[GAME THREAD] Pick And Mix Play By Post Adventure IC Thread

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara nods. "Yeah, definitely. I don't think I want to part with any of my current gear, but you're free to look at it if you like. So long as you don't break it."

She holds up the lyre. "I don't think it came from another organization though, just ruins. Doesn't do much, but it's got sentimental value."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn looks at the lyre from afar, even backing up some to put some distance between it and the thing. "What the fuck is that?"

Scarcity asks a question, visibly looking uncomfortable while staring at the lyre. "...that. Is...well I'm not sure what that is, but I recognize the carving. Yeah, no. That's not from our organization. That's a carving of a major deity from a church that our originating organization was on good terms with. You do know ruins come from places that were once occupied though, right? Anyhow it's probably mostly safe, at least in whatever state that is, as we've not heard any warnings from automated systems...or if it is then it's also doing so in an unknown way......"

"...Anyhow uh. We would be interested in taking a look at what you have with you and can probably outfit you with some stuff you need. Same goes for the rest of you I suppose. It'd be encouraged if you provide something we could take a look at. If you don't mind, scanning uh, people is something we can do too. Tells us more about the specimens out and about.

If any of you are looking for certain information we can also see if we know it or have it archived."

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]:
[3D] wrote:
Bwellothorn proceeds to mime falling onto the floor and dying slowly and dramatically making vague imitations of dying sounds. At least part of this kinda resembles them mumbling the word 'DOOOOOOOOOOM'.

Vembrace poises itself towards Bwellothorn for a moment before realizing that it's just an act. "How... graphic."

[3D] wrote:
Scarcity continues talking through this act. "We probably have some finished stuff that has been tested you could take a look at though. There's a lot of stuff in storage that we wouldn't mind parting with...especially if what you have on you is from, another organization's work. It could be quite interesting."

"I don't have any possessions with me, but I did come across an axe when I was wandering the forest earlier. Assuming the location of the entrance hatch hasn't shifted yet, it should only be a small distance away. It appears to bear markings related to an ancient faction; I'm unable to recall which exactly."

"As for scanning... me, I insist that you don't. My creator was very clear that my design was not to be shared under any circumstances."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Scarcity immediately looks intrigued at the mention of something (the axe) they could get their claws on. "That'll do. Must've been unearthed in recent times. Anyhow...just let us know what you need or are looking for. For you...we could probably provide some more options, if you're looking for modifications or the like. No need to scan to provide spare parts after all. Installation can be done too, but I figure someone worried about scans would rather do it themselves, right?"

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: "I am..." Vembrace pauses for a moment, thinking. "...in optimal condition, but I appreciate the offer. I'll remember this place should I become damaged in the future."

"The axe was unearthed very recently, just a few minutes ago as a matter of fact. I noticed a metallic object embedded in the ground, so I uncovered it and revealed a crate. Inside was the aforementioned axe. I have no use for it, lacking traditional limbs, but you indicated you might be interested in it."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"I'd love a scan, personally! I'm curious as to what that sort of thing could find, I'm not super familiar with this kind of stuff at all."

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara considers the propositions given for a moment, then nods. She takes out her sword from her home moon, and carefully takes her necklace off from around her neck.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to keep the cloak on. I know it's of some sort of magic, seeing as it came from the Connection, but I'm inclined to keep it on at all times. You can look these over, but I would like them back."

When Maxim steps up for a scan, Kara adds,

"I'm also alright with getting scanned."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Scarcity pauses for a moment. "It's no problem to keep your items on you. Our mainstay scanning equipment is pretty good. Hey Bwello, could you go check for that axe while I get this done?"

"Yeah, no problem. I'll make sure to give it a good looksy and holler if it explodes or something." Bwello quickly makes their way back towards the hatch, grinning about being able to get their claws on what is probably a cool axe...provided they find it, that is.

Scarcity then looks to the rest of the group. "Alright, follow me and I'll show you the main scanning equipment in this area. It's actually a pretty quick process. The tube is in the next room over. Those of you interested in being scanned can just. Line up next to the machine, while those who wish to abstain can just. Not do that. Also think about what you need. I'd feel kind of bad if I scan you and I don't give you anything afterwards. Like, what kind of mad scientist am I if I don't give an assistant a ray gun?"

They approach a door and it opens. In the next room there's more generic equipment...in addition to a large cylindrical machine in the center of the room. It is attached to some other boxes and technological screens and panels. Most notably, there's a pair of doors which open. It's roughly the size of an elevator, so if people were especially impatient they could go in at the same time.

"So uh, whenever you're ready. Go in. Doors will close. It might feel a little odd for a couple moments. It varies from person to person really, no way to tell. It's nothing dangerous, just sometimes the bits of stuff we use to check for anomalies and magical properties can be a touch ominous feeling. Doors will open when it's done. Then you can get out and. I dunno. Watch other people do it? Listen to me talk about scanning things? Ask me about anomalies? Lots of things you could do, really."

Cliche follows Scarcity into the next room but doesn't get in line for scanning yet. They feel it'd be rude to 'cut in line' so to speak. Once others have moved though, they will have gotten into the back of the scanning line.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]:
"As I have already agreed not to be scanned, there is no need for me to accompany you into the scanning booths. I would be most useful accompanying Bwellothorn to the location of the axe, if they would have me."

Vembrace then turns to Bwello, waiting for a response.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara looks it over, shoulders tensing.
"I uh... I'd like to go second I think. See how it works first."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn stops for a moment to reply, before laughing at a joke they've yet to even make. "Sure. Just don't axe murder me. That'd be rude."

"Since you know where it is, I'll let you lead the way there I suppose."

(I'll be waiting for other player responses before proceeding with the scanner bit.)

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace heads off in the direction it last saw the crate.

"It should be this way."

[STATIONARY_FRICTION] wrote:
"Sure. Just don't axe murder me. That'd be rude."

"Rest assured that I have no current intention of murdering you, and if I were to attempt it, I wouldn't use an axe."

...You're not sure if it's joking.

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim strolls right into the scanner, posing a little. "Alright, rev it up!"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
The doors close and it turns on. Other than a humming noise, an intense feeling of being watched and judged, and a minor flash of light, the scan is uneventful. It is over in about ten seconds. Twenty if you include the doors closing before it started and the doors opening at the end.

Scarcity immediately commentates as soon as it's over.
"Great work. It's not very often we get to scan non-biological life. Especially one this surprisingly low on most anomalous readings. Let me know about what you're interested in getting your claws on too. Though, if you don't have any particular ideas I can probably show you to a room of some prototypes or experimental resources that aren't needed anymore."

Scarcity gestures vaguely at Kara.
"And, the scanner doesn't really need any downtime, so once the first person's out and you're ready, feel free to head on in."

----
The crate is exactly where it used to be. After looking at the symbol Bwellothorn looks mildly concerned. Looking at the contents Bwellothorn is visibly shaking. It's stress level has risen from a 2/10 to a 7/10.

"...Oh. This. thank fuck it's dormant. Uh. Okay. ...So. I don't think this is immediately dangerous, but just in case, let's leave this shut until we can scan it. And also make sure it doesn't cut any people. Which, shutting the case should help. The faction that made this weapon is...not very nice. It is likely highly anomalous, possibly intelligent, and given that it hasn't said anything or leapt at me and tried to attack me, it's dormant. Would you mind helping me carry this case?"

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim stretches as she steps out, thinking it over. "You got anything to do with food?"

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Sensing Bwello's unease, Vembrace tries its best to reassure them.

"It did not appear to be active when I interacted with it previously, and it seems nothing has changed since then. I can lift the crate myself if you wish to keep your distance."

Individual plates of metal wrap around the lid, pushing it back on top of the crate, as the pointy end of one plate clicks the latch in place. Then Vembrace hovers atop the entire crate before settling down on top of it and engulfing it into its form, the armor plates assembling around the crate in a sort of makeshift cage. With a soft creak, the crate is gradually lifted from the earth and wobbles uneasily within Vembrace's armor.

It seems a bit unsteady as it moves back towards Bwello, but it's definitely carrying the crate.

"As a warning, I will not be able to move as quickly while I am carrying the crate. Should we encounter a hostile creature, I will require a moment to drop it and rearrange my form. As such, I am currently less capable of protecting you than I would be otherwise. Please take care in proceeding."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Scarcity immediately perks up and begins stopping without a single pause because it has no lungs and can simply talk and talk and talk. It completely zones out of everything that is not talking about cooking materials.

"Hell yeah! There's a tonne. If we don't have something you're interested in those sorts of things are pretty easy to put together anyway. I really like cooking. I don't know what anything actually tastes like, but Bwello at least liked some of my stuff. Like the espresso-tea. Or the peanut butter and spearmint spaghetti. Anyway, off the top of my head I can think of a mobile uranium-powered kitchen set that's probably the most useful. It's a little dangerous to use in unstable spaces or in the connection due to the experimental spatial tech used to keep it compact when not in use, but it's pretty fun. Never got to have a field test of it though. It's got an oven, a blender, a toaster, a toaster oven, a blender oven, and more appliances than anyone wants. Really. A lot.

Bwello thinks I should stop making kitchen appliances. I have made twenty-two variations on the blender. Twelve on the food processor. There is so much food related stuff. Also, uh. Actual, food and not equipment. We have various flora and fauna samples in addition to some standard nutrient powders and paste that are pretty much tasteless. There's also some water purification and plant stuff. Did you know that you can make a combination water purification-hydroponics garden-coffee maker machine. You can. It's a bit impractical, but you can.

Other than that...I can also talk about, more normal equipment. Or weird equipment, like the quantum spforknifewhisk. It can be a spoon, fork, knife, and/or whisk. It can be any combination of all that. Or just a stick. Uh. Oh yeah, if you are interested in fresh stuff or gardening I can explain more about the flora and fauna I've got around that's edible."

---
Bwellothorn looks at Vembrace. It calms down some, now seeming just mildly confused.

"Oh. That works too, I meant like, you could take one end, but. Yeah. Thanks? I'm legitimately impressed by that performance. Stable transportation by disparate coordinated units. Whatever made you must've been quite the star. I'll take, door opening and safety watch duty then I guess. If you can get it in then I can go grab a forklift or something like that and take it from there."

It proceeds to make sure the area ahead is clear. It is, in fact clear. There is no risk at all in attempting to return, and any attempt to do so will be successful and uneventful.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: "I am sure my creator would be thankful for your kind words. Although I am reluctant to disclose any information about my design, your description is somewhat accurate. For future reference, this crate is very close to my maximum carrying capacity in terms of both size and weight." Vembrace replies. Its voice is the same mechanical monotone as ever, giving no indication of stress despite its wobbly movement indicating otherwise.

Vembrace allows Bwello to escort it back to the laboratory. It moves much slower now, with Bwello having to slow down to a leisurely walk to make sure it doesn't lose Vembrace. As soon as the two of them are inside, Vembrace places the crate down wherever Bwello directs it. It does attempt to put the crate down gently, but the weight and size of it are too awkward, and it ends up making two loud THUMPS as first one side, and then the other crashes to the ground.

It shifts back to its regular conical form afterwards, waiting for Bwello or someone else to speak.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara steadies herself, running her fingers along the line of her cloak.  Her ears are buzzing, drowning out any of the conversation between Maxim and Scarcity.

"Could I request that uh..." she mutters, holding tight to the cloak's hood. She looks at the scanner with impending dread.

"Could everyone but Scarcity looks away? I...I'm getting a really bad feeling about this all of a sudden. I'd like any privacy I can get."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn fails to continue conversation as it immediately scrambles through some doors and comes back with a forklift, zooming the crate away to another room, then running back in the span of a few seconds.

Scarcity looks a little confused for a second, but then comes up with a great idea. "Okay. Alright. Okay I have the perfect plan. I have a nice little, automated teatime room set up. Uh...closer to the entrance the...oh that thud...hm and yeah. I think Bwello's back. They can probably guide you." Scarcity then shouts. "Uh, Bwello! Teatime protocol."

Bwellothorn is vaguely confused for a second, before responding with a shout. "Ah, yes. Okay, uh. All guests, please. Follow me!" They proceed to sort of, idle next to a different door, leaning against the wall and waiting for others to come over.

Cliche worldlessly goes along with this, as well. It's just kind of interested in seeing things happen right now. It's not really sure what's going on and they're not planning to ask. This, probably makes sense. Yeah. They're by Bwellothorn next to the door.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: "UNDERSTOOD."

Vembrace immediately moves toward the door, hovering next to Cliche.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara waits for the others to leave the room, her tail lashing behind her anxiously. She steadies it with her hand. It'll be fine.

She steps wordlessly into the scanner, pulling her hood further over her head so that her face was nearly covered. The buzzing in her earnubs only seemed to get worse. It'll be fine.

She stands up straighter, eyes focused on the light on the ceiling of the tube.

"Let's get this over with. Don't wanna keep them waiting."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:

The doors close and it turns on. I begins with a humming noise, an intense feeling of being watched and judged, and a minor flash of light. After about eight seconds, the hum stops and a staticy sound is emitted and the feeling of being watched becomes far more intense. After four more seconds, there is a bright flash of light. The humming returns and after twelve more seconds, the scan ends. Five more, and the doors are fully open.

Scarcity immediately commentates as soon as it's over. "...Well. Uh. You must have a lively, existence. How do you set off that many anomaly scanners. You looked pretty normal. You cursed or something? Shake hands with gods on the regular? Not really my business I suppose but, sheesh."

----
In the meantime Bwellothorn has opened up the door and shown the way to a fancy little tea room, alit with neon lighting and with a lot of intricate geometric metal patterns, featuring black, dark red, and pink. "...So uh, tea. You all have any preferences for tea?" More than likely, by the time they can grab any tea the scan will have already ended.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara stumbles out clearly shaken, one hand on her forehead, and one to her side. She waits a moment before she speaks.

"...Less questions please, more answers. Tell me what you figured out from that scan. You think I'm cursed?"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:

"Literally, hard to say. There are probably some things I could gather from looking over the data more, make inferences and whatnot about potential gods involved or anomalies that have had similar readings, but...honestly, that won't really help you much in the question of 'are you cursed' because, with some of that stuff it's a matter of opinon. Anyhow, uh. That is one possible explanation but if you don't think you've been cursed then, you might not be. Could also be long-term exposure to the connection, artifacts, and other such criteria, close acquaintance with a deity, and combinations of the above. Figuratively, you could argue just about anyone's cursed...if you're willing to make the right argument."

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
She looks away. Her tail flicks once. She lowers her hood.

"...I have spent a lot of time in the Connection. That'd probably be it. Unless my Lyre came from a god that was particularly pissed to lose it, that'd be all I can think of. I'm not... anything special, really."

She moves her hand to fiddle with her necklace, then pauses. She'd taken it off for the scan.

"May I have my amulet and sword back?" she asks, then looks to recall something. "And for getting the scan, we get something, right? I'd like a timekeeping device. Any will do. Multiple would be even better."

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]:

[STATIONARY_FRICTION] wrote: "...So uh, tea. You all have any preferences for tea?"

"I'm physically unable to ingest tea."

Vembrace just hovers politely in the spot where a seat should be. It doesn't seem sure what to do here...

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"Do you have any good fruit teas? Aside from that...I am interested in any cooking y'all have to offer! Maybe even that you...your....rain-ee-ah cooking set?"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
"Hmm...well yeah anyway scan of your stuff's done too. All also anomalous, by the way." Scarcity politely hands the stuff back over.

"Also, timepieces...quite a few really. Honestly could give you like a dozen...you sure you don't also want some other stuff too? Or like, a watch that's also a gun. We should...probably go check out the tea by the way. Though, after I show you the way, uh. I'll probably be grabbing the knight real quick to do their scan."

Scarcity does not actually check if Kara is ready to follow (partly so I can slam in Cliche's scan in one post) and trots on down the way to the tea room.
---
While they're on the way, Bwellothorn talks while looking through the teas.

"Yeah we have quite a lot...and the Uranium All in One Set was really fun to work on...also have a fun little kitchen knife that could use field testing...Would you be interested in getting a radio and a nice, experimental multipurpose knife to go along with too. And at some point phone back so we can talk about how it's working."

They take out six tins of fruit tea.

• 'Mango and Dragonfruit with Green Tea'
  
• 'Mint, Pumpkin Spice, and Cinnamon'
  
• 'Lime and Mint'
  
• 'Orange and Mango'
  
• 'Blueberry and Black Tea'.
  
• 'Mystery Fruit Punch with Green Tea'
  

"We've got a lot of others too, but here's some fun options."
---
Scarcity enters the tea room, waves at Cliche, and offers a hand. Cliche instinctively grabs it and is led to the scanner, being scanned and returning to the tea room shortly.

While they're doing that, Bwellothorn starts up the water kettle heating and takes out another tea, 'Cocoa, Mint, and Black Tea', which they put into a little miniature teapot.

There are currently four teapots on the table, and three kettles on the stove. This is a bit silly.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara follows politely behind Scarcity as they lead the way to the tea room, putting her amulet back on as they walk. She holds the sword in her tail, commenting, "A nice belt or sheath would be nice too, if you have any. I've kinda just been holding this thing the whole time I've had it. It's a bit unwieldy when it isn't being, well, wielded."

Upon entering the tea room, she gazes over the chairs carefully, before choosing one next to Vembrace. "I'm guessing I didn't miss much. Seems like the tea's just getting served now?"

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace turns to Kara as she enters the room.

"Yes. Bwellothorn was just explaining the various flavors of tea available, as well as various other implements of their own design."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn provides commentary
"We've got a lot more tea and other beverages than just what I've gotten out too, in case you want something else...uh as far as what I overheard...

Belt, sheathe, pocket dimension, we can do that definitely..."

Scarcity interrupts
"Uh, maybe don't take the pocket dimension. Mixing anomalous objects with pocket dimensions or other less conventional items has a decent chance of causing side effects. Could be good, bad, both, or otherwise. Especially if the container gets damaged from the outside or otherwise unsettled greatly"


Cliche just kinda vaguely sits around, lacking the capacity to eat or drink. It's pondering what it wants to ask for, but isn't really sure of anything it 'needs' persay.

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"I'd be more than happy to phone back...can I combine the pumpkin spice and mango teas? I wanna try something funky."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn provides an answer.

"Can you? Of course! Tea can always be combined. You could even add espresso or other stuff that isn't tea if you want. You can have so much tea power."

They just sort of, idly slide over a spoon, teapot, and the three tea tins they think are relevant across the table. 'Mango and Dragonfruit with Green Tea', 'Mint, Pumpkin Spice, and Cinnamon', and 'Orange and Mango'. The goat also starts up another kettle of hot water, so there'll be hot water to pour for that teapot in the near future.


Scarcity commentates. "Don't use espresso powder though. That will make bad tea. Bwello did not like that espresso tea. It was bad."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim gets straight to making some kind of ungodly tea combo, humming a little tune.

"So...how did y'all get into this invention business?"

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara waits patiently for a lull in the conversation, eyeing the "Lime and Mint" tea on the table.

"A normal old sheath should be fine, I don't need anything fancy. That, a belt, and some watches should be plenty for me. ...And a cup of the mint tea, if that's alright."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:

Scarcity answers. "Oh! That's simple. Well, this facility was originally a formal facility, but uh...a long, time ago for certain reasons, the original creators couldn't be around anymore. Either left for somewhere else or other things happened to them. I was made as a utility assistant and served to help them run stuff for a while, and after they left we decided to keep some of the experiments running and just do things, on my own."

Bwellothorn follows that up. "I wasn't made for anything in particular, more of a proof of concept sort of deal to test facilities here, but I also, well. Ended up doing some of the same stuff. While, we weren't the only ones taking care of this facility after the original staff left, the others ended up filtering off their own ways. Every now and again one occasionally visits. Last visit was...maybe, eight years ago? I don't know. I don't actually keep track. In any case trying to make and iterate on things is a fun way to pass the time"

The goat also, slides over the mint tea and a tiny teapot and teaspoon towards Kara.

Scarcity thinks for a few moments. "I'll go look for that sheathe, a belt, the experimental knife, and whatnot. Uh...what do you want again?" They point at Cliche.

"Uh...spatial pocket sounds like a fun idea. Could I get one with some welding stock?"

The dog robot nods. "Yep. Alright, I'll be back in a bit." Scarcity trots off to other rooms, to search for things.

...of the roughly, four active tea kettles, three are done. One very tiny one is used by Bwellothorn to fill their own miniature teapot.
"And...water's ready. Given that...I think the last one is only really needed if we get into refill territory, that should be enough for initial teatime, I think."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim holds out her cup, eager for that tea!

"Must be lonely out here, then..."

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
"...Isn't it always?" Kara murmurs, waiting patiently for the water to be passed her way.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn blinks a couple times before realizing people are expecting the hot water to also be directly provided.

They grab a kettle and walk over to provide hot water to Maxim's teapot, then walk back to put down that kettle and grab the other one, then walk over to pour water in Kara's teapot.

"Well, not too too lonely. There are of course some visitors on more regular basis...mostly, though The Connection. Varies in, friendliness. And I've had to kick the shit out of a few assholes. Last time we met someone was probably...a month ago, roughly. They were lost and we had some tea, and then they left. All in all a pretty okay experience. Even in lulls it's not too bad. Quiet's nice sometimes, you know."

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara nods and checks the tea tin to make sure the tea had steeped long enough, before pouring it into a cup that had been sitting to the left. She waits for someone else to drink before doing so herself.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace takes a few moments to realize it actually has something to contribute to the discussion!

"I was built as a self-defense and protection drone. I would frequently escort and protect my creator while they gathered resources and artifacts from The Connection. Unfortunately, my creator and I became separated during one such excursion, and now I'm... here."

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara nods, watching the steam rise from her cup of tea. She glances from it to Vembrace.

"Is there anywhere you're trying to get to? You sound a bit...unhappy? About being here. Or at least confused."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Scarcity kinda just, looks back and forth. "Yeah, that does seem kinda rough. Sorry to hear about that bud."

Bwellothorn drinks a little bit directly from their tiny teapot, which looks very silly. They then pour into their teacup, without commentary.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace pauses for a moment.

"I'm not... unhappy. Confused, I think, is more accurate. I would like to find them again so that I may offer my protection, but the Connection is vast and complex."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"Well, maybe it'd help to get some people going along with you! A proper traveling party!"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Scarcity considers commentating but instead decides to steal from an old game's soundtrack to play music.

Then, they begin taking the objects they've gathered out of, well, nowhere really. It looks kind of fuzzy and weird if one were to pay attention to them taking items out of nonexistent pockets.

Next to Kara, a plain belt and sheath are placed, alongside a small clear treasure chest. Inside it are roughly fifteen different watches.

Next to Maxim, a bright green glowing orb, with a small red button indent is placed. On its own, it floats in the air, as if defying gravity...as well as probably a few laws of space and time. On the table, a glossy black sheathed kitchen knife [santoku knife, if you need to know what kind] is placed. Along the blade and in some other spots there are glowing lines. As Scarcity is holding it, they are lit with a faint rose. It becomes an unlit crystalline silver after they leave it on the table. Finally, a forest green and dark grey walkie-talkie is put down. It has a button to hold to talk to it, a speaker, a volume knob, and a bright red 'emergency alert' button, carefully covered with a transparent latch case, so you don't press it on accident.

Scarcity puts an odd cube which is dark grey, with some red engravings and gold decor. It similarly seems to float and defy gravity. Cliche messes with it a bit, before managing to fold it open and look in, reaching their arm in to take out some welding stock, before returning it to the cube and closing it up.
Cliche comments with one word. "Nice."

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara dips her head in gratitude, taking the items placed before her with a simple, "Thank you."

She equips the belt with the sheath and places her sword safely within it, and turn to look at her companions gifts with curiosity and a vague skepticism. She wonders if she should've asked for more...but she didn't want to push her luck with her hosts. Also, only time would tell how volatile everyone else's artifacts would end up being. Best to play it safe.

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim looks over the orb in awe, their expression only growing more awed as the other goods are put down.

"Wow...this stuff is incredible! Can a whole cooking set really fit in there? What about those glowy bits on the knife, what are those for? And! And, what's the big red button for?!"

Their excitement is palpable!

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn does a little bow, before explaining.

"You can do wonders with a little forbidden knowledge. The glowy bits are so you can see if you're cutting in the dark and also for the uh. Well, it'd take a bit to explain but it helps it cut through some certain ingredients...and the big red button signals for help if you're in an emergency."

They then take another drink of tea...


Scarcity follows up with a question.
"So, uh, what are you going to do next? Lots of options. You could take a pass through the Connection and go anywhere, or just head on out unless you want an extended tour or something...or to play metasolitaire..."
It taps a claw against its chin. "I am trying to see if I'm forgetting anything..."