In the streets of Mothdale...
Sigmund, failed by random flailing, decides to approach his body from a more logical perspective, even though logic is not something objects are guaranteed to respond to very well. Nevertheless, the approach proves reasonably fruitful - he discovers that he can pretty much deform himself in any way, including moving forth pseudopodia, flattening himself, making funny shapes out of himself as well as all sorts of other things. Furthermore, he can sort of propel himself around, both by rolling and by utilizing his shape changing abilities. And, since he's found out he can flatten himself, he's pretty sure he could try flying by capturing some air in pockets (or large compartments in his body), then expelling it rapidly.
Furthermore, he can move around all of his internal organs, including whatever it is he's got for eyes, rather freely, allowing him to orient himself in any possible way.
The downside of all this niftiness, however, is the fact that he can't move very fast. He's pretty sure a toddler could safely outpace him on land if it was going in the right direction.
At the library of the Red Tower of Power...
In this latest instance of Niklas' non-adventure, he begins reading a book again! Fortunately, this one looks more fun than the others. Opening up the first page, Niklas immediately beholds the crudely drawn visage of Arnold Q. Arnold, deity expert extraordinaire. He appears to be grinning and giving two thumbs up. Pretty ancient-looking guy, honestly. There's even an 'On The Author' section extolling his theological education and vast experience and research on the subject. So one cannot help but know he must be good at this.
Reading through the book, Niklas finds numerous solid bits of advice in the 'General Godly Guidelines' section. The first is "Gods are basically demons, but more powerful and easily reachable! As well as bigger jerks to people and less helpful as a general rule!" It's even written in very large, important-looking letters. Another nugget of divine wisdom is "Gods don't give a single, solitary shit about rules, so don't try to invoke any! They'll probably just kill you if you try to be a smartass!" This is followed by "Gods don't care much about devotion, they care more about you being awesome and/or amusing!". Hm. Also, "Gods are pretty crazy and have wild mood swings! Be careful!"
Lots of exclamations in this book, Niklas notices as he moves on to the next section, 'The Gods Themselves'. The main idea of the section is, fortunately, conveyed in a handy chart - the 'Sliding Scale of Godly Niceness', and it has 5 entries, 1 being the nastiest, 5 being the nicest.
"5 - Narcillicus - chillest god in the heavens, that's for sure! Usually willing to help wayward travelers and those lacking in beauty and elegance achieve their goals! Not very crazy, either!"
"4 - Pacitarius - likes nature and life! This makes him pretty okay! Except sometimes when he isn't! Can be a little vengeful and judging of people who don't meet his standards, whatever those may be at the moment!"
"3 - Rysinia - a little cold and mean, but has good intentions! Doesn't like people badgering her much, but can be persuaded to provide favor if needed and deserved! What being deserving means is up for debate, though!"
"2 - Velusius - mostly an asshole! Likes hurting people to an unhealthy degree! Enjoys seeing magic go terribly! Embodies death! Nevertheless, can be appealed to in the right way!"
"1 - Almiria - almost always hostile to people when present! Never answers prayers except to smite you! Smites you if you pray to demons instead as well! Contact not recommended!"
The rest of the section is pretty much this, but reiterated several times and with slightly different sentence structure. The sections that follow are 'Godly Gossip - Myths and Legends', which looks fairly expansive, and 'Theological Tips for Maximal Self-Benefit', which seems significantly shorter, and 'Demonic Testimonies', which is the longest of all. It might take a while for Niklas to get through it all.
In the vicinity of a nasty dog...
Morton sees stealthy scampering and skulking as sensible in his circumstances, and moves out of the way and back into the building. The dog just moves past, not noticing him at all. Phew.
~no need for that! nothing in this city will harm you! we are currently in control!~ the gub tell him. ~aside from that matter with your former master, obviously!~
In a curious place in Mothdale...
Mark quickly rifles through his pockets, locating a flute, three coppers and one silver. Not quite a lot to work with, really. And the clothes he's wearing seem to be those of an entertainer - probably a jester, judging from the hat.
He also notices that he seems to be sitting in a very comfortable armchair in a rather nicely furnished parlor. Two other dead women, mostly identical to him in both dress and looks, seem to be here as well. It appears that someone was eating dinner right now, or at least something similar to it, judging by the three plates of meat on the nearby coffee table.
Elsewhere still in Mothdale...
Scott figures that if he can't get no respect, he'll have to fight for it. He'll have to impress.
[Scott's firestarting roll: 4]
A building to Erin's left suddenly starts burning gently, the fire increasing in size until a reasonable blaze has formed. Erin appears to have noticed it. Her response is to yelp under her breath and start waving her arms around, which produces a small sphere of metal that clatters to her feet. She stares at it for a moment, then starts running away.
~we may need to confine you somewhere, scott! this is simply not safe!~
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Topic: Life Begins At Death - Epilogue: We Live And Live Again (Read 564582 times)