Board 8 > Fool's Overture [CYOA] [RPG] [Part II]

(+) Yeah! (+)

eventually the room itself, revealing a vast hall with hundreds of tall windows on each side. She lands on a white and golden chair, and moments later a table covered by a white cloth appears

close enough

--
~Tommeri Uranius Bombaldi the Fourth, esq.
(aka not Krakenprophet)

Up 'n away. Waiting on a choice!

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

"Who are you, and what exactly do you do here?"

Too abrupt?

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

Not after we've danced with her.

I'll vote for it too.

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

Works for me.

--
(Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~
All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.

A) "Who are you, and what exactly do you do here?"

The girl in gold nods. "Straight to the point, eh? I should have guessed you'd want straight answers. My name is..." She looks up to the ceiling for a moment. "Lady Umbraria Celina Karcenaria. But you can just call me Umbraria, or Celina if you like. The whole title sounds just a little bit too pompous, doesn't it?" She introduces herself.

"As for what I do, I'm just doing a job for a friend of mine. A gatekeeper for those who have passed on was needed, and since I was free, I decided to lend a hand. I really should have known better." Umbraria grumbles, disgruntled. "Been here for the last six millennia. It's been pretty slow...oh, right! How impolite of me to forget that those like you have need for sustenance." She snaps her fingers, and the table is suddenly filled with golden plates containing a dozen different foods. Peking duck, lobster, some sort of fish fillet you can't begin to identify...all of them condimented and covered in appropriate sauces. It smells good. *Really* good.

"Go ahead. Help yourselves!" Umbraria nudges you, as she grabs a fork and knife from the table herself. "Have at it while it's hot!". Nina exchanges a glance with you, unsure of how to proceed.

36) Will you eat Lady Umbraria's food?
A) Yes.
B) No.

37) Several questions are still in the back of your mind. You ponder what to say.
A) Free Choice.

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

36) A.

Rules of Hospitality and all.

37)

No clue. I'll wait for others to chime in.

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

B (I am very afraid that eating food here might tie us to the realm of the dead... or something)
How do we go back?


--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

36) Every piece of mythology, fantasy, and anime that I can think of screams that we have to pick B. Never eat something in the underworld. Ever. Not unless you want to stay there.

37) How can we get back?

--
(Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~
All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.

A) "How can we get back to life?"

Umbraria nods, knowingly. She gazes past you for a second, then centers her attention back on you.

"Believe it or not, dear, this is a very common question. Those deshelled never fail to inquire with the management, looking for a way back. Unfortunately, it isn't quite as simple as asking for it.

You see, when you passed on, your connection between body and soul was severed. Your body stayed behind, and your soul moved on to a different plane. The two young people who now stand before me aren't present in the flesh, but rather in spirit. Literally.

Don't look so surprised! Your body affected your perception of your soul. Having only recently cut the chain that bound the two together, it's natural for you to mimic your body's appearance to a T. If you put your mind to it, you could adopt the strangest, or most fantastic shapes. Envision yourself as being ten foot tall hard enough and you will indeed become that tall. If, in your mind's eye, you saw yourself as a rat, you would eventually become a tiny, squeaky rodent.

Of course...this presents a problem, especially for someone as special as you. A soul without a body is very vulnerable: every bit of exertion and effort is a test of will, and though a soul is capable of restoring itself much more quickly and deeply than a body, it also suffers grievous wounds much more easily. You could return to life as a disembodied soul, but you'd have to pick your battles very carefully. A strong enough gust of wind could tear you apart...permanently. Once a soul is damaged enough, it is impossible for it to return.

Oh, by the way, are you sure you don't want to eat anything? It's delicious, honest! No? Aww...

...Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. You have a few options at your disposal at the moment. You can accept you've jumped off the mortal coil, and explore the Worlds Beyond. You can return to the world as a being of pure soul, along with your darling girlfriend..." Nina blushes, and quickly butts in to correct Umbraria. "We've just met! He's not my boyfriend or anything like that!"

"Oh, sorry...souls never travel together unless they're bound by a powerful emotional link. I just saw you two together, and assumed...well, let's just move on. Beyond the two options we just discussed, you could also find yourself an...anchor. A stabilized soul has all of the perks of having been deshelled, and few of its disadvantages...and instead, it has new ones. And of course, you could adopt other, more long-term solutions. You could choose to reincarnate, or donate your energy to the cosmic stockpile, or even other things. There's many paths open to you."

38) "Which one will you follow, honey?"
A) Free Choice.

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

Tell us more about this... "anchor" thing.

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

I take it I am the only one that wants to find out what happens to the story if we reincarnate? Cause I kind of really want to do that.

But yeah, let's start with A) Tell us more about this "anchor" thing.

--
(Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~
All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.

I'm cool with that.

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

I am curious about the worlds beyond as well as the reincarnation but

A) Tell us more about this "anchor" thing.

sounds good for now

--
~Tommeri Uranius Bombaldi the Fourth, esq.
(aka not Krakenprophet)

I also want to know what happens to the story if we reincarnate.

But the anchor thing sorta caught my eye.

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

A) Tell me more about this 'anchor' thing.

"While you can try to return to life by your own means, it is easier (much, much easier) to borrow someone else's strength to fuel your manifestation in the material world. You can try to ask someone from the Worlds Beyond who's strong and experienced enough to open a way back into the material world and feed you power: fey creatures, holy ghosts, devils..." Umbraria's eyes flash scarlet as she mentions devils, though her voice remains cheery, if professional. "...Or you can try to bind yourself to someone still linked to the material world. In other words, you can return as a ghost capable of possessing someone who's consented to it, or even return in full if someone parts with some of their life force permanently for you. We call these arrangements anchors because the deshelled person has someone who can hold them steady, allowing them to explore the material world without having to tread as lightly and carefully as a being running on their own soul only."

39) "Are you thinking about going back that way, sweet? It isn't as easy as it sounds, finding a proper anchor who won't want you to pay a heavy price for it."
A) "Yes."
B) "Maybe. I've got some more questions." [Please Specify]

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

B) How would reincarnation work?

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Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

Up, Simba.

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

yes! Other reincarnation fans!

B) How would reincarnation work?

Time jump and screw up all of Kanz plans? Sounds good to me.

--
(Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~
All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.

From: dowolf | #067
B) How would reincarnation work?

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

Update tomorrow because I'm completely cooked. Sorry for the delay in the middle of an important conversation guys. :(

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

B) How would reincarnation work?

"All of the options we've discussed so far deal with an immediate return to life. They provide a quick solution to your problem, but are dangerous and unreliable. If you don't wish to risk the essence of your self...you can take the long and safe path." Umbraria explains. "Your soul will wait for a time, until an appropriate host body is born. Then, you will begin life anew. The process of reincarnation is unfortunately traumatic, however: memories will fade and become latent, until such a time you come face to face with your past life. Most people never do."

"But what if a new body is never born? Will we be trapped here forever?" Nina asks. Umbraria shakes her head.

"That's impossible. It may take you some time, but the soul always finds a way. The longest reincarnation process took a mere three centuries. You will get another chance to live, in due time."

40) "That's all you need to know about reincarnation. Is there anything else you wish to ask, honey?"
A) "Yes. Tell me more..." [Specify Topic]
B) "No. I've made my choice." [Specify Choice]

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

Up, up and away.

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

(I am still following I am just lurking >_>)

--
~Tommeri Uranius Bombaldi the Fourth, esq.
(aka not Krakenprophet)

Reincarnation sounds good, but I don't think it's in our character's personality to give up like that. I think we should try and find a way to get a solid body back in the real world.

A) "Is it possible to return to my body/shell?"

Or something else if others think of something cool. Such an awkward choice to be making here.

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

A) "Is it possible to return to my body/shell?"

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

I'm pretty sure our body got blown up. But sure why not.

--
(Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~
All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.

A) Is it possible to return to my body?

Umbraria considers the question for a moment. She looks at you as if appraising some hidden characteristic before replying.

"Returning to your previous body would be a difficult affair, at best. Your body was mortally wounded. If you went back to it you'd just end up here again a little later. Reuniting soul with body requires powerful healing magics, and a good grasp of resurrection techniques-"

"The sort of expertise I can provide." A sinister voice booms. Umbraria rolls her eyes and frown, as smoke billows on the far side of the room.

"You just can't resist butting in, can you? How did you ever find the way in here?" She asks.

"My methods are unimportant, Lady Umbraria. All that matters is the results." The smoke coalesces into a colossal figure made of the stuff of nightmares. With jet black skin, glowing red eyes, and large, bleached white horns, its malevolent grin sending shivers down your spine. Next to you, you feel Nina tense up as she gulps at the sight of the demon.

"Welcome to the domain of the dead, mortal. I have been waiting for you." It bellows, growling like an animal that has just sated its hunger.

"Pardés." Umbraria says, her tone curt and icy. "Say your piece and get out. This ballroom isn't a place for you to show off."

"Very well, Lady." Pardés says, nodding. "Listen well, mortal. You desire a new life, and I can grant you that. All I ask of you is a favor, at a future time, and nothing else. I wish to deal with you in good faith, and honor my word if you honor yours. If your desire is to make a deal with me, simply call out my name and I shall arrive. I look forward to seeing you again."

"Alright, that's enough. Off with you!" With another puff of smoke, the gigantic demon disappears, leaving you, Nina, and Umbraria alone again.

"Pardés of the Wild Garden. A powerful archdevil...and regrettably, one of the beings skilled enough to resurrect you. There are others out there with those powers, however, and not quite as malevolent...though most aren't as honorable, either." Umbraria leans back on her chair, sulkily. "That idiot is so condescending. Pisses me the hell off."

41) In the wake of the demon's disappearance, a fragile silence falls upon the room.
A) Free Choice.

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

Ummm...

Let's not get become beholden to the first evil archdevil we meet.

I vote to reincarnate.

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

Oh c'mon dowolf, it couldn't be THAT bad.

I say we cheat just a little bit.

A) Ask Nina what her opinion on the whole thing is.

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"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

Oh goody, an undefined requirement with a demon. Clearly that would never come back to screw us over.

A) Ask Nina what her opinion on the whole thing is.

--
(Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~
All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.

A) Ask Nina what her opinion on the whole thing is.

--
~Tommeri Uranius Bombaldi the Fourth, esq.
(aka not Krakenprophet)

A) Ask Nina what her opinion on the whole thing is.

This is a very big decision. You're not entirely sure about what choice to make, and the visit from that demon didn't help matters any. You know one thing, though: this isn't a choice that is just yours to make. Nina came with you, and her say in this matter is just as important as yours. You turn your attention to her, and ask her what her thoughts on this are.

"I...I don't know." She says, lowering her eyes. "There's so much to take in about the...afterlife, isn't it? I'm not sure about what we should do, but that monster that...that...that sent us here is still at the school, isn't it?" She looks at Umbraria. "What will happen if we don't go back to try and stop it?"

Umbraria nods, gravely, as her mirthfulness vanishes into thin air. "Unless there's someone very brave, lucky, and resourceful among your school's students...they will die. By the dozens. There's a possibility that someone will rise up to stop that threat, but nothing more than that."

"We need to go back, then. We can't leave everyone to die! I think we should try to find an anchor...but whatever you choose, I'll follow you." There's a fire in Nina's words, in spite of her hesitating tone. She has said her piece, and is willing to accept the consequences of her preferred choice, but for some reason, she has left the decision up to you.

42) Your decision will determine the fate of both of your souls. What path will you follow?
A) Make the choice.

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

oh god dammit Nina good job making my choice make me look like an jerk.

Let's go anchor-hunting, then!

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

Pretty sure we can always go the right way and talk to our demon buddy any time. So, I've got no problem.

A) Choose to find an Anchor

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

Wait... does time work different here? Or is any "honest" attempt to find an anchor going to take too long to save everyone?

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

Who knows~

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

jerk.

frak

change vote to "make deal with that evil-lookin' fellow."

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

Oh dowolf, you're toying with my heart over there.

I'm not opposed to making deals with Bad ass demonkind, but we still need to get our lust on with Nina!

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

Should I interpret that as a "Ask Umbraria for a chance to discuss matters with Nina privately; Once alone, put the moves on her" command?

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

Better yet, let's ask our new Spanish Demon buddy to make it a guaranteed action!

But really, my vote is still on finding an anchor.

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ

... ok, compromise.

Change vote to: ask if we can find an anchor quick enough to save the school. If so, find anchor; if not, deal with devil.

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

Update tomorrow. Today was too hectic to put it all to paper.

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

A) Ask Umbraria about possible anchors.

"So you wish to find yourself an anchor?" Umbraria asks, nodding sagely. "Yes...that can be arranged. Finding an anchor won't be very difficult...but striking a fair bargain with one will be an entirely different proposition." She passes you a stack of letters you could have sworn were not there before. "Four anchors are within your grasp at the moment. If you truly intend to borrow one's powers to return to life, simply call on them."

You sift through the letters, quickly skimming their contents. They are very brief:

"We are Alanna, the Angelic Flight. The utmost purity of spirit and the noblest of souls is what we require of the mortals who wish to take our power. To reach out to us, close your eyes, and utter the Saintly Prayer: Rutilus Aura, Theca Meus Phasmatis."

"Qutan is the name the same the eternal game the CHAOS our force of course for better or worse to join us (don't be a wuss) count to thirty four and hit the floor"

"I am Weill, embodiment of the Endless Concrete Jungle. To tie your soul to the city, state your intent to make a deal. Make it quick - I do not have time to waste."

43) Three choices, and Pardés' offer. You have a number of options to choose from, so which one will you pick?
A) Contact the Angelic Flight.
B) Contact Qutan of the Eternal Game.
C) Contact Weill, the Embodiment of the Concrete Jungle.
D) Say Pardés' name. You'll have to make a deal with him.

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

A

I never pass up a chance to be a goody two-shoes! :D

--
~Tommeri Uranius Bombaldi the Fourth, esq.
(aka not Krakenprophet)

B

Never pass up the chance for CHAOS

Honestly though,we should probably go with A unless people don't want to go good.

--
(Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~
All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.

Just as a reminder, read the fine print! Umbraria has said a couple important things about this before and it'd be a good idea to heed her words. That is all.

/endhosttip

--
Currently playing: League of Legends, Chrono Cross.
Current Projects: Fool's Overture, CYOA: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/60143513

four anchors three letters--is Pardes the last anchor, or... is Umbraria a potential anchor?

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Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

E: Ask about that fourth anchor person.

If it turns out she means Pardes, then C.. 'A' makes me nervous, and 'B' just seems like a bad idea on the whole. C seems interesting, though. Never met the divine embodiment of a city before. Unless those guys in Planescape: Torment count?

But I'm rambling.

--
Oh, a big machine with flashy lights. A big machine like that has me written all over it. Well, okay, it doesn't. But give me time... and a crayon --11th Doctor

I think A is definitely the worst choice.

So:

From: dowolf | #099
E: Ask about that fourth anchor person.

If not, then C.

Though I'm seriously not opposed to D.

--
"I can already feel my Dumey Lust kicking in." -MistBiomeZ