such as a massive natural orchard, individual lakes & ponds full of small fish, public playgrounds, and plenty of greenery surrounding!
Outskirt SE - Sport Zone
Designed to be the most entertaining area of the whole city, this is an area focused for anything and everything athletic and entertaining at all levels, fully equipped with a professionally maintained baseball diamond, football field, tennis courts, basketball court, Olympic pools, soccer field, indoor hockey rink, and seating for all the above openly viewable from all sides.
Outskirt SW - Entertainment Junction
This little slice of fun times is fully equipped for your enjoyment with an amusement park, arcade, bowling alley, mini-golf course, pool hall, public pool, roller rink, multiple special restaurants including a fine dining establishment & a buffet, and (if you know where to look) a red light area with a bar, adult item store, and strip club
Outskirt NW - The Trash Zone
Despite the incredible strides in the land's ability to keep waste to a minimum, there is still SOME food waste and non-recyclables that can't be utilized. If it can't be put through the on-site recycling plant or the next-door junkyard to be repurposed, it'll end up in the burn pit to be destroyed.

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*BLACKSMITH*
Walking in to the red brick building with the HAMMER mark on the window, you are immediately greeted by the metallic THUD... THUD... THUD... of hammers on hot steel, and you are visually greeted by a single blacksmith, a middle aged jackal with a heavy apron and a hammer at one of the six anvils.
The left wall is full of metal hammers and camps, and the right side is full of smelting furnaces. A simple smithing office, but it definitely does the job. After a moment, he puts down his most recent finished product and asks you in a gruff tone, "How can I help ya'll?"
*Asking about making weapons,* He smiles and points to the anvils. "I can definitely make weapons for ya, but I stick mostly to simple stuff nowadays. Knives, hammers, swords, the basics.
*ASKING ABOUT IMPROVING WEAPONS*
"I might be able to improve the ones you have, depends on what you're working with. Let me have a look?" Any weapon he is handed, he will survey top to bottom like it is made of fine glass.
*IF SIMPLE WEAPONS AT 3DMG OR LESS*
"Oh yeah, I can do that for you, and it shouldn't take too long either." He will heat your weapon, add special metal along its edges, and smith it over the span of an hour. "And here you go. Now let's talk price."
*IF THEY ASK ABOUT SPECIAL DESIGNED WEAPONS*
*OR IF THEY ASK ABOUT 4/5 DMG WEAPONS*
He shakes his head and crosses his arms. "Afraid that's outside my skillset nowadays. You wanna do any of that, you'd wanna talk to my teacher or maybe a disciple of his. He's likely still in THERE." He points to a glowing RED circle of energy against the rock wall in the distance.
-----=====-----=====-----
*BOOKSTORE*
The bookstore is a bit old style, tan bricks with a glass storefront design that currently has a metal pipe sticking out of a large gaping hole. Several people are in the process of cleaning the damage right around the time you show up, and the door still seems to be in working order.
Inside it is pretty minimal as a whole. Novels, encyclopedias, fiction and nonfiction, the standard stuff you'd see in here.
(INVESTIGATE ROLL) Alot of these titles are actually relatively new, none of them seeming more than a year old.
"Hello younguns, can I help ya find anything??" The voice comes from an older bulldog gentleman with inch thick glasses, a simple wooden cane, and a blue apron, smiling as wide as you would imagine. His gold nametag reads WARTON.
ASK ABOUT THE HOSTORY BOOK
He will laugh a bit and reply "Oh, the OLD history book? Hm.. the schools usually get to those first, but I think we have one or two copies left. Planning to use it for a school assignment I assume??" He chatters with you as you walk down the aisle.
-----
*IF THEY MENTION FREEING THE PEOPLE
He will pause and start swinging his cane around. "YOU HEATHENS ARE WITH THOSE AWFUL MARAUDERS AIN'T YOU?! HAVEN'T YOU DONE ENOUGH DAMAGE TODAY?!" He starts violently bopping you with the cane to try and scare you away.
.
(CONTACTS OR EMPATHY ROLL) He suddenly stops, and calms down near immediately. "Oh.. oh you're being serious? My apologies, I'm just fed up with people whiming and groaning about being stuck here, that's all they ever do is complain."
-----
He reaches the shelf where the book SHOULD be, but sees the book and several others on the shelf have been burned to ash. "Oh dear, those were my last copies, and my next shipment isn't for another week..." He sighs a bit, but perks up suddenly, turning to your group excitedly.
"But I can do you one better! There's a special place not too far from here with information about everything in Diadem, The Grand Library!" He laughs heartily as he reminisces, walking back to the front of the store and expecting you all to follow.
"It's a magical place I went to when I was a kid, an amazing library of infinite knowledge and wisdom! The librarian there was so nice too, he inspired me to open my bookstore. All you have to do is go... There!" He will point to a spot against the rock wall in the distance beyond the Business district's border. Wherever he is pointing, it's definitely walkable, but too far to see what exactly it is.
"I'm a bit too old to go myself, these old joints ain't what they used to be.. but if you go that way, could you do an old man a small favor and return this book for me? I don't need it anymore, heh." He hands you a children's book, *The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, And The Horse.*
He waves you off as you leave his store, the damage all cleaned up upon your exit.
-----=====-----=====-----
THUNDER FORCE HQ
Walking up to the police office looking building, you are greeted by several DOZEN silver-clad officers with clipboards in hand, each one walking around and scribbling information down. It doesn't look like tryouts officially started yet, but everyone is doing warm-ups and getting ticks in advance.
A group of three high rank looking individuals spot your group, one of which approaches you with a judgmental glance. A Panther man with a rounded scar under his eye approaches, eyeing you all up. "Let me guess. You here to try out, just like them?" He points out the eighteen other men and women all in mixed physical shape lumbering and stretching around in front of them.
The Panther continues, "well everyone has a shot. I'm third commander Harken, and these are my associates, second officer Valeos and first officer Jensen." He pauses so Valeos the Gila monster and Jensen the Human can shake your hands.
"You will be numbers 19, 20, and 21 respectively. When your number is called, just step out here and we will get started." *IF THEY ASK ABOUT PAPERWORK,* "OH, no no no, that is reserved for those whom at least make it past first cut."
The tryouts begin, and half of the participants are less than impressive. They mostly fumble with their guns full of blanks, fizzle out on their electric speed demonstrations, and jumble their words on the quick Q&A segments. It becomes so disappointing that all three Commanders step away, leaving the testing to the other officers for the moment.
Your turn comes up, and you step in front of the audience and are expected to demonstrate what you can do. They want to see your gun play, your weapon finesse, your electric magic, and your response to common situations. (Shoot, Fight, Academics, Empathy rolls)
Right at the end of your demonstration but before your result, an explosion goes off outside the building, close enough to hear but not to feel. An officer runs in and declares it an emergency in the residential district this time, and third commander Harken is in pursuit. (the enemy is the same LV2 villain with a bunch of new LV1s)
AFTER THE FIGHT
All three Commanders personally shake your hands and thank you for your work in that fight, and you are all offered entry level positions on the Thunder Force if you so desire. It will provide uniforms, income, and status represented by a publicly wearable trainee badge until your training is complete.
Harken then points out that guy was one he just caught last week, and wonders how & why he got out. *If you made any indication of recognizing him,* He will think for a moment and point out he will have an expedited trial for being a repeat offender, and offers to let you sit in on it as an evidence witness. He then points out the trial will take place THERE, and point out the silver gate.
--------------------------
-------------------------
The morning starts like normal at first, until you hear a massive rumbling explosion coming from the center of town. As you look out the window, you see a plume of smoke and a massive fireball erupting from (at your best guess) the Town Hall.
At the Town Hall building, everything is broken and in flames. Papers are wafting into the air with ashes pouring off of them, and the only thing left standing is the front doors with a small piece of paper pinned to them under a gold dagger.
(INVESTIGATE ROLL) The paper simply says "GATED COMMUNITY, ONE HOUR" in handwriting you are not familiar with. And it is written on King Akarui's personal stationary.
*AT THE GATED COMMUNITY*
You see both guard shacks are completely engulfed in flames and the dogs are nowhere to be seen. But just beyond that point is Ace, arms crossed and staring at the gate patiently, assisted by three higher rank men. Once you approach, he unfurls his arms. "I admire your punctuality, Kings of Kings. Means I dont have to go hunting you down."
*IF ASKED WHY HE IS DOING THIS*
"Heh.. maybe I dont like the way King Akarui is running the show. Does it really matter anymore? Right here, right now, all that matters is you... and I."
The three men with him all step out and prepare to jump in but he raises an arm. "No... this one is mine. You go to Jack, Queen, and King. Let them know they have three more guests." The three men go running off, as Ace charges electricity in his hands. "(One player's name), I'M CHALLENGING YOU TO A ONE ON ONE FIGHT. ONE THUNDER FORCE TO ANOTHER. LAST ONE STANDING MOVES FORWARD FROM HERE."
*IF THEY SAY HE IS NOT THUNDER FORCE*
*OR HE IS A DISGRACE TO THUNDER FORCE*
He will laugh a little under his helmet. "I'm more Thunder Force than you will ever realize."
If accepted, the challenge will be an exchange of FIGHT, SHOOT, and ACADEMICS rolls, each one doing DMG based on which one rolls higher. Athletics will not be necessary in this exchange.
-----
AFTER THE FIGHT
Harken will fall to his knees, groaning in pain. "Urgh... Damn it..."
IF THEY ASK WHY
"I already told you... everything I did was for the sake of the people."
"Let me ask you something... every time you saw the Marauders, did they ever actively attack the people in front of you? Or was it mostly property damage?"
"And every time you fought the Marauders in the middle of Diadem, were we not always there to clean up the mess and minimize casualties by hauling bodies away?"
"And why is it the only time you ever saw an escapee, it was always the same one VERY lucky man who conveniently always got out?"
*IF THEY SAY DOUBLE AGENT*
"Something to that effect... I'm an Immigrant just like you, on my 25th year here. But when I saw the people here, I immediately drafted myself into the Thunder Force. When all this Marauder nonsense started two years ago, we did all we could to minimize the damage from the outside, but couldn't fix the casualties they were causing."
He turns his head toward the inner part of the Gated community. "I came up with a plan, something to slowly mitigate the Marauders to property damage. I would enlist as a man whom was simply 'sick of how Diadem was functioning and wanted to leave,' offered myself as a mole, and was promoted through the ranks to an identical level. Top secret mission, only one other person truly knew."
*KING AKARUI*
"That's why he was willing to let ME assign you to that guard job. I arranged it with the Crooked King so I would be there aiding in the supply pickup, and made sure to give you every reason in the book to come after me. You would discover my identity, you would realize how deep this went, and you would come after us when you KNEW you were ready. King Akarui and I set it up to all fall down."
*IF THEY DONT BELIEVE HIM*
"It doesn't matter anymore.. The Crooked King did something I didn't expect that jeopardized the final objective. He had Jack and Queen take hostages."
"I saw Jack hauling a fox man... Nash I believe was his name, tied up, gagged, and blindfolded. I saw Queen carrying a bag over her shoulder, quite a bit smaller. I assume it to be King Akarui inside. I cannot guarantee my abilities if it means the King and his aide may be at risk. But you have all twelve Regalia in hand... you can do things I cannot."
"I don't care if you trust me or not, but you can trust this. The hostage situation is real. And they are commandeering one of the houses as a new base until their prep work is done. Jack and Queen are waiting to keep you from King until... whatever his objective is done. I know it involves leaving, but I dont know anything more."

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THIS IS TO BE TOLD ONCE SIX DOMAINS HAVE BEEN VISITED
The scene opens early one morning with a phone call. (player) answers, and it is Nash. He cheerily asks for your group to come see King Akarui at your earliest convenience, as there is an urgent matter he wishes to speak with you about.
-----
Upon arriving, you see a perky Nash flagging you down to his desk. "There is our new town heroes! King Akarui is waiting for you, I just need to buzz you in." He does just that, hitting his intercom button and announcing your arrival. A moment later, you see King Akarui's doors burst open, an angry stout Doberman marching out, followed by a Panther man in Thunder Force attire.
You recognize Third Commander Harken, but the other one...
(IF THEY VISITED THE WEAPONS STORE)
THE stout Doberman is Jerras, owner of the Weapons store.
He quickly turns to Harken, growling lowly. "That son of a bitch tried to lowball me on that deal and you know it..."
Harken maintains his composure, removing his sunglasses and revealing his deep brown soulful panther eyes, giving Jerras a look of understanding. "Jerras, you have to understand, he is not made of coin. He has only so much to spare for this kind of thing. Not to mention the morality issue--"
Jerras groans in annoyance, rolling his eyes. "Dont give me that crap Harken, the man wears gold draperies like some... what do they call them out there, Arabian princesses?" He puts his hands around his muzzle and yells muffledly in frustration, then takes a deep breath, sighing a bit. "I refuse to be taken advantage of. This could have been the deal of a lifetime for me. Either way, I owe you one for talking him up to where it landed, so... just... call it a future favor."
Harken extends his hand toward Jerras with a stern look in his eye. "Friends don't hold debts over each other, you know that. But... you spot me for lunch and we will call it even." Jerras smirks a little and accepts the handshake, getting ready to turn and leave when he spots your group.
-----
- *IF THEY DID NOT MEET YET*
"Hey wait a sec, I recognize you... aren't you the latest batch of newbies turned heroes?"
*IF THEY CONFIRM*
"Well this day just became better. Name's Jerras, I own the weapons store in the Business District. If you're ever looking for something bigger and better, look me up." He then slips you a business card with black lettering that mirrors everything he just told you, before heading out the door and looking significantly happier.
- *IF THEY MET*
"Well look who it is, my favorite customers. You hear to see King birdface too, huh?"
*IF THEY CONFIRM*
"Well he ain't in a charitable mood, so good luck to ya. Yer gonna need it." He chuckles a bit and heads out the door, looking significantly happier.
-----
Harken steps toward your group. "I understand you have a meeting with the King? I'll be attending with you."
*ASK ABOUT JERRAS*
"He came to broker a deal to outfit the Thunder Force with weapons. King Akarui lowballed him when he realized Jerras resells weapons pawned off to him, sometimes FROM the Marauders. I vouched for Jerras to get the profit up enough to make it financially beneficial to him."
*IF THEY AGREE WITH JERRAS*
"The bigger issue was moreso the morality argument King Akarui made. It's one thing to buy an arsenal of weapons fresh from a supplier. It's another to take used ones acquired from Marauders and put them in the hands of the Thunder Force. It's unfortunate, but... it is a legitimate concern."
"In any case, we have a meeting to attend. Shall we?" Harken will escort you to the meeting this time, holding open the door for all of you, then following you in and pulling it shut. Akarui will be closing the door on a nearby file cabinet, turning to your group with a smile on his beak. "Welcome back, heroes! And thank you for coming to see me so soon."
*WHAT IS THIS ABOUT*
He will sit behind his desk again, holding up two digits. "Well this is a dual purpose meeting. Firstly, I wanted to see how you were all faring so far. Normally after the welcoming in, I would just leave you to your own devices, but unlike the others that came the last few times, you've been more... 'active' in public."
*AFTER THEIR RETORT*
"Well keep up the good work, I appreciate you dealing with those Marauders so efficiently. And cleanly, according to Harken here. The expense to repairing all their property damage was REALLY starting to hurt, so now our budget is starting to normalize again."
"Which brings me to our second and, admittedly, more distressing topic. We think there may be a mole in the Thunder Force."
*AFTER THEY COMMENT*
Harken steps up. "We've noticed some unusual things happening within our organization for some time, long before you arrived. Calls coming in and sending us to the wrong locations, reports having information fudged, evidence disappearing entirely from our inventory. It's happening too consistently to be a coincidence."
Akarui will chime back in. "Which is where your group comes in."
*DOES HE WANT THEM TO SEEK OUT THE MOLE*
"Personally I would be thrilled to see the bad element rooted out, but I cannot be the one to authorize such a mission. Nor Harken. You CAN keep an eye out for suspicious behavior if you are so inclined, but I'm not going to ask you. Quite the contrary actually."
-----
IF THEY APPLIED
"I understand you have recently applied to join the Thunder Force. I have your application paperwork in a file on hand, and I'm willing to approve it immediately. But I need to know that, even with the knowledge of a corrupt agent somewhere in this, you are still interested in making a difference."
*IF THEY HAVENT APPLIED YET*
"The Thunder Force has open tryouts coming up soon to join their ranks. It would be a great disservice of me to not forewarn you of this, provided any of you were interested in applying to join their ranks."
-----
*IF THEY WANT TO JOIN STILL*
"I admire your dedication. I will get your paperwork filed as soon as possible and we will likely see you on the field within the week."
*IF THEY DONT WANT TO JOIN*
"I completely understand. (I will have the paperwork removed from the active personnel file.) Despite this, I hope it will not dissuade you from doing what you've been doing up until now. You don't necessarily NEED to be Thunder Force to fight for what is right, afterall."
-----
*EITHER WAY*
"It should also be noted that this information is strictly confidential. Until now, the only ones who knew about the potential mole were myself and Harken. I only included your group because you've proven yourselves invaluable to Diadem. Thank you for your time, heroes. Harken will see you out." Harken will nod and open the door for you, leading you out the front door of the building.
(NOTICE ROLL) Nash is no longer at his desk, a small sign sitting on it saying "back in an hour" with a picture of a cheeseburger attached.
Once outside, Harken will turn to your group. "I will see you around, I'm sure." Harken will slide his sunglasses back on, the silver parts of his uniform suddenly glowing lightly with electric energy before he disappears from view, the only remnants being a scorchmark in the ground and the stench of ozone.
(NOTICE ROLL)
You spot Jerras in the distance, leaning on a nearby shady tree, and he is chatting with Striker of all people very casually, almost like old friends. Jerras hands Striker a bag of coin, then Striker steps out of view. Jerras sighs a little and heads out, mumbling under his breath a bit.

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THIS IS TO BE TOLD ONCE ALL TWELVE DOMAINS HAVE BEEN VISITED
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The scene opens early in the morning with a phone call. (Player) answers, and it is Nash. He tells your group King Akarui is requesting you come down to the Town Hall for a special meeting.
-----
Upon arrival, Nash will flag your group down to his desk again, still perky as can be. "Right on time! The King will see you now." He grabs a nearby clipboard, guides you to the meeting room, and opens the door for you.
You see King Akarui and Anais already in the middle of a heated discussion. Nash will turn around and freeze in place, looking like he just saw a ghost. But before he has a chance to go back out the door, Akarui will point at him.
"You. Wait right there. I'll be with you in a moment." He will visibly gulp and move a little more inward into the room, standing almost militantly at attention, partially hiding behind his clipboard.
King Akarui sighs and returns to his prior conversation. "Anais, you can't expect people to follow these nitpicky rules. Fence color restrictions, hedge height requirements, heavy volume level regulations... I don't care how many complaints you've received, this is nonsense and I won't enforce it."
Anais will reply with a whiny tone. "But think of how much it'll beautify the Gated community! It'll be so much more pleasant for the seniors to see, plus you'll get to see a much cleaner and quieter neighborhood!"
Akarui will just stare at her deadpan in the eyes. "Okay one, the seniors face the opposite way. Two, I practically live HERE. And three, the people who own those properties can do what they want as long as they don't set them on fire. "
Anais will slam her hands into the desk. "Sir, I respect your authority, but I need you to at least take this seriously. The noise complaints and slow self destruction of these properties are going to drive down the value of the district! We'll start losing money when noone wants to live somewhere so ugly!"
Akarui will continue to just stare at her. "You've been reading too many of the books about outside property values. The only places to live are the Gated homes, Residential houses, and apartments. We set those values and you know damn well they won't fluctuate." Anais will try to respond, but Akarui will riase a hand. "That being said... I will have the noise complaints investigated and the general condition of the neighborhood therein given a thorough look. We can discuss the rest on another day. Will that suffice?"
Anais will pause for a moment. "... I suppose. But if I get one more noise complaint--"
"--I'll be the first to hear about it, yes. Just like the last seven. Now if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to with our local heroes. Or should I call them... 'Kings of Kings?'"
She will exit in a huff, and will glare at the entire party on the way out the door, giving an indignant HMPH. She will slam the door behind her, leaving Akarui alone with your group. Akarui sighs in frustration, rubbing the bridge of his beak. "My apologies for that one, she is always in some kind of mood when it comes to the Gated community. Thinks it should be some pristine living community."
His gaze will immediately turn to Nash. "Now Nash, we've had this conversation before. You know you're supposed to announce anyone coming my way, even if it's just you, specifically for situations like this." You see Nash's ears droop a bit before Akarui continues, "However, your inadvertent interruption gave me the perfect excuse to get out of THAT meeting, so I'm going to let it go. This time." He will smirk a bit before continuing, "Just... don't let it happen again."
Nash will perk up a bit before heading out the door and closing it behind him with a sigh of relief. You hear a sharp YELP from behind the door, before Akarui grabs your attention. "On to business..."
-----
(IF THEY JOINED TF)
"I understand you signed up to be Thunder Force. Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your acceptance. After all the contributions you and your team have made to this town already, it makes me proud to see you dedicate yourselves to the protection of the people. In fact, Commander Harken and I had a discussion regarding your first assignment."
(IF THEY HAVE NOT)
"I understand you are technically an unaligned team of 'vigilantes' for lack of a better term, and ordinarily that would be frowned upon legally, but you've proven to the public that you are here to help. The fact you haven't joined the Thunder Force is a curiosity to many, but I'm sure you have your reasons. Either way, I would like to ask you to work with them on a special assignment."
-----
"A business in the ESSENTIALS district has requested extra security for an upcoming delivery. There is an important shipment coming in for a special project we need to keep safe."
"Harken will brief you on the mission at TFHQ." He will reach over and push the intercom button, asking Nash to escort your group out. A minute later, a disheveled Nash opens the door to let you out and walks down the hall with you, fixing his outfit as you all walk, laughing nervously and apologizing the whole way.
IF THEY ASK WHAT IS WRONG
He stammers some before sighing with frustration. "Anais is very... easy to frustrate. She uh... demanded my assistance in cooling down."
IF THEY RETORT
"She just kinda... used me as a punching bag. I'll be fine, but I might need to visit the tailor on my way out." His eyes widen and he suddenly hides behind you all as you head out of the lobby, passing by a female postal worker delivering a package and blowing a bubblegum bubble.
(CONTACTS ROLL) She looks like the same wolf girl that delivered the mail the other day.
Once he is out of sight range, he will breathe a heavy sigh. "And SHE just scares me." Once you are out by the doors, you see him scurry to his car and take off out of the parking lot.
AT THUNDER FORCE HEADQUARTERS
Harken meets your group at the door and guides you directly into his office, locking the door once you go in. "I appreciate you showing up so promptly for this job. Ordinarily I would prefer to leave protection assignments to fully trained officers, but we are a bit shorthanded at the moment. Plus..."
-----
*IF THEY ARE TF*
"As you have prominent combat experience before even joining, I felt this would be a suitable assignment for your group."
*IF THEY ARE NOT*
"The people know you now, and as such, you have earned a modicum of trust on our end. As such, I wish to deputize you for the day regarding an important assignment, if you are interested."
-----
"Your assignment will be to go to the Research and Development Lab in the Essentials district. We have a rather large shipment of steel, copper, aluminum, and brass coming in from the Red and Brown domains, for a special construction project. You simply need to guard it until the end of the day to ensure it is kept safe."
-----
*IF THEY ACCEPT*
"You are expected to arrive in one hour, work an eight hour shift of hourly building inspections one at a time, and otherwise are to stay inside with the containers until the end of your shift. They will be picked up and transported after. Afterwards, report back to me here. That is your mission for the day.
*IF THEY ASK ABOUT PAY*
He will reach into his desk and lull out several small bags full of coins. "I had a small budget approved by King Akarui before we set this up, you will be paid the same as any Thunder Force agent starting out. 25z an hour, 8 hours of work, that entitles each of you to 200z, all paid upgront. AND, since you are with us, you are owed access to our special uniform selection. Feel free to pick some up on the way out."
"Dismissed!"
*IF THEY PARTAKE*
You are met by TF agent Binx the Cat, whom escorts you to the wardrobe area, with multiple tables full of gear to match all shapes and sizes.
(IF THEY ASK) They don't really provide armor, since the magic everyone tends to use bypasses it anyways. It more is just a basic uniform.
- The first table is full of chrome colored bracers and chest covers
- The second table is full of black slacks, boots, and short & long-sleeved shirts
- The third table is full of chrome bottom-half masks, black sunglasses, and folded black & silver long coats
-----
AT THE SITE
A chameleon man in a red dress shirt greets you at the door, his eyes flicking back and forth between all of you, and his nametag reading ELEAZAR. "Oh good good, you made it! Appreciate your time, Officers."
"Your station is this desk, the fenced in area is your patrol circle, and there is coffee & doughnuts if you are hungry."
Right on cue, a vehicle suddenly backs in to the facility, and a group of four muscled oxen men unload ten wooden crates, each one emblazoned with a burn mark in the shape of a hand.
(NOTICE ROLL) You spot Nash with a clipboard on site, scribbling down information with a smile on his face. And he hasn't seemed to notice you.
*IF THEY APPROACH*
When he sees you, he LITERALLY jumps three feet in the air screaming "OH FUCK" and flops on his back. "Owww..."
*HELPING HIM UP*
"Jeez, didn't expect YOU guys to be here... wait, are you the security detail for the shipment?"
*IF THEY CONFIRM*
"AWESOME! This is so perfect! I don't care what anyone says, Akarui is AWESOME!!!" He realizes he is acting a fool and straightens himself out. "Sorry, I uh... may or may not have overheard about that "mole" situation, and since you didn't show up until AFTER that started, I gotta assume it's not you guys."
*HOW DOES HE KNOW*
He is a little taken aback by the third degree. "Those intercoms we use are kinda junky, so I hear alot of those private meetings without meaning to. Among other things..." He will lean in and whisper to your group, "...Apparently the King is trying to supplement his height with platform shoes on the sly..."
*ASK WHAT HE IS DOING THERE*
"Oh, uh, right... so this is kind of a secret, but you know how we got those hydroelectric generators giving Diadem power, right? Well, my dad was an engineer here. He helped create the hole through the Diadem floor like 20 years ago, and he had a dream we MIGHT be able to use that to escape from this place."
"But since we're on an island in the middle of the ocean, going out through the hole is a bit of a suicide mission. So, we need a safety vessel. Some scientists and I proposed this idea about two years ago to King Akarui that we could build like... a test submarine and see if it could descend far enough to get out, make it to some nearby land, and then get some actual help!"
"And he finally approved it a month ago! Full ride budget and everything! This here is the last of the shipments of raw material we need to make a test sub. We're thinking a fifty man vessel would be enough to get ourselves into the outside world. Can you believe it???"
"All I gotta do is get this to the secure location this evening, and we can finally finish building it. We might just be making history."
He looks up to a clock on the wall. "Anyways, we can talk about it later. King Akarui only gave me an hour to come check on stuff. I'll see you guys later!" He pauses and turns around with a cheeky grin. "...or if this works, maybe not?" ;D
-----
The shift goes pretty much without issue, and around 5:30pm, you see an all new flatbed truck pull in to the same entrance. This time you see a dozen much more normal sized men approach, each one wearing different degrees of clothing. "We're uh.. we're here for the shipment?"
(EMPATHY ROLL VS DECEIVE ROLL)
*IF PLAYERS PASS* These guys are not dressed right, are fidgeting like hell, and the one in front can't even look you in the eye properly.
One of them will suddenly pull out a gun, aiming it right at (Player who beat roll)'s forehead. All eleven of the others will run in, going for the boxes.
*IF CHALLENGE*
They will hear a familiar voice shout DONT EVEN TRY IT! They will turn to see LUCKY with the chameleon in his arms, a gold dagger against his throat. YOU TAKE ANOTHER STEP, YOUR FRIEND IS DEAD.
*IF THEY RESIST*
A familiar scent of burning ozone will appear behind (player), a gun pressed against (PLAYER's) back. "Braver than I expected. Unfortunate."
The rest of the party sees someone new behind you, a man of authority and stature inside of what looks like a modified motorcycle outfit. The shoulders, arms from elbow down, and legs from knee down are layered in thick blue padding ridges. The rest is standard black, including the elongated motorcycle helmet with a white letter A on the front above the shaded eye visor.
*IF THAT PLAYER PLAYER RESISTS*
The person will counter, pinning that player to the ground with lightning speed. He will quickly turn to the others and shout "HURRY UP!"
*IF ANYONE ATTACKS HIM*
He will manage to dodge his way out, but not completely. The attack will catch the front of his helmet, cracking it open to reveal his face for a quick moment.
(NOTICE ROLL) The inside is dark, but you see dark fur, possibly brown or black, and you see a deep brown eye with a small rounded scar under it.
He will cover his face quickly, then speed to the truck, the Marauders finished getting the crates inside before taking off in a hurry. However, they have left LUCKY behind, still holding the chameleon hostage.
"... they just left me..." He suddenly lowers himself onto his knees, staring at the place the truck used to be. "I did everything they asked... I escaped prison three times... and they STILL left me behind..." He finally releases the chameleon and the knife, just staring at the floor.
*IF THEY SAY ANYTHING*
"He promised he... he was gonna get me out... and he just left me behind... again..."
*WHO IS HE*
He will look up to your group, a tear in his eye. "The Crooked King."
-----
THAT EVENING
THUNDER FORCE HEADQUARTERS
Back at Harken's office, Harken is pacing in front of your group. "This task was supposed to be simple, a guard position of no real strategic import. Instead, tomorrow's headline will read that a hostage situation resulted in the theft of the entire shipment of research and building materials under our watch." He slams one hand into the desk in frustration, rubbing his eyes with the other.
IF THEY OBJECT
"I know what happened. Fact is, you followed your orders perfectly to a tee, you defended an innocent from harm in a hostage situation, and you proved you value lives over cold hard metal. You even re-captured LUCKY, AND got him to cooperate for the first time ever. We finally have solid intel on their organization."
He will pull out a folder, slap it on the table, and pull out a document with information scrawled all over. "We now know there is a genuine hierarchical structure in the Marauders. What we thought were random acts of thuggery were coordinated and strategic from the start."
"Add to that we now have confirmation of an active general, the man with the A on the helmet. We don't know his name, but we have dealt with him in the past. He uses lightning magic to move same as we do, so it is safe to assume he is also the mole. Which would explain how he knew about the shipment. But the issue comes in with this... Crooked King."
"Noone within their organization knows who he is, but he is the mastermind behind the Marauders. He picks whom to recruit & when, supplies the coin for their weapons, coordinates every attack, and supplies them with THESE." He places the gold dagger LUCKY had on the table inside a glass box.
"This is career defining evidence. If it were anyone else, you would have a fucking parade in your honor. But due to these... unfortunate circumstances, the public will choose to ignore those positives, as will the media. They will expect some form of punishment for your 'failure' to protect the shipment."
IF THEY ARE NOT TF
"Worst of all, given you were wearing our uniforms, they will assume you are with us, which doubly complicates the matter."
"As third commander, I have to take some form of action. Firing you would be too harsh, and a slap on the wrist would be too easy."
He grabs a handful of papers, quickly scribbles some information down, turns them around, and passes them to your group. "This is a form stating you are being taken off active duty and placed on two weeks paid leave, effective immediately."
IF THEY INTERRUPT, STATE THE FOLLOWING LOUDLY
"During this time, all activities you do, including but not limited to any & all criminal syndicate altercations, cannot and will not be associated directly with the Thunder Force. They will instead be seen as the activities of a group of rogue REGALIA HUNTERS working to save the people of Diadem from their imprisoned fate, no different than those that attempted before."
"And if, within those fourteen days, you manage to gather them all and free the people, well... I doubt anyone would care about this debacle anymore, and you may even become... heroes again. But THAT is information I, and the Thunder Force, cannot and will not be responsible for OR associated with during your two week paid leave." He gives you something of a sly smile.
IF THEY ARE TF
"Now this does mean I will require your badges for the next two weeks."
He will walk behind you and open the door for you. "You are all dismissed."
As you leave the Thunder Force office, everyone around you slowly begins to applaud you. The Thunder Force does in fact know what happened, and even if they can't really do anything about it, they are showing their support in whatever way they can. Once you leave the doors, they will slam behind you, leaving you as free agents with a convenient paycheck.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
You are met with a phone call the next morning.
*IF THEY ANSWER*
It is a female voice you don't recognize, asking you to come to the Capitol and meet with the King. He has a favor to ask of you, and requests your presence ASAP. Before you get more than two words out, she will hang up.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by a Parakeet woman sitting at Nash's desk, and she does not look happy. "I assume you to be the Kings of Kings, yes? Please follow me." She marches you quickly through the office area and right to King Akarui's door. No kindness, no nonsense, just professionalism.
Once inside, you see a concerned Akarui stamping documents. He pauses for a moment and drops the stamp, looking up to your group. "Kings of Kings, I know this is a bit pedestrian of me to ask of you, but I'd like you to do a wellness check on Nash."
"When he came in this morning, I let him know the metal for his project was stolen, and... well, he looked like the sound of glass hitting the floor. I gave him the rest of the week off, but based on what I saw... I'd love some peace of mind."
"And as long as you're out there, for the sake of my sanity, could you also ask around and check on the supposed 'noise complaints' coming from that area? Killing two birds with one stone and all that. Plus it might keep Anais out of my office for longer than five minutes."
*IF THEY ACCEPT*
He hands you a folded document made of a strangely textured light brown paper, with a stamp on the top reading FROM THE DESK OF KING AKARUI. "The guards there are likely to be an issue. This will get you in. Please don't lose it."
-----
Upon arriving at the Gated community, you are confronted by a pair of Doberman guards, one brown and one black, but both wearing identical silver Thunder Force outfits. They both see your group coming and the brown one asks in a German accent, "How may ve help you today?"
*ASKS ABOUT ENTRY*
The black one will chime in. "Sorry, ve vere not informed about any visitors, ve cannot permit entry."
The brown one will respond. "Da, now please vacate ze premises. Danke, nice day."
*IF PRESENTING PAPER*
The brown one will open it so they can both read over it and start sniffing over it excitedly. The black one will wince a bit and shake his head. "Vell, ze scent matches ze king bird, so zis is legit. Danke for ze papers, you may pass." They manually open the striped bar of wood up and out of the way.
The brown one will nod. "Please pick up all ze trash you drop und have ein nice visit. Ve vill be expecting you on ze vay out."
Before you go more than ten feet inside, the black one calls out "VAIT! Ve almost forgot to tell you. Ze Mr. Nash is at ze family home due to renovations!" He waves a slip of paper at you with a different address than the one you were given.
The brown one adds "Please do not tell anyone else, he has asked us only to tell ze delivery people."
They both chuckle at each other with big shit eating grins, before the black one responds. "Ja ja, especially ze pretty little wolf girl~"
They chuckle again before clearing their throats. "Uh but.. given your credentials, I am sure ze Mr. Nash vill understand."
-----
The neighborhoods are considerably fewer in numbers per house, but every property has a full acre MINIMUM of land and the houses are minimum TWICE the size of the ones in the Residential district. The lawns are trimmed, the fences are painted, there are several with animal-shaped ornamental bushes being maintained by landscapers right this very second. But when you reach the property you are looking for, all those homes are put to shame.
The house is easily three floors, has a colossal front yard, a massive bird bath, perfectly trimmed bushes along the immaculately painted fences, a multiple car garage with Nash's car parked in front of it, and even a chandelier style light hanging from the porch.
*IF THEY KNOCK*
It takes a few seconds, but you eventually see Nash greet you at the door, and he looks exactly like how King Akarui described.
His ears that were always perked are slumped against his head, his chipper smile looks like it was manually pulled downward, and you could even swear his fur looks less colorful. But at least his hair looks brushed, sorta. When he sees your group, he looks a little perkier. "Oh.. hey guys.. you wanna come in?"
*INSIDE*
His home looks almost too immaculate, the cushions on the furniture all look borderline unused, and there is zero dust on anything that you can see. But the lights are on, even if it is just the living room.
(Notice roll) There are no pictures on the walls either, even though there is clear evidence there used to be. The only real furniture is the roaring fireplace and a couple pillows & large couches in front of it.
"Sorry about the mess, I uh... kinda just... didn't feel like going upstairs to any of the bedrooms."
*MENTION KING WAS WORRIED*
"He was.. worried about me? I just thought he didn't wanna deal with me being upset, but.. huh. That makes me feel better knowing he cares."
*ASK ABOUT HOUSE*
"Well technically it's not MY house, it was my parents'. I inherited it when they died. It's a bit much for me, so I stay at my own place down the street. But I come here once in a while to keep the place clean and... ya know... remember."
*WHY SO UPSET*
"Well.. my dad was an immigrant here, and when he found out he was trapped, he made it his life's mission to get out. Spent his whole adult life doing that, right until he met my mom. They got together and had me, and between the two of them, they made the first drill to get out of Diadem.
But during their first actual test, the drill exploded. And they both died. I made it my life's goal to resume his plan, if for no other reason than in his memory. And after the theft, well... the entire project is on hold for a bit until they get a replacement shipment.
I just... I waited so long, ya know? To get the approval, then when the supplies started coming in, I was so happy, and then finding out they got stolen... It was crushing. I fully planned to work through the pain too, just like before, but... I guess King thought I needed a break instead. And he might've been right."
*MENTION NOISE COMPLAINTS*
"Ugh... Anais... those noise complaints are my fault. I was having my home renovated, wanted one of those underground car garages put in. I'm afraid my car might get stolen, even in here. That's the other reason I'm over here, thought it'd be a good idea to get away from the noise. They should be done soon."
*NO MORE QUESTIONS*
"Well listen.. thanks alot for stopping by guys, I honestly feel alot better getting all of that out of my system. You can tell King Akarui I'll be back in tomorrow morning if you want, or I could make it a nice surprise. But for right now, I think I just need to... ya know... sleep this all off." He will stand up and walk you guys to the door, closing it behind you.
(NOTICE ROLL) Through the nearby window, you can see him slowly shuffle his way back to the pile of pillows and flop into them face first.
(INVESTIGATE ROLL)
On the way to the gate, you can see a house in the distance vaguely matching the direction Nash pointed out with several stacks of metal sitting in front of the hole. Each one is covered by a fabric tarp of some kind, and the hole in the ground is easily twice as big as the van you've seen.

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THIS IS TO BE TOLD ONCE THEY HAVE EARNED THEIR SIXTH REGALIA
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
For the first time, there will be mail waiting for you. There is a letter addressed "Kings of Kings, 722 (Fave DM last name) Avenue."
*OPEN IT*
There is a small snippet of a map pointing out a specific location in the Essentials district stating "today, 5pm, burn this" in some scrawl of red ink.
-----
AT THE LOCATION
The place indicated on the map turns out to be the local post office, but everything appears to be shutting down for the evening. Workers are starting to pour out in droves, all of them laughing and groaning in varying degrees. The OPEN sign on the front of the building will flip to close right before you show up.
THE SECOND ANYONE COMPLAINS
An explosion will occur right behind your group. The post office warehouse right across the street from the building is now a pile of rubble, a literal fleet of Marauders pouring out and carrying what looks like wooden shipping crates.
Out of the smoke comes a new individual, wearing an outfit of mostly black with gold sleeves from the elbows and knees down, and a mid length gold cape accented by gold shoulderplates holding it in place, wearing a helmet with a crown emblem on the front. It essentially looks like a modified motorcycle outfit, helmet and all. He tightens his gloves a bit, turning to see your group. "Well this is a surprise, the Kings of Kings came to greet us at our latest acquisition."
AT ANY REMARK
"Riiight... so I literally have anything better to do than play with you, so I'm just going to... yeah..." He will attempt to walk away.
-----
WHEN CHALLENGED
A golden circle comes out from under the feet of the challenger AND the man before you, overlapping to form one. He just shakes his head slowly, pulling out a gold sword from his waist, aiming the tip at your group. "Your CHALLENGE is... DENIED."
He then turns around, swoops his arm downward, and cuts through the circle's boundary with a swooping slash, causing it to pause in place, flickering and flashing for a moment before completely shattering around you like glass. He finishes his wide swing and faces your group again, aiming the tip in your direction again. "HOO... that was better than SEX."
"Niiice, right? I call it the Crooked Cutlass. See, this little beauty fucks with those fancy gold magic circles in any way I like. I just have to get REALLY REALLY pissed off. And right now, standing before the group of ASSHOLES that are interfering with my plans makes that so goddamn easy."
-----
SHOOT ATTACK
As the projectile approaches, it is suddenly caught inches before it lands in his helmet, resting in the hand of an identically dressed man, except his outfit is black with BLUE accents, and his helmet bears the letter A. The same man from the incident with the metal theft.
K: Allow me to introduce you to my speed demon of an assistant, Ace. He handles all the things I dont care to dodge.
A: We've met, sir.
K: Is that right? Were they the ones that busted your helmet the other day? Damn... I'm gonna have to take that expense out of your paycheck.
A: ... Unfortunate.
-----
MAGIC ATTACK
As the spell approaches, you see the familiar sight of a wave of gold magic absorbing, eating, and canceling the spell, as a new person steps out from directly behind King, this time VERY much obvious it is a woman, but her suit is black with WHITE trimming, and her helmet bears a smaller, more petite crown.
K: Oh where are my manners? A king is nothing without his Queen afterall, and she just HAPPENS to be one of the most powerful mages in the land.
Q: You flatter me, my King.. But no, I refuse to let anyone damage what I consider my property. Or my paycheck for that matter.
K: Your dedication to your craft is just so... so appreciated.
-----
MELEE ATTACK
You rush in to strike one of them down, when a massive hammer swings down and smashes the ground right in front of your toes. Standing before you is another man, this time in a black outfit trimmed in yellow, and bearing a simple letter J on his helmet.
K: Now no self respecting leader would ever go anywhere without some hired muscle, isn't that right Jack?
J: Got that right. Gave me a chance to test out my latest acquisition as well.
K: And a fine addition it is.
-----
THROWN ATTACK
As the projectile heads toward him, a hand reaches out and catches the object. A woman in the same outfit but in black with RED trimming and a helmet bearing a clown face casually strides forward, thumbing with the thrown item. "And that... was... close."
K: Impeccable timing, Joker.
JK: Shove it, asshole. I never agreed to go by that name.
K: Your attitude and wit simply brightens my day every time I hear it.
-----
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL
"It's simple. I'm leaving." He pulls out a golden revolver and pulls back the hammer. "I found out this place's grand secret. I know all about the Diadem, the purpose of the Domain Masters, and the pot of gold supposedly at the end of the rainbow. And surprise surprise, it just might be a crock of shit."
"So I plan to take myself and my most loyal employees here off this island first chance I get. And just because I can, I'm gonna make a pitstop to every Domain Master, plant a round between their eyes, and tell them to 'kiss my ass' on the way out the door." You all hear a sudden click, before everyone turns to see Joker holding an elemental potion grenade.
"Alright... that's all I needed to hear. Deal's off, chump." She suddenly drops the grenade in front of the enemy group, before disappearing right before everyone's eyes.
King suddenly screams KILL THEM!!! before the potion hits the ground, coating everyone on his team in a splash of black magic, acting as a smokescreen. In that one brief moment, you see Joker reappear in front of your group, tells you to follow her, and takes off down the nearest alley.
*IF THEY FOLLOW*
She takes off running down a few alleyways until you reach the Residential district, grabbing the door on a seemingly random house, and opening it for you. She urges you to follow her downstairs into the basement, slamming the door and barring it shut.
The room is very minimal, furnished with couches, beds, a table covered in coin & small bladed weapons, a coat rack with a green bow hanging from it, a small fridge, and a very minimal bathroom, but not much else.
She sighs heavily and flops onto the couch, looking up to you. "Not gonna lie, thought you might not even show."
She quickly removes her helmet, revealing a matting down of dark hair and fur. She quickly shakes the sweat out and reveals her hair fully, revealing herself to be the same dark furred wolf girl that delivered your mail AND that package to the Capitol.
But when she opens her eyes, you see they are a blatantly pure red. "Alright... let's talk."
-----
*WHAT HAPPENED*
"The Marauders hit me with ether or something, I don't remember. But when I woke up, I was in some underground building. Surrounded by fuckheads. Made them regret that decision. Lasted about six days with no food or water, until HE finally paid me a visit."
"He made me a deal. I work for him, he leaves my dad's domain alone. I agreed, with the condition if he made even the SLIGHTEST hint of a push against Dorrin, his ass would be grass. Been working with him ever since."
"Had to start wearing this nasty ass fur dye to walk around, but it doesn't last very long. Added bonus, disguises my scent, and cheap shades hide the eyes. Sun's Always Shining In Diadem or some shit."
-----
*ASKS ABOUT IDENTITIES*
She cracks open an energy drink and slurps it, shaking a bit in her seat as it hits near immediately. "HOO yeah, that's the shit. Ahh... So the bad news is, the crooked king knows who we all are in his little upper circle, but none of us have a clue who he is, and we're not SUPPOSED to know who each other are. Made it easier to work with each other when we actively couldn't point each other out in a crowd."
"He calls us the FACES, and let us each kinda sorta have shadow control of each of the four Districts. I got the Essentials district, let him look at any changes or developments happening that he could find useful for his master plan."
"Queen was named the 'Lieutenant of the Gated District.' Let him have an in-depth look as to where everyone of "higher value" lived that might be an asset or an issue down the road."
"Jack's the 'Lieutenant of the Business District.' He outfitted the entire organization with weapons and shields and shit."
"Ace was named the 'Lieutenant of the Residential District,' started fucking with the calls made and received so the Thunder Force couldn't make it in time to certain Marauder incidents."
(CONTACTS ROLL) You recall Akarui and Harken mentioning a mole in the Thunder Force fudging calls and information regarding calls made.
*IF THEY MENTION IT*
"That gives me two reasons to go after the bastard... he's also the one who shot my dad. Heard he almost lost his head in the process."
"King is still a mystery to me, and he's done a damn good job keeping it that way. He gets around pretty quick too, always knows where to find new potential recruits. He tells us who they are in the districts, we send out lower guys, and they get recruited."
-----
*TAKE HIM DOWN*
"You wanna collapse his empire, you gotta take down the FACES first. I've been working on a strategy for just that." She walks over to a nearby corkboard covered in papers and strings.
"Queen is an insane mage, keeps people far away and hits them hard during. You get up close, she will fold like paper."
"Jack is all about up close and personal, and that brand new hammer of his is a real issue. Ideally you either wanna keep your distance or, if you're either really brave or really stupid, you go toe to toe with him and PRAY he misses."
"Ace is tricky. He's got combat experience, Thunder Force training, and most likely a grudge from almost getting his head bit off. His go-to is mid-range combat so he can move around freely. You disable his movement, he should be easy pickings."
"The Crooked King is gonna be the biggest issue. Those gold weapons are normally easy to break, but the two he uses are reinforced. Challenging him is worthless, his sword can eat magic, and we have never seen him in an actual fight, so we have no combat strategy. BUT... I have a theory that without the gold weapons, he is an absolute pussy. Otherwise he wouldn't obsess over them so much."
"Good news is, I know they won't come after you at your place, or they would out themselves as either really desperate or openly admit you are a threat. And as marauders, that would be a BAD image. So long as he needs them, he'll keep them in his little hidey hole, wherever it is."
-----
(CONTACTS ROLL)
You suddenly recall someone mentioning something about a missing bow from the GREEN domain.
*IF THEY MENTION IT*
"Oh that? Had to steal it to prove myself to the fucker in charge. Don't need it anymore, you can return it."

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THIS IS TO BE TOLD ONCE ALL TWELVE REGALIA HAVE BEEN EARNED
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
You receive a call very early in the morning.
You hear Vivid, and she is panicking.
"Guys, something's wrong! I'm in King Akarui's office and he's not here! Have you--" The line suddenly goes dead.
Within seconds, you hear and feel a rumbling sensation from your living room. Anyone who WASN'T awake would be fully awake at this point.
*IF THEY LOOK*
You can see the remnants of a massive fireball and a smoke trail coming from the center of the city.
-----
*AT THE CAPITOL*
The center Capitol building has a massive burning hole in the backside of it, and the ground is littered with flaming debris & paper. Noone appears to be hurt severely, but a few people have some scratches and burns. But you don't see Vivid anywhere.
*RESOURCES OR PHYSIQUE ROLL*
You eventually dig her out from the debris, and she looks VERY badly banged up. Her fur is singed and her skin is scratched all to hell, but she IS alive. She shakily manages to stand up, sees the damage to the building, and punches a nearby piece of wall, causing it to crumble.
"Fuck... I didn't know they booby trapped his office..."
*WHAT IS GOING ON*
"I've been tailing the FACES, trying to find out their next step, and they took a big one."
She will slowly try to take a couple steps, but she will only get a few feet before she flops on her knees. You hear a blaring horn sound and see a pair of boxy vehicles pull up, one red and one white.
Within seconds, you see a fleet of firefighters run out and start blasting the exploded office with bursts of magic water, while a fleet of white coated & uniformed men & women all set up special tents, and start helping various people inside to treat any injuries. Two of them pull up a stretcher and carefully roll Vivid onto it, immediately running her into a tent.
*INSIDE THE TENT*
You watch as a VERY tall elephant woman in a white nurse outfit casts violet colored magic on Vivid, her scratches and burnt fur slowly starting to undo and heal. You see the pained look on her face slowly let up as she turns to your group. "I figured out the next step of their plan, they're trying to incite a riot from the people, led by the Marauders."
She slowly sits upright. "They're gonna blow up the hydroelectric plant and cut off everyone's power supply, make them all retaliate at once. When he does that, he thinks everyone will blame the king."
*WHERE IS HE*
"They invaded a home in the Gated district, turned it into their new base. They kidnapped that Nash guy, I spotted him tied up. And they had a huge sack next to him, figured they got Akarui in there. Came here to confirm, set off some kind of bomb."
You see in the distance of the Gated Community some trails of smoke in a semi-formal line.
-----
*GATED DISTRICT ENTRANCE*
You see both of the dogs' guard shacks are on fire and the protective bar is completely destroyed. At the gateway, you are met by three Marauders AND the stoic stick in the mud himself, ACE. He tightens his gloves and sighs. "You really think yourselves heroes, don't you..."
He reaches out to two of the three men, and smashes their heads together, before the third one turns around to face him, and he punches that one hard enough to knock him out. "Call me old fashioned, but I prefer a more personal fight."
*WHY HE IS DOING THIS*
"I'm an immigrant to this land. United States military, assigned here twenty-five years ago. My mission was likely the same as yours, information gathering and eventual extraction.
In my case, they wanted (1) information about what makes this place so specifically indestructible, (2) to see if it could be replicated for military purposes, and (3) to discover what happened to the prior soldiers sent in before me.
From the moment we arrived, we carried out our mission as best we could. Researched everything about the island we could find, and our conclusion came down to a unique magic we simply could not pin down the nature of.
Eventually, we all began to assimilate, despite our best efforts. We made friends, started families, became pillars of the community, members of the Thunder Force, some even higher than that.
When the Marauders became an active threat. I did everything I could to stop them and put them away, but every time we did, two more would appear. These were not just new people gone criminal either, these were the citizens I was supposed to protect.
It became very clear that so long as they were stuck here, they were their own worst enemy. I infiltrated the Marauders and attempted to bring down the entire organization, for their sake. And failed.
But much like Joker, I entered into an uneasy alliance with the Crooked King. He helped me reach the conclusion that the island itself is to blame for everything. They stay prisoners, attack each other out of misery, promote that attitude to the next people, and more will spawn. An unending cycle.
He promised me that, in exchange for creating coordinated distractions with the Marauders and delaying the Thunder Force long enough for the damage to cause its desired effect, he would allow me to get all the people off the island.
-----
Running further inside, you see the black and yellow Jack in the distance between you and your goal. Some of the houses have their standalone bushes on the edges of the property set on fire, almost giving it a kind of gladiator arena feel. "Sure as shit took you long enough... I had money riding on Ace not stopping you... looks like I win the bet."
IF THEY ASK WHY
"I've run into fifty different immigrants to this land, and seen every kind of currency they carry. Do you know how many of them use magic infused coins? ZERO. We literally have the single rarest currency in existence here in Diadem. Not because it's scarce either, but because we exclusively hold the ability to make it.
Do you have any idea how much that information is worth? I could literally take ONE of these coins to any nation on the planet and be set for life. And the Crooked King promised me my weight in Z once we are free. He even paid half up front! It's honest business, nothing more."
-----
You reach the front yard of Nash's family home, the bushes set on fire and clear evidence of explosions. This time, you are met by Queen with her own group of thugs. "Hilarious, Jack wasn't worth a single Z he was paid. Oh well, guess that means I get to finish you off afterall."
IF THEY ASK WHY
"Oh honey, it's all in the title. I'm a queen, tandem to his being, my King. And a king and queen are nothing without their kingdom to rule, of course. And my kingdom is, was, and always will be DIADEM ITSELF!
Once his plan is fulfilled and King no longer needs Diadem, the queen shall rule in his stead! The entire island will be mine to do with as I please! I can establish any rule, any structure, any taxation rate I wish! And as the queen, anyone whom wants to stay will either get on board or get out!!!"
(If it wasn't obvious, she is a control freak.)
-----
You run into the house and start rummaging through the rooms.
(INVESTIGATE ROLL) The most material and damage appears to be in the upper floor.
There are crates and bags all around one of the bedroom doors.
You find it to be locked, and you can hear muffled yelling from behind it.
(FIGHT/PHYSIQUE ROLL) Once you break into the room, you see Nash lying on the ground, tied up with rope and blindfolded & muzzled by torn up rags. He hears the door open and starts thrashing, muffledly screaming for help.
Once you remove the rags and rope, he starts pounding at the closet door. "KING AKARUI IS IN HERE!"
After a few moments of trying, he will make a mad dash for the door. "HANG ON, THE KEYS ARE DOWNSTAIRS!"
Once everyone is back to work at the closet door, the bedroom door is slammed shut. And you hear several heavy objects barricading the door. And you see fire seeping in from under the door. You have been trapped.
*INVESTIGATE ROLL*
The smoke is starting to roll in, but the room is pretty simple. Bed, dresser, chest of drawers, cabinet, closet, window, walls, barricaded door.
ONCE THEY ESCAPE
You all land around the back side of the house, you see the entire building is slowly catching fire, starting from the room you were all in and working its way down. You suddenly hear a loud bellowing in the front yard, from a male voice.
In the front yard, you see the Crooked King standing in front of the burning house, cradling Queen in his arms. "You people couldn't just curl up and die, could you? It would have made my job SO MUCH DAMN EASIER."
(NOTICE ROLL) You spot in the distance the other three FACES, specifically JOKER carrying ACE and JACK in on her shoulders.
Joker sets the two down and approaches him, arms crossed. "Face it fucknut, they beat you fair and square!"
King doesn't move an inch. "I suppose I have you to thank for that..." He turns and hands QUEEN to JOKER, then kicks her in the stomach and pushes them both away so they fall beside ACE and JACK.
Ace is visibly disturbed by what he saw. "King, that is enough! She's right, they beat you at every corner. Whatever this insane plan of yours is, it won't work anymore."
King turns to them. "Oh no, everything went exactly as planned. Everyone thinks Akarui is dead. Noone is running Diadem now. Which means..."
Ace responds after a moment. "You cannot be serious."
King laughs a bit. "Oh I am very serious." He walks over to ACE and leans in real close. "We all know what happens to a kingdom without a competent leader."
Even JACK is shocked at this revalation. "You mean we did all of this JUST so YOU could actually be the KING?"
KING shrugs a bit. "Only for a short while. The King's throne, as ot were, is the second to last step of my plan."
He will turn to your group, both gold weapons in hand. "That only leaves my competition, the so-called Kings of Kings. ANY of you could be the next King of Diadem, if you so desired, and the people would back any one of you 100%. And I can't have that."
He places the back of his sword on his shoulder and aims the gun at your group. "Once you're gone, everything falls into place."
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
AFTER THE FIGHT
The Crooked King's helmet shatters in front of you, and you see Nash panting heavily, blood dripping from his forehead and mouth. But unlike before, his eyes hold a bloodthirsty rage you have NEVER seen on him. "I am so... God damn... SICK... of you people. This was a two year plan. TWO. YEARS. And all you had to do was literally NOTHING but leave it alone."
-----
QUEEN suddenly shrieks "WHAT THE FUCK," pointing at Nash in disbelief. "YOU?! HOW COULD YOU BE THE CROOKED KING?!"
JACK is tilting his head a bit. "Damn, I lost that bet. Thought for sure it was Akarui on stilts or something. Only way he had that kind of money."
QUEEN is furious. "THIS DOESNT MAKE ANY SENSE! YOU KNEW WHO I WAS UNDER THE HELMET, AND YOU STILL LET ME BEAT YOU UP ALMOST EVERY TIME I SAW YOU?!"
NASH just rolls his eyes. "Please, your never hit me THAT hard. Besides, if you knew, you wouldn't have followed me."
ACE turns to QUEEN. "He has a point. King's aide or no."
"STUFF IT!" She yanks off her helmet, revealing herself to be Anais of the HOA, and throws it on the ground. "YOU WERE NEVER GOING TO GIVE ME THE ISLAND, WERE YOU?!"
JACK removes his helmet, revealing himself to be JERRAS. "And what about my money?"
ACE pulls his off, revealing himself as Harken. "I assume you didn't intend to free the people either."
Jerras and Anais turn to him. "HARKEN?!"
JOKER is laughing her ass off in the grass. "This is the best day of my life!" She sits up and yanks her own helmet off, revealing herself to them. "The leaders of the infamous and terrifying Marauders are the second in command of the country, the third in command of the Thunder Force, the weapons dealer, and the Wicked Bitch of the HOA! You are dysfunctional as FUCK!"
You hear a gunshot and see a smoking hole right beside Vivid's head, which shuts her right up. And an identical trail of smoke from Nash's gun. "For the record... I missed on purpose." He will pause and pick himself up a little. "Also for the record, I DID plan to give you all exactly what you asked for, as an end result to my plan."
-----
*WHAT IS THIS ABOUT*
"This is about getting the FUCK out of this dead end rat's maze. Nothing More."
*WHAT IS YOUR PLAN*
"Still haven't figured it out yet? Let me spell it out for you.
I told you my father was an immigrant and an engineer. Built the drills that dug the hole down through Diadem currently being used for the hydroelectric generators. And I told you the drill exploded and killed my parents.
What I DIDN'T tell you was the drill didn't explode on its own, it exploded because it came in contact with this fancy golden magic metal. It runs through the entire underside of the island. And as I learned, it gets volatile when it's hit hard enough.
That explosion killed my parents, and scattered huge chunks of it all over the place. Once I regained my sense of thought from watching my parents die, I decided to collect the metal and look into why it was there in the first place.
I spent eighteen years educating myself and job hopping until I would up as the King's aide, while ALSO using the resources from the college and grand library to figure out what the gold metal was. And I couldn't find SHIT.
I "did" find some super obscure wordings and religious text about someone named Zeroth. Supposedly, HE built this place, something about elevating mortals to a higher plane of existence. Didn't make an ounce of sense.
But ya know, eighteen years of fruitless efforts is a long time to focus on such an outlier project, and I almost moved on with my life. Decided to continue my dad's project.
I proposed the submarine plan to Akarui, poured my heart and soul into the project. He said he would consider it. Waited a week. Then two, a month, three months, nothing. It felt like I watched my parents die all over again.
In a fit of depression and rage, I decided I wanted revenge. I took a bag of that gold metal to the Volcano domain Forge, wanted to make a poetic weapon out of it and uh.. "hand deliver it" to the king.
Bad news, it can't be melted down like normal metal. Good news, it could be bent, sharpened, and whittled. But it was delicate, couldn't take more than a couple hits. And as we already discovered, can be volatile in larger amounts.
But the edge itself? Sharper than any blade and packs a HELL of a punch. The first shitty one I ever made accidentally cut through an anvil. AN ANVIL. I also found out 'by accident' that it eats magic to make gold dust, which is so much fun.
I spent six months experimenting with new and improved versions, slowly learning to bend and shape it into different blades, and even tubes for guns. The tiny pieces I couldn't use for THAT went into those fancy magic shields, made a killing on the side for those and funded my whole operation on it alone.
I took my largest piece and poured my heart & soul into making THIS Cutlass. It cut so cleanly, glided so smoothly... But even with that, it needed a handle that was just as glorious as the rest of it. I couldn't go around carrying a magic blade with a handkerchief.
Now I couldn't be seen carrying this around, so I grabbed my dad's old biker gear and went to the dark domain in disguise. People didn't go there at night, figured I could harvest some wood for a handle. And apparently Cassius is fucking psychic, because he came out of nowhere and scared me shitless.
Words were exchanged, I fumbled a bit and called myself the Crooked King, and kinda ran with it. Decided to challenge him and see what my weapons could really do, even without proper handles.
Lodged a gold bullet in his summon's brain and made it go ballistic, put a hole in his chest, cut off his arm, blinded him with the gold dust, I basically kicked his ass. I still don't know how he hid his Regalia, but I got pissed and started screaming things I was... VERY grateful noone else was around to hear.
At one point I got so mad, I kicked him through an unbreakable magic barrier, or so I thought. I didn't realize until after that the SWORD was GLOWING, and it... changed the rules so things COULD through the barrier, but only one way. I... decided to NOT press my luck and ran off with the wood.
I got home and.. I.. had a mental breakdown. I kept replaying everything that happened in my head over and over, and none of it made sense independently. Once I calmed down, I noticed a strange pattern on everything I hadn't before.
Gold magic metal in Diadem, gold magic barrier around Diadem, gold magic barrier circles, domain masters and their regalia with bits and pieces of gold on them... it's all connected. Everything here shares a common magic source.
And then it hit me. If this is all from the same magical source, then everything about this place must be made by the same person. Which had to be Zeroth, who is... I don't know, GOD or something. And then it clicked.
He made this island, put people on it, lined it with magic eating metal, has them fight his twelve henchmen for a few trinkets of God power, and once all twelve of them are collected and gathered in the center of town, you call for big daddy Zeroth, and SUPPOSEDLY GOD HIMSELF IS SUPPOSED TO COME DOWN and reward them with freedom and some fetters of mention of a god tier prize that FIVE HUNDRED YEARS WORTH OF TEXT CAN'T SEEM TO GIVE A STRAIGHT ANSWER ABOUT?!
THIS IS ALL JUST SOME STUPID GAME! This stuff is the cardboard walls of this magical rat maze, and we're the lab rats! The domain masters are glorified referees and their Regalia are promotional incentives!
The wish, the freedom, the power, whatever prize that was offered was just the fucking piece of cheese at the end of it all! Which means my parents died to escape some FUCKING COSMIC SCIENCE EXPERIMENT!
Well when I figured that out, I decided I had enough of being a specimen to some asshole celestial scientist or WHATEVER the fuck Zeroth is, and I started plotting my escape.
First I had to destroy all the knowledge I had up to that point, including the books in the library. If I could figure this out, someone else could too, and I couldn't risk anyone stopping me.
Then I started the Marauders, a band of Freedom Fighters sick of being stuck in Diadem, whose sole mission was to distract King Akarui by inflicting directed attacks on certain strategic locations. But I'd keep the mortality casualties to a minimum because I AM NOT A MONSTER. Mostly just irritating property damage, unless a point needed to be made.
Once I got enough good strong people, I would give them higher rankings, and the lesser quality gold weapons as proof of their higher role. THOSE would go off and fight the Domain Masters, both to test the weapons against them and to generate even more civil unrest.
I would have them distracting Domain Masters, drawing the eye of the Thunder Force, and pissing off King Akarui. They'd cause so much chaos, the people would become unsettled!
It would promote the idea that MAYBE someone really SHOULD try focusing on getting us out of here sooner, without relying on some mythical playthings all being in one place at the same time that, AFTER 500 YEARS, noone seemed able to do.
And guess what? MY PLAN WORKED. My escape plan submarine proposal FINALLY got approved! Supplies were coming in, the escape vessel was underway! Once it was done, the Crooked King would magically disappear, the generators in the hole would be shut down, we would send a crew of people, and we would have earned our freedom!
And then, at the WORST possible time, YOU SHOWED UP. You started giving these people HOPE that their fate could be solved by your quirky can-do attitudes and following the legend's rules. AND to make matters worse, you were competent at collecting Regalia. And as a result, faith in MY submarine idea plummeted."
"So I changed it up a little, decided to kidnap King Bird Boy and hold him somewhere, fake his death, and take over as active leader. As the king's most trusted aide, I would fill the void until we got out of here. All that was left was to destroy any... competition."
"So yes, by getting us out of here the easy way, the people WOULD be freed, HARKEN. They wouldn't need any of their own currency anymore and could be collected on the way out, JERRAS. And as the acting King, I would be able to leave YOU in charge, ANAIS. Everything would've been wrapped up in a nice little bow, everyone would have been happy."
Vivid glares at him. "And what about me?"
Nash stares back for a second. "Oh you mean about the-- no, it was a heat of the moment thing, I just wanted to sound menacing."
-----
*IF THEY ASK ABOUT AZAR*
"Okay to be fair, THAT was an accident. I heard a rumor about some dragon out in the Violet Domain, and had to see it for myself. I followed the purple one when he went out into the middle of nowhere to feed the thing.
When it went out for a flight, I tried grabbing some dragon scales to see if they could make a more comfy handle, and that thing dropped out of the sky and scared the shit out of me.
I took a swing in self defense, you can hardly blame ME for that one. It was LITERALLY fight or flight."
-----
*IF THEY ASK ABOUT THE SHIPMENT*
"That was plan B. On the extreme off chance I DIDN'T beat you, I have a mini-sub my team and I built hidden away JUST big enough for myself and my four most loyal teammates to bail out in." He will pause and turn toward the FACES. "Or at least they WERE, until they started questioning EVERYTHING I EVER DID FOR THEM!!!" He will sigh VERY loudly before finishing. "Good help is so hard to find, I swear."
-----
*IF NOONE PROPOSES ANYTHING*
All four of the faces stare at Nash for a few seconds in silence, then look at each other. Jerras is the first one to speak up. "You really expect us to believe you intended to do all of that...?"
"I don't EXPECT anything. That is the fucking truth, plain and simple." He pulls out a large HP potion and chugs it rapid quick, wiping the blood from his lip after. "And I've come too far to stop now."
Harken speaks up finally. "You are going to kill yourself, you realize that right?"
Nash pulls out his gun, loads it with fresh ammo one bullet at a time, and clicks it closed. "I'm not giving up until either they go down or I do. I'm willing to die on this hill."
Anais actually stands up and walks up to him, and for once all the rage in her eyes is gone. "Do you have any idea how much I want to kill you right now?"
"No more than them I assume--" She interrupts him mid sentence by grabbing his shirt collar, yanking him down to her level, and KISSING HIM. Right in front of everyone. He takes a few seconds to process what just happened. "...you are giving me really mixed signals, you know that?"
"Shut it." She pulls out her own rifle and loads a fresh magazine. "If we make it out of this alive, you and I are gonna have A LONG TALK."
Harken stands up and lights a cigarette, sighing a bit. "Well you can count me out. At this point, if I join either side, I stop being a neutral entity. Whomever wins, is the one in the right."
-----
ROLL FOR JERRAS
*DOES NOT JOIN*
"Well you can count me out too. As a businessman, I know when the coin ain't worth the effort."
*DOES JOIN*
"Well you can count me in. I make it a habit to see every business deal through to the end." He marches himself over to Nash's side, hefting his hammer on his shoulder.
Vivid rolls her eyes and groans. "Fuuuck, this is such bullshit..!" She picks herself up and walks to your group, pulling out her sword. "Harken, you and I are gonna have words after all of this. But I know HE gave you the order to shoot my dad, so I'm gonna kick his ass TWICE as hard for the BOTH of you."
REDO FIGHT WITH FULL HEALTH ENEMIES
*IF THEY WIN*
Nash will flop against the ground HARD, curling up a bit in severe pain. Anais will slowly drag herself toward him through the ground, panting raggedly all the while.
-----
*IF JERRAS JOINED*
Jerras will lie on his back, half conscious. "I think it's safe to say it's over, Boss..."
*IF JERRAS DID NOT JOIN*
Harken will take a long drag off his cigarette. "You lost fair and square. Twice. Time to pack it in."
-----
"NO! I'M NOT GIVING UP!" Nash will slam his fist into the ground in frustration, and Anais will put her hand over his, holding it tight. He will stop shaking for a moment, muttering a bit in frustration, and she full on hugs him tightly from behind.
*IF THEY APPROACH*
Nash will suddenly raise his arm and reveal a green potion bottle. "THIS ISN'T OVER, YOU HEAR ME?!" He will slam the potion bottle into the ground right in front of him, causing a whirlwind explosion to send him AND Anais clinging to his back flying into the distance.
Harken just stares, his cigarette finally gone. "I'll give him this, he is persistent." He walks over to your group, helping each of you up. "This is going to be one hell of a report I'm gonna have to write."

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LAST CHAPTER
The island itself begins to rumble, all twelve gates shining with ethereal glows of their respective colors. You suddenly see a bright golden glow from behind the welcome center in the distance. Right after, you see trees slowly bend away in the distance, crashing of metal & glass, and the entire welcome center collapse.
From the cloud of dust and rubble steps Reiji the Stallion from the front gate, eyes shining an ethereal gold and body brimming with warbling energy, head held high. Every step he takes causes a crater to form beneath his hooves, shaking the citizens around him violently.
When he finally arrives at the center of town, he stares at you all and extends his hands toward you. "CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING YOUR MOST VIRTUOUS TASK. YOU HAVE BEEN DEEMED THE MOST OUTSTANDING MORTALS TO EXIST AND THUS ARE BUT A STEP FROM WHAT YOU WOULD REFER TO AS GODHOOD."
*ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS*
"I NEED ONLY RECLAIM THE FRAGMENT OF MY POWER AND YOU MAY HAVE YOUR PRIZE." He places his hand on the ground of Diadem, and everything begins to rumble all over again.
The rock walls surrounding Diadem begin to crumble and dissolve one massive chunk at a time. Once the rock is gone, there are clean golden magic walls in a jagged 12-point circle around Diadem, resembling something of an extremely large crown, with each of the gates embedded into it like crown jewels.
The gates all shift from their respective colors to gold, ejecting every citizen in the Domains right into heaps in front of the Gates. When they ALSO realize everything is shaking & breaking, they begin to scream and run in a panic, a few of them falling off Diadem into the ocean through the lowest points in the metal walls.
*IF THEY COMPLAIN*
He will retort "I HAVE WITNESSED THESE PEOPLE GROW, WITHER, AND DIE OVER THE LAST 547 YEARS. I HAVE LEARNED THESE PEOPLE ARE INSIGNIFICANT COMPARED TO THEE. SO LONG AS YOU ARE ELEVATED, THE REST CAN BE IGNORED."
*If they protest again*
He stops shaking the Diadem. "HMM... I MAY HAVE UNDERESTIMATED YOUR MORTAL SENSE OF CARE... I HAD HOPED IT A SIMPLE MATTER TO APPEASE TO YOUR MORTAL DESIRES."
"I HAVE A SOLUTION. WE SHALL HOLD OURSELVES AN HONORABLE DUEL, FOR THE FATE OF THE PEOPLE OF DIADEM AND YOUR GODHOOD. NO CHALLENGE CIRCLE, THE PEOPLE WILL BE OUR BOUNDARY AND BARRIER. BEST ME, AND YOU MAY HAVE IT ALL. BUT FAIL, AND EVERYTHING & EVERYONE WILL BE FORFEIT. WILL THAT SUFFICE?"
*THE PEOPLE THAT FELL*
"HM.. I WOILD NOT WISH FOR ANY DISTRACTIONS FROM OUR MOST HONORABLE DUEL.. VERY WELL. ALLOW ME A MOMENT." He will raise his hand and elevate every person that fell from the water, placing them safely on the ground. "WILL THIS SATISFY YOU?"
AFTER THE FIGHT
He kneels in pain, panting softly. "I YIELD... YOU HAVE BESTED ME..." He looks up to your group. "I have witnessed this planet's evolution for an entire eon, watched the denizens of this false island for half a millennium, and none have come so far as to have the power to best me, even in my current state."
He slowly stands and walks forward. "I will keep my word and allow these people safe passage from the Diadem, then we may discuss your true prize."
*WHAT IS THE PRIZE*
"As I offered, your prize was to be power akin to my own, but you have proven you do not require it. Therefore, I will offer each of you anything of your choosing. You could be immortal like myself or the other concepts, have unlimited power, endless wealth, anything your heart desires."
He bellows in anguish as he is struck from behind by Nash, carrying his fancy golden sword. And he is looking very excited.
"I DON'T FUCKING BELIEVE IT, you people were right all along! I have NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY to be wrong!" He laughs hysterically for a second. "Hey Zeroth, wanna know what I wish for?! I wish to sentence you to death like you just tried to do to ALL OF US!"
He jams his whole sword into Zeroth's back, causing him to cry out in anguish, but the sword does not come out the other side.
All the hysterical joy Nash was experiencing disappears in an instant. "What?! What are you-- NO! LET GO OF ME!!" His arm is being pulled in and against Zeroth's body, slowly becoming absorbed into him.
With a sharp scream of terror, the two bodies fully combine. A brilliant golden flash erupts from their physical union, blinding all of you for a brief moment, and a new entity stands before you.
A ten foot tall prismatic fox man with flowing pearlescent hair, atop centaur legs of the same hue, stands before you, followed by thirteen fox tails, each of which is tipped in a different color matching each element of magic.
The eyes open, and within shine the colors of all thirteen shades of magic, as the new creature gazes upon your group, as well as himself. His voice sounds like Nash, but with Zeroth's as an echo.
"I... have assumed control of all... All his knowledge, his magic, his POWER, everything is in my grasp." He suddenly bellows out in anguish, his new form pulsing with energy. "This body is unstable with a humanimal element... it seems I am not suited for this power..." His eyes drift toward your group. "...but you are! COME TO ME!"
He raises his hand and aims it at your group, your bodies glowing gold as he attemps to force you to come closer. "Join with me and we will all get our wish! Freedom! Godhood! Anything we desire will be ours!"
A black long sword falls from the air, glowing with red magic, slicing directly into the center of his left hand and binding it to the ground. "WHAT IS THIS?!"
Your group's bodies land on the ground, but you feel several HP and MP vials fall into your laps as twelve familiar bodies pull forward and around you. The twelve Domain Masters have stepped forward. "You would dare to defy your Master?! Your Creator?!"
Aodaghan: We would defy the shit out of you any day of the week!
Conroy: Not the words I'd choose, but I concur!
Zahir: This party is over! It's not fun anymore!
Corentin: You have disrupted the peace of this land!
Dorrin: AND fucked over the people within it!
Arledge: We don't wanna fight ya'll, but we will!
Miranda: We love these people like our own!
Whittaker: More than we're afraid of YOU!
Fulmo: There is no justice in your actions!
Thanatos: We will fighd you, do prodecd dhem!
Cassius: That was the mission we inherited!
Tlaloc: AND... THEY... FRIENDS!
Nash-Zeroth slams his free hand into the ground, one eye shining vibrant gold only while the other maintains its multicolor glow. His voice has suddenly changed to be dripping with hatred.
"ENOUGH OF YOUR SENTIMENTAL BULLSHIT! YOU ARE NOTHING MORE THAN EXTENSIONS OF ME! LITERAL FRAGMENTS OF POWER DESIGNED TO BE MY LESSER! THESE CREATURES WERE THE ONLY ONES THAT SHOWED ANY POTENTIAL TO EVOLVE AND BECOME MY EQUALS, AND THEY PROVED TO BE A FAILURE OF A SPECIES! THEY DO NOT DESERVE TO DRAW BREATH!"
A golden sword this time falls from the sky and into Zeroth's right hand, pinning it to the ground. But attached to it is King Akarui, now wearing his military outfit. He jumps off the colossal hand and lands before your group, facing Nash-Zeroth.
"If that's how you feel, Nash-Zeroth, then the Thirteen Kings of Diadem will fight back!" He turns back around to your group with a smile and a wink. "With a little help from the Kings of Kings, of course."
The twelve Domain Masters step forward with Akarui leading them. "Okay.. Aodaghan, Dorrin, Tlaloc, you're on offense. Hit him hard and make it hurt." All three jump in to the fray and IMMEDIATELY start either blasting him with spells or straight punching him.
"Zahir, Corentin, Whitaker, Fulmo, you're on range. Keep him distracted so their hits are more effective." All four either take to the air or slide into a position closer to his rear and begin slinging spells, immediately catching Zeroth's attention.
"Conroy, Miranda, Thanatos, Cassius, you're all on support. Make openings for everyone else. Arledge, you back them up and keep everyone on their feet." All five jump to a sparse combat position, launching spells as well for the rest of the team.
"Hold your positions from here. I'll be preparing your reinforcements." He then runs back to your group, kneeling down and making sure you've all taken your potions.
"Okay the Masters are amazing, but it's like he said. They are literally DESIGNED to not be at his level. Now I have a really stupid idea that might just work, but it all hinges on one thing. I didn't have a great view from where I was, but is there any chance Nash combined in him WITH his gold weapon?"
AFTER THEY CONFIRM
"Okay, then this might work. I want all of you to challenge him, full gold circle, and wager the gold sword inside him. I have a hunch, and this might fix everything at once."
Nash-Zeroth suddenly bellows out as his thirteen tails all glow with raw magic, the gold tailtip suddenly sending out a wave of energy so bright it blinds all the Domain Masters for a moment.
While they're distracted, the other twelve tails all fire magic beams at a different Master, each one hitting their (as you have learned) elemental opposite and knocking them to the ground around him.
Nash-Zeroth looks around at the twelve injured Masters, showing immense disdain. "Pathetic. I expected better from extensions of myself at the very least."
He groans as his body begins to warble again like before, the injuries he sustained attempting to heal themselves. He turns his attention to Akarui. "This was the best you could do? An asssult against me with my own fetters of power?"
Akarui smiles at Nash-Zeroth. "I can do far better and you know it. That is why I was chosen to be King, and you were my assistant! The best idea you ever had was to put everyone in a tin can and hope we didn't die!"
Nash-Zeroth slams his hands into the ground as he charges forward, coming up to a few feet from your group and well past the Domain Masters. "WE ARE WELL PAST THE POINT OF THIS. The people no longer matter to me, all that matters is I rip your head off your arrogant shoulders!"
Akarui sighs a bit and shakes his head. "Well then... it's all up to you, Kings of Kings. Say the magic words." And right before you say those words, he jumps far outside its capture range. "I JUST HOPE I'M RIGHT!"
-----
*CHALLENGE NASH-ZEROTH*
Upon hearing the phrase, Nash-Zeroth actually bellows in pain as the outline of the gold cutlass appears in his torso. The gold walls will begin to radiate with energy, before a gold circle expands from your group's feet AND Nash-Zeroth.
Akarui lands outside the circle. "I was right! The Diadem is a Regalia! IT'S ZEROTH'S REGALIA! The gold circles are INVOCATIONS of its magic!"
The sword was a big enough piece that it could work like an antenna! And Nash was the first one to get his hands on it AND give it a command it could work with!"
This revelation causes the unstable Nash-Zeroth to screech in anger, clawing at the ground for a moment. "I WILL FEED YOU YOUR OWN ENTRAILS YOU POMPOUS PIGEON!"
Akarui actually looks a little offended at that one, as Nash-Zeroth turns to your group in the circle. "FINE! ONE FINAL BATTLE IT IS! THE KINGS OF KINGS WILL BECOME THE FIRST CASUALTIES OF WAR!!!"
AFTER THEY WIN
Nash-Zeroth will collapse in defeat, his body beginning to warp and writhe in pain as a small gold circle appears on his chest, the golden sword from within producing its handle, awaiting the victor to grab and remove it.
(FIGHT/PHYSIQUE ROLL)
The sword is surprisingly not giving immediately and requires more effort to pull out.
Upon removing it, you pull an entire separate body out of its chest that is also clinging to the back of the sword by its non-bladed edge. Nash goes careening several yards away and lands & rolls a couple times with a dull thud.
The body in front of you pulses with energy, glowing brightly and thrashing about with an ear piercing screeching noise, the body expanding like a balloon, the skin peeling and revealing golden energy in its rawest form underneath.
You don't need to be a genius to realize that body is going critical from losing its primary mind (Nash) and is about to explode.
King Akarui will see this, and yell at everyone. "ANYONE WHO HAS A GOLD WEAPON, GRAB IT AND FOLLOW MY LEAD!" He will then run over, grab the gold sword he flew in with, and run into the growing body, hacking and slashing it with the sword.
Every cut anyone makes causes misting of the gold dust to appear as it slowly eats the magic body, and it does appear to slow the expanding with every cut made.
(LET EVERYLNE MAKE A FIGHT/SHOOT ROLL WITH THE WEAPONS & RESPOND ACCORDINGLY BASED ON RESULTS)
The hacking and slashing has caused the massive body to go DOWN in size significantly, but it is still getting brighter over time, and is still likely to go critical in only a few seconds.
IF NOONE ELSE HAS A SOLUTION, NOTICE ROLL
You hear a familiar chittering from within your own shadow. "Hehehe.. looks like "I" get to be the big hero this time~" Striker appears from Akarui's shadow and pushes him & all the other gold weapon holders away.
He chuckles and pulls out all the gold weapons everyone had, as well as a few more gold daggers. "Consider this MY repayment for you saving my Master from his fate, Kings of Kings~" He turns to the expanding body.
"I've always wanted to say this.. I CHALLENGE THEE!" It takes a moment, but the six gold weapons he holds AND the Diadem glow gold again as a barrier circle appears around Striker and the unstable Zeroth.
With a rebellious screech,h he leaps forward and stabs all six weapons into the body, causing it to burst and erupt with magic energy. Striker turns to your group and gives you all a small wave, before the light is too bright to see.
The explosion is completely contained within the gold magic circle, but after a few seconds, it does eventually shatter like glass, and everyone is knocked back onto the ground by the blast wave.
-----
When the smoke clears, you see Zeroth, battered and bruised but in one piece and lying in the middle of a crater. You also see small particles of gold dust elevating from his body into the open air, like snow in reverse.
The Domain masters run to his side, Conroy gently lifting him up a bit so he can talk. "You... may not have meant to, but you saved me... I thank you... Kings of Kings."
King Akarui calls out to you from a distance. "Guys... Nash feels cold... and his heartbeat is really slow..." Anyone who inspects him will notice he feels cold, his fur is less colorful, and his pulse is weak.
Zeroth speaks out. "You are correct. The physical trauma of melding with me, taking on so much damage, and being ejected how he was was too much for his mortal body. His life is fading... as is mine."
The Domain Masters all freak out hearing this. "The strain on my existence is too much... being defeated in combat, struck down by a piece of my own Regalia, fused with a mortal in such a manner, defeated a second time, and having my own magic carved away in that corrupted state has taken most of my strength..."
*IF NOONE ASKS*
Conroy will look around. "Well if noone else will ask, I will. What does that mean for us?"
Zeroth will shake his head slowly. "I gave you all separate lives and will, but the essence of your existence is still tethered to mine. It matters not if it is yours or mine, equilibrium MUST be maintained. If I go, then... you go with me." All the domain masters turn to themselves, then look to you guys before Zeroth continues. "And I do not have long."
(Give everyone a chance to complain, cry, and be angry about it)
Zeroth will speak out. "You truly care for them, don't you?"
WHEN THE PARTY SPEAKS OUT
Zeroth will turn his head to your group. "I was not referring to you." All twelve Domain Masters nod in agreement. "I see... I am not a fan of such a title, but as YOUR 'King,' I am going to give you my final order. Bring me to the one you call Nash. I wish to speak with him."
AFTER ANY RESPONSE
"When I was melded with him, I saw inside his mind. Sifted through his memories. His deceased parents were the only people in his life that mattered to him. Without them, he was alone. Adrift amongst a sea of beings he felt no connection to, no matter how much he desired it to be otherwise. I resonate with him on that level. Please... grant me this one request."
SOMEONE CARRIES HIM BESIDE NASH
He will lie beside him, lying on his back while Nash lies on his stomach. "Hello Nash..."
N: H-hey.. you son of a bitch..
Z: Still alive I see..
N: Yeah.. gonna take more than that to kill ME..
Z: I wish I could say the same.. I will cease to exist very shortly..
N: Yeah.. cards on the table, I'm probably right behind you..
Z: ...do you have any regrets?
N: Well, I... wish I hit you a little harder, heh
Z: Hm.. all things considered, I suppose I could say the same..
Both of them laugh at the joke weakly, sighing a little after.
Z: Truthfully, I.. have only one real regret..
N: Lay it on me, Z.. Dead men tell no tales and all that shit..
Z: When I found this planet an eon ago, I had a simple curiosity, to see what life was like from their perspective. A species with origins not so dissimilar from myself. For a brief moment, I was able to see it from your eyes, however corrupt. It felt... nice. I wish to experience more of it.
N: Is that right? Well.. I guess it was kinda nice not being alone in my head.. or.. your head..? You get the point..
Z: Indeed I do... I have a proposal...
N: I'm all ears...
Z: Rather than leave this plane of existence individually... what if we simply... became one entity? Properly this time?
N: You even got the juice for that..?
Z: Even in this state, I have more than enough power to perform such an action. Though... I cannot guarantee what the end result will be. I cannot guarantee we will live through it either.
N: Well... the way I see it, it's either we both die here... or we both get a chance at living together... tough call, and I know I'm gonna hate myself for this one, heh.. (cough hard) ..but, what the hell, I'll give it a shot..
Z: Your bravery is admirable.. Goodbye, Nash..
N: So long, you arrogant horse's ass..
Zeroth reaches for Nash's hand and grasps it as tight as he can, and both bodies begin to glow. You see both physical forms overlap, but this time the glow is soft and warm, shifting in hue from old gold to new gold.
Once the shine fades, a new entity lies before you with a mix of traits of both species. The body and fur pattern is largely Nash's fox, but the limbs are cloaked in Zeroth's limb fluff. The feet end in solid hooves, the tail becomes horsehair in a fox pattern, and the ears have become stubby little horse ears. The hair has also become longer as a whole, but he mostly maintained the foxy face.
It takes a moment, but he slowly wakes up, groaning heavily as he makes his first moves as a new being. "Urgh... my aching head.." He looks around at everyone. "Is... there a reason everyone is staring at me..? Is there something on my face?"
He reaches for his face, noticing a distinct difference in the feeling of his paw. "Wait, what the..? Why are my arms so fluffy? Why is my tail so ropey?? Are those fucking HOOVES?! AM I A HORSE?!?!" He suddenly winces in pain, both hands grasping his head. "WAIT... It's all coming back to me now... bits and pieces... okay, okay... I get it now... this is me now... or, US, I guess..? This is so weird..."
Aodaghan steps forth. "It ain't much better from where we stand." All the domain masters are still here, Aodaghan helping the new guy to his feet. "Welcome back to the livin' world, Zeroth. Or do we call you Nash now?"
"No... new me, new name. What did Zeroth call himself when he was greeting new people at the door? Reiji? How about... Reggie. I like the sound of that." He smiles at the Domain Masters and sighs. "This is gonna be so weird..."
Reggie's entire eyes glow gold for moment, his voice changed to sound more like Zeroth. "This will be an adjustment for all of us it seems. This union was better than I had hoped. We are, in effect, no different than the Domain Masters."
The gold in his eyes fades, and he blinks a few times rapidly. "So... he is still here too, and I guess we just kinda... share this weird-ass body now..?"
-----
IF ANYONE ASKS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF DIADEM
Conroy speaks out this time. "That depends on what the Kings of Kings decide. They won the right to claim ownership of the Diadem in that last fight, no differently than our own regalia. So now... they are our new Kings. True Kings of Kings."
You can almost hear the depression seeping off Akarui, but he sighs and nods. "They are right. Diadem is a giant Regalia, and you won the rights to it fair and square. This is, quite literally, your property now. So... what will you do first?"
PITCH THE FOLLOWING
Get everyone off Diadem
Make Diadem a legit country
Give control to Akarui
SKIP TO ONE YEAR LATER AND DETERMINE AN APPROPRIATE ENDING ON YOUR OWN