The Battle of King Leer

Characters in this scene: Mien Materialist, Silver, HeWhoBringsDust, Echo, IntrovertedIncarnate, Fool, King Leer, Yubi, assorted Goblins

Editor's note: This content was made before OMO's current guidelines and standards of play were implemented and thus may not be of the same level of quality or realism expected on OMO today.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

At the entrance to the Warrens - a quiet cave next to a service station in the countryside - the group begins to assemble at the arranged time. Mien gestures to Silver. "Silver. Hold on. Something on your person that you cannot identify, am I correct?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Indeed." She pulls out the potion described above. "I'm concerned about using it, but..."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien inspects the potion and sighs. "That would be a curse. Not a simple curse. Not the kind of thing that would be used to strike an enemy down, and not the kind of thing that would never be given to an ally. I suspect that it is intended to save its target in a dire situation. But it is a curse. And it is personalized for you. It is a specialized alchemist product, so I could not tell you exactly what it does, but you will not like it, even if the alternative would be worse."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*A car parks nearby and out steps a young man. Average height, a bit over weight. He’s wearing a heavy, black overcoat with rusted buttons. Dark hair, dark eyes but mostly unremarkable. He wears a pair of dark eye glasses. He seems very tired. He walks up to the group.*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Hey, how’s everyone doing?” He says, awkwardly waving.

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

*A red van pulls up followed by a smaller white car. Three people get out. The first from the passenger side is an average height and proportioned man with dark hair and skin pale from lack of sunlight. The other two are both male, better built and faintly gray - to the Sight they are distinctly hollow and missing hearts. The first walks up to the group while the other two check stand watch around the car.*

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver is a nondescript young woman with dark-silver hair, cut short. She's practically dressed, with a glittery scale jacket, hiking shoes, and scaled jeans; at her waist on the left is an innocuous grey bag, while on her right is what currently appears to be a sheathed hockey stick - nonsense, but most people will look past it. Her hands are in grey leather gloves, up to her elbow. Scattered through the area around her, only turning up when she did - which was early - are a number of hungry-looking rats. She just turned up out of nowhere when she did, strolling over. Under Sight most would have a hard time telling much, given that Silver's an inherently deceptive creature, but depending on one's specialty you might be able to identify her gloves as her Implement, the rats as a curse, the fact that her Self is heavily damaged, and the fact that she is soaked in Glamour of both Bright Spring and Dark Fall. "A personalised curse to save me in the Warrens?" Silver sounds amused. "Frankly, 'I won't like it' is acceptable as long as it *will* actually help me." She glances over. "So who's who?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*you here the sounds of a bike coming to a stop and a young man in their mid 20s steps off, with a backpack on their shoulders. They have shoulder lentgh black hair and wear a jacket with long sleeves and faded blue jeans. Attached to the bike is a white flag. They unclip their helmet and smooth out their hair before walking towards the group.*

"Good to meet you in person."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Apharel shifts from one foot to the other. He waves to the other members as they arrive, but is clearly very uncomfortable. Under the Sight, he looks... off. Pale skin, cracks radiating outwards from his chest. His overcoat looks ragged and worn.*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"*Jesus christ."* ii backs away from apharel shading their eye.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien pauses for a moment, and turns to Apharel. "And you are?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"You're ... Loud under the sight."

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"You can all call me Echo, that's what I'm intending to go by at any rate. As the Biker said, I don't think you've introduced yourself." Slightly rocking forwards and backwards on the balls of his feet.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I’m... you can call me Dust. It’s what other people call me. Sorry if I hurt to look at under the Sight,” he says.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"An odd thing to say."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II walks over to the woman with silver hair, "Are you Silver?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"More like you hurt to be in the vicinity of." Silver still just sounds amused, and none of her Glamour seems to be affected. "I'm Silver, yes. Not obvious?"

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"So, who're we missing? Fool? I'd rather get started sooner than later if at all possible."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

He reaches into his backpack pulling out a statuette wrapped silk cloth. "You have any ways of holding this without triggering the effect?"

"The Fool and Mars, I believe."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"The silk won't do it?" Silver pulls out the comb from her little bag, wiping it off; it was tiny, and then its appropriately sized. Just looking at it makes one a bit more comfortable. "I've got some spare Glamour."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Not for long, I'm suppressing it by touch."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“What does the Statuette do?” my character asks, clearly not having paid attention to the chat logs.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"The silk merely reduces - Emits contentment manifesting as a form of stasis."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Oh,” he says, “That sounds useful.”

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

Echo walks over to Mien. "I've got some additional resources in the back of the car over there in case you need them for healing or so forth" gesturing to the white car "if you need them then just call one of the vestiges over and they'll get them if possible."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"And its sold, for a comb?" He sounds expectant at the end.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver pads over and picks up the statuette in both hands; glittering yellow shivers from her palms, wrapping up the statue. She pats it several times, the yellow sinking in deep, and there's a yellow monkey plush in her hands. "That should hold it." She passes over the comb; "Thank you!"

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"Fool. Fool. Fool. Fool. Fool. Fool. Fool." Mien furrows his brow. "I **don't** think the Fool will be arriving today."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"What."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver looks at Mien, brow furrowing as she puts the plush away in the bag. It shrinks down as she does into something tiny. "Excuse me?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II looks deathly serious.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"No connections forming. Something is very wrong. He might be dead."

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

Echo waves one of the vestiges over and starts talking to them under his breath.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"That is...surprising."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"I thought that Fool was intending to be too *insane* to die." Silver's tone snaps a bit. "What the *hell?*"

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

Echo breaks off from talking to the vestige "Did I hear that correctly? He might be dead. That'd be... annoying."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Well, that’s... problematic,” I say nervously, “What are we going to do now?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"That's...very unfortunate."

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

Echo starts pacing while watching the vestiges unloading the van.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"This is a disaster. Fool had been a vital asset in our plans. Shall we go forward with this regardless?"

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"What could we do?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I mean, we’re here right?” I say, “We still have.. erm... the backup plans?”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"We do. But we're a fair few down."

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"I suppose recovering some of the corpses would be useful and then there're the backup plans, true."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Already?"

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Behind the service station, the cavernous entrance to the Warrens sits. It does not appear to be defended.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I can take him out, but I’d rather not do that if possible,” I say, glancing around, “Would rather that be a last resort thing. Not going to be pleasant for any of us if I have to do it."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"I think we could manage."

II looks deep in thought.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Pleasant is as pleasant does. I have a debt to pay that requires heading in and trying."

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"I could send one of these to check out the entrance." Gestures at the vestiges who've almost finished unloading several small boxes and checking the inside of the van.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Let me know when we’re ready to go.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II walks over to the bike and collects the flag.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver stretches, then falls forward, and there's a wolf with strangely-scaled fur and grey 'socks' on its front two feet standing before them. The wolf is notably larger and weightier than the human shape. "That would be appreciated, Echo," she says. Her voice hasn't seemed to change in the least.

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"Issac, get over here." Echo shouts. The smaller gray figure approaches. Pointing at the warrens entrance. "I want you to go and check the area over there, see if there's anything that shouldn't be."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"We waiting for anyone?"

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"Fool, should he still live. Swaygze?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Didn't Fool have the sword? Can its maker track it?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II appears to be palming a small round object.*

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"I believe they said that they could."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Well?" Silver cocks her head, flicking an ear. "Do people have their phones?"

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"I've got a phone but it's not particularly smart. Do you have their number?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"They're on the forum, just *message* them!"

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"It can't access the forum as it is, at any rate."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien is concentrating on something very hard, and muttering something under his breath.

Mien Material ListBOT — 02/27/2021

He raises his voice. "If the Fool is no more, return. Return to us here, so that we may carry on his quest."

A sword appears in Mien's hands.

"I thought that that might work."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

... "He's *dead?*"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"So he's dead."

*bastard* is mouthed under his breath

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Well, that’s a problem,” Dust says, eyes widening

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver snarls, low and angry, rumbling through her chest. "Dust, is this you?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“No, it wasn’t me,” Dust says.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"It wasn't *me.* Fucking - *damn it.*" Silver bristles, clawing the ground. "Damn it, damn it - fucking *hell.*"

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"Could he be Forsworn instead? Not that it makes much difference."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"This is a miserable start to the adventure, eh?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver growls at that. "The story knows what it is. No need to go pushing it in a particular direction." She huffs, and forces herself to settle, her fur smoothing down. "Can anyone *wield* that thing?"

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"I would suppose that the goblin wouldn't need to keep killing children to uphold their Oath to Fool. I tend to prefer shooting things if possible."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I’m not experienced with swords,” Dust says.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II kicks one of the gas pumps, clearly frustrated.*

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien carefully hands the sword, handle-first, to Silver. "Perhaps you should try?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver wrinkles her nose, but she sheds the wolf-shape easily, grasping the blade by the handle. She twirls it, checking the balance. "I've *used* one, but I would hardly call myself an expert."

Mien Material ListBOT — 02/27/2021

"It might be the best that we have."

August Эхꙮ of the Blazing Green — 02/27/2021

"I have some experience with various bladed weapons but I was under the impression that I was going to be scouting more than fighting. I guess that might have to change given the situation."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"I can fulfil a role as needed, but I'm best at support and mass crowd control. Less good with others nearby, Apharel should be fine but I'm not sure about the rest of you."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

*Silver's phone pings.*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I’m... very strong. Good at crowd control and direct damage, but I have difficulty keeping it contained,” Dust says, ”If I shout an order it might be a good idea to follow it. I’ll try to give you warning if I want to do anything big.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

*Silver is very busily typing on her phone.*

"Follow your orders, Harbinger?" Silver mutters absently. "Only if I can clean off your claim after we're done."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"would me and Apharel working together work? He's in a better place to resist me and I'm capable of protecting myself from him somewhat."

Mien Material ListBOT — 02/27/2021

Mien has typed a short bit on his own phone, and then returned it to one of his lab coat's pockets.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Mien, *what the fuck?*"

"Why am I getting this sword?"

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"Someone needs to use it. It is best that we use all assets at our disposal as effectively as possible."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Could Apharel use it? Purely for the passive effects."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"The Faerie mage gets the sword that reduces subtlety?!" Silver huffs. "FIne, *fine,* I can handle this. Still. Just. Your choices need work."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"Apharel would also need to swear to the relevant oaths. Apharel, what do you think?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“What does it do again?”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"King's authority, increases the power of direct workings, makes the subtle workings suffer, a serious power battery and apparently really fucking sharp. And good against 'monsters'."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Yeah, not sure how well that would go,” I say, “The Monarch might take offense to the suggestion.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver rolls her shoulders, and twirls the blade in her hands. Her appearance flexes with it; she's wearing gleaming chain mail, now, and even her gloves are scaled like gauntlets. Her hair lengthens, braiding itself against her skull, and she's wearing greaves. A proper Faerie Knight. "Well if that's how it goes - Echo, how's your scouting gone?"

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien gives a once-over to the vestige Echo has assigned to assist him.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“We should probably head in,” Dust says impatiently, “He may be killing captives as we wait.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Into the breach, as some might say?"

LHC — 02/27/2021

Echo reports that the Warrens are forebodingly quiet, according to the scout-vestiges. There isn't an obvious built-up militarized goblin presence, but there is a distinct, smug and contemptful sense of anticipation of intruders. Some dead ends have been eliminated from the map.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Could be worse." Silver sighs. "Damn it - am *I* leading?" She reaches into her bag, pulling out... something... and basically pulls on a helmet. Somehow. "When the *fuck* did this become my job..."

LHC — 02/27/2021

Echo leaves to attend to an unspecified problem with a different group.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“So this is probably trapped,” I say, “Should I don my role?”

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"So is it just the four of us, then?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Many didn't turn up..."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Are we really shocked?" Silver asks dryly. "Though, for the benefit of the doubt, I'll presume they ran into problems, rather than did that deliberately."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Well then, should we go through with this?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Yeah. Go on, Dust." Silver runs her hand along the sword's blade, humming, and deliberately does not step back from him.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Dust takes a deep breath. Nearby the lights in the station flicker. He touches a space near his heart, and pulls down. The overcoat unfurls. He is now wearing a mantle made of white rags that sway in an unseen breeze. The neck and hood are lined with dirty fur. At his neck, rusty chains hold up a dark green clasp with a jade cross set into it. Everyone suddenly feels the atmosphere change. They now feel a sort of overpowering weight upon them. Not heavy, but very apparent.*

“I am now acting in my official capacity as Viceroy,” he says, standing up straighter.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Your storm? Does it act against those that resist it?"

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"We could hardly have embarked on this quest *without* such a sense of foreboding. It would have been foolish to expect otherwise." Mien sighs. "And the Fool is dead."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Like I said, it might be a good idea to follow along if I shout out orders,” Dust says “I’ll try to hold back and give you warning beforehand.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver grins. "But I'm apparently acting with a King's authority, Viceroy of the Empty City. This is going to be fun." Silver steps into motion, approaching the cave. "Are you coming?" she tosses over her shoulder.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien steps towards the cave behind the others, a look of understated disgust on his face.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II follows after, holding the white flag's pole like a walking stick

King Leer — 02/27/2021

A few steps into the Warrens, there is a short, stout gremlin wearing a cloak and holding a disproportionately large antique camera. His cloak casts a magical shadow over his face, but the glow of his eyes and grin are still quite visible. He waves to the incoming group, a friendly gesture. "Hello! Welcome to the Warrens! A bunch of tourists, I take it?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Dust follows, Mantle trailing behind him. He’s looking around very intensely.*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Any of you want to be the talker?" II looks to the other members

King Leer — 02/27/2021

"I'm Laughstrap, I'll be your greeter today." A click, and a whirring noise. Laughstrap has taken a picture of the group, but five photographs come out of the camera. He hands them out to the confused group. "Some photos of your trip. They'll be fifty pounds a piece. Enjoy your stay." The pictures are unpleasant, and by the time the group looks up, Laughstrap has already vanished into thin air. There's only a distant sound of laughter.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver doesn't take the photos. "Gift refused. This trade was not requested, and I will not complete it. I have no desire for this."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Money or flesh?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Not really a fan of people taking pictures of me. I refuse to take them and I refuse to pay for them.”

King Leer — 02/27/2021

The vestige's picture shows it damaged beyond the point of function or repair. Mien's picture may be the worst. It shows a crumpled pile of flesh, blood, and clothes, crushed on a rock wall. Silver's picture, lying on the ground, shows a pile of blades, streaked with blood. II's picture shows him clutching at his face, screaming in agony, blood pouring out from his eyes. Apharel's picture is the only one that doesn't seem to have been taken in the Warrens. It shows him standing over a desolate landscape; he is bathed in an aura that makes him seem much larger than he is. Your bags all feel lighter, but only very slightly.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"I would pay £25 in the standard British currency for mine."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Laughstrap is already gone. The laughter, too, has now died out. You are speaking to nothing.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien sighs.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Prophecy? A dangerous thing."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"To be perfectly clear," Silver says, pitching her voice to carry and echo; "We are not here for a tour, we are not here for a game, and we are not here to *trade*. We are here to slay a monster, and bring justice. Get in our way, and your punishment will be justified. Stay out of our way and do not interfere, and we will leave you be." Silver steps back into motion, easy and assured.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Well, he took my cab money,” I say checking my wallet, “That’s going to be annoying.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Stay on topic, Dust, and *follow.*"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II backs away from the two of them.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“You can take point,” Dust says, motioning ahead.

“Not really a front-line fighter.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II looks relieved.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver grins. "I most certainly *am* one right now." She takes point.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II follows Silver, a few steps back.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

There is a loud, low noise in the distance. It's indistinct. May be the chatter of a crowd of goblins picking up.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Well then, this should be interesting."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

Wisps of white mist begin to trail from the flags edge.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Dust reaches to his neck and pulls a hood up over his head.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Over time, the noise becomes more distinct.  The Warrens are rumbling.  Something big is happening lower in the Warrens, and it's picking up.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I think there’s something in the air,” Dust says, voice growing muffled.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

It's like what you would expect as a rocket launch progresses.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

His face has become indistinct in the shadows of the hood.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"we need a protective circle?"

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mimicking Apharel, Mien prepares to breathe through his coat.  He cleans his scalpel.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Maybe?” I say, “Not sure what it is, but it’s going to be problematic”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver reaches into her bag with her spare hand, pulling out little shadowy sparkles. "Acknowledged," she murmurs, reaching up to change her helmet into something a bit more clothy around the mouth and nose. It's a clearly familiar gesture; Silver's been dealing with goblins a lot lately. "If you can make one, do so, II."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I should be fine, but you should take measures”

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Suddenly, the whole group is knocked off their feet by a gust of wind surging through the tunnel.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

He sticks the white flag into the ground.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

You can see through this, barely, but it's warped.  Nothing but a goblin could breathe this.  It's revolting.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Ah damn."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

Dust slides but manage to get back onto his feet quickly.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

My cloak does not move despite the blast

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Shit."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

The fumes don't stop; in fact, they keep picking up.  Even if this was just air, it would be hard enough to work through.  But it isn't.  It's goblin stuff.  You're walking through an uninhabitable wind tunnel at the moment.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

Dust sighs.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

How deep in are we? If we turned a corner I imagine Silver would plunge the blade into the wall after being knocked back to catch herself and then probably yank somewhat on the blade's power to give herself enough strength to change the air near her face.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien cuts himself in the neck with his scalpel, and draws a small diagram with the blood.  It helps him, a bit.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“This is revolting, but I’ve dealt with something that smelled similar,” Dust says, shaking his head.

“It’s... oddly comforting? I feel concerned that this reminds me of the City.”

King Leer — 02/27/2021

The hope would be that this was just a brief surge, but it isn't.  It doesn't stop.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II get knocked back significantly but manages to pull out a faintly glowing paper lantern. He's no longer being pushed back but he cant go forward.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

And it grows worse for a while, as there's less air mixed in.  Not enough air mixed in.  It isn't air.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Are you guys okay with me doing something?”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Can anyone do something?" II seems strangely at ease but a glance at their eyes shows them to be a deep purple.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Yep," Silver snaps. "Please hurry."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien is clenching his jaw, struggling to make forward progress.  The bloody diagram streaks on his neck.  He makes an exaggerated, legible nodding gesture.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

Dust shakes his cloak and stands up straight.

“For I am the Viceroy of the City Undying,” Dust whispers, ”I am of the City and carry it with me. Give us air, breathable and clean.”

The pressure grows a little bit heavier

King Leer — 02/27/2021

The aura of the goblin stuff is still there, but it's no longer a health hazard.  It does not impede forwards movement.  The City has been overlaid on top of it. You can now breathe.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

The purple glow fades, II dry heaves as the smell hits him before collecting the flag.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Okay, we’re lucky! This is definitely air we’re breathing,” Dust says merrily.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver catches herself, clearly annoyed. "Trying to stop us with wind," she mutters. "Well. Quite the start." She breathes in, and out, and heads forward. "Fucking Warrens. Thanks, Dust."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien wipes away the diagram on his neck, and looks around, uncomfortable.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Glad to help. Wait, was that a fart? Did they send a fart at us?”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"A collaborative one, I think."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

An extremely large group of goblins - some small, some closer to human size - converges on the party from all directions, as you enter a more open corridor.  Some of them appear to recognize that you can breathe here, and they are disturbed by the revelation.  You aren't supposed to.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Im about to plant the flag, be ready."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Hi there!” I say,” We’re here to see King Leer. If you get out of our way, you probably won’t die horribly.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"What he said!" Silver says, equally cheerful. She waves an acknowledgement at II.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien holds up a curse in a bottle and presents it to the goblin mob.  Most of them immediately back away.  Those remaining don't look too bright.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Protections up!"

King Leer — 02/27/2021

A goblin hurls a large stone at II. It heads directly for his head.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

Dust nods, the pressure increases slightly. His cloak begins to drip water.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver, quite casually, raises her blade and knocks the stone out of the air. Her armour gleams.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

The stone-throwing goblin notices Dust and runs the fuck away.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"The old lie: Dulce et decorum est."

the flag touches mud and a white mist crawls, expanding across the floor.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Oh good, they’re running away!” Dust says, mood obviously out of place, ”Hopefully not to get reinforcements.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

The aura expands to a 10ft circle.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

Dust tries to stay away as much as possible from the circle.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

Goblins outside it feel repulsed by it.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“What is that?”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"I'm branding the floor."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Ah, poetry again. 'It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country'," Silver quotes, with a very distinct air to it. Someone has clearly spent hours reading poetry. She steps away and forward. "A lie, you say?" She's amused.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"You enter the mist and I can curse you."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

A distant goblin scatters diarrhea across II's territory.  Some gets on the flag itself, and starts to leave a stain.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Of course they’re throwing poop at us."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

Any of them in the mist?

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Perhaps some stragglers. Most have fled by this point.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

Each goblin that gets anywhere close by it is hit by a vision, seeing themselves as the viewpoint character of a black and white scene, they appear to be running towards an entrenched position alongside an army. They do not survive.

The scene changes. They see themselves in a trench, looking up as a man climbs down into it, bayonet held out.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I’m just going to wait a bit alright? Let me know if you need help.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

Any goblin that experiences the vision feels compelled to flee.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien offers to help II clean the flag to maintain its proper future functioning.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"No need."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"Alright."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"It fits the metaphor."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Ahead, there is a narrow corridor, which branches to the left and to the right.  The sign points to the left, and says "Enchanted Piss Forest".  There is no sign pointing to the right.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver sighs. "Left or right, left or right - does someone have any magic to pinpoint more specifically, or are we heading right?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I can see which way is more dangerous."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien's vestige assistant speaks up.  "The rightwards path just leads out of the Warrens, in a roundabout way.  We have to go through the... leftwards path."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Fine then." Silver heads left.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II follows.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Of course it’s the Enchanted Piss Forest."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

This is a forest contained within a tight cave, somehow. Golden, pissy trees surround you. Small, monkeylike goblins scramble through the treetops, and they contribute to the growth of the forest. A stream of goblin urine hits II directly in the face.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien frowns.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Silver, you’ve been with Glory right? How dangerous is the average goblin’s piss?”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II wipes it off, gagging.*

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Don't drink it."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

It tries to crystalize and expand on II as he moves to wipe it off. Clearly, it would be better if he hadn't been hit in the first place. The others try to attend to him, while also watching themselves.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I wasn’t planning to, but thanks for the warning I guess”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"It'll make you sick, at a minimum. The stench is distracting. Clearly, this is further weaponised."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Wonderful."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Of course it is.” Dust says, wrapping his mantle closer.

*He sighs*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Once one goblin has successfully pissed on II, the others aim to repeat the feat. Although the others try to pull him away, he is struck again, and again it tries to solidify and expand.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Won’t be the first time I’ve had to deal with a rain of piss."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

It would probably be better to try to get out of the Enchanted Piss Forest sooner rather than later. It would probably be better to run.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Dust tries to help II get unstuck*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II tries to scrape it off*

"Lets move. Please."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Just take off your shoes!”

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Silver notices that each of the piss trees is very slightly translucent, and the big ones all have a corpse at their core.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver reaches into her bag and pulls out a bottle; it smells like sorrow when she unscrews the cap. She pours some on II's feet, and then yanks him; the sorrow is something like acid, at this concentration. "Run," she advises, before matching movement to words.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“That would be a good idea.” Dust says before following after.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*He runs.*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*The piss sizzles as it contacts his mantle*.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Several additional goblins attempt to hit II again, just as you are about to get out of the forest.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*I block it with the Mantle*

King LeerBOT — 02/27/2021

The crowd of peeing goblins, blocked by Dust's Mantle, fall out of the trees, dead. Had they successfully hit II, it would have been for the third time.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Oh.” Dust says, watching them fall down.

*My head lowers just a fraction.*

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Are you seriously upset about dead goblins?" Silver asks, exasperated. "Dust, for fuck's sake, *dead children.*"

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien scrapes what little goblin urine remains on II into an ingredient storage pocket in his lab coat.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

Do we exit the cave?

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Just wasn’t expecting... *that* to happen."

Mien Material ListBOT — 02/27/2021

"We have been doing well enough so far. I do not see a reason to abandon the mission now."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Lets keep going, don't want to get pissed on again."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“No, this has honestly been kind of disappointing for me. I was expecting a bit... more."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Don't *jinx* it -"

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Around the corner, there is a large, diverse, and well-equipped group of goblins, which appear to be organized (in the loose sense that goblins can be organized). You are now in uncharted territory.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Dust's mantle shivers, growing darker.*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II pulls out a gun.*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Same idea as before, get out of our way and you probably won’t die."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver promptly tosses some Glamour at the goblins, which rapidly expands into a cloud of Darkness, the midnight of moonless Fall, and then steps aside; "Come and play, goblins, or *run,*" she calls, all cheerful.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*A faint white mist begins to also fill the darkness.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

"Bloodybugger, go!" says a ragged voice. Two goblins step forward, a seven-footer and a two-footer. "No, not you!" says another voice, and a hand reaches out to pull the smaller one back. The big goblin coming at you, seven feet tall, has a two foot dick swinging from side to side. Its testicles are hands, and those hands are carrying antique pistols. It fires two shots simultaneously as it runs at you; both seem to hit cave walls, but the noise itself is deafening.

Bloodybugger fires twice again. One shot hits Silver squarely in a leg, wounding her; the other passes *very* close to II's head

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II aims just above the gun nuts and fires.*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Dust throws a mundane piece of rebar at the hands. He misses completely*.

“Let me know if you need anything!”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"A little help maybe!"

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Bloodybugger collapses, clutching at its gut. It fires two more shots. One hits a wall, and the second hits Silver again. At this point, she is lucky to be alive.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“So be it."

*He strides forwards and the pressure increases sharply for a moment near the goblin*

“**Leave, or perish**."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Bloodybugger's eyes and tongue bulge out of his head. He perishes.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Terrible choice. Anyone else want to try?”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver flares, bright and silver, as the armour tanks the damage and draws deeply on her Glamour stocks and the blade itself. She growls irritably, and gestures sharply; the Darkness she called from Glamour changes, turning yellow and acidic. "*Fuck* goblins," she snaps.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

The lesser Bloodybugger attempts to run forward again, but is pulled back again. One other goblin steps forward, about man-height, carrying a spear larger than himself. He looks kind of smug, and also kind of stupid.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver reaches into her gauntlet-gloves Implement, pulls out a silver knife, and throws it directly at the new goblin.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*The pressure lightens a bit.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Another shot rings out. One of the goblins in the crowd fired it. You can't tell which. It only hit a cave wall again.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*The mantle is now dark grey, the rags have feathered at the edges.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

The goblin with the spear catches the knife, and then collapses, as he only caught it as it hit him.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*as the darkness turns acidic II hurls raises there hand and a ribbon of silk appears in it reaching towards the ceiling*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Is he planning on wearing us down slowly?” Dust asks, concerned. ”That might not be a smart idea for him.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*Any goblin in the mist feels like they should just take a little rest there.*

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

*In the burning, deadly acid starting to work its way through skin and lungs.*

Mien Material ListBOT — 02/27/2021

Mien raises a bottled curse. Several large, grinning goblins step forwards - perhaps "mid-tier" goblins. Mien nervously waves the bottle around, but the bluff isn't working. The goblins want the curse more than they fear it.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver shifts into movement. "Oh, someone wants a fight?" She steps between Mien and the goblins, raising her blade. She grins. "Time to slay some monsters, hmm?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II makes Silvers armor appear to glow shining yellow, drawing the eye to it.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

A gun fires many times in rapid succession; clearly it's semi-automatic. It's hard to react to, and Dust is hit in the left shoulder. A gremlin rises out of the crowd, carrying the weapon and wearing an American flag on his neck as a bandana. It grins.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II ducks behind Silver.*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Dust grunts, before ripping the bullet out.*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Want to shine, Dust?"

King Leer — 02/27/2021

The cave collapses behind you. It's been shot too many times. No exiting the way you came in. The Enchanted Piss Forest is now blocked off by rubble.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“If you’re alright with that.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver growls. "Fucking goblins, not reacting to fucking acid -" She steps forward, a gleaming knight-errant with a monster-slaying blade, and lunges straight for the goblins that were going for Mien. "*Someone* kill that fucking gremlin, thanks!"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*The pressure withdraws, before increasing tenfold upon the goblins.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

"Name's Barrelwanker, pleased to meetcha!" Barrelwanker fires several times off at an angle, not even aiming for any of you. He hits one of the other goblins on his own side. What a fucking idiot.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“As the representative of a foreign power, I demand you **KNEEL** before me as befitting my station!”

*The mantle darkens.*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*Using their finger II slides through the lettering on their wrist creating a slit in their arm, grunting he pulls out a sheet of paper from his arm*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Barrelwanker says "How about a 'no'? You're American, right, kid?" His voice is a bad actor's mockery of a gruff American accent - think Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins in reverse. "You don't respect kings or queens over there. Why should we respect yours?" Barrelwanker's gun is trained directly on Dust's head.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver doesn't argue with Dust's command, dipping into a slide on her knees to cut out a goblin's legs and then stab *another* one up through their dick.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

He reads it - "Roses are red, violets are blue, i dont care if you like this poem, fuck you."

*II kneels too.*

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

The goblin falls, missing his legs, and the other is pretty damn dead without his dick. And stomach. And like... with a giant hole through his middle.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*He reaches out to Dust and places one hand on him.*

***DUST SHINES***

It actively hurts not to focus on him.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*There’s an explosion of light that emanates from him.*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

**I SAID KNEEL. KNEEL BEFORE MY GLORY OR PERISH.**

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien has kneeled.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Barrelwanker attempts to kill Dust with a barrage of gunshots.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*The pressure increases sharply on everyone not kneeling.*

“**So be it, let my will be done!**"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*The lesser goblins can no longer act, they are enraptured.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Meanwhile, the lesser goblin named Bloodybugger has also kneeled.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*The bullets hit, but he does not care.*

*Barrelwanker falls to the floor, blood oozing out of his eyes and ears.*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II passes a blindfold to Silver.*

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

**ONCE MORE, ON YOUR LIVES**

**I COMMAND YOU**

**KNEEL**

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver grits her teeth; she cannot argue, but she also can't just bend to it. She rolls, the blood and muck falling off her armour so she still *gleams,* and severs another of the large goblins in half almost absently. "No need, II, thanks," she manages.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*He puts one on himself, the glare is less aggravating*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Several members of this goblin militia refuse, and are killed. Most of them follow the lead and kneel, weeping. Most of those who kneel *also* die on the spot. Foresworn. They swore their loyalty to King Leer, and they cannot survive this.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*The light fades. The mantle has now grown black as pitch, dripping water onto the floor. The iron is now gold, the fur now pristine and unmarked. Dust’s face is exposed and he looks... intense.*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Well then, you give Fascination herself a run for her money."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Tsk, they didn’t listen,” he says, kicking a nearby corpse.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

A little dorky goblin wearing thick nerd glasses on its head remains. One of the only survivors. Bloodybugger. *Not* the same Bloodybugger with the gun-toting balls. Bloodybugger the lesser. It's kneeling, and it seems sort of oblivious to the situation. "Hi!" it says, waving to the adventuring party.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver rolls over and basically just flips back onto her feet like a giant metal cat. "Do you serve?" she asks it, mildly curious.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Apharel walks forward past the still kneeling goblins.*

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*II gets onto his feet and dusts himself off.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

"I mean, I guess was fucking supposed to eventually," it says, cheerfully. "Never actually done it though. Shit, fuck." It does not sound particularly distressed. "So do you want to know where the King is? I kind of don't know what I'm doing here, ha, boogercunts. New goblin, no fucking idea what we're doing around here, figures, y'know?"

"...Wait woah is everybody fucking dead???"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Not everyone,” I say, “We’re still alive for one.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Where's King Leer? Directions, little one."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

"No, I mean, like, goblins. Ha. Ha." Bloodybugger dusts itself off, but seems to be growing more nervous. "Yeah, he's over this way." It heads off into the corridors ahead.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"And this isn't a trap?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Almost certainly a trap, but goblins can't lie, to my knowledge."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I’d be surprised if it wasn’t one.”

King Leer — 02/27/2021

"I mean obviously there are traps," says Bloodybugger. "Loads of 'em. He isn't fucking stupid."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"Should I bind the little goblin?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Good to know.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Do you know of any ways to avoid the traps? Without consequently leading us to a different trap."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“We could, but it/they haven’t attacked us yet. Simply leading us to their ‘King’”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver takes a moment to pick up her knife, wiping it off and sliding it back into place.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Well, directly attacked us.”

King Leer — 02/27/2021

"Not a clue! Don't even know where the traps are. Also, I think I'm supposed to be, like, fucking fighting you or something? I don't know, though, you, like, you did that really fucking cool thing, with the, you said 'KNEEL' and everyone had to kneel and then they died whether they did or not and just Jesus fucking Christ wow"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"I'm rather inclined to think you serve Dust now," Silver says, amused. "Can you say you don't?"

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Bloodybugger pouts and pushes his glasses further up on his nose.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“They may just want to survive.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"If you don't want the goblin's service I'm *quite* happy to claim it."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I’ll claim it, if it is able and willing. I’d rather like to avoid slaughtering non-combatants”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"As would I but I'll let silver have this one"

Mien Material ListBOT — 02/27/2021

Mien takes out a disinfectant solution, and offers it as a material to make a binding circle for the goblin with.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver sighs, rolls her eyes, and steps forward. She lowers the blade, right next to the little goblin. "Swear to serve loyally for the next week, little goblin," she tells it. "I'll make efforts to keep you alive, and I won't require you to fight. I will require you to lead us to the big one, though."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“I’ll make you a citizen of the City if you pledge loyalty to me and mine."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

*Once again II backs away from the two of them.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

"I swear. Cross my heart and hope we don't all fucking die," says Bloodybugger to Dust.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Wise choice."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver sighs, but steps aside. "Now that's done, can we get moving? Big bloody goblin to kill."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*I lay my hands upon him and the goblin screams. There’s a flash of light.*

*The goblin is back but looks... different. A dark grin is on its face. Scales protrude out of its skin at random points*

“Rise, Bloodybugger, and *serve.*”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Impressive work."

King Leer — 02/27/2021

It opens its mouth and cheerfully *hisses*, with far too many newly black needle-teeth.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Now. Dead children? Goblin? Can we *move*?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*Dust pats its head affectionately.*

“Yes, lets go.”

*The goblin scampers off behind them. There’s a sound of flapping wings, and it is gone.*

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

... "I thought it was leading the way but you know what, fine, Dust, *which way is most dangerous?*"

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"Does IntrovertedIncarnate need any care after touching Dust's mantle?"

King Leer — 02/27/2021

Bloodybugger has left a crude map behind, drawn in black on a white diaper. There is a course marked out on it in blood, ending with a yellow crown, which has been circled.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien sets to work healing IntrovertedIncarnate's hand.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“How thoughtful, I’m glad that we spared him,” Dust says, picking it up.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"I don't think we have time for fixing up minor injuries," Silver says, fidgeting. "Can we *move?*"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Thanks" II is wincing.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

*The mantle pulls back to reveal Dust's hands are covered in burn marks. They look very old.*

“Yes, let’s get a move on.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"I agree, we should move."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

That agreed Silver immediately jumps into motion.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

You note on the map that you could have gotten to Leer *already* if you'd taken a much more direct route from a Warrens entrance by the sea.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Great, i could've avoided the piss."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Of course there’s a shortcut.”

*Dust continues forward.*

King Leer — 02/27/2021

You approach a gap in the Warrens, and you're not sure what to do here. The map suggests that this is the best route from where you're standing to Leer, but there is a large, foggy pit in front of you, and it seems bottomless. The best course here might be to climb on the cave walls, but you do not trust them to have traction.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Two options I can think of immediately... one, I can technically just *make* a bridge. Option two, slicing through the walls." Silver twirls the blade in hand.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"I prefer option one."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Do you have any materials on you I can use other than pure Glamour?"

[11:46 PM]

"Because a pure Glamour bridge in a goblin warren. Do I need to *tell* you how bad an idea that is?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"I have echoes, seems like a bad idea to use those though."

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

"...can you shapeshift into a bridge?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"This... is *not* something I would like to test right now."

Silver eyes the bottomless pit, then sighs and just starts slicing through the wall along the side.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

"Apharel?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“One moment, I’m thinking.”

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien eyes the new climbing surface uneasily.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Stand back please. Thirty paces should do.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

II stands back.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver pauses, then obeys, stepping back from the pit.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

“Away from me.”

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien immediately backs away and waits for the others.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

I wait for the others to get far enough before approaching the pit.

“I call upon thee for aid, oh Mother in Mourning," as the mantle starts shaking, “Grant us safe passage.”

There’s an explosion as a ruined highway section bursts out of the ground and clears the fog, forming a bridge to the other side. There are numerous holes here and there, but it appears stable. Dust bends over and begins coughing up black blood.

He stands up. The mantle rustles in an unseen wind. Things seem to be trying to push their way through “Don’t touch the blood.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

"Definitely not planning on touching your blood, Viceroy of the Empty City." Silver steps forward confidently onto the bridge, crossing.

Mien Material List — 02/27/2021

Mien eyes the blood as he passes, and grimaces.

King Leer — 02/27/2021

II is the last to cross the bridge. There is a distant clinking noise, and then rocks begin to fall - first little rocks, then big rocks. An avalanche starts to separate II from the rest of the group.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

I dive into where they are.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/27/2021

I reach out my hand to try and pull them through, mantle billowing outwards. Inside... things are seen.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/27/2021

Silver digs into her bag, yanking out Glamour; she appears to be having to dig for more, scraping at the bottom of the barrel. Her body flexes and changes, a snake with silvered scales uncoiling; the Glamour is spent on lengthening herself dramatically, snatching at II with her tail. The sword seems to blend into Silver's fangs.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/27/2021

I catch the tail and attempt to be pulled in.

Mien Material ListBOT — 02/27/2021

Mien, desperate to get away from the encroaching avalanche, almost lets a small object fall out of his pockets. He catches it and hides it, and yelps.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

Do we get a look?

Mien Material ListBOT — 02/28/2021

No. By the time it becomes apparent that he doesn't want it seen, he's already concealed it again.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Dust gives Mien a curious look before walking ahead.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver yanks Incarnate up with her tail, pulling him close and to the other end.

"Gotcha... I hope."

King Leer — 02/28/2021

Just as everyone is getting settled from the avalanche, a colossal goblin strikes from behind, shrieking all the way. Not Leer-sized, but still among the largest you've seen, although with bizarre proportions - this goblin is structured like a centipede, very long - you can't see the back of it - and with very many spindly arms. Each carries a long knife. Another goblin's voice calls out from in front of you. "Count Legsnake!" The Count stops shrieking, for just a moment. "Of Leeds," it hisses. It whips around quickly from many directions, too quickly to really react to, and if you avoid getting slashed, it's just barely.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Dust hides behind the mantle, being knocked away but mostly unharmed.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver hisses; she gets slashed, silver flaring again all over her as she drags further on the blade, but that's the price she pays to tangle it up in her coils and strike, fangs going through several legs and slicing them straight off.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

Did this hit after Silver dropped snake form?

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

We were settling; I imagine she'd let you go, but she'd already be moving on if she was human again.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

Although it's lost many limbs and many knives, Count Legsnake of Leeds wraps around Silverwolf, throbbing, mad, writhing. A snakefight. It looks for weak points and it stabs and stabs with sudden, violent motions, that would grieviously wound if not kill.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“Is Count your title or just a part of your name?”

Mien Material List — 02/28/2021

Mien, taking cover behind a rock, looks at his potion of stopped bleeding. He's not sure if he could get it to Silver quickly enough to save her.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II can do very little in this situation.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

"I have taken my title by force, and so I truly am a Count among goblins, Harbinger," says the Count, as it continues to rapidly stab Silver.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver's shape gleams, and then changes abruptly; a tiny bird tumbles out of the mess, leaving Count Legsnake stabbing at himself.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

Count Legsnake rears up and goes to attack IntrovertedIncarnate instead.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Rude, at least rip yourself apart a little.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II hold out their palm and purple fog(Contentment) spreads across the snakes legs.

King LeerBOT — 02/28/2021

Count Legsnake's front segment is too damaged. It falls off, and the rest continues to rush forward, not apparently particularly distressed to be decapitated.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

Some legs stop moving, others slow down and others are unaffected.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Dust paces impatiently. He is deep in thought.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

"DUST PLEASE DO SOMETHING!"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver lands, human again and sword in her hand. She reaches into her gloves, yanking out a set of three knives; glamour and the sword's power ripples, and she throws, and the expand as they do to slice through the caterpillar goblin.

Mien Material List — 02/28/2021

Mien goes to Silver and passes her a potion of stopped bleeding. He tries to assess her state - the potion may not be enough - and frowns. The glamour is in the way. He can't tell how injured she is.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“So be it."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver downs it, inertia hitting hard; she shakes her head, frustrated. "Don't worry," Silver tells Mien, pulling out another two knives. "If my Glamour goes down, I expect I'm just dead."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“I call upon the Moth, fleeting and graceful. I call upon his power to put an end to this annoyance. As payment, I will bear this wound without its aid.”

He reaches into his cloak and slices a deep cut into the side of his arm. He grimaces as the blood turns black.

King LeerBOT — 02/28/2021

The Count slows to a crawl and seems ready to die.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Moths flicker out of my Mantle, growing and swarming around the Count. They dive onto him, forcing their way through cracks and wounds in his skin. They flicker for a moment and burst into flame. More stream out, and Apharel gasps.

The Count is enveloped in a burning bonfire.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver manages to take a step back.

Mien Material List — 02/28/2021

"Do not forget the curse you have available for yourself, Silver. If you think you are close to death, it might be a better outcome for you, even with the side effects. Of course, I wash my hands of those consequences. But we would prefer that you not die."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

"Yeah. Let's save that for the big guy, huh?"

Mien Material List — 02/28/2021

"Please take care of yourself." It sounds very final. He expects to die facing Leer, and does not want the same for you.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

"Mien. Shit. Dust..." Silver doesn't seem to know what to say. "How much further?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“We’re almost there,” he says, pointing ahead.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II gets to their feat, injured from knives and rubble.

King LeerBOT — 02/28/2021

There is a straight path from you to Leer's home. It is almost entirely filled with goblins, many of them armed.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver stares at the path. She sighs. "Is this the moment I drink the fucking curse?"

LHC — 02/28/2021

"For Silver. This should help. Vanquish the goblin and strike a blow against its kin everywhere. Drink this whenever you feel it is appropriate, and raise the chances that you survive your quest into the Warrens. If you do, we will stay in touch. Nell Herndon Satterly"

-the tag on the curse

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II readies several tools.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“No, I think not,” I say, ”Let me handle this. Do not use it unless it is absolutely necessary.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

"You've handled a lot, Dust, and your prices are quite permanent. But if you're sure." Silver takes a step back from him.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

So does II.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“Would you rather possibly die?” I say, “I have been very foolish so far, thinking that goblins will bend to the will of a foreign king.”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

"Up to you. But I rather think I can push this sword much further."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“That it would be easy because of I carry the words of the Monarch on my tongue”

@Silver Wolf of Blades

"Up to you. But I rather think I can push this sword much further."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Dust shakes his head.

“Save it for King Leer.”

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

"You sure?"

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“The Goblins know ruin well, so ruin I shall provide.”

“**For I have ruin in ample supply!**”

King LeerBOT — 02/28/2021

As you are conversing, a very short goblin quietly approaches carrying a knife, and stabs IntrovertedIncarnate in the leg. It chuckles and tries to run away.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

The pressure fades, but is replaced with something much, much different. Instead of a weight, it becomes a grind.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

"Shoot it? Don't you have a gun?"

Mien Material List — 02/28/2021

Mien sprays IntrovertedIncarnate's wound with disinfectant, and wraps it.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver's quite happy to just behead the goblin if II doesn't shoot it.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II attempts to shoot the fleeing goblin.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Whatever light there are in the caverns dim, rebar and lampposts begin bursting out of the ground spearing nearby goblins. The floor turns to a mix of road and carpet. Water begins to drip down the walls.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

Bongcuck is shot dead.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Faint music begins echoing from an unseen source. Dust laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs

He slams his hand down and the lampposts explode, causing more goblins to be hit.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II attempts to spread the purple mist among the goblins.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver's just watching the show, standing by II as personal guard.

Mien Material List — 02/28/2021

Mien finishes dressing II's wound.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“A challenge then oh King of Goblins!” I shout, laughing, “Mine against yours!”

Dust slams his hands into the ground over and over and over again. They crack and he screams in pain but they heal and so he continues. With every slam, the music intensifies and **things** start dancing out of his cloak. Flickery silhouettes appear and waltz into the goblin army. They lay their hands upon them and begin pulling them inwards. There’s a burst of static and the goblins touched are gone.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

In the distance:

**WWWWHHHHAAAATTTT TTTTHHHHEEEE FFFFUUUUCCCCKKKK????**

The goblins scream and protest. You hear curses put on your name. So many curses.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Soft laughter echoes out of the cavern walls, distorted and crackling.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver pitches her voice to carry, through the jazz and the screaming; its a Faerie skill she's long since perfected. "I rather feel we've made ourselves clear, Goblin King Leer. We are here to slay the monster. Let us through or come out and face us, but **we are here to kill you.**"

King Leer — 02/28/2021

You won't ever have us, laughy Aphy, they seem to say in your head. You can take us away and you can beat us and you can abuse us and you can kill us, but all it makes you is a sick motherfucker.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

Dust laughs, voice cracking and sounding raw. Blood is spilling from his hands.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

"Dust. Please let us pass, Viceroy of the City."

"We have a duty to perform."

"Please let us complete it."

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“So be it dear Knight, you and yours may pass."

The shadows finish off the goblins, and bow to him before climbing into the walls.

King LeerBOT — 02/28/2021

King Leer waits for you in his abode.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II performs a flourishing standing bow to Dust, its' clearly practiced.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

As you enter, you realize that he actually is staring at you, just not directly - rather, via his television.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver gleams, completely Fae and completely silver and completely clean in the depths of the Warrens, and the Sword is comfortable in her hands as she walks.

King LeerBOT — 02/28/2021

Then he turns to face you with his body. Silver feels her Glamour grow weaker as Leer's eyes bore into her in particular. Half of a human child hangs out of his teeth. He pulls a long "string" - thicker than most things that'd be called ropes - from behind him.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II readies a paper lantern.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

"We challenge you, King of Goblins, childkiller, monster, fucking piece of shit." Silver snaps the words. The armour is solid, even if her face isn't quite, anymore. "Go ahead and fucking die. We have someone else to serve your duty. You are now deemed unnecessary." Silver throws Yoobie's heart at whatever the fuck looks like an Abyss entrance and drinks down the fucking curse.

King LeerBOT — 02/28/2021

Three humanoid horrors - a man in a white suit carrying an empty ice cream scoop, a man in a dirty rat mascot suit, and a woman with a dice for a head - run along the floor at you. Leer towers over them, but they're roughly human size. Maybe just a little bit larger than life. Leer barely seems to notice their presence.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“It will be easier if you simply let us kill you Goblin,” Dust says “Deal with them please.”

King Leer — 02/28/2021

"FFFFUUUUCCCCKKKK YYYYOOOOUUUU, VVVVIIIICCCCEEEE RRRROOOOYYYY. NNNNOOOOTTTT AAAAFFFFRRRRAAAAIIIIDDDD OOOOFFFF YYYYOOOOUUUU."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II tosses a glass vial on the floor releasing an echo. Its an iron maiden coffin, door swinging open. Half a human is impaled to the spikes, they weep.

King LeerBOT — 02/28/2021

The Ice Cream Man bogeyman stops to inspect the echo. It reaches out with its scoop, and obtains a ball of spikes and blood, which it places on an ice cream cone. It continues to advance, more slowly.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver turns into big fuck-off Wolf.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

The echos door swings shut, the ice cream man feels spikes pierce their chest

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“I was simply trying to spare you Leer. But if you so choose.”

[1:03 AM]

The music shifts, breaking into static. Black blood pours out of Dust’s hood. His mantle clings to him, mixing with his flesh.

LHC — 02/28/2021

Blades jut out of Silver; at first, it's unclear if they're killing her. She expands to the size of an SUV, and becomes more bestial. This isn't Glamour. This is a change to her baseline body; what she will now default to. She is the proper wielder of this legendary sword, and now she is also a creature made of swords. The sword becomes stronger in her - well, now in her mouth, as her limbs are now all first and foremost legs.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver seems momentarily baffled by this, then shrugs in a scraping of limbs and slices apart the woman with a dice for a head.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II hurls a small glass eye at the tv, it smashes near it on the ground.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

**The tv flickers**

King Leer — 02/28/2021

**"SSSSHHHHOOOOWWWW UUUUSSSS AAAA RRRREEEERRRRUUUUNNNN"**

Mien Material List — 02/28/2021

Mien frantically sneaks up close to King Leer and jams a piece of rebar into his foot.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

King Leer violently thrashes and kicks Mien into a wall, where he falls crumpled.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

The Viceroy’s head snaps towards Mien. “WHAT DID YOU DO?” he howls.

“Ẃ̏͡h͗̏̚a̋͆̇t͌̀̓ d͒̌̉i̔̇͝d̀̾͌ y͊̎͑o̓̃̚u̒͐̅ d͑̽͘ǒ̿̋?̋̑͌?̇̓͂?̛̏̇”

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver chomps down on the rat mascot while she's at it. They... splinter to bits.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

The Fool and Mien appear on the telly in some kind of surgical room.  Mien is trying to remove a piece of rebar from the Fool.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

The Viceroy begins to laugh.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver doesn't appear to notice the TV, because the next stop for this fuck off sword-wolf is to just impale herself in the giant goblin.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

The Viceroy begins to cry. The Viceroy falls down into a screaming sobbing heap. Rain begins to drip down from the ceiling. The cavern begins to flood.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

King Leer picks Silver out of his wound with one hand, but seems surprised by how painful it is to touch her.  He goes to bite down on her, but suddenly spits her across the room.  He has done something very stupid. On the telly, after Mien has removed the rebar from Fool, more rebar starts pouring out of him.  An entire building's worth.  A voice intones that he has refused the gift of consequences, and must be punished for it. Rebar starts pouring out of King Leer's mouth.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II's fucking given up at this point.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

King Leer futilely attempts to swat at Apharel and crush him like a bug. Rebar starts pouring out of King Leer's gut. King Leer kicks open a giant birdcage, and a fucking roc flies out the the cave, to God knows where. Rebar starts pouring out of King Leer's ass. King Leer stops thrashing. Rebar keeps pouring out of King Leer.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver cocks her head in a scraping of blades. "Is he dead?" The voice is a snarl and a scrape.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

The vibe of the room changes. Rebar keeps pouring out of King Leer. Rebar starts digging up out of King Leer. Rebar starts to come out of King Leer in tidal waves, like ivy growing very quickly.

Yubi (玉碧) — 02/28/2021

In the background, near the entrance to the Abyss, a hunched-over woman with long red-painted nails and a single massive eye grins.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

There's a hole in the middle of King Leer, eating him with rebar, and it's growing. The rebar is spitting black blood.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

"I think its time to leave. Introvert? I think we're going."

King Leer — 02/28/2021

And the hole growing from King Leer is growing towards the hole in the corner of the room, which is also growing.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

What's happened to the tv?

King Leer — 02/28/2021

On the telly, you, IntrovertedIncarnate, see one of the worst mistakes you've ever made in your life - something you might have been reminded of otherwise, but might not.  Can you tell us about it?  You're beginning to think this, coming here, might have been another such mistake.

Yubi (玉碧) — 02/28/2021

The woman moves to the hole in the corner of the room, regards Leer falling in, and sidesteps the growing hole while carrying what appears to be a large hard drive or small server. She glances up briefly at the telly before turning her eye at Incarnate and tilting her head to the side.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

"Fuck", II waves the flag and a man steps out from the shadows. Dressed n khaki uniform with a bullet in their forehead. He grabs their hand, but looks physically ill.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

The rebar is fast expanding to consume Leer's whole home.  Apharel feels that he would need to expend another, critical dose of power to get the group past it.  It continues to spit black blood.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver attempts to search through herself for her bag and find the other half of the pomegranate so she can eat it.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

The Viceroy screams slamming his head into the floor over and over again, black blood spilling out.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

"Hold onto me!" II yells to the others.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

"Dealing with Faerie.  Very delicate business," whispers a choir of voices in the vicinity of Silver.  "Have to be very careful with it.  Who knows how you might end up if you don't."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver... Silver condenses Glamour around herself, forcing herself back to her earlier human form, and grabs at II. She forces with every last inch of will she has to get her bag back, and digs in it for the fucking pomegranate, and eats it. "I know that!" Silver snaps at the voices. "Who the fuck knows better?"

Mien Material List — 02/28/2021

Mien continues dying in the background.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“I FEED YOU WITH MY MISTAKES AND FAILURES!” the Viceroy screams, “I OFFER YOU A WOOD BENEATH THE EARTH!”

King Leer — 02/28/2021

The voices around Silver quiet as Viceroy speaks.  Silver knows they would still be taunting her if he weren't distracting them.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/28/2021

Silver is returned to Glory's van.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 02/28/2021

II is pulled by the man into the wall.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

“Grant us safe passage for me and mine and that which we want, and thou shalt have it!”

King Leer — 02/28/2021

A bowl rolls in front of Apharel.  Smeared with blood and gore.  They're all already dead.  Leer killed them all because he knew you were coming, just to get at you, and now you can't take any more revenge on him for it, because he's already dead too.  It's showing you that.  It wants you to know. You hear King Leer laughing.  Not really King Leer laughing.  An illusion.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

The Viceroy laughs. The Viceroy weeps.

“So be it!”

He shoves the heart into Yubi’s chest and falls down into a crumpled heap.

King Leer — 02/28/2021

You can have the crystal.  You need to give it more, though, if you want it.  If that's important to you. Need to offer more if you want the reward.  It's being too kind to you just letting you leave, and that has an imminent expiration date.

Yubi (玉碧) — 02/28/2021

Yubi spasms, her silhouette changing with every second, shifting suddenly as if every frame is a different image. Her voice comes through, garbled: d̸o̵e̶s̸ ̸t̸h̸e̴ ̷c̸r̷y̸s̸t̷a̷l̸ ̸n̷o̷t̴ ̴b̶e̷l̴o̴n̵g̸ ̷t̶o̸ ̴m̴e̴,̷ ̴y̶o̷u̷r̶ ̶s̶u̸c̸c̵e̸s̷s̸o̵r̶,̴ ̸y̷o̵u̷ ̶m̵o̷n̴s̴t̷e̴r̷?̵

King Leer — 02/28/2021

You can have it for free.  You're staying here, after all.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

The Viceroy whispers to himself and shakes. His Mantle has combined with his flesh. His face is gone.

SO BE IT

King Leer — 02/28/2021

Take the thing, then.  See you next time.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 02/28/2021

FOR THIS, WE ALLOW YOU ENTRANCE INTO THE CITY

The Viceroy sinks into the floor. The crystal disappears in a flutter of wings.