>>1440635
>Has Orion done this before?

>>1440635
>You aren't worried?

>>1440635
>>You aren't worried?
>>Has Orion done this before?

>>1440810
>>1440832
>>1440752
"Aren't you... worried?"

Rowan rolls her eyes (an action that, for her, involves whipping her entire head around) and shrugs. "Pfft! Of COURSE not! Bro-bro does this all the time, and every time it's the same: he runs around with his dumb camera and jumps at nothing, and then totally insists that he saw something. It'll be hilarious."

"Ok..." You follow her up to the bench and wave at Orion.

"Oh, great, you're here! I was just going over the stuff I found in the li-" Orion coughs- "I mean, found during my independent research. As you can see, I've found a number of locations that have had spectral phenomena reported in the past hundred years. As our official arbiter, you will select which one of these sites we will investigate."

Alfie catches your mildly nonplussed look. "He means you need to pick one of these places, since you're unbiased."

>Shanghai tunnels: These tunnels were used for smuggling during the Prohibition era. Many poor souls lost their lives in shootouts beneath the surface of Chinatown, and their souls supposedly still roam these maintenance halls.

>Pittock Mansion: This large, pseudo-Gothic tourist attraction claims to be haunted by the original owners.

>Lotus Isle Amusement Park: It's not standing anymore, but this old park on Hayden Island is said to have been haunted as heck back in the 20's. After its owner killed himself, the park was torn down. Some say the ghosts that haunted this park now roam the nearby neighborhood.

>Benson Hotel: This turn-of-the-century hotel is supposedly haunted by the original owner, who roams the hallways, looking for guests who have lost their way...

File: Where are you.jpg (172 KB, 638x477)

172 KB JPG

>>1441048
>Lotus Isle Amusement Park: It's not standing anymore, but this old park on Hayden Island is said to have been haunted as heck back in the 20's. After its owner killed himself, the park was torn down. Some say the ghosts that haunted this park now roam the nearby neighborhood.

>>1441048
>Lotus Isle Amusement Park: It's not standing anymore, but this old park on Hayden Island is said to have been haunted as heck back in the 20's. After its owner killed himself, the park was torn down. Some say the ghosts that haunted this park now roam the nearby neighborhood.

>>1441048
>Lotus Isle Amusement Park: It's not standing anymore, but this old park on Hayden Island is said to have been haunted as heck back in the 20's. After its owner killed himself, the park was torn down. Some say the ghosts that haunted this park now roam the nearby neighborhood.

>>1441139
>>1441286
>>1441298
"...Why don't we go here..."

"Hayden Island, huh? ...Not my first choice for ghost hunting, but you're the arbiter. We'd better get going if we want to get there in time: the ferry service stops in like an hour. Rowan, wake up Moonbeam."

"Okay! HEY MOONBEAM! WE'RE GOING TO THE BEACH!"

"We aren't going to the beach, Rowan! We're going to go to the mall!"

"And what's the mall called?~"

"...Jantzen *mumble* Mall..."

"What was that?~"

"...Jantzen Beach Mall..."

"So if it's Jantzen Beach Mall...~"

"FINE! Technically we're going to the beach, but only because we're investigating ghosts! So don't run off and do a bunch of dumb kid stuff!"

"Okay, bro-bro~"

"...Why do I even bother saying that? Let's just get on the ferry."

20 minutes later, the five of you are getting onto the ferry that runs between Portland and Hayden Island. It's not the only way on and off, but the other way is a highway, so you can't take it. It's still good to know that if you get in trouble, your parents can come pick you up.

The ferry is kind of crowded today: your group is going to have to split up and sit throughout the ferry. Who do you want to try and sit with?

>Rowan

>Orion

>Alfie

>Moonbeam

>Sit by yourself

>Write-In

>>1441498
>Alfie
Keep him nice and placated

>>1441498
>Moonbeam

>>1441498
>Orion

>>1441498
>Orion

Let's see what kind of techniques he's thinking about using

>>1441771
>>1441881
You manage to find a seat next to Orion and his suitcase. He seems to barely notice you as he starts going through a sheaf of paper.

"Um..."

Orion starts and nearly drops the paper. "Meep-Oh!" He rubs the back of his head and desperately tries to act like he just didn't squeak. "Uh, hey, Mary. What's... like, what's happening?"

"...I was just interested in how you're going to find the ghosts."

"Oh. Oh! Wow, I didn't expect anyone was actually going to ask! Well, you see, I'm going to be using a mixture of methods, including temperature readings, a recording kit- that's why I had to take a suitcase- but what I'm primarily going to be doing is a little something called Kirlian Photography. It's a method of contact print photography that uses a high-voltage electric plate to create photos that display the auras of living things."

"Auras?"

"Yeah! Like... it's an electrical field that surrounds stuff because of magnetism. It measures a bunch of different stuff, like mood, vitality, age, and psychic potential. If there's ghosts in any of the photos I take, they should turn up in the Kirlian photos, because ghosts are made out of the discharged bioelectric energy of the dead. It's a shame Dad didn't want in on this: he knows a genuine medium; they would be able to find the ghosts for sure! ...I wonder if Moonbeam has latent psychic powers. That coin test was really weird..."


>...I can see dead people.

>...I really don't think Moonbeam has powers.

>Why didn't your dad want to come? Isn't he a magic person?

>Write-In

>>1442000
>Why didn't your dad want to come? Isn't he a magic person?

Nice trips

>>1442000
>Why didn't your dad want to come? Isn't he a magic person?

>>1442000
>Why didn't your dad want to come? Isn't he a magic person?

>>1440635
Damn i didnt get to ask the elf what he was making out of papa bigfoots RAAAGGGEE.

>>1442000

Reporting in, I shall be here when you are

>>1442000
>>...I can see dead people.

>>1442000
>Why didn't your dad come...

>>1442086
>>1442124
>>1442135
>>1442699
(Sorry for being absent today/"yesterday"! Busy day, should be around tomorrow/later "today".)

"Why didn't your dad come? Isn't he a magic person?"

Orion glares at you. "He's not a 'magic person'. Magic isn't real. He studies measurable phenomena that are ignored by traditional science. But since you asked, he said that the Hayden Island hauntings were probably made up for publicity."

"Then why are you here?"

"Because static cling gets worse at the beach."


>(Study) Try to remember if that's true.

>What?

>Okay, whatever.

>Write-In

>>1444495
>(Study) Try to remember if that's true.

>>1444495
>>Okay, whatever.

>>1444495
>>(Study) Try to remember if that's true.
I think he is trying to determine if we are magic.

>>1444495
>(Study) Try to remember if that's true.

>>1444495
>(Study) Try to remember if that's true.

>>1444541
>>1444748
>>1444922
>>1445029
Roll Intelligence + Study (3 dice).

Rolled 8, 8, 8 = 24 (3d10)

>>1445095

Rolled 4, 4, 3 = 11 (3d10)

>>1445095

>>1445101
Nicely done

>>1445101
"I don't think that's right..."

"Well, you'll just see when we get there, right?"

Orion goes quiet and starts looking out the window.


>...I can see dead people.

>...Why does your dad run that tourist place instead of a lab?

>...Do you really think magic isn't real?

>Write-In

>>1445138
>...Do you really think magic isn't real?

>>1445138
>...Do you really think magic isn't real?

>>1445138
>>...Why does your dad run that tourist place instead of a lab?

>>1445138
>...Do you really think magic isn't real?

>>1445161
>>1445170
>>1445291
"...Do you really think magic isn't real?"

Orion gives you a look. "Of course it isn't. Look, if there's anything my dad has taught me, it's that the world follows logical, predictable rules, and there is nothing that doesn't follow those rules. 'Magic' is just a word people have for things they don't understand. I mean, people used to think lightning or people flying were magic. But now, we know better. Stuff like ghosts and psychic powers are the same thing."

"Oh... I guess that's true..."

The Jetzen Beach mall is all glitz and glamour, with gorgeous skylights lighting up scenic fountains right outside of moderately-priced designer stores. Alfie keeps glancing up nervously at the peaked glass decoration. "That thing's an accident waiting to happen. One loose brick, or a dive-bombing falcon..."

"Oh, AL, stop being such a worrywart! We'll all be fine! Now let's go outside and get TANNED!"

"Are you kidding me!? Do you know how bad that is for your skin?"

"No one's going to get a tan, Rowan! We're here on a mission."

"Yeah, a mission to get a TAN!"

"...So, according to my research, a bunch of people have claimed that they saw spectral figures by the food court, the Liberty House, and near the site of the new MaxMart store."

"ALANDIWILLGOTOTHEFOODCOURTDIBS!"

"I don't think I should go with your sis, Orion. It'd probably be for the best if I was somewhere where there are a bunch of ovens that could leak-"

"Oh, HUSH, Al! You'll have tons of fun hanging out with me~"

Rowan half-walks, half-drags Alfie behind her towards the Food Court.

"...Well, at least those two will be busy, so we can do some REAL investigation."

"Hey, Starbrother. I have a question..."

"Oh, uh... what is it, Moonbeam?"

"The mall closes in, like, two hours... why'd you wait so late for us to go here?"

Orion smirks. "Because we won't be leaving when the mall closes."

"Dude, Starbrother, that sounds like a bad idea. I mean, what if the night guard catches us?"

"I've thought of that, don't worry. Just leave everything to me. Now, you should check out Liberty House, while I'LL go and get some photos in that construction site."

Orion starts to swagger (at least, you HOPE that's supposed to be a swagger) towards the other end of the mall. Moonbeam gives you a worried look.
"I... I guess I'll check out that store, then. You can come if you want, since you're supposed to be the arbiter person, but if I were you, I'd just go to the food court. I don't feel any bad vibes from this place."

>Go to the food court.

>Go with Moonbeam to the Liberty House.

>Follow Orion towards the construction site.

>Write-In

>>1445449
>>Follow Orion towards the construction site.
"Thanks Moonbeam, I'm counting on your intuition this trip."

>>1445449
>Go with Moonbeam to the Liberty House.

I'll come with you, should be easier in case we do run into a ghost, I can see them and I won't have to hide it from you.

>>1445449
>>Go with Moonbeam to the Liberty House.

do you see me?

>>1445449
>Follow Orion towards the construction site.

>>1445449
>Follow Orion towards the construction site.
But warn Moonbeam to have some...items...on standby.

>>1446791
>>1446477
>>1445463
"Okay, just... be careful."

She smiles. "Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself. And who knows? This might even be fun!"

You wave goodbye and start following Orion as he heads to the construction site. You speak up as he starts taking photos of the boarded-up face.

"So that's the camera you're going to do the Kirlian photo things with, right?"

Orion almost drops his camera. "Mary?! When did you- I mean, yeah, this is... this is the camera. Speaking of which, could I get a photo of you? I could use another data point to establish a baseline."

>Sure.

>(Shy) Please don't! I hate getting my photo taken, I'll just look stupid in it.

>(Subterfuge) Make up an excuse to not get your photo taken.

>(Dexterity + Composure) "Accidentally" move out of the frame while he's taking the photo.

>Write-In

>>1446960
>(Shy) Please don't! I hate getting my photo taken, I'll just look stupid in it.
If he goes for it anyways,
>(Dexterity + Composure) "Accidentally" move out of the frame while he's taking the photo.

>>1446968
This! Don't need to let the normies in on all of the sparkly shit.

>>1446960
>>1446968
This will work.

>>1446968
>>1446991
>>1447075
"Please don't! I hate getting my photo taken, I'll just look stupid in it!"

Orion lowers the camera. "Okay, okay! Don't freak out, okay?" He turns back and starts taking photos of the edifice.

"So... what are you hoping to see?"

"Afterimages of a park, spectral apparitions, SOMETHING. I should probably come back later tonight, take some photos inside, that's probably where the real mass of energy would be..."

Roll Wits + Composure (4 dice). Need two successes.

Rolled 10, 7, 10, 5 = 32 (4d10)

>>1447200
Rollin

Rolled 3, 3 = 6 (2d10)

>>1447257
Kaboom

Rolled 5, 5, 7, 3 = 20 (4d10)

>>1447200

>>1447271
>>1447257
You spot a commotion out of the corner of your eye. Two mall cops are busy pulling an angry child away from the shop next door to the future MaxMart. While pulling, one of them knocks into the other, causing the other to turn and shove him. The two of them start yelling and slapping at each other, giving the kid time to get away. He looks faintly familiar...

>Draw Orion's attention to this.

>Get Orion to come with you to the food court.

>Follow the kid.

>Write-In

>>1447376
>>Draw Orion's attention to this.

>>1447376
>Draw Orion's attention to this.

>>1447381
>>1447884
"...Orion, look at that." You point towards the two cops, who by now have started to fist-fight.

"Wow! This... this is definitely evidence that we're heading in the right direction!"

"Uh..."

"Oh, yeah. The residual energy from ghosts interferes with the brain's endocrine production, including two parts called the pineal gland and the hippocampus. The result is that you become very emotional and easily upset. That's why ghosts scare people, even though they're usually, like, not scary looking."

Orion starts taking photos of the cops like mad, before cursing under his breath. "Aw, COME ON! Out of film already? This sucks. Oh, sorry for cursing in front of you, Mary."

"T...thanks?"

"No need: I just momentarily lost my composure. I left my bag with my sister, which means that, if we're lucky, it'll be in the food court."

Orion starts striding off towards the food court. You see the kid peeking at the fight around the corner.

>Follow Orion

>Go looking for Moonbeam

>(Stealth) Tail after the kid

>Write-In

>>1447972
>>(Stealth) Tail after the kid
Did Sam get himself in trouble?

>>1447972

>Go looking for Moonbeam

>>1447972
>(Stealth) Tail after the kid

>>1447972
>>Go looking for Moonbeam

>>1447972
>go looking for moonbeam

>>1447972
>(Stealth) Tail after the kid

>>1447972
>(Stealth) Tail after the kid

Rolled 10, 4, 1, 6, 10, 7 = 38 (6d10)

>>1448014
>>1448033
>>1448471
>>1448529
Roll Dexterity + Stealth (7 dice). You get 9-again. Must beat above roll.

Rolled 4, 6 = 10 (2d10)

>>1448540
Explosions.

Rolled 10, 3, 7, 8, 7, 7, 2 = 44 (7d10)

>>1448540

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1448544

Rolled 6, 2, 4, 7, 10, 4, 5 = 38 (7d10)

>>1448540
Rollin

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1448546

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1448567
Kaboom

Rolled 2, 6, 5, 5, 10, 2, 3 = 33 (7d10)

>>1448540

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1448596

Boom

>>1448544
>>1448546
>>1448568
You quietly follow the kid back through the mall to the food court. There, you see a familiar, ruddy face sitting at a table eating a hamburger, surrounded by a half-dozen sycophants. Sam. He doesn't seem to have noticed you. You can also see Rowan and Alfie seated halfway across the court.

>(Stealth) Try to listen in on Sam's group.

>Go and join Rowan and Alfie.

>Write-In.

>>1448630
>>Go and join Rowan and Alfie.

>>1448630
>>(Stealth) Try to listen in on Sam's group.

>>1448630
>Go and join Rowan and Alfie.

>>1448630
>Go and join Rowan and Alfie.

>>1448637
>>1448719
You ignore Sam and walk over to Rowan and Alfie's table. A pink milkshake sits between the two of them, two straws sticking out. Rowan is making doe eyes at Alfie while the latter tugs at his shirt collar.

"-I mean, it's not that you aren't a very nice girl, it's just that... well, we don't know each other that well, do we?"

"What're ya talking about? This is just a friend milkshake! You know... for friends! It's perfectly normal for friends to get friend milkshakes and drink them together as friends, all friendly-like! Isn't that right, Mary?"

"What?"

"Friend milkshakes. They're definitely a normal thing for friends to do, right?"

Rowan winks at you with her other eye, her braced mouth pulled in a predatory grin.


>I don't think they are...

>...I wouldn't know. I've never had friends before.

>(Subterfuge) Yes. Yes they are.

>(Subterfuge/Intimidate) They are, and you said you were going to have one with me, Rowan.

>Write-In

>>1448749
I wouldn't know, I've never had friends before

>>1448749
>...I wouldn't know. I've never had friends before.

The perfect response

>>1448749
>...I wouldn't know. I've never had friends before.

>>1448749
>>...I wouldn't know. I've never had friends before.
But if was lucky enough to have a friend offered me a shake, I'd hate to turn them down.

Rolled 9, 8, 7, 5, 4, 8, 3 = 44 (7d10)

>>1448753
>>1448762
>>1448765
>>1448766
"I-i don't know, I've never had friends before..."

Rowan's grin melts. "Oh. Wow. Well... we're friends, right? So how about you sit down with us, and I'll buy you something to eat?"

You sit down and Rowan goes over to one of the shops. As she does so, you notice Sam's group get up and start heading out of the court: at an angle that brings them by your table. You freeze up and hope he doesn't notice you.

Roll Composure + Stealth + Hiding In Plain Sight Specialty + Unobtrusive (7 dice). You have 9-again. Must beat above roll, which has 8-again.

Rolled 8, 3, 7, 2, 3, 9, 7 = 39 (7d10)

>>1448833

Rolled 4, 6, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>1448833
Exploding.

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1448838

Rolled 3, 8, 9, 10, 10, 3, 2 = 45 (7d10)

>>1448833

Rolled 2, 2, 10 = 14 (3d10)

>>1448914

Boom

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1448918

Smaller boom

>>1448833

Also we're definitely the downer of the group

>>1448925
Every group needs one.

Rolled 10, 10, 2, 6, 6, 3, 6 = 43 (7d10)

>>1448833
finishing the triad

Rolled 10, 6 = 16 (2d10)

>>1448996

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1448999

>>1448996
>>1448999
The group's eyes slide right over you as they walk on by. A minute later, Rowan comes back with a cheeseburger tray.
"Here you go, girl. Just eat up and... yeah. Sooo... the beach is right outsiiidddeee~"

"I... suppose it's alright to go relax for a little bit while Orion chases shadows..."

Roll Wits + Composure (4 dice). Must get 3 or more successes. May spend 1 glamour to add +1 dice (max), and may, of course, spend Willpower.

Rolled 8, 2, 7, 8, 8 = 33 (5d10)

>>1449116
I'll roll glamour

Rolled 10, 1, 6, 3 = 20 (4d10)

>>1449116

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1449147
pop

Rolled 6, 8, 10, 7, 4 = 35 (5d10)

>>1449116
>5d10
Glamour.

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1449246
>10

Rolled 10, 9, 9, 9, 4 = 41 (5d10)

>>1449116

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1449270

>>1449270
>>1449347
You spot an unusual little decoration at the edge of the food court. A four-row carousel rests in the corner, its prancing horse's paint peeling slightly. You can see paintings of people dancing on the outer rim, and the inner pole is mirrored and lovely. It looks slightly dusty and neglected, which strikes you as a shame: you like carousels. One of the best memories you have from before... it involved your first father taking you on a carousel when a fair came by the village. You screamed and laughed as he held you in your seat with his big, strong hands... This carousel brings back memories of that very carousel. You want to ride it. You have to ride it.

>Ride it.

>Point it out to your friends so you can ride it all together.

>(Resolve) Something's weird here...

>Write-In

>>1449354
somethings weird here

>>1449354
>>(Resolve) Something's weird here...

>>1449354
>(Resolve) Something's weird here...

>>1449356
>>1449358
>>1449374
Roll Resolve + Composure (3 dice). Must get two or more successes.

Rolled 2, 4, 3 = 9 (3d10)

>>1449380

Rolled 10, 8, 2, 10, 6, 10, 2 = 48 (7d10)

>>1449380
spending will

Rolled 6, 7, 2 = 15 (3d10)

>>1449391

Rolled 5, 1, 1, 9, 4, 2, 7 = 29 (7d10)

>>1449380

Spending will as well

Rolled 7, 8, 10 = 25 (3d10)

>>1449380
Let's see if we can do this without will

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1450058
Done (also explosions)

>>1450058
You pull your eyes away from the carousel, and suddenly, the compulsion stops. You look back to it, but you don't feel the same way about it anymore. It's a dingy old carousel that might be fun to ride, but it's somehow not as nostalgic.

"Hey, Mary! Why're you staring at that piece of carnival junk? Let's go to the BEACH!"

>...Yeah, sure.

>I think that's from the old amusement park.

>Do you... feel weird when you look at it?

>Write-In

>>1450418
>Do you... feel weird when you look at it?

>>1450418
>Do you... feel weird when you look at it?

>>1450418
>Do you... feel weird when you look at it?
We should be prepared though if the carousel messes with their minds

>>1450446
>>1450521
>>1450675
"Do you... feel weird when you look at it?"

"What, that old thing? Nah, I don't really like carousels. Roller coasters, though..."

"The only thing I feel when I look at that is the tetanus I'd get from riding it. Don't they maintain these sorts of things?"

"So... beach time now, yeah? We should be able to slip back in before the mall closes~"

>Yeah, sure.

>You guys have fun (wait for Moonbeam and Orion)

>Write-In

>>1450829
>You guys have fun (wait for Moonbeam and Orion)

>>1450829
>You guys have fun (wait for Moonbeam and Orion)

>>1450829
>You guys have fun (wait for Moonbeam and Orion)

>>1450829
>>You guys have fun (wait for Moonbeam and Orion)

>>1450943
>>1451157
>>1451391
>>1451540
"You... you guys have fun!"

Rowan gives you puppy-dog eyes. "Oh, come on, you'll have fun, I promise!"

"I... I want to wait for your brother."

"Fine, we'll just go without you."

Rowan traipses off towards the big double-doors leading outside to the beachfront. Alfie trails behind after giving you an apologetic look.

By the time Moonbeam and Orion turn up, Alfie and Rowan are already back from the beach. Orion quickly waves to your group.
"Listen, guys, I've got a lot of daytime photos, the mall's about to close- it's time to get into the bathrooms and stand on top of the toilets."

"Huh?"

"Come on, Moonbeam! We hide in the bathroom and crouch on the top of the toilets, so that when the guards come in there to make sure there aren't any stragglers in the bathroom, they won't see our feet! Bro-bro and I have done it a million times!"

"I dunno... this place feels... not-haunted. I even tried to use my star focuses to elevate my vibrational levels, and I didn't feel anything."

"Luckily for us, we aren't relying just on untested techniques. Besides, if this place really is the site of spectral activity, it'll only get really active after everyone's gone: the electromagnetic fields of the shoppers will stop overwhelming the signals of the dead."

"I still don't like this. I mean, what if we get arrested, or there's a fire, or an earthquake collapses half the building on top of us? Did you know that this area is part of the Ring of Fire, the most geologically-active region in the world? I wish I didn't."

>I agree with Moonbeam and Alfie: we should go.

>I agree with the twins: we should stay.

>(Shy) Say nothing.

>I felt something weird here.

>Write-In

>>1451882
>I agree with the twins: we should stay.

>>1451882
>(Shy) Say nothing.

>>1451882
>I agree with the twins: we should stay.

We've already come all this way

>>1451882
>I agree with the twins: we should stay.

>>1451882
>I agree with the twins: we should stay
Also let moonbeam know about the carousel

>>1451882
>>I agree with the twins: we should stay
>Also let moonbeam know about the carousel

>>1451882
>We should go

>>1452422
>>1452573
>>1452014
>>1451903
"...I think we should stay. The Ferry doesn't run this late, right?"

"That's... actually a fair point. Fine, we'll do this, but when no ghosts turn up, you'll drop this idiocy, right Orion?"

"And when they DO, you'll join my Portland Paranormal Investigation club."

"Whatever you have to tell yourself."

Your group splits down the middle and heads to the bathrooms of your respective sexes.

The three of you head into adjacent stalls. You grab a piece of toilet paper and scribble on it:

CAROUSEL IN FOOD COURT'S WEIRD. COULD YOU CHECK IT OUT?

You slip the note under the stall just as the bathroom door swings open. You hear heavy bootsteps coming up the room, and stalls locking one-by-one. The last stall finally locks, and the lights click off, plunging the room into darkness...

Roll 1d10, first two matching results determine the Portland After Dark Event:

1-2: Night Construction.

3-5: Bring On the Dancing Horses.

6-7: Freak Show.

8: Are You Afraid of the Dark?

9: They Only Come Out At Night.

10: Straight On Until Morning.

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1452698

Oooooh boy, shits about to go down

File: Gold or Pain.gif (4.96 MB, 376x281)

4.96 MB GIF

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1452719
>>1452698

>>1452719
>>1452726
After a few minutes, you cautiously unlock and open your stall.
"Is everyone there?"

You hear a slamming noise nearby.
"IAM! LET'S GO EXPLORING!"

"I'm here to-OW!"

"You okay, Row-row?"

"Yeah... just ran into a door."

"Okay!"

You walk to the end of the room and push open the door. The mall is now cloaked in shadows, lit only by the moon filtering through the skylight, the air as still as a tomb. You feel like you're back in your element: dark and quiet enough to make you comfortable, but not reminding you of... that place.

A flashlight shines in your face.

"Good, you guys didn't get caught."

"Neither did we, by some small miracle. Now, Orion, what's the plan here?"

"Alfie, you take Moonbeam and go check out the maintenance rooms. I'll go into the MaxMart. Rowan, Mary... just walk around the main concourse and look for anything unusual."

"Aww, why can't I come with you, bro?"

Orion puts on a stony face.
"It's too dangerous for a girl. Don't want either of you to get hurt."

>(Say nothing)

>Nothing's too dangerous to me. Let me come with you.

>You could use me (pretend to be a medium).

>Write-In

>>1452810
>Nothing's too dangerous to me. Let me come with you.

>>1452810
>Wright in
Let's stick together
No horror movies.

>>1452810
>Nothing's too dangerous to me. Let me come with you.

>>1452810
>>1452876
This plz

>>1452810
>Nothing's too dangerous to me. Let me come with you.

>>1452872
>>1452957
>>1453438
"...Nothing's too dangerous for me. Let me come with you."

Orion boggles at you. Actually boggles. You've never seen someone boggle before.

"But... you're a girl. You can't seriously be that dangerous."

>(Intimidate) I am.

>(Subterfuge) You're right. I... I might get hurt by myself. I should come with you.

>(Say nothing)

>Write-In

>>1453842
>Write in
Say nothing, just start walking. He can follow us if he wants to.

>>1453883
I like this one.

>>1453883
>>1453899
You ignore him and start walking towards the construction site. Orion runs in front of you.

"Seriously, Mary, if you get hurt, I couldn't live with it."

"I won't get hurt."

Orion groans. "How can you even SAY that? You're small, you're light, I could probably pick you up, your skin looks like it could get hurt really easy-" Orion suddenly trails off. You look over, and see traces of a flush.

>Tease him

>Reassure him

>Ignore him

>Shut him down

>Write-In

>>1454230
>>Tease him
Oh man, boys looking at sweet little Mary like THAT.

>>1454230
>Tease him

>>1454230
>Tease him

Rolled 7, 6, 8, 5, 10 = 36 (5d10)

>>1454273
>>1454285
>>1454308
Roll Wits + Empathy (5 dice). Must beat above roll.

Rolled 3, 5, 1, 7, 8 = 24 (5d10)

>>1454326

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1454326
Reminder: you can spend a point of glamour to add one die to this roll. Also, explosion.

Rolled 2, 5, 9, 2, 6 = 24 (5d10)

>>1454326
Rollin!

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1454328
>>1454331
Shit. Hey QM, can I add this die then?

>>1454341
Yeah.

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1454341
Explosion
>>1454344
Thanks QM

Rolled 10, 5, 1, 4, 9 = 29 (5d10)

>>1454326
>5d10

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1454350
>10

>>1454350
>>1454356
You pull in close to his die and make big doe eyes at him. "I'm sure you'll keep me safe, right?"

"U-u-uhhhh...."

"I mean, you can just take photos at them until they go away!" You wait for what you said to start to sink in, and grin aggressively at him.

"Hey! Listen, just because I don't have a weapon doesn't mean I can't keep you safe!"

"Well I sure feel safe with such a big nerd looking out for me..."

Orion's flush now seems to consist of equal parts hormones, anger, and embarrassment. "Cut it out!"

"Then don't tell me that it's too dangerous."


The two of you arrive at the construction site's front doors and set to work. Roll Wits + Investigation -2 (3 dice). You can spend glamour to add one more die.

Rolled 8, 10, 10 = 28 (3d10)

>>1454439
>3 dice

Rolled 3, 3 = 6 (2d10)

>>1454489
>10

Rolled 4, 4, 3 = 11 (3d10)

>>1454439

cmon guys, let's not make mary a tease

Rolled 9, 10, 3 = 22 (3d10)

>>1454439

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1455079

>>1454489
While Orion's busy taking photos of the scaffolding and half-put-up displays, you look around for... ghosts?

Apparently, it's hard to find ghosts, because you can't see any anywhere in the store. Nothing in the walls, floor, ceiling... hold on, what's this? There's something here, at this bit of flooring that's been torn up. It's a sack of some kind, made out of leather, you think. It's bulging, full of... something. Huh.

>Call Orion over.

>Look inside.

>Leave it be.

>Write-In

>>1455764
>Call Orion over.

>>1455764
call orion

>>1455764
>Call Orion over.

>>1455764
Look inside

>>1455764
>Call Orion over.

>>1455802
>>1456378
>>1456577
>>1456762
"Orion, I think I found something."

Orion carefully sets down his camera. "Are you sure? Let me see!"

He darts over to the hole and picks up the sack. "Hm... this is weird. It looks... old. Like, really old."

He loosens the drawstring and looks inside.

"Let's see... marbles, matchboxes, a bunch of dry leaves and flowers, a mint tin, a can of... is this oil? And some dingy quarters. Looks like a bunch of junk! The quarters must be a couple dollars, though... you can have half if you want."

Orion digs his hands in and pulls out 13 gleaming silver coins: what little light there is in the room seems to all be drawn to them to shine. You can see... what looks like a little green fuzz of light floating right above the surface. A leering gargoyle graces the "heads" side, while a set of gates with vines growing over them rests opposite. The writing on them is in a script that seems to wave and change slightly as you watch.

Orion palms 7 of them off in your hand, and pockets the remaining 6. "I'll date mine, see how old they are. If we're lucky, we might be able to match them to the time the carnival was working here."

>Y-yeah, sure...

>Orion... do these coins look... weird to you?

>I don't think we should take these. I think they belong to someone already.

>Write-In

>>1456806
>Orion... do these coins look... weird to you?

>>1456806
>Orion... do these coins look... weird to you?

>>1456806
>Orion... do these coins look... weird to you?

>>1456806
>Orion... do these coins look... weird to you?

>>1456851
>>1456908
>>1456974
>>1457029
"Orion... do these coins look weird to you?"

Orion shrugs. "They're really dirty for something kept in a bag for who knows how long, and the face is almost worn down, but other than that? They're quarters."

>Let me have a look in the bag.

>I think we should put all of this back.

>Orion, I need to tell you something (This won't count as breaking your oath: you only promised to keep MOONBEAM a secret).

>Okay (pocket the coins).

>Write-In

>>1457252
>Let me have a look in the bag.

>>1457252
>I think we should put all of this back.
then if he resists
>Orion, I need to tell you something (This won't count as breaking your oath: you only promised to keep MOONBEAM a secret).

>>1457252
>Let me have a look in the bag.

>>1457286
>>1458478
"Could I take a look in the bag?"

Orion shrugs. "Why not?"

He passes the bag over to you, and you take a look inside.

The can of oil, matchboxes, and mint tin look normal, but the dry leaves and flowers hold exotic colors and shapes native only to the Hedge, and the "marbles"... they're eyes, dry and hard. Both of these gleam with the same green fuzzy glow.


>I think we should put this stuff back. It might be cursed or something.

>Orion, I need to tell you something.

>(Subterfuge) Y-yeah, looks like a bunch of junk...

>Write-In

>>1458738
>I think we should put this stuff back. It might be cursed or something.

>>1458738
Hmmm stealing is not polite, these are not normal peices of "junk". We shoukd return these or atleast off currency of our own in exchange. Pwrhaps a coin for each coin? Failing that just leave it be, curses are no beuno

>>1458738
>I think we should put this stuff back. It might be cursed or something.

>>1459078
>>1459154
"I think we should put this stuff back."

"Why?"

"Because... it might be cursed or something. I don't want that."

Orion purses his lips. "I don't think that's very likely. Cursed objects usually are things of major sentimental value. This stuff? It's trash. Probably belonged to a hobo and got lost while he was sleeping in a construction site."


>(Persuasion) I REALLY don't think we should take these.

>(Intimidate) We aren't taking them. Period.

>Orion, there's something I need to tell you...

>Write-In


Reminder: Intimidation is good for getting what you want short-term, but relying on it too much will push people away from you.

>>1459179
>(Persuasion) I REALLY don't think we should take these.

I think these already belong to someone, and don't you know any of the stories about disturbing the dead or taking their stuff. We should just stick you your camera and the pictures it takes.

>>1459179
> (Persuasion) I REALLY don't think we should take these.

>>1459179
>(Persuasion) I REALLY don't think we should take these.
We're also kind bad at intimidation.

>>1459179

>(Persuasion) I REALLY don't think we should take these.

Rolled 8, 3, 1, 10, 10 = 32 (5d10)

>>1459226
>>1459234
>>1459320
>>1459331

Roll your Presence -1 (1 dice). May spend Willpower. Must beat above roll.

Rolled 2, 9 = 11 (2d10)

>>1459511
Guess Orion's feeling very stubborn today.

Rolled 5, 3, 3, 3, 2 = 16 (5d10)

>>1459511
Spending it. Though I don't think it will help.
If this doesn't work, I say we grab this and run for our mage-friend.

Rolled 6, 1, 5, 9, 2 = 23 (5d10)

>>1459511

Yeah spending will, if this doesn't fly we might need to open up about all of this

Rolled 9, 1, 5, 2, 5 = 22 (5d10)

>>1459511

>>1459804
"I REALLY don't think we should take this..."

"Well, if you feel that bad about it, give me your quarters. I'm keeping the rest of this."

>Orion, there's something I need to tell you... (reveal THE SECRET)

>Fine (give him the coins)

>(Say nothing)

>Write-In

>>1460014
>Orion, there's something I need to tell you... (reveal THE SECRET)
This lil' idiot is gonna get killed if we don't. And given how the supernatural acts, as for association.

>>1460014
>Orion, there's something I need to tell you... (reveal THE SECRET)

>>1460014
>Orion, there's something I need to tell you... (reveal THE SECRET)

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1460059
>>1460122
>>1460182
You take a deep breath.
"Orionthere'ssomethingIneedtotellyou!"

"What? Are you okay?"

"Yes! Just... this is really important, like, REALLY really important."

Orion comes closer and takes a look at you. "Seriously, Mary, what is it? You're weirding me out..."

"I'm... I'm not... human."

Orion stares at you for a second, blank-faced. Then, his scrawny hand comes at your face, open-palmed.

>>1460423

I wonder what the success was for

>>1460423
You duck out of the way.

"IS THIS A JOKE TO YOU?! Did you just come here to laugh at me?!?"

"No, I'm serious!"

You see Orion's eyes tearing up, his flush returning in full force. "Come on! You pretend to be interested, you act all... all damn contrary, and now this? I shouldn't have brought you along..."

Orion starts to turn away from you.

>(Burn off your Mask) LOOK AT ME!

>(Persuasion) No, please, you've got to believe me!

>(Persuasion) Listen, I can prove it! Just promise not to tell anyone! (Try and draw him into an Oath).

>Write-In

>>1460452
>(Burn off your Mask) LOOK AT ME!

>>1460452
>(Burn off your Mask) LOOK AT ME!
"I'm doing this because if you don't put those back, I think something will try and kill you! Those aren't marbles in the bag, they're eyes!"

>>1460452
>(Persuasion) Listen, I can prove it! Just promise not to tell anyone! (Try and draw him into an Oath).

Does Mary know how to perform that oath that allows others to see past glamour?

>>1460536
>>1460597

I know our persuasion isn't the best but that leaves us with no glamour in an encounter situation

>>1460711
seconded

>>1460452
>(Persuasion) Listen, I can prove it! Just promise not to tell anyone! (Try and draw him into an Oath).
Do not burn off the mask yet.

Rolled 7, 9, 1, 8, 7, 2 = 34 (6d10)

>>1460711
>>1461048
>>1461074
Roll Presence -1 (1 dice). Must beat above roll.

Rolled 10, 7, 3, 4 = 24 (4d10)

>>1461141
Spending will. Because we really need to not fuck this up.

Rolled 7, 2, 7, 9, 8 = 33 (5d10)

>>1461141

Spending because we need to, I am pretty sure this is our last will though, Orion needs to stop being a stubborn motherfucker

Que Rowan and Moonbeam coming across Mary collapsed on the floor crying alone, also known as the saddest/creepiest thing they'll see in a while (barring any Hedge shenanigans)

Rolled 9, 2, 2, 10 = 23 (4d10)

>>1461141
Spending will
>>1461146
SPLODE

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1461220
>>1461141
SPLODE!

Rolled 1, 8, 2, 5 = 16 (4d10)

>>1461212

Shit wrong dice

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1461146

>>1461234
>>1461229
>>1461220
>>1461146
Looks like we got it.

>>1461229

You did it you beautiful motherfucker

>>1461238
I am not the beautiful mother fucker, that belongs to Mr. Perfect 10, may his rolls bless our presence.

Once we're done calming him down and opening his eyes to our world we definitely need to go off on him for trying to slap us

>>1461220
>>1461229
"Listen, I can prove it!"

Orion stops. "Fine. Prove it. And if this is another joke, I'm never going to talk to you again."

You nod. "I'm going to show you something, and you have to promise that you won't tell anyone, not even your sister. Okay?"

"Yeah, whatever-"

You feel the cold shiver as the magic flows out of you and through the gap between the two of you. Orion jerks back as his eyes spark deepest green.

"What was..."

His eyes fall on your, and you know that he can see you, the real you: your pallid skin with black veins, your oily metallic hair and teeth that shine in countless colors; the former so long it almost reaches your heels, and the latter twisted into a cluster of piercers and cutters. Your eyes of the same sheen, with blacks instead of whites. Your eye-shaped scars on your body and eye-shaped carvings in your teeth. You start pulling yourself into yourself, covering as much of yourself with your hair as possible.

"Uh... Um... Uh... Um..."


>Now do you believe me?

>Look into the sack.

>(Smile at him) Do you think I'm pretty?

>(Shy) Look, you've seen I'm telling the truth. Now just... look away!

>Write-In

>>1461504
>(Shy) Look, you've seen I'm telling the truth. Now just... look away!

>>1461504
>(Shy) Look, you've seen I'm telling the truth. Now just... look away!

>>1461504
>Look into the sack.
He needs to see that those are eyes.

>>1461688

I think he'll believe us now and I really want to regain that will

>>1461511
>>1461514
>>1461813
"See?! I'm telling the truth! Now just... stop looking at me like that."

Orion comes closer and starts trying to look under your hair. "L-like what?"

>(Intimidate) I said STOP LOOKING!

>(Persuasion) P-please... just don't...

>You aren't scared of me?

>Write-In

>>1462206
>(Persuasion) P-please... just don't...

>>1462206
>(Persuasion) P-please... just don't...

Rolled 1, 3, 6, 7 = 17 (4d10)

>>1462294
>>1462392
Roll Presence -1 yet again. Must beat above roll.

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1462575
Okay, one of us must be able to get one without using will.

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1462575

>>1462589

I sure hope so

>>1462575
>>1462589
And honestly even if we don't, it's adorable either way.

>>1462675
"P-please... just don't..."

"...Okay."

Orion looks the other way, away from you.

"So, you're what, some kind of-"

"I'm a fairy."

"Wait- don't those usually have like, wings and flowers and-"

"...I'm the other kind."

"OH. How-how did you end up like... well, here? Are you dad and uncle like you? How many of you are there?"

>Tell the whole truth

>Tell some of the truth (what parts?)

>Gloss over it.

>Write-In

>>1462800
>Write in
Um... Maybe you should look in the bag.

>>1462848
This

>>1462848

This, we can get into everything else later and someplace safer

>>1462848
>>1463446
>>1463848
"Um... you should look in the bag."

"Okay... so what's-"

Orion drops the bag, sending dried-up eyeballs everywhere.

"Oh... shit! Those are eyes! Why are those there? What is that thing?"

>I don't know, but we should get out of here.

>I think it's a fairy's coin purse.

>I think it's some kind of magic.

>Write-In

>>1463917
>I don't know, but we should get out of here.

Put it back and apologize then we can meet up with the others

>>1463917
>>I don't know, but we should get out of here.
>Put it back and apologize then we can meet up with the others

>>1464210
>>1464708
this

>>1463917
>>I don't know, but we should get out of here.

yeah, reel back from that fairy talk

>>1463917
>>I don't know, but we should get out of here.

>>1464210
>>1464708
>>1464763
>>1465187
>>1465207
"I don't know, but we should get out of here. Just... put that stuff back where you found it."

Orion hurriedly stuffs the eyes and coins back into the bag and throws it in the hole.

"Okay, now apologize."

"What?!"

"You tried to slap me in the face. I want an apology!"

"Okay, okay, fine, I'm sorry. Now can we get out of here?"

You nod. "Yeah, let's go."

Your pair clears the MaxMart and steps back out into the concourse and start heading back to the food court. Roll Wits + Composure (4 dice).

Rolled 1, 6, 7, 5 = 19 (4d10)

>>1465658

Rolled 7, 6, 6, 7 = 26 (4d10)

>>1465658

Rolled 7, 8, 6, 7 = 28 (4d10)

>>1465658

>>1465842

Well at least we got one success

Rolled 2, 10, 10, 2 = 24 (4d10)

>>1465658

Rolled 2, 6 = 8 (2d10)

>>1466254

>>1465842
You notice something... strange as you head back towards the food court. You swear you can see some bright lights up ahead, and can hear some music, faintly in the distance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnVdnaow_rw

>Speed up

>Head back

>Write-In

>>1466658
>Speed up

Some of our friends are probably caught up in it

>>1466658
>Speed up
we would be able to tell if we were in the hedge right?

>>1466695
Yep. You aren't there.

File: Concern.jpg (25 KB, 480x433)

25 KB JPG

>>1466658
>Speed up

>>1466658
>Speed up

>>1466709
>>1466672
>>1466695
>>1466708
You pick up your walking pace, with Orion joining you beside.

"Um... you're hearing that too, right?"

"Yeah."

"Good, good, so it's not just me-"

You hear a high-pitched scream from the upper floor off the concourse, and Orion's eyes go wide.
"That's my sister!"
He starts to sprint towards a nearby stairwell.

>Wait!

>Don't, it might be a trap!

>Write-In

>>1466721
>Wait!

Think first we can't just rush in there

>>1466721
>Wait!
>Write-in
"This is how they get you!"

>>1466750
Toruc has the right idea.

>>1466748
>>1466750
>>1466771
"Wait! This is how they get you!"

Orion stops. "Who's 'they'? Do you know something about this you aren't telling me?"

You hear Rowan scream again. Roll Intelligence + Empathy (4 dice).

Rolled 6, 2, 4, 1 = 13 (4d10)

>>1466821