King's Mulligan [Interactive Project]

[King-Clod]

Well, I'm the last of my line, as the name would suggest. Took up my family's mantle to carry on their legacy, to protect people, and to avenge them.

Gallows here found me in rough shape a few nights ago... I had bitten off more than I could chew and the crown sought to make an example of me and my companions at the time. My gear is still busted from the event, but I'm working with what I've got. And working alongside Gallows and Courier has been more than helpful for getting me back on my feet, I only hope I can repay them fairly as I work with them.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: Well, as my name would suggest I’m the last of my line..

Tiles:  I took up my family’s name to carry their legacy, protect others and avenge them.

Tiles: Gallows found me in rough shape a few nights ago.. Bit off more than I can chew and the crown sought to make an example out of me and my companions at the time. My gear’s still busted from the event…

Tiles: At this point I’m left working with what I have..

Tiles: Being alongside Gallows and Courier has done a lot to help me get back on my feet. I can only hope to repay them as I work with them..



Motley: Well, you're in good hands.

Motley: Gallows and I met on a chance encounter, followed by a pleasant evening...

Motley: But since then, we not only have our time as partners, but as comrades in the fight against the crown!

Motley: A friend of his is a friend of mine, especially if they're helping on our quest.

Gallows: Aye.


 The rabbit turns to look at you.

Gallows: I know you've got your own goals but I hope you stick around a good while, someone like you would do a ton for us. 

Courier: Every person matters in the effort even if it seems like the impact we're making is small right now.

Tiles: Absolutely. I have plenty of plans of my own but at least for now having a group to support me...

Tiles: It's something I've missed...

Tiles: The loss of my guild has made life lonely to be blunt.

Motley: Consider our ragtag group a new home, then!

Motley: I'm not around a whole lot, but I'll make sure to swing by and make sure you're settling in.

Motley: And if you're ever in Cups, hit me up. That's my town.

Motley: Are we getting moving, then?

Gallows: Mm, we have someone to pick up before we finish our venture here. Someone who could be a massive ally in the effort... 


Courier: You never did explain, when were you told of this? Starman never said anything to me...

Gallows: I have my methods. Now follow me...

You can't help but raise a brow at how much this rabbit is keeping hidden from everyone but you're braced for anything. You certainly feel stronger after your spar earlier. 
 
This world is doing something to you for certain.

He stops at a house and signals for everyone to stop.

Gallows: You all ready? You're about to meet our secret weapon...

Gallows: Motley, you mind watching the door for a sec?

Motley: No prob at all, sweetheart!
 
She leans against the wall, tapping her sceptre against her shoulder. 
 
Motley: I'll hang tight.

The rabbit gives her a smile. 
 
Gallows: Appreciated, signal if anything goes screwy.

Motley: You got it!
 
She blows a kiss for emphasis.

Gallows returns the gesture before knocking on the door.

A voice like soft gravel speaks up from the other side.

???: Are you the delivery man?

Gallows: Just a passing wanderer looking for a cup of flour.

???: How many?

Gallows: Three, plus a watchman outside.

???: Come on in…

The door creaks open, Gallows leads you inside. You file in one at a time.

You can hear a kettle heating up tea. The scent of lavender fills the room from the scented candles. It’s cozy….

There’s a reflection much like Yours and Eddie from earlier settled in, a distinct shyness in her posture and tone.



???: You actually came..

Gallows: As promised, couldn’t help but sympathize with your particular position.

???: Mm, thank you.. You’re certain you’re okay with helping me?

Her form flickers.


Gallows: Of course, just need you to fill these two in.

???: Simple enough.

She turns her attention toward you, cheeks immediately turning bright.

???: A knight? A rather well dressed one at that… I wasn’t anticipating you’d go this far for me…



???: Would you like a bit of tea? It’s nothing special but..



Her form seems to keep destabilizing. 
 
???: Ah, this is embarrassing. I'm sorry....

[King-Clod]

There's no need to apologize, it's perfectly alright. Some tea would be lovely.

OOC: This is the second time our clothes have been mentioned while we're here - did they change during the battle? What about them changed?

[skinstealer]

give her a cute look and say that you're here to help 

but also do it flirtatiously

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: There’s no need to apologize, it’s perfectly alright. I'm here to help.

You give her a cute look in response, vocal tone a little flirtatious to test the waters here.

Tiles: Some tea would be lovely.



???: O-Of course, just a moment.

She sprints off to grab some for you.

Courier and Gallows are shaking, trying their very hardest not to let out a laugh.

Tiles: What’s so funny?

Courier: You just always seem so serious and then you have moments like these, it throws me off.

Gallows: I’m not one to speak but… it’s a little amusing.

Tiles: I’m allowed…

The reflection returns with a tray of tea in hand. She nudges a particular cup at you.

???: This one is yours! I do hope everyone likes it….

Gallows: It’s lovely.

Courier: Thank you so much!

Tiles: I needed this to be quite honest…

???: You're welcome to as much as you'd like.

You look at your cup of tea.



Little patterns. Diamonds like your outfit and tiny hearts…

How do you even do that with tea?

???: So... what would you like me to tell you?

[King-Clod]

Well, how about your name? And what we can help you with, of course.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Tiles: Well your name for starters, you haven’t told us yet.



???: Ah! Certainly... Crème Sandia. As for my request well…

Crème: It’s complicated and you have a right to refuse.



Gallows: Do you want me to explain?

Crème: It’d be best if I did it myself.

Crème: As you can see I am a reflection, one of someone with a lot of authority and funding in Crown circles. I’m sick of it.



Courier: You’re with the Crown?

Crème: Absolutely not! My surface world counterpart is. I was created a good long time ago when she was a fledgling sorcerer and well… we went our separate ways.

Crème: She distanced herself from me while I was left here forced to watch her tarnish our name and sell our culture to those above.

Tiles: You’re asking us to do a hit job?

Crème: Not quite… She wanders in here often, one of the few figures of the crown aware of this little pocket world.

Crème: I want you to help me ambush her during her daily stroll and land a lethal blow on her.

Crème: Doing so will allow me to replace her in the physical world.

Crème: I have many I miss up there… she refuses to visit anyone from before.

Crème: Her work goes toward crown military. It disgusts me….

Crème: I know it’s a lot to ask someone something like this but… I could be a useful ally to your cause. I’d be more than glad to burn down the crown at this point by contributing my assets toward your effort.

Crème: And perhaps I’d like to get to know some knights..



She blushed.

Crème:  I hope I don’t sound horrible for asking such a task...

[Ignispark]

This seems like a very reasonable request. Accepted.

[King-Clod]

I assume you've already tried a heart to heart with her to no avail... don't worry. I don't think any less of you for asking for this.

I accept the request, but I will need more pages to work with. I unfortunately burned through quite a few getting here, and I don't want to go into a battle with a high-ranking official without the proper supplies.

(Let's try the tea as we say this, I'm curious what flavor it'll be)

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Tiles: I assume you’ve already tried a heart to heart with her to no avail…



Crème: Mm… I wish I didn’t have to consider such a drastic option…

Tiles: Don’t worry, I don’t think any less of you for asking. There are some where words will never be heard.

Tiles: When those bring harm to others, the option is to fight.

Her ears perk up.

Crème: Do you mean-

Tiles: I accept your request but…

Crème: But..?

Tiles: I need more pages to work with. I burned through quite a few to get here and I’d prefer not to go into a battle with a high ranking official unprepared.  I need proper supplies for a job like this.

Crème: You can look through my storage room, I’ve collected quite a few curiosities…

Tiles: That’d be wonderful…

You finally take a sip of your tea.

She watches nervously.

It immediately warms up your chest and stomach. After being in the cold all day this is doing wonders.

The flavor is minty, maybe with a tinge of raspberry and chocolate? It’s layered with a sharply sweet aftertaste.



You give Crème a smile.

Tiles: That’s quite lovely actually… Thank you.



Crème: Of course! Anything else I can do for you…?

 

[skinstealer]

tell us more about the hit, what should we know about her (and yourself) before going into this?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: Tell us more about this hit job? We need to know a bit more about her…

You reach for a hand.

Tiles: And you as well. I’d like as much information as possible before going further.



Crème: I suppose you do…

She traces a finger on the wall behind the two of you to project a image.



Crème: This is the other me. We’re both quite skilled at magic, I think her more so than me these days. It makes it quite difficult for me to really even attempt to take her on anytime she strolls through here. I’m so little a threat in her mind she doesn’t seem to care. She’s got a nasty talent with axes as well..

Crème: She carries a rather large one on her person, mocks me for being unable to carry it in my weaker state….

Crème: She runs through here regularly as a means to get from place to place. I’ve made attempts of my own but I only find myself on the bad end of a blade repeatedly.

Tiles: You still haven’t given up though.
 
Crème stands upright, resolve in her posture.


Crème: Never. I want my life back, I want to go back to using magic to help others. I’ll genuinely give you anything at this point if you were to make it happen.

Crème: I hate the idea of trapping someone here in my place but more so the suffering she causes….

Crème: Whatever it takes to undo our sins.

Crème: And… perhaps once I’m free we could get to know each other more? Even if just friends. Your flirtations make me happy but there is no pressure to commit further than that.

Crème: Though perhaps it’s selfish to ask for anything right now..

Crème: In my current state I cannot follow you three back to your world. Such a limitation can be an emotional burden for many.

Crème: No matter what happens though, I wish to assist your cause.

Crème: So please, anything and everything I can do for you I am willing to. 

[skinstealer]

what kinds of things can you do here in the mirror world to aid us? are there allies we can build up here, supplies we can take into our world? what kind of sway do you have here?

also, where can we start on the hit? should we go directly to her, or is there anywhere we need to stop first?

[King-Clod]

Axes, you say...I'll have to keep that in mind.
Is there a way to keep her from casting? Is there a way we could keep her from reaching her scraps, if we keep her hands busy?
Which does raise the question, how does she use magic? What's her scrap specialty? What should we expect from her?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: Where do we go to do the hit? Should we start with her or do we have any stops to handle first?

Tiles: I'd like to be as well prepped as possible.

 

Crème: I know where she’ll be. She tends to linger around the part of town where the unmarked lie. It’s a personal thing with both do almost daily.. 

Crème: She’ll also have an attendant with her. He’s 19 or so and desperately needs the job to help his family. I’d like you to not hurt him if possible...

Tiles: What resources can we get in this world to aid us? Any allies? Supplies? What kind of sway do you have here?

Crème: I’ve collected many weapons in my attempts to break her down but they’re mostly shattered. If one of you has use for them I could absolutely?

Tiles: About your other self? Axes you say? I’ll have to keep that in mind..

Crème: Mm. She’s able to cast magic by swinging her axe around. I can do the same with a sword but I’ve lost so many fights with her that she’s genuinely weakened me… Combat in this world is about a sense of self and it’s difficult to maintain that when you get repeatedly killed by a stronger version of yourself.

Tiles: And she’s skilled in what exactly? 

Crème: Illusions! It’s how I’ve been able to shift forms and project images and such. The axe is a witchcraft tool that amplifies her abilities significantly to the point where it becomes difficult to tell reality from falsehood. 

Crème: The bright side is as difficult as she makes it to get in, overwhelming her slows down her ability to cast. Her swings and spells hit wide with that said… 



Courier: Shouldn’t be so hard when we’ve got so many folks on our party, right? Bombard her, let you get the kill. Sounds plenty doable.

Crème: I’m confident in the three of you for certain and I’ll aid where I can. I’ll have to stay hidden until you’ve weakened her enough that I’ll have a chance… 



She looks back over to you, blushing a little.

Crème: With that said, I’ll take you to the other room. You need pages for your scrap book?

Tiles: Please if you would…

Crème: Mm! Follow me.

She takes you to a storage room filled with smithing tools and the remains of dozens of broken weapons. 

Crème: Take anything you need! I won’t be using any of these tools anymore.

You stockpile them in your scrap book. 

You end up with about 35 “Broken Arms” in your inventory. 

There’s still some materials left over….

You look at the anvil in front of you. 

Crème: Is something wrong?



Tiles: Do you smith? I may need a favor...

Crème: On my spare time yes… why?

Tiles: I have this lance… it’s very dear to me and-

Crème: Say no more, just tell me what you need. 

Tiles: Could you repair it?

Crème: I could do more than that. Upgrades, enchantments, add-ons! I’m quite in the know when it comes to applying witch tech to such tools. 



Tiles: If it wouldn’t be too much I’d love that…



Crème: Mm! Let me just take a look and.. hmm.

 

---

Broken Crown Lance Lv. 1
Damage Type: (PIERCE - Weapon can pierce flesh, armor, and hide)
Secondary Damage Type: (BLUNT- Weapon can use its blunt end to non-lethally slam and knock over foes.)
Features: 

Ability: LAUNCHER - A wide blunt swing that knocks the opponent airborne, leaving them helpless to follow up attack (UNLOCKED)

On Blunt Attack: Gain a page (LOCKED)

On PIERCE Attack: Freeze impacted foe’s body non-lethally. (LOCKED)

Ability: SCRAMBLER - Burn a page to allow yourself a powerful drilling move. (LOCKED)

Ability: STING - When equipped, your PIERCE moves allow you to zoom across a wide area quickly, effectively increasing your range to about 20 feet but accuracy diminishes with distance.) (LOCKED)

Ability: DEMIPARRY - Burn 2 Pages to deflect nearly any attack with a swift block.(LOCKED) 
 
Ability: BOOSTER SHOT - A energy based PIERCE attack that can drain life from a foe. Stores a healing charge that can be used to heal yourself or others. (LOCKED)

 

---

Crème: Your weapon has a lot of potential… I can untap a number of abilities with fragments of broken weapons. I’d need about 5 arms each though…

Crème: You should certainly save a few pages for the fight as well. 

Crème: So what would you like?

[skinstealer]

get that page gain for the lance

[King-Clod]

Demiparry and Booster Shot, should help with holding our own in a fight against a tough foe without sustaining too many casualties.

[Ignispark]

The page gain and freeze would give a good spread where every attack you can make gets you a bonus effect.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: The page gain would be good in the long run. Feel that with my inventory thin I burn through them quite fast.

Tiles: The freeze feature is the defining element of the lance as well, If you could that’d mean a lot…. 

Tiles: Booster shot would help me throw support options in as well and the Demi-Parry would round out my kit. 

Tiles: The latter two functions are quite new actually, never seen a crown lance with them built in.



Crème: The booster shot is a trademark of my own smithing, plenty of those who work in enchanted arms tend to have unique options such as those. 

Crème: A weapon that’s found itself in the hands of many craftsmen is worth the entire armory of the king. 

Tiles: Mm… I’ve heard legends about these masterpieces as some call them. My mentor had one along those lines.. 

Tiles: You really could do such a task?

Crème: It’d take 20 pieces but if you’re willing.

Tiles: Easy. 15 plus the ability to easily get more should be plenty for the job. 

Crème: If you’re confident then I’ll get to it right away. Now may I?

She holds out her arms.

You hesitantly hand her over the lance. 



She gets to work immediately, unflinching in the face of sparks and flame.

You can’t say you expected her to be the type.

You occasionally look away as she pounds her tools against the cast of metal. It’s a little hard to watch someone handle something so personal to you. 

The simplistic design being chipped at until it forms a certain elegance in its shell... it’s so different from the shattered husk you held not too long ago. 




Tempered to perfection and allowed to cool, Crème presents you with the final product. 

Crème: Give it a good swing! Just…

She takes a step back to give you space.

Crème: Don’t break anything if you can!

With a motion or two you get a good feeling for it and…

The weight is perfect. You feel whole again in the moment. 

You can’t help but get watery eyed a bit. After weeks of being alone on the streets and having your last remnants of your family destroyed in front of you…

You have something familiar again. 



You pull her in for a hug.

Crème: O-Oh?! Are you okay?

Tiles: Thank you… I needed that, I do think… is this okay?

Crème: Mm… It’s the least I can do for you helping me out. 

Crème: Speaking of…

Crème: We should get moving soon, lest we have to wait for another opportunity. Gather your party?

Tiles: Of course. 

The two of you make your way quickly toward the other room. 



Gallows: I could tell someone had an emotional moment in the other room, is everything alright?

Tiles: Mm… I’m set. 

Crème: I should’ve asked but do you two need anything for the job?

Courier: I think I’m good personally. Gally?

Gallows: Gonna go ahead and talk to Motley out there, see if she’s good for a quick hit job. 

Gallows: Mot, if the coast is clear you mind coming in for a sec?



Motley hops in after a quick scan of the area, doing a little flourish for style points.

Motley: What can I do for you?

Gallows: Got a hit in the area, one that'd be pretty disruptive to the old king's folks. 

Gallows: You got time for that?

Motley: Hm...I did have plans tonight with the gang, but...

Motley: They never say no to a good crown-thrashing.

Gallows: We can be quick about it, we got places to go too.

Motley: Give me a second to give them a buzz!

The wizard makes an overly exaggerated gesture with her hand, conjuring a strange, fleshy orb- with a mouth and ear attached. As Mot talks, the ear listens- and another voice comes out the mouth.

Motley: Benji? You there?

Benji: Everything okay, boss?

Motley: I got wrapped up in some other business, crown stuff.

Motley: You guys gonna be okay if I stick around?

Benji: We can handle stuff fine, Mot.

Benji: Say hi to Gally for us!

Motley: You got it. Be good!

She dismisses the orb, standing at attention.
Gallows: That's pretty handy, gotta get myself one of those.

Motley: I'll teach you how to make one sometime!

Motley: Gonna have to get down and dirty with some meat scraps, but...

Motley: I know you don't mind getting into messes!

Gallows: Never. So quick summary is our target is a pretty substantial financier in Crown circles.

He points over to Crème who gives a small wave. 

Gallows: This is her reflection, tired of her hubris and wants to replace her. Following so far?

Motley: So far so good.

Gallows: Her name is Crème, we gotta get the jump on her surface world counterpart and make sure she gets to land the killing blow. 

Gallows: Thinking that it should be an easy job with the bunch of us. 

Crème: I essentially need you folks to wear her down...  Whether it be through distraction or a successful pin, I need to be able to finish the job myself or it's all for nothing. 

Crème: I could reward you on the surface after for your assistance if you need incentive.

Motley: Hmm....

Motley: I'll do it...

Motley: In exchange for a nice dinner!

Crème: Simple enough, I'd be more than willing to prepare something for everyone. Anything you'd like in particular?

Motley: My gang likes a good meat dish or two. That work?

Crème: I'll do the best I can, thank you…

Motley: Then sign us up!

She bows dramatically, hamming it up as ever. 

Motley: Lead the way.

Crème: Mm.. I think we should split into two parties. One group will initiate the fight while the second will assist me in landing the finishing blow. The second group also has to be ready to give chase should the other me attempt to escape the fight.

Gallows: I'm personally good with taking any position. Courier?



Courier: Same really. Got a really good feeling about this job.

Courier: Big enough hit that Starman will forgive us I think.

Gallows: You got a preference, Motley?

Motley: Hmm...first group. 



She turns to face you, a coy smile on her face. 

Motley: Curious what our new friend here will pick, though.

[King-Clod]

Oh I'm fine with either, but I think I'd be good with the first group. Would like to get a few pages off of the enemy if I can, and I should hopefully be able to heal the crew with the new ability my lance has. Plus, I'd hate to steal any thunder in the second group.