Maxwell Has Sympathy For The Jittery Machine; It's Hard Not To, When He's Seen His Own Prized Creations

"Hell if I know. Call someone, perhaps? It is supposed to be a phone, is it not?"

Who would Maxwell even call...?

"I've been told I can pay with it, among other things." So far, everyone's been gracious enough to handle that process for him when he's wanted to make a purchase.

"I suppose the first step would be to understand what it is actually used for. You have one, too, yes?"

"What're you trying to do?" Brad's not the most social, and generally doesn't care about others, but...

He can emphasize with a fellow grumpy old man.

Our epic tale began on a cold, wintery eve. Under the dim light of a moon hidden by snowy clouds, the city transformed. Walls creaked and crumbled, rebuilt in an instant in new shapes; new forms. The modern metropolis was replaced with a realm crafted from sugary treats. Gingerbread walls, gumdrop roads, cinnamon stick trees, candy castles. For this was now a fantasy candy land: the realm of the Candy Witch.

"AWAKEN, WOULD-BE INVADERS!"

The witch's voice would boom, a thunderous sound with a tinge of familiarity to it. "You dare encroach upon my land? The Candy Witch's kingdom? Well then, I challenge you. Find me at the tippy top of my castle tower, but not before my trials are passed! Only then might you challenge me and, if you win, I may consider a way to send you home!"

In front of every non-NPC entity in the city a holographic paper appeared. A character sheet. "But the witch would not leave you without a means of accomplishing your tasks," Another voice spoke. It sounded similar to the witch's, but was much gentler. Almost as if there was a singular actor playing two different roles. "Will you take up a blade as the noble HEARTBREAKER? Perhaps you would prefer to cast the spells of the PASSION CASTER? Does the healing power of the LOVE DOCTOR tickle your fancy? Or does the path of the thieving HEART STEALER beckon to you? Fill out your character sheets and review the attached quest list, and let your journey begin!"

THE VOICE GOES SILENT

While the people of Spirale would hear nothing else for now, in a dark lab a young woman turned off her microphone. "I'm an android, I'm not supposed to be an actress..." Ofiuco rested her cheek gentle in front of her keyboard. "Oh well. I've always wanted to try LARPing, so why not give this a go? I think everyone could use something a little silly for a change, especially with Valentine's coming!"

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OVERVIEW

Welcome to our 33rd event, SUGAR QUEST IV: THAT MOMENTARY SWEETNESS! This event was inspired by a mix of old RPG games and silly mobile game events. So what's going on?

The people of the city are awoken to the sound of a familiar voice claiming to be the Candy Witch who issues you a challenge: pass her trials and find her at the top of the castle tower.

Everyone will fill out a quick character sheet that can be found on this page, which will determine your stats, class, and abilities!

The wards of the city have all been redesigned with a candy fantasy aesthetic, and you can find these changes listed in a section below. For the duration of the event you cannot access the branches.

Trials will be offered in the form of quests that can be chosen at your leisure. Participating in a quest is not mandatory for acquiring participation, but you will receive a flat 200 Stars for your character's account. You can only claim this 200 Stars once, so doing multiple quests will not net you more.

If you're just interested in event participation, any interaction will count regardless of whether it's in a quest or not! We'll also be offering Oficucotot, Bringer of Love as an exclusive event reward! She's a six inch, Ofiuco-shaped drone that follows after you and shoots tiny arrows at your foes. Not lethal, but very annoying! The item description reads: "Watch Your Eyes!".

YOU CAN FIND ALL OF THE INFORMATION ABOUT CLASSES, LOCATIONS, AND QUESTS HERE.

The event ends at 11:59:59PM on Friday, February 28th.

F.A.Q.

Will this event have a part 2? No! There is only one part to this event. There will be a raid battle during the last week of the event where everyone can face off against the Candy Witch, however.

Can we use our regular powers and weapons during this event? Unfortunately not! Your character has been stripped of their powers and had their physical abilities reduced to that of a normal human. You can only rely on the abilities and weapons provided by the class you choose and your character sheet stats! For non-humanoid characters, please reach out to the masterlist for accommodations!

Are the listed monsters the only ones in the setting? Nope! Those are just suggestions. You can design your own monsters to face, and even the ones listed alongside the locations are open to visual interpretation aside from the traits already listed.

Will my character undergo any visual changes during this event? Your selected class will grant you specific gear and weapons as part of that selection. Otherwise, nope! At least unless you disturb the fairies in the forest...

Are we required to use the quests for our threads? Nope! You can use them if you want the 200 Star reward, but it isn't mandatory to do a quest to get participation and the Ofiucotot, Bringer of Love. You can just do a different thread in the setting!

"The Stars, you mean? They can't possibly care what we mere 'mortals' do." He allowed his pawns free run of his world. In fact, he quite enjoyed when they found gunpowder and blew themselves and other creatures into smithereens. The powers that rule this realm are almost certainly the same.

"Mm. No, I don't intend to limit myself to weapons of that kind." She knows what he wants-- objects of power and intrigue, not one's run-of-the-mill, boring old revolver.

Oh, yes. She knows exactly what he wants.

Maxwell watches with a sharp gaze. He wouldn't mind having a source of energy for himself; his time on the Throne has left him rather frail, as loathe as he is to admit it, and it certainly wouldn't hurt to have an easily-accessible pick-me-up on hand.

And.

Maxwell's brow rises in surprise as she demonstrates on her own assistant. That comes across as quite cold, even for him. She's quick to return the energy stolen, but still-- was that truly necessary?

Necessary or not, it's provided a quite compelling demonstration.

"I am highly interested in this piece. I intend to avoid combat as much as possible until my own powers return, so the subtlety afforded by this item is well worth the wait. However..."

He glances around as though his dear Codex will slip from the shadows into his grasp.

"I wonder whether you have anything that could mimic the abilities I'm used to. I've come to enjoy certain freedoms that come with having servants at my beck and call." He glances at her assistant; she can relate, he's sure.

"I wonder if now would also be an appropriate time to ask about, er. Payment options." Better to admit outright that he almost certainly isn't rich enough to pay up front-- he would hate for her to become irritated and decide to perform a second demonstration of that box on him.

"I wonder whether there would be any opportunity for me to provide my services to you as a form of partial payment? I think you'll find I can be discreet when needed. And I know when to keep my mouth shut and my eyes to myself."

"When it comes to the city of spirals; I don't believe it is law enforcement that should be worrying you," she'd hum in thought. Indeed, were 'righteous' otherworlders - vigilantes - far more troubling. Gifted with all sorts of diverse abilities, including ones that'd be sheer fiction within her homeworld. "— but I recognize you're resolute."

That a newcomer was itching to break laws in a world where they don't even yet know the extent of what they're dealing with, to the point they'd find themselves traversing the low levels of fibonacci so soon… Ms. Jenson wasn't sure whether she should find the courage commendable, or find the lack of prudence appalling.

Not like her personal assessment of the other's character mattered much; he was a customer all the same. If he insists on making a potential mistake, who's she to impede?

She signalled to her subordinate with a mere headtilt. Spirale had no Port Mafia; true - she had the luck of seeing a couple of familiar faces, one of which being with her here today, but that was about it. Her current main occupation wasn't even connected with any of this — but, ah, how irresistible it is, to be the supply in where there's just this much demand. Within a business she felt right at home in, no less.

Ms. Jenson carried an amused expression whilst speaking. "Often I find new customers rushing here to purchase firearms, and if you insist; I do offer them. But if you're looking for powerful; simple steel won't cut it."

The subordinate would return with a suitcase, placing it on her desk. "You seem like the cunning sort," she'd observe, choosing a descriptor that was - somewhat - less accusatory than to assume them to be the type to backstab others. "— so I believe I've something that'll grant you considerable leverage."

Out the suitcase, she'd take out what looked like an ornamented box, crevices hinting that it - actually - doesn't open fully. More importantly, the box didn't appear intimidating.

Quite the opposite, actually; it'd not look out of place within an herbal store, its use of pastel green, white and gold giving a gentle, inoffensive impression. "This is based on an existing, permissible product from Cotes Fantasci, and if not used - will pass as one just fine. Much like the genuine article, it's able to supply you with energy, but; it is modified to include a lethal twist."

While it is unlikely the customer could hear the order she'd mutter to her subordinate, it is possible they noticed a fleeting yellow spark that'd occur right after.

Tilting the box towards the poor guy, she'd push the subtle button on the bottom, which loosened the lower part of the box, creating a gap in the crevice that runs through the middle of the gadget. "Naturally, you could just use it for its assumed purpose; it has you gradually recover energy, and whenever you're done and back in good shape— simply push it shut," she said as she did as much, closing the cube. The volunteer didn't say anything, but he did look visibly more vibrant than earlier.

"But," started, as she pressed the button once more. "— as it has your target gradually regain energy, you can also choose for them a different fate."

She'd quietly count, eventually reaching for the lower part of the box, but instead of pushing— twisted it. Response was instantaneous; as the box closed shut, the subordinate's legs gave into fatigue and he collapsed to the ground, coughing.

"Taking back the energy you've granted in one. swift. move. Yes, the target will be fine if it is done mere seconds after activating the box, but if you let it run for a few minutes?" a grin. "It may not be capable of giving you more energy than you'd usually have in good health, but all the surplus — it accumulates in secret. Twist it then, and you've got instantaneous death that - to anyone else - looks like it's been caused by starvation."

Well. Cannot have her subordinate be plagued by exhaustion on the clock. Using the box once more to let him recover, and after she had pushed the box shut, she'd place it on the table. "There are clear disadvantages, of course. Useless in the midst of active combat, for one, as it requires a lengthly idle time period for the desired effect."

Shrugging, she gestured to the suitcase. "If you'd be willing to tell me what kind of situation you're anticipating, I am sure I've something more tailored to your needs."

"That's Maxwell the Great. Or The Amazing Maxwell, if you prefer." Not that he isn't also magnificent, it's just not in the name.

Ah. There's that recognition. It always comes eventually, even if magicfolk don't always fully understand why it's there.

"That's right." Maxwell grins, spreading his arms wide. "Putting two and two together, now, are we?"

That would make one of them, because Max has to admit he's a liiiiittle confused about the non sequitur. Ah-- unless the child means the history of their people.

"There isn't a person in this world more qualified to answer your questions, then. Treat me to lunch between shows and I'll tell you everything you want to know."

Oh, this man has a flair for drama. William can respect that . . . given, it makes sense, doesn't it ? Him being a performer and all . . . ❝ And that's why you're Maxwell the Magnificent then. Got it ! ❞ William says, misremembering the title in full confidence via newly formed mandela effect.

The theatrics aren't over yet, however when—

William this time lets out a nervous chitter from the other's claw as realisation sets in. He looks down at his own hands as if to confirm it.

No fucking way.

❝ Are you— you're— ❞ William's throat runs dry, words escaping him. This feels too surreal. He has to be wrong. But— shit. That would explain a lot about him. His own black claws. His own interests. His connection to the Capital.

Still, they can't jump the gun. They have to be smart. Their heart is racing.

❝ Y-you know, I uh . . . I'm in town because I was trying to get . . . records. Learn some stuff. About my history. ❞ Ring any bells ? His eyes are fixated on the man.

This is Paradise. To hell with his Codex, to hell with his power!-- he has been gifted the only thing he truly wants right now, and the only thing They could never give him.

Charlie's safe. Jack's happy. Even Higgsbury is probably still at home, chugging away at his doomed experiments. It's as though William Carter never existed, and thus, neither has his long string of failures and regrets.

Maxwell is finally, for the first time ever, truly free.

He strolls into the amphitheater without a care in the world, meeting the stranger's glare with a smug, unbothered grin.

"Oh, dear, am I interrupting something? I didn't realize this space was reserved." It's not, he's sure, and he's in too good a mood to let one nasty look drive him out or goad him into a fight.

Instead, he plops down in a seat right next to the one who glared at him, beaming at the dancers on stage. This is what Charlie looks like right now, he bets-- she's found another performer to work with, and is having the time of her life. Unharmed, prosperous, sane.

"Bravi!" he calls out to the dancers on stage. Then, to the small group in the audience with him: "Friends of yours?"

The posse has set up shop at one of the amphitheaters in Archimedes Ward. Anne is practicing on stage with a few other dancers she's found, teaching them how to do the can-can.

The other three women sit around the theater. Pearl's reading a book about finances, Umbra is mending her bow and arrows, and Maria is tending to Mister Blue.

And there seems to be someone else who wandered in... Maria gives him the stink eye. Pearl and Umbra look over, and Anne seems too invested in her dancing to give more than a glance.

@codexvmbra

{ isola starter call ! || @allhesaid ! }

Max clearly isn't the only one in this world who gets a sick sort of comfort out of watching other people suffer. He's entitled to it, as far as he's concerned; after what he's been through, it's only right that he gets to enjoy himself at someone else's expense. It's what They did to him it's what They're doing to Charlie right now and he can pass that pain along as much as he wants to, thank you very much.

(He thinks about the wave of Hounds that came three days before the completion of the portal. The fear in Wilson's eyes hadn't sparked any sort of joy that time, not like it did before. It's a lot harder to want to see someone hurt when they're sacrificing their safety to keep you alive. When they sacrificed everything to give you back your life in the first place--)

But these wannabe gladiators aren't Wilson, and Maxwell doesn't owe them a single thing. Besides, they volunteered for this, probably. All of the fun of watching people get hurt, none of the nagging guilt and regret for his past actions. What could be better!

He waves over his server, his eyes never leaving the fight.

"A Clover Club, please. Two, actually."

;;

let's get this show on the road with an isola plotting / starter call!

{ isola starter call ! || @ciphertone ! }

"Yes, yes, yes, I understand, knowledge comes at a price, my tiny mortal mind won't be able to contain it all. I'm not stupid, and I'm not new to this sort of thing, either."

He's been on both sides of the whole "cursed deal" situation, and if he can't handle himself at this point, then he deserves to go mad from whatever secrets are locked away in those tomes.

"My request is simple. I'd like to know what your organization has archived on the process of entering and leaving this dimension, and I'd like to know what my options are for using magic before my personal effects are returned to me. Now. Can you help me or not?"

me *surrounded by a pack of wolves that are about to eat me*: settle down puppies!! I only have two hands , i cant pet you all at the same time!!!!! Haha !!!! i love you all

MAXWELL ! PASSION CASTER/HEART STEALER {MAGE, with THIEF traits}

CHARACTER SKILLS: FIERY CARAMEL APPLE: As you raise a hand up into the air, a giant, flaming apple covered in caramel will be summoned; allowing you to hurl it towards any foe that stands in your way. It works on single targets, and on groups. This is a pretty dangerous way to go bowling, but hey, it’ll get you a good score! SUGAR PLUM FAIRIES: If you’re ever trapped in a dark place and can’t find your way out, simply summon a group of dancing sugar plum fairies to light your way to safety! So long as the spell is active, they will follow you wherever you go; each of them creating light in a ten foot radius. SLEIGHT OF GUMMY HAND: Every thief needs to know how to steal! With this knowledge you can easily sneak treats out of any distracted person’s cookie jar. It can be very useful in battle too, if the big boss you’re facing has an important item you’ll need to get through to the next level! SUGAR GLASS: You’re so good at tricking people, you can even make them see things that aren’t really there! Of course, these illusions will be completely made out of candy, but they will let you conjure items, monsters, or even change your own appearance. The candy people might fall for it a little easier than your friends, however.. especially when you suddenly have a beard made out of sour belts.

CHARACTER STATS:

STRENGTH: 3

MAGIC: 14

ENDURANCE: 0

SPEED: 3