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2023-03-01 06:59:34 -07:00 · 2023-03-01 06:59:34 -07:00 · e6f7263de2
parent a6f6c8711b
commit e6f7263de2
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--- a/basement.order
+++ b/basement.order
@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ src/epistolary/00063.md
 src/epistolary/00064.md
 src/epistolary/00065.md
 src/epistolary/00066.md
 src/epistolary/00067.md
 src/notes.md
 src/acknowledgements.md
 src/afterword.md
--- a/src/epistolary/00067.md
+++ b/src/epistolary/00067.md
@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
 ---
 title: 00067
 created: Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:24:28 -0700
 updated: Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:24:28 -0700
 public: yes
 syndicated: yes
 ---
 ### 00067 {#00067}
 In the fish market, the dreamers continue to sleep soundly through
 the ringing claxon alarms with nothing but maybe the twitch of a
 finger to indicate that they hear anything at all.
 During the commotion with Marvelo and Gliftwirp, nobody but Rind
 noticed the thick rusty nail in the side of the candle wiggle its way
 out of the soft wax and clatter onto the plate at the base of the
 candle, the ringing of tin masked by the ringing of the claxon alarm.
 Still the dreamers sleep.
 Rind watches as the candle burns dangerously low.  The mummified hand
 of the Nyxmaer in the base of the candle starts to wriggle, struggle,
 and strain against the softening wax.  It stretches and reaches for
 the eye in the center of the candle.
 Rind continues to soothe the duck and stroke its feathers.  The child
 looks at the space where Gliftwirp and the hemogoblin stumbled into
 the circle, smudging the line of salt and ash, breaking the circle
 and severing its continuity.  Making a small space for something to
 get in.  Or out.
 > "Yo! Little cavatappi dude, where the hell are we?!" Alex's eyes scan
 > the room rapidly. There's no water, aside from what he dragged in
 > with his abrupt departure from the pier. The dark sky stretches into
 > the nothingness of the void. Asthe robed figure begins speaks Alex
 > takes note of his situation.
 >
 > 'Nowhere to hide, zero cover. A whole lot of nothing actually. It's
 > one thing after another with this dream thing.'
 >
 > As the figure finishes his address Alex nods politely. "I'll be
 > honest my guy, I haven't the foggiest what you're talking about.
 > Looks to me you've got the whole sword thing, all I've got is my
 > trusty AK. I guess back top side, in umm I guess the real world, I
 > did find a wonky dagger my uncle tried to hide. But I'm pretty sure
 > that got eaten by a cute little hemogoblin while I was busy murdering
 > ghost pirates. Anyways more to the point, I'm not quite sure I
 > follow."
 >
 > Alex pauses briefly and then continues, "You say you need to get out
 > of here? Now that part I follow, me the hell too. I just got attacked
 > by some freaky sadist mushroom that called itself katsuva. Cut its
 > head clean off just so it could try and chuck me in the drink. Right
 > unpleasant fella, but I think I lost him when, well, I got here,
 > wherever that is."
 >
 > "Now I don't know much, but I'm not much for trust after getting
 > attacked by a talking mushroom monster. So if you'll excuse me, I
 > reckon the exit is right about that way (Alex jabs his finger over
 > his back away from the figure), and I'm inclined to head out unless
 > you know a better way." 
 You weren't in the kobit caves with the rest of Retrieval Team 43, so
 you didn't see the reliefs.  But every Basmentarian is familiar with
 the iconography of the Trine.  This figure is dressed in the traditional
 rainments of Neddas, god of sages and starlight.  Furthermore you
 recognize them from your dreams in the Milk Market.
 Kasutva the small mushroom meeps and hides behind your leg.
 "You know, we each of us loved you in our own way," Neddas says.
 "But of the three of us, I alone gave away pieces of my divinity.  I
 wanted to see you thrive and grow strong.
 "You've already found several pieces of my essence.  *Coin* in the
 treasure hoard below the earth.  *Mirth* in the shipwreck under the
 sea.  And *lore* in the clouds atop Kelsun Peak.
 "And of course you found *justice*," they say, looking at the sword.
 "This one got a little weird." The frown.  "Became a little sentient,
 didn't it?" They press the blade of the sword to their chest and
 absorb it into their being.  They sigh happily.
 "You have found enough of my essence that I am able to start to
 materialize again.  Not quite in Basmentaria yet.  But here, a little
 bit.
 "There are still two more pieces out there.  If you can reunite all
 five crystals, I will be able to cross over into Basmentaria again.
 "So yes, Alex.  You are correct.  It is time you head out.  Return to
 Basmentaria.  Find the remaining crystals, so that I may return and
 right the wrongs of the past.  I will do what I can to assist you."
 > Inky waves back once, twice in greeting, before crossing their
 > forefingers twice, touching a hand briefly to their chest, and
 > strolling towards the restrooms.
 >
 > Leaning against a wall outside of the rest area, out of sight from
 > the main dining hall, Inky pulls out the message from Master Alex and
 > reads it. Engagement confirmed, it seems. Also in the envelope is a
 > smooth oval grey pebble with the letters "sh" carved onto it. A mini
 > dousojin. How considerate of him.
 >
 > Putting the envelope and pebble into a shorts pocket, Inky holds up a
 > chewy blood berry biscuit, which they offer to the great horned owl
 > patiently perched on their shoulder. "What if we just zip out now and
 > have a walk around the towers?  Do you think it will cause offence to
 > the Grand Master of the realm?" Inky asks her. Fuko looks up from her
 > treat and gives them a short series of disapproving clicks of her
 > beak.
 >
 > "He wants more 'intel'," Inky says. It isn't even a question. 
 >
 > On another occasion they would be glad to see Master Corraidhn
 > animated and well — when there wasn't a demanding curmudgeon on the
 > other end of an absurd fishing expedition. The elder sysorcerer's
 > presence in the Dreaming, illusion or otherwise, has effectively
 > dashed any prospect of an early night out.
 >
 > "Thirteen minutes. Only because Scoops likes you." Inky tells the
 > owl.
 >
 > They look down at their shirt with orange horizontal stripes, blue
 > knee-length shorts, blue running shoes, and wordlessly declare the
 > change of clothes suitable for fine non-dining. The noogle's
 > drawstring pouch is knotted to a metal hoop on a pocket flap to one
 > side of their shorts, having let loose a short mop of tousled red
 > hair. A plush floofy duck keychain dangles next to the pouch.
 >
 > Emerging from the hallway, the awkward, skinny youth with an owl
 > approaches the far corner table.
 You approach the far corner table, weaving your way through the
 crowded tables of the Harpoon Club.
 "Inky!" Blavin chorttles merrily as you pull up a chair.  The cat
 person nods politely at you and starts rebuilding the block tower.
 Corraidhín watches the archway behind you as you enter.  When nobody
 follows you into the Harpoon Club he frowns, tugs on his beard, and
 sits up straighter in his chair.
 "You're alone?" Blavin observes.  "No matter.  Thank you so much for
 meeting us here!  I trust it wasn't too much trouble?  A little bit
 out of the way, I know.  But it is so very hard to find a place away
 from prying eyes, isn't it?"
 "Get to the point, Blavin." snaps Corraidhín. 
 "Quite right!" laughs Blavin, taking a sip of his drink. 
 "Listen," he says, suddenly very
 serious.  "It's time I came clean to you.  You deserve that much.
 And besides, I think we can help each other.  While it is true that I
 work for the Benefactor, I don't actually serve their interests.  You
 see, I represent another party.  A *double agent* they would call me
 in the spy novels." He waves his hand dismissively, as though
 somebody were making a fuss over him and he were embarrassed.
 "As I'm sure you already know, our organization is called the Golden
 Iris.  Like the Benefactor, our goal is to collect the Ginnarak
 Cystals.  I know you've heard all the old stories.  *Together they
 could kill a god*, blah blah blah." He sloshes his drink as the
 gestures.  "But we think they've got it all wrong, Inky.  That is,
 they have it *backwards* at least!"
 Blavin leans in, his eyes shining.  "The Golden Iris intends nothing
 less than *creating a new god!*"
 "The Trine has been absent for years.  We're going to restore the
 balance.  Now you see why the mission is so important, Inky.  We need
 the crystals."
 "Now I know what you're going to say!  It all sounds too fantastic.
 Yes well, that's why I brought along somebody whose credibility I
 know you'll trust!" He beams at Corraidhín.
 The wizard sighs.  "As far as I can tell, the hobbit is telling the
 truth."
 Blavin grins as Corraidhín continues.
 "The Golden Iris is trying to elevate Sitopotnia, the
 Corn Mother, to godhood.  Which I admit makes a certain kind of
 sense.  She's the only mortal to have created life after all.  Kind
 of the ideal candidate for the job to be honest.
 They've hitched an odd team of mules to their buggy to help them.
 And they're managing to drag the thing forward despite all pulling in
 slightly different directions.  The Cyberplasms want new bodies.  The
 Gnu Zealots want to open source the process so everybody can create
 new gods.  And I don't actually know what the BAND wackos want."
 Corraidhín shrugs, "I don't have a particular dog in this fight.  The
 Benefactor was able to excise the, ahem, 'anomaly' that happened at
 the SS RSS.  Including the second crystal, which is currently in his
 possession, and my body, which is still technically back at the
 institute and still under the care of Felixe here." The black cat
 gives another polite nod.  Having completed building the tumbling
 tower, it is now shuffling the tumbrot cards, face down, around on
 the table.
 "Felixe is Basmentaria's preeminent expert in preserving entities
 that happen to exist between two states.  Or that happen to exist in
 two states at the same time..  Bah, it's complicated," Corraidhín
 huffs.
 "Yes!" interrupts Blavin.  "Now! Despite working closely with him all
 this time, I am actually none the wiser as to the Benefactor's actual
 plans for the crystals.  I just know we need them more.
 "Inky, you must retrieve the remaining crystals.  And also the one in
 the Benefactor's possession.  And deliver them to us so we may usher
 in a new age for Basmentaria!"
 Felixe the cat deals the cards out to the center of the table, face
 down, in a cross. Three across, three high. It sets the remainder
 of the deck aside and looks at you expectantly.
 WHAT DO YOU DO?
--- a/www/index.html
+++ b/www/index.html
@ -290,6 +290,7 @@
 <li><a href="#00064" id="toc-00064">00064</a></li>
 <li><a href="#00065" id="toc-00065">00065</a></li>
 <li><a href="#00066" id="toc-00066">00066</a></li>
 <li><a href="#00067" id="toc-00067">00067</a></li>
 </ul></li>
 <li><a href="#afterword" id="toc-afterword">Afterword</a></li>
 <li><a href="#appendix-a-dramatis-personae"
@ -363,11 +364,11 @@ 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: 85483 words / 365 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
+<p>Total length: 87088 words / 372 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 229 messages posted over 229 days since the first
+<p>There have been 235 messages posted over 231 days since the first
-post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.00.</p>
+post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.01.</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
@ -7146,6 +7147,173 @@ pieces of my essence—including this, the Sword of Y’aml!—so that I may
 finally start to return to Basmentaria. You have done so much already,
 but I am afraid I must ask more of you still.”</p>
 <p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
 <h3 id="00067">00067</h3>
 <p>In the fish market, the dreamers continue to sleep soundly through
 the ringing claxon alarms with nothing but maybe the twitch of a finger
 to indicate that they hear anything at all.</p>
 <p>During the commotion with Marvelo and Gliftwirp, nobody but Rind
 noticed the thick rusty nail in the side of the candle wiggle its way
 out of the soft wax and clatter onto the plate at the base of the
 candle, the ringing of tin masked by the ringing of the claxon
 alarm.</p>
 <p>Still the dreamers sleep.</p>
 <p>Rind watches as the candle burns dangerously low. The mummified hand
 of the Nyxmaer in the base of the candle starts to wriggle, struggle,
 and strain against the softening wax. It stretches and reaches for the
 eye in the center of the candle.</p>
 <p>Rind continues to soothe the duck and stroke its feathers. The child
 looks at the space where Gliftwirp and the hemogoblin stumbled into the
 circle, smudging the line of salt and ash, breaking the circle and
 severing its continuity. Making a small space for something to get in.
 Or out.</p>
 <blockquote>
 <p>“Yo! Little cavatappi dude, where the hell are we?!” Alex’s eyes scan
 the room rapidly. There’s no water, aside from what he dragged in with
 his abrupt departure from the pier. The dark sky stretches into the
 nothingness of the void. Asthe robed figure begins speaks Alex takes
 note of his situation.</p>
 <p>‘Nowhere to hide, zero cover. A whole lot of nothing actually. It’s
 one thing after another with this dream thing.’</p>
 <p>As the figure finishes his address Alex nods politely. “I’ll be
 honest my guy, I haven’t the foggiest what you’re talking about. Looks
 to me you’ve got the whole sword thing, all I’ve got is my trusty AK. I
 guess back top side, in umm I guess the real world, I did find a wonky
 dagger my uncle tried to hide. But I’m pretty sure that got eaten by a
 cute little hemogoblin while I was busy murdering ghost pirates. Anyways
 more to the point, I’m not quite sure I follow.”</p>
 <p>Alex pauses briefly and then continues, “You say you need to get out
 of here? Now that part I follow, me the hell too. I just got attacked by
 some freaky sadist mushroom that called itself katsuva. Cut its head
 clean off just so it could try and chuck me in the drink. Right
 unpleasant fella, but I think I lost him when, well, I got here,
 wherever that is.”</p>
 <p>“Now I don’t know much, but I’m not much for trust after getting
 attacked by a talking mushroom monster. So if you’ll excuse me, I reckon
 the exit is right about that way (Alex jabs his finger over his back
 away from the figure), and I’m inclined to head out unless you know a
 better way.”</p>
 </blockquote>
 <p>You weren’t in the kobit caves with the rest of Retrieval Team 43, so
 you didn’t see the reliefs. But every Basmentarian is familiar with the
 iconography of the Trine. This figure is dressed in the traditional
 rainments of Neddas, god of sages and starlight. Furthermore you
 recognize them from your dreams in the Milk Market.</p>
 <p>Kasutva the small mushroom meeps and hides behind your leg.</p>
 <p>“You know, we each of us loved you in our own way,” Neddas says. “But
 of the three of us, I alone gave away pieces of my divinity. I wanted to
 see you thrive and grow strong.</p>
 <p>“You’ve already found several pieces of my essence. <em>Coin</em> in
 the treasure hoard below the earth. <em>Mirth</em> in the shipwreck
 under the sea. And <em>lore</em> in the clouds atop Kelsun Peak.</p>
 <p>“And of course you found <em>justice</em>,” they say, looking at the
 sword. “This one got a little weird.” The frown. “Became a little
 sentient, didn’t it?” They press the blade of the sword to their chest
 and absorb it into their being. They sigh happily.</p>
 <p>“You have found enough of my essence that I am able to start to
 materialize again. Not quite in Basmentaria yet. But here, a little
 bit.</p>
 <p>“There are still two more pieces out there. If you can reunite all
 five crystals, I will be able to cross over into Basmentaria again.</p>
 <p>“So yes, Alex. You are correct. It is time you head out. Return to
 Basmentaria. Find the remaining crystals, so that I may return and right
 the wrongs of the past. I will do what I can to assist you.”</p>
 <blockquote>
 <p>Inky waves back once, twice in greeting, before crossing their
 forefingers twice, touching a hand briefly to their chest, and strolling
 towards the restrooms.</p>
 <p>Leaning against a wall outside of the rest area, out of sight from
 the main dining hall, Inky pulls out the message from Master Alex and
 reads it. Engagement confirmed, it seems. Also in the envelope is a
 smooth oval grey pebble with the letters “sh” carved onto it. A mini
 dousojin. How considerate of him.</p>
 <p>Putting the envelope and pebble into a shorts pocket, Inky holds up a
 chewy blood berry biscuit, which they offer to the great horned owl
 patiently perched on their shoulder. “What if we just zip out now and
 have a walk around the towers? Do you think it will cause offence to the
 Grand Master of the realm?” Inky asks her. Fuko looks up from her treat
 and gives them a short series of disapproving clicks of her beak.</p>
 <p>“He wants more ‘intel’,” Inky says. It isn’t even a question.</p>
 <p>On another occasion they would be glad to see Master Corraidhn
 animated and well — when there wasn’t a demanding curmudgeon on the
 other end of an absurd fishing expedition. The elder sysorcerer’s
 presence in the Dreaming, illusion or otherwise, has effectively dashed
 any prospect of an early night out.</p>
 <p>“Thirteen minutes. Only because Scoops likes you.” Inky tells the
 owl.</p>
 <p>They look down at their shirt with orange horizontal stripes, blue
 knee-length shorts, blue running shoes, and wordlessly declare the
 change of clothes suitable for fine non-dining. The noogle’s drawstring
 pouch is knotted to a metal hoop on a pocket flap to one side of their
 shorts, having let loose a short mop of tousled red hair. A plush floofy
 duck keychain dangles next to the pouch.</p>
 <p>Emerging from the hallway, the awkward, skinny youth with an owl
 approaches the far corner table.</p>
 </blockquote>
 <p>You approach the far corner table, weaving your way through the
 crowded tables of the Harpoon Club.</p>
 <p>“Inky!” Blavin chorttles merrily as you pull up a chair. The cat
 person nods politely at you and starts rebuilding the block tower.</p>
 <p>Corraidhín watches the archway behind you as you enter. When nobody
 follows you into the Harpoon Club he frowns, tugs on his beard, and sits
 up straighter in his chair.</p>
 <p>“You’re alone?” Blavin observes. “No matter. Thank you so much for
 meeting us here! I trust it wasn’t too much trouble? A little bit out of
 the way, I know. But it is so very hard to find a place away from prying
 eyes, isn’t it?”</p>
 <p>“Get to the point, Blavin.” snaps Corraidhín.</p>
 <p>“Quite right!” laughs Blavin, taking a sip of his drink. “Listen,” he
 says, suddenly very serious. “It’s time I came clean to you. You deserve
 that much. And besides, I think we can help each other. While it is true
 that I work for the Benefactor, I don’t actually serve their interests.
 You see, I represent another party. A <em>double agent</em> they would
 call me in the spy novels.” He waves his hand dismissively, as though
 somebody were making a fuss over him and he were embarrassed.</p>
 <p>“As I’m sure you already know, our organization is called the Golden
 Iris. Like the Benefactor, our goal is to collect the Ginnarak Cystals.
 I know you’ve heard all the old stories. <em>Together they could kill a
 god</em>, blah blah blah.” He sloshes his drink as the gestures. “But we
 think they’ve got it all wrong, Inky. That is, they have it
 <em>backwards</em> at least!”</p>
 <p>Blavin leans in, his eyes shining. “The Golden Iris intends nothing
 less than <em>creating a new god!</em>”</p>
 <p>“The Trine has been absent for years. We’re going to restore the
 balance. Now you see why the mission is so important, Inky. We need the
 crystals.”</p>
 <p>“Now I know what you’re going to say! It all sounds too fantastic.
 Yes well, that’s why I brought along somebody whose credibility I know
 you’ll trust!” He beams at Corraidhín.</p>
 <p>The wizard sighs. “As far as I can tell, the hobbit is telling the
 truth.”</p>
 <p>Blavin grins as Corraidhín continues.</p>
 <p>“The Golden Iris is trying to elevate Sitopotnia, the Corn Mother, to
 godhood. Which I admit makes a certain kind of sense. She’s the only
 mortal to have created life after all. Kind of the ideal candidate for
 the job to be honest.</p>
 <p>They’ve hitched an odd team of mules to their buggy to help them. And
 they’re managing to drag the thing forward despite all pulling in
 slightly different directions. The Cyberplasms want new bodies. The Gnu
 Zealots want to open source the process so everybody can create new
 gods. And I don’t actually know what the BAND wackos want.”</p>
 <p>Corraidhín shrugs, “I don’t have a particular dog in this fight. The
 Benefactor was able to excise the, ahem, ‘anomaly’ that happened at the
 SS RSS. Including the second crystal, which is currently in his
 possession, and my body, which is still technically back at the
 institute and still under the care of Felixe here.” The black cat gives
 another polite nod. Having completed building the tumbling tower, it is
 now shuffling the tumbrot cards, face down, around on the table.</p>
 <p>“Felixe is Basmentaria’s preeminent expert in preserving entities
 that happen to exist between two states. Or that happen to exist in two
 states at the same time.. Bah, it’s complicated,” Corraidhín huffs.</p>
 <p>“Yes!” interrupts Blavin. “Now! Despite working closely with him all
 this time, I am actually none the wiser as to the Benefactor’s actual
 plans for the crystals. I just know we need them more.</p>
 <p>“Inky, you must retrieve the remaining crystals. And also the one in
 the Benefactor’s possession. And deliver them to us so we may usher in a
 new age for Basmentaria!”</p>
 <p>Felixe the cat deals the cards out to the center of the table, face
 down, in a cross. Three across, three high. It sets the remainder of the
 deck aside and looks at you expectantly.</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
--- a/www/rss.xml
+++ b/www/rss.xml
--- a/www/spoilers.html
+++ b/www/spoilers.html
@ -290,6 +290,7 @@
 <li><a href="#00064" id="toc-00064">00064</a></li>
 <li><a href="#00065" id="toc-00065">00065</a></li>
 <li><a href="#00066" id="toc-00066">00066</a></li>
 <li><a href="#00067" id="toc-00067">00067</a></li>
 </ul></li>
 <li><a href="#spoilers" id="toc-spoilers">Spoilers</a></li>
 <li><a href="#acknowledgements"
@ -366,11 +367,11 @@ 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: 85483 words / 365 minute read. (Mind you, that’s the
+<p>Total length: 87088 words / 372 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 228 messages posted over 229 days since the first
+<p>There have been 235 messages posted over 231 days since the first
-post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of .99.</p>
+post on July 13, 2022 for a daily post rate of 1.01.</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
@ -7149,6 +7150,173 @@ pieces of my essence—including this, the Sword of Y’aml!—so that I may
 finally start to return to Basmentaria. You have done so much already,
 but I am afraid I must ask more of you still.”</p>
 <p>WHAT DO YOU DO</p>
 <h3 id="00067">00067</h3>
 <p>In the fish market, the dreamers continue to sleep soundly through
 the ringing claxon alarms with nothing but maybe the twitch of a finger
 to indicate that they hear anything at all.</p>
 <p>During the commotion with Marvelo and Gliftwirp, nobody but Rind
 noticed the thick rusty nail in the side of the candle wiggle its way
 out of the soft wax and clatter onto the plate at the base of the
 candle, the ringing of tin masked by the ringing of the claxon
 alarm.</p>
 <p>Still the dreamers sleep.</p>
 <p>Rind watches as the candle burns dangerously low. The mummified hand
 of the Nyxmaer in the base of the candle starts to wriggle, struggle,
 and strain against the softening wax. It stretches and reaches for the
 eye in the center of the candle.</p>
 <p>Rind continues to soothe the duck and stroke its feathers. The child
 looks at the space where Gliftwirp and the hemogoblin stumbled into the
 circle, smudging the line of salt and ash, breaking the circle and
 severing its continuity. Making a small space for something to get in.
 Or out.</p>
 <blockquote>
 <p>“Yo! Little cavatappi dude, where the hell are we?!” Alex’s eyes scan
 the room rapidly. There’s no water, aside from what he dragged in with
 his abrupt departure from the pier. The dark sky stretches into the
 nothingness of the void. Asthe robed figure begins speaks Alex takes
 note of his situation.</p>
 <p>‘Nowhere to hide, zero cover. A whole lot of nothing actually. It’s
 one thing after another with this dream thing.’</p>
 <p>As the figure finishes his address Alex nods politely. “I’ll be
 honest my guy, I haven’t the foggiest what you’re talking about. Looks
 to me you’ve got the whole sword thing, all I’ve got is my trusty AK. I
 guess back top side, in umm I guess the real world, I did find a wonky
 dagger my uncle tried to hide. But I’m pretty sure that got eaten by a
 cute little hemogoblin while I was busy murdering ghost pirates. Anyways
 more to the point, I’m not quite sure I follow.”</p>
 <p>Alex pauses briefly and then continues, “You say you need to get out
 of here? Now that part I follow, me the hell too. I just got attacked by
 some freaky sadist mushroom that called itself katsuva. Cut its head
 clean off just so it could try and chuck me in the drink. Right
 unpleasant fella, but I think I lost him when, well, I got here,
 wherever that is.”</p>
 <p>“Now I don’t know much, but I’m not much for trust after getting
 attacked by a talking mushroom monster. So if you’ll excuse me, I reckon
 the exit is right about that way (Alex jabs his finger over his back
 away from the figure), and I’m inclined to head out unless you know a
 better way.”</p>
 </blockquote>
 <p>You weren’t in the kobit caves with the rest of Retrieval Team 43, so
 you didn’t see the reliefs. But every Basmentarian is familiar with the
 iconography of the Trine. This figure is dressed in the traditional
 rainments of Neddas, god of sages and starlight. Furthermore you
 recognize them from your dreams in the Milk Market.</p>
 <p>Kasutva the small mushroom meeps and hides behind your leg.</p>
 <p>“You know, we each of us loved you in our own way,” Neddas says. “But
 of the three of us, I alone gave away pieces of my divinity. I wanted to
 see you thrive and grow strong.</p>
 <p>“You’ve already found several pieces of my essence. <em>Coin</em> in
 the treasure hoard below the earth. <em>Mirth</em> in the shipwreck
 under the sea. And <em>lore</em> in the clouds atop Kelsun Peak.</p>
 <p>“And of course you found <em>justice</em>,” they say, looking at the
 sword. “This one got a little weird.” The frown. “Became a little
 sentient, didn’t it?” They press the blade of the sword to their chest
 and absorb it into their being. They sigh happily.</p>
 <p>“You have found enough of my essence that I am able to start to
 materialize again. Not quite in Basmentaria yet. But here, a little
 bit.</p>
 <p>“There are still two more pieces out there. If you can reunite all
 five crystals, I will be able to cross over into Basmentaria again.</p>
 <p>“So yes, Alex. You are correct. It is time you head out. Return to
 Basmentaria. Find the remaining crystals, so that I may return and right
 the wrongs of the past. I will do what I can to assist you.”</p>
 <blockquote>
 <p>Inky waves back once, twice in greeting, before crossing their
 forefingers twice, touching a hand briefly to their chest, and strolling
 towards the restrooms.</p>
 <p>Leaning against a wall outside of the rest area, out of sight from
 the main dining hall, Inky pulls out the message from Master Alex and
 reads it. Engagement confirmed, it seems. Also in the envelope is a
 smooth oval grey pebble with the letters “sh” carved onto it. A mini
 dousojin. How considerate of him.</p>
 <p>Putting the envelope and pebble into a shorts pocket, Inky holds up a
 chewy blood berry biscuit, which they offer to the great horned owl
 patiently perched on their shoulder. “What if we just zip out now and
 have a walk around the towers? Do you think it will cause offence to the
 Grand Master of the realm?” Inky asks her. Fuko looks up from her treat
 and gives them a short series of disapproving clicks of her beak.</p>
 <p>“He wants more ‘intel’,” Inky says. It isn’t even a question.</p>
 <p>On another occasion they would be glad to see Master Corraidhn
 animated and well — when there wasn’t a demanding curmudgeon on the
 other end of an absurd fishing expedition. The elder sysorcerer’s
 presence in the Dreaming, illusion or otherwise, has effectively dashed
 any prospect of an early night out.</p>
 <p>“Thirteen minutes. Only because Scoops likes you.” Inky tells the
 owl.</p>
 <p>They look down at their shirt with orange horizontal stripes, blue
 knee-length shorts, blue running shoes, and wordlessly declare the
 change of clothes suitable for fine non-dining. The noogle’s drawstring
 pouch is knotted to a metal hoop on a pocket flap to one side of their
 shorts, having let loose a short mop of tousled red hair. A plush floofy
 duck keychain dangles next to the pouch.</p>
 <p>Emerging from the hallway, the awkward, skinny youth with an owl
 approaches the far corner table.</p>
 </blockquote>
 <p>You approach the far corner table, weaving your way through the
 crowded tables of the Harpoon Club.</p>
 <p>“Inky!” Blavin chorttles merrily as you pull up a chair. The cat
 person nods politely at you and starts rebuilding the block tower.</p>
 <p>Corraidhín watches the archway behind you as you enter. When nobody
 follows you into the Harpoon Club he frowns, tugs on his beard, and sits
 up straighter in his chair.</p>
 <p>“You’re alone?” Blavin observes. “No matter. Thank you so much for
 meeting us here! I trust it wasn’t too much trouble? A little bit out of
 the way, I know. But it is so very hard to find a place away from prying
 eyes, isn’t it?”</p>
 <p>“Get to the point, Blavin.” snaps Corraidhín.</p>
 <p>“Quite right!” laughs Blavin, taking a sip of his drink. “Listen,” he
 says, suddenly very serious. “It’s time I came clean to you. You deserve
 that much. And besides, I think we can help each other. While it is true
 that I work for the Benefactor, I don’t actually serve their interests.
 You see, I represent another party. A <em>double agent</em> they would
 call me in the spy novels.” He waves his hand dismissively, as though
 somebody were making a fuss over him and he were embarrassed.</p>
 <p>“As I’m sure you already know, our organization is called the Golden
 Iris. Like the Benefactor, our goal is to collect the Ginnarak Cystals.
 I know you’ve heard all the old stories. <em>Together they could kill a
 god</em>, blah blah blah.” He sloshes his drink as the gestures. “But we
 think they’ve got it all wrong, Inky. That is, they have it
 <em>backwards</em> at least!”</p>
 <p>Blavin leans in, his eyes shining. “The Golden Iris intends nothing
 less than <em>creating a new god!</em>”</p>
 <p>“The Trine has been absent for years. We’re going to restore the
 balance. Now you see why the mission is so important, Inky. We need the
 crystals.”</p>
 <p>“Now I know what you’re going to say! It all sounds too fantastic.
 Yes well, that’s why I brought along somebody whose credibility I know
 you’ll trust!” He beams at Corraidhín.</p>
 <p>The wizard sighs. “As far as I can tell, the hobbit is telling the
 truth.”</p>
 <p>Blavin grins as Corraidhín continues.</p>
 <p>“The Golden Iris is trying to elevate Sitopotnia, the Corn Mother, to
 godhood. Which I admit makes a certain kind of sense. She’s the only
 mortal to have created life after all. Kind of the ideal candidate for
 the job to be honest.</p>
 <p>They’ve hitched an odd team of mules to their buggy to help them. And
 they’re managing to drag the thing forward despite all pulling in
 slightly different directions. The Cyberplasms want new bodies. The Gnu
 Zealots want to open source the process so everybody can create new
 gods. And I don’t actually know what the BAND wackos want.”</p>
 <p>Corraidhín shrugs, “I don’t have a particular dog in this fight. The
 Benefactor was able to excise the, ahem, ‘anomaly’ that happened at the
 SS RSS. Including the second crystal, which is currently in his
 possession, and my body, which is still technically back at the
 institute and still under the care of Felixe here.” The black cat gives
 another polite nod. Having completed building the tumbling tower, it is
 now shuffling the tumbrot cards, face down, around on the table.</p>
 <p>“Felixe is Basmentaria’s preeminent expert in preserving entities
 that happen to exist between two states. Or that happen to exist in two
 states at the same time.. Bah, it’s complicated,” Corraidhín huffs.</p>
 <p>“Yes!” interrupts Blavin. “Now! Despite working closely with him all
 this time, I am actually none the wiser as to the Benefactor’s actual
 plans for the crystals. I just know we need them more.</p>
 <p>“Inky, you must retrieve the remaining crystals. And also the one in
 the Benefactor’s possession. And deliver them to us so we may usher in a
 new age for Basmentaria!”</p>
 <p>Felixe the cat deals the cards out to the center of the table, face
 down, in a cross. Three across, three high. It sets the remainder of the
 deck aside and looks at you expectantly.</p>
 <p>WHAT DO YOU DO?</p>
 <h2 id="spoilers">Spoilers</h2>
 <details>
 <summary>