The wolf moved his head to the side and snaps at the air before continuing, "Emerald Devils, they are not good hunt or meat. Let me take you on a real hunt. Follow."
Unless someone tries to stop him or convince him to stop he begins to lope off.
Garret puts up his hands, palms out, "Whoa, whoa, we ain't here to actually hunt anythin'. We're just here to collect their silk. If we run across anythin' hostile then we'll defend ourselves. Nothin' more than that at this point in time though."
The wolf snaps its jaws once more this time severing a low hanging branch and then continues, "Follow if you wish or keep traveling on your own and another fey will be along shortly."
It seems that your group won't be following the wolf. You continue into the forest. Until you hear humming. As if someone is humming a gay tune but it seems to be coming from everywhere.
Aien tries to determine where the humming is loudest
Ise looks intently at the blue flame collar but eventually decided to stick with the group.
"What's that noise?"
Garret looks around, "I'm gonna guess a Nymph or somethin' similar."
The three of you can pin point the noise as it comes to a tree branch up above your group. You see a grin materialize out of thin air. The teeth are humming... Then it stops and asks, "Spiders oh so many spiders, you can find them everywhere, but your fare is different, as is my fare."
Garret stops in his tracks, "Okay, I'll admit I was way wrong."
He looks to the disembodied grin, "What would your fare be?"
Dark purple stripes begin to form that of a cat though much is still not there.
"My fare is threefold, first the traveling boots off the next traveler with boots you meet. Second, the hat off the traveler after the first that has a hat, and third a pat to make me purr."
"Sounds easy enough to me. What's the catch?"
"I catch the little mice that come into my grasp." It says with its eyes and then head fully coming into view.
"So, Cheshire Cat, do you have a name?"
"Not one you can pernounce." He says as he stands on his head.
Garret scratches his chin, "Yeah, too easy. I don't trust it. So, do we take this opportunity or do we want to wait and see what the next 'guide' is?"
On one hand... it can help us. On the other hand, murder it with a gun!!!
Odd. Chosen of Death. Chosen of Zanthias, Lord of Lightning. Who is this Zanthias? I didn't see his name in the list of Gods from the Dungeon Crash Walk Through... Why is Zanthias near a lumberyard rather than in Sanctuary? This group is the most powerful unaligned group near Sanctuary. I have to risk making contact with them.
Flynn gathers up supplies and loose items from the BLP. Memorizing the street layout of Sanctuary, the entrance back into the BLP could be found. Once he preps the entry into Dungeon Crash, he set the one way portal out of the BLP into the wooded area north of Sanctuary.
Glancing at his avatar in the reflection of the glass walls of the BLP, he realizes that he modeled it a little after himself - Earth version of himself. I could change it, but how would Dad know it is me?
Flynn shoulders the pack over his denim shirt. Hitting the "Enter" key, the portal flickers to a forest view, centering on a conversation of the group with a Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. Flynn scrolls the opening behind a copse of trees.
I'll miss you, BLiP. Hold up the Fort, for I'll return.
Flynn steps out of BlP into the Forest, clearly not expecting a response.
On a monitor, it says. 0100010001001010 meaning in binary code, I miss you too.
Not sure of distance modifiers and concealment
Greetings fellow travelers! I am unarmed and wish to approach. I am Jeffrey Flynn. My friends call me Flynn. I wish to parlay. May I be honored by entering into your presence, Sir Cat?
Hands spread, showing that he is not carrying a weapon, Flynn approaches. Flynn ducks his 6 foot frame, under some branches, as he moves closer. The smile on his clean shaven face is genuine as he sees the group when the leaves are no longer in the way, pausing a moment to look at Zanthias and the Cheshire Cat. Blue sparkle with barely concealed mirth.
Got to love a game environment that allows you to wear flip flops into a wooded area.
Zanthias is the god of Monkery. He is a kind god that I had friends everywhere. Gods have pledged not to enter the dungeon so if they adventure it would take them away from Sanctuary.
The fey have had never liked the lumberyard and may have the backing of Sanctuary now.
The group will likely not see Flynn until he is almost upon them.
The Cheshire Cat looks at Flynn and decides, "Yes you may magical boy."
Then he responds to the group, "Walk as you will, I will stalk. Your next guide will appear, then you will make your choice."
I may be crazy, but my reality is different from yours, Sir Cat... I value cleverness. I don't want someone brave. The will provide us a way that leads us to risks. Someone that is clever can help us avoid the traps, the risks, and the unnecessary encounters. They know the secrets. In appreciate I can see a group of travelers really acknowledging how clever you are. Really, isn't that what clever wielders want: acknowledgement of their cleverness and perhaps their madness? After all, all the best people are mad. Can you tell us why we shouldn't pick you as a Guide?
Taking 10 on diplomacy for a 17 going forward.
for the conversation
for the surroundings
Flynn confidently takes the first step towards adventure by stepping into the clearing, flashing a boyish smile take isn't quite all there. His denim shirt is tucked into his jeans. Waist has a belt, plain belt buckle. Long brown hair, cut stylishly. Calloused hands and fingers. Amusement show in his blue eyes.
The cat looks at the new interloper and simply says, "Meow?"
After a few moments it laughs and says, "Is there a reason I should dissuade you from following my path? No, you make up your own minds and I will mine."
Ise jumps and draws his sword when Flynn seemingly appears out of nowhere. "HOLY CRAP! Who are you? Where did you come from?"
To the group, "If we choose to walk on we'll be stuck with whoever it is. I think choosing a shift guide is better than being stuck with an unknown."
Greetings, I am Jeffrey Flynn. My friends call me Flynn. I came from that way. points towards where he came from in a vague gesture, dismissing that line of questions. Shifting his weight slightly, as to appear to lean towards the Sylph. Who exactly told you my shit is holy?.. You realize that if you don't know the goal for where you are going, any road will get you there?
Flynn laughs with pleasure, genuinely enjoying the glee at the straight forward "Meow". Being in the game allows enjoyment of sarcastic that dealing with chat messages never allowed.
Meow. There are plenty of reasons to not dissuade us from a path. Hidden Agendas are the most likely... Are you bored, Sir Cat? I can provide you with more excitement than you find here.
He tilts his head as he listens to the sounds of the forest.
He is also wary of the group, his position is at least 10 feet away from Sir Cat, Zanthias, and Board.
Garret spins towards the new interloper with his hand on his gun, after listening to his greetings, "Hm, you must be another late-comer. Well, you're free to tag along, as long as you don't cause any problems."
To Ise, he says, "The cat says we'll have a choice, meanin' most likely that wolf is still near too. Let's at least hear what the last one has to say."
"Ha! Unfortunately I am stuck to this path until they decide to follow me or the next one. I drew the proverbial short straw. Now either choose for me to guide you or continue walking." The cheshire cat seems to be getting more to the point, his pink stripe is being replaced by a deep red color.
Baris just lays in the grass waiting for the group to make a decision. Board does hand stands using a tree to make sure he stays up as needed.
Thank you. I won't cause any direct problems, Chosen of Death. Like trying to stab you in the back when you aren't looking. Again, my name is Flynn to my friends... Can't promise I won't cause problems indirectly, like trying to figure out philosophy and ideology. But can say is that I'll have your back in cause someone else is trying to stab it... To sum up, problems won't be malicious in nature. But may do something else, like get you targeted by my ambitions or win at a hand of cards or seduce your woman ...proving she ain't your woman. Hands still in the air, somewhat casual at this point. Last point making sure hands are away from body.
Hello Flynn. Aien looks Flynn over casually, and relaxes when he sees that he has no weapons. As soon as you logged into the game, did it suddenly become reality? Aien wants to know how latecomers join this plane of existence.
As soon as I logged into the game, I realized I made a mistake and couldn't log out.
Just how much do you want to compare notes in front of the Cheshire Cat? It has ethics less than a lawyer. Lawyers have the attorney / client privilege, where as, Fey has the "law of amusement" and "what have you done for me lately" privilege.
Yes, Fey. Not Sylvan.
Garret looks at Flynn with a sharp eye, "Chosen? How do you know that? I didn't give you my name or anythin'."
"My name is Ise'dranl, Ise for short." He doesn't lower his sword yet. "What brings you to these wood, Flynn?"
"All right, Garret. Let's see what the last Fey has to say."
Still eyeing Flynn curiously, "You are definitely a mystery, Mr.Flynn." Ise walks around to Flynn's side slowly, blade relaxed but ready. As Ise walks he begins to fade from view until he disappears entirely.
Names Aien. He holds out his hand to shake.Thanks for the information. Seeing Ise disappear, he scratches his head. C'mon, do you really need to do this?
Meeting Garret's eyes. Garret, you have the ribbons of Death. Shoulders and Head. Ise'dranl, good to meet you. I seek a party to join, plus these woods house Fey against Lumberjacks. If we can get some sort of peace with the Fey, maybe an alliance with between Sanctuary and Fey, lumber can get unlocked as a resource... The enemy to the north will come through this area, potentially devastating it. Best interests for everyone to unite for mutual self defense.
Glancing back to Ise'dranl, an approving smile appears, as Flynn views just trees. You say I am a Mystery? Nice disappearing act.
Shakes Aien hand. Well met. What are you guys doing in the woods? I'll miss the Cheshire, but which way is the next guide?
The Cheshire Cat is still above stalking around as he disappears and reappears. He purrs out, "Do you really want to make this harder on yourself? Walk fools walk."
"Hmmm...", Garret eyes Flynn skeptically.
"As I said you're free to tag-along, Mister Flynn. We'll continue heading north, I'm sure we'll cross paths with the next one soon."
When the group sees the green fey, "Um, hello?"
After a while your group finds a humanoid fey sitting among mushrooms. The fey appears almost human except for the green feathers for hair and the green tint to his skin. Dark green attire almost like a suit. He raises his hand with his index finger pointing up to the sky.
He rises in one fluid motion and turns around. He is not smiling and appears very serious. He opens his hands showing dirt in one hand and water coming out of the other as if from a fountain. He opens his eyes showing vibrant purple hues and then asks in a quiet voice, "What do you choose?"
Ise sheaths his sword, ends his solipsism, and walks around from behind Flynn's back along his right side with a light clap on the shoulder and a smile. "It is a very useful trick to have with me not being all that durable in a fight. Sorry for being skeptical of you. You can't be too careful with mysterious strangers in a death game/alternate reality conundrum we've gotten ourselves into."
Baris follows the group and keeps Board training with exercises of one type or another. He looks up at Jeffery and happily says, "Now that bloke is thinking outside of the box, or is a fey or a god in disguise."
Stepping close to Ise'dranl, Flynn's blue eyes appraise Ise'dranl's stealthly approach and the way he was "counting coup". Not too many in this death game/alternate reality conundrum that can appreciate the subtleties of our situation. You have to trust a little to survive. Therefore you have to risk yourself, to get an opportunity to earn someone's trust. He holds out his hand to shake.
To Flynn, "It's more likely askin' whether we choose the dirt or water, I have a feelin' this one's insane."
Garret turns towards Jellena, "Yes, Miss Darkling?"
Ise takes Flynn's hand and gives a firm handshake. "Well put. You're a trustworthy guy, I can feel it."
Towards Garret, "And the last one wasn't insane how?"
A riddle, huh? If only it were the liar and truth-teller one. Just punch one in the face and ask if you punched them. Sighing, he shakes his head. If only it were that easy.
Flynn laughs at Aien's joke, taking a moment savoring the composure process. I like these guys. I always appreciate a genuine 'forget about your own safety because you actually laugh' laugh. At least my mood can brighten while not being able to log out. Been worried about figuring out the cause of the log out failure, figuring out how to defend Sanctuary, and how to get out of Dungeon Crash.
Not my joke. Was from that one comic... what was it called? Aien scratches his head Oh yeah, Order of the Stick. Good comic. Well, what should we choose? Should we all choose the same thing? Split ourselves between the two?
Garret scratches his chin, "I'm thinkin' we only get one choice as a group. I say water."
"Actually I was merely testing you, so Garrett, likely leader of your group. Do you want to follow the Cheshire up in the tree or I. I will speak truth before and while I am your guide should you choose me. My only cost is that you allow me to observe your interactions for at least a week after you leave the forest and that you will escort me back once you choose it is time to do so but not before the designated time. Oh and your prompt decision will likely save one of your men from a cat scratch death. Garret touch my water."
In response to Jellena's comment, "Ah, I see."
Garret snickers to himself and touches the water.
'That sounded dirty.'
"That sounds like agreeable terms to me. But, hmmm...group vote: cat or...green guy? Mine's green guy.", he says hesitantly.