diff --git a/basement.order b/basement.order index 44a3874..2ab16ce 100644 --- a/basement.order +++ b/basement.order @@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ src/epistolary/00061.md src/epistolary/00062.md src/epistolary/00063.md src/epistolary/00064.md +src/epistolary/00065.md src/notes.md src/acknowledgements.md src/afterword.md diff --git a/src/epistolary/00065.md b/src/epistolary/00065.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1357ef2 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/epistolary/00065.md @@ -0,0 +1,177 @@ +--- +title: 00065 +created: Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:02:22 -0700 +updated: Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:02:22 -0700 +public: yes +syndicated: yes +--- +### 00065 {#00065} + +Marvelo fetched a fluffy blanket from the piles of blankets and +pillows in the ritual room where the dreamers continue to sleep. He +has wrapped up the child and is drying them off. The sound of rain +continues to drum incessantly outside. + +"Poor thing, you're chilled to the bone. Don't worry, Uncle Marv will +take care of you. There we go. Fix you right up!" + +The child is still and silent. It has not made a noise this whole +time. Nor has it acted on its own to actually do anything besides +stare up at Marvelo with wide, dark eyes. + +"How did you end up outside by yourself in the rain, hmm? No? That's +okay. What about your name? Have you got a name?" + +"Rind," says a voice behind Marvelo. At the sound of its name, the +child's eyes flick over Marvelo's shoulder. The mercenary starts to +spin around even as the blanket writhes in his hands, wrapping itself +around his wrists and binding them tightly together. + +"Hungh!" he cries out wordlessly and tucks into a roll, turning to +face his assailant and---he hopes---dodging any potential attack from +behind. And also putting some distance between himself and the child +to get it out of harms way. + +Marvelo tries to push up to his knees as cords of rope snake their +way out of the shadows and coil around his knees and elbows. He +struggles to pull free of them. A thicker rope wraps around his +waist, and another squeezes around his chest and back. The ropes +contract and pull Marvelo into a ball. He groans and falls to his +side. He looks up into the eyes of a man wearing a bright red sash. + +The child has tottled over to the man and reaches its arms up. The +man scoops the child up and holds it in the crook of one arm. The +child puts its arms around the man's neck and looks down at Marvelo +while resting its cheek on the man's chest. + +"His name is Rind," the man smiles. + +> Feeling bedraggled yet dry despite having been submerged under water, +> Inky lays on the beach, staring up at the sky before sitting up and +> looking around the landscape. They are now attired in a hooded azure +> blue vest over red shirt and shorts, and blue shoes over mismatched +> knee-high stockings. Their auburn hair is tied back with the +> drawstrings from an attached small pouch. A plush toy resembling a +> certain floofy duck peeks out from the hood. +> +> They sense a soft weight land on one shoulder, and smile as Fuko nips +> at their ear, no doubt partly in reproach for wandering off again +> without her, and maybe partly meant to be reassuring. This is +> followed several moments later by a low hiss and a series of light +> taps next to Inky's ear with her beak. Inky murmurs, "Is that so … we +> should call it a wrap soon. Master Alex would probably be happy +> having Big Bother to himself anyway, to grill as he likes." +> +> After a very long minute, Inky sighs and taking out a piece of paper +> and pencil from their suitcase, scribbles a "pome": +> +> ``` +> Island tower of towers +> Nowhere everywhere the sea +> Keep your apples and flowers +> Your suitor has come for thee +> ``` +> +> They roll up the paper and tuck it into a small and clear glass +> bottle with a cork stopper. Murmuring the sysorcerer's name to the +> bottle, they lower it into the water and watch as the bottle drifts +> into the distance. +> +> Walking along the shoreline and stopping a short distance from the +> lone figure, Inky says casually, "Good day, fellow thing-finder." + +The figure turns in your direction and lowers their hood revealing a +long, hooked, black beak and a face covered in black feathers. Beady +black eyes regard you without blinking. + +The feathers around its throat bristle when it speaks like a thick +bristling beard. + +"Greetings, Dreamer, and welcome to Ephemeris, the Heart of the +Dreaming. What brings you to the Throne of Konsu?" + +> Well Kasutva, I may as well trust you. I imagine if you meant me harm +> there are more direct and interesting ways to harm me than to +> misguide me. Give me a moment to collect myself, I've never been much +> for swimming you see, learned late and was always deathly afraid as a +> child. Dreadful stuff really. +> +> Alex steps away briefly to the edge of the pier and looks into the +> Azure blue ocean, a swirl of unending blue depth. Still not my thing, +> Alex mutters to himself. As he steels himself he notices a bottle +> adrift, nearing the pier. As it comes closer, he plucks it from the +> water, decorks it and inspects the note inside. +> +> "What does it say" the little Kasutva inquires. +> +> "Oh nothing, just someone trying to get in contact about our floating +> pirateships extended warranty" Alex replies bruskly. This definitely +> must have come from Inky Alex thinks to himself. They must have found +> the way. +> +> "Look Kasutva, this has been great fun, but I really think I ought to +> be going, not really sure that a sea of anyones dreams is my sort of +> thing and all that. And I seem ot have done not but create a mess of +> things" Alex says as he gestures to the wreckage of the Mech. Alex +> gestures in the air before him, a small split keyboard appears in +> front of him and he types out a few short commands. +> +> > ``` +> > cat > /home/inky/messages/urgent < > Got your message +> > In a bit of a bind, wrapped up with some weird mushroom guy who wants to go for a swim. +> > Not sure how to handle it, but I might have to dip back to the real world and let you finish here. +> > I've made a write mess of things, but I trust you can finish this. +> > +> > Oh, see attached, if you get into a pinch just use this spell, it'll get you what you need. +> > +> > grep -A4 AID ~/messages/urgent | sed 's/AID//' | sh +> > +> > AID +> > 4b1af3fcf4ce005ef86d83c45713ba1a548b4e79da09a6d44632cdb6c5917489 +> > d7d500fa37b986d931b70e114b4e67375b10b373aa6649641e7132e8b3dc7d18 +> > ef6efe98ffd070f486c00b4f50d8bf1448414ef9c2fabe0cacd40bebafba8a02 +> > 1d0d1bf0188b842d9ae08b9b37b0f266936ef38b8f07e5c90e4a9351bf018898 +> > EOF +> > ``` +> +> "Right!" Alex exclaims startling the little Kasutva accidentally. +> "Time for me to head back to the real world. Anything you need from +> me before I head out? Oh also, can I take the ak74u? I think I might +> need it." + +"Back ... back to the waking world?" Mushroom Kasutva stammers. +"But..." + +It looks out at the sea with a look of longing, confusion, and +frustration. "But we were finally going to see Ephemeris," they say +almost wistfully. + +"You were going to take us to Ephemeris!" they shout at you, suddenly +angry. + +Mushroom Kasutva screws up its face and roars in rage as it rushes at +you and tries to shove you over the edge of the pier into the waters +below. + +But Kasutva is less than a foot tall and quite ineffective at shoving +a human-sized person such as Alex. + +Big Kasutva, on the otherhand, is roughly twelve feet tall and quite +capable of manhandling a human-sized person. + +You look up in time to jerk back out of the way as they swipe at your +chest with their face-removing knife. It was all a feint though. As +soon as you are slightly off balance from dodging their attack, they +reach out with their other hand and give you a shove. + +You trip over Mushroom Kasutva, who has positioned themself in just +such a way to best tangle up your feet. You stumble backwards a few +steps until one of your feet steps out into open air. You twist and +and look behind you as Ousia rises up to meet you. + +Kasutva clings to your leg as you fall, crying. "We're sorry. We're +sorry," they say over and over as you are pulled below the waves. + +WHAT DO YOU DO + diff --git a/www/index.html b/www/index.html index 3ded856..2802c4c 100644 --- a/www/index.html +++ b/www/index.html @@ -288,6 +288,7 @@
  • 00062
  • 00063
  • 00064
    • +
  • 00065
  • Afterword
  • current story arc.

    you can subscribe to the rss feed.

    Stats

    -

    Total length: 82674 words / 353 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the +

    Total length: 83975 words / 358 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the length of this entire page, including all the extra bits and bobs. Not just the story.)

    -

    There have been 223 messages posted over 222 days since the first -post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.00.

    +

    There have been 226 messages posted over 228 days since the first +post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of .99.

    Chapter 1

    This is the first installment of BASEMENT QUEST.

    Jump to: 1 2

    It hops up to you and extends itself in a clear request, despite its lack of limbs, that it wants you to pick it up.

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    +

    00065

    +

    Marvelo fetched a fluffy blanket from the piles of blankets and +pillows in the ritual room where the dreamers continue to sleep. He has +wrapped up the child and is drying them off. The sound of rain continues +to drum incessantly outside.

    +

    “Poor thing, you’re chilled to the bone. Don’t worry, Uncle Marv will +take care of you. There we go. Fix you right up!”

    +

    The child is still and silent. It has not made a noise this whole +time. Nor has it acted on its own to actually do anything besides stare +up at Marvelo with wide, dark eyes.

    +

    “How did you end up outside by yourself in the rain, hmm? No? That’s +okay. What about your name? Have you got a name?”

    +

    “Rind,” says a voice behind Marvelo. At the sound of its name, the +child’s eyes flick over Marvelo’s shoulder. The mercenary starts to spin +around even as the blanket writhes in his hands, wrapping itself around +his wrists and binding them tightly together.

    +

    “Hungh!” he cries out wordlessly and tucks into a roll, turning to +face his assailant and—he hopes—dodging any potential attack from +behind. And also putting some distance between himself and the child to +get it out of harms way.

    +

    Marvelo tries to push up to his knees as cords of rope snake their +way out of the shadows and coil around his knees and elbows. He +struggles to pull free of them. A thicker rope wraps around his waist, +and another squeezes around his chest and back. The ropes contract and +pull Marvelo into a ball. He groans and falls to his side. He looks up +into the eyes of a man wearing a bright red sash.

    +

    The child has tottled over to the man and reaches its arms up. The +man scoops the child up and holds it in the crook of one arm. The child +puts its arms around the man’s neck and looks down at Marvelo while +resting its cheek on the man’s chest.

    +

    “His name is Rind,” the man smiles.

    +
    +

    Feeling bedraggled yet dry despite having been submerged under water, +Inky lays on the beach, staring up at the sky before sitting up and +looking around the landscape. They are now attired in a hooded azure +blue vest over red shirt and shorts, and blue shoes over mismatched +knee-high stockings. Their auburn hair is tied back with the drawstrings +from an attached small pouch. A plush toy resembling a certain floofy +duck peeks out from the hood.

    +

    They sense a soft weight land on one shoulder, and smile as Fuko nips +at their ear, no doubt partly in reproach for wandering off again +without her, and maybe partly meant to be reassuring. This is followed +several moments later by a low hiss and a series of light taps next to +Inky’s ear with her beak. Inky murmurs, “Is that so … we should call it +a wrap soon. Master Alex would probably be happy having Big Bother to +himself anyway, to grill as he likes.”

    +

    After a very long minute, Inky sighs and taking out a piece of paper +and pencil from their suitcase, scribbles a “pome”:

    +
    Island tower of towers
+Nowhere everywhere the sea
+Keep your apples and flowers
+Your suitor has come for thee
    +

    They roll up the paper and tuck it into a small and clear glass +bottle with a cork stopper. Murmuring the sysorcerer’s name to the +bottle, they lower it into the water and watch as the bottle drifts into +the distance.

    +

    Walking along the shoreline and stopping a short distance from the +lone figure, Inky says casually, “Good day, fellow thing-finder.”

    +
    +

    The figure turns in your direction and lowers their hood revealing a +long, hooked, black beak and a face covered in black feathers. Beady +black eyes regard you without blinking.

    +

    The feathers around its throat bristle when it speaks like a thick +bristling beard.

    +

    “Greetings, Dreamer, and welcome to Ephemeris, the Heart of the +Dreaming. What brings you to the Throne of Konsu?”

    +
    +

    Well Kasutva, I may as well trust you. I imagine if you meant me harm +there are more direct and interesting ways to harm me than to misguide +me. Give me a moment to collect myself, I’ve never been much for +swimming you see, learned late and was always deathly afraid as a child. +Dreadful stuff really.

    +

    Alex steps away briefly to the edge of the pier and looks into the +Azure blue ocean, a swirl of unending blue depth. Still not my thing, +Alex mutters to himself. As he steels himself he notices a bottle +adrift, nearing the pier. As it comes closer, he plucks it from the +water, decorks it and inspects the note inside.

    +

    “What does it say” the little Kasutva inquires.

    +

    “Oh nothing, just someone trying to get in contact about our floating +pirateships extended warranty” Alex replies bruskly. This definitely +must have come from Inky Alex thinks to himself. They must have found +the way.

    +

    “Look Kasutva, this has been great fun, but I really think I ought to +be going, not really sure that a sea of anyones dreams is my sort of +thing and all that. And I seem ot have done not but create a mess of +things” Alex says as he gestures to the wreckage of the Mech. Alex +gestures in the air before him, a small split keyboard appears in front +of him and he types out a few short commands.

    +
    +
    cat > /home/inky/messages/urgent <<EOF
+Got your message
+In a bit of a bind, wrapped up with some weird mushroom guy who wants to go for a swim.
+Not sure how to handle it, but I might have to dip back to the real world and let you finish here.
+I've made a write mess of things, but I trust you can finish this.
+
+Oh, see attached, if you get into a pinch just use this spell, it'll get you what you need.
+
+grep -A4 AID ~/messages/urgent | sed 's/AID//' | sh
+
+AID
+4b1af3fcf4ce005ef86d83c45713ba1a548b4e79da09a6d44632cdb6c5917489
+d7d500fa37b986d931b70e114b4e67375b10b373aa6649641e7132e8b3dc7d18
+ef6efe98ffd070f486c00b4f50d8bf1448414ef9c2fabe0cacd40bebafba8a02
+1d0d1bf0188b842d9ae08b9b37b0f266936ef38b8f07e5c90e4a9351bf018898
+EOF
    +
    +

    “Right!” Alex exclaims startling the little Kasutva accidentally. +“Time for me to head back to the real world. Anything you need from me +before I head out? Oh also, can I take the ak74u? I think I might need +it.”

    +
    +

    “Back … back to the waking world?” Mushroom Kasutva stammers. +“But…”

    +

    It looks out at the sea with a look of longing, confusion, and +frustration. “But we were finally going to see Ephemeris,” they say +almost wistfully.

    +

    “You were going to take us to Ephemeris!” they shout at you, suddenly +angry.

    +

    Mushroom Kasutva screws up its face and roars in rage as it rushes at +you and tries to shove you over the edge of the pier into the waters +below.

    +

    But Kasutva is less than a foot tall and quite ineffective at shoving +a human-sized person such as Alex.

    +

    Big Kasutva, on the otherhand, is roughly twelve feet tall and quite +capable of manhandling a human-sized person.

    +

    You look up in time to jerk back out of the way as they swipe at your +chest with their face-removing knife. It was all a feint though. As soon +as you are slightly off balance from dodging their attack, they reach +out with their other hand and give you a shove.

    +

    You trip over Mushroom Kasutva, who has positioned themself in just +such a way to best tangle up your feet. You stumble backwards a few +steps until one of your feet steps out into open air. You twist and and +look behind you as Ousia rises up to meet you.

    +

    Kasutva clings to your leg as you fall, crying. “We’re sorry. We’re +sorry,” they say over and over as you are pulled below the waves.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    Afterword

    I don’t know what I’m going to put here, but I didn’t want this document to just abruptly end. So here you go: a kind farewell and a diff --git a/www/rss.xml b/www/rss.xml index 7a69ac2..bad9f73 100644 --- a/www/rss.xml +++ b/www/rss.xml @@ -235,59 +235,6 @@ And Fortune said it shou'd be you. Puu." ]]> - - 61 - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 61 - Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:59:55 --0700 - Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:59:55 -0700 - - 00061 -

    Alex the Octopus and Inky the Noogle stand on a tree branch - as wide a street in the heart of the great white upside-down - forest.

    -

    A cry of anguish and anger echoes through the forest, and - the branches below you sway and rustle as something rises up - from the depths. You keep catching a glimpse of scarlet - between the silvery white leaves.

    -

    The large black ravens perched below you scream in - agitation and fly up past you to the thicker branches up - above, where they hop side to side and loudly scold and - protest the disturbance. A single black feather the length of - your hand settles to the ground at your feet, knocked loose - during their flight.

    -

    You finally see the fearsome beast crashing through the - branches below you. Its crazed, yellow eyes as large and round - as dinner plates, a great eight-legged rodent leaps from - branch to branch as it swiftly ascends. It is a bloody, - crimson red. Its long tufted ears lay flat against its - elongated, grinning skull. Its ribbon-like tail twitches as it - trails along behind it like a river of blood. It cries out - again in anger, showing its overgrown incisors, and grinds and - gnashes its back teeth.

    -

    Its eyes bore into you with wild fury and blind madness as - it climbs.

    -

    “She’s not herself,” sighs the chipmunk, suddenly at your - side once more. When you look down at the chipmunk, however, - it has suddenly turned into a small featureless black turtle - with a sticky sweet roll instead of a shell. Its smooth little - head pokes timidly out of the roll.

    -

    “The Red Squirrel,” laments the turtle. “She’s being ridden - by a ghost. An angry ghost who isn’t from here. Somebody left - the door open, and it blew in on the breeze.” The turtle’s - voice trails off until its final words are barely a - whisper.

    -

    You can still feel two currents tugging at you and trying - to pull you under. One inward toward your host’s deep, core - memories. And the second pulling you outward toward the Sea of - Dreams.

    -

    You have but a moment before the Red Squirrel is upon - you.

    -

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    - ]]> - - 59 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -386,6 +333,284 @@ trap sleep INT EXIT ]]> + + 56 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 56 - Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:10:25 +-0700 + Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:10:25 -0700 + + 00056 +
    +

    The agitation Alex feels bubbles just beneath the surface. + Patterns where patterns shouldn’t be, strange orders from HQ, + indifference where once was ample aide as well. It was + maddening. Combine it all with the haunting suspicion that + there was constantly someone just around the next corner, and + it was enough to truly drive Alex mad.

    +

    That uneasiness takes its toll on a long enough time line, + but Alex wasn’t about to let it get to him. Or so he thought + to himself as he cast a furtive look at his monitoring + equipment. This paranoia had served him well in the past, very + well in fact. It’s a sort of sixth sense in a way, always kept + Alex off the edge of the cliff, especially when someone + stepped close enough to push him off. Those were the types of + skills HQ sought after in the first place.

    +

    Alex closes the iron door on his bunker, leaving his + monitoring equipment running, dead man’s trigger set to blow + the place shoul anyone enter it. Can’t be too careful these + days..

    +

    Emerging from the sewer grate, sticking to the shadows, + Alex makes his way down an alley, then another, and yet + another, finally emerging a few blocks from the Milk Market. + Across the street, as he had expected, was Marvelo’s Marvelous + MurderSticks, a quaint place should one needed something, well + you get the picture, they don’t really sell anything but + weaponry here.

    +

    Alex ducked into the entrance of the shop and strode + towards the back rack, where a collection of knives was on + display. A rough looking fellow, ruddy red beard, thinning + hair, moved from the counter as he saw Alex approach. “Fine + sampling of knives we have, could I interest you in one?” + Marvelo says. Alex reaches for a thin stilleto style dagger, + and hands it to Marvelo “This one seems about right, but I’d + like an extra sharp edge put on it, if you don’t mind”. + Marvelo takes the stilleto from Alex say “Not a problem at all + sir”, and he heads into the back.

    +

    He sets to work honing the edge, and once complete he + places it on his work bench. Grabbing a velvet lined case from + a stack, he deftly removes the bottom and places a rolled + piece of paper into the bottom, alongside an m1911 style + pistol, and a couple of clips of ammo. He then places the + velvet bottom back over the equipment, and places the stilleto + on top, bringing the entire package back to the front. “An + extra fine edge on this one sir, that’ll be 15 gold, plus + another 5 to cover the service.

    +

    Alex pays, and nips out the shop and heads back to the back + alley. Paranoia begets what it requets, Alex mutters to + himself as he disassembles the box holstering the pistol and + ammo, and sheathing the dagger. Can’t keep going unarmed like + I’m some kind of beat cop, not anymore.. Alex discards the + case and unfurls the message, quickly deciphering the + encryption set on it by Marvelo.

    + 
    The hunt is still on, no word on Blavin nor the Iris group, yet.
+Agent 7 heard rumor of a couple of persons inquiring about the "Milk Market" these past few days.
+Agent 3 heard similar rumors, was able to bribe a melon vendor to acertain the figure wore a red sash, and was looking for friends.
+Agent 6 has kept watch on the Market, nothing strange yet, coming and goings as usual, no strange visitors
+Agent 4 monitoring feeds still present glitches, something abnormal
+Agent 5 found the melon vendor dead in a back alley, strangled to death, not immediate signs of blunt force trauma, caution advised
    +

    Alex burned the note, striding rapidly away from the alley, + taking a meandering route away from the Milk Market, looping + back around, and heading back towards it by yet another. + Nobody appeared to be following him, yet he paused at each + corner and turn, waiting for the footsteps of a pursuant.

    +

    Noting nothing, he made his way through the back entrance + of Enrique’s Empanadas greeting the cook quietly, but jovial. + “Enrique, where’s Inky? We’ve got a problem.”

    +
    +

    ~

    +
    +

    Inky skims the page. They thank the witch, pay for the + items and exit the shop, promptly discarding all notions of + meeting Bother at the place stipulated on the note.

    +

    (Half and one hour later)

    +

    One-sixths into a caramel cantaloupe cream cornet, Inky + runs into Confidence outside the Wandering Bazaar and obtains + some of their new pamphlets, minted with luminescent ink for + the convenience of late-night tourists. These are subsequently + hare-mailed to every editor at the Niuewstijl office, + which is almost certain to earn another chiding remark from + Tess about etiquette and the handling of unsolicited bulk mail + to parent editorial teams.

    +

    (Half and two hours later)

    +

    The installation on display at the Milk Market was + grotesque — that is to say, a work of beauty. Inky steps + carefully through the rooms to not disturb the piece. + Afterwards, they sign the guestbook set up on an upturned milk + crate by the door, delightedly pasting rows of horse head and + thumbs-up emo Gs on a page thoughtfully titled “you can’t ed + the unedible”.

    +

    (Half and three hours earlier)

    +

    Thanking Agate for her time, Inky passes her a sheet of + paper on which were written a few questions about the + prescribed ritual, with some space after each question should + the witch prefer to scribble a response:

    +
      +

    • What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk + typically seek in return for directing travellers to the + correct pocket dimension?

      • +

    • An establishment inside the Bazaar is only open in the + evenings whenever it appears in the city. How long does travel + to a pocket dimension typically take, allowing for time to + seek out a guide? Is there a way travellers can estimate the + time to set out on their journey, in order to arrive at the + establishment while it is open?

      • +

    • Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the + ritual? How can travellers avoid summoning them?

      • +

    • Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the + sigils were removed during the ritual before they wake + up?

      • +
    +

    (Half and four hours later)

    +

    Two sets of eyes peer down at the contents of an open tin. + One accompanied by a focused look and a little trepidation, + following the pinkish, flesh-like chunks speckled with white + pockets of fat as they tumble into a hot pan and almost + immediately begin to move of their own accord. The moving + mounds resemble small round mouths opening, each with a rim of + sharp teeth. The other pair of eyes belongs to a grinning face + that beams when the mounds bloom into bright red flat caps, + the edges beneath about to soften in the olive oil.

    +

    Minutes after, The slices are ready. Inky accepts the plate + of tostada with spicy pickled artichoke mushrooms and tomatoes + with a murmur of thanks. Reassembling the recipe for the + tinned spicy artichoke mushrooms had been a tedious process — + someone had ripped out the pages from an old pickling book + that had long ceased publication. Eventually Inky found a + former nomad who had eaten them for two years in their youth + and could recall or somewhat describe the taste. Flowery and + savoury, they said. Many taste tests later, it turned out to + be closer to partially decomposed cheese in ponderosa lemon + juice. Canning was fortuitously easier with the increasing + portability of sealers. Rather than telling the empanada chef + any of this, Inky watches satisfaction slowly spread across + his face. The tale that follows is far more entertaining.

    +

    (Half and five hours later)

    +

    While measuring out ingredients for the forty-second tea + infusion since the start of the missions, not that Inky was + keeping a close count, they hear a familiar voice a short + distance outside the door asking for their whereabouts. + Without pausing in their whisking, Inky simply informs the + owner of the voice they’re not here, obviously, before + emerging from the storage pantry with a fresh pot and bowls on + a wooden tray, and greets the returning sysorcerer.

    +
    +

    Agate writes back quickly:

    +
    +

    What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk + typically seek in return for directing travellers to the + correct pocket dimension?

    +
    +

    Intangibles. Usually memories, hopes, or dreams.

    +
    +

    An establishment inside the Bazaar is only open in the + evenings whenever it appears in the city. How long does travel + to a pocket dimension typically take, allowing for time to + seek out a guide? Is there a way travellers can estimate the + time to set out on their journey, in order to arrive at the + establishment while it is open?

    +
    +

    You’ll find that time is rather malleable on the Otherside. + You’ll likely arrive exactly when you’re meant to. No need to + worry too much about it.

    +
    +

    Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the + ritual? How can travellers avoid summoning them?

    +
    +

    Godforms manifested by the Linking Sigil and the Dream + Sigil, respectively. It’s not terrible if they show + up. But it’s definitely not ideal. You shouldn’t register on + their radar as long as you don’t pump too much energy into, or + siphon to much energy out of, the sigils. If they do show up, + just know that you’re in the presence of a godlike power, and + behave accordingly.

    +
    +

    Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the + sigils were removed during the ritual before they wake up?

    +
    +

    If the sigils are removed or if the circle is broken, + you’ll likely just wake up before you wanted to. Same goes for + if your dreamform is destroyed while in the Dreaming. The only + real danger you may encounter is the Scissormen and their ilk. + They will attempt to permanently sever your dreamform from + your waking body. Which would leave your body a soulless husk, + and leave your consciousness adrift in the Sea of Dreams. But + that probably won’t happen! Okay good luck, have fun!

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    + ]]> +     +     + + 60 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 60 - Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:11:47 +-0700 + Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:11:48 -0700 + + 00060 +
    +

    Alex takes inventory of himself, this dream world is + definitely strange, but fortunately its decided to provide him + with his impecable fashion, trench coat and all. Unfortunately + the same can’t be said for his roguish good looks, as he’s + found himself 6 arms heavier, and a bit more octopus-y than he + remembers.

    +

    Nontheless this doesn’t appear to be much of an impediment, + and he promptly moves on with assessing the situation.

    +

    “Acorns? No, I don’t think so. I’m afraid octopus’ are + terrible at fetching acrons, and at any rate, I have a + dreadfully important meeting across town.” turning to address + Inky, “We need to make a break for it, what’d the witch tell + you? Envision our goal or something? This is really a little + outside of my realm of mechanical magic expertise.. + unless..”

    +

    Alex makes a gesture with his tentacles in the area and a + terminal prompt appears before him. His tentacles work at + blinding speed at the digital window, a quick bypass there, a + root access escalation there.

    +

    “Looks like this whole place runs on Linux, it’s an older + kernel, about 2.6 or so, but it checks out. Easy to exploit as + needed. Here I’m giving us sudo access, should we need + it.”

    +

    “Oh and squirrel, here’s your acorns”

    + 
    find /* -name '*acron*' -exec mv /home/squirrel { } \
    +
    +

    It takes Alectopus a couple tries, but he gets it. First he + corrects ‘acron’ to ‘acorn’. Then he moves all the acorns to + the chipmunk instead of to the squirrel.

    +

    Hundreds of acorns appear at the chipmunk’s feet. It + squeals in delight.

    +

    In the distance, far below you, you hear the anguished yell + of what can only be a Red Squirrel whose giant stash of acorns + has just vanished.

    +

    The chipmunk rubs its hands together gleefully and starts + scooping up acorns by the armful and shoving them into its + mouth by the dozen. “Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” it + says around a mouthful of nuts. “Here…” It tosses you a large + square silver coin with a round hole drilled in the center. On + one side is the number twenty-one next to a picture of a + curved, short-handled sickle. On the other side is the number + five and a picture of a flail.

    +

    “A Twenty-One Fiver! Sorry, you deserve more, but it’s all + I have,” it apologizes as it scampers off, no doubt to hide + its nuts. Hopefully somewhere more secure this time.

    +

    If you hold the coin up to your eye and peer through the + hole, you see the dreamscape before you as though looking + through a cloudy film. All the same stuff is there, but it’s + hazy and shadowy.

    +

    Standing a fair distance from you on the branch, just out + of hailing distance, is a tall figure cloaked in black robes. + Dark shadows pool restlessly around its feet. Occasionally the + shadows leap up and take the form of demons the like of which + words cannot describe, before falling and returning to shadow + once more. The figure wears a large spherical helmet of + obsidian-like glass. You can see constant flashes of a rainbow + of colors crackle and splinter along the inside of the helmet + like lightning, but illuminating nothing within. You feel + sickened at the sight, but at the edge of your mind you feels + a tug, a familiarity. Something about this character is + familiar to you, but you cannot place it.

    +

    When you lower the coin, the figure and the dark landscape + both disappear. When you raise it again, the distorted + landscape reappears but the figure is gone.

    +

    You notice a pair of large ravens watching you rather + intently from the branches below.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    + ]]> +     +     58 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -616,86 +841,6 @@ in its own domain ]]> - - 60 - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 60 - Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:11:47 --0700 - Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:11:48 -0700 - - 00060 -
    -

    Alex takes inventory of himself, this dream world is - definitely strange, but fortunately its decided to provide him - with his impecable fashion, trench coat and all. Unfortunately - the same can’t be said for his roguish good looks, as he’s - found himself 6 arms heavier, and a bit more octopus-y than he - remembers.

    -

    Nontheless this doesn’t appear to be much of an impediment, - and he promptly moves on with assessing the situation.

    -

    “Acorns? No, I don’t think so. I’m afraid octopus’ are - terrible at fetching acrons, and at any rate, I have a - dreadfully important meeting across town.” turning to address - Inky, “We need to make a break for it, what’d the witch tell - you? Envision our goal or something? This is really a little - outside of my realm of mechanical magic expertise.. - unless..”

    -

    Alex makes a gesture with his tentacles in the area and a - terminal prompt appears before him. His tentacles work at - blinding speed at the digital window, a quick bypass there, a - root access escalation there.

    -

    “Looks like this whole place runs on Linux, it’s an older - kernel, about 2.6 or so, but it checks out. Easy to exploit as - needed. Here I’m giving us sudo access, should we need - it.”

    -

    “Oh and squirrel, here’s your acorns”

    - 
    find /* -name '*acron*' -exec mv /home/squirrel { } \
    -
    -

    It takes Alectopus a couple tries, but he gets it. First he - corrects ‘acron’ to ‘acorn’. Then he moves all the acorns to - the chipmunk instead of to the squirrel.

    -

    Hundreds of acorns appear at the chipmunk’s feet. It - squeals in delight.

    -

    In the distance, far below you, you hear the anguished yell - of what can only be a Red Squirrel whose giant stash of acorns - has just vanished.

    -

    The chipmunk rubs its hands together gleefully and starts - scooping up acorns by the armful and shoving them into its - mouth by the dozen. “Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” it - says around a mouthful of nuts. “Here…” It tosses you a large - square silver coin with a round hole drilled in the center. On - one side is the number twenty-one next to a picture of a - curved, short-handled sickle. On the other side is the number - five and a picture of a flail.

    -

    “A Twenty-One Fiver! Sorry, you deserve more, but it’s all - I have,” it apologizes as it scampers off, no doubt to hide - its nuts. Hopefully somewhere more secure this time.

    -

    If you hold the coin up to your eye and peer through the - hole, you see the dreamscape before you as though looking - through a cloudy film. All the same stuff is there, but it’s - hazy and shadowy.

    -

    Standing a fair distance from you on the branch, just out - of hailing distance, is a tall figure cloaked in black robes. - Dark shadows pool restlessly around its feet. Occasionally the - shadows leap up and take the form of demons the like of which - words cannot describe, before falling and returning to shadow - once more. The figure wears a large spherical helmet of - obsidian-like glass. You can see constant flashes of a rainbow - of colors crackle and splinter along the inside of the helmet - like lightning, but illuminating nothing within. You feel - sickened at the sight, but at the edge of your mind you feels - a tug, a familiarity. Something about this character is - familiar to you, but you cannot place it.

    -

    When you lower the coin, the figure and the dark landscape - both disappear. When you raise it again, the distorted - landscape reappears but the figure is gone.

    -

    You notice a pair of large ravens watching you rather - intently from the branches below.

    -

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    - ]]> -     -     57 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -948,6 +1093,59 @@ in its own domain ]]> + + 61 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 61 - Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:59:55 +-0700 + Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:59:55 -0700 + + 00061 +

    Alex the Octopus and Inky the Noogle stand on a tree branch + as wide a street in the heart of the great white upside-down + forest.

    +

    A cry of anguish and anger echoes through the forest, and + the branches below you sway and rustle as something rises up + from the depths. You keep catching a glimpse of scarlet + between the silvery white leaves.

    +

    The large black ravens perched below you scream in + agitation and fly up past you to the thicker branches up + above, where they hop side to side and loudly scold and + protest the disturbance. A single black feather the length of + your hand settles to the ground at your feet, knocked loose + during their flight.

    +

    You finally see the fearsome beast crashing through the + branches below you. Its crazed, yellow eyes as large and round + as dinner plates, a great eight-legged rodent leaps from + branch to branch as it swiftly ascends. It is a bloody, + crimson red. Its long tufted ears lay flat against its + elongated, grinning skull. Its ribbon-like tail twitches as it + trails along behind it like a river of blood. It cries out + again in anger, showing its overgrown incisors, and grinds and + gnashes its back teeth.

    +

    Its eyes bore into you with wild fury and blind madness as + it climbs.

    +

    “She’s not herself,” sighs the chipmunk, suddenly at your + side once more. When you look down at the chipmunk, however, + it has suddenly turned into a small featureless black turtle + with a sticky sweet roll instead of a shell. Its smooth little + head pokes timidly out of the roll.

    +

    “The Red Squirrel,” laments the turtle. “She’s being ridden + by a ghost. An angry ghost who isn’t from here. Somebody left + the door open, and it blew in on the breeze.” The turtle’s + voice trails off until its final words are barely a + whisper.

    +

    You can still feel two currents tugging at you and trying + to pull you under. One inward toward your host’s deep, core + memories. And the second pulling you outward toward the Sea of + Dreams.

    +

    You have but a moment before the Red Squirrel is upon + you.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    + ]]> +     +     64 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -1393,6 +1591,169 @@ NOTE GDB INDICATES SOME ANOMALY ]]> + + 65 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 65 - Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:02:22 +-0700 + Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:02:22 -0700 + + 00065 +

    Marvelo fetched a fluffy blanket from the piles of blankets + and pillows in the ritual room where the dreamers continue to + sleep. He has wrapped up the child and is drying them off. The + sound of rain continues to drum incessantly outside.

    +

    “Poor thing, you’re chilled to the bone. Don’t worry, Uncle + Marv will take care of you. There we go. Fix you right + up!”

    +

    The child is still and silent. It has not made a noise this + whole time. Nor has it acted on its own to actually do + anything besides stare up at Marvelo with wide, dark eyes.

    +

    “How did you end up outside by yourself in the rain, hmm? + No? That’s okay. What about your name? Have you got a + name?”

    +

    “Rind,” says a voice behind Marvelo. At the sound of its + name, the child’s eyes flick over Marvelo’s shoulder. The + mercenary starts to spin around even as the blanket writhes in + his hands, wrapping itself around his wrists and binding them + tightly together.

    +

    “Hungh!” he cries out wordlessly and tucks into a roll, + turning to face his assailant and—he hopes—dodging any + potential attack from behind. And also putting some distance + between himself and the child to get it out of harms way.

    +

    Marvelo tries to push up to his knees as cords of rope + snake their way out of the shadows and coil around his knees + and elbows. He struggles to pull free of them. A thicker rope + wraps around his waist, and another squeezes around his chest + and back. The ropes contract and pull Marvelo into a ball. He + groans and falls to his side. He looks up into the eyes of a + man wearing a bright red sash.

    +

    The child has tottled over to the man and reaches its arms + up. The man scoops the child up and holds it in the crook of + one arm. The child puts its arms around the man’s neck and + looks down at Marvelo while resting its cheek on the man’s + chest.

    +

    “His name is Rind,” the man smiles.

    +
    +

    Feeling bedraggled yet dry despite having been submerged + under water, Inky lays on the beach, staring up at the sky + before sitting up and looking around the landscape. They are + now attired in a hooded azure blue vest over red shirt and + shorts, and blue shoes over mismatched knee-high stockings. + Their auburn hair is tied back with the drawstrings from an + attached small pouch. A plush toy resembling a certain floofy + duck peeks out from the hood.

    +

    They sense a soft weight land on one shoulder, and smile as + Fuko nips at their ear, no doubt partly in reproach for + wandering off again without her, and maybe partly meant to be + reassuring. This is followed several moments later by a low + hiss and a series of light taps next to Inky’s ear with her + beak. Inky murmurs, “Is that so … we should call it a wrap + soon. Master Alex would probably be happy having Big Bother to + himself anyway, to grill as he likes.”

    +

    After a very long minute, Inky sighs and taking out a piece + of paper and pencil from their suitcase, scribbles a + “pome”:

    + 
    Island tower of towers
+Nowhere everywhere the sea
+Keep your apples and flowers
+Your suitor has come for thee
    +

    They roll up the paper and tuck it into a small and clear + glass bottle with a cork stopper. Murmuring the sysorcerer’s + name to the bottle, they lower it into the water and watch as + the bottle drifts into the distance.

    +

    Walking along the shoreline and stopping a short distance + from the lone figure, Inky says casually, “Good day, fellow + thing-finder.”

    +
    +

    The figure turns in your direction and lowers their hood + revealing a long, hooked, black beak and a face covered in + black feathers. Beady black eyes regard you without + blinking.

    +

    The feathers around its throat bristle when it speaks like + a thick bristling beard.

    +

    “Greetings, Dreamer, and welcome to Ephemeris, the Heart of + the Dreaming. What brings you to the Throne of Konsu?”

    +
    +

    Well Kasutva, I may as well trust you. I imagine if you + meant me harm there are more direct and interesting ways to + harm me than to misguide me. Give me a moment to collect + myself, I’ve never been much for swimming you see, learned + late and was always deathly afraid as a child. Dreadful stuff + really.

    +

    Alex steps away briefly to the edge of the pier and looks + into the Azure blue ocean, a swirl of unending blue depth. + Still not my thing, Alex mutters to himself. As he steels + himself he notices a bottle adrift, nearing the pier. As it + comes closer, he plucks it from the water, decorks it and + inspects the note inside.

    +

    “What does it say” the little Kasutva inquires.

    +

    “Oh nothing, just someone trying to get in contact about + our floating pirateships extended warranty” Alex replies + bruskly. This definitely must have come from Inky Alex thinks + to himself. They must have found the way.

    +

    “Look Kasutva, this has been great fun, but I really think + I ought to be going, not really sure that a sea of anyones + dreams is my sort of thing and all that. And I seem ot have + done not but create a mess of things” Alex says as he gestures + to the wreckage of the Mech. Alex gestures in the air before + him, a small split keyboard appears in front of him and he + types out a few short commands.

    +
    + 
    cat > /home/inky/messages/urgent <<EOF
+Got your message
+In a bit of a bind, wrapped up with some weird mushroom guy who wants to go for a swim.
+Not sure how to handle it, but I might have to dip back to the real world and let you finish here.
+I've made a write mess of things, but I trust you can finish this.
+
+Oh, see attached, if you get into a pinch just use this spell, it'll get you what you need.
+
+grep -A4 AID ~/messages/urgent | sed 's/AID//' | sh
+
+AID
+4b1af3fcf4ce005ef86d83c45713ba1a548b4e79da09a6d44632cdb6c5917489
+d7d500fa37b986d931b70e114b4e67375b10b373aa6649641e7132e8b3dc7d18
+ef6efe98ffd070f486c00b4f50d8bf1448414ef9c2fabe0cacd40bebafba8a02
+1d0d1bf0188b842d9ae08b9b37b0f266936ef38b8f07e5c90e4a9351bf018898
+EOF
    +
    +

    “Right!” Alex exclaims startling the little Kasutva + accidentally. “Time for me to head back to the real world. + Anything you need from me before I head out? Oh also, can I + take the ak74u? I think I might need it.”

    +
    +

    “Back … back to the waking world?” Mushroom Kasutva + stammers. “But…”

    +

    It looks out at the sea with a look of longing, confusion, + and frustration. “But we were finally going to see Ephemeris,” + they say almost wistfully.

    +

    “You were going to take us to Ephemeris!” they shout at + you, suddenly angry.

    +

    Mushroom Kasutva screws up its face and roars in rage as it + rushes at you and tries to shove you over the edge of the pier + into the waters below.

    +

    But Kasutva is less than a foot tall and quite ineffective + at shoving a human-sized person such as Alex.

    +

    Big Kasutva, on the otherhand, is roughly twelve feet tall + and quite capable of manhandling a human-sized person.

    +

    You look up in time to jerk back out of the way as they + swipe at your chest with their face-removing knife. It was all + a feint though. As soon as you are slightly off balance from + dodging their attack, they reach out with their other hand and + give you a shove.

    +

    You trip over Mushroom Kasutva, who has positioned themself + in just such a way to best tangle up your feet. You stumble + backwards a few steps until one of your feet steps out into + open air. You twist and and look behind you as Ousia rises up + to meet you.

    +

    Kasutva clings to your leg as you fall, crying. “We’re + sorry. We’re sorry,” they say over and over as you are pulled + below the waves.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    + ]]> +     +     55 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -1701,203 +2062,5 @@ NOTE GDB INDICATES SOME ANOMALY ]]> - - 56 - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 56 - Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:10:25 --0700 - Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:10:25 -0700 - - 00056 -
    -

    The agitation Alex feels bubbles just beneath the surface. - Patterns where patterns shouldn’t be, strange orders from HQ, - indifference where once was ample aide as well. It was - maddening. Combine it all with the haunting suspicion that - there was constantly someone just around the next corner, and - it was enough to truly drive Alex mad.

    -

    That uneasiness takes its toll on a long enough time line, - but Alex wasn’t about to let it get to him. Or so he thought - to himself as he cast a furtive look at his monitoring - equipment. This paranoia had served him well in the past, very - well in fact. It’s a sort of sixth sense in a way, always kept - Alex off the edge of the cliff, especially when someone - stepped close enough to push him off. Those were the types of - skills HQ sought after in the first place.

    -

    Alex closes the iron door on his bunker, leaving his - monitoring equipment running, dead man’s trigger set to blow - the place shoul anyone enter it. Can’t be too careful these - days..

    -

    Emerging from the sewer grate, sticking to the shadows, - Alex makes his way down an alley, then another, and yet - another, finally emerging a few blocks from the Milk Market. - Across the street, as he had expected, was Marvelo’s Marvelous - MurderSticks, a quaint place should one needed something, well - you get the picture, they don’t really sell anything but - weaponry here.

    -

    Alex ducked into the entrance of the shop and strode - towards the back rack, where a collection of knives was on - display. A rough looking fellow, ruddy red beard, thinning - hair, moved from the counter as he saw Alex approach. “Fine - sampling of knives we have, could I interest you in one?” - Marvelo says. Alex reaches for a thin stilleto style dagger, - and hands it to Marvelo “This one seems about right, but I’d - like an extra sharp edge put on it, if you don’t mind”. - Marvelo takes the stilleto from Alex say “Not a problem at all - sir”, and he heads into the back.

    -

    He sets to work honing the edge, and once complete he - places it on his work bench. Grabbing a velvet lined case from - a stack, he deftly removes the bottom and places a rolled - piece of paper into the bottom, alongside an m1911 style - pistol, and a couple of clips of ammo. He then places the - velvet bottom back over the equipment, and places the stilleto - on top, bringing the entire package back to the front. “An - extra fine edge on this one sir, that’ll be 15 gold, plus - another 5 to cover the service.

    -

    Alex pays, and nips out the shop and heads back to the back - alley. Paranoia begets what it requets, Alex mutters to - himself as he disassembles the box holstering the pistol and - ammo, and sheathing the dagger. Can’t keep going unarmed like - I’m some kind of beat cop, not anymore.. Alex discards the - case and unfurls the message, quickly deciphering the - encryption set on it by Marvelo.

    - 
    The hunt is still on, no word on Blavin nor the Iris group, yet.
-Agent 7 heard rumor of a couple of persons inquiring about the "Milk Market" these past few days.
-Agent 3 heard similar rumors, was able to bribe a melon vendor to acertain the figure wore a red sash, and was looking for friends.
-Agent 6 has kept watch on the Market, nothing strange yet, coming and goings as usual, no strange visitors
-Agent 4 monitoring feeds still present glitches, something abnormal
-Agent 5 found the melon vendor dead in a back alley, strangled to death, not immediate signs of blunt force trauma, caution advised
    -

    Alex burned the note, striding rapidly away from the alley, - taking a meandering route away from the Milk Market, looping - back around, and heading back towards it by yet another. - Nobody appeared to be following him, yet he paused at each - corner and turn, waiting for the footsteps of a pursuant.

    -

    Noting nothing, he made his way through the back entrance - of Enrique’s Empanadas greeting the cook quietly, but jovial. - “Enrique, where’s Inky? We’ve got a problem.”

    -
    -

    ~

    -
    -

    Inky skims the page. They thank the witch, pay for the - items and exit the shop, promptly discarding all notions of - meeting Bother at the place stipulated on the note.

    -

    (Half and one hour later)

    -

    One-sixths into a caramel cantaloupe cream cornet, Inky - runs into Confidence outside the Wandering Bazaar and obtains - some of their new pamphlets, minted with luminescent ink for - the convenience of late-night tourists. These are subsequently - hare-mailed to every editor at the Niuewstijl office, - which is almost certain to earn another chiding remark from - Tess about etiquette and the handling of unsolicited bulk mail - to parent editorial teams.

    -

    (Half and two hours later)

    -

    The installation on display at the Milk Market was - grotesque — that is to say, a work of beauty. Inky steps - carefully through the rooms to not disturb the piece. - Afterwards, they sign the guestbook set up on an upturned milk - crate by the door, delightedly pasting rows of horse head and - thumbs-up emo Gs on a page thoughtfully titled “you can’t ed - the unedible”.

    -

    (Half and three hours earlier)

    -

    Thanking Agate for her time, Inky passes her a sheet of - paper on which were written a few questions about the - prescribed ritual, with some space after each question should - the witch prefer to scribble a response:

    -
      -

    • What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk - typically seek in return for directing travellers to the - correct pocket dimension?

      • -

    • An establishment inside the Bazaar is only open in the - evenings whenever it appears in the city. How long does travel - to a pocket dimension typically take, allowing for time to - seek out a guide? Is there a way travellers can estimate the - time to set out on their journey, in order to arrive at the - establishment while it is open?

      • -

    • Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the - ritual? How can travellers avoid summoning them?

      • -

    • Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the - sigils were removed during the ritual before they wake - up?

      • -
    -

    (Half and four hours later)

    -

    Two sets of eyes peer down at the contents of an open tin. - One accompanied by a focused look and a little trepidation, - following the pinkish, flesh-like chunks speckled with white - pockets of fat as they tumble into a hot pan and almost - immediately begin to move of their own accord. The moving - mounds resemble small round mouths opening, each with a rim of - sharp teeth. The other pair of eyes belongs to a grinning face - that beams when the mounds bloom into bright red flat caps, - the edges beneath about to soften in the olive oil.

    -

    Minutes after, The slices are ready. Inky accepts the plate - of tostada with spicy pickled artichoke mushrooms and tomatoes - with a murmur of thanks. Reassembling the recipe for the - tinned spicy artichoke mushrooms had been a tedious process — - someone had ripped out the pages from an old pickling book - that had long ceased publication. Eventually Inky found a - former nomad who had eaten them for two years in their youth - and could recall or somewhat describe the taste. Flowery and - savoury, they said. Many taste tests later, it turned out to - be closer to partially decomposed cheese in ponderosa lemon - juice. Canning was fortuitously easier with the increasing - portability of sealers. Rather than telling the empanada chef - any of this, Inky watches satisfaction slowly spread across - his face. The tale that follows is far more entertaining.

    -

    (Half and five hours later)

    -

    While measuring out ingredients for the forty-second tea - infusion since the start of the missions, not that Inky was - keeping a close count, they hear a familiar voice a short - distance outside the door asking for their whereabouts. - Without pausing in their whisking, Inky simply informs the - owner of the voice they’re not here, obviously, before - emerging from the storage pantry with a fresh pot and bowls on - a wooden tray, and greets the returning sysorcerer.

    -
    -

    Agate writes back quickly:

    -
    -

    What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk - typically seek in return for directing travellers to the - correct pocket dimension?

    -
    -

    Intangibles. Usually memories, hopes, or dreams.

    -
    -

    An establishment inside the Bazaar is only open in the - evenings whenever it appears in the city. How long does travel - to a pocket dimension typically take, allowing for time to - seek out a guide? Is there a way travellers can estimate the - time to set out on their journey, in order to arrive at the - establishment while it is open?

    -
    -

    You’ll find that time is rather malleable on the Otherside. - You’ll likely arrive exactly when you’re meant to. No need to - worry too much about it.

    -
    -

    Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the - ritual? How can travellers avoid summoning them?

    -
    -

    Godforms manifested by the Linking Sigil and the Dream - Sigil, respectively. It’s not terrible if they show - up. But it’s definitely not ideal. You shouldn’t register on - their radar as long as you don’t pump too much energy into, or - siphon to much energy out of, the sigils. If they do show up, - just know that you’re in the presence of a godlike power, and - behave accordingly.

    -
    -

    Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the - sigils were removed during the ritual before they wake up?

    -
    -

    If the sigils are removed or if the circle is broken, - you’ll likely just wake up before you wanted to. Same goes for - if your dreamform is destroyed while in the Dreaming. The only - real danger you may encounter is the Scissormen and their ilk. - They will attempt to permanently sever your dreamform from - your waking body. Which would leave your body a soulless husk, - and leave your consciousness adrift in the Sea of Dreams. But - that probably won’t happen! Okay good luck, have fun!

    -

    WHAT DO YOU DO

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  • current story arc.

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    Stats

    -

    Total length: 82674 words / 353 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the +

    Total length: 83975 words / 358 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the length of this entire page, including all the extra bits and bobs. Not just the story.)

    -

    There have been 223 messages posted over 222 days since the first -post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.00.

    +

    There have been 226 messages posted over 228 days since the first +post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of .99.

    Chapter 1

    This is the first installment of BASEMENT QUEST.

    Jump to: 1 2

    It hops up to you and extends itself in a clear request, despite its lack of limbs, that it wants you to pick it up.

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    +

    00065

    +

    Marvelo fetched a fluffy blanket from the piles of blankets and +pillows in the ritual room where the dreamers continue to sleep. He has +wrapped up the child and is drying them off. The sound of rain continues +to drum incessantly outside.

    +

    “Poor thing, you’re chilled to the bone. Don’t worry, Uncle Marv will +take care of you. There we go. Fix you right up!”

    +

    The child is still and silent. It has not made a noise this whole +time. Nor has it acted on its own to actually do anything besides stare +up at Marvelo with wide, dark eyes.

    +

    “How did you end up outside by yourself in the rain, hmm? No? That’s +okay. What about your name? Have you got a name?”

    +

    “Rind,” says a voice behind Marvelo. At the sound of its name, the +child’s eyes flick over Marvelo’s shoulder. The mercenary starts to spin +around even as the blanket writhes in his hands, wrapping itself around +his wrists and binding them tightly together.

    +

    “Hungh!” he cries out wordlessly and tucks into a roll, turning to +face his assailant and—he hopes—dodging any potential attack from +behind. And also putting some distance between himself and the child to +get it out of harms way.

    +

    Marvelo tries to push up to his knees as cords of rope snake their +way out of the shadows and coil around his knees and elbows. He +struggles to pull free of them. A thicker rope wraps around his waist, +and another squeezes around his chest and back. The ropes contract and +pull Marvelo into a ball. He groans and falls to his side. He looks up +into the eyes of a man wearing a bright red sash.

    +

    The child has tottled over to the man and reaches its arms up. The +man scoops the child up and holds it in the crook of one arm. The child +puts its arms around the man’s neck and looks down at Marvelo while +resting its cheek on the man’s chest.

    +

    “His name is Rind,” the man smiles.

    +
    +

    Feeling bedraggled yet dry despite having been submerged under water, +Inky lays on the beach, staring up at the sky before sitting up and +looking around the landscape. They are now attired in a hooded azure +blue vest over red shirt and shorts, and blue shoes over mismatched +knee-high stockings. Their auburn hair is tied back with the drawstrings +from an attached small pouch. A plush toy resembling a certain floofy +duck peeks out from the hood.

    +

    They sense a soft weight land on one shoulder, and smile as Fuko nips +at their ear, no doubt partly in reproach for wandering off again +without her, and maybe partly meant to be reassuring. This is followed +several moments later by a low hiss and a series of light taps next to +Inky’s ear with her beak. Inky murmurs, “Is that so … we should call it +a wrap soon. Master Alex would probably be happy having Big Bother to +himself anyway, to grill as he likes.”

    +

    After a very long minute, Inky sighs and taking out a piece of paper +and pencil from their suitcase, scribbles a “pome”:

    +
    Island tower of towers
+Nowhere everywhere the sea
+Keep your apples and flowers
+Your suitor has come for thee
    +

    They roll up the paper and tuck it into a small and clear glass +bottle with a cork stopper. Murmuring the sysorcerer’s name to the +bottle, they lower it into the water and watch as the bottle drifts into +the distance.

    +

    Walking along the shoreline and stopping a short distance from the +lone figure, Inky says casually, “Good day, fellow thing-finder.”

    +
    +

    The figure turns in your direction and lowers their hood revealing a +long, hooked, black beak and a face covered in black feathers. Beady +black eyes regard you without blinking.

    +

    The feathers around its throat bristle when it speaks like a thick +bristling beard.

    +

    “Greetings, Dreamer, and welcome to Ephemeris, the Heart of the +Dreaming. What brings you to the Throne of Konsu?”

    +
    +

    Well Kasutva, I may as well trust you. I imagine if you meant me harm +there are more direct and interesting ways to harm me than to misguide +me. Give me a moment to collect myself, I’ve never been much for +swimming you see, learned late and was always deathly afraid as a child. +Dreadful stuff really.

    +

    Alex steps away briefly to the edge of the pier and looks into the +Azure blue ocean, a swirl of unending blue depth. Still not my thing, +Alex mutters to himself. As he steels himself he notices a bottle +adrift, nearing the pier. As it comes closer, he plucks it from the +water, decorks it and inspects the note inside.

    +

    “What does it say” the little Kasutva inquires.

    +

    “Oh nothing, just someone trying to get in contact about our floating +pirateships extended warranty” Alex replies bruskly. This definitely +must have come from Inky Alex thinks to himself. They must have found +the way.

    +

    “Look Kasutva, this has been great fun, but I really think I ought to +be going, not really sure that a sea of anyones dreams is my sort of +thing and all that. And I seem ot have done not but create a mess of +things” Alex says as he gestures to the wreckage of the Mech. Alex +gestures in the air before him, a small split keyboard appears in front +of him and he types out a few short commands.

    +
    +
    cat > /home/inky/messages/urgent <<EOF
+Got your message
+In a bit of a bind, wrapped up with some weird mushroom guy who wants to go for a swim.
+Not sure how to handle it, but I might have to dip back to the real world and let you finish here.
+I've made a write mess of things, but I trust you can finish this.
+
+Oh, see attached, if you get into a pinch just use this spell, it'll get you what you need.
+
+grep -A4 AID ~/messages/urgent | sed 's/AID//' | sh
+
+AID
+4b1af3fcf4ce005ef86d83c45713ba1a548b4e79da09a6d44632cdb6c5917489
+d7d500fa37b986d931b70e114b4e67375b10b373aa6649641e7132e8b3dc7d18
+ef6efe98ffd070f486c00b4f50d8bf1448414ef9c2fabe0cacd40bebafba8a02
+1d0d1bf0188b842d9ae08b9b37b0f266936ef38b8f07e5c90e4a9351bf018898
+EOF
    +
    +

    “Right!” Alex exclaims startling the little Kasutva accidentally. +“Time for me to head back to the real world. Anything you need from me +before I head out? Oh also, can I take the ak74u? I think I might need +it.”

    +
    +

    “Back … back to the waking world?” Mushroom Kasutva stammers. +“But…”

    +

    It looks out at the sea with a look of longing, confusion, and +frustration. “But we were finally going to see Ephemeris,” they say +almost wistfully.

    +

    “You were going to take us to Ephemeris!” they shout at you, suddenly +angry.

    +

    Mushroom Kasutva screws up its face and roars in rage as it rushes at +you and tries to shove you over the edge of the pier into the waters +below.

    +

    But Kasutva is less than a foot tall and quite ineffective at shoving +a human-sized person such as Alex.

    +

    Big Kasutva, on the otherhand, is roughly twelve feet tall and quite +capable of manhandling a human-sized person.

    +

    You look up in time to jerk back out of the way as they swipe at your +chest with their face-removing knife. It was all a feint though. As soon +as you are slightly off balance from dodging their attack, they reach +out with their other hand and give you a shove.

    +

    You trip over Mushroom Kasutva, who has positioned themself in just +such a way to best tangle up your feet. You stumble backwards a few +steps until one of your feet steps out into open air. You twist and and +look behind you as Ousia rises up to meet you.

    +

    Kasutva clings to your leg as you fall, crying. “We’re sorry. We’re +sorry,” they say over and over as you are pulled below the waves.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

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