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.

1/5 Tanna 2024/11/17(Sun)09:31 No. 1099911 ID: 84f394
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>Focus Tanna. Mina is alive and the most urgent threat is dealt with.

Focus… right. Need to… need to focus.

>Right now you need to assess the situation, make sure there is no other danger (maybe of the rat variety).
>Put your weapon away, don't look at him or think about what just happened.

The rat… it’s somewhere nearby. I can still smell it. But I have no idea where it is.

I sling my scimitar on my back. I forgot to remove the blood. What a mess…

“R-Roderick…?” I hear a raspy, choked voice… it’s Mina’s. She’s leaning against Evel’yee and looking at his dead body, a broken darkness shading her eyes. “R-Roderick… no! NO!”

She begins casting a spell before anyone can react.

>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.
+
>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.
=
>Roderick was going to kill Mina, and the thing that had him in his thrall would not stop. He was unconscious and it was still making him move. You’re going to 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.

“Mina! Don’t! He could still be dangerous!” Evel’yee grips her arm before she can lunge forward to touch Roderick with her faintly green glowing hand.

2/5 Tanna 2024/11/17(Sun)09:32 No. 1099913 ID: 3c6998
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>To Mina:
>Stay calm. Breath in and exhale, slowly.

“SHUT UP! GET OFF OF ME! HE’S STILL ALIVE, I NEED TO HEAL HIM!” She thrashes against Evel’yee, droplets of blood from her stomach wound hitting the floor.

Evel’yee struggles against Mina, her panicked motions and size making it difficult to hold onto her. “C-Can you fucking help me here, Tanna?!”

>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.
>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.
>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.

Oh, I won’t go anywhere. I’m pretty sure you know exactly where I am, don’t you Tanna? Do take a moment, haha...

I… I move forward to help restrain Mina. I grip her other wrist and the two of us hold her down. “Need to… need to regroup, get out of this room… before Eve’s protection wears off.”

“PLEASE! PLEASE GET OFF!!” She screams out, tears dampening her cheeks and her chest wound reopening. Evel’yee forces Mina’s hand onto her collarbone, the faint green light rushing into her and healing the bloodied wound.

“N-No! No NO NO!” She suddenly whips her gaze onto me, a burning broken anger boring straight into my eyes. “You said we’d stop this! That we’d figure something out! WHY IS HE DEAD?!”

>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.

“I didn’t mean… I had to. I’m sorry…” Hollow words…

She shakes her head violently, her claws flexing and scrabbling at our wrists angrily. “YOU HAD TO?! YOU MURDERED M-”

“MINA!” Evel’yee shouts over her, silencing whatever she was going to say next. “That wasn’t Roderick anymore! That thing was going to kill you! Tanna saved your life!”

She looks at Evel’yee with a viciously hateful gaze, the seconds passing on like eternity. At some point though, she starts to shiver violently. Passing another gaze at Roderick’s corpse, her shivers shift to sobs, and she goes limp in our grasps. “M-My fault… i-it’s all my fault… my spell… I-I didn’t have enough faith… I could’ve saved him…”

“C’mon.” Evel’yee murmurs as she looks at me and nudges towards the door.

“Right.” I say back. Evel’yee helps me lift Mina up onto my shoulder, and then guides the two of us out of the room.

Do come back.

3/5 Tanna 2024/11/17(Sun)09:33 No. 1099915 ID: 8f3b85
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Closing the door behind us, Evel’yee and I lead Mina to the end of the hallway, away from the ritual room. Mina cries the entire time, and when we lay her down, she curls up into herself.

“First of all, fuck you. Second, we need to talk, but how are you doing right now?” Evel’yee says to me.

I need to focus. “I’m fine.”

“Cool. I don’t trust you, but I sure as fuck don’t trust whatever that monster was even more. I’m pretty sure those voices of yours or whatever the hell they are, they’re the only reason I survived this night.” Evel’yee explains. “I… I’m not gonna lie. I kind of want to stick a knife in you and split you open for what you did to me, but I don’t think Mina would like that. …I promised to hear you out too.”

“Makes sense.”

The mousling gives me a weird look as if I’m stupid. Maybe I am. “Just my fucking… okay. I don’t think you’re in a good enough state to explain, so here’s what’s gonna happen. You’re gonna sit down and figure out how to talk again while I try to get Mina to calm the hell down. Think you can do that?”

“Sure.”

Evel’yee turns towards Mina, but halts midstep. She’ll turn around and reach her hand out hesitantly, a softer expression on her face. She seems to struggle, but she pats me on the arm. “Hey, thanks for saving Mina. Don’t beat yourself up too badly, you did your best, and the real Roderick would’ve said the same thing.”

Upon saying that, some downcast feeling seems to dour her features. Her gaze falls downwards, and while she’s smiling, she doesn’t hide her pain well. “Can’t believe I… that thing made me think all of those terrible things about my friends. I wish I could say it was all its fault, but…” Forcing herself to shake her head though, she’ll look back up to me, “Anyways, thanks for helping me realize what was happening.”

Her words make me feel strange. My chest hurts.“Yeah, it’s no problem.” She’ll take my hand and help me lay down.

“I need to help Mina, but I’ll be back. Try to keep yourself together, talk with those voices of yours. They’re pretty damn smart, what with their compliments and all.” She’ll give a wink and some finger guns as she walks away. I don’t think it was directed towards me.

4/5 Tanna 2024/11/17(Sun)09:33 No. 1099916 ID: f8d071
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“Winds…”

>You did it, you saved him...

...Did I? Does it even matter? Every life bound by such a frail thread, and I’m the pair of scissors that futilely snips away. I don’t even know what I’m saying… I just know it’s true…

>It's okay to cry
>Sit. Cry.

I don’t… have the energy to cry. Everything feels so empty. Who had I actually been apologizing to? In the moment before I ended his life, I had been scared. I didn’t want to kill Roderick.

Once the blade began carving its crimson path though, I felt something else, something that scared me far worse. Old feelings had resurfaced, hidden within me. An indescribable wave of death, betrayals, and hatred… and it all felt so normal, satisfying even, like killing Roderick was right.

When I stared at my reflection in the blade, I swear I saw something old and sinister. Like they’ve been through this however many instances, but were content to sit back this time. Bakoth knows who I am, and even if I don’t exactly know what I’ve done… I know my list of sins has a long reach.

>Loot Roderick's precious items

...There’s no escape from this, is there?

5/5 Tanna 2024/11/17(Sun)09:39 No. 1099918 ID: 6be2b4
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Stepping up before Evel’yee notices, I make my way to the ritual room’s door.

“Huh? W-Wait! Don’t you, Tanna! STOP!” She yells out, breaking from Mina and sprinting towards me.

I open the door and step inside. This room of true death. Something meant to kill beings like us. That isn’t… Bakoth speaking this time. I recognize this setup, the rituals once done here. Closing the doors behind me, I feel Evel’yee slam against the heavy black slab. She pushes against it, trying to break through and stop me.

Glad to see you back. Here, let me remove the bit player really quick.

Don’t kill her. Please.

Hah, of course not. You’ve won tonight, I’m not petty. Besides, I imagine quite the story will be told in time with her.

“AGH!!” She screams from behind, the door slamming shut as I push against it. “S-stop reminding me… YOU PIECE OF SHIT! SHUT THE FUCK UP! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!”

“I’m sorry, Evel’yee. I’m going to get the box. Focus on Mina, I’ll be out in a moment.” I step forward towards Roderick’s corpse. His blood has seeped into the symbol of the Eye carved out in the ground, and the box lays in its center. Roderick’s hand rests atop it, the last of his body’s life used in such a pathetic way.

Ah, we are near the end of this chapter, aren't we?

You and I, we have a past together…

Wow, how incredibly astute.

...I don’t want to know who you are though. I don’t want to remember what I’ve done, or who I am. I’ve been getting glimpses… fragments of who I was, and I refuse to be that person.

And while I’m uncertain about a lot of things, what I am certain of though is that I despise you. I will never work with you, I’ll never entertain your lies, and I swear, I will be the cause of your absolute destruction for what you’ve done tonight.

It’s terribly surreal to hear from you of all people. I wouldn’t have it any other way this time though. What exciting tale will yet be told? What twists and turns will it take? Sends a shiver straight through my Soul just thinking about it.

Now, please, come pick me up. I can’t wait to get to know these ‘Winds’.

...

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

Hah… yeah, if it was anything like that one with Mina before, I could use it.

...You all remember when I woke up and I was freaking out? Feels like ages ago, even though it’s been an hour or two at most, but you all told me to sing something familiar. That bit of advice, it had helped so much. Since then… I know there’s been some strange bits thrown in there, but you all have been so kind and helpful.

I hope it’s not asking for too much… but maybe you all could sing with me? I-I’m scared… but if you all are there, if I can move forward knowing you’re helping guide me, I know things will be okay.

♪”Along the shore the cloud waves break…”♪

My, what a tear-jerker.

♪ The twin suns sink behind* the lake, ♪

Will continue to sing the song with her, first call and response, then together. This Wind is a tenor.

We are stuck with the party pooper.
I can understand bein detached from consequences and therefor feeling indifference to the consequences of ones' own actions, but he really knows how to ruin the mood. Although if this place is meant to kill things like him and our host I guess he is not as free from consequences as we are.
The best we can do is try to ignore him.

The important part: Roderick didn't die on top of the circle and the box wasn't on his hand.
There is too much uncertainty here. I'm not sure what the best course of action is but I don't believe it will be beneficial to let this ritual follow it's course.
Drag his body and the box away from the circle towards the door. After that take his cape and use it to wrap around the box. It probable won't help but doesn't hurt to try.

Later when you rejoin the two the proposed arrangement should be that Evel’yee can't stay in the same room as the box. You and Mina shall watch over it in turn.

I know this wasn't the result you wanted, but remember: they were never the priority. Earlier I told you to kill them. You wanted to prevent their deaths out of your own volition and with the exception of one you succeeded. No reframing can take away the fact that you tried your best to help strangers. This is who you are.

As for the winking, feel free to take it as meant for you. After all, if I get any progress on that front you will be the one enjoying the benefits.

As for the song... I can give it a shot. Please forgive my lack of talent:

"Along the shore the cloud waves break,"
"A spectral shroud where silence wakes."
"The tide rolls in with whispered song,"
"It's rhythm steady, deep, and strong."

"Beneath the waves, in shadowed deep,"
"Where unseen creatures twist and creep,"
"A chorus stirs, both old and wise,"
"A hymn that echoes through the tides."

"Shall I depart, a whisper, still?"
"Or linger here against my will?"
"The shore, eternal, knows no fear,"
"It only waits for those who hear."

Well... I remember the old man's rhyme.
A sunless sky, a sunless sea
will accept all there is... and all that can be.

>>1099916
I think that past was brought up in ways that can never be considered normal. You were rewarded for murder. You still are.
But you still know it's not right. Hold onto that feeling and find out why you were taught to think up was down. There are a few situations where the individual observer is insane - but far, far fewer where the rest of the world is actually perfect.

Make sure the demon can't zombify Roderick's corpse.

♪*harmonica solo at the end*♪

>>1099918
Destroy it.

>>1099918
I sing like a wounded seagull, but for you slinky?
I'll squawk along.

"Along the shore the cloud waves break,"
"A spectral shroud where silence wakes."
I like this.

We're with you tanna.
At your side and against the dark.
If you are sure its time to pick up that damned box...
if youve got something in mind...
You have my trust too.

Lets... keep singing for now.
"The tide rolls in with whispered song,"
"It's rhythm steady, deep, and strong."

1/3 Tanna 2024/11/26(Tue)17:49 No. 1100412 ID: ef23f2
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>As for the song... I can give it a shot. Please forgive my lack of talent:
>I sing like a wounded seagull, but for you slinky? I'll squawk along.

It means so much to me, thank you Winds.

♪”Along the shore the cloud waves break…”♪
>♪A spectral shroud where silence wakes.♪
♪”Yon tide rolls in with whispered song,”♪
>♪An ancient rhythm both deep and strong.♪

The silence begins to well.

That’s not the original version...

♪”Beneath the waves, in shadowed deep,”♪
>♪Where unseen creatures twist and creep,♪
♪”A chorus stirs, both old and wise,”♪
♪”A hymn that echoes through the tides.”♪

>We're with you tanna. At your side and against the dark. If you are sure its time to pick up that damned box… if youve got something in mind… You have my trust too.

It is time.

Tanna begins to feel the silence inside her.

What is that?

♪”Shall I depart, a whisper still?”♪
♪”Or linger here against my will?”♪
♪”The shore, eternal, knows no fear,”♪
♪”It waits only for those who hear.”♪

Tanna is no longer Shaken.

>♪*harmonica solo at the end*♪

Hell yeah! I pull out my harmonica and begin to play a soft melody, something with a somber tune, but hopeful yet. I will find a way to escape my Fate. Bending down to pick up the box…

2/3 Tanna 2024/11/26(Tue)17:49 No. 1100413 ID: 34b912
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Silence the being within?

Wait… WAIT WHAT?! COUSIN?!

Huh, I feel… am I feeling what I think I’m feeling? Can I really turn this asshole off? I think… I think I can?!

N-No you can’t! Wait just one moment!

>We are stuck with the party pooper. I can understand bein detached from consequences and therefor feeling indifference to the consequences of ones' own actions, but he really knows how to ruin the mood. Although if this place is meant to kill things like him and our host I guess he is not as free from consequences as we are. The best we can do is try to ignore him.

Haha! How about I do you one better and make it so everyone can ignore him!

N̷O̶!̵ ̵I̶ ̴W̵I̸L̵L̵ ̶N̸O̷T̴ ̷B̸E̴ ̴S̵I̶L̵E̶N̴C̵E̷D̶!̵ ̶Y̵O̸U̶ ̴W̸I̴L̷L̷ ̸H̷E̸A̷R̸ ̵M̴E̶!̶

Hear you?! Nah, hear this harmonica bitch! Sit down and listen, gonna be the only thing you’ll be capable of ‘til I find a way to kill your ass!

Y̷O̴U̷ ̶B̵I̵T̵C̸H̴!̶ ̷Y̸O̵U̴ ̸N̷E̴E̴D̸ ̶M̵E̵!̷ ̵I̶ ̶W̷I̶L̵L̶ ̸B̷E̵ ̸A̸ ̵P̶A̷R̴T̶ ̸O̵F̷ ̷T̷H̴I̸S̵ ̴S̶T̵O̸R̴Y̷!̸

What was that? I can barely hear you! You really gotta speak up!

D̷O̵N̶’̸T̷ ̸L̷E̶T̶ ̵T̶H̸E̴ ̷P̸R̸I̸E̶S̷T̶ ̷T̶O̷U̸C̵H̶ ̴M̸E̵!̴ ̵W̵E̶ ̶W̷I̷L̷L̴ ̵B̶O̸T̷-̷

Tanna has gained the ability to silence Bakoth as long as the box is in her possession. This ability can be turned on and off at will, and private conversations may be held with him.

3/3 Tanna 2024/11/26(Tue)17:50 No. 1100414 ID: ffa44a
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And… a-and just like that… what a weight off my shoulders! The box, I finally have it! I’m holding this stupid thing in my hands! I feel so light, so free! I-I…

Hah, ah jeez, this damn box. I know I’m not actually free… but still, I feel so happy just finally holding it. I don’t even know if I’m actually feeling this way or if this is what the compulsion is making me feel, but I’m not even sure if I care. I don’t even have to listen to that dickhead inside it? Hell of a deal!

>Drape something over him if you can.

Ah, yeah… and all it cost was this guy’s life.

>I know this wasn't the result you wanted, but remember: they were never the priority. Earlier I told you to kill them. You wanted to prevent their deaths out of your own volition and with the exception of one you succeeded. No reframing can take away the fact that you tried your best to help strangers. This is who you are.

I was dancing and singing just a moment ago, basically on top of his corpse. Even looking at him now, it’s… reminding me of the dark feelings from earlier.

Ugh… I didn’t want to kill him I guess. If I'm being honest though, I don’t really feel that awful about how the cards ended up falling. He probably deserved a better death than this...

I’ll dr- ergh… d-drag his heavy armor-wearing body out of the circle and put him in a slightly more dignified pose. Using his cape, I’ll pull it over his torso and use Prestidigitation to clean the blood off his body.

>Well... I remember the old man's rhyme.
>A sunless sky, a sunless sea will accept all there is... and all that can be.

There’s something kinda thematic about that here. Bending down to close his eyes, “A sunless sky, a sunless sea, shall accept all you are, and all that can be. From one stranger to another, I wish you well on your next journey.”

>Destroy it.

Agh… just holding the box in my hand, I don’t know if I even could. Just staring at it makes me happy, even if… this damn thing! I really can’t trust myself at all! I’m not even sure how I’d even go about destroying it, the material it’s made out of feels really, REALLY hard. It’s super glossy too, like a weird mix of marble and metal. And I could see why they had trouble opening it, there isn’t really an apparent way to do so, no lid or keyhole or anything.

That triple curly symbol is atop it, and three other symbols are hewn into it on either side of the faces of the box. The eye, the butterfly, and the stars. Just seeing them stirs up hateful feelings.

>I think that past was brought up in ways that can never be considered normal. You were rewarded for murder. You still are. But you still know it's not right. Hold onto that feeling and find out why you were taught to think up was down. There are a few situations where the individual observer is insane - but far, far fewer where the rest of the world is actually perfect.

Rewarded for murder… I really was, wasn’t I? I’m… I’m glad I can tell that it’s wrong now, but how could I ever have gotten to that point? Who, or what was I? Feels kinda insane to ask questions like that.

I guess that’s something we could discuss now, if we really wanted to. Things are… they seem to be calming down now. I have the box and there’s no more danger as far as I can tell. Now all that’s left is to deal with the repercussions of everything.

There’s been a lot of weird shit tonight, a lot of it from me. There’s also Mina and Evel’yee sitting outside that door, only way out of this room. And speaking of this room… gods I still get shivers just being in here. Trying not to focus on it, but I want to get out of here as soon as possible. Everything is telling me this place is supremely dangerous.

>Loot Roderick's precious items.

So I guess… what should I do next, Winds? Taking a look at Roderick’s stuff is on my list of things to do, but I really want to get out of here and find a place to sleep, I'm exhausted. I imagine dealing with Evel’yee and Mina is gonna be… an ordeal as well. I did kinda shut the door on that firecracker, and they’ll probably be wanting to ask questions about you all. It’s possible… that you all might have questions for me too. I’ve definitely got some complex feelings myself about all the weird shit I’ve been feeling.

Ah, lotta stuff. Your call, Winds. Got any suggestions?

>>1100414
Alright, that's super useful to keep the jerk contained. But still, unreliable information is better than nothing... so long as it's something we can confirm with outside sources. I don't think we've caught him in an outright lie yet, but I sure as hell don't trust him.
Bakoth: Will what? What happens if the priest touches the box? Also, what does that curly symbol on the top of the box mean?

...now that we've silenced Bakoth, will he be unable to influence the others? The Geas is still in place, unfortunately, which means they will all try to open the box still, but so long as we are in control of the situation we can keep it away from them. That will of course mean we have to part ways with Mina... and get far enough away from her that the others can't track us down and try to steal the box as we sleep. We can't sleep here, either, because it would be best to leave while those two others are trapped in the jail.

I know we wanted to climb out, but... what about that river exit? If we have the key to that door, we can use that and it will be much harder for the others to figure out where we went, because rivers leave no tracks.

Check his pockets for gadgets and take his weapons. The rest has a low price-to-weight ratio.

Explain to Mina that we were trying to keep Roderick alive, but when it came down to the wire, we'd rather kill him than risk letting anyone else die. Mina had a sword straight through her torso, and every second she was courting true death. We stopped trying then.
We'd rather save someone we know we can trust than try to convert someone who could have been reasoned with.

This is interesting... Just a speculation: it's possible that the same way your cast of detect magic affect us in a way different to yourself, by our association a song from us could have some magical effect because you are a bard.

Ignoring Bakoth is good, but the real prize should be preventing him from influencing others. Ask Evel’yee if she have any invading thoughts.
Don't assume peace is a guaranty of success. It could be a trick: Bakoth laying low waiting for the right time.

When you return say that you found a way to keep Bakoth quiet, ask for confirmation as I said above, explain that you seem more resistant to his influence than others, and request that neither Mina nor Evel’yee touch the box for fear of what might happen to them.
I also think it's time to explain the mental compulsion, but be tactful with what you say because you are not convincing Evel’yee to go against her so it's better if you don't say anything that can make her turn against you. If possible you should explain that Bakoth is inside the box, but don't let Mina say anything against opening it in front of Evel’yee.
Lastly having just experienced the satisfaction of the fulfilment of your compulsion share this understanding with Evel’yee and ask about her perspective since she went with a similar but less intense thing as your temporary friend and now is free of it. Ask what what does she feel about it now. And also if she want to do it again sometime. It could be fun.

To Evel’yee:
Please forgive our girl. She was very happy to have you caring so much about her, even if it was just an illusion.

I feel that here were a few lose topics between us from before things got crazy, like distinguishing us, but they are of little relevance. If any of that is a curious subject you should be the one asking the questions.

>>1100416
>Also, what does that curly symbol on the top of the box mean?
That's the Yellow Sign. Don't dwell on it.

>>1100416

The curly symbol indirectly links to a cognitohazard. Focus your attention elsewhere.

Here's an elsewhere to think about, you looked absolutely adorable holding that box! You were just so happy!

And yea, better to enjoy a high than angst over it, no? That sort of mindset helps you get a good trip!

Anyway, I think you should get out of these ruins soon. Get on the route to some safe place where precautions can be taken and information gathered. I'm still a little hesitant to talk your ear off about things (or flirt with you! Eeee you are so cute when you are happy!) until you're at least out of that dungeon!

>>1100417
probably shouldn't steal from the corpse of a friend's friend.

>>1100414
Damn.
That was cute.

Mhhg. Okay.
To business.
Treat rodericks body with respect.
He paid the heaviest price this night and in doing so you will convey your reluctance to have felled him so.
Predistigitation cleaning. Pose him restfully. Close eyes and drape his cloak over him.
No looting slinky.
Hes got nice stuff, sure, but his status to the others is more important than a smattering of treasure and kit. Examine it, sure, but dont keep it.

Now, bakoth said something as you stifled him.
He was cut off but expressed fear at the prospect of the preist touching him and that it would have an effect on us both.
Possibly both.
It got cut off a bit.
This implies he has a corporeal form which i can only presume is the box barring anything else odd turning up in the search of roddy.
As to whether we let mina indulge in soMe box fondling, im not sure...

I get the feeling he was talking to us.
He could gave been blurting the truth and the jeopardy is either legitimate to us both or hes attempting a lie to leverage our sense of self preservation.
More fool him if so.
We dont have a sense of self preservation, only slinky preservation.

Secondly, it may be a last desperate ruse using reverse psychology.
Until we know for sure who stands to be harmed by such an action, we should exorcise caution.
We can still keep this knowledge in our backpocket if we ever interact with him again.

Tanna.
Dont feel bad about the source of satisfaction you felt on getting where you are.
Geas or not, you deserve a little joy after all that.
Its a good sign you are mindful of where it came from though.
In the full grip of the compulsion you would not think of that at all.
The fact you did tells me you're becoming stronger than the bonds that bind you.

>>1100414

Oh no! She's reached murderous levels of cuteness! She must immediately put on a very serious no nonsense frowny face before she kills us all!

Yeah, no looting. If anyone should get his stuff, it should be his friends.

You know, maybe before you lost your memories, you were able to keep him silenced before, just like now, which might actually put your pre-amnesia self in a better light.

If you get the stuff get it to show his friends and ask what they want to do with it. But hmmm.

Maybe just ask his friends what they want to do with his effects? Don't actually loot their friend?

We could very likely use the same White Magic we used to paralize Vax to resurrect Roderick tomorrow.

>*sniff* No, it's imposs-

It's a power not bound by the laws of physical reality, do not tell it cannot do something.

The only Power that could prevent Roderick from coming back is the Law of Drama, and it's not like we are stuck in a play. Unless...

>I will be part of this story.

Oh ho! So we ARE in a story!

Tell us, Bakoth, what do you know about the Yellow Man, the Thespian King, and his meddling in all this?