-{ M e l o c a n i a }-

[Wilds]

There's something funky about Six... Take that one - curiosity killed the, uh, plant, but satisfaction brought it back, and all that. Six is a good name in itself, too.

[Pichi2214]

Oh shit, sorry Yawn, did not realize we are not the same entity since we spawned in with your body. So like.... Sorry about that whole being very pushy thing at first, took a moment to realize.


I've seen plenty of people live their lives with a twenty die ....however they tend to have positive modifiers to increase luck, so maybe not.
Personally I'd pick 6 because critically failing does Not sound good.
As for a name.... I like Bit. Or Snore!! To match your name

[King-Clod]

How about the 20-sided die? The coin seems to bring far too much critical successes and failures, and the six-sided die is...concerning. You can name it whatever you like, Yawn.

[Ignispark]

The coin would be an interesting pick. It would be especially so if the coin has a slim chance of landing on its side. Though, there seems to be something quite unique about the six-sided pippet. Either of those choices seem ideal.
As far as names, perhaps just mash together whatever syllables come to mind. Random chance for random chance. Perhaps that would be fitting.

[skinstealer]

Get That Coin

[SHIVERS]

???: Oh, we're not you. Our bad, existence is weird sometimes.
YAWN: Don't worry, I'm an expert.



???: So like... Sorry about that whole being very pushy thing at first. Took a moment to realize.
YAWN: Hmm...
YAWN: I forgive you.

YAWN: ...This time.
???: !


YAWN: ...What?
???: ...
YAWN: I'm only playing with you!
YAWN: Lighten up a little.





???: ...Well.
???: ...I do hope we can figure out what we are, and help you along the way!
YAWN: You're in my head, so I'll figure out what you are!
YAWN: And clearly, you're just my intuition. ...Or something.
YAWN: So I'll call you that.








INTUITION: Oh.



YAWN: Now, back to what I was doing.
YAWN: Picking one of these things...

INTUITION: Obviously your input is valid too Yawn, but Twenty seems like the best choice here.
YAWN: Possibly...
INTUITION: I personally think the coin seems most appropriate.
YAWN: Could be, I do like th--
YAWN: . . .
YAWN: ...wait, what?
INTUITION: All creatures are creatures of extremes. And mayhaps when you accept risk...
INTUITION: You should always take the risk with the most likely outcome of success, and that is the coin--
INTUITION: There's something funky about Six...
YAWN: ...Intuition, please--
INTUITION: Take that one - curiosity killed the, uh, plant.
INTUITION: But satisf--
YAWN: You just said--!
INTUITION: How about the 20-sided die?
YAWN: . . .
YAWN: ...what is... happening...? 



INTUITION: . . .
INTUITION: ...The coin would be an interesting pick.
INTUITION: It would be especially so if the coin has a slim chance of landing on its side.
INTUITION: ...Though, there seems to be something quite unique ab--
YAWN: NO MORE, THANK YOU.











YAWN: "Coin! Two! Whatever it's called."
YAWN: "...Please and thank you."
 

The other two pillars fade out, breaking away into nothing as the dice disappear.

Yawn reaches out to grasp the coin,
but it fizzles away and disappears...


...Only to reappear just in front of Yawn's right shoulder,
fizzling back into existence with a soft, sifting noise.

???: "Hello."
YAWN: "Hi."
???: "...I'll skip the pleasantries, if it's all the same to you.
YAWN: "Oh. Sure."
???: "Customarily, denizens of Melocania give their pippet a name when they receive them."



INTUITION: Perhaps the pippet can be called Denios?
INTUITION: You can name it whatever you like, Yawn.
INTUITION: How about Bit? Six is a good name, too.
INTUITION: Actually, just mash together whatever syllables come to mind.
YAWN: Let's keep this simple.



 YAWN: "Bit's a good name for you."
???: "As in binary?"
???: "Clever."
YAWN: "...What?"
???: "...Nevermind."
BIT: "Thank you for the name."
YAWN: "Of course! I picked it out myself."





BIT: "There's some information we need to go over now."
BIT: "And I'd like to finish it in a comfortable amount of time."
YAWN: "Agreed. Try and make it quick. I'm sure I'll pick it up fine, anyway."
BIT: "...Let's get started."



















"First off: Rolls.
Rolls are a naturally-occurring phenomenon of Melocania.
All rolls are valued on a scale of 1-20, with higher numbers being a better outcome."

"As your Pippet, I will do these rolls automatically.
In my case, this consists of... flipping to see which side I land on.
This will determine the outcome of many actions you take, as well as passive events."
BIT: "Given you chose me, your rolls will consist of 20s and 1s:  Critical successes, and critical failures." 
BIT: "...I hope you consider yourself lucky."
YAWN: "Of course I do."
BIT: "Let's hope you're right, then."



"In addition to rolls, outcomes are also determined by your personal stats.
Your stats will affect almost everything you do while in Melocania."

YAWN: "I have those...?"
BIT: "Yes."
BIT: "Here are your stats thus far."









YAWN: "...'Com'... 'Pac'..."
YAWN: "...Bit, I don't have a clue what any of these mean."
BIT: "That's alright. I'd planned to go over them with you."
Bit clears their throat, or at least simulates the act.
















"PHYSICALITY stats are shown in orange, and are relatively simple.
They deal with your physical body; how well you can use it, and what for.
Your effectiveness in combat is mostly determined by PHYSICALITY stats, as well.
At base level, these stats are affected by your species and morph, as well as any outlying physical attributes."



"Force is physical strength. 
How hard you can hit, how much weight you can lift, that sort of thing.
If you want to move, break or carry something sturdy, you'd need to roll Force.
Additionally, your rating with this affects your ability to use large, heavy weapons."
YAWN: "And I'm starting with a negative in this becaauuse...?"
YAWN: "I'm plenty strong."
BIT: "Snap Lukos are typically less physically strong than other Luko morphs, owing to their small size and more delicate limbs."
YAWN: "...I'm an exception, then."
BIT: "..."



"Precision is exactly as it sounds.
Anything that requires precise timing, positioning, or balance would require a Precision roll.
Weapons that require Precision can be anything from rapiers to firearms."
YAWN: "...Hey."



"Pace is your physical speed.
Not just how quickly you can run; it involves your reflexes, as well.
If you need to sprint, dodge something, or catch something, you'd roll Pace.
Pace weapons would include dual-wielded weapons, certain small blades, and rapid-fire projectiles."



"Absence is more of an outlier, but it comes down to stealth.
It involves keeping your presence to a minimum - thus the name.
If you need to hide, move silently, or blend in with a crowd, you'd roll Absence.
This stat mainly affects concealed weapons."

BIT: "Does all that make sense?"
YAWN: "Yes, yes, smash stuff. Got it."
BIT: "..."











"MENTALITY stats are shown in green, and affect how you think about the world, and yourself.
They often involve picking up on information you otherwise might not.
Though, they can also deal with emotions, and even certain physical activities.
At base level, these stats are affected by your personality; namely, questions you answered before spawning."
YAWN: "What questions?"
BIT: "...The questions you answered - most likely - a few minutes ago."
BIT: "You can't spawn without answering them."
BIT: "Have you forgotten already?"
YAWN: "I'm telling you, I never answered any questions!"
BIT: "...It's alright. I wouldn't worry about it."
YAWN: "..."



"Composure is your ability to keep calm despite your circumstances.
It deals not only with stressful situations, but pain tolerance as well.
An important note is that it will not make you less stressed, nor heal your wounds.
It will only allow you to keep going despite these things, and hide your distress and pain from others."
YAWN: "There's another mistake on my stat sheet."
BIT: "There isn't."
YAWN: "I have a negative two in Composure."
BIT: "Correct."
YAWN: "No, not correct."
BIT: "It is."
YAWN: "Why? "
BIT: "...Let's move on, Yawn. I'd like to get through all this quickly."



"Sense is self-explanatory.
Attempting to gain information using your senses - your sight and hearing, mainly - will come down to a Sense roll.
Though, Sense rolls often happen automatically, without warning, allowing you to potentially notice something in the moment.
It's worth noting that a high Sense stat can lead to sensory overload if too much is happening at once."



"Inference deals with following logical threads to a conclusion.
Put pieces together and intuit solutions or answers based your available information.
And, when you can't solve a problem outright, Inference will help you theorize better.
Though, endless over-analysis can be taxing on one's mental health."
YAWN: "..."
YAWN: "...I shouldn't have--"



"Finally, Drama deals with emotions, and 'acting.'
Detect the emotional cues of others better, as well as picking up on when they're acting in some way; typically lying.
On the flipside: Drama helps you fake emotions more convincingly, and lie better in general, should you need to.
The stat may help you play other parts better, but it won't help you deal with repercussions if you're found out."
YAWN: "...Don't look at me like that."
BIT: "I wasn't."







"The EXTRANATURALITY group of stats are in purple,
and are... new, to the expansion, replacing the old, simpler magic system.
They deal with extranatural entities, and can grant powerful... abilities,
at the expense of exposing yourself to extranatural forces - which I would say is inadvisable in all circumstances -
but especially in the case of having a negative in these stats, as you are essentially placing a target on your back."



"Seraphic deals with... angels.
Considering their reputation, I doubt I need to explain much.
Suffice to say, there are fates worse than death.
...However, begrudgingly, I can't brush off the immense power they hold.
There is no question that having an angel on your side could trivialize most potential problems.
The more sensible question, then, is:  Do you want an angel on your side?"



"Depth concerns the 'Neleval', which I know little about.
Research on them is practically nonexistent, due to their elusive nature and lack of concrete evidence on their existence.
There are really only rumors.
Supposedly, they existed even before the angels.
Supposedly, they speak an ancient, long-forgotten language.
It's all hearsay, really. But I would tread lightly."



"Realmic..."
Bit sighs.
"...Fairies. And fairy realms."
YAWN: "You have a problem with fairies?"
BIT: "...Let's just say if any of these extranatural entities are purely fictional... I'd bet on fairies."
BIT: "Put another way: They call them 'fairy tales' for a reason."
YAWN: "Clearly, that's what they want you to think."
BIT: "..."



"Memento supposedly deals with 'Memoirs'.
All I know is that it's apparently a location,
and that memories are involved somehow, hence the name.
Beyond that, it's a mystery.
No rumors, no fairy tales, nothing. Clearly not something to involve yourself in."



"It's my opinion that this new magic system is volatile and dangerous,
and should not be tampered with. 
Luckily, if you have a flat zero in these stats, you will rarely if ever have to roll for them.
'Ignorance is bliss,' is the mindset I'd suggest sticking with."









"You are of course, free to make your own decisions."



























BIT: "With that out of the way, let's see what the available class options are at the moment."



[ PYTHON ]
Proficiencies: FORCE / DRAMA / MEMENTO
Stat Changes: FORCE +3, DRAMA +3, MEMENTO +3, PRECISION -3, DEPTH -3
Class Skills: Prehensile, Lure, Shutdown

[ HORNET ]
Proficiencies: PRECISION / PACE / SENSE
Stat Changes: PRECISION +2, PACE +3, SENSE +3, DEPTH +1, FORCE -3, COMPOSURE -2, MEMENTO -1
Class Skills: Nest, Venom, Mechanosensory

[ WEASEL ]
Proficiencies: ABSENCE / COMPOSURE / DRAMA
Stat Changes: ABSENCE +3, COMPOSURE +2, DRAMA +3, REALMIC +1, PRECISION -3, INFERENCE -2, DEPTH -1
Class Skills: Squeeze, Slink, Feign

[ BLOODHOUND ]
Proficiencies: SENSE / INFERENCE / MEMENTO
Stat Changes: SENSE +3, INFERENCE +3, MEMENTO +3, PACE -3, REALMIC -3
Class Skills: Track, Discernment, Record

[ GULL ]
Proficiencies: FORCE / PRECISION / PACE
Stat Changes: FORCE +3, PRECISION +3, PACE +3, ABSENCE -1, COMPOSURE -1, DRAMA -1, SERAPHIC -3
Class Skills: Dent, Trip, Counter

[ HALLOW ]
Proficiencies: PRECISION / SENSE / SERAPHIC
Stat Changes: PRECISION +3, SENSE +3, SERAPHIC +3, FORCE -3, DRAMA -3 
Class Skills: Judgment, Divination, Halo

[ SYLPH ]
Proficiencies: INFERENCE / DRAMA / REALMIC
Stat Changes: INFERENCE +3, DRAMA +3, REALMIC +3, FORCE -3, PACE -3 
Class Skills: Charm, Glimpse, Flit

[ DIVER ]
Proficiencies: FORCE / ABSENCE / DEPTH
Stat Changes: FORCE +3, ABSENCE +3, DEPTH +3, SENSE -3, INFERENCE -3 
Class Skills: Prong, Ink, Mitosis

[ CHRONICLE ]
Proficiencies: PACE / COMPOSURE / MEMENTO
Stat Changes: PACE +3, COMPOSURE +3, MEMENTO +3, SENSE -3, SERAPHIC -3 
Class Skills: Ghost, Ring, Overwrite

[ MOCKINGBIRD ]
Proficiencies: SERAPHIC / DEPTH / REALMIC
Stat Changes: SERAPHIC +3, DEPTH +3, REALMIC +3, PRECISION -2, COMPOSURE -2, MEMENTO -2 
Class Skills: Beckon, Blue, Carbon









BIT: "..."
BIT: "I wish you luck."

YAWN: "ER..."
YAWN: "What... do the different skills do?"
BIT: "I am not allowed to tell you until you've chosen a class."
YAWN: "It's fine, just tell me."
BIT: "I cannot. I am not allowed."
YAWN: "...Bit. Tell me."
BIT: "..."
YAWN: "Bit! "
BIT: "No."

[knux400]

Hmm... Generally the preferred strategy with these kinds of stats is to buff up the ones you already have a high score in. Plus I feel like that would fit nicely with our choice of Pippit. That said, Yawn seems to have positive scores in Pace, Sense, and Drama, so a class that enhances those would be our best option. HORNET looks good to me.

By the way, Yawn, apparently we're multiple voices instead of one cohesive one, so we may have conflicting opinions on what to do. Sorry in advance, I guess.





...can you say hi to Bit for us? they're cute.

[MarxzVulpez]

You should probably go with something that shores up your negative stats while also improving where you're already good, because even if Bit's rolls (being either outright success or failures) are what happens when we do stuff, you should also consider for if you're contesting someone's rolls against you
looking at them I'd recommend the following:

[Python] a juicy looking +5 to being able to read and feint emotions is very tempting, and getting our noodly force out of the gutter would potentially be nice as well, though the hit to precision isn't great and I'm not thrilled about the potential vulnerability to whatever the hell Depths holds.

[Gull] Similar situation to Python, but with a Pace boost rather than Drama, but to a slightly lesser extent. also trading the Depths negative for a Seraphic negative and I don't know which is more concerning

[Sylph] and [Chronicle] could also be fairly interesting with what you've got, esp if you feel like ditching some physicality for some wacky hijinks

There's also the mystery of what the skills do outside of our own intuition, so that's a fairly pick and prey subject at this time.
also concurring on there being multiple voices coming from Intuition, there's a few of us in here

[MarxzVulpez]

Also, Hey Bit
what pronouns should we address you with?

[Pichi2214]

Seconding saying hi to Bit from us, the tired bnuuy seems cool

Also not just Bit, any specific Pronouns you'd want, Yawn?

Aaand lastly, I mean. We are already a chaotic mix of.... Intuition and you and have a coin buddy, might as well go all out and pick mockingbird, what could go wrong? And at the very least standing positive with most of the forces cant be all that bad
(if that's not an option I suppose chronicle followed by hornet if that has more of a consensus between.... You and the rest of us)

[victorianflorist]

SLYPH!!! SLYPH SLYPH SLYPH, Pick Sylph Yawn. It'll quench your thirst for advemture! Slyiiph!!!! ))))))

Nothikg quenches Luke SLYPH

[Ignispark]

Since we're already tempting fate...Mockingbird would be quite fitting.

[King-Clod]

As the other said, there are a lot of us in here. Meaning that the advice we give you will sometimes be...conflicting. If it'd help, we could separate ourselves by name within this collective. Might make things a little easier.

I think the best of these choices would have to be Weasel. It works off of one of the stats you already have, giving you a +5 to Drama, and brings back up your Composure stat to a 0. The Magic influences are smaller in this build than most others (which if we're following Bit's advice to keeping those influences small, is a good thing.) Your Precision would take a hit, but this class seems to give you the ability to slink around undetected more, which may suit you for the dangers up ahead.

But as always, it is your decision in the end. What sort of a approach would you like to take towards problems?

[SHIVERS]

INTUITION: By the way, Yawn, apparently we're multiple voices instead of one cohesive one.
INTUITION: So we may have conflicting opinions on what to do. Sorry in advance, I guess.
YAWN: Multiple? I only hear one. And what is this 'we' stuff? You're just a part of me.


INTUITION: Also concurring on there being multiple voices coming from Intuition, there are a lot of us in here.
INTUITION: If it'd help, we could separate ourselves by name within this collective. Might make things a little easier.
YAWN: Collect-- No? No!
YAWN: ONE is enough, please.









INTUITION: Also, Hey Bit, what pronouns should we address you with?
INTUITION: Not just Bit, any specific pronouns you'd want, Yawn?
YAWN: Shouldn't you know? You... All? ...are in here... with me. Aren't you just--?
YAWN: ...or... you're--

They drop the topic entirely.

YAWN: ...Bit can't hear you, you're in my head.
INTUITION: ...can you say hi to Bit for us? they're cute.
YAWN: . . .
YAWN: Cute--
YAWN: Intuition, they're a floating coin.
YAWN: What's wrong with you?
YAWN: Or, what's wrong with m-

Yawn debates for a few seconds whether they find Bit 'cute' in any way.

YAWN: Nope. That's all you.
YAWN: ...Fine, then you're... separate. Somehow.

YAWN: I'm not wasting any more time thinking about how that works.

INTUITION: Seconding saying hi to Bit from us, the tired bunny seems cool.
YAWN: . . . . . . . [SIGH]


 YAWN: ...You owe me for this. Every one of you.














Yawn takes a breath.




YAWN: "Intuitionsaysyourecute."
BIT: ". . ."
BIT: "...Pardon?"
YAWN: ". . ."
YAWN: "...Pronouns?"
BIT: "Let's stick with they/them for now. We just met."
BIT: "Yours?"
YAWN: "Xe/xem."

BIT: "Noted. Did you decide on a class yet?"
YAWN: "I'm... thinking! Don't rush me."










INTUITION: Hmm...
INTUITION: Generally the preferred strategy with these kinds of stats is to buff up the ones you already have a high score in. 
Plus I feel like that would fit nicely with our choice of Pippit. 
That said, Yawn seems to have positive scores in Pace, Sense, and Drama, so a class that enhances those would be our best option. 
HORNET looks good to me.
YAWN: . . .
INTUITION: You should probably go with something that shores up your negative stats while also improving where you're already good, 
because even if Bit's rolls (being either outright success or failures) are what happens when we do stuff, you should also consider for if you're contesting someone's rolls against you
looking at them I'd recommend the following:
PYTHON: a juicy looking +5 to being able to read and feint emotions is very tempting, 
and getting our noodly force out of the gutter would potentially be nice as well, 
though the hit to precision isn't great and I'm not thrilled about the potential vulnerability to whatever the hell Depths holds.
YAWN: . . . Intuition.
INTUITION: GULL is a similar situation to Python, but with a Pace boost rather than Drama, but to a slightly lesser extent. 
also trading the Depth negative for a Seraphic negative and I don't know which is more concerning.
SYLPH and CHRONICLE could also be fairly interesting with what you've got, especially if you feel like ditching some physicality for some wacky hijinks.
YAWN:    .   .   .   
INTUITION: There's also the mystery of what the skills do outside of our own intuition, so that's a fairly pick and prey subject at this time.
I think the best of these choices would have to be WEASEL. It works off of one of the stats you already have, giving you a +5 to Drama,
and brings back up your Composure stat to a 0. 
The Magic influences are smaller in this build than most others (which if we're following Bit's advice to keeping those influences small, is a good thing.) 
Your Precision would take a hit, but this class seems to give you the ability to slink around undetected more, which may suit you for the dangers up ahead.
Since we're already tempting fate... MOCKINGBIRD would be quite fitting. We are already a chaotic mix of.... Intuition and you and have a coin buddy, 
might as well go all out and pick MOCKINGBIRD, what could go wrong? And at the very least standing positive with most of the forces cant be all that bad
(if that's not an option I suppose CHRONICLE followed by HORNET if that has more of a consensus between.... You and the rest of us)


YAWN: ...mm..






INTUITION: SLYPH!!!
YAWN: !!!
INTUITION: SLYPH SLYPH SLYPH  Pick Sylph Yawn.
INTUITION: It'll quench--
YAWN: NO, ON PRINCIPLE. You're in MY head, you don't get to yell at me!
YAWN: No Screaming, or I CAN and WILL find a way to burn you out of here.



INTUITION: . . .
INTUITION: But as always, it is your decision in the end.
INTUITION: What sort of approach would you like to take towards problems?










YAWN: ...








YAWN: ...















YAWN: "Mockingbird."


BIT: ". . ."


BIT: "Please repeat that. Take your time to think."
BIT: "You wouldn't want to rush into anything."
YAWN: "I said it already. Mockingbird."







BIT: ". . ."



BIT: "Alright. I'll update your stat sheet."



BIT: "Give me a moment."







Bit disappears.





























Something is wrong.




It feels as if something has clamped onto xem,
as if a towering mosquito is holding the plant still 

while it finds a blood vessel.








Yawn reflexively twitches and freezes, mouth agape.
A sharp sensation hits xem,
the tactile sense of brain, body, and something else being pierced from the inside.






The needlelike feeling gradually wears away.

But the dread doesn't leave.




















A dizzy spell overtakes Yawn.
Numbness spreads out through xer limbs like dull sparks.

Xer body trembles as xe fall to xer knees, unable to stand back up.












A burning fear crawls its way into into xer head,
attaching itself there,
hastily bubbling its way out to the surface.

Xe struggle to keep xer breath.














Pressure surrounds Yawn.
Tight, all-encompassing;

the inundating stricture of sunken abyss.


A fathomless, 
empty 

fissure 
surrounded by tightening mass.


In the long below,



where the clawing roots of the most impressive flora don't dare reach.






















In distant elsewhere,
something calls to xem.


A dwelling

names itself home, 
as one would title themself keeper of a pet.



Respite, 

gifts, 

offered by a cage.





















Xer mind overflows with dim, fuzzy liquid,
static bleeding its way across the brain in shallow waves.


It's worryingly painless as memories blur,

swishing about, 
melding, 

fading.


The past severs tendons long-bound,
filling them instead with strings of loose snow;

garbled and indecipherable. 
































Bells toll far overhead.
Light breaches unseeable clouds.


A delayed vision hits xem.
For brief, dire seconds. 















Eyes meet.



























The vision fades.





Yawn collapses.






























Bit reappears near Yawn's shoulder, hovering over xem.








BIT: "...Oh."
BIT: "I apologize. I didn't know how bad that would be."
BIT: "...I really don't care for this new system. Playing with fire is putting it mildly."
BIT: "Though, the effects would've been minimized if you'd gone for a less... drastic class."



BIT: "...[SIGH]."

BIT: "But nevermind that. Are you alright?"








YAWN: "I'M FINE."
BIT: ". . ."
YAWN: "...LOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE, PLEASE."
BIT: "Your negative composure stat is going to become an issue very quickly."
BIT: "I would recommend minimizing stress, as best you can."
YAWN: "I... am fine! Honestly, you worry too much."



BIT: "...Alright."









BIT: "Well, regardless, you can start correcting your stats next time you level up."
YAWN: "How does that work?"
BIT: "Don't worry about that now. I'll explain in more detail later."



BIT: "Do you feel able to continue into the next room?"



Yawn glances around the room, 
finding another door with a symbol, just like the previous one.


YAWN: "Of course I can."

Xe hurry over and tap the symbol, stepping through into the next room.















Inside, the room is quite small.

There are three machines lined up against the wall,
which vaguely resemble slot machines.

Each has a lever at its side, along with two displays on its front:  
the top one has a blank text readout;
and the bottom one with a simple number, currently at zero.
Additionally, they all have a yellow button next to their lever.


One machine is orange, one is green, one is purple.
The first two have huge slots at the bottom, presumably where a prize would drop to.

While the third slot machine is instead connected to a giant stone circle against the right wall.








BIT: "I remember these."
BIT: "Slots to provide some starting equipment and a first location, while letting you test out rolling."
BIT: "Not a very helpful tutorial at all, in my opinion."

Yawn says nothing, still looking shaken.

Bit glances at xem, but doesn't bring it up.



BIT: "There isn't much to choose with these."
BIT: "Each machine revolves around one stat group."
BIT: "Pulling the lever will randomly decide between the four stats in that group, then I'll roll to determine what you get."
BIT: "You can also push the yellow button on one of them instead, which will automatically pick a positive stat to roll."
BIT: "However, doing so will dock five points from your final roll, capping your reward."












BIT: "Really, I wouldn't stress over the decision. If you get something you don't want, you can always sell it."
YAWN: "I am not... stressed."


 BIT: ". . ."
BIT: "...Playing slots is a little exciting, isn't it?"
BIT: "You should try and have fun with it."

[victorianflorist]

At least your choice got a little bit of the fairies in there, now you have fairies entwined with you within and without. How delightful!

Yawn, please set those slots a-spinning! I'm personally feeling very lucky, don't touch those yellow buttons, yellow is the caution color for a very good reason.

[knux400]

If it makes you feel any better, Yawn, that eye thing was freaky for us too. But if you'd rather not discuss it, that's fine.

Anyway, as for the slots- I think it might be worth pressing the yellow button for the green slot, just to avoid the chance of getting something associated with your COM stat. You should be alright playing the other two normally.

[Ignispark]

Politely request a few...bits...of information. What was that spooky eye? What do the abilities do? Is there a slim chance of getting the edge of the coin instead of a face?

I also think going with chance on all but the green is good, and picking the yellow button for green is a good idea, but throwing caution to the wind has been the trend, so all slots spinning could be fun too.

[King-Clod]

I agree, asking Bit what our class can do would probably be a good bet, at least before we exit this room.
Definitely press the yellow button on the green slot machine, I don't trust leaving that one up to chance. I'm also curious what a drama based item would look like, to be fair.
Oh and, I won't talk much about what just happened for your sake Yawn but. I'm glad you're alright. You really worried me for a second there.

[SHIVERS]

INTUITION: Politely request a few...
INTUITION: bits
INTUITION: ...of information.
YAWN: HAH.
YAWN: Terrible. That isn't even funny.
YAWN: . . .
YAWN: ...alright, maybe that helped. A smidge.
YAWN: Fine. Let's do that first.
YAWN: Did you have ideas?



YAWN: "Let's talk first. I have questions."
BIT: "Alright."
YAWN: "What can ou-"
YAWN: "What can my class do? These abilities-"
 BIT: "Skills."
YAWN: "...skills. What do these skills do?"
BIT: "Sure, I'll give you the descriptions as I have them."

BIT: "Let's see..."

A tiny, floating book fizzles into existence in front of Bit.










:: BECKON ::
Call forth a random extranatural entity. 
If you form a bond with this entity, you may call it specifically in the future. 
Calling a random entity will be more demanding on the body. 
When beckoning a specific entity, roll appropriate extranatural stat.
Cannot call entities related to MEMENTO.


BIT: "...I don't believe this is worth using. Ever."
BIT: "An extranatural entity could more than likely solve any problem you'd throw it at."
BIT: "And the positive stats means they shouldn't harm You."
BIT: "But everything beyond that is a risk. Anything could happen."
YAWN: "Even summoning a fairy."
BIT: "..."
YAWN: "..."
BIT: "[SIGH]"
BIT: "...Yes. If somehow fairies turn out to be real, you might summon one."







:: BLUE ::
Perform a random extranatural skill by rolling the appropriate stat. 
MUST specify which stat is being rolled - 
Blue Angel for SERAPHIC, Blue Fairy for REALMIC, and Blue Deep for DEPTH. 
Cannot roll MEMENTO skills.


YAWN: "Ugh. Does it all have to be random chance?"
BIT: "Often, yes. Get used to that."
BIT: "And this one is technically three skills."
BIT: "Blue Angel, Blue Fairy, and Blue Deep."
BIT: "So, you'll need to specify which you want to use."
BIT: "Still risky, but you have a better chance of using something helpful that may not cause other issues."







:: CARBON ::
Take on the appearance of a random sort of extranatural entity for an indefinite amount of time. 
Stats and available skills may change.
Cannot appear as entities related to MEMENTO.

BIT: "Well."
BIT: "If you're in dire straits, I suppose... turning into something else could... help."
BIT: "My guess is that you'd have greatly-improved stats and access to powerful skills. But that's only a guess."
BIT: "And... 'indefinite'. Could be an hour, could be a day - it doesn't specify."
BIT: "And I've never seen this skill used before."
BIT: "You should be careful."
YAWN: "I know what I'm doing. I'll be fine."



BIT: "Overall, my advice is to try and stick it out until you find other skills."
BIT: "If you have to use a skill sooner..."
BIT: "...Stick with Blue. Use Carbon in a pinch, and Beckon as a last resort."

BIT: "And keep in mind:  using most skills will take a physical toll on you."
BIT: "It's typically as simple as feeling more fatigued depending on the strength and utility of said skill."
BIT: "But... these are all extranatural skills. There's no telling what might happen to you."



BIT: "Those are my thoughts, but it's ultimately your call."
BIT: "Just don't get yourself killed."
YAWN: "Sure, yes. Moving on."


Bit's book fizzles away.










YAWN: "Is there a chance of you landing on your side, rather than your front or back?"
BIT: "Incredibly slim, but technically, yes, I suppose it could happen."
YAWN: "Oooh, what's it do? What happens?"
BIT: ". . ."
BIT: "...I don't know."
BIT: "It never came up in training, and hasn't happened to me so far."
BIT: "I'm sure it won't be an issue, either way."





INTUITION: Ask bit about that spooky eye.
YAWN: ...No.
INTUITION: If it makes you feel any better, Yawn, that eye thing was freaky for us too.
INTUITION: But if you'd rather not discuss it, that's fine.
YAWN: Yes, let's not.
INTUITION: I won't talk much about what just happened for your sake Yawn but...
INTUITION: ...I'm glad you're alright. You really worried me for a second there.
YAWN: . . .
YAWN: ...thank you...





YAWN: ...Think that's plenty of questions. 
YAWN: Let's go.
















YAWN: "So!"

Yawn claps xer vines together.

YAWN: "Slots!"






Xe step over to the slot machines, giving each a glance.

INTUITION: At least your choice earlier got a little bit of the fairies in there.
YAWN: Not the time-
INTUITION: Now you have fairies entwined with you within and without. How delightful!
YAWN: ...You. I recognize that tone now.
YAWN: You're the one who was screaming before.
INTUITION: Yawn, please set those slots a-spinning!
INTUITION: I'm personally feeling very lucky, don't touch those yel--
YAWN: I'm not listening to a thing you say until you apologize.





Yawn takes a breath, not realizing xe'd been scowling.

Bit gives xem a confused glance.

YAWN: "It's nothing! I... am..."
YAWN: "...having some trouble focusing."







INTUITION: Anyway, as for the slots-
INTUITION: I think it might be worth pressing the yellow button for the green slot. 
INTUITION: Just to avoid the chance of getting something associated with your COM stat.
INTUITION: I also think going with chance on all but the green is a good idea.
INTUITION: I don't trust leaving that one up to chance.



INTUITION: ...But throwing caution to the wind has been the trend, so--
YAWN: No.
YAWN: Not this time.
YAWN: ...Yellow button for the green one is fine. Easy.















 

Yawn pulls the lever on the orange machine first.



The four options cycle through each other,
soon landing on...



ABSENCE

BIT: "Rolling . . . "



A sharp 'CLINK' noise rings out from Bit as if they'd been flicked into the air.









Momentarily, they 'land' with a dull 'THUNK',


then flip up onto their side so the result is visible . . .










1 + 0 (no modifier) = 
[1]
[color=#e74c3c]CRITICAL FAILURE
[/font]

BIT: "Ah."

Bit flips back around.

BIT: "Unfortunate."
YAWN: "THAT'S what you look like on your other side?!"
BIT: "Yes."

The machine sputters,
something clanking down into the slot at the bottom.

BIT: "Well, let's see what it is at the very least."





Yawn grumbles, reaching a vine into the slot and pulling out what's inside.
















 

:: WEAPON: SQUEAKY HAMMER ::
A noisy toy hammer with hard metal discs attached to both ends.
Rolls with ABSENCE to attack.
Lower rolls are louder, but inflict more damage,
while higher rolls are quieter, but weaker.

Yawn squints at it,
experimentally pushing it against the slot machine.



It squeaks.



YAWN: "...I want a redo."
BIT: "It could be worse."
BIT: "With the way your rolls work, that isn't a terrible weapon."
BIT: "It still looks painful to be struck by it."
BIT: "And if you succeed a roll... at least it won't notify anything nearby."
YAWN: "If you fail a roll, you mean."
BIT: "..."
BIT: "I don't have any more control over that than you do."
BIT: "Asserting that I would do this intentionally is uncalled for, to say the least."
BIT: " . . . "
BIT: "...I don't want this to be a point of contention between us."
YAWN: "..."
YAWN: "...sorry."
BIT: "Alright. Let's move on from that, then."





Xe look over the hammer.

YAWN: "Do I have to carry this around?"
YAWN: "I don't exactly want to advertise This as the thing I'm using to defend myself."
BIT: "Try to put it in your pocket."
YAWN: "It clearly wouldn't fit."
BIT: "Humor me."



The plant begrudgingly attempts to slide the Squeaky Hammer into one of xer pockets,
only for it to flash with red and disappear. 


BIT: "There, it's in your inventory now."
BIT: "You can do this with lots of useful things you find, just be mindful of your slots."
YAWN: "Why does that work?"
BIT: "I don't know the finer details of Melocania's mechanical systems."
BIT: "Best to assume it's some kind of magic."


Yawn experimentally reaches for xer pocket.
A vague red shape materializes in xer hand, forming into the full Squeaky Hammer within milliseconds.

Xe brandish a grin.

YAWN: "Oh this'll be VERY useful."
BIT: ". . ."













 

Yawn taps the yellow button on the green machine, watching it indent.
With that, xe pull the lever.

Again, the options flip through,
settling on...



SENSE

BIT: "Rolling . . . "































20 + 1 (- 5) = 
[16]
[/font]

Something clatters down into the slot.


[color=#d0a239]YAWN: "Now THAT'S more like it!"
BIT: "Congratulations."
BIT: "Let's see what you ended up with."





Yawn reaches into the slot and retrieves the item.














 

:: ACCESSORY: TESTIMONY MASK ::
When worn, will reveal fingerprints, footprints, and other information to the wearer,
along with an enhanced sense of sight, sound and smell for a brief period of time.
Overuse could result in side effects.

Yawn dangles the mask by its string.

YAWN: "...I can't imagine wanting to cover up my face."
YAWN: "More useful than the hammer, at least."












The plant eyes the purple machine up and down,
noting once more the giant stone circle connected to it.

YAWN: "...What's this one rolling for, Bit?"
BIT: "Starting location. So, your roll determines where you end up first."
BIT: "Considering it's using the Extranaturality stat group, I'd advise caution when going in, regardless of what you get."
YAWN: "No need for that!"
YAWN: "I'm... sure I can handle it!"


 





 

Xe pull the handle.



The stats cycle as the mechanism spins,
ending with...



MEMENTO

BIT: "Rolling . . . "































20 - 2 = 
[18]

[color=#d0a239]YAWN: "YES. Perfect!"
YAWN: "Another good roll!"
YAWN: "...That IS good for this, right?"
BIT: "I assume so."
BIT: "We'll find out soon enough."










 

The machine turns over, whirring like a motor.

The stone circle hums to life.






Its parts rearrange themselves,
elongating while shrinking in height as the stones' grey color burns off into black.




Once reshaped into a black rectangle,
some fluid-like substance drips from its edges,
pooling into the center and gradually forming into a visible liquid 'screen.'





An image is visible on the screen, 
though it's blurry and glitchy.[/font]

YAWN: "It's a... TV? "
BIT: "The shape of one, yes."
BIT: "Melocania warps tend to resemble the destination they lead you to."

Yawn turns xer head, watching the screen.

YAWN: "...What is that? A forest?"
BIT: "Hard to say. I'd guess a field at night."
] BIT: "I don't think it matters; this is the only exit."
YAWN: "I go THROUGH that?!"
BIT: "Yes."
YAWN: "..."
YAWN: "Fine. Easy."


Yawn extends a vine.


YAWN: "...I'll-"

Upon making contact with the screen,
deep black and white static crackles across xer body,
xer form soon disappearing into the portal.







































 

Dark.



It's dark in here.




Cramped.





Very cramped.




Yawn groans, shaking off what feels like sleep.

YAWN: "...where...?"

Xe can't see much, difficult to even turn xer head.
There's pale white metal above xem.

The plant is stuck inside of something.



Yawn curses under xer breath, wriggling against xer confines.

YAWN: "God's... sake, get me... OUT of this-"



Xe gasp as xe go tumbling off the metal shelf.



The clay planter pot shatters against the concrete floor, 
loosing the luko from its clutches.





Yawn shakes off the fall and collects xemself,
dazed but unharmed.

Though, xe soon realize what xe'd been contained in.


BIT: "!"



BIT: " . . .  "



BIT: "  .  .  .  "
YAWN: "Not a WORD."
BIT: "...I said nothing."











Yawn gets xer bearings.





The area you're in looks to be the garden section of a department store.


There's a wall not far behind you,
that's technically a big window, you think.
You can't tell, because thick metal shutters are blocking you from viewing anything outside.
You can't see sunlight through the tiny holes, so you assume it must be night.


To your right,
there's a few long shelves, but most look empty from what you can see.
Still, could be worth checking for anything useful.


To your left,
you find an exit past a handful of registers,
but it looks entirely blocked off.
Two refrigerators are on their sides, stacked atop one another against the exit.
They likely stored sodas beforehand, as you see red, translucent liquid seeping out from underneath them.
You don't think you'd have any chance of moving them, 
and it doesn't look like there's room to squeeze around them, either.


Finally, in front of you,
you can see a pair of automatic sliding doors that lead through to the rest of the store.
It's more than a little dark, though.
Over half of the lights are off, as best you can tell.
You'd be able to see your way around, but someone - or something - could easily hide and ambush you.





You see a few signs through the glass:
'SPORTING GOODS' (not far through the doors, pointing to the right)
'HEALTH & COSMETICS' (a bit further, pointing to the left)
'2ND FLOOR' (further still, pointing to the right)
'CLOTHING' (as far as you can see, pointing even farther ahead)







You squint as you stare out into the shadows of the store.

You definitely saw something moving out there.

Show Content

STATS, SKILLS, AND INVENTORY

[knux400]

That pot shattering made a pretty big noise. Let's pause a bit before we do anything else to see if that shadow decides to move in.