Magus Wazir of the Mount

# Magus Wazir || The One Who Rings

# Overview

Not much is known about Magus Wazir. Even less is known about his origin. By some accounts he was inhabiting the forests of the world long before the first trees were saplings. What _is_ known (albeit impossible to verify) is that he is a helpful yet occasionally mischievous being and a guide to the lost.

His existence is especially hard to prove since he only appears to the lost. Arcane researchers have spent years wandering the world in search of him yet always turn up empty handed. The logic goes: If you are searching for something, you can't _truly_ be lost, can you?

As such, field study of Magus Wazir has largely been abandoned with scholars preferring to collect first hand accounts from those who encounter him instead.

# Magic

His bell is reported to have a calming effect. It is speculated he may be able to channel more destructive magic though it, though no stories support such claims.

# Known Events

Two travelers, former Battlemage Cromwell and Sage Bartholomew, claim to have met Wazir while trekking through the woods adjacent to Dream Master Lake. The men were making the journey to the Blue Bastion when they decided to cut through the forest as a shortcut. Unsurprisingly to any who know of those woods, they quickly lost their way.

Low on supplies, things were looking dim for the two when suddenly came the chime of a bell. That's when, they claim, Wazir appeared like out of a dream to guide them to safety.

The validity of this story is still debated though what is not debatable is that both are highly respected men of repute, not apt to spin fables. Some believe their tale while others blame the Sage's love of pipeweed for the visions.


Arch-Magician Ulysse of Alfheim

"And what are you going to do after Wild Mage finds out of your betrayal?" one of the Blue Wizards asks.

"Doesn't matter - I'm selling my wizard contract and giving it all up."


Carly of the Wood

# Carly of the Wood


Vincent Bifurcator of the Ring

A promotional photo from early in my career with the Runiversal Wrestling Federation


Hex Mage Bathsheba of the Villa

*Bathsheba of the Villa* I always hated that name. Surely only a deluded celebrity would name his child *Bathsheba*!

Admit it, the first thing that entered your mind when you decided to test yourself against me was that I must be some stuck-up rich kid who only managed to get her Mage status because her daddy is on the Blue Wizard Council. What could she possibly have learnt in the Bastion, being whisked back to her sprawling villa on the shores of Dream Master Lake at the first sign of any inconvenience in her spoilt little existence?

Fair enough, Ill admit it, my father is on the Blue Wizard Council. And yes, we do have a family villa on the lake not that either of those facts are particularly significant either way. Well, Ill tell you one thing, in the world of magic, it *always* pays to be underestimated. You dont think I wear this purple velour luxury tracksuit because its the height of Mage fashion, do you?

You must be wondering where all of this is going. Well, Im going to let you in on a little secret, but before I do, keep in mind  wizard or not  that the last place you want to be is on the wrong side of a Hex Mage. Are you ready?

*I am not from this world*.
Excellent. Now that I have your attention, lets begin.

First things first: my true name is not really Bathsheba, although that is the closest your human vocal cords will ever get to pronouncing it.


Secondly, hes not my real father. If you have two brain cells to bang together, you may have already figured that out from the whole I am not from this world reveal. No, he was out questing (we all know what you wizards are like) on the outer reaches of the Infinity Veil  trying to take psychic readings with some or other new gadget they had just developed in the Bastions laboratories. Before he knew what was happening, he had accidentally pierced the Veil and was swept through, beard and all, into the Psychic Leap.

And there I was: a majestic psychic entity thousands of years old, selected by the celestial consciousness to be sent to your realm to impart the knowledge of the cosmos trapped in a tiny helpless pink sack of meat, bones, and worryingly slippery internal organs, incapable of conveying even the simplest of concepts to another being. Now *that* is ironic.

The great @wizard3917, hero that he is, picked up this poor defenceless infant and brought her back to his villa, to raise her as his own. Never mind that he found me sitting in the middle of a glowing Mercury Rune clutching the Torch of Prometheus, a flame that is sustained by sparks of intellect gathered from across the cosmos; some people wouldnt recognise a cosmic sign if it yanked their long white beard and said Hey, insignificant mortal carbon-based being, Im a cosmic sign, can I please have some recognition?


Acquiring Hex Mage status is not exactly challenging when you have an intellect developed over several millennia and were gifted a second birth through a timeless magical portal. I tried to bide my time; I tried to be patient, to let my body mature to a point when these juvenile centenarians would finally be able to accept some of the Runiversal truths that I was trying to offer them. It didnt work. It turns out that a young girl trying to impart Runiversal knowledge to supposedly wise old wizards quickly gets labelled as uppity and troublesome. Apparently, Im full of ideas above my station. If only they knew

So I left their stuffy classrooms and dusty books behind and set off to get things done for myself. Thats why Im here now, facing you in a body just fourteen of your strangely sluggish years old, alongside my familiar, Haze who is just now reminding me that I havent introduced her yet.

Haze is no ordinary familiar. Two years ago, I journeyed back over Hue Masters Pass to the Psychic Leap and cast a Mercury Rune of my own. Haze is a shard of the celestial consciousness, a cosmic fox formed by the Rune to aid me in my mission. We share a psychic connection that runs deeper than anything you could possibly imagine, and she is a consummate judge of character.


I havent been back to Blue Wizard Bastion since the day I left. I dont know if anyone there even cares. To my (rather extensive) knowledge, nobody has come looking for me. But none of that really bothers me. Haze and I have set out to explore this entire world, to bring more wizards into the fold for the battles to come. Youve no doubt heard the rumours, the whispered half-truths about me  thats why youre here. Maybe you think to put me in my place, maybe you have some vague inkling of the vast sea of knowledge out there beyond your current abilities. Or maybe you just want to do some good in the world. Whatever the case, my Mercury Rune has already been cast around you and soon enough it will reveal your deepest desires.

And what if Haze and I judge you to be unworthy? Well, Im a psychic cosmic Hex Mage, and Im not particularly attached to sentimental ideas like the sanctity of human life.

Now tell me, what makes you think *you* are worthy? I hope youre at your most convincing today

## Story Arc Index:
Prologue: @wizard3914

Part 1: @pony77

Part 2: @wizard2877

Part 3: @wizard1175

Part 4: @wizard3901

Part 5: @wizard4841

Part 6: @wizard2885

Part 7: @wizard3917

Part 8: @wizard6084


Magus Hestia of the Wild

# The Lore of Magus Hestia of the Wild

Delete this text and write your Lore here


Larry Fencer of the Alley

Not just a warrior, but also a police officer that upholds the law.


Azahl of the Keep

# The Lore of  Azahl of the Keep


Necro Frog Woomba of Dread Tower

**Woomba brokers a deal between the most powerful necromancers in the land. They will spread dread across the Runiverse together.**

***Location unknown.***


Ectoplasmic Spectre Amir of the Death Cloud

******
### !blackmagic
******


Lich Despot Orlando of Dread Tower

# The death cloud grows larger!

A Necromancer Soul Triumvirate channeling pure evil. Nearby, their resurrected familiars gaze at the ritual in awe.

***Depicted:***

@soul3963

@soul952

@soul6223


Mystic Willow of the Brambles

# The Lore of Mystic Willow of the Brambles

## Begging of the Journey

The strange house suddenly appeared in the middle of a deep, deep forest where daylight rarely reached. Surrounded by plants with sharp thorns. The house was strangely well-kept, but somehow had an eerie atmosphere that dettered anyone from entering. Its window curtains were all uniformly closed, giving the impression that the person who dwelled within was a meticulous person.

One day, a strange bat found its way to the house. The bat had managed to get under its eaves, where no animals, let alone humans, would go for fear of the sharp thorns. Even though the thorns injured its body, it decided to rest there anyway. ITs breath became weak, as if it was in its final moments...but it didnt seem to mind. This had become the bats new home.

After many days have passed, on an unusually moonlit night in the forest of thorns, the owner of the house cracked open a curtain and peered outside the window. She spoke as if she knew in advance that there was a bat under the eave.

> "Welcome to my forest. You are the first guest to come here. I don't know how long Ive been here, though."

The mysterious woman called out to the bat and invited it to enter through her window. Although the room was neat and tidy, the walls and even some of the furniture was covered in thorns. Just like the outside of the house.


It seemed that the thorns had infiltrated the house from somewhere. But the woman didn't seem to pay any attention to it. She lived in the thorns and even slept on them.
Whether the thorns are a part of her or she is a part of the thorns, she does not know. But as far as she was concerned, the sharp thorns, twining branches, and her body were all one in the same.

With this invitation, the strange bat joined as an inhabitant of the Forest of Thorns. From that point on, the bat and the woman would spend countless moons together, never conversing but nonetheless enjoying each others company. How long had they spent with one another? It was hard to tell. No one cared about time in this Forest of Thorns. Their relationship was strange. But then again, there was no one in this forest who cared about that either.

=====

One day, the woman awoke with a strange feeling. It was a scratching sensation, but not caused by the thorns. She didnt know why, but she knew this itching was a signal from the forest. It was as if the forest was calling out to her, something she had never felt before. Something malevolent was attempting to invade the forest. The more she focused on the feeling, the stronger it became. How could such an unpleasant experience exist? She stood up, unable to hide her annoyance, and quietly left the house with a beautiful staff in hand. She had to deter those who would dare harm the forest.

This is the beginning of the story of a wizard, who would later be known as Mystic Willow of the Brambles.


Wraith Deacon Zaim of the Royal Wretch

# The Lore of Wraith Deacon Zaim of the Royal Wretch

Ziam knew nothing before the flame. Well.. he did, but all that is meaningless now.

He is reborn. Darker... Stronger.

Ziam is still Seldom seen, like the Stranger he was before the flame consumed his being, but now he chooses to now show his true face, the face of a Wraith of the Royal Wretch.

It wasnt only Ziam's being which changed, his staff now feels heavier in his arms and his rune - it has taken on a new form, a Soul.

It is known that other wizards whom have passed throught the sacred flame have also taken the form of a wraith. Ziam seeks to find all of the wraiths to join the ranks of the occult group.


Mystic Milo of the Veil

# The Lore of Mystic Milo of the Veil

Hark inquisitive adventurer of the chain of blocks.

     If you should so wish it, an account of deeds done by this wizard of the veil shall be related to you by way of this writing upon this book of lore. Although, seek in it an explanation complete and full and you shall be met with the meaning of his title of the veil. Knowing this, I caution you intrepid reader, the words here are but hearsay and rumor the truthfulness of known only to Mystic Milo and his God should he have one.

     Shall we begin with the suspected origin of this wizard? I have heard a fairly consistent tale whispered amongst those who have encountered Milo. It is believed that he obtained his powers from a spring high in the mountains. It is told that in his village of birth the locals had a legend of a special flower growing atop the peak of a mountain whose shadow they lived under. The heart of our young soon to be wizard beat strong for a local lass. When he made his feelings known the girl replied that her heart was for the one who made a gift to her the flower of the mountain. So our young Milo, in the height of his energetic youth, took to the harrowing task of ascending this peak.


While the details of his journey up the mountain are lost to time, it is said that more than once his life was nearly lost. Upon reaching the summit, it is rumored that he was very badly wounded and near to shaking hands with the reaper. Milo searched about the peak and much to his sadness, atop the mountain he found no flower whatsoever. In complete exhaustion he collapsed and cursed the name of the girl who had sent him on his fool's errand. Near to him a little stream poured from the rocks and formed a small pool. And within this pool sat a frog that looked back at him with an alertness and intelligence irregular amongst animals of its kind. In his despair and near exhaustion Milo found himself now in extreme thirst. So, eyes locked with the frog, he drank from the pool. It is said that the taste of this water was extremely bitter and this bitterness seemed to quickly flow and course through Milo's veins.

    Unfortunately, this is where the account is faulty as no soul knows what next atop the mountain did occur. One month after his ascent Milo returned to his village oddly changed and unalone. He came in the company of a frog that hopped along beside him and has not left his side to this day.


# The birth of Lewd Revenant Azahl of the Majestic Filth

**I made it. I have returned.**

But... My body...

What have I done?

No... No...

I'm cursed! I'm...

Transformed...

It hurts... **It burns...**

What... Ghost snake...

Oh no... You followed me into the Sacred Flame...!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry my beloved familiar...

I am being judged for my selfishness... I'm so sorry...

My eternal rose, you... **Glow...**

The fire, yes...

Eternally consuming...

Eternally painful...

**And yet so beautiful.**

A blissful curse...

Forever doomed to wander like a forgotten soul...

The rune of Neptune, yes... I still sense its presence.

It was guiding me... I remember now.

The eagerness. The risks...

A fair price to pay...

For the power to unveil darkness.

Farewell @wizard1498.

The flame of knowledge knows no boundaries.


Witch Delilah of the Steppe

# The Lore of Witch Delilah of the Steppe


Tisa Paragon of the Wild

# The Companion

Her reputation as a fierce warrior spread far and wide after her conquests in the river city of Ti'an. She was the first to scale the city's walls and the last to enter the pub to celebrate victory.

One wizard barely escaped with his life and teleported back to the stronghold, murmering about "the cat."


Jaya Ripper of the Lost City

# The warrior princess

Jaya's story begins on her sixteenth birthday. She was ushered to the temple, fully clothed in a regal gown. A young man stood anxiously with the kingdom's shaman, ready to see his bride for the first time. Her parents sat nearby, trading jokes with the matchmaker who arranged the wedding.

Jaya's blade was sheathed behind her back. She ran her hand along the hilt, feeling the grooves of the leather handle and the silk of her dress.

"Not today," she thought.


Magus Devon of the Quantum Downs

# Magus Devon of the Quantum Downs

Magus Devon of the Quantum Downs specializes in quantum enchanted mushrooms that temporarily grant the ability to perceive alternate realities. Although she herself cannot interact directly with them, her familiar snake named Spinor can traverse any reality to fetch items within.

Her Rune of Mercury not only acts as a catalyst for enhancing her state of heightened perception, but it also allows her to maintain communications to Spinor as it visits other worlds. Through quantum entanglement, messages can instantly transmit through any boundaries of space and time.

Art by Sweetbread

> Our world is like a single mushroom in the forest. The other mushrooms nearby are seemingly independent, but underneath theyre all linked in an intricate weave of mycelium. You can connect to other worlds if youre able to tap into that hidden layer that bridges us all.

Offensively she may be weak; but by leveraging her enhanced perception, clairvoyant knowledge of all possible outcomes, and an arsenal of inter-dimensional artifacts stockpiled by Spinor, she can strategically overwhelm even the deadliest of mythical beasts.

Since opening her shop of otherworldly goods, she rarely has the need to engage in combat for materials. Instead, she prefers learning more about the adventures of others.  Her various trinkets and weapons attract travelers from all across the land, and she gives generous discounts in return for their fascinating tales. She one day hopes to curate a tome of the greatest stories from her patrons.

# ____________________________

Art by Pipipi


Wraith Captain Soran of the Inifinite Nothing

I got a bag money, a slime soul companion, and my pajamas on. what more could an undead want?


Horned Phantasm Gellert of the Mist

This dodo laid an egg... the egg hatched... it was not a dodo egg... wtf happened?


Blood Eater Revenant Axel of the Thorn

They wouldn't let me buy a toupee :(


Necro Frog Suki of the Majestic Filth

Well hello traveler, do you care for a shroom? This isn't any old shroom, you see, this shroom was grown in the cellars on the moon. yes, yes, you heard that right, the moon. It fell to earth in a great ballon. I happen to find it floating down as I tended by growing apricots this past noon.


They call me Mr. Mescal. I take the finest rotten agave and boil it in decrepit, artesian clay pots. I then squeeze the essence from these boiled agaves and ferment them for 48 years. Why so long? because time is the worlds answer for perfection.


Lich Baron Alatar of the Nightmare Dominion

uhmmmmm, about me? you want something about me? Honestly, I heard this is where we pick up our ponies...


Alexander Dispatcher of Kobolds

# The Lore of Alexander Dispatcher of Kobolds

---
---

 He awoke to the smell of burning flesh, an uncomfortable heat surrounded him as heavy smoke poured into his lungs with every breath.

 *"Those fucking Kobolds!"*

The burning corpses of his comrades surrounded him. Their temporary camp lay ablaze at the edge of the forest.

*"I... will...avenge you"* he murmurs as his consciousness slowly faded.

 A heavy hand grabs Alexander by the shoulder accompanied by the rattle of bones.

*"We've got a survivor! This must be one tough son of a bitch. Go get him some water and see to his wounds"*


Shaman Lamia of the Berg

Lamia had never been like the other hags. From an early age, she had had dreams of grandeur and a desire to chase magic far stronger than that of the standard hag coven.

While this did put her at odds with most of her family (who thought her to be extremely narcissistic), it didnt keep Lamia from pursuing this path of power. By the time she had reached her teens, she had been the most accomplished spellcaster in her entire bloodline.

As she had felt little connection to her brethren, she had no reason to stay behind with this so-called coven of hers, and headed out into the Runiverse in search for power that she felt was destined to be hers.

Years passed and Lamia scoured the Runiverse, learning every facet of any style of magic she could get her hands on before she finally settled in the cold northlands (often home to penguins and frozen tuna). Her home, a hidden cave tucked away in the ice, would only keep strangers at bay for so long, though.

Eventually, word of Lamias location spread, and soon all manner of folk would make the pilgrimage to visit the Ice Witch for any number of ailments and issues.

Lamia was pretty unhappy about being found out, but learned to rely on the offerings given by the pilgrims for her blessing, which ranged from dry goods to magical artifacts. The constant stream of pilgrims would also give her plenty of ripe sacrifices for the picking, most whod never be missed.

This did have quite the unintended effect, as the pilgrims she did help ended up being most successful in many of their endeavors, causing her fame to rise, even in corners of the map that shed never been!


She grew bored, as many power hungry wizards do, and eventually started down the path of blood magic. Now, blood magic in and of itself had been banned from the Runiverse, but Lamia had forged a pact with an old godand wellyou cant really argue with the old gods can you?

A wizard of her power can only hide under the radar for so long before even bigger and more powerful entities start to notice. And ooooh, did they notice her!

One strange evening, after Lamia had tended to her last blood sacrifice, she heard a knock on her door.

Ugh, I havent even finished cleaning up thi-what?? Lamia went to the door, absentmindedly wiping the blood from her hands onto her apron. When she opened the door, she expected another lost villager looking for food, or perhaps some lone pilgrim looking for a blessing.

Instead, upon opening the door, all she found was a tiny little plague rat.
What on earthhow did you knock? Lamia said, bewildered, as she bent down to scoop up the tiny rat.

Upon further inspection, she noticed the rat had on a tiny collar, which contained a small note and an affixed tag that read Puggums.

The hag let out a curious grunt, as she pulled the letter free from the rats collar. Simple parchment, nothing too fancy, she thought to herself.

Looking over the small note, she found a tiny purple wax seal, with an image too small for her to make out. She quickly popped it off and unrolled the parchment, reading it aloud.

Dearest Lamia,

 I hope this letter finds you well. You do not know me yet, but Im quite hoping you soon will.


I am a very interested benefactor who finds great importance in, well, the work that youre currently conducting in the North. Not many would dare breach the ethics of blood magic, but from what I can tell, you are one of the most talented, and it would be such a waste to not give you a platform.

What I am building is a city of the greatest builders and thinkers. A place where the sky isnt even the limit for the type of scientific and magical progress we will make!

Now, you might be asking yourself, how do you know about me and what I do? Well, Lamia, thats quite a simple question.

It is my job to know these things, and soI do. Please do not fret, however, your secrets are very safe with me. And as said earlier, it is of the utmost importance that you continue the work youre doing!

Next, I must introduce you to your newest friend, Puggums. Hes a trained messenger rat, and hes yours, in exchange for humoring my letter.

Should you wish to join us at the collective, simply cast a small glow spell on the rats collar, and hell know to bring you to me.

I do so look forward to meeting you, my precious Lamia.

The letter is signed, in what looks to be blood. Though no written name is present, a small triangle with an eye has been smudged along the bottom.

Lamias mind raced with excitement and anxiety. How did some random stranger even know who she was, let alone, where she was and what she was doing??

It could be useful to have a powerful benefactor, especially one that promises safety. But there must be some catch. If there had been any one singular thing Lamia learned throughout her pursuit of power, it was that theres always a catch.

The question would be, was it a price she was willing to pay?


The question would be, was it a price she was willing to pay?

Lamia had let the notes contents sit with her for the next few days while she ruminated on all the different things that had come to light.

For better or worse, she decided it was probably time to stop sacrificing the pilgrims, at least for a little while. If this stranger happened upon what she was doing, then its likely others would too.

Now, no self-respecting, narcissistic, power hungry wizard would say no to someone basically handing them power, but of course she couldnt seem that eager either.

Lamia would spend 5 days and 5 nights hemming and hawwing, wondering if it was finally time to leave the cold north. Would she be able to handle living in a city, around other people? People she couldnt kill, eat, curse, etc?

Ugh, it would be hard. But, absolutely worth it, for the chance to exceed boundaries not only in blood magic, but also in the eldritch darkness shes learned to control.

On the evening of the fifth night, she finally made up her mind. Standing up from her small chair by the fire, Lamia scooped up the little rat, a small packed bag, and her trusty stick, and headed outside, not looking back to the hut where she had spent so much time.

It was snowing rather hard, but this was no concern to our wizard. A quick flick of the wrist, and Puggums collar lit right up with a blue light that cut right through the storm.

The little rat squealed in approval, hopped down, and sped off to the south, leaving behind him a bright blue path of light that only the hag could see.

She was off to finally obtain real power, and she could not wait.


Dree Guardian of the Rune Raiders

# Dree, Guardian of the Rune Raiders and Her Familiar Phlanyx

Dree shares a common story with her sisters. She would love to find her twins and reminisce of a happy childhood growing up in Calista's Citadel by the sea. Like so many others in the Runiverse her family was torn apart by the plague and poverty of the land and only recently has Dree made it back to the Citadel.

Dree is very positive and upbeat woman and continues to dream of a searching near and far for her sisters and to obtain the knowledge of what happened to her parents. Dree is employed as the personal protector of Pyromancer Calista of the Citadel. Calista, a witch, runs Acme Rocket Company and often needs the help of a warrior to fend off attackers and to wake up the factory slackers!

Her Lynx named Phlanyx is fierce and cunning and has ears that will catch the softest of whispers. Phlanyx, like many of the creatures can speak and understand many languages. You can never be too careful around any man, woman, creature (kobald), beast, pony or soul in the Runiverse. You never know who or what is listening.

Dree works for @wizard3344. She has ridden @pony100 before! Dree and her sisters share a similar origin as @warrior3393, @warrior12647, @warrior11896, and @warrior14033! She is looking for her sisters @warrior4646, @warrior4701 and @warrior7645.


Periwinkle the Precious

Stable doors more holes than panels,
very mangled barley pail.
Periwinkles not for sale.
Far too ragey to be handled,
made of hatred, horn to tail.
Periwinkles not for sale.
Many folks have had a gander,
tried to ride, but all did fail.
Periwinkles not for sale.


Flamma Eidolon of the Sun

# Lore of Flamma Eidolon of the Sun and His Familiar Krispy

Flamma is of the Flame Rock. Ledged has it that his warrior ancestors built the forge that stoked the fires that eventually help create the Sacred Flame. While the forge did not mint these flames on its own, it has been said rather some dark magic was applied to the forge and created the Sacred Flame artifact that has changed so many wizards into the abominable creatures that they are. Some of the flames have been used to forge new golden weapons. Flamma would like nothing more than to have a golden weapon to use to extinguish the wicked creatures in the Runiverse but has not secured a Flame or fabled Lock.

Flamma is determined to locate a sacred flame and has aligned himself with the cult of the Fire and the Sun in an effort to learn of the Sacred Flames location. Krispy is his loyal Crimson Jaguar companion that has resistance to fire and is able to brandish fire claws during battle. It is said that Krispy came too close to a Sacred Flame and thus cost him 6 of his 9 lives, in a past life.

Flamma is usually traveling with his Dwarf friend @warrior4911 and has an excellent command of the @pony100.  They come in hot!


Hell Pony the Stupendous

A haiku written by Hell Pony's keeper:

In the mirror's shine,

What is this beast, so divine...

Oh wait, this is mine!


Electromancer Moka of the Ether

# The Lore of Electromancer Moka of the Ether

Delete this text and write your Lore her

e


Gerol Exterminator of Domination

# The Lore of Gerol Exterminator of Domination and His Familiar Dragen

Gerol is a Dwarf from the mountains near Mount Titan. The dwarves have inhabited these mountains for centuries.. What you have heard about dwarves is true, they are smaller, stout, stubborn, smelly and strong. Gerol is the Chairman of the Council of Dwarves in Obsidian City.
This city serves as the economic hub and port for the dwarves who live underground and have a series of tunnels that connect back to the regional underground cities in the mountains near Mount Titan. Obsidian City is a melting pot of races and cultures that invites trade, diplomacy, and acts as the hub of West Runiverse commercial activity.

Gerol holds the FIREBRAND sword which is an ancient weapon forged in the Furnaces of the Dwarves near Mount Titan. Only 99 of these legendary weapons exist and they are held by warriors across the Runiverse. Some say the FIREBRAND burns so hot it is unable to be made into a fabled golden weapon from the Sacred Flame and the Golden Lock. Gerol has lead armies of dwarves to stave off souls, dark magic and invaders over the years and Gerol serves as the Chief Commander of the Obsidian Guard.

Gerols familiar is a crimson jaguar named Dragen. Dragen was raised by,well, dragons! The cat thinks its a dragon and will his and growl. Dragen also speaks "Dragon" which is a sacred lizard language that only few wizards or creatures understand. The ability to talk to Dragons is special and dangerous. Crimson jaguars have a natural resistance to fire and this is probably the reason the dragons do not eat the cat. Dragen is able to breath fire and is the only known cat do be able to do so and will toast his prey before snacking. This may be in part to a powerful enchantment but nobody really knows.


Gerol is currently riding the @pony100 on loan from @wizard113 and @wizard7238. Gerol spends his days administering dwarven business, defending his people from threats and being stubborn.
Gerol loves a good ale!


Alchemist Aldus of the Realm

The Alchemist Aldus of the Realm has a sweet tooth for strawberry shortcake and fast, icy women.


Magus Devon of the Quantum Downs

#  WELCOME TO ACE TOWN

____________
## The Quest Begins
I awoke to the sound or cries of Summer morning cicadas outside my window. Although I felt sluggish and wanted to sleep in, I knew that if I didnt get out of bed now Id get back to resting for another few hours. Before I could have a chance to convince myself that Id just need "five more minutes", I hopped out of the bed and stretched out my muscles to get my blood flowing. I glanced around the room - there wasnt much in it aside from my bed, a hanging wall clock, a CRT television atop a stand, and a coffee table with a single green GameBoy Color resting  alongside a brown suede-like backpack on top of it. A black cauldron bubbled softly over the low flame in my fireplace at the far corner of the room. There wasnt much to it, but I found comfort in its minimalistic and tidy home.

Feeling a bit more awake, I got closer to my clock to check the time. 7:55, a bit earlier than I expected to wake up. Maybe I should reconsider giving myself 5 more minutes to even things out at a clean looking 8:00. Ignoring the temptation, I made my way to the kettle to see what had been brewing overnight. Mushroom Soup. Looks delicious. I'd love to eat this with some Bread.

I took another glance around the room. No cabinets in sight, huh? Im not sure why I was so surprised at that. Maybe I have some leftover bread in my bag. I returned to the center of the room. Of course the backpack was crafted from mushroom leather so although it looked like suede it had a slightly more plush feel to it, and a woodsy fragrance. I lifted the flap off the backpack and peered inside.


____________
```
APPLE x1
BROCCOLI SEEDS x4
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
MEDIUM FISH  x2
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________

Hmm, no Bread? The Apple may be good for later, but Id really like something to dunk into my soup. I dug into the small coin pouch on my hip. 3000g. That should be more than enough for a loaf. I pulled my Town Map from the bag. Though I of course knew where the market was, it felt somewhat calming to confirm how close it was on the map. I equipped my backpack, spun on my heel, and walked towards the exit. But mid-spin I could have sworn I caught a glimpse of a small green tail quickly crawling under my bed. I cautiously approached to confirm, but there was nothing underneath. With a shrug, I turned once again and departed on my quest for Bread.

The town was covered in lush green grass and bright blue flowers, with vibrant pink brick pathways to walk along. It was indeed just as small as the map had made it out to be, with only 4 other houses aside from my own and a market in its center. Although every house looked the same, mine was the only one with a garden next to it. I do prefer to grow my own vegetables whenever I can, its rewarding to successfully grow a large yield all by yourself.

The path leading to the north should get me to the market in no time. On the way there I came across a neighboring villager, and was compelled to start small talk with him.

> Isnt this town the best? Theres never a dull moment. Did you get to check out the market yet? You can find some really good deals there!


Indeed, I was just on my way to the market so havent yet seen todays deals. I mentioned I was on my way there and thanked him for his suggestion to look out for any sales. It wasnt long at all before I actually found myself in front of the store. A large sign roughly the same height as me stood out from the ground in front of it.

____________
> TOWN SHOP
____________

Did they really need such a large sign for just that? I guess I had never really considered how much it stood out. Maybe I should have really given myself another 5 minutes in bed to shake off some of this brain fog. As I opened the door to the shop I was greeted with a welcoming little jingle. *~Ding dong ding dong~* the joyful sounding melody rang as the doors opened.

The market was a lot smaller than it looked from the outside, with only 3 rows of shelves and a cooler towards the back. Nonetheless, I walked to the shop owners counter and asked if he had any good sales today.

> Youre in the right place my friend! Ive got nothing but the best deals in town!

I wanted to say that considering this is the only shop in town I think thats a given, but I politely smiled back and asked for his current inventory.

____________
```
BROCCOLI SEEDS 100g
APPLE 50g
FIZZY SODA 20g
MEALWORMS 10g
SKUNKY MUSHROOM 420g
FROZEN TUNA 50000g
```
____________

Not a very large selection. What are all of the shelves in this store even for? I inquired if he knew where I could get any Bread.

> If its Bread youre looking for, your best bet is to visit Sam. He lives just west of here!


I pulled out the Town Map from my bag and confirmed. There was really only one house west of here so there would be no mistaking it. Although I was a bit disappointed I couldnt get my Bread now, I still thanked the shopkeeper for his help and politely left the store in search of Sam.
____________
## Inventory Management
Like every other house in this town, Sams looked exactly like mine from the outside. Just like the market, he had an equally large sign planted in front of his house.
____________
>SAMS HOUSE
____________
Well if anything, I cant imagine the postal service ever getting lost in this town. As I knocked on the front door, it swung wide open without any resistance. A young man with a chefs hat stood in the center of the room. Not only was the outside of his house the same as mine, but even the layout inside looked starkly similar. Minimalistic design is popular I see. At least he didnt also have a GameBoy on his table like I did. He looked at me with welcoming eyes, so I made my way in and greeted him.

> Ah, youd like some Bread? If you give me 5 Broccoli Seeds, Ill give you my freshest loaf!

Ah, 5 seeds? I checked my bag again. Only 4 in here. But Broccoli Seeds were 100g at the shop, so I would be willing to give him 4 seeds and 200g on top of it so he could get some extra seeds himself instead.

> Have you gotten 5 Broccoli Seeds? Ill be waiting here until you get them!


> Have you gotten 5 Broccoli Seeds? Ill be waiting here until you get them!

Not one for bartering, huh? The shop isnt far at all so its not a huge deal. As I made my way outside I felt like I was being watched. I turned towards the edge of the town. A thick forest of uniform looking trees bordered around it. A small green snake peered at me from afar before about-facing and retreating into the trees. For some reason, the sight of him made me feel a little less annoyed at my failed attempt at a trade.

I made my quick trip to the market and back, now with 5 total Broccoli Seeds in my bag. Sam had not moved at all since I left, he had been staring at his door the entire time in the middle of his room. I glanced at the wall clock in his room. 9:55. Had I really spent two whole hours just getting this loaf of Bread? I dont think I was ever good at keeping track of time, but it felt like I had wasted too much on this endeavor. I made a mental note that Id never want to do something as tedious as this again for a loaf of Bread. If I could redo this morning, I wish I could just skip to this moment. With all of this, Id finally have a fresh loaf of Bread to eat together with my Mushroom Soup. As I readied the Broccoli Seeds to give to Sam, he stopped me with a concerned expression.

> Whoa there, Id love to give you this Bread but it looks like your bag is full! Come back when youve made some room.


Huh? Well I guess now that I thought about it, I am carrying a lot of stuff with me but I didnt even consider that my bag would be too full for the Bread. I took another look in my bag and realized it was too deep to even see how much space was left in it. I knew what I had in it but couldnt really see everything individually. It just inherently felt like I recognized what I was holding. I dug in and pulled out a Medium Fish. Ive been walking around all morning with this in my bag, do I even trust it to be fresh anymore? Actually it has been in my bag since before this morning so I definitely dont feel comfortable eating this. There are two of them here so getting them out the way should make enough room. I asked Sam if there was a trash can nearby so I could toss it. He shook his head.

> Theres no trash in this town, you can just drop that outside if you need to make some room!


Drop them outside? I thought for a moment about the snake who retreated into the forest. I suppose even if I wouldnt want to eat them, there are certainly creatures out there that would be more than happy to take these fish off my hands. No sense in wasting them if theyre edible, I guess. I placed the fish at the top of my bag so I didnt have to dig deep inside for them, and left Sams house and walked directly to the nearby forest. For some reason I felt like I shouldnt enter the forest, so I simply stood 1 step in front of it. I hesitated for a moment and looked back, did he really mean I should just toss this outside? I was probably overthinking things, the fish would be taken care of by whatever wildlife stumbled on them. Perhaps that snake from earlier is still around, I'm sure he'd love these. I turned back to the forest and tossed the fish in as far as I could, and watched as they vanished into the tall vegetation. I looked again in my bag, it should have enough space now that I got that fish out of there.

____________

```
 x0
APPLE x1
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________


That sounds about right. Tossing that fish made my bag have 0 Medium Fish, right? Since I no longer had it? But why did that stand out to me, as if there was still something in there with the absence of that fish? Ugh, I really should have just slept in this morning, Ill probably get rid of this unnerving feeling when I finally get some food in my stomach. I returned to Sams house and finally, he accepted my Broccoli Seeds in exchange for a loaf of Bread. I checked the clock on the wall again - 10:15. Ugh, really? I placed it at the top of my bag, thanked Sam, and left his house. Before I could make my way home, I should really make sure this Bread isnt getting squashed in there. It'd be a shame if after all of this I ruined the loaf. I opened my bag once more to check its contents.

____________

```
BREAD x1
?-E x0
APPLE x1
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________


...
A shiver ran down my spine. Something was telling me not to think more about it, but curiosity took the best of me. I put my hand into the bag and felt around beneath the Bread. There was something...*nothing*, but *something* at the same time. I couldnt feel its shape but something was there. I grabbed it - as I did, I was blinded by a bright flash. When my vision returned, the lush green grass and trees around me were now an oddly purple hue. The once pink cobblestone path beneath my feet was now bright blue. Im losing my mind, whats going on here? I shouldnt pull this out of my bag, I should just head home, eat my soup, and get some more rest. Although I thought this, my hand didnt stop. I slowly pulled *something* above the loaf of Bread and a deafening high pitched screech of static reverberated throughout my eardrums an-

...
____________
## Reload

I peered at the wall clock in his room. 9:55. Had I really spent two whole hours just getting this loaf of Bread? I dont think I was ever good at keeping track of time, but it felt like I had wasted too much time on this. I made a mental note that Id never want to do something as tedious like this again for a loaf of Bread. If I could redo this morning, I wish I could just skip to this moment. With all of this, Id finally have a fresh loaf of Bread to eat together with my mushroom soup. As I readied the Broccoli Seeds to give to Sam, he stopped me with a concerned expression.

> Whoa there, Id love to give you this Bread but it looks like your bag is full! Come back when youve made some room.


As I heard those words, a knot formed in my throat along with the unmistakable feeling of dejavu. No, it wasnt just in my head, I definitely heard this before. I remember being confused about my bag. I remember it was later than 9:55. I checked my bag...

____________

```
APPLE x1
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
MEDIUM FISH  x2
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________

What was wrong with it? This seemed fine, but I knew it wasnt. These fish are taking up too much space. Theres something wrong with them. Ill have to throw them out if I want to make room for my Bread. Without a second thought I walked to the forest bordering the town, two steps in front of it. As I looked deeper in, I could see a familiar sight - a green snake with wide white eyes peering at me from afar. Although I felt uneasy, the sight of him once again made me feel I wasnt in the wrong, I wasnt going crazy, I should listen to my gut feeling and get to the bottom of whats going on. I turned back to the town once more. The vibrant green grass shuffled rhythmically in the wind, the pink cobblestoned pathways providing a strong contrast. I turned back to the forest, the snake was no longer there. I took the two Medium Fish out of my bag and placed them on the ground beneath my feet, just in front of the forest. When I looked back down, to my surprise, they were nowhere to be found. I checked my bag once again.


____________
```
APPLE x1
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________

That sounds right. Right? I was slightly disappointed. Was I expecting something else? I tried to recall a memory, A memory of something that should have never happened. I want to try that again, what did I do differently this time? I wish I could go bac-

...

I peered at the wall clock in his room. 9:55. Im in Sams house again. I once again have the Medium Fish in my bag. I was sure of it this time, Ive been here before, Ive done this before. I've somehow been brought back here again. I thought back to what I was doing before this. Before this? Or after this? It was hard to grasp where and when I was, but perhaps that wasnt even important. I need to make room in my bag if I want to get Bread, but that didnt seem to be the most important thing for me to consider right now. If I want to get to the bottom of this, I need to first put the fish on the top of my bag. It was right below my Bread, whatever it was. I didnt want to take any chances, so I tried my best to follow the exact steps I did before. I tried handing the Broccoli Seeds to Sam.

> Whoa there, Id love to give you this Bread but it looks like your bag is full! Come back when youve made some room.


Of course, thanks for letting me know Sam. I moved the two Medium Fish to the top of my bag for easy access. I found myself again one step in front of the bordering forest. I looked back to the town, and then into the forest, and tossed the two Medium Fish into the darkness. I checked my bag...

____________
```
 x0
APPLE x1
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________

That was right. No, it was *wrong*, but it was the right type of wrong. I needed to talk to Sam and move the Medium Fish to the top of my bag before tossing them. I had  to throw them into the forest, one step in front of it. It was very specific, but only in doing those actions in that order could this occur. For some reason I felt as if I could sense the different outcomes that would occur if I performed similar steps. This isnt over yet though, theres still something missing. I made my way back to Sams house and exchanged the 5 Broccoli Seeds for a loaf of Bread. I placed it on the top of my bag and checked the clock on the wall. 10:55, that felt correct to me. I quickly left Sams house and checked the contents of my bag.

____________
```
BREAD x1
?-E x0
APPLE x1
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________


Bingo. With this in mind, I made a mental note. I know how to make this happen again, I dont need to start in Sams house again if I make a mistake. This is what Im looking for. This time I wont pull that out of my bag. I reached inside and grabbed it. A bright flash blinded me momentarily, and the colors of the entire landscape had shifted into purple and blue hues. Instead of pulling it out the bag, I stuffed it down below the Apple. Going any further than just touching it will probably ruin everything, this is more than enough. I checked my bag again

____________
```
BREAD x1
DEVON x
APPLE x1
 xTOWN
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________

It was different, but still the same. I couldnt even recognize what it was anymore, or how many of it I even had. Its quantity had been replaced by something else. Even though I moved it under my Apple, something else took its place. **Devon**. What was that? It felt so familiar, but foreign. I tried to think of what else could have changed aside from the colors around me. I checked my coin pouch: 999999g. I started with 3000g this morning but bought some Broccoli Seeds, I should have 2900g. Im rich? Is this real? I traveled back to the market once more to see if the keeper would let me buy anything. I stared at the sign in front of his shop.

____________
```


____________
```

ERR09
```
____________
That string trailed off the signboard itself. Although the sign was now empty, the writing was in the same style as it used to be. That ERR09 was just...floating...well below where it should be. In thin air. I ignored and entered the shop. What can I buy?

____________
```
BROCCOLI SEEDS 100g
APPLE SEEDS 50g
FIZZY SODA 20g
MEALWORMS 10g
SKUNKY MUSHROOM 420g
FROZEN TUNA 50000g
```
____________

I had enough money to buy whatever I wanted, but I should probably fill my bag up with as much as possible to see where that leads me. Can I fit 99999 Mealworms in my bag? I placed all my gold on the table and inquired.

> Sorry young lady, I can only sell you 255 Mealworms at a time.

At a time? What does that mean? Is that all he has in stock? Fine, I'll take 255 Mealworms.

> 255 Mealworms coming right up! Here you go, little missy!

I placed them in my bag above everything else. They fit? Can I have 1 more Mealworms?

> 1 Mealworms coming right up! Here you go, little missy!

I put them into my bag and checked inside.

____________
```
MEALWORMS x1
MEALWORMS x255
BREAD x1
DEVON x
APPLE x1
 xTOWN
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
TOWN MAP x1
```
____________


How did this all fit in there? I pushed my hand down into my bag and it now felt endless. I definitely shouldnt be able to push my hand this far in, but I couldnt reach an end no matter if I stuffed my whole arm in. The shopkeeper looked concerned.

> Is something the matter? Youre acting a bit strange right now. Im not going to complain but the last time someone ordered this many Mealworms, they dug into their bag just like you and went mad.

I sure feel Im heading in that direction. What even is reality at this point? Why was I so comfortable with this even knowing it defies logic? Something was wrong. ***Everything was wrong.*** But I had to keep breaking it. This town was real, and Ive lived in it my whole life, but when did that start? Did I start existing when I awoke this morning? Wait, did I actually just start existing this very second? Hes right, I am going mad. What happened to the last person who acted this way?

> They just acted kinda strange. Like pacin' around in funky ways, dropping all their things on the ground, saying they were seeing things that werent there. Then they yelled about something called the Death Cloud coming closer. Everyone tried helping, but it was as if they couldnt see us anymore. Then one day they just...disappeared. Nobody could find 'em.

Despite his warnings, I kept digging my hand into my bag, below my Town Map. Deeper, further...there was nothing there but I could keep going. I closed my hand to see if I could grab hold of anything, despite it diving into empty space. As I thought...something.


____________
```
MEALWORMS x1
MEALWORMS x255
BREAD x1
DEVON x
APPLE x1
 xTOWN
BROCCOLI SEEDS x5
FISHING ROD x1
FARM MULCH x6
TOWN MAP x1
x0
x0
x0
x
HORACE x
```
____________

> Hey uh, you SSDEOVON&wtDFB8QUANTUMSHADOW

> -S  kFUYUMI    ]  >

The shopkeeper spoke. His voice reached my ears but upon grabbing this they became a shape I couldnt understand. Perfectly square shaped holes materialized instantly on the walls and shelves around me, seemingly leading into empty darkness. Parts of the shelves around me had been replaced with other objects. Not just the items on the shelves, but the actual shelves themselves. Parts of the cash register were seemingly embedded into one corner of a shelf. The corner of a persons face replaced one of the tiles on the floor, but it seemed to be an inanimate object despite clearly being a partial face. The shopkeeper continued talking, but making sense of his words were futile...so I left the shop to see what the outside had in store for me.
____________
## Corruption


As soon as I left the shop, I was greeted by a town that was familiar, and yet entirely alien to me. Blocks of text and numbers replaced buildings in the town, patches of water were simply floating where signboards used to be. The floating clouds above were replaced with zeroes and nines. The subtle sound of static white noise reverberated from somewhere in the distance, but I couldnt even discern which direction it was coming from. All the colors in the town had been inverted into unnatural hues, including the sky itself. The floor below me was no longer a uniform and coherent field of grass and brick pathways, but now a chaotic patchwork of various items and partial structures, all perfect squares, mended together in an unnatural fashion. Ah, this is what I was looking for, surely.

I created this outcome, I willed it to reality. That is, if this can even still be considered reality at all. I summoned this through a specific sequence of events, in a particular order. I guess to any outside observer, it could only have been described as a ritual to perform a magic spell. Anyone not understanding what I was doing must have thought me to be mad, and perhaps in a sense they were correct. Through trial and error, I learned more and more how to destroy this world; and I intuitively knew what I was getting myself into...yet I longed to see how far I could twist and corrupt this existence.


As I walked around the distorted town I was prevented from moving forward despite no visible obstacle in my way. It was hard to even navigate, because seemingly invisible walls blocked my path every few steps. As interesting as this new world was, I had no way of fully exploring it. At some point white attempting to navigate this space, I was frozen by something. It wasn't an invisible wall blocking me this time, but every muscle in my body refused to move. My thoughts went entirely silent. The mind is always filled with constant chatter even when calmed, but this was complete and utter silence. Until that emptiness was broken with a single thought:

> Youve encountered @soul3805.

I didnt even know what that meant, there was no way that thought actually manifested on my own volition. I regained control of my body and mind, but had no clue what happened.


I glanced around this now malformed town, that only just barely resembled what it used to, and in the distance I noticed looked to be a @soul6433 approaching slowly. Well, it moved forward as if it was a cloud, but it seemingly engulfed everything into it like a black hole. In the center of that darkness, there were two figures. Two fully cohesive and well defined figures in a world of malformed mashups of various objects. One seemed to be the shape of a man, but his entire body was as white as an eggshell. In his hand, an empty mug which he could not hold steady. His large hollowed eyes and wide agape mouth made it seem as if he was petrified, and yet he moved forward slowly at a steady pace, silently. Beside him, the skeleton of a canine, still walking forward with him as if it was alive. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure if the man himself was alive either. It didn't take long for me to understand what he was. After all, his arrival was already announced to me just moments ago. Its Horace, and behind him must be the Death Cloud.


As the two paced forward, the looming darkness followed directly behind them. Despite everything in this town now existing as incoherent blocks of random things unnaturally merged together, any object he walked past seemed to erratically change form. What seemed to be half of a bike and half a tree began flashing into various other objects as Horace drew near it; until eventually the erratic shapeshifting converted it into 1s and 0s, which were promptly ripped bit by bit and sucked into that foreboding darkness that followed him. I couldnt move, I could only stare at the horrified look on his face and wonder if I perhaps had was also wearing an expression of pure terror as he was. But I couldnt move...the invisible walls that once stopped me from moving forward seemed to have entirely boxed me in and immobilized me. I dont know what will become of me if Horace gets closer, but I had no choice but to simply watch as he did. I could not tell whether or not he was even the perpetrator of the destruction that lay in his wake, or a prisoner to it. Regardless, it seems as if I too will be annihilated by the horrifying Death Cloud that approached.

But as that thought crossed my mind, right when the last ounce of hope had been put to rest and I accepted my fate, I felt a tug on my sleeve. It allowed me to avert my gaze from Horace, and pull me out of my frozen state. A green snake slithered slowly up my arm and stared deeply into my eyes. A sense of relief poured over me. I had seen this snake before, his familiar sight was a reminder of what this town used to be. When he knew he had my attention, his forked tongue flicked in the air, and I heard his voice from within my head.

> Do you want me to help pull you out now?


> Do you want me to help pull you out now?

I dont know what he was implying, but my head nodded automatically in response before I could even attempt to process it. I could hear a high pitched electronic buzz growing closer, but I dare not look away from the snake.

> You arent from this town. You arent even from this reality. You can escape if you can recall where you are really from.

I took a moment to ponder on the snakes words. I tried to think back, as far as I could, deep into my memory. He was right, I had always felt as if this world didnt quite feel like home. It almost felt as if my entire existence, along with all my memories of the life before, were simply formed the moment I awoke this morning. At some point I even humored the thought that this entire existence was simply one formed randomly by entropy bringing a small pocket of matter within the universe into just the right formation to create what I perceive to be reality...and perhaps Horace and the Death Cloud were simply what I personified as the natural dismantling of that miracle; returning what I considered to be me back into the disorderly swarm of particles I had always been before.


But I knew if I continued that line of thinking, it was Game Over. If I didnt face my epistemological crisis head on, I would ultimately meet my demise here and now. So I thought harder. I felt as if I couldnt think of one single reality Ive experienced other than this, but rather a myriad of different ones. I had been in many worlds, I had experienced many things, and I was unable to pinpoint which universe was one I could call my own. I resonated with a reality in which I tamed small creatures and traveled across the world on adventure. Then shortly after, I felt connected to a world where humanoid cephalopods dominated the land. So many contradictory lives, and yet I felt as if I had lived all of them. It was impossible to tell which one was my own. It was as if I was trapped in an infinitely large library, with bookshelves spanning far and wide, and I was told to find one single book without any clues as to what I was even looking for.

In my peripheral vision, I could see the object that was once the town market begin to flicker. The garbled shapes that made it up began frantically flashing into other objects, letters, numbers..ah, the Death Cloud draws near. Was I too late? Was there even an actual way out of this, or did I simply hallucinate in my final moments to cope with this finale?


I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and ignored my surroundings for a moment. I thought harder, there must be a hint somewhere. I could feel the snake tightening his grip around my arm, but it didnt feel aggressive at all. No, if anything, it felt more like an embrace. Like one you would give to a close friend going through something difficult. He cared about me, he was trying to help me. Ah, thats right, whenever Im lost I know I can count on him to help me find my way. In every reality I know of, I share the same single point of meeting him before the tree trunk of my realities splinter off into separate branches.

The terrifying screeching became louder. I did not know if this sound was coming from Horace, or the Death Cloud itself, but it was obvious my time was running out. And yet I was past the point of fear, because everything was coming back to me and a sense of relief. I recalled a reality in which I faced a similar problem, and was led out a labyrinth of despair by a single green thread rotating in a white room.

> Do you know who I am?

The snake asked. Of course the moment he did, his name had immediately clicked in my head. Although I thought I didnt know him at first, somewhere deep inside I had never forgotten him. I want to experience all that I can, and as a result I know Ill get lost, but in the end he always serves as the one constant beacon to help me confirm who I really am.I closed my eyes and responded calmly.

> Of course I know who you are, Spinor.

And then..silence. The screeching had stopped, I felt weightless, and behind my closed eyelids I embraced the darkness.

____________________

## Game Over


____________________

## Game Over

A sweet earthy aroma eased me back into my senses. The air around me was warm, and I could hear the soothing bubbling of a liquid softly simmering. There was no mistaking that appetizing sound and aroma - creamy Canaanite milk and mushrooms were all you needed for an amazing soup. I opened my eyes and looked around at the spacious but cluttered room. It was far from the minimalistic house I had just moments ago considered my own. Unique trinkets and artifacts were haphazardly placed along the many shelves on the walls. It seemed like a disorganized mess, but there was a logic behind that disorder that I understood. I was home, at the Quantum Downs, in my shop of Otherworldy Goods.

My sense of touch came back to me, and I could feel Spinor slithering up my arm and onto my shoulders. He stared at me briefly to make sure I was really back in my own mind before speaking.

> Your mind got dangerously close to something from the Quantum Shadow back there. I know you told me not to help you unless it was an emergency, but you cut it pretty close there.

I sighed in relief and looked down at the small table in front of me. A plate with partially eaten green mushrooms bearing a white spotted pattern lay there. No matter how many times I use these Quantum Mushrooms, Im always overwhelmed by the journeys they take me on. And yet, no matter how close I get to losing myself, I continue going back to them.

> Well, did you find anything interesting?


> Well, did you find anything interesting?

Spinor continued, knowing itd be a moment before I was fully anchored down to earth. I thought back to what I had just gone through. The once peaceful town that up until what seemed like mere minutes ago was my home was no longer a place I could ever return to. Even if I had figured out how to revisit previous worlds, Im unsure if that universe would ever be the same.

If there was something I wanted to bring back from that world, what would it be? I immediately thought of the minimalistic house I started in. Aside from the kettle of mushroom soup, it was almost entirely opposite of this messy room. It wouldnt be hard to remember all everything there. Although I was lost in thought, my eyes were still fixated on the green mushrooms on the table in front of me. Ah, thats right, there was a green device on the table of that room. What did I call it? ...GameBoy? I had never heard of that word in my entire life, and yet it felt like such a natural everyday device there. If there was anything that stood out, it was that.

> The small green device that was on that table. Could you fetch it for me, Spinor?

And with that, a small round colorful portal appeared next to him. He slithered into it, and before his tail had fully entered the portal, another one near my lap opened up; where he slithered out of head first, holding the green GameBoy in his mouth. Well, although they looked like portals to me they were more like projections that I couldnt go through even if I wanted to. Spinor had described it before as something akin to crawling into the pocket universes that bride realities, but I still dont fully understand what they really were.


I grabbed the GameBoy from his mouth and stared at my own reflection on its screen. I had never seen something quite like it before, and Im sure a game from another world could go for a pretty high price. But the more I stared at it, the more I remembered the world that it originated from.

> Hey Spinor, what did you see when you went there?

____________________

> Sorry if its disappointing, but I  dont quite see anything when I slip between worlds. You tell me what to get, and  I know how to get it. I can only observe realities when you yourself are observing them as well. In fact I cant even view this world when you arent here either.
____________________

> ...Did I just destroy that world? Or did it all happen in my head? Actually, what difference did it make if the townspeople were unaffected and simply saw me become mad in the first place? In the end, the world was effectively destroyed from my perspective anyway.  And yet it felt so fun and satisfying to do.

Spinors tongue flicked through the air, and for a moment there was a pause for silence. His large white eyes not breaking their gaze from mine. Sensing my anxiety boil up, he broke my negative spiral.

> You're thinking too hard about it. You were only playing a game.

He responded, matter of factly. I stared down at the GameBoy in my hand that he had retrieved for me. I intended to put this for sale within my shop, but I somehow felt an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia the more I looked at it. Although this object had never existed within this reality, and although I had never truly held this in my hands before, I felt overwhelming attachment to it.

> Funny how you can feel nostalgic for a memory that never truly happened. Perhaps Ill hold onto this a bit longer before I list it for sale.

____________________


____________________

***"Arbitrary Code Execution"***, by **Dmitry Petyakin**


Dillon Poker of the Mountain

# New Lore Entry

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I was born from the dragon. I grew up among monkeys from hell.

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# Images
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### Image uploads

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# Getting new lines right

New lines can be a bit funny.... there are two options:

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and now I am here (but you did get double spacing)

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# Tagging other characters

You can tag other wizards, souls etc in any normal text (so not a heading or a link). Here are some examples:

Best wizard of all is @wizard2140. His dreams of befriending @pony0 one day. Watch out for @soul1732!


Alchemist Azahl of Mu

# Quantum-brew

Mu feels like a distant memory... how much has changed?  How long has it been?

These streets are no longer recognizable, did I actually try using a new mystafern?  That potion should have only put me under for one cycle tops but based on how much things have changed...

The funny thing about *quantum-brewing* is that even though relative time feels like only yesterday, the memories from before are always hazy. Brew too much too often and you might loose yourself.  I need to find my journal...it should be around here somewhere... looking for that spark that can keep me grounded.

But at least I'm back, and I succeeded.  At least I think I did.  Raticus... where is my mortar?


Joan Danger of Riffraff

# Portraits of Joan
## Discover more portraits ***here***.

-----------

By amane_soraaa

By dcst_SGW

By 75_Senan

By Uirusu_chan

By no_way114

By _kirinoha_

By zx623723


Buer of the Road

# Buer of the Road

It seems like Buer has been destined to enjoy a cold Rune Beer since he was born. As his parents were also lovers of the drink, they may or may not have been drinking their daily beer when giving Buer his name. They meant to give him the name of their favorite drink, but had one too many and unfortunately made a small mistake.

As Buer grew older, he found himself falling right into the footsteps of his family and numbing the woes of being a warrior of the road by drowning his sorrows with Rune Beer. He found solace in the cold drink and sees no end in sight whenever he is asked about finding something new to drink.


Brock Hero of the Berg

# The Origin of an Ally (Part I)

The moonlight was shining onto the jungle providing just enough light to see a few feet afar, but not enough to unveil all the secrets of the night. Brock was walking on a muddy, narrow path, surrounded by tall trees and the occasional bird shriek standing out from the constant insect buzz. The air was hot and humid.

Brock, a tall sturdy individual with broad shoulders and strong muscles, was out hunting. In his right hand he was proudly holding is bamboo pole, the traditional weapon of his tribe, the Berg. Those bamboo weapons were gifts from the Wizards; they came from the strongest bamboo you could find in the Bamboo Forests and were gilded by magic. A gift the Wizards had bestowed upon the Berg, for their relentless defense of the lands between Obsidian City and Fort Turtle.

Brock was hunting for goblins. Those hideous creatures had been raiding villages in the area for months and the Berg had sent out scouts like Brock to track them down.

*Goblins are easy to hunt* Brock was thinking, *stinky, loud and messy; they could not make it easier, could they?* Brock was an experienced hunter and scout, but still amongst the youngest in his tribe. He had a lot more to learn and he knew that, but goblins were easy pray. He was also still unsullied, a Berg scout without a companion.

For the lonely life of a scout, companions were more than as support for hunting or fighting. They were your closest friend and ally.  One day Berg thought one day

The humidity in the air suddenly intensified and thick water drops started to fall from the sky. In a matter of seconds a monsoon storm broke out and heavy water started pouring.

Such rain could be dangerous; it inhibits the senses and makes it harder to spot enemies.


Such rain could be dangerous; it inhibits the senses and makes it harder to spot enemies.

Brock picked up an odd sound coming through the rain, *what is it? A swish of arrows!* Out of nowhere two arrows hit Brock on his left arm and leg.

*How did I not notice?* but before he could finish the thought five goblins jumped out of the trees and attacked him. *This is bad, really bad*

Brock parroted several attacks with his kite shield. He then hit back hard with his pole, smashing the head of one goblin to the ground. *Four of them is still too much*

The goblins kept attacking; the arrow wounds were slowing Brock down. Swing after swing he was fending the goblins off. But he was getting slower, more tired; leaving ample rooms for fatal attacks.

One of the goblins suddenly jumped to the right and threw a knife that hit Brock directly in his left side, piercing through his ribs. Immediately Brock was out of breath. Panting for oxygen, he fell on his knees, barely holding onto his bamboo pole and shield. Blood flooding out of his wounds.

The four remaining goblins started laughing and chanting on what now looked like an easy pray for them.

But the ground suddenly started shaking and loud stomping echoed from behind Brock. Something was running towards them. *Something big is* but before Brock could finish the thought his eyes closed, his vision went dark. He let go of his pole and collapsed to the ground, conscienceless. Defenseless.

*To be continued*


Diviner Misumi of the Palms

# New Lore Entry
meow
_Delete below sample to write your own_

This where you can write your lore.... we use markdown to store it on chain.... You can see how it will appear/render in the preview panel.

Here is some **bold** text
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> Here is quoted text
> *by a lore writer*

## Example of a medium heading
### Example of a smaller heading

# Images
You can add images via links, OR, upload from your computer using the toolbar.

### Image uploads

Use the toolbar image icon to upload an image to IPFS. Once uploaded (to IPFS) they also appear as a link, like so:

### External Image Links

To add image (or anything else) as a link, you can do it via the toolbar link icon, or just write the syntax below like so:

### Embedded videos

Oh yeah, if you just put in a YouTube link (no special syntax) on its own then it shows it embedded, see below:

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# Getting new lines right

New lines can be a bit funny.... there are two options:

**First**

Press enter twice. I am typing here, and now pressing enter twice after three dotrs...

and now I am here (but you did get double spacing)

**Second**

Type two spaces *before* pressing enter. Here come two spaces after the three dots followed by enter...
and now I am here

# Tagging other characters

You can tag other wizards, souls etc in any normal text (so not a heading or a link). Here are some examples:

Best wizard of all is @wizard2140. His dreams of befriending @pony0 one day. Watch out for @soul1732!


Druid Enigma of the Valley

# Best friend squad!!

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Today would start like any other day for Enigma, waking up with a smile in her tiny, but tidy, hut somewhere in the woods of the Fey.

Good morning, lovely Fred, did you sleep well? The lovely swamp witch asked, sitting up and stretching in her little bed. Though he couldnt speak, Fred managed to eke a squeak of joy as he mimicked Enigmas morning stretch routine.

Oh good!! Youll need your energy, do you know what today is? Enigma asked, her eyes sparkling with pure joy.

Squeak? SQUEAK!!! Fred started hopping with more intensity as he did indeed realize what today was.

Thats right!! LETTER DAY!! YAAAAAAAAAAAY! Enigma scooped up Fred and started dancing around the house, using magic to clean up what little mess may have survived through the night.

Now, Letter Day was the day for Enigma. The entire year had been spent preparing for this day. Making sure she had enough kobold snacks (they were not fond of her mushrooms), that she had filtered enough drinking water, and most importantlyparchment and ink!!

Two of her best friends (the strongest Ghost Eaters in the Runiverse!) Trollin and Kobold, would be stopping by for snacks and to write letters of encouragement to their friends across the Runiverse.

When the three of them got together, they were literally a non-stop force of love, acceptance, and hugs. The world literally became a kinder place in their presence. Also it didnt hurt that they had the squishiest, most huggable faces in the entire world!!


Enigma and Fred spent the morning ignoring their usual routine decorating the hut, and getting ready for company. Prepping snacks for wizard and familiar alike, making sure there was plenty of comfy sitdown space, and the like.

Eventually, the time that she had been waiting for with great anticipation had finally arrived.

# KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

A loud, rhythmic banging came from the front door, quickly followed by a muffled bonk.

Trollin! You only have to knock once! A voice said from outside, causing Enigma to burst into giggles.

# KNOCK!

Yeah! Just like-

# KNOCK!

No! Too ma-

# KNOCK!

Ugh. Why do I even bot-

# KNOCK!

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Not being able to handle being away from her besties any longer, Enigma threw open the door and scooped both kobolds up in a huge hug.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!! BEST FRIEND TIME! The three sang out in unison amidst their bearsnake hug.

Omg Enigma, we were so excited to see you! We brought presents and I brought Skamps and Kobold (who was a kobold both in name and race) rambled on, as Trollin rolled his eyes and stepped inside.

So this year, I have a whole list of folks who have NEVER received Enigmafirmations, and I think its high time we change some lives! Trollin said, whipping out a very long scroll filled to the brim with random names.


Trollin and Kobold quickly made themselves at home, releasing their familiars to do their own thing, as well as munching snacks and just overall catching up. These three could talk about nothing and everything for days if fate would allow them.

Thankfully, Enigma was fabulous at keeping the crew on track, and it wouldnt be long before the trio was fiercely scribbling away at letters of encouragement. The messages varied in detail, but remained the same.

They were amazing for making it this far, and had such an impact on those around them, and that they were seen, heard and loved.

Enigma was famous for enchanting her letters to grant small wishes (such as specific snacks, a glass of cold water, etc), while Kobold and Trollin werewell, infamous for their enchantments.

Random things like sticks, rocks, scraps of cloth would be summoned when you opened a letter from one of those two. (Funnily enough, these three would bring about the concept of Trick or Treat to the Runiverse in the coming years).

The one thing you need to know about kobolds is that while they may be a bit bumbly, they are loyal, fiercely devoted, and seriously good friends. So even though they may have missed the mark with execution from time to time (heck, so did Enigma, if not even more often) they were quite lovable, and the best family a swamp witch could ask for.

The entire day went by so fast, much to the trios chagrin. But for that day, the Fey was filled with love, kindness and support on a level that was only felt on this day each year.

Before they knew it, the sun had set, and all the letters had finally been written.


Before they knew it, the sun had set, and all the letters had finally been written.

Whew, I think this might be our most successful year yet, Eni!! I wrote over 100 letters today! Kobold said, standing from the table, admiring his pile of letters.

Agreed!! This was the first year any of our letters were addressed to the penguins up north! I hope they like them, Ive been wanting to go visit for so long now! Enigma said, stacking the letters in a small basket by the front door.

Well, we must be on our way, we had so much fun!! Trollin exclaimed, hugging the swamp witch tight and gathering his things.Now, you have to come to us for winter celebrations! I wont take no for an answer, the entire family is waiting to meet you!

Enigma hugged, squeezed and loved her friends, helping them gather things and escorting them to her front porch.

Fred and I should have these in the post by the end of the day tomorrow, and you know well be there for the holidays!! Enigma said, opening the door and letting her guests out.

Take care, and see you in a few months! Enigma waved as her besties wandered down the little path, taking them away from her tiny, but tidy hut in the middle of the Fey.


Lucy Lasher of the Wild

# The Plan

Mortimer the Black, get off of me right now! Lucy yelled weeks later after waking to find that her Onyx Panther had once again chosen to spend the night sleeping across her legs, effectively pinning her if anything happened requiring her to act swiftly in the middle of the night. The giant cat lazily raised its head, looked over to her, yawned, and then put its head back down, covering its huge yellow eyes with oversized paws.

The two of them had been avoiding civilization for what seemed like forever. While Lucy was more than capable of surviving in the wilderness, she had to admit, she missed the comforts of the big cities. There was nothing quite like a nice run-down inn room with two queen beds so that the damned cat would not sleep on her. Normally, she would only stay out of the city long enough to finish the next job, but this was no job she was embarking on. Since fleeing Calistas Citadel after witnessing one of the most insane acts ever in the Runiverse, Lucy had no intention of spending extended time in a big city any time soon. She wasnt willing to risk herself to the insane whims of some random wizard again.

I said get up Morti! Lucy exclaimed, this time kicking her legs with all her might in an attempt to make the cat at least uncomfortable enough to move. It worked, and the cat cat got up, moved away from her, and laid back down to sleep some more. None of that Morti! she exclaimed, I think I finally have a plan, but we need help.

During their time in the wilds, wandering aimlessly and eating whatever she could kill or forage, with the giant house cats not inconsiderable assistance, Lucy had developed a four step plan for rebellion.


Establish a base of operations.
Enlist aid from trusted allies.
Recruit like minded individuals.
Unseat the wizards, or kill as many as she could and die trying.

The first item she thought she might have an answer for. The Wild was vast and mostly uncharted. Primarily because of the wild magic which permeated the area and gave its name constantly changed everything within it. Not many knew the ways of the Wilds as well as she. She recalled an old dig site she had stumbled across a few years ago. The place had been stabilized by a group of Blue Wizards previously, and was one of the few stable areas in the Wilds. The wizards had abandoned the area after plundering it of artifacts, and if she could find her way back, and The Wild had not reclaimed it fully, she might be able to use it. What better place to hide from the wizards than the one place they could not fully control?

However, before she would venture in search of the ruins, she needed to enlist one friend in particular. @warrior5136 was an old friend. She was also a talented vocalist, and used to be highly sought after by many yellow mages for entertainment purposes. That is until one unfortunate wizard got a little too deep in whatever potion they were drinking one night, a little too handsy, and a little too heady impaled on her mic stand.


Adeles career ended with that wizard's life. The Yellow Mages would no longer book her for performances. They even pressed charges, but self defense was still legal even in cases between Wizards and Ducks, and the wizards couldnt get the charges to stick. Adele tried to continue her career, but the gigs dried up, and even Duck bars wouldnt book her after a while. So she took that mic stand, sharpened it, and started a new career as a mercenary for hire. She did alright for herself too. Ducks paid her a good deal of money to dispatch magical beasts and other phenomena. Theres no better way to advertise that you can handle any magical beast than a rune wizards skull decorating your weapon. Less grotesque ways, sure. But none as effective.

Adele had been hanging out in Goblin Town for some time, since most of the yellow hats hated the place. It was only a few days' journey, and who knows, with Adele around, maybe shed be willing to chance a stay at a run down inn with double queen beds.


Enchanter Maia of the Palms

# Enchanter Maia of the Palms

## _Origins_

Long ago, Maia was known for her infamous good nature and tremendous elegance. Rooted deep in the Red Wizard Capital, Maia was famed for marrying one of the most powerful red wizards and she found herself amongst the company of some of the wealthiest and most influential wizards ever to be known. She lived a life of dreams, until one day, when one of her powerful spells normally praised by many went horribly wrong. Maias name would be forever tarnished. Her staff of sorts (some would call it a dumb stick), had reliability issues, and this time it made an error that couldnt be rectified. Only Maia and those well connected in the Red Wizard Capital know what happened that day. As this specific day in history leaves many with tongues tied to never speak of the events that occurred. Maias beloved husband was forced to leave her, as his position within the political structure was not able to coexist with Maias damaged reputation.  Maia was forced out of her home, the Red Wizard Capital.

After many years of traveling, Maia found comfort again immersed amongst the palms. They provide her with the protection she needs against the harsh dessert winds. With the simplicity her new life provides; Maia is able to attempt to find herself once more. While her staff is not always as reliable as she might like, its powers remain good spirited and provide her with a reminder of how far she has come and the perpetual journey of the wizard life.


Battle Mage Malthus of the Capital

"Imagine, if you will, a city that never sleeps. A city where silly things like ethics, laws, and 'personal liberty' do not get in the way of progress!" Malthus' booming voice echoed across the stadium as hushes fell across the crowd.

Malthus, tall and imposing, held the microphone in one muscular hand, while using the other to punctuate his speech with excitement as he talked.

"Yes, that's right. A city where there is no ethics council, where the law is ours. Of course, this doesn't mean it will be a wild place with no rules! No, just a place where like-minded wizards can gather for the greater benefit of all." Malthus said, running his free hand through his crimson hair.

This little move made the crowd go wild, and Malthus took this chance to take a quick swig from his water bottle, before going back to his speech.

"It will take time to build, for a city must be erected with foundations as solid as existence itself! In that time, I will be sending out invitations, personally, to each wizard who will be invited to come live with us.

Should you wish to join, please sign up with our hostess on your way out. We'll take your details, and, if you meet our requirements, we will invite you in to Paradise!

That's it for today, friends, thank you so much for coming out! See you on the other side!!" Malthus said, waving to the crowd, putting the mic back on the stand, and disappearing behind the stage curtain.

"You were great out there boss!" Malthus' assistant ran up and handed him a towel. Malthus briefly smiles, and disappears into his dressing room.


"Ugh. There wasn't a single acceptable wizard in the crowd tonight. How the hell are we supposed to fill a city with the best and brightest if there are no best and brightest? Answer that, McGreggor!" Malthus said, poking his ember frog gently until he let out a large ribbit.

"I know, I know. We really are the best, but we can't do everything by ourselves! We must have the bodies...yes yes, and their magic. What else would this be for??" Malthus chortled to himself as he sorted through papers on his desk.

----

Months would pass, and Malthus' plan would be executed without a hitch. The city would be built in record time, and due to his own powerful magic, he would be able to locate every single wizard capable of above average magic.

He made no delay in sending out his invitations, and soon had communicated to well over 10% of the entire population of the Runiverse. Much to his surprise, not a single person would decline his offer.

Eventually, great pilgrimages would start journeying across the Runiverse to come and live within the great walls of the rapturous city

Soon, he would be sitting high atop his skyscraper, running his city of magic, never to be judged or hated for his powers again.

Until then, he had only a few loose ends to tie up, one particular one being his mistress, the Countess of the Red Wizard City. She was the only one who knew of where Malthus lived, and this information could be very dangerous to the right people, especially if they were to act before he moved into the city himself.

Now, the only way to properly remove a liability is to kill them and leave no witnesses. Any good assassin knows this!


HoweverMalthus was not an assassin. He was brilliant, powerfully arcane, and wise beyond his years, but he was no assassin.

He snuck in quite deftly, but after that, he was spotted approaching the countess chamber, and actually gave away the murder weapon to the house help before fleeing the scene.

This little bit actually worked out very well for him, as the guards had not spotted Malthus, but the help (a wizard by the name of Aamon, who oddly enough, was one of the wizards he had invited to live in the city).

All in all, messy but successful (as was the way of Malthus), he would be able to peacefully move into the new city and avoid persecution once and for all!


Adele Impaler of Runes

# Rolling in the Drink

A menacing figure stalked the streets of Goblin Town, eyes and head shifting constantly, mouth agape, as though it was his first time in Goblin Town. His eyes and head were constantly moving, as though daring danger to try his mettle. He made his way through one of the roughest parts of the rambunctious city, sneering at any who dared to come close. Clearly, he was looking for a fight, which is why as he moved to enter Glub and Glubbs bar, Glubb stopped him and checked for any weapons before he let the man in.

Glub and Glubbs Bar was dimly lit by a few flickering bulbs and the worn out neon sign in a busted window advertising the Goblin Beer which was the only drink served at the place. The floors were scratched and scuffed mismatched hardwood, some of it untreated. In any more civilized city in the Runiverse, this place would have been condemned. Torn concert posters were scattered haphazardly across the walls, and a dusty piano sat on a long disused stage, near a microphone stand topped with a grotesque skull ornamentation. Centered over the back of the stage a poster of Adele, a long retired musician was hung. It was perhaps the only poster in the bar which was not torn, but it was heavily stained by beer. A smattering of goblins were seated about the place, a few of them playing a game of cards at a back table with a giant. Strangely, the bar itself was empty save for a lone human woman. She was beautiful with blue hair, and sparkling blue eyes,wearing the armor of a Brown Knight. She was seated at the bar, a semi-circle of empty bottles arrayed in front of her.


The bar was owned and operated by two Goblin brothers, Glub, and Glubb. One was a talented alchemist and brewer as far as Goblins went, and the other a retired warrior. They had decided to go into business together some years back, but had no real taste for business and an unquenchable thirst for their product. When they had first bought the building, it was pristine, and some blamed the decline of this particular block on their poor business practices. Still, their brew was excellent, and despite the fact that they could not afford to keep the building up, Goblins cared more for the foul taste of their brew than they did the decor of the building they drank it in, so the brothers managed to keep the lights on.

As soon as the man walked into the bar, his mannerisms changed. He shifted seamlessly from a man looking forward to a fight, to an easy going, charming attitude. His eyes still moved continuously, even as he smiled at the various patrons, greeting one or two with warm smiles and friendly nods. Eventually, his eyes landed on the lone woman at the bar. He moved to her, sitting down without an invitation, and nodded at the bartender, tapping his finger on the bar to order a drink.

I used to be somebody, the woman said, unprompted but a moment later.

Oh really? the mans smile widened. He laid some coin on the bar as Glub delivered a bottle of Goblin Beer to him and popped the top. It looks to me as though you still are somebody. The man nodded at Glub, the goblin brother working the bar tonight.

She took a long swig of her beer and put the empty bottle on the bar. Wobbled a little, and smiled back at him before laying her arms and head across the bar top.


He smiled at her once more and took a sip of his beer before grimacing. How do they drink this stuff? How do you drink this stuff?

You get used to it, her slurred and muffled reply came a few moments later, Eventually, your taste buds die and then you only have to worry about the sickeningly sweet rotting aroma.

May I buy you another? The man asked politely.

Sure, the woman replied. Turning her head and smiling up at him drunkenly. Its been awhile since I met a she trailed off.

The man smiled again as he ordered another round for the woman. Whats your story? he asked.

You dont want to regale me with tales of your latest exploits? Thats how most men start.

No. I already know all about me. Im much more interested in you.

What a refreshing change of pace, the woman replied, sitting back up as Glub added a new bottle to her collection.

I used to be a musician. I toured the circuit, played the parties, and rolled in the money, She explained, But thats all ancient history now, she tipped back her bottle and took another sip.

Really? asked the man. You must have been very talented, he commented in a tone that said he held some doubts.

I still am, she winked. Smiling as she stood shakily, and leaned against the bar for balance. Fancy a tune?

Sure, but what ended your career? The man moved to help the woman to the stage, his smile widening, but the woman waved him off. He still followed her closely to the stage, as she told her story, leaning from chair to chair as she made her way across the room.


I was working this big party for a client, a Yellow Hat. After the gig, while the band and I were collecting our stuff, he came to pay us out. He had been hitting some potions pretty hard during our set, and wanted more than we agreed on.

So, the man said, What did he want that was so career ending?

The woman stopped and turned to him, rolling her eyes in frustration, Me.
What?

He got handsy. Forcefully so. Almost everyone had left except for a few of his cronies. He immobilized my band with some sort of spell, and tried to force himself on me, she finished a few steps from the stage.

What about that song? the man asked, clearly trying to change the subject. She beamed at him, Of course, and turned her back, continuing the last few steps to the stage. Her gait changed as she went, suddenly appearing much more like the striking woman on the poster in front of her, as a new figure wearing a cloak entered the bar and started looking for someone or something.

A moment later, as she was vaulting onto the stage to get her mic stand turned spear, a familiar voice called out a warning, Adele!

@warrior5136 snatched her weapon and spun back around to the rhythm of a table being overturned, and was very disappointed to see the man she had been flirting with. He was featureless now, his skin changed to a glossy orangish red ooze, and a bright orange rune had replaced his handsome face, his left arm had a goblin sword partially protruding from it, and was being pulled away from her by the end of @warrior907s whip. Showing no hesitation, she impaled the assassin constructs rune, and sighed disappointingly as the energy from the rune faded into the skull embedded on her microphone stand turned spear.

It would be weeks before the prick shut up again.


It would be weeks before the prick shut up again.

As the construct shuddered and collapsed into a pile of stinking biomass at the foot of the stage, a raspy voice came from the tip of the spear, So how about that song, baby?

Adele groaned, Shut up, Prick. Then looked up at Lucy and smiled her thanks.


Hedge Wizard Rita of the Field

Rita was one of 12 wizards born into the Runiverse with the power of light imbued in her soul. A prophesied group of wizards who were supposed to save the world. Most folks did not take this very seriously, and as all legends do, it eventually faded into obscurity.

She had early on in life denied the light, and as most hag witches did, dabbled in blood sacrifice and void magic. She excelled at both, much to the point where she had to remain on the move, as locals would get suspicious quite quickly.

As her light had been tainted, she would have no control over its magic, but oddly enough, the lack of this seemed to empower her void powers beyond that of an average spell caster. And so, her existence would in essence, nullify the very prophecy that brought her such power, but this would go on unknown for quite some time.

Powerful as she was, she really didnt have much direction in life outside the pursuit of magic. She wandered aimlessly, gathering what knowledge she could, but due to the lack of any real purpose, it was often to no real end.

This, however, would come to a screeching halt when her journeys brought her to the outskirts of an old world ruin. An entire city lay before her, towering in its majesty. Skyscrapers that extended into the clouds, roads made of smooth stone, and  debris everywhere.

Though the plant life had long since taken over the city, Rita had no trouble at all magicking herself a path through the worst of it. The city itself was remnants of the old world, life before the Quantum Shadow.