You had a significant other, once. Dream about them, and what happened to them.

>>1008257
>single forever
You sure? People wanna fuck Slenderman.
Well if you're miserable with it you could always ask for another go.

>>1008258
Dream about the burglar who made off with your stuff. Wanna bet it's the GIA? They took some of Chef's stuff to him, and stole your computer to snoop.

Dream of duck

tippler 2021/08/18(Wed)21:01 No. 1008274 ID: eedbeb
File 162934567586.png - (121.79KB , 1000x900 , p122.png )

You’re with your puma ex-girlfriend from high school, drinking sodas while your feet swing from the edge of the school bleachers. On the field, a shady looking ground squirrel is furtively shoving the contents of Chef’s closet into a duffel bag. You recognize him as your neighbor three doors away.

“I don’t want to do long distance.” she says.

“Oh, okay.” you say. “I thought you were going to college here though.”

“I’m moving on. You’re going nowhere.” she says.

“Ouch.” You watch a bright white werewolf sitting on the bench a few rows below. His head cranes to meet your eye and he thumps his tail against the metal.

You get up and try to reach him. The werewolf looks so wise and peaceful, but when you get close enough to reach him, he bends away.

“I’ll be watching out for you.” he says in your voice.

You step onto the grass and feel snow instead. The air smells like blood and burnt rubber.

tippler 2021/08/18(Wed)21:01 No. 1008275 ID: eedbeb
File 162934569278.png - (159.75KB , 1000x900 , p123.png )

This is a true image, you’re pretty sure. Kibble is fully reformed, standing in front of her parents’ house in the snow, mouth poking out of her side, a white lump in her single hand. You can hear them talking in your head.

She is too far away, I cannot reach her. I don’t have the power to travel at tenable speeds through space.

“You have to leave.” Kibble says. “I don’t trust Jadis to destroy you and I know you’ll get into trouble, whether you mean to or not.”

I would have nothing better to do.

“Then I can’t let you go.”

Yes, such a surprise. Duck says, voice heavy with sarcasm. I suppose we’re doomed to spend eternity together. At least you’re a masterful conversationalist.

“Eternity.” Kibbles whispers. She stares through you, into the dark edges of your dream and the pair fall silent.

From the corner of your vision, you see a short figure start walking towards you.

“Mr. Noctus.” says Rancid. The raccoon is wearing a sweater and slacks. His eyes are empty. “Would you mind stepping away for a quick conversation?”

The dream sharpens to almost real life clarity and you blink in the fresh light of a magical bulb suspended above a plain table. You’re in an interrogation room.

And you’re handcuffed to a chair.

>>1008275
This is a dream, you’ve got cartoon physics on your side. It’s a shame you can’t shrink your hands. But it is a dream. So maybe here you can. So so and then hurt rancid, don’t listen to him, you’ve been very reasonable and now he won’t leave you alone in your dreams when you even set up a meeting with Jadis, it’s time to let loose a little.

"Fine, but i gotta be a mediator at 9am for Max and Jadis and put an end to the worst three days of my life... well, 2nd to worst..."

>>1008275
Eh, the handcuffs are symbolic. You could just wake up, after all.
Tell him this doesn't feel like a friendly chat. What does he want? Did he steal your computer?

"seriously, though, why did you bite her? she had her whole life ahead of her, and you bit her. Are you intending on only treating her as your weapon and not treating her like a person?

You are now sitting on the chair backwards in the cool way. Your arms are folded stop it so you can lean comfortably, even though you are technically still handcuffed to it. It's like you turned it around, but you didn't, this is how it just is.

"Sup, guy?"

>>1008295
Do this.

tippler 2021/08/19(Thu)10:16 No. 1008319 ID: eedbeb
File 162939341610.png - (161.28KB , 1000x900 , p124.png )

Restraints? No problem. You’re in a dream, you can do whatever you want and if things get dangerous you can wake up. At least, you hope. Everything feels weirdly real here, the cold metal against your wrists, the sturdy wood chair against your back. You try to constrict your limbs and pull free, but nothing happens.

Rancid approaches from the blurry wall on stage left and hops to sit on the edge of the table, facing you. You take in the unobtrusive animal. He’s roughly Max’s age, neat trimmed fur with delicate paws. You’d very much like to shove him off that table and leave, but settle for a battle of wits.

“What’s up dude? I have to be there for your people and Jadis at 9:00 am so this better not take too long.” you sneer.

“It won’t as long as you cooperate.” Rancid says.

“You already have my friend hostage, I don’t know why you’re bothering to threaten me more.” you say.

Rancid cocks his head. “You’re quite funny. I’m not here on behalf of the GIA, though I am trying to act in the country’s interests and my own. Even if you succeed to convince Max that Jadis is not malevolent, my higher ups are still planning to have me attack her tomorrow night, which will most certainly end in my death and fuel her paranoia.”

tippler 2021/08/19(Thu)10:17 No. 1008320 ID: eedbeb
File 162939342464.png - (143.19KB , 1000x900 , p125.png )

You glare at the raccoon. “Tell that to someone who cares. It’s what you get for treating Daisy like a weapon instead of a person with her whole life ahead of her.”
“Yes, I suppose you could see it that way.” Rancid scoots off the table and takes your right hand in both of his own. His small paws are viciously strong, and he easily pulls your pointer finger upright.

You watch, alarmed, as he starts pushing the digit backwards. This isn’t real, how could he—

Rancid stops on the cusp of snapping your finger. “Since you have such useful connections, I would very much like if you used them to convince the government to cease this operation. Perhaps after the meeting tomorrow you could arrange a follow-up.”

“And if you don’t.” Rancid snaps your joint absently and you shriek. “I will have to take an afternoon nap.”

Rancid is asking you to focus both of your tasks tomorrow on the GIA. The mediation task has a good chance of succeeding for Jadis as well, but this way you’re locked out of addressing Kibble’s problems, guaranteeing her VERY BAD THING.

Go stick-figure to get out of those cuffs, then go to town on Rancid's face.

"That was NOT necessary! You're making it real tempting to say no and deny you the satisfaction!"

"... But I'll consider it. I'm convinced both you guys and Kibble are about to do something VERY BAD, and I'm not gonna be able to stop both at this rate."

If you succeed with Jadis and the GIA, then it just comes down to a choice between stopping Kibble and stopping the GIA. Either way, our first task is clear. We'll decide when it's time to decide, and we'll hopefully have an even better picture of what VERY BAD THINGS are on the table than what we already just got.

>guaranteeing Kibble's very bad thing
Uh, I thought we already got two successes with her?

>>1008320
He's supposed to start the torture *after* you refuse...
Anyway tell him if he wants to live so badly he can just leave the GIA. Or are they keeping his family hostage too?

When it comes down to it, you have no objections to setting up a second meeting. It's not like you'll have to be there, so there's no time investment and you can go try one last time to make sure Kibble isn't going to do anything drastic.

>>1008320
Fuck it.
Maul him.

>>1008332
Support

Meh. This sucks but you LITTERALLY just experienced WAY worse.

Give no promises, but leave the option on the table.
Be frustratingly nonchalant.

tippler 2021/08/19(Thu)15:18 No. 1008350 ID: eedbeb
File 162941153880.png - (137.14KB , 1000x900 , p126.png )

The current status of tasks is:

Jadis: 1 successful, 1 failed
Kibble: 1 successful, 1 failed
GIA: None attempted

You have two task attempts left for tomorrow.

“That was NOT necessary!” you say, voice an octave higher than normal. Your finger isn’t broken in real life, you’re pretty sure, but the phantom pain is real. That said, being soul electrocuted by Jadis had hurt much worse, and she was supposed to be helping you.

You still can’t access your powers in this weird dream state and you suck in an imaginary breath before adopting a nonchalant tone.

“So you need me.” you remark. “I don’t know man, I’ll think about it but I’m more worried about Kibble than your sorry ass. Torture isn’t how you make friends.”

“Goodness, was this supposed to be torture?” Rancid asks. “You should have told me, I would have brought my tools.”

“Can’t you just, I don’t know, desert your post if they’re going to send you on a suicide mission?” you ask. Rancid twists your injured finger and you trail away into a wet squeak. “No? Okay…”

tippler 2021/08/19(Thu)15:19 No. 1008351 ID: eedbeb
File 162941154836.png - (178.20KB , 1000x900 , p127.png )

You try to stay calm and think which is difficult when you feel Rancid’s grip on your pinky finger.

“I’ll set up the second meeting after the first one.” you say in a rush. Privately, you think you’ll decide between the GIA and Kibble when the time comes, though you don’t relish the idea of another dream attack if you pick Kibble.

“Good. Invite your friend Saul.” Rancid finally lets go of your hand and takes a step away.

“Do I have to be there too?”

“Given your knowledge of the situation despite my best efforts, yes.”

You sigh. This sucks, which is in accordance with the new standard. The dream room is starting to dissolve at the edges and Rancid sniffs the air.

“I have more reconnaissance I need to do. I’m glad we could keep this short, Vlad, I’ll see you soon.” The raccoon turns and walks away. Grey smudges steal the metal away from the handcuffs and you fling yourself out of the rapidly disappearing chair.

You wake up clutching your finger, which throbs with dull pain but is intact. A quick glance at your phone shows its 7:32 am. You need to eat something and then pick a neutral location for the first task.

Do you choose:
-The Deez
-The park by Jadis’ apartment
-Magic university
-Normal university
-Other

Each location will have associated relevant character encounters.

>>1008351
Frog boss is cool so Deez, also swear vengeance internally that if you get the chance to really hurt rancid, dream or otherwise, that you’ll do so. He keeps pushing your buttons, but he doesent know what you can do in reality, and if you catch him in reality…

I’m tempted to suggest not listening to him and having you deal with soul torture for a night, he’ll die the next day anyway if he attacks Jadis, maybe even warn them?

You're not gonna dismiss the possibility that the GIA knows this upcoming mission is a death sentence; that riling up Jadis is exactly what they want, and that Rancid isn't exactly well-liked in the workplace.

And honestly? Screw that guy. But Jadis getting riled up after peace talks is bad. Also, they might ask him to bring Daisy, and that would be turbo-bad.

Still, you'll cross that bridge when you get to it. For now...

> Set the Place
The Deez would be a "what the fuck" move from our employer and coworkers' perspectives. The park needs no permission to loiter and hold tense discussions, but both parties might feel vulnerable.

A private space, then, but one that requires no permission: How about Your Apartment? It's not like Chef currently lives here, and your neighbor three doors down is looking after your belongings, eh? (Do make a note to confront them after the meeting, though, maybe while some feds are still present.)

>>1008351
I don't think the GIA should be anywhere near The Deez if we can help it.
Magic University is the place where they'd have the least sway. If they try anything there's a bunch of witches around to slap their shit.

Also you should totally just straight up betray Rancid. Tell the GIA about the deal he attempted to make. They'll fire him or worse.

Our apartment.
Dont invite Saul, thats a trap. I think they're using Saul.

You have a very poor chance of preventing a Very Bad Thing from happening with the GIA. Better to focus your efforts on Jadis and Kibble.

Why not the werewolf anonymous building? Should be empty. And yeah, i agree, no Saul.

Maybe we can contact Body and Daisy to find Kibble and talk to her for us while we deal with negotiations? Tell them our dream?

tippler 2021/08/20(Fri)13:51 No. 1008420 ID: eedbeb
File 162949267308.png - (170.36KB , 1000x900 , p128.png )

After a lukewarm and very confusing shower you have a bowl of cereal crumbs and stale milk and tap out texts to everyone important to distract yourself from your somewhat traumatizing dream experience. Fuck Rancid, the guy’s a goddam sadist and you’re going to do your best to screw him over, even if you have to endure more torment.

You: Hey Body can you check on Kibble
You: Have a feeling she’s not doing good, needs a friend

Body: Okay! Who is this?

You: it’s Vlad. Also GIA is planning to attack Jadis tonight, I’m going to warn her

Body: Okay!

You run your spoon through the brown sludge at the bottom of the chipped bowl and switch to your message history with Jordan.

You: I feel like shit also do you think I should use The Deez for a life or death meeting

It takes a while for a response, at first you wonder if Jordan’s sleeping in on this chilly Monday morning, but then your phone buzzes.

Jordan: Are you okay??? Also no way what the fuck the deez is trash

You: Things are crazy right now and my apartment got broken into yesterday
You: Also no one will ever love me

Jordan texts you numerous reassurances that just because you’re a broke werewolf, there’s someone for everyone and to not give up and that she can help you file a theft report. You start to feel a little better, but you still need to choose a place to meet.

tippler 2021/08/20(Fri)13:51 No. 1008421 ID: eedbeb
File 162949268649.png - (153.53KB , 1000x900 , p129.png )

>Your Apartment

You don’t feel like going outside ever again, and everything valuable has already been stolen, so even if a fight breaks out you’re fine with volunteering your place for the GIA Jadis meeting. It’ll scare the shit out of your landlord, at least.

You: Things are going to get dangerous today, don’t go out or do anything with the GIA

Daisy: I’m at school and also I’m super mega ultra grounded so don’t worry

With a sigh you finally scroll through your contacts to select Chef’s number.

You: First meeting is at my place

Rancid: Expect us shortly

You grit your teeth. You’re tempted to blab about Rancid’s betrayal to the other agents. Max seems decent now that you’ve gotten to know him, you doubt he has a high opinion of his coworker.

tippler 2021/08/20(Fri)13:51 No. 1008422 ID: eedbeb
File 162949269458.png - (181.61KB , 1000x900 , p130.png )

Restless anxiety drives you to pace back and forth in the small kitchen. You don’t bother to clean up, nothing could redeem the derelict space and you also don’t care.

At 8:57 you hear a rap of knuckles on your door. You lunge for the chair propped again the handle and see three animals standing in the hallway.

Rancid and Max are wearing their trademark sweaters. The dog has heavy shadows under his eye, but the raccoon seems as put together as ever no doubt because of his healthy night of sleep. The third animal is an average sized tree squirrel with three bushy fox tails waving under her coat. A kitsune.

“This place is a bit shit, eh?” she says cheerfully. “Can we come in?”

She gets a full view of your new stick figure proportion body. “Gosh, you’re looking peaky.”

“What did you do?” Max asks, horrified.

When Jadis gets here, lay some ground rules. The GIA will go first on their debate laying fown their concerns and arguments. After which, Jadis will be allowed time to give her counter arguments. After that, Jadis will give her concerns and arguments, and then the GIA will give their counter arguments. After that, we will negotiate a deal where both parties can see eye to eye, like maybe even some way for Jadis to work with the GIA to make better experiments together.

However, make it clear you want NO INTERRUPTIONS during the arguments and counter arguments. If anyone interrupts, you will bang a hammer on the table to keep order like a judge's gavel.

>>1008422
Tell them you decided not to be a werewolf anymore.

>>1008426
Sounds good.

>>1008426
Yeah im actually down for this. Its our place, you want things to actually PROGRESS and not just end up in a shouting match. You doubt itll be a problem, but will put your foot down.

Dont answer their mentioning of what you look like now, you're probably still not in a good mood.

tippler 2021/08/20(Fri)19:12 No. 1008439 ID: eedbeb
File 162951195027.png - (174.16KB , 1000x900 , p131.png )

“I decided not to be a werewolf anymore.” you say with a glare at Rancid.

Max unfurls his extra eyes to stare at you in disbelief and you resist the urge to punch him. “Does it hurt?”

“No. Everything’s normal just space distorted. Who’s this squirrel?”

The kitsune reaches out her hand. “I’m Lori, grandma on me mum’s side was a fox and I got the monster gene. Nasty surprise at the academy when I started shooting concussive spheres out of my—”

“Lori’s officially here for some extra firepower.” Max explains hastily. “Though it’s really because she’s nicer than either of us.”

You take her paw and shake before leading the GIA reps a whole three meters to the kitchen.

“I don’t have chairs, so like…” you gesture at the counters. “Lean. Get water if you want.”

The four of you jump when you hear a slapping sound, as if someone was walking up the stairs with wet socks.

“I don’t see anyone coming.” Max says softly. His magical eyes are darting in all directions.

Plapf

Plapf

tippler 2021/08/20(Fri)19:12 No. 1008440 ID: eedbeb
File 162951196921.png - (198.16KB , 1000x900 , p132.png )

A red, dry hand reaches around the corner and a muscle and tendon covered thing pokes its head into the apartment. Its eyes have no lids and tears are pooling in its sockets to keep the organs moist. There are strange protrusions on either side of its head and it bares rows of flat teeth at you.

“This the party?” it croaks. “It’s me, Jadis, by the way. I wasn’t about to show up here in person but at least I’m here in the flesh, eh?”

“Heh.” says Rancid.

The meat puppet staggers toward you before adopting a casual lean against the fridge.

“It’s rude to stare.” she says.

You gape at her.

“I thought this was time sensitive? Can we get started or something?”

“Uh huh. Right. You tear your eyes away from the naked creature and find your tongue. “So ground rules, the GIA people will go first and list their concerns and desires, no interrupting, and then Jadis can do the same, and then we can take turns for counter arguments and hopefully negotiate a deal.”

tippler 2021/08/20(Fri)19:12 No. 1008441 ID: eedbeb
File 162951197966.png - (93.96KB , 1000x900 , p133.png )

“I’ll go first.” Max says. The hound kneads his forehead. “I suppose my main concern is that Jadis is working alone. When dealing with experimental magic it’s common sense to have a skilled spotter to check for spell flaws. I’m worried that one wrong move would lead to catastrophe. My request is that Jadis starts working with me or another qualified witch.”

Max finishes and Rancid steps forward with a small cough. “In my experience, power is intoxicating. I’m worried Jadis will not relinquish her control once she’s done sealing the Recycler from outsiders. I would like verification from a higher power such as Saul or the experienced spotter.”

“Yeah.” Lori chimes in. “Also all the politicians who’ve been briefed about this think you’re nuts so we’re afraid things are going to escalate if we don’t settle stuff here.”

The human corpse stands silent for a moment after the GIA finishes.

“You guys tried to kill me, I don’t trust your spotters for shit.” Jadis says. “If I wanted to do super evil stuff I would have done it already. Also, leave all my friends and acquaintances alone.”

Vlad isn’t doing too much here, so feel free to suggest counter arguments and compromises spoken by the other characters.

Vlad why are you naked, couldn't you wear a sheet or something

The GIA should suggest that Jadis find some other witch to help. Someone from the University? Jadis should respond by saying he needs one that can't be pressured by the GIA too easily. Someone his family knows, maybe. Getting Saul's help is... troublesome, since the GIA took Evelyn. Now that the GIA kidnapped her, it's impossible for Saul to be neutral. If they release her then Saul could have a grudge and the GIA won't trust him, if they don't then Jadis can't trust him.
Assuming the GIA's motives really are about keeping Jadis from abusing the power, then I guess the main point of negotiation is getting a spotter that both sides agree on.
Jadis doesn't seem to be asking for much. The GIA backing off in exchange for a spotter both parties can trust? That doesn't seem difficult.

>>1008441
If not a GIA operative, then a neutral third party. Someone with the appropriate skills and knowledge that isn't aligned to either Jadis or the GIA.

>>1008446
Actually I would argue that now that Saul hates both the GIA and Jadis he would make for the perfect spotter because he doesent have ties to either and that you could probably get his help if the GIA releases the hostages. He would listen to you which helped get this all started and work towards some sort of neutrality from that perspective even if he’s biased at least it’s someone Jadis would begrudgingly trust. Anyone from the Gia wouldn’t be trusted by Jadis and vice versa. Plus it’s real easy to bribe someone either way from magic U. Sauls the only true neutral one there who could be even close to what you want I think. That or a mage from Jadis’s family who the Gia would know would act in everyone’s best interest and would make Jadis uncomfortable which is a win win in their book and that Jadis could also begrudgingly live with as a spotter.

It may be ideal for the GIA to organise a long term mutually beneficial arrangement in exchange for the products of some of Jadis’ research. People are less likely to threaten the status quo when they directly benefit from it or even come to rely on it.

For example, the lycanthropy cure research can obviously be valuable if it reaches a stage where the resulting magical affliction can be chosen from a list of desirable outcomes.
Also it would ease tensions and reduce Vlad’s bias if the GIA’s prisoners were to be released unconditionally

Saul is good as a relatively neutral party here. He could act as the spotter.

The thing im worried about was didn't Saul want Jadis dead? Also Rancid suspiciously wanted us to bring Saul here, like he managed to manipulate him to his side maybe.

GIA can probably bring up as evidence Vlad's current form. Sure, she discovered a cure for lycanthropy, but at the cost of Vlad's appearance. It still isn't perfect, and her getting results by just throwing things on the wall to see what sticks, especially on a person instead of a lab rat is very dangerous, like what if she accidentally made Vlad a ferocious uncontrollable monster that had to be put down? the GIA believes that maybe if she allows some witches from the GIA to work together with her, maybe they can help perfect her projects and safely, like maybe that cure for Lycanthropy and other inventions that can help civilization.

Not to mention she was going to pick up a random werewolf off the streets if Vlad didn't volunteer...

As for Jadis not wanting them to be her spotter, they can mention the reason why they attacked her in the first place was that her monster Kibble killed Daisy's father, that was probably the reason why they started retaliating against Jadis, especially since, well, her father is a mob boss. They were more focused on taking down her father than her If anything. Kibble's attack was more why they were attacking Jadis in the first place, more than for her research.

In fact, what were the circumstances that made Kibble kill daisy's father? Was that Jadis' orders, or someone else, or Kibble herself? My bet it was probably Jadis' father who did that. If Jadis can admit that it wasn't her who ordered Kibble to kill Daisy's father, then maybe that can help build bridges between the GIA and Jadis (at least the good members of the GIA, not someone like Rachid) and Jadis can be pardoned of her crimes.

(If I remember correctly from You Died, it was Jadis' father who requested Kibble to kill Daisy's father, Jadis wasn't into it, but Kibble really wanted to do it anyway)

Jadis:
I'm not against observation on principal, but what I'm doing isn't exactly standard witchery. It's the bleeding edge. I mean no disrespect, but frankly it would take me months to get you up to speed enough that you could even tell what you were looking at. I don't have that kind of time.
You know that.

So why don't you cut the crap and tell me who you're really working for:
A Congressional bean counter whos demanding "oversight" for votes?
Or an "Interested Party" working with the GIA that wants in on this Project?
I know you can't say much, but I want to be done with this as much as you do. I can offer solutions To one or the other. Not both.

I think this might be a good time to tell Lori and Max that Rancid threatened to dream-torture us if we don't convince the GIA to not send him to kill Jadis if things don't go well.

>>1008481
Probably not when Rancid is here.

Maybe the GIA should say that Jadis needs to take responsibilities for her actions for playing a part in killing Daisy's father? Sure she might not have been directly involved but she did help Kibble prepare, making her an accomplice. Maybe they can agree to stop attacking her, but she needs to do community service, one which involves experimenting like she has been doing, but under the eyes and support of the GIA.

tippler 2021/08/21(Sat)12:25 No. 1008490 ID: eedbeb
File 162957392202.png - (140.37KB , 1000x900 , p134.png )

Max gestures at you, the hint of a snarl on his jowls. “If you aren’t doing evil magic, explain Vlad’s form. You did this, didn’t you?”

“I asked her to, we were working on a werewolf cure.” you interrupt.

“Fine, but this is exactly what I’m talking about. I don’t know exactly what you did but you could have permanently damaged Vlad’s mind and body, or created an unstoppable force like Kibble.”

“Yes.” Jadis says without any hesitation. “And you guys want this power for yourselves so you can do much worse behind closed doors.”

“Yeah, like what Rancid did to me last night.” you say. “He used his new werewolf mind powers to torture me and threatened more if I don’t settle things with the GIA.”

Lori smacks her hand on the counter. “Don’t be a git, Rancid.”

“I am a git.” the raccoon says mildly.

“Ask nicely, say please and all that.” the squirrel insists.

Rancid shrugs. “I have found violence to be a much more effective motivator. I believe neither side here has the moral high ground and a practical solution is more important than bringing up old grievances.”

“He said it was last night you prat!”

tippler 2021/08/21(Sat)12:25 No. 1008491 ID: eedbeb
File 162957393885.png - (117.28KB , 1000x900 , p135.png )

The Jadis puppet sighs. “Okay, I admit I’m not confident about the last part of my seal spell. I’ll accept a neutral third party spotter for that part only because everything else is too bleeding edge for you people to understand and explaining would be a waste of time.”

“There’s no such thing as a neutral spotter.” Max says instantly.

“Oh, I have a brilliant idea.” Lori says. “We can have a spotter for the spotter.”

Jadis frowns, then nods. “Whoever the spotter is for me needs to be someone I trust, like my mom or dad, and then a GIA person can spot them, and then Saul can spot the GIA person assuming you let Evelyn go.”

“In return, you need to apologize for your past actions and agree to inform us of any future research projects.” Max says.

Jadis throws up her hands. “Fine on the research but name one GIA person I’ve wronged.”

“Daisy Bud.” Max snaps. “The details are complicated but Kibble was acting under your instructions when she killed Eaton Bud, Daisy’s father.”

tippler 2021/08/21(Sat)12:25 No. 1008492 ID: eedbeb
File 162957395478.png - (149.01KB , 1000x900 , p136.png )

“Huh.” Jadis seems surprised. “That was a while ago. She’s still mad?”

Max groans into his paws. “This is what I was telling you at the mall, no sense of empathy.” he says to you. “Also, can you put on some clothes? You’re hideous.”

“Jeez, I’ll say sorry even though it wasn’t really my fault. Come over this evening, I’ll let you in and I’ll invite Saul and my mom.” Jadis says.

“Sounds great.” Lori beams.

The task was a success for both the GIA and Jadis. The witch will no longer do her VERY BAD THING since she has supervision. It’s time to decide whether to help Kibble or continue to work with the GIA for your last task. Rancid will be trying to sabotage you (which will worsen the odds) if you go to Kibble.

Maybe we dont have to go to Kibble in person, we sent Body to her. So maybe if we do a Kibble task, can we, like, have Body do a video call with Kibble and have us talk to her? it was mentioned Vlad doesnt want to go outside ever again after all...

or maybe just have Body tell Kibble to come over to our apartment,

or better yet, have Body tell her to come with us to the Invitation Jadis gave while we pretend to do a GIA task, but have it secretly be a Kibble task whem she comes over. Tell Body the negotiation between Jadis and GIA and things are looking better and would like to clear things up with her. If she shows up to see us, Let her know the situation and what Racid is planning with killing Jadis while we figure out her duck problem and about Daisy's father

Im not totally locked into any of these ideas, and want to see what other suggestors think

>>1008495
to clarify, you do have to go to kibble in person for her task. you are not meant to be able to do two tasks in one

Let's do Kibble, but let's see if we can't sneak to the meeting.
He knows where we'll be going, but he's a mind games kind of guy. If we keep our phone off, and use our sick figure powers to avoid detection, he won't be able to fuck with us.
If he calls us and we pick up the phone, or if he finds us or manages to communicate with us at all, he WILL hurt Chef.
Luckely, he's with the government. Not the mob. Chef won't be killed on principal.

Whatever we do, make sure we put on some clothing to hide our stick figure body to not freak out civilians on our way to our destination.

Anyway, I kinda wanna do the unpopular choice and do the GIA task to at least make sure Rachid don't try to kill Jadis, though that would make Kibble do her very bad thing. Really Rachid is the problem, not all members of the GIA itself.

Maybe having Body there with Kibble and having the GIA and Jadis work together to calm Kibble and duck might work if Kibble does the very bad thing.

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?

>>1008492
If Rancid's a problem, get him fired. Take Lori aside and tell her that Rancid spilled the beans about them trying to kill Jadis later even if the negotiations went well.

Or, yknow, we could ask Kibble to kill him. Or kill him ourselves. Stickman beats Werewolf for sure.

For Kibble, straight up tell her the GIA is winding her up on purpose. If she wants to go after the government that's her decision, but honestly you'd prefer it if she simply prevented the GIA from trying to kill Jadis tonight. She is, apparently, legitimately trying to do good, because she agreed to a bunch of supervision. If the GIA tries to kill her, she might go back on the deal, and we cannot risk Jadis failing. If she fails, anyone could take the power of the Recycler for their own ends.

>>1008491
>Saul can spot the GIA person
Wait, this won't work. Saul has no powers. Cookie will have to do it. Unless Saul can still see spells and stuff?

>>1008523
Unless maybe Duck can help. If he can mind control or mind read, he can probably help Saul remember how to regain his powers if we ask Kibble's help...

Let's go to Kibble. Try and at least put on a shirt or something to hide out stick figure body a bit.

tippler 2021/08/21(Sat)20:45 No. 1008527 ID: eedbeb
File 162960392888.png - (151.42KB , 1000x900 , p137.png )

The human vessel stumbles away, and by the sound of it, falls down the stairs, while the GIA confer amongst themselves before moving for the door. Rancid gives you his usual blank stare and taps his phone to remind you to set the second meeting. You flip him off.

The raccoon shrugs. “Your funeral.”

“Oh come on!” you complain, addressing Lori in particular. “Can’t you stop him when he tries to dream stab me?”

Lori bites her lip and Max silently shakes his head at her. “Sorry Vlad. Rancid has clearance to do what he considers necessary.”

And you’re left in your empty apartment. You check your phone.

Body: Kibble is at her parents’ house, they’re very worried about her.
Body: I’m driving there
Body: She is sad in a way I don’t understand, please help.
Body: ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

tippler 2021/08/21(Sat)20:45 No. 1008528 ID: eedbeb
File 162960394497.png - (211.40KB , 1000x900 , p138.png )

You: I’m heading there now, hold on

You throw on your spare pants, having lost the other pair to Saul yesterday. With your familiar jacket covering your arms and chest, you head for the bus stop. It’ll take a while to get to Kibble’s neighborhood from the city, but you have to try.

On the first bus, you remember that Saul won’t be a good spotter because he can’t see spells. It’s a worrisome thought, and you resolve to warn Jadis.

The pain starts while you’re on the second bus, a lance of fire across your chest. You clutch your jacket and lean against your faded blue seat with a gasp. The pain doesn’t stop, and you start to feel a numbness in your fingers as you sink your claws into the fabric.

By the time you reach your stop, you can barely walk without some fresh agony searing your muscles. You’ve lost sensation in your right hand and Rancid is getting started on your left.

You stagger past rows of comfortable houses, snow swirling around your burning ears. One of your eyes goes fuzzy as you round the corner to Kibble’s house.

Body is sitting with the lean cat in the snow, patting her on the back while Kibble rocks back and forth. The zombie waves to you frantically and you use the last of your strength to fall at her feet.

“Vlad! Man, are you okay?” Body says.

“I-I’m fine.” you gasp. “How’s Kibble?”

“I don’t want to be alive anymore.” Kibble mutters.

You are an expert in this field. What do you say to Kibble to console her? Keep in mind what you’ve learned about her situation.

>>1008528
How the hell is Rancid doing this without being asleep? Or did he knock himself out with a sedative?

>her situation
Uh, we know Jadis was kindof stringing her along about Duck, and not listening to her objections regarding unethical research. We know the GIA was attacking her and/or her family.

Tell her you've had thoughts like those too. Tell her you want to help her, because she deserves to be happy. Also that you probably know what's making her upset, but it might make her feel better to say it out loud, tell you all about it. You'll just lay here, and quietly listen while writhing in agony. Hey uh, does either of them know if you die in your sleep you die in real life?

>>1008528

Think it might help to show kibble that you've also got a fucked up spatial anomaly body?

Let's try to relate with Kibble here and show off how our body is also kinda messed up now.

Kibble was worried about Jadis potentially going mad with power with those over saturation of souls, and also potentially hurting duck. We managed to fix that issue with the GIA, her mother, and Saul watching her, we need to let Kibble know this.

"Neither do I Kibble, like you said, I'm a clown, and clown live a miserable existence... with me, I lived as a werewolf half my life with no hope of a future, fear of every day I'd become a wolf and bite someone ruining their life, and no money to help me, people ripping me off, or robbing me, nobody to love me in my current form... and yet, I have to keep going, I have to keep living, because if I stop, I'll never find out if I'll ever get a win in life, and that win will be all the more satisfying after everything I went through...

"And If I can't ever be happy, then at least I have knowledge that despite my misery, I can at least help others or at least help make other people happy... Such as Helping my coworker in a tight spot at work when I didn't need to, helping the other clown give up revenge, getting her to take her Lycanthropy seriously by sacrificing my own potion to her, and helping Jadis progress in experimenting in finding a cure for Lycanthropy causing... my current appearance at a cost so she can help cure her sister... but I'm not a werewolf anymore..."

"And most importantly, I helped you... You told me you wanted to find a sure way that Jadis can be stopped before you can leave, and despite my miserable existence, my suffering, I somehow got the GIA, Jadis' mother, and Saul to watch over Jadis so she doesn't go mad with power with those souls or hurt anyone ever again like you were worrying, just for you... Duck will be safe now."

"And I came here to tell you this with the risk of Rancid, a GIA member who is like the only person in the organization still wanting to kill Jadis tonight, most likely probably terminates me too for helping you instead of helping him. Yet, I need to keep moving. I need to know my existence made some difference even if it's full of misery! Even yours! With the last bit of strength I have."

...

"Things are getting blurry..."

...I wonder if that white werewolf from your dream can protect you from Rancid?

Also tell Body to contact Cookie to tell him Jadis will need his help tonight, to serve as Saul's eyes.

Sit with her “Yeah, I can understand that feeling, maybe it’ll help to tell me about it. It has something to do with Duck right?”

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)09:31 No. 1008551 ID: eedbeb
File 162964987238.png - (108.50KB , 1000x900 , p139.png )

“D-do you want to talk about it?” you ask.

Kibble sighs. “I’m used to not talking.”

You give Kibble another moment to explain, but when she doesn’t you take it as permission to speak.

“F-first I wanted to tell you that Jadis is an asshole.”

“Yeah.”

“B-but, I don’t think she’s gone mad with power, at least with the Recycler. She’s letting her mom and Saul watch her now so she doesn’t fuck up. I managed to convince her that she needed help, and if I can change her mind I think you still have a chance to domesticate Duck.”

Kibble shrugs.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)09:31 No. 1008552 ID: eedbeb
File 162964988862.png - (129.92KB , 1000x900 , p140.png )

You drag yourself into a kneeling position and unzip your coat to show Kibble your anomalous body. To her credit, Kibble doesn’t recoil or avert her eyes.

“I d-don’t know what it’s like to have your powers Kibble, but I got screwed up s-space distorted limbs last night. I might be stronger, but most of life isn’t fighting.” You shed your jacket and show her your shivering arms and chest. “I’ve lived in poverty for most of my adult life, every day is constant stress about whether I’ll have enough to survive and it feels like one more bad thing is the end of the world, but I’m still here.”

“This might be a mean thing to say since you’ve had a hard time, but I’m glad I’m not alone.” Kibble says with a small smile.

“Kibble.” Body puts her hand on the cat’s bony shoulder. “Let’s get away from Jadis for a while. We can travel, see the world. I bet Evelyn can come with us and show us all sorts of cool new things.”

“Once I’m sure everyone is safe.” Kibble says.

“G-great. That’s great.” you say with a shaky thumbs up. The snow is cold against your face.

You faint.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)09:31 No. 1008553 ID: eedbeb
File 162964989797.png - (155.60KB , 1000x900 , p141.png )

The white werewolf is standing over you, growling at Rancid, who’s holding a scalpel with clear liquid dripping off the tip. The raccoon backs away into the depths of the dream world and you’re left in a featureless grey expanse.

You curl into a ball and the werewolf lies by your side, his flank warm and comforting against your back.

“You did well, rest now.” he says to you.

“No.” you croak. “I have to stop the GIA, I have to…”

Your vision flickers and you see the damage Rancid did to your soul. The wolf nudges you to make you stop staring.

You’ve successfully completed two Kibble tasks and the cat will no longer unleash her Tim into this dimension in desperation. You’re currently unconscious and will stay that way for some time as you recover from Rancid’s attack. By the time you wake up, Jadis will have finished her Recycler seal spell and the GIA will have done their VERY BAD THING.

The wolf can show you anyone’s POV or answer questions via clairvoyance powers while you wait.

How's Jordan? You kind of want to focus on a friend and not stress about anything anymore, plus she is someone who played the least amount of involvement in this situation. You helped her, and she is like, the only person who helped you through everything. You just want to wach someone who you think is living the normal life you wanted that you can live vicariously through.

Yeah, lets see the chaos unfold through the eyes of someone who had nothing to do with this. Jordan.

What if you watched someone completely unrelated to the situation, maybe like the town mayor or something. See how they’re handling this. That or pull a watchman use your Clairvoyance to tell some news reporter dude your story in the hopes that if you die and this gets covered up at least someone will know what happened. At least the world will know the truth about the situation.

Oh and yeah watch Jordan for a bit too. I wanna see frog friend again.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)12:30 No. 1008564 ID: eedbeb
File 162966063309.png - (254.56KB , 1000x900 , p143.png )

>Jordan

You wonder how your frog friend is doing. There’s a blur and you’re looking at Jordan at her day job as a produce stocker at her local grocery store. Watching her stack melons and smile at passing shoppers helps you calm down.

“Jordan.” you croak.

She doesn’t show any sign of hearing you. You stay for a while in the clean shop but gradually grow restless. Who do you observe next?

Margot.
Whatever is happening must finally have her attention.

Did you manage to say anything about Saul not being able to see magic?

See what God's doing.

How are Evelyn and Chef holding up?
What horror is the GIA planning?

Oooh oooh spy on the person who stole your stuff. And also whoever currently has your stuff.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)14:48 No. 1008578 ID: eedbeb
File 162966893206.png - (157.94KB , 1000x900 , p144.png )

>Margot

“Hey girl.”

Margot turns around to smile at Jadis, who ducks in for a kiss.

The witch is in her normal body, even wearing clothes instead of human meat. She sighs and buries her face in her girlfriends shoulder.

“I’m tired.” Jadis admits.

“But you’re almost done, right?”

“Yeah.” Jadis heaves a long sigh. “Yeah, I hope so.”

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)14:48 No. 1008579 ID: eedbeb
File 162966893895.png - (49.71KB , 1000x900 , p145.png )

>God

A vast stretch of space, a pale blob rotating around a blinding star. The nearby planets are being devoured from the outside in by white specks.

You hear singing in your head, an ethereal chorus of joy, of hunger being sated, of a machine with a quadrillion parts working in harmony.

She’s happy, and that’s all you want for her.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)14:49 No. 1008580 ID: eedbeb
File 162966895049.png - (139.45KB , 1000x900 , p146.png )

>Thief

On a whim, you switch views to the ground squirrel who took your computer. He has it hooked up to his desktop and from what you can tell he’s running a factory reset. Chef’s clothes are scattered on the floor.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)14:49 No. 1008581 ID: eedbeb
File 162966895817.png - (153.98KB , 1000x900 , p147.png )

>Chef

Chef is in a small, concrete cell. Your friend’s hair is greasy after two days in captivity. He’s glaring at Lori the squirrel, whose tails are twirling nervously behind her.

“We’ll let you out soon, I just need to blast, uh, someone.” she says.

“Is Vlad okay?” Chef asks.

“Er, your bloke seemed fine this morning and as far as I know he’s still alive.”

“That’s not at all reassuring.” Chef grumbles. Lori leaves and Chef stews in silence.

Who do you observe next?

I wanna save Daisy for last.

Polly.

I wanna spy on and thus distract Rancid at a crucial moment.

Gia Very Bad Operation Lead

Hmm. Rancid might be one of the few people we can actually interact with. Sure, let's try it.

Although this is risky. He's also one of the few people who might actually harm us while we're spying on him.

Rancid, but you're not here to spy.

You're here for payback.

Your main body can't move, but that's fine; you have a semi-lucid wolf friend here.

And Rancid's already proven that one can take soul damage to severe levels.

Don't hold back like he did, though.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)18:24 No. 1008595 ID: eedbeb
File 162968187189.png - (150.92KB , 1000x900 , p148.png )

>Rancid

“He is still here, but I will not bring you to him. You are too fragile, he’ll kill you.” the wolf says sadly.

“I need to delay him, or he’ll attack Jadis.” You try to get to your knees and crawl but the wolf steps in front of you.

“You should not challenge him, not today or for many days.” says the wolf. “He is more experienced than you in this space. The GIA had access to the Recycler and learned how to focus the monster effects early.”

Your body aches and you collapse on the ground.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)18:24 No. 1008596 ID: eedbeb
File 162968189286.png - (183.25KB , 1000x900 , p149.png )

>Max

“Show me the GIA then. What are they planning?”

You’re in the artificial room in Jadis’ apartment. Mrs. Lewis is helping her daughter to her feet. The cat is sweaty and pale, clutching her chest in a familiar motion.

“What’s wrong? Is it the spell?” Mrs. Lewis asks sharply.

“No, it’s done. I just, it really hurts.”

Max has his magic eyes open. Saul notices too late.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

Several things happen at once.

Saul tackles Max to the ground and the door burst open to reveal Lori with a fourth tail lashing behind her and some sort of energy ball charging between her paws. Jadis shoves her mom away as Lori flings the concussive force towards her. You watch as it hurtles through the air.

The wolf stops the vision the moment before impact.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)18:25 No. 1008597 ID: eedbeb
File 162968190284.png - (141.97KB , 1000x900 , p150.png )

>Polly

You try to bring the dream back to Jadis, but instead the world spins and you arrive in some posh restaurant.

“Hold on, I’m getting a call.” Polly says.

Daisy, who’s sitting with her over the remains of fancy dinner, nods and takes out her own phone to text.

“Hi Mom, how’d it go?” Polly asks.

Daisy’s ears perk up when Polly stands, pushing her chair to the floor and rattling the table. “Oh God no. Oh my God. That’s horrible. Are you in danger too?”

The cat covers the phone. “I have to go. Family emergency.” she tells Daisy before running out of the building, leaving a confused waiter in her wake.

You feel Polly’s anguish, strong enough to overwhelm your already weak mental form.

“I’ll see you soon.” the wolf whispers. You feel him draw away as you fall into a dreamless sleep.

tippler 2021/08/22(Sun)18:25 No. 1008598 ID: eedbeb
File 162968191733.png - (59.42KB , 1000x900 , p151.png )

Thanks for reading.

Thanks for another engaging quest, Tippler. Vlad was such a great character to follow.

Congrats on bringing this one home! Loved it!

ya did good tippler, well done.

It was a great adventure full of tension and throws of the die. Real fun!