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@ -7,30 +7,277 @@ syndicated: yes
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---
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### 00072 {#00072}
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In the days that follow,
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you move Marvelo into the Milk Market
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to care for him.
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The reclusive Blacksmith of Vay'Nullar
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(a dwrlugh who---as is the case with its kind---refuses to go by any given name)
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makes a rare appearance outside of its forge
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to present Marvelo with a new artificial jaw
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made of polished granite and bronze.
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It will never be mistaken for flesh,
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but it does somewhat complement the golden tones
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of Marvelo's skin.
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With the skill of a surgeon,
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and craftmanship only the dwrlugh are capable of,
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the Blacksmith affixes the jaw onto Marvelo's bones
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with small screws,
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and sews his muscles to the opening and closing mechanisms
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so that it operates naturally.
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> Alex grabs the envelope from in front of him and rushes to check on
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> Inky and Marvelo. "Are you two alright?" he asks as he notes the
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> patch job Inky performed. "Thank you Inky, I understand why my uncle
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> trusted you so much." he said sincerely. Inky was far better a healer
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> than Alex could ever hope to be.
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>
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> He steps away, noting there's not much he can do after Inky gives
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> their response. Marv is stable, but not much a talker at the moment.
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> He proceeds to check on the duck, the child Rind, and the hemogoblin.
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> The little hemogoblin burbbles happily and climbs up to sit on Alex's
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> shoulder, tugging lightly at the cord which suspended the gem Neddas
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> gave him, now worn around his neck. "Best not mess with that one
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> little one, I'm not sure what the hell just happened, but I don't
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> trust it. Or any of this eldritch mumbo jumbo.."
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>
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> Rind is quiet pensive, and doesn't respond much when Alex attempts to
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> interact. "Inky, do you think you can look after this one when you
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> get a second? I'm going to check on the sleeping bloke."
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>
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> Alex carefully makes his way back towards the circle, making sure not
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> to cross over it. He quietly inspects their unwelcomed guest.
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>
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> "I don't know who you think you are, but I ought to put a bullet
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> through your skull where you lay you sick son of a bitch. How dare
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> you sneak up on my friends like that." Alex racks his pistol, noting
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> there's a bullet in the chamber, and levels it at the silk assassin.
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> "Inky, unless you have objections, I'm going to tie up some loose
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> ends.." Alex says grimly.
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Marvelo grows stronger as the days go by.
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His recovery is no doubt accelerated
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by the hemogoblin,
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who provides ample transfusions
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and refuses to leave his bed.
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Though he will ever be physically scarred by his encounter with the Nyxmaer,
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he soon enough is able to eat and drink on his own.
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~
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> "It's just basic first aid, Master Alex. Any old adventuring sod on
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> the street can do it. Thank you for the thought, though." Inky
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> replies. "However, very few people can pull off what you just did.
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> That was a remarkable feat."
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>
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> They take a long look at the child, then beckon their marketing
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> manager closer, crouching down next to them to speak softly and
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> slowly to the child. "I guess you've already met duck. You're
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> friends, right? But did you know that duck is a really good listener?
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> Whenever you're sad or scared, you can tell duck. Duck always knows
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> what to do. If you let duck give you a hug, duck can help you feel
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> better too." They guide the child's hands to the duck's back and let
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> them rest there, watching for a moment as small, thin fingers begin
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> to stroke the feathers of their own accord.
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>
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> At the sysorcerer's direct address, they look over to him and their
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> slumbering visitor's form. "Do as you like, Master Alex." Inky says
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> tonelessly. They add in a low voice, "In all likelihood he will be
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> unable to cause trouble this side again. If he has not woken up now
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> that the candle's spell has broken, he probably never will. Maybe
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> justice has already been served, or the Scissorfolk got to him. Mercy
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> is an unpopular idea of late though, and I'm hardly in a position to
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> ask anyone to ponder its meaning."
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>
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> They frown at the body. "Speaking of which, the ever-resourceful case
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> manager has another proposal for you to consider, having gone as far
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> as to recruit a local celebrity you know well to speak to his cause.
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> His group, the Golden Iris, wants the crystals for the purpose of
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> conferring divinity upon the Corn Mother Sitopotnia and making
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> knowledge of the process available to all. No doubt he'll be
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> expecting a response to his offer soon. But I see you have already
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> made your choice." Inky offers the sysorcerer a resigned smile.
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>
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> The sound of tapping on glass interrupts Inky's next words. They look
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> in the direction of the window to see the scops owl outside with a
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> weatherproof pouch in its beak. Inky walks over to the window,
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> wedging it open just wide enough to allow the bird to hop in and
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> takes the pouch. A tiny smirk makes its way to Inky's face when they
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> return the owl's searching stare, despite an attempt to look stern
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> and failing. "He let you out, hmm? All right, in a minute," Inky
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> murmurs to the newly arrived messenger, while pulling out an envelope
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> from the pouch. As the small owl sets itself on the imp's right
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> shoulder like it belonged there, said imp half-turns to Master Alex,
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> expression serious again.
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>
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> "One more thing." They place the detonator, followed by the envelope,
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> on top of a stack of pillows a few paces from the sysorcerer. It is
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> identical in appearance to the one they had presented to Master
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> Corraidhín in the Dreaming.
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>
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> "Since you weren't at the meeting, I offered to take a message from
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> your uncle presumptive. Fuko's caretaker has a contraption that can
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> print copies of notes written on special paper after showing them to
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> the twins. It has come in handy on occasion in remote areas with few
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> or no amenities," Inky explains. "Anyway, I don't know if he wrote
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> anything, or if he was truly Master Corraidhín. Fuko handled the rest
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> and I didn't ask her amid the hustle. It could be a blank sheet and
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> everything I just said was probably a terrible joke. He did seem
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> genuinely glum you couldn't be there, though." They shrug. "You know
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> what to do from here. Now, if you'll excuse me, I would very much
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> like some fresh air." With those parting words and walking stick in
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> hand, Inky strides quickly from the room, out of the dilapidated
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> building and into the drizzling rain.
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~
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> Alex gripped his pistol as Inky walked away, her words ringing in his
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> ears "you have already made your choice. The statement brings pause,
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> a flicker of doubt, and a frown mars Alex's face. As Inky shuts the
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> door behind her Alex lets out a discontented sigh, what was it Uncle
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> had said?
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>
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> "A man's fate, is wrought by his own hand"
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>
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> Alex looked at the sleeping man before him, the pistol in his hand,
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> Marvelo's blood spattered haphazardly across his gloves and trench
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> coat. Was more blood really the answer? Would killing this man right
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> the wrong done against Alex? Or his agents? Would their dangerous
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> game get any less dangerous?
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>
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> A single shot rang out from the warehouse, the bullet lodge
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> harmlessly amongst pillows and blankets. The pistol cast aside,
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> resting next to the bestilled assassin, with a small note afixed to
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> it.
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>
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> 'Your fate is wrought by your own hand, not mine. - Agent 4'
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>
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> Alex gathers himself, discontented, and pulls the letter Inky gave
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> him open. Inside was Uncle's familiar writing, in the simple cypher
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> he'd used when Alex was just a boy.
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>
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> ``` 4,
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>
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> I have only a moment to pen this, and I don't know if it'll reach
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> you, but I trust Inky will try.
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>
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> I am very much alive, rest assured, but the where I haven't yet
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> pieced together. Blavin has my physical and metaphysical form
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> trapped. And he has the second crystal.
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>
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> But don't worry, if you're looking as Inky claimed, I rest well
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> knowing my unrelenting rebel will raise hell itself to find me.
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>
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> Remember, son, we write our own fate.
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>
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> - 10
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> ```
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>
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> Alex shakes as he folds the letter back into the envelope and presses
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> it gently against his breast coat pocket. "I'm coming Uncle", he
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> whispers as he strides across the room and into the rainy night.
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>
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> He catches up with Inky a little down the dock, and comes to sit
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> beside her on the wharf. The patter of rain hitting heavily dampened
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> planks and stone resounding around them.
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>
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> "Inky.. thank you. For the letter, but also your friendship." Alex
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> casts a side long glance towards Inky, and he begins to describe his
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> dream sequence in a rambling sort of way. As he nears the end, "And
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> that Neddas gave me this stone, he said gesturing to the necklace he
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> wore. But I'd of told you it was bullshit before any of this
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> happened. And now you're telling me there are factions, Blavin, the
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> Benefactor, hell I guess us, all vying for control of these crystals.
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> I don't know what to do, or what any of it means, but I know we can
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> forge our own path in this, the rest of it be damned!"
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>
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> Alex sighs heavily. "I couldn't kill the assassin. He killed one of
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> my men, almost killed Marvelo. He'd of killed us if he hadn't gotten
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> caught in that magic. I don't know if I have it in me Inky, I'm not
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> sure I can keep staring into the abyss without tipping over the
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> edge."
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>
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> "Everything was a little easier when it was just the agency, hunting
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> down the bad guys. We had the data, knew the crimes. All of this
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> though?" he gestures broadly towards the sea in front of them "is
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> about as clear as a ship on these waters. There's no light to guide
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> us. And all I want is my Uncle back."
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>
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> Alex sighs heavily again and hands the envelope from Blavin to Inky,
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> "and it doesn't look like it ends here, Blavin wants us to head to
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> the moon, but I'm not so sure we should go.."
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~
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> The imp remains quiet for a long time, staring out into the open
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> sea.
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>
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> Eventually, Inky says, "I cannot tell you what to do."
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>
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> They look at the envelope but make no move to take it.
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>
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> "You already have the Fair One's blessing. Combined with your
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> talents, fortitude and determination, success is more or less
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> assured if you decide to go. If you decide not to, maybe Master
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> Corraidhín will turn up on his own again when he is sufficiently
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> recovered — if he does not run off to collect the remainder of the
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> crystals himself." Inky chuckles at that. "Master Alex is such a
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> thoughtful nephew, not wanting to deprive his uncle of his fun."
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>
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> They lean back on their hands and study Master Alex under
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> half-lidded eyes. "You really are like your uncle." A few beats
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> pass, and they turn their attention upwards to the sky, tilting
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> their head up towards the errant raindrops and cool winds blowing
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> in from across the waters.
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In the days that follow, you move Marvelo into the Milk Market to
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care for him during his recovery.
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The reclusive Blacksmith of Vay'Nullar (a dwrlugh who---as is
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traditional among its kind---refuses to go by any given name) makes a
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rare appearance outside of its forge to present Marvelo with a new
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artificial jaw made of polished granite and bronze. An exquisite gift
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that more than settles an old debt owed from an adventure the two of
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them shared long ago.
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It will never be mistaken for flesh, but it does somewhat complement
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the golden tones of Marvelo's skin. With the skill of a surgeon, and
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a level of craftmanship unique to the dwrlugh, the Blacksmith affixes
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the jaw to Marvelo's bones with small metal screws, and lengthens and
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sews his muscles to the contraption so that it operates naturally,
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just like the real thing.
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Marvelo grows stronger as the days go by. His recovery is no doubt
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accelerated by the hemogoblin, who provides ample transfusions and
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refuses to leave his bed. Confidence and Bread continue to help out
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around the place, and take turns checking in on him.
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Though he will ever be physically scarred by his encounter with the
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Nyxmaer, Marvelo soon enough is able to eat and drink on his own.
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Soon after that he is puttering around the Milk Market and growing
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restless at his confinement.
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Kasutva falls in with Quack and Clot and attains the rank of Milk
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Market Mascot. They have a better command of language than their
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companions. And, being an escapee dream entity, at times behaves a
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little alien, inscrutible, and other-wordly. They don't sleep, for
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example. And every morning they demand a full recounting of
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everybody's dreams, omitting nothing, and sometimes requiring up to
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three retellings of each dream. But they otherwise settle right right
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in.
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Another curious presence in the Milk Market is Rind. The orphaned
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child of Pepo the melon vendor. Abandoned by his mother. Adopted by
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Gliftwirp the assassin. The child has still not uttered a word the
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entire time. Rind and the duck have formed an inseparable bond.
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Apparently becoming a conjoined host for a living dentophiliac
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nightmare will do that. Whenever you least suspect it, you'll turn
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around to find Rind standing behind you, silent, wide-eyed, and
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watching. Cradling the duck in his arms and stroking its feathers.
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Gliftwirp has still not responded to any attempts to wake him. The
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toques have assumed responsibility for sustaining him through his
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unnatural slumber. Feeding him broth, and carrying him outside now
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and then for fresh air and sunshine. More kindness than Alex is
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comfortable with, no doubt. Rind visits him often in the storage
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closet where his cot is set up. Keeping a silent, watchful vigil.
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Rind's apparent affection for the assassin is actually probably the
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only reason Gliftwirp is shown any compassion whatsoever by Team 43.
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Your next mission looms ahead of you. Putting your heads together
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with Marvelo and Confidence, you agree that the most simple way
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forward will be to use the pirate balloonship currently docked above
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the Market. It is straight-forward enough to retrofit it with a
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portable atmosphere (which will provide you with breathable oxygen
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and gravity) and a starhelm (which will allow you to pilot the ship
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through the void of space). Both items can be obtained in Vay'Nullar
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for a reasonable price.
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The only thing holding you back at this point is your own
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reservations about the various interested parties and their
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motivations.
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Do you help the Golden Iris create a new god? Or do you help an
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existing, exiled god return to Basmentaria? And then who knows what
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the mysterious Benefactor's plans are?
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Whatever your answer, there's one thing you know: If you don't get
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moving soon, the next Ginnarak Crystal will fall into somebody else's
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hands.
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WHAT DO YOU DO
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244
www/index.html
244
www/index.html
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@ -373,11 +373,11 @@ into the <a href="#current-story">current story arc</a>.</p>
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you can <a href="https://tilde.town/~dozens/quest/rss.xml">subscribe to
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the rss feed</a>.</p>
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<h2 id="stats">Stats</h2>
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<p>Total length: 91892 words / 392 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
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<p>Total length: 94060 words / 401 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
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length of this entire page, including all the extra bits and bobs. Not
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just the story.)</p>
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<p>There have been 248 messages posted over 240 days since the first
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post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.03.</p>
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<p>There have been 255 messages posted over 241 days since the first
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post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.05.</p>
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<h2 id="chapter-1">Chapter 1</h2>
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<p>This is the first installment of BASEMENT QUEST.</p>
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<p>Jump to: <a href="#00001">1</a> <a href="#00002">2</a> <a
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@ -7748,22 +7748,234 @@ moon.” It is signed by Blavin Blandfoot and bears the seal of the
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Benefactor.</p>
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<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
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<h3 id="00072">00072</h3>
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<blockquote>
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<p>Alex grabs the envelope from in front of him and rushes to check on
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Inky and Marvelo. “Are you two alright?” he asks as he notes the patch
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job Inky performed. “Thank you Inky, I understand why my uncle trusted
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you so much.” he said sincerely. Inky was far better a healer than Alex
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could ever hope to be.</p>
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<p>He steps away, noting there’s not much he can do after Inky gives
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their response. Marv is stable, but not much a talker at the moment. He
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proceeds to check on the duck, the child Rind, and the hemogoblin. The
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little hemogoblin burbbles happily and climbs up to sit on Alex’s
|
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shoulder, tugging lightly at the cord which suspended the gem Neddas
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gave him, now worn around his neck. “Best not mess with that one little
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one, I’m not sure what the hell just happened, but I don’t trust it. Or
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any of this eldritch mumbo jumbo..”</p>
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<p>Rind is quiet pensive, and doesn’t respond much when Alex attempts to
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interact. “Inky, do you think you can look after this one when you get a
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second? I’m going to check on the sleeping bloke.”</p>
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<p>Alex carefully makes his way back towards the circle, making sure not
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to cross over it. He quietly inspects their unwelcomed guest.</p>
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<p>“I don’t know who you think you are, but I ought to put a bullet
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through your skull where you lay you sick son of a bitch. How dare you
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sneak up on my friends like that.” Alex racks his pistol, noting there’s
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a bullet in the chamber, and levels it at the silk assassin. “Inky,
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unless you have objections, I’m going to tie up some loose ends..” Alex
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says grimly.</p>
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</blockquote>
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<p>~</p>
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<blockquote>
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<p>“It’s just basic first aid, Master Alex. Any old adventuring sod on
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the street can do it. Thank you for the thought, though.” Inky replies.
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“However, very few people can pull off what you just did. That was a
|
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remarkable feat.”</p>
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<p>They take a long look at the child, then beckon their marketing
|
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manager closer, crouching down next to them to speak softly and slowly
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to the child. “I guess you’ve already met duck. You’re friends, right?
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But did you know that duck is a really good listener? Whenever you’re
|
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sad or scared, you can tell duck. Duck always knows what to do. If you
|
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let duck give you a hug, duck can help you feel better too.” They guide
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the child’s hands to the duck’s back and let them rest there, watching
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for a moment as small, thin fingers begin to stroke the feathers of
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their own accord.</p>
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<p>At the sysorcerer’s direct address, they look over to him and their
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slumbering visitor’s form. “Do as you like, Master Alex.” Inky says
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tonelessly. They add in a low voice, “In all likelihood he will be
|
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unable to cause trouble this side again. If he has not woken up now that
|
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the candle’s spell has broken, he probably never will. Maybe justice has
|
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already been served, or the Scissorfolk got to him. Mercy is an
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unpopular idea of late though, and I’m hardly in a position to ask
|
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anyone to ponder its meaning.”</p>
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<p>They frown at the body. “Speaking of which, the ever-resourceful case
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manager has another proposal for you to consider, having gone as far as
|
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to recruit a local celebrity you know well to speak to his cause. His
|
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group, the Golden Iris, wants the crystals for the purpose of conferring
|
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divinity upon the Corn Mother Sitopotnia and making knowledge of the
|
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process available to all. No doubt he’ll be expecting a response to his
|
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offer soon. But I see you have already made your choice.” Inky offers
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the sysorcerer a resigned smile.</p>
|
||||
<p>The sound of tapping on glass interrupts Inky’s next words. They look
|
||||
in the direction of the window to see the scops owl outside with a
|
||||
weatherproof pouch in its beak. Inky walks over to the window, wedging
|
||||
it open just wide enough to allow the bird to hop in and takes the
|
||||
pouch. A tiny smirk makes its way to Inky’s face when they return the
|
||||
owl’s searching stare, despite an attempt to look stern and failing. “He
|
||||
let you out, hmm? All right, in a minute,” Inky murmurs to the newly
|
||||
arrived messenger, while pulling out an envelope from the pouch. As the
|
||||
small owl sets itself on the imp’s right shoulder like it belonged
|
||||
there, said imp half-turns to Master Alex, expression serious again.</p>
|
||||
<p>“One more thing.” They place the detonator, followed by the envelope,
|
||||
on top of a stack of pillows a few paces from the sysorcerer. It is
|
||||
identical in appearance to the one they had presented to Master
|
||||
Corraidhín in the Dreaming.</p>
|
||||
<p>“Since you weren’t at the meeting, I offered to take a message from
|
||||
your uncle presumptive. Fuko’s caretaker has a contraption that can
|
||||
print copies of notes written on special paper after showing them to the
|
||||
twins. It has come in handy on occasion in remote areas with few or no
|
||||
amenities,” Inky explains. “Anyway, I don’t know if he wrote anything,
|
||||
or if he was truly Master Corraidhín. Fuko handled the rest and I didn’t
|
||||
ask her amid the hustle. It could be a blank sheet and everything I just
|
||||
said was probably a terrible joke. He did seem genuinely glum you
|
||||
couldn’t be there, though.” They shrug. “You know what to do from here.
|
||||
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I would very much like some fresh air.” With
|
||||
those parting words and walking stick in hand, Inky strides quickly from
|
||||
the room, out of the dilapidated building and into the drizzling
|
||||
rain.</p>
|
||||
</blockquote>
|
||||
<p>~</p>
|
||||
<blockquote>
|
||||
<p>Alex gripped his pistol as Inky walked away, her words ringing in his
|
||||
ears “you have already made your choice. The statement brings pause, a
|
||||
flicker of doubt, and a frown mars Alex’s face. As Inky shuts the door
|
||||
behind her Alex lets out a discontented sigh, what was it Uncle had
|
||||
said?</p>
|
||||
<p>“A man’s fate, is wrought by his own hand”</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex looked at the sleeping man before him, the pistol in his hand,
|
||||
Marvelo’s blood spattered haphazardly across his gloves and trench coat.
|
||||
Was more blood really the answer? Would killing this man right the wrong
|
||||
done against Alex? Or his agents? Would their dangerous game get any
|
||||
less dangerous?</p>
|
||||
<p>A single shot rang out from the warehouse, the bullet lodge
|
||||
harmlessly amongst pillows and blankets. The pistol cast aside, resting
|
||||
next to the bestilled assassin, with a small note afixed to it.</p>
|
||||
<p>‘Your fate is wrought by your own hand, not mine. - Agent 4’</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex gathers himself, discontented, and pulls the letter Inky gave
|
||||
him open. Inside was Uncle’s familiar writing, in the simple cypher he’d
|
||||
used when Alex was just a boy.</p>
|
||||
<pre class="4,"><code>
|
||||
I have only a moment to pen this, and I don't know if it'll reach
|
||||
you, but I trust Inky will try.
|
||||
|
||||
I am very much alive, rest assured, but the where I haven't yet
|
||||
pieced together. Blavin has my physical and metaphysical form
|
||||
trapped. And he has the second crystal.
|
||||
|
||||
But don't worry, if you're looking as Inky claimed, I rest well
|
||||
knowing my unrelenting rebel will raise hell itself to find me.
|
||||
|
||||
Remember, son, we write our own fate.
|
||||
|
||||
- 10</code></pre>
|
||||
<p>Alex shakes as he folds the letter back into the envelope and presses
|
||||
it gently against his breast coat pocket. “I’m coming Uncle”, he
|
||||
whispers as he strides across the room and into the rainy night.</p>
|
||||
<p>He catches up with Inky a little down the dock, and comes to sit
|
||||
beside her on the wharf. The patter of rain hitting heavily dampened
|
||||
planks and stone resounding around them.</p>
|
||||
<p>“Inky.. thank you. For the letter, but also your friendship.” Alex
|
||||
casts a side long glance towards Inky, and he begins to describe his
|
||||
dream sequence in a rambling sort of way. As he nears the end, “And that
|
||||
Neddas gave me this stone, he said gesturing to the necklace he wore.
|
||||
But I’d of told you it was bullshit before any of this happened. And now
|
||||
you’re telling me there are factions, Blavin, the Benefactor, hell I
|
||||
guess us, all vying for control of these crystals. I don’t know what to
|
||||
do, or what any of it means, but I know we can forge our own path in
|
||||
this, the rest of it be damned!”</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex sighs heavily. “I couldn’t kill the assassin. He killed one of
|
||||
my men, almost killed Marvelo. He’d of killed us if he hadn’t gotten
|
||||
caught in that magic. I don’t know if I have it in me Inky, I’m not sure
|
||||
I can keep staring into the abyss without tipping over the edge.”</p>
|
||||
<p>“Everything was a little easier when it was just the agency, hunting
|
||||
down the bad guys. We had the data, knew the crimes. All of this
|
||||
though?” he gestures broadly towards the sea in front of them “is about
|
||||
as clear as a ship on these waters. There’s no light to guide us. And
|
||||
all I want is my Uncle back.”</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex sighs heavily again and hands the envelope from Blavin to Inky,
|
||||
“and it doesn’t look like it ends here, Blavin wants us to head to the
|
||||
moon, but I’m not so sure we should go..”</p>
|
||||
</blockquote>
|
||||
<p>~</p>
|
||||
<blockquote>
|
||||
<p>The imp remains quiet for a long time, staring out into the open
|
||||
sea.</p>
|
||||
<p>Eventually, Inky says, “I cannot tell you what to do.”</p>
|
||||
<p>They look at the envelope but make no move to take it.</p>
|
||||
<p>“You already have the Fair One’s blessing. Combined with your
|
||||
talents, fortitude and determination, success is more or less assured if
|
||||
you decide to go. If you decide not to, maybe Master Corraidhín will
|
||||
turn up on his own again when he is sufficiently recovered — if he does
|
||||
not run off to collect the remainder of the crystals himself.” Inky
|
||||
chuckles at that. “Master Alex is such a thoughtful nephew, not wanting
|
||||
to deprive his uncle of his fun.”</p>
|
||||
<p>They lean back on their hands and study Master Alex under half-lidded
|
||||
eyes. “You really are like your uncle.” A few beats pass, and they turn
|
||||
their attention upwards to the sky, tilting their head up towards the
|
||||
errant raindrops and cool winds blowing in from across the waters.</p>
|
||||
</blockquote>
|
||||
<p>In the days that follow, you move Marvelo into the Milk Market to
|
||||
care for him.</p>
|
||||
<p>The reclusive Blacksmith of Vay’Nullar (a dwrlugh who—as is the case
|
||||
with its kind—refuses to go by any given name) makes a rare appearance
|
||||
outside of its forge to present Marvelo with a new artificial jaw made
|
||||
of polished granite and bronze. It will never be mistaken for flesh, but
|
||||
it does somewhat complement the golden tones of Marvelo’s skin. With the
|
||||
skill of a surgeon, and craftmanship only the dwrlugh are capable of,
|
||||
the Blacksmith affixes the jaw onto Marvelo’s bones with small screws,
|
||||
and sews his muscles to the opening and closing mechanisms so that it
|
||||
operates naturally.</p>
|
||||
care for him during his recovery.</p>
|
||||
<p>The reclusive Blacksmith of Vay’Nullar (a dwrlugh who—as is
|
||||
traditional among its kind—refuses to go by any given name) makes a rare
|
||||
appearance outside of its forge to present Marvelo with a new artificial
|
||||
jaw made of polished granite and bronze. An exquisite gift that more
|
||||
than settles an old debt owed from an adventure the two of them shared
|
||||
long ago.</p>
|
||||
<p>It will never be mistaken for flesh, but it does somewhat complement
|
||||
the golden tones of Marvelo’s skin. With the skill of a surgeon, and a
|
||||
level of craftmanship unique to the dwrlugh, the Blacksmith affixes the
|
||||
jaw to Marvelo’s bones with small metal screws, and lengthens and sews
|
||||
his muscles to the contraption so that it operates naturally, just like
|
||||
the real thing.</p>
|
||||
<p>Marvelo grows stronger as the days go by. His recovery is no doubt
|
||||
accelerated by the hemogoblin, who provides ample transfusions and
|
||||
refuses to leave his bed. Though he will ever be physically scarred by
|
||||
his encounter with the Nyxmaer, he soon enough is able to eat and drink
|
||||
on his own.</p>
|
||||
refuses to leave his bed. Confidence and Bread continue to help out
|
||||
around the place, and take turns checking in on him.</p>
|
||||
<p>Though he will ever be physically scarred by his encounter with the
|
||||
Nyxmaer, Marvelo soon enough is able to eat and drink on his own. Soon
|
||||
after that he is puttering around the Milk Market and growing restless
|
||||
at his confinement.</p>
|
||||
<p>Kasutva falls in with Quack and Clot and attains the rank of Milk
|
||||
Market Mascot. They have a better command of language than their
|
||||
companions. And, being an escapee dream entity, at times behaves a
|
||||
little alien, inscrutible, and other-wordly. They don’t sleep, for
|
||||
example. And every morning they demand a full recounting of everybody’s
|
||||
dreams, omitting nothing, and sometimes requiring up to three retellings
|
||||
of each dream. But they otherwise settle right right in.</p>
|
||||
<p>Another curious presence in the Milk Market is Rind. The orphaned
|
||||
child of Pepo the melon vendor. Abandoned by his mother. Adopted by
|
||||
Gliftwirp the assassin. The child has still not uttered a word the
|
||||
entire time. Rind and the duck have formed an inseparable bond.
|
||||
Apparently becoming a conjoined host for a living dentophiliac nightmare
|
||||
will do that. Whenever you least suspect it, you’ll turn around to find
|
||||
Rind standing behind you, silent, wide-eyed, and watching. Cradling the
|
||||
duck in his arms and stroking its feathers.</p>
|
||||
<p>Gliftwirp has still not responded to any attempts to wake him. The
|
||||
toques have assumed responsibility for sustaining him through his
|
||||
unnatural slumber. Feeding him broth, and carrying him outside now and
|
||||
then for fresh air and sunshine. More kindness than Alex is comfortable
|
||||
with, no doubt. Rind visits him often in the storage closet where his
|
||||
cot is set up. Keeping a silent, watchful vigil. Rind’s apparent
|
||||
affection for the assassin is actually probably the only reason
|
||||
Gliftwirp is shown any compassion whatsoever by Team 43.</p>
|
||||
<p>Your next mission looms ahead of you. Putting your heads together
|
||||
with Marvelo and Confidence, you agree that the most simple way forward
|
||||
will be to use the pirate balloonship currently docked above the Market.
|
||||
It is straight-forward enough to retrofit it with a portable atmosphere
|
||||
(which will provide you with breathable oxygen and gravity) and a
|
||||
starhelm (which will allow you to pilot the ship through the void of
|
||||
space). Both items can be obtained in Vay’Nullar for a reasonable
|
||||
price.</p>
|
||||
<p>The only thing holding you back at this point is your own
|
||||
reservations about the various interested parties and their
|
||||
motivations.</p>
|
||||
<p>Do you help the Golden Iris create a new god? Or do you help an
|
||||
existing, exiled god return to Basmentaria? And then who knows what the
|
||||
mysterious Benefactor’s plans are?</p>
|
||||
<p>Whatever your answer, there’s one thing you know: If you don’t get
|
||||
moving soon, the next Ginnarak Crystal will fall into somebody else’s
|
||||
hands.</p>
|
||||
<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
|
||||
<h2 id="afterword">Afterword</h2>
|
||||
<p>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
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
4453
www/rss.xml
4453
www/rss.xml
File diff suppressed because it is too large
Load Diff
|
|
@ -376,11 +376,11 @@ into the <a href="#current-story">current story arc</a>.</p>
|
|||
you can <a href="https://tilde.town/~dozens/quest/rss.xml">subscribe to
|
||||
the rss feed</a>.</p>
|
||||
<h2 id="stats">Stats</h2>
|
||||
<p>Total length: 91892 words / 392 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
|
||||
<p>Total length: 94060 words / 401 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 248 messages posted over 240 days since the first
|
||||
post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.03.</p>
|
||||
<p>There have been 255 messages posted over 241 days since the first
|
||||
post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.05.</p>
|
||||
<h2 id="chapter-1">Chapter 1</h2>
|
||||
<p>This is the first installment of BASEMENT QUEST.</p>
|
||||
<p>Jump to: <a href="#00001">1</a> <a href="#00002">2</a> <a
|
||||
|
|
@ -7751,22 +7751,234 @@ moon.” It is signed by Blavin Blandfoot and bears the seal of the
|
|||
Benefactor.</p>
|
||||
<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
|
||||
<h3 id="00072">00072</h3>
|
||||
<blockquote>
|
||||
<p>Alex grabs the envelope from in front of him and rushes to check on
|
||||
Inky and Marvelo. “Are you two alright?” he asks as he notes the patch
|
||||
job Inky performed. “Thank you Inky, I understand why my uncle trusted
|
||||
you so much.” he said sincerely. Inky was far better a healer than Alex
|
||||
could ever hope to be.</p>
|
||||
<p>He steps away, noting there’s not much he can do after Inky gives
|
||||
their response. Marv is stable, but not much a talker at the moment. He
|
||||
proceeds to check on the duck, the child Rind, and the hemogoblin. The
|
||||
little hemogoblin burbbles happily and climbs up to sit on Alex’s
|
||||
shoulder, tugging lightly at the cord which suspended the gem Neddas
|
||||
gave him, now worn around his neck. “Best not mess with that one little
|
||||
one, I’m not sure what the hell just happened, but I don’t trust it. Or
|
||||
any of this eldritch mumbo jumbo..”</p>
|
||||
<p>Rind is quiet pensive, and doesn’t respond much when Alex attempts to
|
||||
interact. “Inky, do you think you can look after this one when you get a
|
||||
second? I’m going to check on the sleeping bloke.”</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex carefully makes his way back towards the circle, making sure not
|
||||
to cross over it. He quietly inspects their unwelcomed guest.</p>
|
||||
<p>“I don’t know who you think you are, but I ought to put a bullet
|
||||
through your skull where you lay you sick son of a bitch. How dare you
|
||||
sneak up on my friends like that.” Alex racks his pistol, noting there’s
|
||||
a bullet in the chamber, and levels it at the silk assassin. “Inky,
|
||||
unless you have objections, I’m going to tie up some loose ends..” Alex
|
||||
says grimly.</p>
|
||||
</blockquote>
|
||||
<p>~</p>
|
||||
<blockquote>
|
||||
<p>“It’s just basic first aid, Master Alex. Any old adventuring sod on
|
||||
the street can do it. Thank you for the thought, though.” Inky replies.
|
||||
“However, very few people can pull off what you just did. That was a
|
||||
remarkable feat.”</p>
|
||||
<p>They take a long look at the child, then beckon their marketing
|
||||
manager closer, crouching down next to them to speak softly and slowly
|
||||
to the child. “I guess you’ve already met duck. You’re friends, right?
|
||||
But did you know that duck is a really good listener? Whenever you’re
|
||||
sad or scared, you can tell duck. Duck always knows what to do. If you
|
||||
let duck give you a hug, duck can help you feel better too.” They guide
|
||||
the child’s hands to the duck’s back and let them rest there, watching
|
||||
for a moment as small, thin fingers begin to stroke the feathers of
|
||||
their own accord.</p>
|
||||
<p>At the sysorcerer’s direct address, they look over to him and their
|
||||
slumbering visitor’s form. “Do as you like, Master Alex.” Inky says
|
||||
tonelessly. They add in a low voice, “In all likelihood he will be
|
||||
unable to cause trouble this side again. If he has not woken up now that
|
||||
the candle’s spell has broken, he probably never will. Maybe justice has
|
||||
already been served, or the Scissorfolk got to him. Mercy is an
|
||||
unpopular idea of late though, and I’m hardly in a position to ask
|
||||
anyone to ponder its meaning.”</p>
|
||||
<p>They frown at the body. “Speaking of which, the ever-resourceful case
|
||||
manager has another proposal for you to consider, having gone as far as
|
||||
to recruit a local celebrity you know well to speak to his cause. His
|
||||
group, the Golden Iris, wants the crystals for the purpose of conferring
|
||||
divinity upon the Corn Mother Sitopotnia and making knowledge of the
|
||||
process available to all. No doubt he’ll be expecting a response to his
|
||||
offer soon. But I see you have already made your choice.” Inky offers
|
||||
the sysorcerer a resigned smile.</p>
|
||||
<p>The sound of tapping on glass interrupts Inky’s next words. They look
|
||||
in the direction of the window to see the scops owl outside with a
|
||||
weatherproof pouch in its beak. Inky walks over to the window, wedging
|
||||
it open just wide enough to allow the bird to hop in and takes the
|
||||
pouch. A tiny smirk makes its way to Inky’s face when they return the
|
||||
owl’s searching stare, despite an attempt to look stern and failing. “He
|
||||
let you out, hmm? All right, in a minute,” Inky murmurs to the newly
|
||||
arrived messenger, while pulling out an envelope from the pouch. As the
|
||||
small owl sets itself on the imp’s right shoulder like it belonged
|
||||
there, said imp half-turns to Master Alex, expression serious again.</p>
|
||||
<p>“One more thing.” They place the detonator, followed by the envelope,
|
||||
on top of a stack of pillows a few paces from the sysorcerer. It is
|
||||
identical in appearance to the one they had presented to Master
|
||||
Corraidhín in the Dreaming.</p>
|
||||
<p>“Since you weren’t at the meeting, I offered to take a message from
|
||||
your uncle presumptive. Fuko’s caretaker has a contraption that can
|
||||
print copies of notes written on special paper after showing them to the
|
||||
twins. It has come in handy on occasion in remote areas with few or no
|
||||
amenities,” Inky explains. “Anyway, I don’t know if he wrote anything,
|
||||
or if he was truly Master Corraidhín. Fuko handled the rest and I didn’t
|
||||
ask her amid the hustle. It could be a blank sheet and everything I just
|
||||
said was probably a terrible joke. He did seem genuinely glum you
|
||||
couldn’t be there, though.” They shrug. “You know what to do from here.
|
||||
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I would very much like some fresh air.” With
|
||||
those parting words and walking stick in hand, Inky strides quickly from
|
||||
the room, out of the dilapidated building and into the drizzling
|
||||
rain.</p>
|
||||
</blockquote>
|
||||
<p>~</p>
|
||||
<blockquote>
|
||||
<p>Alex gripped his pistol as Inky walked away, her words ringing in his
|
||||
ears “you have already made your choice. The statement brings pause, a
|
||||
flicker of doubt, and a frown mars Alex’s face. As Inky shuts the door
|
||||
behind her Alex lets out a discontented sigh, what was it Uncle had
|
||||
said?</p>
|
||||
<p>“A man’s fate, is wrought by his own hand”</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex looked at the sleeping man before him, the pistol in his hand,
|
||||
Marvelo’s blood spattered haphazardly across his gloves and trench coat.
|
||||
Was more blood really the answer? Would killing this man right the wrong
|
||||
done against Alex? Or his agents? Would their dangerous game get any
|
||||
less dangerous?</p>
|
||||
<p>A single shot rang out from the warehouse, the bullet lodge
|
||||
harmlessly amongst pillows and blankets. The pistol cast aside, resting
|
||||
next to the bestilled assassin, with a small note afixed to it.</p>
|
||||
<p>‘Your fate is wrought by your own hand, not mine. - Agent 4’</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex gathers himself, discontented, and pulls the letter Inky gave
|
||||
him open. Inside was Uncle’s familiar writing, in the simple cypher he’d
|
||||
used when Alex was just a boy.</p>
|
||||
<pre class="4,"><code>
|
||||
I have only a moment to pen this, and I don't know if it'll reach
|
||||
you, but I trust Inky will try.
|
||||
|
||||
I am very much alive, rest assured, but the where I haven't yet
|
||||
pieced together. Blavin has my physical and metaphysical form
|
||||
trapped. And he has the second crystal.
|
||||
|
||||
But don't worry, if you're looking as Inky claimed, I rest well
|
||||
knowing my unrelenting rebel will raise hell itself to find me.
|
||||
|
||||
Remember, son, we write our own fate.
|
||||
|
||||
- 10</code></pre>
|
||||
<p>Alex shakes as he folds the letter back into the envelope and presses
|
||||
it gently against his breast coat pocket. “I’m coming Uncle”, he
|
||||
whispers as he strides across the room and into the rainy night.</p>
|
||||
<p>He catches up with Inky a little down the dock, and comes to sit
|
||||
beside her on the wharf. The patter of rain hitting heavily dampened
|
||||
planks and stone resounding around them.</p>
|
||||
<p>“Inky.. thank you. For the letter, but also your friendship.” Alex
|
||||
casts a side long glance towards Inky, and he begins to describe his
|
||||
dream sequence in a rambling sort of way. As he nears the end, “And that
|
||||
Neddas gave me this stone, he said gesturing to the necklace he wore.
|
||||
But I’d of told you it was bullshit before any of this happened. And now
|
||||
you’re telling me there are factions, Blavin, the Benefactor, hell I
|
||||
guess us, all vying for control of these crystals. I don’t know what to
|
||||
do, or what any of it means, but I know we can forge our own path in
|
||||
this, the rest of it be damned!”</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex sighs heavily. “I couldn’t kill the assassin. He killed one of
|
||||
my men, almost killed Marvelo. He’d of killed us if he hadn’t gotten
|
||||
caught in that magic. I don’t know if I have it in me Inky, I’m not sure
|
||||
I can keep staring into the abyss without tipping over the edge.”</p>
|
||||
<p>“Everything was a little easier when it was just the agency, hunting
|
||||
down the bad guys. We had the data, knew the crimes. All of this
|
||||
though?” he gestures broadly towards the sea in front of them “is about
|
||||
as clear as a ship on these waters. There’s no light to guide us. And
|
||||
all I want is my Uncle back.”</p>
|
||||
<p>Alex sighs heavily again and hands the envelope from Blavin to Inky,
|
||||
“and it doesn’t look like it ends here, Blavin wants us to head to the
|
||||
moon, but I’m not so sure we should go..”</p>
|
||||
</blockquote>
|
||||
<p>~</p>
|
||||
<blockquote>
|
||||
<p>The imp remains quiet for a long time, staring out into the open
|
||||
sea.</p>
|
||||
<p>Eventually, Inky says, “I cannot tell you what to do.”</p>
|
||||
<p>They look at the envelope but make no move to take it.</p>
|
||||
<p>“You already have the Fair One’s blessing. Combined with your
|
||||
talents, fortitude and determination, success is more or less assured if
|
||||
you decide to go. If you decide not to, maybe Master Corraidhín will
|
||||
turn up on his own again when he is sufficiently recovered — if he does
|
||||
not run off to collect the remainder of the crystals himself.” Inky
|
||||
chuckles at that. “Master Alex is such a thoughtful nephew, not wanting
|
||||
to deprive his uncle of his fun.”</p>
|
||||
<p>They lean back on their hands and study Master Alex under half-lidded
|
||||
eyes. “You really are like your uncle.” A few beats pass, and they turn
|
||||
their attention upwards to the sky, tilting their head up towards the
|
||||
errant raindrops and cool winds blowing in from across the waters.</p>
|
||||
</blockquote>
|
||||
<p>In the days that follow, you move Marvelo into the Milk Market to
|
||||
care for him.</p>
|
||||
<p>The reclusive Blacksmith of Vay’Nullar (a dwrlugh who—as is the case
|
||||
with its kind—refuses to go by any given name) makes a rare appearance
|
||||
outside of its forge to present Marvelo with a new artificial jaw made
|
||||
of polished granite and bronze. It will never be mistaken for flesh, but
|
||||
it does somewhat complement the golden tones of Marvelo’s skin. With the
|
||||
skill of a surgeon, and craftmanship only the dwrlugh are capable of,
|
||||
the Blacksmith affixes the jaw onto Marvelo’s bones with small screws,
|
||||
and sews his muscles to the opening and closing mechanisms so that it
|
||||
operates naturally.</p>
|
||||
care for him during his recovery.</p>
|
||||
<p>The reclusive Blacksmith of Vay’Nullar (a dwrlugh who—as is
|
||||
traditional among its kind—refuses to go by any given name) makes a rare
|
||||
appearance outside of its forge to present Marvelo with a new artificial
|
||||
jaw made of polished granite and bronze. An exquisite gift that more
|
||||
than settles an old debt owed from an adventure the two of them shared
|
||||
long ago.</p>
|
||||
<p>It will never be mistaken for flesh, but it does somewhat complement
|
||||
the golden tones of Marvelo’s skin. With the skill of a surgeon, and a
|
||||
level of craftmanship unique to the dwrlugh, the Blacksmith affixes the
|
||||
jaw to Marvelo’s bones with small metal screws, and lengthens and sews
|
||||
his muscles to the contraption so that it operates naturally, just like
|
||||
the real thing.</p>
|
||||
<p>Marvelo grows stronger as the days go by. His recovery is no doubt
|
||||
accelerated by the hemogoblin, who provides ample transfusions and
|
||||
refuses to leave his bed. Though he will ever be physically scarred by
|
||||
his encounter with the Nyxmaer, he soon enough is able to eat and drink
|
||||
on his own.</p>
|
||||
refuses to leave his bed. Confidence and Bread continue to help out
|
||||
around the place, and take turns checking in on him.</p>
|
||||
<p>Though he will ever be physically scarred by his encounter with the
|
||||
Nyxmaer, Marvelo soon enough is able to eat and drink on his own. Soon
|
||||
after that he is puttering around the Milk Market and growing restless
|
||||
at his confinement.</p>
|
||||
<p>Kasutva falls in with Quack and Clot and attains the rank of Milk
|
||||
Market Mascot. They have a better command of language than their
|
||||
companions. And, being an escapee dream entity, at times behaves a
|
||||
little alien, inscrutible, and other-wordly. They don’t sleep, for
|
||||
example. And every morning they demand a full recounting of everybody’s
|
||||
dreams, omitting nothing, and sometimes requiring up to three retellings
|
||||
of each dream. But they otherwise settle right right in.</p>
|
||||
<p>Another curious presence in the Milk Market is Rind. The orphaned
|
||||
child of Pepo the melon vendor. Abandoned by his mother. Adopted by
|
||||
Gliftwirp the assassin. The child has still not uttered a word the
|
||||
entire time. Rind and the duck have formed an inseparable bond.
|
||||
Apparently becoming a conjoined host for a living dentophiliac nightmare
|
||||
will do that. Whenever you least suspect it, you’ll turn around to find
|
||||
Rind standing behind you, silent, wide-eyed, and watching. Cradling the
|
||||
duck in his arms and stroking its feathers.</p>
|
||||
<p>Gliftwirp has still not responded to any attempts to wake him. The
|
||||
toques have assumed responsibility for sustaining him through his
|
||||
unnatural slumber. Feeding him broth, and carrying him outside now and
|
||||
then for fresh air and sunshine. More kindness than Alex is comfortable
|
||||
with, no doubt. Rind visits him often in the storage closet where his
|
||||
cot is set up. Keeping a silent, watchful vigil. Rind’s apparent
|
||||
affection for the assassin is actually probably the only reason
|
||||
Gliftwirp is shown any compassion whatsoever by Team 43.</p>
|
||||
<p>Your next mission looms ahead of you. Putting your heads together
|
||||
with Marvelo and Confidence, you agree that the most simple way forward
|
||||
will be to use the pirate balloonship currently docked above the Market.
|
||||
It is straight-forward enough to retrofit it with a portable atmosphere
|
||||
(which will provide you with breathable oxygen and gravity) and a
|
||||
starhelm (which will allow you to pilot the ship through the void of
|
||||
space). Both items can be obtained in Vay’Nullar for a reasonable
|
||||
price.</p>
|
||||
<p>The only thing holding you back at this point is your own
|
||||
reservations about the various interested parties and their
|
||||
motivations.</p>
|
||||
<p>Do you help the Golden Iris create a new god? Or do you help an
|
||||
existing, exiled god return to Basmentaria? And then who knows what the
|
||||
mysterious Benefactor’s plans are?</p>
|
||||
<p>Whatever your answer, there’s one thing you know: If you don’t get
|
||||
moving soon, the next Ginnarak Crystal will fall into somebody else’s
|
||||
hands.</p>
|
||||
<p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
|
||||
<h2 id="spoilers">Spoilers</h2>
|
||||
<details>
|
||||
<summary>
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
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Reference in New Issue