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Betwixt and Between (Magical Curio Shop Quest)

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Return Visitor looks like it'd be fun. Sucks that it gives a malus to the coolest branch of magic tho.

Country of Myth looks fun too. I'm always a fan of the Power of Stories.

Honestly every option here looks cool and I wish we could pick them all lmao


Edit: I just noticed Country of Myth gives a bonus to Magic of Intent.

[X] The Scuttled Sailor

Sympathetic magic for the win!
 
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CedeTheBees said:
Return Visitor looks like it'd be fun. Sucks that it gives a malus to the coolest branch of magic tho.

Country of Myth looks fun too. I'm always a fan of the Power of Stories.

Honestly every option here looks cool and I wish we could pick them all lmao
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I have really exciting things planned for all these origins. I really can't wait to see what wins. And don't worry if your fav is not chosen as our new shopkeeper, they will be for sure showing up later.
 
Not going to lie to anyone here; I have put very minimal consideration for math or numbers into my selection process. I've got no idea if it's optimal or not, or if there are origins on offer that might do things others don't.

What I did consider was the flavor, and nothing interests me more than a storybook character coming to life, or a background character suddenly thrust into a position of prominence they weren't prepared for. Out of all the options, that's the one that sounds like the most fascinating story in my opinion. So then I added a bit of flavor for Wist to use or disregard as she so chooses and came up with Plan Dread Pirate.

Also, I don't think the subvotes need to be x'd. That mostly just uglies up the tally. If I'm wrong, please let me know and I'll make the tweaks.
 
please, friends. vote for adorable magical witch girl, who is terrible at magic.

think of the hijinks, the Flavor.

who doesn't love the scrappy underdog, the lovable failure. Think of how high we can climb.
 
[X] Those that can't do... own a shop?
[X] The Scuttled Sailor

Vesvius said:
Also, I don't think the subvotes need to be x'd. That mostly just uglies up the tally. If I'm wrong, please let me know and I'll make the tweaks.
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at least one person who votes for your plan does need to fill them in for the tally to pick them up.

that said, it's probably not a big deal tbh. the QM just needs to be able to find your original post.
 
While others picked based on magic and cool ideas Those were the Days was based around saying Shaxby in an exaggerated British Accent.

Vote accordingly
 
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Adhoc vote count started by Vesvius on Aug 18, 2022 at 9:04 PM, finished with 35 posts and 22 votes.
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[X] Those Were the Days

Is it bad that when I saw the "Return Visitor" prompt I immediately thought of 'How I Met Your Mother'?
 
Alright, due to all of you being woefully pirate-averse, time for a tactical swap to my second favorite option.

[X] Those Were the Days
 
Tactically swapping back to my second favorite option too I guess lol

[X] Those that can't do... own a shop?
 
Adhoc vote count started by Wistways on Aug 20, 2022 at 12:11 AM, finished with 42 posts and 25 votes.
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Vote Closed!
 
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1. But I just wanted an Apprenticeship.
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Those that can't do... own a shop?
    -[X] Female
    -[X] Write in : Mahogany Gelt
    -[X] The Crystal Towers.


    The transmission porter sighed and scrubbed his face in frustration before looking up at the frantic student in front of him. Taking a deep breath and summoning up every portion of his professional demeanor, "Look, Miss.."

    "Mahogany Gelt, Third Resonant."

    ".... Miss Gelt. I cannot give you what I do not have. And there is no 'back room' to check and there is no 'mistake'.

    Mahogany slams her hand down on the desk, a desperate look in her eyes. "But there must! I scored well above the listed benchmark on the finals of the theoretical and I have gone beyond the recommended hours in the alchemical, ritual, and summoning halls."

    "I understand that Miss but.."

    She interrupts the porter and begins to pace back and forth tugging on her dark braid in anxiety. " And I swept up all the straw, and watched that stupid pitch drop for days, and kept the demonic blazes lit, and harvested endless amount of sleepgrass. I worked even in my dreams! "

    She slumps down, the porter narrowly picks up his cup of coffee before it takes a spill, and collapses on the transmission desk. "And after years of hard work, of proven effort, I get no applications of apprenticeship at all?! Just because I have one small area of deficiency?"

    The porter stood back, looking at the collapsed student. He would like to say that this was uncommon but at this time of year he regularly had to deal with graduating student meltdowns. Getting a good apprenticeship was vital to attendees of the Crystal Towers. In fact, a positive recommendation from a Master Magus at the end of the apprenticeship was the only way to become a Magus yourself. So it goes without saying apprenticeship with the right Master Magus was essential and competition was fierce.

    He sighed, "Miss Gelt, I understand your distress. But this is simply not the appropriate place for such a display. Please return to your room. I can ensure you that as soon as I or any in the transmission halls receive a missive for you it will be delivered." He looks at the suncounter on his desk, "You still have at least two hours of light yet before nightfall. Enough time for a last-minute missive."

    The acidic look that Mahogany gave him was proof that his tone was not convincing. She stood, straightening up and shaking out her long grey student robes. "Of course." She said in a tight voice, "I understand. Thank you for your efforts. May Arcana turn in your favor." She bowed her head slightly with one arm crossed over her chest.

    The porter returned the bow, "May the Wheel of Fortune intercede in your path."

    She flinched slightly with this clear dismissal. The Wheel of Fortune was a particularly harsh card to invoke to her. Indicating that only the whims of destiny were enough to help her now. There was no other option but to gather up her dignity and return to her rooms.

    As she walked through the halls of the Crystal Towers she couldn't help but notice how empty they now were. At the start of the day it had been filled with graduates and their belongings, all heading to their apprenticeships and the next stage of their Magus career. It echoed now, the blue crystal hallways only showing her single figure reflected into infinity.

    Mahogany Gelt was not particularly distinctive compared to the other students, she had no outward mage mark. No eyes like living gems, no hair the color of a sunset. She had no birthmarks or symbols of hidden ancestry. She was just.... herself. Dark hair, thick, pulled back into a braid. Eyes hazel, skin pale, height average for a human. She could see the evidence of her hard work for over three years on her body in the endless reflections, always willing to show flaws. The nails on her hands were bitten and red, and the skin cracked from hard work. Dark shadows around her eyes from chronic late nights, her clothes too big for her frame, weight had been lost recently from stress.

    She made her way back to her room. And closed the door behind her.

    Immediately she burst into tears. 'It wasn't fair!' She thought. 'Why would they let me work for years if I never even had a chance? I did everything they asked. "Of course, a Magus will be able to unlock your abilities Miss Gelt, but first you must prove you have the learning and aptitude." "The ability to cast is not technically a requirement for a student, with hard work I'm sure you can get the attention of a Master."

    She pushed past her packed suitcase and book bundles, packed by a past hopeful, happy Mahogany, and flopped down on the bed, pushing a face into her pillow. 'What am I going to do now?' she thought, tears running down her face to pool into the cotton cover. "I can't possibly go back to my village in disgrace, not after I left the way I did."

    Mahogany turned over looking out the window at the darkening sky. Maybe only a single hour left of the day. Once the sun had set and no offers had come that's it for her. The bursar will come to her rooms, she will be asked, told, to leave the Towers. No repeats. No chances. You only get to turn the cards once.

    She looks at that horizon, past the shimmering towers of Xanzi and into the closing darkness. The pinprick lights of the Arcana start to be seen faintly.
    She prays, voice quiet and tear-thick, "Wheel of Fortune. This humble child of magic begs your intercession. Please gather up my lost threads and spin them into a favorable destiny. I... " she swallows, formal prayer form forgotten, "I need this. I don't know how to do anything else. I don't have anything else. Please. " She begs desperately. She feels her breath grow tight and seem to clench around her heart. "Please!"

    A long moment of silence in the growing darkness.

    Then a click and pneumatic whoosh. She leaps from the bed, falling and tangled in the sheets, piles of books knocked over as she rushes towards the message hatch in the wall.

    She scrambles and scratches the message from its tube seeing the familiar blue-edged letter as being an official off-dimension communication from a Magus.

    Her hands are trembling so much that she has to take several calming breaths before she can read the following.


    "Mahogany Gelt of Piecrow Isle, Third Resonant,

    You are offered an Apprenticeship in the service of a Merchant of Destiny.
    Please use a standard transportation scription with the variables of quartz and under the auspice of the Fool.
    You are expected with all haste.

    From the desk of Betwixt and Between.

    B."


    Mahogany sat back, "Oh by Star and Moon, I can't believe it." She looked out the window seeing the light of the Wheel of Fortune sparkling. "Thank you. Thank you. I don't ... I can't...." words had failed her. When all hope is lost a karmic turn of destiny.

    You are expected with all haste.

    " Oh, may the Tower burn!" Mahogany swore, "I must Hurry!"

    She gathered her suitcase, retied her books up into a stack and grabbed her Alderwood staff from beside the door, and rushed out of the door, tears forgotten. Her footsteps rang out in the halls as she rushed towards the transportation halls, hopeful there was still an attendant there.

    She slid into the hall leading to it to see an employee lighting the lamp and closing the door. "WAIT!" She yelled, "Wait I have an offer!"

    The employee started turning around, "Cutting it late are you not? I was just about to go." Mahogany dashed up to them, "Yes. I understand but it just came through."

    The employee of the transportation halls frowned, "Well I was just about to go home. You can run the transport yourself right?"

    Mahogany's face blushed red "Ah... No. I can't exactly."

    "No talent for scription?" The employee said lifting an eyebrow.

    "Ah.. well yes... and no... you see..." Mahogany replied trailing off into quiet mumbles.

    The employee sniffed. "Well can't have you standing here all night for someone else." And they opened the door to the hall again. The transportation hall was huge, made for all entrances and exits to the Crystal Towers. They walked over to a circle carved into the dark glass of the floor, a smaller one for personal transport.

    "Do you have the variations?" The employee asked standing over by an apothecary cabinet. "Quartz and Fool, arriving as myself Mahogany Gelt of Piecrow Isle" replied Mahogany stepping into the circle with her items.

    The employee brought over a large fist-sized quartz and a printed pasteboard card. The quartz was placed into the section of the circle required and the card was handed to Mahogany.

    "Thank you."

    "Hmmm...." the employee said stepping back out of the circle. "Stand-by."

    "Oh, Arcana of the Fool you have been called to bring this one, Mahogany Gelt of Piecrow Isle on a journey. Let her be guided and protected by the soul of the crystal quartz. This one gives the power to make it so." A gold light fell from the cupped hands of the employee and flowed across the floor and filling the carved circles' lines and whirls.

    The employee made eye contact with Mahogany over the swirling light. "Ready?" They asked.

    Mahogany gulped "Yes." Of course, she was... she wasn't nervous at all.

    The employee lifted their hands and brought them together in a sharp clap. And with that Mahogany was gone.

    -----------------

    The Borderlands is a place both liminal and strange, made of fog and forgotten things. The area in which Mahogany found herself with the flash and crack of teleportation, the Fool clutched in one hand was typical for the Borderlands in all but one thing. Directly in front of her was a small shop.

    It was clear it was a shop of course, there was above the green painted door a hanging sign. 'Betwixt and Between' and on the large glass window inscribed in faded gold signwriting. "Curios and Delights"
    It looks to be two stories in height, the second had small circular windows with shutters. From where Mahogany stood there did not seem to be a light on inside, or it could be that the murk of the unwashed window was obscuring it completely.

    Mahogany stepped towards it, pocketing the Fool in her grey students robes and picking up her suitcase. As she stepped forward she had the cold sensation that she had not had time to change, nor prepare herself for meeting with her new Master. She hoped that this 'B' did not mind her current dishevelled appearance, and that she could make a good impression.

    The doorknob was shaped like a small coiled dragon, drawing her notice because it seemed to be enchanted with a curious warmth. 'Bit of a waste of an artefact to have a heat aspect on a doorknob' she thought, as she stepped into the doorway.

    "Hello, " She called, trying to sound confident and clear. "This one is Mahogany Gelt come to take up Apprenticeship in the Service of a Merchant of Destiny. I greet the store of Betwixt and Between."

    Silence echoed back.

    Mahogany placed her bags down just inside the doorway and looked around. If it was a shop it was obviously a very poor one. There were large areas of the store with no inventory at all. Shelves completely bare.

    [REASON CHECK - REQUIRES 1 : PASS]

    As she looks around Mahogony realizes something has happened here. Something recent and terrible. She starts when she looks at the dirty floor and realizes that what she had thought was mud is actually a dried bloodstain. And hidden in the shadows of the unlit gloom there are great scratches in the dark wooden floorboards. On the walls there are tapestries that she recognises as starscapes. There is her sky! But she dosn't recognise the others. Everything is covered in a thick layer of grey dust.

    She can tell that this place is magical in some way, that small scratchy shifty feeling that makes her hair rise is easy to sense. But it is faded.... lesser. Like a Crystaline soul drained to nothing but dregs.
    There is something here. Mahogany can feel that there is almost a fluttering of moth wings on her mind, someone is trying to get her attention.

    "Hello? Is someone here?" She calls out again.

    Shopkeeeper.... Mistressss.... a whisper in her ear. Mahogany whips her head around, staff extended in a firm grip.

    Nothing but the doorway and her luggage.

    She turns back to the empty store and looks at the long counter that divides the public area of the store from what she assumes are the backrooms. A shaft of light comes from a high window, and illuminates a large ledger sitting on the counter. The book is covered in dark fabric, an embossed gilded monogram of intertwined B's is on the cover. Below it is the name Betwixt and Between.
    Mahogany looks around again. Empty bloodstained store, in the middle of a misty voidlike place. No Magus, no welcome. She can't even leave, she could script a circle but she has no ability to power it or enough information to make sure the variables don't trap her somewhere.
    The book sits there, silent.

    Curiosity overwhelms her, even though this may be a grand overstep to her new master she slides the book over to her and opens it to the first page.
    As she looks at the page text starts to be scribed by an invisible hand. It is in a pale grey shimmer and a loose, looping cursive.

    "Greetings Mahogany Gelt." The page reads, "Thankyou for coming. I'm sorry I cannot greet you properly."

    Mahogany looks around her, expecting a person to be hiding somewhere. Is this a joke of some kind? A prank on the new apprentice?

    Nothing but dust.

    "What is going on?" she says quietly. As she she finishes speaking another line of writing starts to appear.

    "You have been selected to take up a grand and glorious position. Shopkeeper of the Betwixt and Between. Do not ask why you have been chosen, you simply have. In fact you always were to be here."

    "But I applied for an apprenticeship..." Mahogany says.

    "This is a better position."

    "Well," Mahogany thinks, 'I'm not really sure what to do now. Do I argue with this book? No, I think i'll just play along for now. See what rules this artifact runs on. Maybe the Magus is testing me."

    "I understand." She says drawing herself up and placing her hand across her chest to bow. "Please inform me..." She pauses, "Uh.... Noble tome, what duties I must perform to be Shopkeeper."

    "I am damaged...My doors are shut. My treasures ransacked. I need to serve destiny. To help others. You must make this so again."

    There is a shock through the air. She feels knowledge placed into her mind, she can feel the condition of the Betwixt and Between. A sharp viola hum, citrus in her mouth, her hairs stand up on her arms. There is so much magic here. Surely there must be something she can do here that will allow her to use it.

    Mahogany looks around the store hands on hip. "Well," she thinks "It's not like I'm a stranger to hard work."

    Exhale, inhale.

    Just a magical store, no problem. Time to begin.



    Betwixt and Between​

    Condition: 15/20​
    Energy: 5/5​
    Turn 1​

    Action Dice from Conditon = 4
    Action Dice Results : 3, 4, 4, 5


    Welcome to your very first turn!
    As you can see Mahogany has a number of tasks she can do. We better get her sorted and working on them!

    Every turn you will have several Action Dice that will be rolled. The number of action dice comes from the condition of the Betwixt and Between. Those dice are then rolled by me (they are 6 sided dice btw) to give you several numbers. This number when added to the skill level you have in the skill listed in the task gives you the probablity for success. Higher the total number, the more favorable the probability.

    1 and 2 - 50% Neutral / 50% Failure
    3 and 4 - 25% Great Success /50% Neutral / 25% Failure
    5 - 50% Great Success / 50% Neutral
    6+ - 100% Great Success

    I have made a comprehensive Mechanics post which details more about all the numbers and extra details on tasks.

    But basically you have 4 action dice right now (see above) Where would you like to assign them?

    I would like plans to be done in the following format

    [X] Very cool Plan Name
    -[X] Task Name One
    --[X] Action Dice - 4
    -[X] Task Name Two
    --[X] Action Dice - 3
    -[X] Task Name Three
    --[X] Action Dice - 4
    -[X] Task Name Four
    --[X] Action Dice - 5

    Tasks may be taken multiple times in the same turn. Tasks will be completed in order from the first in the list to the last. If an action in an earlier task invalidates a later task the dice spent on that task is lost.




    [ ] Investigate what has happened here.
    Completion Counter : 0/10
    Skill : Reason (+1)
    Difficulty : SAFE
    Something has happened here. Have a look around see if you can figure it out?

    [ ] A Clean sweep.
    Completion Counter : 0/4
    Skill: Perseverance (0)
    Difficulty: SAFE
    There is dust and blood on the floors, you think you see a broom behind the counter.

    [ ] Where in the World am I?
    Completion Counter : 0/5
    Skill: Hidden Knowledge (+1)
    Difficulty : RISKY
    You look outside the window and you recognize nothing, maybe it might be good to familiarize yourself.

    [ ] Explore the Betwixt and Between
    Completion Counter : 0/10
    Skill: Reason (+1)
    Difficulty: SAFE
    Let's have a look around.

    [ ] Empty Pages
    Completion Counter : 0/4
    Skill : Empathy (+1)
    Difficulty : RISKY
    Communicate with the book? Spirit? in the Ledger.

    [ ] A Keen Mind and a Clear Spirit. ( Unlocked by the Crystal Towers Origin)
    Completion Counter : 0/10
    Failure Counter : 0/10
    Skill : Any Magic Skill (0)
    Difficulty : DANGEROUS
    You were never able to actually do magic before. But maybe now you are here in a new place it can be different!
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • I will always bemoan the lack of piracy, but I love our burned out college students already. She needs is an entire bucket of the local energy drink equivalent and a good cry; I feel her pain.

    [X] Know Thy Store
    -[X] Investigate what has happened here.
    —[X] Action Dice- 3
    -[X] A Clean sweep.
    —[X] Action Dice- 4
    -[X] Explore the Betwixt and Between
    —[X] Action Dice- 4
    -[X] Empty Pages
    —[X] Action Dice- 5

    Might not be the flashiest of plans, but the most important thing right now is to get the lay of the land- and also to make store-chan less of a sty.
     
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