Private Western Brisshal Saskia's Big Project

[Saskia]

Irritation bubbled up in her gut. Saskia groaned at the sight of her work. It was hardly worthy of signature. Taking a few steps away to get a wider perspective, facial scrunched, features mashing together. Looking at what she had made was only causing her to feel worse, so she rotated one hundred and eighty degrees. There! That was better. It didn't fix everything, however, as she still felt the rising agitation. The clever girl thought up a band-aid for that issue just as quickly as she had the other.

Spoiler: Mood

​

Her palms rose from where they dangled, coming to smother her ears, blocking out any subtle sounds. Saskia's eyes drifted shut, strangling a second sense. A song of her choice began to play into her ears. It was an older song, but one that had delivered her joy in darker times. As rapidly as they had risen, her worries began to wither, shriveling away. Before long there would be nothing but Saskia and the song.

Her body began to move. A smile that surpassed human capabilities was etched wide into her cheeks. With a slight bend to her knees, the stiffer joints snapped, and her hips and chest began to twist from side to side. Her moves were amateur at best, but she didn't seem bothered. There was nobody watching, and even if there was, it was its own consequence to not dance along. As the rhythm bruised her eardrums with drum-line fists, Saskia softly hummed along. Her hands remained smooshed to her head, desperately, as if it might fall off if she let go.

Saskia's gyrations became more intense as the world around her faded away. Not even the majesty of a fantasy world was a jubilant enough destination for Saskia's mind. She'd been thinking such dreadful things moments prior, but then she remembered! This was a game to play for fun. How nonsensical to get stressed. The lips against her ears serenaded her. Mid-pirouette, she kicked off one of her slippers, which soared delivering a moldy slap against the rocky ceiling.

In actuality, there was no noise at all. The mouths fashioned to either of her two palms were whispering what couldn't be interpreted as any sentient language, even by a machine translation Magia. Regardless of what they were saying, Saskia couldn't be more entertained. The music had been mostly imaginary, but her dancing was far from it. The squirming rub of her shifting clothes combined with a distant, watery drip, as the stalactites drooled with spectator's admiration, eyes rolled back. With passion renewed, the girl continued to sway as she turned back to face her project. This could work. This could be beautiful.

There was not an ounce of light one mile deep into the cave.

---

Three weeks later.

A member of the Explorers League was walking through the forest. The task was routine, sometimes assigned to lower ranking members since it was simple and seldom deadly. Jason needed only to walk through an already charted area and check for changes or corrections. These jobs almost always ended with no further action necessary.

Missing posters cropped up here and there in Finweald. Jason hadn't an impressive list of accomplishments, and he had only just joined the Explorers League. There was no fortunes that awaited his finding, alive or otherwise. The bounty was a measly sum raised mostly by himself prior to his disappearance. His younger sister Charlotte continued placing posters, despite no one taking up the task.

She kept her hopes high, though, sometimes imagining in her dreams that Jason was out there not far from the city, on his way back home, dancing by himself.

---

OOC:

This thread will involve some rolling and danger.

I made this mainly as a prompt for some friends, but if you're interested in joining, feel free to message me on Discord: @piggol

 

[Nyx]

What does it take for a person to realize that they aren't as smart as they originally thought they were? The solution to a puzzle that could literally save or kill a large group of individuals. It was a weight that Trissayne never wanted hanging on her shoulders again. But she wanted to be part of one of these factions since they seemed so important.

Therefore, the Explorer's League made the most sense.

Actually, no, it didn't. Triss liked staying in the starter zones. She liked watching the new players fall from the sky, land, and be completely blown away by the grass, the wind, the flowers, and the little animals that could be fought for easy experience gain. There was something novel about being a moderately skilled player and remaining there. Sure, she couldn't answer questions as well as some of the vets, and please don't ask her a fucking thing about the lore concerning TerraSphere, but she could offer company. And company was good when you were in a new place.

Right, so, yeah, the Explorer's League. Doesn't really make sense for her to join, but there is something...there...which does tug at her. Something about mapping the landscape, being the first to see new places, charting courses, and marking down where roads might one day intersect. She's interested, at the very least, but being interested doesn't make her less nervous or scared about what else was out there. And those are hard emotions to control, especially after that Red Fever thing. Everything was harder to control.

That's probably why she was with Charlotte to begin with. Triss wasn't sure if the girl was actually a player or merely an NPCs, but she was safe, or so the Spiritmancer believed, and so, the drow-woman remained by her side. She even glanced at the posters that Charlotte placed though the face was unfamiliar to her.

"Ah, how long be he missing now?" she'd ask quietly. "Dis...Jason."

 

[Avery Aphelion]

“This is where I’ve been spending a lot of my time recently.” Avery motioned to the square in the middle of Finweald. “Most people here seem nice. That’s the inn I’ve stayed at a few times. Oh! Over there is the library I’ve visited almost every day since I’ve been here.” The alchemist turned tour-guide pointed at various structures and areas that she had become familiar with in her time in Finweald, eager to show her friend @Viz Ventani everything she had grown to love while playing TS. “You’re gonna love it here. This town is a good safe-spot.”

As excited as Avery was to show her friend around, a hint of sadness loomed in the air. On every wall there was a missing poster pinned. She couldn’t turn a corner without facing the reality that was “Jason is missing.” Avery hadn’t met anyone by the name of Jason, but couldn’t help but notice the little girl painting the walls with pleas for help. The alchemist had first seen the girl weeks prior, and by the downtrodden expression, assumed her to be the sister of this Jason. Part of her wanted to do something, to say anything, but stopped herself every time. Sympathy was a potent motivator, but Avery was too focused on her own affairs to act on it. Now, as she showed her friend around, the alchemist saw this as a great opportunity to show Viz how quests work, and maybe get some extra experience for the both of them.

“I’ve been seeing these posters everywhere for weeks. I bet this is a low-level side quest we could knock out really quick, if you’re interested?” She ripped a poster off the wall and handed it to Viz. “It’ll be a good chance to explore more of the area, if nothing else.” Avery glanced around the square, then squinted toward a figure standing off in the distance. “Wait, I think I see the girl right now.” She saw an elven woman conversing with the girl who had the missing posters. “Let’s go over and see if they want some help.”

Avery led the way, as she had before, but this time to a less hopeful sight to see. She approached the still unnamed Charlotte and @Trissayne Lavelle, offering up her own. “Hey, I’m Avery.” She introduced herself to the both of them, before turning her attention to the elf. “Are you here to pick up the quest, too?”

 

[Viz Ventani]

"Mmmm..." Viz hummed in response to her friend's explanations. Her head was on a swivel, eyes taking in what the city had to offer as they walked. While she had visited a handful of the small, "newbie-friendly" settlements in Falderen to the east, this was her first excursion in the territory of Astorea. Viz stayed quiet while Avery explained all she knew about the area, which was, as far as Viz was concerned, all there was to know. The girl was a walking encyclopedia at the push of a button--a luxury Viz wasn't going to pass up given the game's obvious lack of instructions, tutorials, guides, or any other kind of useful learning material. The concept of immersion was great and all, but wasn't that a bit much? It was a little over a month since she'd started playing, and although she was beginning to feel like she'd picked up the basics, it was equal parts fascinating and exhausting each time a new piece of the puzzle was brought forth just when she'd thought the picture was good enough.

A savory smell reached her nose and prompted her to perk up with newfound interest. "We should get some of the food here." She stated in the break between Avery's pointing. "I've been really into trying stuff like that." No sooner than the remark had left her did her face twist into a sour expression and she went on to complain, "Having to pay for all of the food is such a pain, though." Clearly, her newly-discovered foodie interests in the world of Terrasphere was already straining her miniscule budget.

A quest. Quests gave money, and money was her ticket to another tasty meal. It's as if her problem just decided to present itself a solution! The corners of her mouth finally turned up into a satisfied smile. "Yeah, okay." Even if she didn't have her eyes focused on the carrot, it wouldn't have taken much for Viz to agree with Avery's suggestion. Out of all the things she lacked in this game, experience was the one that nagged at her the loudest. She desperately needed to get out there and start putting the dagger at her hip to good use.

When the pair approached the young girl clutching a stack of posters and the elven woman accompanying her, Viz stood quietly and let Avery do the talking. She briefly raised an inquisitive eyebrow when her friend regarded the elf as another player. She would have assumed them both to be NPCs. Was there a trick to telling the difference?

 

[Saskia]

Charlotte's hand carried another sheet up, placing it against the wall with a dreary arm, before pinning it like the others. It was overcast, the only weather that befit her dilemma. Even so, it was as though a fire had been lit within her when she heard the voice of someone. Maybe they were interested in her quest? Judging by the question, they had to be! An exuberance overtook her expression and posture, drawing her up from the muddy slouch like a puppet pulled up by strings.

Oh! Nineteen days since I reported it, but… Twenty days since I last saw him.

(Just then, @Avery Aphelion and @Viz Ventani approached. Charlotte looked towards @Trissayne Lavelle as they asked about quest involvement, nodding for them. She held out one of the missing papers, flipping it over.)

There's a map to show where he went. This is where the explorers said he was looking when they sent him out.

Upon further inspection, the missing papers were remarkably similar, but it seemed Charlotte had a knack for mimicry. Each one was marked with the occasional imperfection, proving that every sheet was handmade. The crude map on the back was the clearest example of this, with a doodle of Finweald varied greatly in quality. Each picture of Jason upon the front, though, was impeccable, and nearly indistinguishable from the others, as if she'd memorized his face.

A pleasant sight to @Viz Ventani would be the financial reward listed beneath the drawing of Jason's soft-featured face. Quests certainly were worth gold, and this one was no exception. Unfortunately, it was exactly what one could expect from something presumed to be a meager side quest, unfit to purchase any but the crudest of street snacks. Charlotte's next comment would only make things worse.

Sadly, I can't pay you the full amount, since I've had to take a little to eat and buy more papers… But I'm sure if you find Jason, he'll help pay everything back. I have a really strong feeling he's not far away.

The girl couldn't be more excited to hear that someone was taking up the task, but no amount of elation could raise the heavy, blackened lines that hung beneath her eyes. By the looks of things, she hadn't slept in days. Still, she did her best to maintain a chipper attitude in the presence of adventurers who would no doubt have her problem solved in no time at all!

I'm Charlotte. Jason's my brother. I'd go with you, but I already tried looking for him on my own, and… I got scared and ran home. Cause if you follow the line, there's this big–

Cave. A vast, natural mouth of jagged, blackened stone, unbefitting for the ripe, thriving forest it knelt within. It didn't take long until the uneven cave flooring gave way with descent into the lower levels. Sunlight struggled to persist even in its shallowest depths. @Saskia giggled, leaning forward and rotating her head around, eager to hear what words were spoken from such a mouth, before she went inside to clean its teeth.

But that was long ago now.

As distance to the cave dwindled, following the dotted line exiting a doodle of Finweald, @Avery Aphelion would begin to hear quiet words in her right ear, like whispers of street gossip. The words had no meaning, a rambling incoherence. She couldn't tell what they were saying, but whatever it was, they were wrong. That was something she would know for certain.

While only Avery heard the whispers, the scent of subtle, peach perfume lingered out from the cave entrance for all to enjoy, as if it had swallowed whole a lady of the night. Upon further inspection, this cave was the only thing of note other than more trees on the path charted by novice cartographer Charlotte.

Spoiler: Aromatherapy?

Approaching the cave, you're assaulted by the strong scent of peaches. Roll a Will Save. 1d100+5 per mastery rank.
On a 70 or higher, the smell is nice, but its hiding something putrid.
On a 69 or lower, the smell is amazing! Beautiful! Enough to make mouths water. Receive -3 damage as you inhale the wonderful, not at all terrible scents. It's like candy for your lungs!

Spoiler: Post Template

[hp=current]max[/hp] YOUR POST [action] Roll results [/action] Play Sheet Link

 

[Essence]

117 / 120

Western Brisshal probably wasn't fit for someone with so little experience, and lack of external awareness, but Essence was detached from her body. Head in the clouds, body on autopilot: she wasn't exploring or feeling adventurous or practicing skills on vulnerable monsters. She was elsewhere. Dissociation protected Essence from the confrontation of a reality which she refused to live in. Sometimes, Terra wasn't enough of an escape. And so here she was, wandering in her lonesome, bright eyes dulled.

The Elf's body language created a somber aura in contrast to her peppy, laid-back appearance, and usual demeanor - even when feeling more prone to introversion, Essence maintained a presence stereotypical of a social butterfly. Today was different. Today, she had temporarily pulled away the facade she'd been holding up pretty well. Years of experience in nearly all performance-based arts, and the actress still needed an occasional break.

"Shit," Essence noticed a change in her surroundings. Though taking no note of the environment during her walk, she still knew that the rest of Western Brisshal had smelt different, sounded different, felt different. Pulled down from the skies and back into the confinement of a body burdened with untended wounds that penetrated her soul, Essence groaned, observing the area. The cave she'd stumbled upon - much to her surprise - stood out amongst the rest of the wilderness. How the cave had managed to forcibly re-intertwine Essence's mind and body, she wasn't quite sure. Uneasiness formed in the back of Essence's mind.

However, her disgust towards the sudden rush of realizing where she was, and how she had gotten there, overrode the uneasiness. Tuning into her connection with the Earth, Essence molded a section of the entrance's jagged rock into a smoother surface for her to rest against. Once again insecurity consumed her. Exhausted, and afraid of the world the way an innocent child is, Essence tried to slip back into nothingness. Before she could try (futilely), however, the Elf noticed a group approach the cave's entrance. She sprung from the ground, worried. Ashamed. Yet put together in the only way that mattered to others: looking pretty.

"Avery? What are the odds I'd know someone out here? Kinda crazy, right?" her tone was lackluster. Almost uninterested. Not in Avery, or the other players, but in having to ground herself in reality to interact with the rest of the world. Jumping into practiced formalities, she immediately introduced herself to the remaining party (@Trissayne Lavelle, @Viz Ventani). "Hi, I'm Essence. I know Avery because I was a bitch to her, but I apologized and it's cool now. I think." she looked in Avery's direction for approval, but assumed for now that Avery would be alright. After all, the Red Fever had turned all of the expedition participants into emotional disasters.

As she spoke, the Elf picked up a scent so refreshing, yet sweet, and deliciously overwhelming, in a way she willingly invited - and became distracted by. "Anyone else smellin' what I'm smellin'? Cause it's literally so good. Like... insanely good".

Rolls

Save
1d100 (6) + 10 = 16

Will | Essence | Saskia's Big Project

*failed roll, Essence became an MLM essential oil girl-boss
Play Sheet Link

 

[Nyx]

Triss blinks.

One moment, it's just her and Charlotte, and the next? There are three other people talking to her. She takes a step back, attempting to control the want to flee, to run and hide, or, strangely enough, lash out at being cornered like this. It takes a mental shake to remind herself that these people weren't out to harm her, they weren't closing in on her, and she could still see everything and everyone and breathe just fine.

Her shoulders slump as the weight disappears, but her eyes are still a bit too wide, showing too much white. Her smile is hesitant, cautious, and her hands shift behind her back, the right clutching the left wrist. "I'm Trissayne," she says by way of greeting, nodding to each in turn. "Uh, I ain't be knowing about a quest. Dis got a mission to go wit Charlotte. Some Explorer's League business?" She shrugs her shoulders, more in the sense of being confused about the whole quest log versus not caring about what she was doing.

However, when Essence mentions smelling something appealing in the air, Triss frowns in reply. She cants her head to the right and takes a deep breath before coughing, her face screwing up in displeasure, a hand going to pinch her nose closed.

"Dat be smelling awful! Sometin rotten. Where is dat coming from?"

Rolls

Will Save
1d100 (89) + 30 = 119
Will | Trissayne Lavelle | 608

 

[Avery Aphelion]

112 / 115

-3 HP from Aromatherapy?

Avery’s eyes widened at the coincidental reunion. The alchemist smiled slightly at Essence’s remarks, losing some of the worry that their previous hostility would persist. There were apologies, sure, but they hadn’t spoken much after that. She nodded her head at the idea that things were “cool”. “Yeah, things got a bit ugly. But I’m cool if you’re cool.” She chuckled as she poked fun at @Essence, testing the waters.

At the entrance to the cave, Avery attempted to assess the area. With her typically functional ear, she heard nothing but the chirping of birds and wind against the branches. In her deaf ear, however, she heard something different. Arcane whispers. She peered into the dark entrance of the cave as they approached, but saw nothing. An abyss. She felt goosebumps, chills running up her spine. Something seemed wrong.

But the smell. She inhaled with hesitation at the first hint of it, having breathed poison before, but exhaled with unexpected carelessness. For a moment, she was elsewhere, walking through the old kitchen. Her mother turned around, having filled the kitchen with enough pies to solve world hunger. Avery smiled. The smell was sweet, overwhelmingly so. Something that smelled this fantastic couldn’t be dangerous, right? She might’ve thought the scent a figment of her imagination if it weren’t for @Essence's acknowledgement. She nodded at her in agreement, silently basking.

“Awful?” She turned her head to @Trissayne Lavelle. “Are you kidding?" What'd she have against peaches? "I’ve literally never smelled anything this good in my life.” Maybe an exaggeration. “I think it’s coming from further in the cave.”

She turned on her heel and marched toward the entrance of the cave. “C’mon Viz, we’ll be fine. I won’t let anything happen to you.” Especially now that her and @Viz Ventani had an assortment of allies. With a couple frontliners, the tactically minded, pro-gamer, godlike, OP Avery was ready to pull off some GG EZ plays.

Maybe another exaggeration.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (29) + 5 = 34
Will | Avery Aphelion | Saskia's Big Project

Play Sheet Link

 

[Viz Ventani]

97 / 100

-3 HP from Aromatherapy?

Viz followed Avery like the low-level tag-along that she was. Her curious but often-times indifferent expression betrayed her position among the crew as the person who was along for the ride; intrigued by certain things as they were presented, but lacking a complete understanding of how things worked or what might be expected.

Traveling across the wilderness was boring, but the enticing scent that reached her nose when they approached the mouth of the cave sparked a reaction out of the otherwise quiet woman. "Hey, yeah." She remarked, "It's kind of fruity." As she sniffed at the air to try and identify the intoxicating scent, Viz felt her mouth begin to water. "Peach?" She finally determined. She only spared a cocked eyebrow with a skeptical glance towards Trissayne when she spoke out against it.

That sideways glance turned into a mental dismissal, however, when Avery waved her along. Viz took on a grin that was almost mischievous and followed the redhead without hesitation. "Heck yeah. Either the guy is in here, or we find some really good peaches." She reasoned aloud. Viz ventured into the cave behind her friend, her eyes darting around curiously and straining against the darkness looming ahead of them. "Anyone have any light...?" She muttered the question while reaching her hand out to find purchase against the uneven surface of the wall beside her. She focused on each step forward, footfalls growing ever quieter, and watched her feet practically disappear from view. She had played around with something like this before, when she wanted to use the skills she had chosen for the first time. Slinking amongst the shadows, moving sneakily in the long stretches of darkness. Hopefully if there was anything dangerous in here, it wouldn't notice her first.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (18) + 0 = 18
Will | Viz Ventani | Saskia's Big Project

Play Sheet Link

 

[Saskia]

Spoiler: Mood

As the five of them stood before the cave, the scent of peaches seeped into their nostrils and clothes, like a knife between plates of armor. The perpetual exhale fed them more of the delicious, rotten breath, though with each tasting, the peachy aroma would fade into a recognizable obscurity. It leapt the boundaries that separated a pleasant, surprising scent from a familiar one. When thinking on it specifically, the scent was still there, but when examination of it departed from the forefront of thought, so too vanished the scent. It was almost as if the closer they got to the source, the less prevalent it became.

This was true for all except @Trissayne Lavelle, who had surpassed the feeble attempt at olfactory seduction. For @Trissayne Lavelle, the scent never left when they stopped thinking about it, and it only seemed to be getting worse, emanating from the cavernous depths. Still, it was currently impossible to tell what was hidden beneath the surface of the superficial smell.

While the potent scent seemed to fade away for some, the racket and chatter in @Avery Aphelion's deaf ear didn't follow it. It was still difficult to perceive, as though she were listening to a conversation through multiple walls, not muffled by volume, but distance and obstacle. Nothing of sense remained but the echoing of hollow voices. There was one thing that could be heard despite the dullness of the details. One noise that always stood out, known well by practiced and amateur eavesdroppers alike. It was the sound of laughter. Between pieces of imperceptible conversation, she heard clearly raucous laughter. But not the laughter shared between friends, nor a good hearty laughter in loving company. This was the laughter shared above the swinging of wine glasses and heart stopping gossip. It echoed off the walls, only half-heard by the archer alone.

For the others, audibly, everything seemed regular. Drip, drop.

As expected, it was a thin curtain that separated the light of day from the blackened shade of cave. That was to be expected. The rocks did not serve as well for reflective surfaces to deliver light from the outside in.

Still, @Viz Ventani stepped farther into that blanket of shadow, following her guide, there was something unnatural about that darkness that she could perceive. One sponge might even define it as 'advanced darkness'. It seemed to be too easy to fold into the plentiful, inky nothing that the cave had in abundance, and become invisible. Just as the pink haired Faerin made a request for light, they were answered.

From somewhere ahead, a light flickered to life. Like the bright eye of a train rolling towards them down the tunnel, it became brighter. Closer. As eyes adjusted, or perhaps simply the cave stretched, everything became set in its proper place, within barely ten seconds. Before the four, a smooth, marble staircase ran down gradually, thirty steps long. On either side, despite the lack of a drop, a freshly polished railing stood guard.

Clapping hands. A chuckle. A face smeared through stained glass grinned. This chuckle could be heard, not only by @Avery Aphelion's deaf ear, but by every living ear within the cave. The door swung open. The door? A tall set of double doors, like that at the face of a mansion, sat across a short landing at the base of the stairs, squashed in a wreath of jagged rock. The marblework was impeccable, but upon closer inspection, @Trissayne Lavelle might find cracks in the, at first glance, immaculate creations.

There you are! I've seen you before, dear! @Essence, yes? Come down, come down.

The soft face, plump with meat and kindness, hanging excited from the bone spoke out from the open door, before the body beneath it stepped into the doorway. It looked up, halting upon the intended target. She smiled, hands folding in front of herself, after gesturing with a gently waved hand that they proceed down the stairs and through the doors.

Jason, Charles, we have company. Come down the foyer.

(Her head turned back and called inside, before stepping away, leaving the door wide open for them to enter as they saw fit. The voice rang out a final time, but getting farther away.)

Oh, and @Essence, feel free to bring your friends in as well! Keep your shoes on if you like.

@Essence couldn't be sure whether she knew the woman or not. The face that had called out to them carried a motherly forgettableness, that made her familiar to everyone, but important to no one. The type of face that fixes your hair and tucks you in at night, before leaving the room to sleep alone, in an empty house with nothing to call their own and everything to give away.

Behind the door, a wide room opened with tables and chairs assorted around. The space seemed fit for parties, almost tavern-like, if not for the lack of a bar. The back walls were lined with shelves, packed with spices, ingredients, and bottles. The woman stood there, mixing things into a big metal bowl. The right wall stood stuffed with books and paintings, as well as a display which held a sculpture of a head. Along the left wall, a short staircase rose onto a landing half way up the wall which held a single door. A moment later, from that door, a tickled chap burst out.

Jason. A spitting image of Charlotte's picture. Alive and thriving, by the looks of his smile.

Yes ma'am? Charles isn't hungry.

He responded to the woman who had called him. Who had called all of them. Leaning on the rail and peering down into the foyer.

Spoiler: Hypnoromatherapy

Those who failed to percieve the scent's secrets before (@Avery Aphelion, @Essence, @Viz Ventani) must roll a Will Save. 1d100+5 per mastery rank.
On a 60 or higher, now that you mention it, ew? Is something melting?
On a 59 or lower, nope. Nothing's melting other than the idea of a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth peach stew. Wouldn't that be lovely? Hopefully someone's making some. Receive -5 damage.

@Trissayne Lavelle automatically succeeds this and doesn't need to roll. Any others who succeed will also avoid future rolls.

Spoiler: Post Template

[hp=current]max[/hp] YOUR POST [action] Roll results [/action] Play Sheet Link

 

[Nyx]

145 / 145

Each of them, in turn no less, tells her how she is wrong. And, perhaps they're right. Trissayne isn't above admitting when she's wrong about something, but when she tips her head back and takes a cautious inhale, she finds that it's quite the opposite. They are the ones who are wrong. She wants to open her mouth and tell them as much, that maybe they shouldn't be heading toward this rotten smell that makes her want to vomit, but then the laughter pierces the quiet.

Stopping would be smart. Maybe even conversing with the others to see if anyone else heard what she did? They weren't smelling the same thing she was, but maybe all the other senses were working in tandem? The option to speak never presents itself. Instead, they stand before a door. And the woman inside apparently knows Essence of all people?

Sucking her lower lip in between her teeth, she gently shakes her head back and forth. This was wrong, very wrong, and she had enough wrongness happening in this damned game to last a lifetime. How the hell did she cancel out of this fucking quest?

"Dere is sometin very wrong happening," Triss whispers to the others. "Don't be trusting dem. Her. She's ain't got—She's missing some—Her spirit be weak."

It was the first thing her senses registered when the door opened.

"...But, dat is da person dat Charlotte be looking for."

Rolls

- -

Play Sheet Link

 

[Essence]

117 / 120

Avery's response trickled from Essence's head to her toes - relief. Approval was sustenance and Avery had the power to starve Essence should she so please. A small, more genuine grin graced the Elf's face. Like clockwork her legs fell into a step matching the others as they ventured further into the cave. Uneasiness once again flooded Essence's mind: such an intense dip into darkness wasn't easy to ignore and neither was the stirring in her gut that'd been rising since she'd stumbled upon the cave.

"Hey," Essence poked @Trissayne Lavelle's shoulder. "I smell it now. Something reeks." her nose scrunched, eyebrows furrowed, hands balled into fists. Before Essence could continue speaking to Trissy, a stranger calls her name, a wave of nausea hits. Tears balled up in the corner of her eyes as the realization that light had returned was a burning one. The stairs, the doors, the words that flowed from everyone's mouths - she wasn't wholly there, not as much as she'd thought. An inclination to follow others saved Essence from getting lost or being left behind. But her senses were still coming down from the euphoric cloud of escapism. Her head was still detached. The Elf reached out, grasping at her senses, collecting herself. Remembering she had a voice to speak, eyes to see, a mind to put to work, she used them, taking control of the dissociation that'd ruined her ability to take in the abnormal surroundings. To take in the woman, so unlike her own mother that it was a bit sickening in the way that the smell of peaches turning into rot was.

"I'd love to come," she replied, following the stranger, feeling both compelled and intrigued. An invitation, food, an aura of motherly instinct that needed an outlet. Though her reaction might've seemed strange to the others, Essence felt uncontrollably drawn to older women who exuded motherly qualities. The ones you only see on TV because your real mother resents you, thrives when you get hurt, laughs at you when you cry, starves you because she's as insecure and lonely as you are, and thinks hunger is what makes a woman beautiful. Hunger. A craving for affection directed specifically towards her, for her, only her. The others were optional. In this moment, Essence forgot herself - typically defensive, wary- and forgot they were inside a cave and in a really weird situation. Similar to the way she forgot herself as soon as any dark, brooding man who sold drugs at corner gas stations wanted to be with her (the relationship didn't last long).

"Whoever Charlotte is... well, let's follow this woman and get whatever - or whoever - she's looking for, stick around a little, and then leave. Spirit-schmirit. You have a weapon to use if you need it. But I-" she looked back at the woman, and smiled. "don't think we need it. Don't be a Debbie Downer, babe."

Looking over to @Avery Aphelion and @Viz Ventani, Essence opened her arms, inviting them forward, too. "Are you guys doing anything else today that could possibly be more interesting than this? Probably not."

"Oh!" she remembered the stench, though her senses had begun to adapt to it. "Girl, something stinks around here. Do you need help cleaning? Or maybe it's the boys. Boys really don't know how to take care of themselves."

Rolls

Save
1d100 (87) + 10 = 97

Will | Essence | Saskia's Big Project

Play Sheet Link

 

[Avery Aphelion]

107 / 115

Avery stared at Essence standing at the entrance to the mansion. Despite Triss’s warning, the archer was curious. The woman who beckoned them seemed pleasant and nurturing. When Triss pointed Jason out, Avery poked her head in the door to see him smiling down at them, looking perfectly fine. Something gnawed at her, though. Every time the hosts of the mansion spoke, her ears were working in tandem. Their sentences remedied her lopsided hearing. As nice as it was, it wasn’t a comfort. Their voices could trick her hearing ear, but their secret would not be missed by her deaf one. Something unnatural was occurring.

The archer thought back to the laughter she was hearing as they traveled through the cave. She could never discern where it was coming from, but it was there. It seemed so far away that it couldn’t have come from this house they were standing in front of now. She couldn’t tell for sure, though, because the laughter stopped as soon as they were greeted by the woman.

The light that cascaded out of the open door was a welcoming sight, along with the same lovely smell that drew her into the cave in the first place. Essence’s persuasion was enticing. She turned around to see if the exit to the cave was close by, and saw nothing but black. She leaned in to whisper at Viz. “I don’t know what’s happening here, but it’s better than not being able to see my hand in front of my face.” She turned back to the door and, with slight hesitation, stepped over the threshold.

The interior was beautiful, and tidy. “I’m not really sure why you think this place needs cleaning, Essence. Seems clean to me. It’s way cleaner than the cave.” She smiled at the busy woman, introduced herself, then glanced up at Jason.

“Hey Jason! Uh, your sister has been looking for you.” She paused. “For weeks.” She looked around the room again. This house was so cozy, and it reminded Avery of her secret study. She would never want to leave if she lived here. Leaving his little sister, though, with no warning, not even a letter… It seemed wrong. She thought about Charlotte’s worried face, and her hand-drawn missing posters. How perfectly she had drawn her brother’s face so that no one would fail to recognize him.

She turned her attention back to the hostess. “It’s a beautiful house you’ve got here, ma’am. But uh, why’s it in the middle of a cave?”

Despite the beauty, and the warmth, Avery couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (34) + 5 = 39
Will | Avery Aphelion | Saskia’s Big Project

Play Sheet Link

 

[Viz Ventani]

97 / 100

Bringing up the rear, Viz paused outside of the doorway while half of their group waltzed in to welcome the bright, generically inviting reprieve from the eerie dark cave interior behind them. Her Faerin eyes had a natural sharpness about them, giving Viz something of a permanent scowl when her mouth wasn't stretched upwards beneath them. As such, her expression was doubly skeptical when she cocked an eyebrow, taking in the whispers both cautious and assuring.

Then the smell hit her. She couldn't stop the reaction her body took, practically clamping her hand over her nose and mouth as soon as one inhale of sweet confectionery turned to another breath of acidic rot. Melting plastic was the first thing to come to mind, but that wasn't it. She couldn't place it, no matter how many unpleasant associations she tried to compare it to from her memory. In a moment of afterthought, Viz forced her hand stiffly back to her side.

Trissayne was right. Her opinion was as quick to change as it was to judge the woman in the first place, and now it was Essence that she was eyeing through the doorway with a look of suspicion bordering on mistrust. Viz looked over and up at Trissayne beside her with narrowed brows that framed a look that could tell her she didn't plan on trusting any of them. Then she stepped forward, placing a hand on the door as she walked just past the threshold. She didn't speak up. No, the other two were doing plenty of that. Instead, while their words bounced against the tall marble interior, Viz muttered some insignificant phrase. Nothing so complex as a magical incantation. Her ties to the darkness were different.

The shadow cast behind the door seemed to twinge in the briefest of moments, as if understanding her request. Then Viz let her hand fall slowly once more, her gaze bouncing warily between the figures in the room while she watched the scene continue to play out.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (96) + 0 = 96
Will | Viz Ventani | Saskia's Big Project

Play Sheet Link

 

[Saskia]

Spoiler: Mood

Charles isn't hungry? Hmm… I've caught him half-eatin' for days now. A man of his age needs to be getting his fill, otherwise he might fade away. Seems like he's been shrinking more and more every day. It's important you young ones eat up, and even you...

(She paused, looking towards @Trissayne Lavelle. What the hell was her name?)​

You're fitter than me by plenty! Something tells me you're never going to look your age. Oh gosh, I spent years wishing to be born an Elf. Beautiful people, really. But that doesn't mean you eat any less. Thankfully there aren't any of those Magia folk, I'm not sure what they like to eat. Nuts and bolts, I guess.

The woman looked over the rest of the group, glad to see they had taken the offer and entered the chamber. A pleasant reprieve from the darkness, no doubt, though the scent itself remained inviting only to one. Her busy hand stirred away at the contents of her bowl, walking away from the kitchen area into the center of the room toward an approaching @Essence.

Aren't you just the sweetest, asking to help when you're a guest. And thank you, Miss Avery. I'm very proud to keep this place tidy, despite some efforts for the opposite. But you may be right, Essence. Can't just open a window around here, so smells tend to linger. It doesn't take long to get used to the smells around here, though. I may have made a little of a mess on the kitchen counter back there, if you wouldn't mind tidying things up for me?

Meanwhile, Jason turned his attention to @Avery Aphelion. At first, his eyes had been solely locked upon the woman, but managed to pull away when the topic shifted to his sister.

Charlotte? I really do need to get back home soon.

(A sharp look from the woman had him adjust his wording.)​

How about I go out just for a minute and I'll bring her right back here?

The woman shook her head, pursing her lips.

You should stay home and take care of Charles, Jason. You know how our generous friend feels about you leaving the house. And with how little you've been eating too, it's a wonder you could find the energy to make it to town and back on those little twigs. We're a family now, so you ought to be obedient. Stay home, rest.

(Her gaze left Jason, who winced a smile and nodded. She continued as the door shut behind him and he left the room, returning to where he had entered from.)​

Someone should tell me where this little Charlotte is and I'll fetch her myself. We could easily have her back here by dinner, and then all eat together. How's that sound?

Along the upper row of kitchen cabinets, one began to slowly creak open. Typically, heads are not perfectly spherical, so they tend to roll unevenly, like ovular wagon wheels. This one was no different, as it fell from the cabinet door, which slammed shut behind it, falling with a thud against the marble floor. The moist, resounding slap of it against the merciless flooring offered little hope for salvage, as the dented orb sat dripping from every severed edge, bleeding water.

Tricky lettuce, always sneaking out! But good point. I would then have another little one to take care of. I doubt I could make a run to the city and back before nightfall anyways. You ever play that as a kid? Hide and seek with the moon? You never can win, can you?

She laughed. The lettuce that had fallen landed just in front of the kitchen counter. Upon said counter, there was a mess of what looked to be thin, stringy tips of carrots and the soft, hairy skin of peaches. If @Essence, or any other chose to clean up the counter as requested, they would find that the putrid scent originated not from the bowl the woman was stirring, but somewhere in the kitchen area.

Everything on the counter over there can be thrown away. Trash goes into the cabinet on the bottom, far left. Make sure you don't leave the door open too long, though. What's in there really gets smelly sometimes.

Meanwhile, the observant @Viz Ventani would notice discrepancies. It didn't seem like the strokes of darkness were ever in the right place, given the hanging light source in the center of the room. It was almost like every individual object and surface had a glow to it, as if it was unnaturally made visible. Shadows did exist, but they all seemed to be placed in the wrong spots, some errors slight, and others more absurd. Many objects were bright with no direct source, and others seemed darker, despite being near to the beacon. A nonsensical arrangement to beguile the eye, hidden behind distractions like an optical illusion.

Saskia loved magicians. Vanishing acts and amazing escapes, all that fun stuff.

Speaking of vanishing acts, all except @Avery Aphelion might notice that wall of books and shelves along the right would appear mostly empty. The books that once lined every shelf would go missing, as if they'd been plucked when no one was looking. Some shelves were left barren, while others remained with meager piles. Amidst the shelves remained the lone sculpture on display, now ripe with imperfections to even the least artistically inclined.

Spoiler: Hypno-Peach Goodness

Those who failed to percieve the scent's secrets before, which is literally only @Avery Aphelion now, must roll a Will Save. 1d100+5 per mastery rank.
On a 40 or higher, there's a smell of decay, and you can even see a few flies.
On a 39 or lower, phew, that yummy yummy peachy goodness could really make someone hungry even when they're full! There's always room for more, and if there's not, you should definitely find a way to make some room. Receive -10 damage.

@Trissayne Lavelle, @Viz Ventani, and @Essence automatically succeed this due to prior success, and do not need to roll.

Spoiler: Post Template

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[Viz Ventani]

97 / 100

The more this strange, unremarkable woman spoke, the less Viz liked her. They were on a quest and their quarry had been dangling right in front of them, only to retreat back behind closed doors. Therefore, this place and that woman were standing in between them and a reward, however meager the spare change Charlotte had to offer them. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to have this many people after all, she thought.

As the door clicked behind Jason and the nameless woman rambled on about vegetables and trash, Viz inched closer towards Avery at a lackluster pace. She peered curiously from behind her, unable to comfortably hover over the girl's shoulder due to their still notable height difference. Choosing to play a Faerin had its advantages, and only sometimes Viz believed that her tiny stature was not one of them. Regardless, she encroached on her friend's personal space in order to deliver her another whisper. "I need you to keep her eyes off me. I'm going to sneak upstairs and see what's up with that guy." She explained simply. She didn't bother saying more than necessary, like the fact that this place had a certain yet indescribable wrongness to it. Either she expected Avery to already know that, or she didn't want to linger by her side, drawing attention to their hushed tones. Neither did she go on to tell her what she planned to do should she manage to slip beyond the door up the staircase. Perhaps because she herself hadn't thought that far ahead.

She kept up her post amid the small group, remaining the quiet little girl while the others did all the talking. Would Essence roll up her sleeves and start tidying the woman's kitchen? With that look on her face, Viz couldn't tell if she was going along with it to provide them just such an opportunity to snoop, or if she was the type of person who was dumb enough to get herself chopped up into soup. Regardless, Viz waited patiently until that opportunity presented itself. Until the woman looked away, and had reason to turn her back for more than just a moment. Then she oh-so-subtly sprung into action.

Viz would walk with careful footsteps, making straight for the staircase. Just as easily as she had mingled with the darkness against the moist cave walls minutes earlier, it was was as if her body melded into shadow that was yet unseen. She walked across the speckled floor like a ghost, her presence barely noticeable, with a stealthy gait that grew more confident with each short stride. Viz crept up the stairs, only pausing and casting a cursory glance over her shoulder when she took hold of the handle that stood at the top landing. A careful turn, and she would slip beyond the door through an opening too narrow for any person to fit through.

Play Sheet Link

 

[Avery Aphelion]

107 / 115

For the first time since entering this cave, Avery was overwhelmed by a smell of decay. The minute the stench slithered into her nostrils, the house they were in seemed a lot less comforting, replaced with bleak emptiness. She could even see flies buzzing around some of the food in the kitchen. It was a miracle that Avery hadn’t noticed any of this before.

The smell wasn’t the only thing that off-put Avery. The exchange between Jason and the woman gave her a weird feeling in her stomach. “You know how our generous friend feels about you leaving the house”. The words echoed through her head. Were these people being held hostage and brainwashed? Were they under a spell? She watched as Jason retreated back behind the door, and the knot in her stomach got even tighter when the woman mentioned bringing Charlotte back here too.

Before she could object, the woman seemed to change her mind, but only after the lettuce fell out of the cabinet. In fact, she spoke as if the lettuce had told her not to. Or the cabinet? Until there was mention of a “little one”, Avery had almost felt relieved. Jason, and presumably Charles, were both grown men. She doubted they could be considered little. “Little one? Is there someone else we haven’t met?”

After some time looking around the front room of the house, Avery felt her friend pull at her shoulder and whisper her plan. “Good idea. I got you.”

She turned her attention to the hostess. “Ma’am, do you think I could live here too?” She meandered over to the counter and stood in front of the woman, hands clasped together tight. “This house is just so beautiful, and-” She clutched her chest. “I’m- I’m homeless, and an orphan, and you’re so nice. You remind me of my mother, who tragically died just last week.” Avery fell to her knees and pounded the floor with her fist, then started faux-sobbing loudly at the woman’s feet. She even managed to squeeze out some tears. “I MISS HER SO MUCH!” She looked up, looking absolutely pathetic, and whispered, “Can I have a hug?” She sniveled, her chin quivered, and she sat on the floor with her arms out to the woman.

Having a cop for a mom made Avery a trained liar. For years, she’d been pulling out all the stops to get around her mother’s skill in interrogation. A lesson in honesty taught the reverse, and it was coming in handy again. Avery hoped that her charade was enough to give Viz the opening she needed to do some investigating.

“Ma’am, is it alright if I call you Mom?” The rotten cherry on top.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (67) + 5 = 72
Will | Avery Aphelion | Saskia's Big project

Play Sheet Link

 

[Nyx]

Triss blinks at the woman as a frown tugs at her lips. Never going to look her age? Sure, it might've sounded like a compliment, but was it? Her arms cross over her chest defensively even as the others engage this unknown woman in conversation. At least Essence could finally smell whatever that rank ass scent was. It was bad enough that the drow woman had taken to breathing through her mouth, just small little puffs of air, so she didn't have to smell the funk anymore.

Watching the interactions between this woman and Jason, Triss's anxiety only seemed to climb. There was something very wrong here and continuing to stay here in this woman's house, with a man who didn't (?) want to be here was doing no one any favors. She had half a mind to open her mouth and say as much since, obviously, this was just a game. But since this was some scripted quest that they were on, maybe giving up the goat would cause them to fail instead of end it early.

Her lips press tight together and her teeth chew on the interior of her right cheek. The others were playing along; she might as well do the same.

Avery's sudden inflection and affection toward the woman startled Triss enough that she backed up a step, her eyes wide, her gaze bouncing from the red-head to Essence and back again. What the fuck—

"Ya'll be needing a moment?" Triss asks in a high whisper before clearing her throat. "Seems, ah, intimate. And, ah, me and Essence don't wanna be, ya know, in da way?" She glances behind her toward the doorway, the living room they had come through to get to the kitchen. "Oh, ah, maybe ya be doing dis adoption in da living room? Me and Essence can clean da kitchen, make a celebratory cake?"

 

[Essence]

117 / 120

"Of course!" she beamed, perking up. Essence, with a bounce to her step, headed over to the counter, searching for something to wipe up the counter with. She snatched up a rag of questionable cleanliness and dampness. A feeling of disgust ran down her spine, body shivering in response. Annoyance crept to the forefront of the Elf's mind. She couldn't push the smell to the back of her mind. The scent hung over their heads, wafted throughout the enclosed room. And that uneasiness, continued to get worse with every passing moment, the source of which was unknown yet gnawing at her stomach. Essence's desire for motherly attention overrode the uneasiness, the disgust, all of the negatives - yet, they kept returning, poking at her shoulder, impossible to ignore for long.

So she passionately scrubbed, putting effort into aiding the woman in cleaning up. Despite Essence's back being turned toward everyone, she listened to the conversations going on. Desperately, Essence picked apart the words exchanged between the strangers in a half-hazard attempt to figure out what was going on. But she still felt a warmth in her heart for the motherly figure, for the attention. Trust heavily misguided and warped. Why would such an affectionate woman harm them? Like, obviously, there were killers who murdered for fun, and everyone might have thought at some point that they were kind, sweet old ladies. But there would be no gain for attacking them. They had weapons, magic, quick thinking, safety in numbers. Thoughts coursed through Essence's mind as she hummed in response to the borderline request to throw away trash for her. Soothing and sweet, the stranger simply asked for it to be done, if possible. Not the demanding she felt all too used to, and expected from her parents.

"I'll toss this stuff for you." she affirmed, stepping over to the counter to collect the mess in her arms. Admittedly, the way James and his supposed mother spoke to one another did seem off. Alarm bells finally rang in her ear. The Elf turned a bit, catching James with her eyes as he disappeared behind a door. Was he afraid of her? The avoidance, the wavering of his voice, it was off. And though Essence was enveloped within the lies of a stranger, she began to wonder what the family dynamics were around here. Such familiarity incited fear from a flood of memories she tended to repress.

Ignoring the warning regarding the stench's potential source, Essence slid out the waste bin and dumped trash into it. She would peer inside, curious as to what could possibly stink more than rotten foods atop a counter that - when she wiped the rag around - had a film of dirt settled upon it. Avery's reaction would pull Essence away from the trash that she set down, still exposed, with the girl's obsessive worries and dramatic sobbing creating a scene even Essence couldn't take her eyes off of. Though not completely on the same page as the rest of the group, @Trissayne Lavelle's look turned Essence's grin into a frown, nausea catching up to the laps her mind was jogging.

"Sis," she spoke warily in @Avery Aphelion's direction. "that's really sad. I mean, I don't think living here is the option, but you do you. Even if it's kinda weird. Sorry about your Mom." her arms crossed, eyebrow and lip quirked in confusion, eyes temporarily darting at the door James left through. As smart as the college student was, the situation still felt complicated, and strange, yet the origins of such sensations were from observations based purely on feeling, and lack of context. Without a word, Essence grabbed Trissy's hand and giggled albeit with a hint of nervousness now. If the two left, she and Trissy could take another look at the trash bin, as well as inspect the kitchen further as they cleaned. The Elf really needed to find the putrid smell beginning to anger her more than anything.

Play Sheet Link

 

[Saskia]

@Avery Aphelion's deceptive efforts worked wonders. The woman didn't think twice to investigate the story's legitimacy, engaged in the fantastic lie. In fact, she was so enamored and emotionally invested in Avery's story and request, that it wouldn't be surprising if a less impressive display of dishonesty would've fooled her equally. Her eyes set upon the Aphelion Archer, an intense, maternal tunnel vision overtaking her.

Of course you can live here, Miss Avery. And I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I lost my mother when I was very young too. But that's one of the nice things about making your own family. It lets us forget about all those terrible things that happen, dear. Of course you can have a hug.

(The woman moved to rest her metal bowl on a nearby table, setting onto her knees and wrapping the girl in an embrace. It was not as warm as would be expected, but there was a tenderness to it.)

If it makes you feel better, you may.

The motherly woman smiled weakly towards @Trissayne Lavelle, who suggested giving them some privacy. The woman nodded softly, not to alert the crying girl she held, mouthing a word of thanks to the two who moved towards the kitchen area to clean up a bit.

---

The woman's eyes were shut, a deep, love-drenched smile pressed into her face, as @Viz Ventani slipped through the shadows. It wouldn't be difficult for the Faerin to phase through the faded peripherals, unnoticed as the door opened and shut barely enough.

That was always one of Saskia's favorite moves. Something she had a proficiency in from birth. Seeing the tapestry, she knew well how to step from the foreground into the background. She had many occasion to test it, often timing how long it took for others to notice she was gone. But disappearing was never the most fun part for Saskia. It was choosing when to make the returning leap. To step forward from her hiding place into plain sight. Maybe someday, Saskia and Viz could compare notes. Saskia would love that.

What stood on the other side of the doorway was a room considerably smaller than the previous one. Lit only by a fireplace, the painted shadows across the room would be no less peculiar than the ones before, inconsistent and incorrect. There were no pieces of furniture, other than a strangely woven rug, and a set of paintings on the wall. None of these details compared to the displayed oddity that stood in the room's center, lit by the false fire's flickering.

A wheelchair, but not one fantastical or magical in any way. From the looks of it, it was a hideously realistic wheel chair, as if plucked from a hospital in the real world. Upon any closer inspection, a brand name could even be found along one of the handles, indicating a manufacturer that most likely did not exist in Terrasphere. Within the chair, and wrapped in bandages, an older man sat hunched. His right arm was a stump that didn't reach his elbow, and upon his left arm, the entire hand was missing. Both of his legs were void half way down the calves. Every place where something was missing, there was heavy bandaging. What scraps of his clothes remained were tattered and in disrepair, a portrait of ruin in this perfect home.

Even if you don't, I'm going to have to. Trust me, I'm as bored of it as you, but it's that or not eating at all.

Won't eat it… Don't eat it… I can't run… You need to run.

Calm down, gramps… I know you're not my grandpa, but she gets grumpy when I don't call you that. But maybe you're right… I do miss Charlotte. And she'd love it here.

Jason intently wrapped the seemingly endless wounds that speckled the older man's body, completely unaware of Viz's presence in the room with them.

---

In the kitchen area, with the bin slid out, nothing of note would appear within. Only the same trash and grime that @Essence and Trissayne would've end up placing within it. The discarded pieces of ingredients piled within the holder, coming far up the sides. But as Essence turned to comment on Avery's false predicament, a subtle shifting would begin behind her at the bin. Something Trissayne would probably notice quicker.

It was akin to a long, nail-less finger. An appendage with joints, but not thick enough to be a limb, slithered out from within the refuse piled depths. It hooked at the edge, and another slithered up on the opposite side to mimic the first. Suddenly, the bin would wobble uncontrollably, as if whatever had grasped on either side wasn't able to exert equal pressure, and the container of garbage toppled over.

A loud noise rang through the kitchen as it fell, the trash scattering across the ground in front of the fallen container, before something else rolled out. Atop a set of four, meaty, jointed tendrils, stood a being with no visible face or ears or mouth. It seemed quadrupedal in the way it stood, and along its back was what looked to be a bulb. Instead of blooming with pleasant petals, they were made of smooth skin, writhing with warmth and life, living blood beneath the surface. It appeared to be a creature constructed from pieces of people, but alive on its own, stumbling and moving as it rebalanced itself after emerging from the trash.

Uh-oh. Looks like one of the babies has fallen out. Do be careful, Essence dear. They're very delicate at this stage.

The woman looked back over her shoulder, still hugging Avery, as the strange, fleshy being that stood barely at two feet in height spit up a plume of smoke from an opening at the end of the bulb. The gust was blasted directly towards Trissayne, then another at Essence, the wind smelling remarkably putrid and familiar. As this occurred, there was a knocking at one of the cabinet doors. The one the lettuce had fallen out of before. Suddenly, it burst open, three more of the little creatures rolling onto the floor with a splat.

Spoiler: That's not peaches

@Trissayne Lavelle and @Essence receive 10 damage directly from-- OH THAT'S WHERE THE SMELL IS COMING FROM! Yeah, that's not peaches.

There are currently 4 NOT PEACHES.
NOT PEACHES have 107 HP.
But one of them has 103 HP instead.
But they're all functionally the same.
Right?

Spoiler: Post Template

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