>>1558979
>>An underground tomb. Your phone is the only source of light and you can't see a way back, only deeper in.

>>1558979
>>In the middle of a hallway filled with the same blank mask, you can't see an end in either direction

>>1558979
>In the middle of a hallway filled with the same blank mask, you can't see an end in either direction

>>1558979
>An underground tomb. Your phone is the only source of light and you can't see a way back, only deeper in.
We better become Indiana Jones

>>1558979
>Underground tomb

FUTABA PLZ

>>1559008
You do realise this is set in the US and not in Japan

[Writing, down we go.]

>>1559018
She could be looking to branch out and get a reliable hacker stateside
don't ruin this for me.

File: Dreamworld.jpg (109 KB, 944x699)

109 KB JPG

You reach out to find a wall and are met with cold stone. It is better than nothing and you continue further in. Keeping your phone forward lets you see the hallway ahead of you.

After a few minutes of carefully walking you come to a large chamber, at least you think because your light doesn't reach all the way across. Following the wall, you come across a statue. It looks like a man in some kind of old outfit made of stone. There is writing underneath them like a plaque, but you have no clue what it says.

The statue must be pretty old, it is just raw stone. As you inspect it your eyes catch another statue, this time made of marble you think. This one you feel like you have seen before. As you walk over to inspect it closer you see another statue.

You think you understand what is going on and walk along in a line, finding statue after statue made of various materials. Eventually though you come to an empty spot, but the room doesn't end.

Before you get a chance to read the plaque everything starts to shake and world around you goes white.

When your vision clears you are back in the car, your great uncle pulls a hand away from your shoulder as he starts to brake."Need you to wake up, I can't carry you inside with these old bones."

The oldsmobile pulls behind a church to a quiet looking one story home as you finish waking up. Looks like you missed the drive through town, but from a quick glance it looks like a suburban place.

Once the car is parked your great uncle slowly gets out, now might be the time to finally speak up.

>Thanks for the ride, so this is where you live?
>What was your first name again? Everyone calls you by your last name
>Do you have any music besides Jazz?
>Stay silent. Just get your bags out of the back and follow him inside
>Write-in

>>1559028
Your idea is shit

>>1559029

>Thanks for the ride, so this is where you live?
>Do you have any music besides Jazz?

>>1559029
>Write-in
>Damn gramps, I fucking love jazz.
>So this is it huh. Its real nice.

>>1559029
>Got any more Jazz CD
We better like Jazz

>>1559038
this guy fucking gets it, if the MC doesn't like jazz then I don't want to be apart of this farce.

>>1559029
>>1559036
>>1559038
Supporting

>>1559038
these>>1559029
>>1559036

[Gonna call the vote now. Jazzing it up it is.]

File: Frontyard.gif (233 KB, 1024x933)

233 KB GIF

You hop out and move to the back to grab your bags "So this is it huh? It's a real nice place."

"Why thank you, I helped build this place in my time as a carpenter in my youth. It may not be as fancy as modern homes, but it has everything a person needs."

You set out your suitcases and bag so they can be taken inside together "I fucking love Jazz gramps, you have any other CDs?"

His eyes widen as you speak, but he soon smiles back at you as he holds the door open"Ah well I have a few mixes. Glad to see we have something in common."

Leaving your bike against the house for now. The first room looks like a typical living room, old sofa and TV. You can make out a kitchen right across from the front door and a hallway to the side.

"I'd give you a tour, but first thing is to get your stuff put away. Your room is first on the right and the bathroom is the center door. Now just say if you need any help, I'm gonna get dinner ready" your great uncle says as he slips past you to the kitchen.

The hallway is a little tight, but its no problem getting to your room. The room is pretty bare with just a bed, nightstand, dresser, but it will do. Unpacking isn't the worst, but you wish you could have brought more of your stuff. Luckily you have were able to get your...


>small collection of books, it was too loud to read them at home.
>bottle of fragrance, have to make good first impressions.
>old shark tooth necklace. The beach was suppose to be closed, but you snuck in and grabbed this before your parents found you.
>your grandpa's vinyl of Charles Mingus "Blues & Roots". You don't have a record player, but you can't give it up.
>deck of cards. You are never bored so long as you have these.

>>1559101
>deck of cards

>>1559101
Can we do instead of a deck of cards, how about just the one Joker card?
If not then go with this.
>your grandpa's vinyl of Charles Mingus "Blues & Roots". You don't have a record player, but you can't give it up.

>>1559101
>>old shark tooth necklace. The beach was suppose to be closed, but you snuck in and grabbed this before your parents found you.

>>1559101
>Decks of cards
Because card flicking. I wanted to vote for the books but I have a feeling that it won't get much support

>>1559101
>>your grandpa's vinyl of Charles Mingus "Blues & Roots". You don't have a record player, but you can't give it up.

>>1559101
>your grandpa's vinyl of Charles Mingus "Blues & Roots". You don't have a record player, but you can't give it up.

[More Jazz, Writing. don't get one-note on me .]

>>1559128

It's Jazz. Six note minimum.

File: Carson.jpg (23 KB, 268x351)

23 KB JPG

Once you have the record safely packed away, you head over to the kitchen to check on things. Your Great Uncle Carson seems pretty relaxed so far. His home doesn't even over do the religious angle, a simple cross over the dining table is the only hint at his priesthood.

The warm colors of the kitchen and the smell of brisket really remind you of your childhood before the fights started. You are snapped out of the memories by a question.

"So are you ready for school tomorrow? I know it can be a rush to just move here and have the school year the next day."

Oh right, you start junior year tomorrow. Most of your classes were set up, but you remember you had a meeting with your counselor tomorrow. Miss Foster, she seemed nice over the phone.

You are snapped out of your thoughts again as a plate of brisket and greens are set in front of you, wow he set the table fast. "Feeling alright? You seem to be spacing out, might be a good idea to hit the hay early."

He sits across from you and says a quick grace before starting to eat. You join in and the food is pretty good, is there anything to mention during dinner?

>Tell him you will be fine at school so long as you know where it is
>Admit you are nervous about classes
>So you were a carpenter?
>What is there to do around town?
>Sleep sounds good to me
>I'm wide awake
>Write-in

>>1559147
>>So you were a carpenter?

Mmmmm brisket.

>>1559147
>>Tell him you will be fine at school so long as you know where it is

>>1559147
>What is there to do around town?

>>1559147
>Admit i'm nervous about classes

>>1559147
>I'm wide awake
>But uh... Wheres the bed?
>There anything fun to do in this town?
>Admit i'm nervous about classes

let us know on how many choices is to many. Enjoying it so far though.

>>1559159
[I'll try to work in work in as much as I can. I'm sure people can feel how much is too much for a natural conversation.]

>>1559163
Alright cool.

[Writing]

File: BWCarson.png (310 KB, 774x1032)

310 KB PNG

"I'm nervous about classes. I mean I'll be the new guy coming in after everyone else has had two years to get to know each other or more." You explain between bites.

"Oh I wouldn't worry about it, people come and go all the time. And from what I remember during charity drives the students at East Ridge are nice."

Well that is reassuring to hear. But you need a life out of school. "So what else is there in town? I can't only go out to school."

Carson thinks for a moment and takes a sip of water "Well I keep myself busy, but I hear a new strip mall opened up over the summer. You could also look for a part time job, but you should see if you handle your classes before that."

"Speaking of staying busy, you were a carpenter?"

"Ah yes, I was a handy man in my youth. Helping build homes, cooking for the poor, I even went on a mission trip to Africa a few years ago."

You give a stretch as he talks, having finished your meal. "I'm not really tired, but the bed in my room is good to use right?"

Carson chuckles as he takes up the dirty dishes, seems he finished his meal too. "Yes I had everything all set up before I went to pick you up. I made the brisket last night so it could marinate. And don't worry, I have the dished taken care of."

Looks like it got dark out during dinner, that doesn't leave you much to do.

>Head to early bed, you got your first day of classes tomorrow
>Stay up and listen to music on your phone in bed
>Watch some evening TV
>Help with dishes anyways
>Write-In

>>1559230
>Help with dishes anyways.
Might as well help out since we're staying with him. Even if he says he's got it covered.

>>1559230
Help with the dishes, and talk to the father more about town.
"Are there a lot of kids around? People my age?"

>>1559230
>Help with dishes anyways
The meal was good
then
>Head to early bed, you got your first day of classes tomorrow

>>1559230
>>Help with dishes anyways
Then
>Watch some evening TV

>>1559230
>>Help with dishes anyways
Then
>Watch some evening TV

[Calling the vote, writin' time]

File: ButallBlue.jpg (290 KB, 1280x960)

290 KB JPG

You join him at the sink, dunking your hands in the soapy water. "I'm staying here with you, might as well help out."

"Thank you, I appreciate the help. So was there anything else you wanted to talk about while we take care of this?"

"This town has its own highschool, right? That means there are plenty of teens?"

"Oh yes plenty, I think other towns send students our way too if they live on the edge since we are in the middle of the county. Oh, done already. Four hands are better than two."

Carson dries his hands first and starts down the hall "Now if you need me, just knock on the first door on the left."

A quick nod is all you have time to give before he vanishes. With not much else to do you take a seat on the sofa, sinking in a few inches, and turn on the TV.

You spend the evening flipping through the channels. News, sports, movies, cartoons, there is some decent stuff. You catch a news report about some protest for animal rights and a sports replay of some local player getting a nasty injury.

Eventually though you shuffle to your new room, change into your sleep wear, and pass out. And then you wake up in another weird place.

[1/2]

You have my attention, now you have my interest op!!

File: AnOffer.jpg (19 KB, 599x337)

19 KB JPG

Taking a moment to look around and sit up on the bench you are on, it looks like you are in an observatory or library. You nearly jump out of your skin as a smooth voice catches your attention. "Helloooo"

You aren't sure how you missed him, but there is a strange man in a suit sitting at a desk. A girl with almost white hair and blue gown reading a book next to him. "Welcome visitor to the Velvet Room. I am your host, Igor."

"This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. Your being here means your destiny is an interesting one. Do you know the constellations? I'd like you to use this telescope here and tell me the first one you see, but first I will need you to sign this."

Igor motions to a blank spot on his desk. The girl looks up from her book and quickly places a sheet of paper in the indicated spot. As you approach to get a better look it seems to be a contract.

The print is small so you have to squint, but it generally is talking about taking the destiny given to you or whatever that means. You aren't sure you have much of a choice in this as Igor hands over a pen.

>Write-in name to sign

>>1559360
>Wally Smythe

>>1559360

Douglas Dimmidone!

>>1559360
Nick Astly

>>1559360
>Indiana Jones
Or something similar

>>1559360
Aeronian Griffin?

>>1559360
James Baker.

Woulda gone Carrpenter but that seemed a bit awkward considering uncle.

>>1559360
Susan Kelly Richards.
he was teased for his name alot so he overcompensates by playing it extremely cool all the time

>>1559360
this>>1559373

>>1559360
Seconding James Baker
>>1559373

>>1559360
Supporting >>1559373

>>1559376
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR5XGTpophI

File: thumb-up-terminator pablo M R.jpg (44 KB, 500x406)

44 KB JPG

>>1559387
this guy fucking gets it goddamn

File: 01gsedTFs1qei2hgo2_1280.jpg (159 KB, 824x1280)

159 KB JPG

>>1559367
Switching to this

File: 4txSP34.gif (1.96 MB, 480x271)

1.96 MB GIF

>>1559394
Don't worry 'bout it.

[Writing, James]

File: Abigail.jpg (161 KB, 640x1138)

161 KB JPG

You sign, James Baker, and Igor takes up the contract "Well pleasure to meet you, James" You feel a chill down your spine when he says your name.

"Now my assistant, Abigail shall help you up to the telescope. She will record the result and make explain it further."

Abigail stands up rather abruptly, clinging a book to her chest. "Yes, now follow me please!"

She leads you over to the telescope and lets you go up the stairs first "Just take a look and describe the shape the stars make, you'll know what I mean."

You notice her relax out of the corner of your eye as you lean in to look. The sky is pitch black for a second, before stars start to fade in. Then lines between the stars, connecting themselves.

Once the lines are done a shape starts to form over the stars "Uhh, I think it is a man carrying a bag on a stick with a weird smile on his face? What kind o-" Your question is cut off by Abigail

"He have found the Fool in the stars Master Igor!" she yells down as you are jerked off the telescope, man she didn't look that strong.

You are led back to the desk, where Abigail goes back to her seat and reading. "Well you have found your Arcana to be the Fool, which means your future is yours to take as your own as others have." Igor explains

"Now we don't have much time, I apologize. I shall contact you again shortly."

Before you have a chance to speak, you wake up, the sun in your eyes. You look over at your clock, 7:45 A.M, you have 45 minutes before school starts. After a few minutes you are dressed and your bag packed. The good thing about just moving in is all your papers haven't had a chance to be lost yet.

Once out of your room you smell toast. "Good morning James! I already got breakfast ready for your first day." Carson calls out

>"I had the weirdest dream."
>Thank him for breakfast and sit down to eat
>Grab and run, don't wanna risk being late
>Ask if he can give you a ride instead of having to bike
>Write-In

>>1559429
>>>Thank him for breakfast and sit down to eat

>>1559429
>Contemplate if you have been watching anime to much recently.

>>1559429
>Thank him for breakfast and sit down to eat
>Ask if he can give you a ride instead of having to bike

>>1559435
this

>>1559429
>>1559432
supporting

>>1559432
this

>>1559435
Supporting

[Writing]

>>1559429
>Thank him for breakfast and sit down to eat

>>1559502
[You are counted, 9 seconds margin of error is fine.]

>>1559508
Sweet, thanks!

>>1559508
daaaw, he really does care.

File: IgnoreText.png (242 KB, 391x554)

242 KB PNG

You set you bag and take a seat at the table. Looks like he fixed a plate of toast and bacon for each of you. "Thanks for making breakfast, do you think I could get a ride?"

Carson walks over and takes a seat across from you to start eating too. "Well I should be able to give you a ride today, but you in the future you will have to take the bus or ride your bike. It is only a 10 minute drive from here."

The two of you have a rather quiet breakfast, Carson stacks the plates when you both finish. "I'll do those later, for now lets make sure you aren't late."

Into the Oldsmobile you two go and he pulls out, you notice a few cars parked at the church this morning. Early morning jazz helps calm your nerves about the new school. It really is a just a short way down the road, the neighborhoods and trees filling the landscape to the side.

The front of the school is quiet, it looks like most people park in the parking lot or take the bus. "Have a blessed day James."

You wave back and grab your bag before walking to the front door. Its locked. You look at a small device and it looks like some kind of card reader. Well now you have to go around, great. Good thing you got here early.

"Hey you need some help?" ask a feminine voice from behind, causing you to turn.

A bored looking girl about your age is standing there in a jacket with and a card in her hand. She puts the card out and you hear a click, the door unlocking.

You both head inside and she looks you over "Did you lose your card or something?"

>"Yeah, sorry"
>"No I'm new"
>Introduce yourself (feel free to specify how)
>Ask for directions to the counselor office
>Ask more about the cards
>Write-in

>>1559578
>>"No I'm new"
>Ask for directions to the counselor office

>>1559578
>"No I'm new"

>Introduce yourself (feel free to specify how)
Name's James. Yours?

>Ask for directions to the counselor office

>>1559578
>"No I'm new."
>Introduce yourself "Name's James by the way. Nice to meet ya."

>>1559578
>Nope, just new
>The names James
>Ya know where the counselor office is?

>>1559597
this

>>1559578
Seconding:
>>1559595

>>1559595
Thirded

[Writing]

File: MsFoster.jpg (32 KB, 225x350)

32 KB JPG

"No I'm new here. The names James, yours?"

The girl takes out her phone for a second before slipping it back into her jacket "I'm Zoey. Have a good time at East Ridge."

She starts to turn away, but you need to know one more thing "Hold on, could you tell me where the counselor's office is? I'm looking for Miss Foster."

"Huh, same year. Anyways just take a door on either side and loop around to the other side of the front office over there" she says while pointing behind her.

Zoey turns away again and walks off down the hall "Now if you need anything else, just go ask them."

You might as well get the meeting over with now, so you follow the directions. Luckily that Zoey girl wasn't messing with you. You walk into a small lobby, an older woman sitting behind a counter.

"Who are you here to see young man?" she ask, her southern drawl making you slightly self conscious if you have one.

"I'm here to see Miss Foster, I'm James Baker."

The older woman makes a quick phone call and points down a hall to the right of the lobby. Following, you almost bump into a very professionally dressed woman with a cup of coffee in her hand "Good morning James, follow me to my office for our meeting."

Its only a few steps and you are in. She directs you to a seat as she gets behind her desk. The room is covered in various older looking students' photos with them smiling in front of colleges.

"I know we set up most of your classes over the phone, but we there is one more spot in your schedule you need to fill. Sadly because we are late doing this you only have two options. You can either take Wood Shop, which is always popular and filled so they won't mind one more student."

"Or you can take photography, which has hardly any students."

>Ask more about the classes
>Ask her about the teachers
>Ask what other students in your year are taking
>Write-in

>>1559696
>Ask more about the classes
>Ask her about the teachers

>>1559696
>>Ask more about the classes

>>1559696
>>Ask her about the teachers

>>1559704
Supporting

>>1559704
this

>>1559696
>>Ask more about the classes
>>Ask her about the teachers

>>1559696
>Ask more about the classes
>Ask her about the teachers

>>1559730
Seconded

[Writing, this one is pretty cut and dry]

File: FosterBusy.jpg (171 KB, 1273x712)

171 KB JPG

"Can you tell me more about the classes and the teachers?" You ask, as she takes a sip

"Oh alright, both will be equally weighed to your end of the year credits as elective classes. Wood Shop will be hands on work with making crafts and learning proper safety. From my sitting in the class is mostly student ran, Mr. Sanders prefers a hands off approach."

"Photography is for learning how to take and develop high quality photos. You would be provided one by the school for projects and such. The teacher, Mr.G, has a strong passion which scares off some students." She pauses to adjust her glasses

"However they are both fully qualified teachers and good at their work. But I wouldn't expect Sanders to give you help out of class with a project. One of the students has basically take up the role of teacher assistant all three other years she has been here. A miss Erica Underwoord."

You nod as the information sinks in. "Do I have to decide right now?"

"I would like to give you more time, but this is your last class for the day and we need to do this before the school day officially starts. So yes."

>Sign up for Wood Shop
>Sign up for Photography
>Write-in?

>>1559772
>>Sign up for Photography

>>1559772
>>Sign up for Photography
Might as well, gives us an excuse to go outside and see the sights.

>>1559772
Photography, people fucking die in wood shop all the time.

>>1559772
>Wood Shop
We might be able to make some weapons

>>1559772
>>Sign up for Photography

>>1559772
>>Sign up for Wood Shop
Literally the only good part of high school.

>>1559772
>Sign up for Wood Shop
I wanna make a fucking harmonica

>>1559772
>Sign up for Photography

[Calling it, Photography wins 5-3]

File: Glasses.jpg (71 KB, 640x1028)

71 KB JPG

"I'll sign up for photography. Should give me more of a reason to go see the sights in town." You say, which leads Miss Foster to type something into her computer.

"Ok, class number is 901. If Mr.G says you aren't in his class just tell him to call me up."

With the decision made, you only have 5 or so minutes before class starts. You give give Miss Foster your thanks and hurry off. Good thing you noticed they painted arrows on the walls here to help find class numbers. Your first class is history, which you manage to find right before the bell.

You notice a desk is labeled for you and the rest are labeled too, all in alphabetical order. Soon enough the class fills up and teacher teacher starts talking about what the class objectives. You don't really learn much as they just pass papers to get signed.

After just an hour of talking about goals and reading over papers it's time for your next class English. Which repeats almost the same thing as the woman in teaching it uses example after example of books and other essays students wrote.

Then it is the same in Science, the man at least used a powerpoint with images to try and have fun. As you head to math you can't shake the feeling of being watched. Thinking about it you have been feeling that way since you first left history.

You notice on your schedule that math is half an hour longer than the other classes, but that is explained by teacher, though you can barely hear the old man from your seat. "Because this is a lunch block we... three different lunches and... last lunch."

With half an hour of class left everyone else gets up and leaves class. You generally understand and follow the herd of people to the cafeteria. Then you realize you have no lunch and no lunch money. As you are thinking of how to solve this there is a tap on your shoulder.

A guy a little shorter than you with glasses has a confused look on his face "Hey man, you alright? I noticed you just kinda stopped walking there."

You can't shake the feeling you have seen him before.

>Try to remember what you saw him from
>Tell him about your lunch situation
>Just play it off, you are fine
>Write-In

>>1559858
>Try to remember

>>1559858
>Try to remember what you saw him from

>>1559858
Play it off, don't make a bad first impression...

>>1559858
>>Try to remember what you saw him from

>Write-In:
Sorry man, I'm a bit new. Name's James by the way. my old school used to do lunch a bit different so I'm a little lost.

>>1559858
Try to remember

>>1559858
>>Try to remember what you saw him from
>Tell him about your lunch situation

>>1559858
>I need some lunch money.
Lets try and intimidate this nerd into giving us some money

>>1559895
I'd buy it if we went with your name.

[Calling it. Telling him the truth barely wins.]

File: doritos-cool-ranch.png (181 KB, 334x483)

181 KB PNG

Your mind goes to work trying to recall where the you know this person from. Then it clicks, you weren't being watched. The two of you have just had every class together so far. You remember his name from history too.

"Oh hey, we haven't actually had a chance to talk. Name's James by the way." You sign internally at the close call there.

"Martin, we introduced our names in English" Shit.

"Well you I'm new here and my old school did things different, so I don't really have any money or my own lunch to eat." You confess, scratching the back of your neck

"No worries dude, if you tell the lunch ladies that they can give you a free sandwich and here."

Martin holds up a lunch bag and takes out a small bag of cool ranch chips. "I don't actually like them, but my mom keeps buying them."

>Thank him for the chips and take them
>Take the chips and a sandwich
>Ask him if its really okay
>Turn down the chips
>Write-in

>>1559924
Thank him for the chips and take them

>>1559924
>Take the chips and a sandwich
Do not look a gift horse in the mouth

>>1559924
>Turn down the chips, take a sandwich

>>1559924
>>Take the chips and a sandwich

>>1559924
>Thank him for the chips and take them
>Take the chips and a sandwich

[Writing]

>>1559996
>Go after those guys, they can't just do that

>Pulling that shit with MC-kun-san-sama around
They just mcfucked up.

>>1559996
>Go after those guys, they can't just do that
Mmmm time to make some mistakes

File: Watchit.png (81 KB, 302x227)

81 KB PNG

You take the chips from him with a smile "Thanks Martin, I'm gonna grab a sandwich too."

He smiles back and looks around, the lunch line thinning "So what other classes do you have? I've got PE, Programming, then early release."

"I've got PE, Photography, and Study Hall. So you just leave early?" You ask as you get in line

Seems like Martin has nothing better to do as he follows "Well I have Study Hall technically, but I hear some teachers let people leave early if they get a form signed."

The two of you chat as the line carries on. Martin seems to be big into computers and science fiction stuff. Just like Martin said, you explain the situation to the lunch lady and you get wrapped PB&J sandwich.

When the two of you exit a huge guy bumps into Martin, making him drop his bag. Before either of you can pick it up another guy steps on it and turns to Martin "Watch it loser."

The pair just keeping walking as Martin picks up his bag, the food in it probably squished "What the fuck? Dude did you see that?"

>"Is this normal around here?"
>Go after those guys, they can't just do that
>Offer some of your food
>Go get a teacher
>Try to cheer him up
>Write-In

[This time with the picture, last votes count though]

>>1560011
>"Is this normal around here?"
>Write-In: Man fuck that guy.

>>1560011
>Try to cheer him up

>>1560004
>>1560011
Second verse, same as the first

>>1560011
>"Is this normal around here?"

>>1560011
>"Is this normal around here?"
>Go after those guys, they can't just do that

>>1560011
>>Go after those guys, they can't just do that
Dude was cool to us, gave us some food.

[Gonna go confront some jerks. I'll be needing 3 dice d10s.]

Rolled 6, 7, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>1560055
Three 1's

Rolled 9, 8, 10 = 27 (3d10)

>>1560055

Rolled 3, 3, 7 = 13 (3d10)

>>1560055

>>1560060
>>1560061
>>1560062
[Ok so that was my fault for bad communication. I meant 1d10 from 3 people. I'll count the first result from each of you though.]

>>1560061
This has to count for something man. That's a damn good roll.
>>1560060
You. Stop jinxing shit.

>>1560064
So a 6, 9, 3. Is it best of?

>>1560065
I say it's up to the DM's discretion. It's only one roll of many.

>>1560068
[For now yes, So good job.]

>>1560073
Sweet.

>>1560065
>You. Stop jinxing shit.

no

>>1560083
Oh well, was worth a shot.

File: JoeSmug.png (82 KB, 300x225)

82 KB PNG

"Is that normal around here? It feels like something from a TV show."

Martin checks his bag and sighs "No, I don't know what that was about. I mean sure we don't get along, but Joe hasn't ever done something like that."

"Well let's go after them. We can't just let them get away with it." You say, running after those guys.

Martin follows after, but he is obviously nervous. The two bigger guys turn to you, glaring down at you. "So what do you want? You better not think Adam and I will let you just run up to us for nothing."

Normally you may not be able to stand up to something like this, but its the middle of school. Your GUTS swell as you match their eyes with your own. "See I'm new here, so I don't care about your reputation. Just give him an apology before we make some mistakes."

The two share a chuckle and break off the glares "Yeah fine whatever, sorry we stepped on your lunch, nerd. Later."

Martin puts a hand on your shoulder as the jerks walk off "Thanks anyways man. You stood up to some of the biggest guys on the varsity football team."

"No problem, but your lunch.."

"It's just a sandwich and some jerky. Not like it can be ruined too much. We still have some time left, wanna go to my secret lunch spot? Nobody will mess with us there."

>Go along, Martin seems like he knows cool stuff
>Pass, you wanna try meeting other people
>Why don't we both just go to a normal lunch table?
>Write-In

>>1560091
>>Go along, Martin seems like he knows cool stuff

>>1560091
>Secret lunch spot?
>sounds like you're propositioning me
>but yeah, im fucking starving

>>1560091
>Why don't we both just go to a normal lunch table?

>>1560091
>>Go along, Martin seems like he knows cool stuff

>>1560091
>Go along, Martin seems like he knows cool stuff

>>1560091
>>Go along, Martin seems like he knows cool stuff

[Writing]

File: MartinShocked.jpg (95 KB, 403x494)

95 KB JPG

"Sure, I'm starving. What is this spot though?" You ask as Martin leads the way down the hall more.

Martin opens up a pair of double doors, leading to what looks like a stage with the curtains down. "Trust me dude, this spot is has a great view."

Maybe your curiosity is getting the better of you, but you follow across the stage to a ladder. Martin starts to climb up and motions for you to follow "Come on, we are eating lunch on the catwalk."

The climb is a little worrying, you are maybe twenty or thirty feet up. But there is a safety cage so you should be fine if you slip. Once up top you stand on the grating and can see the whole auditorium from here.

Your stomach however, demands attention. Martin opens up his lunch bag and the two of you start to enjoy a meal. "So you are new here right? Where are you from?"

"Upstate, not near the border t-" you cut yourself off as you hear the sound of one of the backstage doors closing.

You can see the reflection of how wide your eyes are in Martin's glasses. He starts to pack his half finished lunch up and whispers over to you "If we get caught up here its big trouble! But nobody should be back here, the staff should be teaching or having lunch."

You need a plan, fast.

>Just keep quiet, nobody is gonna come up here
>Jump down? Its really far though
>Try and climb down before they notice you
>Keep eating food as normal. You are new and didn't know it was wrong to eat here.
>Write-In

>>1560163
>>Just keep quiet, nobody is gonna come up here

>>1560163
>>Keep eating food as normal. You are new and didn't know it was wrong to eat here.
>Just keep quiet, nobody is gonna come up here
It'll be fiiiiine.

>>1560163
>Try and climb down before they notice you

>>1560163
>Keep eating food as normal. You are new and didn't know it was wrong to eat here.
>worried? whos worried?
>all these shitty teachers want is a little respect, give it to em, and their putty in your hands.

>>1560163
>Keep quiet
>write in: Try to hide i guess...

[Writing]

>>1560163
>>Just keep quiet, nobody is gonna come up here

File: GMistake.jpg (50 KB, 600x446)

50 KB JPG

You lock eyes with Martin as you takes another bite of your sandwich. He seems to understand as takes his back out and starts to eat again.

In your mostly silent eating you can hear a voice from below mumbling "Yes, this is the perfect place for it..."

When you turn to try look past the railing, you hear the sound of the backstage doors closing, they must be gone. Martin lays back as puts the rest of his food away. "I'm too stressed to eat, you?"

"I finished while we were being quiet, but we should probably get ready for next class. We had PE next?"

Martin groans and the two of you climb down. Carefully you go back into the hallways and to the cafeteria, which is connected to the auditorium and gym it looks like.

All the tables are full, which leaves you two awkwardly standing there for a minute until the bell rings. Getting to gym is easy enough, and it looks like each grade level has a class in here at once.

Gym flies by as luckily you just get assigned lockers and pickup gym uniforms. The less thoughts put on the locker room's cleanliness the better.

Photography is next, which takes you to the opposite side of the school and no time to talk with Martin. As you enter the room the lights are all out and only a about nine or so other kids are in the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I shall be your guide to the world of photography! I see we have no returning faces, again. No matter. Take these syllabus and have your parent's sign them! Everything you need is covered on there." announces someone from what looks like a booth in the room.

"Where are they? I don't see any." Complains a young looking kid with an unfortunate amount of acne.

The booth opens and out walks a man with a painful face, holding the papers.

>"Are you the teacher?"
>"Are you ok?"
>"How did you see us from in there?"
>Write-In

>>1560265
>>"Are you ok?"

>>1560265
>"Yes, this is the perfect place for it..."
How ominous.

>>1560265
>Take a paper, "Nice to meet you, I'm a new student. James Baker. Looking forward to being here."

>>1560287
Second this.

>>1560265
>"Are you ok?"

>>1560265
>>"Are you ok?"

>>1560265
>"Are you ok?"

[Writing]

File: Martin.jpg (21 KB, 500x375)

21 KB JPG

You take a paper from the teacher as he manually passes them out "Are you ok?"

Mr.G sighs as she continues to pass out papers to the other students "Yes, yes. I was sad I ruined my own introduction."

The other students are reading over the syllabus at their own pace as Mr.G walks over to you "Now I have everyone else's names, but what is yours?"

"I'm James Baker. I'm a new student and am looking forward to being here. Also nice to meet you."

"THAT James, yes its nice to meet you too." He says giving you a rather firm handshake.

After the handshake he stands up and walks to the front of the class. "Now before any questions, just call me G. And no I won't say what the G stands for."

The rest of the class dissolves into a somewhat typical explanation of the goals and expectations and soon enough its your last class of the day.

You head down to the first floor of the building and go into the class room. You notice everyone seems to be on their phones, chatting, and the teacher is sleeping? Martin waves over and takes some earbuds out.

"Hey man, we really lucked out! It turns out this class is just a teacher fresh out of college and some old lady that hardly pays attention."

"So you gonna try for that early release thing?" you ask as he leans back at the desk

"Yeah I am, maybe you can get one from the office too."

When the bell rings you another teacher walks in, but she looks hardly older than some of the students. "Okay everyone, I'm Ms.Brown and Mrs.Young is my senior."

Nobody is really paying attention, but she keeps talking. "Now I am busy grading during this period and Ms.Young is busy catching up from teaching night classes, so there will be NO early release here."

A few students complain, but Martin is the most annoyed from the looks of it. Ms Brown continues though "If anyone needs anything make sure to ask Mrs.Young, I will be busy. Good day."

Then she just leaves and the class continues. Martin is grumbling under his breath "I'm gonna go talk to her about this..."

>Encourage Martin, you want to early release too
>Tell him to calm down, they both are busy people
>Just ditch, nobody will notice
>Write-In

>>1560406
Tell him to calm down

>>1560406
>>Tell him to calm down, they both are busy people

>>1560413
Supporting but add: Do you what you're gonna do but keep a cool head about it. Don't need to piss either of them off on the first day.

>>1560435
This, we get where he's coming from. Just be cool about it.

[Writing]

File: Martinshorts.jpg (76 KB, 640x1045)

76 KB JPG

"Just relax man. You can do what you want, but keep a cool head. Don't wanna piss off the teacher's in control of if you leave early, right?"

Martin uncrosses his arms and slouches forward "You're right, I was just really hoping to get out early. Thanks. Wait hold on, she didn't say where she was going did she?"

That is a good point. Martin is going to have to go fast to find her. He realizes this too as he hops out of his desk and runs out the room, grabbing the bathroom pass to go after her.

In the meanwhile you think back over the day, besides the scuffle around lunch the day has gone pretty well. Looking around the classroom you notice everyone else seems to have formed groups to talk in and Mrs.Young is up and reading some novel.

The groups look to be a trio of people playing video games, some girls doing their hair, and a group listening to their music loudly. After a few minutes of looking around and thinking of what to do you...

>Go see if Martin needs help, you doubt the talk should take this long
>Try and talk to some of your fellow students (Which group?)
>Ask Mrs.Young Something
>Write-In

>>1560502
>>Go see if Martin needs help, you doubt the talk should take this long

>>1560502
>>Go see if Martin needs help, you doubt the talk should take this long
Teacher is nose deep in the novel. Probably won't notice.

>>1560502
>>Go see if Martin needs help, you doubt the talk should take this long

>>1560502
>Ask Mrs.Young Something

[Writing]

File: NobodyHome.jpg (84 KB, 500x375)

84 KB JPG

Martin should probably be back by now. It's been like 10 minutes so he probably is still looking for her. When nobody is paying attention to you, which is really right as you thought of the idea, you casually walk out and grab the girl's bathroom pass. It looks close enough to the guy's.

Now you need some idea of where they went. You walk out into the main hall to get better idea of where stuff are "OH SHII-!"

That was Martin's voice coming from the auditorium! With a surge of adrenaline you throw open the backstage door and run inside.

You scan the empty stage as fast as you can and move on to the main auditorium, the backstage, orchestra pit, catwalk, rows upon rows of chairs. Wait something is in the pit in front of the stage!

You look over the edge and see the boy's bathroom pass, but no Martin. That was for sure his voice, and he wouldn't just leave that down there.

Hopping down you pick up the pass and look it over, nothing is wrong with it. Maybe he threw it or something? There has to be something going on here.

>Go tell a teacher a student is missing
>Look around more (Specify where)
>He is fine, try and find Ms.Brown
>Write-In

>>1560605
>>Look around more (Specify where)
Don't they have trapdoors and shit in these places sometimes? Forgive me, I never did Drama.

>>1560605
>>Look around more (Specify where)
Try looking back stage or something

>>1560615
[That is certainly a valid thing to look for.]

>>1560615
Fuck I was never a theater kid. Seconding.

>>1560605
>Look around more (Specify where)
>Where we heard the voice in auditorium earlier, then catwalk.

>>1560605
Call out "Maaaartin?!"

>>1560615
Hooray for vaguely recalling old mystery novels. Let's be an amateur detective.

>>1560605
>>Look around more (Specify where)
Trapdoors, and those sandbags fr the curtain, someone could have ran him up one.

>>1560629
Don't want to attract unwanted attention. We definitely heard something happen to Martin unless this is some ruse presented by him.

[Calling the vote here and writing.]

People in drama always rig their stage to have weird stuff, right? You climb the stairs and get on your hands and knees to get right next to the boards. Nothing.

You take a look above to see if he was hanged by a sandbag and still nothing. Wait maybe that weird voice did something! You go to the part of backstage you heard them from and find another door.

Opening it up you find yourself visually assaulted by a massive collection of colorful costumes. This must be where the drama department keeps their costumes for shows.

After a quick look around there isn't a sign of Martin or anything out of place. That just leaves the catwalk. A short climb up assures you Martin wasn't trapped up there or anything.

You're almost tempted to just call out his name like this was some kind of prank when you look down and notice a crack. Not in the catwalk or the auditorium, but in the air.

It's just sitting there, glowing faintly. How did it get there? And what the hell are you doing?

>Fuck this, you're out. Go back to class
>Get someone to look at this
>Throw something in
>Jump into the crack
>Write-In

File: Spoiler Image (120 KB, 1280x720)

120 KB PNG

>>1560745
[The crack in question]

>>1560745
>>Jump into the crack
Gotta help our buddy.

>>1560745

We indiana jones

> Jump in.

>>1560745
>>Jump into the crack

>>1560745
Throw something in, like the Yorick skull.

>>1560745
>>Throw something in

>>1560745
>Try throwing in something like a rope and see if we can fish it back out.

>>1560760
So, we'd need to climb back down from the catwalk to get it. Time is of the essence anon!

[Writing. Time for a mixer]

File: Where.jpg (377 KB, 1600x740)

377 KB JPG

Ok, you are awake for real. You can't just go into weird stuff like in your recent dreams. The crack is maybe a foot down from the catwalk, so you really hope this works and undo your belt.

Slowly you lower the belt into the crack with one hand as you keep your pants up with the other. There is no noise, the belt just vanishes into the bright light in the middle of the air. Then pull on it.

But you can't pull it out, you are actually loosing your grip on the belt! Nothing is pulling on it, its almost like gravity is just dragging it down and you with it.

As you the belt is tugged free of your hand, you gulp. At least you don't fall through. Taking a second to focus you are pretty sure this won't kill you. So you jump in.

---

Everything goes green as you as you feel like you are falling for a minute, but eventually everything becomes clear.

You are in some kind of... jungle camp?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1tj2zJ2Wvg

[1/2]

File: Spoiler Image (30 KB, 400x400)

30 KB PNG

You look behind, above, under, you. The crack is gone and just dumped you in the middle of a jungle. Well maybe you hit your head and this is a dream, you aren't sure which would be worse.

This camp has a just one torn up camp and what look to be pieces of paper surrounding it. You carefully stand up and walk around, taking in the scenery. Luckily this camp is in some kind of clearing so you can see the green sky.

Well your dreams would have the sky be blue, so you are awake. You catch a glimmer on the ground, looking close you see Martin's phone.

You scramble over to it, Martin is here which means he is alive! But for how long? Who knows what lives here?

Then you hear a click and someone speak right behind. Turning your head you are face to barrel of some masked figure's gun.

"What the hell are you doing here?" they speak in a deep and almost robotic voice

>Panic
>Panic harder
>Calmly explain what happened
>Ask what they are doing here
>Martin?
>Write-In

>>1560884
>>Calmly explain what happened
>Ask what they are doing here

>>1560884
>Panic
>Panic harder
Breath
>Calmly explain what happened
>Ask what they are doing here

>>1560884
>>Calmly explain what happened
Deep breaths.

>>1560884
>Panic
>Martin?
>Explain

>>1560886
Second

[Writing]

File: Masked.jpg (17 KB, 604x478)

17 KB JPG

You're this close to panicking, but there is a gun to your head. One wrong move and you could die, that it. All over.

You take a few deep breaths, looking past the handgun at the person holding it to you. They look like some kind of doctor from history.

After a few seconds of hyperventilation you managed to form words "I was looking for my friend who went missing in school. Then I found this crack and thought they might be in here."

The masked figure lowers the gun and helps you stand up, you aren't really comfortable with the whole thing though. "I'm sorry for scaring you like that, but this place isn't safe for kids."

"But I need to find my friend Martin! He's dark skin, glasses, kinda short, wears a beanie even though its against school rules."

"It is impossible someone else came here, I keep an eye at almost all times." They state matter of factually. tucking the gun away.

You hold up his phone and your own as proof "Well explain this then."

The figure is silent for a moment "You will just come back in if I make you leave won't you?"

"Yes, I'm not leaving without my friend."

The figure lets out a crackle of static ---Is that a sigh?--- and points to the tent. "Stay in there and keep quiet. If you have to use the bathroom just don't leave the paper circle or you will be killed."

"I will come back with your friend, then you will both leave and never talk about this to anyone else or come back, got it?"

"Hold on, none of this explains what you are doing here." You ask, digging your feet in

"That isn't a concern for you, now just stay here."

>Fine, you'll stay here
>Is the wildlife that dangerous you can't follow?
>You'll stay until she is out of sight, you aren't waiting around
>Maybe you should just go back now
>Write-in

>>1561004
>Fine, you'll stay here
>Since this place is so dangerous you wouldn't happen to have another gun would you?

>>1561004
[The she is on purpose, just playing up the unknown gender factor]

>>1561004
>Fine, you'll stay here
>Look around the tent/campgrounds.

>>1561004
>>Fine, you'll stay here
>Is the wildlife that dangerous you can't follow?

>>1561004
>>Is the wildlife that dangerous you can't follow?
>>You'll stay until she is out of sight, you aren't waiting around

[Writing]

File: TheGreen.jpg (655 KB, 1280x720)

655 KB JPG

You'll just grab them down by tagging along, best to just stay safe. "Fine, I'll stay. But is the wildlife really that dangerous?"

The figure start to prep that pistol of his again before responding "Yes. You will be killed in a matter of seconds if one of them finds you out of the circle."

"Say if they are so dangerous you wouldn't happen to have an-"

The figure cuts you off before you even finish "No I'm not giving you a gun, now stay here."

With them walking off all that's left to do is look around camp more. The tent has a few bottled water and packaged snacks inside. You could take a few of those if you got hungry you suppose.

The rest of the campsite is pretty barren. You flip over a few rocks and look around, it is difficult with one hand having to hold your pants up though.

Once you've searched everywhere you just sit on a rock and look across the sky, at least the clouds are normal. The trees don't look that weird either, but what is the glimmer in that one up on a hill a few minutes away?

Your belt! How the did it get all the way over there? That is when you notice what looks like a small person grab it out of the tree with a spear. Another person, maybe they know where Martin is.

>Go over and try to communicate with them, the masked figure was nice once you got to know him
>Nope, staying right here
>You could try climbing a tree to get a better view, its right on the edge of the circle so it should be fine
>Write-In

>>1561134
>>Go over and try to communicate with them, the masked figure was nice once you got to know him
What could go wrong?

>>1561134
>Ask your masked friend about them

>>1561134
>>You could try climbing a tree to get a better view, its right on the edge of the circle so it should be fine

>>1561142
[Xhe is gone]

>>1561134
>>Write-In
Try to coax them into coming to you. Don't wanna leave the circle.

>>1561134
>>You could try climbing a tree to get a better view, its right on the edge of the circle so it should be fine

>>1561134
>You could try climbing a tree to get a better view, its right on the edge of the circle so it should be fine

>>1561150
This

>>1561134
>>>Write-In
>Try to coax them into coming to you. Don't wanna leave the circle.
I don't want to die!~~~~

>>1561150
>>1561163
[If you have ideas for how to coax them please share]

>>1561183
Friendly gestures? Sexy poses?

>>1561194
This

>>1561183
What do we have on us? It was likely attracted to the metal on our belt. Do we have a coin? We could use a phone with it's flashlight app, etc.

>>1561215
[Stuff within reason for now, after this first thread I'll have pastebin of inventory up. However you are broke. Phone idea could work]

>>1561232
Then we can use Martin's phone.

[I'm calling the vote now, but feel free to discuss plans more]

>>1561240
Unless he has a password. Shit. We'll probably use ours. It'll save a life, hopefully.

>>1561251
Wouldn't we just toss martin's phone to it?

>>1561259
Eh, apparently we're gonna go with charades so...oh well.

File: FriendMaybe.png (1.45 MB, 855x1318)

1.45 MB PNG

You try waving, taking flash pictures with your phone, doing weird dance moves. But the figure doesn't seem to be paying any mind to you.

There is one big tree that has a piece of paper on it, climbing it should still count as being inside. The branches are pretty big and easily support your weight as you climb.

Once you are on top a few things are apparent to you. One, this jungle is huge.

Two, the entire jungle is surrounded by massive stone walls. You aren't sure if you can even see the top of the walls.

Three, you oddly aren't out of breath. You would have thought climbing up so high would leave you winded.

You can get a clearer view of the figure now, while still a few minutes away you start taking pictures and waving your not clinging to the tree hand at it.

It looks up at you and starts to run your direction. Weirdly it seemed to have tons of wooden armor, but you could swear the skin wasn't just dark, but pitch black.

You climb back down to meet the figure who had closed the few minutes walk in just a few seconds. They stand at the edge of the paper circle, looking right at you.

Turns out you were seeing things, you can't even see any skin on them. Must have just been a shadow. The figure sets their spear down, you notice your belt is tucked into it's weird eye belt.

>Introduce yourself
>Give them a handshake
>Ask them how they got here
>Ask about a person (Who?)
>Try to have them give you belt back, it was really hard climbing without it
>Write-In

>>1561320
>>Introduce yourself
>>Give them a handshake

>>1561320
>>Introduce yourself
Time for finger pointing.

>>1561320
>>Introduce yourself

>>1561320
>>Introduce yourself
>Ask them how they got here

[Writing]

File: Soundslikethis.jpg (243 KB, 500x500)

243 KB JPG

You point a finger back at yourself and break the silence "I'm James Baker, nice to meet you."

The figure stares at you. Their body moving as if they were breathing heavily, but with no noise.

"So how did you get here? I came through a crack in the air."

It finally breaks eye contact with you and stares at the paper on the tree next to you. It hefts the spear and points it at the tree.

The figure's mouth opens as it lets out a bestial roar, like an ape or lion, and it starts to whack the tree with the spear. It doesn't seem to be doing any damage though.

At this point you are fairly sure it has something to do with the paper, but that is suppose to keep wild life out.

>Try and rip the paper off the tree
>Give them food to calm them down
>Tell them to knock it off
>Go lay down in the tent
>Write-In

>>1561478
>>Give them food to calm them down
>>Tell them to knock it off
Chill the fuck out man

>>1561478
>>Give them food to calm them down
Maybe he has low blood pressure? I know I get cranky as fuck if I'm hungry.

>>1561478
>Give them food to calm them down
We're dumb but we aint retarded Crab.

>>1561478
>>Give them food to calm them down
>Tell them to knock it off

[Writing]

File: MaskedBattered.jpg (215 KB, 754x1059)

215 KB JPG

"Knock it off! Come on you need to stop!" You try to yell over the sound of the spear hitting the tree over and over, but they just don't understand you.

They can't just keep hitting the tree, it might draw some of the dangerous wildlife here. If words won't work you go for the one thing you know everyone likes.

Running over to the tent you grab a hand full of snack cakes drop them in front of the figure. The figure stops and bends down inspecting the snacks.

After squishing one in their hand, they rip they other two open, and stuff the wrappers in band of their belt.

With their belt stuffed they pick up the spear again and run off into the treeline. Now you still don't have your belt, know where Martin is, and lost some food.

As you go to sit down again you hear a commotion from the direction the tiki like figure ran off. Then a gunshot. You run back over to the edge and see the masked figure struggling to keep the tiki figure away. The Masked figure is firing shot after shot into the Tiki figure, but the bullets are failing to stop them much.

Masked gets a lucky break when the spear gets stuck in a tree, just barely missing their ribs. Tiki smacks Masked away and struggled to pull their spear out.

You notice the Masked figure is leaving a trail of blood as they crawl to you and the circle. "Kid, stay back" they wheeze.

...

>You have to at least drag Masked back in
>Throw something at Tiki to get their attention
>Get between the two of them
>Stay in the circle
>Demand to know what is going on
>Write-In

>>1561613
>>You have to at least drag Masked back in
>>Throw something at Tiki to get their attention
>>Get between the two of them

>>1561613
>You have to at least drag Masked back in

>>1561613
>>You have to at least drag Masked back in

>>1561613
>>Get between the two of them
We ain't no bitch.

>>1561613
>>Get between the two of them

>>1561613
>You have to at least drag Masked back in

>>1561660
We did stand up to bullies, cmon guys. Let's be a hero.

[Writing]

You won't just leave them out, even if it means you have to leave the circle. Despite the protest of Masked you rush out and grab them by the arms to pull them back in. "Stop, get back in right now J-"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpDvtIt6Lsc

They are cut off as Tiki leaps over them straight at you. You've never felt something this strong, a single hand is wrapped around your throat and it is getting harder to breath. Everything is starting to fade actually, you can still make out the sound of gun fire from below.

So this is how it ends? Trying to save the life of another?

You close your eyes as you feel the last wisps of air exit your body. This really is it.

Come on now kid, that isn't bravery. And neither is this Masked person. Bravery isn't holding a gun or giving your life, it's knowing you are gonna get licked before you begin and trying to seeing it through. So don't give up on me here. I'll help you take that destiny of yours and shape it into the future you want it to be. Show these folk what real courage is.

Everything goes black. You only hear the voice now.

So James, do you want to live?

>Yes, let's do this
>Just save me already!

>>1561761
>>Yes, let's do this


Gunslinger/huntsman persona?

>>1561761
Just save me already!

>>1561761
>>Yes, let's do this

>>1561768
Wyatt Earp persona. Hmm.

>>1561761
LESS TALK MORE HELP!

>>1561761
>>Yes, let's do this

>>1561780
So he can throw a fist better than he can shoot and is absurdly lucky because he never once got hit?

I was thinking Daniel Boone or Davie crocket.

>>1561797
A lotta those American folk heroes are like that. Badasses. Could be Jim Bowie. Let's see. I'm just glad people are going for the ballsier option.