>>40912033
>[ ] And just what is the job?

>>40912033
>[ ] And just what is the job?

>>40912033
>>[ ] And just what is the job?

>Just cause I like a french girl doesn't make me a womanizer

>>40912033
>[ ] And just what is the job?

>>40912033
>A helm would be more useful to protect my face, a mask protects... my identity i suppose

>>40912245
Hmmm, maybe it looks like a smiling mask because we want to be funny and charming?

>>40912291
Maybe because in our attempt to be so charming we want to hide our true self.

>writing

>>40912317
Maybe we're ugly.

You sigh again, biting back your gut response to respond to her ‘vanity’ comment.

“And just what is ‘The job’?” You ask, leaning back and holding the mask in front of your face.
“I told you, didn’t I?” She asks.
“Nnnot really” You reply.

“Winning” She says.
“And that entails… what exactly?” You ask.
“You mean it isn't self-explanatory?” She asks back.
“Not as much as you seem to think it is” You reply.

‘The Guardian’ rolls her eyes and sits up. “It’s a fight to the death” She says. “How do you win a fight to the death?”
“By not dying?” You say.
“Not dying is a part of it, yes” She says. “But in the end you’ll have to kill at least one of your-… our opponents”

>[ ] Easier said than done

>[ ] Is there any other way?

>[ ] “Our opponents”?

>>40912529
>[ ] Easier said than done

>>40912529
>>[ ] Easier said than done
>>[ ] Is there any other way?

>>40912529
>[ ] Easier said than done
>And why does the divine host an app?

>writing

“That’s easier said than done” You say. “Is there another way to do it? Can I like… challenge them all to a dance off?”
‘The Guardian’ raises an eyebrow. “You can’t dance” She says.
“So? At least a dance off won’t end with me getting my head pulped” You say.
“You’d be surprised” She says. “Besides, I picked you because you’re a fighter. And a good one at that”
“Not good enough” You say. “Did I not mention the part where I got my head pulped?”

“You did” She says. “Even if you didn’t, I was there. Remember?”
“I do” You say. “You gave me this, but neglected to tell me anything at all about what the hell is going on”

“Well, I’m here now” She says. “What do you want to know?”

>[ ] What’s the deal with this app?

>[ ] What exactly am I fighting for?

>[ ] Why did you choose me?

>[ ] Other

>>40912966
>>[ ] What exactly am I fighting for?
>>[ ] Why did you choose me?

Priorities

>>40912966
>[ ] What exactly am I fighting for?
>[ ] Why did you choose me?
>Who did I fight last night?
>What's with the whole time thing?
>And why does the divine host an app?

>>40912966
>[ ] What exactly am I fighting for?
>[ ] What’s the deal with this app?
>[ ] Why did you choose me?

>writing

>>40912966
seconding >>40913123

“I’ll start with the most obvious” You say. “What exactly am I fighting for?”
“Solid question” She says. “To get mortals to follow along with this thing, we had to offer them the one thing that they desire most in the entire world. Something so enticing that mages would flock from all over the planet just to participate in this blood sport”

“That didn’t answer my question” You say.
“Yes it did” She says.
“How?” You ask.
“I said it: the one thing they desire most in the entire world” She says. “You get a wish”

You stare at her. “That’s it?” You ask.
“That’s it?” She says. “The one thing you desire most in the world, and you say ‘that’s it?’. Over history mortals have thrown their lives away for far FAR less than that”
“And what’s in it for you?” You ask.

“What’s… ah yes” She says. “I suppose I should start explaining from the beginning…”

>[1/2]

“I’m sure you’ve noticed by now how very moon themed this whole thing is” She says.
“I did” You say.

“Good” She says. “The moon plays a big part here”
“I noticed” You say.
“Don’t get smart with me” She says angrily. “You want my knowledge or not?”
“Alright, fine. Sorry” You say. “Please continue”

She smiles in satisfaction, before continuing. “This planet has what is known as a ‘magically active sun’. This means that it releases the energy known as Mana, in addition to light and all of the other scientific mumbo jumbo. Mana is one of the forces responsible for life, and the sole force used in Magic”

“So magic is a thing?” You ask.
“Shush” She says.
“Sorry” You reply. It’s like you’re back in class…

“Now, your moon reflects the light from the sun” She says. “But not the Mana. It stores the Mana, and every couple hundred years it releases it, turning red in the process”
“And that’s the Blood Moon?” You ask.
“Right you are” She says. “Divine beings have congregated here for this event ever since its discovery, using this strange ritual to see who gets the energy”

“Why use mortals though?” You ask.
“Huh?” She asks.
“I mean… you’re all immortal, all-powerful gods right? Why makes mortals do all the fighting?”
“Because a god is only immortal and all-powerful until they come into conflict with another god” She says. “After that, all bets are off. You lose your immortality. You lose your omnipotency. You fight with whatever is left until the conflict ends and your immortality and all-powerfulness is restored”

“So in other words… you’re all useless, so you make us do the fighting” You say.
“You hit the nail on the head” She says.

>[2/3]

>>40913499
>“So in other words… you’re all useless, so you make us do the fighting” You say.
>“You hit the nail on the head” She says.
glad they're so candid about this.

“Why me then?” You ask. “You said that mages flock here from all over the world. If you wanted to win, there must have been a better candidate”
“If winning was my only objective then yes, there were tons of people more suitable than you” She says.

“Thank you for your confidence” You say.
“But winning is not my only objective” She says.

“What is your objective then?” You ask.

She purses her lips and eyes you strangely.

“Tell me, Saif Malikov. What do you desire most in the entire world?” She asks.

“Maybe my memories?” You say. “But there are probably better ways to get those than to enter a magic deathmatch… so-“ You shrug.
“Exactly” She says. “You were the most suitable candidate because, unlike the others who flocked here, you have no greater desire. Deep within your soul, you are satisfied with what you have”

>[ ] How can you tell?

>[ ] Why pick me then?

>[ ] Other

>>40913688
>[ ] How can you tell?

>[ ] Why pick me then?

>>40913688
>[ ] How can you tell?
>[ ] Why take away my satisfaction?

>>40913688
>>[ ] How can you tell?
>>[ ] Why pick me then?

Katawa Shoujo-esque french girl would also be nice, but c'est la vie

>>40913688
>>40913688
>That's nice to know

>[ ] Why pick me then?

>writing

“How can you tell?” You ask.
She looks at you with wide eyes, blinks a few times, and then sighs. “I’m literally a goddess” She says. “I conjured a friggin’ mask that brought you back from the dead, and you’re questioning how I could see that you’re content?”

You scratch the back of your head. “It does sound silly when you put it that way” You say.

She leans back down into your couch. “Next question. Make sure it isn't a dumb one this time” She says.
“Well, you could finish answering my last one” You say. “The one about why you picked me”

“Oh” She says. “Whoops. I totally forgot about that”
You sigh and cover your face with your hand. “And you’re sure you’re a goddess?”
“Shut it” She says. “Mortal form, mortal flaws”

“I picked you because I have my own wish” She says, finally answering your question.
“So you want me to risk MY life, to grant YOUR wish?” You ask.
“I know, it sounds selfish” She says. ‘The Guardian’ looks very sad. “But hear me out, okay?”
“I’m listening” You reply.

“I want to put an end to this blood sport” She says. “I want you to wish to change the moon so it no longer absorbs Mana”
“Why?” You ask.
“Because this world is mine” She says. “I was born here. I claimed it as my own to keep the vultures away. The Blood Moon is the only time that I have to let them trespass. I want to change that”
“That only raises further questions” You reply.

“What do you know of the golden age?” She asks.
“Absolutely nothing” You reply.
“Of course not. It was almost 10,000 years ago now. Only the oldest family’s records even touch on it” She says. “They called it the age of the gods”

>[1/2]

“It was a time when a man couldn’t wipe his ass without asking for the favour of this god or that god” She says. “And even then they squabbled over who would receive then Moon’s power”

The Guardian stands and looks out from the glass door to your balcony. “I was born from the desire to protect” She says. “Bot oneself and ones loved ones. Such a thing was impossible when all things revolved around the will of the gods”

“So you gave them the boot” You say.
“I did” She says. “They’re still pretty cross about that. Many of them seek champions whose desires might bring the Golden Age about once more”
“How would they do that?” You ask.
“They would wish me out of existence” She says.
“You can do that?” You ask.
“You can” She says. “Hasn’t happened yet, but each time someone puts up a hell of a try. There are quite a few this time who want to see me deposed”

“And you want me to beat all of them” You say.
“I know it’s asking a lot” She says.

>[ ] It is

>[ ] You’re sure there was no one better suited for this?

>[ ] Move on

>>40914324
>[ ] You’re sure there was no one better suited for this?

>writing

>>40914324
>>[ ] You’re sure there was no one better suited for this?

>>40914324
>Is there no way for us to fulfill that wish some other way?
can we study moon rocks, hitch a ride on the next moon shuttle, etc?

I'm surprised he's that calm since he got dragged into a death game.

>>40914696
He's had a lot of time getting used to weird stuff with his time powers. And getting used to injuring self with said powers.

When you consider the number of comics the average teen reads, expecting life-or-death events to happen is not terribly impractical.

“And you’re absolutely positive there was no one at all who was better suited for this?” you say.

She sighs. “There was” She says. “What you experienced was something of an emergency pick. A last minute effort. I had a champion lined up already. I had been communing with them for a few days, and they were all ready to enter the Arena and fight for me”

“What happened?” You ask.
“Sniped” She says. “At the last second, another god pulled them in to spite me”
“Ouch” You say. “So you searched for someone that vaguely fit what you were looking for, and got me instead”
“That’s the gist of it” She says. “Had it been a proper choosing, I would have appeared to you several days in advance. You would have known the rules going in. You would have known who your adversaries were. All of that jazz. There was no time for that. When I chose you, you had to go in right then or my spot was forfeit”

“So who is this person?” You ask. “If you had already chosen them, would they be a friend to me?”
“Possibly” She says. “You would have to find that out for yourself. Beyond the rules, I can’t tell you anything you don’t already know. That means I can’t say who the other champions are, what their affinities are, or even how to use magic”

“So… give me the same prep you gave them” You say. “I might be up shit creek without a paddle, but the least you could do is give me a map”
She smiles and walks back to the couch. “Phone” She says, making a grabbing gesture.

You pull out your phone and hand it to her. She immediately looks disappointed.
“Unlock it” She says, handing it back to you.
“Right” You say, swiping off your pattern and handing it back.

>[1/2]

http://pastebin.com/bNditXfG

You spend the better part of an hour going through the info available to you via the Blood Moon app. The Guardian tells you about the different items, and gives you more detailed examples of their uses beyond the simple explanation in the app itself

“Why an app though?” You asked.
“There’s always been a way to get news and status updates on the state of things” She replied. “Last time it was a daily newsletter, the time before that it was a servant. It was decided that things should be more modern this time”

When you’re finished, The Guardian turns to you. “Any questions?” She asks.

>[ ] Alliances

>[ ] The Arena

>[ ] Will the mask improve?

>[ ] Other

>>40914832
Wait, if you're a goddess, why couldn't you just know the pattern like you do my contentment?

>>40914961
>[ ] Any of my loved one in danger because of this game?
>[ ] Will the mask improve?

>>40914961
>[ ] The Arena

>>40914961
>[ ] Any of my loved one in danger because of this game?
Any way to protect them?

>What makes the moon absorb mana? Or the sun produce mana, for that point?

>writing

“Are any of my loved ones in danger because of this game?” You ask.
“I dunno” She says. “Is that a question about the rules?”
“Well… no…” You say.
“Is it something you already know?” She asks.
“Heh heh… I get it” You say.

“Nice try, but I can’t answer those questions” She says. “If you want to know those things, you’ll have to figure them out for yourself”
“It was worth a shot” You say.
“Not really” She says. “Remember whose status as a goddess is on the line here, and please don’t pull anything like that again”
“Fine” You say. “I suppose that puts questions like how the sun produces Mana and how the moon absorbs mana off the table huh?”
“Yup” She says.

“Dang” You reply. “The Arena then. I got a text earlier saying that this week’s arena would be chosen by The Smith. What was up with that?”
“That I can answer” She says. “The Arena goes to a different champion each week. That champion gets to design what the arena will look like, how big it will be, what it will contain, everything. The downside of this is that when the Arena is yours, you have to go in every single night”

“So I don’t have to go in every night?” You ask.
“Once a week” She says. “If you neglect to go in for a whole week, you’ll be forced in on Sunday whether you want to go in or not”
“Is there a difference depending on which day I go in?” You ask.

“Everyone else only has to go in once as well” She says. “Depending on when you go in, it could be just you and the Arena’s owner. Or it could be a crazy free-for-all”

>[1/2]

“I’m not sure which of those is worse…” You say.
“Depends on who’s in there” She says. “You could find yourself grossly outnumbered in an arena full of people who want you dead, or you could find yourself some allies”

“How do I find allies?” You ask.
“Fight” She says. “Fight with and beside the different champions. Some of them may be friendly, some of them may be hostile”

>[ ] Can you recommend a good starting point?

>[ ] But why find allies if everyone has to die?

>[ ] Other

>>40915477
How does a Night end? What happens when the arena owner dies?

>writing

“So when does a night end?” You ask. “Is it always timed? I think the last one lasted like an hour…”
“It’s always timed. The owner of the Arena decides how long the Arena stays open” She says.

“So if I get control of the Arena, I could make it stay open for 1 second and get a free week?” You ask.
“Again, nice try. But the minimum is 15 minutes” She says.
“And the maximum?” You ask.
“1 hour” She says.

You hum to yourself as you sift through the torrent of info you’ve been given. “And what if the arena’s owner dies?” You ask.
“The arena stays until someone else gets it come the next Monday” She says. “The only thing that changes is that when you go in you aren’t guaranteed to see someone”

“That too” You say. “If the arena is mine and everyone decides they don’t want to enter on a particular night…”
“Then you get to sit there for however long you made the arena last” She says. “It’s one of the reasons why people usually make it short”

You nod in understanding. You think you’ve got most of this…

>[1/2]

“So you can’t teach me anything about magic, huh?” You ask.
“Not a damn thing” She says. “Sorry, but if you want help there you’ll have to find someone to take you on as an apprentice”
“And apprentice?” You ask.
The Guardian squeezes her eyes shut. “Nope. Can’t elaborate on that. I’m surprised that didn’t cost me as it is” She says. “If you’re indeed looking for help, I can tell you where to look though”

>[ ] Later, (ask about a thing)

>[ ] Sure

>>40915841
>>[ ] Later, (ask about a thing)
Are you sticking with me for the duration of this event? I can get you a bed or something.

>>40915841
>>40915862
sure why not
though i dot want to know where to get that help

>>40915911
"do" i mean

>>40915841
>[ ] Sure
So is this just a visit or....., why choose a loli again?

>writing

oh right, and if you're going to be inconspicuous, you might need to make friends with the neighbor's kid(Sarah, was it?).

“In a second” You say. “I have one more question”
“Lay it on me” She says.
“Is this like… a temporary visit? Are you planning on staying here?” You ask. “Because if you want, you can have Yui’s old room”

“Oh” She says, laughing nervously and looking guilty as hell. “Your offer is uhhh… graciously accepted”

Why does she look guilty though? What could she possi-… bly… have done…

You recognize the shirt she’s wearing… And the shorts…

“That’s… are you wearing my clothes?” You ask.
“Uhhh…” She says. “If I say yes… will you be mad?”
“Why are you wearing my clothes?” You ask.
“It’s a long story. Funny, but long. Veeeerrrrryyyy loooooooong” She says, adding more nervous laughter on the end.

You check your watch. Not even 4:30. “I’ve got time” You say.
“Gweh” She makes an odd croaking sort of noise. “W-well… I was going to take form here in all the glory becoming of a Goddess, with flowy robes and the whole bit”
“Uh-huh” You say, unamused by her story.
“But I kinda… forgot to… manifest the clothes” She says.
“You couldn’t just manifest them after taking mortal form?” You ask.
“Nope” She says.
“You couldn’t go back to being a goddess, and then take mortal form again without forgetting your pants?” You ask.

“Do you have any idea how much energy that would take?” She asks.
“So you raided my drawers?” You ask.
“… yes” She says.

You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose. “So are you staying here?”
The Guardian regains her composure. “Yes. I would gladly do you the honour of gracing your household with my presence” She says.
“Alright then” You say. “You’ll need clothes… and an alibi”
“I can’t be like… your sister or something?” She asks.
“You should know that won’t work” You say. “Yui would see right through that, and so would Boss”
“What do you suggest then?” She asks.

>[ ] A friend I’m helping out?

>[ ] A distant relative who looked me up?

>[ ] A roommate?

>[ ] Other

>>40916274
>[ ] A friend I’m helping out?

>>40916274
>[ ] A distant relative who looked me up?

>>40916274
>>[ ] A distant relative who looked me up?

>>40916274
This is why being 10/14 year old is a terrible idea.

>>[ ] A distant relative who looked me up?
Do you at least have an income that we can say is from your "parents"?

Maybe we can write you off as a spoiled brat who refuses to give information about our past until we appease you.

>>40916274
Other, we took a kid in to help them out while they are dealing with some issues because we know what it's like to be on the streets

File: 1423787746916.gif (503 KB, 500x333)

503 KB GIF

>>40916274
>[ ] Other
We are in a program were we take care of foster kids
Think of Role Models the movie

>writing

“What about a distant relative?” You ask.
“Would Yui buy that?” She asks.
“No… probably not” You say.

You look her over as you think, and it comes to you. “You still look like… ten” You say.
“I am not like ten” She says angrily.
“But you look it” You say.
“I look 14” She says.
“Fine, fine. You look 14. Jeez” You say. “What about like a… big brother sort of program, where you take care of foster kids?”
“I dunno…” She says, looking skeptical. “Do they let perverts like you join those?”

“Do you want to stay here or not?” You ask.
“Kidding” She says. “That could work. One of us would have to do some research into those sorts of places, in case someone asks questions”

She’s looking at you.

“Oh come on, I already have enough on my plate” You say.
The Guardian pouts.
“Not happening” You say. “What happened to the whole ‘I’m a goddess, I know everything’ routine?”
“Mortal form, mortal limits” She says. “But if you want me to do the research, I can probably handle it”
“Please” You say. “I had enough to deal with before I got thrown into all of this”

The Guardian nods. “Leave it to me” She says.

>[1/2]

>>40916589
“Now, about those allies” You say. “I get the feeling I’ll need all the help I can get…”
“Right” She says, reaching out and making a grabbing gesture again. “Phone”

You unlock your phone and hand it to her.

“Into the Alliances tab… aaaaand take a look” She says, handing the phone back.

The Alliances tab has the alliances info from the main info page condensed into who’s on a team with Whom…

>The Traitor and The Smith are allied
>The Glutton, The Witch and The Builder are allied
>The Creator and The Butcher are allied
>The Gambler, The Puppeteer and The Keeper are allied
>The Shifter, the Liar and the Spy are allied
>The Muse and The Judge are allied
>The Traveller, The Tyrant and The Berserker are allied
>The Guardian is alone
>The Scholar is alone

From what it says here…

“Looks like it’s just me and The Scholar who are alone” You say.
“Mmhmm” She says. “I don’t think they were alone going in, but they are now”
“You think I should try to talk to them?” You ask.
“Couldn’t hurt” She says. “Otherwise, you could do what I said to do and test the waters”
“That sounds… risky” You say.

“It will be, but you have a safety net” She says, pointing to the mask on the table.
“I’m not too keen on the idea of dying” You say.
“Nobody is” She says. “It’s painful, it’s frightening, and most of all: it’s final. But not for you”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better about it” You say.

“Look. If you want to not die, you’ll have to either get stronger or find some friends” She says. “Unless you intend to do that right this minute, those who are stronger and those who do have friends are probably going to end up killing you”

“Can we talk about something else?” You ask.
“Like what?” She asks.

>[ ] The fact that you can’t wear my clothes forever

>[ ] Whether there’s anything else I should know going into this

>[ ] Do you eat people food?

>>40916737
>[ ] Whether there’s anything else I should know going into this
>[ ] The fact that you can’t wear my clothes forever
>[ ] Do you eat people food?

>>40916737
>[ ] Whether there’s anything else I should know going into this
>[ ] The fact that you can’t wear my clothes forever

>>40916737
>>[ ] Do you eat people food?

>>40916737
>>[ ] The fact that you can’t wear my clothes forever
>>[ ] Whether there’s anything else I should know going into this
>>[ ] Do you eat people food?

>writing

“Do you… do you even eat people food?” You ask.

The Guardian is quiet for a moment.

…

“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response” She says.
“It’s a legitimate question!” You say. “I’m not familiar with the anatomy of a goddess in human form, wanna help me out here?”

She looks mad. Why does she look mad?

“I am NOT showing you my anatomy, pervert!” She says, stretching your shirt as far over her privates as it will go and backing as far away from you as she can get on the couch.

“Not that kind of anatomy…” You say. “You know what, forget it. I’ll just feed you whatever I happen to be eating, and see what happens”

She’s still on guard, so you decide to change the subject.

“What about clothes, you can’t keep wearing mine forever” You say.
“Not happening” She says.
“What’s not happening?” You ask.
“I know I’m asking a lot from you, but I’m not about to strip for your pleasure” She says.
“That’s not even close to what I was talking about” You say. “How the hell did you get that from what I said?”

“So you don’t want to bask in the glory of your goddess’s body?” She asks.
“I don’t think we’re having the same conversation here” You say.
“You’re not gay are you?” She asks.
“Definitely not having the same conversation” You say.
“Because I’m accepting, if that’s how you swing” She says.
“Do you fucking want clothes or not?” You ask.

“What?” She asks.
“Clothes” You say. “Those are mine. You can’t wear them forever. I am willing to get you new ones. Speak now or I swear to whatever passes for an actual god I WILL make you strip”
“Oh…” She says. “Yes, I suppose a wardrobe of my own would suit… pervert”

You’re going to ignore that last part. You didn’t hear that.

>[1/2]

“Back to the Blood Moon, because it’s a topic that’s becoming more and more tempting the more I try to talk to you about normal stuff” You say. “Is there anything else I should know?”

She gives you a sidelong glance, and hums as she considers your question.

“Oh yeah” She says. “I’m sure you’ve noticed by now… or haven’t noticed… the lack of noticing…”
“That… that could have made less sense” You say.
“I’ll take that as a no” She says. “When you came upon the Creator’s champion last night, did you notice anything strange?”

“Other than the giant stone hand?” You ask.

No… you didn’t even see the giant stone hand at first. Or the mask. Now that you think about it, even though they were wearing that pretty revealing evening gown you have no clue whether they were even female…

“Okay, never mind. I get what you’re saying” You say.
“Alright” She says. “Then you’ve noticed that details about a person are difficult to notice, unless you’re looking for them specifically”
“I did” You say. “Why is that?”
“A mechanism to protect the identities of the champions” She says. “The masks exist for the same reason”

“Why though?” You ask.
“Because interference outside the Arena is forbidden” She says. “The identity protection is just another layer on top of that”

“What happens if you interfere with someone outside the Arena?” You ask.
“If you kill another champion outside of the Arena, you are disqualified” She says.
“Just disqualified?” You ask.
“It’s been a good enough deterrent” She says.

>[ ] Are there other ways to lose?

>[ ] Anything else?

>[ ] It’s about time for dinner…

>>40917279

>[ ] Are there other ways to lose?

>[ ] Anything else?

>[ ] It’s about time for dinner…

>>40917279
>Just kill another champion? We're allowed to maim them or attack people close to them?
great, just great

File: 1423788667629.gif (955 KB, 500x266)

955 KB GIF

>>40917114
>“Because I’m accepting, if that’s how you swing” She says.
I like were this is going, I hope there's some accidental lewd.

>writing

>>40917279
>>[ ] Are there other ways to lose?
>>[ ] Anything else?
>>[ ] It’s about time for dinner…

“Just kill another champion?” You ask. “No rules against maiming them or harming their loved ones?”
“Unfortunately no” She says. “Gods don’t have any sensitivity to that kind of stuff”
“Oh… joy” You say.
“But, I do have some good news” She says
“What’s that?” You ask.
“Humans do” She says. “I doubt there’s a single person in this battle that doesn’t have loved ones. There is an unspoken rule amongst the champions that playing dirty is off limits”

“And hos is this rule enforced?” You ask.
“Think about your chances right now, when all of the other champions may or may not be your direct enemy” She says.

“Okay…” You say. “Looking bleak, thanks for reminding me”
“Now imagine your chances if they all picked you and possibly your teammates as an enemy” She says.
“That happens?” You ask.
“Word spreads” She says. “Those who violate this rule quickly find that their chances of winning diminish when even sworn enemies are willing to put their quarrels aside and work together to defeat them”

“And how does word spread?” You ask.
“Sorry, can’t answer that” She says.
“Ugh…” You say.
“I know… I’m trying to be helpful, I really am” She says.
“It’s fine. We both have rules to follow” You say. “Are there any other ways to lose?”

“Well… there is one” She says. “You can surrender”
“You can?” You ask.
“Don’t get any ideas” She says. “Surrendering does not guarantee your safety”
“So what’s the point?” You ask.
“Think about all of those alliances” She says. “In the end, only one of those people can win”
“So what… the rest of them just give up their wish?”
“No” She says “A lot of the time they all have the same wish. So when the team wins, all but one of them surrender, and the last one makes the collective wish”

>[1/2]

“So what does surrendering do for me?” You ask.
“Well, surrendering does 2 things: 1. It CAN guarantee your life, depending on who you surrender to, and 2. The person you surrender to receives your item” She says.

“So I can still be killed even if I surrender?” You ask.
“Yep” She says. “Some will even take your life out of spite for showing cowardice and giving up on what you want so easily. And by the way, even if they kill you they still get your item if you surrender”

“So don’t do it then?” You ask.
“Not unless you know it will save your life” She says. “I don’t expect complete loyalty from you. But just… don’t do anything stupid, okay?”
“That goes without saying, doesn’t it?” You ask.
“Not as much as you might think” She says.

“If there’s nothing else-“
“Right, one more thing” She says.
“What’s that?” You ask.
“You need to come up with an outfit” She says.

You stare at her and blink a few times. “An outfit?” You ask.
“Yeah” She says. “Something to wear when you fight. It can be armored, it can be stylish, it can be whatever. But you’re not going in there in ratty jeans and a T-shirt”
“What if I want to go in wearing ratty jeans and a T-shirt?” You ask.
“You’re not allowed” She says.
“Is that in the rules?” You ask.
“Y-yes…” She says.
“Where in the rules?” You ask.

She glares at you.

“I’m waiting” You say, wearing your smug smile with pride.

“Rrrrrrrr…” She growls, then stands up on the couch and sticks her finger in your face. “I am NOT sending my champion in there dressed like a bum!” She says.
“Can I be naked?” You ask.
“Yes, but- NO! No you can not be naked!” She says.

>[2/3]

You laugh. “I was kidding” You say. “Relax, I’ll come up with something”
“You’d better” She says, flopping back down onto the couch. “The outfit my other champion came up with was awesome. I don’t expect you to come up with something as nice as theirs, but you at least have to make an effort”

“I’m not really sure I want to know what you consider cool…” You say.
“You wouldn’t comprehend it” She says. “It’s beyond your level”
“I doubt that” You say.

She turns her nose up at you “I have a much better understanding of what’s coo-“ The Guardian is cut off as her stomach lets out a long, low growl.

You snicker.

“It seems as though I require sustenance” She says.
“Cat food okay?” You ask

Moriarty mewls desperately from behind the couch, and climbs up the back and into view. “Meeeee” He says, once again making his displeasure known.

“Apparently not” You say, scratching his head. “I take it you’re hungry too?”
“Mew” He says.
“Right, food for everybody then…” You say, standing up and stretching.

“I trust your culinary skills are fit to serve a goddess” The Guardian says.
You laugh at that. “My culinary skills are hardly good enough to serve me, but I’ll give it my best shot… uhh” You stop. “What do I call you anyway?”
“What do you mean?” She asks.

“I can’t call you ‘The Guardian’ all the time, or any of your preferred honorifics in front of anyone else. Do you have a name I could use?” You ask.

She looks you over, pursing her lips as she does so. “Kyla” She says after a long pause.
“Is that your name?” You ask.
“That is what you may call me” She says.
“Very well” You say. “Nice to meet you Kyla. Here’s hoping you enjoy your stay”

‘Kyla’ smiles warmly at you. It’s sort of a disarming… almost charming gesture “Likewise, Saif” She says. “Here’s hoping you last long enough to find out”

>End of Night Two; Movement Two

>>40918132
thanks for running

That's all for tonight!

Damn that was a lot of writing, but most of the info-dumping should be over with now.
If you guys still have questions I'll work them into the dinner-time conversation next thread.

I'll be sticking around for a few minutes to take questions and suggestions.

Next thread will probably be on Friday. I'll update the twitter if that changes

>>40918132
Excellent as always, Smiley!

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922 KB GIF

>>40918177
So speedo for a outfit is out the window? I mean it's a tactical choice, people don't want to fight you like that.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1UnsuUFCGY

>>40918177
I realized this a little late, but: sandpaper clothes. If our slowtime affects what we wear, we can let friction do all the damage we need to do.

>>40918842
And if we make our own arena, do we just make huge deathtraps that kill everyone, including ourself?

>>40912033
>“So this is The Guardian’s Shield” You say. “Looks an awful lot like a mask”
>“It is a mask. The Shield forms to protect the part that matters most to you” She says, plopping down on the couch next to you and getting comfortable. “In the past it’s been various kinds of shields, a chest plate, even a helm at one point”
... a codpiece?

What happens to time control when we sleep? I wonder if we can get more sleep if we sleep at accelerated / slow time. And if we could train for this. (then again, the danger of insomnia due to breaking sleep clock are too much)

>Getting hit at slow time reduces damage to us and enemy, getting hit at fast time does lots of damage to both
The obvious solution here is ranged fighting. Throwing knives, darts, rocks, baseball ball. You toss them at very fast time and the damage they will do is insane.