Difference between revisions of "Holes/Session 10"

A fragment of the Garden of Remembering
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<pre>
<screenplay>
Apheori (GM): Guys.
INT. Coffle constabulary no.2 dungeons - day
Ganelon: I'm here.
 
Bear Soup Guy: hi
The pigeon philosopher is still passed out. The party is standing around outside his cell, about ready to just leave.
Gaurav: hullo!
 
Apheori (GM): So to recap, y'all are standing in a dungeon, outside an unlocked cell containing a stoned philosopher sleeping off the mushrooms.
Aside from Rhu. Rhu hopefully shouts at the stoned philosopher again.
You hare recently received a pair of rocks for some reason, and a message saying to go to an address, probably in the city.
 
There also seems to be a weapons shop of certain appeal to Radek in town.
The Gravedigger rolls his eyes. Over and over.
What do you all do?
 
Rhu hopefully shouts at the stoned philosopher again.
The pigeon philosopher stirs, sits up slightly, and hits his head on the bedframe. Then he collapses again.
Frezak (GM): Roll my eyes.
 
over and over.
Rhu tries the cell door, finds it unlocked, and walks inside and tries to shake the pigeon guy awake.
Ganelon: Hook Gravy's eyes up to a turbine.
 
The pigeon guy stirs, sits up slightly, and hits his head on the bedframe.
RHU
The pigeon guy collapses.
HELLO EXCUSE ME BUT ARE YOU IMPORTANT?
Frezak (GM): And he has huge eyeballs, too.
 
Apheori (GM): The pigeon guybeing the philosopher.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Snrk.
WHAAAAH.
Is there a roll to properly wake someone?
 
Ganelon: Not really. You've gotta get creative.
RHU
Apheori (GM): I suppose it'd never occur to Rhu to just shake the guy...
Hello! Sorry. We heard that you were a philosopher, and Hazz'ridan said you might be important.
Frezak (GM): I don't believe that there are vanilla rules for it.
 
Apheori (GM): Silly vanilla.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Ganelon: Like rolling strength to slap.
Ugh this isn't... what...
Gaurav: We're standing outside the cell, I thought?
 
Apheori (GM): Yes.
He stares blearily up at Rhu.
Bear Soup Guy: He's in a cage tough
 
err yeah, cell
Rhu waves at him.
Rhu: But the door is open.
 
Apheori (GM): It's closed, but not locked. But you'd have to try it to tell the difference.
RHU
Rhu walks into the cell and shakes the pigeon guy awake.
Hello. Are you familiar with the scripture of dead ends?
Frezak (GM): In a cage over a a pit of larvae.
 
Rhu: HULLO EXCUSE ME BUT ARE YOU IMPORTANT
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Apheori (GM): Rhu: Don't make me get Hazz to yell at you for talking to the stage directions.
Isn't that... Fred has scripts. Don't... I... nnntgh.
The pigeon guy: WHAAAAH.
Rhu: Hello! Sorry. We heard that you were a philosopher, and Hazz'ridan said you might be important.
Gaurav: Talking to the stage directions?
Frezak (GM): Hello Mr.Signpost.
Greibel: Hi, fourth wall!
Greibel waves
Frezak (GM): GO ask the wall if it wants some pot.
The porridge extends a tendril of goop and waves as well.
The pigeon guy: Ughv this isn't... what...
The pigeon guy stares blearily up at Rhu.
Rhu waves at the pigeon guy
Rhu: Hello. Are you familiar with the scripture of dead ends?
The pigeon guy: Isn't that... Fred has scripts. Don't...
I... nnntgh.
Dead odds?
Dead odds?
Rhu: Dead ENDS
 
No
RHU
?
Dead ENDS. No?
Hazz'ridan the Mighty said you might be important.
Hazz'ridan the Mighty said you might be important.
Rhu looks at the pigeon guy suspiciously
 
The pigeon guy: It's this an in at whunnng.
Rhu looks at the pigeon philosopher suspiciously.
The pigeon guy tries to rub his eyes and winds up smacking himself in the face with the back of his hand.
 
Bear Soup Guy: Does Greibel speak stoned bum?
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Apheori (GM): I hope so.
It's this an in at whunnng.
Gaurav: I wonder if Radek can do his 24-hours ritual on "stoned bum"
 
Rhu sighs
The pigeon philosopher tries to rub his eyes and winds up smacking himself in the face with the back of his hand.
Rhu: Important or not, you're certainly in no state to speak.
 
Still, another dead end! That's something.
RHU
Greibel: Hello pigeon-head!
(he sighs)
CAN. YOU. UNDERSTAND. ME?
Important or not, you're certainly in no state to speak. Still, another dead end! That's something.
Ganelon: What, "Comprehend Language"?
 
Trust me, he'd have used it on Rhu or Greibel already if "nonsense" were a language.
Greibel sidles in as well.
Gaurav: hehe
 
Apheori (GM): Maybe it is! Maybe Radek is just too stubborn to accept the possibility
GREIBEL
Frezak (GM): "babble'
Hello pigeon-head! CAN. YOU. UNDERSTAND. ME?
Frezak (GM): Or too grumpy.
 
The pigeon guy: NO... yes.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Whah?
NO... yes. Whah?
Bear Soup Guy: I like that interpretation *_*
 
err
GREIBEL
^_^
DO. YOU. KNOW. STUFF?
Greibel: DO. YOU. KNOW. STUFF?
 
The pigeon guy sits up properly, propping against the bed.
The pigeon philosopher sits up, propping himself up against the bed, and grins slowly.
The pigeon guy grins slowly.
 
The pigeon guy: NOPE!
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Greibel: OKAY. THANK. YOU.
NOPE!
The pigeon guy: Don't know lots of things.
 
Lot's.
GREIBEL
Lo'ts.
OKAY. THANK. YOU.
More.
 
I can tell you things. Things you...
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
You.
Don't know lots of things. Lot's. Lo'ts. More.
The pigeon guy waves a hand.
I can tell you things. Things you... you.
Rhu: Yes! Tell us things!
 
The pigeon guy: Things I don't know?
The pigeon philosopher waves a hand.
Radek: Or knock yourself unconscious again.
 
The pigeon guy: Yeeeah.
RHU
The pigeon guy tries to grab Rhu.
Yes! Tell us things!
Radek: It might be amusing the third time.
 
Gaurav: I'm just imagining the pigeon guy saying "lots ... lot's? lo'ts?" out loud and it's the funniest thing ever
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Rhu: Hey!
Things I don't know?
Apheori (GM) completely misses.
 
The pigeon guy completely misses.
RADEK
Apheori (GM): Oops.
Or knock yourself unconscious again. It might be amusing the third time.
The pigeon guy: Try this. It'll shooow you.
 
Greibel: That's certainly one way to show him
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Rhu: Try what?
Yeeeah.
Greibel: Whaddaya got there?
 
The pigeon guy stares off into space, waving a finger around for a bit.
The pigeon philosopher tries to grab Rhu. He completely misses.
Rhu follows the finger with his eyes
 
The pigeon guy then reaches into his pocket, pulls out a mushroom, and hands it to Rhu, still staring off into space.
RHU
Rhu: Oh. Thanks.
Hey!
Frezak (GM): GO WILD
 
Greibel: Oh. He wants you to see what he sees.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Radek nudges Gravy. "If they both pass out at once, can you carry both of them?"
(waving something around)
Rhu:
Try this. It'll shooow you.
rolling 1d20+12 perception check to see if the mushroom looks like anything Rhu, a city boy through and through, can make sense of
 
(
GREIBEL
4
That's certainly one way to show him. Whaddaya got there?
)
 
+12
RHU
=
Try what?
16
 
Greibel: It's a drug, silly
The pigeon philosopher stares off into space, waving a finger around for a bit. He then reaches into his pocket, pulls out a mushroom, and hands it to Rhu, still staring off into space.
Apheori (GM): It looks like the dried mushrooms his roommate put in a stew once.
 
Rhu: It's a snack, isn't it? Can you eat it? Some mushrooms are poisonous.
RHU
Greibel: Heh heh
Oh. Thanks.
Yes
 
GREIBEL
Oh. He wants you to see what he sees.
 
RADEK
(he nudges Gravy)
If they both pass out at once, can you carry both of them?
 
Rhu examines the mushroom carefully.
 
GREIBEL
It's a drug, silly.
 
RHU
It's a snack, isn't it? Can you eat it? Some mushrooms are poisonous.
 
Rhu offers it to Greibel, who seems to know more about these things than he does.
Rhu offers it to Greibel, who seems to know more about these things than he does.
The pigeon guy spills a bunch of other mushrooms on the floor and starts mumbling.
 
The pigeon guy: Eyes... Eyes in the dark... Softly speaking, tendrils... shadows...
GREIBEL
Greibel: It's actually pretty weird that they let him keep the mushrooms in his cell
Heh heh. Yes.
Oh well
 
The pigeon guy stiffens and jerks and starts shouting.
The pigeon philosopher spills a bunch of other mushrooms on the floor and starts mumbling.
Greibel covertly picks some of the mushrooms up
 
The pigeon guy: YOU CAN'T KEEP ME.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
YOU CAN'T.
Eyes... Eyes in the dark... Softly speaking, tendrils... shadows...
YOU CAN'T SEE.
(he suddenly stiffens and jerks and starts shouting)
NOTHING TO SEEEEE.
YOU CAN'T KEEP ME. YOU CAN'T. YOU CAN'T SEE. NOTHING TO SEEEEE.
The pigeon guy collapses and passes out again.
 
Greibel: Oh okay!
The pigeon philosopher collapses and passes out again.
Greibel jogs back to the door to the cell
 
Rhu picks up the other mushrooms
GREIBEL
Radek: Feeling enlightened, either of you?
Oh, okay!  
Greibel: Yeah, you'll be joking when these mushrooms make us see the canyons of your miiiiiiiiind, man
It's actually pretty weird that they let him keep the mushrooms in his cell. Oh well.
 
Greibel covertly picks some of the mushrooms up and jogs back out to the others.
 
Rhu picks up the other mushrooms and follows.
 
RADEK
Feeling enlightened, either of you?
 
GREIBEL
Yeah, you'll be joking when these mushrooms make us see the canyons of your miiiiiiiiind, man.
 
RADEK
If you could understand even a fraction of my disdain for you, I suspect it would shatter what little remains of your disjointed consciousness.
 
Rhu sniffs at one of the mushrooms, then takes a nibble.
Rhu sniffs at one of the mushrooms, then takes a nibble.
Gaurav: What does it taste like?
 
Apheori (GM): Spicy.
RHU
Rich.
Mm. Nice! This'll make a nice soup later.
A bit meaty.
 
Rhu: Mm. Nice!
Rhu starts to feel really weird. Light. Fuzzy. Almost floating. ''(rolled 4 reality)''
This'll make a nice soup later.
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: d20
RHU
Greibel:
Ooh. This feels nice.
rolling 1d20+12 Nature check on the mushrooms to see what their effects really might be
 
(
The feelings change. Things don't really seem clearer. In fact everything seems... murkier. Colours dimmed, and displaced. People glowing oddly. Objects fading...
2
 
)
RHU
+12
...hey... come back...
=
Grbbbble, stop glowing. It's ridiclus.
14
 
Radek: If you could understand even a fraction of my disdain for you, I suspect it would shatter what little remains of your disjointed consciousness.
GREIBEL
Bear Soup Guy: D'UUUUUHH WAT IS PLANTZ
Oh yeah, nice man. I'll be right here, I just might look like a disembodied consciousness. But that's normal.
Apheori (GM): Greibel: You're pretty sure they're drugs, possibly hallucinogens from the effects.
 
Gaurav: hey, 14 is perfectly respectable! You definitely know this is a mushroom.
Rhu looks at Greibel funnily, then nods.
Rhu:
 
rolling 1d20
Rhu tries to work out which colour is being displaced to which other colour, but every time he does the colours rearrange themselves. Things procede to get weirder. ''(rolled 1 reality)''
(
 
4
The colours are starting to make sense. They describe things that aren't... strictly there. Variations of past and present, a narrative of presence...
)
 
=
Greibel keeps an eye on Rhu while the Gravedigger ties the avenger to himself so he doesn't wander off.
4
 
Apheori (GM): Who was Radek talking to?
RHU
Ganelon: For two super-experts in your respective fields, you guys sure are unlucky.
(mumbles)
Gaurav: Begun, the cycle of despair and enforced walks into ponds has.
Hey, what's wrong, Radek? Hey? What... why are't you glowing right? You're not glowing right.
Frezak (GM): You want me to roll on drugs?
(holding out his hand)
Ganelon: Greibel, this time.
Loooooook at my hand, it's soooooo normal. Wheee.
Apheori (GM): Did you eat it?
 
Rhu: You begin to feel really weird. Light. Fuzzy.
Greibel puts his hands on Rhu's shoulders.
Almost floating.
 
Rhu: Ooh. This feels nice.
GREIBEL
Apheori (GM): Things don't really seem clearer. In fact everything seems... murkier. Colours dimmed, and displaced. People glowing oddly. Objects fading...
Now think man. You needed to see some important stuff.
Rhu: ... hey ... come back ...
Just keep thinking important stuff and maybe you can find out what we're doing here, and possibly the fundamental relation of all cosmic bodies, if the effect lasts long enough.
Grbbbbl, stop glowing. It's ridiclus.
 
Greibel: Oh yeah, nice man.
HAZZ'RIDAN
I'll be right here, I just might look like a disembodied consciousness
(such that only Rhu can hear him)
But that's normal
''Go. See what you need to see. The ends await.''
Rhu looks at Greibel funny, then nods.
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: d20
RHU
Rhu:
Huh? Yeah?
rolling d20
(
1
)
=
1
Gaurav: ooooooooooooooo
Apheori (GM): Okay.
Everyone do stuff now.
Bear Soup Guy: HAH
Rhu tries to work out which colour is being displaced to which other colour, but every time he does the colours rearrange themselves and it's quite anonying actually
Frezak (GM): So how do we undrug Rhu?
Hit him with sticks?
Apheori (GM): Good question!
Bear Soup Guy: We have to get him to see stuff though!
Or he'll try anyway
Gaurav: You could also leave Rhu in this cell and go do something sensible like find out more about the weapons or something.
Apheori (GM): Or you could drag him around.
See what there is to see.
Yes!
Ganelon: On drugs.
Yes.
Frezak (GM): Let's go learn science!
Do we have a wheelbarrow?
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The colours are starting to make sense. They describe things that aren't... strictly there. Variations of past and present, a narrative of presence...
Gaurav: Can Rhu walk? Maybe he can be lead?
Wheelbarrow! Yes, perfect!
Apheori (GM): He can walk.
He's still standing.
Frezak (GM): IN straight lines?
Rhu wonders what a mushroom milkshake would taste like
Frezak (GM): And not waddle off?
Apheori (GM): Well, you might have to... hold onto... yeah.
Frezak (GM): Someone tie a rope to him.
Bear Soup Guy: Greibel will keep an eye on him because he feels responsible
Frezak (GM): I'm probably the heaviest here, so I suppose i'll do that.
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You notice Radek isn't glowing the same was as the others. He's more just an object, not quite there, mostly gone. An emptiness in space. Greibels hands are the same way, for some reason.
Gaurav: Yeah, I'd've thought Greibel would be prepared for sudden drag-induced stupors.
Apheori (GM): same way*
Ganelon: I approve of this state of being.
Rhu: (mumbles) hey, what's wrong, Radek? Hey? What ... why are't you glowing right? You're not glowing right.
Apheori (GM): Rhu: Greibel and the Gravedigger are brilliant and colourful... you seem normal. You can't see your own glow.
Bear Soup Guy: XD
Rhu: loooooook at my hand, it's soooooo normal
wheee
Frezak (GM): Gravy IS A RAAAIIINOW
or a rainbow.
Greibel puts his hands on Rhu's shoulders
Greibel: Now think man
You needed to see some important stuff
(To Rhu): Go. See what you need to see. The ends await.
Greibel: Just keep thinking important stuff and maybe you can find out what we're doing here, and possibly the fundamental relation of all cosmic bodies, if the effect lasts long enough
Rhu: Huh? Yeah?
Greibel just told me to see what I need to see. But he said it in Hazz'ridan's voice? What?
Greibel just told me to see what I need to see. But he said it in Hazz'ridan's voice? What?
Radek: You could also see the miserable direction your life is taking.
 
That would be helpful too.
RADEK
Rhu: The ends await. Mm. Good. Good. I need ends. Dead ends for me please.
You could also see the miserable direction your life is taking. That would be helpful too.
Also tea. And a milkshake.
 
Gaurav: What do the buildings look like?
RHU
Colour-wise
The ends await. Mm. Good. Good. I need ends. Dead ends for me please. Also tea. And a milkshake.
Are Gravy and Greibel similar colours, or just different kinds of vibrant colours?
 
Apheori (GM): You're still inside.
Everyone is glowing, even the people around, though their glow is muted next to that of the rest of the party. And there are darker things, too. Not absenses, holes, like Radek, but thinner spots... there's one in front of him now. It doesn't fit the shape of reality.
The walls are just objects, there but not important. Think... uh... ambient occlusion maps.
 
Gravy and greibel are different colours but in the same ways.
RHU
So. Gravy has a rope around Rhu and Greibel has ahold of Rhu's shoulders...
Huh. Huh.
Gaurav: Lemme do another perception check from within this maelstorm of colour and see if I notice anything.
 
Rhu:
Rhu pokes it.
rolling 1d20+12 perception check
 
(
It stares at him.
8
 
)
Rhu stares back.
+12
 
=
Rhu stares back harder.
20
 
Frezak (GM): RELEASE THE RHU
The thinner spot shimmers slightly.
Gaurav: You are in a maze of twisty passages, all alike. You might be eaten by a Rhu. Especially if you look like milkshake.
 
Frezak (GM): You might be eaten by a Rhu :P
RHU
Bear Soup Guy: XD
Is that spot staring back at me?
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You notice the pigeon philosopher on the floor is also glowing, but much more faintly. Same with the other prisoners, and the guards. It is a different sort of glow...
 
And you realise you can see the glow through walls, even. Some on what is probably the street outside, some sleeping guards above...
Rhu pokes the spot again.
Gaurav: X-ray vision! Cool!
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You see darker things, too. Not absenses, holes, like Radek, but thinner spots... there's one in front of you now. It doesn't fit the shape of reality.
Amadi appears behind Radek and stares at Rhu, squinting a little.
Rhu: Huh. Huh.
 
Rhu pokes the thinner spot in front of me
AMADI
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You get the impression that the thinner spot is staring at you.
You... you have soup. Right there. Soup.
Rhu stares back
 
Bear Soup Guy: When you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back
RHU
Rhu stares back harder
Oh. Err. Yes, Lord Ha-- Lord Harzsdi-- Lord Hazzdriddann. Let's go.
Apheori (GM): You guys might want to drag him out and do something else. Seriously.
 
Ellemerr: Amadi. Mad girl with no sense of what's going on. I can do that. *shifty eyes*
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The thinner spot shimmers slightly.
YES.
Ellemerr: Put me in wherever.
Bear Soup Guy: Amadi vs. Stoney Rhu :D
Apheori (GM): Show up wherever.
Rhu: Is that spot staring back at me?
Ellemerr: I don't know what is even there.
Rhu pokes the spot again
Amadi stares at Rhu, squinting a little.
(To Rhu): Ignore that. Move!
Apheori (GM): So Amadi just appeared behind Radek.
Radek jumps a little.
Apheori (GM): Amadi: You're in a dungeon orsomething.
Rhu: Oh. Err. Yes, Lord Ha-- Lord Harzsdi-- Lord Hazzdriddann. Let's go.
Amadi: You... you have soup. Right there. Soup.
Amadi shudders.
Amadi shudders.
Rhu: Hey guys we should we should go Lor-- that guy I pray to. He said this. He said we should. We should.
 
Rhu points towards the exit
RHU
Greibel: God told us through a mushroom man to leave the jail cell
Hey guys we should we should go Lor-- that guy I pray to. He said this. He said we should. We should.
Let's go!
 
Amadi: Let's go!
Rhu points towards the exit.
Go when?
 
Gaurav: Greibel: hahahaha YES
GREIBEL
Radek: Thank the gods.
God told us through a mushroom man to leave the jail cell. Let's go!
Gaurav: That is a perfect sentence.
 
Guard pokes his head into the cells area.
AMADI
Bear Soup Guy: =D
Let's go! Go when?
Guard: Is everythign all right in hthere?
 
The Gravedigger: DOn't ask.
RADEK
They might answer.
Thank the gods.
Rhu starts to giggle at the guard
 
Gaurav: What sort of colour is he?
They head back out through the roomful of guards.
Amadi: No. There's soup.
 
I want a sandwich.
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
Guard: Erm...
(still not getting up)
Guard looks the place over and backs out.
Is everything all right in there?
Apheori (GM): The guard is like the prisoners - muted. Mostly grey.
 
Amadi: Why are you...?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Amadi wavesa finger towards the guard's face.
Don't ask. They might answer.
Apheori (GM): So you all head back out, passing the group of guards at their table, who do a very unconvncing job of pretending that everything is perfectly normal.
 
The guard studiously ignores Amadi as well.
Rhu starts giggling.
Frezak (GM): You mean this ISNT normal?
 
Greibel: Haters gonna hate
AMADI
Guard mutters, "ignore it and it'll go away..."
No. There's soup. I want a sandwich.
Amadi: Pfft. Liar.
 
Gaurav: ... nobody is at all suspicious that we entered a dungeon with four people and are leaving with five?
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
We should have taken the philosopher pigeon as well.
Erm... sure.
Ellemerr: They're ignoring me so I might go away.
 
Apheori (GM): That's probably why they're being so... weird. They don't recognise the fifth, though, so they're just pretending it didn't happen.
AMADI
Y'all head out to the street. It's getting later. WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?
Why are you...?
Rhu practices walking
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The light is all meaningless. Sun, shadows, reflections. There's a different light now, not of light itself, but of presence and absolute, what is and isn't. The people glow, but faintly. Objects fade in and out of relevance.
Amadi waves a finger towards the guard's face.
Amadi: This is... not midnight, right?
 
Apheori (GM): Amadi: You can probably see this too on top of everything else, but you still see normal.
The guard gives Amadi an annoyed look and then basically just ignores her. The others also look away when anyone looks at them.
Radek: Not yet.
 
Apheori (GM): Amadi: Whatever the hell normal even is for you.
GREIBEL
Amadi: See, I know what time it isn't. I totally know what... Mm, that colour look tasty.
Haters gonna hate.
Gaurav: Objects fade in and out of ... relevance?
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You notice Amadi is glowing even more brightly than the others, and differently too. Like she's something else, something bigger, older...
SOME GUARD
And if you look at her the wrong way, something just like Radek.
(muttering)
But then you can't get it to happen again.
Ignore it and it'll go away...
Frezak (GM): She's hazz.
 
Apheori (GM): The objects are... flat.
AMADI
Ellemerr: Don't be rude, Frezak.
Pfft. Liar.
Apheori (GM): People pass by. They're mostly different colours, and all rather faint, though there is variation.
 
Rhu stares at Amadi for a while
 
Apheori (GM): Amadi glows.
EXT. Coffle street - late afternoon
Radek: We have an address.
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You can't make out just what the colour actually is, though. Purple? Blue? Red?
Rhu stumbles out onto the street and practices walking, the rope tied to the Gravedigger preventing him from going too far.
 
The others come out as well, acting far more normal.
 
AMADI
This is... not midnight, right?
 
RADEK
Not yet.
 
AMADI
See, I know what time it isn't. I totally know what...
Mm, that colour looks tasty.
 
Rhu notices Amadi. Really notices her - somehow, she's glowing even more brightly than the others, and differently too. Like she's something else, something bigger, older... and from just the right angle, just like Radek. Invisible.
 
Rhu stares at Amadi for a while.
 
Amadi stares back at Rhu, then makes a rude face.
Amadi stares back at Rhu, then makes a rude face.
Apheori (GM): Black?
 
The Gravedigger: I'm sure it'll be great.
RADEK
Maybe they'll give us biscuits.
We have an address.
Radek: Maybe they'll take these two off our hands.
 
Rhu is oblivious of any rudeness, and does that move-head-from-side-to-side thing you do when trying to determine parallax
THE GRAVEDIGGER
The Gravedigger: LET'S GO TO THE ADRESS
I'm sure it'll be great. Maybe they'll give us biscuits.
Greibel: Maybe they'll...tell us stuff?
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The blackness flickers. It makes you slightly ill.
RADEK
Amadi: No they won't, Radek. That's your name now? Hm. You should change it.
Maybe they'll take these two off our hands.
Apheori (GM): Which address do you go to? The one with the weapons, or the one on the rock?
 
Well, that came with the rock.
AMADI
Radek: I like my name as-is.
No they won't, Radek. That's your name now? Hm. You should change it.
Amadi: Clearly you're not very smart.
 
RADEK
I like my name as-is.
 
AMADI
Clearly you're not very smart.
 
Radek gives her a chrome death glare.
 
Rhu ducks his head from side to side trying to figure out Amadi.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
LET'S GO TO THE ADDRESS.
 
GREIBEL
Maybe they'll... tell us stuff?
 
AMADI
Were we going sometime?
Were we going sometime?
Gaurav: Them's fighting words
 
Bear Soup Guy: Brain-fighting
Ganelon: Oh my.
She's getting death-glares over that.
Apheori (GM): Chrome-shiny death glares.
Ganelon: Yeah, it's probably hard to read his face but he's still gonna try.
Amadi rolls back and forth at her heels, looking bored.
Amadi rolls back and forth at her heels, looking bored.
Greibel: To the address!
 
Apheori (GM): Which one? Who leads?
'''''Ellemerr''' (Amadi): In an attempt at being true to my character I've promptly forgotten everything. *shifty eyes*
Frezak (GM): Radek?
 
I don't know if anyone else read the thing?
GREIBEL
Ganelon: Sure.
To the address!
His was illegible.
 
Apheori (GM): So stoned guy read the other one?
Radek gets directions off a random guard because everyone else in the party is useless, and they head out.
Oh dear.
 
Gaurav: It's in the log somewhere.
 
Should I copy it in here?
EXT. Rorik and Sons weapon shop - evening
Ellemerr: In an attempt at being true to my character I've promptly forgotten everything. *shifty eyes*
 
Apheori (GM): Forgotten what, now?
It's a fairly ordinary shop with a sign that says 'Rorik and Sons' over the door.
Ellemerr: The world.
 
Apheori (GM): Huh?
RHU
Ellemerr: I don't know. >.>
(mumbles)
Apheori (GM): I kid.
Oh. I gettit. It's just people. Just people.
Ellemerr: I'm not sure if I do.
 
Apheori (GM): Radek: You don't actually know how to get there. Do you set off anyway, ask for directions, or something else?
RADEK
Ganelon: I'll ask someone.
What a waste of stone. They could have made this a functional piece of siege equipment.
Frezak (GM): Rename the streets and complain at people that their town is wrong
 
Ganelon: Later.
AMADI
Apheori (GM): Okay, you ask someone, and then run away because you're scary.
At least they know what their name is. Why aren't you named Rorik?
Frezak (GM): Ask a guard
 
They're not allowed to run.
Radek doesn't answer and just heads in.
Ellemerr: I could ask!
 
Frezak (GM): YOU'RE INSAAAANE
AMADI
Ellemerr: I look perfectly un-scary.
Or... Harold. Harold would suit you. You couldn't be a Valentine.
Frezak (GM): INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE
 
And so's Amadi.
Amadi falls into step beside Rhu, takes his arm, and walks him inside as well.
Ellemerr: Yeah but I'm sure they're used to that.
 
Ganelon: How dare they flee from me.
AMADI
Frezak (GM): IF ONLY YOU COULD GRAB
Would you be my Valentine?
Ganelon: Actually I'd love to use a, uh...
 
Tethercord.
When she touches him, he is overcome with warmth. It is as though she is the brightest thing in the universe, and has only brightness to share...
If I had one.
 
Apheori (GM): Well, a nearby guard overheard/saw and comes up and tells you.
Rhu holds on to Amadi's hand with both hands. The warmth feels good.
Gaurav: Gan: hehe
 
Apheori (GM): SO GOOD JOB.
 
Frezak (GM): Aw.
INT. Rorik and Sons weapon shop - evening
Thanks Mr.Guard.
 
TO THE PLACE
The inside is full of weapons and weapon parts. Crossbows and swords seem to be a specialty, lining most of the walls. Quite a few rods and staves are also present, including the model the guards seemed to have.
Apheori (GM): He's also looking at Rhu worriedly.
 
Radek: Well at least someone in this place has a sense of manners.
Random parts are also strewn everywhere, and in bins. No shovels are in sight.
Frezak (GM): Yes.
 
The only person was the guard.
Excluding all other people.
Apheori (GM): Guards are paid.
Frezak (GM): From being mannered.
Ganelon: It's okay, I'm old.
I'm entitled to my grumpiness.
Frezak (GM): Also covered in lead.
ONWARDS
Apheori (GM): YOU GO ON TO THE PLACE.
It has a really big statue of a crossbow stuck to the front of the building.
It's hard to miss.
Gaurav: What colour is the crossbow?
Ganelon: Not a real crossbow?
Frezak (GM): Is this the armourer's or the place on the note?
Apheori (GM): The sign says 'Rorik and Sons'.
Frezak (GM): Huh.
Ganelon: Ah, it's the guy arming the guards.
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The crossbow is an object. Not terribly interesting.
Rhu: It seems to be just people.
That glow.
And stuff.
Dim places are are. Thinner places.
Frezak (GM): It's made of peeeople
Rhu: (mumbles) Oh. I gettit. It's just people. Just people.
Radek: What a waste of stone. They could have made this a functional piece of siege equipment.
Gaurav: "Rorik, Sons and Daughters, but not the one who ran away to join the circus who we don't talk about"
Ganelon: Well, I'll go inside without really waiting on these other clowns.
Amadi: At least they know what their name is. Why aren't you named Rorik?
Ganelon: He wouldn't answer that.
Amadi: ... Or... Harold. Harold would suit you. You couldn't be a Valentine.
Apheori (GM): The inside is full of weapons and weapon parts. Crossbows and swords seem to be a specialty, lining most of the walls. Quite a few rods and staves are also present, including the model the guards seemed to have.
Random parts are also strewn everywhere, and in bins.
There's an old guy with a beard working on a crossbow.
There's an old guy with a beard working on a crossbow.
Amadi falls into step beside Rhu, takes his arm and walks him inside. "Would you be my Valentine?"
 
Radek: You there! I take it you are Rorik?
RADEK
Apheori (GM): Rhu: When she touches you, you are overcome with warmth. It is as though she is the brightest thing in the universe, and has only brightness to share...
You there! I take it you are Rorik?
Frezak (GM): ANY SHOVELS?
 
Apheori (GM): No shovels.
RORIK
Frezak (GM): This shop sucks.
That I am!
Apheori (GM): In sight, anyway.
 
You could ask.
RADEK
Rorik: That I am!
Your shop sells wands. Do I dare to assume that means you know something about magic?
Frezak (GM): IF SHOVELS ARE NOT IN PRIME POSITION THIS PLACE IS AN INSULT TO A THING
 
Apheori (GM): Okay.
RORIK
Radek: Your shop sells wands. Do I dare to assume that means you know something about magic?
A thing or two, perhaps. Did you have something in mind?
Rorik: A thing or two, perhaps. Did you have something in mind?
 
Apheori (GM) pokes Ellemerr and Gaurav with a stick.
Greibel comes in and stares absently at all the staves he can't afford.
Gaurav: oops, sorry
 
Greibel goes to stare absently at all the staves he can't afford
RADEK
Gaurav: chatting with my advisor in the next window
Well, dimensional rifts are tearing your world apart at the seams and I should like to know if anyone has been studying a way to close them.
Radek: Well, dimensional rifts are tearing your world apart at the seams and I should like to know if anyone has been studying a way to close them.
Now I don't expect you to have an answer, necessarily, but as the technology here seems unsuited to the task, arcane study strikes me as the next most likely way to a solution.
Rhu holds on to Amadi's hand with both hands. The warmth feels good.
 
Gaurav: How cold is it in this town? Or this planet?
RORIK
Apheori (GM): Warm.
(looking slightly surprised)
It's like summer or something.
You sure? Seems like something that would be in the news.
Radek: Now I don't expect you to have an answer, necessarily, but as the technology here seems unsuited to the task, arcane study strikes me as the next most likely way to a solution.
Guards chatter, of course, but aside from some weirdness on the planes I certainly wouldn't call the world falling apart.
Rorik looks slightly surprised, then says, "You sure? Seems like something that would be in the news."
 
Amadi leans closer to Rhu, smiling faintly. "Careful," she mutters. "You'll smell the burning."
Amadi leans closer to Rhu, smiling faintly.
Rorik: Guards chatter, of course, but aside from some weirdness on the planes I certainly wouldn't call the world falling apart...
 
Rhu sniffs
AMADI
Rorik: Here's a thought. There's always weirdness. There's also explosives. Have you tried...
(muttering)
Rorik gets out a large box.
Careful. You'll smell the burning.
Rorik: ...blowing up the weirdness?
 
Rhu sniffs, but smells no burning.
 
RORIK
Here's a thought. There's always weirdness. There's also explosives. Have you tried...
(he gets out a large box)
...blowing up the weirdness?
 
Radek grins widely.
Radek grins widely.
Gaurav: o.0
 
Greibel 's interest is piqued
Greibel's interest is piqued.
Amadi lowers her voice even more; "On your tongue... You'll smell it on your -"
 
Radek: I admit to have been lacking materials.
AMADI
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You can't smell the burning. The box, however, is glowing.
(lowering her voice even more)
Amadi: EXPLODE!
On your tongue... You'll smell it on your -
Apheori (GM): Rhu: So is Rorik, though less than the box. But he's glowing more than most folk around here.
 
Gaurav: this plan strikes me as terrible, ill-advised, ridiculous but also awesome
RADEK
Rhu: (to Rorik) Excuse me, sir, but why are you glowing?
I admit to have been lacking materials.
Rorik: (To Radek) Then you, my good friend, have come to exactly the right place.
 
RORIK
(To Radek)
Then you, my good friend, have come to exactly the right place.
 
AMADI
EXPLODE!
 
RHU
(to Rorik)
Excuse me, sir, but why are you glowing?
 
RORIK
What?
What?
Rorik looks at himself.
(he looks down at himself)
Radek: He's drugged up.
I'm not glowing.
Rorik: I'm not glowing.
 
Rhu: Shiny. Very shiny. Also: your box. Also shiny.
RADEK
Rorik: Ah, well.
He's drugged up.
Rhu: (to Amadi) You can see it, can't you, Mrs. Teatime?
 
Rorik: You'll be wanting to check this, then.
RHU
Rorik opens the box and shows Radek a pile of parts inside.
Shiny. Very shiny. Also - your box. Also shiny.
Amadi: It's not teatime. I know what time it isn't.
(to Amadi)
Rorik: Some assembly required, but you, sir, look like someone who could do far more with this than with anything pre-made...
You can see it, can't you, Mrs. Teatime?
Rhu nods distractedly at Amadi
 
Radek: Oh, assembly is the best part.
AMADI
Gaurav: I'm suddenly imagining Radek playing with LEGO.
It's not teatime. I know what time it isn't.
Ganelon: And stepping on the bricks?
 
Maybe that's why he's so grumpy.
Rhu nods distractedly at Amadi.
Too many LEGO brick incidents growing up.
 
Ellemerr giggles.
RORIK
Gaurav: hehe
Ah, well. You'll be wanting to check this, then.
(he opens the box and shows Radek a pile of parts inside)
Some assembly required, but you, sir, look like someone who could do far more with this than with anything pre-made...
 
RADEK
Oh, assembly is the best part.
 
Amadi giggles for no apparent reason.
Amadi giggles for no apparent reason.
Ganelon: So, what can I discern about these parts?
 
The porridge slides off Greibel's shoulder and goes splat on the floor.
The porridge slides off Greibel's shoulder and goes splat on the floor. He gives it a disappointed look.
Rhu points confusedly at the box
 
Apheori (GM): They're magical.
RHU
Greibel: :/
(pointing confusedly at the box)
Rhu: Why is the box glowing?
Why is the box glowing?
Apheori (GM): And kind of strong.
 
Radek: And really explosive. You can see exactly how to put them all together such that it could... well, put a really massive hole in the planet, for instance.
GREIBEL
Frezak (GM): THE BIGGEST HOLE
Okay Rasputin, you can walk around and take a look if you like. But don't get the staves all slimey.
Ganelon: Oh yes.
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The porridge is not glowing.
The porridge jiggles.
Greibel: Okay Rasputin, you can walk around and take a look if you like.
 
But don't get the staves all slimey.
AMADI
The porridge sits there.
Rasputin is a good name too. Very good.
Radek: ...Say, you build crossbows here. Have you ever heard of a rifle?
 
Amadi: Rasputin is a good name too. Very good.
GREIBEL
Frezak (GM): Oatey staves.
Thanks, gypsy girl!
Rorik: Can't say I have.
 
Greibel: Thanks, gypsy girl!
AMADI
Amadi: I'm going to be named Rasputing tomorrow.
I'm going to be named Rasputing tomorrow.
Radek: Something like this.
 
Rhu: Rasputing would suit you well.
RHU
Rasputing would suit you well.
 
RADEK
...Say, you build crossbows here. Have you ever heard of a rifle?
 
RORIK
Can't say I have.
 
RADEK
Something like this.
 
Radek places his rifle over the counter.
Radek places his rifle over the counter.
Rorik picks it up and gives it a look-over.
 
Rorik pops it open after a bit of fiddling and looks inside.
Rorik picks it up and gives it a look-over, then pops it open after a bit of fiddling and looks inside. He starts looking very, very interested, and then reassembles it without much trouble.
Rorik starts looking very, very interested.
 
Frezak (GM): If he breaks your shit I'm not throwing things for you.
RORIK
Ganelon: As if I couldn't fix it.
(nodding)
Although I think Radek is proficient in using shovels.
Now this is definitely doable.
Rorik nods. "Now this," he says, putting it back together and handing it back, "is definitely doable."
 
Amadi leans her head on Rhu's shoulder - or more likely arm, since she probably won't reach the shoulder - and groans slowly and quietly.
Rorik hands Radek back the rifle.
Rorik: Would you have a... smaller one you'd be willing to part with? Something that is not so much a part of you?
 
Gaurav: Does Amadi's head feel magically warm like her hands do? (Or are her hands just normal and Rhu is making much of it because he's stoned?)
Amadi leans her head on Rhu's arm and groans slowly and quietly.
Radek: Not quite. I have some standard-issue laser weapon, but... well, you would need lenses to build one of those.
 
Apheori (GM): Amadi is warm. She is a source of power, and Rhu feels that power...
Rhu looks around a bit to see where the groaning is coming from, then realizing it's Amadi. She's so warm, a source of power...
Rhu looks around a bit to see where the groaning is coming from, then realizing it's Amadi.
 
Radek: I could draw you a blueprint for either in a day.
RHU
Ellemerr: I need to at some point find out why Rhu is stoned.
(to Amadi)
Apheori (GM): Or at least he thinks he does.
Mrs. Teatime, what's wrong?
Rhu: (to Amadi) Mrs. Teatime, what's wrong?
 
Rorik: Lenses?
AMADI
Frezak (GM): How long would it take him to teach the guy to read blueprints?
Can you see... In my head...?
Amadi: Can you see... In my head...?
 
Rorik: Some of the staves use those. Focus the beam, the better to punch holes through several tonnes of rock...
Rhu squints and stares at Amadi's forehead, but it's glowing too much to see through.
 
The porridge slowly pulls itself back together and gloops out the door.
 
RORIK
Would you have a... smaller one you'd be willing to part with? Something that is not so much a part of you?
 
RADEK
Not quite. I have some standard-issue laser weapon, but... well, you would need lenses to build one of those.
I could draw you a blueprint for either in a day.
 
RORIK
Lenses? Some of the staves use those. Focus the beam, the better to punch holes through several tonnes of rock...
(looking extremely pleased with himself)
The city used to have walls, you know.
The city used to have walls, you know.
Ganelon: I'll hand him the pistol.
 
Rorik looks extremely pleased with himself.
RHU
Gaurav: Ellemerr: Rhu took the slightest nibble of a mushroom that the stoned philosopher gave him. All he knows is that Hazz'ridan seems to approve of this course.
(to Amadi)
Radek: Here.
You have too much glow. I cannot see a thing. Does it hurt to glow that much?
Apheori (GM) picks up the pistol and examines it as well.
 
Rorik picks up the pistol and examines it as well.
AMADI
Ellemerr: Hazz would at that. xD
(in a tone of voice that strips the word of all meaning)
Rorik: Hmm... this is somewhat more efficient. Different principle from the rifle, of course, but... how much do you want for it?
Hurt.
Gaurav: DM: stop taking guns out of the game!
 
Rorik: And if the blueprints are for sale...
RHU
Frezak (GM): GUNS ARE FOR PUSSIES
Aww.
Rhu squints and stares at Amadi's forehead
(pats Amadi's head with his other hand)
Apheori (GM): Dude, this guy's going to be MAKING them. XD
Poor Mrs. Teatime.
Ellemerr: Agreed. I'm voting for shovels any day.
 
Gaurav: An all-shovel army would be a terrifying thing indeed.
AMADI
Frezak (GM): SHOVELS
Is it time yet? I know what time it isn't. Why am I now?
Also.
 
Apheori (GM): Shovels!
RHU
Frezak (GM): If these guys wander around with laser guns.
(to Amadi)
It might be a problem in teh future.
When are you trying to be?
If we set up a despotic empire.
 
For some quick cash.
AMADI
Ellemerr: Ya think?
I... don't know anymore. I don't even know.
Apheori (GM): Rhu: d20
 
Radek: Haven't the faintest idea. Rifts dropped me here scarcely more than a day ago and I'm still amazed you people carry your currency with you.
Gaurav: Should that eventuality arise.
Rhu:
rolling d20
(
5
)
=
5
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You can't see in her head. Too much glow.
Radek: You seem like you've got your head on straight, at least.
Gaurav: I'm saving up all my rolls > 10 for my community ecology class.
Bear Soup Guy: XD
Rhu shakes his head sadly
Rhu: (to Amadi) You have too much glow. I cannot see a thing. Does it hurt to glow that much?
Apheori (GM): Okay, what would a nice, heavy crossbow sell for?
With some magic.
Amadi: Hurt.
Amadi says the word in a tone of voice that strips it of all meaning.
Ganelon: Well, if it's a +1 magic thing, it's worth 360 GP (but sell price tends to be between 20-50% of that depending on what you think is best as the DM).
Rorik: I'll give you 200 for it. Another 500 for the blueprints.
Rhu: Aww. (pats Amadi's head with the arm Amadi isn't leaning against) Poor Mrs. Teatime.
The porridge slowly pulls itself back together and slithers over to Gravy's foot.
Frezak (GM): Ew.
Radek: Fantastic. I hope you put them to good use.
Frezak (GM): Gravy will try to evade the breakfast.
Apheori (GM): You'll still need to make the blueprints, though.
Amadi: Is it time yet? I know what time it isn't. Why am I now?
Rorik: I fully intend to.
Rorik gives Radek 200 coin things and slips the gun under the table.
Rorik: When'll you have the blueprints ready?
Rhu: (to Amadi) When are you trying to be?
Radek: Tomorrow. I don't sleep, so it should be quite a simple matter.
Rorik: Perhaps we can call those a straight trade for this box?
Amadi: I... don't know anymore. I don't even know.
Amadi sighs.
Amadi sighs.
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You see shapes in Amadi's glow.
 
Radek: Certainly.
RADEK
Greibel continues browsing, unaware as to the porridge's exploits
Here.
 
Radek hands Rorik a laser pistol, and the arms guy examines it as well.
 
RORIK
Hmm... this is somewhat more efficient. Different principle from the rifle, of course, but... how much do you want for it?
 
RORIK
And if the blueprints are for sale...
 
RADEK
Haven't the faintest idea. Rifts dropped me here scarcely more than a day ago and I'm still amazed you people carry your currency with you.
You seem like you've got your head on straight, at least.
 
RORIK
I'll give you 200 for it. Another 500 for the blueprints.
 
RADEK
Fantastic. I hope you put them to good use.
 
RORIK
I fully intend to.
When'll you have the blueprints ready?
 
RADEK
Tomorrow. I don't sleep, so it should be quite a simple matter.
 
RORIK
Perhaps we can call those a straight trade for this box?
 
RADEK
Certainly.
 
Rorik nods happily.
Rorik nods happily.
Ganelon: Well, that's all I need for now.
 
Rorik: (to Greibel) You interested in any of those?
RADEK
Radek: It was a rare pleasure doing business with you.
It was a rare pleasure doing business with you.
Rorik: Oh, indeed.
 
Very rare.
RORIK
Greibel: Ah
Oh, indeed. Very rare.
Rhu:
 
rolling 1d20+12 perception checks: what shapes?
Greibel continues browsing in the meantime.
(
 
2
RORIK
)
(to Greibel)
+12
You interested in any of those?
=
 
14
GREIBEL
Greibel: Can't say I need them or could afford them
Ah. Can't say I need them or could afford them. Just admiring.
Just admiring
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You have no idea. They're not objects. Not in the traditional sense. Metaphorical objects. Containers? Bones.
RORIK
Gaurav: Bones! Is she a Dire Lady?
Well, if you ever need and can afford, there's even better to be admired in back. Do remember that.
Apheori (GM): Bones with the flesh gone, flesh that would define them, flesh that is the thing itself...
 
Metaphorical bones.
Rorik starts fiddling with the pistol.
Rorik: Well, if you ever need and can afford, there's even better to be admired in back. Do remember that.
 
Rorik turns away.
GREIBEL
Greibel: I think I will remember that
I think I will remember that. At least for the next few minutes until the drugs make me forget again.
The porridge finally manages to hop onto Gravy's leg and clings.
 
Greibel: At least for the next few minutes until the drugs make me forget again
In Amadi's glow, Rhu sees shapes. Objects. ''(rolled 14 perception)'' It's unclear what. Not objects. Metaphorical objects. Containers? Bones. Bones with the flesh gone, flesh that would define them, flesh that is the thing itself...
The Gravedigger: Greibel.
 
Please remove Rasputin from my leg.
Rhu is a little scared by the bones, so he holds Amadi's hand a little tighter so he can feel more of her warmth.
Rhu is a little scared by the bones, so he holds Amadi's hand a little tighter so he can feel more of her warmth.
Greibel: Awwwww
 
He wants to play!
The Gravedigger clomps in, porridge clinging to his leg.
The Gravedigger: With my LEG?
 
It's just squelching.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Greibel: He's not picky
Greibel. Please remove Rasputin from my leg.
The Gravedigger: Well, I'm on duty right now, so if you could take it off?
 
Greibel: Fine
GREIBEL
The Gravedigger: Thank you.
Awwwww. He wants to play!
Greibel pulls Rasputin off with a popping sound
 
Greibel: Spoil sport
THE GRAVEDIGGER
(To Rhu): You must let go. She is an illusion that blinds. You cannot lose your way.
With my LEG? It's just squelching.
(To Rhu): You are MINE.
 
GREIBEL
He's not picky.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Well, I'm on duty right now, so if you could take it off?
 
GREIBEL
Fine.
 
Greibel pulls Rasputin off with a popping sound.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Thank you.
 
GREIBEL
Spoil sport.
 
The porridge somehow manages to look incredibly disappointed as well.
 
Amadi "Aaaw"s and whistles at Rasputin.
 
HAZZ'RIDAN
(such that only Rhu can hear him)
''You must let go. She is an illusion that blinds. You cannot lose your way. You are MINE.''
 
Amadi attempts to wiggle her squeezed fingers.
Amadi attempts to wiggle her squeezed fingers.
The porridge somehow manages to look incredibly disappointed.
 
Rhu releases his grip a bit
Rhu releases his grip a bit.
Amadi "Aaaw"s and whistles at Rasputin.
 
Rhu: But she's warm
RHU
Amadi: You think she's warm, but it's only outside. Ice boiling.
But she's warm.
(To Rhu): Warmth distracts. You must step into the dark to see.
 
(To Amadi): Do you want him?
AMADI
Amadi: ... No, that's not it. It's tea. I just want a Valentine.
You think she's warm, but it's only outside. Ice boiling.
Gaurav: Okay, I'm going to say that the drugs are making Rhu want to keep holding on to Amadi for the warmth, but he's going to try to break away and listen to his god now. Should I roll a d20, or some sort of fortitude thingie?
 
(To Amadi): Someday, perhaps, I will show you what it means to spread. And you will show me what it means to dream.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(To Amadi): Consider it a promise of a promise.
(such that only Rhu can hear him)
Apheori (GM): Roll a... sure, I dunno.
''Warmth distracts. You must step into the dark to see.''
Gaurav:
 
rolling d20
HAZZ'RIDAN
(
(such that only Amadi can hear him)
14
''Do you want him?
)
 
=
AMADI
14
...No, that's not it. It's tea. I just want a Valentine.
 
HAZZ'RIDAN
(such that only Amadi can hear him)
''Someday, perhaps, I will show you what it means to spread. And you will show me what it means to dream.
''Consider it a promise of a promise.
 
Rhu struggles with himself, trying to pull away. ''(rolled 14 reality)''
 
Amadi attempts to tear herself away from Rhu.
Amadi attempts to tear herself away from Rhu.
Amadi: My dreams are my own!
 
Rhu lets go immediately
AMADI
Apheori (GM): Amadi: You hear laughter echoing away in your head.
My dreams are my own!
Frezak (GM): brb
 
Amadi: Mydreamsaremyownmydreamsaremyownmydreamsaremydreamsaremydreams-
Rhu lets go immediately.
Gaurav: If you don't think I've nearly copied bits of this game into the chat with my advisor, you don't understand how sleepy I am right now.
 
Latest one: "Amadi: ... No, that's not it. It's tea. I just want a Valentine. "
AMADI
which would have been tough to explain
Mydreamsaremyownmydreamsaremyownmydreamsaremydreamsaremydreams...
Apheori (GM): Hah!
 
Amadi slumps down at the floor, clutching her head.
Amadi slumps down at the floor, clutching her head.
Radek: (To Rorik) Every day, they do this.
 
Bear Soup Guy: XD
RADEK
(To Rorik)
Every day, they do this.
 
Rorik snorts and shakes his head.
Rorik snorts and shakes his head.
Gaurav: DM: can we say Rhu has snapped out of his drug-induced haze? Or was that 14 not good enough?
 
Rorik: And this was why sensible men invented weapons.
RORIK
Ganelon: Thank you so much for this character.
And this was why sensible men invented weapons.
Apheori (GM): The 14 wasn't good enough to pull away, let alone snap out of it. Amadi just managed to make it happen anyway.
 
That said you can roll for that now.
Rhu: d20!
Gan: He wants to sell you weapons.
(From Ellemerr): I love answering whispers out loud. So much.
(To Ellemerr): It's awesome.
Rhu:
rolling 1d20
(
14
)
=
14
Like I said, 14
Gaurav: Oops, sorry
Rhu is still very out of it. He looks at Amadi slumped on the floor with consternation and confusion.
Rhu is still very out of it. He looks at Amadi slumped on the floor with consternation and confusion.
Ganelon: Radek unfortunately has a fine weapon of his own already. Also, he's grumpy and mean but not evil enough to shoot any of his "friends".
 
Well, not evil at all, I say.
Amadi curls up on the floor, still muttering about her dreams - the words seem to be "I dream" now - and then, with a shudder, she falls asleep. A moment later, she disappears.
Apheori (GM): Rhu: Some of the glow fades. It's less clear now.
 
Amadi curls up on the floor, still muttering about her dreams - the words seem to be "I dream" now - and then, with a shudder, she falls asleep. A moment later, she's disappeared.
To Rhu, everything else suddenly becomes much brighter.
Rhu: Huh.
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: With Amadi gone, everything else suddenly gets much brighter.
RHU
Rhu: Ouch! Too bright!
Huh. Ouch! Too bright!
Rhu squints
 
Apheori (GM): ...not that bright.
Rhu looks around and then examines his own hand very closely.
Ellemerr cackles
 
Ellemerr: And now you shall turn BLIND!
RHU
Rhu looks around
Hmm.
Apheori (GM): It's like the brightest thing in a room goes out, and then you see all he light you missed.
 
Gaurav: Gotcha. Rhu is still stoned, though, right?
Rhu startles, aghast; then hides his hand behind his back and quickly looks around to make sure it isn't coming to get him.
Apheori (GM): Well, okay, Rhu might get blinded, but that's Rhu.
 
Mostly.
RADEK
Rhu looks at his own hand, which is still normal I suppose.
Alright, everyone out if you're not buying anything.
Rhu: Hmm.
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: d20
RHU
Rhu:
What if you're inhaling the truth?
rolling d20
 
(
RADEK
5
Fresh air is the truth.
)
 
=
RHU
5
We should go to the place with the rock. In the truth.
Ellemerr: And now I'm going to follow Amadi's prime example and chase some dreams. I'll possibly pop back when you last expect it.
 
Apheori (GM): You have a suspicious feeling abot your hand.
RADEK
Like it might be out to get you.
Outside.
Bear Soup Guy: Bye Ellemerr
(guiding Rhu out)
Apheori (GM): Dream well, dreamer of freams.
This man deserves better than the burden of your company.
dreams
 
Gaurav: Pretty sure those 14s are the last >10 rolls I've got in me tonight.
Rhu mumbles something about truthiness but follows.
today
 
Bear Soup Guy: Dream we- what she said
Rorik chuckles quietly to himself as the others head out as well.
Gaurav: Bye, Ellemerr!
 
Rhu looks at his hand, aghast; then hides it behind his back and quickly looks around to make sure it isn't coming to get him.
 
Ellemerr: Sweet daydreams and nightmares to one and all.
EXT. Coffle - evening
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The feeling fades almost immediately.
 
Rhu still keeps one hand behind his back, just in case. You can't trust hands.
HAZZ'RIDAN
Apheori (GM): Sane people: Care to move the peanut gallery along?
(such that only Rhu can hear him)
Gaurav: Oops, almost forgot: I have to leave for class in ~45 mins!
''Go.''
Ganelon: I think Frezak's not back yet, so that leaves it up to me.
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: An imperative fills your head - go the place. Find the truth. Use the rock.
RHU
INHALE TRUTH.
What rock? This rock?
Gaurav: Gan: as usual.
 
Ganelon: And honestly, the image of Radek just idly complaining as people fall to the ground mumbling to themselves is very amusing to me.
Rhu starts walking, then runs out of rope, realises he's going the wrong direction and then turns around and heads in the opposite direction for a bit before running out of rope again.
Apheori (GM): In this case Greibel is relatively sane as well.
 
Frezak (GM): Back.
RHU
Apheori (GM): Hello.
(still trying to go in the direction)
Radek: Alright, everyone out if you're not buying anything.
Hey! Hey. I think it's this way.
Rhu: What if you're inhaling the truth?
We should walk. I have very strong feelings about this.
Bear Soup Guy: XD
 
Radek: Fresh air is the truth.
After a bit more of Rhu's straining, the Gravedigger finally gives in and follows him. The others trail behind.
Rhu: We should go to the place with the rock. In the truth.
 
Radek: Outside.
Rhu walks down the streets at angles, corner to opptosite corner, turning in parts, with atrocious collision avoidance.
Rhu mumbles something about truthiness but followed Radek
 
Radek: This man deserves better than the burden of your company.
He winds up getting stuck behind a lamppost.
Rorik chuckles quietly to himself.
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The air outside is AIR.
RHU
Frezak (GM): I'll waddle out.
There's a... this pole's in my way
THis place has nothing for me.
 
Apheori (GM): SHOCKING, HUH?
The Gravedigger slides Rhu around it.
Ganelon: I'm really glad that nobody else in the party is particularly sensitive to insults or I'd actually feel guilty about being so awful to them.
 
Gaurav: Air-type air is a rare gift.
RADEK
(To Rhu): Go.
Do you suppose he'll ever recover?
Ganelon: I the player, that is. About Radek being awful to them.
 
Gaurav: Rhu is already outside.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Apheori (GM): This is certainly an... interesting party in that regard.
We'll find out.
Ganelon: He couldn't care less if your feelings get hurt. He only has infusions for healing *actual* damage.
 
Apheori (GM): Gaurav: Hazz wants you to keep walking.
 
KEEP WALKING.
EXT. Vacant lot - night
Rhu keeps walking, then realizes he's going the wrong direction, stops and turns.
 
Ganelon: So, we know where these people with the rocks are leading us, right?
After about half an hour of this, including Rhu running into a few random passerby as well, they come to a vacant lot with a fence around it.
Rhu walks in the opposite direction for a bit before realizing he has no idea where he's going.
 
Rhu: What rock? This rock?
Rhu heads for the gate and pushes inside, pointing. It's mostly weeds and stuff, and some bricks and a rusted wheelbarrow without a tire.
Ganelon: At least one of us does?
 
Rhu hands it and the note to Gan
RHU
Apheori (GM): Rhu doesn't even know. He knows which way to walk he's walking.
We're here. Though I'm not sure where that is.
and he's walking*
...I'm going to pray to Hazz'ridan now. He's pretty knowledgable about things like that.
Rhu keeps on a'walking
 
Frezak (GM): Not he can't.
'''''Frezak''' (Gravy): I hope we don't lose our second divine guy to a magic hole.
He's tied to Gravy.
 
By love and rope.
Radek actually checks the address and finds it to be completely the wrong one.
Apheori (GM): Okay, he bounces off the rope after a bit.
 
But he still walked as far as he could get.
RHU
Rhu: Hey!
Wait...
hey
 
I think it's this way.
Rhu heads over to the general center of the lot. ''(rolled 19 reality)'' The greyed out effect of reality fades, and then he feels the weight of presense as he passes. Gravity of the situation. Weight of the worlds. The presense of space, and everything pressing down...
Apheori (GM): He's still trying to walk. It is imperative.
 
Rhu: We should walk. I have very strong feelings about this.
RHU
Frezak (GM): Do we think it's a good idea to whatever thing Rhu feels like doing or thinks a voice told him to do?
Oof. I'm going to sit down now.
Is he some kind of oracle at this point or just a madman?
 
Ganelon: That's a hard line to draw.
Rhu just stands there for a bit and then sits down a moment later.
Frezak (GM): Well we need a pen.
 
Gaurav: I've been wondering that for a while.
The Gravedigger ambles over, looking around. ''(rolled 27 perception)'' The lot is alive, full of life. Things growing, insects buzzing, moths fluttering around. Here, the sound of the city around is muted. Also the wheelbarrow has a wheel now. It didn't before.
At some point it's going to be easier to just tie him to a wheelbarrow and ask him to point out things that may be of interest.
 
Bear Soup Guy: Well at this point I think we're following him because we don't really have any other leads so we're seeing what comes of it
Greibel also gives the lot a good, thorough naturing. ''(rolled 31 nature)'' The lot is full of nature, fluttering, buzzing. This is a place separated from the rest of the normal world, touched by the gods, and that is probably why it is vacant, for none would want to build on top of that... but there is also something else.  
Ganelon: We have an address from that strange teleporting woman, don't we?
 
Bear Soup Guy: Do we?
A possibility, right where Rhu is sitting. A narrowness. A thinness.
Gaurav: The other strange teleporting woman
 
Apheori (GM): Rhu has it, at least.
Rhu prays, given the lack of anything else to do, and how heavy he feels and all that weight...
Frezak (GM): So that WASNT Rorik's place?
 
Apheori (GM): Nope.
RADEK
Gaurav: Rhu just handed it to Gan
So he sat down in the dirt.
Rorik's address we got from the guards after our almost-encounter with them
 
Frezak (GM): I thought they were telling us where the adress WAS
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Ganelon: Yes, but that was a different one.
THe Wheelbarrow just grew a wheel. No longer a simple barrow.
Now we need directions to this one.
 
Or so I assume.
Greibel goes up to Rhu.
Gaurav: That's the guards from earlier this game. Rorik's place we got from the guards on Saturday, I think.
 
Frezak (GM): Time to find a guard, then.
GREIBEL
Gaurav: This town is crawling with guards.
Look! Can you feel the presence in this place? Your God must have led you somewhere useful for once!
Apheori (GM): Ŕhu is still pulling on the rope.
 
Ganelon: Might as well go in whatever direction he's headed until we find a guard.
A dark ooze trickles out of the ground and spreads around Rhu. Then several large tentacles reach out to wrap around him, to pull him down, away, into nothing.
Frezak (GM): Hokay, then.
 
If there are wyverns I'm blaming you.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Rhu doesn't hear; he's pretty focused on the whole walking in a particular direction thing at the mo'
Oh dear.
Apheori (GM): There are guards in sight, though perhaps not immediately nearby.
 
Rhu walks down the streets at angles, corner to opptosite corner, turning in parts.
The Gravedigger yanks on the rope to pull Rhu out, but then Rhu is simply enveloped and pulled down, the rope dissolving.
Shortest possibly path, even if it leads through other people.
 
Or things.
GREIBEL
He winds up getting stuck on a lamppost.
Well... misjudged that one.
Frezak (GM): "on" ?
 
Like, "on top of" ?
The dark stain on the ground begins to fade, sinking back down.
Apheori (GM): Behind?
 
Trying to walk through it.
GREIBEL
Frezak (GM): Right.
RADEK! Blow up the hole!
I suppose i'll slide him, then.
 
Gaurav: ... wow, how stoned is he?
Radek throws a bomb into the hole just as it closes, and a tentacle whips out and grabs it before pulling back in with a wet ploop.
Rhu: There's a ... this pole's in my way
 
Radek: Do you suppose he'll ever recover?
And then it's all just gone, leaving dusty ground behind.
Apheori (GM): Pretty stoned. Main issue is he's still seeing things weirdly, and probably didn't even see the post until he ran into it.
 
The Gravedigger: We'll find out.
GREIBEL
Apheori (GM): Or he didn't see it in any particular position.
Huh... misjudged that one too.
It is fading, though. Slightly.
 
Frezak (GM): Shit.
Greibel gets down and pounds his fists on the ground where the stain was.
Gaurav: oof.
 
Frezak (GM): The lap-post is fading?
GREIBEL
RUN.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Apheori (GM): Okay, he leads you down a few more streets in a step-like pattern and stops in front of a vacant lot.
 
Frezak (GM): RUN FOR THE HILLS
GREIBEL
Apheori (GM): No, the... drug effect. XD
Well, if there's any bright side to this, it's that he's probably sitting in a tree in a parking lot in some other dimension.
Frezak (GM): Well that's boring.
 
Gaurav: Pretty glad I walked into a lamppost and not a stranger, then.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Apheori (GM): You walked into a few of those, too. But they got out of your way on their onw.
Doesn't sound too bright. As sides go, sounds pretty dim.
Gaurav: Frezak: shh. you don't know how excited I am that only two things have randomly vanished since we've reached town. The stability of reality in the recent past is making me forget the horrors that we saw on Sarathi.
Oh, good.
Apheori (GM): Anyway, there's a fence around the lot. You're in front of a gate.
Frezak (GM): READ THE ADDRESS OF THIS PLACE
Apheori (GM): Inside appears to be a whole lot of weeds and stuff, and some bricks and a rusted wheelbarrow without a tire.
But this is the place.
Ganelon: Yeah.
Apheori (GM): You feel it.
Ganelon: I was about to ask.
Apheori (GM): Gan: The address is not the one on the note.
Frezak (GM): Bah.
Rhu points at the empty lot
Rhu: We're here.
... though I'm not sure where that is.
Frezak (GM): Hokay.
I will survey the area with EAGLE VISION
Rhu: ... I'm going to pray to Hazz'ridan now. He's pretty knowledgable about things like that.
Apheori (GM): Rhu: You feel power here, but more important, you see colour. There is something of a glow in the very air in the lot, especially at the center. You know it is where to be.
Rhu: Wait ...
Rhu walks to the center
Apheori (GM): Rhu: d20
Frezak (GM): I hope we don't lose our second divine guy to a magic hole.
Rhu:
rolling d20
(
19
)
=
19
Apheori (GM): Okay.
Gaurav: I suppose that's why I'm tied to the most stable person in the party
Apheori (GM): Rhu: The greyed out effect of reality fades, and you feel more. Gravity. Weight. The presense of space, and everything pressing down...
Frezak (GM): THAT DOESNT SOUND BAD AT ALL
Apheori (GM): Nope.
It doesn't. YOU'RE RIGHT.
Seriously, though, do stuff.
Rhu: Oof. I'm going to sit down now.
Bear Soup Guy:
rolling 1d20+12 NATURE THE FIELD
(
19
)
+12
=
31
Rhu sits down under/next to the hole
Ganelon: Suddenly, 19s.
Gaurav: WOAH
Bear Soup Guy: I AM GOD
Gaurav: such rolle
Frezak (GM): What hole?
rolling 1D20+9+1+10
(
7
)
+9+1+10
=
27
Perception.
Apheori (GM): Greibel: The field is alive. It is full of life, and more than just that of the nromal world. This place has been touched by the gods, and that is probably why it is vacant, for none would want to build on top of that...
Greibel: But there's something missing. And empty space where Rhu is sitting.
Frezak (GM): THAT DOESNT SOUND BAD AT ALL.
Apheori (GM): An*
Frezak: You discern some of the same impressions, and notice the wheelbarrow has a wheel now. It didn't before.
Rhu prays, given the lack of anything else to do, and how heavy he feels and all that weight ...
Radek: So he sat down in the dirt.
Apheori (GM): Also there are a lot of bricks amidst the weeds.
The Gravedigger: THe Wheelbarrow just grew a wheel.
No longer a simple barrow
Greibel goes up to Rhu
Greibel: Look!
Can you feel the presence in this place?
Your God must have led you somewhere useful for once!
Rhu:
rolling 1d20+8 religion check: Rhu prays fervently
(
12
)
+8
=
20
Apheori (GM): A dark ooze trickles out of the ground and spreads around Rhu. Then several large tentacles reach out and wrap around him, pulling him into nothing.
The Gravedigger: Oh dear.
The Gravedigger PULLS ON THE ROPE
Greibel: Well....misjudged that one.
Apheori (GM): The rope dissolves.
In the dark stuff.
Frezak (GM): Crud.
Rhu: Huh, that was unexp---
Frezak (GM): WELL.
WE LOST OUR SECOND DIVINE DUDE TO A HOLE.
Gaurav: Divine characters are overrated, anyway.
Bear Soup Guy: Don't worry, it'll even out when the entire universe is swallowed by a black hole
Gaurav: The first rule of D&D, "Never split the party", suggests you all jump into this hole after me now. Just sayin'
Frezak (GM): Sersiously.
We should retire and become farmers while we still can.
Gaurav: Alternatively, you could report the hole to this town's police force and let them deal with it.
Frezak: XD
Frezak (GM): Yeah, if all the guards are eaten by teh hole we can rule as futuristic despots.
Apheori (GM): The dark stain on the ground begins to fade, sinking back down.
Greibel: RADEK! Blow up the hole!
Gaurav: I should leave for class in the next 10 mins, but given that Rhu has fallen into a hole
... and perhaps gone to that great, big dead-end in the sky ...
this might not be all that important
(To Gaurav): And we can discuss what happens in the hole... later,
Frezak (GM): Hazzridaninism doesn't sound so cool now >.>
Apheori (GM): Bwahahahah!
Gaurav: It's not done badly for a religion focused on dead ends! I wonder if it's, like, one of the Grand Big Religions or like a weird little sect that everybody looks down on.
Apheori (GM): Definitely a weird one.
Ganelon: Hm.
Apheori (GM): That people look at weirdly.
Frezak (GM): So this world does not like godlings.
Apheori (GM): Oh, they like them. Hazz'ridan is just a bit odd.
Frezak (GM): Well, both divine ones got et by otherwordly forces.
Ganelon: So you want me to throw a bomb in the hole as it closes?
Frezak (GM): YES
DO THAT
Ganelon: Okay. I do that.
Gaurav: I guess it'd be like if somebody in Hinduism set up a cult to worship Narada. It could happen, it'd just be very weird.
Before I go: so we're not meeting on Saturdays any more? Should we make this Tuesday slot regular?
Apheori (GM): A tentacle whips out of the hole and grabs the bomb before pulling back in as the entire dark stain disappears.
Frezak (GM): HAH
Bear Soup Guy: Yeah, I like tuesdays
"THANKS FOR THE BOMB"
Ganelon: It is timed to explode.
Gaurav: This hole isn't taking any of your shit. Or giant, earth-shattering kabooms.
Greibel: Huh...misjudged that one too
Frezak (GM): DELICIOUS.
BOMBS. EXPLODES IN YOUR MOUTH. OR TENTACLES.
Apheori (GM): Tuesdays are totally good. Unless I get a job.
So you all just lost Rhu and you're standing in a vacant lot.
Gaurav: We can reschedule when that happens. I suspect all these plans are month-to-month anyway.
Apheori (GM): You can sort of feel the power. You can sort of see the life feeding the adminitedly not very impressive weeds.
Gaurav: Okay, I'm going to leave for class early and be on time for once. Have fun, and see you all next Tuesday!
Frezak (GM): Is... Rhu weed-food now?
Apheori (GM): Rhu is just gone. You don't know what happened.
Ganelon: He might have died in a fiery explosion instead.
Frezak (GM): HAH
Ganelon: (actually they're not that powerful)
Frezak (GM): Roll bomb damage!
Apheori (GM): The tentacles were certainly not like anything in the previous hole.
And there was the bomb...
Greibel pounds fists on the ground where the hole was
Gaurav: You could do an untrained religion check and ask Hazz'ridan
Apheori (GM): Mysteries.
Greibel: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Gaurav: byeeeeeeee
Apheori (GM): Bye.
Ganelon: See ya.
Bear Soup Guy: Bye
Apheori (GM): Greibel: The ground is oddly soft. Like something has been recently planted.
Frezak (GM): RHUBARB
Apheori (GM): >.>
Bear Soup Guy: AHAHAHAHAHAH
Oh man, I almost missed that
Greibel: Well, if there's any bright side to this, it's that he's probably sitting in a tree in a parking lot in some other dimension
The Gravedigger: Doesn't sound too bright.
AS sides go, sounds pretty dim.
Well, we might as well go check out the address from the witch. At least we don't have any other god-worshippers to lose.
Well, we might as well go check out the address from the witch. At least we don't have any other god-worshippers to lose.
I hate this mission.
I hate this mission. You know I signed up to kill things and bury them? Two guys down already.
You know I signed up to kill things and bury them?
 
Two guys down already.
RADEK
Radek: Both lost to holes, no less.
Both lost to holes, no less.
The Gravedigger: Don't think it counts as a hole when It's /full/ of acidic tentacles.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Don't think it counts as a hole when It's ''full'' of acidic tentacles.
And Azri was eaten by a tunnel, technically.
And Azri was eaten by a tunnel, technically.
Apheori (GM): Greibel: Give me a nature check.
 
Greibel:
GREIBEL
rolling 1d20+12
Gravy! Bring your shovel! Hole time!
(
 
14
THE GRAVEDIGGER
)
HOOOOOLE TIME.
+12
 
=
GREIBEL
26
There's some kind of seed down there. Seems like it'd be important... somehow.
Apheori (GM): There's something down there. Beneath the bare earth. Something that should have sprouted but didn't. A seed.
 
Also the weeds are growing way too quickly around the edges of the lot.
The Gravedigger obliges and digs. A few metres down, he hits metal, and digs around it.
Not so much closer to the center.
 
Frezak (GM): BENEATH THE EARTH, YOU SAY.
RADEK
Apheori (GM): MAGIC.
Well, you haven't killed anyone, but at least you're digging holes.
Radek: HRM
 
Greibel: Gravy! Bring your shovel!
The Gravedigger unearths a large rounded cone, black, a bit more than a metre across...
Hole time!
 
The Gravedigger: HOOOOOLE TIME
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Greibel: There's some kind of seed down there. Seems like it'd be important....somehow
Radek! Found... something.
Frezak (GM): BEGIN DIGGING
 
Apheori (GM): YOU DIG.
RADEK
Frezak (GM): I dig like the best.
Something?
Because I AM the best.
 
Apheori (GM): You dig a few feet down and hit metal.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Radek: .Well, you haven't killed anyone, but at least you're digging holes.
Big metal cone thing? If Greibel thinks it's a... seed of some kind, that's actually pretty worrying.
Frezak (GM): I will dig around the metal.
 
Like a good digsman.
GREIBEL
Apheori (GM): It turns out to be a large rounded cone, a bit more than a meter across...
Maybe the seed is in the cone, smart guy.
Frezak (GM): LIke a rocket head?
 
"nose" ?
RADEK
Greibel: Like that weird thing in the third or fourth episode of Fringe?
(jumping down)
Err
Let me have a look.
Bear Soup Guy: OOC
 
Greibel would totally watch Fringe though
RADEK
Frezak (GM): No, that sounds fine IC for Greibel :P
This is definitely a rocket. Or... was. Unbelievably old model.
Bear Soup Guy: =D
 
Apheori (GM): Kind of like that, but then it ends. It's just a cone, a but rounded.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
bit
Huh. Think it got Hole'd here or was built locally?
Frezak (GM): I'll ask Radek what he thinks about it.
 
Apheori (GM): I don't remember the thing.
RADEK
The Gravedigger: Radek! Found... something.
Impossible to say.
Radek: Something?
 
The Gravedigger: Big metal cone thing?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
If Greibel thinks it's a.. seed of some kind, that's actually pretty worrying.
think we should crack it open?
Greibel: Maybe the seed is in the cone, smart guy
 
Radek: Let me have a look.
RADEK
Ganelon: What can he discern about it?
Well, it's not the explosive kind, so it couldn't hurt. I would love to see what's inside, myself.
Apheori (GM): Radek: It looks exactly like a rocket cone, like the modules used in some of the very first Artiilie space craft...
 
It's the sort of ancient history that most folks ain't even taught anymore.
The Gravedigger starts to shear off a line of rivets and notices something of an indentation, almost completely invisible - a seam around what might be a door.
Radek: This is definitely a rocket. Or... was.
 
Unbelievably old model.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
The Gravedigger: Huh.
Looks like a... door? Panel? Ideas how to open it, Mr. Scienceman?
Think it got Hole'd here or was built locally?
 
Radek: Impossible to say.
Radek directs him how to pop it open with a shovel. The door swings up, revealing not the dark interior of the cone, and a flood of blank sand spills out over their feet.
The Gravedigger: think we should crack it open?
 
Radek: Well, it's not the explosive kind, so it couldn't hurt.
The Gravedigger jumps back, then examines the sand. The grains are strange, slightly transparent, rounded, almost oily. ''(rolled 24 perception)'' It's a bit like packing material. He finds some bones in it.
Frezak (GM): Our weapons are unbreakable, right?
 
Apheori (GM): No.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Radek: I would love to see what's inside, myself.
Hey, guys. What IS this?
Frezak (GM): Damn.
 
Apheori (GM): I mean, they're mostly unbreakable, but if you do really crazy stuff with them...
RADEK
Frezak (GM): Hack metal?
Interesting.
Apheori (GM): Depends on the metal.
 
Frezak (GM): This metal?
Radek examines the sand as well ''(rolled 27 arcana)'' while the Gravedigger digs around and gathers up the bones. They turn out to be from a cat.
It's not ultratungestensteel is it?
 
Apheori (GM): I don't know. Can you tell what it is?
RADEK
Frezak (GM): Wellll.
Magical sand, here.
I did make my own shovels.
(to Gravy)
Ganelon: Our stuff is *newer*, that's for sure.
Would you like to see how a wizard digs, friend?
Frezak (GM): So i know SOME smithing/metallurgy.
 
Does it have rivets?
Radek grins wickedly and starts disenchanting the sand.
Apheori (GM): Yes.
 
It looks like it's safe.
The Gravedigger narrows his eyes and hops out, taking the cat with him. Then he buries it. Properly.
HAVE AT IT or don't.
</screenplay>
Frezak (GM): I'll try and shear them off with my battletrowel.
(handaxe)
Apheori (GM): You start to do that and notice something of an indentation - a seam around what might be a door.
You can either continue dismantlement or try to get Radek to open properly.
Frezak (GM): Gravy has no issues with asking Radek.
The Gravedigger: Looks like a.. door? Panel?
Ideas how to open it, Mr.Scienceman?
Ganelon: Well... is this thing powered?
Apheori (GM): It's cold and off.
Also mechanical.
Ganelon: Then the most he could do is tell Gravy where to apply force.
Frezak (GM): I can direct an edge into the seams, then.
Ganelon: Go for it.
Frezak (GM): I'll do it.
Apheori (GM): You pop the door open and it swings up, revealing not the dark interior of the cone, but a flood of blank sand that spills over your feet.
Frezak (GM): EVADE SAND
Apheori (GM): You wind up on top of the cone.
...looking utterly silly.
Frezak (GM): on top?
Apheori (GM): Yes.
Frezak (GM): Not... jumping back?
Apheori (GM): The sand is all around it.
In the hole.
Frezak (GM): What hole?
Apheori (GM): You found it several feet in the ground.
In the hole that you dug.
Did you pull it out out when I wasn't....
I dunno.
Frezak (GM): So that's too far to jump out?
Whatever.
I will examine the sand.
Apheori (GM): It looks weird. Slightly transparent, and rounded. But heavy like normal sand.
The Gravedigger: Hey, guys. What IS this?
Apheori (GM): Also there are some bones in it.
Small bones.
Frezak (GM): Nature to identify bones of what?
Apheori (GM): Like a dog or medium bird or something.
Ganelon: What, like marbles?
Apheori (GM): Very small marbles.
Sand-grain-sized.
Frezak (GM): Like... silicon dust?
Apheori (GM): But rounded.
Frezak (GM): Huh.
Again, can I get a more precise idea of what died in there?
Apheori (GM): Do you want to dig and find the rest?
Frezak (GM): Rest of what?
The 'rocket' ?
Apheori (GM): Identifiable bones.
Radek: Interesting.
Apheori (GM): They're just some random ones. Scattered in the sand.
Frezak (GM): Yeah, i'll gather bones.
Because I know bones.
That's a thing I know.
Apheori (GM): Okay.
Frezak (GM): SANDWURM
Apheori (GM): You find some more and realise it's a cat.
Or was.
Frezak (GM): Aw.
Apheori (GM): Also the sand feels funny.
Rubbery almost.
Frezak (GM): What can we do to identify the sand?
Apheori (GM): I don't know.
Frezak (GM): >.>
Apheori (GM): Roll a thingy!
Bear Soup Guy: I should probably leave soon
Frezak (GM): Uhhh.
I have... Nature and perception.
BSG!
Bear Soup Guy: ROLL FOR SAND IDENTIFICATION
USE YOUR SAND VISION
Frezak (GM): ROLL FOR SAND
i'll identify their molecular structure!
rolling 1D20+20
(
4
)
+20
=
24
MAGIC EYES
Crud.
Bear Soup Guy: Does insight identify sand?
Frezak (GM): Reveal it's motives!
Bear Soup Guy: Or perception
SAND MOTIVES
Apheori (GM): It reminds you of packing material.
Frezak (GM): Can Radek roll science knowledge?
Ganelon: Good question.
Apheori (GM): Do it.
Frezak (GM): I think it might have been some kind of shock absorbtion material.
And there was too much.
Ganelon:
rolling 1d20+11
(
16
)
+11
=
27
Frezak (GM): And the cat suffocated.
Apheori (GM): Gan: It's magic sand.
MAGIC SAND.
Frezak (GM): MAGIC SAND
WHOOOO
Yeah yeah magic saaaand
Radek: Magical sand, here.
Ganelon: Can I...
Can I "dig" through it by disenchanting it?
Frezak (GM): HAH
Apheori (GM): Dude, you totally can.
Ganelon: YES!
Frezak (GM): DAMN YOU RADEK
Bear Soup Guy: ANTI-SAND
Radek: Would you like to see how a wizard digs, friend?
Radek grins wickedly.
Frezak (GM): FUCK YOU GAN
Ganelon: It's not bombs, I swear.
Bear Soup Guy: XD
Ganelon: So the cool thing about artificers is that I can do the disenchant ritual without expending components.
Meaning it doesn't take magic to break magic. For me.
Frezak (GM): So you take the magic from the sand. What about the sand?
It just.... vanishes?
Ganelon: "When you finish performing this ritual, you touch a magic item and destroy it, turning it into a quantity of residuum valued at (whatever fraction) of the item's price."
Frezak (GM): Huh.
So now you have a pile of magic?
Ganelon: All the matter disappears, leaving very useful magic dust behind.
Frezak (GM): residuuuuum
So you turn sand into dust.
GOOD JOB
Ganelon: Yeah, but a lot less dust.
Bear Soup Guy: XD
Ganelon: Also this'll take me an hour to do.
Frezak (GM): AN HOUR?
Ganelon: Yeah. You can shift it around with your shovel all you like in the meantime.
But regardless, it's turning to dust at the end.
Frezak (GM): This is exactly the sort of crap Gravy gets paid NOT TO DO.
Ganelon: Our lovely DM must also decide how much gold's worth of magic dust I get from this.
Frezak (GM): People don't pay for him to wave his hand and make a hole.
They expect WORK.
Ganelon: Keeping in mind that I can actually enchant stuff with that much to make... better stuff.
Frezak (GM): EFFORT.
How much do you have right now?
Ganelon: (Basically residuum is as good as gold for us. I turn it into magic items or do rituals with it)
Apheori (GM): Perhaps this would be a good time to call it a session.
Ganelon: Sure.
Apheori (GM): And we can sort out the amount then.
Ganelon: I have very little. 37 worth.
Apheori (GM): And Gravy can throw a fit in the meantime.
Frezak (GM): He's very upset.
Ganelon: Ah, don't worry.
Frezak (GM): He's gonna bury the cat bones.
Or possibly bury Radek in magic sand.
Ganelon: Later I can be like "Look, I'm sorry for pushing into your territory like that, but if it makes you feel any better, I enchanted your shovel."
"It obliterates foliage on command."
"So you can get straight to the dirt."
Frezak (GM): Hah!
Bear Soup Guy: XD
Ganelon: That actually is a real weapon enchantment.
Frezak (GM): Exfoliator!
For Topiary Spiders.
Ganelon: Huge bonuses against plant-like monsters and some power to destroy tall grass and... plants, I guess.
Bear Soup Guy: O_O
Apheori (GM): Poor Greibel.
Bear Soup Guy: Aw
Poor tummy
I need to make some food
Frezak (GM): It's powerful leverage.
DO WHAT I SAY OR I OBLITERATE ALL WEED WITHIN A 3X3 RADIUS.
Apheori (GM): Well, I need to go get dressed.
Ganelon: It would be an amusing, if expensive, way for Radek to show his distaste for nature.
Apheori (GM): Eek.
Ganelon: Yep. Ask Frezak or I about... loot stuff.
When it's convenient.
Apheori (GM): Good.
Frezak (GM): OR
Apheori (GM): I will.
Frezak (GM): Just give us TONS of magic dust.
Apheori (GM): Tons of sand didn't even come out.
At least I doubt it. I don't know the density of sand.
Ganelon: Well, magic density is different from matter density.
Apheori (GM): MATTER DENSITY IS IMPORTANT.
Ganelon: A +6 dagger is...
Bear Soup Guy: Does magic /have/ density?
Apheori (GM): You can only attach so much magic to an amount ofm ater.
Matter.
Otherwise it's not attached.
And it wanders off randomly.
And nobody likes that.
Ganelon: A +6 dagger contains, no joke, the same amount of magic as 3125 +1 daggers.
D&D is crazy like that.
Apheori (GM): Very.
But it's still attached.
Ganelon: Mind you, if you're using +6 weapons, you're getting close to fighting gods.
Apheori (GM): Depends on the gods.
Some of them you could probably take down with a brick, here...
Ganelon: I dunno, I've had trouble with brick attacks in the past.
Bear Soup Guy: Okay well
I am make good
food*
Bye guys!
Ganelon: See ya!
Apheori (GM): Right, toodles.
See yas.
Ganelon: Just catch me on skype at some point and I'll quote you the DM guide's idea of loot distribution.
It's actually not that complicated.
That said, this isn't a normal campaign so I don't expect us to be following it closely anyways.
Frezak (GM): it's in the Dungeon master's Guide
Ganelon: It's probably easier to ask me.
</pre>


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Latest revision as of 02:10, 27 July 2015

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Session 10 (raw log) (Overview)
INT. Coffle constabulary no.2 dungeons - day
The pigeon philosopher is still passed out. The party is standing around outside his cell, about ready to just leave.
Aside from Rhu. Rhu hopefully shouts at the stoned philosopher again.
The Gravedigger rolls his eyes. Over and over.
The pigeon philosopher stirs, sits up slightly, and hits his head on the bedframe. Then he collapses again.
Rhu tries the cell door, finds it unlocked, and walks inside and tries to shake the pigeon guy awake.
RHU
HELLO EXCUSE ME BUT ARE YOU IMPORTANT?
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
WHAAAAH.
RHU
Hello! Sorry. We heard that you were a philosopher, and Hazz'ridan said you might be important.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Ugh this isn't... what...
He stares blearily up at Rhu.
Rhu waves at him.
RHU
Hello. Are you familiar with the scripture of dead ends?
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Isn't that... Fred has scripts. Don't... I... nnntgh.
Dead odds?
RHU
Dead ENDS. No?
Hazz'ridan the Mighty said you might be important.
Rhu looks at the pigeon philosopher suspiciously.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
It's this an in at whunnng.
The pigeon philosopher tries to rub his eyes and winds up smacking himself in the face with the back of his hand.
RHU
(he sighs)
Important or not, you're certainly in no state to speak. Still, another dead end! That's something.
Greibel sidles in as well.
GREIBEL
Hello pigeon-head! CAN. YOU. UNDERSTAND. ME?
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
NO... yes. Whah?
GREIBEL
DO. YOU. KNOW. STUFF?
The pigeon philosopher sits up, propping himself up against the bed, and grins slowly.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
NOPE!
GREIBEL
OKAY. THANK. YOU.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Don't know lots of things. Lot's. Lo'ts. More.
I can tell you things. Things you... you.
The pigeon philosopher waves a hand.
RHU
Yes! Tell us things!
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Things I don't know?
RADEK
Or knock yourself unconscious again. It might be amusing the third time.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Yeeeah.
The pigeon philosopher tries to grab Rhu. He completely misses.
RHU
Hey!
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
(waving something around)
Try this. It'll shooow you.
GREIBEL
That's certainly one way to show him. Whaddaya got there?
RHU
Try what?
The pigeon philosopher stares off into space, waving a finger around for a bit. He then reaches into his pocket, pulls out a mushroom, and hands it to Rhu, still staring off into space.
RHU
Oh. Thanks.
GREIBEL
Oh. He wants you to see what he sees.
RADEK
(he nudges Gravy)
If they both pass out at once, can you carry both of them?
Rhu examines the mushroom carefully.
GREIBEL
It's a drug, silly.
RHU
It's a snack, isn't it? Can you eat it? Some mushrooms are poisonous.
Rhu offers it to Greibel, who seems to know more about these things than he does.
GREIBEL
Heh heh. Yes.
The pigeon philosopher spills a bunch of other mushrooms on the floor and starts mumbling.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Eyes... Eyes in the dark... Softly speaking, tendrils... shadows...
(he suddenly stiffens and jerks and starts shouting)
YOU CAN'T KEEP ME. YOU CAN'T. YOU CAN'T SEE. NOTHING TO SEEEEE.
The pigeon philosopher collapses and passes out again.
GREIBEL
Oh, okay!
It's actually pretty weird that they let him keep the mushrooms in his cell. Oh well.
Greibel covertly picks some of the mushrooms up and jogs back out to the others.
Rhu picks up the other mushrooms and follows.
RADEK
Feeling enlightened, either of you?
GREIBEL
Yeah, you'll be joking when these mushrooms make us see the canyons of your miiiiiiiiind, man.
RADEK
If you could understand even a fraction of my disdain for you, I suspect it would shatter what little remains of your disjointed consciousness.
Rhu sniffs at one of the mushrooms, then takes a nibble.
RHU
Mm. Nice! This'll make a nice soup later.
Rhu starts to feel really weird. Light. Fuzzy. Almost floating. (rolled 4 reality)
RHU
Ooh. This feels nice.
The feelings change. Things don't really seem clearer. In fact everything seems... murkier. Colours dimmed, and displaced. People glowing oddly. Objects fading...
RHU
...hey... come back...
Grbbbble, stop glowing. It's ridiclus.
GREIBEL
Oh yeah, nice man. I'll be right here, I just might look like a disembodied consciousness. But that's normal.
Rhu looks at Greibel funnily, then nods.
Rhu tries to work out which colour is being displaced to which other colour, but every time he does the colours rearrange themselves. Things procede to get weirder. (rolled 1 reality)
The colours are starting to make sense. They describe things that aren't... strictly there. Variations of past and present, a narrative of presence...
Greibel keeps an eye on Rhu while the Gravedigger ties the avenger to himself so he doesn't wander off.
RHU
(mumbles)
Hey, what's wrong, Radek? Hey? What... why are't you glowing right? You're not glowing right.
(holding out his hand)
Loooooook at my hand, it's soooooo normal. Wheee.
Greibel puts his hands on Rhu's shoulders.
GREIBEL
Now think man. You needed to see some important stuff.
Just keep thinking important stuff and maybe you can find out what we're doing here, and possibly the fundamental relation of all cosmic bodies, if the effect lasts long enough.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(such that only Rhu can hear him)
Go. See what you need to see. The ends await.
RHU
Huh? Yeah?
Greibel just told me to see what I need to see. But he said it in Hazz'ridan's voice? What?
RADEK
You could also see the miserable direction your life is taking. That would be helpful too.
RHU
The ends await. Mm. Good. Good. I need ends. Dead ends for me please. Also tea. And a milkshake.
Everyone is glowing, even the people around, though their glow is muted next to that of the rest of the party. And there are darker things, too. Not absenses, holes, like Radek, but thinner spots... there's one in front of him now. It doesn't fit the shape of reality.
RHU
Huh. Huh.
Rhu pokes it.
It stares at him.
Rhu stares back.
Rhu stares back harder.
The thinner spot shimmers slightly.
RHU
Is that spot staring back at me?
Rhu pokes the spot again.
Amadi appears behind Radek and stares at Rhu, squinting a little.
AMADI
You... you have soup. Right there. Soup.
RHU
Oh. Err. Yes, Lord Ha-- Lord Harzsdi-- Lord Hazzdriddann. Let's go.
Amadi shudders.
RHU
Hey guys we should we should go Lor-- that guy I pray to. He said this. He said we should. We should.
Rhu points towards the exit.
GREIBEL
God told us through a mushroom man to leave the jail cell. Let's go!
AMADI
Let's go! Go when?
RADEK
Thank the gods.
They head back out through the roomful of guards.
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
(still not getting up)
Is everything all right in there?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Don't ask. They might answer.
Rhu starts giggling.
AMADI
No. There's soup. I want a sandwich.
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
Erm... sure.
AMADI
Why are you...?
Amadi waves a finger towards the guard's face.
The guard gives Amadi an annoyed look and then basically just ignores her. The others also look away when anyone looks at them.
GREIBEL
Haters gonna hate.
SOME GUARD
(muttering)
Ignore it and it'll go away...
AMADI
Pfft. Liar.


EXT. Coffle street - late afternoon
Rhu stumbles out onto the street and practices walking, the rope tied to the Gravedigger preventing him from going too far.
The others come out as well, acting far more normal.
AMADI
This is... not midnight, right?
RADEK
Not yet.
AMADI
See, I know what time it isn't. I totally know what...
Mm, that colour looks tasty.
Rhu notices Amadi. Really notices her - somehow, she's glowing even more brightly than the others, and differently too. Like she's something else, something bigger, older... and from just the right angle, just like Radek. Invisible.
Rhu stares at Amadi for a while.
Amadi stares back at Rhu, then makes a rude face.
RADEK
We have an address.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I'm sure it'll be great. Maybe they'll give us biscuits.
RADEK
Maybe they'll take these two off our hands.
AMADI
No they won't, Radek. That's your name now? Hm. You should change it.
RADEK
I like my name as-is.
AMADI
Clearly you're not very smart.
Radek gives her a chrome death glare.
Rhu ducks his head from side to side trying to figure out Amadi.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
LET'S GO TO THE ADDRESS.
GREIBEL
Maybe they'll... tell us stuff?
AMADI
Were we going sometime?
Amadi rolls back and forth at her heels, looking bored.
Ellemerr (Amadi): In an attempt at being true to my character I've promptly forgotten everything. *shifty eyes*
GREIBEL
To the address!
Radek gets directions off a random guard because everyone else in the party is useless, and they head out.


EXT. Rorik and Sons weapon shop - evening
It's a fairly ordinary shop with a sign that says 'Rorik and Sons' over the door.
RHU
(mumbles)
Oh. I gettit. It's just people. Just people.
RADEK
What a waste of stone. They could have made this a functional piece of siege equipment.
AMADI
At least they know what their name is. Why aren't you named Rorik?
Radek doesn't answer and just heads in.
AMADI
Or... Harold. Harold would suit you. You couldn't be a Valentine.
Amadi falls into step beside Rhu, takes his arm, and walks him inside as well.
AMADI
Would you be my Valentine?
When she touches him, he is overcome with warmth. It is as though she is the brightest thing in the universe, and has only brightness to share...
Rhu holds on to Amadi's hand with both hands. The warmth feels good.


INT. Rorik and Sons weapon shop - evening
The inside is full of weapons and weapon parts. Crossbows and swords seem to be a specialty, lining most of the walls. Quite a few rods and staves are also present, including the model the guards seemed to have.
Random parts are also strewn everywhere, and in bins. No shovels are in sight.
There's an old guy with a beard working on a crossbow.
RADEK
You there! I take it you are Rorik?
RORIK
That I am!
RADEK
Your shop sells wands. Do I dare to assume that means you know something about magic?
RORIK
A thing or two, perhaps. Did you have something in mind?
Greibel comes in and stares absently at all the staves he can't afford.
RADEK
Well, dimensional rifts are tearing your world apart at the seams and I should like to know if anyone has been studying a way to close them.
Now I don't expect you to have an answer, necessarily, but as the technology here seems unsuited to the task, arcane study strikes me as the next most likely way to a solution.
RORIK
(looking slightly surprised)
You sure? Seems like something that would be in the news.
Guards chatter, of course, but aside from some weirdness on the planes I certainly wouldn't call the world falling apart.
Amadi leans closer to Rhu, smiling faintly.
AMADI
(muttering)
Careful. You'll smell the burning.
Rhu sniffs, but smells no burning.
RORIK
Here's a thought. There's always weirdness. There's also explosives. Have you tried...
(he gets out a large box)
...blowing up the weirdness?
Radek grins widely.
Greibel's interest is piqued.
AMADI
(lowering her voice even more)
On your tongue... You'll smell it on your -
RADEK
I admit to have been lacking materials.
RORIK
(To Radek)
Then you, my good friend, have come to exactly the right place.
AMADI
EXPLODE!
RHU
(to Rorik)
Excuse me, sir, but why are you glowing?
RORIK
What?
(he looks down at himself)
I'm not glowing.
RADEK
He's drugged up.
RHU
Shiny. Very shiny. Also - your box. Also shiny.
(to Amadi)
You can see it, can't you, Mrs. Teatime?
AMADI
It's not teatime. I know what time it isn't.
Rhu nods distractedly at Amadi.
RORIK
Ah, well. You'll be wanting to check this, then.
(he opens the box and shows Radek a pile of parts inside)
Some assembly required, but you, sir, look like someone who could do far more with this than with anything pre-made...
RADEK
Oh, assembly is the best part.
Amadi giggles for no apparent reason.
The porridge slides off Greibel's shoulder and goes splat on the floor. He gives it a disappointed look.
RHU
(pointing confusedly at the box)
Why is the box glowing?
GREIBEL
Okay Rasputin, you can walk around and take a look if you like. But don't get the staves all slimey.
The porridge jiggles.
AMADI
Rasputin is a good name too. Very good.
GREIBEL
Thanks, gypsy girl!
AMADI
I'm going to be named Rasputing tomorrow.
RHU
Rasputing would suit you well.
RADEK
...Say, you build crossbows here. Have you ever heard of a rifle?
RORIK
Can't say I have.
RADEK
Something like this.
Radek places his rifle over the counter.
Rorik picks it up and gives it a look-over, then pops it open after a bit of fiddling and looks inside. He starts looking very, very interested, and then reassembles it without much trouble.
RORIK
(nodding)
Now this is definitely doable.
Rorik hands Radek back the rifle.
Amadi leans her head on Rhu's arm and groans slowly and quietly.
Rhu looks around a bit to see where the groaning is coming from, then realizing it's Amadi. She's so warm, a source of power...
RHU
(to Amadi)
Mrs. Teatime, what's wrong?
AMADI
Can you see... In my head...?
Rhu squints and stares at Amadi's forehead, but it's glowing too much to see through.
The porridge slowly pulls itself back together and gloops out the door.
RORIK
Would you have a... smaller one you'd be willing to part with? Something that is not so much a part of you?
RADEK
Not quite. I have some standard-issue laser weapon, but... well, you would need lenses to build one of those.
I could draw you a blueprint for either in a day.
RORIK
Lenses? Some of the staves use those. Focus the beam, the better to punch holes through several tonnes of rock...
(looking extremely pleased with himself)
The city used to have walls, you know.
RHU
(to Amadi)
You have too much glow. I cannot see a thing. Does it hurt to glow that much?
AMADI
(in a tone of voice that strips the word of all meaning)
Hurt.
RHU
Aww.
(pats Amadi's head with his other hand)
Poor Mrs. Teatime.
AMADI
Is it time yet? I know what time it isn't. Why am I now?
RHU
(to Amadi)
When are you trying to be?
AMADI
I... don't know anymore. I don't even know.
Amadi sighs.
RADEK
Here.
Radek hands Rorik a laser pistol, and the arms guy examines it as well.
RORIK
Hmm... this is somewhat more efficient. Different principle from the rifle, of course, but... how much do you want for it?
RORIK
And if the blueprints are for sale...
RADEK
Haven't the faintest idea. Rifts dropped me here scarcely more than a day ago and I'm still amazed you people carry your currency with you.
You seem like you've got your head on straight, at least.
RORIK
I'll give you 200 for it. Another 500 for the blueprints.
RADEK
Fantastic. I hope you put them to good use.
RORIK
I fully intend to.
When'll you have the blueprints ready?
RADEK
Tomorrow. I don't sleep, so it should be quite a simple matter.
RORIK
Perhaps we can call those a straight trade for this box?
RADEK
Certainly.
Rorik nods happily.
RADEK
It was a rare pleasure doing business with you.
RORIK
Oh, indeed. Very rare.
Greibel continues browsing in the meantime.
RORIK
(to Greibel)
You interested in any of those?
GREIBEL
Ah. Can't say I need them or could afford them. Just admiring.
RORIK
Well, if you ever need and can afford, there's even better to be admired in back. Do remember that.
Rorik starts fiddling with the pistol.
GREIBEL
I think I will remember that. At least for the next few minutes until the drugs make me forget again.
In Amadi's glow, Rhu sees shapes. Objects. (rolled 14 perception) It's unclear what. Not objects. Metaphorical objects. Containers? Bones. Bones with the flesh gone, flesh that would define them, flesh that is the thing itself...
Rhu is a little scared by the bones, so he holds Amadi's hand a little tighter so he can feel more of her warmth.
The Gravedigger clomps in, porridge clinging to his leg.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Greibel. Please remove Rasputin from my leg.
GREIBEL
Awwwww. He wants to play!
THE GRAVEDIGGER
With my LEG? It's just squelching.
GREIBEL
He's not picky.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Well, I'm on duty right now, so if you could take it off?
GREIBEL
Fine.
Greibel pulls Rasputin off with a popping sound.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Thank you.
GREIBEL
Spoil sport.
The porridge somehow manages to look incredibly disappointed as well.
Amadi "Aaaw"s and whistles at Rasputin.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(such that only Rhu can hear him)
You must let go. She is an illusion that blinds. You cannot lose your way. You are MINE.
Amadi attempts to wiggle her squeezed fingers.
Rhu releases his grip a bit.
RHU
But she's warm.
AMADI
You think she's warm, but it's only outside. Ice boiling.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(such that only Rhu can hear him)
Warmth distracts. You must step into the dark to see.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(such that only Amadi can hear him)
Do you want him?
AMADI
...No, that's not it. It's tea. I just want a Valentine.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(such that only Amadi can hear him)
Someday, perhaps, I will show you what it means to spread. And you will show me what it means to dream.
Consider it a promise of a promise.
Rhu struggles with himself, trying to pull away. (rolled 14 reality)
Amadi attempts to tear herself away from Rhu.
AMADI
My dreams are my own!
Rhu lets go immediately.
AMADI
Mydreamsaremyownmydreamsaremyownmydreamsaremydreamsaremydreams...
Amadi slumps down at the floor, clutching her head.
RADEK
(To Rorik)
Every day, they do this.
Rorik snorts and shakes his head.
RORIK
And this was why sensible men invented weapons.
Rhu is still very out of it. He looks at Amadi slumped on the floor with consternation and confusion.
Amadi curls up on the floor, still muttering about her dreams - the words seem to be "I dream" now - and then, with a shudder, she falls asleep. A moment later, she disappears.
To Rhu, everything else suddenly becomes much brighter.
RHU
Huh. Ouch! Too bright!
Rhu looks around and then examines his own hand very closely.
RHU
Hmm.
Rhu startles, aghast; then hides his hand behind his back and quickly looks around to make sure it isn't coming to get him.
RADEK
Alright, everyone out if you're not buying anything.
RHU
What if you're inhaling the truth?
RADEK
Fresh air is the truth.
RHU
We should go to the place with the rock. In the truth.
RADEK
Outside.
(guiding Rhu out)
This man deserves better than the burden of your company.
Rhu mumbles something about truthiness but follows.
Rorik chuckles quietly to himself as the others head out as well.


EXT. Coffle - evening
HAZZ'RIDAN
(such that only Rhu can hear him)
Go.
RHU
What rock? This rock?
Rhu starts walking, then runs out of rope, realises he's going the wrong direction and then turns around and heads in the opposite direction for a bit before running out of rope again.
RHU
(still trying to go in the direction)
Hey! Hey. I think it's this way.
We should walk. I have very strong feelings about this.
After a bit more of Rhu's straining, the Gravedigger finally gives in and follows him. The others trail behind.
Rhu walks down the streets at angles, corner to opptosite corner, turning in parts, with atrocious collision avoidance.
He winds up getting stuck behind a lamppost.
RHU
There's a... this pole's in my way
The Gravedigger slides Rhu around it.
RADEK
Do you suppose he'll ever recover?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
We'll find out.


EXT. Vacant lot - night
After about half an hour of this, including Rhu running into a few random passerby as well, they come to a vacant lot with a fence around it.
Rhu heads for the gate and pushes inside, pointing. It's mostly weeds and stuff, and some bricks and a rusted wheelbarrow without a tire.
RHU
We're here. Though I'm not sure where that is.
...I'm going to pray to Hazz'ridan now. He's pretty knowledgable about things like that.
Frezak (Gravy): I hope we don't lose our second divine guy to a magic hole.
Radek actually checks the address and finds it to be completely the wrong one.
RHU
Wait...
Rhu heads over to the general center of the lot. (rolled 19 reality) The greyed out effect of reality fades, and then he feels the weight of presense as he passes. Gravity of the situation. Weight of the worlds. The presense of space, and everything pressing down...
RHU
Oof. I'm going to sit down now.
Rhu just stands there for a bit and then sits down a moment later.
The Gravedigger ambles over, looking around. (rolled 27 perception) The lot is alive, full of life. Things growing, insects buzzing, moths fluttering around. Here, the sound of the city around is muted. Also the wheelbarrow has a wheel now. It didn't before.
Greibel also gives the lot a good, thorough naturing. (rolled 31 nature) The lot is full of nature, fluttering, buzzing. This is a place separated from the rest of the normal world, touched by the gods, and that is probably why it is vacant, for none would want to build on top of that... but there is also something else.
A possibility, right where Rhu is sitting. A narrowness. A thinness.
Rhu prays, given the lack of anything else to do, and how heavy he feels and all that weight...
RADEK
So he sat down in the dirt.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
THe Wheelbarrow just grew a wheel. No longer a simple barrow.
Greibel goes up to Rhu.
GREIBEL
Look! Can you feel the presence in this place? Your God must have led you somewhere useful for once!
A dark ooze trickles out of the ground and spreads around Rhu. Then several large tentacles reach out to wrap around him, to pull him down, away, into nothing.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Oh dear.
The Gravedigger yanks on the rope to pull Rhu out, but then Rhu is simply enveloped and pulled down, the rope dissolving.
GREIBEL
Well... misjudged that one.
The dark stain on the ground begins to fade, sinking back down.
GREIBEL
RADEK! Blow up the hole!
Radek throws a bomb into the hole just as it closes, and a tentacle whips out and grabs it before pulling back in with a wet ploop.
And then it's all just gone, leaving dusty ground behind.
GREIBEL
Huh... misjudged that one too.
Greibel gets down and pounds his fists on the ground where the stain was.
GREIBEL
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
GREIBEL
Well, if there's any bright side to this, it's that he's probably sitting in a tree in a parking lot in some other dimension.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Doesn't sound too bright. As sides go, sounds pretty dim.
Well, we might as well go check out the address from the witch. At least we don't have any other god-worshippers to lose.
I hate this mission. You know I signed up to kill things and bury them? Two guys down already.
RADEK
Both lost to holes, no less.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Don't think it counts as a hole when It's full of acidic tentacles.
And Azri was eaten by a tunnel, technically.
GREIBEL
Gravy! Bring your shovel! Hole time!
THE GRAVEDIGGER
HOOOOOLE TIME.
GREIBEL
There's some kind of seed down there. Seems like it'd be important... somehow.
The Gravedigger obliges and digs. A few metres down, he hits metal, and digs around it.
RADEK
Well, you haven't killed anyone, but at least you're digging holes.
The Gravedigger unearths a large rounded cone, black, a bit more than a metre across...
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Radek! Found... something.
RADEK
Something?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Big metal cone thing? If Greibel thinks it's a... seed of some kind, that's actually pretty worrying.
GREIBEL
Maybe the seed is in the cone, smart guy.
RADEK
(jumping down)
Let me have a look.
RADEK
This is definitely a rocket. Or... was. Unbelievably old model.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Huh. Think it got Hole'd here or was built locally?
RADEK
Impossible to say.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
think we should crack it open?
RADEK
Well, it's not the explosive kind, so it couldn't hurt. I would love to see what's inside, myself.
The Gravedigger starts to shear off a line of rivets and notices something of an indentation, almost completely invisible - a seam around what might be a door.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Looks like a... door? Panel? Ideas how to open it, Mr. Scienceman?
Radek directs him how to pop it open with a shovel. The door swings up, revealing not the dark interior of the cone, and a flood of blank sand spills out over their feet.
The Gravedigger jumps back, then examines the sand. The grains are strange, slightly transparent, rounded, almost oily. (rolled 24 perception) It's a bit like packing material. He finds some bones in it.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Hey, guys. What IS this?
RADEK
Interesting.
Radek examines the sand as well (rolled 27 arcana) while the Gravedigger digs around and gathers up the bones. They turn out to be from a cat.
RADEK
Magical sand, here.
(to Gravy)
Would you like to see how a wizard digs, friend?
Radek grins wickedly and starts disenchanting the sand.
The Gravedigger narrows his eyes and hops out, taking the cat with him. Then he buries it. Properly.


≪ PreviousNext ≫
Session 10 (Overview)
Retrieved from ‘https://wiki.zaori.org/w/index.php?title=Holes/Session_10&oldid=3442’

The truth is, if you want to believe something badly enough, you will continue to ignore common sense until you're ready to face the truth.