diff --git a/Mainline-Story/04 - Returns.txt b/Mainline-Story/04 - Returns.txt index 319ba0d..dce27dd 100644 --- a/Mainline-Story/04 - Returns.txt +++ b/Mainline-Story/04 - Returns.txt @@ -1,1037 +1,1119 @@ -RED - -Upon returning to the RED domain, you see that everything has been returned back to normal after the Marauders' attack. 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 stops rotating a pig on a spit, handing it off to someone else, and approaches your group, arms crossed. "Well if it ain't the Kings of Kings." -- Culver the yellowjacket puts down his hedge clippers, hopping over the fence line and staring at you in awe. "I hoped you'd come back someday!" -- Lana the Asp steps out from behind her shop display, cautiously looking your group over. "I am... SO shocked you're still alive after last time..." -- Kyong the bearded dragon steps up to you, ukulele in hand. "I bet you came back to hear me play some more, didn't ya?" He starts strumming lightly on his instrument as he laughs. - -*ASK FOR AODAGHAN* -Their faces dtop in shock, they look toward each other, and point toward the Volcano. Before you walk away, Garsen grabs your attention. "Aodaghan took the day off, so be REAL careful dealing with him. He won't have his work to distract his anger." - -*VOLCANO* -(NOTICE ROLL) You hear someone whistling in the distance, a tune you can't quite place but you could swear sounds very war song like in nature. - -When you reach the main chamber, you see Aodaghan is whistling casually, as he lounges in the Lava pool up to his chest like it's a hot tub, looking genuinely relaxed for once. You also see he is the only person here today. - -"Well look who it is, the li'l shits from before. Excuse me if I don' stand an'shake ya hands, I'm free ballin' in here." - -*IF CHALLENGE* -His eye suddenly turns sharp. "You fuckers know today's my day off, right?" He will pause to sit upright, pulling his wings up and out of the lava, the fierce glowing red and orange now dripping with molten rock. "That means I got no reason to hold back." - -*IF THEY CONFIRM* -He will suddenly stand up in the pool, the lava stopping just below his waist. "Then step out and gimme five ta get ready." - -*OUTSIDE* +RED + +Upon returning to the RED domain, you see that everything has been returned back to normal after the Marauders' attack. 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 stops rotating a pig on a spit, handing it off to someone else, and approaches your group, arms crossed. "Well if it ain't the Kings of Kings." +- Culver the yellowjacket puts down his hedge clippers, hopping over the fence line and staring at you in awe. "I hoped you'd come back someday!" +- Lana the Asp steps out from behind her shop display, cautiously looking your group over. "I am... SO shocked you're still alive after last time..." +- Kyong the bearded dragon steps up to you, ukulele in hand. "I bet you came back to hear me play some more, didn't ya?" He starts strumming lightly on his instrument as he laughs. + +*ASK FOR AODAGHAN* +Their faces dtop in shock, they look toward each other, and point toward the Volcano. Before you walk away, Garsen grabs your attention. "Aodaghan took the day off, so be REAL careful dealing with him. He won't have his work to distract his anger." + +*VOLCANO* +(NOTICE ROLL) You hear someone whistling in the distance, a tune you can't quite place but you could swear sounds very war song like in nature. + +When you reach the main chamber, you see Aodaghan is whistling casually, as he lounges in the Lava pool up to his chest like it's a hot tub, looking genuinely relaxed for once. You also see he is the only person here today. + +"Well look who it is, the li'l shits from before. Excuse me if I don' stand an'shake ya hands, I'm free ballin' in here." + +*IF CHALLENGE* +His eye suddenly turns sharp. "You fuckers know today's my day off, right?" He will pause to sit upright, pulling his wings up and out of the lava, the fierce glowing red and orange now dripping with molten rock. "That means I got no reason to hold back." + +*IF THEY CONFIRM* +He will suddenly stand up in the pool, the lava stopping just below his waist. "Then step out and gimme five ta get ready." + +*OUTSIDE* +(NOTICE Roll) +- You hear drumming back down in the little village at the base of the volcano. +- And you smell a LOT of cooked meat. + +----- + +*IF THEY STAY AND WAIT* +After about five minutes, but Aodaghan finally steps out in his full combat attire. His hair is tied back and draped behind his deep red long coat, lined in black with black shoulders, the front held together with gold chains. His chest is exposed and leads down to a black pair of slacks, but no shoes, exposing his bird feet. + +"Aight, let's get th' show on th--" He pauses, looking around. "The fuck is that noise?" He starts sniffing the open air, his eyes getting sharp. "Fuuuck, who did you assholes tell???" + +He will throw his wings open and suddenly rocket off into the sky, flame erupting from his feet like small jet engines, headed straight for the village. + +----- + +In the village, you see a group of people on the far end of the street all circled around a large fire. Two of them are banging away on pahu drums, two are chopping vegetables, two are tending to two different spits of meat (one with a pig and one with different segments of beef), and one sitting back and supervising the whole event. + +They have made this a ceremonial event, all of them wearing more festive attire. Feather cloaks on the males, long dresses on the females, both wearing strings of flowers, and colorful stripe banners are hung all around. + +Aodaghan stares down the group of people, arms crossed and physically putting off an immense amount of heat, which gets the attention of the people. He is perfectly encapsulating 'resting murder face.' + +"Only reason I'm not settin' ev'ry one of you assholes on fire... is cuz that shit smells edible." + +The overseer (Garsen the boar) approaches with a knowing smile and a plate of both meats and grilled & stewed veggies with a bit of rice. Aodaghan yanks it away and takes a bite. + +"...mm. Not bad." + +He immediately flops down in front of everyone, and starts munching down on the food like he hasn't eaten for the week. Everyone at the party starts cheering and handing out food, including to YOUR group if you want it. + +Aodaghan spends the next several minutes eating all the food he can get his hands on. Anyone who tries to talk to him gets short choppy responses while he eats. + +By the time everyone has finished, there are ten empty plates at his feet. He suddenly shoots his head upward and belches VERBOSELY, a massive fireball shooting into the open air. + +"Aight... enough stallin'." He hops up and walks over to the previous scorched circle in the ground, standing in the center. He pulls his blade out and jams the tip jnto the ground. "Aodaghan Panthrandu officially accepts yer challenge fer my Regalia. Now get yer asses in here an' say the words." + +AFTER THE FIGHT + +*IF THEY LOSE* +He will stand before you all, spitting a glob of blood to the side, his sword jammed into the ground to help him stay upright. "Well fuck me runnin', you little shits ain't half bad." + +He will pause to grab his shoulder, jerking it upright and cracking it into place, before continuing. "Come back when you got a little more to offer." He will then extend his wings and attempt to fly off, wobbling a little in the air at first as he leaves. + +*IF THEY WIN* +He grumbles as he lies facedown in the dirt, slowly picking himself up. "Shit... been a while since I lost a fight.." He extends his arm and jams his sword into the ground. "Here's my Regalia, the Flint Flametongue. It's yer prize fer beatin' me, Kings o' Kings." + +He extends his wings, one not extending the full way. "Guess I'm walkin'." He'll retract them both and limp past your group toward the cavern, leaving you with only your prize in the scorchmark of a battlezone. + +-----=====-----=====----- + +ORANGE + +Upon returning to the Orange domain, you will see that everything is more or less the same, still the infinite expanse of sand and the three pyramids around you. + +*INSIDE* +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 they walk, he will continue to put the books away* + +*ASK ABOUT DM* +"Is that the title now? Bit pretentious if you ask me, Guardian has a much nicer ring." + +*ASK IF HE IS DM* +"You caught me! Not that I was hiding it or anything. But yes, I am the Master of this Domain." + +*WHY DIDNT HE TELL THEM* +"Well I can't answer a question you never ask!" + +----- + +*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 asks you to follow him into the front of the library, goes behind the counter, and opens up a secret floor panel, leading down into a VERY dark abyss. "Onward and downward, as it were?" + +The pathway leads you down several yards underground, and it gets darker as you go. But once you reach the bottom, you see a rack with several unlit wooden torch sticks on the wall. + +(NOTICE ROLL) You also spot hanging nearby +- A brown fedora +- A blue & white baseball cap +- A brown leather whip + +He grabs a torch, lights it with a match from his coat pocket, and walks through another pathway, but only another 50 feet or so. You open up to an internal chamber with a completely separate set of bookshelves made of stone lined with old cloth. + +The books themselves however are covered in various 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 to contribute again. And most of those people are gone." + +*WHY NOT HIM* +"The type of chronomancy that ritual performs doesn't work on Domain Masters. I've tried. It needs to be a normal mortal person." + +(CONTACTS ROLL) You suddenly recall SOMEONE in the ice domain 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 lets 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 mirthfully and steps in front of her before giving her a big bear hug, the two nuzzling cheeks like you'd expect cats to. This goes on for a few moments until Conroy spots Whitaker standing nervously by his lonesome, letting her go and kneeling down in front of him. "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 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 his hair slowly. + +You see faint glows of orange in his hair, small particles of sand falling from them, as you see a single tear streak down Conroy's cheek. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... you didn't deserve ANY of that..." + +He glances over at your group with a knowing look. "Being borderline immortal doesn't mean we're immune to pain and suffering..." + +He stands up, holding Whitaker's hand in his own, and guides you all back to the laboratory pyramid, humming an excited tune. + +He holds the door open for Morana first, guides you all back to the chamber, and walks to the panel. "Alright, just step onto the platform for me and--" + +Morana interrupts him, stepping up 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 swirls around her for a few moments (a sight YOU never saw from the outside) and shoots off into the library. Conroy runs off after it, and you can hear his ecstatic squee from inside the deepest part of the library. He comes running back in with a book titled 'The Diadem Anthology.' + +"A brand new mint condition reprint! And you're the first to see it! I'm so excited!" He places it on the table and backs away, reclaiming Whitaker's hand as Morana picks it up and begins reading aloud to your group. + +----- + +In the beginning, the universe itself was nothingness within nothing, existence without existing. 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 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 came back were RESTORED. +- Bearing witness beget ALL, and turning away bore NOTHING. +- Resistance beget STRENGTH, 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, even with a direct counterpart, and wished to see itself be the deciding factor for this new domain they found themselves in. + +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 ensuring 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 within them. + +And, once the balance was established within them, 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. It was fascinated in witnessing something that acted so similar to how it itself had begun, and decided to bring itself to that planet to see. + +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, meanwhile, had been mortified with its tampering of the natural flow of events, and had 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, it chose to take what it knew about the people at that time, and 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), it created a consciousness for each of the twelve concepts. Each one was similar to its own, BUT specifically using single emotions and sensations from the mortals it encountered the first time as a basis for each one. They were instructed to disguise themselves so they may walk amongst the people together, still within close proximity of itself but not suffocatingly so. + +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. Some had been given names and descriptions of people YOU recognized. Zeroth became King Midas, Miranda became Queen Cleopatra and inspired the Sphinx, Whitaker became many cryptids of lore, Fulmo & Tlaloc became Zeus & Hercules, all thirteen of them were the guests of honor at the Last Supper, just to name a few! + +If that was all that changed, the story may have progressed perfectly fine like their first visit, but this time, their interaction resulted in another unintended consequence. In addition to exposing themselves as entities that existed beyond that of the average mortal, they also exposed the people to their uniquely godly power of manipulation toward the concepts themselves, and after only a few generations exposure, many of the mortals began to learn to replicate these abilities themselves in their own unique ways! + +The mortals had learned how to manipulate the elements through the use of what they would refer to as magic, and eventually, the utility of magic ended up side by side with the development of technology, rather than abandoning the former to pursue the latter as history should have been. + +Eventually, Zeroth realized that he simply did not understand enough about how the world and its inhabitants worked. He was an entity of untold ability, designed to be a neutralizing force among the dozen other (now free) forces. And neither he, nor the other concepts, could be anything less than 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 would pause and turn 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, fragments of the Creator of this universe?" + +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 placed the book down. "And the regalia are... what, fragments of YOUR power, but not animated in the way he did with you?" + +Conroy replies "Correct. He wished to slowly test and increment your access to his power in slow doses, as it were. But he demanded you earn it in challenges of wit and strength, outsmarted and outfitting each of us in our own unique ways." + +Morana steps closer, arms crossed. "You could've said something, done anything to help them-- help US." + +Conroy sighed a bit and ran his free hand on the panel of the book creator. "Truth be told, I simply did what I could to make things better. Few of us wished to participate, but we are an extension of him. He still overrides us as a whole." + +Morana steps up to Conroy, determination in her eyes. "So if he ordered you to kill us all..?" Conroy stares into her eyes, paused perfectly still. But Whittaker reaches up and takes a hand of each, shaking his head slowly. + +Conroy sighs softly. "The short answer is no.. When he gave us wills of our own, he gave us freedom of choice.. everything we do is our own decision, even if we are still connected to him and this place.. He simply prevents us from rebelling, not living out our own versions of existence." Whitaker stares up at her with big doe eyes, beginning to tear up. She drops to her knees and hugs him tight to her, sighing in relief. + +"That's all I needed to hear." She smiled up at Conroy, before taking 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... he paid a hefty price, but 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* +"Well I'm not one for violence, but truth be told, I'm curious to see how far you have all come." + +*IF THEY DIDNT GO THERE ALREADY, HE WILL GUIDE THEM TO THE BOOK MAKER* + +He reaches down, grabs the orange 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 walk 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 coliseum of sorts. + +He will stand in the center, slip on the stone buckler looking item, and take an odd fighting stance, left arm out with hand raised. "Conroy Kaksteist versus the Kings of Kings, a fight for the history books... En Garde!" + +AFTER THE FIGHT + +IF THEY LOSE +Conroy will stand before them, wobbling heavily. "That... was a fight for the ages, my friends. 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... Kings of Kings... If you fight the others with this much ferocity, I'm sure that prize will be yours." + +He will suddenly lean backwards and flop onto the floor, panting heatedly. He will shakily raise his arms, remove his magical buckler, and place it on his chest. "Your prize is the Sanskrit Chronicle.. Good luck on your journey, Kings of Kings.." + +-----=====-----=====----- + +YELLOW + +Upon returning to the YELLOW domain, you see there are far fewer people out and about, and the few that ARE there are all heading in the same direction: To the far end of the domain, in the direction of the warehouse building. + +The stores and shops are still open as well, but they appear to be closing up very shortly. The attendee will tell them Zahir is having another dance party and they wanna get there as soon as they can. + +*IF THEY FOLLOW* +The people are definitely going inside that same building, and there are lights and music as well, but it doesn't seem as loud and powerful this time around. + +(NOTICE ROLL) You could almost swear you hear a song playing out loud, and it sounds like "Sweet Little Bumblebee" + +*IF THEY ENTER* +You come in right when a song playing out loud is ending, everyone cheering excitedly and 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. + +"WOO! That was fun! We should do DDR more often!" If you look on the floor, six of the hexagonal tiles are lit up bright yellow in a circle with arrows pointing out in all six directions, and the DJ station has what looks like a VERY old wood-frame TV sitting atop the table with a Dance Dance Revolution display on the screen. + +Zahir turns around and cheers in excitement, then suddenly spots your group in the crowd. "Oh hey, it's you guys!" + +He runs over and hugs your entire group with his four arms excitedly. "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? Well fine by me, I'm all warmed up!" He will suddenly launch into the sky with a line of yellow light trailing him Tron style, spinning in circles around the station where the TV is, and in a matter of moments, it is gone AND the station is set up to play music, just like the party before. + +He grabs the mic and flutters in the air for a moment before loudly speaking, "ATTENTION PARTYGOERS, WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY THE KINGS OF KINGS! AND THEY ARE HERE TO CHALLENGE YOURS TRULY, DJ ZAHIR ONLARLAAAAAAA!!!" + +Everyone in the audience suddenly backs up while cheering, giving your group plenty of space for your upcoming event. Zahir floats down and pitches the microphone into the audience, being caught by a small child in an indigo hoodie. + +He will suddenly clang his topmost two fists together, and you see he has dawned a pair of metal gauntlets made of black and yellow rings. "The stage is set! The lights are just right! It's time to show you how we 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!" + +The audience actually help 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 out across the beach. Zahir flutters nearby and lands beside your group at the entrance to the gate. + +"You guys did amazing, 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 up in pride. "I HAVENT HAD A CHALLENGE 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 will then proceed to flop onto the ground, smiling wide as he rests. The other partygoers fall silent, slowly gathering around him to carry him off outside the facility. + +*IF THEY ASK* +One of the partygoers, a human woman in neon green and black clothing, states they're taking him home. + +*IF THEY FOLLOW* +You see in the distance what looks like a very normal wooden beach house, the walls painted an amber yellow and the roof a brick red. All the partygoers are carrying him together, taking turns handing him off to different people all he while. + +They even manage to coordinate opening the front door for him and carrying him all the way to his bedroom. In passing, you see what looks like a giant wood box in the back of the house, fenced in and surrounded by signs. + +----- + +*LIVING ROOM* +The building itself is surprisingly normal. Basic yellow walls and brown furniture all around, with some bee shaped knickknacks all around, nothing too out of the ordinary. + +(NOTICE Roll) You see an entire shelf of framed photographs, each one showing a different party. But each photo appears to be focusing on him and a different person, but one in particular catches your eye. This one is a close-up group photo of Zahir with the three commanders of the Thunder Force and King Akarui. + +(INVESTIGATE Roll) +- You notice the photo is old, at least 20 years +- You notice they are all wearing the same military style outfit +- You notice 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) +- You can see familiar hexagonal glass panels with circuitry and lights attached +- You can see fetters of mana running through some of the wiring + +----- + +*BACKYARD* + +The entire yard is full of fresh produce, bright flowers, and SO MANY GODDAMN BEES SWARMING AROUND A MASSIVE WOODEN HIVE + +(NOTICE Roll) You see a sign that says WARNING: Melipona beecheii + +(CONTACTS 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 + +-----=====-----=====----- + +Upon returning to the GREEN domain, you immediately feel a heavy breeze pressing against your faces, something you wouldn't expect from such a calming place. + +(INVESTIGATE Roll) You see something large and green swirling around in the air, and you could almost swear it looks like a bird with a REALLY long tail. + +*IF THEY GO SEE VILLI* +Villi is watching the whole thing from a pair of binoculars on top of the rock. When she hears you, she lowers the binoculars. "Oh hey, you again. Came back to see Corentin? Cuz he's a little preoccupied." + +*IF ASK ABOUT COMMOTION* +She gives a soft nasal laugh. "Target practice took a weird turn today, all the kids are taking shots at Corentin." She hands you the binoculars and you can see clear as day that Corentin is flying in circles, being shot at by colorful arrows in rapid succession. And you piece together that HE is the source of the sudden wind, from all the way over there. + +*IF HAS 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 gonna put these on your tab. You should probably go over there NOW." + +When you arrive at the tree house and put away the horses, you will see a group of adults all watching behind their own sets of binoculars while the children all take toy arrows and shoot straight up at Corentin. All the kids are laughing and having a fun time, the parents are enjoying themselves, and you'd assume Corentin is making a day of it as well. + +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 as Corentin slowly swoops down and lands between them with a flourish of his scaled emerald colored wings. + +He looks a bit different this time, wearing stylish deep greeen 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, with drapery on the front. 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 being softly. "You all did well at aiming at an overhead moving target." He holds out a hand full of multicolored suction cup arrows, which makes ALL the kids cheer and high five each other happily. + +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" The children all pout and grumble, slowly shuffling over to their parents as they head toward the gate as a sparse group. + +Corentin will slither his way over 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 domain, 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." + +*IF RETURN REGALIA* +He will graciously take back the bow, smiling a little at the sight of it. "I thank you for returning my Zeph Arcus... truth be told, if it were my decision, I would simply hand it to you now, but every Regalia must be earned through combat." + +He will suddenly spread his wings and take a quick liftoff to a far more dense grassy area several yards away before turning back to your group. He will suddenly pull back the string on the bow, and you see a magical green arrow manifest itself within the bow before launching it straight into the air. + +You watch as it rockets into the sky, exploding in a burst of wind and green energy, slowly lowering and swirling around all of you in a slow vortex. His gaze turns a bit more serious, his eyes glowing a warm green. "Let us do this right. I, Corentin Tasnyak, hereby challenge you to armed combat, with the Zeph Arcus as the prize." + +*IF THEY AGREE* +"I believe you know how these kinds of events are started." + +AFTER THE FIGHT + +*IF THEY LOSE* +Corentin will pant 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 will attempt to extend his wings, flapping a few times. "Hm.. cannot glide on the wind... Oh well." He will slither past you back to his treehouse, disappearing from sight within the taller grass. + +*IF THEY WIN* +Corentin will suddenly slump 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 for such a display of power." He will slither closer and place the bow in the hands of anyone whom accepts it. + +"Now, if you will... excuse me..." He will slowly slither his way over to the tallest part of the grass, easily three feet high, and simply spreads his arms wide before flopping back into it. "Mm... the grass in this domain 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. + +-----=====-----=====----- + +Upon returning to the BLUE domain, everything seems about the same as before. Same shops at the south, same boats docked on the east, same diver rentals on the west, and same fishermen on the north. But this time, when the people see you, they all one-at-a-time stop to look you over, recognizing you after maybe two seconds, and all start to smile. And it's more than a little concerning. + +*IF ANYONE SAYS ANYTHING* +You hear someone in the background start saying "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. And in the distance, you see a very familiar tall figure approaching. Dorrin marches his way across the dock like a champion, harpoon carried across his shoulder in his left hand. + +This time, his body is SIGNIFICANTLY better filled out, turning into the walking hulk of muscle you KNOW a shark to look like. And it's barely being contained under 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 IMMEDIATELY makes way for him to approach your group, the chanting slowly dying down as he looks down over you all with a look of stoic judgment in his eyes. "I owe you all something, something I should've given you when you first came here... My name is Dorrin Dodici. And I welcome you to my domain, Kings of Kings." He extends his beefy right hand down, palm open and turned to the side. He has extended a gentlemanly handshake. + +The second someone shakes his hand, everyone there starts cheering their hearts out. Dorrin will nod and offer to shake EACH of your hands one at a time, before taking his harpoon and slamming it butt first into the pier, the noise getting everyone's attention. "I assume you have come to challenge me for my Regalia, correct?" + +*IF THEY CONFIRM* +"Then let today be the day that the Kings of Kings challenge Dorrin Dodici, and may the tides of victory be ever in your favor!" Everyone starts cheering again, but this time, he raises a hand to silence everyone. + +"BUT FIRST! I still owe you a debt of gratitude for finding out my daughter is still alive. Before our fight, please join us in a meal of the finest seafood our Domain has to offer!" + +*IF THEY AGREE* +Everyone cheers louder than before, the entire south side of the Domain 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, even glasses of wine are being poured for everyone. + +You start to hear sizzling and smell the distinct scent of fish cooking, the entire east and west piers full of 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. + +You see Gallon suddenly waltz up with a violin in hand, starting to 9lay slow soft music in the fkrm of a half-italian half-sea shanty tune to accent the music, while someone else brings in a basket of bread for everyone. + +After everyone has had their fill, Dorrin approaches your group, looking visually no different despite eating twice as much as your whole group combined. He grips spear with intent and slams the flat end on the ground, getting everyone's attention. "Our stomachs are full, our spirits are high! The time for upcoming battle 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 yanks his tie off and tosses it just as unceremonyously, followed by his hat and cufflinks. He takes his fighting position, spear gripped in both hands, and declares, "After you!" + +AFTER THE FIGHT + +*IF THEY LOSE* +Dorrin stands tall, battered and bruised with his suit in shreds, but gripping his harpoon tightly. The position he stands in 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. One of the nearby fisherman will carry his tossed clothes alongside him. + +*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, needing about eight to do so. 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. + +-----=====-----=====----- + +THERE IS NO REASON TO RETURN TO THE PURPLE DOMAIN, SO INSTEAD THIS WILL BE WHEN THEY CHALLENGE AKARUI FOR THE PURPLE REGALIA + +Upon entering the office, Akarui will be furiously scribbling down some information on a series of papers, barely even looking in your direction. It takes a few moments, but he eventually stops, and you could almost swear you see steam rolling off the tip of his pen. He sighs and flops back in his chair a bit. + +"I'm very sorry 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'm afraid I don't have alot of time to talk, but what can I do for you today?" + +*MENTION REGALIA* +His eyes will suddenly widen, before reaching to his intercom button. "Nash? Please hold all my calls, paperwork, and meetings until further notice. Something urgent just came up." + +He them shuts off the intercom, leaning forward on the desk. "So... you are after HIS Regalia. I could not have asked for a better opportunity for this." + +He will open his drawer, pulling out a metal cross in gold and purple, and place it on his desk. "Did I mention to you that I was a Regalia Hunter?" + +"Decades ago when I first arrived, I tried my hand at playing by their rules, thought I would see about beating all the Domain Masters one by one with my team." + +He will pick up the Regalia and hang it from his neck, the Regalia glowing softly and his eyes emanating a faint violet glow. "Sadly, Arledge was my first and ONLY victory." + +"I found out how difficult these treasures were to earn. Arledge may be a pacifist by nature, but he's also a surprisingly adept endurance fighter. It took me AN HOUR to finally defeat him, and even then, only barely." + +He walks over to your group, sitting on top of the desk to meet you more at eye level. "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 very much right. Every Domain I tried for after that one, I lost. These Domain Masters are MONSTERS." + +The look in his eye changes to ferocity. "But I also learned that someday, someone would want to take this from ME. And I have been training for that day, every day, to guarantee I can be JUST as monstrous as them, for the sake of something this important." + +"Kings of Kings, I will accept your challenge for this Regalia. Meet me in the Sports Zone in one hour, at the Combat Arena. I need to gather my supplies and prepare for what I can only assume to be war." + +He thinks for a moment before continuing, "Plus, it... could be an interesting way to boost morale among the people, maybe get your faces out there even more." He walks toward the door and holds it open. "I promise you will not be disappointed." As you leave, the door will slowly and quietly close. + +----- + +The Sports Zone is almost completely empty at this moment, the only people on the particular arenas being the maintainers keeping them clean. King Akarui will be standing in the very back, in the middle of a fairly large stone square, fifty feet across if not more. + +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 to win in what they hope is a landslide victory. + +Which is made even more apparent by the purple and gold banners, signs, and cardboard cutout faces on sticks being swung around. And every second that ticks by, more and more are showing up to join them. + +Akarui appears surprised. "This is... a bit more than I was expecting, but I'm certainly not complaining." He turns to the audience and switched 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?!" And everyone responds with an ABSURD amount of cheering. + +Nash runs on stage, microphone in hand, and speaks through a pair of large speakers projecting from BEHIND the growing audience. You can see the end of his mic has a small green magic orb, indicating it is using wind magic. + +"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Today is a once in a lifetime kind of show! Our King Akarui is going to be challenged by the scrappy newcomers, the Kings of Kings!" Everyone starts cheering again, but this time, there is actually a small group of people chanting on YOUR side of the audience. + +Akarui smiles a bit wider. "I was so hoping you would have at least SOME adoring fans that weren't that spider friend of yours. It makes it so much more fun when we both have a favored audience, doesn't it?" + +He laughs uproariously, already enjoying himself, before clearing his throat. He reaches up and grabs his Regalia, looking to your group and raising an arm, causing Nash to literally dive out of the arena in a hurry. " On behalf of Arledge Tannifila, I CHALLENGE THEE!" + +The magical golden circle will appear from his feet (as well as anyone else's with a Regalia in hand), circling the group and lightly glowing purple. "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 in gold and reaches is full physical range, signifying the stage is set. He will bend down a bit, right leg forward and arm-wings expanded, taking a swift style battle stance. "May the best Regalia Hunters win!" + +AFTER THE FIGHT + +Akarui will (stand if win, kneel if lose) 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 will rush in to congratulate the victor. + +But before anyone can reach them, the Thunder Force will step in and force everyone back to a safe distance. Jensen with her rifle, Valeos with his twin swords, and Harken cracking his knucles will all be at the forefront, backs facing your group as they keep the crowd back. 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 them, someone will step in from seemingly nowhere and place his 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 will walk over to their group, and extend a hand toward them. "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 will walk over to their group, and slowly remove the Regalia from around his neck, extending it in his wings. "I have safeguarded this treasure, what I consider to be one of the lost important relics I have ever owned, for twenty-five years." + +"And now, as your King, I proudly present it to you Kings of Kings to continue it in my place." He hands it to whomever accepts it, and turns away. "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 ya'll, 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? Ya'll know I can grill up a meeeaaan tofu burger!" + +Akarui sighs a little in defeat. "Do I get a choice in the matter?" + +Arledge grins cheekily. "Nope!" + +Akarui retorts. "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. "Ya'll're welcome too, ya know. We got plenty ta spare." + +*IF THEY ACCEPT* +Your group receives a literal police escort by all three Thunder Force commanders, all the way to the Violet Domain. You also get to see a rare treat, all three of them AND King Akarui talking and enjoying each other's company like old friends. + +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. + +Harken only stays for a few minutes, but the rest of the morning/afternoon/evening is filled with fantastic cooked foods, laughter from all sides, and a surprisingly positive atmosphere despite the circumstances where you literally just beat the snot out of the King Akarui. + +-----=====-----=====----- + +Upon returning to the PINK domain, 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 filled with people, all excitedly chattering about the upcoming fight. + +There are concession stands selling popcorn, drinks, hot dogs, burgers, and every kind of snack food you can imagine, all ran and sponsored by local Diadem restaurants. And the lines forming from them are surprisingly short, but you can immediately see why when the people only wait aboseca minute before their food is done. + +"Welcome back, Kings of Kings." You see Caelum standing at a podium with a stepping stool, meeting you at eye level easily, but this time with his hood up. + +"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." + +Once you reach the craft room, you see the door is partly open. Inside is indeed Miranda, as well as about ten different spools of thread hanging about in the air, as well as several patches of fabric, all faintly glowing pink. + +Miranda, on the other hand, is standing in the middle of it all, wearing a black denim crafting apron, but 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 top right before your eyes in a matter of moments. + +She sees you peeking into the room, and smiles. "You can come in if you like, I promise not to bite~ This time~" 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 certainly hope you're all ready for this, we have quite an audience out there~ I made sure to sell this as an event for the ages~" + +*IF YES* +Caelum will step inside and shut the door behind him, walking up to Miranda, whom will happily ruffle his hair with her hand. "I assume it's time?" + +He will squirm and make cute huffy little noises before nodding. "Yes Mom." + +"Lead our guests outside and introduce them first. I only need a minute to change." Caelum nods again and leads your group outside, and in only these few minutes, almost all the seats have completely filled. + +You see tons of people you recognize, including King Akarui, several members of the Thunder Force, and even Striker. Although HE just seems to be taking bets and exchanging tickets. + +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 BATTLE BETWEEN MADAM MIRANDA AND THE KINGS OF KIIIIINGS!" The audience immediately starts roaring with applause. "FIRST, WE WILL INTRODUCE OUR 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 DOMAIN, MADAM MIRANDA BAARAH!!!" + +From the distant corner of the room, aspotlight shines down and an explosion of bright pink smoke and confetti erupts. Once it slowly ebbs away, Miranda stands proudly in the very outfit she was building. + +She struts out in a black leather outfit comprised of a halter top, a 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, her right hip carries a whip on a buckle holster, and her left has a brown satchel. + +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. + +She reaches the arena and steps up, bending down VERY slowly as she steps between the ropes, knowing EXACTLY what she is doing to the audience. + +Once she finally stands back up, Caelum will hand off the mic to her and pull up his hoodie, trotting off the stage, as she speaks to the audience. "Thank you all for coming out! I know it's a rare occasion to see me fight, so I wanted this one to be as special as possible!" + +Everyone cheers in excitement as she steps toward your group for a moment, pulling her whip off the clasp. "Let's give these people a show they will never forget!" + +AFTER THE FIGHT + +*IF THEY LOSE* +Miranda will proudly raise an arm in the air as the audience cheers their hearts out that their idol has rightly (in their eyes) won the fight, and will step forward, her outfit tattered in several places. + +"Kings of Kings, I thank you for giving this fight everything you had! This was a fantastic event, and even though you did not win, you impressed each and every one of these people who came out tonight!" And just to prove the point, everyone starts cheering hysterically again. + +"I extend an open invitation to you and your group to challenge me again! 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, as she simply hands the microphone to Caelum and steps off, doing her whole walk up routine in reverse. + +*IF THEY WIN* +Miranda will fall back onto the stage and lie there, 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, but will do his job and count slowly from one to ten, but she does not get 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, and she spits out a gob of blood to the side, but smiles wide at your group. + +"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. + +After you take it, 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. + +-----=====-----=====----- + +(ATHLETICS Roll) Right before you enter the gate, a snowball launches at you from within, slamming right into the lowest roller's face. + +Upon returning to the WHITE domain, you see dozens of snowballs whizzing by in every direction imaginable, screaming ringing out from every corner, and children lying in the snow. You didn't just enter a snowball fight, you entered an active snow war zone. + (NOTICE Roll) -- You hear drumming back down in the little village at the base of the volcano. -- And you smell a LOT of cooked meat. +- You can see the dozens of children flinging snowballs on the left +- 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 trees. + - You notice a boy in a familiar Indigo hoodie leading the charge, directing the children to aim at the trees ------ +*IF THEY APPROACH OR CALL TO HIM* +Caelum will see you, then do a doubletake when he realizes who you are. He quickly trots off while the kids continue to aim for the trees and approaches your group. -*IF THEY STAY AND WAIT* -After about five minutes, but Aodaghan finally steps out in his full combat attire. His hair is tied back and draped behind his deep red long coat, lined in black with black shoulders, the front held together with gold chains. His chest is exposed and leads down to a black pair of slacks, but no shoes, exposing his bird feet. +"Well this is a surprise, didn't expect the Kings of Kings to join in on the--" He suddenly flops face first into the snow in front of you, a solid imprint of a snowball striking him on the back of his hooded head. -"Aight, let's get th' show on th--" He pauses, looking around. "The fuck is that noise?" He starts sniffing the open air, his eyes getting sharp. "Fuuuck, who did you assholes tell???" - -He will throw his wings open and suddenly rocket off into the sky, flame erupting from his feet like small jet engines, headed straight for the village. - ------ - -In the village, you see a group of people on the far end of the street all circled around a large fire. Two of them are banging away on pahu drums, two are chopping vegetables, two are tending to two different spits of meat (one with a pig and one with different segments of beef), and one sitting back and supervising the whole event. - -They have made this a ceremonial event, all of them wearing more festive attire. Feather cloaks on the males, long dresses on the females, both wearing strings of flowers, and colorful stripe banners are hung all around. - -Aodaghan stares down the group of people, arms crossed and physically putting off an immense amount of heat, which gets the attention of the people. He is perfectly encapsulating 'resting murder face.' - -"Only reason I'm not settin' ev'ry one of you assholes on fire... is cuz that shit smells edible." - -The overseer (Garsen the boar) approaches with a knowing smile and a plate of both meats and grilled & stewed veggies with a bit of rice. Aodaghan yanks it away and takes a bite. - -"...mm. Not bad." - -He immediately flops down in front of everyone, and starts munching down on the food like he hasn't eaten for the week. Everyone at the party starts cheering and handing out food, including to YOUR group if you want it. - -Aodaghan spends the next several minutes eating all the food he can get his hands on. Anyone who tries to talk to him gets short choppy responses while he eats. - -By the time everyone has finished, there are ten empty plates at his feet. He suddenly shoots his head upward and belches VERBOSELY, a massive fireball shooting into the open air. - -"Aight... enough stallin'." He hops up and walks over to the previous scorched circle in the ground, standing in the center. He pulls his blade out and jams the tip jnto the ground. "Aodaghan Panthrandu officially accepts yer challenge fer my Regalia. Now get yer asses in here an' say the words." - -AFTER THE FIGHT - -*IF THEY LOSE* -He will stand before you all, spitting a glob of blood to the side, his sword jammed into the ground to help him stay upright. "Well fuck me runnin', you little shits ain't half bad." - -He will pause to grab his shoulder, jerking it upright and cracking it into place, before continuing. "Come back when you got a little more to offer." He will then extend his wings and attempt to fly off, wobbling a little in the air at first as he leaves. - -*IF THEY WIN* -He grumbles as he lies facedown in the dirt, slowly picking himself up. "Shit... been a while since I lost a fight.." He extends his arm and jams his sword into the ground. "Here's my Regalia, the Flint Flametongue. It's yer prize fer beatin' me, Kings o' Kings." - -He extends his wings, one not extending the full way. "Guess I'm walkin'." He'll retract them both and limp past your group toward the cavern, leaving you with only your prize in the scorchmark of a battlezone. - ------=====-----=====----- - -ORANGE - -Upon returning to the Orange domain, you will see that everything is more or less the same, still the infinite expanse of sand and the three pyramids around you. - -*INSIDE* -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 they walk, he will continue to put the books away* - -*ASK ABOUT DM* -"Is that the title now? Bit pretentious if you ask me, Guardian has a much nicer ring." - -*ASK IF HE IS DM* -"You caught me! Not that I was hiding it or anything. But yes, I am the Master of this Domain." - -*WHY DIDNT HE TELL THEM* -"Well I can't answer a question you never ask!" - ------ - -*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 asks you to follow him into the front of the library, goes behind the counter, and opens up a secret floor panel, leading down into a VERY dark abyss. "Onward and downward, as it were?" - -The pathway leads you down several yards underground, and it gets darker as you go. But once you reach the bottom, you see a rack with several unlit wooden torch sticks on the wall. - -(NOTICE ROLL) You also spot hanging nearby -- A brown fedora -- A blue & white baseball cap -- A brown leather whip - -He grabs a torch, lights it with a match from his coat pocket, and walks through another pathway, but only another 50 feet or so. You open up to an internal chamber with a completely separate set of bookshelves made of stone lined with old cloth. - -The books themselves however are covered in various 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 to contribute again. And most of those people are gone." - -*WHY NOT HIM* -"The type of chronomancy that ritual performs doesn't work on Domain Masters. I've tried. It needs to be a normal mortal person." - -(CONTACTS ROLL) You suddenly recall SOMEONE in the ice domain 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 lets 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 mirthfully and steps in front of her before giving her a big bear hug, the two nuzzling cheeks like you'd expect cats to. This goes on for a few moments until Conroy spots Whitaker standing nervously by his lonesome, letting her go and kneeling down in front of him. "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 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 his hair slowly. - -You see faint glows of orange in his hair, small particles of sand falling from them, as you see a single tear streak down Conroy's cheek. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... you didn't deserve ANY of that..." - -He glances over at your group with a knowing look. "Being borderline immortal doesn't mean we're immune to pain and suffering..." - -He stands up, holding Whitaker's hand in his own, and guides you all back to the laboratory pyramid, humming an excited tune. - -He holds the door open for Morana first, guides you all back to the chamber, and walks to the panel. "Alright, just step onto the platform for me and--" - -Morana interrupts him, stepping up 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 swirls around her for a few moments (a sight YOU never saw from the outside) and shoots off into the library. Conroy runs off after it, and you can hear his ecstatic squee from inside the deepest part of the library. He comes running back in with a book titled 'The Diadem Anthology.' - -"A brand new mint condition reprint! And you're the first to see it! I'm so excited!" He places it on the table and backs away, reclaiming Whitaker's hand as Morana picks it up and begins reading aloud to your group. - ------ - -In the beginning, the universe itself was nothingness within nothing, existence without existing. It was only in the instance that that miraculous first event occurred that created the very first thing within it: The Word. +He will stand up for a moment, shouting OUT toward the battlefield, before turning back to your group. "C'mon, let's get you to the safe zone." -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 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 came back were RESTORED. -- Bearing witness beget ALL, and turning away bore NOTHING. -- Resistance beget STRENGTH, 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, even with a direct counterpart, and wished to see itself be the deciding factor for this new domain they found themselves in. +He guides your group to a nearby snow wall, partly dug into the ground like a baseball dugout, and lined with blankets. Hot chocolate is being made at a nearby pitfire for everyone to drink, and despite what looked like a kid friendly war zone, noone seems too hurt or upset at getting taken out. -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 ensuring 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 within them. - -And, once the balance was established within them, they took on a collective identity: ZEROTH, that which exists before any other. +Ouja, the snow fox from the cabin, steps forth with a fresh tray of hot cocoa for anyone that wants it. "Oh hey, the Kings of Kings are here!" He sets his tray down once everyone has taken a cup, making sure to save one for himself. -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. It was fascinated in witnessing something that acted so similar to how it itself had begun, and decided to bring itself to that planet to see. +*WHAT IS GOING ON* +Ouja sits down on a blanketed seat, nursing his cocoa. "So the short version is, the kids wanted to do a snowball fight and invited Whitaker & his girlfriend to join in. Problem is, it's the two of them against a hundred enthusiastic children. A bit uneven." -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. +*UNEVEN FOR WHITAKER* +He laughs softly. "I meant for the children." + +You suddenly see a familiar little lizard poke his head up from Ouja's tied back white hair. Caelum immediately picks up his lizard and puts him under his own hood. "Thank you for watching him." -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! +Ouja smiles and nods, taking a sip from his cocoa. His ears perk a moment later. "Sounds like they're making their final push." -ZEROTH, meanwhile, had been mortified with its tampering of the natural flow of events, and had 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. +*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, all standing back to back in a circle. All of them are looking around for their target, giggling playfully like they have the greatest strategy of all time. -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. +(NOTICE ROLL) You spot something moving in the snow, a faint line of black moving around the base of a nearby tree. You also notice the branch, which is covered in snow, is slowly lowering itself to the ground, and you spot a familiar pair of beady little eyes. -First, it chose to take what it knew about the people at that time, and 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), it created a consciousness for each of the twelve concepts. Each one was similar to its own, BUT specifically using single emotions and sensations from the mortals it encountered the first time as a basis for each one. They were instructed to disguise themselves so they may walk amongst the people together, still within close proximity of itself but not suffocatingly so. +Before the children can react, five snowballs fly through the air at perfect arcs and smash right into the top of their heads, each one flopping over in a giggle fit. -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. +The last one, a finch boy, just looks around seeing he is the last one, before frantically throwing snowballs in random directions and making more as fast as he can. -Throughout the following centuries, as recorded history became the norm, they were all noticed and added to the analogues of history. Some had been given names and descriptions of people YOU recognized. Zeroth became King Midas, Miranda became Queen Cleopatra and inspired the Sphinx, Whitaker became many cryptids of lore, Fulmo & Tlaloc became Zeus & Hercules, all thirteen of them were the guests of honor at the Last Supper, just to name a few! +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. -If that was all that changed, the story may have progressed perfectly fine like their first visit, but this time, their interaction resulted in another unintended consequence. In addition to exposing themselves as entities that existed beyond that of the average mortal, they also exposed the people to their uniquely godly power of manipulation toward the concepts themselves, and after only a few generations exposure, many of the mortals began to learn to replicate these abilities themselves in their own unique ways! - -The mortals had learned how to manipulate the elements through the use of what they would refer to as magic, and eventually, the utility of magic ended up side by side with the development of technology, rather than abandoning the former to pursue the latter as history should have been. +The weight on the branch disappears as Whitaker steps out and kneels down in front of the last little boy, simply touching a snowball to his head. -Eventually, Zeroth realized that he simply did not understand enough about how the world and its inhabitants worked. He was an entity of untold ability, designed to be a neutralizing force among the dozen other (now free) forces. And neither he, nor the other concepts, could be anything less than 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 would pause and turn 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, fragments of the Creator of this universe?" - -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 placed the book down. "And the regalia are... what, fragments of YOUR power, but not animated in the way he did with you?" - -Conroy replies "Correct. He wished to slowly test and increment your access to his power in slow doses, as it were. But he demanded you earn it in challenges of wit and strength, outsmarted and outfitting each of us in our own unique ways." - -Morana steps closer, arms crossed. "You could've said something, done anything to help them-- help US." - -Conroy sighed a bit and ran his free hand on the panel of the book creator. "Truth be told, I simply did what I could to make things better. Few of us wished to participate, but we are an extension of him. He still overrides us as a whole." - -Morana steps up to Conroy, determination in her eyes. "So if he ordered you to kill us all..?" Conroy stares into her eyes, paused perfectly still. But Whittaker reaches up and takes a hand of each, shaking his head slowly. - -Conroy sighs softly. "The short answer is no.. When he gave us wills of our own, he gave us freedom of choice.. everything we do is our own decision, even if we are still connected to him and this place.. He simply prevents us from rebelling, not living out our own versions of existence." Whitaker stares up at her with big doe eyes, beginning to tear up. She drops to her knees and hugs him tight to her, sighing in relief. - -"That's all I needed to hear." She smiled up at Conroy, before taking 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... he paid a hefty price, but 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* -"Well I'm not one for violence, but truth be told, I'm curious to see how far you have all come." - -*IF THEY DIDNT GO THERE ALREADY, HE WILL GUIDE THEM TO THE BOOK MAKER* - -He reaches down, grabs the orange 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 walk 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 coliseum of sorts. - -He will stand in the center, slip on the stone buckler looking item, and take an odd fighting stance, left arm out with hand raised. "Conroy Kaksteist versus the Kings of Kings, a fight for the history books... En Garde!" - -AFTER THE FIGHT - -IF THEY LOSE -Conroy will stand before them, wobbling heavily. "That... was a fight for the ages, my friends. 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... Kings of Kings... If you fight the others with this much ferocity, I'm sure that prize will be yours." - -He will suddenly lean backwards and flop onto the floor, panting heatedly. He will shakily raise his arms, remove his magical buckler, and place it on his chest. "Your prize is the Sanskrit Chronicle.. Good luck on your journey, Kings of Kings.." - ------=====-----=====----- - -YELLOW - -Upon returning to the YELLOW domain, you see there are far fewer people out and about, and the few that ARE there are all heading in the same direction: To the far end of the domain, in the direction of the warehouse building. - -The stores and shops are still open as well, but they appear to be closing up very shortly. The attendee will tell them Zahir is having another dance party and they wanna get there as soon as they can. - -*IF THEY FOLLOW* -The people are definitely going inside that same building, and there are lights and music as well, but it doesn't seem as loud and powerful this time around. - -(NOTICE ROLL) You could almost swear you hear a song playing out loud, and it sounds like "Sweet Little Bumblebee" - -*IF THEY ENTER* -You come in right when a song playing out loud is ending, everyone cheering excitedly and 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. - -"WOO! That was fun! We should do DDR more often!" If you look on the floor, six of the hexagonal tiles are lit up bright yellow in a circle with arrows pointing out in all six directions, and the DJ station has what looks like a VERY old wood-frame TV sitting atop the table with a Dance Dance Revolution display on the screen. - -Zahir turns around and cheers in excitement, then suddenly spots your group in the crowd. "Oh hey, it's you guys!" - -He runs over and hugs your entire group with his four arms excitedly. "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? Well fine by me, I'm all warmed up!" He will suddenly launch into the sky with a line of yellow light trailing him Tron style, spinning in circles around the station where the TV is, and in a matter of moments, it is gone AND the station is set up to play music, just like the party before. - -He grabs the mic and flutters in the air for a moment before loudly speaking, "ATTENTION PARTYGOERS, WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY THE KINGS OF KINGS! AND THEY ARE HERE TO CHALLENGE YOURS TRULY, DJ ZAHIR ONLARLAAAAAAA!!!" - -Everyone in the audience suddenly backs up while cheering, giving your group plenty of space for your upcoming event. Zahir floats down and pitches the microphone into the audience, being caught by a small child in an indigo hoodie. - -He will suddenly clang his topmost two fists together, and you see he has dawned a pair of metal gauntlets made of black and yellow rings. "The stage is set! The lights are just right! It's time to show you how we fight!!!" +He is also wearing a much different outfit of 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 boots with fur between the ankle & knee, and white arm warmers. You also see what looks like some kind of backpack composed of snow white feathers. -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!" - -The audience actually help 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 out across the beach. Zahir flutters nearby and lands beside your group at the entrance to the gate. - -"You guys did amazing, 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 up in pride. "I HAVENT HAD A CHALLENGE 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 will then proceed to flop onto the ground, smiling wide as he rests. The other partygoers fall silent, slowly gathering around him to carry him off outside the facility. - -*IF THEY ASK* -One of the partygoers, a human woman in neon green and black clothing, states they're taking him home. - -*IF THEY FOLLOW* -You see in the distance what looks like a very normal wooden beach house, the walls painted an amber yellow and the roof a brick red. All the partygoers are carrying him together, taking turns handing him off to different people all he while. - -They even manage to coordinate opening the front door for him and carrying him all the way to his bedroom. In passing, you see what looks like a giant wood box in the back of the house, fenced in and surrounded by signs. - ------ - -*LIVING ROOM* -The building itself is surprisingly normal. Basic yellow walls and brown furniture all around, with some bee shaped knickknacks all around, nothing too out of the ordinary. - -(NOTICE Roll) You see an entire shelf of framed photographs, each one showing a different party. But each photo appears to be focusing on him and a different person, but one in particular catches your eye. This one is a close-up group photo of Zahir with the three commanders of the Thunder Force and King Akarui. - -(INVESTIGATE Roll) -- You notice the photo is old, at least 20 years -- You notice they are all wearing the same military style outfit -- You notice 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) -- You can see familiar hexagonal glass panels with circuitry and lights attached -- You can see fetters of mana running through some of the wiring - ------ - -*BACKYARD* - -The entire yard is full of fresh produce, bright flowers, and SO MANY GODDAMN BEES SWARMING AROUND A MASSIVE WOODEN HIVE - -(NOTICE Roll) You see a sign that says WARNING: Melipona beecheii - -(CONTACTS 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 - ------=====-----=====----- - -Upon returning to the GREEN domain, you immediately feel a heavy breeze pressing against your faces, something you wouldn't expect from such a calming place. - -(INVESTIGATE Roll) You see something large and green swirling around in the air, and you could almost swear it looks like a bird with a REALLY long tail. - -*IF THEY GO SEE VILLI* -Villi is watching the whole thing from a pair of binoculars on top of the rock. When she hears you, she lowers the binoculars. "Oh hey, you again. Came back to see Corentin? Cuz he's a little preoccupied." - -*IF ASK ABOUT COMMOTION* -She gives a soft nasal laugh. "Target practice took a weird turn today, all the kids are taking shots at Corentin." She hands you the binoculars and you can see clear as day that Corentin is flying in circles, being shot at by colorful arrows in rapid succession. And you piece together that HE is the source of the sudden wind, from all the way over there. - -*IF HAS 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 gonna put these on your tab. You should probably go over there NOW." - -When you arrive at the tree house and put away the horses, you will see a group of adults all watching behind their own sets of binoculars while the children all take toy arrows and shoot straight up at Corentin. All the kids are laughing and having a fun time, the parents are enjoying themselves, and you'd assume Corentin is making a day of it as well. - -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 as Corentin slowly swoops down and lands between them with a flourish of his scaled emerald colored wings. - -He looks a bit different this time, wearing stylish deep greeen 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, with drapery on the front. 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 being softly. "You all did well at aiming at an overhead moving target." He holds out a hand full of multicolored suction cup arrows, which makes ALL the kids cheer and high five each other happily. - -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" The children all pout and grumble, slowly shuffling over to their parents as they head toward the gate as a sparse group. - -Corentin will slither his way over 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 domain, 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." - -*IF RETURN REGALIA* -He will graciously take back the bow, smiling a little at the sight of it. "I thank you for returning my Zeph Arcus... truth be told, if it were my decision, I would simply hand it to you now, but every Regalia must be earned through combat." - -He will suddenly spread his wings and take a quick liftoff to a far more dense grassy area several yards away before turning back to your group. He will suddenly pull back the string on the bow, and you see a magical green arrow manifest itself within the bow before launching it straight into the air. - -You watch as it rockets into the sky, exploding in a burst of wind and green energy, slowly lowering and swirling around all of you in a slow vortex. His gaze turns a bit more serious, his eyes glowing a warm green. "Let us do this right. I, Corentin Tasnyak, hereby challenge you to armed combat, with the Zeph Arcus as the prize." - -*IF THEY AGREE* -"I believe you know how these kinds of events are started." - -AFTER THE FIGHT - -*IF THEY LOSE* -Corentin will pant 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 will attempt to extend his wings, flapping a few times. "Hm.. cannot glide on the wind... Oh well." He will slither past you back to his treehouse, disappearing from sight within the taller grass. - -*IF THEY WIN* -Corentin will suddenly slump 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 for such a display of power." He will slither closer and place the bow in the hands of anyone whom accepts it. - -"Now, if you will... excuse me..." He will slowly slither his way over to the tallest part of the grass, easily three feet high, and simply spreads his arms wide before flopping back into it. "Mm... the grass in this domain 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. - ------=====-----=====----- - -Upon returning to the BLUE domain, everything seems about the same as before. Same shops at the south, same boats docked on the east, same diver rentals on the west, and same fishermen on the north. But this time, when the people see you, they all one-at-a-time stop to look you over, recognizing you after maybe two seconds, and all start to smile. And it's more than a little concerning. - -*IF ANYONE SAYS ANYTHING* -You hear someone in the background start saying "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. And in the distance, you see a very familiar tall figure approaching. Dorrin marches his way across the dock like a champion, harpoon carried across his shoulder in his left hand. - -This time, his body is SIGNIFICANTLY better filled out, turning into the walking hulk of muscle you KNOW a shark to look like. And it's barely being contained under 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 IMMEDIATELY makes way for him to approach your group, the chanting slowly dying down as he looks down over you all with a look of stoic judgment in his eyes. "I owe you all something, something I should've given you when you first came here... My name is Dorrin Dodici. And I welcome you to my domain, Kings of Kings." He extends his beefy right hand down, palm open and turned to the side. He has extended a gentlemanly handshake. - -The second someone shakes his hand, everyone there starts cheering their hearts out. Dorrin will nod and offer to shake EACH of your hands one at a time, before taking his harpoon and slamming it butt first into the pier, the noise getting everyone's attention. "I assume you have come to challenge me for my Regalia, correct?" - -*IF THEY CONFIRM* -"Then let today be the day that the Kings of Kings challenge Dorrin Dodici, and may the tides of victory be ever in your favor!" Everyone starts cheering again, but this time, he raises a hand to silence everyone. - -"BUT FIRST! I still owe you a debt of gratitude for finding out my daughter is still alive. Before our fight, please join us in a meal of the finest seafood our Domain has to offer!" - -*IF THEY AGREE* -Everyone cheers louder than before, the entire south side of the Domain 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, even glasses of wine are being poured for everyone. - -You start to hear sizzling and smell the distinct scent of fish cooking, the entire east and west piers full of 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. - -You see Gallon suddenly waltz up with a violin in hand, starting to 9lay slow soft music in the fkrm of a half-italian half-sea shanty tune to accent the music, while someone else brings in a basket of bread for everyone. +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." -After everyone has had their fill, Dorrin approaches your group, looking visually no different despite eating twice as much as your whole group combined. He grips spear with intent and slams the flat end on the ground, getting everyone's attention. "Our stomachs are full, our spirits are high! The time for upcoming battle 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 yanks his tie off and tosses it just as unceremonyously, followed by his hat and cufflinks. He takes his fighting position, spear gripped in both hands, and declares, "After you!" +She smiles as the children pick themselves up and run to Whitaker, pointing out how he is so cool and fast and awesome, which causes him to rub the back of his head with a nervous laugh. + +*IF THEY APPROACH* +His ears will flick a bit, hearing you coming and immediately stepping in front of the children defensively, his mirthful appearance being replaced with a mix of fear and determination. + +*PRESENT REGALIA* +He will flinch initially, but upon recognizing his Regalia, he will reach out slowly and take it back, hugging it to his chest as he stares up at you all, clearing his throat softly. "Th-thank you.. Kings of Kings.." + +Morana will step out from behind your group, and stops beside Whitaker. "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's legs happily before trotting off through the snow. + +Morana smiles and steps behind Whitaker, rubbing his hair playfully with one hand. "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." + +*ASK ABOUT REGALIA/DM* +Whitaker's eyes will flare open, staring at you in fear at the possibility of having to actually fight someone. Morana will step out from behind him and walk between him & your group. smiling wide. + +"Well I think that is more than fair honestly, that's why you came here in the first place afterall. What do you think, Whi--" She will pause, realizing 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. + +*IF THEY FOLLOW ALONG* +She will walk up to Whitaker and pick him up from behind, setting him on his two feet. "Sweetie, I know you're scared, but this is part of your responsibility as the Domain Master. Now go and do your absolute best." She will look to your group and nod, kissing the top of his head and jumping far out of the way. + +*IF CHALLENGE IS MADE* +Whitaker will frantically look around, realizing she is gone, gripping his weapon tightly. And he will sudddenly remember he HAS it, staring down at it. He will pull it out of its sheath slowly, looking at his own reflection for a second, deep in thought. + +You can see his eyes glowing a soft white, even from this distance, as a flurry of snowflakes begins to dance around him in a tight circle. He clacks the sword back into its scabbard, causing the snow 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* -Dorrin stands tall, battered and bruised with his suit in shreds, but gripping his harpoon tightly. The position he stands in 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. One of the nearby fisherman will carry his tossed clothes alongside him. +*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, much to his blushing surprise. She will literally walk him over to your group and set him down with a playful smile. "Go on dear, tell them.." + +He will bashfully nod a bit and turn to your group, clinging to Morana tightly. "Th-that was.. I-I mean um.. mnh.." Getting frustrated with himself, he will force himself to take a calming breath and actually talk to you 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 will just grin down at him and reply "What he said~" She will stand back up and walk away, carrying him all the way home. *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, needing about eight to do so. 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. - ------=====-----=====----- - -THERE IS NO REASON TO RETURN TO THE PURPLE DOMAIN, SO INSTEAD THIS WILL BE WHEN THEY CHALLENGE AKARUI FOR THE PURPLE REGALIA - -Upon entering the office, Akarui will be furiously scribbling down some information on a series of papers, barely even looking in your direction. It takes a few moments, but he eventually stops, and you could almost swear you see steam rolling off the tip of his pen. He sighs and flops back in his chair a bit. - -"I'm very sorry 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'm afraid I don't have alot of time to talk, but what can I do for you today?" - -*MENTION REGALIA* -His eyes will suddenly widen, before reaching to his intercom button. "Nash? Please hold all my calls, paperwork, and meetings until further notice. Something urgent just came up." - -He them shuts off the intercom, leaning forward on the desk. "So... you are after HIS Regalia. I could not have asked for a better opportunity for this." - -He will open his drawer, pulling out a metal cross in gold and purple, and place it on his desk. "Did I mention to you that I was a Regalia Hunter?" - -"Decades ago when I first arrived, I tried my hand at playing by their rules, thought I would see about beating all the Domain Masters one by one with my team." - -He will pick up the Regalia and hang it from his neck, the Regalia glowing softly and his eyes emanating a faint violet glow. "Sadly, Arledge was my first and ONLY victory." - -"I found out how difficult these treasures were to earn. Arledge may be a pacifist by nature, but he's also a surprisingly adept endurance fighter. It took me AN HOUR to finally defeat him, and even then, only barely." - -He walks over to your group, sitting on top of the desk to meet you more at eye level. "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 very much right. Every Domain I tried for after that one, I lost. These Domain Masters are MONSTERS." - -The look in his eye changes to ferocity. "But I also learned that someday, someone would want to take this from ME. And I have been training for that day, every day, to guarantee I can be JUST as monstrous as them, for the sake of something this important." - -"Kings of Kings, I will accept your challenge for this Regalia. Meet me in the Sports Zone in one hour, at the Combat Arena. I need to gather my supplies and prepare for what I can only assume to be war." - -He thinks for a moment before continuing, "Plus, it... could be an interesting way to boost morale among the people, maybe get your faces out there even more." He walks toward the door and holds it open. "I promise you will not be disappointed." As you leave, the door will slowly and quietly close. - ------ - -The Sports Zone is almost completely empty at this moment, the only people on the particular arenas being the maintainers keeping them clean. King Akarui will be standing in the very back, in the middle of a fairly large stone square, fifty feet across if not more. - -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 to win in what they hope is a landslide victory. - -Which is made even more apparent by the purple and gold banners, signs, and cardboard cutout faces on sticks being swung around. And every second that ticks by, more and more are showing up to join them. - -Akarui appears surprised. "This is... a bit more than I was expecting, but I'm certainly not complaining." He turns to the audience and switched 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?!" And everyone responds with an ABSURD amount of cheering. - -Nash runs on stage, microphone in hand, and speaks through a pair of large speakers projecting from BEHIND the growing audience. You can see the end of his mic has a small green magic orb, indicating it is using wind magic. - -"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Today is a once in a lifetime kind of show! Our King Akarui is going to be challenged by the scrappy newcomers, the Kings of Kings!" Everyone starts cheering again, but this time, there is actually a small group of people chanting on YOUR side of the audience. - -Akarui smiles a bit wider. "I was so hoping you would have at least SOME adoring fans that weren't that spider friend of yours. It makes it so much more fun when we both have a favored audience, doesn't it?" - -He laughs uproariously, already enjoying himself, before clearing his throat. He reaches up and grabs his Regalia, looking to your group and raising an arm, causing Nash to literally dive out of the arena in a hurry. " On behalf of Arledge Tannifila, I CHALLENGE THEE!" - -The magical golden circle will appear from his feet (as well as anyone else's with a Regalia in hand), circling the group and lightly glowing purple. "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 in gold and reaches is full physical range, signifying the stage is set. He will bend down a bit, right leg forward and arm-wings expanded, taking a swift style battle stance. "May the best Regalia Hunters win!" - -AFTER THE FIGHT - -Akarui will (stand if win, kneel if lose) 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 will rush in to congratulate the victor. - -But before anyone can reach them, the Thunder Force will step in and force everyone back to a safe distance. Jensen with her rifle, Valeos with his twin swords, and Harken cracking his knucles will all be at the forefront, backs facing your group as they keep the crowd back. 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 them, someone will step in from seemingly nowhere and place his 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 will walk over to their group, and extend a hand toward them. "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 will walk over to their group, and slowly remove the Regalia from around his neck, extending it in his wings. "I have safeguarded this treasure, what I consider to be one of the lost important relics I have ever owned, for twenty-five years." - -"And now, as your King, I proudly present it to you Kings of Kings to continue it in my place." He hands it to whomever accepts it, and turns away. "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 ya'll, 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? Ya'll know I can grill up a meeeaaan tofu burger!" - -Akarui sighs a little in defeat. "Do I get a choice in the matter?" - -Arledge grins cheekily. "Nope!" - -Akarui retorts. "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. "Ya'll're welcome too, ya know. We got plenty ta spare." - -*IF THEY ACCEPT* -Your group receives a literal police escort by all three Thunder Force commanders, all the way to the Violet Domain. You also get to see a rare treat, all three of them AND King Akarui talking and enjoying each other's company like old friends. - -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. - -Harken only stays for a few minutes, but the rest of the morning/afternoon/evening is filled with fantastic cooked foods, laughter from all sides, and a surprisingly positive atmosphere despite the circumstances where you literally just beat the snot out of the King Akarui. - ------=====-----=====----- - -Upon returning to the PINK domain, 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 filled with people, all excitedly chattering about the upcoming fight. - -There are concession stands selling popcorn, drinks, hot dogs, burgers, and every kind of snack food you can imagine, all ran and sponsored by local Diadem restaurants. And the lines forming from them are surprisingly short, but you can immediately see why when the people only wait aboseca minute before their food is done. - -"Welcome back, Kings of Kings." You see Caelum standing at a podium with a stepping stool, meeting you at eye level easily, but this time with his hood up. - -"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." - -Once you reach the craft room, you see the door is partly open. Inside is indeed Miranda, as well as about ten different spools of thread hanging about in the air, as well as several patches of fabric, all faintly glowing pink. - -Miranda, on the other hand, is standing in the middle of it all, wearing a black denim crafting apron, but 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 top right before your eyes in a matter of moments. - -She sees you peeking into the room, and smiles. "You can come in if you like, I promise not to bite~ This time~" 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 certainly hope you're all ready for this, we have quite an audience out there~ I made sure to sell this as an event for the ages~" - -*IF YES* -Caelum will step inside and shut the door behind him, walking up to Miranda, whom will happily ruffle his hair with her hand. "I assume it's time?" - -He will squirm and make cute huffy little noises before nodding. "Yes Mom." - -"Lead our guests outside and introduce them first. I only need a minute to change." Caelum nods again and leads your group outside, and in only these few minutes, almost all the seats have completely filled. - -You see tons of people you recognize, including King Akarui, several members of the Thunder Force, and even Striker. Although HE just seems to be taking bets and exchanging tickets. - -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 BATTLE BETWEEN MADAM MIRANDA AND THE KINGS OF KIIIIINGS!" The audience immediately starts roaring with applause. "FIRST, WE WILL INTRODUCE OUR 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 DOMAIN, MADAM MIRANDA BAARAH!!!" - -From the distant corner of the room, aspotlight shines down and an explosion of bright pink smoke and confetti erupts. Once it slowly ebbs away, Miranda stands proudly in the very outfit she was building. - -She struts out in a black leather outfit comprised of a halter top, a 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, her right hip carries a whip on a buckle holster, and her left has a brown satchel. - -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. - -She reaches the arena and steps up, bending down VERY slowly as she steps between the ropes, knowing EXACTLY what she is doing to the audience. - -Once she finally stands back up, Caelum will hand off the mic to her and pull up his hoodie, trotting off the stage, as she speaks to the audience. "Thank you all for coming out! I know it's a rare occasion to see me fight, so I wanted this one to be as special as possible!" - -Everyone cheers in excitement as she steps toward your group for a moment, pulling her whip off the clasp. "Let's give these people a show they will never forget!" - -AFTER THE FIGHT - -*IF THEY LOSE* -Miranda will proudly raise an arm in the air as the audience cheers their hearts out that their idol has rightly (in their eyes) won the fight, and will step forward, her outfit tattered in several places. - -"Kings of Kings, I thank you for giving this fight everything you had! This was a fantastic event, and even though you did not win, you impressed each and every one of these people who came out tonight!" And just to prove the point, everyone starts cheering hysterically again. - -"I extend an open invitation to you and your group to challenge me again! 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, as she simply hands the microphone to Caelum and steps off, doing her whole walk up routine in reverse. - -*IF THEY WIN* -Miranda will fall back onto the stage and lie there, 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, but will do his job and count slowly from one to ten, but she does not get 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, and she spits out a gob of blood to the side, but smiles wide at your group. - -"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. - -After you take it, 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. - ------=====-----=====----- - -(ATHLETICS Roll) Right before you enter the gate, a snowball launches at you from within, slamming right into the lowest roller's face. - -Upon returning to the WHITE domain, you see dozens of snowballs whizzing by in every direction imaginable, screaming ringing out from every corner, and children lying in the snow. You didn't just enter a snowball fight, you entered an active snow war zone. - -(NOTICE Roll) You can see the dozens of children flinging snowballs on the left, but 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 trees. - -A flurry of (those) shots head your way from the sky, but before they land, they are suddenly blocked by a familiar looking husky body jumping in the way. Exile will flop into the snow on his back, staring up at the wintery sky. "Ough.. did anyone get number of that snowplow?" - -He will sit upright, his original heavy winter outfit replaced with a form fitting one clearly better designed for moving around. He also sticks out a bit more since primary silver and secondary deep blue don't exactly blend well against white. - -He will shake his head rapidly and raise his arm, before yelling "I am out!" He will stand up and dust his suit off quickly with a smile. "There is always being the next of time. Come, let us get to shelter." - -He guides your group to a nearby wall, partly dug into the ground like a baseball dugout, and lined with blankets. Hot chocolate is being made at a nearby pitfire for everyone to drink, and despite what looked like a kid friendly war zone, noone seems too hurt or upset at getting taken out. - -Ouja, the snow fox from the cabin, steps forth with a fresh tray of hot cocoa for anyone that wants it. "Oh hey, the Kings of Kings are here! This could make things more fun!" He sets his tray down once everyone has taken a cup, making sure to save one for himself. - -*WHAT IS GOING ON* -Ouja sits down on a blanketed seat, nursing his cocoa. "So the short version is, the kids wanted to do a snowball fight and invited Whitaker & his girlfriend to join in. Problem is, it's the two of them against a hundred enthusiastic children. A bit uneven." - -*UNEVEN FOR WHITAKER* -He laughs softly. "I meant for the children." - -He takes a sip from his cocoa, his ears perking, before he continues. "Sounds like they're making their final push." - -*IF THEY LOOK* -The battlefield looks surprisingly sparse compared to five minutes ago. There are only six children left, all looking around with snowballs in hand ready to go, all standing back to back in a circle. All of them are looking around for their target, giggling playfully like they have the greatest strategy of all time. - -(NOTICE ROLL) You spot something moving in the snow, a faint line of black moving around the base of a nearby tree. You also notice the branch, which is covered in snow, is slowly lowering itself to the ground, and you spot a familiar pair of beady little eyes. - -Before the children can react, five snowballs fly through the air at perfect arcs and smash right into the top of their heads, each one flopping over in a giggle fit. - -The last one, a finch boy, just looks around seeing he is the last one, before frantically throwing snowballs 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. - -The weight on the branch disappears as Whitaker steps out and kneels down in front of the last little boy, simply touching a snowball to his head. - -He is also wearing a much different outfit of 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 boots with fur between the ankle & knee, and white arm warmers. You also see what you assume is some kind of backpack composed of snow white feathers. - -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." - -She smiles as the children pick themselves up and run to Whitaker, pointing out how he is so cool and fast and awesome, which causes him to rub the back of his head with a nervous laugh. +Whitaker will crumple into the snow onto his back, his blade jammed straight down into the powder. Exhausted, battered and bruised, he stares into the sky, smiling a little. + +Morana will walk over him and stare down at him 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 will slowly get to his feet, wobbling a bit as he does. Morana will reach down to help him up, but for once, he will hold up a hand and stop her, much to her surprise. + +He will slowly walk over, pick up his weapon, clean it on his vest, and slide it into the scabbard on the back of his waist. + +He will them hobble to your group, taking the weapon off his waist entirely, and plant it into the snow, scabbard first. "I-I don't wanna let this go, but.. I feel better knowing its 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 will reach out and take his hand in hers, Whitaker smiling up at her, then your group as they turn to leave. "I think I speak for both of us when I say, you are welcome back anytime~" + +He will nod happily and wave at your group with his free hand, both of them walking toward the house together, before Whitaker trips on a thick pile of snow and flops over, pulling them both down. And they will both laugh uproariously all the way back to the house. + +-----=====-----=====----- + +THIS WILL BE SET UP BY APPOINTMENT + +Upon returning to the SILVER domain, the air is thick with the scent of ozone and rich in the sound of thunder. + +Moreover, you see dozens of Thunder Force agents 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, not a drop of rain coming from it +- You see flashes of lightning every second accompanied with an immediate clap of thunder +- You could swear you see someone's shadow appearing randomly in those clouds with every clap & bolt + +While you stare at the sky, Second Commander Valeos approaches with a smile. "Good to see you again, Kings of Kings, it's been some time." + +*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 fight with your group 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 legs begin crackling 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're pretty positive he actually made it into the cloud, and in a matter of moments, you see the claps & bolts have completely stopped. + +A few moments later, a bolt of lightning suddenly strikes the ground, only a few yards from you, with a brilliant FLASH. As the bolt disappears, you see Valeos standing beside Fulmo, in a much more combat-ready outfit. + +He's wearing 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. + +You can easily guess the Thunder Force uniform was based on THIS look. + +Everyone turns to stare at him in stunned silence, before all the Thunder Force agents 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. + +"Kings of Kings, let it be known that I do not normally engage in combat myself. It would not do for Judge Fulmo Uncial, the face of the law, to run around fighting criminals himself. But I know full well my duties as a Domain Master include accepting challenges from Regalia Hunters." + +The inmates suddenly start hooting and hollering at your group AND Fulmo, all making comments about which one would be the biggest loser. + +Fulmo suddenly 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!' The Thunder Force agents are trying their hardest to not laugh. + +Fulmo simply leaps over the twelve foot razor wire fence, his legs charged with electricity for a moment as he does so, 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, himself now sporting a helmet of black and silver, molded after an old fashioned 8-point police cap with an over-the-eye visor built right in. He then attaches a bottom half face covering mask. "Then let this battle be the finest these brave soldiers have ever witnessed." + +He will pull out a pair of pure silver revolvers from behind his coat, his body crackling with energy as it channels into his guns. "Say the words." + +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 will slide both guns into his holsters on his backside, and winces from the pain after. + +"Mmf.. Kings of Kings, you are an incredible force. 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 will slowly limp away from the battlefield, as the Thunder Force agents all around you cheer him on, helping him inside the Thunder Force main office as the door shuts behind them. + +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 will collapse 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 the original cool blue orbs you've seen. + +"I have no excuse, you have defeated me in combat. And it was a magnificent fight. As per the rules, you have won your prize." He will pick up both guns and stand up, swaying a bit as he does. + +He will place them before you, looking to your group and aiming a finger gun at you. "Aim true, Kings of Kings. You have many battles ahead of you, and you will need to make every shot count." + +He will slowly turn and limp his way to the Thunder Force agents before tripping, Second Commander Valeos catching him. Fulmo will stare at him in surprise, but will let him be carried over Valeos' shoulder as the two walk up the stairs together. + +-----=====-----=====----- + +Upon returning to the GRAY domain, 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. + +The graveyard is expanding from the path you are walking on outward. + +(NOTICE ROLL) As you start walking down the path, you hear a male voice singing in the distance, accompanied by a slow drum beat, and it's coming from the path ahead into the mist. + +(PLAYER WITH GIFT) You hear a beautiful female voice joining into the harmony + +(CONTACTS ROLL) You recognize the song as The Wayfaring Stranger, a sad and mournful tune from the 1850s about a soul's journey home + +When you reach the cathedral, the door is shut, and you NOW hear a young boy singing with a soft Creole accent. The music is definitely coming from inside. + +*IF THEY OPEN THE DOOR* +The singing stops as soon as you open the door. The inside of the cathedral is a little different. The pews and stage are the same, but the stage is occupied by rows of risers for a choir to stand on. + +You see Thanatos behind a nearby podium, 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 his little pet lizard, resting atop his head like it was a bed. + +When he sees your group coming, the boy (Caelum) looks a little flustered, clearly not expecting company. + +(PLAYER WITH GIFT) You didn't spot her behind the boy at first, but you notice the red robin woman (Rowena) from the funeral you attended, in a similar garb as the boy (Caelum). She looks tired, and her feathers look more gray than you remember, but she seems very happy. + +*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 domain, wouldn'd you agree?" + +He will turn back to the risers and sigh softly. "Abologies my brecious choir, 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 start quickly scampering for the door, and you notice a sad look in his eye. + +*IF THEY ASK* +Thanatos will step down next, standing before your group. "Caelum is a unique child, blessed much like us Domain 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 shuffle her way out behind your group, CLEARLY trying her hardest to not make a sound, and stands beside Caelum in the doorway, looking outside with him. + +He will pause and sigh 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 it, or should I?" + +*IF THEY SAY ROWENA, OR* +*IF THEY TURN TO THE DOORWAY* +Caelum will be standing there on his own, 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 can see a small cloud of gray mist where she once stood, and you can faintly hear her voice singing a few melodic words. + +Caelum will slowly begin to walk forward, pulling the door behind himself with a soft click. + +*IF REGALIA/CHALLENGE* +He will nod 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." + +He will completely obscure his face under the hood and his body under the cloak, except for his arms. He will reach behind himself and pull 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 begins to fill with that gray mist you kept seeing outside, obscuring your view a little. You suddenly hear the pughs around you creaking, lifting off the ground slightly as they are pushed to the far wall. + +(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 a challenge.. you are all indeed wordhy fighders." + +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 will slam shut behind him, leaving you in a room of only silence. + +*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 grabs his scythe and slams it into the ground, the blade jammed into the floor and the handle sticking up at an angle. "You have more dhan earned my Grimm Requiem, dake it widh my blessing." + +You see the pews around you begin to rumble a bit, suddenly launching into the air as they rearrange back the way they were when you arrived, the doors to the building quietly swinging open. + +(PLAYER WITH GIFT) Inside the mist, you see 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 turns and walks away with a limp, stepping out the back door of the building. + +-----=====-----=====----- + +Upon returning to the BLACK domain, 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 trees & ground are literally crawling with animals and insects once more. + +However, 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. You also see 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 you fixed the issue. + +*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 candles inside. + +(INVESTIGATE ROLL) You look in through the window, and the inside of the building looks surprisingly normal. Everything is made of hand carved wood, professionally so. Tables, chairs, couches, shelves, cabinets, stairs & guardrails, counterspaces, even wicker baskets. + +However, the back side of the house directly connects to a thickly interlaced wall of trees, practically acting like a natural fence. And the tops of these trees are so thick, getting in over them doesn't seem like a viable option. + +*CHECK THE DOOR* +The door doesn't have an actual factual lock, and is in fact easy to push open. But past 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, and you can no longer see it in the pitch black. You can see nothing, you can hear nothing. + +After a few moments, you see a small flickering light in the distance, the tiniest of flames, and it is approaching slowly. + +It is revealed to be a candle on a handheld candle stand, being held by Striker. And he is dressed VERY much differently than normal, wearing a brown sleeping robe 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. + +He rubs his eyes and mumbles a bit. "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 will step past your group, revealing a single wooden door in the distance of the seemingly infinite darkness. + +He will call your attention again. "A bit of free advice, tread VERY carefully from here. My master's home is not so kind to tresspassers..~" The candle he is carrying will suddenly pitter out, and he will give his trademark sinister chuckle as you are left in the darkness, your only company the door that you can SOMEHOW 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, one straight ahead, one to the left, and one to the right. + +*ALL PLAYERS MAKE A WILL ROLL* +*LOWEST WILL BE FIRST AFFECTED* +*MANIFEST THEIR TROUBLE BEFORE THEM* +*WHOLE TEAM FIGHTS IT TOGETHER IF POSSIBLE* +*REPEAT FROM LOWEST TO HIGHEST ROLL* + +*AFTER CONQUERING* +You finally find a large wooden door surrounded by trees, the first sign of any kind of change you have seen in the area since you came outside. *IF THEY APPROACH* -His ears will flick a bit, hearing you coming and immediately stepping in front of the children defensively, his mirthful appearance being replaced with a mix of fear and determination. +(NOTICE Roll) You hear a familiar demonoc snarling noise in the distance. + +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. + +Upon reaching the door, anyone looking behind you also sees a very large ink covered limb coming around the corner, stepping into the goo and spreading it further. -*PRESENT REGALIA* -He will flinch initially, but upon recognizing his Regalia, he will reach out slowly and take it back, hugging it to his chest as he stares up at you all, clearing his throat softly. "Th-thank you.. Kings of Kings.." +*PUSHING ONE AT A TIME* +The door is straining but will not budge, and the creature has rounded the corner. It seems to know where you are, and splits its head open, screeching demonically with its six mouth flaps full of teeth and three tongues. + +*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. -Morana will step out from behind your group, and stops beside Whitaker. "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's legs happily before trotting off through the snow. +*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, which means you finally made it into his backyard. -Morana smiles and steps behind Whitaker, rubbing his hair playfully with one hand. "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." +*ALL AROUND* +The yard itself is surprisingly well maintained. The grass is lush but clearly kept cut, 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. + +(NOTICE ROLL) +- You hear and smell the distinct sound and scent of a fire, and finally take notice of the large campfire in the direct 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 loud scraping noises from the opposite side of the large campfire, and see 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 a pile of carved wood just a couple yards behind him. implying he has been working at this for some time. -*ASK ABOUT REGALIA/DM* -Whitaker's eyes will flare open, staring at you in fear at the possibility of having to actually fight someone. Morana will step out from behind him and walk between him & your group. smiling wide. +*IF THEY APPROACH / CALL OUT* +He doesn't even seem to notice you, too busy carving away at that piece of wood. -"Well I think that is more than fair honestly, that's why you came here in the first place afterall. What do you think, Whi--" She will pause, realizing he is gone again, a pile of snow left in his place. "..I should have seen that one coming." +From within the light of the flame, you see his shadow suddenly extend and pull itself off the ground in a blob-like fashion, reaching behind him to pick up each piece of wood and pull it all together in moments, taking rhe piece in his lap and assembling it together. -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. +He stands and steps away from the flame for a moment, sitting in a brand new masterfully crafted wooden throne, the backrest and seat made from handcrafted wicker. -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. +He sits down and lies back, immediately propping his head on one fist while its elbow rests on the chair arm. Now that he's finally in the proper light of the flame, you can see he looks far better than he did when you last saw him. -*IF THEY FOLLOW ALONG* -She will walk up to Whitaker and pick him up from behind, setting him on his two feet. "Sweetie, I know you're scared, but this is part of your responsibility as the Domain Master. Now go and do your absolute best." She will look to your group and nod, kissing the top of his head and jumping far out of the way. +New black pants, new black shoes, and a spotless white Victorian dress shirt, puffed sleeves and all. And there is not a scrap of wood on any of it. -*IF CHALLENGE IS MADE* -Whitaker will frantically look around, realizing she is gone, gripping his weapon tightly. And he will sudddenly remember he HAS it, staring down at it. He will pull it out of its sheath slowly, looking at his own reflection for a second, deep in thought. +He finally acknowledges your group. "State your business." + +*REGALIA* -You can see his eyes glowing a soft white, even from this distance, before he cranks it back into place and slips it onto the back of his waist, resting a hand on the handle. +He will stand from 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 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!" +His shadow will stretch out from behind him again, envelops his new throne, and pulls it straight down into the darkness until it disappears. He pulls his black dagger out, taking a loose combat stance. "Consider your impending loss at my hand... MY compensation." -AFTER THE FIGHT +----- + +AFTER THE FIGHT -*IF THEY LOSE* +*IF THEY LOSE* +He will stand before you, both arms hanging in front of himself loosely, his hand barely holding his blade. "You are... stronger than you appear." + +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. "I had intended to end you all tonight... but... you have piqued my curiosity." + +He will walk past your group, heading toward his home. "You may see yourselves in OR out of my home safely... for now." -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, much to his blushing surprise. She will literally walk him over to your group and set him down with a playful smile. "Go on dear, tell them.." - -He will bashfully nod a bit and turn to your group, clinging to Morana tightly. "Th-that was.. I-I mean um.. mnh.." Getting frustrated with himself, he will force himself to take a calming breath and actually talk to you 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 will just grin down at him and reply "What he said~" She will stand back up and walk away, carrying him all the way home. - -*IF THEY WIN* -Whitaker will crumple into the snow onto his back, his blade jammed straight down into the powder. Exhausted, battered and bruised, he stares into the sky, smiling a little. - -Morana will walk over him and stare down at him 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 will slowly get to his feet, wobbling a bit as he does. Morana will reach down to help him up, but for once, he will hold up a hand and stop her, much to her surprise. - -He will slowly walk over, pick up his weapon, clean it on his vest, and slide it into the scabbard on the back of his waist. - -He will them hobble to your group, taking the weapon off his waist entirely, and plant it into the snow, scabbard first. "I-I don't wanna let this go, but.. I feel better knowing its 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 will reach out and take his hand in hers, Whitaker smiling up at her, then your group as they turn to leave. "I think I speak for both of us when I say, you are welcome back anytime~" - -He will nod happily and wave at your group with his free hand, both of them walking toward the house together, before Whitaker trips on a thick pile of snow and flops over, pulling them both down. And they will both laugh uproariously all the way back to the house. - ------=====-----=====----- - -THIS WILL BE SET UP BY APPOINTMENT - -Upon returning to the SILVER domain, the air is thick with the scent of ozone and rich in the sound of thunder. - -Moreover, you see dozens of Thunder Force agents 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, not a drop of rain coming from it -- You see flashes of lightning every second accompanied with an immediate clap of thunder -- You could swear you see someone's shadow appearing randomly in those clouds with every clap & bolt - -While you stare at the sky, Second Commander Valeos approaches with a smile. "Good to see you again, Kings of Kings, it's been some time." - -*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 fight with your group 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 legs begin crackling 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're pretty positive he actually made it into the cloud, and in a matter of moments, you see the claps & bolts have completely stopped. - -A few moments later, a bolt of lightning suddenly strikes the ground, only a few yards from you, with a brilliant FLASH. As the bolt disappears, you see Valeos standing beside Fulmo, in a much more combat-ready outfit. - -He's wearing 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. - -You can easily guess the Thunder Force uniform was based on THIS look. - -Everyone turns to stare at him in stunned silence, before all the Thunder Force agents 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. - -"Kings of Kings, let it be known that I do not normally engage in combat myself. It would not do for Judge Fulmo Uncial, the face of the law, to run around fighting criminals himself. But I know full well my duties as a Domain Master include accepting challenges from Regalia Hunters." - -The inmates suddenly start hooting and hollering at your group AND Fulmo, all making comments about which one would be the biggest loser. - -Fulmo suddenly 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!' The Thunder Force agents are trying their hardest to not laugh. - -Fulmo simply leaps over the twelve foot razor wire fence, his legs charged with electricity for a moment as he does so, and lands beside your group. "On that note, I believe we are ready to begin, yes?" - -*IF YES* -He will pull out a pair of pure silver revolvers from behind his coat, his body crackling with energy as it channels into his guns. "Then let this battle be the finest these brave soldiers have ever witnessed. Say the words." - -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 down his lip, he will slide both guns into his holsters on his backside, and winces from the pain after. - -"Mmf.. Kings of Kings, you are an incredible force. 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 will slowly limp away from the battlefield, as the Thunder Force agents all around you cheer him on, helping him inside the Thunder Force main office as the door shuts behind them. - -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 will collapse onto his knees, dropping both guns as he falls onto his hands, his sunglasses falling onto the ground to fully reveal his face. +Cassius will suddenly kneel, 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 will pause, his eyes slowly going back to their normal yellow hue. "But... you have bested me. I am honor and duty bound to follow the rules I have been tasked with." -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 the original cool blue orbs you've seen. +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. He will pick up his weapon and pitch it directly at your group, causing it to land between (PLAYER)'s feet. -"I have no excuse, you have defeated me in combat. And it was a magnificent fight. As per the rules, you have won your prize." He will pick up both guns and stand up, swaying a bit as he does. +"The price to keep this Dusk Kris safe form the Crooked King was a year of endless pain and blind solitude. Do not waste either mine or Striker's efforts." -He will place them before you, looking to your group and aiming a finger gun at you. "Aim true, Kings of Kings. You have many battles ahead of you, and you will need to make every shot count." +He walks past your group, opening the door of his home. "You may exit the way you came. Safely. For now." He steps away from the door, walking toward a pile of logs just out of sight. -He will slowly turn and limp his way to the Thunder Force agents before tripping, Second Commander Valeos catching him. Fulmo will stare at him in surprise, but will let him be carried over Valeos' shoulder as the two walk up the stairs together. +----- + +*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. ------=====-----=====----- +(NOTICE Roll) +- You spot the throne-like chair Cassius made in the living room, framing the rest of the room surprisingly well +- You 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. -Upon returning to the GRAY domain, 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. +"Oh ho ho, you made it out alive, that's so greeeaaat~" He will hiccup a bit, shaking his head quickly to clear his thoughts. -But you can't help but feel like something is a different, and you can't quite put your finger on it. +"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~" -(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. - -The graveyard is expanding from the path you are walking on outward. - -(NOTICE ROLL) As you start walking down the path, you hear a male voice singing in the distance, accompanied by a slow drum beat, and it's coming from the path ahead into the mist. - -(PLAYER WITH GIFT) You hear a beautiful female voice joining into the harmony - -(CONTACTS ROLL) You recognize the song as The Wayfaring Stranger, a sad and mournful tune from the 1850s about a soul's journey home - -When you reach the cathedral, the door is shut, and you NOW hear a young boy singing with a soft Creole accent. The music is definitely coming from inside. - -*IF THEY OPEN THE DOOR* -The singing stops as soon as you open the door. The inside of the cathedral is a little different. The pews and stage are the same, but the stage is occupied by rows of risers for a choir to stand on. - -You see Thanatos behind a nearby podium, 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 his little pet lizard, resting atop his head like it was a bed. - -When he sees your group coming, the boy (Caelum) looks a little flustered, clearly not expecting company. - -(PLAYER WITH GIFT) You didn't spot her behind the boy at first, but you notice the red robin woman (Rowena) from the funeral you attended, in a similar garb as the boy (Caelum). She looks tired, and her feathers look more gray than you remember, but she seems very happy. - -*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 domain, wouldn'd you agree?" - -He will turn back to the risers and sigh softly. "Abologies my brecious choir, 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 start quickly scampering for the door, and you notice a sad look in his eye. - -*IF THEY ASK* -Thanatos will step down next, standing before your group. "Caelum is a unique child, blessed much like us Domain 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 shuffle her way out behind your group, CLEARLY trying her hardest to not make a sound, and stands beside Caelum in the doorway, looking outside with him. - -He will pause and sigh 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 it, or should I?" - -*IF THEY SAY ROWENA, OR* -*IF THEY TURN TO THE DOORWAY* -Caelum will be standing there on his own, 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 can see a small cloud of gray mist where she once stood, and you can faintly hear her voice singing a few melodic words. - -Caelum will slowly begin to walk forward, pulling the door behind himself with a soft click. - -*IF REGALIA/CHALLENGE* -He will nod 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." - -He will completely obscure his face under the hood and his body under the cloak, except for his arms. He will reach behind himself and pull 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 begins to fill with that gray mist you kept seeing outside, obscuring your view a little. You suddenly hear the pughs around you creaking, lifting off the ground slightly as they are pushed to the far wall. - -(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 blade of his scythe into the ground, using the staff to hold himself upright. "It has been some time since I have experienced such a challenge.. you are all indeed worthy fighters. If I could die, I would be satisfied if my last act was to lose to you all in combat." He hobbles past you, hefting the scythe over his shoulder as he heads out the door. "I will await our rematch, my friends." The door will slam shut behind him, leaving you in a room of only silence. - -*IF THEY WIN* -He kneels on the ground, staring at the floor. "Magnificent... an honorable loss, to be sure... you have most definitely earned your prize, Kings of Kings." He grabs his scythe and slams it into the ground, the blade jammed into the pavement and the handle sticking up at an angle. "You have more than earned my Grimm Requiem, take it with my blessing." - -"I shall take my leave and... lick my wounds, as the saying goes... but you are welcome to return anytime you like." He heads toward the doors before turning back to you, smiling a bit. "I was not joking, by the way... Remember this place if you are in need of a venue." He pushes through it and lets it close behind him with a soft click. - ------=====-----=====----- - -Upon returning to the BLACK domain, 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, any creatures that normally inhabit the forest are ALSO back, including several VERY dangerous species of animal and insect. Which you see flying, crawling, and swinging around near immediately. - -However, you ALSO see another change in that there is a FAR more clear cut path through this dense forest, where it appears several trees have been cut down and removed, in the exact same direction of where your encounter with Cassius the Black Fox occurred. - -*IF THEY CONTINUE* -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 open wood windowsills and candles nearby. - -(INVESTIGATE ROLL) The inside of the building looks surprisingly normal. Everything is made of hand carved wood, professionally so. Tables, chairs, couches, shelves, cabinets, stairs & guardrails, counterspaces, baskets, all of it from different colors and varieties of wood. - -*IF THEY ENTER* -The door opens easily enough, but all you can see inside is pitch black nothingness, a complete contrast from the view in the window. - -*ONCE THEY GO INSIDE* -The door slowly closes behind you all, sealing you inside the pitch black space. After only a few moments, you see a small flickering light in the distance, the tiniest of flames, and it is approaching slowly. - -Once you are close enough, it is revealed to be a candle on a candle stand, being held by Striker. And he is dressed VERY much differently than normal, wearing a brown sleeping robe 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, how wonderful to see you again. Your timing is a bit off though, I was just on my way to bed~" - -*DM/REGALIA/CHALLENGE* -"Oh, then your time couldn't be better~ He awoke a short time ago when the sun went down, and he is likely out back working on... something or other. You can go straight through the back door behind me~" He will utter a sinister chuckle before stepping closer. "But I will give you a bit of free advice, tread VERY carefully from here. My master's home is not so kind to tresspassers..~" He will simply walk past your group and extinguish his candle, fading into the darkness. - -(INVESTIGATE ROLL) It takes you a moment of searching, but you eventually find what you believe is the door outside. - -*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 in a sense. And in this manner, you can sort of see there is a pathway leading through the trees, one straight ahead, one to the left, and one to the right. - -*ALL OF THE PATHEAYS ARE TECHNICALLY CORRECT, AS IT IS ESSENTIALLY A TREE VERSION OF A HEDGE MAZE, BUT AT A RANDOM INTERVAL, EACH PLAYER WILL MAKE A WILL ROLL, AND THE LOWEST ROLLER WILL BE MET BY THEIR TROUBLE MANIFESTED IN A SHADOWY MANNER, UNTIL EVERYONE HAS CONFRONTED THEIRS* - -At the end of the passageway, there is a large wooden door surrounded by trees, the first sign of any kind of change you have seen in the area since you came outside. But the second you see it, you hear an eerie wailing noise in the distance. - -Around the edges of the trees, you see an ever growing blackness slowly spread around the corners. Not the inky blackness from before, but more like animated shadows are slowly creeping your way from the walls and the ground. *You might want to run.* - -Upon reaching the door, the shadows are still approaching slowly, but now you also see a pair of red eyes atop a pitch black creature's body, and they are staring right at all of you. *And you get the distinct feeling this creature is hungry.* - -*ALL PUSH ON THE DOOR TOGETHER* -The door suddenly swings open and your entire party falls into a grassy opening, the door slamming behind you all right before the creature manages to wrap its teeth around you. Looking back, you see you came right back out through the same back door to the cabin you THOUGHT you exited from in the beginning. This time, the trees look normal, spread out in a relatively sparse manner in a circle-like formation in the open yard. - -(NOTICE ROLL) You hear a strange scraping or grinding noise, and upon seeking it out, you see Cassius kneeling in the middle of the grass with a draw knife in hand, slowly whittling down a piece of wood with every scrape. He either isn't aware of your existence, or doesn't seem to care. - -*IF THEY APPROACH* -He continues to work on his piece of wood like you aren't even there, seemingly too focused on whatever project he is working on. Eventually, he will stand up and carry the piece of wood to a nearby pile of carved pieces, and begin work assembling them. - -*WHAT IS HE DOING* -"My hobby." - -*WHY WOODWORKING* -"It... fills the void." - -*WHAT WAS THE CREATURE* -"You have your home defense, I have mine." - -*WHAT WAS THE MAZE* -"The creature likes to play with its food." - -He will finish assembling what looks like a master crafted level throne made entirely of hand carved oak, and suddenly sit upon it, slumping back into it immediately and propping his head up on his fist with the elbow on a chair arm. He finally visually confirms he sees you, his full moon like eyes shining lightly at you. Under the light of the moon, you see he is wearing a rather regal white dress shirt and gray pants, neither of which have any traces of wood shavings anywhere. "State your business." - -*REGALIA* -"You trespass into my home in the dead of night, disturbed the peace I only recently reclaimed, and disturb my work in the process... just to challenge me for my weapon." He will suddenly stand, his shadow stretching out from behind him and enveloping the throne, before causing it to sink into the ground behind him. "I will show you no mercy." - -AFTER THE FIGHT - -*IF THEY LOSE* -He will stand before you, both arms hanging in front of himself loosely, his hand loosely clinging to his blade. "You are... stronger than you appear." - -He will suddenly begin to crack and crunch his body, shoulders straightening and back cracking as he resumes a normal stance. "I had intended to end you all tonight... but... you have piqued my curiosity." - -He will turn away from your group, heading toward the forest. "I will await our rematch." He will then walk into the trees and slowly dissipate into the shadows, making no noise as he does so. - -*IF THEY WIN* -Cassius will suddenly kneel, dropping his weapon at his feet, doubled over in pain. "This... is unexpected..." - -His eyes will suddenly light up bright red, staring you all down. "After the last fight, I intended to remove each of your heads upon your defeat." - -He will pause, his eyes slowly going back to their normal yellow hue. "But... you have bested me. I will honor the rules." - -He will pick up his weapon and pitch it directly at your group, causing it to land between one of your member's feet. "The price to keep this Dusk Kris safe form the Crooked King was a year of endless pain and blind solitude. Do not waste either mine or Striker's efforts." - -(AFTER THEIR RETORT) He will slowly phase into the ground through his own shadow silently, leaving you with your prize. - -*EITHER WAY* -*IF THEY USE THE BACK DOOR* -Upon opening the door, instead of an endless forest, you actually see the inside of a relatively normal log cabin. All the furniture inside is hand carved from different types of wood, there is at least one slow burning candle inside giving everything a soft warm glow, and Striker is dead asleep hanging from his own spiderweb in a corner of the living room ceiling. - ------=====-----=====----- - -Upon returning to the BROWN domain, everything appears the same at first glance. Same valley, same trees, same lake, same gym. Except the gym is completely empty, and so is the climbing store aside from the Koala running the counter. - -*IF THEY ASK* -He will explain everyone is behind the gym, working up a sweat in the ore mine at the base of the mountain behind the building. He also mentions if they plan to pitch in, he has a deal on helmet, pickaxe, and shredding backpack rentals of 5z each, two of them for 8z, or one of all three for 10z. - -*AT THE MINE* -The mine is surprisingly well framed and built out, the entrance supported and built outward using steel framework, instead of the traditional wood. And this time, the cave you are entering appears decently lit with torches sporadically placed deeper inside. There is also steel railroad tracks leading straight into it, also framed by steel instead of wood, leading right up to the backside of the gym-store building. - -*IN THE MINE* -The caves, while roughly dug out, appear solid and are being reinforced by identical steel framing as outside, aside from the bars being a bit wider. It takes about 10 minutes of walking in weirdly curvy directions, and alot of it slowly going downhill as it does, but you come to a junction of three different pathways, all next to each other. The leftmost one heads up, the middle one heads straight, and the rightmost one heads down. - -(INVESTIGATE ROLL) There are no obvious signs or indicators of what goes where, but the left path looks better lit, the middle path has the set of railroad tracks leading into it, and the right path looks very fresh. - -*IF UP* -As you walk along the somewhat winding uphill path, the lights start to become more sparse, and the whole tunnel starts appearing to light up brighter all on its own. After a few more twists and turns, you spot an upward sloped opening leading to the outside. Stepping out into it, you find yourself about halfway up the mountain you started from. - -(NOTICE ROLL) You spot a path ground into the dirt down the mountain, heading straight downward along the mountainside with a few random twists and turns, but all of them definitely in the same direction. - -(INVESTIGATE ROLL) You realize the groove in the ground is about as wide as the backpack you're carrying, and the back of your backpack had a couple spare strapdown loops wide enough to hold most pairs of shoes. - -*IF MIDDLE* -After about five minutes of walking, -(NOTICE ROLL) You hear metallic scraping and see the tracks themselves rumble, as well as a light coming slowly toward you up ahead. You also hear what sounds like a small train horn. The light on the front is too bright to make out what it is, but it is approaching! - -*IF THEY RUN* -You can outrun... whatever this is, and make it back out to the tunnel junction just as it exits. The light is coming from the front panel of a handcar, currently being pumped by Jekhyra, followed by a few mine cars full of freshly dug ore deposits. She brings the "train" to a stop, hops off, and checks to make sure you are all okay. - -*ASKS ABOUT TLALOC* -She will point out that if he hasn't left, he would be in the right tunnel he and the gym bros just made today. Tlaloc wanted to try and get some exercise in after that whole "golden weapon" incident from the other day. She winces a bit at the thought, but clears her throat and stays calm as she hops back on the handcar and drives off & out the door. - -*IF DOWN* -As you head down, you start to turn & slooowly spiral down into the ground, and you eventually hear metal against metal and metal against rock, no real rhythm for either. After a few minutes, you come to the bottom of the path that opens up into a HUGE dugout cave room, with about ten of the gym bros all hanging around watching while Tlaloc just punches and claws a chunk of solid stone to pieces in front of them. - -Once Tlaloc is done, he starts cheering and yelling toward the bros "ROCK! NO! MORE!" And all of them start to cheer like their favorite team just won a world championship. Which is when they finally notice your group. One of the bros, a muscular Dalmatian with a brown nametag reading BRADY, calls over to Tlaloc to let him know those guys are here to fight him. - -This time, Tlaloc is sporting a light brown toga style garment, modified to fit around his unusual stature by being mostly open on the back, with a deep brown sash accompanied by a gold circle plate on the side, likely holding the whole thing together. It also goes up and around his left shoulder, and the fabric conveniently covers his giant cut. - -When he sees all of you, he immediately throws his arms out to the sides and grabs all of you in the biggest hug he can muster. "FRIENDS!" He laughs like a giddy kid at Christmas time, and you could almost swear you see a smile on his awkward face. - -*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 every gym bro in the cave. Everyone in the cave will suddenly stop digging, gather around your group, and start chanting CHAL LENGE like a bunch of frat boys, before ceremoniously picking each of your group and carrying you out of the cave like a moving mosh pit, straight up and out the main entrance. - -They carry your entire group all the way to the main part of the valley near the lake, set you all down, and back away, forming an audience circle with plenty of room all around. Tlaloc is only a few steps behind, and Jekhyra is just behind him, wondering what all the fuss is about. - -Tlaloc will step into the circle, and begin doing actual warmup stretches in front of you, which is when Jekhyra realizes what is about to go down and confronts your group. "Are you insane?! You want to fight against THAT???" At that exact moment, Tlaloc chooses to flex his arms over his head, the muscles bulging under the stony scales that cover his body. +*WHAT WAS THAT* +Striker will awkwardly turn so he is hanging from the web, slurring his words a little. "Mm.. when you went in, you were confronted by the dark manifestations of your own deepest darkest nightmares, were you not?" *IF YES* -Jekhyra will sigh dramatically and cross her arms, shaking her head. "Well then, for your sake, I sure hope you brought your best. Tlaloc isn't your normal fighter. He fights with his head. In every sense of the word." She steps away and joins the audience, staring your group down, arms never uncrossing. +"That is exactly what it was. A manifestation of a nightmare, tamed and turned into a guard dog~" -Tlaloc will finish stretching, before reaching behind himself and pulling out a massive long and narrow rock, slamming it into the ground long ways and revealing it to be attached to what looks like a straight tree limb. He picks it up with one hand, revealing the rock on the end has runes carved into its side, and while you can't make out the words, you inherently realize this is actually a VERY rudimentary Warhammer he is carrying. And he is hefting this thing with one hand onto his shoulder. "READY! FIGHT!" +*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..." -AFTER THE FIGHT +He sits upright and looks up to your group, stretching his arms out. "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." -*IF TLALOC WINS* -Tlaloc will raise 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 suddenly steps forward and kneels down with his stubby legs, poking each of your group to see if you are all okay. "FRIENDS? OKAY?" +*WHOS NIGHTMARE* +"Is it not so obvious?" -After he sees you are all alive, 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, them playfully comments "TRY. AGAIN. ANOTHER. DAY." He will then stand back up, and THEN rejoin his group of gym bros, who all chant their way back to the building, letting the doors shit behind themselves. - -*IF ANYLNE ELSE WINS* -Tlaloc will stand before your group, clearly beaten to a pulp under all that armor, panting heavily. But he doesn't seem upset at all, in fact he seems kinda excited. The same could NOT be said of your audience, whom are staring in horror at their friend in such bad shape. Once the gold circle dissipates, they all charge in toward your group. It is only by a slam of the hammer into the ground that they stop. - -"ME. LOST." He acknowledges the results of the fight, and despite still standing, he knows he can't continue. He lets go of the hammer, flipping it up and over so the handle aims toward your group. "TAKE. CLIFF. BREAKER." He gives a dopey smile, much to the complaint of the gym bros, but he turns to them and shouts as loud as he can, "LOSING! OKAY! THEY! STRONGER!" This makes ALL the gym bros stop, and stare at your group in confusion. You could almost swear their pride was hurt hearing that admission. - -Tlaloc turns away, takes a few steps in a seemingly random direction, and suddenly flops flat on his face with a heavy thud. Before anyone can say or do anything, you hear the most ungodly snoring noise coming from his direction, which immediately causes every gym bro to burst out laughing. They all them proceed to walk over to your group and offer you all shoulders to lean on, and even apologize for how they acted. +*STRIKER'S NIGHTMARE* +"I am the closest thing Master Cassius has to a friend. He would throw me to the wolves if he so felt compelled, and I would allow him to. He would feel nothing from it either. 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 nightmares as a result." +*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. I am simply enjoying every moment of my life while I have it. And I choose to spend it here, so I may bring him... whatever desire his empty existence needs." + +-----=====-----=====----- + +Upon returning to the BROWN domain, everything appears the same at first glance. Same valley, same trees, same lake, same gym. + +*IF THEY ASK* +He will explain everyone is behind the gym, working up a sweat in the ore mine at the base of the mountain behind the building. He also mentions if they plan to pitch in, he has a deal on helmet, pickaxe, and shredding backpack rentals of 5z each, two of them for 8z, or one of all three for 10z. + +*AT THE MINE* +The mine is surprisingly well framed and built out, the entrance supported and built outward using steel framework, instead of the traditional wood. And this time, the cave you are entering appears decently lit with torches sporadically placed deeper inside. There is also steel railroad tracks leading straight into it, also framed by steel instead of wood, leading right up to the backside of the gym-store building. + +*IN THE MINE* +The caves, while roughly dug out, appear solid and are being reinforced by identical steel framing as outside, aside from the bars being a bit wider. It takes about 10 minutes of walking in weirdly curvy directions, and alot of it slowly going downhill as it does, but you come to a junction of three different pathways, all next to each other. The leftmost one heads up, the middle one heads straight, and the rightmost one heads down. + +(INVESTIGATE ROLL) There are no obvious signs or indicators of what goes where, but the left path looks better lit, the middle path has the set of railroad tracks leading into it, and the right path looks very fresh. + +*IF UP* +As you walk along the somewhat winding uphill path, the lights start to become more sparse, and the whole tunnel starts appearing to light up brighter all on its own. After a few more twists and turns, you spot an upward sloped opening leading to the outside. Stepping out into it, you find yourself about halfway up the mountain you started from. + +(NOTICE ROLL) You spot a path ground into the dirt down the mountain, heading straight downward along the mountainside with a few random twists and turns, but all of them definitely in the same direction. + +(INVESTIGATE ROLL) You realize the groove in the ground is about as wide as the backpack you're carrying, and the back of your backpack had a couple spare strapdown loops wide enough to hold most pairs of shoes. + +*IF MIDDLE* +After about five minutes of walking, +(NOTICE ROLL) You hear metallic scraping and see the tracks themselves rumble, as well as a light coming slowly toward you up ahead. You also hear what sounds like a small train horn. The light on the front is too bright to make out what it is, but it is approaching! + +*IF THEY RUN* +You can outrun... whatever this is, and make it back out to the tunnel junction just as it exits. The light is coming from the front panel of a handcar, currently being pumped by Jekhyra, followed by a few mine cars full of freshly dug ore deposits. She brings the "train" to a stop, hops off, and checks to make sure you are all okay. + +*ASKS ABOUT TLALOC* +She will point out that if he hasn't left, he would be in the right tunnel he and the gym bros just made today. Tlaloc wanted to try and get some exercise in after that whole "golden weapon" incident from the other day. She winces a bit at the thought, but clears her throat and stays calm as she hops back on the handcar and drives off & out the door. + +*IF DOWN* +As you head down, you start to turn & slooowly spiral down into the ground, and you eventually hear metal against metal and metal against rock, no real rhythm for either. After a few minutes, you come to the bottom of the path that opens up into a HUGE dugout cave room, with about ten of the gym bros all hanging around watching while Tlaloc just punches and claws a chunk of solid stone to pieces in front of them. + +Once Tlaloc is done, he starts cheering and yelling toward the bros "ROCK! NO! MORE!" And all of them start to cheer like their favorite team just won a world championship. Which is when they finally notice your group. One of the bros, a muscular Dalmatian with a brown nametag reading BRADY, calls over to Tlaloc to let him know those guys are here to fight him. + +This time, Tlaloc is sporting a light brown toga style garment, modified to fit around his unusual stature by being mostly open on the back, with a deep brown sash accompanied by a gold circle plate on the side, likely holding the whole thing together. It also goes up and around his left shoulder, and the fabric conveniently covers his giant cut. + +When he sees all of you, he immediately throws his arms out to the sides and grabs all of you in the biggest hug he can muster. "FRIENDS!" He laughs like a giddy kid at Christmas time, and you could almost swear you see a smile on his awkward face. + +*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 every gym bro in the cave. Everyone in the cave will suddenly stop digging, gather around your group, and start chanting CHAL LENGE like a bunch of frat boys, before ceremoniously picking each of your group and carrying you out of the cave like a moving mosh pit, straight up and out the main entrance. + +They carry your entire group all the way to the main part of the valley near the lake, set you all down, and back away, forming an audience circle with plenty of room all around. Tlaloc is only a few steps behind, and Jekhyra is just behind him, wondering what all the fuss is about. + +Tlaloc will step into the circle, and begin doing actual warmup stretches in front of you, which is when Jekhyra realizes what is about to go down and confronts your group. "Are you insane?! You want to fight against THAT???" At that exact moment, Tlaloc chooses to flex his arms over his head, the muscles bulging under the stony scales that cover his body. + +*IF YES* +Jekhyra will sigh dramatically and cross her arms, shaking her head. "Well then, for your sake, I sure hope you brought your best. Tlaloc isn't your normal fighter. He fights with his head. In every sense of the word." She steps away and joins the audience, staring your group down, arms never uncrossing. + +Tlaloc will finish stretching, before reaching behind himself and pulling out a massive long and narrow rock, slamming it into the ground long ways and revealing it to be attached to what looks like a straight tree limb. He picks it up with one hand, revealing the rock on the end has runes carved into its side, and while you can't make out the words, you inherently realize this is actually a VERY rudimentary Warhammer he is carrying. And he is hefting this thing with one hand onto his shoulder. "READY! FIGHT!" + +AFTER THE FIGHT + +*IF TLALOC WINS* +Tlaloc will raise 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 suddenly steps forward and kneels down with his stubby legs, poking each of your group to see if you are all okay. "FRIENDS? OKAY?" + +After he sees you are all alive, 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, them playfully comments "TRY. AGAIN. ANOTHER. DAY." He will then stand back up, and THEN rejoin his group of gym bros, who all chant their way back to the building, letting the doors shit behind themselves. + +*IF ANYLNE ELSE WINS* +Tlaloc will stand before your group, clearly beaten to a pulp under all that armor, panting heavily. But he doesn't seem upset at all, in fact he seems kinda excited. The same could NOT be said of your audience, whom are staring in horror at their friend in such bad shape. Once the gold circle dissipates, they all charge in toward your group. It is only by a slam of the hammer into the ground that they stop. + +"ME. LOST." He acknowledges the results of the fight, and despite still standing, he knows he can't continue. He lets go of the hammer, flipping it up and over so the handle aims toward your group. "TAKE. CLIFF. BREAKER." He gives a dopey smile, much to the complaint of the gym bros, but he turns to them and shouts as loud as he can, "LOSING! OKAY! THEY! STRONGER!" This makes ALL the gym bros stop, and stare at your group in confusion. You could almost swear their pride was hurt hearing that admission. + +Tlaloc turns away, takes a few steps in a seemingly random direction, and suddenly flops flat on his face with a heavy thud. Before anyone can say or do anything, you hear the most ungodly snoring noise coming from his direction, which immediately causes every gym bro to burst out laughing. They all them proceed to walk over to your group and offer you all shoulders to lean on, and even apologize for how they acted. + Jekhyra, however, has taken the chance to sit beside Tlaloc and lean against his side, choosing to keep an eye on him instead of joining in on the fun. \ No newline at end of file