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@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ src/chapter3.md
src/epistolary/index.md
src/epistolary/00054.md
src/epistolary/00055.md
src/epistolary/00056.md
src/bestiary/index.md
src/bestiary/aetherwael.md
src/bestiary/aur.md

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@ -0,0 +1,205 @@
---
title: 00056
created: Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:10:25 -0700
updated: Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:10:25 -0700
public: yes
syndicated: yes
---
### 00056 {#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

177
www/index.html
View File

@ -313,6 +313,7 @@ of the Were-Hare</a></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="#00054" id="toc-00054">00054</a></li>
<li><a href="#00055" id="toc-00055">00055</a></li>
<li><a href="#00056" id="toc-00056">00056</a></li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="#bestiary" id="toc-bestiary">Bestiary</a></li>
<li><a href="#geography" id="toc-geography">Geography</a></li>
@ -345,11 +346,11 @@ Runesocesius</a></li>
</ul>
</nav>
<h2 id="stats">Stats</h2>
<p>Total length: 60917 words / 260 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
<p>Total length: 62585 words / 267 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
length of this entire page, including all the extra bits and bobs. Not
just the story.)</p>
<p>There have been 192 messages posted over 185 days since the first
post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.03.</p>
<p>There have been 196 messages posted over 187 days since the first
post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.04.</p>
<h2 id="about">About</h2>
<p>This is a game that me and the kids in the basement are playing over
email.</p>
@ -6360,6 +6361,176 @@ red spider spinning a red web. Phrases like “215R” show up in random
articles in the paper. As though the secret world is trying to cross
over. Or to draw you into it.</p>
<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
<h3 id="00056">00056</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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..</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<pre><code>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 &quot;Milk Market&quot; 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</code></pre>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>~</p>
<blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and one hour later)</em></p>
<p>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
<em>Niuewstijl</em> 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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and two hours later)</em></p>
<p>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”.</p>
<p><em>(Half and three hours earlier)</em></p>
<p>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:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk typically
seek in return for directing travellers to the correct pocket
dimension?</p></li>
<li><p>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?</p></li>
<li><p>Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the ritual?
How can travellers avoid summoning them?</p></li>
<li><p>Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the sigils were
removed during the ritual before they wake up?</p></li>
</ul>
<p><em>(Half and four hours later)</em></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and five hours later)</em></p>
<p>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.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Agate writes back quickly:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk typically seek
in return for directing travellers to the correct pocket dimension?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Intangibles. Usually memories, hopes, or dreams.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>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?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the ritual? How
can travellers avoid summoning them?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Godforms manifested by the Linking Sigil and the Dream Sigil,
respectively. It’s not <em>terrible</em> 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.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the sigils were
removed during the ritual before they wake up?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>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!</p>
<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
<h2 id="bestiary">Bestiary</h2>
<p>Some of the creatures who inhabit the world of Basmentaria</p>
<dt>

198
www/rss.xml
View File

@ -5,6 +5,204 @@
<title>BASEMENT QWEST</title>
<link>https://tilde.town/~dozens/quest/rss.xml</link>
<description>Friends having ADVENTURES! Huzzah!</description>
<item>
<title>56</title>
<author>dozens@tilde.team (dozens)</author>
<guid isPermaLink="false">56 - Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:10:25
-0700</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:10:25 -0700</pubDate>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<h3 id="00056">00056</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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..</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<pre><code>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 &quot;Milk Market&quot; 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</code></pre>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>~</p>
<blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and one hour later)</em></p>
<p>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 <em>Niuewstijl</em> 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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and two hours later)</em></p>
<p>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”.</p>
<p><em>(Half and three hours earlier)</em></p>
<p>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:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk
typically seek in return for directing travellers to the
correct pocket dimension?</p></li>
<li><p>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?</p></li>
<li><p>Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the
ritual? How can travellers avoid summoning them?</p></li>
<li><p>Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the
sigils were removed during the ritual before they wake
up?</p></li>
</ul>
<p><em>(Half and four hours later)</em></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and five hours later)</em></p>
<p>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.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Agate writes back quickly:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk
typically seek in return for directing travellers to the
correct pocket dimension?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Intangibles. Usually memories, hopes, or dreams.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>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?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the
ritual? How can travellers avoid summoning them?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Godforms manifested by the Linking Sigil and the Dream
Sigil, respectively. It’s not <em>terrible</em> 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.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the
sigils were removed during the ritual before they wake up?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>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!</p>
<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
]]>
</description>
</item>
<item>
<title>54</title>
<author>dozens@tilde.team (dozens)</author>

177
www/spoilers.html
View File

@ -313,6 +313,7 @@ of the Were-Hare</a></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="#00054" id="toc-00054">00054</a></li>
<li><a href="#00055" id="toc-00055">00055</a></li>
<li><a href="#00056" id="toc-00056">00056</a></li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="#bestiary" id="toc-bestiary">Bestiary</a></li>
<li><a href="#geography" id="toc-geography">Geography</a></li>
@ -348,11 +349,11 @@ Runesocesius</a></li>
</ul>
</nav>
<h2 id="stats">Stats</h2>
<p>Total length: 60917 words / 260 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
<p>Total length: 62585 words / 267 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
length of this entire page, including all the extra bits and bobs. Not
just the story.)</p>
<p>There have been 192 messages posted over 185 days since the first
post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.03.</p>
<p>There have been 196 messages posted over 187 days since the first
post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.04.</p>
<h2 id="about">About</h2>
<p>This is a game that me and the kids in the basement are playing over
email.</p>
@ -6363,6 +6364,176 @@ red spider spinning a red web. Phrases like “215R” show up in random
articles in the paper. As though the secret world is trying to cross
over. Or to draw you into it.</p>
<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
<h3 id="00056">00056</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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..</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<pre><code>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 &quot;Milk Market&quot; 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</code></pre>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>~</p>
<blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and one hour later)</em></p>
<p>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
<em>Niuewstijl</em> 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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and two hours later)</em></p>
<p>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”.</p>
<p><em>(Half and three hours earlier)</em></p>
<p>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:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk typically
seek in return for directing travellers to the correct pocket
dimension?</p></li>
<li><p>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?</p></li>
<li><p>Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the ritual?
How can travellers avoid summoning them?</p></li>
<li><p>Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the sigils were
removed during the ritual before they wake up?</p></li>
</ul>
<p><em>(Half and four hours later)</em></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>(Half and five hours later)</em></p>
<p>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.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Agate writes back quickly:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>What do guides in the Sea of Dreams and the Ravenfolk typically seek
in return for directing travellers to the correct pocket dimension?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Intangibles. Usually memories, hopes, or dreams.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>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?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Who are the Red Spider and “Dude 215R” mentioned in the ritual? How
can travellers avoid summoning them?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Godforms manifested by the Linking Sigil and the Dream Sigil,
respectively. It’s not <em>terrible</em> 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.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Would anything happen to the travellers if any of the sigils were
removed during the ritual before they wake up?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>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!</p>
<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
<h2 id="bestiary">Bestiary</h2>
<p>Some of the creatures who inhabit the world of Basmentaria</p>
<dt>