Complete Megathread Story Quest (Active World Event) As the World Turns

[Rael]

Independent Agent
Storyteller, Scribe & Record Keeper for hire.

AP: 5/6, 1 AP spent
Location: Camp Hope IV+

Prompt: Camp EX+ Champion Edition Redux
Narrator Tag: N/A

Whenever she lingers too long on the verge of silence, at the crossroads and countless branches stretching outward as a story unfolds right in front of her very eyes, Rael may remain still but her mind knows not the concept of it.

The playful and kind glimmer within the depths of the azure pools of her eyes subsides as pointed ears twitch in turn, the sound of bad news catching onto them. Names, all but that belonging to the researcher whose name had dropped once or twice from the familiar elf's lips, that are unknown to her. Her connections to the MIT had never been that close.

"Well," is how she begins, the sound of the word itself somehow hollow, incomplete. "That was to be expected. Our eyes were in but one battlefield of many, who knows what other wars were being waged elsewhere."

Nothing of significant importance had been achieved throughout their efforts to study Szofrit and what remained of her entourage.

The egg and the person within, one she offered her energy almost every day, hadn't hatched.

Vibrant light had come to life within the eyes of the dreamsisters, as well as those who had chosen to follow them on their crusade. When they stand at the precipice, unable to look anywhere but down into the depths of an abyss of their own making, what do each of them see?

Rael stares into the abyss below and finds their losses to be greater than their rewards. A point spoken in the heat of battle by the opposition, ...she can effortlessly imagine with sadistic grins drawn all across their faces.

She cants her head to the side as the length of her silence dawns upon her, eyes lifting to settle on the blonde elf's form, studying her face as if any insight of the hells that haunted her would suddenly come to mind.

It doesn't, and Rael continues to smile weakly. She huffs, but it is without real emotion to put any weight behind it.

"We ought to leave them to it. Offering aid from a distance is fine and all, but with what a terrible thing we've done... And I don't mean the fight with Szofrit. Far from it," she allows the sound to extend for a moment longer than it should, drawing her lower lip into her mouth before releasing it with a soft breath. "Meriam worked here. She had a life here, and in our world, too. And we, through our actions, drew her into our problems and took that away from her."

"How... Does it feel, I wonder..." The question by which the Storyteller had been drawn to Terrasphere at first trickles hesitantly, quietly, from a speaker who does not know if she has even the right to ask it. "She made the choice, of course, to follow us and perhaps some would relish in the thought that because of it, they shouldn't feel any guilt over it but I, at the very least, am not particularly keen on that viewpoint. Hadn't we... Spoken to her, or anyone, their lives would've carried on with far less danger than that which we brought into their lives."

"It is no surprise that she didn't want to see us after the first battle ended, but to think it would come to this. This is the very least I thought to do. Something to... Start making amends, in my own way."

---

@Luthien​

Rolls

— Action: More discussion of what went wrong with the beginning of the Camp Hope arc, and how it affected more people than they had intended to!​

Roll Result
1d100 (78) = 78
Rael | Camp EX | 1815

Roll Result
1d100 (14) = 14
Rael | Camp EX | 1815 | Adv. Roll

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

AP:: 0/6 1 AP spent
Location: High March
Prompt: Greed of The Pauper
Narrator Tag: No

Perhaps it was instinct what retracted her hand hours ago, priving her from meeting with a friendly face once again, and now when tension runs clear on her shoulders it's more apparent than ever to Fiora how much she missed the magia's presence is. Yet explaining this situation to Ronja would only put them both in danger just from poking their noses where they shouldn't. The tyrant left it clear, despite her tomfoolery, that death can drop in the blink of an eye over their heads.

It's not like she would be alone in this journey either-- She never is, but it's not exactly the most pleasant of companies what follows her every step. Thankfully though, she wouldn't be left with her thoughts for much longer once the sight of gold caught her attention, golden eye deadly set over a duo that seemed to be marching away. The X marked the place, but there were no landers on sight. Still, Fiora knew much better than to give them the benefit of a straightforward battle once again, and simply decided to stalk them until enough foliage would grant her an opening on their turned backs.

Long, stressful minutes where she waited, and it was over in the lapse of ten seconds once the gilded caster suffered from a spear through it's back, pushed all the way through to skewer them like meat, letting go of the wooden shaft to duck over a swift cleave from a shining blade, aimed high enough to decapitate should she have not done so.

Her body simply moved by instinct. Sweatbeads dropped from her temples not because of dodging certain death, but just how natural it felt to be in both sides when it comes to ending a life. Fiora didn't hesitate, nor did her knife once she aimed to the throat with it to this well armored footsoldier. Things were happening and her mind couldn't quite process anything other than what she had to do.

She killed, just like that there were two less problems for Landers to deal with in High March, and she couldn't feel a thing. Were these Landers? Starcalled? The greenette asked herself over and over again.

The answer didn't change...

Rolls

Summary: At the last second, Fiora deletes her voice mail she planned to send to Ronja, and instead marches on her own to the alternate route to find a pair of gilded soldiers, but no Landers like she expected. Being just a pair, alone, and without having noticed her, Fiora dispatched them like they were nothing but dirt, and realized just how much lack of care for their lives she had ever since her first encounter with them...

Roll Result
1d100 (23) 40 = 63

Fiora Di Angelo | Greed of The Pauper | 1815

 

[Luthien]

  Explorers League  

AP: 0/6, 3 AP spent
Location: Camp Hope IV+

Prompt: The Orchestrator w/ @Rael
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

"Yeah…" Her words finally break the heavy and uncomfortable silence that stretched between them, allowing the seeds of doubt to quietly continue to sprout and grow within their minds. "It’s impossible to be everywhere at once."

It was impossible to not look back into the events and wonder if the right choice had been taken, and MIT had yet to come across a breakthrough on Szofrit or the cores. The stack of papers she’s gathered are finally placed down atop one of the archives, before the weak smile of Rael comes into view as she gazes back at the Storyteller.

Offering aid from a distance is fine and all, but with what a terrible thing we've done... Her lips pursed into a tight line as her eyes shift back towards the ground, unable to look Rael in the eyes for fear of seeing her own thoughts mirrored in those azure pools of her friend. "It wasn’t your fault." It was mine.

How many times had she replayed the events within her head upon hearing the news? Again and again her thoughts had continued to pick every minute detail apart, easily checking out the faults one by one into a never ending list.

""How... Does it feel, I wonder..."" There’s no mistaking the meaning behind those words, a question that without doubt would pass through a player’s mind at one point or another—inevitable given the nature, and the risks, associated with their chosen method of entertainment.

”It is no surprise that she didn't want to see us after the first battle ended, but to think it would come to this.”
"I wonder… did she even have the chance to see us at all?"

Despite stubbornly holding onto the hope that Meriam was alright, wishing to believe that the player had simply decided to place the game down after everything had been said and done, a quiet voice in the back of her mind had always whispered the truth Lúthien didn’t want to accept. Actions have consequences… A phrase as old as time, and one that Lúthien had believed she understood… at least until she’d been proven wrong.

”This is the very least I thought to do. Something to... Start making amends, in my own way.”
"... in the end that’s all we can do."

Amends… the word felt so weightless compared to the heavy weight that they carried on their shoulders. It was the driving force behind her actions as of late. She doubted that anything could truly make up against the high price Meriam had paid, a byproduct of the faerin’s path unlucky crossing with her own, but Lúthien hoped it would at least be the right first step.

"There’s no guarantee that it’ll work, all we can do is believe in the choices we’ve made… and do our best where we can to make it work."

❰ Rolls & Summary ❱

More heavy talks within the old Comm Hub’s tent as the ramifications of their actions sink in further…

 

[Pandora*]

Zia: Dissonance Extermination Squad

D.E.S Astorea Branch: Zia | @Luthien @Rael @Yugam @Seigi Ling Ling @Ash Vargold @MAI

A cloaked figure had arrived.

The moment they were in eyesight of the camp. Pressure fell upon every single individual who held even the smallest amount of dissonance. It was similar to the feeling the hovering halo above the camp gave off but this was different. It came from a person. A power that bypassed the UI itself to touch your specific DA or long-term ailment.. This individual was like a walking anti-dissonance generator.

"Ohmahella! It's Sister Zia! Hihihihi Sister Ziaaaaa!!"

Hylia rushed her one-time squad leader waving her arms wildly.

"I see the Orchestrator arrived. I've heard some stories. She is the most devout to the Star Maiden in all Tertoria. Ha, everytime I see her I understand why she is nicknamed the unofficial OA of D.E.S. She does share their mannerisms."

Maximilian stopped at the gate of the camp. He gave a salute of his fist to his chest before he continued his departure.

The robed woman was escorted by several Fate's Guardians. While not mature by the standards of the rest of the world. She was easily the eldest of the D.E.S. members. Perhaps early thirties. The moment they saw her, the D.E.S. members all stopped and made motions with their hands creating three circles and then connecting their fingers and thumbs together. Hylia was the only one to abruptly run up and try to hug her. Even the adventures who worked here could tell that she was different, or perhaps it was the squadron of platinum steel that accompanied her that demanded respect...

"Halt."

She raised her hand, the long sleeve of her cloak falling back to reveal a slender arm. Revealing the blue sleeve that she wore beneath. The knights fell back.

"I am here to commence evaluation proceedings. This place must become a stronghold against dissonance. A beacon to channel the will of the goddess. Anything less will be inadequate. No Hylia, silence your mouth now. I am here to work. I can only hope that everyone here has been doing their part."

Hylia looked depressed but nodded and left her superior. A short huff of disappointment and droop of the idol's shoulders was impossible to miss.

Zia, the Orchestrator of D.E.S. She was second only to Des Weiss in terms of authority for the group of dissonance-fighting clergy. As far as rumors say, she only visited Astorea once. That was the day of the first battle between Starcalled and the eldritch menace. Yet... for a few of you, depending on your interests and age... it was strange.

Her face was familiar. Like a celebrity from your childhood.
Those interested in the music world in particular.
Posters perhaps?
Commercials?
No... how would that be possible?
Strange indeed.

"Greetings to all of the Starcalled present to watch the construction of the first Dissonance Extermination Squad branch on these eastern lands. A first in Tertoria's many histories. I include those who have had the misfortune to touch dissonance and for it to mark them. I'm greatly disappointed in the D.E.S.'s ability to detect and properly direct you. These girls are often easily distracted. Something I shall have to remedy. While I will not have you evicted or exterminated. From what we've decerned. You share qualities with us that decrease your rate of corruption. I strongly advise you to seek assistance from a Origin's Acolyte while you have the benefit of slow decay. We have one that has recently recovered from injuries in Gardibrook. She will return to service soon. If you dawdle here or are seen within our facility upon its completion. You will face harsher penalties. Dissonance is not to be taken lightly. As you have noticed on multiple occasions."

.Zia's judgemental stare fell upon you. Her monotone was only broken by a tinge of exhaustion. She was covered in fabric that it was impossible to locate any glowing gem that would react to dissonance like the others had. However, it was obvious from her words that she was well aware several with infections were present.

"You are one of the Starcalled that fought Szofrit? To do so without destroying her core. Impressive, however... what of those with her? Plume? Magnum? Nu? ... I believe an egg of some importance was also lost."

Regardless if you showed any form of surprise at how much she knew of the battle itself. Zia would seem ready to answer that as well. Her stare locked you into place as she explained in a monotone.

"The stars within the cosmic code can tell you many things. I also had set out on a fated pilgrimage during the battle of you and the magia. It made understanding what was happening a less strenuous task. Your souls too, hold secrets. Perhaps the Star Maiden herself would tell you what she sees in a gentler manner. I did not become the Orchestrator by being soft. Now then. I have other responsibilities here that take priority. The first is the evaluation. Second, I have been tasked with finding Astoreans with potential so they may aid in running this place themselves. Surely there must be Star Chosen candidates somewhere in Greater Arcia. Then I must return to the Mandala."

Her eyes glanced at the halo and the construction site.

"Now if you do not mind. Whatever you need from me, keep it short and to the point. I am not one to waste my time."

A slight drop of the eyelids as the sides of her lips seemed to curl even further into a troubled frown. Her eyes went from disappointment in you to something else. As if her dog had just died.

"For I do not have much of it."

<Zia will only offer one response per character that tags @Pandora. all AP cost rules still apply>

 

[Rael]

Independent Agent
Storyteller, Scribe & Record Keeper for hire.

AP: 2/6, 3 AP spent
Location: Camp Hope IV+

Prompt: The Orchestrator w/ @Luthien

Tossing the blame from one another would barely help either of their injured psyches to escape the self-inflicted blame, easier to recognize the feeling than to act as if it weren't present.

Once, twice, thrice... Her curiosity had drawn wonders of this world and made something out of misplaced stories, as easily as it had condemned the names of unsung protagonists to obscurity.

"Think, but for a moment, that a being whose domain over time were not bound by... The game, as he put it, and time had been drawn back to a point where our impact could've been greatest." A long-forgotten sheet of paper finds its way from the piles of abandoned paperwork and onto her grasp, the thin layer of dust that veils its already unrecognizable contents fluttering about as she swipes her hand over it.

"Where Szofrit had not yet been infected with Dissonance, regardless of how it might've first snuck unto her ship."

The elements that still cling to paper recoil from the immediate touch of magic as ink is set alight, echoing outward with the soft chime of a windpipe and bathing their surroundings in visions crafted by her hand. Soldiers charge ahead through hellfire and bullet wounds, the many-tentacled visage of the Mother of Machine looms on high, and at their feet stands the ticking clock that would spell the reversal of such horrid transformations.

"Is he... A god?" The strained marble hands of a grand, maddening clock, tick backward without regard for consequence, halting as the stage is set for the second time in a row. Time yields, and bends, and turns the tides of their fate to a future unwritten. A future uncertain. "Temporius - A god that speaks of games, a god that keeps watch over time... Then why would he allow it to exist, why would he allow it all to pass. Maybe the game he refers to is but one of many played amongst the gods - an experiment of sorts... But for what?"

It is, Rael realizes as she speaks the questions into being, her unique way of mourning. Seek the answers behind every strange phenomenon, believing an answer to lie in wait at every turn, the one universal answer that might solve all the mysteries that plague them and somehow make it all feel just a bit better.

If she finds a solution, then it would all be worth it.

The vision, just like time itself in that fated moment, winds back. She looks for a code between the cracks of her memory, having committed it all to paper no sooner had she been able to. A code to tie together all the knots, explain all of their sorrows away with a promise of reward at the end.

"I have... So much that I wish to know, and I am not sure who would be willing to impart all of this knowledge upon me. Temporius' identity, the truth behind the threat of Dissonance..." At the tip of her tongue, a memory is tested, one she snaps her fingers together in rapid succession as if commanding herself to remember. "The lady in white and pink, who lent me her abilities knowing just exactly what I would need to do in the future."

"We owe all of the people whose lives we have ruined to try and find out as much as we can."

---

@Luthien @Pandora* ​

Rolls

— Action: Within the confines of the soon-to-be-renovated Comms Hub, two elves allow themselves to make up questions of "what-if" as they review the more concerning events of the recent fights through the lenses of a fabricated reality... This reality is not bound to the confines of the tattered, broken-down tent, actively leaking outward and showing passersby flickers of the horrible battle.​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

AP: 0/6 (2 AP Spent)
Location: Surrounding Area
Prompt: Nora the Explorer
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

The new Camp Hope and Rettah's reveal about an incident that had never been mentioned from the Explorers to her made Ruby urge to go into new horizons.

Crystalized Zalra, that strange place she had visited a couple times... Prism Aurora, Silent Palace, The Silent Grotto's.

Ruby frowned at the thought of places that not even the League would want to get in. And those gestures of Rettah..? Everyone wanting her dead? Sounded counter-productive, but what sort of secrets laid in places so well hidden, that even those that wished to discover the truth couldn't see. Those thoughts made her wander into somewhere else, hoping to go to the new Camp Hope to find it and learn a bit more about somewhere else, taking Rettah's perhaps bad example of going out to explore without giving much thought about the 'kill joys'.

However, as she wandered out of Astorea, sounds made her sensible ears perk up, along with a familiar voice that made a smile tug on her lips.

She hurried toward the voices, with her enhanced hearing catches bits and pieces of the conversation. Legends of Lost Arcadia, ruineous fortresses and every sort of words that tickled Ruby's explorer heart, and as she approached...

"And surely I would not be alone..."

"You really won't, Birdie~" Ruby chirped, approaching from behind and swaying her double-tails, scooting closely and nudging her friend before chuckling and looking at the two of them. "I said I won't leave you alone, after all." She added, then glancing at the funny-agitated-100mph-girl.

"Nora, right?" She had heard it as she was approaching. "A friend of my friend is a friend, so, I'm Crimson Ruby!" She introduced herself, resting a hand over her chest.

"It is always lovely to meet new explorers, and to think there is something so incredible hiding around... That's surely intriguing... And if Birdie is going for it, I would love to help as well." Ruby spoke, not quite inviting herself in, but offering her hand if desired. She would never say no for some expedition, after all.

Her attention then rested on Bluebird, but she spoke without fear. She shouldn't restrict herself any longer.

"Not only that the world hides, but the League too, perhaps... Someone told me... a Prism Aurora... Unrelated to what you guys speak of, but..." She focused her attention on Bluebird. "... It is something I need to tell you about later. I want to know more about it."

Her tails then swayed, and she returned her attention to Nora again.

"This said, finding the unfindable, it is the explorer's way!"

Rolls

Ruby's sensible ears listen to the sounds of a funny bird and a very familiar voice from afar. As she approaches, she catches the conversation, albeit halfway through it, before meeting @Bluebird and the curious individual that kept declaring herself as Nora, then sharing interest on such expedition, because she won't leave Birdie alone anymore.

 

[MAI]

‎

AP: 2/6 (2 AP spent)
Location: Camp Hope
Prompt: The Orchestrator
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

The woman that arrived certainly exuded the aura of someone in a position of great authority. This was both good and bad, it seemed. Too little time to engage in a conversation, or to even really devote that time to someone of 'lower status' so to speak. Still, it seemed that she was at least partially willing to hear the magia out and provide some answers.

"Response - The other entities present on the battlefield took advantage of the heavy decrease in energy for all of our allies present and fled, together with the dissonant egg. This is also why I seek your wisdom."

The girl took a brief pause before she elaborated.

"We have managed to defeat Szofrit without killing her. If we managed that, then we can do the same for the rest once they are found, but the Dissonance still holds them tight. If it could be purged from them without ending their lives, they would surely be of great help to us all."

Well, that was the gist of it. Not all people responded well to the empathy-focused approach... why have empathy for your enemy, right? Thus, logic worked better. MAI didn't know if it would be of any use, but she tried anyway.

"Addition - As a magia myself, knowing if there is anything we can do to purge Dissonance from our mechanical bodies would be invaluable knowledge were I ever to become afflicted by it as well."

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎❰ Actions ❱
After the Orchestrator's introduction, MAI keeps up her questions in hopes of gathering any information on Dissonance, magia, and those two combined.

Rolls

N/a

 

[Pandora*]

Zia: Dissonance Extermination Squad

D.E.S Astorea Branch: Zia | @MAI

"Response - The other entities present on the battlefield took advantage of the heavy decrease in energy for all of our allies present and fled, together with the dissonant egg. This is also why I seek your wisdom."

"..."

"We have managed to defeat Szofrit without killing her. If we managed that, then we can do the same for the rest once they are found, but the Dissonance still holds them tight. If it could be purged from them without ending their lives, they would surely be of great help to us all."

"...tsk."

"Addition - As a magia myself, knowing if there is anything we can do to purge Dissonance from our mechanical bodies would be invaluable knowledge were I ever to become afflicted by it as well."

"Magia, yes I can see that. You were able to become a Magia the moment you arrived? Falling from the skies like a shooting star. Starcalled. A race like none other."

Zia listened as MAI spoke her piece. Even though the Orchestrator came off cold she was not cruel. She had seen the Starcalled in action before. She knew what they could do and that was such a small party compared to the battle that had recently been waged. There was more than that to get her interest though... A girl that was a machine yet alive and held many fates? Something about it garnered the Orchestrator's attention.

Zia's eyes looked upon the shorter girl. She reached out a hand as if to touch her but hesitated and pulled it back. Regaining her icy composure.

"Light infections of dissonance upon the soul can be simple even for those without Tria's blessings to resolve. If it is more severe. Then the chances of the victim needing a complete purification grow significantly. The soul itself must be extinguished."

Her eyes closed a moment as if she were considering something. Having decided she opened them and continued.

"...you should see Gardibrook's Acolyte. You will understand why when you do. It will not be an answer you like. Yet it will be the answer."

With that, Zia left the one who brought Szofrit to rest, to ponder her words.

 

[Skyswimsky*]

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

The Saucy Minotaur. The village's pub. Closed for the entirety of the day had been one of the biggest clues. After all, an important place like this would only stop receiving patrons if the owner died OR something fishy was happening. And if that alone hadn't been a dead giveaway, Aalam working his way into Stephan's group of friends wasn't an issue for a person of his caliber.

With a few friendly words, a genuine hunchback, a rugged beard, dirt on his skin, a little bit of coin, and @Aalam Abungu had turned into just another Lander without a face. A curious peasant, enticed by the promises of a mysterious cult.

A Cult that was to hold a meeting inside the basement of the Saucy Minotaur. There, the man stood. Squeezed in-between another 15-or-so curious bystanders. Aalam was able to recognize most of them as people of the village, yet a few faces were strangers as much as him. Genuine Landers, travelers, who were dissatisfied with the situation as much as anyone else.

He could hear whispers, rumors, about how today was special. How today would be different. How today they would bring proof beyond mere words. How today-

"MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!" The immediate voice of a young male gathered everyone's attention. Entering from a door on the east wall at the very north of it, was a cloaked figure. With all of the Landers bundled together towards the south, the north of the room was empty. Clearly, the stage had been set. The Audience and the Preacher.

I welcome all of you, and feel so happy to see so many old and new faces to have gathered for this very special and important day. Times and times again, I have told you. I have promised you. How WE have the answers. How WE carry a weapon against those who have long tormented our world. Many of YOU stand on the verge of joining US. To become one and united against the SICKENING Starcalled.

So, my friends, I want you to close your eyes and imagine. Imagine, a world where we no longer fear the tyranny of these immortals. Where we stand tall and seize control of our own lives. Independent of their whimsical tyranny. A world where, as their strength diminishes, ours shall grow! United, we stand. Divided, we fall.

He made an ominous pause.

Thus, allow me to demonstrate. To turn the blessing of immortality, into an eternity of suffering.

The man clapped with his hands and the door he had entered, opened once again. This time, two men - unmasked like the rest of them - entered. Carrying what appeared to be a Magia. Her mouth was covered in a blackish substance that, upon further inspection, seemed to be dried magia-blood. Whatever happened, she was not able to communicate. Was her entire maw missing?... Her eyes were full of terror as she tried to break free from the strong grip of her captors. Without any care for her well-being, they forcibly put her in front of the preacher. Pressing her face towards the basement ground as she was made to kneel. Nobody in the audience said a word.

This... Starcalled. This... Magia, will serve as proof. Proof of Absolutely Authority. Of OUR authority. So I plead to you, once again. Open your eyes and witness, witness as I cast away your doubts. Witness, and embrace the path we have laid out for you. For together we will harness the power and unity to bring about a new era of prosperity and freedom!

Witness, the strength of our conviction.
Witness, the power to engrave an Eternal Curse upon a Star.

With these words, the man stepped towards the Starcalled. So far, he didn't seem to do anything. But Aalam could tell, something was about to go down as the Magia tried her best to fight back, tears rolling down her muted face as she struggled with all her might against the grip of her captors. By the second, the masked man's entire being seemed to shape more and more into something... threatening.

Just... what was going on?
Starcalled were able to log out.
If UI-Locked, they could be killed if not revived. So what was the big deal?
Was this all just a farce?
Was it something more?
Aalam had to make a choice... to witness a Miracle, or intervene?

 

[Aalam Abungu]

Working Man
An old duty

AP: 4/6
2 AP spent.
Location:
Surrounding area
Prompt:
Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

Watched what was happening before him, the mess of a cult that was forming. He knew cults. He had worked for them, he had worked against them, and he had to see them grow and even kill a few of them, and he had seen what happened when a cult grew too big and the danger they would be able to impose on the world and the damage they could cause. He had come expecting to find a few people who were not prepared for a proper fight or some people just talking, but no, the person he was watching, that masked man. He could feel it in his voice. This man was a zealot, or at least one that could pretend to be one. And that was dangerous; what they could do with a group of people that were afraid was dangerous; he turned his eyes down on that star called that they had captured and pushed his hyper sense to the maximum until it seemed like time slowed down. He wasn't a chiromancer, but he could do something now, so he stopped to think. He could stop the action not outright without exposing himself to the group, and that would cause them to scatter. If he lost this lead, it would mean trouble in the coming day, and he couldn't risk that. He could let him kill the magi to witness Miricle, but that was also with its risk. It would give the cult power, power to be spread in whispers. So he changed the way the game was being played and activated the seed he had pushed into the basement walls from earlier. Hopefully, Urukhan was a kind god of death.

When he activated the first seed, a large tree root burst from the far side of the basement as he hunched over; the second burst from near his back and cut into his side. A deep and heavy cut that bled because that was what he needed blood and a show. The third came down from the ceiling and massed the young woman into the ground pinning her under a massive root. In that second, he caused enough damage that the place needed a great deal of repairs. But now that was blood, panic, and pain, but that woman, that magi, was under a root that covered her in a bark. He waited for three seconds more for the shock to kick in before he screamed a bloody thing. A scream that bounced around the room at those that were the most worried. And then he said the words. "They have founds us!! Oh gods, they have found us."

Rolls

Causing a panic

 

[Skyswimsky*]

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

Crimson, crimson, ever-flowing,

Relentlessly, the blood was going.
Crimson, crimson, never-ending,
The sacrifice, our will unbending.
Crimson, crimson, streaming down,
The Shepherd summoned, in crimson-gown.
Crimson, crimson, stains the ground,
In whispered secrets, our fates are bound.

@Ueno Mizuki's patience was rewarded. The Runestone shimmered in a light crimson as a slight humming could be heard before. Growing louder and louder in synchronization with the glow until, from one moment to the next, it was gone. No more bloody runes, no more glow. Just a fancy marble.

By now, the forest had grown darker. The Wolf Girl couldn't quite since when it had been, but it was only now that she noticed, and then-

"Speak." The voice emerged from behind her. Turning around, there it was. A cloaked figure clad in crimson. Its apparent hands, feet, and face hidden beyond the ever-shifting shape of his attire and the darkness surrounding. A contradiction. A paradox in form. For its shape seemed to wrestle with its very surroundings, striving to create a more tangible form. It was very much akin to the sudden realization of an oddly shaped cloud in the sky.

Mizuki's mind acknowledged the existence of this otherwordly being, yet in doing so it also felt strangely absurd. The hooded figure's very lack of presence gave her encounter an eerie, spectral quality. Maybe she was sighting a ghost?

"You're the... first who... dared." It, he(?), spoke once again, though this time she couldn't make out a direction. Rather, the voice seemed right next to her ears as it was accompanied by a distortion. "Speak, what do you desire?" The ghost commanded.

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

AP: N/A
Location:
Surrounding Area
Prompt:
Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag:
@Skyswimsky*

As Mizuki kept smearing more and more blood across the smooth surface of the marble runestone her ears pricked up, catching a strange ethereal humming that made her pause for a moment. She didn't know where it was coming from, but the intensity seemed to match the steady spreading of runes across the stone's surface, which meant it was probably part of the ritual.

She could feel the blood that still remained in her veins rush through her body, trying to compensate for all that she'd sacrificed to satisfy her curiosity. Her hemomancy helped her remain clear-headed throughout the process, but it was clear that her health was more fragile than before. If something hostile did appear she'd have to quickly and cautiously determine whether to fight or to flee.

But before that she'd have to see if the blood sacrifice would actually do anything. The runes and the humming were ominous, but it could hardly be the totality of the purpose of this place. Her suspicions were confirmed when suddenly both humming and runes disappeared, leaving the wildling alone in a darkened forest. Her hackles rose even before she was alerted of the fact that she was no longer alone.

The moment that voice spoke out she quickly turned towards the owner, her mismatched moon eyes narrowing as she perceived... something. Clearly humanoid in basic appearance, but its features so nebulous and shrouded that she wouldn't have been able to describe the figure as more than "humanoid and shrouded in crimson".

Balancing on her hind paws she sniffed the air, hoping that the creature's scent would provide more information than its appearance. However, it had also asked her a question, and she got the pressing feeling that she shouldn't keep it waiting.

So... what did she desire?

I want to know your purpose.

She'd come here to ask about that Masked Dominion the people back at the inn were talking about, but now that she was facing this otherworldly entity she thought it better to learn as much about it as possible. It was probably linked to the Dominion anyway, so learning more about it should help her learn more about the organisation as well.

 

[Skyswimsky*]

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

@Aalam Abungu had done the unthinkable. Interrupting the ceremony in a way that did not put him in danger. Quite the opposite, as he even let himself get hurt. Even if someone were to doubt him - seeing how he was the first to call out the supposed-to-be attack - the ensuing chaos was just too much.

People screamed and panicked. Some scrambled to escape the basement while others simply stood there, frozen in shock. The preacher, visibly rattled, struggled to regain control of the situation. His various lines of "Fear not, my fellow brothers and sisters!" - "Stand united!" - "Keep calm!" going over the heads of most Landers.

He had lost control.

"Tzch..." By now, the Landers that hadn't fled were either hiding in a corner or unable to move. Buried by plant and debris alike. The two guards were no exception, Only the preacher, the singular individual with the mask, seemed to be waiting. His focus now solely on the hopeful arrival of the perpetrator.

Aalam's plan had been a full success... for now?

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

"Liberty..." The ghostly entity replied, raising one of its limbs that was supposedly an arm from its ethereal form. "Freedom, Unity, and Justice... I am the Shepherd, a Harbinger of Fate. My flock, the ones you scorn and cast aside. I shall deliver enlightenment and ruin. Through my Stigma, the monstrous nature of your souls shall be exposed. My Mask, the means to grant sanctuary. You shall come to realize how your gift of immortality is, in truth, the torment of eternal suffering. All of you shall bear witness, each of you shall come to believe. Inevitably, the Shepherd shall ascend. Absolutely, I will transcend all."

Another nutcase that spoke in mystery. Though if @Ueno Mizuki could believe what she heard - whatever it was - the ghostly entity seemed to be quite chatty. Either planning to end her; or not perceiving her as a threat?

 

[Aalam Abungu]

Working Man
An old duty

AP: 2/6
2 AP spent.
Location:
Surrounding area
Prompt:
Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

He stopped for a few seconds, watching the people run out, watching the panic that he had inspired in the group, and using that time to press something to his side so he wouldn't bleed out before he moved; it was done for two reasons he needed to make sure that he had gotten blood on his hands. That was important; the second was that he needed to make sure he didn't bleed out. It took him a few more seconds to at least stop the bleeding, but he was able to get his fingers covered with that blood.

He made his way to the preach and grabbed the arm with a bloody hand, almost falling to the ground in his act as the pain worked through his side. "My Lord! My lord, you have to run; if they catch you, we lose it all, and then they will come back...... the monster...those stars called will take everything from us if we lose you. You must run; we can find you again, my lord." He pushed the mixture of pain and pleading in his voice, making it come out low and shaky; there was a wobbling effect of fear that you had to put into your speech. He needed to put the worry in his head, the idea that he needed to leave because he was more important than the people in the basement. He needed the teacher to think of the future in the second and leave, but at the same time, he was focusing on the man with every pit of his hyper sense. It was the skill he had gotten first and the one that he used to the point of perfection; it was a skill that had grown on him almost as much as his ranged skills. And the one thing that he was gifted with to be a receptacle for magic enhanced his hyper sense to the point that it was something scary. "If we die, the cause grows stronger. Run, my Lord!"

Rolls

Causing a panic

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

AP: N/A
Location:
Surrounding Area
Prompt:
Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag:
@Skyswimsky*

Her clawed toes dug into the ground as she saw the strange figure lift what looked like it could be a limb, or an approximation of it. It didn't look like it was attacking just yet, but with how enigmatic this entity was she didn't take anything for granted. One thing she definitely didn't want was to have it pointing at her, so if it tried to lift the limb directly towards her she'd carefully move to the side while listening to the explanation.

The explanation was... well, either it didn't care whether she understood what it was saying or it was so alien that it didn't know how to explain itself any better. However, she wracked her brain trying to comprehend it anyway, formulating at least the core of a theory.

So you see yourself as the protector of the Landers. I must say, most of the Travelers I know try to live in harmony with the natives of this world.

While its words were less than helpful it was providing her with information, information that might become more useful once studied in more detail. Still, she had to be prepared to abandon this conversation: she couldn't predict when or if this thing would turn hostile, and there was a good chance that in her current state she wouldn't be able to beat it. As she cautiously shuffled away from the runic marble she also glanced around, trying to figure out which direction would give her the best escape route in this large forest.

If you only seek to assist the Landers I've got no quarrel with you, but it sounds like you're getting something out of this as well.

 

[Skyswimsky*]

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

Maybe, under different circumstances, @Aalam Abungu's play would have ended right here. Right now. For one, the Masked Dominion referred to each other mostly as brothers and sisters, and for two: So close up and personal, the man with the hunchback run the risk of NOT getting recognized. He was, after all, a newcomer.

Yet, with time being of the essence, and the situation everybody was in, it seemed like Lady Luck was on his side. If he had wanted to stab the masked man, then there had been plenty of chances just now.

"Tzch..." The robbed preacher finally responded. "Very well, we shall gather once again. For the day of judgment is nigh..." The cultist was confident in his abilities, yet not that stupid. If these Starcalled were really employing such underhanded tactics, even with his savior's gift he would likely perish. "Gather the others and let us meet outside!" He commanded Aalam, before finally leaving the premise too. Though in a more focused and calm state.

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

"LIES AND DECEPTION!" For a moment, the being's ethereal form became a lot more erratic, threatening even. However, it calmed down just as quickly. "History is written in the blood of its failures. Delude yourself all you want, player, but the suffering of this world is real." The mysterious being had suddenly become a lot more direct.

"I crave what you disdain. I am a creature drawn to the shadows where truth festers. The Pain of Eternity, the Torment of Immortality. I am a mirror, made to lay bare the grotesque essence of your souls. Through my guidance, you too will find enlightenment. Through your suffering, the Landers will rejoice in liberty." A moment of pause, before...

"I do not lurk, I do not flee. I am omnipresent, yet invisible. A paradox not bound by laws. I am everywhere you look, yet nowhere to be found. A whisper in the end, a ripple on the pond. The shadow at the back of your mind.

The faith of the flock is my fortress. Their trust my bulwark. My power, a testament to their faith. A beacon shining forth from the collective heart of their desires. Together, we will ascend, unified in purpose and spirit. United, we are a tidal wave of conviction. A tempest of shared resolve. A cyclone of common purpose.

In this unity, I will reveal the unseen fabric of our world. The hidden gears that turn the cosmic clock. I will burn the curtains of reality, lay bare the truths hidden beneath the mundane. My revelations will rend your ignorance. Shatter your illusions, and in the brilliance of unobscured truth, I will bring forth our liberation."

Nope, right back to nonsense it was. Poor @Ueno Mizuki.

 

[Aalam Abungu]

Working Man
An old duty

AP: 0/6
2 AP spent.
Location:
Surrounding area
Prompt:
Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

A few things helped a person blend into a group; you had to have the right tone of voice and sound like you believed in what the person was saying. It always was that way with a cult that you needed to seem like you understood where they were coming from and were willing to work to help them reach that goal. And for the most part, the conviction was something a man was good at; he had spent every moment in this game believing the people he worked with were real in this space. So he believed they had wants and needs, which allowed him to consider why someone would be willing to join a cult. But now he had information, and now he was face to face with the person that seemed to be the leader,m shaking his head as he listened to the instruction. They were looking to get something done before a certain time. So they were on a deal line; whatever gave this man his power needed to be worked with in a way. It was not simply given to him to use freely; he worked to get everyone else out of the basement, helping them upstairs before pressing a prickly seed pod to their clothing. It was something that wouldn't appear to be out of place on them. But it was something that he would be able to control if needed; whatever powers they were dealing with were enough to catch someone off guard and take them out, so he would need to be prepared. So far, he had been lucky with pushing the confusion and keeping out of direct sight. He worked everyone out of the room until it was only him and the woman from before. As he moved, he pulled the root that was pinning her down to the door; it would block it for about five minutes, but by that time, someone he sent a message to would-be down there to cut her free and get her help. If she were a plant, he wouldn't be the one to free her; if not, she would have to wait five more minutes to be free.

With that mess done and preparations made, he followed them to the next location.

Rolls

Setting things in motion, following the group and getting the woman freed.

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

AP: N/A
Location:
Surrounding Area
Prompt:
Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag:
@Skyswimsky*

Mizuki brought up her clawed hands as the figure suddenly became a lot more threatening, ready to strike back if it decided that the time to talk was over. Its words seemed... genuinely offended, even if it only lasted for a moment.

Unfortunately that meant it kept saying things that made no sense.

I didn't say that the suffering isn't real, just that most of us Travelers aren't trying to make things worse.

There were some Travelers who clearly were only interested in their own entertainment, but most of them at the very least sought to be heroes rather than villains, even if most of them didn't go so far as Mizuki when it came to treating this world as real. The latter fact just making her more confused at this entity's insistence that she wasn't taking this world's problems seriously enough.

Not that she thought it likely that this entity would become cooperative. The wildling's expression was one of concentration and confusion as she tried to parse the entity's statements, hoping against hope to get something productive out of this.

So you gain power from those who follow you and you want to reveal the truth about this world. Couldn't you just tell me what this truth is? I wouldn't have gone through all this trouble of summoning you if I wasn't curious, and you seem eager to talk about it.

Glancing over her shoulder she estimated her chances of being able to get away if this went down south. The figure in front of her... well, it certainly didn't play by the normal rules, but that didn't mean it was impossible to escape from. The biggest issue was that it was following its own narrative and she couldn't guess when, or if, it might turn hostile.

 

[Skyswimsky*]

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

Under @Aalam Abungu careful guise, the basement had pretty much been evacuated. Leaving only him and the mutilated Magia. Revealing her tiny frame, she was lashing out at first until coming to an understanding that he was, in fact, her savior. Starcalled, just like her. Communication had to be ultimately done via the message system as Aalam tried to find out what he could get.

Thank you. I'm Bumblebeep.

Here and there, some small talk to get warm.

These freaks did something weird to me. They killed me, revived me, and then I couldn't log out! My first death, too! I can still use the UI. I've been captive ever since. The, uh, priest was treating today like the last day of my life. I think they can apply some weird debuff upon killing you! Though my friend mentioned I'm all fine and dandy in real! Just, uh... not really stopping playing, you know?

Clearly, she had been aware of the three-death rule and what it meant, though ultimately not able to provide much more knowledge past that. Whatever the cultist had planned was now a forever mystery... or was it?

...

With the seeds planted on the various members of the group, Aalam would soon find out that pretty much everybody there was just a simple Lander. Working in the village or one nearby, as only a handful had been curious adventurers. Though none of them knew much more of the masked Cultist that had been there that day - having mysteriously disappeared after Aalam had left the basement. Maybe, one day, their paths would cross again.

END

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

A sinister chuckle came from the phantom, at last, his body solidified. Its crimson robe materialized into what appeared to be... pretty much more of the same — a crimson-clad figure towering over the wolf girl. His features remaining hidden under the robe, save for the face. There, @Ueno Mizuki could see it. A mask. "At last..."

Silly, observant, girl... I share all of this as I am certain of your inability to stop us. To Stop me. Go forth, and revel in your fleeting days of freedom. For they are numbered. Or stay...

He slowly raised his arm, his hand a swirling vortex of shadows. "... and have your sanity shattered as you confront which you cannot comprehend."

That was, clearly, Mizuki's cue to get out of there. Already eyeing a potential escape before, she knew that staying here would only result in death. Whatever information this specter would permit her to gather, it simply wasn't worth the risk.

END

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: The Masked Dominion

Without really many leads to go on, @Toko's investigation method of "Without any real plan" would soon prove to be somewhat flawed. It wasn't like she knew of an ominous cubic marble in the middle of the forest, a secret monastery, or cult meetings in some obscure basement after all. Not to mention the girl was way too busy to really play detective.

Thus, among the many noteworthy encounters that camping in the wilderness brought forth, there was one special encounter at least. If the bunny didn't know any better, it was another Starcalled! A newbie, maybe, or?

Oh, yahoo!

With a most enthusiastic salute, Toko was greeted by a girl that reminded her somewhat of a, uh, crocodile? Her eyes were filled with hope.

What an absolute chance-encounter to meet SOMEONE out HERE in the middle of FRIGGIN nowhere. I came alllll the way from over... there! Or wherever Tertoria is, looking for a- a lost item! Phew, it's super secret and everything. Saaaaaayyyyy, you wouldn't happen to know the direction to the next town? I'm not that good with new places, it took me like half a year at the Academy to remember the way to the classroom!

She sure liked to talk a lot. Luckily, bunnies had a superb sense of direction... maybe.

Alrighty, that'll do! Ah, Masked Dominos? Not my kind of snack, really. I enjoy FRESH MEAT. Ehehehe, I mean... can't say I've heard of it. FUNNY how I'm looking for a mask too! ImeanIwasntsupposedtosaythat. Ahem, but what are the chances, right? ANYWAY! I'm on a tight schedule! Uh, what do they say here? See ya!

With another salute, the stranger set off once again. Just your everyday weirdo...

END

Nora the Explorer Adventurer's Guild

Astorea: Surrounding Area @Bluebird @Crimson Ruby

SQUAAAAWK!?

As a certain cat approached, E.P. quickly lifted himself up from @Bluebird head, instead taking for the skys again as Nora gave a light chuckle. "Nora's absolutely positive that SOMEONE would have noticed. But it's not like Finwaeld was a habitable place at that point in time."

She gave @Crimson Ruby a hearty nod. "A friend of my friend is also a friend!" Totally on the same wavelength as she happily clasped her hands together. "I'm always in need of strong and brave adventurers willing to dive into the deepest mystery of all! By the time an expedition is planned, I'm sure you will hear of it... that is..." Her shoulders dropped a bit, sighing. "...once I've actually found it! Unless you also enjoy digging through the tunnels... they're dark, vast, most and, unknown! And from what my superior intellect deducts, you much rather investigate the Prism Aurora? Well, well, well. Before I go on, let me give you a freebie: If it got a rainbow scheme, it's most likely related! Not that it has to be, but chances, and all!"

Nora gave the two another nod. "Each second spent not adventuring is a second that could be an adventure! As someone has once said... I'm sure. Sooo I wish you good luck on YOUR quest, and if you ever find yourself in Finwaeld again. Make sure to find me! Being famous and all it shouldn't be that hard!... Goodbye~" With these words, Nora the Explorer wished the two girls a farewell, as E.P. has since long left the poor blonde behind again.

END

 

[Pandora*]

As the World Turns

Active World Epilogue

The sun sets and the world moves on....

Active World 1 Global Results Report

Finweald

• The People of Finweald have decided not to rebel against Astor. However, the idea of replacing him is more popular than ever.
• Finweald has been given a stable base to begin the climb back to its best days.
• Sarina didn't drink much...

Lions Pride

• Most favored gods of the Starcalled (no particular order): Endra, Gwyndolainn, Rhiannon.
• Some discussion was made however the Lion's Pride is far from united on how to proceed...
• The Lions for Cubs charity went above expectations. The lander children and their caretakers appreciate the Starcalled's generosity. It has also gained the attention of another...
• Sarina finished her training spar and feels more confident now! Sometime later a request is made by Sarina for eager participants in a new exercise...

Magic Institute of Theory

• The MIT is now operational and an area to hold the found cores from Vintergard has been built.
• Nin has become lost in thought more often...
• Valen is preparing something perhaps just a little risky...
• The restricted area had no trespassers.

Explorers League

• The Embertorch has been significantly repaired. The loss of its leader will leave them in an uncertain state for the foreseeable future.
• Rettah has been said to soon be setting out on an expedition regardless. Somewhere deep within a silent place...

D.E.S. Astorea Branch

• Camp Hope was fully restored and the first phase of the D.E.S. effort to combine forces with Astorea has completed. Now phase 2 begins, which includes a search across Astorea and Falderen for those with the potential to work at the branch. Word of the Star Chosen Test has also begun circulation upon the lips of young ladies from all walks of life.
• Word of Tertoria's Origin's Acolytes being able to assist those with certain dissonance infections has now become an interesting rumor to some.
• A unified front to prevent another Titanius and Szofrit has commenced. Which had been stalled by the Day of Disappearance Dragonfall and Queen G's takeover (which occurred off-screen). The halt of the fateline has ended and the story continues to be written from where it left off...
• Maximillian has set out to continue his hunt for the Oracle of Gardibrook, Priscilla Flanst. Hylia has decided to accompany him.

Surrounding Area

• Queen G, the infamous criminal of Gardibrook is now in an unknown location and using the magia war and suffering of the landers to her advantage has spread her influence over more territory. Her Golden Knights are known for being able to turn flesh to gold however this does not dissuade landers from being unnaturally drawn to her. A mage that was said to be a part of the mostly forgotten VXIII is now working with her. Endra's favor and the Gardibrook Merchantile have much interest in this still developing situation. The Tyrant Tower somewhere in Tertoria may connect to this mystery.
• A cult of masked men and women is attempting to enslave Starcalled with a new power that is still not understood. A being of unknown origin manipulates the group from the shadows and the truth is far from unmasked....
• Many Landers have been successfully escorted out of Astorea. Even though they are leaving, they have better opinions of the Starcalled than before this.
• The magias that roamed Vintergard have been beaten back yet again. The Starcalled have become the apex predator of Vintergard but the machines somehow never seem to truly vanish. Dragonhead sits quietly. The final secret it holds is currently unreachable... access denied.
• East Brisshal and Honeyhome have been protected and are now much safer for new Starcalled arrivals. The Falderen patrols have become less frequent but Falderen still watches Astorea and its magia very closely.
• The crossings of landers at the Silvergate Bridge went well. Hinata introduced herself to the main source of the success. However, it is said a strange event occurred at the bridge one day (occurred off-screen), but no one is sure exactly what. Hylia might speak about it someday...
• Nora revealed that an amazing ruin exists in the world she calls Lost Arcadia. She has intentions to investigate further and the Wurm Tunnels of Finweald are a part of that plan...
• Null gave a report and quizzed a Starcalled as just another of her enigmatic practices. As per usual with Null, Nothing much came of it...

---

Bonus Scene 1

"Honk! Honk!"

"Lower your volume! I have your feed Integer. It was a long day. I spent 14 hours, 22 minutes, and as of this second, 41 seconds on the field! I can finally retire!

Nin took off her ever-present hat and hung it on a rack before dropping a small bag of purchased goods. Sticking out was a large bag of Goose Feed. Frustrated by the ever-demanding honks of her precious pet goose. Nin put the feeding of the bird on high priority.

With everything put away and her bird fed. Nin collapsed into her cushioned chair. Her body felt like it weighed a ton. She reached for a drawer and pulled out a small unlabeled bottle. Opening it with a unique tool, she then poured a small radiating pill into her hand. Closing her eyes she took it with a cup of water at her side.

Nin's head fell into her arms and she lost consciousness.

Bonus Scene 2

Maximilian rode out. His horse carrying fully stocked supplies. He stared out at the sunset. Somewhere out there his lady waited for him. He had humbled himself and gained a Starcalled's aid yet again. Perhaps soon... he will reunite and be with Priscilla. Why did he feel that way about a woman that basically overworked him to the bone?

"MAX! Max! Max! I'm coming with youuuuu!

Hylia sped up beside him. She sat on what could only be described as a... floating dolphin? The strange mount made equally dophin-like sounds as it hovered. Swimming in the air beside the knight's horse.

" Ho there. I thought you were returning to Gardibrook? Or staying at the new branch? I'm sure they nee-"

"And leave you searching alone?! Nopenopenope! My concert can wait a little longer! I want to see Priscilla back too and don't forget! I was held captive and forced to perform for that G! I have to do my duty as a star chosen and stuff too! You won't be doing this without me!!!!"

A mix of relief and worry crossed the man's face as he nodded.

" Very well then Idol Hylia. You may accompany me. ...in fact, I'd be honored to have a companion. We will succeed, fate willing."

"With Tria and Ella watching over us? Always Max! That evil queenie learned that fate is on our side! Now we just try our best and let our faith and fate do the rest! Want to hear a new single I'm working on Max? Pleaseplease?! I know you do!"

" Uh... of course. ..about Gardibrook. Idol Hylia. Do you... remember how that happened? It was so swift. I'm still comprehending it. It felt like the entire Merchantile was at her mercy and then. How to put this.... they weren't?"

The two rode off, horse and dolphin, into the sunset.

---

Bonus Scene 3

"If they weren't before, they are now."

The pinkette sat alone atop a monument of unknown origin. Beneath her was an ongoing field of flowers of great variety. The wind blew hard this high up... but the female's hair did not blow in that wind.

"...what? Stop that. I just do things and stuff happens. I'd like that to be the last head that rolls due to my involvement. Trouble's my middle name. Lotte got me on that one."

She continues to just take in the sights of the landscape before her. Not just the flower field but the greater land beyond. The expanse that was Arcia.

"That magia? Fate tears are enough of a sign it's gone too far."

A small eye crept up the monument and blinked at the slowly fading pinkette. A voice was directed at her.

"Welcome visitor Oh it's you again invisible person! Enea! May I assist you? Would you like a tour?"

Enea smiles awkwardly and waves her metal hands at the eye.

"No thanks. Not this time. Just using the place to think. I'm about to leave again in a little bit. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing my job so I'm happy! Thank you very much."

"...cool! That's good to hear. Keep it up. Vennessa appreciates it I'm sure."

"Okay! Have a nice day Enea. I shall do the watering."

The caretaker returns to her work.

"A...day? That would be great."

Enea's steel fist closed over her chest. Vivid lights ran through it as a hum resounded over the field that no animal nor the fiendish birds that ruled such high reaches could hear. A pale pink light engulfs her and she was gone. Leaving behind the caretaker and her private paradise overlooking the world.

---

Queen G

Queen of Gold

A hall of gold. From floor to ceiling. A dome-shaped platform with a single expensive-looking yet abnormally small throne set upon it. The room was filled with treasure. A vault of abundance and greed. A paradise of wealth. Surrounded by such fortune was one gaudy Faerin that sat upon the throne. Her attire dripped with privilege. The gold in her vicinity seemed to swirl and flow like mud or clay. Changing into different statues of herself and other elaborately extravagant objects. Even if it made no sense for them to be there. In two rows beside the red velvet carpet that was littered with intricate gold embeddings stood Golden Knights of a higher caliber than any other. Sitting beside her along the slope of the platform were two nearly naked sculpture-like men with bald heads and golden loincloths. They held golden trays with piles of gold nuggets on each.

"Star Maiden! Such cheap tricks to force me to trade in. I will have the last laugh through impeccable plannin'. When gold speaks people listen!"

A small man was dropped at the base of her elevated platform. The faerin couldn't bear to look at the woman that sat upon the throne. His body trembled.. multiple parts of his body had changed to gold. He knew his fate was dire.

"You. You were with the Favor? I require labor, not you're blabber of disfavor. No god whether Rhiannon nor Endra will grant you worth compared to the rule of gold to soon unfold. So... where's my tribute? Worthless eater?"

She leaned forward and glared down at him.
He would look back up defiantly.

"Never. You're a monster... you're everything that people mark us to be! Some sort of cursed magic beast! I won't take your bribes and I won't be controlled by whatever magic you wield wicked creature!"

"Is that an insult? You want a result. My magic is natural and will become what's cultural. I see you aren't feeling the same way about Endra's pay. No way, can't stay little fae."

"Good! You just wait till everyone else wakes up to your spell! I don't care if you kill me, I'd rather die!"

"...die? Haven't you paid any attention to my intention? You're worth is too low so now you get a golden glow."

The Queen of Gold gestured with her finger and smiled. A beam of light shot from it and hit the enslaved faerin. His body contorted as it mutated with a horrific scream that bounced off the golden chamber. After mere seconds all that was left was a floating gold blob. It continued to condense until it was the size of a chicken nugget. The queen opened her mouth and gestured towards it. The nugget flew inside and with a soft crunch, the strange faerin women chewed it and swallowed.

"Roughly.... 1200 gold? At least some worth for that toad! Ohoh, my loud jester is here.... my lesser peer!"

"No need to stay silent. Come and be compliant."

The taller girl that stood at the bottom of the platform on a velvet rug couldn't help but show her grievances. Although it was not at the over-flaunting of the Faerin so much as Trizzaldi wanted to be the one doing the flaunting. She was the greatest witch of all time after all.

"It's all done. I'm LEAVING. A puny star PEON decided to step near my tower FOOLISHLY."

"Oh behave little mage, or you'll stay at minimum wage. Is it so difficult to accept a faerin as your matron? More star people? Such a repel. Very well be swell."

...we'll see who's so smug once I have finished my ingenious plan."

"You really should stop muttering your schemes like I'm not onto your theme. Tell your stinky friend to get it together. She takes forever to deliver."

"She gets lost... a lot. Pfft, I shall take my leave of YOU now, OH great QUEEN."

A stiff bow that hid a middle finger behind her perfectly drap[ed cape. Trizzaldi made her exit... only for another to arrive and cause the Tyrant Witch to halt in her tracks.

"Ohoh? Oh dear I didn't expect to see you come here... "

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4 Seasons of Terrasphere Completed...

The truth is waiting for you.​

Coming Soon in 20XX