TINY CAT PEOPLE: THE MAZE TRIALS

[King-Clod]

From what I remember from looking up good communication skills, it seems like Minsky doesn't have that many - they didn't really listen, or stay sincere, or any of that. Maybe we could help them with that? Let's open our browser in another tab if we can and look up what to do if your proxy wants cash, and how to get along better with them, and maybe how to help them be better in turn?

I'd also like to use our reward to get a skill in psychology - while the people who've tried to manipulate us so far have been pretty obvious about it, I'm worried we're gonna meet people subtler about it as we go on. It might also help us understand the people around us better, Minsky too!

Oh! We should probably put them in our journal too, along with everyone else's names. Should we ask Minsky their pronouns?

after all that though, let's type back to Cayden in Messiroom. I don't want to jump straight into it, I'm worried they might not want to hear about it right now. But I think asking them for advice may be our best bet.

hi cayden! ill put those in in a little bit
i got back ok! thanks for all your help with everything, and for the game, and the gift pack! you guys are really nice!
uh i was wondering if i could ask some advice about something? its ok if not!!

[Ignispark]

It'd probably be a good idea to try to find like, the definition of cash or something on the internet and to give that a quick read over. That way you might have more of an idea of why Minksy might want it.

[skinstealer]

[SEA_AND_SKY]: hey cayden! ill put those in in a little bit
[SEA_AND_SKY]: i got back ok. still a little bit high but thank you guys so much for your help with everything and the game and the gift pack ^_^
[SEA_AND_SKY]: you guys are really nice…
[SEA_AND_SKY]: but uhhhhh i made a mistake and im kind of having a freak out over it!
[Carouser]: wh
[Carouser]: you haven't even been gone a minute!!!!!
[Carouser]: what happened???
[SEA_AND_SKY]: okay so...
[SEA_AND_SKY]: before i came over i got a kit to make this thing called a proxy
[SEA_AND_SKY]: and i did the kit and now i have a proxy but they keep asking me for money now???
[Carouser]: asking you for money???? uhhhhh
[Carouser]: hang on let me ask the others
[Carouser]: gonna hafta pull em away from therir overseer gift stuff

MINSKY: Hey! These are private matters!
MINSKY: No reason to share all that, can't we keep this between us?
MINSKY: Between friends?
 

You realize: Minsky is still standing by the wall. 

SEE: A-
SEE: Are you spying on me?!
MINSKY: Spying?
MINSKY: How's it spying?
MINSKY: You see what I see, so it only makes sense I'd be able to do the same, right?
MINSKY: I can't not see it, kid.
 

You huff, not enjoying this revelation.

[SEA_AND_SKY]: also they can read what im typing

MINSKY: You don't have to tell them that!
MINSKY: Can't I get SOME privacy here?

[Carouser]: okay so
[Carouser]: just talked to samson, don't tell her i told you this part
[Carouser]: but her gift actually had to do with proxies
[Carouser]: so i have a bit of a gist now
[Carouser]: you siad they wanted money?
[SEA_AND_SKY]: yeah! 
[SEA_AND_SKY]: i dont even know what money is!
[Carouser]: its stuff that can be exchanged for goods and services
[Carouser]: in the outside, tho
[Carouser]: uhhhhhhhhhhhh
[Carouser]: how... willful would you say the proxy is

 

You glance up at Minsky.

MINSKY: ...
MINSKY: What's That look supposed to mean?
SEE: I'm just trying to figure out an answer!
SEE: I just met you, and it feels weird to pass a judgment so early-
MINSKY: Well, don't then!
MINSKY: Pretty rude if you ask me.
MINSKY: ...





 

MINSKY: ...Ask them for money. 

 

[SEA_AND_SKY]: idk if i can call them anything one way or another yet but
[SEA_AND_SKY]: they want me to ask you gamers for money

MINSKY: Don't tell them I'M the one who asked!
MINSKY: C'mon, champ, have a LITTLE more tact!
MINSKY: Work with me here!

[Carouser]: wait
[Carouser]: how much do you know about proxies?
[Carouser]: like, you know that they're sort of a combination of you and whatever entity you pacted, right?
[Carouser]: also how much do you know about the thing you pacted with? 
[SEA_AND_SKY]: um
[SEA_AND_SKY]: i did look up a bit! and it seemed like a good way to get stronger so i could help people!
[SEA_AND_SKY]: i dont know much about the...entity, the kit said i wouldn't need to worry about finding a "signal" or something...
[Carouser]: thats weird
[Carouser]: looking at what ive got here
[Carouser]: it looks like finding a signal is pretty important
[Carouser]: gotta find the one that's right for you sorta
[Carouser]: lotta dangerous ones if youre not careful
[Carouser]: guess you were pretuned to one that likes money?
[SEA_AND_SKY]: oh....hm
[SEA_AND_SKY]: i might look some stuff up, but what should i do??
[SEA_AND_SKY]: i...they were nice to me when i was freaking out and i want to be friends with them but they keep trying to make me get them money and shit
[Carouser]: i mean if you want to you can use an impression
[Carouser]: give them a credit card or something
[Carouser]: or you could give them a non monetary gift if you wanna go that route
[Carouser]: might not work but who knows if encouraging the money thing is a good idea

 

You look up again.

SEE: Is a credit card something you want?
SEE: ...I don't know what they are.
MINSKY: ...Yep. Yes.
SEE: What about...other gifts?
SEE: If money is like, used for goods and services, I can use impressions for the same thing. 
MINSKY: ...To get me money, right?
MINSKY: That's what I'm Assuming you mean by 'Other Gifts'.
 

Minsky leans in.

MINSKY: Right, pal? 
SEE: No, like- I could get you, uh...
SEE: Game stuff! So we could play games together!
SEE: Or books to read, so we can learn things!
SEE: All kinds of stuff!
MINSKY: ...Riddle me this, kid:
MINSKY: If you get me Money...
MINSKY: Why would I need Anything Else?
SEE: ...I mean...
SEE: You can't give the overseers money for things, I don't think?
SEE: And that's the only way I've gotten stuff...
SEE: Could you even do anything with it?
 

Minsky pauses.

MINSKY: You-
MINSKY: You let me worry about all that stuff, kid!
MINSKY: Just get me some.

 

[SEA_AND_SKY]: ok they are really fucking insistent on the money thing
[SEA_AND_SKY]: i offered the credit card and they got excited but then they didnt want other gifts
[Carouser]: okay hmmmmmm
[Carouser]: yeah i dunno 
[Carouser]: just do whatever seems best to you i guess
 

You sigh, not sure what to do at this point.

[SEA_AND_SKY]: ok...i'm going to look up some stuff.
[SEA_AND_SKY]: thank you for the help, pls let me know if you uncover anything else
[Carouser]: no worries, let us know how it goes
[Carouser]: also let me know if you wanna play forg together soon
 

Fuck! Fields of Red Grass! Agh, you want to play more of that, but you have to focus on this...

[SEA_AND_SKY]: hopefully soon!

 

 
You decide to turn to your trusty search engine now, taking a moment to think before typing stuff in.

 

>definition of cash
CASH: the global Morbitian currency in bill form, with change being the term for its coin equivalent. Some regions and zones maintain their own currency, but most can be converted back and forth to cash. 

 

…sure. You know what these words mean. Yeah.

 

>what to do if your proxy wants cash
A Pre-Made Pact Scam is very common among easy proxy kits and the reason most make their tools from scratch or with the assistance of trusted members of the witching community. They're the equivalent of skipping the terms of agreement for a game and tend to lead to odd behaviors. There is no easy solution on how to get rid of a proxy like this without the help of a professional. SIGN UP FOR 7.99 A MONTH TO FIND OUT MORE!

SEE: …hey Minsky, is this site asking for money?
MINSKY: Yep.
MINSKY: Give it to me instead-
SEE: Okay thanks Minsky we're good
 

>how to get along better with your proxy
So my ex used to hotbox a hotel room and spend the night there with her proxy when our relationship got tense. She'd order fast food because she said it was a conversation starter and it would get both of them really emotional when the munchies kicked in. Anyway it worked because she left me for it.

SEE: …hey Minsky, what’s an ex?
MINSKY: UH-
MINSKY: It's-
MINSKY: It's w-
 

Your proxy closes their eyes.

MINSKY: ...
MINSKY: IT'S-
MINSKY: It's when you meet without a third party.
MINSKY: Like in... court things.
MINSKY: ...Yep.
SEE: O...kay.

 

 

>how to make proxy a better person
The only way to make your proxy a better person is to make yourself better to be around for everyone. Ask it if it's needs aren't being met, try to have a heart to heart with it, and prove you're willing to make the commitment needed for both of you to grow as people. They also say dress for success. Put extra work into yourself physically so that it knows you're thinking of it.

SEE: …hey Minsky-
 

Minsky takes a fake breath,

and sits down beside you on the bed.

MINSKY: Y'know,
MINSKY: this thing Is right.
MINSKY: My needs aren't being met, bud.
MINSKY: It's pretty terrible.
MINSKY: It's so hard to... be a better person when your needs aren't met, y'know?
MINSKY: But...
MINSKY: With a little help from my friend-
 

They glance in your direction and manage to smile with their eyes.

MINSKY: My needs can be met.
MINSKY: Starting with,

 

MINSKY: ...only...


 

MINSKY: ...twelve hourly payments of- 

[Lilium Mortem]

OH FUCK YOU! all I want to do is be nice to you, to care for you, to be your friend. and all you want is worthless paper! you can't use it for anything, not in here! this confetti is worth more than any bullshit you want me to pull from the rewards. if you want worthless paper we're drowning in it.

[Pichi2214]

okay listen minsky, if you can explain to me what you need the money for i can maybe understand you better?
cause so far to me it seems nonsensical, but clearly to you it means *something* and as your friend I would like to understand your needs and struggles
and so far you just kept deflecting, but if you want me to trust you and help you then i have to understand what's going on
I'm not saying I'll change my opinion on money necessarily, but maybe we can find some middle ground? I dunno...
It's just pretty weird to me that you just started existing and already have this strong need for something that does not seem to be able to *do* things where we are

[King-Clod]

You're like me and the entity that helped make you, right? But I don't think I'm this desperate about well, anything really. Surely we have some common ground, right? Please work with me here. Why do you need money so bad? What will you do when you get it?

It...it kinda feels like you're just using me at this point.

I'm gonna play some video games with my friends. You're welcome to play with me in the future if you want. But I'm not going to pay you to do it.

[Guest]

Twelve hourly payments of Hugs and respectful community bonding involving but not limited to talking about unionizing, talking about how to run a community garden, talking about how capitalism is a pox on the soul, talking about how really really cool your outfit is, and finally a short essay on why we should love our neighbors and share our happiness with others to improve our own lives?

[Wilds]

Minsky. You are going to make See cry.

Maybe you could look into professional proxy... removers? Or whatever that website mentioned. Just, yknow, without the pay wall stuff.

Alternatively.. . Tell Minsky you're willing to try and get money for them, but only if they agree to try and meet YOUR needs, too. That's what friends do.

[skinstealer]

SEE: Okay, okay, stop. 
SEE: Listen, Minsky…
SEE: All I want to do is be nice to you, care for you, be your friend…
SEE: But you just want this paper cash stuff!
SEE: Could you just…explain what you need the money for?
SEE: So I can understand you better?
MINSKY: It isn't enough that it's something I definitely... Definitely need-
MINSKY: And that I can't get it myself-
MINSKY: And that YOU can?
 

They get up from their position to sit up behind you on the bed, seeming to loom.

MINSKY: You're the one who summoned me here.
MINSKY: You wanted to get something out of it, didn't you?
MINSKY: I'm sure you've got another angle, kid.
MINSKY: All this friendship stuff's just a way to get it!
MINSKY: It's not hard to tell.
 

Minsky shrugs.
 

MINSKY: Well, here.
MINSKY: I'll give you a hint.
 

They lean in.

MINSKY: If you want to utilize me as your proxy.
MINSKY: I AM gonna need money for it.
MINSKY: Didn't you look up all the amazing things proxies can do?
MINSKY: I can change Everything for you.
MINSKY: But I can't do a thing til I get some cash.
  

    

Minsky grabs your pillow and lays back on your bed, cradling their head with their arms.
They prop one leg on the other, idly tapping their foot in the air.

MINSKY: But if you decide you're not gonna penny up?
MINSKY: Can't say I see you making it very far, bud.
SEE: ...and that's it, then?
MINSKY: Do you need More of an incentive than that?
SEE: ...I have to think about it.
 

You hesitate for a moment before reaching out to your doughboard, steeling your nerves as you type in one more search result.

  

 
>proxy removal

MINSKY: ...HEY! 
SEE: I just want to know my options!!!
MINSKY: There is NO need for anything That drastic!
  

 

Your proxy leans by your side, placing their head slightly into your view.

MINSKY: I'll fix things, alright?
MINSKY: C'mon, don't-
MINSKY: Don't... make a-
 

They seem torn between watching the screen and being too afraid of what they might see.

Sweatdrops form on their brow. 

 

 
"Proxy removal should never be attempted without the assistance of a professional. Unsafe DIY methods can result in both parties involved becoming fragmented! Fragmented individuals may find themselves temporarily emotionally destabilized, cause memory loss, and result in massive personality changes if not recovered from well. Excessive fragmenting of the source may result in a dormant period ranging from hours to weeks. Proxies made by pact are significantly harder to cut off and may require negotiation with the contracting entity. The more defined a Proxy's identity is, the harder it is to separate without both parties agreeing. Avoid separation while unconscious parties are in the same room. Avoid being submerged in fluid for 48 hours." 

 

 

They can't help but look as you do the same, reading over it simultaneously.

MINSKY: ...What's this about a contract?
MINSKY: I didn't sign anything.
SEE: What?
SEE: I, like...talked to this weird thing to make you.
SEE: The kit also called it an "entity", that's all I know.
 

Minsky's brow furrows.

MINSKY: Well, I didn't get a say in any of that!
MINSKY: What'd you sign over, kid?
MINSKY: Did you make a bad deal?
SEE: I- I didn't sign over anything!
SEE: I just showed them Sky and they made you!
SEE: ...hold on.
 

You tab back to your messages with Cayden.

SEE: ...combination of...
 

You tap your screen insistently, gesturing to it.

[Carouser]: how much do you know about proxies?
[Carouser]: like, you know that they're sort of a combination of you and whatever entity you pacted, right?

SEE: Look!

 

 

The proxy stares at the screen.

MINSKY: ...Nope.
 

They turn their nose up.

MINSKY: Clearly, your chat friend doesn't know what they're talking about, sport.
MINSKY: I'm not a combination of anybody, got that?
MINSKY: I'm Me, and I'm one of a kind.

[Lilium Mortem]

Minksy... I'm sorry. I wanted a proxy to get stronger, but I didn't think things through, and you ended up getting a raw deal. But you are your own person, and I can't justify using you like some kind of tool or weapon, even if you did manage to get something out of it.

regarding how you came into existence, Part of me is in you, and part of the entity, but that just makes up the root of who you are. like me being tiny and made of chocolate. I didn't decide that would be part of myself, but I spawned like this just the same. AHEM, the circumstances of our birth are irrelevant, it's what we do with the gift of life that determines who you are. so who are you? are you really someone who wants money they can't spend? Are you a friend? That's up to you.

[King-Clod]

MINSKY: You're the one who summoned me here.
MINSKY: You wanted to get something out of it, didn't you?
MINSKY: I'm sure you've got another angle, kid.
MINSKY: All this friendship stuff's just a way to get it!
MINSKY: It's not hard to tell.

don't...don't say that about me! I'm not like you! When I need your help, sure, fine, I can get you some cash or money or whatever! I wasn't trying to manipulate you!! I don't expect you to do anything for me out of the goodness of your heart!

but since you're my only friend that'll actually stick by my side, that'll be my roommate, I wanted to get to know you! do fun stuff with you! and it's obvious you really don't care about any of that, just money. So it's, whatever.

I don't wanna erase you, and it's obvious I probably can't anyway. I won't hold this over your head as a threat. I just wanted to know if there was a way to...disconnect us somehow. so you can do what you want, and get strangers to join an mlm or whatever. and I can just have my room to myself again, without someone telling me to scam my actual friends. but again, it's whatever.

I won't make you do anything you don't want to do. that's not what good people do.

[Pichi2214]

there was some... floating green entity that said i shouldn't fear and they are my ally, something like that, then i pointed to Sky and they disappeared and you appeared
since you dont seem to remember that and its relevant to you... i feel like i should share that with you

[skinstealer]

SEE: Minsky…
 

You struggle to find the right words, torn between so many things you want to say.

SEE: Look, just…
SEE: I’m sorry. I don’t want to erase you, and I won’t hold it over you.
SEE: I just wanted to see if there would be a way to like…disconnect us, so we could both get what we want.
 

You’re quiet for a moment.

SEE: I wanted a proxy to get stronger. I didn’t think this through, and I didn’t expect you to be a whole person…
SEE: But you are a whole person.
SEE: And I’m not going to use you like a tool!!
SEE: I’m not…I’m not going to be like the way you’ve been so far.
SEE: I know you don’t care about friendship, and all you want is the money-
SEE: -and…if we really need to figure that out, I’ll get you some-
SEE: -but I’m not like that. 
SEE: I’m not trying to manipulate you. All I wanted when I saw that you were you, a full person, was, just…
 

 

You think about Monty.

About TeeVee.

About Cayden.

SEE: …a friend who could stick by my side. 
SEE: One that wouldn’t get pulled away.
 

All of a sudden, you feel a deep sadness- it’s almost overwhelming.

You realize there’s a chance you might never see those people again in the trials.

Sure, you could message the gamers, but- what if they die? What if you never find out?

 

 
SEE: …all I have is you.
 

 

Minsky watches you intently, not really making much of a face.

 
MINSKY: ...Nope.
MINSKY: Not true.
MINSKY: You got more than me, kid.
 

They reach over, picking up Sky and holding it up for you.

 
MINSKY: What about this one?
 

  

You take it slowly, holding it close.

 
SEE: That's true...
SEE: But I can't take Sky with me. What if the rooms get dangerous?
MINSKY: Well, you're still alive, aren't you?
MINSKY: You don't need to bring Sky with you.
 

Minsky notices your expression, and leans in a little.

 
MINSKY: What, you don't think you have what it takes?
SEE: I...don't know.
SEE: That's why I wanted a proxy, to help be safer, to help keep other people safe...
SEE: ...I think what I want right now is to play my game. 
SEE: You can watch, if you want...but you don't have to.
 

Minsky lays back again.

 
MINSKY: Well, knock yourself out, then.
MINSKY: ...Try to lighten up a little, while you're at it.
MINSKY: Things are gonna be fine, now that I'm around.
MINSKY: You'll see. 
 

 

You sigh and reach for your handheld, booting Fields of Red Grass back up. You may as well try to get a bit more done...

You get some seeds from Kade...

 

 

And start tending to your farm, following the directions you were given earlier in the tutorial. You really like the music, and how it feels to control, and-

 

 

The door to your room opens.

INTERCOM: You may now leave your room.
 

 
MINSKY: Welp!
 

Your proxy hops up, stretching.

MINSKY: Break's over.
 

They hold their hands up and spread them apart in an emphatic gesture.

MINSKY: It's showtime!
MINSKY: You're good to go, right?

[Lilium Mortem]

We should probably go over our rewards and the catalog real quick to see if there's anything we need (how big is our satchel?) Before we head out.

I don't know if I want to go, but I have to. Would you like to come with, Minsky, or stay here? You can play my game if you want, just start a new save and don't overwrite mine. Same deal for the laptop, separate profile but do what you want with it.

[King-Clod]

Yeah! Sure thing, just lemme grab ooone thing real quick...

I think what we'll need for our next meeting with Max is a psychology skill, and some cash just in case. Let's use our reward to get ourselves to psychology skill to start.

(OOC: If you guys don't wanna go for that skill though, that's fine too! I realize I've mentioned it a fair few times at this point so I don't come across as like. Pushy about it or anything.)

[Lilium Mortem]

Yeah! Sure thing, just lemme grab ooone thing real quick...

I think what we'll need for our next meeting with Max is a psychology skill, and some cash just in case. Let's use our reward to get ourselves to psychology skill to start.

(OOC: If you guys don't wanna go for that skill though, that's fine too! I realize I've mentioned it a fair few times at this point so I don't come across as like. Pushy about it or anything.)

I think we should go through the brochure before making any rewards decisions

[skinstealer]

 

SEE: Yeah, sure-
SEE: Let me just…grab a thing.
 

Minsky leans against the wall, watching you.

You press the intercom button.

SEE: Overseers?
INTERCOM: Yes, See?
SEE: I'd like to redeem a psychology skill.
INTERCOM: Very good choice.
INTERCOM: Dispensing...
 

The familiar sound of something coming down the chute echoes through the room- opening the door reveals a skill note.

You pick up the note and start reading it, reeling back as the knowledge of psychology flows through you...there's a lot to take in, and a lot of it scares you...but you think you can handle things like Max confrontations a lot better now.

INTERCOM: You have no rewards, and one question remaining.
SEE: I'll ask the question later...thanks.
 

 
You walk over to Minsky, pausing.

Minsky's eyes narrow slightly.

MINSKY: ...You spent your reward on...a slip of paper?

They lean down a little, looking you over.

MINSKY: What did that do?
MINSKY: You know you could've wised up and spent it on what I asked you for, already.
SEE: ...it taught me about how people's minds work.
 

You poke at their chest.

SEE: You included.
 

They shake their head.

MINSKY: Uh-huh, whatever you say, kid.
SEE: ...it'll help with some other people who could cause us trouble, too.
SEE: It's a good thing.
MINSKY: ...Big talk, but you know I'd be an even Bigger help, if you'd just get me-
 

 

You try to keep your patience in check-

-and fail, the power of your new skill  and what's left of the weed filling you with the energy to make some kind of comeback.

SEE: Okay, how would you deal with someone trying to trick and lie to other TCPs?
MINSKY: Trick and lie better than them.
MINSKY: Simple.
SEE: We are not-

You stop and just kind of stare at them before walking forward, heading down the hallway.

 

 

Minsky follows you along.

MINSKY: It'd work!
SEE: That's not how I want to do things.
 

You reach the end of the hallway, only to see...a panel of buttons.

SEE: ...weird.
MINSKY: Gotta play the game, champ.
 

They stop with you, looking at the buttons on the wall.

Minsky looks like they're about to speak, but refrain.

 

 

You take a closer look at the buttons- there's ten of them, and only one is lit up, labeled with the number 1.

SEE: I guess I just...
 

You push the button, and before you can react, glass doors close behind both of you.

Minsky glances back, holding onto the back wall as the elevator you're in begins to rise.

You watch as the hallway you were just in lowers out of your vision, disappearing entirely as all you can see through the glass is pitch-black nothing.

 

 

Your proxy grumbles, fighting for space with you in the tiny box. Your patience wanes even further, feeling extremely claustrophobic and more and more anxious as time goes on.

MINSKY: This is definitely you-sized.
SEE: I don't think they were planning for both of us to be here!
MINSKY: Well, they should be more considerate!
SEE: C-can't you use your ~powers~ or something to make this less cramped?
SEE: Wait, no-
MINSKY: I MIGHT if you got me MON-
 

The chamber you're in stops, sending both of you stumbling.

Minsky inadvertently trips over you, and you smack into the wall at the same time they do.

SEE: MINSKY-
MINSKY: WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING-
SEE: YOU WATCH WHERE YOU'RE-
 

 

You slowly right yourself, and feel a horrible feeling form in the bottom of your chest as you look out the window.

There's a giant black pit directly downward outside.

Some sort of funnel leads straight down into it.

The room itself looks to be the inside of a huge tower,
with colors ascending all the way up to the brightly-painted ceiling,
far, far above you...

Across from you at your right and left, you spot two other TCPs in similar elevators,
both of whom are currently staring at you and Minsky arguing.

 

 

The larger one sits facing away from the pit, staring at you over her shoulder. Her expression is difficult to read, but you can see her gripping something hard in her hand - her claw-less hand.

She says nothing.

 

 

The other TCP is about Minsky's size; colorful and serpentine.
It looks battered and exhausted, covered in bruises and cuts.
More than that, it's got a hefty backpack with several knick-knacks sticking out that you can't yet identify.

Its eyes are wide in shock,
sight drifting between your crowded elevator and that of the larger TCP.

 

 
 

Minsky situates enough to lean on the side of the elevator.

MINSKY: Well, here's your shot.
MINSKY: Try not to blow it, kid.
MINSKY: If you get into trouble-
 

They lean down to whisper.

MINSKY: -maybe con one of these two out of any money they've got.
 

The proxy pulls back up.

MINSKY: Then I'm sure I can help you out with whatever you need.

[Lilium Mortem]

have the dignity to look embarrassed about the argument. try to leverage your psycology skill to make a good fir- er, second impression. while you're at it, try to probe the skill for ways to help Minsky.

"Uh, hi. sorry about... the arguing. we're going through some stuff. I'm See, and this is Minsky. what are your names?"

[King-Clod]

ye, let's make some small talk.

"Hiya! Sorry about that. Have you guys been here long? It's a stranger puzzle room than I'm used to, gotta say..."

[Ignispark]

thirding small talk and introductions. that's a splendid idea.

also, is a slip n slide into the abyss a puzzle?