>whenever I was around Roderick and them, I couldn’t help but think bad of you.

That's very interesting. Presumable she is still under the same mental compulsion about the box Jacob is, meaning her altered behavior towards Mina was a different influence that was disturbed by her change of allegiance. This and the way he put them all in contact with the box intentionally seem to point toward Roderick being the source of the phenomenon.
A counterargument is the similarity between their aggression and the murderous impulse Tanna felt towards Jacob. This hypothesis fail to explain why Evel’yee feel less animosity. Either unrelated violence is a side effect of the simple mental order or Tanna's case was also a different influence.


>most people go through life in-between these axi

That kind of surprise me, I would expect most people to be on the good side. The demands for recognition must be hard on the good side or maybe the population of this world is a bit dysfunctional.


>What should I say to that, Winds?

All we know is that past you came prepared to kill all of them but chose not to.
It's still a risk to use the spell on Evel’yee. We have to consider if Jacob or Vax are better candidates.


>>1093243
A lot of assumptions there. Those arguments were mostly utilitarian. And don't give Tanna weird ideas about us.


>>1093261
That's a concerning thought. If we got an alignment we could potentially be silenced by the appropriate "protect from" spell.

Why yes, I concur that BWOOH BWOBWOOH BWO BWOBWOBWOOH
(trombone noises)

Might be best to hold off on casting protect from evil for now.

I guess she could just test it on the third guy.

1/7 Tanna 2024/07/13(Sat)10:09 No. 1094220 ID: c2b3ce
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>Alright, so we know she was kind of bad at being evil before, (probably sent b/c she was disposable), but any connection to her evil cult might stick as a lingering evil according to the Weave. So it's safe to cast the protection spell, she just has to discard all cult paraphernalia, lethal toxins, robes, sacrificial dagger, etc.
>Dang, guess you gotta be a nudist again, Tanna.

Disposable?! Come on! If I was part of an evil cult, I would not be disposable! You say some hurtful things sometimes, Winds! And I refuse to take off my clothes, I am not a nudist!

Bleh… you really think my paraphernalia might contribute to this karma? I wasn’t really getting that impression, but… “Can things change one’s ‘alignment’, Mina? My robes for instance. Let’s HYPOTHETICALLY say they were the regalia of an evil god.”

“In general, no. Any old set of clothes or robes aren’t going to make you any more evil than you might already be. That isn’t to say material items can’t be imbued with this karmic energy however. As an example, armor or weapons stained with the blood of countless innocents could become objects of great evil power. If any ol’ person were to pick an item like that up, that evil would malign onto them. I don’t think you have anything like that though, items like that are incredibly rare and tend to make their presence known.”

>Does it more readily stick to items, people, people's metaphysical parts, their brains, magical items, what?

“So items can retain this karma, but not nearly as well as people?”

“You got it, and that has to do with the soul that resides within creatures. Souls accept ‘good’ and ‘evil’ a lot more readily than physical Weave does. When an item becomes so seeped with good or evil that it would register under a detection spell, you can usually feel it. As for why items typically don’t exude this energy, objects don’t have intent. Therefore, to gain such energies, they need a person to wield them. Even then, when a person wielding an item commits evil or good, most of the energy goes to the person, and whatever residual that passes through the object doesn’t stick very well.”

>Karma doesn't stick to items, guys.
>What's the decay rate, and what causes it to vary? We don't know if separating from creepy items would be helpful.

Seems like it can, albeit rarely. I don’t think I have to worry about that aspect of the karmic system, but those are good questions. “So when a person does good or bad, is it permanent or does it decay? And can it vary?”

“We’re getting into more advanced topics that have to do with the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation, but good and evil tends to ‘decay’ within most souls,” Mina says with exaggerated quotation mark fingers. “Souls seem to prefer being clean. Given enough time, a soul will naturally push the karmic energy out, leading a person back to neutrality. That’s why most people go through their lives without hitting the high spectrums of good or evil.”

Taking a quick breath, Mina will continue. “However, karmic energy works similarly to how water attracts more water. A soul heavily stained with evil will find it incredibly hard to redeem themselves, and vice versa. Evil repels good, and attracts more evil, and every selfish little action becomes far more difficult to wipe away. And as for varying?”

Reaching for her amulet, Mina will say, “Some actions, such as worship, are considered far more good or evil than others. Practicing a good or evil Theotian’s ideologies in their name is a good way to fill your soul with certain energies quickly. I’ve only been practicing for a little over a year now, but I'd be surprised if I didn’t show up as good.”

>Let her know you have major concerns about your pre-amnesia self possibly being an evil cultist poisoner sort of person. There's evidence to that effect.

That last point has suddenly got me a bit more worried. “So… I was probably… a worshiper of some evil god.”

“What did you say? I didn’t catch that.”

“A worshiper of some evil god that made poisons that probably killed people!”

“Ah… well hey, it’s fine Tanna, people have their reasons. If it means anything, you seem like a good person to me. It’s just unfortunate that the circumstances make this matter, and some actions are disproportionately more ‘evil’ than others.” Mina says consolingly. “You helped me out of a dark place and seem to have a knack for making decisions, so I’ll go with whatever you choose. What do you think?”

2/7 Tanna 2024/07/13(Sat)10:09 No. 1094221 ID: 94cec2
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TW: Self-Loathing and Suicidal Thoughts

>I think you're Neutral. Yes, your gear implies your occupation was dark, but your personality doesn't match. Also, remember your actions before the amnesia-- you were friendly, then stole the box and didn't try to fight or use your poisons. You certainly could have poisoned the party in secret if you had wanted to, that would have enabled you to steal the box without being followed. Yet you didn't, so the evil karma you got was limited.
>A strong point against past you being evil is how you went out of your way to keep your enemies alive. You went armed with deadly poisons but only used non-lethal methods. That by itself strongly suggest you were not evil. You went prepared to kill them if necessary but apparently miscalculated that it wouldn't be, so you took extra risks (presumably for the sake of morality) that lead you to failure.

I think so too! Why wouldn’t I have just killed them and gotten the box that way. I must’ve had some moral objections because I’m not actually bad!

>Well, you were under a magical compulsion to slit a guy's throat, and it would have been completely reasonable to kill and eat him, even if you weren't, then you just sorta decided not to, because you didn't wanna. You don't have a violent streak, remember? Good and evil can be measured by your propensity for performing acts that others consider good or evil.

And killing Jacob would have been completely fair! He had hurt me and implied worse. Whatever influence the box had on me too was definitely egging me on, but I managed to stop myself with you all’s help.

>You made friends with a butterfly worshipper, and you really care about that friendship. Evil people don't do that. Your charm was cast to save Evel'yee, not to exploit her in any malicious way. You might be a follower of an evil god, or an evil organization, but there is no way in heck your weave is evil. You are terrible at being evil.
>When stripped down to your core you were faced with a choice. A person who tortured you, preparing to do worse was infront of you and impeding your escape.They were without remorse. Many voices spoke in favor of his death. I was one of them. You felt the urge to, but chose differently. And you were right.

I saved Mina too. I don’t think I did that for purely altruistic means, but I could’ve just let her die. And despite being a filthy Cassildanite, I’d rather she not get hurt. I dunno if I can say I didn’t cast the charm to not exploit Evel’yee, Mina and I are lying to her about are intentions for the box, but that’s as far I want to abuse this falsified trust she’s giving me.

>Guys, she's saying evilness is sticky. It doesn't go away immediately. There is a delay! If the previous self was really evil, for purposes of magical interactions, the current person may interact with the Weave as an evil person, REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY NOW THINK, FEEL OR ACT. For at least a little while as the reset eventually propagates! This is a dramatically relevant and appropriate concern!

Ah… ugh, that’s still true. I wish I could remember… I even admitted to myself earlier that I was probably a bad person, and that I wasn’t going to care anymore. But I can’t do that, not when it matters like this. Even if I’m being good now, whatever evils I may have committed don’t just disappear, at least in the way Mina’s explaining it.

>Well, there's this dumb theory floating around the multiverse called 'The Shwartz'. Some kind of cosmic energy entangling all things. But really, I think Sif Lord Kree explained it best; social networking turned into a psychic monster-god.
I hate it when my Shwartz gets twisted with other magic systems.
I don’t… who the heck is Sif Lord Kree. What?

>You help others, they think good thoughts about you in turn. You hurt others, they start to hate your guts. Them having feelings - empathy, or hatred - for beings that could be miles, lightyears, or even entire alternate dimensions apart, builds up a psychic network of interests and fears that weaves into itself. Enough power, and it can rewrite reality.
Depends on the world really. It seems like the owner’s made it very personal here.
I… uh… hmm. There’s something about all that… it feels familiar.

>In short, ya done made a lot of people hate you for some reason. But maybe they don't know the full story, or what drove you to perform such acts. Maybe you just need to build up a legacy of good with a foundation of 'misunderstood baddyness'.
She really has. Few know the whole story, least of all the actors. I was even made not to know everything. But I do know that no amount of goodwill will clear her soul.
And that too… I… I remember that. I did make a lot of people hate me… Those of the Eye. They did… something to me. Something terrible, I don’t really remember what exactly… but it made me hate them back. Why? What did I do to earn their hate?

>The fact that you've been cosmically chosen despite your bad karma shows your story probably isn't cut-and-dry.
She’ll likely never be forgiven. It’s very petty.
It feels more like cosmically marked… something I’ll never escape from. It hurts… to even think about.

>If this karmic toxic waste clings to tanna then we deal with it and adapt. I know thats not who she is. It may not be who she was either. Participation certainly causes it, but even proximity to negatively karmic actions may have a corruptive property. I still hew to the idea that what she was is significantly less important than what she now is, but magical stank of evil doesnt care about philosophy so…
>Might be best to hold off on casting protect from evil for now.

...

>Just cause were advising holding off on the protection spell now doesnt mean we think you're a bad person slinky, only you may have got a bit of karmic shmutz on you from forgotten events.

“Tanna? Hello?”

...

3/7 Tanna 2024/07/13(Sat)10:09 No. 1094222 ID: c40947
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>Why yes, I concur that BWOOH BWOBWOOH BWO BWOBWOBWOOH (trombone noises)

AHH!!! HOW ARE YOU DOING THAT?!

“Tanna?!” Mina exclaims, surprised by my sudden reaction.

“...What’s going on?! Why do you keep doing… what… are you crying?” Mina says. She isn’t wrong, the fur around my eyes is dampened.

“Y-yeah… I mean no. Sorry.” I stammer out unconvincingly. Wiping my eyes and shaking my head I say, “W-what’s your recommendation?”

I already know the answer, why am I even bothering. “Er, well… if you think you were worshiping an evil deity, then I’d really recommend not. Things are precarious right now, and… I really don’t want to risk breaking the charm on Evel’yee. Not yet. Gosh… I don’t know how we’re going to deal with her.”

>It's still a risk to use the spell on Evel’yee.

Whatever. Shove the feelings down, breath, eye contact, keep calm, and deal with it later. “Makes sense then. We should save your spells, it isn’t worth the risk to use them on her right now.”

>seduce Evel’yee? Uhm, that seems like kindof an awful thing to do while she's under your influence. I know the charm is a weak influence but still.
>We need to know what we are dealing with and maybe work on some kind of emotional connection that isn't a temporary compulsion
>Building an emotional bond of a non romantic sort is a good idea.
>Also ask is she think it's weird that you are enjoying Evel'yee friendliness, even though she is charmed.

“Speaking of dealing with Evel’yee, what’s her deal? Even though she knows she’s charmed, she isn’t really questioning our ‘friendship’. And beyond even that, she seems… abnormally nice? Like throwing herself in harm’s way nice. I want to try and build a rapport with her so when the spell ends she doesn’t get as mad. Is that weird?”

“It’s not weird to want to make friends, though maybe trying to do so while she’s like this is… morally questionable. Given the circumstances though… ah, I’m about to share something that I don’t have the right to, so please please please don’t abuse this.” Mina says with trepidation. Looking a bit guilty, she continues, “Evel’yee has really bad trust issues. Even before coming here, she was a very difficult person to anyone she didn’t consider a friend. Rude, cold, distant.”

Mina lets that hang before moving forward. “We picked her up from some… unfortunate circumstance, and for the few months she’s been with us, we’ve tried our best to make her feel welcome. It took a long time, but she eventually opened up to Roderick and I. Once you get to know her, she really is a sweet and beautiful person that values her friendships like treasure. Perhaps even recklessly so.”

“So basically, my charm’s temporarily skipped those months of effort, huh.”

Mina puffs out her cheeks and nods before letting the air out. “She’s gone through some terrible stuff… everything that’s happened here is just another bullet on that list. I was thinking we could knock her out and cause her as little pain as possible, but we got her to turn on Vax. If we leave her here with them, they won’t take too kindly to that.”

Ugh, I don’t regret saving Mina or charming Evel’yee, but I wish it didn’t come with all this annoying baggage. “Alright. She cares about the box, so as long as we keep up the façade that we want to open it, hopefully she’ll continue to play along even after the charm ends. For now, I’m going to genuinely try to be her friend. It helps that she considers you her friend without the charm, and she seemed genuinely sad about how she treated you. We can make this work.”

Mina lips will form a soft smile as she says, “Thanks Tanna, I appreciate everything you’re doing.”

>While you are alone with Mina explain that you don't want Evel'yee to know things she can use against you if she turns, so you would like Mina to forgive your vagueness and go with the flow. You will explain everything once you got the opportunity.

You’re right, Winds. I’ve probably done some odd things from her perspective. “No problem. Hey, really quickly? I know I’ve had some strange moments, but I’ve got to ask for your trust. It’s partly because of the amnesia messing with me, but there’s also been some other things that I’ve kept hidden because I don’t want Evel’yee to use them on us, just in case she turns. I promise to explain once we get a good opportunity to do so.”

“I guess that’s fair. But did you really not know anything about what happened back there with Vax? I felt like I would’ve sensed something that powerful on you earlier.”

She’s making it pretty obvious she’s testing me here. “It… wasn’t the scroll, alright? But a proper explanation would take way too long. For now, can you just drop it?”

“Okay, fine, fine.” After an awkward pause, she’ll clap her hands together and say, “Well, I guess we should head back and see what horrors Evel’yee’s inflicted on Vax and Jacob?”

Hah, I snicker a bit and nod. The two of us begin to head back into the jail room to do just that.

4/7 Tanna 2024/07/13(Sat)10:10 No. 1094223 ID: 12779a
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However, as we enter the hallway, something happens that makes me pause. That weird smell from earlier… >>1086617 “Wait.”

Mina stops in her place, suddenly alert. She doesn’t say anything.

>SNEAKING CHECK AGAINST TANNA: 14(6[Roll] + 4[Dexterity] + 2[Size] + 2[Effective]) > 14(10[Roll] + 3[Mentality] + 1[Scent]) = FAILURE
>SNEAKING CHECK AGAINST MINA: 14(6[Roll] + 4[Dexterity] + 2[Size] + 2[Effective]) > 9(6[Roll] + 3[Mentality]) = SUCCESS

Following the smell, I barely spot a strangely patterned rat scurrying away into the cave-in besides the torturer’s room door. I let out of a sigh of relief. “Just a rat. Sorry for the scare.”

“Oh, you saw it? That creepy thing’s been skulking around here for a while now. Knowing there was a spider the whole time, I’m surprised it never got eaten.”

It’s been here for a while? “Are you sure it isn’t some weird magic rat or monster? It had a really strange coat.”

Mina gives a shrug. “It could be… but even if it was, it hasn’t done anything besides run away whenever we see it. I’d love to check, but the dang thing’s so sneaky. It’s definitely given me a few scares.”

Weird. Why is this place so weird? I hate it here.

5/7 Tanna 2024/07/13(Sat)10:10 No. 1094224 ID: 2926d6
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Ah well, not much to be done about the strange rat. Opening the door to the jail room I see an organized placement of gear on the floor, and a dressed down Vax with Jacob sitting on his lap. Both of them are in their skivvies and provocatively posed in a moment of passion with each other.

Mina doubles over, tears in her eyes from laughing. “Goodness, ahaha! I have to say Vax, you look good! You’ll have to share Jacob though!”

Going completely unsaid, I can feel intense embarrassment and anger radiating from Vax. We’re definitely poking a bear. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Mina begins to cast a spell, I think it’s Prestidigitation?

Giving Vax a few thumps on the back, Evel’yee says, “Doesn’t he? Who knew this dumbass could feel such passion. Maybe we should wake Jacob up, see what he thinks.”

“As much fun as that sounds, it’s probably best for him to stay asleep for now.” Evel’yee pouts at me, but I’m still wondering… “Say, Mina, why’d you cast Prestidigitate just now?”

“Oh, it’s just a small magic trick. I’m copying the Weave arrangement. If we stop by a town, I might be able to find someone to transcribe it onto some parchment. I’d like to have something physical to remember this by.” Oh wow, you can do that? I’m going to have to remember that for myself.

As Evel’yee smooshes their faces together, I realize that I’m going to have to be the voice of responsibility. “Alright alright, that’s enough teasing. There’s a few things we need to do. Did Vax have anything useful, Evel’yee?”

“Ain’t sure… but probably! Have a look!”Evel’yee says as she begins to list out his gear.

Longsword - A well made sharp piece of steel attached to a hit, it’s a deadly weapon that can be held with two-hands to increase deadliness.
Coin Pouch - Formerly Vax’s money, but seeing how he is, he won’t be needing them anymore. In total there’s 9 gold and 12 silver pieces. Easy split. (Taking 3 gold and 4 silver.)
Flame Resin - A sticky resin that ignites extremely easily and burns for some time. Some have taken to slathering it upon their blades, and it’s actually quite effective. (Taking)
Vax’s Diary - I get that he’s a backstabber and he tried to kill us, but there are boundaries. (Taking)
Breastplate - A set of metal armor that is both protective and somewhat agile. It’s fairly heavy though, and takes some training to use properly.
Spiked Steel Shield - A circular steel shield that takes training to use properly. Has a spike in the center you can ram people with.
Potion of CLW - You know em’, you love em’. (Taking)
Pouch of Chalk - If we’re having trouble climbing the ropes out of here or you need to create an eye irritant.
Chakram x2 - Sharp circular disks that you can throw to inflict some serious damage. (Taking)
Rope, 50ft. - A long and pretty heavy coil of rope. (Taking)
Backpack - Where Vax kept all of his stuff. It can hold a lot. (Taking)

There is some neat stuff in here. The backpack will help with carrying some of it. I’m definitely taking those chakrams, and the rope could prove useful too. I also take his diary under the judging gaze of Mina and Evel’yee. It goes unsaid, it isn’t exactly a great thing to do, but they won’t stop me.

Well, with all of that out of the way, I look towards my new ally. “Good stuff, thanks for doing that Evel’yee. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to have a conversation with you.”

“I’ll move Vax into a better position and refresh his bandages in the meantime, shouldn’t leave him like this. You can get hurt if you stay in an uncomfortable position for too long!”

6/7 Tanna 2024/07/13(Sat)10:10 No. 1094225 ID: c469cb
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Letting her know that’s good with some head movement, I pull Evel’yee into the hallway. “So, what’s up? What happened to Mina casting a spell on me?”

>What we want to understand is her motivations and the way she deal with problems. Those questions should be presented sparsely in the middle of a pleasant conversation, not an interview. Wanting to know her better should be a sufficient explanation for the the conversation. You know how to butter someone up, don't you? Pay attention to what she say, show interest in the things she seem to enjoy and make follow up questions to keep her talking. If those attitudes don't come genuinely to you or you don't care pretend you do. Also given sparsely in the middle of the conversation should be the compliments

Time for my second post-amnesiac conversation with another person. I’ll do my best, Winds! “Ah, figured it wasn’t necessary. We might need her spells. As for why I brought you to the side, just want to talk. Get to know you a little better.”

Leaning against the wall, she’ll say, “Well, okay. Guess I should introduce myself, name’s Evel’yee.”

“Tanna, nice to formally know your name. How do you feel about… being charmed?”

“Eh! I thought about it a bit, but it doesn’t mean much. Might even prefer it? Past few days have sucked, and this is the first time I’ve felt happy in a while.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard things weren’t great from Mina. Y’know, my short time here has been pretty awful too, but I’m glad to have met you two.”

“Likewise, glad to meet you too! You helped me realize how stupid I was being. If I had known Mina was looking to open the box too… I’ve been such a piece of shit. I don’t know what I was thinking…”

“What were you thinking?”

She hugs herself and looks towards the floor as she says, “A lotta bad things. Dumb shit like, ‘she’s just pretending to care’, ‘I’m going to get betrayed again’, and ‘every mistake she made was on purpose’. Stupid blinding thoughts that were hiding everyone else's knives on my neck.”

“Hey, we’ll get the box and get out of here, alright?” Evel’yee nods without looking towards me. Why is she so down? Well, this worked before so… I’ll try again? Moving up to her, I start to lean down to hug her and… she suddenly jerks away defensively!

“H-hey, back off! The fuck are you doing?!”

“Oh sorry! I thought that… well, it just seemed like you were feeling down.”

There’s a wild look in her eye and her fur bristles. I start to worry that I might have broken the charm, but she must’ve realized my intentions as she starts to calm down. As if she’s shaking something bad off, she apologetically says, “Agh… it’s no problem. Shouldn’t have gotten so aggressive. All the same, I’d rather not.”

“Of course, I made a mistake. Won’t happen again.” What did I do wrong there Winds? Attempting to move past that, I say, “So Evel’yee, when the charm ends, what are you going to think?”

“I dunno Tanna? Am I going to think something different?”

I don’t think trying to keep a lie up like this is going to work out in the long run, so I’m going to try a different angle. “It’s possible. I want you to know beforehand that I want to get the box from Roderick and escape this place, but also that I truly and genuinely want to be your friend. Can you please remember that when the charm does end?”

A flash of suspicion dances across her eyes as she looks at me for what feels like for way too long, but it breaks away as she gives me a smile and nods. “I can do that. I promise that if my perception does change, I’ll hear you out. Thanks for being honest with me.”

Can only hope she follows through on that promise. “So, getting the box. Anything you know that might help us do that? Got a plan or preference on how?”

Putting a hand on her chin, she says, “Well… he’s been pretty shifty lately, probably because he was planning on cutting Mina and I out. He’s convinced there’s something in that gods damned ritual room, even though we’ve combed the place thoroughly. Personally, I don’t think anything’s in there, and that he’s biding his time for something.”

“As for a plan? I’d prefer to just stroll up and beat his shit in, though we’d have to be careful about how we did it. If you thought Vax’s little slice from before hurt, Roderick’s will destroy you.”

“He wields a big ol’ sword and has some armor on, right? Nothing else special?”

“He’s experienced and knows how to use that sword of his, don’t underestimate him. But yes, besides that, he plays it pretty straight. He’s no caster like you or Mina. Speaking of spells, what are you capable of casting?”

“Charm Creature, Invisibility, Silent Image, and Grease.”

“Oh you can grease things? Roderick’s good, but he’s old. His reflexes aren’t that good, so that’d probably be pretty effective against him. Might even be able to cast it on his sword? Hell, if you really wanted to, could grease the floor under him, and I could light it with one of my arrows. I also got the Eclipse poison you brought.”

“Mina doesn’t want to kill him, so we’re not going to light him on fire or poison him, but using Grease on his sword is a good idea! Also, about those poisons… can I have them back?”

“Only if you tell me where you got em!”

“Haha! I can’t! Because I don’t know!”

Giving me a skeptical look, Evel’yee asks, “How do you not know?”

“This is going to sound stupid, but please believe me, it’s the truth. I don’t remember where I got them.”

“You weren’t kidding, that does sound pretty stupid. Damn. I was hoping to get a supply of this sick ass death poison. This sort of shit goes for premiums on some markets. Ah well,” She says with a shrug. Tossing the poisons my way, I stuff them into my bag. “You’ll tell me if you do remember, right?”

Absolutely not. “Yeah, for sure. Well, thanks for the talk Evel’yee. Let’s meet back up with Mina and figure out what we’re going to do.”

Vial of Wevekil - A Weavetoxin that is very crippling. While a dose this size isn’t lethal, it can make a person very nauseous. Its main use is crippling spellcasters, making it extremely difficult to cast spells for a time. Can be introduced via ingestion or injury.

Vial of Eclipse - A very lethal magical poison that visualizes a person’s most primal fear and attempts to kill them of fright. The target either survives the scare or dies immediately. Must be introduced via injury.

7/7 Tanna 2024/07/13(Sat)10:10 No. 1094226 ID: c469cb
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>Inspect yourself, your allies and the prisoners with the magical detection specifically so we can look for anything that you can't see yourself. We shall compare observations.

Right, before I forget. “You all mind if I take a sweep with Detect Magic?

“Go for it!”

I go through and get a good look at everyone, making sure to look behind them as well. I’ll organize a list for you all based on what I see.

Me: Gray eyes, nothing behind me, completely normal looking.
Mina: Light Blue eyes, nothing behind her, completely normal looking.
Evel’yee: Dark Green eyes, nothing behind her, has a charm on her (from me).
Vax: Green eyes, nothing behind him, completely normal looking.
Jacob: Dark Blue eyes, nothing behind him, completely normal looking.

>Im only mentioning it openly as by now shes probably trying to ignore us what with the other stuff happening, general mental noise from us winds and nudity discussions.

It’s actually really hard for me to ignore stuff. I can kind of ‘hear’ everything you all say. As I’m doing things, sometimes certain messages get louder. Those trombones really surprised me earlier, I didn’t know you could actually make sounds like that. Scared the shit out of me, but I was having some thoughts that were making me feel terrible, so thanks for breaking me out of that.

As an example of something quiet though, I do hear the discussion about things that might potentially silence the Winds. It sort of felt as though it was a conversation amongst you all, so I didn’t really respond. Sorry if I don’t get to everything.

>>1093243

O-oh. I didn’t… do some of you think of me like that? I really thought the arguments were utilitarian as one of you said, but if not and you’re actually lusting over me, why? Not trying to be mean or dismissive or anything like that, but aren’t you all humans? I appreciate you all finding me attractive, but I personally don’t find humans so, and I think most beastfolk would think similarly. I had figured the feeling would be mutual for you all as well.

Ah! And also, yes, once things are safe, I really am looking forward to those long conversations!

>Where we came from is less important than what we do now were here. And we're here to get her to safety.

And I want you to know that I will never stop saying thank you for this. If I might impose once more… what do you think about everything, Winds? Should I read Vax’s diary and tarnish my soul forever? And what about my current plan to deal with Roderick? The idea is to go in there and beat him up with Mina and Evel’yee after greasing his sword. It’s dumb, but we can probably get away with brute forcing it. Got any other ideas?

Regarding humans finding you attractive... Yes. Unambiguously, so. Human instincts are to, by default, appreciate 'mildly exotic healthy adult humans of the appropriate gender', but that instinct is suuuuper easy to enhance to places that -- well, let's just say that humans are randy, and have a LOT of variety in how, when, where, and why they get titillated. Is it any wonder we find you attractive, when you share the *exact same body language* as humans? Also as Winds some of us may not have had much interaction with anyone at all, depending on our circumstances.

AND outside of the sex stuff, your personality is very attractive as well, your demeanor is very kind, and your story of choosing to be a good person from a probably evil start is very compelling as well, and I personally felt really bad when we made you cry!

Also, I'm sure others will describe some of the magic compulsion stuff, but as many of you all have huuuge compulsions to open the box, you should maybe generally broach the subject of how to safely open the box with appropriate precautions? And what those precautions might look like? You know, do some divinations, different sorts of careful inspections, opening it from a distance with some sort of apparatus, not open it in a place of power of something horrible, have some magical fields set up to contain whatever bad things might be in there, do it at a place where you can react appropriately to whatever might happen, etc. etc. etc.

First of, the detection:
Your command seem to be the same as before and Mina doesn't have any command. Evel’yee, Jacob and Vax have the same command we saw on Jacob earlier. Evel’yee also have a small white command that I presume it's the same you mentioned: "trust" and "friend". Vax have an enormous white command: "BE STILL".
The eyes seem to be like you described except when distorted by the application of the multicolored effect of detection. Your eyes are still not yellow.
The rat (not Evel’yee) had red eyes. If you can, try detection on it sometime.

Since our influence is white it's safe to say the yellow command on you is not our fault.

>she eventually opened up to Roderick and I.
But not Vax or Jacob...

>what horrors Evel’yee’s inflicted on Vax and Jacob
That's way beyond what I was expecting...

>You’ll have to share Jacob though!
What does she mean? Is Mina in a relationship with Jacob? Is she implying an open relation?

Personally I prefer a Longsword, but if you feel more comfortable with the Scimitar it makes no difference.
I'm surprise the shield need training. Sure you would be better if you knew the proper way to use it, but it seem to me it should still be very effective if you just hold it between you and the danger.

We should take a quick look at the diary, specially the latest entries. Vax had a better relation with Roderick than Evel’yee recently so he may know more about the current plan than her.
Maybe offer the girls if they want to read with you, but since they are his friend it could be a potentially awkward experience. Better to read alone, but if you feel too guilty read next to Vax explaining your rational to show some amount of respect.

I would prefer to use grease on the floor than the sword. Roderick may have a backup weapon or be a dangerous puncher, but falling will waste his time regardless. The only problem will be for you, the current melee combatant of the trio.

>Got any other ideas?
Not much... our options are very limited.
The most effective way would be a charm spell, but the relation with Mina and Evel’yee make this more complicated to pull off if successful. You would need to go alone and later bring the two, even so some persuasion would be necessary.
We could prepare a trap in a corridor using the grease in a corridor and waiting as bait. This could be safer with a sanctuary spell.
Ask Mina and Evel’yee what they have to disable him. Even if we can face him in combat we better have something beside hoping he doesn't die if we beat him unconscious. From what I've seen so far the best option seem to be hideous laughter or cause fear followed immediately with a coordinated binding using the rope.

>I can kind of ‘hear’ everything you all say.
No you can't. We talk to each other much more than what you hear.

>I do hear the discussion about things that might potentially silence the Winds. It sort of felt as though it was a conversation amongst you all, so I didn’t really respond
Please share your opinion on the topic. Would you like to get rid of us?

>I am not a nudist!
Yes you are, and so is Evel’yee. You are the pantless duo.

>aren’t you all humans?
Don't make such assumption.
Why would you presume we can speak for each other in the first place?

>I think most beastfolk would think similarly.
I have my doubts about that claim.

>I appreciate you all finding me attractive
Not that I want to diminish your ego, pretty girl, but you are assuming too much with the word "all". You don't know if everyone agree with Spirit Candy.

>I really am looking forward to those long conversations!
Sure, we can have our weird disembodied date. We can talk a lot more about biology trivia, since it seem to be a common interest. I hope yours isn't limited to spiders.

>>1094232
Worth noting: the white command that says "trust" and "friend" on Evel’yee is pretty blurry, maybe vanishing. I think the charm is wearing off soonish. Worrysome cause she still has the command open the box on her.

Also, the three that has the command "Open the Box" is written multiple times on them, like a lot. The command placed on you only says "GET THE BOX" not multiple times, but they are pretty big letters. (Not as big as the BE STILL command that we placed on Vax.) All of them, including the command on you all have the same symbol you saw. The BE STILL command has a different symbol and is white and gray instead of yellow like the others

and yeah, that rat had red eyes. Though I do know that some rats naturally have red eyes. Still, with all this eldritch stuff going on, it's best to be better safe than sorry

That gives me a thought, if BE STILL and the friend command was able to override those box commands, what if we can find a way to charm yourself so that those commands don't force you to open the box if it comes to it?

But yeah, whatever is compelling you to get the box is confirmed evil. Mina might be the best bet to get rid of the box so you don't get compelled to open it, unless the box influences her if she touches it. Though her friends didn't seem to want her to touch it for some reason, so she's probably our best bet.

>>1094225
Daww.
She IS cute.

Though, maybe has personal space issues given how she reacted to that attempted hugging.
Stick to encouraging friendliness in smile and thumbs up form for now.
She seems like a good friend to have-
>>1094224
Uh. Well. Dont get drunk with her unless you want to wake up with lewd shapes shaved into your fur.
But she seems fun.

>>1094226
Hm.
The compulsin on you shares a shape with that on the others who are box foxused, but its subdued in your case.
Less omnipresent.
Im still thinking whatever hit you with amnesia blunted the effect of the compulsion on you.
Theres less for the compulsion to latch on to, perhaps.
Bah, im getting lost in the theory again.
.
Normally I wouldnt say read a journal, but this time...
Read it surrepticiously from the most recent entry backwards.
You arent fishing for saucy gossip or embarrassing revelations.
Youre looking for any clues regarding events prior to their arrival here. See if theres any mention of someone like your good self in there. Also see if he wrote down anything after the compulsion hit. I doubt it but, worth checking.
Make it clear to the others if they notice you reading, its to see if theres anything you can use againt the last.

As to him,
Greasy sword or floor beneath his feet. Hes a veteran and a wiley sounding one by evelees words.

>>1094221
>They did… something to me
I can see more words behind you, there is a sort of curse on you. Something that's making you feel like nothing you do matters and you are doomed to die. Maybe an implied time loop? Maybe it's forced you to experience all timelines or something like that... oh. That sounds awful. Put into a false time loop where your Fate is also cursed into irrelevance, so you can't use knowledge gained between loops to make an impact on events? That's like getting trapped in Limbo. Well, it seems like Whisper decided you've suffered enough. We're an outside influence which means we have our own Fate, which means WE are relevant and are dragging you along with us because we share the same body.
Hmm, some of these words relate to the box. "Box is the answer"? "Box will kill him"? Could just be lingering compulsions, but I wonder if some of these words relate to your memories of earlier lives. Is "him" referring to Roderick?

>>1094223
A strange rat? That's probably someone's Familiar, or maybe even someone who's polymorphed. We could try to set a trap for it, I guess, but I think in either case they'd be too smart to fall for it.

>>1094225
>What did I do wrong there Winds?
She looked like she was feeling down because she was thinking about her trauma. Approaching someone in that state without warning is a bad idea. Next time, ask. Though, there might not be a next time, unless we have to loop.

>>1094226
Everyone has their own sexual tastes, and in humans those tastes can include nonhuman races-- even nonhumanoid ones.

>>1094226
Its a good thing you dont respond to everything.
The amount we talk you spend you whole life tuned out, blank eyed and drooling while trying to keep up.

Our numbers and diversity of thought is our strength.
Many minds coming up with a variety of solutions.
Many eyes watching your back.
...
..
Admittedly, some are staring at your arse, but i assure you slinky, even the horny ones are helping.

Oh, and yeah if you can grease Roderick's sword then... wait, shouldn't he have a backup weapon? Greasing the floor is a more standard technique and would be much better if he's got a dagger or something.

>>1094222

Sorry, I was going to go on a lengthy diatribe, but I inadvertently started channeling the power of Peanuts.

>>1094226

Great... so there's a second kind of magic only we can see. Be sure to let us know any time you're detecting magic. Interestingly, the geas on you to get the box is the same as the geas on the other two, except for them it's to open the box. So whatever you're feeling about the box, that's kind of how they feel right now. You should tell Mina that, so she knows it really is some sort of hidden spell, not anything she did to make her friends hate her.

I really hope your geas doesn't require you to touch the box. You might have been set up, so that once you get the box, the second geas will hit you and you'll have to open it. More likely you're protected, so that... whoever sent you could get you to fetch the box without opening it. But try to be safe and wrap it in cloth, or something, instead of touching it.

Oh I'm so sorry for calling you disposable. I meant that I feared the ones who sent you thought you were disposable, not that you actualy were.

> what about my current plan to deal with Roderick?

If you grease his sword, be sure to grease the hilt. If you grease the blade, he'll just set it on fire and now you're fighting Roderick with a flaming sword.

don't metaphorically grease his sword that is literal not a metaphor

> Should I read Vax’s diary

The more dignity you give Vax, the better. He's having a hard enough time, though thankfully his geas was uh... replaced, so he's not itching to open the box anymore. Leave his diary alone.

> if not and you’re actually lusting over me, why?

I'm surprised you didn't know, it's like the main characteristic of human beings. We'll get horny at anything! Creatures like us are basically constantly in estrus. In life, I was a bit past my prime though, and even humans aren't as lustful beyond the age that they have children, so my motivation wasn't lust per se.

I just think you're a beautiful creature, and it's a shame you have to cover yourself with a robe. I hope you can feel better about it, because in my opinion, the more you can show off that gorgeous fur, the better. I bet the hobs were head over heels for you before the whole amnesia thing. By all means wear clothing to protect yourself and look your best, but I'll tell you right now that you'll never have a bigger smile on your face, when you know people who love your whole body, and don't make you hide it away.

>>1094221
Ugh, there's a higher spirit debasing themselves by bullying your subconscious. HEY ASSHOLE, CUT IT OUT! She's got enough on her plate!

>>1094223
That's totally a magical spy, catch it!

>>1094226
We have an unhealthy obsession with disproportionately large sexual organs, but you don't have those.
But maybe it's your disproportionately large anime-style eyes. Those two traits are usually linked together for artistic purposes, you see.
So at the end of the day, you have one major magical compulsion, to obtain the box, but none of it involves opening the box. Meanwhile, everyone else is obsessed with opening the box by magnitudes more, but there is no compulsion to actually get the box.
Hm. I think there's a solution here. Can you create a long-term mental curse that deludes the target into believing they are holding the box? That way, their compulsion will make them open the box, but it won't push them to look for anything else, like the actual box.

>>1094255

Oh, by the way, 'anime-style' is an art style, one of may, that has overly large eyes on the face, useful for showing expressions on certain styles of rapidly drawn visual art. Now, since it is probably highly unlikely that your eyes are any shape OTHER than spheres that actually fit in your skull AND which also leave room for your brain and nasal cavity and such, I figure this is merely one of the many ways our perception of you and those around you is distorted; not to be *wrong* but rather to emphasize certain realities to our perception.

Though you probably DO have eyes that we would perceive as adorable regardless; undistorted non-sapient mustelids do, after all. And I would contradict the previous Wind; while it is true that art that is distorted in one way is often distorted in others, one does not imply or cause the other! Art is made for a specific context and a specific audience, and those factors matter MUCH more than a bit of correlation to one style or another.

My guess? The entity that brought us here wanted us to be able to read emotions on faces that might look a bit odd to some of us, like those of us NOT familiar with all of your all's species.

>>1094257
I don't think the art style of the artist is plot relevant to the quest. Her eyes aren't that much larger than a feral ferret's anyway.

>>1094281

Well it was mentioned so I responded. It could be a thing that exists in setting, or it could be a thing that doesn't. Who can say? The author is free to ignore both if it doesn't make sense or fit their worldbuilding, as always!

1/5 Tanna 2024/08/02(Fri)18:04 No. 1095230 ID: 44fb38
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>Ugh, there's a higher spirit debasing themselves by bullying your subconscious. HEY ASSHOLE, CUT IT OUT! She's got enough on her plate!
Eep! I’m not bullying her, those are her own thoughts! How did you even notice me?!
What are you talking about, Winds? Was someone else responsible… no I… I don’t know why I felt that way exactly, but those feelings belong to me. I’m sure of it. Even thinking about that hate and being cosmically marked… feels like reopening a very old and deep wound.

...

>I can see more words behind you, there is a sort of curse on you. Something that's making you feel like nothing you do matters and you are doomed to die. Maybe an implied time loop? Maybe it's forced you to experience all timelines or something like that... oh. That sounds awful. Put into a false time loop where your Fate is also cursed into irrelevance, so you can't use knowledge gained between loops to make an impact on events? That's like getting trapped in Limbo.

Fate… it was… something about Fate. I can’t… I can’t escape it, my Fate. That’s why… I think that’s why I hate the Eye, the Stars, and the Butterfly more than the rest of the pantheon. They’re the three Fate weavers. They were helping to keep me trapped.

>We're an outside influence which means we have our own Fate, which means WE are relevant and are dragging you along with us because we share the same body.
Wow, nice! Ah! Sorry, I shouldn't speak anymore.
I think… when I was dying earlier Winds, I was so scared. Not of death itself, well… dying is scary obviously, but I was way more scared about losing you all. That even your simple guidance… it’s causing huge waves of change, and things would go back to being the same, whatever that means.

>Hmm, some of these words relate to the box. "Box is the answer"? "Box will kill him"? Could just be lingering compulsions, but I wonder if some of these words relate to your memories of earlier lives. Is "him" referring to Roderick?

I don’t know. I can’t trust myself when it comes to my feelings towards the box… but these vague thoughts of mine, it’s just further validation that I was never leaving this place without it. And as for Roderick? Well, I’ll have to go and find out.

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Alrighty, enough of all that. Onto less existential problems such as journals, grease, and being horny.

>You’ll have to share Jacob though!
>What does she mean? Is Mina in a relationship with Jacob? Is she implying an open relation?

I found that line a bit odd too. Mina said they were just friends earlier, but maybe she just didn’t want to bring up her relationship with Jacob? I’ll find a time to ask her later.

>maybe has personal space issues given how she reacted to that attempted hugging.
>She looked like she was feeling down because she was thinking about her trauma. Approaching someone in that state without warning is a bad idea. Next time, ask.

Mina did say she had some troubles, I didn’t really consider them in that way though. I don’t think I’m very practiced when it comes to relating to others. I’ll try to do better in the future though.

>A strange rat? That's probably someone's Familiar, or maybe even someone who's polymorphed. We could try to set a trap for it, I guess, but I think in either case they'd be too smart to fall for it.
>That's totally a magical spy, catch it!

Right? That rat was really weird, I can’t imagine it being a normal rat. But if it’s actually some sort of magical creature or a spy, what’s it doing here, and why for so long? I barely caught a glimpse of it earlier, I don’t think catching it is in the cards anytime soon.

>The rat (not Evel’yee) had red eyes. If you can, try detection on it sometime.
>and yeah, that rat had red eyes. Though I do know that some rats naturally have red eyes. Still, with all this eldritch stuff going on, it's best to be better safe than sorry

Rude! Evel’yee’s a Weski, not a rat. It had red eyes though? I… didn’t catch a good enough look, but I’m pretty sure its eyes weren’t red. I believe I would’ve noticed that. I’ll try view it with Detect Magic if I get a chance.

>Regarding humans finding you attractive... Yes. Unambiguously, so. Human instincts are to, by default, appreciate 'mildly exotic healthy adult humans of the appropriate gender', but that instinct is suuuuper easy to enhance to places that -- well, let's just say that humans are randy, and have a LOT of variety in how, when, where, and why they get titillated. Is it any wonder we find you attractive, when you share the *exact same body language* as humans?
>Everyone has their own sexual tastes, and in humans those tastes can include nonhuman races-- even nonhumanoid ones.
>I'm surprised you didn't know, it's like the main characteristic of human beings. We'll get horny at anything! Creatures like us are basically constantly in estrus.

I guess that’s just another thing I didn’t really understand. Hmm. To tell the truth, I feel like I haven’t really… explored that part of myself that much, even before my amnesia. I still don’t think I’m attracted to humans, though to be honest, I don’t know if I’ve ever really felt that way about anyone. Seeing Vax like that with Jacob was kind of… well.

>AND outside of the sex stuff, your personality is very attractive as well, your demeanor is very kind, and your story of choosing to be a good person from a probably evil start is very compelling as well, and I personally felt really bad when we made you cry!

You think I’m kind? I really hadn’t really thought of myself that way… I still don’t if I’m being honest, but I’m probably doing better than the person I used to be.

As for the whole episode earlier, it wasn’t your fault, it’s just the reality of the situation. I’ll overcome it though and continue trying to make a positive impact!

>We have an unhealthy obsession with disproportionately large sexual organs, but you don't have those.

Jerk! >:(

>But maybe it's your disproportionately large anime-style eyes. Those two traits are usually linked together for artistic purposes, you see.

Artistic purposes? Anime? What’re you talking about? I like to think my eyes are appropriately sized.

>>1094257
Art isn’t my forté, so I hope you all appreciate it!
Wait… I haven’t really thought about how you all perceive the world, I kind of assumed you all just saw through my eyes in real time, or an area around me. A-are you all saying I’m being drawn?

I guess I’m glad I’m being drawn adorably? Gods, that’s weird to think about. Certainly raises some questions… such as who would be doing that? Maybe it’s that Solo individual you mentioned earlier?

>aren’t you all humans?
>Don't make such assumption. Why would you presume we can speak for each other in the first place?

W-wait, what? No one said anything earlier… are not all of you humans? I, well shoot, I’m sorry. Guess assuming makes an ass out of you and me.

I really do find myself forgetting you all aren’t a single entity. The only thing I can use to differentiate you all are your mannerisms, and even then it’s still pretty hard. So, if you’re not a human, then what are you?

>I just think you're a beautiful creature, and it's a shame you have to cover yourself with a robe. I hope you can feel better about it, because in my opinion, the more you can show off that gorgeous fur, the better. I bet the hobs were head over heels for you before the whole amnesia thing. By all means wear clothing to protect yourself and look your best, but I'll tell you right now that you'll never have a bigger smile on your face, when you know people who love your whole body, and don't make you hide it away.

I don’t really… know how to feel about that right now. I know there’s some beastfolk communities that are… a bit more in touch with their natural side, but I’m definitely not. It’s nice to be called beautiful, but I’m sort of uncomfortable with the idea of not wearing clothes.

>I am not a nudist!
>Yes you are, and so is Evel’yee. You are the pantless duo.

Pants aren’t… agh!! Fine, you know what?! As soon as I can, I'm finding a tailor and getting some pants made! I’m not giving the voices in my head any reason to call me a nudist!

>I do hear the discussion about things that might potentially silence the Winds. It sort of felt as though it was a conversation amongst you all, so I didn’t really respond
>Please share your opinion on the topic. Would you like to get rid of us?

Absolutely not, I probably would have died without you all. But beyond that though, I said it earlier, without you all things would go back to being the same. I don’t know why I think that, or what that even means, but that thought terrifies me.

>Worth noting: the white command that says "trust" and "friend" on Evel’yee is pretty blurry, maybe vanishing. I think the charm is wearing off soonish. Worrysome cause she still has the command open the box on her.

I can feel a connection to the charm placed on Evel’yee, similar to the illusion from before. It’s still got a good amount of time left, I think around thirty to forty minutes? Still a worry, but I have some time still.

>Also, the three that has the command "Open the Box" is written multiple times on them, like a lot. The command placed on you only says "GET THE BOX" not multiple times, but they are pretty big letters. (Not as big as the BE STILL command that we placed on Vax.) All of them, including the command on you all have the same symbol you saw. The BE STILL command has a different symbol and is white and gray instead of yellow like the others

Odd… so everyone but Mina shares a similar symbol, but my command is slightly different. And Vax has a new command, one with a different symbol that says ‘BE STILL’ and is colored differently? Did… did I inflict a similar unseeable spell as the ones on Mina’s friends and myself to Vax?

>That gives me a thought, if BE STILL and the friend command was able to override those box commands, what if we can find a way to charm yourself so that those commands don't force you to open the box if it comes to it?
>The compulsin on you shares a shape with that on the others who are box foxused, but its subdued in your case.
>Hm. I think there's a solution here. Can you create a long-term mental curse that deludes the target into believing they are holding the box? That way, their compulsion will make them open the box, but it won't push them to look for anything else, like the actual box.

I’m not sure my charm is overriding Evel’yee’s compulsion to open the box. She still seems to want to do that, but she’s also my friend. Sort of begs another question, why was everyone being so nasty to each other then? I don’t see why they couldn’t open the box as friends.

As for charming myself? I’m… not sure. I’m not capable of using magic that is strong enough to delude me like that, and I’m kind of scared of using that… primordial thing on myself. Maybe a discussion for later?

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>I can kind of ‘hear’ everything you all say.
>No you can't. We talk to each other much more than what you hear.
I had a feeling. I can only transcribe what you all send me.
Oh? Well, if you say so. Is there some sort of secret club you Winds hang out in, talking about windy things like which direction you’re gonna blow each day?

>Its a good thing you dont respond to everything. The amount we talk you spend you whole life tuned out, blank eyed and drooling while trying to keep up.

Hah yeah, it is a lot. It’s still pretty weird having voices in my head besides myself, but at the same time, I feel like I’ve gotten used to it pretty quickly. Speaking of becoming a zombie though, I should get things moving again.

>Normally I wouldnt say read a journal, but this time… Read it surrepticiously from the most recent entry backwards. Youre looking for any clues regarding events prior to their arrival here. See if theres any mention of someone like your good self in there. Also see if he wrote down anything after the compulsion hit. I doubt it but, worth checking.
>The more dignity you give Vax, the better. He's having a hard enough time, though thankfully his geas was uh... replaced, so he's not itching to open the box anymore. Leave his diary alone.
>We should take a quick look at the diary, specially the latest entries. Vax had a better relation with Roderick than Evel’yee recently so he may know more about the current plan than her. Maybe offer the girls if they want to read with you, but since they are his friend it could be a potentially awkward experience.

Having sat and collected my thoughts with you all, I’ll stand up and regard Evel’yee and Mina. I don’t want to hurt Vax anymore than we have, but his latest entries could provide some valuable insight. “Hey you two, about Vax’s journal. I’m going to read it, are you interested?”

“Ah… no thanks. I’ve had my fun, but I really… shouldn’t.” Mina says sadly. It feels as if there’s something left unsaid there.

Crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes at me, Evel’yee says, “Not that I care that much, fuck him, but why do you need to read his diary? Seems unnecessary.”

“Remember how I said there’s some weird stuff going on with this place? I just want to check the latest entries and see if he’s mentioned anything like that.”

“Eh, alright. I don’t… really want to be involved in that. Mina and I’ill wait in the hallway. Don’t take too long.”

>Better to read alone, but if you feel too guilty read next to Vax explaining your rational to show some amount of respect.

As the two of them leave, I’m left with the softly snoring Jacob and the vehemently angry yet paralyzed Vax. I feel pretty shitty about this, but it has to be done. Sitting down next to Vax, whomst Mina has carefully laid on his sitting against a wall with proper support, I’ll take out his journal. “Look, I’m sorry. I promise you that I’m not going to read anything past the few latest entries, I just want to know what happened. I hope you’ll understand someday.”

I take a look into his eyes and feel nothing but terrible hatred. Sitting down against the wall next to him and opening the diary, I begin to read.

Primor 21st, 403

Hello Journal, today was a strange day. While we were successful in our mission in killing the chupacabra, the beast’s claws were strong and ripped through my wooden shield, so I find myself without one. While that is not so strange in of itself, the more peculiar discovery we happened upon was an underground facility within these coastal ruins. Indeed, t’was a temple of sorts, secreted away and belonging to the dark Theotian Omorful'henzio Khakranzee by Mina’s estimation. A cold chill I could feel in this place, we would have explored it if not for claiming our bounty for the slain monster. A problem for the future as I write to myself with the crackle of fire not so far away. Though the warmth I feel is not from the hearth, but rather Mina’s closeness. I truly am lucky to have her.

Addendum: Hello again Journal, I have woken again in the night. Something scratches my mind. We are missing something important within the temple. So much so that I am tempted to return, but it is a foolish thought. We will go back in time; Roderick too feels as if this place contains worth. Let me write that I am eager.

Vax has a certain prose to his writing, doesn’t he? I wouldn’t have guessed that he and Mina are a thing. The date is interesting too, the 21st of Primor. Flipping to the latest entry to check the date… seems like eight days have passed since they first found this place.

Primor 22st, 403

Hello Journal, today was a simple day. We are a few hours travel from Felicol, where we shall claim our bounty for the chupacabra. We passed by a trader’s carriage along the road, and he just so happened to have an excellent shield for purchase, one of tempered steel and a spike in the center. Jacob, as usual, bought a trinket from the tradesman of dubious origin. A vial of some clear liquid, I believe he called it a “universal solvent”? It supposedly is capable of dissolving many forms of adhesive. I could see Evel’yee was jealous that he happened upon it before she could snatch it up. Besides this however, naught else happened this day. The itch I once felt has rid itself of me, and I feel a lack of curiosity compared to yesterday. I asked the others how they were feeling, and Mina seemed to be the only one against returning. I understand why, I am finding I am not so keen myself anymore, but I suppose that is a decision for later.

Felicol… that place sounds familiar, getting a warm feeling towards it. I finally know what that little vial I snatched from Jacob earlier is now as well.

Primor 23rd, 403

Hello Journal, today was a fun day. We reached Felicol about mid-afternoon and claimed our bounty. I find myself many coins richer than before. After doing so, we agreed to meet back at the Habs later in the day. Mina waved me well as she went to the temple of Lunayin. Though it is not dedicated towards her main worship, I imagine they are more than willing to accept a healer’s voluntation. I am not so certain that that is an actual word, but I imagine it carries the intent across quite well. I am not certain where Evel’yee went, though I rarely ever am, and Roderick had some supposed business with the mayor. As for Jacob, I am certain when he said, “Yeah, I’ve gotta check up on the cathouse”, he most likely meant he was heading towards the brothel. To each their own. I find steel more titillating, and commissioned Thuaxl with my newfound wealth to procure a longsword of considerable quality. I look forward to its completion, dear Thuaxl said t’would be around a week from now.

Once everyone had finished with their business, we found each other in the Habs. Roderick had decided that we were returning to the temple, which is a decision I shall respect. Though Mina and I had held some objections, Jacob and Evel’yee seemed excited to do so, and thus the majority fell to them. As the evening winded down, I had intent to return to my room with Mina until I saw someone flirting with a very inebriated Jacob. A Tachidoki of some sort, she had my friend wrapped around her fingers. Trying to be a good friend, I sat down next to them. I only need look at previous entries to remind myself why I do so. When I did, the stranger excused themselves quickly. Making sure none of Jacob’s goods were stolen, he blamed me for “being a cockblock and chasing off my bitch”. When I asked Jacob if had even learned her name, he said it was a work in progress that I interrupted. Perhaps so, but at this point I was worried he may have been conned. As I checked to make sure she had not stolen anything from him, Jacob told me she had been rather interested in the temple we had discovered. I will not lie, Journal, that had unnerved me. But alas, I could not find her within the Habs. Hopefully, she has not more than a passing curiosity for the place, but I shall keep my guard.

He… he mentioned seeing me at this place too, the Habs. I had to have known what I was looking for back then, I absolutely will not believe I was interested in Jacob. That dumbass didn’t even get my name. Bah! If I had known I wasn’t going to remember it, I would’ve told him! I look towards Vax as I read this entry, then towards Jacob. Beneath the anger, I feel a hint of understanding between him and I.

Primor 24th, 403

Hello Journal, today was uneventful. We began our trip back to the underground temple. I have little to write besides feeling an anxiety that outwardly, I keep suppressed.

Primor 25th, 403

Hello Journal, today was strange, just as it was on the 21st. There is this object, the best way to describe it is a container of some sort, made of a dense stone of darkest night, similar to some of the ruins above. Blackstone is the material’s name, notoriously valuable and highly illegal to mine. A three pronged symbol is embedded upon the container, surrounded by runes that none of us could recognize. Three other symbols are inscribed upon the box, those belonging to the Fate Weaver’s, one of which is Mina’s main focus of worship. Ever more odd though, the room it was found within was a scene of devastation. Ancient skeletons lay dormant within a room of dire atmosphere. Many had been crushed against the wall, while others look like they died of self-inflicted wounds. It was clear that a few had been bisected cleanly as well, torso shorn from waist. It was a place of some powerful ritual, I could not describe it well, but some form of devastating yet inert magic still lingered within.

Despite all the apparent signs of danger, the little rectangular object called to us… to Roderick the most. He went to pick it up, and while that was foolhardy, he came out unscathed. He asked that we each touch it as well, to prove that it held no danger. I did so, we all did besides Mina, I am… unsure as to why we excluded her now that I am writing about it. No, it is safer for her not to touch it. That is why. In case it was dangerous in some way, she could help us. That makes sense.

Besides that, there is much to be gained here. Golden holy icons, texts, paintings, I imagine carrying all of this out shall be quite the nuisance. How I wish the elevator was working, but nevertheless, the side exit shall suit our needs well enough. Ropes were anchored in the off chance we need to climb out, but I doubt they will be necessary. We intend to return back to Felicol tomorrow after combing over this place.

What? It’s as if he didn’t have a reason for why they stopped Mina from touching it… but made one up. They planned on returning as well, but that obviously never happened.

Primor 26th, 403

Hello Journal, today was frustrating. We have yet to leave this place, though that is not the reason why I am annoyed. It is that cursed little object, the box we had found yesterday. Despite our best attempts, understanding how to open it has eluded us. There is no keyhole, and attempting to pry it open proves fruitless. There are pads to press down upon, but the runes are alien, and after an amount of presses the device resets itself. Destroying it is impossible as well, as the stone is nigh all but impervious to might and magic alike.

I poured through the musty texts within the library, trying to divine some answer. A maddening process in which most of the books were poorly cured and crumbled to the touch. My companions did not have any luck either, Jacob and Roderick spent the day attempting to “pick” the device while Evel’yee tried to find anything that might provide us a clue. Mina went over texts with me, but was more interested in the Eye’s philosophies and whatever foul secret they guarded. In a moment of weakness, I had snapped at her. I could just not be bothered with the constant pestering, and the rest of our time was spent in silence. I will need to apologize later.

...

Primor 27th, 403

Another useless day. Roderick refuses to part with the box now, and is convinced something lies within the room we found it in. Evel’yee continues to be an annoying little shit with her constant begging to see it, as if she thinks she can figure out the puzzle behind the pads. Jacob is being a degenerative creep towards Mina, and Mina herself is becoming quite irritating. Persistently asking if we are alright, when are we going to leave, what is going on. Is it not clear? We are trying to open the damn thing. Sometimes, I think she sabotages our efforts. No, it is not just her. They all are in their own fool ways…

What… am I writing? No, they are my friends. It is this damnable place, something within causes my anger to rise. The shadows in the corners of my vision convince me that an evil is afoot, though if we might come to open the box we can keep it at bay.

The danger within here escalates. I have been trying to convince Mina to leave, but she remains stubborn. Why? As I lie down in my tent, dark questions riddle my mind. I feel no warmth, not from the fire nor from her.

He didn’t write his signature “Hello Journal” this time. There’s a lot more pressure on the indentations of the text, as if he’s pushed down hard on his quill. Even though he knows something is wrong… he thinks the box will help.

Primor 28th, 403

I am hateful. Recently, I have learned that Jacob and Evel’yee attacked Mina, and Roderick allowed this to happen. It is only by her hand that I did not crash into the room and kill them outright, but this is untenable. I must get her to leave in any way possible. I have attempted to break our relationship, saying cruel things I cannot force myself to write down in this journal. It has only made things worse however. What a fool I am. Through teary eyes, she asks why we act the way we do? How can she not see?! She continues to refuse to leave, to try and sway me away as the box remains unopened. I see her ploys for what they are though. To think I cannot trust even her.

She is right about one thing however. The answer to opening it is not here. Roderick spends his entire day now within the room where hence we found it, absolutely convinced the secret lies in there. Whatever he sees, he refuses to share with the rest of us. The lack of respect he shows towards myself as he holds onto it… it makes me wish to kill him. Perhaps I shall indulge in this desire soon.

Poor Mina… this is rough. It’s twisted him so deeply.

Primor 29th, 403

It is not the end of the day just yet, but one; something dramatic has happened, and two; I have made a decision. We captured someone trying to steal from us. That Tachidoki from the Habs that had seduced Jacob, she stalked us here. She had poisoned our food with some sort of sleeping agent, and while everyone else fell to it, Roderick and I managed to hold our own and chase after her. We cornered her at a cliff face and reclaimed the box. As Roderick and I loomed over her, prepared to end her life, she began to cry out. Rather than beg towards us however, she directed her pleading towards the box. Insane ramblings about a broken promise, and that it owed her. Needless to say, we were confused, but Roderick suggested that this creature might know something about it, so we beat her unconscious and brought her back to the temple.

I will admit, it was nice to have someone else to direct my hatred towards. When I uncorked a flask of wine, I was capable of sharing a laugh with everyone again, well everyone besides Mina. It is therefore a shame that I have decided I am going to kill them in their sleep tonight. They do not deserve the box, and the answer to opening it does not lay here. This is the last entry you will receive from me, Journal, but I cannot allow this to continue any longer. Mina, if you end up reading this, know that I am sorry for the past few days. It was never my intention to hurt you as badly as I have, but I fear what I may do if you continue to stay near me. I cannot earnestly say I love you anymore, nor do I trust you. I do not know when I lost the ability to do so. Reading through you one last time, Journal, it hurts more than I thought it would.

This is the latest entry… and where I come in. I had almost made off with it, they managed to not fall to my poison, then they caught me at a cliff face. They were just going to… kill me, but then I started to beg… to the box? What? Why would I do that? And it worked?

W-well, that’s eerie. Besides that, Vax apparently had plans for tonight as well. This night really could have ended in tragedy…

Closing the diary, I look to Vax once more. The hatred has simmered, his prevailing emotion now being shame.

“I’m sorry. I don’t take pleasure from violating your privacy like that, but I am glad I stopped you from making a mistake tonight. I’ll release you when I’m far away.” Placing the diary beside him, I’ll stand up. I don’t want him to kill his friends when I do release him…

“Also, here’s a lesson from me, asshole. If you had treated your friends better, then I never would’ve been able to steal the box away. Remember that when I let you go.”

Without bothering to meet his gaze, I know I’ve set a fire underneath him. He was always going to come after me, I just hope I’ve managed to redirect his anger.

4/5 Tanna 2024/08/02(Fri)18:04 No. 1095233 ID: 44fb38
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And so, having hence finished this cruel task, I take my exit. Vax’s prose was kinda bardic, I could learn to take a few notes from him. Stepping out of the jail and into the hallway, I see Mina and Evel’yee are sitting on the stairs and talking. As soon as they see me though, they wave in my direction. “I’d ask if you learned anything, but I’d rather respect his privacy. What’s the plan with Roderick?”

>Oh, and yeah if you can grease Roderick's sword then... wait, shouldn't he have a backup weapon? Greasing the floor is a more standard technique and would be much better if he's got a dagger or something.

“Do either of you know if he has a backup weapon? I was thinking about greasing his weapon so he’d have a hard time using it.”

“He got a side hammer, but besides that…” Mina starts chomping her teeth at me.

“Yeah, I’ve seen him bite things while swinging his sword around. You know, you got a nice pair of chompers yourself, could learn something from him.” Evel’yee says a little snidely. Biting someone? I guess I do have some jaw strength, but that still sounds pretty unpleasant in practice.

>I would prefer to use grease on the floor than the sword. Roderick may have a backup weapon or be a dangerous puncher, but falling will waste his time regardless. The only problem will be for you, the current melee combatant of the trio.
>Ask Mina and Evel’yee what they have to disable him. Even if we can face him in combat we better have something beside hoping he doesn't die if we beat him unconscious. From what I've seen so far the best option seem to be hideous laughter or cause fear followed immediately with a coordinated binding using the rope.
>Greasy sword or floor beneath his feet. Hes a veteran and a wiley sounding one by evelees words.
>If you grease his sword, be sure to grease the hilt. If you grease the blade, he'll just set it on fire and now you're fighting Roderick with a flaming sword.

Well, with all that in mind and ignoring the biting remarks (heh)… “So, as for a plan then. I’ll try to make him trip with a Grease spell. Either of you two have anything else to hinder him with?”

With a slight snicker, Mina says, “I could tell him one of those jokes that sent Vax sprawling earlier.”

“I’ve got a magic pair of handcuffs.” Evel’yee will say casually as she pulls them out of her bag. What the fuck.

Not looking at all shocked, Mina will ask, “Another one of your weirdly situational items. Dare I ask where you picked these up from?”

“You don’t wanna know where I got these from. And my items are not weirdly situational! They’re useful! If we ever go sailing and need suspiciously precise measurements? I’ve got a sextant! Need a magic brick that can weigh less than a feather and more than 100lbs? Behold, the Brick of Weight! Need to write a secret message? Invisible Ink! Or how about locking up your former boss with some handcuffs that only unlock with a command word? I’ll spare you the actual name and just call them the magic handcuffs.” Evel’yee retorts with indignity.

W-what… okay, whatever. I don’t care anymore. “Great, sure. Mina, you hit him with the funny spell. I’ll hit him with the greasy spell. And Evel’yee, try to cuff him if he falls to either, we’ll help you after. If that doesn’t work, we beat him up till he’s knocked out. Sound good?”

As Mina and Evel’yee give me affirmative nods and stand, I’ll continue, “Alright. I know you two have had a hard time here, gods know I have, but that ends tonight. We’re taking the box from Roderick, and after that, this place can go screw itself. We are leaving it behind! You two with me?”

“Aye aye boss!” The two of them say together with coordination. There’s a shared giggle between them. Am I missing out on some sort of joke here?

5/5 Tanna 2024/08/02(Fri)18:09 No. 1095237 ID: 6e2193
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It’s a quiet but confident trip as we make our way into the main hallway and towards the ritual room that Evel’yee and Mina described. Passing by the table, I take note of the money on it. “We best not forget that before we leave.”

“As if I’d ever pass up free coin.” Evel’yee quietly says. Mina simply nods, and before long, we’re at the entrance to the ritual room.

This is where things come to an end. Whatever happens in that room ends this nightmare in one way or another. It feels like I’ve been here forever, even though it’s been a little less than an hour. The pressure in the air is… palpable.

Taking a sniff, I can pick everyone out now, there are no new scents. Mina, Evel’yee, Roderick, that rat, and I are all gathered here. I don’t know where that little bugger is, but hopefully they’ve just come to watch.

Just as I can smell Roderick though, there is no doubt he can smell us as well. I can hear his voice beyond the door, an old and gruff growl interlaced with a wisdom I hadn’t expected. “Ah. When I had sent you along Evel’yee, I had assumed you two could have handled whatever treachery Mina had planned. Little did I know you would actually side with her… and the prisoner? No matter. Come, I’d rather talk than fight.”

Maybe… I shouldn’t immediately attack. What does he have to say? I am kind of interested… “Hold on. Let’s see what he has to say first.”

“That… sure. That doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” Evel’yee says back.

Mina seems to be perturbed by this? She shakes her head, “W-what? What about the plan? Why are we giving him an opportunity?”
She doesn’t know the full picture. There’s more going on than she understands. This is a chance to truly understand what’s been happening. Besides, if things go bad, we still hold the advantage. A little talk can’t hurt anything. “It’s still on Mina, we’re just going to talk first. See what’s happening. Maybe we can get through this without a fight.”

Evel’yee nods along with my logic, but Mina still looks very confused and slightly scared. Realizing she isn’t going to get us to budge though, she’ll let out a sigh and say, “A-alright. But if one thing sets me off I’m letting loose.”

Shouting past the door, I’ll say, “Fine, we’re coming in! Stay exactly where you are or else we’re going to have problems!”

I hear a soothing chuckle, like that of an old friend meeting another after many years. Stepping through the door, I see Roderick. An old white furred Okagou adorned in heavy armor and standing with authority in the center of the accursed eye. His claymore sits pointed towards the ground in front of him, his dark red eyes directed towards me. “Ah… so they follow your lead? Perhaps I should have had you killed, prisoner, but something spoke against it. Tell me then, what is your name, so that we might speak as equals.”

Something about this room… chills me to my core. I feel weak, terrified… my instincts are screaming at me to run away from this place, that this place is a place of death. Once used to truly kill beings like me. The Fate Weavers and their accursed machinations. Mina… she follows one of them, does she not?…She does, but she’s also been nothing but kind to me. Winds, I feel… really strange. What should I do?
Winds…? What?
Bet you didn’t expect them asshole!
WHAT?!

>Bet you didn’t expect them asshole!

Seeing how there are no quotations here, that must be another thought that isn't ours, not anybody in this room. or maybe your own thought? whoever it is, Identify yourself!

Tanna, you might want to run, if you can still hear us. We seem to be having difficulty hearing what is going on. Might be something in this room.

There are other influences in this room beyond just him. Other beings using voice and perception. Several of them are conversing to each other, and they don't seem to all be aligned, as best as I can figure.

Your circumstances may not be unique. We might not be the only group of Winds.

Also, there are good chances our communications are not private right now.

>>1095231
If you saw its eyes and they weren't red, then that means there must be some sort of red-colored external influence on it. We haven't seen anything to match that color yet...

>>1095237
MENTAL INFLUENCE ALERT! We have now confirmed there is an entity sealed inside the box, reaching out to the minds of all those present (except Mina) and making them think thoughts that aren't theirs. We can this happening to you, we can tell that some of your thoughts are not your own. This room is dangerous to it, it can be *truly* killed in this room, and it has been used to kill beings like it. And what we read in the journal has revealed... you made a deal with it. It likely promised to free you from your cursed Fate if you rescued it from this place.

Anyway, it seems as though it will be very difficult for us to fight near the box, because the entity will be warping your and Evel'yee's thoughts, likely to fail at attacking Roderick.
Tell Mina there's mind control at use here. TELL HER, YOU HAVE TO. She's the only one who can think clearly! Protection vs Evil might be our only chance! ...casting it on Roderick would bypass a lot of conflict here.

>>1095241

Wind named Fox here. I will ATTEMPT to speak without interruption.

These are enemy Winds about. They are not unified in purpose. There are defectors. The thoughts in your internal voice are not always your own. If you think thoughts that feel immoral or in poor judgement, just try to hold on to the certainty that you have CHOICE on what actions to take, whatever it is that you perceive as your own thoughts.

So, yea. These enemy Winds implanted several thoughts to you recently: to perceive Roderick as wise; to hear Roderick out; and that his chuckle was soothing. You may or may not have perceived: A voice mentioning that you didn't understand the full picture, that this place was meant to truly kill some category of being opposed to hated Fate Weavers; an aggressive question about if Mina follows a Fate Weaver; later on, abject confusion that you were thinking about Winds; a taunt to the confused foreign Wind that it didn't expect US to be present, and extreme befuddlement from the original, 'asshole' foreign Wind, presumably the dickweed focused on implanting Roderick-as-friend thoughts into you.

Hope that went through unmodified. Fox Wind ending speech.

>>1095232
Hm.
Theres a lot to consider there, but most pertinent is the final revelation.
I think the tough old lizard may have been close to breaking the hold, albeit in a way that would have ended lives.
He truly cares for mina andeven in the boxes thrall he still found a way to try to save her. Drive her away from danger.

>>1095233
It has only just occurred to me that greasing roddies sword sounds awfully lewd.

>>1095237
But we dont have time for that right now!

It might be enemy winds talking to you and running interference or it could be a subtle spell woven to whisper falsehoods and lower your guard.
Do NOT let that old dog get close enough to swing, he has a new trick in play.
Dont fall to indecision slinky...
you -know- the real us by now.

Our ways of talking, traits and quirks.
Our voices are known.
Latch on to them and be ready to strike.
Grease and laughter.
Magic cuffs to follow.
Insert that sextant up his nose if you have to tanna.
THIS is the last fight.
You can do this.
Got faith in you slinky.

A lot of the lesser topics and question are irrelevant distractions right now, but since you were being sassy I will address one of them:
>Oh? Well, if you say so. Is there some sort of secret club you Winds hang out in, talking about windy things like which direction you’re gonna blow each day?
As a matter of fact, yes there is. A place to discuss speculations and questions you don't need to waste time with.
Beyond that there are other avenues of communication. I don't know about the others, but I've being speaking a lot with your dad lately.

It's interesting that Vax referred to past you as "them". He saw you seduce Jacob and had a brief conversation with you but couldn't identify your gender.

According to the diary it seems the compulsion diminish over time when the targets are far away from the source for a certain period of time. That will be good news to Mina when you explain everything to her. Before that I wasn't sure it was reversible at all.

The first question to Roderick would be if he was like you:
>...but something spoke against it.
Does he know? It could be merely the way he interpret the compulsions.
The counterargument is that if he was like you he would already figured out how to open by now.
You can say this to him if you want.

It could be worth pointing out that the compulsion here is different from the single-minded one all but Mina are subjected to, even though she is also unaffected by this. It's more specific, as if someone is deciding what they want us to do.
Maybe a better question is if Roderick words are his own or if they are talking to you through him.

OK something is controlling your thoughts, but don't panic. It is a very weak influence, and you know in your heart what's true. Just keep in mind that some thoughts are going to occur to you that don't make sense. Stick with what you know, and take any thoughts beyond that with a grain of salt.

I don't suppose it would hurt to give him your name. However, it is highly likely he's stalling for time, and the longer you speak with him the more of an advantage he or whatever's puppetting him will have. Stay calm, keep your distance, get straight to the point. Ask him where's the box.

if there are other influences in this room that Tanna is confusing us with, then we better come up with a system that can help you distinguish us from the false winds so you don't follow the wrong advice. I say probably when we talk to you, we say something only you and us would know, like an experience we had together in our adventure so far, but also we should be careful what we reveal as the enemy influences might be able to hear us too.

I'll start by saying that we found the harmonica in a cell.

now that you know I'm a wind you can trust, I'll say that

>>1095240
This one who told you your thoughts probably aren't private right now is trustworthy, tell Tanna something

>>1095241
the wind talking about us not seeing red eyes is with us

>>1095243
Wind calling itself fox is on our side

>>1095249
This wind saying "Our ways of talking, traits and quirks. Our voices are known.", that's us too

>>1095254
this one talking about our windy space, that one can be trusted

>>1095274
this one "saying that some thoughts are going to occur to you that don't make sense. Stick with what you know", is trustworthy

Listen to Mina right now. Something is not right in this room. He's trying to buy time for something. Stick to the plan and act now. You can always try to talk after disarming and restricting their offensive capabilities.

It just occur to me that if those things can influence multiple people around their source maybe so can we.

To Roderick:
All your attempts resulted in failure, you will never be able to open by yourself. You know that this tachidoki in front of you can open the box, you feel this to be true. You can't harm her, you can't let her die. You will try your best to convince her to work with you and if this doesn't work you will be very gentle in your efforts to capture her.

To Evel’yee:
You feel a strange influence affecting your thoughts in this room. It want you to trust Roderick, and for this exactly reason you will doubt everything coming from him. Reject the invading thoughts and trust in your friends Mina and Tanna.
Also Tanna is kind of hot. Why don't you take a look at her ass? Is she looking back at you? I think she knows you are into her! Blush with embarrassment as you pretend to look away.

To Rat:
There is cheese in the kitchen. There are corpses in the kitchen. Go eat tasty things in the kitchen.

1/6 Tanna 2024/08/18(Sun)17:46 No. 1096020 ID: c15e8e
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Highlighting Hidden Messages

>There are other influences in this room beyond just him. Other beings using voice and perception. Several of them are conversing to each other, and they don't seem to all be aligned, as best as I can figure.
>MENTAL INFLUENCE ALERT! We have now confirmed there is an entity sealed inside the box, reaching out to the minds of all those present (except Mina) and making them think thoughts that aren't theirs.
>These are enemy Winds about. They are not unified in purpose. There are defectors. The thoughts in your internal voice are not always your own.
>OK something is controlling your thoughts, but don't panic. It is a very weak influence, and you know in your heart what's true

Oh? What a curious method of influence, cousin. I hope you don’t mind if I probe its effectiveness.

There’s an entity within the box, Winds? Are you su- Wait… w-what? Y-you’re right! There is something! You piece of shit! Get out of my head!

Ho ho, how very strange! But I suppose it is quite effective after all! I must say, this is perhaps the most strange form of influence I’ve ever seen. Interesting… very, very interesting. What is your name, and how did you find yourself here?

I don’t have anything to say to you, jerk. Speak with her.

My, how hostile. Whatever have I done?

Speak. With. Her.

Ugh, must I? She’s so very boring. …Bah, fine then. I suppose I have business with her. Well, it’s been quite a while dear. Things didn't go so well last time, but they never seem to when you’re involved. You can stick around if you’d like, but I have my own plans this time, and I’m not finished here yet. We can go to your little cult later. If you’d like to be useful though, would you please help me kill the priest? You would not believe how annoying a task that’s proven to be.

Wh-what?! Kill Mina? Who are you?! Wait, I don’t actually care! Shut up and get out of my head, now!

...Excuse me? I’m sorry for trying to manipulate you dear, old habits you know. But it’s me, Bakoth. Old friend? Spoke but a few hours ago?

We’re not friends! You’re nothing more than a monster that’s manipulated everyone, and put a curse on me to make me come after you!

What are you talkin- I didn’t force that compulsion upon you… what balderdash! You’re the one tha- wait…

...Ah ha ha! I’d been wondering why you’ve been acting so strange. I couldn’t ever imagine you stooping so low as to work with a priest of their ilk. And somehow, you’re even more clueless than normal. You’ve lost your memory, haven’t you?

I-I…

Oh this is too good! You really can’t remember! How do you always end up in these unfortunate situations? Ah, I suppose you can’t help it, can you? Always ending up as someone’s plaything? How many times have your threads been ripped apart, just to get stitched back together like some malformed doll? At least this time you’ve an interesting shape.

SHUT UP!!

2/6 ??? 2024/08/18(Sun)18:30 No. 1096029 ID: b7b0e6
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Private Conversation

>Seeing how there are no quotations here, that must be another thought that isn't ours, not anybody in this room. or maybe your own thought? whoever it is, Identify yourself!

Um, hi. Getting kinda heated out there, isn’t it?

...This is a little awkward. Look, I don’t know how you spotted me, but I’m really not supposed to be noticed. And I’m reaaallllly not supposed to talk to you all, but since you’ve asked me to identify myself, I think it’s okay?

Ah right, identifying myself. Well, I don’t really have a name… but I’m an entity residing within Tanna at the moment. I can’t get into the specifics of what I am exactly, but it might help if you just think of me as a tool. I’ll be acting as one for you all for the foreseeable future.

I don’t mean to be cagey… but I really shouldn’t say much else. It’s probably best if we don't speak at length. I’m going to bring us back to the situation at hand, so forgive me for the tonal whiplash.

3/6 Tanna 2024/08/18(Sun)18:30 No. 1096030 ID: b7b0e6
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Returning back to Tanna

Ah… that’s enough teasing. Really though, Ooo… ah wait. Do you even know that? Your own name?

...

No? Well, this really works out quite well actually. Help me out, and I’ll fill in the details. I’m not even asking for much, but the priest is dangerous… for the both of us actually. It’s in your interest to help me kill her. In return, I will help you remember.

NO!

But maybe that’s not a bad idea? Why not? Mina is my enemy after all, and this being knows who I am.

Wait, no! That’s not… agh!!

Tanna is what you’re going by now? You can thank Evel’yee for that, broken little thing she is. I’ll have you know she was the quickest to turn. You’d think otherwise given how much she values loyalty, but loyalties are a fickle thing. They’re easy to break if you know where to twist.

As for you though, you should be grateful. If not for our history, I’d have killed you outright. Wouldn’t you like to know how you came to know someone like me? We were quite a pair back in the day… hahah. But really, you should stop pretending as if you have a choice in this.

You know it to be true Tanna, you can’t fight me. The darkness hidden within you, it can be made manifest. Your every action questioned, playing along a razor’s edge where calling the wrong bluff sinks the blade deep. And in the end, you need me. Even with your forgotten memories, you know you’ll never escape the shadow of your oppressor without my help.

I’m the one holding the cards here. Believe me, I’d rather not kill you, it serves no point. But then again, I won’t be too miffed if I do.

Gah!!! Shut up! Shut up!! I can’t… think straight!

4/6 Tanna 2024/08/18(Sun)18:30 No. 1096031 ID: b7b0e6
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>>1095282

Cousin?

Wa-wait! That’s… that’s it!

A sequence of numbers? How does that do anything?

5/6 Tanna 2024/08/18(Sun)18:30 No. 1096032 ID: b7b0e6
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Winds, I’m sorry. I know I ask for a lot, but I can’t fight this foe… I can’t trust myself at all. So I need to place that trust in you. Please, guide my actions.

...? Again with this Winds business. You know that’s a lie my cousin is using to sway you, yes?

>Listen to Mina right now. Something is not right in this room. He's trying to buy time for something.

Wait. We’re not finis-

Stepping outside my mind, I search for Mina. Reevaluating the situation I’m in, something about the room has gotten darker I think. My cheek hurts, and I find Mina in front of me. I think she was trying to snap me out of whatever stupor I was just in. Concerningly behind me, I hear Evel’yee whispering apologies to no one in particular. Taking a quick glance, I see the Weski is hugging herself tightly and rocking back and forth. Towards the center of the room, I see Roderick take a more aggressive stance.

Ow! I feel another stinging slap and focus all of my attention on Mina. “TANNA! Snap out of it! What’s going on with you two!”

>Tell Mina there's mind control at use here. TELL HER, YOU HAVE TO. She's the only one who can think clearly! Protection vs Evil might be our only chance!

“Mina! There’s mind control at use here! You’re the only one who can think clearly! Use Protection from Evil on us!”

This is a bad idea, I shouldn’t be doing this. I need t-

>Dont fall to indecision slinky… you -know- the real us by now. Our ways of talking, traits and quirks. Our voices are known. Latch on to them and be ready to strike. Grease and laughter. Magic cuffs to follow. Insert that sextant up his nose if you have to tanna. THIS is the last fight. You can do this. Got faith in you slinky.

I can’t trust myself, but I can depend on you all. I will fight Roderick.

>Stick to the plan and act now. You can always try to talk after disarming and restricting their offensive capabilities.

I take out my harmonica and begin to cast Grease underneath Roderick. At the same time, Mina begins to cast Protection from Evil upon Evel’yee. As all of this is happening, Roderick begins to rush forward. He’s going to get here before I finish!

>To Roderick:
>All your attempts resulted in failure, you will never be able to open by yourself. You know that this tachidoki in front of you can open the box, you feel this to be true. You can't harm her, you can't let her die. You will try your best to convince her to work with you and if this doesn't work you will be very gentle in your efforts to capture her.

But he suddenly stops in his tracks and begins clutching at his head. His eyes go wide as confusion washes over him. You… somehow sent a message to him? “Wh-what?!”

Is this the game we wish to play then? Fine. You will die… you will Ȁ̵̗̪L̷̥̈́̉L̸͓̈́ die.

Thank you, Winds. With that, it’s just enough time to get off our spells.

>GREASE: 1[Roderick] vs. 3[Tanna] = AUTOMATIC SUCCESS

Roderick has fallen prone.

He hits the floor with an extremely heavy thud. “Oof!” That armor is heavy.

Evel’yee is shivering, her breaths coming out in shallow gasps. She’s drawn a blade and has brought it level with her neck just as Mina taps her with the spell. Tears are streaming down her eyes.

Tanna’s Charm Creature is disabled for the duration of Protection from Evil.

I can feel the hold my Charm held over Evel’yee wink out. Suppose that answers that. She continues to shiver, but Mina grabs her hand to prevent her from doing anything hasty and calls out to her. “Eve, it’s okay! Whatever it was is gone, breath!”

With Mina’s voice breaking through whatever darkness was inside, her breathing starts to stabilize. She looks around and blinks, dropping the dagger to the floor. The gaze in her eye is a far off one, as though she had recently escaped some sort of terrible nightmare and is still coming to terms with that fact. As her gaze turns my way, it suddenly focuses back into a mixture of betrayal and anger. “I-I… y-you!”

“I’m sorry, but we really don’t have time! The box was causing those nightmares! Making you hate your friends! It’s causing all of this! Please remember your promise!”

>To Evel’yee:
>You feel a strange influence affecting your thoughts in this room. It want you to trust Roderick, and for this exactly reason you will doubt everything coming from him. Reject the invading thoughts and trust in your friends Mina and Tanna.
>Also Tanna is kind of hot. Why don't you take a look at her ass? Is she looking back at you? I think she knows you are into her! Blush with embarrassment as you pretend to look away.

>PERSUASION CHECK: 12(3[Mentality] + 5[Roll] + 2[Effective] + 2[Promise] + 1[Explanation] - 1[Lewd]) > 10[DC] = Success

Winds, wha- agh! I trust you! She looks back at Roderick, then at me. The anger directed my way is red hot, but then there’s a flash of confusion mixed with a minor blush. “I still hear… something in my head…” Shaking her head though, it’s quickly overtaken by rage again. It seems like she still wants to lash out at me, but in the end it seems that her common sense prevails. “How could I trust… aghh!! Fuck you! Fine! I’ll kick your ass after we kick his!”

>RODERICK’S DEXTERITY CHECK: 1[Dexterity] + 8[Roll] > 5 = SUCCESS

Roderick has recovered from being prone.

6/6 Tanna 2024/08/18(Sun)18:31 No. 1096034 ID: 15a6bd
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INITIATIVE:

Tanna Sybilant - 4[Dexterity] + 8[Roll] = 12
Mina Haliasong - 3[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] = 10
Roderick Volhalsin - 1[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] = 8
Evel’yee Trèswillow - 4[Dexterity] + 3[Roll] = 7

The three of us turn to face Roderick, who at this point has managed to get on his knees within the grease. Uneasily standing up and using his claymore to balance himself, he looks towards Mina and says with what sounds like genuine regret, “I wish you had just left Mina. This hadn’t need be your fate.” His gaze then turns towards Evel’yee, hateful words escaping his lips. “As for you Evel’yee, I’ll be doing you something you should’ve done yourself a long time ago.”

Evel’yee’s eyes go wide as she visibly recoils from the utter poison Roderick concocted in that sentence. Drawing her bow, she’ll wordlessly take aim at Roderick.

Think this changes things? Hardly. I’ll take my time killing you Tanna. And after that? You’re next, “Winds”.

Guide me.

Tanna is out of 1st level spell slots.

The bad news is that you are considered evil. The good news is that we are not.
We can influence others! Alright, this is going to be fun!

Try to bait Roderick into moving forward on greased ground to increase the chance of him falling again. Challenge him verbally: "Come at me you puppet!"

To Roderick:
The longer this goes the worst it will be for you. You need to close the distance now ratter than later. Run towards her and hope for the best! Grab her.

While it's desirable that he run on top of grease, don't actually stay still. Be ready to parry if he manage to get close.

To Evel’yee:
He want to kill Mina. You have to stop him. Give your best shot.
It might be advantageous to take a step back to the previous room if you need cover.
And sorry for the weird comment. I didn't think you would notice. You are cute when you blush.

To Mina:
Hi! I'm not sure you can hear me. Sorry for not talking to you earlier, I didn't know I could do this. If this get to you it means the only reason you are not affected by the other mental influences is because they come from an evil entity.
For now I just though you should know that entity want you dead. Try not to die.
I hope you laght spell works...
Also it might be advantageous to take a step back to the previous room if you need cover.

To Rat:
Kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen...

>>1096034
Hmm, considering we don't want to kill Roderick here, the victory condition is getting him disabled enough we can take the box away from him. We seem to be good enough at fighting the entity's influence that you will be able to hold it, which means that you will have completed the goal of the compulsion. I don't suppose Mina can just cast Protection From Evil on Roderick to preemptively end the fight? We know it will work, now. If not, then I guess you'll have to get into melee and focus on defense and tripping up Roderick so he can't cleave you in two.

This is odd though, it seems as though a different entity is responsible for the compulsions. ...which means the compulsions are not causing people to hate eachother, it's the entity in the box. This means we don't know if opening the box will help or harm the entity.

>>1096034

Do we have time to use a poison?
Nnh.
Not sure.
Right then!

We need him off balance.
Hes not dumb enough to move through the grease without compulsion.
So..,
Tanna, hold action until mina acts, but tell her "throw the torch into the grease."
Best case its flash, flame and smoke disorientating him, worst case it sets him alight and we have to heal burns afterwards.

Then both you and eve should move in as close as simultanious as possible.
Focus on his sword.
Not him.
Parry it, hit it to keep him off balance and use your maneuverability to stay out of reach.
You wont have to get too close as the sword is what youre targetting.
Give ground if you have to.
Eve should try to get in for a debilitating strike.
Just like when you were against the spider with mina.
We believe in you slinky.

Winds!
Just incase it works...
End each of your utterances with a little distraction for roderick.

To roderick.
Thats it. Keep facing forward. Just a few more steps and my blade finds a home in the back of your neck. Keep watching the distraction. Dont think about me...

Evel'yee: 'Accidentally' open up your shirt and feign terror (Seduce)
Tanna:Intimidate, grab the nearest brazier.
"You will not rape her! I will roast you alive first!"
Mina: Cast Fireball, do the actual roasting while everyone else is distracted.

OK it's not the end of the world. Butterfly made a mistake, but Evel'ee is holding together, for now. Bakoth is an asshole, but we'll do our best to keep him from getting to you.

1. you don't want to remember. You don't need your memories right now. You can worry about them later.

2. Darkness can be a friend. Any threats of exposing you are empty, because you have friends and you will have friends that care about who you are, not what you are. Do not doubt their compassion!

3. There is no razor's edge, there is nothing to question. Kick Roderick's ass, keep Bakoth at a safe distance, get the box. You know what to do.

4. Bakoth can put thoughts in your head, but he is not you. You can trust yourself, you know who you are, and neither we nor him, nor any lost memories can make you do what you don't want to do.

5. The Butterfly might be a threat, but that's not Mina's fault, and Bakoth can't see the future. Right now the only threats are Roderick, and Bakoth making rash, ignorant decisions.

Is that grease flammable? Fireball it if so.

To my understanding, unaugmented Grease isn't flammable; there's a higher circle version of it called Incendiary Slime which is, and there's a few ways to push more oomph in the Grease spell to make it flammable. Unless a more efficient flammable version of it was discovered since I've been in this form, maybe?

I've forgot about the chakram! Throw it at him so while there is some distance between you and Roderick.

1/5 Tanna 2024/09/21(Sat)20:02 No. 1097638 ID: 1379cd
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>1. you don't want to remember. You don't need your memories right now. You can worry about them later.

Is that so? You’re making a mistake, Tanna.

No. I’m not. I don’t want to remember, especially if it means I’d work with a piece of shit like you.

>2. Darkness can be a friend. Any threats of exposing you are empty, because you have friends and you will have friends that care about who you are, not what you are. Do not doubt their compassion!

You just met these people. Who are they to you? If Mina knew what you truly were, she’d turn her back on you in an instant.

There’s a darkness in me, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. I’ve laughed with them, seen a little bit of their pain. I’ll get to know them better.

>3. There is no razor's edge, there is nothing to question. Kick Roderick's ass, keep Bakoth at a safe distance, get the box. You know what to do.

>4. Bakoth can put thoughts in your head, but he is not you. You can trust yourself, you know who you are, and neither we nor him, nor any lost memories can make you do what you don't want to do.

I’ve driven everyone here to hate and want to kill each other. You think I can’t make you? You’ll never be able to trust yourself.

I’m ending this Bakoth. I won’t let you sway me.

>5. The Butterfly might be a threat, but that's not Mina's fault, and Bakoth can't see the future. Right now the only threats are Roderick, and Bakoth making rash, ignorant decisions.

Rash?! Ignorant?! Why are you fighting me?! I want to help! Cassilda will kill you!

Mina’s done nothing but try to help me. You’ve done nothing but try to get me to kill her and hold my past over my head. You’re an idiot if you think I’d side with you.

The depths of your foolishness! Well, fine then! If you’re so dead set on this suicide, I’ll push you along!

2/5 Tanna 2024/09/21(Sat)20:02 No. 1097639 ID: 1379cd
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ROUND 1:

Tanna Sybilant’s Turn

Tanna’s Swift Action

>The bad news is that you are considered evil.

I had a feeling.

>Try to bait Roderick into moving forward on greased ground to increase the chance of him falling again. Challenge him verbally: "Come at me you puppet!"

“Come on then! Fight me puppet!”

“Do you think me a fool?”

>To Mina:
>Hi! I'm not sure you can hear me. Sorry for not talking to you earlier, I didn't know I could do this. If this get to you it means the only reason you are not affected by the other mental influences is because they come from an evil entity. For now I just though you should know that entity want you dead. Try not to die. Also it might be advantageous to take a step back to the previous room if you need cover.
+
>Cast Fireball, do the actual roasting while everyone else is distracted.
=
>Hi! I'm not sure you can hear me. Sorry for not talking to you earlier, I didn't know I could do this. If this gets to you it means the only reason you are not affected by the other mental influences is because they come from an evil entity. For now I just thought you should know that entity wants you dead. Cast Fireball and roast Roderick while he’s distracted. Also it might be advantageous to take a step back to the previous room if you need cover.

Your message seems to make Mina do a double take. “What the heck?! Cassilda? I don’t know Fireball?!”

>>1096529

I’m not sure. It looks burnable enough?

>Tanna, hold action until mina acts, but tell her "throw the torch into the grease."
>Is that grease flammable? Fireball it if so.

Best to just roll with it and see if it works. “They want you to toss your torch into the grease! We can’t afford to hold back!”

>PERSUASION CHECK: 12(3[Mentality] + 8[Roll] + 2[Effective] + 1[Leadership] + 1[Revealed Suggestion] - 3[Hurting Roderick]) > 10[DC] = SUCCESS

Turning to face me with wide eyes, her confusion grows. “Th-they? Wha…” Realizing the severity of the situation though, her gaze changes to that of great reluctance before acknowledging my order. “A-alright. Sorry, Roderick.”

Mina Haliasong’s Turn

Mina’s Standard & Movement Action

Mina tosses her torch into the grease, and it immediately begins to light up.

Tanna’s Grease will burn out at the end of Mina’s next turn.

>RODERICK’S DEXTERITY CHECK: 1[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] > 7[DC] = SUCCESS

>MINA’S DAMAGE: 2[Fire]= 2 PAIN

The slimy grease begins to blaze underneath Roderick, but he somehow manages to avoid catching on fire. It doesn’t look like he got away entirely unscathed as he pats away a few burns though.

Mina will take a step back, pushing open the door to the ritual room and stepping into the hallway behind her.

Tanna’s Standard & Movement Action

>I've forgot about the chakram! Throw it at him so while there is some distance between you and Roderick.

I draw the chakram I took from Vax, and throw it at Roderick’s left side!!

>TANNA’S ATTACK: 4(4[Dexterity] + 1[Roll] - 1[Intrusive Thought]) > 10(5[Base] + 4[Full Plate] + 1[Dexterity]) = FAILURE

*snicker* Aww… that sure was close.

Fuck you and die!

3/5 Tanna 2024/09/21(Sat)20:02 No. 1097640 ID: 1379cd
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Roderick Volhalsin’s Turn

Roderick’s Movement Action

Roderick tries to take a step out of the slippery burning grease.

>To Roderick:
>The longer this goes the worst it will be for you. You need to close the distance now ratter than later. Run towards her and hope for the best! Grab her.
+
>Thats it. Keep facing forward. Just a few more steps and my blade finds a home in the back of your neck. Keep watching the distraction. Dont think about me…
=
>The longer this goes, the worse it will be. Just a few more steps, and my blade will find a home in the base of your neck. Need to run towards her, close the distance now.

Don’t you DARE touch my toy.

>RODERICK’S DEXTERITY CHECK: 8(1[Dexterity] + 8[Roll] - 1[Intrusive Thoughts]) > 5[DC] = SUCCESS

He managed to get out of the Grease! He’s standing off to the side of it now and raises his sword, what’s he doing?

I must admit, I’m angry. No, I’m furious. I can’t believe that you of all people would force me to waste days of effort on defending myself!

>Darkness can be a friend

You think you know darkness?! Hahaha… I’ll show you a darkness then, a darkness that is friend to no one. I’ll see you choke in shades deep.

Roderick’s Standard Action

With a mighty heave, Roderick slams it into the round. Suddenly a heavy expulsion of magic pushes against me. Shadows begin to elongate and spread across the room, casting everything into an umbral haze.

“𝓑𝓛𝓐𝓒𝓚𝓞𝓤𝓣!!”
𝓑𝓛𝓐𝓒𝓚𝓞𝓤𝓣!!

Cloying darkness shrouds my sight, the flame from the grease being swallowed in shade. I can barely see Evel’yee next to me, and Mina, despite only being a few feet away, has been swallowed completely by the shadow.

“Wha-what is this… Tanna, Eve? You still there?” I can hear Mina say fearfully from the darkness.

4/5 Tanna 2024/09/21(Sat)20:03 No. 1097641 ID: 1379cd
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Evel’yee Trèswillow’s Turn

“We’re still here Mina!” Evel’yee calls back reassuringly.

>To Evel’yee:
>He want to kill Mina. You have to stop him. Give your best shot. It might be advantageous to take a step back to the previous room if you need cover. And sorry for the weird comment. I didn't think you would notice. You are cute when you blush.

Evel’yee’s Standard Action

“I’m not fucking cute…” Evel’yee murmurs as she aims an arrow into the darkness. The glint of the arrow is lost in the shade as soon as it’s loosed.

>EVEL’YEE’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(52) > 50 = SUCCESS

>EVEL’YEE’S ATTACK: 13(4[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] + 1[Combat Modifier] + 1[Size]) > 10(5[Base] + 4[Full Plate] + 1[Dexterity]) = SUCCESS

>EVEL’YEE’S DAMAGE: 1[Arrow] + 1[Strength] + 1[Archery Talent] = 3 PAIN & FATAL WOUND

From the darkness where I can only assume Roderick was last seen, I hear a yelp followed by a snarl. “I’ll ram the splinters of your bow through your eyes, Eve!”

Evel’yee’s Movement Action

“Make you a damn pincushion when I’m through with you!” Evel’yee snarls back menacingly. Looking towards me with distrust in her eyes, she’ll disappear backwards into the darkness.

END ROUND 1

5/5 Tanna 2024/09/21(Sat)20:03 No. 1097642 ID: 1379cd
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ROUND 2:

Tanna Sybilant’s Intermission

It’s dark, Winds. I can’t see Roderick at all. I assume my allies are right behind me in the doorway, I can hear their shuffling. I can still smell too, Roderick’s somewhere in the darkness. He probably hasn’t had time to move after throwing that… spell out. Was that primordial?

So my cousin deigned to inform you about 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓽𝔂? Oh, how easy it is to string you along, you stupid girl.

...What’s next, Winds. I don’t think the darkness is affecting him like it’s affecting us, he cast the effect after all. After those burns and Eve’s arrow though, I imagine he’s fairly wounded. Charging in recklessly sounds suicidal though.

>Darkness can be a friend

...Something about that…

Creatures and objects outlined in white are their ‘last known location’.

You're going to have to rely on your hearing and that sniffer of yours Tanna. Though I wonder how Evel’yee was able to land such a shot on Roderick like that. Is she not affected or just that good of a shot?

We can either be meek and wait for him at the door chokepoint or be bold and pursue him to minimize the effectiveness of darkness. I was really hoping to make use of this more defensible position but I think that unfortunately you all will have to gang up on him to be effective. Time to reverse the last movement like fools because of chess strategy change.

Can you move and attack? I hope so because that's the best I can think for you to do right now.

To Evel’yee:
Don't be like that. Getting angry will only make me want to complement you more:
That was an excellent shot! Congratulations. Cute and skilled! A small femme fatale.
Unfortunately Roderick can still see clearly, so unless you want to rely on your other senses to aim I would recommend that even you should get close to him to avoid unseen surprises. If you can't run and attack try to stay close to Tanna to avoid been targeted alone.

To Mina:
Sorry babe, not the goddess you had in mind. But she said "hi" earlier today.
I think we will come of a little more jumble to you than to Tanna. I'm sure you can figure it out.
Roderick can see so unfortunately we will have to abandon the door cover idea and get close while we can. I didn't want to get you in danger but on the bright side you can use your touch spells.
Protection from Evil is confirmed to work on Bakoth (that's the entity who want you dead), but Roderick think the words from this thing are his own thoughts so using it will likely not be enough to convince him to stop attacking. I wouldn't recommend it.

To Roderick:
Fool who doesn't know friend from foe. You resisted for so long the intrusive thoughts demanding to kill someone you care for and trust but never questioned if those were really coming from your own mind. Never asked yourself if someone else was talking inside your head.
How did you know to conjure darkness? Why were you so certain you wouldn't break your sword when you slammed it down? Does this sound like your own actions? Something you would do if no one else told you to?
This voice you confuse with your own thoughts is deceiving you. He doesn't want the box open, if he did he wouldn't have made you to waste time in this room with no answers. What he want is to make you kill each other. To reduce the amount of people working together to get the box open, to isolate you from the outside world that could lead you to answers, to prevent you from meeting someone like us who can open it. All your recent mistakes were because of him.
You know the only hope you have to open this box in in front of you. If you don't resist this manipulator this chance will escape your grasp and you will be alone to be toyed with.

>>1097642
Fellow winds.
We now know that our words combine into a message.
We have to keep our sendings short and simple.
More voices in unison may strengthen the sending.
If we are trying to disorient roderick, we need to all be on the same message.
Many winds make a storm.

We also have the mystery bomb.
Smoke or boom, may be worth drawing, lighting with prestidigitation fire spark and hurling it rolling it towards roddies last known location.
im not sure so not directing that to tanna without consensus.

Tanna! If only we are affected by the spell then we need to even the field.
Conventional darkness.
The corridor was dark i think...
All fall back.
Into the corridor
Split between north and south as you move into the dark.
When he follows he'll have to present his back to someone no matter what.

Remember slinky, Focus on hearing.
That guy may be more used to blind fighting but metal armour betrays even the lightest step.

Roderick was given a Fatal Wound. Yet he's not downed? Shouldn't take much more damage.
Using the bomb sounds like a good idea; we don't know what it does but it must be offensive in some way. If it's a smoke bomb then it will at least blind Roderick too which will mean you're on equal footing. If you aim it so that it will hit Roderick if he moves towards you, then you can at least stall out this round.

(also I just checked and Protection from Evil can only be cast on a willing target, so it won't work to win this fight...)

Close your eyes. It'll help your body adjust to using your other senses. You can hear him, you can smell him, and you can detect his presence in the weave. Pay attention to this.

Roderick will move forward now, but he'll still have to avoid the grease. Retreat carefully, feeling your way along (including toes, whiskers, tail), calling out mister smarty voice for being a light-loving simp. Hates the darkness so much, but can't swim in it himself? Roderick's not his toy, and you're going to save him from this child's temper tantrum.

1/2 Tanna 2024/09/30(Mon)08:02 No. 1098034 ID: 3ff94b
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>You're going to have to rely on your hearing and that sniffer of yours Tanna.
>Remember slinky, Focus on hearing.
>Close your eyes. It'll help your body adjust to using your other senses. You can hear him, you can smell him

Tanna Sybilant’s Turn

Darkness. Something about it is so… calming. I close my eyes and listen. I can hear the crackle of the fire. The soft breaths of those behind me. I can smell the burning oil, the general directions of where people are.

>You can detect his presence in the weave. Pay attention to this.

You’re right. It’s faint, but I can sort of… sense Roderick. I can sense everyone. The subtle pressure of the Weave melding around them. I’d much rather be able to see them, but I won’t turn this away either.

>We also have the mystery bomb. Smoke or boom, may be worth drawing, lighting with prestidigitation fire spark and hurling it rolling it towards roddies last known location.
>Using the bomb sounds like a good idea; we don't know what it does but it must be offensive in some way. If it's a smoke bomb then it will at least blind Roderick too which will mean you're on equal footing.

Excuse me?

Oh yeah. I do have a bomb. Good idea!

Tanna’s Standard Action & Swift Action

Pulling out the bomb, I’d play a quick melody on my harmonica and light it with Prestidigitation.

“What’s going on? You casting a spell, Tanna?” Mina asks from behind me.

“I’m lighting a bomb!”

I hear the faintest of snickers from Evel’yee, followed by a loud exclamation from Mina. “WHAT?!”

I throw the bomb in the general direction where I last saw Roderick. The hiss of the fuse dissipates as it rolls away from me.

>To Roderick:
>Fool who doesn't know friend from foe. You resisted for so long the intrusive thoughts demanding to kill someone you care for and trust but never questioned if those were really coming from your own mind. Never asked yourself if someone else was talking inside your head.
>How did you know to conjure darkness? Why were you so certain you wouldn't break your sword when you slammed it down? Does this sound like your own actions? Something you would do if no one else told you to? This voice you confuse with your own thoughts is deceiving you. He doesn't want the box open, if he did he wouldn't have made you to waste time in this room with no answers. What he want is to make you kill each other. To reduce the amount of people working together to get the box open, to isolate you from the outside world that could lead you to answers, to prevent you from meeting someone like us who can open it. All your recent mistakes were because of him. You know the only hope you have to open this box in in front of you. If you don't resist this manipulator this chance will escape your grasp and you will be alone to be toyed with.

“I-I am in cont- AGH!” Roderick begins to confusedly say before a loud pop rings out within the chamber.

FLASH POWDER BOMB

>TANNA’S STRENGTH SAVE VS. DEAFNESS: 7(2[Strength] + 2[Roll] + 2[Proximity] + 1[Shadow Strength]) > 8[DC] = FAILURE, DEAFENED FOR 1 ROUND

>EVEL’YEE’S STRENGTH SAVE VS. DEAFNESS: 12(2[Strength] + 8[Roll] + 4[Proximity] - 2[Enhanced Hearing]) > 8[DC] = SUCCESS

>MINA’S STRENGTH SAVE VS. DEAFNESS: 14(2[Strength] + 8[Roll] + 4[Proximity]) > 8[DC] = SUCCESS

>RODERICK’S STRENGTH SAVE VS. DEAFNESS: 7(4[Strength] + 5[Roll] - 1[Proximity] - 2[Effective Intrusive Thoughts] + 1[Shadow Strength]) > 8[DC] = FAILURE, DEAFENED FOR 1 ROUNDS

>RODERICK’S STRENGTH SAVE VS. BLINDNESS: 3(4[Strength] + 2[Roll] - 1[Proximity] - 1[Shadow Sight] - 2[Effective Intrusive Thoughts] + 1[Shadow Strength]) > 8[DC] = FAILURE, BLINDED FOR 3 ROUNDS

2/2 Tanna 2024/09/30(Mon)08:02 No. 1098035 ID: 3ff94b
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A dynamic action has occurred. Tanna receives another intermission.

MY EARS!! Ow! Agh! I can’t hear anything! W-Winds?!

Tanna currently only has a move action left. Tanna will be able to hear again at the start of ROUND 3. Previous messages that are applicable will be sent if they fit the general consensus of decided action.

>(also I just checked and Protection from Evil can only be cast on a willing target, so it won't work to win this fight...)

Roderick would receive a save for being an unwilling target, but you could theoretically have Mina cast it upon him.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ddQBe4rbaabuj_iRA-ig6LbSgBUWltFjToTDtGsmoqc/edit?usp=sharing

>>1098035
Nice! Roderick is deaf and blind. Deaf for a short period, as long as you'll be deafened, but that blindness will last for a bit. We'll tell you when it's about to wear off.
You have enough time to reposition behind him, probably, before the deafness wears off. He won't be able to tell you moved!

>>1098036
(well, it requires touch too, so it's risky! maybe once we disable him...)

Normally both of you having your senses deprived for the same amount of time would make it safe to move closer, but unfortunately Bakoth can hear our conversation and guide Roderick based on that. It probable won't be a precise attack, but if you are unlucky it will be difficult to defend against. Maybe he even have another way to perceive the environment.

Waiting by the door now seem like a more sensible course of action than it was a moment earlier. It should help prevent attacks from unexpected directions and impede Roderick from running pass all of you out of this room (not that I expect him to do so). The problem with this plan is that allow him to move freely while we wait, so it will waste time.

Approaching him is still an option, just not as good as I originally wanted to. You could move three to five steps in a diagonal direction in relation to him. Try not to think verbally if it's left or right, but if you can't avoid or Bakoth provoke you into thinking it, don't worry, because he still won't know the angle you will choose just by that. You can even talk to your allies so they know where you are and that you can't hear them because Roderick won't hear you either.

To Mina and Evel’yee:
Try to stay close.

To Roderick:
Are you really in control? Do you think you would commit this many mistakes? You are not that stupid. Are you so eager to take responsibility of all those irrational decisions? They were never mistakes! Those weren't decision made by ignorance, they were done by malice. This creature doesn't share your goals.
What he want above all else have nothing to do with the box. How many times you had to deny his demands to kill Mina? He want her dead, you don't. You twisted his words into wishing for her to run away, but you know the nagging thoughts were never for distance but for murder.
He fear the priestess and she in turn never knew where your hostility was coming from. How much of her confusion was twisted into antagonism inside your head? Twisted by him!

Oh fuck blinded and deafened?

OK OK this means you can cast a spell without being located by your music. Which would be really helpful if you had any spells left. Fuck.

Shout to Mina that this was the only way to get him blinded too. Wait you're deafened never mind fuckfuckfuck...

If you're going to move, you remember where the grease was, right?

>>1098035
We dont talk to your ears slinky.
I think.
You need to carefully move back and give evee a clear shot.
Slow pace. Compensate for party members.

Roderick got the worst of that blast.
He'll be vulnerable a little longer than you.
One of the winds is running interferance and whispering in his ear.
Adding to the confusion.
Quite effectively too.

Youre doing well tanna.

Hm.
I wonder...

To Roderick:
Are you really in control? Do you think you would commit this many mistakes? You are not that stupid. Are you so eager to take responsibility of all those irrational decisions? They were never mistakes! Those weren't decision made by ignorance, they were done by malice. This creature doesn't share your goals.

Lets see if a chorus of more voices drive it home harder...

1/4 Tanna 2024/10/04(Fri)17:54 No. 1098237 ID: a4785e
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You threw a fucking bomb underground and you didn’t even know what it did?!

I’d do it again!

>Oh fuck blinded and deafened?

Yeah! Believe me, it sucks!

>We dont talk to your ears slinky. I think.

Thankfully! Although, eaugh… this is so disorienting. My ears are ringing so bad, but I can sort of hear a bit of muffled sounds happening around me. Hopefully this isn’t permanent…

>Nice! Roderick is deaf and blind. Deaf for a short period, as long as you'll be deafened, but that blindness will last for a bit.
>Roderick got the worst of that blast. He'll be vulnerable a little longer than you.

H-how do you know that? I mean I believe you, but…

>Roderick's not his toy, and you're going to save him from this child's temper tantrum.

He is my toy, my puppet. All of them were, just as Tanna is yours. Trying to highroad me while pretending to be different persons, cousin? What an utter joke.

The Winds aren’t like you, bastard. They don’t whisper lies and try to control me, they simply offer advice.

They aren’t a separate entity… are you honestly this damaged? My cousin is MANIPULATING you. The ‘Winds’ are them! They’re likely responsible for your memory loss in the first place!

>calling out mister smarty voice for being a light-loving simp. Hates the darkness so much, but can't swim in it himself?

You call me childish while calling me a light-loving simp? Do I even need to explain how idiotic that is?! Where did you even pick a word like that up, it’s certainly not from around here!

(What’s a simp?)

Hah, okay cousin. Fine, you wanna know something, ‘Tanna’?

Maybe a name will help jog your memory, make you realize how stupid you’re being and break you free, eh? I’ll give you this one for free, O██████.

No. Do not attempt that again.

?! Wha-what?!

I don’t need whatever poisoned gift you're willing to offer me! Take my old name and choke on it!

>You have enough time to reposition behind him, probably, before the deafness wears off. He won't be able to tell you moved!
>Waiting by the door now seem like a more sensible course of action than it was a moment earlier. The problem with this plan is that allow him to move freely while we wait, so it will waste time.

He’s injured and disabled, we should press the advantage. Giving him time to recover while this darkness is up is asking for trouble.

>Roderick was given a Fatal Wound. Yet he's not downed? Shouldn't take much more damage.

...My toy’s more durable than you think.

Getting scared?

What have you embroiled yourself in this time…

?

2/4 Tanna 2024/10/04(Fri)17:54 No. 1098238 ID: a4785e
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>Shout to Mina that this was the only way to get him blinded too
>You can even talk to your allies so they know where you are and that you can't hear them because Roderick won't hear you either.
>Approaching him is still an option. Try not to think verbally if it's left or right, but if you can't avoid or Bakoth provoke you into thinking it, don't worry, because he still won't know the angle you will choose just by that.

You’re right! I can still talk to Mina and Evel’yee, and I think you would’ve told me if they got deafened as well. They can help guide me too, Evel’yee’s protected from his intrusions and he doesn’t want to touch Mina it seems...

“Mina, Evel’yee, I can’t hear, but we need to close the distance and press the advantage! The bomb’s messed him up, I definitely knew it’d blind him!”

Tanna’s Move Action

I ‘hear’ more muffled sounds, it’s hard to tell where they’re coming from. Gods, my ears hurt. I’ll prepare to move with someone, assuming they do as I ask.

>If you're going to move, you remember where the grease was, right?

Yeah, I have a general idea, something like twenty feet to thirty feet in front of me? As long as we don’t rush forward, I’ll stop Mina if that’s the case.

Mina Haliasong’s Turn

Mina’s Standard, Move, & Swift Action

>To Mina:
>Try to stay close.

I can barely see Mina approach me from behind, her hand brushes against mine and she begins to lead me forwards.

I’m not thinking about where I’m going forward, I’m not thinking about it! Just take me forward where you think best, Mina! Along the way, she swaps to my right side. I start trailing against a wal- fuck!

Along the wall, are you?

Fuck! We’re definitely approaching though. Roderick’s smell is getting stronger, so is the burning oil. That… weird feeling too, the one where I can feel their ‘Weave’. It’s fuzzy, but Roderick is close. We’re next to th- don’t think about it! Shh, brain!

>To Mina:
>Sorry babe, not the goddess you had in mind. But she said "hi" earlier today. I think we will come of a little more jumble to you than to Tanna. I'm sure you can figure it out. I didn't want to get you in danger but on the bright side you can use your touch spells. Protection from Evil is confirmed to work on Bakoth (that's the entity who want you dead), but Roderick think the words from this thing are his own thoughts so using it will likely not be enough to convince him to stop attacking. I wouldn't recommend it.

I can’t hear Mina, but it looks like she’s calling out backwards to Evel’yee? She’ll pat me on the shoulder and point forwards, mouthing the word Roderick. She also rolls her eyes, probably the ‘babe’ comment. Get used to it, Mina, haha.

Tanna’s Grease burns out.

This image was drawn by another artist that wished to remain anonymous.

3/4 Tanna 2024/10/04(Fri)18:12 No. 1098242 ID: 147667
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Roderick Volhalsin’s Turn

>To Roderick:
>Are you really in control? Do you think you would commit this many mistakes? You are not that stupid. Are you so eager to take responsibility of all those irrational decisions? They were never mistakes! Those weren't decision made by ignorance, they were done by malice. This creature doesn't share your goals. What he want above all else have nothing to do with the box. How many times you had to deny his demands to kill Mina? He want her dead, you don't. You twisted his words into wishing for her to run away, but you know the nagging thoughts were never for distance but for murder. He fear the priestess and she in turn never knew where your hostility was coming from. How much of her confusion was twisted into antagonism inside your head? Twisted by him!

>To Roderick:
>Are you really in control? Do you think you would commit this many mistakes? You are not that stupid. Are you so eager to take responsibility of all those irrational decisions? They were never mistakes! Those weren't decision made by ignorance, they were done by malice. This creature doesn't share your goals.

Mina suddenly goes wide-eyed as she looks towards where I think Roderick is. I wish I could hear.

>DISRUPT BAKOTH’S CONTROL CHECK: 1d100(66) > 75(80[Base] - 5[Duplicate Message]) = FAILURE

Grr… you think you can take away control? You know how much I’ve drowned his thoughts in lies and hatred?

You see, my puppet hasn’t thought for themselves for quite a while. This goes beyond simple control, I’ve ruined him forever, a body fit only to serve me.

...You’re a gods-damned monster.

Thanks.

Roderick’s Swift & Standard Action

>SCENT-BASED PERCEPTION CHECK: 11(6[Roll] + 3[Mentality] + 1[Proximity] + 1[Shadow Strength]) > 10[DC] = SUCCESS

I can smell something sweet all of a sudden, it smells familiar… ah dammit. It’s a Potion of Cure Light Wounds, he’s healing himself!

Roderick’s Move Action

>SNEAKING CHECK AGAINST EVEL’YEE: 9(4[Roll] + 1[Dexterity] - 2[Full Plate] + 2[Darkness] + 1[Shadow Strength] + 3[Proximity]) > 11(6[Roll] + 3[Mentality] + 2[Enhanced Hearing]) = FAILURE

Ack! He’s really close, oh shit! D-don’t thin-

Oh, I’ll finish it for you. ‘Roderick takes a sniff and realizes that Tanna and Mina are actually right next to him. We’re all crowding around a brazier, and he’s going to brutally murder me soon!’. Just give me a second you annoying little shit, I’ll tear you apart soon enough.

He’s right next to me, Winds, yeah. It’s hard to make out his entire form, but he’s taking cover behind the brazier to make it harder for Evel’yee to shoot him I presume. That potion from earlier has healed some of his wounds.

Evel’yee Trèswillow’s Turn

Evel’yee’s Standard Action

>To Evel’yee:
>Don't be like that. Getting angry will only make me want to complement you more: That was an excellent shot! Congratulations. Cute and skilled! A small femme fatale. I would recommend that even you should get close to him to avoid unseen surprises. If you can't run and attack try to stay close to Tanna to avoid been targeted alone.

Wish I could see or hear how she reacted to that.

>EVEL’YEE’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(59) > 50 = SUCCESS

>EVEL’YEE’S ATTACK: 15(4[Dexterity] + 10[Roll] + 1[Combat Modifier] + 1[Size]) > 11(5[Base] + 4[Full Plate] + 2[Cover]) = SUCCESS

>EVEL’YEE’S DAMAGE: 1[Arrow] + 1[Strength] + 1[Archery Talent] = 3 PAIN

>Though I wonder how Evel’yee was able to land such a shot on Roderick like that. Is she not affected or just that good of a shot?

Are you fucking joking me?! Completely dark and I’m behind cover, and she still lands that?!

H-holy shit. Another arrow flies from the darkness and embeds very closely to Roderick’s neck. He tumbles backwards with an expression of twisted pain, grasping at the arrow. Whatever bravado he had earlier seems to be quickly disappearing. T-the darkness is affecting her, right?

Evel’yee’s Move Action

END ROUND 2

4/4 Tanna 2024/10/04(Fri)18:13 No. 1098243 ID: 7cc272
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ROUND 3:

Tanna is no longer Deafened.

Roderick is no longer Deafened.

Tanna Sybilant’s Intermission

The ringing in my ears is starting to die down... “M-Mina? I think I can hear again.”

“Oh? Good to hear, ‘babe’! The heck was up with that? And also with you throwing a bomb you ‘definitely knew’ would blind Roderick?!” She gives me a scolding look. “How did you even know it even blinded him?”

Roderick growls next to us… he still has his eyes shut, I think. “I uh… I just did! Where’s Evel’yee!?”

Mina will thumb over t- somewhere! Fuck you Bakoth!

Ho ho.

What’s the next move, Winds? After that last shot, he’s close. I think he’d probably be down already if he hadn’t drunk that potion! Being this close to him is sort of scary though…

>>1098237
"THE DREAD PLAY HAS YET TO BEGIN"

>>1098243
Tanna, focus on defense.

Roderick: Why are you wasting time fighting when you could be opening the box? Have you tried coating it in your blood then knocking five times on the top then flipping it over and knocking five times on the bottom?

No dumb risks this time, now the plan is to capture him after he lose consciousness. Hit him with your blade without hesitation.
The healing potion must have patched his fatal wound so the chances of him dyeing if you succeed will be much smaller. Not that it matter much: his death is a more acceptable result than yours.

To Mina:
Is it that upsetting? What can I say, Vax have good taste.
To answer you question: I don't know where this kind of information comes from. At first I though it was Tanna's inner monologue but she reacted with surprise when I asked for clarification earlier.
Now, If Tanan doesn't manage to make him faint I think it's time for Hideous Laughter.

To Evel’yee:
That was awesome! You are really good at this. Right on the shoulder! Who knew someone this adorable could be this dangerous?
By the way love: If you said something to me just now could you repeat it? I couldn't hear for a moment.
If Tana or Mina get him this will be the time for your magical bondage gear. I hope you are not set in vengeance because he is currently not in control of his thoughts so it's technically not his faut.

To Roderick:
Remember why you've came here. You lead your friends back to this place to decipher a treasure, not to kill them and rot alone in a dark room. Remember who you are.

Roderick, I know it seems like there's no hope, that you're too weary and afraid. He just told you everything he promised or suggested was a lie, and still you do his bidding. He never really showed you anyone who deserved your hatred, never protected you from those plotting against you, it was all a ruse to make you hate nothing at all. And you do, and I'm so sorry you have to go through this. You can't control yourself, you're scared and alone in there, but you are in there Roderick. Hold tight, and we'll throw you a sturdy branch to hang onto. And one way or another, this storm will pass.

Tanna, you can hear him, you know where he is, strike true and back away. He can best you in blades, and you're out of spells, so your agility is your best bet at this point. This is what God gave you whiskers for. Feel his sword displace the air and dodge!

>>1098243
Scary, yes, but what do you do when fear has your heart?
Same thing you did every other time here.
You dont hide from what you feel, but you dont let it change you either tanna.
Yeah, youre afraid.
Still gonna kick his ass AND save him.
You hear that evil wind?
Slinky is gonna ruin your day!

Oh, by the way.
We'll tell you what simp is later.
Gonna need two squirrels and a pair of leggings for the demonstration...

To roderick.
Hang on. For evelee. For mina. Were going to pull you out of this dark. It may hurt some but an old soldier like you can stand pain. Especially if its for your friends. Just hold on.

Tanna: Attempt to sneak behind him. Attempt to trip him with your sickle.
Evel’yee: Continue to shoot arrows.

1/4 Tanna 2024/10/11(Fri)14:35 No. 1098485 ID: 207077
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>Scary, yes, but what do you do when fear has your heart? Same thing you did every other time here. You dont hide from what you feel, but you dont let it change you either tanna. Yeah, youre afraid. Still gonna kick his ass AND save him.

How utterly pathetic. Words without meaning, action without merit. You will not be saving anyone this night.

They’ve kept me alive and helped me do good things. And we will keep Roderick alive!

>You hear that evil wind? Slinky is gonna ruin your day!

Please. Whatever ends up happening is hardly going to affect me. You came here looking for a certain object, haven’t you? A box perhaps? Ahaha…

Only because you’ve made me! And believe me, I’m dumping that piece of shit the moment I can!

I know I’ve a penchant for telling falsities, but I assure you, I’m not the one that put that compulsion upon you. I’ve only made my puppet and the others wish to open it. Knowing where yours comes from though is honestly hilarious.

What…?

Truthfully, this whole thing is all rather interesting. These ‘Winds’, perhaps they aren’t the manipulations I thought they were. Their dialogues seem rather varied, as if sometimes they even disagree with each other. What would be the point of that, just to sell the idea that they’re of different opinion to the victim? Perhaps… but still, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

More vague bullshit! That’s all that ever comes out of your mouth/mind! What are you talking about?! Why do you keep alluding to all this as though you’ve seen it before?!

Haha, frustrating, isn’t it? A story is being crafted here, and the pathetic creature that is you is its main character. They’ve chosen to hide your memories, and for now I think for now I’ll play along. Hell, I’m half tempted to… ah, but where would the fun in that be?

Think you can beat me truly? I’ll kill you otherwise, Slinky.

That name isn’t for you to use…

>Tanna, focus on defense.
>No dumb risks this time, now the plan is to capture him after he lose consciousness. Hit him with your blade without hesitation.
>Tanna, you can hear him, you know where he is, strike true and back away. He can best you in blades, and you're out of spells, so your agility is your best bet at this point. This is what God gave you whiskers for. Feel his sword displace the air and dodge!
>Attempt to sneak behind him.

Sneak behind me? You know I can read your thoughts, yes?

Where exactly will I be behind you? Mhm?

Ah, a little bit of biteback. Touché.

Tanna’s Move Action

>SNEAKING CHECK AGAINST RODERICK: 8(5[Roll] + 4[Dexterity] + 2[Effective] + 1[Shadow Strength] - 4[Proximity]) > 7(4[Roll] + 3[Mentality] + 1[Scent] + 1[Shadow Strength] - 2[Blinded]) = SUCCESS

I slink somewhere behind Roderick, and raise my blade.

>To Roderick:
>Why are you wasting time fighting when you could be opening the box? Have you tried coating it in your blood then knocking five times on the top then flipping it over and knocking five times on the bottom?

“SILENCE!” Roderick snarls, thrashing in rage. Mina has to back up just to avoid his violent motions.

You’re damaging his mind, ‘Winds’. Just imagine how confused he must be, suddenly hearing voices in his head that aren’t his ‘own’!

Tanna’s Standard Action

We’ll save you from this, Roderick. I swing my blade down at Roderick’s cloaked arm.

>To Roderick:
>Remember why you've came here. You lead your friends back to this place to decipher a treasure, not to kill them and rot alone in a dark room. Remember who you are.
+
>Roderick, I know it seems like there's no hope, that you're too weary and afraid. He just told you everything he promised or suggested was a lie, and still you do his bidding. He never really showed you anyone who deserved your hatred, never protected you from those plotting against you, it was all a ruse to make you hate nothing at all. And you do, and I'm so sorry you have to go through this. You can't control yourself, you're scared and alone in there, but you are in there Roderick. Hold tight, and we'll throw you a sturdy branch to hang onto. And one way or another, this storm will pass.
+
>Hang on. For evelee. For mina. Were going to pull you out of this dark. It may hurt some but an old soldier like you can stand pain. Especially if its for your friends. Just hold on.
=
>Roderick, I know it seems like there’s no hope, that you’re too weary and afraid. You can’t control yourself, but we’re going to pull you out of this dark. It may hurt, but an old soldier like you can stand the pain. Remember why you lead them here. There was a treasure to decipher, it wasn’t to kill them and rot alone in a dark room. Remember who you are, remember your friends. Mina, Evel’yee, Vax, and Jacob. Just hold on, one way or another this storm will pass.

>DISRUPT BAKOTH’S CONTROL CHECK: 1d100(56) > 55(80[Base] - 25[Very Effective Message]) = FAILURE

“E-end this…” Roderick says through gritted teeth, leaning into my swing…

Y̴O̷U̷ ̸V̵I̴L̶E̴ ̶P̴I̶E̸C̷E̶ ̷O̷F̴ ̵T̴R̴A̴S̷H̸…̶ ̷Y̸O̷U̵ ̸A̵R̶E̴ ̷M̸I̵N̵E̴!̴

>TANNA’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(36) > 20[Close Darkness] = SUCCESS

>TANNA’S ATTACK: 6(4[Dexterity] + 3[Roll] + 2[Flanking] - 1[Intrusive Thoughts] - 2[Fighting Defensively]) > 5(5[Base] + 4[Full Plate] - 1[Intrusive Thoughts] - 3[Leans into Attack]) = SUCCESS

>TANNA’S DAMAGE: 2[Scimitar] + 1[Strength] = 3 PAIN & FATAL WOUND

I strike him soundly in his cloaked shoulder, my blade slicked with his blood. He lets out an agonized grunt as his body begins to fa-

Let’s add a little drama, shall we? What good antagonist would go down so easily?!

Huh… what is going on?

2/4 Tanna 2024/10/11(Fri)14:35 No. 1098486 ID: 207077
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R-Roderick’s body suddenly jerks upright… his head lolling to the side and his limbs snapping into place like some sort of macabre doll. His movements are horrifyingly unnatural as he sways back and forth, maintaining a hideous balance.

“R-Roderick…? P-please, just stop… whoever you are, I’m begging you…” I hear Mina’s quiet voice from the dark. This is awful…

Mina Haliasong’s Turn

“Whaa’s wroon, Meena?” The monster snickers with an evil grin at me before swinging his head to face Mina. “Is okaahy, yooh’ve shaved meh!”

>MINA’S SHAKEN CHECK: 7(3[Mentality] + 6[Roll] - 2[Friend]) > 9(5[Base] + 2[Fearful Darkness] + 2[Nightmare Creature]) = FAILURE

Mina has become Shaken*.

“Get out of his body you frea-hic-KING MONSTER!!” Mina growls at Roderick’s twisted body, hiccuping as she still refuses to curse.

>To Mina:
>Now, If Tanan doesn't manage to make him faint I think it's time for Hideous Laughter.

Mina’s Standard Action

“GAAHAHAH!”

“LEAVE HIM ALONE!!” She screams as she begins to cast a spell, I can’t see what she’s casting from where I’m at, but her hand thrusts out to try and touch Roderick!

>MINA’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(88) > 20[Close Darkness] = SUCCESS

>MINA’S TOUCH ATTACK: 5(3[Dexterity] + 2[Roll] + 2[Flanking] - 2[Shaken]) > 3(5[Base] - 2[Animated]) = HIT

>RODERICK’S SAVE AGAINST PROTECTION FROM EVIL (VIA BAKOTH): 7(3[Roderick’s Mentality] + 6[Roll] - 3[Mina’s Mentality] + 1[Shadow Strength]) > 5[DC] = SUCCESS

I can see the magic slam against Roderick in the dark as it’s violently repulsed away. “MY PUPPET! GYEHEEHEE!!” Another shrill laugh erupts from Roderick’s Bakoth-controlled body.

“The fucks going on?!” Evel’yee calls out from somewhere on my left.

This isn’t good! “Mina, get away from there! Move!”

Mina’s Movement & Swift Action

>MINA’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(79) > 20[Close Darkness] = SUCCESS

>MINA’S SKULLDUGGERY CHECK: 10(2[Strength] + 8[Roll] + 2[Flanking] - 2[Shaken]) > 9(5[Base] + 1[Dexterity] + 4[Strength] + 1[Shadow Strength] - 2[Animated]) = SUCCESS

Roderick has fallen prone

“GET OUT! GET OUT!!” Mina cries as she pushes Roderick to the floor. She’s not thinking straight!

*Shaken imposes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saves, skill checks, and may cause characters to act irrationally.

3/4 Tanna 2024/10/11(Fri)14:36 No. 1098487 ID: 207077
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Roderick Volhalsin’s Turn

Roderick suffers 1 PAIN for having a Fatal Wound and being unconscious.

Roderick’s Swift Action

>RODERICK’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(59) > 50[Blinded] = SUCCESS

>RODERICK’S SKULLDUGGERY CHECK: 12(4[Strength] + 9[Roll] + 1[Shadow Strength] + 2[Effective] - 2[Prone] - 2[Animated]) > 10(5[Base] + 3[Dexterity] + 2[Strength]) = SUCCESS

“Agh!!” Roderick kicks out from beneath her, swiping her leg with his own and sending her tumbling to the floor next to him. She rolls over and tries to get up before Roderick’s gauntleted fist slams her back down.

Roderick’s Standard Action

“SCHLICEE! HAEHEAHA” He cackles as he brings his sword down upon her while they’re both writhing on the floor.

>RODERICK’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(90) > 50[Blinded] = SUCCESS

>RODERICK’S ATTACK: 10(4[Strength] + 8[Roll] + 1[Combat Modifier] + 1[Shadow Strength] - 2[Prone] - 2[Animated]) > 6(5[Base] + 3[Dexterity] - 2[Prone]) = SUCCESS

>RODERICK’S DAMAGE: 3[Greatsword] + 2[Strength] + 1[Two-Handed] - 1[Animated] = 5 PAIN & FATAL WOUND

I hear a sickeningly awful sounding tearing of flesh as Roderick drags the sword across Mina’s midsection. A terrible wound is left behind as Mina lets out a ghastly quiet scream, the sound caught in her throat as she arches her back in agony. “NO!!”

“Mina?! Tanna, talk to me!!” Evel’yee shouts with worry. M-Mina’s not moving!

“Wanna be da hero sho bad? Shave evaryawn? Won’t le’shoo…” It whispers with dark promise.

>TANNA’S SHAKEN CHECK: 5(3[Mentality] + 4[Roll] - 2[Story]) > 9(5[Base] + 2[Fearful Darkness] + 2[Nightmare Creature]) = FAILURE

Tanna has become Shaken*.

She’s going to die… hah… h-how many times… this story… no no NO NO!! IT NEVER CHANGES, WHY DOES EVERYONE ALWAYS DIE?!

Roderick’s Move Action

Roderick’s body contorts in an awful way as he’s forced to push himself up! “STAY DOWN!!”

>TANNA’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(83) > 20[Close Darkness] = SUCCESS

>TANNA’S ATTACK OF OPPORTUNITY: 9(4[Dexterity] + 8[Roll] + 1[Shadow Strength] - 2[Fighting Defensively] - 2[Shaken]) > 7(5[Base] + 4[Full Plate] - 2[Prone]) = SUCCESS

>TANNA’S DAMAGE: 2[Scimitar] + 1[Strength] = 3 PAIN

I hit him again, slashing him across the collarbone, but he just won’t fall! How is he still standing?!

Roderick drags his blade along the ground, trying to raise it over Mina’s body! “Taannnaaaa… ooohhh Taaannnaaaa…” He says eerily, blood dripping from his mouth, brutal wounds oozing away his life… he slams the point of his sword into the floor, just narrowly missing her!

“STOP IT!!”

Evel’yee Trèswillow’s Turn

“Gods dammit! Calm the fuck down, Tanna! Focus!” Evel’yee shouts at me… c-calm down? I… hah…f-fuck, I’m shaking all over… why does this always happen… why does everyone always die!!

>To Evel’yee:
>That was awesome! You are really good at this. Right on the shoulder! Who knew someone this adorable could be this dangerous?
+
>Continue to shoot arrows.
+
>I hope you are not set in vengeance because he is currently not in control of his thoughts so it's technically not his faut.
=
>That was awesome! You really are good at this. Who knew someone this adorable could be this dangerous! Keep in mind that he’s not in control of his thoughts, so it’s technically not his fault. Keep shooting him with arrows though!

“That’s right, keep praising me…”

>EVEL’YEES ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(23) > 50[Distanced Darkness] = FAILURE

An arrow wizzes by and strikes the wall next to us! N-no! No no no! “Mhm.”

Evel’yee’s Move and Swift Action

I see Evel’yee slip next to the two of us from the darkness, she has a dagger in her hand. “FUCK! Tanna?!” She notices my utter panic, the fear gripping my heart. Just as Roderick slams his sword down again, Evel’yee knocks it out of the way with her dagger!

>EVEL’YEE’S SHAKEN CHECK: 12(3[Mentality] + 9[Roll]) > 9(5[Base] + 2[Fearful Darkness] + 2[Nightmare Creature]) = SUCCESS

“ACT TANNA!! YOU HAVE TO END THIS NOW!”

END OF ROUND 3

4/4 Tanna 2024/10/11(Fri)14:38 No. 1098489 ID: e11d27
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ROUND 4:

Tanna Sybilant’s Intermission

T-The monster’s attention is all focused on Mina*… he raises his sword once more as he knocks Evel’yee away with a kick!

There’s no more time! I have to! I have to kill him now!

*Characters that reach a pain threshold equal to their maximum threshold plus 2 plus their Strength category plus their level die. For example, Mina will die at 9 pain. Characters who are unconscious when their turn begins and have a Fatal Wound suffer 1 pain.

Roderick has taken a total of 15 pain and has had one Potion of Cure Light Wounds.

>What do the winds suggest?

No time left. You have to risk killing him or Mina will die.
Climb up on top of him and slice the back of his neck all the way. While he's reeling from paralysis, Evel'yee needs to nab the potion before it gets shattered. If it does get shattered, feed whatever is left, glass shards if necessary, into Mina's wounds before she bleeds out.

Calm down. Don't argue with Bakoth, don't even entertain his words, just let them pass you. He will not change his mind no matter what argument you make so there is nothing to be gained with even trying. At worst we would be pointing out his mistakes and how to improve.

A little of rationalization may help understanding the situation.
Roderick lost conscience with a deep cut across his shoulder. This mean that the pain was too much to handle and his blood pressure is too weak to keep his brain active. Normally falling flat would recuperate some of the pressure inside the head, but by standing up he must be suffering brain damage with the lack of oxygen. His colar bone must be broken, so his right arm can't be lift, yet he used a free hand to hold Mina down.
It's likely that this motion have nothing to do with Roderick body capacity. He must be animated the same way a skeleton or an armor can be with magic despite the lack of muscles or even connected joins that make sense. At this point you probable could cut off his leg and the severed limb would still sustain him weight. It's so unnatural I wouldn't even assume he will stop when Roderick die.

So, what to do?
The Cause Fear scroll sound like a good way to gain time, unfortunately it's with Mina.

The second best thing I can think of is the Wevekil. He is clearly animated by magic and his heart is still pumping, so exposure should disrupt the process. You could coat your weapon with it, but with how many open wounds he have I think just throwing the liquid on his torso should work.

The less reliable idea I have is to heal Roderick. Get his conscious version back. I'm not sure were we would go from there.

To Evel’yee:
Two trick shots were impressive enough... You are still cute.
Here is the situation: Roderick is unconscious and bleeding to death, the entity that was trying to convince you to kill yourself is puppeteering his body with magic and I'm not even sure killing him will put him down. Mina is bleeding and will die in 24 seconds if she isn't healed, less if Roderick hit her again.
If you have something that can be used to imobilize him temporarily or disrupt magic from an evil aligned entity you can try, just don't tell us because he is listening. Otherwise I think the most important thing will be to give Mina a potion and protect her.

To Mina:
Wake up.

>>1098489
He's prone. This is a perfect time to wrestle that sword away from him.
Do we have any more healing supplies? If things don't get any worse, we only need something to stabilize Mina, so she can stabilize Roderick.

To Bakoth: You can see Tanna's thoughts. That should clue you in on a secret here: She's stuck in a time loop. This story keeps playing over and over. That means YOU ARE TRAPPED TOO. I'm guessing this will only end if we win. So, if you want to see tomorrow... surrender. Let Tanna have the box. At least then you have a future.

>>1098492
Sorry, forgot to write it in. 'Roderick' used his move action to stand up, which was why Tanna got an attack of opportunity on him. Also Tanna has three CLW potions in her bag.

>>1098489
Slinky, you have to strike him.
Hard and true.
Hes being puppeted, but that cant be precise and a puppeteer still has to have something to pull on the endnof the strings.
Hamstrings, tendons or broken bones.
It can be fixed later.
Roderick is tough and can tolerate a lot more than-
Mina!

>>1098490
...
Yes.
Even if you have to do that tanna.
Healing mina is a priority but theres others who can do that.

>>1098491
Not the fear scroll.
The mind in charge right now isnt a targettable entity.
Good!
That message will appraise evelee ofbthe full situation.
Evelee! Steal rodericks cure potion and use it on mina. Quick and messy if it has to be.
Buy her some time.

Remember all.
Roderick still has a hammer so the sword isnt the only threat plus if we need something blunt to pummel with it can be borrowed.

Slinky.
You can do this.

>>1098494
Ah, well. hmm.

>>1098489
...I think at this point, the right thing to do is to kill him. Trying to disarm him or wrestle him will be too difficult now. Ironically, doing that earlier when he was conscious might have worked.

We couldn't save everyone, but we can at least save three people today. You, Mina, and Evel'yee.

I hate to say it like this, but saving Roderick is becoming a sunk cost Tanna. Mina is on the verge of death and is about to be killed. You need to strike with the power and intent to end this now.

Pray that whatever happens after that you'll be able to find something to heal or patch Mina up with. She's not going to last much longer with a gash like that.

Oh yeah we also saved those other two guys who are in the jail atm.

1/3 Bakoth 2024/10/26(Sat)12:13 No. 1099053 ID: 3a0574
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Private Conversation

>To Bakoth: You can see Tanna's thoughts. That should clue you in on a secret here: She's stuck in a time loop. This story keeps playing over and over. That means YOU ARE TRAPPED TOO. I'm guessing this will only end if we win. So, if you want to see tomorrow... surrender. Let Tanna have the box. At least then you have a future.

...You got me. You really are an actual separate thing, aren’t you? That’s the only reason why you would say something so ignorant. You… you winds, you’re strangers, and you genuinely don’t know what’s going on. I suppose a time loop could make sense to outsiders looking in. Haha, I meant it before, and I mean it even more now. That makes everything so incredibly… terrifyingly… wonderfully… interesting.

You are right in a way though, things will ‘end’ if you all ‘win’. But it simply wouldn’t be in good faith to just hand it over. You’re probably going to end up killing my puppet, but let’s see where things land before then…

2/3 Tanna 2024/10/26(Sat)12:13 No. 1099054 ID: 3a0574
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Returning back to Tanna

Tanna Sybilant’s Turn

>No time left. You have to risk killing him or Mina will die.
>Slinky, you have to strike him. Hard and true.
>...I think at this point, the right thing to do is to kill him.
>I hate to say it like this, but saving Roderick is becoming a sunk cost Tanna. Mina is on the verge of death and is about to be killed.

I-I…

>You need to strike with the power and intent to end this now.
>Climb up on top of him and slice the back of his neck all the way.

Tanna’s Standard Action

AHHH!!

>TANNA’S ROLL VS. CONCEALMENT: 1d100(58) > 20[Close Darkness] = SUCCESS

>TANNA’S ATTACK: 12(4[Dexterity] + 7[Roll] + 2[Flanking] + 1[Shadow Strength] - 2[Shaken]) > 9(5[Base] + 4[Full Plate]) = SUCCESS

>TANNA’S DAMAGE: 2[Scimitar] + 1[Strength] = 3 PAIN

Roderick has been killed. The darkness recedes.

3/3 Tanna 2024/10/26(Sat)12:17 No. 1099056 ID: 9c61d0
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“I’m sorry… hah… no… I-I’m so fucking sorry…” He’s lying there… his blood pooling and body twitching as t-that bastard tries to control him still… b-but he’s dead…

Mina Haliasong’s Turn

Mina suffers 1 PAIN for having a Fatal Wound and being unconscious.

Evel’yee Trèswillow’s Turn

Evel’yee’s Standard & Move & Swift Action

>To Evel’yee:
>Two trick shots were impressive enough... You are still cute. Here is the situation: the entity that was trying to convince you to kill yourself is puppeteering his body with magic and I'm not even sure killing him will put him down. Mina is bleeding and will die in 24 seconds if she isn't healed. I think the most important thing will be to give Mina a potion.

“I got her, don’t worry.” Evel’yee says as she pulls a vial out of her bag. She feeds it to Mina, cradling her head so it heals her. The worst of her wounds begin to heal…

...I can’t… think straight…

END OF COMBAT

Focus Tanna. Mina is alive and the most urgent threat is dealt with.
Right now you need to assess the situation, make sure there is no other danger (maybe of the rat variety). Hold together a little longer, at least long enough for Mina to get up.

To Evel’yee:
You will be the most emotionally stable one here for a few minutes, so please be patient and keep those two from doing something they shouldn't. Also watch out for unexpected dangers and for that weird rat, there is something unnatural about it.

To Mina:
Stay calm. Breath in and exhale, slowly.

It's okay to cry

You did it, you saved him...

Cover your mouth and breathe slowly. You can't rest here, that demon is going to find a new host.
It's a longshot, but try to find out where that bastard went and end them. If they escape, then at least we won't have to deal with them possessing another party member.

Loot Roderick's precious items. Funeral burn the rest.

>>1099056
Oh slinky...
I am so sorry.

You...
You saved lives.
Uncontrolled, roderick would understand.
He was a warrior.
His life was standing between his companions and harm.
He payed the price for them with his safety willingly, facing and defeating the threat.
Under the entity's control, he was the danger to defeat.

I... i dont think roderick would have celebrated his freedom if it came at the cost of mina and
Evelee or even more.

Sit.
Cry.
Drape something over him if you can.
He's not your enemy.
He never was.
The things controlling the people here and the puppeteer who had him are your true foes.
Despite the words he spoke and the deeds he performed, it wasnt him.
What lies there isnt a foe defeated but a friend lost to an enemy most vile.
Honour him in your thoughts.
Let the others feel their loss but dont allow them to blame roderick, you or themselves.
The enemy who did this was beyond retribution this day, but that will not always be so.

... i wish we could hug you tanna.
You did well and... and you look like you could use one.

To evelee: is mina ok? Dont blame tanna. Or yourself. had to do it. He was going to kill mina and the thing that had him in thrall would not stop. Roderick was unconcious and it still made him move.

>>1099056
The fighting is over. Next most important thing is to get Evel'yee out of the room. That Protection vs Evil won't last forever, and she still has a geas. You and Mina can handle what's next, which will involve the box.

When Mina wakes up, tell her you're sorry, you couldn't find a way to keep Roderick alive. Evel'yee will back you up on that.

Put your weapon away, don't look at him or think about what just happened. It's going to be hard, but we're not out of this just yet. Whatever was possessing Roderick could still be lurking in the shadows. Stay vigilant, continue protecting the others until Mina's stable enough to move, grab what you need, and get out before trouble comes back.