duologs | 4.1 Questboard Update

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4.1 Questboard Update

4.1 questboard update

The competition between guilds continues! Work together, or... don't! Maybe you just want to see chaos instead. Maybe you're tired of collaborating and it's time for more reunions.

OFF WORLD

QUEST: HELP LORD BAELIAL

Currently under repairs, Baelial World is in need of promotion for its reveal next month, and has outsourced most of its advertising to the agency: Birds, Avians, Oh My! Each volunteer is assigned a quirky avian-themed mascot costume of which only five versions are available (pigeon, peacock, goose, parrot, and canary. Absolutely random, and obviously not related to any other organizations that use these animals) and given a stack of flyers to hand out throughout the city. Location is up to the volunteer, just make sure to hand out all those flyers, and report in at the end of your shift. The more flyers you hand out, the more points you get! Points for what exactly…? Don’t worry about it!

REWARD: A stipend because we believe in paying our volunteers, a day pass to the Baelial World amusement park, and perhaps… it counts towards Guild Wars in the ON world? (It does, you can count it as participation.) But that has to be a coincidence, right?

QUEST: 101 (NOT LITERALLY) DALMATIANS (LITERALLY)

The local Crane City Dalmations Kennel Club needs your help! In preparation for their annual dalmatians dog show, they need volunteers to help… find their dalmatians… all of which were unfortunately lost by their underpaid and overworked intern, Kenny. Overall, these spiffed up dalmatians are easy to recognize by their luxurious coats, diamond collars, and names like Sir Kensington Paddington the Seventh. Several have been spotted at various locations throughout the city! Help reunite these sweet dogs with their panicked, wailing owners and dodge Animal Control with their absurdly large human-sized nets meant for dogs.

REWARD: An large amount of OFF world money paid in the form of cash or vouchers to future dog shows, a diamond-studded leash and collar (adjustable for all neck sizes, dogs or otherwise) and the eternal gratitude of Kenny.

FAILURE: Crying Kenny noises.

ON WORLD

QUEST: LET THE GAMES BEGIN

While Avisle City gears up for the local Guild Wars, numerous local shops have pitched in to help advertise! Whether it’s designing posters, crafting merchandise (hats, shirts, etc), serving samples (peacock canapes, anyone?), or even running small events – adventurers are encouraged to think of creative ways to help support their guild. Remember, this is advertising only, leave the real competitive play to the wars! Players can submit actual designs using whatever is at their disposal (MSPaint, photo of pencil/crayon/watercolor on paper, etc) if they like! Have fun with it!

REWARD: Free advertising and support from your local businesses, as well as a pin in the shape of your guild mascot, which allows you to teleport to your guild base 5 separate times.

QUEST: NEVER GOING TO GIVE YOU UP

As the city ramps up in preparation for guild wars, rumors have been spreading of spooky supernatural activity at several courtesan houses located in the Nightlife District. Rumors of wailing at night, guests ousted from their rooms, and momentary possession abound, but all revolve one story in particular: of a beautiful courtesan separated from his lover, who spent the rest of his days waiting for news from his one true love. Adventurers are encouraged to spend the night to investigate the hauntings more closely, and to think of creative solutions that might console the courtesan’s ghost… Perhaps… a way to reunite them in the afterlife? Letters, possessions, or perhaps… a wedding ceremony? Make sure to bring a partner for the ceremony, marriage takes two after all!

REWARD: A crimson bridal veil that grants the wearer the ability to see illusions OR a piece of scarlet thread that leads the wearer to their party members (or otherwise favored individual) when tied around their finger.

FAILURE: A strange, crushing belief that love is just chemicals that lasts for three days.

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A. 101 (not literally) dalmatians (literally)

[Amidst the search for one (1) diamond-studded dog, Roland cups his chin in thought.]

There was a dalmatian sighting not far from here. If the report is to be believed, Sir Kensington Paddington the Seventh must be just around the corner . . .

[His voice trails off as he watches a large net disappear from view behind the wall in question. From the opposite side, a dalmatian's head pokes out. Animal Control is here: it's now or never on recovering the dog without incident.]

B. never going to give you up

[Love is such a beautiful thing. The courtesan's story strikes a strange chord in that Roland is unable to relate while still understanding the pain of separation. No person should be subjected to a lonely fate like this, and so he turns to his quest partner with the solemn set of his lips.]

We were asked to stay the night, but I doubt a sleepover will lay the spirit of a grieving ghost to rest. Have you any ideas?

[Roland is a Mender, not a Crafter, and a warrior before an artisan. Honestly speaking, he has little to offer in the way of crafting merchandise. But he can hardly refuse the effort, more so when taking into account the company, to whom he looks across their table at the shirts station.]

Have you decided on what to do?

[ Juniper, on the other hand, is neither Mender nor Crafter... One would sooner put her into the Warriors guild, but her adventurous spirit slotted her into the Wanderers Guild just as well. However she does have heart, and she's been determined, as of late, to find some kind of craft to dedicate herself to - which may or may not have something to do with the beautiful new greataxe that Declan made just for her, which is always within five feet of her person at all times even for a task as harmless as advertising for the guild wars.

She may not be able to craft a magical battle axe, but... She can draw on some shirts with puffy paint. You can do it, Juniper! ]

I've decided I'm going to make us all matching shirts! [ yes, all of the Menders and Wanderers. ] What about you, Roland? Maybe we can also make snacks to hand out to people, or perform a demonstration of our abilities!?

[ ... ]

Hmm... How should I combine our guilds' names? Wandemenders? Menderwands...?

[Any warrior worth her salt keeps her arm close. It's a beautiful, exotic greataxe on which Roland's gaze lingers every time he catches it in his periphery. Whoever made it must be quite skilled.

But the shirts beckon for now. He lifts his head. Although cooking is out of the question for him, a performance sounds promising! Just as he opens his mouth to say as much, he pauses at the mangled names of their guilds.

Well, they don't sound too bad.]

I believe our official combined name is Golden Pigeon. Does that work?

[ After a short, thoughtful moment, Juniper's ears twitch with the realization: she totally forgot about the official combined name...! ]

I totally forgot about the official combined name...! Thank goodness you're here, Roland!

[ There's a flurry of scratch paper all around her from her attempts thus far at brainstorming a shirt design, and with the newfound recognition she flips her current piece of paper over to start doodling some more.

After a fever pitch of inspiration... She holds up her masterpiece. ]

What do you think of this!?

[

]

[No, thank goodness Juniper is here. Roland has ideas, but not the artistic talent to realize them. He's barely scratched lines onto his own sheet of paper when she presents hers.

Looking at her magnum opus, he laughs jovially.]

What an inspired bird! It reminds me of Big Pipip. "Coo for the Golden Pigeons" . . . [He nods.] I dare say this will be a hit among the masses.

[ Oh...! That is quite the jovial laugh indeed coming from Roland, who otherwise has seemed more stoic and collected (if maybe a bit sad?) to Juniper. The sound of it pulls her lips into a smile as she laughs along, holding her artwork up even more proudly. ]

You really think so!? Should we put this on a million shirts, then?

[ Maybe not a million... ]

[Maybe not a million . . . ]

Can you paint it a million times?

[Are there even a million people in this world?]

Perhaps we should start with a more manageable number. How about a dozen? I'll help.

Oho, a dozen! That's brilliant, Roland! That way we can see how the masses respond and then make a million more when they fall in love with our team, hehe!

[ She's determined... And also strangely keen when it comes to... bunnysness?

Fired up by the spirit of competition and teamwork, she starts gathering tubes of puffy paint. ]

I'll pick out the colors, you grab the shirts! [ oh, where are her manners? ] ...Please and thank you!

[He enjoys her spirit, even if a million and dozen shirts aren't likely to happen. But who knows? They may end up making far more than expected.

Either way, he's happy to get up and walk over to the table of blank shirts, where he stacks a dozen in his arms before making his way back. He sets them down in the corner.]

I've brought a variety of sizes. Have you decided on the colors?

I have! I even found this! [ she holds up a tube of gold puffy paint. ] Which is going to be perfect, because your guild's color is gold, and we're the Golden Pigeons! And blue, for my guild!

[ and then she holds up some pinks, yellows, greens... ]

And then these, to draw the flowers and hearts and everything! I think it would be fun to make the shirts colorful!

[Blue and gold . . . like a duck in water. A pleasing combination, to be sure. The colors suit each other the way the Wanderers guild is a good match for someone like Juniper.

Trusting her to know the coordination of said colors better than himself, Roland nods as he takes his seat.]

I'll leave the heart of the design to you, but I should be able to manage the symbols.

[He pulls the smallest shirt from the top of the pile and holds it out to her.]

Shall we get started?

[ With eyes bright, she takes the proffered shirt and gives him an energetic nod of her head, bunny ears following the motion as she goes! ]

Let's do this! We're going to have the coolest shirts out of all of the guilds!

[ She sweeps her arm out dramatically while holding the tube of gold puffy paint to start drawing an angry bird on the first shirt. The amount of focus that Juniper exerts in this effort is probably way more than she ever did while attempting her OFF world college homework... Her brow is furrowed and she's biting down on her lip in her complete concentration! And before too long, a bird shape begins to emerge... ]

I-Is this... looking okay!?

[While she works on the first shirt, Roland grabs another shirt of the same size with one hand and a tube of pink puffy paint with the other. He looks more contemplative than focused as he looks between Juniper's sketch and the blank canvas of the shirt. How far out should he draw on the hearts? How big should he make them? How does he even use puffy paint? What is puffy paint?

A glance at Juniper's handiwork answers all of the above in some part. Good timing, too, as she addresses him right then.]

It's looking to be just like the one you drew before. But I imagine it will be even better with the color in place.

[ Roland asking the real hard questions here... What is puffy paint, truly? ]

Hoho, really!? [ Oh, she looks so proud of herself! ] What if... What if I have a talent for this, Roland!?

[ She is only drawing with more vigor than before. ]

You know, I watched my uncle make my axe, and it was really incredible! It reminded me a bit of when one of my dads works on spells! I kept thinking, "Wow, wouldn't it be great to have something that you're really good at and make things with?" I don't really have anything like that!

[ Since she is mostly only good at, like. Hitting things... ]

[Her vigor always does his mood good. His spirit lifts at the pride so plainly writ on her face.]

Nor do I. [He remembers enough to determine that his hands are talentless. Even hitting things, others can do better. Juniper, on the other hand . . . ] But I believe you've the passion, and the talent that comes with it, for bringing your imagination to life.

[It's the sort of imagination that should put smiles on the faces of people. The level of realism matters little next to that.]

[ SWEET ROLAND... Don't let Juniper ever hear him call himself talentless. Or maybe do, so that she can go into a (loving) rage at him.

She is anticipating gentle encouragement, or perhaps even just some kind of vague acknowledgment of what she's said. But instead Roland speaks of passion and talent and her imagination, and though she knows she's a passionate person and has quite an active imagination, she still a bit surprised when Roland says it all in such flowery, inspiring words! ]

Oh... Wow! Haha, that's so nice of you to say!

[ Her free hand lifts and scratches at the base of an ear as warmth creeps up her cheeks. ]

I bet we can find something like this for you too, though!

[Some people have a natural radiance about them. That light shines with passion, and Juniper is no exception. People are at their brightest when they're ardent; it's got little to do with his sounding nice.

After twenty-something years, he wonders if it's possible to find something like that for him—wonders if there's room in his life for it at all.]

Though that heartens me to hear, my hands are quite full between my recollections of old lessons and these flowers now. Speaking of, what color should I paint these butterflies?

[The pink tube in his hand is for the aforementioned flowers. What goes well with pink . . . ?]

[ Oh, that's right! Roland has some weird things going on with his memory... Well, she's no stranger to that sort of thing, either, so she supposes he can be forgiven for having his hands full.

She takes the yellow tube up with her hand and holds it out for him. ]

I think yellow butterflies would be perfect! Or white!

[ She's not quite done with the other topic, though. ]

You know, Roland, I know it's not the same as being skilled in kind of craft, but I think you're really good at cheering people on in your own way! I always feel like I can take on anything when I'm with you! You're like...

[ Please hold. She must pause in her pigeon-painting in order to fully dedicate her two brain cells to this: ]

...A heartcrafter!

[He accepts the yellow tube, but pauses in the middle of putting it away when she resumes the topic he thought to be over.

He waits, if only because the words she says are uncanny. They echo in the chamber of his mind, and he recognizes them for his own in regards to someone else. Never in a million years would he have directed them at himself. How ironic, that she should unwittingly liken the two of them.

More than anything, because he understands how it feels and remembers how much he wanted to make a difference, his heart is moved by her efforts—enough that he sets both tubes of puffy paint down and gathers his slack expression to smile in earnest.]

I feel the same way. [That they can take on anything, because she's unyieldingly bright.] Thank you, Juni.

[ what a cliché trope. it's the reason that Rudbeckia takes the quest when she hears of it: the fact that it's such an uninspired concept makes it that much more likely that it will be easy to solve just by following the obvious narrative. working with Roland was not in the original plan – the two of them had just happened to turn up for the quest on the same night – but she's hardly going to turn down the safety that comes with a companion. ]

Ah, well... Wouldn't the best thing be to resolve the issue keeping it bound here?

[He nods, humming affirmatively. If it's something within their power, he would love to do it. Of course, he'd hate to make the decision for himself and Rudbeckia without consulting her.]

The courtesan's lover never returned. Judging from the details given by the quest, he longs for a reunion above all else . . . But how can we reunite two people who passed an indiscernible time ago?

Mmh... It's tricky, certainly. We could...

[ never mind logic — she has found that this world, even more so than the novel she left behind, operates on narratives alone. so then, what is the most cliché direction she can think of for a story like this? something that the two of them can easily do together, some corny tearjerker ending... ]

—Oh! We could write him a letter from his lover? He really just wanted to know that they were alright, after all. Or we could search the house and see if there are any hidden letters, or keepsakes... Are there any other ideas that come to mind, signore?

[Signore?]

. . . The end does not justify the means. I am loath to rely on deception for this task.

[Never mind his own proclivity for white lies. It simply feels wrong, manipulating another's heart for their gain. And if this ghost has waited all this time, who's to say the other—ah.]

We could search the house, yes. But do you suppose the lover also has a ghost elsewhere?

[ Oh my god, are you seriously going to refuse because you don't want to hurt a dead NPC's feelings? ]

Oh... It would be cruel to lie to him about this, you're right. I'm sorry, I should have been more sensitive.

[ —but unfortunately, the type of character that Rudbeckia is can't be unaffected by such a plea to emotion, no matter how time-wasting. she should probably adore something grandly romantic like this, too, so she'll have to go along with it. ]

It's possible, but I wonder where it would be? We'd have to find out what happened to them first.

[His expression turns somewhat apologetic, brow furrowing faintly as he smiles after her apology. He didn't mean to make it sound like he was scolding her when she's only trying to help.]

You're right. Then let us do as you proposed and search the house for items of interest. We may yet learn something the quest details neglected to include.

That sounds like a fine plan—but, um... [ Ruby seems to turn nervous, casting her gaze around the room and fidgeting with her skirts. hesitantly, she finally asks: ] Would you mind if we stick together...?

[ the look on her face is guileless, nothing but embarrassment and anxiety in her big blue eyes, the furrow of her brow, her lip drawn between her teeth. ]

To tell you the truth, I-I'm afraid of ghosts.

[ it isn't a lie, really. while she has never encountered one in all her experience with monsters from the novel, she has no doubt that she would find reason to be afraid of ghosts. right now, though, her main concern is that something – whether it's the ghost, the house, or the damn game itself – is going to mess with them, and all the worse if they split up. ]

[The crease in his brow subsides at her hesitation, replaced by curiosity that then gives way to the softening of his eyes. He turns to face her, and there's not an ounce of judgment in his words at her fear as he answers:]

Of course. There is no need to do alone what we can do together.

[He raises an upturned hand. The tattered cloak and sleeve of his habit pull back from the motion, unveiling his callused palm. Whether she chooses to take his hand, shake it, or reject it altogether, he leaves for her to decide.]

Should a ghost appear before us with ignoble intentions, I shall do everything in my power to protect you.

[ oh, what an obvious nobleman. or maybe a commoner knight, if he's from a really romantic take on the genre? it's comforting, in a way; she knows how to play to that character archetype, to cast herself as someone so common to his world as to be unremarkable. someone you could simply glance at and confidently say, I know her type.

Ruby places her hand lightly in Roland's with a delicate poise that speaks to her own upbringing as nobility, even her fingertips carefully positioned to appear graceful. ]

Thank you very much! I'll follow wherever you lead, signore.

[What poise. Between her courage and her hand in his, he's reminded of a precious moment surrounded by flowers in years long past. His smile grows fond before he steps aside to stand beside her, their linked hands raised between them as if he were escorting her through a grand hall and not the house of courtesans.]

I am Roland. Won't you tell me your name?

Is that the dog we're looking for?

[ Casually, he points at the one poking its head out from the net. The Animal Control guy is about to hoist the dog over into the van. ]

I guess we need to stop him.

[!]

Just so. Let us make our appeal before he takes his leave.

[Else Kenny and the owner will despair, and that's something he'd rather avoid. Roland strides up to the man holding the net—"Beg pardon, but the owner of the dog in your possession has been in search for some time now . . . "—and is summarily rebuffed on the basis that he isn't the owner. Tartaglia, who's yet to register in the man's radar, is free to make his own move unimpeded while Roland continues to argue.]

[ While Roland tries the polite and less aggressive approach, Childe comes up from behind the man's position and literally snatches the net from his hands. The man splutters around, utterly confused over what happened. ]

You heard him. This dog has an owner, so we'll be taking this little guy with us.

[ He's never been afraid of just getting straight into a confrontation... ]

[How bold! Roland can't help staring while the man scrambles for the words to counter Childe's point. There is strength in numbers, however, and he leaps at the chance before a rebuttal can come.]

Indeed, and this one so happens to be a participant in the upcoming annual dalmatians dog show. The dog's escape is by no means your fault, but I doubt the owner will take the news of his incarceration kindly with the show right around the corner.

[Animal Control is an admirable force with which to reckon. The man, now Kenny's mortal enemy and ineffectually groping the air in an attempt to snatch the net back from Childe, once again cites that he cannot relinquish the dog when neither of them is the owner.]

[ Even if Animal Control is persistent, he will be no match for Childe's stubbornness. He laughs easily and pats the man on the shoulder. There, there. ]

We said we'd take care of it, right? Promise we won't snitch on you so you won't get in trouble.

[ The dalmatian whines inside the net, so Childe saves it from its webbed prison. He passes the now-empty net back to Mr. Animal Control, who simply gawks at him in return. ]

Thanks for cooperating.

[ This man is n ot cooperating, but he clearly has no choice. ]

[What an unstoppable energy. There's no fighting this one.

Sir Kensington Paddington the Seventh whines again as he seeks purchase on Childe's shoulder, tail wagging in delight at his liberation. Roland smiles apologetically at the flabbergasted man, who was only trying to do his job, before they take their leave.]

Well done. How is he?

[ With Sir Kensington Paddington on his shoulder, Childe feels like he's on top of the world. He laughs as he reaches over to start scritching the fellow behind the ears. ]

Seems to be alright. Maybe a little shaken, but he'll survive. [ Sir Kensington yips at that. ] Let's take him back, yeah?

[ Unless there are other dogs to save from Mr. Animal Control... ]

[Luckily for everyone involved, there's no stray whining of a dog or two to suggest that there's more than the one sir draped over Childe's shoulder. The man, still dazed by the utter audacity to yoink his net right out of his hand, shakes his head and drives off before another incident can unfold.]

Indeed, I imagine both Kenny and his owner will be pleased to see him safe and sound.

[Roland gives Sir Kensington a thoughtful look.]

He seems rather taken with you. Is it all right if we return this way?

Hm, is he? Probably because I snatched him from Mr. Animal Control.

[ Said Mr. Animal Control is long gone by now, but that's fine. At least both he and Roland can now return the puppy to his rightful owner. He nods his head once. ]

That's fine. I'll follow your lead. [ beat. ] You don't want to try carrying him?

I can take him if you tire of his weight.

[Not to doubt Childe's strength, but dogs aren't paper. Although Roland doesn't mind carrying Sir Kensington—would probably enjoy it, in fact—there's no sense in stressing the dog out by constantly changing hands. For now, he's content to lead the way as tasked by Childe.]

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4.1 Questboard Update

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