King's Mulligan [Interactive Project]

[Ignispark]

First group seems prudent given the whole, lance being well suited to getting that initial wounding done, but if there's a need for more people on the second group and someone else has a preference for first group, it'd be no trouble to go with second.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: I think I’d prefer to be part of the first group if that’s alright. I’d like to build up more pages and take advantage of the improvements to my lance, and I wouldn’t want to steal thunder from the second group. 



Gallows: Doesn’t matter if you steal thunder as long as it works out right?



Courier: I’d also like to join the first group, think keeping Creme and Gally together would be the best choice. 

Gallows: What makes you say that?

Courier: Your proxy can still operate while you’re behind cover and you’d be better at keeping her safe when she goes in for the kill. 

Creme: A proxy would be quite fantastic for an approach.. I’m shocked to see someone around here who has one. Sharing information on them is prohibited in most circles.

Gallows: Didn’t happen in this region, I’ll tell you for sure. 




Motley: Then it's settled! Time to get the show on the road, right?

Gallows: Aye, we got everything we need on our end. Crème and I will wait for our moment, the three of you will go ahead and draw first blood.

Courier:  Think we'll be enough?

Crème: I'd say so, just please don't be too rough... if she dies by anyone else's hand I'm trapped here forever. 

Gallows: Mm. Don't get too eager. 

Crème: Don't injure her too much either if possible. I'll have to live with it after. 

Tiles: Of course, wouldn't want to see you hurt. 

The cat covers her face in response to that. 

Gallows: Motley, you know this place well. Take them ahead to the Unmarked Burial spot.

Motley: You got it, dear.

She leans in to plant a kiss on the bunny's head.

Gallows: Aww.. stay safe okay? If things go screwy I'll jump in right away.

Motley: Please, you know I can handle this- especially with a proper team!

Motley: This'll be a piece of cake.

She turns to the rest of the group, raising her scepter and gesturing in a direction.

Motley: Okay! First group!

Motley: Let's go this-a-way!

The various streets and alleys filled with silhouettes of people had a certain uncanny feel to them. The reflections on the floor feel like they could suck you in.

Courier: I have no idea how you don't get lost around here.

Motley: Practice!

Motley: ...and a crew of five ghosts to bicker over a map.

Motley: It's not too far...but keep close!

Motley: We're gonna take two lefts and a right, quickly. 

Motley: Like...right now!
 

She swerves, sending your party scrambling after her.

Tiles: So... may I pester you? We haven't had much opportunity to talk and I feel I should get a little more acquainted.

Motley: Fire away, my dear!

Motley: I'm an open book.

[King-Clod]

What's the scepter do? I assume it isn't just for show.

You have 5 ghosts with you? How does that work, and are they here with us now?

And, most importantly... how did you and Gallows meet? You mentioned it was a chance encounter, but not much more than that.

[Ignispark]

What are the ghosts' names?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: So... may I pester you? We haven't had much opportunity to talk and I feel I should get a little more acquainted.

Motley: Fire away, my dear!

Motley: I'm an open book.

Tiles: So first off, the scepter. What's it do? I assume it's not merely for show.

Courier: You know, don't think I've gotten the chance to see you in action either, I know Gally vouches for you quite a bit.
 

Motley: I'm a wizard of the flesh, you know.

Motley: With this scepter I can bend any meat or muscle or organ known to man. All will bow beneath my fury! She takes on an exaggerated tone with that, brandishing the scepter overzealously.

Motley: Or, you know. Just the crown.

Motley: I can also use it to summon my ghostly crew, though I have to ask nicely first.

Tiles: Speaking of.. 5 of them yes? How does it work? Are they your familiars? Nearby right now?

Motley: So many questions...it's a good thing I like to ramble.

Motley: Especially about my guys. They're not familiars, they work with me.

Motley: I helped them scramble their memories back together when they were just stumbling around on their own. They had enough to know their own names and the like, but bits of their past were gone.

Motley: Not all of 'em came from the same source for their respective selves- a couple are made up of similar stuff.

Motley: But having more chunks makes up a whole, and makes them feel better. So we go scouting around for things that'll make them a little more well rounded.

Motley: I let 'em pick goals and seek it out on my own, too. Like a weird little soul grocery list.

Motley: They're outside of the mirror world right now, back at our place. We share a little house in Cups together...I love them so much!

Courier: Hopefully this job works out then so you can treat them to dinner, aye?

Tiles: Crème did promise such a reward, would certainly be a good opportunity to get to know everyone better...

Tiles: If they wouldn't mind of course!

Motley: I'm sure they'd love to get to know y'all. We don't get out of the house for social stuff enough.

Tiles: Mm... I could use that right now myself. Been a good bit since I've gotten to be in such good company in general really..

Tiles: Speaking of...

Tiles: How did you get to know Gallows anyway? Seem close. Mentioned it was a chance encounter but not much more…
 

Motley: Ooooh, you want to know the juicy details?

Motley: Hehehe...I'll simply call it an intertwining of two fools' destinies. That's cute, right?

Motley: You'll have to ask Gally for the rest.

She gets back to snickering, clearly pleased with her cryptic answer.

Courier: Fool is a bit of a stretch. He knows where his talents lie...
The sword couldn't help but blush a little

Tiles: Ah.... I mean I can certainly respect that.

Tiles: On a side note, are your ghost friends going to be joining us today?

Motley: They've got business at home. I was going to help out, but they get that sometimes, you just need to show the crown who's really in charge.

Motley: Those royals are going to fall one way or another, and I intend on being there for it. So does my gang.

Tiles: Unfortunate, would've been good to have a few extra hands here... next time perhaps. Would it be much to ask a bit about them? Names at least? Would be good to get familiar in advance.

Motley: Benji, Marjorie, Jace, Extra, and Decoy.

Motley: Couldn't ask for better. I'd rather let them speak for themselves, but I'm ride or die for my gang.

Tiles: Feel the same way myself really.

Motley: Take care of your own, Tiles.

Motley: We're all we've got out here.

You give her a solemn nod.
 

 You open your mouth to say something before Courier grabs you by the shoulder and yanks you behind a pile of shattered concrete.

 Courier: Both of you lay low, from here on there's not much cover.

Courier: Two people in view.

You peek ahead a little and confirm it.

Your target and her ally are in view. There's not much cover but enough to at least get closer before engaging.

They're a decent amount out of melee range.

Your puppet could reach but it'd be easy to double team so you can't send it out for too long.

The terrain is fairly uneven on the way there. You have to watch your footing.

Sprinting for it is possible but wouldn't allow much of a good ambush with the layout.

You could always be direct, make a show of it.

Courier: You two got more punch than I do so feel like you're best off deciding how we initiate this. I'll take any orders however.

Courier: I trust the two of you to choose the best plan of attack.

[Ignispark]

...being direct and making a show of it seems prudent, so they're less expectant of some sort of weird trick happening later.
though, using the slim bits of cover to get closer before engaging, before sprinting up to make a show of it is probably ideal.
maybe call out something about 'crimes against the people' while waving the lance around a bit or something?
it seems ideal to like, draw their attention to specifically to the knight, while engaging.

the others could? do, whatever they're good at and just, generally make best judgement? idk. if there's some way they can generally like, reduce the other parties' mobility and support, that'd be good.

[King-Clod]

I don't know, if we go in direct it'll be obvious we're meant to be a distraction. We're going to need to add a fake distraction on top of things so she doesn't expect anything. I don't think splitting up would be a good idea...but maybe a loud noise somewhere in the opposite direction? Anyone able to do something along those lines? If not, worst comes to worst we can throw a rock or something. It doesn't have to be a good distraction, just something that she'll know is meant to be a distraction. So we seem to be the main threat.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: Mm. I think I've got an idea. I'll need assistance from the two of you.

Tiles: We need to soften things up until the others find a good opportunity to set up the kill themselves. I'm going to take the initiative to confront directly but I need some distraction to make them think our group was the intended full plan.

Courier: You're not going to try to ambush them?

Tiles: No, the others will do that. For now I just need to be convincing as the main threat. I'll pose as a bounty hunter of sorts I think.

Motley: And what shall we be up to?

Tiles: Hmm.. good question. Your brand of magic is quite powerful, but we're trying to avoid lethal attacks. Do you have anything that could cover me here?

Motley: I can freeze them in place, sort of!

Motley: Controlling their muscles…

Tiles: ....That'd be quite amazing actually. How far can you cast from?

Motley: Welllll....

Motley: That's the catch.

Motley: I need to be in pretty close for a full freeze, but I could slow them down a bit from only a little bit closer distance.

Courier: They'll catch on eventually but that'll work out for us. Between the two of you it seems like a full, coordinated plan. They'll never suspect that the others are going to jump in for the kill.

Courier: Plus if we're lucky enough, we might be able to just freeze them and avoid any risk.

Motley: I will say...it is...painful.

Motley: If you're looking for merciful options, this isn't it.

Tiles: Will it kill them?


Motley: Not unless I choose to, but having your muscles restrained against your will feels downright horrible.

Motley: I'd be remiss not to mention that aspect.

Courier: Crème wanted us not to hurt the her counterpart's attendant if we can help it, hopefully he won't attack you.

Tiles: The fact that she specified means he certainly will until, at least at first.

Courier: Mm... troubling.

Tiles: If he has such a sense of duty to his family and desperately needs the paycheck, he'll fight until he's been convinced it's a losing battle.

Motley: I'll freeze him if I have to...painful, but it'd be a mercy compared to the rest of my skillset.

Tiles: Understood, hopefully it only takes a tiny amount to discourage him.

Courier: What about me? I'd prefer not to sit on the sidelines.

Tiles: Hmm.. Motley?

Motley: How are you at sneaking around?

Motley: If you could restrain or knock out the attendant, we may get to avoid me injuring him all together.

Courier: Not to brag but... I'd say quite good. My host was meant to be a squire before joining the crown. Are you familiar?

Tiles: Mm, of course....

Courier: Motley?

Motley: Do we have time for a story?

Motley: If so, I'd love to hear....

Motley: If not, keep it brief.

Xey look over, your target seems to be.... praying? Odd.

Courier: Full details after, but I can give the simple version. General gist is squires work with a knight guild by providing support during a conflict. Weave in and out of danger areas without people even noticing. Replacing weapons, resupplying machines, repair work, providing first aid, even the occasional quiet stabbing.

Courier: All of this host's skill seems to have passed on, so I'm excellent at saving lives without people realizing it. It's why I'm working as a courier between safehouses. As far as I can tell, they bailed on the guild as soon as the Crown started busting down doors. Got a cushy little position for switching sides instead of sticking to their guns or going into hiding.

Motley: Interesting...then you seem perfect for the job!

Motley: You make the attendant our captive, and we'll handle the target.

Motley: Keep talking like that and I'll have to invite you to one of Gally and I's nights out!

Courier: Maybe, I could cook something for everyone.

Motley: Ohh, now that sounds like a lovely time!

Motley: Now I'm just thinking of our "client"'s offer for sweets after...

Motley: Let's hurry up and get this done! I'm gonna starve!

Courier: Absolutely!

Tiles: Mm....

You take a moment to breath in. Your mood is a bit soured by Courier's talk of squires and hosts..

You admittedly feel a tad awkward around xem after that but you know it's not fair. You've only known xem for a little but they've only been nice to you this whole time... You pray nobody's noticed.

Courier: You two are up, as soon as you get into position I'll start fishing for an opportunity to get in.

Motley: Lead the way, Tiles.

You nod. You call out your little buddy from earlier.

As a knight, theatrics are your job. You put on a persona to ease the people you're helping, make them feel safe and let them know things are under control. You've done everything from gentleman thief to warrior poet.

With your bunbud you can become a one bug show. Some magic for quick costuming, a little instrumentation, maybe even confetti...

How are you making your big debut today?

[Ignispark]

uh...Kicking up a cloud of dust could be pretty aesthetic. Not too much of course, don't want to obscure your allies' sight. just enough to make a grand entrance and kind of, show off in that sort of, final boss showy bounty hunter style. Maybe wave around the lance for dramatic effect? Something that screams 'i am going to beat you up and this is obviously the very bad thing in of itself there is no followup this is the main event'. as for costuming something kind of edgy, and maybe like something with some harsh noises or whatnot? like a final boss or whatnot

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 You call in your familiar. It gives you a concerned look, more than aware that what you’re planning is more than a little hubris.

You lean toward and start whispering in its ear. The hesitant gaze slowly shifts to a smug little grin.

When you finish, it stops pondering and gets to work immediately. Costuming, presentation, sound, all in the matter of minutes.

You have to say you’re proud of the enthusiasm your new buddy has for this. Admittedly you miss your old one quite a bit watching it work though…

No time to linger on it for too long.

You’re ready to step out.

You give your comrades a little wave as they get into their positions. Courier blushes just a little.
 

A trail of dust and static accompanies your march, your familiar is putting its little heart into it as hard as it possibly can. You catch your target’s attention.

She gives you a tilted glare, a split between confusion and genuine amusement.

???:  I’m in the middle of something important, so I’m glad to see you put some effort into your interruption.

???: I take it you’re here on important business?

Tiles: Very, it’d be in your best interest to hear what I have to say.

???: State yourself.

Tiles: I have a bounty for you. Whether I bring you in quietly or in chains is your choice.

???: Oh? Well at the very least it seems you’d prefer me alive. You don’t seem to be with the crown, and I couldn’t fathom what rival considers a single bounty hunter sufficient. 

Tiles: I’m more than enough.

???: I hope so, for your sake. May I hear the name of those who seek business with me?

Tiles: Can’t do that, would be terrible for business. My client would like to keep this as under wraps as possible. All I’ve been told is to seek out the witch who visits this gravesite on the hour. No name, no documents that could be traced.

???: That vague? Now that has me curious. In that case, I’d like to trade names with my opponent.

Tiles: Tiles, professional executioner.

???: You certainly have the look down.. I can’t say I anticipated someone sending in a knight.

???: It’s unfortunate what happened to your people, I’ve always been a fan of your guild’s work.

???: Admittedly I’ve spent my own time working with knights before, but when the crown wants their way you have to cut your losses.

???: Are you the last of your family?

Tiles: Mm…

???: Such a weight to carry on your shoulders, yet you present yourself with a radiance…
 

???: You certainly have my interest in more than one way at the very least. I’m Ibarra Creme. Witch Advisor.

Ibarra: I’d hate to be the one to make your name disappear. Certainly we can settle this out some other way? How much are you being paid?

Tiles: I’m not for sale.

Ibarra:  Are you worried about future job opportunities? I can more than compensate.

Ibarra: Or perhaps… you’re doing this out of favor to someone?

Ibarra: I wonder..

Tiles: If you’re finished rambling, I’d like to hear your decision now.

You look over to the assistant with her.

Tiles: I’d appreciate it if you didn’t drag others into this either. My business is with you, I’d like to avoid needless casualties.

Ibara gives her assistant a little nod. He steps back.

Ibarra: Lead this.

Execution in Progress

You have initiative….

[Ignispark]

Properly starting the fight seems to be the reasonable next step...maybe something a bit spooky is a good first option. There's kind of some disadvantage in going first too so trying to throw this off rhythm right off the bat could be good? Really sell the feeling that this is going to be an intense [and nonlethal] 1v1.

Trying to go for a sort of feint pretending to go for a blunt whap but instead transition into a pierce attack to proc Freeze could be good?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

You make your first approach, planning not to commit immediately by throwing a fakeout swing but….

The moment you do you find yourself immediately regretting it.

She directly slams in and fades, cracking the world around you like stained glass.

You feel a sharp pain in your chest.

Ibarra: You’ve initiated combat, but there’s some rules to this world that I can tell you’re not familiar with.

Ibarra: If you’ve met one of the guardians here, you might have been challenged to a test of skill. This is a land for those who specialize in the mystic, not brutes.

Tiles: Should’ve expected as much…

Ibarra: Before we can continue, we must set some rules.

Ibarra: So I propose we keep things interesting.

Tiles: Am I not?

Ibarra: You absolutely are, I’d like to pick at the mind of my would be assassin. Something about you intrigues me…

Ibarra: We both have our aids, a perfect medium for this….

Ibarra: During this fight, our allies will temporarily become vessels of the past, manifestation of our memories.

Tiles: You swore you would avoid additional casually, you’d keep others out. I don’t find this particularly sporting.

Ibarra: I’m planning to keep to that, just not in the way you may think.

Ibarra: With that said, your little friend in the corner cannot fight as is. Pick a form to manifest. I’m certain that among your many fallen comrades there’s someone you miss..

Ibarra: Be quick about it, if you take too long I’ll pick for you, and I think you’d prefer anything else.

You do, you think hard about it….

You need to pick someone you once relied on…
A friend, a mentor, a former idol. Many race through at once.

It’s almost overwhelming

---

 

Anura: Bastion is a member of your current party, but will be temporarily subbed in with another piece.

Anura: Someone of “your” memory.

Kolita: It’s a bit much to ask me to improvise a new character on the spot, isn’t it?

Anura: You don’t have to be too detailed, just give us enough to work with. Details can be as precise as a name, species, and memories, or as abstract as things that make you think of this person.. Maybe even just the feelings you had around them.

Anura: Perhaps we’ll learn something about both of you in the process.

Kolita: Both? Ya’ll are being cryptic with that…

Anura: Only a little. I will give you time to figure it out.

 

[Ignispark]

hmm...I have some potentially interesting ideas.

...as for species....how about a construct? a parody, or a fiend? something a bit out of left field could be interesting.

and as for things that make you think of them:
>Solemn Twilights
>Mint and Candlelight
>A Melted Coin
>Bittersweet Stories

[King-Clod]

A family member of ours, on older sibling or cousin, from far in the past. Looking back, they probably were a lot less sure of themself as I remember them, but I used to think they were indestructible. I learned they weren't quicker than a kid should have to.

Things that remind me of them are leather jackets worn long after they were barely more than shreds, an out of tune harmonica that they'd never let me play, and caramel candies they'd sneak us when our moms weren't looking.

A core memory I have of them is when they took me out to see the stars on their shoulders. From up there, I almost thought I could reach them.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Your mind immediately wanders back.

To the start of this all.

Before you embraced knighthood.

Before your guild burned down.

The everything you once knew, and the world that was lost.

His old jacket that he wore with pride.

The broken harmonica that sang through torn lungs.

Played his heart out every night.

His old jacket that he wore with pride.

That he only gave up to warm you through the night.

He came from the earth with darkened blood.

The face he shared with you, his chosen form.

Not a parody, but tribute.

Embracing the family he loved.

The life you carry, his parting gift

The guilt that remains, the fire you need.

It should not be possible but…

If the witch’s words are true.

A reunion at hand is the power you seek.

???: …’Scuse me? Someone there?

Your heart nearly stops, each breath becoming harder



???:  Miss?

He leans in closer to get a good look at you and is immediately startled.

???: Mum…? No, that’s absolutely not right…

You feel yourself struggling to get anything out.

You should say something but.. Where do you start?

There’s so much you want to catch him up on..

You gotta hug him just to be sure this is real…

You reach one hand out.

???: You need to explain yourself, who are you?

Tiles: Jackie….

You can see everything piece together in his head, his eyes widening.

Jackie: ….. Tiles?! That really you?

You give a gentle nod.

Tiles: It’s been a long time…

Jackie: No kidding, you grew so much… look like a knight…

Tiles: Mm, I’ve had plenty of years to do so…

Jackie: Even your accent’s changed some, I don’t think I understand what’s happening but…

Jackie: Did… did something happen to me?

Jackie: Last I remember is us getting caught up in the crossfire.

Tiles: Back in swords…

Jackie: Thought I was a goner but… you’re here! And I’m here too right?

Jackie: I….I'm a little lost but I'm glad you're okay after all that...

So much to say to him….

Now might be your only chance.

[Ignispark]

uh,,,,,,maybe, a mix of an apology, a thank you, and a request for some help. something along the vibes of

>Hey there starlight, sorry you couldn't make it out with me. Thank you for everything...I need a little more help, if you can oblige though.

i doubt there's too much time for a reunion, so getting the core of it, out of the way first might be good?

[Guest]

I'm not sure I have the heart to tell him. But I think our expression gives it away. Give him a tight hug. That way we don't have to look him in the eyes when we let him know.

"It's just good to see you again. You... you didn't make it out, Jackie. This is some sort of sorcery that brings back...lost, loved ones and...well." 

I hate to do this again, but we need it right now.

"Could you play that old song you used to play? The battle tune you were writing up? I know you never got to finish it, but...I think it'd really help me right now."

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

Tiles: I…

You go for a hug. Partially because you need it….

And partially because you can’t look him in the eyes with what you’re about to confirm to him.

Tiles: It’s good to see you again.

His face slowly turns solemn.  You don’t have the heart to tell him but.. A look at him makes it clear he’s pieced it together.

Jackie: Ah, you mean… I see…

Tiles: You didn’t make it out Jackie… This is some sort of sorcery, brings back the lost..

Tiles: Loved ones… and well…

Tiles: I’m sorry just…

Jackie: You’re okay… I’m just glad you made it out after all that…

Jackie: Grown up and everything.. And a knight?

Tiles: Mmhmm?

Jackie:  Guessing that explains the cracked mandible…

Tiles: Just a run in with the squads, you know how the crown is…

Jackie: Know how it is, got no love for them.

Tiles: Mm..

You bury your face in the shoulder of his jacket.

Jackie: Tutor? You okay?

Tiles: I need a big favor… massive one.

Jackie: Go ahead.

Tiles: Old piece you used to play? That battle tune you’d been working on? Know you never got to finish it but….

Tiles: Think it’d help me right now.

Jackie: Easy…

He digs through his pockets and pulls out a harmonica, one very well loved that showed signs of many years of use.

Tiles: Amazed that carried over with you..

Jackie: Lord must’ve known I’d need it again. You ready?

Tiles: Mm…

 

With just a moment to prep plays with all he’s got…

It’s like he never left…

If only for a moment, it’s the peace you need.

He reaches that same point as always, never really knowing how to wrap it up.

With a slick bit of work, he improvises a little something.

It’s rough, and you know he’ll be wanting to tinker more later but you can’t help admire it.

Takes a moment to catch his breath.

You break the silence.

Tiles: Thank you… for everything.

Jackie: Not really a big deal…

Jackie: Just glad to see you all grown up. Mum would’ve been proud…

Tiles: I hope so. I have a fight ahead of me.. One that I’d like your help in.

Jackie: Want me to teach someone a lesson?

Tiles: Something like that, a bounty to capture. Someone the crown wouldn’t appreciate slipping out of their grasp.

Jackie: Know I’m always good for that, point me at them.

The world around you twists, battlefield forming. A fog of war barely hides your opposition in the shadows.

You feel a voice echo….

*To bring back into the world one who’s long gone, a contract must be made…*

*A task to be done, a job to be paid…*

*Your ally’s heart is strong, but their form lacks bite.*

*Give them your blessing, aid them good knight..*




Anura: Gonna need a little input, if you don’t mind.

Anura: Job system applies to anyone who joins your party, even if only temporarily.

Anura: Current jobs taken are as follows.

EXECUTIONER (Tiles)

COMEDIAN (Gallows)

COURIER (Courier)

SPELLSMITH (Creme)

BUTCHER (Motley)

Anura: Play to their strengths, bless them with the following.

JOB NAME:

TOOL OF CHOICE:

JOB DESCRIPTION:

PERSONAL STRENGTH

PERSONAL WEAKNESS:

MAJOR TAROT ARCANA:

FAVORITE FOODS:

 

[Ignispark]

(taking a shot in the dark on this one as to something potentially interesting + useful to the situation at hand)

JOB NAME: RANGER

TOOL OF CHOICE: Rifle (Or bow, if guns aren't a thing.)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Focuses on ranged support and battlefield control. (like shooty stuff and snares)

PERSONAL STRENGTH: Good Senses

PERSONAL WEAKNESS: Recklessness

MAJOR TAROT ARCANA: The Sun

FAVORITE FOODS: Butterscotch and Calzones

[King-Clod]

JOB NAME: BRAWLER

TOOL OF CHOICE: These guns! (his arms.)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Good at rushing the opponent, getting up close and personal. Good at taking all of an opponents attention.

PERSONAL STRENGTH: Is good at finding what makes his opponents tick, and toying with them appropriately. Is good at landing a few hard-hitting blows. Can keep an enemy within his space easily.

PERSONAL WEAKNESS: His close range fighting style often makes him the first to get hit, and he can't take as many hits as he boasts.

MAJOR TAROT ARCANA: The Wheel of Fortune

FAVORITE FOODS: Deviled Eggs and Ravioli