Nascent Goddess Quest
- Thread starter Jhin Lemon
- Start date
- Original
AlphaD
The Fearsome Destroyer of Worlds!
- Location
- Down Under
[X] Tell them about the man and go to the show
He's hiding a poisonous viper or a nice flower behind his back. I never really liked the showman types. The fact that he either cased an illusion or dispelled one as soon as we found him? He's probably trying to look for people like us. And our companions as extra.
Let's go into this warily.Also, it's the mystery box option, what could go wrong.
He's hiding a poisonous viper or a nice flower behind his back. I never really liked the showman types. The fact that he either cased an illusion or dispelled one as soon as we found him? He's probably trying to look for people like us. And our companions as extra.
Let's go into this warily.
- Location
- United States
[X] Don't tell them anything and take a regular quest instead
-[X] Airship transport to Asoa, no resistance anticipated, but guards wanted - F Rank
Yeah... I'll pass on that plot hook. It seems like it'd way more trouble than its worth.
-[X] Airship transport to Asoa, no resistance anticipated, but guards wanted - F Rank
Yeah... I'll pass on that plot hook. It seems like it'd way more trouble than its worth.
- Location
- Earth
[X] Tell them about the man and go to the show
Jhin Lemon
Lawful Cute
- Location
- Trapped in the interwebs, please send help
Votes Closed.
20
Jhin Lemon
Lawful Cute
- Location
- Trapped in the interwebs, please send help
Winning votes:
[w] Tell them about the man and go to the show
"I ran into a...fancy man, he did some tricks and gave me four tickets to go to his show when I said I was an adventurer. He even changed his clothes because they made him look dangerous."
The three give you a concerned look. "You went and started talking to a dangerous looking man on your own?" they all say in unison, emphasising just how badly doing stuff like that can end.
"Er, well, he looked more lost than dangerous at first. And when he started talking he didn't seem dangerous at all. He...did manage to take my rapier off me somehow, but he gave it back."
"He took your sword off you without you noticing, and you don't see a problem?" Tobias asks, deadpan.
"I would like to meet this man myself," Liam says, "from what you've said he does not seem to be the sort of man who should be left unchecked. At the very least he should be given a talking to about taking other people's possessions, at worst? I'd prefer not to think of that."
"Right! Let's go to the show!" Mira says happily.
"Hold on, this could be dangerous. Maybe we should go and get some more things first. The show doesn't start for quite a while after all."
The four of you leave the guild and the clerk raises an eyebrow at the fact you haven't taken a mission. But he quickly returns to his duties as some other adventurers go up to the desk.
Shops
[] Apothecary (Healing consumables)
[] Alchemist (Damaging consumables)
[] Weapons
[] Armour
[] Magic Training (takes 2 shop options)
"You there, miss!" calls a voice.
"Me?" you ask. Turning to face the voice, it seems to be an old woman from the magic shop.
"No, not you, your companion."
"Wha-Me?" Mira asks, blinking and pointing curiously to herself.
"Yes, yes. We run a daily promotion, where we devise a specific magic signal, if you match it you get a prize. You're a perfect match. The first one in fact! To celebrate we're willing to give your friends a prize too! Come, come."
You enter the strange looking shop. It's cluttered with various books and dangling charms. Fizzing potions line the shelves, though they really don't look safe to drink. Etched into the floor is, as far as you can tell, a simple magical circle. From what you learned from Tobias though, magic circles are extremely dangerous if set up even slightly incorrectly. The fact this woman had lived so long with such a dangerous profession was a testament to her skill.
The old woman who called you in is standing next to the circle, giving you all a gentle smile. Her robes are ragged and look to have been patched over and over with mis-matching pieces of cloth. Despite the fact it looks odd, it definitely adds to the mysterious mood of the shop.
"So ma'am, what's this prize you were talking about?" Mira asks.
"Ah, for you, a free spell. Done at express speed too. Normally it takes very long to do, but for prize winners I get it done in just an hour."
She hands the four of you a book with some spells in it.
"Erm, I don't mean to offend ma'am," Liam says while raising a hand, "but I lack magical abilities."
"Ah, this is a shame. I cannot upgrade abilities or spells. Such an act is beyond my power. I will give you something that can mimic a spell however."
{Liam got 1x Lightning Gauntlet. Charges wielder with lightning to move faster for a round. It does hurt though. +20 to all rolls in the current round, lose 1 health category. 1 use per battle.}
"Well, since you got us this mission Eshani, how about we let you pick for us?"
Spells and Upgrades. Pick one spell or upgrade per person
Mira
[] Burn - inflicts a guaranteed Burn status, however this Burn does not count for renewing the timer (400 mana)
[] Lightning - A strong bolt of electricity that has a small chance to paralyse the target, can chain through targets connected by conducting materials (400 mana)
[] Mirror - Reflects a single magical attack at the attacker, will shatter upon melee attacks and cause more damage though (1000 mana)
Eshani
[] Magic Missile - Autohit attack that deals light damage. 200 mana, twice per battle.
[] Repair - Infuse an object with 100 mana to repair it (cannot fix magical items)
[] Projectile Shield - Projectiles that try to hit the target will bounce off an invisible shield for the next 2 rounds, regardless of the damage they would do. A flying tree trunk does not count as a projectile though. (400 mana)
Tobias
[] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[] Holy Light - Bless an area with the light of the Gods. Damages monsters and repels them from a certain area. Does large damage to Abominations and anything related to them. (500 mana)
The old woman smiles as you make your choices and has Mira kneel in the circle. She pours one of the bubbling potions into it, filling the symbols. The circle begins to glow as she spoke in a strange tongue that you can't quite make out. After a short few minutes the liquid in the circle begins to bubble and churn. Yet, despite the agitation, it never leaves the confines of the circle. Eventually it evaporates into a glowing energy that begins to float in the air. Again you note how even the floating energy seems trapped within the creases of the circle, unable to move in any direction but up or down. Then, all of a sudden, the energy breaks its previous tendencies and surges into Mira. She gasps out before falling to her side.
"What have you done to her?" Tobias demands while moving to stand between you and the woman as Liam rushes to Mira side.
"She will be fine. The rush of a new spell gained in this way is much for new adventurers. I used the higher quality stuff though. She will wake up within the hour. Next."
The process is repeated, albeit with a different liquid, for you. A strange pressure fills the air around you as the bubbling begins, only to intensify with the evaporation. Almost like someone is trying to simply push it into you with brute strength. You feel newfound power rush through your body, it was almost like when you first got your spells.
Keep your head, this isn't Ambition
The you feel pain, pain from the artificial introduction of a new magic in your body. It's over in an instant but you feel like you've just run a marathon, maybe two. You slump forward and black out.
oOo
You come to with Mira, Tobias and Liam sitting over you with worried looks on their faces. You aren't in the shop anymore, you're lying in your bed at the inn.
"She's awake!" Mira cheers.
"What happened?" you ask.
"The woman at the shop forgot to use the higher quality spell potion for you," Liam answers, "You've been asleep for a while now, we'll need to leave soon to catch the show."
You hold your head. Buying spells isn't fun. Still you manage to get out of bed and eat some food before leaving. A quick meal helps you feel much better.
The show isn't set up too far away from the town, roughly as far away as the church was. Once you get there you see a large, brightly coloured tent with a crowd of people around the entrance. There are several straight laced looking men there inspecting people's tickets and letting them in. Upon further inspection the crowd is actually just three lines of people waiting to get in.
Which line do you join?
[] Line 1. The shortest line, unfortunately it'll still be a while to get in, and the person at the back is an irritable looking man with a notepad.
[] Line 2. The longest line, with a rather large family that has at least three babies with them at the back. At least the mother and father should be nice enough if you get bored and want someone to talk to.
[] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
[] Don't join a line, wait for the crowd to thin a little. Sure you might miss part of the show, but you can check out the attractions outside the big tent in the meantime.
[w] Tell them about the man and go to the show
"I ran into a...fancy man, he did some tricks and gave me four tickets to go to his show when I said I was an adventurer. He even changed his clothes because they made him look dangerous."
The three give you a concerned look. "You went and started talking to a dangerous looking man on your own?" they all say in unison, emphasising just how badly doing stuff like that can end.
"Er, well, he looked more lost than dangerous at first. And when he started talking he didn't seem dangerous at all. He...did manage to take my rapier off me somehow, but he gave it back."
"He took your sword off you without you noticing, and you don't see a problem?" Tobias asks, deadpan.
"I would like to meet this man myself," Liam says, "from what you've said he does not seem to be the sort of man who should be left unchecked. At the very least he should be given a talking to about taking other people's possessions, at worst? I'd prefer not to think of that."
"Right! Let's go to the show!" Mira says happily.
"Hold on, this could be dangerous. Maybe we should go and get some more things first. The show doesn't start for quite a while after all."
The four of you leave the guild and the clerk raises an eyebrow at the fact you haven't taken a mission. But he quickly returns to his duties as some other adventurers go up to the desk.
[] Apothecary (Healing consumables)
[] Alchemist (Damaging consumables)
[] Weapons
[] Armour
[] Magic Training (takes 2 shop options)
"You there, miss!" calls a voice.
"Me?" you ask. Turning to face the voice, it seems to be an old woman from the magic shop.
"No, not you, your companion."
"Wha-Me?" Mira asks, blinking and pointing curiously to herself.
"Yes, yes. We run a daily promotion, where we devise a specific magic signal, if you match it you get a prize. You're a perfect match. The first one in fact! To celebrate we're willing to give your friends a prize too! Come, come."
You enter the strange looking shop. It's cluttered with various books and dangling charms. Fizzing potions line the shelves, though they really don't look safe to drink. Etched into the floor is, as far as you can tell, a simple magical circle. From what you learned from Tobias though, magic circles are extremely dangerous if set up even slightly incorrectly. The fact this woman had lived so long with such a dangerous profession was a testament to her skill.
The old woman who called you in is standing next to the circle, giving you all a gentle smile. Her robes are ragged and look to have been patched over and over with mis-matching pieces of cloth. Despite the fact it looks odd, it definitely adds to the mysterious mood of the shop.
"So ma'am, what's this prize you were talking about?" Mira asks.
"Ah, for you, a free spell. Done at express speed too. Normally it takes very long to do, but for prize winners I get it done in just an hour."
She hands the four of you a book with some spells in it.
"Erm, I don't mean to offend ma'am," Liam says while raising a hand, "but I lack magical abilities."
"Ah, this is a shame. I cannot upgrade abilities or spells. Such an act is beyond my power. I will give you something that can mimic a spell however."
{Liam got 1x Lightning Gauntlet. Charges wielder with lightning to move faster for a round. It does hurt though. +20 to all rolls in the current round, lose 1 health category. 1 use per battle.}
"Well, since you got us this mission Eshani, how about we let you pick for us?"
Spells and Upgrades. Pick one spell or upgrade per person
Mira
[] Burn - inflicts a guaranteed Burn status, however this Burn does not count for renewing the timer (400 mana)
[] Lightning - A strong bolt of electricity that has a small chance to paralyse the target, can chain through targets connected by conducting materials (400 mana)
[] Mirror - Reflects a single magical attack at the attacker, will shatter upon melee attacks and cause more damage though (1000 mana)
Eshani
[] Magic Missile - Autohit attack that deals light damage. 200 mana, twice per battle.
[] Repair - Infuse an object with 100 mana to repair it (cannot fix magical items)
[] Projectile Shield - Projectiles that try to hit the target will bounce off an invisible shield for the next 2 rounds, regardless of the damage they would do. A flying tree trunk does not count as a projectile though. (400 mana)
Tobias
[] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[] Holy Light - Bless an area with the light of the Gods. Damages monsters and repels them from a certain area. Does large damage to Abominations and anything related to them. (500 mana)
The old woman smiles as you make your choices and has Mira kneel in the circle. She pours one of the bubbling potions into it, filling the symbols. The circle begins to glow as she spoke in a strange tongue that you can't quite make out. After a short few minutes the liquid in the circle begins to bubble and churn. Yet, despite the agitation, it never leaves the confines of the circle. Eventually it evaporates into a glowing energy that begins to float in the air. Again you note how even the floating energy seems trapped within the creases of the circle, unable to move in any direction but up or down. Then, all of a sudden, the energy breaks its previous tendencies and surges into Mira. She gasps out before falling to her side.
"What have you done to her?" Tobias demands while moving to stand between you and the woman as Liam rushes to Mira side.
"She will be fine. The rush of a new spell gained in this way is much for new adventurers. I used the higher quality stuff though. She will wake up within the hour. Next."
The process is repeated, albeit with a different liquid, for you. A strange pressure fills the air around you as the bubbling begins, only to intensify with the evaporation. Almost like someone is trying to simply push it into you with brute strength. You feel newfound power rush through your body, it was almost like when you first got your spells.
Keep your head, this isn't Ambition
The you feel pain, pain from the artificial introduction of a new magic in your body. It's over in an instant but you feel like you've just run a marathon, maybe two. You slump forward and black out.
oOo
You come to with Mira, Tobias and Liam sitting over you with worried looks on their faces. You aren't in the shop anymore, you're lying in your bed at the inn.
"She's awake!" Mira cheers.
"What happened?" you ask.
"The woman at the shop forgot to use the higher quality spell potion for you," Liam answers, "You've been asleep for a while now, we'll need to leave soon to catch the show."
You hold your head. Buying spells isn't fun. Still you manage to get out of bed and eat some food before leaving. A quick meal helps you feel much better.
The show isn't set up too far away from the town, roughly as far away as the church was. Once you get there you see a large, brightly coloured tent with a crowd of people around the entrance. There are several straight laced looking men there inspecting people's tickets and letting them in. Upon further inspection the crowd is actually just three lines of people waiting to get in.
Which line do you join?
[] Line 1. The shortest line, unfortunately it'll still be a while to get in, and the person at the back is an irritable looking man with a notepad.
[] Line 2. The longest line, with a rather large family that has at least three babies with them at the back. At least the mother and father should be nice enough if you get bored and want someone to talk to.
[] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
[] Don't join a line, wait for the crowd to thin a little. Sure you might miss part of the show, but you can check out the attractions outside the big tent in the meantime.
Last edited:
kinigget
Best Demon
- Location
- People's Republic of Portland
[X] Lightning - A strong bolt of electricity that has a small chance to paralyse the target, can chain through targets connected by conducting materials (400 mana)
[X] Magic Missile - Autohit attack that deals light damage. 200 mana, twice per battle.
[X] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[X] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
[X] Magic Missile - Autohit attack that deals light damage. 200 mana, twice per battle.
[X] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[X] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
[X] Mirror - Reflects a single magical attack at the attacker, will shatter upon melee attacks and cause more damage though (1000 mana)
[X] Magic Missile - Autohit attack that deals light damage. 200 mana, twice per battle.
[X] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[X] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
Mira gets Mirror.
[X] Magic Missile - Autohit attack that deals light damage. 200 mana, twice per battle.
[X] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[X] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
Mira gets Mirror.
AlphaD
The Fearsome Destroyer of Worlds!
- Location
- Down Under
[X] Lightning - A strong bolt of electricity that has a small chance to paralyse the target, can chain through targets connected by conducting materials (400 mana)
[X] Projectile Shield - Projectiles that try to hit the target will bounce off an invisible shield for the next 2 rounds, regardless of the damage they would do. A flying tree trunk does not count as a projectile though. (400 mana)
[X] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[X] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
Much as I want to give Mira a mirror, I am tempted by UNLIMITED POWWAAHHHH. We could use some defensive options though so Projectile Shield for Eshani.
[X] Projectile Shield - Projectiles that try to hit the target will bounce off an invisible shield for the next 2 rounds, regardless of the damage they would do. A flying tree trunk does not count as a projectile though. (400 mana)
[X] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[X] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
Much as I want to give Mira a mirror, I am tempted by UNLIMITED POWWAAHHHH. We could use some defensive options though so Projectile Shield for Eshani.
- Location
- United States
[X] Lightning - A strong bolt of electricity that has a small chance to paralyse the target, can chain through targets connected by conducting materials (400 mana)
[X] Projectile Shield - Projectiles that try to hit the target will bounce off an invisible shield for the next 2 rounds, regardless of the damage they would do. A flying tree trunk does not count as a projectile though. (400 mana)
[X] Holy Light - Bless an area with the light of the Gods. Damages monsters and repels them from a certain area. Does large damage to Abominations and anything related to them.
[X] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
[X] Projectile Shield - Projectiles that try to hit the target will bounce off an invisible shield for the next 2 rounds, regardless of the damage they would do. A flying tree trunk does not count as a projectile though. (400 mana)
[X] Holy Light - Bless an area with the light of the Gods. Damages monsters and repels them from a certain area. Does large damage to Abominations and anything related to them.
[X] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
Jhin Lemon
Lawful Cute
- Location
- Trapped in the interwebs, please send help
Votes Closed. Lightning, Projectile Shield, Triage and Line 3 win.
21
Jhin Lemon
Lawful Cute
- Location
- Trapped in the interwebs, please send help
Winning votes:
[w] Lightning - A strong bolt of electricity that has a small chance to paralyse the target, can chain through targets connected by conducting materials (400 mana)
[w] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
[w] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[w] Projectile Shield - Projectiles that try to hit the target will bounce off an invisible shield for the next 2 rounds, regardless of the damage they would do. A flying tree trunk does not count as a projectile though. (400 mana)
You all step into the third line, it isn't especially long, but you also won't have to deal with that irritable looking man. You were a little worried that this was a line only available for repeat customers only, but your concerns were put at ease when you passed a man animatedly talking to those around him about how he'd heard this show was amazing and how excited he was finally being here. You step into the line behind a rather tall, lanky man. Even with his terrible, hunched over posture he still stood at least a head above you, it would have been intimidating if not for the gentle look in his eyes. There's a small scraggly beard on his chin, and his slicked back hair only just peeks out of the bucket hat on his head. A large coat hides most of his body. You're starting to wonder if that's some kind of fashion trend.
"Hi there!" Mira calls cheerfully, leaning into the man's peripheral vision and giving a small wave."
"Howdy," he replies, turning around to face the four of you. His voice is much deeper than you expect from such a thin figure, regardless of how tall he is.
"So, we're new here. You seem like you've been here before, anything you're willing to tell us?"
As soon as she speaks the man hunches forward even more, to the point you're beginning to wonder if that isn't painful, "Now miss, there's some important things to know about this here show. First off, don't believe a word they tell you, the shows are amusing and bring people from across the world, but they have an...odd sense of humour sometimes."
The line is beginning to shorten. It seems to have started moving at an alarmingly after rate as soon as you began chatting.
"Second, watch your possessions, lots of guests have been known to 'drop' things around here, and there's a very strict no-returns policy."
You're at the gates and all five of you hand over your tickets.
"And finally, enjoy they show." After saying that the man wanders off to find his seat.
"Well, given that delightful explanation, I have to wonder what makes this place to popular," Tobias comments sarcastically, sounding a bit stuck up.
"Aww, don't worry Tobi, ya stick in the mud, I'm sure it'll be fine," Mira says while wrapping an arm around the aforementioned stick in the mud.
"I'm not a stick in the mud, I'm just being cautious. And what did I tell you about calling me that?!" he replied annoyed.
You, Liam and Mira chuckle while Tobias grumbles for a second before moving on to find your seats. You pass by peasants, shop keepers, knights, mages and nobles; but while just the fact so many people from so many different classes are all gather here should be surprising, even more shocking is the fact they're all at the same level. You see a nobleman and his wife sitting next to a farmer, and while it's clear they're hesitant of him, they're attempting to make conversation and be nice. It's honestly amazing, a place where people have put aside their status to enjoy a show, you didn't think something like that was possible.
Eventually you all find your seats, right at the front in fact. You sit down to enjoy the show and…these are the most comfortable seats you have ever sat in. Ahem. You sit down and look around for any sort of familiar face, not that you know many people. Oh hey, over to your right and a few seats back is the lanky man, you only now realise you never got each others' names. You don't recognise anyone else though. On your right is Mira, and next to her is Liam, to your left sits Tobias. All four of them seem to be enjoying the seats, even the normally suspicious Tobias seems to have mellowed out a bit after sitting down.
You spend the next few minutes squishing into the seat. So, comfy. Before the last of the guests stream in and take their seats. The lights dim as a figure shrouded in shadows moves to the center of the stage. Then suddenly a light drops down from the ceiling and illuminates him. It's the man who gave you the tickets! He hasn't even changed his clothes from when you last saw him, but the light is making his suit gleam in an odd way, it makes you a little queasy.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Travelling Extravaganza! It's nice to see so many familiar faces in the crowds among the new. Mark!" he points to a man on the far left side of the seats, you can barely make him out of the crowd until a second like shines down and moves to single him out. "I do believe you've been to every show we've had, one of these days we should really give you a reward. Although, just coming to to these shows is reward enough for you, right?" he continues with a laugh. The audience begins to laugh alongside him, Mark included. You and your companions look at each other confused. It wasn't that funny…
"Right, well, let's get on with the show folks!" as soon as he says that, both lights go out and the stage is plunged into darkness. When they turn on the lights again you see four people in shimmering suits stand at the top of two poles with two on each side, a man and a woman each. Between them are a set of three hoops on strings. The woman on the right pole runs across it and dives through the first hoop, the second is too far apart though, she'll fall! At the last moment she twists her body around just as she passes through the hoop and grabs it with her hands, using the momentum move the hoop closer to the middle while while looping around and fly through it again, backwards this time. She hits the second hoop and wraps her legs around it, flipping into a sitting position in the middle of it.
As soon as she's done the man on the left pole jumps and grabs onto the leftmost hoop. He begins to spin himself through it, once, twice, thrice. All the while he's also swinging the hoop to get closer. The woman on the middle hoop has leant back, now only hanging by her legs, and is also swinging to draw closer to the man. Then, all of a sudden the man lets go of the hoop and does a flip midair, as he falls back down the woman swings close and grabs his arms. The two swing to the right as the woman pulls them both more upright. At the apex of the swing she lets go of the man, who does another flip before grabbing hold of a small platform that you only just now noticed sitting above each hoop.
The audience claps at the performance, but they're nowhere near done. With the hoop still swinging from the man's act the second woman grabs hold and swings towards the first woman, she doesn't have to swing it herself with the momentum it still has, so she just jumps off towards the first woman. She's grabbed by her legs and swung up towards where the first man now is. He pulls her up even more as she goes sailing over the second platform, flipping twice in the process before diving down. The first woman has swung back around and grabs her again. They repeat the process, at one point the woman even manages to do a triple flip instead of only a double flip. More claps arise from the crowd at the sight. After the triple flip the goes flying towards the rightmost hoop, before jumping off towards the right pole, as she jumps off the man there jumps to the hoops. You hear the crack of a mid air high-five as the pass each other.
You quickly remember the advice you got and tear your eyes away from the performance to check on your possessions. It looks like the entire audience is entranced, though when she noticed you poking around to see if your stuff is still where you left it Mira turns to you and give smile.
"Don't worry, I've already checked on our things."
Reassured you look back to see what you've missed. While you were rummaging around it looks like the two men have moved to either side of the middle hoop, hanging off it with one hand while locking one of their legs with the other's in a horizontal line, their other leg stuck out downwards. Below them it looks like the woman has locked her legs with the men's other legs, being held up only by them and forming a human triangle. Wait, they've got the bottom of the hoop just inside the top of the triangle, you think you know what they're planning.
The woman on the right pole copies the first woman's act at the start, jumping through the pole and flipping herself through it to fly through the triangle legs-first, her momentum only increased due to the current swinging of the hoop. As soon as her arms pass the hoop she snaps to a stop and swings upward, her feet landing on the two men's legs as she flips to her feet and sits daintily on the top of the hoop. At such an impressive performance you can't help but join the crowd and they cheer and clap.
After posing for a little longer she act comes to an end. The woman at the bottom of the triangle reaches up to grab the hoop and flips across to the left pole. Once she's done the two men then simultaneously jump over to the right pile, even flipping in mid air in perfect sync and grabbing hold of the hoops at the same time. Finally the woman sitting on the hoop gets jumps off and grabs onto the bottom, performing a final few flips around and through the hoop she too launches herself to the left pole. The four performers give a bow and work their way down the poles. Only now do you notice that there was no net beneath them that whole time.
As the acrobats climb down a target is wheeled into the center of the stage, with five straps on it. A stout man casually steps out from behind it and pulls out three knives, you wonder what he's going to do when suddenly he begins to juggle them. Two knives fly through the air, then the third is added, the fluid motion of the knives never once stopping or even slowing. Abruptly you notice that there aren't just three knives any more, there's a fourth now...and now a fifth. But where are the coming from? You can't see his hand reaching for more, and there's no one else around. Granted, the ringleader did manage to take your rapier off you without you seeing or feeling it.
"Llllladies aaaand gentlemen! For this next act we need a volunteer from the audience!" a voice rings out from seemingly everywhere, "Could the owner of ticket 273 please come down, ticket 273! We've chosen you through a completely randomized process, come on down!"
You look down at your ticket, 273. Of course it was. Randomised, huh. Was it really the luck of the draw or did the ringleader pick you on purpose? Still, you didn't have long before they'd shine a light on your seat. You'd have to act quick if you want to get out of this.
What'll you do?
[] Stand up and take part, you were chosen, and who knows, it could be fun.
[] Ask one of your friends to swap with you
[] Snatch the closest ticket and swap it with your own
[w] Lightning - A strong bolt of electricity that has a small chance to paralyse the target, can chain through targets connected by conducting materials (400 mana)
[w] Line 3. Somewhere in between the other lines in terms of length. But the people in it look a little...odd. The don't seem to be interested in talking at all. The people at the entrance look like they've seen these people before though, maybe they're repeat customers? If you can get one to talk you could get some info on the show before you go in.
[w] Triage - An hour long healing spell that full heals the targets. Said targets cannot die of their wounds while Triage is in effect. (100 mana)
[w] Projectile Shield - Projectiles that try to hit the target will bounce off an invisible shield for the next 2 rounds, regardless of the damage they would do. A flying tree trunk does not count as a projectile though. (400 mana)
Chatting (83) = 83
"Hi there!" Mira calls cheerfully, leaning into the man's peripheral vision and giving a small wave."
"Howdy," he replies, turning around to face the four of you. His voice is much deeper than you expect from such a thin figure, regardless of how tall he is.
"So, we're new here. You seem like you've been here before, anything you're willing to tell us?"
As soon as she speaks the man hunches forward even more, to the point you're beginning to wonder if that isn't painful, "Now miss, there's some important things to know about this here show. First off, don't believe a word they tell you, the shows are amusing and bring people from across the world, but they have an...odd sense of humour sometimes."
The line is beginning to shorten. It seems to have started moving at an alarmingly after rate as soon as you began chatting.
"Second, watch your possessions, lots of guests have been known to 'drop' things around here, and there's a very strict no-returns policy."
You're at the gates and all five of you hand over your tickets.
"And finally, enjoy they show." After saying that the man wanders off to find his seat.
"Well, given that delightful explanation, I have to wonder what makes this place to popular," Tobias comments sarcastically, sounding a bit stuck up.
"Aww, don't worry Tobi, ya stick in the mud, I'm sure it'll be fine," Mira says while wrapping an arm around the aforementioned stick in the mud.
"I'm not a stick in the mud, I'm just being cautious. And what did I tell you about calling me that?!" he replied annoyed.
You, Liam and Mira chuckle while Tobias grumbles for a second before moving on to find your seats. You pass by peasants, shop keepers, knights, mages and nobles; but while just the fact so many people from so many different classes are all gather here should be surprising, even more shocking is the fact they're all at the same level. You see a nobleman and his wife sitting next to a farmer, and while it's clear they're hesitant of him, they're attempting to make conversation and be nice. It's honestly amazing, a place where people have put aside their status to enjoy a show, you didn't think something like that was possible.
Eventually you all find your seats, right at the front in fact. You sit down to enjoy the show and…these are the most comfortable seats you have ever sat in. Ahem. You sit down and look around for any sort of familiar face, not that you know many people. Oh hey, over to your right and a few seats back is the lanky man, you only now realise you never got each others' names. You don't recognise anyone else though. On your right is Mira, and next to her is Liam, to your left sits Tobias. All four of them seem to be enjoying the seats, even the normally suspicious Tobias seems to have mellowed out a bit after sitting down.
You spend the next few minutes squishing into the seat. So, comfy. Before the last of the guests stream in and take their seats. The lights dim as a figure shrouded in shadows moves to the center of the stage. Then suddenly a light drops down from the ceiling and illuminates him. It's the man who gave you the tickets! He hasn't even changed his clothes from when you last saw him, but the light is making his suit gleam in an odd way, it makes you a little queasy.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Travelling Extravaganza! It's nice to see so many familiar faces in the crowds among the new. Mark!" he points to a man on the far left side of the seats, you can barely make him out of the crowd until a second like shines down and moves to single him out. "I do believe you've been to every show we've had, one of these days we should really give you a reward. Although, just coming to to these shows is reward enough for you, right?" he continues with a laugh. The audience begins to laugh alongside him, Mark included. You and your companions look at each other confused. It wasn't that funny…
"Right, well, let's get on with the show folks!" as soon as he says that, both lights go out and the stage is plunged into darkness. When they turn on the lights again you see four people in shimmering suits stand at the top of two poles with two on each side, a man and a woman each. Between them are a set of three hoops on strings. The woman on the right pole runs across it and dives through the first hoop, the second is too far apart though, she'll fall! At the last moment she twists her body around just as she passes through the hoop and grabs it with her hands, using the momentum move the hoop closer to the middle while while looping around and fly through it again, backwards this time. She hits the second hoop and wraps her legs around it, flipping into a sitting position in the middle of it.
As soon as she's done the man on the left pole jumps and grabs onto the leftmost hoop. He begins to spin himself through it, once, twice, thrice. All the while he's also swinging the hoop to get closer. The woman on the middle hoop has leant back, now only hanging by her legs, and is also swinging to draw closer to the man. Then, all of a sudden the man lets go of the hoop and does a flip midair, as he falls back down the woman swings close and grabs his arms. The two swing to the right as the woman pulls them both more upright. At the apex of the swing she lets go of the man, who does another flip before grabbing hold of a small platform that you only just now noticed sitting above each hoop.
The audience claps at the performance, but they're nowhere near done. With the hoop still swinging from the man's act the second woman grabs hold and swings towards the first woman, she doesn't have to swing it herself with the momentum it still has, so she just jumps off towards the first woman. She's grabbed by her legs and swung up towards where the first man now is. He pulls her up even more as she goes sailing over the second platform, flipping twice in the process before diving down. The first woman has swung back around and grabs her again. They repeat the process, at one point the woman even manages to do a triple flip instead of only a double flip. More claps arise from the crowd at the sight. After the triple flip the goes flying towards the rightmost hoop, before jumping off towards the right pole, as she jumps off the man there jumps to the hoops. You hear the crack of a mid air high-five as the pass each other.
You quickly remember the advice you got and tear your eyes away from the performance to check on your possessions. It looks like the entire audience is entranced, though when she noticed you poking around to see if your stuff is still where you left it Mira turns to you and give smile.
"Don't worry, I've already checked on our things."
Reassured you look back to see what you've missed. While you were rummaging around it looks like the two men have moved to either side of the middle hoop, hanging off it with one hand while locking one of their legs with the other's in a horizontal line, their other leg stuck out downwards. Below them it looks like the woman has locked her legs with the men's other legs, being held up only by them and forming a human triangle. Wait, they've got the bottom of the hoop just inside the top of the triangle, you think you know what they're planning.
The woman on the right pole copies the first woman's act at the start, jumping through the pole and flipping herself through it to fly through the triangle legs-first, her momentum only increased due to the current swinging of the hoop. As soon as her arms pass the hoop she snaps to a stop and swings upward, her feet landing on the two men's legs as she flips to her feet and sits daintily on the top of the hoop. At such an impressive performance you can't help but join the crowd and they cheer and clap.
After posing for a little longer she act comes to an end. The woman at the bottom of the triangle reaches up to grab the hoop and flips across to the left pole. Once she's done the two men then simultaneously jump over to the right pile, even flipping in mid air in perfect sync and grabbing hold of the hoops at the same time. Finally the woman sitting on the hoop gets jumps off and grabs onto the bottom, performing a final few flips around and through the hoop she too launches herself to the left pole. The four performers give a bow and work their way down the poles. Only now do you notice that there was no net beneath them that whole time.
As the acrobats climb down a target is wheeled into the center of the stage, with five straps on it. A stout man casually steps out from behind it and pulls out three knives, you wonder what he's going to do when suddenly he begins to juggle them. Two knives fly through the air, then the third is added, the fluid motion of the knives never once stopping or even slowing. Abruptly you notice that there aren't just three knives any more, there's a fourth now...and now a fifth. But where are the coming from? You can't see his hand reaching for more, and there's no one else around. Granted, the ringleader did manage to take your rapier off you without you seeing or feeling it.
"Llllladies aaaand gentlemen! For this next act we need a volunteer from the audience!" a voice rings out from seemingly everywhere, "Could the owner of ticket 273 please come down, ticket 273! We've chosen you through a completely randomized process, come on down!"
You look down at your ticket, 273. Of course it was. Randomised, huh. Was it really the luck of the draw or did the ringleader pick you on purpose? Still, you didn't have long before they'd shine a light on your seat. You'd have to act quick if you want to get out of this.
What'll you do?
[] Stand up and take part, you were chosen, and who knows, it could be fun.
[] Ask one of your friends to swap with you
[] Snatch the closest ticket and swap it with your own
Tayta Malikai
200% Space Whale
- Location
- Australia
We'll probably be in the spotlight a lot when we finally get a hang of this whole "goddess" thing. Why not get some practice in now?
[X] Stand up and take part, you were chosen, and who knows, it could be fun.
Also... 2k words for some talking and show business? Truly, a QM after my own heart.
[X] Stand up and take part, you were chosen, and who knows, it could be fun.
Also... 2k words for some talking and show business? Truly, a QM after my own heart.
- Location
- United States
[X] Snatch the closest ticket and swap it with your own
Something doesn't feel right about this situation.
Something doesn't feel right about this situation.
Zeroth Jupi
Sporadic Writer and Haver of Ideas
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
[X] Snatch the closest ticket and swap it with your own
- Location
- St. Petersburg
[x] Snatch the closest ticket and swap it with your own
Of course they'll know. But they can hardly say anything about it after they made it sound like the ticket's owner could be anyone at all.
I have a sadistic compulsion to send them Tobias instead. His grumbling amuses me.
Of course they'll know. But they can hardly say anything about it after they made it sound like the ticket's owner could be anyone at all.
I have a sadistic compulsion to send them Tobias instead. His grumbling amuses me.
Jhin Lemon
Lawful Cute
- Location
- Trapped in the interwebs, please send help
Votes Closed
22
Jhin Lemon
Lawful Cute
- Location
- Trapped in the interwebs, please send help
Winning votes:
[w] Snatch the closest ticket and swap it with your own
You glance around in a panic. You don't want to get in that thing! Wheeling around you spot the man behind you, he's also got his ticket out. You quickly reach out and pull it from his grasp, shoving your own ticket into his hands.
Now that you're safe you look up at the man whose ticket you had taken. He seemed to be a posh noble. A white curly haired wig, long mustache and frilly coat denote him a such. You watch as the previous relief on his face is replaced by a glower when he reads the number of the ticket now in his hands.
"Ticket 273, please stand up, there's no need to be shy."
The man sullenly stands up, as if resigned to his fate, before suddenly turning and pointing a finger directly at you.
"I have ticket 273 in my hands, but it isn't my ticket. She swapped ours!" he yells as a gasp goes through the entire tent.
""Would the accused customer please stand and read their ticket?" rings out the disembodied voice
You stand and stare at your ticket. "U-um, ticket 300," you say.
"And would the people next to her please do the same."
"Ticket 272," says Tobias.
"Ticket 274," says Mira.
Both raise an eyebrow at you. Right, you had your seats assigned by your ticket. Why did you think taking a random person's ticket would work? And just your luck you picked a noble to take the ticket of.
"Miss, either you're in the wrong seat, or you're being deceitful. And we pride ourselves on telling the truth here. So!" A light shines down on you as the voice continues, "Would the lady in seat 273 please come down to the stage."
With a sigh of defeat you take your ticket back from the man behind you and give his back. "Sorry," you whisper and you make your way down. He merely glares in response. As you get to the gates leading down from the audience to the stage a very heavyset looking man opens it surprisingly daintily. Doing your best to ignore how dainty the man made of muscle is you make your way down.
"Here she is ladies and gentlemen, after some drama, the lovely miss who owns ticket 273!" As the voice says this half the audience claps and cheers while the other half awkwardly coughs because you tried to get out of it.
"Please, strap yourself in."
The dainty man returns and, with the utmost care, he straps you to the target, the straps being just tight enough to keep you from slipping around too much while not being uncomfortably tight. You couldn't move, and this looked like a knife throwing act, but they'd likely done this before, so the thrower knew exactly where to throw to avoid hitting you. Yeah, you'd be fine.
Then the target started spinning. With the world spinning you started to get worried, were they really good enough to throw knives without hitting you while you spun like this?
Thunk! No pain, good.
Thunk! You feel a rush of air as that one hit.
Thunk! You feel cool steel sit against your leg. That was close!
The target is starting to slow now, and it looks like there's only one knife left, still being juggled. Was he really juggling knives while he was meant to be paying attention to not hitting you?! He throws the last knife, it's heading right at you! Instinctively you wince and try to bring your arms up to block it, but they're still strapped to the target.
Thunk! You breath heavily as the knife almost seemed to curve through the air to hit to the side of your head. Now that the target isn't spinning so much you have a better view of the knives. Jagged, with a split down the middle and a wobbling edge. It doesn't look like a throwing knife at all, almost like a ritual knife or something...
The muscular man undoes the straps and grabs you by the waist as you almost fall to the ground. All that spinning mixed with almost being stabbed really doesn't make walking easy. The disembodied voice is saying something about safety and no danger, but you can barely hear it. Why is this so scary? You'd fought a fire breathing wolf before and that was worse than this.
"So please, another round of applause for our brave volunteer!" the voice finished off as you manage to get your bearings again. As you head back to the stairs you notice something off to the side, where the performers are waiting for their acts. There's a sinister glow emanating from inside.
It looks like they've started the next man, with the strongman on a unicycle. Everyone seems to be distracted, you might be able to sneak in and investigate.
Choices, choices
[] Go investigate
[] Go back to your seat and enjoy the rest of the show, they shouldn't call you down again
[] Ask your companions if you can all go back to town, you're not sure you like this place any more
[] Ask your companions to leave the tent, but try to investigate outside.
[w] Snatch the closest ticket and swap it with your own
Snatching Success = (33) = 33
Now that you're safe you look up at the man whose ticket you had taken. He seemed to be a posh noble. A white curly haired wig, long mustache and frilly coat denote him a such. You watch as the previous relief on his face is replaced by a glower when he reads the number of the ticket now in his hands.
"Ticket 273, please stand up, there's no need to be shy."
The man sullenly stands up, as if resigned to his fate, before suddenly turning and pointing a finger directly at you.
"I have ticket 273 in my hands, but it isn't my ticket. She swapped ours!" he yells as a gasp goes through the entire tent.
""Would the accused customer please stand and read their ticket?" rings out the disembodied voice
You stand and stare at your ticket. "U-um, ticket 300," you say.
"And would the people next to her please do the same."
"Ticket 272," says Tobias.
"Ticket 274," says Mira.
Both raise an eyebrow at you. Right, you had your seats assigned by your ticket. Why did you think taking a random person's ticket would work? And just your luck you picked a noble to take the ticket of.
"Miss, either you're in the wrong seat, or you're being deceitful. And we pride ourselves on telling the truth here. So!" A light shines down on you as the voice continues, "Would the lady in seat 273 please come down to the stage."
With a sigh of defeat you take your ticket back from the man behind you and give his back. "Sorry," you whisper and you make your way down. He merely glares in response. As you get to the gates leading down from the audience to the stage a very heavyset looking man opens it surprisingly daintily. Doing your best to ignore how dainty the man made of muscle is you make your way down.
"Here she is ladies and gentlemen, after some drama, the lovely miss who owns ticket 273!" As the voice says this half the audience claps and cheers while the other half awkwardly coughs because you tried to get out of it.
"Please, strap yourself in."
The dainty man returns and, with the utmost care, he straps you to the target, the straps being just tight enough to keep you from slipping around too much while not being uncomfortably tight. You couldn't move, and this looked like a knife throwing act, but they'd likely done this before, so the thrower knew exactly where to throw to avoid hitting you. Yeah, you'd be fine.
Then the target started spinning. With the world spinning you started to get worried, were they really good enough to throw knives without hitting you while you spun like this?
Thunk! No pain, good.
Thunk! You feel a rush of air as that one hit.
Thunk! You feel cool steel sit against your leg. That was close!
The target is starting to slow now, and it looks like there's only one knife left, still being juggled. Was he really juggling knives while he was meant to be paying attention to not hitting you?! He throws the last knife, it's heading right at you! Instinctively you wince and try to bring your arms up to block it, but they're still strapped to the target.
Thunk! You breath heavily as the knife almost seemed to curve through the air to hit to the side of your head. Now that the target isn't spinning so much you have a better view of the knives. Jagged, with a split down the middle and a wobbling edge. It doesn't look like a throwing knife at all, almost like a ritual knife or something...
The muscular man undoes the straps and grabs you by the waist as you almost fall to the ground. All that spinning mixed with almost being stabbed really doesn't make walking easy. The disembodied voice is saying something about safety and no danger, but you can barely hear it. Why is this so scary? You'd fought a fire breathing wolf before and that was worse than this.
"So please, another round of applause for our brave volunteer!" the voice finished off as you manage to get your bearings again. As you head back to the stairs you notice something off to the side, where the performers are waiting for their acts. There's a sinister glow emanating from inside.
It looks like they've started the next man, with the strongman on a unicycle. Everyone seems to be distracted, you might be able to sneak in and investigate.
Choices, choices
[] Go investigate
[] Go back to your seat and enjoy the rest of the show, they shouldn't call you down again
[] Ask your companions if you can all go back to town, you're not sure you like this place any more
[] Ask your companions to leave the tent, but try to investigate outside.
Tayta Malikai
200% Space Whale
- Location
- Australia
I feel like going to the strange guy's circus wasn't the best of ideas... but I wasn't here for that vote, so ah well.
[X] Go investigate
If we get called out, we can always just claim we're dizzy and couldn't see where we were going.
[X] Go investigate
If we get called out, we can always just claim we're dizzy and couldn't see where we were going.