lots of changes nearly done

Story/06 - Challenges/--OPTIONAL-TF-COMMANDERS.txt

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+*THUNDER FORCE* 
+*OPTIONAL BOSS* 
+ 
+The facility is relatively unchanged. Officers walking around inside and out in various manner of uniform, the smell of ozone lingering on clothing & in the open air, and plenty of people wearing sunglasses indoors. 
+ 
+-----
+
+(If branch office) 
+You get the attention of a deer man with a red buzzcut & trimmed antlers, his silver nametag reading MUSA. "Hey, aren't you the Kings of Kings?"
+
+*LOOKING FOR COMMANDERS*
+"If you're looking for the three Commanders, Harken is in his office and is not to be disturbed. Something about a break in the Marauder case. But Jensen and Valeos should be at the main office in the Temple Demense running training drills." 
+
+-----
+ 
+(If main office) 
+The second you step through the gate, you hear yelling and gunfire coming from your left, in the training grounds.
+
+You spot Commanders Jensen and Valeos, barking orders at a group of trainees currently crawling through the obstacle course, many of whom aren't doing very well. Many are tangled in ropes, stuck in barbed wire, or just can't quite get over the wall.
+ 
+When the Commaners spot your group, they call out "TRAINEES, LINE UP," causing them all to stop their various activities and form a line, arms at their sides and staring forward. 
+ 
+Both commanders slowly walk around the group of trainees in opposite directions, but Jensen speaks first. "Compared to how you did during your interviews, you are all showing marked improvement. But improvement does not equal ready." 
+ 
+Valeos chimes in. "You are all expected to wear your uniforms with pride and confidence. These people depend on you for not just countering the Marauders, but also for maintaining the peace. Be the reason they are confident in all of us." 
+ 
+They both speak in unison. "DISMISSED!" Half the trainees run straight for the building while the other half collapse on the ground in exhaustion. The commanders begin to glow silver across their uniforms before disappearing from view, leaving streaks in the open air and landing right behind your group. 
+ 
+Both of them smile and extend their hands to shake all of yours, as Jensen comments "Good to see you again, Kings of Kings. Decided to drop in on our training session?" 
+ 
+*CHALLENGE FIGHT* 
+You see Valeos grin and turn to Jensen. "Looks like you owe me 50z." 
+ 
+Jensen just rolls her eyes and pitches him a coin, before he catches it and continues. "We were expecting you. Come inside, the training grounds were just broken in." 
+ 
+You didn't notice before, but there are some minor differences. The metal in the obstacle course is fresh, the barbed wire looks brand new, and the wood has been re-treated for weather. The wall on the far side for breaching simulations even has a fresh coat of paint. 
+ 
+Jensen stops your group in front of the freshly painted building and smiles. "So here's the deal. We REALLY wanted to get Harken in on this, but he has been under a mountain of paperwork with these Marauder incidents." 
+ 
+Valeos chimes in. "Well that's what he gets for stationing himself in the branch office." 
+ 
+Jensen rolls her eyes and continues, "So your opponents will be the two of us. And since we're such nice people, we thought we'd offer a little incentive."
+
+Valeos chimes in. "You manage to beat us, we let you raid the storage area of confiscated and impounded effects that were never reclaimed. We usually auction them off and put the proceeds toward the city, but they'd probably be better in your hands than someone else's." 
+ 
+Jensen follows up. "Don't think that means we'll take it easy on you, either. We both have a decade of combat experience in Diadem alone, AND were trained by the Demense Master himself." 
+ 
+Jensen pulls out a rifle and Valeos pulls out a pair of tonfa, both taking combat positions. "Prepare yourselves." 
+
+AFTER THE FIGHT
+ 
+(IF THEY LOSE) 
+Jensen and Valeos both stand before you, panting and shaky, covered in all manner of bruises and blood. Jensen puts her hand on Valeos' back, both supporting him and using the little mana she has left to give him some meaningful healing. 
+ 
+The two walk forward together, but Jensen speaks. "It genuinely surprises me you didn't bring those skills to the Thunder Force sooner. HRG..." She pauses to cough hard and spit up a mouthful of blood. 
+ 
+Valeos pulls out a healing potion and forces her to drink it, himself healed enough to stand up fully. "I believe we are in need of a trip to the hospital after that one, just to be safe. Would all of you like to come as well? At the Thunder Force's expense, of course." He gives a toothy grin, revealing he is missing a few teeth after that fight. 
+ 
+(IF THEY WIN) 
+Both Commanders lie on their backs in the dirt, both still breathing, but in TERRIBLE shape. You hear Valeos manage to turn his head to your group. "Damn... we haven't fought that hard since basic training with Judge Fulmo..." 
+ 
+Jensen continues to stare at the sky. "Got that right. I can't feel my legs anymore..." She struggles to laugh but winces and shakily holds her stomach. 
+ 
+From behind you, the sudden yelling of DOZENS of voices approaches rapidly. 
+ 
+You see a literal ARMY of Thunder Force, charged with emotion AND electricity, heading right for you. And they do NOT look happy. And the sky is mirroring their energy, as a rumbling storm seems to be following them. 
+ 
+Just before they reach you, an explosive bolt of lightning strikes the ground between your group & the approaching officers, leaving Fulmo behind as it dissipates. This time, he's wearing casual clothing of a grayscale turtleneck sweater over black pants and basic dress shoes. 
+ 
+This IMMEDIATELY puts a stop to the advancement, causing every able bodied officer to stand and salute. Fulmo looks to your group, removes his sunglasses to reveal his electrically charged icy blues, and sighs a bit. "I do not enjoy watching my men fight needlessly, nuch less lose, but that was a spectacle to be admired. You all fought with conviction and pride, and I commend you for that." 
+ 
+He looks down to the two commanders lying in a heap, weakly attempting to salute him from on the ground. "As for you two... my only complaint is you authorized them to take confiscated items without clearing it with me first. There will be repercussions for not following code of conduct. But, that will be a discussion for another day." 
+ 
+He approaches them both and picks them both up, carrying each one easily on each shoulder. "I will deliver them to the hospital. You have my authority to use our nurse's station to treat your wounds, then you may claim your prizes." 
+ 
+His body charges with electricity and he disappears from view, leaving a scorch mark several yards long, right through the gate. You can't even see how or when he hopped the fence. 
+ 
+The nurse's station largely resembles a high school nurse's office, except the other Officers are the ones running it. You find multiple first aid kits & various singular supplies from them, as well as multiple healing potions in a cabinet. 
+ 
+(When it comes to them finding the weapons and items they may claim as prizes, offer them new weapons that are 1DMG higher, magic rings, shields, and/or any other wearable items) 
+ 
+(If they are not satisfied with this, offer them a vehicle 'conveniently' housed in a secondary space) 

Story/06 - Challenges/-BODYGUARDS.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+(THESE ARE TO BE USED IN ANY ORDER YOU LIKE, BUT ARE MEANT TO HAPPEN AFTER WINNING THEIR FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, AND ELEVENTH REGALIA) 
+ 
+(AFTER THE CONVERSATION, INVOKE/COMPEL THE "REGALIA HOLDER" ASPECT(S) ON THEIR CHARACTER SHEET(S), AND OFFER A FATE POINT IF THEY ACCEPT, BUT OFFER TO SKIP THE FIGHT NARRATIVELY IF THEY WANT TO SPEND A FATE POINT INSTEAD) 
+ 
+(ALL ENCOUNTER CHARACTERS ARE SET AT LV2 (BARRING CHILDREN), BUT IF THE PLAYERS ARE AT LV4, ADD +1 TO EVERY ROLL TO SIMULATE LV3 (BARRING CHILDREN)) 
+ 
+(IF THE PLAYER(S) LOSE, THE CHALLENGER(S) WILL TAKE THE REGALIA. IF THE REGALIA IS FROM THE DEMENSE THEY ARE FROM, THEY WILL RETURN IT TO THE DEMENSE MASTER, AND THE PLAYERS HAVE TO FIGHT THE DEMENSE MASTER AGAIN TO EARN IT BACK. OTHERWISE, THEY WILL NEED TO SEEK OUT THE PERSON THEY FOUGHT AND FIGHT THEM AGAIN.) 
+ 
+----- GARUN & LANCER 
+ 
+You hear a pair of clicks and two of you each feel... something long and metal pressing into your backs. One voice calmly states "Don't move." 
+ 
+A second voice speaks. "We are looking for the Regalia hunters known as the Kings of Kings." 
+ 
+*CONFIRM* 
+Both metal objects are taken away, and two people step around your group. You see Garun & Lancer, the bodyguards of Miranda herself, putting a pair of pistols away. Lancer speaks first. "Oh... it's you. Had we known YOU were our targets, we would have used a different approach. 
+ 
+- (IF THEY HAVE STAR SCOURGE) 
+Garun follows up. "We understand you have acquired Madam Miranda's regalia. I'm sure you understand how valuable such a treasure is, and for someone in our line of work, we are obligated to keep it safe, no different than her." 
+ 
+- (IF THEY DONT) 
+Garun follows up. "We understand you have acquired a regalia of your own. Understand that we have spent an excessive amount of time by Madam Miranda's side, and do not agree with the idea that YOU are the most qualified to handle an item on par with hers." 
+ 
+- (EITHER WAY) 
+They both pull out their pistols and aim them at your group, and Lancer speaks. "As such, we are here to challenge you and put it back in the more capable hands of its rightful owner." 
+ 
+LANCER | 20HP | 20MP | 1 MVMT 
++5 ACADEMICS 
++4 FIGHT 
++3 MANA 
++2 ATHLETICS PHYSIQUE
++1 CONTACTS EMPATHY  WILL
+(RESIST WATER / WEAK FIRE) 
+ONLY USE WATER SPELLS 
+PISTOL (2DMG)(DUAL-WIELD) 
+BATTLEAXE (3DMG)(TWO-HANDED) 
+ 
+GARUN | 20HP | 0MP | 2 MVMT
++5 FIGHT 
++4 SHOOT 
++3 ATHLETICS 
++2 DRIVE PHYSIQUE
++1 CONTACTS EMPATHY WILL
+(RESIST FIRE / WEAK WATER) 
+MACE (2DMG) (FLEXIBLE) 
+PISTOL (2DMG)(DUAL-WIELD) 
+BATTLEAXE (3DMG)(TWO-HANDED) 

Story/06 - Challenges/-CHILDREN.txt

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+(THESE ARE TO BE USED IN ANY ORDER YOU LIKE, BUT ARE MEANT TO HAPPEN AFTER WINNING THEIR FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, AND ELEVENTH REGALIA) 
+ 
+(AFTER THE CONVERSATION, INVOKE/COMPEL THE "REGALIA HOLDER" ASPECT(S) ON THEIR CHARACTER SHEET(S), AND OFFER A FATE POINT IF THEY ACCEPT, BUT OFFER TO SKIP THE FIGHT NARRATIVELY IF THEY WANT TO SPEND A FATE POINT INSTEAD) 
+ 
+(ALL ENCOUNTER CHARACTERS ARE SET AT LV2 (BARRING CHILDREN), BUT IF THE PLAYERS ARE AT LV4, ADD +1 TO EVERY ROLL TO SIMULATE LV3 (BARRING CHILDREN)) 
+ 
+(IF THE PLAYER(S) LOSE, THE CHALLENGER(S) WILL TAKE THE REGALIA. IF THE REGALIA IS FROM THE DEMENSE THEY ARE FROM, THEY WILL RETURN IT TO THE DEMENSE MASTER, AND THE PLAYERS HAVE TO FIGHT THE DEMENSE MASTER AGAIN TO EARN IT BACK. OTHERWISE, THEY WILL NEED TO SEEK OUT THE PERSON THEY FOUGHT AND FIGHT THEM AGAIN.) 
+ 
+----- FIVE CHILDREN 
+ 
+(NOTICE Roll) 
+You hear child-like voices laughing nearby and hear small footsteps running around. There's a group of five children running around, playing swordfighting with sticks in the road nearby.
+
+*IF THEY ASK* (DO NOT SAY THE NAMES)
+- Abigail: Gazelle girl with red hat & blue shirt
+- Wally: Blonde wallaby boy in orange hoodie
+- Kuki: Black hair Crane girl in green sweater
+- Hogarth: Hippo boy in blue shirt & aviator mask
+- Nigel: Bald seal boy with shades & red shirt
+
+The seal boy and wallaby boy are fighting at this moment, while the two girls are watching and the hippo boy is acting as referee.
+
+Despite it being children, it is a decent spectacle. The seal is running around and shooting marbles from a slingshot, while the wallabee is dodging some and knocking the others away with a pair of sticks.
+
+The seal boy dives in with a kick and breaks both sticks on impact, which makes the wallaby boy mad, and they go full fist fight. You could ALMOST swear they knew kung fu by the way they move, as neither one is landing a decisive hit.
+
+Until the seal boy launches one last kick and the wallaby boy throws one more punch, both hitting each other hard enough to knock them back. Which is when they stop, realizing they have an audience. IE, your group.
+
+(Seal boy will be off-put they are adults)
+(Hippo boy will be curious about their weapons)
+(Crane girl will compliment any females or mages)
+(Wallaby boy will get excited seeing a FIGHTer)
+(Gazelle girl will call any STEALTH user cool)
+
+The seal boy eventually gives in and introduces themselves properly. Nigel stares at your grup intensely for a moment, pulling down his shades to finally reveal his eyes. He finally recognizes you all and blurts out "THEY'RE THE KINGS OF KINGS!"
+
+This excites ALL the children and they start bombarding you with questions, as though they were your biggest fans.
+
+Hogarth asks what that cool looking weapon is, referring to your Regalia.
+
+These children stare in awe at it, commenting they've never seen one up close, and want to use it for themselves.
+
+*IF THEY SAY NO*
+The children all pounce on the one holding it, each one hanging on to a different limb, while Nigel attempts to pry the regalia from your hand.
+
+*AFTER THE FAILED ATTEMPT*
+All the children line up together in a weird battle formation, and they all seem mad or disappointment. Nigel declares "Fine! If that's how it is, we'll fight you for it!
+ 
+(ALL CHILDREN ARE LV0 AND HAVE SKILLS ALL AT +0) 
+(BUT EACH HAS 5HP & THE FOLLOWING ARE ALL AT +1) 
+ 
+NIGEL | +1 SHOOT & ATHLETICS | SLINGSHOT
+- STUNT: SHOOT SLINGSHOT AT ALL ENEMIES
+
+HOGARTH | +1 CRAFT & DRIVE | SMALL VEHICLE
+- STUNT: MAKE STICK WEAPONS FOR TEAM
+
+KUKI | +1 ACADEMICS & MANA | 1HP BAND-AIDS
+- STUNT: DODGE ONE FIGHT/SHOOT/ACAEMICS FOR FREE
+
+WALLY | +1 FIGHT & PHYSIQUE | FISTS & FEET
+- STUNT: ATTACK + JUMP TO NEXT ZONE
+
+ABIGAIL | +1 STEALTH & RAPPORT | THROWABLE HAT
+- STUNT: DUAL WIELD WITH STEALTH
+
+GROUP STUNT: BATTLESTATIONS
+- Make a single FIGHT roll against all opponents
+- This roll has a base FIGHT score of +5, 1 per child
+- This attack does 3DMG on HIT or 1DMG on MATCH
+ 
+(GIVE THE PLAYERS A CHANCE TO SAVE THE KIDS)

Story/06 - Challenges/-COWBOYS.txt

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+(THESE ARE TO BE USED IN ANY ORDER YOU LIKE, BUT ARE MEANT TO HAPPEN AFTER WINNING THEIR FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, AND ELEVENTH REGALIA) 
+ 
+(AFTER THE CONVERSATION, INVOKE/COMPEL THE "REGALIA HOLDER" ASPECT(S) ON THEIR CHARACTER SHEET(S), AND OFFER A FATE POINT IF THEY ACCEPT, BUT OFFER TO SKIP THE FIGHT NARRATIVELY IF THEY WANT TO SPEND A FATE POINT INSTEAD) 
+ 
+(ALL ENCOUNTER CHARACTERS ARE SET AT LV2 (BARRING CHILDREN), BUT IF THE PLAYERS ARE AT LV4, ADD +1 TO EVERY ROLL TO SIMULATE LV3 (BARRING CHILDREN)) 
+ 
+(IF THE PLAYER(S) LOSE, THE CHALLENGER(S) WILL TAKE THE REGALIA. IF THE REGALIA IS FROM THE DEMENSE THEY ARE FROM, THEY WILL RETURN IT TO THE DEMENSE MASTER, AND THE PLAYERS HAVE TO FIGHT THE DEMENSE MASTER AGAIN TO EARN IT BACK. OTHERWISE, THEY WILL NEED TO SEEK OUT THE PERSON THEY FOUGHT AND FIGHT THEM AGAIN.) 
+ 
+----- MONTANA 
+ 
+You hear thunderous footsteps approaching in the distance. No... not thunderous, more like... stampeding? 
+ 
+From around the corner you see three familiar looking cow men on horseback galloping toward you, only slowing down when they are a few yards away. The riders step off, revealing themselves to be Montana, Kid, and Dakota. Montana steps up first. "Howdy, been a while since ya'll stopped by!"  
+ 
+- (IF THEY WON ARLEDGE'S REGALIA) 
+"We thought we'd stop by and congratulate ya'll on winnin' our favorite farmhand's regalia. Thang's been outta his hands fer... ten years and change? Ain't seen it before m'self, any chance we can take a peek at it?" 
+ 
+- (IF THEY HAVENT YET) 
+"Word on the street's ya'll're makin' a name fer yerselves. Huntin' regalia an' such, even winnin' a few. That true?" 
+ 
+*CONFIRM* 
+"Well sunuva gun, that's mighty impressive. Won't lie though, I'd love ta try my hand at earnin' one o' those myself. Fancy givin' an ol' sheriff a shot at the big time?" 
+ 
+He pulls out a pair of unusual looking pistols, each with a tall & narrow barrel. "Let's Rodeo!"
+(these are shuriken revolvers that fire tin stars) 
+ 
+----- 
+ 
+*IF MULTIPLE CHARACTERS WANT TO FIGHT* 
+Kid suddenly marches in. "Now hold yer horses, that ain't a fair fight!" 
+ 
+Dakota walks in beside him, arms crossed. "Kid's Right. Fer Once." 
+ 
+Montana re-holsters his pistols. "As it says in the Code of the West, 'give yer enemy a fightin' chance.' How about we even the odds? All of us against all ya'll?" 
+ 
+*ACCEPT* 
+Kid gives an enthusiastic YEEHAW and pulls out his lasso, as Dakota cracks his knuckles loudly enough for your group to hear.  
+ 
+----- 
+ 
+MONTANA | HP 25 | MP 0 | MVMT 2 
++5 SHOOT 
++4 ATHLETICS 
++3 PHYSIQUE 
++2 DRIVE RAPPORT 
++1 EMPATHY WILL
+ 
+(RESIST LIFE / WEAK DEATH) 
+HORSE (NAME: CYCLONE) 
+STAR SHOOTER PISTOL x2 (2DMG)(DUAL-WIELD)(RELOAD-UNLIMITED) 
+ 
+STUNT: TRICK STAR SHOT 
+- Pay 1 MVMT: cover (SHOOT SCORE) ZONES in star caltrops 
+- Deals 1DMG when a player enters/leaves zone 
+
+STUNT: DISARM SHOT 
+- SHOOT ATTACK action, does not do DMG 
+- Removes weapon/item currently being held on HIT/MATCH 
+- Weapon/Item now pinned to ground, requires 1 MVMT to pick up 
+ 
+----- 
+ 
+DAKOTA | HP 35 | MP 0 | MVMT 2 
++5 PHYSIQUE 
++4 DRIVE 
++3 ATHLETICS 
++2 EMPATHY FIGHT
++1 CONTACTS WILL 
+ 
+(RESIST LIFE / WEAK DEATH) 
+HORSE (NAME: REBEL) 
+FISTS (1DMG)(DUAL-WIELD) 
+ 
+STUNT: STRONG BUT SILENT 
+- Add PHYSIQUE score to FIGHT rolls 
+
+STUNT: HIS PRECIOUS HAT 
+- Every 5HP he loses increases his FIST DMG by 1 
+ 
+----- 
+ 
+KID | HP 20 | MP 0 | MVMT 2 
++5 ATHLETICS 
++4 DRIVE
++3 PHYSIQUE 
++2 CONTACTS EMPATHY 
++1 DECEIVE RAPPORT WILL
+ 
+(RESIST LIFE / WEAK DEATH) 
+HORSE (NAME: JEZEBEL) 
+LASSO/ROPE (1DMG)(TWO-HANDED)(REACH) 
+ 
+STUNT: LASSO TACTICS 
+- ITEM ACTION : ATHLETICS VS ATHLETICS/STEALTH 
+- HIT/MATCH : Bind enemy in a lasso (Hogtied style) 
+- BOUND Target cannot use AIM action until YOUR next turn 
+
+STUNT: SWING YER PARTNER 
+- PHYSIQUE ATTACK action using BOUND player as REACH weapon 
+- HIT/MATCH: Deals (BOUND character's LV) on HIT/MATCH to TARGET & BOUND CHARACTER 
+- BOUND TARGET automatically freed after 
+ 

Story/06 - Challenges/-JEKHYRA.txt

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+(THESE ARE TO BE USED IN ANY ORDER YOU LIKE, BUT ARE MEANT TO HAPPEN AFTER WINNING THEIR FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, AND ELEVENTH REGALIA) 
+ 
+(AFTER THE CONVERSATION, INVOKE/COMPEL THE "REGALIA HOLDER" ASPECT(S) ON THEIR CHARACTER SHEET(S), AND OFFER A FATE POINT IF THEY ACCEPT, BUT OFFER TO SKIP THE FIGHT NARRATIVELY IF THEY WANT TO SPEND A FATE POINT INSTEAD) 
+ 
+(ALL ENCOUNTER CHARACTERS ARE SET AT LV2 (BARRING CHILDREN), BUT IF THE PLAYERS ARE AT LV4, ADD +1 TO EVERY ROLL TO SIMULATE LV3 (BARRING CHILDREN)) 
+ 
+(IF THE PLAYER(S) LOSE, THE CHALLENGER(S) WILL TAKE THE REGALIA. IF THE REGALIA IS FROM THE DEMENSE THEY ARE FROM, THEY WILL RETURN IT TO THE DEMENSE MASTER, AND THE PLAYERS HAVE TO FIGHT THE DEMENSE MASTER AGAIN TO EARN IT BACK. OTHERWISE, THEY WILL NEED TO SEEK OUT THE PERSON THEY FOUGHT AND FIGHT THEM AGAIN.) 
+ 
+----- JEKHYRA 
+ 
+(NOTICE Roll) 
+You see someone yank a door off the hinges (of the *BUILDING THEY ARE GOING TO*), holding it in midair like it was no heavier than a balloon. And based on the look in her eyes, this is NOT the first time this has happened.
+ 
+*APPROACH* 
+Jekhyra turns to your group, and smiles wide. "Well look who it is, been meaning to meet up with you guys." She drops the door and extends her arm to fist bump. 
+ 
+- (IF THEY HAVE CLIFF BREAKER) 
+"Well first off, congrats on winning the Cliff Breaker, meant to tell you sooner but uh... wanted to make sure Tlaloc was okay, ya know?" 
+ 
+- (IF THEY DON'T) 
+"So word across the grapevine is you beat a demense master or two recently. AND got their Regalia. Congrats to you by the way." 
+ 
+- (EITHER WAY) 
+"See what I don't get is, you guys aren't really super strong or anything, or at least you don't look it. These things are 'supposedly' really hard to win, but here you all are carrying it around like you bought it at the convenience store." 
+ 
+She slams her left fist into the door lying on the ground, picking it up and carrying it in both hands like a large axe with no handle. "Whaddya say to a quick challenge match? One on one?" 
+ 
+30 HP | 0 MP | 1 MVMT 
++5 FIGHT 
++4 PHYSIQUE 
++3 SHOOT 
++2 ATHLETICS RAPPORT 
++1 EMPATHY PROVOKE WILL 
+ 
+(RESIST EARTH / WEAK WIND) 
+ 
+STUNT: BURLY BRAWLER 
+STUNT: SECOND SWING
+STUNT: HEAVY GUNNER 
+- Can carry one 3DMG SHOOT weapon in one hand 
+STUNT: UNNATURAL WEAPON (3DMG) 
+- Can make a 3DMG melee FIGHT attack without a weapon 
+STUNT: KNOCK KNOCK 
+- Can choose to strike with a door as a two-handed FIGHT weapon in two ways 
+(HORIZONTALLY does 3DMG on a HIT) 
+(FLAT does 2DMG + 1 zone knockback on a HIT, or just knockback on a MATCH) 
+ 

Story/06 - Challenges/-MORANA.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+(THESE ARE TO BE USED IN ANY ORDER YOU LIKE, BUT ARE MEANT TO HAPPEN AFTER WINNING THEIR FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, AND ELEVENTH REGALIA) 
+ 
+(AFTER THE CONVERSATION, INVOKE/COMPEL THE "REGALIA HOLDER" ASPECT(S) ON THEIR CHARACTER SHEET(S), AND OFFER A FATE POINT IF THEY ACCEPT, BUT OFFER TO SKIP THE FIGHT NARRATIVELY IF THEY WANT TO SPEND A FATE POINT INSTEAD) 
+ 
+(ALL ENCOUNTER CHARACTERS ARE SET AT LV2 (BARRING CHILDREN), BUT IF THE PLAYERS ARE AT LV4, ADD +1 TO EVERY ROLL TO SIMULATE LV3 (BARRING CHILDREN)) 
+ 
+(IF THE PLAYER(S) LOSE, THE CHALLENGER(S) WILL TAKE THE REGALIA. IF THE REGALIA IS FROM THE DEMENSE THEY ARE FROM, THEY WILL RETURN IT TO THE DEMENSE MASTER, AND THE PLAYERS HAVE TO FIGHT THE DEMENSE MASTER AGAIN TO EARN IT BACK. OTHERWISE, THEY WILL NEED TO SEEK OUT THE PERSON THEY FOUGHT AND FIGHT THEM AGAIN.) 
+ 
+----- MORANA
+ 
+You all feel a chill run up your spine, and you see your breath for a moment as the room cools significantly. (Player) feels a sudden tap on their shoulder.
+
+Morana smirks and stands behind you, arms crossed. "You people are surprisingly hard to find."
+
+"I'm gonna be straight with you, I wish to challenge you for the Mocha Verglas. I can't bring myself to challenge Whittaker for it myself, but I have no such issues with challenging someone that won it off him..~"

Story/06 - Challenges/-VILLI.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+(THESE ARE TO BE USED IN ANY ORDER YOU LIKE, BUT ARE MEANT TO HAPPEN AFTER WINNING THEIR FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, AND ELEVENTH REGALIA) 
+ 
+(AFTER THE CONVERSATION, INVOKE/COMPEL THE "REGALIA HOLDER" ASPECT(S) ON THEIR CHARACTER SHEET(S), AND OFFER A FATE POINT IF THEY ACCEPT, BUT OFFER TO SKIP THE FIGHT NARRATIVELY IF THEY WANT TO SPEND A FATE POINT INSTEAD) 
+ 
+(ALL ENCOUNTER CHARACTERS ARE SET AT LV2 (BARRING CHILDREN), BUT IF THE PLAYERS ARE AT LV4, ADD +1 TO EVERY ROLL TO SIMULATE LV3 (BARRING CHILDREN)) 
+ 
+(IF THE PLAYER(S) LOSE, THE CHALLENGER(S) WILL TAKE THE REGALIA. IF THE REGALIA IS FROM THE DEMENSE THEY ARE FROM, THEY WILL RETURN IT TO THE DEMENSE MASTER, AND THE PLAYERS HAVE TO FIGHT THE DEMENSE MASTER AGAIN TO EARN IT BACK. OTHERWISE, THEY WILL NEED TO SEEK OUT THE PERSON THEY FOUGHT AND FIGHT THEM AGAIN.) 
+ 
+----- VILLI 
+ 
+You suddenly get the feeling you're being watched.
+
+(NOTICE ROLL) 
+You spot a pair of eyes staring at you from high (on the side of a building / in the tp of a tree) watching your every move.
+
+
+(LET THEM FIGURE OUT A WAY TO BRING THEM DOWN)
+
+It's Villi, the horse rancher from the Grasslands Demense, and she looks bothered. "So... are the rumors true? Did you really win a regalia all on your own?"
+ 
+*CONFIRM* 
+"Show me." 
+ 
+*PRESENT REGALIA* 
+She takes a stunned step back. "That... shouldn't be possible... Noone has won one of those in ten years... tell me how you did it. No... better than that. I want you to show me." 
+ 
+She jumps back and suddenly flares nine fox tails, each one glowing lightly with a different color of magic, and pulls out a dagger, holding it underhanded. "I want to know what makes you so special." 
+ 
+HP 15 | MP 30 | MVMT 1 
++5 ACADEMICS 
++4 STEALTH 
++3 MANA 
++2 DECEIVE NOTICE 
++1 CRAFTS PHYSIQUE WILL
+ 
+(RRSIST WIND / WEAK EARTH) 
+ 
+(SPELLS) 
+LV5 EARTH 
+LV4 FIRE WATER 
+LV3 GOLD LIGHT DEATH 
+LV2 GOLD DARKNESS WIND EARTH 
+LV1 GOLD FIRE WATER LIFE SPACE 
+
+KNIVES x10 
+ 
+STUNT: ADVANCED AWARENESS 
+STUNT: SHADOW STRIKE 
+STUNT: ASSASSINATION
+STUNT: TRICKSTER FESTIVAL (DOUBLE CAST SPELLS) 
+STUNT: DEMON FOX'S ANNIHILATION 
+- ALL SPELLS TREATED AS GOLD + ANTIMAGIC 
+- ALL SPELLS DEAL 1DMG ON MISS/MATCH 
+- CANCELS ONE HIT OF EACH COLOR IN HER SPELL LIST

Story/06 - Challenges/Aodaghan.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+RED  
+  
+Upon returning to the RED demense, you see the broken storefronts are rebuilt, the destroyed crops were replanted & replaced, and all the injured people seem to be okay now. There IS still a circular scorchmark in the middle of the road though.  
+  
+*DEPENDING ON WHO THEY SPOKE TO*  
+- Garsen the boar sees you in the distance, rotating a pig on a spit. He hands it off to someone else, and approaches your group, arms crossed. "Well if it ain't the Kings of Kings." 
+- Culver the yellowjacket does a doubletake when he sees you, puts down his hedge clippers, hops over the fence line, and walks up beside Garsen, staring at your group in awe. "I hoped you'd come back someday!"  
+- Lana the Asp waves off a nearby group of people and notices you, her smile replacing itself with a look of pure shock. She steps out from behind her shop display, cautiously approaching your group. "I am... SO shocked you're still alive after last time..."  
+- Kyong the bearded dragon steps up to you, ukulele in hand. "Good to see ya! Care to join us for some good food and good tunes?" He starts laughing and strumming random notes. 
+  
+*ASK FOR AODAGHAN*  
+Everyone's faces drop in shock, they look at each other, and simultaneously point at the Volcano. Garsen gives you a warning. "Aodaghan has today off, so be careful. He won't have his work to distract his anger."  
+  
+*VOLCANO*
+(NOTICE Roll)
+When you reach the entryway, you hear someone whistling, a tune you can't quite place but you could swear sounds very familiar. 
+
+(HIGHEST ROLLER(S))
+You recognize it as TWISTED NERVE by Bernard Herrmann, the whistling song from Kill Bill
+
+*IF THEY ENTER*
+The pathway inside is unchanged, but that whistling gets louder as you walk in, echoing off the walls slightly.
+
+The mining & smithing area looks empty, aside from the anvils and pickaxes scattered around the smoky magma pit. The pit is still pushing the pillar of smoke up into the air, but the whistling seems to be coming from behind the smoke.
+
+Inside the smoke, you finally spot the source of the whistling, Aodaghan. He is casually lounging in the magma pool up to his chest like it's a hot tub, staring at the ceiling and letting his arms rest around the lip of the pool.
+  
+His head bows down slowly, until he finally looks you all in the eye, his green eyes no longer carrying that heat or red glow. "Well look who it is. Excuse me if I don' stand an' shake ya hands, I'm free ballin' in 'ere."  
+  
+*CHALLENGE*  
+His eyes suddenly turn sharp, and he sits upright in the magma, the molten rock clinging to his feathers for a moment before slowly dripping off like water. "You saw what happened to that pack o' Maruder fucks, an' dat was me havin' fun. You sure you're ready fer me at my best?"  
+  
+*IF THEY CONFIRM*  
+He stands up in the pool, the lava stopping just below his waist. "Yer funeral. Follow me." 
+
+He steps out of the pool, the lava trailing down his body like slow water and leaving scorching wet footprints behind him.  
+ 
+(If anyone asks, his naked ass is covered by his wings and tail feathers) 
+ 
+He steps over to a nearby wall and yanks a chunk it to the side, opening a very physically rough stone door with a grating grinding noise. An even deeper heat wave surges through the room, but Aodaghan jumps right into it with no hesitation.
+
+Behind the door is a series of bedrock stairs, and they spiral DOWN deeper into the volcano. You can't immediately see the bottom, but you CAN see trails of lava slowly falling down guided pathways by these stairs, illuminating the path down.
+ 
+*DOWNSTAIRS*
+Halfway down, yo finally see a large stone circle waiting in the middle of an even larger lava moat, and a fully dressed Aodaghan standing in the center, his hands resting on a massive sword handle.
+
+He now wears a dark red longcoat with three chains holding the front together over a black sleeveless shirt and matching loose black pants held up by a red rope belt, but still no shoes. His hands are resting on the very end of the handle one over the other, and his gaze has regained its red glow & heat, even in this hellish underground arena.
+ 
+"Took you fucks long enough." He grabs the massive sword by its handle with one hand, picking it up like it's weightless, and aims the blade at your group. "Time to do this right. Aodaghan Panthrandu versus a bunch of gagglefucks with a death wish."
+
+"I CHALLENGE THEE."
+ 
+----- 
+ 
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+He stands before your group shakily, his sword jammed into the ground to help him stay upright. He spits a glob of blood to the side, which catches fire when it makes contact with the ground. "Well fuck me runnin', you little shits ain't half bad."  
+  
+He grabs his shoulder, jerks it upright with a pained grunt, and cracks it back into place. "Come back when you got a little more to offer."
+
+He extends his wings and attempts to fly off, wincing at the first few flaps, but eventually jumps into the air and out the doorway.
+  
+*IF THEY WIN*  
+He grumbles as he lies facedown on the ground, before slowly picking himself up wobbily, using the sword as a support. "Shit... been a while since I lost a fight.." 
+ 
+He jams his sword into the ground a good few inches, then uses it to stand up and right himself. "Well... ya won fair an' square. Here's my Regalia, the Flint Flamberge. It's yer prize fer beatin' me, Kings o' Kings." 
+ 
+He shakily lets go of the sword, then slowly walks his way over to your group, and grabs (player that did the most DMG) by your shirt. He lifts you up to his eye level, the red glow and heat in his eyes now gone, and pulls you in close. "DONT. YOU. DARE. LOSE. MY. SWORD." 
+ 
+He releases you, stumbling backwards toward the stairs, and grabs the nearby wall to steady himself. You see him slowly climb them one at a time, but ater ten steps up, he collapses on the stairs, out cold.

Story/06 - Challenges/Arledge-or-Akarui.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,149 @@
+THERE IS NO REASON TO RETURN TO THE VIOLET DEMENSE, SO INSTEAD THIS WILL BE WHEN THEY CHALLENGE AKARUI FOR THE PURPLE REGALIA  
+
+When you enter the city hall building, you see Nash running around like  chicken with its head cut off, carrying stacks of papers and folders almost as tall as he is in multiple directions.
+
+*GET HIS ATTENTION*
+"Kings of Kings?! What're you-- I don't have you in the schedule!" He suddenly loses his balance and flops over, his two foot stack of folders flopping across his desk.
+
+He wobbles a bit as he stands up, shaking his head rapidly. "Sorry, we're kinda buried under mountains of paperwork, budget issues and all that... so uh, how can I help you?"
+
+*SEE THE KING*
+Nash inhales through his teeth. "That... might be an issue... is it urgent?"
+
+*ANYTHING OTHER THAN NO*
+He sighs and flops into his seat, hitting the intercom button. "Sir, I know we're not supposed to bother you, but uh... the Kings of Kings are here, and they say it's urgent."
+
+You hear the garbled voice reply SEND THEM IN, I'LL MAKE IT WORK, and Nash grabs his clipboard. "Best to not keep him waiting."
+  
+*KING'S OFFICE*
+You find Akarui furiously scribbling across a series of papers, signing off on each one of them with perfect calligraphy. He drops the pen after a solid minute, and you could almost swear you see steam rolling off the tip. He sighs and flops back in his chair, gripping his writing hand by the wrist and flexing his digits.  
+  
+"My apologies, Kings of Kings, I am quite literally buried under paperwork. New project budgeting, noise complaints, property damage repair orders, I have alot to do. I'll have to be rude and ask you to make this brief. What can I do for you today?"  
+  
+*MENTION REGALIA*  
+His eyes will suddenly widen, and he reaches for his intercom button. "Nash? Please hold all my calls, paperwork, and meetings until further notice. This just became a top priority meeting."  
+  
+He shuts off the intercom, leaning forward in his seat. "So... I'm guessing you talked to Arledge before you came here."
+
+-----
+
+*ASK FOR EXPLANATION*
+He opens his desk drawer, pulling out a six inch violet ankh-shaped pendant with a golden sleeping bunny surrounded by darker purple flowers attached to a necklace string. "When my team and I arrived ten years ago, the prior Ruler told us about the island's rules IMMEDIATELY. We were... very enthusiastic about getting everyone out of this death trap, in our minds."
+  
+He hangs the pendant around his neck, and when he looks at your group again, his eyes have a faint violet glow. And, wherever his gaze goes, your body feels slightly more reinvigorated. "We didn't go in blind, we did a tremendous amount of research between shifts on the Thunder Force. Based on what we read, Arledge seemed to have the least combat experience, so we started with him."
+  
+He walks around his desk, eyes on his writing hand while he flexes his fingers, causing them to pop softly at the joints. "We were right, and wrong, at the same time. He was a pacifist by nature, but he was still a MONSTER. Our fight went for a full hour, four against one, and we still barely won."
+
+He hops on top of the desk and has a seat on the edge, picking up his pen and twirling it in his fingers with perfect fluidity. "When he handed me the Regalia, he said he was happy he was the first I fought, because the rest will be far worse. And he was right. Every Master we fought after that one, we lost. These Masters are NIGHTMARES."
+ 
+He grips the pen tightly in his hand, crushing it into tiny pieces, except for the ink cartridge, which is perfectly intact. "The closest one we came to beating was Conroy, and we ended up fighting each other more than him. We blame ourselves for being headstrong and stupid, but I'm not joking when I say that was only one percent of our loss."
+ 
+He places the destroyed pen pieces on the desk, his eyes turning downward. "A few months later, the incident with the drill occurred, and it made me really sit down and reevaluate what we were doing. The others were content with being Thunder Force, but I realized others would come along and do the same as us. And based on what I learned, we were extremely lucky to walk away as intact as we did." 
+  
+The look in his eye changes to ferocity and he holds up three fingers. "I made the decision that day to protect the people in three ways. One, to lead them in developing this land into the most prosperous and comfortable city I could possibly manage, until we could find a safer way out."
+
+"Two, I would deter the people from going after the 'hokey magic ritual' challenges against the Masters, and hope my words are enough to change their minds."
+
+"And three, if they DID defy my warning, I would train every single day to improve myself and become a proper protector of the Regalia, so I may protect it AND those that challenge me for it at the same time. That is how I show compassion, in Arledge's name."
+
+-----
+
+*CHALLENGE*
+He sighs deeply and lowers his head. "Even after everything I told you and everything you've been through, you still want to risk it all..."
+
+He raises his head a moment later, his eyes full of conviction. "So be it. Kings of Kings, I accept your challenge for this Regalia."
+  
+He thinks for a moment. "As a matter of fact... would you be opposed to making this a public spectacle? Everyone has been feeling the stress of the Marauder threat, but seeing a fight from their ruler AND the most courageous group of heroes this town has seen in YEARS might be the perfect morale booster."
+
+*IF YES*
+"Perfect. Meet me in the Sports Zone (later today / tomorrow morning), at the Combat Arena. I need to gather my supplies and prepare for what I can only assume to be war."   
+  
+-----  
+  
+The Sports Zone is a unique environment in Diadem, more than half of it occupied by stadiums for every major sport you can imagine, as well as storage facilities for each. But what YOU are looking for is the Combat Arena, located farther back.
+
+There are roughly a dozen combat areas around, each one represented by a giant square of stone more than 50 feet across. Out of all of them, one is occupied by a guy sweeping the stone slab clean, and one other is occupied by Akarui.
+  
+And he is dressed for WAR, now wearing high quality (if not a bit old fashioned) military garb. All black, just as a scout is supposed to wear. The second he sees you, he tugs down his black gloves and straps them on tightly.  
+  
+"Kings of Kings! I hope you brought your A Game today, because I know I brought mine!" Just as he says this, at least a hundred people suddenly start pouring in from all corners, surrounding the arena and cheering for their amazing King Akarui. They are all carrying purple and gold banners, signs, and cardboard cutout faces on sticks being swung around. And their numbers grow by the moment.
+  
+Akarui seems surprised. "This is... a bit more than I was expecting, but..." 
+ 
+He turns to the audience and switches to a more 'entertainer' style of speaking. "The bigger audience we have, the more people get to see the most spectacular show in Diadem's history, AM I RIGHT?!" 
+ 
+Everyone responds with an ABSURD amount of cheering. Nash pushes his way through the audience and hops onto the arena, carrying a microphone with a small orb of glowing green magic inside. As he speaks, the green magic warbles and glows brighter, his voice broadcasting like a microphone. 
+
+"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Today is a once in a lifetime kind of show! For the first time in years, we have the honor and privilege of watching a Challenge between several of THE most influencial people in all of Diadem!"
+
+"To the left we have the Challengers, the all-new immigrant rookies turned heroes, the Kings of Kings!"
+(GIVE EACH OF THEM AN EMBELLISHING TITLE AND DESCRIPTION)
+
+There is actually a small group of people chanting and cheering for YOU. You see several of the people you've met in the various Demense you've visited, as well as a small group of children, all holding up signs with crowns and painted caricatures of your faces. 
+
+"And to the right we have our ten year running unopposed leader, the violet bird of paradise himself, and the former scout warrior of the Chamberlins, you know him, you love him, he signs my paychecks, KING AKARUI!!!"
+
+Akarui laughs proudly at the glamorous introduction, but gives Nash one of those "you're gonna pay for that" looks, which he just shrugs off. "And ladies and gentlemen, this isn't just ANY challenge either, this is a true to life bonafide challenge for the Regalia of the Violet Demense, the legendary Chrys Cross!"
+
+Everyone seems stunned by that comment, and it seems they had no clue Akarui had this Regalia in his possession. "Now that the stage AND the stakes are set, it's time to begin! Are both sides ready?!"
+
+*IF YES*
+Akarui reaches up and grabs his Regalia, raising his other arm to point at your group, causing Nash to literally dive out of the arena in a hurry. Akarui proudly declares "On behalf of Arledge Tannifila, I CHALLENGE THEE!"  
+  
+The magical golden circle will appear from his feet (as well as anyone else's if they hold an earned Regalia), circling the group and glowing a bright gold. "The challenge is a fight, your entire group against me! If I take all of you down, I Win! And if you cause me to kneel, you win!"  
+  
+The circle solidifies with a violet flash before turning a solid gold, signifying the stage is set. Akarui will bend down a bit, left leg forward and arm-wings expanded, taking a swift style battle stance. "May the best Regalia Hunters win!"  
+  
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+Akarui will (stand / kneel) before your group, panting heavily, wiping the blood from his beak. "Well... I guess that means I (win / lose)." 
+ 
+The magic circle will dissipate, and the entire audience cheers for their victor. And without a moment's hesitation, they rush in to congratulate the victor.
+
+Before anyone can reach them, the Thunder Force appear and force everyone back to a safe distance. Jensen with her rifle, Valeos with his twin tonfa, and Harken cracking his knucles will all be at the forefront, backs facing your group as they keep the crowd at bay. 
+ 
+Akarui will stare at them all in confusion. "Thunder Force? I don't recall asking for any protection."  
+  
+All three will turn their heads to him with a smile, and Harken will respond, "Actually your highness, we are not here for you this time."  
+  
+From behind your group, someone will step in from seemingly nowhere and place their hands on two of your group's shoulders, casting a healing spell large enough to get everyone in the arena back on their feet in moments.
+  
+Akarui is a bit stunned. "Arledge?! What are you doing here?!"  
+  
+Arledge just grins a bit. "Now come on, ya'll know th' gossip in this town spreads like wildfire, and I ain't about to miss a fight over my own Regalia! Specially when a certain someone did such a good job keepin' it safe fer me all this time!"  
+  
+-----  
+  
+*IF THE PLAYERS LOST*  
+King Akarui walks over to your group, and extends a hand. "All of you fought valiantly and bravely, and you gave that fight everything you had to offer. I thank you, not for just showing us what you can do, but for reminding me of the kind of person I was before I was a king. I haven't had this much fun in YEARS!"  
+  
+Akarui laughs a little, sighing before wiping a tear from his eye. "We will definitely have to do this again sometime, especially if you plan to collect all twelve. But for now... I have alot of paperwork to get back to."  
+ 
+----- 
+  
+*IF THE PLAYERS WON*  
+King Akarui walks over to your group, and slowly removes the Regalia from around his neck, handing it to you. "I have safeguarded this treasure, what I consider to be one of the most important relics I have ever owned, for ten years years."  
+  
+"And now, I proudly present it to you Kings of Kings to continue safeguarding in my place."  
+ 
+He turns away, eyes to the sky. "Now as much as it begrudge me to acknowledge it... I do have my duties to return to."  
+  
+Arledge will suddenly step in front of him, placing a hand on top of his head. "Now hang on, I know fer a fact yer prob'ly STARVIN' after all that fun! What say you an' yers come back to my place fer some food, eh?"  
+  
+Akarui sighs a little in defeat. "Do I get a choice in the matter?"  
+  
+Arledge grins cheekily. "Nope!"  
+  
+Akarui rolls his eyes. "Then it's a date!"  
+  
+Both of them burst out laughing as they walk off, leaving the audience to disperse themselves at the "suggestion" of the Thunder Force.  
+  
+Arledge will turn to your group AND the three Thunder Force commanders. "Ya'll're welcome too. Not ev'ryday the Kings o' Kings an' th' Chamberlins're all together!"  
+  
+*IF THEY ACCEPT*  
+Your group receives a literal police escort by all three Thunder Force commanders, all the way to the Violet demense.  
+  
+Inside, you see that Montana's little ranch near the gate entrance is filled with picnic tables, as well as a couple grills (one of which HE is operating), and your noses are IMMEDIATELY bombarded with the fresh scent of grilled meat and veggies.
+
+(ANY FOOD YOU WOULD FIND AT A BARBECUE OF ANY GRADE IS AVAILABLE TO EAT)
+  

Story/06 - Challenges/Cassius.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,182 @@
+Upon returning to the BLACK demense, you see there has been a significant change. The trees have regained their color and foliage since the last time you were here. You can now see it in its full splendor as a lush green nighttime forest, sounds and all. And, the area is literally crawling with animals and insects.  
+  
+You ALSO see a FAR more clear cut path through this dense forest, where it appears several dozen trees have been cut down and removed, in the exact same direction of where your encounter with Cassius occurred.  
+  
+*BEHIND THEM*  
+The lumberyard has also changed, as you see the pallots of rotten wood are now gone, many of them replaced with brand new wood. 
+
+-----
+ 
+*LUMBERYARD* 
+The uniforms inside are clean, the tools are all recharged, and there are some paper punch cards lying on a rack on the wall saying people have come in and out almost every day since your encounter.
+
+You DO spot some old claw marks in the walls of the building, large and deep in the concrete and metal. But other than that, everything else seems to be in order.
+
+-----
+  
+*TOWARD CASSIUS' HOME*  
+For the most part, the creatures around you (that you know are watching you) seem to leave you alone as you travel down the "beaten path." You will see an occasional bat or snake cross your path going from one part of the forest to the other, but they overall pay you no mind.  
+  
+It takes significantly less time this time to make it to the clearing, where you now see a brand new 2-story cabin, complete with a full front porch, open wood windowsills, and lit candles illuminating the living room.  
+
+The back side of the house directly connects to a thickly interlaced wall of trees, acting like a natural fence. 
+
+(INVESTIGATE ROLL)
+The inside looks surprisingly normal, almost unsettlingly so. Everything is made of wood, including the floors, and everything looks master level handcrafted. 
+  
+*CHECK THE DOOR*  
+The door doesn't have an actual lock, and is easy to push open. But inside the door is pitch black nothingness, a complete contrast from the view in the window.  
+  
+*ONCE THEY GO INSIDE*  
+The door slowly closes behind you all with a soft clatter, and everything around you is pure darkness.
+ 
+You see a small flickering light in the distance, the tiniest of flames, and it is approaching slowly.  
+  
+It is a flame of a candle on a handheld candle stand, being held by Striker. And he is wearing a blue and white vertical striped night shirt with a matching nightcap. You can also smell the strong aroma of coffee coming from a cup you just noticed was in his other hand. 
+ 
+"Oh, if it isn't the Kings of Kings, gracing my Master's brand new home in the dead of night, completely uninvited and unannounced... you missed the housewarming party~"  
+  
+*DM/REGALIA/CHALLENGE*  
+"Oh, then your time couldn't be better~ He awoke when the sun went down, and is out back working on... something or other."
+
+He steps past your group, revealing a single wooden door behind him in the distance of the seemingly infinite darkness. "A bit of free advice, tread VERY carefully from here. My master's home is not so kind to tresspassers..~" 
+ 
+His candle suddenly goes out, and you are left in the darkness, your only company the door that you can SOMEHOW still see.  
+  
+*OPEN THE DOOR*  
+You find yourselves surrounded by forest once again, but this time feels a bit different. The trees are much closer together out here, some of them mere inches apart, seeming to form walls. And in this manner, you can sort of see there is a pathway leading through the trees, revealing itself to be a tree labyrinth.
+
+*IF THEY LEAVE THROUGH THAT DOOR*
+You find yourself back out at the front side of the house, and the door shuts behind you. Now, you physically cannot pull it open at all.
+
+*FOLLOW THE PATH* (WILL ROLL)
+As you walk through the path, you notice several sets of beady little red eyes following you, and they all seem to be glowing. You see a thick gathering of these eyes inside the wall of what appears to be a dead end, and (lowest roller) is feeling a little... off.
+
+(THIS IS A COMPEL EACH PLAYER WILL DO)
+*THE PLAYER WILL SEE AND HEAR THINGS*
+*THEIR TROUBLE WILL MANIFEST AROUND THEM* 
+*THEY MUST NOW CONFRONT THEIR TROUBLE DIRECTLY*
+*WHOLE TEAM FIGHTS IT TOGETHER IF POSSIBLE* 
+*REPEAT FROM LOWEST TO HIGHEST ROLL*
+  
+*AFTER CONQUERING*  
+You turn the corner, and you find a large wooden door surrounded by trees, the first sign of any kind of change you have seen since you started. AND, it resembles the wooden door you walked through when this journey started.  
+ 
+*IF THEY APPROACH* 
+(NOTICE Roll) You hear loud and squishy footfalls in the distance behind you.
+  
+Around the edges of the trees, you see a slowly creeping forward puddle of inky blackness. It moves like tar, slowly coating everything in its touch, and you see the familiar sight of the trees losing their color as it approaches. 
+ 
+*PUSHING ONE AT A TIME* 
+The door is straining but will not budge.
+
+You spot a large black limb round the corner, stepping into the ooze it itself is coated in. And you see what resembles a head, but it has no face.
+
+It is exactly what it looks like.
+  
+*ALL PUSH ON THE DOOR TOGETHER*  
+The door suddenly pops open, and your group falls into a field of grass, the door slamming behind you all right in front of the creature. 
+ 
+*BEHIND THEM* 
+You watch the wooden door bow out form a sudden slam, clearly the creature running into it. You also recognize the general pattern of the house attached to it as Cassius' cabin, closed off by a tight wall of trees, which means you finally made it into his backyard. 
+ 
+*ALL AROUND* 
+The yard itself is well maintained. The grass is lush but cut low, the trees in the yard are formed up in such a way that resembles a natural fence, and the tops of the trees have a clear and open pathway to the nighttime sky. 
+ 
+You also spot a large campfire in the center of the yard, its smoky trail leading straight up and out of the opening at the top of the trees. And there is plenty of open space to sit around it.
+
+You hear soft repetitive scraping noises from the opposite side of the fire, a person sitting behind its open flame just out of view. 
+ 
+You find Cassius sitting behind it, a large chunk of wood leaning against him and a draw knife in hand, scraping away at the wood & letting the scraps fall into the flame. There is also a pile of pre-carved wood pieces a few yards behind him. 
+ 
+He looks a bit different this time, no longer looking emaciated but still overall on the lithe and lanky side. He now wears a Gothic style shirt with an open V in the front & bell sleeves just past the elbow, the left half black and the right half white. The black half blends in perfectly with the matching black pants and shoes, his fur offsetting the fabric with a moonlit sheen. 
+ 
+*IF THEY APPROACH / CALL OUT* 
+He pauses to look up at your group, his gaze empty and uncaring. He then resumes carving away at the wood, but he at least acknowledges you. "I see you found my new home."
+
+-----
+
+*WHAT WAS THAT LABYRINTH*
+"You have your home defense, I have mine."
+
+*WHAT WAS THAT CREATURE*
+"You would call it a... guard dog."
+
+*WHY ARE YOU CARVING WOOD*
+"It... used to fill the void."
+
+-----
+
+From within the light of the flame, you see Cassius' shadow extend and pull itself off the ground, wrapping itself around the piece of wood leaning against him before lifting it into the air.
+
+It reaches out to grab each piece of wood in the pile as well, lifting them into the air, pulling them all together in an organized fashion.
+ 
+Cassius stands and steps away from the flame for a moment, as his shadow lowers a brand new masterfully crafted wooden throne behind him, the backrest and seat made from handcrafted wicker. 
+ 
+He sits in it and lies back, immediately propping his head on one fist while its elbow rests on the chair arm. "State your business." 
+  
+*REGALIA* 
+ 
+He leans forward in his throne. "You dare to tresspass on the property of Cassius Summus, disturb my work, and take away the modicum of peace I only JUST reclaimed... to challenge me for my Regalia." 
+ 
+He stands as his shadow stretches out from behind him again, envelops his new throne, and pulls it straight down into the ground, through a large black shadow portal. He pulls his black dagger out, holding it underhanded, taking a loose combat stance. "Consider your impending loss... MY compensation." 
+ 
+----- 
+  
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+ 
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+He stands before you, both arms hanging in front of himself loosely, his hand barely holding his blade. "You are... stronger than you appear."  
+  
+His body cracks and crunches in a terrifying manner, his limbs and joints jamming themselves back into place, until he resumes a normal stance. "I intended to end you all tonight... but... I have been convinced to show mercy."  
+  
+He walks past your group, heading toward his home. "You may see yourselves in OR out of my home safely... for now."  
+ 
+----- 
+ 
+*IF THEY WIN*  
+Cassius suddenly kneels, dropping his weapon at his feet, doubled over in pain. "This... is unexpected..."  
+  
+His eyes will suddenly glow bright red, staring you all down. "I intended to remove each of your heads upon your defeat."  
+  
+He closes his eyes, opening them to reveal their normal yellow hue. "But... you have bested me. I am honor and duty bound to follow the rules I have been tasked with."  
+ 
+His body will begin to crack and crunch in a terrifying way, his shoulders popping into place and his joints crunching loudly, until he resumes a normal stance, although his outfit is now in shreds. He picks up his weapon and pitches it directly at your group, causing it to land between (PLAYER)'s feet. 
+ 
+"The price to keep this Dusk Kris safe form the Crooked King was a year of endless pain and solitude. Do not waste either mine or Striker's efforts." 
+ 
+He walks past your group, opening the door of his home. "You may exit the way you came. Safely. For now." He walks through the door and lets it shut behind himself quietly.
+ 
+----- 
+  
+*EITHER WAY*  
+*IF THEY USE THE BACK DOOR*  
+This time, you actually see the inside of a relatively normal log cabin. All the furniture inside is there, there are candles every so often to light the way, and there is a fairly clear path leading to the door. 
+ 
+As you walk through the living room, you spot the throne-like chair Cassius made sitting in the living room. You also spot a massive spider web hanging from the ceiling, and Striker lying within it, smiling wide to a creepy degree. 
+
+His web is horribly off pattern, his mug is lying on the floor bone dry, and his breath reeks of coffee. "Oh ho ho, you made it out alive, that's so greeeaaat~"
+
+He hiccups, shaking his head quickly to clear his thoughts. "I thought for sure Master Cassius wouldn't let you walk out of here alive, or at least would throw you to his guard dog~" 
+ 
+*WHAT WAS THAT* 
+Striker will awkwardly turn so he is hanging from the web, slurring his words a little. "Mm.. when you entered Master Cassius' home, you were confronted by the manifestations of your own nightmares and insecurities, were you not?" 
+ 
+*IF YES* 
+"That is exactly what it was. A manifestation of a nightmare, tamed and turned into a guard dog~" 
+ 
+*CASSIUS' NIGHTMARE* 
+Striker suddenly bursts out into laughter, rolling around in his web for a moment before it breaks and he flops into the couch with a heavy THUD. "OEUF... that's one way to sober up..." 
+ 
+He sits upright and looks up to your group, sighing softly. "Master Cassius has no nightmares to speak of. He is incapable of experiencing fear. Or sadness, or joy, or... anything at all. His body, mind, and soul are as barren and empty as the dark magic he commands." 
+ 
+*WHO'S NIGHTMARE* 
+"Is it not so obvious?" 
+ 
+*STRIKER'S NIGHTMARE* 
+"I am the closest thing Master Cassius has to a friend. As such, I feel it is my responsibility as a piece of him to... experience such things for him. And he made use of my one and only nightmare as his guard dog. Which means he still has use for me, in some small manner." 
+ 
+*THAT IS HORRIBLE* 
+"You wouldn't understand. I am not a being like him or you, I am a magical construct given consciousness that has outlived his purpose. He could end my existence and reclaim what has been given to me with a thought, and yet he hasn't... curious, is it not?" 
+ 
+"So long as I have the privilege of existing, I intend to live it fruitfully on my own terms. Spinning my physical & verbal webs, earning coin for my own selfish desires, and enjoying my Master's company, whether he likes it or not."

Story/06 - Challenges/Conroy.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,277 @@
+Upon returning to the Orange demense, you see everything is more or less the same, still the infinite expanse of sand and the three pyramids around you. Except this time, you remembered the stumble you had the first time, and actively avoided doing it the second time.
+  
+*INSIDE MAIN PYRAMID*  
+You see Conroy pushing a cart around the corner of one shelf, putting books away. He will see you and immediately pause, smiling wide. "Welcome back, friends! What can I do for you today?"  
+  
+As you all talk, he will casually continue to wheel the cart down the aisle, putting books on the shelves and cleaning messes he finds the whole way.
+  
+*ASK ABOUT DM*   
+"Demense Master? Is that the title now? Bit pretentious if you ask me."  
+  
+*ASK IF HE IS DM*   
+"You caught me! Not that I was hiding it or anything. But yes, I am the Master of this Demense. Though I just prefer being called the Librarian."  
+  
+*WHY DIDNT HE TELL THEM*   
+"Well I can't answer a question you never ask! That'd be like knowing a story before you read the book!"  
+  
+-----  
+  
+*WHY DIDNT YOU DO MORE TO HELP*   
+He suddenly shoves the book cart down the seemingly infinite aisle until it is no longer in view. "Well THAT is a bit more complicated... I kind of... Couldn't. It'd be easier if I simply showed you."  
+  
+He has you follow him into the front of the library, goes behind the counter, and opens a secret floor panel, leading down to a staircase that you can only see a few feet of before it fades into the darkness. "Onward and downward, as it were?"  
+  
+The pathway down feels like it goes on forever, and you can barely see your own hand in front of your face after a minute.
+
+You eventually reach the bottom, and you barely see a rack with several unlit wooden torch sticks on the wall.  
+  
+(NOTICE ROLL)
+(Read these off based lowest to highest)
+You also spot hanging on that rack:
+- A brown fedora  
+- A blue & white baseball cap  
+- A brown leather whip  
+  
+Conroy grabs a torch, lights it with a match from his coat pocket, and the hallway before you is lit well enough that there is just more stone walls and floor, but there IS one path straight ahead, maybe about 50 feet deep and ending in a separate room.
+ 
+You pass by two open doorways as you go, one on the left and one on the right, but he is heading straight through to the end of the hallway. 
+ 
+(If they look) 
+The left room is a bedroom, simply decorated with black and gold bedframe, dresser, chest of drawers, and closet filled with multiple copies of the same white coat Conroy is wearing. And, the bed is perfectly made. 
+ 
+The right room is a fully functional kitchen, complete with golden trimmed countertop, table, chairs, and a fridge with wiring running through the walls. 
+(If they ask, there are solar panels along the higher part of the pyramid that power everything) 
+ 
+The hallway ends at an internal chamber with a completely separate set of bookshelves made of stone lined with old cloth. The walls are the same stone, but look virtually untouched. 
+  
+The books themselves however are absolutely destroyed. Covered in cuts and scorch marks, most of them physically unable to be useful just at a glance. You DO see the book he brought to you the first time he asked sitting by its lonesome.  
+  
+"Now you see what I mean... someone destroyed almost everything about Diadem's history, and that one book was all I had left, damaged as it was."  
+  
+*CAN THEY REPAIR IT*  
+Conroy shakes his head a bit. "I'm afraid you can't, nor can I. Everything here is based on contribution, we would need someone with intimate knowledge of Diadem's history to contribute again. And most of those people are gone."  
+  
+*WHY NOT HIM*  
+"The type of chronomancy that ritual performs doesn't work on Demense Masters. I've tried. It needs to be a mortal."  
+  
+(CONTACTS ROLL) You suddenly recall SOMEONE in the ice demense that was well versed in Diadem history, someone who moonlit as a teacher. *MORANA.*  
+  
+-----  
+  
+IF MORANA IS WITH  
+  
+After stepping through the ORANGE gate once again, Morana smiles and takes off her shoes, letting her bare feet sink into the sand for a moment, eyes closing slowly. "Mm.. feels like heaven.." 
+ 
+She looks down at Whitaker with a playful smile. "Sorry, but a girl can only handle cold toes for so long~"  
+  
+*INSIDE*  
+She walks into the library with your group, and smiles in amazement. "It's been a long time since I came here.. I wonder if that old sabertooth pain in the butt still remembers me?" 
+ 
+Morana laughs a bit to herself, before a pair of striped orange hands suddenly slide over her eyes. "Guess whooo?~"   
+  
+She gasps playfully. "Conroy you absolute ass!~"  
+  
+He laughs and gives her a big bear hug, the two nuzzling cheeks like you'd expect cats to.
+
+After a few moments, Conroy spots Whitaker standing nervously by his lonesome. He offers him a warm smile, lets Morana go, waks over, and kneels before Whittaker. "Hello.. old friend. You're looking better."  
+  
+Whitaker just stands there, staring at him with wide eyes, arms crossed against his chest defensively. Conroy waits patiently before extending his arms wide, and continuing, "Got one for you right here.."  
+  
+Whitaker immediately runs into his arms and hugs him tightly, burying his face into Conroy's shoulder, sniffling softly. Conroy holds him tight and runs a hand through Whitaker's hair slowly. You see faint glows of orange form in Whittaker's hair, small particles of sand falling onto the floor.
+
+You see a single tear streak down Conroy's cheek. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... you didn't deserve ANY of that..."  
+
+-----
+
+*IF THEY TOUCH THE SAND*
+When your finger touches a grain of sand, you see what looks like a video reel of someone else's point of view within your own eye. It looks perfectly normal at first, you're in a snowy field collecting random berries and pinecones.
+
+But at some point, you are surrounded by angry... THINGS, all yelling at you and carrying torches & pitchforks. And you almost swear you feel every time they use them on you. Every deep cut, every broken bone, every burn seared into your skin, and you hear yourself scream... and scream...
+
+You see similar scenes with every grain of sand you touch. Sometimes it's a smaller group, other times it's a town-sized mob. Sometimes it's just fists and feet, sometimes it's swords and guns and spells. With every grain you touch, you hear a voice get louder and louder in your mind, of a very scared young man asking WHY...
+
+*WHY DOES EVERYONE ATTACK WHITTAKER*
+Conroy sighs a little. "It's not just him... We've all dealt with the same thing. People see us and think us monsters, demons, evil, you name it. For reasons that are obvious, and some that are not. Took a lot of time and effort to get people to stop."
+
+"Whittaker is... special in that regard. People either love him or hate him, there is no middle ground. The children love him, Morana adores him, and... well... I'm sure you yourselves felt it as well."
+
+Conroy ruffles Whittaker's hair a little bit, causing him to sputter and shake his head. "The worst part is this timid little man is incredibly powerful, he can do things with ice you can only dream of, but... he doesn't want to frighten the children, and they take advantage of that hesitance. Remember that if you ever decide to challenge him."
+
+-----
+
+Conroy stands up, holding Whitaker's hand in one of his own and taking Morana's in the other. "I thank you both for stopping by, this'll be exciting for everyone involved, I'm sure~"
+
+He guides you all back to the laboratory pyramid, humming an excited tune the whole way. Once inside, he leads you all to the chamber he asked you to enter before, and steps in front of the stone panel. "Alright, just step onto the platform for me and--"  
+  
+Morana releases his hand, stepping onto the platform before he can finish. "I remember from last time, just close my eyes and wait."
+
+He smiles and nods, taking the hand holding Whitaker's and placing both on the panel. The orange sand from before glows with magical life, swirls around her for a few moments, (a sight YOU never saw from the outside) and shoots off into the library at an incredible speed.  
+ 
+Conroy waits for Morana to step out and hands her Whittaker's hand, then disappears in a puff of sand, running back toward the library. You can hear his ecstatic squee from whre you are.
+
+He comes running back in with a book titled 'The Diadem's Chronology.' "A brand new mint condition reprint! And you're the first to see it! I'm so excited!"
+
+He walks to a nearby table, pushes everything off it, and places the book on it with a heavy THUD, then backs away, reclaiming Whitaker's hand.
+
+*IF THEY OPEN IT*
+The pages inside this freshly created book are completely barren of any text. Conroy snickers a bit. "Juuust give it a second~"
+
+*IF THEY CHOOSE NOT TO*
+Morana smiles and steps forth, opening the heavy book with a bit of effort. "Alright, let's see what we... have... uh... these pages are blank..?"
+
+*EITHER WAY*
+You see the pages flutter a bit as a single grain of orange sand begins rapidly tracing out letters on the page, the "ink" starting a glowing orange before settling into black. Once the book stops writing itself, it turns to the first page or the reader.
+
+-----  
+  
+In the beginning, the universe itself was nothingness within nothing, existence without existing. Nothing is, was, or will be, and all was simply possibility. It was only in the instance that that miraculous first event occurred that created the very first thing within it: The Word.
+
+But it did not stay as such for long. The Word became complicated, unfolded, expanded, evolved one could say. One word became many, became sentences, explanations, definitions, and then concepts. The first concept created in this clean, untouched emptiness was the pinnacle of all balance, EQUILIBRIUM. 
+  
+From that moment, that simple power bore witness to the birth of the concept of the NOTHING all around it, but recognized the potential of ALL to keep that balance. And from that, more concepts came to be.  
+- That which had a BEGINNING, surely had an END.  
+- Those that ended were DESTROYED, and those that did not, ENDURED.  
+- Resistance beget MIGHT, yielding bore FEXIBILITY.  
+- Activeness beget SWIFTNESS, passiveness beget SLOWNESS.  
+- Recognition of surroundings beget WHEN and WHERE.   
+  
+Twelve of the simplest concepts were formed, the basis of everything that was to come to pass for the foreseeable eternity. 
+ 
+Despite these humble beginnings, all these concepts assumed themselves the predominant force in this new demense they all found themsleves in, even with a direct counterpart. 
+   
+As such, a mediator was needed, one with an identity beyond itself, with an understanding of the concepts, and with the potential for genuine intelligence and learning for the sake of handling current and future struggles.  
+  
+As the EQUILIBRIUM was their source part, and was naturally as influencial as the twelve concepts COMBINED, it took that role to be a neutral mediator. With this rule defined, the thirteen in one concepts learned to balance themselves with each other and the core between them.  
+  
+And, once the balance was established, they took on a collective identity: ZEROTH, that which exists before any other.   
+   
+Thus the concepts worked together to create everything in this universe in a harmonious manner from that point forward for many MANY eons. Until the most recent one, when ZEROTH spotted a most curious planet. A speck created by natural influence around it like any other, harboring the dredges of early life like many others.  
+  
+But unlike the rest, THIS one's life was progressing, becoming more complicated, evolving, much like itself in a microscopic manner. ZEROTH was fascinated in witnessing something that acted so similar to how it itself had begun, and decided to bring itself to that planet's surface to take a closer look.    
+   
+But that was ultimately a mistake. The existence of this concept of equilibrium caused a shift in development. Had the planet remained untouched, the species within would've developed separately, humans as a primary species fighting for its independence and superiority.   
+   
+Instead, it caused the multiple species to form an unexpected alliance in its presence. These creatures began to adopt each other's minor traits and mannerisms to become more at ease with each other, work together easier, evolve alongside each other until the two were almost indistinguishable from each other in only a few dozen generations. As the eon stretched forward, the animalistic humanoids became the norm!   
+   
+ZEROTH was mortified with its accidental tampering of the natural flow of events, and removed itself from the equation immediately. Thanks to that, circumstances were otherwise unharmed. Cave dwellers grew and developed homes, societies, ecosystems, not dissimilar to that initial timeline.  
+   
+ZEROTH spent that time during that eon exploring the rest of the universe for any sign of existence with even a REMOTELY similar circumstance. Despite its attempts to leave it behind, it could not detach from the memory of that one little speck of space dust, ever so fascinated by its unique results. During the tail end of the most recent Eon, ZEROTH felt it had learned from its mistake, and felt confident enough to chance a second appearance, with a small twist.   
+   
+First, ZEROTH separated the twelve concepts from itself, intending to make itself weaker so the chances of its immense power and presence influencing events would be minimized as much as it could allow, but still maintain its status as the equilibrium force amongst the other twelve.  
+  
+Second, to ensure the newly separated entities of power were not running rampant across the planet (or anywhere else for that matter), ZEROTH created a consciousness for each of the twelve concepts. Each one was given basic intelligence, emotions, and anything else it learned from the mortals it encountered the first time as a basis, in hopes it would give them enough logic and reason to NOT make the same mistakes.  
+ 
+They were then instructed to disguise themselves as the same types of humanimals the planet now bore so they may walk amongst the people together, still within close proximity of ZEROTH Itself but not suffocatingly so. ZEROTH hoped giving them the freedom to explore with some minor restrictions would allow them to learn self control, and possibly learn alongside him.
+   
+But even with all of ZEROTH's preparation and hard work, this was ultimately a failure as well. Since these were concepts given consciousness and only knew of their own nature up to that moment, AND they all lacked his comprehensive learning ability (instead being given a fraction of that potential), they revealed themselves as being far more than just mortal, to the point many of them were feared, revered, and recognized as beyond mortal entities.   
+   
+Throughout the following centuries, as recorded history became the norm, they were all noticed and added to the analogues of history AND lore. Just to name a few:
+
+- ZEROTH became King Midas
+- The entity of WHERE became Queen Cleopatra and inspired the Sphinx
+- The entity of SLOWNESS became many cryptids of lore
+- The entities of LAW, DESTRUCTION, & MIGHT became Zeus, Aries, & Hercules
+- All thirteen entities were the guests of honor at the Last Supper
+   
+If that was all that changed, the story may have corrected itself enough to continue, but this time, their interaction resulted in an additional unintended consequence.
+
+Much like how ZEROTH exposed the creatures of this planet to the pure unfiltered concept of EQUILIBRIUM, they also exposed the people to their mastery of the concepts that made up the universe. Over time, these mortals learned to replicate these abilities themselves, through a concept they called MAGIC. 
+  
+Eventually, the utility of magic became so prevalent, it ended up side by side with the development of technology, rather than abandoning the former to pursue the latter as history should have been.
+
+- Charging devices with SWIFTNESS electricity
+- Extinguishing fires with ENDURING water
+- Illuminating paths with ALL powerful light
+- Cooling and preserving foods with SLOW ice
+   
+ZEROTH was at an impasse with this entire experiment and learning experiment. He was an entity of untold ability, designed to be a balancing force among the dozen other concepts. And neither ZEROTH, nor they, could be anything less than what they were.  
+  
+So he decided that, instead of putting himself and the others down to the MORTAL level, perhaps the mortals could be elevated to HIS level?   
+  
+-----  
+  
+Morana (if she read this) pauses and turns to Conroy and Whittaker, staring at them in bewilderment. "I read over that passage so many times and never put it together it was referring to you two.. that would imply the two of you are... what, pieces of God?"  
+  
+Conroy and Whittaker hold each other's hands tightly, nodding solemnly. Conroy speaks first. "Something to that effect.. we wanted to say something, but we were forbidden.. part of his rules are you must learn and understand who and what we all are on your own, as well as Zeroth himself." 
+ 
+Morana smirks and hands Conroy the book. "But as the librarian and keeper of the books, you would know what is written here and could 'read it to us' from memory, yes?" 
+ 
+Conroy gives an amused laugh and puts the book under his free arm. "Attagirl." 
+ 
+----- 
+ 
+(THE PLAYERS CAN NOW ASK HIM WHATEVER QUESTIONS THEY CAN THINK OF, WITHIN REASON) 
+ 
+*WHAT IS THE ISLAND / DIADEM* 
+"The island is a piece of Zeroth's own power given physical shape and purpose. It acts as both our home and as a living test to your willpower, to see if you can resist the allure of a paradise you would call a Garden of Eden civilization."
+ 
+*WHAT ARE THE DEMENSES / ARE THEY REAL PLACES* 
+"They are vast, unending subdimensions, the raw form of the elemental and magical concepts each of us are attuned to. They also double as... habitats, in a sense, and we chose to share all that it is to all of you, as a means of peaceful coexistence." 
+ 
+*WHAT ARE THE REGALIA* 
+"The regalia are pieces of our own power given physical shape and purpose. He wished for anyone whom was victorious to experience a fraction of his own Godly power, as it were, and act as incentive to gather more after the first."
+ 
+*WHO IS ZEROTH*
+"Zeroth is, for lack of a better term, what you would refer to as God. The source of all that is, was, and will be."
+
+WHERE IS HE* 
+"I can tell you he is definitely near. He is simply lying in wait." 
+ 
+*WILL ZEROTH REALLY APPEAR WHEN THE REGALIA ARE COLLECTED* 
+"THAT is the one thing I can guarantee will happen, yes. Beyond that, I don't know what will come of it." 
+ 
+*WHY DONT YOU REBEL / LEAVE* 
+"Despite him weakening himself by separating us from him, he is still stronger than all of us combined. And he is VERY... convincing." 
+ 
+*ARE YOU UNDER HIS CONTROL* 
+"No, we are fully of our own free will. Zeroth is a BALANCING force, not a CONTROLLING one. But we all know if we disagreed or rebelled, he could... well..." 
+ 
+Whitaker speaks in a soft nervous tone. "He's... scary..." 
+ 
+----- 
+ 
+She takes Whitaker's hand in her own. "Well I... think that's enough reality shattering news for one day. I think its time for us to go home." 
+ 
+She waves at your group with a smile and heads back out the door. Conroy smiled a bit and leans against the machine, arms crossed. "You know... at the end of the day, Whitaker really is quite lucky to have her. She might be the one person to help keep him in one piece."  
+  
+-----  
+  
+*IF REGALIA*  
+"I see... I assume you wish to challenge me to fisticuffs and the like, yes?
+
+*YES*
+"Well I'm not one for violence, but truth be told, I'm curious to see how far you have all come compared to how you... used to be."   
+  
+*IF THEY DIDNT GO THERE ALREADY, HE WILL GUIDE THEM TO THE BOOK MAKER*  
+  
+He reaches down, grabs the orange stone panel on the front of the machine, and attempt to yank it off. "You see I've-- oh, um.."  
+  
+He attempts to yank it again and again, speaking all the while. "I've been USING... the POWER... of my REGALIA..."  
+  
+He turns and grabs it at a different angle. "To SPEED UP... the DE-VE-LOP-MENT... of new BOOKS!"  
+  
+The panel suddenly pops off the front of the machine, and Conroy flops onto his back in the middle of the floor. In only a few seconds, that same chunk of stone comes flying down and lands right on his stomach. "OEUF!"  
+  
+He will jump back up with the panel in hand, resembling an orange chunk of rock attached to a handle grip and an arm strap. "I can still do this without the Regalia of course, but it takes a bit longer."  
+  
+"Now we can't rightly have our fight in the lab. Follow me please." He will guide you back out of the lab and toward the third pyramid, leading you all in much the same.  
+  
+Inside this one, it is pretty much empty. You see a giant square in the center roughly 100 feet wide, and beyond that resembles rows of stone bleacher seating. This pyramid is a giant stone coliseum. 
+  
+He will stand in the center, slip on the stone buckler, and take an odd fighting stance, left arm out with hand raised. His eyes are now glowing a mystical orange, and when he gazes in your direction, you hear the faint sounds of your own voices in your mind, saying things you KNOW you haven't said.
+
+He crouches slightly, his other arm behind his back. "Conroy Kaksteist versus the Kings of Kings. En Garde!"  
+  
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+IF THEY LOSE  
+Conroy will stand before them, wobbling heavily. "I'm not even a true fighter, but I know strength when I see it. And if it becomes even slightly more refined, you will be a force to be reckoned with." 
+ 
+He wobbles forward out of the pyramid, hopping along tenderly on one foot, muttering Ow Ow Ow every time he steps with the other.  
+  
+IF THEY WIN  
+Conroy will stumble back a bit, panting as his glasses fall off his face and clack onto the floor, revealing his full yellow feline slitted eyes. "Well done... THAT was a fight for the history books..."  
+  
+He leans backwards and flops onto the floor, panting heavily. He shakily raises his arms, removes his buckler, and places it on his chest. "Your prize is the Sanskrit Chronicle.. Good luck on your journey, Kings of Kings.." 
+ 
+He turns his head to you all with a tired smile. "If you fight the others as hard as you fought me, then Victory will surely be yours..." He slowly closes his eyes, and has passed out.

Story/06 - Challenges/Corentin.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+Upon returning to the GREEN demense, you see that things are relatively unchanged. The grass & leaves are rustling a bit more than before, and you feel a HEAVY breeze pressing against you, enough to blow your hair back and your clothes around.
+
+(INVESTIGATE Roll) You see something swirling around in the sky, and you could almost swear it looks like a bird with a REALLY long tail. Best you can judge, it's in the direction of the treehouse. 
+  
+*IF THEY GO SEE VILLI*  
+Villi is watching the whole thing from a pair of binoculars on top of the same rock you found her on. "Came to see the Landlord again? Cuz he's a little preoccupied."  
+  
+*IF ASK ABOUT COMMOTION*  
+She gives a soft nasal laugh and hands you her binoculars. "Target practice took a weird turn, all the kids are taking shots at Corentin." 
+ 
+The binoculars help you see Corentin flying in circles, being shot at by colorful arrows in rapid succession. Your vision of him keeps getting flashbanged by random glares of metal he seems to be carrying glinting off the sunlight.
+  
+*SHOW REGALIA*  
+She will be taken aback a little. "Oh... shit... you actually found it."  
+  
+She hops off the rock and immediately takes your group to the stables. "I'm putting these on your tab. You need to get that to him NOW."   
+  
+When you arrive at the tree house and put away the horses, you don't see anyone immediately, but you hear plenty of excited cheering and laughter of all ages from behind the massive tree. You also spot a school bus parked a few yards away, and it looks empty.
+
+Behind it is a group of adults watching behind their own sets of binoculars while a group of teenagers all shoot toy arrows at Corentin, the kind with heavy suction cups. Each kid has a different color bow and matching arrows so they can tell each other apart.
+
+After a minute, a teenage boy in an indigo hoodie stands up and waves his arms around. "Aaand time!" 
+ 
+All the kids stop firing their arrows, giggling amongst themselves excitedly and talking about how many times they hit 'the pretty snake man.' Corentin swoops down and lands cleanly before the children with a flourish of his scaled emerald colored wings.  
+  
+He looks a bit different this time, wearing stylish deep green armor. He bears an oval-shaped leather piece draping down just over his pecs and across his shoulders, a strap underneath each side to connect to the thick belt at where his waist WOULD be. You also see a matching pair of quivers on his hips, a matching pair of bracers on each forearm, and a surprisingly brilliant headdress with stripes of black & gold, all topped with gorgeous green quetzal feathers.  
+  
+Corentin raises his arms, his voice bearing insane volume despite speaking softly. "I hope all you children had fun practicing against a moving target, as you all did incredibly well."
+
+He holds out a hand full of multicolored suction cup arrows, which makes ALL the kids cheer and high five each other happily. "Do remember that the Aztec warriors were more than just bowmen, they also used a variety of other tools, including arrow flingers and blowguns for ranged options alone."
+  
+Corentin turns to see your group, then returns to the children. "But I'm afraid that is all the time we have today, I have another appointment to keep. Back to school for all of you, but remember, you can always learn more at your local Library." 
+ 
+The children all shuffle their way over to their parents and head toward the bus as one big group. Corentin makes his way to your group, waving at the children on his way over. "It is good to see you again, Kings of Kings. To what do I owe the pleasure of your return?" 
+  
+*IF THEY ASK*  
+"The elementary school discussed a field trip to my demense, if you'll pardon the pun, and they were becoming a bit bored... I offered them some activity to pass the time."  
+  
+*HOW WAS HE SO LOUD*  
+"The air is a... magical compound. I am no scientist, but I know that sound is carried through some particles in the air that vibrate and carry the sound. It is simple to amplify such vibrations in my element."  
+  
+*RETURN REGALIA*  
+He will graciously take back the bow, smiling a little at the sight of it. You watch as a swirling vortex of air suddenly encompasses his entire body, the leaves on the tree & the grasses rattling much more loudly, as do the feathers on his headpiece.
+
+He looks to you, his eyes now holding a faint green glow, and wherever his gaze touches fills the area around it with a light breeze. "I thank you for returning my Zeph Arcus... truth be told, if it were my decision, I would simply hand it to you now as a sign of gratitude, but the rules dictate it must be earned in a challenge."
+
+He lares his green wings again, aiming the bow low and horizontal in his let hand, his right holding the string. "Corentin Tasnyak hereby accepts your challenge, Kings of Kings. I believe you know the magic words?"
+
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+Corentin pants raggedly, his scales glistening with sweat in the sunlight as he puts his reclaimed bow upon his back. "Kings of Kings, you have put up a valiant fight, and I applaud your efforts. I know full well that I am not your traditional enemy, but take it to heart when I say, your potential has nowhere to go but up."
+
+"When you are ready to try again, you need only to seek me out. I will be waiting." He collapses his wings fully and slithers his way to his treehouse, climbing by the nearby hanging rope and disappearing from view.
+  
+*IF THEY WIN*  
+Corentin suddenly slumps over, using the bow itself to keep himself upright as he groans in pain from all the hits he took. "A magnificent show, Kings of Kings... you have more than earned my Zeph Arcus, both for the amazing battle AND for the honor you have shown me in returning it in the first place." 
+ 
+He slithers closer and places the bow in the hands of anyone whom accepts it. "I hope you find what it is that will bring you the peace you deserve."
+
+"Now, if you will... excuse me..." He slowly slithers his way over to the tallest part of the grass around you, easily three feet high, and spreads his arms wide before flopping back into it.
+
+"Mm... the grass in this demense is as comfortable as any bed I've ever rested in..." It only takes a few moments before his eyes are closed and he simply falls asleep.

Story/06 - Challenges/Dorrin.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+Upon returning to the BLUE demense, everything seems about the same as before. Same shops at the south, same boats docked on the east and west, same fishermen on the north, and same storage shacks in the middle. 
+
+*IF THEY SPEAK TO ANYONE*
+When they see you, they do a double-take to recognize you. "Oh! It's... it's the Kings of Kings!"
+
+Behind you, you hear someone else say the same thing, and then two more, then four, and it rides all the way across the wharf island. It takes a minute, but now, everyone around you has stopped and is staring at you with knowing grins.
+  
+*IF ANYONE SAYS ANYTHING*  
+You hear someone in the background shouting "DOR RIN! DOR RIN!" And slowly more people join in on the chanting, only taking about a minute before the entire island is chanting his name. From within the storage area, you see a tall figure approaching. 
+ 
+Dorrin marches his way across the dock, harpoon carried across his shoulder in his left hand. This time, he wears a double breasted deep blue suit, complimented with a red pocket square to match the red tie against his bright white dress shirt, and a matching fedora with a red hat band. 
+ 
+Everyone quickly moves out of the way for him, the chanting slowly dying down. When he reaches you, he slams the butt of his harpoon onto the dock, and leans down slightly. "I owe you all something, something I should've given you when you first came here."
+
+He extends his beefy right hand down, offering you a handshake. "My name is Dorrin Dodici. And I welcome you to my demense, Kings of Kings."
+  
+The second someone shakes his hand, everyone around you cheers their hearts out. Dorrin slams his harpoon into the pier again, getting everyone's attention. "I assume you have come to challenge me for my Regalia, correct?"  
+  
+*IF THEY CONFIRM*  
+"Then may the tides of victory be ever in your favor!" Everyone starts cheering again, but he slams his spear into the dock a third time, reclaiming everyone's attention.
+  
+"BUT FIRST! I still owe you a debt of gratitude for finding out my daughter is alive. Before our challenge, please join us in a meal of the finest seafood our demense has to offer!"  
+  
+*IF THEY AGREE*  
+Everyone cheers louder than before, the entire south side of the demense suddenly in a frenzy. In a matter of moments, a long table and several chairs have been produced, white tablecloth and everything, as well as plates and silverware. There are even glasses of wine being poured for everyone. 
+  
+From the East & West docks, you hear sizzling and smell the distinct scent of fish cooking, several people grilling a different type of fish for anyone's selective appetite. From groupers to flounders, from tuna to trout, the entire wharf is engulfed in the biggest fish grill imaginable. And Dorrin is ordering one of everything.  
+  
+From the north side, you see multiple people walk over carrying instruments, led by Gallon with a violin in hand. There are also a few women dancing to give something of a visual spectacle while the first round of food is placed on your table.
+- They are playing Il Canto di Malavita, the kind of song you recognize from Italian movies
+
+And you may be the only ones seated, but everyone around you is eating as well, enjoying the festivities.
+ 
+*AFTER THEY ALL EAT* 
+   
+Dorrin stands from the table, looking visually no different despite eating twice as much as your whole group combined. He slams his spear into the ground twice, getting everyone's attention again. "The time for our Challenge is nigh!"
+  
+Everyone backs away and cheers them on as the table and chairs are suddenly pulled away. The shops are slowly but surely all picked up and pulled back & to the sides several yards. There is now an appropriately sized fighting space, mostly on the solid ground and partly on the dock.  
+  
+Dorrin removes his coat and tosses it to the audience, revealing his INCREDIBLY firm physique under his white shirt. He does the same with his hat, tie, and cufflinks, in that order. He takes his fighting position, spear gripped in both hands, and declares, "Give me your best shot!"  
+   
+AFTER THE FIGHT   
+   
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+Dorrin stands tall, battered and bruised with his suit in shreds, gripping his harpoon tightly. He steps closer to your group, standing in such a way his head blocks out the sun from overhead so you cannot see his face clearly.  
+  
+"You all fought valiantly. Learn from this experience, grow stronger from it, and fight me again. Whenever you feel you are ready." He will slowly walk away, using the harpoon as a cane, until he is out of sight. 
+   
+*IF THEY WIN*  
+Dorrin sits on his knees, panting hard, both hands gripping his harpoon tightly to keep himself upright. "You are all little monsters, you know that?" 
+ 
+He slowly climbs up to his two feet, almost falling over. "And I know a thing or two about raising a little Hellian."  
+  
+He cracks his neck in both directions, wiping blood from his mouth. "I fully admit and acknowledge my defeat. You have earned the Tide Turner." 
+ 
+He turns the spear around and jams the sharp tip into the ground, leaving it embedded and free standing in the wood of the dock. He tries to take a step and stumbles a bit, the people from the audience suddenly rushing to help lift him up. 
+ 
+Gallon steps forth, arms behind his back with a grin a mile wide. "Yer Daughter'd be proud of ye, Dorrin." He then presents a brand new bottle of wine to him and a bucket of ice.  
+  
+You could swear you saw Dorrin smile a bit as he grabbed the bottle, drinking the whole thing down in a solid second. You watch the two walk away, Gallon spouting fisherman-isms the whole way, followed by a good dozen other people fascinated by the conversation.

Story/06 - Challenges/Fulmo.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+THIS WILL BE SET UP BY APPOINTMENT  
+  
+Upon returning to the SILVER demense, the air is thick with the scent of ozone and rich in the sound of thunder. You see dozens of Thunder Force officers standing around, dumbfoundedly staring up at the sky. As are several people on the steps to the courthouse. And pretty much every prisoner in the yard.  
+ 
+(NOTICE Roll) 
+- You see one MASSIVE dark storm cloud looming overhead, but not a drop of rain
+- You see flashes of lightning every second, paired with a clap of thunder  
+- You see someone's shadowy outline in those clouds with every clap & bolt  
+  
+Second Commander Valeos approaches with a smile. "Good to see you again, Kings of Kings. I assume you are here for your challenge?"  
+  
+*WHAT IS THAT*  
+Valeos laughs a little and casually points into the sky. "THAT would be Fulmo. He advised us this morning he would be doing some... warm-ups before his challenge today. Speaking of which, I'm under orders to alert him when you arrive, so if you'll excuse me..."  
+  
+He steps away and kneels down, his body crackles with electricity, and he LEAPS into the air. He lands on top of the Thunder Force office, then takes another grand leap to the top of the courthouse's highest flagpole, and makes a mighty third leap straight into the sky.  
+  
+You get few moments of silence, before a bolt of lightning strikes the ground a few yards from you. The bolt dissipates as quickly as it came, and where it struck, you see Valeos standing beside Fulmo, in a much more combat-ready outfit.  
+  
+Fulmo has a high-collar silver shirt, nicely contrasting against the black denim longcoat and black cargo pants. His boots are polished black & bound by vibrant silver bootstraps, and his sunglasses wrap around his face perfectly, but do little to hide the charged blue eyes behind them. His hair, while mostly slicked back, is spiked in a uniform pattern, and each hair is crackling with energy.  
+  
+Everyone stares at him in stunned silence for a moment, then all the Thunder Force officers salute him at the same time. He dismisses all of them with a wave, then approaches your group, his tail discharging small amounts of electricity into the open air.  
+  
+"Kings of Kings, let it be known that I have not engaged in a challenge in some time. But I know full well my duties as a Demense Master include accepting challenges from Regalia Hunters, and I intend to take this challenge seriously. Do not expect me to hold back."
+  
+The inmates suddenly start hooting and hollering at your group AND Fulmo, all making comments about which one would be the biggest loser.  
+  
+Fulmo becomes engulfed in electricity and disappears from view, reappearing inside the inmates' fence, directly behind them, causing them all to freeze in place.  
+  
+"I would advise you pay close attention to this. For if I win, then my status as Lawbringer will be unquestionable. But if I lose, then that means THESE PEOPLE are more powerful than your JAILER."   
+  
+And every single criminal suddenly shuts up right quick. Although you DO hear one in the back yell 'may the best man win!'
+
+All the Thunder Force officers are trying their hardest to not laugh, but Valeos snorts a bit.  
+  
+Fulmo simply leaps over the twelve foot razor wire fence, and lands beside your group. "On that note, I believe we are ready to begin, yes?"  
+  
+*IF YES*  
+He raises his hand over his face, and quick as a flash, his head becomes engulfed in electricity for a moment before disappearing, his sunglasses replaced by a helmet of black and silver, molded after an old fashioned 8-point police cap with an over-the-eye visor attached to a silver bottom half face mask.
+ 
+He then pulls out a pair of immaculate silver revolvers, his body charging with crackling electricity as he spins the chambers without even touching them. "Then let this battle be the finest these brave soldiers have ever witnessed."  
+  
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+Fulmo will stand proudly, his outfit in tatters, both guns aimed at your group in shaky hands, panting heavily with a trail of blood drooling from behind his mask.
+
+He slides both guns into his holsters, and winces from the pain after. "Kings of Kings, speaking as an entity of electricity itself, I can safely say you are a force of nature. I genuinely believe my victory was nothing short of luck today. I know you will all likely wish to challenge me again sometime, and I openly invite and welcome the opportunity."  
+  
+He slowly limps away from the battlefield, as the Thunder Force officers all around you salute him as he hobbles his way inside the Thunder Force main office, the doors slamming with an audible thud.
+
+Valeos stays behind, kneeling in front of your group. "That was a hell of a show you put on. You should be proud."  
+  
+*IF THEY WIN*   
+He collapses onto his knees, dropping both guns as he falls onto his hands, his helmet & mask falling onto the ground to fully reveal his face again.  
+  
+He will look up to your group, electricity seeping out from around his eyes like a flow of energy, almost looking... angry? But he will close his eyes and sigh deeply, reopening them as they return to their original cool blue orbs.   
+  
+"I have no excuse, you have defeated me fair and sqare before these witnesses. And you were all magnificent. As per the rules, you have won my Rai Revolvers as your prize."
+
+He picks up both guns and stand up, swaying a bit as he does, and places them on the ground before you with their holsters. He shakily stands back up and aims a finger gun at your group. "Aim true, Kings of Kings. You have many battles ahead of you, and you will need to make every shot count."   
+  
+He slowly turns and limps his way to the Thunder Force officers, but trips a few feet away, and Second Commander Valeos catches him. Valeos carries him over his shoulder as the two walk up the stairs together, surrounded by other concerned Officers the whole way.
+
+Before they walk through the doors, Valeos turns back to your group and gives you a thumbs up and a wink, then carries their injured leader inside.

Story/06 - Challenges/Miranda.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+Upon returning to the PINK demense, you will see things have definitely changed. Where there was once a well crafted runway for the fashion show, there is now a professionally crafted boxing ring approximately 50 feet across, and several rows of chairs surrounding it on all sides. A large portion of those chairs are already filled with people, all excitedly chattering about the upcoming event.  
+  
+There are concession stands in the left & right halls selling popcorn, drinks, hot dogs, burgers, and every kind of snack food you can imagine, all ran and sponsored by local Diadem restaurants. 
+ 
+"Welcome back, Kings of Kings." You see Caelum standing at a podium on a stepping stool, meeting you at eye level easily, but this time with his hood up and clipboard in hand.  
+
+*WHAT IS ALL THIS*
+"Miranda promised a show, and she does not skimp on the chance to show off. Ever." His delivery is a bit flat at that one, like he's said it a million times before.
+
+*WHERE IS SHE*  
+"Miranda is in the craft room, preparing her outfit for the night. Just go around the back of the audience, second door on the left. But uh... be careful, some of these fans are looking for you guys. And they want more than autographs."  
+
+(STEALTH ROLL)
+As you walk by, several audience members spot you, and excitedly jump out of their chairs to rush you and beg for autographs or souvenirs.
+(Low Roll player(s)) unfortunately couldn't sneak by quickly or quiet enough and get grabbed, but
+(High Roll player(s)) are able to stay juuust out of sight enough to get to her room without being jumped.
+
+Once you reach the craft room, you see the door is partly open. Inside is indeed Miranda, as well as ten different spools of thread hovering in the air and several patches of fabric, all faintly glowing pink.  
+  
+Miranda is standing in the middle of it all, wearing a black denim crafting apron, and based on what you can see, not much else underneath. She waves her hand and fingers around, causing the pieces to come together and the threads to weave between them, creating a brand new corset right before your eyes in a matter of moments.  
+  
+"You can come in if you like, I promise not to bite~ This time~"
+ 
+*IF THEY ASK HOW SHE KNEW THEY WERE THERE* 
+She laughs a sultry laugh and puts the remaining pieces on a nearby table, folding the top and placing it on a clothing rack with an identical set of boots and pants. "I am an entity of space magic. Not just the magic of outer space, but physicality as a concept. Knowing where people, places, and things are is my bread and butter. Speaking of..." 
+
+She raises a hand toward the door and opens a magic window, showing your teammates currently being borderline assaulted by ravenous fans. "I recommend you grab them and pull them to safety, before they get hurt... that's my job~"
+
+*PULL THEM THROUGH*
+The magic gateway closes, and your teammates' clothing is in shreds. Miranda tsks a few times. "Well that won't do..."
+
+She waves both hands in the air this time, a series of fabric patches and spools of thread hovering overhead again, and they all lurch forward into the their clothes, stitching up every piece good as new in a matter of moments. "Presentable~ Although we REALLY need to talk about getting you some new outfits sometime."
+  
+"I certainly hope you're all ready, we have quite an audience out there~ I made sure to sell this as an event for the ages~"  
+  
+*IF YES*
+You hear a knock at the door to the craft room. "Come on in, join the party~"
+
+Caelum steps inside and shuts the door behind him, walking up to Miranda. She happily ruffles his hair. "I assume it's time?"   
+  
+He squirms and makes cute huffy little noises before nodding. "Yes Mom."  
+  
+"Lead our guests outside and introduce them first. I need a minute to change." Caelum nods again and leads your group outside quietly. He asks you all to wait here in the shadows by the door so you don't get attacked again, as he heads for the stage first.
+ 
+In only those few minutes, almost all the seats have completely filled. You spot several familiar faces in the audience, including King Akarui, several members of the Thunder Force, and even Striker. Although HE just seems to be taking bets.  
+  
+Caelum walks out onto the stage, microphone in hand and hoodie pulled back. "Ahem... LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I GIVE YOU TODAY'S MAIN EVENT, A REGALIA CHALLENGE BETWEEN MADAM MIRANDA AND THE KINGS OF KIIIIINGS!" 
+ 
+The audience immediately starts roaring with applause. "FIRST IS TONIGHT'S CHALLENGERS!"  
+  
+He will then give a slightly corny introduction for anyone participating in this event, and let each one step up on the arena one behind the other.  
+  
+Once everyone is introduced, he will guide them to a far corner to make room. "AND NOW FOR THE CHAMPION YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! THE FASIONISTA QUEEN OF DIADEM, THE STELLAR MAGE AND MISTRESS OF THE SATELLITE DEMENSE, MADAM MIRANDA BAARAH!!!"  
+  
+From the distant corner of the room, a spotlight shines down and an explosion of bright pink smoke and confetti erupts. A pair of wings bursts from within it and blasts it all away, revealing Miranda from within.  
+  
+She struts forward in a black leather outfit comprised of a halter top, tight miniskirt, and knee length boots, ending in three inch black stilettos. Her lips and nails are painted black, her neck carries a thin black collar you can barely see under the plumage, her forearms are covered by black bracers, and her right hip carries a whip on a buckle holster.
+  
+She makes her descent down the pathway, wings spread wide, and everyone starts losing their goddman minds. Even Striker is reaching out toward her with a photo and a marker, asking for an autograph, which she gladly signs AND punctuates with a lipstick stained kiss. And she does so several times for several others before she makes it to the stage.
+
+Once she is finally done SLOWLY climbing the ropes, Caelum hands off the mic to her and pulls up his hoodie, trotting off stage quickly. "Thank you all for coming out tonight! It's been ten long years since the last time my Regalia was put on the line, so we're gonna make this a spectacle you will all remember forever!"
+  
+Everyone cheers in excitement as she steps toward your group, pitching the micophone over her shoulder and pulling her whip off the clasp, striking the open ground between you both. "Let's give these people a show!"  
+  
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+Miranda will proudly raise a fist in the air as the audience cheers their hearts out. Her outfit is in tatters and she's covered in bruises, but you hear Caelum over the mic stating "AND THE WINNER BY KNOCKOUT IS MADAM MIRANDAAA!!!"
+
+Caelum tosses her the microphone, which she catches as she approaches your group. "Kings of Kings, I thank you for giving this event everything you had! This was a fantastic show, and even though you did not win..." 
+
+She pauses to increase her volume, "you impressed each and every one of these people who came out tonight!" And just to prove the point, everyone starts cheering hysterically.  
+  
+"I extend an open invitation to The Kings of Kings to rematch me! Any day, any time, name it and we can do this all over again!" 
+ 
+The idea of another chance to watch this kind of spectacle excites the audience all over again. She tosses the microphone to Caelum again and steps off stage, doing her whole walk up routine in reverse.  
+  
+*IF THEY WIN*  
+Miranda collapsess back onto the stage, arms over her head and wings sprawled beneath her. The entire audience goes completely silent, many people staring in sheer disbelief, eyes wide and jaws hanging.  
+  
+Caelum will run out and give her a concerned look, and sees she is okay, just VERY badly nbanged up. Caelum looks out to the audience and states as loudly as he can into the mic, "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION, THE KINGS OF KIIIIINGS!!!"  
+  
+It takes a moment before the disbelief wears off, but everyone starts screaming and applauding, and you can hear comments in the audience of that being a fantastic show and they were insanely impressed. Miranda sits up slowly with Caelum's help, spits out a gob of blood to the side, and smiles wide at your group. Caelum holds a mic down to her mouth for her. 
+  
+"Well done, Kings of Kings. You brought everything you had and it paid off magnificently. You have more than earned my Regalia, the Star Scourge. Take it with my blessing!" She extends an arm with the whip she used in battle toward your group.  
+  
+She stands up with Caelum's aid and grabs the microphone. "Thank you everyone for coming out and making this show just as special to me as I hope it was for you! Drive Safely and Good Night!!!"  
+  
+She drops the mic on the stage and shakily walks away with Caelum's help, leaving you all to your adoring audience, all of whom now want your autographs and to interview you. But unlike last time, they aren't trying to rip you apart. Yet.
+

Story/06 - Challenges/Thanatos.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+Upon returning to the GRAY demense, it appears relatively the same. Graves as far as the eye can see, everything beyond in a graying mist, one solid brick path leading ahead.  
+  
+But you can't help but feel like something is a different, and you can't quite put your finger on it.  
+  
+(INVESTIGATE ROLL) 
+You see the gravestones closest to the front are all dated within the last few days, meaning the ones closest to the path are NEW graves.  
+  
+As you look through the next row, you see the time between their dates is only about a week apart from the front row, and THOSE graves you vaguely remember the names written on them.
+  
+The graveyard is expanding from the path you are walking on outward.  
+  
+(NOTICE ROLL)
+As you start walking down the path, you hear:
+- a slow methodical drum beat from within the fog
+- a male voice singing alongside it
+- (PLAYER WITH GIFT) A female voice joining into the harmony a few moments later
+- A minute later, you hear an additional, much younger male singing another song on top of the first one in a Creole accent
+  
+(CONTACTS ROLL)
+- The first song is Wayfaring Stranger, a sad and mournful tune from the 1850s about a soul's journey home   
+- The second tune is Ain't No Grave, a gospel song being sung in a soulful manner
+
+You reach the cathedral building, just in time for the songs to reach their cresdendos. The doors are wide open, but there is no sign or schedule for upcoming funerals.
+
+*INSIDE*
+There have been some changes since you were here last time. The pews and stage are the same, but the stage now carries rows of collapsible metal risers, the kind for a choir to stand on.  
+  
+Thanatos stands behind a podium in front of these risers, in the same dressy clothes as before but this time sporting a dark gray cloak. "Now dhis is a surbrise, dhe Kings of Kings have graced us widh dheir bresence once more."   
+  
+On the choir steps is (Caelum) a young boy with very pale blond hair, sporting a deep gray choir gown with indigo piping along the edges, as well as an indigo undershirt showing around the chest area. He is accompanied by a little lizard, resting atop his head like his hair was a bed.  
+  
+When he sees your group coming, he looks a little flustered, clearly not expecting company.  
+  
+(PLAYER WITH GIFT) You didn't spot her behind the boy at first, but you spot the red robin woman (Rowena) from the funeral you attended, in a similar garb as the boy (Caelum). Her feathers look more gray than you remember, but she waves at you with a smile on her face. 
+
+-----
+  
+*IF GIFTED PLAYER MENTIONS ROWENA*  
+Thanatos will turn to you all. "Now dhad is quide dhe coincidence, we were jusd discussing a song dhad Rowena is a fan of, a haunding melody of a wayward soul redurning home. Quide abbrobriade for my demense, wouldn'd you agree?" 
+
+-----
+  
+He turns back to the risers and sighs softly. "Abologies, bud I believe dhad is all dhe dime we have. I have a new abboindmend do addend do."  
+  
+(Caelum) The boy will nod quietly and heads for the door, but in passing, you notice a sad look in his eye. He opens the door, and just stands there, staring out at the misty graveyard. 
+  
+*IF THEY ASK*  
+Thanatos steps down next, standing before your group. "Caelum is a unique child, blessed much like us Demense Masders do never exberience death. Bud in his eyes, he sees id as a curse. He yearns do know and undersdand how id feels do age, grow, and exberience dhe end of life."  
+  
+(PLAYER WITH GIFT) Out of the corner of your eye, you see Rowena quietly sneak around behind your group, CLEARLY trying her hardest to not make a sound. She stands beside Caelum in the doorway, looking outside with him, resting a hand on his shoulder.
+  
+Thanatos pauses and sighs softly. "Id does nod helb dhad he wadched someone he liked bass away very recendly, bud he feld id was his dudy do come and sing, for dhe ceremony."  
+
+-----
+  
+*WHEN WAS THE CEREMONY*  
+"Abologies, bud I'm afraid you jusd missed id."  
+  
+*WHO WAS IT FOR*  
+Thanatos will wipe a tear from his eye, looking to (PLAYER WITH GIFT) with a solemn glance. "Do you wish do say id, or should I?"  
+  
+*IF THEY SAY ROWENA, OR*  
+*IF THEY TURN TO THE DOORWAY*  
+Caelum will now be by himself, facing out the doorway & away from your group, and you could swear you hear him sniffling a little as he wipes his face with his arm.  
+  
+(PLAYER WITH GIFT) Rowena is gone, but you see a small cloud of gray mist where she once stood, and you can faintly hear her voice singing a few melodic words.  
+  
+Caelum slowly walks forward, pulling the door behind himself shut with a soft click.
+
+-----
+  
+*IF REGALIA/CHALLENGE*  
+He nods solemnly, reaching for his hood. "Dhen led us begin dhe ceremony of combad, and bray do whadever God you believe in dhad you are vicdorious againsd Thanatos Ondogon."  
+  
+Under the cloak, all but his arms are now obscured. He reaches behind himself and pulls out an old style scythe, three foot blade on a five foot gray pole with a golden wolf skull across the top.   
+  
+The room slowly fills with that gray mist you kept seeing outside, obscuring your view a little. You hear the heavy wood of the pughs creaking, lifting off the ground slightly before suddenly rushing toward the walls, leaving the center space open.
+  
+(PLAYER WITH GIFT) You see that, within the mist, there are several men and women in varying shades of grayscale quickly working together to move the pughs away.  
+  
+He reaches under his cloak and pulls out a mask in the shape of a wolf skull, placing it upon his face, now the only thing you can see from under the hood. "May dhe odds be ever in your favor."  
+  
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+He slams the bottom of his scythe into the ground, using it to hold himself upright. "Id has been some dime since I have exberienced such an ubhill fighd.. you are all mighdy warriors."  
+  
+He hobbles past you, hefting the scythe over his shoulder as he heads out the door. "Should you desire a remadch, I will be waiding." 
+ 
+The door slams shut behind him, leaving you alone in the empty church. 
+  
+*IF THEY WIN*  
+He kneels on the ground, staring at the floor. "Magnificend... an honorable loss, do be sure... If I could die, I would be sadisfied if my lasd acd was do lose do you all in combad."  
+  
+He slams the scythe's blade into the ground, the handle sticking up at an angle. "You have more dhan earned my Grimm Requiem, Kings of Kings. Dake it widh my blessing."  
+  
+You see the pews around you rumble a bit, before they launch into the air and rearrange back the way they were when you arrived, the doors to the building quietly swinging open. Thanatos slowly hovers up and off the ground, righting himself on his own two feet.
+  
+(PLAYER WITH GIFT) Inside the mist, you see grayscale people of all ages and sizes helping Thanatos back to his feet, dusting him off and straightening his outfit for him. 
+ 
+"I will dake my leave now and... lick my wounds, as dhe saying goes... Bud I wish you luck on your journey. And do remember dhis place if you ever need a venue for your... ceremonies." 
+ 
+He slowly walks out the door, limping the whole way as the door closes behind him, leaving you alone with your prize.

Story/06 - Challenges/Tlaloc.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+Upon returning to the BROWN demense, everything appears the same at first glance. Same valley, same trees, same lake, same gym & store combo. 
+
+-----
+
+*GYM / STORE*
+You see a large sign in the window of the gym half of the building, stating "CLOSED FOR PARTY." The store half is still open, and you can see Bunji sitting at the counter, looking like he's about to fall asleep.
+
+*APPROACH BUNJI*
+Bunji jumps in his seat a bit, now VERY much awake, and smiles at your group. "Oh? Well if it isn't the Kings of Kings. What brings you by?"
+
+*WHERE ARE THE GYM PEOPLE*
+Bunji points out the door toward the opposite side of the valley, sighing a little. "They closed early for the day to throw Tlaloc a 'get well' party. They're having fun at the lake and the hot springs."
+
+*WHY ARENT YOU WITH THEM*
+He shrugs. "Not a good swimmer, not a fan of hot water matting up my fur. Either way, it makes me look like a demonic Schnauzer."
+
+-----
+
+*LAKE*
+You see several of the people from the gym swimming around in th water like it's a giant public pool, and several others either hanging out & drinking the mineral water, or just lying back and enjoying the view.
+
+Jehkyra steps out of the water, wearing a bodyskin swimsuit that hugs EVERY inch of her muscular form from the neck down. She grabs a towel from nearby and quickly dries her face, which is when she finally spots your group and waves you down with a smile. She turns to her friends and shouts "Hey guys! The Kings of Kings are here!"
+
+All the people in & around the water stop what they're doing and march their way over to your group, and  all of them ask essentially he same question: "ARE YOU HERE TO CHALLENGE TLALOC?"
+
+*IF YES*
+They all hoot and holler like a bunch of drunk frat boys, but Jekyra gets them all to simmer down after a moment, before turning back to you. "Your timing couldn't be better. Tlaloc's at the hot springs, and he's all healed up. We're all celebrating his quick recovery, despite the whole... gold... blade... dust... thing. Do you know what that's all about?"
+
+*ANSWER*
+"Gotcha... well either way, I'll be rooting for you. Now if you'll excuse me..." She pitches her towel behind her and takes off running for the water, jumping in JACKKNIFE style and splashes everyone within ten feet of her with water.
+
+-----
+
+*HOT SPRINGS*
+You hear several voices talking from within the walls of the hot springs, but none you can distinguish as Tlaloc immediately.
+
+*WALK IN*
+A dove woman greets you at the door, her body covered in a white yukata style bathrobe and her brown nametag stating YUKI, smiling and waving. "Welcome in! Party of (number of players)?"
+
+*ASK ABOUT TLALOC*
+"Oh you're here for his party? Then your admission is free, let me get you your supplies." 
+
+She lays out a basket with a robe identical to hers in what you assume is your size. "Tlaloc is in the unisex hot spring, and his party is already large, so do be careful when trying to join in."
+
+*AT THE SPRINGS*
+The whole area is filled with people you recognize from the gym (and the climbing area out back), all completely nue aside from some of them wearing towels or submerged in the water. 
+
+It takes no time at all to spot Tlaloc, as he is currently occupying the largest pool in the area. He is submerged up to his neck in water, his towel neatly folded and resting atop his head. His eyes are closed, and he is grinning ear to ear.
+
+*APPROACH*
+Tlaloc opens his eyes hearing you approach, and he gasps in happiness, immediately standing up in the pool and causing the water to lower by at least two inches. "FRIENDS! JOIN! WATER! GOOD!"
+
+The deep gash on his chest has apparently completely healed up, not even leaving a scar on his stony mucular skin.
+
+*IF CHALLENGE*  
+Tlaloc's eyes will widen with excitement, and he will throw his clawed arms up in the air, yelling CHALLENGE at the top of his lungs, catching the attention of everyone around you. 
+ 
+Everyone around you in the hot springs starts cheering and chanting, clearly exited to finally get the result they wanted from before. But everyone goes silent when they aee the door to the building slide open, a very angry Yuki standing in the doorway and glaring at everyone. "Please keep the noise down, you are disturbing the other guests."
+
+The door shuts, and Tlaloc waits a few seconds before looking to your group and stating very quietly "GO. LAKE. CHALLENGE?"
+
+*LAKESIDE*
+The entire congregation of people a the hot springs decided to follow your group, most of whom you recognize from the gym, and a few you don't. Once you reach the lake, everyone sees you with Tlaloc in tow, and immediately knows the Challenge is happening soon. 
+
+Tlaloc turns around to face ou, grinning ear to ear. "CHALLENGE... FIGHT?"
+
+*IF YES* 
+Tlaloc reaches behind himself and pulls out a massive tree limb of wood, grabbing it in both hands and slamming the opposite end of it into the ground before you. Attached to the other end is a massive rock, wide at one end and pointy on the other, coated in small rune markings. This isn't just a rock attached to a tree limb, it is a rudimentary warhammer. 
+ 
+He suddenly hefts the thing up onto his shoulder with one hand like it weighed nothing, then holds his fist out in front of him. "READY! FIGHT!"  
+  
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+Tlaloc raises his arms in triumph over his head, bellowing out in joy as the audience around you all does much the same. Once the circle dissipates, they all rush in and cheer with Tlaloc, but he instead steps forward and kneels down in front of your group. 
+ 
+He puts on the best dopey smile he can and pats each of you on the back with a dull thud of those heavy arms. "TRY. AGAIN. LATER." 
+ 
+He will then stand and rejoin the others, who all chant their way back to the gym & store building, singing some chant about Tlaloc still being undefeated.
+  
+*IF THEY WIN*  
+Tlaloc stands before your group, clearly beaten to a pulp under all that rock armor, panting heavily. He lets go of the massive hammer, causing it to THUD into the ground hard enough to shake the ground beneath you. He slowly falls forward, landing on his face with an even heavier thud. Tlaloc has admitted defeat.
+
+The gold circle dissipates, and everyone in the audience stares in horror at their superhero of a Demense Master lying in a pile of dirt and grass. Tlaloc suddenly rolls over onto his back, and he seems... oddly happy. He lets out a deep unsettling rumble of a chuckle, before finally declaring "FRIENDS! WIN!"
+ 
+The entire audience begins to boo your group in a fit of rage, not believing you to be the winners at all.
+
+Tlaloc suddenly sits upright and silences the entire group with the angriest look you have EVER seen someone like HIM generate. "ME! LOSE! THEM! STRONGER!"
+
+You can see the heartbreak across their faces hearing that, but he's not done. "GET! STRONGER! BE! BETTER!"
+
+The audience is actually shocked at the thought of him getting stronger, but Jekhyra finally appears and steps between Tlaloc & his friends. "Alright, alright. Look, we all saw it with our own eyes. These guys beat Tlaloc fair and square. They are now the rightful owners of the Cliff Breaker."
+
+She points at Tlaloc's massive hammer, and finally turns to your group. "Take it with both our blessing, Kings of Kings."
+
+She interrupts when you try to grab it, a grin on her face. "But know this. Tlaloc's gonna use this loss as a driving force to get even stronger, and next time, it won't be so easy."
+ 
+She helps Tlaloc get back on his feet almost singlehandedly, holding him up by his shoulder. "So you better get stronger too, ya hear? If that Regalia winds up in his hands again, you won't win it a second time."
+
+Tlaloc slowly extends one of his beefy hands in a fist, grinning wide. "FRIENDS! VISIT! REMATCH!" He is offering a fist bump and a promise as a goodbye.

Story/06 - Challenges/Whittaker.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+(ATHLETICS Roll) Right before you enter the gate, a snowball launches at (lowest roller) from within, slamming right into your face.  
+  
+Upon returning to the WHITE demense, you see dozens of snowballs whizzing by in every direction imaginable, screaming ringing out from every corner, and children lying in the snow. You entered an active snowball fight war zone.  
+
+- You can see dozens of children AND a few adults flinging snowballs on the left, led by a boy in an indigo hoodie
+- You can't seem to make out whom is throwing them on the right, but you DO see a consistent flurry of them flying out from the branches of multiple trees.  
+ 
+*IF THEY APPROACH OR CALL TO HIM* 
+Caelum does a doubletake realizing you are there. Not even a moment later, he is struck in the side of the head, knocking him off balance and causing him to flop face first in the snow. 
+ 
+He stands up after a moment, shouting OUT toward the battlefield, before turning back to your group. "Didn't expect to see you here today. C'mon, let's go inside." 
+ 
+He guides you inside the cabin, where BOHDI the yeti is standing to the right of the door, stacking VERY large warm towels on a rack. He picks one up and drops it on Caelum's head with a toothy grin, which covers him like a massive blanket. From underneath, you hear Caelum utter a muffled THANKS.
+  
+The snow fox from the cabin (Ouja) is walking around with a fresh tray of hot cocoa for anyone that wants it. He holds out the tray to your group for a moment, and Caelum snags a cup before he heads out the door. "And thank YOU."
+
+*WHAT IS GOING ON*  
+Caelum sits down on a bench, wearing the towel like a cloak and nursing the cup of cocoa. "So the short version is, the kids wanted to do a snowball fight and invited Whitaker to join in. Problem is, it's him against a hundred enthusiastic children. Personally it feels a bit uneven."  
+  
+*UNEVEN FOR WHITAKER*  
+He laughs softly. "I meant for the children." 
+ 
+Ouja hops back inside the door, his tray now full of empty cups. "They're making their final push, if you want to watch the ending."  
+  
+*IF THEY LOOK*  
+The battlefield looks surprisingly sparse compared to two minutes ago. There are only six children left, all looking around with snowballs in hand ready to go, standing back to back in a circle, giggling excitedly like they have the greatest strategy of all time.  
+  
+Five snowballs fly through the air at perfect arcs from completely different trees and smash right into the top of their heads, each one flopping over in a giggle fit.  
+  
+The last one, a finch boy in a blue igloo coat, realizes he is the sole survivor. He starts throwing snowballs frantically in random directions and making more as fast as he can.  
+  
+At some point, he accidentally throws one so hard in the air that he stumbles and flops into the snow, that same snowball falling and smacking him in the back of the head.   
+  
+Whittaker magically jumps down from seemingly nowhere, kneels down in front of the kid, and touches his head with a snowball, smiling kindly.
+  
+This time, he is wearing a tight white vest with a ring of black around the midriff & a matching black choker, white jean shorts with a black belt, long white furred snowboots, and white arm warmers. He also has what looks like a snow white feathered backpack.   
+  
+You hear a soft sigh from beside you, and Morana steps forward, sipping on her own cocoa. "Guess the snowball fight is over, for today. So what brings you by?"
+
+*REGALIA*
+Her eyebrows raise seeing the little sword in your hands, and she points to Whittaker. "You might wanna take that to him. Right now.
+  
+*IF THEY APPROACH*
+Whittaker is surrounded by the excited children asking him endless questions about how he hides in the trees and throws snowballs so quickly. And Whittaker is rubbing the back of his head with a nervous laugh at all the attention.
+
+His ears flick a bit, immediately stepping in front of the children defensively, his mirthful appearance going away. "Can... I help... you..?"
+  
+*PRESENT REGALIA*  
+He flinched at first, but upon recognizing his Regalia, he reaches out slowly and takes it back, hugging it to his chest as he stares up at you all, his eyes now glowing a soft white. "Th-thank you.. Kings of Kings.."  
+  
+Morana steps out from behind your group, and kneels down beside Whittaker, petting his head again. She looks to the children. "Sorry kiddos, it's time to go home, the adults have things to talk about." 
+ 
+Every child goes 'aaawww' at the same time, but they all hug Whitaker before trotting off through the snow. Morana smiles and stands behind Whittaker. "Thank you for returning his Regalia, Kings of Kings. I think I speak for both of us when I say we owe you a significant debt."  
+  
+*CHALLENGE*  
+Whitaker's eyes flare open, staring at you in fear at the possibility of what this challenge might entail. Morana walks between him & your group, smiling wide. "Well I think that is more than fair, that's why you came here in the first place. What do you think, Whi--"
+
+She realizes he is gone again, a pile of snow left in his place. "...I should have seen that one coming."  
+  
+She will turn to your group, grinning a bit. "You know.. catching that little ninja of mine would be quite a CHALLENGE, if you catch my drift..~" She gives your group a playful wink.  
+  
+She turns and launches an ice spike at a tree, causing him to fall out of it all over again into the soft snow. She looks back to your group and nudges toward him as she runs to get behind him.  
+ 
+She will walk up to Whitaker and pick him up from behind, setting him on his two feet and dusting the snow off him. "Sweetie, I know you're scared, but this is part of your responsibility as the demense Master. Now go and do your absolute best." 
+  
+*IF CHALLENGE IS MADE* 
+ 
+Morana kisses the top of Whittaker's head and jumps just far enough to not be caught inside the circle growing from his feet (AND yours). He will frantically look around, realizing she is gone, gripping his weapon tightly. 
+ 
+And he will sudddenly remember he HAS it, staring down at it intensely. He pulls it out of its sheath slowly, a flurry of snow and ice dancing around him in a tight spiraling column. He clacks the sword back into its scabbard, causing the snow & ice to blast outward in all directions.
+
+He slips it onto the back of his waist, resting a hand on the handle. He takes a deep breath and tries his absolute HARDEST to look serious. "M-my name.. Is Whitaker Tormet'i, a-and I accept your challenge!"  
+  
+AFTER THE FIGHT  
+  
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+Panting tiredly, legs shaking, Whitaker sheaths his sword and flops onto his knees in the snow, staring at your group silently, deep in thought.   
+  
+Morana will step in behind him and just pick him up like he weighs nothing, carrying him bridal style with a smirk, much to his blushing surprise. She walks him over to your group and sets him down on his own two feet. "Go on, tell them~"  
+  
+He bashfully nods a bit and turns to your group. "Th-that was.. I-I mean um.. mnh.." Getting frustrated with himself, he forces himself to take a calming breath and actually talks with his full volume voice.  
+  
+"Thank you for being n-nice to me and bringing back my Regalia and if you want to try again you can!"  
+  
+Morana grins down at him. "What he said~" 
+
+The two stand up and walk away hand in hand toward their shared home in the distance.
+  
+*IF THEY WIN* 
+ 
+Whittaker flops into the snow on his back, his blade jammed straight down into the powder. Exhausted, battered and bruised, he stares into the sky, and you can see him smiling a little.  
+  
+When the gold circle dissipates, Morana walks up and smiles down at Whittaker with a Cheshire grin. "Well? Did you have fun?"  
+  
+Whitaker will sit upright after a moment, nodding a bit. "I-I did.. it was scary and tough, but.. it was alot of fun.."  
+  
+He slowly gets to his feet, wobbling a bit as he does. Morana reaches down to help him up, but for once, he holds up a hand and stops her, much to her surprise. He slowly walks over, picks up his weapon, cleans it on his vest, and slides it into the scabbard on the back of his waist.   
+  
+He then hobbles to your group, taking the weapon off his waist entirely, and plants it into the snow, scabbard first. "I-I don't wanna let this go, but.. I feel better knowing it's in.. ya know.. YOUR hands than stolen, so.. take the Mokha Verglas..~"  
+  
+He lets go of the weapon with both hands at the same time, slowly standing back up and walking over to Morana. And she is absolutely delighted to see this change in him. Morana takes his hand in hers, Whitaker smiling up at her, then your group.
+
+Morana comments, "I think I speak for both of us when I say, you are welcome back anytime~"  
+  
+Whittaker nods happily and waves at your group with his free hand, both of them walking toward the house together, before Whittaker trips on a thick pile of snow and flops over, pulling them both down. And they both just laugh and laugh.
+  

Story/06 - Challenges/Zahir.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+YELLOW  
+  
+Upon returning to the YELLOW demense, you see everything is pretty much the same. The beach is still golden yellow, the waves are still rolling, and the boardwalk is still standing.
+
+But, there are far fewer people out and about in the sand and water, and the few that ARE there are all heading in the same direction: To the far end of the boardwalk, toward Zahir's warehouse building.  
+  
+The stores and shops are still open, but there are signs in the windows declaring they are closing early today.
+
+*IF THEY GO TO THE STORE OR FOOD SHACK*
+(Horace the pelican / Janice the flamingo) is in the middle of putting some of their merchandise in cardboard boxes, but stops to see you coming and immediately hops behind the register. "Oh hey, it's the Kings of Kings! How can I help ya?"
+
+*WHERE IS EVERYONE*
+"DJ Zahir's having another party, and everyone's invited. I'm heading there too, I wanna sell some goodies sooner rather than later."
+
+-----
+
+*IF THEY FOLLOW*  
+The people are definitely going inside that same building, but the lights are much less blinding this time around.
+
+(NOTICE roll)
+- The music is also much less rave-like, and much more electro-pop-style.
+- You could almost swear you hear the song "Sweet Little Bumblebee"  
+  
+*IF THEY ENTER*  
+The overhead spotlights are focused in the center of the massive floorspace, surrounding a huge group of people cheering excitedly in a massive circle around that illuminated spot, chanting ZA HIR! ZA HIR! ZA HIR!  
+  
+As you wade through the crowd one person at a time, you eventually see Zahir, panting and dancing rhythmically as he waves all four arms in the air. There is also a second person flopped on the ground beside him in exhaustion. 
+
+Six of the hexagonal floor tiles are lit up bright yellow in a circle with arrows pointing out in six directions. The DJ station has a VERY old and VERY large wood-frame TV sitting atop the table with a Dance Dance Revolution display on the screen. 
+  
+The song finally ends, and the TV declares Player 1 Zahir as the winner. He turns around as the audience cheers in excitement, cheering alongside them for a moment. He then leans down and offers his opponent a hand up, the same butterfly man that ran the station during Zahir's prior show.
+
+Zahir pulls him straight into a four armed hug, thanking him for the fun. He hands his opponent off to a nearby group of people, before he is rushed by the crowd in excitement. He gives high fives & fist bumps to everyone, until he spots your group in the crowd, waving at you all excitedly. "HEY HEY! It's the Kings of Kings!"
+  
+He launches himself straight up into the air and lands behind your group, giving (highest NOTICE roller) a massive four armed bear hug. "Didja come back to visit li'l ol' me?" He giggles a bit excitedly.  
+  
+*IF REGALIA*  
+"Ohhh, you're here for the THMACKDOWN, are ya?"
+
+*YES*
+"Well fine by me, I'm all warmed up!" 
+ 
+He launches into the open air overhead with a line of yellow light trailing him Tron style, spinning in circles around the station where the TV is. In a matter of moments, the TV setup is gone AND the station is back to how it was during the party before, ready for someone to operate it. 
+  
+He grabs the mic and flutters in the air for a moment before loudly speaking, "ATTENTION PARTYGOERS, WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY A RETURN APPEARANCE OF THE KINGS OF KINGS! AND THEY ARE HERE TO TAKE ON DJ ZAHIR ONLARLA IN AN OFFICIAL CHAAAAALLEEEEENGE!!!"  
+  
+Everyone in the audience suddenly explodes in cheer, backing up and giving your group plenty of space. Zahir floats down and pitches the microphone toward the DJ station, and it is caught by the same butterfly man he just won against.
+  
+Zahir clangs his topmost two fists together, and you see he has dawned a pair of metal gauntlets in the shape of large bees with mandibles for knuckle guards. "The stage is set! The lights are just right! It's time to show you how I fight!!!"  
+   
+AFTER THE FIGHT   
+  
+*IF THEY LOSE*  
+Zahir is panting up a storm, but is also laughing heartily, very much enjoying this whole encounter. He cups all four hands around his mouth and shouts "EVERYONE GIVE IT UP FOR THE KINGS OF KINGS!"  
+  
+Everyone cheers with excitement, and once the gold circle dissipates, the audience helps you get back onto your feet slowly and carefully. Zahir continues, "LET IT BE KNOWN THEY HAVE A VIP PASS TO EVERY PARTY FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF TIME!!!"  
+  
+Everyone cheers their heads off and suddenly goes full mosh pit, lifting your group into the air and parading you around the entire facility as the music picks back up. They dance around d with you all in their arms for a song or two, before letting you down near the building entrance.  
+  
+"You guys did amazing, and you put on a great show! Feel free to come back for a rematch, and next time, I know you'll do even better!"  
+  
+*IF THEY WIN*  
+Zahir flops onto his knees, legs splaying wide anime schoolgirl style, and throws his head back, flinging beads of sweat back at the audience.   
+  
+"THAT.. WAS.. AMAZING!" He throws his hands in the air. "I HAVENT HAD A FIGHT THAT GOOD IN AGES!"  
+  
+He slowly stands up, pulling off his gauntlets with slow pained difficulty, and offers them to your group. "You've earned my Nova Knuckles, AND my respect!"  
+  
+He turns to the people before announcing, "GIVE IT UP FOR THE KINGS OF KIIIIINGS!!!"
+
+Applause erupts from the audience for several seconds, before Zahir flops back onto the ground in exhaustion. "I think for the first time in a long time, I need a break..."  
+  
+He closes his eyes, smiling wide as he rests. The other partygoers fall silent, looking toward each other in conformation, before slowly gathering around Zahir to pick him up as a group and carry him off outside the facility, mosh pit style.  
+  
+*IF THEY ASK*  
+One of the partygoers, a human woman with a black ponytail in neon green and black clothing, tells you they're taking him home.  
+  
+*IF THEY FOLLOW*  
+You see in the distance what looks like a normal wooden beach house, the walls painted an amber yellow and the roof is a brick red. The home is fenced in with a small front yard & much larger backyard, and you see what looks like man-made beehives in that yard.
+  
+The people carrying him coordinate opening the front door for him and carry him inside. 
+  
+-----  
+  
+*LIVING ROOM*  
+The building itself is surprisingly normal. Basic yellow walls and brown furniture, some bee and honeycomb shaped knickknacks all around, nothing too out of the ordinary.  
+  
+(INVESTIGATE Roll) You see an entire shelf of framed photographs, each one showing a different party he has thrown with different guests of honor. You all find the one he took with your group last time you visited the Demense, but the one beside it catches your eye.
+
+- You find a group photo of Zahir with the three commanders of the Thunder Force and King Akarui  
+- The photo couldn't be more than a year old
+- The scar under Harken's eye is missing  
+  
+-----  
+  
+*BEDROOM*  
+  
+The light is low, but you can see a king size bed in the far corner, a few encouraging posters on the walls making various bee puns, and a desk covered in tools, scraps of metal, various wires, and other pieces of electronics.  
+  
+(INVESTIGATE roll)  
+- There are hexagonal plates on the table 
+- They are connected to light fixtures 
+- LIGHT magic is glowing from the power units 
+  
+-----  
+  
+*BACKYARD*  
+  
+The entire yard is full of fresh produce, bright flowers, and SO MANY GODDAMN BEES SWARMING AROUND A MASSIVE WOODEN HIVE. There is also a sign that says WARNING: Melipona beecheii  
+  
+(ACADEMICS Roll)  
+- You recall this as a type of bee without stingers but they bite STUPID hard  
+- Their honey is smooth and a little sour, but has medicinal AND psychedelic proerties  
+- The Mayans had a male god associated with this species of bee called AH-MUZEN-CAB  
+