Lunar Interlude 3

[balancemod]

What a mess. NAVIGATION 1. NEW RECLAIMERS A. WELCOME WAGON For the 14 of you who will be arriving today, the story is the same: though you may not remember it, there was a moment where you were living out your life, at home or wherever you were ... and then there was the moment the Hunger came. And amid the television static that is your memory of that moment, a hand reached out to you, beckoning your escape as the tendrils of darkness destroyed everything that ever existed about your world. "Would you hurry this up, please? Your world no longer stands a chance. Come with me, we are the last bastions of hope for all universes everywhere. And we're going to need you." And then, unceremoniously, you are dragged through the universal wringer and plopped down on the soft, though not quite cushioned, grass of the Moon Base Quad. You're not alone, either. Along with the newest members of the Bureau, in a fashion probably not unlike this, there are people waiting here for you. People who wanted to see the heroes the Director has managed to bring in this time. People who are excited to see what you're capable of. You have a few minutes to talk with each other — or maybe lob a few questions at the impromptu welcoming committee, or any of the older Reclaimers who may happen to be nearby. But before long, you're whisked away to a different area of the Moon Base. B. THE VOIDFISH The 14 of you are quickly divided into three groups, and brought to the easternmost geodesic dome, to an elevator in a well maintained, but sparsely landscaped field. There's nothing particularly ominous feeling about the space — in fact, the two guards who greet you at the elevator entrance seem pleased with your arrival. You are, after all, one of the few chosen by the Director, the few who will reclaim what the Hunger has destroyed. And in a few moments, you're about to find that out for yourself. After a tightly packed elevator ride, your group is ushered out to a rather grand looking hall, banners of the Bureau of Balance adorn both sides of smooth metal walls. And inside the Voidfish's chamber stands a tank — impossibly tall, and soaked in a black ink that obscures whatever the tank may be holding. You may notice a melody, someone playing the violin. It's a bard, on his third round of introducing Reclaimers to the Voidfish. When he's finished, he pulls out a few pieces of paper — sheet music — opens a drawer at the bottom of the tank, drops the papers in, and shuts it. And suddenly, it seems you've forgotten everything that may have been ironic about that melody. If you seem alarmed, the bard takes notice of it. "Yeah, man, like... don't think too hard about it, it's like that every time. I'm guessing you're here to be inoculated? Just a heads up, you might want to, like, seriously, hold your nose while you drink it down. It tastes wicked gross, man." You sort of get the sense that he's said this speech once or twice in the past. It's well rehearsed, much like the stories you'd expect a bard to be able to recite. "Anyway, I'm supposed to tell you that you have a choice. If you drink the black stuff, you'll be able to hear through the, uh... Huh, how do I describe it? Through the [TSHCSCHTSHCHSC] sound. You guys like, hear that? Anyway, it's all about knowledge or something. I don't know, I'm just here to, like, feed the thing. We call it the [TSCHHSCHSCH], by the way. So, like. You get a choice. You can drink it and understand stuff, or not drink it and then hear that crackling noise all day every day. If I were you, I'd drink it. But, hey man, I'm not like, your dad or anything." The bard takes five cups and draws liquid from a spigot connected directly to the basin of the large tank. Stormy, muddy looking ichor is drawn into them, one by one. He offers each of you a sip. Drink it (he wasn't kidding about what it tasted like), and you're inoculated to the wisdom of the Voidfish. You try to remember the song this bard played a few moments ago and the melody, the meter, every octave, all come back to you. And if you think back to your arrival, some of the things you may have heard other people in the Quad say, that simply sounded like static, are suddenly clear. Bureau of Balance. Grand Relic. Reclaimers. Yet you still can't remember the Hunger or what it had done to your world. And as you look back to the tank in front of you, the water has become clear. There's a jellyfish, as tall as a building, floating within. You look into the body of the creature and you can almost make out a beautiful, tiny universe floating within it. 2. THE TEST OF INITIATION With your new knowledge on the Bureau of Balance and your purpose here in tow, you are led without hesitation to the Arena, where the final phase of your initiation into the Bureau will be held. You are partnered up, whether it is with someone you drank the ichor of the Voidfish with, or perhaps even a veteran Reclaimer, who either stopped by to help, or simply out of curiosity. After the proctor confiscates your weapons for the test, the room you are placed in is stark white — it sort of gives off the vibe that it was supposed to do something other than look so sterile once upon a time, but for whatever reason, that function is lost. With a sound similar to an airlock, the door is shut behind you, and the outline disappears, the lines of the door frame magically filled in with the rest of the wall. Your task here is to escape. You are provided with the following tools: ○ A small flatware set from the café. Two forks, two spoons, two butter knives ○ A popular Faerun children's toy: "It's Elementary, My Dear Brewer: Chemist Set for the Discerning Beginner." It's essentially a simple chemistry set. ○ An inflatable hammer that plays one progressive note of a jingle a lot of you probably hate by now with every hit. ○ A wooden toy sword. ○ A plate of spaghetti — hear us out, though. Thanks to a Reclaimer who came before you, and thanks to the robot that's making your food, it's the kind of spaghetti that grants you extra strength for an hour after eating. ○ A crowbar, with a note attached to it: "DO NOT USE CROWBAR." Seriously, don't use the crowbar — the purpose of this test is to assess your ability to find a solution outside of the most obvious one. The purpose of this test is to determine if you are capable of resisting the call of a Grand Relic. Use your wits. Use the path actions granted to you when you arrived. Use any ideas your partner has. But do not use the crowbar. 3. NEWBIES AND VETERANS, AROUND THE MOONBASE A. I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN The Reclaimers were already sort of elevated to a certain level in the Bureau, as The Director's chosen few, the ones who were ultimately tasked with saving everyone, and the ones the rest of the Moon base is charged with assisting. And now that the Reclaimers have successfully brought home two Grand Relics, they're ... starting to become something of household names. Moon Base names? The next time you wander into town — an old Reclaimer veteran or a brand new face — you may very well be accosted by a well-meaning, if curious admirer. And they have questions: Did you get to hold the Grand Relic? Is it true that you took out a sandworm by tricking it into tying itself in a knot? Can they see your weapon? Would you spar with them sometime? Maybe they're not quite this annoying. But still annoying. You may need the assistance of another Reclaimer to escape from this wholesome new Adoring Fan of yours. B. MALFUNCTION Resting on the Moon Base is your time to catch up. Maybe there's someone you didn't spend a lot of time with in the Netheril. Maybe you're new, and you're still working on meeting as many of your fellow Reclaimers as possible. Which is fair. These are the people you will have to cooperate with for the foreseeable future, so it's best that you get to know them as well as possible, right? And then, one day, your Bracer buzzes with a message: Hello! Not all that curiously, the message appears to come from a username that you recognize. Whoever it is, it's another Reclaimer — one that you know well. Much more curiously, the message is followed by an odd beeping, and a perhaps familiar two-toned sound of something shutting down. And when you try to message your friend back, you may find that: For the next 24 hours, your bracer's translator feature is broken. You will not be able to understand Common — and when you speak, you won't be translated into Common. Have fun with that! And yeah, that probably wasn't actually your friend messaging you. Add another mystery to your list of weird phenomena that needs addressing. C. POWERING DOWN This is meant to be a few weeks of rest while the rest of the Bureau prepares for your next mission. The Director, however, believes that this free time should be used to better oneself however they might see fit, and she certainly won't stop anybody who'd like to spend time in the areas they've visited previously — and any new Reclaimers who would like to learn a little more about Faerun. Grab a pal and try these options, both on the Moon Base and beyond, on for size: ○ Stop Dying 101: Also known as Fatalistic Fauna, and Danger Sense to channel your inner barbarian. This is a class that was introduced after the first field mission that offers instruction on basic survival strategies when up against the more inhospitable areas of Faerun. The class is open to everyone, but if you have died at least once during the course of Balance, attendance is mandatory (Unless you're an old bird who was talked into teaching a class instead). Yes, that means you, Komaeda! Curiously, the simulators for this class seem to be working just fine. Neither the Director nor the instructor are going to question it. The monster of the month you'll be facing is the Tarrasque (scaled down to size, but that doesn't make it any less terrifying) — are you cunning enough to escape the simulation? Or are you going to go against the point of the class and try to fight it? ○ Winding down room: A small room filled with the kotatsus brought back from Vista Virs, board games, books, and other quiet activities for one of the days where you're feeling a little more restful. At the front of the room, a keyboard and other instruments are waiting — unnamed Bureau members will offer a few quiet, soothing performances throughout the day, but you're welcome to play as well. ○ Visiting New New Aspen: You may have noticed that there's an enormous tree (You say Christmas, we say Candlenights) jutting out past the atmosphere, nearly touching the Moon Base itself. This was the site of the first field mission, and the tree stands as a monument to the Reclaimers first success in recapturing a Grand Relic. At the bottom of the tree, a peaceful town that cherishes the ornaments it makes sits. The mayor of New New Aspen, Matthew, will greet you warmly, and invite you to any number of ornament carving classes, or to dinner with his Aunt Laurel (She's a giant spider, by the way), or to even just spend some time with the giant cats that protect the town. Perhaps worringly, though, the cat captain of the guard, Bread, is missing. ○ Visiting Vista Virs: A town in the middle of an unforgiving desert that was left completely destroyed. If you choose to return, expect to be put to work — you'll be gathering supplies, helping rebuild homes, or just comforting the Needlers, a race of catcus people who inhabited the town, who have lost everything. D. THE MOON IS YOUR SPACE OYSTER (WILDCARD) There are plenty of other locations around the Moon Base that you can explore at your own discretion. Feel free to refer to the Settings page for more ideas on what shenanigans you can get into. Additionally, we'll be fielding Bender rolls again this month! If a food item was destroyed in a failed roll previously, you may roll to try to fix it. Bear in mind, of course, that you may make it worse. Successful food rolls will stay in place at this time, and can be utilized how you like. Keep in mind that only one magical effect can be in place at a time. blurb code by photosynthesis

Comments

[ryuji]

[Oh, mood. Existential crises are pretty much a norm for the Phantom Thieves on a day to day basis, so can commiserate with that at least a little bit. He does notice the way that he seems distant and maybe... guarded? Is that the right word?

Ryuji's pretty low in the intelligence department, but he's got a lot of wisdom to read the room. He goes to speak and it comes out like a croak, so he clears his throat-]

'Scuse me.

[-and covers his mouth to try and get a hold of his voice again.]

I don't think so. I was chillin' in this haunted ass space station, on my way to grab grub with my best boy, and, uh. I can't really remember what it looked like, or what it felt like, I just knew the world was endin'. That's a weird feelin', ain't it? Like you get this deep effin' pit of despair in your stomach and then there's a hand to pull you outta it. I dunno what the Hunger is tryin' to do, but I get it.

It's hungry.

Well, duh, but like. It can't stop eating worlds, right? That's the whole point. It probably just exists to eat. Like that old sayin': live to eat, not eat to live, heh.

[They're approaching Fantasy Costco- can't miss it with the neon lighting and the effigy of Garfield's beaming face on a poster in the window.

WHERE ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
GOT A DEAL FOR YOU.

There's never a day that Ryuji doesn't walk into this place and not instantly have this song stuck in his head for weeks.]

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran hasn't missed the occasional tired look to the other teenager, but he doesn't know that it's any of his business. It all goes back to not knowing enough yet. Not knowing people, not knowing this place or the world under them...

Ferran nods vaguely in sympathy when Ryuji talks about the Hunger, but that's the most he wants to acknowledge his feelings about it just yet. He'd rather just keep it all as objective as possible for now.]

Right. I guess that makes sense, but... it just makes me wonder where it came from. And why.

[Not that he suspects he'll get an answer anytime soon. He's distracted quickly enough from those thoughts, though. It... is definitely hard to miss the place.

The Junes theme is catchier.]

This is it, huh.

[His tone is pretty flat. As if there were any mistaking it...]

[ryuji]

[It's nearly impossible to dissociate around someone so aggressively extroverted like Ryuji- Ferran can try, sure, but he's always getting people to keep active and dragging people into messes. Which is, to say, well- they're in Fantasy Costco, how freaking messy could it get?

He stretches out across the entrance, asserting his dominance in his finest T-pose.]

Ta-effin'-da!

[The Junes theme is way catchier, but this is... unfortunately what they have to work with. Ryuji takes a step forward, rattling off what the aisles are to Ferran in little bits of excited discussion, aiming to let him know there's things like Kigus and camping supplies, and oh- frozen burritos if he wants.

The little things in life.]

But you need some decent armor, so let's start over there, yeah? I ain't got a ton of extra cash from the last mission on account'a I sold my blood and a promise to Garfield for costume pajamas... uh, long story, but I can help you out.

[He pauses, and digs into his pocket. 10 GP in coinage is there, and he offers it over to Ferran.]

This should be more than enough to get you started. Probably... just don't buy any of the fancy shit and you should be fine.

[noblegarnet]

[Kigus are... hm, okay, but supplies are good, and frozen food is... also good, if he's in the mood for unhealthy snacks. Ferran nods along, guessing that this place can't be that bad if they have this much that's useful. Probably. Maybe.

... something occurs to him as he looks down at the offered money. There's a brief furrow in his brow before he opens his left hand and looks at it, though he doesn't move as if to take the coins from Ryuji.

Instead, there's a glimmer of red light in the palm of his hand before it shapes itself into ovals and dissipates into sparkles, leaving behind the same pile of coins the blond is still holding.

He offers Ryuji a slight smile, and there might be something a little bit smug in it.]

Thanks, but I think I'll be okay. You should keep your money if you went through that much trouble.

[please don't sell your blood again ryuji that sounds really sketchy]

[ryuji]

[It's cool.

Just start doing fucking magic tricks when he's offering you what he hath left in his coin purse.

ACTUALLY WAIT.

WHAT THE HELL?

Ryuji's jaw is agape.]

Dude. Dude.

[He'll worry about his blood some other time.]

Is that shit real? Holy crap, you're gonna be livin' SUPER EFFIN' PLUSH. This is like a pyramid scheme, only way better!!!

[Now, if only they can buy the Raging Flaming Poisoning Sword of Doom.]

[noblegarnet]

[The magic is for your sake too, Ryuji! He's not taking your life savings that you bought with your blood, or whatever.]

As real as yours, as long as it's working like it should.

[He attempts to bend one of the coins, just to be sure, but it remains sturdy. ... he could technically make temporary money to pay with and then dismiss it later, but he's not THAT shady. He will at least pay with coins that are going to stick around and be worth something later.]

I don't think it would be fair to go too overboard, but...

[Well. He's used to a certain lifestyle.]

I can only make some at a time, but if you... want to get something specific, I could probably help, eventually.

[It's the least he can do for Ryuji after being shown around.]

[ryuji]

[Ferran is used to living that cash money lifestyle, and Ryuji, a boy who's grown up mostly poor his entire life, is excited by the idea of scamming the hell out of a frankly dumb and broken system.

He's busy showing him around the store, pointing out some of the more ridiculous purchases that he could aspire to behold: a beholder's eyestalk, for example. And then the necessities, like a 40 pack of toilet paper. Perfect for tee-peeing an asshole's dorm room. Eventually they'll get to the armor section, but Ryuji's busy showing off the coolest looking tent that also might contain a pocket dimension in it to be ten times the size on the inside at a mere 10,000 gp price.]

Garfield kinda deserves whatever bad shit happens to him, not gonna lie.

[Maybe he shouldn't say that out loud, but EFF IT. He should hear that. He should shame the cat.]

Man... that's really nice of ya. But I would only wanna pilfer shit from this place that ends up making my friends' lives better, y'know? It feels awful just doin' shit strictly for yourself.

[noblegarnet]

[Ryuji, friendo, pal, prepare to be spoiled.

He's probably going to pass on the monster parts, but he's fine with them taking their time. It gives him the space to absorb it all without feeling rushed and all of the stress he's going to be forcing on himself later for not knowing or being capable of enough yet. It lets him think about things that matter a lot less than the end of the world and retrieving magical artifacts, like gossip about the local shopkeep.]

You think so?

[He's not going to discourage Ryuji from speaking his mind, even if there are microphones around to catch what he's saying. Even aside from being curious, he doesn't know that Garfield can do anything particularly unpleasant when they're supposed to be the ones retrieving these important magical artifacts.]

It's not pilfering, really. It's real. The source is just a little different.

[What's it gonna do, ruin the moon economy? The warlock will be able to use whatever coins he gets the same way as always, whether they're copies or originals.]

You can think of it as me doing something to make your life better, if that helps. But that's not the only thing I can make, either.

[ryuji]

[Living life like there's no damn rules.

There's something really dumb and calming about seeing aisle after aisle of neatly packed and perfectly stocked goods. An order in the middle of something that breeds chaos by its own existence. Costco, the final frontier.

Also, he's kind of hoping Garfield hears every word he's saying. It's like that compulsion to shout to the entire world, "I'M A PHANTOM THIEF," you know? Maybe you don't know. Ryuji definitely knows that feeling.

Good point though. What does Garfield do with all this money? Buy 300 ton bags of kitty litter to roll around in? Invest in the stock market? Tuna shorts? God, someone like him must be rolling in the cashola.]

I uh, I kinda grew up pretty poor. You kinda get used to having just what you need and not really much more. Like, there was a pair of running shoes I saved up almost an entire year to get, and it felt... so, so effin' good when I walked outta the store with 'em. Granted, they were already 2 seasons out of style by then, but, y'know. Screw it.

[He offers a wide brimmed, somewhat still rowdy smile to Ferran. That's just the type of person he is.]

Shit, you think you can replicate that tent? How the hell weren't you hit with the nerf hammer? All I got was my stinkin' demon monkey god king inside my heart with an attack up buff.

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran wanted to talk about his experiences as a magical boy more as time went on, so he sort of gets it. Not in a societal sense, but he didn't let himself open up to anyone until... it was basically too late. Thinking about that doesn't seem like the best plan if he's trying to be positive, though.

He focuses on Ryuji instead, giving him a slight smile in response.]

It sounds like it meant a lot to you.

[In Ferran's book, that's what matters. He likes to keep up with fashion, but he also had the resources to. He may judge bad fashion choices but he keeps that to himself.]

I wish. I can't copy anything magic. Honestly, I would have been fine if I kept the extra strength I had... so that sounds pretty useful.

[He's not going to bother questioning the whole heart monkey king thing right now, not with everything he's had to accept over the past few days.]