Multiple Settings Shattered Fates - RPG-Lite In-Character

[Zufaix]

[Unknown]

​

Location: Unkown
Current Afflictions: <Dread>


West.

The <Figure> bearing the newly anointed < Gilligan>'s head snapped in that direction. What would they find when they reached the < Runeshard> the figure pondered for a moment, before the sounds of gnarled maws and gnashing of teeth drew it back to reality.

Another look at the < Castellian> as it was so aptly named only threatened to grow the < Dread> the form harbored. More terms that the form couldn't grasp were said. < Sigil>? Something to be fixed, relating to the shard it seems. < Shardbearer>? Another of those vile creatures perhaps? Another would surely spell their demise... The form rid the thought from its mind, lest the < Dread> overtake them. A single word split through the forms inner thoughts, drawing it back once again.

"Come."​

The <Figure> rushed off into the west, the other < Echo>'s following closely behind. The form couldn't grasp the intentions of anyone in particular, likely due to the form they all bear. One thing was clear however, they all wanted to survive.

>> The form follows the group, staying towards the back for fear of another creature appearing.


Mentions: Damafaud | Euclid Leaf | kasigi | Juju

 

[Euclid Leaf]

Location: <???>
Zone Affliction: <None>
Focus: Team <Hat>

[As the party moves West, into the dim thicket beyond, the sounds of the howling beast tearing into the air with shrill cries eventually fades. The creeping chill gripping your spiritual skin loosens and you are left with only your vague listlessness. The fate of your recently departed allies is left up to fate now.]

>>The feeling of <Dread> disappears.

[But the sense of danger remains an ever lingering presence. In the silence, you feel strangely alone despite the rushing bodies that accompany you. The woods begin to darken the further you go, the great pale-wood trees becoming more sparse. Perhaps some took the silver leaves for granted. Regardless, the increasing darkness limits your sight, limiting your effective vision to just the things a few meters ahead of you. Fortunately, for one of you, guidance graces your journey. Every wrong step is quickly corrected. The <Hat> is ever vigilant, and makes sure to firmly turn you onto the correct path.

After a while of following this <Hat> bearer, the murmur of the bushes being swept by your running forms breaks. The forest suddenly opens up.

You are all greeted with a peculiar sight.

Not trees, nor soil. Nothing typical of what you remember of any sort of woodland layout. But an abrupt shift in the landscape that completely ignored that flow of nature. The alien outcrop possessed no telling signs of rhyme or reason, almost as though it had been plopped down, half-finished by some long nameless creator.

Before you was paved stone and a long, aged black road marked in the middle with thin white stripes snaking between looming geometric shapes hidden in discomforting darkness.
Upon the lone road, at the very end, stood a long rod of metal. Affixed atop, a bright red octangular metal shape. It was a sign, etched across by strange letters. None of you can remember how to read, yet, all of you understand what it said.]

‘STOP’​

<Gilligan>: "We are here. This <Labyrinth> is the work of a <runeshard>... Luckily, it remains unclaimed. Alas, I cannot pinpoint its location in this shifting plane. You must find it. Search the surrounding area.

>>A heavy groan suddenly breaks the silence, a grating metal sound arising from the forest behind you.

<Gilligan>: "Quickly now. It is only a matter of time..."

[With the faint glow of the silver leaves behind you, it was difficult to make out the dark shapes ahead. But a light draws your eyes. Several glowing objects wander through the eerie towers of shaped glass, stone, and metal. You recognize them as other <Echoes>.

They were all caught in various activities, acting in a way that existed only in their fractured minds. One set walked with linked arms, a cuddling action some of you might recognize. They pointed to things that did not have form, and bobbing their head as if in dialogue. Though you hear nothing. At least from those two. Other smaller <echoes> run through the broken, winding stone paths, giggling as they chase each other around the corner. After a moment, the same wisps reappear, perfectly synchronized in their dash around the corner again. And again. Over and over, the giggles replay. An eternal game of youthful chase.

Many others were caught in these memory cycles. It almost resembled a bustling city, almost sounded like one too.
But it was clear, this was merely some pale imitation.

The design of the grand rectangular towers were all was so alien, yet you are left a sensation of haunting familiarity. You can almost see into the square glass panels of those looming over you because of the strange flashing screens. There are wisps seated within cubed tables, staring and working at some odd machinery. Some of these conjoined shapes are more whole than others, the broken structures ruptured sharply, similar to the edges of a mountaintop, left floating by some unknown source of defiant power. No doubt, the one you might seek.

Nearby, the closest building with a weathered, faded green metal rooftop and letters resting atop. The broken sign letters float listlessly above, glimmering a bright neon light allowing you to read it from afar. Some of the message appear to be missing, probably lost elsewhere among the sea of jumbled objects acting without logic.]

It reads; ‘C-NVENI-NCE ST-RE’.

[An <Echo> leaves this building, holding an invisible object they holding up to their face and licking. The small ghost giggles, and upon seeing you four Damafaud Juju kasigi Zufaix , they seem to jump and wave. Before turning and going about their way.]

>>What do you do now?

GM Prompt:
Team <Hat>, feel free to act as you wish, though I urge you to investigate. Whether alone, or together. I will reveal outcomes depending on your actions. Chatting amongst yourselves does not count as an action, within reason.

 

[TheRealAngeloftheStorm]

<NAMELESS>
Location: ???
┌──═ Effects ═──┐
OVERWHELMING DREAD
└───═━.┈.━═───┘

INTERACTS WITH: Euclid Leaf Mirgris ATurei seasonedcat​

Charging into the unknown with the wind at its back and propelled by a sense of duty instilled something in the wisp’s core. To save or not to save? Why, it was no dilemma at all: was it not right to give the other <echoes> a chance to determine their fate? To be able to stand on their own two feet and shout into the seemingly endless night around that they are? Needlessly abandoning them to the maw of a monster rankled at the wisp’s very being. The very idea was revolting, feeling as if it had been physically struck.

No. It would follow the <Stranger>, and it would make sure that these <echoes> would have the same chance as it did.

Even with the effects of <Overwhelming Dread> eating away at its will, sapping it of strength with every step it took, the wisp kept marching. To stop would invite death; a moment’s hesitation would damn those in need to an ignoble end, swallowed by the monster.

And as the <Stranger> readied herself to fling her newborn spear at the beast, she commanded thusly: “Catch them!”

>> The wisp willed itself to move, to defy the crushing feeling of <Overwhelming Dread> weighing down on it so that it may catch the falling wisps. Every step it took felt as if mountains pressed against its incorporeal frame, demanding that it give in. But it did not, and the wisp readied itself to catch its compatriots.

 

[Damafaud]

The Figure

Echo
Location: Sharp Place
Zone Affliction: -
Interaction: Euclid Leaf
Mention: Juju Zufaix kasigi​

Already, the <Figure> regretted not taking some silver leaves. It had taken their comforting constant as a given, but the forest proved it wrong readily. Still, the <Figure> charged ahead with confidence; <Gilligan> prevented any missteps. Even as the world darkened around it, the <Figure> found its heart calmed. Danger, though temporary, had passed. It was safe.

Then suddenly, the trees ended.

A hard, black surface replaced the soft ground. A structure stood, shorter than the trees, a glaring red amidst nothing. The <Figure> blinked. Stop. Again, knowledge it did not know how it know appear. Were they heading in the right direction?

<Gilligan>: "We are here. This <Labyrinth> is the work of a <runeshard>... Luckily, it remains unclaimed. Alas, I cannot pinpoint its location in this shifting plane. You must find it. Search the surrounding area.

Yet another unfamiliar term. Labyrinth. The <Figure> nodded silently. Then, the <runeshard> should be amidst these familiarly unfamiliar structure. The problem was, none of them knew how the <runeshard> looked like.

>>A heavy groan suddenly breaks the silence, a grating metal sound arising from the forest behind you.

<Gilligan>: "Quickly now. It is only a matter of time..."

"Good sire, how does the <runeshard> looks like?" The <Figure> asked as it continued to traverse deeper at a swift pace. Structures taller than trees appeared. They were comforting to the <Figure> for a reason, as many before, unknown. Sharp. Solid. Orderly. The <Figure>, like it liked the glows, liked the structures. Like the others.

The <Figure> stared, distracted, before glancing at the many <echoes> about. If its wholeness was related to the <shard> and there were many <echoes> here...

"I will check inside." the <Figure> raised its pace toward the c-nveni-nce st-re. The last <echo> felt more coherent than the rest. Besides, it had a selfish motive. Its curiosity pulsated at the thought of entering one of the sharp structures.

It wanted to enter.

> The <Figure> ignored the <echo> to enter the convenience store

 

[Juju]

<Nameless>

Location: ???

┌──═ Effects ═──┐
N/A
└───═━.┈.━═───┘
​

The echo followed after the others closely, fearing what would happen should they separate from the group and become lost. Would the darkness of the forest swallow them up like the monster? Just thinking about roaming the wilds aimlessly, alone, save for whatever prowled the shadows made them shudder.

After a time they stumbled upon a strange sight. The echo could not understand why or how the forest gave way to giant structures and smooth, grassless dirt, but they could not really make sense of most things in this reality. What was and should be were blank pages in their memory. Maybe this did make sense. Their defacto leader, <The Figure> seemed to go along with it just fine.

The echo peered at the figures happily living out a looping existence and felt a sort of uneasiness at it all. They looked just like the group that walked their way down the path, and yet at the same time starkly different. It took them a while to pinpoint exactly what it was, until suddenly it clicked. They had purpose. There was a reason why they were here. Their lives extended further than the present moment.

It was from this observation that drew the echo’s attention to the <echo> exiting the [[strange word]]. They tilted their head, watching the unusually behaving echo and were caught off guard by the wave. Unlike the others, they seemed to be aware of their presence.

It captured their attention so much that they didn’t hear <The Figure>’s plan to enter the [[strange word]]. This was a unique opportunity they couldn’t miss. Time was short, so they had to get all the help they could. If this <echo> lived here, it would know the way… wouldn’t it?

>> They followed after the new echo.

“Excuse me, could you help us? We’re looking for the runeshard! Have you seen it?”
Euclid Leaf

 

[seasonedcat]

<Nameless>
Location: ???
┌──═ Effects ═──┐
OVERWHELMING DREAD
└───═━.┈.━═───┘​

the whisp covered its head in some feign attempt at becoming smaller as the fighting continued outside its very safe bush. The sounds of fighting were cut by a deep howl that had the whisp shaking in an unseen cold. It was then that the whisp noticed the fighting had grown more quiet. Peeking out slightly, it froze as it came face to face with the sight of the beast rapidly approaching.

the whisp's body shook in fear as it watched the claws come down around them, fear too deep for it even to manage a scream. So it sat at the creatures mercy, shaking in fear as it stared at its repulsive face. It watched helplessly as the other whisp spoke, trying to will itself to be brave like the other. If its form could allow it, it would have been shaking like a leaf.

since the beast had humored them with a question, maybe it wasn't ready to eat them just yet, "A-a name? What could you possibly do with that old thing?" the whisp aqwardly laughed as it tried to keep the shake out of its voice. <<Maybe it was destracting it; maybe it was trying to make a deal for its life.>> It didn't really care as long as it bought it some more time for someone else to come save it.

Euclid Leaf

 

[Euclid Leaf]

Location: ???
Zone-Affliction: <Dread> All characters here are currently experiencing a paranatural chill and shiver that no amount of heat seems to alleviate. Precise actions are made more difficult and have a higher chance of failure.
Focus: <Stranger>


When the <echoes> made their move, the <Stranger> had already swung her arm. They only had a few brief moments. A flash of light erupted from the impact of her <spear>, causing the wolf-like entity to shriek. The claw pulled back as it began to burn and hiss in radiant flame, releasing its grip on its victims.

>>The two <echoes> Mirgris and seasonedcat were now falling.

[One of them seemed intent on distraction, seasonedcat , though their jittery comments were met with snapping jaws. The flailing voices in their heads no longer possessed the singular focused conscious. When the beast was struck, this connection was lost. They immediately began to descend from the great height. Their freezing body sank into the mist. But it was not the cold floral flooring that embraced them. Rather, the pain was cushioned by an unsuspecting ally. ATurei moved onto them, enduring the <Overwhelming Dread> and sparing them the pain they would otherwise feel as their body was stiff like a mannequin. But any amount of relief was drained when the heavy dread began to chill their very essence.

>> <Overwhelming Dread> All movements are made increasingly difficult, as your body suffers a heavy, numbing stiffness. The cold becomes almost unbearable.

[As for another matter entirely, perhaps the twisted hands of fate had something else planned. Mirgris had their eyes locked ever-craving the massive blade imbedded into the the chest of their beast. When they fell, despite the crawling <dread> they reached out. In the shaking pain of the great fallen entity, they somehow managed to grasp onto the outstretched hilt, dangling off like a withered, unwanted sprout. But only for a fleeting moment. In this time, their hands felt a strange, alluring warmth, their eyes locked on their coveted prize. The blade seemed to be covered in this strange substance, teeming with oozing thorns that sprout from the mass of blood-caked fur and etched cloth.

In this moment, their Mirgris eyes saw not the silver-leaf forest but a sprawling field of crimson. A vision faraway. Rose buds bloomed upon a layer of never-ending bed of black thorns. The sinister, flowers seemed to awaken at the presence of the new guest. The spindly vines opened, revealing an egg that sat at the crest of a great, sunken mountain. It was beating, oozing, a bleeding heart. And between the slow, humming rhythm, a whisper entered their mind.]

<???>: "You are empty... We are empty... Become whole."

[Before they knew it, the vision was gone. They Mirgris were now in the grasp of TheRealAngeloftheStorm , who had saved them from almost certain doom. A selfless gesture in the face of absolute peril.

It might be for naught. Where was there to run now? The pouring mist seemed to bellow in a fury, obscuring all of the shivering wisps. Only the faint outline of the light cast from their bodies can be seen, as they stood together under the whining screams of the harrowing monster. The <Stranger> had rushed down from the forest to join them. The girl gave the one who started it all a firm shake.

<Stranger>: "Have you awoken from your death wish? Focus on surviving. If not for your sake, then us all. Please. Everyone, let's..."
[Her eyes glanced down at their hands and saw a red mold covering their once pure skin.]
<Stranger>: "Oh no... What have you done?"

>> Mirgris is now afflicted with a mysterious <Red Rott>. You have lost fine control of one hand. A strange euphoric sensation creeps up from the point of infection. Along with the feeling of a heartbeat.
Adversely, the state of <Overwhelming Dread> alleviates. They would be able to move as though only under the effects of standard <Dread>.

However, before she can get another word out, a horrific howl filled the air. A massive claw arched high up from the center of the mist, rising above the overflowing wicked waves of dark essence. Her hand beckoned, and the <silvered> weapon came flying from unknown into her grasp.

She pulled back and released once more.

The spear clashed, releasing another flash of light as the shard of <silver> struck the winding claw. An explosion of radiance left another hissing singe upon their rotten skin, but the beast seemed undeterred this time. The retaliation only made it more furious. And its fury coursed through its flesh and bone like thunder. Her efforts only barely nudged the raging downward strike. But perhaps it was just enough to save them. The creature missed its mark, intent on crushing all of them. The attack made impact. The limb crashed like a large tree trunk upon the forest floor, sending a shockwave that causing those nearby to teeter under the force.

In the flurry of smoke and glowing leaves, in the chaos you would all hear a cry. A large gash ran from her shoulder, nearly severing her arm entirely, leaving it hanging in a gruesome mangled mess. Though it was not blood that spilled, but familiar ghostly <essence>.
Despite her pained expression, she pushed them with one arm and shouted. This was their last chance.]

<Stranger>: "Don't just stand there! Run! Now!"

[The mist shimmered and the looming shadow grew larger. The hunt had begun.]

>>What do you do now?

 

[kasigi]

???

Wisp

Wandering Soul

Location: ??? // Zone Affliction: None

The wisp attentively kept their pace with the hat-bearing <Figure>, determined not to lose their way. Darkness, which may had assaulted the mind as a primal fear, now provided comfort compared to the <Castellian>'s seemingly supernaturally induced dread, now purged from the wisp's mind as they left the twisted path of destruction, its gnarled, withered shrieks lost to the depths of the forest. This newfound solitude in darkness, which somehow manifested even with the presence of the other wisps, allowed them to regain their composure. Now comes the <runeshard.>

<Gilligan>: "We are here. This <Labyrinth> is the work of a <runeshard>... Luckily, it remains unclaimed. Alas, I cannot pinpoint its location in this shifting plane. You must find it. Search the surrounding area.

Entering into the concrete jungle of faded memories, the wisp was perplexed. Such an abrupt change of location did not lend itself to being easily understood, craning their ethereal neck in order to observe and absorb all of this new information. The concrete pillars affixed with glass squares seemed to reach to the heavens above, while the paved pathing begged for bodies to traverse them, as was their purpose. Other wisps were here, but their movements seemed to be an orchestration of shattered memories rather than true, active consciousness like the group that searched for the <runeshard>. Perhaps they once were, at a time. Or perhaps they are still aware, ever cursed to act out these memories in repetition for eternity. Would claiming this runeshard free them of their fates?

No matter the case, the wisp needed it. Their goal was clear: to stop, or delay the <Castellian.> If the runeshard was needed, they would find it. However, this one wanted to slay it. Its further existence would only endanger future lives.

Their attention, like the others, was drawn to the C-NVENI-NCE ST-RE, a wisp leaving its perfectly carved entrance. It seemed more aware than the others here, greeting the wisps with a simple wave. They were cheerful, but why? Within a moment, the runeseeking Wisp who had offered this one a leaf had already gone to intercept the cheerful being, while the <Figure> entered the structure labeled C-NVENI-NCE ST-RE. Its magnitude was nowhere near the other metal structures of this region, but it was still substantial. Searching it alone would only bear fruit given ample time, but time was not a privilege they were given in this situation.

"Let's hope its form is distinguishable. For now, I will accompany of you inside. I suspect the most extraordinary things become, the closer we are to the <runeshard.> Nevertheless, we have to search everywhere. The beast will fall." Their monotonous tone momentarily became rough and unrefined as they finished talking, barely noticeable, yet they struggled to mask their desire.

> The wisp entered the building alongside the <Figure>, beginning their search for the runeshard that may be within.

mentions: Euclid Leaf Juju Zufaix
interaction/speaking to: Damafaud

Code by Serobliss

 

[Zufaix]

[Unknown]

​

Location: Unkown
Current Afflictions: <None>


The feeling of Dread began to fade as they parted from the creature. The brief respite was all too welcome, though short-lived. Danger was still present, they knew not where they were nor did they fully understand what they were searching for. Questions still raced at the edges of the forms mind, though it did its best to abate them until they found themselves in a better position to answer them.

As the forest began to clear, another alien sight had made itself known. A metal rod jutted out of the ground, topped with an octagonal red sign.

"STOP"​

Something it could understand, but it knew not how. This only raised more questions to be pushed aside for later. Not soon after were they surrounded by monoliths of stone, metal, and glass. Gilligan spoke once again, not a hint of hesitation in his understanding.

<Gilligan>: "We are here. This <Labyrinth> is the work of a <runeshard>... Luckily, it remains unclaimed. Alas, I cannot pinpoint its location in this shifting plane. You must find it. Search the surrounding area.​

>>A heavy groan suddenly breaks the silence, a grating metal sound arising from the forest behind you.

More dangers.

Are all the creatures of this world after these <Runeshards>?

The form could only muster that brief thought before more peculiar sights came onto view. Other < Echoes> doing a variety of things, none of them with any intent though it seemed. Were they living in their own heads paces? Perhaps a broken reality of sorts? The form didn't have the means to discern those answers for itself at the moment however, much to its chagrin.

The others in their group began to take action. The < Hat> bearer and the wisp who desired to slay the < Castellian> made their way into the strange structure.

The <Runeshard> could be in any one of them, it would be best to split up.

It seemed as if the other < Echo> had a similar idea, choosing to speak with the newly emerged one.

>> The form decided to follow and speak with the new <Echo> as well. Keeping its eyes trained on the forest for the source of the grating sound.


Mentions: Damafaud | Euclid Leaf | Juju | kasigi

 

[TheRealAngeloftheStorm]

<NAMELESS>
Location: ???
┌──═ Effects ═──┐
DREAD
└───═━.┈.━═───┘

INTERACTS WITH: Euclid Leaf Mirgris​

​

Paralyzed by indecision, the wisp froze in that moment that seemed to stretch out into eternity. Run? It had just caught one of the listless souls that the <Stranger> had saved, now undoubtedly tainted by its brave but foolhardy rush to pull that mysterious blade out of the creature’s hide. <Red Rot> covered one of their arms, sickly red and pulsating, an alien sickness coursing through their being.

It had saved one soul this day. But could it save another, even in the face of death? The beast had nearly severed her arm in a single blow, with the <Stranger> only surviving by a hair’s breadth. Doubtless that the <Stranger> wished for them to survive, to give them a chance to live at the cost of her own. if the beast could do that with a swing, then surely it would be greeting the void that it had emerged from very soon.

Madness, it thought to itself as the intensity of <Overwhelming Dread> gave way to <Dread>. The wisp it had held might not be able to run. To abandon it to save the <Stranger> would be to spit on the kindness that she had granted if it died out of some misguided attempt to save her. It was not strong enough to challenge the great beast between them and the <Stranger>.

And yet-

“Run.” it said to the other wisp, eyeless gaze flickering to the <Red Rot> on their hand. It squared its shoulders and straightened itself. “Run and do not stop. You will die if you hesitate. The others are out there, seeking more power to challenge this beast with. I will do what I must.”

>> Pushing the other wisp away, it stepped forward to try and distract the monster from its current target.

 

[Euclid Leaf]

Location: <???> Labyrinth Domain
Zone Affliction: <None>

Damafaud ​

"Good sire, how does the <runeshard> looks like?" The <Figure> asked​

[The hat puffed, it's single red eyeball staring off into the darkness warily.]

<Gilligan>: "The <runeshard> is a segment of creation. Its form is pure, yet also purely formless. But you will not miss it. Do not look for it, new-servant. Feel it. You are <essence> therefore, you will be drawn to its light. You have the right idea. Enter, and face its <labyrinth>. Though I would advise, you watch--"

[As soon as the glass door swung open to the 'Convenience Store', a playful chiming bell jiggled overhead. The sound bounced off into a darkness, as the floor they walked upon abruptly vanishes beneath them. Within was a vast void, far larger than the exterior might suggest. Dancing above the pit of darkness were spiraling shapes, long chains of metallic cans tugged by invisible strings, colorful bags of confectionaries of time long-lost spiraling aimlessly, and warping shelves that shuddered, changing shape to some unheard rhythm.]

>>Due to not specifying caution, while entering the storefront, Damafaud suddenly falls into a deep chasm. kasigi would see them plummet before them, granting them enough time to stop.

[The <Figure> falls for several seconds into a pitch darkness, until a sudden flapping slowly reverses the frantic descent. You feel shooting from the sides above, gusts of wind bellowing, along with a growl from a familiar talking <Hat>. You gradually rise, appearing a moment later. The onlookers would see the massive flopping brim, the <Hat> having grown wide like leather-bound wings. You are carried from the center of the great chasm at the center of the convenience store back to the entrance. With a shudder, the wide-brimmed hat fashioned in the style of a pointed witch's produces a slurping sound as the dangling leather is retracted.

It returns back to its humble beanie-like shape
The red eyeball rolls in a circle, before turning downward as it addresses the <Figure>.]
<Gilligan>: "New-Servant! Be careful! Must all of you rush headfirst without watching their step? Take this as a lesson. I have used up unecessary strength. Do not expect me to be able to save you next time, so easily. And this goes for you too."
[The eye points now to kasigi narrowing threateningly, as if trying to engrain this lesson into them as well. <Gilligan> then glances back at the great dark chasm resting. Despite the floating shadows of shapes skipping above the darkness, there is no telling how deep it is with sight alone.]

<Gilligan>: "As deep as far as the eye can see. Still, this is not surprising. A newly formed <Labyrinth> is unpredictable in format, as it is in nature. Do not anticipate logic in this place. Only a memory of logic. That said, the <shard> alone, is not capable of trickery. It yearns for a
something <whole>. Thus, it may not be as random as it seems. Dangerous as it may be, this pathway will no doubt be more sound than wandering aimlessly."

...

Zufaix Juju

“Excuse me, could you help us? We’re looking for the runeshard! Have you seen it?”​

[The walking wisp turned to look at the one who approached it. The small form jumps and waves at the two of you once more, hopping excitedly. It bobs its head, as if trying to speak. But no sound emerges. Then it proceeds to meander into a narrow passageway between two half-formed structures, one collapsing down, the peaks and rooms merging with the other like a unset jigsaw piece. Within the enclosed alley of changing length and size, other wisps were mingling, walking and mimicking the chatter of a busy metropolis. Try as you might, you lose track of the small thing in the swarm of colorful humanoid vapor.

Around the two of you, were countless series of enclosed scenes acted out in pantomime from the fragmented 'memories', as <Gilligan> had put it earlier. Among those simply traversing and chatting, there were groups of <echoes> swinging invisible hammers against the morphing walls as they followed instructions from a foreman, which pointed and shouted aggressively at them. There was also a particularly long line of wisps waiting to enter a place, where no door existed beyond imagination. Those which produced sound, spoke only in confusing phrases missing of context, repeating dialogue lines as if stuck in a never-ending loop. These voices echoed from above, below, and all around.

"It's no bother, honest. The galley is down the road... In other News, tonight we report another murder on ... Table 7, your order is ready... Ma'am, do you wish to review today's reports? Annually, there have been..."

The both of you feel yourself pulled into a dizzying trance, as the voices and the shapes before you morph into bright, alluring colors. You both are overwhelming with nostalgia. You both suddenly feel a pull. A human hand now holds onto your airy fingers, dragging you through the bustling crowd. The <Stranger> is there now, smiling as she beckons you forward. And you feel <compelled> to follow.

But the colors and the image fades as the sound of grating metal disturbs the dreamy peace. The sea of <echoes> all break away from their roles in the never-ending play, turning towards the forest where the party emerged.

>> Juju Zufaix
You both see a black substance bubbling, oozing from the edge of the forest and flowing down the lone road towards the shaping structures. It presence is sickening. Even the tall, stout trees begin to wilt and shrivel as the spouting surge of sludge builds and squeezes out from the ground. And as the tear between the forest and <labyrinth> expands, the grating increases in intensity. Suddenly, a shape begins to form in the growing river of pollution devouring the environment.

Several slimy appendages begin to reach outwards, grasping for something to yank and pull. A long slender shape seizes the lone 'STOP' sign in the middle, bending it savagely as a terrifying wet shape struggles upward. If it wasn't clear enough, something was trying to get out.

>What do you do?

 

[Zufaix]

[Unknown]

​

Location: Unkown
Current Afflictions: <None>


The form strode up next to their companion, hoping to garner more information from this seemingly friendly < Echo>.

“Excuse me, could you help us? We’re looking for the runeshard! Have you seen it?”​

They seemed to respond, though no sound was made. The form looked back towards the forest once more, finding nothing of interest thankfully. They turned their attention back to the < Echo> just as they wandered off into a narrow alleyway between two of the metal and stone contructs. Taking in the larger of sight of numerous other < Echo>'s playing out memories of some sort causes the form to lose sight of the one they were orginally speaking with. They turned toward their companion and spoke with purpose.

"Seems that one couldn't produce any sound, though even if it could I'm not sure it understood what you said... Let's try a different one." Juju​

The form noticed another <Echo> leaning against the side of one of the structures and began walking towards it, but was quickly interrupted by a flood of images and sounds. The words and voices all of a sudden started to sound familar. While it still couldn't understand them the form felt drawn to them. They were warm and comforting, almost nostalgic. Soon the mirage of colors began to form into a figure: The < Stranger>. She was guiding the form, and it could feel the warmth emanating from her.

The form wanted to follow, but this fragile paradise was shattered as quickly as it appeared. That grating sound again. It echoed through the forms mind, causing it to reel. The warm colors and familar sounds were gone and in its place a black ooze took shape.

Shouldn't have taken my eyes off the forest.

The form could only be upset with itself, but there was nothing to do about that now. The black substance inched its way down the road they came from, destroying all matter in its grasp as it did so. It's appendages broke free of its viscous form and ripped the sign straight from the ground, bending and creasing it until it eventually snapped. Something was trying to get out, and it wouldnt stop with just the <Labyrinth>. Panic wanted to set in, but it would likely just make things worse. The form spoke as calmly as it could to its companion.

"L-Let's find the others, it's possible they've found the <Runeshard> or something relating to it." Juju​

>>The form tried to grab its companions hand before rushing back to the building the others were exploring.

Swinging the glass door open, the form speaks with urgency, gesturing towards the black substance as it does so.

"We've got company, and it's not friendly." ​

Interactions: Juju | Euclid Leaf | Damafaud | kasigi