King's Mulligan [Interactive Project]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: You’re part of the team. You can use some company and care frankly, especially when you’ve been nothing but kind to me.

Creme: Likewise, you were the one who discovered me in the mirror world. That rescue could not have happened without you..

Gallows’ cheeks turned red.

Gallows: You don’t have to do so much for me but…  if you two assist.

Fall slides right in with a tray of food.

Gallows:: Don’t you dare forget!

Gallows: I wouldn’t, thank you.

Your group gets up from your spots, waving to Fall on the way out.

You feel rejuvenated after a hot meal with new allies.

It does bring back fond memories..

After a good walk down the hall, Gallows stops in front of one of the staff bedrooms near your own.

Using a free hand, he opens the door.

Gallows: Right up ahead. It’s nothing special but.. Make yourselves at home, yes?

There was a bed, a couple of seats, a workbench covered in witching objects, assorted radios, and piles of broken rings in a corner.

Courier gently closes the door behind you. Dive can’t help but flop into a chair immediately, poor cat must be exhausted.

Gallows: So… I’d like to talk to the knight in particular. I’ve been acquainted before with Creme and I’ve known Courier for quite a while now but you’re still quite a mystery to me. Game like before, three questions. I’ll start us off shall we?

1) What do you think of the place? Be honest.
2) How familiar are you with witchcraft?  I see you have a scrapbook and a familiar but that’s fairly household around this region.
3) What happened when you met Fielder? Everyone who enters the mirror world does.

[Ignispark]

1. Not the best, not the worst. Has a good vibe. Cozier than a barn or the wilderness, much cozier than an alley. Definitely not the most fancy place ever, but that's a good thing in some ways. Those kinds of places can get nauseating.

2. Oh, you know. (ANURA. ANURA HELP. I DONT KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION.)

3. I like the fielder. They have a good head, good spirit, good judgement. Were tough as nails and have good tricks. They're really outstanding. Giving them a gold star ranking.

[As for things to ask: I think asking 2 right back would be fun. Then maybe ask something about Gallows' experience with the mirror world? And maybe something personal, like their favorite places to hang out or favorite activity-]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Tiles: Hmm. First off, the room.

Tiles: Not the best but far from the worst. Cozier than a barn or an alley for certain. May not be particularly fancy but such places can be nauseating.

Gallows: Fair enough. Continue.

Tiles: Yes well… Magic… Oh, you know…

Gallows: Yes? Continue.

You’re caught in a blank.
 

---

Kolita: Anura?

Anura: You know enough for the job, that’s all that matters.

Kolita: That’s not a lot to go off of…

Anura: Improvise, lest you wish to let the character speak for you here.

Kolita: Can we do that this time?

Anura: Hmm.. why not? Never forget that I’m here hosting.

Kolita: Right.

Anura: I love mid game banter personally..
 

---

Tiles: As much as the job required, a somewhat intermediate level though far from being able to claim the title of witch myself.

Gallows: Mm..

Gallows: I myself would say I can personally. Maybe a bit too much knowledge to sleep well..

Gallows: Our body may be ill often but I can still keep up with my work just fine.

Tiles: Our?

Gallows: Mm?

Tiles: What do you mean?

Gallows: I don’t know? What are you saying there?

Tiles: Could you elaborate-

Gallows: Perhaps finish our round of questions before we continue….

Gallows nervously avoids facing you directly at this point.

Tiles: Right..

Tiles: Gold ratings on Fielder. Good wit, tough as nails, strong sense of Judgment. I wouldn’t mind getting to know them more…

Tiles: What about you now? My turn to ask?

Gallows: Fair…

Gallows: Proceed.

Tiles: So… how about your experience with the mirror world? Seems like there’s a nasty shadow cast on you with.. Was it Ed? What happened there?

Gallows: Mm… I think I can’t say too much about that right now…

Tiles: Oh?

Gallows: Couldn’t answer you if I wanted to…

Tiles: I see… perhaps then something lighter?

Tiles: Have any favorite spots? I imagine you the type.

Gallows: Oh I don’t really go out all that much if I can help it, aside from invitations from certain folks…

Tiles: Mm…

Tiles: And because you got to ask two, I have to ponder again about earlier…

Tiles: What did you mean by our body? Is there someone else there?

Gallows: What makes you assume that?

Tiles: Your behavior strikes me so differently, as does your face.

Tiles: You’re a witch, it’s fairly common for one such as yourself to… well..

Gallow: Mm…

Gallows: I…

Creme: I hate to interrupt but…

Creme: I’m curious myself…

Creme:... Styx?

The rabbit goes quiet.

Creme: There was a middleman handling messages between Gallows and I, found me in the first place..

Creme: Helped me recover after a fight gone way out of my favor.

She walks up to him. Courier seems to want to chime up but pulls back.

Creme: Are you Styx? I don’t think we’ve ever met in person…

The rabbit nods.

Styx: Yes.

Creme: Why are you hiding?

Styx: I have my reasons. Suppose the act is up..

Styx: Gallows is getting some rest right now. He’s quite exhausted after that job so he’s given me time to walk around.

Styx: Personally would rather not be noticed but seems like the cat has an eye for snakes.

Creme: Ah… I’m sorry..

Styx: You spoke and acted in earnest, perhaps my fault here.

Styx: I should give you Gallows back I think, best to spend time with your comrade. He could use the care. 

[skinstealer]

you're welcome to stay, aren't you our comrade as well? you helped creme, so

[Ignispark]

Styx is definitely a comrade! very much welcome to hang

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Tiles: You’re welcome to stay, you’re our comrade after all.

Styx: You don’t know me, I assure you’d prefer the rabbit to myself.

Tiles: What makes you say that?

Styx: I’m hardly a good person I’d say.

Tiles: You helped Creme, no?

Creme: I’m genuinely grateful for that.

Styx’s face turned red underneath the mop of hair hiding his face.

Styx: It was simply business, I needed a talented smith around.

Styx: I’m a collector of rare weapons, I find them quite wonderful.

Styx: I must admit I’m quite jealous of the one you carry, knight.

Styx: I may have to ask for the schematics.

Styx: If we are to socialize, I have many questions about your equipment.

Styx: And perhaps… I can offer you access to my collection in return?

Styx: This body is quite weak, incapable of using my arms to the fullest.

Styx: You on the other hand? Strong. Makes me wish I could offer you a job but I’m sure you’re not interested in my contracts.

[skinstealer]

contracts? what do these...Contracts entail?

[Ignispark]

hell yeah i love hearing about getting into trouble do tell us about deals and contracts are all about

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Tiles: Contracts?

Styx: Mmhmm. Bargains even.

Courier: Be nice…

Styx: I won’t ask for anything out of line…

Styx: Just looking to see if I can set up a nice working relationship.

Tiles: That so? So what do these contracts entail then?

Styx: Well, you’ve already done me a huge one by rescuing Creme.

Styx: Perhaps you could do me more like those?

Styx: I’ve got an eye for talent, you certainly count.

Styx:  Rescue and recruit certain folks I have my eye on and I can reward you handsomely as well.

Styx: Likewise, treasures such as unique and unusual equipment are always appealing to myself.

Styx: I quite love a good weapon.

Courier: I’ve noticed that.

He immediately turned bright red at that.

Styx: M-Maybe.

Creme: So-

Courier: Yes.

Creme: Ah..

Creme: Understandable I suppose.

Styx: Let’s not discuss that now..

Tiles: So you’re a headhunter with a fondness for arms?

Styx: That’s a good way to put it.

Styx: I’d also like you to if possible take care of Gallows while I’m not around. He is my connection to this world so I need him safe.

Styx: Unless of course someone else in the room is willing to host…

Creme: Already more than occupied.

Courier: Same, sort of.

Styx: Hmm.. difficult crowd.

Styx: In exchange for this, I’m allowing you access to my collection.

Styx: Knowledge, weapons, magic, as much as I can spare really.

He holds out a hand to you.

Styx: Would you like to see my collection? 

[skinstealer]

are you offering a Preview or is this The Deal

[Ignispark]

Shake the hand by instinct, its the polite thing to do. (...it would also be funny to hand over a random object, but that would be far sillier.)

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You instinctively shake his hand without much thought.

Styx looks at you a little confused.

Styx: I wasn’t sealing any deals yet…

Tiles: I figured it was polite but..

Tiles: I have to ask. Is this a preview or..

Styx: Of course, I wouldn’t pass on an opportunity to showcase my collection.

Styx: Care to see my wares?

Tiles:.. I suppose why not.
 

Styx snaps his fingers with a free hand. A rather quiet proxy appears, you're almost tempted to greet it.

Tiles: Gallows’ showed me his earlier…

Tiles: This one’s different.

Styx: Of course it is, we’re separate individuals after all.

Tiles: It’s pretty.

Styx: You think so? Hmm…

He seems reluctant to take the compliment.

Styx: Anyway I offer you a door based on what you seek in life.

Styx: My castle is vast and to know what you desire, makes it easier too pinpoint where to start here.

Styx: Power? Knowledge? Protection? I can offer you many things really.

Styx: So tell me what you need and by the end of the tour we can see if a contract is to be made.

[skinstealer]

...family

[Ignispark]

If we make a deal can we legally be friends? Like will you be my friend? That's very important. Knowledge, protection, and power are cool.

But friendship is forever.

[Shifter55]

...Its people.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: Family…



Styx:.. Huh… I wasn’t ready for an answer like that.

Tiles: I’ve been without people around for a good while now.

Tiles: Lost many since I was young.

Tiles: I guess…. Ultimately I desire to live a life where I’ll have others around without the fear of constant loss.

Tiles: Friends.. Family… just people.

Styx: I see.. I don’t think I can just manifest that but..

Styx: Perhaps I can provide the utilities to keep your dream alive.

Styx: Follow me..

You nod as he leads your hand toward a large rift in the room.

Courier: You’ll be back right?

Styx: Of course, you know how these things go..

With a step through, Styx’s proxy is the last to enter and closes the rift behind the three of you.

You’re in a large hallway, taking a turn toward a guest room as you walk down.

It’s rather large and has a few extra beds. The walls are decorated with all sorts of strange objects. There’s a rack that’d hold your weapons and armor comfortably while you rest. A tome rests on one of the bed, Styx nudging for you to take it yourself.



You pick it up, it's the most pristine condition you've seen a book in a long time..

There was a table setup in the area, the proxy sitting down to read at one of the chairs that looked rather comfortable.

Styx: Under contract, I can give you your own space for yourself and your close allies.

Styx: Give you a place of shelter anywhere you happen to be. Granted you need to be able to enter discreetly, but when you’re alone with your thoughts you can call my name and I’ll let you in.

Tiles: Hmm…

Styx: Not satisfied?

Tiles: Just wondering.. If I take a contract would we be allies?

Tiles: Think we both could use some more friends right now.

Styx: I mean… I suppose so.

Styx: Better than a client who hates my guts I think.

Styx:... What do you think? If you’d like to tour around on your own you can. While we're here, time passes differently so.. feel free to take things slow. People outside will barely notice.

[Ignispark]

Well...
Friendship. Cool stuff. Almost nothing not to like...except, well...

I do suppose its smart to at least ask what Styx is looking for in return, while we continue to look around?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: You’ve caught my attention. I have to wonder what you want for all this?



Styx: Hehe. Good question.

Styx: What you did for Creme? More of that, rescue people who are potentially helpful toward me.

Tiles: Oh? What does that mean exactly?

Styx: I’m a collector of arms and magical knowledge. It’s why I helped Creme, a talented smith provides a variety of benefits in both aspects.

Styx: She escapes the mirror world and you got a friend out of it.

Styx: I will also see that your lance is maintained and repaired after every fight if possible.

Styx: Just want you to really do two things.

Styx: One, provide me with treasures once in awhile.

Styx: Two, help Gallows with his work. Keep him safe. His body is mine and the moment he dies my connection to this world fades.

Styx: I have attachments that I’d rather not lose.

Tiles: Attachments?

Styx: Comrades as you call them. I’ve grown quite fond of some.

Tiles: Such as?

Styx:... Courier. I’d like to ask you keep it safe as well. Xey’re a good friend of mine.

Styx: To keep it short; protect this rabbit, find me treasure, watch over allies, and occasionally rescue cats.

Styx: Anyway.. Feel free to roam as you’d like. Down the hall there’s the armory, medical bay, library, and recreation room. Have some fun. But first… do you want to take the deal? I like to think I’m being fair. 

[Ignispark]

i think taking the deal might be a good idea

but also lets check out the library. gotta see the forbidden knowledge

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: I’ll take it but.. I’d like to see your library.

Styx: Ah, good call. Any reason?

Tiles: Forbidden knowledge makes me ponder admittedly.

Styx: Do be careful then if you do. My proxy will lead the way.

The proxy got up from their chair and gestured toward you, walking ahead.

Styx: As a side note, I went and tweaked a few things. You’re a scrapbook witch right? Check your spellbook quickly, I think you’ll appreciate the streamlining.

You open it up and immediately feel a difference, one that courses through you.
 

Tiles: I would’ve preferred you ask but… does this mean I no longer burn pages?

Styx: Mmhmm. Handy, don’t you think?

Tiles: Seems like a net profit feel stronger…

Styx: Mmhmm. Now go on, I’ll meet up with you there momentarily. Just handling a little something.

You give a bow and follow the Proxy’s lead. After not too long you find yourself surrounded by books and tables covered in all sorts of writings and blueprints. The proxy gives you a little nod of assurance.

What do you look for first?