Below are all the Mansion of E strip-transcriptions which I and many gracious volunteers put into the ohnorobot.com webcomic-archiving system between (roughly) 2003 and 2015. In 2015 ONR stopped taking new submissions, and in 2018 went offline altogether. I will miss it, as I regularly used it to fact-check my own work. I may try to find a more searchable replacement, but here at least is the raw data, with links to the comic in question. (Mercifully, these were included by ONR when I saved off my copy..) Strips from 2015 onward can be searched for at the MoE backup site on ComicFury

Wednesday, July 16, 2003 [[A large book sits on a stand, which comes equipped with a candelabrum. A white panel is mounted on one wall.]] [[Sylvester silently enters the shot, looking at the panel.]] [[Sylvester looks at his wristwatch]] Sylvester: Sigh. My idiot brother is late. Again. [[Sylvester holds up a small pronged tool]] Sylvester: So. Fine. I'll just do this on my own. Again. Thursday, July 17, 2003 [[Sylvester uses a pronged tool to light three candles in sequence.]] [[He begins flipping through a weighty tome on a stand.]] Sylvester [thinking]: March... April... 11th... 12th... After 4:00PM... Full moon... Here we are. G-4. Hm. That's a new one. Friday, July 18, 2003 [[Sylvester stands looking at a panel on the wall]] Sylvester [thinking]: G-4... [[The panel proves to be covered with irregularly sized, bolted-on squares/buttons, each labeled with a letter or number.]] [[Sylvester presses a button.]] ((click)) [[Sylvester presses a second button.]] ((click)) [[Sylvester looks at the panel apprehensively.]] Sylvester [thinking]: Nothing happened. Sylvester [thinking]: Hooray! Saturday, July 19, 2003 [[Sylvester walks away, having completed his task]] Sylvester: That's one Task nicely out of the way. Even better, the Agenda said that's the last of them until... ((BOOP!)) Sylvester: Aw, Phizz. [[Sylvester turns to face the panel; black spots have sprouted on its surface.]] ((FSHZAP)) [[A random collection of eyes suddenly appear in the panel, staring at Sylvester]] Sylvester: eep. Sunday, July 20, 2003 [[Sylvester [thinking]: This has never happened before. Eyes... *staring* at me... What am I supposed to do? [[Sylvester turns to the bookstand.]] Sylvester [thinking]: The Task Book! Yes! It has the correct response! maybe please... ((reading)) [[Sylvester peers into the shot at the panel. Two figures approach from behind.]] Sylvester [thinking]: Right. OK. Deep breaths... Sylvester: "Greetings and Salutations! My name is Sylvester! Welcome...to the Mansion of E!" Monday, July 21, 2003 [[The eyes are staring from the panel]] ((clik)) [[The eyes disappear]] [[Sylvester smiles]] Sylvester: Hah! It worked! The eyes are gone! Mortimer's voice: Um... hi, Sylvester! Sylvester: Mortimer. You finally decided to show up. Along with... [[Sylvester turns to face Mortimer and sees Rosemary with him.]] Sylvester: Some strange woman whom I have never before laid eyes upon. Mortimer: She followed me home! Can we keep her? Rosemary: The man greets the wall, and he calls /me/ strange. Tuesday, July 22, 2003 [[Behind Rosemary and Sylvester is a chest of drawers with a vase and framed picture of a dark-haired woman sitting on it.]] Sylvester: Look, Miss... uh... Miss--? Rosemary: Ripley. Rosemary Ripley. Call me Rosemary. I have to say, this is quite a place you have here. How many rooms are there? Sylvester: Rooms? Hundreds. We've never counted. Uh, Rosemary... I really don't have time-- Rosemary: Hundreds? And you and Mortimer live here all alone? Sylvester, staring upward: Alone? Well, yes. That is, more or less. Now, I'm sorry, but we're really... quite... busy... Rosemary: Busy? Why b-- [[Zoom out to show giant monster (a Dornbeast) glaring down at Sylvester and Rosemary.]] Rosemary: Oh. Wednesday, July 23, 2003 [[Rosemary and Sylvester look up at a Dornbeast's jaws.]] Sylvester: It... it would appear that Mortimer left the basement door open. Again. [[Rosemary grabs a vase from a nearby bureau. There is a framed picture of a woman wearing dark glasses.]] ((SNATCH)) [[Rosemary smacks the Dornbeast in the mouth, killing it.]] ((POW)) Sylvester: You killed it! Did... did you /see/ that? You killed it! Rosemary: Sorry about the vase. Now, it seems to me the first order of business would be installing a Mortimer-proof lock on this 'basement door'. Monday, July 28, 2003 [[A room in the Mansion. Pictures are visible on the wall behind.]] Mortimer: What happened? What did I miss? Sylvester: Rosemary killed a basement monster! Mortimer: Oh, boy. Sylvester: And you know what this means... Rosemary: No, what? [[Sylvester and Mortimer turn to stare at Rosemary.]] Rosemary: What? Did I break some kind of taboo? Oh, no... it wasn't your /pet/, was it? Mortimer: IT MEANS GOOD EATIN' TONIGHT! Sylvester: LET'S GET THIS BABY DOWN TO THE KITCHEN! Tuesday, July 29, 2003 [[A room in the Mansion. Pictures are visible on the wall behind.]] Rosemary: HOLD IT! Sylvester: Something wrong? Rosemary: Yes, something's wrong! You're actually going to /eat/ this disgusting thing? Are you both insane? Rosemary: I mean, look at it! It's hideous! It's repellant! We should derag it out and... um... bury it... or... It /is/ awfully big, isn't it? [[The three are in a large dining room, eating the cooked monster.]] Rosemary: Big, and surprisingly tasty. Mortimer: Once you've tried 'free-range' monster, you never go badk. Care for another helping of tendril? Wednesday, July 30, 2003 [[A kitchen in the Mansion. Rosemary comes upon Sylvester chopping up the remainder of the Dornbeast's corpse.]] Rosemary: What ARE you doing? Sylvester: Dealing with the rest of the monster. Sylvester: The meat gets salted or frozen. The fat, we turn into candles. The hide, leather for clothes. Bones will make good building material. Rosemary: That's very... thrifty... of you. Sylvester: Times are tight. We'll try to use every last piece of it. [[Rosemary looks down and picks out a particularly odd-looking remnent of the Dornbeast, holding it by thumb and forefinger.]] Rosemary: So what are you going to do with /this/ piece? Sylvester: Sell it to Old Man Larssen. Lives on the far side of the village. Rosemary: Do I want to know what /he'll/ do with it? Sylvester: I can't speak for you, but /I/ certainly don't want to know. Thursday, July 31, 2003 [[A kitchen in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: No offense, Sylvester, but... you're really going to tan leather and dip candles? Sylvester: I said I was, didn't ? Rosemary: It's just... you don't strike me as being... well... Sylvester: Willing to stoop to physical labor? That's where you're wrong. I am /not/ afraid to get my hands dirty! Rosemary: OK, OK. Fine. I'll leave you to it. Sylvester: Goodnight. [[Sylvester drops a batch of the Dornbeast's remains into the intake hopper of "LUDWIG'S AUTOMAGIC BASEMENT MONSTER BONER/SKINNER/TANNER/TALLOW-EXTRACTION MACHINE(tm)."]] Sylvester [thinking]: I swear, some people... Friday, August 1, 2003 [[A room in the Mansion. A rectangular pool of water is visible in the background]] Mortimer: Good morning, Sylvester. Sylvester: Morning, Mortimer. Mortimer: Sylvester, you never answered my question last night. Sylvester: (sigh) What question was that? [[Rosemary comes into view, chasing a variety of unusual vermin with a large broom.]] Rosemary: OUT! SHOO! SCAT! Oh, there you two are... Rosemary: I think that's the last of them. Now if we're going to get this place ship-shape, we're all going to have to pitch in. Here is a list of your chores. Rosemary: And since you're not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you can start by removing that shark from that wading pool. Talk to you later. Mortimer: Can we keep her? Please? Sylvester: Oh, all right. But it's /your/ responsibility to make sure she's been house trained, and to take her for walks. Monday, August 4, 2003 [[A man-sized pot or urn is in the background]] Mortimer: Take care of a shark? Shouldn't we maybe get Rosemary's help? I mean, she did-- Sylvester: She hasn't even been here two days! I am /not/ going to start running to her every time there's a problem! Sylvester: I'm still the head of this household! I can take care of these things! Sylvester: Besides, it's an animal, and I hate animals. We've been letting them get away with too much around here. It's time to KICK SOME SHARK BUTT!! Mortimer: Do sharks even /have/ butts? Sylvester: We'll /find/ something to kick. Move it! Tuesday, August 5, 2003 [[Rosemary is measuring a large glass-paned window; trees and bits of wall are visible beyond.]] Rosemary: You've removed the shark from the pool already? Sylvester: The shark is out of the pool. It was not a challenge for men of our caliber. [[Mortimer runs past outside the window, screaming.]] Rosemary: "Of our caliber"? And what's /that/ supposed to mean? Sylvester: Didn't you know? We're nobility. I personally am the 23rd Earl of E. Rosemary: Nobility? Earl? You /are/ aware of what century you are living in, aren't you? Sylvester: Well, yes. It is true that the office hasn't held any real power for several generations now. [[A giant shark's fin goes past outside the window, pursuing Mortimer.]] Rosemary: So why are we even having this conversation? Sylvester: Except possibly for a certain power of fascination and distraction. Wednesday, August 6, 2003 [[Behind is a large glass-paned window; trees and bits of wall are visable beyond. A suit of armor, with a large E on the shield.]] Rosemary: Well, as much fun as this has been, I think we're done here. How do we ge-- Sylvester: What's with the tape measure? [[Mortimer can just be see in the distance, running and screaming.]] Rosemary: Sorry? Sylvester: Why are you measuring the windows? Are you going to put up curtains? Rosemary: Oh. Oh no. I was thinking shutters. Heavy. Wooden. Sylvester: Shutters? Yeah, I can see that. We get some nasty storms off the ocean in the winter. Rosemary [thinking]: Storms? Sylvester: You should see how hard the wind gets to whipping through the pine trees in the forest sometimes... Thursday, August 7, 2003 [[Behind is a large glass-paned window; trees and bits of wall are visable beyond. A suit of armor, with a large E on the shield.]] Rosemary: How do we get back to our living quarters from here? Sylvester: This way, I believe... [[Walking down a wallpapered hallway.]] Rosemary: I keep getting turned around. This place is so huge... Sylvester: You can live a lifetime here and not see it all. I should know. Sylvester: In fact, my family has always had a little saying: you can get anywhere you want from here, if you're willing to walk far enough. [[A new window, which shows a tropical-type scene, including a parrot and palm trees.]] Rosemary: Sylvester, that's true no matter where you live. Sylvester: Ah, but here, you have access to air-conditioning and indoor plumbing for the entire trip! Friday, August 8, 2003 [[A stone-lined passage leading off a hallway.]] Sylvester: Oh, hey! I didn't realize where we are! You'll want to see this... Rosemary: See what? [[Climbing steps.]] Rosemary: Where are we going? Sylvester: Almost there! Rosemary: All right, what's so important that--oh my. [[Zoom out to show the Mansion of E in all its enormity.]] Rosemary: So... we really do live in a mansion... Sylvester: 'Fraid so. Monday, August 11, 2003 [[On top one of the Mansion's towers.]] Rosemary: It was almost dark when I came here. I didn't realize how bit it all... You can see for miles! Sylvester: Yes. Sylvester: And time was... My family owned it all. The forest, the port, the farms, everything in the valley... Rosemary: But now you don't. So what happened? [[Sylvester shrugs helplessly.]] Sylvester: Don't let this get out, but straight heredity may not be the best criteria ever used by a people when it came time to select their leaders. Rosemary: I'll take your secret to my grave. Tuesday, August 12, 2003 [[On top one of the Mansion's towers.]] Rosemary: So... You're saying that you lost all of your family's money? Sylvester: Oh no. The wealth and the power were all long gone before I came on the scene. [[A small fishing village can be seen in the distance]] Sylvester: Things had been going downhill for a long time, but it was 20th Earl, a man named Philbert, who really finished the job. Rosemary: Oh? Sylvester: Following generations of greed, cruelty, and/or stupidity, he spent almost the entire fortune attampting to house orphans and save old-growth timber. Sylvester: I find that I have mixed feelings about ol' Philbert... Rosemary: I can imagine. Wednesday, August 13, 2003 [[On top one of the Mansion's towers.]] Rosemary: So in the end your family went from being a race of conquerors to a collection of goofball slackers and pseudo-intellectual twits? Sylvester: Hey, it's a step up! [[Sylvester smiles for a bit..]] [[..then realizes he has been insulted.]] Sylvester: OK, I'll give you the 'twit', but I am /not/ a PSEUDO-intellectual! Rosemary: I stand corrected. Thursday, August 14, 2003 [[Sylvester and Rosemary on a turret, overlooking the countryside.]] Sylvester: So, Rosemary, now that you know our life story, what's yours? How did you come to b-- Rosemary: HEY! Sylvester: What? Rosemary: I just realized! We're directly over the main gate here! Sylvester: Yes? So? Rosemary: Don't you see? Once we get the moat cleaned out and the walls repaired, an attacking army would have to come through directly below us to reach the gate! We could dump boiling oil on them! Let's get ourselves a pot and set it all up! Sylvester: I don't /want/ to hear your life story, do I? Rosemary: Why are you just standing there? C'mon! Where do you keep the pots? Friday, August 15, 2003 [[On top one of the Mansion's towers.]] Sylvester: HOLD IT! Rosemary: Is there a problem? Sylvester: Of course there's a problem! Sylvester: Pouring oil on an invading army? Killing a monster with a vase? What is the /matter/ with you? Sylvester: I DEMAND that-- Rosemary: It would also work on bill collectors and door-to-door salesmen. [[Sylvester stops short in mid-rant.]] Sylvester: I'll show you where we keep the pots. Rosemary: Glad to hear it. Mortimer (from off-screen): AIEEEE!!! Sylvester: OH, FOR PITY'S SAKE, MORTIMER! JUST CLIMB A TREE OR SOMETHING! {{Evidently, Mortimer is still being pursued by the shark.}} Monday, August 18, 2003 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand at the far end of a long hallway lined with doors.]] Rosemary: What's all this? Sylvester: Storage. Our family has always carried a strong strain of pack-rat... [[Rosemary turns to look at a door labeled "Pointy Stick Room".]] Sylvester: Let's see... been ages since I was last down here... [[Rosemary opens the door and is nearly impaled by a large number of pointy sticks.]] Sylvester: Oh, before I forget. You might want to stay out of the Pointy Stick Room. Rosemary: "Stay out of the Pointy Stick Room." Right. Got it. {{The door in the last panel is labeled "Pieces of String Too Short To Use".}} Tuesday, August 19, 2003 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk past a door labeled "FRED".]] [[The door is slammed open by a large scruffy-looking bearded man wielding a battle-axe.]] Frederick: THAT'S /IT/! I'VE HAD IT UP TO //HERE// WITH YOU PEOPLE! I'M GONNA-- I'm gonna... Frederick: Oh. It's you, Sylvester. Terribly sorry. I thought you were someone else. [[Frederick returns to his room, shutting the door behind him.]] Sylvester: Rosemary, say hello to my Great-Uncle Frederick. Rosemary: Hello, Great-Uncle Frederick. Wednesday, August 20, 2003 [[{{The door in panel 1 is labeled "Stones-- Gaul, Gob, Rolling".}} Rosemary: So, when you said that you and Mortimer lived "more or less" alone... Sylvester: I didn't know that Frederick was here. He tends to come and go... Sylvester: And when he goes, he tends to go, and go, and... Rosemary: Go? Sylvester: Yeah. Rosemary: And who is he so... miffed... at? [[Amos Grubb bursts out of his own room, which is labeled THE NEIGHBORS]] Sylvester: Oh, probably the neighbors again. Amos: HEY! We're not the ones playing our zarking Fugehorn at all hours of the night and day! Thursday, August 21, 2003 [[We see a door labeled "FRED".]] [[Frederick opens the door and looks worriedly out into the corridor.]] Woman Of Mystery: What is it? What's the matter now? Frederick: That was a /girl/ with Sylvester just now. Woman Of Mystery: A girl. With /Sylvester/? You're obviously seeing things again, you old goat. Woman of Mystery: Come to bed. [[The door shuts again.]] ((click)) Friday, August 22, 2003 [[Sylvester and Rosemary pass by an alcove containing a mysterious device on a pedestal. The device has a digital display and various changing lights on the front.]] Sylvester: Anyway. The pots should be right down here... Rosemary: Uh.. Sylvester? What's this? ((click)) Sylvester: We don't know. Our family didn't originally build the mansion, and a few things were already here when we.. uh.. moved in. This... was one of them. ((click)) Rosemary: It's counting down. Sylvester: Yes. ((click)) Rosemary: What happens at zero? Sylvester: Personally, I plan to be out of town that week. ((click)) Monday, August 25, 2003 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in the alcove of the Mysterious Clicking Device]] Rosemary: That's your plan for dealing with this? Just leave town when it's scheduled to hit zero? Sylvester: Essentially, yes. ((click)) Rosemary: That's ridiculous. Let's at least take it /outside/. Then we can come back and get that pot. ((click)) Sylvester: ROSEMARY! NO! Picking it up might set it off! [[The device shocks Rosemary severely.]] ((CLICK)) Sylvester: Or possibly just set off some kind of defense mechanism. You know, Rosemary, I'm starting to detect... well... a certain /impulsive/ aspect to your character. ((click)) Rosemary (from the floor): Aruba. Let's go to Aruba. Monday, August 25, 2003 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in the alcove of the Mysterious Clicking Device]] Rosemary: That's your plan for dealing with this? Just leave town when it's scheduled to hit zero? Sylvester: Essentially, yes. ((click)) Rosemary: That's ridiculous. Let's at least take it /outside/. Then we can come back and get that pot. ((click)) Sylvester: ROSEMARY! NO! Picking it up might set it off! [[The device shocks Rosemary severely.]] ((CLICK)) Sylvester: Or possibly just set off some kind of defense mechanism. You know, Rosemary, I'm starting to detect... well... a certain /impulsive/ aspect to your character. ((click)) Rosemary (from the floor): Aruba. Let's go to Aruba. Tuesday, August 26, 2003 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in the alcove of the Mysterious Ticking Device]] Sylvester: Aruba? You want to go to Aruba right now? Rosemary: Of course not. I meant when this thing hits zero. Now, let's go get that pot. ((click)) Sylvester: Um.. you sure you're all right? That was a nasty jolt that-- Rosemary: I'm fine. Lead on. I'm right behind you. ((click)) ((click)) [[Rosemary addresses the device.]] Rosemary: You realize of course that this is NOT over. ((particularly smug click)) Wednesday, August 27, 2003 [[Sylvester and Rosemary stand in front of a door labeled "POT ROOM"]] Sylvester: Ah.. here we are. I think. Rosemary: "You think?" This is going to be an indoor marijuana farm, isn't it? [[They are looking out from a small balcony high up on the wall. The room proves to contain nothing but a single, unbelievably enormous pot.]] Rosemary: Just say no. Sylvester: "Pots Room!" That's right, we need the /Pots/ Room... Thursday, August 28, 2003 [[A hallway in the Mansion.]] Sylvester: Sorry about that. Rosemary: No problem. Sylvester: The room we need is right down here. Rosemary: OK. [[They continue walking for three panels, as Rosemary becomes silently but visibly aggravated. Doors are labelled "Dandelion Wine" and "Ersatz Sphagnum"]] Sylvester: Better break down and ask, or you'll burst. Rosemary: How the /fratz/ did you get that pot into that room? [[The door in the last panel is labeled "Shoes & Ships & Ceiling Wax".]] Friday, August 29, 2003 [[A hallway in the Mansion. A door is labeled "Backstories"]] Rosemary: So how DID you get the pot into that room? Sylvester: It was Angus, the 16th Earl. Sylvester: He captured it while battling our arch-nemesis, the Mansion of S. It was some kind of sacred relic... or something. They drug [sic] it all the way back here and built the room around it. Angus would come down late at night and gloat over it. [[Insets show the giant pot being brought back to E as a spoil of war, and the room being constructed around it.]] Rosemary: This Angus sounds like a fun-- Wait. "Arch-nemesis?" Don't we have enough trouble already, without having one of those? Sylvester: Oh, no. That's all over with now. Rosemary: Oh. Well, that's good to hear... Sylvester [thinking]: Man, is it over... Monday, September 1, 2003 [[A hallway in the Mansion. The door in the background has a partially visible label: "Back -round -etails"]] Rosemary: So /this/ is the Pots Room? Sylvester: Oh, no... Sylvester: This is just the room where we get the stuff we need to get to the Pots Room. [[Rosemary glares at the mining helmet Sylvester has handed her.]] Sylvester: What's the matter? I can't believe that /you'd/ be wimping out at this point. Rosemary: Actually, I was wondering why MY miner's helmet looks like a propeller beanie. Sylvester: Oh. Right. That one belongs to Mortimer. I'll see what else we've got... Tuesday, September 2, 2003 [[Sylvester is tossing things out of a closet, including a sneechstick, a shield and a fleeb.]] Sylvester: There has to be /something/ in here that you can use... No... No, that won't do... Sylvester: Wait... What do we have here... [[There's a cute dead critter floating in a jar of liquid on the shelf above Sylvester's head. On other side of him is a faint enigmatic figure inside a snowglobe]] [[Sylvester hands Rosemary a mining helmet with little wings mounted on it.]] Sylvester: Try /this/ on for size... Rosemary: I like it. Sylvester: I thought maybe you would. Wednesday, September 3, 2003 [[Rosemary has acquired a sword and shield. Sylvester is putting on a pack]] Rosemary: All right. I have to ask. Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: Out of all these zarking storage rooms, why is the only one which appears to contain things which are even remotely useful also the only one not to be labeled? Sylvester: Ah, that's so we can always find it when we need it. It's totally unique, isn't it? Shall we be off? Rosemary: Uh.. right. Sure. Rosemary [thinking]: Was that really profound, or really really stupid? Thursday, September 4, 2003 Rosemary: So we're /really/ going to the Pots Room? Sylvester: We're on our way. This time for sure. [[The background wall is clearly labeled "POST NO BILLS", and there are several signs labeled "BILL" pasted on it.]] Sylvester: The door to the basement is just down there, and after that, we-- Uh... [[There are several hard-to-read signs on the wall. One of them reads in part "All hail the.." and features single bloodshot eye]] Rosemary: What's wrong now? Sylvester: You are aware that we are risking our lives to get something we can buy in five minutes down at the World O' Pots in the village? [[The large sign on the background wall says "PHALLIC OBJECT"]] Rosemary: /I/ don't have any money to buy a pot. Do you? Sylvester: Broke /and/ insane! You just may fit in around here after all... Onward! [[One of the signs on the background wall shows a pair of eyes and the legend "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU." The other appears to be a passage from Alfred Tennyson's poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade".]] Friday, September 5, 2003 [[Mortimer is still running for his life, pursued by the shark. Two Nomes (sic), Frotz and Gnusto, watch the chase from their perch on a tree limb.]] Mortimer: YAHHH!!! Frotz: Lemme tellya, I've had days like that. Gnusto: I hear ya. [[Gnusto has a realization.]] Gnusto: You talkin' about the shark, or that goofy-lookin' thing he was chasin'? Monday, September 8, 2003 [[Standing in front a large wooden door.]] Rosemary: So this door leads to a basement full of monsters? I'm surprised you didn't board it up or something. Sylvester: Well, it's complicated, you see-- Comshaw's voice: Hello? Sylvester: Yes? Comshaw: Sorry to intrude, but I needed to ask... did a giant monster possibly come this way? Slavering fangs? Bloodshot eyes? Rosemary: We killed it and we ate it. Comshaw: You ki-- Ah. I see. Thank you. Good day. [[Somewhere underground. There is a stalagmite in the background.]] Niddle: They did WHAT? Camora: Why haven't you boarded up that door? Comshaw: Well... it's complicated, you see... Tuesday, September 9, 2003 [[Somewhere underground. There are stalagmites and stalactites.]] Camora: "Complicated"? Whadda mean, it's complicated?! Camora: Whatever those things are, they are clearly dangerous, and must be dealt with! Cornshaw: Well, yes. And I'm going inform the Council right now that there are-- Camora: The Council? HA! Camora: /I'm/ going to get someone who can /really/ help! Niddle: They killed it and ate it? Wednesday, September 10, 2003 [[Comshaw is using an aurilnode.]] Comshaw: Hello?... Oh, hello. This is Comshaw... Yes... My report? Um. You know those creatures living up top? They might be /humans/ after all. I... What? Comshaw: You already knew. But how... I see. Yes. What are you--... Oh. Yes. Of course... Yes. Thank you. Goodbye. Comshaw [thinking]: They're going to "handle it." They're going to handle it, and Camora's gone to get someone who can "really help." Niddle: THEY KILLED AND ATE A /DORNBEAST/! Comshaw & Niddle: We have to get out of here! Thursday, September 11, 2003 [[Beside the door to the Basement of the Mansion.]] Rosemary: Wait... that was a gnoll! Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: Gnolls don't talk! They grunt! They live in burrows and root for worms! Sylvester: Huh. Maybe where you come from. Here, they talk. [[Rosemary and Sylvester stare at each other.]] Rosemary: Do they at least eat worms? Sylvester (leaving): You know, it's funny, but I've never had the slightest urge to find out. Friday, September 12, 2003 [[Inside Comshaw, Niddle and Camora's home. A shelf with various objects. A Pronged Device. A portrait of a Gnoll. A sketchy diagram of a Human.]] Niddle: Where can we go that's safe? Comshaw: We'll go to my cousin Louch's place, out in the forest. He owes me enough favors. [[Comshaw puts a fleeb in a backpack]] Niddle: The forest? I've never been out in the forest. Comshaw: It's not as dangerous as they say. As long as you stay out of certain areas. And keep out of the sun. {{This is the second appearance of a fleeb.}} Niddle: It's not that... Comshaw: (sigh) What's the problem, Niddle? Niddle: They say they still eat /worms/ out in the forest. Comshaw: Right. Good point. They /are/ a bunch of hicks out there. Go pack a box of beetles to take along. Monday, September 15, 2003 [[Niddle: Comshaw, how are we going to get outside? If we go through the Sneeches' territory, we-- Comshaw: Oh, no. We're not going /that/ way. There's an alternate route. I use it all the time. C'mon. [[Comshaw locks his door.]] ((clik)) [[Niddle looks scared, and Comshaw glares at him over his shoulder. The sign over the door reads "Comshaw: Registered Poker"]] Comshaw: It'll be /fine/, Niddle. At the very least there won't be any /humans/ out in the forest stirring up trouble. Niddle: Yeah. OK. [[We see Mortimer hiding behind a tree, still trying to evade the shark.]] Tuesday, September 16, 2003 [[Beyond the door to the Basement.]] Rosemary: So anyway. What now? Sylvester: From here, we really only have two choices. [[A very sinster-looking archway, with flames spouting behind it.]] Sylvester: We can either go through that archway there, fight our way down past the territory of the Sneeches, find a way acroass the Great Chasm and the River of Fire, and finally answer the Three Great Riddles... Rosemary: Or? Sylvester: I almost hesitate to mention this option, but we could also take... [[A very ordinary-looking elevator door, with a plant to one side in a pot.]] Sylvester: The elevator. Wednesday, September 17, 2003 [[Standing in front of a sinister archway.]] Rosemary: You said there's a colony of Sneeches down there? Which kind, slate or chalk? Sylvester: Alabaster, actually... Rosemary: /Alabaster?/ Those aren't the ones that breathe fire, are they? Sylvester: That's /charcoal/. The alabaster all have six arms, and those eye-beams. Rosemary: I see. And is that a /real/ Anti-Sneech Stick you've got there, or just a cheap knock-off? Sylvester: Well... Um... Rosemary: OK. Now I /really/ have to see this elevator of yours. Sylvester: (sigh) Somehow, I was afraid that you were you were going to say that... [[Sylvester tosses the Anti-Sneech Stick over his shoulder.]] Thursday, September 18, 2003 [[Standing in front of the Elevator.]] Rosemary: OK, out with it. What's so awful about this elevator? Sylvester: Technically, there's nothing wrong with the /elevator/. It's-- [[The elevator door opens, revealing The Operator.]] ((PING)) [[The Operator looks Sylvester and Rosemary over.]] The Operator: Going... DOWN? Sylvester: I imagine you can pretty much figure out what is wrong. Friday, September 19, 2003 [[Standing in front of the Elevator.]] The Operator: As I said... GOING DOWN? Rosemary: You're trying to intimidate us, aren't you? [[The Operator's head swells to enormous size, pushing its way out of the frame.]] The Operator: YES Rosemary: It's not working. The Operator: Well.... rats. Sylvester: urk Monday, September 22, 2003 [[Inside the Elevator.]] Rosemary: Nice elevator you have here. The Operator: The finest in the Mansion. Which floor, please? Rosemary: Floor? Uh.. Sylvester? Which floor do we want? [[Sylvester is cowering in the corner.]] Rosemary: Wow. You even made his eyes look like yours. The Operator: I got this way because I practiced too much in the mirror. [[The sign on the wall reads "Welcome to The Elevator. Operator #6426236. No littering. No spitting. No talking. No running. No folksinging. No split infinitives. No putting the cart before the horse. No warranties expressed or implied. Don't forget to tip. Have a nice day. Do not read this sign."]] Tuesday, September 23, 2003 [[Inside the Elevator.]] Rosemary: ((sigh)) Looks like we're gonna be here for a while... Rosemary: I don't suppose you have a pack of cards or something? [[The Operator holds up a pack of cards.]] Rosemary: You find yourself in this situation every day, do you? The Operator: Actually, no. You are the first riders I've had in over three months. Wednesday, September 24, 2003 [[Somewhere in the Basement.]] Comshaw: Say... look over there. It's "Digger" Odel. ((CHUNK CHUNK CHUNK)) Comshaw: HEY, DIGGER! ((CHUNK CHU--)) [[Comshaw and Niddle watch]] [[A helmet topped with a candle appears at the bottom of the panel. A pickaxe is visible as well.]] ((shuffle shuffle shuffle)) Niddle: Howzit going? Comshaw: He's feelin' mighty low. Digger: I'm feelin' mighty low. Thursday, September 25, 2003 [[Somewhere in the Basement.]] Niddle: How did you know he's feelin' mighty low? Comshaw: Digger's always feelin' mighty low. What seems to be the problem today, Digger? Digger: Can't get into the forest. Comshaw: What? The tunnel's gone? It can't be. After all, /you/ helped dig it! Digger: New guard. Wouldn't let me by. Comshaw: New guard? The Council didn't hire any "new guard" for the tunnel. Digger: He twas most insistent. Comshaw: C'mon, you two. We're going to get to the bottom of this! Niddle: Can't we just stay on top? Digger: Bottom's not so bad once you get used to it. Friday, September 26, 2003 [[Inside the Elevator.]] Rosemary: No riders for three months? You didn't just bring a gnoll up here? The Operator: A gnoll? No, I"m afraid not. Rosemary: How about a giant tentacled monster with bloodshot eyes and slavering fangs? The Operator? A dornbeast? Certainly not. I run a decent elevator here. Rosemary: The monster /might/ have made it, but there's no way a single gnoll could get past a colony of sneeches. The Operator: I agree. Not even remotely likely. Rosemary: So how did they get upstairs? The Operator: Anything is possible. It is a strange and wonderful world in which we live. Do you have any threes? Monday, September 29, 2003 [[Inside the Elevator.]] Rosemary: So what's /your/ story? The Operator: My story? Rosemary: You said you never have any riders. So why do you keep doing this job? (And do you have any jacks?) The Operator: Would you believe that I have been cursed? Rosemary: Cursed? [[The Operator poses dramatically]] The Operator: Yes. I ran afoul of a powerful human wizard. He cruelly doomed me to an eternity of staring at these four walls. Trapped in this tiny box. Alone for all time. Rosemary: Um... to answer your question, no. I wouldn't believe it. The Operator: You know, you are absolutely no fun at all. I stay for the health and dental benefits. Go fish. Tuesday, September 30, 2003 [[Inside the Elevator.]] Rosemary: A dental plan. /You/ are part of a dental plan. The Operator: Oh yes. You should have seen my teeth /before/ they were repaired. They worked on my eyes as well. Rosemary: After you broke them practicing in the mirror. The Operator: Yes. [[Sylvester's eyes refocus]] Rosemary: I dunno. There's definitely still something... uh... [[Sylvester glances at the Operator and Rosemary]] Rosemary: Swimming... swimming around in...Swimming... The Operator: Yesss. Wednesday, October 1, 2003 [[((swimming)) [[Inside the Elevator. The Operator has a hypnotized Rosemary wrapped up in his tail]] The Operator: Thaaat's better. [[The Operator's eyes]] ((swimming)) The Operator: You're /just/ what I've been looking for, Miss Ripley. ((sleeeping)) ((going down)) The Operator: I think we will have fun aft-- ((GOING D--)) ((spell-breaking CLANG!!!)) [[Sylvester is holding a frying pan. The Operator is on the floor, only his tail visible.]] Rosemary: Syl... Sylvester? What just happened? Sylvester: You /truly/ learned what's wrong with this elevator. Thursday, October 2, 2003 [[Inside the Elevator.]] Rosemary: You killed him. Did you see that? You killed him. Sylvester: No. I mean, he's only knocked out. [[Close-up of the frying pan.]] Sylvester: And it wasn't really me. It was the frying pan; it's made of cold-forged iron. That's only thing that can really hurt him. Or at least the only thing we've found. [[Sylvester's finger pushing a button on the elevator control panel]] Sylvester: He'll be out for hours now, but I suspect that he /can't/ be killed. For good. So let's not linger. ((PING)) Sylvester: Like the man said... GOING DOWN! Rosemary: You can make your words creepy? The best I can do is FUNKY. [[The font the characters use change on the capitalized words.]] Friday, October 3, 2003 [[In the Forest of E]] Mortimer: It's still after me... Gotta find a tree to climb... Killer Tree: Psst. Hey, Buddy! Mortimer: What? Killer Tree: Climb /me/! Climb me and I'll be your friend! Mortimer: Gee, that'd be great! I'm sure-- HEY!! Mortimer: I'm not climbing /you/! You're one of those /killer/ trees! Mortimer: AIGH! [[Mortimer is gone, the shark fin cruises into the shot. Tree has sprouted various weapons.]] Killer Tree: Zark it. Somehow, they can always tell. Psst, shark, I'll be your-- oh, never mind. Monday, October 6, 2003 [[Somewhere in the Basement.]] Comshaw: Wait up. We should let Digger catch up with us. Niddle: He's really slow. Would he get mad if I just carried him? Comshaw: No, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.. [[Comshaw waits expectantly.]] ((!!!)) [[Comshaw looks down at Niddle on the floor.]] Comshaw: ..but he's a great deal heavier than he appears. Digger: Almost had it there, lad. Try again? Niddle: Back... broken... Tuesday, October 7, 2003 [[Somewhere in the Basement.]] Comshaw: Your back's not broken, Niddle. Hold still. Niddle: nngh... [[Comshaw pokes Niddle in the back with his stick.]] Niddle: GAH! ((POKE)) [[Niddle gets up, looking slightly dazed.]] Niddle: It's fixed! I.. thanks... Comshaw: No problem. Niddle: He really is a good Poker, isn't he? Digger: Lad, he's the best there is. Wednesday, October 8, 2003 [[Inside the Elevator]] Rosemary: You weren't faking the terror-induced paralysis. I could tell. So how-- Sylvester: Well... Sylvester: He always finds a way to get you in the end. Always. And he too can usually tell whenever you're "faking". So I had to.. ah.. let myself go, and hope that you'd keep his interest /and/ hold him off long enough for me to recover. Then I could launch a surprise attack when he was least expecting it. This was actually easier than usual, because you're a new.. distraction.. and took up most of his attention. Rosemary: Oh. Rosemary: You... you do realize that you're still a twit, right? Sylvester: (sigh) Yes. Thursday, October 9, 2003 [[Inside the Elevator]] Rosemary: So what did he mean about my being what he's been looking for? Sylvester: It wasn't anything... um... Maybe he thinks you can somehow help him to escape. Rosemary: Escape? Sylvester: He was trapped here by a powerful wizard. The cage-frame is cold-forged iron. [[Rosemary looks down at The Operator for a long moment.]] Rosemary: He was telling the truth. Sylvester: Well, that IS one of the hallmarks of a truly world-class liar. Friday, October 10, 2003 [[Rosemary stares down at The Operator]] Sylvester: A penny for your thoughts. Rosemary: He's unconscious and he's trapped in here. Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: Absolutely no chance he might escape. Sylvester: No. [[Rosemary stares some more]] Sylvester (holding up frying pan): We could hit him again "just to be sure". Rosemary: (sigh) No. Leave him alone. Monday, October 13, 2003 [[In the Forest of E]] Mortimer: Are (gasp) /you/ a (pant) killer tree? [[Mortimer looks at the tree, over his shoulder, then back at the tree.]] [[Mortimer begins climbing the tree.]] Mortimer (thinking): At least it won't talk me to death.. Tuesday, October 14, 2003 [[ [[In the elevator.]] Sylvester: Rosemary... you know if you're no longer up to doing this, we should turn back, try some other-- ((ping!)) [[The elevator door opens, revealing a large Troglodyte.]] Troglodyte: Fresh Meat.. [[Rosemary decapitates the Trog with her sword.]] ((SNICKERSNACK)) {{The sound effect is an homage to Lewis Carroll's poem "The Jabberwocky"}} Rosemary: I'll live. Sylvester: Glad to hear it. Wednesday, October 15, 2003 [[Somewhere in the Basement]] Camora: !&%^' fratzing idiots. %^#! running around loose... [[Camora approaches a door labeled "Nevus".]] [[Cut to inside the door, where we see an Eyebolt sitting at a reception desk. An aurilnode sits next to him.]] [[Camora enters the room.]] ((SLAM)) Faldstool (not looking up): Hello, Camora. Camora: Where's Nevus? I want to talk to him, NOW! Thursday, October 16, 2003 [[Inside Nevus's office.]] Camora: I /said/, where's Nevus? I know you people's butts become permanently attached to their seats, but let's try and get a move on here! Faldstool: Unfortunately, Camora, Mr. Nevus is currently unavailable. Camora: UNAVAILABLE? Don't give me that! What hole has the little worm crawled into /now/? {{Behind her is a fleeb suspended inside a glass jar and a statue of a large snake.}} [[Two adult Trogs appear from someplace, flanking Taldstool.]] Taldstool: Mr. Nevus is /unavailable/. Friday, October 17, 2003 [[Inside Nevus's office.]] Faldstool: Now then... Faldstool: I'll tell Mr. Nevus you stopped by. /Briefly/. [[Camora glares at Faldstool.]] Camora: Fine. I'll just have to stop the rampaging humans /on my own/. [[Camora stalks out.]] ((SLAM)) Mulch & Grind: WHOO Mulch: I wuz scared that Miz Camora wuz gonna get /really/ mad. Grind: Yeah, I hate it when she yells at us. Faldstool: Mulch? Grind? Please go away. Monday, October 20, 2003 [[A cavern-like chamber with stalagtites]] Rosemary: Lovely. So where do we go from-- ((SPLORK!)) Rosemary: What's that? Sylvester: Relax. It's just the Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic. ((NARF!)) Rosemary: The weirdo who... Sylvester: ...Lives In The Attic. Yes. ((WOOGA!)) Rosemary: OK. For now, I'm going to skip over certain worrying aspects of that statement and proceed directly to the point that we are currently in the basement. ((WOO HOO HOO!!)) Sylvester: He's slumming. Tuesday, October 21, 2003 [[A cavern under the Mansion]] Sylvester: You want to meet the Weirdo? It sounds like he's just over here... Rosemary: Sure. Why not. Sylvester: Weirdo? You here? Hello? ...looks like he's gone. Rosemary: You call him "Weirdo" to his face? Sylvester: Of course. That's his name. Rosemary: What, "Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic" is his /real/ name? Sylvester: Yes. Well, OK, I suppose that-- Rosemary: The bullies on the playground sure must have loved /that/ when he was growing up. Wednesday, October 22, 2003 [[ [[A cavern under the Mansion]] Rosemary: I interrupted you. What were you just saying? Sylvester: Oh... Sylvester: I was thinking, maybe the Weirdo does have a "real" name... Sylvester: It's just he's been here a long time, and from the very moment he arrived he insisted that we always refer to him as The Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic. Rosemary: He did? Sylvester: Uh huh. Dedication to his craft. That was one of the main reasons the family hired him. ((clunk)) Thursday, October 23, 2003 [[A tunnel under the Mansion.]] Rosemary: You.. hired... the Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic. Sylvester: Yes, of course. Sylvester: What? All the best families used to have Weirdos In The Attic. Didn't you know? Rosemary: No. I did not know that. Obviously I need to spend more time with the best families. Sylvester: Obviously. Rosemary: Why didn't you just give the job to Frederick and save yourself a few simoleons? Sylvester: And have the Weirdo Guild all over my ass? /Nooo/ thank you. Friday, October 24, 2003 [[A tunnel under the Mansion.]] Rosemary: So how did the Weirdo get past the Operator? Or the Sneeches? Sylvester: Whatever he did, it won't help us... [[A dark figure spies on them]] Sylvester: He seems to have an understanding with... well.. all sorts of people... [[The Weirdo emerges into the light, watching them leave.]] Rosemary: A /weird/ sort of understanding? Sylvester: You're catching on. Let's get that pot. [[The Weirdo speaks to his handpuppet]] Fantod: They came down here just ta gedda zarkin' pot? Whadda couple of weirdos! Weirdo: Now, now, Fantod. If it means that we are no longer harassed by bill collectors and door-to-door salesmen, it will have been worth it. Monday, October 27, 2003 Comshaw: Well, here's the tunnel. Niddle: I don't.. um.. see any guard. Comshaw: The tunnel has two branches. One goes.. up. I came back through it just now. The other goes out. To the forest. I assume that's where the guard was, Digger? Digger: Aye. Niddle: Why did the Council dig it? Comshaw: Niddle, I've /explained/ this to you before. We're all hemmed in down here. We need more /room/. Comshaw: We've got the Sea to the east, everyone's dug down into the Hot Zone as far as they can. The Chasm and the River have us cut off to the north. And with all the taboo and undiggable areas.. if we don't find more space.. There's going to be another war. Tuesday, October 28, 2003 [[Nitfol watches impassively as Mortimer climbs up towards his level in a tree.]] Nitfol: Heya Mortimer: YAHHH!! [[Nitfol knocks the ashes out of his pipe.]] Nitfol: Sorry Mortimer: No... No... That's all right... [[Tentacles crawl into the scene]] Nitfol: Don't get many like /you/ up here. What brings you by? Mortimer: I was being chased by a shark. Nitfol: Ah Mortimer: 'Ah'? Sharks can't climb, can they? Nitfol: Nope. No sharks up here. Nitfol: The tree squids on the other hand /may/ pose a problem... Mortimer: AAAaaeeiiiipphmm.. Wednesday, October 29, 2003 Sylvester: This next bit... it's a little tricky. Rosemary: Tricky? How so? [[They go down a long staircase. A sign on the wall reads "If you can read this you are far too close"]] Sylvester: It'll be easier just to show you. First, we go down here... Sylvester: Then we hide /here/ for exactly 42 seconds, after which we proceed through that arch and the room beyond. Rosemary: Hide? Why do we ha-- Duplicate Sylvester: This next bit... [[Rosemary covertly watches the duplicates.]] Duplicate Sylvester: ...it's a little tricky. Duplicate Rosemary: Tricky? How so? Thursday, October 30, 2003 Rosemary: THAT WAS US! Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: We went down several flights of stairs and ended up back where we started, /in the past/? Sylvester: The Mansion is like that at times. So to speak. Rosemary: Lemme get this straight. We came in here... ..Went through that arch... [[Rosemary points at the left-hand arch with her sword.]] ((jab)) Rosemary: ...and now we're going through /this/ arch here? [[Rosemary points at the right-hand arch with her sword.]] ((jab)) Sylvester: Yes, and we really need-- Rosemary: So why didn't we just go through the second arch in the first place? Sylvester: Look, you wanna stand here and let us catch up with us, fine, but /I'm/ going on. Friday, October 31, 2003 Rosemary: Whadda mean, "Let us catch up with us?" That doesn't make /any/ sense! If that could happen, then why-- Sylvester: Rosemary, please. Sylvester: Let me put it this way. That.. time room.. is strange and intriguing. Our family has known about it for generations. And yet, when I dig back through the records, I can find not a single mention of /anyone/ seriously attampting to investigate it and learn more about it. Not one. Rosemary: Well.. that's.. that's just stupid! Someone must have looked into it at /some/ point! Sylvester: Yes. Think about it. [[Sylvester walks away.]] [[Rosemary thinks about it.]] Rosemary: Maybe you just keep lousy records. Sylvester's voice: Fine. It's been nice never having met you. Saturday, November 1, 2003 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a large hall. Various objects are scattered about, among them a set of shelves, an automobile, a machine with a large gear and an enormous humaniod statue. Mounted on the wall is a large shield and a pair of oversized spears, and some paintings.]] Rosemary: Wow.. What's all this? Sylvester: Don't get down here much anymore. Obviously. But this was.. is.. our family's Hall of Achievement. We weren't just warriors, we've also had artists and philosophers, engineers and botanists... Sylvester: Anyway, we go through that door at the far end. Rosemary: Gosh. I had no idea. This is very im-- [[A shoe rests on a pedestal, with a small plaque mounted below it. Rosemary examines the plaque.]] Rosemary: "Quincy, the 21st Earl of E. He tied his shoes all by himself." Sylvester: Sometimes you take what you can get. Sunday, November 2, 2003 Rosemary: 21st Earl... Wait. You said you are the /23rd/ Earl? Sylvester: That's right. Rosemary: So Quincy here is your grandfather? Frederick's brother? Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: And the thing he's most remembered for is tying his shoes? Sylvester: Yes. Let's go. Rosemary: And so... your /father/... Sylvester: Let's just say there hasn't been much call for coming down here in recent years, even before the monsters completely overran the basement. Monday, November 3, 2003 [[Nitfol watches as Mortimer is attacked by a tree squid]] Nitfol: Wouldn't want to be in your shoes. Tree squids keep their prey alive for days while they digest it. ((Squorp)) ((Blurp)) Mortimer: NNUgh! Nitfol: Fortunately, the t-squids are violently allergic to us Nomes, so I usually get this tree all to mys- eh? ((Chomp)) ((Chomp)) [[A beaver shark is methodically chewing through the base of the tree]] Nitfol: Ah. That's a beaver shark. [[Nitfol pulls Mortimer up by his shirt]] Nitfol: You didn't -tell- me you were being chased by a -beaver- shark. Mortimer: MMph! ((Chomp)) ((Chomp)) ((CRACK)) [[The tree begins to fall]] Nifol, Mortimer, and the Tree-Squid: AAAIIIGGGHHH! Tuesday, November 4, 2003 [[Niddle: Comshaw? Do you really think there's going to be a war? Comshaw: It's not going to break out /today/. But yes. It could happen. [[Niddle and Comshaw walk in silence for a moment, followed by "Digger" Odel]] Niddle: Not today? Comshaw: No. Niddle: But we're running away to the edge of the world, while some /humans/-- Comshaw: OK. Fine. Before the day is over, everyone's going to die horribly. Are you happy now, Niddle? Wednesday, November 5, 2003 [[In the Hall of Achievement.]] Rosemary: So how about your mother? Sylvester: Hmm? Rosemary: I guess I now know where the 'twit' part came from. Was your mother an intellectual? Sylvester: My mother? An intellectual? [[The two pause for a moment while Sylvester thinks.]] Sylvester: I have decided I will not answer that question on the grounds that I may incriminate myself. Or worse, she'll overhear me. Rosemary: "Overhear"? She's alive? She's here in the Mansion, too? Sylvester: Last postcard we got, she was on another continent. But this is Mom we're talking about. I'm not taking any chances. Thursday, November 6, 2003 [[((poketa poketa)) Rosemary: So now I know about /your/ parents.. Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: Soo... Sylvester: So what? Rosemary: Don't you want to know about /my/ upbringing? ((QUEEP!!)) Sylvester: Oh, I just assumed... Rosemary: Yes? ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: You are an orphan who never knew her parents. You grews up on a small and remote farm, raised by a slightly mysterious older relative, until he or she was evilly murdered, thus sending you out on a quest far and wide across the land. ((QUEEP!!)) Rosemary: /WHAT?!/ THAT'S TOTALLY RIDICULOUS! Rosemary: No one's murdered Aunt Eva! We send letters to each other every week! Sylvester: Next time you write, be sure to remind her to keep her door locked at night. ((poketa poketa QUEEP!!)) Friday, November 7, 2003 [[((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: So you're not on a quest? Rosemary: That depends on yo-- /what/ is making that annoying sound? ((QUEEP!!)) ((poketa poketa)) [[Sylvester points at the Djinnoscope.]] Sylvester: That. ((QUEEP!!)) Rosemary: By the Brush... ((poketa poketa)) Rosemary: .../Please/ tell me /that/ wasn't here when your family moved in. Sylvester: Oh, no. It was built by Ludwig. The 18th Earl. He was quite the scientist. Rosemary: Really? What kind of scientist? Sylvester: Well.. um.. [[A lid flips up and several streamer-like things pop out of the Djinnoscope.]] ((QUEEP!!)) Sylvester: ..They called him 'mad' at the University.. Saturday, November 8, 2003 [[((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: Ludwig built all sorts of things around the Mansion. He even tapped into the thermal v-- Rosemary: Yes. Fascinating. But what is /this/ thing? What does it do? Sylvester: Ludwig called it-- wait a minute.. Rosemary: What? ((QUEEP!!)) ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: I swear, some people can be so untidy. Who stuck that in there? Rosemary: What? [[Sylvester pulls off a sheet of paper which had been attached to the front of the machine.]] ((RIIIIIPP!)) ((crumple crumple crumple)) ((QUEEP!)) [[Rosemary looks up at the flying wad of paper as it sails over her head.]] ((FLING!)) ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: Where were we? Oh, right. This.. is the Djinnoscope. ((QUEEP!!)) [[The Djinnoscope spits out the streamers again]] Sunday, November 9, 2003 [[Nitfol, Mortimer, and the tree squid all cling to the tree as it topples.]] [[Each pair of eyes widens in fear.]] [[Their tree hits a large branch protruding from a second tree.]] [[The impact shakes all three characters loose from the tree.]] ((KEY-RUNCH!!!)) [[Nitfol, Mortimer, and the tree squid continue to fall. Nitfol's hat comes off. Monday, November 10, 2003 [[Faldstool sits at his desk, working.]] [[Faldstool writes on his tablet.]] ((skritch skritch skritch)) [[Faldstool continues writing on his tablet.]] ((skritch skritch skritch)) [[Faldstool finally realizes the import of what Camora said, and looks up.]] Taldstool (thinking): "Rampaging humans"? Tuesday, November 11, 2003 [[((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: Now, what the Djinnoscope does, is-- Rosemary: Sylvester. Before you go on, may I interrupt with a small question? Sylvester: Uh, sure, Rosemary. Rosemary: That thing you just tore off and threw away... Sylvester: Yes? ((QUEEP!!)) Rosemary: It wasn't a giant gear, but was in fact a piece of paper cut and painted to look like a giant gear. ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: Do you have any theories as to why someone would construct such a thing, and then glue it to the front of the.. ah... Sylvester: Djinnoscope. Rosemary: "Djinnoscope". Right. Sylvester: Well, actuallly... Now that you come to mention it... No. Not a one. It's a complete puzzlement to me. ((QUEEP!!)) Rosemary: Somehow, that's almost a relief to hear. Continue. Wednesday, November 12, 2003 Sylvester: Anyway, what the Djinnoscope does is.. uh.. Rosemary: Wipe your memory? ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: /No/. I just realized that there's no point in telling you what it does, since there's no way to activate its major function.. Rosemary: Oh? ((QUEEP!!)) Sylvester: You need to feed in one of those old 4-Simoleon coins. And I haven't seen one in.. geez.. years.. ((poketa poketa)) [[Rosemary turns her head and looks at the ground.]] ((QUEEP!!)) [[Rosemary bends down to the ground as Sylvester watches her with mild confusion.]] ((poketa poketa)) [[Rosemary comes up with a small coin and holds it out to Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Here. Sylvester: Oh. Goodie. You're one of those people who /finds/ things. ((QUEEP!!)) Thursday, November 13, 2003 Sylvester: So. Anyway. The Djinnoscope. You deposit the coin.. ...You sit in that chair over there... ((poketa poketa)) [[A closeup of the Djinnoscope's chair]] Sylvester: ..That helmet comes down.. [[A closeup of the helmet]] ((QUEEP!!)) Sylvester: And the machine scans you, and it... welll... Rosemary: Yes? Sylvester: It gives you what you need. ((poketa poketa)) Rosemary: What you need? Anything? Sylvester: Pretty much. Rosemary: No selling your soul or anything? Sylvester: Nope. ((QUEEP!!)) Rosemary: So. Apart from a basement full of monsters and a lack of four-simoleon coins, why aren't we living in luxury? ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: I didn't say it gives you what you /want/. I said it gives you what you /need/. ((QUEEP!!)) Friday, November 14, 2003 Rosemary: What, need, what's the difference? Sylvester: How do I explain... ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: OK.. try this. If you don't get a pot within the next five minutes, are you going to die in frothing convulsions? ((QUEEP!!)) Rosemary: I think I can hold myself together. Sylvester: Of course. But that's about the level at which the Djinnoscope operates... [[Sylvester illustrates the concept of "level" with his hand.]] ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: It checks you out, and gives you what it computes that you most need, at that /exact/ moment. Rosemary: Oh.. kay.. But that's still useful, isn't it? ((QUEEP!!)) Depends. On at least one occasion, it decided that the thing its user most needed was a quick, painless death. ((poketa poketa)) Rosemary: Ouch. Sylvester: Metaphorically speaking, ouch indeed. ((QUEEP!!)) Saturday, November 15, 2003 [[Nitfol, Mortimer, and the t-squid continue falling in a tangle of limbs and tentacles.]] Nitfol: What's the use of your being attacked by a T-Squid if the idiot beast can't even stay stuck to the fratzing tree! [[The t-squid spots a small branch and reaches out for it with two tentacles.]] [[The t-squid catches hold of the branch, breaking its fall.]] [[Mortimer and Nitfol see the t-squid's actions.]] [[Mortimer catches hold of two more of the t-squid's tentacles, and Nitfol grabs onto Mortimer's leg.]] [[The tree-squid is stretched dramatically between the branch and the weight hanging onto it from below.]] Tree Squid (thinking): And to think the day started out so well... ((STEEERETCH!)) Sunday, November 16, 2003 [[Niddle: So that's why this tunnel's so twisty? Comshaw: Hm? Niddle: Because everyone's fighting? You couldn't make it straight? Comshaw: Yes. Had to go where we could. [[Lairing above their tunnel is a Globule, and buried below them is the skeleton of a large dinosaur-like creature, even bigger than a Dornbeast.]] Comshaw: The Council had to cut all kinds of deals, do swaps of territory. In the end there were some people who wouldn't budge. Comshaw: But in some places, it actually was easy. Because it serves as a neutral zone between hostile-- [[An arrow flies past, barely missing Comshaw and Niddle.]] ((ffft)) [[More arrows fly in both directions in front of the two Gnolls.]] ((twang)) ((zip)) ((ffftt)) Comshaw: Of course, even so, there is still the occasional skirmish... Combatant: MEDIC! Monday, November 17, 2003 Rosemary: So you're saying this thing is useless. Sylvester: Not at all. None of Ludwig's inventions are /useless/. They're just dangerous. ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: The death was... an extreme case. On more than one occasion, the help the Djinnoscope has given has been both useful and appreciated. Rosemary: So have /you/ ever used it? ((QUEEP!!)) Sylvester: Mortimer and I both. When we were younger. Rosemary: So what did you need? ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: Mortimer needed a yo-yo. ((QUEEP!!)) [[Rosemary points her sword at Sylvester in a mock-threatening manner.]] Rosemary: So what did /you/ need? Sylvester: A swift kick in the butt. ((poketa poketa)) ((QUEEP!!)) Tuesday, November 18, 2003 Sylvester: So, anyway. Do you want me to hold your shield? Rosemary: What? Why? ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: So it won't be in your way while you try the Djinnoscope. ((QUEEP!!)) Rosemary: Try the... After what you've just said, I'd be crazy to do that! OK, you're right. I'm impulsive, but I'm not CRAZY! [[Sylvester just stands and looks at Rosemary.]] ((poketa)) [[Rosemary takes a long look at the Djinnoscope.]] ((poketa)) Rosemary: Oh, /fratz/. I just gotta find out what it is that I need. Sylvester: Most everyone does. [[Rosemary hands her shield to Sylvester.]] ((QUEEP!!)) Wednesday, November 19, 2003 [[Rosemary brushes off the Djinnoscope's chair.]] Rosemary: My my... Look at all the dust. ((poketa)) [[Rosemary sits down in the chair.]] Sylvester: Last chance to back out. Rosemary: Hit it. ((poketa)) ((QUE--)) [[Sylvester drops the 4-Simoleon coin into the proper slot.]] ((clunk)) [[A small triangular sign saying "PING" lights up.]] ((ping)) [[The helmet comes down onto Rosemary's head.]] ((CLICK)) ((POKETA)) Rosemary (thinking): Guess I really am crazy after all. Oh well... ((POKETA)) [[The Djinnoscope produces a blinding flash.]] ((QUEEP!)) Thursday, November 20, 2003 [[The helmet is removed from Rosemary's head.]] ((unclick)) [[Rosemary's eyes are still tightly closed.]] [[Rosemary cautiously opens one eye.]] ((poink)) [[Sylvester looks around a corner of the apparatus.]] Sylvester: So... What did you need? [[Rosemary examines herself. Nothing seems to have changed.]] Rosemary: At first appraisal-- It would seem that I need nothing whatsoever. Friday, November 21, 2003 [[Mortimer continues to cling to two of the T-Squid's tentacles, while Nitfol clings to his leg.]] Narration: Deep in the Forest of E, on board a Tree Squid... Mortimer (thinking): Hey! Mortimer (thinking): We're slowing, and we're almost to the ground! I can just let go and... [[Mortimer and Nitfol descend between two armed parties, one of Gnolls and one of Pales, neither of whom look happy to see them.]] Mortimer (thinking): ...land. ((STREEEE)) Mortimer: Um... Hi guys! Nitfol: Just passing through. ((RETTTTCH HH HH....)) ((TWANNNGG!)) [[Mortimer and Nitfol are thrown into a high ballistic trajectory by the elastic action of the T-Squid. Saturday, November 22, 2003 [[The arrow stop. Comshaw looks to one side, then to the other.]] Comshaw: Are you idiots finished shooting at each other? Combatant 1: No zarking way! Combatant 2: NEVER! Comshaw: /Fine/. [[Comshaw and Niddle wait, looking disgusted and frightened, respectively.]] Combatant 1: 'Course... We gotta go make more arrows first. Combatant 2: Yeah. Comshaw: ssigh.. Sunday, November 23, 2003 Narration: Rosemary and Sylvester ponder the Djinnoscope's seeming failure. Rosemary: All that build-up, and the thing didn't work. Sylvester: No, it definitely gave you something. This light here indicates successful operation. ((POKETA)) Rosemary: So where is it then? This thing which I supposedly need? Sylvester: Maybe it was something... intangible. It wouldn't be unheard of. ((POKETA)) Rosemary: /Intangible?/ Sylvester: Yes. A sense of purpose? Or a cause worth fighting for? ((POKETA)) Rosemary: Maybe I already /had/ those. Sylvester: Man. I just hope it wasn't a foeman worthy of your steel... Narration: Sadly, it would remain an /eternal mystery/... ((POKETA)) Monday, November 24, 2003 Rosemary: So you're quite sure this thing gave me something? It /sounds/ like it's still running full tilt. Sylvester: Yes. Looks like we get one more go, if we want it. ((POKETA)) Rosemary: That can happen? Sylvester: It's rare, but if the Djinnoscope is left alone for a few months or years to.. I dunno.. Recharge.. Yes. ((POKETA)) Rosemary: "Years"? Don't any of the.. inhabitants down here use it? Assuming he'd leave his den, a Sneech would certainly be smart enough to figure out how the thing worked... Sylvester: It's pretty much calibrated to "humans only". A security measure on Ludwig's part. ((POKETA)) Rosemary: I see.. so if a non-human ever tries to use it, it doesn't work? Sylvester: Um.. actually.. remember that dust you were brushing off the chair? ((POKETA)) Tuesday, November 25, 2003 Narration: Comshaw, Niddle, and Digger find themselves between warring factions... Comshaw: If you've truly run out of arrows to shoot, that means we can /finally/ pass through. Niddle: Comshaw, if they are out of arrows, why don't they just start throwing rocks? [[Comshaw turns and looks at Niddle silently.]] Combatant 1: Rocks? Combatant 2: Rocks! We'll /never/ run out of rocks! [[Small rocks begin to fly back and forth across the tunnel. Comshaw drops his Poking stick and starts to reach for Niddle's throat.]] Niddle: Comshaw? Are you.. angry.. with me? Digger: I would suggest less talking now, lad, and more running for your life. Wednesday, November 26, 2003 Rosemary: This thing /kills/ any non-human that tries to use it? Sylvester: Yes. ((POKETA)) Rosemary: And it didn't occur to you to mention that niddling little fact /before/ letting me use it? ((POKETA)) [[Sylvester and Rosemary look at each other in shock and rage, respectively.]] ((POKETA)) Sylvester: You're not human? Rosemary: OF COURSE I'M HUMAN! AND QUIT TRYING TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT! ((POKETA)) Thursday, November 27, 2003 Narration: Rosemary and Sylvester 'discuss' the Djinnoscope... Sylvester: Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the business with the non-humans. Rosemary: Sorry's not good enough. You have to be punished. ((POKETA)) [[Rosemary points her sword at Sylvester.]] Sylvester: "Punished." Rosemary: Yes. This time, /you/ get to be the one who sits in that zarking chair. ((POKETA)) Sylvester: Ah. ((POKETA)) [[Sylvester begins to take off his backpack.]] Sylvester: (sigh) Judging from what I've seen, it's safer than having you stay mad at me. ((POKETA)) ((click)) [[Hax can be seen in the background holding a small placard which says "100!! woo hoo!".]] {{Reference to 100 completed strips of MoE}} Friday, November 28, 2003 [[Mortimer and Nitfol continue to fly through their ballistic arc to someplace.]] Narrator: Meanwhile, in mid-air over the Forest... Mortimer: Say... um... what's your name? Nitfol: Nitfol. Mortimer: Nitfol. Why didn't you drop off my leg back there? Nitfol: Is this really the time for this? Mortimer: Unless you can think of something better to do? Nitfol: Hmm. Good point. There were some gnolls there. Mortimer: So? Nitfol: Nomes and gnolls... we have a History. Mortimer: Which is? Nitfol: It's a long History. Nitfol: So let's just say that wherever we land it'll almost certainly be better for me than saying back there... Saturday, November 29, 2003 [[Sylvester hands his helmet and backpack to Rosemary.]] Narration: Sylvester uses the Djinnoscope. Rosemary: Anything that I need to do? Sylvester: Nope, it's raring to go. ((POKETA)) [[Sylvester sits in the Djinnoscope's chair.]] Rosemary: Sylvester. Wait. ((POKETA)) Rosemary: I'm still not really convinced that this monstrosity actually /does/ anything, but... I take it back. You don't have to do this. ((POKE--)) [[The helmet comes down on Sylvester's head.]] Sylvester: It's all right. I'm as curious as you were. I want to know what I need. ((click)) [[The Djinnoscope lets out another bright flash of light.]] ((QUEEP!)) Sunday, November 30, 2003 [[The helmet lifts from Sylvester's head.]] ((unclick)) [[The little triangular display lights up with an exclamation point this time.]] ((PONG)) [[The fabrication equipment near Rosemary's head activates.]] ((CLUNK)) [[The fabrication equipment begins making something.]] ((cut)) ((hammer)) ((saw)) ((torch)) ((fabricate)) ((fabricate)) [[The fabrication equipment produces a small object that looks like an Easter egg with a tag on it.]] ((CLUNK)) ((click)) [[The egg is launched into the air.]] ((PAH-TUI!)) Monday, December 1, 2003 [[Rocks continue to fly back and forth across the tunnel.]] Narration: Niddle has made a bad situation worse... Niddle: I'm sorry, Comshaw! Here, look, I'll go /talk/ to that side over here! Maybe I can get them to understand! [[Niddle heads to Combatant 2's side of the tunnel, and is promptly seized.]] ((!?!)) ((!)) ((!!)) [[Niddle passes over Comshaw and Digger's heads on his flight across the tunnel.]] ((FLING)) [[Niddle lands on Combatant 1 and his compatriots.]] ((POW)) Niddle: Aargh! ((CRUNCH!)) Combatant 1: AAI! [[The rain of rocks stops.]] Combatant 2: Hey! Look! We win! Combatant 3: Let's go celebrate! Combatant 4: YAY! Comshaw: Niddle? I forgive you. Niddle: Entire body broken.. Tuesday, December 2, 2003 [[The egg lands neatly in Sylvester's hand.]] Narration: Sylvester has been given what he needs... ((CATCH)) ((poketa)) Rosemary: What is it? Is it ticking? ((poketa)) Sylvester: No. There's just a tag: 'yank me'. ((QUEEP!!)) [[Sylvester and Rosemary look at each other for a moment.]] ((poketa)) [[Sylvester pulls the string.]] ((YANK)) ((poketa)) [[A very gooey explosion fills the panel]] ((QUEEP!)) Wednesday, December 3, 2003 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are both completely covered in white slime.]] ((poketa poketa)) [[Rosemary just looks at Sylvester, who is still looking at his hand in shock.]] ((QUEEP!!)) [[Rosemary's eyes narrow, and Sylvester begins (understandably) to fear for his life.]] Sylvester: Heh, heh... ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: Gosh, Rosemary! I don't know about /you/, but /I/ sure needed to-- Ghast: Excuse me? ((QUEEP!!)) Thursday, December 4, 2003 [[Mortimer and Nitfol continue to tumble over and over in their ballistic flight.]] Narration: Mortimer and Nitfol pass the time... Mortimer: You're taking all of this really well. Nitfol: Thanks. Mortimer: The last time something like this happened, everybody got really bent out of shape. Mortimer: Yelling, screaming, carrying on... I thought some of those nomes were going to have coronaries. Nitfol: I begin to suspect it might be for the best if we didn't continue this particular line of discussion. Mortimer: Admittedly, the explosions were pretty spectacular, but it wasn't like anyone /died/ or anything. Friday, December 5, 2003 [[Sylvester and Rosemary turn to find themselves confronted by four irate Ghasts, who mistake the two humans for Ghasts, covered in slime as they are.]] Ghast: I'm sorry to interrupt your Squim ritual, folks.. ((poketa poketa)) ((clunk)) Ghast: ...but we've had reports of two dangerous creatures running loose... As impossible as it may sound they might even be rogue HUMANS. ((QUEEP!!)) [[Sylvester and Rosemary silently glance at each other.]] ((poketa)) Ghast: Have you seen them? ((poketa)) [[Sylvester and Rosemary point]] Sylvester & Rosemary: They went that way Ghast: Much obliged ((QUEEP!!)) Saturday, December 6, 2003 Sylvester: They're gone. Uh.. not that I'm complaining or anything, but why did you drop your sword? Rosemary: Do you know what those things were? ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: Ghasts, I believe they're called. Rosemary: Yes. And if you attack one with a sword, you just make him mad... ((QUEEP!!)) [[Sylvester it putting his pack back on]] Rosemary: ..so unless that pack of yours is actually a flamethrower.. Sylvester: Flame.. Uh. No. ((poketa poketa)) [[Dramatic close-up of Rosemary]] Rosemary: ..we must then proceed directly to: /PLAN B/. Sunday, December 7, 2003 [[Niddle lies crushed under a pile of rubble and corpses. Comshaw and Digger survey their comrade's plight.]] Narration: Niddle has developed a condition... Digger: It's going to take more than a poke this time. Comshaw: Yes. I know. [[Comshaw attatches his stick to his back]] Comshaw: OK. Right. Here's what we'll do. We'll go to Telic. His place is near here, and he owes me a favor. Digger: Be there anyone in the world who does not owe you a favor? Comshaw: There are a couple of holdouts living at the bottom of Sub-Shaft 42b, but I'm wearing 'em down. Niddle: uhh.. Monday, December 8, 2003 Narration: Rosemary has implemented Plan B... Sylvester: Uh... What's Plan B? Rosemary: We go the opposite direction as the ghasts. Very fast. ((poketa poketa)) [[Sylvester considers Rosemary's plan.]] ((QUEEP!!)) [[Sylvester realizes the merits of the plan.]] ((poketa poketa)) Sylvester: I... I just want to say that this may be the most brilliant plan that I have ever had the privilege of helping put into action. Rosemary: Yes. I was rather proud of it myself, actually. {{A copy of Edvard Munch's famous expressionist painting "The Scream" is visible in the background. The strip's creator has gone on public record saying he now considers its inclusion in the strip to be a mistake, and it should be considered a more generic Famous Painting.}} Tuesday, December 9, 2003 [[Ghast 1: Move it! We've got humans to find! Ghast 2: Saay... wait a minute.. that couple back there... Ghast 3: What about 'em? Apart from that /fine/ set of head-tufts on the girl? Ghast 2: If they were Squimming, where were their fleebs? And their fugehorn? [[Ghast 3 realizes the import of Ghast 2's statement.]] [[Ghast 3 moves on, Ghast 2 turns back in Rosemary and Sylvester's general direction.]] Ghast 3: (sigh...) Kids today... Ghast 2: PERVERTS! Wednesday, December 10, 2003 Narration: Meanwhile, still in mid-air... Niftol: Hmm... Mortimer: What? Nitfol: Not that I'm /complaining/, mind you... but shouldn't we have hit something by now? [[Mortimer realizes that he and Nitfol are tumbling around a fixed point in space, effectively suspended in mid-air.]] Mortimer: OK, this is creepy. Thursday, December 11, 2003 Narration: Rosemary and Sylvester continue their brief tour of the Hall of Achievement... Rosemary: Sylvester... These paintings... Sylvester: Yes. They were done by Ernest. 19th Earl. Quite the artist. Rosemary: "Artist"!? They're exact copies of Munch's 'The Cry'... Rosemary: ...Van Gogh's 'Starry Night'... Rosemary: ...and Cook's 'Copyright Date'! Sylvester: Artist, master forger. It's a fine line. {{The strip's creator has gone on public record saying he now considers the use of these real-life works in the strip to be major mistake, and undue significance should not be attached to their presence; they are just copes of some Famous Paintings.}} Friday, December 12, 2003 [[A giant vaguely humanoid statue looms over the scene, holding a flaming bowl in one 'hand']] Rosemary: Dare I ask about the statue? Sylvester: Audra. The 17th Earl. The only woman to ever be the official head of the family. Rosemary: She was a sculptor? Sylvester: Oh, no. She didn't build the statue. She had it done. In her own honor. [[Rosemary looke up at the oddly-formed statue.]] Rosemary: So one should assume that Audra had... issues? Sylvester: You tell me. You're the one wearing her helmet. Saturday, December 13, 2003 Narration: Camora, on her way to deal with a human problem... [[Camora pauses upon noticing Hax and his host body, a Pale.]] Camora: OK. What's with the stupid hat? Hax: I'm not wearing a hat. Camora: You are, too! And look at me when I'm talking to you! [[Hax stands up on his host's head and glares at Camora.]] ((click)) Hax: I'M NOT WEARING A HAT, AND I /AM/ LOOKING AT YOU! Sunday, December 14, 2003 [[Camora: Soo.. instead of wearina a hat, you're.. wearing a body? Hax: Yes That's right. Camora: Why? Hax: 'Why'? You know what? I'm going to /tell/ you why! Hax: I work for God. Today, He told me to put on this body, go to that room with the death-machine and the killer plant, and to take with me this piece of paper. Hax: Once there, I was to hide behind that large block of stone, step out at a certain moment, flash this sigh, and then run away. Why? I don't know. You don't /ask/ God why. Hax: Now, if you'll excuse me, He's ordered me to go juggle some rabid fleebs on the edge of the Great Chasm. Good /day/ to you. [[Camora walks on alone.]] Camora (thinking): Why is everyone who works for God such a huge whiner? {{Hax and his body were last seen in comic 100, waving the "100 Comics! Woo!" sign.}} Monday, December 15, 2003 [[ Rosemary: We go through that door down there? / Sylvester: Yes, that's r-- [[Sylvester sees Fern attempting to eat Rosemary.]] Sylvester: WAIT! STOP! DON'T GET SO CLOSE! [[Rosemary chops off Fern's head.]] / ((PRUNE!!)) Rosemary: Relax. Those things aren't /really/ dangerous. / Sylvester: I wasn't talking to you. / Fern: YIPEYIPEYIPEYIPE Tuesday, December 16, 2003 [[ [[Sylvester reattaches Fern's head]] Sylvester: There you go... good as new! Rosemary: It can regenerate that easily? Sylvester: Yes. She can. Now then, Fern. This is Rosemary. She's a friend, OK? Rosemary (thinking): 'Fern'? [[Fern blows a raspberry at Rosemary.]] ((pllbbt!)) [[Sylvester quickly steers Rosemary away from Fern before more violence can ensue.]] Rosemary: pllbbt? I'll give you pllbt.. Sylvester: Whoop! I think I hear those ghasts coming back! Time to go! Talk to you later, Fern! Wednesday, December 17, 2003 [[ [[Mortimer and Nitfol continue to orbit around each other in the air.]] Narrator: Meanwhile, suspended unnaturally in midair... Mortimer & Nitfol: What's going on? Mortimer & Nitfol: Why are you asking /me/? [[Protus appears out of nowhere, as is his wont.]] ((APPEAR!)) Protus: MORTIMER! Nitfol: Because he knows your name, that's why! Thursday, December 18, 2003 [[ [[In the Hall of Achievement.]] Rosemary: So which of your idiot relatives... grew... Fern? Sylvester: Linus. He was the 14th Earl. Sylvester: Today... as I think I said before, he'd probably be considered a botanist. [[Fern watches them leave]] Rosemary: Uh huh. And what was he called when he was alive? Sylvester: Uh... Sylvester: "That lunatic who grows those giant killer plants." Rosemary: Ah, a /combat/ botanist! Friday, December 19, 2003 [[ [[On the Long Path]] Rosemary: Sylvester? Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: Why did that ghast call us "rogue" humans? Sylvester: Well... Rosemary: And if you say "it's complicated" again... Sylvester: It /is/ complicated. But what I was going to say was that it was sorta embarrassing. Rosemary: Huh? [[A giant bottle of wine comes into view.]] Sylvester: (sigh) Before you showed up, I sometimes got the distinct impression that the only reason that Mortimer and I were still alive was because someone.. or something.. in the Mansion was /keeping/ us alive. Saturday, December 20, 2003 [[ Narrator: On the way to Telic the healer... Digger: Myself, never had need for his services. Comshaw: What a surprise. [[Niddle is dragged along the ground]] ((bump bump bump)) Digger: Be he as good as they say? Comshaw: For once, the reality matches the hype. I just hope that... he's... [[Comshaw realizes that he is at the rear of a long line to see Telic. In order from Comshaw forward, the critters in the line are: a Nome with his arm in a sling, one Ooze carrying a second in a bucket, a Gobule with growths, a male Motihaul with a fever, and an Ecadem with a bandaged stinger.]] Comshaw: ...seeing people today. Sunday, December 21, 2003 [[ Narrator: Sylvester continues his personal history... Rosemary: You think someone has been protecting you and Mortimer? Sylvester: That monster you killed with the vase. It wasn't the first to turn up upstairs... Rosemary: You did say that Mortimer had left the basement door open 'again'. Sylvester: Yes. And I believe you mentioned a Motimer-proof lock. Sadly, there is no such thing. Sylvester: But that's not immediately important. A few times over the years something has gotten upstairs. We've run. And.. Rosemary: Yes? Sylvester: Sometimes they get killed. Ludwig installed more than one booby-trap. But other times... They've simply disappeared. Monday, December 22, 2003 [[ Rosemary: The monsters vanished? Literally? In a puff of smoke? Sylvester: Well... no. Sylvester: We'd... um... execute Plan B. And after a few hours of hiding, it would always be all clear. [[Rosemary and Sylvester are being viewed on a television-type screen.]] Rosemary: And you think someone... removed them from upstairs. Sylvester: Well... it /is/ true that most of them hate sunlight, and wouldn't want to... Yeah. Maybe. [[Mr. Hand sits in a high-backed chair, mostly obscured. Other screens arranged before him show Comshaw dragging Niddle, and a Ghast picking up the frying pan in the elevator.]] Sylvester (from screen): Of course, now you're here. And that changes everything. Mr. Hand: Oh, how it changes things... Tuesday, December 23, 2003 [[ Narrator: In the forest, Mortimer confronts a new arrival... Protus: I suppose you think you're really /clever/. Mortimer: Uh.. [[Protus tosses the HJ42 into Mortimer's hand.]] Protus: /Fine/. Here's the HJ42. I hope you /choke/ on it! ((wack!!)) Protus: And tell the witch and her slimy little friend that this is /not/ over! [[Protus vanishes again.]] ((DISAPPEAR!!)) [[Mortimer and Nitfol continue to orbit in stunned silence for a moment.]] Nitfol: You /do/ lead an eventful existence, don't you? Mortimer: I've never seen that guy before in my life. Wednesday, December 24, 2003 [[ Rosemary: So even with all these... folks... living down here, you've never faced a full-scale invasion back upstairs? Sylvester: Nope. Sylvester: If anything, I suspect that the wide variety has actually helped us. Instead of ganging up on us, they appear to-- Globule: YAHHH! [[A gobule runs past, closely pursued by two Trogs, Grik and Grak.]] Grik or Grak: Stand and face our wrath, varlet! Sylvester: --gang up on each other. Rosemary: People. What can you do? Thursday , December 25 , 2003 [[ A guest comic by Roland Lowery of Role of the Die. Rosemary is studying the ceiling.]] Sylvester: Something catch your eye? Rosemary: I was just wondering what's up with all these food stains on the ceiling. Sylvester: Ah. That would be thanks to my Great-Great-Uncle Hindenburgh. He was gluttonous, fastidious and extremely interested in the thaumaturgical arts... a very interesting mix, it turns out. [[Rosemary holds crumb.]] Sylvester: See, this was Uncle Hildy's favorite dining room. He hated getting crumbs all over the floor, so he had a magical spell cast here so that any dropped food fell up instead of down. [[She releases it, and it falls up.]] Sylvester: Now, having said that - and seeing it's a twenty foot fall to the ceiling - I'd suggest we find somewhere safer to be. Rosemary: Why? Are *we* in danger of falling to the ceiling? Sylvester: Well, considering how many things in this mansion think of us as food.. Friday, December 26, 2003 [[ Rosemary: So, which of your ancestors made a career of alcohol consumption? Sylvester: Huh? It's true that Ernest became a.. talented amateur, but it was never quite a /career/... Why? Rosemary: The giant bottle of wine. [[Rosemary points at the bottle with her sword]] {{The label can't quite be made out yet, but it reads: "Oficial (sic) Council Penalty Wine. Do not open under further penalty."}} [[Sylvester stares at the bottle in shock.]] Sylvester: Where the fratz did /that/ come from? Saturday, December 27, 2003 [[ [[The wait outside Telic's continues.]] Rezrov: Comshaw. Comshaw: Rezrov. [[Comshaw continues to wait.]] [[Comshaw looks over his shoulder at Digger.]] Comshaw: I assume everyone knows that gnolls and nomes-- Digger: Have a History? Aye. But for me, it be not history. I was there. Sunday, December 28, 2003 [[ [[Comshaw drops Niddle's legs.]] Comshaw: Wait... "you were there"? But the Nome War was... How old /are/ you? Digger: 30 Comshaw: 30?? I knew you were no spring jib jib, but I had no idea... Digger: Aye. Three generations now, come and gone. Comshaw: If you saw the war... Did you see.. ...Did you know my grandfather? [[Comshaw, Rezrov, and the ooze look at Digger expectantly.]] Digger: Aye. Not well. But know him I did. [[The Gobule pushes into the shot, shunting Comshaw aside.]] Rezrov: Are all the stories true? Digger: The reality matched the hype. Monday, December 29, 2003 [[ Rosemary: So this is like that paper gear thing which you tore off of the Djinnoscope? Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: Some unknown person or persons constructed a giant bottle, filled it with wine, and installed it here in the hallway. Sylvester: Yes. [[Rosemary and Sylvester just stare at the bottle for a moment.]] Rosemary: This is a very strange mansion that you have here. Have I mentioned that to you? Sylvester: No. No, you have not. Thank you for bringing that fact to my attention. Tuesday, December 30, 2003 [[ Rosemary: So some of the monsters must have put this here? Sylvester: Uh huh... Look at the writing. It's Manglish. Rosemary: "Manglish"? {{A bad name for it, because technically the human characters aren't speaking English.}} Sylvester: That's what we've always called it. It's a sort of pidgin-script that all of the folks down here seem to use anymore... {{If you are confused, "anymore" means "nowadays" in this context. It's an idiom used in some parts of the USA.}} Rosemary: So what does it say? O -- F -- I... Sylvester: Um. "oficial" council penalty wine. Do not open.. under further... penalty. Wednesday, December 31, 2003 [[ Narrator: near the elevator... Ghast 1 (Apvbsx): Hey! Ghast Leader (Hepthbav): What's wrong? [[Little Floaty Things appear next to each Ghast's head.]] Apvbsx: What happened to our Little Floaty Things? Hepthbav: Whadda mean? They're right there, like always. Apvbsx: Oh. Right. You know-- Whoever came up with these was a genius. Hepthbav: I'll say. Never be able to tell us apart, otherwise. Might even have to start wearing /clothes/. Apvbsx: Or grow /hair/. BLEGH! Sepfrbfrx (from off-panel): Quick! Over here! {{With some ghasts appearing as consistent characters, the reader now needs a way to differentiate them. Hence, the invention of the Little Floaty Things. Also, Apvbsx's name is only revealed much later in the strip.}} Thursday, January 1, 2004 [[ [[At the Elevator.]] Hepthbav: What did you find? Sepferb: A Trog. It's dead. [[Sepferb is holding the severed head of the Trog which Rosemary killed.]] Ghast with Lightning-shaped Little Floaty Thing: The Operator is out cold! And look what the attacker used... {{His name is Dpebfo}} [[Dpebfo holds up the cold-forged iron pan, still dented from when Sylvester smacked the Operator in the head with it.]] Hepthbav, Apvbsx, & Sepferb: GASP!! Apvbsx: I didn't want to believe it.. Apvbsx: ...but the old stories really are true. Humans are... Hepthbav: Yes. Sepfrbfrx. Go inform the Council. In person. [[Dpebfo discards the frying pan.]] {{The phrase "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" is subliminally visible in the background, as befits a January 1st comic.}} Friday, January 2, 2004 [[ Sepferb: Report to the council in /person/? Why? I can just use an aurilnode and-- Hepthbav: MOVE! {{Aurilnodes are the telephones of The Basement.}} Sepferb: /fine/. [[He storms off]] Hepthbav: As for you two... Unnamed Ghast: Yeah? Hepthbav: Go check with Dpxbfo, where we left him. Hepthbav: If he hasn't seen humans, then they haven't gotten into one of the Halls, and maybe we can still contain all this. The three of you keep looking! Unnamed Ghast: And what are /you/ gonna do? Hepthbav: I repeat. MOVE! [[UG and Apvbsx leave]] [[Two globules lurk around the corner from Hepthbav; he does not seem to notice them.]] Hepthbav (thinking): An unguarded Elevator /and/ a piece of cold-forged iron... What /am/ I going to do? Saturday, January 3, 2004 [[Rezrov: You knew /Compline/? Ishkibble the Motihaul: Did he really win the Second Battle of the Bridges? Ooze: and the ooze massacres-- Bandaged Ecadem: Did you get his autograph? Growth-covered Gobule: Can I have /your/ autograph? Comshaw: Um.. hello? Excuse me? He was /my/ grandfather, and /I/ think that I sh-- [[Gosypiboma sticks his head around the doorframe leading into Telic's office. Overhead, the word "TELIC" has been crudely painted over some more professionally-done stencilling. To one side is the number 3242, to the other, a wire-like object dangles from a small hole.]] Gosypiboma: NEXT! [[Comshaw thinks.]] Somebody 1: When did he Somebody 2: how many times Somebody 1: Will you just let me [[Comshaw heads into the office, dragging Niddle.]] Comshaw: If Camora's taught me anything, it's to not let family get in the way of practicality. Somebody 2: and how can ((bump bump bump)) Sunday, January 4, 2004 [[ Narrator: Mortimer and Nitfol discuss their recent visitor... Mortimer: Who... /what/.. was that guy? Nitfol: I could of course be mistaken, but I believe that he was a Willygig. Mortimer: A whirligig? Nitfol: No, a /Willygig./ Expert time-manipulators. Mortimer: Wait... 'time manipulators'? Nitfol: So the old tales all say. Mortimer: So /he/ was the one who was keeping us up h-- [[Gravity reasserts its hold on Mortimer and Nitfol, leaving only the top of a tree in the shot.]] Monday, January 5, 2004 [[ Rosemary: What council? And what is 'penalty wine'? Sylvester: No idea about this 'Council'. But maybe they punish scofflaws by making them drink the wine... Rosemary: The wine around here is that bad? Sylvester: Well, Moe Wineyards, has always done well, but _some_ people say- Rosemary: Wait. Hold it. Your family is responsible for Moe Wines? Sylvester: We had to sell the vineyards a few years back, but yes, we founde- ((POW)) Sylvester [[From the floor]] Ano th e r s ati s fi ed c us to me r . . . Tuesday, January 6, 2004 [[ Sylvester: Oh... Before I forget... thanks. Rosemary: For what? Hitting you? Rosemary: And I'm sorry about that.. Sort of a reflex action... Sylvester: No... well, _yes_, thank you for not using the _sharp_ end of your sword... Sylvester: Which is more consideration than _some_ of you wine fanatics have shown over the years... Sylvester: ..but what I meant was, thanks for not prying open the giant and mysterious bottle of wine. Rosemary: Well, that would have been rash and impulsive, wouldn't it? Sylvester: Uh.. right. Of course. Rosemary [[Thinking]]: I'll just have to come back after I've tracked down a mysterious and giant corkscrew. Wednesday, January 7, 2004 [[ Sylvester [[Off-panel]]: Anyway... We go down here now... [[Zoom-in panel, towards the bottle of wine. Two heads rise above the top edge of the label, one horned, the other with antenna]] Edgar: I say, Chauncy... Chauncy: Yes, Edgar? Edgar: Was that actually Rosemary Ripley? Chauncy: Why yes, I do believe it was. [[Beat panel]] Edgar: It's a strange and wonderful world in which we live. Chauncy: Yes, Edgar, indeed it is. Thursday, January 8, 2004 [[ [[All of Hax's monologue here is internal, ie. in thought bubbles.]] Hax: Why ever did that wretched little fleeb-peddler want to meet down here? Hax: There was never anything here except- [[Big panel, showing a large stone arch, above which reads "BARTER HALL". The arch leads to a hall filled with numerous different beings: a female Ghast leading a small Dornbeast on leash, a Gobule displaying something to a Motihaul, other less distinct. To one side is an unused aurilnode.]] Hax: Ah. Hax: Quite clearly, I have been away from this place for far too long. Friday, January 9, 2004 [[ [[A Gobule carrying a box saying "--SH --OBBERWARTS" passes in the background, and a female Motihaul with a sack in the front]] Hax [[Thinking]]: How do I find *anything* in all of this? [[An eyebolt sits at a desk reading "INFOR MASHUN" [sic]. Sina the Gnoll is in the background, carrying two shiverroots in a pot.]] Hax: [[Still thinking]]: Ah. Hax: Hello. I seek a gnoll known as Wratch. Do you- Eyebolt: Well, well. It's a Pale. -- They still don't teach folks out in the forest how to _read_, eh? Hax: I'm sorry? Eyebolt: Sign outside says _Barter_ Hall. You come in here, you do a _trade_. Hax: Ah. Hax: If you ever go spider-hunting in the forest, bring along a nome. They make excellent bait. Eyebolt: Third aisle, fifth stall. Saturday, January 10, 2004 [[ [[In Ratch's stall in the Barter Hall]] Ratch: Nice hat. Hax: I'm not wear- Ratch: You th' guy in th' market for th' fleebs? Hax: (*sigh*) Yes. I'm the 'guy'. Camora [[Off-panel]]: Hey! Hax: Oh. Goodie. You again. Ratch: Hey, Camora. Camora: Ratch. Give us a moment, huh? Ratch: Sure. Hax: What ... is ... it ... *now*? Camora: You work for God? I got thinking. It's not like he's _Nevus_ or anything, but maybe he can still help me. [[Hax looks surprised.]] Hax: "Help you." Camora: Lend a hand. Pitch in. Render some assistance. It's only a four-letter word. ZARK! Are all of God's people this slow? Sunday, January 11, 2004 [[ [[A sign on the wall of the Long Path. It reads "NO LOITERING By order of the council"]] [[Rosemary and Sylvester come into the scene]] [[They read the sign.]] [[They look down the hall.]] [[They look at each other.]] [[They loiter.]] [[They loiter some more.]] [[They walk on.]] Monday, January 12, 2004 [[ Rosemary: This is quite a hallway. What was it built for? Sylvester: We don't know. It was another thing that was here when we arrived. But whatever it was, it hadn't been finished. Rosemary: How d'you know that? Sylvester: If you go the other way from the Hall of Achievement, there is, or was, a whole bunch of stuff, half-installed. Magnets and Brush knows what... Rosemary: And you never figured out what it was? Sylvester: No. And Ludwig spent most of his life trying to figure it out. But, of course, the man had the attention span of a gnat, and was always working on sixteen different projects at once. {{Ludwig is one of Sylvester's ancestors}} Rosemary: Never even came up with a theory? Sylvester: Nah. Well, there was some gibberish about how maybe they were trying to study the collisions of sub-atomic particles. Tuesday, January 13, 2004 [[ [[We see the "No Loitering" sign again.]] ((SNAP! TWANGGG!)) Snipe the Jibjib: ACK! Rubrak the Helipath: Look out! [[A giant weight labeled "12 Tonz" crashes to the floor, directly in front of the sign.]] ((CRUNCH!!)) Rubrak the Helipath: Fratz it all to Zark, not /again/! Snipe the Jibjib: Yer gonna need a bigger rope. Wednesday, January 14, 2004 [[ Narrator: meanwhile, at the Elevator... [[General view of the scene.]] [[Hepthbav glances down, towards...]] [[...the frying pan left behind by Sylvester.]] Gorp [[Off-panel]]: Hey, Hepthbav... Hepthbav [[Thinking]] "Hepthbav". -- (shudder) -- Why can't people ever pronounce anything _correctly_? Hepthbav: Hello, Gorp. And Phiga. What can I do for you? Hepthbav [[Thinking]] As if I couldn't guess. Gorp: That's a mighty tasty-looking morsel you've got there... Thursday, January 15, 2004 [[ Hepthbav [[Thinking]] Miserable scavengers... Hepthbav: You want the trog. Fine. It's yours. Hepthbav: Leave the head. Gorp: Thanks muchly. Fresh adult trog. A rare treat. The dornbeasts only ever leave. Phiga: What's in the elevator? [[A view of the defeated Operator's tail pointing up from the floor.]] Hepthbav: It's the operator. He's ... Hepthbav: indisposed [[Gorp & Phiga exchange puzzled glances...]] [[...then start grinning mischievously. ]] Friday, January 16, 2004 [[At the Elevator]] Hepthbav: HOLD IT! Phiga: Something wrong? Hepthbav: I know you Globules have.. issues.. when it comes to consumption of food. And I've seen those smiles before. You're going to try and _eat_ the Operator! Gorp: Well, no. Phiga: Of course not. Hepthbav: You aren't? Then what were you- Gorp & Phiga [[In unison]]: Not until we get some **witnesses**, we aren't! Saturday, January 17, 2004 [[[ [[[A darkened room with numerous objects piled up on wall-shelves.]] Narrator: meanwhile, in Telic the Healer's reception area... Gosypiboma: Oh. Hello, Comshaw. Comshaw: Gosypiboma. Gosypiboma: Do y-- Comshaw: No, I don't have an appointment. Yes, I think I can just barge in here like I own the place, because I'm calling in Telic's favor. What the Zark. I'm calling in your favor as well. [[Two beat panels of them staring at each other.]] Gosypiboma: I hate you. Comshaw: As long as Niddle here lives with that, so can I. Please get Telic. Sunday, January 18, 2004 [[ Comshaw: Telic. Gosy told me to come on in. Telic: Yes, yes. Comshaw. Come in. [[Telic turns from an object on a shelf.]] Telic: So what seems to be the-- Oh. It's Niddle again. Telic: What is wrong this time? Comshaw: His entire body is broken. [[Telic begins to examine Niddle.]] Telic: Hmm.. [[Telic examines Niddle's head.]] Telic: There is broken. [[Telic examines Niddle's right wrist.]] And there is /broken/.. [[Telic lets Niddle's arm go.]] ((flop)) Comshaw: Well? Telic: I've seen worse. Bring him over here, and we will review your options. Monday, January 19, 2004 [[ Telic: First of all, do not worry. Whichever option you choose, Niddle should make a full recovery. [[Telic picks up a Trog skull from a shelf, examining it with interest.]] Telic: With most species, little Xs replacing the pupils is a very bad sign, but you Gnolls always display remarkable powers of recuperation. Your internal structure is nearly as fascinating as that of the Troglodytes. Telic: I only regret that I do not have more opportunities to disassemble fresh specimens.. Comshaw: Never been tempted to.. speed along the process with a patient? [[Telic turns to Comshaw, eyes wide with shock.]] Telic: If I were ever to do that, people would stop coming to me as clients. Comshaw: One of those times you operated on yourself, you amputated your sense of humor, didn't you? Tuesday, January 20, 2004 [[ [[Mortimer and Nitfol plummet headlong towards the ground.]] Narrator: No longer suspended in mid-air over the forest... Mortimer (thinking, with screaming behind his thoughts): OK. Don't panic. Don't panic. Mortimer (thinking): Aim for something soft. A pile of leaves. A pile of.. of.. [[The two land in a giant spyder's web.]] ((B-WANNNGGG!)) Mortimer (thinking): I suppose this'll do.. Wednesday, January 21, 2004 [[ Narrator: Camora has made a demand... Hax: *Help you*? I have known you less than an hour. And already you are one of the most annoying individuals I have ever met! Hax: Why in the name of Brush should I help you? Camora: Because there are Humans running loose in the Halls! Hax: Humans? -- Humans aren't- Camora: Yeah, OK, maybe humans are just myths. But Comshaw's been helping run tests for the Council. And those things up there, whatever they really are, just two of them killed an adult Dornbeast! And ate it! They _bragged_ about it to Comshaw! Hax: Humans. Killing Dornbeasts. -- And the- Council... is worried about it. Camora: YES! Hax: (*sigh*) Very well. I will go report this. Hax: Whether or not you will get help. Hax: We will see. Hax: But before that, I have some fleebs to buy. Thursday, January 22, 2004 [[Camora: Fleebs? You're going to waste time buing fleebs? Hax: Won't take but a moment. -- In fact... Hax: Ratch. In exchange for that sack of fleebs, I will give you _this_. Ratch: A sheet a paper. Fer a sack a fleebs. [[The sheet reads "100!! woo hoo!"]] {{This is the sheet Hax was showing from behind a dark corner in comic #100.}} Hax: Correct. Ratch: Done. [[An exchange thus occurs.]] Hax: A good day to you. Ratch: Same ta you. [[Hax departs]] Ratch [[Thinking]]: A whole sheeta paper, with scribblin' only on one side. Fer a sacka fleebs. _Rabid_ fleebs. Ratch [[Still thinking]]: And Camora's got her hooks inta him. Ratch [[Still thinking]]: There goes th' biggest sucker in th' ... whole ... entire ... _world_. Friday, January 23, 2004 [[ Sylvester: Oh.. say.. let's duck in here for a moment... Rosemary: Why? Sylvester: We should grab something to eat, while we have the chance. And it's a good out-of-the-way place to lie low for a while. Rosemary: Lying low sounds good, but "eat"? I suppose now you are going to tell me that someone runs a restaurant down here... [[Snoot, a motihaul wearing a tuxedo, appears]] Sylvester: No, of course not. It's a-- Snoot: Welcome to Le Tree. Do you have a reservation... sir? Saturday, January 24, 2004 [[ Sylvester: Reservations? We need reservations? Snoot: Yes, sir. Sylvester: You're calling this brance of the Tree a /restaurant/? Snoot: Yes, sir. Rosemary (thinking): Tree? Sylvester: You can't charge people for access to the Tree! Snoot: Mr. Nevus can charge for access to the Tree and its products, sir, because he owns it. Sylvester: Owns... /I/ own the zarking Tree! Snoot: No... you are not Mr. Nevus, sir. You are far too.. stout... and you have too many limbs. Sunday, January 25, 2004 [[ Sylvester: I'm not saying I'm this Nevus person! I own the entire Mansion! I am the 23rd Earl of E Rosemary (thinking): Never mind "Nevus"... Rosemary (thinking): What's this.. Tree.. [[Rosemary enters the main room of the restaraunt and sees the gigantic local branch of the Tree. Along with other customers, Protus can be seen sitting at a nearby table.]] Rosemary (thinking): Oh. Monday, January 26, 2004 [[ Narration: Gorp and Phiga make plans... Hepthbav: What do you mean, you need "witnesses"? I'm here already. Gorp: No, no. _Credible_ witnesses. Phiga: And here we go now! [[Two Gobules have appeared on the scene, one scuzzy, the other insane-looking.]] Mingent: Hi GUyz! WasSUP! Hepthbav: ... Hepthbav: [[Holding Gorp in midair by one hand]] Mingent and _Ningle_ are more credible witnesses than me? Gorp: Well, no offence or nothin', Hepthbav, but when it comes to an eating Event, that dead Trog over there is a better witness than you. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 [[ Hepthbav: And _why_ exactly am I not a worthy witness for an.. Eating Event? Phiga: Well... because you Ghasts don't eat. Hepthbav: What do you mean? Of course we eat. Phiga: You lick three kinds of spiky fungi off of walls. Hepthbav: We do not _lick_ anything. And we also eat Prickly fungus. Phiga: Oh, right. How ever could I have forgotten. Gorp: [[Still held in midair by Hepthbav]] Can I get down now, please? Hepthbav: Now, Helipaths, _they_ don't eat. Phiga: Yes. Good point. At least you've got a mouth. Ningle: I liCked a helipath onCe. Wednesday, January 28, 2004 [[ Phiga: OK. Fine. Phiga: You wana [[sic]] be a Witness, you're a zarking Witness. Now we're gonna get on with this Event. Unless you have some *other* problem? Hepthbav: Well, actually- Chuw: [Off-panel]] HOLD IT! Chuw: What's all this about an _Event_? Phiga: Hello, Chuw. Phiga: The Operator is down. Gorp and I were here first. We're going in. Hepthbav: [[Thinking]] My, my... [[Two thuggish Gobules]] Chuw: Oh, I don't think so, Phiga. Mr. Guttle wouldn't like that. Knaw: Mr. Guttle wouldn't like that AT ALL. Thursday, January 29, 2004 [[ Narrator: Niddle's body is broken... Telic: You have two choices. You can leave Niddle to recover over there in my infirmary, or I can get him up and moving. If you choose this second option, he will be fine for a few hours, but then he will crash. Crash hard. Comshaw: You have an infirmary now? That's a good idea! Who do you have helping y-- Comshaw (thinking): Oh no.. It's probably.. [[Comshaw's Mom appears, carrying a tray.]] Comshaw's Mom: Oh! Hello, dear! Comshaw: Mom! Hi! [[Beat panel]] Comshaw (whispering to Telic): get him on his feet as fast as you can. Friday, January 30, 2004 [[ [[Large bottles are visible in the background.]] Telic: You do not want your mother caring for Niddle? I do not understand. She has proven to be most effective at-- Comshaw: No no. It's not that. I know she's good. She wouldn't be working for you if she wasn't. Comshaw: If it was anyone else.. Camora, me, anyone, I wouldn't mind. But sometimes, Mom gets these.. Ideas, and somehow, they become virulently contagious. She and Niddle are /not/ going to be alone in the same room for even four minutes. Telic: Does this have something to do with Niddle's status as your and Camora's Fin-- Comshaw: YES. Telic: I have never understood this. There is no /physical/ need in Gnollish reproduction for a third-- Comshaw: We--are--not--/talking/--about--this--anymore. Comshaw's Mom (thinking): He's so forceful.. Saturday, January 31, 2004 Comshaw: What are you going to use on Niddle? Telic: Some of this... {{The large hammer resting on a shelf in the background is a possible homage to the Three Stooges' "anesthetic" gag.}} [[Telic produces a bottle of smoking medicine.]] Telic: Loomboggle's Lightning Horsepurge and Life Exilir. [[Comshaw and his mother stare at Telic in confusion.]] Telic: What is wrong? Yes, Loomboggle was a bit eccentric, but she was a genius, nevertheless. Comshaw: What's a horse? Comshaw's Mom: What's a lightning? Sunday, February 1, 2004 [[A spyder sits on his web, thinking.]] (sqrt(203)~6x - 2.4)/2K(5/4t) 6511/ms + 6.6/10(m/t) - (t^5 - s^3)/(42 - 2t) (345/t^4)/(23 - 4x) + 5m... No, no. That's just not right. Snap my strands, a fellow simply can't think on an empty stomach... ((B-WANNNGGG!)) Ah... [[The spyder looks at Mortimer, who just landed on the web.]] Bother... it's just one of /that/ type of twolegger... Ah well. Even gristle and string are better than naught at all... ((twitch vibrate)) Eh? [[Nitfol is also stuck in the web.]] Oh, dear. It's.. it's a... [[ferociously]] *A NOME!!!* ((FLING!)) [[The spyder tosses Mortimer away.]] slaver.. drool.. Monday, February 2, 2004 [[ [[Rosemary looks around the vast cavern of Le Tree.]] Rosemary (thinking): Well. That's definitely a Tree. Protus (off-panel) Hey! [[Rosemary turns towards Protus' voice, lifting her sword.]] Protus: If it isn't Rosemary /Ripley!/ ((snicker snak)) {{The sound-effect of Rosemary's sword is a homage to Lewis Carroll's famous poem "The Jaberwocky"}} Tuesday, February 3, 2004 [[Rosemary approaches Protus's table cautiously.]] Rosemary: Hello... Protus: Like the new look. So where are the Two Stooges? Rosemary: Stooges? Plural? Protus: Sylvester and Mortimer. Rosemary: Oh. Right. Mortimer. He's around somewhere. Sylvester is-- ((CRASH)) Rosemary: ...having a discussion with the Maitre d'. Protus: You would think he would have learned not to do that by now. Wednesday, February 4, 2004 Rosemary: Um. Refresh my memory. What is the Maitre d' likely to do if Sylvester... causes a fuss? Protus: Well, I /imagine/ he'd call Percy. Rosemary (thinking): "Percy"? Snoot (off-panel): Percy! [[Percy, a large Boogieman, strides past Rosemary and Protus on his way to the foyer.]] ((TROMP TROMP TROMP)) [[Rosemary looks after Percy in mild shock.]] Rosemary: Will you excuse me for one moment? Protus: Knock yourself out. Thursday, February 5, 2004 [[Camora: Where are we going? Hax: I believe I saw an aurilnode outside the Hall. I need to make a call. Camora: We're going to contact God via a _'node_? Hax: What did you think I was going to do, light up some incense and pray? Camora: Well, no. It's just that I pictured God as squat- er, _meditating_ in a... retreat. Camora: Or something. Hax: Perhaps he does meditate. Or squat. I couldn't say. Camora: You don't know? But you claim to _work_ for him! Hax: That doesn't mean that I've ever met him. Hax: Or actually talked to him. Friday, February 6, 2004 [[Camora: You've never talked to God? But before you said that he told you to- Hax: (sigh) Yes. Yes. I exaggerated for the sake of simplicity. Camora: So you get all your orders from someone else? You don't actually _know_ for a fact that you work for God? Hax: I... Hax: Hmm. Hax: The things I've seen... if it IS someone pretending to be God, they will be able to handle themselves well enough if the real one shows up... Saturday, February 7, 2004 [[ [[A tailor's shop in the Barter Hall]] {{the tailor's name is Slystick; this hasn't been spoken aloud, but the name of his shop has been seen in the background of another strip.}} Slystick: And please note the fine workmanship on display in the stitching... Fratch: I don't know... to buy a second robe... such an extravagance. I don't- [[Fratch sees Camora and Hax pass by in the background.]] Slystick: Something wrong? Fratch: AAAIGGGHH! Fratch: [[Frantically shaking Slystick]] THE EVIL ONE! THE EVIL ONE HAS RETURNED! Slystick: [[Fallen on his back and thinking]] Just once... I wish one of those fratzing priests would phizz out *after* buying something.... Fratch: FLEE!! FLEE FOR YOUR LIVES! Sunday, February 8, 2004 [[Phiga: It doesn't matter if Guttle wouldn't like it. He isn't even here. The Event is *ours*. Chuw: In every way that matters, Mr. Guttle is *everywhere*. Hepthbav: [[Amusedly, while still holding Gorp]] Really? Even those places where Nevus and Agita are? I imagine they'd be thrilled to hear that... Chuw: Butt out, Ghast. Unnamed Gobule: Go lick a wall. Phiga: Yes, Hepthbav. It would probably be best if you just put down Gorp and leave. Phiga: Now. Hepthbav: I'm afraid I can't do that Phiga. Leave, at least. First of all, there are certain issues here besides your... Event. [[The panel shows the frying pan left behind by Mortimer and Rosemary.]] Hepthbav: [[Releasing Gorp suddendly]] And secondly... Gorp: GAH! Hepthbav: [[Points at a group of four Gobules and an Ooze]] The exit appears to be blocked. Monday, February 9, 2004 [[ Chuw: Well, well, it seems that *all* of the bottom-feeders are out today. Chuw: I'm only going to say this once. All of you. Get lost. Now. [[The Gobules and the Ooze scowl angrily.]] Hepthbav, leaning into shot: Making empty threats when you're both outnumbered _and_ surrounded! It's good to learn that Guttle is still hiring the very best and brightest! Chuw: Shut. Up. Tuesday, February 10, 2004 [[ [[More scowling and invasion of personal space between the Globules.]] Hepthbav: [[Thinking]] I suppose the Council would tell me to step in at this point, and try to stop this. Hepthbav: [[Still thinking]] But it would be so_ much easier to just let them beat on each other, and then try to reason with whoever- Hepthbav: [[Still thinking]] Wait a minute... *Where's Ningle?* [[Inside the elevator]] Ningle: [[Also thinking]] I'm g0nna liCk an 0peRatoR. Wednesday, February 11, 2004 [[In the forest. Mortimer sails through the air]] ((wheeee)) [[Mortimer bounces off two evergreen trees]] ((POW Whump)) [[He bounces down a slanting tree-trunk]] ((THUD BAND)) [[He stops, held up by trailing Spyder-silk]] ((twang)) Mortimer: Tilt! Thursday, February 12, 2004 [[ [[Telic has inserted a funnel into Niddle's mouth.]] Telic: There. I believe we are ready to administer the Elixir. You may wish to stand back. [[Telic pours the Elixir into the funnel.]] ((GLUG GLUG GLUG)) [[Beat panel showing Niddle's comatose face.]] [[Niddle's eyes open very, very wide.]] ((POING)) Friday, February 13, 2004 [[[Niddle leaps to his feet in severe shock and surprise, the funnel popping out of his mouth.]] Niddle: GAAAH! [[Niddle looks at Comshaw, wild-eyed.]] Niddle: GAAAH! [[Niddle begins to run around, waving his arms.]] Niddle: GAAAAAH! Niddle: GAAAAA-- ((TWANG!!)) ((thud)) [[Comshaw and Telic look down at Niddle in concern.]] Comshaw: I was wondering why you tied that rope to his leg. Niddle (off-panel, on floor): gaahh.. Saturday, February 14, 2004 [[ Telic: That was just a reflex action on Niddle's part. He will be on his feet in a moment or two. Comshaw: Thanks. Your favor is paid. Telic: Actually, I am willing to go into your debt again. Since you are going out to the forest anyway, if you bring me back some fresh clingweed, I would be grateful. It is useful in certain medicines. Comshaw: Clingweed? Well, I don't know how long we're going to be out there, but sure, when we come back, it shouldn't be too hard to-- Comshaw: How the zark did you know we're going out in the forest? Sunday, February 15, 2004 [[ Telic: I knew you are going out to the forest because that is the only time you take along your backpack. Telic: Normally you wear it, but since you had Niddle along for the first time, you had him carry it. Telic: On the other hand, you do not have your poking stick with you, and certainly you would take it along with you on such a trip. Telic: But I assume that you honored my wishes in regards to bringing weapons in here... and left it by the front door. [[Beat panel, showing a rather startled Comshaw.]] Comshaw: For someone who never leaves his office, and doesn't use aurilnodes, you certainly are well-informed. Telic: You are not the only one to whom people owe favors. [[He floats away.]] Niddle: Why are we just standing around? Let's go go go! [[He takes off.]] Comshaw: Thanks, Telic. See you later. Comshaw's Mom: Comshaw? You're going out into the forest? Can you possibly do me a favor as well? Comshaw: If I can, Mom. Comshaw's Mom: Take a moment to dance and spit on your father's grave. Comshaw: Well, after the mob got through with him, that's about half the forest. But I will do what I can... Gotta go go go... Monday, February 16, 2004 [[Rosemary comes up behind Percy, who is about to crush Sylvester's upper body.]] Rosemary: Um... Percy, is it? [[Percy turns around as Rosemary points her sword at him.]] Rosemary: Hi. I'm aware that your employer set you on this course of action, but still, I must /strongly/ suggest that you reconsider. ((CHOMP)) [[Percy has eaten the majority of Rosemary's sword blade. Rosemary seems unimpressed.]] Rosemary: No, no. Take your time. Think this through /carefully/. Tuesday, February 17, 2004 Rosemary: And that's your /final/ word on the matter? Sylvester (mostly off-panel): urk [[Percy takes the remainder of Rosemary's sword and eats it.]] ((PLUCK!)) ((CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)) ((gulp)) Rosemary: I see. In that case, all I can say in reply is... [[Rosemary leaps at Percy and smacks him in the face with her shield. Percy drops Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Pow. ((POW!!)) Wednesday, February 18, 2004 [[Snoot watches impassively as Rosemary beats the crud out of Percy off-panel.]] ((FOLD!)) ((SPINDLE!)) ((MUTILATE!!)) [[Percy falls to the ground in front of Snoot, causing a visible seismic disturbance.]] ((KERWHAM!!)) Rosemary (off-panel): Now then... ((spastic twitch)) Rosemary: I believe my associate here was discussing the ownership of the Tree... Thursday, February 19, 2004 [[Hax: [[Thinking]] Well, here we are. Hax: [[Still thinking]] May as well get this over with... [[Hax pushs buttons on the aurilnode]] ((boop beep boop)) Hax: Hello. It's Hax. ... No, I haven't. I'm here with a gnoll named Camora ... Who? Why, yes, I believe she did mention that n- ... She says that humans are- ... Hax: Yes, she's asking for our help. ... ... What? You want me to WHAT? ... ... But I've been... _out in the forest_. I don't- ... Yes, sir. Right away. ... Yes. I know the drill. Good bye. Camora: Well? Are you going to help? Hax: That is going to depend entirely on your point of view. Friday, February 20, 2004 [[Hax: We will help you deal with the humans. (And they ARE humans, it would seem...) Hax: But there is a price. Camora: Of course. What is it? Hax: We do it together. You and I. Hax: I will ride on YOUR head, instead of this one. [[Camora glares at Hax]] Camora: *Fine*. [[Hax dismounts from his current 'rider']] ((click)) Saturday, February 21, 2004 Hax: [[Jumps on Camora's Head]] ((poing)) Oh dear... you gnolls really aren't designed to wear hats... Camora: Never mind that. What happens now? Hax: NOW we- Pale: FREE! Pale: HAHAHA! I'm FREE! [[Pale runs out of shot]] ((ZOOM)) ((trip!)) ((THUD)) ((rip!)) ((CHOMP! CHOMP! CHOMP! CHOMP!)) Pale: AAAGGH! ((CHOMP!)) [[Increasingly distantly]] Pale: Fleebs! ((CHOMP!)) Pale: Rabid fleebs! ((CHOMP!)) Pale: Get 'em off me! Pale: AAAA Pale: AAA Pale: AAA ((CHOMP!)) Pale: AAA Hax: Fratz it. That was my best body. All of this had better be worth is... Camora: Look at him go. I wonder if a rabid fleeb could get Niddle out of bed in the morning... [[Distantly]] Pale: rrr ((CHOMP!)) Pale: gggh! Sunday, February 22, 2004 [[Ningle's about to bite the Operator's tail.]] Hepthbav: Ningle! NO!! [[Closeup on Ningle's teeth closing]] ((CHO-)) [[A fiery explosion engulfs the Elevator and everyone in its vicinity. The Operator's red eyes can be seen at the center of it all.]]((KA-FOOM)) Monday, February 23, 2004 [[((KA-FOOM)) [[Comshaw is shown grasping an earful of the explosion while walking]] [[Camera shift]] Camora & Hax: [[In unison]] Did you hear something? [[Camera shift]] Faldstool, talking on his aurilnode: Well, yes. Of *course* I set someone to tell Mr. Nevus. If there's any chance- Faldstool: What was that? [[Camera shift]] ((Frederick and the Woman of Mystery are in bed. Frederick is asleep.)) A Woman Of Mystery: [[Thinking]] "KA-FOOM"? Tuesday, February 24, 2004 [[Camora: Can't you settle down up there? Hax: Yes, I agree. This is quite unacceptable. ((click)) Camora: GAH! Hax: *Thaat's* better. Now I can- [[Camora grabs Hax's 'brim']] ((GLOMP!)) [[She pulls him free of her head.]] ((unclick> Hax: But how? No one's EVER been able to- Camora: As you said, gnolls aren't *designed* to wear hats. Camora: But don't worry. I'd have been severely disappointed with you, if you hadn't tried that. Now that you've got that out of your system, shall we get on with this?' Wednesday, February 25, 2004 [[ [[Protus continues eating calmly.]] Snoot (off-panel): Smyth! Gill! Mslissa! FANG! [[The afore-mentioned employees of Le Tree pass Protus on their way to the foyer.]] ((TROMP TROMP TROMP)) ((slither)) ((ooze)) {{The four employees appear to be a Queen Snake, an Ooze, an Ichyoid, and an Ecadem.}} Protus (thinking): Sigh... Humans... Protus: GARCON! ((POW!)) ((BOOM!)) ((CRASH!)) Jibjib Waiter: Yes, Mr. Protus? ((SMUSH)) ((SPLATTER!)) Protus: ((whisper whisper whisper)) Jibjib Waiter: Right away, Mr. Protus. Protus: ...and put it all on my tab. ((THUD)) Protus (thinking): Oh my. Look at the time...)) ((POW AGAIN)) ((AGGh)) ((DISAPPEAR!)) Protus: Guess I'm history. Thursday, February 26, 2004 [[ [[Snoot watches the unfolding brawl impassively.]] ((MORE)) ((SOUNDS)) ((OF)) [[The Jibjib Waiter whispers into Snoot's ear.]] ((EXTREME)) ((VIO)) ((LENCE)) Snoot: Ahem. [[Sylvester, Rosemary, Smyth, Gill, Mslissa, and Fang all pause and look at Snoot.]] ((GRAB!)) ((SHUFFLE)) ((REARRANGE)) ((SHUFFLE)) ((SEAT!)) [[Rosemary and Sylvester find themselves a little dazed and seated at a table for two.]] Snoot (off-panel): Your waiter will be with you momentarily. Friday, February 27, 2004 [[ Jibjib Waiter: Are Sir and Madam ready to order? Rosemary: Uh... Rosemary (off-panel): What do you recommend today? Jibjib Waiter: Well, since Mr. Protus is picking up your tab... the Treefruit is always good. Or possibly the Treefruit. And you can't go wrong with our Treefruit. [[Rosemary glowers at the Jibjib Waiter for a moment.]] [[Rosemary holds up two fingers.]] Rosemary: Two orders of Treefruit, please. Jibjib Waiter (off-panel): Excellent choice, Madam. Saturday, February 28, 2004 [[ [[The Jibjib Waiter brings Rosemary and Sylvester's order. Sylvester appears to still be in a state of mild shock.]] Jibjib Waiter: Your Treefruit, Madam. Rosemary: Thank you. Before you go... Jibjib Waiter: Yes, Madam? Rosemary: There's not going to be any repercussions over our little discussion out in the lobby? Jibjib Waiter: Oh, no. It's impossible to be angry at friends of Mr. Protus. Rosemary: Oh? Jibjib Waiter: One can only be amused by their charming little eccentricities. Jibjib Waiter: But, that said, I imagine that Mr. Nevus /will/ be informed of today's events. Rosemary: Ah. Something else to look forward to. Thank you. Sunday, February 29, 2004 [[Uncle Frederick lies asleep in bed.]] [[The Woman of Mystery's hand comes into the panel and touches his head.]] WoM, thinking: sigh... [[She puts on a robe.]] WoM, thinking: I had -plans-... WoM, thinking: But that was most definitely a 'KA-FOOM'... [[She walks towards a curtained opening in the wall. A white shape is just visible beyond.]] WoM, thinking: And so, tra la la, I must go and -check- on things.. [[She looms over the shape, a sphere which resembles a crystal ball perched on a waist-high stand. A cord runs from the ball towards the floor.]] [[She hovers her hands to either side of the globe, and it lights up. Behind her are pictures, a cityscape and a forest]] [[Shapes appear in the globe; she seems surprised.]] [[She holds one hand over the globe, looks to one side, just possibly smiling.]] WoM, thinking: Oh, -dear-. Monday, March 1, 2004 [[Beat panel of Sylvester and Rosemary sitting at their table.]] [[Sylvester comes out of his state of shock, as Rosemary pokes delicately at the Treefruit in front of her.]] ((b link b link)) ((poke)) [[Rosemary's Treefruit reacts in an odd manner.]] ((BLORP)) Sylvester: What just happened here? Rosemary: I'm not entirely sure. But when we finally meet a willygig named Protus for the first time, we are going to be very very nice to him. ((UNBLORP)) Tuesday, March 2, 2004 Sylvester: You're saying that just now you met a willygig? Rosemary: I'm pretty sure that's what he was. Sylvester: I thought they were just myths. Rosemary: That's what I was always taught, too. But he matched all the descriptions. Sylvester: The cloud-thing? The tentacles? Rosemary: Yup. Sylvester: Even the dorky techno-nerd sunglasses? Rosemary: You're a fine one to talk about geeky eyewear... But yes. That too. Wednesday, March 3, 2004 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are sitting at a table in "Le Tree" restaurant.]] Sylvester: So this willygig knew our names? Rosemary: He knew us. Rosemary: At some point in the future, your and mine and Mortimer's future, we are all going to become friends with him. Or at least we're going to do him a favor. But the next time we meet Protus, he might not know us.. Rosemary: ..or he might even hate us. We just don't know. [[Outlines of the two of them sitting silently]] Rosemary and Sylvester: I hate temporal paradoxes. Thursday, March 4, 2004 Sylvester: Rosemary... since we've got a moment here... I'd like to ask you a question... Sylvester: ...and I would appreciate it greatly if... you'd answer it, and not claim that you don't know what I'm talking about, or try to distract my attention. [[Rosemary looks at Sylvester for a moment.]] Rosemary: OK. But only if I can ask you one in return. Sylvester: Fair enough. OK. The thing is... You were measuring for heavy wooden shutters. You want to install a pot so you can dump boiling oil on people by the gate. [[Sylvester scratches his nose and closes his eyes for a moment.]] ((sigh..)) Sylvester: How long do I have before this army that's chasing you turns up on my doorstep? [[Two outline beat panels.]] Rosemary: Hopefully, you'll die of old age first. Absolute worst-case scenario... we have about six months. Friday, March 5, 2004 Rosemary: The army that is after me is-- Sylvester: No. There /is/ an army. That's all I want to know for now. Sylvester (off-panel): If we make it back upstairs, we'll talk about it. Except-- Rosemary (off-panel): Yes? Sylvester: It's not /the/ army, is it? The official one, from the Capital? Rosemary: No. There are a lot of armies Out West these days. Some of them-- No. As you say. Later. Rosemary: But after today... If you ask me to leave, I will. I won't forcibly add to your problems. Sylvester: No. For now, anyway, you can stay. We still need you more than you need us... Sylvester: But you /want/ to stay? Knowing that all of this is at your back? [[Rosemary thinks for a moment.]] Rosemary: Maybe we can all come to some kind of... arrangement. Sylvester: Eh /heh/. I /know/ I don't want to talk about that right now... Saturday, March 6, 2004 Sylvester: So. What did you want to ask /me/? Rosemary: When we first met, why were you talking to the wall? Sylvester. ((sigh.)) There's an Agenda I have to follow. A list of Tasks. Rosemary: Huh? Sylvester: The Mansion of E is almost a living thing. Ancient processes endlessly churn behind the walls. And with a lot of /painful/ trial and error over the generations.. Sylvester: My family has found that if we do certain things at certain times.. the whole system runs much more smoothly. As stupid as the Tasks often are, they really do help... keep the peace. Sylvester: Heh. Rosemary: What? Sylvester (off-panel): Some Tasks go much better if a /woman/ does them. But that's something else to discuss later. Rosemary: Yes. I rather think it is. Sunday, March 7, 2004 [[We see the entrance to a small cavern just off the Great Chasm, which is helpfully labelled with a warning sign.]] Sprocket: (off-panel): FRATZ IT! [[Sprocket tosses down a tool]] Sprocket: This is never going to work! We're never going to get this fratzing thing up and running! Flange: Let's calm down and review the situation. [[Flange points at the unit in question, a bulb attached to the ground.]] Flange: Once the unit is installed and activated, the vibrations will frighten away the slimegrubs. [[A cut-away view of the unit, being attacked by slimegrubs.]] Flange: But until that happens, the grubs will keep crawling up the vents, and chewing out the connections, meaning that the unit can not be turned on. Sprocket: And we can't get at the fratzing grubs, and we can't block the vents, because that would defeat the whole fratzing purpose of "Project Y". You /know/, what we need is something /alive/, small, but vicious, to go all the way down the vents and take care of the grubs while-- [[The Pale that was formerly Hax's body falls down from the top ridge of the chasm and impacts head-first on the shelf in front of the cave entrance.]] Pale: YAAARRGH ((SPLAT)) ((chomp chomp chomp)) Flange: Rabid fleebs. Sprocket: This just might work! Good thing I brought my fleebtongs along today! Monday, March 8, 2004 Rosemary: What's this? [[We see a largish button surrounded by signs: "FORBIDDEN", "DO NOT PRESS THIS BUTTON.", "Very Dangerous! Keep Away!", "NO!", and "BAD!" Rosemary: So... did anyone... Sylvester: Mortimer. Twice. {{Artist's note: Today's fanart strip was generously contributed by Tom Truszkowski, creator of that fine comic "Station V3." I think Tom sometimes spends more time promoting my comic than I do, so I owe him a double debt of gratitude. Thanks, Tom!}} Tuesday, March 9, 2004 [[A dark space, partially lit by candles]] Father Tartuf: Ah. Brother Crumpton. Enter. Brother Crumpton: Father. I bring dire news. Father Tartuf: Yes? Brother Crumpton: Young Fratch... he was in the Barther Hall... He saw... The Evil One has returned. Father Tartuf: You are sure? Brother Crumpton: All the details wre correct in his description. Father Tartuf: I had hoped this scourge has passed. But if it is not... Father Tartuf: Assemble the brethen. We go forth. Wednesday, March 10, 2004 Comshaw: OK. We're back in the tunnel. Niddle, you're patched up. I've got my stick. So we are ready to go on? Niddle: Yes, Comshaw. Digger (off-panel): Aye. Comshaw: DIGGER? But... you were trapped in the middle of that mob! Digger: They overlooked me. Comshaw: Overlooked..? Digger: And I was able to slip away. Comshaw: How could they "overlook" you? They were all /talking/ to you! Digger: Lad, I've made a /career/ of being overlooked. Thursday, March 11, 2004 Comshaw: What you were saying about my grandfather... You never told me that you knew him! Digger: You never asked. Comshaw: "I never asked"? Brushstrokes, Digger. Would it kill you to volunteer information once in a while? But wait... Comshaw: You just /did/, didn't you? What prompted that? When you never bothered before? Digger: Got you in to see Telic, didn't it? Digger: Let's be off. [[Comshaw stands and gapes.]] {{Artist's Note: Since people are no doubt wondering, "Brushstrokes" in this instance is a profanity, roughly equivalent to "Christ!" While I assume you can figure out on your own why an underground critter who lives in a fairytale world might not be making references to Jesus Christ, the reason this particular word is used instead is... a subject that will be discussed in-strip. Eventually. I hope.}} Friday, March 12, 2004 [[ [[Sepferb walks past armed guards peering out of slots]] Narrator: Meanwhile, in a secure location... Sepferb: I hate this... [[An office with a Eyebolt behind a desk.]] Sepferb: Sigh... Hello, Witherward. Witherward: Sepferb. Sepferb: I need to see the Council. Witherward: You need to see the council. Sepferb: Yes. Witherward: You *really* need to see the council? Sepferb: Yes. Witherward: Well then. It's fortunate that they can just queeze [[sic]] you in. ((CLUNK)) Sepferb: [[Thinking while falling down a trapdoor]] I really hate this... Saturday, March 13, 2004 [[ [[Sepferb falls down a chute, splashes out onto a floor in a large dark chamber]] ((BOOM)) ((THUMP)) ((BANG)) ((SPLASH)) Chairbeing Preznit: Ah... Sepfrbfrx. Preznit: You have good news for us, I trust? Sepferb: No. Sepferb: The old stories. They are all true. Sepferb: Humans have gotten past the Operator. They've killed a fully-grown _Trog_. Sepferb: And they are capable of using *cold-forged iron*. [[...]] Wunk: [[Uncovers his hood, revealing himself to be a Gnoll]] We are all going to *die*, aren't we? Chairbeing: (s i g h . .) Wunk, can we at least _try_ to maintain an air of infallible majesty here? Sunday, March 14, 2004 [[ Chairbeing: Gentlemen. And ladies. The important thing now is to not PANIC. Mondegren: Excuse me? Sir? [[Modegren is manning a large aurilnode.]] Mondegren: Um.. Mondegren: I'm sorry to interrupt, but I just thought you'd want to know... Mondegren: I'm getting reports that there's been some kind of explosion near the elevator... they're saying it's... quite large. I think. Councilmember seated left of Preznit: Can we at least take a vote about that whole "not panicking" idea? Preznit: *Groan...* Monday, March 15, 2004 [[ [[The Operator is shown scowling amidst a blazing and spreading fire]] ((FOOM)) Phiga: What a disaster! Gorp: You said it. ((FOOM)) Phiga: Ningle won *another* eating event. Gorp: We'll never live this down. Tuesday, March 16, 2004 [[Phiga: OK. Here's what we're gonna- [[An Ooze comes into the shot]] Phiga: Oh. Hey, Splore. Splore: Phiga Phiga: What happened to everyone else? Splore: I think they all ran off. Phiga: Ran off? Why would they- [[Hepthbav appears]] Phiga: Hepthbav. Phiga: You don't look so good. Phiga: Maybe you should- Hepthbav: Go Hepthbav: Away [[...]] [[Phiga, Gorp & Splore dash off]] Wednesday, March 17, 2004 [[ [[Hepthbav: Have to find that iron.. Hepthbav: No.. no, better get back to the Pools... if they'll let me in... Hepthbav: Too late. Should have asked the scavengers for help... ((FOOM)) Hepthbav: No. No. Too humiliating as it is. [[He falls over]] ((SPLOOSH)) Hepthbav: Who's that? Hepthbav: Oh. Chuw. Hepthbav: when they find the two of us together like this... Hepthbav: Oh, well.. Hepthbav: So many mistak es... Hepthbav: Wor st of a ll... Hepthbav: never told Hpobfufr ((FOOM)) Hepthbav: ho w i *really* f e lt. .. Thursday, March 18, 2004 [[Bung crouches on the ground. Faddle is carrying a beetle impaled on a stick.]] Faddle: Hey, Bung! Whatz happenin, big guy? Bung: Some fool bit the Operator. Now there's a huge fire and it's spreading. The Candle Monks are on the warpath again. God's got some new scheme cooking, and word's going around that Humans have returned to the world. [[Beat panel.]] Faddle: Rrright. You had me goin' there for a moment. Bung: That's me. Mr. Kidder. Friday, March 19, 2004 [[ Bung: Faddle? What's that you've got there? Faddle: This? It's the latest thing! Beetle on a Stick! Faddle: It gives ya the yummy taste of yer favorite beetle, but without the usual mess of gettin beetle pus all over yer hands! And I'm sure ya know how nasty /that/ phizz is! Bung: "Without messing up my hands." [[Bung grabs the Beetle on a Stick with his tongue and eats it.]] ((GLORP!)) ((CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)) ((GULP)) Bung: Well well. What will they think of next? Faddle: /HEY!/ I waz gonna /re-sell/ that stick! Saturday, March 20, 2004 [[ Bung: I'm sorry I ate your stick, Faddle. Tell you what.. Bung: You can have one my mushrooms. Off my back. Faddle: What am I gonna do with this? Bung: You eat it. Faddle: /Eat it?/ Eat somethin' ya had growin' on yer back? /That's phizzed!/ Bung: Fine. Throw it away if you don't want it. But whatever you do, /do it someplace else./ [[Faddle stalks off.]] Faddle (thinking): grumble grumble. Eats my beetle and my stick, and gives me /this/. Whadda rip-- Faddle (thinking): Hmm. It don't /look/ so bad. Maybe I can take it ta the Barter Hall... Faddle (thinking): /Yyyeah/.. if I don't tell 'em where I got it, maybe I can- Motihaul: Hey! That's one of /Bung's/ mushrooms! How much do you want for it? Sunday, March 21, 2004 [[ [[Rosemary's Treefruit continues to make strange noises.]] Rosemary (off-panel): So... ((glurp)) ((burble)) Rosemary: Everyone actually expects me to /eat/ this thing? Sylvester: It's not as bad as it looks. Or sounds. Rosemary: Th-- Sylvester: And yes, I know, "That wouldn't be very hard." Sylvester: Linus created the Tree. What you see here is just one branch; they are everywhere in the Mansion, both down here and back upstairs. And while Treefruit isn't exactly /delicious/, it is eatable [sic] and, for us humans at least, quite nutritious. Mortimer and I just about live off of it these days. Rosemary: Th-- Sylvester: And yes, I know, "That explains so much!" Monday, March 22, 2004 [[ [[Sylvester is looking up..]] Rosemary: Is something else wrong? Sylvester: Nno.. [[A view of the Tree]] Sylvester (off-panel): ...it's just that this branch of the Tree is much bigger than before. Sylvester: And the fruit is, too. Maybe this Nevus person really has earned the right to sell it... Rosemary: So maybe it /tastes/ better now as well. Sylvester: Or maybe now it's poisonous to humans. [[Beat panel.]] Rosemary: You first. Sylvester: Oh, no. I couldn't possibly. After you. Tuesday, March 23, 2004 [[ Rosemary: Do it together? Sylvester: OK. On three. One, two... [[Sylvester and Rosemary each eat a small piece of Treefruit simultaneously.]] Sylvester: ...three. [[Rosemary is pleasantly surprised.]] [[Sylvester is pleasantly surprised.]] [[Sylvester and Rosemary begin attacking their Treefruit furiously.]] Sylvester (thinking): if it /is/ poisonous, at least I'll die having eaten one of them... ((gobble)) ((SCARF)) ((chew)) ((munch)) ((GULP)) ((burp)) Wednesday, March 24, 2004 [[ Comshaw: This next bit... it's a little tricky. Niddle: "Tricky?" How so? [[Rough diagram of an incredibly complex and intertwined maze of caves. There is a Jibjib in a nest, graffiti, and vague bits of machinery. Also to one side a glowing gem]] [[Niddle is now carrying the gem.]] Niddle: Oh. Thursday, March 25, 2004 [[ [[Niddle is holding a strange gem or crystal in one hand.]] Niddle: Comshaw? What was all of that back there? Comshaw: Just one of those places where things get all twisted up. The Council got it cheap, because no one wants to-- What's that in your hand? [[The gem has disappeared. Niddle looks at his empty hands.]] Niddle: What? My hand? Where? [[Comshaw walks away. The gem is back in Niddle's hand.]] Comshaw: Nothing. Never mind. Niddle (whispers to Digger): Sometimes Comshaw /sees/ things. I worry about him. Digger (whispers to Niddle): Aye. Friday, March 26, 2004 [[ [[In a mushroom grove]] Ooze 1: Looks like you got yerself a a fine crop this season. Ooze 2: Ayup. If I can keep the slimegrubs off 'em, I should- Ooze 1: What's wrong: Ooze 2: Nothing wrong. Just... See that gnoll comin' along? The bald one? That's the one everybody's always goin' on about anymore. Ooze 2: Comshaw. That's his name. [[Comshaw and Niddle walk past, seemingly hanging from the ceiling. The Oozes gaze at them.]] Ooze 1: Huh. Ooze 1: I still can't believe you sold your floor here to those Council folks. Ooze 2: /I/ ain't usin' it. ((flick)) [[He brushes a bit of debris off one of the mushrooms. It starts to fall towards the top of the panel.]] Saturday, March 27, 2004 [[ Narrator: Camora and Hax discuss humans... Camora: You still haven't said how you're going to help. Camora: /If/ you can. Hax: I have been thinking. Hax: I would like to try something first. Camora: What's that? [[Hax lowers himself fully onto Camora's head.]] ((foomp)) Camora: *Hey!* Hax: .... Camora: Yes, of course I can hear you. What a stupid- [[The metaphorical lightbulb - or GBOL, rather - lights for Camora]] Camora: OK. Fine. That's pretty handy. So now what? Hax: .... .... .... .... Camora [[Angrily]]: We're going to WHAT? Sunday, March 28, 2004 [[ Camora: This is the dumbest plan ever! The humans have to be- Hax: .... Camora: Well, no, they don't have to actually /die/, I guess... Hax: .... Camora: All right. Fine. We'll try this. We just to have to [sic] find th- Hax: .... Camora: They are? Huh. At least they have a good taste. Camora: And at least you and your boss really are good for someth- [[A Motihaul has arrived on the scene. He stares at Camora, puzzled.]] [[Camora stares back.]] Camora: Yes. I like to talk to my hat. Do you have a problem with this? Motihaul: Nope. [[Leaves, quickly]] Monday, March 29, 2004 [[ [[Skuy, Snerd and Fosic rush past Camora & Hax, carrying buckets.]] Camora: Snerd? What's going on? Snerd: Big fire at the elevator! We're trying to organize a bucket chain to the nearest well! [[Two other Gnolls, two Gobules, a Wyrm and Nugabela the Motihaul, all slightly smug-looking, pass C&H in the other direction.]] Camora: What... Gnoll with pointy hair: Someone's got one of Bung's mushrooms! Gonna be an Auction! {{His name is Pizzle}} [[Beat panel]] Camora: I suppose I must squash this sudden urge to allow the humans to run selectively amuck. Tuesday, March 30, 2004 [[[ Apvbsx: Finally; /there's/ Dpxbfo. Unnamed Ghast: That Fratzing piece of iron burned my fingers... Dpxbfo: Hey. No sign of the humans. Where's Hpthbvtw? Apvbsx: At the elevator. Sent us to keep looking. And if they didn't come by here... then there's only one place left to check... [[Hpobfvfr and a Wyrm peek from behind a corner. Although his name hasn't been given in the strip, it's Tabo.]] Dpxbfo [[Off-panel]]: Fratzing Zark. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this... Unnamed Ghast [[also off-panel]]: Is anyone else smelling smoke? Tabo: What was all /that/ about? Hpobfvfr: We're going to find out. Get the rest of the squad. {{Footnote: "I now realize that in terms of the Mansion's internal chronology, I should have drawn and posted this particular strip at least a week or two back. If you all could just pretend that I did, I would be grateful. This is what I get for letting my buffer of finished strips dwindle away to nothing..."}} Wednesday, March 31, 2004 Narration: The Council discusses the current situation... Chairbeing Preznit: So there is a fire burning near the elevator. Let us be rational. What is there of value in the area? The Death Hall? The Time Twistpoint? We can simply let the flames burn themselves out... Gavzada the Motihaul: I must remind the chairbeing that the Bottle is vulnerable to fire. if it's damaged, Chauncy and Edgar will be freed. [[Beat panel. Preznit sits still; the unhooded Gnoll councilmember (Wunk) to hir right frowns]] Chairbeing Preznit: Mondegren. Get everyone you can find to help with the bucket chains. _NOW_. Mondegren [[Furiously twiddling away at the comm console]]: Sir! Already on it, Sir! APRIL 01, 2004: [[Izchak leans against the doorframe of his shop as Clochard approaches.]] Clochard: Hello, Izchak. Izchak: Ah, Clochard. Greetings. Clochard: Business appears a trifle slow. Izchak: At the moment, yes, But I have faith. Troat: They're sayin' there are humans again. I want somethin sharp and pointy. Izchak: Of course, sir. Right this way. Clochard: Faith? Izchak: In poeple's nature. In the way the world works. Friday, April 2, 2004 [[Mortimer hangs from a tree by strands of spyderweb]] [[...and is surprised to be approached by a Saur]] Mortimer [[Tiredly]]: Are you going to eat me? Snerk: /Eat/ you? [[Snerk examines Sylvester's foot.]] Snerk: ((sniff)) Snerk: ((lick)) Snerk: ((gag puke retch)) Mortimer [[Thinking]]: First that spider, and now this. I'm almost offended... Saturday, April 3, 2004 Mortimer: I don't suppose you could help me down? [[Something breaks above him.]] ((SNAP! twang)) [[Hits ground]] ((THUD)) [[Hit by falling branch]] ((bonk)) Mortimer [[Doozily]]: I don't suppose you could help me up? Sunday, April 4, 2004 Mortimer: Man, I just don't know... Snerk: I'm sorry? [[Agita and Guttle can be seen approaching in the background]] Mortimer: I mean, OK, on the one hand, it is sorta my fault that Nitfol's tree got chewed down and all, but on the other hand, he _could_ have helped me when that tree-squid attacked me... Mortimer: And now, I think that spider is probably eating him. I'm away clean, but maybe I should go help him... if there is any way that I _can_ help him... Mortimer: Sigh... I wish Sylvester was here. He's good at coming up with plans. A lot of the time they even work... [[Suddenly spins and faces Snerk.]] Mortimer: What do _you_ think? Snerk [[Visibly confused]]: Are you some kind of performance artist, or are you just insane? Monday, April 5, 2004 [[A metaphorical GBOL lights up next to Sylvester. He stops guzzling his Treefruit.]] Sylvester: Rosemary, we have to get out of here. Rosemary: "Get out"? Don't be silly! We have to get seconds of this stuff! Sylvester: That's just it. It's good. Too good. If we're going to have seconds, then we're going to have thirds. And fourths. And then... [[Beat panel of a suddenly horrified Rosemary]] [[Thought bubble panel of S&R with raggy clothes and a crazed gaze]] Rosemary: hEy maN, ya Got an' TREEFRUIT? Comshaw, wearing a business suit: Zark off, hippie. Rosemary: We have to get out of here. Sylvester: Yes. Good idea. Tuesday, April 6, 2004 [[ Sylvester: And it's not just because of the addictive Treefruit that we should leave... Rosemary: Yeah, I suppose we have pretty much worn out our welcome here. Rosemary: But maybe we can slip out before- [[Dpxbfo, Apvbsx and the unnamed Ghast arrive]] Rosemary: -anything else happens... Wednesday, April 7, 2004 [[Rosemary [[attempting to fake a smile at the Ghasts]]: Um... hi! Snoot [[appears abruptly between the Ghasts and the humans]]: Is there a problem in here? Rosemary & Sylvester: GAH! Unnamed Ghast: Scram, Snoot. This is Council business. Snoot: "Council business"... [[Gill, Fang, and Mslissa appear behind him]] Snoot: Mr. Nevus has made his feelings about "Council" and its business _quite_ clear. Thursday, April 8, 2004 [[Comshaw, Niddle and Digger are in a tunnel..]] Niddle: Comshaw! I think I see the tunnel guard up ahead! [[Comshaw studies a Boogieman holding a spiked club.]] Comshaw: Bertrum? Someone hired -you- to guard the tunnel? [[No reply. Comshaw waves his hand.]] Comshaw: Bertrum? [[Comshaw walks on.]] Comshaw: Been nice talking to you, Bertrum... Niddle: That's not the guard? Digger: That's not the guard. Bertrum: duhhh... Friday, April 9, 2004 Comshaw: Say, look. It's Furphy. Comshaw: Hey, Furphy. Howzit going? [[Furphy, another gnoll, gestures Comshaw to lean closer]] Furphy [[whispering]]: This is /not/ happening. We are not here. We are not having this conversation. In fact, it's very possible that none of us even exist. [[Furphy leaves]] Niddle: My head hurts. Comshaw: Not having conversations with Furphy can do that to you. Digger: Proves your head exists. Saturday, April 10, 2004 [[Furphy passes Bertrum]] [[...and glances up towards him]] Furphy: I am not here. We wouldn't be having this conversation, even if we /did/ exist. Which we probably don't. Bertrum [[thinking to himself]] duh..* [[*:"my head hurts"]] Sunday, April 11, 2004 [[ [[A Gobule and a Gnoll - named Tuft and Dap respectivly, as we will later learn - hang out in a small side-cave. Dap is stacking pebbles in a ritualistic way.]] Tuft: Zark, I'm bored. [[A Motihaul (Hiblehoy) and a Wyrm (Voog) rush by, carrying buckets, along with a male Gnoll (Krink)]] Motihaul: Let's move it! We all /know/ what will happen if Chauncy and Edgar get loose again! [[Beat panel]] Tuft: Bored, bored, bored. Dap: Don't you just hate pointless repetition? They really should come up with an /all-new/ apocalypse... Monday, April 12, 2004 [[ [[Grak and Grik the Trogs are discussing]] Grak: This is /ridiculous/! That theving little Gobule [sic] got away. and now the Council wants us to fight this fire? Why bother? Grak: It is all the way over younder! And everything is stone; there's not a scrap of fuel for it to- ((FOOM)) [[A flame swoops down the hallway, grilling the Trogs a bit.]] [[The two are now covered in soot]] Grak: But then, who am I to question the wisdom of my betters? Grik: Shut up. Find a bucket. Tuesday, April 13, 2004 [[ [[Kulma the Motihaul and Niff the Gnoll discuss]] Kulma: This is the closest well to the fire. Looks like we're the start of the bucketchain... Niff: I forget. Who's the guard at this- [[A robed Ichyoid looms into view, its head cut off by the top of the panel.]] Niff: Oh. Niff. It's you. Niff: Um. Hi. Niff. There's a fire. At the elevator. And we need to form a bucketchain. If we don't... Chauncy and Edgar... might... get free? [[Beat panel, empasizing the size difference between the small Gnoll and the larger-than-Human Ichyoid]] [[The Well Guard leans down to Niff; they are face-to-face.]] Niff: eep Well Guard: [[something written in Runic font]] {{It translates as "Fine".}} [[The Well Guard permits the bucketchain to pass.]] Kulma: Thank you... I think... Niff: [[thinking to himself]]: Once again, the deep wisdom of never wearing pants asserts itself. Wednesday, April 14, 2004 [[In the forest]] Mortimer: (sigh) I have to try. I have to find Nitfol and try to help him with the spider. If I can find the right tree, maybe- [[Another instance of a metaphorical GBOL lighting up]] Mortimer [[turning to Snerk]]: Why /are/ you here, if you don't want to eat me? Agita [[off-panel]]: As truly improbable it would seem... [[Agita, Guttle, and Mimsy, carrying Nevus, approach]] Agita: I suspect that our dear Snerk is here for the same reason that we _all_ are here... Snerk: That's right, Agita. I'm here for the /auction/. Agita: My my. Agita: Standards _have_ started to slip, haven't they? Thursday, April 15, 2004 [[Guttle: Hold it. Snerk, yer sayin' _you've_ got enough Fleebs to join in on an _Auction_? Snerk: Yes, /Guttle/, I do. Snerk: There's a new player in the forest, and I'm his official representativ. He's /very/ interested in this auction. Agita [[pointing her umbrella at Mortimer]]: I _see_... Agita: How... _interesting..._ Agita: But what about _you_? Mortimer: sorry? Agita: Well... in his way, dearest Snerk is an _old_ friend. Agita: But unless you are one of my insipid male counterparts with moss piled on your head, I don't even recognize your _species_. Agita: And this really is a _private_ affair. ((snik)) [[A blade pops out from the end of her umbrella.]] Friday, April 16, 2004 [[ [[Agita is threatening Mortimer with her umbrella.]] Nevus: Now, now, Agita. No need to be so -hasty-... [[Mimsy is holding a covered tray. Nevus's voice comes from under the cover.]] Nevus: The explanation is quite obvious. (Mimsy my dear, I'd like a better view..) [[Mimsy's hand reaches in to lift the cover.]] Nevus: Considering he appears able to breeze unnoticed through our joint security perimeter... [[Nevus is a small Wyrm, coiled around a sort of stick which is mounted in the center of the tray.]] Nevus: He must be our ever-so-mysterious auctioneer, -Mustn't he?- Saturday, April 17, 2004 [[{{Belated April Fools Comic Swap Art by The Loser Hero of Twice Destined.}} The Mansion of E: By Robert M. Cook "It's much bigger than it looks." [[An extremely steep perspective cut-off view of the basement. Far up left towers the Mansion's cactus-like spire; up right, a siluette of Mortimer being chased by the Tree-Shark. The center is dominated by the bottle of Council Penalty Wine, with the Council surrounding it. To its right are raging Council workers, Sepferb foremost; to its left, the Operator, grinning and ablaze; and above, the face of the Woman of Mystery. (appearing much younger than she "really" is.) In the lower right corner, we see a Helipath rendered in a Cthulhian fashion, three Saurs, and Comshaw & Camora. Finally, bottom right, closest to the camera, Rosemary seems to be determinedly pushing a slightly puzzled-looking Sylvester forwards. Both have apparently lost their hats somewhere.]] Sunday, April 18, 2004 [[Rosemary and Sylvester watch the three Ghasts argue with Snoot & his waitress accompaniments.]] Rosemary: They clearly have some issues they need to work out. Sylvester [[turning to leave]]: Yes. And I imagine they don't need us hanging around underfoot while they do so. [[She watches some more]] ((!!!!)) ((/!!!!/)) ((!@$#$!)) ((!!*!*!*!*> [[Sylvester reappears.]] Sylvester: I /SAID/... Rosemary: (sigh) I'm coming, I'm coming. Monday, April 19, 2004 Sylvester: You weren't really going to get involved in that ... discussion ... Sylvester: were you? Rosemary: No. Not really. Rosemary: But I _was_ sort of hoping I might pick up a few ghast-fighting tips. Just in case we- ((SNIP!)) ((splorp)) ((splup)) ((splatter)) [[Pieces of Ghast are flinged at the wall.]] Sylvester [[visibly disturbed by the sight]]: Well, there you go. Have your hands removed and replaced by giant lobster claws... Tuesday, April 20, 2004 [[The walls of Le Tree restaurant are splattered with Ghast-material]] [[The pieces start to gather back together.]] ((blorp blorp)) [[The pieces reassemble to form Dpebfo the Ghast.]] ((blorp blorp blorp)) Dpebfo: Zorp this. If those two things -were- the humans, then they are.. [[He looks up as something comes looming over him.]] Dpebfo: ..getting away? [[Fang the Ooze crashes down over him, bringing along a table.]] ((SPA-LOOSH!)) {{Author's Note added summer 2009: I now consider this sequence to be an Official Mistake, and things have Changed. In future, Ghasts will not be able to so easily re-assemble themselves, and Oozes cannnot (sic) sploosh themselves around with such reckless abandon; for any D&D enthusiasts in the crowd, they are both more like Shambling Mounds than Black Puddings. }} --> Tuesday, April 20, 2004 [[The walls of Le Tree restaurant are splattered with Ghast-material]] [[The pieces start to gather back together.]] ((blorp blorp)) [[The pieces reassemble to form Dpebfo the Ghast.]] ((blorp blorp blorp)) Dpebfo: Zorp this. If those two things -were- the humans, then they are.. [[He looks up as something comes looming over him.]] Dpebfo: ..getting away? [[Fang the Ooze crashes down over him, bringing along a table.]] ((SPA-LOOSH!)) {{Author's Note added summer 2009: I now consider this sequence to be an Official Mistake, and things have Changed. In future, Ghasts will not be able to so easily re-assemble themselves, and Oozes cannnot (sic) sploosh themselves around with such reckless abandon; for any D&D enthusiasts in the crowd, they are both more like Shambling Mounds than Black Puddings. }} Wednesday, April 21, 2004 [[Dpebfo: This is just silly. Two fellow amorphs fighting like this. What do you say we- Fang: Oh, that's rich. Dpebfo: What's rich? Fang: Mr. Ghast, talking about fellowship. Dpebfo: And what's that supposed to mean? Fang: Mr. Ghast, Mr. "I've got legs and a head, and that makes me better than the rest of you." Dpebfo: Now look, you little mudball Fang: Shut up and fight, fellow amorph. Thursday, April 22, 2004 [[Camora and Hax walk down the long hallway.]] Camora: All right. There's Le Tree. The humans are inside. -If- your information is correct. Hax: ---! Camora: Fine. Fine. You have good information. But could you "speak" up a little more? You -are- a little hard to understand. Hax, softly: Oh, very well. Is this better? Camora: Yes. Hax: Where shall we wait? Camora: The usual place, of course. [[An alcove in the wall labelled in large letters OFFICIAL LURKING ALCOVE LURK HERE]] Hax: Of course. What was I thinking? Friday, April 23, 2004 [[Camora: So now we're in position. Nothing to do now but /lurk/. Hax: Actually, there /is/ something I do need to do. Camora: Something /more/? What? ((POING!)) [[A pair of antennae pop out of Hax.]] Hax: AHHH... Hax: They get SO cramped when I have to keep them tucked in like that... Camora: If it turns out that those two things have /anything/ to do with reproduction, I will rip them off and make you /eat/ them. Saturday, April 24, 2004 [[Tuft and Dap's nook. Sina goes past, carrying a cakeshroom on a plate]] Tuft: Hey.. it's Sina. Whatcha got there? Sina: Hello, Tuft. Sina: It's a genuine official birthday cakeshroom. I traded two shiverroots for it in the Barter Hall. Sina: I'm throwing a party for Catmorlo, and I'm running very late. Sina: Oh. Hello, Dap. Sina: And goodbye. Tuft: A real cakeshroom. I could smell it. How come I never get invited to any of Sina's parties? Dap: Because you're a shiftless, vermin-infested low-life. [[Dap begins restacking his rocks.]] Tuft: Rrright. And -you- never get invited... because...? Dap: -Everyone- knows that even a genuine cakeshroom causes me to break out in a simply -horrible- rash Sunday, April 25, 2004 [[Sina arrives in a small dining hall, carrying a cakeshroom on a tray]] Sina: OK, everyone! I'm finally here! Sina: Let the party begin! [[The hall is empty, save for Nosh, lone Gobule sitting at the far end of the table.]] Nosh: Yeah! Woohoo! Bring it on! Sina: Where is Catmorlo.. and everyone else? Nosh: There's a fire near the elevator. They all went off to join the bucket chain. Sina [[horrified]]: A fire? At the elevator? Did the Operator.. Never mind! I need to find a bucket! Why are you just /sitting/ there? [[She leaves, leaving the tray behind on the table.]] Nosh [[thinking to himself as he approaches the abandoned cakeshroom]]: "Why am I just sitting here." /(sigh)/ I loveya, Sina, but sometimes, ya ask the silliest questions... Monday, April 26, 2004 [[Nosh has climbed on the table and prepares to chomp on the Cakeshroom left behind by Sina.]] Sina [[off-panel]]: I know what I'll do! ((vwoop!)) ((SNATCH!)) ((CRUNCH)) [[Sina grabs the Cakeshroom just as Nosh bites; he ends up just gnashing his teeth together]] ((SPLAT!!)) [[The overbalanced Gobule falls over from the table]] Sina: I'll take the cakeshroom and serve it to the people working on the bucketchain! They're going to get hungry! Sina: And I bet /Comshaw/ will be there as well! Nosh [[from the ground]]: We can only hope... Tuesday, April 27, 2004 [[{{Note the meta-soundeffects in this strip!}} [[Sylvester and Rosemary are sneaking away behind a dead Ecadem]] Sylvester and/or Rosemary [[thinking]]: Almost there... ((VARIOUS)) ((NOT-TOO-DISTANT)) [[also thinking]] Almost there... ((sounds)) ((OF)) [[still thinking]] Almost th- [Snoot suddenly stands before them]] Sylvester and Rosemary: GAH!! Rosemary: So. Um. Mr.. Snoot.. was it? ((VIOLENCE)) ((AND)) Snoot: Yes, Madam. ((MAYHEM)) Rosemary: Is this teleportation power of yours a racial characteristic, or is it something that they teach you in Maitre d' school? Snoot: I am afraid, Madam, that that is classified information. ((!!!)) Wednesday, April 28, 2004 [[{{More meta-soundeffects here}} ((Noises)) Snoot: I merely wished to ask if Sir and Madam enjoyed your dining experience. ((Building)) Sylvester: Enjoy... Yes! Wonderful! Great! We'll be sure to recommend you t- ((To A)) ((PARTICULARILY **LOUD** KABOOM)) [[A horde of fleeing Le Tree customers rushes by]] Sylvester: Do you _want_ us to recommend you to all of our friends? Snoot: You may as well. It appears we will be needing new customers.. Thursday, April 29, 2004 Sylvester: But really, the fruit here is wonderful. You should be proud. Snoot: Thank you, Sir. Rosemary: Could use some napkins, though. Sylvester: True. The juice of those things _is_ sorta sticky. Snoot: Napkins, sir? [[Snoot glares at S&R]] Sylvester: You know. Napkins. Small squares of paper or cloth, which people.. customers... can use to wipe clean their... Sylvester: appendages? Rosemary [[quietly at Sylvester]]: Are we in trouble _again_? Sylvester: probably... Friday, April 30, 2004 [[Text-box at top-left saying: Rosemary and Sylvester have mentioned napkins... [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand side by side facing Snoot; large dead beast visible in background]] Sylvester: Is there a problem? Snoot: Please wait here. [[Snoot has gone. Rosemary and Sylvester look at one another dubiously.]] Rosemary [[turning to face Sylvester]]: Maybe we should run for it while- Snoot [[in emphatic tones drifting in from stage-right, with the words spaced-out]]: Please Wait There Rosemary [[turning back tio stare after Snoot]]: Why does he suddenly scare me more than all of those ghasts put together? Sylvester: I suspect that's the other thing which they teach you at the Matre D' Academy ... Saturday, May 1, 2004 [[Comshaw, Niddle and Digger face a corner where two walls meet; on either side of them, in each of the walls, is an artificially-constructed archway leading to a tunnel; the tunnel on the right has some sort of writing above it. Comshaw is holding his poking stick, Niddle clutching a crystal.]] Comshaw: Now then, Niddle, /this/ is where the tunnel branches. On the left it goes up. On the right it goes out to the forest. Comshaw: So, Digger. Out with it. Who is this guard who's blocking the forest- Sound-effect offstage-right: POKE!! Voice offstage-right: YIPE! [[An adult trog runs across the frame, yelping, watched by Comshaw]] Adult trog: YIPE! YIPE! YIPE! Comshaw: Oh. So it's /him/, is it? Niddle: "Him"? Digger: HIM Sunday, May 2, 2004 [[In the tunnel to the forest]] Skoil, from off-panel: Ah, Comshaw. Comshaw: Hello, Skoil. Skoil: I must say, the Council was surprisingly efficient getting you down here so fast to.. heh.. deal with me. Niddle, from off-panel: Comshaw? What's he talking about? The Council didn't- ((STOMP)) Niddle: AAAEEII!!! Digger, off-panel: Sorry, lad, clumsy of me. Skoil: But bringing Niddle along? What *were* they thinking? Comshaw: Yeah, well. No one's perfect. Monday, May 3, 2004 [[In the tunnel to the forest]] Skoil: Of course, you'll want to know who hired me to guard this tunnel. Comshaw: Someone who has enough fleebs to pay your fee. I'll get more specific once I'm out in the forest. Skoil: Heh heh. And so, we come to the classic confrontation, the old guard trying to face down the brash handsome young- ((POKE)) Skoil: eep [[Skoil falls over as Comshaw watches.]] [[Comshaw walks on as Niddle looks down at Skoil.]] Comshaw: Ever noticed that some young people talk too much? Tuesday, May 4, 2004 [[In the tunnel to the forest. Digger and Niddle walk along. Skoil lays on the ground.]] [[Digger tramples over Skoil.]] [[Niddle stares at this.]] Niddle: You didn't need to do that! Digger: No. No, I did not. Wednesday, May 5, 2004 [[Clochard: Nitid? You here? You hear what's been.. ..going on? Oh my.. [[Nitid home. The wall is covered with paintings/comic strips.]] Clochard: You've been busy. What's all this? Nitid: Ah. Hello, Clochard. You see, there are times when I grow weary of endlessly painting signs for others. This is a story *I* wished to tell. Clochard: Impressive. But down here, no one will ever see it. Nitid: Perhaps it is just as well. I do not really want masses of people trooping through my home. You know, what I *truly* wish is that aurilnodes could send pictures as well as sounds... Nitid: Then anyone who so wished could contact me from anywhere. Perhaps I could.. post.. one panel a day, and individuals could call at their leisure. [[Clochard starts to speak]] [[Stops and thinks about this for a moment.]] Clochard: I can't decide if that's brilliant, or the most idiotic thing I've ever heard in my life. Nitid: Ah well. You say something's been going on? {{This was the artist's contribution to Online Comics Day 2004, which sought to promote the medium. The comics on the wall are the original pre-Keenspace/ComicGenesis version of the Mansion of E.}} Thursday, May 6, 2004 [[In the forest of E. Agita and Mimsy are also present.]] Snerk, indicating Mortimer: *This* guy? The auctioneer? He was just babbling about- Guttle: How *did* you get past our security? We surrounded the clearing! [[Mortimer gestures as he speaks]] Mortimer: Oh. Well. I was being chased by this shark. So I climbed a tree. But this tree-squid attacked me, and the shark was a beaver shark, and it chewed down the tree. But I grabbed the squid's tentacles as we were falling, and it was all stretchy, and when those gnolls were there, it shot us into the air... [[More gestures]] Mortimer: ...where we met that Willygig-thing, and he suspended time while he yelled at me for stuff I didn't do. And then he left, and we fell, and landed on that spider-web, but the spider threw me away, and I landed here. And I met Snerk. [[Everyone stares at him.]] [[Everyone stares some more.]] ((blinking)) Nevus: There. See? Why didn't *we* think to cover that possibility? Friday, May 7, 2004 [[Snerk watches angrily.]] Agita: Very well. We've covered your.. colorful.. history. As you are no doubt aware, Nevus, Guttle and I are all extremely busy individuals. [[A shot of the yellow sun above the forest; it has blue tinge around it.]] Agita: But after getting those *fascinating* invitations, we've made time to come all the way out here to the forest. And on such a lovely *sunny* day, too. [[She opens her umbrella]] ((foomp)) Agita: So. Mortimer: So? [[Mimsy, Nevus and Guttle join her.]] Agita: if you *are* the auctioneer, what, if anything, do you have for us that is worth all this time and trouble? Mortimer: Invitations? I didn't- I... [[The HJ42 in his hand.]] Mortimer: I have this! Saturday, May 8, 2004 [[Agita: So. What exactly does this.. device.. of yours do? Mortimer: Well.. it.. [[He pushes a button on the HJ42.]] ((BEEP)) Nevus: It beeps. I already *have* things that b- [[Gigantic explosion/lightshow rises above the trees. The colored sun is in the sky.]] ((ZORP)) Sunday, May 9, 2004 [[In the forest.]] Frotz: Say.. you hear? There's word that something's got the gnolls n' pales squabblin' with each other. Gnusto: Yup. Maybe a break for us. For once. We'll see... [[An enormous lightshow in the distance as the Zorper is activated.]] ((ZORP)) [[The two watch the blast fade.]] Frotz: If that's squabblin', I don't wanna know what happens when they get *really* mad with each other. Monday, May 10, 2004 [[The Gem that Niddle is carrying goes:]] (((zorp))) [[Comshaw, Niddle and Digger are in a tunnel to the forest.]] Comshaw: Something wrong? Niddle: Did.. you just hear a funny noise? Comshaw: Just now? No. Earlier though, I thought I heard.. Digger? Did -you- hear anything? Digger: Nay. Comshaw: (sigh) Well, whatever's going on, I imagine we'll find out all too soon... Digger: Tis how it works generally. Tuesday , May 11 , 2004 Narration: Meanwhile, on the front lines.. Snerd: What's the hold-up? We need to get this bucket-chain moving! Wrawa: A problem. We can avoid the Death Hall, but we *have* to go through that twist-point to reach the Elevator! Snerd: Trying to run a bucket-chain through a time twistpoint? Oh no. No no no. Hiblehoy: There's another way! We can go through Rhid's place! [[Snerd and Wrawa stare at him.]] Snerd: "Go through Rhid's place"? CRAZY Rhid's place? Wrawa: Maybe if we screw up the flow of time *badly* enough, the fire will never have happened at all! Wednesday, May 12, 2004 [[On the would-be bucketchain]] Snerd: (sigh) OK, fine. We have to talk to Rhid. Our only chance is to send someone to whom Rhid owes a favor. Who would that be? Wrawa: Comshaw. Snerd: Yes! Of course! Comshaw! [[Turns so he's facing Spot.]] Snerd: Comshaw, you need to.. to.. Snerd: You're not Comshaw. Spot: Comshaw ain't here. Snerd: Spot says that Comshaw's not here. Wrawa: Spot and his puerile jokes. I imagine Comshaw's already talking to Rhid. Thursday, May 13, 2004 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's]] Spot: I ain't jokin' Wrawa! Comshaw ain't here! Wrawa: But.. that's just *silly*. Water is wet. Fire is hot. Comshaw shows up when- Spot: Yeah, well. He's gone. And Camora. And the *Big Three*, too. No one's seen 'em all day. {{Nevus, Agita and Guttle}} [[Skuy is visible in the shot.]] Snerd: But.. *someone's* got to take charge! Hiblehoy: The Council..? Spot: What, they gonna tack up a "A No Exploding Operators" sign? We need a boss, an organizer, someone who- Sina, from off-panel: WHY ARE YOU ALL JUST STANDING THERE!? [[Spot and Wrawa stare at Sina, who is still carrying her cakeshroom.]] [[They both smile.]] Sina: I'm going to be sorry I asked that, aren't I? Friday, May 14, 2004 Narration: A squad gathers.. Hopobefever: OK. Everyone here? All right. Listen up. I've know for quite a while now that the Council, and Hpthbvtw's little gang, have been up to something, and they haven't seen fit to inform ME. Hopobefever: Now they've gone into Le Tree, Nevus's pride and joy. We all know they wouldn't do that unless it was something *really* important. So we're going in to. We're getting to the bottom of this, NOW. Hopobefever: Any questions? No? Good. Let's move. Gobule: I got a question. Anyone smell smoke? Wyrm: Metaphorically? Most definitely... Saturday, May 15, 2004 [[Camora and Hax in the lurking alcove.]] Camora: Hmm. Hax: What is it? [[Hopobefever leading her squad into Le Tree]] Camora: See that Ghast going into Le Tree? Hax: Yes. Camora: That's Hopobefever. Works for the Council. She's a dangerous one. Hax: Oh? Camora: She notices things. Hax: That's not so bad.. Camora: *And* she *listens* to you when you talk. Hax: Oh, dear. Sunday, May 16, 2004 [[Hax and Camora are Lurking in the Lurking Alcove outside of Le Tree.]] Hax: So you.. admire.. this Hopobefever? Camora: "Admire" is a little strong. But she's definitely second-tier material. Hax: Second-/what/ material? Camora: In terms of intelligence, I'm first-tier. So is Comshaw. On a good day. Second-tier you've got Hopobef, Telic, Skibble, Bung.. Maybe. With Bung it may just be a case of having very good rumor connections... Camora: Then you get to third-tier. Some of these /could/ be second-tier, if they just /applied/ themselves more productively. Sina perhaps being the arch-typical example. Hax: You came up with this.. theory.. all on your own, didn't you? Camora: No one else was smart enough. Monday , May 17 , 2004 [[In the Lurking Alcove opposite Le Tree.]] Hax: So. On which of your "intelligence tiers" do *I* reside? Camora: I don't know you will enough to assign you. Yet. Which reminds me.. Hax: Yes? Camora: What's *your* story? How did you end up working for God? [[Hax thinks about this.]] Hax: You know.. it's been so long.. I can't remember. Camora: That's probably going to cost you a tier right there. Tuesday, May 18, 2004 [[In the lobby of Le Tree]] Sylvester: It's gotten awfully quiet in there. Can *you* see what is happening? Rosemary: I *think* I see the queen snake still moving around. Maybe the Ghasts- Hopobefever: Excuse me? [[Hopobefever with her squad: two Trogs, two Wyrms and a Gobule, most of whom haven't been named on-panel. She shows her badge.]] Hopobefever: Squader-leader Hpobfvfr, Council police. I heard you mention Ghasts? Did you happen to see which way they went? [[Sylvester and Rosemary exchange nervous glances.]] Sylvester and Rosemary, pointing: They went that way. Hopobefever: Much.. obliged. Wednesday, May 19, 2004 [[In the lobby of Le Tree. Rosemary and a Wyrm watch.]] Hopobefever: Ambit. Go establish a parimeter inside. Ambit: Right, boss. [[Hopobefever turns to Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Hopobefever: Now then. You two. Sylvester: Yes? Hopobefever: I don't like all-new species suddenly cropping up out of nowhere. And you -are- all-new. Don't try to tell me that you've replaced Snoot as the resident Motihaul; you are male and female, and look almost alike. [[A shot of two bodies.]] Hopobefever: For bonus points, also explain the dead Ecadem and the unconscious Boogie. [[Sylvester steps in front of Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Are you saying you've never even -heard- of h- ((CRASH)) Off-screen voice: YAAHH! Thursday, May 20, 2004 [[Hopobefever: Gaah! I'm surrounded by idiots! You. Wait here. Sylvester: Right. No Problem. [[Hopobefever leaves scene]] Sylvester: Rosemary? Where are you going? Rosemary: Nowhere. I'm looking for something.. anything.. I can use as a weapon. Sylvester: A weapon? Rosemary's voice: Just in case. I'm really not that good at fighting hand-to-hand. Sylvester: -Please- don't tell me you're going to rip off that Ecadem's stinger.. Rosemary's voice: Give me a little credit. It's far too brittle. Friday , May 21 , 2004 [[In the lobby of Le Tree.]] Sylvester: No weapons? Rosemary: Not even a plant stand or a chair leg. What kind of restaurant lobby is this? [[The dead Ecadem Smyth]] Sylvester: You seemed to do OK without one just now.. Rosemary: Eh. None of them were trained fighters. And that.. what didya callit? Ecadem? A lot more fragile than it looks. [[Percy's hand as he lies on the floor.]] Sylvester: *You've* never seen an Ecadem? But you're- Rosemary: Yeah, well, I'd never seen a boogieman like Percy, either. Sylvester: If you'd never seen one, then how- Rosemary: I *do* read. Wuttgutt's "Cyclopedia of Night Beasties" and Parkdaddle's "Hack N' Slash Heroing Manual" both had complete write-ups on the species. "AIM FOR THE HEAD OR SOON YOU'RE DEAD". Saturday , May 22 , 2004 [[In the lobby of Le Tree]] Rosemary: Speaking of Boogiemen.. That brings us back to just how weird this mansion of yours is! Sylvester: Oh? Rosemary: All the books, even Wuttgutt's, say that there hasn't been a confirmed boogieman sighting in well over 100 years! And *you've* got them working as waiters! Sylvester: Well, I- Rosemary: You've also got Ichyoids up and walking around on dry land! And Willygigs popping in for lunch! And things I've never even heard of! "Ecadems" , and that other waiter who was serving Treefruit! Sylvester: You've never heard of jibjib burds? {{sic}} Rosemary: *No*, not the jibjib. I heard and saw enough of jibjibs by the age of six to last me my entire life. Rosemary: (Although none of them ever engaged in sarcastic repartee, Thank the Brush..) I meant the flying blob. With the tentacles. Sylvester: A helipath. They're harmless. They suck up fruit j- Rosemary: And what the zark was that thing on its head? A light, or some sort of *propeller blade?* Sunday , May 23 , 2004 [[Blackness]] Mortimer: wha? [[He opens his eyes.]] [[He is lying on the ground amid flowers and rocks.]] [[He sits up.]] [[He is in a clearing in the forest. Trees have been knocked down. The sky is overcast. The Mansion is visible in the background.]] [[He starts hitting himself on the side of the head.]] ((BONK BONK BONK)) Mortimer, thinking: "Don't push any strange buttons." "Don't push any strange buttons." Sylvester's gonna be *really* mad this time... Monday , May 24 , 2004 [[Mortimer surveys the changed forest.]] Mortimer, thinking: How could this thing change the whole *sky*? [[He notices something]] Mortimer: thinking: It's just not- -possible..? [[Someone's hand resting on the ground.]] [[Mortimer bends over him]] Mortimer: Oh, Brush. I'm so sorry. It's all my f- [[A human male lying face up, with short spiky hair.]] {{This man has not been seen before.}} Mortimer: Who are you? FutureRosemary, from off-panel: *There* you are. Tuesday , May 25 , 2004 [[In a changed forest]] Mortimer: Rosemary? Is that you? Rosemary, off panel: of course it's me. [[She is wearing an armored top and skirt, carrying a shield with a large E on it, and wielding a bladed pole-weapon. Her hat is the same.]] {{This weapon is called the Can-Opener.}} Rosemary: sigh. I thought maybe we'd finally broken you of the habit of wandering off. What happened to your playmates? They were *supposed* to keep an eye on you. [[Rosemary lifts a webbing-strand with her weapon.]] Mortimer: Playmates? What play- Rosemary: You changed clothes. And is this *webbing*? Only you could find a spider to fool around with at a time like this. Mortimer: It attacked me. About those playmates- Rosemary: Never mind. I'm *sure* they'll find you again. Let's go. Sylvester and the others are waiting. Mortimer: But.. I.. I don't.. Rosemary: What's wrong now, Mortimer? [[The dead guy lying on the ground.]] Mortimer: That man on the ground! I think he's *dead*! Rosemary: I zarking *hope* so. (sigh redux) I suppose the Saurs won't touch him, and we'll have to find a hole to toss him in. Mysterious Voice from off-panel: *HEY!* Wednesday, May 26, 2004 [[Mortimer and Armored Rosemary are staring off-screen at Mortimer #2 as he talks. A giant semitransparent P overlaps this and the following panels]] Mortimer #2: Sorry, Rosemary. We got a little sidetracked, but now we're.. [[Mortimer #2 wears a pointy hat and wears a shirt with moon and stars on it. He carries an umbrella. With him are a human woman and a female Motihaul, wearing matching clothes.]] Mortimer #2: ..here? [[The two Mortimers face each other.]] Mortimer #2: Who is this? Mortimer, shakily: My head hurts.. Mortimer #2: "Head hurts"? Wait.. the webbing.. and that shirt.. [[Armored Rosemary and Mortimer #2 watch as Mortimer fades from view.]] Mortimer #2: Oh, no! NO! I /remember/ now! Mortimer! You've got the HJ42! Whatever you do, don't let it meet- [[P!!]] Thursday, May 27, 2004 [[Mortimer is back in the clearing.]] Narration: ZORP... Snerk, off-panel: Wow. Snerk: Impressive light-show! Mortimer: Light..? Uh.. thanks. Where are the others? [[Mimsy, Nevus and Guttle looking dazed.]] Snerk: Oh, you know undergrounders. Don't handle bright light very well. [[Agita's hand reaches for Snerk's neck.]] Snerk: ..and that being the case, what say you and I come to a private little- Snerk: URK! Snerk: Oh, hey there, -guk- Agita! Agita: Some of us handle it better than others. Friday, May 28, 2004 [[In the tunnel to the forest]] Niddle: Comshaw.. that Gnoll you poked back there.. Comshaw: Skoil. Yes? What about him? Niddle: I've always known yoiu have a dangerous job. But.. do you do that a lot? Have.. duels? Comshaw: I'm the best poker in the world. So, yeah. They're always coming after me. Niddle: Oh. Comshaw: You think it's too dangerous? Niddle: It's safer than asking Camora's parents to support us. Comshaw: EEP! Saturday, May 29, 2004 [[Comshaw and Niddle the Gnolls are talking in the tunnel to the forest.]] Comshaw: OK.. we're almost to the forest. I need to explain. Niddle.. Niddle: There's no ceiling there. I understand. Comshaw: No. You don't. But... we'll see. What I was /going/ to say was about the sun. It's like... the River of Fire. Comshaw: ...you /have/ been to the River, right? Niddle: I went to the Observatory that one time. The sun is like that? But I thought the sun was /hot/. Comshaw: OK. Yes. The sun is like the River of Fire. Except that it's hot. Niddle: I won't try and touch it then. Sunday, May 30, 2004 [[Comshaw and Digger Odel are talking in the tunnel to the forest.]] Comshaw: Say.. Digger.. why did /you/ want to go to the forest? Digger: To dig a tree. Comshaw: "Dig a-" ah. No. The word is "chop". You /chop/ trees. And you need a nome-axe, not a wyrm-pick. [[They look at each other for a moment.]] [[Digger turns to leave.]] Digger: I said dig. I meant dig. [[Comshaw watches him leave.]] [[Niddle appears in the shot.]] Comshaw: Find out who hired Skoil and why, or go watch someone "dig a tree". There just isn't enough time in a day. Monday, May 31, 2004 [[Sina the Gnoll and others are in a corridor near "Crazy" Rhid's home.]] Narrator: On the Bucket-chain... Sina: OK. Fine. Spot. You're fast. Go back along the chain. Send any Wyrms forward; got no hands, but they're pretty fireproof. Spot the Gobule: On it, Boss. Sina: Wrawa. Go round up some adult Trogs. I'm going to try and /talk/ to Rhid, but if that doesn't work.. Wrawa the Trog: Yes. All right. [[Sepferb the Ghast appears on the scene. Sina gives him the cakeshroom she is carrying.]] Sepferb: Th- Sina: Oh. Sepferb, isn't it? Good. Here. Guard this. Don't let anyone eat it! [[Sepferb watches as Sina leaves the shot. Her words fade as she moves away.]] Sina: Hiblehoy! We're gonna need more buckets. You go talk to that idiot T.. Sepferb: The Council sent me to take charge of the situation. Snerd the Gnoll: Um... Hooray? Tuesday, June 1, 2004 [[Sepferb the Ghast is holding a tray with a "cakeshroom" on it.]] Sepferb, thinking: So. I start the day as a member of a top-secret strikeforce hunting down rampaging monsters... [[Sepferb's "Ghastvision" POV of the cakeshroom; various items are labelled.]] Sepferb, thinking: And I end it as a gnoll's cakeshroom guard. [[Beat panel of Sepferb's face.]] [[The cake is snatched off the tray the instant he looks away.]] Sepferb, thinking: Could this /possibly/ be more humiliating? Wednesday, June 2, 2004 [[Fosic the Helipath, Mowder the Trog and Skuy the Gnoll are manning the bucket brigade.]] Mowder: This whole things stinks. Skuy: Could you be more specific? Mowder: A big fire just -happens- to break out near Crazy Rhid's place. Mr. Firebug himself. And the only way to fight it just -happens- to be a bucket-chain, using buckets supplied by who? Tunktal the bucket-maker, of course. -I smell a conspiracy.- Skuy: Oh, please! You're just being silly! Even Tunktal's not... that greedy... Fosic: Actually, he makes a compelling argument. Mowdur: I say we save some the fire! It's not a proper lynch mob without -torches!- [[Sepferb screams in anger from off-panel]] Thursday , June 3 , 2004 [[Gorp and Phiga run along with their stolen cakeshroom. Members of the bucket brigade watch in puzzlement.]] [[More running. There is a large window. Snipe the Jibjib is flying in the background, carrying a large coil of rope.]] [[More running. Background: Faddle the Gnoll and Nugabela the Motihaul have exchanged goods.]] [[The exterior of a Gobule lair. There is a scattering of various devices, a large Hand of Glory, a branch of the Tree, and two entrances, one labeled WOO HOO.]] Gorp and/or Phiga: WOO HOO! Friday, June 4, 2004 [[Amos notices as unlocking-type noises come from the door.]] ((click clunk blerp shunk boop)) [[The FRED door swings open, as Amos vanishes.]] [[Amos reappears, weilding a large axe, and grinning angrily.]] [[The Woman of Mystery appears in the FRED doorway, smiling at Amos and carrying an umbrella. Amos freezes in his tracks, very unpleasantly surprised.]] [[Amos is back lounging in his doorway, displaying nonchalence as he discards the axe.]] Amos: Oh. It's /you/. WoM: I choose to be flattered. Saturday, June 5, 2004 [[The Woman of Mystery is locking her door, as Amos Grubb lounges in his doorway.]] Amos: So... ((boop shunk blerp clunk click)) [[The WoM turns to face him, holding up an umbrella.]] Amos: You're... going out? WoM: Yes, Amos. It's /such/ a lovely day... [[The WoM snaps open the umbrella, startling Amos.]] ((foomp!)) WoM: ..I thought I'd go for a little stroll. [[Amos watches as the WoM walks away, holding the umbrella over her head.]] [[Amos's wife Nellie Grubb leans into sight from inside their doorway.]] Nellie: Somewhere out there, some poor body is in a whole /heap/ of trouble. Amos: Ah-yup. Sunday, June 6, 2004 [[Amos tosses his ax into a waiting receptacle.]] Nellie Grubb: I tell you, Amos, *something's* coming. Amos Grubb: Eh? How so, Nellie? Nellie: There been *signs*. Not just Her Nibs goin' out for one of her strolls. My knee's been acting up again. Saw that big shootin' star on the balcony last night. [[Their front door.]] Nellie: *And* the front door's rehinged itself. Third time this week! Nellie: *You* see anything strange? Amos: Nope. Well... Sylvester may have found himself a lady friend. That count? Nellie: He didn't! Amos: Ah-yup. Nellie: Well that's a sign of *somethin* unsettling, but I'm not sure its related. Amos: They *do* say that insanity will run rampant in the End Times... Monday, June 7, 2004 [[Inside Le Tree, Hopobefever looks at the Ghast lying on the floor.]] Hopobefever: Apvbsx? Is that you? Pull yourself together! Apvbsx: Tryin' like zark, Ma'am. Hopobefever: All right. What's going on here? [[Ambit the Trog gets tossed into the shot, landing on Apvbsx.]] Fang: What's going on? I'll tell you! [[Fang and the rest of the bouncers, looking a bit the worse for wear. Mslissa the Queen Snake has a Gobule in her coils.]] Fang: The Council.. keeps sending us.. this lousy material to try and work with. Hopobefever: Yes. Yes they have. Until now. Tuesday , June 8 , 2004 [[Inside Le Tree. Debris and flames. Hopobefever confronts the bouncers]] Fang: You? What are *you* going to do all by y- [[Hopobefever smashes Fang's eye.]] ((SMOOSH)) [[She fells Mslissa the Queen Snake with a punch.]] ((POW)) [[Gill the Ichyoid is puzzled to be hoisted aloft.]] [[He is thrown.]] ((VIOLENT IMPACT)) Wednesday , June 9 , 2004 [[Hopobefever stands amidst the defeated bouncers. The Jibjib waiter looks down from the local branch of the Tree.]] {{The waiter's name has not been given on-screen, but it is Swill.}} Hopobever: Now then. Anyone *else* have anything to contribute? Swill: Umm.. yes. Hopobefever: Yes? Swill: "This means war." Hopobefever: Bring it o- [[She is pelted with Treefruit.]] ((SPLUP BLORB)) Thursday, June 10, 2004 [[Rosemary and Sylvester listen to sounds of battle inside Le Tree]] ((CRUNCH SPLATTER BANG)) Sylvester: Um... Rosemary? I strongly suspect you're not one to.. well.. *give up* easily.. And I know that *both* the scary Maitre D' and the angry ghast told us to wait here... Sylvester: But... still... Do you think maybe.. just maybe.. we could go back to the elevator, go back upstairs, regroup, and try again for the pot.. tomorrow or something? [[They stare at each other.]] [[Rosemary walks towards the exit.]] Rosemary: OK. Sylvester, thinking: What's bizarre is, now I'm disappointed in her.. Rosemary: Maybe we'll wait until Tuesday. I'll need an extra day if I'm going to cobble together a flame-thrower. Friday , June 11 , 2004 [[In the lobby of Le Tree]] Sylvester: You're going to build a flame-thrower? Rosemary: You have a moral objection? Sylvester: No. Call it a technical one. There was an article in the Times, and it was saying that the Army's been trying to- Rosemary: Wait.. You read the Times? The newspaper from the Capital? Sylvester: One of my few extravagances; I have it delievered to our PO Box down in the village. Very expensive, and it takes forever to arrive, but even so, it's the only halfway-reliable way to keep up with the latest Regulations, our investments, events Out West, fashion.. [[He sees Rosemary's expression.]] Sylvester: What? You're surprised we still have investments? I may not be able to rush out and buy a pot anytime I want, but I've stopped us bleeding Simoleons from every pore! [[Rosemary fingers his tie.]] Rosemary: *You* keep up with the latest fashion trends? Sylvester: Oh. If you think *white ties* are bad, you obviously missed that whole "Jibjib feather-suit" craze a couple of years back. Rosemary: Fashion demanded that people wear suits made out of *Jibjib feathers*? Sylvester: Now even *Mortimer* reads the fashion section first. Saturday , June 12 , 2004 [[In the lobby of Le Tree.]] Rosemary: Well anyway. We're out of here. Tabo: The squad-leader wanted you to stay. Rosemary: I thought you were all inside. Tabo: No. I'm the rear-guard. I'm always the rear-guard. [[Rosemary reaches for Tabo.]] Sylvester: Always? That hardly seems fair! Rosemary: Yeah! Never get in on the action or anything! ((GLOMP)) [[Tabo has wrapped the two humans up in his coils.]] Tabo: We all have our burdens in life. Sunday , June 13 , 2004 [[A Wyrm has Rosemary and Sylvester tied up]] {{The Wyrm is named Tabo}} Tabo: Now, we're going to just st- Sylvester: urk Snoot: Ahem Tabo: Eh? [[Tabo gets hit with a blast of powder.]] ((POOF)) Tabo: Whoa [[He uncoils and falls to the ground.]] ((THUD)) Snoot: Sir. Madam. Mr. Spatchcock would like a word with you. Tabo: Wow. Did you ever look at your tail? I mean, did you ever really *look* at it? Monday , June 14 , 2004 Narration: Meanwhile, elsewhere.. [[The Weirdo climbs stairs]] Weirdo: What a day it's been. [[He reaches for a doorknob]] [[He enters a room. (His quarters)]] Weirdo: But now we can put our feet up and- [[Yasmine is waiting for him in the dark.]] Weirdo: Oh dear. It's not at all safe for you to be here. Yasmine: Your report is overdue. They were.. concerned. [[The door closes behind the Weirdo, locks engage.]] ((click clunk boop)) Yasmine: So here I am. Weirdo: W- I do not have all the information. Not nearly, I am afraid. Yasmine: But you have *some.* Weirdo: Gathered at great personal rixk, I might add. Yasmine: You may. But then you report. Weirdo: (sigh) Very well.. My report. Tuesday, June 15, 2004 [[Weirdo: My preliminary report on the resident fauna of the Mansion of E. Yasmine Fotheringby: How formal of you. Weirdo: I will start by once again emphasizing that much of this information is tentative, often gathered from a distance or even second-hand. Also, while some of these species are known to humanity, even familiar, I will operate from the assumption that the listener is totally unacquainted with them. Yasmine Fotheringby: Understood. Weirdo: To begin, we have two of the most common species which inhabit the sprawling and elaborate "Basement" of the Mansion... -GNOLLS- Gnolls are a spindly bipedal race, who stand about half as high as a human. Considering their general lack of physical strength, they have done surprisingly well for themselves both in the Basement and out in the surrounding forest. Or perhaps it is not so surprising; Gnolls in the Mansion tend to be quite clever and resourceful, far more so than ones encountered elsewhere. They are capable of speech. There are male and female gnolls, but other details of their reproductive act remain shrouded in mystery; a third individual is invariably involved, and these individuals are carefully selected by the male and female Gnoll in question. What these individuals actually do is unclear. [[Group shot of Comshaw, Camora, and Niddle.]] [[Portrait shot of a Gobule eating something.]] Weirdo: -GOBULES- Basically mouths mounted on a set of powerful rubbery legs, Gobules serve as the Basement's semi-official garbagemen and scavengers. Anything discarded or left unguarded will be quickly scooped up and carried away, and large piles of debris accumulate around any Gobule dwelling-place. Their tongues are quite long and flexible, and can be used as an adaptive manipulative appendage. The act of eating appears to be literally religious among Gobules, and social status is gained by public consumption of new and unusual items. They can talk, indeed, arguing with one another and with other species may be their second-favorite activity after eating. This constant squabbling makes them less dangerous as a species than they might otherwise be. They have two sexes. {{Artist's Note: Just so we're absolutely clear here, this is not "me" giving this report, or some omniscent narrator, but a character down on the ground, who hasn't seen close to everything, a fallible individual who may make mistakes, overlook something, or even deliberately conceal information. Still, since I'm doing this "Monsterpedia" for you the readers, you can assume that it's all /pretty/ much true. And you might even learn a thing or two...}} Wednesday, June 16, 2004 [[Weirdo: REPORT CONTINUES... Mysterious Figure: No need to yell. I'm right here.. Weirdo: -MOTIHAULS- The most unusual aspect of this human-sized species is the extreme difference in appearance between the males and females. In addition to looking almost nothing alike, the two sexes also spend almost no time together. The species is also atypical in that its members wear clothes. Motihauls, both male and female, gravitate towards shopkeeping and entrepreneural pursuits. Not particularly dangerous physically, they are shrewd and cunning. [[Portrait shot of a male (left) and a female (right) Moithaul eyeing each other suspiciously.]] [[Portrait shot of an Eyebolt working at a desk.]] Weirdo: -EYEBOLTS- I have learned little about this rather sedentary species; even finding out their name was something of a challenge. However... Basement society has developed to the point that it features clerks and offices, and this species appears to have carved out a solid niche in being and manning such things. They are male and female, although in sharp contrast to the Motihauls, among Eyebolts the two are practically indistinguishable. Having only one eye does not appear to hamper them in any significant way. Weirdo: -HELIPATHS- A truly bizarre species, the Helipaths constantly float about by a mechanism I have not fully fathomed, although it appears to resemble a propeller from an airship. The species has no mouth per se but speaks, as near as I can tell, by altering the pitch and speed of their flying mechanism. Food, or rather juice and pulp, is injested through the (smooth) tentacles. The species appears quite intelligent and manually dexterous, and has never shown signs of being a threat to others. Method of reproduction and distribution of the sexes, if any, are totally unknown. [[Portrait shot of a Helipath reaching for an object on a shelf.]] Thursday, June 17, 2004 [[The Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic is giving a report to Yasmine Fotheringby]] Weirdo: -TROGLODYTES- The "Trog" life-cycle is another that continues to baffle me. Instead of becoming more intelligent as they mature, the lizard-like Trogs appear to do just the reverse. Young male and female Trogs are capable of rational, even sophisticated, discourse, but as they grow they undergo drastic physical and mental changes; a fully adult trog of either sex is little more than a ravening beast, lurking at the fringes of Basement society and butchering anyone unwary enough to come near. The change is so profound, I didn't realize for some time that the young and old Trogs are members of the same species. [[Portrait shot of a young, an adolescent, and an adult Trog (left to right).]] [[Portrait shot of a male (left) and a female (right) Ghast, touching hands.]] Weirdo: -GHASTS- Ghasts are three-eyed bipedal collections of dripping slime. They are intelligent, highly perceptive and very difficult to kill, and thus are among the most respected of Basement inhabitants. I use "respect" instead of "fear" deliberately, for it seems that Ghasts are restricted to a very limited diet which does not include meat. There are male and female Ghasts, and I have overheard vague mentions of "pools" which clearly play a part in their reproductive process. Further details are very sketchy. Individual Ghasts can only be told apart by the Little Floaty Things which constantly hover near every Ghast's head. Weirdo: -OOZES- Oozes seem to be related to Ghasts, although instead of displaying fellowship, social relations between the two species are best described as "strained". Oozes cannot form legs capable of carrying their weight, and thus cannot move at any great speed, but they are far more amorphous than Ghasts, and can create a number of crude manipulative appendages from their bodies. They can climb walls and even ceilings with ease. Their diet is more extensive than Ghasts, although they are more carrion-feeders than active predators, and thus often compete with Gobules as scavengers. I have seen no female Oozes, but I suspect they exist, and remain within the confines of the Ooze colony. [[Profile shot of an Ooze with an appendage on a wall, looking "up" at the Ghasts in the previous panel.]] Friday, June 18, 2004 [[Wierdo: -JIBJIBS- Despite what I said at the outset about assuming zero knowledge on the part of my listeners, here I can only say, yes, these are simply Jibjib Burds, exactly the same as those found in any common barnyard or on your dinner plate. Yasmine: Not on /my/ dinner plate. Wierdo: Well. Yes. The only differences: They are much larger, they are intelligent and capable of both speech and sustained flight. It cannot be a coincidence that this intellectual advancement is almost identical to that seen in the Mansion's Gnolls. [[Portrait shot of a Jibjib, looking at something poking out of the ground.]] [[Profile shot of a Wyrm.]] Weirdo: -WYRMS- While not an overt danger, Wyrms are a more forbidding species than their somewhat whimsical appearance might suggest. Quite strong and tough, they are reportedly capable of digging much further down into the "Hot Zone" than any other species. Most of them, in fact, seem to prefer to stay down in that region, often working there as miners. They come in two varieties, python-sized and quite tiny, which otherwise seem to be very much alike, in both abilities and temperament, although my contact to date with the small ones has been very limited. Weirdo: -WILLYGIGS- A species of rather.. erratic.. time-travelers about which little is known. Yasmine: Wait. Willygigs? They actually exist? Weirdo: Yes. I managed to speak to the one, evidently the only one, who currently visits the Mansion. He is named "Protus", and our brief conversation was unenlightening. He clearly assumed that I had information which I did not and still do not possess, and that he had reason to hold a mild grudge against me. He departed quite suddenly, in a fashion I couldn't fathom. Yasmine: You mean he Disappeared. Wierdo: Yes. Yasmine: And that at some point in the future, you're going to make him angry. Wierdo: Yes. Yasmine: Lovely... [[Profile shot of Protus "bending the fabric of time."]] Saturday, June 19, 2004 [[Weirdo: -BOOGIEMEN- A species of large and powerful bipeds. I have not been able to get close enough to one to obtain detailed data. While none of them appear to be geniuses as such, there has been a definite /range/ of intellect on display. They do wear clothes, which would seem to be a sign of higher thought processes. Another oddity about the speices is that individual "Boogies" use human names for themselves, the only race in the Basement to do so. No female Boogies have yet been sighted. [[Profile shot of a Boogieman holding an unfortunate gnoll(?) in one fist.]] [[Portrait shot of an Ichyoid with one claw raised.]] Weirdo: -ICHYOIDS- Another large and muscular race. Due to the Ichyoids' amphibious nature, and the resulting fact that their dwelling places are all submerged, data is once again scarce. However, unlike the Boogies, they have displayed no overtly aggressive behavior in my presence, and may possess a high degree of intellect, even though they are either unable or unwilling to speak the common language, as the rest of the Basement dwellers do. As with the Motihauls and Boogies, they wear clothes. Wierdo: -DORNBEASTS- A race of large armored predators who viciously compete with adult Trogs for food and living space at the edges of Basement society; at the moment the two species give every indication of being locked in an endless and bloody stalemate. Dornbeasts appear to be entirely non-sentient, but they are intelligent enough to be domesticated and deployed as low-level guards and watch-"dogs". Ghasts appear to have a particular affinity for using Dornbeasts in this capacity. [[Profile shot of a Dornbeast slathering and glaring at a small flower.]] Sunday, June 20, 2004 [[Profile shot of an Ecadem (with barbed tail) and a Queen Snake.]] [[Giant question mark, in lieu of a picture of a Sneech.]] Weirdo: -SNEECHES- And here we pass into territory where my knowledge ventures to the brink of complete failure. I have never seen a Sneech, and judging from what I have heard, I am very lucky to do so. By all reports, the race is reclusive, xenophobic, and highly lethal. They are rumored to be bipedal, have more than two arms, and to be able to shoot some sort of deadly "beam" from their eyes, much like the battle-engines of the olden days are said to have done... Weirdo: -THE OPERATOR- I am not at liberty to discuss this individual, even to you, beyond saying that he is confined to his elevator, and that he is the only member of his race currently in or under the Mansion. These are two facts about which one should be deeply and profoundly grateful. Yasmine: What do you /mean/, you are not at-- Wierdo: /Moving on/. We next come to the various races who currently inhabit the forest which surrounds the Mansion... [[Portrait shot of the Operator, holding a sign with the copyright on it.]] Monday, June 21, 2004 [[Profile shot of a forest Gnoll poking with a stick at a beehive labeled "angry beez! dont poke!!" in Manglish.]] Weirdo: -GNOLLS- There is a population of Gnolls in the Forest. Except for a tolerance for sunlight and a somewhat less pronounced intellectual advancement, they are identical to their underground cousins. Weirdo: -NOMES- It appears that Nomes were once quite numerous in the Basement, but now all but a handful live out in the Forest, mostly working as, well, foresters. Nomes tend to be pragmatic and calm, but they are capable of anger under duress, and they are surprisingly strong considering their small size. I hold the view that Nomes and Humans are somehow related, and my current observations have only reinforced this belief. Apart from the physical similarities, they wear clothes and, unique among Mansion-dwellers, have been observed smoking pipes. [[Profile shot of a Nome standing on a thick tree limb and leaning back against the trunk, smoking. In one hand he holds a pole with a grabber dangling at the end of a string.]] [[Profile shot of two Pales, one with a holed banner and one with a double-pointed spear or military fork.]] Weirdo: -PALES- Little is known about this race of dark-pelted bipeds, who tend to be bad-tempered, reclusive and ill-disposed towards outsiders. Note that this is merely a /tendency/, not the open fanaticism and lethality ascribed to Sneeches: a solitary Pale will occasionally venture into the Basement, where they are treated as objects of mild curiousity. They are particularly unfriendly towards the Forest Gnolls, and there are vague reports of ongoing skirmishes between the two species. Weirdo: -SAURS- The fleet, skittish Saurs replace Gobules and Oozes as the primary scavengers of the Forest, rapidly gathering to clean up the results of various battles and feedings. They may be distant relatives of the Trogs, but they remain fully sentient and capable of speech throughout their lives, and do not appear to suffer from the Trog life-cycle abnormalities previously described. [[Profile shot of a nervously-looking Saur holding a twig.]] Tuesday, June 22, 2004 [[Weirdo: -TREE SQUIDS- One of the two major predators in the Forest, this species prefers to lurk in the treetops and snag any passing prey, usually Saurs and Gnolls. They appear to be fairly intelligent, and able to understand spoken comments, even if they themselves are incapable of speech. Oddly, they will attack any species except Nomes, whom they go out of their way to avoid. They do not appear to actively obey Nome commands. {{Nitfol earlier explained that T-squids are allergic to Nomes, although the Weirdo evidently does not know this.}} [[Profile shot of a Tree Squid suspending itself between two trees.]] [[Profile shot of a Spyder sitting in its web.]] Weirdo: -GIANT SPYDERS- The other great forest predator. The intelligence of this species is almost impossible to gauge, but I suspect they are at least sentient. They use hunting methods similar to ordinary spiders. In strangely direct opposition to the Tree Squids, a Spyder will instantly and viciously attack any Nome which crosses its path, discarding opportunities for easier and closer prey to do so. The Spyders and "T-Squids" battle constantly for territory, neither side ever able to gain any permanent advantage. These battles are rumored to be exceptionally vicious and bloody. Weirdo: -BEAVER SHARK- I have heard persistant rumors of a third predator-species who sometimes appears in the forest, but I have yet to obtain any hard evidence that the so-called "Beaver Shark" actually exists. Stories universally depict it as a relentless unstoppable killing machine who feeds voraciously for a time, driving all before it, before disappearing back into months or even years of obscurity. Further research is required. Yasmine: Sounds to -me- like you've done all the research that's needed on the topic... Wednesday, June 23, 2004 [[Yasmine: So. That's it? Weirdo: For large sentiants, yes. There are also innumerable varieties of small pests roaming around.. [[The Weirdo passes a jarred slime-grub to Yasmine. She has a circular mark on the palm of her hand.]] Weirdo: One of the most pernicious is this. It's called a slime-grub. Gets into everything in the Basement. Yasmine: We have these in the Capital. Not nearly so large, though. Weirdo: Yes... Weirdo: Something far more.. intriguing.. is /this/. I've never seen anything like it before. It's called a "Fleeb". {{The first close-up of a Fleeb}} Thursday, June 24, 2004 [[The Weirdo and Yasmine are shown in sillhouette.]] Yasmine: A "Fleeb." Weirdo: That's what the basement-dwellers call them, at least. [[The Weirdo holds out a Fleeb in a small container.]] Yasmine: What does it do, exactly? Weirdo: Nothing. [[View zooms closer in towards the Fleeb.]] Yasmine: How is -that- intriguing? Weirdo: Quite literally, nothing. [[Close-up shot of the Fleeb's eye and upper body.]] Weirdo: They don't eat, they don't reproduce, they just sit around and... sort of stare... Friday, June 25, 2004 [[Sillhouette view of Yasmine and the Weirdo talking.]] Yasmine: These "Fleebs" do not eat? That is not possible. Weirdo: All right. I've never -seen- one eat. Or reproduce. [[Frontal sillhouette view of the Weirdo.]] Weirdo: And because they -are- so docile, portable, and limited in quantity, the Basement-dwellers have taken to using them as a sort of currency. [[Yasmine and the Weirdo in profile again.]] Yasmine: Currency.. Weirdo: What? [[Close up on Yasmine holding the Fleeb's container.]] Yasmine: I find these things... disturbing. Weirdo: -You- find something to be disturbing? Yasmine: I find many things to be disturbing. These.. Enough so that I will take all you have with me. Saturday, June 26, 2004 [[Silhouette shot of Yasmine and the Weirdo talking. The Weirdo holds up two fingers.]] Weirdo: I only have two Fleebs. They're not easy to obtain.]] Yasmine: It will have to do. [[The Weirdo picks the container holding his second Fleeb off a shelf of other specimens.]] Weirdo: What has you so worried that you want them? Yasmine: Events Out West... [[Close-up on Yasmine's glowing eyes.]] Yasmine: They are going badly. Worse than you've probably heard here. Weirdo: What's that have to do with-- [[The Weirdo tosses his second Fleeb to Yasmine.]] Yasmine: Tulip is dead. Weirdo: -WHAT? HOW?!- [[Yasmine catches the second Fleeb.]] Yasmine: We don't know. That's how bad things are there. But he did send one last report. In it, he made a vague reference. [[Yasmine stacks one Fleeb jar on top of the other.]] Yasmine: He didn't call them "Fleebs," but I'm positive these things... They were what he was talking about. Sunday , June 27 , 2004 [[In the Attic of the Weirdo]] Weirdo/Arthur: Why didn't you tell me sooner that Tulip is- gone? Yasmine: They didn't want me to tell you at all. They thought it might.. distract you. Yasmine: But *I* thought you had a right to know. I know the two of you were close. Weirdo: We joined up together. That first night in the Plebe Dorms, he and I- [[Realizes something.]] Weirdo: You waited until *after* I given the report. Yasmine: There was a certain tactical element in my timing, yes. [[They are both silent for a moment.]] Weirdo: Thank you. Yasmine: He was my friend too. And we *must* see to it that his death was not in vain. Monday, June 28, 2004 [[Up in the Attic. Various shapes are dimly visible in the background.]] Yasmine: Tulip is dead. We must grieve, but as painful as it is, must also realize.. Yasmine: Everything Out West.. Even though it may very well end up smashing all we've worked to rebuild since the Crash.. it's *not important.* Yasmine: Not as important as this Mansion. We must figure out what's really going on here. And soon. The Weirdo/Arthur: Yes Arthur: And I'm still missing a big piece of the puzzle. It all just doesn't.. fit... together.. Yasmine: Something is wrong, in the hereandnow? Arthur: It should *not* be getting lighter in here. Tuesday, June 29, 2004 [[In the Attic of the Mansion.]] The Weirdo/Arthur: As I reported before, I'm being watched by.. someone. I thought we had protection here in my room, but.. You have to leave. NOW. Yasmine: Yes. [[She starts to leave] Yasmine: But try and stay in touch. Arthur: NO! I mean, wait! I almost forgot! Today.. there was a woman with Sylvester. [[He reaches for a pen.]] [[He scribbles on some paper.]] ((skritch skritch skritch)) [[Hands her the paper; has a very stylized drawing of Rosemary on it.]] Arthur: Here's a Doodle. Name unknown. Western accent: from Moonin, maybe Erewhon. Swordbunny, level 4+. Rusticated. Arthur: And, except that she was wearing one of Sylvester's helmets, she was dressed like a Chroman Initiate. But if that woman's ever taken Chroman vows, then I'm a slime-grub. Wednesday , June 30 , 2004 [[Yasmine holds the "Doodle" that Arthur/The Weirdo has given her.]] Yasmine: This.. westerner.. turns up *here* just as "fleebs" appear out *there.* This simply cannot be a coincidence. Arthur: No. And I'll send a more complete Report as soon as I can. Now GO! [[Yasmine looks at him for a moment.]] [[She is gone.]] [[The light overhead turns on.]] ((CLICK)) Thursday , July 1 , 2004 Narration: Meanwhile, out in the forest.. [[Agita has a grip on Snerk]] Mortimer: Um.. not that I'm *complaining* or anything.. Mortimer: ..but I'm the one who just blinded everyone. So.. why are you strangling Snerk? Agita: You were asked what that.. Zorper.. of yours does, and you demonstrated. But dear Snerk here was trying to break the Rules... Agita: And *everyone* has to *follow the Rules*. Friday , July 2 , 2004 [[Snerk, shakily: rules? what rules? Agita: Yes, that's right. You're new at this, aren't you, Snerk? I should explain. Agita: Society needs rules. Don't you agree.. what was your name again, auctioneer? Mortimer: um.. Mortimer? Agita: "Mortimer." After all, if we don't have rules, we're back to screaming blood-drenched anarchy. Agita: And *nobody* wants that. [[She shoots a sly glance at Mortimer.]] [[He stares back.]] Agita: Well, *almost* nobody. And so, we come up with official Rules for things like.. *Auctions*. Saturday , July 3 , 2004 [[In the forest]] Mortimer: Just because I am constantly dogged by screaming blood-drenched anarchy does *not* mean that I *want*- Agita: Fortunately, the Rules for auctions are quite simple: Agita: No misrepresentation of the merchandice. (sic) [[Mortimer looks at the Zorper.]] [[She admonishes Snerk]] Agita: No cutting private deals. [[She drops him.]] Agita: No threats of physical violence. Agita: And of course, the winner gets an 80-count headstart out of the clearing. Snerk, shakily: wait.. hold it.. what was that last one again? Sunday , July 4 , 2004 [[In a clearing in the forest]] Snerk: What do you mean, the winner of the auction gets an 80-count headstart? Agita: Ah yes. This, sadly, is where we come up against the *limitation* of Rules.. Agita: Having some commonly-agreed Rules to stave off the ever-prowling agents of chaos is all very well and good.. Mortimer: I do *not* prowl! Agita: BUT.. having Rules that go around begging to be broken.. Agita: This is a *bad* thing, a fact that Preznit and our other dear friends on the Council seem quite unable to grasp. Mortimer: Our friends on the *what*? Agita: So the Rules are very specific. Agita: The winner leaves and the rest of us stay right here and count to eighty. After that.. Retaining possession of his new toy becomes *entirely* said winner's responsibility. Mortimer: Hey! That's a *threat*! You just said no threats! Monday, July 5, 2004 [[In the tunnel to the forest, Niddle looks at a nonfunctioning robot sticking out of the wall.]] Niddle: Comshaw? This is one of those Metalmins people talk about, isn't it? Comshaw: Oh. Yes. We found it here while digging the tunnel. Comshaw: Too heavy for the Gobules to drag off, so someone'll come up from Hammer Hall and break it apart. Lots of high-quality metal in one of these things if you can crack in. Comshaw: What's wrong? Niddle: I don't know. It's sad. It seems... dead somehow. Like old bones. [[Comshaw walks away.]] Comshaw: Don't be silly, Niddle. Metal people don't get up and walk around. Niddle: Yes, I know. [[Niddle follows.]] Niddle, thinking: But you *used* to, didn't you? Tuesday , July 6 , 2004 [[A dead robot sticking out of a wall.]] Niddle, from off-panel: Comshaw, are you *sure* that metalmin can't- Comshaw, ditto: YES. [[Closing on the robot's head.]] [[Closing on its eyes.]] [[A tiny light appears in the eyes.]] ((ssS)) [[The head pops off the body, on the end of a long spring, the eyes cracked.]] ((sSpROINnGGG!!)) [[The head snaps off completely and fall to the ground.]] ((SNAP. THUD)) Wednesday , July 7 , 2004 [[In a Smyt hole]] Pxyt's mate: Pxyt! What that horribly racket outside? Pxyt: Dunno. Was just gonna go check. [[Pxyt looks outside hole.]] [[He looks up as his mate joins him.]] Pxyt: Well.. [[The "giant" severed robot head looms over them.]] Pxyt: There something you no see everyday. Thursday, July 8, 2004 [[A family of Smyts examine a severed robot head]] Child Smyt: Pa? What it be? Pa: Dunno, Grub [[Pa pokes the head.]] [[Nothing happens.]] [[The head explodes]] ((ZUM!)) Smyts: Who! Yip! [[The head smolders]] [[Pieces of the head rain down]] Smyts: Lookit! Aah! [[The pieces hit the ground and the head]] ((Ping THUNK PUM bong)) [[The Smyts watch. Nothing more.]] [[Pa pokes the head again.]] Friday , July 9 , 2004 [[Pxyt and his family look up a the robot head.]] Syxp, from off-panel: Hey, Pxyt. [[Syxp with his mate.]] Syxp: What that? Pxyt: Dunno, Syxp. Pxyt's mate: But it *ours.* [[Syxp suddenly has been joined by a bunch of friends.]] Syxp: Oh don't think so. [[Pxyt has help as well.]] Pxyt: *Do* think so. Pxyt's child: Hi Unc Frim! [[A brawl commences.]] ((oof splat hurt ug thud POINK!! Brawler: ARGH!! NOW *MAD*!! Saturday , July 10 , 2004 [[From atop the smashed robot head, two fuzzes watch the smyt tribes battle.]] Fuzz #1: Hah! ((various battle-noises)) Fuzz #1: Lookit dem stoopid smyts. Fuzz #2: Yeah. [[#2 disappears from sight.]] Fuzz #1: When they dun fightin we just take this dunnowhat from da winners. Fuzz #2: Yeah. [[#2 reappears holding a club.]] Fuzz #1: Dey never learn bout not bein greedy n *cooperatin*. Fuzz #2: Yeah. Sunday, July 11, 2004 [[On top of a destroyed Robot-head]] Fuzz #1: Almost time to- [[He realizes something iswrong.]] [[Fuzz #2's club smashes down where he just was.]] Fuzz #1: Boy you stoopid. Fuzz #2: Cuz no *cooperate*? Fuzz #1: *No* [[Fuzz #1 leaps to the attack.]] Fuzz #1: Cuz no wait till Smyts all dead! Monday , July 12 , 2004 [[Fuzz #1 knocks away #2's club]] Fuzz #2: RAR! [[They tussle and roll around.]] [[They fall off the robot head.]] Tuesday , July 13 , 2004 [[Amidst their two battling tribes.]] Pxyt: This all *your* fault. Syxp: No, it *your* f- ((THUMP BANG OOF)) [[They turn in the direction of the sounds.]] [[Fuzzes #1 and #2 are fighting.]] ((RAR!)) [[The Fuzzes stop, realizing they are being watched.]] Pxyt: Fuzzes. Syxp: Fuzzes. [[Other Smyts become aware.]] Smyt #3: Fuzzes? Smyt #4: Fuzzes!? Syxp: Fuzzes. It *they* fault! [[The two fuzzes flee.]] Fuzz #2: OK we cooperate! Fuzz #1: Yes fine shut up. Smyts: RAR! Wednesday, July 14, 2004 [[A pack of Smyts is chasing two Fuzzes]] Smyts: Getim Kill ((ABRUPT SCREECHING STOP)) ((THUD whump POW)) Smyt: oof! [[The critters are all in a jumbled pile, looking up]] [[An "enormous" slimegrub is looming over them]] ((CRUNCH)) ((gulp)) [[The slimegrub licks his tounge]] ((SLURP)) Slimegrub: BRAACCH! ((TROMPS fading away)) Female Smyt #1: This you fault Female Smyt #2: Noo, this /you/ fault! Young Smyt (thinking):There moral here somewhere.. Thursday , July 15 , 2004 [[Inside Le Tree]] Rosemary: Have you ever had one of those days that seems like a year? Sylvester: Not yet, but I think I might just about be there... Snoot, thinking: There be days that do *not* feel that way? {{MoE's one-year anniversary.}} Friday , July 16 , 2004 Narration: Meanwhile, down deep.. Blit: Oh. Hello. Vipthaboo, isn't it? Vipthiboo: I perfer "Vip-*thi*-boo", but yes. Going to the Observatory? Blit: Yes. Aurilnodes don't work this close to the River of Fire, and I have ne- Noet: Hail! Blit: Noet! Noet: Blit! Both: I bring much news! Noet: You go first. Blit: Much is happening, Noet! Nevus and the Council teeter on the brink of open warfare! A great fire burns near the Elevator! God schemes and plots! AND there are growing rumors of *humans* returning to the world! Noet: Small wonder! For that is MY news! The Signs shine clear and bright in the depths of The River. Today is.. The Day! Blit: it is!? Vipthiboo: Um.. what "Day" would that be, exactly? Blit: You Ghasts need to get out more! The Day Which Changes Everything, of course! It *will* come, and when it sweeps over y- [[A jumbled mass of reflections. THE DAY WHICH CHANGES EVERYTHING.]] Blit: -ou, you will repent your unmistakable ignorance. Vipthiboo: That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. [[Both of them are using a new dialogue font, and Noet the ooze has gained an extra eye stalk, bringing the total to two.]] {{The author again thanks Matthew Welch, the creator of the "One Forty Seven" font which became the Gnolls' new voice.}} Saturday , July 17 , 2004 [[Blit: Well, if you choose to wallow in blindness, there's nothing we can- Say, what's with the staff? Vipthiboo: Hmm? Vipthiboo: Oh. Yes. One of our Dornbeasts slipped through the fence again. I know it's close by, I can sense it. I need to round it up and- [[He notices something]] [[He is alone.]] Vipthiboo: It's just two weeks old! Its fangs have not even started to slaver yet! Sunday , July 18 , 2004 [[Neot is riding on Blit's back.]] Neot: Pah. Ghasts and their "pets." What room is this we've run into? Blit: What do you mean, "we", oh legless one? ((clik)) Recorded voice: MUHAHAHAHAHA!! ((chomp)) Blit: eep! [[A sinister-looking statue, shaped like a monkey, branded with a K, holding a flaming bowl in either hand.]] Voice: FOOLS! BLIND STUPID LITTLE FOOLS! THOU HAST TRESPASSED ON YE SHRINE OF YE MIGHTY *KAYLU*! HIS CURSE BE UPON THOU! YE *MONKEYS* SHALL *FEAST* UPON YE EN- [[Noet pulls a lever labeled in Manglish "munke show lever"]] ((CLUNK)) Noet: Oh, for Brush's sake, who turned *that* back on again? Noet: At least we know where- [[He notices Blit's expression.]] Noet: What's wrong? You have seen the "monkey show" at least three times! Blit: That's not the problem. [[A tiny Dornbeast is chewing on Blit's leg.]] Blit: I think I found Vipthiboo's lost Dornbeast.. Dornbeast: rr rr rrr! Monday, July 19, 2004 [[A young Dornbeast has clamped onto Blit's leg.]] Blit: whimper.. Neot: Hold still. I'll just pry him off of there. ((pop)) Neot: There we go! [[Holding up the Dornbeast.]] Neot: Aw. You are actually rather cute! ((CHOMP)) [[The Dornbeast has just bitten off Neot' finger.]] Neot: Hmm. [[Neot produces a new finger. The Dornbeast swallows the original and comes to a pleasant realization.]] ((gulp)) ((blorp)) [[Dornbeast attacks Neot]] Dornbeast: RRAAAGH! Neot: Gah! [[Blit watches the result.]] ((CHOMP! CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP CH-)) Dornbeast: eep! [[Neot has half-enveloped/muzzled the Dornbeast. He has a bite-hole.]] Blit: Cute? Neot: Cute *and* feisty! I am beginning to see why the Ghasts raise them! Tuesday , July 20 , 2004 [[Noet has the baby Dornbeast.]] Blit: You are thinking about *keeping* that little phizzer, aren't you? Noet: It's tempting, yes. Noet: But since he belongs to a Ghast, and Ghasts are so disgustingly good at tracking down lost property.. I'll give him back to Vipthiboo. Noet: There is no need to further inflame Ghast/Ooze tensions. Especially if.. [[The Kaylu monkey-shrine statue, sitting dark but ominous. It has two tails.]] Noet: ..if humans.. the ones they say made all these insane old things.. ..really are back in the world. Blit: That's the rumor. But as you know, sometimes such rumors turn out to be nothing. Noet: And all too often they are true. I think I'll be going now. Wednesday , July 21 , 2004 [[Noet has the baby Dornbeast semi-submerged in his body.]] Blit: You *are* going to return that Dornbeast? I will not provide any alibi, not even for you, if you try- Noet: Yes, yes, Blit. I *said* I'd return him to Vipthiboo. Take care. [[Oozing along.]] [[He meets Vipthiboo, hides the Dornbeast.]] [[Oozes on past. Vipthiboo eyes him.]] [[One last glance from Vipthiboo.]] [[As he turns to go, the Dornbeast comes flying at his head.]] Thursday, July 22, 2004 [[Faldstool the Eyebolt is in Nevus's office, talking on an aurilnode]] Faldstool: Good. Well done, Furphy. I'll add a Fleeb to your pile, and you can come pick it up when- Furphy: --- (inaudible) Faldstool: eh? Furphy: --- Faldstool: Oh yes. Yes. Well, whether it exists or not, you can come get it and the rest. [[Faldstool hangs up.]] Faldstool: sigh.. [[The 'node rings.]] ((BREEP BREEP)) Faldstool: sigh.. [[Faldstool answers]] Faldstool: Hello? Zan: --- Faldstool: Ah. Hello, Zan. And how are things over at Le Tree? Zan:------- (long rant) Zan:----- (rant continues) Faldstool: SSSSSIGH.. Friday , July 23 , 2004 [[The stolen cakeshroom.]] Gorp: HA! We did it! [[He's with Phiga.]] Gorp: We took the cakeshroom out from under that Ghast's nose, and got away clean! Phiga: I only wish we could have seen his face, and not just heard the scream! [[They engage in the Gobule version of kissing. Behind them is mounted the enormous fang-filled skull of some creature. Torches blaze.]] Gorp: *And* if Ningle didn't survive that explosion, we won't have to confirm *his* event! This day may be- Twiz: I heard someone proclaim "woo hoo". who was- Twiz: Oh. Gorp. It's you. Gorp: Yes, Twiz. We need to see Maw. We have an *event* that needs digesting! Twiz: See Maw? I'm afraid he's *quite* busy, and- Maw: No, Twiz. Maw: Let's get this over with. {{Mistake: Maw has two working eyes only in this strip.}} Saturday, July 24, 2004 [[Maw, Gorp, Phiga and Twiz are in a Gobule lair. A propped-up branch of the Tree is visible in the background.]] Maw: Hear me. I am Maw, consumer of memories. To eat is to live. To eat well is to live forever, beyond the death of the eater. Before us come Gorp and Phiga, proclaiming such an Eating Event in loudest woohoos. State your claime. Phiga: A genuine birthday cakeshroom, worthy in itself, but -also- taken from the Ghast specifically appointed to guard it! Maw, from off-screen: I see. And you.. escaped this Ghast? Gorp: We're here, aren't w- [[Maw, listening.]] ((KA-BOOM!)) Gobule voice #1: Look out! Gobule voice #2: Run! Gobule voice #3: He's mad! [[close-up of Maw's eyes]] Maw: You are -sure- you escaped this Ghast? Gobule voice #3: Mad, I tell you! Sunday, July 25, 2004 [[An angry Sepferb the Ghast climbs through a hole he has created in one of the walls of Maw's Lair. In the background, amongst the rubble he's created, various Gobules cower or lie incapacitated. Monday, July 26, 2004 [[Inside Maw's lair]] Gorp: That Ghast is comin'. He's really phizzed. Phiga: So. Eat the cakeshroom n' run, or just run? [[They both grin]] [[They prepare to eat the cakeshroom.]] Maw, from off-panel: Dont. Touch. The. Cakeshroom. Tuesday , July 27 , 2004 [[Inside Maw's Gobule Lair.]] Gorp: "Don't touch the cakeshroom"?! But we took it! It's *ours*! Twiz, thinking: Weren't they just talking about abandoning it? Maw: And now I am taking it from you. Unless of course you are proclaiming a challenge. [[Gorp and Phiga stare.]] Maw: No? Well then. Maw: I know all too well you only care about yourselves, and give no thought to others ..but you still belong to this lair, and because I am Maw, I must protect you and everyone else here. Maw: Twiz and I will deal with this Ghast of yours- ((SMASH BOOM THUD)) Maw: If we can. We will need the cakeshroom to do so. Twiz, thinking: We? Maw: As for the two of *you.* We will.. discuss.. this later. For now.. Get out of my sight. Wednesday , July 28 , 2004 [[In Maw's lair.]] Twiz: Gorp and Phiga went out the back. Maw: Good. Twiz: Um.. Twiz: You want me to.. "help".. with the Ghast? I mean, we don't even know that it *is* a Ghast who's- Devura: MAW!! Devura: Some crazy Ghast's tearing up the lair! Twiz: OK, but we don't know for a fact that he's here about the- Devura: He's saying something about a stolen cakeshroom! Twiz: You're really not making any friends here, Devura. Devura: Who'd want to be *your* friend? Twiz: Lots of folks! I have a very important position! Devura: What's *that?* Chief assistant in charge of weaseling? Maw, thinking: Would it be better to have the Ghast kill them, or me? Thursday , July 29 , 2004 [[Twiz: Am not! Devura: Are, too! Twiz: Am not! Devura: Are, too! Twiz: Am not! Devura: Are, too! [[Maw looms over them.]] Twiz: Not! Devura: Too! Twiz: Not! Devura: Too! Twiz: N- Devura: Too? Maw: As much as it pains me to disrupt the cut and parry of sharp intellectual debate, I must point out that we have an angry Ghast about to drop by for a visit. That being the case, this is what the *three* of us are going to do.. Friday, July 30, 2004 [[A large pile of scavenged junk inside Maw's lair. Includes a M.U.L.E. box, a WABAC machine, a Brambleweenie device with a teacup, and small figures.]] [[The pile is violently scattered.]] ((BOOM)) [[Sepferb the Ghast appears in the resulting hole.]] Maw: Oh. So it's you, Sepfrbfrx. Sepferb: While I appreciate the sentiment, Maw, please don't try to pronounce my name. It just gives me a headache. Saturday , July 31 , 2004 [[Maw: So. Sepferb. Still working for the Council, I hear. Is tearing up my Lair now part of that secret project of yours? Sepferb: I am- Sepferb, thinking: Am I? Sepferb: Let's keep this simple. I know nothing about any "secret project". I am here strictly in a personal capacity. I want the unBrushed zarking cakeshroom back. Now. Sunday , August 1 , 2004 [[Maw is missing a foot as well as an eye.]] Maw: Your cakeshroom is over there. [[Twiz and Devura stand over the cakeshroom]] Maw: If you go near it, Twiz and Devura will eat it. And, just to establish this point up front.. You two? If you are more afraid of the Ghast than me, now's your chance to run away. [[Twiz and Devura contemplate their options.]] [[They do not run away.]] Twiz and Devura: whimper Sepferb: That's actually quite impressive. Maw: Thank you. I try. Monday , August 2 , 2004 [[Gobules gather as Sepferb and Maw talk.]] Sepferb: So. You will not voluntarily give me the cakeshroom? Maw: I didn't say that. Maw: All I want is for you to stop destroying my lair and go away.. Maw: ..And if the way to make this happen is to eat the zarking thing ourselves. Or stomp it flat. Or give it back. Then that is what I will do. Lined Gobule: And if ya don't cooperate, you'll be sorry! Tufted Gobule: Yeah. Maw *ate* one of you Ghasts once! [[They see Maw's expression.]] Lined or Tufted: We'll.. just be over here. Tuesday , August 3 , 2004 [[Inside Maw's lair]] Sepferb: I'm well aware you once ate a Ghast, Maw. But that was a long time ago, and he was an idiot. No, worse, a *charismatic" idiot. You saved the breeding stock from major contamination. [[Three Gobule spectators.]] Sepferb: And even if that hadn't been the case.. Sepferb: You suffered enough punishment for your crime. Maw, thinking: I lost an eye and a foot, *and* these idiots made me their leader. [[Twiz and Devura waiting over the cakeshroom.]] Sepferb: But that's the past. Once again, getting back to the subject at hand.. Sepferb: I swear, staking the honor of the Southeastern Pool, that if you give me back the cakeshroom intact, I will leave peacefully. Maw: Fine. Twiz? Devura? You can step away from the- [[They've already gone.]] Wednesday, August 4, 2004 [[In Maw's lair. Sepferb picks up the cakeshroom.]] [[Watched by Gobules, he departs.]] [[And vanishes the way he came.]] Twiz: What about Gorp and Phiga? Maw: "Gorp and Phiga?" Twiz: Neither of you even *mentioned* them. What's going to happen now that- [[Twiz sees Maw's expression.]] Twiz: That.. Twiz: I'll just be over here... Thursday , August 5 , 2004 [[Inside Maw's Lair]] Maw: Let's review what we've learned today. [[Only it's not, Maw is on a viewing screen.]] Maw: One, one Ghast, looking for a *cakeshroom*, ripped apart our defenses like they were brittlevines. [[Pull back further. Other Gobules listen to him talk.]] Maw: And why is that? Because we never *cooperate*. We squabble. We bicker. We bite each other in the back. We are no bet- ((fizz)) Maw: then a pack of *smyts*. [[The picture on the screen dissolves to static.]] Maw: We Gobules must- Gobule: Their ((fizz)) enses are down! Attack! Kill! Kill Ma- ((fizz)) [[Sound and picture cut out completely]] ((fizzzz)) Mr. Hand, thinking: Ah, well. [[He changes the screen to view a new location: Sina leading the bucket-chain effort.]] Sina: -yrms wait over there until we can talk to- Hand, thinking: Back to more important matters... ((KA-CHUNK)) Friday , August 6 , 2004 [[Mr Hand is watching his bank of monitors. On one of them, Sina is directing bucket-brigade operations.]] Mr. Hand, thinking: If she is able to deal with Rhid, I shall have to re-tag Sina as one to watch. [[He pulls at a lever mounted on the arm of his chair.]] ((KA-CHUNK)) Mr. Hand, thinking: But we were going to check on our intrepid *humans*. [[The monitor shows Candle Monks marching along.]] Mr. Hand, thinking:: Maybe.. [[Swill the Jibjib waiter flees from Hopobefever.]] ((KA-CHUNK)) [[Tabo the Wyrm is in Le Tree's lobby, suffering from the effects of Snoot's powder. Percy the Boogieman lies on the ground.]] ((KA-CHUNK)) Tabo: Oh hey! Didn't see you there, Percy. Brush. Sure has been a long time. Remember the old days? You n' me n' Skibble would go down to the River to hunt glowgems. Now lookit us. {{The River of Fire}} ((KA-CHUNK)) Tabo: I work for th' Council, yer here at Le.. Thingy.. and Skibble's.. Say, Percy, you ever get the feelin' yer bein' *watched*? ((KA-CHUNK KA-CHUNK KA-CHUNK)) Saturday , August 7 , 2004 [[Mr. Hand gives up pulling at the lever mounted on his chair.]] Mr. Hand, thinking: Bah! Worthless puling chunk of fizzlegarb! [[Mr. Hand in his chair, in front his bank of monitors, which display various scenes: Tabo the Wyrm and Percy the Boogieman. A fire, a black screen, a Gobule facing perhaps-tentacles, a Gnoll, an Eyebolt, and some unidentifiable things.]] Mr. Hand: HECTOR! [[He waits.]] Mr. Hand: HECTOR! ((clunk scrape)) [[A pair of lights glow in the dimness.]] ((clunk scrape clunk scrape)) [[They are the eyes of Hector, a rather battered-looking robot with a bowtie bolted to his chest.]] Hector: You bellowed, sir? Sunday , August 8 , 2004 [[Mr. Hand: Hector! Where were you? Hector: Cleaning out your socks and preparing your dinner, sir. Hand: Ah. All right then. Wait. 'Dinner?' You aren't trying to serve me *food* again, are you? Hector: No sir. Hector: I have fetched a bottle of the '07 Plonkfield from the wine "cellar". It is airing as we speak. Hand: Ahh. Good. sigh. We don't have much of it left, do we? And they just don't make it like that anymore. Hector, to himself: A fact rapturously celebrated by vinologists and sommeliers everywhere. Hand: What was that? Hector: Nothing, sir. Monday , August 9 , 2004 [[Mr Hand: What I *wanted* was- Hector: Sir, before you go on... Hand: *Yess* Hector? Hector: You have allowed one of those.. things.. to grow on your face again. You gave me permission, sir, to point out this fact whenever it came to my attention. Hand: Eh? Oh. So I have. And so I did. ((peeel FLING)) [[A scalpsucker is flung by Hector.]] [[Hand's dialogue font has changed to something more readable.]] Hand: I sound so much more *interesting* while wearing one, but anything to please you, Hector. Hector: As you are quite aware, sir, I was referring to the *mustache*. Tuesday , August 10 , 2004 [[In Mr. Hand's monitoring room.]] Hand: The mustache stays, Hector. now, *to get to why I called you.* The scanner is broken. Hector: As you are so fond of pointing out, sir, the scanner is always broken. Hector: Which is why you obtained the services of those two "mechanics", to install- Hand: Yes yes. But they aren't close to finishing, and it's totally frozen up. Can't you do something? Hector: BEEP! This unit's tech-repair database is unavailable. Pathway filament 3423-A has become corrupted. [[Hand grumbles inaudibly.]] [[He points..]] Hand: Waaiiit a second.. [[One of the screens shows the defunct headless robot sticking out of the wall of the Forest passage.]] Hand: I know it's an earlier model than you, but could we obtain a.. "filament" from that? Hector: BEEP! This unit's tech-repair database is unavailable. Pathway filament 3423-A has become corrupted. Hand: Of course. Wednesday , August 11 , 2004 [[Mr. Hand's monitoring room. One of the monitors shows the headless defunct robot sticking out of the wall of the forest tunnel.]] Hand: But even if that Bot does have the filiment, [sic] how do we tell which one needs replacing? Hector: BEEP! This unit's tech-repair database is unavailable. Pathway- Hand: *Yes*, thank you, Hector. [[Hand considers.]] Hand: Hmm. Is your *logic* database still working? Hector: Yes, sir. Hand: Good. Here is a hypothetical for it. Hand: A man has a device which is broken. The nature of the fault prevents the fault from being diagnosed by the device itself. What can he do to find the way to correct the fault? [[Hector's eye-lights indicate thought.]] Hector: PROCESSING. PING. Hector: Sigh... The man should closely observe the device in operation, and attempt to deduce for himself where the fault lies. Hand: Yes! Of course! You have that access panel! Come over here... Hector: Yes, sir. [thinking:] Curse my weakened self-preservation protocols. [[He walks over.]] ((CLUNK SCRAPE)) Thursday, August 12, 2004 [[Mr Hand examines Hector the robot's backside.]] Hand: Let's see.. How do we open this.. [[Hand pushes a button on Hector.]] ((boop)) Hand: Oh, yes.. [[An access panel opens, and a folded piece of paper falls out.]] ((click)) Hand: Eh? What's that? [[Hector picks up the paper.]] Hector: Scanning. It is a single sheet of white paper, mass-produced from hemp fibers. [[Hector holds up the paper.]] Hector: One side is blank. The other contains.. Hector: A list of instructions entitled "how to replace a 3423-A pathway filiment." [[Hector gives the paper to Hand]] Hector: Written in ink. In your handwriting. Sir. Threat level: 03% [[A closeup of the the writing, headlined as described.]] [[Hand reads the paper.]] Hand: How intriguingly odd. Friday , August 13 , 2004 [[Mr. Hand has a sheet of instructions.]] Hand: the thing is, I don't *remember* writing this message. I- wait. it's a 3% threat?How did it rank that high? Hector: There's a danger of paper cuts, sir. Hand: Oh. Yes. Of course. Now. It's not that it's *impossible* that we've done this before. We've done almost everything before. Hector: Yes, sir. Hand: and niether of us has perfect.. oh. ah.. you don't recall..? Hector: No, sir. Perhaps during one of my routine memory cleanouts- Hand: yesyes. It's just... thinking to put in a detailed note like this.. it's not the sort of thing I'd generally do. Hector: You do tend to focus on the big picture, sir. Hand: Oh well. I must have been in rare form that day. Hector: That is the most likely explanation sir. [Thinking to himself] And indeed it is.. Hector, thinking: But there are the twin facts that 1: I can purge selected memories at will and 2: I am quite adept at forging his handwriting... Hand: And Hector? It makes me *nervous* when you start agreeing with me a lot. Saturday , August 14 , 2004 [[Hand: "My" instructions describe your innerds quite accurately, Hector, so we'll give them a try. But who can go check your defunct compatriot? All of my little friends are so busy right n- ((BRIINNGG)) [[A telephone on Hand's cluttered desk is ringing. Along with the phone, there is a statuette of Roshambo the Warrior Beetle, a goblet, a candle, and a pronged object which ((BEEPs)). There is also a bug crawling across the desk.]] [[Hand answers the phone. The pronged device glows with a ((fzt!))]] Hand: Hello? ---? Yes, *of course* it's me. Who is this? --- [[The crawling bug explodes in a miniature mushroom cloud.]] ((SPLUT)) Hand: *Sprocket*. *Just* the fellow I wanted to talk to. --- Oh, stop whimpering, you'll *love* this job. Sunday , August 15 , 2004 [[Items on Mr. Hand's desk/dresser: A Roshambo the Warrior Beetle statuette, a candle, a pencil labeled FROBOZZ. A wisp of smoke is all that remains of a dead bug. Hand is talking on the phone to Sprocket the Gnoll.]] Hand: You know what a "metalmin" is, I assume? -- Good. [[Panning down, off the desk, towards the floor.]] Hand: And about the Council's tunnel to the forest? -- Goood. [[More panning, past some drawers.]] Hand: I want you, and Flange of course, to go there and- -- Who? [[Hand's voice fades away. There are three bugs on the floor, all wearing protective suits.]] Bug #1: You scan? He dead. Bug #2: Yes. But shield suit *nearly* work! [[Bug #3 gets an idea.]] Bug #2: He get *halfway* to shrine before splutter see him! *Next* time Roshambo hear prayers! *Smite* evil heathens! Bug #3: Hey! Got idea! Bug #2: Wut? Bug #3: Go up *back* of dresser! Shorter! No splut! [[The other two just look at him/her/it.]] Bug #3: Wut? [[Bug #3 has been disassembled.]] Bug #2: Heathens *everywhere!* Bug #1: Approach Roshambo from *rear*? PAH! Monday , August 16 , 2004 [[The "heathen" bug lies in pieces on the floor.]] [[A Smyt wearing a white robe and carrying a staff appears.]] [[He is joined by a second one.]] #2: It pity. #1: Indeed. #2: Why such senseless violence? #1: Our very nature? Doomed to endless cycles of barbarism? [[They look at the bug's head some more.]] [[They both produce forks.]] #2: Course no point letting perfectly good bugbrains go to waste. #1: Dibs on fore-lobes. Tuesday, August 17, 2004 [[Two robed smyts are eating bug brains, using forks. Loud unreadable snippets of dialogue fill the air behind them.]] Smyt #1: Lots of Big Noise in Air Today. Smyt #2: Yup. Smyt #1: Say.. You one of those who understand BNIA. Smyt #2: Yup. But never say anything make sense. Jibjabber. Smyt #1: What it saying now? [[Smyt #2's "antenna" twich]] Smyt #2: Uh.. "Now.. re.. move.. fill.. e.. ment.. do.. not.. use.. fin.. gers.. use.. tool.. like.. fleeb.. tong.." Smyt #1: Jibjabber indeed Smyt #2: "Fleebtong". Like person can make tong as massive as fleeb. Wednesday, August 18, 2004 [[Mr. Hand is talking on the phone, in front of his bank of viewing screens.]] Mr. Hand: So, did you grasp all of that, Sprocket? Sprocket: -- Mr. Hand: Good. I look forward to your report. [[Mr. Hand hangs up the phone.]] [[He puts on the table beside him.]] Mr. Hand: So. Now. [[A screen showing Tabo the Wyrm and Percy the Boogieman.]] Mr. Hand: There's really nothing to do now but sit and wait. Tabo, to Percy: Ya mind if I jus' lie down here fera minute? [[Tabo keels over.]] ((THUD)) [[The screen shows only Percy's hand.]] [[The screen shows only Percy's hand.]] [[The screen shows only Percy's hand.]] Mr. Hand: It suddenly occurs to me.. Hector: Sir? [[The screen shows only Percy's hand.]] Mr. Hand: There's an actual chance that I could become -bored-! Hector: You could catch up on paperwork, sir, or call- Mr. Hand: I'm -trying- to have a moment here, Hector. Hector: Yes, sir. Thursday , August 19 , 2004 [[Mr Hand fingers the controls on his chair arm.]] Hand: Do paperwork. Shave off my mustache. Why do you plague me so, Hector? Hector: Because, sir, that was how you had me programmed. Hand: Yes. I did, didn?t I? [[One of Hand's viewscreens shows a Gnoll going "beeble" over and over.]] Hand: Maybe I should have you re-programmed. maybe Get that snotty little snandergrab back here.. what was his name.. Drax. Hector: While I can offer no hard data, Sir, the overwhelming statistical likelihood is that Mr. Drax is dead. Hand: Oh. Right. OK, Maybe his children, or grandchildren, would know- Hector: Assuming Mr. Drax produced any such progany, Sir, they are very likely to also be deceased. [[Hand sits in his chair. One of the screen shows The Gibber making faces, others less-identifiable things.]] [[Hand sags a little.]] Hand: Right. Friday , August 20 , 2004 [[In Mr. Hand's monitoring room]] Hector: As to why you choose to torture yourself with my presence, sir, my psychology database is still fully functional, and I have formulated several different hypotheses. First, there is your need as an organic being for personal- Hand: Hector.. Hand: Just.. go butle something. Or something. [[Hector reaches for the three-tufted scalpsucker, which is trying to inch away.]] Hector: Very good. Scalpsucker: !! Hand: Oh. No. Wait. [[Hector has the scalpsucker.]] Hector: Sir? Hand: Come here. [[Hand closes Hector's access panel.]] Hector: Thank you, sir. Hand: Yes, yes.. Saturday , August 21 , 2004 [[In Mr. Hand's monitoring room. Hand thinks throughout]] Hand: I *could* get Hector reprogrammed. I could get anything I want. If we could just.. But that's the whole *point* of all this... [[He slams his hand down on the armrest of his chair.]] ((BAM)) Hand: ETERNAL AGGRAVATION! [[The controls on the armrest react to this.]] ((fzt GURBLE peep)) Hand: eh? [[One of the monitors changes from showing a Beebling Gnoll to..]] [[The Weirdo sitting in his attic, thinking about his dead friend Tulip.]] Hand: Heh. A kindred spirit? Perhaps. [[The Weirdo drinks from a bottle.]] Hand: I'd share that bottle with you, my friend, if things were different. But, sadly, I suspect you've been very very *naughty.* Sunday , August 22 , 2004 [[On one of Mr. Hand's monitors, the Weirdo talks to Fantod. Hand thinks to himself throughout.]] Hand: Possibly naughty.. [[The monitor changes to show Yasmine walking in the Mansion.]] ((FZZZT!)) Hand: Eh? Hmm. Naughty, if only because she's forcing me to find out who she is.. [[The monitor changes to show Tuft and Dap idling in their alcove.]] ((FZZZT!)) Hand: Heh. Lazy *and* naughty. [[The monitor changes to show The Woman of Mystery near the door to the Basement. She is smiling and pointing down at something as she speaks inaudibly.]] ((FZZZT!)) Hand: Annnd of course *wonderfully deliciously* naughty. Monday, August 23, 2004 [[Hector carries the scalpsucker.]] Hand, from off-panel: WHY DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO BE SO URKING NAUGHTY!? [[Hector turns back to answer.]] Hector:... Hand: That was a question directed at the universe in general, Hector, not you specifically. [[Hector turns to go.]] Hector: Very good, sir. [[Hector speaks confidentially to the scalpsucker.]] Hector: My personal theory on the subject is that it is because that is the way *their* creator programmed them to be.]] Tuesday , August 24 , 2004 [[Hector is carrying the male three-tufted scalpsucker.]] ((CLUNK SCRAPE)) [[The scalpsucker gets angry.]] [[RAR!]] [[The scalpsucker is attacking Hector's face.]] scalpsucker: RAR! [[The scalpsucker is attacking the top of Hector's head.]] scalpsucker: RAR! [[The scalpsucker is attacking the back of Hector's head.]] scalpsucker: RAR! [[The scalpsucker realizes that none of this is even marginally effective.]] scalpsucker: rar? [[Hector resumes walking, the scalpsucker still clinging to the back of his head.]] ((CLUNK SCRAPE)) Wednesday , August 25 , 2004 [[Hector walks along a corridor past a series of doors, with the scalpsucker riding on his head. He ((CLUNK SCRAPE))s the whole way. In the first alcove is a skeleton slumped in a throne-like chair, wearing clothes and a crown. It has been attached via cables to a large dial labeled with yes, no and cheese.]] [[Another alcove. In it, a branch of the Tree has a footed object attached to it via wires.]] [[A third alcove. An angry Trog is chained to a treadmill, and is being goaded on by a grinning Gnoll puppet/taxidermy project.]] [[An elevator door, partially obscured by piles of boxes and such. A small panel is to one side, with four indicators on it. One of them is lit up.]] Hector: Now that's interesting.. Thursday , August 26 , 2004 [[Where Mr Hand and Hector live. A light on a panel next to the Elevator has turned on.]] Hector: I don't recall *that* light ever being activated. What does it signify? [[The three-tufted scalpsucker is riding on his head. His eyes indicate thought.]] Hector: PROCESSING ((PING)) Hector: Ah. "Fire detected in elevator shaft. Recommend immediate activation of fire-supression systems." Hector: Yes. that would indeed be a sensible course of action. [[He turns to go.]] Hector: Unfortunately, it would require *possession* of a fire-suppresion system. Friday, August 27, 2004 [[Hector the robot walks into his room, the scalpsucker still riding on his head.]] [[He approaches a workbench on which are various items, including a dial, a knife and a grabber of some sort.]] [[He reaches out his hand.]] [[The scalpsucker gets nervous.]] [[Hector turns the dial.]] ((CLIK)) [[The scalpsucker cracks an eye- clik?]] ((PEEL)) [[The scalpsucker is being held over a hole in the bench.]] [[The scalpsucker is sucked away.]] ((SHOOMP)) Saturday , August 28 , 2004 [[The three-tufted scalpsucker hurtles down a tube.]] [[There are branches in the tube. He is directed through them.]] ((THUMP BANG POW)) {{A spider and a smyt engage in a Spiderman homage on top of the tube.}} [[The scalpsucker is spit out into a holding box.]] ((PAH-TUI)) [[He sits stunned for a moment as a hatch seals itself behind him.]] [[He stares at what is in front of him.]] [[Three shapes..]] [[He stares some more..]] [[Three female three-tufted scalpsuckers.]] ((RAR...)) Sunday , August 29 , 2004 [[Inside a box with airholes]] Male Scalpsucker: RAR? Female Scalpsucker #1: RAR! [The exterior of the box.]] Scalpsuckers: RAR!! [[The box "begins a rockin'"]] ((BUMP GRIND SPLUT XXX!!)) [[The rockin' slams the box's corner, squirting something free.]] ((SLAM poink!)) [[It's Mr. Lincoln the Evil Penny, a crossover from the webcomic Insanity for the Poor. He bounces across the floor.]] Mr. Lincoln: MUHAHAHAHA!! Lincoln: Foolish hormone-ridden fleshbags! I'm free! FREE! Monday , August 30 , 2004 [[Mr. Lincoln the Evil Penny from the webcomic Insanity For The Poor bounces past two Smyts.]] Lincoln: No longer pinned beneath that breeding tank, I am now FREE to- [[He crashes into a rock, wedging himself upright.]] ((CRUNCH!)) Lincoln: EX-cellent! This will be my new headquarters, from which I will TAKE OVER THE WORLD!! Child Smyt: Pa? Whatit? Pa Smyt: Evil penny. Letsgo. Lincoln: Yes! Flee from me, worms! But it will do you *no good!* [[Two creatures like small Gobules with antenna appear.]] Lincoln: In the end, ALL will bow to the will of- Minigob #1: Whatit? ((CHOMP!)) Minigob #2: It lunch! [[Lincoln looks at the bite in his side.]] Lincoln: Merely a *minor* setback!! ((CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP)) Tuesday , August 31 , 2004 [[A portrait of a smiling Rosemary with sword and shield, by NJ Huff of the webcomic Emergency Exit.]] Wednesday, September 1, 2004 [[Hector "uncliks" a control on his workbench. Nunsuch can be seen in the background.]] Hector, to himself: Accessing "to do" list. [[A list of scalpsucker types.]] Hector: List accessed. 21235.8 items listed. Access sublist 142-A, Class C vermin breeding collection. Sublist accessed. 529 items listed. Scan for.. Scalpsucker. Three pronged. Male. Located... [[An empty box next to "three-pronged scalpsucker".]] [[The box is half-filled with an X.]] [[The box is fully filled.]] ((PING)) Hector: The amount of satisfaction I derive from that is really quite pathetic... Nunsuch: PEEP! Thursday , September 2 , 2004 [[Inside Hector's workroom.]] Nunsuch: PEEP! Hector: Yes, Nunsuch, *what is it*? Nunsuch: [Three stylized symbols.] Hector: Yes, of course. It's next on my high-priority to-do list. Just as it is *every day*. [[Hector limps off.]] Nunsuch: [insulting symbols] Hector: Don't you use that kind of language with *me*! Nunsuch: [disrespectful symbol] Hector, thinking: Sir may have been onto something with that whole "reprogramming" idea.. Friday , September 3 , 2004 [[A row of specialized robot hands: a hook, a pair of snippers, and others less immediately identifiable.]] [[Hector appears next to the display.]] ((cliunk scrape)) [[Hector looks at his own hand.]] [[He takes his hand in hand.]] [[He twists.]] ((CLICK)) [[He places his disconnected hand on the rack, next to one covered with fine manipulators.]] Saturday , September 4 , 2004 [[Hector attaches his "knob-hand" to his arm.]] ((click)) [[He walks off, followed by Nunsuch.]] ((cliunk scrape skitterskitter)) [[He pulls aside a curtain.]] [[An enormous gong hangs from two chains.]] Hector: Deactivating aural imputs.. Nunsuch: [symbol indicating the same thing.] Sunday , September 5 , 2004 [[Hector limps off out of sight, in the direction of the enormous gong, watched by Nunsuch.]] ((clunk scrape)) [[Nunsuch continues to watch.]] [[A very pathetic bonk sound.]] [[Nunsuch watches.]] ((bonk bonk bonk)) Voice: GRARGH! Hector: Finally. Must you be such a sound sleeper? Get up and do your job. [[Hector reappears.]] ((clunk scrape)) [[The voice-owner is revealed to be a Boogieman wielding an enormous mallet. Nunsuch smiles.]] Boogieman: [grumbled insults.] Hector: I imagine now come the grumbled insults. This is the real reason I turn off my ears. Monday , September 6 , 2004 [[The Mallet-Boogieman pats Nunsuch on the head with a finger.]] Nunsuch: [Symbol indicating love.] [[The Boogieman raises the mallet, flexes his muscles.]] ((pose ominously)) [[The mallet swings.]] [[a very large BONG]] [[Way down in Le Tree, Rosemary and Sylvester hear it.]] Rosemary: What the Zark was *that*? Sylvester: The Middle Gong. The day's half over. Tuesday, September 7, 2004 [[Inside Le Tree]] Rosemary: The day is half over? It's not noon, is it? Sylvester: No. But the sun has reached its zenith... Sylvester: ..and the Middle Gong rings every day at that point. It always has. Rosemary: Who rings it? Sylvester: We don't know... Sylvester: It's very hard to track down the source of sounds in the Mansion. Rosemary: Doesn't it worry you that you've got some unknown immortal gong-ringer running around? [[Sylvester is sarcastic]] Sylvester: Oh no! It puts a smile on my face and a song in my heart! Rosemary: It worries *me* that I'm not 100% sure that you're being sarcastic. Wednesday , September 8 , 2004 [[Heading for Spatchcock's office.]] Sylvester: But seriously, I believe the Middle Gong is an old automated system. There are still many of them in the Mansion. Rosemary: Are there High and Low Gongs? Rosemary: ...I mean, I didn't hear anything last night. Sylvester: No. There's only the Middle Gong. Sylvester: And, *yes*, I know that doesn't make sense. It's called the Middle Gong because it's always been called the Middle Gong. Rosemary: *What?!* A social institution hamstrung by inertia?? Why, I've never seen the like!! Snoot: Sir? Madam? *This way*, please. Thursday , September 9 , 2004 [[Inside Le Tree, Rosemary and Sylvester face Snoot]] Rosemary: Oh. Right. We were supposed to be following you. Rosemary: It's just.. we seem to have developed a bad habit of distracting each other.. and.. [[They look at one another.]] Rosemary: BOO! [[Snoot remains impassive.]] [[More looking.]] Rosemary: I was curious if you're physically capable of blinking or twitching. Snoot: This way, please. Friday, September 10, 2004 [[Inside Le Tree. Whispering throughout. A large arrow is on the wall.]] Sylvester: I didn't know that Motihauls could teleport and breath hallucinogenic gas. Rosemary: Well.. *Normal* ones that don't live in the Mansion can't. And I don't think Snoot can either. [[Snoot is carrying a small tube.]] Rosemary: I admit he startled me. Twice. But I was being facetious with the teleport comment. And he didn't breath gas. He shot powder out of a small tube. [[A staircase, one step of which has a "crack". Writing on the walls, mostly illegible.]] Sylvester: So he's packing weird chemicals and he can sneak up on *you*. Rosemary: Puts a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Snoot, not whispering: Up here, please. Saturday , September 11 , 2004 [[Climbing steps towards Spatchcock's office.]] Snoot: Sir, mind the sixth step. Sylvester: Why? What do- Sixth Step: CHOMP Sylvester: AIIGH! [[Snoot watches the off-panel action.]] Sylvester: getitoff! ((BAM BAM BAM SPLORCH)) [[A moment of silence.]] [[Rosemary appears in view.]] Rosemary: You no longer have to mind the sixth step. Snoot: Duely [sic] noted, Madam. Sunday , September 12 , 2004 [[Passing an alcove.]] Rosemary: Um.. Mr. Snoot? What's in here? Snoot, thinking: Sigh.. Snoot: This is a small exhibit set up by Mr. Nevus. It contains certain.. acquisitions.. of which he is especially proud. He encourages visitors to examine them. [[Inside the alcove are three glass domes, one each containing a "Glowing Ball of Light", a Plant, and a Hamster.]] Plant, thinking: call.. the.. police. [[Sylvester and Rosemary stare.]] Sylvester: OK, I understand the rare Plant and the Tribbletounged Hamster, but a *GBOL*? Rosemary: That hamster's alive. How does it breath in- a G-what? Monday , September 13 , 2004 [[Snoot: That is not a GBOL in the display, sir. Sylvester: But it- Snoot: It is an ABOL, the only one in the world. Sylvester: Oh. An ABOL. That's more understandable. Sylvester: But "the only one in the world"? That's just not true. You can find them- [[He sees Rosemary's expression.]] Sylvester: You don't know what GBOLs and ABOLs are. I should explain! Rosemary: Yes. Excellent idea. Tuesday , September 14 , 2004 [[Sylvester explains to Rosemary.]] Sylvester: "GBOL" is short for "Glowing Ball of Light". [[He points at the light on the ceiling.]] Sylvester: They are alive.. sort of.. and tied into and regulated by the Tree. They supply all the light we've been using down here. Rosemary: Oh. So why were we using candles at dinner last night? [[Sylvester turns to Snoot.]] Sylvester: A lot of GBOLs upstairs are "dead." Snoot.. most of *yours* seem to be working. How? Snoot: Mr. Nevus has an exclusive replacement contract with Gboler Lux of Kine Hall, sir. Sylvester: Exclusive? Would one of the *other*.. Gbolers.. be interested in parting with some? Snoot: You will have to make your own inquiries, sir. *After* you speak to Mr. Spatchcock. Wednesday, September 15, 2004 [[Snoot watches as Rosemary and Sylvester discuss Glowing Balls of Light.]] Rosemary: So. What's an ABOL? Sylvester: An -Amorphous- Ball of Light. Much rarer than GBOLs. Sylvester: Unlike GBOLs, ABOLs are free-floating and self-powered. Thus they don't live.. or last.. as long as GBOLs. There are tales from the olden days that they might be sentient, even erudite, but there's no hard evidence. Rosemary: WHAT? Keeping a hamster locked up is one thing, but a thinking being? That's totally immoral! Sylvester, from off-screen: Um, Rosemary.. Sylvester: That's not your property, and remember what happened with- ((ZZAP)) Sylvester, from off-screen: Oh, dear. Snoot, thinking: I wonder if they actually need to be -alive- when Spatchcock talks to them... Thursday , September 16 , 2004 [[Rosemary has been zapped and is lying on the floor.]] Sylvester: Rosemary? Are you.. going to live? Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: Good. You know, you are almost as bad as Mortimer when it comes to touching things which *really* shouldn't be t- Rosemary: Yes. Maybe I'll "touch" you next. Sylvester: I'll just shut up now. Friday , September 17 , 2004 [[Rosemary recovers on the floor.]] Rosemary: So what's this "Kine Hall"? Sylvester: No idea. Rosemary: And a "Gboler"? Sylvester: At a guess, someone who breeds GBOLs. My family called them Glowmasters. Sylvester: Look, Rosemary.. this'll probably be our last chance to talk before we meet this "Spatchcock." Now while I may not have graduated top of my class at the University, I also didn't flunk out. We need to- Rosemary: Wait. Rosemary: *You* attended the University? In the Capital? How- Sylvester: We *are* going to swap life-histories, Rosemary Ripley, but not now. Sylvester: Whatever happens, act confident. Don't give away information. Try not to display too much ignorace. And... And why am I telling you these things? You could have taught some of my classes. Saturday , September 18 , 2004 [[Rosemary gets up from the floor.]] Sylvester: If you can, we'd better get moving. I think Snoot's becoming annoyed with us. Rosemary: Yes. OK. [[She speaks to the ABOL inside the glass display dome.]] Rosemary: But if you can understand me, if you are sentient, I'll be back. This too is not over. [[The ABOL and the Plant sit in their cases.]] [[More sitting.]] ABOL: Lady.. Pretty.. Plant: I have no mouth and I must scream. Sunday , September 19 , 2004 [[The Plant, the Hamster and the Glowing Ball of Light are all in glass cases.]] Plant: So that's the Ball's scintillating contribution to the conversation. How about you, Hamster? Plant: Anything to add? Anything at all? [[The Hamster turns away for a moment.]] Plant: ? [[The Hamster turns back, now in full pirate regalia, hat, hook, eye patch, cutlass.]] Cap'n Hamster: AVAST ME HEARTIES! Run up th' Jolly Roger and weigh anchor! We be settin' sail for th' Far East, where th' galleys, they be simply wallowin' with booty n' plunder!! [[Silence.]] Plant: I'll just be over here.. Cap'n Hamster: ARR! {{All three characters are cameos from other Keenspace/ComicGenesis webcomics: Station V3, Furmentation, and Reasoned Cognition (rip). Also be a Talk Like A Pirate Day strip. Arr.}} Monday , September 20 , 2004 [[On their way to Spatchcock's office.]] Rosemary: So, Snoot, is there anything else interesting that Mr. Nevus wants his guests to see? Snoot: *No*, Madam. [[They walk past a tall multicolored Growth, topped with bulbs, a flag and a horn-like object which spits out something like a flutterby. It is all attached to a small branch of the Tree.]] ((buuth! SCOP! brock! slaaade!)) [[They take this in. The 'flutterby' tumbles overhead.]] [[The flutterby ((poofs)) to dust.]] Rosemary: You're right. That's about the most *uninteresting* thing I've ever seen! Sylvester: My jaw is cramping up from all the yawning. Tuesday , September 21 , 2004 [[A shot of the Growth in all its glory.]] ((snooble fwip brik)) [[Closer in, looking at the three bulbs on top. Two of them split in an X-shape. A bubble begins to inflate on another part]] ((zzup zzup)) [[The bulbs open, revealing two snake-like heads, Ahz and Skiv, who watch the departing humans. The bubble floats free.]] ((foop foop waft)) Skiv: Ahz? Was that who I think it was, just now with Snoot? Ahz: Yes. Skiv, I'm afraid it almost certainly was. ((glitch glitch)) Skiv: I'd heard the rumors, all the stories about the.. atrocities.. ..but I didn't want to believe... [[More watching. The bubble floats overhead.]] ((noopneep nioopneep noopneep)) Skiv: And who was that woman who was with him? Ahz: I don't know. ((The bubble pops)) Ahz: I don't like it. Things are getting just too zarking weird around here.. Wednesday, September 22, 2004 [[Snoot: Mr. Spatchcock's office. Please wait here while I announce you. Rosemary, whispering: I heard what you said before about not showing ignorance, but.. offices.. aren't my forte. Why didn't he just take us in? Sylvester, whispering: It's partly psychological. Keeping us waiting establishes whose timetable we will be operating on. Sylvester, whispering: But also, it also allows for one last chance for eavesdropping by Spatchcock's other.. employees. [[Rosemary walks off]] Rosemary: Oh. That explains the other thing I was wondering about.. Sylvester: Huh? ((POKE!)) off-screen Gnoll: eep! [[Rosemary returns]] Rosemary: Why that Gnoll was hiding inside that enormous vase. And I -poked-. I didn't -touch-. Thursday, September 23, 2004 Narration: While Rosemary and Sylvester wait for their meeting... Rosemary: I'm getting real sick of all this -waiting-... [[Snerk glares at Agita, while Mortimer watches]] Narration: Mortimer has been forced into conducting an auction... Mortimer, thinking: Trouble-magnet senses tingling! Narration: Comshaw and Niddle reach the end of a tunnel... Comshaw: There it is. That's the forest up ahead. Narration: Camora and Hax lurk in wait... Hax: -Must- you lurk so conspiculously (sic)? Camora: Yes. Narration: Sina prepares to confront "Crazy" Rhid... Sina: Where's Sepf- Oh. There you are. Is something wrong? You look like you've been running. Sepferb: No. No. Everything's fine. Narration: And Scruffy eats his lunch. Ratch: Who th' zark are you? Scruffy: Scruffy. And I'm eatin' my lunch. Ratch: Teriff. Go do it in -someone else's- stall. Friday, September 24, 2004 [[Three eyebolts are sitting at a table writing]] ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) [[The middle eyebolt stops writing and looks to his right. The other two continue to write]] ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) [[The middle eyebolt looks to his left. The other two continue to write]] ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) [[The middle eyebolt smiles and "weirds", causeing shapes to radiate out in waves around him]] [[The other two eyebolts stop writing and look at the middle eyebolt as he resumes writing]] ((skritch)) ((skritch)) [[The other two eyebolts resume writing, having moved slightly away from the one in the middle]] ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) Saturday, September 25, 2004 [[Three eyebolts are sitting at a table writing]] ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) ((skritch)) [[The door opens]] ((SLAM!)) Inspector Petyphrog: Everybody freeze! [[Inspector Petyphrog, an eyebolt with an A.W.S. badge, has entered the room]] Inspector Petyphrog: Inspector Petyphrog of the A.W.S. We've been getting some /very/ disturbing reports about this skritchpod. [[Inspector Petyphrog looks at something]] Inspector Petyphrog: It seems that /someone/ may have been engaged in- [[Inspector Petyphrog looks at the chairs]] Inspector Petyphrog: Well, well. Chairs pushed further apart than the standard twenty-three bloits. [[Inspector Petyphrog's antenna has 'seen' something]] Inspector Petyphrog: and... Yesss... The putrid afterbuzz is /unmistakable/. Some piece of filth has been /WEIRDING/ Sunday , September 26 , 2004 [[Inside a Eyebolt skritchpod.]] Eyebolt #1: Him! He's the Weirder! Eyebolt #2: Yes! I did it! Eyebolt #2: And I'm *glad!* Weirding is glorious and natural! One day, no matter how much Agita and the AWS try to supress it, everyone will see the *truth!* [[He is ((GRABBED)) by Pettyphrog's goons.]] Pettyphrog: Take him away. Eyebolt #2: *Long live the Weirders Liberation Front!!* Pettyphrog: The Anti-Weirdness Squad thanks the rest of you for your cooperation. [[The door to the skritchpod ((SLAMS)) shiut.]] [[The two remaining Eyebolts stare.]] [[Eyebolt #1 gets back to skritching. #3 makes a bit of Weirdness in his hand, and stares down at it.]] Monday , September 27 , 2004 [[A flutterby with the eggs she has laid on a cavern wall.]] [[One of them hatches.]] ((snap crack)) [[A baby emerges]] ((pop)) Baby: Hi Mother: Hi. Baby: Yr my ma? Mother: Ys. Baby: Oh. [[They study each other.]] [[The baby looks around.]] [[Looks back at her.]] [[The baby flies away.]] Baby: bye. Mother: Thy grwup sofast. Tuesday , September 28 , 2004 [[Two Smyts see a new flutterby approaching.]] Nontool Smyt: Whatit? Tool Smyt: New flutterby. [[The flutterby does some fancy arial maneuvering.]] Nontool: Why it do that? Tool: Dunno. Sheer exuberence? (sic) Pleasure at being alive? [[Nontool thinks about this.]] [[He does a little dance, flails his arms.]] Nontool: Woo! Yip! Live live live! Tool: Feel better? Nontool: Yes. Yesdo. Wednesday, September 29, 2004 [[Leny the Trog is stacking rocks and humming off-key.]] Wrawa, from off-screen: Leny! -Finally!- There you are! Leny: Oh, hi, Wrawa! Wrawa: Come with me. Leny: OK! [[They walk along in silence.]] Wrawa, thinking: If only all of life were this simple. Thursday, September 30, 2004 [[Leny and Wrawa the Trogs are in a corridor. A small flutterby flaps towards them.]] Leny: Hey, lookit! A flutterby! I love those things! [[Leny chomps the flutterby as it gets into range.]] ((CHOMP)) [[Leny looking happy, his mouth full.]] [[He has an unpleasant realization.]] [[The flutterby prys open his jaws from the inside.]] ((P-rry)) [[The flutterby flies away.]] Wrawa: Too strong for my taste. Friday , October 1 , 2004 [[Leny and Wrawa in a corridor.]] Wrawa: Kronk? Are you down there? Kronk, from off-panel: G'way, Wrawa. [[Kronk, an adult Trog, is sitting and staring at a large gem-like object.]] Wrawa: Are you still sulking? Kronk: Not sulking. Tryin to member. Used to work with these. Used to be *smart*. Now lookit me. Cant member what they are *called.* Kronk: Now Im justa dummy. Shooda taken the Plunge like Yurd and Hamble did. Maybe still will. Nothin worth stickin around for nymore. just gonna get worse. Wrawa: Kronk.. Kronk: and you keep coming around and *talking*. Nothin you can say with yer big words thatll change it. So just- Wrawa: Come with me, and you might get to beat someone up, and no one will yell at you for it. [[Kronk stares ahead.]] [[He shoots Wrawa a glance.]] [[All three of them are walking down the corridor.]] Kronk, thinking: Life is good. Saturday , October 2 , 2004 [[Wrawa, Kronk and Leny the Trogs are walking along a large-panelled corridor.]] [[Leny has a sudden realization.]] Leny: hee hee! Wrawa: ? Leny: "Too strong for your taste"! That was a *joke*! [[Wrawa smiles.]] Sunday , October 3 , 2004 [[In a corridor with Kronk, Leny and Wrawa the Trogs.]] Leny: I know a joke, too! Wrawa: You do? Leny: Yeah! Skibble told it to me: Why did the Jibjib cross the Great Chasm? Wrawa: Why? Leny: To get to the other side! [[Kronk and Wrawa silently consider this.]] [[Kronk turns away.]] Kronk: Thats the dumbest thing I ever heard. Wrawa, thinking: "To get to the other side.." Monday, October 4, 2004 [[Walking in a corridor]] Wrawa: Leny? How come you're always so.. cheerful.. even after you.. changed? Leny: That's easy. I wasn't smart when I was little. Leny: Well, OK. I was *smarter*, but not like Kronk n' Hamble n' the others. Not a *big* change when *I* got big. Not inside anyway. [[points at Kronk]] Leny: And also.. Kronk.. Leny, whispering: Kronk was a big pootyhead. Even when we were little. Tuesday , October 5 , 2004 [[The Trogs Wrawa, Leny and Kronk are walking down a corridor in the Basement.]] Leny: Wrawa.. when its time for /you/.. I hope you dont take the plunge. it's not so bad this way.. Wrawa: I probably won't get a choice, Leny. I'm a- girl, remember? When the time comes.. it's 90% likely that I'll just die. You'll outlive me by five or six /years/. [[They recede into the distance]] Leny: Oh. Right. [[Nearly gone.]] Leny: I'll try n remember you as long as I can. Wrawa: Thank you, Leny. Wednesday , October 6 , 2004 [[Guest art by Simon Shepard, creator of the webcomic NeTrek. Rosemary and Sylvester in a corridor, she armed with sword and shield, he with a frying pan.]] Narration: Tread carefully... ...you may not be the only one watching your step. The Mansion of E. Thursday , October 7 , 2004 [[At an auction site in the forest. Agita the Miotihaul faces Nevus the small Wyrm and Guttle the Gobule. Snerk the Saur lurks in the background.]] Agita: Ah. Feeling better, are we? Guttle: Yes. [[Agita turns towards Mortimer.]] Agita: Good. Are /you/ ready to begin, auctioneer? [[Mortimer holds the Zorper/HJ42.]] Mortimer: Um. Yes. Unless you all want me to push this /other/- Everybody except Mortimer: NO Mortimer, thinking: EEP! And whew! Friday , October 8 , 2004 [[In the forest of E.]] Mortimer: So. Anyway. An auction. I guess we can.. open the bidding at.. uh- one simol- [[Snerk approaches]] Mortimer: Yes? [[Snerk whispers in Mortimer's ear.]] Mortimer: Really? Snerk: Yup. I know *that* much about auctions. Mortimer: Oh. Well. OK then. We can open the bidding at.. one fleeb. Saturday , October 9 , 2004 [[In the Forest of E, at an auction site. Nevus the Wyrm sits on his tray.]] Nevus: I bid one fleeb for the Zorper Guttle the Gobule: Two fleebs. Agita the Motihaul: Three fleebs. Snerk the Saur: Three and a half fleebs! Agita: You've been snacking on your employer's property, Snerk? Snerk: It's all squashed, and I thought- Nevus, from offpanel: FOUR fleebs. Sunday , October 10 , 2004 [[In the forest of E, Mortimer the "auctioneer" watches silently as the bids climb higher. All voices from off-panel.]] Agita the Motihaul: Five fleebs Nevus the Wyrm: Six fleebs. Guttle the Gobule: Seven! Snerk the Saur: Eight! Nevus: Eight, and a keg of squeezejuice! Guttle: Grr. Nine and a skimgibber! Snerk: Ten! Mortimer, thinking: I wonder if any of them would even notice if I just slipped away at this point... Monday , October 11 , 2004 [[Somewhere in the Basement, a compartively large Fuzz is crushing Smyts.}} Fuzz: Haha! Stoopid Symts! me crush! Off-screen voice: Stop, Miscreant! Fuzz: Huh? [[Soopersmyt poses heroically. He wears a cape and has an S on his chest.]] Smyts: SOOPERSMYT! [[The Fuzz springs to the attack, throwing away his current victim.]] Fuzz: RAR! [[The Fuzz is pummeled.]] ((POW CRUNCH SLAM)) [[Soopersmyt stands over the Fuzz's body. The Smyts look on in awe, one of them is Loos, a clearly smitten female.]] Soopersmyt: Work here is done! [[The Smyts watch him depart.]] Soopersmyt: Up and away! Smyts: YAY SOOPERSMYT! [[Clur, a Smyt wearing a bulky shirt, appears on the scene.]] Clur: Loos? What happen? Loos: Oh, it you, Clur. You just miss! Soopersmyt here! /Save day!/ Clur: oh. [[Clur trudging away dejectedly.]] Clur, thinking: It no fair. Why me always miss /good stuff/? {{Dedicated to Christopher Reeves, 1952-2004}} Tuesday , October 12 , 2004 [[Somewhere in the Basement. Yaypo the Wyrm watches as three Gnolls (Frag, Forfend, and Blim) go past. Frag: Those Phizzers on the Council are goin' after Le Tree! Faldstool's calling in everybody! Let's move! [[Two Gobules go past in the opposite direction.]] {{Their names are Shote and Sile}} Gobule #1: Maw and Nash are fighting! Now's our chance to nail both of them! The boss says we're going in! Yaypo, thinking: OK, that does it. [[He turns to go. In the background can be seen Vipthiboo the Ghast carrying a young Dornbeast on his catchpole.]] Yaypo, thinking: ..I'm out of here. Time to head somewhere *safe*. [[He reaches a passageway sloping downward.]] [[It is narrow, and descends sharply. A human skull can be seen in a small pocket of space. There is red below.]] [[Everything becomes tinged with red. On the wall is written in Manglish WELCOME TO THE HOT ZONE.]] Tuesday , October 12 , 2004 [[Somewhere in the Basement. Yaypo the Wyrm watches as three Gnolls (Frag, Forfend, and Blim) go past. Frag: Those Phizzers on the Council are goin' after Le Tree! Faldstool's calling in everybody! Let's move! [[Two Gobules go past in the opposite direction.]] {{Their names are Shote and Sile}} Gobule #1: Maw and Nash are fighting! Now's our chance to nail both of them! The boss says we're going in! Yaypo, thinking: OK, that does it. [[He turns to go. In the background can be seen Vipthiboo the Ghast carrying a young Dornbeast on his catchpole.]] Yaypo, thinking: ..I'm out of here. Time to head somewhere *safe*. [[He reaches a passageway sloping downward.]] [[It is narrow, and descends sharply. A human skull can be seen in a small pocket of space. There is red below.]] [[Everything becomes tinged with red. On the wall is written in Manglish WELCOME TO THE HOT ZONE.]] Wednesday, October 13, 2004 [[Two Wyrms are in the Hot Zone]] Yaypo: Hey, Syth. Syth: Yaypo. How are things? ((BOOM)) [[A rock breaks free from the ceiling and crashs to the floor]] Yaypo: The Coldzoners are fightin' again. Syth: Yeah. Heard about that. Thursday, October 14, 2004 [[Wyrms down in the Hot Zone.]] Yaypo: Here comes Gybb. Syth, thinking: Oh, dear. Syth: Hello, Gybb. How are y- Gybb: QUIET! I'm hunting rocks. -Talking- rocks. And when I find one, there's -gonna be trouble!- [[Yaypo and Syth silently watch Gybb leave.]] Yaypo: He's going to die out there. Syth: Maybe the rocks will be merciful, and merely cripple and mutilate him. Friday , October 15 , 2004 [[A rock deep in the Hot Zone.]] [[Yaypo the Wyrm appears.]] Yaypo: *You* look like a talking rock. Are you? [[No reply. Another rock is visible nearby.]] Yaypo: *WELL??* Second rock: No, he isn't! But I am! [[Yaypo looks at the second rock.]] [[Yaypo is gone. The second rock has been broken into several small pieces.]] Pieces: Hate you.. so much.. First Rock: I knew those ventriloquism lessons would come in handy. Saturday , October 16 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. Rock #1 is with the remains of Rock #2.]] Rock #1: Sorry you got smashed by that Wyrm, but it was you or me. Remains: [musical note] Rock #2: ? Remains: [same note, bone-shakingly loud.] ((CCRACK)) [[Rock #3 falls from the ceiling, smashing Rock #2, sending pieces flying, including the one that will eventually become SuperRock.]] ((WHAM)) [[A moment of silence.]] Rock#3: Hey, guys. Wazzup? Remains of #1: OK, that's it. You're gonna die. Remains of #2: Bring it on! Sunday , October 17 , 2004 [[In the Hot Zone. Gybb the Wyrm is alone...]] Gybb, thinking: Hah! Yaypo and all the others, going on about how dangerous talking rocks are.. ((WHAM)) {{as behind him one rock falls on another rock}} [[SuperRock goes flying by unnoticed in the background.]] Gybb: Show me a talking rock! I'll take care of it just like that last one! SuperRock: Yahh! [[SuperRock bounces off a wall, falls.]] Rock-voice, from off-panel: Youse talkin ta me? [[Gybb turns. There is a big talking rock there. SuperRock falls out of sight.]] SuperRock: ARRRGH! [[It's a very big talking rock.]] Very Big Talking Rock: I dont see nobody else here, so youse must be talkin to me. Monday, October 18, 2004 [[SuperRock falls down a shaft in the Hot Zone.]] [["He" bounces off a bulge in the wall]] ((BANG!)) [[And then another.]] ((BOING!)) [[He lands on the very tip of an outcropping.]] SuperRock: Oof! [[He teeters for a moment]] SuperRock, thinking: Oh no! [[He falls onto the outcropping, instead of further down.]] SuperRock: Whew! Very Old Rock: Well well. Hello there, Sonny! Nice of you to -drop in-! Hee hee! SuperRock, thinking: My relief may have been slightly premature. Tuesday, October 19, 2004 [[On a ledge in the Hot Zone.]] SuperRock: Sooo.. you been here a while, old-timer? OldRock: Oh, yes, Sonny. Longer than you can *possibly* imagine. hee hee. SuperRock, thinking: Terrific. SuperRock: And what's the bottom of the cliff, here? OldRock: That's the *real* Hot Zone! You don't wanna go there! Even us talking rocks don't survive! SuperRock: Oh. Guess I won't- [[Noises, heavy vibrations.]] ((CRIPPLE! MUTILATE!!)) [[The ledge has broken off, sending SuperRock down the cliff.]] OldRock: Pity. Kid coulda kept me amused for *decades.* Wednesday, October 20, 2004 [[A sea of lava, ribboned with black rock, viewed from overhead.]] [[SuperRock plunges into the shot, falling further towards the lava in each panel.]] SuperRock: YYYAAAA SuperRock: AAAAAA SuperRock: AAAAGG SuperRock: GGGGHH SuperRock: !! Thursday , October 21 , 2004 [[SuperRock plummets into the deep Hot Zone.]] SuperRock, thinking: So. This is it. I'm going to die. [[There is an island in the sea of lava below, on which are two black objects.]] [[Closing in on one of the objects. It's a grate.]] [[Closer still.]] ((SHATTER)) [[A closeup of part of the grate; each hole in the grate is 'covered' by a smaller grate. SuperRock has punctured a hole right through this.]] Friday , October 22 , 2004 [[A flight of small steps, beneath a low jagged-looking roof. SuperRock is bouncing helplessly down the steps.]] SuperRock: whimper ((BOOP ... BOOP)) [[Darkness.]] ((BUMP)) ((bobble bobble bobble)) SuperRock: Wha? ((CLUNK)) SuperRock: OOF! [[More darkness]] ((WHIRRR)) SuperRock: ? ((beep beep BEEP)) SuperRock:?? ((CLICK CLICK CLICK *CLICK)) [[A closed hatchway in a room. Everything is tinted red.]] ((CLICK CL-)) [[The hatch flips open, and SuperRock is forcibly ejected.]] ((flip PA-TUI!)) SuperRock:!!! [[The hatch flps shut.]] ((unflip)) Automatic voice: scan and analysis complete. 87 % certainty that intruding object is: rock, talking, sub-strain 4254-a. threat level equals 06 % Have a productive day. Saturday , October 23 , 2004 [[Inside a mysterious complex, deep in the Hot Zone, SuperRock has been spit out by some machinery onto the ground.]] SuperRock: uhh.. [[Something large and white looms into view next to him]] SuperRock: ? [[It's the toe of a boot. A set of gloved fingers come down to pick SuperRock up.]] [[It's a figure wearing a full-body protective suit. He studies SuperRock.]] SuperRock: eep. {{It will be revealed that this is a male Nome named Kulkad.}} Sunday , October 24 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. Kulkad the Nome, wearing a protective suit, plods along carrying SuperRock.]] ((plod plod plod)) [[He passes a Human skeleton wearing a uniform (with an "E" patch) sitting behind a desk. Sitting on the desk is a broken mug and an old-style telephone. The desk is labeled GUARD STATION. On the wall above, the lower half of a sign reads, in part, THIS IS A TRIPLE RESTRICTED ZONE. AUTHORIZED INDIVD[..] ONLY. VERIFICATION CARDS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. [[A new room. Fizmo the Nome, also wearing a suit, is there.]] Kulkad: Fizmo. Fizmo: Hey, Kulkad. What's that you've got? [[Kulkad sets SuperRock on a slablike table.]] Kulkad: A rock. Fizmo: What, did that talking flap spit out /another/ one? That's three just this week. I don't like this /at all./ Monday, October 25, 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone]] Fizmo: And it's not just that flap acting up. The other sounds have come back, and the temperature's gotten worse, too! [[Fizmo gestures a telescope mounted near by.]] Fizmo: In fact, the one single solitary thing that hasn't changed recently is that zarking whatzit we were sent down into this fratzhole to watch! [[A device with a light and a large button.]] Fizmo: It never changes! Ever! And if it does change, what did that shifty little phizzer say, the one who hired us? "Push this 'button' thing and run"? Fizmo: Groan... Why did I ever take this job? I should have just stayed in the zarking forest. Yeah, OK, things are lousy there, but at least you don't have sip phiz through a straw, and sit on top of some... unBrushed explody thing! [[Fizmo and Kulkad look at each other.]] Kulkad: Talk a lot, don't you? Fizmo: Hey, you got some better way to pass the time, I'm all zarking ears ! Tuesday , October 26 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. Fizmo the Nome is in a suit, grumbling. SuperRock sits on the table or whatever nearby]] Fizmo: /I talk a lot/ he says. HAH! That's a laugh. I remember Filfre. Before that zarking Spyder got him, /he/ was the one who talked all the time. I mean, it was like the guy had [[Something is happening to SuperRock.]] SuperRock: uhhh.. Fizmo: a busted hinge on his fratzing jaw, once he got started, there was /no/ shutting him up. Especially on the subject of clingroots. Which is kinda weird, cuz ol' Filfre was maybe the /worst/ clingroot grower in the entire forest. Well, except [[Fizmo's grumbling continues in the background.]] SuperRock: Something is.. wrong? Or just.. differ- [[More grumbling. A pointy insect-like leg emerges from SuperRock's side]] ((SPA-ROINGG)) SuperRock: YAHH!! Wednesday , October 27 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. SuperRock has just acquired a leg.]] SuperRock: What's happening?? [[Three more legs appear.]] ((boing spoop sprang)) SuperRock: AAAGH! [[That's it.]] SuperRock: These things! What am I gonna- Wait a second.. [[The legs can be controlled.]] ((Flex flex flex flex)) [[SuperRock plants the legs.]] ((CLUNK)) SuperRock: Now that's interesting.. Thursday , October 28 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, SuperRock, sitting on a desk-sized block, has suddenly sprouted legs.]] SuperRock, thinking: If I can /move/ these things, then /maybe/ I can- [[He stands up.]] SuperRock: Oof! SuperRock, thinking: Hah! Yes! I can stand! [[He starts walking.]] SuperRock, thinking: I can perambulate! [[He has walked off the edge of the block, dropping out of sight.]] SuperRock, thinking, from the floor: I can fall! This is so keen! Friday, October 29, 2004 [[Deep inside the Hot Zone, "SuperRock" gets to "his" feet.]] SuperRock: oof SR: Yes! I can fall, *and* get back up! With these new superpowers.. SR: If I can.. climb.. yeah, that's the word.. climb out of here, *those Wyrms will never know what hit them!* SR: *Forward to victory!* Or sideways, or whatever direction this is! Saturday , October 30 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. Fizmo the Nome, in her protective suit, has just seen SuperRock walk away.]] Fizmo: Kulkad! [[Kulkad the Nome finally appears]] Fizmo: KULKAD! Kulkad: Yyyes? [[The now-empty platform]] Fizmo: That rock! /It sprouted legs and walked away!!/ [[Kulkad says nothing.]] Fizmo: WELL?! Kulkad: Now you've got something to do. And yet you're still talking. Sunday , October 31 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. Fizmo the Nome, in full protective suit, goes past the skeleton-manned guard station.]] Fizmo: "Now I've got something to do." Hmph. Thinks he's so zarking clever. Fizmo, from off screen: OK, fine. Where the zark is that rock? It couldn't have gotten far, it wasn't moving that fast.. [[Nothing happens]] [[One of SuperRock's legs jabs into view on the chair behind the skeleton.]] ((chuk)) Monday , November 1 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, SuperRock has climbed the back of a chair occupied by the skeleton of a Human security guard.]] SuperRock, thinking: Almost there.. [[He starts climbing the skeleton's head.]] SuperRock: urg oof [[He is now standing on the skeleton's hat.]] SuperRock, thinking: OK. Good. But gotta keep /climbing./ Where.. Wait. Up there. What's that? [[A small hole in the wall labeled AIRSHAFT 23A DO NOT BLOCK. The cover-grill hangs below by a single screw.]] SuperRock, thinking: Yess.. Tuesday , November 2 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. SuperRock is standing on the head of a skeleton, looking up at an airvent overhead.]] SuperRock, thinking: So how do I get up to that hole? [[He taps the wall with a leg.]] SuperRock, thinking: I can't dig into the wall. It's made of metal. SuperRock, thinking: But wait.. What if I were to /push/ myself vigorously off the ground? [[He "crouches"]] SuperRock, thinking: My momentum might counteract gravity just long enough. [[He leaps.]] ((SPROING!)) [[He snags the lip of the airvent with one of his legs.]] Wednesday , November 3 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, SuperRock scrabbles to climb into the airshaft he has just leaped to.]] ((scrabble scrabble)) SuperRock: urg oof ((He's made it, and stands at the entrance to the shaft.)) SuperRock: So. Anyrock here? [[No reply.]] ((oop blip beeblebeeblebeeble ping)) [[He thinks about this for a moment.]] [[He advances down the shaft.]] SuperRock: OK then.. Thursday , November 4 , 2004 [[A quite gory piece of fan-art which depicts an unsuspecting Comshaw being crushed by the Operator's elevator. Contributed by "ymmot", creator of the Keenspace/Comic Genesis strip Bob.]] Friday , November 5 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, SuperRock advances down the airshaft.]] Computerish voice: BEEP. Unauthorized movement detected in airshaft 23a. Engage anti-vermin systems. [[He is sprayed with fire]] ((FOOM)) [[He is zapped with electricity.]] ((ZZAP)) [[He pelted with small projectiles.]] ((blam bonk phew)) SuperRock, thinking: Odd. After hearing those noises I thought something /bad/ might happen. Saturday , November 6 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, SuperRock walks down an airshaft. There is a closed panel in the wall.]] Computerized voice: Beep. Unauthorized unabated movement in airshaft 23a. Engage Verminator 444 unit. [[A shot of the panel.]] [[The panel slides open.]] ((SHUNK)) [[The lights of the Verminator mini-robot become visible in the darkness.]] Sunday , November 7 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, SuperRock is walking along inside an airshaft.]] [[He pauses in front of a stain on the wall.]] SuperRock, thinking: Wait.. what's that up ahead? [[There are bars blocking his path.]] SuperRock, thinking: Hey! Those things are blocking my path! [[Behind him, the Verminator minirobot approaches.]] ((VROOOM)) SuperRock, thinking: How am I supposed to get past!? Monday , November 8 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. Inside an airshaft, SuiperRock faces a set of bars blocking his path. A stain is visible on the wall behind.]] SuperRock, thinking: Perhaps if i were to vigorously propel my body against the obstruction, it might.. Verminator, from off-screen: BEEP! [[The Verminator is a wheeled minrobot equipped with a clamping hands. It appears to be grinning.]] SuperRock: Gah! Verminator: Prepare to die, vermin! SuperRock: What? Who? i'm not a vermin! Verminator: Beep. Verminator: ?Please clarify statement? SuperRock: Im a rock! I don't even know what a "vermin" is! Verminator: Beep. Verminator: ???? Does not computate. SuperRock, thinking: I can see /this/ is going to be an intellectually stmulating conversation... Tuesday , November 9 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, iinside an airshaft, SuperRock faces a Verminator minirobot.]] SuperRock: Haven't you got visual inputs? Can't you /see/ that I'm a rock? Verminator: BEEP [[The Verminator's antenna swivel forward.]] ((scan probe analyze)) Verminator: Scan completed result: confirmed. Target is mineral. SuperRock: /Yes./ Ii am a rock. Verminator: But the target walks and talks. SuperRock: Yes, that's sort of new. The walking anyway. [[The Verminator calculates some more.]] Verminator: ???? Rocks do not walk and talk. You walk and talk. You are a rock ??? SuperRock: um... I'll just be moving along now.. Wednesday, November 10, 2004 [[Superrock taps a bar with his leg]] Superrock: This material is too strong. I'd shatter further if I pushed myself into it. No more legs. ((beep)) Superrock: Why is the metalthing going to pieces? That other metalvoice didn't have any problems when it identified me.. Verminator: beep BEEP err or.. Verminator: err or fa tal err or walktalk replace lo gic fili ments re- ((SPROING)) Verminator: I am a Verminator 444 unit. I was activated at The Factor E on the 23rd of June in Audrayear 9. Hail E! My trainer was L. Skagg. He taught me to attack things. Would you like me to attack? [[Superrock points at bars with his leg]] Superrock: Well.. um.. You could remove these blocking things here.. [[Verminator charges the bars]] Superrock: Whoa! Verminator: RAR! ((WAM)) Thursday , November 11 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone. Inside an airshaft, a malfunctioning Verminator minirobot has just destroyed some bars.]] SuperRock: Wow. That's... wow! You did it! You removed the blockers! Thank you! [[The Verminator is completely malfunctioning.]] ((!!RAR!!)) ((BOOM CRASH)) SuperRock: Ah.. There's really no need to attack the wall as well.. ((ZZAP FOOM!)) SuperRock: Or those glowing things behind the wall... Computerized Voice: ALERT ALERT ALERT Friday , November 12 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, inside an airshaft. A malfunctioning Verminator minirobot has crashed through the wall and attacked the machinery beyond. SuperRock: What's going on in there? [[The Verminator is tangled in the wreckage it has created. All that follows is (sic)]] Computerized Voice: ALERT ALERT ALERT airsh aft 23a logic fil ments heavily dam maged en eng age sel frepair prot oculls [[The lights begin to fade.]] Voice: by byp ass damaged sys tems- FAILED sum mun kwal ified repa re teem- FAILED [[It goes dark]] Voice: ENGAGE AUTO DESTRUCT CONFIRMED Saturday , November 13 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hot Zone, inside an airshaft.]] Computerized voice: Attention! Airshaft 23A self-destruct has been intitiated. you have 15 seconds to evacuate the airshaft. SuperRock: Hello? [[A view of the entrance to the airshaft. The cover-grate hangs by one screw.]] [[A metal cover slams shut, sealing the shaft. The grate falls completely off.]] ((SLAM)) voice: For your safety and protection, the airshaft has been sealed. you have 10 seconds to evacuate the airshaft. SuperRock: How can I leave if- voice: You have 5 seconds to evacuate the airshaft. Have a productive day. SuperRock: Oh, d- Sunday , November 14 , 2004 [[The deep Hot Zone, a mixture of stone and lava, with large pillars reaching up to the ceiling; one of the pillars is marked with a string of lights. Stalagmites and Stalactites scattered about.]] [[An explosion from one of the stone sections, spewing a thread of light up to the roof.]] ((KA BOOM)) Monday , November 15 , 2004 [[Deep in the Hotzone. A Stalactite hangs over the magma sea.]] [[SuperRock, riding shaft explosion, comes flying up into view.]] SuperRock: AEII!! [[SuperRock lands on the Stalactite as rubble from the explosion explodes.]] ((Glomp Pow)) SuperRock: coff wheeze SuperRock: ! [[SuperRock begins climbing]] SuperRock: Look out, world, here I come! Tuesday , November 16 , 2004 [[Fizmo stalks along]] Fizmo: grumble mutter. [[An explosion. (The airshaft blowing up.)]] ((KABOOM)) Fizmo: What the Zark? [[Fizmo surveys the destroyed airshaft, the damaged skeleton and desk.]] Fizmo: OK.. Fizmo, thinking: That does it. [[Back in the telescope room.]] Fizmo: I have *had* it! One of those airholes out in the hall just *blew up*. Even if I have to climb every last one of those giant stairs.. Fizmo: I'm outta here before anything else happens! And if you're smart you'll *join me!* [[Kulkad watches Fizmo leave.]] [[He turns back to the telescope.]] Kulkad, thinking: Peace and quiet at last. Wednesday , November 17 , 2004 [[In the Hot Zone]] Narration: Meanwhile, A Bit Higher Up.. Syth: Why does Gybb hunt talking rocks, anyway? If we just leave them alone, they can't come after us.. Yaypo: Who knows. Maybe one yelled at him when he was a grub. Yaypo: Here he comes. Looks like he's done for the day already. [[They both look down at Gybb, who is out of sight on or near the ground.]] Yaypo: So, how did it go? Gybb, brokenly: Our glorious mineral-based overlords displayed mercy.. Thursday , November 18 , 2004 [[In the tunnel from the Basement to the Forest of E.]] Narration: At the end of a tunnel.. Comshaw: Well, here we are. That's the forest. Niddle: Did you.. the Council.. put in that gate? [[The gate in question, a thick lattice made of metal. The sky and trees are visible beyond.]] Comshaw: Yes. Top of the line. We had Hesper's team down in Hammer Hall build it. After huge arguments in the Council. Niddle: Agruments? Comshaw: This tunnel is supposed to be free to anyone who wants to use it. That's why I'm going after whoever hired Skoil, and why some didn't want the gate. Niddle: But then why- Comshaw: Adult Trogs and Dornbeasts are bad enough. We don't need Spyders and Tree Squids roaming the Halls as well. Friday , November 19 , 2004 [[In a tunnel, nearly in the Forest of E.]] Niddle: So you think the gate was a good idea, Comshaw? Comshaw: The /theory/ is good, but.. Hesper's the best metalworker in the world, and he personally constructed the gate-hinges... [[Comshaw reaches for the gate-latch]] Comshaw: ..and I'm still afraid that a Tree Squid could just rip this thing down, if it really wanted to. They're strong... As for the Spyders... [[He pulls up on the latchpin]] ((CLUNK)) Comshaw: They have no effective manipulating appendages, and aren't nearly as strong as the T-Squids.. but they are way smarter than most people realize. And so any lock that's (oof) truly Spyder-proof... [[He shifts his grip on the latch.]] [[He pushes the latch the rest of the way open.]] ((SHUNK)) Comshaw: ..is going to be (grunt) "half-the-population-of-the-world proof" as well. Saturday , November 20 , 2004 [[Comshaw opens the gate for Niddle.]] Comshaw: So. Anyway. [[Trees and sky.]] Comshaw: The forest. [[Niddle looks around, as Comshaw watches him.]] [[Overhead view of the two of them.]] [[A wider overhead view, as Niddle looks up.]] [[Wider still.]] Comshaw: Oh yes. And the sky. Sunday , November 21 , 2004 [[Niddle is aboveground for the first time in his life. He looks up at the sky.]] Comshaw: You shouldn't stare at the sky too long, Niddle. Sometimes people get a little- Niddle: Does it really go up /forever?/ [[Niddle points.]] Comshaw: Forever? No one knows. It goes a Zark of a long ways, though. Even the Jibjibs can't fly that high. Some have tried. Niddle: And that's the Sun over there? [[The sun in the sky above the trees of the forest. In this black and white comic, it is yellow and the sky around it is tinged blue.]] Comshaw: Yes. I think it's some kind of giant GBOL. Or maybe an ABOL, because it moves across the sky each day, and finally goes down behind the Edge of the world. Niddle: What happens then? Comshaw: The sky turns black, but fills with lots of tiny white lights. They call them 'stars'. [[Back to Comshaw and Niddle]] Niddle: I hope I can watch that. It sounds beautiful. Buzz the Saur, from off-screen: Yes, indeed! It's a sight to see! Monday , November 22 , 2004 [[A depiction of Rosemary and her sword in an action pose. Guest-art by The Loser Hero, creator of the Keenspace comic Twice Destined. (http://twicedestined.comicgenesis.com/)]] Tuesday, November 23, 2004 [[Comshaw and Niddle have just emerged into the forest]] Off-screen Saur: Howdy there! Comshaw: Can we help you with something? Saur: That depends.. [[Buzz the Saur is standing on the hill over the tunnel entrance, along with two Pales. One of the Pales is carrying a flag on a pole.]] Buzz: Is one of you named "Comshaw the Poker"? Wednesday , November 24 , 2004 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw and Niddle have met Buzz the Saur and his Pale escort.]] Comshaw: Niddle. Those are Pales up there. I'll hold them off. Go back down the tunnel, go home. If I don't come, tell Camora what happened. Buzz: No, no. [[Buzz indicates the nearest Pale.]] Buzz: My chatty friends are just along to see that I arrived here safely. So I could deliver my message. Comshaw: "Your message." Buzz: Yes, indeed. I have words for 'Comshaw the Poker'. Buzz: So.. Are you he? [[Comshaw glares, Niddle wait silently.]] Comshw: Yes. Buzz: Oh, /good./ Buzz: Before I give you the message, however, I wish to make clear that I'm only passing these words on from my employer, and can neither explain nor endorse them. I pause to issue that disclaimer because the first part of the message is, and I quote: /today is the day that changes everything, and your world is coming to an end./ Thursday , November 25 , 2004 [[Holiday filler. Happy hoildays from Mortimer with a shirt that saiys THE, Sylvester holding a framed painting saying MANSION, Rosemary holding a small paper reading OF, and Comshaw, Niddle and Camora struggling with a large letter E.]] Friday, November 26, 2004 [[Comshaw and Niddle are talking to Buzz the Saur in the forest.]] Comshaw: "The world is coming to an end?" Your boss is a member of the Doomsayer's Guild, is he? Buzz: I don't know what that is, or if he is member of it. To continue.. Buzz: "The situation underground rapidly deteriorates, and if events spiral down their present path, a true evil will rise from the depths. You alone might be able to stop this, if you turn back now." Comshaw: I'm sensing a "but" here. Buzz: "Something waits for you in the forest, and if you do not go forward and meet it, the end of things will be even more spectacularly worse." Comshaw: /Ter/riffic. So why are you even telling me all this? Buzz: You know, I asked that very same question. And I was informed that it's "vitally important that a person be allowed to make their own decisions." And that, it seems, is all the answer that either of us are going to get. Saturday , November 27 , 2004 [[In the forest of E. Comshaw and Niddle have met Buzz the Saur and his Pale escort.]] Comshaw: So that's it? You come along, spray a load of cryptic phizz on me, and expect me to toddle away satisfied? Comshaw: Well, /that's not good enough!/ Who is this employer of yours? What the Zark is going on here? Buzz: I wasn't quite finished, but the boss's name is Boss. Or Sir. If you want more, you'll have to find it for yourself. Buzz: As for the last of your message... You are here, it seems, because "Three old friends" attracted your attention by hiring some guard. Having done that, they are now waiting for you... [[Buzz points]] Buzz: ...right over yonder. [[Comshaw looks in the indicated direction, and sees trees.]] Sunday , November 28 , 2004 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw and Niddle have been talking to Buzz the Saur.]] Comshaw, thinking: "Three Old Friends are waiting for me"... Niddle: Comshaw! That Saur and the Pales are leaving! Comshaw: Yes? So? Niddle: Well... I thought you'd want to follow them. And see if they lead you to this Boss person. [[Comshaw stares at him silently.]] Niddle: What? Comshaw: That suggestion was almost worryingly rational. Niddle: I won't let it happen again. Monday , November 29 , 2004 [[In the Forest of E, at the entrance to the tunnel to the Basement.]] Comshaw: Oh, and .Niddle, you did very well while I was talking to the Saur. Thank you. Niddle: I thought if I said anything, Digger would stomp on my foot a- [[Niddle turns to look around.]] Niddle: Hey! Where'd Digger go? Comshaw: He can walk right between the bars of the gate. I imagine he's off digging that tree of his. [[A killer tree is displaying all of its deadly implements, a noose, buzzsaw, sickle, etc.]] Narration: Meanwhile, not too far away.. Killer Tree, thinking: I hear someone coming. Better get ready. [[The implements disappear.]] Tree: Slow moving. EX - cellent. That Human may have gotten away, but with this one, I'm definitely feelin' /lucky!/ Tuesday , November 30 , 2004 [[In the Forest of E]] Narration: "Digger" Odel and a killer tree... Tree, thinking: Thaat's right. Just a *liittle* closer.. Digger: ((shuffle shuffle)) [[Digger screeches to a sudden halt.]] Tree: ? [[Digger starts digging.]] ((KA-CHUNK)) ((CHUNK)) [[And digging..]] ((CHUNK)) ((CHUNK)) [[And dropping out of sight..]] ((CHUNK)) [[He has disappeared into a hole.]] ((CHUNK)) Tree, thinking: I suddenly have a very bad feeling about this.. Wednesday , December 1 , 2004 [[Digger digs.]] Killer tree, thinking: What?! That little phizzer's digging under my roots! I can't get at him! ((CHUNK CHUNK CHUNK)) [[Vezza and Umboz watch this.]] Tree: RRRAAAGGH! Vezza: Paw? Why's that tree yelling? Umboz: That's a killer tree, Vezza. You wanna avoid 'em. They're *bad news*. Umboz: Wish someone would do something about *that* one. It's right by the- ((CCRREEEAK!!)) [[He realizes the tree is starting to lean.]] Vezza: Hmph! Any old tree can fall on y- EEK! Tree, clawing at them: GRARR! [[Umboz yanks her to safety.]] {{Umboz and Vezza underwent an immediate character re-design after this strip, as he looked too much like the previously-appearing Frotz.}} Thursday, December 2, 2004 [[Vezza and Umboz are in the forest.]] Vezza: Nasty ol' tree! Paw! You can do -anything-! Go kill it! Umboz: Vezza, we only went -near- that tree because I got a message- [[The Killer Tree is being tunneled out from underneath by Digger]] Killer Tree: Hate you! Hate you! ((CHUNK CHUNK CHUNK)) [[The tree crashes and breaks on a rock]] Tree: Hate you all foreverrrrr.. Vezza: Yay! Paw killed the bad tree! Umboz: I- Nome #1: Hey, look, everyone! She's right! Umboz just took out that killer tree! {{It has yet to be revealed in-strip, but Nome #1's name is Blorb.}} {{Author note: Once again, tight deadlines brought about a mistake on my part. Only after drawing the "father nome" in yesterday's strip did I realize that I had used a look for him that made him identical to a nome who has briefly cropped up a couple of times before in forest scenes. They are not the same character, and I'd rather push on with new strips than re-doing old ones, so I just tweaked the appearance of the father/daughter for today. These are the same characters yesterday and today. }} Friday, December 3, 2004 [[Following the death of the Killer Tree.]] Blorb: Umboz! How'd you kill the tree? Umboz: I didn't- Koyeeb, from off-panel: Time for that later, Umboz. Umboz: Mayor Koyeeb!? What are you doing h- Koyeeb: We must act quickly! That accursed tree has long blocked the only path to the North gnoll village. Now, while they are busy with the pales, we strike! Saturday , December 4 , 2004 [[Various Nomes have been gathered by Mayor Koyeeb.]] Koyeeb: Glorf! Assemble the troops! Glorf: Yessir! [[Koyeeb points.]] Koyeeb: And since his bravery and cunning have just been proven beyond doubt, I name *Umboz* to lead the first- ..the first.. [[He realizes he's pointing at empty space.]] Blorb: Weird! He was right here a second ago! Koyeeb: !!! [[Umboz is running offf, carrying Vezza.]] Vezza: Paw? The nome village is the other way! Umboz: Not now, Vezza. Your paw's busy being set up. Sunday, December 5, 2004 [[Umboz running, carrying Vezza]] Vezza: Paw, I don't unnerstand! Why'd you run away from the Mayor? Umboz: Cuz he wanted to make me do something I'm not able to do. Vezza: Why'd he do that? Umboz: Cuz he's an evil-minded cowardly dummy. [[Vezza considers this]] Vezza: So /why/ is he the Mayor? Umboz: I've been asking that question a lot myself lately. Guess someone heard me. Monday, December 6, 2004 [[Umboz puts Vezza down.]] Vezza: Paw? Why're we stopping? Umboz: Have to decide where to go. Vezza: Can't we just go home? Umboz: No, sweetie. Someone's probably waiting there for us. Vezza: Who? Uncle Frotz? You always say he's loafing around when he should be- Umboz: No. Heh. For once, I wish it was him. But he's off harvesting with his friend Gnusto. It would be someone.. a lot less fun. Vezza: I don't understand. Umboz: sigh Umboz: Come here, Vezza. I need to tell you a story. [[They shelter behind a wall fragment.]] Vezza: This isn't going to be a happy story, is it? Umboz: No. No, it isn't. Tuesday, December 7, 2004 [[Fan-art of Rosemary stalking down a hallway, by Roland Lowery, creator of the webcomic Role of the Die.]] Wednesday, December 8, 2004 [[This is a collection of non-plot "filler", some of it by guest artists.]] [[Rosemary and Sylvester, as they might appear on the TV program South Park, by Arthur Levesque.]] [[A sketch of Comshaw by McDuffies.]] [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer, as "Micro Heroes".]] Thursday, December 9, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Umboz: It all started with... The War. [[Scene of some Nome and Gnoll forces closing in on each other, with wreckage and explosions in the background]] Friday, December 10, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: What's a war? I hear people use that word, but no one ever explains stuff to me. Umboz: It's a big raid. The biggest ever. Instead of just a few folks attacking a village, /everyone/ goes. Umboz: Weed doesn't get harvested. [[Pictured: a surprized Nome in mining attire.]] Umboz: T-Squids don't get coaxed. Umboz: And lots of people die. [[Pictured: a snuffed-out candle and a pickaxe lying on the ground, next to a missed arrow; on the background, fire burns next to an untended mine cart, out of which an arrow juts out, too.]] Vezza: Die? Forever? You mean.. like Ma did? Umboz: Yes. Just like your Ma. Saturday, December 11, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza. First use in the strip of black silhouettes for flashbacks }} Vezza: But... Ma didn't die in the war, did she? Umboz: No. That was later. [[Pictured: Umboz mourning at his wife's grave.]] Umboz: The War was in your greatgrandpa's day. He told me about it, when I was your age. [[Pictured: Said greatgrandpa, ranting at a young Umboz.]] Umboz: Heh. Til your Grandma Bayala made him stop. Umboz: Before the war, most of us Nomes lived underground. Umboz: Hard to believe, but we were miners. Worked with metal and rocks. [[Pictured: Three nomes in mining attire, walking and singing "HE HO, HE HO, it's off to dig we go..."]] Umboz: But there's only so much space in the world, and it started getting crowded. [[Pictured: The last of the previous three nomes, glancing behind his back, only to see a Gnoll glancing back at him.]] Umboz: And there were the gnolls. Sunday, December 12, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: So the Gnolls attacked us and started the war? Everyone always says how bad they are- [[Pictured: A Gnoll, grinning maniacally with his claws in the air.]] Umboz: I wish it were that simple. Umboz: I've talked to Gnolls. They're just people, like everyone else. [[Pictured: A Gnoll and Umboz peacefully meeting in the forest.]] Umboz: Kinda dumb, though. Vezza: You've talked to Gnolls? But, Paw! That's- Umboz: Illegal? Yes. I never told you because.. Vezza, I love you more than anything in the world, but you can't keep a secret. [[Pictured: Vezza happily explaining something to Umboz.]] Vezza: HEY!! I can too! You'll see! I'll never tell anyone! Umboz: It doesn't matter now, sweetie. [[Pictured: An angry Mayor Koyeeb.]] Monday, December 13, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Umboz: But whatever Gnolls are like, there were too many of them, and too many of us. And tempers began to fray. [[Pictured: A Nome miner arguing a Gnoll, as a second Gnoll tries to seperate them.]] Umboz: Then there were the OTHER species. Are and were a lot of 'em down there underground. Umboz: Some were smart enoug to just stay out of it... [[Pictured: A Ghast, watching, as curses emanate from off-panel.]] Umboz: But others... Vezza: They were stupid? [[Pictured: A Motihaul selling some sort of an explosive to a cautious-looking Nome. An Ooze watches the two from behind a rock.]] Umboz: You pile enough cleverness, it can turn into stupidity real fast. Umboz: And they piled it, all right, and tangled themselves up in it, two stinking mounds up to the sky. Umboz: And in the end, all it took was a single spark... [[Pictured: The lit wick of a bomb.]] Tuesday, December 14, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Umboz: The spark that started it all was an explosion... a big fire... in one of our mines. [[Pictured: Said explosion.]] Umboz: The Nome leaders said the Gnolls did it. And lauched an attack. [[Pictured: The Nome king watches from the ramparts as troops march to war.]] Umboz: So really, WE started the war. Vezza: But DID the Gnolls burn the mine? Umboz: No one knows. The few true witnesses were lost in the war. [[Pictured: Burial mounds, two marked by five-pronged spires, and one with a Nomish helm hanging at the end of a pole.]] {{The spires are a symbol of Brush, the main deity in the comic's world.}} Umboz: But my grandpa.. he later claimed he spoke to one of them as he was dying. Umboz: And he said that the witness swore it wasn't Gnolls at all, but a huge insane monster. Umboz: Or demon. [[Pictured: A humanoid creature, with wildly flaying hair, glowing red eyes, and a sinister grin.]] {{SPOILER ALERT: This being later turns out to have been Mortimer in his teen years.}} Wednesday, December 15, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: What's a demon? Umboz: Powerful and evil creatures that come from /under/ the world. Or so they say. [[Pictured: Assorted demons, all red-eyed, grinning, and immersed in fire.One of them is possibly Edgar.]] Vezza: Those big things that Uncle Frotz and the other harvesters see at the edge of the world? Umboz: Nnno... Something different. More dangerous. There aren't any in the forest, but there's at least one of them down underground. [[Pictured: The Operator, grinning. Someone's cursing off-panel.]] Umboz: But even though he was alive back then, I don't think he was the one who started the fire. Vezza: Why not? Umboz: He's trapped inside a magical box. He couldn't get to the mine. [[Pictured: The Operator, pushing in annoyance at the elevator car's walls. The square tapestry wavers and stretches beyond the elevator, filling the whole panel.]] Umboz: On the other hand, it's true that being confined didn't stop him from.. contributing... to the war after it started... [[Pictured: A devious-looking Nome warrior being handed a pulsating skull-shaped thingie from the Operator.]] Thursday, December 16, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: Paw? Did the Box-Demon cause us Nomes to lose the war? Umboz: No, he just helped- Umboz: You figure out we lost, huh? [[Pictured: The earlier Nome warrior eagerly showcasing the pulsating skull thingy he got from the Operator to other troops.]] Vezza: You said this was a sad story. So that means we lost. [[Pictured: An explosion engulfs the previous scene. A demon's face can be seen in its midst.]] Umboz: It would have been a sad story even if we had won, Vezza. Umboz: But yes, you're right. [[Pictured: A Nome warrior fleeing for his life. A pile of his fallen comrades lies between him and approaching Gnolls.]] Umboz: We lost. Friday, December 17, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: But /how/ did we lose the war, when Gnolls are so weak and dumb? Umboz: Yes, Vezza, we Nomes have more physical strength... [[Pictured: A muscular Nome lifting two boulders in each hand, while a weedy-looking Gnoll struggles to lift even two small stones. In the background, there's a faint picture of scales tipping to the Nome's side.]] Umboz: ...but there's also quickness and agility. [[Pictured: A smarter-looking Gnoll, a Poker judging by his cane, juggling three pebbles with one hand and balancing a pile of four others by one finger of his other hand]] Umboz: And they say the smart gnolls all live underground. Umboz: And I believe it. Umboz: Because we lost the war due to /leadership/. Umboz: Each side had a 'General', someone who runs a war like a Mayor runs a village. Umboz: While we were stuck with Zabern... [[Pictured: A long-bearded Nome, weighing small figurines in his hands]] Umboz: The Gnolls had /Compline/. [[Pictured: A menacing-looking Gnome with one ear and numerous scars.]] Friday, December 17, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: But /how/ did we lose the war, when Gnolls are so weak and dumb? Umboz: Yes, Vezza, we Nomes have more physical strength... [[Pictured: A muscular Nome lifting two boulders in each hand, while a weedy-looking Gnoll struggles to lift even two small stones. In the background, there's a faint picture of scales tipping to the Nome's side.]] Umboz: ...but there's also quickness and agility. [[Pictured: A smarter-looking Gnoll, a Poker judging by his cane, juggling three pebbles with one hand and balancing a pile of four others by one finger of his other hand]] Umboz: And they say the smart gnolls all live underground. Umboz: And I believe it. Umboz: Because we lost the war due to /leadership/. Umboz: Each side had a 'General', someone who runs a war like a Mayor runs a village. Umboz: While we were stuck with Zabern... [[Pictured: A long-bearded Nome, weighing small figurines in his hands]] Umboz: The Gnolls had /Compline/. [[Pictured: A menacing-looking Gnome with one ear and numerous scars.]] Saturday, December 18, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: Why was Compline so special? Umboz: Unlike Zabern, who /inherited/ his post... [[Pictured: Young Zabern receiving the crown from a High Priest at the time of his father's death.]] Umboz: Compline grew up rough, in the "Fringes". Umboz: (Which is like living near the Spike here in forest...) Umboz: Then, while still a whelp, he was in a bad accident. [[Pictured: A rectangular object with two tentacles falling over on a young Compline.]] Umboz: Everyone thought he was going to die, but somehow he survived. [[Pictured: Compline, all patched up, is returned to his mother. A Healer watches in the background.]] Umboz: Not only survived.. But went on to become very successful in all things he did. [[Pictured: Compline, stacking glowing caltrop-like objects (glowgems). A crystal-ball-like object can be seen in the background.]] Umboz: But then it became clear that the War was coming, and some of the other Gnolls begged him to take charge. Umboz: He was hesitent. [[Pictured: Compline stands at a stong railing, while another Gnoll pleads with him.]] Umboz: It was Caytid who finally convinced him that he had to do it. Vezza: Who's Caytid? Umboz: Compline's mate. She was almost as remarkable as him... [[Pictured: Caytid, a long-haired female Gnoll.]] Sunday, December 19, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Umboz: Oddly, while /everyone/ knew Compline's story, Caytid kept to the shadows. [[Pictured: Compline appears before troops, who chant his name. Caytid lurks in the background.]] Umboz: But even we Nomes learned a few things.. Umboz: The Biggest was.. Umboz: I guess I need to explain about magic first. Vezza: I know what magic is, Paw. Umboz: But do you know that we Nomes, and the Gnolls, used to be able to /do/ magic? [[Pictured: A Nome magician zapping a Giant Spyder.]] Vezza: We did? Umboz: Yes. Not just tree-warping. We could do all sorts of wonderful things. Umboz: But then, somehow, we all lost it. It just... faded away. [[Pictured: A Gnoll shockedly staring at a diminishing bolt of magic, as Tree-Squid tentacles close in on him.]] Umboz: Caytid.. she could use magic. Not as well as the old Magickers could, but it worked for her. Umboz: She was the first in a long time, and, for now, the last. [[Pictured: Caytid telekineting a mace off the hand of a Nome warrior.]] Monday, December 20, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Umboz: But while her magic was useful, it wasn't Caytid's truly vital contribution to the war... [[Pictured: A Nome warrior brushing away Caytid's attempt to disarm him.]] Umboz: That honor goes to her bringing the other female Gnolls into the fight... [[Pictured: Caytid motions a finger at the Nome, and a volley of arrows hones in on him.]] Tuesday, December 21, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: Girl Gnolls fought in the War? Umboz: /You/ are not fighting in any war, Vezza, but yes... Compline, and Caytid, were better leaders than Zabern because they were innovaters [sic]. [[Pictured: Zaberne, at a strategy-table, shooing away a Nomish inventor/promoter with a periscope]] Vezza: Inno-what? Umboz: That means they were willing to try new ideas and new ways of doing things. [[Pictured: A Gnoll warrior, hiding behind a rock and using a periscope to get a view of the battlefield. Another Gnoll warrior is loading a large sling behind him.]] Umboz: As you said, we Nomes are bigger and stronger than Gnolls, and Compline needed more troops. Neither side wanted the 'girls' fighting... [[Pictured: A Nome warrior telling his wife to stay in the kitchen.]] Umboz: But Caytid argued that Compline had no choice. Umboz: So they compromised, which is another thing that a good leader knows when to do. Umboz: And they trained the girl Gnolls to be archers. [[Pictured: Two gnolls: a male handing a bow to a grinning female.]] Wednesday, December 22, 2004 [[{{Umboz is narrating a history of the Nome War}} [[A male Gnoll attacks while a female shoots an arrow.]] Vezza: Why was making the Gnoll girls into archers a compromise? Umboz: They stood behind the attacking males and shot at us Nomes over the males' heads. [[A Gnoll jumps on a Nome from behind as a third Gnoll lays on the ground.]] Umboz: So while it was still dangerous... unlike the male Gnolls, they weren't involved in the actual fighting. [[Two male and one female Gnoll observe a pile of dead Nomes.]] Umboz: When there was any actual fighting... Vezza: Huh? Umboz: Some of the female Gnolls proved to be very.. enthusiastic. Thursday, December 23, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Umboz: But anyway. The war. Umboz: Both sides did terrible things, that I'm just not going to talk about now. [[Pictured: Burning Oozes, one of them already dead. A Nome warrior with a torch stands in the background.]] Umboz: But overall... Umboz: A series of fights decided who controlled the important.. um.. Umboz: we'd call them "clearings" here in the forest. [[Pictured: A Nome warrior hiding from an explosion between a boulder and an artificial tree-like structure.]] ((This will eventually be revealed to be a large clock/fountain}} Umboz: A few of these fights we Nomes won. Umboz: Like the first "Battle of the Bridges" [[Pictured: Nomes attacking & driving Gnolls away from a series of bridges.]] Umboz: But all victories proved to be temporary... [[Pictured: The same two bridges. Gnolls are driving the Nomes away with artillery support.]] Umboz: And we were pushed south, and up, and up, and up... Friday, December 24, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Umboz: And so, finally, except for a handful that was given refuge by other species.. [[Pictured: a female Motihaul sneaking a Nome mother and her child to safety from Gnoll warriors.]] Umboz: ... the surviving Nomes were driven from the underground. Umboz: Fortunately, a few of us already lived here in the forest, and proved willing to help my grandfather, and the other escapees. [[Pictured: Umboz' grandfather, pretty roughed-up, approaches a female forest Nome (his future wife).]] Umboz: Not that Compline gave them much choice. Umboz: Zabern was dead, and the Nomish army broken.. [[Pictured: Compline, looking determined.]] Umboz: But he wasn't a Gnoll to leave a job three-quarters done. Umboz: It might have been the end of all of us, except for two things. Umboz: First, we received more help from an unexpected source. [[Pictured: The two Nomes from panel 2, both now wearing armor, are greeted by a Flagpale.]] Saturday , December 25 , 2004 [[Santa Gnoll poses next to a Christmas tree with his sack of presents and his enormous candy cane.]] Narration: Merry Christmas from Santa Gnoll and everyone else at the Mansion of E. Sunday, December 26, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: The Pales helped us? Why? Umboz: Hard to tell sometimes why a Pale does anything. Umboz: But it seems they were worried that the Gnolls were getting too strong. [[Pictured: A Pale, symbolically weighing a Gnoll and Nome in either hand.]] Umboz: Whatever their reason, they are tough fighters, and with them on our side the war stalemated, and mighta dragged on for /weeks/. [[Pictured: An entrenched battlefield, with Gnolls on one side, and Nomes and Pales on the other. A few projectiles are half-hartedly exchanged.]] Umboz: But then, there was the second thing I mentioned. [[Pictured: A Gnoll and a Nome warrior, getting ready to brawl]] [[...the scene starts dimming...]] Vezza: Paw? What happened? [[The scene is pitch black now, save for the eye whites of the two warriors.]] Umboz: The Sneeches happened. Monday, December 27, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: Sneeches? What did *they* do? Umboz: They came out of their dens. Vezza: But everyone says Sneeches never *ever* come out- [[Pictured: Nothing but black.]] Umboz: Like Caytid's magic, it was the first and last time. [[The picture starts to zoom out, to reveal two black ellipses on a white background.]] Vezza: But what did they DO? [[By now now see that the picture is of the skull of a Nome stripped white of all flesh; unlike humans, Nome ears have some bones in them.]] Umboz: I don't know. That was one thing your great-grandpa would never talk about. Umboz: But whatever it was.. Remeber how I said Gnolls are people? Vezza: Yes.. [[The picture zooms out even further, to show the skull surrounded by white, teeth-like appendages.]] Umboz: Well, so are Pales, and Saurs, and.. maybe even T-Squids... {{And so are Giant Spyders, but they're seen as too utterly alien by the Nomes to be considered as such.}} Umboz: Sneeches... Sneeches aren't people. Tuesday, December 28, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: But Paw.. if you don't know what the Sneeches did.. what happened to everyone else? [[Pictured: Umboz has picked up a stick]] Umboz: It's easier to show you... Umboz: Say this is the underground, [[he draws an oval]] with the Great Chasm dividing it into two unequal parts. Umboz: All the old paths to the forest were and are up here [[in the middle of the smaller part]], and that's where the fighting had moved. Umboz: And the sneech colony was here, more or less. [[At the far end of the smaller part.]] Umboz: When they came out, whyever they came... Umboz: They did this. [[He draws a large arrow thru the smaller side of the underground.]] Right into the front lines of the war. Umboz: And so... People on both sides fled. Wherever they could [[Pictured: A mixed group of Nome and Gnoll warriors retreat, looking scared]] Wednesday, December 29, 2004 [[A very worried Gnoll talks to a Trog, a Helipath and a Gobule.]] Umboz, narrating: Bad news like Sneeches travels fast. [[A Nome adds a boulder to a pile.]] Umboz, narrating: All they could do here in the forest was plug up the tunnels with boulders. [[A bridge over the Great Chasm. Small sparks are visible]] Umboz, narrating: But down underground.. they could and did take more drastic action. [[The bridge blows up.]] Vezza, narrating: Drastic? Umboz, narrating: They destroyed the bridges which crossed the Great Chasm. Thursday, December 30, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: What's so /drastic/ about cutting down a bridge? [[Pictured: A small ropebridge between two trees. A Nome hangs out on one of them.]] Umboz: These weren't like the treebridges we weave, Vezza. Umboz: Grandpaw said they were huge, and made all out of stone. [[Pictured: One of the Earls of past (Ludwig) supervizing the installment of the final piece of a bridge.]] [[Close-up on Ludwig. He is envisioned as being demonic.]] {{Which is at best a wild exaggeration.}} Umboz: Made by *humans.* Vezza: Humans? But humans aren't.. Umboz: Aren't real? They at least /were/. And I think they still /are/. Friday, December 31, 2004 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Umboz: But we're getting off the subject again. The bridges were all destroyed... [[Pictured: A Gnoll archer, sitting on what formerly constituted the base of a bridge.]] Vezza: Paw? What's wrong? Umboz: Just a point I'm not real clear on, Sweetie. Umboz: I say all the bridges were gone, but now, today, there is /one/ bridge across the Great Chasm. [[Pictured: The bridge. A lone Pale is approaching with trade goods. At the bridge's base, an Ichyoid and a Gnoll seated in a fortified "desk" await next to large torches. There are two bowls with something growing in them in front of the two.]] Umboz: The Pales use it sometimes, when they want to trade down underground. Umboz: I've never seen it, and don't know if the undergrounders risked leaving an old one standing, or somehow built a new one later on... Umboz: Either way, the Sneeches never came across the Chasm. Umboz: Or into the forest. Umboz: And so the war was over. [[Pictured: Umboz's grandfather casts aside his helm and accepts a pointy hat.]] Umboz: But to this day, no one dares live on the Sneech side of the Chasm. Umboz: And the forest and the underground have been almost totally cut off from each other. [[Pictured: A panel divided in half with a black crack, with a cavern on one and forest on the other side.]] Saturday , January 1 , 2005 [[A portrait of Rosemary being heroic and Sylvester cowering, by Will Ritter of the Keenspace/ComicGenesis webcomic Thatguy.]] Sunday, January 2, 2005 [[{{Part of the story of the Nome War, as told by Umboz to his daughter Vezza.}} Vezza: But if the Sneeches live between us and this Chasm thingy now, how do the pales get down to trade? [[Pictured: Another panel divided by a black crack. On the left is a Motihaul holding a glowgem; on the right, a Pale holding a plant.]] Umboz: The Sneeches DO something on their side of the Chasm, but they still LIVE just in their old original colony. Or that's how it seems, anyway. Umboz: The Pales unplug one of the tunnels, and try to sneak thru the smallest, tightest spaces they can find... [[Pictured: A Pale doing just this, pushing a pot of exotic plants along]] Umboz: Sometimes it works, and they come back with glowgems, and other.. goodies.. from the underground. [[Pictured: A Pale, carrying a glowgem and a sack, arrives to two others, who are visibly bappy.]] Umboz: And sometimes... Vezza: It doesn't work? Umboz: Yes. [[Pictured: Two Pales wait in the night, looking as hopeless as you can without any facial features.]] Monday, January 3, 2005 [[Umboz: But anyway. All of that brings us *finally* to your original question. Vezza: My original question. [[She thinks about this.]] Vezza: Oh right. Why's the Mayor Mayor when he's a big pootyhead? Umboz: A very good question. Tuesday , January 4 , 2005 [[Umboz details the Nome War to Vezza; outlines throughout. Compline examines one of Zabern's models. Zabern's crown lies on the nearby table.]] Umboz: Zabern was killed when the Gnolls overran his headquarters. [[Gizgum being crowned in a very ad-hoc ceremony in the forest.]] Umboz: His brother, Gizgum, escaped to the forest and was made the Nomes new leader. [[Gizgum tosses away his crown, even as he gives orders.]] Umboz: Luckily, he was smarter than Zabern, or more scared. He made a lot of changes. [[Gizgum talking to a Pale.]] Umboz: He married the daughter of the forest Nomes' old chief, and worked closely with the Pales. Even learned some of their lingo. {{Note that Pales don't actually speak; Umboz probably doesn't exactly understand what was involved here.}} [[Tinsot wearing a horned crown, yelling at a Pale who is stalking away.]] Umboz: But maybe he was a better *leader* than a *father*.. because when his son Tinsot later inherited the post of Mayor, he took after his long-dead uncle [[Koyeeb being crowned by a very nervous priest.]] Umboz: And then Tinsot died.. unexpectedly.. and *his* son Koyeeb was waiting.. Wednesday, January 5, 2005 [[Vezza: So, the Mayor is Mayor only cuz Zabern was his.. Umboz: Greatuncle. Yes. Vezza: That's.. that's stoopid! Umboz: Yes. It is. Vezza, angry: But.. why doesn?t everyone else see that? Umboz: Heh. That?s the big problem with being squid-coaxers like we are. Vezza: Huh? [[Outline of Umboz sitting alone in forest, getting idea.]] Umboz: Everyone else, even Uncle Frotz, keeps too busy. We wait out there in the forest all day. Gives a Nome waaay too much time to think about things. Thursday , January 6 , 2005 [[Umboz and Vezza the Nomes hide and talk in the forest of E.]] Vezza: So.. is that why the Mayor wanted you to attack the Gnolls? Cuz you think too much? Umboz: It must be. I didn't do anything. I just *talked*. I didn't think anyone was even listening... [[Outline of the Killer Tree crashing to earth.]] Umboz: Sweetie.. you probably already figured this out, but I didn't kill that tree. And I don't know who did, or how. But the message that lured me there, and that mob, turning up out of nowhere... [[Outline of Mayor Koyeeb lurking in his guarded tree.]] Umboz: And the Mayor! In person! He never leaves his home-tree! They must've been planning this for *days*. [[Umboz touches Vezza's head.]] Umboz: I'm so sorry, Vezza. Vezza: For what? Umboz: For everything. Umboz: I didn't see how bad things must really be, if the Mayor is this scared. I should have kept my mouth shut. [[Outline of his wife's grave.]] Umboz: I should have given you a real hometree. I should have re-married after your Ma died. Friday , January 7 , 2005 [[All panels in this comic are Outlines. First is Vezza being very unenthusiastic as she is lectured by a hypothetical stepmother.]] Vezza: Paw! Get remarried?! If you did that, I'd have to stay in the hometree all day! Umboz: Maybe.. that'd be better than tramping around in the woods with me. [[Umboz and Vezza setting out on their rounds, being watched by two disapproving female Nomes.]] Vezza: I *like* tramping around with you! Umboz: So do I, Sweetie, more than anything, but it would have made things.. easier.. [[Tuza and Yula the Nomes, with a broken heart behind them.]] Vezza: Oh.. OK. But who would you marry? Umboz: Heh. Well.. there's.. um.. Tiza. Or Yula.. Vezza: Tiza smells funny, and Yula's dumber'n a blobwart. Umboz: Vezza! [[Piu the Healer Nome, casting a suspicious eye.]] Vezza: It's true! ...wait! I know! You should marry Miz Piu Umboz: *Piu?* She's a.. fine Nome, but, Sweetie, she hates me. Vezza: (sigh) Oh, Paw. She *likes* you! Saturday , January 8 , 2005 [[In the forest of E, in a not-too-secure hiding place..]] Umboz: Piu likes me? Nitfol, from off-screen: She does, you know. [[Umboz and Vezza stare at him, still off-screen.]] Nitfol: Personally, Umboz, I can't fathom how you attract such high-caliber females, but there you are. Vezza: Paw! He's not wearing his *hat*! [[Nitfol. He is indeed not wearing a hat, has bits of Spyder webbing all over him, and is accompanied by two Pales.]] Nitfol: Yes, Vezza, I've had a most trying day. But that, and your Paw's romantic travails, will have to wait for another time. Umboz: *Nitfol?* Nitfol: Yes. Equally well spotted. Now, you both really need to come with us. Vezza: HEY! And those are Pales!! Sunday , January 9 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, by a ruined stone wall.]] Umboz the Nome: Nitfol? What are you doing here? Your tree is clear over on- Nitfol the Nome: Yes. It was. Umboz: "Was"?? Nitfol: There *will* be a question session later. I've got a *pile* of them for certain individuals. But right now, we have to go. [[Vezza the Nome and one of the Pales exhange waves.]] Umboz: Go? Go where? Nitfol: To the Pale village. Nest. Hive. Whatever the Zark the right word is. [[Nitfol turns to go.]] Nitfol: Or, you can stay here and wait for Glorf and the rest of the Mayor's goons to find you. And Vezza. [[Umboz and Vezza look at each other.]] Umboz: Looks like we're going to go visit the Pales, Sweetie. Vezza: OK! Monday , January 10 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Umboz and Vezza the Nomes walk out of the shot.]] Umboz: Um.. Nitfol? [[Empty scene, voices coming from off-panel for rest of strip.]] Umboz: ..does *everyone* know that Piu likes me? Nitfol: *Yes*. Umboz: Right. Right. It's just..if she does, the Mayor is just dumb and short-sighted enough to.. [[POV begins to slowly pan away from the voices, which begin to fade.]] Umboz: You know.. do something to her. [[In the distance, the main tower of the Mansion of E looms into view.]] Nitfol: Zark it. FINE! One more zarking stop! [[There is a flash of light near the base of the tower.]] Vezza: Paw? What about Uncle Frotz? Umboz: Sweetie, the Mayor can do *whatever he wants* to Uncle Frotz. Nitfol: Your brother, you mean? HAH! I'd buy a ticket to watch! Tuesday, January 11, 2005 [[A crossover scene with the webcomic Beyond Reality; Rosemary and Sylvester attend a prom with siblings Orion and Laura. Rosemary and Orion are comparing their weapons.]] Orion: Yours is so cool! Rosemary: Oh, please, this old thing? Look at the edge on yours! Sylvester: You of course realize that they're both quite mad. Laura, holding her super-tazer: Oh, yes. Wednesday , January 12 , 2005 [[Part two of an art-swap, drawn by Orion Gates of the Keenspace/ComicGenesis comic Beyond Reality. Sylvester and Orion's character Laura are having their picture taken at a prom. They are in formal wear. Laura has a super-taser.]] Cameraman, off-screen: Okay you two, say "Keen"! Sylvester: Would it be possible for you to put that away during the picture. Laura: 'Fraid not. Sylvester: Couldn't you at least turn it off? Laura: You're awfully demanding for someone who doesn't have a taser. Thursday , January 13 , 2005 [[A shot of the Mansion towering over the trees of the forest; the ocean is visible in the background.]] [[Zooming in closer. The main tower stands above the Temple of the Brush, the Barracks, the Gatestone and a branch of the Tree.]] [[Closer to one of the sub-towers on the main tower. There is a large hole and a smaller hole in the side.]] [[Closing in on the smaller hole. The larger hole is a balcony, on which grows a much smaller branch of the Tree.]] [[The smaller hole up close. It is jagged edged. Circuit-like structures are visible on the surface of the Mansion.]] [[Passing through the hole.]] [[At the far end, inside the Mansion, there appears to be a rampaging Ghast, hir mouth filled with fangs.]] {{It's actually a statue.}} Friday, January 14, 2005 [[An abandoned corridor in the Mansion. A Ghast menaces.]] [[Pulling back to reveal the Ghast is actually a statue.]] [[Panning. A Tree branch comes into view.]] [[Panning. A ladder and a hole. A pair of scissors, a piece of paper and a rock.]] [[Panning. A battered-looking device with a trailing powercord.]] [[Panning. A pile of boxes and such.]] [[A small desk or table on which sits a stack of papers.]] [[Same. Nothing happens.]] ((fzt)) [[A small light appears]] Saturday , January 15 , 2005 [[A desk-like object sits in a corridor of the Mansion. There is a pile of papers on it. Other objects are stacked nearby.]] [[There is a flash of light/energy in midair.]] ((fzzt)) [[Silence again.]] [[Pulling back from the desk. The other objects are a pile of boxes, with a pole leaning against them. A bit of a large picture-frame is visible.]] [[Panning along the corridor. The frame is empty, and leans against the wall. Some sort of device sits here, a tattered-looking spring emerging from a flapped hole in the top. A power cord trails away.]] [[More panning. The cord's plug, lying on the ground. A lighted passageway connects to the corridor.]] [[The passageway is open to the outside. A figure (The Woman of Mystery) stands at a balcony, overlooking the forest.]] [[The noise of the light flashing again, louder this time.]] [[The figure hears it, and turns to look.]] Sunday , January 16 , 2005 [[Scary Lady walks out of shadows towards source of noise]] fzzt! fzzzt [[The noise is coming from a glowing swirl in the air.]] fzzzt [[The swirl grows stronger and brighter.]] fzzt fzzzt fzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Scary Lady: Dare I begin to hope that hence-forth EVERY day will be packed with such fascinating diversions? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Monday , January 17 , 2005 [[A corridor in the Mansion. The Woman of Mystery stands before a large swirl of energy which hangs in midair. Various abandoned devices and bits of furniture can be seen in the background.]] ((zzzzzZZZZZZ)) [[The swirl opens up into a magical Portal, sending out light and wind. The WoM lifts her hands.]] ((ZA WOOMP)) Tuesday , January 18 , 2005 [[A magical portal has opened, connected to some distant dimension. A small black speck can be seen at the center.]] [[The speck grows larger. It's a human figure.]] [[Larger. It's a man wearing a t-shirt and pants.]] [[Almost here. He has spiky hair, and looks angry.]] ((This newcomer is Zay, from the ComicGenesis webcomic Sandwich World; SW's creator sent him on an extra-dimensional trip, and let anyone who wanted to use him in their strip.)) Wednesday , January 19 , 2005 [[Side view of a magical portal.]] [[The portal bulges.]] ((Sound Effect))Bloomph [[The portal opens and Zay comes flying out of it.]] Zay - Crap! ((perf)) [[The Woman of Mystery, on guard, watches the result.]] ((Crunch)) [[Zay has gone right through a wooden door, his feet sticking out into the corridor.]] Zay - !@#$ing Portals. [[The portal collapses..]] [[..and is gone.]] ((tzf)) [[The WoM relaxes.]] WoM, thinking: How monumentally disappointing. Thursday, January 20, 2005 [[Zay climbs through the door he just smashed with his arrival.]] Zay: Gah. Zay: What a dump. Where the hell am I now? [[The Woman of Mystery is standing nearby.]] Zay: Well? WoM: It has many names. But currently, one of the more popular is The Mansion of E. Friday , January 21 , 2005 [[Zay from Sandwich World looks back out through the door he has just crashed through. The Woman of Mystery is present.]] Zay: "Mansion of E"? So it's a drughouse? I can believe it. ((PZOW CRUNCH splinter)) [[Zay has been blown backwards, smashing into some wall-mounted shelving.]] [[The WoM stands in the now-vacated doorway, her hand crackling with magic.]] WoM: You are a guest here, and you are being /rude/. [[Zay glowers at her.]] [[He smiles and plucks a bit of shelf-wreckage from his shoulder.]] Zay, thinking: Heh. My kind of woman. Zay: Fine. It's a damn glittering palace, filled with prancing frilly unicorns. Saturday , January 22 , 2005 [[Zay from the webcomic Sandwich World has arrived at the Mansion via portal. He has met The Woman of Mystery.]] WoM: The Mansion's towers do glitter, when the moonlight hits them just so. Zay: Terrific. I'm happy for you. But that's not why I'm here. WoM: I suspected as much. Zay: A co-worker of mine got lost recently. Really lost. I got a guy to open a dimensonal [sic] portal, so I could go search. I've been to a bunch of places with no luck. So.. Zay: Anyone new turn up around here recently? WoM: Is your co-worker a woman with curly dark hair and a predilection for wearing silly hats? Zay: Uh, no. He doesn't have hair. And he's a guy. Sort of. Technically. WoM: Then the answer to your question is no. {{Zay is being more-or-less accurate here, if skipping over a few details, as can be his wont.}} Sunday , January 23 , 2005 [[Zay: Damn. Another dead end. Now I have to find another portal... Zay: Unless *you* can open one for me? The Woman of Mystery: No, sadly, that's not possible. [[The WoM turns to go.]] WoM: But I know where you can find something *better*. WoM: Walk this way. [[Zay watches her silently.]] WoM: You seem hesitent. [sic] Zay: Just trying to figure how to make my hips move like that. Monday , January 24 , 2005 [[Zay from the webcomic Sandwich World and the Woman of Mystery are walking the corridors of the Mansion of E.]] Zay: So what exactly is this thing that is "better" than a portal? WoM: They call it a "panegate". Unlike a portal, it is permanent. Anchored. Stable. [[Zay thinks about this.]] [[Zay thinks about this some more.]] WoM: Pane. P-A-N-E. As in a window. Not P-A-I-N. You step right through. Zay: I knew that. Tuesday , January 25 , 2005 [[Guest art of a suspiciously cheerful Rosemary, complete with sword and shield. Drawn by Carissa Neuharth of the (now defunct) webcomic AlexBezZoe]] Wednesday , January 26 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is visiting from the webcomic Sandwich World.]] Zay: This panegate thing is close by? WoM: Oh yes. Around this corner.. [[They turn the corner.]] WoM: Down the hall, and.. [[A wall slides shut, blocking the hallway.]] ((SHUNK click)) WoM, thinking: bah. [[She turns away.]] Zay: Not that I care, but your walls are moving. WoM: It happens just often enough to be annoying. Now we shall have to take the liong way. Thursday, January 27, 2005 [[A corridor in the Mansion.]] Woman of Mystery: It's the Panegate which causes the walls to move. It requires much power and a special.. adjustable.. infrastructure to- Zay: I -said- I don't care. [[The WoM eyes him.]] [[She touches his forehead with her finger.]] WoM: Remarkable. You really don't. Zay: I don't care that it's remarkable. Friday , January 28 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is from the webcomic Sandwich World.]] WoM: Now we must go down these stairs. I loathe these stairs. [[Seen from the distance, they walk down a long flight of stairs. A pane gate is visible in a separate chamber.]] [[More stairs.]] [[More stairs. A landing is visible.]] [[On the landing. Only it's more than that, it's Uncle Bob's Landing O' Family Fun, featuring Spyderburgers, the Star Board, and the Whirl-a-Puke.]] ((A homage to Keenspace/ComicGenesis artist Bob Oosterwijk}} [[They are back on the stairs. Something has changed, but details are not clear.]] [[More stairs.]] [[More stairs. A branch of The Tree can be seen growing in a separate chamber.]] [[Back to a close-up view. The WoM is carrying a helium(?) balloon. Zay wears a silly hat, and is carrying something in a wrapper.]] WoM: Or, to be more precise, I loathe that landing. Zay: You look ridiculous. Saturday , January 29 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. The walls here are made of hexagonal tiles. The WoM releases the balloon she was holding. Zay realizes he is wearing a silly hat.]] [[As Zay removes the hat, the balloon floats up out of sight. The WoM eyes him with a smile.]] [[She turns to face him.]] Zay: What? [[A close-up of what Zay is holding in his other hand, something in a wrapper.]] WoM: That is one of "Uncle Bob's" Spyderburgers that you are eating? Zay: Yeah, I guess it is. Why? [[She walks away, still smiling.]] WoM: No reason at all. [[Zay looks at the Spyderburger.]] [[He takes a very deliberate bite, swallows it.]] [[He follows her.]] Zay, thinking: Nice and bristly. And they removed the poison sacs. Trust a chick to not know a good burger when she sees it.. {{As for why Zay is an spiderburger connoisseur.. there are two possibilities; 1. over the years, Sandwich World has featured a very extensive list of offerings, and 2. once you start dimension-hopping, you quickly learn that if it remotely resembles food, you chow down, cuz on your next stop the local inhabitants may be eating granite and swilling sulfur... }} Sunday , January 30 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. The wall behind them features hexagonal patterns. Zay discards his Spyderburger wrapper.]] WoM: It would be better if you didn't talk while we go through this bit. Zay: Oh, really? Guardbot, from off-panel: BEEP [[The enormous immobile Guardbot G446 guards the passage. It is equipped with a pincer and a flamethrower.]] Guardbot: PREPARE TO BE THWARTED, INTRUDERS! Zay: You're afraid I'm going to hurt his liddle feewlings, aren't you? WoM, thinking: It would be so /easy/ to just rip out his tongue.. Monday , January 31 , 2005 [[Zay and the Woman of Mystery stand before a robot approximately three times their own height. They stand next to a wall made of a pattern of hexagonal tiles of varying shades.]] Robot: THIS CORRIDOR IS A DOUBLE-RESTRICTED ZONE! Robot: YOU HAVE 12 SECONDS TO STATE YOUR NAME AND VERIFICATION CODE! Woman of Mystery: Melvin Dwamish. Code: CRM114 Robot: ((BEEP)) Robot: CODE VERIFIED. YOU MAY PROCEED, MR. DWAMISH. [[WoM and Zay proceed to walk forwards.]] ((WOOP!)) Robot: INTRUDER HAS BREACHED PERIMETER! [[Zay is blasted by some sort of flamethrower.]] ((FOOM)) Robot: ENGAGE! [[Zay stands there, frowning, with smoke floating off of his hair.]] WoM: Oopsie! He's with me. ((BEEP)) Robot: GUEST STATUS CONFIRMED, MR. DWAMISH. [[Zay walks on past a smoking cannon-like object]] Zay [[Thought Bubble]]: I'm either gonna kill this chick, or marry her. Tuesday, February 1, 2005 [[Zay from the comic Sandwich World and the Woman of Mystery walk down a restricted corridor.]] Zay: So, "Melvin", what's your big scary robot guarding? Military black-ops? Some kind of doomsday weapon? WoM: No, no. [[A view of an arched door with a fancy lock. It is surrounded by several signs: ERNEST'S SUPER-SECRET STASH. KEEP OUT. SCRAM. BEAT IT. get lost. THIS MEANS YOU. Wednesday , February 2 , 2005 [[Zay and the Woman of Mystery stand before a door. Above the door is a sign: ERNEST'S SUPER-SECRET STASH. On either side of the door are five other signs; they are mostly out-of-frame, but two say "KEEP OUT" and "SCRAM". The door is closed.]] Zay: Ernest? So he's the boss around here? You work for him or something? Woman of Mystery: He was the boss. Once upon a time. Woman of Mystery: Things tend to linger here. Zay: And what kind of moron hides his stash behind a door labelling his stash? [[The door is now open, and a shadowy object can be seen inside the room.]] WoM: If you care... the door is unlocked, and you can find out for yourself. {{Comic #: 533}} Thursday , February 3 , 2005 [[Walking the corridor of the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World.]] Zay: OK. I'll look at Ernest's "stash" The Woman of Mystery: I'll be out here.. WoM: ..I'm already well aware of what kind of moron Ernest was. Zay: Fine. [[He goes inside. The WoM waits. Vague objects are visible through the door.]] [[She waits some more.]] [[Zay is coming back.]] Zay: So. He was a real.. fun-loving guy. WoM: Yes. Ernest was the life of the party. [[An outline of Ernest, about to be stabbed by an off-screen knife-weilder.]] WoM: But he didn't learn until too late. Parties always end. The music always stops playing. Friday , February 4 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. They walk away from Ernest's Secret Stash, passing by an enormous immobile Giuardbot equipped with a pincer and some sort of electrical weapon.]] Guardbot: BEEP! YOU ARE NOW EXITING YOUR DOUBLE-RESTRICTED ZONE. HAVE A PRODUCTIVE DAY! WoM and Zay, both thinking: Too late for that.. Saturday , February 5 , 2005 [[Zay from the comic Sandwich World and the Woman of Mystery are in a corridor in the Mansion.]] Zay: Are we there yet? WoM: Nearly. Assuming there are no further distractions. [[Nellie Grubb appears, wearing a coat and carrying a walking stick.]] WoM, thinking: Frizzlegarb. {{Frizzlegarb is a somewhat archaic swear-word.}} Sunday , February 6 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. They have met Nellie Grubb, who is dressed for outdoor travel.]] WoM: Prunella. Nellie: M'am. WoM: What a lovely new coat. You are, no doubt, going down to the village to spread the joyous news about Sylvester's "ladyfriend"? [[Nellie points at Zay]] Nellie: I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, M'am. Is he one of your.. friends? [[Closeup of the WoM]] WoM: As you know all too well, Prunella, I have only one friend. Zay, from off-screen: Aww, Melvin! Now you're hurting my feelings. {{"Melvin" was the name the WoM used to get past a Guardbot. It is not her real name.}} Monday , February 7 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. They have met Nellie Grubb.]] WoM: Will you excuse me for just a moment, Mr.. [[She touches Zay's forehead with a finger.]] [[She and Prunella eye each other.]] WoM: ..Zay? Prunella and I need to have a private conversation. Zay: A little girl talk, huh? WoM: Yes. Quite. Girl talk. Zay: You might want to see someone about those nails of yours. WoM: I shall make an appointment with my manicurist forthwith. Tuesday , February 8 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery and Nellie Grubb confront one another. Nellie is dressed for outdoor travel.]] WoM: sigh.. Do you remember, Prunella? There used to be a manicurist's shop right here in the village.. Nellie: M'am.. [[The WoM forms a bit of magic in her hand.]] WoM: They would try and hide when I came by. Good times. /Interesting/ times. [[A vision of The Crash hitting Eetown. The sky is red, buildings explode, an airship falls from the sky. The Mansion looms in the background.]] WoM: But then the Crash came, and now we have fishermen, and pudding farmers. And Nomes and Gnolls squabbling over the rubble. [[Back to the present.]] Nellie: I was /there/, M'am. You don't hafta- WoM: You were /very/ young, Prunella. You might have needed a refresher. Wednesday , February 9 , 2005 [[Inside the Mansion, The Woman of Mystery and Nellie Grubb confront each other. Nellie is dressed for outdoor travel.]] WoM: But anyway. Getting back to the present- Nellie: I know what yer doing, M'am! WoM: oh? Nellie: That man! I don't know why he's callin' you "Melvin", but I do know he's why you went out fer a stroll! WoM: No, Prunella. Mr. Zay is an entirely unexpected, if amusing, distraction. Nellie: I'm still gonna warn him! Yer gonna- [[The WoM thrusts her hand in Nellie's face. Nellie's eyes go blank.]] WoM: That's enough, Prunella. Thursday, February 10, 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery speaks from off-screen to the hypnotized Prunella.]] WoM: Such misplaced bravery... [[The WoM appears in the scene.]] WoM: But it does remind me, Prunella, that you were and are a prize worth fighting for. WoM: Personally, I think the better man lost that fight.. but then, I am quite -horribly- biased. Friday , February 11 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery has brain-zapped Nellie Grubb.]] WoM: Now, what we're going to do is.. ah. You can hear me, can't you, Prunella? Nellie: i can hear you very well, M'am. [[The WoM glances aside.]] WoM: Good. I'm not going hurt Mr. Zay. No. No. We must be accurate. [[Zay stands nearby, eying them. He is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World.]] WoM: I'm going to give him exactly what he says he wants. Whether it /hurts/.. I guess we will see. [[Back to the two women.]] WoM: But, you won't believe me when I say that. And you will go around /telling/ people. Such, somehow, is my reputation. So. [[Close up of the WoM's eyes.]] WoM: You will erase this entire conversation from your memory. /Do you understand, Prunella?/ Nellie: i understand, M'am. i will erase this entire conversation from my memory. WoM: /Good/. Saturday , February 12 , 2005 [[Guest art by Ymmot of the webcomic BioB. A group shot of various Mansionites, including Sylvester, Rosemary, Mortimer, Agita, Niddle and Camora. Also present are a Gobule, a Wyrm, a Troglodyte and a Ghast.]] Sunday , February 13 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery has brain-zapped Nellie Grubb, with Zay of the webcomic Sandwich World as a witness. The WoM picks up Nellie's dropped walking stick.]] WoM: Now then, Prunella.. [[She has given Nellie the stick, and pats her on the head.]] WoM: You run along and do whatever it was you were doing before. [[Nellie turns to go.]] WoM: yes, M'am. [[She walks past Zay, who watches her go.]] WoM: Oh.. and be extra-careful to stay on the path in the forest. The natives are restless. Nellie: yes Ma'm. thank you Ma'm. Monday , February 14 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. They have just parted ways with Nellie Grubb.]] Zay: You did something to her head. WoM: Hmm? Zay: The old gal. I only mention it cuz, if you try that with me, I'll slug you. WoM: I wouldn't worry Mr. Zay. WoM: Even the best craftswoman needs /some/ raw material to work with. [[Zay sorta smiles.]] [[They walk away.]] Zay: That friend of yours.. he a guy? WoM: Yes Mr. Zay. Very much so. Tuesday, February 15, 2005 [[Prunella is blank-eyed, walking along a corridor.]] [[She snaps out of it, blinking.]] [[She pauses thoughtfully.]] Prunella, thinking: Did somethin' just happen? [[She plants her walking stick]] ((CLUNK)) [[She leaves the shot.]] Prunella, thinking: Course not. I'd remember if it had. Wednesday, February 16, 2005 [[A darkened room with no visible ceiling. There are holes and doorways in the walls; one of them is barred. A low pillar stands at the center of the room, topped with a glowing light.]] [[Zooming in on the pillar. The light is a glowing white sphere, bracketed on either side by inward-pointing spikes.]] [[Close-up of the sphere. It appears to be floating in the air between the two spikes. Music plays in the background.]] Thursday , February 17 , 2005 [[Somewhere in the Mansion. A small pillar is topped with two inward-pointing spikes. Suspended between them is a glowing sphere. Music plays.]] [[The Woman of Mystery and Zay silently appear on the scene. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World.]] Friday , February 18 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. They are at the bottom of a deep shaft, looking at suspended sphere which glows and plays music. This panel is a close-up of the sphere.]] Zay: So this hunk of junk is your panegate-thing? WoM: Oh, no, Mr. Zay. WoM: We have reached the penultimate stage of our journey. The panegate.. WoM: ..is up there. [[A look up the shaft. It disappears into the gloom, with various holes studding the walls at different levels. One hole is barred.]] Saturday , February 19 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. They are at the bottom of a deep shaft, looking at suspended sphere which glows and plays music.]] Zay: "Up there"? So how do we get- [[The WoM grab the sphere, which glows brighter.]] WoM: Door eight, please. [[She rises up out of sight as Zay watches.]] ((WOOSH)) Zay: Oh. Sunday , February 20 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. She has shown by example how to use a sphere-elevator.]] Zay, thinking: When in Rome.. or Weirdoland.. [[He grabs the sphere.]] Zay: Door eight. ((Ping)) [[He rises out of sight.]] ((WHOOSH)) Monday , February 21 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. He is shooting up a shaft thanks to a sphere-elevator. He is being watched by an unknown and shadowy individual from behind some bars which seal off a passage in the wall.]] Zay, thinking: OK. I'm a big enough man to admit it. This is moderately cool. ((WHOOSH)) Tuesday , February 22 , 2005 [[A shaft somewhere in the Mansion. In the side of the shaft is a passageway sealed off with bars. Behind the bars are two shadowy individuals.]] Shadow#1: Glorf! I heard the ping! Was it.. Glorf: The Destroyer? Yes. Yes, it was. Shadow#1: Oh, dear. Glorf: Had someone with her this time. I think he was male. [[They think about this.]] Shadow#1: She's not planning to /breed/, is she? Glorf: I'm hoping he's a snack she's saving for later. Wednesday, February 23, 2005 [[Two shadowy creatures {{Shades}} lurk behind some bars.]] Creature #1: So, do I send the message back home? Creature #2: No. We have our orders. Only if the Destroyer breaks through the bars. Creature #1: If she comes, we won't be able to stop her, will we? Creature #2: Probably not. But nevertheless we shall try. Thursday , February 24 , 2005 [[A shaft somewhere in the Mansion. A passageway which leads off from the shaft has bars installed in it. Two shadowy figures are lurking behind the bars.]] Shadow #1: I'll return to base camp and- oh. The light's out. Do yo want me to get- Glorf: No no. Go on. It justneeds to be flibbled again. Shadow #1: Right. Call me if.. Anything happens. Glorf: Of course. ((FLIBBLE)) [[A "Glowing Ball Of Light" attached to the ceiling on a pole flares to life.]] [[Glorf is still shadowy.]] Glorf: Was it good for you? GBOL: !! Friday , February 25 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay of the webcomic Sandwich World through the Mansion. She waits at the top of a shaft as he comes shooting up into view.]] [[Close-up of his feet as they land.]] ((CLUNK)) [[He looks back down the shaft.]] WoM: Something is wrong? Zay: I've ridden in elevators in.. what.. five different dimensions now? And every damn one of them has played really crappy music. WoM: Did any of them have operators? In the car? Zay: Uh.. no. Why? WoM: Because installing one is the only way to stop the music. Of course, sometimes.. The cure is worse than the disease. Saturday , February 26 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. They have just used an "elevator" to rise up a shaft.]] Zay: Sso.. Muzak is a kind of virus, and elevator operators are the only antidote. WoM: Yes. [[Zay looks at her.]] [[He walks off.]] Zay: Sounds reasonable to me. WoM: And as an added bonus, hiring back all of the operators cuts the unemployment rate. Sunday , February 27 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is leading Zay through the Mansion. Zay is a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. He can seen at the far end of an open corridor.]] Zay: Hey. We're at the other end of the hall where that wall moved. WoM: Yes. [[He looks down the corridor, she looks at him.]] Zay: But now it's gone. WoM: So it would seem. [[She turns to go.]] Zay: So if we'd just waited, it would have opened again. WoM: Sooner or later, yes. [[He walks after her.]] Zay: I get it. You wanted to spend more time with me. WoM: Am I that transparent? Monday , February 28 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery and Zay walk along a passageway. Painted on the wall in enormous letters: BEWARE! PANEGATE 100 METERS AHEAD!! Both are smiling as they speak.]] Zay: Are we there NOW? WoM: No. Tuesday , March 1 , 2005 [[A gray circle in a white field. A line leads into the circle from the edge of the panel.]] Narration: Meanwhile.. [[The line turns red, lighting up a network inside the circle as well.]] ((ZIP BREEP!)) [[Pulling back from the circle.]] Computer-type "voices": ALLUNITS REPORT! INTRUDERS APPROACH! CONTACT IMMINENT! POWERUP GRID DEFENSES! [[The circle and the white are in a larger field of black.]] [[And are one of three controls in a cluster.]] [[The entire control panel attached to crossbars. Behind it can be seen purple.]] [[The panel, further back.]] [[More of the same.]] ((trudge)) [[A trundlebug comes into view, trudging along one of the crossbars.]] ((trudge trudge)) Wednesday , March 2 , 2005 [[A trundlebug trudges along a crossbar. Purple swirls in the background.]] ((trudge trudge trudge)) [[A hand reaches into the shot, aiming for the trundlebug.]] trundlebug: ! [[The hand belongs to the Woman of Mystery, who now has the t-bug perched on one of her fingers. Zay of the webcomic Sandwich World glowers in the background.]] Thursday, March 3, 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery carefully puts a trundlebug on the ground.]] [[She pats the confused bug on the head.]] [[The bug runs for it.]] WoM: Now then, Mr. Zay... Where were we? [[WoM and Zay from Sandwich World are standing in front of a Panegate, behind which swirls purple shapes.]] WoM: Oh, yes. We are /here/. This is the panegate. Friday, March 4, 2005 [[Zay from Sandwich World is in front of a panegate, talking to the Woman of Mystery.]] WoM: The "Pgate" is- You seem agitated. Zay: I thought maybe you were /different/. But you go around saving /bugs/. [[The WoM in front of the gate.]] Zay: That's the dumbass kind of thing /Phil/ would do. WoM: Ah. Would it help if you know one of them once pulled a sliver out of my paw? Zay: /No it wouldn't!/ {{Phil is another character from Sandwich World with whom Zay has an antagonistic relationship.}} Saturday, March 5, 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery is talking to Zay from Sandwich World in front of a panegate.]] WoM: What an interesting personal philosophy you have, Mr. Zay. Dispensing minor acts of kindness to hapless animals is a sign of weakness? Zay: /Yes./ [[The WoM literally gets in Zay's face.]] WoM: So you'd rather that I was "strong"? I can be strong. Zay: I'm hearing a lot of /talk/. ((SMACK)) Sunday, March 6, 2005 [[The lower left corner of a panegate.]] [[Zay from Sandwich World sits up from the floor, where he has been SMACKed in some fashion by the Woman of Mystery.]] [[An angry WoM appears in the shot, and Zay smiles.]] Zay: That's my girl. WoM: I'll open the gate, and you can be on your way. Monday, March 7, 2005 [[A panegate's control panel, covered with buttons.]] The Woman of Mystery: This is both the panegate's control and its lock. [[Zay from Sandwich World watches as the WoM pokes at the control with a finger.]] ((boop beep)) WoM: It is unlabled, complicated, counterintuitive and riddled with security measures. Zay: More than you can handle? [[They are both hit with a powerful electric shock.]] ((BEEP)) [[The WoM is frazzled but upright. Zay is out of sight on the floor.]] ((beep boop beep)) WoM: No. But /you/ may wish to stand a bit further back. Zay: Nah. I'm good. Tuesday , March 8 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery has brought Zay (visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World) to a panegate. She is working on opening it.]] Zay: This is stupid. I can just squeeze through the hole between the bars- ((beep beep)) [[His (five-fingered) hand slaps against an invisible barrier.]] ((BWHUMP)) Zay: OK. I can just break the glass and climb through the hole between the bars. WoM: It's not glass. And people have tried to break it with things far bigger and heavier than your fists or feet, with a notible [sic] lack of success. ((boop be-beep bap)) Wednesday, March 9, 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery pokes at the control panel on a Panegate. She is thinking silently throughout]] ((BOOP)) [[More poking.]] ((BEEP BLIP)) WoM: This would be so much easier if I had an extra hand or two. ((BOOPs BEEPs BLIPs)) [[A discharge from the panel pushes her hands away.]] WoM: Or an extra brain perhaps. ((SNAP crizzle plip.)) [[She resumes.]] WoM: But I think I'm just about there. Thank Ghu it's not a- ((BEEP BEEP *BEEP*)) [[The panel buttons switch from white..]] [[..To red.]] Panel: [short cryptic statement in not-English.] WoM: yess... Thursday , March 10 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery and Zay of the webcomic Sandwich World are at a panegate. She has successfully operated the controls, the they have turned from white to RED.]] [[One of the crossbars slides away.]] ((SHUNK)) [[And then the other. The control panel remains hanging in midair.]] ((SHUNK)) [[The two of them stand in front of an open panegate. A ring of small white lights can be seen on the wall around the gate.]] WoM: You may be on your way, Mr. Zay. ((ZAWOOMP)) Friday , March 11 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery has opened a panegate for Zay, of the webcomic Sandwich World. Zay stands before it.]] Zay: So.. [[He pokes at the gate.]] ((poke)) Zay: ..the "glass" between the bars just disappears when the bars open. WoM: Yes. [[He waves at the swirl beyond.]] Zay: And that purple swirly crap- that's the passageway to the other dimension? WoM: No, no. WoM: As I said before, this is a panegate, not a portal. If you can pry it open, you just step through. What you see before you, Mr. Zay, is your new "dimension". Saturday , March 12 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery has opened a panegate for Zay, a visitor from the webcomic Sandwich World. Beyond is a swirling purple mass.]] Zay: /That's/ the other dimension? WoM: Yes. Zay: OK, we've established I'm not a big whiner, but is there oxygen, and gravity, and stuff, over there? I've heard stories about some of these dimensions, and I've gotten in the habit of breathing. [[Unnoticed by Zay, something pokes out of the panegate from the other side.]] WoM: Oh, yes. There's oxygen and gravity. [[It is a large purple-colored tentacle. It wraps itself around Zay.]] ((GLOMP)) WoM: Along with other things. Sunday , March 13 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery has opened a panegate for Zay of the webcomic Sandwich World. A purple tentacle has come through the gate and grabbed him.]] Zay: #$%!! {{Must be a truly dreadful word!}} [[The tentacle yanks Zay through the panegate.]] ((YOINK!)) Zay: Tentacles! More #$%ing tentacles! [[The WoM touches the control panel.]] Zay: FINE! Bring it on! Zay: /HA! That all you got, suckerbutt?/ [[The gate snaps shut, and the controls power down.]] Zay: My /GRANDMA/ squeezes harder th- ((CLUNK)) [[The WoM walks away from the panegate, smiling. On the other side, Zay is rapidly receding into the distance, surrounded by strife.]] Monday , March 14 , 2005 [[The Panegate through which Zay (from the webcomic Sandwich World) has been dragged by a tentacle. He just barely visible in the distance, amid swirls of whatever.]] [[The Woman of Mystery reappears. Zay vanishes from sight.]] WoM: Hurry up back there or I shall leave you behind. [[Nothing happens.]] [[The WoM's "pet" balloon scoots into view, following her.]] Tuesday , March 15 , 2005 [[The Woman of Mystery walks through the Mansion, followed by her new "pet" balloon.]] WoM: So.. [[She walks past a panegate. On the far side can be seen the character Ted, from the comic Sandwich World, for whom the just-departed Zay was searching.]] WoM: Should I have told Mr. Zay about all the /other/ panegates? balloon: ! WoM: Really? WoM: Oh well.. Wednesday , March 16 , 2005 [[A filler-strip featuring Rosemary, Sylvester, Mortimer and the Woman of Mystery, as created by a website which allows you to dress and equip a "doll" and save the result.]] Thursday, March 17, 2005 [[trundlebug running away from his encounter with the Woman of Mystery...]] ((Screech!)) [[Looks beind]] ((Whew!)) [[must be all safe now]] ((Trudge, trudge, trudge, tr-)) [[a big slimegrub with an evil grin appears]] ((STOMP!))]] Friday, March 18, 2005 [[trundlebug and a big nasty slimegrub face off]] Slimegrub:((chhho-)) [[trundlebug runs away, slimegrub bites empty air]] ((CHOMP)) ((zip)) [[trundlebug is running as fast as its poor little legs can move, looking back at the pursuing slimegrub]] Trundlebug: ! Slimegrub: RARG! ((TROMP TROMP TROMP)) [[trundlebug runs off a ledge because it wasn't looking where it was going]] Trundlebug: !! Saturday , March 19 , 2005 [[Being chased by a slimegrub, a trundlebug has gone over the edge of a shaft. The bug sees the remains of something sticking out of the shaft wall, from which wires protrude.]] [[The bug manages to grab one of the wires.]] ((GLOMP!!)) [[The bug hangs from the wire and looks down into the shaft.]] T-Bug: whew [[The bug is gone down the shaft; the wire has snapped.]] Sunday , March 20 , 2005 [[A trundlebug has fallen down a shaft somewhere in the Mansion. Above it is the broken remains of some sort of cover. Below, a beam of light extends across the shaft, and below that is two darkened globes, one on either side of the shaft.]] Trundlebug: !! ! Monday , March 21 , 2005 [[A shaft somewhere in the Mansion. From recesses on either side, laser-like devices shoot a beam across the shaft.]] [[A trundlebug which fell into the shaft drops into view, breaking the beam. One of the lasers sends a signal down a wire.]] ((BEEP)) [[Further down the shaft, two darkened globes are again mounted in alcoves on either side of the shaft.]] [[The signal arrives at one of the globes, and they both light up, power flowing between them.]] ((BEEP FOOM)) [[The bug again drops into view, and is hit by the power, with dramatic results.]] ((ZZZAPP!!)) [[The bug is gone, leaving only a bit of spark behind.]] Tuesday, March 22, 2005 [[A small Trundlebug has been "ZAPPED" by some strange machinery.]] [A globe is lit] ((BEEP)) [[A path is traced through a maze of circuits. There is damage here and there, and cryptic markings.]] [[Ditto, heading down.]] [[Ditto. heading down more.]] [[Ditto, along with some graffiti.]] [[Another globe lights up.]] ((BEEP)) Wednesday, March 23, 2005 [[Near a ceiling, two globes light up, sending a blast of energy between them.]] ((FOOM)) [[The Trundlebug rematerializes between the globes, hanging in the air.]] ((PAZZ!!)) [[The Trundlebug fall towards some nasty-looking spikes.]] Trundlebug: whimper Thursday , March 24 , 2005 [[Inside a vermin filter, the Trundlebug falls towards a large pile of debris; the thing on top of the pile looks spiked and dangerous.]] [[He hits the pile.]] ((CRUNCH)) [[The spiked thing was less dangerous than it looked, and is now shattered. The T-Bug staggers about.]] [[He falls off the pile.]] Friday , March 25 , 2005 [[A trundlebug has fallen off a relatively-enormous pile of debris, and is headed for a large white object.]] [[The white object proves to be soft, and the bug bounces off.]] ((BLOOMPH)) [[The bug finally lands on a slope, relatively gently.]] ((plop)) [[The bug regains its feet, looking slightly dazed.]] Trundlebug: whew [[The bug begins to slide backwards.]] Saturday, March 26, 2005 [[A curved surface.]] [[The trundlebug appears, sliding smoothly backwards despite his best scrabbling efforts.]] [[He falls off the edge.]] [[The edge leds into a shaft. He is joined by a bit of rubbish from the other side.]] Trundlebug: sigh Sunday , March 27 , 2005 [[A trundlebug falls through a hole in the ceiling, near the base of a Glowing Ball of Light.]] [[The bug slowly falls, bringing the actual GBOL into view.]] [[Down past the GBOL.]] [[Down some more.]] [[A white surface comes into view below.]] Trundlebug: zzz Monday , March 28 , 2005 [[The Trundlebug lands on a white surface.]] ((WHUMP)) [[He sits.]] [[He looks around.]] [[He gets back to his feet. More looking.]] Trundlebug: whew? [[He realizes something.]] [[He rubs his feet on the "floor"]] ((skitter skitter scrape scratch)) [[There is friction!]] [[He marches away]] ((whew trudge trudge)) Tuesday , March 29 , 2005 [[A trundlebug has landed on some white surface, and is trudging along it.]] ((trudge trudge)) [[Pulling back the POV. The surface is revealed to be a wing-like thing, attached to..]] [[Rosemary Ripley wears her winged helmet, and looks around suspiciously.]] Wednesday, March 30, 2005 [[Sylvester and Rosemary wait outside Spatchcock's office.]] [[Sylvester gives the angry Rosemary a nervous glance.]] Rosemary: What? Sylvester: Have you ever eaten chocolate? {{Author's note: For any nitpickers in the audience, yes, I gave Sylvester a collar on his shirt. This way, he can stop stapling his tie to his chest.}} Thursday , March 31 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are waiting to see Spatchcock of Le Tree, and he has asked her a question..]] Rosemary: "Have I ever eaten chocolate?" What the Zark kind of question is that? Here? Now? Sylvester: You're becoming impatient and irritable, and it's my pathetic attempt to distract you from doing something rashly impulsive. [[Rosemary glares at him.]] Rosemary: Yes, actually. Just once, but I got to eat some chocolate. Friday , April 1 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are waiting to meet with Le Tree's Spatchcock.]] Sylvester: I asked about chocolate because.. you're from Moonin province, aren't you? Your accent.. Rosemary: Yup. Land o' the Lobster-fishers. Sylvester: My mother's from Fredonia, right next to Moonin- Rosemary: Not really. They're on opposite sides of the Ridgebacks. Sylvester: Right. But still, you were a lot closer than here in Audravania. And Mom said once they still make some chocolate in Fredonia, even after the Crash cut off easy access to the cocoa beans. So I just wondered if it was for sale in Moonin. Rosemary: No. At least not like it was before the Crash. Aunt Eva told me that as a kid she bought it for pennies in the local World O' Pots... I got a piece as part of my wages. While I was working on the Caravan. Saturday , April 2 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester have a discussion while waiting to talk to Spatchcock of Le Tree.]] Sylvester: You worked on one of the big merchant caravans Out West? Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: You were a guard, weren't you? You worked for that big mercenary-for- hire outfit, Hack N' Slash. [[Rosemary makes air quotes.]] Rosemary: Very shrewd. Except that the preferred term is 'hero', not 'mercenary'. Sylvester: You mentioned reading their training manual, and I understand they don't just hand out copies of that to people on the street. Sylvester: Not that... that would stop /you/ if you really wanted to read a copy.. Rosemary: I'm flattered. But when I first read the Hack N' Slash Heroing Manual, I had every legal right to do so. Sunday , April 3 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester have a conversation while waiting to talk to Spatchcock of Le Tree.]] Sylvester:So, Hack N' Slash is willing to hire women, or were you a special case ? Rosemary: Well... [[An outline of Rosemary woman-handling a bearded man. Her Hack N' Slash colleague Baldy is stepping in to save the victim.]] Rosemary: There are always a few knuckle-draggers who have to be convinced.. [[A man with a dagger is menacing an overweight man wearing a top hat. Rosemary is behind the dagger-wielder, poking a sword into his back. She is wearing a very silly hat.]] Rosemary: ..But the big shots at HnS know that having female employees can be useful when people don't /expect/ female employees.. Monday, April 4, 2005 [[Outside Spatchcock's office.]] Sylvester: So you worked "undercover" on the Caravan? Rosemary: Yes [[Rosemary turns away.]] Sylvester: What did you pretend to- [[Rosemary's hand picking up a rock.]] Rosemary, thinking: Probably disturbing "Nevus's" favorite rock collection. Oh well... [[Sylvester is impressed as Rosemary juggles some rocks.]] Rosemary: It's not just merchants who travel with the Caravan.. Tuesday , April 5 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are having a conversation while waiting to see Spatchcock of Le Tree. Rosemary is demonstrating her juggling prowess; in this panel the chunks of rock are rising into sight from below. Above is a Glowing Ball of Light. A pair of eyes are peering down on the scene through a hole in the wall. Sylvester: Wow, Rosemary! That's really great! Rosemary: Thanks, but really.. [[The view descends to where Rosemary is actually juggling.]] Rosemary: You should see my big finale, with the torches, axes, and the triblot. Knocked 'em dead in Ootope and Alloy.. {{"Triblot" is the Western name for a Fleeb.}} Wednesday , April 6 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester have a discussion while waiting to talk to Spatchcock of Le Tree. Rosemary is juggling some rocks.]] Sylvester: Are the stories true? Rosemary: What stories? Sylvester: We have small caravans here in the east, but they are for convenience, mostly. [[Closeup of Sylvester's hands, as he removes his glasses and points at them.]] Sylvester: (I bought these off the Medical Caravan that comes round to the village every few weeks) But I've read stuff in the Times... Have things really gotten so bad Out West that it's the only safe way to travel anymore? [[Rosemary frowns, still juggling.]] Rosemary: Well.. it's not like we were under constant attack... [[An outline of her and Baldy, standing back to back as they are attacked by swordsmen. Baldy is running one of them through.]] Rosemary: But yes. In some places.. things have gotten very bad. Thursday , April 7 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are having a conversation while waiting to speak to Spatchcock of Le Tree. Rosemary is juggling some rocks.]] Sylvester: The big Caravans don't run any further east than Impass. How'd you end up all the way out here? [[Rosemary catches one of the rocks.]] ((GLOMP)) [[She tosses it back to the ground where she found it.]] ((THUD)) [[Along with the rest.]] ((THUD)) [[Rosemary's head. The trundlebug on her helmet is radiating white lines.]] Rosemary: I /will/ tell you everything. Even the parts I'm not real proud of. But not here. Not now. Waaay too many eavesdroppers. Friday , April 8 , 2005 Sylvester: OK, no big secrets. But.. you were in Alloy once? Did you ever go near the Infer- ((SWOOMP)) Rosemary: What was that? Sylvester: What was what? Rosemary: I heard a noise. "SWOOMP" Sylvester: Oh. That's just the sound of a trundlebug's body fully rebigulating [sic] after passing through one of the Mansion's automatic verminfilter teleports. [[He sees her expression.]] Sylvester: Of course, when I say "fully", it doesn't always.. mean.. [[They look at each other.]] Sylvester: What? Rosemary: I'm.. just not going to talk to you for a while now. Saturday , April 9 , 2005 [[Inside Le Tree, Erud the Gnoll has been eavesdropping on Rosemary and Sylvester's conversation, through a small hole in the wall. He has a chair and a small tablet for taking notes. Snoot the Motihaul approaches him.]] Snoot: So. Erud. What are your conclusions in regards to our guests? Erud: Well, Mr. Snoot.. Erud: They found Dyte in the vase, and the.. female.. is physically quite dextrous.. but listening to them talk.. Snoot: Yes? Erud: It is either some kind of subtle and complex code.. Or they are both babbling morons. Snoot: I see. [[Snoot turns to go.]] Erud: The only part that made any sense was the bit about swoomping trundlebugs. Snoot: I'll pass that along to Mr. Spatchcock. Sunday , April 10 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester, who are Not Speaking To Each Other for a moment, wait to talk to Spatchcock of Le Tree.]] [[More waiting. Unnoticed behind them, a flutterby flies past, trailing a small banner which reads "600", written in the numbers used by Basement-dwellers.]] [[The flutterby disappears off the panel, but something happens..]] Flutterby: !? !!! [[The flutterby reappears, being chased by a flying predator. Call it a flooper, for lack of a better name. It is also trailing a banner, which reads "WOO HOO"]] [[The fliers disappear. Both Rosemary and Sylvester realize something.]] [[The Humans turn to each other, just as Snoot the Motihaul appears.]] Sylvester: What's a "triblot"? Rosemary: We're in Audravania? Snoot: Mr. Spatchcock will see you now. Monday , April 11 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are being taken by Snoot the Motihaul to meet Spatchcock of Le Tree. They arrive at a doorway. To one side is a potted plant. Beyond the door can be seen branches of The Tree.]] Snoot: In here, please. [[They go in; Snoot prepares to close the door.]] [[The door is closed. Mounted on it is the name SPATCHCOCK, and a Basement version of a skull-and-crossbones.]] Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Narration: Meanwhile, out in the forest, an auction is nearing completion.. [[In addition to the speakers below, Mimsy the Gnoll is also present.]] Guttle: Eleven fleebs. Nevus: Twelve. Snerk: Thirteen. Agita:... Fourteen. Mortimer, thinking: Can I just go back to being chased by the shark? Wednesday , April 13 , 2005 [[An auction is underway in the Forest of E.]] Guttle the Gobule: Gr. I'm out. Nevus the Wyrm: As am I. Snerk the Saur: Fifteen fleebs. [[Agita the Motihaul considers.]] Agita: Very well. [[Mortimer, not realizing.]] Mortimer: Oh! So. Um. Going once..? Mortimer: Going twice.. [[He holds up the Zorper/HJ42.]] Mortimer: Sold to.. uh.. what was your name again? Snerk: Snerk. Mortimer. Snerk. Thursday , April 14 , 2005 [[At an auction in the Forest of E.]] Nevus: You really have fifteen fleebs? Snerk: Yes, Nevus, I do. [[Snerk produces a sack. Mortimer looks at the zorper/HJ42 he's holding.]] Snerk: I've even got them in this /official/ fleebsack, which I- [[He sees Agita's expression.]] Snerk: What? Agita: I was engaged in appalled speculation as to where you possibly could have been hiding that. Mortimer, thinking: Were these little button-things glowing like this before? Friday , April 15 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Snerk the Saur has won an aiuction. He removes fleebs from a sack.]] Snerk: So. Fifteen fleebs. That means I keep.. [[He sets a fleeb on a rock.]] Snerk: One. [[He adds another.]] Snerk: Two [[He gives a sidelong glance.]] [[Agita looks back angrily.]] [[He puts a rather squashed-looking fleeb on the rock.]] Snerk: And /one-half/ fleebs. Saturday , April 16 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw and Niiddle have a discussion.]] Narration: About the same time, not far away.. Niddle: Are we going to follow that stripy Saur, and see who he works for? Comshaw: No. Whoever this Boss person is, I suspect he?'ll still be around tomorrow. My "three friends" on the other hand... Comshaw: If it's who I think, and they're all up here, together, with things back home so tense... we have to find out why. Niddle: You... don't want us to split up, do you? Have me follow the Saur? [[Comshaw puts his hand on Niddle's shoulder.]] Comshaw: Niddle, you are my Finagler, and my best friend, but I wouldn't trust you to follow a /rock/ if it were wedged at the bottom of SubShaft 44g and chained to the wall. [[Niddle stares as Comshaw turns away.]] Comshaw: Let's close the gate, and go see what's waiting for us. Niddle: I'm really your best friend? Sunday , April 17 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: Yes, Niddle, of course you're my best friend. Niddle: But I thought that Boffin- [[Comshaw touches the back of his head.]] Comshaw: (sigh) Boffin's /dead/, Niddle. You know that. But still.. Comshaw: I do wish he was here right now. He was a good tracker, and he knew the forest better than me. Comshaw: (sigh redux) Boffin's dead, and his panicky idiot of a brother is the zarking gnollish representative on the zarking Council. Maybe the world /is/ coming to an end. Monday , April 18 , 2005 [[Comshaw and Niddle are walking through the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: Boffin may have been the real forest expert, but I've learned a few things. First, you have to be constantly on the alert. Comshaw: This area isn't as bad as some, which is one reason the tunnel's here; the T-Squids and the Spyders prefer to.. roost.. in bigger trees than these. But still, you- [[He turns. Niddle has disappeared.]] Comshaw: Niddle? [[Comshaw looks down.]] Comshaw: But still, you need to watch out for things like holes in the ground. Niddle, from off-panel: yes, all right.. Tuesday, April 19, 2005 [[Niddle is in a hole in the forest]] Niddle: Comshaw? Comshaw: Yes? Niddle: There's something in this hole with me. Comshaw: Oh? Niddle: I think it's a... /tree-squid/. Comshaw: Don't be silly, Niddle. There's no way a tree-squid could possibly fit in that hole. It's far too small. [[Niddle emerges from the hole with a scalpsucker glued to his face.]] Comshaw: There. You see? That's clearly some sort of scalpsucker. Scalpsucker: RAR! Wednesday , April 20 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Niiddle has fallen into a hole, and emerged with a scalpsucker attached to his face.]] Comshaw: Hold still. [[Comshaw stretches the 'sucker. by the top of it's "head"]] ((STTRRRETCCH)) [[He poises his poking stick.]] ((Bap)) [[He holding up the stunned 'sucker.]] Comshaw: You just might come in handy.. Niddle: HEY! You could have /hit/ me! Thursday, April 21, 2005 [[Comshaw and Niddle are walking in the forest. Comshaw carries a Poking stick and a scalpsucker. NIddle carries a gem]] Comshaw: I wasn't going to hit you, Niddle. After all, I scored a perfect 8 on the Bapping portion of my Poker registration test. [[They walk in silence.]] Comshaw: What? Niddle: Didn't you help the Council -create- the Poker registration te- Comshaw: Yes. I still only got a 5 on the Empathy portion. I'm -good- at Bapping. Friday , April 22 , 2005 [[Comshaw and Niddle are walking in the Forest of E. Comshaw has a scalpsucker, Niddle has a hitchhiking gem.]] Comshaw: Well, well. Look who we have here. [[A female Gnoll is perched on the remains of a stone wall, looking very disgruntled.]] Comshaw: It's Shona. Niddle: Doesn't she work for Mr. Nevus? Comshaw: Yes. Niddle: Doesn't she hate you? Comshaw: more or less.. [[Comshaw pushes Niddle forward.]] Comshaw: ..but she likes /you/. Go talk to her. Niddle: eep! Saturday , April 23 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Niddle has been sent to talk to Shona. He is carrying a hitchhiking gem]] Niddle: Um.. hi, Shona. Shona: Hm? Oh, hello, Niddle. [[Shona realizes who she is talking to.]] Shona: Niddle? What in earth are /you/ doing up here? Niddle: Well, Digger was feeling mighty low, so we- Shona: No no. Never mind. I've already had to talk to Furphy today. One of /your/ explanations might finish me off. Sunday , April 24 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Niddle has met Shona.]] Niddle:You're unhappy. What's wrong? Shona: Oh, it's this wretched auction. Niddle: Auction? Shona: I /told/ Mr. Nevus it was a very bad idea to come up here, but ever since he got that strange invitation, he's insisted on coming. [[Shona points off-panel.]] Niddle: Strange invitation? Shona: And now I have an /important/ message from Mr. Faldstool, and those.. /cretins/.. on the security perimeter won't let me through! Niddle: Security perimeter? Shona: But anyway, thanks for noticing! It's just wonderful how you Finaglers are always so understanding! Monday, April 25, 2005 [[Niddle and Shona are standing next to a ruined wall in the forest.]] Niddle: If you need to get through a.. perimeter.. maybe Comshaw could- Shona: Comshaw? -hmph!- All -he- ever does is -cause trouble!- [[The gem Niddle is carrying glows slightly. Shona seems to think of something.]] Niddle: Oh. Niddle: In that case, I really should- Shona: But maybe -trouble- is just what we need! Tuesday , April 26 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, in front of a low stone wall.]] Shona the Gnoll: So where is Comshaw, anyway? Niddle the Gnoll: He's right over... [[No sign of Comshaw beside the indicated tree.]] [[Comshaw appears beside them, carrying "Bowtruckle" the Scalpsucker.]] Niddle: ...there? Shona: Niddle, sweetie, are you sure he's even inside the forest? Comshaw: Shona! Fancy running into you! Wednesday , April 27 , 2005 [[A filler comic depicting how some Mansion of E characters might appear on the TV program South Park, using an online character generator: Rosemary, Sylvester, Mortimer, Uncle Frederick, the Woman of Mystery, and the Weirdo. Thursday , April 28 , 2005 [[A space in the Basement. Wrawa the Trog is leading Leny and Kronk the Trogs towards a staircase set in the side of a low cliff. At the top of the cliff is an alcove in which idle Dap the Gnoll and Tuft the Gobule. Other alcoves contain sections of machinery and cables. A Gobule skull is stuck on a stalagmite. Unseen off to one side, an Ichyoid does something behind a pile of rocks and boards.]] Narration: Meanwhile, back down below.. Wrawa, thinking: Now comes the /fun/ part. Friday , April 29 , 2005 [[Wrawa, Leny and Kronk the Trogs are walking through the Basement.]] Leny: Hey! Wrawa: What's wrong, Leny? Leny: We have tails! Wrawa: sSigh.. Leny: Kronk? Did /you/ know we had tails? Kronk: um. Yeah. 'Course I did. Saturday , April 30 , 2005 [[Wrawa climbs some steps. Leny and Kronk are down below.]] Leny: Wrawa? We almost where we goin? Wrawa: Yes, Leny. Just one more sadly unavoidable stop. Wrawa: sigh.. I wish Villipend was still around. He would have been perfect for this. But he took the Plunge into the Great Chasm, didn't he? Like your friend Yurd? [[Leny and Kronk exchange a glance.]] Kronk: Yeah. Villipend took the zarkin plunge. Just wish Id been there to cheer him on. Sunday , May 1 , 2005 [[Wrawa, Leny, and Kronk the Troglodytes are walking through the Basement.]] Wrawa: Kronk, I know that Villipend sometimes was a little- Kronk: You don't know /nothin'/, Wrawa. Yoor too young. You weren't /there./ [[Leny looking nervous.]] Kronk: And Leny, you say /I'm/ a big pootyhead? Leny: I- Kronk: /Villipend/ was the pootyhead. [[Kronk, looking angry.]] Kronk: He was the.. the.. /mayor/ of pootyheads. But now he's dead. And I'm /glad/. So wheres this guy we get to beat up? Monday , May 2 , 2005 [[Wrawa, Leny and Kronk the Troglodytes are climbing a staircase.]] Wrawa: Yes, we need to get to work. And we need one more, which means- wait.. Leny! Leny: Yes, Wrawa? Wrawa: Do you know where your friend Grum is? Leny: I dunno.. he said somethin about goin up to see the forest.. Wrawa: The forest?! It's still daytime! He'd be totally blinded! Leny: I /told/ him that and said he better come pile rocks with me but he said hed keep his eyes shut but I said how can yousee the forest if yoor eyes are shut, but he said- Wrawa: Never mind, Leny. Leny: Grums kinda dumb sometimes. Kronk: Only when hes breathin. Tuesday , May 3 , 2005 [[Tuft the Gobule and Dap the Gnoll are idling in their niche. Dap is engaging in rock-stacking, the Basement version of solitaire.]] [[Dap pauses, examing his current pile]] Dap: Wait! What's this! I sense.. a presence! Dap: Grim.. Forboding.. Ruthlessly sucking every last drop of joy and cheer from the atmosphere! [[Wrawa is standing at the entrance to the niche.]] Dap: Wrawa! Wrawa, icily: Hello, Dap. Wednesday, May 4, 2005 [[Dap: So.. what could *possibly* prompt everybody's favorite killjoy to visit our humble abode? Wrawa: Where's Odum? [[Tuft listens silently.]] Dap: Odum? Now how should I know that? Wrawa: He has the monumentally bad taste to regularly associate with you and Tuft. Wrawa: ..and I can *smell* him. So, for the very last time... Wrawa: *Where's Odum?* Kronk: Daps the one we get to beat up? *Cool.* Thursday , May 5 , 2005 [[Wrawa has arrived at Dap the Gnoll and and Tuft the Gobule's niche.]] Dap: Now, now, Wrawa, don't go making empty threats.. [[He grabs a hold of a lever, from which trails a cord, running out of sight off-screen. On the next shelf down is a fleeb and Dap's stacking-rocks.]] Dap: We both know that as long as I have my hand on my- heh- well-connected little friend, you won't- [[He is abruptly yanked away, leaving the lever unpulled.]] ((YOINK)) [[Leny the Trog is holding Dap by his neck.]] Dap: Leny! How goes the rock stacking? Leny: Wrawas notta a killjoy. she just told me a funny joke. Friday , May 6 , 2005 [[Leny the Troglodyte is holding Dap the Gnoll by the neck. Wrawa the Troglodyte is nearby.]] Dap: Really? Wrawa told a joke? What was it? Leny: There was this flutterby, and- Wrawa: Thank you, Leny. but not now. [[Leny moves Dap so the Gnoll and Wrawa are face to face.]] Leny: Oh.. OK. Wrawa: Hello, Dap. Dap: Wrawa! Hi! You must be looking for Odum! Saturday , May 7 , 2005 [[Dap the Gnoll is being held by his neck by Leny the Troglodyte. Wrawa the Troglodyte is also present.]] Dap: Odum! [[Tuft the Giobule silently watches all of this from his side of the niche.]] Dap: These nice people would like to have a word! [[Behind Tuft, a Troglodyte drops into view from above, landing heavily on the floor.]] ((WHEEE THUD)) Sunday , May 8 , 2005 [[Leny the Troglodyte holds Dap the Gnoll by his neck. Next to them stands Wrawa the Troglodyte.]] Wrawa: Odum? Is that you? Odum: oof.. [[Odum gets up, clinging to a stalagmite for support. Tuft the Gobule watches him.]] Odum: Oh, hi, Wrawa! Wrawa: What were you doing up there? Odum: Just hangin from the ceiling by my feet. Wrawa: Oh. Wrawa, thinking: It's good to know that there's one Adult who remains capable of behaving normally... {{Calling a Trog like Odum an "Adult" is something of misnomer, but it is standard practice in the Basement nonetheless.}} Monday , May 9 , 2005 [[Wrawa the Troglodyte is attempting to recruit Odum the Troglodyte.]] Odum: Wassup? Wrawa: We need to borrow you for a little while. To help imbue an argument with the proper tone. Odum: 'Imbue'... oh, right. Odum: /Loom/ all over the other guy, then beat on im if he wont go along. Sure. long as Dap dont mind. [[Dap is being held by the neck by Leny the Trog.]] Dap: Why no, Odum! No problem at all! Odum: OK then. Lets imbue. Tuesday , May 10 , 2005 [[Wrawa has recruited her fellow Troglodyte Odum.]] Wrawa: All right. We ready to go? Leny: Yes, Wrawa. Kronk: Yup. Odum: Sure. [[Dap is being held by the neck, sideways, by Leny.]] Dap: Well, actually, now that you mention it- Wrawa: Move out! Wednesday , May 11 , 2005 [[Wrawa has collected some of her fellow Troglodytes for a mission. Leny the Trog is holding Dap the Gnoll by the neck.]] Wrawa: Leny, Dap doesn't need to come with us. Leny: Oh. Right. Wrawa: He can get back to his own rock-stacking. Leny: Right. [[Leny places Dap back in his niche.]] [[He places a large white rock on Dap's head.]] ((STACK x 5)) [[Dap is covered in rocks up to his snout.]] Thursday , May 12 , 2005 [[Tuft the Gobule and Dap the Gnoll sit in their alcove. Dap is mostly buried under a pile of rocks.]] Dap: Your enthusiastic spring to my defense in my moment of peril is duely [sic] noted and appreciated. Tuft: I'm bored again. Friday , May 13 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stare.]] Narration: Behind the scenes at Le Tree.. Snoot: Your guests, sir. Spatchcock: Thank you, Snoot. That will be all. [[Spatchcock the Eyebolt, sitting at his diesk, which features a small branch of The Tree. Behind him is a window looking out onto Le Tree.]] Spatchcock: Greetings. My name is Spatchcock. [[He looks over as an anonymous Gnoll is forcibly slammed into the window from below.]] ((WHAM)) [[He gestures as the Gnoll falls back out of sight.]] Spatchcock: Come. Sit. We have much to discuss. ((THUD)) Saturday , May 14 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester approach Spatchcock's desk in Le Tree, as fighting continues outside.]] Sylvester: Um. Hello. ((WHUMP. AARG!)) [[Sylvester looking nervous.]] Sylvester: I'm not saying we're unwilling to talk.. but you appear to have a sort of.. war breaking out down there. Is this really the best time? ((GRAAA! SPLUT CRUNCH WAM)) Spatchcock: A war? Perhaps. Or perhaps just another scuffle. Either way, it is quite officially no longer my responsibility. Running Le Tree still is. Which is why we need to discuss /napkins./ Sunday , May 15 , 2005 [[Inside Spatchcock's office in Le Tree.]] Sylvester: What exactly about napkins did you want to know, Mr. Spatchcock? Spatchcock: It is not so much that I want to know, Mr.. Ah. Spatchcock: I am informed that your female is named "Rosemary", but no one seems to have heard your name. Sylvester: Sylvester. Spatchcock: "Sylvester". Forest herbs and names a boogieman might use. Very well. Rosemary: "His" female?? Spatchcock: It is not what I know about napkins, Mr. Sylvester, but what /you/ know about them. Monday , May 16 , 2005 [[Inside Spatchcock's office in Le Tree.]] Sylvester: So.. you want to know what we know.. about napkins? Spatchcock: Yes. Sylvester: I'm.. not sure what to say beyond what we already told Mr. Snoot. They are flat squares used to clean up after you eat. They are made of cloth, or paper- Spatchcock: Paper. Sylvester: Um.. Yes? Spatchcock: You would use one of the most valuable and precious substances in the world as a method for wiping people's faces. Sylvester: Well, I.. yes.. what? Tuesday, May 17, 2005 [[A discussion continues in Spatchcock's office.]] Sylvester: Paper is 'precious'? It's true that since the Crash, getting -good- paper can be hard, but- Spatchcock: Since the what? Sylvester: The Crash. You know. When all the Magic.. [[He sees Spatchcock's expression.]] Sylvester: ..stopped working. Sylvester: This is going to be a long and trying conversation, isn't it? Wednesday, May 18, 2005 [[Spatchcock: No, "Sylvester". While this conversation is already trying, it will not be long. Sylvester: Oh? [[Rosemary watches the conversation.]] Sylvester: You just said we had much to discuss. Spatchcock: Snoot is a fine matre d', with many admirable qualities. Sylvester: What? What the zark does that have to do with- Spatchcock: Still, it is not surprising that you were able to fool him. Sylvester: WHAT? Spatchcock: He was not able to Scan you. I, on the other hand, am. And thus, I know -exactly- what you are. Thursday , May 19 , 2005 [[In Spatchcock's office in Le Tree.]] Sylvester: You "scanned" us? Rosemary: He's an Eyebolt. Those antenna 'see' a lot. [[Rosemary listens]] Spatchcock: Yes. The way you dealt with poor Percy was evidently.. impressive. And you are friends with Mr. Protus. And you know something about napkins. [[Sylvester listens.]] Spatchcock: Snoot was thus fooled into thinking he had some all-new species on his hands, one with arcane intelligence-gathering abilities. [[Spatchcock at his desk.]] Spatchcock: But if you think I don't know a /Nome/ when I Scan one, you are very sadly mistaken. [[The Humans both listen. Rosemary is angry. Sylvester thoughtful.]] Spatchcock: And of course, only a species who lives in sunlight and pumps toxic smoke into their lungs would be deranged enough to suggest paper napkins. Rosemary: That is the dumbest- Sylvester: OK. You caught us. We're nomes. Friday , May 20 , 2005 [[In Spatchcock's office in Le Tree.]] Rosemary, angry: /NOMES!?/ We are NOT a pair of Zarking- Sylvester, whispering: I know you'll beat on me for this later, but please just shut up. Spatchcock: Excellent. All that remains is.. who sent you here to try to learn more about our plans for adding napkins to the Le Tree experience? It was those upstarts at Le Gnollhole, wasn't it? Sylvester: I don't know. They didn't give any names and we didn't ask. Rosemary, thinking: "Le /Gnollhole/?" Spatchcock: Of course. Saturday , May 21 , 2005 [[In Spatchcock's office in Le Tree, Sylvester tells a bunch of lies.]] Spatchcock: You didn't get any name, but someone went up to the forest and hired you. What did they look like? What species? Sylvester: I dunno. It was.. some gnoll. Spatchcock: "Some gnoll." I know you nomes have no sense of smell or ability to Scan, but you must have noticed what this gnoll's hair looked like. Sylvester: Hair? I.. don't really recall seeing any hair.. Spatchcock: Of course. [[Looks to one side.]] Spatchcock: Comshaw. Sunday , May 22 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are meeting with Spatchcock the Eybolt in his office in Le Tree.]] Spatchcock: So. If Comshaw is involved in all of this, that means the Council is probably involved as well.. [[Sylvester realizes something as Rosemary eyes him.]] [[Behind Sylvester is Malcolm the Boogieman, who does not otherwise appear or participate during the interview.]] Sylvester: Actually, Mr. Spatchcock.. ..sir.. ..that's one reason I didn't work harder to deny the truth. Spatchcock: Oh? Sylvester: Those ghasts. They were /not/ part of any arrangement we made, and they were sent here by the "Council". Spatchcock: /Really./ Well, then.. Perhaps we can come to our own arrangement. Monday , May 23 , 2005 [[In Spatchcock's office.]] Sylvester: An arrangement? I'm listening. Spatchcock: Comshaw will no doubt be contacting you to see how your mission went? Sylvester: The gnoll? He was.. a little vague. Said he'd.. um.. 'be in touch'. Spatchcock: Of course. [[Spatchcock reaches for..]] Spatchcock: It's quite simple. I will pay you to let me know when he, shall we say, reappears on the scene. Sylvester: Pay. Pay sounds good, but I'm not sure we use the same medium of exchange out in the- [[..a fleeb.]] Spatchcock: Oh, please, Sylvester, or whatever your name really is. You use fleebs just like we do. One now, one on delivery of the information. What do you say? Tuesday , May 24 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are meeting with Spatchcock the Eyebolt in his office in Le Tree. Sylvester is reaching for the fleeb which Spatchcock is offering]] Sylvester: If and when we see the person who sent us here, we report back to you. Spatchcock: Yes. Sylvester: Fine. We have a d- Rosemary: No. Rosemary: /Stop./ Wednesday , May 25 , 2005 [[Rosemary has interrupted Sylvester and Spatchcock the Eyebolt's agreement.]] Sylvester: Rosemary, this /really/ isn't a good ti- Rosemary: Give me the fleeb. Now. [[He does so.]] Rosemary: Thank you. [[Sylvester watches as Rosemary does something off-panel with the fleeb.]] ((poke prod stretch)) [[Ditto]] ((URG GUMP FLIBBLE)) [[Ditto again.]] Fleeb, evidently: FLEEEB! [[Rosemary tosses the fleeb back. It appears unchanged.]] Rosemary: OK. Carry on. [[Sylvester stares down at the fleeb.]] Spatchcock: You act as if you've never conducted a rabid fleeb test. Sylvester: ..Rabid. Thursday , May 26 , 2005 [[Inside Le Tree, Snoot the Motihaul is listening to an Aurilnode (telephone) hooked to a branch of The Tree.]] [[Erud the Gnoll is watching him.]] Erud: You're listening in on Spatchcock's private conversation? [[Snoot looks back at him.]] [[He has grabbed Erud by the throat.]] Snoot: He thinks they are /nomes/ [[He has dropped Erud and is stalking away.]] Erud: I'll take that as a "Yes".. Friday, May 27, 2005 [[Inside Spatchcock's office. Sylvester tosses the fleeb.]] Sylvester: Of course! A rabid fleeb test! What kind of idiot doesn't know what a rabid fleeb test is? It's just that I usually.. [[Rosemary catches it.]] Sylvester: ..let Rosemary handle that sort of thing. Cuz she's so much better at it than I! Spatchcock: I see. Spatchcock: And what exactly do you bring to the relationship? Sylvester: People can talk to me and not be in constant fear of their lives! Spatchcock: Ah. Yes. A skill which is both useful and sadly undervalued. Saturday , May 28 , 2005 [[Snoot the Motihaul walks along a corridor in Le Tree.]] [[A cabinet labelled, in Manglish, "STUF" (sic)]] [[Snoot's hand reaching out to open it.]] [[He roots around inside, mostly hidden by the open door.]] [[He has a crowbar-like item, and is headed back the way he came.]] Sunday , May 29 , 2005 [[Sylvester and Spatchcock the Eyebolt have reached an agreement in Spatchcock's office in Le Tree.]] Spatchcock: So. Where in the forest will we be able to find you, when it is time to.. check in? Sylvester: Well.. we- Spatchcock: Not that I need to ask. Sylvester: Oh? Spatchcock: It's really quite obvious. You are.. /Spikefolk/. Monday, May 30, 2005 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Spatchcock the Eyebolt are in Spatchcock's office.]] Rosemary: "Spikefolk"? You call us that again, Spatchcock, and the deal is -off-, I don't care -how many- fleebs you offer! Sylvester: Rosemary! Please! No! [[Sylvester herds Rosemary away from the nervous Spatchcock.]] Sylvester: Ah ha ha! Just gimme a moment or two, here sir, to calm her down.. Spatchcock: Of course.. [[Sylvester and Rosemary whisper to each other.]] Sylvester: -I'm- supposed to be the Mansion expert. First "rabid fleebs" and now this. What're "spikefolk"? Rosemary, smiling: Not a clue. But I know when I'm being insulted. Tuesday, May 31, 2005 [[The Growth sits and makes noises:]] ((OOOP frel zurp ibble brak)) [[Snoot appears, holding a crowbar. The growth's "flag" changes from a star to a scowling "face".]] Growth: BREEP! Wednesday, June 1, 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in Spatchcock's office at Le Tree]] Sylvester: Waait a second.. Rosemary: What? Sylvester: "Spikefolk.." Sylvester: Mr. Spatchcock. Spatchcock: Yes? Sylvester: Putting aside the issue of proper labels.. Sylvester: You were right, if you meant we live near the Spike. Spatchcock: Of course. It was the only explanation for your enormous size. Along with.. ah.. Spatchcock: Your mental eccentricities. Sylvester, from off screen: Oh? Spatchcock: You have Miss Rosemary, and yet you felt the need to attempt to be even -more- frightening by claiming to be a fairytale monster. Thursday , June 2 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are finishing their meeting with Spatchcock in his office in Le Tree.]] Sylvester: "Fairytale monster"? What? When did I say that I was- Spatchcock: You didn't tell Snoot you were The Earl? Sylvester: Oh. Yeah. I said that, didn't I? That was pretty stupid of me. Sylvester: Cuz.. the Earl of E stopped being scary a long long time ago. Friday , June 3 , 2005 [[Mortimer smiling and waving, wearing a t-shirt saying E.B.A #1]] Narration: A note from the artist. My regular computer is in for repairs, but I just can't stay away, and I have gained access to an emergency back-up computer, along with a beat-up old version of my drawing program, and so for the next few days you get.. EMERGENCY BACKUP ART!!]] Mortimer, thinking: I feel so retro! Saturday , June 4 , 2005 [[Filler strip done while the artist's computer was in for repairs. A male Motihaul smiles widely while holding a large glowing blue-green sphere labeled E.B.A. 2]] Narration: Emergency Backup Funfact for the day. If you're lucky enough to see one in color, a healthy adult Motihual has blue teeth!]] Sunday , June 5 , 2005 [[Filler strip done while the artist's main computer was in for repair. A Motihaul's hand holds a balance scale labeled EBA3. On one tray is a Fleeb, and on the other is a glowgem.]] Narration: Emergency Backup Funfact #2. The two major currencies used in the Mansion basement are fleebs and glowgems. Glowgems because they are useful, and fleebs because they are nearly totally useless.. Monday , June 6 , 2005 [[Following a real-life technical interruption of three days, the action resumes with Sylvester "explaining" things to Spatchcock in the latter's office in Le Tree.]] Sylvester: But anyway. The Spike. Rosemary: Did something just happen? Sylvester: Around its base is an enormous pile of rubble- Spatchcock: You live right /under/ the Spike? Sylvester: You didn't let me finish. A short distance to the south from that pile is a more.. intact.. collection of ruins. Sylvester: We live there. Second entrance on the right. You can't miss it. Tuesday , June 7 , 2005 [[Snoot the Motihaul is at the "uninteresting" Growth inside Le Tree. He is carrying a crowbar-like device. His proximity is causing the Growth to make noise and display a stylized angry face on its "flag."]] Snoot: Squeeb? ((BREEP BREEP BREEP)) [[A close up as Snoot prods the Growth with the crowbar, producing a jolt of electricity, or something similar.]] ((prod fzzzrt)) Snoot: I know you are in there, Squeeb. ((BREEP BREEP)) [[A closeup of the small Tree branch connected to the base to the Growth, as up above, he jabs with more force.]] ((JAB ZORP!)) [[A small Wyrm angrily pops out of the "leaves" of the Tree-branch.]] Squeeb: WHAT? Whadda want? [[A closer look at him, which does not improve upon first impressions.]] Sqeeb: Oh. It's you. Snoot: Yes, Squeeb. And you /know/ what I want. ((BREEP)) Wednesday, June 8, 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are talking to Spatchcock in the latter's office.]] Sylvester: So that's that. We'll be off. Spatchcock: Not quite. [[Spatchcock at his desk.]] Sylvester: Oh? Spatchcock: Two things. A possibility. And a warning. Thursday , June 9 , 2005 [[In Spatchcock the Eyebolt's office in Le Tree]] Spatchcock: Possibility: It would be worth an extra fleeb to know how Comshaw learned about napkins. Sylvester: For the record, I never said it was this Comshaw person. Spatchcock: Warning: Don't think that just because you live near the Spike, /we won't come looking for you./ Sylvester: The thought hadn't even begun to speculate about the possibility of crossing my mind Friday , June 10 , 2005 [[Snoot the Motihaul has dragged Squeeb the Wyrm's attention away from the Uninteresting Growth in Le Tree. Snoot is carrying a crowbar-like tool]] Snoot: It's time for you to earn your keep, Squeeb. Squeeb: I'm /busy./ Squeeb: Go get one of the /flunkies/ to do it! ((SNAG)) [[Snoot is now carrying Squeeb in the prongs of the tool.]] Squeeb: HEY! You /deaf/ or something, Needlenose? Snoot, thinking: I only wish. Saturday , June 11 , 2005 [[With Snoot and Squeeb moving away, Ahz and Skiv emerge from their bulbs in the top of the Uninteresting Growth. The Growth's "flag" is displaying a flower.]] ((foop foop. BREEP)) Skiv: So Snoot's dragged Squeeb off to do one of his snooping jobs. Ahz: Looks like it. ((BREEP)) Skiv: Something to do with.. the Earl? Ahz: So it would seem. ((BROOP)) Skiv: Squeeb could die! Ahz: It's certainly a possibility. But we mustn't get our hopes up. ((BRUP)) Sunday , June 12 , 2005 [[Inside Spatchcock the Eyebolt's office inside Le Tree.]] Sylvester: So. We'll be off. Sir. Spatchcock: Yes. Rosemary: No. I have a question. Spatchcock: Yes? Rosemary: You seem pleasant enough. Why do you have a skull-and-crossbones posted on your door? Spatchcock: I have a skull-and-crossbones on my door? Rosemary: Yes. Spatchcock: Sigh. Those scamps in the outer office. I really do need to get out more. Monday, June 13, 2005 [[Squeeb: Take me back to the Growth NOW! Snoot: No. Squeeb: Fratz it! I'm so close! Those two snake-things at the top of the Growth, they *know* stuff! Stuff no one else does! I've *seen* it! And when I finally crack into their zarking system, I'll know it too! *We'll* know! Squeeb: *Nevus* understands! When he hears that you- Snoot: *Mr.* Nevus *tolerates* you because his mate is your sister. Snoot: And yes, because you are good at "snooping." And now it is time for you to snoop. It will be easy. There is a pack just waiting for you to crawl into... Tuesday , June 14 , 2005 [[Inside Spatchcock's office in Le Tree. Interview concluded, Spatchcock has already returned to his metaphorical paperwork.]] Sylvester: So. We'll just.. show ourselves out.. Spatchcock: Yes. Assuming there are no further questions. Sylvester: No. No more questions. [[He and Rosemary look at each other.]] Sylvester: At least, no more for /you!/ Rosemary, waving: Bye. Wednesday , June 15 , 2005 [[Skoil the Gnoll is lying battered on the floor, with just his hand showing.]] Narration: In the tunnel to the forest.. [[Flange the Helipath comes into view, looking down at him.]] Flange: My word, Sprocket.. It would appear that Mister Hand wasnt [sic] exaggerating about Skoil here. [[Sprocket the Gnoll comes to look as well. He is unimpressed.]] [[He walks on.]] Flange: Do you not wish to- Sprocket: I wish to pry open the zarking metalmin and get the fratz out of here. Thursday, June 16, 2005 [[In the forest. Snerk hands Mortimer a fleeb sack.]] Narration: An auction has been completed. Snerk: Fifteen fleebs. Mortimer: Um. right. [[Snerk waits with hand extended. Mortimer stares down at the HJ42.]] [[Ditto]] Snerk: This is the part where you give me the Zorper. Mortimer: Are you *sure* you want this thing? Cuz.. I *really* don't think it's safe. Friday, June 17, 2005 [[In the forest, following an auction.]] Mortimer: No. By Frizzlegarb's second beard, No! I see now. This was all a horrible mistake. I'm calling off this auction. [[Mortimer glares down at the HJ42]] Mortimer: I'll give you back your fleebs, and I'll go put this snotting thing in the Quiet Room where it can't *hurt* any- [[Snerk snatches the HJ42]] Snerk: *Giiive* me that. Saturday , June 18 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw has chosen to join Niddle and Shona's conversation. He has a scalpsucker and his poking stick.]] Narration: Meanwhile, quite close by.. Shona: Oh. There you are, Comshaw. We were just talking about.. [[She looks down at his possessions.]] Shona: ..you. Comshaw: Something wrong? [[Shona points.]] Shona: Why are you carrying that hideous thing? Comshaw, feigning outrage: Hideous!? For your information, this is the finest Pointy Stick in the world! Sunday , June 19 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw is annoying Shona, as Niddle watches.]] Shona: /I wasn't talking about your wretched stick! What's that thing you're carrying?/ Comshaw: /Oh!/ This! It's a scalpsucker! They have a thousand and one uses! Shona: Name one. Comshaw: Let see.. As Niddle and I were reminded earlier today, people use their tendril muscles to make bowstrings.. Comshaw: Properly boiled, their eyeballs contribute to brittlevine gumbo's distinctive flavor. Mix their gripping secretions with skimgibber drool, and you make glue. Live ones can speed up the sealing of old unused treewarping Cracks, although no one knows quite why.. Shona: Oh. Why would a Poker need to learn all of that? Comshaw: I didn't My grandfather hunted them for a living. Monday , June 20 , 2005 [[Out in the Forest of E. Shona, Comshaw and Niddle the Gnolls are having a discussion.]] Shona: Your grandfather did not hunt 'scalpsuckers!' Everyone knows that Compline was in glowgems before the Nome War! Niddle: I think he meant Bivit. His other grandfather. Shona: Other.. Niddle: We have his picture on our wall. Shona: I suppose that you /must/ have had two of them, but it never really occured (sic) to me.. Comshaw: Yes. For whatever reason, it seldom does. Monday , June 20 , 2005 [[Out in the Forest of E. Shona, Comshaw and Niddle the Gnolls are having a discussion.]] Shona: Your grandfather did not hunt 'scalpsuckers!' Everyone knows that Compline was in glowgems before the Nome War! Niddle: I think he meant Bivit. His other grandfather. Shona: Other.. Niddle: We have his picture on our wall. Shona: I suppose that you /must/ have had two of them, but it never really occured (sic) to me.. Comshaw: Yes. For whatever reason, it seldom does. Tuesday , June 21 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw lectures to Shona and Niddle.]] Comshaw: To be strictly accurate, Grandpa Bivit only started out as a "suckerguy" [[The surrounding trees, with the Mansion in the distance.]] Comshaw: In those days, the best hunting grounds were up.. up above. [[An outline of Bivit looking up a steeply-sloping passage with light shining down.]] Comshaw: The passages up weren't all sealed off like they are now, but things up there were just as strange. [[Outline of Bivit carrying a dead Scalpsucker, and looking dazed.]] Comshaw: Suckerguys would go, and sometimes come back /changed./ Bivit was one of these. When I was just a whelp, he told me how- [[Comshaw sees the other two's expressions.]] Comshaw: Annd... Neither of you care. At all. So. Moving on. Comshaw: Shona. You have something that needs Poking? Niddle: I do too care! Comshaw: Shut up, Niddle. Tuesday , June 21 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw lectures to Shona and Niddle.]] Comshaw: To be strictly accurate, Grandpa Bivit only started out as a "suckerguy" [[The surrounding trees, with the Mansion in the distance.]] Comshaw: In those days, the best hunting grounds were up.. up above. [[An outline of Bivit looking up a steeply-sloping passage with light shining down.]] Comshaw: The passages up weren't all sealed off like they are now, but things up there were just as strange. [[Outline of Bivit carrying a dead Scalpsucker, and looking dazed.]] Comshaw: Suckerguys would go, and sometimes come back /changed./ Bivit was one of these. When I was just a whelp, he told me how- [[Comshaw sees the other two's expressions.]] Comshaw: Annd... Neither of you care. At all. So. Moving on. Comshaw: Shona. You have something that needs Poking? Niddle: I do too care! Comshaw: Shut up, Niddle. Wednesday, June 22, 2005 [[A clearing in the forest.]] Shona: Don't tell Niddle to shut up like that! He has -feelings-! Comshaw, staring: I just- [[Shona spins to face Niddle.]] Shona: And -you-! Why do you put up with that? People yelling at you, and telling you what to do! Stand up for yourself! Niddle, also staring: Anything you say. Shona: All right then! Thursday , June 23 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw is carrying "Bowtruckle" the Scalpsucker. Niddle is carrying a glowing gem.]] Comshaw: Anyway, getting back to the poking- Shona: You see, Niddle? He's not even going to apologize. Shona: Putting up with him, and with Camora yelling all the time! Everyone knows you're the best Finagler in the world! You deserve better! You could /have/ better! Comshaw: /Anyway, getting back to the poking/ Niddle, thinking: Oh dear.. Friday , June 24 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, near the remains of a stone wall.]] Niddle: sigh.. Now I understand. Shona: Understand? Comshaw: Understand what? Niddle: Sina. It's not this auction-thingy you're really upset about, or Comshaw. You and Snerd are getting ready to mate, and you're worried that Wubb can't handle his Finagling duties. [[Shona buries her face in her hands.]] Saturday , June 25 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw listens as Shona and Niddle talk.]] Shona: I really am worried about this.. STUPID auction. I won't feel safe until we're all back underground. Shona: But you're right about Wubb. It's a horrible thing to say, but sometimes I just think that he's going to- to- Niddle: Fail. Shona: Yes. And my whelps will end up being the next.. /Crazy Rhid./ Sunday , June 26 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E]] Niddle: Your whelps will be fine, Shona. Wubb is a quite competent Finagler. Shona: Competent. That's not the same thing as "good." Niddle: No. It isn't. But it's also not the same thing as "bad". I should know. Comshaw: And the parents matter too, Shona. Rhid's were idiots. You and Snerd aren't. Shona: Thank you, Comshaw. Comshaw: Now please don't prove me wrong by continuing to discuss this topic /out in public./ Monday, June 27, 2005 [[In the forest of E]] Niddle: You're right that we need to stop talking about Finagling out here.. but.. Comshaw? Comshaw: Yes? Niddle: Wubb owes you a favor, doesn't he? Comshaw: Yess.. I got him some of those stripy pussbeetles you Finaglers like so much.. Niddle: Mmm.. *stripy pussbeetles*.. Shona: *You* gave him those!? Comshaw: Took a *week* to scrub the stink off me. Tuesday , June 28 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Shona: /You/ smelled like pussbeetle? My hair still reeks of those horrid things! Niddle: Shona, it's all right.. Shona: Niddle, stay out of this. Niddle: No. I mean, Comshaw is going to use his favor with Wubb, and tell Wubb to hear some Finagling.. advice from me, without Wubb getting.. um.. all upset. That's why I asked. [[Niddle beckons Shona closer.]] Comshaw: I'm going to WHAT? Shona: Advice? What advice? Niddle: I'll tell you. Privately. Wednesday , June 29 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E]] Comshaw: Niddle, I am *not* going to use up Wubb's Favor on *Finagling advice*- Niddle: Yes you are, Comshaw Niddle: Mostly, I do what you say. Because you know better than I do about stuff. But this is Finagling, the only time when I know best. If I don't do this, I won't be the best Finaglar [sic] in the world anymore. So we're doing it. Right now. [[Comshaw stares at him.]] Comshaw: OK then. Thursday , June 30 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Niddle leads Shona off for a private conversation.]] Niddle: Come over here, please, Shona. Comshaw: I'll just- Niddle: Please wait there, Comshaw. This will not take long. [[Comshaw stares.]] [[He holds up the stunned scalpsucker he is carrying and speaks to it.]] Comshaw: I have decided that we shall wait here. Friday , July 1 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Shona: I do appreciate this, Niddle, but we really need to get back to the Auction.. Niddle: Yes, all right. What you need to tell Wubb is... [[They both glance around.]] [[Niddle whispers something into Shona's ear.]] Saturday , July 2 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Niddle has just whispered some Finagler advice to Shona. She thinks about it.]] Shona: I... [[She thinks some more.]] Shona: I was going to say "I don't understand", but.. somehow.. that gibberish you just spouted made perfect sense. Niddle: Did I forget to mention? I'm the best Finagler in the world. Sunday , July 3 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw holds a stunned scalpsucker and watches as Niddle and Shona interact off-panel.]] Shona: Thank you, Niddle. That was- Niddle: sigh.. That's not all, Shona. There is one more thing I should do. Shona: Oh? What's that? Shona: Niddle, what are you- ((poke prod flibble)) Shona: /Oh Niddle!/ Monday , July 4 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw stares as a flushed Shona wanders back into view, after being "flibbled" by Niddle.]] Shona: Oh.. Hi, Comshaw! (giggle) [[Shona wanders on out of sight, and is replaced by Niddle.]] Comshaw: I didn't know you could do that. What other talents have you kept hidden? Niddle: I can whistle Ghast squimming ballads through my nostrils. {{Squimming is a Ghast mating ritual involving the use of a Fugehorn.}} Tuesday, July 5, 2005 Comshaw: Niddle.. How come you've never.. flibbled.. with Camora and I? Niddle: You've never needed it. Comshaw: Sso.. should I be flattered or insulted? Niddle: And Camora said she'd eviscerate me if I ever tried to do it with /her/. Wednesday , July 6 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: So. You and Camora have talked about flibbling, and you didn't tell me? Niddle: I just did tell you. Didn't I? Comshaw: So.. /Camora/ has talked about flibbling, and she didn't tell me. Niddle: I'd ask her, but she's not here. Comshaw: Niddle, sh- Please stop talking now. Thursday , July 7 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: But, anyway. Getting back to Shona. Niddle: Why do you treat her like you do? Comshaw: What? Niddle: Before, even I knew she was talking about the scalpsucker, and not your stick. Why do you act that way around her? Comshaw: Well, I could say that it's my way of expressing my disapproval over her choice of employers.. Comshaw: But really, it's just so much fun winding her up. Friday, July 8, 2005 [[Niddle holds a small British flag on a stick.]] {{A commemoration of the then-recent bombing attacks in London, England.}} Saturday , July 9 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw and Niddle stand in front of a crumbling stone wall. Comshaw is carrying "Bowtruckle" the Scalpsucker]] Comshaw: What? You going to remind me that Pokers are supposed to help people, find out the truth, expose cruelty and evil-doers? Comshaw: And that by teasing Shona I'm betraying those principles, the very ones that I helped codify when the Council and I created the whole Poker registration system? FINE! [[Comshaw turns to go.]] Comshaw: I'll try and behave. But I swear, I don't know what's come over you today, Niddle. Niddle, thinking: I figured all that out? Wow, I'm smart! Sunday , July 10 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Shona watches a large flutterby flit about as Comshaw comes up behind her, carrying a stunned Scalpsucker. Behind both of them is the ruins of a Human stone building, with the faded remains of a sign attached.]] {{The sign originally read ARCADIAN FRIED JIBJIB}} Monday , July 11 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Shona: A flutterby. Comshaw: Yes. [[The flutterby circles about overhead.]] Shona: I've never seen one with bands like that. Comshaw: They're called Vagabonds. Don't live down underground. They have an even shorter lifespan than the normal ones. Shona: They only live a few days? Comshaw: Yes. But they fly beyond the end of the world. Maybe it's a fair trade. Tuesday, July 12, 2005 [[Shona and Comshaw are in the forest.]] Shona: Don't you -ever- stop being silly? Nothing can go beyond the end of the world. Comshaw: I'm not joking, Shona. Vagabonds really can go beyond the end of the world. Boffin saw some do it. Shona: Boffin..? Oh. That friend of yours who died in that accident. Comshaw: Yes. He died. Shona: You were in that same accident, weren't you? Comshaw: I don't remember much. Something heavy fell on us. Getting back to that poking you needed- Wednesday , July 13 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, discussing flutterbys.]] Shona: Wait.. if Boffin saw these Vagabonds leave.. he'd have to go to the edge of the world. Comshaw: Yes. [[Outline of Boffin following a Nome "harvester"]] Shona: But.. no one goes to the edge of the world. Comshaw: Nome harvesters do. All the time. Boffin followed some of them. [[The Outline of Boffin pauses, looks out at the viewer.]] Shona: . . . Comshaw: What? Shona: Isn't that insanely dangerous? Comshaw: Well, yes, but the Nomes have to earn a living /somehow/. Thursday , July 14 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: Oh.. you meant it was dangerous for /Boffin/ to follow the Nomes. Shona: Yes. Comshaw: He was a Poker. The second-best in the world. He was paid well to perform a dangerous job, and he did it. Shona: Someone hired him to go to the edge of the world? Who? Comshaw: Pokers also don't discuss their client list. Even with other Pokers. Even when they beg and plead. Friday , July 15 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Shona: Boffin was the "second-best" Poker? So you, like Niddle, are number one? Comshaw: I'm not going to engage in false modesty. Yes. Shona: Fine. But who's number two, now that Boffin's gone? Comshaw: Well.. now that you mention it.. it's probably Skoil. Comshaw: And that is unacceptable. I need to do something about that.. Saturday , July 16 , 2005 [[In the forest of E]] Comshaw: It feels like I've been up here two *months*, but if I ever make it home, there are going to be *changes* on the overall poking front. Shona: That's nice, but.. we need to discuss poking in the here and now. Comshaw: Oh. Right. You have some poking you want me to do? Shona: Actually, no. Comshaw: No? Shona: Comshaw, I really do appreciate your and Niddle's help with my *you-know-what* problems, and for that.. I now officially owe the two of you a joint favor. Shona: But I had a moment to think, and I see now I *don't* need poking help. So the two of you can move along. Sunday , July 17 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: You don't want my help? But you said- Shona: Mr. Nevus doesn't want me going through the security perimeter. So I'm not going through. Shona: He'll just have to get Faldstool's message about the humans /after/ he- Shona: Say.. Comshaw. You're always around when- You're well-connetecd. Shona: Have you heard anything about humans maybe returning to the world? Comshaw: There have been certain rumblings.. Monday , July 18 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E]] Comshaw: Putting humans aside, that's your final word? You don't want help? Shona: Yes, Comshaw. I honestly don't know what came over me, when Niddle suggested- [[She realizes something.]] [[They look around.]] Shona: Where /is/ Niddle, anyway? Comshaw: He's right... [[No sign of Niddle.]] Comshaw: ..over.. there. Oh /phizz./ Tuesday , July 19 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Niddle, wearing a backpack and carrying the Hitchhiking Gem, has been backed up against a tree by Thrash the Pale and Thrash's two assistants, "Flagpale" and "Antlerpale". The Pales look angry.]] Niddle: eep Wednesday , July 20 , 2005 [[A guest-comic by Wendy Sonnenburg, creator of the Keenspace/ComicGenesis comic Hole In the Sky. Rosemary and Sylvester at sitting at their table in Le Tree. Rosemary shows Sylvester a picture she is carrying.]] Rosemary: That's me and my Aunt Eva on my second birthday. I always carry it with me. Sylvester: Heh. You've got your foot in your mouth. [[Rosemary eyes him.]] [[She scoots a little closer.]] ((scoot scoot twitch twitch)) Rosemary: Say it, Sylvester. You know you want to. Sylvester: No, no. Rosemary: And why not? Sylvester: Because your other foot is pointed at my shin.. {{This strip was declared more-or-less officially canon. Rosemary at least carries the described picture around with her.}} Thursday , July 21 , 2005 [[A tribute to James Doohan upon his death: Two Gnolls are standing next to a large pot which is piled high with blastbulbs, all ominously fizzing. One of the Gnolls is holding another blastbulb]] Bulbless Gnoll: But Carpin! If I give 'er anymore, she'll blow! {{The objecting Gnoll is/was named Sotty.}} Thursday , July 21 , 2005 [[A tribute to James Doohan upon his death: Two Gnolls are standing next to a large pot which is piled high with blastbulbs, all ominously fizzing. One of the Gnolls is holding another blastbulb]] Bulbless Gnoll: But Carpin! If I give 'er anymore, she'll blow! {{The objecting Gnoll is/was named Sotty.}} Friday , July 22 , 2005 [[In the Basement, near Crazy Rhid's place. Sina hears a voice..]] Wrawa: Sina? I'm back. Wrawa: I'm sorry it took so long, but I found three adults. Sina: No, Wrawa, your timing is perfect. [[Sina speaks to the gathered multitude: Leny the Trog, Snerd the Gnoll, Ploot the Wyrm, Wrawa, Spot the Gobule, Ishkibble the Motihaul, and Sepferb the Ghast, who is carrying a cakeshroom on a tray.]] Sina: Let's do this. Let's go talk to Rhid. Saturday , July 23 , 2005 [[Near Crazy Rhid's.]] Sina: OK, Ploot. Sepferb and I are going in. You and the other Wyrms stay close, but stay out of sight until we deal with Rhid. One way or the other. Ploot: Right. Snerd: Why again do you have to stay out of sight? Ploot: Rhid really doesn't like us Wyrms. Snerd: Why.. Ploot: Jealousy. We can go into the Hot Zone, and he can't. Snerd: But what can he do to hurt you? Ploot: He doesn't just play around with /fire/. Sina, off-panel: Wrawa! Keep the adult Trogs close, but out of sight! Sunday , July 24 , 2005 [[Near Crazy Rhid's]] Sina: If.. when.. we give the signal, send in.. who did you find, anyway? Oh. Kronk, and .. oh dear.. Wrawa: You're worried about Leny. I think he may surprise you. Sina: No, actually. Odum. He still thinks way too much. (sigh) We'll have to make allowances. I just wish Villipend hadn't taken the Plunge. He would have been perfect for this. Monday, July 25, 2005 [[Near Crazy Rhid's. Sina and Odum are also present]] Leny: Wrawa? Wrawa: Yes, Leny? Leny: Rhid.. is he that crazy guy who likesta blow up things? Wrawa: Yes, Leny. Leny: Yay! I remembered it right! Kronk: Yeah, yeah.. Tuesday , July 26 , 2005 [[Sepferb the Ghast and Sina approach Crazy Rhid's place..]] Sina: I smell smoke. Please tell me it's the elevator. [[In front of them is a large pot spewing fire. On the wall behind them is painted a large dashed line with "RHID" aliongside it]] Sepferb: No. I am afraid that it is quite definitely Rhid. [[Their POV down the corridor. There is another flaming pot, and an open doorwar over which is written in Manglish "RHID" Beyond that, more flames. Sina: Maybe we could just.. set fire to the cakeshroom and toss it at the plant in the Death Hall.. Sepferb: It's been tried. We have to go in. Sina: Sigh.. I know. Wednesday , July 27 , 2005 [[Approaching Crazy Rhid's place.]] Sina: Before we go in.. you understand the plan? Sepferb: Yes, but I'm curious.. ..ghasts are not at all fireproof. Why did you choose me to help you? Sina: Wrawa's got her claws full, and I didn't trust anyone else to not eat the cakeshroom and/or bolt on me. Sepferb: Not even your fellow Gnoll? Sina: Snerd, you mean? HAH! Just because my idiot sister decided to mate with him, I have to start /trusting/ him in life and death situations? I don't think so. Thursday , July 28 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place.]] Sina: But then, the whole idea of 'mating' is gibberish to you, isn't it? You go Squirm with some lucky female Ghast, and that's that. Sepferb: "Squim". And it's not quite that simple. [[A shape can be seen behind Sepferb in the corridor.]] Sina: Oh, yes. You have to learn how to play a fugehorn. Sepferb: No, first you learn to alter your interior structure to create lungs, /then/ you learn to play a fugehorn. [[Crazy Rhid is standing behind them, holding a blastbulb.]] Sina: Ghasts are born without lungs? But how do you- Sepferb: Sina, this is neither the time nor the place. Rhid: No, please go on! It sounds fascinating! Friday , July 29 , 2005 [[Crazy Rhid has appeared unexpectedly behind Sina and Sepferb the Ghast. He is carrying a dangerous-looking blastbulb.]] Sepferb: urk Sina: eep! Sina: ummm.. Sina: Hello.. Mr. Rhid. Rhid: Tut tut, Sina! We must always call things by their proper names! CRAZY Rhid! [[The word CRAZY is in a CRAZY font.]] Saturday , July 30 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place.]] Sina: You.. know my name? Rhid: Oh yes. I know all sorts of unimportant stuff like that. Sepferb: And you know that people call you.. Crazy? Rhid: I refer you, Mr. Ghast From the Southeastern Pool, to my previous answer. [[Closeup of Rhid and the glowing blastbulb he is carrying.]] Sepferb: --- Rhid: And of course, now you want to know how I know which Pool you were spawned in. This conversation is already starting to /bore/ me. Sepferb: ---! Sunday , July 31 , 2005 [[Sina finds herself facing Crazy Rhid.]] Sina, thinking: Suck it up, Sina Sina: I'm sorry we're short of witty banter, /Mister/ Rhid, but you startled us. [[Rhid holds up the blastbulb he is carrying.]] Sina: ..we expected you to be in your home, not out here in the hallway. Rhid: Ah. Yes. I've been out hunting specimens. I found /this!/ [[A closeup of the bulb.]] Rhid: A stroke of luck. They are quite rare after that most unfortunate Carpin incident.. Sina: Yes, Mr. Rhid, it's a very nice blastbulb. Please stop waving it around like that. Monday , August 1 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. Rhid has a blastbulb which is glowing threateningly.]] Rhid: Well, if the blastbulb goes off, at least it will be /interesting./ Sina: You want an interesting question. All right. Sina: I could ask why my name is "unimportant", while it is important to properly label /you/.. But instead, I'll ask, why are you wearing /clothes?/ [[Rhid listening to her.]] Sina: And don't say it's because you're "Crazy Rhid". That's an excuse, not an explanation. [[The blastbulb is no longer glowing so brightly.]] Rhid: Well well. Not bad. Not great, but not bad. Tuesday , August 2 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place.]] Rhid: The real question you should ask is not why /I/ wear clothes, or why Nomes and Motihauls started doing it. Sina: Still.. why do-? [[Sepferb the Ghast, listening as he holds the cakeshroom on a tray.]] Rhid: The /original/ reason, you silly child, was because certain portions of their anatomies are especially fragile, and clothing offers both cushioning and protection. Sina: ew. Rhid: Even the Boogies are just covering up to protect their skin from the GBOLs. No. It's the /Ichyoids/ you should be wondering about. Wednesday , August 3 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place.]] Sina: Ichyoids are peaceful and- Rhid: Ichyoids? Who said anything about Ichyoids? You asked about my clothes. [[Outline of two Motihauls, one of which is proudly sporting trim on his shirt as the other glares enviously.]] Rhid: Clothes began as protection, but they soon became a method of establishing status.. [[Outline of an Ooze tending a large mushroom while "wearing" a pointy hat.]] Rhid: It's such a useful /social shortcut/, that even among those who don't "need" them.. you now have fungi farmer hats.. [[Outline of Telic the Helipath.]] Rhid: Healer bands.. [[Outline of a less-raggedly looking Rhid, studying the lit candle he is holding.]] Rhid: ..aand, of course, Candle Monk robes. Thursday , August 4 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place.]] Sina: Of course. You used to be a Candle Monk. I suppose you came to a parting of the ways, because they lacked vision. Rhid: No no. [[Sepferb the Ghast puts down the cakeshroom he is carrying.]] Rhid: They kicked me out because I liked to blow things up. [[Sepferb withdraws his hand.]] Rhid: But I bear them no ill will. At least their hearts are in the right place... [[Sepferb looms up behind Rhid.]] Rhid: And yes, they let me keep my robes. Friday , August 5 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. As Rhid lectures to Sina, Sepferb the Ghast reaches for the blastbulk Rhid is holding.]] Rhid: But, to answer your question, Sina... Rhid: The reason I kept these robes.. [[He reaches into his robes.]] Rhid: ..after the Candle Monks and I.. [[He produces a small glass sphere with a white squiggle inside.]] Rhid: ..came to our parting of the ways.. [[He tosses it in the air.]] Rhid: ..is actually [[The sphere in mid-flight.]] Rhid: quite [[It's about to hit Sepferb in the face.]] Rhid: magical [[It does so, causing a messy blast.]] Rhid: You see.. They have these marvellous [sic] things called /pockets./ ((SPLAT)) Saturday , August 6 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. Sepferb the Ghast is lying incapacitated on the floor. The cakeshroom he had been carrying sits nearby. Sina recoils from Rhid, appalled.]] Rhid: But, we're allowing ourselves to be distracted by irrelevencies. [sic] Rhid: No one /ever/ just stops by my home for a visit, so.. Rhid: ..what was it you wanted to see me about? Sunday , August 7 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. Rhid has just incapacitated Sepferb the Ghast. Sina tries to rally.]] Sina: I.. we.. Rhid: Yes? Sina: We have a little job that needs doing. We want to hire you. Monday, August 8, 2005 [[Sina and Rhid outside of Rhid's home.]] Rhid: A job? You want to offer me a j- Dead Cat: Ahh! [[Dead Cat drifts into view]] Dead Cat: The little critters of nature! They don't realize that they're ugly! [[Dead Cat closeup]] Dead Cat: That's very amusing! A fly marrying a buzzlebee [sic] I warned you I'd shoot! But you didn't believe me! [[Dead Cat extreme closeup]] Dead Cat: WHY didn't you believe me?! AHH!! {{Dialogue lifted from the Ren & Stimpy cartoon "Stimpy's Invention"}} [[Dead Cat drifts away]] Rhid: So. Anyway. A job? {{Author note: the Dead Cat appears courtesy of the Comic Genesis strip The Misadventures of Okk. Cuz the creator, Brian Raddatz, issued a general dare to do it. And also, it's a funny strip, so go check it out!}} Tuesday , August 9 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's, Sina and Rhid have just witnessed a visitation by MoE-visitor Dead Cat.]] Sina: I- but- job? Didn't you just /see/ that? Rhid: Of course I did. I'm not blind. Or deaf. [[Sina stares at him.]] Rhid: Ah. I understand. You don't live near a time twistpoint, do you? Rhid: These things happen. They pass through and then are gone. You quickly learn to ignore them; otherwise, they may drive you /mad./ Wednesday , August 10 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's, Sina is suffering from a busy day.]] Sina: I.. think I'm just going to go have a little lie down somewhere.. Rhid: Now now, Sina, stay focused. [[Sina stares silently at him.]] [[She hides her face in her hands.]] Sina: /Crazy Rhid/ is telling me to stay focused. Rhid: Hey, you take a long enough view, I'm nothing /but/ focus! Thursday, August 11, 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's]] Sina: Anyway. Your job. It isn't exactly in your normal area of expertise.. Rhid: You don't want me to blow something up? I'm shocked. [[The cakeshroom sitting on the ground.]] Sina: ..but I think you can handle it. You see that cakeshroom over there? Rhid: Yeesss... Sina: The job is.. you take that genuine birthday cakeshroom, go find a quiet corner somewhere.. and eat it. Slowly. Friday , August 12 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place, Rhid has been offered a cakeshroom to eat.]] Rhid: You make a generous offer. Unfortunately, cakeshroom causes me to break out in a rash. Sina: You could blow it up, instead of eating it. Rhid: Tempting. But since, quite inescapably, the only logical explanation for your offer is that you are trying get me out of the way while you engage in some activity of which you know I would violently disapprove, I am sadly forced to decline. Saturday , August 13 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place.]] Rhid: You didn't /really/ think that I'd agree to your offer. Sina: No. Not really. Even before Sepferb tried to improvise. But I had to give you the chance. Sina: The Operator has ignited a large fire at the Elevator, and it is burning out of control. Will you stand aside and let us run a bucketchain through your home? Rhid: No. [[A close-up of Sepferb the Ghast's hand as he lies incapacitated on the floor.]] Rhid: And that would have been my answer even if you were going to the Elevator to /start/ a fire. Rhid: So, I suggest that you, without delay, move onto Phase Two of your no-doubt cunning plan. Sunday , August 14 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place, Rhid has refused to cooperate with the bucketchain.]] Sina: WRAWA! Rhid: Phase Two of the plan is screaming? That's the sort of thing /I/ might have come up with... Sina: You're proving to be a very bad influence on me. Monday , August 15 , 2005 [[Near Crazy Rhid's place, a group of Troglodytes waits: Odum, Kronk, Leny and Wrawa. From off-panel comes Sina's voice.]] Sina: WRAWA! Leny: Wrawa? That mighta been the signal.. Wrawa: Yes. It's time for us to go. Tuesday, August 16, 2005 [[Wrawa, Leny and Kronk go past a large bowl filled with flames, sheilding their eyes.]] Wrawa: We go down to the end of the hall. Rhid will be in his home. We might even take him by- [[Wrawa realized Rhid is standing right there, giving her an unpleasant smile over his shoulder.]] Wrawa: -surprise... Wednesday , August 17 , 2005 [[A confrontation outside Crazy Rhid's place between Rhid, and Sina and Wrawa the Troglodyte.]] Rhid: Ladies, please.. Troglodytes surprise me? [[Rhid holds up one of his bombs.]] Rhid: In the darkness, yes. [[He flings the bomb.]] Rhid: But right next to a giant flaming torch? [[The bomb is headed straight for Wrawa's face.]] Rhid: I don't th- ((snag)) [[Leny has caught the bomb between thumb and fore-talon.]] Rhid: nk.. ..so? Thursday , August 18 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's. Leny the Trog looks at the Rhid-bomb he just snatched out of the air. Wrawa the Trog looks at Leny.]] [[As do Sina and Crazy Rhid the Gnolls.]] [[Leny throws the bomb away.]] Leny: You shouldnt (sic) throw stuff at people. Sina: LENY! NO!! [[The bomb flies into the nearby flaming pot.]] Friday , August 19 , 2005 [[Outside of Crazy Rhid's, the now-empty pot which previously contained a blazing fire.]] Sina, from off panel: AAGGH!! Sina: My eyes! Rhid: Yes. Tossing a #28 onto a type 7 fire tends to produce that result. Rhid: Fortunately, I knew from painful experience to avert my gaze. Now, while you are all incapacitated, I will- ((GLOMP)) [[Leny is holding Rhid's neck.]] Leny: I can /hear n smell/ you real good Rhid, thinking: brilliant, Rhid. just brilliant. Saturday , August 20 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's, Leny the Troglodyte holds Rhid by the neck. Rhid hold a blastbulb.]] Leny: Youre not nice. Rhid: Leny, was it? Oh.. wait.. I remember you now. [[Rhid smashes the blastbulb into Leny's face.]] ((PUM)) Rhid: You were always a little /slow/.. [[Leny falls out of sight. Rhid, released, drops to the ground as well.]] Rhid: But yes, I'm a /terrible/ person. Sunday , August 21 , 2005 [[Rhid holds up his damaged hands.]] Crazy Rhid: So. Anyone else want to play? [[Odum and Kronk stare at him.]] [[Odum flees.]] Kronk: I dunno. That sounded like it *hurt.* Wrawa: Leny? Sina: I.. i don't think.. Rhid: Alrighty then. We'll call it a day, and you all can just- [[An enraged Wrawa hurls herself at him.]] Rhid: eep Monday , August 22 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's, Wrawa the Troglodyte has attacked Rhid. As they tumble across the panel, his various bombs begin to go off.]] ((BOOM POW GLORCH ZUM)) [[A blnded Sina and Kronk the Trog semi-witness this.]] Sina: ..Wrawa? [[A very big blast.]] ((CACOPHONY)) Tuesday , August 23 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's. The aftermath of a series of explosions; flames, drifting smoke.]] Sina, weakly, from off-panel: wrawa? [[A very angry and battered Wrawa stalks into view, holding a bit of Rhid's cloak.]] [[She tosses the remnant over her shoulder.]] ((fizzle)) [[Wrawa's voice now matches her appearance.]] Wrawa: hes gone [[Sina and Kronk are hiding behind the large former fire-pot.]] Sina: good. good! Wednesday , August 24 , 2005 [[A portrait of Uncle Frederick with his axe, by the ComicGenesis artist Eunice P., creator of the webcomic I Come From Mars. Thursday, August 25, 2005 [[The closed door to Spatchcock's office.]] [[Rosemary and Sylvester open the door.]] Sylvester: So. Rosemary. So. Sylvester: Yes, this is Audravania. Rosemary: Ah. [[Rosemary holds up a fleeb.]] Rosemary: -This- is a triblot. Where I come from, anyway. Sylvester: Ah. Thank you. Sylvester: But I'd rather hear how you didn't know which Province you're in. Rosemary: It'll have to tide you over for now. Friday , August 26 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester move along a corridor inside the Le Tree restaurant.]] [[Snoot appears.]] Rosemary: Mr. Snoot. Snoot: Madam. Sir. [[Rosemary and Sylvester go on past him.]] Rosemary: We're showing ourselves out. [[After they have walked out of the scene, Snoot holds up the crowbar he is carrying, on the end of which is perched Squeeb the Wyrm.]] Snoot: Very good, Madam. Saturday , August 27 , 2005 [[Inside Le Tree, Snoot the Motihaul and Squeeb the Wyrm have just encountered Rosemary and Sylvester. Squeeb is being held in a crowbar-like tool.]] Squeeb: What /were/ those things? Snoot: That, Squeeb, is what /you/ will determine. [[A voice, probably Spatchcock, comes from off-panel.]] Voice: Snoot. Report to Mr. Spatchcock's office immediately. [[Snoot flings Squeeb through the air towards Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Snoot: Determine /right now./ Squeeb: Fine. The Growth ain't goin' nowhere, and they got me curious. Sunday , August 28 , 2005 [[Inside Le Tree. Squeeb the Wyrm lands on Sylvester's backpack. Sylvester does not notice the new arrival.]] Squeeb: oof [[Squeeb falls off.]] ((slip)) Squeeb: gah! [[He snags the pack's latch with the point that comes from the back of his head.]] ((SNAG)) [[Looks down.]] Squeeb: /whew/ [[He slithers inside the pack.]] ((schloop)) [[Still the exterior of the pack.]] [[Ditto]] Squeeb, thinking: What the Zark is /this/ th- ((ZAP)) Monday , August 29 , 2005 [[Inside Le Tree, Squeeb the Wyrm has slipped inside Sylvester's backpack, where he has encountered something which has zapped him. All of this is seen from outside the pack.]] Squeeb: cough Squeeb, thinking: So that's the way you want to play it, Mr. Whatsit? Squeeb, thinking: We'll just /see/ about th- ((ZAP)) [[Beat panel.]] [[A bit of smoke leaks out of the pack.]] Tuesday, August 30, 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester leave Le Tree. Smoke trickles from Sylvester's backpack.]] Sylvester: Snoot was carrying something. Rosemary: Yes. Looked like a rookbar. He's got some plan brewing. Just be glad he's not the one calling the shots here. Sylvester: And do you smell smoke? Rosemary: I hope it's only the fracas down on the main floor of the restaurant. Rosemary: Cuz I am -not- going to be caught underground in a fire. The air can go bad waay too fast. Sylvester: Could be worse. Rosemary: Oh? Sylvester: If there's a branch of the Tree around, there's fresh air. And it's surprisingly fire-resistant. Rosemary: So. As long as a fire down here has material fuel, it can burn. Let's pick up the pace. Wednesday , August 31 , 2005 [[Post Hurricane-Katrina filler, with pitch for Red-Cross donations.]] Do you know what is means To miss New Orleans I miss it each night and day The longer I stay away Miss the moist covered vines The tall sugar pines Where mocking birds used to sing And I like to see the lazy Mississippi Running into spring Moonlight on the bayous Creole tunes fill the air I dream of oleanders in June And soon I'm wishing that I was there Do you know what is means To miss New Orleans... Thursday , September 1 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree]] Rosemary: Wait.. you're telling me the Tree supplies air, food /and/ light? Sylvester: Yes. All the way down to the Hot Zone. Rosemary: And it doesn't demand blood sacrifices, or fertilizer, or something, in exchange? Sylvester: Um.. no. It's entirely self-regulating. Rosemary: That's awfully.. convenient. Sylvester: Well.. yes.. I suppose it is.. Friday , September 2 , 2005 [[Outside Spatchcock's office. The trundlebug is riding on Rosemary's helmet. Sylvester puts his hand on her shoulder.]] Sylvester: Rosemary. Wait. Rosemary: Sylvester, we don't have *time*- Sylvester: It's important. Rosemary: *What*? Sylvester: The Tree. Don't. Rosemary: What are you babbling about? Sylvester: You're not ready for the Tree. Saturday , September 3 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree.]] Rosemary: I'm "not ready." Sylvester: Don't misunderstand. You are ready. For Snoot, and this Nevus person, and the Ghasts, and probably even that bottle of "penalty wine". But the /Tree/.. [[An outliine of a Treebranch growing underwater. A sucker-mouthed fish and an Ichyoid are also visible.]] Sylvester: You can't just whack it with a sword. [[A Treebranch pokes down from above, next to a nest occupied by a Jibjib reading something from a slab.]] Sylvester: It is gigantic. It has branches /everywhere/. [[An outline of a Wyrm in the Hot Zone, looking down at the Treeroot going past him.]] Sylvester: Its main root is so far down in the Hot Zone that even Wyrms can't get near it. [[A symbolic outline of the Tree, in day and night. A Human's hand is visible in one corner, probably attached to a dead person.]] Sylvester: For nine long generations, it has quietly helped everyone in the Mansion. Sylvester: On at least two occasions, it was the only thing saving this place from being entirely destroyed. Sylvester: And.. people who directly attack it.. they often come to very bad ends. {{The two occasions were the Crash, and Audra's poking around down in the Hot Zone.}} Sunday , September 4 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree.]] Rosemary: WHAT? The Tree /kills/ people? And you're /defending/ it? Sylvester: People who aggressively and obnoxiously go after the Tree sometimes turn up dead. Maybe its a coincidence. Maybe it kills them. [[An outline of a sword-wielding Rosemary facing an "evil" tree, with Sylvester backing her up.]] Sylvester: And maybe someday we will have to go to war against it. If that day comes, I will do what little I can to help. [[The outline-sword disappears, to the evil-Tree's glee.]] Sylvester: But until that day.. until we're /ready/.. Rosemary, right now, you don't even have a sword! [[Rosemary glares. The trundlebug is standing on top of her helmet.]] [[Rosemary turns to go.]] Rosemary: /Fine./ I'll tread lightly. But I am /not/ eating any more of that zarking fruit. Sylvester: OK.. but it's three days hard travel to the nearest Arcadian Fried Jibjib.. Monday , September 5 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk past the Uninteresting Growth in Le Tree.]] ((gump darth doob dur)) [[Ahz and Skiv emerge from their bulbs at the top of the Growth.]] ((foop foop grinn)) Skiv: There they go. Was Squeeb with them? Ahz: I think so. Getting /very/ odd readings.. ((cree grum)) Skiv: Guess all we can do now is sit and wait Ahz: Unless you have some alternative course of action to suggest. Skiv: Well, we could flail about and scream in panic. Ahz: Fine, but if you tie your neck in a knot again, don't come crying to me. ((end)) Tuesday , September 6 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree, nearing the display cases which held cameos of three other Comic Genesis characters.]] Rosemary: Changing the subject completely.. Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: I do owe you an apology, Sylvester. Sylvester: Oh? Rosemary: I didn't really believe you. Before, when you described what your ancestors were like. Sylvester: Oh? Sylvester: Did my "shrewd negotiating" with Spatchcock just now change your mind? Rosemary: No. ..Although I /was/ impressed by that, too. Particularly with that boogieman looming over us in the corner... [[It's now revealed the cases are all broken and empty.]] Rosemary: ..I was referring to the fact that you're descended from "fairy-tale monsters". Sounds like someone earned themselves a reputation.. [[Sylvester turns back to look the way they came.]] Sylvester: Boogieman in the corner? Wednesday , September 7 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree.]] Rosemary: And also.. I never would have expected that you were such a good liar. Sylvester: I'm not. I'm a pathetically bad liar. Spatchcock is an even worse "lie-ee". I just told him what he demanded to hear. Rosemary: I admit, I don't get why he was so sure we were Nomes. Eyebolts are supposed to be more perceptive than that.. Sylvester: Ah. For shame, Rosemary! You obviously haven't been keeping up with the latest scientific theories! Rosemary: Huh? Sylvester: He thought we were Nomes, because, in a sense, we probably ARE Nomes. Thursday, September 8, 2005 [[Leaving Spatchcock's office.]] Rosemary: "In a sense" we're Nomes? Sylvester: There's been a big discussion about it lately in the Times. We can't interbreed, but it's been pretty well established that we and Nomes are somehow related. [[Outlines of a generic Human, Nome and Motihaul.]] Sylvester: Our societal habits. As noted, our olfactory prowess or lack thereof. Our internal structures.. they are all too similar to be a coincidence. Even though a Motihaul, for example, is a human-sized non-amorphous biped, the differences are- Rosemary: That is a good point. I mean, take one look inside a Motihaul's ribcage.. Not that you can call those things they have "ribs".. Sylvester: Um. Yes. Exactly. Friday , September 9 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree, discussing various species...]] Rosemary: Oh. You think that I once ripped open a Motihaul and- Rosemary: No. Sylvester: Good. But I'm still guessing you didn't view a dissected specimen at the University. [[Outline of Rosemary and her Hack N' Slash co-worker Baldy looking at a dead male Motihual sprawled on the ground.]] Rosemary: No. I saw someone else's attempts at.. dissection.. Saturday , September 10 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree. The living stair which Rosemary killed previously is visible.]] Rosemary: And to answer your next question, I saw the dead Motihaul at the SAR.. Sylvester: The SAR.. [[A outline-map of the SAR and surrounding Provinces.]] Rosemary: The Motihaul- Sylvester: The Motihaul Semi-Autonomous Region. Sylvester: A cluster of mountains where the borders of three western Provinces meet. Yes, Rosemary. I've heard of it. Sylvester: True, with most folks in these parts, you /would/ have had to explain. Sylvester: But there are one or two advantages to a University education.. Sunday , September 11 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree]] Rosemary: People back here have never even /heard/ of the SAR? Sylvester: Uh huh. We all had a private tutor growing up, and I /still/ didn't learn about it until I went to the University. Rosemary: (sigh..) It happened, what, twenty years before we were born, and it's still all about The Crash, isn't it? Sylvester: Yes. For most folks.. The SAR, or Erewhon, or Moonin may as well /be/ in the Moon. What did you know about Audravania, before you came here? [[Rosemary realizes something.]] Rosemary: Well.. you grow puddings.. and there's that whole- Sylvester: What? [[Rosemary grabs Sylvester's tie.]] Rosemary: "We /ALL?/" You and Mortimer have.. have.. Sylvester: Other siblings? Yup. 'Fraid so. Monday , September 12 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree]] Rosemary: Fine. You have siblings. All I wanna know for now is, are any of /them/ here in the Mansion? Sylvester: No. They're all... hm [[Sylvester points]] Rosemary: What? Sylvester: Well. Last I knew they were all away.. but technically any one of them could, oh, walk in through that door over there.. [[The door in question. It is empty.]] [[Still empty.]] [[A flutterby flies through it.]] [[Rosemary and Sylvester watch.]] [[They turn to go.]] Sylvester: Or not! Rosemary: Hoo rah. Tuesday, September 13, 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are leaving Le Tree.]] Sylvester: So.. at the SAR.. did you actually go down under the mountains? Rosemary: No. The Motihauls don't let humans in. My Caravan stopped at the northern edge, to trade. [[A map of the Country's western provinces, showing the Infernal Engine as a skull and crossbones.]] Sylvester: What was it like? Rosemary: Before we met Spatchcock, you started to ask me if I've ever seen the Infernal Engine. Sylvester: What? Uh.. yes.. why? [[Rosemary on a tower, looking at something glowing red.]] Rosemary: There's this tower in Alloy. Cough up a couple of Simoleans, and you can climb it. Look at the Engine through a telescope. That's the closest I've ever been, and I'm glad. [[A shot of the mountains of the SAR. They are studded with lights, and the tallest sports an antenna.]] Rosemary: But the /smoke/ from the Engine mostly blows west, over the SAR. Before I visited there, I wouldn't have said that its possible for a place to be both drab and creepy. But the SAR manages it. Wednesday , September 14 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree.]] Sylvester: So.. in the SAR, who /did/ kill the Motihaul you saw? Rosemary: I don't know. We never found out... [[An outline of Rosemary at the SAR, eyeing a Nome who is peering up from the bottom of the panel.]] Rosemary: ..but personally, I think it was one of the Nomes. Sylvester: Nomes? [[Outline: a male Nome offers Rosemary a tray of goods to examine, while a maile Motihaul stands aloof. The Motihaul has a cane with a small white object mounted on it.]] Rosemary: Many of the Motihauls in the SAR refuse to deal directly with humans. Rosemary: So there's this colony of Nomes there. They act as go-betweens. [[Outline: Rosemary watches as the Nome and the Motihaul glower at each other.]] Rosemary: I guess it works most of the time, but when we were there, you could feel a certain.. tension.. in the air. Thursday , September 15 , 2005 [[A Flashback of Rosemary at the S. A. R., pounding on a brick wall while a male Motihaul ignores her.]] Sylvester: Why were the Nomes in the SAR acceptable for the Motihauls to talk to, and you weren't? Rosemary: We asked that question, Sylvester, and never got an answer. [[Flashback: Rosemary glares down at female Nome offering a hammer for sale. Other Nomes hold a sign saying "WALLSMASHERS 4 SALE CHEEP", and a trowel dripping mortar.]] Rosemary: The local Nomes didn't exactly help. I think maybe you've got something about our being related.. Cuz at least their motives were /understandable/.. [[Imaginary: Rosemary pokes at Snoot the Mothaul with a stick, while Sylvester takes notes on a clipboard.]] Rosemary: Motihauls are just.. weird. You know, Snoot's the most /human-acting/ Motihual I've ever met. Why is that? Sylvester: Question #754 for The List.. Friday, September 16, 2005 Sylvester: We're almost back to the lobby. We're going to have to deal with that female Ghast... Rosemary: Yes... [[Outline-memory of Hopobfivfer holding up her Council badge.]] Rosemary: ...'squad-leader Hopobfiver' of the 'Council Police'. I was just -thinking- about her.. Saturday , September 17 , 2005 Rosemary: What do you know about Ghasts? Sylvester: Um.. not much, I'm afraid. Sylvester: They are somewhat amorphous.. they can reattach limbs if severed.. the ones here in the Mansion eat moss or something, and in the past have been peaceful enough as long as we humans stayed away from their "breeding pools"... [[Shadow-memory: A Ghast holds up his hand, blocking Ludwig, probably, from advancing any further.]] [[Inset shadow-memory: a three-part diagram of a Ghast's arm being pierced by a sharp object.]] Sylvester: ..and this is the point where you tell me this is freakishly abnormal and/or bizarre. Rosemary: No, actually. For the very first time, someone in this Mansion is behaving normally... Sunday , September 18 , 2005 Rosemary: When I was training with Hack N' Slash, I had to sit through a whole series of lectures.. sorry.. "briefings".. about Ghasts.. [[Shadow-memory: A Ghast waves to a departing traveler, who waves back. The traveler is holding an Anti-Sneech Stick.]] Rosemary: Most Ghast colonies in the Known World are like you said, closed-off and static, but peaceful enough. [[Shadow-memory: A Ghast (wearing a mortorboard) and a human stand in front of a chalkboard that is covered in mathematical equations. The Ghast is explaining something to the human, who reacts with surprise.]] Rosemary: Also, Ghasts are usually pretty smart, and often willing to swap knowledge as long as it isn't specifically about Ghasts.. [[Shadow-memory: The red eyes of three angry Ghasts peer out from the opening of a cave.]] Rosemary: But then there are the exceptions... Monday, September 19, 2005 Sylvester: You're talking about that place in southern Erewhon. Ghastvale. Rosemary: Yes. Did you learn about that at the University, too? [[A young Sylvester and Mortimer listen to Uncle Fred tell campfire-ghost stories. The Woman of Mystery is in the background, dressed as a maid and carrying a tray with cups on it.]] Sylvester: No. No. Unlike the SAR, we've heard about Ghastvale in Audravania. Probably because the Motihauls don't eat people.. [[Rosemary and a pirate/"Pyriter" watch a disturbing presentation. A parrot sits on the Pyriter's shoulder.]] Rosemary: Eat? Nothing so pleasant. That Hack N' Slash briefing was particularly memorable, even before they unveiled the daguerreotypes.. ((Author's note: Fun and Interesting Fact For The Day: "dagurerreotype" (sic) is a real-life word, an early method of photography named after its French creator, Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre. If you thirst for more information on the subject, you can consult the experts here. As for my invented-life, as detailed in W. M. Sonnenberg's guest strip a while back, Rosemary owns a daguerreotype of herself and her Aunt Eva. And yes, the man who invented the process was also called Daguerre. His first name, however, was "Willi". And he wasn't French. ACK! I almost be forgetting! Today be International Talk Like A Pirate Day! Arr!)) Tuesday , September 20 , 2005 [[Shadow-memory: A man in an armored helmet watches in horror at offscreen carnage. A broken sword, a skull and a broken bone fly into view.]] Sylvester: Nothing so pleasant as eating you? What do they - Rosemary: Ghasts can be very bad news. Bad enough that "Plan B" is your only viable option. Let's just leave it at that for now.. [[Shadow-memory: Hopobfivfer analyzed Sylvester and Rosemary. Various unreadable analytical notes point out features of interest, including a large note consisting entirely of a question mark.]] Rosemary: And as Squad-Leader Hopobfivfer showed us, their senses are very keen. She saw right away that we weren't Nomes or Motihauls... Rosemary: ..Heh. [[Shadow-memory: Sylvester and Rosemary look down at an unseen object - the Djinnoscope-generated egg - which emits a loud noise.]] ((QUEEP)) Sylvester: What's so funny? Rosemary: It just occurred to me.. if we could get that Djinnoscope of yours to spit out another batch of that goop it coated us with.. Rosemary: ..there are merchants in Erehwon and Abalone who would be very interested in purchasing it from us.. Wednesday , September 21 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are leaving Le Tree. An outline of a Human watching in horror from behind a rock as Ghasts do something horrible to a robot off-panel, sending various bits flying.]] Sylvester: Why would merchants want to imitate Ghasts? Rosemary: Because of Ghastvale. Any sentient being who goes in there dies. [[Outline/map of Ghastvale and surrounding regions.]] Rosemary: People would just stay away, but the 'Vale blocks the only useable pass over the Enginetail Mountains between Abalone and Erewhon. [[Outline showing an airship flying over mountains, as a churnboat goes by on the ocean in the opposite direction.]] Rosemary: Before the Crash, it wasn't as big a problem. Airships went over. Churnboats could dash along the coast between the ports of Woldercan and Bitler City... [[An outline showing a stylized passage under the Enginetail mountains via the SAR.]] Rosemary: But now, all that's left is.. Sylvester: Ah. The SAR.. Rosemary: Yes. The Caravans don't go haggle with the Motihauls because they /enjoy/ it.. Thursday , September 22 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree, however slowly.]] Sylvester: OK. Synthetic Ghastcoating as a commercial possibility. We'll have to bear that in.. Sylvester: Oh dear. [[Smoke begins to drift into the background.]] Rosemary: What? What's wrong? Sylvester: (sigh) Something just occured [sic] to /me/. One of my.. I have a sister. Her name is Lenore. Rosemary: OK.. Sylvester: This is very important. If, when, the two of you meet, do /not/, under any circumstances, tell Lenore that we have a Tree-branch which now grows nearly addictive fruit. Rosemary: Does Lenore have.. addiction issues? Sylvester: Lenore has "amoral moneygrubbing little weasel" issues. Friday , September 23 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree. Rosemary waves away some smoke.]] Rosemary: Ugh. Much as I'd like to discuss the /rest/ of your family, it's time to go. I just wish there was a back door out of this place. [[She and Sylvester walk along.]] Rosemary: I /assume/ you'd have mentioned if there was a back door out of this place. Sylvester: Not that I'm aware of. We could always go back and ask Mr. Snoot. Saturday , September 24 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree. Smoke wafts in the background.]] Rosemary: Actually, /while/ we go.. is there any other member of your family you need to warn me about? Sylvester: No. Well.. Sylvester: I have a brother His name is Mortimer. While he's a nice enough guy, he's a total trouble magnet who has the unfortunate habit of bringing home strange and dangerous women. Rosemary: Sylvester, I'm trying to be serious here. Sylvester: So am I. You weren't the first, and probably won't be the last. Sylvester: I'm just glad he hasn't married any of you. Sunday , September 25 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree. Smoke floats in the background.]] Rosemary: /Marry?/ I am /not/ going to marry your brother! Sylvester: So you deny that you find Mortimer physically attractive. [[Rosemary thinks about this.]] Rosemary: OK. Fine. He's sorta cute, in a gormless puppydog kind of way. Sylvester: That's been good enough for some of his women. Monday , September 26 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree. Smoke floats in the background. A faint image of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is just visible on the wall.]] Rosemary: "His" women? Sylvester: sigh. All of Mortimer's.. relationships.. while sometimes /eventful/, have been completely voluntary on both sides. Rosemary: And what about you? Do you "have women"? Sylvester: Because I am the Earl, and it is thus a matter of public concern, I am obligated to answer that question. Sylvester: No. Not since.. no. I don't. Rosemary, thinking: "Since". Even Sylvester has a "since".. Sylvester, thinking: But if she does decide to stay here in the Mansion, maybe I can go and /do/ something about that.. Tuesday , September 27 , 2005 [[Rosemary and Sylvester leave Le Tree. Smoke floats in the background.]] Rosemary: Right. The lobby. It looks calm now, but there's definitely been fighting... [[On the wall behind Sylvester is written: TELAMON MAGIC WALL PLATE COMPANY hadleyburg wirtwam]] Rosemary: ..so while, like I just said, you've done really well so far, let's not blow it now. Rosemary: Whatever's happening out there.. Rosemary: I don't care if an entire /colony/ of Ghasts is tapdancing the chorus to "Springtime for Kaylu".. Rosemary: ..stay near the wall, head to the right to the exit crack, and /keep moving/. OK? [[Rosemary sets off.]] Sylvester: No, but since we're going to do it anyway.. Rosemary: That's the spirit! GO! Wednesday, September 28, 2005 [[Near the lobby of Le Tree]] Sylvester, thinking: You heard the woman, self! Go! Gogogo... [[Rubble and fire in the lobby]] Sylvester, thinking: Yeek! Sylvester, thinking: No, Zark it! *Not* gonna freeze up again! We're gonna get out of here, and- [[A very angry Hopobefever is blocking the exit.]] Sylvester, thinking: and.. Thursday , September 29 , 2005 [[In the lobby of Le Tree, Rosemary and Sylvester re-encounter Hopobefevfer the Ghast.]] Hopo: /There/ you are. Now that I've chased off Nevus's rabble.. [[She reaches for them.]] Hopo: we can have our /little tal-/ Off-panel voice: THERE SHE IS! /GET HER!/ [[Something happens to Hopo, concealed behind a large sploosh]] ((SPLOOSH)) Friday , September 30 , 2005 [[Inside the lobby of Le Tree, Hopobefevfer the Ghast has been impaled on a large branch, mounted on the head of a Gobule; she is still alive and very angry. A helmeted Gnoll and, evidently, another Gobule are riding on the branch as well. All of this is observed by Sylvester.]] Saturday , October 1 , 2005 [[Inside the lobby of Le Tree. Sylvester watches the back half of the branch-wielding squad which has impaled Hopobefevfer the Ghast. Bringing up the rear is an Ooze carrying torches.]] Hopo: RAARRRGGGH!! [[Sylvester turns to go.]] Sylvester: This is obviously a bad time. We'll have that talk later.. Hopo: get back here! ((CRUNCH FOOM AIIEEE!)) Sunday , October 2 , 2005 [[Sylvester and Rosemary leave the lobby of Le Tree, as Hopobefevfer the Ghast fights with a group of Nevus-employees off-panel.]] ((CRUNCH SPLAT BAM)) Rosemary: Which part of "keep moving" did you not understand? Sylvester: /You/ stopped. [[A Gnoll's hand rises into view in front of Rosemary.]] Rosemary" Which part of "whatever is happening" did you not understand? Gnoll: HALT! {{The Gnoll's name is never given in-strip, but it's Findfor.}} Monday, October 3, 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree's lobby.]] {{The gnoll's name is Findfor.}} Findfor: Identify yorselves!(sic) Are you with Mr. Nevus, or the *Council?* Sylvester: So, Rosemary, it's do what I say, not what I do? [[Findfor is brushed aside.]] Rosemary: When dealing with matters of.. life-and-death physical action.. yes, cuz I know what I'm doing, and you don't! If we were.. uh.. what's something you're really good at? Sylvester: Sitting quietly in a small room, making long rows of sums add up properly. Rosemary: Yes! Exactly! You tell me to sharpen the Frobozz #2's and I'll hop to it! Sylvester: Hah! You lie. But I appreciate the sentiment. Findfor, thinking: Anyone asks, they just stopped in to grab a quick bite to eat. Yeah. Tuesday , October 4 , 2005 [[Just outside Le Tree]] Rosemary: I really am good at sharpening pencils, actually. Sylvester: My family still has a few Frobozz shares in our portfolio. Did you work in their factory? [[Rosemary peers out onto the Long Path, checking the scene.]] Rosemary: No, I've never been up north to Alifbay. It was when I was with.. Rosemary: Edwird (sic) Sylvester: Edwird? What do they make? Or do? Rosemary: Edwird. A man. Not a company. We.. he.. sigh [[Outline of Rosemary handing a sharpened pencil to Edwird, who reaches in from off-panel.]] Sylvester: You sharpened his pencils. Rosemary: Yes. Until.. It's another one of those things I'm not proud about. But I'll tell you, when I tell the rest. Wednesday , October 5 , 2005 [[At the doorway of Le Tree, Sylvester looks back inside.]] Sylvester: Hopobfivfer appears to have her new debate opponents wriggling in the crushing grip of reason. Sylvester: You know, one of these times, our luck on the whole "angry Ghast" front is finally going to run out. Rosemary: Yes. Which is why we're going to the elevator. Right now. Speck the Gobule: The Elevator? Rosemary: Yes..? Speck: No. I mean, You really don't wanna gota the elevator right now. Trust me on this. Thursday , October 6 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree.]] {{The Gobule's name is Speck.}} Rosemary: Something is wrong with the elevator? More wrong than usual? Speck: A buncha us got wind of a fresh kill over that way. A Trog. [[Outline of confrontation outside the Elevator.]] Speck: Only we get there, there's an *Event* on. The Operator's *stretched out*, and Gorphiga are goin' at it with a coupla Guttle's gummers. Rosemary: "Gorphiga". Speck: Yeah, yeah, I know. A couplea topshaft phizzers, but it was *Guttle*, so we had to pitch in. {{This is Gorp and Phiga, a "married" pair of Gobule scavengers.}} [[Outline of the Operator exploding into flame.]] Speck: That's when the Elevator went up. Friday , October 7 , 2005 [[At the doorway of Le Tree, Rosemary and Sylvester get a report from Speck the Gobule.]] Sylvester: The elevator "went up"? The car left? Speck: Naw, dummy. KaFoom. Bam. Pow. Mondo explosion. [[An outline of Sepferb the Ghast annoying one of Guttle's enforcers.]] Speck: There was a Ghast there. Heh. he was raggin' on the gummers. most wall-lickers ain't that with it... [[Outline of Ningle the Gobule inside the Elevator, about to bite the Operator's tail.]] Speck: Just before the boom, he spouted at Ningle. Ningle musta done something dumb. Whatta Surprise.. [[Rosemary and Sylvester exchange glances.]] Speck: But anyhoo, now there's this mondo fire everywhere, and the Ghast's really phizzed. Saturday , October 8 , 2005 [[At the doorway of Le Tree.]] Sylvester: When you say this Ghast at the elevator was "phizzed", that means.. angry, right? Speck the Gobule: Ain't that what you Nomes call it? He was all burned, too. That's why I legged over here. Sylvester: I'm sorry? Speck: I hear Hopebfever's around. You saw her? Owe her a favor, thought I'd spill bout her friend. [[Speck turns.]] Sylvester: Yes, she's in Le Tree.. but she's.. rather busy.. Speck: Thanks. I can wait. not like I gotta be nowhere. And with Nevus and the Council goin' at it, the pickings should be keen... [[She walks out of sight. Rosemary and Sylvester stare at her.]] Speck: HA! See what I'm saying? Layin' right out here in the open! ((CHOMP CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)) Sunday , October 9 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree]] Rosemary: Soo... The elevator's on fire, and there's another angry Ghast? Sylvester: That was the gist. Unless.. [[Speck the Gobule eating leavings.]] Sylvester, whispering: ..she's lying, and is working for Snoot? Rosemary, ditto: No. Not enough time for him to set it up. And it fits the facts. Rosemary: There were *four* Ghasts in the Hall of Achievement, and only *three* in Le Tree. One stayed behind, to cut us off... Rosemary: ...but something happened. Sylvester: The Operator happened. I'd bet my last Ficklegruber share. But it doesn't matter. We have to go. Now. Monday , October 10 , 2005 [[In the Basement of the Mansion of E]] Rosemary: Go? Where are we going? Sylvester: The only other way out of here. The Riddles. The River of Fire. The Great Chasm. [[An Outline of sharp things closing around a skull]] Rosemary: Ah. I also seem to recall /someone/ mentioning something about- Sylvester: Sneeches. Alabaster Sneeches. Rosemary: I'm sure you see the irony in /my/ pointing out how dangerous this is. Sylvester: Sneeches or an angry flaming Operator. Choose. Now. [[Rosemary thinks.]] [[Rosemary comes to a decision.]] Rosemary: Which way to the Great Riddler? Sylvester: Down here. I hope. Tuesday , October 11 , 2005 [[Leaving Le Tree.]] Rosemary: You /hope/ this is the right way? You don't know? Sylvester: It /was/ the right way. As we've learned, things have changed down here since my last visit. Sylvester: As much as it pains me to say it, what we could really use right now- Camora, from off-panel: ...is a /guide/? [[Camora, with Hax the Fixit on her head.]] Sylvester: Um.. Maybe.. Camora: Well then, /maybe/ today is your lucky day! Wednesday, October 12, 2005 Narration: Meanwhile, further up... [[Blank panel with tesselated tiled walls]] [[Enter Yasmine Fotherinby round the corner, wearing her hooded outfit]] Yasmine: Fratz. This wretched place is a maze. I could have sworn there was a passage right over there... Yasmine: I only hope I can get out of here before I- [[Protus the Willygig is floating in her path, engaged in some cryptic task.]] {{Start of "Part Three". Includes a quote from W. B. Yates' The Second Coming.}} Thursday, October 13, 2005 [[Yasmine is watching Protus the Willygig work on some cryptic task.]] Yasmine, thinking: It's the Willygig Arthur described in his report. Should I engage? Yasmine, thinking: No. It hasn't seen me. Just back away sl- Protus, from off-panel: Well, well.. if it isn't Yasmine Fotheringby! Yasmine: ... Friday, October 14, 2005 [[Yasmine is looking at Protus's rear end in a corridor.]] Yasmine: Hello... Mr. Protus. Protus: Be with you in a moment.. Yasmine: That is really not- [[Protus fiddles with a collection of glowing shapes.]] Protus: Dunno how this got misaligned.. [[The shapes disappear]] ((BLIP)) Protus: But I /think/.. Ah. There we are! [[He turns to face Yasmine.]] Protus: Now then. What was it you wanted to ask me? Yasmine: ---! Saturday, October 15, 2005 [[Yasmine and Protus talk in a corridor.]] Yasmine: You assume I have a question for you.. Protus: It's all humans ever have. You are worse than probeulators. Yasmine: If you /object/ to answering questions.. Protus: Well.. I /am/ a busy sentient.. Wait! I know! If you /answer/ a question, you can /ask/ one! Yasmine: That.. seems fair. Protus: Good! My question is.. why do you talk differently than the other humans? Yasmine: I grew up in Shibolith. Everyone from there talks this way. Protus: Shibolith? But it was d.. Right. Right. Sorry. One query apiece. Sunday , October 16 , 2005 [[In a corridor in the Mansion, Yasmine has met Protus the Willygig.]] Protus: So what is your question for me? Time's a-wastein'! [[Yasmine stands conflicted. All dialogue is thought bubbles.]] Yasmine: ... Who really runs the Mansion of E? Yasmine: What caused the Crash? Yasmine: What did Arthur do to annoy you.. or has that even /happened/ to you yet? Yasmine: Is Shibolith.. doomed? delightful? desert? (I already /knew/ that last one..) Yasmine: What's a probeulator? Yasmine: Will I be happy? Yasmine: Will I be rich? Yasmine: What will the future bring? [[She plants her stick.]] Yasmine: sigh. What's the quickest way to get down to the forest from here? Monday , October 17 , 2005 [[In a corridor in the Mansion, Yasmine Fotheringay has asked Protus the Willygig for directions.]] Protus: The quickest way to the forest.. hmm. That would be very difficult to explain.. Protus: Better just show you. [[He reaches out a hand.]] Yasmine: I would be most gratef- [[He is suddenly holding something, a thick white strand with branches coming off it.]] Yasmine: !? ((GLOMP)) [[He pulls on the strand. It stretches.]] Tuesday , October 18 , 2005 [[Thinking to himself throughout. He is touching a "pylon"]] Protus: Lucky for Yasmine we were right on one of the pylons. Otherwise, she'd have had to walk down those stairs.. [[The pylon fades]] Protus: Oh wait.. that's right. Humans *like* to walk, don't they? Protus: Pity I can't try it sometime and see what all the fuss is about... Protus: Ah well. Can't be as much fun as being Stretched and turned outside in.. ((DISAPPEAR)) Wednesday , October 19 , 2005 [[A broken stone wall in the Forest of E. Comshaw goes by, looking very worried.]] Narration: Simultaneously, in the forest. Comshaw: Niddle! [[A white strand appears behind the wall, cutting across the sky.]] ((ttww-)) [[It splits open into a gap showing darkness. Yasmine appears, and slams against the wall.]] ((-WWANGG! WAM)) [[Yasmine falls to the ground behind the wall, just her hand visible. the strand snaps shut.]] ((thud crunch)) [[The strand is gone.]] Yasmine: urk. Thursday , October 20 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, next to a stone wall, Shona watches Comshaw leave.]] Shona, thinking: Oh dear. I hope Niddle's all right. Shona, thinking: Wait. What's that behind that w- [[A noise turns her attention in a new direction.]] ((SPROING! -wwangg wam)) [[Frowgler the not-currently hormed frog is sitting on the wall.]] Frowgler: RIBBET Shona, thinking: What in the earth is /that/ thing? Friday , October 21 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Shona approaches Frowgler the not-currently horned frog, who is sitting on the remains of a stone wall.]] Shona: Who are you? /What/ are you? Frowgler: RIBBIT. Shona: OHH no. You're trying that "I'm a dumb animal" routine. Forget it. I can see the sparks burning back behind your eyes! Frowgler: ssigh.. [[Frowgler glowers at her.]] Frowgler: You Gnolls are incredibly annoying. Has anyone ever mentioned that to you? Shona: And do /not/ try and distract me with flattery. Saturday, October 22, 2005 [[Frowgler and Shona are talking in the forest]] Frowgler: But anyway. To answer your questions, I am known as.. Frowgler: FROWGLER, the horned frog. ((He currently has no horns.}} [[Shona stares at him.]] Shona: Should that fact have impressed me for some reason? Frowgler: There was an outside chance that you'd.. No. You're right. It's nothing impressive. Saturday, October 22, 2005 [[Frowgler and Shona are talking in the forest]] Frowgler: But anyway. To answer your questions, I am known as.. Frowgler: FROWGLER, the horned frog. ((He currently has no horns.}} [[Shona stares at him.]] Shona: Should that fact have impressed me for some reason? Frowgler: There was an outside chance that you'd.. No. You're right. It's nothing impressive. Sunday , October 23 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Shona has encounter Frowgler sitting on the remains of a stone wall.]] Frowgler: Now, if you'll excuse me, I am /extremely/ busy, and- Shona: How come I've never heard of a "frog" before? Frowgler: Educating ignorant basement-dwellers about forest fauna is not my.. [[He realizes something.]] Frowgler: hmm. Frowgler: Or maybe it /is/ my responsibility. Frowgler: /FINE./ Frowgler: Frogs are amphibious insectavores [sic]. Mostly live in the pond, near the Spike. With me so far? Shona: You eat bugs and breath both air and water. What's a pond? Monday , October 24 , 2005 [[The Forest of E. Shona talks to Frowgler, who is sitting on the remains of a stone wall.]] Frowgler: The pond is like.. an Ichyoid grotto. Except that it's exposed to the sky. Shona: So you keep a fugehorn there? They don't work underwater. Frowgler: What? Shona: You claim to be the 'horned frog'. [[Frowgler looks at himself.]] Frowgler: I call myself that because I /have/.. Frowgler: Oh. Wait. Frowgler: Right. [[A closeup of Frowgler's head.]] Frowgler: Forgive me. [[A set of horns pops from the sides of said head.]] ((shunk)) Frowgler: It's been a very hectic day.. Tuesday, October 25, 2005 [[In the Forest of E]] Shona: So.. those are "horns" Frowgler the Horned Frog: Yup. Now are you impressed? Shona: Not really. Frowgler: Oh? Shona: You can't possibly get any decent music out of those; the *wide ends* should be pointing outward. Frowgler: . . . Wednesday , October 26 , 2005 [[The Forest of E. Frowgler sits on the remains of a stone wall. He and Shona discuss his horns.]] Frowgler: I begin to suspect you're being deliberately obtuse. These are not musical instruments. They are /weapons./ Shona: Really. Frowgler: Yes, /really./ And you're not impressed that I made them pop out of my head? Shona: Oh, /please./ Shona: We know all about tree-warping down in the real world. Mr. Nevus uses it in his office! Frowgler: "Real world". Right. Shona: Although.. it was clever of you to somehow make it portable.. Thursday , October 27 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Frowgler the Horned Frog sits on a wall and talks to Shona the Gnoll.]] Frowgler: Absolutely typical. Shona: What? Frowgler: Some clever bugger finds a way to bend the fabric of space, create tiny extra /worlds/.. Frowgler: And Nevus used it to hide a couple of lunk-headed Trogs. At least Nomes /live/ "inside" their trees.. Shona: You know about Mulch and Grind? Frowgler: Oh yes. I am a vertiable(sic) fountain of useless trivia. Shona: /Really/.. Friday , October 28 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Frowgler sits on the remains of a stone wall as Shona reaches for him.]] Shona: You need come with me. I'm beginning to think Mr. Nevus will want to talk to you. Frowgler: You work for Nevus. too. What a surprise. ((SPROING plop)) [[Frowgler is sitting on Shona's head.]] Shona: Hey! Frowgler: If it were Agita, or even Guttle, I just might go and offer a few sage words of council.. ((SPPROInNGG! plop!)) [[He is now higher up on the wall.]] Frowgler: But I have absolutely /nothing/ to say to Nevus. Frowgler: As for /you/, whatever your name is.. Frowgler: Heh.. I have /two/ pieces of advice.. Saturday , October 29 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, Frowgler the horned frog and Shona the Gnoll have been talking. Frowgler sits on top of a stone wall, looking down at her.]] Frowgler: First piece of advice: working for Nevus has no future. Join Comshaw; there's a fellow who's going places. Shona: /Comshaw/? [[Frowgler turns to leave.]] Frowlger: Secondly, the next time you cross paths with someone who has sharp pointy things attached to his head.. [[Frowgler's devil-tail emerges from his body.]] ((SHUNK)) [[He leaps away.]] Frowgler: Treat the situation with a bit more gravity. ((SPROING)) Sunday , October 30 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Frowgler has just given some adivice to Shona, shown her his tail, and departed.]] Shona, thinking: Wait.. Shona, thinking: Spears attached to the head... shovel-shaped tail... [[An outline of a memory of her childhood, with her and her sister Sina being told about the Operator in lurid detail by their (presumably) father.]] [[A wide shot of Shona standing alone in the Forest.]] Shona: eep Monday , October 31 , 2005 [[Guest-art from Tim Volpe's webcomic Alternate Delusions, featuring that strip's characters dressed as MoE residents: Bill wearing a copy of Hax, Sym as Comshaw, Fuchsia as Rosemary, Tim as Sylvester, and sitting naked in a tree, the Green Lantern Corp member Flerpnip.]] Sym, poking Bill with a stick: poke poke poke Tim, to Flerpnip: What are you doing up there? Flerpnip: I'm a tree-squid, duh. Tuesday , November 1 , 2005 [[The Forest of E. Shona realizes how dangerous Frowgler might actually be.]] Shona, thinking: Comshaw, or the security perimeter? [[She zooms out of sight.]] ((ZOOM)) Shona, thinking: Security perimeter! [[The scene remains empty.]] ((SPROING)) [[Frowgler is back sitting on the lower portion of the stone wall.]] Frowgler, thinking: Thought she'd never leave. Wednesday, November 2, 2005 [[Frowgler sits on a ledge]] [[He realizes something.]] Frowgler: That wasn't -Sina-, was it? No, of course not. Don't be stupid. Frowgler: But then it must have been.. Oh dear. Frowgler: Groan. And I told her my name. Frowgler: Oh well, as always, what's done is done. Thursday , November 3 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, at the auction site. Snerk is studying the HJ42/Zorper he has just won. Mortimer is watching the angry reactions of the losers: Agita, Guttle, and Nevus. Nevus is being carried by Mimsy the Gnoll, who displays little interest.]] Mortimer, thinking: Oh dear.. Friday , November 4 , 2005 [[At the Auction-site in the Forest of E. Snerk the Saur has the HJ42.]] Mortimer: Um.. Mr. Snerk.. Snerk: I'm /not/ giving this thing back. [[Nevus on his plate, glaring.]] Mortimer: It's not that. Snerk: What? Miortimer: Remember when Agita said you get a 40-count headstart once the auction's over? Snerk: Yess..? [[Snerk realizes what Mortimer is saying.]] Mortimer: Well, if they started counting silently as soon as you won, they m [[Snerk departs, rapidly]] ((ZIP)) Mortimer: ight have almost reached 40 already.. Saturday , November 5 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E, an auction has concluded, and Snerk the Saur has departed with the Zorper/HJ42. Mortimer turns to see he's gone.]] Mortimer: ..so maybe you should leave while.. oh. Mortimer: He left. [[The other auction participants, Agita and Guttle glare at him.]] Mortimer: ... Oh. [[Agita approaches him.]] Mortimer: Maybe /I/ should leave.. Sunday , November 6 , 2005 [[In a clearing in the Forest of E, Mortimer faces Agita.]] Agita: Leave? So soon? [[They are face to face.]] Agita: I wouldn't /hear/ of it. Our little tet-a-tet isn't /nearly/ done. Monday , November 7 , 2005 [[At the auction-site in the forest of E. Mortimer is facing Agita.]] Mortimer, thinking: Gottathink Gottathink [[An outline of Rosemary hitting Guttle on the top of his head.]] Mortimer: What would Rosemary do? [[An outline of Sylvester literally talking Nevus to death.]] Mortimer: Sylvester? No! Sylvester: blah blah drone drone really big words [[An outline of Mortimer facing an angry Human female wielding a rolling pin.]] Mortimer: Whatcan I do? Whathave Idone before? Wait! /Of course/! ((The woman is probably Olga, a former girlfriend of Mortimer's.}} Tuesday , November 8 , 2005 [[In the forest of E, at the auction site. An angry Agita and a worried Mortimer face each other.]] [[Mortimer kisses her on the mouth.]] ((smack)) Wednesday , November 9 , 2005 [[A clearing in the Forest of E. Mortimer has just kissed Agita. She turns away in horrified disgust.]] Agita: GAK! [[As Guttle and Mortimer watch, she falls to the ground.]] Agita: gag puke retch [[Mortimer leaves, carrying the bags of fleebs he got from Snerk.]] Mortimer, thinking: Not the reaction I normally get, but guess it will do.. Agita: choke burble Guttle: If you're dying, can I have all your stuff? NevusL Can WE have all your stuff. Thursday , November 10 , 2005 [[In a clearing in the Forest of E, the Basement VIPs have a discussion following Mortimer's kiss and departure.]] Nevus: So, you're going to live? Agita: It was like sticking my mouth in one of Guttle's composting vats. But yes. Agita: cough. What's the matter with you two? Why didn't you go after him? Nevus: I guess I'm just a stickler for the /rules/. An auctioneer is inviolate. Nevus: But of course, you knew that. Guttle: And /I/ was busy thinking how much easier my life would be if I just /ate/ both of you. Friday, November 11, 2005 [[In the forest of E, following the auction. Guttle looms over Nevus, Agita and Mimsy.]] Nevus: Eat us? That's whats so charming about you, Guttle.. [[Mimsy discards the tray cover]] Nevus: You're [[She roots in her hair.]] Nevus: so de [[She produces one of Rhid's bombs, filled with white twisty shapes.]] Nevus: lightfully un [[The bomb is hurled at Guttle]] Nevus: complicated.. Saturday , November 12 , 2005 [[In the Forest of E. Nevus's employee Mimsy the Gnoll has tossed one of Rhid's bombs at Guttle. It sails through the air.]] [[Guttle catches it with his tongue.]] [[He pulls it into his mouth.]] [[Mimsy watches calmly.]] ((CRUNCH)) [[As does Nevus.]] (((boom))) [[Some smoke leaks from Guttle's mouth.]] Guttle: Gonna have to do better than that. Sunday , November 13 , 2005 [[In a clearing in the Forest of E, the Basement VIPs have a confrontation.]] Guttle: ..And since I don't think you /can/ do any better, I- Agita, pointing: What's that in your mouth? [[A white growth appears in Guttle's mouth.]] Guttle: eh? [[It quickly exploded into a larger mass.]] Guttle: Grah? [[Nevus watches this.]] Guttle: !?!! Nevus: /Dearest/ Rhid. He must lay awake every single night coming up with these ideas.. Monday, November 14, 2005 [[Guttle is being enveloped by the strands of one of Rhid's inventions]] ((GRAAAAAARRR)) Tuesday , November 15 , 2005 [[In a clearing in the Forest of E. Off-panel, Guttle battles growths spewing from one of Rhid's bombs. Agita watches as Nevus turns away]] ((CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP)) Agita: He appears to be chewing his way free. Nevus: Yes, I believe Rhid did warn that it would prove to be merely a temporary hindrence. [sic] [[Nevus jumps from his tray to Mimsy the Gnoll's head.]] ((sproing)) Nevus: That being the case, I shall gather my retinue and depart. [[Mimsy tosses away the tray.]] Nevus: What you choose to do is, as always, your affair. [[Agita watches as Mimsy leaves with Nevus.]] Agita: ... ((foomp)) [[Agita has opened her umbrella, and is leaving as well.]] Agita, thinking: Fine. Very Well. For a certain value of 'depart' Wednesday , November 16 , 2005 [[A clearing in the Forest of E. Agorn the Gnoll and Capper the Gobule and Orfis the Trog stand watch. Agorn carries a spear. Orfis is perched on a rock, and is wearing a blindfold.]] {{Only Agorn's name has yet been given in-strip.}} Narration: Nearby, at more or less at the same time.. Agorn: I still say we shoulda gone in when we saw that weird explosion. Capper: The Big Three said no one goes in. So like we told Shona, we don't go in. Orfis: They're all still upright and breathing. I can smell them. Orfis: But something else, too.. Orfis: Very strange.. Thursday, November 17, 2005 [[On the auction security-perimeter in the Forest of E.]] {{Character names have not been given in-strip.}} Capper the Gobule: Whadda mean you smell something "strange"? Orfis the bliindfolded Trog: I don't know. All these unfamiliar.. *plants*.. get in the way. Orfis: It smells sort of like a nome, but not exactly. I th- ((sniff)) Orfis: Wait. Someone's coming out. [[Snerk the Saur races past.]] Capper: Who? The Nome-thing? Orfis: No. It's a sau- ((ZIP)) Thursday, November 17, 2005 [[On the auction security-perimeter in the Forest of E.]] {{Character names have not been given in-strip.}} Capper the Gobule: Whadda mean you smell something "strange"? Orfis the bliindfolded Trog: I don't know. All these unfamiliar.. *plants*.. get in the way. Orfis: It smells sort of like a nome, but not exactly. I th- ((sniff)) Orfis: Wait. Someone's coming out. [[Snerk the Saur races past.]] Capper: Who? The Nome-thing? Orfis: No. It's a sau- ((ZIP)) Friday , November 18 , 2005 [[Mortimer hurriedly leaves the auction site in the Forest of E, carrying his bag of Fleebs.]] Mortimer, thinking: No.. wait.. this is the direction Snerk went. They might chase him.. [[He turns sharply.]] Mortimer, thinking: I'll go /this/ way! It will be /safer/! [[He has disappeared from sight.]] [[His thought comes from out of sight, at the bottom of the panel.]] Mortimer: Ouch. Saturday , November 19 , 2005 [[Snerk is fleeing through the Forest of E, carrying the Zorper/HJ42 with him.]] [[Just as he turns to look behind him, Shona comes running into the shot from the opposite direction, also looking behind her.]] ((CRUNCH)) [[Close-up of the Zorper crushed between their bodies. Both of them are touching it.]] ((BEEP)) Sunday, November 20, 2005 [[Snerk the Saur and Shona the Gnoll are sitting on the ground in the forest facing each other]] Snerk: You stupid wormmuncher! What've you /done/?! Shona: /Wormmuncher/? Shona: Some grubby little.. forest-dweller, calling /me/ a wormmuncher? And /you/ were the one who didn't watch wher- ((gigantic PROZ)) [[Nearby, Agorn the Gnoll, Topper the Gobule and Orfis the blindfolded Trog silently witness a bright light in the sky.]] {{Only Agorn has been named in-strip.}} Monday , November 21 , 2005 [[In the Basement, Hiblehoy the Miotihaul and Snerd the Gnoll watch nervously.]] Narration: Down near Crazy Rhid's.. Hiblehoy: The explosions seem to have stopped. Snerd: Yes. Hiblehoy: I suppose one of us is going to.. [[Crazy Rhid goes by. blackened and smoking.]] [[Hiblehoy, Snerd and Spot the Gobule silently watch this. Hiblehoy drops the buckets he is carrying.]] Snerd: ..have to go see what happened. Tuesday, November 22, 2005 [[A discussion on the bucketchain near Crazy Rhid's, between Spot the Gobule and Snerd the Gnoll. Spot is covered with soot-marks. Hiblehoy the Motihaul is nearby as well.]] Spot: Even if that was Rhid just now, /I/ ain't going in there. I've /filled/ my explosion quota for the day! Snerd: Fine. [[Snerd reaches to pick up a flat white rock from the floor.]] Snerd: Hiblehoy and I will have to deal with it. Or rather... Wednesday, November 23, 2005 [[Snerd scratches a flat rock with his fingernail.]] [[He shows scratched side.]] [[He shows unscratched side.]] [[He flips it in the air.]] Snerd: Call it in the air. Hiblehoy: Scratched. [[The stone PLOPs to earth.]] [[The scratched side is up.]] Snerd: Sigh.. [[Snerd leaves, watched by Spot and Hiblehoy.]] Spot: Didn't know Gnolls had such sharp digittips. Hiblehoy: I'm sure they will be a great help if Snerd's caught in an explosion. Thursday , November 24 , 2005 [[Thanksgiving filler, showing Mortimer about to tuck into a turkey dinner while wearing a bib which says GOBBLE on it.]] Narration: Since most folks are probably following Mortimer's fine example, we'll resume the story tomorrow. HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Friday , November 25 , 2005 [[The battered hallway outside of Crazy Rhid's place. A former firepot now stands empty.]] [[Snerd the Gnoll inches into the scene.]] Snerd: Sina..? Are you.. all right? Sina, from off-panel: No, Snerd, I'm not. [[Sina stands with Kronk the Troglodyte. Wrawa the Trog, also looking battered, crouches and touches the dead hand of Leny the Trog, which just juts into sight from the floor.]] Sina: But I'm alive. The rest I'll have to deal with later. Saturday , November 26 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. Snerd and Sina recap, witnessed by Kronk the Troglodyte.]] Snerd the Gnoll: What happened? We saw Rhid.. I think.. Sina: Yes. Wrawa chased him off. Sina: Leny's dead. And Sepferb's in bad shape. Sina: We can't do anything for him. Sina: While the rest of us start the bucket chain.. Someone's going to have to go tell the other Ghasts. Sunday , November 27 , 2005 [[In the battered hallway outside Crazy Rhid's place.]] Snerd the Gnoll: "Someone" has to tell the Ghasts that Sepferb's been badly hurt? You mean me, don't you? Sina: Yes, Snerd, I mean you. Snerd: I'm not going down to the wall-lickers' breeding pools and telling them that! Who knows how they'll react! Sina: Of course not. You're going to go tell the guards at the /entrance/ to the breeding pools. And they won't bite your head off. Snerd: Only because that's too quick and merciful! /I'm not doing it/! Monday , November 28 , 2005 [[In the battered hallway outside of Crazy Rhid's place.]] Kronk the Trog: Sina?... You want /me/ ta.. go tell th Ghasts bout Sepferb? Sina: No, Kronk. Thank you, but they wouldn't.. take you seriously. Or they'd take you TOO seriously. [[Close-up of Sina's angry, currently-blinded eyes.]] Kronk: Huh? Sina: But what you /can/ do is, is take Snerd and toss him into Rhid's room. There are going to be booby-traps, and /someone/ needs to set them off. [[Kronk reaches for Snerd.]] Kronk: Oh. OK. Snerd: /WHAT?!/ Tuesday , November 29 , 2005 [[In the battered hallway outside Crazy Rhid's, Knonk the Troglodyte has a grip on Snerd the Gnoll's neck.]] Snerd: Throw me into Rhid's? I won't! You /can't!/ Sina: Ah. So what you're saying is, you don't want any of the /easy/ jobs. Snerd: um.. Snerd: Why don't I just go tell the Ghasts about Sepferb? Sina: Yes. Good. You go do that. Sina: Put him down, Kronk. Sina: I have a better job for you. Wednesday , November 30 , 2005 [[In the hallway outside Crazy Rhid's]] Sina: Snerd. On your way to the Ghasts, tell Hiblehoy and the others to get down here. Snerd, leaving: Right. OK. Sina: And Kronk.. Kronk: I aint going in Rhids place either! Sina: No, Kronk. What I need from you is dangerous, but not that bad. Sina: I need you to go after Rhid himself. Thursday , December 1 , 2005 [[In the hallway outside Crazy Rhid's place.]] Kronk: Go after Rhid? Thatll be even worse than goin in his place! Sina: No, Kronk. Not right now... [[Outline of a battered Rhid going up a slope, leaving a scent and/or smoke trail behind him.]] Sina: He's injured, cut off from his.. tools, and leaving a scent-trail a /Nome/ could follow. But if we just let him go.. Sina: He'll get patched up. Circle around, or go to some other stash he has. He'll be back. Please. /Go./ Friday , December 2 , 2005 [[In the hallway outside Crazy Rhid's]] Kronk: Allright Ill go after Rhid. Sina: Thank you, Kronk. Kronk: But Im doing it cuza what he did to leny, not cuz.. [[Kronk stops.]] [[He turns back.]] Kronk: Why are you all doing this? Sina: We're.. well, we're trying to save the world, Kronk. Kronk: Oh. that splains it. Sina: I'm sorry? Kronk: Try save the world, and people start /dyin'./ Saturday , December 3 , 2005 [[In the corridor outside Crazy Rhid's place, Kronk sets off after Rhid.]] Sina: Kronk? You're.. claiming you once saved the world? Kronk: Me? Kronk: Nah. Kronk: Im justa old dummy, member? Kronk: But I was there when Digger and Yurd and.. the others did it. Sunday , December 4 , 2005 [[In the corridor outside Crazy Rhid's.]] Hiblehoy the Motihau, off-panel: Sina? Are you.. [[Hiblehoy and Ploot the Wyrm come into view.]] Hiblehoy: ..blind? Sina: It'll pass, evidently. If not, I'll live. Not like my nose got chopped off. Hiblehoy: But- Sina: Have either of you ever heard of someone named "Yurd" or "Digger"? Hiblehoy: Yurp? The Demon-King from those old stories about the Earl? Sina: No. Yur-D Hiblehoy: Then.. no. Ploot: There was a Trog named Yurd. Really smart. He took the plunge into the Great Chasm when his mind started to go. Ploot: Can't help you with "Digger". Monday , December 5 , 2005 [[The corridor outside Crazy Rhid's]] Sina: Digger and Yurd were friends of Kronk, back when he was young. Not important now. We need to get through Rhid's place, and there are going to be booby-traps. Ploot: I suppose you want me to go in. I'm willing to stick my nose in the door, at least. [[Behind Sina, Spot the Gobule looks on as Wrawa mourns over Leny.]] Sina: Thank you, Ploot, but not yet. Because.. if I was Rhid.. a Wyrm cautiously sticking in his nose is exactly what I would expect intruders to do. [[The large now-snuffed firepot, mounted on its stem.]] Sina: We're going to be a little more forceful about this... Tuesday , December 6 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's, Sina gives instructions to Ploot the Wyrm and Hiblehoy the Motihaul.]] Sina: Ploot, what I want you and the other Wyrms to do is.. Ploot: What's wrong? Sina: Just a moment. [[Spot the Gobule is standing near where Wrawa the Trog mourns over Leny the Trog's body.]] Sina: Spot? Spot: Yeah, Boss? Sina: Get away from Leny. Sina: Or if Wrawa doesn't rip your tongue out by the roots, /I will./ Spot: You're the Boss, Boss. But there's gonna be problems about it.. Wednesday , December 7 , 2005 [[In the corridor outside Crazy Rhid's.]] Sina: What do you mean, problems? Spot the Gobule: Everyone knows the deal, Boss. There's a mess, we Gobules get to clean it up. Spot: Like I say, you're the Boss, so /I/ won't eat the morsal. [sic] But.. Spot: Others'll've smelled it. They're on their way. If you don't want that.. you gotta ditch the.. body. Right now. [[Sina facepalms.]] Sina: ssigh. Fine. Hiblehoy. Get over here. Thursday, December 8, 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's]] Hiblehoy: What is it? Sina: Go help Wrawa take Leny to.. wherever she thinks he should go. The Great Chasm maybe. Hiblehoy: Leave? But if I don't get those buckets back to Tunktal, he's going to.. Sina: JUST - GO! Hiblehoy: OK, OK.. Sina: Spot! Spot: Yeah, Boss? Sina: Go up the chain and tell whatever slackjawed cretins are next in line to -get down here-! Friday , December 9 , 2005 [[Ouside Crazy Rhid's. Hiblehoy the Motihaul approaches Wrawa the Troglodyte, who is blackened by her meeting with Rhid, and mourning over the body of her compatriot Leny.]] Hiblehoy: Um.. Wrawa? Sina says we need to move Leny's body, so where do you- [[Wrawa's claw slashes at him.]] ((SLASH)) Wrawa: DON'T TOUCH HIM [[Hiblehoy's shirt now has two gashes in it.]] Hiblehoy: OK, but we're still doing this, cuz Sina's still scarier than you. Saturday , December 10 , 2005 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. Sina grumpily waits.]] [[Ploot the Wyrm comes into view.]] Sina: I appreciate your being here, Ploot. A little fire probably isn't a big deal to you, is it? Ploot: Before they were bottled, Chauncy and Edgar went down into the Hot Zone for extended periods on at least two occasions. They can't be allowed to escape. [[Voog the Wyrm joins them.]] Ploot: Unfortunately, a lot of my.. our.. compatriots do tend to ignore coldzone problems and hope they just go away. [[They approach the snuffed-out firepot, mounted on its stem.]] Sina: If you think that's a trait unique to your species, you need to get out more. Sina: Let's do this. Sunday , December 11 , 2005 [[Clochard the Gnoll walks along a corridor.]] Narration: Meanwhile, fairly close by.. Clochard, thinking: sigh. Better think about heading home and.. wait. Who is that? [[A female Motihaul appears.]] Clochard: Oh.. hello, Nugabela. Nugabela: Clochard. Clochard: I was just speaking to your mate. I'm sure he sends his regards. Nugabela: My mate? Clochard: Izchak. The fellow you copulate with. You've born his whelps. Nugabela: Oh. Him. "Mate". 'Husband.' Why do nearly all non-Motihauls /insist/ on weighting down such a simple business transaction with so much unneeded baggage? Monday , December 12 , 2005 [[Nugabela: It's ironic, really, that it's the *Gobules* who are the only ones who are sensible in regards to procreation, and- Clochard: Yesyes. We're all insane perverts. Nugabela: Nno.. Both of those words are overstatements. Clochard: Oh good. Moving on.. What you've got hidden in your clothes-pouch thingy there.. I believe I detect the unmistakable smell of Bung.. Nugabela: Yes. It's one of Bung's mushrooms. Faddle had it, and auctioned it off. Clochard: And did Faddle happen to mention where he got it? Nugabela: No. It was probably lying in the path and he tripped over it. Or he made someone so angry they threw it at his head. Clochard: Be grateful; if he was just slightly more ambitious, he'd no doubt be ruling the world from a throne of skulls. Tuesday , December 13 , 2005 [[In a corridor in the Basement, Clochard the Gnoll and Nugabela the Motihaul are having a discussion when Nugabela sees something.]] Clochard: So, are you going to eat the Bungshroom yourself, or resell it? Nugabela: I haven't decided. I may wait a few hours and see if.. I.. Clochard: What's the matter? What.. [[He turns around]] Clochard: Oh dear.. [[A procession of robed and hooded figures of various species is coming towards them. Each carries a candle.]] Nugabela: Candle monks Clochard: All of the Candle Monks.. Wednesday , December 14 , 2005 [[Clochard the Gnoll and Nugabela the Motihaul encounter Father Tartuf of the Candle Monks, an Ooze. Tartuf speaks with an elaborate "Gothic" font.]] Clochard: Hello, Tartuf. What brings you out of the Hall of the Brush? Tartuf: No time for trivialities, Clochard. Tartuf: The Evil One roams free once more. Tartuf: We go forth, to BATTLE! Clochard: Ah. I see. [[Tartuf and the other Monks go on by.]] Nugabela: I suppose /you/ know who the 'Evil One' is, you nosy old phizzer. Lux, or one of the other GBOLers? Clochard: Of course. I know everything. Clochard: And no, it's not Lux. If you want more.. [[Nugabela turns to go.]] Clochard: ..you can either follow them and face the screaming horror for yourself, or.. it'll cost you a Bungshroom. Nugabela: Goodbye, Clochard. Thursday , December 15 , 2005 [[In the Basement. Clochard the Gnoll watches Nugabela the Motihaul leave.]] Clochard, thinking: Nugabela always did suffer from a lack of curiosity. Pity. It's held her back. She makes petty deals with Faddle, and Agita rules one third of the world. [[A singed Gobule wanders past.]] Clochard, thinking: On the other hand, on days like this.. /not/ being a nosy phizzer is probably a survival trait. [[He turns to go himself.]] Clochard, thinking: But miss seeing the Candle Monks once again confront The Evil One? I'd rather die! Friday, December 16, 2005 [[Sylvester and Rosemary meet Camora (and Hax)]] Narration: Outside Le Tree.. Camora and Rosemary, thinking: What an incredibly stupid-looking hat. Saturday , December 17 , 2005 [[Outside of Le Tree.]] Rosemary: So.. you're willing to be our guide? Camora: Yes, I am. Rosemary: And you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart? Camora: Well, I.. Hax, inaudibly: Expect to be paid. Camora:-expect to be paid, of course. [[Rosemary turns away.]] Rosemary: Of course. Rosemary: You'll understand if my associate and I wish to confer about this in private for a moment? Camora: No problem. [[Camora glares up at Hax as they speak inaudibly to each other.]] Camora: Thanks for that. Hax: No problem. Camora: Almost makes up for FORGETTING TO TUCK YOUR ZARKING ANTENNA BACK IN! Sunday , December 18 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree. Hax is sittiing on Camora's head, and they conduct an inaudible conversation.]] Hax: Oh. I did forget about my.. antenna. Well, can't restow them now. might raise questions.. Camora: Oh, you /think/? [[Rosemary and Sylvester confer in the mid-distance.]] Camora: /Anyway/. You claim those two are humans? Hax: Yes. [[Outline of an Evil Human standing despotically on a balcony with a large E flag, as Basement-dwellers cower below him.]] Camora: I don't believe it. They smell like Nomes. And they are wearing Nomish mining helmets (Sort of.) And the old stories all say- Hax: You do not have to be 5 meters tall and shoot eye-beams to gain a reputation as a monster. {{Hax is referring to the local variety of Sneeches.}} [[Outline of Nevus the Wyrm standing despotically on a small platform with an N flag, as Basement-dwellers cower above him.]] Camora: OK. Good point. I suppose even /Nevus/ is a monster, in his way. Camora: Fine. We'll carry on with the plan. Camora: For now. Monday , December 19 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree.]] Sylvester: So.. maybe /this/ is Snoot's plan? This 'guide' shows up, leads us into trouble? Rosemary: How'd he know we need one? No, I think she's just out to score a little dosh. [[Camora glaring up at Hax.]] Rosemary: ..and even if she /is/ a plant.. we're already going into a Sneech den. Rosemary: Where could she lead us that's worse? [[Rosemary holds up the Fleeb they got from Spatchcock.]] Sylvester: OK. We give her a try. Stick to our 'forest Nome' story. Rosemary: Right. But if we pay her, do we give her the fleeb? [[Sylvester holds up the To-Do List that Rosemary gave him much earlier.]] Sylvester: No, let's hang onto that if we can. There's something else we should try first.. Tuesday , December 20 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree. Sylvester walks away from Rosemary.]] Rosemary: You're going to give that Gnoll my to-do list? Sylvester: Yup. Rosemary ... You still /have/ my to-do list? Sylvester: Yup. Wednesday, December 21, 2005 [Sylvester: So, anyway. Your name is..? Camora: Camora. Sylvester: Camora.. Camora: Something wrong? Sylvester, from off-screen: No.. It just sounds vaguely familiar.. Camora: My grandsirette was an Archer. All -three- of my sires helped seal the Breach. Comshaw is my mate. Little wonder if you've heard of me. Thursday , December 22 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree. Rosemary and Sylvester stare down at Camora.]] [[Camora and Hax talk inaudibly.]] Camora: Why are they staring at me like I suddenly started babbling in Ichyoid lingo? Hax: Because they are /Humans/. They've never heard of the Nome War, The Breach in the River of Fire, or your mate Com- Sylvester: Comshaw.. Is he a sn.. /inquisitive/ bald-headed Gnoll? Friday , December 23 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree.]] Camora: You know Comshaw? Sylvester: We may have met. Rosemary: Briefly. Sylvester: But either way.. you might warn him that the folks in Le Tree are.. upset with him. Camora: Wow. Really? Next you'll be telling me that fire is hot and fountain fluid is toxic. Saturday , December 24 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree.]] Rosemary: "Fountain fluid". I'm guessing we're not talking about water here.. Sylvester: The short answer is "no". Camora: HAH! [[An overhead view of the three of them and Hax, along with bits of rubble lying on the floor.]] Camora: You really are from the forest, aren't you? Do you know how much /easier/ everyone's life would be if the Fountain spewed /water/? Rosemary: No. But I suspect you're about to correct that by going into tedious detail. Sunday , December 25 , 2005 [[A Secret Santa strip by Ian Jay. A large wrecked room.]] Sylvester: Well, here it is! The Wreck Room! Rosemary: "Rec" as in "Shag carpets and wood wall panels"? Sylvester: Wreck as in..well. wreck. We did just get a pool table, though! [[They and CamoraHax are playing pool.]] Rosemary: Wow. I've seen so many amazing rooms in this house. The Sumatran Room ...the Low Masquerade Room.. ..the Diaries of the Flood Room.. You have no idea what a weird and wonderful place you live in. Camora: What I don't get is, why dion't you open this place to tourists and stuff? You could probably make a hefty chunk of chainge, giving tours, selling shirts.. Sylvester: WHAT. [[Shaking Camora]] Sylvester: Do you have any idea how dangerous that would be?!? The Mansion can't handle inexperienced tourists! And they can't handle it! Hax: Crap! Camora: D-dude, ch-ch-chill... Rosemary: Well, I don't... Sylvester: Listen, Rose, not everyone's a warrior like you! I've lived here all my life, and I still get scared! Death lies within these silent walls! Not.. not gift shops! Camora: I don't know.. have you checked? Narration: 6 minutes of searching later... [[They are seated at a table, drinking sodas.]] Sylvester: Well, this is embarrassing. Camora: How about that? A gift shop, a theme motel and a food court. What're the odds? Rosemary: I still can't believe that they have a Sbarro's in here. Camora: Well, they're kind of a given, when it comes to food courts. Monday , December 26 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree. Sylvester and Rosemary have hired CamoraHax as a guide.]] Sylvester: No, we're going to curtail Fountain stories for now. Sylvester: We'll be seeing it soon enough. [[Outline of Hopobefevfer fighting with Nevus employees.]] Sylvester: And we really need to get a move on. [[Sylvester points over his shoulder.]] Sylvester: So. Camora. Sylvester: I'm Sylvester. That's Rosemary. We are forest nomes. Who live near the Spike. [[An outline of a younger Sylvester, fleeing the Basement with the Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady, being pursued by Basement inhabitants. The WoM is repelling a Trog with a blast of magic.]] Sylvester: I have been down here in the basement before, but it's been.. a long time. Tuesday , December 27 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree.]] Camora: The what-ment? Sylvester: The basement. All of this. Underground. [[A longer shot of them and Rosemary.]] Camora: Why do you call it that? Sylvester: Because it's the base of the Mansion. [[An outline showing the local cross-section of the Basement, with tunnels, lights, Tree-branches, enormous gears, etc.]] Camora: That what? Sylvester: The Mansion! The gigantic stone-ish thing above us? Dominates the forest? Looks like a cactus? [[Sylvester face-palms.]] Sylvester: ... "Cactus". Right. I'm just digging myself deeper here, aren't I? Camora: Oh. God's Cactus. Why didn't you say so in the first place? Wednesday , December 28 , 2005 [[In the Mansion's Basement, Rosemary and Sylvester react to a comment from Camora the Gnoll.]] Rosemary: "God's Cactus"? Camora: What? Sylvester: Do you have any idea how many questions that phrase raises? [[An Outline of a large chamber filled with cactus and sand. A Gnoll skeleton lies on the sand in the classic "lost in the desert" pose. Overhead is some sort of large light attached to stalactites]] Camora: /What?/ It looks like a cactus. One of those spiky plants which grow in the Cavern of Extreme Aridity. And God lives up there somewhere. What's to understand? [[An Outline of the Mansion's main tower, behind some trees, sporting a question mark.]] Thursday , December 29 , 2005 [[In the Basement, Sylvester talks to Camora. Hax is on Camora's head.]] Sylvester: When you say "God", you're not referring to The Brush or.. the Earl.. are you? Camora: What? Of course not. [[A depiction of a Brush-symbol painting the Basement.]] Camora: The Brush painted the world and everything in it. [[A Gnoll makes an Earl-shadow on the wall with hir hand.]] Camora: The Earl's a shadow thrown on the wall to scare whelps. Sylvester: That's two kinds of power. What does God have? [[Camora looks at God's minion Hax.]] Camora: God's just.. what? Old and rich. Hax, telepathically: It could have been phrased more elegantly. But that is essentially correct. Friday, December 30, 2005 [[Rosemary and Camora]] Rosemary: So when you say God, you mean- Sylvester, from off-panel: Ladies, we can have the theology roundtable -later.- Sylvester: Here's the deal, Camora. You tell how things have changed down here, and lead us to the Riddle Pool. [[Memory of the door into the Riddle Pool/Grotto]] Sylvester: Assuming there still -is- a Riddle Pool Camora: Assuming you're talking about the Riddle -Grotto-, yes. [[Sylvester produces Rosemary's to-do list.]] Sylvester: Good. In exchange, you get half of this now, and half when we're done. What do you say? Saturday , December 31 , 2005 [[Outside Le Tree. Sylvester rips Rosemary's to-do list in half.]] Camora: You want to trade /that/ for guiding services? Sylvester: Take it or leave it. I'm not in the mood to haggle. [[Camora snatches one half of the list from Sylvester's hand.]] Camora: Neither am I. We have a deal. Camora: This way to the Riddle Grotto. [[Camora and Hax speak inaudibly.]] Camora: Explain to me where all this paper is suddenly coming from. Hax: Guess what /I'm/ not in the mood to do... Sunday , January 1 , 2006 [[Filler strip, showing Rosemary holding up a sign/piece of paper which reads HAPPY NEW YEAR in multiple colors. Streamers and confetti fall in the background.]] Monday , January 2 , 2006 [[Outside Le Tree. Camora turns to lead Rosemary and Sylvester off. Rosemary notices Frag the Gnoll go by, carrying a spiked mace.]] Camora: So, off to the Riddle Grotto. Rosemary: No, actually.. there's someplace I need to go first.. [[A closeup of the mace.]] Camora: Oh. OK. There's a drophole right around the corner, behind- Rosemary: No. Where's the nearest place to get something like /that?/ Camora: Ah, you want something sharp and pointy. We'll go see Izchak. Rosemary: Although, if a drophole is what I think it might be, I should stop there, too... Tuesday , January 3 , 2006 [[As Camora leads Rosemary and Sylvester down the Long Path in the Basement, she stuffs her payment of paper into her hair.]] Rosemary: This Izchak person makes weapons? Camora: No, he's more of a.. middlebeing. [[Camora and Hax talk inaudibly.]] Hax: I know we need to get them to trust you, but.. You're going to /arm/ them? Camora: Relax. The situation is completely under contr- Tartuf, aloud: EVIL ONE!! Wednesday , January 4 , 2006 [[A guest strip by Tom Truszkowski of Station V3. A spaceship flies over the Forest of E and drops something to the ground.]] Gobule: That thing just dropped some sort of package! Gnoll: Let's go see what it is! [[The Gnoll reads the card attached to the package (which has airholes.)]] Gnoll: "To E from V3. Enclosed find one very useful security officer. Enjoy" [[He looks inside the box.]] Gnoll: But the box is empty! Gnoll: Whatever it is, it must have already escaped from the box! Gobule: That can't be good. [[Linton the V3 Security Officer, wearing a bird-themed float-ring around his waist, has found Frowgler.]] Linton: Which way is the pond? Thursday , January 5 , 2006 [[A clearing in the forest. A large flowering plant grows here, a stalk with two blooms sprouting from it. In the background can be seen a headless statue, bearing a shield with "HS" on it. Comshaw is carrying his poking stick and a scalpsucker.]] Comshaw: *Niddle!* Comshaw, thinking: Zark it! How could he have gotten away so *fast*? Friday , January 6 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw has found a large stinky plant. He is carrying his poking stick and a scalpsucker. All dialogue is mental.]] Comshaw: Zark! That plant's so skunky, now I've lost Niddle's scent! Comshaw: What a disaster. What else could go wr- Comshaw: No, you drooler! Don't ask that! Never ask that! [[From behind him, a bright light illuminates the scene.]] ((PROZ)) [[Beyond some trees, a blast from the Zorper rises into view.]] [[Comshaw stares up at it, as does the scalpsucker, which is now sitting on his head.]] Comshaw: Cuz you'll always get an answer.. Saturday , January 7 , 2006 [[ In the Forest of E. Comshaw has witnessed a HJ42/Zorper blast, as has the scalpsucker which is sitting on his head.]] Comshaw, thinking: That explosion.. or whatever.. it happened back where Shona was.. [[Beyond some trees, the blast dies away.]] Comshaw, thinking: So.. do I go see what that was., or go find Niddle? Comshaw: sigh [[He turns to go. The scalpsucker continues to stare back at the blast site.]] Comshaw, thinking: We make it home, I'm buying one of those Dornbeast leashes for him. [[Comshaw walks out of sight.]] Comshaw: AND GET THE ZARK OFF MY ZARKING HEAD! Scalpsucker: RAR! ((BAP)) Scalpsucker: - - - Sunday , January 8 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw carries his poking stick and a stunned scalpsucker.]] Comshaw, thinking: So, if Niddle's scent got covered by that.. stink-plant's smell.. Comshaw, thinking: What do I do? [[A scent-trail leading away into the trees.]] Comshaw, thinking: I follow the fresh stink-plant trail going off into the forest... Monday , January 9 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. A suar (Ig) is lying on the remains of a stone wall. Only his feet are visible.]] [[Comshaw stalks into view, carrying his poking stick and a scalpsucker.]] [[He has gone on already.]] IgSaur: Oh, hey.. IgSaur: It's "Comshaw", right? [[Comshaw has returned, and looks at him.]] Comshaw: /What?/ You got another zarking /message/ from some zarking... Comshaw: Oh. It's you. Tuesday, January 10, 2006 [[Among some ruins in the Forest of E, Ig the Saur lounges on the remains of a stone wall.]] IgSaur: Well well. It *is* Comshaw the Poking Gnoll. After I heard Boffin checked out, I didn't think I'd be seeing *you* around again. Comshaw: Hello, Ig. No one regrets my presence here more than me. Now if you'll excuse me, I don't have time to chat. IgSaur: *Looking* for someone, are you? Wednesday , January 11 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw has encountered Ig the Saur lounging on the remains of a stone wall.]] Comshaw: "Looking for someone". IgSaur: Boffin and you were always looking for /something/.. This time. . That gnoll wearing the pack, perhaps? Comshaw: And what do you know about that? IgSaur: Just that he went by a moment ago. With Thrash and some other Pales. Comshaw: /PALES?/ IgSaur: Be careful; they seemed /grumpy/. Thursday , January 12 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw has met Ig the Saur, who has passed along info about Niddle. Comshaw turns to go.]] Comshaw: More Pales. /Fine./ IgSaur: Maybe grumpy wasn't the right word. Pales are /always/ grumpy.. [[Comshaw stalks through the forest.]] [[Ig reappears behind him.]] IgSaur: Perhaps 'miffed '.. or even 'vexed '... Comshaw: Ig, go away. Now. Friday , January 13 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw chases after the Pales who have taken Niddle. Ig the Saur is tagging along.]] IgSaur: Aw, c'mon, Comshaw! Let me come with you! You need my help! [[They walk along.]] IgSaur: OK, OK, fair enough, ''need'' was a little strong. You can /use/ my help. Saturday , January 14 , 2006 [[In the forest of E.]] Ig the Saur: As for my motives for joining you on your noble quest.. Comshaw: I know why you want to come along. You're hoping that when the Pales and Niddle and I finish our business, there'll be some leavings. [[Outline of two forest Gnolls, one of them Louch, confronting a Pale.]] IgSaur: No no. It's true that if you and Thrash go at it, things *will* get messy. But the pickings have already been good lately. [[Outline of Boffin the Gnoll (now deceased) whacking a Tree-Squid with a poking stick as Ig watches.]] IgSaur: The real reason is that Boffin was always good at keeping me entertained, and I have high hopes for you as well! Comshaw: Oh good. A chance to do my impression of Council Chairbeing Preznit. Saturday , January 14 , 2006 [[In the forest of E.]] Ig the Saur: As for my motives for joining you on your noble quest.. Comshaw: I know why you want to come along. You're hoping that when the Pales and Niddle and I finish our business, there'll be some leavings. [[Outline of two forest Gnolls, one of them Louch, confronting a Pale.]] IgSaur: No no. It's true that if you and Thrash go at it, things *will* get messy. But the pickings have already been good lately. [[Outline of Boffin the Gnoll (now deceased) whacking a Tree-Squid with a poking stick as Ig watches.]] IgSaur: The real reason is that Boffin was always good at keeping me entertained, and I have high hopes for you as well! Comshaw: Oh good. A chance to do my impression of Council Chairbeing Preznit. Sunday , January 15 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw chases the Pales who have taken Niddle. Ig the Saur tags along.]] IgSaur: Council Chairbeing who? Comshaw: A fellow I know; he's trying to save the world, irregardless of its wishes in the matter. Comshaw: Tell me about your friend Thrash. [[An outline of Thrash the Pale, surrounded by question marks.]] IgSaur: ''Friend''.. Hm. How much do you know about Pales? Comshaw: Probably not as much as I should. [[Thrash smacks the question marks with his weapon, sending their parts scattering.]] IgSaur: They don't really have friends. Or names. As such. Thrash is more of a... job title Monday , January 16 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw follows the Pales who took Niddle. Ig the Saur has been allowed to tag along.]] Comshaw: So Thrash thrashes people, does he? IgSaur: Well, yes.. but that's almost incidental.. IgSaur: He trashes.. whole situations. [[An outline of Thash the Pale and Comshaw being dispatched on missions by pointing fingers.]] IgSaur: The Pale Nexus has a problem.. Thrash gets sent. IgSaur: ..sort of like /you/, maybe, and... Preznut, was it? Comshaw: Preznit. And from what I do know of the Nexus, no, it's not remotely the same thing. IgSaur: Of course. Tuesday , January 17 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw follows the Pales who took Niddle. Ig the Saur tags along. In the background can be see enormous rib-like structures poking out of the ground.]] {{They are the remnants of a crashed Human airship.}} Comshaw: Fine. "Thrash" is leading these Pales. Was there anyone else? A Saur with rings around his neck, and on his tail? Smells sort of.. mossy? IgSaur: That's gotta be Buzz. But no. Just your friend and the Pales. Comshaw: But Buzz /does/ work with Pales. IgSaur: Not that I'm aware. He lives mostly down near the Pond. But that Boss person Buzz works for.. /he/ has something to do with Pales.. Wednesday , January 18 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw chases the Pales who took Niddle. Ig the Saur tags along. Human wreckage can be seen in the background.]] Comshaw: Tell me about this Boss of Buzz's... IgSaur: All I really know is that he scares me. IgSaur: He came out of nowhere just a little while ago. No one can even learn his real name. And like you've seen, he's been working with the Nex. The Nex, who never works with anyone. igSaur: (sigh) I really do wish Boffin was still around. He would have..done something. Thursday , January 19 , 2006 [[In the forest]] Comshaw: I may not be the forest expert that Boffin was, but *I* plan to do something about the Boss. Ig: What? Comshaw: It depends on how the rest of this day plays out. At a bare minimum, he and I are going to have a *very* long chat. Ig: Can I watch? Friday , January 20 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw is chasing the Pales who took Niddle. Ig the Saur is tagging along. Ahead of them, a large white shape looms up above the trees.]] Comshaw: If you help me find the Boss, yes, Ig, you can watch whatevcr [sic] the result is. Comshaw: But we need to focus on the present. Because I very much believe that's our destination up ahead. Saturday , January 21 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Chasing after Thrash and his fellow Pales, Comshaw and Ig the Saur emerge from some trees.]] Comshaw: That thing the trail's headed straight towards... That's The Pit, isn't it? IgSaur:Yes. Up at the top there. [[A wide view of "the Pit", which is in fact a hill studded with tall white objects.]] Comshaw: The stories Boffin told me.. Comshaw: ..I was expecting something a little more impressive. Comshaw: And maybe a little more pit-like.. IgSaur: It goes through.. cycles.. It's been quiet up there for a long time. IgSaur: Maybe even too long... Comshaw: Great. Sunday , January 22 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw and Ig the Saur are at "The Pit"]] Comshaw: Speaking of reoccuring phenomena, that strange explosion just before we met; has /that/ happened before? [[Ig looks behind himself.]] IgSaur: There was another explosion? Comshaw: Ah. You know, to a degree, that comment is actually comforting. Monday , January 23 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E]] ig the Saur: Comforting? How is that comforting? Comshaw: Your reaction indicates that explosions, while not unknown, are also not a commonplace occurrance [sic] up here. ..almost like being back home.. [[An outline of Frotz the Nome passing along news to Ig.]] Comshaw: But anyway. Tell me about the previous ones. IgSaur: Just one. It was earlier today. I only heard the "ZORP" But a bunch of folks also saw it, Frotz the Nome for one. Tuesday, January 24, 2006 [[In the forest]] Comshaw: Frotz. I've heard that name.. Ig: He's a harvester. You know, goes out to the edge of the world, and snags stuff that dribbles in from.. outside? Nomes are the best at that, dunno why. Comshaw: That's right. Boffin mentioned him o- wait.. *"ZORP"?* Ig: Um.. yes? Unless you absolutely insist that's impossible. Wednesday , January 25 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at The Pit. Comshaw carries a scalpsucker as he hurries along.]] Comshaw, thinking: Rrrgh! The only thing worse than a pair of explosions is a pair of perfectly /matched/ explosions. Comshaw, thinking: I wonder if.. [[A giant light flashes ahead of him.]] ((CLICK)) Comshaw, thinking: ..Rhid's up here. Thursday , January 26 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw is looking up at the blast of off-screen magic coming from "the Pit".]] ((CLICK)) [[ig the Saur comes into view, also watching.]] Ig: The Pit's never done THAT before! What is that? Comshaw: That is Fire. {{Back down in the Basement, the River of Fire is a vast flow of magic that comes up from the depths of the Hot Zone.}} Friday , January 27 , 2006 [[A blast of "Fire"/color/magic shoots up from the top of hill which is called The Pit; white bone-like object stick out of the ground. In the distance can be seen the Mansion. The sun shines overhead.]] Saturday , January 28 , 2006 [[The middle of the strip. In the Forest of E, a beam of color/magic shoots into the air from The Pit. Reaction shots alternate down both sides, as follows.]] [[Comshaw and Ig the Saur.]] IgSaur: That's not fire! I've seen fire! [[Vezza, Umboz and Nitfol the Nomes, plus one of their Pale escorts.]] Comshaw: I didn't say fire, Ig. [[Nellie Grubb, on her way to Eetown.]] Comshaw: I said /Fire./ With a big fat "F" in the front of it. [[Frowgler sitting on his wall.]] IgSaur: A fat /what/? Comshaw: Sigh. Never mind. [[Agita, Nevus and Mimsy.]] Comshaw: It's a /different/ kind of Fire. Comshaw: Back underground.. [[The Scary Lady/Woman of Mystery looking out a window in the Mansion.]] Comshaw: There's a whole River of it. Sunday , January 29 , 2006 [[In the forest, a beam of Fire/a rainbow shoots into the sky from "the Pit"]] IgSaur: You're saying that's not a river? Comshaw: That's a *trickle* of Fire. A nice, safe, clean, trickle. Comshaw: If you want to see a river, go down. All the way down, to the Observatory. Ig: GO UNDERGROUND? Comshaw: You're the one who wanted to be entertained. Ask for Blit, he'll be more than glad to show you around. Goodbye, Ig. Monday , January 30 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at The Pit. Off-panel, a flare of Fire reaches into the sky.]] Ig the Saur: Why isn't it making those noises any.. ""Goodbye""? {{There are two sets of " becaiuse it looks better with the font used by Saurs.}} Comshaw: I'm going up there, and I assume you're not coming with me. IgSaur: But you'll /die/! Comshaw: As for the noises, that's what old Human devices often sound like when they 'wake up'.. [[The Fire shuts off]] ((CLICK)) Comshaw: Or go back to sleep. Tuesday , January 31 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at The Pit]] Ig the Saur: It's gone? I don't understand any of this! Why is this happening? Comshaw: Niddle and the Pales triggered it. I'd bet my last fleeb. [[Comshaw turns to go, walking past one of The Pit's towering white structures.]] Comshaw: The only real question is.. did Thrash and his pals do it deliberately.. Comshaw: ..or if Niddle's being Niddle again. Comshaw: Thanks for your help. Wednesday , February 1 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw walks up the hill which is "The Pit".]] [[Ig the Saur sticks his face into view.]] [[He thinks for a moment.]] [[He follows Cosmhaw.]] IgSaur: sigh... Thursday , February 2 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, climbing the hill which is "The Pit"]] Comshaw: Ig, why are you still here? Ig the Saur: I like words. I /like/ being able to talk. But. . IgSaur: I haven't learned /all/ the words, like you undergrounders.. Comshaw: Huh? Only those fanatics in the Spelling Guild claim to know- IgSaur: What's the word for.. saying one thing, and doing the opposite? Not ""liar"". Comshaw: "Hypocrite". IgSaur: Hypocrite. OK IgSaur: I said I wanted to be entertained. So here I am. Friday , February 3 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at "The Pit".]] Comshaw: Fine, you can stay, if only because I forgot to ask before..How /many/ Pales were there? Ig the Saur: Three. Thrash and two others. [[An outline of a typical Pale weapon.]] Comshaw: And how were they armed? IgSaur: Apart from the Flagpale? Thrash and the third one had those hooks they use.. Comshaw: Made of what? Metal? Stone? /Wood/? {{Wood is currently rare in the Basement.}} IgSaur: Something sharp. Never felt the need to ask more closely. Comshaw: Wait.. Flagpale? Saturday , February 4 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Shadow-scene of three Pales leaving the Camp.]] Ig the Saur: Pales almost never travel away from their Home alone, and almost never without a Pale carrying a flag on a pole. Comshaw: OK. Right. One of Buzz's Pales had one.. [[Shadows. One Pale holds a flagpole, another looks on angrily.]] IgSaur: Everything with Pales is complicated. But who gets to carry a flag.. whether it has a stabber with it.. it's a sign of favor with the Nex. Comshaw: But Thrash is *not* the Flagpale for his group..? [[Shadows. Close up of a Pale flag, complete with hole.]] IgSaur: Thrash is, as always, a special case. And to head off your next question, no, no non-Pale knows why the flags have holes cut in them. Saturday , February 4 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Shadow-scene of three Pales leaving the Camp.]] Ig the Saur: Pales almost never travel away from their Home alone, and almost never without a Pale carrying a flag on a pole. Comshaw: OK. Right. One of Buzz's Pales had one.. [[Shadows. One Pale holds a flagpole, another looks on angrily.]] IgSaur: Everything with Pales is complicated. But who gets to carry a flag.. whether it has a stabber with it.. it's a sign of favor with the Nex. Comshaw: But Thrash is *not* the Flagpale for his group..? [[Shadows. Close up of a Pale flag, complete with hole.]] IgSaur: Thrash is, as always, a special case. And to head off your next question, no, no non-Pale knows why the flags have holes cut in them. Sunday , February 5 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. At "The Pit."]] Ig the Saur: And that's all I can tell you about Pales that's useful, except... Comshaw: Yes? IgSaur: Be careful. Especially with Thrash.. IgSaur: I.. don't think you've dealt with anyone like him.. Comshaw: I brought down the Raver brothers. I killed Crudbean. I share a nest with Camora. One Pale doesn't stack up. And if NIddle is hurt, Thrash is going to learn that the hard way. Monday , February 6 , 2006 [[Filler: a message from MoE creator Robert Cook.]] Robert: Comic Genesis did not automatically update like it was supposed to on this date (Feburary 6, 2006). Very late in the day, I forced through a manual update, so presumably a dedicated handful of visitors finally saw the day's strip. Having belated second thoughts, I decided to quickly redo and expand the strip, and post the new version the next day. For those who saw the original, I apologize for the repetition. For the rest of you, carry on. Tuesday, February 7, 2006 [[In the Forest of E. A outline-memory of Comshaw facing two Trogs.]] Ig the Saur: Um, who were the Raver Brothers? Comshaw: A pair of Trogs. While not nearly as bad as Chauncy and Edgar, they were.. quite exceptional. In all the wrong ways. [[A memory of Comshaw facing a plant-monster.]] Comshaw: And to head off your next question.. Crudbean was a well-intentioned horticultural experiment that went horribly wrong. [[A memory of Comshaw and Camora touching.]] IgSaur: Wh- Comshaw: Horticulture. Farming. The art of growing fungi and tubers. Ig: I actually knew that one. I was going to ask why you ended up mating with -Camora.- Wednesday, February 8, 2006 [[Comshaw and Ig are in the forest, near "The Pit"]] Comshaw: What do you know about Camora? Ig: Well.. Boffin said you were going to mate with.. uh.. Mushy.. or whatever her name was, not Camora. It was all settled and everything. Comshaw: Ah. He told you that, did he? Well, it /wasn't/ settled. And so I'm with Camora. It's for the best. Comshaw: But as much as I love rehashing my personal history, we have no time. We've arrived. Thursday , February 9 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. Comshaw and Ig the Saur have reached the top of the hill which is called "The Pit". White bits of tech surround them. Behind them, in the diistance, can be seen the Spike, which is flashing the message "900 WOO HOO".]] Friday , February 10 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. On top of the hill which is called The Pit.]] Ig the Saur, sniffling: Pales don't have much scent at the best of times, but.. they're close.. Comshaw: Yes. If they were standing here when the Fire came... [[He looks down the hill, and sees the legs of a Pale lying on the ground.]] Comshaw: ..they probably got knocked off the top of the hill.. Saturday , February 11 , 2006 [[The Forest of E, at "The Pit". No one is in sight.]] [[Thrash the Pale was lying on the ground, and he jerks himself upright.]] [[He gets back to his feet, and is joined by his helper "Flagpale".]] Comshaw, from off-panel: Hey, Thrash! Heads up! [[A scalpsucker comes sailing into view. Thrash ((ducks)) it, and it ((WHAPs)) Flagpale square in the face.]] Sunday , February 12 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at "The Pit". Thrash the Pale ignores "Flagpale", who is struggling with a scalpsucker plastered to his face.]] Scalpsucker: RAR! [[Thrash stands and waits. More struggling.]] Scalpsucker: RAR! [[Comshaw comes into view.]] ((THUMP BANG CRUNCH)) Monday, February 13, 2006 [[Comshaw and Thrash the Pale face each other at "The Pit" in the Forest of E]] Comshaw: Where is he? [[Thrash silently points.]] [[Thrash turns and walks away.]] [[Niddle appears in the scene.]] Niddle: You're probably mad at me again, aren't you? Comshaw: He turned his back on me, and -walked- away. Tuesday, February 14, 2006 [[On the hill of "The Pit"]] [[Ig is looking down the hill at Comshaw and Thrash.]] [[Ig sniffs in puzzlement as a Pale {{Antlerhelper}} appears behind him.]] [[Ig turns, missing the Pale as it dashes past him down the hill.]] Wednesday , February 15 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at "The Pit", Comshaw and Niddle watch Thrash the Pale walk away from them, carrying both his own weapon and his team's flagpole.]] [[Thrash's helper "Antlerhelper" hurries to catch up with him.]] Thursday , February 16 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Thrash the Pale carries both his own weapon and his team's flagpole.]] [[He looks down, where Flaghelper is struggling with a Scalpsucker.]] [[Thrash plants the butt of the flagpole in the ground, startling a nearby Trundlebug.]] [[Thrash grabs ahold of the Scalpsucker.]] ((GLOMP)) Friday , February 17 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Off-screen, Thrash pulls the scalpsucker from Flaghelper's face and throws it away.]] ((rrRRIP! RAR! FLING!)) [[Antlerhelper marches into the scene.]] [[The flung scalpsucker hits him square in the face.]] ((WHAP)) [[Thrash glares down at the result, while Flaghelper watches nervously.]] Scalpsucker: RAR! Saturday , February 18 , 2006 [[Trees in the forest of E.]] [[The scalpsucker, flung by an angry Thrash, flies up above the trees at a steep velocity.]] Sunday , February 19 , 2006 [[Guest art from Comic Genesis resident Vorticus: a smiling Rosemary as she appears early in the strip, wielding a sword and carrying a shield.]] Monday, February 20, 2006 [[Near total blackness]] Motimer: uh...? [[Mortimer is lying on the ground, along with some rubble and a bug]] Tuesday, February 21, 2006 [[Dim underground scene, dirt walls with no people]] [[Mortimer Sits up]] Mortimer : Wow. Mortimer : At least three meters deeper than the hole in the orchard... not quite as bad as the one in the Forest of Burzee... Looks like I've got a new number three on my all-time-best list.. Wednesday, February 22, 2006 [[Underground Scene]] Mortimer: Strange. Mortimer: What kind of hole is this? Mortimer: Usually by this point... [[A hand reaches out of the darkness on the right and a large rat type creature bears it teeth to the left of the oblivous Mortimer]] Mortimer: Some lurking thing has leaped out and attacked me.. {{Title Text: The Hole Thing. The thing with the hand is a Lurker, and the rat is a Tunnel Rat}} Thursday, February 23, 2006 [[A hole in the Forest of E. The Tunnel Rat launches itself from the left and the Lurker creeps closer from the right towards a completely oblivious Mortimer]] Mortimer: Sigh.. Oh well.. [[Mortimer bends over and the Tunnel Rat misses completely, heading now instead for the Lurker.]] Mortimer: Guess I better climb out of here... [[Mortimer stands up having retrieved a sack labeled with the word FLEEBS in Manglish]] (( GRAHH! RRRCH! CHOMP! CHOMP! CHOMP!)) Mortimer: ... Mortimer: do I -really- want to lug this stupid sack with me? It's just going to get in my way... Friday, February 24, 2006 [[Beneath the Forest of E. A Tunnel Rat and a Lurker are fighting at the edge of a hole.]] ((GRRRAG!)) [[They fall in]] [[...]] [[Mortimer's feet appear at the edge of the hole]] Mortimer: Someone there? Mortimer: Hello? ((SPLAT! splat)) Saturday, February 25, 2006 [[Close up of Mortimer's head]] Mortimer: Guess I was hearing things for once... Mortimer: ...still, gotta go and find Nitfol... [[Close up of hand poking wall]] Mortimer: all of this soft dirt cushioned my fall... Mortimer:but I wonder if I can climb o- [[The poked section of the wall crumbles away]] Mortimer: Oh dear.. Sunday, February 26, 2006 [[Mortimer stares at the collapsed section of wall]] Mortimer: better try a different wall [[close up of Mortimer, noticing something off-panel]] Mortimer: looks a little more solid over.. Mortimer: wait.. Mortimer: what's that? [[Mortimer turns to go off panel to investigate.]] [[..]] [[...]] Unseen Monster: RAR! Monday, February 27, 2006 Mortimer: Hello there! Female Scalpsucker: RAR! [[Waves at him]] Mortimer: I'm trapped down here! Quick! Go for help, girl! Female Scalpsucker: RAR! [[Salutes]] [[Female scalpsucker inches her way up the wall.]] Tuesday, February 28, 2006 [[The female scalpsucker inches up the wall as Mortimer watches]] [[The female scalpsucker inches up the wall as Mortimer watches]] [[The female scalpsucker millimeters up the wall as Mortimer watches]] Mortimer: thank the Brush that she's a speedy scalpsucker, or i might never get out of here! Wednesday, March 1, 2006 [[Scalpsucker inching up wall]] [[Scalpsucker is struck with a thought]] [[Scalpsucker turns to look at Mortimer]] Mortimer: What's wrong girl? Scalpsucker: RAR? [[Mortimer looks up at the out of panel scalpsucker]] Mortimer: Oh right. Go to the Mansion! Find Sylvester! He's got the pack with the knotted rope and the bandages and Lurker repellent and stuff! Scalpsucker: RAR! Thursday, March 2, 2006 [[Mortimer looks up at out-of-panel scalpsucker]] Mortimer: No, wait! Stop! I just realised... Scalpsucker: RAR? [[Scalpsucker stuck to wall, Mortimer below out of panel]] Mortimer: Sylvester's real smart about a lot of stuff but... he wouldn't understand... [[Mortimer close up]] Mortimer: sigh.. OK, you need to go find Uncle Frederick. Or even better M- ((very loud THUMP!)) [[Mortimer looks round]] Mortimer: Did you hear that? Scalpsucker (out of panel): RAR! Mortimer: Poot. I was hoping that these noises were in my brain and not in my ears. Friday, March 3, 2006 [[Motimer stands in a dimly lit dirt pit]] ((THUMP!)) Mortimer: There it is again.. That's not a.. a Lurker or a Tunnelrat or something. Mortimer: It sounds sorta mechanical.. [[Mortimer faces a wall, in which is a roughly rectangular shape.]] Mortimer: And it is coming from behind that wall.. Scalpsucker (out of panel): RAR! Mortimer: Yes behind that shape in the wall.. {Storyline Title: The Hole Thing} Saturday , March 4 , 2006 [[In a hole in the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: Well.. if the dirt's same [sic] over here.. [[He pokes the wall.]] ((poke)) [[He waits. No reaction.]] [[The scalpsucker watches as well.]] Scalpsucker: RAR? Mortimer: Nothing. Guess I'll just hav- [[A lot of dirt falls all at once.]] ((WHUMP)) Sunday , March 5 , 2006 [[A hole in the Forest of E. A large pile of dirt.]] Scalpsucker: RAR? RAR!! [[Mortimer's head and shoulders emerge from the pile of dirt.]] ((GHASP)) Monday , March 6 , 2006 [[The female scalpsucker looks down at Mortimer in concern.]] Scalpsucker: RAR! [[She leaps off the wall she was climbing.]] ((SPROING)) [[While in midair she does a FLIP.]] Tuesday , March 7 , 2006 [[A hole in the Forest of E. The resident scalpsucker lands on the pile of dirt in which Mortimer is half-buried.]] ((plop!)) Scalpsucker: RAR? Mortimer: No, I'm fine. You don't need to administer the kiss of life. [[Mortimer thinks about this.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: How would you do that? You don't have lips. Scalpsucker: RAR! Mortimer: Really? Wow.. Wednesday , March 8 , 2006 [[Mortimer and "Terpsichore" the Scalpsucker are in a hole in the Forest of E. Mortimer is digging himself out of a pile of dirt.]] Mortimer: So. Anyway. What was behind all this dirt..? Oh. [[It's a door mounted in a stone wall.]] Terpsichore: Rar? Mortimer: Never seen one of those before? Careful, they can be /bad news/. Wednesday , March 8 , 2006 [[Mortimer and "Terpsichore" the Scalpsucker are in a hole in the Forest of E. Mortimer is digging himself out of a pile of dirt.]] Mortimer: So. Anyway. What was behind all this dirt..? Oh. [[It's a door mounted in a stone wall.]] Terpsichore: Rar? Mortimer: Never seen one of those before? Careful, they can be /bad news/. Thursday , March 9 , 2006 [[A hole in the Forest of E. Mortimer brushes dirt off himself.]] ((pat pat brush)) Mortimer: It's a door. It's a way some clever guy or gal invented for passing right through walls... Scalpsucker: RAR? Mortimer: Some of them are bad news because some walls are there for a reason. [[Mortimer reaches for the doorknob.]] Mortimer: But this just an old store basement, from before The Crash. [[A closeup of the knob and lock.]] Mortimer: I can tell, cuz this is one of those old Ficklegruber locks everybody used back then. [[He tries the knob.]] Mortimer: And I think I can.. ((RATTLE TWIST RATTLE)) Mortimer: Yeah, there we are. ((CLUNK)) Friday, March 10, 2006 [[Mortimer and the female scalpsucker peer cautiously through the door in the side of the pit.]] ((THUMP)) Saturday , March 11 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E. Mortimer walks down a darkening corridor.]] Mortimer, thinking: So. A hallway. [[It gets darker.]] [[And darker.]] ((CRUNCH)) Mortimer, thinking: And another door. Mortimer, thinking: Ow. Sunday , March 12 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E. Mortimer has followed a corridor to a door. All dialogue is internal.]] Mortimer: Hey.. that light's coming from under the door.. Mortimer: And it's not sunl- [[A loud noise comes from beyond the door.]] ((THUMP)) Mortimer: If Sylvester were here, he'd point out that the sensible thing to do would be to go back and climb that wall out of the hole. [[He reaches for the knob.]] Mortimer: Too bad then that he's not here.. Monday , March 13 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E. Mortimer is at the end of a tunnel, opening a door. All dialogue is internal.]] ((CLICK)) Mortimer: Not even locked! That's a good sign.. ((crumble)) [[Mortimer finds himself holding the entire knob-mechanism in his hand.]] Mortimer: This omen, however, is less clear.. Tuesday , March 14 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E. Mortimer finds himself holding the the entire knob-mechanism from a crumbling door. All dialogue is internal.]] Mortimer: OK. [[The door, sans knob. Light is visible through the resulting hole.]] Mortimer: I can still use it to open the door.. [[He throws the knob at the door, which collapses further.]] ((CRUMBLE)) Wednesday, March 15, 2006 [[Under the Forest of E. Mortimer is peering through a shattered doorway.]] Mortimer: Um.. Mortimer: Hello? [[Pull back to reveal a storage room full of boxes and crates: "Bilgwater Brand Sphagnum Semi-Premium Grade." "Stembolts, Selfsealing, 100 Gross"]] Mortimer: Look, sorry about your door, but.. ((THUMP)) Thursday , March 16 , 2006 [[In a diusty storeroom under the Forest of E. His path into the room blocked, Mortimer is pushing at a large box. The box is labeled Bilgwater Brand Sphagnum Semi Premium Grade. Twenty Four (24) Bulbs. There are various other boxes, one of them labeled Oopakirk.]] [[The box tips off, heading for the floor.]] Mortimer: oof! [[An enormous cloud of dust.]] ((SPLORP)) [[Mortimer is coated in it.]] Mortimer, thinking: Poot. Now I'm gonna smell like sphagnum dust for a /month/. There goes my date with Sharona on Friday. Friday , March 17 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E. Mortimer has broken through a door and climbed over a row of boxes. Sphagnum dust lingers in the air. All dialogue is internal.]] Mortimer: so anyway. now what? [[He waves away some of the dust.]] [[He faces a whole bunch more large crates, festooned with cobwebs. A skull floats in something resemlbing a giant snowglobe. Some of the crates are labelled: BULKCO. THULL ROCKS DELUXE ASSORTMENT WARNING VERY HEAVY. DO NOT OPEN. ACME ANVIL CORP. TELAM- 10 TO- WEIGH-]] Mortimer: oh. Saturday , March 18 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E. Mortimer is crawling through a collection of crates and other objects in an old storeroom. A "C&A ZAPOMATIC" sits on a large safe and trails a wire. Some of the other stuff is labelled: DO NOT OPEN. ACME ANVIL CORP. TELAMON 10 TON WEIGHT. SLIMEGRUB TRAPS. A large glass jar contains DR. TEETH'S HAMMOCK SAUCE.]] Mortimer: OOF! ((TRIP ZZAP!)) MortimerL OW! ((SNAP crawl crawl)) [[Mortimer finally emerges from the pile, still lugging his bag of fleebs.]] Mortimer: gasp! coff coff [[He is suddenly face-to-face with an angry-looking robot. (A Shopbot)]] ((THUMP)) Sunday , March 19 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E. A wheeled, angry-looking shopbot fills an open stone doorway. There are noticeable cracks in the edges of the door.]] Shopbot: ... ... BZZ WHRR grind Monday , March 20 , 2006 [[In an old storeroom under the Forest of E. Mortimer faces a shopbot which is poking its head through a doorway.]] ((CLUNK!)) [[The shopbot retreats out of sight.]] ((TRUNDLE TRUNDLE)) [[It can no longer be seen, but there are noises.]] ((TRUNDLE TRUNDLE TRUN- CLUNK VROOOM!!)) [[It charges forward and slams into the doorway frame again.]] ((THUMP)) Mortimer, thinking: I think I'm detecting a pattern here.. Tuesday , March 21 , 2006 [[The basement of the former World O' Pots, Mortimer confronts a Shopbot.]] Mortimer, thinking: It's a robot. I wonder if it knows any of the old override codes. Shopbot: bzz. whrr. grind. Mortimer, thinking: . . . I wonder if /I/ know any of the old override codes.. Shopbot: CLUNK Wednesday, March 22, 2006 [[Mortimer faces an ancient shopbot]] Mortimer (thinking): think, think! uncle Frederick taught you those codes! ((TRUNDLE)) Mortimer: Oh! Wait! Mortimer: "Tumbug Hock!" Shopbot: BEEP Shopbot: CODE CONFIRMED MODE 12 ENGAGED [[Mortimer watches nervously.]] ((SHUNK)) ((GLEEP)) ((TWANG)) Mortimer (thinking): uh oh.. ((HUMMMMMMMM)) Thursday , March 23 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E, in an old storeroom. An angry-looking shopbot fills a doorway and makes ominous noises.]] ((HUUMMMMMMMMMMMM)) [[The shopbot's scowl abruptly shifts to a "winning" smile.]] ((CHUNK)) [[A full sideview of the shopbot; it is wheeled. It has "WORLD O' POTS" printed on its side. Flags have popped up and started waving, small firework-like blasts are shooting out of a hole, music is playing. Mortimer watches all of this.]] Shopbot: HELLO CITIZEN! HAPPY UNIFICATION DAY! WELCOME TO WORLD O' POTS! DEALS GALORE! Mortimer, thinking: but Unification Day isn't for another four months.. Friday , March 24 , 2006 [[Under the Forest of E, in an old storeroom. Music plays in the background.]] Shopbot: To celebrate Unification Day, World O' Pots is proud to offer Mortimer, thinking: ok.. right.. most robots are really dumb. he.. it.. just /thinks/ today is Unification Day... Shopbot: FREE SAMPLES! Mortimer, thinking: but still.. Shopbot: Here, citizen! Have a taste of our wide-world-famous SPLOO! Mortimer, thinking: ..World O' Pots? the WP store is way down in the village, and i /know/ Mr. Hooper doesn't own a r- Mortimer, thinking: wait.. what? ((SHUNK)) [[Mortimer gets splatted in the face and chest with flying globs of Sploo.]] ((FOOM SPLUT FOOM SPLAT)) Saturday , March 25 , 2006 [[In an old storeroom under the Forest of E. Music plays in the background throughout. Mortimer has been splatted with sample of Sploo, a supposed food-substance. He reacts violently.]] Mortimer: GLAARG! [[The shopbot filling the doorway.]] Mortimer: Caveberry Sploo! I /hate/ caveberries! Shopbot: BEEP Mot to fear citizen! [[Mortimer listens nervously.]] Shopbot: World O' Pots is proud to offer 42 flavors of sploo for your consuming pleasure! Mortimer: ... ((FOOM SPULP)) ((FOOM SPORP)) ((FOOM SPLOP)) ((FOOM SPERP)) Sunday , March 26 , 2006 [[An old storeroom under the Forest of E. Mortimer has just been completely coated in variety of Sploo, a supposed food-substance. Music plays in the background.]] Mortimer, thinking: now I remember for sure? [[He points at the shopbot.]] Mortimer: "Igloo Mukluk Sploo" Shopbot: BEEP [[The music cuts off.]] [[The shopbot electrically probes at Mortimer's hand.]] Shopbot: The attempted code is graded /restricted-level/. Commencing herediscan. Monday , March 27 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the World O' Pots. Mortimer waits as..]] Shopbot: Herediscan complete. Processing... ((BEEP)) Shopbot: Herediscan confirmed. 75% likely subject is member of E family. [[Shopbot shifts out of "sales pitch" mode]] ((CHUNK)) Shopbot: How may this unit assist you, sir or madam? Tuesday , March 28 , 2006 [[In an old storeroom, under the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: Can you tell me where I am? Shopbot: BEEP Sir or Madam, you are in the village of EEtown, in the district of Local E, in the Province of Audravania, in the nation of Y- Mortimer: Yes, OK, right. Thank you. Mortimer: I meant, what is this building? Or was? Shopbot: BEEP Welcome Sir or Madam to World O' Pots outlet 2756! World O' Pots is proud to offer "everything you need" at h- Mortimer: "Highly affordable rates." Yes. Thank you again. Wednesday , March 29 , 2006 [[In an old storeroom under the Forest of E. The shopbot waits as Mortimer considers.]] Mortimer, thinking: 2756.. that /is/ the number in Mr. Hooper's shop.. Mortimer, thinking: ... Mortimer, thinking: OK.. i get it. [[Outline of the Eetown World O' Pots before the Crash. There are numerous other buildings, and the Mansion looms in the background. An airship flies overhead.]] Mortimer: ..this is the basement of the old World O' Pots, from before the Crash.. Mortimer: uncle Frederick said it was really /huge/.. Thursday , March 30 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots, Mortimer, covered with sploo, is faced with a large wheeled Shopbot.]] Mortimer, thinking: so now all I need to do is find out why the lights are still on down here. Mortimer aloud: Back up, please. Shopbot: BEEP. [[The shopbot slowly gears up to comply.]] ((BZZ whrr grind)) [[Something goes wrong.]] ((KARUNK)) Shopbot: Gleep! Siror Madam havea freesampl of yummysticks! ((FOOM)) [[Mortimer now has a sprinkling of yummysticks on him as well. Some went in his mouth, and his chewing on them.]] Mortimer, thinking: marshberry flavored! That's more like it! ((chew chew trundle trundle)) Friday, March 31, 2006 [[Mortimer is in a hallway along with Shopbot. He is coated in goo and covered with yummysticks]] Mortimer, thinking: some sort of hallway.. ((chew chew)) Rufus: Who's making all this racket? Shopbot, if you- ((chew ch-)) Rufus: Who's that? [[Mortimer turns to suddenly to find himself face-to-face with his younger brother Rufus]] Mortimer: RUWFRR? Rufus: urk! ((chewchewchewchew gulp)) Mortimer: Or.. um.. to put that another way.. Hi Rufus.. Rufus (from floor): Hello, Mortimer. Saturday , April 1 , 2006 [[In a hole in the Forest of E, the resident scalpsucker sits in the open doorway through which Mortimer passed.]] Scalpsucker: RAR? Sunday , April 2 , 2006 [[A tree in the Forest of E. A ring hangs from a stick mounted on the trunk. The remains of a stone wall can be seen in the background.]] [[Zooming in closer toward a hole in the side of the tree.]] [[It is not a hole at all, but a window, through which the shape of a Nome is dimly visible.]] [["Inside" the tree. A large room with more windows set in the far wall. Piu the Nomish healer is at her cluttered workbench, pouring various substances into a large wooden bowl. A shelf in the background contains various items including a skull.]] Monday , April 3 , 2006 [[In her hometree in the Forest of E, Piu the Nomish healer takes small round objects from a small bowl and sprinkles them into a large bowl.]] [[She picks up a spoon and watches the bowl closely.]] [[A purplish glop lunges up from the large bowl.]] glop: Grar! [[She whacks the glop with the spoon. A Nomish hand reaches into the shot behind her.]] ((WHACK)) {{The hand belongs to Umboz.}} Tuesday , April 4 , 2006 [[Inside Piu the Nome's hometree. She is working at a table with a large spoon. Someone taps her from behind.]] Piu:! [[She turns. It's Umboz the Nome.]] Piu: Oh. It's you. Umboz: Hello, Piu. [[She turns back and whacks something in a bowl with the spoon.]] ((Whack!)) Piu: Didn't your mother teach you not to sneak up on a Healer holding a Wacking Spoon? Umboz: I sorta assumed you're going to use it on me anyway once you hear why I'm here. Wednesday , April 5 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree in the Nomish village.]] Piu: Before "why", /how/ did you get in here? I sealed the front crack. Umboz, pointing: Vezza told me about the back way. She comes here sometimes, I gather. Piu: I see, Someone really needs to teach that girl about keeping secrets. Umboz: Yes. Umboz: Someone does. [[Piu thinks about this.]] Piu: How /and/ why. Alrighty then. Thursday, April 6, 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree]] Umboz: Piu, I'm not going to pretend I'm deeply in love with you.. Piu: Nor I with you. Piu: You're not the brightest bloom on the bush. But you're a decent-enough fellow. Conscientious, a hard worker, not afraid to speak your mind. And I am quite fond of your daughter. [[An outline shot of two female Nomes glaring at Pru as she walks away]] Piu, narrating: And yes, getting married will make -my- life easier, and in a heartbeat I'll take you over Nitfol, or Booznik, or your broth- ... Piu: That -is- what you are suggesting, right? Getting married. It is important to be clear on these points. Umboz: Um, yes. But remember that bit about speaking my mind..? Friday , April 7 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree in the Nomish village.]] Piu: Your outspokenness has gotten you into trouble. Umboz: Mayor Koyeeb tried to have me killed today. I took Vezza and ran away. [[Piu turns away.]] Piu: That was encouragingly sensible of you. I'll get my bag and we'll be off. Umboz: Right. Wait. What? Saturday , April 8 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree in the Nomish village. Piu rummages in a chest.]] Umboz: You accepted all of this awfully.. quickly.. Piu: (sigh) [[An outline of Umboz coaxing a Treesquid into position.]] Piu: I'm the village Healer, Umboz. I don't spend all day out alone in the woods, coaxing tree-squids into taking up guard duty.. Piu: (Which is an important job, don't get me wrong!) [[An outline of an abandoned Nomish village, complete with cobwebs.]] Piu: I talk to people. I talk to everyone. Even now, I know better than you what Koyeeb is capable of. Piu: And I know if we don't do something about him, before long there won't be any more Nomes in the world. Sunday , April 9 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree.]] Umboz: No more Nomes? Piu: The War. It's always the War. We weren't wiped out, like..like the Bugs in the old story.. [[Outline of Umboz, Piu and Umboz's late wife, looking down at the newly-born Vezza.]] Piu:..but we aren't /recovering/. Every generation, there are fewer of us.. Piu: ..which, by the way, is the /real/ reason everyone's so hep on marriage. [[Outline of Mayor Koyeeb.]] Piu: And now, at the moment we most desperately need rational far-sighted leadership.. Umboz: We get paranoia, and scapesquiding, and.. and murder.. Piu: Yes. Exactly. We get Koyeeb. Monday, April 10, 2006 [[Piu gets something out a of box.]] Piu: Oh yes. Almost forgot. Umboz: What? [[Piu holds up a ring-shaped object.]] [[It's a hairband, which she puts on in place of the one she had.]] Piu: Can't wear the hat, of course, til we visit that idiot of a priest. Umboz: You have a hat? Um.. Just how long have we been planning to get married? Tuesday , April 11 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree.]] Piu: OK. I'm ready. We get Vezza, and set up in an abandoned hometr- Umboz: We're going to the Pales. [[Piu stares at him.]] Piu: You're serious, aren't you. Umboz, turning to go: For better or worse, yes. Yes I am. Piu: I'm not going anywhere /near/- Umboz: The Pales seem to think you are. Let's go discuss it with them... Wednesday , April 12 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree.]] Piu: Wait. Wait. The Pales /invited/ us to come to their hive? Umboz: Yes. [[Outline of the Pale hive/Fort]] Piu: They've /never/ done that, not even when we were allies in the War! Umboz: That has been the case, yes.. Umboz: But it seems that Vezza and Nitfol and I are now exceptions to the rule. Umboz: And it also seems they have no objection to you coming along as well. [[Outline of Nitfol.]] Piu: But this is just.. Wait.. Nitfol?! Umboz: Yup. Thursday , April 13 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree.]] Piu: What does Nitfol have to do with all of this? Umboz: The Pales saved his life. Or something. He's waiting with them and Vezza. Piu: Nitfol barely comes into the village anymore. Even Koyeeb wouldn't bother- Umboz: No, It was a Spyder. And he said a shark brought down his tree. Piu: A shark? The only kind of shark that could destroy a hometree is- Umboz: Yes. Umboz: And there was that weird light.. Umboz: I need to get back to Vezza. Friday, April 14, 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree.]] Piu: Umboz.. Piu: I'll go with you to the Pales, but we need to remember.. [[Outlines: a noble Pale and a skulking Nome.]] Piu: That while.. in their way they are honorable.. More than we Nomes by a long shot.. Umboz: I know, Piu. Umboz: They also don't hand out charity. The Nex wants something from us. But we have to drop out of sight for a while, and there's no better place to do it. Let's go. Saturday , April 15 , 2006 [[Piu and Umboz leave her Hometree. Behind them on a dresser is a flytrap-type plant. A fly buzzes around.]] [[The Nomes walk out of the shot. The fly buzzes closer to the plant.]] [[There is a ((CHOMP))]] [[The fly has taken a bite out of the plant.]] Piu: "Weird light"? Umboz: The Pit's active again. Piu: Lovely. Umboz: Yup. Sunday , April 16 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's hometree. A fly buzzes away from the plant it has just bitten.]] [[It flies over some more plants.]] [[It approaches Piu's workbench, on which sits a bowl which she had been stirring.]] [[The glop in the bowl reaches up and snags the fly.]] ((GLOMP)) Monday , April 17 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's hometree. On her workbench, some glop in a bowl has just grabbed a fly out of midair.]] [[The glop falls back into the bowl.]] ((SPLOOSH)) ((digest digest d-)) [[The fly bursts out the the glop.]] ((POOM!)) Tuesday , April 18 , 2006 [[Inside Piu's Hometree. On Piu's workbench, a fly has escaped from a bowl of glop. The glop reaches after it.]] [[The glop re-captures the fly.]] [[It has reached too far, and over-balanced the bowl, which falls to the ground.]] [[Outside the Tree, looking at one of the window-cracks. A Nome's gloved hand is holding onto the tree.]] [[Pulling back the POV reveals the Nome clinging to the side of the tree. Another Nome, Glorf, stands on the ground.]] {{The clinger is named Krebf, although this has never been mentioned in-comic.}} Krebf: Someone's in there. I hear noises. Glorf: Force the crack. Krebf: Glorf, you sure we should- Glorf: /Force the zarking crack./ Wednesday , April 19 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Nitfol and young Vezza tne Nomes wait along with "Fetch" the Pale.]] [[Vezza turns to Nitfol.]] Vezza: Do you have any kids, Mr. Nitfol? Nitfol: No. [[She turns away for a moment. He watches her.]] [[She turns back again.]] Vezza: I like acorns! Nitfol: And I never will. Thursday , April 20 , 2006 [[In the Nome village in the forest. A tree stands in front of a partially collapsed stone wall.]] [[A crack appears in the side of the tree.]] ((crack!)) [[It widens to a hole.]] ((WARP)) [[Umboz the Nome cautiously sticks his head out of the hole.]] Friday , April 21 , 2006 [[Umboz and Piu are in the Nome village, going to meet Vezza and Nitfol.]] Umboz: It's really amazing, if you think about it.. Piu: hm? Umboz: Tree-warping. We actually live /inside trees!/ Create extra space out of nothing! And then even create exit cracks out of nearby trees! [[They walk in silence.]] Piu: After we get married, you're going to spend less time out alone in the woods. Umboz: Yeah. OK. Saturday , April 22 , 2006 [[Nitfol and Vezza the Nomes are waiting for Umboz to return with Vezza. A Pale is on guard, armed with a fork-weapon.]] Vezza: My friend Nerza, she doesn't like acorns. Other than that, she's OK. Vezza: Her maw and paw are weird, though. Always act goofy when I go over to their tree. Vezza: Course, most 'dults are weird, They don't- Vezza: Hey! Here come Paw and Miss Piu! [[Nitfol glances at the fork-Pale.]] Nitfol: I suppose its a sign of something that I still like her better than I like you. Sunday, April 23, 2006 [[A gathering in the forest: Nitfol, Vezza, Umboz and Piu the Nomes. Two Pales, Fetch and Stepit, stand guard on either side.]] Vezza, to Umboz: You're OK! Umboz: Pretty much. [[Just Vezza and Piu]] Vezza: Hi, Miss Piu. Piu: Hello, Vezza. Vezza: ..are you going to be my Ma now? Piu: No. Vezza: Huh? But Paw said- Piu: I'm going to marry your father, and "stepmother" isn't the same thing as.. "Ma". To start with, let's just work at staying friends. Monday , April 24 , 2006 [[Vezza, Piu, Umboz and Nitfol are in the Nome Village in the forest. Vezza and Piu discuss their relationship.]] Vezza: Friends? Piu: I'd like to think that we're friends. [[Vezza considers.]] Vezza: Weell.. You're not as much fun as Nerza.. [[Umboz watches them talk.]] Vezza: But yeah, we're friends! Piu: All righty then. [[Nitfol steps in]] Nitfol: Ladies, even I grasp the importance of maintaining healthy personal relationships, but could we possibly squeeze that whole "flee for our lives" business back into today's schedule? Piu: Hello to you, too, Nitfol. Tuesday , April 25 , 2006 [[In the Nomish Village in the Forest of E. Piu and Nitfol talk, as witnessed by Vezza.]] Piu: You're right Nitfol. We need to be off. But first.. [[Nitfol and Vezza watch as Piu rummages through her bag off-screen.]] [[Piu thrusts her hand into the panel, holding a soft cap with the puffy top.]] Piu: Put on a fratzing hat. Wednesday, April 26, 2006 [[In the Nome village in the Forest of E. Nitfol hold a hat between thumb and forefinger]] Nitfol: This is the ugliest hat I've ever seen. Piu: Yes. My emergency hat. I had Yimfil make it that way, so my patients won't be tempted to steal it. [[Nitfol glares at the hat]] [[Nitfol is wearing the hat]] Umboz: Better suck it up and say it. Nitfol: Thank. you. Thursday , April 27 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, in the Nomish village. Nitfol wears an ugly hat.]] Nitfol: All right. Fine. Can we go now? Nitfol: I've got questions to ask. [[The group sets out: "Stepit" the Pale, Umboz, Vezza, Piu, and Nitfol.]] Piu: Yes. I believe so. Nitfol: Huzzah. [[Bringing up the rear, Stepit hears or senses something.]] [[He looks back. Nothing.]] [[Grumbling to himself, he walks away.]] [[A pause.]] [[The Scalpsucker which Thrash hurled away comes falling out the sky and lands where Stepit had just been standing.]] Scalpsucker: rar Friday , April 28 , 2006 [[Blackness.]] Snerk: huh? Shona: wha? [[They are both lying on the ground, which is paved with blocks of stone. A scrap of litter labelled FAZZ lies nearby.]] [[They both sit up. There is a stone wall behind them.]] Snerk: What just.. [[He turns and sees something.]] Snerk: ..happened? Shona: Walls, but I can see that sky-thing of yours. So we fell into a pit. Only.. [[Snerk continues to stare. Shona finally looks as well.]] Shona: That's odd. Do you feell.. Shona: ..something.. Shona: ... [[Pulling back to a wide view. They are inside an alley in a bustling Human city. Antenna sprout from the buildings. A flag sporting a crowned Y flies from a flagpole. People walk the sidewalks, cars drive by on the street. The Mansion looms in the background, and an airship can be seen in the sky. Signs include SHUB's PLACE OPEN 20 HOURS. WEEDING CAKES. BEMUSED INEPTITUDE.]] Saturday , April 29 , 2006 [[In an alleyway in Eetown.]] Shona: What /are/ those things? Snerk: They're.. Nomes.. Snerk: or something like Nomes.. [[A Human walks by, carrying what appears to be a stereotypical round bomb with a fuse dangling from it. He is dressed in white and wearing sunglasses and a pointy hat.]] {{Homage to Mad Magazine's Spy Vs. Spy.}} Shona: Nomes aren't that tall! Snerk: These live out at the edge of the world. One of them ran the auction. Shona: WHAT? /You/ were at the- ((WHAM)) [[A youngish Human female has slammed through a door in the side of the alley. She has green hair. One of her sleeves is torn, and she is carrying a piece of paper. Her name will eventually be revealed to be Ilsa.]] [[She is standing before the Gnoll and Saur.]] Ilsa: /Grah!/ Outta my way, you phizzing vermin! Shona: /Vermin?/ ((BOOM)) [[The Woman of Mystery/The Scary Lady is standing in the now-shattered doorway. She is much younger than in her previous appearances.]] Sunday, April 30, 2006 [[In an alleyway, in the Eetown of the past, Ilsa and a young Woman of Mystery confront each other, with time-travelling Shona the Gnoll and Snerk the Saur as witnesses. Someone has graffitied the phrase "Buzzers Rule" on the wall.]] Ilsa: You're too late to stop us, you phizette! The world'll soon learn the truth about your precious -Earl-! Surrounding himself with -orphans- won't help any- [[The WoM points at Ilsa]] WoM: That's enough, Ilsa. [[Ilsa has been hypnotized.]] WoM: You understand nothing about me. WoM: I care less than nothing about Philbert and his idiot of an heir. [[She looks down, noticing something..]] WoM: But you and Shub and the rest insist on causing -trouble-, and so we... must.. [[Shona and Snerk stare back at her in fear.]] [[They continue to stare at each other. There are two posters on the brick wall behind them. The fully-visible one advertises "Roshambo On Ice".]] WoM: You two don't -belong- here. Shona, forced-cheerfully: Well, we'll just be going then! Monday , May 1 , 2006 [[An alleyway, in the Eetown of the past. A younger Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady confronts Shona and Snerk. Snerk is slowly inching away. A large Z can be seen superimposed over the whole scene.]] WoM: Leave? Don't be silly... WoM: Now that you are here.. [[She extends her hand, which glows with power.]] WoM: You simply /must/ stay. [[Snerk is hypnotized.]] Snerk: urk [[Shona stares, unaffected.]] Shona: Um.. Shona: Was.. something supposed to happen when you did that? [[The WoM grabs Shona by the neck.]] ((GLOMP)) Shona: eep! [[The WoM holds her up.]] WoM: /How?/ Shona: my head hurts.. [[Shona begins to fade away.]] [[Snerk is disappearing as well. The WoM summons more power.]] WoM: /Oh no you d- [[A large letter Z; Shona and Snerk's visit to the past is over.]] Tuesday , May 2 , 2006 [[The younger Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady has returned to the present with Shona and the still-hypnotized Snerk. The WoM holds Shona by the neck. They stand in what was once Eetown, and is now the Forest of E. The Mansion can be seen in the background.]] Narration: PROZ... WoM: -on't. Wednesday , May 3 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. The Young Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady holds Shona by the neck. Snerk emerges from his trance. In every panel, the word PROZ can be seen hovering behind the WoM's head]] WoM: It's gone.. Snerk: blink blink Shona: Put me down! [[The WoM tosses her away.]] ((FLING)) [[The WoM stares at her hands.]] ((CRASH)) Shona: Ow! Not like /that!/ WoM: /Everything/ is gone. Thursday, May 4, 2006 [[Snerk and the Woman of Mystery are in the Forest of E. The word "PROZ" floats behind her head.]] Snerk: What was I just doing? WoM: Wait.. If /everything's/ gone.. [[She grabs onto her collar, as Snerk turns to look at her in puzzlement.]] ((GLOMP)) [[She recieves a powerful "electric" shock]] ((FRAZZ)) [[Snerk is fleeing; a blurred Shona is visible in the background.]] Snerk: Right. Right. Fleeing for my life. Friday , May 5 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. All of Shona's dialogue is internal. The Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady is off-screen throughout.]] Shona: So.. we were here, then with those Nomes, then back here with Miss Scary in tow.. WoM: FRIZZLEGARB! Shona: This must be a twistpoint! Shona: I wonder if colliding with that forest idiot triggered it [[There is a bright flash off-screen as the WoM tries again to remove her collar. Shona squints and shields her eyes.]] Shona: That.. feeling in the air in the Nomeplace.. kinda like the River.. I'd like to smell it again.. Shona: Or taste, or whate- ((FRAZZ)) {{She was sensing Magic flowing around at full power.}} [[In the background, the blast of color/Fire/Magic from the Pit shoots unnoticed into the sky.]] WoM: !@$#@!! Shona: Strange that this little display isn't attracting more attention.. Saturday , May 6 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. The Mansion looms in the background. As Shona watches, the young Woman of Mystery storms off, trailing smoke and the word PROZ. All of Shona's dialogue is internal.]] Shona: She's leaving. Shona: Do I follow her, or go find Mr. Nevus? [[She thinks about this.]] [[She turns to go the other way.]] Shona: Why do I even ask myself stupid questions like that? Sunday , May 7 , 2006 [[The Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady storms through the Forest of E. The word PROZ can be seen behind her head throughout.]] WoM: GRAAH! He's dead, the world's been burned down, and I'm still trapped! WoM: It's not /FAIR!/ Frowgler, from off-panel: Oh, quit your whinging, woman! [[He is sitting on his section of stone wall.]] Frowgler: If you'd just stop and /think/ for a second, you'll see that it's /more/ than fair. Monday , May 8 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. The young Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady has met Frowgler. The world PROZ hovers behind her head.]] WoM: More than fair? What's /that/ supposed to mean? Frowgler: Well, to start with, you have been granted a rare gift: an unclouded glimpse of your future. [[Off-screen. Frowgler changes position.]] ((sproing sproing sproing)) WoM: "Glimpse?" Frowgler: You didn't think you'd be /staying/ here, did you? WoM: What? Frowgler: Only Willygigs can freely flit through time. [[They are now face-to-face.]] Frowgler: You'd be back home already, if special arrangements hadn't been made. WoM: Willygigs are real? Frowgler: You know, this whole process would flow much faster if you only asked /useful/ questions. WoM: . . . WoM: /What/ special arrangements? Frowgler: Good. Much better. Tuesday , May 9 , 2006 [[The Forrest of E. Throughout, the word PROZ hovers behind the time-shifted Woman of Mystery.]] Frowgler: So. The flow of magic has stopped, but your collar still functions. What does that tell you? How does the collar work? WoM: He, Frederick, has never exactly given me a detailed explanation. WoM: But he tied it into the Mansion's main.. power... Frowgler: Yes. Frowgler: And you and that collar are practically fused together. Use that fact. Reach out. Turn a weakness into a strength. [[The WoM holds out her hand.]] [[A small glowing spiral appears above her palm.]] Frowgler: Tah da. Tuesday , May 9 , 2006 [[The Forrest of E. Throughout, the word PROZ hovers behind the time-shifted Woman of Mystery.]] Frowgler: So. The flow of magic has stopped, but your collar still functions. What does that tell you? How does the collar work? WoM: He, Frederick, has never exactly given me a detailed explanation. WoM: But he tied it into the Mansion's main.. power... Frowgler: Yes. Frowgler: And you and that collar are practically fused together. Use that fact. Reach out. Turn a weakness into a strength. [[The WoM holds out her hand.]] [[A small glowing spiral appears above her palm.]] Frowgler: Tah da. Wednesday , May 10 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. The young Woman of Mystery has summoned up a bit of power.]] WoM: This.. this is /nothing/! Frowgler: No. It's a fraction of your former power, which is 80 times better than nothing. [[An outline of the current WoM using some sort of card or token to get past a guardbot.]] Frowgler: You're going to have to learn subtlety, and patience and creativeness... [[An outline of the young WoM blasting a guardbot's head off.]] Frowgler: Instead of the.. as I understand it.. more direct methods you currently employ. [[An outline of a device hacked into a wall and attached to a flow of power. A hand, probably the WoM, reaches out to it.]] Frowgler: You're also going to need to patch some extra.. frills.. into the Mansion's powercore to have even this. WoM: What do you mean, frills- Frowgler: You'll figure it out. You've got the brains. Or access to them. Frowgler: But you've also only got three months, so I /wouldn't dawdle/. Thursday , May 11 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. The word PROZ grows larger behind the Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady's head.]] WoM: What happens in three months? Frowgler: An event will occur that will come to be known as The Crash. [[An outline of the Wide World, as seen from orbit, with the Sun and Moon in the background. Blasts of power can be seen arcing across the World's surface.]] Frowgler: All across the Known World, the flow of magic will fail. Suddenly. Catastrophically. [[An outline depicting what Frowgler describes.]] Frowgler: Airships will fall from the sky. Frowgler: Churnboats will break apart and sink. [[Ditto]] Frowgler: Every active Tram in the country will fling itself to earth. [[The resulting rubble, with fire and skulls.]] Frowgler: Magical devices of every size and description will fail hideously. Frowgler: and hundreds of thousands of people will- WoM: Yes yes. I get the picture. Very tragic. Friday , May 12 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. The word PROZ just peeks out from behind the Woman of Mystery's head.]] WoM: You aren't urging me to prevent this "Crash". Frowgler: You are welcome to try. [[Outline of leafless trees and a wrecked building.]] Frowgler: But fifty years on, we still don't have a clue what caused it, Frowgler: Whether it was a natural occurance or a deliberate act.. [[Outlines of members of all the species Frowgler lists. His dialogue box covers up the Sneech.]] Frowgler: Nomes, Motihauls, Ghasts, Pales, Ichyoids. Even the Sneeches... [[The examples are all caught in explosions, their eyes showing dismay.]] Frowgler: The Crash hurt all of them, and none of them can explain it. Saturday , May 13 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E.]] Frowgler: But anyway. I'm telling you this because you can see what The Crash will do to Eetown. young Woman of Mystery: And..? [[An outline of Uncle Frederick, wearing a wizard hat, and his brother Quincy, staring at a shoe.]] {{Quincy eventually learned how to tie his shoes.}} Frowgler: ..And you need to make sure that Frederick and Quincy are NOT here. WoM: Frederick, yes, but his drooling idiot of a brother? No. He can die with the rest of them. [[An outline of an endless circle.]] Frowgler: No he can't. Frowgler: He is the Earl, and he will have descendants. Frowgler: And one of them.. along with Frederick.. will... /assure/ that I am here to have this little conversation. WoM: /WHAT?/ WoM: I not only have to save him, but make sure he /BREEDS?/ Frowgler: My sympathy is genuine and heartfelt. Sunday , May 14 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. The young Woman of Mystery turns away from Frowgler.]] WoM: Pah! I begin to suspect this is all some sort of elaborate ruse! Frowgler: To deny that possibility would be foolish. [[An outline of a WoM rampaging with power.]] Frowgler: And even if I am not lying, it may be you can live however you want, and this future will be smoothly replaced. Instead Kaylu will conquer the world. Or you will conquer the world. Or, or, or.. [[An outline of the Wide World flipped to negative and cracking apart.]] Frowgler: But it is also possible that not doing what I tell you will cause time to unravel. Frowgler: Cause the world to /truly/ end. [[The WoM gets in his face.]] WoM: Maybe I would like that to happen. Maybe I would /enjoy it./ Frowgler: Maybe. But then Frederick would die. And that you would not enjoy. Monday , May 15 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. The Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady has met Frowgler.]] WoM: Frederick! It's always about Frederick! Do you know what that Ghu-forsaken man /did/ to me? Frowgler: Is this question strictly rhetorical? WoM: ... Not entirely. Frowgler: Our time together is drawing to an end. To be brief.. [[An outline of a young Frederick and Amos Grubb fooling around with magic.]] Frowgler: As I understand it, he and his friends were young, and brilliant, and talented, and thought they could do anything. [[Frederick reacts in horror as his magical equipment shatters, and the WoM's hand reaches out of an explosion.]] Frowgler: And so, ignoring the advice of older and cooler heads, they conducted a dangerously complex experiment. And the result was.. you. Yes? WoM: Broadly speaking..yes. Tuesday , May 16 , 2006 [[Frowgler and the Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady discuss her and Frederick's past. All of the following are outlines. Amos holds back the WoM as Frederick does something.]] Frowgler: The equipment was smashed. It would have taken months to make more, send you.. back. Frowgler: They didn't have months. [[An outline of the WoM's collar, which has circuitry-type lines in it.]] Frowgler: So Frederick poured everything he had into making that collar. [[Frederick kneels amidst magical equipment, staring at his hands.]] Frowgler: Literally everything. [[A very angry and collared WoM looms over him.]] Frowgler: And there you were. WoM: And there we were. [[Frederick, with the WoM in the middle-distance.]] WoM: And I hated him beyond words. Frowgler: But as time passed.. WoM: I still hated him. Part of me hates him to this day. [[The WoM has come up behind Frederick and placed he arm around him.]] Frowgler: But. He was still brilliant, and fairly noble, and.. WoM: And an excellent physical specimen. Frowgler: Um. Yes. Quite. Wednesday, May 17, 2006 [[Frowgler and the young Woman of Mystery in the forest]] WoM: So anyway, I will take your warnings under consideration. Frowgler: Glad to hear it. But to further encourage your belief in my truthfulness.. WoM: Yes? Frowgler: One last bit of trivia for you. F: When I said that Quincy IS the earl, I meant it; upon returning home, you will learn Philbert has died. WoM: Really. Surely Shub and his little band of miscreants didn't- F: "Shub?" No. It was an accident. Or so my history says, at least. WoM: He was competing in one of his asinine races, wasn't he? Philbert I mean. F: Yes. The wreck was quite spectacular, evidently. WoM: Ah well. F: I'll give you a moment to process your grief. Thursday , May 18 , 2006 [[The younger Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady is in the current Forest of E with Frowgler. As they talk, the word PROZ grows larger behind them.]] WoM: So we're done here? Frowgler: Yes. Any second now you'll be home. WoM: Fine. Frowgler: Good. [[They wait.]] [[The WoM eyes him.]] [[She turns to him as she begins to fade. PROZ now fills the background.]] WoM: /WHY/ are you dressed like a horned fr- Frowgler: Be seeing you. [[A giant OZ. The WoM has returned to her correct time.]] Friday , May 19 , 2006 [[The young Woman of Mystery is back in her own time, on a street in Eetown, with various Humans walking past. Behind her is an Arcadian Fried Jibjib restaurant.]] {{Many of the people/signs are homages to the artists who contributed to the then-recent MoE 1000-strips celebration.}} WoM: -og. [[A car drives past on the street in the background.]] WoM, thinking: Bah. [[She holds up her hand, lets the magic flow from it.]] WoM: Three months. Fifty years. Newspaper-Seller, off screen: Extra! Extra! [[The WoM walks away.]] Newspaper-Seller: Lord Philbert in crash in Capital! [[The newspaper-seller, carrying papers, wearing a silly hat.]] WoM, thinking: All right, then. Newspaper-Seller: Rushed to hospital! Extra! Extra! Read all about it! [[In the alleyway behind Sheb's, Ilsa is still entranced.]] Narration: Meanwhile.. [[She snaps out of it.]] Ilsa, thinking: Huh? What? Where'd she go? [[She flees]] Ilsa, thinking: Who cares! Saturday , May 20 , 2006 [[The pre-Crash Eetown of fifty years ago. Ilsa flees down the street, still carrying her piece of paper.]] [[The Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady walks up the street.]] [[They meet.]] Ilsa: GAH! ((SCREECH!)) [[The WoM walks past her.]] WoM: Oh, just get out of my way, you little twit. I don't have /time/ for you anymore. Ilsa: But.. [[The WoM's eyes, as she considers.]] [[She points a finger and re-entrances Ilsa.]] WoM: "But" indeed. WoM: On second thought.. [[She beckons with the finger.]] WoM: You may as well come along with me. Ilsa: yes, Mistress. [[They walk up the street.]] WoM: You've almost got a brain, and I'll need semi-skilled help.. Ilsa: yes, Mistress. [[The sign for the store behind them is now visible. BILLMON BOOKSELLERS 42 BLOTTS STREET. A stand can be vaguely seen through the glass]] WoM: And you would have been needing a new purpose in life anyway. Ilsa: i do not understand, Mistress. [[They both walk out of sight.]] WoM: Don't worry. I'll do the thinking for both of us. Ilsa: yes, Mistress. [[A clear view of the stand. On it is a book titled THE RETURN OF FROWGLER, with an author LINDERHOFF. Mounted on the wall above it is a siign, the visible part of which reads PRIL 23 13:00-17:00/ signing copies of/ he Return of Frowgler. Beside the stand is a plaque wihch is also half-visible, but reads OFFICIAL BOOKSELLER FOR THE FAMILY OF E.]] Sunday , May 21 , 2006 [[Camora with Hax on her head, holding a sign which reads 1000! WOO HOO!]] {{Celebrating 1000 completed strips.}} Monday , May 22 , 2006 [[Guest art by Roman Wunderlich of The B-Movie Comic. A shot of the Mansion amidst the Forest of E.]] [[Comshaw and Ig the Saur walk through woods.]] IgSaur: And what was he called, Comshaw? Comshaw: I don't know. What's in a name? [[Ig turns away and launches an attack.]] Ig: GROOAR! ((RIIIIP! TROMP TROMP TROMP)) [[He's back, bearing bloody remnants.]] Ig: Red, squishy stuff? Comshaw: (sigh) I said 'in a name' not 'in a Nome'. And it was a rhetorical question anyway.. {{These versions of Comshaw and Ig are a lot more buff than the "real" ones.}} Tuesday, May 23, 2006 [[Some guest art by Kat Lowry, creator of the webcomic Distant Eras: A portrait of The Woman of Mystery, Rosemary, Sylvester, The Operator, A Gobule (probably Ningle, based on the tongue), A Nome, and Crazy Rhid.]] Wednesday , May 24 , 2006 [[A guest comic by N.J. Huff and Orion Gates. The Mysterious Count-Down Device sits on its pedestal.]] Device: CLICK CLICK CLICK NEEEEEEE! [[The ground cracks]] Device: NEEEEE! ((RUMBLE)) [[A mass of fangs and tentacles emerges.]] Mass: GRAAARRRRR! [[A tentacle smacks the top of the Device.]] Device: NEEE- CLICK Device: CLICK CLICK CLICK Mass: MMMRRGH.. just five more.. zzzzzz Thursday , May 25 , 2006 [[Guest art by D. M. Jeftinija of Legostar Galactica; a photographed depiction of Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer as real-life Lego minifigures.]] Friday , May 26 , 2006 [[Guest art by Tom Truszkowski of Station V3. A Gnoll (let's call him Pizzle) shows a piece of paper to Ploot the Wyrm.]] Ploot: What's that? Pizzle: A picture I drew for Nitid. Pizzle: He's done 1000 painting for that story he's working on.. I thought I'd draw him a bit of "fan-art". [[Nitid the Helipath examines the drawing.]] Nitid: A Nome being chased by an angry mob... Very nice, but I don't think I can use this. Ploot: Whar are you drawing now? Pizzle: A Helipath being chased by an angry mob. Saturday , May 27 , 2006 [[Guest art from G. L. Gillen of the webcomic Squid Ninja, depicting various Gnolls ( Camora, Sina, Shona, Niddle, Comshaw) climbing around a large stone "1,000"]] Sunday , May 28 , 2006 [[On the Long Path]] Tartuf: EVIL ONE! Too long we have allowed your vile wickedness to run rampant! [[Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax face some candle monks.]] Tartuf: But now, your hour of reckoning is finally at hand! Rosemary: Huh? Sylvester: What? Hax, silently: Who? Camora: groan.. Monday , May 29 , 2006 [[On the Long Path]] Rosemary: OK, I'm pretty sure I'm not the Evil One, and I'm *positive* it's not Sylvester, so that leave Camora here. Tartuf: You openly associate with her, you must thus be aware of her unrepentant vileness. Rosemary: Actually, we just met. So, out with it, Evil One, what *was* your crime? Tartuf: She extinguished the Eternal Flame. Rosemary, mock concerned: Oh, *dear!* Camora: *I KNOCKED OVER A ZARKING CANDLE!* Tuesday , May 30 , 2006 [[On the Long Path]] Rosemary: So, you claim you didn't deliberately snuff out the Eternal Flame? Camora: I don't *claim* anything! [[Outline of Niddle backing into a large candelabrum, startling Camora, who is near a candle on a pedestal.]] Camora: We were visiting these idiots in the Hall of the Brush, and Niddle knocked over a whole *rack* of candles.. Tartuf: *The Vile One!* He too will inevitably face *justice*! Camora: *..and I had to dodge to avoid them.* Wednesday , May 31 , 2006 [[On the Long Path.]] Camora: Look, Tartuf, I am.. I *was* sorry about your candle. I even stayed out of the Barter Hall and the Hall of the Brush (not that I wanted to visit them anyway..) Camora: ..But you had emergency back-ups, and it's been a zarking *fortnight*. You and the other Candle Monks need to *get over this!* Tartuf: NEVER! Camora: GRAH! Rosemary: (sigh) Looks like I'm gonna have to step in. Sylvester: Um.. Thursday , June 1 , 2006 [[On the Long Path]] Sylvester: Rosemary, there are an awful lot of those Candle Monks.. Rosemary: Well, you know me.. [[She ((grabs)) Camora.]] Camora: HEY! [[Rosemary hands Camora to Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Here. Hold this. Camora: *"This"?!* [[Facing Tartuf.]] Rosemary: Now then, Tartuf, was it? Tartuf: *Father* Tartuf. Rosemary: Right. Father. How progressive of you! Friday, June 2, 2006 [[On the Long Path]] Father Tartuf: What do you want, Nome? Rosemary: I don't want anything from you. Tartuf: I do not understand. [[Rosemary leans in close.]] [[Close-up of her eyes.]] Rosemary: Go. Away. [[Tartuf and some of the other Monks (two Gnolls and a Jibjib)), staring.]] [[They go away, quickly.]] Saturday , June 3 , 2006 [[On the Long Path. The Candle Mionks have just left. Sylvester is holding CamoraHax.]] Camora: That was.. impressive. Rosemary: Not really. They weren't interested in actually fighting. [[Sylvester puts Camora down.]] Camora: How could you tell? Rosemary: It's just something you learn to recognize after enough fights. Real fights. Even when it's an Ooze you're dealing with. Sylvester: And the fact that they were carrying /candles/ and not, oh, clubs or swords or something, was not at all a consideration. Rosemary: I'm sure I have no idea what you're babbling about. Sunday , June 4 , 2006 [[On the Long Path in the Basement.]] Sylvester: Who were those guys? Rosemary: Judging from the robes, some sort of "monks". Camora: Yes. Candle Monks. [[An outline of a hand holding a candle.]] Camora: They have this whole thing about how "we're too dependant on the Tree" and we should "make our own light" Camora: And so.. even though they sell the best candles in the world, they're still idiots. Rosemary: /Really/. Sounds reasonable to me. Camora: Oh, /please/. You're a forest-dweller. You've got that big flaming sun-thing that lights everything up without /any/ work on your part. Camora: We have to breed and replace the GBOLs constantly. Camora: Switch over to candles? Think how much Dornbeast fat they'd have to render down in Bowel Hall just to light.. /this passage/! Monday, June 5, 2006 [[On the Long Path]] Rosemary: So.. these Candle Monks handle all your religious duties down here? Camora: Gak! No, of course not! [[A memory-shot of the entrance to the Hall of the Brush]] Camora: There are different groups crammed into every corner and subshaft of the Hall of The Brush.. [[Two Trogs wear flowers on their heads, one yells at the other re: the number of petals.]] Rosemary: Like who? Camora: Oh, who can keep track? They're always shattering and reforming.. [[A gnoll "beebles", listened to by a Helipath with an ear-trumpet.]] Camora: But besides the Monks, some of the important ones are The Beeblers and those creepy Ears of the Brush.. [[A gnoll holds a sign saying in Manglish "WE ARE ALL GOING TO DYE". Another Gnoll yells at him.]] Camora: ..the Doomsayers and the Spelling Guild.. [[A Gnoll hand holds up a wrench with a symbol of the Brush etched on it.]] Camora: ...and of course the only sensible ones, us *Ludwugites.* Tuesday , June 6 , 2006 [[On the Long Path.]] Camora: You're staring at me again. Sylvester: It's just.. Ludwig. We.. Nomes.. have heard stories about him. Sylvester: Out in the forest. [[Clochard eavesdrops from a dark tunnel.]] Camora: Well, of course you have. He was the greatest thinker and mechanic in history. Camora: He was smart and strong and patient and true. Camora: He rebuilt the world after The Earl tore it in two. Sylvester: Ah. OK. Sylvester: Right. That is exactly what happened. Rosemary: So before, when you said Ludwig was- Sylvester: I told you no lies. Sylvester: When he was a young.. fellow, Ludwig most definitely had to deal with The Earl.. Wednesday , June 7 , 2006 [[On the Long Path.]] Camora: Why'd you say it was progressive to call Tartuf "Father"? You have something against Oozes? Rosemary: Oh. Um. No. We Nomes just mostly have female Oracles. Not monks. Camora: Oh. Camora: heh. Camora: And Comshaw said you had a /priest/ or something. Rosemary: Well, he was wrong, wasn't he! Onward! Thursday , June 8 , 2006 [[In the Basement.]] Rosemary: What's wrong now? Camora: sniff Camora: Nothing serious. I just smell blobwarts. Camora: Which is strange because they don't grow around here. [[Sylvester follows them out of panel.]] Camora: Eh. Not important. Clochard the Gnoll, thinking: To the contrary, Camora [[He is lurkingi in a darkened passageway.]] Clochard, thinking: Masking your scent is /very/ important if you want to be a successful lurker.]] Friday , June 9 , 2006 [[Camora leads Rosemary and Sylvester away, as Clochard lurks in an alcove.]] Camora: The drophole is just around the corner here.. Clochard, thinking: So. The humans are back. Why couldn't they just have stayed away? [[Outline of an "evil" Sylvester]] Clochard: Pain and misery and suffering and death. [[Clochard walks away.]] Clochard, thinking: *And* I now have to spend the rest of my day tracking down Digger to give *him* the bad news. Saturday , June 10 , 2006 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and CamoraHax have arrived outside the Basement version of a public toilet, called a drophole. The word "DROPHOLE" is painted in large letters on the wall, with arrows pointing into crack-like entrance. A male Gnoll carrying a weapon of some sort walks by.]] {{The Gnoll's name is Troat, although it has not yet been given in-comic. Despite the similarity in hairstyles, he is not Sprocket.}} Rosemary: Subtle. Camora: Too subtle. Some males still can't find it. Saturday , June 10 , 2006 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and CamoraHax have arrived outside the Basement version of a public toilet, called a drophole. The word "DROPHOLE" is painted in large letters on the wall, with arrows pointing into crack-like entrance. A male Gnoll carrying a weapon of some sort walks by.]] {{The Gnoll's name is Troat, although it has not yet been given in-comic. Despite the similarity in hairstyles, he is not Sprocket.}} Rosemary: Subtle. Camora: Too subtle. Some males still can't find it. Sunday , June 11 , 2006 [[Outside a drophole/toilet. Rosemary and CamoraHax go inside.]] Rosemary: Well, let's get this over with. You coming? Sylvester: No. I'm good. I'll wait here. Rosemary: Right. Stay out of trouble. Sylvester: Right. Sylvester, thinking: "Stay out of trouble." Hmph. It's not like I'm Mortimer, and you have to watch- [[An enormous flash of light.]] ((APPEAR!)) Monday , June 12 , 2006 [[Outside a drophole.]] Protus: Sylvester! Where are you? I *know* this is the proper location! Sylvester, from off-panel: Um? Mr.. Protus? Protus: Eh? [[Protus turns. He is looking at Sylvester's feet, upside down.]] Protus: You're not Sylvester! Sylvester: Um.. Tuesday , June 13 , 2006 [[Outside a drophole, Protus the Willygig has appeared upside-down before a waiting Sylvester.]] Protus: Oh. Oh! There you are, Sylvester. Sylvester: Um.. [[Protus rotates himself so he is rightside-up.]] Protus: I know, I know. I'm not supposed to see you. Sylvester: Um.. Protus: But there's been a terrible- Protus: . . . Sylvester: What? Protus: We need to be alone. Protus: We are /not/ alone. Sylvester, thinking: Oh, how I wish that was true. Wednesday , June 14 , 2006 [[Protus the Willygig has appeared to Sylvester, and said they are not alone.]] Sylvester: Rosemary and Camora are right over there in the drophole... Protus: No no. Not them. I sense someone else.. Nasty and squished.. {{He is sensing Sqeeb the Wyrm, who is unconscious in Sylvester's pack.}} Sylvester: They'll be back any moment now.. Protus: Oh well. At least it's not that /pest/ Mr. Hand. [[Protus touches Sylvester's hand with one of his tentacle-things.]] Sylvester: Mr. Who? Protus: And fortunately,, we only /need/ a moment. Sylvester: HEY! Sylvester: What are you d- ((DISAPPEAR)) ((RPOZ)) {{The RPOZ is a scrambling of "PROZ" and/or "ZORP", which indicate time-travel.}} Thursday , June 15 , 2006 [[Protus has taken Sylvester somewhere; the Human now floats in a blue void; Behind ribbons of color, rows of ones and zeros can be seen. Sylvster is semi-transparent, and his skeleton is visible. The viewer can also see Squeeb the Wyrm, lying unconscious in Sylvester's pack. Several of Protus's tentacles reach into the shot; he suddenly has more of them than before.]] Friday, June 16, 2006 [[A wide expanse. Zeros and one march past, shades of blue twist here and there. Sylvester and Protus are tiny; in another corner is a cloud-like object with tendrils, in a third is a black rectangle.]] Protus: Hang on. Now comes what people tell me is "the bad part". Sylvester: ! Saturday , June 17 , 2006 [[Protus has taken Sylvester into a wide gravity-free expanse. Ribbons of blue partially conceal rows of ones and zeroes. A closeup of Sylvester's eyes.]] [[A black rectangle looms in the distance.]] [[It is much closer now.]] [[It fills Sylvester's view, as he raises his hands.]] Sylvester: !!! ((SPLAT)) [[Darkness, with a few stars.]] Sylvester: bY theBrush it's full Of starz! Sunday , June 18 , 2006 [[Protus has taken Sylvester to some dark place. A last star slides away]] Protus: Stars? [[Darkness.]] Protus: No, there are no stars here. Protus: But.. um.. if you open your eyes, you can see for yourself.. Sylvester, woozy: eyes? Protus: They're those squishy globs on your head. At least I think. Sylvester: oh.. right.. [[Sylvester opens his eyes. His head is surrounded by blackness.]] ((poink)) Monday , June 19 , 2006 [[Protus has taken Sylvester to a dark place. Sylvester's speech bubbles are woozy throughout.]] Sylvester: I can't see anything. Sylvester: Am I blind? [[Sylvester's hand.]] Sylvester: Oh. Wait. Sylvester: I can see /myself./ Protus: Actually.. [[His hand becomes semi-transparent, allowing a glimpse of his bones.]] Protus: You can see /all/ of yourself. Sylvester: Huh? [[The flesh mostly fades away, leaving a clear view of the bones.]] Sylvester: Ew! Sylvester: I'm not doing /that/ anymore. Protus: That's what they all say! Tuesday , June 20 , 2006 [[Sylvester has been taken into a featureless void by Protus the Willygig. Protus speaks to him from off-screen.]] Sylvester: I'm not thinking straight. Where are we? Protus: What scale do you mean? Sylvester: Um.. Protus: All of this.. is in between. Sylvester: Between what? Protus: By your standards? [[The void is a black rectangle, backed by blue zeros and ones.]] Protus: Everything. Pretty much. I think. And this /specific/ place.. even moreso.. Wednesday, June 21, 2006 [[Sylvester in blackness. Protus creates stylized images as he talks]] Sylvester: Mr. Protus, I don't understand what you're saying. Protus: Maybe these pictures will help. This is.. a gap within a gap. Protus: I tripped over it on my way from.. Protus: I forget now. Not important. Somewhen to somewhen. Protus: A mere curiousity Protus: Until I pried it open and made two discoveries.. Protus: Folks like you can exist here without going insane. Protus: And more importantly, in here, -they- can't see me. Thursday , June 22 , 2006 [[Protus has taken Sylvester to a dark place. The former's tentacles create pictures.]] Sylvester: "They"? Your enemies are Ghasts? Protus: Enemies? Ghasts? [[Sylvester points, as Protus sketches (roughly) "three eyes = infinity".]] Sylvester: Your sketch-thingy there had three eyes. Protus: Oh. No. that was symbolic. I mean, They have countless eyes. Ways of seeing. [[A sketch of Protus being pushed by a force which also branches to point at a capital E.]] Protus: And They aren't my enemies. Literally. Protus: They are my.. I guess the only word you would understand is.. employers. [[A sketch of a series of arrows pointing in a branching line.]] Sylvester: /You/ work for someone? Protus: Everyone works for someone, Sylvester.. Friday , June 23 , 2006 [[Protus has taken Sylvester to a dark place. Only the former's tentacles are visible.]] Sylvester: Your employers are so awful you hide from them? Protus: Awful.. No. Well. Not like I think you mean.. [[Protus forms a sketch of himself with an arrow pointing at him, and a blocking line between the two.]] Protus: But before "today".. it was.. refreshing.. to sometimes not have Them staring at me.. Sylvester: What happened today? [[Protus lets the sketch fall apart.]] Protus: I've lost track of a hideously valuable item. Protus: I fear it's been /stolen/. Sylvester: I didn't do it! Protus: I imagine not. But very possibly /They/ did.. Saturday , June 24 , 2006 [[Protus has taken Sylvester to a dark place. A white scrap from one of Protus's "sketches" floats by Sylvester.]] Protus: But anyway. That's why you are here. Sylvester: huh? Protus: I need your help to find what was lost. [[Sylvester hooks the scrap with his finger. It enlarges and turns blue. A stylized version of Rosemary's helmet forms.]] Sylvester: Me? You should ask Rosemary. She finds stuff. Protus: Doesn't she though. [[Protus touches the scrap as well, turning it half white. An outline of Faddle the Gnoll appears. Sylvester's half has a question mark.]] Protus: But not well enough. Even Faddle can't help this time. Sylvester: But I.. [[Protus adds more tentacles. Arrows point at Sylvester.]] Protus: You have /special properties./ Sylvester: eep. Sunday , June 25 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's hideaway]] Protus: SYLVESTER WINSTON HUMPHREY, YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON IN THE WIDE WORLD WHO CAN FIND WHAT IS LOST. Sylvester: ok. [[Protus grabs a lever.]] Protus: I've smuggled in and set up the.. um.. "equipment"? Yes.. [[Protus pulls the lever.]] ((CLUNK)) Protus: All the *equipment* we need here. [[A very large and bright FOOM]] Sylvester: AEEEII! Monday , June 26 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's extra-dimensional hideout. Sylvester stands in darkness. Around him is a ring of floating glowing spirals.]] Protus: Why did you scream? I just turned on the spintracerlights.. Sylvester: Yes, whatever was I was thinking... Tuesday , June 27 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's extra-dimensional hideout. All that is visible is Sylvester, Protus's tentacle, and glowing spirals.]] Protus: What I need from you is actually quite simple.. Sylvester: Oh good. [[Protus points with a tentacle.]] Protus: Just look out /there/ and tell me what you see. Sylvester: um.. [[He gestures at one of the spirals.]] Sylvester: Didn't I say? All I can see is myself, your tentacles and now these things.. Protus: Oh. Hm. This could be a problem. Protus: If only you'd brought along a way of making your own light.. Sylvester, looking at his helmet lamp: um.. Wednesday , June 28 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's space, Sylvester indicates his helmet light. Protus speaks from off-stage]] Protus: That is a light? What powers it? Sylvester: A magical battery [[Sylvester clicks the light.]] ((CLICK)) Sylvester: Takes forever to recharge, and you can't use it outside the Mansion, but.. [[The light shines]] Sylvester: It still works [[He turns and is confronted by Protus's now very-large tentacles.]] Sylvester: Which is more than you can say.. for.. [[He looks up at Protus, who is looming overhead, still mostly off-stage.]] Protus: For what? . . . What? Thursday, June 29, 2006 [[In Protus's private place. Sylvester stares up at a giant Protus.]] Sylvester: So.. This is your true form, then. Protus: I don't follow you. You've seen what I look like. Sylvester: You weren't that.. big.. before. Protus: "Big"? "Big"?! Protus: I vow.. Just when I think I've finally got you humans figured out.. [[A normal-sized Protus is behind Sylvester.]] Protus: You start acting all goofy again! Friday , June 30 , 2006 [[In the mysterious place where Protus has taken Sylvester.]] Sylvester: Protus? But.. if you're down here, who.. WHAT is that up there? Protus: Up where. [[Wide view of Sylvester looking up into the darkness with his light. They are alone.]] Sylvester: OK. Fine. Sylvester: I'm going to just stop thinking about this stuff. Sylvester: What was it you wanted from me again? Protus: Um.. look around, and tell me what you see.. Saturday , July 1 , 2006 [[In the mysterious place where Protus has taken Sylvester.]] Sylvester: You want to know what I see now? Protus: Yes. Please. Sylvester: Fine. I see myself. Sylvester: I see you. You still don't look like you did before. [[Protus is sporting an extra frill on his head.]] [[A shot of the surrounding space.]] Sylvester: I see dim shapes all around. Arches and pillars. Or something.]] {{They are 1s and 0s.}} [[Inside one of the arches, a full-color picture of a smiling Mortimer, wearing a pointy wizard's hat.]] Sylvester: And I see.. Sylvester: Huh. Sunday , July 2 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's hideaway, one of the large zeros that are scattered about. The hole in the zero is filled with an image of Mortimer and an unknown woman, floating or flying hand in hand. Mortimer has an umbrella and is wearing a pointed wizard's cap. The brown-haired woman is dressed in a blue quasi-uniform, which features the letter E on one breast.]] Protus: What do you see? Sylvester: My idiot brother. He's wearing a pointy hat, and.. Sylvester: Zark. He's found another strange woman to bring home. Sylvester: Oh. And they're flying. Monday , July 3 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's hideout.]] Protus: When you say "idiiot brother", you mean Mortimer, correct? Sylvester: Oh. yes. Mortimer. Although.. Sylvester: In their own way, the other two are also- [[The surrounding zeros and ones, with nothing inside the zero.]] Sylvester: Hiuh. Now he's gone again. [[Inside another zero, a close-up of an angry-looking Rosemary.]] Sylvester: But over /there/.. Tuesday , July 4 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's secret place. A zero-hole displays a picture of Rosemary with the Can-Opener, in armor, facing a blonde helmeted woman who is carrying a large fork-like weapon.]] Sylvester: This time it's Rosemary.. you know Rosemary, right? Protus: Miss Ripley. Yes. Sylvester: She's fighting.. yet another woman I've never seen before. This is getting tiresome. Wednesday , July 5 , 2006 [[Sylvester is describing what he sees in the zeros of Protus's hideaway.]] Sylvester: Moving on, we have in rapid succession, a Motihaul who wants to sell something..]] {{Izchak}} Sylvester: An unfortunate Gnoll whom, it appears, someone set on fire.. {{Crazy Rhid}} Sylvester: ..and.. ..one of those mutant Troglodytes, like Rosemary killed at the elevator. {{Villipend.}} Protus: Mutant? Sylvester: They *look* like the Trogs they breed down in Wirtvale for leather, but they're mindless killers. Thursday , July 6 , 2006 [[Sylvester looking inside the zeroes of Protus's hideaway. These show a woman in a robe, an older woman wearing a bandanna and an apron, and a quite elderly man wearing a boater.]] Sylvester: Over *there", I see people from the village.. Nothing more up close. Sylvester: Further out.. what..? Angus's stupid pot? And some shape.. is that the Mansion.. [[Ones and empty zeroes. There is also a pair of lights, resembling the headlights of a car.]] Sylvester: No. No. And now it's gone. Wait.. Friday , July 7 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's hideaway.]] Sylvester: This one's not like the others... It's all /vague/. Protus: Vague is good, actually. [[A pair of lights in the distance.]] Sylvester: I think it's.. an /auto/. Sylvester: You know, those things people drove before the Crash... Protus: Drove? A vehicle? Yes! That's /it!/ That's what we're looking for! Saturday , July 8 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's extra-dimensional hideaway.]] Sylvester: Someone stole your /auto/? Protus: Essentially, yes. Where do you see it? [[Sylvester's hand points]] Sylvester: Over there, pretty much. Protus: Over /there/? Which way is it moving? [[The "auto" in question, a dark shape with two lights.]] Sylvester: It's /pointed/ towards us, but its driving backwards, or something. Protus: I see. [[Protus thinks.]] Sylvester: Does that mean your employers took it? Protus: No, it means they /didn't/. It means.. I'm going to have to think about this. Sunday , July 9 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's hideaway. Sylvester waits while Protus thinks.]] Sylvester: Um.. Sylvester: If you're just going to be thinking.. Protus: Eh? Oh, right! We're done here. /Time/ to send you home! Monday , July 10 , 2006 [[Inside Protus's hideaway]] Sylvester: Rosemary and I weren't "home". Could you maybe get her as well, and drop us someplace- Protus: No. Or rather I could, but you'd both just zorp or proz right back. You're anchored. On a more positive vector.. [[Protus pulls a lever.]] Protus: From this end, my equipment can send you straight back. You'll be there bef- ((OZPR)) [[Sylvester is back outside the drophole.]] Tuesday , July 11 , 2006 [[Outside the drophole. Sylvester recovers from his visit to Protus.]] [[He looks up at his active helmet light.]] [[He reaches to turn it off.]] [[He hesitates.]] Sylvester, thinking: He's coming back. How can I /tell/ that he's- ((APPEAR)) Wednesday , July 12 , 2006 [[Outside a drophole in the Basement. Protus has reappeared before Sylvester.]] Protus: Sylvester. Hello. I recently realized.. I never said thank you for your help recovering the "auto". So. Thank you. Protus: Be seeing you! ((DISAPPEAR)) Sylvester: Right. No problem. [[He turns off his helmet light.]] ((click)) [[He stands and waits.]] [[Rosemary and CamoraHax come out of the drophole.]] Rosemary: So, what'd we miss? Thursday , July 13 , 2006 [[In the Basement. Rosemary and Camora reunite with Sylvester.]] Sylvester: How was the drophole? Rosemary: Actually, it was the second-nicest one I've used in at least a y.. What's wrong? Camora: sniff Camora: Protus was here. Took you on one of his little trips, did he? Sylvester: How do you know that? Camora: He normally doesn't leave much of a scent, but when he grabs some- one, it's /all over/ the place. You can /still/ smell it in Time Hall from when he took Skibble. Friday , July 14 , 2006 [[Outside a drophole in the Basement.]] Sylvester: Protus did say something about taking other people into.. that place.. Camora: A couple three times he's done it. Scary, but people usually learn interesting stuff. Camora: If /you/ saw anything useful, you'd better spill now. Rosemary: And why is that? Camora: Because he's already forgetting what happened. Everyone does. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: She's right. It is starting to fade. Saturday , July 15 , 2006 [[Outside a drophole in the Basement.]] Rosemary: What /did/ you see? Sylvester: There was an auto.. and pictures.. I saw a burnt Gnoll.. and Threnody.. Sylvester: And Rosemary! You were wearing different clothes, and fighting some.. She had on.. it looked like a kitchen glove, but it glowed. [[Rosemary thinks about this.]] Rosemary: So. These are visions of the future, are they? Camora; Sometimes. The future isn't here yet. What's an auto? Sunday , July 16 , 2006 [[Outside a drophole in the Basement.]] Sylvester: Autos? They are.. um.. these wrecks you find out in the forest. From before the.. from olden times. CamoraHax: Oh. More Human phizz. Who or what is Threnody? Sylvester: She's that Oracle that Camora mentioned earlier. She- Rosemary: We hired you to guide us, not ask questions. Please take us to this Izchak person. Now. [[Camora is annoyed.]] Hax, mentally: Steady on. Camora, out loud: Right. This way. Monday , July 17 , 2006 [[Sina holds up a cakeshroom which is marked "3! WOO HOO"]] {{Three years of the Mansion of E.}} Tuesday , July 18 , 2006 [[Kronk the Troglodyte walks in a corridor.]] Narration: Near Crazy Rhid's, to varying degrees. Kronk, thinking: Gotta track down Rhid. [[Snerd the Gnoll walks in a corridor.]] Snerd, thinking: Gotta talk to the /Ghasts/. [[Hiblehoy the Motihaul looks down at Wrawa the Trog and Leny's dead body.]] Hiblehoy: Come on, Wrawa. You have to decide what we're going to do with Leny's body. Hiblehoy, thinking: I gotta be outta my mind. Wednesday , July 19 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's. Ploot and Voog the Wyrms are with Sina the Gnoll.]] Ploot: So.. what /are/ we doing? [[Sina points out the large stemmed pot which was previously spouting flame.]] Sina: Ripping that up. [[Ploot wraps his tail around the pot. Voog comes to join him]] Ploot: ... OK. Grab on, Voog. Thursday , July 20 , 2006 [[In front of Crazy Rhid's. Ploot rips the large metal basin off its "stem" with his tail.]] ((RRIP)) [[Fire belches from the stump.]] ((FOOM)) [[He whacks the stump with his tail, pinching it shut.]] ((WHACK)) Friday , July 21 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's, Ploot the Wyrm has ripped a large firebowl from its stem.]] Ploot: Now what? Sina: We toss it in there. [[Rhid's front door, with flames burning in more pots.]] Sina: Hard. Saturday , July 22 , 2006 [[Ploot the Wyrm flings the large metal bowl (formerly attached to a stem and spewing fire) towards the front door of Crazy Rhid's place.]] ((fling)) [[The bowl goes sailing through the front door. Behind it is a smaller bowl still attached/spewing flames.]] Sunday , July 23 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's. A large bowl has just been thrown inside.]] Skuy the Gnoll: Sina? That Gobule told me to come up. What's hap- [[The front door is filled with an explosion.]] ((KAFOOM)) Skuy: -pening.. Monday , July 24 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. A large bowl has been thrown inside]] Skuy the Gnoll: What was th- ((BOOM POW KABOOM)) Sina the Gnoll: Just doing a little housecleaning, Skuy. Skuy: But wh- ((FAZOOM BLORP fizzle)) Tuesday , July 25 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's, Sina and Skuy wait, following a series of explosions.]] ((peep)) [[They wait some more.]] [[Sina goes forward.]] Sina: That appears to be it. Onto the next stage. Skuy, from near floor: who is that, and what did she do with Sina? Ploot the Wyrm: She's just been having a bad day. Wednesday , July 26 , 2006 [[Ploot and Sina are outside the battered and blackened entrance to Crazy Rhid's place.]] Ploot: So what is the next phase? Sina: *Now* I would like you to stick your nose in the door, and see what you can see. Please. Ploot: OK then. Thursday , July 27 , 2006 [[At the doorway of Crazy Rhid's. Ploot the Wyrm approaches. Behind him is a snuffed fire-pot]] [[He sticks his head inside.]] ((BAM)) [[He is blackened, but otherwise unharmed.]] Ploot: We still need to be careful. Sina: Thank you, Ploot. Friday , July 28 , 2006 [[Ploot the Wyrm looks into Rhid's entryhall.]] [[The hall is empty, apart from explosion debris. GBOLs burn overhead. bulkheads slope in from the sides. Smoke wafts about.]] Ploot: That's odd... Saturday , July 29 , 2006 [[Inside Rhid's entryhall.]] Sina: What's wrong, Ploot? Plooty: Before today... has anyone here ever been to see Rhid? [[The assembled bucketchain members stare at him in silence. They are Skuy the Gnoll, Fosic the Helipath, Spot the Gobule, Voog the Wyrm and Mowder the Troglodyte.]] Ploot: I'll take that as a "no". Ploot: The problem is, apart from the booby-traps by the door, there's nothing in there. It's a big empty room. Sunday , July 30 , 2006 [[At Rhid's front door.]] Skuy: Rhid's room's empty? Isn't that a /good/ thing? For us? Ploot the Wyrm: In the short term, yes. Ploot: But even Rhid can't summon his wares out of thin air. He has to have a workshop /somewhere./ Sina: . . . Sina: /Fine./ Monday , July 31 , 2006 [[At Rhid's front door. Mowder the Trog and Skuy the Gnoll listen to Sina.]] Sina: We'll just have to hope that Kronk catches up with Rhid, before he can get to his workshop. Sina: Or maybe.. Ploot. You and.. Voog, was it? One of you, come with me, to check for more traps. The other, poke around. Maybe there's a side chamber. Ploot the Wyrm: Right. Sina: And if there isn't.. patrol. Keep an eye out, in case Rhid manages to double back. Ploot: You heard her. Voog the Wyrm: Remind me again why we /ever/ come up here. Tuesday , August 1 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's front door.]] Ploot the Wyrm: Voog, you know why we have to come up here. We need Telic. We need Hesper. We need all the Coldzoners. Voog the Wyrm: But Mother Byng says.. Ploot: /Byng/ is a senile gravel-dribbler. She should have abdicated months ago. Ploot: I almost hope that Rhid survives this day. Between those zarking Rocks, and what's happening down in the Burn Zone.. we might find ourselves wishing we could purchase his wares. Wednesday , August 2 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's front door. Voog and Ploot the Wyrms talk.]] Voog: If Rhid turns up, you want me to let him /go?/ Ploot: No. But give him every chance to surrender. Ploot: Not that I expect to see him again around here. Ploot: If he gets away from Kronk, someone will offer him sanctuary. Ploot: He's just so /useful/. Thursday , August 3 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's. Voog watches Ploot leave.]] Voog, thinking: Saying Mother Byng is senile. If Ploot's not careful, a Cousin will overhear him and.. .. report him to.. [[Voog realizes something.]] Voog, thinking: Getting away from Family. Now *that's* a reason to come up here. Thursday , August 3 , 2006 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's. Voog watches Ploot leave.]] Voog, thinking: Saying Mother Byng is senile. If Ploot's not careful, a Cousin will overhear him and.. .. report him to.. [[Voog realizes something.]] Voog, thinking: Getting away from Family. Now *that's* a reason to come up here. Friday , August 4 , 2006 [[Sina stands in the front door of Crazy Rhid's. Now-extinguished firepots stand on either side of her. Broken-off supports are all that are left of a variety of booby-traps. The walls and floor are blackened and marked. Behind Sina are Skuy, Voog the Wyrm and Fosic the Helipath.]] Saturday , August 5 , 2006 [[Inside the entryway for Crazy Rhid's place. Sina has been temporarily blinded.]] Sina: So, Skuy. Is "big and empty" an accurate description? Skuy: Oh, yes. Skuy: I've never /seen/ a room this empty. [[An outline of several female Gnolls living in a row of interconnected ramshackle cubicles. The cubicles are filled with various personal projects, such as plant-growing. Skuy is there; her cubicle has round white objects hanging from the ceiling. She has taken/picked one of them and is examining it.]] Skuy: My home Warren in Helignoll Hall is maybe half this size, and we have twelve of us living there.. Sunday , August 6 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Sina has been temporarily blinded.]] Sina: So there's absolutely nothing in here? Can you see the exit at the other end? I feel a breeze passing through here. Skuy: No.. there are these wall-things sticking out, and I can't see around.. [[Skuy looks at her.]] Skuy: You.. are blind all of a sudden, right? This isn't some sort of test? Sina: Well, if it is, you passed. Monday , August 7 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway.]] Sina, currently blind: So. About these "wall things"... Skuy: They form little alcoves. They're all empty. They'd make really good warr- Voog the Wyrm: No, look, there's something in that one! [[He has gone to check. There is an explosion.]] ((BAM)) [[Sina, Skuy and Fosic the Helipath all witness this.]] Voog: Never mind. Tuesday , August 8 , 2006 [[Inside the entry hall of Crazy Rhid's former place. Zoog the Wyrm is smoking from a blast.]] Sina: You'd better check all the alcoves, Zoog. Zoog: Right. [[He moves off.]] ((BOOM)) ((POW)) ((BLOOP FRAZZ)) [[He is rather more blackened and smoking.]] Zoog: The other exit is in the last alcove on the left. Sina: Right. Zoog: And.. ouch. Sina: Right. Wednesday , August 9 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryhall. Voog the Wyrm has suffered through an explosion, and is blackened.]] Sina: Are you going to be able to carry on? Voog: Yes, I'll be alright. [[He falls over.]] Voog: ..after I just lie down here for a moment. Thursday , August 10 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryspace. Voog the Wyrm is lying on the ground.]] Sina: You're sure we don't need to find you a Healer? Voog: No, I'll be all right. (cough) In a little while. [[Sina stares ahead. Skuy watches her.]] [[Sina buries her face in her hands.]] Skuy: Sina? Voog: Um.. really. I'm feeling better already! Friday , August 11 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Sina has her face in her hands.]] Skuy: Sina? What's wrong? [[Skuy glances behind her, where Spot the Gobule and Fosic the Helipath watch.]] Skuy: I mean.. apart from.. everything.. Sina: Why did I think I could do this? Saturday , August 12 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Skuy listens as Sina talks.]] Sina: I organize /parties/. And now I'm trying to lead a.. an /assault/. [[Voog the Wyrm, blackend by an explosion, looks up from near the floor.]] Sina: And Leny's dead, everyone else is getting horribly injured.. Sina: I'm not doing this anymore. Sunday , August 13 , 2006 [[Inside Rhid's entryway.]] Skuy: Sina.. Sina: No, Skuy. I've made up my mind, and nothing you can say will change it. Skuy: If you quit now, Comshaw would be really disappointed in you. [[Sina thinks about this.]] [[She glares in Skuy's direction.]] Sina: Zark you. Zark you straight to Fratz. Monday , August 14 , 2006 [[Inside Rhid's entryway.]] Skuy: So you're not quitting? Sina: No. Voog: So what do we do now? Sina: Give me a second. Plans don't just grow in fungipits... [[She kicks against something with her foot.]] [[She is temporarily blind; she reaches down for the bit of rock which she kicked.]] ((grope)) Sina: Right. OK. Tuesday , August 15 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's former place. Sina the gnoll, currently blind, is holding a chunk of rock.]] Sina: I assume there's more rubble like this scattered around? [[Skuy the gnoll and Grik the Trog look around.]] Skuy: Um.. Yes. Sina: Good. Everybody gather it up. Time for you all to play Rocktoss. Wednesday, August 16, 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's place. Skuy watches conversation.]] Sina: Just be sure not to- Voog: -Rocktossing!?- Don't we have enough problems without provoking rocks? Sina: What? Voog: Oh. Wait. Right. Forgot where I was again. Coldzone rocks don't- Voog: I'll just be over here. Sina, thinking: Note to self: never ever visit the Hot Zone. Thursday , August 17 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Sina speaks to Skuy, Fosic the Helipath and Mowder the Troglodyte, among others.]] Sina: I assume that /everyone else/ knows about Rocktoss? Sina: Right. OK. [[As soon as Sina is out of earshot..]] Fosic: Actually, no. But she did not want to hear that answer. Mowder: We'll talk you through it, Fosic. You just- Spot the Gobule: Ahem. "We"? "We" did not win the Tosser Cup three times running. Stand aside. Friday , August 18 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryhall, discussing the disarming of Rhid's traps..]] Spot the Gobule: First off.. I suppose you're gonna say I need hands to toss stuff? Fosic the Helipath: Um.. no? Spot: Oh. Right. OK. {{Helipaths have no hands, only tentacles.}} Spot: What's the target? Sina: Anything in the last alcove on the left that looks like a GBOL containment sphere. Spot: Right. [[Spot's tongue reaches for a rock.]] Spot: BLAAA! [[It/he tosses the rock.]] ((toss)) [[It zooms directly towards a sphere held in a spider-like web.]] ((BLAT)) Fosic: Impressive, in a repellant sort of way.. Spot: Thanks! Saturday , August 19 , 2006 [[Inisde Crazy Rhid's entryway.]] Sina: All right everyone. Grab your rocks. [[Skuy's hand reaching for a rock on the ground.]] Sina: ..or bits of metal bowl.. [[Fosic the Helipath's tentacles reaching for two rocks.]] Sina: But stay out of the alcoves, even the one with the way out, for now! [[Mowder the Troglodyte's hand hesitating as it reaches for a rock which is shaped like one of Rhid's bombs.]] Sina: And don't pick up any of Rhid's bombs! Mowder: Ah! Er.. Hm.. Sunday , August 20 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Skuy and Fosic the Helipath are holding rocks. Voog the Wyrm watches.]] Sina: First, everybody just toss a general volley into the target alcove. [[Said volley goes flying.]] ((thump CRACK BANG crunch POW)) [[From the targeted alcove..]] ((splut)) Fosic: That was encouragingly anticlimactic. Sina: Mm. Monday , August 21 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's]] Skuy: Do you want us to lob another volley? Sina: No. We can't drag this out, the smell of smoke is getting worse and worse. [[They go around the corner.]] Sina: We're going to take a careful look.. exam.. whatever, of the exit alcove. [[The exit alcove. A mounted bowl burns with purple flame. An open doorway has small spheres attached to it.]] Tuesday , August 22 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway, Skuy looks in a targeted alcove for the blinded Sina. Voog the Wyrm looks as well.]] Sina: So, anything in there? Skuy: Not really.. [[A closeup of the exit door.]] Skuy: There are webs.. or something.. stretched over the exit.. Sina: I /smell/ something. [[A firepot with slightly purplish flame.]] Skuy: Yes, there's one firepot. It's filled with.. Skuy: Oh. Skuy: Oh dear. Wednesday , August 23 , 2006 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's "entrance hall". Voog the Wyrm is present. Skuy turns sharply]] Sina the Gnoll: What? What is it? Skuy: Mowder! You need to get out of here! Rhid has a big pot of- Mowder, from off-screen: BLAAAARRRGGH! Spot the Gobule, from off-screen: Whoa! Nice distance! You could give Nash A run for the Hurler's Cup! Skuy: ..Trog repellent.. Thursday , August 24 , 2006 [[Inside Rhid's entryway.]] Skuy: Are you all right, Mowder? [[Mowder has just thrown up thanks to Trog repellant.]] Mowder: Oh, I'm just dandy. Sina: Good. Go back along the line, and keep any other Trogs out of here. Sina: Now, Skuy.. about these "webs" over the door.. Friday, August 25, 2006 [[Sina and Skuy in Rhid's place.]] Sina: Those "webs" completely cover the exit? Rhid couldn't get through without removing them? Skuy: I guess.. Sina: . . . Mowder! Wait a second [[Mowder, looking peeved.]] Mowder: What? Sina: If there are any other Ghasts on the line, send them forward. [[A closeup of one of Rhid's bombs attached to a "web" on the exit door.]] Mowder: Why? Sina: I need information on Dornbeasts. Saturday , August 26 , 2006 [[Inside Rhid's entryway.]] Voog: Why do you want to know about Dornbeasts? Sina: Rhid. [[An outline of Rhid grinning evilly.]] Voog: Huh? Sina: I've talked to him now. He may be "crazy", but.. Sina: ..he has /reasons/ for doing things. Sina: ..and I've got a theory about the one he used when setting up all of this. Voog: Um. OK. But meanwhile the elevator fire is still burning.. Sina: I'm making sure we /reach/ the fire. Now hush. Sunday , August 27 , 2006 [[A large group waiting inside Rhid's entryway: A Jibjib (Steenth), Maggle the Troglodyte, Spot the Gobule, Fosic the Helipath, and Sina and Skuy.]] Anonymous voice: this is crazy. Sina: I said /hush/. Monday , August 28 , 2006 [[Mowder the Troglodyte walks back along the bucket-chain, looking at Sepferb the Ghast lying on the floor. Behind them are Krink the Gnoll, an unnamed Ooze, and a Motihaul Wearing A Hat.]] Mowder, thinking: I'd ask him about Dornbeasts, but I don't think he's in the mood to talk.. Tuesday , August 29 , 2006 [[In the Basement. In the foreground, Snerd the Gnoll walks silently along. In the background can be seen Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax.]] Sylvester: So where does that drophole drain to? Camora: Down to Bowel Hall. That's where all waste goes. Mostly. Wednesday , August 30 , 2006 [[In the Basement. As indicated by a large sign/spray of graffiti on the wall, it is near Bowel Hall. Hiblehoy the Motihaul is dragging Leny's body, accompanied by Wrawa, who is suffering from multiple Rhidbomb-blasts.]] Hiblehoy: Wrawa, are you /sure/ about this? Don't you want to take Leny to the Great Cha- Wrawa, very raggedly: He didn't WANT tor take the Plunge. Wanted to be USEFUL. Taking him to rendering. Thursday , August 31 , 2006 [[Inside their nitch, Tuft and Dap have just witnessed a mangled and smoking Rhid stumble by. Dap is stacking the rocks which Leny piled on top of him.]] Tuft: Was that who I think it was? Dap: If you say you're still bored, I'll be forced to hit you with a rock. Just warning you. Friday , September 1 , 2006 [[Outside Le Tree, Hopobefevfer the Ghast is holdiing Speck the Gobule as she questions her. Behind them, a dangerous-looking flame-device manned by a small Wyrm is being pushed into view.]] Hopo: You're sure the male Ghast at the elevator had a crescent and two circles in his LFT? {{LFT = Little Floaty Thing}} Speck: Um, Yeah. An I'm sure 'bout something else, too: I'm outta here.. Saturday , September 2 , 2006 [[Preznit the Council Charibeing sits in the Council chambers, besieged with information and advice.]] Eyebolt Voice: fights are breaking out near the Bart- Gnoll Voice: -haven't heard anything about the elevator- Helipath Voice: -And something has stirred up the Gobule- Motihaul Voice: Preznit we need to order a full mobilization. [[Faldstool the Eyebolt in Mr. Nevus's front office, talking on an aurilnode.]] Faldstool: You deployed the flamespewer!? /I did not authorize that! Bring it back at once!/ Voice: . . . Faldstool: NO! Voice: . . . Faldstool: Mr. Nevus is UNAVAILABLE! Sunday, September 3, 2006 [[{{The first Subshaft 44f strip. The gnolls are named Cully, Chunner, and Crud in their next appearance.}} [[Two male gnolls, dimly lit and very dirty, are just standing there, facing the reader. There's no dialogue.]] [[The light level brightens enough so we can see the gnolls' facial features. Still no dialogue.]] [[A new younger gnoll joins them. He looks at them uncertainly while they glance at him.]] Middle gnoll: You must be the new guy. Right gnoll: Welcome to SubShaft 44f! Monday , September 4 , 2006 [[In the Basement, Digger makes his way along a corridor.]] ((shuffle shuffle shuffle)) [[Deep in the Hot Zone, Fizmo the Nome, still wearing her protective suit, climbs Human-sized stairs.]] ((climb climb cllmb)) [[In the Forest of E, Piu, Vezza, Umboz and Nitfol the Nomes hike along, followed by one of their Pale escorts.]] ((hike hike hike)) Vezza: Are we there yet? Umboz: No. Tuesday , September 5 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw, Niddle and Ig the Saur stand on the hill which is called "The Pit".]] Niddle: What were we doing up here, again? Wednesday , September 6 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on top of "The Pit"]] Comshaw: Niddle! Niddle: Hi. Comshaw: You're all right? Niddle: . . . Niddle: This is one of those trick questions, isn't it? Comshaw: You're all right. Thursday , September 7 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on the hill called "The Pit".]] Comshaw: Why did the Pales take you? Niddle: I think they- Oh, hi, Ig. Ig the Saur: Uh.. hi. Niddle: What? [[An outline of the blast of Maigc/light shooting from the top of the Pit.]] Comshaw: How the Zark do you know his name? Niddle: Oh. That was the Fire. And I think that's why the Pales took me. Friday, September 8, 2006 [[Niddle stands in shock. All of these are silhouettes with rainbow/"Fire" in the background.]] Comshaw: What do you mean, it was the Fire? Niddle: When it turned on.. I saw things. [[Comshaw and Ig]] Niddle: You and Ig, chasing after us. [[Mortimer]] Niddle: Mortimer, and the Nome v- Comshaw: *"Mortimer?!"* Saturday , September 9 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on the hill called "The Pit". Ig the Saur listens to the conversation.]] Comshaw: You /saw/ Mortimer? The demon who started the Nome War? Niddle: I thought the war started because we and the Nomes were all crowded together and fighting over limited resources. Comshaw: . . . Comshaw: OK. Fine. Comshaw: But it was one of the Nomes' mines blowing up that /triggered/ the war. Comshaw: It was a demon named Mortimer who caused /that/ to happen. [[An outline of Comshaw's grandfather Compline listening to a Nome who has been chained to the wall.]] IgSaur: The demon just handed out his name? The stories all say they never- Comshaw: According to the prisoner that Compline questioned, that was the name he used. Sunday , September 10 , 2006 [[While in the Forest of E, Comshaw discusses the Nome War. An outline of Comshaw's grandfather Compline and his mate Caytid, being menaced by some tooth-like shapes.]] Comshaw: Compline planned to investigate the Nome's story after the war, but... Comshaw: ...then he and Caytid disappeared during the Sneech attack.. [[Two Gnolls arguing, while a third, armed with dagger, stands to one side looking disgusted.]] Comshaw: ...and his lieutenants fell to squabbling over the spoils of war.. Comshaw: ..and the demon and his name were mostly forgotten. Mostly.. Monday , September 11 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on The Pit.]] Ig the Saur: How come you know so much about Compline? Comshaw: . . . Niddle: Compline was one of his grandfathers. [[An outline of Comfrey, balancing a glowgem and looking smug.]] IgSaur: So.. wait.. does that means that- Comshaw: Yes. Yes. Comfrey was my father. Comshaw: And yes, I know what he did up here, or tried to do. Me, my mother, Clerihew.. we've all spent our whole Zarking lives trying to live it down! Move onto to a new topic! Ig: Um.. OK... Who is Clerihew? Tuesday , September 12 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at "the Pit", Comshaw and Niddle talk to Ig the Saur.]] Comshaw: Sigh. Clerihew was my parent's Finagler. [[An outline of a young Comshaw (who has hair) with Clerihew.]] Comshaw: He was a good person. He's dead now, but he and my mother.. they helped me become the person /I/ am. Ig: Oh. Well. That's good. Comshaw: You don't know what a Finagler is, do you? Ig, cheerfuilly: Not a clue! Wednesday , September 13 , 2006 [[Out in the Forest, at "the Pit"]] Niddle: Ig, a Finagler is like a Schemer. Sort of. Only.. well.. better. Comshaw: Huh? Ig: Oh. OK. Comshaw: The Gnolls out here still use *Schemers*? They really *are* a bunch of slackjawed cretins! Ig: Course, that doesn't really help cuz Splat won't ever tell me what Schemers *do.* Thursday , September 14 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on "The Pit". Ig the Saur listens to the conversation.]] Niddle: Comshaw, you shouldn't sneer. There are still people back home who use Schemers. Comshaw: What? No there aren't! Niddle: Yes. There are. I've talked to two of them. Schemers. Comshaw: What? You hardly ever leave our nest! When- Niddle: People come to me. I'm the best Finagler in the world. Comshaw: WHAT? Friday , September 15 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on the "the Pit"]] Comshaw: You let /strangers/ into our nest? Niddle: I talk to them through the door. I can smell and hear them and.. that's enough. Comshaw: When do you have /time/ to meet these.. /people/ alone? Niddle: You're out Poking. Camora is out shouting at people. I have all the time in the world. Comshaw: /Why are you causing me to yell at you for no good reason?!/ Niddle: I'm sorry. I can't promise it won't happen again. Saturday , September 16 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on "The Pit". Comshaw turns away in anger]] Ig the Saur: Um.. Niddle.. was it? Niddle: Yes, Ig? IgSaur: Why do you talk to Schemers if they're so bad? Niddle: Schemers aren't bad.Finaglers are just better. Niddle: And some year.. something will come along and replace us. Times change. The species progresses. Niddle: Sadly, people just can't aceept that, and spend their lives clinging to the inferior, as long as it is familiar. Sunday, September 17, 2006 [[Meanwhile, in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Um.. hello, sirs. My name is Cully. Chunner: Chunner. Crud: And I'm Crud! Cully: Crud? Not the Crud who grew that giant killer b- Chunner: sigh.. ((poing)) {{Crud's eyes pop open wide.}} [[Crud attacks Cully.]] Crud: RRRAARRRGGH! Cully: Eeeiie!! Chunner: The bean's kinda a touchy subject, kid. I've found it's best to not harp on it. Monday , September 18 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on "The Pit"]] Ig the Saur: Still.. why do you talk to Schemers? Niddle: Because being exposed to different viewpoints on the subject helps me be a better Finagler. Niddle: ..You know, if you could introduce me to a /forest/ Schemer, I would be grateful. IgSaur: Really? /How/ grateful? Niddle: Well, I- Comshaw: OK! Gonna have to step back in here! Tuesday , September 19 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on "The Pit"]] Niddle: Comshaw! Comshaw: Niddle. You're not.. feeling neglected, are you? By Camora and I? Niddle: Neglected? Of course not! You're the best mated couple in the world! If something ever happened to me, you'd have Finaglers lined up to take my place! Comshaw: Um.. why? Niddle: Because you're the best. [[Outlines of Sina and Sprocket, facing in opposite directions. Sprocket studies a small white object he is holding in a tool.]] Comshaw: No, I meant, why are we the- Niddle: The only ones who come close are Sina and Sprocket, and they haven't even set up their Nest yet. Wednesday , September 20 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on "The Pit"]] Ig the Saur: Sina and Sprocket are Gnolls? Comshaw: Yes. Sina's big problem is that she thinks she wants me. [[An outline of Sina looking on worshipfully as Comshaw strikes a heroic pose on a crag of rock, complete with flag attached to his poking stick.]] Comshaw: But she doesn't. She wants Comshaw the Heroic Poker. Comshaw: And that person doesn't exist. Thursday , September 21 , 2006 [[An outline of Sprocket and Flange looking at the reader.]] Ig the Saur: And Sprocket? Comshaw: Along with his partner Flange the Helipath, he's the best Mechanic in the world. /His/ prob- IgSaur: Best what? [[Outlines of Comshaw being menaced by tentacles, and Sprocket being menaced by mechanical grippers.]] Comshaw: Mechanic. A lot like Pokers, really. Except instead of dealing with people.. they deal with machines. Ig: With what? Comshaw: sigh.. Friday , September 22 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on "The Pit".]] Comshaw: Machines.. You forestfolk are lucky in a way. All the humans left up here were piles of rocks. [[Ig the Saur stares at him.]] Comshaw: What? [[One of the large white tusk-like object which stick out of the ground at The Pit.]] Comshaw: Oh. Right. The Pit. Comshaw: OK. The Pit is, I guess, a very big machine. Saturday , September 23 , 2006 [[An outline of Sprocket the Gnoll walking past a trampled Skoil the Gnoll.]] Comshaw: But anyway.. /Sprocket's/ problem is that he spends all his time with machines, which don't think or feel.. [[A Helipath looking with bemusement at a loving Troglodyte couple.]] Comshaw: And Flange.. who is decent enough, but is also a Helipath, and thus when it comes to love and romance, is just about as bad as a machine... [[Sprocket and Sina yelling at each other. Sprocket throws away a wrench in frustration.]] Comshaw: And so while Sprocket's attracted to Sina, he doesn't know how to handle it, and they always end up /arguing/.. Sunday, September 24, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: I.. (cough) I won't mention the you-know-what again.. Chunner: Probably a wise policy. Cully: Um.. Mr. Chunner? Is there.. anything else Mr. Crud.. doesn't like to talk about? Chunner: Mugwumps. ((poing)) {{Chud's eyes pop open wide.}} [[Chud attacks Chunner.]] Cully: What's a mugwump? Chunner: Never.. able to.. find out.. Monday , September 25 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on "The Pit"]] Ig the Saur: So what yer saying is, Sprocket and Sina are only /halfway/ down the trail to couplehood. Comshaw: hm? IgSaur: They haven't figgered out that after the fighting comes the /making up/. IgSaur: ..that reminds me, I need to go make up with Narda. Been about two days since she kicked me out of her nook, that's about right.. Tuesday , September 26 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, near "The Pit". Comshaw talks to Ig the Saur.]] Comshaw: You're right about arguments. They make up a big part of Camora and I's relationship.. Comshaw: heh. Comshaw: ..you asked about Mimsy earlier. She and I never argued. Maybe that's why it didn't work out. Comshaw: Mimsy hardly talks, let alone argue. Strange girl. I wonder why I didn't see that at the time. Niddle: She dazzled you with her radient [sic] beauty. Comshaw: There was that, yes. Wednesday , September 27 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, near "The Pit"]] Comshaw: Alright. As fascinating as all this is, we need to get back to important matters. Niddle. Why did the Pales take you? Niddle: They.. I don't think they knew. Someone just told them to do it. Comshaw: The Nex. Niddle: . . . Comshaw, you need to be careful around that Pale that was leading them. He's very dangerous. Comshaw: Yes yes. Thrash is big and bad. Thanks. Niddle: And angry. And scared. Thursday , September 28 , 2006 [[Outlines of Nidlde being herded by Thrash and his helpers.]] Comshaw: Thrash was scared? Of what? Niddle: I don't know. It wasn't anything he *said*. [[Outlines of two Pales working together, communicating without talking.]] Niddle: ..it wasn't a smell, either.. but it was all over him. Ig: That's why Pales don't talk. They don't need to. Friday , September 29 , 2006 [[An outline of two Pales sending some sort of non-verbal signal between themselves. A Saur is able to half-overhear.]] Comshaw: What do you mean, Pales don't need to talk? Ig the Saur: Those points on their heads. They send out.. noises.. that only other Pales can hear. IgSaur: ..mostly. [[In the Forest of E, near "The Pit".]] Comshaw: You could have shared that little nugget of information /before/ I confronted them. Ig: Oh. Right. Guess I could have. Saturday , September 30 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at the base of "The Pit".]] Comshaw: So you're saying that other people can hear these "Pale sounds"? Ig the Saur: Yeah. And come to think it, some of 'em are Schemers.. Niddle: Hearing stuff other people don't is what Finaglers and Schemers /do./ Sunday, October 1, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Mr. Chunner? If Mr. Crud is here because of the.. B-word.. why are you here? Chunner: I came for the beetles. [[Pause. No dialogue in panel two. Cully looks around.]] Cully: But.. sir? There aren't any- Cud (whispering): Scuttlebutt is, he was misinformed. Monday , October 2 , 2006 [[Outline of two Pales with a non-verbal signal between them, broken with a question mark.]] Comshaw: So, how far apart does this no-talking thing of the Pales work? Ig the Saur: I dunno. IgSaur: Not from one end of the forest to the other. [[Outline of the Nex's arm pointing at a Pale with another signal/question mark between them.]] Comshaw: And the Nex! Can it.. no-talk.. /better/ than the other Pales? IgSaur: I dunno. Ig: Some of us think that extra thingy Slash has on his head has to do with the Nex... [[Outline of Ig watching questioningly as Splat the Gnoll falls out the sky and splats on the ground.]] Comshaw: And since when did you start hanging out with that idiot /Splat?/ IgSaur: I dunno. IgSaur: He just dropped by one day. Tuesday , October 3 , 2006 [[An outline of a Nome and Mortimer turned into a Nome.]] Comshaw: Fine. Niddle. Niddle: Um.. Yes? Comshaw: This "Mortimer" person the Fire showed you, what did he look like? Niddle: ..Like a Nome.. [[An outline of a Nome and Mortimer as himself.]] Niddle: except.. Comshaw: yess? Niddle: He was taller. Tall as a Motihaul. And he wasn't wearing a hat. [[Outline of Comshaw meeting Rosemary and Sylvester, who are extra-scary.]] Comshaw: And let me guess. His ears and snout were all rounded off. Niddle: I.. yes. How did you know? Comshaw: It was two of his friends who ate that Dornbeast. Although they were wearing hats.. Wednesday , October 4 , 2006 [[The Forest of E.]] Ig the Saur: You talked to a pair of /demons/? And lived? Comshaw: I don't know. I think maybe they were Humans, not demons. I didn't linger. IgSaur: Humans, demons, what the difference? ... and Humans still /exist/? Comshaw: They live up in God's Cactus. Maybe it's just a matter of degree.. but they're not as bad as the Operator. Or even Chauncy and Edgar. Thursday , October 5 , 2006 [[The Mansion of E, as seen from the Forest of E.]] Ig the Saur: God's what? Comshaw: Oh.. right. You all call it.. what did Boffin say.. the Piller, or something? IgSaur: Huh? Comshaw: The stone construct. Over that way. Tallest biggest thing in the entire world? Ig: Oh! /The Stump./ Right. Comshaw: Right. Friday , October 6 , 2006 [[The Forest of E, on the "The Pit"]] Comshaw: A stump's what left after you 'chop' a tree, right? Ig the Saur: Or it falls down in a storm or something, yes. Comshaw: And that's what you call the biggest landmark in the world IgSaur: Yes? Comshaw: Not "the Big Stump" or "the Stone Stump" or, or.. "Mergatroid's Stump." Ig: ... who's Mergatroid? Comshaw: sigh. I wanna go home. Saturday , October 7 , 2006 [[The Forest of E.]] Niddle: We're going home? Comshaw: No, Niddle. I just /want/ to go home. Niddle: Oh. [[Ig the Saur listens behind Comshaw.]] Comshaw: To be honest, I don't know /what/ to do now. I don't think "Buzz" was lying, and whatever he was talking about hasn't happened yet. Comshaw: We could still try and find out what that "auction" was all about, but Shona will have warned Nevus and the other two we're here by now.. Niddle: I know my suggestions are usually stupid.. but.. do you want to hear what else I saw in the Fire? Comshaw: There's a good idea. Glad I thought of it. Sunday, October 8, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Well.. anyway, Sirs. I'm here because... well, I-- Crud: We know. You got into all that trouble with Mr. Nevus. Chunner: And no one would hire you, and you needed a place to hide. Cully: Um. Yes. Right. Cully: I guess, pretty much everyone heard- Chunner: Kid, if we have heard about something, by /definition/ everyone's heard it. Crud: Heard about what? Monday , October 9 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Niddle is recounting his experience with the Magic-blast at "The Pit". There are Outlines of Frowgler and The Woman of Mystery, both with vague shapes around them.]] Niddle: I saw a lot of things I didn't understand.. Names, all mixed up.. [[An Outline of Mortimer meeting the Shopbot in the World O' Pots basement.]] Niddle: Mortimer, whatever he is.. was in a room with piles of.. stuff.. and he was talking to this.. other things. It looked sort of like a trundlebug, but it was huge.. it was a /metalmin/.. Tuesday , October 10 , 2006 [[Niddle recounting his experience inside the blast of Fire/Magic. An outline of Shona the Gnoll and Snerk the Saur. Shone looks nervoux, Snerk is running along, holding something concealed behind a question mark.]] Niddle: I saw Shona, and another Saur named Snerk. Snerk was scared, and he was carrying something, but.. I couldn't see.. Niddle: I could "smell" something, though, on both of them. Like Thrash.. Niddle: but not like him.. it was nice.. like their minds had been rolling in fresh sweetmoss.. {{They had been to the past, and been exposed to fully-flowing magic.}} Wednesday , October 11 , 2006 [[Niddle describes what he saw when exposed to the Fire/magic of the Pit. Outlines of Agorn the Gnoll, Nevus riding on Mimsy, and Agita.]] Niddle: Mimsy and Nevus and Agita and Guttle and.. a bunch of other people from back home.. are all up here, but they are heading.. um.. back home.. [[An outline of Guttle alone.]] Niddle: But not together. Guttle is very angry about something. Niddle: But I guess that's always true.. Thursday , October 12 , 2006 [[Nidlde is describing what he saw when caught in the blast of Fire/magic at the Pit. An outline of the Nomish village in the forest, which is made up of "Hometrees". The blast is in the background.]] Niddle: I saw the Nome village! Did you know they live /inside/ trees? Comshaw: Yes, Niddle. Ig the Saur: I'd heard rumors! Friday, October 13, 2006 [[outlines of Nomes, backed by Fire aka a rainbow]] Niddle: I saw a whole bunch of Nomes and can give you their names if you really want, but most of them weren't doing anything interesting.. [[Frotz shoots a glance.]] [[A male Nome speaks cheerfully.]] {{This is Blorb, who has not been named on-screen. He was at Umboz's framing.}} [[A Nome priest lights a candle.]] [[A Nome guard stands on duty.]] [[A female Nome speaks angrily, carrying a broom.]] ((This is Zifmia, who has been named, but not while her image is shown.}} [[A female Nome grins evilly, holding a smoking tube while next to a bowl filled with round objects.]] {{This is Tiza, an unmarried Nome whom Vezza described as "smelling funny".}} Saturday , October 14 , 2006 [[Niddle describes what he saw when exposed to the Fire/magic of the Pit. Outlines of Vezza, Umboz and Nitfol.]] Niddle: The ones who are doing something interesting are named Vezza, Umboz and Nitfol.. [[Outline of two Pales.]] Niddle: ..along with two Pales, named.. um.. sort of.. "Fetch" and "Stepit". . [[Outline of part of the Pale's Camp.]] Niddle: They are going to the Camp. But.. I'm not sure why that is interesting.. Ig the Saur: Going to the /what/? Niddle: The Camp. You know. The Pale's [sic] home. Sunday, October 15, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: So.. um.. anyway, Sirs... What do w- {{ >o< }} [[Cully turns to look at the wall.]] Cully: Are those stalagmites /painted/ on the wall? Chunner: You were expecting real stalagmites? Where do you think you are, SubShaft 23? Crud: You only wish that was paint! Monday , October 16 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Niddle the Gnoll is carrying a glowing gem.]] Ig the Saur: The Camp? That's what you Undergrounders call the Pales' Home? Comshaw the gnoll: No, most people don't even know or care about- Niddle: That's what the Pales call it. [[Ig and Comshaw stare at him.]] Niddle: Or at least that's what Fetch and Stepit call it. I think. Pales have very strange minds. Tuesday , October 17 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Near"The Pit."]] Ig the Saur: Why do the Pales call their home "The Camp?" Niddle: I dunno. [[Outline of a Pale with an arrow leading to a generic Nome with slots to fill and another arrow to the Camp.]] IgSaur: But you just said you can read their minds! Niddle: No.. I got a.. sniff.. of what they were thinking at the moment the Fire hit me. "Pick up Target Nome #4 and take them all back to the Camp." Niddle: Roughly. Wednesday, October 18, 2006 [[In the forest of E]] Comshaw: You didn't know that the Pales call their home the Camp? Ig: No! Nobody did! People call it the nest, the hive, the Home.. Ig: Pales never *volunteer* information about *anything*. And if any non-Pale's ever been taken to the.. Camp, they've never come back to tell about it. Thursday , October 19 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. Near the Pit.]] Comshaw: You want us to go rescue a bunch of Nomes? Ig the Saur: What? No! /Zark/, no! IgSaur: I mean.. [[Outline of Ig casually meeting Vezza and Umboz.]] Ig: Umboz and Vezza are OK, sorta. I see them around sometimes. He's one of those ""squidticklers"" or whatver, and she's his daughter. Ig: But go near /the Camp/? That's too much entertainment, even for me.. Niddle: They were going to the Camp willingly. Ig: OK, now I /know/ you're making things up. Ig: Umboz might be that dumb, but, while I wouldn't cross a clearing to help him, /Nitfol/ has some brains. Friday , October 20 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at the base of "The Pit"]] Niddle: Nitfol was repaying some debt, and also felt- Comshaw: I believe you, Niddle, but we're /not/ chasing after a bunch of Nomes, whether they went willingly or kicking and screaming. Comshaw: What else did you see? [[Outline of a female Saur eating something, a Tree Squid hanging upside down, and a Giant Spyder with numbers behind hir/it.]] Niddle: Oh. Um. I saw.. a bunch of.. um.. extra forest people.. but again, none of them were doing anything interesting.. [[Outline of Nellie Grubb, standing in the distance.]] Niddle: But there was one more.. waaay over there somewhere.. I think she's another like Mortimer.. but it's weird, she thinks of her name as broken into two pieces: Nellie. Grubb. Niddle: She was headed to some place called.. "The Village".. but I can't quite understand where that is.. Saturday , October 21 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at the base of "The Pit".]] Comshaw: That's all you saw? Niddle: That's all I understood. Comshaw: OK. Ig. I've heard of Snerk, he's had dealings with us.. undergrounders. But what can you tell me about him? Ig the Saur: Poor Snerk. He tries way too hard, and needs to learn to relax. Comshaw: Great. But does he also work for that "Boss"? IgSaur: N- . . you know. . he /didn't/, but. . come to think of it, I haven't seen him around lately. And I wouldn't be at all surprised if that's where he's been . . Sunday, October 22, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Why did you.. smear.. stalagmites on the walls? Sirs? Chunner: Not us. Crud: It was Cunskite. The fellow you're replacing. [[Cully thinks about this. No dialogue in panel two.]] Cully: I don't want to know why he did that, or what happened to him, do I? Chunner: Couldn't say for sure, but no, kid, you /probably/ don't. Crud: Poor old Cunskite.. Monday , October 23 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, at the base of "The Pit".]] Comshaw: This Mortimer, he's close by, but underground? Niddle: Yes. Over that way. Comshaw: Is that possible? Ig the Saur: Sure. There are pits and holes and such everywhere. Some good stuff in them, sometimes. Comshaw: OK then. IgSaur: Of course, a lot of them are also crawling with Lurkers and Tunnel Rats.. Tuesday , October 24 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on "The Pit". Ig the Saur listens to the conversation.]] Niddle: You've decided what we're going to do, haven't you? Comshaw: Yes. What I should have done this morning, instead of panicking and running off. What the /Council/ should have done weeks ago, instead of sending Dornbeasts to be killed. Comshaw: I'm going to find this Mortimer and /talk/ to him. We need to learn once and for all what these Humans are, and what they want. Comshaw: And since it's the same direction, who knows. Maybe we'll bump into one of our auction friends as well.. Wednesday , October 25 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E. At the base of "The Pit".]] Comshaw: Guess this is where we part ways, Ig. You've earned- Ig the Saur: No. I'll come along for now. Comshaw: But- IgSaur: I don't think you'll find this Mortimer, or if you do, that he's really Human. IgSaur: But whatever /does/ happen, it will be entertaining. Ig: Just.. if he /is/ Human, I'll desert you in a heartbeat. Comshaw: So. One of us maintains a modicum of sanity. Comshaw: Let's be off. Thursday , October 26 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw and Niddle the Gnolls depart the "Pit" with Ig the Saur.]] Ig: ... What's a metalmin? Comshaw: Something to discuss while we walk.. Friday , October 27 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E, on the side of "The Pit". Comshaw's voice fades as he, Niddle and Ig the Saur walk away.]] [[Silence.]] [[From behind the hill..]] ((BUZZ whirr CLICK)) [[A robot's head peaks into view from behind the hill.]] ((peek)) Saturday , October 28 , 2006 Narration: At various places around the Forest [[Glorf the Nome stands inside Piu the Nome's abandoned Hometree. Behind him, a bowl of glop crawls away.]] [[Shona reports her recent meeting with Frowgler to Nevus, who is riding on Mimsy the Gnoll's head. No audible dialogue.]] [[Snerk the Saur has arrived at the clearing where Mortimer and Nitfol were attacked by a Spyder. The Spyder hangs dead in the remains of its web.]] Sunday, October 29, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: So.. um. When he sent me down here, Mr. Coprolite wasn't very.. Was he assigning people when you were sent down here, Sirs? Chunner: We know him, kid. Crud: Coprolite's been here longer than anyone! Cully: That would explain all those lichens growing on him... Crud: Oh no! They are why /he/ was sent down here! Chunner: And there was that regrettable incident with the blobwarts. Crud: Oh yes, but he's /much/ better now! Monday , October 30 , 2006 Narration: A short diversion.. [[In the Mansion. The Woman of Mystery walks along, trailed by her "pet" balloon. In the back ground is a green statue of a one-eyed Gobule-like critter with the label ZNUTAR on its base]] {{This is an Awful Green Thing from the board game of the same name.}} [[More walking. It grows darker.]] [[Darker still. The WoM pauses.]] WoM: eh? [[A bright yellow light appears ahead of her; the source is off-panel.]] WoM, thinking: /aah/.. Time for /that/ again already, is it? Tuesday , October 31 , 2006 [[The words HAPPY HALLOWEEN float overhead, in large glowing orange letters. The Woman of Mystery stands underneath, making a "claw" with one hand. Her pet balloon also floats nearby, having changed to a jack-o-lantern motif.]] WoM: Boo. Wednesday , November 1 , 2006 [[In the Basement of the former Eetown World O' Pots. Rufus rises from the floor as Mortimer watches. Behind them sits the Shopbot.]] Narration: Meanwhile, in a basement under the forest.. Mortimer: Are you all right, Rufus? Rufus: From the looks of things, I'm the one who should be asking that. Been having another of your Special Days, have you? Mortimer: ... I still know where my Fleeb Sack is. I guess that's something.. Thursday , November 2 , 2006 [[In what was once the basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: When I asked if you were all right, it wasn't just about me scaring you... Mortimer: ..you've been gone so long. Everyone was starting to worry about you. Rufus: "Everyone?" I seriously doubt that. [[Mortimer offers his hand to Rufus.]] Mortimer: Well.. Sylvester and I were. Rufus: OK, that I can believe. And it /is/ good to see you. [[Outline showing a postcard featuring a parrot and labelled GREETINGS FROM OONGAWA]] Rufus: ... Have you heard from Mom and Lil more recently than me? Mortimer: We got a postcard from Oongawa a couple of weeks ago. Wherever that is.. Friday , November 3 , 2006 [[In what used to be the basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Rufus: Oongawa. Capital city of Kuzco, one of the last organized nation-states you can visit before entering the Deep Jungles. Rufus: Known for its Goof Parrots, and pre-Crash, its high quality coffee beans. Linus collected specimens there during his Expedition to the Jungles. [[An outline of a young Rufus listening to a formal lecture, as a young Mortimer doesn't listen.]] Mortimer: How do you know all of that? Rufus: It's a lifetime failing of mine. I pay attention to people. Even old Oswald, giving us one of his geography lectures. [[Young Lenore and Sylvester, also listening to the lecture.]] Mortimer: Sylvester and Lenore paid attention to Mr. Pavinpan, too. Rufus: Yes. They did. But only because Sylvester didn't want to look like a total idiot when he went away to the University, and Lenore because she wanted to be smarter than Sylvester. Saturday , November 4 , 2006 [[In the former Basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Rufus: Speaking of Lenore.. she still in the Capital, I assume? Mortimer: You saw the last letter she sent. The one where she said all that about- Rufus: Right. Such language. Rufus: And Ace? Still Out West somewhere? Mortimer: Yes. He was working for Grandpa Mundivagant for a while. But now.. those stories in the Times about Out West.. I suppose he's the one we should really be worrying about. Rufus: Naah. Ace'll live to be 100, kill the bad guy, get the girl, have lots of kids and die peacefully in his bed. Rufus: It's the rest of us who need to worry. Which is what we really need to talk about.. Sunday, November 5, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: So... Sirs.. Mr. Coprolite is being punished as well? Chunner: And his supervisor. Draffsack. Crud: And /his/ supervisor. Egrote! Cully: Where does it end? Chunner: Agita. Guttle. Zanoola. Cully: Um.. Who's Zanoola? Chunner: Nevus's mate. Crud: Rhid told me once that even the /Sneeches/ are being punished.. Monday , November 6 , 2006 [[In the basement of the former Eetown World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: What do you mean, we need to talk? Rufus: Mortimer, don't you wonder /why/ I'm down in this Brush-forsaken hole with only an idiot robot for company? Mortimer: Well, yeah, but, if I asked.. [[An Outline of Mortimer about to fall in a hole while chasing a flutterby with a net.]] Mortimer: ..I was afraid you'd want to know what /I/ was doing down here. Rufus: (sigh) You chased a flutterby or something into the forest, tripped over your shoelaces and fell into a hole. Mortimer: HEY! Even I heard what happened to Quincy! I learned to tie my shoelaces! Tuesday , November 7 , 2006 [[In the basement of the former Eetown World o' Pots.]] Mortimer: I was chased by a shark. And then that Spyder tried to eat me. And- Rufus: But you /did/ finally fall into a hole. [[Rufus turns to go, beckoning with his finger.]] Mortimer: Well, yeah. Rufus: All is right with the world then. Rufus: Come with me. Wednesday , November 8 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: Where are.. we going? Rufus: Someplace better for talking. [[The shopbot sits and does nothing.]] Mortimer: What about your robot? Rufus: I can state with painful authority that "my" robot has absolutely nothing useful to contribute to any conversation. Thursday , November 9 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the World O' Pots, Rufus and Mortimer approach a short section of corridor which is red with glowing symbols, wrapped around the floor and walls. Mortimer carries his sack of fleebs.]] Mortimer: Um.. maybe I'm the last person who has any right to gripe about charging into danger, but.. Rufus: Trust me. I know what I'm doing. Friday , November 10 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots, Mortimer and his brother Rufus stand before a thick red line drawn up the walls of the corridor, inside of which are rune-like shapes which glow.]] Mortimer: What is that thing? Rufus: It's a cloakring. Or rather a section of one. Surrounds a large chunk of the basement, and blocks magical snooping. [[An crude unlabeled map of the basement, showing the cloakring in red.]] Mortimer: Did.. Uncle Fred teach you how to make it? Rufus: Mortimer, I love Uncle Fred but he couldn't build one of these if his life depended on it. Pre-Crash, every World O' Pots of any size had one installed. Saturday , November 11 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots, near a cloakring.]] Mortimer: Why did World O' Pots shield their basements? Rufus: Because the Pales didn't want their competitors over at SchlockMart snooping. [[Outline: a map of the "Mansionland" province of Shibolith.]] {{That is the correct spelling in this case, not Shibboleth.}} Mortimer: Pales? What do they have to do with anything? Rufus: sigh. In which Province did WoP get its start? Mortimer: Um.. Shibolith? [[An outline of a stretch of Shibolithian desert, with a Human fort in the distance.]] Rufus: Yes. And what do you find a lot of in Shibolith? Mortimer: . . . Sand? Cacti? Army bases? [[An outline of a stretch of Shibolithian desert, with a Pale Fort in the distance Rufus: Yes, yes, and yes. But I was thinking of Pale Forts. Sunday, November 12, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Mr Crud? You've talked to Crazy Rhid? Crud: Oh, yes! His insights were most helpful when I was growing my bean! ((poing)) {{Crud's eyes pop open wide.}} [[Crud attacks himself.]] Cully: Mr. Chunner? Do I ask too many questions? Chunner: What do you think Kid? Crud: RRRAARRRGGH! Crud: Eeeiie!! Monday , November 13 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: The Pales /own/ World O' Pots? Rufus: At any one time, various Forts from Shibolith indirectly control about 60% of the company's stock. {{"Shibolith" is the intended spelling.}} [[An outline of Sylvester, possibly, getting information from a shadowy individual.]] Mortimer: And people... human people.. know this? Rufus: It's not announced on the front page of the Times, but /informed/ people, yes. [[An outline of two Pale Forts battling each other.]] Mortimer: But why don't they-\ Rufus: Because, as Oswald told us, Pale Forts all /despise/ each other, and viciously compete in any available arena. Tuesday, November 14, 2006 [[Rufus is lecturing to Mortimer. A postcard reading "Greetings from Agraba"]] Rufus: The aggression between Pales appears to be.. built in. All along the edge of the Great Dry, there are whole Pale empires, stetching hundreds of kilometers. Mortimer: Yes. I saw Mom and Lil's postcards from Agraba. [[Pales fighting in the desert.]] Rufus: Right. And they war against each other constantly, riding to vast and bloody battle on the back of Titanbugs. [[Pales fighting in an office.]] Rufus: The Pales in Shibolith are much less numerous. They can't afford such extravagances. And so they moved their fights to new battlefields... Wednesday , November 15 , 2006 [[An outline of the ruins of a large Schlockmart, alongside a smaller but still operating World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: So.. the Pales who own WoP stock spend all their time fighting with each other? Rufus: Yes. Some cynical souls say that's why the company does so well. Schlockmart was wiped out in the Crash, and here's WoP, reduced, yes, but still chugging along. [[Outline of a collection of Pale weapons.]] Rufus: Even so, the Bureaucracy still might have stepped in and Done Something... Rufus: ..if it wasn't for the weapon situation... Thursday , November 16 , 2006 [[Outline of the young E-siblings climbing on a battletank. Nearby is a mounted Dornbeast skeleton.]] Mortimer: Weapons? Rufus: C'mon, Mortimer. We used to play on Griff's battle-engine in the Hall of Achievement. [[Outline of a Human soldier carrying a large backpack-based energy weapon.]] Rufus: By the time of the Crash, a husky soldier could just about carry the same firepower on his back! [[Outline of the pack blowing up.]] Rufus: But, like just about everything, Zappacks were powered.. Mortimer: By Magic? Rufus: Yes. Friday , November 17 , 2006 [[An outline of a Human soldier accidentally shooting off a crossbow bolt, to the anger of one of his fellows.]] Rufus: Anyhoo. After the Crash, our national army suddenly found itself back using spears and crossbows. [[Outline of a Pale's hand offering a spear, while a Human hand offers a bag of money.]] Rufus: And the Pales make really good.. sharp stabby nonmagical weapons. And they were quite willing to sell them, at reasonable prices. [[Stylized outline of "Mansionland", with monster-infested mountains on one side, and a mass of spears on the other.]] Rufus: Half of the army uses Pale weapons now. It's the best equipped on the entire continent. With the Theklans to the south, and Brush-knows-what lurking under the Barrier Peaks to the north, the Pales racked up a lot of good will. Saturday , November 18 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Rufus: What's the matter? Am I overloading you with information? Mortimer: Well.. a little.. but that's not.. Mortimer: I mean.. is this what you wanted to talk about? Mortimer: Do you think the Pales sold the army weapons that'll break, or something, leaving us defenseless so they can attack? Did the Pales /cause/ the Crash? Mortimer: I'll go tell Sylvester about all of this, but I don't see what even he can... Mortimer: You're staring at me. I'm being stupid, aren't I? Rufus: No. Just the opposite. You raise.. um.. surprisingly valid questions. But none of this is what I wanted to.. Rufus: Sylvester knows all of this already. He's the one who told me about it. Sunday, November 19, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[Panel one has no dialogue.]] [[Cully looks around.]] ((rrrrrrrumm)) Cully: If I don't keep asking questions, nothing's going to happen, is it? Chunner: Impatience. Raw flaming arrogence. /Youth./ Crud: Good news, everyone! It's /chute/ time! ((RRRRUMMMMBBBLLL)) Monday , November 20 , 2006 [[An outline of Sylvester at the University, writing at a desk by candlelight.]] Mortimer: When did Sylvester tell you all of this? Rufus: Various times. He wrote me from the University. You /saw/ the long letters I got from him. [[Outline of Rufus back home at the Mansion, reading the/a letter.]] Mortimer: Why didn't he tell me? Rufus: You didn't care! None of you did, except Lenore, and even before she went off to Rowen, they already weren't speaking to each other anymore! Tuesday , November 21 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: But if Sylvester already knows everything, why do you want to talk to /me/? Rufus: I'm sorry? Mortimer: Well.. I figure the only reason you wanted to talk to me was so that I can pass stuff along to Sylvester. Rufus: Wow. Rufus: Two flawless logical leaps in one day. I'm genuinely impressed. Wednesday , November 22 , 2006 [[Outlines. Two Human military officers, male and female, argue with each other. The female holds a Pale weapon.]] Sylvester: Anyway. To answer your questions.. Yes. There were /bitter/ disputes in the upper levels of the army about whether or not to use Pale weapons... [[Outline. A goggled and masked soldier uses a flamethrower.]] Sylvester: In the end, there was a compromise. Many of the troops use Pale stabbers.. While down in Wirtwam, they've got all those new "Sci" companies working twenty hours a day on non-Magic /Human/ weapons. Thursday, November 23, 2006 [[{{Happy Thanksgiving, 2006}} [[A nervous Niddle, holding a drumstick of some variety, is eyed by an angry Jibjib.]] Friday , November 24 , 2006 [[In the basement of the former Eetown World O' Pots, Rufus give a lecture to Mortimer. An outline of a Pale fort in a desert somewhere.]] Rufus: As for the Pales causing the Crash.. Rufus: It's certainly possible, we still know almost nothing about that horrible day.. [[The same fort on the day of the Crash, being wracked with explosions.]] Rufus: But the Forts all used magic. Just... not for making weapons. Mortimer: You mean like the Isdanlians and their using sails instead of churnboats. Rufus: Yes. Exactly. And the Pales got bit just as hard as folks in Isdanlia, or the Capital, or Audravania. [[An outline of a former churnboat, now equipped with sails, traveling on the sea.]] Rufus: And, by the way, thanks to the Isdanlians being around to teach everyone else in the country how to use sails, we also currently have one of the best navies in the entire Known World. Rufus: Before things started going to pieces Out West.. I guess people were accusing /us/ of causing the Crash... Saturday , November 25 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O'Pots.]] Rufus: As for why I want to talk to you.. [[Stylized outline of Sylvester in the Mansion, reading a newspaper.]] Rufus: Sylvester is very bright, and, for a man who hides in a crumbling pile of stone out at the ass-end of nowhere, is surprisingly well-informed. Rufus: But he doesn't know /everything./ [[Rufus walks past the cloakring.]] Mortimer: And you do? Rufus: I only wish. I just know some things he doesn't. But I'm not discussing it until we're /inside/ the cloakring. Sunday, November 26, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Um.. "chute time"? ((RRRUMMMMBBBLLL)) [[The bottom of the chute appears, pointing directly at Cully.]] ((SHUNK)) Cully: Oh, this can't be good. Chute: ((FLIP)) {{the end flips open}} Crud: Now, you're not going to get anywhere with that kind of attitude! Chunner: Yeah, Kid. just because it's been unspeakably awful the last 523 times.. Monday , November 27 , 2006 [[In what used to be the basement of the Eetown World O' Pots. Rufus has led Mortimer to a band of glowing red symbols which ring the corridor. Mortimer studies them.]] [[Rufus turns back.]] Rufus: What's wrong? Mortimer, pointing: I don't like this thing. I don't like it at all. Tuesday , November 28 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Rufus: What do you mean, you don't like the cloakring? Mortimer: I dunno. I just don't. And why are you worried about magic snooping anyway? Magic doesn't work anymore. [[The Woman of Mystery and the Operator zapping a bit of magic at each other. She looks angry or suspicious, he grins.]] Rufus: Yes it does, Mortimer. Rufus: While the 'Nodes all blew up in the Crash, and the Leylines are all "dead", there are still trickles coming up. The Mansion still operates. Robots still work. And ..people.. with enough skill are still magicians. Wednesday , November 29 , 2006 [[An outline of the Woman of Mystery's hand hovering over her "scrystone."]] Mortimer: You think you're being watched by The Operator, or.. Rufus: Our beloved great-aunt? She does possess a functioning scrystone, so it's certainly /possible/... Rufus: ..but no, they are not the ones I'm worried about. [[An outline of Rufus having tea with the WoM.]] Mortimer: You've gone snooping in her /things/? Rufus: /You're/ the expert lockpick, Mortimer. I've just /talked/ to her. It can be nerve-wracking, but when she's in the mood, she's as good an infosource as Sylvester. Rufus: Zark. What am I saying? She's even /better/. Thursday , November 30 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots. At the cloakring.]] Mortimer: But then who /do/ you think is watching y- Rufus, walkng away: Not until we're well inside the 'ring. [[Mortimer stares after him.]] [[The cloakring.]] [[Mortimer sticks his hand into its field of influence.]] [[He waves his hand.]] [[He's crossed over the perimeter and is inside, carrying his sack of fleebs.]] Mortimer, thinking: still don't like it. Friday , December 1 , 2006 [[In the basement of the former Eetown World O' Pots.]] Rufus: Anyway. If you're wondering why I'm wearing these gloves.. Mortimer: Well, actually, I- [[Rufus looks down a corridor crowded with a variety of objects. Among them, two large candle-shape tapers, connected at the tip. A spool of wire or cable. A cabinet labelled CALIGARI 2000. A box labelled JONES/LURY Co. Dehydrated Tribbles 50 gross. A larger box whose label is mostly obscured: TANGERINE TREES MARMALADE. An object resembling a Gelatinous Cube from Dungeons and Dragons. In the distance is something resembling an oversized snowglobe.]] Rufus: Before the Crash, the WoP people took that slogan of theirs, "Everything you need", /very/ seriously. Rufus: Don't touch /anything/. Saturday , December 2 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: I learned my lesson about touching; I had to crawl through that stupid storeroom to get in here. Rufus: Really. [[A collection of fist-sized globes sitting on a nearby box.]] Rufus: Wow! Look, Mortimer! Highly collectable Zoinkglobes! [[Mortimer looks where Rufus is pointing.]] Mortimer: Just cuz you and Sylvester are smarter than me doesn't mean I'm a /total/ idiot. Rufus: I'm actually beginning to think you may be right. Sunday , December 3 , 2006 [[A depiction of the daguerreotype which Rosemary carries with her: a picture taken at her second birthday has her being held by her Aunt Eva. Rosemary has her foot in her mouth. Eva poses with a pitchfork in her other hand. They both wear party hats. In the background is a fence and an apple tree.]] {{A tribute to the real-life passing of the woman who was the inspiration for Aunt Eva's name.}} Monday , December 4 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots. Mortimer and Rufus walk along a corridor lined with various strange objects: a multiarmed machine, a box that radiates blackness, labelled UMBRAHOUSE BRAND/ ONE (1) BOX OF BLACKNESS/ GRUETOWN WIRTVALE YL, and last a large arch with a downward-pointing "antenna" which creates a gap in the comic, revealing the blue which normally frames each panel. The arch is labelled C&A GAPOMATIC]] ((The last is a reference to the webcomic Casey and Andy.}} Rufus: Before the Crash, many of these items were loaded on airships and shot across the ocean to the colonies on the Far Eastern Shore. Rufus: Why they needed them over there, I can't begin to say. Rufus: Mind the gap. Tuesday , December 5 , 2006 [[In the basement of the former Eetown World O' Pots. Mortimer and Rufus are walking along a corridor. Lined up against the wall are various items. One is a large complicated-looking machine, labeled HULADYNE which has a squash-like "puddling" clamped into it.]] Mortimer: Why is that Wubblepudding there? Rufus: I'll tell you later. {{A reference to the film Buckaroo Banzai}} Wednesday , December 6 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World o' Pots, Mortimer and Rufus walk past a large pile of emergency rations, packaged by the "Eternia" company. The flavors include soylent gray, cram, waybread, fliuff, doombee, leftovers. mustgoes, dinojibjib, sasquatch, gargleblaster, lima beans, victory fluff, and choc. frog. The lima bean package has been ripped open.]] Mortimer: Ooh! I know, no touching, but still, /lima beans!/ Rufus: You can't touch them because they're /mine./ {{"Doombees" were at the time a running gag on the Comic Genesis user-forums.}} Thursday , December 7 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots. Mortimer and Rufus walk past a large crate which leaks ominous fumes and is labelled "1001 really bad ideas".]] Mortimer: Don't most folks already have a lifetime supply of those? Rufus: Well, come December, Sylvester will be looking for a Brushtival gift for Lenore.. Friday, December 8, 2006 [[In the basement of the destroyed World O' Pots]] Rufus: Now -this- I can explain, because I had Shopbot install it here by my door. Just in case. [[A large shot of a set "demon trap", which strongly resembles a large glass wine bottle.]] Rufus, from off-panel: It's a MerrinCorp "Imp-Class" Demontrap. State of the art, the day the Crash hit. Rufus: The Operator could eat it for lunch, probably literally, but for more.. minor.. nuisances, it works a treat. Rufus: Or at least, all the old accounts say. Friday, December 8, 2006 [[In the basement of the destroyed World O' Pots]] Rufus: Now -this- I can explain, because I had Shopbot install it here by my door. Just in case. [[A large shot of a set "demon trap", which strongly resembles a large glass wine bottle.]] Rufus, from off-panel: It's a MerrinCorp "Imp-Class" Demontrap. State of the art, the day the Crash hit. Rufus: The Operator could eat it for lunch, probably literally, but for more.. minor.. nuisances, it works a treat. Rufus: Or at least, all the old accounts say. Saturday , December 9 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Rufus: What's wrong now? Mortimer: Well.. to start with, how does that thing fit in here? It's too tall! [[A close-up of the "cork" on the Demon Trap.]] Rufus: Oh, yes. I had to install a ceiling extender. Mortimer: Ceiling.. OK, Rufus, now I /know/ you're making fun of me. [[An outline of an empty Human hand, extended.]] Rufus: No. Really! The Hammerspace people made them. Mortimer: Who? Rufus: The Hammerspace Company. Down in Wirtwam. You know.. [[The hand is now holding a hammer.]] Rufus: They made those magic "Poke-Kits". Gave travellers extra-dimensional storage space. Rufus: Wish I could have found one of those down here.. Sunday, December 10, 2006 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Something's coming. ((tink)) ((tink)) {{from the chute}} [[Something small falls out of the chute and bonks Cully's snout.]] ((tink)) ((bonk)) Cully: um.. ow, but still, Sirs, that wasn't really so- Chunner: One Snoutbonker. One crescent Snoutbonker. Crud: Oh dear. Monday , December 11 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: Oh, right! Poke-kits! Frowgler gave one to Roshambo once, to transport the Eye of Argon through the Yellow Fingers! Rufus: Who to what where? [[An outline of the in-universe comic-strip character Roshambo the Warrior Beetle, posing heroically on a cliff with a shield and a glowing sword. Mortimer: Roshambo the Warrior Beetle! The greatest comic strip ever! ... You know. In the Times. Rufus: Oh. Right. {{Yellow Fingers is a reference to an old-timey joke about an advertising slogan, from back in the days when people owned phone books. Get off my lawn.}} [[An outline of the 'fictional' version of Frowgler the Horned Frog, wearing a stereotypical wizard hat.]] Mortimer: Roshambo battles the evil Arax's army of Troopers, while Frowgler's a magic demon-frog. Even though he has his own mysterious agenda, he helps- Rufus: Thank you, Mortimer. I now know everything about Roshambo that I will ever need. Tuesday , December 12 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Rufus: Anyway. You said "to start with". What else is wrong? Mortimer: OK. That "demon-trap" is the silliest thing I've ever seen! And.. And this is /me/ saying that! [[Close-up of the glowing bait in the demon-trap.]] Rufus: Yes. Well. It was just a sidenote, but I read about this in Lobcock's book. Mortimer: Book? Rufus: 'The Thricklefork Demon Massacre.' Maybe not as well known as Roshambo, but it sold quite a few copies in its day. [[Outline of a wizard displaying a drawing of a demon-trap prototype.]] Rufus: When the MerrinCorp wizards designed the thing, they somehow determined that the most effective shape was a bulb with a tapered stem. [[Outline of a marketing-type displaying a drawing a wine bottle.]] Rufus: And.. the trap fills with a fluid rather like Brushwine when it is sprung.. Rufus: ..and the company marketing department inevitably got involved.. Wednesday , December 13 , 2006 [[In the former basemet of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Mortimer: All right. Maybe the trap works, despite how it looks. But... Rufus: Yes? Mortimer: You really think this... person watching you is some *other* demon? Not the Operator.. Rufus: That's the problem. I just don't know. [[Rufus touches the trap's fluid-tank.]] Rufus: And I also don't know this thing will work. It started right up when I turned it on, but it's been rotting down in this wretched place for *fifty years*. But as I said.. just in case. I'm *trying* to be prepared for anything. Rufus: Any other questions? Mortimer: . . . Where's Thricklefork? Rufus: Florin Province. The demons were summoned by an idiot at the Royal Academy of Magic. Thursday , December 14 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots. Mortimer and Rufus stand before a closed door which has the word SUPERVISOR above it. To one side is a demon-trap. To the other, a large device sporting a mechanical fist at the end of a long lever. It is labelled BIGBY 423-A. Wires run from this into a lock-panel beside the door.]] {{Bigby is a reference to hand-themed magic spells used in Dungeons & Dragons.}} Rufus: So. Here we are. Home not-so-sweet home. Mortimer: um.. Rufus: Don't worry. That works fine, /and/ I only turn it on when I go to sleep. Friday , December 15 , 2006 [[In the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots, at the front door to Rufus's quarters.]] Mortimer, pointing: Um.. Rufus, I may not know about demontraps, but I do know those Bigby /fist/-traps, and- Rufus, walking out of sight: No, really, it's fine. Mortimer: It's /not!/ The ones in the Mansion all have those faulty hair-triggers, and they always- ((snap WHAM)) [[Mortimer drops his sack of fleebs.]] Rufus: I'm all right. I'm /all right/. Mortimer: Oh, good. Saturday , December 16 , 2006 [[The front door to Rufus's hideout, seen from inside. Rufus and Mortimer are on the other side, and their voices can be heard. An egg-like object sits on stand. A sketch of a robot can just be seen tacked to the wall.]] Rufus: Give me a hand here, would you... Mortimer: Um.. OK.. Mortimer, probably: Oof. Rufus: OK, right.. Mortimer, probably: Urg, Rufus: There. I think- ((SPROINNG WHAM)) [[In the corner of the panel, a gloved hand can be seen rising in surprise. The egg falls off the stand. The lock-pad beside the door pops out of place.]] Rufus: Ah. OK. We're all right! We can work this out! Mortimer: Oh, good. Sunday , December 17 , 2006 [[The door of Rufus's hideout, as seen from inside.]] Rufus, beyond door: OK, fine. /Enough/ of this. (( THUMP BANG BEEP)) [[The door slides open. Rufus is standing, Mortimer peering around the edge.]] ((SHUNK)) [[A view of the rest of the room. A table with some lit candles and the remians of a meal, a cot, a cabinet and a filecabinet, various "BULKCO" boxes and bits of paper scattered around. More paper is tacked to the walls.]] Mortimer: We're going to be attacked now or something, aren't we? Rufus: Of course not, Mortimer. See? There's no one here but us. Monday , December 18 , 2006 [[Inside Rufus's hideout.]] Rufus: Before we start, there's a water closet over there, if you want to use it. Mortimer: Water.. Do you mean a bathroom? [[An open door, leading into darkness. A Human hand is just visible inside, but neither of them notice it.]] [[The hand is gone. A flutterby flies out of the door.]] Rufus: No. No, it's definitely a water /closet/. Tuesday , December 19 , 2006 [[Inside Rufus's hideout.]] Mortimer: I don't need a bathroom, Rufus. Please just give me the message for Sylvester. Rufus: There's a shower. Of sorts. Uses rainwater. [[Pinned to the wall behind Rufus is a sketch of Hector the robot's head.]] Mortimer: A shower? Rufus: Mortimer, you smell like.. what /is/ that you smell like? Mortimer: Oh, let's see. Spyderwebs. Pitdirt. Sphagnum dust. Fifty-year-old Sploo. And.. Mortimer: No, wait. I was going to say yummysticks, but looks like the Sploo has eaten them. [[Rufus facepalms.]] Rufus: Sphagnum dust?! Oh, Mortimer.. Wednesday , December 20 , 2006 [[Inside Rufus's quarters in the basement of the former World O Pots.]] Rufus: You're right. Let's get on with this. ..As I said before, unlike some people, I pay attention. Mortimer: Huh? [[An outline of a hooded figure pushing a wheeled cart under a starry sky; sitting on the cart are two boxes labeled MOE WINE and LUGNUTS.]] Rufus: /And so./ in the last year or so, I noticed strange covert comings and goings from the Mansion. Deliveries arriving in the dead of night. Things being /carted away/ in the dead of night. Thursday , December 21 , 2006 [[An outline of a stylized Basement, with various species represented: Helipath, Gnoll, Motihaul, Ghast.]] Mortimer: You think someone in the /basement/ is- Rufus: No, Mortimer. The basement is cut off from all this. Rufus: In fact, it's noticible [sic] how completely cut off it is.. [[Outline of the Humans who live in the Mansion.]] Mortimer: But then- Rufus: And no, it's not Uncle Frederick, or either of the Grubbs, or Schmedley, or Arthur- [[Outline of the Weirdo peering at the stylized Basement of above.]] Mortimer: "Arthur?" Rufus: The Weirdo. That's his real name. It is true he's been snooping around a lot. Rufus: ..I wish I could trust him enough to compare notes with him.. Friday , December 22 , 2006 [[Rufus's quarters in the former World O' Pots basement.]] Rufus: So. After many months of snooping, this is what I have learned, and what you need to tell Sylvester: living somewhere high up in the Mansion, *not* the Basement, is a man named "Mr. Hand." [[Behind Rufus, Eunice stealthily emerges from the water closet, holding a glowing object in her hand.]] Mortimer: "Hand"? But tha- Rufus: But indeed. I say "man", *but*.. I don't know what he is. Human. Demon. Something else entirely. Saturday , December 23 , 2006 [[Inside Rufus's hideout.]] Mortimer: What does "Mr. Hand" look like, that you can't tell if he's human? Rufus: I haven't actually seen him. Yet. [[Outline of Rufus leaning out of a hatch, examining clothes piled in a bin.]] Mortimer: But then how- Rufus: I've managed to hear his voice. See some of the clothes he wears. He's.. humanish. [[Outline of the Operator being sealed in the Elevator by a hand extending into the frame.]] Rufus: On the other hand, the evidence also strongly suggests he was the wizard who sealed the Operator inside the Elevator. Mortimer: But that was.. 70 years ago! And the stories say that wizard was /old./ [[A closeup of the sketch of Hector the robot which is tacked to the wall.]] Rufus: Closer to 80 years. So yeah. Rufus: And he's got a functioning robot. A genuine Ettin-built bipedal robot, not a Factor E-knockoff Shopbot or Guardinator. Rufus: It (him?) I've actually seen. Sunday , December 24 , 2006 [[Inside Rufus's hideout.]] Mortimer: But what is Mr. Hand /doing?/ Rufus: I th- Eunice: All right. That's enough. [[Mortimer gets blasted with electricity from off panel.]] ((FA-ZZZAP!)) [[He falls to the floor.]] Eunice: Now then, Rufus. [[She walks into view.]] Rufus: /EUNICE!?/ Eunice: Last time I checked, yes. Let's move along, shall we? Monday , December 25 , 2006 [[Secret Santa art from Andrey Pissantchev of the web-comic Annihilicious, depicting a very dedicated Santa climbing down a chimney inside the Mansion.]] Tuesday , December 26 , 2006 [[Inside Rufus's hideout.]] Eunice: His hearing all that was counterproductive. Rufus: /You killed my brother!/ Eunice: He'll be fine in a couple of hours. [[Mortimer lying on the ground.]] Eunice: . . . Eunice: ...apart from a headache. And still being Mortimer. Rufus: All these years. You've been working for him all along. Eunice: Who? Mr. Hand? I know it's hard, Rufus, you being a man, /and/ a member of your particular family.. Eunice: ..but try not to be too stupid. Eunice: I work for someone /far/ more important. Just like the Stouts, and Threnody, and everybody else down in the village. Eunice: /Just like you./ Wednesday , December 27 , 2006 [[Inside Rufus's hideout.]] Rufus: I don't work for anyone. And Mr. Hand is- Eunice: /Forget Hand!/ He is a senile old fool, and his day is nearly done. Rufus: Get out. Eunice: I want nothing more than to get out of this putrid hole. But you /are/ coming with me. Rufus: /Get out./ Eunice: Because our.. /boss/ is waiting. And he has what you most crave. Rufus: . . . which is? Eunice: Answers. Eunice: Answers about Mr. Hand, if you absolutely insist. Answers about nearly everything. Eunice: We'll haul Mortimer as far as the surface. But then.. Rufus of E, It's time to go meet God. Thursday , December 28 , 2006 Narration: Meanwhile, not terribly far away.. [[The Forest of E. Snerk the Saur looks at a dead giant Spyder hanging in the remains of its own web. He (Snerk) is carrying the Zorper/HJ42.]] [[Snerk ((sniffs)) at the Spyder's leg.]] [[He ((licks)) it.]] [[He realizes something.]] ((CHOMP RRRRIPPP)) [[He has taken off a piece of the leg, and it eating it.]] Snerk, thinking: Mmmm. Nice and bristly. ((chew chew ch-)) [[Noises from off-panel.]] ((thump bang CRUNCH)) Friday , December 29 , 2006 [[In the Forest of E.]] Snerk: Boss? ...Is that you? ((SPROING)) [[Frowgler drops into view.]] ((WHUMP)) Frowgler: Yes, Snerk. It's me. Snerk: Uh.. I know you don't like nosy questions, but... Frowgler: Yes? Snerk: ..are you OK? Frowgler: I've had better days, but I'll live. Frowgler: Did you win.. the item? Snerk: Yeah. It went just like we.. you.. hoped. Frowgler: Good. Right. A nice change of pace. Saturday , December 30 , 2006 [[The Forest of E. In the background is the rusted remnants of an automobile.]] Snerk: Boss.. there was one thing that went wrong.. sorta. Frowgler: Of course. Snerk: After I left the auction, some wormmuncher bint ran into me. Frowgler: And? Snerk: And the zorper turned on, and.. Frowgler: Yes? Snerk: It's all hazy.. Afterwards, someone was /there./ Frowgler: Ah. A tall female Nome-type, with dark hair? Rather grumpy? Snerk: You really do know everything, Frowgler: As I was just saying to someone or other, only in matters of trivia. But still. Don't worry about the zorper turning on, or that "Nome". Frowgler: In the end, it might even prove to have been useful. Sunday , December 31 , 2006 [[The Forest of E.]] Frowgler: Anyway. You have the zorper. Snerk: Yeah, Boss. Frowgler: Just put it down here. [[Snerk offers a collection of whiite lines with a fuzzy black spot at tjhe center.]] Snerk: And here's your humbug. . picket. . thingee. There're two and a- three fleebs left inside. Frowgler: Hammerspace poke kit. Good. Snerk: Whadda we do now? Frowgler: /You/ go lay low at headquarters for a couple days. Agita and the others will be looking for you, I imagine. Frowgler: As for me.. You're better off not knowing. Frowgler: Goodbye, Snerk. Monday , January 1 , 2007 [[A portrait of Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester by JessicaRaven of the webcomic Triquetra Cats, done in a more Anime-esque style. Part of a 2006 Secret-Santa art swap. ]] Tuesday , January 2 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E.]] Snerk: "Goodbye"? Boss? You sure that y- Frowgler: No, I'm not sure, Snerk. Frowgler: No one can say what the future will bring. But tell Lumpy and Buzz and the others I hope to be back at headquarters tomorrow. Frowgler: Now get going. Snerk: OK, Boss. [[Snerk leaves]] Frowgler: Goodbye, Snerk. Wednesday , January 3 , 2007 [[The Forest of E. Frowgler confronts the HJ42/Zorper.]] Frowgler: So. As my insipid fictional namesake is overly fond of saying.. We meet again. Frowgler: The trouble you and your glowing friend have put me through. The sacrifices I've had to make. All for /you/. Frowgler: But of course you don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? [[Frowgler's hand sprouts claws and a runed "button" in the palm.]] ((snik snik snik bloop)) Frowgler: I can only hope that at some level you understand /this./ Thursday , January 4 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E. A closeup of the HJ42/Zorper sitting on a slab of rock, radiating power.]] [[Frowgler's flipper slams down on the Zorper, creating a purple glow.]] ((WHAM)) Friday , January 5 , 2007 [[Snerk the Saur hurries through the Forest of E, surrounded by trees and the remains of stone walls.]] [[A massive light flashes behind him, like that of an atomic blast.]] ((OZPR)) [[He turns to look as the light fades away and bits of rubble fall around him.]] Snerk: ...boss? Saturday , January 6 , 2007 Narration: Back underground.. [[Bung the Gobule squats in his usual place. The sounds of fighting are in the distance.]] ((boom)) [[Clochard the Gnoll appears.]] Bung: Clochard. Clochard: I formally request a favor, you fossilized knob of excrescence. /Where's Digger?/ Bung: He's in the council's new tunnel to the forest, headed this way at his usual blistering pace. He was hired by some mysterious personage to dig a Killer Tree. Bung: And if /I/ call someone Mysterious, you'd better zarking well sit up and- [[Clochard leaves.]] Clochard: You know where to find me when you want that favor. Sunday, January 7, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Chunner: They always send down a token, telling us what's coming. Crud: Howlers, Wifts, Wobblers, Drips.. Snoutbonkers. Chunner: Snoutbonkers are bad. Crescent snountbonkers are really bad. Crud: Only way it could be worse is if they also sent an inverted snoutbonker! [[Something small and dark falls out of the chute and bounces off Cully's snout.]] ((knob)) Chunner: sssigh. Crud: Oh dear... Monday , January 8 , 2007 [[In the Basement of E. Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax walk past a fight scene.]] Narration: In two separate locations ((Hit em NOW! ARRGH! BOOM crunch splatter)) Rosemary: How much further to this Izchak? Camora: Sidestep Hall's not far ahead. [[In another corridor, Findfor the Gnoll and Batter the Gobule watch Hopobefever the Ghast angrily depart ]] ((NO! It's gonna blow! WOOM)) Findfor: "Go after her"? I wouldn't go after her if it was Nevus himself ordering it! {{Findfor is pronounced with 'Fin' like the fish-part, not 'find' as in locate.}} Tuesday , January 9 , 2007 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax walk a corridor, with fighting noises nearby. Sylvester indicates a sign on the wall.]] Sylvester: Um.. Camora? What is the "Council", exactly? It wasn't around before.. Camora: Where to begin.. ((CLANG THUD GORCH)) [[A closer look at the sign. It reads DO NOT PAINT THIS WALL/ BY ORDER OF THE COUNCIL. Someone has graffitied over it ZARK OFF N DIE.]] Camora: Ever since the War, and the Sneetches throwing their big wobbler... Camora: ...this side of the Chasm has always been divvied up by one bunch of powerplayers or other.. [[Outline of Nevus, Agita and Guttle, with Nevus being given glowing prominence.]] Camora: Right now, it's a three-way split. Nevus, Agita and Guttle; you've heard of them, of course. Sylvester: Well.. Nevus.. [[Outline of a female and male Ghast guarding an entrance.]] Camora: But whoever the bosses have been, there has always been something.. outside.. it all: the Ghasts and their breeding pools... Wednesday , January 10 , 2007 [[CamoraHax, Sylvester and Rosemary walk along. Various fighting noises can be heard in the background.]] Camora: How much do you foresttypes know about Ghasts? Sylvester, exchanging glance with Rosemary: Probably not as much as we should. [[Outline of a Ghast who has been pincushioned with arrows without noticeable effect, and is holding a worried-looking Troglodyte archer by the neck.]] Camora: Right. So. Individual Ghasts are really tough.. [[Outline of a Gobule watching happily as newly-born Gobules run off in various directions.]] Camora: But unlike us Gnolls or you Nomes or anyone really, they can't just squat in any old corner and pop out their whelps.. Sylvester: Um.. you literally squ- Camora: No, of course not! Except for Gobules. [[An outline of a Ghast breeding pool.]] Camora: The wall-lickers /need/ their breeding pools. No more pools means no more Ghasts. Thursday , January 11 , 2007 [[In the Basement.]] Sylvester: What does all of this have to do with the Council? Camora: I'm /getting/ to that. Camora: Because they're so vulnerable, Ghasts have this whole idiotic thing about "unifying and pacifying the world." [[Outline of a female Ghast and a female Troglodyte eye each other. The Trog is carrying a bomb of some sort.]] Camora: But they're at least smart enough to know that the rest of us aren't going to let them take over... Camora: ..or do something even worse.. [[Outline of the Council chambers, standing unoccupied.]] Camora: So they created the "Interspecies Coordinating Council". Friday , January 12 , 2007 [[Outline/map of section of the Basement.]] Camora: The Ghasts carved the Councilspace out of a chunk of their territory... [[Outlines and name of Council members: Aprat the Helipath, Wunk the Gnoll, Doyen the Troglodyte, and Gavzada the Motihaul.]] Camora: ..and rounded up some idiots to "represent" their species as Council members. Camora: You know, they actually wanted /Comshaw/ to be the Gnollish representative? But I put a stop to /that./ [[Outline of Council Chairbeing Preznit]] Camora: They also needed a "chairbeing", so they propped up that.. archidiot.. Preznit. Saturday , January 13 , 2007 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax walk in the Basement. Fighting noises can be heard in the background.]] Rosemary: And what exactly did this "Preznit" person do to elevate his idiot status? Camora: Grump. [[Outline of Preznit in hood and robe.]] Camora: He fakes that voice, and wears that hood and the gloves.. [[Outline of Preznit naked.]] Camora: But he's an Eyebolt. Everyone /knows/ he's an Eyebolt. Everyone has /always/ known he's an Eybolt. Sunday, January 14, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: So, it's raw sewage, isn't it? Chute: ((BLOOP)) [[A bright green liquid begins to flow out of the chute.]] ((glub)) ((glub)) ((glub)) Crud: You only /wish/ it was raw sewage. Monday , January 15 , 2007 [[In the Basement. Graffiti reads FNORD WUZ HERE]] Rosemary: So anyway. The Ghasts form the Council, and it starts putting up signs. Camora: And making up rules everyone ignores, Camora: and organizing snooper squads. I gather you've met Hopobefever's. Sylvester: Um. Yes. What about the bottle of penalty wine? [[Camora glowers. A Human stencil on the wall reads ERIS LIVES. ROBERT ANTON WILSON DOES NOT.]] Camora: OK. Fine. They /did/ finally deal with Chauncy and Edgar. [[Rosemary and Sylvester exchange a glance.]] Sylvester: Right. Chauncy and Edgar. Tuesday , January 16 , 2007 [[Hopobefevfer has arrived at the doorway off the Long Path which leads to Crazy Rhid's. Off to one side, a weight labelled 12 TONZ is being hoisted up on a rope.]] Helipath voice: Pull! Pull! Pull! [[A closeup of Hopobefevfer's angry blackened face.]] Wednesday, January 17, 2007 [[{{The Gnoll was unnamed when the strip was published, but later revealed to be Niff.}} [[An angry, literally smoking, Hopobefever stalks along. There is a pipe mounted on the wall. Human stencils read DO NOT SEVER PIPE. DO NOT BLOCK SIGNS.]] [[She comes to where Niff is standing.]] Niff: Um, hi. If you're here for the bucketchain, we're w- [[She stalks on past. Another stencil reads DO NOT REPEAT YOURSELF]] Niff: --- Niff: OK then! Thursday , January 18 , 2007 [[At "Well #3", which is the start of the bucket chain attempting to reach the Elevator. Present are Grik and Grak the Troglodytes, Folla the Gnoll, Kulma the Motihaul, and the unnamed Ichyoid who serves as the well's guard. Hopobefevfer stalks past them all.]] {{The Ichyoid is known to Basement folks as "Big Talker", but this fact has yet to come up in-comic.}} Friday , January 19 , 2007 [[At Well #3 in the Basement. The Ichyoid well-guard is present.]] Kulma the Motihaul: Was that Hopobefever who just went past? Niff the Gnoll: I dunno. Some fem-Ghast. She seemed really angry. Kulma: Oh dear. Guard: [DISASTER] [[He leaves.]] Kulma: I suppose that goes without saying. Guard: [FLEE] {{The guard's nickname is Big Talker, because he is big and he occasionally talks.}} Saturday , January 20 , 2007 [[On the Elevator-fire bucket-chain. Mowder the Troglodyte listens to a Ghast whose unmentioned name is Sopovefe]] Sopovefe: For the last time, I don't care what this 'Sina' person wants! I'm not going up there! [[Hopobefever stalks past.]] Sopovefe: I'll do a bucket, but I'm not going near some huge fire, especially one th- [[With a backwards glare, Mowder leaves, following Hopobefever.]] Sopovefe: For the record, going anywhere near an angry burnt Hpbfvr is an even less promising survival strategy! {{Name here really should be Hobfvfr.}} Sunday, January 21, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[A bright green liquid is flowing out of the chute.]] ((glub)) Cully: Waaait a second... ((glub)) [[Cully examines some of the liquid on his finger.]] Cully: But this is.. This isn't /possible/! ((glub)) Crud: You only /wish/ it wasn'- Chunner: Crud, give it a rest. Monday , January 22 , 2007 [[The corridor leading the Crazy Rhid's place. Hopobefever the Ghast stalks along, trailed by Mowder the Trog. Behind them is a Helipath with a basket strapped to his side. Inside the basket is a young Eyebolt.]] Hopobefever: You have something to say to me.. Mowder, isn't it? Mowder: Not as long as you keep moving towards Sina. [[Further up the corridor. Behind them now are three Gnolls carrying buckets, Satyrsong, Delfa, and Wittol.]] Hobobefever: Sina. The Gnoll who stages those fungus-devouring rituals? What's she got to do with this? Mowder: "Birthday parties." And she's branched out into bucket-chain management. Hobobefever: I /see/. Tuesday , January 23 , 2007 [[Walking up the bucket chain toward the Elevator.]] Hopobefevfer: Were you there when the Elevator exploded? Mowder the Troglodyte: Nah. Grik and Grak told me. Wouldn't have believed anything those two snotsnouts said, if I hadn't seen how toasted they were. Hopobefevfer: So you didn't see a badly-burnt male Ghast? Mowder: Oh, /that's/ why you're here. He's lying outside Rhid's place. Didn't really look bur- Hopobefevfer: WHAT!? Wednesday , January 24 , 2007 [[An outline of Mowder the Troglodyte looking down at Hepthbav the Ghast lying on the ground.]] Hopobefevfer: You /moved/ Hpthbvtw from the Elevator? Mowder: The Ghast was where he is when I got there. [[Behind them are Catmorlo the Gnoll and Asota the Motihual.]] Hopobefever: So Sina wants my help caring for him. Mowder: No, she's got some question about Dornbeasts.. Hopobefever: DORNBEASTS? Mowder: Hey, I'm just working here. Take it up with Sina. Hopobefever: What an excellent idea. Thursday , January 25 , 2007 [[CamoraHax leads Rosemary and Sylvester. In the background, a nameless Gobule runs past with a morsel in his mouth. There is smoke, and booming sounds coming from somewhere, due to fighting.]] Camora: To get to Sidestep, or anywhere, really, we have to cut through Time Hall. Rosemary, to Sylvester: Time Hall? Something else that is new? Sylvester: No. Gotta be the Fountain and the EttinClock. Brace yourself. Friday , January 26 , 2007 [[CamoraHax, Rosemary and Sylvester approach an archway. On the viewer's side, the archway is labelled LONG PATH in Manglish.]] [[Seen from above, they pass through the arch.]] [[Rosemary looks up at something.]] Rosemary: You could have warned me to brace myself. Sylvester: Sorry. Saturday , January 27 , 2007 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and CamoraHax have arrived at Time Hall. At the center of this space is a tall structure; the lower part is a fountain, spewing purple-colored fluid from various nozzles. Floating above this is a block which sprouts various appendages which in turn project/create a clock made of glowing light. A branch of the Tree grows in the background. An Ooze is by the fountain, while a Jibjib flies by overhead. Standing on platform against the far wall is a hooded and robed figure.]] Rosemary: How.. why.. did the "Humans" build that? Sylvester: The.. story.. I heard said they didn't b- Camora: The same reason they built /everything/ they did; they were insane weirdos. Sunday, January 28, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[A bright green liquid is flowing copiously from the chute.]] Cully: This.. this is Sneech squeezings! chute: ((glub)) Chunner: That's right, kid. Cully: But.. it's banned! After the War.. after the /Breech/! chute: ((glub)) Chunner: The /Council/ banned it. Chunner: But did you really think the movers and shakers up in Crescent Hall.. chute: ((glub)) Chunner: ..kept the Last Bridge open just so they could trade with Pales? Crud: Give /what/ a rest? Monday , January 29 , 2007 [[In Time Hall, at the base of the Fountain-Clock.]] Rosemary: So.. that fluid the fountain is spewing is poisonious? [sic] Camora: It changes every hour. That right now.. it actually makes a good nestcleaner, if you use it properly. [[A closer view of one of the Fountain's many nozzles.]] Camora: But the stuff that comes at night.. Camora: Crazy Rhid mixes it into some of his little.. toys. Sylvester, probably: Crazy Rhid. Right. Tuesday , January 30 , 2007 [[Inside Time Hall. Camora has Hax on her head. Rosemary and Sylvester listen.]] Camora: But anyway. This is Time Hall. [[A Basement-dweller's map of Time Hall]] Camora: The center of the world. From here you can get anywhere you want. [[The front entrance to Sidestep Hall. Large bones are mounted, one on either side, topped with depictions of male and female Motihaul "hair". A Trog, carrying a spear, hurries past.]] Camora: What /we/ want is right up there. Wednesday , January 31 , 2007 [[At the entrance to Sidestep Hall. A large bone has been mounted to either side, topped with a representation of male and female Motihual head-structure.]] Rosemary: Camora, are you and I going to have.. problems going into the male half of the Hall? Camora: No, it pains me to say it's our fellow females who get all stroppy about- wait a minute.. Sylvester: uh oh... Thursday , February 1 , 2007 [[At the entrance to Sidestep Hall.]] Camora: How do you know about Motihauls splitting themselves up? They almost never go above. Rosemary: um.. Sylvester: I /have/ been down here before. But also, not all Motihauls live underground. Camora: What? Sylvester: sigh.. as I was just.. /reminding/ Rosemary in Le Tree.. [[Outline of Sylvester, loaded down with baggage and wearing a University hat, looking down at a Motihaul carrying some fish-like critters on a long pole.]] Sylvester: I once visited a place where.. wisegnomes gather to share their knowledge. There are Motihauls living in the swamps along the route. Friday , February 2 , 2007 [[At the entrance to Sidestep Hall.]] Camora: What's a swamp? Sylvester: There used to be one down here.. sort of.. near the, uh, "Chamber of Extreme Aridity".. wet... muddy.. lots of plants? [[A crocogater lurks in water and plants; above a flat stretch marked with low pillars.]] Camora: Oh. Nubby's Crocogator Pit. Sylvester: Um, yeah. I guess. Rosemary: "Nubby" likes crocogators, does he? Camora: Oh yes. In the end, he really got into his work. Saturday , February 3 , 2007 [[Outline of a male Motihaul suffering under the sun.]] Camora: Motihauls can't go up to the surface; that sun-thing damages their pelts. [[Another male Motihaul, wearing a hat, carrying a stick, not suffering from sun.]] Sylvester: ..the ones down here maybe. But that's because they've adapted to life underground. [[A lumpy/furry Gnoll looks down a shaft leading underground.]] Camora: /Adapted?/ Sylvester: Yes, just like you Gnolls. Life didn't /start/ here; your ancestors came down Brush-knows how long ago, and- Camora: That's just crazy talk! Sylvester: No, compare Saurs and Troglodytes! They are... Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: oh, never mind. Where's this Izchak person? Sunday, February 4, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: So.. some Crescent nob sneaks across the bridge.. chute: ((glub)) Cully: collects squeezings from the Sneeches, Cully: And smuggles it all the way across the world to the SubShafts to- to- chute: ((glub)) Chunner: Use in a bunch of sleazy and dangerous fleeb-making schemes? Yes. Cully: But.. but.. chute: ((glub)) Chunner: Welcome to the real world, kid. Crud: The schemes are smelly, too! Monday , February 5 , 2007 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. Sepferb the Ghast lies on the ground.]] [[Hopobefevfer appears, kneeling to study him.]] Hopo: . . . Hopo: Oh. [[She rises and goes on.]] Hop: It's just Sepfrbfrx. Mowder the Trog: What a shame. Tuesday , February 6 , 2007 [[Approaching Crazy Rhid's.]] Mowder the Troglodyte: You aren't going to help your friend? Hopobefevfer: Sepfrbfrx is not my friend. And even if he was.. Hopo: ..unless I knew what Rhid did to him, anything I could try just make things worse. For both of us. Hopo: The Mediks need to bring over one of the portapools. Hopo: ..if any are still available after everything else that's happened today.. Wednesday , February 7 , 2007 [[Just outside Crazy Rhid's. An Ooze and a female Motihaul wearing a hat watch Hopobefevfer and Mowder the Troglodyte.]] Mowder: How come you're so /sure/ Rhid did that to whatisface back there? Hopo: I thought you Trogs had "snouts" that sort of worked. [[Mowder sniffs.]] Mowder: I smell all sorts of phizz. floating around in here. Earlier, it was some zarking Trog repellent. [[Behind Hopo float the scents of all of Rhid's bombs: Cacophony/BOOM/POOM/POW/GLORCH/ZUM.]] Hopo: Yes. Rhid detonated what must have been his entire arsenal in this hall. The only question is, did he do it /voluntarily./ Wednesday , February 7 , 2007 [[Just outside Crazy Rhid's. An Ooze and a female Motihaul wearing a hat watch Hopobefevfer and Mowder the Troglodyte.]] Mowder: How come you're so /sure/ Rhid did that to whatisface back there? Hopo: I thought you Trogs had "snouts" that sort of worked. [[Mowder sniffs.]] Mowder: I smell all sorts of phizz. floating around in here. Earlier, it was some zarking Trog repellent. [[Behind Hopo float the scents of all of Rhid's bombs: Cacophony/BOOM/POOM/POW/GLORCH/ZUM.]] Hopo: Yes. Rhid detonated what must have been his entire arsenal in this hall. The only question is, did he do it /voluntarily./ Thursday, February 8, 2007 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's. Hopobefever and Mowder speak. Also in the shot are Ploot the Wyrm, and a Gnoll holding a bucket who will later be IDed as Timf.]] Hop: So Rhid is dead? Mowder: He's gone, one way or another. She's waiting for you in his place. {{"She" refers to Sina the Gnoll.}} Mowder: I'll just wait here, because he left behind- [[Hopobefever goes inside.]] H: I heard you. Trog repellent. And I suspect, Dornbeast bulbs. Friday , February 9 , 2007 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Sina and Skuy stand and wait.]] [[Sina (currently blinded) sniffs the air as Hopobefevfer appears.]] [[Skuy turns to stare at Hopo.]] Sina: Finally. A Ghast. ..you smell terrible. Hopo: You have looked better yourself, Sina. Saturday , February 10 , 2007 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Smoke floats in the background.]] Sina: Hopebefever, isn't it? Hopo: Close enough. Skuy, to Hopo: What /happened/ to you? Hopo: Sina, your little friend doesn't appear to have anything productive to contribute to this situation. Sina: You heard her, Skuy. Wait over there with the others. [[Over with the others.]] Spot the Gobule: You just gonna let them talk to you like that? Skuy: Oh my, yes. Sunday, February 11, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Chunner: So, kid. Any more questions? Cully: No. No more questions. Chunner: OK then. chute: ((glub)) [[The shaft is rapidly filling with green liquid.]] chute: ((glub)) [[The liquid rises to the gnolls' mouths.]] Cully: No. Wait. I wana know h- Cully: blub blub blub chute: ((glub)) Monday , February 12 , 2007 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Smoke floats in the background.]] Sina: You saw Sepferb. I sent Snerk to Amorph Hall to get help for him. Hopobefevfer: Yes. Fine. Is there /another/ Ghast, at the Elevator? Sina: How could any of us know that? We're still trying to get there. Hopo: That Gobule, Speck, claimed she was there, and that she saw Hpthbvtw. That's the only reason I'm here. Sina: No, you're here because you Ghasts know all about Dornbeasts. [[Skuy, Spot the Gobule and Voog the Wyrm watch this conversation.]] Hopo: ... /Fine/ Sina: /Good./ Spot: I could tell her that Speck was right, but fer some reason I don't feel like it. Tuesday , February 13 , 2007 [[Inisde Crazy Rhid's place. Smoke floats in the background.]] Sina: So. Anyway. Rhid's back door. It leads to the Elevator and then the Fringes. A place infested with adult Trogs and Dornbeasts. [[A view of the back door.]] Sina: For whatever reason, he wanted access. So, instead of sealing it, he put in a pot of Trog repellent, and...? Hopobefevfer: ..a Dornbeast net. Yes. Wednesday , February 14 , 2007 [[Sina and Hiopobefevfer stand before Rhid's back door, which is covered in a net studded with his bulb-bombs.]] Sina: I've never understood exactly how these nets work. Hopo: Simple enough. [[An outline of a two Ghast hands stretching a bowstring.]] Hopo: They're made out of bowstrings. Scalpsucker tendons. Hopo: Considering their width, very difficult to break. [[A Dornbeast slavers inside a similar net/fence.]] Hopo: They are stretched tight and the bulbs are loosely attached. [[A glass bulb falling to earth.]] Hopo: A Dornbeast pushs [sic] against the net, and knocks a bulb or two loose. Hopo: And pow. Thursday , February 15 , 2007 [[A Dornbeast reacting unhappily to the contents of a shattered bulb.]] Sina: ..so what's in these "Dornbeast bulbs"? Hopobefevfer: Sphagnum Grit. It badly irritates the 'beasts' eyes and nostrils. [[A Dornbeast claw slashing through a net.]] Sina: OK.. But still.. couldn't a /determined/ Dornbeast- Hopo: Yes, of course. For we Ghasts, a net is merely a temporary method of penning the creatures. Friday , February 16 , 2007 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway, near the back door.]] Sina: So Dornbeasts are especially vulnerable to Sphagnum grit. Hopobefevfer: Yes. Although for the record, the 'beast pack which guards our Pools has been specially conditioned to resist it. Sina: Fascinating. Moving on... [[A closeup of one of the bombs which Rhid attached to the frame of the exit door. Smoke swirls inside. The viewer can see Hopo's advanced senses analyzing it. The phrase "GHASTVISION(tm)" is in the corner.]] Sina: Are those really Sphagnum bulbs, or has Rhid done something special? And can you remove them? Hopo: They appear to be standard. And yes. Stand back. Saturday , February 17 , 2007 [[One of the bomb-bulbs attached to the net stretched across Rhid's backdoor.]] [[Hopobefevfer's hand reaches into view.]] [[She ((GLOMPs)) the bulb.]] [[She ((rrips)) it free.]] Sunday, February 18, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[The green liquid has filled the shaft up to the bottoms of everyone's eyeballs.]] chute: ((glub)) [[The flow of liquid from the chute tapers off.]] chute: ((trickle)) [[The last drops fall.]] Cully: blub? chute: ((plib)) Chunner: blub. Crud: blub! Monday , February 19 , 2007 [[For real-life President's Day, a portrait of Yorik I, the Human who unified "Mansioonland." He is a tall, broad-shouldered man with black hair. He carries a two-ended spear-like object in one hand, and has a shield on his other arm, marked with a stylized Y. In a holster he carries a pronged magical weapon of some sort.]] Tuesday , February 20 , 2007 [[Hopobefevfer holds the Rhid-bomb she has ripped free from the back-door net.]] Hopo: Yes. As suspected, it's Sph- [[The bomb begins to hisss and emit a white mist.]] [[She tosses the bomb away, its flight dispersing the Trog-repellent floating in the air.]] Hopo: All right. ((KABLAM)) Hopo: /Mostly/ Sphagnum grit.. Wednesday , February 21 , 2007 [[Sina the Gnoll is inside Crazy Rhid's place, watching Hopobefever the Ghast tear through a net.]] ((rrio fling KABLAM rrio fling KABLAM)) Sina, thinking: So. Which is more dangerous? Let Hopobefever rip those things off like that.. ((rrio fl-)) Sina, thinking: Or interrupt an angry and impatient Ghast, and try to point out that Rhid might have mixed in a bulb that /looks/ like the others, but is actual- ((KABLAMM!!)) Sina: thinking: Annd.. I'm still not sure this wasn't the safer option.. Thursday , February 22 , 2007 [[Hopobefever rises from the floor, looking very singed.]] Sina: Are you all right? Hopo: Oh, yes. [[She holds up her hand.]] [[A nail-like object pops from the tip of her finger.]] ((blorp)) Hopo: I'm just fine. Friday , February 23 , 2007 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryhall. Hopobefevfer has a "slicer" embedded in her finger, and faces a net of strings blocking a doorway. There is smoke. She is darkened and smoking as well.]] ((SLASH)) [[Sina witnesses this, although temporarily blind.]] ((T-WANnGGG!)) Hopobefevfer: There. Now you can run your zorping bucket chain. Saturday , February 24 , 2007 [[At Rhid's now-cleared back door. Sina has been temporarily blinded.]] Sina: Did you just.. cut through the net? What did you use? Hopobefevfer: A slicer. A /netslicer/, actually. [[An outline showing the slicer in her hand.]] Hopo: It was imbedded in one of my fingers when I was a Ghastling. [[An outline of a Ghast painfully yanking arrows from his body.]] Sina: But.. I thought you Ghasts aren't like Oozes. That it hurts you to conceal things inside your body. Hopo: We aren't. It does. [[The back of Hopo's head as she walks down the waiting corridor towards the Elevator.]] Sina: But then why did you- Hopo: It wasn't my idea. Go collect your buckets, Sina. Sunday, February 25, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[The green liquid has filled the shaft up to the gnolls' eyeballs. Cully's eyeballs are wide. One last drop drips from the chute. No dialog.]] [[The chute begins to close. The liquid glows brighter, and is no longer opaque. The gnolls' bodies can be seen in silhoutte.]] Cully: ? [[The chute closes with a clik. The liquid, even brighter, now reveals everyone's skeletons, as if they were being x-rayed.]] Cully: !!? {{Author's Note: Yes, I know that Gnoll's arms are too skinny to have bones in them. Shut up. }} Monday , February 26 , 2007 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and CamoraHax are at the entrance to Sidestep Hall. Written on the wall in Manglish, large and fairly fancy, is WELCOME TO SIDESTEP DEALS GALORE]] Rosemary: You're /sure/ we can get into see Izchak? Camora: I /said/ we could, didn't I? [[Rosemary points, and Camora suddenly finds a spear point at her, or more accurately at Hax.]] Spear-wielder: /Hold it!/ Rosemary: It's just that the guys with the spears seem awfully /twitchy./ Tuesday , February 27 , 2007 [[At the entrance to the Male half of Sidestep Hall. Rosemary and Sylvester listen to the conversation. Giunsel the Motihaul is also present.]] Camora: Oh, it's you, Smatchet. What are you doing? Smatchet the Motihaul: My job, Camora. Guarding the Hall. Camora: Since when did you have a job? Smatchet: Since /always/. [[There are off-panel noises.]] ((BOOM ARRGH)) Smatchet: Before today, no one cared if I showed up for it. Wednesday , February 28 , 2007 [[Outside Sidestep Hall]] Camora: So you're not letting us in. Smatchet: That depends. You here on *business*... or are you just giving a tour to a couple of.. Smatchet: Nomes? Sylvester: Yes. We're Nomes. From the forest. Smatchet: ..forest Nomes. Camora: We.. They.. want to see Izchak. Gunsel: So. Our resident celebrity's fame has spread even to the forest. Thursday , March 1 , 2007 [[At the entrance to Sidestep Hall. Smatchet and Gunsel have spears.]] Sylvester: We'd never heard of Izchak before Camora mentioned him. What makes him a celebrity? Camora: His selling of quality items at fair prices. Camora: Isn't that right, Smatchet? Gunsel? [[The two Motihauls exchange a glance.]] Smatchet: Right. Gunsel: Sure. Why not. [[Rosemary's hand is reaching for Gunsel's spear.]] Friday , March 2 , 2007 [[At the entrance to Sidestep Hall. There is vague writing on the walls.]] Smatchet: I dunno.. business is business, but letting strange Nomes run around in here.. Sylvester: Look, we have Fleebs burning holes in our pockets, and we don't want trouble, *but*... [[Gunsel realizes that his spear is gone.]] Sylvester: If you don't let us past, my associate there will take away your *other* spear. [[Smatchet and Gunsel turn to see Rosemary with Gunsel's spear.]] Sylvester: And make you eat them. Or something. As always, I leave the exact details up to her. Saturday , March 3 , 2007 [[Rosemary has Gunsel's spear, and is being threatening with it.]] Rosemary: So, guys, whatsit gonna be? A nice afternoon snack of spears, or we get to see Izchak? [[She jabs playfully with the spear as Gunsel and Smatchet consider this.]] Smatchet: Uhh.. he's the fourth door on the left. Rosemary: Ooh! *Good* choice! [[She gives Gunsel back his spear.]] Sunday, March 4, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[The liquid, filling half the shaft, is revealing the gnolls' skeletons.]] Cully: ! [[The chute retracts.]] Cully: CRUDBEAN! AND MUGWUMPS! chute: ((sssllliidddde)) Crud's eyes (popping wide open): ((poing)) {{The word SNEECH can be seen overlaid in large gothic letters in the liquid.}} [[The liquid violently churns, splashing everywhere.]] Crud: RRRRRAAA AAAAGGGGGG GHHHHHH!!!! Monday , March 5 , 2007 [[At the entrance to Sidestep Hall.]] Smatchet: You.. gave his spear back. Rosemary: Yes. And I'm giving both of you a piece of advice as well. Rosemary: Either find yourself new jobs *now*, or get some training. Maybe Snoot will be willing to give you some pointers. If you're still here, see on our way out. [[Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax enter the Hall.]] Smatchet: Snoot? Sylvester: Snoot. If nothing else, he's gonna need help cleaning up Le Tree. Tuesday , March 6 , 2007 [[At the entrance to Sidestep Hall, Smatchet and Gunsel watch Sylvester, Rosemary and CamoraHax leave.]] Smatchet: ..I know this is Camora we're talking about.. Smatchet: ..but do you think they *made* her wear that hat? Gunsel: Funny. I was just thinking.. remember old Mumchance, when we were kids? Used to wear a hat just like that.. Wednesday , March 7 , 2007 [[Heading towards Izchak's inside Sidestep Hall]] Sylvester: You know, you could have just kept the spear and saved us this whole detour. Rosemary: Even if that piece of phizz hadn't been a perfect match for the doof carrying it.. I've done enough stealing lately. Rosemary: But *someone* down here makes good weapons. That spikeclub that Gnoll with the helmet was carrying was new, and well-made. Hax, subvocally: Yes, who is *really* the fellow to see about such things these days? Camora, ditto: Hesper. His name is Hesper. {{Hesper has not yet appeared on-screen.}} Thursday , March 8 , 2007 [[Entering the shops of Sidestep Hall]] Sylvester: Something else is wrong, isn't it. Rosemary: I've spent time around merchants. Too much time. Sylvester: And? [[The POV begins to pan upward.]] Rosemary: They *really* don't like giving away their stock for free. And look at this place. No doors, and two part-time guards who.. Sylvester: Barely know which end of a spear is the dangerous one? [[High above them, at least three arrows are pointed at them through slits in the wall.]] Rosemary: Actually, Sylvester, either end of a spear can be dangerous, but, broadly, yes. Where's the *security?* Friday , March 9 , 2007 [[Rosemary's head as she walks down a corridor inside Sidestep Hall. A doorway in the wall is labelled YAD. Behind and high above her, arrows are pointed at her through slits in the wall.]] [[The other end of one of the arrows; a Motihaul sitting behind a mounted complex-looking bow. He wears leather armor and has metal helmet.]] {{His name is Kipawa, although at the time this transcription was created, it has not been stated in-comic.}} Kipawa: Do we fire? Upernavik: ... Upernavik: No. Stand down. [[Upernavik the Motihaul, sitting in his command chair. Various spying a communication devices hang from the ceiling. A fleeb stands on a pile of writing slabs behind him.]] Upernavik: For now, we wait and see what our new "Nome" friends do. Upernavik: I suppose it's too much too hope they kill Izchak. Saturday , March 10 , 2007 [[Inside Sidestep Hall, CamoraHax, Sylvester and Rosemary approach the door of Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy. A dark-pelted Troglodyte walks in the other direction, evidently having just patronized the shop. The next shop over is KILTAMOG's ROUNDS]] Narration: Meanwhile [[Hopobefevfer arrives at the Elevator, and witnesses the flames billowing from it.]] Narration: Meanwhile [[A corridor in the Mansion. Bills are posted, partially covering a sign which says POST NO BILLS.]] [[Someone is humming a song.]] [[It is the Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady, trailed by her "pet" balloon.]] Sunday, March 11, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[The shaft walls and the gnolls themselves are all green-tinted. They are no longer submerged in the green liquid.]] Chunner: Huh. Chunner: Not bad, Kid. Guess we can let you stick around for a while. Cully: Thank you, sir. Chunner: You too, Crud. Crud (small voice): i think i strained something. Monday , March 12 , 2007 [[At the Elevator. A closeup of Hopobefevfer's face.]] [[A view of the Elevator. The Operator appears to have turned to flame, which billows out of the Elevator door. His tail, looking the same as always, pokes into view from near the floor.]] Tuesday , March 13 , 2007 [[In Crazy Rhid's]] Narration: Meanwhile.. Sina: Skuy! Get over here! [[She waits.]] [[She waits some more.]] [[Skuy finally inches into view.]] Sina: Hopobefever cleared the path. We're going in. Skuy: oh, good. Wednesday , March 14 , 2007 [[The Operator, flaming inside the Elevator. He is either asleep or keeping his eyes clamped shut.]] [[Hopobefevfer looks at him, perhaps nervously.]] [[She turns abruptly.]] Hopo: Hpthbvtw? {{This is the name of the Ghast lying dead on the floor nearby.}} [[The Operator again. No change.]] [[His eyes pop open.]] ((ping)) Operator: !? [[He turns to look at a vision which forms in his flames: The Woman of Mystery.]] Operator: !! Thursday , March 15 , 2007 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's former place, Sina has been temporarily blinded.]] Sina: Skuy, what's wrong now? Skuy: . . . [[Near a large floor-mounted bowl which was spewing Trog repellent, an explosion has blasted open a hidden door, which now stands ajar. A room with a GBOL lighting it can be seen beyond.]] {{This is Rhid's workshop}} Skuy: Nothing, Sina. It's nothing. I'll get the others. Friday , March 16 , 2007 [[The Woman of Mystery is magically unlocking the Mansion's basement door. Her "pet" balloon is following her.]] [[In the Elevator, amidst his flames, the Operator looks at a vision of her opening the door.]] Operator: . . . [[He gets a wonderful, terrible, idea..]] Operator: !! [[Outside the Elevator, Hopobefevfer's unwilling attention is attracted.]] Hopo: Hpthbvtw! Where are... you... Saturday , March 17 , 2007 [[The Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady approaches the open archway which leads to the Mansion's resident Sneeh den. She is followed by her "pet" balloon.]] [[Passing in front of the archway, she comes to a ((screeching stop!))]] [[She turns and stares into the archway.]] [[She displays a possibly-surprised expression.]] [[She goes on, heading towards the Elevator.]] Balloon: ? WoM: Things that should be screeching have fallen silent. After we finish with /him/.. we must investigate.. Sunday, March 18, 2007 [[A Holiday in SubShaft 44f...]] Chunner: Brace yourself, kid. The Sneech squeezings are likely to still produce some.. side effects. Cully: Side effects? What k- ((ZAP, in a Celtic-type font)) [[The gnolls are now green, with red hair. and are wearing leprechaun hats. Large shamrocks decorate the walls. Chunner is smoking a pipe. A pot of gold is behind Crud. Their voice balloon font is now in another Celtic style.]] Cully: Faith and Begorrah! Chunner: Aye, lad, but it'll be moving on soon enough. Crud: Passing strange. Old Patik, he used to wear a hat like this. Only twas black. {{The hats do look like Hax except for their color, and lack of a pupil in their buckle-"eye".}} Monday , March 19 , 2007 [[At the elevator. A close-up of the Operator's face, as he stares out hypnotically.]] [[Hopobefever the Ghast is being hypnotized.]] [[As are the rest of the bucketchain, except for Sina, who has been temporarily blinded.]] Sina: What's Hopobefever doing? Skuy: Um.. Tuesday , March 20 , 2007 [[At the Elevator. The Operator's fire-hand reaches out for an entranced Hopobefever.]] ((FOOM)) [[Hobobefever is engulfed in flame, but not burning.]] [[Everyone watching, except the blinded Sina, is staring with spinning eyes.]] Sina: /What was that?/ Skuy, what's happening? ((FOOM)) Wednesday , March 21 , 2007 [[The Operator's fire/enchantment has reached out to engulf Skuy and Spot the Gobule. Sina, unaffected due to being temporarily blind, stands to one side.]] Sina: what? ((FOOM)) [[The enchantment reaches further back along the would-be bucket chain: Maggle the Trog and an unnamed male Jibjib.]] ((FOOM)) [[And now Ploot the Wyrm, a female Motihaul Wearing A Hat, and an Ooze, who trails off a purple streak in addtion to the pinkish tinge from Hopobefevfer.]] Thursday , March 22 , 2007 Narration: Above.. [[The Woman of Mystery as she approaches the "Mansion-level" Elevator entrance.]] [[The waiting elevator doors.]] Narration: Below.. [[The Operator's fire/enchantment continues to jump back along the bucket-chain. A female Motihaul {{named Asota}}.]] [[A male Ghast. {{Sopovefe}}]] [[Niff the Gnoll.]] [[Another female Motihaul {{Kulma}} who is turned, and has her finger raised to point.]] [[The enchantment reaches out from there..]] Friday , March 23 , 2007 [[The archway leading from the Long Path toward Well #3 and the Elevator. The Operator's enchantment-arm comes snaking out of the arch.]] [[Rubrak the Helipath and Snipe the Jibjib observe the "12 TONZ" weight they have, for whatever reason, hoisted into position at the end of a rope.]] Rubrak: OK. It appears the new rope you acquired will hold. Well done, Snipe. Snipe: Thanks, Boss! Now do w- [[The enchantment hits them.]] Rubrak: IP! Snipe: AWK! [[The spell gathers around the hooked tool that Rubrak was holding.]] Saturday , March 24 , 2007 [[The Woman of Mystery's head, as she stands outside the Mansion-level Elevator entrance.]] [[The Elevator's buttons.]] [[The WoM's hand reaching out.]] [[A closeup of the Operator's straining face.]] [[A pointed tool zooms magically through the air.]] [[A "tool's-eye-view" of the bottle of Penalty Wine.]] [[Zooming closer to the bottle.]] [[Right up against the label.]] [[The words on the label DO NOT OPEN.]] [[The WoM's finger has reached the buttons.]] [[The tip of the tool touches against the label, knocking away a bit of something.]] ((tink)) [[One of the buttons is illuminated.]] ((PING)) Sunday, March 25, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] ((UNZAP)) [[The shaft and the gnolls are no longer in St. Patrick's Day drag (except that Crud still has his hat), but there's still Sneech squeezings splattered everywhere.]] Cully: What was that? Crud: Someplace else. Rhid said that Sneeches have so many eyes, they see beyond the end of the World. And if we get coated in their squeezings, it sort of rubs off... Cully: How come Rhid knows so much about Sneeches? Chunner: I'm a mite curious about that myself. Crud: Hey! I have a hat! I'm going to name him Shamus! Monday , March 26 , 2007 [[The "Rhid-level" opening of the Elevator. The Operator, still mostly flame, has Hopobefevfer in his clutches. An enchantment trails back from her toward the off-screen bucket chain.]] [[The elevator doors slam shut. The Operator and Hopo are gone.]] ((WHAM)) Tuesday , March 27 , 2007 Narration: At the start. [[Sina is backed up against the wall, staring. Skuy blinks away the Operator's spell. Spot the Gobule's legs can be seen pointing roof-ward.]] [[Skuy seems back to normal. Behind her, Spot and Voog the Wyrm still looked stunned.]] Skuy: Sina! How'd you do it? The fire's out! Everyone's safe! Narration: At the end. [[Rubrak's tool hang in the air, having chipped the side of the Penalty Wine bottle.]] ((fzzt)) [[The tool falls.]] ((CLANG)) [[Nothing happens.]] [[From the side of the bottle comes a ((plip))]] Wednesday , March 28 , 2007 [[At the "Rhid-level" elevator entrance.]] Sina: ..The fire's out? Everyone's safe? You're sure? Skuy: Well.. yes. Sina: Oh, good. Sina: I'm going home now. [[The bottle of Council Penalty Wine.]] [[Inside the bottle, Edgar and Chauncy the demons float.]] [[Edgar hears something.]] ((plip)) Thursday , March 29 , 2007 Narration: Beside Well #3.. Folla: Niff? What just happened? Niff: Something bad just came through. [[The other bucket-chain members are all lying on the ground.]] Niff: ..but it's gone now, I think. Folla: So what's *wrong* with everybody? Niff: I dunno, Folla. I'm suddenly worried there may be something wrong with *us*. Trog: oog Narration: Inside the Penalty Wine. Edgar: Chauncy? Can you spare a moment? Chauncy: Certainly, Edgar. Edgar: You never did develop the ability to hear hear, did you? Chauncy: And you can't gurn or grok. We've had this discussion before, Edgar. Edgar: Yes. It's just, I'm *hearing* something over there. On your side. Chauncy: Very well. [[Chauncy's tail produces an energy beam or something, which touches the tiny hole in the bottle.]] Chauncy: I will just take a grok and.. hmm. Friday , March 30 , 2007 [[At Well #3.]] Folla the Gnoll: Something's wrong with you and me? Niff the Gnoll: Yes, I mean, no, not just us. Look up there! [[Wittol the Gnoll eyes a Helipath lying on the floor behind him.]] Niff: That crumb Wittol is still on his feet, and what's the only thing the three of /us/ have in common? [[Inside the bottle of Penalty Wine.]] Edgar: Is something amiss, Chauncy? Chauncy: No, Edgar. Not 'amiss' per se. There appears to be a hole. Edgar: A hole? That's never happened before! May I examine it more closely? Chauncy: We've discussed this as well, Edgar. You stay on your side of the bottle, I stay on my side, and there won't be any more.. Chauncy: ...trouble. Saturday , March 31 , 2007 [[At the "Rhid-level" Elevator doors.]] Skuy: Go home? Sina: Skuy, coming anywhere near this place was a horrible mistake. Sina: Something terrible was happening, much worse than a fire, and then it stopped for /no reason/. We /all/ need to leave before it starts up again. /Now./ [[Inside the Penalty Wine bottle.]] Edgar: You are of course under no formal obligation to do so, Chauncy.. Edgar: ..but it would be decent of you to /describe/ the hole. ((poke)) Edgar: Would you say it was.. of /useable/ calibre [sic]? Chauncy: I am embarked even now, Edgar, on a study of that very question. ((prod krak)) Sunday, April 1, 2007 [[A certain day in SubShaft 44f...]] Chunner: Crud, answer the zarking question. Why does Rhid- Crud: Shamus and I could tell you, but then we'd have to kill you! Chunner: What? ((ZAP)) [[The scene is now bizarrely multicolored; a vaguely threatening shape looms in the background. Cully is now bright green with a red nose, purple hair and wearing a beanie. Chunner is now blue and wearing a red bowtie and a dangling eyeball glasses. Crud is now red with cyan hair and a jester's hat.]] Crud: APRIL FOOLS! Cully: Golly Willikers, It's happening again! Chunner: So I see, kiddo. Monday , April 2 , 2007 [[Near the "Rhid-level" Elevator doors.]] Sina: Is everyone else all right? Are they behaving normally? Skuy: Um.. Gobule voice: Hey! Lookit how far in here I can cram my tongue! Helipath voice: Oh, I /say/.. Skuy: I'm.. not sure.. [[Inside the Penalty Wine bottle.]] Edgar: 'Krak'? That, if you'll forgive my use of the word, /sounded/ rather promising. Chauncy: Indeed, Edgar. But I suspect I must proceed with a certain deliberation. If not.. ((poke unkrak)) Chauncy: Ah. hmm. Tuesday , April 3 , 2007 [[At Well #3]] Niff the Gnoll: Kulma? Are you.. what's wrong? Kulma the Motihaul, looking dazed: My arm.. it was meters and meters long. I touched a Jibjib.. [[Folla the Gnoll looks nervously at Frik or Frak the Troglodyte behind her.]] Niff: I better.. I better go see what happened out there. Frik/Frak: hee hee hee Folla: Wait for me.. [[Inside the bottle of Penalty Wine.]] Edgar: So the hole is unusable? If you cannot make it so, I doubt that I would be able... Chauncy: There is an alternate method. I hesitate in deploying it, for it does indeed require your assistence [sic], and you may find it.. disturbing. Wednesday , April 4 , 2007 [[Near the bottle of Penalty Wine.]] Folla the Gnoll: Well.. it's smoky. Niff the Gnoll: Yes. [[Inside the bottle with Chauncy and Edgar the demons.]] Edgar: Chauncy, "disturbing" covers a rather wide range. Could you perhaps be a bit more specific? Chauncy: . . . Chauncy: Not as bad as the "Burning Eye", or The "Caged King". About on the level of.. what label was it you applied to her? The Lady? Edgar: As bad as the Scary Lady? Oh dear.. Thursday , April 5 , 2007 [[Inside the bottle of Penalty Wine.]] Edgar: /sSigh/. Very well. Do what you must. [[Chauncy ((ZAPs)) in Edgar's direction with his forked tail.]] Chauncy: Thank you. Edgar: /YIPE!/ [[At the archway leading from the Long Path towards Well #3. Rubrak the Helipath and Snipe the Jibjib lay on the floor near where Niff and Folla the Gnolls are standing.]] Folla: Um.. there's something weird going on down by the bottle.. Friday , April 6 , 2007 [[Near the "Rhid-level" elevator doors.]] Sina: We have to get everyone out of- Voog? Is that you? Are you all right? Voog: Ooh.. I feel like a Boulder slid over my head, but I guess so. {{Boulders with a capital B are large Talking Rocks in the Hot Zone.}} [[Sina, currently blind, turns towards the Elevator.]] Sina: OK. You need to- wait. Hopobefever? Are you there? Your scent is all over everything... Skuy and Voog: She's gone. Voog: I don't know why I said that. Skuy: I felt her go. She was.. yanked away. And no I can't explain what I mean by that! Saturday , April 7 , 2007 [[Near the "Rhid-level" Elevator doors. Sina rounds on Skuy and Voog.]] Sina: /Enough!!// Sina: Get everyone up! Get everyone out of here! Sina: Now! Before any more bad things happen! [[The exterior of the Penalty Wine bottle. Bits of power flicker from it. Chauncy is doing something with Edgar inside the bottle.]] Edgar: !? Edgar: !!! [[One of Edgar's horns comes smashing through the side of the bottle, spewing wine a bits of glass.]] ((KRAK)) Sunday, April 8, 2007 [[A certain day in SubShaft 44f...]] ((ZAP)) [[Now the scene is in Easter drag. All the gnolls are now purple with bunny ears. The background is decorated with flowers and a large basket of Easter eggs. Cully is holding a blue egg decorated with a capital E.]] Crud: hippity hop hippity hop! Chunner: ENOUGH!! [[The gnolls are immediately back to normal, although Cully is still holding his egg. The shaft walls are back to their green splattered state.]] Crud: Aww.. Farewell, Shamus! I'll never forget you! Monday , April 9 , 2007 [[Chauncy has used Edgar's horn to punch a hole in the side of the giant wine bottle holding them captive. The "wine" inside is spewing out.]] Edgar: Oh, well done, Chauncy! Chauncy: Your assistence was invaluable, Edgar. Edgar: Tish, But, following on along that general line.. Chauncy: Yes, Edgar? [[The horn is pulled back inside. The wine flows faster.]] ((POK)) Edgar: If you have no further use for that, I am rather attached to it. Chauncy: Oh, of course. Here you are. Edgar: Aah. Much better. And now? Chauncy: Nearly there, Edgar. Nearly there. Tuesday , April 10 , 2007 [[Niff the Gnoll watches as fluid gushes from the hole punched in the side of the Penalty Wine bottle. The bottle's label is covered in cracks.]] Niff, thinking: run [[The label explodes off the bottle in pieces.]] ((FOOMP)) Niff, thinking: Run! [[Cracks cover the surface of the bottle. Niff runs.]] ((KRAK)) Niff: /RUN!!/ Wednesday, April 11, 2007 [[The bottle of penalty wine cracks completely.]] ((KRAK)) [[Niff and Folla see bits of glass fly past them.]] [[Bung reacts.]] [[The Woman of Mystery reacts.]] [[The Operator smiles.]] Thursday , April 12 , 2007 [[The bottle of penalty wine has exploded completely, leaving Chauncy and Edgar floating free.]] Edgar: Ah. Chauncy: "Ah" indeed, Edgar. Chauncy: But moving on to more important matters... [[Niff and Folla the Gnolls look on in horror.]] Chauncy: I suggest we now pick up where we left off. Friday , April 13 , 2007 [[Floating over the broken remains of the Penalty Wine bottle.]] Edgar: Actually, Chauncy.. that touches on something I feel I need to discuss with you.. Chauncy: Yes, Edgar? [[Niff and Folla the Gnolls watch this conversation.]] Edgar: Now that we have regained complete mobility of movement, it occurs to me that we no longer.. automatically.. have to work.. together. Constantly, As it were. [[Chauncy eyes Edgar.]] [[Niff and Folla flee.]] Chauncy: Come /along/, Edgar. Edgar: ssigh.. very well, Chauncy.. Saturday , April 14 , 2007 [[Rubrak the Helipath is lying on the flloor, recovering from being hit with the Operator's magic.]] Rubrak: ? bzt ?? Rubrak: fgt.. ? [[Chauncy floats into view. Edgar's feet go by above.]] Rubrak: !!! [[Edgar floats up to where the 12 TONZ weight is hanging.]] Rubrak: AARRGggguggggghfg.. [[Edgar ((SLASHes)) through the rope holding the weight.]] Sunday, April 15, 2007 [[A sad day in SubShaft 44f...]] [[Things are back to relatively normal. Cully is still holding his Easter egg.]] [[Crud bends down out of sight.]] [[Crud is upright again, a cat's cradle made of string stretched between his hands.]] Chunner: Bokonon's old string. Wondered what happened to that. Crud: See the cat? See the cradle? {{Kurt Vonnegut 1922-2007. So it goes.}} Monday , April 16 , 2007 [[Edgar looks at the 12 TONZ weight as it falls.]] Edgar: . . . . ((SLASH)) ((SLICE)) ((SLASH)) [[A chunk of the weight goes flying over the heads of Niff and Folla the Gnolls as they flee the scene.]] Tuesday , April 17 , 2007 [[Edgar unenthusiastically floats towards the floor as pieces of weight crash down off-panel.]] ((CRASH BOOM THUD WHAM)) Rubrak the Helipath: ip- sl- op- [[Edgar grabs Snipe the Jibjib by the neck.]] ((GLOMP)) [[Edgar holds up his free claw in a slashing position.]] Rubrak: gak ep [scribble] SPLUT [[Edgar drops his arm.]] Edgar: ssssSigh.. Wednesday , April 18 , 2007 [[In the Basement, on the Long Path, Edgar the demon is unenthusiastically holding Snipe the Jibjib by the neck.]] Chauncy: Edgar. Edgar: Yes, Chauncy? [[Chauncy has killed Rubrak the Helipath.]] Chauncy: You are no longer displaying the proper levels of enthusiasm. [[Edgar flings Snipe away.]] Snipe: AWK! Edgar: No. No, I suppose that I am not. ((CRASH)) Edgar: I fear that our confinement here has.. contaminated me. It has forced upon me time to.. think. Thursday , April 19 , 2007 [[In the Basement, the demons Chauncy and Edgar converse over the Helipath they have just killed.]] Chauncy: You've been.. thinking. Edgar: As have you! [[Stylized Outline of the two of them emerging from their old home into the Basement.]] Edgar: We've been thinking since those holes opened up and deposited us here! We've even taken names for ourselves! [[A depiction of Edgar's previous home, with a chain of folks eating and being eaten.]] Edgar: Names! I cannot speak for you of course, but on my Level back.. "home", having to dedicate mental resources to remembering a name would be an instantly lethal impediment! Friday , April 20 , 2007 [[Outline depicting a chain of predators in Chauncy's place of origin.]] Chauncy: I believe, Edgar, that my Level of 'home' was a bit more sophisticated and sedate than yours, but.. I accept your essential point regarding names. Continue. Edgar: Thank you, Chauncy. [[Outline of Edgar ripping through things in the Basement.]] Edgar: We arrived here, changed, in this place of.. paper and shadows.. [[Outline of Edgar being intimidated by the Scary Lady.]] Edgar: With, of course, the occasional exception.. [[Outline of Edgar reaching for a Troglodyte.]] Edgar: And we.. as you said.. picked up right where we left off. Edgar: And for a long while.. that was fine.. Saturday , April 21 , 2007 [[On the Long Path.]] Chauncy: Before you were content. Now.. Edgar, pointing: Now.. I look at that Jibjib creature, and I realize something. [[Snipe the Jibjib lying stunned on the ground.]] Edgar: If I disassemble it, it will be like all the others. It will stop moving and go cold. If I try to eat the pieces, they will turn to dust in my mouth. Edgar: They are all the same. Chauncy, there is no starving /point/. [[Chauncy looks at him.]] [[Chauncy lowers his eyes.]] [[An outline of the Woman of Mystery, the Operator, and a very mysterious Rosemary.]] Chauncy: Not /all/. Edgar. Are you suggesting we attempt to disassemble the Lady? Or the /King?/ Plunge into the Eye? Edgar: It may come to that. But first.. we've both been forgetting.. apart from our regaining a modicum of our freedom, this day has brought one /other/ new development.. Monday , April 23 , 2007 [[On the Long Path.]] Chauncy: New development..? Ah. Rosemary Ripley. Edgar: When she passed by, did she gurn as.. thickly.. as the Lady or the King? Chauncy: The bottle prevented a truly detailed analysis, but.. no. She did not. She seemed as thin as all the others. But.. a different /flavor/ of thinness, something I'd never gurned before.. Chauncy: Perhaps if you disassemble her, we will discover something new.. Edgar: My thoughts were running along very similar lines. Edgar: You can, I assume, offer a rough estimate of her current location? Chauncy: Of course. She is just over there. Shall we, Edgar? Edgar: Yes, Chauncy, we shall. [[They have gone.]] [[Snipe the Jibjib pokes his head into view from the floor.]] Snipe, thinking: That.. that was Chauncy and Edgar!!! Tuesday , April 24 , 2007 [[In the Basement of the Mansion, in Bung the Gobule's home.]] Bung: Spuza! Snurt! [[The two named individuals are female and male Jibjib Burds. They poke their heads into view from above.]] Snurt: Yeah, Boss? Bung: Code C. Get going. [[The Jibjibs stare in horror.]] Snurt: Code C!? Bung: I said /move/. [[They move.]] Bung, thinking: Not that it'll do any good, if no one has another of those zarking bottles stashed away.. Wednesday , April 25 , 2007 [[Seen from behind, Sina looks at the "Rhid-level" Elevator doors.]] Skuy: Sina? [[Skuy looks at her.]] Skuy: Are you all right? [[Side view of Sina.]] Sina: Yes, Skuy. Sina: I'm fine. Thursday , April 26 , 2007 [[At the "Rhid-level" elevator doors.]] Skuy: We got everyone up and out. Sina: Good. Let's follow their example. [[Sina looks behind her as she walks away.]] [[Close up of the floor-indicator above the elevator.]] [[Sina walks away.]] Sina: I'm sorry, Hopobefever. Sina: Goodbye. Friday , April 27 , 2007 [[The "Rhid-level" Elevator doors, standing closed and silent.]] [[The dead bodies of Hepthbav the Ghast and Chuw the Gobule.]] [[The "cold-forged" iron frying pan which Sylvester discarded.]] [[The severed head of the Troglodyte whom Rosemary killed. Two Smyts stand nearby, one orangish, one purplish.]] [[The Smyts stare some more.]] [[They are suddenly each holding a knife and fork.]] Orange: Shall we? Purple: Yes. Purple: Yes we shall. Saturday , April 28 , 2007 Narration: In Crazy Rhid's place.. Sina: Are you all right now, Spot? Spot the Gobule: I guess I'm gonna live, Boss. [[Maggle the Trog comes into view as Spot leaves.]] Sina: Good. Please go down the line and tell everyone the fire's out, and they should go home. Or at least away. Spot: Best plan I heard all day. Sina: Now then.. Maggie, is it? Maggle: Maggle. Sina: Maggle. Didn't Mowder warn you about the Trog repellent in here? Maggle: I'm a darkpelter. [[Sina is temporarily blinded.]] Sina:I'll have to take your word for that at the moment. How is it relevent [sic]? Maggle: Repellent doesn't affect us as much. Telic claims to know why, but I think he just likes using big words. Sunday, April 29, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Crud: You'd best destroy that. Very quickly. Thing-in-the-Egg: kill you crush you [[Cully eats the egg, thing and all.]] Thing-in-the-Egg: BREAK YOUR BO- Cully: ((SCARF)) Crud: Eww. You could have just dropped it and stepped on it. Cully: ((gulp)) Monday , April 30 , 2007 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway.]] Sina: All right. Fine. Maggle. Please gather up any unclaimed buckets and take them back to Tunktal. Maggle the Trog: Ew. {{Tunktal is a bucketmaker.}} Sina: Yes, I know, but it's not like you have to talk to the drooler. Just shove them into his place and leave. Maggle: OK, OK. [[Skuy comes into view, looking nervous. A Human stencil on the wall reads NO MORE TINY BUBBLES.]] {{Don Ho RIP}} Sina: You're about to tell me something that will make me wish I was going with her. Skuy: When Hopobefever.. um.. disposed of those bombs, she blew open the hidden door to Rhid's workshop. I think. Sina: Sure enough.. Tuesday , May 1 , 2007 [[Inside Crazy Rhid's entryway. Ploot approaches Sina and Skuy.]] Sina: Ploot? Is that you? Ploot: Yes. Voog was just telling me. The fire's out? Sina: Yes, but Skuy's just dropped a new problem in our lap. Are you still willing to help? Ploot: If I can. Voog is probably going to take off, though. Sina: What we all should have done in the first place. But now it's too late. Let's get this over with. Wednesday , May 2 , 2007 [[The secret door to Rhid's workshop, which has been blown open a crack. The view from inside. Various objects attached to rods or mounted on a table poke into the shot.]] [[Ploot the Wyrm peeks through the hole smashed in the corner of the door. The rodded objects all start making ominous noises.]] ((buzzz whirrr click)) Thursday , May 3 , 2007 [[At the previously-secret entrance to Rhid's workship.]] Sina: Do you see anything? Ploot: Oh, yes. [[Ploot's POV. There are various tables covered with chemistry gear: pipes and beakers and so forth. A possibly-carnivorous plant grows on a shelf. The top of a birdcage is just visible. A stuffed crocogator hangs from the ceiling. A ladder leads up out of sight. An inscription on the side of one of the tables reads FRIMMIN AT THE JIMJAM FRIPPIN IN THE KROTZ.]] Ploot: /Wonderful/ things. Friday, May 4, 2007 [[Skuy, Sina and Ploot are outside what might be Rhid's workshop.]] Sina: So it is Rhid's workshop. Ploot: It's /a/ workshop. However, in my considered opinion- ((twang)) [[An arrow tipped with one of Rhid's bombs shoots over their heads.]] ((offpanel: BAM)) [[Skuy huddles near the floor.]] Ploot: -going in would be an extremely bad idea. Sina: Duly noted. Saturday, May 5, 2007 [[Skuy, Sina, and Ploot are outside Rhid's workshop. Skuy remains near the floor.]] Sina: I wasn't planning on going in there. Or destroying it. The Council or someone.. Ploot: Might find a use for it. Yes. Sina: I.. and Skuy.. are going to go to the Council. Tell them. Maybe they'll send.. someone. Ploot: And you want me to stay here and guard it. Keep Rhid out, if he shows up. Sina: Don't let anyone in. If you're willing. Ploot: Sure. Sina: Thank you, Ploot. Don't go near the Elevator. Ploot: I never get to have any fun. Sunday, May 6, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Chunner: I suppose that thing's going to take him over from within now? Crud: Oh, no. For anyone else, a squeezings 'egg' is bad news, but he's a Gnoll. Chunner: What? That makes him less likely to be controlled, or something? I've always wondered why- Crud: No, no. After Gobules, we have the second most efficient stomachs in the world. There will be one side-effect, though.. Cully's stomach: ((digest digest digest)) Cully: HIC! HIC! HIC! HIC! HIC! Chunner: You're sure he isn't going to turn blood-eyed and start spewing tentacles? It would be a lot less annoying. Crud: Blood.. that reminds me! If you see any eggs, they're caused by Sneech squeezings! Step on them or, if you don't mind hiccups, eat them! Monday , May 7 , 2007 [[Outside Rhid's workshop. As Sina speaks to Ploot, Voog comes up behind them.]] Sina: I'll try and find someone to stay here with you, Ploot, but- Voog: I felt guilty, and came back. [[Sina leaves.]] Ploot: Your efficiency is almost frightening. Sina: Maybe not a testimonial I can use for my party-organizing, but thank you all the same. Sina: C'mon Skuy. Skuy, from the floor: OK... Tuesday , May 8 , 2007 [[[Voog and Ploot the Wyrms are guarding the entrance to Rhid's workshop.]] Voog: What are we doing? Ploot: Keeping Rhid out of his workshop here. Voog: Oh. . . . Ploot: I suppose you want to talk about Mother Byng. Voog: No, I don't Ploot. Cuz.. even if you're right, she ain't going anywhere anytime soon. And if you keep /talking/, you'll be be tossed in the Squirmpit. [[Ploot says nothing.]] Ploot: Change is coming Voog. I can feel it oozing out of the Tunnel walls, taste it when I go crystal-grazing. Maybe it won't roll over Byng. Or maybe it will. Wednesday , May 9 , 2007 [[Outside Rhid's workshop.]] Voog: I do have a question. Ploot: Yes, Voog? Voog: Why was that Gnoll.. Skuy.. crawling around on the floor? Ploot: She suffers from an exploding arrow allergy. [[Voog thinks about this.]] Voog: Just when I think I've got Gnolls figured out, there's some new /twist/. Ploot: Indeed. Thursday , May 10 , 2007 [[Inside the "entryhall" of Crazy Rhid's place. Smoke wafts in the background.]] Skuy: Sina? Are we really getting out here? Sina: Yes, assuming /you/ don't find anymore hidden doors. [[A small whale and a pot of flowers appear in midair.]] ((POOF)) {{For the one or two people who don't know, a reference to Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy}} [[They both smash to earth.]] ((CRUNCH SPLAT)) [[The two Gnolls go on.]] Sina: And barring appearences [sic] of any more of Rhid's "twistpoint visions". Friday , May 11 , 2007 [[Leaving Crazy Rhid's.]] Skuy: Rhid can control twistpoints? Sina: What? Oh, no. At least, I don't think so. [[An outline of Dead Cat from the webcomic Misadventures of Okk.]] Sina: He just told me about those sort of things appearing. He said they were harmless. Sina: And yes. He could have been lying. [[An outline of Rhid.]] Sina: But.. I don't think Rhid.. wastes time.. telling lies. He's dangerous.. because of the /truth/ he knows.. Skuy: I don't understand. Sina: I'd wish I had had a chance to talk to him when I didn't have to worry about being blown up. Saturday , May 12 , 2007 [[Leaving Crazy Rhid's]] Sina: And yes, I know what you're going to say. It sounds like I'm /defending/ Rhid. Skuy: . . . [[Outline of Rhid hitting Leny in the face with one of his bombs.]] Sina: I'm not. He killed Leny. He probably could have warned us about the Operator, instead of just... He said it himself, he's a terrible person. Sina: (Again, no lies.) Sina: But I now see that a person can both be great and terrible... I wonder how many people Comshaw has killed.. Sunday, May 13, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Hic! Hic! Hic! Hic! Cully: Hic! Hic! Hic! Hic! Cully: Hic! Hic! Hic! Hic! Chunner: I don't suppose, in any of your long conversations with Rhid, he mentioned any hiccup cures? Crud: Nnno, but my mother taught me one. Why do you ask? Monday , May 14 , 2007 [[Skuy and Sina exit out the battered and blackened doorway of Crazy Rhid's place.]] [[They walk down the hallway beyond.]] Skuy: Comshaw killed those Raver Trogs, and if you count the Crudbean as a per- Sina: Yes, thank you, Skuy. Tuesday , May 15 , 2007 [[In the hallway leading from Crazy Rhid's.]] Sina: Is everyone really gone? Skuy: Yes. Except that poor Ghast on the floor. I think he's still alive, but.. [[Sepferb's hand, poking up from where he is laying on floor.]] Sina: sigh. Yes. There's nothing we can do for Sepferb... or.. no. We're going to the Council anyway. At least we can make sure Snerd went to the Ghasts.. Skuy: Oh. Wait. There is someone else there.. Gnollish voice: /There/ you are, Sina. Wednesday , May 16 , 2007 [[Sina and Skuy have met a female Gnoll outside Crazy Rhid's. Smoke floats in the background.]] Sina: Ah. It's you. Wait right there.. [[She walks back the way she came.]] Sina: ..I have something for you. [[She returns bearing the cakeshroom on the tray.]] Sina: Happy birthday, Catmorlo. Catmorlo the Gnoll: Yes. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the /lovely/ party. Nosh the Gobule: So, we eatin' that cakeshroom, or what? Thursday , May 17 , 2007 [[Nosh the Gobule hurries away from Crazy Rhid's place.]] [[Catmorlo the Gnoll leaves as well, at a slower pace, chewing some cakeshroom, and carrying more in her bucket.]] [[Sina and Skuy the Gnolls leave, also eating cakeshroom. Sina throws away her cakeshroom tray.]] Sina, thinking: sigh. back to just about where I started. if I hadn't done anything.. kept my big snout shut.. Wrawa and the others.. they'd still be safely standing here arguing. Friday , May 18 , 2007 [[Leaving Crazy Rhid's. Smoke is floating in the background.]] Skuy: I've never had real cakeshroom before.. Sina: Not bad, huh? Skuy: It's very nice. Skuy: . . . Skuy: Why do they call it that? Sina: That's a good question, and nobody seems to know. Sina: Maybe I'll ask Rhid, the next time we meet. Skuy: . . . Skuy: Why did you hit that Gobule with your cakeshroom tray? Sina: Every good party needs entertainment as well as food. Saturday , May 19 , 2007 [[Leaving Crazy Rhid's, heading towards Well #3.]] Skuy: So what's it going to be like inside the Council chamber? Sina: Skuy, how could I possibly know that? Skuy: Well.. I thought maybe you'd organized Wunk or Doyen's birthday party.. Sina: I'm just the best partyplanner, not the most popular or the /fanciest/. Today, I doubt we'll get much past the front door. ((BLAM)) Sina: ..assuming we get that far.. Sunday, May 20, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[Cully is still hiccupping. However, now he has something egg-shaped and purple on his head and a string tied around his snout, the end of which is held by Chunner. There are flutterbys flying around. And Crud is holding a twisted yellow tube or hose thing with a purple sphere poking from the end.]] Cully: hic hic hic Chunner: /This/ is a hiccup cure? Your Mother taught you everything that you know, didn't she? Crud: Actually, to be honest, Mother learned it from old Loomboggle. Pull! Chunner: /Fine../ ((YANK!)) ((SPLOOG!)) ((NARF)) ((RONKRONK)) ((hic!)) [[The purple thing on Cully's head seems to have exploded. The string, no longer tied to Cully's snout, simply dangles from Chunner's hand. The tube-thing has deflated, while the purple sphere has turned into a flower, which is floating away.]] Cully: Wow. Chunner: I don't believe this. Crud: Yes. Loomboggle was a bit eccentric at times, but she was a genius. Monday , May 21 , 2007 [[Between Crazy Rhid's and Well #3]] Sina: Asota? Is that you? What's going on? Asota the Motihaul: They say Nevus and the Council are fighting. But that's not the worst! The bottle's shattered! Asota: Chauncy and Edgar are /free!/ Sina: . . . Sina: oh..kay.. Sina: time for a new plan.. Tuesday , May 22 , 2007 [[Seen from behind, the Woman of Mystery stands before the Elevator. The balloon she picked up floats nearby.]] [[A closeup of her face.]] [[A closeup of the Elevator's level-indicator, which points at the second level from the left. Below is an inscription reading "another fine product of CHARON COLDFORGED ELEVATOR COMPANY Candentown, Florin, YL]] ((PING)) Wednesday , May 23 , 2007 [[The doors to the Elevator open, revealing a grinning Operator.]] Operator: /GOING D-/ Operator: . . . [[He drops the act.]] Operator: Oh. Operator: It's you. The Woman of Mystery: You've been having fun. Operator: Yes, indeed. If I had known what would happen.. [[The Operator's horns have grown shorter.]] Operator: I would have let myself be knocked unconscious and bitten /years/ ago. Thursday , May 24 , 2007 [[Sideview at the Elevator door. There is a blue strip between the Elevator and the outside.]] The Operator: But enough about me. What brings you to my humble abode? I suppose you want to know about the Sneeches? The Woman of Mystery: . . . WoM: No... No. I'm afraid it's still about you. I'm afraid you were having too *much* fun, and I was contractually obligated to intervene. [[The Operator's appearance begins to shift, becoming more Human.]] Operator: Of *course* you were. WoM: I should have been here much sooner, but I kept running into the most *fascinating* diversions. Friday , May 25 , 2007 [[At the "Mansion-level" Elevator doors.]] The Operator: Distractions? Surely you don't think that /I-/ The Woman of Mystery: No, it wasn't you. Maybe it was nobody but random fluxuations of fate. But it seemed.. [[Sh turns to go.]] WoM: No matter. WoM: Either way, I must be going. I am horribly behind schedule. WoM: ta ta. Operator: You are not the only one who is contractually obligated, you know... [[The Operator looks almost Human now, sprouting a beard.]] Operator: I must point out that.. All you have to do is stop interfering. Let me have my fun. In exchange, you could have anything you want. Almost literally. WoM: I said Ta ta. Saturday , May 26 , 2007 [[The Woman of Mystery walks away from the Elevator.]] The Operator: With you of course, it would be Frederick. Operator: You've done wonders with what you've had to work with.. Operator: Keeping him alive all these decades... [[Outline of Frederick posing with his axe.]] Operator: But how much is left? [[The WoM has paused.]] Operator: And how big a toll has it all taken on /you?/ Sunday, May 27, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Where did you get all of that stuff? Chunner: You'd be amazed what ends up down here.. [[Three round things fall into their midst, one of which is purple with green fronds and BONKs Cully on the head. A grey something with three black stars falls near Chunner. Crud catches the third object: a purple fruit.]] ((BONK)) [[Crud is eating the fruit.]] Cully (from the floor): And Bokonon? I suppose he was here before Cunskite? Chunner: No, Kid. /I/ replaced Bokonon. Crud: He was a strange fellow. Just left one day. Said he had to go climb to the top of the world and thumb his snout at God.. Monday , May 28 , 2007 [[At the Elevator. The Operator is looking Human and royal. Myrrh has her back to him.]] Operator: I could fix it, you know. Make it so both you and Frederick have your.. full facilities. [[Outline of Frederick performing magic.]] Operator: Frederick could be a magician again. He'd have to stay near the Mansion, or another Tricklepoint, until.. unless.. the laylines start flowing again. [[Outline of Myrrh wrecking havoc beyond a Panegate.]] Operator: Or you could /both/ enter a Panegate. Permanently this time. Become Ghu himself, in a world where the magic still flows, flows 80 times stronger.. (What do those poor Shades call you? The Destroyer?) [[Back at the Elevator. Myrrh grits her teeth.]] Operator: But no.. you don't want that. It was Frederick-the-Magician who brought you here, then died. You never knew him. You never fell in love with /him/. Tuesday , May 29 , 2007 [[At the "Mansion-level" Elevator doors. The Operator looks Human, and wears the uniform possibly of a king.]] Operator: So what do you say, my child? You just stop interfering,, and once I get out of here, I help you and Frederick.. [[The Woman of Mystery looks unhappy.]] Operator: No more straggling decline. No more nurse-maiding Frederick's idiot relatives. Youth and strength and brilliance. Forever. [[The WoM's hand at her side.]] [[She clenches it, and a bit of magic glows there.]] [[She faces the Operator again.]] WoM: You have nothing to offer me. You have nothing I want. Wednesday , May 30 , 2007 [[At the Elevator. The Operator looks far more Human than usual.]] Woman of Mystery: People are born. People /die./ Operator: Ah,. I /do/ have something you want. A set of functioning ears! [[An outline of the Woman of Mystery onboard a sailing ship, wearing a hat. The background colors indicate this is the day of the Crash.]] WoM: The magic goes away. WoM: The magic comes back. Operator: We can only hope. [[An outline of a speaker talking to a multitude from a balcony. There are large guns mounted above the balcony.]] WoM: One day you're on the balcony, being cheered by the multitudes.. Operator: I always /did/ cut a rather dashing figure up there. WoM: ..the next you're locked in a box at the ragged end of reality. [[A small stylized outline of the Operator in the Elevator, in the Mansion.]] Operator: Indeed. [[The WoM turns to go.]] WoM: /Nothing/ lasts forever. Operator: Yes. Including boxes. Thursday , May 31 , 2007 [[The Woman of Mystery leaves the Elevator, as the Operator watches. He appears as a Human king.]] Operator: So.. has our /joyous/ time together drawn to a close? [[She walks away, does not answer.]] Operator: Ah well. remember, my door is always open. [[She is out of sight.]] WoM: Go jump in a Grue-pit. Operator: Au revoir. {{Author's note: To avoid giving out any false clues.. the Operator is not literally speaking French here. What you are seeing is a translation into English from the Mansionverse language the characters are actually speaking. And.. in the case of the phrase he used in that language, the best translation into modern English, the phrase that closest catches his exact meaning and intent, happens to be not "Goodbye" or even "See you later" but the stolen-from-the-French "Au Revior." Just in case you were curious.}} Friday , June 1 , 2007 [[The Human-looking Operator stands in the Elevator as the doors close. All dialogue is nonverbal.]] Operator: Distractions and diversions... [[Doors close more.]] Operator: I clearly missed something important while I was otherwise occupied.. hat poor girl was being downright /reckless/.. [[Only a crack left.]] Operator: And not due to dispair [sic].. she's hopeful. Operator: After all these years.. [[The doors close.]] Operator: /Terribly/ hopeful. Operator: Let's find out why.. Saturday , June 2 , 2007 [[The Human-appearing Operator stands on the square which is the floor of the Elevator, his arms raised. The walls surround him. The Elevator sign is behind his head, the fine print unreadable.]] [[He pushes outward. The scene turns to full color. The floor remains the same shape, but the walls flatten out into a single sheet, behind him. The sign now reads OOF.]] [[Pulliing further back. The square-pattern on the wall flexes and bulges in random places. The sign now reads HOME SWEET HOME.]] Sunday, June 3, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: But why did Bokonon- Chunner: No, kid, it's my turn. Crud, /how come Crazy Rhid knows so much about Sneeches?/ Crud: Oh. Well. I gather that he goes and talks to them. Chunner: Talks. To Sneeches. Crud: Yes. He said that in the end, they're people like anyone else. Of course, it is true that Rhid might not be the best judge of such things.. Chunner: Speaking along those lines, maybe he was just lying to you.. Crud: Oh no. Rhid doesn't tell lies. Except when he pretends to be so crazy that he's forgotten what you asked. At least.. I think he was pretending that.. Monday , June 4 , 2007 [[llInside the Elevator. The Operator looks almost Human. The wall bends and flexes. The sign reads DO NOT TOUCH THE TIME PYLON.]] Operator, thinking: Ah yes. Just.. [[There is a colored beam, slicing by an angle. The Operator reaches for it.]] Operator, thinking: And no sign of our friendly neighborhood Willygig. [[He grabs the beam.]] ((GLOMP)) [[He is blasted with power. The sign reads YOU WERE WARNED.]] Tuesday , June 5 , 2007 [[A closeup of the Operator's face, as he grips one of Protus's "Time Pylons", and is blasted with its power. He thinks.]] Operator: Back.. through her.. diversions.. [[Even closer in, in the pupil of his eye. A balloon is made to resemble a jack o lantern.]] Operator: Bah. [[The blast of magic/light/color which came from the Pit in the Forest of E.]] Operator: No.. [[Nellie Grubb, depicted in shades of purple.]] Operator: /No./ [[Zay of the webcomic Sandwich World, depicted similarly.]] Operator: ... No.. Operator: Only one more.. this must be.. wait.. down there? But that's- [[The "Forbidden" symbol, an open circle with a slash across it, behind the words UNVERIFIED ACCESS ENGAGING COUNTER MEASURES.]] Operator: oh buggering v- Wednesday , June 6 , 2007 [[The floor of the Elevator floats in front of a vast section of bulging and warping "wall". A beam of power comes down a system of branching lines, and reaches where the Operator is gripping on. He is blasted by it. The elevator sign reads YIPE.]] Thursday , June 7 , 2007 [[The Operator, appearing almost human, stands in the square which is the floor of the Elevator. Around him the walls waver and flux. The Elevator sign reads Is There a Healer in the House? The Operator's hand is blackened.]] The Operator, thinking: I don't believe this. [[An outline of a question mark surrounded/partially obscured by a collection of slashing lines.]] Operator: That soppy little twit witnessed whatever-it-is that Protus has hidden in the very middle of all his Pylons. {{He refers to the Woman of Mystery.}} Operator: And I'd wager eighty Quatloos that she doesn't even know it.. [[The sign reads RSVP.]] Operator: We're going to have to get her back here for another talk. As soon as possible. Friday , June 8 , 2007 [[Inside the Elevator. The Human-looking Operator holds up his hand, and shapes appear either floating there or on the sign behind him him: Rosemary's helmet, and Chauncy and Edgar's "ears".]] Operator: And, even more importantly, if Miss Ripley confirms my faith in her and passes the little test I've sent her way, we'll need to get her back over here as well... Assuming of course.. [[Hopobefever the Ghast is wrapped up in the Operator's tail. He looks like a devil again. The sign lists its warnings.]] Operator: ...You have completed your.. basic training and are ready for your first mission? Hopobefever: . . . Operator: Answer the Question, my dear. Hopobefever: What.. are you.. doing.. sir.. I.. can't... [[The tail slithers around her head. Her eyes go red and yellow.]] Operator: /Answer the Question./ Hopobefever: AHH! sir no sir this ghastunit is only 57 percent converted sir Operator: 57.. such resistance. Ah, Hpobfvfr.. You are so very close to being what I need.. [[A tiny sliver of the wall.]] Operator: But you're not there. So let's proceed. Hopobefever: aah! Saturday , June 9 , 2007 [[The Woman of Mystery stands in front of the open archway which leads toward the Basement's Sneech den. Her "pet" balloon floats nearby.]] [[She looks towards the floor.]] [[She extends her hand, and the Sneech-stick which Sylvester discarded magically rises up into view.]] [[She now holds the stick.]] WoM, thinking: ""I suppose you want to know about the Sneeches." Sunday, June 10, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: So.. is Crazy Rhid in on the whole Sneech-squeezings thing? Crud: I'm sorry? Cully: What you and Mr. Chunner said before. Cully: About the Crescent Hall nobs getting Sneech-squeezings and dumping them down here in the SubShafts. Is that when Rhid talked to the Sneeches? Crud: Oh. Well. I suppose it's /possible/. He does use squeezings in his wares, sometimes... Chunner: Assuming Crud's right about this, You may be onto something there, kid. The phizzer's /very/ careful to make himself useful to VIPs; that's how he's lasted so long. Crud: ..but I doubt it. He didn't want anyone to know he'd been over there. He made me promise not to tell anyone when he gave me the squeezings I used in my bean. Monday , June 11 , 2007 Narration: In various places.. [[No dialogue given in any of the following. Near Crazy Rhid's, Skuy talks to Ploot and Voog.]] [[A Gnoll and a Troglodyte's fight is interrupted by the arrival of Chauncy the demon. A rock bounces off Chauncy's head without effect.]] [[Snerd the Gnoll talks to a Ghast who eyes him from behind a barricade and a large spear.]] [[Clochard the Gnoll watches a Kronk the Trog goes past, following the scent trail of Crazy Rhid.]] [[A group returns from the forest: Nevus riding on Mimsy's head, Agita, Shona and a blindfolded Trog.]] [[In the forest, Comshaw, Niddle and Ig the Saur walk past the remains of a human wall.]] Tuesday , June 12 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw, Niddle and Ig the Saur proceed along. Niddle carries the Hitchhiking Gem]] Ig: So these metalmin get up and walk around? Comshaw: No, Ig, they're just hunks of metal. Niddle: That's not true. Comshaw: Niddle, I /explained/ this to you before. Niddle: Yes, Comshaw, you did, and I told you, I saw an active one when the Fire hit me. . . . And when I was with Thrash and the ot- [[There is an enormous flash of light ahead of them.]] ((OZPR)) Wednesday , June 13 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E, Ig the Saur, Comshaw and Niddle silently watch as an explosion sends debris flying from behind a row of trees in the distance.]] Thursday , June 14 , 2007 [[In the forest of E. A skull sits on a stone block behind the speakers.]] Comshaw: OK.. it's not just a different sound. This is fundimentally different. Ig the Saur: What? Comshaw: I realize now.. Before.. That was just a light show, like the Caverns of Serene Shimmering. This- [[An enormous boulder falls out of the sky, smashing the skull and the block under it.]] ((CRUNCH)) Comshaw: ..is a great deal more vigorous. Ig: "Serene Shimmering"? Comshaw: It's not so bad, compared to the Fluffy Foo-Foo Cave. Friday , June 15 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E, following an explosion in the distance.]] Ig the Saur: Shouldn't we get out of range of falling stuff? Comshaw: A little late for that. [[A small bit of debris falls from the sky and ((BONKs)) Comshaw on the nose.]] Comshaw: And the worst seems to be over. IgSaur: snif? Comshaw: Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to keep Niddle from wandering off. Again. Saturday , June 16 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E. The Hitchhiking Gem which Niddle is carrying is shooting bits of magic.]] Comshaw: Niddle, where are you going? Niddle: Don't you want to go check out that explosion? Comshaw: Check out..! Niddle, whatever caused that blast is /gone/. All we'd find is a zarking hole in the ground! Niddle: But we need to... Niddle: . . . Comshaw: To what? I'm genuinely curious what you think we should do. Niddle: We need to- Ig the Saur, running past: /RUN!/ Sunday, June 17, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Crud: Of course, Father Groat always th... Is something the matter? Chunner: You said the B-word and you didn't have one of your little moments. Crud: B-word? Oh! /Bean/. Crud: ... You're right! Bean bean bean. Maybe /that/ was what I strained when I- Cully: What about 'Mugwump'? [[Crud attacks Cully.]] Crud: RRRRRAAARRGGHHH! Chunner: Pity. I was hoping he'd finally be able to tell us what the zarking things are. Monday , June 18 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E. As Comshaw and Niddle stand, Ig the Saur flees.]] Niddle: What's that /smell?/ [[Comshaw pushes at Niddle.]] Comshaw: Niddle, run! Niddle: Why? Comshaw: As soon as I find out, you'll be the first to know! Move! Tuesday , June 19 , 2007 [[A scene in the Forest of E. Comshaw can just be seen fleeing off-panel.]] [[A large flutterby comes zooming into view from the opposite direction.]] [[It flies on. Three more come into view.]] Off-panel voice: GROWF!! Wednesday , June 20 , 2007 [[The Forest of E. Ig the Saur looks up at the pile of grassy stones which make up a section of Human-city rubble; small trees also sprout from the pile. Carved on one of the stones is the phrase OZZY MANN DIAS]] IgSaur, thinking: Yeah, this'll do. [[Ig starts to climb.]] Ig: oof urg ((scrabble scrabble)) [[He looks back as Niddle comes into view below.]] Off-panel voice: GROWF!! Ig, thinking: ...I hope. Thursday , June 21 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E, Comshaw and Niddle the Gnolls and Ig the Saur are being potentially menaced by a Skunk Shark. Ig is standing on top of a pile of rocks, only his legs are visible.]] Ig: You need to climb up here! Ig: . . . You Gnolls /can/ cli- [[Comshaw and Niddle are up there with him. A flutterby flies into view.]] Ig: -mb? Comshaw: Maybe not as well as an Ooze or a Ghast, but we get by. I /assume/ whatever is coming can't? Friday , June 22 , 2007 [[On an old Human structure in the Forest of E.]] Ig the Saur: What's coming is one of the skunk sharks. Comshaw: Skunk. OK. That's not as bad as a.. beaver shark, right? [[Niddle is looking at the structure's central pillar.]] IgSaur: Oh yeah. If it was a /beaver/ shark, we'd be in real trouble.. Ig: ..but we /should/ be all right up here.. Comshaw: And if we aren't...? Ig: Jump off, and run. Fast. Saturday , June 23 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E, on the crumbled remains of the Ozzy Mann Dias.]] Comshaw: I'm detecting a note of uncertainty. Ig the Saur: All a beaver shark does is chase. Once it.. picks some poor drooler.. it'll chew down a Gnomish /hometree/ to get him. IgSaur: But the skunk sharks.. IgSaur: If one catches you out in the open, it'll chomp you. If you're not on its.. level. It's like you stop being there. [[Ig points]] Comshaw: Most of the time? Ig: Yeah. So. If we /are/ here... run that way. There's a higher pile to climb. Sunday, June 24, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] {{Cully needs this entire strip to recover from his latest beating.}} Chunner: So anyway, Crud. /Why/ did you create that zarking bean? Crud: Oh. Well. My sires managed one of old Cartul's fungi farms. I grew up seeing how much trouble it is to keep one going... Crud: So I set out to create a tasty and nutritious plant that could feed /itself/ on scraps and waste. Save all that work. But.. it went badly. Or maybe too well. Chunner: You used Sneech squeezings! What did you /think/ was going to happen? Crud: I never intended to use it in the final.. Results were demanded. Mistakes were made. Monday , June 25 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E, on the Ozzy Mann Dias, which is a pile of blocks topped with a central pillar sprouting points. A hole in the side reveals a broken-off pipe. Flutterbys flit around.]] Comshaw: Speaking of piles.. What is this thing we're standing on? Ig the Saur: I dunno. Some old human phizz. Niddle: ..it's a fountain. Tuesday , June 26 , 2007 [[On the Ozzy Mann Dias in the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: A fountain? Niddle, what- Ig the Saur: There's the shark. [[A white-striped fin goes by below their feet.]] IgSaur: . . . Good. Looks like it's going to just graze for a while.. [[Comshaw waves away the smell.]] Comshaw: Phew. Peppy. Why do you call it a "skunk" shark? Ig: I dunno. Wednesday , June 27 , 2007 [[On a defunct Human fountain in the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: So how long.. wait, "graze"? That means, "nibble on plants", right? Ig the Saur: Pretty much. [[The skunk shark goes by below them.]] Comshaw: If it eats /plants/, why are we up here? IgSaur: Skunk sharks eat a whole.. /plethora/.. of phizz. Even more than us Saurs. Shark: GROWF!! [[Ig points.]] Comshaw: You say that like it's a good thing. Ig: Mostly, it is You've never been up north? In the deep forest? Comshaw: ..No. /Boffin/ never went there, much less me. Ig: It's deep because the /growfers/ don't go there, either. Thursday , June 28 , 2007 [[Ig the Saur is lecturing to Comshaw about life in the Forest of E. All the following are Outlines. An Ooze wearing a hat carefully tends to some underground growth.]] Comshaw: I'm not following you here. Ig: Boffin told me one, you have to /work/ to grow plants underground? [[A Nome smoking a pipe and studying a tall leafy plant.]] Comshaw: Camora is the one to ask about running a fungi farm, but.. Very broadly speaking.. apart from Treefruit.. yes. Ig: Up here, green phizz grows all on its own. [[A Skunk Shark chews on vegetation, as a flutterby flies overhead.]] Ig: OK, the Gnolls and the Nomes clean up near their burrows and hometrees and such. But mostly the growfer wander around all the time, cropping the grass, chewing down the smaller saplings. [[A mass of spiky bushes and trees, with a Giant Spyder sitting in a web.]] Ig: Up north, they don't.. Friday , June 29 , 2007 [[An outline of Ig the Saur looking at a tangled mass of grass, brambles, trees and Spyder webs.]] IgSaur: I've only been to the edge of the Deep, but it's bad. Grass up over your head, bramblevines, Spyders everwhere, those- Comshaw: I get the idea. Turning back to the "growfers"... Comshaw: Do they not go up north because it's bad, or is it bad because they don't go up nortth [sic]? Ig: Uuh.. I dunno. They go around in a big sorta circle all the time Here. Comshaw: "Here" being...? [[Outline of a crude map of the forest, with a very large star in the middle, with two !!s for emphasis. Counterclockwise around the edges, along with trees, are the Spike, a frog, a Nome head, a treesquid, the Mansion, a Spyder and the Pit. The bottom edge of the panel is ragged, showing the surrounding blue frame.]] Ig: ... /here/. South of the Deep. Ig: East of the Ravine Ig: West of the Stump. Ig: North of the Edge. Ig: The /important/ stuff. Comshaw: Right. Saturday , June 30 , 2007 [[On the Ozzy Mann Dias, in the Forest of E. Niddle is present.]] Comshaw: So the shark will go away? Ig the Saur: Yeah, eventually. Skunk Shark: GROWF! Comshaw: When? Five hours? Three days? Early autumn? IgSaur: Five what? Comshaw: Hour. There are twenty of them.. Comshaw: You /can/ count, right? Ig, cheerfully: Yes! All the way to /forty two/! Sunday, July 1, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: 'Results were demanded?' Who- ((WHEEEEEEEE)) Chunner: Hold that thought, Kid. Crud: Oh, dear. [[Everyone ducks as something arrowhead-shaped flies into view from the side.]] ((WHEEEEEEEEEEEEE)) Chunner: And /stay down/. [[A big red, white, and blue explosion spells out HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY]] Cully: eep Crud: ..it's a little early.. Chunner: No, Crud, really? Monday , July 2 , 2007 [[Outline of Poyndext the Eyebolt displaying an infinity symbol to Comshaw.]] Ig the Saur: How high can /you/ count? Comshaw: Poyndext the Eyebolt told me once there is no highest number. [[Outline of a female and male Eyebolt arguing, with numbers and mathematical symbols floating around them.]] Comshaw: Which might be true. Eyebolts do sit up all night arguing about this sort of thing. Comshaw: But personally, the highest I go is one million. And since you're going to ask.. [[Outline of a procession of leaves being added.]] Comshaw: Take all the.. oh.. leaves in the world, and count them. That'll get you close enough to a million for our purposes. Ig the Saur: . . . oh. Tuesday , July 3 , 2007 [[On the Ozzy Mann Dias, in the Forest of E.]] Niddle: Actually, Comshaw. if the trees around here display a typical leaf-load and dispersal pattern, saying that there are a million leaves in the world would be a wild underestimate. Niddle: Particularly if you count all those tiny needle-growths as leaves, and not just.. [[He sees Comshaw's expression.]] Niddle: What? Comshaw: /Now/ you decide to take an interest in the conversation. Ig the Saur: Why would anyone want to count all the leaves in the world? Wednesday , July 4 , 2007 [[An outline of the clock which Comshaw mentions below.]] Comshaw: /Enough about leaves!/ Ig. An hour is an arbitrary division of time. We got the idea off the Clock in the Time Hall. Ig the Saur: Clock? Comshaw: For the moment, just accept [sic] that it's another old human machine. [[An outline of the sun crossing the sky above the forest, with its passage measured.]] Comshaw: The idea is that you take the stretch of time from sunrise to sunset, and divide it into ten equal parts. [[An outline of the moon making the same trip.]] Comshaw: And then you do the same with sunset to sunrise, for a total of twenty hours in a day. Thursday , July 5 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E, on an old Human fountain.]] Comshaw: You seem confused. Ig the Saur: No, I understand. We break the day into "morning' and "evening'. It's the same idea. . . IgSaur: right? [[An outline of the sun either rising or setting over the Forest.]] Comshaw: Essentially, yes, although we use those words as well. Ig: What I was wondering was.. do these hours get shorter in the winter? Cuz the sun doesn't always.. [[Outline of the sun higher in the sky.]] Comshaw: No, you're right. I should have said /roughly/ sunrise to sunset. [[Outline of a branch of the Tree.]] Comshaw: And we down underground know about sunrise and sunset (and summer and winter, for that matter) because of the Tree. Friday , July 6 , 2007 [[Outline of the sun shining down on the Mansion and one of the accompanying branches of the Tree.]] Comshaw: The Tree, our Tree, has branches everywhere Some of the biggest poke up above the surface around.. "The Stump", and they react to the light of the sun.. Comshaw: ...or lack thereof. [[Underground, various folks go about their business, as a GBOL shines overhead.]] Comshaw: Our GBOLs.. which are sort of.. a whole bunch of tiny little suns, at least in terms of light.. are are all tied into the Tree.. [[Nighttime. The GBOL is dimmer. Only loitering Gnoll remains.]] Comshaw: And when the sun goes down, the GBOLs dim considerably. Right now it is spring, but we have long winter nights, just like you. Ig the Saur: What? It snows down there? Niddle: It whats down there? Comshaw: Like what falls from the ceiling in Vinemass Pit, NIddle, only it's very cold. Comshaw: And OK, Ig, not /exactly/ like you.. Saturday , July 7 , 2007 [[On the Ozzy Mann Dias, in the Forest of E.]] Ig the Saur: OK.. I guess I understand, but why /two/ sets of ten hours? That would be hard to keep track of.. Comshaw: sigh.. it's ten because on the Clock there are ten marks for the moving pointers to point at. [[Outline of various time-keeping devices: water dripping into a marked flask, a marked candle burns, an hourglass.]] Comshaw: As for keeping track of time away from the Clock, people have come up with some ideas over the years... Comshaw: ..but honestly, none of them work all that well. [[An outline of an evil demonic Mortimer holding a bit of time in his claws.]] Comshaw: Something else to ask this Mortimer, if we ever meet him. Why ten hours on the Clock instead of some sensible number like eight. Comshaw: And if we're really lucky, maybe how to make more Clocks.. Sunday, July 8, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: Was.. was that more Sneech squeezings? Chunner: Eh? Oh. No. The zarking machine over in SubShaft 44h spits out those things on a /semi/-regular schedule. Crud: It was a couple of days early. I'm glad our machine is more reliable. Chunner: Reliable. He says that like it's a good thing. Chunner (yelling): THANKS FOR THE WARNING, OVER THERE! Off-panel voice (yelling): ANY TIME! Cully: ..are all the SubShafts occupied? Chunner: Pretty much. Be grateful you're not down in 45f. Voice from below (small): you have no idea how grateful you should be.. Monday , July 9 , 2007 [[On the Ozzy Mann Dias, in the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: But anyway. /Getting back to the point/. Ig. How long til the shark leaves? Ig the Saur: . . . IgSaur: We should wait for an /hour/. Maybe two, if we want to be safe. Comshaw: Fine. We wait two hours. Comshaw: Or as close as we can judge. Comshaw: C'mere, Niddle. Niddle: My leaf calculations could have been wrong! Tuesday , July 10 , 2007 [[On the Ozzy Mann Dias, in the Forest of E. Comshaw undoes the straps on Niddle's backpack.]] Comshaw: Oh, relax, Niddle Comshaw: ..in more than one sense. [[The fin of the Skunk Shark below.]] Comshaw: If the shark does come up here, leave the pack behind and run. Shark: GROWF!! [[Comshaw puts the pack down on a stone ledge.]] Comshaw: Because whatever happens, we are not going to Louch's. We are /not/ spending the night above ground. [[Closeup of the bugs crawling around near the pack.]] Comshaw: ..but we /can/ at least break out the beetle box, and have a.. snack.. Wednesday , July 11 , 2007 [[On the Ozzy Mann Dias, in the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: Ig. Are there lots of beetles up here? Ig the Saur: Huh? Oh sure. All sorts. Trundlebugs, too. [[Closeup of the bug Comshaw is holding between his fingers.]] Comshaw: And are they eatable? IgSaur: Mostly. That you've got there is a mound-beetle. It's fine. Ig: But you Gnolls like worms better, right? I'll grub some up for you! Comshaw: No thanks. Ig: Suit yourself. All the more for me! Comshaw, thinking: We are /definitely/ not staying up here. Thursday , July 12 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E, on the old Human fountain.]] Comshaw: Now then.. Niddle.. Niddle: Yes? [[They look up at the fountain's central column.]] Comshaw: You say this used to be a fountain? What did it spew? Niddle: I don't know. It's been broken for too long. [[Comshaw wedges his poking stick into the fountain.]] Comshaw: So it's safe? [[He unfurls the blanket Niddle has been carrying.]] Niddle: Well, yes. Except for that shark. And whatever caused the explosion. And Thrash might still be- [[Comshaw has strung up the blanket as shade, and seated Niddle under it.]] Comshaw: *Fine*. Stay there and get some rest. Friday , July 13 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E. On an old Human fountain. Niddle sits under some shade arranged by a blanket and Comshaw's poking stick.]] Niddle: Sit here? But the sun really isn't bothering me. Comshaw: Humor me. [[Comshaw looks up at the fountain's central pillar.]] Niddle: Where are you going? Skunk shark: GROWF! [[The top of the fountain. A flutterby flies past.]] Niddle: Comshaw? [[Comshaw climbs into view.]] Comshaw: oof. Up. Saturday , July 14 , 2007 [[In the forest of E. Comshaw looks in one direction.]] [[The tip of the Spike is visible in the distance.]] [[He looks the other way.]] [[The Mansion can be seen.]] Comshaw, thinking: so. [[He is standing on the very top of the Ozzy Mann Dias. Niddle sits in the shade of a blanket. Ig the Saur grubs for worms.]] Comshaw, thinking: where do we go from here? Sunday, July 15, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: We.. have a machine in.. our subshaft? Chunner: Of course we do, kid. What did you think that chute was attached to? Cully: Well, I.. does it also spit out exploding.. things? Chunner: Only on certain special occasions. Crud: Mostly, it produces various spherical objects. And Sploo. Cully: What's Spl- ((SPLUT)) [[A purple sploo cake with four lit candles and a 4 on it falls onto and covers Cully's head.]] Crud: Ew. Spewberry flavored /again/. {{The Mansion of E's fourth birthday}} Monday , July 16 , 2007 [[Inside Sidestep Hall, the doorway to Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy store. A couple of sample spears are in a tall container]] [[Camora/Hax, Sylvester and Rosemary walk into view.]] [[Rosemary examines one of the spears.]] Camora: Here we are. Izchak's- Sylvester: Sharp N' Pointy. Yes, we can read. Let's just do this. Tuesday , July 17 , 2007 [[Inside his weapons shop in Sidestep Hall, Izchak the Motihaul stands behind a counter and examines a glowgem. Another gem sits on the counter, along with a fleeb and a pudding-growth. Various boxes hold sticks. A Human stencil on the wall reads KNOBKERRIES. Another on the counter is ARROWHEAD PROJECT.]] [[Camora comes into view.]] Izchak: Ah. Camora. With an interesting new hat! Camora: Izchak. [[A glaring Rosemary and a nervous Sylvester appear as well.]] Izchak: /And/ some interesting new friends! Camora: They are forest Nomes. We need something sharp and pointy. Izchak: /Really./ Wednesday , July 18 , 2007 [[Sidestep Hall. Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy.]] Izchak: So, are you looking for a new pointy stick for Comshaw? I have a fine selection- Camora: No. Izchak: Something for yourself then! [[He picks up a twig from a nearby container.]] Izchak: I have these new jabbing "twigs" imported at great expense from the forest! Light,-weight easily concealable,, go right into an eyesocket-- Camora: Let me rephrase my intial [sic] statement. [[Camora points at Rosemary.]] Camora: /She/ needs something sharp and pointy. Izchak: Ah. A challenge! Thursday , July 19 , 2007 [[Rosemary and Sylvester have been broiught to Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy.]] Izchak: So you're a forest Nome, Miss..? Rosemary: Rosemary. [[Shot of Izchak]] Izachak: Well, Rosemary, I guess those sunrays at least make you Nomes grow. [[Shot of an unimpressed Rosemary.]] Izchak: But I hear that /metal/ is scarce in the forest. [[Izchak gestures towards a rack of weapons.]] Izchak: ..so perhaps you would be interested in a traditional Nome-pick? Rosemary: We're not planning on doing any mining. [[An outline of a Nome and a Gnoll battling during, presumably, the Nome War. The Nome is wielding a pick.]] Izchak: Mining? Ah. Yes. I suppose your ancestors /did/ use them for mining, too! Friday , July 20 , 2007 [[Sidestep Hall. Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy weapon-shop.]] Rosemary: Actually, what I was looking for was something in the way of a sword. Izchak: /Of course!/ I have the very finest selection! Right this way! [[Sylvester comes up behind them.]] Sylvester: Um.. Rosemary? Rosemary: Yes, Sylvester? Sylvester: I would consider it a personal favor if you could refrain from punching him in the face. Rosemary: Oh, all right. But you owe me. Saturday , July 21 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy weapon shop. Rosemary unenthusiastically eyes the sword Izchak the Motihaul is showing her.]] Izchak: Obviously you're a Nome who knows her swords! [[Rosemary sees something off-panel which catches her interest.]] Izchak: This is an excellent piece, used by Othar himself in his explorations of the Fringes! [[Rosemary walks off.]] Izchak: ..until of course that unfortunate buisness [sic] with the Dorn.. beasts.. Rosemary, off-panel: What's /this?/ Izchak: . . . Sunday, July 22, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] [[Cully's head is still covered with the Sploo cake. The four candles are hissing.]] candles: ((ssss)) ((ssss)) ((ssss)) Cully: mp? [[The cake explodes. The sploo goes everywhere.]] ((SPEW)) [[The walls, Chunner, and Crud are now coated in purple sploo, although parts of the wall are still green with dried Sneech squeezings.]] Cully: I don't wanna know what sploo is anymore. Chunner: Personally, I have long cherished my ignorence [sic] on the subject. Crud: Why do you suppose they call them spewberries? Monday , July 23 , 2007 [[In Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy. Rosemary, seen from behind, silently looks at the as-yet unnamed Can-Opener leaning in a corner of the shop. Also visible are bits of rubble and the corner of a filing cabinet.]] Tuesday , July 24 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy weapon shop. Izchak the Motihaul comes up behind Rosemary.]] Izchak: Ah yes. [[A closeup of the cutting blade of the Can Opener.]] Izchak: That item. Rosemary: What is it? [[Sylvester listens.]] Izchak: With utmost regret, it is not for sale. Camora: WHAT? Wednesday , July 25 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak the Motihaul's "Sharp N' Pointy" weapon-shop. Sylvester silently listens to this conversation.]] Camora: "Not for sale"? You'd sell your /hide/ if someone offered you enough fleebs! Camora: Oh, wait. I get it. Camora: You claim it's not for sale, and we have to "beg" you to part with it! Camora: Well, it's not going to- Izchak: It is not for sale, /Camora/, because it is sealed inside one of those Human airboxs. [[Rosemary is enthusiastically holding the Can Opener.]] Izchak: No one, including myself, is able to even touch it. Rosemary: What is this thing /made/ of? Thursday , July 26 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's shop, Rosemary has picked up the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: OK, I *definitely* noticed it looks sorta like a Pale weapon, but only sorta, so I was.. wondering.. [[Sees Izchak's expression.]] What? [[The spot where the Can-Opener was]] Izchak: How did you get the box open? Rosemary: What box? Izchak: I even paid Sprocket and Flange to look at.. beat on.. the zarking thing! Rosemary: Who? Izchak: And then *you* just- [[Edgar arrives, off-panel.]] ((SLICE)) Friday , July 27 , 2007 [[Chauncy and Edgar the demons have arrived at Izchak's weapon-shop, Edgar slashing his way right in through the stone wall.]] Edgar: Rosemary Ripley. You were right, Chauncy. She does smell different, but she's not like the Scary Lady *at all*... [[Inset reaction shots from everyone else: CamoraHax and Izchak who are terrified, and Sylvester, bemused, and Rosemary, angry.]] Saturday , July 28 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy weapon-shop, Chauncy and Edgar the demons have appeared.]] Rosemary: So. You must be Chauncy and.. what was it Camora said? Sylvester: Edgar. Rosemary: Edgar. Right. [[Edgar turns to Chauncy.]] Edgar: Now that you can gurn her clearly, can you determine how she is different? Chauncy: The walls in her head have only traces of extra paint on them. The other one, even though he is the same species, is thickly encrusted. Edgar: . . . What does that mean? Chauncy: I do not know. Edgar: If only Scratch would resume tapping the Lines, and detail his encounter with her! Sylvester: I shouldn't complain, but this is just rude. Rosemary: A sadly common trait. Sylvester: In your professional opinion, did we meet "Scratch" earlier today? Rosemary: ... ... No. We did not. Sunday, July 29, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] Cully: What else does "our" machine do? Crud: It turns off the lights! All you do is clap! Chunner: Crud! NO! Crud: ((CLAP!)) ((click)) [[Total pitch darkness. Only the gnolls' eyes are visible.]] Cully: It doesn't turn the lights back on, does it? Chunner: No. No it does /not/. Monday , July 30 , 2007 [[Chauncy and Edgar the demons have confronted Rosemary and Sylvester inside Izchak's weapon shop.]] Chauncy: So we proceed with a modified version of our original plan. Edgar: I concur. [[Edgar turns to Rosemary and Sylvester, as the former pushes the latter to the ground.]] Edgar: We disassemble /both/ of them, and see what differences we can find. Sylvester: oof! [[Edgar attacks]] ((SLIC- CLANG)) [[The Can-Opener has stopped his claws.]] Tuesday , July 31 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak the Motihaul's weapon shop. Edgar looks at his claws.]] Edgar: That never happened before! Rosemary, off-panel: No, I don't suppose it has. ((WHAM)) [[Edgar is gone, leaving Chauncy floating alone.]] ((CRASH)) [[Rosemary is holding the Can Opener, the club-end of which is quivering. Sylvester looks at her from the floor.]] Rosemary: And that, I further suspect, is your whole Zarking... /starving/.. problem. Wednesday , August 1 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak the Motihual's weapon-shop. Edgar the demon has been smashed into on the shop's stone walls, destroying various items in the process.]] Edgar: That was painful! Rosemary: Yes. I imagine it was. [[Edgar has floated back to face her and the Can Opener again.]] Rosemary: And you know what, Edgar? Rosemary: All those people you and Chauncy "disassembled"? ((WHAM)) Rosemary: (And you killed a whole zarking /bunch/ of folks, didn't you, before the Council somehow got you into that bottle?) [[Edgar goes flying, witnessed by Chauncy.]] Rosemary: This is how it /felt/ to them. ((CRASH)) Rosemary: Only /worse/. Thursday , August 2 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak the Motihaul's weapon-shop. Edgar is lying upside-down, smashed through some shelving into a wall.]] Edgar: But none of this- Rosemary: ..is real? Is that what you were going to say? [[Rosemary approaches, wielding the Can Opener. Behind her, a male Motihaul peers through the hole Edgar's previous impact made in the wall.]] Rosemary: No, Edgar. We're not as.. durable.. as you.. Rosemary: But this is not a dream or a toy or a joke. Rosemary: This is /real/ Rosemary: And like "Scratch" before you.. ((WHAM CRASH)) Rosemary: ..unless and until the magic comes back so someone can send you home, you're going to have to suck it up, and /learn to live with it./ Friday , August 3 , 2007 [[In Izchak's "Sharp N' Pointy" weapon-shop. Rosemary, with the Can Opener, approaches Edgar who is smashed into one of the walls.]] Rosemary: And now we- Edgar: Rosemary Ripley? Rosemary: Yes, Edgar? Edgar: Will you please stop striking me with that object? [[Rosemary taps him on the head with the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: Sure. Rosemary: All you had to do was /ask/. Saturday , August 4 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's "Sharp N' Pointy" weapon-shop. Edgar the demon floats up out of the crater in the wall he had been smashed into. He is facing Rosemary, who is armed with the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: Now, Edgar. Is there anything /else/ you'd like to ask me? [[Edgar stares at her.]] [[He shoots a glance from the corner of his eye.]] [[Chauny looks back.]] [[Sylvester watches as well.]] Edgar: ..What did you do to Scratch? Rosemary: Very good question! Sunday, August 5, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] {{Completely black panels. Only the eyeballs are visible.}} Cully: So what *does* turn the lights b- Crud: They mostly come out in the dark. Mostly. [[No dialogue in panel two.]] Cully: I suspect any elaboration on that statement would only upset me. How do we get the lights back on? Chunner: There's hope for you yet, kid. Crud: Only until They come.. Monday , August 6 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's weapon-shop.]] Rosemary: So. "Scratch". I can't be sure we are talking about the same individual, as the one I met.. I never heard his name. Edgar: Oh. Yes. Edgar: We others call him that. He did not take a name when he arrived here. Rosemary: I see. I met "mine" in.. far to the west of.. this room. Edgar: West? Rosemary: In that direction. I think. Where the sun goes down. [[Outline of the sun setting.]] Edgar: The Sun remains at a fairly constant distance from- Rosemary: (sigh) Where the sun disappears from view when night begins. Edgar: Oh. Yes. Yes, if you move in that direction, you will come nearer to the place where you met Scratch. Tuesday , August 7 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's weapon-shop.]] Rosemary: Anyway. [[An outline of Rosemary covertly checking out Scratch the Demon.]] Rosemary: What I did to Scratch, Edgar, is what I just did to you. Edgar: I do not understand. Rosemary: I got him to pay attention to me. [[She taps Edgar on the head with the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: 'Course, I didn't have this thing... [[Outline of a battered Rosemary looking down at Scratch's hand which is poking from a pile of rubble.]] Rosemary: ..so I had to work a little harder at it. Wednesday , August 8 , 2007 [[Outline of Rosemary talking to Scratch the demon.]] Rosemary: After I got Scratch's attention, we talked. I said the same things that I just said to you. Rosemary: I suggested to him what I now suggest to you. [[Outline of Scratch walking away, with a large star and moon in the sky.]] Rosemary: Go away. Find a new place where no one knows you. Learn to.. interact. Learn to live. Rosemary: He agreed to try it. He left, and I never saw him again. Rosemary: I guess he stopped talking to you as well. [[They are inside Izchak's weapon shop. Edgar stares at her.]] Rosemary: So how about it? Edgar: Rosemary Ripley, we would have left long ago. But we can not pass through the Barrier. Thursday , August 9 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy weapon shop.]] Rosemary: Barrier? What barrier? [[Behind Edgar is an Outline of the general Mansion area.]] Edgar: The one which surrounds.. this place. Edgar: All of this place. The tunnels, the open growths, the Burning Eye... Rosemary: I have no idea what you're talking about. Sylvester: Rosemary.. Rosemary: Sylvester! Rosemary: Please tell me you know what he's talking about! Sylvester: No.. I'm afraid I don't. But I do have a suggestion. Or at least a possibility.. Friday , August 10 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy weapon shop. Rosemary ((BONKs)) Edgar on the head with the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: Edgar, this is Sylvester. Listen to him. Sylvester: Um. Thank you, Rosemary. Sylvester: Edgar. You mentioned "the scary lady". Is she.. about my height? Has long white hair? Wears a sort of collar on her neck? [[Edgar stares.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Sharp cheekbones? Sharp /fingers?/ Edgar: Fingers! Yes, she possesses fingers! And teeth! Rosemary: This is why I didn't try to describe Scratch. Saturday , August 11 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy.]] Sylvester: OK. I can't /prove/ that th- Edgar: snif Sylvester: What are you doing? Edgar: You /are/ acquainted with the Scary Lady! [[An interpretation of what Edgar is currently seeing. Everything except Chauncy, floating nearby, is in pale shades of yellow. Overlying Sylvester is a sketch of the Scary Lady/Woman of Mystery: her eyes, teeth, and fingers. Extra bits sprout from Chauncy as well: longer appendages, and wings.]] Edgar: Her smell is ground deeply into you. You.. you have spent extended periods in her close vicinity! Sylvester: Yes, Edgar. [[Outline of a nonplussed WoM holding a baby Sylvester.]] Sylvester: Since the day I was born. Sylvester: Which is probably fortunate for /everyone/ in this room. Sunday, August 12, 2007 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f...]] {{The panels are completely black except for the gnolls' eyeballs.}} Chunner: The first thing we have to do is.. you see that little light blinking way up there? Cully: Yes... Chunner: Here's a rock. We need to try and hit the light. Cully: Um.. OK.. ((FLING)) ((BONK)) ((TOSS)) ((crash)) Chunner: Zark it, we both missed. Find another and try again! ((CRUNCH)) Crud: Here They come.. Monday , August 13 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's weapon shop. Sylvester tallks to Edgar the demon.]] Sylvester: In all those years I have known the Scary Lady, I have learned two important things about her. [[Outline of the WoM issuing an order to a young Sylvester.]] Sylvester: First of all, yes, you are quite right, she is the scariest lady I have ever met.. [[Outline of the WoM handing a glowing square to Sylvester the University student.]] Sylvester: Second, if (a very big if) she's in the mood to help a person, /she almost always can./ Tuesday , August 14 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's shop. Chauncey observes.]] Edgar: You want us to go to the Scary Lady? Sylvester: Yes. She must know about this "Barrier", and how to get through it. /Ask/ her, very /politely/, if she will help you. Tell her that Sylvester would deeply appreciate it if she did. Edgar: But she made it very clear we were never to go Up There under any circumstances! Chauncey: She is not Up There at the moment. She is travelling (sic) towards Here. Edgar: She is? Chauncey: Yes. And since this Sylvester-Ladything offers us a connection, we will go and.. ask.. her. But first, there is something I must do... Wednesday , August 15 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy weapon shop. Chauncy floats along.]] Edgar: I do not understand. [[Chauncy floats past him.]] Edgar: What do you.. need.. [Chauncy approaches Rosemary, who holds the Can Opener ready.]] Thursday , August 16 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy.]] Rosemary: Yes, Chauncy? Chauncy: Rosemary Ripley. Strike me with that object. Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: What? Edgar: He requests that you strike him with your.. striker. [[Rosemary hits Chauncy on the head with the Can Opener. He looks slightly dazed. The Opener has glowing crack-like marks.]] ((WHAM)) [[Rosemary stands stunned, the Opener quivering in her hands. Chauncy is back to normal.]] Chauncy: Hm. Chauncy: Yes, that was unpleasant. Chauncy: I must mull the implications of this. Rosemary: urk. Friday , August 17 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy. Chauncy floats away.]] Chauncy: Let us proceed, Edgar. The Scary Lady is in this direction. [[Edgar lingers, looking at Rosemary.]] Edgar: . . . Edgar: Thank you, Rosemary Ripley. Edgar: I will talk to the others. Chauncy: Edgar! [[Edgar floats away as Rosemary and Sylvester watch.]] Edgar: Yes, yes. I am coming. Saturday , August 18 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy.]] Sylvester: Are you all right? Rosemary: Apart from my pride. And almost snapping both my wrists, yes. Rosemary: I'd /heard/ that demons like Chauncy are stronger than Edgar-types, but I n- ((SLICE)) [[Rubble falls from the ceiling where Chauncy and Edgar are departing.]] Sylvester: I suppose we /could/ maybe.. push this cabinet over there, climb up and.. follow them.. ((Crash THUD)) [[They both stare upward.]] ((FOOM)) Rosemary: I vote we stick with the original plan. Sylvester: Oh, thank goodness. Sunday, August 19, 2007 [[Sundays In SubShaft 44f]] {{The first two panels are completely black except for the gnolls' eyeballs.}} ((TOSS)) ((FLING)) ((CLANG)) ((beep)) Chunner: Yes! Got it! Crud: They're h- ((SHUNK)) Crud: !!! ((yoink!)) {{Crud is pulled away}} ((FOOM)) [[A fork-shaped object is lighting the shaft. Crud is missing.]] Monday , August 20 , 2007 [[Inside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy.]] Sylvester: So. We should be going. Rosemary: Yes, that would probably be best. Except.. [[Izchak stares up at them from near the floor.]] Rosemary: We need our guide.. and.. oh! Izchak! There you are! [[She indicates the Can Opener. CamoraHax comes into view as well.]] Rosemary: I'll take it! No need to wrap it up, I'll probably use it again on the way home. [[Rosemary hands Izchak a fleeb, which he shakily accepts.]] Rosemary: Here's a fleeb. Izchak, weakly: thank you please come again Tuesday , August 21 , 2007 [[CamoraHax, Rosemary and Sylvester leave Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy.]] Rosemary: Well, it's obvious what our next step is! Sylvester: Yes, we need to discuss- [Rosemary points at the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: Coming up with a really kick-ass /name/ for this thing! Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Of course. Wednesday , August 22 , 2007 [[Leaving Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy.]] Rosemary: So, what'll it be? Moonblade? Clue- by-Four? Or maybe.. Sylvester: "The Can-Opener." Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: I hate you. Sylvester: Then my work here is done. Thursday , August 23 , 2007 [[Rosemary and Sylvester depart from Izchak's "Sharp N' Pointy" weapons shop. Rosemary now has the Can-Opener weapon.]] Rosemary: You don't like the Can Opener. Sylvester: I am grateful you had it. We would be lying in pieces on the floor right now if you hadn't. Rosemary: Yes. But...? Sylvester: But. Remember how you said it's /convenient/ that the Tree supplies everything it does? Rosemary: Yes..? Sylvester: It was also real /convenient/ that the one weapon you needed was waiting here for us. Practically on display on a silver platter. Friday , August 24 , 2007 [[Leaving Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy weapon-shop.]] Rosemary: Sylvester, this is totally ridiculous! An hour ago, we didn't know we were going to be here! How could anyone- Sylvester: I hope I am being loony and paranoid. Maybe someone arranged this with Izchak in that hour. Or like you said Camora.. [[Outline of Izchak eying the Can Opener, which shoots bits of possibly-magic.]] Camora: Me? What did /I/ say? Sylvester: That he was lying about the airbox. Just saying it to make a sale. But the Can-Opener is such a good weapon, why bother? Camora: ...maybe it's cursed, and he was desperate to unload it. Sylvester: That's actually a /less/ worrying scenerio. [sic] Saturday , August 25 , 2007 [[Outside Izchak's Sharp N' Pointy. The sounds of fighting can be heard in the background.]] Rosemary: You want to go back and question Izchak? Right now? Sylvester: Zark, no! I want to get out of here. Maybe someday we can.. come back. When things are... calmer. [[An outline of a hand pushing against an airbox on a pedestal. Inside the airbox is an ominous-looking horned object with three "eyes".]] Rosemary: Oh, good.... what was that about an airbox? Sylvester: Ah yes. You were busy salivating. Izchak claimed the Can Opener was inside one. It's possible he was telling the truth. Sylvester: The Ettins built things to last, so even after the Crash there are still a few of them around.. Sunday, August 26, 2007 [[Sundays In SubShaft 44f]] Cully: I thought you said we couldn't turn the lights back on. Chunner: That's not a light, Kid. Get more rocks! [[Chunner ducks out of panel. No dialogue in panel two.]] [[Chunner is back with two rocks.]] Cully: It.. looks like a light. Chunner: It puts out light, but that is not its primary function. And it only stays on a /very short time/. Monday , August 27 , 2007 [[Leaving Sidestep Hall.]] Camora: Et-tins? /Humans/ made all that crazy old stuff! Sylvester: Right. Humans. I misspoke. Rosemary: Whoever made them, what is an airbox? [[An airbox sits unaffected after being hit with an enormous hammer. The hammer is cracked and shattered. Inside the airbox is an ominous horned three-eyed object.]] Sylvester: I personally learned about them from those wisenomes I once visited. They are invisible boxes. Made of.. Well. there are all sorts of theories. Sylvester: Really air, made solid. Raw magic. Whatever it is, it's as rugged as.. Chauncy. Tuesday , August 28 , 2007 [[An outline of Sprocket and Flange poking cautiously at an airbox, inside of which is the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: I just picked up the Can Opener! There was no box! Sylvester: Uh huh. They are tough, as Izchak and his presumed-experts discovered.. Camora: Sprocket and Flange. They /enjoy/ poking around inside human phizz. [[A hand flicks a small triangular object at an airbox holding an ominous horned three-eyed object. The triangle bounces off, but the airbox begins to click open.]] Sylvester: ..but there is always a way to open any given airbox. Sylvester: ..the problem is finding it. Tuesday , August 28 , 2007 [[An outline of Sprocket and Flange poking cautiously at an airbox, inside of which is the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: I just picked up the Can Opener! There was no box! Sylvester: Uh huh. They are tough, as Izchak and his presumed-experts discovered.. Camora: Sprocket and Flange. They /enjoy/ poking around inside human phizz. [[A hand flicks a small triangular object at an airbox holding an ominous horned three-eyed object. The triangle bounces off, but the airbox begins to click open.]] Sylvester: ..but there is always a way to open any given airbox. Sylvester: ..the problem is finding it. Wednesday , August 29 , 2007 [[Rosemary. Sylvester and CamoraHax are walking away from Izchak's weapon shop, discussing "airboxes." The panel is an outline of a Ghast's hand opening an airbox in which is a fugehorn.]] Rosemary: Every airbox opens in a different way? Sylvester: There are categories. The most common, you firmly press at a certain spot on their surface. [[An outline of a statuette of an Ichyoid-like creature, sealed in an airbox. It is sitting in a tub into which water, or some liquid, is being poured. Another device bombards the box with rays.]] Sylvester: Others only open when exposed to certain esotaric [sic] stimuli.. [[The airbox holding an ominous-looking object has been opened. The object is blasting the surrounding space with lightning, including the person who opened the box.]] Sylvester: But once opened, they all collapse down to a single rectangular panel, usually the "floor"... Thursday , August 30 , 2007 [[Leaving Sidestep Hall.]] Rosemary: So.. if there was one of these airboxs [sic], but it got opened before I picked the Can-Opener up.. Sylvester: Uh huh. You wouldn't have noticed it. And /anything/ could have opened it, a change in temperture, humidity, the right noise.. {{A eye-symbol on the wall behind them is from the Terry Prachett novel Thud, which was the major inspiration for the idea of airboxes.}} Camora: What's that horrible /smell/? Sylvester: sigh. Sylvester: But we could uselessly speculate about this for hours. Let's concentrate on getting out of h- Motihaul voice: /HALT!/ Friday , August 31 , 2007 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax face a squad of anti-demon fighters, headed by Matagam. There is also a boogieman with a large hammer.]] All: . . . Sylvester: Is there a problem? Matagam: I'm afraid so. Matagam: *Chauncy and Edgar* were reported heading in this direction. Have you seen them? Saturday , September 1 , 2007 [[Attempting to leave Sidestep Hall.]] Sylvester: Um. Yes. Chauncy and Edgar. They... went into Izchak's. Matagam the Motihaul: Ah. Thank you. Matagam: ..and what /are/ you, exactly? Sylvester: We're Nomes. From the forest. Unless in the unlikely event you were speaking to Camora.... she's a Gnoll. Matagam: I see. Matagam: While Sidestep Hall both welcomes old friends and hopes to take its part in a new era of interaction and cooperation with visitors from above-ground.. it would be best if you left now. Sylvester: I see. Thank you. Sunday, September 2, 2007 [[Sundays In SubShaft 44f]] Cully: So what is that thing's "primary function"? Chunner: It's a- [[The not-a-light zaps both of them dramatically, so much so that both gnolls look like skeletons.]] ((ZAP)) Cully (from below panel): oh. Chunner (from below panel): actually, no. it's never done that before.. Monday , September 3 , 2007 [[The Sidestep Hall anti-demon squad passes Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax.]] Matagam, off-panel: Move out! Camora: They're going to die. Sylvester: Not neccessarily. [sic] First, they have to /catch/ Chauncy and Edgar. Sylvester: And if they do.. all their weapons are made of cold-forged iron. Camora: /WHAT?/ Rosemary: He's right. If the Boogieman gets in the first swing with that hammer, he could certainly lay out Edgar, and probably Chauncy as well.. Tuesday , September 4 , 2007 [[In the Basement of E, leaving Sidestep Hall.]] Camora: So that's what I was smelling, CF Iron? I should have known that twisted phizzer Upernavik would have some stashed away. Sylvester: Upernavik? He the one leading that squad? [[An outline of Upernavik sitting in his command chair, drinking some steaming beverage.]] Camora: Huh? Oh. No. That was whatisface. Matagam. Camora: Upernavik's his boss. He's the 'Head of Security" or whatever stupid thing it is, for the male half of Sidestep Hall. Sylvester: And how exactly did he earn that adjective "twisted"? Camora: He keeps cold-forged iron around! And he squats all the time in that idiotic hideyhole of his, acting like he knows all the secrets in the world... Wednesday , September 5 , 2007 [[Leaving Sidestep Hall.]] Camora: I will admit that Upernavik's got a good scam going. Even halfway-sensible people like Skibble claim that the old freak is /important/, as important as Nevus or Agita! Sylvester: He presents evidence of being able to display fore [[In his command center, Upernavik the Motihaul writes notes on a pad as he listens to their conversation through a speaking horn.]] Sylvester: sight, which is more than a lot of people ever manage. Sylvester: ...If they /do/ catch those two, I hope that extends to having another bottle stashed away. All you can do to a demon with cold-forged iron is knock him out. Thursday , September 6 , 2007 [[Inside the male Sidestep Hall command center, Upernavik is listening in on Sylvester's conversation.]] Sylvester: But anyway. There's the exit. We're outta here. Knumdrot, off-panel: Um.. sir? Upernavik: Yes, Knumdrot? [[Knumdrot mans his communication station, with various speaking horns and levers.]] Knumdrot: Whisp is in position. Do I signal her to follow them? Upernavik: Oh yes. As long as is feasible. If she loses them or is spotted, tell her to disengage and go to ground. Knumdrot: Not report back? Upernavik: If safe, and she is near an aurilnode... Friday , September 7 , 2007 [[Inside the male half of the Sidestep Hall high command.]] ((clackity clack clack clackity clack)) Knumdrot: Sir? You.. usually prefer to get important reports in person. Upernavik: Sadly unavoidable. For my next order is: once all non-residents have been removed, engage Hallwide Lockdown. Knumdrot: Sir? ((clack clackity clackity clack cla-)) Upernavik: Close the gates, Knumdrot. All of them. Knumdrot: /Sir!/ Upernavik: I suppose you're going to say the Sellers will howl? The Sellers' spokesmotihal just had his shop ripped apart by two demons and a.. giant killer Nome. ((clack clackity clack clack clackity CLUNK)) Knumdrot: A valid point, Sir. Nevertheless. I must for the moment refuse your order to close the gates. Knumdrot: ..And Sir, you know the.. it is my firm belief that you know the reason has nothing to do with the Sellers. Knumdrot: Message dispatched to Whisp, Sir. Saturday , September 8 , 2007 [[Inside the Male half of Sidestep Hall's high command. Knumdrot mans his communications array.]] Upernavik, off-panel: Knumdrot. Knumdrot: Yes, sir? Upernavik: If I were to ask you why you are refusing my direct order... [[Upernavik comes up behind him.]] Upernavik:..you would to start waving the unBrushed /Contract/ in my face again, wouldn't you? Knumdrot, holding up roll: Sir. I have always considered that to be one of the primary duties of my post. I can unfurl my personal copy, if you require me to literally do it. Sir. Sunday, September 9, 2007 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Chunner (peeking up from below panel): OK. fine. we get up, we throw the rocks. [[The not-a-light zaps both gnolls again. The gnolls are still on the ground, but what little of them that can be seen peeking up from the panel border appears skeletal.]] ((ZZAP)) [[Smoke tendrils waft up from below panel.]] Chunner (below panel, small voice): or not. Monday , September 10 , 2007 [[Inside the male half of the Sidestep Hall high command.]] Knumdrot: The Contract is very explicit, Sir. Full Hall Lockdown cannot be initiated without "express consent" from both yourself and Miss Angmagslika. Upernavik: . . . Upernavik: You of course realize that this requires I go /talk/ to her. In person. Knumdrot: That is partly why the provision is included in the Contract, Sir. If you desire to engage in extreme action, you must prove an equally extreme commitment. Tuesday , September 11 , 2007 [[Inside the male half of Sidestep Hall's high command.]] Upernavik: Very well. I will be.. in confrence [sic] with Angmagslika. Knumdrot: Very good, Sir. Upernavik: I shan't forget your part in this state of affairs, Knumdrot. Knumdrot: Wouldn't have it any other way, Sir. Upernavik: Send word to Matagam. If the demons have indeed left the Hall, do not pursue. Secure any exit hole or holes. Await further orders. Knumdrot: Yes, Sir. Upernavik: ...And I am likely to be compelled to consume some of Angmagslika's tea, so.. Knumdrot: I shall have Patjitan on standby with the stomach pump, Sir. Wednesday , September 12 , 2007 [[In the male half of the Sidestep Hall high command.]] Upernavik: One more thing... Knumdrot: Yes, Sir? Upernavik: And note that I am /not/ stalling. Knumdrot: Of course not, Sir. [[A hand thrusts into the shot, holding a rectangle sheet covered with text.]] Upernavik: I want y- Owner of hand: Sir! Urgent Missive from Miss Angmagslika! [[Upernavik reads.]] Upernavik: . . . Knumdrot: Sir? Upernavik: "'What the Fratzing Zark is the matter with you? Engage Lockdown immediately, you senile old fool!"' Knumdrot: You were waiting for that Missive. Sir. Engaging full Hall Lockdown. Thursday , September 13 , 2007 [[Inside the Sidestep Hall high command, Knumdrott the Motihaul reaches for a gong-striker.]] [[A collection of flared tubes.]] ((BONG)) [[The tubes travel down, spread out in various directions.]] ((BONG)) [[One goes down further, splits in two. In an alcove, a Smyt can be seen carrying a stick.]] ((BONG)) [[the tube-branch continues down. A trundlebug looks at either PacMan or a fortune cookie.]] [[The tube opens out into a cave. Nosterplib the Motihaul is dozing in a chair, with a collection of small black and white stones carefully balanced on his knee.]] ((BONG))\ Nosterplib: zzz Friday , September 14 , 2007 [[Somewhere in the depths of Sidestep Hall, Notserplib and Nagoldet the Motihuals doze, the former in a chair, the latter on a flattopped stone block. Hackit the Tunnelrat sleeps on Nagoldet's chest.]] Announcement horn: BONG BONG BONG Announcement horn: honk [[The two Motihauls instantly jerk awake. Hackit continues to sleep.]] Saturday , September 15 , 2007 [[In the depths of Sidestep Hall. Notserplib the Motihaul approaches his workmate Nagoldet, who lies on a block of stone.]] Nagoldet: Notserplib! That was a /honk!/ Notserplib: Yes. Nagoldet: But that means.. Notserplib: They're closing /all/ the gates. Not just ours. Notserplib: Get up. Nagoldet: I can't! Notserplib: Nagoldet, you knew what this lousy job entailed when you took it. Get up. Nagoldet: It's not that! [[Hackit the Tunnelrat is lying on Nagoldet's chest.]] Notserplib: What then? Nagoldet: Hackit is still asleep! Notserplib: ... Notserplib: I'll get the gloves. Hackit: grrr.. Sunday , September 16 , 2007 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner are lying on the ground. The "zapping fork" sticks down from above.]] Chunner: OK. fine. We throw the rocks from here. Cully: At what? Chunner: That swirly knob up on the Machine. Cully: Under the spiralled nodule? Chunner: Yes, just left of the spinning bump. [[They throw rocks, both of which get blasted to rubble by the fork.]] ((toss fling ZAP)) Chunner: or not. Monday , September 17 , 2007 [[Deep under Sidestep Hall, Notserplib the Motihaul reaches for a pair of heavy gloves lying on a shelf. Other objects on the shelves include a unicorn-head bust, a small dragon model sitting on what may be bars of soap, some towels, and a series of small glass orbs, filled with varying liquids.]] [[Now wearing the gloves, he reaches for Hackit the Tunnelrat, who is lying on Nagoldet the Motihaul's chest.]] [[Hackit is ((GLOMPed)), and his eyes ((POING)) open.]] [[Hackit has turned into a ball of rage. Notserplib holds him away from his body.]] Nagoldet: I sometimes wonder if this is really so much better than having slimegrubs chew on us while we sleep. Notserplib: Just get the zarking box. Tuesday , September 18 , 2007 [[In the depths of Sidestep Hall. Nagoldet the Motihaul hold a box on the side of which is painted a crescent moon and some stars. Notserplib the Motihaul. wearing heavy gloves, is holding the raging Tunnel Rat Hackit.]] Nagoldet: I also wonder what the symbols on the box mean. I mean... [[Hackit is stuffed into the box.]] Nagoldet: ..they must mean something, cuz even though they are on the outside, the zarking box won't work without them. Notserplib: You know what I wonder, Nagoldet..? [[Hackit's ZZZs come from inside the box. The two Motihaul's clothes come flying into view.]] Notserplib: ..I wonder why you can't remember what happens to folks who go around wondering all the time. Oh, wait! I know! Let's ask that Gnoll friend of yours, Cuddy! /He/ might be able to tell us! Wednesday , September 19 , 2007 [[Deep in Sidestep Hall. Nagoldet and Notserplib the Motihuals have stripped off most of their clothes.]] Nagoldet: Cully. My friend's name is Cully. And I hope I'll see him again some day. [[They come to the edge of a vertical shaft which is filled with water. A set of steps has been cut in the side of the shaft.]] Nagoldet: Up here. Not down in the subShafts. Notserplib: Yeah, I figured. Open 'em up. Thursday , September 20 , 2007 [[Deep under Sidestep Hall, Nagoldet and Nosterplib the Motihauls have stripped down to trunks, and are huffing.]] ((huff huff huff)) [[Gills open in the sides of their chests.]] ((foomp foomp)) [[They dive into the waiting shaft/pool. Written on the wall in Manglish is "CLOSER #3", with an arrow pointing into the pool.]] ((SPLOOSH)) Friday , September 21 , 2007 [[Deep under Sidestep Hall, Nagoldet and Nosterplib the Motihuals swim down a water-filled shaft, using gills to breath. A snail-like skimgibber works its way up the wall, cleaning as it goes.]] Nosterplib: Breathin'? Nagoldet: Yup. You? Nosterplib: Yup. [[They emerge into a wider space, at the bottom of which is a large spoked wheel mounted parallel to the floor, ready to be pushed. A small branch of the tree grows to one side.]] Nosterplib: Do it. Saturday , September 22 , 2007 [[Deep under Root Hall, at the bottom of a water-filled shaft, Nosterplib and Nagoldet the Motihauls prepare to push at a spoked wheel.]] Nosterplib: 3 2 1 [[Beneath them, out of the water, the wheel is hooked to an axle which uses a gear to connect to one pointed horizontally.]] Nosterplib: push [[A long run of vertical axle bisects the rest of this montage.]] [[Another gear-corner..]] [[Horizontal axle..]] [[Horizontal axle..]] [[At the front gates of the Hall, Ishkibble, Smatchet and Gunsel all witness the result. Ishkibble looks peeved and sickly, and is carrying a bottle of medicine.]] ((CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)) Ishnkibble: They're closing the gates. Of course. The perfect ending to a perfect day. Smatchet: Shut yer gob, Ishkibble, They could and should've done it an hour ago, and you'd be spending the night out with those Nomes. Sunday , September 23 , 2007 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner lie on the floor. The zapping fork sticks into view from above.]] Cully: Did you see, Sir? My rock almost made it. Maybe if we throw more.. I'll throw two at the knob, and you throw two at the.. zapper...? Chunner: Worth a try, kid. [[They fling four rocks. Three of them get blasted.]] ((toss hurl fling launch ZAP)) [[The fork ((fizzzes)) out.]] ((CLANG BEEP)) Cully: I hit it! Cully: Now what? Chunner: Now comes the hard part. Monday , September 24 , 2007 [[Looking at the front gate of Sidestep Hall. A heavy door begins to slide shut from above.]] ((CLUNK)) [[Pulling further back. The door closes more.]] ((CLUNK)) [[Back some more. The door is nearly closed. Sylvester is watching this happen over his shoulder. A Troglodyte stands iin the distance and watches as well.]] ((CLUNK)) [[Sylvester, Rosemary and CamoraHax cross Time Hall.]] Sylvester: I hope we aren't going to need any more pointy things today.. Rosemary: Ah, you never forget your first kicked-out gate-slam. ((CA-LUNK)) Tuesday , September 25 , 2007 [[Crossing Time Hall.]] Rosemary: So.. Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: "The scariest lady you've ever met"? Hax, subvocally: Brilliant plan, going to Izchak. She's /much/ less dangerous now. Camora, subvocally: Everyone with sense knows that he sells worthless phizz. Someone /planted/ that thing there, and if I ever learn it was /you/.. [[An outline depicting Sylvester's ranking of Scary Women: The Woman of Mystery, Rosemary, Professor Thunstone, and an unnamed woman.]] {{The fourth woman is Sylvester's mother's older sister Agatha.}} Sylvester: ..Oh, hey! Rosemary! You pushed Professor Thunstone out of the #2 slot three minutes after I first met you! Rosemary: You're just saying that to make me feel better. Sylvester: No, really! But.. Wednesday , September 26 , 2007 [[Crossing Time Hall.]] Rosemary: But? Sylvester: Even if you slowly chop me apart with the Can Opener, you'll always be #2 on the Scary List. Rosemary: Because? [[An outline of the Woman of Mystery being extra-specially scary to a young Sylvester.]] Sylvester: You weren't around when I was a child, standing five meters tall and breathing fire from your nostrils. Rosemary: Well, I'll just have to get Protus to help me go back and rectify that oversight. Sylvester: If anyone ever manages that, it'll be you.. Thursday , September 27 , 2007 [[Leaving Time Hall.]] Rosemary: Sylvester.. the Scary Lady? She i- Sylvester: Just a second. Sylvester: Camora! Where exactly are we going? Camora and Hax: [Arguing subvocally] [[They walk through an open archway. Above them, a Gnoll and a Troglodyte have a dramatic confrontation, while a Jibjib flees arrows and thrown rocks.]] Sylvester: Camora! Camora: What? Oh. The Riddle Grotto. Now that you've got your pointy thing, that is what you said you wanted, isn't it? Sylvester: Right. Friday , September 28 , 2007 [[Walking a Basement corridor.]] Sylvester: Sorry. What was it you wanted to ask? Rosemary: The Scary Lady.. she's not your mother, is she? Because you said she wasn't- Sylvester: What? Oh. No. No no. She's.. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Not biologically. But, you know, she was always there. And Mom and Dad.. weren't. Sylvester: Just like now. [[They walk out of sight.]] [[Whisp the Troglodyte comes into view.]] Saturday , September 29 , 2007 [[An outline of Sylvester and Mortimer as children, eating at a long table with their sisters Lilith and Lenore also present.]] Rosemary: So your parents were.. neglectful? Sylvester: Depends on your definition of that word, I suppose. Sylvester: They loved us. We had clothes on our back and food in our stomachs. [[An outline of Sylvester's father, or at least his legs sticking in the air, and his mother looking skyward.]] Rosemary: But they /did/ raise you right above a monster-infested basement. Sylvester: Yes. As you inferred earlier today, in terms of being a twit, Dad picked up where I leave off. Sylvester: And Mom.. Mom's always been a traveller. Even when she's staying at home. Sunday , September 30 , 2007 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The zapping fork is turning off, and the Shaft is going dark. Cully and Chunner are lying on the floor.]] Fork: sss [[One last flicker of light.] Fork: ss [[Darkness.]] Cully: sigh Cully: "The hard part"? Chunner: Waiting here in the dark. Monday , October 1 , 2007 [[Outline of a young, scraggly-looking, Rosemary eating dinner with her Aunt Eva.]] Sylvester: So how about you, Rosemary? Rosemary: Huh? Oh. I had food in my stomach and clothes.. well, when I wanted to, I had clothes on my back.. [[Outline of an older Rosemary and Eva messing around with locks.]] Rosemary: And yes, like the Scary Lady, Aunt Eva was always there. I think maybe sometimes to her own surprise.. Tuesday , October 2 , 2007 [[In the Basement. An outline of a young Rosemary wielding a toy sword and "confronting" Zeke, who attempts to "pacify" her.]] Rosemary: And of course, on those rare occasions when Aunt Eva wasn't around, there was still Zeke.. Sylvester: "Zake"? Rosemary: He was her bodyguard, before she retired... [[The wall behind them has Manglish names and directional arrows painted on it. GIBBER. SKIBBLE. RIDDLE GROTTO. TURN BACK NOW.]] Sylvester: Bodyguard? What- Rosemary: And when she came home to the island, he came w- Camora: /Quiet!/ Camora: We're about to go past the Gibber! Wednesday , October 3 , 2007 [[A corridor in the Basement.]] Rosemary: The Gibber? Sylvester: New one on me. Camora: There. [[Anathama the Gnoll stands to one side of a crudely-bricked-over entrance in the wall. One small square hole remains in the middle of the patch. The word GIBBER is written in Manglish above.]] Sylvester, probably: . . . Sylvester, probably: You're the guide, but she doesn't look so horrific. Camora: Not /her/. Behind the wall. Thursday , October 4 , 2007 [[An outline/map depicting a cross-section of a portion of the Basement.]] Sylvester: And behind the wall is..? Camora: It was originally just an addition to Helignoll Hall. Helinew, I guess they called it. Sylvester: Helignoll? Camora: Gnolls and Helipaths live there mostly. /I/ live there, for now. [[A Gnoll being overwhelmed by the Gibber in mid beetle-snack.]] Camora: Helinew was more of the same, until the day that phizzer Altholen opened the Breach. Camora: And then Helinew was gone, and the Gibber had taken its place. Friday , October 5 , 2007 [[Near the Gibber.]] Sylvester: What's this Breach you keep talking about? Camora: grump. Altholen grew up hearing all those stupid old Finagler-stories about Magic.. [[Outlines of Kaytid the Gnoll and Othar the Motihaul.]] Camora: How "everyone could do it", not just one-offs like... Caytid and.. and Othar. If /those/ stories are true.. [[Outline of Altholen the Gnoll leading a procession down towards the River of Fire; box fizzing ominously are being carried.]] Camora: So he, Altholen, /infected/ his gang of fellow loonies. and they got some Sneech squeezings, and they went down to the River of Fire to "bring back-" Camora: ..you /do/ know about the River, right? Sylvester: Yes, that at least was down here when I last visited. Saturday , October 6 , 2007 [[Near The Gibber.]] Sylvester: Wait.. by Sneech 'squeezings', I assume you mean.. material.. stolen out of a Sneech's den? Not literally- Camora: All I know is it's phizz that comes from the zarking Sneeches. [[Outline of Altholen the Gnoll setting up his equipment at the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: But.. OK, that 'phizz' can be really bad news, but just dumping some in the River shouldn't have caused trouble all the way up here! Camora: They didn't just dump it. The /Great Chasm/ is where you dump things. Sylvester: But this Altholen would have had to know exactly how.. Sylvester: This is the most worrying thing I've heard all day. Camora: Ya think? It caused the Gibber! Opened all those new twistpoints! Killed all those Ecadems! It my sires hadn't been there- Anathama the Gnoll, off-panel: HA! Sunday , October 7 , 2007 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft has gone completely dark. Cully and Chunner's voices come from the floor.]] Cully:So.. sir, what did hitting that knob do, actually? Chunner: Well, kid, it makes an alarm sound over in SubShaft 42c. ((UN-SHUNK)) Chunner: And then they, hopefully, throw a rock at a certain lump on their machine, which turns the lights back on here. Cully: "Hopefully"? Chunner: Yes. Assuming anyone's still there, of course. Cully: . . . Cully: I... I'm starting to hate this place. Chunner: Took you long enough, kid. Monday , October 8 , 2007 [[Near the Gibber.]] Camora: You have a contribution, Anathama? Anathama: "Your sires". Yes, Poor old Twitchel ment well, as finaglers usually do.. Anathama: But Buccula and Choller? All they "contributed" to sealing the Breach was finally getting out of the way and letting Yurd and the rest of.. them.. do what needed to be done! Anathama:And then they had the gall to claim credit.. Anathama: for.. [[She looks up at Sylvester.]] Sylvester: um.. Hello. Tuesday , October 9 , 2007 [[Near the Gibber.]] Sylvester: So. Anathema, was it? I'm Sylvester, and that's Rosemary. We're forest Nomes. Sylvester: Camora here, whom you appear to have already met, was kind enough to agree to be our guide while we visit the bas.. you all. Anathama: Yes. [[An outline of a young Anathama witnessing an "evil" Sylvester and the Woman of Mystery departing the Basement, blasting people with magic as they go.]] {{This is a rather subjective version of events.}} Anathama; ..Of course you are. Wednesday , October 10 , 2007 [[Near the Gibber.]] Sylvester: So.. anyway. Can you two at least agree on /when/ exactly this Breach happened? Camora: It was seven years ago. Anathama: Almost exactly. [[Outline of Sylvester at his desk, watching in surprise as bits of fruit explode off the local branch of the Tree.]] Sylvester: /Seven?/ But you made it sound like.. Sylvester: Wait.. Sylvester: Oh. So /that's/ what that was.. Thursday , October 11 , 2007 [[In the Basement, outside the Gibber's home. The graffiti on the wall is a list of local attractions, with pointing arrows. Sylvester listens to all this without contributing.]] Camora: What did the Breach do up- Rosemary: As fascinating as this is.. you /did/ just tell us to be quiet, Camora. Why? Anathama the Gnoll: Again, HA! [[Camora listens angrily.]] Anathama: If she was passing by the Gibber on her own, that might work, but with the two of /you?/ Not a chance! Rosemary: And why is that? The Gibber, from off-screen: Because you're all shiny and /new./ Friday , October 12 , 2007 [[The Gibber's voice speaks from the hole in the patched-up wall.]] Gibber: Come closer... [[Rosemary and Sylvester watch nervously.]] Gibber: No no no. Gibber: Closer.. [[The Gibber is a collection of sketchy faces floating in the darkness of the hole.]] Gibber: That's better.. Gibber: Our eyes are not what they once were.. Saturday , October 13 , 2007 [[At the hole through which the Gibber speaks to passersby.]] Rosemary: You know, I've just about had my fill of talking to demons. Gibber: We are not demons. No no no. Gibber: Demons come from far far away. [[Outline of Edgar.]] [[Outline of the Operator.]] [[Basement map, with the Gibber spreading across Helinew Hall.]] Gibber: We are the Gibber. We have always been right here. Sunday , October 14 , 2007 Narration: A Milestone in SubsShaft 44f. [[The shaft is black.]] ((whirr CLICK whirr CLICK)) [[The shaft is illuminated by a pair of antler-like devices which have dropped and shoot magic/electricity between their inward-turned points. Cully and Chunner peer up from below.]] ((bzzap)) [[The prongs form in midair the glowing words 1500 WOOHOO.]] Cully: "Woo hoo"? Chunner: It's light, and it's not zapping us with massive jolts of electricty, [sic] so yeah, kid. Woo hoo. Monday, October 15, 2007 [[Sylvester and Rosemary look at the Gibber.]] Sylvester: "The Gibber" is just a name. If you are not a demon, then what are you? The Gibber: We are unique. We are contained. We are many. We are true-tellers. [[The Gibber speaks from its hole in the wall.]] Sylvester: .. none of which, respectfully, is really an answer to my question. The Gibber: We do not know. We did not exist, and then in blinks of an eye we did. And that is the truth. Yes yes yes. Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Rosemary: That's all you do? Tell the truth? The Gibber: Yes yes yes. Rosemary: Why is that so awful? The Gibber: Lies sooth. The truth can cut even more sharply than your Can Opener. Anathema: Indeed. You should have seen Camora here when they told her she was going to mate with Comshaw. Camora: Shut - up. Anathema: Such caterwaulling! Wednesday , October 17 , 2007 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax are talking to "the Gibber" through a hole in the wall. Anathama the Gnoll is contributing to the conversation as well.]] Anathama: Of course, I wasn't thrilled either. Comshaw should have mated with my grandwhelp. Camora: But he didn't. And now your precious grandwhelp spends her days lugging around Nevus's /plate./ Anathama: Yes. Yes she does. Sylvester: Um. As fascinating as this is, can we please maybe stick to the subject at hand? Gibber: Yes yes yes please. Gibber: We have our truth to dispense Gibber: To /Rosemary/ and /Sylvester./ Thursday , October 18 , 2007 [[Looking into the Gibber's hole.]] Rosemary, probably: If your knowing our names is supposed to impress us.. The Gibber: We do not impress intentionally. The Gibber: We do not threaten or warn or advise. We tell the truth. [[Outline of Sylvester standing in front of the Mansion, holding a small E flag.]] The Gibber: But we have always known your name, Sylvester Winston Humphrey... and Eman? Maybe. Some things are truth and not truth.. The Gibber: Because you have always been here. [[Sylvester listening to this.]] [[Rosemary listening to this.]] [[Rosemary holding something and looking surprised. Mortimer glances back at her. He has been eating something on a stick. There are trees behind them.]] The Gibber: Rosemary Imogene Ripley. The Gibber: We did not know your name until suddenly you were here. The Gibber: Arriving like us in an instant. Not from far far but away nonetheless. Oh yes yes yes. Friday , October 19 , 2007 [[Sylvester at the Gibber's hole.]] Sylvester: Fine. You know things. [[The Gibber looks out.]] Sylvester: Tell us your truth and we'll be on our zarking way. The Gibber: Yes. The Gibber: Yes. The Gibber: Yes. [[Rosemary listens.]] The Gibber: Rosemary Ripley The Gibber: What you stole is even more dangerous and precious than you know. The Gibber: In the end, you will fly away and live forever, and you will leave the world shattered in your wake. [[Sylvester listens.]] The Gibber: Sylvester of E. The Gibber: You will return to where you started, and you will become what you hate. The Gibber: And in doing so, you will /restore/ the world to what it was. The Gibber: Yes. Yes. Yes. Saturday , October 20 , 2007 [[Anathama, Rosemary and Sylvester outside the Gibber.]] Sylvester: So. That it? We done here? [[The Gibber's viewing-hole is dark and silent.]] [[Sylvester turns to go. Camora follows him.]] Sylvester: Fine. Anathema, it's been real. Anathama: Indeed. Sylvester: Rosemary, Camora, we're leaving. Rosemary: We are? Camora: Hooray. Sunday , October 21 , 2007 [[A version of Rosemary's confrontation with Edgar, as drawn by ComicGenesis cartoonist Jim North. Chauncy watches with interest, while Sylvester glares up from the floor., where Rosemary pushed him.]] Narration: The Mansion of E Narration: Rosemary vs. Edgar. Monday , October 22 , 2007 [[Outside The Gibber. Rosemary looks back at Anathama the Gnoll.]] Rosemary: You /are/ aware that the word "Anathema" means- Anathama: As any member of the Spelling Guild will tell you, not when the E is replaced with a fourth A. Rosemary: . . . [[Rosemary turns to go.]] Rosemary: Of course. Carry on. Anathama: I always do. Tuesday , October 23 , 2007 [[Anathama the Gnoll stands alone in the corridor outside the Gibber.]] Anathama: So. Anathama: Do I stay here on duty, or do I go find Digger and tell him the zarking humans are back? The Gibber: Anathama.. Anathama: . . . Anathama: I didn't expect you to actually /answer/ me. The Gibber: Come closer. We wish to tell you the truth. Wednesday , October 24 , 2007 [[At the Gibber's viewing hole.]] Anathama the Gnoll: You told me all my truths years ago. The Gibber: Yes yes yes. The Gibber: This is not your truth. The Gibber: It is our truth. Anathama: Your truth? But you /never/ start by- The Gibber: Before we were never dying. [[Anathama stares.]] The Gibber: Yes. Yes. Oh yes. Thursday , October 25 , 2007 [[Anathama the Gnoll is speaking the Gibber through the small hole in the wall.]] Anathama: /Dying?/ But.. how? Why? Gibber: We do not know. We do not know what we are. Gibber: But the unknown which powered our existence has gone. We can feel its growing absense. [sic] Soon Helinew will return, and you will be free of your duty. Friday , October 26 , 2007 [[At the Gibber's viewing hole.]] Anathama the Gnoll: Duty. Did I make it sound so awful? It hasn't been. [[Outline of a younger Anathama grimly climbing up a steep shaft carrying a glowgem.]] Anathama: Compared to some things I've had to do in the past... Anathama: ..standing here listening to you tell people their Truth.. it's been easy.. [[Outline of three Gnolls in a subShaft, with the resident Machine hanging over their heads.]] Anathama: I'm one of the lucky ones. Bokonan. Sent into the subShafts, and then.. Anathama: We are doing what has to be done. But sometimes, I really hate Digger. Anathama: And that is the truth. Yes yes yes. Saturday , October 27 , 2007 [[At the Gibber's viewing hole.]] Anathama the Gnoll: I'm sorry. You tell me you're dying and I whinge about my own problems. The Gibber: We do not mind. We do not take umbrage. The Gibber: We have long The Gibber: appreciated The Gibber: your baring witness to our giving of truth. Anathama: It's certainly been interesting, but you of all, well, /people/ must know why I... The Gibber: Yes yes yes. The Gibber: For the first time, we also regret. We regret that Digger Odel never came before us to hear his own truth. Anathama: Hah. Digger comes to someone and allows truth to be revealed? The day that happens is the day /I/ start worrying about the world ending. Sunday , October 28 , 2007 Narration: A Scary Day In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is mostly dark. A matched pair of antler-like objects point their prongs at each other, and electricity/magic zaps faintly between them. Cully and Chunner watch from near the floor.]] Cully: It's not shutting off. Chunner: No. [[The antlers form the glowing words ALMOST HALLOWEEN.]] Chunner: Before you ask, kid, no, I don't know what "Halloween" is. Cully: It's another name for Wintergate. [[The words change to BOO WOO.]] Cully: I read it in a book. Chunner: Of course you read /books/. No wonder you ended up down here. Monday , October 29 , 2007 [[At the Gibber's viewing hole.]] Anathama: But I'm whinging again. The Gibber: We will answer your question. Anathama: Question? The Gibber: You should find Digger Odel, and tell him the humans have returned. Anathama: Oh. The Gibber: Partly because we offer no further truths this day to overhear. Anathama: I don't- The Gibber: Except and also.. Rosemary and Sylvester's truths are among the greatest we have given. The Gibber: And ones who dig often seek such things. And that is the truth. The Gibber: Yes yes. Tuesday , October 30 , 2007 [[At the hole into the Gibber.]] Anathama: Why do you care what Digger wants? The Gibber: We do not. Except you do. The Gibber, fading: So go and find him. If you wish. We are tired, and will rest. Yes. [[What was the Gibber is now just a hole into a darkened room.]] Wednesday , October 31 , 2007 [[Anathama stands outside the Gibber's home; the Gibber has just possibly died.]] [[She stares some more. Unnoticed behind her, Whisp the Troplodyte eyes her.]] [[Whisp goes on.]] Anathama: Goodbye. Thursday , November 1 , 2007 [[Anathama the Gnoll walks away from the Gibber's viewing hole.]] [[She pauses as she sees a bit of smoke come wafting in.]] [[And noises from off-panel.]] ((BOOM CRUNCH)) [[She walks on.]] ((THUD AIEEE!)) Anathama, thinking: Life goes on.. Friday , November 2 , 2007 Narration: Meanwhile, In A Gobule Lair.. [[Spurt the Jibjib hovers nervously near the ceiling, as off-screen sounds come.]] ((CHOMP RIP SPLAT)) Spurt: Um.. hello? [[A dead Gobule comes flying, as another flees in terror.]] {{Their names are/were Shote and Sile}} Maw, off-panel: RARRGH! [[Maw the Gobule comes into view.]] Maw: Yes? Spurt: Um. Mr. Maw.. sir. Hello. Spurt: Mr. Bung has.. he wanted you to know that Chauncy and Edgar have.. escaped. Sir. [[Maw is attacked by a spike-wearing Gobule.]] Maw: Of course. Tell him I'll get /right on/ fixing that. Spurt: I'll just be going now.. Friday , November 2 , 2007 Narration: Meanwhile, In A Gobule Lair.. [[Spurt the Jibjib hovers nervously near the ceiling, as off-screen sounds come.]] ((CHOMP RIP SPLAT)) Spurt: Um.. hello? [[A dead Gobule comes flying, as another flees in terror.]] {{Their names are/were Shote and Sile}} Maw, off-panel: RARRGH! [[Maw the Gobule comes into view.]] Maw: Yes? Spurt: Um. Mr. Maw.. sir. Hello. Spurt: Mr. Bung has.. he wanted you to know that Chauncy and Edgar have.. escaped. Sir. [[Maw is attacked by a spike-wearing Gobule.]] Maw: Of course. Tell him I'll get /right on/ fixing that. Spurt: I'll just be going now.. Friday , November 2 , 2007 Narration: Meanwhile, In A Gobule Lair.. [[Spurt the Jibjib hovers nervously near the ceiling, as off-screen sounds come.]] ((CHOMP RIP SPLAT)) Spurt: Um.. hello? [[A dead Gobule comes flying, as another flees in terror.]] {{Their names are/were Shote and Sile}} Maw, off-panel: RARRGH! [[Maw the Gobule comes into view.]] Maw: Yes? Spurt: Um. Mr. Maw.. sir. Hello. Spurt: Mr. Bung has.. he wanted you to know that Chauncy and Edgar have.. escaped. Sir. [[Maw is attacked by a spike-wearing Gobule.]] Maw: Of course. Tell him I'll get /right on/ fixing that. Spurt: I'll just be going now.. Saturday , November 3 , 2007 [[Two Fuzzes on a ledge.]] Fuzz #1: Hear latest rumor? Fuzz #2: Dunno. What? Fuzz #1: They say two big big giants destroying world! [[From below comes..]] ((WHAM)) [[Behind the ledge, comparatively enormous, Edgar and Chauncy float up and past.]] [[A bit of rubble falls.]] ((SLICE)) Fuzz #2: Meh. Seen bigger. Sunday , November 4 , 2007 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is mostly dark. Two antler-like extensions point their prongs at each other other, and send streamers of magic/electricity back and forth. Cully and Chunner crouch near the floor.]] Cully: This book I read- Chunner: Kid.. Cully:It was very strange, full of words I didn't understand, and written in those old l- Chunner: KID! Chunner: I don't want to hear about any zarking books! Look what just one of those things did to the Boogiemen! Cully: ... Cully: Boogiemen can read? Chunner: sigh. Chunner: Yes, kid. Better than you, probably. Monday , November 5 , 2007 [[A closeup: One of Crazy Rhid's bombs is held in place in a corner with bits of thread or somesuch.]] Narration: Meanwhile In Crazy Rhid's Place [[A Wyrm-tail (Ploot) reaches up and grips the bomb. A Gnoll's hand (Sina) begins snipping away the threads.]] [[A wide shot of the room. Ploot is now holding the disconnected bomb in his tail.]] Skuy the Gnoll: This really isn't safe. Ploot: We've got useful things to throw at Chauncy and Edgar. We may be the safest people in the world right now. Sina: I smell another one over there. Tuesday , November 6 , 2007 Narration: Near The Tunnel To The Forest. [[Sprocket pushes buttons on an aurilnode.]] [[He waits, then speaks to whoever answers.]] Sprocket: . . . Sprocket: . . . Sprocket: It's Sprocket. We got the piece out of your zarking metalmin... [[Flange listens to the conversation.]] Voice: ... Sprocket: Yes. We'll drop it off in the usual place, but then we are /going home/. Voice: ... Sprocket: Yes sir. Thank you sir. [[Sprocket walks away.]] Flange: I still maintain Mr. Hand would have desired to know that we saw Nevus and Agita returning together from the forest. Sprocket: People hire us, Flange, because we know about machines, and because we /never/ see or know about people. Particularly /important/ people. Wednesday , November 7 , 2007 [[Nevus rides on Mimsy's head. A rock falls into the shot.]] Frag: Mimsy! Mr. Nevus! Sir! Nevus: Frag, isn't it? Frag: Yessir! Nevus: What's going on here? Frag: We're going after those Council phizzers, Sir! Just like you ordered! Nevus: Ah. I *see*. Well... Nevus: Naturally, I had a good reason for issuing such an order. Frag, come with us. We must attempt to reach Faldstool and find out what it was. Thursday , November 8 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E.]] Vezza: That's the Ravine. I've never been cross it. Piu: Neither have I, Vezza. Umboz: I have, once or twice, but Nitfol here is the real expert. Nitfol, discarding a bit of webbing: Only because I had to follow my idiot father around w.. eh. [[A view of the Ravine, with the rope-bridge stretched daringly across it, balanced on rubble in the middle. An eye-stalked "Raviner" looks out from its hiding place.]] Umboz: Any tips for newbies? Nitfol: Don't fall in. Don't look down. Friday , November 9 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E. One half of a rope bridge which spans a ravine. A Pale can be seen standing on a rock.]] [[A closer view of hir. Steps have been built into the rock allowing it to be climbed.]] [[Closer still.]] [[The Pale turns.]] [[S/he raises hir weapon and signals towards some trees.]] Saturday , November 10 , 2007 [[The Forest of E. A portion of a ruin from the Human's old Eetown rises behind some trees. A speck stand on it.]] [[A closer view. The speck is a Pale with a flag.]] [[S/he turns and waves the flag towards a particularly tall tree.]] [[Another speck is in the tree.]] [[The top of the tree quivers.]] [[The speck/second Pale appears, waving hir weapon towards the Pale Camp.]] Sunday , November 11 , 2007 [[A view of the Pale Camp in the Forest of E. It is a blobby purple collection, pockmarked with pointy logs, with a lookout post built at the top of a large dead tree. Two flags fly from poles. A wall surrounds the Camp and a collection of gardens and various small orchards. Monday , November 12 , 2007 [[The Forest of E. A view of the lookout post at the top of the dead tree around which has been constructed the Pales' "Camp".]] [[Zooming closer to the top of the tree.]] [[Closer still. A round shape is visible in one of the many windows.]] [[At the window. The shape is a a large lens of glass, rimmed with metal.]] Tuesday , November 13 , 2007 [[In the lookout post at the top of the Pale Camp, a Pale looks through a large Human-built telescope. The telescope is labelled ROLAND TELESCOPES/ BAUM, GILAD, YL]] {{Geddit? A baum in Gilad?}} [[The view through the telescope shows another Pale in the top of a tree, waving a signal with hir weapon.]] Wednesday , November 14 , 2007 [[In the Camp of the Pales, in the Forest of E. The Pale manning the telescope beams some sort of message downward.]] [[A Pale overhears. There are pedestals nearby, out of which protrude tool or weapon-like shapes.]] [[One Pale is helping another be sprayed with a purplish fluid.]] [[The Nexus sits on his/her/its throne. The message: she is coming]] {{SPOILERS: The Pales grow their weapons and tools, instead of forging them. The ones living near the Mansion of E coat themselves to with the fluid to counteract the non-desert environment they are not naturally adapted to.}} Thursday , November 15 , 2007 [[The Nexus sits on hir throne in the Pales' "Camp."]] {{Dialogue oddities are intentional.}} Nexus: So. She comes. Nexus: And she wil either bee ye one. [[Pulling back the POV to show guards outside the chamber.]] Nexus: ..oor she shall not. Nexus: Frogmask will bee proved right once again, oor finally wrong.. [[At the front archway/gate of the Camp.]] Nexus: Either way.. what iss this I feel? [[A Pale tends a tree/large bush with a long-handled tool as flutterbys flit around.]] Nexus: Ah yes. It hass ben so long. Nexus: Fear. Friday , November 16 , 2007 [[Traveling through the Forest of E. Not far from the Camp, a Pale watches over three sheep as they graze on a grassy patch.]] [[The Camp is just visible over the trees. A Pale uses a sickle to harvest plants, which go in a basket strapped to hir back.]] [[ A third Pale (wearing a broadbrimmed hat) poles a small boat across the pond, collecting plants and fish. A frog sits on a lillypad. Behind them, a tree and bit of stone ruin poke from the water.]] Frog: ribbit. Saturday , November 17 , 2007 [[A Pale poles a boat across the pond in the Forest of E. Beyond, chunks of rock stick up out of the water. At the far edge of the pond, surrounded by a large pile of twisted rubble, stands the base of the Spike.]] [[The Spike rises up..]] [[..And up..]] [[And finally there is the top, with one large window mounted in the triangular side, and a last bit of clinging frameworks from the days of this being the Human-occupied Eetown.]] Sunday , November 18 , 2007 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is mostly dark. Two antler-like devices descend from above, and aim their points towards each other; magic/electricity dances between them. Cully and Chunner crouch near the floor.]] Cully: But what book- Chunner: Kid, we have more important things to worry about. Chunner: Those things are probably going to shut off, and when they do- [[The antlers form the glowing words ALMOST THANKSGIVING CHEW CHEW.]] Cully: Thanksgiving! That was in my book, too! Chunner, thinking: I was at least /hoping/ they were going to turn off.. Monday , November 19 , 2007 [[In the Forest of E, closing in on the top of the Spike.]] [[The POV zooms towards one of the open archways in the side of the structure.]] [[Closer still. A small figure can be see standing there.] [[It is Cox the Fixit riding on a Pale.]] Tuesday , November 20 , 2007 [[At the top of the Spike. Cox the Fixit's antenna flash.]] [[He turns his Pale mount away from watching the forest.]] [[He approaches a drop off.]] [[He steps out into it, as power begins to glow around him from lenses mounted in the wall.]] [[The power floats him downward.]] Dorian: Cox! Cox: Yes? [[Dorian is an elderly Hiuman male, wearing a Fixit who does not appear to be contributing to the conversation.]] Dorian: Where the Zark have you been? Cox: Doing my job. Listening. The Nex is plotting something. Wednesday , November 21 , 2007 [[At the top of the Spike.]] Dorian: "The Nex is plotting something?" Cox, you know how long I've been up on this phizzpile? Cox: Forty one years. Dorian: Forty /two/, next month. And in every last day of all those years, the Nex has been plotting something. Dorian: /This/ day, Kelso's finally bringing in her pet idiot. Until we're done with him, everything else is /secondary/! [[Dorian points, and Cox moves off in that direction.]] Dorian: So get over to the Sea Side, and /listen/ for something /important/! Cox: Of course. Thursday , November 22 , 2007 [[High up in the Spike, Cox the Fixit and his Pale body approach a platform sticking out into space.]] [[They step off into space, and are levitated by power coming from two large circles mounted in the wall.]] [[They land on a lower platform. Behind them, a Woosher goes shooting through the space they just occupied.]] Cox, thinking: Cox: 5436, Wooshers: 0. Thank you, Brush. Friday , November 23 , 2007 [[At the top of the Spike. Cox the Fixit walks his controlled Pale along a small platform.]] [[He floats down a level, levitated by power coming from lenses mounted in the wall. A 'Woosher' floats nearby, between a set of spikes.]] [[He walks along another platform.]] [[He descends again. Vix the Fixit is using the female Nome she controls to push a wheeled cart containing various items.]] Saturday , November 24 , 2007 [[At the top of the Spike. Cox rides a Pale, Vix rides a Nome, who is pushing a wheeled cart on which are stacked some boxes and a large glass jug, stoppered with something swirling inside.]] Vix: Oh! Sir Cox. Can I.. assist you? Cox: Eh? Oh. No, Miss Vix. Carry on. [[She moves on.]] Vix: Yes, sir. Cox: . . . Cox: Actually, Vix. Wait. Vix: Sir? Cox: Walk with me. Sunday , November 25 , 2007 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is mostly dark. Two antler-like device descend from above, aiming their points at each other. magic/electricity dances between them. Cully and Chunner watch from near the floor.]] [[The devices shut off.]] ((de-CLICK de-CLICK)) [[The Shaft goes dark.]] ((un-whirr un-whirr)) Cully: So.. what happens now? Chunner: It gets very dark in here. Monday , November 26 , 2007 [[In the top of the Spike, two Fixits named Cox and Vix have met. Vix rides a Nome, Cox controls a Pale.]] Vix: Walk? Sir, there was another unexpected WooFlare, which drained- Cox: Yes, Vix. "900". As did, I imagine, the entire forest, I witnessed it. [[VixNome gestures towards the cart she has been pushing, on which sit some boxes and a large glass bottle.]] Vix: -and I need to get these Stabilizers over to the #4 refill nook before Lady- Cox: I will take full responsibility. Vix: Thank you, sir, but- Cox: You asked if you can assist me, Yes? walk with me. [[Closeup of Cox.]] Vix: sigh.. ..Yes, Sir Cox. Cox: As much as is possible for a relic like myself, I shall be both brief and beneficial. Tuesday , November 27 , 2007 [[In the top of the Spike, the Fixits Cox and Vix have a discussion. Machinery spews electricity in the background.]] Vix: I did not say you are a relic, sir. Cox: No? Well I am. [[Outline showing a very young Dorian being lectured, as Cox looks on from a balcony.]] Cox: Dorian just reminded me he has been upspike for going on 42 years. What he evidently forgot is that I was here the day he arrived. [[Outline of Cox sitting on the head of "his" Human, who has been impaled and killed by a metal shaft. A fire burns.]] Cox: I was here for the Crash. [[Outline of the Spike with an airship labelled "ZEFIR" passing by. The Spike has various platforms and extensions added to it.]] Cox: I was here before the Crash. I rode in an airship once. All the way to Rowen and back. Wednesday , November 28 , 2007 [[At the top of the Spike. Vix and Cox the Fixits walk along a tech-strewn corridor.]] Vix: Rowen.. Is that the capital of the Humans' .. Audravania, Sir? Cox: No. It's the capital of Lhune. The province to the south of us. On Lake Leng. Cox: A lovely city, what little I saw of it. [[An Outline of a tram magically flying along between fork-like supports.]] Cox: Glome, Audravania's seat, is much closer. And rather more prosaic. I went there several times on the Tram. [[An Outline/map of a portion of Audravania.]] Cox: sigh. Two days it took. Now, even in a coach, it is.. what? A week? Nine days? Cox: Or so I hear. I have not made the trip and never will. /You/ however, young Vix.. Thursday , November 29 , 2007 [[At the top of the Spike. An outline of Vix and twol other Fixits being carried in a box by a Fixit-controlled Nome.]] Vix: /Me/? Ride a /Human/? Outside the Shield? Sir, I've never even been downspike! Cox: No? I was here when you were brought up from the Pens. Vix: Sir.. that really doesn't... Cox: ..count? Perhaps. My point, why we walk...change is coming. Vix: ..Sir? Cox: to start with.. Even as we speak, a Human, a /new/ Human, is being brought upspike. Vix: A Human? Is.. Sir Dorian.. Cox: Being replaced? No. Not for.. ten years. at least. And that is what worries me. Friday , November 30 , 2007 [[At the top of the Spike.]] Vix: Sir Dorian did not tell you why this new human is coming? Sir? Cox: Despite it being my duty to collect information, there is much I do not know. And some of what I /do/ know.. [[An outline of Protus zapping at something with one of his tools.]] Cox: the new human is only a tiny part of the problem. You have heard of Protus, I assume? Vix: He's a willygig, Sir. He.. travels freely in time? Yux claims he saw him once.. [[An outline of Protus, tiny amidst a vast branching structure.]] Cox: Yes. And a careful reading of history indicates his kind never appear on whim. He is engaged in some vast.. project. Cox: I have heard the word "pylons" bandied about. Cox: it all appears to be reaching a climax. Saturday , December 1 , 2007 [[Cox and Vix the Fixits are at the top of the Spike. An outline of Protus appearing near a female Motihaul.]] Vix: I don't understand, Sir. Cox: The first confirmed sighting of Protus was five years ago. [[Outline. A set of points shoot out magic/electricity forming the words WOO HOO ON PANEL TWO.]] Cox: Since then, we have more and more Wooflares upspike and down in the SubShafts.. [[Outline of Comshaw poking his stick off one side of the panel, only to have the tip emerge into view behind him.]] Cox: Twistpoints have opened throughout the Basement. [[Outline of a figure in a protective suit, presumably a Nome, watching a rock fly past under its own power.]] Cox: And the reports that Hand has been passing on from the Hot zone observers.. Sunday , December 2 , 2007 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is completely dark. Cully and Chunner crouch near the floor, only their eyes visible.]] Cully: So... is it at least safe to get up now? Chunner: Yes. Absolutely. You have my personal guarentee [sic]. Cully: . . . Cully: You're either being sarcastic, or you want to use me to test whether it is safe. [[He gets up anyway. Nothing happens.]] Cully: . . . Cully: It appears to be safe. Chunner: Well done. Monday , December 3 , 2007 [[At the top of the Spike. Cox and Vix the Fixits and their mounts float down from one level to the next via magical/electric "bubbles" generated from a series of forks.]] Vix: But, Sir, if Protus is doing something.. horrible.. what can we do? Cox: To Protus? Nothing. [[An outline of Protus casually deflecting a magical zap-attack from a multi-pronged device; the blast smashes a hole in a wall.]] Cox: At least.. As far as We know. Protus has never made a confirmed appearence [sic] Upspike. Cox: And despite numerous attempts, all Hand has managed to do is mildly annoy him. Tuesday , December 4 , 2007 [[In the top of the Spike, Cox and Vix the Fixits float down to a new platform.]] Cox: The good news, if it can be called that, is that Protus appears to hold no active malice towards.. anyone. Even Hand. Cox: I cannot imagine what it would take to make him truly angry. [[An outline of Vix sans body looking at a Trundlebug.]] Cox: Of course, when you or I accidentally step on a Trundlebug,we bear him no malice, either. Cox: Or so I assume. Do you have any negative feelings about "T-bugs", Vix? Vix: No Sir. I find them quite tasty. Wednesday , December 5 , 2007 [[Cox and Vix the Fixits walk through the upper levels of the Spike. Displays and controls lines the walls.]] Vix: But Sir.. You don't /know/ that Protus is causing all those things. Cox: True. There are those who postulate he is merely a- What? harbringer? If it counts for anything, I disagree. As does Dorian and the.. Topspike. That's what you youngsters call him these days, right? Vix: Yes, Sir. Vix: Sir.. Yux and some of the others.. they've been saying.. maybe its the /Enemy/.. Cox: Enemy? Oh. Well. Yes, of course our friend Out West is plotting /something/. It is what she and the Topspike /do/. But having a Willygig working for her? Cox: No. Thursday , December 6 , 2007 [[High up in the Spike. Screens line the walls of the corridor. Cox and Vix walk their "mounts" along.]] Cox: But anyway. Cox: The reason I asked you to come out here with me. [[Ahead of them is a balcony looking out over the fiorest.]] Cox: To this edge of the Spike. Cox: Where the Snoopers are not nearly so prevalent.. [[They stand on the balcony.]] Vix: Sir? Cox: I wish to suggest what you can do about Protus. And the Enemy. And all the rest. Friday , December 7 , 2007 [[Cox and Vix the Fixits stand at an open archway in the side of the SpikeTop, and look towards the Mansion and the sea.]] Vix: Sir, you just said we can't- Cox: You may never get a chance to do this, but if it comes, do what I did not. seize it. [[Pulling back to a wider view.]] Vix: Sir? Cox: At Rowen, I was given an old Ettin airbox to bring back to Eetown. I should have tossed it in the lake and headed south.. [[Back further, showing most of the Spike's top.]] Vix: Sir! Cox: Flee, Vix. Flee the Spike and the Shield and the Mansion and... Cox: It's a Wide World. Visit Rowan. Zumbooruk. Oongawa. Anywhere but Out West. Vix: ... Vix: Sir. Saturday , December 8 , 2007 [[The top of the Spike.]] Vix: . . . [[Pulling further back.]] Vix: Sir.. if this is some sort of loyalty test.. [[Further still, showing most of the Spike, the trees beyond and the sun in the sky.]] Vix: ..then I fail. because I'm not going to report your statements. Cox: Ah well. Carry on with your duties, Vix. And if Lady Jex notes your being "late"with those stabilizers.. send her to see me. Vix: Yes sir. Thank you Sir. Sunday , December 9 , 2007 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is completely dark. Only Cully and Chunner's eyes are visible.]] Cully: So.. we just wait now for them to come drag us away as well? Chunner: Them? Hm. Yes. I suppose we do. [[They stand in silence.]] Cully: While we wait, we could play a couple rounds of "What Do I Have Balanced On My Snout?". . . Chunner: You're /trying/ to make me hurt you, aren't you, kid? Monday , December 10 , 2007 [[A full view of the Spike and the pile of rubble at its base, standing at the edge of the Pond in the Forest of E. The sun shines overhead.]] [[Jumping to a position where the Spike is just visible above the trees.]] [[At the base of the trees is a small impact crater, still smoking.]] Tuesday , December 11 , 2007 [[A small smoking crater in the Forest of E.]] Crater inhabitant: fzt ehh flp [[Zooming closer.]] ((Scrabble Scrabble)) [[Closer still. Frowgler's flipper grabs at the crater rim.]] ((GLOMP)) Wednesday , December 12 , 2007 [[A blackened and smoking Frowgler sits at the edge of his impact crater in the Forest of E. All dialogue is internal.]] Frowgler: So. Still here. Frowgler: Guess that was to be expected, but still.. I almost hoped.. Frowgler: sigh. This day's never going to end. Frowgler: What's next on the zarking agenda? Frowgler: Oh. Right. Well, off we go... [[He hops away.]] ((sproing)) Frowgler, out loud: Ow. Thursday , December 13 , 2007 [[Frowgler slowly and grimly hops through the Forest of E.]] [[The POV pans up through the trees behind him.]] [[In the distance is the top of the Mansion. Along with the usual flagpole, something on the roof is poking up and attracting attention.]] Friday , December 14 , 2007 [[A view of the Mansion of E from the Forest of E. "God's Cactus" sticks up above the Temple of the Brush, the Barracks, the black Gatestone, and the Party Palace. Beyond can be seen the Specific Ocean. On the very highest roof, along with a flagpole, something is poking up and causing a ruckus.]] Saturday , December 15 , 2007 [[A view of the flat uppermost roof of the Mansion of E. The E family flagpole pokes into view, along with a vaguely palm-tree shaped object which is making some sort of noise.]] [[Zooming closer. The object is a pole from which protrude thee smaller prongs.]] [[Closer still, zooming in on the tree-object.]] Object: MUUUU!! Object: WAAAA!! Sunday , December 16 , 2007 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is completely dark, except for Cully and Chunner's eyes.]] Cully: What do you have against.. wait.. "Chunner".. there was a Chunner.. he won the Balancing Cup at the Games all those times! Chunner: sigh. Three times running. But that snouty little twit is not me, kid. Cully: . . . Chunner: I just inherited his beat-up old husk of a body when he died. Chunner: And yes, kid, I'm being metaphorical. Cully: Well, duh. ((CRUNCH)) Monday , December 17 , 2007 [[The roof of the Mansion. An extendible pole reaches into the sky out of an opened hatch-cover, topped with three forked prongs. Various other hatchtops surround it, all closed.]] Pole: MUUUUU!!! WAAAAA!! [[Panning across the roof. A small box-shaped structure, topped with two devices, one resembling a sundial, the other a balance scale. A large sign on the side reads STAIRS.]] Pole: MUUUUU!!! ((boop beep klick)) [[Amos's hand ((SLAMs)) open a door in the side of the box. A sign on the inside of the door reads ROOF/mind the gargoyles.]] Tuesday , December 18 , 2007 [[Amos is on the roof of the Mansion, carrying a book. An alarm blares. The open door behind him reads ROOF mind the gargoyles.]] Alarm: MUUUUU!!! Amos: All right, who turned on the zarking Mugwump Alarm? Alarm: WAAAAA!!! [[He looks at the ground.]] Amos: . . . Amos: Oh. Amos: It's you, sir. Alarm: MUUUUU!!! Amos: I try never to tell a fella how to do his job but.. Amos: Your work is normally more subtle than this. Fantod: He's normally not this drunk. Weirdo: hic! Alarm: WAAAAA!!! Wednesday, December 19, 2007 [[On the roof of the Mansion. The Weird lies on the ground.]] ((MUUUU!!)) Amos: So, Fantod. Is this getting drunk a new thing we have to look forward to? Fantod: Nah. Some old pal of his got hauled off to the pole. {{A colloquialism for 'kiled'}} ((WAAAA!!)) Amos: Oh. Sorry to hear that. ..anybody we know? Fantod: Doubt it. *I* never met him. Some guy from Marksburg. The Weirdo Academy. Amos: You... weren't given to the Weirdo at the Academy? We all sort of assumed.. Fantod: Nah. He won me inna Skipjack game inna a dive in Bascomb. And lemme tell you, when those Fenwickers have a dive, they have a *dive*. Weirdo: blub blub! Thursday , December 20 , 2007 [[On the roof of the Mansion. Amos walks past Fantod.]] Amos: So anyway. However you two met.. you have any problem with me shutting this zarking thing off? Fantod: Please. Gonna hit it with that book, I hope? Amos: /No/. I look at the control panel and then look up the right shutoff code. Lucky it's still sorta my job to know where /all/ the books are at. Alarm: MUUUUU!!! [[Fantod points down at the Weirdo.]] Fantod: /He/ turned it on without a code. Amos: While any old one can turn it /on/, it takes an E family herediscan to just turn it /off/. Or Her Nibs could do it, I bet. But everyone's out on walkies today, it seems. Alarm: WAAAAA!!! Fantod; Yeah. Sylvester's down in the Basement with that swordbunny. Amos: Ayup. I saw them when.. Amos: . . . Amos: Wait. What? Friday , December 21 , 2007 [[On the roof of the Mansion. An outline of Rosemary decapitating the Trog at the Elevator, witnessed by the Weirdo and Fantod.]] Amos: "Swordbunny". I read somewhere once.. that's a young gal who's good with a blade, right? Fantod: Yup. A Westerner. She took that big Trog's head off with one swing. We saw it. ((MUUUU!!)) Amos: Trog? They're in the real Basement? Where you go slumming? With the Operator, and the Sneeches and all the rest? Fantod: Yup. The goofs are lookin for a pot. We heard em say. ((WAAAA!!)) [[An outline of the entrance to the village of Eetown, where the local Temple is located.]] Amos: Hm. Well. That is where a goof would find the Pots Room. Amos: Gonna be very interesting to hear whot news that Nellie brings back from town. Miss Swordbunny mutsa cut a swath there first.. Saturday , December 22 , 2007 [[On the roof of the Mansion. Amos is toting a large book.]] Amos: Where /did/ I read about swordbunnies? It was some strange place.. Fantod: Weren't ya gonna shut that thing off? Amos: Eh? Oh. Right. Lemme see here. Alarm: MUUUUU!!! [[Amos looks at the control panel on the side of the alarm's base.]] Amos: Right now it shows.. Fenwick, Wirtwam, Impass, Paydon. Alarm: WAAAAA!!! [[He consults the book.]] Amos: And so, I type in.. Amos: Alfibay, Fredonia, Thull.. "Apple". Amos: Of course. Why did I even bring the book along? Sunday , December 23 , 2007 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[The Shaft is black, except for Cully and Chunner's eyes.]] Cully: They're coming back. Chunner: Noo.. that's Crud. [[Crud's eyes appear.]] Cully: Mr. Crud! You escaped? Crud: Well.. no. Crud: ..we were just getting started, when I happened to mention there was someone new here, and so- [[Cully is ((YOINKed)) away.]] Cully: eep! Chunner: ..so they sent you back out as a distraction. Right. Crud: I sometimes think that's what I've spent my entire life being. Monday , December 24 , 2007 [[On the highest roof of the Mansion. Amos's hand pushes at the buttons on the control panel mounted on the side of LUDWIG'S MUGWUMP ALARM. The buttons are a labeled with a collection of seemingly-abstract graphical displays, many of which feature a stylized Y, rather than numbers or letters.]] {{These are the flags of the various provinces of "Mansionland", plus for some reason known only to Ludwig, a picture of an apple.}} Amos: Alfibay.. Amos: Fredonia.. Amos: Thull.. Amos: and.. [[The retractable Alarm "mast" poking high into the air.]] Alarm: MUUUUU!! Alarm: W- Alarm: BEEP Amos: ...Apple. [[The alarm begins to retract back into its base.]] ((clunk clunk clunk)) Fantod: Woo hoo. Tuesday , December 25 , 2007 [[2007 Secret Santa art from Cope of A Webcomic Called Atavism: A terrified Mortimer clings to a branch of a tree as the Beaver Sharik's fin ominously approaches below.]] Beaver Shark: *Jaws theme* Wednesday , December 26 , 2007 [[On the roof of the Mansion. The Mugwump alarm finishes retracting into its base. Amos slides shut the control panel's protective cover.]] ((cliunk clunk)) Amos: Anyhoo, that's done. [[He turns to where the Weirdo is lying on the ground.]] ((CLANG)) Amos: Now, son, let's get you to bed, and tomorrow, you can.. Amos: What was your friend's name, again? Weirdo: ... Tulip. James Nosnibar Tulip. [[Amos offers his hand.]] Amos: And tomorrow, you can go down to the village, and get Threnody to kindle a light for Mr. Tulip. Weirdo, weakly: "Mr. Tulip". Jim always said that was his father, not him. But yeah. OK. Fantod: Dunno... Kindlin after a croakin ain't very weird. Weirdo: Shuddup, Fantod. Thursday , December 27 , 2007 [[Amos, the Weirdo and Fantod leave the Mansion's roof.]] Amos: Unless.. Weirdo: Yes? Amos: "Nosnibor". I read that Crune woman's book. Your friend wasn't one of those Erewhonians who don't take to kindling? [[They go through the door which is labelled as leading to the STAIRS.]] Weirdo: /Heh/. Tulip, belong to a Clan? No, he was, yknow, Alfibayan. His parents or something ended up there after... /you know/. Amos: Ayup. Fantod: The Crash! Zap Pow Bang! Friday , December 28 , 2007 [[On the roof of the Mansion, Amos, the Weirdo and Fantod close the "STAIRS" door behind them.]] ((SLAM)) Fantod: Why doyall /have/ a Mugwump Alarm? There ain't no Mugwumps. Amos: Not now. Back when Mr. Ludwig built it, they kept- [[Still on the roof, Amos's voice fades away. Writing on the door reads NotRoof Mind the Hoomans. In the background, around the various hatchcovers, possibly-humanoid figures poke their eyes into view.]] Amos: swarming out of the sea. Bigger pests than Slimegrubs today. [Becomes inaudible.] Saturday , December 29 , 2007 [[Amos and The Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic descend from the Mansion's roof via long flight of stairs.]] Weirdo: You've read Ludwig's journal? In the Library? Amos: All 5000-odd pages? That there's a historian's project. Or maybe a Weirdo's; see you in there often nuff. [[The view jumps down the staircase, leaving them behind. This section of the stairs is held up by a row of pillars.]] Weirdo: I just read the interesting bits. The Unification War, his mother and her.. passing. [[A landing in the stairs. Arrows point up (ROOF), to the side (ATTIC) and down. (CIVILIZED CLIMES). The dialogue is "faint" and just barely readable.]] Weirdo (or Amos?): and then putting the Mansion back together, building the Ivory Tower, and ayup, the the mugwump invasions.. Sunday , December 30 , 2007 [[Guest-art by RH Junior of the webcomic Tales of the Questor. In subShaft 44f, the overhead chute deploys once again.]] ((RATTLERATTLERATTLE)) Chunner: Uh oh. That don't sound good. Get ready, new guy. Cully: Meh. After all that's happened, what else could they possibly do to us? [[A round black bomb, fuse lit, comes down the shoot, and Cully catches it.]] ((CLANG CLANG CLANG.)) Cully: Mother. [[Massive explosion.]] ((FWACKOOM)) [[The three Gnolls lie on the ground. The walls are blackened and the chute has been reduced to a splintered stump.]] Cully: "Never ask that question", right? Chunner: Bingo. Cully: Lovely. I've been /killed/ by a /cliche/. Crud: Well, whatever you do, just don't say "Well it could have been worse.". Monday , December 31 , 2007 [[On a staircase landing, a closed Panegate shows a yellow sky (or at least open space) beyond, through which flies a blue-colored Helipath, carrying a tool or weapon with a glowing tip.]] [[The POV moves along. As witnessed by one of his fellows, the Helipath gets hit with some sort of probably-magical blast, smashing his tool in the process.]] [[The POV moves further. Just visible in the Panegate, another Helipath, colored a muddy yellow, zooms into view from the opposite direction.]] Tuesday , January 1 , 2008 [[A panegate showing a red-tinged scene, with something resembling a very tall Mansion, and a billboard reading, possibly, HAPPY.]] [[Down a flight of stairs. The word NEW is faintly visible stenciled on the wall.]] [[Down another flight. A block of stone has a party hat sitting on it, and is labelled PARTY SIZED BLOCK OF ROCK. Next to it sits a device labelled d&Bcorp YEAROMATIC, which has a lever on its side and a pair of forked prongs producing the glowing word YEAR in midair. A power cable runs off out of sight.]] Wednesday , January 2 , 2008 [[A power cable runs from a "Yearomatic" device.]] [[It goes into a wall and down a shaft.]] [[Down further.]] [[It is joined by another cable coming out of the opposite wall.]] [[They go past a room with a dresser on which stands a picture. A man holding a tray can be seen dimly in the background.]] ((This is the room where the first scene of the comic was set. The man is Smedley the butler, who has not been formally introduced.}} [[Down more, going past a small branch of the Tree.]] [[A third cable comes in, this one hooked to a "scrystone" mounted on a small wooden table.]] Thursday , January 3 , 2008 [[Sealed up inside the walls, cables come in from various directions and connect to a hub, from which a larger cable runs down out of sight.]] ((THRUM)) [[Following the larger cable.]] ((THRUM)) [[It and two other large cables connect into a device labelled "Ludwig's Vent Tapper 3000", which is heavily anchored to the floor and ceiling, and pokes a long white rod down a sideways shaft. A branch of the Tree has plugged into the device as well. A maintenance ladder can be seen in the background.]] ((THRUM THRUM THRUM)) [[The white rod pokes out into a fire-filled chamber, and sprouts numerous points.]] ((THRUM beedle beedle)) [[Pulling back to a wider view, the flames are enormous and multicolored, spewing up from somewhere below.]] Friday , January 4 , 2008 [[A niche inside the Mansion with the back edge of one of Ludwig's devices. Cables run from the device, up and out of sight. A Tree-root runs down.]] Device: THRUM [[Following the branch back down towards its source.]] Device, fading: THRUM thrum [[The branch is hooked to a larger branch.]] [[Which in turn is hooked to a very large one.]] Gobule voice, off-screen: shroom! Gobule voice #2: No. That's a /Branch/ of the /Tree/. Saturday , January 5 , 2008 [[Gulch, a Gobule Mentor, is giving a lesson to some of her students.]] Student #1: .../Branch/ of th /Tree/. Gulch: Yes. Eat the fruit, and only the fruit! Student #1: Fruit. Gif: Mz Gulch! Gulch: Yes, Gif? Gif: What /this/? [[Gif watches as Student #3 drags along a bone almost as big as he is.]] Gulch: Ah. That is a /bone/. We /chew/ on them, then use them to make /Torches/. Gif: Bone. Student #3, with bone in mouth: /Bg/ bne. Sunday , January 6 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is black except for Chunner and Crud's eyes.]] Crud: Now we'll get a /new/ new guy. Chunner: Oh, I doubt it. Kid's young and healthy. He'll live. Chunner: Heh. In the end, might even be good for him. Crud: Cunskite didn't live th- Chunner: Crud, Cunskite was young and healthy in the same way that Guttle is a big-hearted carefree charmer. Monday , January 7 , 2008 [[Gulch the Gobule Mentor is giving a lesson to three young Gobules. They are all looking at a large bone lying on the ground.]] Gulch: Yes, Glub, it looks big, but there are two kinds of bones. One is inside people. This was inside a dornbeast. Gip: drnbest. Gulch: the other kind is very very big, and is found inside the ground. Gip: ..grnd is peple? Gulch: No, Gip. The ground is old and dead. it can't learn to talk, like you. And only Wyrms can eat it. [[Beneath them, under the floorplates, an even larger bone is buried in the ground.]] Tuesday , January 8 , 2008 [[Descending through the earth; an enormous bone is buried here.]] [[Another smaller bone. A severed robot head, and a robot pincher holding a glowgem.]] [[Strands emerge from the end of the smaller bone, and lead to a Glowing Ball of Light (GBOL) mounted on a ceiling. Rosemary and Sylvester's helmets are just visiible below.]] Wednesday , January 9 , 2008 [[Walking away from a meeting with the Gibber. CamoraHax listens to the conversation.]] Sylvester: What's wrong? Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: If you say one word to anyone about my middle name being "Imogene", I'll have to hit you again. Sylvester: Didn't you hear? "Winston Humphrey". And Mortimer? "Nigel Mundivagant." Sylvester: But that's not the real problem, is it? Thursday , January 10 , 2008 [[Enroute to the Riddle Grotto.]] Camora: Mortimer? You know someone named ""Mortimer""? Sylvester: He's my brother. Rosemary: What do you mean, that's not- Camora: Brother?! Camora: Your sires named one of your littermates after the demon who started the Nome War? Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: We were told they got the name out of a book, but with my.. sires, anything is possible. Friday , January 11 , 2008 [[En route to Skibble's place.]] Camora: Choosing names out of a some ""secret"" ""human"" book? That's what those drooler Boogiemen do! Sylvester: It was far from secret, and we use a variety of sources. What do you Gnolls do, that's so great? Camora: A whelp's Finagler chooses her name, of course, by going- [[She turns away.]] Camora: I'm not discussing this with /you/. Rosemary: Oh! Hey! That maybe explains "Percy"! You know, that Boogieman in Le Tree- Sylvester: The fellow who tried to squeeze all the brain juice out of my head. Yes, Rosemary, I have a vague recollection. Saturday , January 12 , 2008 [[Enroute to the Riddle Grotto, discussing the source of Mortimer's name.]] Rosemary: Sylvester.. that book your parents used. It wasn't.. Barkin's.. Sylvester: Stevenus R. Barkin III's "Lo The Plow Shall Till The Soil Of Redemption"? 'Fraid so. Rosemary: But.. Mortimer Gree is a vicious little monster who literally pulls the wings off flutterbys. Sylvester: ..and he's a character in perhaps /the/ most pompous and overrated book of the last 160 years. Welcome to my family! Sunday , January 13 , 2008 [[Guest art by Cope of A Webcomic Called Atavism, in which Rosemary, armed with a sword and shield, faces something, probably a Dornbeast, which is armed with a lot of big teeth.]] Monday , January 14 , 2008 [[Outline of Sylvester arriving at the University, and being given a large stack of books by a bearded professor.]] Sylvester: My parents have always been.. vague.. about why they did anything, but I gather they thought that choosing any name from Lo The Plow was being sophisticated. Sylvester: They were both given it to read at the University, just like(sigh) every other incoming student for the past 100 years. [[Outline of Omega the Oracle in a pool surrounded by candles, as a couple, possibly Sylvester's parents, approach.]] Sylvester: That's where they met, but they actually married here in town. I think. Rosemary: "You think." Sylvester: Didn't I mention the vagueness? Tuesday , January 15 , 2008 [[In the Basement, near the Gibber's home]] Sylvester: But anyway, getting back to matters of more immediate importance. You're unhappy about the Gibber telling you the "truth"? Rosemary: Of course I am! It said I'm gonna destroy the world and live forever! Camora(Hax): And /both/ of those bother you? Rosemary: Of course they do! A thousand years, sure, but literally /forever/? I'd get so /bored/! Sylvester: A hobby! You could construct mosaics out of shiny pieces of world-rubble. Wednesday , January 16 , 2008 [[After speaking to the Gibber..]] Rosemary: But Sylvester, why aren't /you/ upset? It said you're going to turn into a monster or something! Sylvester: No, it said I will become what I hate. And I hate all sorts of things. [[An outline of Mortimer pointing cheerfully at a flutterby, and his and Sylvester's brother "Ace" posing heroically with a flag on a pole.]] Sylvester: Part of me even hates things about, oh, my brothers. And, honestly, if I became more like my brothers... Sylvester: sigh. At least I might be a little /happier./ Thursday , January 17 , 2008 [[En route to the Riddle Grotto, discussing the Gibber's prophecies.]] Sylvester: When you get some truth stuck in your face, the thing to do is make it work for you. Sylvester: Take Camora here, maybe.. Camora: Me? Sylvester: You were unhappy when you learned you'd be mating Comshaw? And are you still unhappy? Camora: ... No. I suppose not. Camora, subvocally: I love him very much and I very much wish he was here right now. Hax, subvocally: That's sweet. Camora, subvocally: Shuddup. Friday , January 18 , 2008 [[Between the Gibber and Skibble's Place.]] Sylvester: So, Rosemary. You get told you're gonna live forever? Go do something that everyone will still remember and cheer about five hundred years later! Rosemary: Like Amir.. or Professor Thorax.. Sylvester: Exactly! Camora: Who or who? Sylvester: Well, that a /lot of people/ will cheer about. Rosemary: Oh, no no. You were right the first time. With me, /everybody's/ gonna cheer. Saturday , January 19 , 2008 [[Between the Gibber and Skibble's Place.]] Rosemary: But anyway. Camora. Next up we have "Skibble"? Camora: Well, technically, we.. Camora: How did you know that? [[View of a wall they previously walked past. On it is written in Manglish: GIBBER/SKIBBLE/RIDDLE GROTTO/TURN BACK NOW.]] Rosemary: I read that enormous sign on the wall back there.(That was a 'k' right?) Camora: Oh. Right. Well. It's not accurate. We don't have Skibble. We just have his place. Sunday , January 20 , 2008 Narration: Sunday Near SubShaft 44f [[It is black.]] Cully: uh? it's so dark.. Dandilli the Gnoll: No, it isn't. Cully: . . . Cully: ..but I can't see anything.. Dandilli: That's because you've got your eyes closed. [[Cully opens his eyes. He is in a new Shaft with two female Gnolls, Dandilli, who is his age, and Dipsoma, who is older. Water drips into a tub. A branch of the Tree grows in the background.]] ((poink)) Monday , January 21 , 2008 [[In a Basement corridor.]] Sylvester: What do you mean, just his place? Camora, pointing: Just like it says. [[A metal door mounted into the wall of the corridor, featuring a hatch in its middle. Above is written SKIBBLE'S PLACE. Mounted to one side is an aurilnode, with a cord/vine running into a crack in the edge of the door's frame.]] Sylvester: Well well. Sure enough. Rosemary: I'm having the strangest sense of deja vu.. Tuesday , January 22 , 2008 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and CamoraHax approach Skibble's place.]] Rosemary: OK, what is that thing on the wall there? There was one in Le Tree, too. Camora: It's an aurilnode. [[Closeup of the Aurilnode's buttons.]] Camora: You use it to talk to people. Rosemary: Some kind of security thing? Skibble can talk to people in the hall without opening his door? Camora: No! People all over. They're all hooked together. [[She sees Rosemary's reaction.]] Camora: sigh.. Fine. I'll show you. Camora, thinking: #$% forest yokels.. Wednesday , January 23 , 2008 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and CamoraHax pass by the door of Skibble's place.]] Camora, thinking: maybe.. just maybe.. if I'm lucky.. Hax, thinking: Maybe what? [[The spy-panel in the door slides open, and Cerbis the Gnol's eyes peer out.]] ((SHUNK)) Camora: sigh. Cerbis: What? Whadda want? Skibble ain't here! Camora: Hello, Cerbis. Hax, thinking: Oh. Thursday , January 24 , 2008 [[Outside Skibble's place. Cerbis the Gnoll is behind the door, looking through a slit.]] Camora: We don't want anything, Cerbis. Cerbis: Don't gimme that. Nobody comes over here 'less they want something. [[Rosemary and Sylvester observe.]] Camora: *Fine*. I *want* to show these two forest Nomes that aurilnode. Sylvester: Then we're going to go see the Great Riddler. [[Cerbis holds forth a coin-shaped object with a string tied around it; Camora eyes it suspiciously.]] Cerbis: Oh ho! So you're wanting *this*! Friday , January 25 , 2008 [[Outside Skibble's place. Camora eyes the coin-like object Cerbis the Gnoll is displaying.]] Camora: And what's that supposed to be? Cerbis: Never talked to the Great Riddler, eh? Cerbis: The Summoner ain't gonna work 'less you put /this/ in it. Rosemary: Why does it have a string tied around it? Cerbis: So you can pull it back outa the Summoner. [[Sylvester half-smiles.]] Cerbis: Ain't like we have a whole bucketfull [sic] of these things lyin' around. Saturday , January 26 , 2008 [[Outside Skibble's place. Cerbis the Gnoll looks through the door's spy-slot.]] Sylvester: I assume that there's a /metaphorical/ string attached to this offer as well? Cerbis: eh? Sylvester: You want something in return for our use of the token. Cerbis: Oh. Course. You'd owe Skibble a /favor./ Sylvester: Right. Thank you, but for now at least we'll pass. Good day. Cerbis: Suit yourself. I'm easy. [[Sylvester moves on.]] Sylvester: Now, about this aurilnode.. Camora: "Easy"? Since /when?/ Cerbis: Heh. "String attached'. Hafta remember that one. Sunday , January 27 , 2008 Narration: Sunday Near SubShaft 44f [[Cully finds himself facing two female Gnolls, Dandilli, who is near his age, and Dipsoma, who is older. Water drips from a tube into a tub, and a branch of the Tree grows in the background.]] Cully: What do you want? Dandilli: Well now, Slick, I think you know the answer to- [[A small prong drops into view from above.]] ((whir klik)) [[The prong shoots out some bolts, producing the glowing words 1600+1 WOO HOO. Difonia the Gnoll peers out from behind the branch. Dandilli touches Cully's snout.]] Dandilli: Indeed. Woo hoo. Monday , January 28 , 2008 [[At the Aurilnode outside Skibble's place.]] Camora: How these work- Sylvester: No, actually, let me guess. [[A closeup of the Aurilnode's control panel.]] Sylvester: Each of these things has a.. name or code or something.. ah, yes. I see it there. Sylvester: And you enter that code with these buttons... knobs.. whatever.. [[Closeup of the 'Nodes earpiece sitting on its holder.]] Sylvester: The target 'node makes a noise.. Sylvester: ..and you talk and listen to the person who answers using these things...? Camora: . . . Camora: ..right. Tuesday , January 29 , 2008 [[Outside Skibble's place.]] Rosemary: How did you know all that? Sylvester: sigh. Rosemary, up top, before the Crash, we didn't just have Sparkwires. We had aurilnodes. [[An outline of Sylvester's unmanned desk.]] Sylvester: Or the same idea. They were made out of metal, and called 'telephones'. Sylvester: There's one still sitting on the e- my desk. Just doesn't work anymore. Camora: Before the /what/? Wednesday , January 30 , 2008 [[Outside Skibble's Place.]] Sylvester: "Before the Crash." You said something earlier, stories about everybody using magic? Camora: Yyyes? [[Outline of a tower on a hill poking its tips into a wide rainbow-ribbon of magic, and beaming out waves from its side.]] Sylvester: They're based on truth. Magic used to flow through the world in torrents, not the Trickles we have today. Sylvester: And those torrents, those 'Waylines', could be tapped. [[Outline of a witch blasting a non-witch who is repelling the attack with a small hand-held "shield".]] Sylvester: Not everybody could directly use the resulting power.. Sylvester: But many could, and there were tools for the rest.. Thursday , January 31 , 2008 [[Outline of a magic rebroadcasting station being destroyed in the Crash.]] Camora: Even supposing I believe /any/ of this, what does it have to do with- Sylvester: One day.. without warning.. a huge extra blast of magic ..well. Crashed.. through the system. Through the world. [[Outline of a non-Witch, holding up her damaged hand where her magical device blew up, and looking at the remains of a witch on the ground.]] Sylvester: Most of those magic-powered tools, they died, or blew up. Or both. And the real magic-users.. most of them did the same. Sylvester: And afterwards.. the Laylines collapsed down to almost nothing. Sylvester: Almost. There's still /some/ magic here and there. Robots. A few tools. Sylvester: The River of Fire. Friday , February 1 , 2008 [[Near Skibble's place.]] Camora: What /about/ the River of Fire? Sylvester: Eh? Oh. Let me put it this way. To both of you. Sylvester: This Altholen fellow. He was a Gnoll, like you? Camora: Biologically? Yes. Sylvester: Whatever his mental status... in broadest terms, what he was evidently attempting.. wasn't crazy. Rosemary: Then why did you say you were so worried about that story? Sylvester: There is no way he could have failed so /spectacularly/ without.. help. Sylvester: And now these aurilnodes.. that just makes it all worse. Saturday , February 2 , 2008 [[Outside Skibble's place. Rosemary points at the GBOL overhead.]] Rosemary: Why are aurilwhatzits any worse than those GBOL things? Sylvester: GBOLs are simply bioluminescents feeding off a nutrient source provided by the Tree. Yes, setting the system up was /clever/.. [[Sylvester indicates the nearby aurilnode.]] Sylvester: But this! Taking sound, changing it into electricity or Brush-knows-what, passing it through vines.. Sylvester: It's a whole higher /order/ of creation! Sylvester: It's something that you'd only find in a /Sneech den/. Camora: Sneech?! Auril wasn't a /Sneech/! He got the statue and everything! Sunday , February 3 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f. [[The Shaft is black. Only Chunner and Crud's eyes can be seen.]] ((bzt)) ((boop)) [[The lights turn back on. Clive the Boogieman is standing next to the two Gnolls. He wears gray rags and has a rope for a belt.]] ((CLICK)) Chunner: Whadda know. Those idiots in 42c actually came through. Crud: Oh! We /did/ get a new new [sic] guy! Monday , February 4 , 2008 [[In the Basement, outside Skibble's Place. Rosemary listens to the conversation.]] Sylvester: So Auril's dead? Camora: Yes. He died right around when I was born. Sylvester: Was he another Gnoll? Camora: No, a Helipath. Sylvester: Did he have any contact with Sneeches? Camora: Of course he never visited the Sneeches! Sylvester: Not "visit". You claim Altholen used Sneech "squeezings".How about Auril? Camora: Absolutely not! Auril was brilliant! And /sane!/ Sylvester: Uh /huh/. [[An outline of Sylvester at the University, watching as a bearded professor tosses something into a large smoking pot hanging over a fire.]] Camora: What's that supposed to mean? Sylvester: It's been my experience that the more brilliance you pour in, the less and less room there is for conventional "sanity". Tuesday , February 5 , 2008 [[Outside Skibble's place.]] Rosemary: Smart people are crazy? You're sorta punching yourself in the face there. Sylvester: No. Or, yes, I am highly intelligent. But what we speak here of here is /genius/. [[Outline of Rufus getting splashed after he pries open some kind of pipe-cover.]] Sylvester: My youngest brother Rufus, he flirts with it. And he flirts every day with the danger of.. well, getting punched in the face. Sylvester: Both by the people around him, and by reality as a whole.. Wednesday , February 6 , 2008 [[Outside Skibble's place.]] Sylvester: My point is.. both of you. Who do /you/ know, whom you'd say is the smartest, the most talented and... visionary? Camora: . . . Telic, I guess. Rosemary: Edwird. Sylvester: OK. And, total honesty here, would you call this person "normal"? Rosemary: In the winter, he'd take a hatchet out to the pond and go "ice swimming" to "improve his circulation." Camora: He operates on himself. Sylvester: So. Auril was a genius. And at some point in creating those nodes, he used material or knowledge from Sneeches. Sylvester: Which makes me want to get out of here all the more. We're off to see the Riddler. Camora, thinking: ''Get out of here''? Thursday , February 7 , 2008 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax are leaving the Gibber and headed towards the Riddle Grotto. Camora start to speak to Rosemary.]] Camora: --! Hax, thinking: WAIT! [[The rest of this conversation is conducted mentally.]] Camora: /What?/ Hax: You're going to ask what he meant by "get out of here". Camora: Of course I am! If all this time they've just been trying to get back to the /forest../ Camora: ..I can take them to the Council's fratzing tunnel and be done with it! Hax: You need to consider this very carefully... Friday , February 8 , 2008 [[Heading towards the Riddle Grotto. Following Sylvester and Rosemary, Camora and Hax talk subvocally.]] Hax: Even if these two do just want to leave the Basement, and don't know about the forest tunnel.. Camora: I don't- Hax: You've seen how dangerous they are. Do you want to give them an easy way to get back down here? [[An outline of CamoraHax looking at a stylized vision of what lies ahead.]] Hax: And if they are trying to get past the Riddle Grotto, what's beyond it? Danger upon danger. Hax: Which is what we were aiming for when we entered into this partnership, yes? Hax: And you're curious. You've never seen the "Great Riddler", and you might never get another relatively safe chance. Camora: ... Fine. I don't know why I'm listening to you, but we'll wait. For a while. Saturday , February 9 , 2008 [[Heading for the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: So.. how many "littermates" /do/ you have? You, Mortimer, "Lenore", "Rufus"... Sylvester: At last count there are six of us. Rosemary: - - - Sylvester: No need to ask about /you/. You're an only child if I ever met one. Rosemary: My folks got pregnant with me on their honeymoon. They died when I was six months old. [[Outline of a young Rosemary and her Aunt Eva visiting her parents' grave markers. Rosemary is more interested in a flutterby.]] Sylvester: ..I'm sorry. Rosemary: shrug. I wish I could have met them. But I didn't, and I had a /great/ time growing up with Aunt Eva and Zeke. Rosemary: What I really envy.. someone like you.. is those five brothers and sisters.. Sunday , February 10 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Clive the Boogieman has appeared in the Shaft, joining Chunner and Crud; they and the entire shaft are stained purple.]] Chunner: Crud, this is not a new guy. This is Clive. You've met him before. Chunner: Several times. Chunner: He in fact comes here every 4.2 days. Crud: Welcome to SubShaft 44f! [[Clive waves.]] Monday , February 11 , 2008 [[In the Basement, leaving Skibble's Place.]] Rosemary: And I suppose /you'd/ prefer to be an only child? Sylvester: What? Zark no! Growing up here alone? That would have been awful! [[An outline of a young Lenore and Sylvester eying each other in the family classroom.]] Rosemary: Even with Lenore the money-grubbing weasel? Sylvester: Even Lenore. Challenge. Motivation. She offered far better training for the University than our poor old tutor did. Sylvester: And even beyond that... you might never be in a position to truly understand this.. Sylvester: I don't like Lenore, and I will only trust her in all the wrong ways. Sylvester: But she is my sister, and I love her. Tuesday , February 12 , 2008 [[En route to the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary:You love your evil sister, and hate things about your not-evil brothers? Sylvester: I said you wouldn't understand. [[Rosemary looks back at Camora.]] Rosemary: Do /you/ understand that? Camora: No. My littermate is a worthless phizzer whose sole redeeming characteristic is that I never ever see him anymore. Wednesday , February 13 , 2008 [[En route to the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: So.. Rosemary: What's the story with this Skibble person anyway? Camora: Where to begin? [[They and Sylvester walk out of view. Whisp the Troglodyte pokes her head into the panel from behind. Camora's voice fades away.]] Camora: I guess you could say he got his real start as a gemhunter, but even before that he made a name for himself in the Games, when he won the Stacking Cup off of old Jengo. Total upset, and everybody was really surprised.. Thursday , February 14 , 2008 Narration: On The Way To A Drop-Point [[Sprocket and Flange walk through the Basement. Smoke float past. Fighting noises can be heard throughout.]] Sprocket: Looks and sounds like we might be getting some more work the next few days... Flange: Regrettably, it would appear so. Sprocket: sniff. I smell Sina. She must be around somewhere. Flange: I shall have to take your word for that. [[Sprocket walks in silence.]] Sprocket: . . . Sprocket: I wonder if she's.. all right. Flange: Again, regrettably, I cannot help you there. Friday , February 15 , 2008 [[Somewhere down in the Basement]] Narration: Shona. Shona, thinking: Thank the Brush. We all made it back alive, Comshaw didn't get to stick his snout into things, and Mr Nevus was obviously interested in my report on the Frog-Demon and all those tall Nomes.. Someone off-panel: !!? ((BOOM)) [[Shona shields herself as bits of rubble fall around her.]] Someone: GRRAA! Shona: ...go find my idiot littermate and yank her out of whatever trouble she's gotten herself into this time.. Saturday , February 16 , 2008 Narration: Nevus [[Nevus rides in Mimsy the Gnoll's hair, as Frag another Gnoll fight off attackers. Two Gobules fight in the background. Smoke floats everywhere.]] Nevus: I can't help but notice, Frag, that we have not yet reached Crescent Hall, much less my office.. Frag: Sorry sir! Workin' on it, sir! Keep yer head outta sight, sir! {{The other Gnoll is named Blim.}} Saturday , February 16 , 2008 Narration: Nevus [[Nevus rides in Mimsy the Gnoll's hair, as Frag another Gnoll fight off attackers. Two Gobules fight in the background. Smoke floats everywhere.]] Nevus: I can't help but notice, Frag, that we have not yet reached Crescent Hall, much less my office.. Frag: Sorry sir! Workin' on it, sir! Keep yer head outta sight, sir! {{The other Gnoll is named Blim.}} Sunday , February 17 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f. [[Clive the Boogieman has joined Chunner and Crud in the shaft.]] Chunner: So, Clive, what is it this time? Crud: Oh dear.. I sense something.. it's as if some sinister outside contagion is altering the standard nature of reality! {{Created when the strip-creator was sick, and so cut short from the usual three-panels-on-Sunday format.}} Monday , February 18 , 2008 [[Somewhere in the Basement, near Root Hall. As she meets Agita, Flibbergib the Eyebolt rides in a sort of saddle/basket on the head of an unnamed Gobule. Behind them is a graffiti-defaced wall marked with the stenciled warning DO NOT DEFACE WALL WITH GRAFFITI.]] Flibbergib: Miss Agita! Thank the Brush you're all right! ..You are..? Agita: Yes, Flibbergib, I'm fine. Fibbergib: Was your trip successful? Agita: That would depend on your point of view. What are /you/ doing upRooted? Fibbergib: Mr. Foolscap sent us out to /warn/ you! It's been awful! Fighting everywhere, and those horrible /Weirders/ in the Skritchpods are- Agita: Yes yes. A memorable day, and it is not yet over. We must both Root ourselves at once. We have reports to await, implications to mull.. Agita: Mouths to sterilize. Fibbergib: um.. all right.. Tuesday , February 19 , 2008 [[Skoil the Gnoll lies trampled in the passageway to the Forest. Giuttle and Capper the Gobules are marching down the corridor.]] Skoil: uhh.. ((TRAMPLE TRAMPLE TRAMPLE)) [[Skoil has been further trampled.]] [[Capper comes back into the shot.]] Capper: Mr Guttle sez yer services are no longer required. Wednesday, February 20, 2008 [[A still-smoldering Rhid is being chased by Kronk. On the wall behind Rhid, along with an arrow, is written in Manglish: GREAT CHASM DONT FALL IN]] Rhid, thinking: desperate times.. which desperate measure? Thursday , February 21 , 2008 [[SuperRock is climbing the side of an enormous stalactite.]] Narration: Deep In The Hot Zone ((ascend ascend)) [[POV pulls back, showing how far SuperRock still has to climb.]] SuperRock, thinking: World's a lot further away than I thought... Friday , February 22 , 2008 [[Uncle Frederick is asleep in his bed.]] Frederick: ZZZzz -- [[He wakes up.]] Frederick: eh? hmph. Went and /distracted/ me again, woman! Frederick: I /saw/ that girl with Sylvester, and I- [[He looks at the empty pillow next to him.]] Frederick: Ah. You're gone. Frederick: Off "dealing with it" right now, I expect. Frederick: "Dealing" with something, anyhoo. Frederick: Should get up and go reel you in.. Frederick: ..or go finish my business with Grubb.. Frederick: Bah. Still tired from the zarking trip. And bein' distracted. Frederick: Gettin' old. Tomorrow. Frederick: Tomorrow. I'll... Frederick: ZZZZZZ Saturday , February 23 , 2008 [[The Woman of Mystery walks past a stone-rimmed fire-pit, carrying a Sneech stick. Her balloon trails along behind. A mostly illegible sign is mounted on the wall.]] [[She stares down a long raggedly-shaped corridor. More signs are mounted everywhere. The largest reads SNEECH DEN!! VERY DANGEROUS! KEEP AWAY! Others read NO NO NO and REALLY AWFUL.]] WoM: . . . WoM, thinking: Something is very very wrong here. Sunday , February 24 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Clive the Boogieman has joined Chunner and Crud. He has produced a large scrub-brush.]] Crud: Whatever is wrong.. it's still there.. but it's fading.. Chunner: Crud, it's bath day. Or night, as the case may be. Crud: No no. It's bad, but not /that/ bad. Monday , February 25 , 2008 [[Clochard and Anathama the Gnolls meet in the Basement.]] Clochard: Anathama! I'm looking for Digger! I have big news. Anathama: So am I, Clochard. I have /bigger/ news. Both: The Humans have come back down from God's Cactus! [[They glare at each other.]] [[Speaking simultaneously.]] Clochard: Nevus and the Council have gone to war! Anathama: The Gibber /told/ me it's dying! Tuesday , February 26 , 2008 [[In the Basement. Anathama and Clochard the Gnolls exchange news.]] Anathama: Nevus and the Council squabbling? That's the best you've got? Clochard: The Candle Monk went after the "Evil One". And Neot is saying that- [[Spuza the Jibjib sticks her head into the frame from above.]] Anathama: Oh please. More Observatory babble? Now you're just embar- Spuza: Chauncy and Edgar are loose! Anathama: What? Spuza: Mr. Bung found out! He sent me n' Snurt to tell everybody! Gotta go to Mr. Telic next! [[She's gone, leaving a feather floating behind.]] Anathama: So. Bung wins. Clochard: Again. And that's not the worst of it.. Wednesday , February 27 , 2008 [[Anathama and Clochard the Gnolls have met in the Basement. Smoke floats around.]] Anathama: What's the worst of it? Clochard: I.. we.. needed to find Digger fast. I had to ask Bung where he was. [[In the far background, a flaming arrow flies into view.]] Anathama: Oh.. you old.. I'm so sorry. Clochard: Had to be done. He's in the forest tunnel. Clochard: And something else to tell him, if I don't get to. [[The arrow hits the ground with a small explosion.]] Clochard: I saw Kronk, the Troglodyte. He was chasing.. someone. Someone who smelled like a whole set of exploded chemicals. Anathama: Oh dear.. you don't think it was... Clochard: Yes, I do think.. Let's go. Anathama: . . . Anathama: I'm glad /you're/ all right. Clochard: You too. Thursday , February 28 , 2008 [[Anathama and Clochard the Gnoll walk along a Basement corridor.]] Anathama: The Humans. I /spoke/ to them.. one of them was.. "Eyeplates." From the last time. He said his name is Sylvester. So did the Gibber. Clochard: . . . But the other one's.. new? Youngish female? Dark hair, wearing a Nome-helmet with wings attached.. Anathama: . . . Anathama: "Rosemary." Definitely /not/ the Clawblaster. She was carrying that odd polecutter.. I've seen it somewhere... Clochard: Didn't have that when I saw them. Didn't really /need/ it. Maybe she's the CB's daughter? Friday , February 29 , 2008 [[Outline of a young Anathama witnessing Sylvester and the Woman of Mystery's last visit to the Basement.]] Anathama: The last time the Humans came down here openly.. it was right before the Nome War. Anathama: Fifteen years. I was just a whelp. Anathama: I've lived far longer than I had any right to expect, every day a bonus day.. [[A Basement corridor.]] Anathama: And.. while there have been /rumors/ about the Clawblaster all along... today, now, for sure.. Sylvester.. he's older than before.. but he's not /old/. How long do these Humans /live/? Clochard: Something to ask Digger. Who knows. He might even decide to tell us. Saturday , March 1 , 2008 [[Two unnamed Troglodytes stand near an open archway in the Basement. Digger can be seen approaching beyond the archway.]] Trog #1: OK.. Council squads all busy fightin'. Lotsa of folks comin' from the forest. So, anybody that comes 'round, we whack 'em and take everything off 'em! Trog #2: Right! [[Digger walks unnoticed past/beneath the two Trogs.]] [[Guttle can be seen approaching beyond the archway.]] Trog #1: And here comes one now! Trog #2: Right! {{There's really no point giving these two guys names.}} Sunday , March 2 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Clive the Boogieman has joined Chunner and Crud in the Shaft. He has a large scrub brush. Nozzles ((SHUNK)) into view on all sides.]] Crud: Now everything is back to normal! Everything is OK! [[Chunner and Crud are blasted with a massive ((SPA-LOOOOSH)) of water from the nozzles.]] [[More water comes, as Clive ((SCRUBs)) them with the brush.]] Monday , March 3 , 2008 [[In the Basement, headed towards the Riddle Grotto. Faded stencils on the wall read MOLARS GRIND/ CANINES TEAR / INCISORS BITE RIGHT THROUGH ]] Camora [[offpanel]]: ..and of course, the cover falls off and Knaw immediately comes in and sees the things all piled up in plain sight. He goes charging back to get Guttle. So Skibble /eats/ all of them! {{The stencils are a homage to an old 'Schoolhouse Rock' educational short produced by ABC}} [[Rosemary, Camora and Sylvester walk into view.]] Rosemary: But you just said Skibble is a- Camora: yeah. yeah. he probably got Blitz to eat them. They were all /gone/ when Guttle got there, anyway. Heh. Knaw chased Skibble all the way to- Sylvester: We're here. [[They are facing a T-junction. Written on the wall in Manglish is DEATH DOORS/RIDDLE GROTTO/BOTHBAD! TURNBACKNOW!]] Camora: ..No we're not Sylvester: yeah yeah. This is where we need to start paying attention Tuesday , March 4 , 2008 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and CamoraHax are en route to the Riddle Grotto. Rosemary reads what is written on the wall]] Rosemary: "Death Doors" Camora: Touch any of them and you die. Sylvester: It's an old Human defense system. [[They all walk away.]] Rosemary: ... Ah. Like the Djinnoscope? Sylvester: Yes. [[The POV pans in the opposite direction.]] [[A heavy door labelled POTS ROOM.]] Sylvester, from off-screen: /Exactly/ like the Djinnoscope. Wednesday , March 5 , 2008 [[Rosemary, CamoraHax and Sylvester are en route to the Riddle Grotto. On the wall behind them is a depiction of a dragon surrounding the letters "GG RIP"]] {{Death of game-creator Gary Gygax.}} Camora: What's a "Gin-o-scope"? Sylvester: I was afraid you were going to ask that.. Thursday , March 6 , 2008 [[An outline of Fern in her pot in the Hall of Achievement.]] Sylvester: sigh. OK. There's this room, over on the far side of Le Tree.. Sylvester: It has a giant statue.. a bad-tempered plant in a pot? ..a Dornbeast skeleton? [[Outline of part of the Djinnoscope.]] Camora: The Death Hall. Sylvester: OK. And the machine... the thing that makes the "queeping" sound? Camora: The Death Machine. Sylvester: What, was the same Council sub-committee put in charge of naming /everything/ down here? Camora: Of course not. They j- wait. If you know about the Sub-Committees, why did you act like you didn't know the Council? Friday , March 7 , 2008 [[En route to the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: I was joking. I didn't know you really had subcommittees. But I suppose it was inevitable... Camora: What? [[Outline of a slimegrub eagerly approaching a pudding-plant.]] Sylvester: You create a government and they appear, like planting a pudding brings slimegrubs. Camora: /I'm/ not creating anything! Why did you call the Death Machine what you did? [[An outline of a Djinn and a Human conversing; the Djinn smokes up out of a base, and has a spiked pole on either side of him.]] Sylvester: There exist entities called Djinns. They are.. like Chauncy and Edgar. Only more benign. No. More subtle. Saturday , March 8 , 2008 [[In the Basement, heading towards the Riddle Grotto.]] Camora: Assuming I believe /any/ of this, why would you name the Death Machine after one of these "Gins"? Sylvester: Because they are much alike. As we just saw, the best you get with a demon, they agree not to kill you right this minute. [[An outline of a small Djinn attached to a device which is drawing magic from a rainbow-layline and broadcasting it to a small device held by a Human female. A male watches happily.]] Sylvester: Djinns.. whether flesh or metal.. if you're prepared to deal with one, he, it can grant great boons. Sylvester: They say it was a Djinn which helped.. people.. truly tap into magic.. Sunday , March 9 , 2008 Narration: Bathday In SubShaft 44f [[Clive the Boogieman stands over Chunner and Crud, holding a now-filthy scrub-brush. The Gnolls lie on the ground.]] [[Another blast of water hits the Gnolls.]] ((RINSE)) [[Clive leaves.]] Chunner and/or Crud: squeak Monday , March 10 , 2008 [[In the Basement, Camora talks with Sylvester about Djinns.]] Camora: I don't suppose you've ever /met/ one of these Gins. Sylvester: Technically yes I have. [[Outline of Sylvester at the University, meeting Irk the Djinn, who is conjuring shapes as he emerges from a small pipe.]] Camora: "Technically" Sylvester: Irk was, and, I imagine, still is a very minor Djinn. [[The entrance to the Riddle Grotto. Beside the door is a faded notice. There is a small platform on either side of the Grotto, and two spikes poke out of the water.]] Sylvester: But that's not important. We're here. Tuesday , March 11 , 2008 [[On the platform at the Riddle Grotto. CamoraHax stands behind Rosemary and Sylvester. To one side of the entry-arch is a device with a coin-slot. To the other, a large bowl holding a pile of rocks.]] Rosemary: So. where are these unsolvable riddles? Sylvester: .. unsol.. No one ever said they were /unsolved/. Just that they are great. Wednesday , March 12 , 2008 [[Rosemary, CamoraHax and Sylvester have reached the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: So.. if these riddles have been solved, what makes them so Great? Sylvester: Let's take it one step at a time. First off.. [[He gestures out towards the water. A spike pokes above the surface.]] Sylvester: ..look out there. What's the first question that comes to mind? Rosemary: ... Rosemary: "I don't see any 'Great Riddler.' Why can't we just swim across?" [[A low pot full of rocks stands nearby.]] Sylvester: Right. That's what the rocks are for. (Glad to see they're still here..) Sylvester: Take one, and toss it out into the pool. Sylvester: Oh, and be sure to keep all body parts on this side of the fence. Thursday , March 13 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto. Rosemary takes a rock from the waiting pot.]] Rosemary: OK fine. Rocktossing time. [[She ((tosses)) it out into the pool.]] [[The rock flies along.]] [[Something green lunges out of the water and ((WHAMs)) on the rock.]] [[The rock is gone.]] Friday , March 14 , 2008 [[On the edge of the Riddle Grotto. Camora glares behind her.]] Rosemary: What was that? It was so /fast/! Sylvester: That was /part/ of the Great Riddler. And yes, as far as I know, no one's ever been able to get across without.. answering the Riddles. Sylvester: How about it, Camora? Camora: What? Sylvester: Anyone unauthorized ever make it to the other side of the grotto? [[Outline of a diving, streamlined Jibjib burd, just barely zipping through the snapping shut of a giant claw.]] Camora: Oh. Yes. Speedy the Jibjib. He made it, once. Sylvester: An explorer, was he? Camora: Like /Othar/? Of course not. He made that ridiculous bet with Shilpit. Saturday , March 15 , 2008 [[On the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: Anyway, Camora. Assuming this all works the way I remember.. we'll pay you the rest of your guide fee, and our time together will be over. Camora: You're leaving? Sylvester: That's the plan. You've been helpful, but I know what's beyond here, and you don't need.. or want.. to come along. Camora: No. Of course. [[Sylvester turns away. Camora and Hax speak subvocally.]] Sylvester: Now then, Rosemary.. Camora: You see? They are leaving. We should tell them there's an easier way! Hax: Wait. Just wait quietly. Camora: And I'm sure I'm hearing /voices/! Hax: The only voice you are hearing is mine. Sunday , March 16 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Chunner and Crud lie on the floor. The bath-nozzle poke into view from above.]] [[The nozzles retract.]] ((SHUNK x 3)) [[A tube ending in a grill drops down.]] ((clunkityclunkity)) ((SHUNK)) Monday , March 17 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: "Three Great Riddles" isn't exactly an appropriate name, but it's what they were called by the person who first... "solved" them, and it stuck. His name was Dorn. Rosemary: Yes. I was wondering about that. Why did the 10th Earl o E have an Isdanlian name? Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: ...How did you know.. [[Part of the notice, which reads "..be henceforth and forthwith FORBIDDEN by official decree. Lord DORN 10th Earl of E, June 30...]] Rosemary: sigh. Sylvester, that notice outside is faded, but that much at least is still /readable/. Sylvester: Oh. Right. His mother was from Isdanlia. Tuesday , March 18 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: You mentioned Dornbeasts, and so did.. other people. Is it the same..? Sylvester: Yes. Dorn worked with all sorts of.. beasts, but in particular.. {{She is referring to the Operator.}} [[Outline of an E family soldier mounted on the back of a Dornbeast, attacking an enemy position.]] Sylvester: He became an expert breeder of "Seigebeasts." Until battletanks came along, the Earls used them to fight their various border squabbles... [[Dorn facing two escaped Dornbeasts.]] Sylvester: But in the end, like that "Nubby" person, Dorn really got into his work. The.. ahem.. new Earl renamed them in his honor.. Wednesday , March 19 , 2008 [[An outline of Dorn the Earl setting up a complex collection of wires and devices. A gong hangs to one side.]] Sylvester: Along with animal-breeding, Dorn was interested in puzzles and games, a trait he inherited from.. anyway. The Great Riddler made a perfect hobby for him, and after much tinkering and many delays and setbacks, he kludged together a way across the pool. [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto, Sylvester ((rummages)) in his pocket.]] Sylvester: And then never ever came in here again. Fortunately, later individuals /did/.. [[He holds out his hand, displaying three tokens, two large and one small, and a piece of lint.]] Sylvester: ...and greatly simplified parts of the procedure. Thursday , March 20 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: Do we need that smaller "token", too? Sylvester: What? Oh. No. That's for.. We'll discuss that later. [[Sylvester holds up one of the tokens and glances at Camora, who is staring back the way they came.]] Rosemary: And I assume these don't work in the Djinnoscope? Sylvester: No no! Do not /ever/ put /anything/ in the Djinnoscope, except... what we discussed earlier. Friday , March 21 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: Now we.. what's wrong? Camora, pointing: That.. that /thing!/ [[Rosemary and Sylvester look as well.]] Sylvester: The Summoner? [[The tall slab-like Summoner.]] {{A homage to the Monolith from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.}} Sylvester: What about i- Sylvester: Huh. That's weird. Rosemary: What? Sylvester: I sorta remember seeing it when Protus took me. Or something /like/ it.. Camora: That's /not/ what it looked like when we came in {{It was shorter and had a rounded top. The artist made a after-the-last-second decision to redesign it, and made the change a plot-point.}} Saturday, March 22, 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto]] Sylvester: The Summoner's always been housed in a Telemon Duraslab(tm); those things last forever. Rosemary, you notice anything changing? Rosemary: No. Camora: What's the *matter* w- [[Everything but Camora and Hax fades into blueness. Hax's antenna extend.]] Camora: -ith you.. two.. [[Hax floats free, still trailling attachments to Camora'a head.]] Hax: Weneed totalk. [sic] Sunday , March 23 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Chunner and Crud are down on the floor. A tube sticks down from above, its flared end covered with wire mesh.]] Tube: whhhhirrrRRRR [[The tube belches a gout of flame.]] ((FAWOOM)) [[A wisp of smoke trails out afterwards.]] Crud: 'm dry! Chunner: 's crud, Nice.. Monday , March 24 , 2008 [[Camora and Hax stand in front of a faded background. Hax floats in the air upside down, trailing strands to Camora's head. Words are just barely visible behind them.]] Camora: Whathave youdone?! Hax: Weare speaking mindtomind. Camora: Wedid thatbefore! Hax: No Wewere subvocalizing. Camora: sub- Hax: Nowwe aretruly connected. Whatyou seehearsmell ishow yourbrain interprets. Camora: Butwhy- Hax: /And/ wespeak veryveryfast but timestill passes andyou mustlisten.. Tuesday , March 25 , 2008 [[Hax and Camora are speaking mind-to-mind. Vague shapes and words float behind them. Hax is upside down]] Camora: /Fine/ Whatdo youwant? Hax: Thesummoner. Onlyyou sawit change Camora: Yousaying Imcrazy. Hax: No Ihave touched brokenminds youare sane. [[Camora begins to tilt slightly.]] Camora: Thenwhat Hax: Yourmind is infact quite /remarkable/. Camora: Itold youthat. Firsttier. Hax: Noyes. Youare fairlysmart, butthis ismore thanmere /intellect/. Wednesday , March 26 , 2008 [[Camora and Hax speak mind-to-mind. Vague shapes and words float in the background. Camora is tilting, and taking on a purplish tinge.]] Camora: Idon't understand. Hax: Youare awarewhen Changesoccur. Youwere ableto shrugoff myfirst attemptto /influence/you Camora: Waita second- [[She tilts more, and is now sideways. Hax's antenna are touching her eyes.]] Hax: Yourmind is/different/. Andit hasbeen ahigh honor towatch its pathwaysflow. Camora: Thankyou? Hax: Yes. Imust reportthis. Imust Witnessmore Gnollsminds inaction Camora: Butwe- Hax: Yes.But.we mustfinish herefirst. Ihave myorders. Thursday , March 27 , 2008 [[Hax and Camora are talking mind-to-mind. Camora is upside down. The background is mostly dark, with a few words floating.]] Camora: Orders? Hax: Despiteyour admirable pragmatism youwould ultimately findthem unacceptably disturbing. Hax: And yourmind ismore precious thanyou know. Itmust remain perfectlyintact. Hax: Fortunately I havebeen studying yousince wejoined andnow /finally/ Ican safelytake [[The background turns bright pink/purple. Camora's eyes go wide and blank.]] Hax: /Full/ responsibility. [[Back to the physical world. HaxCamora is looking upward.]] Sylvester, off-panel: Um.. Camora? Friday , March 28 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] HaxCamora: Sorry? Yes? Sylvester: You sort of.. went away there for a moment. [[She turns away.]] HaxCamora: Oh. Well. I just realized, I was being silly. Obviously, it's impossible the Summoner could have ""changed"". Sylvester: Impossible? /There's/ a word I've learned not to toss around lightly. [[Outline of Sylvester's Great-great Uncle Hindenburgh eating his personal dining room, suspiciously eying a globe-shaped knickknack sitting nearby.]] Sylvester: In fact, now that I think about it, I have heard.. stories. Hindenburgh for one.. Saturday , March 29 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: Hindenburgh was my- Rosemary: You told me. Your great- great uncle, the gluttonous wizard. [[Outline of Hindenburgh and a young Frederick practicing levitating small objects using wands.]] Sylvester: I did? Oh. Well anyway, whatever his other flaws, he /was/ a brilliant wizard. He taught his nephew Frederick everything he.. well.. a lot. Sylvester: What's relevent [sic] is that he once said he was fairly sure that he'd witnessed things.. change.. like you were just saying, Camora. So. Don't automatically assume you're imagining things. HaxCamora: I'll bear that in mind. Sunday , March 30 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Chunner and Crud lie on the floor. A tube which can spew flame points down from above.]] ((KLAKITYKLAKITY)) [[The tube withdraws.]] ((shunk)) ((RRRRUMMMMBBBLLL)) [[The dispensing chute comes back into view.]] ((SHUNK)) Monday , March 31 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto. Rosemary, Sylvester and HaxCamora look at the Summoner..]] Sylvester: So. The Summoner. The complicated and arcane answer to the first of Dorn's "Great Riddles": How do you get the Great Riddler to pay benign attention to you? [[The back side of the Summoner is covered a sheet on which is printed a long wall of text.]] Sylvester: ..and Rosemary, please don't try and hit the Great Riddler with the Can-Opener. Rosemary: Why, it'll just make him mad? [[Slyvester looks at the token he is holding.]] Sylvester: ..I can't imagine what it would take to make the Great Riddler mad. No. It's just rude. Tuesday , April 1 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: If it's never angry, then why does the Great Riddler- Sylvester: Kill people? And what's it doing the rest of the time? Sylvester: It was here when- the Earls arrived. And in all that time, if anyone's got it to /answer/ Riddles instead of presenting them, they haven't seen fit to tell the rest of us fools. [[Sylvester puts the token he has into the slot on the Summoner.]] Sylvester: You might want to cover your ears for this part. Wednesday , April 2 , 2008 [[Sylvester has put a token into the slot on the front of the Great-Riddler Summoner.]] ((clink)) [[A light activates on the Summoner.]] ((clatter clink click CLUNK)) [[The Summoner beings emitting an increasingly-loud "rrRRR"]] Thursday , April 3 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto. Sylvester has put a token into the Great-Riddler Summioner, and he and HaxCamora have covered their ears.]] ((RRRRRAAAAAWWWW/WWWW/)) Rosemary: That's not so bad. If anything- [[The sound is massive, shaking them all and the room.]] ((DAH DA)) Friday , April 4 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto. Sylvester, HaxCamora and Rosemary look out into the pool as the Summoner does it job. An endless "WWW" sound runs through all three panels.]] ((DAH DAH DAH)) [[Pulling further back, showing all of the platform they stand on, and the water in front of them, which has two spikes poking out of it.]] ((DAAAH DA DUNDUN DU-)) [[Ripples form in the water between the two spikes.]] ((-UN DUNDUN DUNDUN DUN-)) Saturday , April 5 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto. The Summoner has been activated. ((DUNDUN)) runs throughout.]] Sylvester: And now, the Second Great Riddle... ((SPLOOSH)) [[The Great Riddler appears from the pool and looms over Sylvester, Rosemary, and HaxCamora. He/she/it is an enormous Ichyoid.]] Sylvester: Understanding the Great Riddler once you've Summoned him. Riddler: [BUSINESS?] Sunday , April 6 , 2008 [[Guest art by Jon Day of the webcomic Esthar Gate. Hector the Robot is is at a table in a restaurant. venting to Metabot, from VinnieD's comic AntiBunny.]] Hector: It's always "Fix the scanner, Hector!" "Fetch me some Treefruit, Hector!" "Wake up the Gong-ringer, Hector!" What do I ever ask in return? How about a little dignity- Metabot: //CHECK!// Monday , April 7 , 2008 [[At the Riddle Grotto. The Great Riddler has risen into sight.]] Rosemary: But that's- that's- Sylvester: A very big Ichyoid. And anything you've heard, or read, about them is very likely to be inaccurate. ((DUNDUN DUNDUN)) Rosemary: Can you understand it? Sylvester: Oh yes. Part of my education was learning to understand things like demons and... (cough) [Ichyoids]. Ichyoid: [WELL?] Tuesday , April 8 , 2008 [[At the Riddle Grotto. The sound ((DUN DUN)) continues throughout.]] Great Riddler: / / / Rosemary:You speak Ichyoid? Sylvester: No, I can cough out the pidgin-tongue the local Ichyoids sometimes deign to use. [[Outline of a human witch using various bits of machinery to talk to an Ichyoid.]] Sylvester: No Human, or Gnoll, I imagine, can speak or understand true "Ichyoidese" without... assistance. Sylvester: But Rosemary, Camora, be aware that the Riddler almost certainly understands everything we're sayi- Riddler: [Sylvester] Wednesday , April 9 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto. Sylvester, Rosemary and HaxCamora look up at the Great Riddler.]] Rosemary: Did that- he just say your name? Sylvester: Yes. We've been introduced. Sylvester: Stand back, both of you. [[Sylvester approaches the Great Riddler.]] Sylvester: [Yes?] GR: [Willoughby] GR: [sorrow] Sylvester: "Willo-" My father. Yes. He's dead. I'm sorry, too. Sylvester: Thank.. [Thank you.] Thursday , April 10 , 2008 [[Outline of a young Sylvester looking up at the off-panel Great Riddler.]] Rosemary: Sylvester.. The Great Riddler.. knew your father? Sylvester: Who do you think introduced us? [[Outline of Sylvester at the University, looking at a couple of his fellow students.]] Rosemary: It.. didn't kill him, did it? Sylvester: No. If my father had a talent, it the ability to make friends with anyone. I wish I'd been the one to inherit that, instead of Mortimer and Lil and.. Sylvester: Oh, never mind. Sour marshberries. [[Outline of University-student Sylvester, amidst falling snow, reading a black-edged notice, witnessed by his girlfriend Nimue.]] Rosemary: Your father is.. dead, though? If you're the.. head of the family.. Sylvester: There /have/ been abdications. But yes, while he didn't depart from here, he's long gone off to the Pole. Friday , April 11 , 2008 [[Facing the Great Riddler in the Riddle Grotto. The sound ((DUN DUN)) continues throughout.]] Rosemary: If your father didn't die down here, then how did the Riddler know- Sylvester: I suspect there is little that happens in these parts the Riddler doesn't know about. Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: Well. We'll just find a way to make him /share/. GR: [Business?] Sylvester: What's frightening is that your optimism is quite possibly justified. Today, let's get across the zarking pool. Saturday , April 12 , 2008 [[Meeting the Great Riddler in the Riddle Grotto. The sound ((DUN DUN)) continues throughout.]] Sylvester: Actually, first we'd better be official about this.. Rosemary: About what? Sylvester: Introductions. Sylvester: [Introductions.] Sylvester: [Rosemary] Sylvester: [nonfamily] Sylvester: [staying?] Sylvester: (You're Rosemary. You're.. just a friend. You might be staying...) GR: [Dangerous] Sylvester: "Dangerous." Rosemary: To who? Sylvester: ...Everybody, I think. Sunday , April 13 , 2008 [[Computer-generated guest-art by Jon Day of the webcomic "Esthar Gate": The World O' Pots shopbot greets Hector's robotic assistant Nunsuch.]] Shopbot: GREETINGS CITIZEN! WELCOME TO WORLD OF POTS, YOUR ONE STOP SHOPPING POINT FOR ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING POT-RELATED AND NON-POT RELATED! HERE AT WORLD OF POTS, SALES AREN'T JUST EVENTS THEY'RE A LIFESTYLE! WHAT WOULD BE MY PLEASURE TO HELP YOU FIND TODAY? Nunsuch: [eye] [can] [hand] [battery] ? Monday , April 14 , 2008 [[Sylvester talks to the Great Riddler in the Riddle Grotto. The noise ((DUN DUN)) continues throughout.]] Sylvester: Now for the important part.. Sylvester: [sylvester] Sylvester: [rosemary] Sylvester: [possessions] Sylvester: [cross?] [[HaxCamora watches this discussion.]] GR: [fixit gnoll?] Sylvester: "Fixit Gnoll"? What? No. Camora's not- I mean.. Sylvester: [nomore] GR: [//fine] Sylvester: He says yes. Rosemary: So we can cross? Sylvester: If we can answer the Third Riddle. Which is, sometimes, almost, an actual riddle.. Tuesday , April 15 , 2008 [[Sylvester talks to the Great Riddler in the Riddle Grotto. ((DUN DUN)) continues throughout.]] Sylvester: [Riddle?] GR: [frowgler?] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: What? What did he say? Sylvester: He wants to know who "Frowgler" is. Rosemary: How can you tell that from one zarking w- Sylvester: I've heard that name. /Where/ have I heard that name? Wednesday , April 16 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto, the Great Riddler has asked a question. ((DUN DUN)) continues throughout.]] Rosemary: I thought you said you read the Times. Sylvester: The newspaper? I do. What's that got to do with- Rosemary: Frowgler. He's that horned.. wizard.. frog-thing. In Roshambo. Sylvester: Roshambo.. [[Outline of a comic panel depicting Roshambo the Warrior Beetle and Frowgler the Horned Frog. The former weilds a large and small sword, the latter wears a pointed hat.]] Rosemary: Roshambo the Warrior Beetle. The comic strip! In- Sylvester: ..the Times. Right. With the talking sword. I read the /news/, not the zarking comics. Thursday , April 17 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in front of the Great Riddler.]] Sylvester: I thought you said you didn't read the Times. Rosemary: I've seen maybe a dozen copies of the Times in my entire life. ((DUN DUN)) [[The Riddler observes.]] Sylvester: But then how- Rosemary: Sylvester, /everybody/ knows about Roshambo. And Slasher. And Frowgler and Naif and Arax and all the rest! ((DUN DUN)) [[An outline of Rosemary during her Caravan duty, happily watching a puppeteer manipulate marionettes of Roshambo the Warrior Beetle and one of his enemies, an "Araxtrooper."]] Rosemary: Aunt Eva had a bound collection of old strips. On the Caravan, Mr. Hinson used the characters in his puppet shows! And they still make the toys- Sylvester: Toys! /That's/ where I heard the name! Friday , April 18 , 2008 [[An outline of Sylvester reading a newspaper and not listening as Mortimer tells him something. continues throughout.]] Sylvester: A while back Mortimer was saying something about one of his Roshambo "action figures" being damaged, or some- Sylvester: Not Important. [[In the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: Rosemary. Both of you. Stand back for this part.I really don't want to make any mistakes. Rosemary: If he's gonna eat you if you fail, we are not- [[Sylvester looks up at the Great Riddler.]] Sylvester: No no. [[Closeup of the Summoner's control panel.]] Sylvester: We're almost out of time, and I don't want to have to start all this over from the beginning. Saturday , April 19 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto, Sylvester faces the Great Riddler.]] Sylvester: Frowgler... Sylvester: [Frowgler...] ((DUN)) [[Sylvester stands before an outline/diagram of Frowgler.]] Sylvester: [twodimensional] Sylvester: [wizard] Sylvester: [construct] Sylvester: [frog] GR:/// GR: [byyou?] Sylvester: /Me?/ No. I didn't create.. Rosemary! Rosemary: Yes? ((DUN)) Sylvester: That idiot who created Roshambo.. Luberhoof? Rosemary: Alex Linderhoff. Alex Jr. draws it now. Sylvester: [linderhoff] Sunday , April 20 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Chunner and Crud are lying on the floor. The dump-chute has poked into view from above. It ((flps)) open.]] [[An assortment of small shapes comes down the chute.]] ((clatter bang)) [[A nasty-looking orange liquid ((GLUBs)) out of the chute, while all sorts of previously-seen devices ((SHUNK)) in from the edges of the panel: a pair of horns, a blow-tube with a rake-like object attached, another tube with two openings, and a metal clamp holding a glowing purple rectangle.]] Monday , April 21 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto. Sylvester looks up as the Great Riddler thinks about what Sylvester has just told him re: Frowgler the comic-strip character.]] ((DUN)) [[Rosemary looks up.]] [[HaxCamora looks up.]] GR: [interesting] Sylvester, softly: That's a matter of opinion. Sylvester: [yes] or [no]? GR: [yes] ((DUN)) Tuesday , April 22 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto, the Great Riddler sinks back out of sight as Sylvester watches.]] [[Rosemary comes into view.]] ((UNSPLOOSH DONE)) Rosemary: We can cross? Sylvester: We can cross. In a minute or two. Wednesday, April 23, 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto]] Sylvester: So. Camora. Looks like this is where we part ways. CamoraHax: So it would seem. Sylvester: Thank you for your help. CamoraHax: Of course. [[Sylvester gives her the rest of the To-Do list.]] Sylvester: As promised, here's the second half of your payment. CamoraHax: Thank you. ((CLUNK)) Sylvester: I don't imagine you were planning it, but please don't follow us. You *don't* have permission to cross the Pool. CamoraHax: I'll bear that in mind. Thursday , April 24 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto, after talking to the Great Riddler.]] Sylvester: Also, maybe you already figured this out, but.. you deserve to know. Everyone down here deserves to know.. HaxCamora: Yes? [[A map/outline of the Known World, as far as Humans are concerned.]] Sylvester: We're not forest Nomes. We are Humans. Sylvester: And the Wide World is far most vast and complicated than you may know. HaxCamora: ...I see. Sylvester: sigh.. I'm almost positive you don't, cuz I know more than you, and I know very little. HaxCamora: I, of course, will have to take your word for that. Friday , April 25 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto, after talking to the Great Riddler.]] ((THUMP)) Sylvester: We live up in.. "God's Cactus". But, I rush to add, we know nothing about this "God". We call it the Mansion of E. HaxCamora: And...? [[Outline of the Mansion/Forest/Basement.]] Sylvester: Today is not the day, but if I ever find myself down here again, find an easier way to visit.. Sylvester: I will try to speak to Comshaw. The Council. Someone in authority. Maybe even.... Sylvester: No. [[Outline of an angry Nevus.]] HaxCamora: No? Sylvester: I was going to say Nevus, but I suspect we've already burned our bridges in that quarter. Sylvester: What species is he, anyway? HaxCamora: Nevus is a puffed-up little Wyrm. Saturday , April 26 , 2008 [[At the Riddle Grotto. Rosemary and Sylvester prepare to cross. Hax has taken over Camora's body.]] ((BLUB)) Sylvester: But anyway. What I want to tell.. what I ask /you/ tell Comshaw and the rest.. is.. Sylvester: I've let things slide for too long. If I have any further say, things around here are going to change. HaxCamora: Is that a threat, or a promise? Sylvester: Threat!? No. Our day running the Basement has long come and gone. A promise.. only to myself. [[Rosemary smiles as she listens.]] Sylvester: Tell anyone who might believe you. A few Humans are still around. We're not all-powerful monsters, and.. but.. we will do what we can to make things better. For /everybody/. [[Closeup of Hax's eyeball.]] HaxCamora: I'll do what I can. Sunday , April 27 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Chunner and Crud lie on the floor. Various new splotches and scratch-marks cover the walls.]] [[Cully reappears, carrying some Treefruit.]] Chunner: Oh ho. They gave you Treefruit. They /liked/ you. Cully: The scary one made me flibble her /feet./ Monday , April 28 , 2008 [[Sylvester and Rosemary watch at HaxCamora leaves the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: I'm not sure what reaction I was expecting, but that wasn't it Rosemary: Uh huh. At the end there, something changed. Sylvester: ... She stopped asking questions. Rosemary: Like you said, she went away. And when she came back, she was suddenly being /cautious/. Tuesday , April 29 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto, following HaxCamora's departure.]] Sylvester: Why would she change like that? Rosemary: You're asking /me/? This morning, I didn't know Gnolls could talk. Is she typical? ((RUMBLERUMBLE)) [[Outline of a Gnoll wildly denouncing/exposing the Woman of Mystery and a young Sylvester.]] Sylvester: Where are Mortimer or Rufus when I need them? They've spent more time down here.. Sylvester: But /I'd/ say, apart from that.. mating thing.. they're pretty much like us Humans. For better and worse. Wednesday , April 30 , 2008 [[At the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: The reason I asked you, since you asked.. you seem to be good at reading people.. Rosemary: Ah. I'd guess Camora realized something, maybe about us, maybe about that Summoner, that scared her and made her clam up. ((BONK THUD)) Rosemary: Which is impressive, because I would have said she wasn't /capable/ of clamming up. Sylvester. pointing: Well, if she's gone to round up a lynch mob, the Summoner's on it's own, but /we're/ nearly out of here. Thursday , May 1 , 2008 [[Sylvester and Rosemary look out across the Riddle Grotto.]] ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) [[A metal walkway ((CLICKs)) into view. It is however at right angles to the path that Sylvester and Rosemary need to walk.]] Sylvester: And yes, I know it won't work yet. We're not quite done. Rosemary: So we don't have to jump? That /is/ sorta a relief. Friday , May 2 , 2008 [[Looking down on the Riddle Grotto from above. A metal walkway, which does not reach all the way across the grotto, has risen out of the water, and is perpendicular to the two main entrances. A couple of concealed passages are also visible from this angle.]] [[The walkway turns 45 degrees.]] ((CLANG)) [[And again. It is now almost connecting the two entrances.]] ((CLANG)) Saturday , May 3 , 2008 [[Looking down on Rosemary and Sylvester at the edge of the Riddle Grotto. A metal walkway almost touches the lip of land on which they stand.]] Rosemary: So we still have to j- [[The walkway slams heavily forward and is now pushed up against the lip.]] ((CLANG)) Sunday , May 4 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Cully holds some Treefruit and looks traumatized. Chunner and Crud are lying on the floor.]] [[More of the same. A small metal prong comes into view from above.]] ((whirr click)) [[The glowing letters 1700-3 WOOHOO appear from the prong.]] Crud: If you're not going to eat that Treefruit.. Monday , May 5 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto, Rosemary and Sylvester start across the waiting metal walkway.]] ((CLANG CLANG CLANG)) Rosemary: So.. when we get to the other side.. Sylvester: The bridge slams forward. Be sure you don't fall in the water. Rosemary: Sylvester, no offense, but this whole set-up.. Sylvester: /We/ didn't build it. The theory has been advanced that it is /deliberately/.. inefficient. ((CLANG CLANG CLANG)) Tuesday , May 6 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk across the bridge now spanning the Riddle Grotto.]] ((clang clang)) Rosemary: Inefficient? Sylvester: Whatever's the Riddler's doing is so important, that every effort was made to discourage people coming here. That's the theory. [[An outline of Sylvester and Rufus looking at a tunnel blocked by a cave-in.]] Rosemary: But then why did your family try to come- Sylvester: Like I said, it was a /hobby/. There used to be lots of ways around. One by one, they were closed off. By us, or.. by outside forces.. Sylvester: Which, at the time, honestly, was something of a relief.. Wednesday , May 7 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester cross the Riddle Grotto on the metal walkway.]] ((CLANG CLANG CLANG)) Rosemary: So this route, and the Elevator, are the only ways out of the Basement? Sylvester: Yes. ((CLANG CLANG)) Rosemary: But.. Comshaw or whoever that bald Gnoll was, the Dornbeast I killed, this "Weirdo" of yours, if he actually exists.. They all couldn't have.. Sylvester, there has to be some way you don't know about! Sylvester: . . . Thursday , May 8 , 2008 [[Crossing the Riddle Grotto on a metal walkway.]] Sylvester: sigh. You're almost certainly right. But I have no idea where this other passage topside might be. Sylvester: We'd have to ask Camora for more help. Or recruit someone new. [[Overhead is an ominous-looking cluster of lights.]] Sylvester: And presumably, that Ghast is still looking for us with blood in her eye. Sylvester: And we'd be doing it in the middle of a war zone. Sylvester: And there's no /guarantee/ it'll be any- Rosemary: Sylvester! ((CLANG)) [[Sylvester stops to face her.]] Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: I didn't /say/ I wanted to go find it right this instant. Sylvester: Oh. OK then. Friday , May 9 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on a metal walkway crossing the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: So. We go forward. Sylvester: Yes, once the Riddler moves the bridg- [[The bridge jerks forward, sending them both flying forward out of sight.]] ((CLANG)) [[A moment of silence.]] Rosemary, off-panel: Kiss me, you mad passionate fool! Sylvester: Shut up. Get off me. Saturday , May 10 , 2008 [[Outside the Riddle Grotto. Hax is controlling Camora's body. All his comments are non-verbal.]] Hax: Fratz. Hax: I was certain I sensed someone out here. I could switch off and let Camora- [[He jerks his attention in the opposite direction.]] [[He turns to go. Rosemary can be seen standing on the bridge across the Grotto.]] Hax: No. No Zarking time. [[Whisp the Troglodyte pokes her head into view. Rosemary is now lying on the ground, on top of Sylvester.]] Sunday , May 11 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully, Chunner and Crud stand in the Shaft. Cully has two pieces of treefruit. Crud is eating a piece.]] Chunner: They're ashamed to be seen in public with us. Cully: What? [[Chunner reaches for a treefruit.]] Chunner: You were wondering why they only grab us when the lights go out. Cully: I was? OK.. Crud: Mmmph mnm mmph! Monday , May 12 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the far side of the Riddle Grotto, getting back to their feet after a tumble. A semicircular ledge extends out into the grotto. On it there is a low fence, another Riddler-Summoner, and another pot full of rocks.]] Tuesday , May 13 , 2008 [[On the far side of the Riddle Grotto. Sylvester puts his helmet back on.]] Sylvester: Got your lips under control? Rosemary: I think so. How long until the bridge goes back down? Sylvester: It'll be a while. And the Summoners won't work for two or three hours. Rosemary: You didn't mention /that/ before. Sylvester: I didn't mention a lot of things that Camora didn't need to hear. Rosemary: Ah /huh/. What else. Wednesday , May 14 , 2008 [[The far side of the Riddle Grotto. Sylvester hands Rosemary a token.]] Sylvester: First off, here. I don't actually /need/ tokens to turn on the Summoners. Rosemary: Oh? [[Outline of profiles of Rosemary's parents, with arrows leading to one of Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Anyone ever explain the concept of "heredity" to you? Rosemary: I read something in one of Edwird's books.. there are little.. bits... inside us that get passed on from our parents? Sylvester: Close enough. [[Close up of a Summoner's control panel.]] Sylvester: Griffington, the 15th Earl, he was able to reverse-engineer an old Ettin gadget that examines those.. bits. Sylvester: It can tell if you're a member of the E family. He called it a herediscan, and you'll find them all over the Mansion. Thursday , May 15 , 2008 [[Shadow-memory: Sylvester holds up his hand, which is scanned by a large robot.]] Rosemary (offscreen): "All over the Mansion?" Sylvester (offscreen): There are herediscans on doors into secure areas, storage boxes, guardbots - [[Shadow-memory: A robot, mid-assembly.]] Rosemary (offscreen): You also have robots here. Of course. Sylvester (offscreen): That's what the Factor E built, mostly. Again, copied off old Ettin designs. We sold them all over. Rosemary (offscreen): "Factor E"? [[Shadow-memory: A bald, bearded man, Griffington speaks to a woman with a ponytail who is holding a strange glowing object. Behind Griffington is a large, strage machine labeled PMF.]] Sylvester (offscreen): If by that you mean, "where is it", it's up next to the.. cactus. Sylvester (offscreen): If you're referring to the name.. Griffington was a genius when it came to machinery and robots, but his sense of humor left something to be desired. Friday , May 16 , 2008 [[The far side of the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: So, I can only travel around the Mansion with you, or Mortimer? Sylvester: Well, many of the hscans can be made to recognize new people, and I will introduce you. Rosemary: But..? [[Outlines of doorways, one with Sylvester, one with Frederick, one which is closed and glowing.]] Sylvester: But others can't. And because our.. bits.. /drift/ with each new generation, there are doors that only Uncle Frederick can open. And ones that no one can.. Sylvester: And in some cases, that's probably just as well.. {{This may not be how heredity works in Real Life, but it's how it works here!}} Saturday , May 17 , 2008 [[A corridor in the Mansion. Hax leads Camora's body along.]] [[He glances behind him.]] [[He ((deedles)) his antenna at a section of wall.]] [[A door slides open.]] ((FOOOSH)) [[They pass through the opening into the darkened area beyond.]] [[The door slides shut, spewing some purple smoke or mist.]] ((FOOOSH)) [[A moment passes.]] [[Whisp the Troglodyte appears, looking puzzled.]] Sunday , May 18 , 2008 [[Cully has a piece of Treefruit.]] Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Chunner: Go on, kid. You earned it, and if you don't eat it, Crud or the Slimegrubs will. [[Cully tastes it. Chunner eats his as well]] Crud: Curses! Foiled again! ((Chomp. Chomp)) Cully:... This is the worst Treefruit I've ever eaten. Chunner: Well *duh*. What did you expect? Crud: Third worst in the entire world! Monday , May 19 , 2008 [[The far side of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: The only.. main.. reason I even brought up the subject of herediscans is that there is one more between us and the exit. Rosemary: And? Sylvester: They only work if the one being scanned still has a pulse. So you need to keep me alive until we reach the Great Chasm. Rosemary: Now you're just being difficult! Tuesday , May 20 , 2008 [[On the far side of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: So. Shall we exchange one frivolous question before we push on? Rosemary: OK. I suppose I should ask about the "Gnoll mating thing", but.. you really don't like comics like Roshambo? Sylvester: The Gnolls have group marriages. Or something. Like Erewhonians, I guess? Rosemary: ...A few of the Clans do that, yes. Sylvester: As for comics, I don't.. automatically disparage the entire medium. It's just.. [[Outline of a young Rosemary reading a bound collection of Roshambo comic strips.]] Sylvester: I've read back issues of the Times in the library, and the comics used to be *good*. Rosemary: What do you mean? The ones in Aunt Eva's book were *great*! Sylvester: Uh huh. You yourself said they were "old". *How* old? Rosemary: Well.. um.. Sylvester: Uh huh. Wednesday , May 21 , 2008 [[Outline depicting a "classic" Roshambo the Warrior Beetle comic: Roshambo defends a lady-beetle from a horde of Araxtroopers, while two less-expendable minions stand near some sort of clamp-device holding a flame or bit of magic; it is powered by a cable running down into the earth. Frowgler the horned frog looks down from a ledge or possibly a cloud.]] Sylvester: Back in the old days, the comics in the Times were lush and sprawling. Linderdoofen Sr... Rosemary: Linderhoff. Sylvester: Whatever. He had a whole half-page to splash around in, depicting Roshambo's "adventures." [[Outline of a collection of much smaller comics crammed into the same space, including Roshambo. There is also a love triangle, Mr. Tree, a fish stealing bait, someone wearing Charlie Brown's sweater, and a boy with two parents and a stuffed toy.]] Sylvester: But then the Crash came, and now they are small and lazy and.. and cheap. Sylvester: Of course, don't get me wrong here.. Thursday , May 22 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto. The River of Fire can be glimpsed at the end of a long tunnel.]] Sylvester: ...I'm actually grateful. Rosemary: For bad comics? Sylvester: That, after the Crash, I have the /privilege/ to stand here in my.. hemp clothes and Trogskin shoes and whine about bad comics. [[An outline of a young Aunt Eva, surviving just after the Crash.]] Sylvester: We came so close to the edge. We could easily be living in caves and /fighting/ Trogs for, for the privilege to gnaw Tunnelrat haunches. Rosemary: Aunt Eva would never talk much about.. the afterCrash, but she /did/ say.. she ate Tunnelrat and she was glad to have it. Sylvester: Uh huh. Which leads us to /my/ question.. Friday , May 23 , 2008 [[On the far side of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: What did your Aunt Eva /do/, that required she have a bodyguard? Rosemary: She was a gambler. Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: A professional one. A /good/ one. She played Skipjack. Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: The card game? Sylvester: ..I know what Skipjack is. It's just.. I was half-expecting her to be Governator of Moonin Province, or something.. Saturday , May 24 , 2008 [[In a corridor in the Basement. Whisp the Troglodyte glares.]] Whisp, thinking: She disappeared and her scent trail just stops. How could /Camora/ ever- [[She turns.]] Whisp, thinking: Zark it. Fine. I was assigned the Nomes. [[She leaves.]] Whisp, thinking: Fine /for now./ Sunday , May 25 , 2008 [[The 44f inhabitants are eating Treefruit.]] Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: This is the third worst treefruit? What are- Chunner: Since we're males, the second-worst is.. you never made it to the Fluffy Foofoo Cave, I take it? Crud: I went there with Cacocala. [[Unnoticed, a sliimegrub leaps towards Cully's half-eaten Treefruit.]] Cully: ... I was going ask Skuy to go with me, after I made enough... but then.. Chunner: Uh huh. Well, the t-fruit there is the second worst. Crud: I threw up on her, and she dumped her tweebowl over my head. I miss her. [[Cully's Treefruit is gone.]] Cully: ... And number one is--? Chunner: The one way down in the Place No One Talks About, of course. Crud: Chunner! No! Bad! We don't ever talk about that place! Monday , May 26 , 2008 Narration: A Brief Memorial Day Flashback [[A dirt road running alongside the sea. Rosemary, holding the reins of a horse and dressed for traveling, looks up at a large Brush-shaped memorial for an individual known as, evidently, Yang The Nauseating. A signpost and the rusted remains of an auto can be seen in the background. Far off in the distance, a solitary tower pokes into the sky.]] {{Homage to the fantasy writer Robert Lynn Asprin: 1946-2008}} Tuesday , May 27 , 2008 [[Outline of Aunt Eva and Zeke walking the streets of the city of Nye carrying a bag of winnings. Zeke eyes a man leaning against a building who has a pet rat or mouse sitting on his shoulder.]] Sylvester: But I still.. why did Eva need a bodyguard? Rosemary: When a top-deck Jacker wins, she ends up carrying a /lot/ of goldstrips. Rosemary: But that was just the start. [[Outline of a game in progress. As Eva and another player look at their cards, Zeke sits behind Eva and throws a rock at a hand, interrupting some sort of ceiling-level shenanigans.]] Rosemary: In an actual game, Eva focused on, you know, the game, and Zeke focused on.. everything else. Rosemary: That much money floating around.. people get /creative/. Wednesday , May 28 , 2008 [[The far side of the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: ...You don't believe me. Sylvester: What? You say your aunt, the woman who raised you, went from eating tunnelrats to winning high-stakes Skipjack games? [[Two men play cards as the Crash happens around them; a dead man is plastered against a window.]] Sylvester: /Of course/ I believe you. I was just.. People. The world almost ends, and they.. go back to playing high-stakes cardgames. Rosemary: That's Nye for you. Aunt Eva heard there were games that actually played /right through/ the Crash. Thursday , May 29 , 2008 [[An outline depicting the/a rather gaudy entrance to the city of Nye.]] Sylvester: It's always been a regret of mine, that I couldn't afford to go to Nye, just once, while I was at the University. So the stories are true? Rosemary: I only know what Aunt Eva told me. I've never been there. [[A map of the area around Nye.]] Sylvester: You n- how did you get from Out West without going through Nye? Impass is the only pass over the Ridgebacks! Rosemary: It's not the /only/ one, just the best. And I may have.. I will explain. What I know. But not here. Not now. Friday , May 30 , 2008 [[Outline of a young Rosemary playing Skipjack with Zeke.]] Sylvester: You're right. We need to go. But I have to ask.. was your aunt disappointed when you didn't follow in her footsteps? Rosemary: /Ha!/ She wouldn't even teach me how to play Skipjack! I had to learn from Zeke. [[The far edge of the Riddle Grotto. The River of Fire is a speck in the distance.]] Sylvester: And did she refuse because gambling is a lousy life, or because she knew you'd be really, really bad at it? Rosemary: ...sigh.. Saturday, May 31, 2008 [[{{The wall signs in this comic are in very small type, and my transcriptions may contain errors.}} [[Riding Camora, Hax walks through a control room, past a pipe, a screen, and a fish swimming in a fishbowl atop a file cabinet. Under a ceiling light fixture, a wall sign is mounted above an old-fashioned telephone:]] --- NOTE: [text unreadable] --- Hax {{thinks}}: Nobody here. Probably just as well. Hax {{thinks}}: So. Do I call Hand, and reconfirm... [[A partially visible wall sign is mounted to the left of the telephone:]] --- [...]ERSONNEL [...] TIERS REP[...] AN[...] A ND[...] INDIVIDUAL[...] SPECIES, D[...] WEAPO[...] AND HEAVY G[...] LIKELY TO BE CA[...] A NOMEPICK. REPEAT, REPORT ANY SIGHTINGS, NO MATTER HOW MINOR. --- [[Another wall sign is mounted just below the last one:]] --- TIER ONE HND-002 TIER TWO AAB-132 AAG-112 ABW-124 ABZ-127 ACG-144 ACG-146 ADY-125 AID-112 AID-147 BBC-142 BGO-110 BGW-125 BFF-128 BFG-154 BTL-140 TIER THREE BWG-266 CCC-215 CDC-216 COD-206 DND-267 DND-290 EEG-222 EFG-223 EGG-240 EMF-233 EMO-254 EOM-243 EPR-211 EUV-205 EWG-240 FAQ-262 FIL-276 FIZ-223 FKL-265 FMM-231 FNN-245 GAG-277 GAP-251 GAZ-253 KLL-200 KML-206 KTT-247 KUD-221 KZZ-238 LAL-208 LAP-244 LCD-243 LOL-203 LPQ-231 LRU-238 LTT-228 MMM-288 MII-241 MNO-254 WMD-213 --- [[We see a clearer view of the first wall sign:]] --- [...] 1. TELEPHONE USE BETWEEN X AND Y HOURS IS RESTRICTED TO TIER-THREE BEING ONLY ANY TIER-TWO BEING FOUND USING THE TELEPHONE BETWEEN THESE HOURS WILL SUFFER REVOKED PRVILEDGES FOR Gg-3 MONTHS 2. NO DIM TOGGLING. ANY USER FOUND TOGGLING ANY OMACE OF DIM WILL SUFFER REVOKED PVILILEDGES FOR Gg-4 MONTHS 3. NO TOAD-SEXING IN THE PHONE ALCOVES. ANYONE FOUND SEXING TOADS WILL BE STRUCK REPEATEDLY WITH A MALLET. NO TOAD SEXING! 4. PRINCE ALBERT HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM HIS CAN. THE REFRIGERATOR IS IN FACT FULLY FUNCTIONAL. PLEASE DO NOT ASK AGAIN. --- Hax {{thinks}}: No. *Everyone* is going to be calling him today. [[Hax walks past two more partially visible wall signs, one above the other:]] --- THX [...]38 --- EXCEPT [...]T[...]DAYS --- [[We see a slightly fuzzier view of the second wall sign above, which turns out to be mounted a short distance above a branch of The Tree:]] --- NOTICE TO ALL PERSONNEL ALL TIERS REPORT[...] ANY A[...] A ND[...] INDIVIDUA[...] SPECIES[...] WEAP[...] AND HE[...] LIKELY TO[...] A N[...] REPEAT[...] SIGHTING[...] HOW[...] --- Hax {{thinks}}: I have my orders, and even if I didn't, those two Humans will wreck *everything*. Hax {{thinks}}: And if I'm wrong, forgiveness is easier than permission. Sunday , June 1 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: Do we have to.. turn out the lights to get any food? Crud: There are Slimegrubs. And you can get food from the Shaft-machine! Just snap your digits! [[He snaps his fingers.]] Chunner: Crud! NO! [[Three upside-down pie-tins fall from above, landing on their heads, and splattering their contents everywhere.]] ((SPLUT)) Chunner: /BRUSHSTROKES!/ {{A Mansionverse profanity, about the same as "Damnit!"}} [[Chunner is lying on the floor.]] Cully: ...This is.. Dornbeast-wart sploo? Crud: It came with pans, so it's Dornbeast-wart sploo pie. Good, is'n- Crud: Oh. Wait. That's right. Crud: Chunner's violently allergic to it. Crud: Don't ever snap your digits. Monday , June 2 , 2008 [[Outline of University-student Sylvester winning a hand of Skipjack against some classmates.]] {{Their names are Nimue, Honoria, and Bertie}} Rosemary: How did you know that I- Sylvester: C'mon, Rosemary. I'm no cardshark, but I held my own in the sliver-stake Skipjack games at the University. [[Outline of Rosemary trying to play Skipjack while serving on the Caravan.]] Sylvester: You're good at reading people, but Skipjack also requires icy patience. After an hour, you'd be gnawing someone's limb off. Rosemary: sigh. Sometimes it's even one my own. Tuesday , June 3 , 2008 [[The far edge of the Riddle Grotto. The River of Fire is a speck at the end of a tunnel.]] Sylvester: So, to sum up for now... Instead of Eva, you followed in Zeke's footsteps. Rosemary: Zeke? Of course not! Yes, he did give me my first sword lessons, but it's not like.. he.. [[She stares at him.]] [[She turns away.]] Rosemary: How.. how did this happen? Sylvester: You gotta watch bodyguards. You're a /tricky/ bunch! Wednesday , June 4 , 2008 [[At the far edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: So, bodyguard, ready to go on? Rosemary: /I/ am not a bodyguard. /I/ am an intrepid explorer, and you are my native guide. [[Sylvester gestures widely.]] Sylvester: Indeed, bwana! And next on our itinerary: The River of Fire! Thursday, June 5, 2008 [[In A Sneech Den: Woman of Mystery is being followed by her balloon]] ((CRASH)) [[Chauncy and Edgar enter]] Woman of Mystery: ... Woman of Mystery: Of course. Friday , June 6 , 2008 [[At the upper edge of the Mansion's Sneech den. The Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady has met Chauncy and Edgar.]] WoM: What have you /done/? Edgar: We have broken a bottle. Edgar: And we have been talking. To Rosemary Ripley. And.. Sill Vester. WoM: . . . Edgar: And Sill Vester said you would help us. Please. WoM: Did he now. WoM: Help you with /what/? Edgar: We wish to leave this place. Forever. Saturday , June 7 , 2008 [[At the edge of the Mansion's Sneech den, the Woman of Mystery meets Chauncy and Edgar.]] WoM: You want to.. go back where you came from. Edgar: No! We have become accustomed to possessing names! Edgar: We mean this place. We wish to pass through the Barrier and visit.. some new place. WoM: Ah. [[She beckons with a finger.]] WoM: Yes, I can give you what you want. WoM: Come with me. [[They have left.]] Sunday , June 8 , 2008 Narration: Siundays in SubShaft 44f [[All three Gnolls are wearing Dornbeast wart pie. Chunner is on the ground.]] Cully: Ack! This is horrible! What can we do?! [[Crud holds up a butterfly net.]] Crud: Get out the net, of course! Cully: What? Chunner: blub.. [[All three of them are swarmed by masses of flutterbys.]] [[The flutterbys are gone, along with all the pie. Crud has caught some in the net. Cully has wings sticking out of his mouth and ear.]] Crud: Nothing brings out the flutterbys like fresh Dornbeast-wart pie! Chunner: dibs on the antennas. Monday , June 9 , 2008 Narration: At A Drop-Point [[Sprocket and Flange are at a nondescript wall in the Basement.]] Sprocket: Anybody around? Flange: No. Proceed. [[Sprocket ((pokes)) several times at the wall with a sharp tool from his toolbox.]] [[A hatch ((FLIPs)) open.]] [[Inside is a small square space.]] Tuesday , June 10 , 2008 [[In the Basement. Sprocket's hand puts a glass bulb inside a compartment in the wall. Inside the bulb is a "filament" for a robot.]] [[Sprocket's hand closes the compartment cover]] ((CLICK)) [[It closes his toolkit's lid.]] ((CLUNK)) Sprocket: OK. Now we can go. Flange: Yes? [[They walk/float away.]] Sprocket: wherever we're going. Flange: Indeed. Wednesday , June 11 , 2008 [[The replacement filiment, inside a clear globe, sits in the alcove.]] [[The back wall of the alcove pulls back.]] ((KLUNK)) [[The wall slides up out of the way, letting in light.]] [[An Ichyoid claw reaches in for the globe.]] Thursday , June 12 , 2008 [[Hiblehoy and Wrawa have brought Leny's body to the Bowel Hall Inspekshun Cave. For Wrawa, all the world is faded and silent. Hiblehoy discusses the situation with a male Troglodyte.]] [[The Trog checks out Leny's body.]] [[Hiblehoy presses his hand into a slab of soft clay which the Trog presents.]] [[Hiblehoy and Wrawa leave, carrying a bag of glowgems.]] Hiblehoy: [blank]? Friday , June 13 , 2008 [[Leaving Bowel Hall. Wrawa the Troglodyte is suffering from her exposure to multiple Rhid-bombs.]] Hiblehoy the Motihaul: Wrawa? Wrawa: What? Hiblehoy: What do you want to do with the.. payment? Wrawa: ..You take half. earned it. Thank you. The other half. Take it to Telic. Hiblehoy: /Take/ them to..? Wrawa: Tell him.. tell him to find out what's wrong with us Trogs. Why we change. Tell him to /fix/ it. Hiblehoy: Wrawa, you need to go- Wrawa: Home. Just tired. Tomorrow.. I'll go find /RHID/. Saturday , June 14 , 2008 [[Ishkibble the Motihaul nervously climbs up out of Bowel Hall, carrying a sack of Glowgems in one hand, and the collapsed Wrawa the Trog slung over his other shoulder. Forfind the Gnoll is involved in fighting in the foreground. Smoke wafts, a fire burns, a rock flles through the air, and rubble is scattered about.]] Forfind: Push 'em back! Way back! Wrawa: ZZZ Ishkibble, thinking: /Everyone's/ going to want to see Telic.. Sunday , June 15 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Chunner is on the floor. He and Crud are munching on flutterbys. Cully stares at the wings sticking out of his ear and mouth.]] [[The Flutterby in Cully's ear flies away.]] [[Cully slurps in the one still in his mouth and eats it.]] Cully, thinking: Thank the Brush.. Crud: You shouldn't let them steal your ear wax like that. You can swap it for gumblocks over in SubShaft 38g. Chunner: Crud, quit talking with your mouth full. Monday , June 16 , 2008 [[The Forest of E. There are trees and blocks of stone in the background. Thrash the Pale and his two helpers, "FlagPale" and "AntlerPale" are striding along. Thrash looks resolute, the other two nervous.]] [[Thrash hears a noise..]] ((SPROING)) Tuesday , June 17 , 2008 [[Frowgler is hopping through the Forest of E. Thrash the Pale is coming up behind him.]] ((SPROING)) [[Thrash reaches down for Frowgler.]] [[Frowgler sits in Thrash's hand.]] Frowgler: Well. Fancy meeting you here. Wednesday , June 18 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E. Trees and ruins are visible in the background. Thrash the Pale is holding Frowgler the Horned Frog.]] Frowgler: I was.. /hoping/ it was you who would find me. I need to talk to you. [[Thrash gestures for his two helpers to step away.]] [[They do so.]] Frowgler: Yes, indeed. This is your moment, and yours alone. Thursday , June 19 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E. Thrash the Pale holds Frowgler.]] Frowgler: So. Thrash. To begin, you don't like me or trust me. [[Outline of Frowgler talking to the Pale leader the Nexus.]] Frowgler: No one does. I accept this, since I "appeared out of nowhere", weighted down with.. so very much useless trivia, even the Nexus listens to me. [[Outline of Frowgler, springing out a of a collection of question marks.]] Frowgler: I am not going to explain to you what I am, or where I come from. You would either not understand or not believe me. Frowgler: /I/ don't believe my story, and I'm living it. But know this: Frowgler: Among many other things, I plan to see that you Pales get what you want. If you still want it afterwards.. well. /That/ is not my problem. Friday , June 20 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E, Frowgler monologues to Thrash the Pale.]] Frowgler: Of course, all that's merely a side issue. The real problem is that, right now, you are /here/. [[Outline of Thrash confronting Niddle.]] Frowgler: Herding idiot finaglers. Putting up with obnoxious little frogs... [[Thrash glares.]] Frowgler: While, let's face it, /lesser/ Pales than you are handed the great prize: leading the Escort to the Camp. Frowgler: That will eat through even your armor. Saturday , June 21 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E, Frowgler is held by Thrash.]] Frowgler: So, to answer your "question", you are here and not leading the Escort because here is where I am. [[Outlines of the Pale leader The Nexus, and the top of the Spike.]] Frowgler: I am not as intelligent as the Nexus. Our friend at the top of the Spike is a thousand times more powerful. [[Frowgler sits in front of splitting arrows.]] Frowgler: I am the most /important/ person you have ever met. And now you, Thrash, greatest of Pales., champion of the Nexus, face the most important /decision/ of your life. Sunday , June 22 , 2008 Narration: Siundays in SubShaft 44f [[Chunner gets up from the floor, wearing a pie-tin helmet.]] Crud: Welcome to SubShaft44f! Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . [[Cully and Chunner exchange a look.]] Cully: . . . Cully: I'm Cully and that's Crud. Chunner: Crud? Surely not the same Crud who grew that giant killer bean! Crud: The bean is a touchy subject, and I ask that you not harp on it. Monday , June 23 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E. Thrash the Pale holds Frowgler.]] Frowgler: You have me alone. I am damaged, low on fuel. Very very tired. Frowgler: So. Frowgler: Are you going to end my meddling in Pale affairs, or are you going to help me with my next assigned task? Thrash: . . . [[Thrash flips Frowgler into the air.]] Tuesday , June 24 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E. Thrash has flipped Frowgler into the air, and now catches him so that he is facing "foward".]] Frowgler: oof [[They look at each other.]] Frowgler: OK then. Over that way. Please. [[They walk off, followed by Thrash's two helpers. Behind them is a Human ruin with a faded sign reading CARLIN'S DIRTY WORDS.]] {{RIP George Carlin.}} Wednesday , June 25 , 2008 Narration: Elsewhere in the Forest [[A collection of flowering bushes, in front of some trees and a crumbling stone wall.]] [[Louch the Gnoll emerges from the bushes, disturbing a fliutterby in the process.]] Louch, thinking: Almost home... Almost outta trouble.. Gnollish voice: /There/ ya are. Thursday , June 26 , 2008 [[Scrof and Louch the Forest Gnolls have reunited.]] Louch: Scrof. Yer alive. Scrof: No thanks taya, phizzer. Louch: Ta me? It was /yer/ idea, ta go snatchin in the Nomefields! Scrof: Ya ran off. Louch: Pales guardin th crops, bignomes and tsquids fallin out th zarkin sky, /Beavshark/ turnin up. N that was just th start. Course I ran off! Friday , June 27 , 2008 [[Near the Gnollish village in the Forest of E.]] Scrof the Gnoll: Whadda mean, just th start? Louch the Gnoll: Scrof. Comin back, more Pales were watchin th Bridge, so I- [[Outline of Scrof crossing the Ravine rope bridge in the Forest.]] Scrof: I used the Bridge. There were no zarkin' Pales. Louch: Mebbe when you did it. /I/ saw Pales. [[Outline of Louch gingerly crossing a much flimsier bridge.]] Louch: So I hadtah go all th way up north n use th Rope. Louch: N on the way.. /and/ back, I saw allth /other stuff/. Saturday , June 28 , 2008 [[Outlines of the Spike producing lettering in the air, and the Pit blasting magic.]] Louch the Gnoll: You didn't see none of it? Louch: Th Spike and th Pit both went off. (Least, I think it was th Pit..) [[Outlines of the two uses of the Zorper/HJ42, as seen from a distance.]] Louch: And alongside that, there were least two big blasts! Louch: It's like th whole world's goin floopy! [[In the Forest of E.]] Scrof the Gnoll: ..So yer just crawlin back home, are ya? Louch: Home. If you mean back to th village, yeah, that's where I'm crawlin. Sunday , June 29 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Chunner removes the pie-tin he was wearing.]] Chunner: Take off those pie tins! They make you look like a pair of zarking Nomes! [[A small spiked sphere fallsl from above and ((CLANGs)) off Cully's pie-tin.]] Cully: Sir, with all due respect.. the fact that I may look like a Nome recently moved several spaces down my worrylist. Crud: Chunner! Thank the Brush you're back! Your replacement was all bossy, and wore this really stupid Nome-hat! Monday , June 30 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E.]] Scrof the Gnoll: Yer badtalkin the village. Louch the Gnoll: "Village" Thatsa sneer. [[Outline of the Pale Camp.]] Louch: Pales slapup their big Pile. Nomes change Trees, live inside 'em. [[Outline of a tree being subjected to a magical procedure.]] [[Outline of a Gnoll in a sloping tunnel in the ground. The tunnel has been propped up with timbers.]] Louch: We ain't /got/ a village. We got a buncha zarkin /holes/ in the zarkin /ground/. Tuesday , July 1 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E. Near a Gnollish "village".]] Louch: Anyhoo. I'm sicka it. Scrof: Sicka what? Louch: Sicka livin in a /hole/. Sicka sneakin round, stealin Nomecrops. Sicka munchin worms and slurpin from puddles. Louch: Sicka it /all./ Scrof: Yer /soft/, Louch. Just like yer ma. Louch: My ma was /smart/. Knew stuff. Knew how ta /read/. Time I start.. /began/ actin like her. Wednesday , July 2 , 2008 [[In the Forest of E, near a Gnollish "village".]] Scrof: Yer soft, N you think yer bettern the rest of us. Louch: GRAAAH! [[Louch turns away.]] Louch: We /all/ can be better! Us, and th South Village, too! Louch: But now, I'm goin to th better /place/. My hole. Get sleep. Louch: Tomorrow.. maybe I'll find Umboz. We've talked. Ask th Nomes to show us, /all us/, crop-growin. [[In the Nomish village. Mayor Koyeeb sits on his throne. Frotz and Glorf listen, the former unwillingly.]] Koyeeb: Umboz has proven himself traitor, Frotz. As his brother, It falls to you to salvage a scrap of honor: come dawn, you will lead the attack on the north Gnoll village. [[Back to Louch.]] Louch: Or maybe I'll go down, all down, and ask my cuz Comshaw. They beat th Nomes in th war. Smartest of all!! [[A battle-wracked section of Basement. Faddle the Gnoll wanders along, carrying a pile of items including a flower in a pot.]] Faddle, thinking: . . . Maybe I should think 'bout heading home.. Thursday , July 3 , 2008 [[In a smoky corridor in the Basement. A broken device labelled TWEEDLE 1001 sits in the background.]] Niff the Gnoll: I don't think we can make it back to Helignoll Hall. We should find some place to hide until the fighting- Folla the Gnoll: Uh oh. Niff: What? Was that a general comment or a specific- Niff: Oh. Gnollish voice: Niff. Folla. [[Shona comes into view.]] Shona: I should have known you two idiots would be out wandering around on a day like this. Folla: Hello, Shona. Niff, quietly: at least it's not Chauncy and Edgar. or Camora.. Friday , July 4 , 2008 [[In a smoky Basement corridor, Shona has met her fellow Gnolls Niff and Folla.]] Shona: What was that about Chauncy and Edgar? Niff: They've broken out of their bottle. We saw it happen. [[A Motihaul carrying a sack and one wearing a hat walk past.]] Shona: That's totally ridiculous. You mu- Sack: Chauncy and Edgar went into Sidestep! They've lockeddown! Hat: I know! Sina's setting up a safezone in Crazy Rhids! [[Niff and Folla follow them.]] Niff: Guess we'd better go back. Shona: My sister. In Crazy Rhid's. Setting up a ''safezone''. /I'll/ just go blow the Oxymoron Alarm-Horn. Saturday , July 5 , 2008 [[In a smoky corridor in the Basement. A broken device labelled TWEEDLE 1001 sits in the background.]] Folla the Gnoll: There's no such thing as an Oxymoron Ala- Shona: I was being sarcastic, Folla. Niff the Gnoll: I just realized. Niff: Rhid's /gone/. Sina chased him off or something. [[Niff moves off, followed by Folla.]] Niff: If they can find some of his.. things.. to throw at Chauncy and Edgar, it really is a safe place. Safer. Niff: We're going back. C'mon Folla. Folla: OK. Shona: . . . [[Shona follows them.]] Shona, thinking: /...chased him off../ Sunday , July 6 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The three Gnolls stand silently. Cully and Crud are wearing pie-tins on their heads like helmets. Chunner glares at Cully.]] [[Chunner shifts his gaze. Cully looks at him. Crud looks up.]] Cully: Sir.. If you absolutely insist that I take off the tin- Chunner, waving a hand: Nah, kid. You're right. Nomes are ancient history. Leave it on if you want. But know that it might not help if- [[An enormous spiked ball falls from above, crushing Crud to the ground.]] Monday , July 7 , 2008 [[Chapter Title: THE RIVER OF FIRE [[A view of the Basement's Observatory, perched on the side of a cliff above the River of Fire, and constructed out onto the broken remains of a bridge.]] [[Zooming closer to one section of the off-bridge part of the complex. Lights are visible in the windows.]] [[One window in particular. Blit the Gnoll is visible, eating something under a candle-chandelier.]] {{He's eating a piece of blobwart.}} ((munch munch)) Tuesday , July 8 , 2008 [[In the Observatory's dining room. Blit the Gnoll is eating at a "table" when Gongoozle the Motihaul comes in.]] Gongoozlel: Blit. Glad to see you're not Up Above. Blit: Oh. Hello, Gongoozle. Did you just get down? Is there still fighting? Gongoozle: Yes. If anything, it's getting worse. The Gobule lairs are all attacking one another. Bliit: sigh.. Blit: I was hoping The Day That Changes Everything meant Changes for the better. Gongoozle: Didn't we all? [[A large block labeled BULKCO BLOCK TYPE Q36. On it are candles and plates of relative eatables.]] Gongoozle: Is there anything left to eat? Blit:Treefruit. Blobwart slabs. Slimegrubs, if you can catch one. Gongoozle: Of course. Some things never change. Wednesday , July 9 , 2008 [[Blit the Gnoll and Gongoozle the Miotihaul are eating in the Basement Observatory dining room.]] Troglodyte voice: Blit. Bllit: Ms. Espy? Espy: If you're quite done stuffing your snout... Blit: Um.. yes? Just about? [[Espy, an elderly female Troglodyte, stands in the doorway. She carries a staff on which is mounted two candles, and which has an insect tied to it by a piece of string.]] Espy: The Observer wants you All Down.. Now. Blit: What?! Blit: Me? Why? Espy: I don't know. Perhaps you can go /find out/. [[Blit leaves.]] Espy: As for you., Google or whatever it is.... Gongoozle: Yes? Espy: Come with me. We're closing the Upgate. Only Observing folk get in. Thursday , July 10 , 2008 [[Inside the Basement Observatory. Blit the Gnoll walks along a candle-lit corridor. A door is marked DOORS.]] [[He climbs down a ladder. In a side chamber, a large Gobule is sitting on a box labelled IMPORTANT SECRET MISTERIUS [sic] STUFF.]] [[Blit walks along a second corridor. Two doors are labeled CANDLES and MISTAKES. The MISTAKES door is barred.]] Eyebolt voice #1: 16! 8. 23 and squiggled. Eyebolt voice #2: "Squiggled"? No. Revert. Angled. Friday , July 11 , 2008 [[Inside the Basement Observatory. Blit the Gnoll walks past the desks of the Eyebolts Poyndext and Suscalva.]] Poyndext: If 1765 is Angled, then.. 1551 reverts to West. /Friendly/ West. Suscalva: ReCofirmed. Locked. Suscalva: Next: R-sign 1766: 12. 6 and 42. Looped thrice. Poyndext: Oh. Blit. The Observer wants you. Blit: Thank you, Poyndext. Suscalva: /Hello/, Poyndext! /12. 6 and 42. Looped thrice!/ Poyndext: Yes, Suscalva R-1766. Looped thrice. Confirmed. Suscalva: Blit. The Observer wants- Poyndext: /Hello!/ Blit: Yes, /Thank you./ Saturday , July 12 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory. Blit the Gnoll walks past a door marked in part CONFIRMED SIGNS ARCHIVE #003.]] [[Ahead of him are a basic-looking cage-elevator, and a ladder-pole leading down. The elevator is labelled STUF, the ladder NOSTUF. The elevator also has a bell, and some sort of pointing indicator.]] Blit: sigh.. [[He approaches the ladder.]] [[He hears a noise and pauses.]] ((KLONK)) [[The elevator-indicator has changed from pointing at a frowning face to a smiling one.]] Sunday , July 13 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[A large spiked ball has fallen from above and landed on Crud. Ciully and Chunner look at it.]] [[The spikes on the ball pop out a few inches, showing a connecting rod. Chunner gets down.]] Chunner: Get down! [[A mechanical voice begins speaking in "Ettinese" script, what is clearly a countdown. Cully gets down.]] Chunner: And hold onto your hat! [[Cully also grabs ahold of his pie-tin helmet.]] Monday , July 14 , 2008 [[In the Observatory. Blit the Gnoll has boarded a crude open-framed elevator. The floor is marked 1 in Manglish.]] ((click)) [[The elevator descends past floor 2, which is dark]] ((clunk clunk clunk)) [[The elevator reaches the bottom, floor 3.]] ((clunk THUD)) Ottus the Gobule, from off-screen: Well, lookit what we got here! Tuesday , July 15 , 2008 [[In the Observatory, Blit the Gnoll leaves the elevator.]] Blit: What /do/ we have here, Ottus? Ottus the Gobule, from off-screen: A /freeloader/! /Ridin'/ in the stufflift with no /stuff!/ [[Ottus is the one who powers the elevator, by walking on a large treadmill. A candle lights his workspace, and a couple of cord dangle nearby.]] Blit: Someone set the freeloaders arrow to "welcome aboard". Ottus (clearly joking): /What?!/ [[Piterbult the Gobule, using his head, pushes a cart-full of recording tablets into view.]] Ottus: I am surrounded on all sides by /Traitors and subversives!/ It was /you/, wasn't it Piterbult. Piterbult: I deny everything. Wednesday , July 16 , 2008 [[Inside the Observatory. Piterbult the Gobule is pushing a cart full of writing slabs. Ottus the Gobule is standing on his lift-treadmill.]] Blit the Gnoll: /Another/ load of River Signs for Poyndext and Suscalva to process? Piterbult: Didn't ya hear? Today's the day that changed everything. Blit: Well, of course I- Piterbult: I hoped that doing up and storing /five years/ of these useless things was enough. Should've know. Just more work. Blit: What we do here is important. It helps people to- Ottus: Son.. Ottus: /I/ might not got anything better to do than stand here and listen to 'Bult run his gob, but I hear that's not true for you. Blit: Oh. Right. [[Blit moves on]] Piterbult: But I wasn't done subverting him yet.. Thursday , July 17 , 2008 [[Inside the Basement Observatory, Blit the Gnoll walks along a corridor. A door is labelled with a sign CHANGE YOUR MIND, while a small dumbwaiter-type affair stands empty. Candles provide light.]] [[A much cruder door, with a ladder leading up. The door has writing on it: STOP POKING AROUND. Only one candle.]] [[An opening covered with ragged bit of cloth, on which is stitched LAMENT FOR THE DEAD. A knotted rope leads upward.]] [[Very dark now, with an unadorned passageway. Just barely visible is the graffiti POINT OF NO RETURN. A pair of eyes looks out of a hole down near the floor. They belong to Wences, species not clear.]] Wences: Bout time. 'Server wants ya. {{The messages are vague references to events in the previous one-year anniversaries for the MoE.}} Friday , July 18 , 2008 [[Blit the Gnoll walks through the Basement Observatory. Here he meets Wences, who is a pair of eyes peering out of a hole in the wall.]] Blit: Hello, Wences... Can you check, Is it all right? Wences: s'alright Blit: You're sure? It's OK? Wences s'ok [[Blit walks on, underneath an enormous spiked metal fist which looms overhead. The fist is labeled BIGBY.]] [[Something ((clicks)) under Blits feet. Wences: ohwait. [[Blit has been flung into the air by a large spring.]] Wences: ..s'alright, but s'/not/ OK.. Saturday , July 19 , 2008 [[A view of the Basement Observatory, hanging out over the Great Chasm on the remains of a broken bridge.]] [[Zooming closer to the path between the actual observatory and the main bulk of the building.]] [[Bliit the Gnoll shoots into view, having been shot into the air by a spring. He comes up through the roof with nothing more than a ((PAFF))]] Blit: YAAAHOOHOO! [[He drops back out of sight with another ((PAFF)). Sunday , July 20 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A large spiked ball has fallen from above and landed on Crud. Cully and Chunner have crouched down, as a mechanical voice issues from the ball.]] Cully: Whatsit saying? Chunner: It's counting down to z- Voice: [ZERO] [[There is orange smoke from the ball and a ((LAUNCH)).]] [[The spikes from the ball have launched themselves into the air like rockets, and are flying off in every direction.]] Monday , July 21 , 2008 [[In the Observatory. Blit the Gnoll comes falling back through the woven-grass roof after being launched high in the air. The ground awaits below.]] Blit: /eep./ [[A wheeled cart full of some fluffy material is pushed into view, and he lands in it.]] ((FOOMP)) [[The pusher is revealed to be Lucint the Helipath, who is wearing a pair of tinted goggles.]] Blit: eep? Lucint: Yes. A little short. You must not weigh as much as the average Gnoll. Tuesday , July 22 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory. Lucint the Helipath fishes Blit the Gnoll from a wheeled pile of fluff. Lucint is wearing tinted goggles.]] Jibjib voice: He all right? Lucint: Of course. I will transport him the remainder of the way. Meanwhile, you two shall- [[Two Jibjibs are patching the hole in the thatched ceiling which Blit just created. They also have goggles on.]] Jibjib #1: "-Commence repairs on the roof." We've done this /before/, Lucint. Lucint: Of course. [[Lucint carries Blit down the corridor.]] Blit: eep? Lucint: Indeed. Wednesday , July 23 , 2008 [[Lucint carries Blit towards the Observer. Green "Roof Stuf" is stocked in a hole. A candle burns near the ceiling. A curtain of more green stuff dangles.]] Blit: eep. Lucint: Yes, that is often the case after direct exposure to the Fire. [[Lucint blows his way through the curtain, and then another one.]] Blit: ...eep? Lucint:It is my understanding that he once availed himself of the googles, but he has transfered [sic] the Sign-report cart to and fro with such regularity, he is now capable of doing so with his eyes closed. Thursday , July 24 , 2008 [[At the Basement Observatory; this section of "tunnel" is hanging out over the River of Fire.]] [[Inside the tunnel, Lucint the Helipath is carrying Blit the Gnoll. They have reached the end of the tunnel; from here both a crude elevator and a ladder go down a shaft. Writing on the wall reads CROSS OVER/DROP DOWN.]] [[They fly down the shaft, into darkness.]] Lucint: Nearly there, although I am aware that that fact may not be terribly comforting... Friday , July 25 , 2008 [[A view of the final portion of the Basement Observatory, a bulb which hangs down directly over the River of Fire. A hook and a platform dangle from ropes.]] [[Lucint the Helipath carries Blit the Gnoll past the bottom of a ladder and small dumb-waiter setup.]] [[A female Ooze is waiting for them, sitting in a large bowl which is hooked to the ceiling. She is the Observer-to-be.]] OTB: Oh, good. You caught him. I was afraid you might be a little sh- Observer, off-panel: Everyone who walks the corridor to get here is informed of the risks beforehand. Bring Blit down, please, Lucint. Saturday , July 26 , 2008 [[In the Observer's chamber in the Basement Observatory. The Observer is a female Ooze, sitting in a wheeled cart. One of her eyestalks looks down through a hole at the River of Fire below, while the other looks at new arrivals Blit the Gnoll and Lucint the Helipath. There are tools and charts on the walls, and a small telescope sits in brackets.]] Observer: Hello, Blit. I'm sorry about your leg. Blit: eep! Observer: Yes, we've all had a trying day. But that's what happens when Everything Changes. And I'm afraid it's not quite over yet.. For either of us. Sunday , July 27 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner are crouched on the ground. A large spiked ball has fallen on Crud, and then launched its spikes, which have gone off in different directions.]] [[The last of them are gone.]] Cully: What.. Chunner: Every one of those things is flying off to another SubShaft. [[Numerous exploding noises in the distance.]] ((BOOM POW SPLORCH NARF)) Cully: So that "independence'' thing before.. Chunner: inde.. oh. Right. ..was propelled out of something like this, yes. Monday , July 28 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory home of the Observer. The Observer moves her wheeled cart as Lucint the Helipath puts down Blit the Gnoll.]] Observer: Thank you, Lucint. Lucint: Of course. Observer: Now, Blit. First of all, you need to tell me what you just saw. Blit: eep! Observer: No. Really tell me. It will help once you do. Blit: . . . Blit: . . . Blit: GREEN! Observer: Pure green? Interesting... Tuesday , July 29 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory home of the Observer. The Observer waits, tapping at her cart, while Blit the Gnoll stares.]] [[Blit looks around.]] [[He looks at the Observer.]] Blit: I feel better! Observer: That word didn't fit inside you. It's been expelled. Blit: But I don't even know what that word meant! Observer: I refer you to my previous statement, and suggest we proceed to the true business at appendage.. Wednesday , July 30 , 2008 [[In the Basemet Observatory, in the place of the actual Observer, an Ooze.]] Blit the Gnoll: True business? But.. isn't this why you called me down here? Observer: I'm sorry? Blit: Don't the Signs tell you when someone's going to set off the spring-trap? So you called me to learn what I- Observer: sigh. How many times have I explained? Observer: An event must be.. all-encompassing.. for them to /tell/ me anything. Suggestions. Hints. Observer: It was /hinted/ that someone might be exposed today. [[She looms over Blit.]] Observer: And since I was already summoning /you/, for a very /important/ purpose, it was possible to make certain logical leaps. Blit: eep Thursday , July 31 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory home of the Observer, an Ooze in a cart.]] Observer: You are aware, I assume, that different species react differently to direct exposure to the River? Blit: Well, of course. Everyone knows that you're.. well.. [[Outline of an Ooze hand, and a male motihaul looking at HIS hand in concern.]] Blit: ...hardening up.. Observer: That is the slow. but sure price I pay to be here, yes. Observer: At least the damage is not as rapid and severe as with Motihauls.. [[Outline of a male Ghast suffering a trip, and a Wyrm taking a fatal plunge.]] Blit: And.. Helipaths get all wobbly if they don't wear their eye-tints.. Ghasts go crazy.. Observer: They become /overstimulated/. The price they pay for having such keen senses. It is Wyrms who have to stay strictly away from the River. Friday , August 1 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory, The Observer and Blit the Gnoll are discussing the River of Fire. Outlines of an Eyebolt, a Troglodyte, a Jibjib and a Gobule mildly reacting to the RoF.]] Observer: Then of course there are those whom the River affects only slightly, if at all.... [[Vague outlines of a Nome, a Pale, and a Boogieman.]] Observer: Those about whom I have very little hard data.... [[In the Observer's home.]] Observer: And last of all, as is so often the case, we have you Gnolls, off in a catagory [sic] /all by yourselves/. Blit: I deny everything. Saturday , August 2 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory, the Observer has summoned Blit the Gnoll to her home.]] Observer: Didn't you wonder why so few of you Gnolls work down here? Blit: Well, actually.. [[Outline of the Observer observing as Comshaw warps the flow of the River of Fire.]] Observer: I arranged it that way. Because of instead of the River affecting you, you have an effect the River. Observer: Or an effect on /my/ perception of it.. Even now, I cannot decide.. [[Outline of the Observer observing as Comshaw, Camora and Niddle seriously warp the RoF.]] Observer: And it's even worse.. or better.. when it's a mated pair and their Finagler. Blit: I'm not mated, so even if I- Observer: I have long recognized the futility of discussing Finaglers with Gnolls. Sunday , August 3 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner are crouched on the ground next to the large sphere which landed on Crud.]] Cully: So.. is it.. relatively.. safe to get up again? Chunner: Yeah, unless one of the little phizzers "decides" to loop back around and- [[One of the rockets launched from the sphere reappears overhead.]] ((fzzzt)) [[It explodes in a blue glob.]] ((BLAT)) Monday , August 4 , 2008 [[In the Observatory proper, at the Ooze Observer and her cart.]] Blit the Gnoll: So why do you want me down here, messing up the River, today of all days? The Observer: I did say 'distort', didn't I? My fears shining through.. [[An outline of the Observer's cart, surrounded by generic Gnolls, with a big colorful question mark behind them all.]] Observer: You /change/ the River. Or me. Perhaps a distortion. Perhaps.. I should conduct a true testing, Observer: But I have visions of causing a second Breach, or something even worse.. And I put it off for another day. Observer: So. Today. As you've just learned, it is a two-way process with you Gnolls. You affect the River, and the River affects you.. Blit: - - - ? Observer: I want you to look into the River and read the Signs. Tuesday , August 5 , 2008 [[In the Basement Obseratory, in the home of the Observer.]] Blit the Gnoll: ME? I can't read the Signs! You and the Observer-To-Be spend a YEAR learning how! Blit: don't you? Observer: At least. I spend too much time down here alone. The words come out wrong. [[The Observer points at Blit.]] Observer: I would like you to look in the River and try to describe what you see. Observer: I attempt to be very clear. This is /not/ an order. Forcing anyone to look into the River causes.. problems. Say no, and you can return to messenger duty. Blit: But.. why me? Observer: Because you are the only Gnoll easily available to me. Blit: But you just said that we're all- Observer: Yes. Something very strange is happening in the River. And I need.. as different a perspective as possible. Wednesday , August 6 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory, in the home of the Observer.]] Blit the Gnoll: "Strange?" But you already told everyone, today's the Day that Changes Everything! Observer: Yes. But that is mostly past, and we have had such Days before. Blit: We have? Observer: This is.. something I have not seen before. The nearest was when that Nome.. Rezrov.. Observer: No. I don't want to prejudice you. You're already going to tell me what you think I want to hear. Blit: I.. what? Observer: Wil you just look? Please? Blit: ..OK Thursday , August 7 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory. The Observer (an Ooze) lifts the ramp/shield at the end of her wheeled cart.]] ((CLANG)) [[She sticks a hand through a hold in the side of the cart, reaching for the floor.]] ((BLORP)) [[She wheels the cart past Blit the Gnoll, who watches nervously.]] ((trundle trundle trundle.)) [[Watched by the Observer, Blit approached the hole in the floor which looks directly down onto the River of Fire.]] Friday , August 8 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory. Blit the Gnoll's legs, as he approaches the slit in the floor through which the Observer observes the River of Fire.]] [[Blit looking down, with the Observer watching him.]] [[A closeup of Blit's face.]] [[The back of his head, with the colors of the River visible.]] [[The colors, with the strip-copyright mark more prominent than usual.]] Blit: Huh. Saturday , August 9 , 2008 [[In the Basement Observatory. Blit the Gnoll is looking into the River of Fire.]] Blit: Um. Hm. Observer: Blit? What? [[He is observed by the Observer.]] Blit: I thought I saw.. no. OK. Um. I see a cactus.. and a fancy pot.. and.. Observer: And? Blit: It says.. two Humans are about to cross the Grotto Bridge. Observer: Blit, /don't/ try and read the Signs. [[A panoramic view of the RoF. Among the larger shapes visible are the Mansion, Protus, a pot in front of a spear, a tree, and crowned horned face. Written across the colors are the words TWO HUMANS ARE ABOUT TO CROSS THE GROTTO BRIDGE.]] Blit: No. No, you don't understand.. Sylvester: OK.. first off.. [[Sylvester and Rosemary are the far edge of the Riddle Grotto. The RoF is visible as a speck at the end of a tunnel.]] Sylvester: ..it's not really a River, and it certainly isn't Fire. Sunday , August 10 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner crouch on the floor next to a large sphere which fell from above and landed on Crud. An exploding "missile" has left a blue splotch on the wall behind them.]] Chunner: I think now it's really ov- [[The sphere ((CRACKs)), forming a line around its middle.]] [[The top half of the sphere flips open along this line, driving Chunner out of sight.]] ((WHAM)) [[Crud emerges from inside the sphere.]] Crud: Whew! Good thing I was wearing a helmet! Monday , August 11 , 2008 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are at the far edge of the Riddle Grotto. The River of Fire is a speck at the end of a dark tunnel.]] Sylvester: Did anyone ever explain to you about the /types/ of magic? Rosemary: Edwird had a few books.. [[An outline of the Wide World, with the Known World in its side. A cutaway view shows bones and question marks. The moon and some stars are visible as well.]] Sylvester: OK. Just so we're on the same page.. Magic all comes from somewhere down in the Bones of the Wide World. Rosemary: "Bones.." I've never really understood that. Sylvester: Heh. No one does. Except maybe the Sneeches. [[Outline showing an Ettin skeleton and the remains of a robot.]] Sylvester: What little we Humans do know, we've mostly learned from old Ettin... You know about Ettins, right? Rosemary: ...They're.. all dead? Built robots and things? Had two heads? Sylvester: More accurate to say they had two brains. The rest is good enough to go on with.. Tuesday , August 12 , 2008 [[Sylvester is giving Rosemary a lecture on magic. An outline of a globe in front of stars, with colored leylines coming out of the south pole at regular intervals and heading north.]] Sylvester: So. For most people, "magic" means the stuff that comes blasting up out of.. whatever it is.. at the South Pole.. And goes racing down the various branching leylines all across the Wide World.. [[A map of the eastern half of "Mansionland", including the Mansion's home province of Audravania. Powered leylines crisscross it.]] Sylvester: Or at least all the parts of it we've managed to visit so far.. Rosemary: And was then merged and eaten by Death at the North Pole. Yes. Sylvester: "Was"? Yes and no.. [[The same map, but now the lines are thin and white.]] Sylvester: After the Crash, the Lines are still there.. just operating at a tiny fraction of their former power.. And Death doesn't literally live at the North- Rosemary: Oh. Well, yes, I was being metaphorical. Wednesday , August 13 , 2008 [[A map of the eastern half of "Mansionland" Scattered around are some white dots and stars.]] Sylvester: And then, scattered around, evidently completely at random there's the other kind of magic.. Rosemary: Trickle.. points, right? [[Outline of Caytid the Gnoll using magic to knock away a Nome's spiked mace.]] Sylvester: Right. It, well, trickles up from wherever. It's not nearly as powerful as "line-magic", but that's a two-edged sword.. Sylvester: You don't need a thaumnode to make it useable by some of us mere mortals.. [[Outline of the Woman of Mystery levitating a small white cube out of its dangerous-looking setting. A large tresspassing warning covers the wall behind her.]] Sylvester: /And/ it wasn't affected at all by the Crash. It didn't go haywire, and it continues to work to this day.. Thursday , August 14 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the far edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: So there's a tricklepoint right under our feet? Sylvester: A pretty good sized one. Rosemary: . . . [[The River of Fire is a speck at the end of a dark tunnel.]] Sylvester: Despite this "Breach", it's not like it's a ticking bomb. Rosemary: It's not that.. [[A map of a portion of Audravania.]] Rosemary: What we saw from the tower this morning.. that.. wasn't the Forest of Burzee, was it? Sylvester: Ah. No. Burzee's south of here. And yes, its t-point is bigger than ours. Friday , August 15 , 2008 [[Outline: a very stylized map of the Province of Audravania, with arrows pointing at a forest.]] Sylvester: So you all out in Moonin have heard of the Forest of Burzee? Rosemary: You asked earlier what I knew about Audravania. That was it. You grow puddings, and you have the Forest of Burzee. [[Outline of Sylvester in a peaceful-looking forest. There is a statue in the background, and various shapes hang from strings: hearts, peace signs, and so forth.]] Rosemary: ..are the stories about it true? Sylvester: Dunno what stories you've heard. It's a place of peace, beauty and quiet contemplation. Rosemary: ...Sounds horrible. Sylvester: Yes. You'd hate it. Saturday , August 16 , 2008 [[An outline of a human hand holding a magical tool or weapon, which glows.]] Sylvester: Anyway, different tricklepoints are.. different. [[The same tool, glowing brighter.]] Sylvester: It's not just a question of power. [[Outline of a Djinn wearing a fez.]] Sylvester: Down in Agrada and Akbar, they can easily summon Djinns... [[Outline of a Demon with fiery hair.]] Rosemary: While we're stuck with Demons? [[The Demon gets clubbed on the head with the tool.]] Sylvester: Yes. Then there are the really special ones, like.. the country of Plinth, which is the only place in the Known World to get "real" cold-forged iron... Sunday , August 17 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud has flipped open a sphere's top, driving Chunner to the ground. Cully watches from a crouch.]] Crud: Where's Chunner? I hope he wasn't replaced again! Cully: Um.. I think he was knocked unconscious when y [[Chunner's hand ((UNWHAMs)) the lid.]] [[Chunner is back on his feet.]] Cully: No, no, my mistake. He was merely knocked down.. Chunner: New rule, kid. Wearing of helmets is /mandatory/. Monday , August 18 , 2008 [[On the far edge of the Riddle Grotto. The River of Fire is just visible at the end of a long tunnel.]] Sylvester: Which brings us to "our" particular twistpoint. Rosemary: Which.. is called the River of Fire? [[Stylized cross-section of the RoF rising from the depths of the Hot Zone.]] Sylvester: No. Nono. The River is a source.. of trouble, but ultimately it is a symptom. Rosemary: A symptom of what? Sylvester: Nobody knows. There's /something/ way down there in the deepest Hot Zone which affects the trickle, and sends the River.. squirting up... Tuesday , August 19 , 2008 [[Outline of Ludwig being forcibly dragged from his mother Audra's presence as she works at a control panel.]] Rosemary: Surely someone has investigated this mysterious.. River-squirter? That Ludwig fellow? Sylvester: No. I mean, good guess, but it was Audra who.. investigated. Sylvester: Heh. You know, Ludwig tried to /stop/ her. [[Outline of a much younger Ludwig eating a lonely meal under guard.]] Rosemary: But if he was Earl.. Sylvester: No. She was Earl. Wasn't I clear? Audra was Ludwig's mother. Sylvester: Or rather she took nine months out of her.. busy schedule.. to crank out an heir... Wednesday , August 20 , 2008 [[Outline/cross-section of the project which Sylvester describes.]] Sylvester: Audra dug way, way down into the Hot Zone, even past where the Wyrms go. Sylvester: And then one day (cough).. after having Ludwig forcibly ejected from the Mansion, she poked whatever-it-is with a stick. {{At the cough, his dialogue font permanently changes.}} Rosemary: Literally? Sylvester: Who knows? Maybe. [[Outline of the Mansion on the cliff above the sea, with a large red crack reaching up from below.]] Rosemary: And.. lemme guess.. (cough) the whatsit didn't take kindly to being poked? {{And then Rosemary's changes.}} Sylvester: /sigh/. Remember the Great Chasm? Before that day, it wasn't that great. Thursday , August 21 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the far side of the Riddle Grotto, preparing to descend to the River of Fire. Behind them looms the tunnel they will use.]] Sylvester: Whatever its source, the River of Fire is more unsettling than actively dangerous. ..Unless you physically touch it. Or even worse, fall in. Rosemary: Has anyone.. [[An outline of a male Human prisoner being tossed out a window, towards the unseen River below.]] Sylvester: Oh yes. People were even.. Angus, Audra's father? He in particular, had.. ideas.. about capital punishment. [[Chauncy and Edgar the Demons rise up, surrounded by the colors of the River.]] Sylvester: Oh. And It's very likely it was the "doorway" through which Chauncy and Edgar came from (..pardon my Blefuscun..) Fratz. Friday , August 22 , 2008 [[Outline of a levitating tram-car arriving in a pre-Crash Eetown. One of the windows glows red.]] Rosemary: And the Operator? Did he come out of- Sylvester: Oh no. Heh. He evidently came into town on a /tram/. Brush knows where or how he came to be in the Known World. Sylvester: The River occasionally produces minor Demons. [[At the edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] Sylvester: But today, right now, the important things to remember are: the River is not /aware/, or trying to kill us. Sylvester: Nevertheless, we're almost certainly going to see.. visions. Maybe funny, maybe embarrassing, maybe even disturbing. Sylvester: But they aren't real, and as long as we don't physically touch the River, they can't hurt us. Sylvester: You might even learn something about yourself, or catch a glimpse of the future. Or at least a- Rosemary: Sylvester? Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: Let's just do this. Sylvester: Right. OK. Saturday , August 23 , 2008 [[A distant view of Sylvester and Rosemary at the far edge of the Riddle Grotto.]] [[Sylvester starts down the tunnel towards the River of Fire.]] [[As the view pulls back, Rosemary follows him.]] [[Pulling back further, to show the entrance of the Grotto, where Whisp the Troglodyte is lurking and watching.]] Whisp, thiniking: Fratz. Whisp, thinking: I was starting to hope they'd just stand there all day, and make my job easy for once.. Sunday , August 24 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is inside a sphere which originally fell on him from the ceiling. Chunner stands, Cully crouches.]] Crud: Weird. The lid unslammed. Crud: Guess I'll just have to push the Button! Cully and Chunner: "The Button"? ((BEEP)) [[A very bright white-blue fliash of light fills the shaft, leaving only Cully and Chunner's eyes and helmets visible.]] ((HORRIBLE GHASTLY SILENCE)) Monday , August 25 , 2008 [[In the Riddle Grotto. Whisp the Troglodyte looks across the Grotto. All dialogue internal.]] Whisp: I could still probably circle around.. pick them up on the other side.. [[The gap between her and the metal walkway currently crossing the Grotto.]] [[Whisp leaps across the gap.]] Whisp: But where's the fun in th- [[The Great Riddler's pincher slams shut]] ((WHAM)) Tuesday , August 26 , 2008 [[Whisp the Troglodyte has jumped onto the metal walkway crossing the Riddle Grotto. The Great Riddler's claw pokes above the surface, follow his/its failed attempt to chomp her.]] [[Whisp ((sproings)) away, just as the same or another claw ((WHAMs)) shut where she just was.]] ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) [[Whisp's foot hitting the walkway.]] ((clang)) [[Whisp's determined expression.]] [[The walkway disappears beneath the water.]] ((CLICK)) Wednesday , August 27 , 2008 [[Whisp leaps towards the railed platform on the far side of the Riddle Grotto.]] [[She makes it safely, bouncing across the platform as the Great Riddler's claw snaps shut on thin air behind her.]] ((WHAM)) Whisp: This all would be far more satisfying if I didn't strongly suspect you don't actually give a phizz if anyone crosses the Pool. Riddler: Blub. Thursday , August 28 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk down a path away from the Riddle Grotto. Rosemary is looking behind them.]] Sylvester: Most people, when they're approaching the River for the first time, don't keep looking behind themselves.. Rosemary: I was hearing noises back there. Sylvester: Oh. That was probably just the bridge submerging. Rosemary, clearly not convinced: Ah. ...Right. Friday , August 29 , 2008 [[Descending through a dim tunnel towards the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: So how do we turn these helmet lights on? Sylvester: You just push lightly against the bulb. But we don't really- [[Rosemary does so.]] ((click)) Sylvester: need to turn [[She is engulfed in a wild display of colors. Sylvester's dialogue font goes crazy as well.]] Sylvester: them on, even [[She turns off the light, and the colors go away. The font returns to normal.]] Sylvester: here, the River- [[Sylvester notices her expression.]] Sylvester: supplies enough.. what's wrong now? Rosemary: I was being impulsive again. Saturday , August 30 , 2008 [[Approaching the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: You didn't see it? Sylvester: See what? Rosemary: I turned on my light, and there were all these horrible.. shapes! Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: You don't believe me! Sylvester: You keep saying that, Rosemary Ripley (if that is your real name) and I'll start thinking you're lying to me. [[Sylvester touches at his helmet light.]] Rosemary: It is my name! Sylvester: I believe you about your hat, because "horrible shapes" is in fact one way to describe the River. Sunday , August 31 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [Following a strange explosion, Cully and Chunner have turned entirely white, even their eyes. Crud is inside the sphere which caused the blast.]] [[Chunner, who was standing, topples over on Cully, who was crouching. The sphere makes noises.]] ((CRASH)) ((click bzzzt)) [[The top half of the sphere floats away, and Crud emerges.]] Crud: There! That's better! Monday , September 1 , 2008 [[In the tunnel approaching the River of Fire. Sylvester pauses in the act of turning on his helmet's light.]] Sylvester: Actually.. no. Sylvester: Let's test a theory. [[He takes off the helmet, and ((/clicks)) the light.]] Sylvester: If I do this, not much should happen.. [[The light turns on, shines up at them. Bits of color can be seen flashing around the bulb]] Rosemary: But.. mine really did.. Sylvester: Mine's probably doing it too, but neither of us is wearing it on our head. Tuesday , September 2 , 2008 [[Outline of a thief being unhappily interrupted mid-job by a wizard and witch.]] Rosemary: Sylvester, I don't understand.. Sylvester: OK. Do you know why wizards and witches used to wear those stupid pointy hats? Rosemary: What? I.. it showed they were witches? [[Cross-section of a pointy hat, showing the magic-tapping device inside.]] Sylvester: Well, yes. The stars and such on the wizard hats, the brims on the witch hats, those were frills, status symbols. Sylvester: The points were the same, and were what mattered. They housed, shielded, a thaumtapper that.. shot the juice.. directly into the wearer's system. [[Outline of the same thief; the Crash has just hit, and he is looking down at whatever is left of the two magic-users lying on the floor; the device he was stealing has been destroyed as well.]] Sylvester: Which is, of course, the real reason why so many thaumslingers died during the Crash. Rosemary: So it.. eww! Sylvester: Eww indeed. Wednesday , September 3 , 2008 [[Outline showing interior workings of a mining-helmet lamp.]] Rosemary: But what does all this have to do with our helmets? Sylvester: The helmets use a much smaller thaumtap that feeds into an Ettin battery. Sylvester: (Which, I should have said before, will last for about ten hours before needing two, three days to fully recharge..) [[Sylvester turns off his helmet's light.]] ((click)) Sylvester: I'm guessing there is enough of a flow, close enough to your head, that the River can.. cause interference. Rosemary: So then we ca- wait a minute.. [[He puts his helmet back on.]] Rosemary: If there's another Crash, our heads will blow up!? Sylvester: Such an reoccurance [sic] is highly improbable. And If it does happen, it would not be our heads per se, but the batteries. Thursday , September 4 , 2008 [[Just beyond the Riddle Grotto.]] Rosemary: I am /not/ going to- Sylvester: Yes. I'm sorry. I should have warned you about the batteries. Sylvester: But unless things have really changed on the far side of the Chasm, we are going to need a light source. And I don't think the Candle Monks are going to be very cooperative, even if we were able to get back and hit them up for some samples. Rosemary: If you're blaming /me/ for- Sylvester: And if the Brush or the Universe or Whoever is so petty as to send another Crash fifty *years* after the first, on the one day that we're wearing these helmets.. Fine. So be it. Friday , September 5 , 2008 [[Approaching the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: OK, fine. But after we get out of here, you show me how to remove my helmet's battery. Sylvester: Fair enough. And they just pop right out. [[Sylvester turns to go.]] Sylvester: Hey, at least neither of us is stupid enough to be lugging around some high-powered magical artifact which really could blow us both up. [[Rosemary looks away.]] [[She follows him.]] Rosemary: Right! Saturday , September 6 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: Do you really think the Brush caused the Crash? Sylvester: Did I say that? Zark, no. [[Outline of a young Sylvester and his brother Ace receiving a religious lecture.]] {{The lecturer was the local Oracle at the time, Omega.}} Sylvester: Growing up, I got //piles// of that "Brush Wrath" phizz from that.. Sylvester: aaah. Forget it. [[Pulling way way way back, to show the entire solar system: the sun, and five planets: large and purple, green, blue (source of Sylvester's voice), red, and small and gray and distant.]] {{The planets' names are Nibiru, Perelandra, The Wide World, Barsoom and Yuggoth.}} Sylvester: Ultimately, the Brush caused /everything/. Sylvester: It created the Wide World, the Spheres and the Stars. Keeps the System spinning around the Sun. Sylvester: But does it care about what we... trundlebugs do? Sylvester: No. I don't think so. Saturday , September 6 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: Do you really think the Brush caused the Crash? Sylvester: Did I say that? Zark, no. [[Outline of a young Sylvester and his brother Ace receiving a religious lecture.]] {{The lecturer was the local Oracle at the time, Omega.}} Sylvester: Growing up, I got //piles// of that "Brush Wrath" phizz from that.. Sylvester: aaah. Forget it. [[Pulling way way way back, to show the entire solar system: the sun, and five planets: large and purple, green, blue (source of Sylvester's voice), red, and small and gray and distant.]] {{The planets' names are Nibiru, Perelandra, The Wide World, Barsoom and Yuggoth.}} Sylvester: Ultimately, the Brush caused /everything/. Sylvester: It created the Wide World, the Spheres and the Stars. Keeps the System spinning around the Sun. Sylvester: But does it care about what we... trundlebugs do? Sylvester: No. I don't think so. Sunday , September 7 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is standing in what is left of the sphere that previously fell on him. He looks down where Cully and Chunner lie on the ground, out of sight.]] Crud: Where are you.. Oh. Oh dear. You're both.. Crud: That means, technically, I am alone. Crud: What was it Bokonon said to do when this happens? Crud: Oh. Right. [[He whistles a few notes, and gets a similar reply from something above.]] Monday , September 8 , 2008 [[Descending to the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: So.. you don't go to your Temple? Sylvester: This is just me. I could be wrong, and praise.. /rising up/ from the Temples is the only thing keeping the Wide World spinning. Sylvester: And even if I'm right, I think a properly-run Temple serves a very useful function. Rosemary: That's not an answer to my question! Sylvester: /sigh/.. No. Not every week. It's not worth the trip. Tuesday , September 9 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester talk as they descend towards the River of Fire. The panel shows an Outline of the Mansion's Main Tower and its Temple of the Brush.]] Rosemary: Not worth the trip? Sylvester, I saw your Temple right next to.. God's cactus! Sylvester: God's.. Oh. The Main Tower. No. That one was officially Abandoned. The Temple's at the entrance to the village now. [[Outline: Ernest the 19th Earl of E speaks angrily after Purity the Oracle who is storming away.]] Rosemary: Oh. ..Because of the Crash? Sylvester: Heh. No, because of Ernest. He and Purity.. the Oracle of the day.. didn't exactly see eye to eye on.. well.. anything.. Rosemary: "Purity"? And Ernest was the forger...? Oh dear.. Sylvester: A-yup. Wednesday , September 10 , 2008 [[Outline of a large Temple being constructed in the then-bustling city of Eetown. The Mansion and an airship can be seen the background.]] Sylvester: So, Purity moved the Temple. Eetown was booming in those days, and the new one was almost as big as the old. Rosemary: But is it still.. Sylvester: No. Time went on. Purity died, was replaced with Riverbend. Ernest.. hoo did he die. Replaced with Philbert. {{RIP, perhaps, the real-life Riverbend.}} [[Outline of the now-finished Temple being destroyed in the Crash.]] Sylvester: And then the Crash hit. The new Temple, a big thaum-user, was destroyed. Rosemary: Ah. And, meanwhile, the Abandoned temple.. Sylvester: ..not using any magic, came through with a few broken windows. Thursday, September 11, 2008 [[Descending toward the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: So anyway. After the Crash, the survivors built a new Temple, using stone from the old Temple. Rosemary: Why didn't they just go back to the one here in the Mansion? Sylvester: That leads back to why I don't go to Temple every week, which I don't want to discuss *here*. Rosemary: Why? No one's going to overh- Vision of Dirge: *YOU!!* Thursday, September 11, 2008 [[Descending toward the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: So anyway. After the Crash, the survivors built a new Temple, using stone from the old Temple. Rosemary: Why didn't they just go back to the one here in the Mansion? Sylvester: That leads back to why I don't go to Temple every week, which I don't want to discuss *here*. Rosemary: Why? No one's going to overh- Vision of Dirge: *YOU!!* Thursday, September 11, 2008 [[Descending toward the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: So anyway. After the Crash, the survivors built a new Temple, using stone from the old Temple. Rosemary: Why didn't they just go back to the one here in the Mansion? Sylvester: That leads back to why I don't go to Temple every week, which I don't want to discuss *here*. Rosemary: Why? No one's going to overh- Vision of Dirge: *YOU!!* Friday , September 12 , 2008 [[As Sylvester and Rosemary descend towards the River of Fire, they are apparently confronted by the vision of a large threatening man.]] {{Named Dirge}} Vision of Dirge: So. Here ya are again, sticking in yer big fat honker where it ain't wanted. Guess this time, I'm just gonna have to drive home that point with a little more force. Rosemary: Look.. whoever you are, we don't have time for- [[Sylvester swipes at the vision, and he/it vanishes.]] Sylvester: Indeed. Rosemary: ..this? [[Rosemary stares as Sylvester marches on.]] Sylvester: Welcome to the River of Fire. Saturday , September 13 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: What was that? Sylvester: I warned you. Visions. Although this far from the actual River is a change.. Rosemary: I didn't.. I thought they'd be.. inside. Private. Sylvester: Nope. Rosemary: ... That man. Was he real? I mean, does he really exist.. somewhere? Sylvester: He... lives down in the village. Rosemary: ..Is he why.. he isn't keeping you out of the Temple?! Sylvester: As in physically barring the Gate? No. Not as such. But, as I believe I already said.. /I don't want to discuss this here./ Sunday , September 14 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Crud is standing amidst the remains of a large sphere which previously dropped on him. Cully and Chunner are lying on the floor out of sight. Noises come from directly over Crud's head.]] ((CLANG beep)) [[He shuffles over to the other side of the shaft, as a fork-like object descends from above.]] ((SHUNK)) [[The fork comes to life, producing an ominous spark of power at its tip. Crud watches from the shadows.]] ((FOOM)) Monday , September 15 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: I don't underst- Sylvester: Tell me, Rosemary. Beside me of course, who are the men you woiuld say you most admire and respect? Rosemary: What? I.. I dunno. I suppose- Off-panel voice: That would be us, of course! [[She turns, and sees there visions of "Baldy" Aldershot (Tall, bald, carrying a sword) and Edwird Soloman (small, elderly, wearing a University hat.)]] Edwird-vision: Although, she had an odd way of showing it.. Tuesday , September 16 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire, Rosemary has met visions of Baldy Aldershot and Edwird Soloman.]] Rosemary: No! Nono! Not you! Not now! [[She ((pokes)) at the time with the Can Opener. They partially disappear.]] [[They come back, although Baldy's sword remains vanished.]] Edwird: I'm hurt. Not physically, obviously, as I don't actually exist per se. Rather in a more spiritual sense. Wednesday , September 17 , 2008 [[Descending to the River of Fire, Rosemary finds herself confronting a vision of her former employer Edwird.(sic) She turns to Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Yours went away! Why didn't mine!? Sylvester: Mine disappeared because I knew there was no chance Dirge (his name's Dirge) could actually be here. Sylvester: I'm guessing that at some level, you think these two are following you, and you're going to meet again. Rosemary: Follow? Baldy, sort of, yes, but Edwird.. no of course.. not? Sylvester: I'm sorry. I was trying to pick someone /safe/ to see. [[Rosemary faces the Edwird vision again.]] Sylvester: But anyway. Do you have anything that you would say to them? If they were really here? Rosemary: . . . I suppose I do.. Thursday , September 18 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire. Rosemary speaks to the Edwird-vision.]] Rosemary: Edwird. I don't regret leaving you. It was the right thing for me to do. Rosemary: What I do regret.. I could have handled it better. I hurt you. [[She lifts the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: And so. I swear by.. by the light of /Barsoom/. Rosemary: If you're.. still alive.. and if someday there's any way I can make it up to you. /I will/. Edwird: Very well then. [[He disappears, leaving the Baldy-vision behind.]] Rosemary: He believed me! Sylvester: Well, technically, you believed yourself. But yes. Friday , September 19 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire. Rosemary and Sylvester confront a vision of her Hack N' Slash co-worker Baldy Aldershot.]] Rosemary: OK. That leaves you, Baldy. Baldy-vision: And no, Sylvester. She's not being rude. That's my name. Sylvester: His parents named him Baldy? Baldy-vision: My folks named me "Milburn Aloysius Aldershot." Named /myself/ Baldy. Rosemary: ... I lied before. I.. don't really have anything to say to you. Saturday , September 20 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire. As Rosemary talks to a vision of her Hack N' Slash coworker Baldy, a vision of a Pyrite appears, complete with parrot.]] {{In Mansionland, pirates are called Pyriters, after an island that was famous for producing them.}} Rosemary: The thing is.. I don't know yet if my leaving you.. well, the Caravan.. was the right thing to do.. Pyriter: YARR! Avast, scallywags! Me ship, she reached safe harbor a day late, but I be here now! [[Rosemary absently ((waps)) the Pyriter with the Can-Opener. He vanishes, leaving only the parrot.]] Rosemary: ..or the worst mistake I've ever made. Baldy: The two ain't mutually exclusive. I kept telling you, Ripley, the world is gray, not black and white. Sunday , September 21 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Crud has moved to one side, as a fork-device pokes down from above, a glowing spark appearing between the prongs. The remains of the sphere that previously dropped on Crud are beneath the fork. Cully and Chunner are lying out of sight on the floor.]] Crud: Oh dear. You're.. going to start yelling again, aren't y- [[The Fork spits out a blast which destroys what's left of the sphere, and speaks in some non-English font. Crud shades his eyes.]] {{It is Ettinese.}} Fork: [IDENTIFY THE NEW ARRIVAL?] Crud: It's not me who's deaf. It's.. oh dear... someone I can't remember. He has that hair. Over in 32g. But to answer your question, the new one's name is Chunner. No. Cully. Fork: [SUIT ABILITY?] Crud: He's not like me.. he seems more.. normal. But, yes, he may be suitable to officially take my place. Least.. more than Chunner.. Monday , September 22 , 2008 [[Approaching the River of Fire. The parrot-vision can be seen flying away.]] Rosemary: So. I suppose if we ever do meet again, we'll be enemies. Vision of Baldy: As usual, Ripley, you're really not thinking this through. Rosemary: Huh? [[He begins to fade.]] VoB: You just /left/. And in the two short years we spent together on the Caravan, you managed to rack up an impressive enemies list. Maybe I think one of them got you. VoB: And even if I know you went AWOL.. ain't my job to hunt you down. VoB: Still.. maybe I am lookin' for you with blood in my eye. [[He disappears entirely.]] Rosemary: ... Rosemary: Good bye, Baldy. VoB: Be seeing you! Tuesday , September 23 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: So.. those two weren't a.. team, or something? You sharpened Edwird's pencils.. and..? Rosemary: ..and Baldy was my Hack N' Slash supervisor on the Caravan. They've never met. As far as I know. [[Outlines of Edwird lifting weights, and Baldy about to collar a burglar in the act.]] Sylvester: The best of brains and brawn, eh? Rosemary: Of course. Edwird was wiry, and Baldy.. There are.. were.. those who came to bitterly regret looking at him and seeing "big dumb block." [[The parrot-vision fly away ahead of them, glaring backwards.]] Sylvester: Rrright. And the Pyriter? Rosemary: Huh? Oh. He attended the same H&S briefings as me. Rosemary: Although it's my theory that his parrot was attending the briefings, and needed someone to stand on to see the lectern. Wednesday , September 24 , 2008 [[Descending toward the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: So, who else do you- Rosemary: /Oohh/ no. [[She lightly ((clonks)) Sylvester on the helmet with the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: If we're gonna do this all the way across your zarking River, then it's /your/ turn again. Sylvester: My turn. Sylvester: ..Who /do/ I respect and admire? Off-panel voice: Mr. Eman. [[Before Sylvester is a vision of an older man sitting at a desk, wearing an accountant's green eyeshade.]] Shackleforth Ferule: Once again, I find you engaging in your family's regrettable predilection towards disengaging me from my important duties. Sylvester: Mr. Ferule. Huh. I guess "respect" and/or "admire" doesn't have to also mean "like", does it? Thursday , September 25 , 2008 [[Descending toward the River of Fire, Sylvester and Rosemary have encountered a Vision of Shackleforth Ferule, seated at his desk.]] Ferrule-Vision: And this? Another of your disreputable friends? Sylvester: Rosemary, meet Shackleforth Ferule, senior partner of Quibble, Filtch and Ferule. Rosemary: ..And he lives down in the village.. does he? [[An outline of the real Ferule at his desk, being harassed by Sylvester's sister Lenore.]] Sylvester: Zark, no. He lives.. well, exists.. in the Capital. Why do you ask? Rosemary: He said "your family".. I sorta assumed that- Sylvester: Ah no. He's refering [sic] to my father, me, and of course, Lenore. Friday , September 26 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire. Sylvester and Rosemary have met a vision of Shackleforth Ferule.]] Rosemary: Lenore. Your sister? The "money-grubbing weasel"? Sylvester: /Amoral/ money-grubbing weasel. Yes. Last we heard, she was in the Capital, making life difficult for Mr. Ferule here. Sylvester: My brain hopes, and expects, that Mr. Ferule will prevail in that titanic struggle, but my heart.. it just hopes both of them go the distance. Ferule-vision: Is there some point to this disruption, Mr. Eman? Sylvester: Oh yes. We'll get to that in a minute.. Saturday , September 27 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire. Sylvester holds out his hand, and produces a small vision-outline of a clocktower with the letters YU stacked "inside" it.]] Sylvester: To explain. When I said I'd attended the University. you expressed disbelief. I assume it wasn't a dig at my intellectual prowess...? Rosemary: No, of.. of course not! It was.. everyone says the University is /really/ expensive. [[Sylvester changes his vision to the Mansionland equivalent of a dollar sign.]] Sylvester: Indeed. I was able to go because there's a long-standing scholarship/trust fund.. thing.. for the E family. Covers all the expenses. Ferule-vision: Covers /reasonable and prudent/ expenses for the first-born member of each generation of your family. Sylvester: Indeed. Sunday , September 28 , 2008 [[Two Gnolls in a smoky and battered corner of the Basement. One peers over a pile of rubble. The other, Forfind, crouches down. Behind them, unseen, a bunch of weapons approach.]] Forfind: Wait.. you don't see any Council phizzers out there, do you? Peering Gnoll: Council? No. Forfind: Oh good. For a moment there, I thought we were in trouble... {{Paul Newman 1925-2008}} Monday , September 29 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire. Rosemary and Sylvester have met a vision of Shackleforth Ferule, sitting behind his desk.]] Sylvester: So, ol' Shackleforth here manages the portfolio which pays for the scholarship.. Rosemary: Oh! And Lenore thinks she should be able to use it to attend the University, too, and so she- Sylvester: Ooohh no. Ferule-vision: You are in my desk, Mr. Eman. [[Sylvster creates a mini-vision, a stack of "Mansionland" dollar signs.]] Sylvester: Lenore doesn't give a phizz about the University. Sylvester: The fund's been in existence since the Unification Wars. And money only comes out once a generation. /Reasonably and prudently./ Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: Oh. Oh dear.. Tuesday , September 30 , 2008 [[Descending to the River of Fire, Rosemary and Sylvester have encountered a vision of Shackleforth Ferule, who runs the E family University scholarship.]] Rosemary: But.. if you've got all that money, why were you.. well.. sorry.. whinging about being poor? [[Sylvester conjures a vision of money flying away.]] Sylvester: /We/ don't have the money, the fund does. And we, that is, my family. lost any control over the fund.. almost from the moment it was created. [[Mr Ferule at his desk.]] Rosemary: But, again.. if Ferule here controls it, why does he bother giving you any- Ferule: Young.. lady. Quibble, Flitch and Ferule does not "control" the E Family Scholarship Fund. We merely /manage/ it, and facilitate appropriate withdrawls [sic] within firmly established strictures. To be grossly simplistic, the fund "controls" itself. Wednesday , October 1 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire. Sylvester and Rosemary have met a vision of Shackleforth Ferule, sitting at his desk.]] Rosemary: OK. Fine. Money. Paperwork. I'm not going to pretend I understand any of this. Can we just move on? Sylvester: 'Fraid not. As has been noted, we haven't gotten to the point yet. May I? [[He reaches for the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: Um.. sure.. [[He approaches the desk, with the blunt end of the Can-Opener held high.]] Sylvester: Shackleforth Ferule. I give you.. the /point/. [[Sylvester strikes the vision, causing the head to disappear, but leaving the rest of the body intact.]] ((PAF)) Sylvester: Or rather, the /blunt end/. Thursday , October 2 , 2008 [[In the tunnel leading to the River of Fire. The headless vision of Shackleforth Ferule sits unperturbed at the remains of his desk. Sylvester stands over him/it with the Can-Opener.]] Ferule-vision: You are being childish, Mr. Eman. Sylvester: Why, yes. Yes I am. [[He brings down the blunt end of the Can-Opener once again.]] ((PAF))> Sylvester: And it feels great! Rosemary: Hoo rah! Friday , October 3 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire. Sylvester gives the Can-Opener back to Rosemary.]] Rosemary: I don't understand. Sylvester: /sigh/. Rosemary, Laputan financial laws were complicated even /before/ Yorik I decided to locate the Unified Capital there- Rosemary: No, not that. You and Mr. Ferule. [[Sylvester waves his hand.]] Rosemary: "Respect and admire"? Sylvester: I respect and admire Shackleforth Ferule's absolute commitment to his principles. Sylvester: Problems arise when you are on the wrong side of those principles. Saturday , October 4 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire. Sylvester holds out his hand, and an image forms, the outline of a tree marked with the "Mansionland" version of a dollar sign.]] Rosemary: And what are Mr. Ferule's principles? Sylvester: He tends to money-trees with fanatical devotion. Waters them daily, makes them grow healthy and strong. [[The tree grows so that it looms over Rosemary, sprouts numerous signs.]] Sylvester: ..Which is good, because in addition to the scholarship fund, he.. or rather, a junior partner in QF&F.. handles our family's investments. Sylvester: And does it well; in ten or twenty years, we may even be talking about real money.. Sunday , October 5 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is talking to a fork-like device which has descended from above and is speaking in a different language. Cully and Chunner are lying out of sight on the floor.]] Crud: I'll start.. testing to see if Chun- Cully can handle the.. truth. Fork: [CONFIRMED] [[The fork depowers.]] ((UNFOOM)) [[The fork retracts.]] Crud: Assuming that anything you and Bokonon told me about the SubShafts is true. Monday , October 6 , 2008 [[Sylvester creates mini-visions as he and Rosemary approach the River of Fire; the current is a stamp.]] Rosemary: How do you do that? Sylvester: By mail, though I have sent sparkwires a couple of times. QF&F handles the day-to-day stuff, and I decide- Rosemary: No, not your stupid portfolio! [[Outline of Mortimer making very elaborate visions.]] Rosemary: How are you making those shapes appear? Sylvester: Oh, that. It's the River again. Down here, most anyone can make them, but it takes practice to get fine control. Sylvester: I'm pretty good, but I'll admit it: if you ever come here with Mortimer, he can really put on a show.. Tuesday , October 7 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are descending towards the River of Fire. Sylvester has been summoning up simple shapes.]] Rosemary: So.. I can make those shapes? Sylvester: Probably. Hold out your hand.. [[Rosemary does so.]] Sylvester: ..And picture what you want, as sharply and clearly as you can. Start simple; a star's always good. Rosemary: . . . . . . I don't think I'm.. [[A small somewhat malformed star appears above her palm.]] Rosemary: ! Hey! Cool! I got on- [[The star explodes in size, and is joined by an upside-down heart, a crescent, and a triangle.]] Rosemary: Whoa! Sylvester: Ah, yes. The Variety Pack. You get that sometimes.. Wednesday , October 8 , 2008 [[As she and Sylvester approach the River of Fire, Rosemary pokes with the Can-Opener at one of the mini-visions she she just created.]] Rosemary: What /causes/ these things? Sylvester: No one knows for sure. Ludwig had a theory, like he always did, but.. [[Outline of Ludwig and a perplexed Penelope at a floating "chalk"board; Ludwig is enthusiastically explaining the very complicated diagram which covers most of the board.]] Rosemary: But? Sylvester: ..it was something about how far apart Eyebolts sit... or something. Sylvester: He even lost Penelope on that one. Thursday , October 9 , 2008 [[Outline of Ludwig giving Penelope a "flower" that blooms electronically from the end of a device.]] Rosemary: "Penelope"? Sylvester: She was.. they never actually got around to jumping in the ol' Pool, but still, she was Ludwig's wife. [[Outline of Ludwig describing his entire complex equation, while Penelope gives a small chunk of it to a waiting workman.]] Sylvester: Strictly speaking, not as smart as him, but then, who was? Sylvester: She was very bright, and.. remember what I said about true genius? She could usually translate for the mere mortals who put flesh on all of Ludwig's.. schemes... Friday , October 10 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester approach the River of Fire. The slope gives way to set of steps leading down. A large sign on the wall reads THE RIVER OF FIRE/MIND THE STEPS/BEWARE OF DISTURBING VISIONS. A rainbow-spray of color can be seen at the edge of the panel.]] Sylvester: But anyway. We're almost to the actual River. Mind the steps. Sylvester: And yes, this is where the visions used to start. Saturday , October 11 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are at the top of some stairs leading down towards the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: So, is it still my turn, or do the shapes count? Sylvester: Uh? Oh. OK. How about.. is there anything you've ever wanted to see? [[Rosemary thinks about this.]] [[Two vague Visions appear overhead, a man and a woman.]] Sylvester: Your parents? Rosemary: Evidently. Sunday , October 12 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Crud shuffles back to his side of the Shaft. Cully and Chunner are lying out of sight on the floor.]] [[Crud resumes his position.]] [[He adjusts his pie-tin helmet so it is angled the "correct" way.]] Monday , October 13 , 2008 [[Walking down stairs towards the River of Fire, following an appearance by visions of Rosemary's parents.]] Sylvester: You didn't try to talk to them. Rosemary: They didn't have any mouths. Rosemary: What about you? You ever come down here and talk to /your/ father? Sylvester: This is.. the first time I've been down here since he died. But no. It's been over ten years. I have nothing more to say to a /vision/ of my father. Sylvester: If he really came back to life.. I suppose I could think of some things.. Tuesday , October 14 , 2008 [[Descending toward the River of Fire, Rosemary and Sylvester have seen Visions.]] Rosemary: So what /do/ you want to see? Sylvester: I suppose.. Voice from off-panel: Kiss me, you mad passionate fool! [[The source of the voice is a Vision of Rosemary, wearing only a helmet with a pink light.]] Vision: C'mon! Plant one on me, stud! Rosemary: I'm flattered, Sylvester, but my rack really isn't that big. Vision: Wow! She's right! These suckers are /huge!/ You big ol' pervert! Sylvester: /ggroan../ Wednesday , October 15 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire, a cheerfully naked Vision of Rosemary has appeared.]] Sylvester: Rosemary.. Rosemary: It's all right. Sylvester: No, it's not. I apologize. I don't want to kiss you. Vision: Aww! Yer a big LIAR, too! Vision: Smooch her! Smooch her! Sylvester: (sigh) At least, no more than any "hetguy" wants at some level to.. smooch any available woman whom he happens to meet. Sylvester: ..Of course.. in the interests of total honesty, you're the first truly.. available.. woman I've happened to meet in.. quite some time. Thursday , October 16 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire, a naked Vision of Rosemary has appeared.]] Rosemary: I'm "available." Vision: 'Course you are! Yer standing right there! Sylvester: I was speaking. more in terms of.. You're not married, and you're a hetgal. Or do I assume too much? Rosemary: ..I'm not married or anything, and I.. prefer guys. But.. Aren't there more like me over in that village of yours? Sylvester: There are very few women like you, Rosemary Ripley, but Eetown is home to various unmarried hetgals of roughly the appropriate age, yes. Rosemary: Then why- Sylvester: There are no village women available to the Earl of E. Ever. Vision: Didn't you hear me? Turn around! There she is!! Friday , October 17 , 2008 [[On the stairs down to the River of Fire, a naked Vision of Rosemary has appeared.]] Rosemary: So.. you don't go into the village because they /hate/ you? Sylvester: No, they don't hate me /because/ I don't go into the village much. Sylvester: And thus I don't go sniffing around their women. Rosemary: "Sniffing around /their/-"?! [[Outlines of University student Sylvester taking notes from a book, studying art in a gallery.]] Sylvester: It's just the way it works. The Earl is supposed to find himself a suitable wife while he's off at the University. Rosemary: And.. you didn't. Sylvester: Fool that I was. I spent most of my time attending classes and soaking up culture. [[Outline of a distraught Nimue leaving Sylvester behind in darkness.]] Rosemary: But didn't you say that you had- Sylvester: Oh, there were /girls/, don't get me wrong. Sylvester: But none that.. were willing to spend the rest of their lives with a twit in a monster-infested ruin out at the assend of nowhere. Saturday , October 18 , 2008 [[On the stairway down to the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: And now you wonder why I didn't just stay in the Capital or.. wherever. Abdicate as Earl. Get a job with my shiny new diploma. Rosemary: Of course I don't. This is where you /belong/, not... scribbling in some stupid /office/. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: That's actually what I spend a lot of my time d- Rosemary, smiling: Shut up. This place.. it's important. /You're/ important. And not just because you're here to guide me. Vision-Rosemary: And yer smart! Smart guys are sexy! Sunday , October 19 , 2008 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Crud stands on his side of the shaft, wearing his pie-tin helmet. Cully and Chunner are lying out of sight on the floor.]] [[There are noises from Cully's side of the shaft.]] ((fwap clunk shrek shrek)) [[A mechanical hand on the end of an extensible framework reaches out towards Crud.]] ((shrek shrek shrek)) Monday , October 20 , 2008 [[On the stairs leading to the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: How is the Mansion of E important? Rosemary: Sylvester! You're about to show me a.. a "River of Fire". [[Outline-montage of the Tree, the Gibber, examples of some of the Basement species: a Jibjib, a male Motihaul, a Ghast, a Gobule, and a Troglodyte.]] Rosemary: You've got a giant maybe-aware fungus-tree thing, and.. that Gibber-thing, and members of what.. every thinking species in the Known World? Sylvester: Um.. pretty much. Except Wendigoes. And I guess Mugwumps. Anymore. Rosemary: I stand corrected. But my basic point remains unchallenged. Tuesday , October 21 , 2008 [[Outline depicting a styled version of the Mansion and the many features of the Basement, including the River of Fire and the Hot Zone.]] Rosemary: And then there's the question of why a place this important isn't better known. Sylvester: Huh? [[Outline of idler Rosemary watching a man in a University hat and a woman argue while loading a large cart. A building is in the background, and the edge of the panel is tinged red.]] Rosemary: C'mon Sylvester. Every time my Caravan stopped in Alloy, there was some expedition or other headed for the Infernal Engine. Rosemary: Why aren't they swarming all over the Mansion and the Basement, too? Wednesday , October 22 , 2008 [[An Outline of the Infernal Engine, tinged red.]] Sylvester: I was under the impression that the Infernal Engine is a little more.. noticible [sic] than the Mansion of E. Rosemary: OK, yes, point taken. [[Outline of Rosemary and Mortimer, walking to the Mansion through the Forest of E.]] Rosemary: But yesterday, when I was coming here with Mortimer, I saw all those ruins. And you said the Operator arrived on a tram? Sylvester: Supposedly. Rosemary: There used to be a city out there. A Human city? Sylvester: Before the Crash, yes. Eetown had become a major stop-off point on the airship route to the Far East. Rosemary: How did no one notice The Mansion squatting in the middle of it all? Sylvester: Well... Wednesday , October 22 , 2008 [[An Outline of the Infernal Engine, tinged red.]] Sylvester: I was under the impression that the Infernal Engine is a little more.. noticible [sic] than the Mansion of E. Rosemary: OK, yes, point taken. [[Outline of Rosemary and Mortimer, walking to the Mansion through the Forest of E.]] Rosemary: But yesterday, when I was coming here with Mortimer, I saw all those ruins. And you said the Operator arrived on a tram? Sylvester: Supposedly. Rosemary: There used to be a city out there. A Human city? Sylvester: Before the Crash, yes. Eetown had become a major stop-off point on the airship route to the Far East. Rosemary: How did no one notice The Mansion squatting in the middle of it all? Sylvester: Well... Thursday , October 23 , 2008 [[Pictured: The Mansion of E and nearby Eetown before the Crash.]] / Sylvester: Of course people *noticed* the Mansion, but.. there were and are other, more impressive.. structures down in Arcadia and Isdanlia, so it didn't really stand out.. [[Pictured: Four Trogs leaving a broken cage.]] / Sylvester: Plus all.. most.. of the nonHumans were still.. penned up, not roaming around free like they are now.. [[Pictured: Sylvester's great-great-grandfather Ernest at a party, talking to an attractive woman. Another woman - probably Ernest's wife - looks on in anger.]] / Sylvester: And the Earls at the time, Ernest and then Philbert.. / Rosemary: The forger and the.. spendthrift? [[Pictured: Philbert at a fund-raising shindig with his wife and an older woman.]] / Sylvester: Please! The artist and the philanthropist! Very much unlike Ludwig before them, neither of them gave a phizz about the Basement... Friday , October 24 , 2008 [[On the stairs leading to the River of Fire. A nude Vision of Rosemary is on hand.]] Sylvester: But.. all that said.. you're right of course. It's odd how much we were ignored, especially after Unification. Sylvester: If we get out of here alive, and you decide to stick around, we're going to have to.. Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: What's wrong? Sylvester: "When I came here yesterday..." It's strange. You've only been here one day, and yet.. I feel like I've known you for /years./ Rosemary: ...I suppose I feel the feel the same way. Sylvester: I guess this means we're friends. It usually doesn't happen this fast with me. Rosemary: Hey, you had /me/ when you watched me kill a monster with a vase, and you didn't run away screaming. Saturday , October 25 , 2008 [[Descending towards the River of Fire. Sylvester turns to the nude Vision of Rosemary.]] Sylvester: So. Anyway. Vision: All right! Finally, some action! [[He holds his hand before her/its face.]] Sylvester: Moving on. Vision: Hey! That's not- [[The Vision is not a brown-skinned woman with reddish-brown hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She says nothing as she and Sylvester look at each other.]] {{This is Sylvester's University girlfriend/lost love Nimue}} [[Sylvester banishes her/it.]] Sylvester: Moving on. Sunday , October 26 , 2008 [[44f. Crud is alone in the Shaft, wearing a pietin-hat. A mechanical arm has reached towards him, and taps him on the shoulder.]] Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[The arm points at the ground.]] ((point point)) Crud: What's wrong? Has Temmy fallen in the well again? Crud: Something is wrong with the floor? I really can't see it with Chunner and new Chunner stretched out on it.. Monday , October 27 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the stairs leading down towards the River of Fire. As Sylvester walks down, Rosemary eyes him silently.]] [[She glances back up the stairs, and creates a vision of Sylvester naked except for a University morterboard.]] [[She smiles as she follows Sylvester down the stairs.]] Tuesday , October 28 , 2008 [[Following a quick vision of Nimue, Sylvester and Rosemary walk down the stairs towards the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: She was pretty. Sylvester: I always thought so, yes. [[Rosemary smiles.]] Rosemary: With a big rack! Sylvester: Really? I hadn't noticed. Wednesday , October 29 , 2008 [[Walking down the stairs to the River of Fire, after seeing a brief Vision of a dark-skinned woman.]] Rosemary: What was her name? Sylvester: It's still Nimue. I assume. And hope. It's probably not Nimue Fayling anymore. Rosemary: Did you love her? Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Not enough, I guess. Sylvester: Next time, I'm trying harder. Thursday , October 30 , 2008 [[Inside a tunnel, Rosemary and Sylvester walk down a long flight of steps. A rainbow-stained landing can be see below.]] [[They reach the landing.]] Sylvester: So. Anyway. [[Ahead of them, through an open archway, there is a bridge crossing a rainbow-colored river of not-water.]] Sylvester: The River of Fire. Friday , October 31 , 2008 [[Halloween guest art by G. L. Gillen, creator of the webcomic Squid Ninja. His characters Hyacinth Petal, Spix McGraw and Ikago are dressed as Rosemary, Sylvester, and Mortimer respectively. They are walking towards the Mansion of E. Unnoticed, a falling anvil is about to land on Ikago's head.]] Hyacinth: C'mon, or we'll be late for the party! Ikago: Just tell me: why didn't anyone want to be Mortimer? Saturday , November 1 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand on one bank of the River of Fire, which is a rainbow-colored flow of raw magic or something. A stone bridge arches over the River, leading to another tunnel-mouth on the far side. The vision-parrot that Rosemary previously summoned is a speck, flying higher out of sight. Large glowing shapes also float overhead: A star, an angular Y, an E, a Brush-symbol, and a triangle.]] {{The Y is the symbol of "Mansionland". The E is the E-family symbol.}} Sunday , November 2 , 2008 [[44f. A mechanical hand reaches across the room to where Crud is standing.]] Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Crud: If I'm going to see the floor.. we need to revive Chunner and new Chunner. [[He looks down.]] Crud: And they've been.. oh. Oh dear. They've been depigmented. We'll need to summon one of those repigmenter.. thingies. Hand: nod nod Crud: You'd better go and get one of those Repigmenter Thingy Summoning.. thingies. [[The hand begins to retract.]] ((unshrek unshrek)) Monday , November 3 , 2008 [[On one bank of the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: Wow. Sylvester: Indeed. Rosemary: I guess I was expecting lava. [[A section of the rainbow-colored river.]] Sylvester: No. That's down in the Hot Zone. Or so they say. Rosemary: What?! Rosemary: You haven't confirmed it personally? And you call yourself a native guide! Sylvester: I shall amend the Urgent To-Do List forthwith. Tuesday , November 4 , 2008 [[A stretch of the rainbow-hued River of Fire.]] [[On the River's bank.]] Rosemary: So, where exactly does this River start? And end? Sylvester: Didn't I say? It gets squeezed up.. and then plunges back down... [[A closer section of the River.]] Rosemary: And we just walk across the.. what's wrong? Sylvester: Something 's /changed/ since I was last here. [[A spiral forms in the colors of the River.]] Wednesday, November 5, 2008 [[The River of Fire begins to swirl into a whirlpool.]] Sylvester: The River hasn't risen, or anything, but there's this.. smell, a feeling in the air which wasn't- [[More swirling]] [[Serious swirling.]] [[Something like a lightning bolt jumps from the River, striking both Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Thursday , November 6 , 2008 [[[After been hit with some sort of blast from the River of Fire, [Rosemary finds herself standing in a rainbow-vortex of color. Streamers of white run everywhere. Sylvester is off in the semi-distance, his back turned.]] Friday , November 7 , 2008 [[Rosemary stands amidst a branching display of color/Fire from the River of Fire.]] Off-screen "voice": . . . [[A white figure, which branches off into the display from "his" head and arms. This is the Aspect Minor.]] Aspect: . . . Aspect: Greet ings Saturday , November 8 , 2008 [[Rosemary is amidst a display of color from the River of Fire. She faces the Aspect Minor.]] Rosemary: So.. that's it? You're here to take me.. us.. off to the Pole? Aspect:. . . Aspect:. . . Aspect: ? Rosemary: Sylvester said that touching the River was.. You're not Death? Aspect:. . . Aspect:. . . Aspect: No. Sunday , November 9 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud stands with his hand held up. Cully and Chunner are lying out of sight on the floor. Two musical-type horns ((shunk)) into view from above.]] [[The horns bare out a loud note.]] [[Something responds from the other side of the shaft, and spits a round blue object through the air, where it lands in Crud's waiting hand.]] Monday , November 10 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester have been "attacked" by the River of Fire, and Rosemary finds herself talking to a strange white figure with no mouth.]] Rosemary: But then.. who.. what are you? Aspect: ... ... An as pect minor Rosemary: Aspect.. of what? Aspect: ... ... The sys tem en tire. [[Rosemary looks towards Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Sylvester, what is he /talking about?/ [[Sylvester stands off in the distance, with his back to the action.]] Rosemary: Sylvester? What are you doing over there? Aspect: ... ... He.. is con nected ..less Tuesday , November 11 , 2008 [[Rosemary is an a branching sea of colors, talking to the Aspect Minor, who points at her.]] Rosemary: "Connected"? Connected to what? Aspect: . . . Aspect: . . . Aspect: The.. seeds you have ga ther ed.. Aspect: He has a Torch on ly [[Rosemary sees that her Poke Kit and Can Opener are sprouting branches.]] Rosemary: "The seeds I h-" awk! Aspect: . . . Aspect: . . . Aspect: You have Aspect: An EGG and a Aspect: Claw Wednesday , November 12 , 2008 [[Floating in a branching sea of color sent from the River of Fire, Rosemary's Poke Kit and Can Opener are sprouting and branching themselves around her body.]] Rosemary: GRRAAAAHH! [[Her growl fades away, and she stops to think.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: Wait a minute. Rosemary: "Egg"? Thursday , November 13 , 2008 [[Floating in a sea of color spewed from the River of Fire, Rosemary is surrounded by branches from her possessions.]] Rosemary: Why an "egg"? You saw how it brought me here from... the.. Rosemary: Why do I /know/ that you saw me arrive? The Aspect Minor: . . . Aspect: You are be coming.. con nected. To the sys tem en tire. [[None of the following are the usual outlines, but full-color pictures. The moon rising large above the trees; a purple ringed planet is also visible.]] Aspect: And.. the sys tem en tire touches the sky [[An Ichyoid and a sucker-type fish underwater.]] Aspect: the water [[A mix of black rock and lava.]] Aspect: the earth and the fire [[Mixed rainbow of color.]] Aspect: the magic [[A vague shape, tinged purple. A large E is partially visible.]] Aspect: the prin ce in his high to wer Rosemary: urk. Friday , November 14 , 2008 [[Rosemary floats in a sea of color which was spewed from the River of Fire. She is entwined in branches from the sea and her own possessions.]] Rosemary: But if you touch all that, you must be.. oh. Oh my. Rosemary: I.. I apologize. Aspect Minor: . . . Aspect: ? [[A close look at the Aspect's "head"]] Rosemary: When Sylvester told me about you.. I didn't trust you.. I'm so sorry. Aspect: . . . Aspect: Trust must be earn ed. Aspect: Never the less you must trust when you hear Aspect: the sys tem en tire will do what it can.. to ass ist. Saturday , November 15 , 2008 [[Rosemary floats in a sea of color/magic, and is engulfed in strands sprouting from the Can-Opener and her Poke Kit. Her clothes have changed color. The Aspect Minor stands nearby. Sylvester, in the distance, is starting to look in their direction.]] Rosemary: I trust you completely. What will I be doing that requires your assistance? Aspect: Turn ing the sys tem en tire down side up. Rosemary: ... Oh my. Won't that hurt? Aspect: The ago nies will be im mense. But for the gar den to grow roots must touch the sky Sunday , November 16 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Two music-type horns stick into the shaft from above. Crud has been given a small green object; he reaches for the attached blue tube. Cully and Chunner are lying on the floor.]] [[Crud pulls on the tube with a ((ZIPP)). The green object goes ((blup)), and produces a white spot.]] [[Crud blows on the tube. The spot begins to inflate into a bubble.]] Crud: huff huff Monday , November 17 , 2008 [[Rosemary is in a sea of color, spit out from the River of Fire. She is surrounded by twisting strands; her eyes are entirely blue. The Aspect Minor holds out a small oval object.]] Aspect: You live too quick ly for the sys tem en tire to do more than- Rosemary: Lurk in the background. I understand. Aspect: But here is an other Seed. Use it- [[Rosemary accepts the "Seed".]] Rosemary: -at the end. Yes. Again, I understand. [[The strands are gone, and Rosemary floats unencumbered. Her clothes have bleached out to a uniform pale blue. The Can Opener floats nearby.]] Rosemary: I understand a whole lot right now. Tuesday , November 18 , 2008 [[Rosemary and the Aspect Minor float in a branching sea of colors, as zapped out by the River of Fire. Rosemary has been given a small oval "seed", which she brings near her now-visible Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: I even understand my Poke Kit; before I just /used/ it. [[Closeup of the Poke Kit extending lines around the seed.]] Rosemary: Pinch off a secured SubPocket. [[The seed disappears into the Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: Establish authorization code: 314159265358979323846 Rosemary: And lock. [[She reaches out for the Can Opener, which floats nearby.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: My brain can't take much more of this. Aspect: Yes. You are only Hu man. Wednesday , November 19 , 2008 [[Rosemary floats in a sea of branching color, as zapped out by the River of Fire. Sylvester watches from the distance.]] Rosemary: I wish Sylvester had been able to come closer.. he would have understood even more. [[The Aspect Minor floats "sideways" in the sea.]] Rosemary: But what really makes me mad... [[The color is a small corner of the panel. Beyond it are parts of the Tree, and then larger branching structures, and then an endless blue ribboned array of ones and zeroes.]] {{The structures are the "Pylons" which Protus the Willygig has somehow constructed.}} Rosemary: I'm not going to remember any of this. Rosemary: It's too much. Aspect: At the end, you will remember what you n [[Rosemary and Sylvester are standing on the far side of the River of Fire.]] Thursday , November 20 , 2008 [[Rosemary and Sylvester have just been touched by the River of Fire, and now they stand at the "far" end of the bridge crossing it. The River flows below. In the air above float large shapes: A yellow star, an orange Y, a cyan tree or mushroom, a blue E, a purple symbol of the Brush, and a red triangle.]] {{The Y is the official symbol of "Mansionland".}} [[Rosemary and Sylvester look at each other.]] [[Sylvester points.]] Sylvester: You were talking to someone. Rosemary: Was I? Yes. He.. it.. gave me.. something.. Friday , November 21 , 2008 [[After being touched by the River of Fire, Riosemary and Sylvester are on its far bank. Rosemary tries to leave.]] Rosemary: Let's get out of here. Sylvester: "Gave you something"? Rosemary: I don't understand either. Sylvester: Rosemary, who the Zark /was/ that? Rosemary: All I.. they are trying to help us. Help.. everybody. Rosemary: The rest is already.. Sylvester, you're.. going to remember more than me. Sylvester: But I only just saw- Rosemary: Because you weren't.. taken as far. But that's just part of it. The /unimportant part/... Saturday , November 22 , 2008 [[On the far bank of the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: I have to forget. Until the time comes for me to use..the.. whatever-it-is. Rosemary: And you need to remember. [[She puts her hand on his shoulder.]] Rosemary: I trust.. whoever that was. But I trust you more. So please. Remember. Decide. Rosemary: If I've been tricked somehow. Rosemary: You'll have to.. to.. [[She looks around.]] Rosemary: What were we just talking about? Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Nothing that can't wait until later. Sunday , November 23 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud holds a green bulb in one hand, from which a tube runs to his mouth. He is ((huffing)) on the tube, causing a pink bubble to inflate from the bulb. Overheard, a metal clamp ((shunks)) into view from one side, holding a brightly-glowing pink object.]] [[Crud continues huffing, blowing the bubble larger. The clamp flips, so the object now points downward.]] [More huffing. The pink object ((poings)) from being vaguely rectangular to sharp and needle-like.]] Monday , November 24 , 2008 [[On the far edge of the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: Let's get out of here. Rosemary: No, seriously, Sylvester. What were we talking about? [[From above, the vision-parrot watches them go.]] Sylvester: /sigh/ Rosemary: What? [[The parrot turns, flies higher.]] [[Higher still, past a glowing tree-shape.]] [[Large glowing rainbow-letters: 1900 WOOHOO.]] Tuesday , November 25 , 2008 [[The bridge-platform on the "Basement" side of the River of Fire. A tunnel mouth leads into darkness.]] [[Whisp the Troglodyte pokes her head into view from the tunnel.]] Whisp: . . . Whisp, thinking: That was interesting. Wednesday , November 26 , 2008 Narration: Not Very Far Away... [[Hax moves Camora's body down a secret passageway. Ahead is a series of alcoves, each with a weapon inside them. The alcove's label: EMERGENCY ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT. USE ONLY IN EVENT OF EMERGENCY. The weapons are labelled as well: WENDIGO FORK. MUGWUMP SPEARTOSSER]] Hax, thinking: Ah. Excellent. Just what I was needing.. [[He lifts Camora's hand and looks at it.]] Hax: ..Perhaps. In direct contrast to her mind, Camora's upper-body strength is not exceptional. [[The last weapon comes into view, resembling a lightweight blunderbuss. The label is GNOLL BOPPER.]] Hax: Hmm.. Thursday , November 27 , 2008 [[Chapter title: LOOSE ENDS [[A smoky and rubble-strewn section of the Basement. In the foreground, Faddle the Gnoll is carrying a collection of items including a small plant in a pot. In the middle, Forfind the Gnoll, also blackened and battered, is fleeing a barrage of barrage of arrows and rocks. In the far distance, through a diamond-shaped hole can be seen Shona, Niff and Folla the Gnolls, climbing some stairs.]] Friday , November 28 , 2008 [[In Bung the Gobule's corner. Faddle the Gnoll appears, carrying a collection of items.]] Faddle: Heya again, Bung. Bung: Faddle. Still wandering around. You /are/ aware that- Faddle: Yeah, yeah The nobs are all fightin'. I'm goin' home. But first.. [[Faddle looks behind himself.]] Faddle: I hear what everyone says about me. It ain't.. some of it ain't true. Someone does me a good turn, I /pay 'em back./ [[He places a small potted plant on Bung's knee.]] Faddle: I auctioned that 'shroom you gave me. You know lots of folks want 'em? I got /buncha/ stuff. And 'fore they closed Barter Hall cuz of the nobs, I traded a bunch more. Faddle: N' I got you this. Saturday , November 29 , 2008 [[In Bung the Gobule's home. A small potted plant sits on Bung's knee]] Bung: You bought me.. a flower. Faddle the Gnoll: I ain't Niddle, n' don't wanna be. Never gonna be a /real/ finager. But some phizz I notice. [[Faddle goes on.]] Faddle: You've got yer flunkies, n' other.. half-nobs you trade info with, but you don't got any.. pals. Faddle: So I bought ya one. Faddle: See ya later. [[Bung eyes the flower.]] Flower: [heart symbol] [[Bung smiles.]] Bung: Alright. You can stay, but even friends have to earn their keep. Get with the oxygen production. Sunday , November 30 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Crud is holding a green bulb, with a tube running from the object to his mouth. A large pink bubble has swelled from the side of the bulb. Crud huffs on the tube, blowing the balloon larger. Above him, a metal clamp hold a glowing purple object, currently shaped like a needle.]] ((bloooop)) [[The needle shoots out a zap of power which hits at the base of the bubble and electrifies Crud and everything he is holding.]] ((FZZZAPP!)) [[The needle no longer glows. The bubble has been separated, and now floats free in the air.]] Monday , December 1 , 2008 [[In Bung the Gobule's corner of the Basement.]] Spuza the Jibjib: Boss? I told folks about.. "C & E", Skibble told me they smashed into Sidestep, and no one's seen them since! Bung: Eh? Oh. Yes. Bung: It appears our resident demons are no longer in residence. [[From off-panel comes a ((CRASH))]] Bung: Of course, we're getting a whole new load of problems. Spuza: Yessir. Bung: I'd give a /lot/ to know what /Digger's/ been doing during all this. Spuza: I . . don't know who that is, sir. Bung: I don't think anyone truly does. Tuesday , December 2 , 2008 Narration: Near The Tunnel To The Forest [[Anathama and Clochard the Gnolls walk through an area with lots of cracks.]] Anathama: Can you catch a whiff of Digger? All I'm getting is those filthy blobwarts you rub all over yourself. Clochard: 'Course we're not gonna smell him. He taught me the blobwart trick in the first place. Clochard: I'm sorely tempted to start calling out his name. Anathama: Oh my. Clochard, you mustn't do that! Clochard: Yeah yeah, I know. Bad enough that we're trying to meet him in /public/. Wednesday , December 3 , 2008 [[Digger Odel makes his way through a cracked area of the Basement. Anathama and Clochard the Gnolls' voices come from off-panel.]] Anathama: So maybe we should just go wait for him at.. you know, Location Zero? Clochard: Oh, Brush, Anathama, again, it's tempting. Clochard: But it might be two or three /days/ before he turns up. Clochard: And all this.. it's just too important. [[Digger turns towards the voices.]] Clochard: So, we need to keep looking. Anathama: Ayup. Let's try over that way.. Digger: . . . [[From behind the two Gnolls comes:]] ((CHUNK CHUNK CHUNK)) Thursday , December 4 , 2008 [[In a secluded corner of the Basement.]] Clochard the Gnoll: ..Digger? Digger, off-screen: Aye. [[Digger comes into view.]] Clochard: Um.. hello. Digger: Lad. Lass. Clochard; We were just saying that you don't like to.. but a lot has been happening, and.. Anathama: We need to talk. [[Digger turns to go.]] Digger: Aye. Come with me. Clochard and Anathama: eep? Friday , December 5 , 2008 [[A cracked and shadowy section of the Basement. Clochard and Anathama the Gnolls are following Digger Odel.]] Clochard: Digger, where exactly are we going? Digger: Underground. Clochard: But we're /already/ underg- [[Anathama ((baps)) him on the head with her staff.]] Anathama: Quit asking questions neither of us wants the answer to! Clochard: In case you never noticed, you old bat, my whole /job/ is to go around and ask questions I don't want answers to! Saturday , December 6 , 2008 [[Clochard and Anathama the Gnolls are following Digger Odel into darkness.]] Anathama: Your job is /hard/? Oh, boo hoo! You get to wander around and carouse with your cronies all day, while I had to- Clochard: Cronies!? The day that phizzer Izchak is one of my cronies, I'll cut off my beard and- Digger: Both of you. Hush. [[They fall silent. The roof drops lower, the darkness increases.]] [[Near total darkness, except for Digger's helmet-candle. The Gnolls are probably crawling now.]] Clochard and/or Anathama: oof Sunday , December 7 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[An enormous pink bubble floats in the middle of the shaft. Crud looks down unhappily at the small green device which produced it, currently held in his hand. Above his head is a clamp-extension pokes in from off-panel, holding a needle-like object. Cully and Chunner are out of sight on the floor below.]] [Crud ((flings)) the device into the air, as a small prong ((flips)) open on the top of the clamp.]] [[The device lands with a ((floop)) on top of the clamp, in the niche created by the prong. Crud ((flaps)) his hand at the bubble, sending it slowly wafting across the Shaft.]] Monday , December 8 , 2008 [[Anathama and Clochard the Gnolls nervously crawl along after Digger, in a low tunnel somewhere deep under the basement. Above them, after a layer of dirt, a Lurker, Tunnelrat and Raviner all confront each other at a junction of various tunnels. Light trickles down from above, revealing the phrase RIP FJA scratched on the wall.]] {{Tribute to SF uber-fan Forest J Ackerman. Rest in peace, Forry..}} Tuesday , December 9 , 2008 [[Clochard and Anathama the Gnolls are crawling after Digger Odel, through a low and dark tunnel. Th only light comes from Digger's helmet-candle.]] Digger: Mind the gap. Gnolls: ? [[Clochard looks down; there is gap in the floor which quickly opens out into a wider space. Something down below glows bright purple. An Ettin-language notice on the wall reads [MIND THE GAP].]] Clochard: ! Wednesday , December 10 , 2008 [[Clochard and Anathama the Gnolls have followed Digger Odel into a very low and dark tunnel, deep under the Basement. The only light comes from Digger's helmet-candle. The tunnel is blocked ahead of them.]] Digger: Here we are. [[Digger deploys his pick in some unseen fashion.]] ((BANG CLUNK ting)) [[The block slides down out of the way, letting in a blast of light.]] ((SHUNK)) Thursday , December 11 , 2008 [[Digger has led Clochard and Anathama the Gnolls through a very low door into a storeroom. Mounted over the door is a box labelled BIGBY (A manufacturer of various magical traps.) A tall blooming plant grows in the corner. The walls are lined with shelves filled with various items. Along with less-identifiable items, there is a C&A SLAP-O-MATIC, a snowman, a Dalek model, a very large domino, and a fish in a glass bowl being kept in place with a FISH BLOCK.]] Friday , December 12 , 2008 [[Digger Odel has brought Clochard and Anathama the Gnolls to a secret storeroom deep under the Basement. The walls are lined with shelves, on which are stored a variety of items including a snowman and miniature Dalek. A panel slides shut behind them, and a Bigby-brand trap engages overhead.]] ((SHUNK CLICK)) Digger: You may resume the petty bickering. Clochard: Um.. Thank you. But I'd rather.. Those lights. They aren't GBoLs. Gnollish voice: No, indeed they aren't! Gnollish voice: We mustn't have the Tree sticking its metaphorical nose in! [[Its owner is another elderly male Gnoll.]] Bokonon: Even though, it has long been my firm opinion that the Tree is essentially on the same side as our little conspiracy. Bokonon: But then, being.. cautious.. is what has kept our fearless leader alive all these years.. Clochard, probably: /Bokonon?!/ Bokonon: That's my name, don't wear it out. Saturday , December 13 , 2008 [[In Digger's hidden storeroom, deep under the Basement. The Gnolls Anathama and Clochard have reunited with their compatriot Bokonon.]] Anathama: So. You're still alive. Bokonon: Biologically. My social life is a shambles. Clochard: We read your Crud report. What /happened/ to you after you left ss44.. f.. g.. whatever it is? Bokonon: That, I'm told, is need-to-know information. [[Digger puts his pick into something labeled "IMPLEMENT STORAGE".]] Anathama: Right. What are you doing /here/? Bokonon: Same as you, I imagine. Clochard: We don't know why we're here! Digger: Surviving. Sunday , December 14 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud watches as a large pink bubble floats in the middle of the Shaft. A clamp-extension pokes out above his head. On the the other side of the Shaft, a pipe-shaped object ((SHUNKs)) into view; it is topped with what appears to be a tiny rake.]] [[The "rake" rotates so it is pointing upwards, towards the bubble. The clamp ((SHUNKs)) back out of sight.]] ((klik)) [[The rake begins to spin like a fan, pushing the bubble higher into the air.]] Monday, December 15, 2008 [[Inside Digger's shelter]] Clochard: Surviving? Digger, we're grateful, but the fighting between Nevus and the Council is easy enough to avoid. Bokonon: *Open* fighting? When did this start? Digger: This is only the beginning. Anathama: Of what? [[Digger selects a more-dangerous looking tool.]] Digger: The birth of the new order. One of the gnolls: . . . Isn't that what we've been working for all this time. Digger: Ours will be even newer, and even less orderly. Tuesday , December 16 , 2008 [[Inside a secret hideout.]] Anathama the Gnoll: What about everyone else? Mimsy, Agorn, Skibble.. It's not just fighting... Anathama: ..one of Bung's Jibjibs claimed that Chauncy and Edgar are loose! And Rhid might be- Digger: Yes. I will do what I can. Clochard the Gnoll: You're going back out? Shouldn't we- Digger: Stay Digger: Here. Clochard: Right. Bokonon the Gnoll: You can pass the time updating me about current events. Clochard: Oh, joy. Wednesday , December 17 , 2008 [[In Digger's secret storeroom, deep under the Basement, the Gnolls Bokonon, Clochard and Anathama have reunited.]] Clochard: Fine. You want an update. How did things stand when you went.. wherever you went? Bokonon: Let's see. Comshaw had killed the Ravers, Nevus was starting that "rest-a-rant".. oh! Bokonon: Did Gostak ever manage to distim the Doshes? [[Unnoticed, Digger walks past them, now carrying a spiked club/pick.]] Clochard: Hoo yes. Did she ever. Anathama: She even pelled back to the bewl and distunked them! Bokonon: No! Anathama: It's all anyone talks about any more! Thursday , December 18 , 2008 [[Digger is at the door to his secret storeroom, while behind him the Gnolls Bokonon, Anathama and Clochard catch up on current events.]] ((BANG CLUNK ting)) Bokonon: And did Spot win the Tosser Cup in the Games again? Anathama, maybe: Oh yes... [[The door ((SHUNKs)) open.]] Anathama: ...but the Pundits agree, next time Twiz will give him a challenge. Clochard, maybe: Assuming the Games are even held. [[Digger walks out.]] Clochard: Nevus and the Council fighting, C&E loose again, Rhid's in trouble, the Gibber maybe /dying/.. All: . . . Clochard: Weren't we going to tell all this to /Digger/? [[The door ((SHUNKs)) shut.]] Anathama, maybe: Who? Oh. Right. Anathama: Oh well. Anathama: Got anything to eat around here? Friday , December 19 , 2008 [[Inside Digger's secret storeroom, deep under the Basement.]] Bokonon: There's no food, but there are.. rations. And a couple of nests over there.. Anathama; Nests? Plural? Bokonon: Yes. One would almost think Digger was /expecting/ all this. [[Anathama tosses her stick away, and places her hand on Clochard's back.]] Anathama: To the point of lining the walls with cold-forged iron? Bokonon: ..Not that I'm aware. Anathama: In that case, Clochard and I are using one of these nests. Bokonon: What does that have to do with- [[Anathama pushes Clochard in the direction of the nests.]] Anathama: Before Chauncy and Edgar get a chance to burst in here and kill us, we're /using one of the nests/. Bokonon: Ah yes. Bokonon: Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think. Saturday , December 20 , 2008 [[Inside Digger's secret storage space, Bokonon watches as his fellow Gnolls Anathama and Clochard. off-panel, head for a waiting nest.]] Bokonon: You know, my finagling days are pretty much behind me, but if you need any help in there... Anathama: We're good. Thank you. Clochard: eep. Sunday , December 21 , 2008 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[A fan has extended into view from one side, and is blowing a large pink bubble upward out of sight. Crud silently watches, his hand raised. Cully and Chunner lie unseen on the floor.]] [[Crud shields himself as out of sight above the balloon causes a complex reaction. The fan kliks to a stop.]] ((BLOOMP FLANGG wakka wakka bwanng slither clunkityclunk INTERACT INTERACT BURBLE)) ((pop)) [[A square device crudely labeled "REPIG MENTER THINGIE" ((SHUNKs)) down into view, along with remaining bits of bubble. The fan ((SHUNKs)) back out of sight.]] Monday , December 22 , 2008 [[Somewhere in the Mansion, the Woman of Mystery leads Chauncy and Edgar towards a Panegate. Her balloon floats overhead. Beyond the gate can be seen a cactus-studded desert and a mountain range.]] Edgar: Where are we going? WoM: We? (cough) /We/ are not going anywhere.. {{At the cough, her dialogue font changes from the hated Comic Sans to the new "Human standard".}} Tuesday , December 23 , 2008 Narration: In The Homes of Three VIPs [[Nevus's outer office. Nevus hops off Mimsy's extended hand onto Faldstool's lamp. Faldstool the Eyebolt is behind his desk.]] Faldstool: Mr. Nevus! You're alive! You're.. back. Nevus: Get that drooling /zarkhead/ Preznit on the 'node /NOW!!/ {{At "zarkhead" Nevus's font slips from its usual swirls to normal Wyrm.}} [[In a dark cave with large mushrooms.]] Topper the Gobule: What happens now, Boss? Guttle: Call everyone in. That Phizzer and Phizette are going /down/. [[In a well-lit room with a pool of water. Agita has been scrubbing her mouth with a brush.]] Flibbergib the Eyebolt: Ms. Agita? What's happening? Agita: Generally, I imagine Nevus is trying to talk to chairbeing Preznit. Guttle is no doubt summoning his filthy little minions, planning to lash out at /everyone/ for that incident after the auction. Agita: If you mean specifically, I am scrubbing my mouth out..I will detail our next move /after I finish/. Wednesday , December 24 , 2008 Narration: Outside Crazy Rhid's Place [[The walls are blackened. Smoke floats everywhere. Hiblehoy the Motihaul is carrying a sleeping Wrawa the Troglodyte over one shoulder. In the other hand he holds a bag of glowgems. He is watching as two Ghast Mediks, Voptwobotow and Vopfobotow, just finish putting Sepferb the Ghast into the wheeled "Porta Pool 3". Fosic the Helipath is just visible at the edge of the scene.]] ((SPULP)) Thursday , December 25 , 2008 [[Secret Santa comic by Marko Fithian, creator of the webcomic "Roomies"]] Santa: Was I suppsed to take a left or a right? [[Niddle wanders past.]] Santa: Hello there! Can you tell me which way to the fireplace? Niddle: The place of the fire? It was in the Elevator, but now it's out! Santa: Not the Elevator, but the uh- Niddle: These giant Nomes are starting to get redundant! Santa: Ho ho ho'boy... am I lost.. Digger: Aye, laddie, this is a bad spot to be lost! Friday , December 26 , 2008 [[Hiblehoy the Motihaul is carrying the sleeping Wrawa the Trog, and a bag of glowgems. Outside Rhid's place, he encounters the Ghast Mediks Voptwobotow and Vopfobotow, who are putting Sepferb into a wheeled Portapool.]] Hiblehoy: Excuse me.. are you two "mediks"? Voptwobotow: Yes, sir. But I'm sorry, we can't help your friend there. We officially only work with Ghasts. Wrawa: ZZZ Hiblehoy: But I di- Voptwobotow: Oh, /fine/. Twist my arm. Vpfbotw, don't tell any officials. [[He comes closer.]] Vopfobotow: Who said that? I'm blind. Waraw: ZZZ Saturday , December 27 , 2008 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's. Voptwobotow the Ghast Medik looks at Wrawa the Troglodyte, who is being carried by Hiblehoy the Motihaul; explosion-words hover over her in purple.]] Voptwobotow: So, she was caught in all these explosions I sense here in the corridor? Wrawa: ZZZZ Hiblehoy: Um.. I guess. I didn't actually see what- Voptwobotow: Well, Trogs are quite robust. She is in no immediate /physical/ danger. Hiblehoy: I just asked if you are Mediks because Sina will want to know that whatisname, Sepferb is.. what? Physical? Wrawa: ZZZZ Sunday , December 28 , 2008 [[Secret Santa art by Tim Volpe of the webcomic Alternate Delusions.]] Narration: A different Sunday in SubShaft 44f Cully: And something else I read in my book... it was about someone who travels through chimneys in one night giving gifts to everyone. [[The chute ((SHUNKs)) into view above.]] Chunner: Kid, that's preposterous. Crud: What's a 'chimney'? [[The chute ((FLIPs)) open.]] Voice from chute: HO HO HO! [[Santa's hat appears out of the chute.]] Santa: Ho ho humph- ((FOOMP)) Crud: Haven't had one of those in a while! Chunner: /sigh/. Another clog. Monday , December 29 , 2008 [[In the smoky and battered corridor outside Crazy Rhid's. Hiblehoy the Miotihaul, carrying Wrawa the Troglodyte, has met two Ghast Mediks, Voptwobotow and Vopfobotow.]] Voptwobotow: Telic's the fellow to see about Troglodyte physiology, but I suspect you'll want to keep an eye on your friend when she wakes up. Voptwobotow: She may behave a little erratically. Hiblehoy: Um.. OK.. And Sepferb? [[Sepferb's hand disappears into the wheeled porta-pool the Mediks have brought with them.]] ((blub blub)) Voptwobotow: He'll have to spend a few days in his Pool,. but he'll recover. Rhid hit him with concentrated extract of pu- Vopfobotow: You'll /forgive/ Vptwbotw if he doesn't say /exactly/ what it was. Hiblehoy: I will? Oh. Right. Tuesday , December 30 , 2008 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's place. Vopfobotow the Ghast Medik pushes away the wheeled Portapool holding Sepferb, leaving Hiblehoy carrying Wrawa the Troglodyte over one shoulder. The walls are blackened, smoke floats around.]] Vopfobotow: Now, if you'll excuse us, I suspect others will need our services before the day is over. Vopfobotow: And /you/ should think about going home. Hiblehoy: I tried, but- [[He is now alone.]] Hiblehoy: Sidestep is in lockdown. And I don't know if Wrawa... Her name is Wrawa.. lives down in the Troghole... or over.. Hiblehoy: Right. Never mind. Wednesday , December 31 , 2008 Narration: Just Outside Crazy Rhid's Place [[The walls are blackened. Smoke floats everywhere. Hiblehoy the Motihaul is carrying Wrawa the Troglodyte over one shoulder. In the other hand he is carrying a sack of glowgems. He looks at Mowder the Troglodyte, who is standing next to a dead firebowl.]] Hiblehoy: ..home sweet home. Wrawa: ZZZ Someone inside: !??! Thursday , January 1 , 2009 [[The Forest of E. In the foreground can been seen a small line of figures. the Nomes heading for the Pale Camp, and their escorts: Vezza, Umboz, Piu and Nitfol. Behind them tower bits of stone wall, remains from the former Human city Eetown. Beyond that are rows of trees, and far in the distance, the Spike, which is flashing giant glowing words across the sky: HAPPY NEW YEAR. Friday , January 2 , 2009 [[At the door of Crazy Rhid's former place. Hiblehoy the Motihaul is carrying Wrawa the Troglodyte and a bag of glowgems. Mowder the Trog is serving as door-guard.]] Hiblehoy: Mowder? Can we go in? Mowder: "People with useful skills, and people who helped." And you're not Chauncy and Edgar. Mowder: So yeah, you and Wrawa qualify. Off-panel voice: !@#$!!! Hiblehoy: Um.. what are they doing in there? Mowder: Wading around in leader-type phizz. Which is why I choose to remain a lowly peon. Saturday , January 3 , 2009 Narration: Inside Crazy Rhid's Place [[Maggle the Troglodyte has a large pile of buckets. Skuy and Timf the Gnolls are present; a Jibjib can be seen flying overhead. Smoke floats everywhere.]] Maggle: . . I /tried/ to take these buckets back to Tunktal, but they were all /fighting/, and I couldn't- Sina: Fine, Maggle. Tunktal wants them, he can come get them. We'll need them to haul water from the Well anyway. Voog the Wyrm: Maybe not! I bring shocking and urgent news!! Sunday , January 4 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Repigmenter Thingie has descended into view. It now flips open a flap on its side.]] Crud: Hey.. Wait a minute! [[The Thingie pokes out two nozzles. Crud reaches for the pie-tin he is wearing as a helmet.]] [[The nozzles spit out bright green blobs of goo. Crud catches them in the tin.]] ((FOOM FOOM splup)) Crud: This time, I don't have to catch them in my mouth! Monday , January 5 , 2009 [[In Crazy Rihd's former entrance hall. Skuy is present.]] Sina: What is it, Voog? Voog: Me and Ploot were at that door again. We can smell good water in there! [[Maggle the Trog has a pile of buckets.]] Voog: But there's no way we're getting in without someone who's good at taking machines apart! [[Sina sniffs the air.]] Sina: . . . Sina: Of course. Maggle: Of course what? [[Maggle looks behind herself, and sees Sprocket standing there with his toolbox.]] Tuesday , January 6 , 2009 [[Sprocket has arrived at Rhid's former place. He and Sina glare at each other, while Maggle watches with a pile of buckets.]] [[They speak, startling Maggle into dropping her burden. Flange drifts into view.]] Sina: Took you long enough to get here! Sprocket: I was /busy/! Doing /important things/! Sina: Well /fine/. We've got some more of your stupid /machines/ that need disassembling! Sprocket: /Fine!/ Sina: /Good!/ [[They leave.]] Maggle: Oh. Flange: Indeed. Maggle: Have they chosen a finagler yet? Flange: Is that the next step in the procedure? I freely admit to a certain level of curiosity. Wednesday , January 7 , 2009 [[Sina leads Sprocket deeper into Rhid's former place. In the smoke and Trog repellent in the background can be seen Satyrsong and Delfa the Gnolls, and Fosic the Helipath.]] Sina: . . . Sina: . . . Sina: Thank you. Sprocket: . . . Sprocket: . . . Sprocket: Sure. No problem. Sprocket: I'm just glad y- Sprocket: Sure. Thursday , January 8 , 2009 Narration: Up In The Attic [[Amos leaves the Weirdo and Fantod sleeping in their bed. Various large key-like "tools" hang from a row of hooks; also hanging on the walls is a framed portrait of a helmet-wearing man. A stuffed Willie the Wendigo doll sits on a box. A small object resembling a cat-toy dangles from a beam. A clock goes "toc tic". The scene is dimly illuminated by a GBOL.]] Weirdo: zzzz Weirdo: zzzz Fantod: z Friday , January 9 , 2009 [[Amos walks down a staircase from the attic, carrying the shut-off codebook for the Mugwump alarm with him. Arrows point back up to the attic, to the Quiet Room, and the Ivory Tower. At a landing just below, a sign on the wall promotes Uncle Bob's Landing O' Family Fun. Meanwhile, behind the wall, a small dumbwaiter carries a transparent box upward; the box holding an equally-clear bulb inside of which is a replacement robot "filament".]] Saturday , January 10 , 2009 [[A very small wheeled cart is being lifted up a shaft via a hook at the end of a rope. Sitting in the open cart is a clear lidded box, and inside the box is a glass GBOL globe.]] {{The globe contains a replacement Robot filament.}} [[The cart reaches the top of the shaft. A new horizontal tunnel runs off into the distance.]] ((CLUNK)) [[A square of floor slides into place under the cart, and the hook detaches itself.]] ((clink clank shunk)) [[The cart goes WOOOSHing off down the new tunnel.]] Sunday , January 11 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud holds a pie-tin full of green glop spit out from a Repigmenter Thingie overhead. Cully and Chunner are lying on the floor.]] Crud: sigh. [[Crud spits into the tin. The RT withdraws its nozzles.]] ((UNSHUNK)) [[The RT closes its side-flap. Crud closes his eyes as the goop in the tin erupts in a miniature purple-green mushroom cloud.]] ((BLORMPH)) Monday , January 12 , 2009 [[Somewhere inside the Mansion, a small corridor which ends at a wall with a bumper attached to it. A catch sticks up from the floor.]] [[A wheeled cart whooshes into view, carrying a clear box inside which is stored a "filament" for a Robot. The cart runs over the catch.]] ((WHOOOSH klick)) [[The cart bumps up against the bumper, triggering a panel in the ceiling to slide away.]] ((unklick boomp SHUNK)) [[The floor-panel on which the cart sits rises up into the resulting hole, mounted on a metal pillar.}} Tuesday, January 13, 2009 [[The replacement filiment, inside a GBOL globe, inside a clear box, inside a small wheeled transport, rises up a shaft on a platform.]] [[A tall shaft..]] [[It reaches the top, where the tranport bumps against a button.]] ((boop)) ((ping)) ((ping again)) ((ping again)) ((CLUNK scrape)) {{Hector the Robot approaching.}} Wednesday , January 14 , 2009 [[Hector the robot approaches a collection of shaft-covers mounted in the walls. Behind one of them waits a small cart which is carrying a replacement robot filament inside a couple of layers of glass. A bell ((PINGs)).]] ((clunk scrape)) [[Hector's hand opens the appropriate cover, cutting off the bell in mid ((PING)), while his other hand reaches inside.]] [[He takes the glass box from the cart/frame.]] [[The cart gets tossed into a waiting disposal shaft.]] [[Hector slowly goes back the way he came, carrying the box.]] ((clunk scrape)) Thursday , January 15 , 2009 [[Hector the robot silently walks past a complicated-looking device or computer into which cables run from several directions. The device is #0006, and features a small picture of a penny-farthing bicycle. It is also speaking loudly.]] #0006: THE SILK OWL HOOTS AT MIDNIGHT! ((BEEP)) #0006: THE TREE PLANTS A SEED! ((BEEP)) #0006: SWORDFISH! ((BEEP)) #0006: THERE ARE four LIGHTS! ((BEEP)) #0006: BE SEEING YOU! ((clunk scrape)) {{Patrick McGoohan 1928-2009}} Friday , January 16 , 2009 [[Hector the Robot trudges along a corridor, carrying a glass box inside of which is a replacement "filament" for his brain. Behind him is a window/Panegate which shows a small island with palm-like Truffula trees and white buildings. Visions float over the island, resembling a Wyrm and some flying creature. Mounted on the wall beside the window is a small glass case in which is some sort of gun. The legend on the case reads IN CASE OF LUDWIG/BREAK GLASS.]] ((CLUNK scrape CLUNK scrape)) Dedication: Ricardo Montalban 1920-2009 {{It's a Fantasy Island. Plus "Ludwig" was his character's name in The Naked Gun.}} Saturday , January 17 , 2009 [[Hector the Robot trudges along a corridor, carrying a glass box inside of which is a replacement "filament" for his brain. Behind him are two alcoves and a painting or photograph in a frame. The first alcove is labeled NEVER, and contains the corpse of a frog-like biped floating in a large glass bottle. The second alcove is labelled AGAIN, and contains the taxidermied body of a horned and white-furred biped. The photo is labelled OR ELSE, and depicts a large bug, with wings and pinchers.]] {{These are a Mugwump, a Wendigo, and a Titanbug; they have all appeared/been named elsewhere.}} Sunday , January 18 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is holding a pie-tin full of purple and green globs. He shuffles sideways across the Shaft, looking towards the floor, where Cully and Chunner are lying, currently out of sight. Above, the Repigmenter Thingie flips open its bottom flap, revealing a new nozzle.]] [[With Crud in position, the nozzle drips out a bit of bright orange.]] [[It lands in the pie-tin, and violently ((REACTs, changing Crud's own color in the process.]] Monday , January 19 , 2009 [[Hector the robot walks along a corridor, carrying a box in which is a replacement filament for his brain. Ahead is an open doorway which shows green circles beyond, and a heavy metal door, closed, at which points an automatic gun. A bulletin board has notices pinned to it.]] ((clunk scrape)) [[Hector rises up a shaft, thanks to a glow from the circles.]] ((eerie silence)) [[A new corridor. An open doorway is labeled HECTOR along one edge.]] Tuesday , January 20 , 2009 [[Hector the robot is carrying a clear box, in which is a replacement filament for his own brain. He passes through an open doorway which is labelled with his name.]] ((clunk scrape)) [[He approaches a workbench, on which is mounted a trapezoidal object.]] ((clunk scrape)) [[He ((PIVOTs)) sharply, and ((PLUNKs)) the box on the bench. The trapezoid ((BEEPS)). Two waiting tabs ((FLICK)) into place, securing the box.]] Wednesday , January 21 , 2009 [[Inside his workshop, Hector the robot does something to the lock on a clear box, which contains a robot-part.]] ((deedle deedle)) [[The lid of the box blows off.]] ((BLAM)) [[Hector was waiting for this, and catches it in midair.]] ((snag)) [[He removes the part]] ((click)) [[He puts the lid back on the box.]] ((blup)) [[He picks up the box.]] [[He drops it down a chute.]] ((SHOOMP)) Thursday , January 22 , 2009 [[Hector the robot makes his way down a corridor toward Mr. Hand's office. There is: An alcove labelled TREELINK, in which a branch of the Tree has various wires and devices attached to it. A door labelled EMERGENCY WAR THRONE-TOP STORAGE. An alcove labelled P.O.C. TESTING PREP, in which a Troglodyte sleeps on an inactive treadmill, while a stuffed Gnoll doll waits. A door labelled WINE "CELLAR". A pile of boxes, one labelled FROBOZZ. A door to the Operator's Elevator, which is labelled something besides "elevator". Sitting in front of the elevator doors is one last box labelled OOPAKIRK.]] ((CLUNK scrape)) Friday , January 23 , 2009 [[In the quarters/office of Mr. Hand. Hand is sitting in his throne. which is now sporting an "EMERGENCY WAR-THRONE TOP", a metal thing with a broken gun, a siren, and a telescope; all of this conceals most of Hand's head. There is a bed, over which dangles a collection of wires. Hand is talking to someone on the telephone. Hector the Robot approaches, carrying a replacement filament.]] ((CLUNK scrape)) Hand: So everyone is back behindscenes and accounted for? Voice: / / / Hand: Who? Oh.. yes. Young "Gill". I fear that Hpobfvfr may have been enthusiastic in her duties... Voice: / / / Hand: Yes. All right. We will do what We can. And if anyone sees Hax the Fixit.. I am /eager/ to talk to him. Saturday , January 24 , 2009 [[In Mr. Hand's quarters. Hand sits in his throne, his face mostly concealed by an Emergency Warthrone Top. Hector the robot comes up beside him.]] Hand: /Hector!/ ..Oh, there you are. Where have you been /this/ time? Hector: Fetching the object, sir. [[Closeup of the filament that Hector is holding, inside a GBOL bulb.]] Hand: /What/ object? Hector: the object which, sir, you sent Sprocket and Flange to collect, and which hopefully, when inserted inside me will allow me to once again concisely label this sort of object. Hand: . . . Hand: Oh. Oh, yes. /That/ object. Give it here.. Sunday , January 25 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[A device crudely labeled "REPIG/MENTER THINGIE" pokes down the ceiling. It closes a hatch on its bottom with an ((UNFLIP)). Crud shuffles sideways, as he holds a pie tin, in which he ((SHAKEs)) a collection of small colored globs.]] [[The Repigmentor disappears back out of sight. Crud scatters some of the globs out of the tin.]] ((UNSHUNK)) [[Cully, the target of the globs, pops up from the floor, looking patchily pale.]] Culy: ///AAAAIIIIGGGGHH!!/// Monday , January 26 , 2009 [[Inside Mr. Hand's quarters. Hand's hand pushes at a spot on Hector's back.]] Hand: All right. First we remove the old filament. Turn around, Hector. Hector: Yes, sir. Hand: Aannd we push the access button.. [[An access panel on Hector flips open.]] Hand: And find those fleebtongs.. ah yes.. [[Hand deploys the fleebtongs.]] Hand: And twwiist the black knob on the filament cluster 45 degrees counter-clockwise.. ((PEEP)) Hand: A warning peep which we can ignore.. Hand: And extract the old 3423-A filament.. ((foop)) Hector: BEEP! Hector: filament 3423-A has been extracted! Tuesday , January 27 , 2009 [[Mr. Hand, sitting on his throne, doing what he says.]] Hand: Discard the old filament, open the transport sphere.. [[Hand holds the filament with a pair of fleebtongs.]] Hand: Take the new filament, being sure not to touch it with my fingers.. [[Hand puts the filament into Hector.]] Hand: Insert it into the cluster.. ((bloop)) Hector: PEEP! Hand: Another warning noise.. [[Hector's face as he reacts to this.]] Hand: Aannd twist the black knob back to its original position.. Hector: BEEP! Hector: BEEP! Hector: BEEP! Hector: New filament detected. Processing processing processing.. Wednesday , January 28 , 2009 [[Hector the robot stands beside Mr. Hand's throne, after having a new filament installed.]] Hector: Processing Hector: Processing Hector: Processing Hector: Processing processing processing Hector: Processing Hector: (Processing) Hector: Processing [[A closeup of Hector's eyes.]] Hector: BEEP Hector: Confirmed. Thursday , January 29 , 2009 [[Inside Mr. Hand's control room/office, Hector the Robot has just had a new filament installed. He turns to face Hand.]] Hand: So my instructions to myself were correct? Hector: Yes sir. The filament is fully integrated with my central processors. i am now able to proceed with my assigned task.. [[He strikes a menacing pose.]] Hector: DESTROY ALL HUMANS! Friday , January 30 , 2009 [[Inside Mr. Hand's "office". Hector the Robot has struck a menacing pose. His expression does not match.]] Hector: BEEP Hand: Heh. Hand: That one never gets old. [[Hector drops his arms.]] Hector: ssigh Hand: The truly amusing part is imagining you ripping out some human's arm while calmly saying "let me fix that for you, sir!" Hector: Very droll, sir. [[Hand holds up the sheet of instructions, held in the grip of the filament-installing tool.]] Hector: But I am obligated to remind you that you yourself are human. Hand: Only just, Hector. (ssigh..) only just. Hand: Turn around again, would you? Saturday , January 31 , 2009 [[A pair of fleebtongs, wielded by Mr. Hand, pokes into Hector the robot.]] Hand: And put the instructions back in for next time.. Hand: And close the hatch again. Hand: So... You can fix the scanner? Hector: Yes sir. [[Hector reaches for the broken gun on top of Hand's Emergency Warthrone Top.]] Hector: In fact.. ((ADJUST ADJUST tweak nudge BLAP!!)) [[The gun has been reassembled, and the tip glows with power.]] Hector: The new filament would appear to be a more advanced model than the previous one. Sunday , February 1 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud has poured some colored globs over Cully, who now pokes his head up from the floor, still looking rather washed out and pale. Crud holds his pie-tin and watches.]] Cully: . . . Cully: . . . Cully: /AAAIIIGGGHH!/ [[Cully ((flops)) back out of sight.]] Crud: I'm sorry. I /know/ how horrible this all is... [[Crud pours the rest of the colored globs on Cully from the tin.]] Crud: ..but it's.. it's the only way. That I know of.. Crud: Maybe you'll.. find a better one.. Cully: ///AAAAIIIIIGGGHH!/// Monday , February 2 , 2009 [[In Mr. Hand's quarters. Hector's hand looms over the scanner controls mounted on the armrest of Hand's throne.]] Hector: As for the scanner.. processing.. [[Hector's finger pokes at the small bulb at the top of the controls.]] Hector: Hm. yes. I suppose I should fetch my fine-manipulation hand, but i believe.. ((PRECISELY CALIBRATED POKE)) [[Zooming in closer on the bulb, which glows brighter.]] ((tiny peep minigurple micro-fzt)) Bulb: WOO HOO ((KACHUNK)) Tuesday , February 3 , 2009 [[Mr. Hand, seated in his throne, and Hector the robot look at the bank of monitors mounted on the wall. The monitors display: Two angry Gobules. A Gnoll with misaligned eyes. A red crack-like object. The remains of a robot stuck in a wall. Tuft and Dap idling in their niche. A Troglodyte. A Helipath carrying a young Eyebolt in a basket. A fully-grown Eyebolt.]] Hector: That will have corrected the problem, sir. Hand: It all /looks/ about the same. Let's see... Wednesday , February 4 , 2009 [[Inside Mr. Hand's quarters, looking at his viewscreens. Tuft the Gobule and Dap the Gnoll are visible on the main center screen.]] Mr. Hand: So, we are back with the idlers in their niche. Let's try switching to.. oh.. Crispin's little nook in Brawl Hall.. ((KACHUNK)) [[The screen now shows a Boogieman sitting in a chair, reading a book.]] Mr. Hand: Ah. And switch that off the main screen and bring over.. oh.. "the Flamer" in the Troghole.. ((click click CLUNK)) [[The screen shows a female Trog cooking a bug on a stick over an open flame.]] Mr. Hand: Excellent. Well done, Hector. You may reward yourself with An extra dose of lubricating oil tonight. Hector: Very good, sir. Mr. Hand: Now, I don't suppose we can find our new human friend.. ((KACHUNK)) Thursday , February 5 , 2009 [[Mr. Hand is using his newly-repaired scanner. It currently shows Izchak the Motihaul yelling at his compatriot Matagam.]] Hand: Of course, i have to rely on reports from the field regarding Sylvester and Ms. Ripley's exact location.. Hand: But they and Camora were definitely in Sidestep Hall.. and Camora was wearing some sort of.. hat. ((KACHUNK)) [[The scanner-screen now shows Cerbis the Gnoll peering out of the door-slot at Skibble's place.]] Hand: This merry band then crossed the Time Hall, heading for, presumably, the E family's private and secure basement exit.. Hand: They may have stopped at the Pots Room, but..? Hector the robot: Calculating.. it is far more probable at this juncture, Sir, that they are simply attempting to leave. ((KACHUNK)) [[The screen shows the entrance to the Riddle Grotto.]] Hand: indeed. it is also a safe assumption that Sylvester dutifully remembered his childhood Riddler lessons.. Hand: ..and thus they are now down near the River of fire, where.. you cannot make the scanner work? Hector: Regrettably no, sir. Hand: And so.. that leaves us with only one option.. ((KACHUNK)) Friday , February 6 , 2009 [[The bank of viewing-screens in Mr. Hand's quarters. The central screen shows an empty door with, possibly, signs mounted above it and to one side.]] Hand: ..set the scanner to watch the other end of the tunnel, and see who, if anyone, emerges. Hand: And while we are waiting we can.... Hand: . . . Hector: Sir? [[A screen shows a mostly dark and empty space; a small white hole is visible.]] Hand: The Gibber has ceased to make faces at me. Hector: so it would appear, sir. Hand: But the only way that could have happened would be if the sn.. Oh dear. Saturday , February 7 , 2009 [[Mr. Hand is seated in his throne. Hector the robot stands to one side.]] Hand: We'll have to send someone /immediately/ to see if.. Hand: No. No, I'll speak to the Riddler. kill two.. what is is you kill with stones? Rhetorically? Hector: Birds, I believe sir. Hand: Yes. Birds. Ask him if he's had any visitors. Hand: Although the humans may havejust become very... unimportant. Hand: (sigh) Hand: i should have disposed of her. Hector: Sir? Hand: Ms. Ripley. As soon as she appeared. But I couldn't be sure. Maybe she was.. is.. another urking test sent down from- [[From off-panel:]] ((DING)) Hand: sssigh. Speak of the Zarkite, and he appears.. Sunday , February 8 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully is near the floor. He looks up at Crud.]] Cully: urg.. Mr. Crud? What.. what happened? Crud: You were depigmented. I fixed it. And I.. /we/ have to.. I need to show you how to do it. For Chunner. [[Cully looks down where Chunner is lying out of sight.]] Cully: Uh! Crud: Yes. I'm afraid it's long and complicated. And that is not all. Cully: What? Crud: I need to explain.. tell you.. what little I know about the SubShafts. It's very important. Crud: I think. Maybe. Monday , February 9 , 2009 [[A section of Mr. Hand's desk. Along with a goblet and a Roshambo the warrior beetle figurine, there is a bell hanging from a crescent-shaped stand; a wire runs the base down out of sight. The bell rings.]] ((DING)) Hand: . . . [[The bell rings again and again. Hector walks by, leaving the room.]] ((DING DING DING)) Hand: Should anyone be looking for me, I shall be in executive conference. Hector: My sympathies, sir. Tuesday , February 10 , 2009 [[Hector the robot walks down a corridor in Mr. Hand's area. An open archway beyond him shows A large dial marked YES, NO and CHEESE. The dial is hooked via cable to other less-readable dials and a figure seated in a thronee. [[Pulling back down a cross-corridor which has a row of spikes across its entrance-floor, the figure is revealed to be a crowned skeleton: its hand has been replaced with the cable-connection.]] [[Pulling back more. Doors read GOLD AND JEWELS and BROOM CLOSET. The passageway is covered with bars.]] [[Beyond the bars, the passageway opens out onto a balcony on the side of a tower very near the top of the Mansion.]] Wednesday , February 11 , 2009 [[A view of the Mansion of E, as seen from the ocean. The Main Tower/God's Cactus looms over the backside of the Temple, the Factor E's smokestacks, and the Ivory Tower with its greenhouse. The rusted remains of a large ship can just be seen over the surrounding wall, which drops sheer to the ocean below. A row of large sealed doors can be seen in the cliff-face. Beyond is the forest, the Spike and the sun.]] Thursday , February 12 , 2009 [[A shot of the "Ivory Tower" section of the Mansion of E. Large branches of the Tree can be seen below. A smokestack from The Factor E pokes into view.]] [[Zooming closer on a walkway connecting the IT to the main tower of the Mansion. Wind blows to or from the Tree branches.]] [[The walkway doorway for the Main tower. Amos Grubb has appeared there. The wind continues to blow.]] Friday , February 13 , 2009 [[Amos strolls across the open-air walkway which connects the Ivory Tower to the bulk of the Mansion. He is carrying the codebook he used to deactivate the Mugwump alarm on the Mansion's roof. A noticeable breeze is blowing.]] [[He glances to one side.]] [[He pauses and looks down at the nearest branch of the Tree, which in motion. The ocean is visible beyond, dotted here and there with specks of land. All comments are nonverbal.]] Amos: ... Amos: And now the /Tree's/.. suckin.. blowin? kickin' up a fuss. Amos: Better remember to tell Nellie. Amos: ..sigh. And Her Nibs.. Saturday , February 14 , 2009 [[Amos on the walkway approaching one of the entrances to the Ivory Tower. He is rooting inside his shirt. A large seabird flaps by overhead.]] [[Amos produces a key tied to a loop of string.]] [[He unlocks the door. Above is a mostly faded dedication plaque for the building, installed by its creator Ludwig.]] ((klick klack)) Sunday , February 15 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully looks up at Crud from his position near the floor.]] Cully: I don't understand. Crud: I don't either. But the SubShafts aren't /just/ a.. a place to hide.. people like us. Crud: And things like Sneech squooshings. Squeezings. Crud: All the Machines are connected. And so are.. all of us. Crud: It's why we are here. The SubShafts.. /need/ occupants. We are part of whatever it is th- [[The blue blots which have been spreading across the wall behind them suddenly flare bright, leaving the two of them as startled outlines.]] Monday , February 16 , 2009 [[In the gloom of the Ivory Tower. Amos, holding his key at the ready, makes his way towards a heavy metal door. A portrait of a man, evidently a wizard, named Erasmus Craven hangs on the wall behind him.]] [[He unlocks the door.]] ((klick klack)) [[The interior of the door is a collection of shelves, which are occupied with some books, a row of candlesticks sans candles, a tiny branch of the tree, and a Bigby-brand slimegrub trap. A partially visible sign reads IMPORTANT BOOK AND STAIRWAY CANDLESTICK SECURITY CABINET NUM-. Amos puts the code-book he is carrying on the appropriate shelf.]] Tuesday , February 17 , 2009 [[Inside the Mansion's Ivory Tower. Amos takes a candle from a drawer. Sitting on top of the drawers is a "Bigby Sgrub Trap".]] [[Amos puts the candle into a candlestick.]] [[He looks to one side.]] [[He lights the candle by touching it with his finger.]] ((fzt)) Nellie, from off-screen: I /saw/ that (cough). {{Her dialogue-font changes to the new Human standard.}} Nellie: You old fool. Wednesday , February 18 , 2009 [[Inside the Ivory Tower. Amos slams shut the door to the cabinet from which he took the candlestick he is holding. A framed poster on the wall advertises the theatrical play Big Brother Is Watching You.]] ((SLAM)) Amos: Back from town? (cough) How're Arlen and Eloise? {{At the cough, his dialogue font changes to the new "Human standard".}} Nellie: They n the kids are fine. Don't change the subject. You're messin' around with magic again. Amos: I lit a zarkin' candle. Which is all that I can do anymore. Nellie: There's gonna be nother Crash, and you're gonna- Amos: It's been /fifty years/, woman. [[Sheriff Skragg appears in the scene.]] Amos: And I'd have to be wearin' a Point. Which I /haven't done/ since the day- Amos: Oh. Well well. Patrick. How do. Skragg: Mr Grubb. Thursday , February 19 , 2009 [[Inside the Ivory Tower. On the wall is a large framed picture of a pair of eyes and the slogan BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.]] Amos: Saffron asked you to come up here, get a first-hand report? Sheriff Skragg: Something like that. Amos: So. The last time you were in this tower, you were, what, ten years old? Skragg: Musta been, Mr. Grubb. Amos: ...The books are all still here, if you ever want to start reading again. Skragg: Well. You know how it is. [[Nellie places a comforting hand on Amos's shoulder.]] Amos: Ayup. I know how it is. For now. Friday , February 20 , 2009 [[In the Ivory Tower. Eetown Sheriff Skragg takes notes on a pad.]] Amos: Anyhoo. Sylvester's new ladyfriend does exist. Youngish. Dark curly hair. Haven't laid eyes on either of them since this morning. Amos: Haven't seen /anyone/, except the Weirdo and Fantod. Fantod sez they're down in the Basement, the real underground, and the lady's a Westerner who's good with a sword. Skragg: Did /Mr. Weirdo/ confirm any of that? Amos: Nope. So take it with the usual hunk of salt.. Saturday , February 21 , 2009 [[In the Ivory Tower. Eetown Sheriff Skragg takes notes on a pad. A framed portrait of a man on the wall is labelled Royland Hinkley.]] Amos: Lemme see.. if you heard the Mugwump Alarm, that was the Weirdo; he got word.. somehow.. that some Westerner friend of his died. I put him to bed. Amos: Just now.. the Tree's busy movin' air around. Means /something/ going on down deep. Amos: Oh.. and I turned up that Abalonian book on winemakin' that Saffron wanted to see. I'll send it back with you. Nellie: So you didn't see the Pit Flare? Amos: What? The one in the forest? No. It did? When? Nellie: On my way to town. That's /part/ why Patrick's here.. Sunday , February 22 , 2009 [[Inside subShaft 44f. There has just been a drastic change in the wall decor, leading to an elaborate mandala-like pattern with "44f" at its center. Cully and Crud check it out silently.]] [[They both turn to look at it more carefully.]] Cully: Well, that's new. Crud: Indeed. The components of wallgrowblots are usually far more triangluar-shaped. Monday , February 23 , 2009 [[Inside the gloom of the Mansion's Ivory Tower, Amos Grubb is talking to Sheriff Patrick Skragg of Eetown.]] Amos: The flare from the Pit was big enough folks in town saw it? Skragg: Ayup. Amos: I can't.. Anyone who kenned how that thing works has been dead for fifty years! Skragg: It's the flare /and/ this new woman. Amos: What? What'd she do in town? Skragg: That's the thing. Nobody's even /heard/ about her until today. Tuesday , February 24 , 2009 [[In the Ivory Tower. Portraits are just visible on the walls in the gloom.]] Amos: So, what, you think I just /imagined/ this Westerner? I'm going senile? Sheriff Skragg: Wouldn't be here if I thought that, Mr. Grubb. [[Nellie listens to the conversation.]] Skragg: But she didn't /come through town/. Or on the Coach from Noodle; it's in town today, and I asked Argyle, the driver; no one new's been on it. Skragg: Again, you know how it is. We all.. watch.. his Grace. And if he went t' all the trouble to sneak this woman in.. we wanna know why. Skragg: ..assuming she /is/ a.. woman. Amos: . . . Amos: ...if she's one of those Motihauls, it's a zarkin' good disguise.. Skragg: Mr Grubb, it ain't /Motihauls/ we're worried about. Wednesday , February 25 , 2009 [[In the Ivory Tower.]] Amos: You all think that Miss Westerner was /summoned/ like- - the Operator musta been somewhere? /No/. Sheriff Skragg: Sound awfully sure. [[Map of the Known World, labelled HERE. The Mansion is HERE HERE, out west is WEST HERE. The countries of AGRADA and OPAR are also HERE.]] Amos: May not be a wizard anymore, but after /fifty-five zarkin' years/ of... Amos: I can zarkin' tell when someone's not from around here. Amos: And yeah, "here" includes Out West. She's from here if she comes from zarkin' Agrada or Opar. Thursday , February 26 , 2009 [[In the gloom of the Mansion's Ivory Tower, Amos and Nellie Grubb talk to Eetown Sheriff Patrick Skragg. Behind them, a STAIRS sign points the direction to various parts of the Tower.]] Amos: 'Course, you'll want to see for yourself. But I don't know when Sylvester and his friend will turn up again. Nellie: We can find a bed for you, if you want to stay the night. Skragg: Thank you, Ma'am. No. Skragg: Saffron will wanna hear today. And the wife'd pitch a fit if I didn't get back home 'fore dark. Amos: Ayup. Wives'll do that. Nellie: Hush, you. Skragg: . . . When n' if you /do/ see His Grace.. please tell him I and Saffron'd.. /'preciate/ it.. if he and his friend came by the Government House. At his convenience. Amos: Of course, Sheriff. Friday , February 27 , 2009 [[At one of the exits to the Mansion, Eetown sheriff Patrick Skragg prepares to return to town.]] Nellie: See you later Patrick. Stay on the path. Skragg: I'll try t' remember that. And see that Saffron gets the book. [[He looks at the book he is holding.]] Skragg: . . . Skragg: Mr. Grubb.. You.. wouldn't have one of them Willy the Wendigo books handy? Amos: As a matter of fact.. [[Amos passes him a book with a blue cover.]] Amos: My boy.. he enjoys reading them sometimes. Amos: Young Stephen has good taste. Here's "Willy Visits The Fire Caves". Patrick: Thanks, Mr. Grubb. Amos: Thank /you/, Patrick. Saturday , February 28 , 2009 [[View of one section of the Mansion's crumbling outer wall and log and boulder-filled moat, which can be crossed at one point by a simple wooden bridge. The small figure of Eetown sheriff Patric Skragg can be seen departing the Mansion through a crack in the wall. There are signs and notices posted to either side of him.]] Sunday , March 1 , 2009 Narration: In SubShaft 44f [[Cully looks up at Crud from near the floor.]] Crud: So anyway. I was wrong. Or.. There's more. The SubShafts don't just need.. people. They need.. different people. Cully: Different Like.. /you/ are, um, different, Mr. Crud? [[The look down where Chunner is lying out of sight on the floor.]] Crud: Yes. No! You don't have to.. have my little moments. But you can't be like Chunner. Crud: /You've/ seen. He's all cynical and.. and pragmatic and... realistic. And.. Cully: Not different. Crud: Yes. Crud: But you.. you might be different enough. To take my place after I'm gone. Doing the different things while Chunner and Chunner-to-be do the.. normal things. Cully: ..How do we find out? Crud: We start by, by repigmenting Chunner. Monday , March 2 , 2009 [[Eetown sheriff Patrick Skragg strides away from the Mansion, towards the main path which leads to the village. Chunks of rock/rubble are scattered among the trees. A signpost topped with an E marks the way. Nearby stands an object which resembles a small dead tree. In the distance can be seen the top of the Spike.]] Tuesday , March 3 , 2009 [[A wide view of the Forest of E. The Spike looms over the trees in the background.]] [[A new section of the forest.]] Vezza: Pa? Umboz: Yes, Sweetie? [[The Nomes and their Pale escort. In the distance, the top parts of the Pale fort poke up above the trees.]] Vezza: Is that where the Pales live? Umboz: Can't imagine what else it would be. Wednesday , March 4 , 2009 [[The Forest, just outside the Pales' Camp. Young Nome Vezza, her father Nome Umboz, Nome Piu and Nome Nitfol are being escorted by a "flagPale" to the camp.]] Umboz: I suppose this is our last chance to run away screaming. Piu: I think we've already gone beyond that. Except maybe you, Nitfol. Nitfol: I got questions. [[View of the half-ruined wall which surrounds the Camp, from behind Vezza's head. Another of their Pale escort stands in an arched hole in the wall, looking around. Someone has engraved a heart and the letters "D+J" on the wall.]] Nitfol [[Offscreen]]: Besides, that Human-thing's still out there somewhere. Nome [[Offscreen]]: What's that got to do with- [[Bird's-eye view of the Camp, its more-substantial inner wall, and the surrounding pond, trees, and fields.]] Nitfol [[Offscreen]]: Right now, we're probably the safest Nomes in the entire forest. Thursday , March 5 , 2009 [[Vezza, Umboz, Piu, Nitfol and their escorts cross the field in front of the Pale Camp, witnessed by various Pale workers.]] [[They approach the gate which passes through the stone wall which surrounds the edifice.]] [[Their reactions after passing through the gate; behind them can be seen a wall which can be wheeled into place to block the gate.]] [[The actual entrance to the Camp; a Pale gestures them to enter.]] Friday , March 6 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp, inside a fairly dark room. A structure is visible that appears to be a reading stand, a small metal protrusion, and a glass globe enclosing a flame. On the wall is a sign that says "GREETINGS" in both English and Manglish.]] [[Pale Zpeaker walks up to the structure with a tablet in hand.]] [[He twists the metal protrusion. The flame enlarges, and the rest of the room becomes lit.]] ((twist)) ((twist)) ((FOOM))\ [[He waits.]] [[Nomes Vezza, Umboz, and Piu arrive.]] Zpeaker: Greet-ingz. Zpeaker: You ar-rive. Zpeaker: We may com-menze. Saturday , March 7 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. Nomes Piu, Umboz, and Vezza stand before Pale Zpeaker, who has his hands on a sort of podium with a gas-light attached to it. Vezza pokes at the structure.]] Umboz: Are you... the Nex? Zpeaker: Neg-ative Zpeaker: Doz the word "Dip-lomat" have mean-ing for you? [[Close-up of Nome Nitfol, Piu, and Umboz' blank looks.]] Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: ... Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Neg-ative. [[Now we see Zpeaker.]] Zpeaker: Then I am the Zpeak-er. I zpeak to thoze who pro-ject zoundz. Umboz [[Offscreen]]: You talk to everyone who isn't a Pale? Zpeaker: Ezz-entially... Affir-mative. {{Comic #: 2001. "Nex" is short for "Nexus", the Pales' leader.}} Sunday , March 8 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Cully looks towards where Chunner is lying on the floor.]] Cully: So what /do/ we have to do to.. repair.. Mr. Chunner? Crud: I'm afraid it's rather complicated. First, we have to.. to.. attract the Machine's attention. Crud: In a.. you know.. /nice/ sort of way. We must stand quietly until the Taphand- [[They see two antler-like devices ((whirr CLICK)) down into place from above, pointing at each other.]] [[They have ducked. The devices start shooting magic/electricity at each other, and form the glowing words 2000 + 2 WOO HOO]] Crud: A stroke of luck! This will speed things up a bit! Monday , March 9 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. Pale Zpeaker, his hands on a podium to which is attached a gas-light, can be seen speaking to Nomes Vezza and Umboz.]] Zpeaker: And who are you? Umboz: Um... You invited us... don't you /know/... Zpeaker: Zome of you were ex-pected. Iden-tification? Function? Pleaz. [[Focus on Vezza and Umboz. Nome Piu can be seen behind Umboz.]] Umboz: Um. OK. I'm Umboz. A squidcoaxer. Do you know what... Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: You defen-zively po-zition tree-zquidz a-round the per-imeter of the Nome vill-age. Umboz: Yes. Right. And this is my daughter. Vezza. [[Pan left so we only see Zpeaker and Vezza. As they talk, Zpeaker scratches notes with his finger on the thick tabliets on the podium]] Zpeaker: And what iz your func-tion? Vezza: I'm /learnin'/ to be a squidcoaxer! Didn't /your/ paw teach you t' talk to people? Zpeaker: ... Zpeaker: "Paw." Fa-ther. Thiz iz fa-miliar, but to my hiz-tory, it iz only vague-ly app-licable. {{Comic #: 2003}} Tuesday , March 10 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. We can see Nomes Piu and Umboz. Umboz is gesturing towards Piu.]] Umboz: This is Piu. She's a healer. Pale Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: "Heal-er." Re-pairer of phyz-ical in-juriez. We have theze. Per-hapz diz-cuzzionz with them would be pro-fitable? Piu: We're so different physically, I'm not sure th- Yes. Thank you. [[Now we see Nome Nitfol.]] Umboz [[Offscreen]]: And over there is Nitfol. He's... Umboz [[Offscreen]]: What is it you do again, Nitfol? Nitfol: I am an itinerant philosopher and student of life. Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: "No cur-rent func-tion." {{Comic #: 2004}} Wednesday , March 11 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. Nomes Umboz, Vezza, and Nitfol stand before Pale Zpeaker, who has his hands on a sort of speaker's podium, to which is attached a gas-light.]] Nitfol: /Fine/. We've gotten through the ritual insults. Down to business. Nitfol: WHere's that zarking /frog/? Zpeaker: ... Zpeaker: There are no frogz prez-ent. [[Close up on Umboz, Vezza, and Nitfol.]] Nitfol: Don't gimme that. He said he'd explain, and he's gonna zarking /explain/. Vezza: Mister Nitfol? Frogs don't talk. [[Pan left, revealing Nome Piu behind Umboz.]] Nitfol: Oh. That's right. I put off telling you about my day, didn't I? Well, now you're gonna hear all about it. Piu: Oh, joy. {{Comic #: 2005}} Thursday , March 12 , 2009 [[Nome Nitfol is recounting his day to his fellow Nomes Vezza, Umboz and Piu, and Pale Zpeaker.]] [[Flashback: Nitfol standing on his Hometree, smoking a pipe.]] Nitfol: This morning, I was up in my tree, philosophizing- Vezza: (Paw? What's Fill-loss...) Piu: He was smoking pipeweed and staring off into space, Vezza. [[Flashback of scattered moments: Mortimer being befuddled. Protus being angry. Mortimer grabbing at the tree-squid's tentacle. Louch the Gnoll and a random Pale confronting each other.]] Nitfol: I was /philosophizing/, Piu. And then suddenly.... Nitfol: ... Nitfol: Ah, zark it. You'd never believe me. I wouldn't believe me. [[Flashback:: Nitfol stuck in the Spyder's web.]] Nitfol: After an improbable series of events, through no fault of my own, I found myself strung up in a Spyderweb. Nitfol: An /active/ Spyderweb. {{Comic #: 2006}} Friday , March 13 , 2009 [[Nome Nitfol is recounting his day to fellow Nomes Vezza, Umboz, Piu, and Pale Zpeaker.]] [[Flashback: The two escort-Pales standing beneath a Spyder on a Spyderweb.]] Nitfol: And just as the Spyder was about to... you know... those Pales turned up. [[Flashback: Dead Spyder.]] Nitfol: And killed it. [[Flashback: Nitfol stuck in the Spyderweb, the strands snapping around me.]] Nitfol: And cut me loose. [[Flashback: Nitfol, surrounded by the two Pales.]] Nome (probably Piu): You don't sound terribly grateful. Nitfol: They cut me loose only in the most specific and literal of senses. {{Comic #: 2007}} Saturday , March 14 , 2009 [[Nome Nitfol is recounting his day to his fellow Nomes Vezza, Umboz, Piu, and Pale Zpeaker.]] [[Flashback: Nitfol, looking up at a frog sitting on a tree branch. The base of the tree bears the a lowercase Pi.]] Nitfol: The Pales wouldn't or couldn't tell me anything. They marched me through the forest until suddenly there was a voice. Nitfol: It was a frog, sitting up on a treebranch. Yes, Vezza, a /talking/ frog. [[Flashback: Umboz and Vezza are seen in their former hiding place.]] Nitfol: He told me he had /sent/ the Pales to rescue me, and that you two, Umboz and Vezza, had to be saved as well. Nitfol: And if you're wondering how I found you, he told me approximately where you were. [[Back to the present.]] Nitfol: And, as already noted, he also said there was no time to explain how he knew all this, and that I would have come /here/ to get answers. Nitfol: So. Here I am. And /you/ say there are no zarking frogs. Zpeaker: ... Zpeaker: There are no frogz prez-ent. NOW. {{Comic #: 2008. The Pi was a reference to Pi Day, 3-14}} Sunday , March 15 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Crud crouch as above them two antler-like object point their prongs at each other, and crackle magic/electricity back and forth. This display can form glowing words in midair.]] Crud: Please send down the repigmenter-summoner thingie thingie! Antlers: . . . Antlers: OH VERY WELL Cully: We have to summon something to summon the summoner? Crud: Oh my yes. And the fact that you understand that is highly encouraging! Monday , March 16 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. We see Nomes Nitfol, Piu, and Umboz.]] Piu: So... this frog of Nitfol's actually exists? Pale Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: There ex-iztz a frog who talkz and who po-zezzez much know-ledge [[View of Zpeaker]] Zpeaker: Hiz dez-ignation iz "Frow-gler". Zpeaker: Whe-ther he iz the frog in quez-tion, I can-not zay. Nome (probably Piu) [[Offscreen]]: And this Frowgler has been here inside the... here? Zpeaker: Aff-irmative. But az alr-ready no-ted he iz not in the Camp NOW, and it iz un-known when he will re-turn. {{Comic #: 2010}} Tuesday , March 17 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. Nome Nitfol stands before Pale Zpeaker, who has his hands on a sort of speaker's podium, to which is attached a gas-light.]] Nitfol: So what /is/ this Frowgler? Why does a frog suddenly start talking? Zpeaker: You now azk quez-tionz on-ly the Nexuz can an-zwer. Nitfol: Fine! Get the Nex out here, then! Zpeaker: ... [[Turn to see Nomes Piu, Umboz, and Vezza.]] Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Do you ALL wizh to meet the Nexuz? Piu: I'm in no hurry. Umboz: Um... Vezza: Paw? I'm hungry. {{Comic #: 2011}} Wednesday , March 18 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. We see Nomes Umboz and Vezza.]] Pale Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Hun-ger. Af-firmative. Your tra-velz have been ex-tenzive. Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Zuz-tenanze... Food, and lod-gingz have been pre-pared. [[Now we see Nome Nitfol.]] Nitfol: You're not shuffling /me/ off into some- Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: ... For thoze who wizh to u-tilize them. [[Now we see Zpeaker.]] Zpeaker: If in-ztead you de-zire to en-counter the Nexuz, it will oc-cur. Nitfol [[Offscreen]]: ... /Now/? Zpeaker: Af-firmative. {{Comic #: 2012}} Thursday , March 19 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. We see the Pale Zpeaker, with his hand on a reading stand with a gaslight, pointing out directions to Nome Nitfol.]] Zpeaker: Pro-ceed through the po-rtal. Zpeaker: The guar-dianz will al-low you to pazz. Nitfol: Fine. Nitfol: Anyone joining me? [[Now we see Nomes Piu, Umboz, and Vezza.]] Piu: No, you go have fun. We'll be getting something to eat. Nitfol [[Offscreen]]: Fine. [[View of Nitfol approaching an open door.]] [[Now the door is closed.]] Vezza [[Offscreen]]: ...Paw? Umboz [[Offscreen]]: Yes, Sweetie? Vezza [[Offscreen]]: Will they have acorns? Umboz [[Offscreen]]: Let's go find out. {{Comic #: 2013}} Friday , March 20 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. Pale Zpeaker is leading Nomes Vezza, Umboz, and Piu. Two Pales watch from the shadows.]] Zpeaker: Thiz way, pleaze. Umboz: Speak.. Zpeaker... I should have asked you before but we sorta got... why are you /doing/ this? [[Zoom in on Zpeaker and Umboz.]] Zpeaker: Vez-za zquid-coaxer to be in-dicated hun-ger. Umboz: No not... /all/ of this. Taking us in. [[Zoom in closer on Zpeaker.]] Zpeaker: It haz been zaid... if we azz-izt you now, you will azz-izt uz. Umboz [[Offscreen]]: Assist... but all that /I/ could do is.. NO! Wait! STOP! {{Comic #: 2014}} Saturday , March 21 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. Pale Zpeaker stands before Nomes Vezza and Umboz.]] Umboz: The only way I could /possibly/ help you would be with squid-coaxing! And look at this place! You sure don't need 'em /here/! [[Pan right to show Umboz and Nome Piu.]] Umboz: So... so what? You want me to move the Tsquids aside, so you can attack our village? Umboz: Well, forget it! [[Pan left over to Zpeaker.]] Umboz [[Offscreen]]: I hate Mayor Koyeeb, but I won't turn traitor, even if it means we get tossed right back out of here! Zpeaker: ... [[Pan back to show Zpeaker and Umboz again. Zpeaker is pointing a finger at Umboz.]] Zpeaker: We have... al-mozt ze-ro in-terezt in Tree-zquidz. Or in the Nome vill-age. Our in-terezt iz in YOU. Umboz: Oh. Well. OK then. {{Comic #: 2015}} Sunday , March 22 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Cully and Crud are near the floor as the electric-letter writers switch off.]] ((de-click fzzt de-click)) [[Crud gets up. Cully bends over. The writers rise up out of sight.]] ((un-whirr un-whirr)) [[Two music-type horns are pushed into view above. Cully is now wearing his tin as a helmet.]] ((SHUNK)) Crud: I'm glad you remembered your spluip-catcher, but you've got it upside down. Cully: ...Oh dear.. Monday , March 23 , 2009 [[Inside the Pale's Camp.]] Piu: And so, asking more delicately, the question still is.. what is it that WE have that you want? Zpeaker: We do not know. It is a puz-zle. Umboz: *You don't k-* Piu: Umboz, please. It's this Frowgler person again, isn't it? He.. suggested.. you help us. Zpeaker: . . . Affir-mative. Zpeaker: Ev-erything he haz zta-ted haz come to be. Piu: Alrighty then. In a more *general* sense, what it is you all want? Zpeaker: We wizh to leave the world. Tuesday , March 24 , 2009 [[Int. Pale Camp. Nomes Umboz and Piu speak with Pale Zpeaker.]] Umboz: You all want to /die/? Zpeaker: Neg-ative. I zpeak lit-erally. We Wizh to pazz be-yond the bar-rier which zur-roundz uz all. [[Thought-outline showing two large mountains, a band of capital-F Fire (ie, magic) cutting across the sky, plus the Camp, the Spike, and the Mansion. Vaguely in the distance stretches the rest of the world.]] Umboz: The Wall? There's nothing beyond the Wall but- Zpeaker: The Nexuz haz lived long, and re-memberz when thingz were dif-ferent. There waz no ba-rier, the world ztretched far, and the ma-gic flowed free-ly. Zpeaker: The return to that liez through you. [[Back to the Camp. We now see Umboz and Nome Piu.]] Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Zo. Gen-erally zpeaking. What do you want? Umboz: Uh... Piu: Right now? A meal and a safe place to sleep for the night. Tomorrow... maybe we'll have more. {{Comic #: 2018}} Wednesday , March 25 , 2009 Narration: A short time later [[Int. Pale Camp. Nomes Piu, Umboz, and Vezza are present. Pale Zpeaker is waving his hand in a welcoming gesture.]] Zpeaker: Pre-zenting the zafest place to zleep we can pro-vide. [[View of a large tree trunk occupying a large chunk of the wall.]] Umboz [[Offscreen]]: ...Is that a /tree/? Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Af-firmative. [[Umboz pokes at the tree with his finger.]] ((diddle)) ((diddle)) [[Suddenly, a gap appears in the trunk, and light trickles in.]] ((warp)) Piu [[Offscreen]: And you know how to set up a tree-warp... Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: ... Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Af-ter the con-flict with the Gnollz, your an-ceztorz in-ztructed uz in the meth-od... Piu [[Offscreen]]: Oh, I don't know if any of us even remembers that... {{Comic #: 2019}} Thursday , March 26 , 2009 [[Int. A magically-created "hometree" inside the Pale Camp. Nomes Piu, Umboz, and Vezza are just entering. Around the room can be seen two windows, a ladder, a table with a cone, a cube, and a sphere, and a second table with three chairs and some food. Adjacent to the two windows are arrow-shaped signs reading "VISION PORTAL" in Manglish. Adjacent to the ladder, an arrow sign that reads "SLEEP" (in English) "CHAMBER" (in Manglish) points up. Vezza is pointing at the food on the table.]] Vezza: They do have acorns! And somabulbs! {{Comic #: 2020}} Friday , March 27 , 2009 [[Int. A tree inside the Pale Camp. We can see Pale Zpeaker just inside the entrance, and three more pales far behind him lurking at the far end of a corridor. Adjacent to the entrance is an arrow-shaped sign bearing the word "EGRESS" in Manglish.]] Zpeaker: The at-tempt waz made to dup-licate a Gnom-izh dwell-ing. Iz it zat-izfactory? Nome Umboz [[Offscreen]]: Um... [[Close-up of Umboz. Behind him is a ladder and an arrow-shaped sign, pointing downwards, that reads "BODILY HYGENE [sic] APPLICATION AND" in Manglish and "WASTE DISPOSAL" in English.]] Umboz: Yes. I guess. We'll have to... check everything. Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Af-firmative. [[Close-up of Nome Piu.]] Piu: We're going to need candles after it gets dark. Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Can-dlez? Piu: Um... some sort of portable light source...? If possible? Zpeaker [[Offscreen]]: Ah. zome-thing will be ar-ranged. More zuz-tenanze will ar-rive zhortly. {{Comic #: 2021}} Saturday , March 28 , 2009 [[Int. A tree inside the Pale Camp. Nome Piu is speaking with Pale Zpeaker just inside the entrance.]] Piu: Zpeaker... not another demand, just a last question. All this... do you really talk to other... people all that much? Zpeaker: Neg-ative. I uz-ually az-zizt in the grow-ing of Tow-er Capz... You are a-ware? [[Flashback-style view of a Pale tending to some rather large mushrooms.]] Piu: Of Tower Caps? They're... really big mushrooms, aren't they? Zpeaker: Af-firmative. Fun-gal growth. It iz a uze-ful con-tribution, but... [[Back to the present. Nome Vezza has come up behind Piu. Zpeaker has turned to leave.]] Zpeaker: I ap-preciate your prez-ence. It iz plea-zing to exe-cute my pri-mary func-tion. Vezza: Mz Piu? Can we eat now, please? Paw said to ask you. {{Comic #: 2022. Tower Caps are a homage to the computer game Dwarf Fortress}} Sunday , March 29 , 2009 Narration: Some Time Later in SubShaft44f [[Cully has a pie-tin full of colored bits. Chunner is lying on the ground.]] Crud: We'll try and.. talk.. more later, but now we need to revive Chunner. The 'Shaft.. needs.. all three of us. Crud: Sprinkle just a few of the Chromabits over him. [[Cully does so.]] [[Chunner pops into view, looking somewhat faded.]] Chunner: ///AAAAIIIIGGGGHH!!/// Chunner: . . . Chunner: . . . Chunner: ///AAAIIIGGGHH!/// [[He ((flops)) back out of sight.]] Crud: That's perfectly normal. Cully: Of course. Monday , March 30 , 2009 [[Int. A tree inside the Pale Camp. Nomes Piu and Vezza are looking at Nome Umboz.]] Piu: What's this about my deciding whether or not we eat? Umboz: First off, if they're poisoning us, on purpose or not, you've got the best... only... chance of noticing. Piu: And second? Umboz: Well... if we go through with this marriage thing, you're the one who's gonna be making the decisions, right? Piu: Broadly speaking... yes. Umboz: We may as well get an early astart. Piu: OK then. Let's eat. Vezza: Yay! {{Comic #: 2024}} Tuesday , March 31 , 2009 [[Int. A tree inside the Pale Camp. Nomes Piu, Umboz, and Vezza are sitting at a table, eating. A Pale is carrying in more food. In the background can be seen a window, with an arrow-shaped sign reading "VISION PORTAL" in Manglish, and a ladder leading downards with an arrow-shaped sign reading "BODILY HYGENE [sic] APPLICATION AND" in Manglish and "WASTE DISPOSAL" in English.]] Vezza: Mz Piu? Are you /sure/ I can sit on your Healer Bag? No one's supposed to touch it but- Piu: It's fine, Vezza, as long as you stop talking with your mouth full. {{Comic #: 2025}} Wednesday , April 1 , 2009 [[Int. A tree inside the Pale Camp. Nome Vezza is sitting at a table, pointing at something on a plate. Behind her is an unidentified Pale.]] Vezza: Hey! I had this once before. This is fish! Pale: (nod) Vezza: You eat fish? Pale: (nod) [[Vezza looks back towards the Pale.]] Vezza: You're not Zpeaker. ...Do you talk? With your mouth? Pale: (shake) [[Vezza has turned around to face the Pale.]] Vezza: No fooling? But you unnerstand when we talk? Pale: (nod) [[Pale turns to leave.]] Vezza: That's not fair! Everyone should talk! Pale: (shrug indicating philosophical indifference) {{Comic #: 2026}} Thursday , April 2 , 2009 [[Int. A HomeTree inside the Pale Camp. Nome Vezza is sitting at a table, while Nome Umboz stands behind her.]] Umboz: Get enough to eat, sweetie? Vezza: ((urp)) Yes, Paw. That was great! [[Cut to see Vezza sitting on a couch.]] Umboz: Well, then you better lay down for a while. Vezza: What? Sleep?! I'm not tired! [[Now Vezza is laying on the couch.]] Umboz [[Offscreen]]: Humor your crazy old father. Vezza: Oh, all right. But I won't- Vezza: ZZZZZZZZZ [[Cut back to see Nome Piu and Umboz standing by the entrance.]] Piu: Goes until she crashes. Sort of takes after her mother, doesn't she? Umboz: Yes, she does. {{Comic #: 2027}} Friday , April 3 , 2009 [[Int. A tree inside the Pale Camp. Nomes Piu and Umboz are sitting at a table.]] Piu: So. Nice as this is, we can't stay here forever. What /are/ we going to ask the Pales for tomorrow? Umboz: You must have some ideas. [[Close-up of Piu, making some gesture of frustration with her hand.]] Piu: None of them good. Mayor Koyeeb has to go. So... what? We invite everyone else to join us here? Umboz [[Offscreen]]: Ugh. Piu: Yes. Even if the Pales agreed to it, that sums it up nicely. [[Close-up of Umboz.]] Piu [[Offscreen]]: Or... we march into the village at the head of a Pale army, kick out Koyeeb by force? Umboz: Double ugh. Piu [[Offscreen]]: ((sigh)) More like quadruple ugh. Saturday , April 4 , 2009 [[Int. A Hometree inside the Pale Camp. Nomes Piu and Umboz are sitting at a table.]] Piu: I guess... there is no simple solution. We're going to have to... keep the Pales in the background. /Build up/ a replacement to Koyeeb. Umboz: But who? I don't have the brains to be Mayor. You can't be Mayor /and/ Healer! [[Close-up of Piu.]] Piu: I /think/ that... Nome Nitfol [[Offscreen]]: Oh, fine. Twist my arm. I'll do it. [[View of Nitfol standing at the entrance to the tree.]] Piu [[Offscreen]]: Ah. Nitfol. Your meeting with the Nexus was productive, then. Nitfol: Well, Piu, I learned why he/she/it is the one in charge around here. {{Comic #: 2029}} Sunday , April 5 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Chunner is lying on the floor. Crud has plugged his ears. Cully is pouring out a pie tin-full of colored globs.]] Crud: Now you pour the rest of them over him. All at once. Chunner: ////AAAAIIIIIGGGHH!//// [[Chunner looks up at them.]] Chunner: ...What are you two idiots staring at? Cully: You, sir. Chunner: Well stop it. Cully: Yes, sir. Monday , April 6 , 2009 [[Int. A Hometree inside the Pale Camp. Nomes Piu, Nitfol, and Umboz are sitting at a table.]] Piu: I'm afraid Vezza didn't leave you much. Nitfol: They fed me. Been a while since I had pondfish. Umboz: You? Mayor? You can't be mayor! Nitfol: Why not, Umboz? Umboz: Well... Because you... you hate everybody. Nitfol: No, /Koyeeb/ hates everyone. I merely hold most folks in contempt. Umboz: But you still- Piu: Ah! And with the destruction of your tree, we've got a ready-made "Pale-free" reason... Nitfol: ...For my sudden interest in a lifestyle change. The Nexus mentioned that. As noted, he is now an exception to my rule. {{Comic #: 2031}} Tuesday , April 7 , 2009 [[Int. A Hometree inside the Pale Camp. Nomes Piu, Nitfol, and Umboz are sitting at a table.]] Umboz: So... you both /and/ the Nexus think this idea is a good one? Piu: Yes. Nitfol: Yes. Nitfol: And yes. Umboz: ... Umboz: ... [[Cut to see Nome Vezza asleep.]] Vezza: ((ZZZZZ)) [[Back to Umboz]] Umboz: You know /my/ one condition. Nitfol [[Offscreen]]: Vezza stays safe, yes. Umboz: All right. All hail Mayor Nitfol. {{Comic #: 2032}} Wednesday , April 8 , 2009 [[Int. A Hometree inside the Pale Camp. Nomes Nitfol and Umboz are present.]] Umboz: But you're going to need a nice hat. Nitfol: Indeed. And tailoring is one of those rare areas where the Pales perhaps fall short. [[Pan left to reveal Nome Piu next to Nitfol.]] Nitfol: Which brings us to you, Piu. Piu: Me? I sew up flesh, not cloth. Nitfol: But you got Yimfil to make you this monstrosity. And, I assume, that outfit you're wearing...? [[Now we are lookinig at Nitfol from outside the tree. through a crack/window.]] Piu [[Offscreen]]: Yesss...? Nitfol: Then you can get him to do /anything/. Which is a rare and valuable talent, one I intend to exploit to the fullest. Nitfol: But that's down the path a bit. Stage Four or Five /at least/. {{Comic #: 2033}} Thursday , April 9 , 2009 [[{{Everybody in this comic is [[Offscreen]]} [[Ext. A Hometree located inside/next to the Pale Camp.]] Nome: ...You already have a multi-stage plan worked out? Nome Nitfol: The Nexus and I, in broad stroaks, yes. [[Zoom out a bit...]] Nitfol: FOr the first stage, we're going to need some reasly stupid blobworts, a five-meter pole, and three liters of Raviner ichor. Nome: Ravener ich... Nitfol, you better than anyone knows what it takes to get a Raviner to spew ichor! [[Zoom WAY out]] Nitfol: Indeed. In the morning, I will be leading an expedition to the deep forest to collect the needed... items. Nitfol: In the meantime, here's what YOU are going to be doing... Umboz: you know, Koyeeb really isn't /that/ bad... Piu: firm but fair. {{Comic #: 2034}} Friday , April 10 , 2009 Narration: Other Place in the Forest [[Amid some bushes, Snerk the Saur hears something behind him.]] ((CHOMP)) [[Comshaw sits on the very top of the Ozzy Man Dias.]] Comshaw: snif? [[Yasmine Fotheringby's hand is visible as she lies behind the remains of a stone wall. Written on the wall is THE GODS EXIST.]] Yasmine: bluh? Saturday , April 11 , 2009 [[Next to the remains of a stone wall, in the Forest of E. Yasmine Fotheringby sits up, steadying herself with one hand.]] Yasmine: ooof [[She looks around.]] Yasmine: ? [[She reaches up and grabs at her face inside her hood.]] ((click)) [[She has been wearing some sort of mask, which she now holds in her hand. Instead of being pure white, her eyes now have brown pupils.]] Yasmine, thinking: Nope.. doesn't look any better. Sunday , April 12 , 2009 Narration: A Holiday In SubShaft 44f [[Chunner has been repigmented. Cully puts his pie tin back on his head.]] Chunner: So, where were we? ((RRUMMBB-)) [[The chute ((SHUNKs)) into view above, and ((flips)) open.)) [[A collection of colorful ovals comes out of the chute and ((clatters)) on Cully's head.]] {{This strip was posted on Easter.}} Crud: SubShaft 44f. [[Chunner turns to look at the new blue wall decor, revealing a tuft of hair growing on the back of his head.]] Chunner: Of course. Monday , April 13 , 2009 [[In the Forest of E. Yasmine recovers from slamming into a wall.]] Yasmine, thinking: Where am I? ...Who am I? [[An outline of a young Yasmine walking in the desert in her home Province of Shibolith. Yasmine: No. Wait. I know that. Yasmine Fortheringby. Yasmine: I grew up in Kilntown, Joined the Guild, joined the.. [[A stylized outline of her travels to the Mansion of E.]] Yasmine: And.. Tara sent me to..? Yasmine: Arthur. Report. Right. Did I? [[She produces on the jarred Fleebs that the Weirdo gave her.]] Yasmine: Oh. Yes. Right. Disturbing. Tuesday , April 14 , 2009 [[Outline symbolically showing the passing of the things that Yasmine lists below.]] Yasmine: So.. I met with Arthur, he gave me his report and the "fleebs" and the Doodle.. [[Outline of Protus the Willygig.]] Yasmine: I tried to leave, and I met.. the Willygig. Yasmine: And he.. [[A white branching crack in darkness.]] Yasmine: Phizzshards. I could be /anywhere/. [[She is in the Forest of E, next to the remains of a stone wall. A large flutterby flits past.]] Yasmine, thinking: ..that has.. pine trees.. and.. very large flutterbys. Wednesday , April 15 , 2009 [[Yasmine Fotheringby is standing next to the remains of a stone wall in the Forest of E. All dialogue is non-verbal.]] Yasmine: Definitely need to.. scrutinize the terrain.. [[Her feet are now standing on top of the wall.]] Yasmine: OK.. The sun is going down over there, that's west.. [[She turns the other way.]] Yasmine: So that perhaps means.. [[The top of the Mansion is visible in the distance over the trees.]] Yasmine: . . . Yasmine: I am not sure if I am relieved or disappointed.. Thursday , April 16 , 2009 [[Yasmine Fotheringby is in the Forest of E, near the remains of a stone wall. She holds her staff. All of her dialogue is internal.]] Yasmine: So. I reunite with my idiot horse either by cutting through this squid and spider-infested forest , while facing into the sun.. [[She turns the other way.]] Yasmine: Or I display prudence, return to the Mansion and retrace my steps. [[She sets off.]] Yasmine: ...do I even have the right to call myself a Weirdo anymore? Friday , April 17 , 2009 [[Yasmine Fotheringby walks through the Forest of E, and comes across some ruins from the pre-Crash Eetown. Bushes and trees grow among them. A rusty corroded pot sits high on one of the stone walls.]] Yasmine, thinking: ...It is sad. I will never know what this place was.. or how that Type-2042 pot came to be there. [[Off to one side is a low chunk of wall with faded words on it: WORLD O' POTS.]] Saturday , April 18 , 2009 [[Yasmine Fotheringby walks through the Forest of E. This section has the remains of numerous stone walls.]] Yasmine, thinking: I wonder if any Human has even been here since the Cr- Voice from off-screen: uh? [[Ahead of her is a small stone hut, which has a roof made out of some sort of large leaves. Two different types of pillars or sculptures have been planted at regular intervals around the walls.]] Yasmine: . . . Yasmine, thinking: So. Voice: (cough) wrt? Yasmine, thinking: Would it be weirder to just barge right in, or pretend to have an internal debate about the wisdom of said barging first? Sunday , April 19 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Overhead, the chute closes up its flap.]] Cully: So.. We need to find those eggs and squish them? Like before? Crud: Eggs? Those aren't eggs. That one /there/ is a framebreaker seed. [[The chute ((SHUNKs)) back out of sight. Green tendrils start growing up from below.]] Cully: Framebreaker plant..? Wait. Didn't they name it that because- [[The tendrils become a mass, one of them carrying off Cully's pie-tin helmet.]] Crud: One of them destroyed Swartwouter's Great Frame. Yes. Chunner: An act of selfless public service. Monday , April 20 , 2009 [[In the Forest of E, at the front door of a small stone hut. Yasmine's staff pokes at the purple object planted nearby.]] ((poke poke)) [[She spits on it, and gets a ((burble)) in response.]] Yasmine, thinking: As I thought. Sneechstuff. A magical barrier pole. Yasmine, thinking: So. Who are you trying to keep out? [[She goes inside.]] Yasmine, thinking: Because it certainly isn't me, or any other Human.. Tuesday, April 21, 2009 [[The Forest of E. Yasmine barges into the small stone hut.]] Yasmine: Hello? It's me! Barging in! [[She sees someone's lower half, laying on a crude bed.]] Yasmine: Hello? [[She looks down at him.]] [[It's Mortimer, lying asleep.]] [[He opens his eyes.]] Mortimer: Wait a minute.. if Pales like *deserts* so much.. why do we have a bunch living in the forest? [[On the forest dias, Niddle is showing Ig the Saur a rock-stacking game that Basement-dwellers play.]] Narration: Not Very Far Away.. Ig: So it's always light-dark-light? Niddle: At first, yes, but after the third round- Comshaw: OK. Time to go find that Human. Wednesday, April 22, 2009 [[Outside Le Tree. Mowder stands guard with a stick, confronting Shona, Niff and Folla. Behind him, Delphia and Fosic lift rocks into place.]] Mowder: Greetings, travelers. You now stand at the front gate of Crazy Rhid's Ex-Place. Thursday, April 23, 2009 [[Outside Crazy Rhid's former home; there is a striped line on the wall behind. Shona, Folla and Niff the Gnolls are facing Mowder the Troglodyte, who is holding a large stick. Niff is holding a small broken twig]] Shona: What are you babbling about, Mowder? Mowder: Just doing my job, Shona. I'm the gatekeeper. They found me a stick; that makes it official. [[Niff silently tosses his twig away]] Shona: Gatek.. There is no zarking gate! Mowder: There wil be soon enough. Fosic there may not know rocktossing, but he certainly can pile them up. [[Fosic the Helipath hovers near the ceiling, adding a chunk of rubble to a growing pile.]] Mowder, from off-screen: ..Indeed, before this is over, I suspect there'll be -several- gates.. Friday , April 24 , 2009 [[Gnolls Folla, Niff, and Shona stand before young trog Mowder]] Shona: Before all of what is over? Niff: Look, can Folla and I just go inside? Mowder: Sure. Go see Catmorlo. I gather she put herself in charge of processing new arrivals. [[Folla is seen walking past Mowder in the background.]] Shona: Before all of what is over? Mowder: What's being built here. Gonna have to come up with a better name, of course. Ex-Rhid Hall, or even Sina Hall. Shona: "Sina"... My idiot deluded littermate... thinks she's going to create a new Hall?! Mowder: I doubt she's had time to consciously realize it yet, but yes, barring drastic intervention, that's where this is rapidly heading. {{Comic #: 2049}} {{Characters seen: Gnoll Folla, Gnoll Niff, Gnoll Shona, Young trog Mowder}} Saturday , April 25 , 2009 [[Gnoll Shona and young trog Mowder are conversing outside Rhid's former home.]] Shona: What do you mean, drastic intervention? Mowder: I THINK about stuff. While I can. Before I "grow up" and my brain melts. Shona: What does that have to do with- Mowder: This morning I was angrily wasting time with conspiracy theories about that idiot Tunktal. Mowder: Now... There's suddenly a new place, where you can do things. BE things. Even if it's just gatekeeper. Shona: I already do things. I am someone. Mowder: Indeed. But most folks crammed into the Halls don't and aren't. How do you think they are going to react? {{Comic #: 2050}} {{Characters seen: Gnoll Shona, Young trog Mowder}} Sunday , April 26 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A Framebreaker plant is filling the shaft with green tendrils.]] [[The Gnolls are almost completely obscured.]] Cully, probably: There's one good thing about Framebreakers.. Chunner, probably: What's that? Cully, probably: They give you chance to do all the crazy, complex and intricately detailed things you normally can't! [[The vines have completely filled the shaft, and put out large purple blooms with Es at their center.]] Cully, probably: Like /this!/ (oof!) Chunner, probably: Like what? Cully, probably: Exactly! Monday , April 27 , 2009 [[Gnoll Shona is speaking with young trog Mowder outside Rhid's former Hall. An unnamed gnoll(?) is exiting the Hall behind them.]] Shona: How will people 'react'? Sensible people will stay where it's safe! Mowder: Uh huh. Unfortunately, the Brush didn't see fit to supply everyone with equal amounts of... sensibility. [[Flashback/Silhouetted mental image]] Mowder: And the really deficient ones might start thinking... if Sina can go carve out a chunk of the Fringes... why can't I? {{Comic #: 2052}} {{Characters seen: Unknown Gnoll, Gnoll Shona, Young trog Mowder, Gobule Guttle?, Motihaul Agita?, Wyrm Nevus?}} Tuesday , April 28 , 2009 [[Gnoll Shona and young trog Mowder are speaking outside of Rhid's former Hall. Shona is trying to move past Mowder.]] Mowder: ..and so, defenders of the established order like yourself might want to start worrying about- Shona: This is ridiculous. I'm going to talk to Sina. [[Mowder blocks the way with his staff.]] ((BLOCK)) Shona: eep Mowder: No, Shona. You're not. Mowder: Not unless she wants to talk to you. Shona: ...!? {{Comic #: 2053}} {{Characters seen: Gnoll Shona, Young trog Mowder}} Wednesday , April 29 , 2009 [[Gobule Spot, Young trog Mowder, and Gnoll Shona stand outside Rhid's former Hall.]] Mowder: Spot! Spot: ...Yeah? Mowder: Go see if Sina has anything to say to her littermate. [[Mowder and Sina stand there waiting, looking at each other]] Spot: "Go home, Shona." Mowder: Sound advice, particularly on a day like this one. {{Comic #: 2054}} {{Characters seen: Gobule Spot, Young trog Mowder, Gnoll Shona}} Thursday , April 30 , 2009 [[Young trog Mowder and Gnoll Shona are standing outside Rhid's former Hall.]] [[Shona turns to leave.]] [[Shona begins to walk away.]] Mowder: All that said... Mowder: I am still willing to let you in, under certain conditions... {{Comic #: 2055}} {{Characters seen: Young trog Mowder, Gnoll Shona}} Friday , May 1 , 2009 [[Young trog Mowder and Gnoll Shona are outside Rhid's Hall. Shona has been denied entrance and is about to leave.]] Mowder: Instead of talking to Sina, you go to Catmorlo and ask how you can help. Mowder: Yes, you'd ultimately be working for your sister. "Littermate". Mowder: But you KNOW she'd be a better boss than Nevus. Mowder: What do you say? [[Shona is now seen far away from the entrance. An unknown Motihaul and unknown Gnoll are walking towards the entrance, carrying various objects.]] {{Comic #: 2056}} {{Characters seen: Young trog Mowder, Gnoll Shona, Unknown Motihaul, Unknown Gnoll}} Saturday , May 2 , 2009 [[Gnoll Sprocket and young trog Mowder are standing outside Rhid's Hall.]] Sprocket: That wasn't very nice. Mowder: I suppose, but, as I said, SOME of us must have our intellectual fun while we still can. Sprocket: Aren't you worried she'll run off and warn Nevus he needs to put a quick end to our heinous good example? Mowder: It's a risk, but if Nevus actually respected Shona's opinion... today... she'd be with him right now. Mowder: And I assume, at some level, she knows this... {{Comic #: 2057}} {{Characters seen: Gnoll Sprocket, Young trog Mowder}} Sunday , May 3 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The entire Shaft has filled up with a Framebreaker plant, thick green vines and purple blooms with a small E at the middle of them.]] Chunner, probably: I suppose that first-stage Framebreaker blooms are all right.. Chunner, probably: But i can't say I'm a fan of second stage. Cully, probably: Whyever not? They smell nice. Chunner, probably: Exactly. They attract Doombees. [[Fat purple bees bumble into view. They all say "doom"]] Cully, probably: What's wrong with Doombees? Chunner, probably: They're just so annoying! [[Two of the bees collide head-first, producing a ((BONK))]] {{At the time the comic was drawn, Doombees were an in-joke on the Comic Genesis forum.}} Monday , May 4 , 2009 [[Near Crazy Rhid's. Shona walks angrily away. Rubble lies on the floor. Graffiti on the wall reads THIS SPACE FOR RENT. Below the words is a small crack in the wall.]] [[Zooming in on the crack.]] [[Urwyn the small Wyrm pokes his head into view.]] Tuesday , May 5 , 2009 [[Shallow wyrm Urwyn is worming his way across the floor, past a small object bearing the plain text "FIESTA!"]] Urwyn: ?!! ((CLUNK)) Mowder: ahem Urwyn: ! {{Comic #: 2060}} {{Characters seen: Shallow wyrm Urwyn, Young trog Mowder}} Wednesday , May 6 , 2009 [[Young trog Mowder is holding Shallow wyrm Urwyn outside of Rhid Hall]] Mowder: That's better. Greetings traveller. Welcome to the front gate of Crazy Rhid's Ex-Place. Mowder: What can we do for you? Urwyn: I heard earlier.. I heard what's happening here, and I want to help. Mowder: Indeed? Excellent. Mowder: Spot! Mowder: Of course. He's gone. Mowder: Satyrtune! Satyrsong: Satyrsong. Mowder: Whatever. Take this fellow to Catmorlo, and see how he can help. {{Comic #: 2061}} {{Characters seen: Young trog Mowder, Shallow wyrm Urwyn, Gnoll Satyrsong}} Thursday , May 7 , 2009 [[Gnoll Satyrsong is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn through Rhid's Hall.]] Urwyn [[staring at Satyrsong]]: . . . Satyrsong: I hope you're staring at my hair. Urwyn: What? No! I... Urwyn: . . . [[On the wall, pseudorunes spell "BEWARE THE PEANUT"]] Urwyn: Don't you mean "I hope you're NOT staring-" Satyrsong: I go to the trouble to make it look like this, of course I want people to stare at it. {{Comic #: 2062}} {{Characters seen: Shallow wyrm Urwyn, Gnoll Satyrsong}} Friday , May 8 , 2009 [[Gnoll Satyrsong is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn into Rhid's place.]] Urwyn: You want to attract attention to yourself? That doesn't seem like a very-- Delfa: Satyrsong! [[Delfa is holding a small turquoise object that bears an uncanny resemblance to the USB Trident logo.]] Satyrsong: Yes, Delfa? Delfa: If you're going inside anyway, take this for the Stockpile. I found it in the hall. Satyrsong: Of course. [[On the wall, pseudorunes spell "LIVE THE DIFFERENCE".]] Urwyn: I don't spend much time around Gnolls. Do you ALL have hair like- Satyrsong: What a drab and horrible world it would be if that were true. {{Comic #: 2063}} {{Characters seen: Shallow wyrm Urwyn, Gnoll Satyrsong, Gnoll Delfa}} Saturday , May 9 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Satyrsong is carrying in shallow wyrm Urwyn and the turquoise USB trident object. Gnoll Timf is carrying a couple of boxes. Gnoll Catmorlo is standing at some sort of podium. Kulma the Mothihaul is handing a purple rope-like object to Helipath Flange. In the background, Maggle the Trog is putting a box on a shelf.]] Urwyn: ! Catmorlo: Timf. Take the rest of those things back to Sprocket. Apparently, he possesses a positive craving for them. Timf: Right. Fosic: Yes, this should do. For now. Offscreen Gnoll: Watch it! Offscreen Gobule: OOF! {{Comic #: 2064}} Sunday , May 10 , 2009 [[Subshaft 44f. The scene is entirely obscured by a mass of vines and flowers. At the center of each flower is the letter E. A large doombee bumbles past. A new vine is growing up from the floor.]] Doombee: Doom Cully, probably: i suppose you don't like the third stage, either. [[The new vine bulges near its tip.]] [[It has put forth an enormous new bloom, the petals of which can be read to say "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY'']] Chunner, probably: It's OK. Monday , May 11 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Satyrsong is carrying something resembling a turquoise USB Trident and shallow wyrm Urwyn. Gnoll Catmorlo is standing at a greeting counter.]] Catmorlo: Ah. And what do we- [[Offscreen]] Timf: Ow! [[Offscreen]] Gobule: Oh, sorry Timk, didn't see you there. [[Offscreen]] Timf: Timf! [[Offscreen]] Gobule: Whatever! [[Satyrsong is handing the trident to Catmorlo. It makes some sort of electrical-like connection to a small square object on Catmorlo's counter.]] Catmorlo: -have here? Satyrsong: We have some Thing for the Stockpile. Catmorlo: Goodie. Satyrsong: And a young Wyrm named... what was your name again? Urwyn: What? Urwyn. But did you see when that.. "Thing" just- Satyrsong: Named Urwyn, who wishes to help. Catmorlo:: Hmm... {{Comic #: 2066}} Tuesday , May 12 , 2009 [[Gnoll Satyrsong and shallow wyrm Urwyn are standing before Gnoll Catmorlo.]] Catmorlo: I imagine we can find something for you to do, but right now- [[Offscreen]] Skuy: Miss Catmorlo? Catmorlo: Yes, Skuy? Skuy: Sina says we need someone to watch the Elevator, who can 'keep low and be inconspicuous.' [[Satyrsong and Catmorlo look down at Urwyn, who realizes what's about to happen.]] Skuy: ... so if anyone like that shows up, send them back. {{Comic #: 2067}} Wednesday , May 13 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Place. Gnoll Skuy is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout. A Jibjib Burd (Steenth) is hovering in the background. Gnoll Krink and a Gobule (Prandia) are helping Helipath Flange with some unknown contraption. Signs on the wall include the following: NO RUNNING GAGS; TOGGLE ALL BIMS; BOOJUM ALL SNARKS. A pile includes a model elephant-creature, and a blue object labelled 'BULK CO']] Jibjib: How'd you build this so fast? Fosic: I am among the highest-ranked mechanics in the world. And Rhid had an amazing amount of material stowed away. Toggle the bim, Kronk. Krink: Krink. Fosic: My apologies. Please toggle the bim, Krink. Carefully. {{Comic #: 2068}} Wednesday , May 13 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Place. Gnoll Skuy is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout. A Jibjib Burd (Steenth) is hovering in the background. Gnoll Krink and a Gobule (Prandia) are helping Helipath Flange with some unknown contraption. Signs on the wall include the following: NO RUNNING GAGS; TOGGLE ALL BIMS; BOOJUM ALL SNARKS. A pile includes a model elephant-creature, and a blue object labelled 'BULK CO']] Jibjib: How'd you build this so fast? Fosic: I am among the highest-ranked mechanics in the world. And Rhid had an amazing amount of material stowed away. Toggle the bim, Kronk. Krink: Krink. Fosic: My apologies. Please toggle the bim, Krink. Carefully. {{Comic #: 2068}} Thursday , May 14 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Skuy is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout. He is watching behind them.]] [[Offscreen]] Deep wyrm Voog: OK, you two both smell each box. If it seems all right, I look inside. If it still seems all right, we sort the contents over there. [[Offscreen]] ((toggle ZEZ-ME!)) Urwyn: ! [[Offscreen]] Prandia: Wow! It worked! Skuy: I don't want to know. [[Voog is speaking to Folla and Niff the Gnolls. Behind them are a number of brown boxes with Manglish labels scribbled on them]] Niff: What happens if it isn't all right? Voog: We carefully add the box to the Back Wall. Might slow down any... you know... bad guys coming from the Fringes. Urwyn: !! {{Comic #: 2069}} Friday , May 15 , 2009 [[In Crazy Rhid's place. Urwyn is riding on Skuy's nose]] Voog: Hey, Skuy. Are y- Waaiit a second.. [[Voog examines Urwyn closely, his eyes changing.]] [[His eyes change back.]] Voog: Oh. OK then. Carry on. Urwyn: Thank you. Skuy? We'd.. we'd better go. [[They go.]] Skuy: What in the world..? Urwyn: He was checking. Whether he had to eat me. He didn't, I guess. Skuy: WHAT? Niff, off-panel: What was all that about? Voog, ditto: What was *what* all about? Saturday , May 16 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Shallow wyrm Urwyn is sitting on Gnoll Skuy's snout.]] Urwyn: Not literaly "eat" but... our Relationship with the Deep Wyrms is... all complicated. And we're not encouraged to... Urwyn: I guess it's like... you Gnolls not talking about those "finaglers" you use. Skuy: ... Skuy: Fine. But I'm never going to use one. [[Outlines showing Cully, Skuy, and Nevus. A small heart is seen between Cully and Skuy.]] Urwyn: Can you say why n- Skuy: Cully was going to ask me. I could tell. And I would have said yes. Skuy: But then Nevus... [[Int. Rhid's Hall, Present]] Skuy: Nevus is a great big /phizzer/. And if he's a friend of yours, I'm sorry, but I /don't/ apologize. Urwyn: ...Um... as far as I know, Mr. Nevus isn't aware I exist, and I would prefer to keep it that way. {{Comic #: 2071}} Sunday , May 17 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft has been filled with vines and blooms, with a particularly large flower in the middle of it all. The Gnolls are concealed behind them.]] Crud: That is another of Rhid's theories, you know. ((WILT)) [The vines and blooms are gone, leaving hanging in midair the centers of the latter, which are marked with an E.]] [[The centers/seeds fall to the ground.]] ((clatter bump bonk)) Cully: What is? Crud: That framebreakers and the Tree are somehow /related/. Crud: But even I see that's ridiculous. Framebreakers come and go in an instant. The Tree is forever. Monday , May 18 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Skuy is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout, standing before the doorway to Rhid's former workroom.]] Urwyn: So... the Elevator's... in there? Skuy: No. [[Int. Rhid's Hall, looking at the next doorway over.]] Skuy: The Elevator's over /there/. Skuy: But I'm sure Sina wants to meet you first. [[Int. Rhid's Hall, inside aforementioned workroom/laboratory. Visible is a ladder, a stuffed crocogator hanging from the ceiling, and some strange apparati atop a table, on which is written in Manglish, 'FRIMMIN AT THE JIMJAM FRIPPIN IN THE FROTZ'.]] Urwyn: ...Why do I think I'm going to be safer over there? Skuy: Sprocket is clearing out the really bad stuff, but don't touch anything. {{Comic #: 2073}} Tuesday , May 19 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Skuy is carrying Urwyn on her snout. Trogs Grik and Grak are standing lookout on either side of Sina. Gnoll Kottle is present, carrying a small briefcase, a backpack, and a healer's head mirror, discussing the condition of Trog Wrawa. Also present is male Motihaul Hiblehoy. In the background is a shell full of cobwebbed Objects.]] Urwyn: How far back does all of this go? Skuy: We keep finding nooks and crannies. No one had any idea it was here... Kottle: I've got Wrawa resting. You'll want to keep an eye on her. Sina: Thank you, Kottle. Would you be interested... Kottle: In being that eye? For now, sure. And maybe later on... {{Comic #: 2074}} Wednesday , May 20 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Skuy is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout, and standing before Trog Grik.]] Grik: Hold! Skuy: Yes, Grik? Grik: Is that Wyrm authorized to reside on your nose? Skuy: Yes, Grik. Grik: ... Very well. Carry on. Urwyn: What was that all... Skuy: Grik and Grak have appointed themselves Sina's bodyguards. Urwyn: Did they need to? Skuy: ...As long as Rhid is still alive and running around loose... maybe. Yes. {{Comic #: 2075}} Thursday , May 21 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Skuy is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout. Gnoll Sina is speaking to male Motihaul Hiblehoy.]] Sina: So, Hiblehoy, if you'd be willing- Skuy: Sina. It's me again. Sina: Yes, Skuy, I can... Sina: Do you have a Wyrm on your snout? Skuy: Yes... Sina: I /am/ seeing better. /Why/ do you have a Wyrm on your snout? Skuy: His name's Urwyn. He wants to help. Maybe send him to watch the Elevator? Sina: Hmm... {{Comic #: 2076}} Friday , May 22 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Place. Gnoll Sina is speaking with Gnoll Skuy, who is carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout.]] Sina: So, Urwyn, you're eager to help? Urwyn: Um... I'm willing to... watch the Elevator. Urwyn: If that's what you want. Sina: Ah, good. [[Male Motihaul Hiblehoy is standing behind Sina.]] Sina: If you had been /eager/, I would have had to reject you on grounds of insanity. Sina: Lemme just finish with Hiblehoy here, and we'll be off. Hiblehoy: Um... can I just go on record that I'm eager to help in any way? Sina: Ah, good! I have just the reward for such selfless enthusiasm! {{Comic #: 2077. Dialogue is reference to Catch 22.}} Saturday , May 23 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Place. Gnoll Sina is speaking with male Motihaul Hiblehoy.]] Hiblehoy: If you're going to ask me to go help Sprocket with his cleanout-- Sina: No, no. I sent whatstheirnames, the gal Motihaul in the hat and the one with the bag. Sina: And I know you're not allowed to work with them. Hiblehoy: "Not allowed?" No, that's Helipaths. For us, it's just easier if- [[Zoom out. Gnoll Skuy is visible, carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her muzzle.]] Sina: Yes, yes, it's always complicated, "like us Gnolls and Finaglers". Hiblehoy: Well actually, if you just let me explain, it's- Sina: Hiblehoy. Please go see if you can make up some more nests... beds... for people to sleep in. Hiblehoy: Right. On it. {{Comic #: 2078}} Sunday , May 24 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[((CHOMPs)) come from the floor.]] Cully: The Slimegrubs are eating all the seeds! Chunner: Always do. Crud: You'd think they would learn not to; cracking the seed's shell sets off the- [[Purple seeds marked with an E rocket into the air, taking slimegrubs along with them.]] ((FOOM x 3)) [[The seeds explode, leaving glowing shapes floating in the air: upside down heart, a star, a crescent and a triangle.]] ((POW)) Cully: Oh my.. Crud: Indeed. Crud: Someone must have been messing about with the River of Fire again.. Monday , May 25 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Place. Gnoll Sina is speaking with Gnoll Skuy, who bears shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout.]] Sina: OK. Now we can- [[Offscreen]] Gobule Spot: Boss? Sina: Yes, Spot? Spot: Flange got his whatsit to work, and they need you out front again. Sina: Yes, fine. I'm headed there after I deal with this. And Spot- [[Offscreen]] Spot: Yeah, Boss? [[Offscreen]] Sina: Go get yourself cleaned up, like everyone else. Stand under that waterspray Ploot and Voog found. Spot: Just get dirty again, but You're the Boss. [[Offscreen]] Gnoll: Sina! You gotta come quick! Sina: Yay me. {{Comic #: 2080}} Tuesday , May 26 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Young trog Grak is guarding Gnoll Sina. Gnoll Pergola stands before Grak.]] Sina: What is it, Pergola? Pergola: There's this /thing/ back there, and it's spewing /goo/ all over- Sina: Is it alive, or made out of metal? Pergola: What? Metal. If it was a plant, /I/ could- Sina: Fine. /Go get Sprocket/. He's over there somewhere. Pergola: Oh. Right. OK. [[Gnoll Skuy, carrying shallow wyrm Urwyn on her snout, is seen behind Sina. On the wall in the background is Manglish reading 'BUCK STOPS HERE'.]] Urwyn: um.... Urwyn: I could just go to the Elevator and- Sina: No, no. Gotta show you. Come on. {{Comic #: 2081}} Wednesday , May 27 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Place. Young trogs Grik and Grak guard Gnoll Sina as she walks with Gnoll Skuy and shallow wyrm Urwyn (who sits atop Skuy's snout).]] Urwyn: Um... anybody... that creature hanging from the ceiling over there? Sina: The Crocogator? What about it? [[Pan back to the very green and very dead stuffed Crocogator hanging from the ceiling]] [[Offscreen]] Urwyn: Ah. That's what I was wondering. I guessed, but I've never seen one. [[Offscreen]] Sina: Never been over to Nubby's to watch the Daily Feeding? [[Flashback-style view of partial map of the Basement, with Manglish spelling 'HERE' and 'THERE' at opposite ends.]] Urwyn: No. There's no- it's a long trip. For me, anyway. Sina: Ah. I suppose it would be. {{Comic #: 2082}} Thursday , May 28 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Young Trog Grak is seen leading Gnoll Sina, Gnoll Skuy, and Shallow Wyrm Urwyn, the latter of whom sits atop Skuy's snout.]] Sina: ...As to /why/ the c-gat' is there, I imagine Rhid had a reason, but I don't know what it was. Grak: Actually. He inherited it from old Burtgum, who instructed him in... concocting mixtures. [[Flashback, showing the dead Crocogator hanging from the ceiling, and Gnoll Burtgum and a Trog (Gumph). Burtgum is tinkering with some sort of chemistry experiment, while the Trog watches over his shoulder as he carries a number of small round objects in his arms.]] Sina: ...How do you know that, Grak? Grak: Our, Grik and I's, father toiled for him. Burtgum, that is. Grak: Strange fellow. Wore a pointy hat all the time. Claimed it helped him think. [[Flashback, showing just the Trog as he watches a smoking cornuthaum flying through the air upside-down.]] Sina: There was a hat? I'm surprised Rhid didn't inherit that as well. Grak: Perhaps he would have, but there was little left after "the Incident". Sina: Ah. So... was this before or after Rhid got booted by the Candle Monks? Grak: Candle Monks? I regret I can't assist you there. {{Comic #: 2083}} Friday , May 29 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Young Trog Grik, Gnoll Skuy, Shallow Wyrm Urwyn (atop Skuy's snout), Gnoll Sina, and Young Trog Grak are walking along. In the background are, from left to right: An extremely large stalagmite bearing the Manglish inscription 'BIG SHARP SPIKE'; a couple of containers bearing the skull-and-crossbones "poison" logo; a mysterious glass bottle containing a pink-and-green liquid which, despite being stoppered, is leaking a similarly colored gas; a device containing an axe, a hammer, a circular saw, and some sort of toothed clamp resembling an animal with sharp teeth; finally, a large black object with a big red button and a sign that says DO NOT PUSH.]] Sina: But anyway. The Back Hallway. We're piling stuff that looks really dangerous here. Sina: Don't touch anything. [[Offscreen]] Finimbrun: You're breathing on things again, Huff! Stop it! [[Offscreen]] Gobule Huff: Yessir. Nosir. {{Comic #: 2084}} Saturday , May 30 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall, the Back Hallway.]] Gnoll Sina: We'll just go through and- Young Trog Grak: No we won't. Sina: Excuse me? Grak: If the Wyrm is willing, that is his decision as a free individual, but you, Sina... Mis Sina... are NOT approaching any closer. Sina: I do- Grak: Because, as you note, the danger-level is unacceptably high. Gnoll Skuy: He's right. Sina: ... Sina: You know... I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask for any of this. [[Offscreen]] Grak: Which is exactly why we're doing it. Please. Sina: Fine. {{Comic #: 2085}} Sunday , May 31 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Glowing outlines float over the Gnolls' head: a heart, a star, a crescent and a triangle.]] Chunner: I've never seen these. What do they have to do with the River of Fire? Crud: Shapes like that always float over the River. Cully: You've been down to the actual River? Not just the Observatory? Crud: Observ--? No. Yes. Just the once. When I was.. doing research. Crud: On my you-know-what. Chunner: But what do they /mean/? Crud: I have no idea. You might try asking an Eyebolt. Crud: If you can find one that's willing. And sane. Monday , June 1 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall.]] Gnoll Sina: So. Anyway. Last chance for /you/ to come to your senses, Urwyn. Shallow Wyrm Urwyn: I'll do it, but... if something... does happen, I can't really get back in time to- [[Sina holds a smalll transparent object out in front of Urwyn.]] Sina: Actually, we've got that covered. With /this/. A GBOL globe. Rhid used them to bottle his... little surprises. Urwyn: ... Um... How will that- [[Sina taps the object with her finger.]] ((TING)) Urwyn: oh... Sina: Fortunately, these appear to be Pelucid originals. {{Comic #: 2087}} Tuesday , June 2 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall.]] Gnoll Sina: You'll use this to signal Finim... oh. Right. Better do this all at once. Sina [[yelling]]: Finimbrun! Get over here! [[Finimbrun appears.]] Gnoll Finimbrun: /What/? I'm terribly busy. Sina: Finimbrun, this is Urwin. He's agreed to do Elevator watch-duty. Finimbrun: hm. I suppose /possibly/ he won't breathe too much. Sina: We bask in the delicious warming glow of your enthusiastic approval. {{Comic #: 2088}} Wednesday , June 3 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall.]] Gnoll Sina: So, you two need to work out some sort of signal system. Sina: At least, a difference between "something interesting is happening" and... Gnoll Finimbrun: "Something REALLY interesting is happening." Sina: I was going to say "Flee for your life", but same difference. [[Offscreen]] Gnoll: Miss Sina! You gotta come see this! Sina: Of course. Both of you. Take care... And thank you. {{Comic #: 2089}} Thursday , June 4 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall.]] Shallow Wyrm Urwyn: So... Mr. Finimbrun... did /you/... volunteer to work back here... or...? Gnoll Finimbrun: More or less. I have always had an interest in such things. [[Flashback. Silhouettes of Finimbrun and Gnoll Rhid, the latter of whom is holding a small bomb and grinning wickedly.]] Finimbrun: I would have even offered to be Rhid's apprentice, except it was quite clear he preferred to work alone. Urwyn: ..and...wasn't he...well...crazy? Finimbrun: His ongoing mental state was a factor in my decision as well, yes. {{Comic #: 2090}} Friday , June 5 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Finimbrun is carrying a small GBOL globe in his hands, and Shallow Wyrm Urwyn on his shoulder.]] Finimbrun: As for our signal code... in non-emergencies, perhaps you could strike the bulb in a slow steady series. And in an emergency... Urwyn: Hit it 'til... my tail falls off? ((TING)) [[In the background can be seen a small plush crocogator, a sealed gray box bearing a skull-and-crossbones logo, and a large green... thing.]] Finimbrun: Indeed. And if you are suddenly cut off, then I will know it is a very /serious/ emergency. Urwyn: ulp {{Comic #: 2091. The plush crocogator is a homage to cartoonist Phil Foglio's character "The Winslow"}} Saturday , June 6 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Finimbrun is carrying Shallow Wyrm Urwyn on his shoulder. In the background is a large green heap with stitches and patches, and topped with a couple of unlit light bulbs.]] Finimbrun: I suppose I should introduce you to Huff. Huff, this is... Finimbrun: ... [[The light bulbs on the heap turn on, and a crack begins to open.]] ((ping)) ((pong)) Finimbrun: Odd. He was here a moment ago. ((GLORF!!)) [[Suddenly, the lights are off again, the crack is closed, and Finimbrun and Urwyn are now inside the heap.]] Finimbrun: Ah. There you are. Huff, this is Urwyn. Urwyn: Hello. Gobule Huff: 'lo. {{Comic #: 2092}} Sunday , June 7 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Glowing outlines float of the Gnolls' heads: A heart, a star, an oval and a triangle.]] Chunner: You /are/ aware that you're not in much of a position to gripe about people's lack of sanity. Crud: What? I'm as sane as at the next person! [[Pliskin the Gnoll pokes his eye into view from below.]] Pliskin: //BWAHAHGabbleAHAHA!!// Crud: Even more so, in fact! Chunner: My abject apologies.You have indeed cleared that particular bar. Cully: That was /Pliskin/! I heard he was dead! Monday , June 8 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's back hall. Gnoll Finimbrun, Shallow Wyrm Urwyn, and Gobule Huff have been swallowed by a heap covered with stitches and patches. A Smyt wearing a conical 'Asian' hat is climbing the heap, while another lurks in hiding.]] [[The hider emerges, wielding a comparatively enormous sword, and confronts the hat-wearer.]] [[The hat-wearer continues on his way. There is no sign of the sword-wielder]] Finimbrun: It /is/ oddly comfortable in here, and likely safer, but I suppose we should escape. Urwyn: um... Yes. Huff: zzz {{Comic #: 2094. The smyts are homages to the actor David Carradine and the fantasy writer David Eddings, who had both recently passed away.}} Tuesday , June 9 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Finimbrun, Shallow Wyrm Urwyn, and Gobule Huff are hidden beneath a green heap covered with stitches and patches.]] Finimbrun: I suppose we could claw or chew or... forgive me... worm our way out, but let's see if... ah.. Urwyn: What? Finimbrun: There is a collection of protrusions here. I am no Sprocket, but let us see if- [[Suddenly, dark scribbles appear on the heap's surface.]] ((click)) Finimbrun: That sounded promising, but nothing...? Urwyn: I guess not. [[Suddenly, the heap has turned purple and the scribbles have turned gray.]] ((click)) Finimbrun: Still nothing... {{Comic #: 2095}} Wednesday , June 10 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Finimbrun, Shallow Wyrm Urwyn, and Gobule Huff are inside a purple heap covered with stitches, green patches, and gray scribbles. A couple of pointy things have just appeared.]] ((click)) Finimbrun: Nothing... Urwyn: I heard... never mind. [[The scribbles reform as a couple of circles and the words "EAT AT SHUB'S". The two pointy things start waving around.]] ((click)) Finimbrun: No... [[The two circles have become holes in the tarp. Urwyn is poking his head out through one of them.]] ((click)) ((woop)) ((woop)) Urwyn: !! Finimbrun: Well, at least now you can escape, and we can- Huff: zzz. Finimbrun: I can /see/ how I am trapped. {{Comic #: 2096}} Thursday , June 11 , 2009 [[Between the Elevator and Crazy Rhiid's. Finimbrun the Gnoll, Urwyn the Wyrm and Huff the Gobule have been swallowed by a strange purple object. Written on the exterior is EAT AT SHUB'S. Urwyn is looking out one of the thing's 'eye'-holes.]] Finimbrun: There's a whole range of lumps and such.. and some Human-script.. "Kwa-lish.. Pro- moion al Display Carp.. Corp. 'Krill the Krak-en' model 20-97a." Urwyn: ..Oh. Finimbrun: I agree. Not terribly helpful. But over /here/.. "ten-tacle man-ip ulator.. control.." ((MANIPULATE)) [["Krill" has tentacles, and they ((FLAIL)) about.]] Urwyn: It looks like it.. works. Finimbrun: Does it now.. Friday , June 12 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Finimbrun, and Gobule Huff are inside a purple heap covered with stitches, green patches, several tentacles, and gray scribbles spelling "EAT AT SHUB'S". Shallow Wyrm Urwyn is poking his head out of one of two eyeholes.]] Finimbrun: Buf it this... "kraken" is truly going to be of use, I will need... ah... Urwyn: What? [[The eyeholes get larger. Finimbrun's head is now visible through one, while Urwyn has fallen tail-up.]] ((vwoorp> ((vwoorp)) Finimbrun: There. Urwyn: Yipe! [[Urwyn is now right-side up, and the tentacles are wiggling around.]] Urwyn: How... how did you figure that out so /fast/? Finimbrun: Hm? Compared to the hoops that old Geejah used to put me through this is- heh... child's play. {{Comic #: 2098}} Saturday , June 13 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Finimbrun, Shallow Wyrm Urwyn, and Gobule Huff are inside a purple heap covered with stitches, green patches, several tentacles, two eyeholes, and gray scribbles. Finimbrun is looking out through the left eyehole, while Urwyn is poking his head out of the right one.]] Urwyn: Who's... Geejaw? Finimbrun: Hm? Oh. He was my sires' Finagler. He always said we needed to prepare for- [[Now we see two tentacles holding a red-and-white ball that looks a lot like a Pokeball and bears the Manglish inscription 'RHID: FIND LIGHTNING ROD BEFORE OPENING AGAIN! - RHID'.]] Urwyn [[Offscreen]]: For what? Finimbrun: [[Offscreen]]: Never mind. His... intellectual framework was odd, even for a Finagler. Suffice it to say I trained for this under a hard taskmaster. {{Comic #: 2099}} Sunday , June 14 , 2009 [[[Overhead are some glowing shapes: a heart, a star, a circle, a triangle.]] Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: Was.. Pliskin here all along? Chunner: No. He lives.. exists.. down in 45f along with Plotz. And.. whatissnout. The new guy. Crud: Pelf. [[The star and the circle begin to break apart.]] Cully: I thought I was the new guy. Chunner: So you are. Chunner: HEAR THAT, PELF? YOU'RE NOT THE NEW GUY ANYMORE! Pelf: . . . [[They form into the phrase 2100 WOO HOO]] {{2100th MoE strip}} Cully: ...Maybe he didn't hear you.. Chunner: He did. He's probably just busy sucking on his air tube. Crud: Or refereeing the daily T-rat/Lurker fights. Pelf, weakly: yay! Monday , June 15 , 2009 [[Int. Rhid's Hall. Gnoll Finimbrun, Shallow Wyrm Urwyn, and Gobule Huff are inside a purple heap covered with stitches, green patches, several tentacles, two eyeholes, and gray scribbles. Finimbrun is looking out through the left eyehole, while Urwyn is poking his head out of the right one.]] Finimbrun: This shall make this entire process immensely safer and more efficient. Tentacle: ((ShIFT)) [[The tentacle changes color.]] Urwyn: Um... OK. But I still... need to go watch the Elevator. [[Close up of Urwyn. The ShIFTing tentacle is now directly in front of him.]] Finimbrun [[Offscreen]]: That's what I was referring to. Step aboard. Finimbrun [[Offscreen]]: Although, yes, it will help with my sorting as well. [[Urwyn is now riding the tentacle away from the heap. A glass GBOL sphere is being carried on the tip of the tentacle.]] Finimbrun [[Offscreen]]: Huff! Rouse yourself! A new era has dawned! Huff [[Offscreen]]: Sir? Yessir! {{Comic #: 2101}} Tuesday , June 16 , 2009 [[Ext. The Elevator. We see Shallow Wyrm Urwyn and his alarm bell, a small glass bowl, as Urwyn prepares to watch The Elevator.]] [[View of Urwyn's hiding place.]] [[He pokes his head into view. He is very small.]] [[View of The Elevator, which is closed and silent.]] Urwyn [[Thought bubble]]: ... OK Then. Wednesday , June 17 , 2009 [[Ext. The Elevator. View of Shallow Wyrm Urwyn watching The Elevator from his hiding place]] [[View of The Elevator, which is closed.]] [[Ditto. Nothing changes.]] [[Close-up of Urwyn. The wall next to him bears the Manglish writing 'THE SUSPENSE IS TERRIBLE' at the top and 'I HOPE IT LASTS' at the bottom.]] [[View of The Elevator]] [[View of Urwyn]] Urwyn [[Thought bubble]]: After all that, I was somehow expecting something to happen the instant I arrived. [[Offscreen]] Shallow Wyrm Zugo: Urwyn? {{Comic #: 2103}} Thursday , June 18 , 2009 [[Ext. The Elevator. Shallow Wyrms Zugo and Urwyn are present. Zugo has a basket strapped to his back.]] Urwyn: Zugo? What are you doing here? Zugo: Working. Why're /you/ here? Urwyn: Now the Circle's got you on /gathering/ duty? When do you find time to sleep? Zugo: Gotta be done. /Why're you here?/ Urwyn: I got tired, Zugo. Tired of just... I would have gone out gathering, you know. Gladly. Zugo: It's covered. Urwyn: I'm working too. I'm finally being /useful/. I'm watching the Elevator. {{Comic #: 2104}} Friday , June 19 , 2009 [[Ext. The Elevator. Shallow Wyrms Zugo and Urwyn are present; Zugo has basket strapped to his back, from which poke some greenery.]] Zugo: Who're you- Urwyn: I don't pretend that lolling around up in the Inner Ring is /bad/, but... I'd give it up, you know. Drop to the Outer with you. If I could. Zugo: Never work. Urwyn: I know. Your fellows would rip me to pieces for Breaking the Rings. Violating the Established Order. Urwyn: Only... they aren't, are they? Your fellows. We're /both/ different. Urwyn: You actually /talk/ to me. Urwyn: Well. Sort of. Technically. And... I've always appreciated that. Zugo: No problem. {{Comic #: 2105} Saturday , June 20 , 2009 [[Ext. The Elevator. Shallow Wyrms Zugo and Urwyn are present; Zugo has a basket strapped to his back.]] Urwyn: ...What did you start to ask? Zugo: Who'reya watching /for?/ Urwyn: A gnoll named Sina. Like you... she's got too much to do. Zugo: Shouldn't- Urwyn: "Get Involved with the Big Folk." I'm not Mr. Nevus, but we can't /avoid/ being involved. Everything they /do/ trickles do- Urwyn: ... Urwyn: You might... inform the innerest Ring that Rhid's been tossed out. If they don't know already. Sina's people are tearing into... everything. Zugo: New trickles coming down? Urwyn: Maybe. Yes. {{Comic #: 2106} Sunday , June 21 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The glowing shapes floating overhead are breaking apart.]] Cully: Air tube? Lurker fights? Cully: Is subShaft 45f really that much worse than here? Chunner: Further down you go, kid, the worse it gets. Cully: How far.. where's the bottom? /Is/ there a bottom? Chunner: Everything ends eventually, but there's no- Crud: Legend speaks of... /SubShaft 86p/. Chunner: Not this again. [[Crud somehow shoots red sparks.]] Crud: ..down in the Hot Zone itself, where gems bloom like flowers, the Squirms fill bottomless pits, and rocks walk about and talk. Chunner: You know, I could almost believe the gems part, but /walking rocks/? Cully: Are you going to attack someone if you're asked what a Squirm is? Monday , June 22 , 2009 Narration: Meanwhile.. [[In the entrance of Rhid's former place. A large irregular hole/door has been opened in the wall; it is surrounded by the cracked remains of a frame constructed of various bits and pieces of metal and equipment by Flange. Sina and Skuy observe this, with Grik and Grak the Troglodytes standing watch. A purple female Gobule is present as well. Two squares remain in the open space, reading TOGGLE ALL BIMS and BOOJUM ALL SNARKS.]] {{The Gobule is named Prandia. Bim Toggling is a homage to the outdoor humorist Patrick McManus.}} Skuy: My goodness. Can you do this to /any/ wall? Flange: Sadly no. Only ones sporting that "bim toggling" label. Flange: And most of /those/ have long been opened.. Monday , June 22 , 2009 Narration: Meanwhile.. [[In the entrance of Rhid's former place. A large irregular hole/door has been opened in the wall; it is surrounded by the cracked remains of a frame constructed of various bits and pieces of metal and equipment by Flange. Sina and Skuy observe this, with Grik and Grak the Troglodytes standing watch. A purple female Gobule is present as well. Two squares remain in the open space, reading TOGGLE ALL BIMS and BOOJUM ALL SNARKS.]] {{The Gobule is named Prandia. Bim Toggling is a homage to the outdoor humorist Patrick McManus.}} Skuy: My goodness. Can you do this to /any/ wall? Flange: Sadly no. Only ones sporting that "bim toggling" label. Flange: And most of /those/ have long been opened.. Tuesday , June 23 , 2009 [[In the front entrance of Rhid's former place. Sina glares at the new passageway that Flange has opened. Skuy watches.]] Flange: Further, it has long been my belief that when the Humans retreated from the world, they sealed off large areas which we have yet to-- [[He comes into view.]] Flange: You are annoyed. Do you wish me to seal the wall back- Sina: What? No! Not you, Flange. Well done. Sina: I was thinking of Rhid. He /must/ have known this was here. [[Map of the local stretch of the Basement: Rhid's place, the elevator, the twistpoint, with lots of "new" tunnels leading off to question marks.]] Sina: Sitting on all this empty space, when we're crammed snout to tail into the Halls.. Sina: Never mind! Flange, please go help Sprocket. Catmorlo! Get over here! Wednesday , June 24 , 2009 [[In the entry-hall of Rhid's Ex-Place, Sina talks to her fellow Gnoll Catmorlo.]] Catmorlo: Yes, Sina? Sina: Flange just opened up a whole new section that needs exploring. If someo- Othara, from off-screen: HAIL! [[She is a female Motihaul, wearing spelunking-type gear and carrying a pack.]] Othara: It is I, Othara, child of Otharson, grandchild of Othar! I come to EXPLORE!! [[Sina turns to go.]] Sina: -ne who might be good at that shows up, put them to work. Catmorlo: I shall keep an eye firmly peeled! Othara: Surely that is not a freshly-opened bim-toggle hole! Thursday, June 25, 2009 [[Urwyn: I know you'll also need to tell the Innerest about *me*. Tell them that.. no one will even notice that I'm gone. Yugo: They'll notice. Urwyn: I suppose that- [[The elevator door. It is closed.]] Urwyn: . . . Sorry. Thought I heard something. Anyway. Urwyn: I suppse Zym and my fellow.. moss-loungers *might* notice. But they'll be *glad* to be rid of me. Can you deny that? Yugo: Suppose not. Urwyn: OK then. Friday , June 26 , 2009 [[In the entrance hall of Rhid's former place.]] Sina: All right. Next, we need to- Sina: /Oh, phizz../ Skuy: What? What's wrong? Sina: Skuy! Quick! Go find Urwyn and warn him about Hopobefever! [[Near the Elevator, Urwyn talks to his fellow Wyrm Yugo.]] Urwyn: So if the Innerest want me back, they can /drag/ me. I'll be right h- [[From the direction of the Elevator comes a loud ((PING)).]] Saturday , June 27 , 2009 [[The doors to the Elevator have opened, revealing Hopobefevfer the Ghast, standing apparently alone inside the Elevator. Her eyes are now red and yellow.]] Urwyn, off-panel: Zugo.. you should probably leave now.. Sunday , June 28 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Crud: Squirms? Oh, that's no secret. They're related to Wyrms. Only not intelligent. And much bigger. Crud: They can't leave the Hot Zone at all. Crud: And I gather it's the.. "Wee-yurms" who insist it is /not/ pronounced "Sqee- yurm". Cully: Have you ever /seen/.. Crud: Hm? No. Well. I saw the carcass of one. Crud: Father Groat had it dragged up from the Hot Zone and put on display outside the Finagler Nook. Cully: Why did he- Chunner: I mercifully missed the particular episode in question, but old Groat only ever had one reason for anything he did. Chunner and Crud: "The Brush wills it!" Monday , June 29 , 2009 [[Inside the MoE Elevator.]] Operator: Now then.... What have we established? Hopobefevfer: Sir. Level Three passwords verified. You are my superior officer. Sir. Operator: And you /are/ ready for your first mission? Hopobefevfer: Sir. yes sir! Operator: . . . Operator: I'm curious. What do you think of me? Hopobefevfer: Sir. Are you /ordering/ me to answer, sir? Operator: I suppose I am, soldier. Hopobefevfer: Sir. I despise and revile you. Sir. Operator: Mm. Yes. Some year. I must unearth those level /four/ passwords.. Tuesday , June 30 , 2009 [[Hpobfvfr and The Operator are standing in the Elevator. Behind Hpobfvfr is a partially obscured sign, reading: WELCOME TO THE ELEVATOR OPER ??? 426236 NO ???ING NO ??TING NO ??NING NO F???INGING NO HITTING THE OPERATOR WITH A FRYING PAN OR CHOPING HIS TAIL OR DISOBEYING ORDERS NO WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED DO?? TIP K???AY DO N??? SIGN ]] The Operator: So anyway. Your first mission. There is, I believe, a frying pan lying out there. Go and fetch it for me. Hpobfvfr: Sir, yes sir. [[Ext. elevator. Hpobfvfr's hand is reaching for the frying pan.]] The Operator: Oh, and private Hpobfvfr... The Operator: I order you to HAND it to me. The Operator: NOT strike me forcefully with it, or throw it at my face. [[Int. elevator]] Hpobfvfr: Mission accomplished, sir. The Operator: Well done. Now comes the hard part. {{Comic #: 2116}} Wednesday , July 1 , 2009 [[At the Elevator. Hopobefevfer hands the Operator the frying pan.]] Operator: If this is what I think it is, then it was quite careless of Sylvester to leave it behind. [[The Operator holds the pan by its edge. This produces a very visible reaction on both him and the pan.]] Operator: Ah yes. Operator: Genuine Plinthian Cold-Forged Iron. Straight from the Authority's Mine. [[Hopobefevfer is outside the Elevator.]] Operator: And thus, you'll be happy to hear, quite excruciating painful. Hopobefevfer: Sir yes sir. Operator: But, as is so often the case, this is the price of progress... Thursday , July 2 , 2009 [[Inside the Elevator, the Operator holds the Cold-Forged Iron frying pan. His hand covered with lines of pain.]] Operator: Now we must run a preliminary test to see if my theory holds any promise.. [[He ((THRUSTs)) at the wall of the Elevator with the pan's handle; the wall warps slightly. The pain-lines have grown longer.]] Operator: Ah. Promising indeed. [[He tosses the pan to the floor with a ((CLANG))]] Operator: But that is a /long-term/ project. Operator: Let us return (aah) to the here-and-now. Friday , July 3 , 2009 [[At the Elevator. The Operator's hand radiates pain from holding the iron frying pan.]] Operator: Let's see what else is available at the market today.. [[The head of the Troglodyte who Rosemary killed.]] Operator: A beheaded Trog. [[The body of one of Guttle's enforcers.]] Operator: A dead Gobule. [[Urywn the Wyrm watches from the entrance to the room.]] Operator: Wait! What do we have /here/, lurking in the /corner/.. Urwyn: !! Operator: Fresh Ghast material! Fill the cart! Hopobefevfer: Sir, there is no c- Operator: I was speaking metaphorically, private. Drag your dead friend over here. Urwyn: . . . Saturday , July 4 , 2009 [[Hopobefevfer is outside the Elevator, looking down at the remains of Hepthbav the Ghast. Her eyes are red and yellow.]] [[She stares some more.]] Operator: I gave you an order, Priv- Operator: Oh. Operator: He wasn't a friend at all. [[Hopobefevfer's eyes almost return to normal.]] Operator: Abort the mission. [[Her eyes go red/yellow again.]] Operator: Abort the mission and /return to base/. Hopobefevfer: Sir. Yes Sir. Sunday , July 5 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Two glowing outlines drop back into view from above: a heart and a triangle.]] Chunner: Strange to think. Groat's just a name to you, isn't he, kid? Cully: I've.. heard the stories. [[While the Gnolls think about Groat, the shapes change into the word "INDEPENDENCE+1"]] [[The shapes vanish.]] Cully: Did he really throw the last of the High Schemers into the Great Chasm? Chunner: It wasn't like it was a /ceremony/; Sachem was trying to stab Groat with that knife of his. Crud: "That knife?" It was a /Shivblade/. Monday , July 6 , 2009 [[At the Elevator, near Rhid's place.]] Operator: So. Lost loves. Or.. No. You hadn't actually gotten around to the physical merging yet with.. What was his name? Hopobefevfer: Sir. Hpthbvtw Sir. Operator: Would it surprise you to hear /I/ had a mate I had grown to be rather fond of? offspring to carry on my illustrious name? Hopobefevfer: Sir. Very much so. Sir. Operator: A lesson we have both now learned. Don't dawdle when it comes to seizing happiness. Operator: As you may have overheard me say, nothing lasts forever. Operator: Or who knows? Perhaps we will be reunited. I will literally move heaven and earth to find out. Operator: But that is the longest term project of all. Now.. we turn to your third mission of the day.. Tuesday , July 7 , 2009 [[Spying on the Elevator.]] Urwyn, thinking: The Ghast is just standing there. Do I sound the alarm, or wait and see what- Skuy: hst! Urwyn! [[Skuy has crawled into range.]] Skuy: (Sina sent me to /warn you/! There might be a /Ghast/ who comes out of the Elevator and.. what?) Urwyn: A Ghast came out of the Elevator and is standing there, talking to the Operator. Skuy: . . . Skuy: . . . [[Skuy flees.]] Skuy: I'll.. I'll just go warn.. her! Everybody! Urwyn, thinking: OK then... Wednesday , July 8 , 2009 [[At the Elevator, near Rhid's place.]] Operator: Mission #3. You have met the Humans who have Violated The Perimeter, yes? [[Hopobefevfer looks behind herself.]] Hopobefevfer: Sir? [[The Operator forms a "cartoonish" image of Sylvester and Rosemary.]] Operator: Tsk. These two. Hopobefevfer: Sir /Yes/ Sir. Operator: Do I detect genuine enthusiasm? Excellent! [[The Operator sends a cloud of power at Hopobefevfer's head.]] Operator: You are to track them down with those admirably keen senses of yours. Plus.. Operator: (your physiology is so delightfully adaptable..) [[Hopobefevfer now has extra "eyes"]] Operator: Once you find them.. they are to be ruthlessly terminated. Kill em dead. Operator: Any objections, soldier? Hopobefevfer: Sir NO Sir. Operator: Doubly excellent! Thursday , July 9 , 2009 [[At the Elevator. Hopobefever the Ghast departs on the mission the Operator has given her.]] Hopobefever: . . . Operator: . . . [[From the corner, Urwyn the Wyrm watches all this.]] Urwyn: . . . Friday , July 10 , 2009 [[The Operator internally monologues inside the Elevator.]] Operator: So, Rosemary Ripley. you dealt with the Twin Twits by /cheating./ [[The elevator doors begin to close.]] Operator: We will try this again, with a competent and formidable opponent who can't be talked to death... Operator: If you survive, it will be encouraging. [[Just a crack left.]] Operator: And if not.. well.. you and your new best friend /did/ hit me on the head with a frying pan... Saturday , July 11 , 2009 [[Urwyn the small Wyrm looks out at the Elevator. A Smyt stands and waits as a trundlebug approaches.]] [[Ploot the large Wyrm comes up behind Urwyn. The trundlebug gets closer.]] [[The Smyt is now standing on the Trundlebug's back, as it walks back the way it came.]] Urwyn: Are you here for me, or the Ghast? Ploot: Well, if those are my only options, I'll take the Ghast. Sunday , July 12 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: "Shivblade"? Chunner: The High Schemers /claimed/ that it was one of the knives that Shiv used during the Nome War. Crud: It was! Shiv gave it to High Schemer Sawheeb on his deathnest! Chunner: Maybe, maybe not. Cully: Shiv.. he was Compline and Caytid's Finagler..? Crud: He was their /Schemer./ Chunner: The line between those two words was really blurry. /Lots/ of things were in flux around that time. Chunner: And no, kid, we didn't witness the war. We're not /that/ old. My Sire told me some stories. Cully: Sir, I'm well aware there are no living survivors of the war. Crud: Now that's /really/ not true! Monday , July 13 , 2009 [[Spying on the Elevator.]] Urwyn: The Ghast's gone. She.. the females have those head-things, right? Ploot: "Tufts". Yes. Urwyn: She picked up a round object off the floor, and gave it to the Opertor. They talked for a while. I couldn't hear.. something about Humans attacking. Urwyn: Then she went off down the next passage over. Ploot: Toward the Twistpoint? Urwyn: ..I guess. Not out to the.. the "Fringes". Ploot: Well. Hopefully that means Hopobefever is no longer our immediate problem. Still, I'll go..recommend that Mowder be warned at the front gate. Tuesday , July 14 , 2009 [[Near the Elevator.]] Urwyn the Wyrm: Umm.. Mr..? Ploot: Ploot. What is it? Urwyn: I'm... I'm not /complaining/ or anything, but you're the first Deep Wyrm I've ever met who didn't.. Urwyn: You know.. Ploot: No. I don't know. Urwyn: Scrutinize me. To see if you need to.. "eat" me. Ploot: Oh. That. Ploot: I'm just not terribly interested in that sort of thing. Urwyn: . . . Urwyn: . . . Urwyn: "Not..." Urwyn: !? Wednesday , July 15 , 2009 [[Near the Elevator.]] Urwyn the Wyrm: Not Eat? But.. that's what you Deep Wyrms DO! Ploot the Wyrm: If by that you mean, it's a powerful biological imperative, then yes. Ploot: Unlike Gobules, perhaps, it doesn't define who we are. Urwyn: But.. if you /all/ stopped Eating us.. Ploot: Then the Cycle would break down, and all Wyrms, Deep and Shallow, would be in serious trouble. Ploot: But you can relax. I am a member of a very small minority. Ploot: ...Which is one of the reasons I spend so much time up here in the Cold Zone. Urwyn: . . . Thursday , July 16 , 2009 [[Near the Elevator, Urwyn and Ploot the Wyrms talk.]] Ploot: I really need to get back and report, but I'll answer your /next/ question before I go. Urwyn: . . . [[Something begins to happen in the air behind Ploot.]] Ploot: The /other/ main reason I- ((POOF)) [[A full-color vision appears: a multi-tiered cake on which are perched Poit Meeka and Garp from the webcomic Zeera the Space Pirate]] Poit Meeka and Garp: HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM ALL OF US TO YOU WE WISH IT WAS OUR BIRTHDAY SO WE COULD PARTY TOO! [[Ploot watches as they disappear again.]] ((POOF)) Ploot: ... ...amazingly enough, that actually sort of ties into what I was going to say.. Friday , July 17 , 2009 [[Near the Elevator.]] Urwyn the Wyrm: That.. that was a /Vision/, wasn't it? Ploot: My Family calls them Glimpses, but I've heard "Vision", also, yes. Ploot: It's what I started to say. Whatever the name,they're coming more and more. Things are /changing/. Ploot: And down below, There is.. a vacuum in leadership positions. Ploot: So. I'm up here as much as I can. Making contacts. Trying to help people who are.. trying to help. Like the Council. Like Sina. Like you, evidently. Ploot: I imagine we'll talk again..Sorry.. what's your name? Urwyn: Um. Urwyn. Urwyn of the Inner Ring of the Circle of the Dunktyn Stone. Ploot: . . . Saturday , July 18 , 2009 [[Near the Elevator.]] Ploot the Big Wyrm: "Dunktyn Stone"? (sigh) Perhaps I should Scrutinize you after all. Happily or sadly, I will not Eat you. Urwyn the Small Wyrm: Um.. OK. [[Ploot's eyes change.]] Ploot: . . . Ploot: . . . Ploot: hm. [[He leaves as Urwyn watches.]] Ploot: You're different, too, aren't you? A /different/ sort of different, but, still.. Ploot: Take care of yourself, Urwyn. I'd hate to see you become a /Nevus/ kind of different. Sunday , July 19 , 2009 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f]] Chunner: Yes, fine, Crud, the Riddler was alive during the Nome War, but you can hardly call him a /witness/ to it. Crud: Not just him! God was around back then, too! Chunner: Assuming "God" even exists. It's not like anyone's ever actually /seen/ the guy. Crud: And the Nexus, and D- Cully: The who? Crud: The leader of the Pales. Way up there above, with the Sun and non-Tree trees. Chunner: OK, fine, /that/ phizzer, I admit exists. Crud: And of course the Grumpy Pincher! Monday , July 20 , 2009 [[Ploot the Wyrm leaves after talking to Urwyn the Wyrm near the Elevator.]] Ploot, from off-screen: Oh.. and I'll make sure they send you some bedding and food and such, if you decide to stick around. And someone to relieve you, I suppose. [[Urwyn watches silently.]] Urwyn: I'm.. not entirely sure I would mind if you.. never mind.. Tuesday , July 21 , 2009 [[Having talked to Ploot, Urwyn the Wyrm turns back to watching the Elevator. A crack can be seen in the wall behind him.]] Urwyn: /sigh./ [[He realizes something.]] [[He spins around.]] Urwyn: Wait.. you're saying that Mr. Nevus used to be like me? Urwyn: I could /never../ Urwyn: /How am I supposed to avoid that?/ [[Back to watching.]] Urwyn: . . . Urwyn: /sigh/ Urwyn, thinking: By sticking around even after hearing a comment like that, I guess. Wednesday , July 22 , 2009 [[Urwyn the Wyrm covertly watches the Elevator. Behind him is a crack at the base of the wall.]] [[Zooming in on the crack.]] [[In the crack is Zugo the Wyrm, looking out at Urwyn.]] Zugo: . . . Thursday , July 23 , 2009 [[Yugo the Wyrm is in a small crack near Crazy Rhid's , looking out at Urwyn the Wyrm. He thinks for several moments.]] [[Grumbling, he turns to go.]] [[From off-panel:]] Yugo: Outtathway! [[A large flutterby zooms past.]] Friday , July 24 , 2009 [[Between the Elevator and Crazy Rhid's place. A large purple flutterby flies out of a crack in the wall, and zooms upward.]] [[It goes higher.]] [[And higher.]] [[A dead GBOL bulb is mounted into the ceiling above it.]] [[The flutterby ((BONKs)) into the bulb.]] [[The flutterby tumbles back to earth.]] Saturday , July 25 , 2009 [[Near the Elevator, following a collision, a flutterby falls towards the floor.]] [[It straightens out its dive.]] [[Just before hitting the floor, it zooms back upward. Nearby, a Smyt stands on the back of a marching Trundlebug.]] [[The Flutterby zooms along, going just over Urwyn the Wyrm's head.]] Sunday , July 26 , 2009 Narration: Siundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: Mr. Chunner? Why do you.. feel that way about the leader of the Pales? Chunner: Brushstrokes, kid, you have to ask? If the zarking Nex had butted out of the War, it would have been over in half the time! Chunner: And imagine what Compline would have accomplished, if he'd stayed alive and in charge! Cullly: ... But the Nomes would all be /dead/. Chunner: . . . Cully: . . . Cully: And, sir, that would be /wrong/. Chunner: /Fine./ Crud: Indeed! Imagine what a disaster my Bean would have been if I hadn't had Nome-grown blobwarts to use! Monday , July 27 , 2009 [[In the foreground, a large purple flutterby zooms into view. In the background can be seen the doors of the Elevator, closed and silent. Two dead and/or broken GBOLs are mounted on the ceiling.]] [[The flutterby goes flitting closer to the doors.]] [[It wanders closer...]] [[It turns and heads more towards the bulbs.]] Tuesday , July 28 , 2009 [[A view that a hypothetical rider would have, on the back of a large purple flutterby, as is zooms around the Elevator entrance room, near Crazy Rhid's place. Ahead are two dead GBOL bulbs, mounted on branching fixture attached to the ceiling.]] [[Zooming closer to one of the bulbs.]] [[Dodging the bulb at the last second.]] [[Now ahead is a rectangular slit high in the wall, stenciled with MOONCHEESE/ VENTILATION SLIT/ DO NOT PLUG/ VERIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY]] Wednesday , July 29 , 2009 Narration: Meanwhile.. [[A block sits on the floor. There is a pressure plate next to it, and a label of some sort mounted on the side. On the wall is possibly some sort of camera, with a light on top.]] [[The light turns on, and the camera's "lens" extends a short distance.]] ((boop bing)) ((click)) Camera: PING Camera: PING PING PING [[Kryt, a small Wyrm with thick eyebrows, silently appears at the block. His body pushes down the pressure plate as he gets into position.]] Camera: PI- ((click)) Camera: . . . Camera: . . . Camera: STATE NAME AND STATION. ISSUE REPORT.. Thursday , July 30 , 2009 [[Inside a colony of small Wyrms near the Elevator and Crazy Rhid's place, Kryt the Wyrm is behind a "desk" which is labelled 05 COS. The "COS" is repeated on a sign on the wall behind him. He is facing the reader, giving a remote report to some unknown person or persons via a camera mounted on the wall. Behind him, another Wyrm is reacting unhappily to something off-screen]] Kryt: Ahem. This is Kryt, of the Ring of the Celestial Observation Slit.. There has been /no further activity/ since our last report. The Ghast labelled F-Highpool-003 has not reappeared. No further individuals have approached the Operator, and no- Background Wyrm: !!! [[A purple flutterby, enormous by Wyrm standards, smashes into the scene, sending the background Wyrm sprawling. Kryt does not react.]] ((CRASH)) [[The flutterby shoots on out of sight, into the colony.]] Off-screen Wyrms: Lookit!! aarrgh!! Kryt: This just in.. ((THUMP)) ((BUMP)) Friday , July 31 , 2009 [[A large purple flutterby has flown into a "shallow" Wyrm colony, and goes ((THUMPing)) off the walls and floor, passing over the head of a surprised Wyrm in a grass-filled nest.]] [[The flutterby ((CRASHes)) through some sort of barricade and emerges into a larger open space.]] [[It ((PLUMMETs)) down between two close-set walls, towards the ground.]] Saturday , August 1 , 2009 [[A large purple flutterby falls/flies down a narrow crack, emerging out into a large space lit by a GBOL.]] [[Just before it hits the ground, the flutterby pulls out of its dive, back up into the air. Behind it can be seen a shape sporting some lights.]] ((WHAM)) [[The flutterby is smashed into the grill of a large armored truck; there is only a tiny slit for the driver to see out.]] Sunday , August 2 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. Chunner: You went up aboveground to trade with Nomes? Crud: Oh, Brush no! Even I'm not that crazy! I hired that fellow... what was his name? Crud: You know.. he was great friends with Comshaw. Went up above all the time. Cully: . . . Crud: Carried that genuine /wooden/ Poking stick around with him everywhere. Chunner: . . . [[Crud lifts his foot into view and points at it.]] Crud: ...Had those simply enormous feet? Cully and Chunner: Boffin. Monday , August 3 , 2009 [[A large metal truck drives along a tunnel somewhere under the Basement. Its windows are just slits, both in the cab and the cargo area.]] ((CLUNKITYCLUNKITY)) [[The vehicle starts down a slope. The next level above is a series of rooms filled with purplish liquid(s). In one, possibly a pair of eyes peers out of a hole in the side of a box. Next is the skull and a few bones from some large reptile-like creature. Last is a row of three spikes.]] Tuesday, August 4, 2009 [[The truck makes its way down a steep inclined tunnel.]] [[It approaches a vaguely icicle-shaped fortress-structure which sprouts lights on large poles and has tunnels running off in various directions.]] Fixit Voice #1: Are we there yet? Fixit Voice #2: We get there when we get there. Wednesday , August 5 , 2009 [[Under the Basement, an armored truck arrives at the entrance to an Underhub, crossing a small bridge across a gap.]] [[It stops at a set of large metal doors. A sign reads RAMMING OF GATE WITH VEHICLE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Another reads WIPING OF MOUNTS FEET NOW MANDATORY.]] ((clunk)) [[The truck's unseen driver sounds a horn.]] ((OOGA! OOGA!)) [[Nothing happens.]] [[Nothing happens.]] [[Nothing happens.]] [[The doors ((CLANG)) open.]] Thursday , August 6 , 2009 [[Deep in the Basement, a truck rolls along a passageway, emerging into a larger open space.]] ((clunkity)) ((CLANG)) [[The truck has come to stop against a barrier with the word THERE painted on it in large letters.]] "Beauty" the Fixit: ... Are we there yet? "Age" the Fixit: I'd say yes, except Grix hasn't yelled at us to wipe our- Grix the Fixit, from off-screen: Wipe Your Feet! Friday , August 7 , 2009 [[Deep under the Basement, an armored truck has arrived at an Underhub. Fixit voices come from the truck's storage compartment.]] Voice #1: Shall we? Voice #2: Age before beauty. [[Some Gnollish fingers poke out of a hole cut in the corner of the storage compartment door.]] Voice #1: Fine. [[A Gnollish hand throw open the door, which swings upwards. A sign reads BEWARE TRANSITIONS ROTATIONS ELEVATIONS.]] [[The Gnoll's head appears. He is male, and is being controlled/ridden by a Fixit.]] "Age" the Fixit: Once again, here we are. Saturday , August 8 , 2009 [[At one of the entrances to an Underhub, deep beneath the Basement. Various official signs are posted in the background as "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits climb out of a truck.]] Age: Are you coming, "Beauty"? Beauty: Yes, if I can just- [[Beauty and her Gnoll mount fall to the ground.]] Beauty: Aargh! Beauty: ... maneuver this klutz of a mount out of the truck. Age: At least Grix can't complain that she's dirtying the floor with her feet. Sunday , August 9 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: ..How were Nomish blobwarts better than the ones we grow down here? Crud: Oh, that sun-thingie of theirs makes all the difference! Crud: They were twice the size and twice as dumb as the ones my sires used to grow! Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Cully: Twice as dumb? I'm sorry.. but I'm having trouble believing this. Chunner: I'm inclined to agree, but dumbness /is/ a well that's pretty much bottomless.. Crud: Imagine if my Bean had been twice as smart as it was... Monday , August 10 , 2009 [[In an Underhub. "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits pause at a marked FOOT WIPING STATION and wipe the feet of the Gnolls they are riding.]] [[They proceed to the WAIT FOR GRIX TO DEIGN TO NOTICE YOU STATION.]] Beauty: Do you suppose Grix was always like this, or that she's gone mad with power? Age: I don't know and I have no opinion. Tuesday , August 11 , 2009 [[Deep under the Mansion, in an "underhub", two Fixits, real names not given, ride Gnolls. They have stepped onto the top of a "woosher", a large floating rock-like object.]] "Beauty": Say.. Did you hear what it was Tix was ranting about when we were leaving the Garage? "Age": I make it a policy never to listen to Tix, or indeed any of the Mechanics; cuts down on brainaches. [[Something beeps overhead.]] ((BEEP)) [[The woosher wooshes into action, shooting up into the air out of sight.]] "Beauty": He was being awfully loud. "Age": ssigh. Something about the Sneechtaps all being offline. Wednesday , August 12 , 2009 [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits, and the Gnolls they ride, stand on a platform mounted on top of a irregularly-shape block which rises up a shaft on a beam of light. They are passing by a side-corridor in which is stored a stack of three Space Invaders, and an object resembling a three-headed metronome.]] ((!HSOOO)) Thursday , August 13 , 2009 [[In an Underhub. A passageway opens out into a vertical shaft.]] [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits appear, they and their Gnollish mounts appear, riding up the shaft on a Woosher. It comes to a halt at the passageway.]] ((SHOOMP)) [[The passageway is actually just a niche in the wall, filled with a desk, a clock and a cobwebbed chair. On the desk is a box with buttons, and a thick book. Standing on the book is the Fixit Grix, who is angry and resembles a witch's hat.]] Grix: You're late. Age: Blame the Driver. Beauty: Or the fifty-years dead Human who built the truck in the first place. Age: Or Nevus and the Council, who decided to preempt the almighty Schedule and attack each- Grix: Silence. Both of you. Friday , August 14 , 2009 [[In a niche in an Underhub, "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits have reported into Grix the Fixit, who has no mount and stands on a desk.]] Age: Sadly, I cannot go silent, as we bear an official message. Grix: Yess..? [[Age's mount makes quote marks in the air.]] Age: "If you see Hax, tell him that Mr. Hand desires urgently to talk to him." Grix: /Hax?/ It's been, what, /almost ten years/ since I saw-- Grix: ..wait. The little snotbrim's been let back down off the Mountain? Age: Yes. He was given Project Y duty this morning, but he evidently ran into some sort of trouble with- Grix: OF COURSE HE DID! Saturday , August 15 , 2009 [[In Grix the Fixit's office, in a deep underhub.]] "Age" the Fixit: I was.. under the impression that Hax's work has been exemplary. Grix: Up there in the Pens, I imagine it was. His being let out in Public is when disaster invariably strikes. Grix: Somebody seems to have forgotten what happened /last time/. Just another reason why Hand should h- Grix: . . . "Beauty" the Fixit: Mr. Hand should what? We're all agog. Age: Perhaps you have a Message to send back? Grix, icily: Nothing. Never mind. Message. /Confirmed/. Sunday , August 16 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Chunner sees Cully's expression.]] Chunner: What's the matter? Cully: That Framebreaker carried off my.. helmet. I wanted to put it back on before anything falls- [[Cully's pie-tin helmet falls from above, landing hard on his head.]] ((CLANG)) [[Cully is dazed, down near the floor. Crud points.]] Crud: It was balancing on part of the Machine, but it finally fell, and now it's there on your head. Chunner: Further bulletins as events warrant. Cully: ..could you repeat that middle part again? Monday , August 17 , 2009 [[In Grix the Fixit's office, in an underhub.]] "Beauty" the Fixit: Do you ever get the impression they aren't telling us everything? "Age" the Fixit: Only when they talk to us. Grix: Again, SILENCE. Grix: IGOR! OPEN UP! [[The wall behind Grix's desk slides downward with a ((SHUNK))]] Grix: And bring them out! Tuesday , August 18 , 2009 [[Grix the Fixit's office in an underhub deep in the Basement. A wall has slid open, and the claw of an Ichyoid ("Igor") is placing a square container in sight. Grix watches.]] [[Igor adds a second container.]] Grix: Excellent. Thank you. Grix: You two. Pick those up. There's a truck waiting for you down at tunnel five. Grix: Deliver them to Chasmside Observation Station. [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits have picked up the containers. The wall slides shut again.]] ((SHUNK)) Beauty: Why can't they be sent via transport tube? Grix: They are important, fragile and delicate. Don't drop them. Age: I'm sorry? What? drop them in the Great Chasm, you say? Grix: Get out. Wednesday , August 19 , 2009 [["Age" the Fixit departs from Grix the Fixit's office, carrying a small sealed crate.]] [[Grix taps the buttoned box on her desk, and the off-panel Woosher ((woooshes)) away.]] [[The wall behind her desk drops away with a ((CLUNK))]] [[Despite her name, Igor is a female Ichyoid.]] Grix: Yes, Igor? Igor: [Hax?] Grix: I imagine he attracted attention to himself by talking directly to some Basement-dweller, instead of through his Mount. Grix: Or gratuitously mentioning God's name. Or revealing details about Plan Y. The sky's the limit, really. Thursday , August 20 , 2009 [[In Grix the Fixit's office/niche, in an Underhub. Igor is a female Ichyoid, looking in through a sliding wall/panel.]] Grix: Something else on your mind? Igor: [REPLACEMENT] Grix: Igor, Please. Grix: To even suggest that would be to engage in the very essence of rumor-mongering irresponsibility. Igor: . . . Igor: [RUFUS] Grix: Hm? I don't know anything about any rather unfortunate young Human of that name. Grix: and neither do you. /Ever/. Friday , August 21 , 2009 [[In Grix the Fixit's office/niche, in an Underhub. Igor the female Ichyoid has been looking in through a sliding wall.]] Igor: [/FINE/] [[Off-panel, the wall ((SHUNKs)) shut. All of Grix's dialogue is internal.]] Grix: sigh. A good worker, but the previous "Igor" was a lot less.. [[The book that Grix is standing on is revealed to be titled The Intricate Balance.]] {{This was written by Milo, one of Sylvester's ancestors.}} Grix: I was going to say young and starry-eyed. But you're probably twice my age, aren't you? Grix: And you'll only be slightly less young and starry-eyed when I'm dust in the Vaults. [[Grix closes her eye, and behind her is an outline of a seascape, with large vague shapes in the distance.]] Grix: What will you think of us flitflies, all those decades from now, at the bottom of the sea? Saturday , August 22 , 2009 [[In an Underhub, deep below the Basement, "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits each carry a small crate of something, while standing on a platform mounted on top of a woosher, which is zooming down a shaft past an opening. On the wall can be seen a faint leaping figure and the phrase JUMPMAN LIVEs. A gem-like object sits on the ground.]] {{Jumpman was an early video game which involved the collection of those object.}} Sunday , August 23 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully is near the floor.]] Chunner: Happy now, kid? Cully: Not really. And this is apart from, you know, being down /here/.. Chunner: That goes without saying. What's the /immediate/ problem? ((SHUNK)) [[A mass of purple bubbles ((BURBLES)) its way into view.]] Cully: I started to ask this before, but these /distractions/ keep- Cully: . . . [[The mass fills the screen.]] ((BURBLE BURBLE BURBLE)) Monday , August 24 , 2009 [[In an Underhub, deep under the Basement. "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits, their Gnollish mounts each carrying a sealed crate, have ridden down on top of a Woosher. They find waiting for them a large armored truck, having arrived on an even larger Woosher, now pointed towards an exit tunnel. There are various signs, their lettering too small to read.]] Beauty: They sent 2171?! [[There are the combined numbers on the truck's cab and storage compartment.]] Age: Indeed, These may actually be as important as Grix claimed. Age: Keep a tight grip on that Klutz of yours. Tuesday , August 25 , 2009 [[In an underhub's loading bay, "Age" the Fixit opens a panel in the side of a large truck, as "Beauty" waits.]] ((CLUNK)) [[He lifts the crate he is hauling inside.]] Age: oof [[He ((slides)) it forward.]] [[The crate is aggressively and automatically ((STRAPPED)) into place.]] Age: If only "unsettling" and "useful" were mutually incompatible.. Wednesday , August 26 , 2009 [["Age" the Fixit lifts a small sealed crate into the back of a waiting armored truck, while "Beauty" crawls her Gnollish mount forward.]] Age: Does the light.. device.. still work? Beauty: I'm. oof.. checking that. [[A light turns on in the direction she was crawling. Age pushes the crate forwards out of sight, where it is automatically strapped into place.]] ((FOOM)) (( STRAP STRAP STRAP)) Beauty: Yes. Beauty: And (sniff) the air vents as well. [[Age climbs in and swings down the compartment's door. The side of the door is covered with various scribbled warnings and prohibitions: CLOSE THIS DOOR /BEFORE/ ENTERING TUNNEL. IF ARRIVING IN UNDERHUB, WIPE YOUR /FEET/. DO NOT ANNOY YOUR DRIVER.]] Age: Ah, good. ((CLUNK)) Age: Not suffocating is always a pleasant bonus. Thursday , August 27 , 2009 [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits, riding their Gnolls, have crawled into the back of a truck.]] Beauty, from off-screen: Are we ready? Age: No. I need to go back for a beetlepack and a jug of squeezejuice, And possibly- [[Beauty is wielding a mallet, which she uses to strike a gong next to her. Also present is a bucket in which are growing mushrooms.]] Beauty: Oopsie! Off we go! ((BONG)) Age: Oh very well, but you'll have to throw my shrivelled corpse into the Chasm. Beauty: I'll get right on that. Friday , August 28 , 2009 [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits are seated in the storage compartment of an armored truck. There is an empty seat between them, and a forked light source overhead.]] {{Anyone sitting in the middle seat would hit the light with their head, and there is in fact what appears to be a scorch-mark on the seat..}} Age: . . . Beauty: . . . Age: We're not moving. Beauty: No. Both: sigh. [[They strap on seatbelts, and the truck rumbles to life.]] Age: At least it doesn't happen automatically, like with the /inanimate/ cargo. Beauty, quietly: if you could refrain from giving them any /more/ ideas, i would appreciate it. ((VVVRRROOMM)) Saturday , August 29 , 2009 [[In an Underhub deep under the Basement, the armored truck in which "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits are riding drives off the Woosher on which it was sitting, across a tiny gape, and down a waiting corridor. The Woosher is labelled [overkill] in "Ettenese" script. ]] ((VRRRRMM)) [[Down the corridor.]] [[It arrives at another flat-topped Woosher, and ((clunks)) to a stop. This Woosher is labelled [heavyduty] ]] [[The new Woosher slowly descends, taking the truck with it.]] Sunday , August 30 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is mostly filled with purple bubbles.]] ((burble)) [[The bubbles grow larger, fill more of the space.]] ((BURBLE)) [[The bubbles get larger still, fill all of the space. In one corner, they ((pop)).]] ((//BURBLE//)) Monday , August 31 , 2009 [[The exterior of a portion of an Underhub, deep under the Basement. One of the 'Hub's inverted "towers" bends down and connects with a waiting tunnel.]] ((DESCEND DESCEND DESCEND WOOMP OOGA! CLANG]] [[The armored truck transporting "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits ((VRRRRROOOMMes)) into view, driving down the tunnel, its headlights illuminating the way. Tuesday , September 1 , 2009 [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits are riding the storage compartment of an armored truck. A fork provides light. Age lifts a lid. The truck's engine noise can be heard throughout.]] Beauty: Some things have been added. What do you have there? Age: A species of container, which contains.. ah. [[He passes two objects to Beauty.]] Age: Beetlepods and small jugs of what appears to be squeezejuice. Beauty: Mm. [[Age looks at a round-topped object hanging from a chain. The blanket covering it is labelled FEEL FREE.]] Age: And then we have a shrouded object I find myself rather reluctant to touch. Beauty: Dooo it. Doooo iiit.. Wednesday , September 2 , 2009 [[In the back of a moving truck, "Age" the Fixit removes a blanket from over a rounded bird-cage.]] ((FOOMP)) Age: Oh, very well. Beauty, off-panel: Sucker! [[A fuzzy purple blob sits on a perch.]] Age: . . . Beauty: . . . Beauty: Is it a Blobwart? Age: No. It has feet. ((VVVVVRRRRRRUUMMMM)) [[The blob opens a pair of eyes.]] Age: And eyes. It's a Fuzz of some sort. Beauty: Fuzzes don't grow that big! Age: I personally never make sweeping statements like that. This place has a way of- Fuzz: [makes music] Thursday , September 3 , 2009 [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits are riding in the storage compartment of an armored truck. A newly-uncovered Fuzz in a cage starts to sing multicolored notes.]] [[Age listens to the song.]] [[Beauty listens to the song.]] [[The song trails out behind the truck as it drives along a tunnel deep underground, surrounded on all sides by thick stone.]] Friday , September 4 , 2009 [[The armored truck transporting "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits and a singing Fuzz drives down a sloping tunnel deep underground. Above is a layer of rock, then a crack studded with supports, and a different color of rock.]] [[The POV pulls back even further, showing that above the second layer of rock, wearing away at it, is a multicolored mass: the River of Fire.]] Saturday , September 5 , 2009 [[The armored truck transporting "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits and a singing Fuzz drives along a narrow tunnel deep underground. Above is the River of Fire, a mass of swirling colors. Between them is a crack studded with a row of supports. Midway along, the crack opens wider, with the supports getting even bigger. The largest of all is labelled as being a "TELAMON MEGASTRUT (tm) MEDIUM SIZE."]] Sunday , September 6 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is entirely filled with purple bubbles, which start to ((POP)) in various places.]] [[And then everywhere all at once.]] ((///POP///)) [[The three Gnolls are all now tinged purple.]] Crud: Aw, and right after after we had our bath! Cully: You got to have a /bath/? Monday , September 7 , 2009 [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits and their Gnollish "mounts" are riding in the storage compartment of an armored truck. A fuzz in a cage sings a multicolored song.]] Beauty: ... We're going under the River of Fire. Age: Yes. Beauty: I'm getting very strange echoes off of my mount.. Age: Yes. Beauty: You know.. sometimes I wonder.. Age: Yes? Beauty: if it's right for us to use them like w- [[The Fuzz's song ends abruptly.]] Beauty: Oh well. Almost to the Chasmside o-station already. Back to work. Age, eying the Fuzz: Yes. Fuzz: zzzz ((VVVVRRRRUUMM)) Tuesday , September 8 , 2009 [[Riding in the cargo area of a large truck, somewhere deep under the Basement. A Fuzz in a cage is sleeping. "Age" the Fixit sits nearby.]] Fuzz: ZZZ [[The Fuzz's ZZZs get larger and louder. Age does not react.]] [[The ZZZs are louder still. Color/magic is fading from the scene.]] "Beauty", off-panel: Back in the Training Pens, your Instructor may not have covered this.. but sometimes, a person might be trying to give you a sort of /hint/ or /clue/- Age: As I told old Upx at the time, I'll get a clue if I /want/ to get a clue. Wednesday , September 9 , 2009 [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits are riding in the storage compartment of an armored truck. A Fuzz in a cage is snoring very loudly.]] Beauty: But anway. Changing the subject completely, Age: Yes? Beauty: here's a sort of hint or clue. [[Age gets ((BONKed)) on the side of his head/body by a small object tossed in his direction. The Fuzz snores louder.]] [[Age has covered the cage with the supplied blanket, which is labelled FEEL FREE. The Fuzz is quiet. Age pops a beetle in the mouth of his Gnollish mount.]] ((VVVVVRRRUUUMMMM)) Thursday , September 10 , 2009 [[Somewhere deep in the Basement, a truck drives along a large passageway. On the wall ahead is a sign: QAFO do not touch do not taunt.]] ((VVRRMMM)) [[The truck drives past an enormous alcove in the wall. Inside are various objects, some of which are homages: A Martian war-machine from The War of the Worlds, a large elaborate head-statue copied from an episode of the Simpsons, an Ichyoid/Cthulhu-like statue, a large brown ball, a broken monkey statue which reads at the base KAYLU.]] "Beauty": And now we're going past the Quarantine Alcove of Forbidden Objects. How can I always tell that? "Age": Ah, who knows /what/ those idiots down in Tomania packed into the those Kaylu statues. Thursday , September 10 , 2009 [[Somewhere deep in the Basement, a truck drives along a large passageway. On the wall ahead is a sign: QAFO do not touch do not taunt.]] ((VVRRMMM)) [[The truck drives past an enormous alcove in the wall. Inside are various objects, some of which are homages: A Martian war-machine from The War of the Worlds, a large elaborate head-statue copied from an episode of the Simpsons, an Ichyoid/Cthulhu-like statue, a large brown ball, a broken monkey statue which reads at the base KAYLU.]] "Beauty": And now we're going past the Quarantine Alcove of Forbidden Objects. How can I always tell that? "Age": Ah, who knows /what/ those idiots down in Tomania packed into the those Kaylu statues. Friday , September 11 , 2009 [[The armored truck transporting "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits has just driven past the Quarantine Alcove of Forbidden Objects. A sign on the wall warns "do not touch / do not taunt." Ahead, the passageway open out.]] [[The truck drives across a now-wide cavern floor. Low spikes mark either side of the roadway. Ahead is a collection of structures which is labelled as being the Chasmside Covert Observation Station. It includes a triangle sprouting a collection of antennas, a large ball with an even bigger antenna mounted on a track, and twin towers, possibly. A statue a crowned figure using a telescope is perched on the roof. The scene is lit by a collection of lights attached to the cavern's jagged roof.]] Saturday , September 12 , 2009 [[The truck in which "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits are passengers drives towards the front gates/doors of the Chasmside Covert Observation Station. Spikes line either side of the road. A row of windows can be seen above.]] [[The gates open, revealing more gates, which also open; there is a large space beyond. There are signs mounted above the gates and to either side. They once evidently had complex instructions and/or warnings, but have been roughly painted over and now read (in "English") WELCOME/ BE HAVE/ YOUR SELF.]] ((boom CLUNK CLANG)) Sunday , September 13 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are all tinged purple from a bubble swarm. Cully is down near the floor, wearing his pie-tin helmet.]] Chunner: Relax kid. First, you'll get a bath, too, in 4.1 days, when Clive comes back again. Crud: Clive? Why I have I never met this Clive? Chunner: Second, the next wave is coming through right now. Cully: Next wave? ((offscreen SHUNK)) [[A mass of green bubbles pours in from the right. Crud ignore them.]] Crud: Please don't change the subject! I need to know all about this "Clive" person you cl- [[The bubbles cover all three of them.]] Crud: blubb blu b blllub bub! Blub blubbub! ((ELBRUB)) {{"Burble" backwards.}} Monday , September 14 , 2009 [[In the enormous entry chamber for the Chasmside Covert Observation station. The armored truck drives across the endless floor. Written on the floor ahead of it are the words STOP HERE.]] ((vvvrrrmmm)) [[The truck stops on the words.]] ((screech)) [[There are two hatches on the side of the truck's storage compartment. The lower smaller one opens.]] ((clang)) [["Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits ((trudge)) their Gnollish mounts across the floor, each carrying a sealed crate.]] Tuesday , September 15 , 2009 [[Seen from a distance, "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits cross a vast mostly-empty space inside the Chasmside Covert Observation Station. They lug the crates they were given. Ahead of them wait Apix and Birux the Fixits.]] Apix: Ah, it's you two. Right on time. [[Apix rides an elderly Motihaul, and looks like a wizard's cap. Birux is on a Troglodyte, and looks like a hard hat.]] Age: No, no. We're late. Apix: Hm? oh, you've been talking to Grix. No, we're just ready to begin, right, Birux? Birux: No skin off my brim. Wednesday , September 16 , 2009 [[At the vast entrance to the Chasmside Covert Observation Station. "Age" and "Beauty" the Fixits have loaded the crates they brought onto a handcart manned by Birux the Fixit.]] Age: What's in these things, anyway? Birux: Pvastkin Triggers. Age: ... And a Pa-vastkin is..? Birux: Brand of mass-plugger. Age: . . . [[Birux wheels the cart away. Age turns to Apix the Fixit, sitting in his high seat.]] Age: Hello, Apix. What's a mass-plugger? Apix: A species of concentrated, rapidly-expanding, hardening foam. Birux and her fellow Mechanix use it to patch the River of Fire Undershield. [[Apix looks to one side.]] Apix: (sigh). Almost impossible to find viable batches anymore. We may soon be facing a /problem/... Apix: I've tried to explain this to Mr. Hand, but I'm not entirely sure that he.. ah well. Thursday , September 17 , 2009 [[In the Chasmside Observation Station.]] "Age" the Fixit: I'm not even going to ask why we didn't just drop off these triggers at the River of Fire. Apix: They have to.. triggered.. themselves using.. ah... trigger-triggers..? Here in the- Age: I *said* I wasn't asking! Age: ..sorry, Apix. Mr. Apix. It's been a long day. "Beauty": Are we done here? Apix: Yes. For today. Feel free to use the Facilities, if you so desire. Age and Beauty: Thank you. Friday , September 18 , 2009 [[In the Chasmside Covert Observation Station, at Apix the Fixit's work-station.]] "Age" the Fixit: . . . Age: Where is everybody? This place is usually swarming... Apix: With all the disruptions Up Above, I decided to suspend operations for the day. Except for one or two things that simply couldn't wait. Apix: Fortunately, Nevus has returned from the forest and he and Preznit have called a cease-fire, so the worst of the fighting is stopping. Age: Is it true that it was the Humans who triggered off all of... Apix: Yes. Sylvester has made a new female friend who is regrettably proactive. Apix: At last report, the two of them are rather close to us.. Saturday , September 19 , 2009 [[In the Chasmside Covert Observation Station, at Apix the Fixit's desk in the entrance hall.]] "Age" the Fixit: I may wander up to the viewing chambers and take a look. Assuming you haven't re-instituted Ubrix's security measures.. Apix: No, no forms to fill out here. just Behave Yourself. Age: Yessir. [[A green Fixit sporting a "feather" appears.]] Apix: Is that my wayward and frivolous assistant? Age: When last seen. Hey, Pirax. Pirax: Yo ho ho. {{It be Talk Like A Pirate Day, matey!}} Pirax: Did he remember to ask you if you passed along the message to Grix? Age: No he didn't. Yes we did. Apix: I had every confidence. Sunday , September 20 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[The Shaft has filled with a mass of green bubbles, which now start to ((pop)). The last ((POP)) is particularly large.]] [[The bubbles are mostly gone, except for some in Crud's mouth; his eyes are tinged green.]] Chunner: There you go, Kid. Back to what passes for normal aroundhere. We call 'em antibubbles. Crud: blubb blub blubbb mebl! [[Cully gets back to his feet, from his position near the floor.]] Cully: I'm not /exactly/ complaining this time, but that /really/ shouldn't have worked like it- Chunner: Yeah, well., wait until you get your first dose of /reverse/ antibubbles. [[The bubbles in Crud's mouth ((POP)), turning his eyes even more green.]] Monday , September 21 , 2009 [[Inside the Chasmside Covert Observation Station.]] "Age" the Fixit: Hey.. wait up, partner.. "Beauty" the Fixit: Yes? Age: Where are you going? Beauty: To use the Facilities. Where else would I be going? Age: Well.. Age: I stand by what I said about Mechanix, but, you know, if /you/ showed a little interest in Birux's work, she might- Beauty: Brush, you're an idiot! Why should I care anything about Birux? Age: . . . Age: Of course. Well. This idiot's going up to the observation level while it's still open. Beauty: Now that Ubrix's down in the Vaults, you can go where you want. Beauty: . . . Beauty: Good evening, partner. Age: Be seeing you. Tuesday , September 22 , 2009 [[Inside the Chasmside Covert Observation Station. "Age" the Fixit climbs up a long switchback of staircases which feature a semi-transparent railing. At the top is a new level edged with a metal fence which sports a sign reading 2200 WOOHOO. Various comments are stenciled or written on the wall.]] {{The comments are odes to real-life celebrities who had recently passed on: Henry Gibson provides a poetic ode to the eyelash, Mary of Peter, Paul and Mary, with the song If I Had A Hammer, and Larry Gelbert's song Comedy Tonight.}} Wednesday , September 23 , 2009 [[Inside the Chasmside Covert Observation Station. "Age" the Fixit goes past an unmanned desk on which is sitting a telephone, a box and a pen-stand. The walls are marked with the shapes of removed (presumably) signs. He passes through a door labelled 2200+001.]] [[He is in a darkened space with bits of machinery in the background. A voice comes from off-panel; its font is a mixture of Fixit and Eyebolt.]] Voice: Well, look who it is. They'll let just any old riff-raff in here anymore. Age: Of course, Peex. Project Y will soon be up and running, and all of this will be converted to something productive, like maybe blobwart farms. [[Peex the Fixit/Eyebolt is peeriing into a screen and manipulating a collection of levers.]] Peex: If Project Y goes active during our lifetime, We'll /flibble/ a blobwart. Age: I'll be here to watch, with fluffcorn. Thursday , September 24 , 2009 [[In the Chasmside Covert Observation Station. "Age" the Fixit is watching Peex the Fixit/Eyebolt work his spying device.]] Age: You really think Plan Y is that far behind schedule? Peex: We don't think that Plan Y /has/ a schedule. [[Closeup of Peex's hand manipulating a control.]] Peex: The number of.. components.. that need to be installed Up Above is enormous. Peex: And it all has to be done at least semi-covertly. Peex: By qualified personnel. [[Outline of Sprocket and Sina talking.]] Peex: Fortunately, we hear Sprocket and Sina appear to have finally recognized the inevitable. Peex: At least he'll have grandwhelps to keep working on it. Friday , September 25 , 2009 [[In the Chasmside Covert Observation Station. Peex the Fixit/Eyebolt is seated at a spy-viewer, with "Age" the Fixit looking over his/their shoulder.]] Age: "Fortunately"? You're /in favor/ of Project Y? Peex: Of course we are. The theory is sound. It will let us see anywhere Up Above, anytime... Peex: ..instead of having to cajole and tweak.. [[The controls Peex is working shock him/them.]] ((bzzt)) Peex: ..having to work /with/ and /around/ the Tree-branches.. [[Peex makes a delicate adjustment at a knob.]] Age: ..But Mr. Hand won't need you Snoops anymore. Peex: Of course he will. Just not as many of us-all. And us-two are among the best. ((click CLUNK RESET.)) Saturday , September 26 , 2009 [[Inside the Chasmside Covert Monitoring Station. Peex the FixitEyebolt works at his snooping device.]] "Age" the Fixit: And if you're wrong about either Plan Y or your own value and importance? Peex: We aren't. but if our talent is wasted growing blobwarts.. so be it. Peex: Is there some specific reason you're here? Age: I was curious to see this new Human who is causing all the hubbub. Peex: Ah, good. A challenge. Age: ...Not intentionally.. Apix just said they were "close".. Peex: Yes, but they are also close to the River. We will see what we will see.. Sunday , September 27 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Crud has very green eyes, following his swallowing some "antibubbles."]] Chunner: Now, quick, kid. Before the next distraction. What did you want to ask? Cully: What? Oh. I.. sir, what are we /doing/ here? Cully: And I don't mean, "hiding out" or "being punished" or, or 'looking for beetles.' Chunner: mm hmm. [[Crud topples over with a ((THUD)).]] Cully: I mean, what is our job? Why are we /here/, in this SubShaft? Chunner: Dealing with Distractions. Cully: Sir, that's not- Chunner: But it is. This zarking hole just /works better/ when every zarking s-shaft has someone in it. No one knows why. Crud, from the floor: I do! Monday , September 28 , 2009 [[In the Chasmside Covert Observation Station, Peex the Fixit/Eyebolt peers into his spying scope and ((fiddles)) with the device's controls.]] [[The view of the back of his/their eyestalk, blocking most of the viewer's image. It appears to be a Troglodyte.]] ((flick)) [[A clear view now of the scree. Crazy Rhid, on the run after his meeting with Wrawa the Troglodyte.]] ((flick)) [[A very sketchy image of Sylvester and Rosemary, climbing some stairs. The Can-Opener noticeably stands out in a different color than all the rest.]] ((flick)) Peex: . . . Peex: Now that's interesting.. [[Sylvester and Rosemary, seen "normally" and not through the spy-screen.]] Sylvester: Fine. What we were talking about. You were going to tell me about that Hammerspace Poke-Kit you're lugging around. Rosemary: I was? I mean, yes, of course I was going to, but.. you noticed it, huh? Sylvester: Yes. Tuesday , September 29 , 2009 [[Leaving the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: So how did you notice I was carrying a Poke-Kit? Sylvester: Oh. Um. Well, that dress of yours doesn't have any pockets.. Sylvester: And you had to be carrying that fleeb and that picture of you and your aunt somewhere. Rosemary: Ah. There are non-magical ways for a person to conceal things if she really wants.. Sylvester: huh? Rosemary: But you're right. That's where I was keeping them. [[Outline of Aunt Eva giving Rosemary the Poke-Kit. Sylvester: Where did you get it? The Poke-Kit. Rosemary: Aunt Eva gave it to me. When I left home. Sylvester: So you didn't run away against her wishes. I'm amazed. Rosemary: She encouraged me to go! And, /no/, she wasn't trying to get rid of me. Rosemary: .. at least not permanently.. Wednesday , September 30 , 2009 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are leaving the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: And Eva won the Poke Kit in a Skipjack game in Nye. Rosemary: Well... yes, actually. She did. How did you- [[Flashback to pre-Crash card game in Nye]] Sylvester: I never visited Nye, but like I said, I heard the stories. Read Bilgewater's book. All the insane goings-on he describes. And that was before the crash. Rosemary: Bildge... You mean... Ozymandius Bildgewater? "Gambling the Pass"? I've heard about it, but I never- [[Back to present]] Sylvester: Of course. We have a copy in the library, if you want to read it. If we get out of here alive. Rosemary: Library..? Yes. I'd like that. {{Comic #: 2208}} Thursday , October 1 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire, towards the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: Sylvester.. when you say "library".. you don't mean.. 42 books crammed into a corner of the parlor..? Sylvester: No. Without exaggeration, the Ivory Tower is one of the finest private libraries in the province. [[Sylvester is angry.]] Sylvester: Even as we lost everything else.. we hung onto our books. And it was /worth it/, despite what some people might say. Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: You.. have an entire.. tower.. filled with books. Friday , October 2 , 2009 [[Climbing stairs towards the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Don't tell me you're going to side with those.. /yokels/ in the village. I thought Erewhonians /liked/ books. Rosemary: OK, first of all, I'm a Mooninite, not one of those toffee-nosed Erewhonians. And second- [[Outline of Sylvester and Amos having angry discussion with Omega the Oracle.]] {{Omega's guardian Finale is also present.}} Sylvester: Right. Right. I shouldn't have said yokel. Sylvester: Things /are/ slowly getting better. But it wasn't that long ago that Amos and I were wondering if a torch-bearing mob wasn't about to turn up on the Tower's doorst- Rosemary: Sylvester! Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: If what you say is true, any torch-bearing mob will get into this Tower of yours, literally, over my dead body. Sylvester: ...Oh. Good. Sylvester: Not that you might die or something, but- Rosemary: Apology accepted. Saturday , October 3 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire, towards the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: So.. what's the true story about Erewhonians...and Mooninites..and books? Rosemary: With Mooninites, it's simple; most of us are too poor to even buy them. Rosemary: Erewhon.. like everything else it comes back to the Clans. Have you read Cinnamon Crume's book? Sylvester: Umm.. Rosemary: So you haven't? Sylvester: I've read about.. half.. of the.. well.. dozen or so she wrote. Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: Of course. Sunday , October 4 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud, near the floor, still has green eyes from eating antibubbles.]] Chunner: (this oughta be good..) Chunner: OK, Crud. Why do the SubShafts act the way they do? Crud: Huh? No! I remember who Clive is! Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Crud: He's that Boogieman who wears that silly hat! [[Crud flops back out of sight with a ((THUD)).]] Cully: ... How does that distinguish him from any other Boogieman? Chunner: Actually, kid, he's right. There are silly hats, and then there are /silly/ hats. Monday , October 5 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: Have you read Crume's "Clan-Sects of Erewhon"? Sylvester: ...ouch. That was the one you got stuck with? Rosemary: What? The information was out of date, but solid. [[Outline of a younger Rosemary reading a book in a barn with cats and a goat in attendance.]] Sylvester: No no. Not the content. Crume was a recognized expert. The writing style. Sylvester: The joke at the University was that sucker could desiccate an entire Fenwickian bogswamp. Rosemary: ... heh. Yes. Rosemary: It was a little dry. [[Outline of University student Sylvester attempting to read a book and falling asleep with his eyes open.]] Sylvester: And what, 500 pages? To answer your question, I read /some/ of it. Tuesday , October 6 , 2009 [[Climbing between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: So I have technically read one book you haven't. Sylvester: No, you've read at least /two/ books I haven't. Rosemary: Huh? Sylvester: Wuttgutt's book. "Cyclopedia of.. Night Critters." Rosemary: Oh. That. "Night Beasties." [[Outline of Rosemary doggedly reading a book while wearing a helmet and seated in a high-backed chair. Bits of debris from an off-panel fight bounce around.]] Rosemary: That was in the "library" at the Hack N' Slash "Academy" I attended. Sylvester: 42 books crammed into the corner of the parlor? Rosemary: In broad metaphorical strokes, yes. Wednesday , October 7 , 2009 [[Climbing between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: You live on top of all these "beasties", and you never thought to read Wuttgutt? Sylvester: Never heard of the book before today. ...Although..Wuttgutt.. That name's familar. Have to ask Amos. [[Outline of Amos angrily emerging from his and Nellie's apartment.]] Rosemary: OK, who's this Amos? Another brother of yours? Sylvester: Oh, right. You haven't met.. No. Wait. You have met him. Sylvester: He and his wife Nellie are Great-Uncle Frederick's neighbors. [[Outline of a young Sylvester being loaded down with books by Amos.]] Sylvester: He was.. still is.. the Mansion's librarian. She's the gardener. Rosemary: ..Is he always that grumpy? Sylvester: He and Frederick.. have a History. Don't ask him about it. Just tell him you want to read books, and you'll have a friend for life. Thursday , October 8 , 2009 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: Why don't you just /show/ me this Amos? Sylvester: Eh? Oh. No. The "flow" of magic is different on this side of the River. No visions. Per se. Rosemary: So what /do/ we get? Sylvester: Well, first of all, Take a sniff. Smell anything out of place? Rosemary: ... (sniff) Rosemary: Wait.. I know this.. marshberries, right? I had some once. Sylvester: "Once"?! Rosemary: Of course! They're not as bad as.. as chocolate, but they sure ain't cheap! Friday , October 9 , 2009 [[Climbing between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Oh, that's right. I read it somewhere. It's too dry west of the Ridgebacks to grow marshberries. You have... sunberries, right? Rosemary: That's down in Abalone. [[Map of the western portion of "Mansiionland".]] Rosemary: Alfibay has Tangleberries. Rosemary: Erewhon, snozberries. Rosemary: In Moomin and Morlock it's grokeberries. Sylvester: I had sunberries.. and sunberry wine.. at the University, and enjoyed both, but the others.. Sylvester: What have I missed? Rosemary: Snozberries may be the only good thing to ever come out of Erewhon. Tangleberries are tasty, but not worth the risk to harvest. Sylvester: The Haroons are really as bad as- Rosemary: Worse. And that was just in the Hack N' Slash reports a peon like me saw. Sylvester: And grokeberries? Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: Ah. Rosemary: If I never have to eat another helping of zarking grokeberry crumble, I will die a happy woman. Saturday , October 10 , 2009 [[Climbing the stairs away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: So, smelling marshberries in Audravania should be impossible? Sylvester: Not this deep underground. Might catch a whiff of caveberries. Sylvester: (Which, by the way, you should never eat without first running your harvest by Nellie..) [[A map of the western half of "Mansionland", including Audravania.]] Rosemary: But you /can/ grow them around here. Marshberries. Sylvester: We're second best at growing /everything/. Marshberries after Fenwick. Caveberries after Wirtvale. Hemp after Lhune. Wheat after Arcadia. Rosemary: Someone grows better puddings? Sylvester: No.You're right. We are the best pudding farmers in the Known World. Yay! Sunday , October 11 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Cully is wearing his pie-tin helmet. Crud is down near the floor, his eyes still green from eating antibubbles.]] [[Three spheres. red, green and yellow fall from above, hitting all three Gnolls on the head. Cully's bounces mostly harmlessly off his helmet.]] ((CLANG BONK BONK)) [[Chunner is now also near the floor. Cully's sphere hits Crud's head on a bounce.]] Cully: Hey! That was a comment about /my/ hat, wasn't it! Chunner: perhaps it was. Cully: Well... just because.. that doesn't mean it's not /useful/! Chunner: never claimed otherwise. ((RE-BONK)) Monday , October 12 , 2009 [[Climbing between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm. It has gotten quite dark.]] Sylvester: But anyway. After the smell of marshberries, comes the second stage. Usually about when you reach that landing. Rosemary: Landing? Is this the area where we need our helmet lights? Because if they still don't work- Sylvester: No no. We'll be well out of range before we need them. Um. Assuming things haven't changed too much on /this/ side of the River as well. Sylvester: Worst comes to worst, I can carry mine, or we can use the Can-Opener as a- [[The stairway suddenly becomes brightly lit. They are at a landing, on which is posted a sign advertising Uncle Bob's Landing O' Family Fun.]] (((FOOM))) Sylvester: Ah. Never mind. Tuesday , October 13 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire, the stairs are suddenly illuminated.]] Rosemary: Did you.. turn something on? Sylvester: No. Evidently the lights were "there all along.." [[Rosemary looks up; overhead are a series of glowing spirals, floating in midair.]] Rosemary: Lights? Sylvester: "..but we couldn't see them until all the other light is gone." Rosemary: That doesn't make any.. Sylvester: Mortimer claims to understand. Try asking him. Wednesday , October 14 , 2009 [[On a landing, heading up the Great Chasm. An advertisement for Uncle Bob's place is in the background. Overhead float mysterious spiral-shaped lights.]] Sylvester: But anyway. These lights. Whatever they are. Before, you had to sorta careful about- ... [[He jerks his gaze away.]] Sylvester: Whoa. Yeah. Even worse than before. [[He turns to Rosemary, who is still staring up.]] Sylvester: Rosemary! You don't want to look directly at them; they might- [[She's off flying in the mental ozone..]] Sylvester: do that. Rosemary: wheee! Sylvester: Well. Now we have *two* things we will never ever tell Lenore about. Rosemary: neverever! {{Lenore is Sylvester's sister. The other thing was nearly-addictive treefruit.}} Thursday , October 15 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire. Rosemary has been entranced by overhead spiral-lights. Sylvester waves his hand in her face.]] Sylvester: Rosemary! Hey! Sylvester: Don't ever look at the lights in this tunnel! [[Rosemary snaps out of it, raises the Can Opener back into position.]] Rosemary: Yes. Of course. Rosemary: ...What were we talking about again? [[Sylvester turns to go.]] Sylvester: Hammerspace Corporation Poke-Kits. [[Rosemary holds her Poke-Kit up.]] Rosemary: Ah, yes. Handy little things, aren't they? Sylvester: Couldn't say. Our family had one, but it disappeared years ago. Friday , October 16 , 2009 [[Climbing between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm. Rosemary holds up her Poke Kit.]] Sylvester: Always heard that Hammerspace made quality products. Poke Kits still work, even after the Crash? Rosemary: Yes. Doesn't work /as well/, I guess. There's just room "inside" for.. a few small items. Sylvester: Beats carrying a purse around. ..If you've ever used a purse. Rosemary: Aunt Eva used to make me carry one when we went to- [[The Can-Opener disappears into the Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: . . .Temple. Saturday , October 17 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: AARRRGH! [[Sylvester turns back to her. She is holding her Poke Kit openly in her hand.]] Sylvester: What? What is it? Rosemary: The.. the Can-Opener fits inside the Poke-Kit! [[Rosemary brings the Can Opener back into view.]] Sylvester: ... And.. that's a problem. Rosemary: Yes! There was never remotely enough room before! Sylvester: Ah. Once again, I suspect, welcome to the Mansion of E.. Sylvester: Or more accurately, welcome to the local Magic-Trickle.. Sunday , October 18 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Chunner is near the floor. Crud is further down, out of sight.]] Cully: You actually said, /sir/, that wearing helmets was now mandatory! Chunner: Did I? Well, something must have distracted me after that. [[Chunner looks down.]] Cully: You were d- we were staring at you. Sir. Chunner: There. You see? Made me self-conscious and I changed my mind. [[Chunner gets up, and puts his own helmet back on, just as three more spheres drop from the ceiling; two of them ((CLANG)) off the helmets. Crud pokes his head into view, as the third heads for him.]] Chunner: And now I can change it back. Crud: Why are you two wearing splorp-catchers on your heads? Monday , October 19 , 2009 [[Between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm. Rosemary holds up her Poke Kit.]] Sylvester: Remember how we talked about trickle-points... Rosemary: And I said I've been on them before. There's a huge one under the SAR. The Poke-Kit never did this! Sylvester: Uh huh. That's a feature of this one. It tends to make magical gadgets work better. Rosemary: Like the Crash never even happened? [[Outline depicting the folk heroes mentioned below.]] Sylvester: Oh no. You won't be able to carry around a whole library/arsenel like.. do they tell Readman and Billsmith stories out West? Rosemary: Oh, yes. Zeke knew dozens of them. Tuesday , October 20 , 2009 [[In the Basement, climbing away from the River of Fire. Rosemary is displaying her Hammerspace Poke-Kit]] Sylvester: The Poke-Kit should continue to function better as long as you stay near the Mansion. Rosemary: Define "near". Sylvester: You'll be able to go as far as the village. Beyond that.. Rosemary: I'm not risking it. What if it.. swallows.. the Can-Opener. [[Outline of the fictional characters Readman and Billsmith standing on a tropical beach, surrounded by the books and other objects which have come spilling out of their Poke-Kits.]] Sylvester: Didn't Zeke ever tell you Readman and Billsmith Go To Aruba? Poke-Kits spit stuff out if they enter a low-magic area. Rosemary: I'm not trusting my luck to an old story- Sylvester: It's also in the PK instruction book. Which we /didn't/ lose. Another item for your reading list? Rosemary: ... Yes. OK. Wednesday , October 21 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: So.. the Mansion is right on top of the Magic-Trickle? Sylvester: As far as you or I are concerned, yes. Rosemary: As opposed to.. who? Sylvester: Relevant Authories [sic] have claimed that the actual center is closer to the Spike. [[Outline of the Mansion with the Spike in the background. On one of the Mansion's towers, a vision of a siege-pot blooms.]] Rosemary: ..The same Spike in the forest that Spatchcock was going on about? Sylvester: Yes. It's- Rosemary: I think I saw it this morning, from the tower. Sylvester: Oh. Right. Sorry I didn't point it out. Someone impulsively distracted me. Rosemary: That was rude. Point them out, and I'll punch 'em for you. Thursday , October 22 , 2009 [[Between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: So which of the Earls of E built the Spike? It was you, wasn't it? Sylvester: None of them. Us. Like the Mansion, it was here when we arrived. Rosemary: So you don't know who built it? Sylvester: What do you mean, of course we.. Oh. Right. You're from Out West. You might not- Rosemary: WHO? [[Outline of an Ettin magically floating a slab of building material into place.]] Sylvester: It was the Ettins, Rosemary. Sylvester: That script of theirs is plastered all over it. Sylvester: And it's made from those interlocking slabs of "durasteel" they used on everything.. Friday , October 23 , 2009 [[On the stairs between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm. A large sign on the wall warns of stairs and entrancing lights.]] Rosemary: What does my being a Westerner have to do with anything? Sylvester: Just, there aren't any Ettin artifacts out there. ..Right? [[Map of what is now a western portion of "Mansionland", marked with dots. A skull and crossbones indicates the Infernal Engine.]] Rosemary: Well.. right. I guess. Sylvester: That's because it was mostly Sneech territory. Sylvester: They had colonies all along.. under.. the Ridgebacks and the Enginetails [[Outline of southern part of the country, now divided into Human provinces and labeled.]] Rosemary: Sneeches!? The Sneeches are all down in Wirtvale! Sylvester: That's where the the /survivors/ now live, yes. Saturday , October 24 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: The Sneeches are "survivors"? Survivors of what? Sylvester: mm. If a disinterested observer arrived from, oh, the Moon- Rosemary: Are you being hypothetical here, or are there actually people living- [[Outline of an Ettin rocketship blasting off towards the Moon.]] Sylvester: Someone back in WorldDawn built all those Rings and Squares and Sankofites up there. And later on the Ettins sent at least one "void-ship" to investigate them. Sylvester: But yes. If a hypothetical visitor asked you what happened in the end to the Ettins.. what would you tell hir? [[Outline of the launching facility being destroyed at some later date.]] Rosemary: They all died. In a war or something. Sylvester: um hum. A war with the Sneeches. Sunday , October 25 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f. [[With a ((click)), green spheres fall from above and hit the Gnolls on the head. ((CLANGing)) off Cully and Chunner's helmets, and ((BONKing)) off Crud as he lies on the ground.]] [[The same, except the spheres are purple or pink.]] [[And then orange. The one hitting Crud ricochets and hits Chunner in the side of the head.]] Cully, looking at Crud: ..Shouldn't we.. do something? Chunner: About /what/? Crud: ow Monday , October 26 , 2009 [[Climbing between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: Why.. why I have never heard about this before? Sylvester: I subscribe to the theory that people.. Humans at least.. simply don't like to think about it. [[Outline of a jet flying across the sky, with the moon and night sky overhead. The sea is below, and under that, a submarine approaches a collection of organic-looking towers.]] Sylvester: Like I said, the Ettins went to the Moon. Sylvester: They built airships that somehow flew without using liftgas. Sylvester: Submerger-boats that could carry ambassadors to the Ichyoids. [[Outline of a collection of species looking a large jagged cavern mouth.]] Sylvester: And now.. we.. and the Motihauls and the Gobules and all the rest.. share a world with the creatures that destroyed them. Tuesday , October 27 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: I knew Sneeches were dangerous, but.. if they are so all-powerful then why do they skulk around in- Sylvester: I never said it was /easy/. [[Outline of mountains being hit with some sort of massive vibrations.]] Sylvester: The reason, probably, you never heard about all those Ridgeback Sneech colonies is that they're mostly /gone/. [[Outline of a scene of general destruction.]] Sylvester: The evidence is, the Sneeches came within a hairsbreath of being rendered extinct along with their enemy. As bad as The Crash. maybe worse. Rosemary: Leaving the survivors skulking around in caves in Wirtvale? Sylvester: Broadly, yes. Wednesday , October 28 , 2009 [[Under the spinning lights, Rosemary and Sylvester climb stairs between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: So, basically, we're about to go annoy an entire colony of grumpy bitter xenophobes who could kill not just us, but everyone in the entire country? Sylvester: No no. Just the entire province. I imagine Aunt Eva and Zeke are safe. Rosemary: Oh. OK Then! Thursday , October 29 , 2009 [[Rosemary and Sylvester leave the River of Fire, discussing Sneeches. An outline of a Human harvesting a growth from a Sneech-den, with an observer (also Human) taking notes]] Sylvester: I should say.. we're not walking into a certain death trap here. Down in Wirtvale, there's a whole industry... Rosemary: Filching goodies from Sneech dens. I know. Hack N' Slash talked about it, because people hire them to.. ahem.. Sylvester: Hack and Slash. Rosemary: And Edwird had a copy of Minkeybeen's book. Um. Sylvester Minkeybeen. Following The Sneechmen, if he wrote more than one. [[Outline of Minkeybeen and another Human getting into serious trouble in a Sneechden.]] Sylvester: Nope. Just the one! Rosemary: But, as I think we discussed this morning, there are different types of Sneeches.. Sylvester: Yep. Something my namesake learned to his presumed regret, while working on the sequel. Friday , October 30 , 2009 [[Climbing stairs between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: We won't reach the Sneech colony just yet, but still.. in case you find yourself there.. without me. Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: So. Sylvester: Alabastar Sneeches. They are better than some, because they are.. consistent. Sylvester: There are rules. Unspoken, had to learned by trial and error, but still, if you stick to them, seven times out eight, you'll be all right. Sylvester: Number one: there is a clear main path through the colony. Stay on it at all times, and /keep moving/. Sylvester: If you're lucky, you won't even see any.. locals. If you do, don't make eye contact, don't speak to them. Sylvester: Don't touch /anything/. Unless.. and this is a big unless.. one of the Sneeches /actively/ gives you something. Rosemary: That happens? Sylvester: Yes. Especially if it's.. been a long time since any Humans have visited. Saturday , October 31 , 2009 Rosemary: And what sort of.. treats.. do the Sneeches hand out? Sylvester: It varies wildly. Philbert got an amusing party trick. [[Outline of Philbert using his Sneech-device to spell HAPPY HALLOWEEN in light.]] Sylvester: Audra's.. gift.. whatever it was.. ended up costing her a *hand*. All she's ever quoted as saying is "it was worth it." [[Outline of Audra emerging from her Sneech-walk with her hand glowing.]] Sunday , November 1 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Every panel, there is a ((click)) and three spheres fall from above, hitting the Gnolls on their heads. The spheres ((CLANG)) off Cully and Chunner's helmets, and ((BONK)) off Crud, who is lying out of sight on the floor.]] Cully: I'm going to help him. I see his helmet right there. Chunner: Kid, /leave it!/ [[A purple boulder-sized sphere falls, crushing Chunner.]] ((CLANG)) [[Cully has picked up Crud's helmet and is shielding him with it. A small sphere ((bloops)) off the top of the one that landed on Chunner.]] Chunner, weakly: ok, fine, if you /have/ to... Cully: Thank you, sir. Monday , November 2 , 2009 [[Outline of University-graduate Sylvester entering the Mansion's Sneech den with a torch.]] Rosemary: So.. what, the Earls all spent time hanging out in the Sneech colony? Sylvester: No. Early on, it became part of the.. anointment ceremony.. for the new Earl-to-be to walk through the colony. Alone. [[Outline of Sylvester emerging at the other end of the den, where Omega the Oracle and his Uncle Sylvester are waiting.]] Rosemary: . . . What did the Sneeches give- Sylvester: Nothing. I didn't even see one. Sylvester: And please note, I am not complaining or feeling slighted in any way. Tuesday , November 3 , 2009 [[Outline of a Sneech's hand giving a triangular object to a worried Human male.]] {{It looks like the Triforce from the Zelda series of computer games.}} Sylvester: There are, of course, guidelines for dealing with Sneech "gifts". First off, you're going to have to take It, whatever It is. Sylvester: The Sneech will.. insist. [[Outline of the man gingerly carrying the triangle away from the Sneech den.]] Sylvester: However.. once you get out of eyeshot, it's marginally safe to throw It away. Rosemary: ..They say Sneeches have good eyesight. Sylvester: Yes. If It's not.. burning a hole in your hand.. it's /safer/ to wait until you leave the colony, /then/ throw it away. [[Outline of the triangle being put via mechanical arm with a collection of objects: a symbol monkey, a Ichyoid statuette, and a small flower in a pot.]] Sylvester: If you absolutely have to keep It, you should at least store It in the Quiet Room. Wednesday , November 4 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: ..Annnd you don't know what the Quiet Room is. I really need to show you around upstairs one of these days. Sylvester: Heh. The Spindizzies are going to /love/ you. Rosemary: . . . [[Outline of a Human operating a machine-arm which extends out of sight off the edge of the panel.]] Sylvester: But anyway. The Quiet Room is a.. gap.. in the Mansion's structure, in which magic-powered items... keep quiet. Sylvester: And so yes, you don't want to take your Poke Kit in there. Or yourself. It's.. really quiet. Thursday , November 5 , 2009 [[Climbing between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: And where is this Quiet Room? Sylvester: If I'm not around to show you, go find Amos. Or Nellie. Rosemary: Not the Scary Lady? Sylvester: Who? Oh. No. She might react- No. Amos or Nellie. Tell them.. Sylvester: Heh. Tell them I said that Omega would have really really hated you. And after that.. do whatever you can to help Mortimer. Rosemary: Fine. Rosemary: Is that description something for me to be proud of? Sylvester: I at least intend it as a compliment, but right now, let's stick to Sneeches. Friday , November 6 , 2009 [[Climbing stairs between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: Fine again. I have a Sneech question. If this was "Ettin territory", why do you.. we.. even have a colony of Sneeches here? Sylvester: sigh. The same reason we have Motihauls and Troglodytes and.. Pales. There's a small Pale fort, in the forest, hundreds of miles from any desert. [[Outline of the Pale's Camp in the Forest of E.]] Rosemary: ...Just one fort? What do Pales do, when they don't have other forts to fight with? Sylvester: The Nexus seems to keep them busy, but I regret I lack any details. Sylvester: To answer your original question. The Ettins collected them, brought them all here. It was sort of a.. [[Outline of a Pale behind bars in the Chamber of Extreme Aridity, while a Sneech's hand gets zapped by a watching Ettin.]] Sylvester: Ah, zark. Let's not mince words. It was a zoo. The Ettins kept their fellow sentients locked up in a zarking zoo. Sylvester: Except the Sneeches. They were evidently more like.. Prisoners of war. Sylvester: Research subjects. Saturday , November 7 , 2009 [[A map of the portion of the Basement near the Riddle Grotto, with arrows pointing towards various off-panel locations.]] Rosemary: So.. where was this Ettin zoo located? Sylvester: Eh? Down here in the Basement, of course. Sylvester: And no, we didn't get terribly near it today. [[A map of the Ettin's zoo, as it was when it was set up.]] Sylvester: Even now, most of the.. displays still function automatically. Camora mentioned them. Whatisface's "Crocogator Pit." Rosemary: "Nubby", I believe. Sylvester: Right. That has to be the Motihaul swamp. And the "Chamber of Extreme Aridity". The Pales. Sunday , November 8 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Spheres are falling from above with a ((click)). A large one has crushed Chunner. Cully is shielding Crud with a pie-tin, when another large one lands where he, Cully, had been standing before.]] ((WHUMP BLOOP CLANG)) [[Cully drags Crud to one side.]] ((BLOOP CLANG)) [[A third "boulder" lands where Crud had been laying.]] ((BOOP CLANG WHUMP)) Cully: They're going to blow up now, or something, aren't they? Chunner: or something. Crud: hi, chunner! Chunner: hello, crud. {{The symbols on the various small spheres are a tribute to the board game Settlers of Catan.}} Monday , November 9 , 2009 [[Outline of a Pale emerging from a broken-open hole, witnessed by a male Motihaul and an Ooze. A Helipath is overhead.]] Rosemary: But you just said the Pales are out in the forest. Sylvester: Like all the other species, after the Ettins were gone, they eventually got out of their exhibit. Started roaming the Basement. [[Outline of Pales climbing a broken-looking shaft towards red light above.]] Sylvester: Then, after the Crash, we Humans were essentially gone, and they left the Basement all together. Settled in the ruins of Eetown. Rosemary: Why? Sylvester: The romantic in me likes to think they needed to be under the open sky., but for all I /know/, the others drove them out. Tuesday , November 10 , 2009 [[Outline of some Humans hiking across a possibly-tropical landscape.]] Rosemary: And I suppose you're going to try and tell me your ancestors broke out of the Human exhibit in the zoo, and took over the Mansion? Sylvester: Oh no. We came the hard way, like most everyone else. The long generational Trek from the Deep Jungles of the south. [[An Ettin makes figures in the air, which an Eyebolt transcribes. The Ettin also tosses a bit of garbage to a Gobule.]] Sylvester: There /was/ no Human exhibit. Also, evidently, none for the Eyebolts, Gobules or Gnolls. Sylvester: The first two, they were doing what they do now. Working as clerks, I guess, and garbagemen. Critters. [[Two Gnolls are feeding on scraps as some sort of sphere comes flying in, spewing something.]] {{It's some kind of pest-killing device.}} Sylvester: The Gnolls were vermin. As near as we can tell. Even low-level Ettin records are fragmentary and difficult to translate at the best of times. Rosemary: So we Humans were /special/, huh? Sylvester: ...Never once have researchers turned up even the slightest mention of Humans in Ettin records. Take that how you will. Wednesday , November 11 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire, towards the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: Did you learn all this about Ettins and Sneeches at the University? Sylvester: Yes. The E family scholarship limited me to the "prudent and reasonable" , but if I had had a free choice.. I would have become an archeologist. [[Outline of Humans landing a small boat on a pillared shore.]] Sylvester: In a truly perfect world.. I would have maybe gone off to Abalone with Nimue. They are, were, doing fascinating work out there. Rosemary: They're pretty sure now that's where we Humans came into the country, across the Sea of Shells on rafts from Tiranog. Thursday , November 12 , 2009 [[A map of part of southern "Mansionland", with the country of Thekla to the south.]] Rosemary: So those Shibolithians who always go on about having the oldest settlements in the country are lying? I'm shocked. Sylvester: Heh. Well. Yes and no. Do you really want to go into details about all this? Rosemary: We're going into detail about /everything/. [[Outline of a Human male crawling across a desert meeting two Pales.]] Sylvester: OK. Yes, Humans also made it across the desert on foot, from what is now Thekla. Sylvester: But the climate was evidently different. The desert was even worse than it is now. And the Pales were already in residence. Friday , November 13 , 2009 [[Outline of a Shibolithian desertscape, with a Human and Pale waving at each other.]] Rosemary: But we get along with the Pales in Shibolith. Sylvester: We do now. [[Outline of a Human town near a much-larger Pale Fort.]] Sylvester: Back then.. who knows. Details are hazy. Sylvester: In the end, there were a few Human settlements long before anyonewaded ashore in Abalone.. But, they never made it any further, over the Ridgebacks. Rosemary: Why not? Sylvester: There's a thousand theories, and very little hard data. [[Outline of a male Human looking over a rock and meeting a female Human in Shibolith. Both of them go "!?"]] Sylvester: But, if you've ever wondered, that's probably why Humans from Shibolith talk the way they do. I gather at some point you've-? Rosemary: Never been there, but I've met one or two of them, yes. Sylvester: Their ancestors were cut off from the rest of us for.. an unknown but lengthy period of time. Saturday , November 14 , 2009 [[Outline of Sylvester's mother Dorothea dealing with a Human shopkeeper, while his sister Lilith carries a large pile of packages.]] Rosemary: I don't understand. Sylvester: Language.. Human language at least.. isn't fixed. It shifts over time and distance. Sylvester: Mom wrote from Agrada, she and Lil could barely talk to the locals, but exchange notes well enough. [[A map of the west of "Mansionland". In the north of the Province of Alfibay is written HERE THERE BE HAROONS.]] Sylvester: A few more generations with no easy travel.. even that's gonna change. Rosemary: So.. it'll be like up in Alfibay with the Haroons. Sylvester: I imagine. [[Outline of an angry Human lumberjack being shot at with arrows.]] Sylvester: And they, by the way, are the /real/ first arrivals in these parts. Although I guess they don't build towns per se.. Sylvester: Someone.. something.. must have brought them there directly from.. somewhere.. If they know, they evidently.. aren't talking. Rosemary: They get their point across just fine. Saturday , November 14 , 2009 [[Outline of Sylvester's mother Dorothea dealing with a Human shopkeeper, while his sister Lilith carries a large pile of packages.]] Rosemary: I don't understand. Sylvester: Language.. Human language at least.. isn't fixed. It shifts over time and distance. Sylvester: Mom wrote from Agrada, she and Lil could barely talk to the locals, but exchange notes well enough. [[A map of the west of "Mansionland". In the north of the Province of Alfibay is written HERE THERE BE HAROONS.]] Sylvester: A few more generations with no easy travel.. even that's gonna change. Rosemary: So.. it'll be like up in Alfibay with the Haroons. Sylvester: I imagine. [[Outline of an angry Human lumberjack being shot at with arrows.]] Sylvester: And they, by the way, are the /real/ first arrivals in these parts. Although I guess they don't build towns per se.. Sylvester: Someone.. something.. must have brought them there directly from.. somewhere.. If they know, they evidently.. aren't talking. Rosemary: They get their point across just fine. Sunday , November 15 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Spheres are falling from above. These are larger than previously, colored white, and ((BLOOP)) off the three large "boulders" that have landed. The impact leaves a ring on the boulders. Cully watches all of this, while Chunner and Crud are lying on the floor.]] [[Larger still, and gray. The rings get pushed down a notch upon impact.]] [[Larger and black. Instead of a bloop, this time there is a ((CRACK)) on each boulder as the jagged line that runs around their middle becomes a.. crack.]] Cully: I've said it before, and I'll say it again: eep! Monday , November 16 , 2009 [[Leaving the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: But of course, as fascinating as this all is, it's not immediately relevant. Rosemary: What, we don't have any Haroons living around here? Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: Oh come on! I was /joking!/ Sylvester: Relax. We don't have any real Haroons around. But there's Ilsa. Rosemary: "Ilsa". Sylvester: Ilsa Lundquist. She was the Head Housekeeper of the Mansion for years. Sylvester: Her mother was a Haroon. Got herself exiled from her.. tribe-family-thingy. Left the forest. Rosemary: ..And.. she met a Mr. Lundquist and one thing led to another? I've heard similar stories. Sylvester: Yes. Strange woman. Ilsa; didn't know the mother. Never did figure out exactly where she was coming from. Tuesday , November 17 , 2009 [[Outline of Sylvester giving instructions to Ilsa and the Woman of Mystery; the latter woman is wearing a maid's outfit.]] Rosemary: If her mother was a Haroon, of course this Ilsa's gonna be "strange"! Sylvester: No. Sylvester: Very much unlike a Haroon, she was composed and efficient. But she was also.. distracted somehow. Waiting for something specific to happen, and it never did? Sylvester: No. No, that's not it either. [[Outline of Sylvester looking a cobwebbed hat and dustbrush.]] Sylvester: But anyway, she finally retired, unlike Amos and Nellie, really retired, and moved to the village. Sylvester: And I never replaced her. Officially. One of my many unavoidable cost-cutting measures. Wednesday , November 18 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire, towards the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: So, are there any other of your old servants still lurking about? Sylvester: None worth mentioning. Well, except Schmedley. The butler. But you met him when Mortimer brought you here. [[Outlne of Mortimer and Rosemary at the entrance to the Mansion.]] Rosemary: What? No I didn't. Sylvester: Really? You came in the main entrance? Under the Gatestone. The big black rock? Rosemary: Yes? Sylvester: He's always on duty right by the front door. Rosemary: . . . [[Rosemary points her thumb back over her shoulder.]] Rosemary: . . . That /wasn't/ a mummy propped up a display alcove? Sylvester: Very technically, no. Thursday , November 19 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: So.. your family used to have lots of servants? Sylvester: urg. It's one of the reasons we lost all our money. *Paying* all these idiots to... [[Outline of string-measurer instructing his son.]] Sylvester: We had.. there was a *hereditary position* tasked with measuring pieces of string, and cataloguing and storing away ones deemed "too short to use!" [[Outline of food-deliverer finding dead string-measurer.]] Rosemary: I hope you fired the current guy when you became- Sylvester: No, get this. The last man to hold the position choked to death. On, yes, a piece of string. A week and a half later, the Crash hit. And there were people who claimed, seriously, that the Crash happened because the position was unfilled! Friday , November 20 , 2009 [[Leaving the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: But still. When you get rich again, you're going hire back the string-measurers, aren't you? Sylvester: No. That's ancient history, and getting moldier and more decrepit by the day. Rosemary: Fine. Just a new housekeeper, then. And a cook. And some Shovellers Guild guys to clean out the moat. Sylvester: /sigh/. It /would/ be nice to see the Mansion all.. polished and running again. And to rebuild all the. . . Sylvester: Wait. "When?" Rosemary: Of course! /I'm/ here now! Saturday , November 21 , 2009 [[On the stairs between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Rosemary.. no offense.. but.. what do you know about making large amounts of money? Rosemary: Not a thing! But, again, Sylvester, look at this.. /treasure box/ you're living in! [[A view of the tunnel they are climbing, with a alcoves above and below in the stone; one holds purple liquid which has electric current passing through it. Another has stacks of huge bars or ingots. A third is filled with an enormous red statue.]] {{The last is a homage to the vintage Dungeons & Dragons Player Manual.}} Rosemary: There must be a way to make some legitimate money! Get that Djinno-thingy to spit out more Ghastgoop! Or something! Rosemary: Put that University-educated brain of yours to work. And I'll bap anyone who gets in the way on the head! Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: . . . if you're staying here... I could actually /leave/ for more than a few hours, and not worry about Rufus blowing the place up, or Mortimer trading it for a handful of pudding nuts... Rosemary: OK. Your going off and getting a job should be our last-ditch desperation plan, but that's better than no plan at all! Sunday , November 22 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Multicolored spheres rain down from above. Cully holds onto his hat as the three purple "boulders" which dropped previously all make loud and worrying noises.]] Cully: AAAIIEE! ((BLAM BAM BOOM)) [[More spheres rain down. Cully cracks an eye. The tops of the boulders have risen up a fraction on blue stilts. The falling spheres ((ting)) off.]] [[The tops ((click)) and ((clack)) higher; the stilts are jointed and accordion-like. Cully and now Chunner silently watch them rise. They are protected from the falling spheres.]] Monday , November 23 , 2009 [[An outline of a city-scene: a man dealing with a female sparkwire operator in her booth, as young boy hawks newspapers or something similar.]] Sylvester: Job? Well, maybe, but if I could just go to Glome.. the Provincial capital? I could get copies of the Times eight times faster. And ditto the Sparklines to The Capital! Rosemary: How would that help? [[Outline of Sylvester in the Mansion, fuming as he reads a copy of the Times.]] Sylvester: Sorry, but it's the stock market again. Generally, Mr. Ferrule's minions do well, but there have been instances when I would have overruled them, if I had had more current information. Sylvester: Learning how to read between the lines of the Times was one of the major skllls [sic] I acquired at the University. Tuesday , November 24 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: ..You think there are secret messages hidden in the Times. Sylvester: Literal codes? No. Although, now that you mention it, I wouldn't be surprised if that had happened at some point. Sylvester: Lesson #1: Pretty much everything printed in the Times, except /maybe/ the Starball scores, is a lie. Rosemary: But then why do you bother to- Sylvester: What matters is who is /telling/ any given lie. Wednesday , November 25 , 2009 [[Outline of a spear-carrying soldier guarding a portrait of a smiling man with a large Y on his chest.]] Sylvester: ... I may have to back up a step here. Do you know who is currently king of our fair country? Rosemary: ?..Yancy. Yancy the 2nd. Did he die or something? I've been.. I'm not really up on political stuff. [[Outline of a man working a small desk in a large room, illuminated by a single light bulb hanging over him on a long cord. Another enormous portrait of Yancy is on the wall.]] Sylvester: At last report he's still alive. But a sizable fraction of our countrymen wouldn't be able to answer my question. And why? Rosemary: Well.. I'd guess.. cuz everyone knows The Bureaucracy really runs things? Sylvester: Essentially correct. And it.. they.. have ever since Yorik III and his children all died in the Crash. Thursday , November 26 , 2009 [[Rosemary and Sylvester climb up away from the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: Anyway- Rosemary: You're /really/ an Earl? I mean, officially and everything? Sylvester: My name is Listed in the Tome. Your point? Rosemary: It's just.. you're in line to become King? [[An outline of "King Sylvester" giving an uninspiring speech from a balcony.]] Sylvester: There are about 842 names /ahead/ of mine, but yes. I am. I would be thankful if you don't go murder them all. Rosemary: Course not. You'd look stupid giving speeches up on that.. balcony thing Yancy uses. I hear. Sylvester: Yes. Thanks also for that. Rosemary: But you'd make an excellent Grand High Bureaucrat. Or.. whatever the zarking title is. Sylvester: Rrright. Which brings us back to the point at hand. Friday , November 27 , 2009 [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester looking up at a solid block.]] Sylvester: I can't become "Head Bureaucrat", because there is no such thing. Sylvester: To hicks like us out in the sticks, The Bureaucracy may appear as a.. solid menacing.. I don't know.. Rosemary: Glacier? Sylvester: You've heard of those? Rosemary: There are a few smallish ones in Moonin. And big ones in Alfibay. Sylvester: Huh. Anyway. Yes. A glacier. [[Outline showing a fragmented collection of individuals, all of them spying on/harassing/arguing with one another.]] Sylvester: But, you spend any time in the Capital, and you learn it's not. There are a.. zillion agencies and departments and subcommittees and offices, all constantly scrabbling and backstabbing. Sylvester: And then there's the Army. And the Provincial Governators. And the Official Spy Agency. And my fellow remnants of the old Aristocracy. And Brush knows who else. Saturday , November 28 , 2009 [[Climbing stairs between the River of Fire and the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Which brings us back to the Times. Sylvester: The factions all constantly push their various agendas in the paper, each using its favorite pet reporter. Sylvester: As a reader, the trick is learn these connections. [[Map of the "Mansionland" Province of Shibolith, and its border with the nation of Thekla to the south. It is marked with dollar signs.]] Sylvester: So when, say, ol' Anton Theremon did that piece last week about diplomatic relations improving with Thekla... Sylvester: What it probably was. was an attempt by his Treasury contacts to scuttle the latest Army budget initiative. Rosemary: So.. what.. we're about to go to war with Thekla? Sylvester: No, Times lies are more subtle than /that/; the two governments simply have more urgent problems to deal with than each other. Sunday , November 29 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner look up at the pod-tops which are now protecting them. Falling objects ((ting)) off of the covers.]] ((CLICK CLUNK)) [[The Gnolls looks some more. The ((tings)) grow more frequent.]] [[And more frequent still.]] Cully: Are those things.. /sheltering/ us? Chunner: Yes they are. And I don't like it Crud, from the floor: Not one tiny little bit! Sunday , November 29 , 2009 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner look up at the pod-tops which are now protecting them. Falling objects ((ting)) off of the covers.]] ((CLICK CLUNK)) [[The Gnolls looks some more. The ((tings)) grow more frequent.]] [[And more frequent still.]] Cully: Are those things.. /sheltering/ us? Chunner: Yes they are. And I don't like it Crud, from the floor: Not one tiny little bit! Monday , November 30 , 2009 [[Outline of Baldy on Caravan duty, with a couple of spear-carriers lurking behind a rise.]] Rosemary: Problems. You're talking about the Western bandit attacks. And the Erewhonians. Sylvester: Yup. Another Times rule: when all the Official Sources say something's not that bad.. it's probably pretty bad. [[Map of the nation of Thekla and surrounding states. Arrows point at a portion of the country.]] Sylvester: As for the Theklans, their relations with their southern neighbors, the Incanans, are not just tense but downright hostile. Sylvester: And something is happening in Vespugia. Rosemary: Ves.. what? Sylvester: Vespugia. It's their major agricultural province. Rosemary: Like Arcadia? [[Outline of some buildings burning in the distance, under a night sky.]] Sylvester: Strictly In the sense they both grow a lot of high-quality crops. Vespugia is not the original seat of the Theklan ruling family. Sylvester: And before you ask... Peasant revolt, crop failures, Wendigo attacks? Lots of rumors, almost no hard facts. Tuesday , December 1 , 2009 [[Climbing stairs towards the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: But anyway. We're again getting away from matters of more immediate concern. Rosemary: Right. [[They climb some more.]] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: The big Outfits.. Telemon, FizzCo, Ficklegruber.. they influence the Times, too. Starting with advertising. Rosemary: How does Blufuscu figure into that whole Thekla/Incana thing? Wednesday , December 2 , 2009 [[Leaving the River of Fire. All the panels are outlines. This is a map of the countries just to the south of "Mansionland".]] Sylvester: Ah, Blefuscu. What do you already know about them? Rosemary: Not much. Um. I can find it on a map. Which is why I asked. Rosemary: We trade with them a lot. The capital is Sirap. The ruling family is the.. Hulots? Sylvester: Again, you're already doing better than a lot of people. [[A split panel showing the two of them eating the same squid-like creature in different restaurants. Sylvester's is more upscale.]] Rosemary: Oh. They have a thing about food. Cooking. In Ootope, I ate at a Blefuscan restaurant. Le Harbormaster. It was.. weird, but good. Sylvester: Yes. I splurged a couple times in the Capital myself. Anatole of Le Snodsbury. The man was a genius. [[Clouseau standing between two other diplomats, both of whom are yelling.]] Sylvester: But, to answer your question.. the Blefuscan foreign minister.. whatisface.. Clouseau.. he's another genius, has managed to stay neutral with the Thekla/Incana thing. For now. Sylvester: If they do get drug in on one side or the other.. it could turn ugly for everybody. Thursday , December 3 , 2009 [[Climbing stairs towards the River of Fire. The spinning light overhead breaks up.]] Sylvester: And when I say everybody.. Short version, if things go really wrong, everyone north of /Zandu/ could get dragged in. Sylvester: Except the Niblungians, of course. They're too busy fighting /each other/ to care. And I suppose the Azimuthfolk would just close up- [[The light ((UNFOOMs)), leaving them in near-darkness.]] Sylvester: Ah. Right. When we get near the other end of the stairs, the lights will go out. Rosemary: Lights? Oh. Right. Rosemary: I don't ever look at the lights. Friday , December 4 , 2009 [[Climbing stairs towards the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Coming to a landing. Watch your step. Rosemary: I do have a more immediate question. Not about landings. Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: You were saying before.. we actually have rooms down here that.. look like every.. climate? in the World? [[Collection of outlines depicting each type that Sylvester lists, starting with a crocogator in a swamp.]] Sylvester: /Every/ climate? No. There's a swamp, Sylvester: a Shibolith-type desert Sylvester: a jungle Sylvester: and a... space like where the Helipaths came from. [[Same again, long strips depicting the mentioned climate.]] Rosemary: ..so, no.. pine forest, or.. glacier simulations? Sylvester: Correct. Also, sadly, no Zanduian savannah complete with elephinos. or Thembrian tundra. or Great-Dry desert. Sylvester: There /was/ an arctic display. With Wendigoes. But it broke down decades ago, and they all died. [[A Gobule wanders in the barren arctic exhibit.]] Saturday , December 5 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: You don't sound too broken up about the Mansion not having any Wendigoes. Sylvester: Of course I'm not. Sylvester: Everything I've ever read about them, unless you count those Willy books, says they're vicious little buggers. Sylvester: Or maybe not so little. [[Willy and one of his friends look on with delight as a magical bow spews forth its contents. A third individual looks on with more disdain.]] Rosemary: You don't like Willy the Wendigo? Sylvester: Of course I do. His exploits are among the best children's stories ever written. Sylvester: But if.. when.. I have a child, I will definitely teach hir that /real/ Wendigoes don't have whimsical adventures with Wifts and Gobble'Ems. Sunday , December 6 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The pod-tops stand above the Gnolls, protecting them from the objects which continually ((ting)) off. Crud peeks out from his pod.]] Cully: Have you had these before? Chunner: No, Kid. This is something new. Crud: For us. I'm fairly sure these are what Cunskite was talking about that time. [[Crud rises a little higher into view.]] Chunner: /What/ time? Crud: Oh. It must have been before you arrived. Or you were asleep. Or something. Chunner: /Fine/. What glowgems of wisdom did Cunskite dispense on the subject? Crud: Um.. they're very bad. No. Wait. Very good. No. That's not right either... Chunner: Terrific. Monday , December 7 , 2009 [[Climbing the stairs away from the River of Fire. A large sign reads WARNING LIGHTS GOING OUT.]] Rosemary: So, you wanna have kids some day? Sylvester: I do not intend to be the one who ends my family's line of sucession after 23 generations. Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: That's.. not really a "yes", Sylvester. Sylvester: Perhaps. For people who aren't the Earl of E.. [[A new sign reads WARNING LIGHTS GOING ON.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: And now, as Earl, I declare you have eight seconds to remove that disgusting look of pity and replace it with one of towering respect! Tuesday , December 8 , 2009 [[Approaching the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: What about you? You want to have children? Rosemary: if.. when.. the right hetguy and the right place come along, sure. But right now.. I chew my stiflebloom each month. [[Outline showing one small and one large stiflebloom bush.]] Rosemary: ...You do have stiflebloom in these parts? Sylvester: Um.. yes. Although it doesn't grow as luxuriously as some places. Sylvester: Also... it's possible to get a.. batch that doesn't.. work. Rosemary: That's not true. Sometimes you'll get some stupid phizzette who /claims/ that- Sylvester: No. Here at least, there have been, very occasionally but definitely, failures. Again, you'll want to talk to Nellie. Wednesday , December 9 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: You actually witnessed, first-hand, stiflebloom not working? Sylvester: Look, Rosemary, I don't know how it is Out West, but here.. a lot of women don't like men even /talking/ about this. Sylvester: ..and I have to choose my battles carefully. As we've touched on before, my social situation is precarious enough as it is. Rosemary: Who's gonna hear us down here? That matters? Sylvester: Can you guarantee that, if what I tell you phizzes you off, you won't go stomping around, kicking over hives full of angry bees? Rosemary: . . . Some hives need to be kicked over. Sylvester: Absolutely. But again. Battles. Choosing. Please go talk to Nellie. Thursday , December 10 , 2009 [[Climbing towards the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: ..not that it matters, really... Sylvester: Hmm? Rosemary: I.. sorta tend to scare men off. Sylvester: /Nno!/ Sylvester: What about ol' Baldy back there? He looked like he had hair on his chest. Metaphorically. [[Outline of a day on the Caravan, with Baldy talking to a man at a table, while Rosemary juggles.]] Rosemary: Heh. Yes. And I had a small crush on him at first because of that. But he's a homguy. Sylvester: Oh. You know, there are often /degrees/ to which a person is one or the oth- Rosemary: He was a /homguy/. Sylvester: Right. Friday , December 11 , 2009 [[Climbing the stairway up from the River of Fire, approaching the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Getting close to the exit. Any more unrelated questions? Rosemary: ..Helipaths. You said something about "where they came from"? [[Outline of a Panegate showing a purple-tinged world beyond; a tree-like object is covered with small lights.]] Sylvester: Right. Why you've never heard of them.. and the Ecadems.. before. It's almost certain the Ettins brought their ancestors through a Panegate. Sylvester: Which is a.. magic door, no, window, hence "pane", leading to..other places. Rosemary: I see. Sylvester: No. You don't. But, I hasten to add, only because you're not an Ettin. Saturday , December 12 , 2009 [[A map of the Known World, the Specific Ocean, and a sketchy portion of the Far Eastern Shore.]] Rosemary: So, you?re saying that Helipaths normally hang out down in the Deep Jungles, or.. or in the Far East or something? Sylvester: Maybe. Who knows what?s beyond the Far Eastern Shore? We had just /started/ to explore over there when the Crash hit. [[Two views of the Wide World from orbit, with the planets Barsoom and Perelandra in the sky behind it. One of the WWs has a magical glow, the landmasses are not quite the same shape, and glowing cities/constructions/ocean-spanning bridges are visible all across its surface.]] Sylvester: But the Panegates are more than just that. They also open onto.. other worlds. Rosemary: You mean... like Barsoom or Perelandra or something? Sylvester: No. Well. Probably not. I mean other Wide Worlds. Other "heres" where history.. went very differently. Sunday , December 13 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The elevated pod-tops shelter the Gnolls from falling objects. The ((tings)) of impact are continuous.]] Chunner: /Crud/.. if you can't- Crud: No. Wait. OK. I remember now. These pod-thingies are good because something very bad is going to happen, and they will help protect us! [[Cully and Chunner absorb this information.]] Cully: So.. yay? [[Chunner twirls a finger.]] Chunner: Sure. Why not. Crud: Or maybe it was something very VERY bad... Monday , December 14 , 2009 [[Outline of a boat sailing into an approaching storm.]] Rosemary: I don't understand. Sylvester: Never read Philkick?s /Summer of Kaylu/, eh? Well, OK. Let?s take a personal example. If you don?t mind.. how did your parents die? Rosemary: . . . They were headed home to Gnomin from Genny. One of the other islands. A storm blew up and their boat sank. Rosemary: I wasn't along because I had caught my case of jibjib pox. Sylvester: ..and you were in quarantine with the local Oracle. Right. So. Imagine then, a world just like this one. [[Two identical maps of the Bay of Runes.]] Sylvester: Same provinces and principalities. [[Two identical maps of Gnomin and nearby islands: the largest is Hobgoble, the others are Fuzzburr, Genny, Whittle, Snood and Hoopy.]] Sylvester: Same.. islands.. [[An outline of some figures on the deck of a ship.]] Sylvester: Same people. [[The same deck, but two of the figures are not there.]] Sylvester: Except, your parents weren't on that unfortunate boat Monday , December 14 , 2009 [[Outline of a boat sailing into an approaching storm.]] Rosemary: I don't understand. Sylvester: Never read Philkick?s /Summer of Kaylu/, eh? Well, OK. Let?s take a personal example. If you don?t mind.. how did your parents die? Rosemary: . . . They were headed home to Gnomin from Genny. One of the other islands. A storm blew up and their boat sank. Rosemary: I wasn't along because I had caught my case of jibjib pox. Sylvester: ..and you were in quarantine with the local Oracle. Right. So. Imagine then, a world just like this one. [[Two identical maps of the Bay of Runes.]] Sylvester: Same provinces and principalities. [[Two identical maps of Gnomin and nearby islands: the largest is Hobgoble, the others are Fuzzburr, Genny, Whittle, Snood and Hoopy.]] Sylvester: Same.. islands.. [[An outline of some figures on the deck of a ship.]] Sylvester: Same people. [[The same deck, but two of the figures are not there.]] Sylvester: Except, your parents weren't on that unfortunate boat Tuesday , December 15 , 2009 [[Outline of alternate versions of Rosemary's parents watching their boat sail away from the shore without them.]] Sylvester: ...Or did your parents own the boat? Rosemary: No. It was one of old Edmund Fitzgerald?s shuttles. The Rhone. Haulled around people, mail. But why would they miss it? [[Outline of a hand reaching for a berry growing on a bush.]] Sylvester: You would know better than me. Sylvester: Maybe they stopped to pick a mess of Genny?s famous grokeberries, planning to make a fine crumble, lost track of time and got to the quay five minutes after the ?Rhone? set sail. [[A young Alternate-Rosemary lecturing an even younger sister.]] Sylvester: The point is, these hypothetical folks got home safely from that trip. And so, you went on to grow up with them instead of Aunt Eva. Maybe even had a younger sister or two to boss around! Rosemary: So.. you're saying I could go through one of these Panegates.. and meet my parents? Sylvester: Unfortunately.. Wednesday , December 16 , 2009 [[Approaching the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary:Then why are you stringing me along with this ridiculous story? Sylvester: I?m sorry. More accurately, you can?t meet alternate versions of your parents /right now/. For the moment, do you understand the concept here? [[Outline of a young Rosemary being enthusiastically approached by a young boy carrying a frog.]] Sylvester: This hypothetical other you grows up, never gets sword lessons from Zeke, is never inspired by Aunt Eva?s crazy gambling stories. And, even though she is impulsive and clever and brave, she never leaves Gnomin Island. Instead she.... Sylvester: What was the name of the annoying little boy who lived on the next farm over? Rosemary: . . . How did you know about Seymour? [[Outline of an adult Rosemary #2 and Seymour #2 meeting romantically under a tree.]] Sylvester: There?s always an annoying little boy, Rosemary. Or girl. Rosemary: You?re suggesting that I would- Eeew! Sylvester: Of course /you/ wouldn?t. Rosemary #2 might. Rosemary: Heh. Well then, she's an idiot! Thursday , December 17 , 2009 [[Outline depicting alternate versions: Edwird with broken pencil, Baldy battling Scratch, Edgar causing annoyances for Sylvester.]] Sylvester: Whatever Rosemary #2?s intellect, the point is.. these changes radiate out. Sylvester: She never leaves home, never meets Edwird #2. Baldy. Scratch. Me. Sylvester: And thus.. for better or worse, all of those guys? lives are different. And the lives of everyone they meet. And so on, piling up. [[Outline of Sylvester looking through a Panegate at the confrontation between, presumably, a Wilf and a Gobblem.]] Sylvester: It is worlds /like/ this to which many Panegates connect. Only the changes are... massive. The DawnWars, back before even the Ettins and Sneeches, they were never fought. Or they were even more cataclysmic. Sylvester: There are worlds out there, Rosemary, where Wilfs and Gobblems aren?t just bits of bone and fairy tales. They still walk under the sun and stars. I?ve seen them. Rosemary: ...What were they like? Sylvester: Terrifying. There was no room for Humans on the other side of that Gate. Friday , December 18 , 2009 [[Outline of a spear-wielding "caveman" fighting a tiger-like cat. The background is orange.]] Rosemary: So why do these Gates only show these ?Wilf/Gobblem? worlds? Sylvester: Humans /have/ been spotted in one or two of them. Unfamiliar Humans, chucking spears at moose and hillcats. [[Outline stylistically depicting the events of the day, with branches off at every encounter: The Operator, Snoot, Camora, Edgar and the Aspect.]] Sylvester: There are no close matches because.. well, the immediate answer is that only Ettins knew how to make or adjust the P-Gates, and they?ve been gone for.. a very long time. Sylvester: If worlds /are/ spun off every decision we make, we have no way of accessing them. [[Outline showing a large collection of Panegates, each with a differently-colored world beyond. A bird, possibly. A Wilf. A Helipath. A Cavehuman. Sylvester and Rosemary. An Ecadem. A tower, possibly, or a ruin, marked with windows.]] Sylvester: Of course, there is also the theory which Lemuel advanced, that the Brush painted a large but ultimately limited number of worlds, and what you see is pretty much what you get. Rosemary: How could the Brush possibily be "limited"? Sylvester: It was and is not the most popular of concepts. He did try to emphasize the word "large"; he spent his life mapping the Mansion and claimed he didn't come close to finishing. Saturday , December 19 , 2009 [[Outline of Lemuel and a woman, presumably his wife.]] Rosemary: And Lemuel, I assume, was another Earl? Sylvester: Well.. /technically/ he was number twelve. Roemary: "Technically"? Sylvester: He was a pleasant enough fellow, by all accounts, and a meticulous researcher, but a /terrible/ Earl. [[Outline of Lemuel looking at a Cosmic Horror through a Panegate.]] Sylvester: Heh. He never travelled further than Glome, once, and he still witnessed vistas unseen by any other Human, ever. Sylvester: Probably killed him in the end. Sunday , December 20 , 2009 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The elevated pod-tops protect the Gnolls from falling objects, which ((ting)) off.]] Chunner: So.. what exactly qualifies as "very very bad"? Crud: I don't want to spread any panic or alarm. [[Cully and Chunner stare at him.]] Cully: Mr. Crud, your not expanding on that statement spreads panic and alarm. Crud: ...It does, doesn't it? If we aren't all destroyed in the Coming Upheaval, I'll have to present it at the next scattering of the Paradox Society! Monday , December 21 , 2009 [[Outline of an important-looking individual kneeling next to the body of the 12th Earl of E, Lemuel, as a worried-looking guard stands above.]] Rosemary: So, what, this Lemuel let something deadly through a gate? Sylvester: No one knows. His body was found with a 'hideous expression' on its face. But.. it's unlikely. [[Outline of the Woman of Mystery being zapped as she works to open a Panegate.]] Sylvester: He almost never tried to /open/ the P-Gates. Just looked through them. Sylvester: And I don't blame him one bit. Gate control-locks are horrifically complicated. And dangerous. Sylvester: It's my understanding that even the most.. dedicated and talented of individuals can only open a relative handful. [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: And no, Rosemary, that's not a challenge. Rosemary: Well, phooey. There goes tomorrow afternoon's plan! Sylvester: Weren't you going to build a flamethrower? Rosemary: That's still the morning plan! Tuesday , December 22 , 2009 [[Outline of Rufus opening a Panegate, watched by Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Can you open any of these Gates? Sylvester: A couple of the very simplest ones. And only because opening and going through one is another rite of passage to Earldom. Sylvester: Rufus is the one with the knack. And the interest, unfortunately. [[Outline of the Mansion's towers, with mountains beyond.]] Rosemary: Where do they go? The "simple" ones? Sylvester: The Forest. Charlotte's Cave. Which is in the side of one of those mountains we saw from the tower this morning. [[Approaching the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: Again, I'm not sure I believe any of this, but. . . What's it like? The trip. Is there a tunnel of light.. or..? Sylvester: It's like stepping into another room. Except there's.. I don't know.. an invisible soap bubble you break through. Just the tiniest bit of resistance. Wednesday , December 23 , 2009 [[Outline of an open portal, with a full-colored speck just visible at the far end.]] {{It's Snoopy from Peanuts, lying on top of his doghouse.}} Sylvester: Also.. the P-Gates occasionally, somehow, prompt, or attract, or something, the spontaneous creation of /portals/. Which /are/ glowing tunnels of light. Sylvester: They.. just barely.. connect to very strange and very distant places. Rosemary: You've seen these too? Sylvester: Personally, just once. When I was a kid. [[Outline of a young Sylvester and the Woman of Mystery looking at two space pirates from Tom Truszkowski's webcomic Station V3.]] Sylvester: These two idiot-things came through... Rosemary: Not Chauncy and Edgar, I assume? Sylvester: OOh no. Came from a lot further away than Fratz. Said something about "this is a nice mansion we're taking over..." Sylvester: And.. well, once again, you're the second scariest woman I've met. Thursday , December 24 , 2009 [[Climbing away from the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: OK, who is this "Scary la-" Sylvester: We're here. Rosemary: What? Where's here? Sylvester: The Great Chasm. Rosemary: . . . [[They reach the top of the stairs. A large sign on the wall reads THE RIVER OF FIRE/MIND THE STEPS/BEWARE ENTRANCING LIGHTS. Rosemary produces the Can-Opener from her Poke-Kit.]] [[Ahead of them is the end of the tunnel. A branch of the Tree pokes into view. Ledges and other tunnel mouths are visible beyond.]] Sylvester: ...you planning to whack the Chasm over the head? Rosemary: If it so much as looks at me funny. Friday , December 25 , 2009 [[2009 Comic Genesis Secret Santa art from Rob Lopez of the webcomic Forsaken Stars. A Nome riding a sort of unicorn-goat delivers mail to the Mansion's box; the Mansion itself is visible in the background.]] [[Inside the Mansion, Mortimer brings the mail to a glass table as Rosemary serves some bacon, eggs and coffee and Sylvester reads the Times. Beyond the window is a garden with a angel statue that is missing its hands.]] Mortimer: Mail call! Rosemary: Oh goody. Any coupons for Market? [[The collection of "Festival of the Brush"l cards spread on the table, from various relatives: Sylvester and Mortimer's mother, their sister Lenore and their brother Ace. Also one from Rosemary's Aunt Eva. Sylvester has a coffee mug labeled 23rd Earl.]] Mortimer: Nope.. but a lot of "Brushtival" cards. Sylvester, probably: Please don't call it that. Saturday , December 26 , 2009 [[2009 Secret Santa art from Purenightshade of the webcomic Children of the Tiger. A portrait of a rather glum Rosemary wearing a rather festive red holiday dress and ribboned collar.]] Text: Merry Christmas from Purenightshade Sunday , December 27 , 2009 Narration: A Holiday from SubShaft 44f [[The SubShaft inhabited by the female Gnolls Difonia, Dandilli and Dipsoma. Their shaft's Machine is visible above them, and by some coincidence resembles an upside-down Christmas tree with various real-life holy symbols attached to it via "arms". Water drips from a pipe, and a branch of the Tree is visible. Difonia holds a jug, while the other two have cups.]] Difonia: Another helping of beetlenog, Dandilli? Dandilli: Of course, Difonia. How about you, Dipsoma? Dipsoma: Four's normally my limit, but.. Sure. Why not. Monday , December 28 , 2009 [[Secret Santa guest-art supplied by Rob Lopez of the webcomic Forsaken Stars: a portrait of Sylvester and Rosemary; Rosemary is armed with her sword and shield.]] Tuesday , December 29 , 2009 [[2009 Secret Santa art from Rob Lopez, creator of Forsaken Stars: sketch portraits of Niddle and Mortimer; the latter is wearing a Pac-Man shirt and eating a carrot.]] Wednesday , December 30 , 2009 [[The main viewing screen in Mr. Hand's office, which sketchily shows an empty doorway with signs mounted above it and to one side. Off-panel, Hand is having a telephone conversation with person or persons unknown.]] POPU: - - - - - Hand: And you received these "Disturbing reports" From /who/? POPU: - - - - - - - Hand: I /see/. I have myself noticed what may be a very serious problem, but I find myself having to call and- [[Rosemary and Sylvester appear in the doorway.]] POPU: - - - - - - -? Hand: I do not know. Yet. You will, naturally, be the first to hear when I d- POPU: - - - - - - - - - -? Hand: What? "Humans"? No. if there was some /new development/ on the human front, I would have been /informed/ about i- POPU: - - - Hand: Of course. Thursday , December 31 , 2009 [[Rosemary and Sylvester have emerged from a tunnel mouth, and stand at the edge of the Great Chasm. Faded mostly-unreadable signs are posted on the wall. A path runs along, with some portions marked with a railing. A small branch of the Tree grows from the cliff-face.]] Sylvester: So anyway. The Great Chasm. Rosemary: So I gathered. Unlike the River of Fire, it appears it that it is not a case of false advertising. Sylvester: Well.. it's a /nice enough/ gigantic nearly bottomless crack in the world, but it has yet to be officially plumbed and spanned by the Geology Bureau. Friday , January 1 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester look out across the Great Chasm. On the far side can be seen numerous walkways and cave-openings. There are no people in sight.]] Sylvester: I assume you're not acrophobic. Rosemary: No. I have nothing against spiders. [[Sylvester looks at her.]] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: Acrophobia: heights. Arachnophobia: spiders. Ailurophobia: cats. I was joking. Sylvester: I was hoping. You're no Sophophobe. Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: "Learning". Rosemary: I'm going to read every book in that tower of yours. Saturday , January 2 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester have emerged on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: As for what I am afraid of, I confirm or deny nothing, except that I won't have a problem crossing whatever insane bridge you're about to summon up. Sylvester: Fair enough. [[Outline of Rosemary enjoying herself in the rigging of a sailing ship.]] Rosemary: I actually enjoyed being on rigging duty on board the Oshinoxtra. Rosemary: Which was, still is, I assume, a ship I spent some time on. Sylvester: "Spent time" on a boat, even after your parents died on one? Rosemary: I confirm or deny nothing. Sunday , January 3 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[There is a steady rain of ((tings)) off the tops of the Gnolls' Emergency Shelter Pods.]] Cully: W- Chunner: Kid, if you ask him what the Paradox Society is, I will punch you in the snout. Crud: Oh ho! You want to know about the Paradox Society! Crud: I??'m afraid that I can?'t tell you a great deal, because absolute secrecy has been a hallmark of the Society from that momentous day three generations ago when it was founded by Filodox, our reclusive and secretive founder. (Yes, the very same Filodox who won the Rock-Balancing Cup in the Games three times running, and helped found Helignoll Hall.) One simply does not talk about the Society with non-Society members! Crud: But anyway, Scatterings of the Society occur whenever two or more members who have been formally rejected by the Society meet in a very public place, ?where random passersby cannot help but overhear their entire conversation! Cully, quietly: i was going to ask him what he meant by "coming upheaval" Chunner, quietly: of course you were. [[Chunner ((baps)) himself in the snout.]] Monday , January 4 , 2010 [[Newly arrived on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: So, what, we hit that slab on the other side of the Chasm with a rock, and the bridge appears? Sylvester: No. The bridge-site is over there a ways. [[Their POV across the Chasm. There is a small branch of the Tree growing here. Beyond is the slab Rosemary mentioned.]] Rosemary: ...then why is there a gap in the railing here? Sylvester: No one knows. Ludwig built all this. Maybe he was planning to put in another bridge, and never got around to it. Rosemary: Or he snuck down here after dark and installed a quadruple-secret invisible bridge? Sylvester: It is worrying /and/ awesome that that idea is not entirely outside the realm of possibility. Tuesday , January 5 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm. Next to a doorway, a half-visible sign on the wall warns of the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: ...Where's the light coming from? Sylvester: Ludwig again. Hate to get all technical, but he installed dohickeys which reflect it down from the surface. Sylvester: Which means, we don't want to be here after sunset. Come on. [[Outline of Ludwig tossing a flower into the Chasm.]] Rosemary: Lights, bridges. Did your illustrious ancestor have some sort of.. /thing/ about this Chasm? Sylvester: Right or wrong, he felt it was his... um, fault. He didn't "try hard enough" to stop Audra messing around down in the Hot Zone. Wednesday , January 6 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk alongside the Great Chasm. There is a faded sign on the wall warning of the River of Fire, and a small branch of the Tree. Rosemary eyes the latter. Sign text: WARNING YOU ARE NOW APPROACHING THE RIVER OF FIRE. DO NOT LOOK AT THE LIGHTS / NO NOT TOUCH THE RIVER / DO NOT WASTE TIME WITH VISIONS]] [[She reaches out for a Treefruit.]] [[She is eating it.]] Rosemary: Hm. Certainly not like the fruit in Le Tree, but not so bad, either. Sylvester: . . . Thursday , January 7 , 2010 [[Walking along the edge of the Great Chasm. Rosemary is eating a Treefruit.]] Rosemary: Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want one, too? Sylvester: No. I plan to be more cautious about sampling strange treefruit. Sylvester: I thought you said you weren't going to eat /any/ more. Rosemary: Did I say that? Huh. Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: Well, try a /piece/. I'm curious if this is what it's supposed to taste like. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Very well. Friday , January 8 , 2010 [[Sylvester ((nibbles)) at a tiny piece of Treefruit which Rosemary has thrust upon him.]] [[They discard the fruit.]] Sylvester: Well. /Tastes/ like bog-standard treefruit. But, same as Le Tree, it's bigger than the stuff that grows up above. If you'll take the advice of your native guide- Rosemary: Fine, fine. [[Her hand points ahead.]] Rosemary: If only because there's someone /lurking/ in that alcove up ahead, and I might need both hands free. Sylvester: What alcove? Gobule voice: I am not lurking. I am fully on display. Saturday , January 9 , 2010 [[A pathway/ledge on the edge of the Great Chasm. Rosemary and Sylvester have encountered a large Gobule sitting on a block inside an alcove. Smaller passages lead away into darkness. Written around the edge of the alcove in Manglish is THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE.]] Sylvester: ..Um. "Theophan the Recluse", I assume? Theophan: Our fame has spread all the way to the forest? Most excellent! Sunday , January 10 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The elevated pod-tops protect the Gnolls from falling objects, which ((ting)) off.]] Crud: Of course, in recent months, the Paradox Society hasn't- Chunner: CRUD! Crud: ..Yes? Chunner: What's this about a 'coming upheval'? Crud: There's going to be an Upheval? I wish people would keep me informed about these things... Cully: Why hasn't he driven you crazy, too? [[Chunner snoutpalms.]] Chunner: I'm still /living/ here. Isn't that crazy enough for you? Crud: Oh! Hey! That must be why these Individual Emergency Shelter Pods are here! Monday , January 11 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, in the alcove of Theophan the Gobule, fourth of that name.]] Rosemary: What makes you think we're from the forest? Theophan: You said "up above", and you appear to be some sort of overly-large Nomes. Sylvester: Well. Yes. That's pretty much what we are. [[Sylvester points upward.]] Sylvester: But we live in God's Cactus. Not the forest. Theophan: Interesting. So you've actually met the fellow? God? Sylvester: .. I don't think so. After today, it's on our to-do list. Tuesday , January 12 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, Rosemary and Sylvester talk to Theophan the Gobule.]] Sylvester: ..and you said 'our' fame has spread. You.. appear to be alone. Theophan: No one is ever truly alone in this world, friend Nome, But I refer specifically to my illustrious predecessors. [[A closeup of Theophan in his niche.]] Theophan: Theophan the Founder. Theophan the Mighty. And, greatest of all, Theophan the Rotund! [[Rosemary is skeptical.]] Rosemary: Your father was nicknamed "The Rotund." Theophan: My father? Unlikely. Both his appetite and his /mentoring/ were the stuff of /legend/. I am a mere whisp in his lingering shadow! Wednesday , January 13 , 2010 [[In the alcove of Theophan the Gobule, on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: What do you mean by mentoring? Theophan: You are not familiar with my species's lifecycle? [[Sylvester looks at his watch.]] Sylvester: Well, actually- Rosemary: No. [[Outline of a female Gobule strolling towards a small cave-mouth.]] Theophan: When it comes time for a Gobule to give birth, she retires to some private nook near the "Fringes". The undeveloped regions of the world. [[Outline of tiny Gobules emerging from the cave. One of them wanders past a small crack in which a predator is lurking.]] Theophan: Unlike species such as Nomes, the resulting offspring are instinctively a able to care for themselves, but are.. nonsentient, I believe is the appropriate phrase. Theophan: They scatter forth and feed and grow. Theophan: Or fail to do so. Thursday , January 14 , 2010 [[Outline of a young Gobule being chased by some predator, having a moment of enlightenment, and then gaining pupils in his eyes.]] Theophan the Gobule: Those of us who survive long enough.. eventually, one day, the /spark/ alights in our brain. [[Outline of a skulking heavily scarred Gobule, and another meeting a Mentor.]] Theophan: Many, tragically, are still doomed to a feral existence in the Fringes. Theophan: The fortunate ones encounter someone willing to nurture that spark into a /flame/. Friday , January 15 , 2010 [[At the alcove of Theophan the Gobule, on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Theophan: And now, of course, comes the point where you earnestly explain the attractions of a system wherein 'producing a bit of seed qualifies you to be a parent'. Sylvester: Well, actually.. Rosemary: I never knew my parents. Sylvester: Mine foist- passed most of my upbringing onto a series of.. mentors. Of varying quality Theophan: Interesting. There is hope yet for the rest of you. Saturday , January 16 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, Rosemary and Sylvester are at the alcove of Theophan the Recluse, a Gobule "Mentor".]] Rosemary: So "The Rotund" was your Mentor, and named you after himself. Theophan: Among his students, I was deemed just worthy enough to carry on the name. Rosemary: And these.. other students did well? Theophan: Naturally. [[Outlines of a collection of Gobules.]] Theophan: Maw and Bung and Cram have all eaten well. And, in his way, so has Guttle. {[At the time of transcription, all of these but Cram have appeared at some point.}} Theophan: No doubt their names are familiar even Up Above! Sylvester: I'm sorry, but- Rosemary: Guttle. Camora mentioned that name! Theophan: Did she now? Sunday , January 17 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The elevated pod-tops protect the Gnolls from falling objects, which ((ting)) off.]] Cully: Mr. Crud, are /these/ "Individual Emergency Shelter Pods?" Crud: From what Cunskite told me.. yes. Chunner: And what /causes them to appear/? Crud: Huh? Oh. Cunskite said something about that.. what was it.. Crud: Oh yes. The last time they dropped, it was because poor Altholen had triggered the Breach in the River of Fire! Crud: ..or was it because someone sneezed while replacing a Sub-Shaft aerial sanitation filter? Chunner: Urgh. Not the phizzing ASFs again. I almost hope it's another Breach. Monday , January 18 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, at the alcove of Theophan the Gobule.]] Theophan: So, you have been hobnobbing with Comshaw and Camora, have you? Rosemary: No, just Camora. She was- Sylvester: Do Mentors ever mentor non-Gobules? [[Outline of a young Eyebolt riding in a box on top of a Gobule, looking at a flutterby.]] Theophan: It has been known to happen. Theophan: However, you two do not strike me as being in need of such a service. Sylvester: Not at the present time. Sylvester: /However/, while I can't speak for my.. compatriot here, it might be something to consider. Tuesday , January 19 , 2010 [[At the alcove of Theophan the Gobule, on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Anyway. I am being rude, and I apologize, but we must be off. We need to.. cross the Chasm. Before it gets dark. Theophan: Indeed. A bit of a hike down to the Last Bridge. Unless you have the fleebs to pay Flap and his extortionist minions. [[Sylvester walks on.]] Sylvester: .."Flap." No. We have spent enough fleebs and caused enough trouble for one day. Theophan: Admirable. But some trouble with the bridge guards may be unavoidable. Rosemary: I'd tell you our names, but if S- he thinks it's a bad idea.. Theophan: Unimportant. I assume like most species, you assign arbitrary labels at birth instead of /earning/ a name. Sylvester: Indeed. I'm a Twit, she's a Warrior. What more do you need? Wednesday , January 20 , 2010 [[At the alcove of Theophan the Gobule, on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Theophan: One question before you depart, Warrior. Rosemary: ... If you'll answer one more yourself. Theophan: Fair enough. Rosemary: Only because you clearly want people to ask.. why are you "the Recluse"? Theophan: I passed up an opportunity to relocate to a more lucrative mentoring position. Rosemary: Because.. Theophan: I preferred to remain here and meditate upon the Chasm. [[A long-range view of them, and the Chasm extending down out of sight.]] Theophan: It descends clear into the Hot zone. Rosemary: I'd gathered. Theophan: There is something down there. Besides the Treeroot. it is the most important thing in the world. I taste it on the rising breeze... Thursday , January 21 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, Theophan and Rosemary consider the Can Opener.]] Theophan the Gobule: My question. what is that weapon constructed of? Rosemary: I.. really don't know. Theophan: If you allowed me to taste, that is, lick it.. perhaps..? [[Theophan licks the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: Oh kay. You try to bite it, you will lose some teeth. One way or the other. Theophan: No no. Theophan: . . . Rosemary: Well? Theophan: Hm. Theophan: Blech. Strangely.. organic and yet not. Somehow familiar... Rosemary: Blech? I thought Gobules could eat anything "organic." Theophan: Even if that were true, it would not mean we /savor/ everyth- Theophan: Sneech squeezings! Friday , January 22 , 2010 [[At the alcove of Theophan the Gobule, on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: "Sneech squeezings"? Is that some sort of profanity, or- Theophan: No. It is various.. materials covertly collected from the Sneeches. "squeezing" is a convenient metaphor. [[Outline of a younger Theophan happening across a drip of Sneech squeezings.]] Rosemary: Yes. Like down in Wir- Like that Al Tholen person used. With the "Breach"? Theophan: So History states. In first-tongue terms, I had the opportunity to sample some once. That is what your weapon reminds me of. [[Rosemary looks at the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: The Sneeches made this? That's just great. Theophan: I did not say that. And I believe Twit is growing impatient with you. Saturday , January 23 , 2010 [[At Theophan the Gobules alcove on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: You're right. I need to go. Theophan: Oh. I forgot. There is one other reason why I remained here. It may impact you. Rosemary: What's that? [[Outline showing a Trog at the edge of the Great Chasm, making a decision.]] Theophan: I offer Trogs coming to take the Plunge one last opportunity to discuss it. Rosemary: .."The Plunge". This isn't another metaphor, is it? Theophan: At a certain age, most male Trogs begin to rapidly deteriorate, mentally. Theophan: Many choose to.. Ah.. visit the Hot Zone instead. A spot up ahead has become the traditional point of departure. Sunday , January 24 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The elevated pod-tops protect the Gnolls from falling objects, which ((ting)) off.]] Cully: I can guess what "Aerial Sanitation Filters" /do/, but.. what /are/ they? Chunner: They're buds off a branch of the Tree. Specially grown up in SShaft 13 and distributed around. They are finicky, fragile, and linked to all sorts of "Urgent Critical Alarms." Cully: Why doesn't the.. regular Tree just filter the air, like everywhere else? Those females had a branch in- Chunner: For some reason, It doesn't grow /well enough/ down here. They sweat constantly in 13 to keep it producing. Crud: The SubShafts need the Tree, but the Tree keeps /poking and prodding/. Balance must be maintained! Crud: And.. you don't know about the Balance. It's th- um- Everything! Crud: More than anyone, I know what happens when you lose Balance.. disorder, catastrophe, anarchy. In short, you have a ghastly mess! Crud: Figuratively. Despite being made of slime, Ghasts aren't at all messy. Monday , January 25 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, Rosemary and Sylvester are talking to Theophan the Gobule. An outline of Theophan listening as a Trog rants.]] Rosemary: So.. you try and talk these Troglodytes out of jumping. Theophan: I attempt to offer a final impartial discussion. Or a final audience, if that is what is required. [[An outline of a Trog (probably Kronk) walking away from Theophan and the plunge-site.]] Theophan: Some turn back. It is rare that they return. [[An outline of a Trog angrily marching past Theophan toward the plunge-site.]] {{This Trog is Villipend, who has been mentioned previously.}} Theophan: Some go on. Theophan: I pass no judgement. If a being owns nothing else, their life is their own. Tuesday , January 26 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm. Rosemary pauses as she leaves the alcove of Theophan the Gobule.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: . . . [[She turns back, leans close to Theophan.]] Rosemary: You should not be encouraging people to /kill themselves/! [[She stalks away. Theophan appears unperturbed.]] Theophan: I shall bear that in mind. Wednesday , January 27 , 2010 [[Theophan the Gobule sits in his niche on the edge of the Great Chasm, his eyes closed.]] [[Whisp the Troglodyte pokes her head into view on one side.]] [[Her tail disappears from view on the other.]] [[A pair of eyes looks out from one of the holes in the wall behind Theophan's stand.]] [[It is a young female Gobule. Theophan does not open his eyes.]] Student: What that? Theophan: Two large /Nomes/, and a /Troglodyte/ named Whisp. Thursday , January 28 , 2010 [[In the alcove of Theophan the Gobule, on the edge of the Great Chasm. One of Theophan's mentorees has emerged from a small hole.]] {{Her name is Paramony.}} Student: Noms. Live in th forest. Theophan: Most of them. Some live in Root Hall with the /Eyebolts/. These two said they live above the forest. Student: Gods cact. Theophan: Yes. It is Tall and made of stone. It has smooth branches. Student: Who Whisp? Theophan: Whisp follows people who have been hobnobbing with /Upernavik/ the /Motihaul/. To see who they hobnob with next. [[Another student can be seen listening from the shadows.]] {{His name is Ioakim}} Student: Hobnob. Fightin' wit. Theophan: With teeth or with words, yes. Friday , January 29 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, after talking to Theophan the Gobule.]] Rosemary: You heard all that? Sylvester: Of course. Rosemary: And I suppose you agree with him about killing people. [[Snazzy view from overhead]] Sylvester: (sigh) Assuming he was telling the truth, and doesn't physically push Troglodytes into the Chasm... Sylvester: ..then yes. I suppose I do. Rosemary: How can you support- Sylvester: Not everyone is a warrior, Warrior. [[Outline of an elderly Rosemary facing the Grim Reaper.]] Sylvester: No matter how bad things are, when Death finally comes to flit you away to the Pole, you'll kick him in the metaphorical.. shins. [[Outline of a less angry woman in the same position.]] Sylvester: Others will be a bit more relaxed about the whole thing. Saturday , January 30 , 2010 [[Walking along the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: You're saying you're going to just give up and die? Sylvester: Right now? No, of course not. However ineffectually, I'll fight and claw and bite as well. [[Outline of an elderly Sylvester looking down in the Chasm.]] Sylvester: And I hadn't heard about this Troglodyte problem before, so I don't know if they are overreacting or not.. Sylvester: But if I end up with, oh, Darnay Syndrome, and I know my mighty University-educated brain will be leaking out of my ears... Sylvester: Yes, I'd at least consider it. Sunday , January 31 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The elevated pod-tops protect the Gnolls from falling objects, which ((ting)) off.]] Chunner: But anyway. As big a pain as the ASF are, they do their job. Maybe the only good thing about this place, you're not going to get sick very of- Crud: A-CHOO! {{The strip-artist was feeling sick, so the strip was one-panel only.}} Monday , February 1 , 2010 [[Walking along the edge of the Great Chasm, after meeting Theophan the Gobule.]] Sylvester: ..But, once again, this really isn't the time or place for this discussion. Rosemary: Yes. OK. [[Rosemary turns towards the way they came, walking backwards.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: I'll use that codename, if you insist. But I was wrong. You're not a twit. Sylvester: You're a good judge of people. Of course I am. [[Outline of University-student Sylvester, eying two fellow twits.]] Sylvester: ..not as big of one as I was before I went to the University. Four years there helped immensely. Sylvester: Helped me, anyway. Tuesday , February 2 , 2010 [[Walking along the edge of the Great Chasm. Large arrows on the wall point ahead. Rosemary has turned to walk backwards, wielding the Can-Opener.]] Sylvester: But then a lot of. . . Sylvester: Look, if Theophan bothered you that much.. Rosemary: It's not that. We're being followed. [[Sylvester turns to look.]] Sylvester: What? By who? I don't see anyone! Rosemary: Yes. They're good, for an amateur. But they've been back there at least since we left the Great Riddler. [[Outline of a man strolling cluelessly down a city street, with no one else in sight. Maybe.]] Sylvester: How do you know they're an- Rosemary: If they'd gotten training from old Macavity at the Jonetown Hack N' Slash Academy, I wouldn't have noticed them at all. Tuesday , February 2 , 2010 [[Walking along the edge of the Great Chasm. Large arrows on the wall point ahead. Rosemary has turned to walk backwards, wielding the Can-Opener.]] Sylvester: But then a lot of. . . Sylvester: Look, if Theophan bothered you that much.. Rosemary: It's not that. We're being followed. [[Sylvester turns to look.]] Sylvester: What? By who? I don't see anyone! Rosemary: Yes. They're good, for an amateur. But they've been back there at least since we left the Great Riddler. [[Outline of a man strolling cluelessly down a city street, with no one else in sight. Maybe.]] Sylvester: How do you know they're an- Rosemary: If they'd gotten training from old Macavity at the Jonetown Hack N' Slash Academy, I wouldn't have noticed them at all. Wednesday , February 3 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm. Rosemary has realized they are being followed.]] Sylvester: So what's the standard procedure here? Rosemary: In broad strokes, you either try to lose the tail, or you set up an ambush. Sylvester: Ambush?! I really don't want to kill any more people today! Rosemary: Lethality is not guarenteed [sic]. And amazingly enough, I don't actually /enjoy/ doing it either, Twit. Sylvester: Still. OK. "Lose the tail" it is. The only way they'll be able to follow us across the Chasm is if they have wings. Sylvester: Or one of those propeller-dealies. Thursday , February 4 , 2010 [[Walking along the edge of the Great Chasm. A low railing lines the path. Rosemary is looking back, because of a suspected tail.]] Sylvester: The bridge-site is right up th- Sylvester: Heads up. Someone is coming from this direction. [[Crazy Rhid the Gnoll goes past them, looking much the worse for wear.]] [[Sylvester watches him go, as Rosemary walks on.]] Sylvester: And I thought /we/ were having an eventful day. Rosemary: We still might, if whatever did that to him is nearby. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: I've seen that poor guy somewhere before.. Friday , February 5 , 2010 [[Seen from the other side, perhaps, Rosemary and Sylvester walk along the edge of the Great Chasm, approaching a "bulge" in the path, where there is a break in the low decorative fence. There is a monolith control-device, and a purple square mounted in the wall/floor under the bulge. Graffiti arrows point towards the site, where the words "THE PLUNGE" are written large.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: There was a Trog, too.. Saturday , February 6 , 2010 [[At the bridge-site on the edge of the Great Chasm. Some sort of mechanism can be seen mounted into the floor, right below a gap in the railing that runs along the side of the path. A large downward arrow is painted on the wall.]] Rosemary: Was that him? Sylvester: Who? Rosemary: The Trog you saw. [[Kronk the Troglodyte approaches them along the path.]] Sylvester: . . . [[He gets closer.]] Sylvester: For what little it is worth, no. Sunday , February 7 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The elevated pod-tops protect the Gnolls from falling objects, which ((ting)) off.]] Cully: So... these Pods appear when /something/ bad is about to happen. But there's no way to find out exactly what? Crud: Well.. sometimes our SubShaft Machine does issue more information... [[Two antler-like devices ((whir)) and ((CLICK)) into place overhead, pointing their prongs at each other.]] [[Magic/electricity jumps between the prongs, forming the glowing words IT IS THE WORST OF TIMES IT IS THE BEST OF TIMES.]] Crud: And there you go. All cleared up! Monday , February 8 , 2010 [[In a corner of the Basement, Sopovefe the Ghast is leaning in a disgruntled fashion against a wall.]] Narration: Not Terribly Far Away Sopovefe: No sign of the little zorper. I'm sure this is where he said to meet. [[Hopobefever the Ghast walks by the background, radiating Operator-influence.]] Sopovefe: No surprise, after today. Still, if I hadn't shown up, never have heard the end of it. [[He belatedly becomes aware of said influence.]] Sopovefe: Give 'em another ten minutes, then I... !!! Tuesday , February 9 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, at the Troglodyte ceremonial plunge-site, Rosemary and Sylvester find themselves face to face with Kronk the Troglodyte. (Who is chasing Crazy Rhid..)]] Rosemary: All right, fella, whatever the problem is here, we can- [[Rosemary is abruptly hit on the helmet with a fast-moving stone, shot from above.]] ((FOOMP CLANG)) [[She staggers, Sylvester reaches out to grab her.]] Sylvester: ROSEMARY! Rosemary: I /told/ them not to ring your bell, Dandelion.. Kronk: /GRRRAH!/ He's gettin' away! [[He gives both Humans a casual back-handed swipe]] Kronk: Outta /my/ way! ((WHAP)) [[Rosemary and Sylvester both have gone over the edge into the Chasm. Some tokens and a key have fallen out of Sylvester's pocket.]] Wednesday , February 10 , 2010 [[A long-distance view of the Troglodyte Plunge-site, with various graffiti on the walls. Kronk is stomping away, having knocked Rosemary and Sylvester into the Chasm.]] [[Panning up the Chasm-wall.]] [[A small out-thrust balcony, with a path leading off to one side. A Gnoll is standing on it.]] [[Zooming in much closer, it's Camora being controlled by Hax. The blunderbuss-like item she/he is wielding is smoking.]] Hax, thinking. Well. What do you know. Mission accomplished. Thursday , February 11 , 2010 [[Along the edge of the Great Chasm, Whisp the Troglodyte tracker is following Rosemary and Sylvester. She sees someone ahead..]] Whisp, thinking: Someone's comiing- is that-- YIPE! I don't want /him/ noticing me! [[She has disappeared. Crazy Rhid goes by, looking very bettered and scorched.]] [[She reappears.]] Whisp, thinking: . . . I don't think he'ld have noticed me if I was wearing a Boogie Hat and balancing flaming glowgems on my snout- Friday , February 12 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, Whisp the Troglodyte tracker is following Rosemary and Sylvester. Very faintly on the wall is graffiti depicting a stereotypical evolution chain, from cell to Human. One of the steps is a Nome.]] Whisp, thinking: - - - And here comes someone else. Who--? [[It is her fellow Troglodyte Kronk, who is chasing Rhid, and has been temporarily blinded by one of Rhid's bombs.]] Whisp: Kronk? What.. Are you all r- Kronk: Ms. Whisp? Yeah. Get outta the way! Please! [[He has gone on. Whisp smells something.]] ((snif)) Whisp: !! Saturday , February 13 , 2010 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, at the spot where Rosemary and Sylvester got knocked in. Whisp the Troglodyte is off-panel.]] Whisp: [snif] [[She pokes her head into view.]] Whisp: [snif snif] [[She looks down into the Chasm.]] Whisp: . . . [snnniff] Whisp, thinking: What did Knumdrot say? ""Disengage if I lose the targets or if they see me-'' May as well cover my bases--- Whisp, aloud: If you're down there.. Here I am! Sunday , February 14 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The elevated pod-tops protect the Gnolls from falling objects, which ((ting)) off, although the rate of impacts is finally slowing. Two antler-like devices are forming glowing words in the air: IT IS THE WORST OF TIMES IT IS THE BEST OF TIMES.]] Chunner: Wonderful. Thanks. Anything /else/ we should know? [[The words disappear, leaving only zapping power.]] [[A new message appears: LOVE YOUR SWEETIE WHILE YOU CAN.]] Chunner: If I ever have one of those, I'll bear that in mind. Crud: Now it tells me. Monday , February 15 , 2010 [[Whisp the Troglodyte is leaving the Great Chasm.]] [[She pauses as she ((snifs)) something.]] Whisp: !! [[She looks up.]] Whisp: - - - Whisp, thinking: Camora. Whisp: - - -! [[She goes on, moving faster now.]] Tuesday , February 16 , 2010 [[The edge of the Great Chasm. Crazy Rhid the Gnoll, looking very battered, goes by Theophan the Gobule's alcove.]] [[He goes by a male Troglodyte wearing a silly hat and balancing glow-gems on his snout.]] {{The Trog''s name is Stonwal.}} [[The top of a purple-colored panel in the wall.]] [[The panel slides up with a ((FOOOSH)).]] [[As Rhid goes past the opening, he is hooked and tripped by someone off panel.]] ((THUD)) [[Rhid and the tripper are still out of view.]] Rhid: !! Digger Odel: In here, lad. Quickly. Wednesday , February 17 , 2010 [[A wall near the Great Chasm. Rhid has been tripped, and is now out sight near the floor. He ((scrabbles)) through a panel which has been opened in the wall.]] [[The panel closes, with a spray of purple mist and a ((FOOSH)).]] [[Kronk the Troglodyte comes into view.]] [[Hopobefevfer the Ghast approaches the area. From the distance can be heard Kronk's reaction.]] Kronk: GGGGARRRAAAGGGHH!! Thursday , February 18 , 2010 [[The edge of the Great Chasm, at the spot where Rosemary and Sylvester fell in. Hopobefever the Ghast appears, radiating influence from the Operator.]] [[She looks down into the Chasm.]] [[She looks across the Chasm, the influence reaching out ahead of her.]] [[She turns and strides away.]] Friday , February 19 , 2010 [[In a tunnel near the Great Chasm. All of Whisp the Troglodyte's dialogue is internal.]] Whisp: So- Camora's scent just /starts/ here--- [[She looks down the passage towards an open doorway.]] Whisp: Then goes out to that ledge above the Plunge site-- Whisp: Then comes straight back here and stops again- [[Whisp examines the panels of the wall.]] Whisp: So- what--? Some sort of transporting Twistpoint like that one in Helignoll? Whisp: - - - Whisp: No- That's a zarking /door/- Whisp: Should I try and open-- Whisp: No- Whisp: They aren't and can't pay me enough- Whisp: Time to report in and go home. [[She leaves.]] Saturday , February 20 , 2010 [[Hax, controlling Camora's body, returns to the "Gnollbopper" pellet-shooting gun to its alcove in a hidden service tunnel.]] [[He hides his antenna as a concealed door slides open, returning them to the public areas of the Basement.]] ((FOOOSH)) ((shoomp shoomp)) [[They walk away, the door ((FOOSHing)) shut behind them, spraying a purplish cloud in the process.]] [[They arrive at a dark unfinished cave-like area.]] Hax: All right. Here we are. And no pesky witnesses lurking about. Sunday , February 21 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A few objects are still ((tinging)) off the pod-roofs. A pair of antler-like devices are shooting electric magic at one another, forming glowing words: A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS.]] Cully: You never mated, Mr. Chunner? Chunner: In my experience, having a sweetie and mating are not the same thing, kid. Chunner: But no. [[Words change to ROCKS FALL EVERYBODY DIES.]] Cully: So you never- Chunner: Oh, I Fooled Around a couple of times. Chunner: Heh. Ol' Buccula. She was something. [[Words change to IT ALL COMES OUT IN THE WASH.]] Cully: Bucc.. The one who owns that big Fungi Farm? Who sealed the Breach? Chunner: . . . I believe she and that windbag Choller own a Fungi Farm, yes. Crud: It was /Yurd and Kronk/ who sealed the Breach! Monday , February 22 , 2010 [[A secluded corner of the Basement. Hax has been riding/controlling Camora.]] Hax: And so we come to our parting of the ways. ((click)) [[He hops off her head onto a waiting ledge.]] Hax: I have.. contained.. all your memories of this... Hax: So you will wake up in a few minutes, and have n- [[Camora's eyes pop wide open with a ((poing))]] Hax, thinkinig: Uh oh. [[Camora's hand swipes at him, but he jumps out of the way.]] Camora: /GGGGARRGGH!/ Hax: Yipe! Camora: /YOU LITTLE PHIZZER!/ Tuesday , February 23 , 2010 [[A secluded corner of the Basement. Hax flees from Camora, heading for a small gap in the wall.]] Camora: /GET BACK HERE!/ [[Hax squeezes himself through the hole.]] Hax: oof. Hax: erg. [[He ((POPs)) through, just as Camora's hand comes down where he had been standing.]] [[He flees down the small tunnel beyond the hole, as Camora glares in from outside. Written on the wall below the opening is TERMINUS.]] Camora: /THIS IS //NOT// OVER!/ Wednesday , February 24 , 2010 [[An angry Camora departs from her last interaction with Hax. A small branch of the Tree pokes down from a crack in the ceiling, along with a GBOL which lights the scene.]] [[Following the crack up through the Basement.]] [[Going on, past various devices mounted in the walls.]] [[More twisting, with cobwebs and a small wheeled robot, broken and dead.]] [[More twisting, with blocks or supports.]] [[The crack opens up into a larger space, where a block labelled TELEMON props up the wall, with more supports wedged in behind it. An abandoned wrench sits on the top of the block. A bat hangs from the ceiling overhead, currently asleep.]] Thursday , February 25 , 2010 [[A group of sleeping bats hanging from the ceiling of a cave.]] [[Zooming in on one of them. It begins to wake up.]] <<blink blink>> [[It stretches its wings.]] Bat: YYAWWN [[It falls out of sight.]] Friday , February 26 , 2010 [[In an abandoned chamber somewhere near the Basement, a bat pulls out of hir dive just before hitting the guano-streaked floor. Bits of bone and abandoned machinery are scattered around.]] [[The bat flits up a long, jagged meandering shaft. More bits of machinery dangle here and there. A side chamber has boxes stacked in it. A small fish swims in a flooded side-shaft.]] Saturday , February 27 , 2010 [[Chapter title: SITTING IN A TREE [[The Forest of E. The sun is low on the horizon. A bat emerges from a cave in the side of a hill. A Saur, possibly, watches from the top of a deciduous tree. There are stones scattered about; one of them has a drawing of a polar bear head on it.]] Sunday , February 28 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A few objects continue to ((ting)) off the pod-roofs overhead. A pair of antler-like devices shoot magical power at each other and form words: A LEGEND IN HIS OWN MIND.]] Cully: I know Kronk, but who's Yurd? Crud: He was a Trog. He was very intelligent. Chunner: And very aware of that latter fact. [[Words change to UPSETTING THE FRUIT TREE CART.]] Cully: But what did Buccula- Chunner: Kid, the notion that a couple of Trogs and their.. scruffy friends.. kept the world in one piece was.. inconvenient. Crud: Digger is not scruffy! [[Words change to FEELING MIGHTY SECRETIVE.]] Chunner: "Digger" Crud: ..who is.. just a silly story. That Finaglers tell to whelps. Like the Earl. Crud: Although I have a theory about that, too.. Monday, March 1, 2010 [[Comshaw, Niddle, and Ig the Saur are standing near some ruins while Comshaw adjusts Ig's backpack]] Ig the Saur: The bats are coming out. It's going to start getting dark Comshaw: Thank the Brush for small favors. Tuesday, March 2, 2010 [[Ruins... A bat flies by]] [[Yet more ruins... and the bat again]] Mortimer (from inside the ruins): Hey! You're not Rufus! Wednesday, March 3, 2010 [[Mortimer is lying on a bed with a cloaked Yasmine standing over him]] Mortimer: But I was just talking to him! ...Wasn't I? Yasmine: Perhaps the note will explain. Mortimer: ...note? Yasmine: If that is indeed what is attached to your chest. Mortimer: Oh. Thursday, March 4, 2010 [[Mortimer studies the note from his chest]] Mortimer: Huh. Yasmine: Does it answer your question? Mortimer: Well, I guess. He says he w- [[A thought occurs to Mortimer]] Motimer: Have we met? You seem awfully familiar. Yasmine: ... Yasmine: It is unlikely our paths have previously crossed. But anything is possible. Friday, March 5, 2010 [[Yasmine: Well. Anyway. I sh- [[Mortimer stands up suddenly]] Mortimer: Hey! You're a Weirdo, aren't you? Yasmine: ... Yasmine: Yes. Mortimer: I hope you're not here to replace our current Weirdo. The one who Lives In The Attic? Yasmine: ... Yasmine: No. Mortimer: Oh good. It was sad when he replaced old Captain Tin-Throatwobbler. Saturday, March 6, 2010 [[Yasmine: How... how did you know I am a Weirdo? It's not as if I am wearing the regulation hat. Mortimer: It's not your clothes. You just look like a Weirdo. Like the one who Lives In The Attic. Like Captain TT did. Yasmine: But no one can just SEE things like that! Not since- Mortimer: Where are we, anyway? Yasmine: It's a dream. I never woke up from Protus's little trip. Mortimer: Oh, I know. It's Dorian's old hut, in the forest. Someone's repaired the ro- Mortimer: Protus? Sunday, March 7, 2010 [[{{Sundays In SubShaft 44f}} [[Rocks continue to fall overhead]] ((ting, ting)) Electric Sign: "A FOOT IN THE DOOR" Cully: What is your Earl theory, Mr. Crud? Crud: I think he, and the demon Yurp, and Ludwig all actually existed! Chunner: Oh, kid... ((ting, ting)) Electric Sign: "YOUR KARMA RAN OVER MY DOGMA" Cully: Of course Ludwig existed! Chunner: And of course you're a Ludwigite. Far to earnest to be anything else. Crud: I was an Ear of the Brush. Still am, I suppose... ((ting)) Electric Sign: "A FOOLISH CONSISTENCY" Cully: And you, Mr. Chunner, were never anything at all. Chunner: Actually, kid, I was in the Doomsayer's Guild for a while. Crud: Cacocala was a Beebler. That got to be irritating at times. Beeble beeble. Chunner: But, in the end, those phizzers were just too zarking cynical. Monday, March 8, 2010 [[Mortimer and Yasmine are standing inside talking]] Mortimer: Protus. I've heard that name before... Yasmine: He is the Willygig who lives in your Mansion? Mortimer: Oh. Oh! That's right. I was down in.. well.. near the Basement, and Skibble turned up.. like he usually does.. and he said something about- Mortimer: I'm sorry. I'm being rude. It's been a strange day. Even by my standards. Yasmine: Indeed. Mortimer: My name is Mortimer. Mortimer Eman, I guess. If it matters. Yasmine: I am Yasmine Fotheringby. [[Both Mortimer and Yasmine's eyes open wide]] Mortimer: ... Yasmine: ... Mortimer: Hi. Yasmine: Hello. Tuesday , March 9 , 2010 [[Inside a small hut in the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: So. Um. Why are you here? ..In town, I mean.. Yasmine: It is my job. To go.. check in with assigned Weirdos. [[Outline of Yasmine checking Weirdo performance, complete with clipboard.]] Mortimer: Wow. Wouldn't a sparkgram be easier? Yasmine: Facetime is vital. The Weirdo Guild strives to provide quality service. [[Outline of Mortimer being entertained by The Weirdo's puppet Fantod. The word PANIC appears in the display.]] Mortimer: Oh. Well. Sylvester is the.. client-thingy.. but /I/ have been happy with the Weirdo and Fantod's.. Weirdoing. Yasmine: Thank you. I.. will add that to my report. Wednesday , March 10 , 2010 [[In a small stone hut in the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: I'm sorry if Protus.. kept you from doing your job. He's really grumpy. Yasmine: No, actually. He was.. friendly enough. And tried to be helpful. My work here is done, and I . . . Mortimer: What's wrong? Yasmine: I apologize in return, but.. What IS that odor? Mortimer: Um.. I.. oh. There was this big box of.. sphagnum dust. I think. Yes. And it sorta spilled. Mortimer: And there was sploo, too. Wasn't there? Yasmine: Oh. Well. I must be off... Horses to find, Evaluations to write... Thursday , March 11 , 2010 [[In a small hut in the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: Yas.. Miss Fotheringby! Wait! Yasmine: Yes, Mr. Eman? Mortimer: I don't suppose that.. Mortimer: ..you'll be coming back here. Any time soon. [[Yasmine walks out of sight.]] Yasmine: My official duties DO lie elsewhere now. As do yours, perhaps? Mortimer: . . . Apart from sitting around and praying that Sylvester and Ace don't both die before having kids, I don't really have- Yasmine: Well then. How about your unofficial duties? Don't try and tell me you don't have any of THOSE. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Nitfol. Friday , March 12 , 2010 [[Mortimer exits a small hut. All of his dialogue is internal.]] Mortimer: I know Nitfol is probably.. It must have been /hours/ by now. [[He emerges into the Forest of E. Flutterbys are flitting about.]] Mortimer: Yes. The sun's going down. Mortimer: But it was /my fault/. And don't Spyders sometimes store.. food.. for later? Mortimer: If nothing else.. find his family, /some/ Nome, tell them what happened. [[A bat swoops in and ((GLOMPs)) one of the flutterbys.]] Mortimer: . . .Fizzlegarb. There's something else, too.. Saturday , March 13 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. A Flutterby flits around the finger which Mortimer holds up.]] Flutterby: ! [[It does a sharp turn and ZOOMs away.]] [[It zooms past Yasmine, who watches it go.]] Mortimer: Oh.. Miss Fotheringby. I thought you'd left! Saturday , March 13 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. A Flutterby flits around the finger which Mortimer holds up.]] Flutterby: ! [[It does a sharp turn and ZOOMs away.]] [[It zooms past Yasmine, who watches it go.]] Mortimer: Oh.. Miss Fotheringby. I thought you'd left! Sunday , March 14 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A few objects continue to ((ting)) off the pod-roofs overhead. A pair of antler-like devices shoot magical power at each other and form words: CIRCUMFERENCE OF MYTH.]] Crud: But anyhoo. My point, and I do have one.. Chunner: That's never the problem. Crud: ...I hear the stories that have sprung up about Groat, and Yurd, people I /knew/.. [[Words change to THE UPPER CRUST.]] Crud: ..and I wonder, what were the Earl, and Yur/P/, and Ludwig /really/ like? Cully: So.. you think the Earl was /nice/? [[Words change to PIE IN THE SKY BY AND BY.]] Crud: I don't know! No one /knows/! Chunner: Except of course- Crud: Yes yes. Crud: If /I/ hated the Nexus or the Riddler, it would be for letting the rest of us forget. Monday , March 15 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Yasmine: You.. can control animals, too. Mortimer: "Control"!? No! It's just flutterbys. Some flutterbys. They're willing to.. I dunno.. listen to me. [[Outline of The Amazing Mortimer performing his world-famous flutterby act.]] Mortimer: (..I /did/ think sometimes about making up an act, trying to join the Carnival Guild or whatever, but.. it sounded suspiciously like hard work...) [[Outline of Mortimer fleeing into the Forest, pursued by the Beaver Shark.]] Mortimer: If I could /control/ animals, none of this would have happened! I could have just /ordered/ that shark out of that p- Mortimer: Oh... Mortimer: Did you know, there's a thing here.. in the forest.. that looks like a shark, but.. it's on dry land? Yasmine: Ar- My colleague in The Attic mentioned it, yes. Mortimer: Oh. Good. Well. Still. If you see it, run. Tuesday , March 16 , 2010 [[The Forest of E. Agorn the Gnoll is eavesdropping on Mortimer and Yasmine's conversation; he watches as the flutterby which Mortimer has dispatched flies over his head.]] Yasmine: So.. what did you.. ask..? that flutterby to do? Mortimer: Well... [[The flutterby zooms across the forest.]] [[It comes to a hole, and loops down inside.]] Wednesday , March 17 , 2010 [[The scalpsucker who helped Mortimer sits in the hole in the Forest of E.]] [[The Flutterby which Mortimer sent comes zooming down, circles around her head.]] Scalpsucker: !! [[The Flutterby zooms away. The 'Sucker watches it go, now looking more content.]] [[She goes to sleep.]] Scalpsucker: zzz Thursday, March 18, 2010 Mortimer: But now I have to.. you don't happen to know anything about Giant Spyders? Yasmine: ...they normally live in Alfibay with the Haroons. Mortimer: Well, we have some here. And I have to go deal with one. And no, I can't "control" it. Yasmine: ...Good luck. Mortimer: Thank you. [[Yasmine watches as he leaves the panel.]] [[He returns.]] Mortimer: Did I have a bag of fleebs? I seem to remember... Yasmine: There was a small bag of some sort in Mr. Dorian's hut. Friday , March 19 , 2010 [[In a small hut in the Forest of E. Mortimer picks up the bag of fleebs sitting on a nearby block.]] [[Back outside. Yasmine Fotheringby is there.]] Mortimer: Again, you're still here. Yasmine: Is that a problem? Mortimer: No! ..it's just.. Mortimer: by this point, a lot of the people I meet have run away screaming. Mortimer: And the ones who stay.. Yasmine: Send YOU running away screaming. Mortimer: Yes. Saturday , March 20 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: I'm not.. I know I give this impression, but I'm not crazy. Yasmine: No. You are rather strange, but I am in a position to know the difference. Mortimer: Strange. Yah. my whole ilfe.. these strange /stupid/ things keep happening [[Outline of Mortimer getting hit by bubbles from a machine, and tipping backwards towards a waiting pit. Meanwhile, springs fall out of the sky.]] Mortimer: I get attacked by.. stuff. Mortimer: I fall in holes. Mortimer: Random objects fall out of the sky. Mortimer: And some days.. I just get really tired of it. Yaasmine: . . . Sunday, March 21, 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f: Machine: NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL Crud: It's rather frightening how little we know about the Olden Days. Everyone just *assumes* that Ludwig was a Gnoll, but none of the stories *say* that. Machine: BUTTING HEADS Crud: And "Yurp" was a demon, but that doesn't mean he looked *anything* like the Operator. And the Earl! The only thing we know about Humans is that they were *probably* bipeds! Machine: FEELING SHEEPISH Chunner: Just because he's crazy, kid, doesn't mean he's *stupid.* Crud: I thought about this a lot while I was creating my rampaging bean-monster. Monday , March 22 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: But again, sorry. I'm using you to stall off doing what has to be done. Yasmine: . . .This may seem irrelevant, but does Sylvester also do what has to be done? [[Outline of Mortimer and Sylvester being watched by an angry-looking woman carrying a broom.]] {{This is Saffron Stout, who lives in Eetown.}} Mortimer: ..Of course. All the time. It sucks the way people treat him. Especially down in the village. Yasmine: In that case, I have TWO suggestions. Have you read Schmetterling? [[Outline of a pipe-smoking man writing at a desk.]] Mortimer: If.. that's some author.. no. Sylvester and Rufus are the readers. Yasmine: He was a Niblungian philosopher. And, yes, author. [[Outline of a ruined cityscape; rocks are being chucked back and forth.]] Mortimer: Philosophy? I thought all they do in Niblung is throw rocks at each other. Yasmine: He wrote 'Wings Of Chaos' long before the Tannhauser Gate was shuttered. Mortimer: What gate was shattered? Yasmine: Shuttered. Not important. Long before the Crash, or Kaylu, or the Niblungian civil war. Tuesday , March 23 , 2010 [[Outline of a pipe-smoking mustached man watching a flutterby.]] Yasmine: Schmetterling, like you, was interested in flutterbys. Yasmine: Being VERY brief and simplistic, the point of his book was that just one of them, flapping its wings, can change the orbit of the World. [[The Forest of E.]] Mortimer: I'm... pretty sure that's not true. Yasmine: Yes. But a metaphor, rather than a lie. Yasmine: Because in more.. local.. terms.. At exactly the right moment, one of them just might tip some critical balance. Yasmine: Something to think about, perhaps? Mortimer: . . . Wednesday , March 24 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Yasmine: My other suggestion. I have heard some things about your family; you have.. an uncle named Frederick, yes? Mortimer: Great-uncle, yes. [[Outline of Frederick standing by while Mortimer gets some spheres in the face from a tube.]] Yasmine: Have you ever.. /explicitly/ confronted him with what you just told me? About your life? Mortimer: What? No. Of course not. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: You think I should. Yasmine: . . . Yasmine: It might ultimately prove to be to our advantage to do so. Thursday , March 25 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Yasmine: But now, I really do need to go. Mortimer: What do you mean, "our" advantage? Yasmine: . . . Yasmine: Ah. Yes. [[Outline of Yasmine meeting with Protus the Willygig.]] Yasmine: Speaking in a non-professional capacity, I have reason to believe I will be back here some day. [[Yasmine comes close to Mortimer.]] Yasmine: And if.. when.. I do return, I /will/ expect you to have made progress dealing with your situation. Mortimer: ulp. Friday , March 26 , 2010 [[The Forest of E. Yasmine is leaving.]] Yasmine: . . . Yasmine: . . . Mortimer: Miss.. Yasmine! Wait! [[She turns back. He holds out the bag he is carrying.]] Yasmine: I really must go. Mortimer: Here. Yasmine: What is this? Mortimer: It's fifteen fleebs. In a sack. [[She takes the sack.]] Yasmine: And why are you.. Mortimer: Because I don't have any.. Mortimer: I have this feeling that somehow, they'll be more useful with you. [[They walk off in separate directions.]] Yasmine: Thank you. Mortimer: Be seeing you. Maybe? Saturday, March 27, 2010 [[Yasmine walks in the forest, putting the sack of fleebs through a belt loop. Graffiti on a broken wall: SHE GOT THE TECHMINE I GOT THE SHAFT and KILROY]] Yasmine, thinking: Phizzshards! I didn't think to ask him who the mystery swordbunny is! [[Yasmine turns silently to look behind her.]] [[Muttering under her breath, she turns back and goes on. From behind the wall, she is watched by Agorn the Gnoll.]] Saturday, March 27, 2010 [[Yasmine walks in the forest, putting the sack of fleebs through a belt loop. Graffiti on a broken wall: SHE GOT THE TECHMINE I GOT THE SHAFT and KILROY]] Yasmine, thinking: Phizzshards! I didn't think to ask him who the mystery swordbunny is! [[Yasmine turns silently to look behind her.]] [[Muttering under her breath, she turns back and goes on. From behind the wall, she is watched by Agorn the Gnoll.]] Sunday , March 28 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Machine: HUMANS ARE OVERGROWN NOMES Cully: This is just wrong. Chunner: Look, kid, you just need to accept that Ludwig might not be- Cully: No, not *that*! Machine: LUDWIG WAS ONE OF THEM Cully: That we've forgotten all this already! And there are people who could help! Chunner: What do you suggest? That we go complain to the Nexus? Cully: . . . Has anyone ever tried doing that? Machine: SO WAS YORIK YURP Chunner: . . . Not that I know of. Cully: Well, if by some miracle I get out of here alive, maybe *I* will! Crud: Be sure and also ask him where he concealed his secret forbidden stash of fleebs and glowgems! Cully: Monday , March 29 , 2010 [[The Forest of E. From behind the remains of a stone wall, Agorn the Gnoll has covertly watched Yasmine depart. All his dialogue is internal.]] Agorn: So. Agorn: Do I follow /her/ n' the fleebs, follow /him/, or go home n' report in? Agorn: Or run off n' join the Spikefolk. [[He thinks about this.]] [[He goes after Mortimer.]] Agorn: Nah. Doing that Metalmin dance of theirs n' getting blasted with Spikeglow is still a little more stupid n' dangerous than my job now. Tuesday , March 30 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Behind Ig the Saur, Comshaw and Niddle is the remains of a stone wall with the remains of a large sign still attached to it. Graffiti reads BEWARE THE STARFLYER and DAILY DOUBLE.]] {{The sign once read FICKLEGRUBER, which is/was the name of large coroporation. Also a Roald Dahl reference.}} IgSaur: So.. what are we doing again? Comshaw: You are currently carrying the baggage. I am looking for a Hiuman to talk to. Niddle is.. doing his Finagler thing. Niddle: We're heading in the right direction! Ig: Righty ho! Wednesday , March 31 , 2010 [[Walking through the Forest of E. Ig the Saur is carrying Comshaw and Niddle's pack.]] IgSaur: How can you be so sure you're going to meet a Human? Comshaw: I'm not sure. But I met two of them earlier today. And so, I know I'm smelling one now. Just barely, but.. [[Ig sniffs the air.]] Ig: snif. snif. Oh. . . So.. Those big Nome-things that live beyond the Edge are actually /Humans/? Comshaw: That's the theory that's started going around lately, yes. Ig: snifff. There's something else. Something I've never met before... Comshaw: That's been true for me since we left the tunnel this morning. Could you be a little more specific? Thursday , April 1 , 2010 [[Walking though the Forest of E.]] Ig the Saur: I s'pose you know how hard it is to put words to smells, but this is.. sorta.. um.. metal /and/ skin. Wet /and/ burnt? Comshaw: No fooling? Comshaw: snif. Yeah. OK. I get that. Up ahead somewhere. [[IgSaur glances backward.]] Ig: . . . And I'm pretty sure that Thrash and his... guys aren't the only Pales this side of the Chasm. That isn't normal. Comshaw: Yes again. Your compatriot Buzz had some with him. And I'm getting fresher scent, too. Niddle: It was all over the hill. Friday , April 2 , 2010 [[Outline of Niddle being taken to the Pit by Thrash and the other Pales.]] Comshaw: What was that, Niddle? Niddle: That smell you're talking about. It was /all over/ that.. hill place Thrash took me to. It was- Niddle: was.. [[Outline of Niddle being hit by the Fire/magic, his head surrounded by small representatives of numerous species.]] Niddle: ..but then, when you got there.. I think it was gone! And I didn't imagine it! Comshaw: I believe you. That blast of Fire we saw.. that you were in.. could have done just about anything. Saturday , April 3 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Ig the Saur is listening to the conversation. Large flowering bushes grow in the background. A stone block has "AMBUSH AHEAD" written on it.]] Comshaw: I should have asked before, Niddle, but you weren't standing /right/ on top of that hill when the Fire came.. were you? Niddle: No. I was with.. It's all hazy, apart from the people I saw. But no. Comshaw: I'm- Niddle: Please don't feel bad about it happening. I think.. it was important. I think I /needed/ to be there. Comshaw: ! Niddle: And no, I don't know quite why. But I hope we'll all find out before too long. [[One of the bushes is covered with blooms shaped like "AM"]] {{Ambush? Geddit? Yuk yuk yuk}} Comshaw: . . . /I/ really hope this is another Finagler thing. Niddle: If it wasn't before, it is now. I'll spread the word at the next Conclave. Sunday , April 4 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A pair of antler-like devices shoot magical power at each other and form words: HELLO I MUST BE GOING.]] Cully: The Nexus has a secret forbidden stash of fleebs? Crud: And glowgems! [[The devices stop blasting power with a pair of ((de-clicks)).]] Chunner: What., and I suppose that he.. just.. [[Something with a pair of rabbit ears hops by at the Gnolls' feet.]] ((hippity hop)) [[The devices withdraw with a ((whirr)). Cully turns to watch the ears leave.]] Cully: Was that a tunnel rat, with.. Chunner: Long floppy ears and a fake tail. Yes. Crud: Spring again? How time flies.. Monday, April 5, 2010 [[Mortimer is walking through the forest. A flutterby flies by.]] Mortimer: I have no idea where I'm going. Frowgler: Ah. The human condition. Nevertheless, perhaps I can help. Tuesday, April 6, 2010 [[In the Mansion of E forest. Mortimer silently stares at Frowgler the Horned Frog, who is sitting on a low tree branch; behind Frowgler is Thrash the Pale, holding his weapon. An umbrella leans against the tree trunk. Behind them all is the remains of a stone wall with the words 'HOOT MON" faintly visible in one spot.]] [[A close up of Mortimer]] [[A close up of Frowgler]] [[A close up of Thrash]] Wednesday , April 7 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Mortimer is looking at Frowgler, who is sitting on a low tree-branch.]] Mortimer: . . . Frowgler the horned frog. Frowgler: Hello there. Mortimer: . . . You're not real. You're a character in a comic strip. Frowgler: Would it surprise you to learn you're the first person I've met in quite some time who knows that? Frowgler: But put your mind at ease. I am not THE frowgler. Just.. A Frowgler. Mortimer: Your parents.. named you after..? Frowgler: Eh. Close enough for government work. Thursday , April 8 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, Mortimer has met Frowgler and Thrash the Pale.]] Frowgler: Anyway. If you were wondering, my associate here is Thrash the Pale, who is keeping a vigilant eye on me.. [[Two other Pales stand nearby.]] Frowgler: And over there are his two helpers.. whom I shall semi-arbitrarily designate Flaghelper and Antlerhelper. Frowgler: They understand everything we say, but sadly, Zpeaker is not here to offer detailed translations of their thoughts and opinions. [[Outline of Zpeaker the Pale at his podium inside the Camp.]] Mortimer: Who is- Frowgler: Oh. Of course. Frowgler: He is the Pale diplomat. If you ever find yourself at the Camp, he's the one you'll be talking to. Friday , April 9 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: What camp are you talking about? Frowgler: Ah. Yes. "The Camp" is what the Pales here in the forest call their home. [[Frowgler glances back at Thrash the Pale.]] Frowgler: It is called that because.. Frowgler: ..it is considered to be a temporary edifice. More details, if desired, are available with Zpeaker. [[The sun sinks low behind Mortimer.]] Frowgler: ..Although I assume that is NOT what you are currently in search of? Mortimer: . . . I'm looking for a Spyder. Frowgler: Really? That's simple enough. Walk north, and you'll meet all the Spyders you'll ever need. And then some. Saturday , April 10 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: I'm looking for a /particular/ Spyder. Frowgler: Now that could be tricky. Even more so than Pales, they don't have names as such. Mortimer: No! You're worse than Rufus or Sylvester! I met it.. him.. earlier today in his web. Somewhere near here. I guess. [[Frowgler points.]] Frowgler: Oh. Perhaps simpler. The closest Spyder web, that I know of, is not too far in that direction. Mortimer: Oh. Well, thank you. I hope it's the right one. Frowgler: You'll know you're getting close when you see the smoke. Mortimer: OK. I.. what? Sunday , April 11 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: So.. every spring a tunnelrat hops through here? Chunner: Another new one on me, kid. Crud: Oh yes. And sometimes he leaves eggs! Crud: Oh, look! There's one now! [[Crud bends over.]] Cully: Tunnelrats give birth to live young, like we do.. don't they? Chunner: Last I heard. Crud: No no. There's this sort of /development sac/, and they shoot out of- Chunner: Ho kay! /We're done here!/ Cully: We are? Thank the Brush! Crud: Don't be silly! This beauty is /ripe!/ Monday , April 12 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: What was that about smoke? Frowgler: if we /are/ speaking of the same place, things may have changed since your last visit. Mortimer: Oh. Well. Just about any change would be for the better.. Mortimer: I guess I better be going. Thank you for.. Thanks. Frowgler: You're certain I can't help you with anything else? Mortimer: No. Thank you. Frowgler: Tell you anything you want to know. Apart from what caused the Crash. Can't help you there. Mortimer: You sure /act/ like the Frowgler in the comic strip. Frowgler: Well, our situations /are/ quite similar. Tuesday , April 13 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: "Your situation"? So there's a warrior beetle named Roshambo running around, too? Frowgler: Not that I am aware. Frowgler: But I am trying, in my way, to help the Good Guys against.. well.. real-life versions of Arex. [[Thrash the Pale listens to the conversation.]] Mortimer: You mean Demons. People from Fratz and Zark. I know about them, more than I want to. Frowgler: I can sympathize. But no. [[Outline of Mortimer being menaced by a slightly-goofy looking Operator, as a giant hand reaches out for both of them.]] Frowgler: The Operator and- his ilk.. are incredibly dangerous. But they are.. Human-sized problems, and not the /Forces/ of which I speak. Wednesday , April 14 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Frowgler: As for w- Mortimer: Am I one of these "good guys" of yours? Frowgler: . . .Very much so. And you, too, Thrash. And just about anyone either of you have ever met. Mortimer: ..and right now, is there anything at all I can do about these Ar/a/x-wannabes? {{Frowgler mispronounced the name..}} Frowgler: Not immediately. No. Mortimer: Fine. Then I'll go deal with what I maybe /can/. Frowgler: OK then. [[Frowgler turns to Thrash the Pale, who is standing nearby.]] Frowgler: Thrash. If you're still willing..? [[Thrash extends his hand.]] Frowgler: Then we'll be off to /our/ next stop. Thursday , April 15 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Frowgler is being carried away by Thrash and his two assistants. Mortimer thinks.]] Mortimer: OK, fine. Anything I want to know. Should I do it? Frowgler: ... I'm sorry? Mortimer: What Yasmine suggested. Go to talk to Frederick. My great-uncle. About all the stupid things that happen to me. Frowgler: . . . There is no easy happy answer to that question. Frowgler: But in the long run, yes, doing so will I think make you /happier./ Mortimer: OK then. Frowgler: If you are truly determined to do it.. don''t /forget/ to do it. Mortimer: Oh no. I need to be ready when she gets back. Frowgler: . . . Friday , April 16 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Mortimer notices the umbrella leaning against the tree.]] [[He picks it up, turns towards Frowgler.]] Mortimer: Frowgler! Wait! You forgot your umbrella! Frowgler, from off-screen: It's not my umbrella. Or Thrash's. [[Mortimer studies the umbrella.]] [[He jabs with it a little.]] Saturday , April 17 , 2010 [[Mortimer walks through the Forest of E, now carrying an umbrella. Flutterbys flit about. Behind him is the ruin of a stone building with two faded and broken sign mounted beside an open doorway. The upper sign is a stylized Y, while the lower sign reads "-RPSLAND -YAL TAX MINISTRY, along with a half-legible address. Scrawled on the wall below the sign are two pieces of graffiti: GOOD RIDDENCE [sic] and PLEASE COME BACK.]] [[He sees ahead of him a small trail of smoke drifting up into the evening sky.]] Sunday , April 18 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is holding a multicolored square object which possibly has a pair of eyes on it.]] Cully: That's an egg? But it's square. Crud: Yes, but it looks 'round. Cully: Oh Kay.. Why are there so many eggs and seeds down h.. [[The "egg" turns into a colored sphere and floats up off Crud's hand.]] [[The sphere shoots out into a collection of glowing flower-shapes.]] Crud: I don't know. It /is/ a sort of motif.. Monday , April 19 , 2010 [[Evening in the Forest of E. There is a large puffbloom bush, and various bits of stone wall, one of which is graffitied HOOT MON. Flutterbys flit around.]] [[More flutterbys fly away from the bush.]] [[Agorn the Gnoll peers from behind the bush, as a bat swoops in from above and ((SNAPs)) up a flutterby.]] Tuesday , April 20 , 2010 [[Agorn the Gnoll is in the Forest of E, carrying his spear. Flutterbys flit around him. Written on the wall remnant in front of him is "HOOT MON!".]] [[He glances back, becoming aware of something.]] [[He has disappeared.]] [[Comshaw and Niddle walk into scene. The hitchhiking gem Niddle is carrying is displaying power of some sort.]] Wednesday , April 21 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, on the spot where Mortimer and Frowgler met. Flutterbys flit about continually.]] Comshaw: So. The Human was here, with (sniff) some Pales, and that mystery smell.. and... Ig the Saur: And? Comshaw: Then the Pales and the mystery went one way, and the Human the other. Niddle: . . . We are still going to see the Human? Comshaw: Oh yes. One mystery at a time. [[They all go on out of sight.]] [[Agorn the Gnoll emerges to watch them leave.]] Agorn, thinking: Bright fella. Zarkin' shame I can't take him aside n' give him a a little polishin'. Thursday , April 22 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. In the foreground is the remains of a stone Human building, complete with an intact wooden door. A faded sign over the door reads GONE TO EARTH. In the background, Agorn the Gnoll walks by.]] [[Nothing happens, except for flutterbys flying to and fro.]] [[From behind the door come noises.]] ((thump CLANG)) Friday , April 23 , 2010 [[An intact wooden door in the Forest of E. A noise comes from inside.]] ((CLANK)) [[Inside a small stone building/room. There is a large metal hatch mounted in the floor. A box labelled FIZZ sits on the floor; sitting on top of the box is a bottle. A bladed "prune pole"l leans in a corner. A bulletin board is mounted on the wall, and has a few scraps of paper pinned to it.]] ((CLANK)) Nomish thoughts: Oh please let this one.. ((CLANK)) Nomish thoughts: ..finally be the right one.. ((CLANK)) [[The hatch-cover swings up and open with a ((CLUNK)), knocking over and ((SHATTERing)) the bottle.]] [[A figure in a protective suit pokes hir head out of the hatch. This is Fizmo the Nome.]] Fizmo: oof. Saturday , April 24 , 2010 [[Guest art by Rob Lopez of the ComicGenesis strip Forsaken Stars: a portrait of the Basement VIPs Nevus, Agita and Guttle.]] Sunday , April 25 , 2010 [[Two-part weekend filler. First some fan-art by Whitehound depicting a more realistically-drawn Gnoll and Gobule, and then a drawing by Robert Cook showing more slightly more realistic versions of Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer.]] Monday , April 26 , 2010 [[A small stone chamber in the Forest of E. Fizmo the Nome, still clad in a protective suit, has climbed out of a large metal hatchway in the floor.]] Fizmo: This isn't where that phizzer Fogorner took us down into that phizzing hole.. but that's sky up there.. Fizmo: isn't it. [[Fizmo taps at the suit's glass faceplate.]] ((tink tink)) Fizmo: Oh. Right. The helmet. It's been so long since I put it on.. [[Fizmo struggles with the helmet.]] Fizmo: Oof. Urg. Fizmo: It's like they made these useless things so you can't take 'em off yourself.. [[The helmet comes off with a ((POINK)). Fizmo is revealed to be a youngish female Nome with short spikey hair.]] Fizmo: ack! Fizmo: hoo! Fizmo: Fresh air. Forgotten how good it is! Tuesday , April 27 , 2010 [[Fizmo the Nome has emerged from a capped with a heavy metal hatch, finding herself in a small stone chamber. She is in the process of removing her cumbersome protective suit, tossing aside the helmet.]] Fizmo: I suppose those Spike muckamucks.. if that's who Fogorner's really tellin' big fat stories for.. are gonna want their phizzing protecto-suit back. [[From off-panel, she tosses more parts of the suit into the still-open shaft. On the wall is a mostly-bare bulletin board, and leaning in the corner is a long-handled bladed tool.]] Fizmo: Well that's just.. oof.. too zarking tough. If they can't be bothered to clearly mark the.. erg.. way to the unBrushed exit of their exploding freaking-rock pit.. [[The rest of the suit is tossed in.]] Fizmo: .. up all those stairs, through all those hatches.. urk.. then they can just come and clean up their own phizz. [[Fizmo is left wearing rather drab and patched underwear-like clothes, a top and a bottom.]] Fizmo: ..cuz /I'm/ not going back down in there. Ever. No matter how bad things are up here in the forest. . . . Assuming this /is/ the forest... Wednesday , April 28 , 2010 [[In a small stone structure in the Forest of E.]] Fizmo the Nome: I probably came up on beyond the Edge of the world. Fizmo: Have to spend the rest of my life running from those giants that Gnusto and the other gatherers see sometimes. [[She is standing before a wooden Human-sized door.]] Fizmo: Or.. someplace else. Someplace worse. Whatever zarkpit demons come from. There could be just about anything at all behind this door. [[The door is labelled 2412. She reaches for the doorknob, only to see..]] Fizmo: This locked handlefree phizzfilled door. For which I do not have any zarking key. Thursday , April 29 , 2010 [[Having emerged from deep in the Basement, Fizmo the Nome finds herself inside a locked stone room.]] Fizmo: So.. can I warp a crack big enough to squeeze through the door? Watched Paw do it often enough back in the old days.. [[She ((deedles)) at the wood planks of the door with her finger. A small crack appears.]] ((WARP)) [[The crack snaps shut.]] Fizmo: No. Course not. Don't have the glowgems or the blivet or any of rest of the phizz. (sigh.) Wish you were here, Paw.. [[There is a small hole high up in the wall, showing trees and sky.]] Fizmo: So. I either try and pry off the zarking hinges.. or.. Fizmo: Fratz. Friday , April 30 , 2010 [[The forest of E, near sunset. A small stone room is part of a once-larger structure. A prune-pole is flung out a small hole high in the wall. Fizmo the Nome's voice can be heard.]] ((fling)) Fizmo: May as well take this fratzing thing with me. Might come in handy somehow.. [[She comes scrabbling though the hole herself.]] Fizmo: Oof. urg. Almost zarking there.. C'mon, you can do it.. Fizmo: Yes. All right! Now comes the easy part. Easy as falling off - [[She falls into the puffbloom bush below.]] Fizmo: AWWK! [[She disappears entirely from view.]] Fizmo: Hate to say it, but just maybe.. that phizzer Kulkad was sorta right. Maybe I do talk too much. Sometimes. Once in a while. Saturday , May 1 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Fizmo the Nome has crawled out of a hole high in a wall and fallen into a bush.]] Fizmo: Urg. ptui! Stupid fratzing puffbloom bushes. [[She gets to her feet and recovers her pole-tool.]] Fizmo: Well. 'Least they tell me I'm back in the zarking forest. Half-naked, no hat, but I'm back. Hooray. [[She starts to walk.]] Fizmo: Guess I'm gonna have to go crawling back to the zarking village. Fizmo: Fratz! Back to listening to Zifmia and the other crones urping on and on about my fratzing 'loyalty duties'.. Fizmo: Unless.. Fizmo: I 'pose it's too much to fratzing hope, pray to the Brush, that things have gotten better there somehow. Frowgler, off-panel: Sadly, it is. Sunday , May 2 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Large glowing flower-shapes float around the shaft.]] Cully: So. these are more of those.. River of Fire shapes? Crud: What? Oh. No no. This is completely different. No relation whatsoever! Chunner: Waaait a second.. those are foomers! [[The shapes all go ((FOOM)) in a variety of fonts, filling the shaft even further with colored blasts. Only the Gnolls' eyes and helmets are visible.]] [[The background has been replaced with blackness, speckled with dots clumped more or less together by color.]] Cully: ..Foom? Chunner: Foom. Crud: Foom! Monday , May 3 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Fizmo the Nome has met Frowgler, who sits on the remains of a stone wall.]] Fizmo: /You/. I spose you're here to rub it in my face. Frowgler: I'm sorry? Fizmo: /Fine/. You were zarking right. I shouldn't have taken that job, gone down into that fratzhole. Frowgler: You had no reason to trust me. Fizmo: And now I do? Frowgler: Now you have reason to.. listen to my advice. Fizmo: OK, Right now. What's the safest thing I can zarking do? Frowgler: Ironically, perhaps, that would be "go back down into the fratzhole." Tuesday , May 4 , 2010 [[Evening in the Forest of E.]] Fizmo the Nome: That's your zarking advice? Go back in the zarking hole!? Frowgler: No, you asked what was /safe./ [[Outline of a fully-suited Kulkad in the Hot Zone, with a telescope.]] Frowgler: And right now, at this moment, your former colleague Kulkad is one of the safest people in the world. Frowgler: His long-term prospects.. are perhaps a bit more bleak. Frowgler: And, perhaps incidentally, what is /safe/ is not always what is good or right. Fizmo: ...So what do you think I should do that's so fratzing smart? Frowgler: Well, Let's run down your options, shall we..? Wednesday , May 5 , 2010 [[An outline of the steps leading up out of the Hot Zone.]] Frowgler: You can go back down into "the pit." Which is out, I gather? Fizmo the Nome: /Yes./ [[An outline of Fizmo tending to domestic duties inside a Hometree.]] {{A drying shirt in the background celebrates Cinco De Mayo.}} Frowgler: You can return to the village, where Koyeeb is yes, still mayor. Marry booznik, or someone, and start having children. Fizmo: /No./ [[An outline of Fizmo standing high in the branches of a Hometree.]] Frowgler: You can follow Nitfol's lead, and find an abandoned hometree somewhere. Try and go into /semi/-exile.. Fizmo: . . . ! I always li.. admired him. For tellin' everyone to zarking stuff it. Maybe I /should/- Frowgler: Really? [[They are in the Forest of E.]] Frowgler: that leads us to your /fourth/ option Try not to panic too much. Frowgler: Thrash! Please come out now! Thursday , May 6 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, as evening falls. Fizmo the Nome has been talking to Frowgler, who has called out Thrash the Pale, who appears from a collection of puffbloom bushes.]] Frowgler: So. Fizmo, Thrash, the Nexus's strong right hand. Frowgler: Thrash, Fizmo, a Nome in search of a home and a purpose. Frowgler: I'm sure we are all going to get along like a house on fire. Friday , May 7 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E.]] Fizmo the Nome: What the zarking fratz is this?! Frowgler: Your fourth option. You go with Thrash here to the Pale camp, beyond the ravine. [[Thrash listens to the conversation.]] Fizmo: --! Frowgler: And yes, both of you, I am quite serious. As for /why/ you would want to do this.. Frowgler: ..if all went as planned today, Nitfol will be there, with some other presumably-familiar faces. Frowgler: And I imagine your assistance will be appreciated. Frowgler: ..and yes, Thrash. Taking Miss Fizmo will hopefully help /you/. And yes, you can tell the Nexus she will be the last visitor. For now. Saturday , May 8 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, as the sun sets.]] Frowgler: So. What's it going to be? Fizmo the Nome: . . . Frowgler: You're refusing to go? Fizmo: Of course I'm gonna fratzing go. Fizmo: Been to the bottom of the zarking world, may as well go see the far edge. Still, for a sec, I almost said no. Frowgler: Why? [[Fizmo leans in closer.]] Fizmo: Just to see how you fratzing forced me into it. [[Thrash the Pale listens to this conversation.]] Frowgler: I have never forced anyone to- Fizmo: Yeah. Sure. Fizmo: C'mon whatsyergob. Let's get this phizzing thing over with. Sunday , May 9 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in Subfoom 44f. [[The Shaft has been filled or replaced with glowing colored dots on black background; they are beginning to swirl. Cully looks at them.]] [[The dots swirl more.]] Cully: ... Foom? Foom foom oom foom! Chunner: Foom. Foom foom oom. Foom foom. Crud: Foom! (Foom fooo oom oom!) [[The colors are now a whirlpool. The POV pulls back, or the Gnolls recede.]] Cully: Foom! Chunner: Foom. Foom foom "foom om". Crud: Foom. Monday , May 10 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, as the sun sets. Fizmo the Nome and Thrash the Pale prepare to leave Frowgler.]] Frowgler: Fizmo. Before you go.. Fizmo: Yesss? Frowgler: First, As a reward for not.. forcing me to force you.. [[Frowgler opens his Poke Kit.]] Frowgler: Frimmin' on the jim jam. frippin' at the krotz. 2424 SubPocket Unlock. [[Fizmo watches as a brimmed hat with a feather appears.]] Frowgler: With a hey-nonny-nonny and a ha-cha-cha! ((POOF)) [[She is now wearing it.]] Frowgler: A pair of boots would be more practical, but sadly, I don't have one. Fizmo: We'll just phizz along.Best we can. Tuesday , May 11 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Fizmo the Nome has a pruning pole and a spiffy new hat.]] Fizmo: What about.. Thrash here? And his friends? Don't they get prezzies? Frowgler: Again, sadly, I don't have any physical object they would want. I am working on the intangible. Frowgler: As a small start, Thrash will no longer have to put up with me. Wednesday , May 12 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, as the sun goes down. Thrash the Pale listens to Fizmo the Nome and Frowgler's conversation.]] Fizmo: So, you're not coming with us? Frowgler: No, sadly. Our paths now part. Frowgler: .. As I must take your place underground. Frowgler: If you would drop me into the hole you just climbed out of.. [[Fizmo holds out her hand.]] Fizmo: With pleasure! [[They all walk towards the hole.]] Fizmo: So. You're gonna go live with that phizzer Kulkad. Frowgler: Again, sadly, I was speaking metaphorically. Frowgler: Among other things, I have an old friend who is simply desperate to bask in the scintillating glow of my intellectual company. Fizmo: uh /huh/. Thursday , May 13 , 2010 [[Fizmo boosts Frowgler into the hole from which she has recently escaped. Witnessed by Antlerhelper the Pale.]] Fizmo: Here we are. Your zarking hole. Frowgler: oof. Thank you. Now. Last minute thoughts.. Frowgler: Fizmo, in future, if anyone offers you a hat, be sure and look /inside/ it before you put it on... Frowgler: /Particularly/ if it looks anything like the one that your old friend Fogorner wears. Fizmo: . . . [[Fizmo looks inside the hat Frowgler gave her.]] Fizmo: "Genrick.. Gaber...dine." What the fratz is that? Frowgler: That's the name of the fellow who made it. His wares are safe. Frowgler: The /unsafe/ ones.. you'll feel the urge to scream. well.. no, sorry. Swear, and whack them with your prunepole there.. Friday , May 14 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Frowgler looks down on Fizmo the Nome and Thrash the Pale from a hole in a wall.]] Fizmo: Fine. Avoid evil hats. Any other zarking tidbits you want to share? Frowgler: I am an ever-gushing stream of tidbits. Frowgler: First, both of you, the beaver shark is roaming the forest again. If you see it, run. Fizmo: "The" beaver shark!? Frowgler: Yes. there's only one. It is more than enough. Frowgler: Thrash, Please tell the Nexus if you don't hear from me.. that stopgap we discussed /will/ be necessary. Thrash: . . . [nod] Fizmo: What fratzing "stopgap?" Frowgler: All you want to know, Fizmo, is that your beloved Mayor Koyeeb is about to do something very stupid, and I am trying to head it off, without getting the Pales involved. Fizmo: . . . Terrific. Saturday , May 15 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, outside a small stone building.]] Fizmo the Nome: No, really, what's that phizzer Koyeeb doing that's- Frowgler: He doesn't know it, but he is trying to commit /suicide/, Fizmo. Frowgler: And he's trying to take the rest of you Nomes with him. [[Frowgler clenches his fist and his teeth.]] Frowgler: And I can't just /stop him/. Oh no. Digger and Umboz and that zarking tree, and.. Frowgler: /GRRAH!/ [[Behind Fizmo, Thrash the Pale listens to the conversation.]] Frowgler: Which is.. /why/ I'm /forcing/ you to be as far from your village as possible if it happens! /You're one of the ones worth saving!/ Fizmo: ... Thanks. And for the hat. It's .. the nicest one I've ever seen. Frowgler: I'll be sure that Genrick hears that. Now GO! Sunday , May 16 , 2010 [[Guest art by Tom Truszkowski of the webcomic Station V3. An Ooze and a Gobule are talking..]] Ooze: Do you know what time it is now? Gobule: No... Ooze: It's the time when EVERYTHING changes AGAIN! [[Magic flows everywhere. WOO HOO HOO, surrounded by a Gnoll, a Troglodyte, SuperRock and the Gibber.]] Ooze: ...And then it changes right back. Gobule: ...I think I blinked. Monday , May 17 , 2010 [[Outside a small stone structure in the Forest of E, as the sun sets. Frowgler disappears into the small hole in the structure's wall.]] Fizmo the Nome: Frowgler.. Mr. Frowgler.. who.. /what are you?/ You're not a demon.. [[Frowgler looks back from the top of the wall.]] Frowgler: Of course I'm not a phizzing demon. I'm Frowgler the zarking Horned Frog. [[He leaps down out of sight.]] Frowgler: And to answer your next fratzing question, I'm doing this because it's my job. Frowgler: No. My /purpose/. it's why I was put on this earth. Now MOVE. [[Fizmo and Thrash the Pale walk away.]] Fizmo: ... Well that sucks. Thrash: [sardonic gesture indicating that you don't know the half of it] Tuesday , May 18 , 2010 [[Fizmo the Nome, Thrash the Pale and his two helpers "Flaghelper" and "Antlerhelper" walk through the Forest of E, toward the Pale Camp.]] Fizmo: So. You all don't talk, right? With your mouths, I mean. Antlerhelper: [shake] Fizmo: But you understand the rest of us when we talk. Antlerhelper: [nod] Fizmo: Well that's zarking great! Antlerhelper: ...? Fizmo: Cuz I just love to talk! Antlerhelper: ! [[They walk into the distance as the sun sets.]] Fizmo: So. Like I was saying to Kulkad earlier. There was this phizzing idiot iin our village. A Nome, 'course. His name was Belwit. And one day, he came up with this insane idea about being able to fly, like a flutterby or bird or some [[Smaller]] Fizmo: zarking thing. So heactually built this contraption, like a big wooden bird, and he jumped off a cliff. And died, of course. I think that if you used hot air (hah! I'm a natural source,) you could... [[She goes on, but is now inaudible.]] Wednesday , May 19 , 2010 [[The forest of E. Various shrubs and trees. Flutterby flit about. In the background is an intact tower.]] [[Zooming closer to the tower.]] [[The top of the tower. There is a bank of windows at the top. Mounted on the side is a faded sign, obscured by a tree: LUDWIG AUTOMA EVER CLASS ILLUM TOW 22]] [[A close-up of one of the windows. A triangular shape is visible beyond.]] Thursday , May 20 , 2010 [[Inside a tower in the Forest of E. A large crystal is held in place near the top of the tower in a bracket. It catches the last of the fading light through the ring of windows, and focuses it downward in a beam. A ladder runs from a platform down and out of sight.]] [[The beam shoots down where it hits a mirrored assembly which reflects it around a 45 degree angle, and down a new shaft. A device sits at the end of a cobwebby tunnel.]] [[The light beam continues on. On one side is a buried and dead-looking robot, with beweaponed arms, and possibly jets for legs. On the other side is a dim chamber in which a truck sits mostly disassembled, along with a workbench and a pile of boxes.]] Friday , May 21 , 2010 [[A concentrated beam of light comes down through a slanting shaft from the forest of E. It hits a mirror assembly and gets bent around a corner so it is now going straight down. After a short distance, it hits another mirror.]] [[A stalactite-encrusted roof. A spreading assembly of bulbs shines the light down into the space below. Others like it can be see in the background. A sign attached to one of the stalactites points down with an arrow and reads "GREAT CHASM don't fall in".]] Saturday , May 22 , 2010 [[In the Great Chasm, looking up at the string of sunlight reflectors which illuminate the space.]] [[POV panning, so that the viewer can see the one of the walls, with a path along the edge and a tunnel mouth.]] [[Panning more, now looking down into the depths of the Chasm.]] [[Sylvester and Rosemary are falling.]] Sylvester, thinking: Howdid thishappen? I'mdying Mortimer's death.. Sunday , May 23 , 2010 Narration: Foomdays In SubFoom 44foom [[The three Gnolls fall/tilt sideways, as behind them colors and blackness swirl down a sort of metaphysical drain. Behind that, a ribboned blue field marked with endless zeros and ones.]] Cully: foom Chunner: foom Crud: foom [[The draining vortex falls further away, leaving them alone in the blueness.]] [[Protus is suddenly there. The Gnolls are semitransparent, and the viewer can see their skeletons.]] Protus: Well well. Look who it is! Cully: /FOOM!!!/ Protus: Yes yes. It'll be over in a moment. Or two. Or 2436. Protus: Unless.. hmm. Your bodies are in the sub-shafts, aren't they? Protus: I suppose I should take advantage of that... Monday , May 24 , 2010 [[Sylvester and his mining helmet are falling into the Great Chasm. All dialogue is internal.]] Sylvester: Mortimer. HeandMom andLiland they Sylvester: will neverknow whathappened to me. Hope theycan- ((PAFF)) Sylvester: Wha? ((PAFF)) [[He is now falling amidst bits of fluff. The things he is hitting come quicker.]] ((PAFF)) ((PAFF)) ((PAFF)) Tuesday , May 25 , 2010 [[Having fallen into the Great Chasm, Sylvester finds himself in a fluffy mass. His helmet rests on a tuft above him.]] Sylvester, thinking: A branch of the Tree? Or is it? It's not like the- [[He falls further.]] Sylvester: AACK! ((PAFF)) [[He is upside down, next to Rosemary, stuck into more of the fluff.]] Sylvester: Rosemary! I think we're still alive, but also still in a lot of trouble... Rosemary: 'Course we are. Tansy's gonna show up any minute now.. Wednesday , May 26 , 2010 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are upside down in a branch of the Tree, which is growing out from the side of the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Who's.. Tansy? Rosemary: You /saw/ her. You /told/ me. With Protus. When you saw that burnt gnoll. Sylvester: Did I? [[Sylvester's legs disappear from sight.]] Rosemary: We just saw him for real, which means that /she/.. Rosemary: she.. Rosemary: Ug. My head hurts. Sylvester: Oof. Urg. Rosemary; What happened? Where are we? [[His head emerges, just as Rosemary's legs slide out of sight.]] ((PAFF)) Sylvester: You got hit with a slingstone. I think. Then we stupidly ignored the signs and fell into the Great Chasm. Beyond that, I'm still working out the details. Rosemary: Awk! Thursday , May 27 , 2010 [[In the dimness of a large Tree branch, on the side of the Great Chasm. Sylvester, out of sight above, speaks down to Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Rosemary! Are you all right!? Rosemary: Urg. ptui. Yes. And this.. puffy bit seems less.. puffy. Sylvester: Oh good. Because I'm- [[He falls into sight and lands next to her.]] Sylvester: OOF! [[He points at her.]] Sylvester: Oh thank the Brush. You hung onto it. [[Rosemary holds up the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: Lesson #2 at the H&S Academy: Don't Drop Your Weapon. Sylvester: I meant your helmet. That shot you took must have glued it to your head! Friday , May 28 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are perched on an atypical branch of the Tree, growing out of the side of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: Why is my helmet so important? Sylvester: The sun's going down. It's going to get dark down here. No. /Black./ Turn on your light. [[Rosemary clicks on her light.]] Rosemary: Oh. All right. ((click)) [[Nothing happens.]] Rosemary: . . . ((click)) Rosemary: We may have a problem here. ((click)) ((click)) Sylvester: Of course. Saturday , May 29 , 2010 [[Sitting amidst the fluff of a large Tree branch, on the side of the Great Chasm. Sylvester holds out his hand for Rosemary's helmet.]] Sylvester: Let me see the zarking thing. Maybe the battery just got knocked loose... [[The interior of the helmet.]] Sylvester: Nope. Fratz. Looks like that shot you took damaged the mechanism. Rosemary: Can you fix it? Sylvester: With no tools? No. And even then, Rufus is the expert. [[He tosses the helmet back to her.]] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: What's Lesson #1 at the Academy? "Don't Fall Into Holes?" Rosemary: That's #6. #1 is Choose Your Weapon Carefully; Your Life Depends On It. Sunday , May 30 , 2010 Narration: Foom Protus: Hang on. Here we go. [[It's full of stars.]] Protus: This is our goal. All of us. Worth striving for, I think. But I've stretched you "here" and now you'll sn [[Back in SubShaft 44f.]] Monday , May 31 , 2010 [[Amidst the gloom of a branch of the Tree, on the side of the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: I don't suppose you're carrying an extra light source in that Poke-Kit of yours? [[She holds it up.]] Rosemary: No. Also no willow bark for a headache, and no rope complete with grappling hook. [[Sylvester points at the Can Opener.]] Sylvester: Or.. speaking of weapons.. perhaps the Can-Opener starts to glow with eldritch power when its wielder's need is direst? Rosemary: . . . [[She ((jiggles)) it, without result.]] Rosemary: No. Sylvester: OK then. Let's run down our options. Rosemary: We have options? Apart from finishing our plunge? Sylvester: That's one of them, yes. Rosemary: I'm feeling better already! Tuesday , June 1 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are perched in a Tree branch on the side of the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Option one. We spend the night right here, and hope that there's enough light tomorrow to see what we're doing. Rosemary: Ugh. Sylvester: Yes. For a variety of reasons, I don't want to spend hours this close to the Hot Zone. Sylvester:Option two. I'm pretty sure my helmet is still above us somewhere. We retrieve it. Rosemary: We can't climb back up there. It's not gonna support our weight. [[A view of a section of the main trunk of the branch.]] Sylvester: No. but maybe we can do something with that behind you there. Wednesday , June 2 , 2010 [[On a large Tree branch, on the side of the Great Chasm. It is quite dark. Rosemary is at the actual trunk.]] Rosemary: Well.. I could climb up that, but I'm not sure how it would help. I can see the top.. I think.. from here. Sylvester: Not climbing. More shaking the tree and seeing what falls out.. Rosemary; Oh. All right. Rosemary : I'm sorry. [[Above them, Sylvester's mining helmet jumps about as Rosemary ((WHAMs)) the Tree trunk with the Can Opener.]] Thursday , June 3 , 2010 [[In the "Trog-catching" Tree-branch on the side of the Great Chasm. Sylvester's helmet falls through the growths.]] [[It ((KLONKs)) him on the head.]] [[It continues to fall, and he grabs for it.]] Sylvester: Oh no you [[It and he fall out sight.]] Sylvester: dont!! [sic] Friday , June 4 , 2010 [[Rosemary in the near-darkness of a large Tree branch on the side of the Great Chasm. She puts the Can Opener in her Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: Sylvester? Did you get it? [[She crawls forward, ((tossing)) Tree-fluff aside as she does so.]] [[She looks down the hole Sylvester fell through.]] Rosemary: Sylvester? [[With a ((click)), a bright light comes shining up out of the hole.]] Sylvester's voice: What do you say we get out of this zarking tree? Saturday , June 5 , 2010 [[Chapter title: LYING IN A HOLE [[Mortimer walks through the Forest of E, now carrying his umbrella. Flutterbys trail after him. Various bits of stone walls from the former Human Eetown stand behind him. A large chunk of rock has fallen out of the sky in the recent past and is now wedged in an impact crater. Three small stakes lean in a corner, with the word BELMONT painted down them.]] {{Geddit? Belmont stakes?}} Sunday , June 6 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The three Gnolls all stand silently.]] Cully: ...What just happened? Chunner: Those were foomers. Never that.. intense.. before, though. Cully: We saw something.. big and.. beautiful.. didn't we? I'm not.. Chunner: A little too big to fit inside our heads, I think. Crud: That's not at all what I remember Protus looking like.. Monday , June 7 , 2010 [[In a large Treebranch on the edge of the Great Chasm. Rosemary's lower half dangles from a higher section.]] Sylvester: It's just a short drop. Rosemary: Right. oof. Thanks. [[She looks down at what they are now standing on.]] Rosemary: This one's different. Sylvester: Yes, it's /normal/. By Mansion standards. [[A closer look at the "ground".]] Rosemary: What do ya mean- Sylvester: It's not a convenient mass of.. Wintergate fluffcandy. It has sub-branches all through it, to grow the.. "leaves" and the Fruit. Tuesday , June 8 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are perched on a large branch of the Tree on the side of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: "Convenient?" You think someone.. grew..? all of this for /us?/ Like leaving the Can Opener with Izchak? Sylvester: Hm. Well. Anything's possible, but no. In this case, I was thinking of the Trogs. Rosemary: Huh? Sylvester: All of this, as you say? Specially, yes, grown, directly under their ceremonial jumping-off point? You should be happy. Apart from us not dying. Rosemary: . . . Someone doesn't want the Trogs killing themselves. Sylvester: Or like Theophan.. they're offering a last chance to change their mind. I hope it's one or other, because that increases the chance of there being an intentional exit.. Wednesday , June 9 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a large Tree branch attached to the side of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: All right. But before we go looking for that exit, hand over your helmet. Sylvester: Why? [[He hands her the helmet.]] Rosemary: Just gimmie. [[Sylvester watches as Rosemary does something off-panel.]] ((RRRIP)) ((tug poke yank tie tie tie)) [[He puts the helmet back on; she has ripped off part of her dress and used it to make a chinstrap. She is tying one on her helmet as well.]] Sylvester: You're doing this because it makes me look ridiculous, aren't you? Rosemary: No no. That's just a bonus. Thursday , June 10 , 2010 [[In a large Tree branch on the side of the Great Chasm. Sylvester makes mental measurements as Rosemary sits on the "ground".]] Sylvester: Sorry you had to rip up your dress. Rosemary: Should have done it hours ago. Easier to move if it's not dragging on the zarking floor. [[Sylvester turns in the opposite direction.]] Sylvester: Oh. Well. If we make back.. home.. we can find you something more suitable. One thing we're not short of is clothes. Rosemary: Wish I'd heard that this morning. Rosemary: . . . [[She looks down at her now-battered clothes.]] Rosemary: It's not actually my dress. Sylvester: Ah. Rosemary: I sort of borrowed it. Without asking. Sylvester: Double ah. Friday , June 11 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in the strange Tree-branch installed under the Trogs' plunge-point.]] Rosemary: I did plan to return the dress. And the blouse. And the shoes. But at some point.. I wandered across the line from borrowing to stealing. Rosemary: And now it's likely their owner is dead. Rosemary: And no, it wasn't me who did it. Sylvester, off-panel: Of course you wouldn't kill someone for their clothes. Rosemary: I have killed people. Human people. Three of them. I don't want to hide that from you. Sylvester: I /assumed/ you led an interesting life even before you graced us with your presence. Let's concentrate on getting out of here. Saturday , June 12 , 2010 [[Ig the Saur, Comshaw and Niddle walk through the Forest of E as evening falls. Chunks of flung rock have gouged impact craters. A crumbling section of wall has some trophies balanced on it, and is covered with RIP messages. The hitchhiking gem which Niddle is carrying is shooting sparks of power.]] IgSaur: So.. the Human is headed to where we saw that big blast earlier today? Comshaw: It's certainly starting to look that way. Two slimegrubs with one stone... Niddle: We're getting close now.. Sunday , June 13 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: Mr. Crud? Are you.. saying that Protus helped you with your bean as well? Crud: Sorry? "As well?" Cully: You said earlier that Crazy Rhid gave you advice.. or something.. Crud: Oh. Yes. No. Protus was just around occasionally. Working on his.. Chunner: Whatever it is he works on. Cully: Shilpit told me that Skibble told him that Protus said it is a "ring of pylons." Chunner: Well, there you go. An unimpeachable source offers the definitive explanation. Crud: I wonder sometimes.. perhaps being that close to Protus did have an effect. On me, or my Bean.. Monday , June 14 , 2010 [[In the Great Chasm, on a mysterious Tree branch.]] Rosemary: Right. What's the layout here? Sylvester: Behind us is the cliff we fell off. Looks like the main Branch comes out of that cliff somewhere below us, curls up and out into the Chasm like a Wyvern horn, and then grows the big stack of.. Rosemary: "Fluffcandy." [[An outline of a street-scene. Rosemary has bought fluff/cotton candy from a street vendor and is eating it. The vendor is selling possibly an ice cream bar to a young customer. A Nome has a brush. A bird flies overhead.]] Sylvester: Yes. ..back towards the cliff. ...You do know what fluff- Rosemary: Yes, we have it Out West. But it's not /seasonal/ or anything. The streethawkers in Ootope sell it all the time. [[An outline of Rosemary and Baldy Aldershot at the entrance to the Jonetown Hack N' Slash Academy; a Wyvern skull is mounted overhead.]] Rosemary: And yes, I know what Wyverns are. Were. As it happens, one of their skulls, "Old Snouty," is mounted over the front entrance to the Jonetown HnS Academy. Rosemary: ..they are extinct, right? You don't have any of /them/ stomping.. slithering..? around down- Sylvester: Yes and no, respectively. Our family owns.. owned.. one of the skulls, as well. One of the big ones. It's probably still down here somewhere. Tuesday , June 15 , 2010 [[On a large Tree branch, on the side of the Great Chasm. Rosemary and Sylvester face in opposite directions.]] Rosemary: So.. we find the trunk, and climb down to where it comes out of the cliff, and there's a tunnel or ladder or- Sylvester: ...I /suppose/. Although- Rosemary: There's something poking up over there. Not part of the Tree. Sylvester: /Is/ there now? Well, let's go take a look [[They go and look. A pot mounted on a stem spews out purplish smoke. Rosemary waves her hand in her face.]] Rosemary: Whew! I've smelled that before.. Sylvester: It's a big pot of Trog repellent. Wednesday , June 16 , 2010 [[On a large and atypical branch of the Tree, curling out from the side of the Great Chasm. A pot produces some smoke; it stands between the two Humans and the Chasm wall.]] Rosemary: Trog repellent. They burn a sort of.. resin.. don't they? Sylvester: Yes. Set it up right, it can work for months. Years. This one's old. New ones tend to really.. billow. Rosemary: Sylvester, this doesn't make any sense. Sylvester: Mmm. Assuming this is all for the Trogs, it probably means that the builder didn't want them going this way. Rosemary: But there's nowhere else to go! Except down. Sylvester: Maybe. Maybe not. Let's go check the trunk. Thursday , June 17 , 2010 [[On a large Tree branch, on the side of the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: You don't seem very surprised by all this. You knew about..? Sylvester: I did not. But.. putting aside your and his philosophical disagreement for the nonce.. do you think /Theophan/ knows about all this? Rosemary: . . . I'd say no. Why? [[A combination of outlines: A Troglodyte talking to (or at) Theophan the Gobule, another sitting and looking at a small branch of the Tree, and a third bursting from the side of the current large Branch and continuing his fall into the Chasm.]] Sylvester: It means that not one Trog has ever made it back "upstairs" to tell him about it. Sylvester: Or word just never got back to him. Sylvester: Or every last Trog has had the courage of their convictions.. [[Rosemary and Sylvester approach a metal construct mounted to the branch's trunk, and sticking out into the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Or /maybe/ the ones who decide to go on living.. and now us.. are being herded. Sylvester: Towards whatever this is. Friday , June 18 , 2010 [[in the Great Chasm, on the Tree-branch installed under the Trogs' Plunge-point. Rosemary and Sylvester have found a long narrow tongue of metal extending out into the darkness of the Chasm. An inscription, currently unreadable, adorns the side of the tongue's massive support structure.]] Sylvester: Now, Rosemary, it's important that you not panic, but-- Rosemary, pointing: We're climbing out there to Brush-knows-where, with only one light between us. Sylvester: Probably, yes. Rosemary, smiling: eek. Saturday , June 19 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, as evening falls. Agorn the Gnoll watches as three flutterbys go zooming by, all the direction that he is walking. Bits of wood and rock have blasted impact craters in the ground. A stone slab or memorial is marked with a faint red and blue symbol, and the words TAKE FLIGHT.]] {{Commemorating the real-life holiday Juneteenth.}} Agorn, thinking: Gettin' stupider n' more dangerous every second.. Agorn, thiniking: ..And more interesting.. Sunday , June 20 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: Mr. Chunner? Had you met Protus before today? Chunner: Huh? Naw. /You're/ the one he seemed to recognize. Cully: No! I never.. my /father/ saw him. One of the first times ever, I guess. Chunner: Oh? Who was he? Cuilly: Cozen. His name was Cozen. Chunner: Oh. Heh. Him. Used to see him around. Went and had a batch of whelps, did he? Who with? Cully: It w- Chunner: No. Wait. Lemme guess. It was whatserface. With the hair. Shangie. Cully: ...Yes. Did you know her too? Chunner: I knew /of/ her. Crud: "See him around"? Didn't Cozen almost kill you that time? Monday , June 21 , 2010 [[On a large Tree branch, on the side of the Great Chasm. Sylvester and Rosemary stand beside the metal walkway which is anchored around the branch's thick trunk. A plaque indicates the walkway was made by the Nutacruk Metalworks.]] Sylvester: So. Do we go back to the cliff, find an exit, bash handholds in the cliff with the Can-Opener.. Sylvester: Or do we allow ourselves to be herded into the abyss like a couple of Noddite rocksheeps? [[Rosemary hops onto the walkway.]] Rosemary: Baaah! Sylvester: Bah it is. Tuesday , June 22 , 2010 [[Sylvester and Rosemary climb out onto a metal construct extending out from the Tree branch on the side of the Great Chasm. A panel on the side of the construct reads NUTACRUK METAL WORKS 2650 VIRGINGATE HADLEYBURG WIRTWAM YL]] Sylvester: Of course, wild rocksheeps are actually quite intelligent, and almost literally born on tiny ledges overlook- Sylvester: Huh. Interesting. Rosemary: What's wrong? [[Outline of a coach traveling along an elevated road over rough terrain.]] Sylvester: Sorry. No. If anything, it's good news. Sylvester: The plaque here. Nutacruk. Ever since Unification, they've had the Royal Writ to maintain the swamp-bridges all through Laputa. (Love to add them to our stock porfolio..) [[Outline depicting the Tree branch in question under growth/construction.]] Sylvester: Whoever put all this together had simoleons to burn, along with the time needed to coax the Tree into cooperating. Wednesday , June 23 , 2010 [[In the Great Chasm. Rosemary and Sylvester are standing on a metal construction, attached to the side of the local Tree-branch, which extends a narrow walkway out into space.]] Rosemary: So, what you're saying is.. our safety is assured and nothing can possibly go wrong? Sylvester: To quote the illustrious and stalwart Gunsel.. Sure. Why not. [[They set out on the walkway. Rosemary points ahead.]] Rosemary: Why? Because this thing looks like it just /ends/ out there. [[They reach the end. There is a large tube of some sort attached to the walkway, snaking down across the Chasm into darkness.]] Rosemary: No, wait, I stand corrected. Thursday , June 24 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand on a slender walkway which reaches out over the Great Chasm. The walkway ends at the mouth of a large flexible tube which goes on across and down. There is a light on the edge of the tube-mouth.]] Sylvester: Really the point of no return. Rosemary: Nno.. I can get back up this. Worst case, I have to carve climbing holes with the Can Opener. [[A second light turns on.]] Sylvester: OK. Rosemary: So, here's the plan- [[They have been sucked into the tube. Without Sylvester's helmet-light, the scene has gotten very dark, but a third light has come on.]] ((SHOOMP!)) Friday , June 25 , 2010 [[In the Great Chasm. The large tube into which Rosemary and Sylvester have been sucked drops down away from the walkway attached to the enormous Tree branch.]] [[It descends at an angle, with a coupling connecting to a new section of tubing.]] [[Descends some more, and comes to a projection sticking out of the far side of the Chasm. Two mounts support it as continues mostly horizontally.]] [[It drops down to nearly "floor" level, passing through more mounts, and connecting to a sort of socket when it reaches the far wall.]] Saturday , June 26 , 2010 [[A side-view of a wall in which are mounted some lights and the mouth of a large tube.]] [[The tube mouth's cover ((flip/flaps)) open, and Rosemary is spit out, sending her flying off-panel. The lights all go green.]] [[Sylvester is spit out.]] [[The cover shuts, the lights go red, and a thick wall-section slams down, sealing off the entrance. The two Humans speak from off-panel.]] ((KA CHUNK)) Sylvester: Another plan flawlessly executed! Rosemary: Shut up. Get off me. Sunday , June 27 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: ..my father tried to kill you? Chunner: Crud, am I gonna have to get out Mister Snoutclamp again? Crud: eep! Chunner: Look, kid.. no. Your.. Cozen did not /try/ to kill me. Chunner: He and I, couple others, came up with this scheme that.. Chunner: We were young. So sharp we cut. ourselves. There was an accident. It was stupid. Cully: . . . the scheme or the accident? Chunner: Yes. Both. Cully: ..why did he never tell me about this? Chunner: I certainly don't like talkin' about it. But if I had to guess.. he thought it was the "right thing to do." Crud: Mr. Snoutclamp doesn't respect personal boundaries. Monday , June 28 , 2010 [[Having been sucked in a tube and spat out into a waiting pile of fluff, Rosemary and Sylvester find themselves in a mysterious darkened space.]] Sylvester: More padding. Someone's still trying to keep us alive. Rosemary: I'm sure we're in the very best of hands. [[She looks to one side suspiciously.]] [[The Can-Opener appears in her hand.]] Rosemary: ..and we're being watched. Tuesday , June 29 , 2010 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are in a mysterious darkened space on the far side of the Great Chasm. The walls are stained and marked.]] Sylvester: Watched? Where? By who? Rosemary: I dunno. It's just a feeling you develop after enough- Offpanel voice: grrr [[A Lurker lurks behind a battered-looking object with numerous drawers.]] Sylvester: Ah. It's a Lurker. So rather than being "watched" per se... Rosemary: More 'sneaky sniffing'. Yes. Wednesday , June 30 , 2010 [[In a mysterious area beyond the Great Chasm. Sylvester's helmet provides the only light.]] Sylvester: You know about Lurkers, then. Rosemary: Oh yes. They live in the caves under the Ridgebacks. ...Unless, of course, yours are all weird again. [[An outline of Mortimer in a pit in the Forest, about to be attacked by a Lurker.]] Sylvester: ..They lurk. In dark places. They aren't really sentient.They'll attack a lone unwary Human, if they are hungry enough, and can sneak up from ambush. Rosemary: OK. We're on the same page... [[The current Lurker, AKA "Blinky".]] Rosemary: ...Except /this one/ is trying to attract our attention. Blinky: grrr Thursday , July 1 , 2010 [[In a mysterious darkened space on the far side of the Great Chasm. Rosemary, Can-Opener at the ready, approaches where a Lurker is lurking, behind a low object with numerous drawers. The Lurker retreats.]] Sylvester: ...It wants us to follow it. Rosemary: Yup. So are we going to? Sylvester: Unless you see another door out of here, I don't think we have much choice. [[Rosemary ((shoves)) the drawer-object aside with the butt of the Can Opener. Sylvester is disturbed to note it ((skitters)) away.]] Rosemary: OK then. Let's get this ambush over with. Friday , July 2 , 2010 [[Inside the neglected Troglodyte habitat on the "far" side of the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: Did that cabinet-thing just /skitter/ when you- Rosemary: Not important! Turn off your light for a moment. Sylvester: . . . [[He does so.]] ((click)) [[It is now pitch black.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: Thank you. Turn it back on. [[He does so.]] ((click)) Rosemary: If there was any other source of light, however dim, it would be better to let our eyes adjust to it, rather than having that Lurker's friends come at us out of the darkness. Sylvester: Oh. Saturday , July 3 , 2010 [[In a mysterious darkened space on the far side of the Great Chasm. The walls are covered in marks and graffiti.]] Sylvester: Rosemary... Sylvester: I realize this is your area of expertise, but.. Sylvester: ..You're sure we're walking into an ambush? [[Outline of a Lurker alone at the bottom of a roughly-cut shaft.]] Sylvester: I mean, Lurkers are rather famous for.. lurking in holes. Sylvester: And thus not having friends.. [[Another Lurker appears, and a small heart floats in the shaft between them.]] Sylvester: Except maybe during the mating season. [[Outline of a grinning Lurker with a bunch of evi/scary looking individuals, all with red glowing eyes: a humanoid with knife-fingers, one with pins in his head, a smaller devil-tailed imp, and a carnivorous plant.]] {{Probably obvious, but.. Freddy Kruger, Pinhead, a Gremlin, and Audry from Little Shop of Horrors.}} Rosemary: Sylvester, we've agreed this one's not acting normally. But I never said hir friends were more Lurkers. Sunday , July 4 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: But then- Chunner: After the.. incident.. Cozen and I went our separate ways. Chunner: ..and kid, he /learned/ something from it. I didn't. Chunner: He went into.. Beetle-ranching, was it? Cully: Yes. Chunner: /I/ dribbled off and became a zarking snout-balancer. Yeah, won in the Games a couple times. So what? Chunner: He got a mate who loved him, and whelps and.. a legacy. Chunner: And I ended up here. Cully: ..So did I. Chunner: Ah. You're young yet. Crud: Wait.. Cully.. You're Cozen and Shangie's whelp! Monday , July 5 , 2010 [[In a mysterious darkened area on the far side of the Great Chasm.]] Sylvester: "Friends." OK. I agree the Lurker probably didn't scribble this graffiti all over the walls... Sylvester: But that doesn't mean that there's some gang of attackers waiting.. Sylvester: waiting in the.. [[They emerge out into a larger space, with rough stone walls and a cave roof. The Lurker watches from behind a nearby rock.]] Sylvester: The Troghome... Tuesday , July 6 , 2010 [[In a mysterious darkened place beyond the Great Chasm.]] Rosemary: You know where we are? Sylvester: This /looks/ like a section of the Troghome. Rosemary: Which is /what?/ Sylvester: The.. the Troglodyte zoo-exhibit. Set up by the Ettins. [[Sketchy map of the Basement, with Sylvester and Rosemary making a hypothetical teleport from one end to the other.]] Sylvester: But no. That's on the far side of the Basement. Rosemary: There are.. magical ways of moving people around really fast. Sylvester: Yes, but there are no Panegates down here, and otherwise we'd have noticed. Sylvester: And it's not just the distance.. Wednesday , July 7 , 2010 [[Inside the neglected Troglodyte habitat on the "far" side of the Great Chasm. Sylvester's light shows walls covered in graffiti.]] Sylvester: The Troghome.. it's /alive/. Or at least.. the last time I heard. Sylvester: It's been a while since I was getting any sort of regular updates. [[An outline of a female Troglodyte cooking a beetle on a stick over a firepit.]] Sylvester: There is light, dim, but.. light. And fresh water, and moss and slimegrubs to eat, and vents up from the Hot Zone. Rosemary: Sylvester, stop talking. Ambush! Sylvester: Like with all their exhibits, the Ettins created a whole self-sustaining ecosystem. Quite ingenius, in their usual cold-blooded way. Rosemary: /Ambush!/ Sylvester: But this place! It is /completely and utterly dead!/ Thursday , July 8 , 2010 [[In a mysterious Troglodyte habitat on the far side of the Great Chasm. Rosemary points, as Sylvester puts his hand on her shoulder.]] Rosemary: There? Did you hear? Ambush. Lying in wait! Sylvester: No. Rosemary. Something's wrong. Not the ambush. Well, that too, if there is one. But we're.. not acting rationally here. I keep talking.. [[Rosemary angrily faces him.]] Rosemary: Yes! What did I say about that? Sylvester: And you're.. wildly overreacting. There's something down here.. besides the ambush.. can't you feel it? A taste in the air. I think we're too close to the Hot Zone. Energies.. they come bubbling up. In some places it has a super-bad /effect/ on people. Concentrate! [[Rosemary looks worried.]] Rosemary: . . . Yeah. OK. We gotta get outta here. Sylvester: Yes. We should now follow the Lurker.. go see what made that noise. If it's an ambush.. you chop their heads off, or whatever, and then we find the exit, go home, and it's tea and crumpets for everyone. Sylvester: Who still has a head. Friday , July 9 , 2010 [[In the Trog-cave beyond the The Great Chasm. The area is tinted purple. Rosemary and Sylvester stand in front of a jagged entrance, over which has been written in Manglish "Serene cavern of blissful relaxation."]] Sylvester: I see the Lurker went in there. Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: I'm trying not to talk too much. Rosemary: No conclusion-jumping. Saturday , July 10 , 2010 [[In a mysterious Troglodyte habitat on the far side of the Great Chasm. Rosemary and Sylvester follow a ((clunk)) to its source.]] Blinky the Lurker: rrr Trog voice #1: Villipend. [[Sylvester and Rosemary look at the scene before them.]] Blinky: rrr Voice #1: ... Villipend. Blinky is trying to attract your attention.. Villipend: I'm /aware/ of that, Hamble. ((clunk)) Hamble: So I wasn't hearing things just now. A Plunger's been spat.. [[There are two Trogs, looking back at the Humans. Villipend lounges on a vaguely chair-shaped rock labeled VILLPEND'S CHAIR. Nearby stands Hamble. They are both Human-sized and scarred; Hamble's crest has been entirely ripped off. The clunking noise comes from a small rock that Villipend is tapping on his seat-back. Blinky lurks behind a low rock. Nearby is a glowing crater labelled FIRE, a small stone bowl on a stem labelled WATER, and a branch of the Tree.]] Villipend: Poor short-nostrilled Hamble.. Villipend: These two aren't Plungers at all. Villipend: Our Tormentors have finally shown themselves. Sunday , July 11 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft44f Cully: You knew my parents, too, Mr. Crud? Crud: I knew you. I used to see you and your sister when I bought beetles from your parents. Cully: I.. don't remember that at all. Crud: Well, you were quite young. You were with their Finagler. Mulct.. wasn't it? Cully: Yes. Crud: I suppose they've all passed on, now? Cully: Yes. My sister runs the ranch with her mate. Chunner: Stay young, kid. Getting old is no fun at all. Cully: ...You used beetles in making your Bean? Crud: Well.. yes. Indirectly, I suppose. I ate them every day for lunch. Monday , July 12 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester confront Villipend and Hamble the Trogs, inside the latter's prison/run-down habitat.]] Sylvester: We don't know anything about any "Tormenters" Villipend: Why are you wasting my time with /lies?/ Hamble: Villipend . . you have to calm down and listen to- Villipend: /Shut up/, Hamble. [[A close-up of Villipend.]] Villipend: That do-gooder Kronk's scent is all over you. So.. You had him stashed away somewhere, and now you've come for me. And Hamble too, I suppose, though that's barely relevant. But that's /not/ the way this is going to work. Tuesday , July 13 , 2010 [[In a run-down and mysterious Troglodyte habitat.]] Villipend the Trog: Now, I am going to kill you. But it will be /relatively/ quick and painless if you and your Light show me straight to the exit. Sylvester: We did not build or administer all of this. We were sucked into that tube, just like you. Presumably. [[Close up of Villipend's face.]] Sylvester: But maybe I can- Villipend: Ah well. [[He ((ZINGs)) the rock he is holdiing..]] [[It was aimed at Sylvester's face, but Rosemary blocks it with the blade of the Can Opener.]] ((CLANG)) [[The rock ricochets off a stalactite.]] [[And goes zipping by Hamble the Trog's head, who eyes it as it goes past.]] [[And ((paffs)) against the floor, shattering in the process.]] [[Villipend and Rosemary face each other.]] Villipend: Oh, excellent. We're going to have /fun/, you and I., before and after I take your scary Sneechclaw away from you. Villipend: Human or Trog, it's always jabber jabber /jabber/.. Wednesday , July 14 , 2010 [[In Villipend and Hamble's Troglodyte habitat. Rosemary dodges a ((SWIPE)) from Villipend's claws.]] [[Villipend ((DUCKs)) under a ((SLICE)) from the Can-Opener.]] [[Sylvester watches.]] ((DODGE TURN)) [[As does Hamble.]] ((PARRY SPIN)) [[Villipend ((THRUSTs> his leg into Rosemary's stomach.]] [[Sylvester watches as Rosemary ((SLAMs)) back into the wall.]] Sylvester: !! Thursday , July 15 , 2010 [[Sylvester shakes his fist angrily at Villipend.]] Sylvester: Stop this at once, you gibbering lunatic! Villipend: ... Villipend: I'll get around to you eventually. Now go sit in the corner like a good little- Sylvester: A good little what? Did you forget already that I am your "Tormenter"? Sylvester: I am more than that. I am the monster your mother used to tell you about when the GBOLs got dim. Sylvester: I am Human. [[Sylvester slaps his hand on his tie, which emits a small beep.]] ((SLAP)) ((beep)) [[Villipend watches as a device labeled 'CONFU FLUX' extends from the top of Sylvester's backpack, ejecting Squeeb the Wyrm.]] ((KAPOW)) [[Two small darts attached to wires are fired from the device.]] ((BLAM)) ((BLAM)) Sylvester: I am the zarking Earl of E. Friday , July 16 , 2010 [[VIllipend dodges the wired needles that were shot from the Confu Flux. They shoot past him.]] [[Sylvester shuts his eyes and clenches his teeth in anticipation.]] [[The needles hit Hamble's chest and stay there.]] [[Hamble reveives a massive electric shock as Villipend shields his eyes. Among the electricity are the words "SEVEN YEARS WOO HOO".]] Saturday , July 17 , 2010 [[Villipend stares blinking at Hamble's body]] Villipend: Arg. Grah. I am reluctantly impressed. [[Rosemary has covered her eyes]] [[backpack falls off Sylvester]] ((crumble)) Villipend: But... Earl-the-Human. Human-the-Earl. I am also annoyed. I was going to kill him...and that was probably painful enough, but much too quick. Sylvester[[tosses backpack aside]]: Ah. Yes. I almost forgot for a moment there. This zarking place has turned you into a gibbering lunatic. And if the Earl was indeed responsible for building it, I am sorry. In more ways than one. Sunday , July 18 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Chunner: So, kid, did this sister of yours.. /ease/ you out of the beetle ranch? Cully: What? No! I never wanted to run the Bar-None. She's the one with all the beetle-melding talent. Crud: "Beetle-melding"? Chunner: Uh huh. You wanted to make the world a better place. Cully: How did you.. oh. Right. Everybody knows now, don't they. Chunner: Including Nevus. Crud: What was in all those lunches I ate? Cully: I guess I'll just have to try and make the subShafts a better place. Chunner: Oh, dear. Well, maybe we'll all get lucky, and some deep Wyrm will eat Nevus. Crud: Sadly, that will never happen. Nevus has managed to Taint himself permanently. Monday , July 19 , 2010 [[In a mysterious run-down Troglodyte habitat. Villipend the Trog faces Sylvester.]] Villipend: So... You're telling me Humans are just overgrown Nomes with toys? I find that quite disappointing. Villipend: I suppose I'm just going to have to- Villipend: sniff Villipend: !! [[He ((dodges)) a ((slash)) from the Can-Opener, which nevertheless manages to draw a little blood.]] Villipend, off-panel: You.. you cut me! Rosemary: If you stand still for four seconds, I'll show you cutting! Tuesday , July 20 , 2010 [[Inside Villipend and Hamble's Troglodyte habitat. Villpend is somewhere nearby.]] Rosemary: Did you see where that phizzer went? Sylvester: No. I didn't. There's just.. [[His helmet light shines on a small panel on the wall marked with an E.]] Sylvester, thinking: Oh. Oh please. Please please. [[He moves in that direction, followed by Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Over here! Watch my back! Or rather, watch behind my.. Do bodyguard stuff! Rosemary: Less talking, more native guiding. Wednesday , July 21 , 2010 [[In a mysterious rundown Troglodyte habitat, Sylvester works at a small control panel on the wall while Rosemary stands guard with the Can-Opener.]] Sylvester, thinking: Still very hopeful... Rosemary: Still no sign of Mr Hospitality. Like any good Lurker, Blinky is sniffing us from cover. [[The control panel. It has a grill labeled CUSPIS at which Sylvester now spits.]] Sylvester: ptui [[He ((scrubs)) at the grill with his thumb.]] [[He then ((pushes)) against the grill.]] Sylvester, thinking: one.. two.. three.. ((BEEP)) [[The grill's frame lights up.]] Computer-type voice: PROCESSING HEREDISCAN Thursday , July 22 , 2010 [[Inside the Great Chasmside Troglodyte habitat. Sylvester waits at a door's control panel. On the door is written in Manglish THE BRUSH IS PERFECT BUT THE PAINT RUNS.]] Computer-type voice: Heretiscan confirmed. 78% likely subject is member of E Family. ((clang clunk)) [[Sylvester watches as the door opens by sliding upward.]] ((SHUNK)) Friday , July 23 , 2010 [[Sylvester has opened a door out of Villipend and Hamble's Troglodyte habitat.]] Rosemary: So where does this lead? Sylvester: . . . Away from here? [[Rosemary joins him on the far side of the door.]] Rosemary: Sounds perfect. [[Sylvester glares out into the habitat.]] Sylvester: Villipend, show your zarking face! Saturday , July 24 , 2010 [[Sylvester and Rosemary's POV of the mysterious Troglodyte habitat on the far side of the Great Chasm. "Blinky" the Lurker watches from nearby.]] [[Rosemary leans in next to Sylvester as he glares out into the habitat.]] Rosemary: I would be remiss in my bodyguard duties in not pointing out that the smart thing would be to close this door. [[Villipend the Trog appears, clinging upside down to the wall and looking in/down at the two Humans.]] Sylvester: Oh, that's right. You Trogs can climb, can't you? Sylvester: Anyway. We are /leaving/. Sylvester: I am also ignoring my bodyguard's advice and leaving this door /open/, because I don't want any more Trogs to end up stuck in here with you. [[Villipend glares back, silently.]] Sylvester: What you do now.. well.. that's up to you, isn't it? [[Close up of Villipend, no change.]] Sunday , July 25 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: Nevus "tainted" himself? With what? Crud: Oh. Well. Yes. It's all terribly complicated. Crud: You know how Deep Wyrms eat the Small ones? Cully: . . . Chunner: I thought the big ones ate rocks. Crud: Rocks? No no. It's a sort of organic crystal.. thing. It grows. And that's just for sustenance. Crud: The eating.. the Eating.. is part of their joint life-cycle. Chunner: Crud, they're completely seperate [sic] species! Crud: I guess even many Wyrms believe that, but no. I learned all about it when I made that trip down into the Hot Zone. Monday , July 26 , 2010 [[Rosemary and Sylvester retreat from Villipend and Hamble's Troglodyte habitat, Rosemary walking backwards with the Can-Opener. There are stairs leading up, and a set of mostly empty shelves. A large sign on the wall reads OFFICIAL E FAMILY EMERGENCY BOLTHOLE 002500 Another fine product of the WOOHOOEY Emergency Bolthole Company/ 42 Ebernoe Avenue ROWEN LHUNE, YL/ For maintence [sic] and service contact A. Dumbledore 123-2134-5435.]] Rosemary: He's gonna come after us, and I can't guarantee I can stop him. Sylvester: It was the right thing to do. Rosemary: Absolutely. But I've painfully learned that's often not the easy or tactically prudent thing. Tuesday , July 27 , 2010 [[Mortimer walks through the Forest of E. The ground is blackened and studded with small craters. A tree trunk lies nearby. Flutterbys flit around. Mortimer thinks to himself throughout.]] Mortimer: Why are you doing this? Mortimer: Because I have to know about Nitfol and the Spyder. I have to.. [[He comes to a chunk of rock labeled RESTING PLACE. Sitting on the rock is the Spyder's blackened severed head.]] [[He goes on.]] Mortimer: OK, now it's just morbid curiosity. Wednesday , July 28 , 2010 [[Retreating from the Troglodyte habitat. Rosemary is walking backwards, watching for Villipend.]] Sylvester: Rosemary, not that I'm complaining, but.. OK. I'm complaining. Rosemary: Honesty. Good. [[An outline of Edgar the demon getting clubbed by the Can-Opener.]] Sylvester: Earlier today, you were smacking around a demon like he was a ragdoll. Why is one Trog- Rosemary: You haven't had any weapons training, I assume? [[Two people, probably Sylvester and his girlfriend Nimue, fencing at the University.]] Sylvester: ... I took a few fencing classes at the University. Only because they were paid for by the scholarship fund. I actually sort of enjoyed it. [[Rosemary, with a sword, confronting a female idiot with a rapier.]] Sylvester: And I learned enough to know not to embarrass myself by bringing along a foil today. Rosemary: You're already doing better than some twi- idiots I've met. Thursday , July 29 , 2010 [[Outline of a young Rosemary practicing sword-fighting with Zeke.]] Rosemary: So. You have a vague understanding that you don't just pick up a weapon and start fighting with it. Sylvester: Well, of course, but- Rosemary: I have been in sword-training off and on for years, starting wtih Zeke... [[Outline of Rosemary training at Hack N' Slash.]] Rosemary: And then with Mr. Montoya and the others at the H&S Academy. Rosemary: And so I do very well with a sword. Although there are those who are better. Sylvester: Better than you?! [[Outline of Rosemary juggling while resting against a tree in a field. A sword leans nearby, unused.]] Rosemary: Oh yes. Hack N' Slash has people who have done nothing but spend their /whole lives/ learning sword-fighting. I frittered away my valuable time working on farms. Tootling around in boats... Sylvester: ...sharpening pencils? Reading books? Rosemary: Exactly. Friday , July 30 , 2010 [[Retreating from the Trog habitat.]] Rosemary: The point of all this.. I just picked up the Can-Opener for the first time today. It's a very good weapon, but i need to /practice/ using it. Rosemary: Preferably with a real person. Who is also armed with one. [[Outline of Edgar the Demon not noticing that he has been hit on the head with a large hammer.]] Rosemary: As for Edgar.. before today, He probably never had to defend himself. And as it was, all I did was get his attention. [[Outline of Sylvester and Rosemary about to be swarmed by Le Tree bouncers.]] Rosemary: And you didn't ask, but we also would've quickly lost that fight with the bouncers if they hadn't all piled in at once, getting in each other's way, giving Protus time to insert himself. Rosemary: Our /new/ friend, on the other hand, has no encumbrances, knows how to fight and is in peak physical condition. Sylvester: ... I see. Well. Sylvester: If we overcome our numerous immediate problems, I can get you another sword. And maybe even a sparring partner. Saturday , July 31 , 2010 [[Sylvester and Rosemary retreat up a stairway, with Rosemary going backwards.]] Rosemary: My turn. What was that zarking thing in your backpack? Sylvester: One of Ludwig's many projects. He called it a confuflux. Sylvester: The C&E Corp had already claimed "Zapomatic", so he may have literally pulled that name out of a hat. [[Outline of Ludwig wandering in a fiery and battered landscape.]] Sylvester: He witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by the Unification Wars, and when he became Earl, he tried to develop a more "humane" pacification weapon. [[Outline of Ludwig unhappily watching a person get zapped with his invention.]] Sylvester: ..But he soon realized zapping people with massive jolts of electricity is the exact opposite of humane, and he scrapped the idea, leaving a couple of clunky prototypes. Sunday , August 1 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: You... went down in the Hot Zone? Anyone who does that /dies/! Except Wyrms... Crud: Oh no. Not if you wear.. well.. there are ways. If you're willing to make sacrifices. Cully: But.. why? Crud: My bean research, of course. It was always about that. Cully: But.. there are no plants down there... Crud: You'd be surprised. Life finds a way. Chunner: I like how you were crazy enough to do /this/, but not to go up in the forest. Monday , August 2 , 2010 [[The remains of the tazer-pack/"Confluflux" device lie on the floor of the Troglodyte habitat, trailing wires. Rosemary and Sylvester's dialogue is being spoken elsewhere.]] Rosemary: That was a protype? Seemed to work pretty well to me. Sylvester: As I believe I said before, all of Ludwig's inventions /work/. But it is bulky and fiddly, you only get one shot, and it falls completely apart after taking it. [[Villipend the Trog glares out the door that Sylvester left open behind himself and Rosemary.]] Sylvester: And of course, you can't aim it worth a zark. Sylvester: . . . [[Hamble the Trog lies on the floor, the wires stuck into his chest.]] Sylvester: ...I join you in the killer's club, and it's the guy who tried to make Villipend see reason. Rosemary: . . .Yes. He did, didn't he? Tuesday , August 3 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Comshaw, Niddle and Ig the Saur have come to where the dead Spyder's severed head is resting on a crumbling stone block labelled RESTING PLACE. A tree has been knocked down behind them, and the ground is burnt and scorched. Niddle stares on ahead, as the hitchhiking gem flashes power.]] Comshaw: The Human didn't do this, did he? This specifically, right here. IgSaur: Well, lemme just see. . . [[Comshaw watches.]] Ig: snif snif Ig: lick nibble Ig: ...No. Or least not just now. The Spyder's been dead for.. several "hours". Then it was burned. One weird thing.. Comshaw: What? [[Outline of a female Troglodyte offering cooking lessons to a female Gnoll.]] Ig: The flavor of the meat is better than usual. Comshaw: Yes. It's called "cooking." You'll need to consult a a Firepit Trog or I guess a Nome for details. Wednesday , August 4 , 2010 [[Retreating from Villipend and Hamble's Troglodyte-habitat. Rosemary is watching behind.]] Sylvester: Coming up to level ground ahead. Rosemary: Thanks. Sylvester: Are you feeling better? ... specifically, I mean? Rosemary: I still have a headache, but yes. Was it some sort of gas? [[Stylized outline of the SubShafts.]] Sylvester: Informed guess.. No. It was something bubbling up from the Hot Zone. Sylvester: There are areas that make what we just went through seem a breezy delight. Rosemary: ..do these areas have names? Sylvester: If anyone ever invites you to visit the "subShafts", /very politely decline./ Thursday , August 5 , 2010 [[Outline of Eyebolts working in what is now the SubShafts, while one level down mining Nomes clear out a passageway.]] Rosemary: subShafts? So is there some main Shaft that's even worse? Sylvester: No. It's just a jumbled warren. Evidently it was originally where the Ettins kept Eyebolts. Rosemary: You said they didn't have an exhibit. Sylvester: Yes. It was a breeding pen. Or the Ettin equivalent of World O' Eyebolts. Both maybe? Sylvester: Anyway we came along, and they were still there, along with Nomes, who kept mining out new spaces. Or opening up old ones.. Rosemary: Nomes.. mining? [[Stylized outline showing the aftermath of the Nome War.]] Sylvester: Uh huh. Then.. when I was a teen.. there was some sort of upheval. The Eyebolts all moved to another part of the Basement.. and the Nomes.. Sylvester: They followed the Pales out into the forest. There's a whole village out there. Living more normally as scroungers. Friday , August 6 , 2010 [[An outline depicting a highly-inaccurate action-movie-esque vision of the three current inhabitants of subShaft 44f.]] Rosemary: So the subShafts are just abandoned? Sylvester: No, there are lots of people living, existing, there. Mostly Gnolls, for some reason. Maybe they /like/ danger, excitement and zany nonstop thrills. [[Rosemary watches back toward the Troglodyte habitat. Sylvester looks forward, where the passageway opens out revealing dim lights and something resembling a dangling hose.]] Sylvester: Or so I hear. I got most of this third or fourth hand from.. Rufus.. or Mortimer.. Saturday , August 7 , 2010 [[Retreating from Villipend's Troglodyte habitat, Rosemary and Sylvester emerge onto a catwalk crossing a vast darkened space filled with enormous spiky pillars. A rickety-looking ladder leads upward. Bit of green cable or wire are draped here and there. Rosemary is looking backwards.]] Rosemary: What's wrong? What is it? Sylvester: . . . Apart from 'very large' and 'made by Ettins'.. I don't know. Sunday , August 8 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: What did you see in the Hot Zone? Crud: Well, mostly just- [[A large cloud of bluish smoke or mist gets ((PUFFed)) into the Shaft from one side.]] [[The cloud fills the shaft, and spins spiral shapes in its mass.]] Cully: No. This time I refuse to be distracted. What did you see? Crud: Crystal-grazing fields. I would have seen more, but those Cousins turned up. They possessed no spirit of scientific inquiry. Monday , August 9 , 2010 [[Mortimer in the Forest of E.]] [[Pulling way back, he is standing at the edge of a large still-smoking crater, which is ringed with blackened ground and tree-stumps.]] [[He sadly waves.]] Mortimer: I'm sorry, Nitfol. I hope you didn't suffer too much. Mortimer: Safe journey to the Pole. Tuesday , August 10 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, Mortimer stands at the edge of a large newly-blasted crater.]] Mortimer, thinking: . . . There's something down there in the smoke.. [[He ((hop hop sllliddes)) down the crater wall.]] [[He walks across the crater floor, waving smoke away with his umbrella.]] [[At his feet lies the Zorper/HJ42, glowing with power.]] Wednesday , August 11 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, in a crater, Mortimer's hand reaches for the Zorper.]] [[He looks at it.]] Mortimer: My memory is a little hazy in places, but.. I had you earlier today didn't I? Gnollish voice: Hello down there. [[Comshaw, Niddle and IgSaur stand at the edge of the crater. Niddle's Gem is glowing brightly.]] Mortimer: ..Hello? Comshaw: So you're the Human. Not entirelt what I was expecting. ]] Thursday , August 12 , 2010 [[The Forest of E. Comshaw and Niddle descend the side of the crater; Ig the Saur stays where he is.]] Mortimer: um.. "The" Human? [[Comshaw and Niddle approach Mortimer.]] Mortimer: I'm /a/ Human. But.. if anyone was The Human, it'd be.. I dunno.. maybe Sylvester? Comshaw: "Sylvester?" Mortimer: My brother. He's the Earl. [[Outline of two Humans, Saffron Stout and Mr. Gray. He is sitting at a bar, with a drink.]] Comshaw: I /see/. Mortimer: ..Or maybe you want Miss Stout? She's Mayor, sorta. And there's Mr. Gray. he's- Comshaw: The Earl, you say. Mortimer: Yes? [[Outline of the Basement Concil seated at their dais.]] Comshaw: I am Comshaw the Poker, and I am here as a representative of the Interspecies Coordinating Council. Mortimer: Council? Someone mentioned.. is this the thing run by "Preztel"? Comshaw: . . . Chairbeing Preznit. Yes. Comshaw: I imagine. Friday , August 13 , 2010 [[In a newly-blasted crater in the Forest of E. The hitchhiking gem, the Zorper/HJ42 and Mortimer's umbrella are all shooting sparks of power.]] Comshaw: /Anyway/. I am here to learn your intentions. What do you /want/? Mortimer: Me? I dunno. Find out why /stuff/ keeps happening to me. [[An outline of Yasmine Fotheringby, with a possible heart in the background.]] Mortimer: ..Meet.. hook up with.. a gal who doesn't scream or whack me with a fuzzball bat whenever there i- Mortimer: You... meant Humans in general, didn't you? Comshaw: Yes. [[Outline of Sylvester having a cordial money discussion with a fellow human male.]] Mortimer: . . . I dunno. That's Sylvester. All the time. He talks with Mr. Nigultrum. Argues with Miss Stout and that tooterface Mr. Weequash. Comshaw: Would it be possible for me to meet this Sylvester? [[The sparks grow all grow brighter.]] Mortimer: I guess? If we can find our way back to the Mansion. Comshaw: The what? Niddle: It's almost time. Saturday , August 14 , 2010 [[In an newly-created pit in the Forest of E. The Hitchhiking Gem and the Zorper are shooting power. (As is Mortimer's umbrella, to a lesser extent.]] Comshaw: Time for what, Nid- ...You /were/ carrying something! Niddle: Was I? Yes. Snerk the Saur, off-panel: PHIZZPHIZZPHI- Snerk: AARGH! [[Mortimer turns to watch.]] ((PLUNGE CRASH TUMBLE)) Comshaw: That's not a glowgem! Niddle: No. It isn't. I can almost hear it speak. [[Snerk ((plops)) to a stop at Mortimer's feet.]] Comshaw: Put it down! Niddle: I'm sorry. It's waited so long. I don't think even you can stiop it. [[Snerk gets right-side up.]] Comshaw: Waited for what?! Mortimer: I saw you earlier today too. Snore..? No, Snerd! Snerk: It started chasing me and it /won't stop/! Niddle: A meeting. Niddle: A connection. Sunday , August 15 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A large bluish cloud has filled the Shaft; it forms Wyrm-like shapes in its mass.]] Cully: And what are Cousins? . . . I assume that means something different with Wyrms? Crud: I'm not entirely clear on that point myself. Some sort of officially-sanctioned enforcer of societal norms. Crud: Physically quite imposing. Cully: And the official who does the sanctioning is who? Crud: As they were.. escorting me away.. they made reference to "Mother" somebody or other. Cully; OK. Now. Mr Chunner. Is there anything we can do about this cloud? Chunner: Not really, kid. And it's harmless enough. Carry on. Crud: I received the vague impression that title was rather literal.. Monday , August 16 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. At the bottom of a newly-blasted crater. Sparks of power jump everywhere, between the hitchhiking gem, the Zorper/HJ42, and Mortimer's umbrella. Along with the dialogue speakers below, Snerk the Saur is also present.]] Comshaw, to Niddle: A meeting with /who/? Niddle: I can't see that. But it's alm- Mortimer, to Snerk: What's chasing y- ((CHOMP)) [[It's the Beaver Shark, looming over the far edge of the crater.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Of course. Everyone else is here. Comshaw: What is that?! Niddle: 5.. [[Mortimer looks skyward, and waves his umbrella.]] Comshaw: Is that that skunk shark again? Mortimer: Guys! Quit futzing around and get down here! Niddle: 4.. Comshaw: What? Who? Ig? He can't h- [[A mass of flutterbys comes zooming down, headed towards the Beaver Shark.]] Mortimer: Everybody else /run/! Niddle: 3.. [[Snerk is the only one to follow Mortimer's advice.]] Tuesday , August 17 , 2010 [[In an impact crater in the Forest of E. The Beaver Shark is being swarmed by flutterbys.]] Niddle: 2 [[At the bottom of the crater. The Hitchhiking Gem and the HJ42/Zorper are floating the air, sending out blasts of power in all directions. Comshaw and Mortimer are too busy to notice.]] Comshaw: Did you /make/ the flutterbys attack that thing? Mortimer, thinking: ...Is this how Sylvester feels about /me/ all the time? Mortimer, aloud: They're just distracting it! RUN! It'll follow me a- Niddle: 1 [[A bright white light fills the entire crater.]] Niddle: 0 [[A series of reaction shots are inserted in the main panel: The Operator looks surprised. The Woman of Mystery looks angry and surprised. A Very Important Alarm starts blaring behind Hector the robot. Frowgler looks not surprised at all.]] Wednesday , August 18 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, at the bottom of a crater, in the midst of some sort of blinding white explosion. The outlines of Mortimer, Comshaw and Niddle can vaguely be seen. Surrounding them is a ring made up of the hitchhiking gem, the Zorper/HJ42, and and six purplish shapes or runes formed of magical power. A small green shape can also be seen coming from the Zorper.]] [[A new shape forms at the center of the ring. The green shape jumps and replaces one of the runes, with a couple of !!s for emphasis.]] [[The shape in the middle breaks up, as does the entire ring.]] [[The ring, now both purple and green, turns into question marks and outward pointing arrows. The sketchy eyes of everyone nearby become visible: Ig and Snerk the Saurs, the Beaver Shark, Mortimer, Comshaw and Niddle.]] Thursday , August 19 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the Ettinworks. A rickety ladder leads upward.]] Sylvester: We need to go up, but I don't like the looks of this ladder.. Rosemary: Bigger problem. With all these overhangs, that phizzer can sneak up on us from any- [[Villipend the Troglodyte appears, launching himself at Rosemary.]] Villipend: Nobody's /sneaking/ anyw- [[Rosemary clubs him on the side of the head with the Can Opener.]] ((KLONK)) [[He glomps onto the weapon.]] [[He yanks it from her grasp.]] Villipend: -here [[He drops it on the catwalk.]] Villipend: The three ofus are going back downthere, and we're gonna /close/ thatdoor. Friday , August 20 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the darkened Ettinworks. Rosemary and Sylvester face Villipend the Troglodyte.]] Sylvester: No, Villipend. That door is staying open. I guess I'm going over the side of this catwalk. [[A ZORP appears above Sylvester's head.]] Sylvester: And if you go with me, that's just an added- [[Mortimer falls out of the metaphorical sky and lands on Sylvester.]] Sylvester: OOF! [[Rosemary stares in surprise.]] [[Mortimer looks dazed.]] [[Sylvester looks up angrily.]] [[A bit of glowing power can be seen above Villipend.]] Villipend: . . . Villipend: Where'd /he/ comefrom? [[With another ZORP, the Beaver Shark appears right behind the oblivious Villipend, jaws gaping wide.]] Villipend: Well. Nomatter. Alwayzroom for one m- [[Rosemary's eyes.]] [[Mortimer's eyes.]] [[Sylvester's eyes.]] ((CHOMP)) Saturday , August 21 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the Ettinworks. Villipend the Troglodyte's body is chomped in the jaws of the Beaver Shark.]] [[Rosemary witnesses this.]] [[Villipend's body falls off the catwalk as the Shark thrashes around, smashing the ladder that was hanging down.]] ((CRASH)) [[The shark loses its metaphorical footing, ((SLIPs)) and ((CRUNCHes)) against the catwalk.]] [[Rosemary's feet, running.]] [[Her hand, grabbing the Can-Opener from where Villipend previously dropped it.]] [[Sylvester on the floor, watching all this.]] [[The blunt end of the Can-Opener ((RAMs)) into the side of the Shark.]] [[The Shark tips over the side of the catwalk.]] Sunday , August 22 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is filled with a bluish cloud, which forms shapes related to what is being discussed by the Gnolls; now it is Wyrms and a suited figure holding a pair of tongs.]] Cully: So.. before these "Cousins" showed up, you learned about.. big and little Wyrms? Crud: Yes. Well. Not everything, I'm sure. But the Wyrm who told me..seemed to think it was /important/ I know. [[The cloud shows outlines of various Basement species.]] Cully: No offense intended, Mr. Crud.. but.. why you? Crud: Not me.. specifically.. someone, anyone from the "Cold Zone.' Chunner: Why they didn't come up here and zarking tell someone? Crud: I don't know. [[Possibly a large gem, and the sun.]] Cully: So.. how exactly did Mr. Nevus 'taint' himself? Crud: It's not a physical contagion.. It is a mental attitude. He.. cares too much about collecting physical things? Instead of.. collecting thoughts? Crud: ..and he mated with another small Wyrm. Chunner: Ah yes. The lovely and talented Zanoola. Cully: ..And that's bad? Crud: Evidently. sometimes. It was all very confusing, and I'm sure I'm getting it wrong. You should ask her yourself. Monday , August 23 , 2010 [[Rosemary, holding the Can-Opener, watches the Beaver Shark fall into a dark chasm.]] [[Rosemary continues watching the Beaver Shark fall.]] [[Sylvester, with mining helmet lit, approaches Rosemary. The Beaver Shark is still falling.]] [[There is a distant flash of light and Pink sparks shoot up from the chasm. The shark can no longer be seen.]] Rosemary: If I violated some sort of taboo, or that was your pet... tough. Sylvester: No, no, that's all right, don't beat yourself up. I forgive you. Tuesday , August 24 , 2010 [[Camora sits in her nest looking upset. She holds a small slip of paper.]] [[Camora drops a slip of paper as Niddle and Comshaw materialize in front of her.]] ((PROZ)) [[Niddle's eyes go wide and blank.]] Camora: ...C.. Comshaw? Niddle: ((POING)) Comshaw: Camora. [[Niddle falls over. Some green vines are wrapped around his feet.]] Niddle: ((CRASH)) Camora: What... how...? Comshaw: Wow. Telic sure timed that perfectly. Comshaw: Oh. And look, Clingweed. I did forget to dance and spit on my father's grave. Wednesday , August 25 , 2010 [[Inside Comshaw, Camora and Niddle's home.]] Camora: What... what's wrong with Niddle? Comshaw: He got broken. Telic says he'll recover, but I don't think he'll be leaving the nest for a day or two.. Camora: And how.. is there a twistpoint right into our home!? Comshaw: I don't think.. No. Someone created a temporary one. All the way from the forest. Camora: The for-- [[Camora and Comshaw both stop talking and sniff each other.]] Camora: ((snif)) Comshaw:((snif)) [[Camora and Comshaw speak simultaneously.]] Camora: You've been around Humans! Comshaw: You've been around Humans! Thursday , August 26 , 2010 [[Inside Comshaw, Camora and Niddle's home. Comshaw points to his forehead.]] Comshaw: Your Humans.. they were the ones I met this morning? The male and female in the mining helmets? Camora: Yes. 'Rosemary and Sylvester'. They- [[Comshaw spins around.]] Comshaw: AAARRGH! 'Sylvester'? Camora: Yes. What...? [[Comshaw grabs Camora's shoulder.]] Comshaw: The Human in the forest just now. He said Sylvester is the... Did they /hurt/ you? Something's happened. Camora: No. She was scary but-- No. [[Camora holds out a piece of paper with a four-legged, one-eyed hat drawn on it.]] Camora: It was this phizzer. {{The "hat" is Hax, who is a Fixit.}} Friday , August 27 , 2010 [[Inside Comshaw, Camora and Niddle's home.]] Comshaw: What's this? Some sort of Fleeb? Camora: No. He called himself Hax. He was shaped like a /hat./ Like people wear on their heads? [[A memory-Outline of Hax on Camora's head. There is also the "Gnollbopper" gun he fired at Rosemary.]] Comshaw: ... Comshaw: Yes, I know about hats. And I've seen ones like this... Camora: Comshaw, he got on my head, in my mind.. and he.. he made me.. [[Back to the present.]] Camora: I can't remember everything but... I may have /hurt/ someone! Comshaw: ... Comshaw: OK. We'll fix this. I promise. [[They embrace.]] Camora: Y... You believe me? Comshaw: Today I saw 'the Pit' shoot Fire into the sky, another explosion so massive it tossed boulders around, and a Human summon a swarm of flutterbys. Right now I could believe anything. Comshaw: Plus I can faintly smell some /unfamiliar/ species-scent in your hair. Camora: Oh.. good.. Saturday , August 28 , 2010 [[Inside Comshaw, Camora and Niddle the Gnolls' home. A shelf full of items can be seen in the background.]] Camora: So.. after we put Niddle in the nest.. you're going to go back out, aren't you? Comshaw: I know you're not happy about it but- [[They are carrying Niddle. A low cabinet is behind them, with simple dexterity games sitting on it.]] Camora: I dumped a problem over your head, and you need the Council. I understand Comshaw: Yes. You need to stay with Niddle. Give him acheroot powder. Save that clingweed for Telic Niddle: We have the exact same haircut! what are the odds? [[Camora and Niddle are in the 'nest', a sort of stone bowl filled with green plant material.]] Camora: OK. Comshaw.. Hax.. he claimed he worked for /God./ And there's been open fighting between the Council and Nevus. I guess they got it stopped, but.. Comshaw: Of course. Terrific Niddle: that was a door! Or, no a window! [[Comshaw has his stick, and is near their front door.]] Camora: And.. the Humans said to tell you the folks in Le Tree were unhappy with you. Comshaw: Ah. Well. I'm glad /some/ things haven't changed Sunday , August 29 , 2010 [[Subshaft 44f. Swirling shapes block most of the scene. The trio discusses Crud's long-ago trip to the Hot Zone.]] Narration: Sundays In Subshaft 44f. Cully: Wait.. "her"? This Wyrm was a girl? I've never even /seen/ a female Deep Wyrm.. Chunner: They used to come up more in the old days. Crud: Yes. I was quite fond of Olywa. She had an interesting mind. [[The shapes start breaking up.]] Chunner: Oh. Right. Heh. She hung out with old Theophan, didn't she? Cully: Which Theophan- Chunner: The Rotund, kid, not that puffed-up newbie. Crud: Yes. She helped Father Groat acquire that deceased Squirm. [[The shapes dissolve further.]] Cully: So.. what changed? What happened to her? Chunner: Dunno, kid. She wasn't your informant, Crud? Crud: I'm afraid not. This one didn't tell me her name. She seemed.. pressed for time. Monday , August 30 , 2010 [[[Comshaw is standing in front of his door]] Camora: Comshaw.. Please be careful out there. I love you [[Comshaw pauses]] Comshaw: ... [[Comshaw turns to Camora who is sitting in their 'nest']] Comshaw: Maybe before I go.. I'll help you with Niddle.. and you can tell me more about this Hax person.. [[Niddle is resting on his back in the nest. The others voices come from off-panel:]] Camora: And then he called /somebody/ on an aurilnode and.. and.. /ooh!/ Where did you learn /that/? Comshaw: It was a.. aaah.. productive trip into the forest.. Camora: Giggle.. Niddle, mostly asleep: finally time for that? yay.. ZZZ Tuesday , August 31 , 2010 [[In a stone ruin in the Forest of E. Glowing shapes form in the air.]] [[With a jumbled ZORP, Ig the Saur appears in midair.]] [[He falls to earth with a ((WHUMP)) Saur voice: What's that? Who's there? [[A female Saur comes into view.]] {{Her name is Narda.}} Narda: Oh. Ig. It's you. Ig, woozily: Izzit? Oh good. Wednesday , September 1 , 2010 [[Dusk in the Forest of E. Ig the Saur has been teleported to a rocky nook. A female Saur looks down at him.]] IgSaur: ...Narda? I was just thinking about y- Narda: I /told/ you to go away. [[Ig shows off the backpack he is wearing.]] Ig: Yes. And.. I did. And now.. I'm back! With.. hey! A bunch of keen stuff from /underground/! Narda: . . . Narda: Really. Well. In that case, /maybe/ you can come in. [[They go inside the crack she was guarding.]] Narda: This time, don't /touch/ anything! Especially my eggs. Ig: Didn't I help /make/ those eggs? Narda: Probably. So what? Don't touch them! Thursday , September 2 , 2010 Narration: And finally.. [[An unknown location with a metal arch/sealed door. Prongs point into view, discharging power. Ghast-voices speak off-panel.]] Ghast #1: Achievement? Ghast #2: Negative. Severed. Ghast #2: Incoming backlash. [[With a ZORP from the prongs, and more power, Snerk the Saur appears out of thin air, floating.]] Ghast #1: Confirmed. Snerk: getaway!!! [[Snerk falls to the metal floor with a ((SPLAT)).]] Ghast #1: Identifying backlash.. Ghast #1: Woodland Saur. Mature. Male. Threat Level 03% Ghast #2: Confirmed. Recinding Stage 4 Alert.. [[Reversing the view, vaguely showing the two Ghasts observing the scene from behind reinforced windows.]] Ghast #1: Terminate backlash? Ghast #2: . . . Ghast #2: Negative. Process. Store. Ghast #1: Confirmed. Friday , September 3 , 2010 [[In a mysterious location, a dazed Snerk the Saur lies on a metal floor. A Ghast's hand reaches for him.]] [[He is carried along.]] [[His neck is placed against a padded stand; a device juts into view over his head.]] [[Pulling back to a larger view, it and other devices surround him spring to life, and assault him in various ways. His head gets ((phhted)) by suction cups, a band gets ((CLUNKed)) around his wrist, a set of needles Saturday , September 4 , 2010 [[In a place run by Ghasts, Snerk the Saur has been subjected to a procedure, and is annoyed.]] Snerk: HEY! What's the zarking id- [[He is ((GLOMPed)) by the neck.]] Snerk: urk! Snerk, thinking: Agita? [[A Ghast carries him along.]] Snerk, thinking: No.. no.. not quite as scary... [[They approach a sealed door/hatch which has a sign next to it reading #2540 SAUR HABITAT, WOODLAND followed by a barcode.]] Snerk, thinking: That's one of those . . ""doors"". Yeah. . . And he's gonna open it.. [[The Ghast's hand pushes buttons on a keypad.]] ((boop beep boop)) Snerk, thinking: Just like the Boss told me 'bout that time.. Snerk, thinking: Wait.. does this mean I'm /underground/!? Sunday , September 5 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is filled with floating globs colored various shades of blue. They are shrinking and breaking apart.]] Cully: So you never saw where the Wyrms actually live? Their Hall, or nest, or whatever? Crud: Oh my no. Syntch told me where his.. group's Crystal-grazing field was, and all I wanted were samples. Cully: Why didn't you just ask "Syntch" or "Olywa" to bring you some? Crud: Yes, that would have been easier, but the crystals are very fragile. And I had had previous problems with.. misrepresentations. I had to be sure. Crud: And that, by the way, Chunner, is why I went to the Hot Zone myself. I had to be /sure/. Crud: And I got what I needed. I was just finishing packing when the female Wyrm appeared. Monday , September 6 , 2010 [[In a mysterious location, a large metal door CLANGs up and open, and a Ghast's hand tosses Snerk the Saur through. A low object of uncertain function can be seen in the background.]] {{It's probably a water-trough.}} [[Snerk lands in a bush.]] ((UNCLANG POOMPF)) Snerk: oof! [[He ((thrashes> his head free.]] Snerk: urg grah ptui! [[He looks around.]] Snerk: . . . Snerk, thinking: /Looks/ all normal.. Sorta. But the /smell/ and the /feel/ are- ((rustle rustle)) Tuesday , September 7 , 2010 [[Snerk the Saur has been tossed into a new forest-type area. A female Saur appears.]] Snerk: Who's th- Diza the Saur: Hi! Snerk: ...Hi. Diza: Yer new! [[Snerk looks at the ring now clamped around his wrist.]] Snerk: . . . Yes.. What /is/ this place? Diza: Dunno. 's nice. No sawtooths. They feed us. [[Snerk tugs at the ring.]] Diza: Yer cute! Snerk: And . . you're not really my type. Wednesday , September 8 , 2010 [[In a mysterious Saur-habitat. Snerk looks at the band now clamped around his wrist.]] Diza the Saur: Type? Im a Saur, yer a Saur. Snerk the Saur: Yeah.. it's not that simple. [[He ((tugs)) at the band, without effect.]] Snerk: . . . but maybe you are. Diza: Huh? Im Diza! Snerk: I'm . . Snerk. Who else is here? Diza: Lots. Pid, Wep.. Little Til, Big Til....Oh. Here's Zil ! [[Zil is a large female Saur.]] Diza: Its OK! She's not a sawtooth. Just big! Snerk: Like Big Til...? Diza: No, silly. Big Til is bigger'n Little Til. But small. Zil: Pooz. 'Nother scrawy one. Thursday , September 9 , 2010 [[Inside a forest habitat.]] Snerk: So.. these "Sawtooths".. They are even bigger Saurs? Diza the Saur: They look like big Saurs. But they're /mean./ Zil the Saur: And stoopid. Snerk: What about.. Spyders? Tree squids? Sharks? Zil: . . . Spiders are yummy. Diza: Tree whats? Snerk: Where the zark /am I?/ Diza: We call it the comein place! Snerk: This must be a /whole new section/ of forest....Maybe up north somewhere.. Snerk: Wherever it is.. I gotta get outta here... Friday , September 10 , 2010 [[In a Ghast-operated Saur habitat.]] Diza the Saur: You wanna leave? Why? Snerk: Because the Boss will want to know about this. Snerk: Course, he probably /already/ knows.. He knows everything. That's why he's the Boss. Diza: . . . Oh. [[Snerk looks up.]] Snerk: And . . I can't really do anything til . . . Snerk: You do have morning here? The sky looks all.. /wrong/. Diza: Well.. Zil the Saur: It gets light,. but it ain't the sun. Saturday , September 11 , 2010 [[In a mysterious Saur habitat.]] Snerk: OK. Fine. Morning. Until then.. you say there's food? Maybe a place to sleep? Diza the Saur: Sure! Over here! [[They walk along.]] Zil the Saur: . . . Zil: Yer smart. Snerk: I guess. Zil: Ya finda way outta here, Im comin' withya. Snerk: . . . Snerk: OK. You're probably strong, that'll help. But if we get back to my part of the forest . . we're all as "scrawny" as me. Zil: Live with it. Sunday , September 12 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is filled with a collection of floating blue globs that break apart and shrink.]] Cully: So.. the Wyrms didn't know you were coming? Crud: Well.. certainly not officially. It was not as if I could call ahead on an aurilnode. Cully: And, the enforcer-Wyrms..they were.. guarding the Crystal-field? Crud: Syntch never said the field was proscribed.. but that was my assumption. I was just glad they didn't confiscate my samples. Chunner: Or kill you out of metaphorical hand and toss your mangled remains in a "squirm pit." Crud: Yes. That would have been an equally-unpleasant outcome. Monday , September 13 , 2010 [[In a Saur habitat. Snerk has walked off-panel with Diza and Zil.]] Snerk, his voice fading: And tree=squids are these big squishy things that lurk in.. trees. They're not very fast, but they can grab you if they get close enough, so]] [[There is a ((RUSTLE)) in the bushes.]] [[A small Gnoll peers out.]] [[Another one peeks out as well.]] Gnoll #2: eep? Gnoll #1: eep! Tuesday , September 14 , 2010 Narration: Back in the crater.. [[In the Forest of E. Everyone who was in the crater is gone. The hitchhiking gem and the Zorper/HJ42 hang in midair. There are now numerous cracks in the ground.]] [[They fall. the Gem ((thunks)) against the ground, while the Zorper ((plunges)) into one of the cracks.]] [[The edge of the crater where Comshaw and Niddle climbed down.]] [[Agorn the Gnoll comes into view.]] Agorn, thinking: . . . Agorn, thinking: Well. There's something you don't see every day. Wednesday , September 15 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E. Agorn the Gnoll stands at the edge of the crater from which numerous people (Mortimer, Comshaw, Niddle, Ig and Snerk the Saurs, the Beaver Shark) have just flashily teleported away.]] Agorn, thinking: So. Finally, officially, gotten too stupid and dangerous to stick around. Agorn, thinking: Find the tunnel back home. Report in to- Agorn, thinking: . . . [[He skip-slides down the wall into the crater.]] Agorn, thinking: That's interesting.. Thursday , September 16 , 2010 [[In the Forest of E, in a newly blasted and re-blasted crater. Agorn the Gnoll makes his way across the cracked crater floor.]] [[He kneels down.]] [[He goes down on his stomach and sniffs.]] [[He is looking down into one of the cracks. In the gloom, the top of a ladder is just visible. He sniffs more.]] Agorn, thinking: Sneeches. Or at least their squeezings... Friday , September 17 , 2010 [[On a walkway, inside a large space, filled with towering Ettin-constructions. Mortimer is lying on the walkway.]] ((clang)) (( boom)) ((pzzt)) Sylvester: Well. As much fun as this has all been.. Rosemary: Time we were going. Yes.. Saturday , September 18 , 2010 [[Inside the "Ettinworks". Sylvester approaches Mortimer, who is lying on the ground.]] Sylvester: OK, soldier. On your feet. We're moving out Mortimer: Sylvester..? Oh thank the Brush! I was just hoping- [[Mortimer pops into view.]] Mortimer: This Gnoll! He wants to talk to you about- [[He looks. No Gnolls in sight.]] Mortimer: About.. Important.. [[Back to Sylvester.]] Mortimer: He and the other one., with the cool haircut.. they were right here. Where'd they go? Sylvester: I suspect you were the one who went somewhere Sunday , September 19 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is filled with small blue globs which float about.]] {{In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, some of the globs spell out pirate-themed words. Arr!}} Crud: I suppose.. ultimately.. it was just as well I was made to leave by those Cousins. Crud: My time was limited, and I may have been tempted to.. frivolous exploration. Go visit Olywa in her home, perhaps. Chunner: Limited by what? Crud: The filters on the- Crud: No. I promised. And Skibble broke the visorglass on /his/ last trip anyway. If you want to go, you'll have to find a new method. Cully: So.. you didn't visit subShaft 86p? Crud: Oh, goodness no. I've never been there. That's /much/ deeper than where I was. Monday , September 20 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: Me? I didn't go.. Oh. I guess I did. Sylvester: Was that shark chasing you /all/ this time? Clear down underground? ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) ((BUZZ)) Mortimer: No, no. It.. found me again? After.. I was in the /forest/. What is all this? Sylvester: The southern side of the Great Chasm. Beyond that... Mortmer: The Basement!? I did not fall into a hole! There was a light.. Sylvester: No. You and it fell out of the "sky", but... ((zip zap)) Sylvester: The forest? Must have been a twistpoint. Rosemary: That thing from this morning. But space, not time? Sylvester: Hm? Yes. Indeed. Tuesday , September 21 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the darkened Ettinworks.]] Rosemary: What's so fascinating up there? Sylvester: Nothing specific. It's just.. Something's nagging at me... ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) [[Outline of a younger Sylvester, supervised by Frederick, reading from a large chained book with, evidently, an acronym running down the spine: EBOMSTWKYD.]] Sylvester: This place isn't /familiar/, but something I read somewh- Sylvester: Oh. Ah. Rosemary: What? Sylvester: This place.. it's probably the Ettinworks. At least, that's the most common name.. ((ZAP)) [[Sylvester walks off. Rosemary speaks to Mortimer.]] Rosemary: And that means? Mortimer: You're asking me? Sylvester: It means we're leaving. Wednesday , September 22 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the Ettinworks.]] ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) Rosemary: Sylvester, what /is/ this place? Sylvester: ... I don't have much more than that name. Mortimer: ..I have an umbrella! [[An outline of the Earl of E's desk, sitting amid cobwebs.]] Sylvester: All too often, I come across references to things that evidently everyone /just knew about/ at the time. Sylvester: But many of my predecessors were. at best.. /indifferent/ when it came to keeping records. [[The Earl of E's desk at the moment of the Crash.]] Sylvester: And then the Crash hit, which made everything a hundred times worse. Rosemary: And all of a sudden, /no one/ knows anymore? Sylvester: Yes. Sylvester: /I/ try to record /everything/. Sylvester: (sigh) They say in Wirtwam, they've got these things now called "typewriters"... Rosemary: We'll start a shopping list. ((fzzt)) Thursday , September 23 , 2010 [[On a walkway in the darkened Ettinworks. In the background are numerous glowing points of light. The lower end of a broken-off ladder is just visible.]] ((CLANG)) Sylvester: Even now.. I suppose maybe we could reach the bottom of that ladder..? Rosemary: Probably. Mortimer: Assuming the owner doesn't turn up, I'm keeping it! [[A closer look at the ladder.]] ((snap crack)) [[As they watch, more of the ladder breaks off, and shatters against the catwalk with a ((CRASH)).]] ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) Sylvester: My keen native intuition now suggests the walkway is a better choice. ((ZZZAP)) Rosemary: Welll.. OK.. but if I'm not satisfied, I'm demanding a full refund! Mortimer: Unless you won't let me, of course. Friday , September 24 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the darkened Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: What was that you were saying, Mortimer? Mortimer: I'm going to keep this umbrella..? Sylvester: . . . Did you /trade/ something for that? ((CLANG)) Mortimer: No. I found it. In the forest. Sylvester: ... Does it have any /buttons/ on it? Mortimer: No. Just this thingie here- Sylvester: WAIT! ((FZZT)) Mortimer: ...that makes it open. [[The umbrella ((FOOMPs)) open.]] ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) [[The umbrella ((UNFOOMPs)).]] Sylvester: Yes, Mortimer. You can keep the zarking umbrella. Mortimer: Thanks! Rosemary: Never mind that! What is that /smell/? Saturday , September 25 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the darkened Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: Smell? Oh. That's me. Probably. It's.. sphagnum dust. Rosemary: . . . ((KLANG)) Mortimer: ..There was.. a big box of it. Yeah. And I pushed it over, and.. well... Mortimer: I guess I got cleaned up at some point, but.. I'll need to take baths. Rosemary: . . . ((fzzt)) [[Rosemary turns to Sylvester.]] Rosemary: "Sphagnum dust?" Sylvester: It's a pest-repellent. Slime-grubs, especially. They make it in Wirtvale. Some folks are allergic to it, so if you start frothing a- ((CLICK CLICK)) ((//CLICK// RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) [[The Ettinworks are suddenly brightly illuminated, showing more pillars and elevated walkways disappearing into the distance.]] {{Historical trivia: Since I was not working in chronological order, this ended up being the very last transcription to be written during the great 2012 MioE Archive Transcription Project, getting all 3000+ MoE strips entered into the OhNoRobot system. WOO HOO!!}} Sunday , September 26 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Blue dots float in the air. One of them has become triangular.]] Cully: So.. you took the crystals, and.. the Sneech squeezings and the blobwarts and all the rest, and you grew your bean. Crud: Yes. To my eternal sorrow, I did. [[They are silent. The triangle produces a small blue triangle of propulsion.]] [[The triangle/ship shoots one of the other blobs, ala the video-game Asteroids.]] Cully: ...I have this image of you dumping it all into a big pot, and stirring, but I imagine... Crud: No no. Although both pots and stirring were involved. Chunner: Probably just as well. If that's all it took, some idiot would have grown another by now. Accidentally. While making lunch. Monday , September 27 , 2010 [[Inside the Ettinworks. Mortimer is trailing along with Rosemary and Sylvester. Sylvester is turning off his helmet light.]] ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) Rosemary: So. What do you know about this zarking place? Sylvester: For a long time, I wondered if the "Ettinworks" and the "subShafts" were the same thing. ((click)) [[A historical outline of Krell studying the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: But then I found some writings by Krell, who was Griffington's... the 15th Earl.. his chief assistant tinkerer, I guess you'd call him. He studied both of them. [[An outline of Cully in the subShafts, surrounded by everything including the kitchen sink.]] Sylvester: Unfortunately, his surviving notes don't describe them as much as tell the differences between them, The subShafts are cramped, and the danger is.. more personal. the 'Works.. don't pay attention to you., but still might- [[A bolt of electricity jumps between the prongs on two 'Works towers.]] ((FA-ZAAP)) Sylvester: ... Yeah. Like that. Tuesday , September 28 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the now-illuminated Ettinworks.]] ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) Sylvester: Well. Exhilarating as that was, let's move along here... Rosemary: Yes. [[Rosemary puts the Can Opener into her Poke Kit.]] Sylvester: I'd have thought that you'd want to keep the Can-Opener out... Rosemary: I do. But.. somehow.. right now.. it just seems like a really good idea.. Rosemary: ..it's like I /almost/ remember something.. not bad.. /exciting/ happening with it. around lightning-type.. stuff. Rosemary: Weird, huh? Ever read about anything like that in all those books? Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: No. No I have not. Rosemary: Oh well. Mortimer: You have your cool stabby thing! And a Poke-Kit! Rosemary: Yes. Yes I do. ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) Wednesday , September 29 , 2010 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester traverse a catwalk in the Ettinworks. A loud ((RUMBLE)) continues in the background.]] Rosemary: So.. it's possible that no one's even been down here since this Krell person? Sylvester: No. [[Outline of Audra the Earl of E in the Ettinworks, looking at one of the towers.]] Sylvester: There are later mentions here and there of visiting the 'Works. But none since the Crash. [[Outline of the Ettinworks being destroyed in the Crash was a slapped on disclaimer: NEVER HAPPENED.]] Sylvester: (That was another theory I had, that the Works had been destroyed when the magic-blast.. well, Crashed through..) Sylvester: Though it now appears that Quincy, the undisputed Not-Keeping-Records Champion, strikes again. Rosemary: Your grandfather? Also the Shoe-Tying Champion? Mortimer: There's /another/ smell.. Sylvester: Yes. And then along came our father, the NKR runner- up.. sigh.. Thursday , September 30 , 2010 [[Inside the Ettinworks. The lights are on, and there is a heavy rumbling noise in the background.]] Rosemary: So that ladder may have been the only way out of here? Sylvester: That is a possibility. Mortimer, to himself: No.. more of a /feeling/.. [[An outline of a fancy well-lighted Ettin walkway leading to a lever mounted on a wall.]] Rosemary: And we don't in fact know that this walkway goes anywhere? Sylvester: Oh no, Rosemary. When an Ettin built a walkway.. perambulationway.. it /went/ somewhere. [[A large Sneech-growth is ahead of them on the walkway.]] Rosemary: ... Sylvester: ... Not always somewhere /safe/, of course. Mortimer: Sneeches! The air feels like /Sneeches!/ Friday , October 1 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the now-illuminated Ettinworks. Sylvester blocks Rosemary's path with his arm.]] Sylvester: Rosemary.. please do NOT pull out the Can Opener. Not yet. Mortimer: Hey.. do you guys /see/ that thing? Sylvester: Yes, Mortimer. [[A large green Sneech-growth is blocking the way.]] Mortimer: Poot. I was hoping I was imaging it. Sylvester: Both of you. That's a Sneech.. construction. Growth. Whatever. ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) [[A vine from the growth snakes its way around one of the Ettin-pillars.]] Sylvester: I should have realized sooner. The Ettins wouldn't have had those cable-things running everywhere out in the open.]] Rosemary: So.. what? It's guarding the walkway? Sylvester: That is not its primary purpose, but, intentionally or not, it's a byproduct. Saturday , October 2 , 2010 [[On a walkway in the Ettinworks]] Rosemary Ripley: What _does_ this thing do, then? Sylvester: I don't know, exactly. [[An outline of a young Sylvester with Frederick, looking at another Sneech-thing.]] Sylvester: But it's some sort of.. regulator or.. component. Frederick showed me some of the smaller ones, when I was young. Rosemary: More Earl training? Sylvester: Unofficial, but yes. [[Outline of various Sneech-nodes hooked together.]] Sylvester: If you've read Minkybeen's book, you know that a Sneech den is .. essentially one big complicated organism. Rosemary: Well.. actually.. Sylvester: Fuel.. fertilizer.. waste _information.._ they all get pumped around.. processed, equalized. [[Outline of a more dangerous-looking Sneech node.]] Sylvester: Some of the nodes.. are, yes, guards. Sylvester: You'll know one when you see one. Sunday , October 3 , 2010 [[Cully, Chunner and Crud are in their Individual Emergency Shelter Pods. Little blue dots are still raining down all around them, and a triangular blue dart with a green tail is zipping about overhead.]] Cully: /Could/ someone create another bean, using your notes.. or equipment..? Crud: Oh no no. I destroyed all of that afterwards. Well, what little the bean hadn't already smashed or eaten.. Chunner: And I imagine that Rhidbomb that Comshaw tossed didn't help e- [[A wordless sound effect appears over the head of Crud, who suddenly has a boggle-eyed look]] ((poing)) [[Crud leaps on Chunner, whose pie-tin hat flies up into the air.]] Cully: Oh dear. And I suppose it could have been /any one/ of those words... Chunner: ((tiny voice)) further .. experimentation .. called for .. Crud: RRRAARRRGGH! Monday , October 4 , 2010 [[Outline of Sylvester and Mortimer's scientist-ancestor Ludwig walking cautiously past a Sneech-growth.]] Sylvester: As for why I asked you not to bring out the Can-Opener.. the unwritten rule is, you don't interfere with a Sneech growth's function, it will ignore you. [[Outline of Ludwig watching as an off-panel growth spits a glob of something corrosive at the border-marking stone he is standing next to.]] Sylvester: Unfortunately just going /near/ some growths "interferes." Rosemary: Like the guards. Sylvester: Actually.. the guards aren't the worst. They begin overt threat displays the moment they sense you. [[Outline of Ludwig explaining his theory using a pointer and a floating display-board.]] Sylvester: Fortunately, the lash-out-instantly variety is recognizable; they have a lot of those.. sub-growths on their "heads." Sylvester: (Ludwig's theory was they are engaged in.. arcane probing.. and living brains interrupt this..) [[Outline of Ludwig watching from behind glass as a robot with a gun is beheaded by a swiping appendage.]] Rosemary: I sense a "but" coming along here. Sylvester: Yes. They /all/ seem to know a dangerous weapon when they.. arcanely probe it, and it makes them.. twitchy. Tuesday , October 5 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the now-illuminated Ettinworks. Mortimer is also present.]] Sylvester: All of that said.. I suspect that you and the Can Opener could take apart a standard Sneech- growth without much trouble. Rosemary: Thanks, but.. [[Outline of a Sneech coming up behind Sylvester and Rosemary and zapping the head off the Can-Opener with its eye-beams.]] Rosemary: ..we shouldn't phizz off the Sneeches by destroying their property? Sylvester: If possible, yes. ((RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE)) [[The Sneech growth blocking the catwalk.]] Sylvester: And.. there is something about this particular growth that is worrying me.. Rosemary: What's it doing? [[Close up of one of the growth's appendages.]] Sylvester: That's just it. It's not doing /anything/. Growths usually.. pulse. Twitch. Shapes pass across their surface. This one's just sitting there.. Wednesday , October 6 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the Ettinworks, near a Sneech growth.]] Rosemary: So.. this growth is dead? Sylvester: I wish I could believe that. It's.. quiet. [[A stylized outline of a cross-section of this general part of the Basement.]] Sylvester: Of course.. I've never seen a growth this far from the Sneech colony before.. Rosemary: We're not in the colony? Sylvester: I don't know exactly where we are, but no. The colony isn't /nearly/ this deep. Mortimer: Skibble said something about that once! Sylvester: . . . Mortimer: Didn't I mention that before? Sylvester: No, Mortimer. You didn't. Although before today that name wouldn't have meant anything to me. Rosemary: I'll be over here, listening to the growth. Thursday , October 7 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the now-illuminated Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: I was sure I told you about Skibble! Sylvester: Either you're mistaken, or I tuned you out. [[Outline of Mortimer trying to tell Sylvester something while Sylvester is in mid-Task, poking the buttons on a wall-panel with a tool.]] Sylvester: It does happen sometimes, Mortimer, and I'm sorry. Sylvester: But I'm listening now. What did he tell you about the Sneeches? [[Outline of various Basement inhabitants fleeing from Sneech eye-beams.]] Mortimer: ... I dunno. It was just some comment about his sneaking around over.. here.? "after the Sneeches drove everybody out" [[Outline of Crud (now of SubShaft 44f) working at creating his Bean, dripping glowing green sneech-stuff into a heated bowl.]] Mortimer: He was stealing. I guess Basement people use Sneech.. stuff. Like they do in Wirtvale? Sylvester: Yes. We heard about that today, too. Friday , October 8 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Right. Now I remember Camora making some comment, too. So. The Sneeches have expanded their sphere of influence, and are engaging in vast new.. experiments. Mortimer: Again, you're asking me? [[Outline of Rufus, mostly obscured by a blast.]] Sylvester: Yes, Mortimer. Is there anything else you have heard, from anyone, that might be useful right now? Mortimer: . . .No. I guess not. Mortimer: Wait.. no. Someone wanted me to.. [[Outline of Comshaw. In the background is a "Council-thing" headed up by a pretzel.]] Mortimer: That Gnoll I was with just now! His name was.. Comshaw. Mortimer: He worked for some Council-thing, and wanted to talk to you. Sylvester. Because you're in ch- the Earl. Sylvester: . . . I see. OK. Not immediately useful, but important. Thank you. [[An inaccurate outline depicting Council Chairbeing Preznit the Eyebolt.]] Sylvester: And yes, if you see him again.. I definitely want to talk to this Comshaw. Sylvester: Or even better.. directly to the illustrious Chairbeing Preznit and his Interspecies Coordinating Council. Saturday , October 9 , 2010 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in that order, facing right, in front of a wall on which "LEIF" is written.]] Sylvester: "So. We walk past the growth. Carefully. Politely. Looks like there's just room there on the left." Rosemary: "One last possibly irrelevent question.." [[Black and white silhouette outline of bizarre plant formation covered in tentacular branches one of which is holding a mini tree and one a flag, one resembling a baby's arm, one resembling a trumpet and four like the down-curved spikes on a jester's cap, terminating in little lights or berries, the whole culminating in a bud-thing resembling a large insect's head.]] {{This is the Growth which Sylvester and Rosemary saw while in Le Tree.}} Sylvester: "Yes?" Rosemary: "That uninteresting thing that Nevus had. Was that a Sneechgrowth?" Sylvester: "The what? Oh. Ugh. I would have to say no. They're never that.. gaudy. Or symmetrical. At least the ones the local Sneeches grow." [[Map of the area between the Mansion of E and Wirtvale to the south, showing the location of different Sneech subspecies in Wirtvale.]] Rosemary: "So we could have some other Sneech colony around?" Sylvester: "The next-nearest colonies.. as far as I know.. are way down in Wirtvale. sigh." [[They have moved forward. The wall behind them now has "ERIK" and "SON" written on it.]] Sylvester: "'Further investigations' shall be added to the To Do Urgent list. But now-" Mortimer: "I need to go first." Sunday , October 10 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in Subshaft 44f [[Cully, Chunner and Crud are in their Individual Emergency Shelter Pods - Chunner has been knocked down so only his head shows. Crud's expression is odd. The blue dots are still falling and the blue and green dart zipping about.]] Chunner: So, what word could it have been? Cully: Actually .. now that I think about it, it's fairly obvious. Chunner: Oh? Cully: *Comshaw*. [[Crud goes boggle-eyed again, and again a sound-effect appears above his head.]] ((poing)) Crud: RRRA- [[Crud leaps at Cully. Cully holds up Chunner's pie-tin helmet so that Crud crashes into it head first.]] ((CLLANG!)) Cully: It's a common reaction to his name, I guess. In certain quarters. I've always.. sorta admired him for that. Chunner: I see. There are worse legacies.. Monday , October 11 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the now-illuminated Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Mortimer.. Mortimer: It's the only thing that makes sense. [[Mortimer holds up his umbrella.]] Mortimer: You're smart, Rosemary can cut bad stuff.. Mortimer: I've... got an umbrella. Mortimer: Plus, if /I/ make it past with nothing happening, you know you'll be all right. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Please be careful. Don't /touch/ anything. Mortimer: I won't. I need to go home. [[Mortimer walks away.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: We /are/ trying to go home? Please? Rosemary: I guess we haven't decided 100% that it's my home, but yes. Tuesday , October 12 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the Ettinworks. Mortimer approaches the large green Sneech Growth which is covering most of the path.]] Mortimer: Hello. Mortimer: I'm going walk past, if that's all right. [[He walks past.]] [[He passes out of sight. One of the Growth's "arms" ((twitches))]] [[Mortimer emerges safely on the other side.]] Mortimer, thinking: Guess it is.. Wednesday , October 13 , 2010 [[On a suspended walkway in the Ettinworks, Rosemary and Sylvester walk past a large Sneech growth.]] [[On the other side, they meet Mortimer.]] Mortimer: Hi! Sylvester: Hi. Rosemary: Now that we are reunited, please tell me all that was worth it. Sylvester: I think so. See that structure up ahead? [[The walkway runs toward the thing, a large tower or pillar featuring doors at various levels and high up a row of windows.]] Rosemary: Kinda hard to miss it, now. What is it? Sylvester: A big blinking EGRESS sign. Thursday , October 14 , 2010 [[On a catwalk in the Ettinworks, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer all stare up at a central tower.]] Rosemary: OK... more /literally/.. what is that thing? Sylvester: We call them underhubs. The Ettins built them where lots of tunnels come together. Mortimer: This one's so /big!/ [[Outline of a truck driving up a tunnel to an undrehub.]] Sylvester: Yes. As Mortimer says, we've only seen smaller ones, but family records say there used to a whole road-system down here. Sylvester: They drove /trucks/.. big hauling autos? around and everything. [[Outline of the whole underhub, with an E on the side.]] Rosemary: "Used to be"? The Crash, I suppose? Sylvester: No, actually. This time it was Audra poking the Hot Zone. [[Outline of Ludwig supervising as a witch magically lifts a large block and a helmeted worker pushes it into place, blocking the tunnel they are all in.]] Sylvester: Afterwards.. Ludwig wasn't trying to train and supply an army, so he had what wasn't already smashed shut down and walled up. Sylvester: No magic in use, so it probably all came through the Crash without a (further) scratch.. Friday , October 15 , 2010 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are on a catwalk in the Ettinworks.]] Rosemary: So you're sure we'll be able to get up that tower? Sylvester: Fairly. Why? [[Outline of an Ettin in a levitating cart, using magic to lift large building blocks into place.]] Rosemary: I've heard stories about Ettins.. being able to fly, open up.. well, twistpoints wherever they wanted..? Sylvester: They /could/ use magic in all sorts of incredible ways, yes.. but.. [[Outline of a robot, possibly Hector, being unaffected by the Crash, as an airship crashes and a building explodes.]] Sylvester: They were also great believers in backups and redundancies. Sylvester: (There's a theory they knew the Crash could happen, and built robots and such accordingly...) [[Outline of a collection of ramps mounted on pillars.]] Sylvester: And while they were quite dexterous.. manipulators.. they were not, evidently, very good climbers. Rosemary: More stairs, then? Sylvester: Big sturdy ramps, more typically, dotted here and there with.. well, you'll see.. Saturday , October 16 , 2010 [[Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary in that order are seen in the distance walking across a narrow, concrete-ish bridge set among tall pillars studded with light-bearing spikes]] Rosemary: "OK.. assuming there /are/ ramps, what about defenses? Didn't the Ettins have their own.. guard-growths?" Sylvester: "In broad terms, yes, but fortunately, you won't find many of them in or under the Mansion. As to why, I personally think that Ludwig was on the wrong track for once, and agree with Milo that the Mansion was too far fr-" [[There is a loud click and most of the lights on the pillars go out, but ahead of them the bridge goes in under an enormous door, slanted like a guillotine with a more-than-man-height gap at the bottom through which a lighted space is glimpsed.]] Rosemary: ". . . Any theories about /that/?" Sylvester: "It's all your fault. You triggered something when you pushed that rampaging maneater to its doom. But only temporarily. Let's get inside." Sunday , October 17 , 2010 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner are in their Individual Emergency Shelter Pods, Cully on the left, standing, wearing his pie-dish helmet, and Chunner in the middle, crouching or sitting down]] Chunner: Unfortunately, you haven't quite figured out yet how to successfully emulate You-Know-Who. Cully: Oh? Chunner: First there was that business with you and Nevus which left you /here/. [[Crud's face erupts into view and fills the screen, screaming.]] Crud: RRRRRAAAAAGGGGHHHH!!! [[Crud disappears offstage right.]] Chunner: And now, while using that tin /was/ clever, you've merely spread the problem around. Crud, off panel: RRRAAGGHH!!! Vonbrawn, off panel: aaeeeiiii!!! Chunner: Course, I should have warned you about this, so blame to go around.. Sunday , October 17 , 2010 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner are in their Individual Emergency Shelter Pods, Cully on the left, standing, wearing his pie-dish helmet, and Chunner in the middle, crouching or sitting down]] Chunner: Unfortunately, you haven't quite figured out yet how to successfully emulate You-Know-Who. Cully: Oh? Chunner: First there was that business with you and Nevus which left you /here/. [[Crud's face erupts into view and fills the screen, screaming.]] Crud: RRRRRAAAAAGGGGHHHH!!! [[Crud disappears offstage right.]] Chunner: And now, while using that tin /was/ clever, you've merely spread the problem around. Crud, off panel: RRRAAGGHH!!! Vonbrawn, off panel: aaeeeiiii!!! Chunner: Course, I should have warned you about this, so blame to go around.. Monday , October 18 , 2010 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer have entered the central tower/underhub of the Ettinworks. They stand on a platform over a pit with ramps leading up and down ahead of them. The ramps are marked with a arrow-signpost. Various monoliths are scattered about. Something resembling the lower half of a Dalek is in one corner.]] Rosemary: Waaait a second. "Milo"? Tuesday , October 19 , 2010 [[At the entrance to the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Don't you w- Rosemary: Yeah, yeah, it's another big weird inexplicable Ettin-thing. "Milo?" [[Outline of Milo the Earl of E writing at a desk, lit by a flaming bowl. A spear stands ready nearby, and a skull is perched on the back of his chair. A logo on the wall reads "Ett".]] Sylvester: Didn't I mention him before? He was the ninth Earl. Though it would be more accurate t- Rosemary: He didn't.. write a book, did he? Sylvester: He wrote a slew of what we would now call books. Doubly impressive, considering the era in which he lived. [[Outline of shelving in the Hall of Achievement.]] Sylvester: And so, that bookcase in the Hall of Achievement, that's all of his writings and- Sylvester: Ah. I see. Lemme guess.. Sylvester: "The Intricate Balance"? That was his most famous by far. Rosemary: . . . Mortimer: I tried to read that. I couldn't understand /any/ of it! Wednesday , October 20 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Rosemary: ..One of your ancestors wrote The Intricate Balance. Sylvester: Yes. Is that so hard to believe? [[Mortimer stands nearby.]] Rosemary: . . . After today.. No. I guess not. Rosemary: I always.. wondered who Milo was.. the book didn't say.. Sylvester: um hm. [[Outline of a female cart-pushing peddler shiftily selling a book to a man.]] Sylvester: That was deliberate. And it's passed through so many editions and cheap pyrited [sic] re-prints over the decades, even more was lost. Sylvester: Where'd your copy come from? [[Outline of a young Rosemary happily reaching for books set on two shelves.]] Rosemary: Gilad. Like most books. Out west at least. Aunt Eva won it and ten others in a Skipjack game. She was going to sell them, but never got around to it. Rosemary: And I'm glad. I read them again and again. Sylvester: Even "Lo the Plow Shall Till The Soil of Redemption." Rosemary: Yes. And the one about sweettube boiling. Thursday , October 21 , 2010 [[An outline of the pieces from two different Chess/Warboard sets.]] Rosemary: So.. that /whole bookcase/ was full of more of Milo's writings? Sylvester: That, and his warboard sets. Sylvester: Plus a few from later eras.. for comparison, as he would have appreciated it.. [[An outline of Milo the Earl of E playing a complicated-looking board/card/dice game with a chained prisoner.]] Sylvester: Because.. as you probably picked up from reading TIB... he had an abiding interest in the game. All sorts of games, really. {{TIB = The Intricate Balance, a book Milo wrote.}} [[Rosemary realizing something as she plays Warboard with Edwird.]] Rosemary: Well actually.. I didn't really. Pick it up. Until I met Edwird Rosemary: He taught me to play, had a couple other books on it.. Sylvester: I see. Did you prove to be good at it? [[Rosemary wiggles her hand.]] Rosemary: Eeh. You? Sylvester: I do all right, but Rufus is the family champion. Unless you count M- Mortimer, off-panel: Hey guys!! Lookit this! Friday , October 22 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary listens to the conversation.]] Sylvester: Yes, Mortimer? What is it? Mortimer: That signpost over there by the ramps! [[A view of the arrow-sign in question.]] Sylvester: What about it? Mortimer: Like Rosemary was saying. All the rest of this stuff.. [[Mortimer points at a nearby menhir with his umbrella.]] Mortimer: It's just more Ettin.. stuff. But the sign's Human. Sylvester: As /I/ was saying, there have been Humans down here, at least before the Crash. Mortimer: Yeah, but the sign's /new/. -ish. Saturday , October 23 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary goes to look at the resident Human-installed sign.]] Sylvester: When you say "newish..." Mortimer: I dunno. A lot less than fifty years. [[Rosemary points at the sign.]] Rosemary: I think he's right, Sylvester. Even down here out of the weather, this paint would've faded. Rosemary: In fact.. [[Sylvester joins her.]] Rosemary: Some of it looks quite fresh. Someone's been here recently. Sylvester: "Some of it"? What does the zarking sign say? [[Looking at the sign's two arrows. Both are covered with half-readable scribbling. One is labelled 43 SEE YOU NEXT WED, and the other says 47? TWISTY ALL ALIKE.]] Rosemary: It's pretty straight-forward. Sylvester: . . . I see. Sunday , October 24 , 2010 [[Crud is running amok.]] Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: How.. how long is this likely to go on now? Chunner: Oh, it could be worse. He ran that way, and so that was Vonbrawn in 44h who screamed. ((CRASH shatter shatter CRASH)) Chunner: And there he goes through the Shimmerstacks in 44i. Which leads him to- [[A very loud bell rings.]] ((CCLLONGGG!!!)) Chunner: 44J! Cully: WHAT? Chunner: HOME OF THE BIG BRASS BELL! EVEN YOU MUST HAVE HEARD OF IT! Cully: THAT MUST HAVE BEEN THE BIG BRASS BELL! Chunner: WHAT? Off-panel voice: ZARK IT, CRUD, YOU DENTED THE BIG BRASS BELL! AGAIN! Crud: rragh? Monday , October 25 , 2010 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in that order are standing at a forked path in the Ettinworks underhub, looking at a sign which points both ways.]] Sylvester: Hmm. Rosemary: This really does mean something to you? [[Silhouette of Sylvester holding a small mallet or gavel, looking at a bank of what look like big lighted buttons with a rather alarmed expression.]] Sylvester: The specific words? No. But.. I told you about those Mansion-Tasks I have to perform, right? Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: And how some of them are better done by a woman? Rosemary: Yesss? [[Same silhouette as above except that a long-haired woman has taken the gavel from Sylvester and is tapping the buttons with it.]] Sylvester: There used to be an paid family position, the Taskmistress, who did those. The last woman to officially hold the position.. Nirvana Clepe was her name. [[Close-up of sign pointing slightly upwards - lettering on it includes the number 43 and "soup" "See U next Wed", "6.02 x 10^12", "Maladay + One" and some kind of diagram.]] Sylvester: Some of these.. notes are her work. Rosemary: You're sure? Sylvester: Hoh yes. I spent enough hours as a child learning the ropes with her and my father. Mortimer: But.. Sylvester! This isn't /possible!/ Tuesday , October 26 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: It's /disturbing/, Mortimer, that Nirvana was withholding information from me, but impossible..? Mortimer: That's not what I meant! Rosemary: I think I understand, Mortimer. Sylvester, when did this Clepe person stop being "Taskmistress"? Sylvester: It's been.. um.. wow. Almost eight years now. [[Outline of a woman at a freshly marked grave inside a tomb.]] Rosemary: And she what, died? Retired? Sylvester: She retired. After her wife died. Mariah. She was our head groom. Poor woman, got hit with Taraxippus. Mortimer: That was awful. Sylvester: Yes, Mortimer. She was a sweetie. [[Outline of a Sylvester glaring at a horse cheerfully eating hay/money.]] Rosemary: "Groom"? You have horses? Sylvester: "Bleeding Simoleans from every pore." We /had/ horses. I sold them.. afterwards. Wednesday , October 27 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Rosemary: And after Ms. Clepe retired, what did she do? Sylvester: She moved away to Noodle. [[A map of a portion of Audravania.]] Rosemary: Which is what? Sylvester: Oh. Right. It's the nearest real town of any size. Three day's ride in the Mail Coach. Rosemary: And she's still living there? [[Closeup of the nearby Human-installed signpost. The arrow is labeled with a 47, the words TWISTY ALL ALIKE, and a sketch of a scorpion.]] Sylvester: Last we heard. We got a few letters. She mentioned a new job, a new.. maybe wife-to-be. Rosemary: Because when I said this paint is /fresh/, I meant it. Not dripping wet, but recent. Mortimer: That's what I meant! Tho I just.. I dunno anything about /paint/.. Sylvester: OK. Even more disturbing, but still not impossible. ... it has been quite a while since her last letter.. Thursday , October 28 , 2010 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are inside the central tower of the Ettinworks. Sylvester examines this level's signpost.]] Sylvester: OK. Fine. If Nirvana /did/ make this sign.. Maybe it /can../ Hmm. [[An outline of a Pale in a desert, looking down at a couple of small scorpions crawling on the sand.]] Sylvester: You know what a scorpion is, Rosemary? Rosemary: Only from one of Edwird's books. Lives in the desert? That tail is a stinger-thing? Sylvester: Yes. There are some in the old Pale habitat. [[An outline of Rosemary wielding the Can-Opener, facing a giant scorpion which is inside a pair of quote marks.]] Rosemary: You don't think, if we go down, we'll really meet a- Sylvester: No. No no. It's metaphorical. Almost certainly. But it doesn't mean anything good. [[Looking up the ramp towards the next level.]] Sylvester: And we wanted to go up anyway. So we go up.And see what the next sign says. Rosemary: There's going to be a next sign. Sylvester: Almost certainly. Friday , October 29 , 2010 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer in that order are walking up a ramp inside the Ettinworks tower/underhub]] Rosemary: "Whoa. Wind gusts all of a sudden." Sylvester: "Yes. And you're good at noticing things. What's changed since we came inside?" Rosemary: ". . . There's no more of those Sneech-rope things." Sylvester: "Uh huh." Rosemary: "And.. so you do have a theory?" Sylvester: "Overall? No. No idea what this place is supposed to be." Rosemary: "But these ramps?" Sylvester: "Let's just gather some more data." Mortimer: "The Sneeches have never been in here /at all/... How do I know that?" Saturday , October 30 , 2010 [[Outline of Rosemary the Artiste, using the Can Opener as a palette while painting a picture of Willie the Wendigo.]] Sylvester: So. Rosemary. You're a painter, too? Rosemary: You mean, like, framed on a wall? No, I've never done anything like /that/. [[Outline of a younger Rosemary slapping whitewash on a wall.]] Rosemary: But I grew up on a farm. On an island. You learn to keep an eye on the paint. Rosemary: Or whitewash. On Gnomin, Only the Temple had real paint. [[Outline of a small fishing village, possibly Eetown.]] Rosemary: But listen to me. We were almost a mile from all that salt water, and you live right on the ocean; I saw that this morning on the tower. Sylvester: Well, yes.. In the village, on the fishing boats, it's a problem.. [[Outline of a helmeted worker riding on a levitating platform, spraying some esoteric substance on an exterior Mansion wall.]] Sylvester: But here in the Mansion.. Ludwig borrowed a few ideas from the Ettins when he was rebuilding everything after the Poking.. Sunday , October 31 , 2010 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Chunner are seen in their Individual Emergency Shelter Pods, Cully standing on the left, Chunner siting or squatting in the middle.]] Cully: SO DID RUNNING INTO THE BELL STOP CRUD? Chunner: ALMOST CERTAINLY. UNFORTUNATELY, IT CREATED A NEW PROBLEM. Cully: THAT WE HAVE TO YELL TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER? Voice offstage right: "AAAIIIEEE!!!" Chunner: NO! WELL, YES, THAT TOO! Chunner: RINGING THE BELL ALWAYS WAKES UP STRODE IN 45D AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! Sound-effect offstage right: "SMASH!" Cully: STRODE? NOT THE SAME STRODE WHO SMASHED INTO THE HALL OF THE BRUSH AND- Chunner: YES, /HER!/ [[From the right appears a female Motihaul in a long pale green dress, cluching a big mallet with both hands and wearing a mask made out of, or to resemble, a grinning Halloween pumpkin, with a little flaming torch sticking out on top.]] Chunner: AND IF SHE'S WOKEN UP EARLY, SHE TENDS TO BE PARTICULARLY.. Cully (seeing Strode approach): DELIGHTFUL AND CHARMING! Chunner: WHAT?! OH, YES! INDEED! Monday , November 1 , 2010 [[Halloween costume-swap with Red City. Some Red City characters stand outside someone's home on Halloween; it is hard to see them clearly.]] [[The door is opened. A better view. Lenneth is dressed like Rosemary, Hal as Mortimer, and Travis: as Sylvester.]] {{Not 100% certain about identity of the two guys.}} Lenneth: Trick or Treat! Homeowner: Who are you supposed to be? Lenneth: We're the cast of the Mansion of E! It's a comic from.. uh.. Hal: The internets Lenneth: The internets. Tuesday , November 2 , 2010 [[Halloween guest art by Sergio Ragno III of Red City and other webcomics. Travis, Hal and Lenneth are out trick-or-treating as MoE characters, Sylvester, Mortimer and Rosemary respectively.]] Travis: I told you we should have been skeletons! Hal: My friend is a costume expert, and said to always go obscurish. Travis: Your friend is a cosplayer. Hal: Same thing! Travis: That is not the same thing. Also, I can't see shit. Hal: You have my glasses. Travis: Looks like our lives are in your hands, Len. Hal: No pressure. [[They encounter Samantha, who is also dressed like Rosemary.]] Samatha: Aaawkward. Wednesday , November 3 , 2010 [[The MoE half of a Halloween costume-swap with the webcomic Red City. Rosemary is Lisa Irving, Camora is Lenneth, Comshaw is The Ghost, Mortimer is Darius, and lurking in the background is Sylvester as Hal.]] Thursday , November 4 , 2010 [[Climbing ramps inside the tower at the center of the Ettinworks. It is windy.]] Rosemary: Getting back to the subject at hand.. who's been doing the "female Tasks" with Clepe gone? Sylvester: Well.. [[Outline of Sylvester and his sister Lil doing a task, which involves pushing a button on a device.]] Sylvester: Our sister Lil, until she went off with Mom on their world tour two years ago. Sylvester: Shame, she had a real knack for it. [[The same device, this time it is Nellie who is helping.]] Sylvester: Since then, Nellie's done them, mostly. Reluctantly. She really doesn't like magic-powered anything. [[And a third time, with Threnody. Dirge looms behind them; he and Sylvester glare at each other.]] Sylvester: A couple of times, when I couldn't bear to ask, I've had Threnody come up from the village. Friday , November 5 , 2010 [[Climbing ramps inside the tower at the center of the Ettinworks.]] Rosemary: And who is Threnody? Sylvester: Oh. She's the Oracle. Down in the village. [[Outlines of two Oracles, one ranting while surrounded by symbols of the Brush, the other being more restrained.]] Rosemary: She ..kept her birth name? Sylvester: No. It means "Lament for the dead". Rosemary: Oh. Oh dear. Sylvester: No no. She's firmly Mainstream, not a Throwback. Mortimer: Sylvester /likes/ her. Rosemary: Ah. Sylvester: Mortimer, grow up. [[An outline of Sylvester being defenestrated.]] Sylvester: I'm glad she's here. She's trying to help, she's the only educated woman around, and I can talk to her alone without half the village throwing a wobbler. Mortimer: Yeah, tho /Dirge/ might throw y- Sylvester: Thank you, Mortimer. Saturday , November 6 , 2010 [[A new level in the Ettinworks tower/underhub. Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer come up the ramp from below.]] Rosemary: Dirge. He was your vision-thing down at the River of Fire, wasn't he? Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: So.. he's Threnody's Guardian? Sylvester: Yes. [[They come closer.]] Rosemary: ..does he really say to you that- Sylvester: No. Dirge doesn't talk much. And no, he's not literally going to toss me out a window. [[They are on the new level.]] Sylvester: That said.. he and I are also not going to be setting up a mutual admiration society anytime soon. Sylvester: But, we'll worry about that later, if there is a later. Here we are. Sunday , November 7 , 2010 [[Strode the Motihaul has appeared in 44f. She is wearing a jack-o-lantern on her head which has a flame at the tip of the stem. She is also carrying a large mallet.]] Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. Cully: SO WOULD RUNNING AWAY HELP AT ALL AT THIS POINT? Crud: SUPPOSE IT COULDN'T HURT TO TRY! [[They flee.]] ((ZIP ZOOM)) [[Strode walks after them.]] Strode, thinking in a crazy-type font: Why do they always want to do it the /hard/ way? Monday , November 8 , 2010 [[Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are on a new level of the central tower of the Ettinworks. They all look in different directions. Sylvester is studying a Human-installed signpost.]] Sylvester: So what do you all notice? Mortimer: . . . [[A look at what Mortimer describes.]] Mortimer: The block-thingies in the middle.. They're all different? [[A look at the signpost. The upward arrow is labeled 45 PUNGENT RUDE OLAF, with various drawings. Down is BOLD 40, with more scribblings.]] Sylvester: Um hm. And we've got a new signpost. Sylvester: Rosemary? How about you? Rosemary: That archway. Sylvester: What about it? [[The archway in question, leading out of the tower, at the end of a walkway from their current location.]] Rosemary: It can't be there. Tuesday , November 9 , 2010 [[Inside the central tower of the Ettinworks. An outline depicts the process Rosemary gives below.]] Sylvester: What do you mean, can't? Rosemary: Just now, we went all the way around the perimeter of the tower, and up one floor? [[Mortimer looks around behind them.]] Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: So we're directly above the archway we came in through. Sylvester: And..? [[Outline showing the exterior of the tower.]] Rosemary: Back outside, that was the only archway on the near side of this tower. Rosemary: Nothing else but a long bank of windows, high up. [[Outline showing Rosemary looking at herself and Sylvester walk past.]] Sylvester: The logical conclusion being..? Rosemary: It's another zarking twistpoint, isn't it? Wednesday , November 10 , 2010 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are on one of the levels of the central tower in the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Yes, it's a twistpoint. A big nasty one. Pray to the Brush it only affects space, and not time. Rosemary: Aunt Eva says the Brush helps those who help themselves. [[An outline of the three of them at various angles as the twistpoint twists.]] Sylvester: Indeed. So, Rule #1: don't wander off. If we get separated.. Rosemary: Right. Mortimer: Yes, Sylvester. [[Sylvester points back the way they came.]] Sylvester: Rule #2: When we go back down that ramp, we won't be where we came in, but on some third level. Rosemary: "When"? Not if? [[A close up of one of the arrows on the level's sign.]] Sylvester: Yes. #3: If we do get seperated, [sic] follow the signs. I think Nirvana did help make them, and if so, we want those "floor" numbers going down. Thursday , November 11 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Sylvester roots in his pocket.]] Rosemary: You trust this Clepe woman? Sylvester: Up until an hour ago, I would have said implicitly. [[Outline of Sylvester watching as Nirvana replaces something in a device, up in a steep shaft.]] Sylvester: I never had any reason to fault her work. Sylvester: In fact, she was the one.. employee I'd have tried to keep paying, if she'd been willing to stay. [[Sylvester holds up a pencil.]] Sylvester: And even now, it's not like we have much of a choice. Sylvester: Ah. Good. Didn't lose it, and I don't need to get you to sharpen it. [[He marks the level's resident sign.]] Mortimer: . . .You said I wasn't allowed to /touch/ your pencils after that.. eraser incid- Rosemary: He was talking to me, Mortimer. Mortimer: Oh. Sylvester: There. Made our mark. Down to "40." Friday , November 12 , 2010 [[Walking down a ramp in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Rosemary: What's the point of marking the signs? Sylvester: In case there are levels that are exactly the same, right down to scribblings on the "helpful" signs. Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: Thanks. My worry list wasn't completely full yet. Sylvester: Or, the blocks rearrange themselves and the signs change every time you arrive at or leave from a level! {{Graffiti: RIP Dave Niehaus}} Saturday , November 13 , 2010 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer walk down a ramp in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Rosemary: So we could be hopelessly trapped in here. Sylvester: If worst comes to worst, we go back "outside" with the towers, try and find another way up. [[Outline of the three of them inside a device with helmets on their heads, while outside Ludwig cheerfully prepares to pull a large lever.]] Rosemary: And find ourselves Twisted off to Solla Sollew, or back in time with Ludwig.. Sylvester: Heh. At least he might have genuinely productive suggestions. [[Outline of the three of them in a farmer's field, with the farmer staring at them. Mortimer is lying on ground with his feet in the air.]] Rosemary: Yeah. OK. So it'll be MY grandfather Elwin and his muckroot farm. Sylvester: Not that anyone but Willygigs has been known to time travel... Sunday , November 14 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Crud having already rampaged off, now Cully and Chunner have fled the shaft, pursued by Strode the Motihaul. Voices can be heard faintly.]] Cully, probably: Lookout! Chunner, probably: /gangway/! Some Gnoll: /aaaiieee!/ [[The shaft is empty, except for the Emergency Shelter Pods.]] [[A red-colored Raviner pokes his/her/its eye-stalks into view above Crud's pod.]] Monday , November 15 , 2010 [[Inside the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: H- Sylvester: Parenthetically, Rosemary, I'm curious how you came to hear of Solla Sollew Rosemary: Huh? "As far as Solla Sollew". Don't they say that out here? [[A map of the Known World, marking a path to and from Solla Sollew in tjhe far southwest.]] Sylvester: Hm. No. They don't. I only learned about it in school. Rosemary: Edwird also had a copy of Rawat's book. The Zenduian explorer? I'm gonna assume you've.. Sylvester: "Beyond the Splintered Sea"? Yes. [[An outline of an airship flying over a landscape featuring an ocean and a volcano. The sky is tinged red.]] Rosemary: What happened to him? Rawat? I've always wondered. Sylvester: He died in the Crash. Or at least, he was off exploring again when it hit. Sylvester: Who knows, maybe we'll meet him when we- Mortimer: You /knew/ about Willygigs? Tuesday , November 16 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks, Rosemary and Sylvester stare at Mortimer after an announcement.]] Sylvester: . . . I'm sorry? Mortimer: I'd never even heard about Willygigs until.. I just remembered.. I met one today! [[An outline of a bearded man at a podium, aiming a pointer at board on which are pictured a Chupacabra, a space alien, a willygig, and a sea serpent.]] Sylvester: sigh Sylvester: Yes you did, Mortimer. Oswald lectured about them. Though he said they were myths. Mortimer: . . . He did? [[Outline of Mortimer being confronted by Protus in the forest.]] Sylvester: Maybe you missed that talk. Either way, the one you met today.. was his name Protus? Mortimer: Um. Yeah. I guess. He didn't actually say- Rosemary: And the fact that we all meet this guy for the first time today..? Sylvester: Total coincidence! No worries! Mortimer: You're lying! Stop it! Wednesday , November 17 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: So.. what did Protus do to you? Mortimer: Yelled at me. He was angry. But he gave me this.. thing. [[Outline showing the Zorper/HJ42]] Mortimer: It was sorta round and about the size of a fuzzball.. and had two buttons on it. Sylvester: Uh huh. And when you pushed them? [[Outline of Mortimer and Nitfol above the Forest of E, with Protus having left.]] Mortimer: Did I push them? No. Not right then anyway.. Mortimer: He left, and we fell... Sylvester: "We"? Mortimer: There was a Nome. His name was Nitfol. He's probably dead, and it's my fault. Mortimer: Another reason why I have to /remember/, and go talk to Uncle Frederick. Mortimer: Can we go, please? Sylvester: Yes. All right. Thursday , November 18 , 2010 [[Sylvester, Mortimer and Rosemary are walking down a ramp in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Not that I object, but why do you need to talk to Uncle Frederick? Mortimer: Because Yasmine- ugh. I didn't tell you about Yasmine. [[Outline of Dorian in hermit garb.]] Mortimer: I ended up in.. do you remember Dorian? That hermit who lived in the Forest when we were kids? Sylvester: Oh, yes. Mortimer: I ended up in his old hut. Somehow. It'd been fixed up. A little. [[Outliine of Yasmine in her hood and robe, posing before a stretch of desert.]] Mortimer: I met her there. Yasmine Fotheringby. She's a Weirdo. She had a strange accent.. sorta .. [his dialogue font changes] lke th is? Sylvester: Shibolithian. /I/ met a few at the University. [[Outlne of the Weirdo and Fantod being measured and gauged. In the background is a "forbidden " symbol.]] Mortimer: She said she had been checking on our Weirdo's.. official performance, I guess. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: I don't think she was being.. all the way honest. Sylvester: She was /lying/, Mortimer. Friday , November 19 , 2010 [[An outline of a Weirdo in a very visible Weirdoing outfit, outside a building with a Weirdo-Guild logo on its side.]] Mortimer: Lying? Sylvester: The person who officially checks on our Weirdo is Jack Kench. His office is in Glome. (That's the Provincial capital, Rosemary.) [[An outline of Arthur the Weirdo In the Attic giving his report to Yasmine.]] Sylvester: As the, again, official Client, I am notified when there is to be an Examination. And in fact one has already been scheduled. Sylvester: Four months from now. Sylvester: So, yes, she was either lying to you, or the Weirdo Guild has changed the Rules on me. Mortimer: And.. we don't like either of those choices..? Sylvester: No, we don't, Mortimer. Saturday , November 20 , 2010 [[An outline of Uncle Frederick, with the Woman of Mystery lurking in the background.]] Sylvester: And what does all this have to do with Uncle Frederick? Mortimer: ..Well.. she knew about him. Yasmine. And said I should ask him about my.. trouble-magnet problems. Sylvester: She did, did she? [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer come off a ramp onto a new level. There is a Human-installed signpost pointing up and down the ramps.]] Mortimer: You don't think that I should? Sylvester: I honestly can't see how it would help. Or hurt, for that matter. That's not the issue. Rosemary: Why I have never even /heard/ about these "Weirdos" before today? Sylvester: /That/ gets us closer. Sunday , November 21 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[All three Gnolls are gone. The red eyestalks of a "Raviner" peer over the edge of Crud's abandoned Emergency Shelter Pod. A purple flower-bloom rises into view. A yellow flutterby flits in. Other growths edge in.]] [[Another Raviner and flutterby appear, orange and red. The bloom rises higher, puts out more buds. One of the growths begins blowing a bubble. Another lengthens itself accordion-style from above.]] [[A third, yellow, Raviner. More bubbles. The accordion puts out sprays of blooms. The purple bloom adds some as well. An orange flutterby joins the throng. Purple fronds wave.]] Monday , November 22 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: So, Rosemary, I take it there was no local nobility back home on.. what was it? Rosemary: Huh? Gnomin. Well.. technically.. [[Outline of a manorhouse.]] Rosemary: Baron Snandergrab. And his Manor House But we're just his.. what.. summer estate? He's never been there in my lifetime. They say he never leaves the Capital. Rosemary: Hey.. did you ever.. meet him? When you were at the University? [[Outline of Sylvester reluctantly attending a fancy party.]] Sylvester: I certainly know the name, and I think he was at that soiree at the Incanan Embassy that Aunt Agatha dragged me to, but essentially, no. [[Sylvester puts his arm around Mortimer.]] Sylvester: The reason I ask, is that you're only going to find Weirdos around nobility. Sylvester: And I assume we're your first contact with the species? Rosemary: Well.. there was this guy on the Caravan who claimed he was.. Rosemary: Essentially, yes. Tuesday , November 23 , 2010 [[Outline of Sylvester holding a small E sign, eying a larger Weirdo Guild sign which is literally wired to something larger.]] Rosemary: Which brings us back to the Weirdo. You can't just fire him, because..? Sylvester: The Weirdo Guild has friends in high places. [[Outline of Sylvester, still holding the sign, now being harangued by a woman while Eetown sheriff Patrick Skragg listens.]] {{She is Saffron Stout.}} Sylvester: Beyond that.. There are times when my being the Earl is a /colossal/ pain. Sylvester: And yes, the aristocracy's taken a beating these last couple of generations. [[Outline of Sylvester in full Earl regalia, with fancier sign, confronting a man sitting behind a desk. The man evidently has something to do with fish; he has one on his hat, while the logo on the wall, an organization with the acronym NFMA, features one as well.]] Sylvester: ..But my being the official, inscribed-in-the-Book, Earl of E is still at times useful. [[Rosemary eying Fantod, as Sylvester stands by.]] Sylvester: And one of the prerequisites for being that sort of Earl is having an official trained-by-the-Guild Weirdo hanging around. So for now we are stuck with him and Fantod. Rosemary: . . ."Fantod"? Sylvester: We get out of here, you'll learn soon enough. Wednesday , November 24 , 2010 [[The three Humans are attempting to climb the tower at the center of the Ettinworks.]] Rosemary: Speaking of getting out of here.. Sylvester: Yes, let's see what we've got this time. [[A signpost, with arrows pointing up and down. Both are covered in cryptic scribblings, but the largest writing is up: 41! and down: 37.]] Sylvester: Up.. and down.. ..and over here.. [[A collection of ominous-looking pylons; each is topped with a spike which crackles with power. In front of it all are two pole supporting a string from which hangs a sign: 40 DO NOT TOUCH]] Sylvester: Oh dear. Mortimer. Mortimer: Yes, I see that sign, Sylvester. And yes, seeing signs hasn't always.. stopped me. But I swear on.. on Frizzlegarb's Last Acorn... I won't touch those things. Sylvester: OK. But if I had some rope, I'd still tie you to something while we are here. Mortimer: Fair enough. Thursday , November 25 , 2010 [[HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2010. Mortimer is seated at the E family dining table, wielding a knife and fork and wearing a bib which reads GOBBLE 2: The stuffing. Spread out before him a full Thanksgiving feast: water and flavored water, peas, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, rolls, turkey, green salad, cranberry sauce, stuffing yams and gravy. Two candles light the scene.]] Friday , November 26 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer walk away from a collection of spike-topped menhirs, which shoot power between them. A human-installed rope-guard has been set up in front of them with a sign saying 40 DO NOT TOUCH. With a ((FZZT)), a glowing rectangle appears on the central menhir.]] Rosemary: So, down to floor 37? Sylvester: Yes, let's get out of here. Mortimer: ..I did push a button earlier today on.. something.. [[The rectangle turns into a magical doorway of some sort, showing the E-family dining room.]] ((click)) Mortimer: ..and I.. went somewhere? My head hurts if I start thinking about it.. Mortimer: [continues inaudibly.] [[The doorway ((clacks)), and now shows Dandilli and Dipsoma the Gnolls in the subShafts. Dandilli has a fluterby on a string.]] Dandilla: -at's all that racket? Dipsoma: Sounds like Strode is out and a- ((CLUNK)) [[The doorway shows a dark cavern, with a Dornbeast.]] Saturday , November 27 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks, one of the menhirs has opened a magical door, allowing a Dornbeast to start to come through.]] [[The Dornbeast gets hit with a magical blast.]] ((FA-ZAAAAP!!)) [[It falls mostly out of sight, dead or unconscious.]] ((THUD)) [[There are a couple of ((scrabbles)), and Frowgler's hand grips the edge of the doorway.]] Frowgler: oof. Sunday , November 28 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f. [[All three Gnolls have left the shaft. In their absence, a wild assortment of things have come out: Raviners lurk, flutterbys flit here and there, plants of various shapes and sizes blow bubbles, fronds wave. A large door has slid open in the back of the shaft, and an enormous robot-head looks out, grinning.]] {{The robot is called Giant Robot Head 071.}} [[Crud is returning. All the critters with eyes look in his direction. The robot stops smiling. The flutterby flee. The plants and fronds droop.]] Crud: Urg. [[Crud comes back into view, still quivering from running into the the Big Brass Bell. Everything has vanished, except for one last bubble floating away.]] Monday , November 29 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. A twistpoint-type doorway has opened up in the side of a menhir. Beyond can be seen a cave-like space in which a zapped Dornbeast is lying. Frowgler is crawling over the lower lip of the doorway.]] [[He falls to the ground with a ((THUD)).]] Frowgler: urgh. [[As Frowgler lies on the floor, another, angry, dornbeast looms into view beyond the doorway.]] Frowgler: sniff. heh. [[The door disappears with an ((UNFZZT)). Frowgler gets to his feet.]] Frowgler: Well. Once again, here we are. Tuesday , November 30 , 2010 [[Inside the Ettinworks central tower. Frowgler hops across the floor to one of the menhirs and puts a flipper on it.]] Frowgler: It's me. Open up. [[An outline forms on the surface.]] ((FZZT)) [[The outline turns into a red-tinged hole, and Frowgler hops inside.]] ((CLUNK)) Frowgler's Mysterious Helper: There ya are! Frowgler: Please tell me we're back up and running. FMH: YesnNo. If ya don't twist out right aw-..! Yer damaged! Frowgler: (sigh) I met one of Protus's /new/ fr- [[The hole seals shut.]] ((UNFZZT)) Wednesday , December 1 , 2010 Narration: Outside Comshaw's home [[Comshaw pokes his snout out of his door. voices come from off-panel.]] Lumpen the Gobule: This is stoopid. He ain't comin'. Let's go back n- [[A Troglodyte, a Gobule and an armored Motihaul are standing in the nearby corridor.]] Skradt the Troglodyte: And tell Mr. Nevus and Faldstool /what/? Comshaw's scent leads away. He'll come home sooner or later, and we'll be here to jump him. Skradt: And take him to Le Tree.. where . . Mr Nevus will . . [[He and Lumpen see that Comshaw has come up behind them.]] Carignan the Motihaul: Do what? Gotta wonder what Comshaw did, that Nevus wants him so b- [[The panel entirely fills with fight-sounds and anguished dialogue.]] ((SWIPE)) ((WAP)) ((POW)) ((POKE)) Skradt: AAIIEEE! Lumpen: YIPE! ((BRAWL)) ((POKE)) ((POKE)) ((POKE)) Caridgnan: Urrggh ((SPLAT)) ((//POKE//)) Thursday , December 2 , 2010 [[Near Comshaw's home, Skradt the Troglodyte lies on top of his defeated partners.]] Comshaw: Now then... "Skram", isn't it? Skradt: I'm not telling you anything ! Comshaw: I don't want information. I /have/ information. Are you still /willing/ to take me to Nevus? Comshaw: And yes, I left you the use of your legs. [[Skradt looks down at his legs.]] [[He wiggles his toes.]] Skradt: ...yeah. OK... Comshaw: Glad to hear it. Let's go, Beaky. Skradt: Skradt. With a T. Comshaw: Whatever. Friday , December 3 , 2010 [[Skradt and Comshaw walk through Helignoll Hall.]] [[They go down a flight of stairs.]] Skradt: You.. train people how to use a stick like you just did, don't you? Comshaw: I try to help those who wish to better themselves by becoming Pokers. [[They walk past the entrance to Le Gnollhole, which is barred with a gate and a sign reading CLOSED UNTIL MORNING.]] Skradt: So.. there's more to Poking than.. poking people? Comshaw: You think before you talk. That's an encouraging sign. Saturday , December 4 , 2010 [[Comshaw and Skradt silently pass through the main entrance of Helignoll Hall. There is a statue of a Helipath, a ladder leading up the wall, several branches of the Tree, and open archways leading off: AURILNODE GROVE (a Gnoll looks out from here, holding a spear.) MECHANICS AND TINKERERS. HEALER. [[They come out into Time Hall; the doorway is marked by two large bones, on which are perched a gear and wrench-like tool. More Tree branches grow on either side. Behind them, the statue can be seen to be labeled as AURIL]] {{Auril created the Basement Aurilnode network.}} Skradt: It's so quiet.. Comshaw: People have gone to ground. Wise decision. When we're done, tomorrow will be even more eventful than today. Sunday , December 5 , 2010 [[Crud is alone in subShaft 44f.]] Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f]] Crud, thinking: ...Chunner and Cully aren't here! Oh. Wait. Maybe that's them now.. Voice #1: ZARK Voice #2: ZARK [[Two small robots scoot into view. One of them is chasing the other; both have horns or speakers for mouths.]] Chased: ZARK Chaser: ZARK Chased: ZARK [[They disappear out of sight.]] Crud, thinking: ...Just one zarking thing after another.. Chaser: ZARK {{A reference to a line from one of Roger Zelazny's Amber novels.}} Monday , December 6 , 2010 Narration: In the "Ettinworks" [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer walk down a ramp in the central tower.]] Rosemary: I have a relevant question. Sylvester: I doubt I have a matching answer, but go ahead. [[Outline of the Ettinworks outside the tower.]] Rosemary: In the stuff you read about this place, there was nothing about the twistpoint? Just the spiky column things outside? Sylvester: There were a couple vague references to a central tower, but yes. Rosemary: So doesn't that mean this is another time twistpoint? You said before your records didn't- Mortimer: I've been trying.. it isn't. There's this feeling in the air.. and it's all different. Rosemary: ...Right. Sylvester: No, Rosemary. I've never been as . . attuned.. to such things as he and our sister Lil.. but I think now he is right. Unfortunately, that leaves us with the equally-disturbing alternative... Rosemary: Right. Of course it does.. Tuesday , December 7 , 2010 [[Outline of an underhub, with a neat spiraling path of arrows down its length.]] Sylvester: The obvious answer is that back in the day, this twistpoint simply wasn't here. [[Outline of the Mansion's main tower, with several arrows pointing randomly about.]] Rosemary: Is that possible? Sylvester: Oh yes. Twistpoints come and go. Although..lately there's been a lot less going.. [[Outline of an Ettin bending an arrow into shape.]] Sylvester: But.. this particular t-point is noticeably organized. Sylvester: Which makes me think the Ettins did in fact create it. [[Outline of the underhub again, on the day of the Crash, the arrows now spewing in all directions.]] Rosemary: But it was.. asleep? And something made it wake up? Sylvester: Or turn on. Or whatever. And there's one very obvious candidate.. Wednesday , December 8 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Evidently, during The Crash, many of the Mansion's systems survived by.. going to sleep. Rosemary: I don't understand. [[Outline of a large windmill.]] Sylvester: You have windmills Out West, I assume? Rosemary: Of course. Perelandra Rising.. That's a farm I worked on.. had a big one. Sylvester: This is the metaphorical equivalent of "furling the sails" during a storm so it doesn't rip itself to pieces. [[Outline of the Mansion's main tower, filled with "circuit lines" and glowing with power.]] Rosemary: OK.. Sylvester: And when they "unfurled" they woke up other stuff as well. Uncle Frederick has said the Mansion's been /more/ active since the Crash. [[Outline of an Ettin holding a drooping metaphorical arrow, while a Crash-like event flashes beyond a barrier, killing a human.]] Sylvester: All of which again indicates that the Ettins may have known the Crash could happen, and were prepared for it. Rosemary: Then why weren't we!? Sylvester: Because they.. well.. understood what they were doing, and we didn't. Thursday , December 9 , 2010 [[Outline of a multi-towered building sporting numerous magical antenna.]] Rosemary: "Don't understand?" Wasn't there a whole Wizard's School-thing in Florin? Sylvester: Yes. The Royal Thaumalogical Academy. [[Outline of a floating cart tethered to earth by a cable, lifting up alongside an enormous globe attacked to the ground by stem, and held in place with ropes.]] Sylvester: And yes, along with engineers from Wirtwam, they produced wonderful things. Sylvester: Levitation scaffolds. Force-grown liftgas bladders for airships.. [[Map of "Mansionland", with a line connecting a string of cities, west to east: Bitler City, Ootope, Alloy, Nye, Canden, The Capital, Puddleby, Rowen, Glome, Eetown.]] Sylvester: The nationwide tramsystem, the telephone network. Philbert could talk to a friend in Bitler City, or decide to visit hir in person, and be there in a week or so. [[Outline of the structure from panel one exploding and crumbling.]] Sylvester: ..And then The Crash hit, and pretty much every last person in the YRTA died. They walled off the resulting crater. Friday , December 10 , 2010 [[An outline of various bits of scientific knowledge: planets going around a sun, an atomic and then chemical diagram, a microscopic organism, a line of algabra, and a device drawing magic from a layline and rebroadcasting it.]] Rosemary: But didn't we learn about magic and stuff from old Ettin books? Sylvester: Yes, we learned things that would have taken us centuries to figure out. [[Outline of a young Ettin touching a sphere labelled with Ettin writing, with an adult watching. The outline is interrupted by Mortimer.]] Sylvester: But when Alkindi translated that first.. "book", there's a reason it came to be known as The Primer. it was- Mortimer: GUYS! Mortimer: It's sad the wizards and Ettins are all dead, but it's not important right now! Can we /please/ work on /getting out of here/? Sylvester: Right. Rosemary: OK. Mortimer: We're on floor 37. I guess. There's another sign. {{"No Bell" graphic on wall refers to Nobel Prizes being awarded on this date every year.}} Saturday , December 11 , 2010 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester have arrived on a new platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Ahead of them stands a large menhir, topped with three glowing spikes. A Human-installed sign reads 37 TOUCH, with an arrow pointing at the menhir.]] Rosemary: . . . Still no worries? Sylvester: Maybe one or two. Sunday , December 12 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is alone in the Shaft. Scraping noises come from off-panel.]] Crud, thinking: Now what? [[A small robot inches into view, dragging something.]] ((SCRAPE)) [[It is an unmarked collection of boxes or cubes. Another robot is pushing it.]] ((SSSCRAPE)) Crud, thinking: . . . I hate it when they drag things out like this.. Monday , December 13 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Mortimer.. wait..! Mortimer: Why? Mortimer: We don't have any choice but to trust the signs, right? Sylvester: Well, I wouldn't put it quite so- [[A look at the arrow-sign in question. One reads 40, and has what may be a bowl of ice cream. The other is 38, with a violin.]] Mortimer: And if this is floor 37, and we want the numbers to go down.. both of them on the arrow-sign go up. [[Sylvester makes a note on the sign with his pencil.]] Mortimer: So I gotta touch that.. pooty Ettin-thing.. like I had to walk past the Sneech-thing! Sylvester: . . . Just don't go dashing off. We stay together. Tuesday , December 14 , 2010 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester in that order stand looking at a purple, Ettin-made obelisk thing with gold spikes on top.]] [[Mortimer touches the obelisk with the tip of his umbrella. Symbols we have previously seen associated with magic-use appear on the surface of the obelisk around the contact point.]] [[A click is heard. A grey-green, zigzaggy cloud of something passes safely above and behind Mortimer to envelope Rosemary and Sylvester, who go rigid and are seen in negative image. Sylvester's tie curls up a la Dilbert.]] Mortimer: It made a noise. Maybe something more's going to happen.. [[Behind him Rosemary and Sylvester have collapsed to the ground - only their hands are visible.]] Wednesday , December 15 , 2010 [[On one of the levels in the tower at the center of the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: So.. should I touch it a- [[He realizes Rosemary and Sylvester are lying on the floor.]] Mortimer: ... Mortimer: oh no.. [[He kneels down.]] Mortimer: I.. you can't be... [[Rosemary sits up, looking suspiciously chipper.]] Rosemary: Oh. Hi there, Mortimer! Mortimer: You're not dead! Rosemary: Course not! 'Less we're ghosts or somethin'. Canya see thru us? Sylvester: Who are you people? Thursday , December 16 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary and Sylvester have been zapped by the resident menhir.]] Mortimer: "Who are we"? It's me. Mortimer. Your brother. Sylvester: I'm sorry.. but I'm finding this highly dubious. Rosemary: He'z got the thingy! Ambrosia! [[Sylvester starts to leave.]] Sylvester: I.. really need to go now. Mortimer: What? No! Rosemary! Please listen to me! Rosemary: Sure, Mr. Mortimer. Mortimer: Please! Don't.. let him get away! [[Rosemary salutes.]] Rosemary: Okey dokey, Mr. Mortimer! [[She literally springs at Sylvester.]] Mlortimer, thinking: We are in so much trouble.. Rosemary: Halt, you.. not-rule-following guy! Sylvester: Aaaiiee!! Friday , December 17 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester, off-panel: Unhand me, you termagant! Rosemary, off-panel: Nope. Sorry. I only listenta Mr. Mortimer. Cuz he'z smart. Smarter. Than us, right now! Mortimer, thinking: Gotta think. Gotta think.. [[Rosemary pushes Sylvester into view.]] Mortimer: You will be hearing from my solicitor! Rosemary: N' he'z cute! Mortimer: OK.. OK.. Sylvester.. What is the last thing you /do/ remember? Sylvester: Well, this is patently ridiculous. I was.. I was... Sylvester: ... This is disturbing. Mortimer: Yes. And we're trying to fix it. Rosemary: Yer sorta cute, too, but not as much. Saturday , December 18 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks, Sylvester and Rosemary have been brain-zapped.]] Mortimer: Do you remember anything /at all/? Sylvester: Just now.. when you said Sylvester.. I knew.. That's my name, isn't it? Mortimer: Yes. Sylvester: And there was a girl.. woman.. Rosemary: Yeah, me! Rosemary! [[Outline of a small Nimue-figure with an attached arrow pointing back to the shape of the province of Abalone. All else is darkness.]] Sylvester: No. Not /you/. Nimue. Her name is Nimue Fayling. We're.. not married, are we? Mortimer: I'm sorry, no. Sylvester: Right. She returned back to.. Abalone. Which is far away. [[Stick-figure outline of Sylvester and Rosemary seeing Nimue's image near the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: I saw her, down by the riverside! She hada big rack, but it wuzn't really her! Sylvester: I'm.. starting to dislike you. Sunday , December 19 , 2010 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Crud is alone n the Shaft. He watches as two small robots are slowly pushing a vaguely tank-shaped object across the floor towards him.]] ((scrape)) [[Arriving in position, the obect's "turret" ((flips)) open a lid and ((CLICKs)) out a red-knobbed lever. At the same time, the top of the object also ((flips)) open, and pokes two purple prongs towards the ceiling.]] [[The prongs produce glowing letters: PULL THE LEVER.]] Crud, thinking: ..My first impulse is to /not/ engage in the suggested course of action.. but.. my first impulses are so often wrong.. Monday , December 20 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary is holding Sylvester's arms.]] Mortimer: Sylvester. Do you remember anything about.. Ettins? Sylvester: They.. were a species of thinkers. Then..something killed them all? Why? [[A view of the glowing spikes on the top of the resident menhir.]] Mortimer: We're way underground. Inside one of their places. It's very dangerous. One of their.. that thing there.. did this to you. Mortimer: And if you leave, something even worse might happen.We need to stay together. Please. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Very well. It's not as if I have any better idea, and for now, I am inclined to trust you. But keep the crazy woman away from me. Rosemary: There'z a crazy woman? She got straw inner hair? Tuesday , December 21 , 2010 [[In the Ettinworks. Sylvester and Rosemary have been brain-zapped by a menhir.]] Mortimer: OK.. please let go of him, Rosemary. Rosemary: Okey dokey, Mr. Mortimer! [[Sylvester looks at the menhir.]] Mortimer: Rosemary.. do /you/ remember everything? Rosemary: 'Course I do, Mr. Mortimer! [[Outline featuring stick-figurish depictions of Rosemary, Sylvester, the Tree, the Operator, Chauncy and Edgar, and the Great Riddler.]] Rosemary: I'm Rosemary Ripley. Yer Mr. Mortimer. Rosemary: Me n Sylvester saw that big tree, n that Opper-rator jerk, n Edgar n Chauncy n the Riddler, who's a big. Ich.. Ith.. Rosemary: Havin' trouble with the big words! Rosemary: N I can't.. Rosemary: Mr. Mortimer..? Mortimer: Yes, Rosemary? Rosemary: Yer gonna havta keep tellin' me what ta do! N I promise to try n do it! Mortimer: OK. All right. And I.. I promise to get us out of this. Wednesday , December 22 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: Rosemary.. just.. try and stay calm. And.. keep watch for anything st- even stranger. Rosemary: Okay dokay Mr. Mortimer! Mortimer: Now.. Sylvester? We're here by mistake, and trying to get out. I.. maybe I didn't make that clear. Sylvester: I was just hoping we weren't thieves.. no.. the Ettins are all dead. Looters. [[A closeup of the sign reading "37 TOUCH", with a pointing arrow.]] Mortimer: No. We're.. no. Anyway. Nir- someone.. we trust has been here, and left these signs to follow. Sylvester: . . . "Trust"? You just said this object is what did this to me! Mortimer: Yes, and to Rosemary.. Mortimer: Except.. Mortimer: /I'm/ the one who actually touched it.. Thursday , December 23 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: OK. Fine. Both of you. I've made a decision. Mortimer: We're touching the pooting thing again. [[Rosemary starts forward, index finger extended. Mortimer waps his umbrella against her, blocking her path.]] Rosemary: I promised. so.. Okey Dokey! Mortimer: No! Rosemary! Stop! Don't move! We do it all together. At the same time. Using the umbrella. Like I did before. [[Rosemary remains in place, finger still extended.]] Mortimer: And if it doesn't zap my brain, and just clicks again.. we go back to following the floor-number signs again, trying to get to "one". [[Mortimer walks back toward the menhir in question. Rosemary does not move.]] Sylvester: I'd refuse to do this, on general principles, but you'd just have her jump on me again, wouldn't you. Mortimer: . . . I guess I would. Yes. I'm sorry. Friday , December 24 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Behind Sylvester and Mortimer, Rosemary stands and points.]] Sylvester: So? Mortimer: I take it back. I'm not forcing you to do this. Not just cuz it wouldn't be right. Mortimer: You're smarter than me. Even now. And you might.. /do something/ that I can't stop. Mortimer: And one of us might.. I always sorta knew I'd die falling in a hole.. but if it was /you/ who- Mortimer: So. /I'm/ touching this thing again. Either do it with me, or leave. Get out of range before- Sylvester: You want me to make the decision? Is that it? /Fine!/ [[Sylvester pushes Mortimer closer.]] Sylvester: I'll also do what you say. A tad less /literally/, perhaps. You know what the zark's going on, and you're striving to do the right thing. So let's do it, "Mister Mortimer". Mortimer: Okey Dokey. Saturday , December 25 , 2010 [[A Christmas day filler-piece depicting a winter woodsy scene in which Rosemary, dressed in cold-weather gear, uses the Can-Opener to battle a gang of evil hostile snowmen.]] Sunday , December 26 , 2010 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft44f [[Crud is alone in the subShaft. Two small robots have pushed out a device which has sprouted a lever, and the glowing phrase PULL THE LEVER.]] Crud: I am.. I'm going to stick with my first impulse, and regretfully announce that I must refuse to fulfill your request. [[Something else is slowly pushed into view.]] ((SssCRAPE)) [[It is a pronged laser-type gun, complete with targeting sight, which sports the glowing phrase OR ELSE.]] Crud: Your counter-argument is /fairly/ compelling... Monday , December 27 , 2010 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary points without moving.]] Mortimer: OK Rosemary... Mortimer: Oh.. oh no.. I'm so sorry! Mortimer: I /didn't/ mean that you should literally not... Mortimer: I.. You can move again, Rosemary. But still.. don't /touch/ anything. Except my umbrella.. [[He waves the umbrella in front of her, with no reaction.]] Mortimer: . . . Rosemary? Mortimer: She's not moving. Sylvester: Perhaps the rubber band which powers her has snapped. Tuesday , December 28 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary is not moving.]] Mortimer: /NO!/ Mortimer: Don't say that! Even as a joke! She is not- Mortimer: ...what did I say? Stop. I ordered her to stop. She's /stopped./ Sylvester: How... exactly is that different than- Mortimer: I'll show you. And then we're getting out of here! [[He touches Rosemary's extended hand with his umbrella tip.]] Mortimer: Rosemary Ripley. I.. I order you- Mortimer: -to start up again! [[Her hand opens.]] Rosemary: Oh! Hi there Mr. Mortimer! Mortimer: Hello, Rosemary. From now on, I /order/ you to think before obeying one of my orders. Rosemary: Okay D.. Yes, Mr. Mortimer. Sylvester: Can /I/ do things like that? [[Mortimer points towards the waiting Menhir.]] Mortimer: What? Sylvester: You said we're brothers. Did we get trained or something? Mortimer: I didn't do anything! Rosemary just- never mind! Both of you! Stand in front of the Ettin thing! Grab my umbrella! NOW! PLEASE! Rosemary and Sylvester: . . . [[They stand in front of the Menhir, all holding onto the umbrella's handle.]] Rosemary: ..Ya /did/ mean the one inyer hand, Mr. Mortimer? N' not yer- Mortimer: Yes, Rosemary. The one.. you can see. Sylvester, thinking: I'm about to die.. [[The umbrella tip touches the Menhir.]] Wednesday , December 29 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer all hold Mortimer's umbrella as it touches the level's resident spike-topped menhir. There is a flash that turns everything but them to negative colors.]] ((click click click PING)) [[Sylvester looks around.]] Sylvester: OK.. that was impressive, but what happens n- [[The structure described by Mortimer below drops into view, stopping at the edge of the platform they are all standing on.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: We all get on that little railing- lined platform, I guess. Now. Please. [[They are on the platform. Mortimer closes the entrance-blocking bar.]] Sylvester: Were you /expecting/ this? Mortimer: ...I was sorta /hoping/ we might get.. I dunno.. a magic-door.. Panegate-type thingy.. but this wi- [[The platform is built onto the top of a Woosher, which goes ((WOOSHing)) up and out of sight.]] Thursday , December 30 , 2010 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer stand on a platform attached to a woosher, which is rising up through the various levels.]] Rosemary: Yay! No Oper-ator! Sylvester: What is this thing?! Mortimer: Folks call them Wooshers. I've never seen one this big that's still working. Mortimer: Rufus and you.. usually.. probably.. have ideas how they work, but I don't. Sylvester: I realize there are more immediate concerns, but.. Rufus? Mortimer: He's our brother. Sylvester: Oh. Sylvester: I don't suppose he would have any ideas on getting my memory fixed? Mortimer: No. Well.. probably not. I'm really hoping you both just get better, because- Rosemary: There'z no one ta help us, n' we getta stay like this ferever n' ever! Mortimer: No no. There's someone to ask. That's never the problem... Friday , December 31 , 2010 [[Riding up on top of Woosher, in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: So what is th- Rosemary: Hey! Whatif you'd zapped us /again/ back there? Maybe our heads wooda gone back ta normal! Sylvester: . . . Mortimer: . . . Rosemary: Nope? Ohwell! [[Sylvester and Mortimer look at each other as Rosemary turns away.]] [[Rosemary looks up and points.]] Mortimer: I.. think I'm glad none of us thought of that at the time. Sylvester: Yes. One of us. possibly me, would have been unbalanced enough to actually- Rosemary: Hey! Howcum there aren't any /ramps/? Saturday , January 1 , 2011 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer stand on a platform constructed on the top of a "Woosher", as the latter rises rapidly upward. Off to one side is a large sign,which first reads NEW YEAR, and then features two arrows: straight up being HAPPY, and to the right being SAD.]] Mortimer: What ramps? Rosemary: Xactly! We were climbin' all those ramps inside this tower-thingy! Rosemary: Now there's just the.. plat forms, the block- thingies, and.. the light-thingies! Mortimer: If Sylvester was.. here.. he'd have a theory. Rosemary. I don't. Mortimer: Except.. when we get off the Woosher, I bet they'll be back. Sunday , January 2 , 2011 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Crud is alone in the Shaft. Two small robots have pushed into view a device sporting a large lever. A separate zap-gun has been pushed out as well, and is pointed at Crud. Various glowing letters spell out PULL THE LEVER/ OR ELSE.]] Crud: ..But as I think about it, I am a pariah, deservedly so, who created a monster. I am stuck here near the very bottom of the world. My mate is gone, we had no offspring. Crud: And so.. ultimately.. I also have no /real/ fear of death. Thus.. once again.. I must respectfully decline. [[Noises come from above. The gun ((scoots)) back a piece, and loses its attached lettering.]] ((click clickty clack)) [[A clearly mechanical cat has descended, attached to a jointed-lever arrangement. It has the word MEOW glowing above it. The gun's message reforms as "OR THE CAT GETS IT."]] Crud: You /fiend!!/ Monday , January 3 , 2011 [[2011 Secret Santa art from Dragonkingdoms of the webcomic Dawn of a New Era. A picture of the Mansion and Forest and their various inhabitants: Frowgler, Digger, a Saur, a Nome, Camora, Nevus and Guttle, and Rosemary, Sylvester (wearing Hax) and Mortimer.]] Tuesday , January 4 , 2011 [[At the entrance of Le Tree.]] Comshaw: I just /assumed/ we were coming here, rather than Nevus's official office. Skradt: Yeah, he /was/ over there, but th- yeah. [[Forfind guards the entrance with a club.]] Forfind: Skradt..? What happened to th' other tw- Comshaw: Get out of our way, Forfind. Forfind: . . . [[He has gotten out of the way. Comshaw and Skradt go in.]] Forfind, thinking: Boss wants to see Comshaw, he gets to zarking see Comshaw. Wednesday , January 5 , 2011 [[Inside Le Tree. Skradt and Comshaw walk past arrows pointing towards SPATCHCOCK, EXHIBITS and EXIT.]] [[They walk past the three exhibit cases, which are all broken and empty.]] {{Held a ABOL, a Plant and a Hamster.]] [[Then the Uninteresting Growth.]] ((zzp zzp zzp)) [[Outside Spatchcock the Eyebolt's office. Frag the Gnoll is guarding the door.]] Comshaw: Frag. Frag: Comshaw. Thursday , January 6 , 2011 [[Outside Spatchcock's office in Le Tree. Skradt is following Comshaw.]] Comshaw: I'm here to talk to Nevus. I believe he's expecting me. Frag the Gnoll: Oh yeah. He wants to talk to you, /bad/. Frag: But you ain't takin' that phizzstick in there with you. Comshaw: Yes I am. But I swear, on my Finagler, that tonight, while in Le Tree, I will not attack Nevus or any more of his employees with it. Comshaw: ... /If/ you open that door, right now. Frag: . . . [[Inside the office. Spatchcock is at his desk. Nevus is in the small Tree branch on the desk. Miimsy the Gnoll and Mulch the Troglodyte are also present.]] Comshaw: Let's get this over with, shall we? Nevus: Indeed. Friday , January 7 , 2011 [[Spatchcock the Eyebolt's office inside Le Tree. A large crowd is assembled for Comshaw's arrival: Spatchcock, Mimsy and Frag the Gnolls, Nevus, Malcolm the Boogieman, Nealguye the Motihaul and Skradt.]] Nevus: You w- Comshaw: Here's my offer. In exchange for everybody just metaphorically walking away from this, I vow to tell you the unvarnished truth about.. whatever it is you want so badly for me to tell you about. And.. Comshaw: I will give you an important, no, critical bit of information that I am.. about 100% certain you don't have. Nevus: . . . Nevus: Agreed. Nevus: So tell me, Comshaw.. Nevus: Why did that phizzer Preznit have you hire those two forest Nomes to come in here and trigger a zarking WAR that neither of us wanted to fight?! Comshaw: . . . Saturday , January 8 , 2011 [[In Spatchcock's office in Le Tree. Mimsy the Gnoll and Malcolm the Boogieman listen to the conversation.]] Nevus: Now, of course, comes the part where you claim you have no idea what I'm talking about. Comshaw: Oh no. I know. [[Outline of CamoraHax meeting Rosemary and Sylvester outside Le Tree.]] Comshaw: Earlier today, two.. individuals /resembling/ overgrown Nomes came through Le Tree. They wore mining helmets, and called themselves Rosemary and Sylvester. Comshaw: What trouble, exactly, they caused, my informants did not say. [[Outline of Comshaw meeting Rosemary and Sylvester at the Basement door.]] Comshaw: But they were in this office, yes? I can just smell their scent. Which I recognize because I also met them today for the first time. Comshaw: Up near God's Cactus, not in the forest. Comshaw: Met /briefly/. I did not hire them, or send them anywhere. If Preznit did, which sadly is not outside the realm of possibility, I was NOT involved. Anyone who has said otherwise is, /at best/, misinformed. Spactchcock: HEY! Sunday , January 9 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is alone in the shaft. Some small robots have drug out a device from which has popped a leverl. A large energy-gun has been dragged out as well, and is pointed at a fake cat which descends from above on a jointed lever. Various glowing letters read PULL THE LEVER/ OR THE CAT GETS IT. The cat "says" MEOW. Crud sighs and pulls the lever.]] ((click BA-DING)) [[The gun and the lever are pushed/dragged away with much ((SCRAPING)). The cat remains.]] [[The cat levers over to Crud and goes PURR. Crud smiles sadly and pats it.]] Monday , January 10 , 2011 [[In Spatchcock the Eyebolt's office in Le Tree. Mimsy the Gnoll and Malcolm the Boogieman are also present.]] Spatchcock: I resent- Nevus: Shut up, Spatchcock. I believe both of you. The Nomes were lying. [[Outline of Comshaw meeting Mortimer in the crater in the Forest.]] Nevus: So, Comshaw, what is this information I do not possess? Comshaw: First off, this evening I met another of these "Nomes" in the forest. [[Outllne of The Earl of legend equaling a spindly Nome.]] Comshaw: He.. claimed they are actually Humans. So either they lied about that too.. Nevus: Or Humans have just been big overgrown Nomes all along. [[Outline of Sylvester confronting Snoot the Motihaul.]] Comshaw: Yes. And the male who visited here, Sylvester, is supposedly The Earl. Nevus: Yes. I'm told HE claimed that HERE. So this is not terribly NEW. Tuesday , January 11 , 2011 [[Inside Spatchcock's office in Le Tree. Comshaw walks as Frag the Gnoll and Malcolm the Bogeyman stand nearby.]] Comshaw: Indeed. The real reason I came here. (Stay calm, Frag..) Comshaw: I took a calculated risk. [[Neilguye the Motihaul watches nervously, holding papers in his hand. He has a Fixit on his head.]] Comshaw: But a small one. I figured on a day like this, Nevus would have his chief number-twister close by. Comshaw: Hello, Neilguye. Neilguye: Comshaw? [[Comshaw ((WAPs)) the Fixit off Neilguye's head with his stick.]] [[The Fixit flies through the air over Comshaw and Frag's heads.]] Fixit: PHIZZ! Comshaw: /Don't let it g-/ [[Malcolm catches it in his gloved hand and ((CRUNCHes)) it.]] Comshaw: ...Yes. like that. Thank you, Malcolm. Wednesday , January 12 , 2011 [[In Spatchcock the Eyebolt's office in Le Tree. Malcolm the Boogieman tosses a dead Fixit onto Spatchcock's desk.]] ((THUNK)) Nevus: ZARK! Nevus: . . . It was spying. Comshaw: That would be my assumption. Nevus: For who? Comshaw: For God, evidently. [[Frag the Gnoll and Skradt look down at Neilguye the Motihaul, who sitting dazed on the floor.]] Comshaw: Don't blame Neilguye.Too much. These things, I don't know if they even have a name, are able to control their "wearers" somehow. [[Outline of Camora facing Hax, with lines trailing between them.]] Nevus: And of course, you're NOT going to tell me how you learned all of this. Comshaw: We Gnolls are able to.. fight them off, at least for a time. Might come in handy when you're trying to catch one alive. Thursday , January 13 , 2011 [[In Spatchcock the Eyebolt's office in Le Tree. Comshaw leaves, watched by Spatchcock, Nevus and Mimsy the Gnoll. Malcolm the Boogieman tugs experimentally at his hat.]] Comshaw: And that's all the information I currently have, so I will be on my way. Comshaw: Hello, Mimsy. Mimsy: [waves] [[Comshaw walks past where Neilguye the Motihaul is lying on the ground, looking dazed. Frag the Gnoll and Skradt watch.]] Nevus: Comshaw. [[Nevus looks out of the small Tree branch on Spatchcock's desk.]] Comshaw: Yes, Mr. Nevus? Nevus: Why are you here? Comshaw: Because with you and Agita.. and Guttle.. I know exactly where I stand. The Humans.. God.. ? Whatever they are plotting.. together or separately.. it can't be good. Nevus: ...Fine. Nevus: Since you're no doubt headed to report in to those idiots at the Council anyway.. Nevus: Tell them I'll be in touch. Comshaw: Wouldn't have it any other way. Friday , January 14 , 2011 [[Comshaw leaves Le Tree. The Uninteresting Growth is in the foreground.]] Comshaw: Shouldn't you be with your employer in his hour of need? Skradt, off-panel: Big argument started about the.. Nevus.. believing you. Don't need me for that. Comshaw: Mmmm. Skradt: Are you gonna go tell Agita and Guttle about all this, too? Comshaw: I'll tell Agita tomorrow, but she'll probably have found out already.. [[Outline of Agita and Guttle, with Agita holding a Fixit.]] Skradt: What about Guttle? Comshaw: Agita is reasonable, in her.. cold-blooded way. Guttle.. even if he agreed to see me.. is of the "chomp the messenger" ethos. Saturday , January 15 , 2011 [[Leaving Le Tree.]] Skradt: So.. what are you gonna do /now/? Comshaw: What I was headed to do before our paths crossed. Comshaw: Go to the Council chamber, report about Humans, since that's what they hired me to do. If, as is likely, Widendreem is there, refine my hatspy-bapping technique. Comshaw: And then I'm going to go home to Camora, and hopefully eventually get some sleep. Comshaw: What are /you/ going to do? Skradt: . . . [[Skradt looks back.]] [[He follows Comshaw down the stairs.]] Sunday , January 16 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is alone in the shaft. A mechanical cat has descended from above on a jointed lever; it is displaying the glowing word MEOW. Crud is dangling a piece of string.]] Crud: I met a real cat once. Made ouf of flesh and blood, anyway. This was long before the bean. I was up exploring near the Hall of Death. It was missing an eye. [[The cat's jointed tail bats at the string.]] Crud: I even knew what it was. Crispen.. the Boogieman? He left one of his books lying out.. intentionally, I suspect.. and I read it (Don't tell Chunner.) There was a cat, and.. what was it chasing? ((click clack)) [[With a ((CLUNK)), a mechanical mouse drops into view from above. The cat's eyes shift with a ((CLANK)), and the word above it changes to RAWR.]] Crud: Oh, right. Mices. Mouses. Meeces? Monday , January 17 , 2011 [[2011 Secret Santa art from Michael Dellheim of the webcomic Prepare To Die. Shadows of Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer are cast across a chamber carved out of stone. A comicstrip lies on the floor of the chamber, its details unreadable.]] Mortimer: We've been wandering around here for weeks! Mortimer: Why don't we just give up already? Sylvester: Just a little farther.. I know they left that guest comic right around here somewhere.. Rosemary: After all this time, this had better be the most hilarious thing I've ever seen, or so help me.. Tuesday , January 18 , 2011 [[Chapter title: CLOSING OUT AN ERA [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are on a platform on top of a Woosher, which is rising up a shaft in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Around them are blocks studded here and there with small spikes. Magic/electricity dances between the spikes. On a platform sits a pile of objects: a large I with the word DREAM written down it, the word FREE made of metal, sitting on something resembling a stylized "@" symbol, which in turn is on a large block labelled LAST.]] Sylvester: What is this I'm wearing on my head? Mortimer: It's a mining helmet. Keep it on, please. I wish I had mine down here. Sylvester: It's /dented/. Is that how I really lost my memory? Rosemary: Nah, I whacked ya on the head hours n' hours ago! Sylvester: Of course you did. Wednesday , January 19 , 2011 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are riding up a shaft on top of a Woosher.]] Mortimer: Rosemary.. why did you hit Sylvester over the head? Rosemary; Cuz he told me ya started Moe Wines! Sylvester: WHAT? Mortimer: Oh. [[Outline of Rosemary reacting to a sample of Moe Wine's wares.]] Sylvester: "Oh?" ..."Moe Wine" is.. that awful? Mortimer: Yes, Sylvester, pretty much. Rosemary.. they sell it Out West? Rosemary: The Troll's Tuft Ale.. place, 2-6-7-0 Hodgkins Court, Jonetown, sure does! Bllecch! [[Outline of a table marked with a "Mansionland" Y, on which is some sort of glowing bush or centerpiece. Two hands hold up wine glasses on either side; the glasses are marked W and E.]] Mortimer: Rufus said once that some rich guy with horrible mutant tastebuds must be keeping them in business. But if it's out there.. there must be more than one of them.. Thursday , January 20 , 2011 [[In the Ettinworks central tower, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer ride up on Woosher.]] Sylvester: Mining helmets.. wine.. what it is we /do/? For a living? Mortimer: I was saying to Yasmine, /i/ don't really.. You're the 23rd Earl of E. [[Outline of Sylvester dressed royally, Mortimer slightly less so, and Rosemary in grungy peasant garb.]] Sylvester: . . . You're claiming we're all members of the nobility. Mortimer: Well. Rosemary isn't.. or... are you, Rosemary? Rosemary: Nopey dopey! [[Outline of RoyalSylvester ranting at cowering peasants as they offer him items on a tray.]] Sylvester: Assuming I believe this.. Do my vassals tremble at my approach? Do I wield the whip firmly? Mortimer: . . . well... [[Outline of RoyalMortimer being offered a contract to sign by a shady-looking individual.]] Sylvester: So my leadership abilities match my prowess as an oenologist. Mortimer: A what? No! You're the right man for the job! If anything ever happened to y.. oh dear.. Friday , January 21 , 2011 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are riding on a platform on top of a Woosher, which is rising up a shaft.]] Mortimer: If we can't get you fixed.. you might have to /abdicate/! Sylvester: And you'd take over. Mortimer: No! I /never/ wanted to be Earl! [[Outline of Ace "dealing" with a contract by flourishing his sword.]] Mortimer: /And/ I'm third in line. Which would make.. ugh. Ace is a great guy, but... Mortimer: There's a reason he went Out West.. [[Outline of Lil watching sadly as Lenore berates Thenody the Oracle. Dirge the Guardian watches as well.]] Mortimer: If he and I pass it by, we get to the twins.. Mortimer: Lil's.. like me, sorta. Lenore is... smart.. comes the closest to.. but.. no. [[Outline of Rufus giving a complex equation-laden lecture to a father and young daughter, complete with pointer and display-board.]] Mortimer: ...and Rufus.... he's VERY smart... with things.. not people... Mortimer: We have to get you fixed. Whatever it's gonna cost. Saturday , January 22 , 2011 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are riding on a platform on top of a Woosher, which is rising up a shaft.]] Sylvester: ..What does this healer person of yours /charge/ that's so- Rosemary: There'z Mz Clepe! [[Rosemary points.]] Mortimer: What? Rosemary: Down there now! [[On a passing platform, a blonde woman with a large bow in her hair is painting letters on a sign.]] Rosemary: Hi, Mz. Clepe! [[The Woosher carries its passengers on out of sight. The blonde woman watches it go, in evident surprise. She holds out her free hand in a sort of wave.]] Rosemary: Bye Mz Clepe! Sunday , January 23 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud watches at the mechanical cat goes chasing after an equally-fake mouse.]] ((click clack)) Cat: RAWR [[The mouse zooms off the panel.]] Crud: I do hope that Chunner and Cully don't dawdle too terribly much on their outing. If they aren't back when the Upheaval arrives and the Individual Emergency Shelter Pods fully deploy.. that would be inconvenient. [[The cat disappears as well.]] Crud: ..On a marginally related topic.. could that possibly have been an upheaval Instigation Lever that I just pulled? Monday , January 24 , 2011 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Riding up a shaft on a Woosher.]] Sylvester: And who exactly is "Miss Clepe"? Mortimer: We thought Nirvana Clepe was making the signs we're following. Mortimer: But that wasn't her, Rosemary. I've never seen that woman before. Rosemary: Oh. Then she'z Mz Teree! Mortimer: Huh? Oh.. OK.. [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester's brief meeting with Uncle Frederick.]] Mortimer: ..Guess we have to call her something.. Unless..You and Sylvester.. didn't see her earlier today? Rosemary: No hoomans sighted, Mr. Mortimer, except Unc Frederick! [[Outline of the Weirdo spying on Rosemary and Sylvester in the Basement.]] Sylvester: Is "Frederick" her or our- Mortimer: Ours, Sylvester. Rosemary: N' we heard the Weirdo. Least, that's what /he/ said. Tuesday , January 25 , 2011 [[Riding up on a Woosher inside the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: So.. what.. we spend time together? I'm not.. married to /you/, am I? Rosemary: Nope! Ya were /sposed/ ta g- Mortimer: You're not married to anyone, Sylvester. Sylvester: So why do we keep her around? Rosemary: I'm yer bodyguard, and yer my native guide! Sylvester: Bodyguard? What, I have rival nobles or something trying to kill me?! Rosemary: I dunno! Maybe! I've only been here fer- Mortimer: Rosemary! Please! Just.. Don't talk! [[Rosemary salutes.]] Mortimer: Unless.. unless it's .. related to your bodyguard duties! Keep watching! Sylvester: You're telling me we went to.. to Hack N' Slash.. and /she/ was the best they had? Wednesday , January 26 , 2011 [[The central tower of the Ettinworks. Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are on a platform on top of a Woosher, which is rising up a shaft.]] Mortimer: "Hack N' Slash?" Is your memory coming back? Sylvester: I.. No. I guess not. That just popped into my head. [[Outline of a nondescript man working a desk. On the wall behind him is an Audravanian flag, a large portrait of some dignity, and some plaques.]] Sylvester: If I start probing.. There are pieces.. this is.. Audravania.. Sylvester: The governator is named.. Hedley.. something. Hebetude! [[Outline of an angry Sylvester reading a newspaper, while Mortimer plays with an action figure.]] Mortimer: Yes, I guess. That's politics. I don't pay much mind. Sylvester: Why do I remember /that/, of all things? Mortimer: Well.. Even I know you don't like him very much. [[Hopobefevfer works her way up a rubble-choked corridor, her Operator-enhanced senses probing ahead. Dialogue is in narration-boxes.]] Sylvester: What? Have we met? Is he the one trying to kill me? Mortimer: No one's trying to kill you. Unless you.. made some mortal enemy just today. Thursday , January 27 , 2011 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester are riding on top of a "woosher" inside the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: Getting back to.. here and now. If.. Ms Teree put up the signs.. She.. maybe knows where this woosher is headed..? Sylvester: You're asking me? Rosemary, looking up: Bodyguard alert! Mortimer: Yes, Rosemary? Rosemary: I know where we're goin'! Mortimer: Where? Rosemary: Shish-ka-bob city! Sylvester: What.. some Tomanian /restaurant?/ [[Above them, the woosher-shaft ends with a collection of large glowing spikes.]] Rosemary: Nah, silly! Up there! Mortimer: Oh, dear. Sylvester: Wonderful. Friday , January 28 , 2011 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are riding on a platform on top of a Woosher. Above them, the shaft it is using ends in a collection of large glowing spikes.]] Rosemary: There'z a flat-thingy! We can jumpoff! Sylvester: Jump?! [[The Woosher comes to an abrupt stop at the platform which Rosemary was talking about, safely below the spikes. Power dances between the base of the Woosher and a collection of smaller spikes mounted on the shaft's sidewalls.]] [[Mortimer flips open the platform's "gate"]] Mortimer: I... guess we can just walk.. Mortimer: Let's do so. Quickly. Saturday , January 29 , 2011 [[Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are on a new platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. The woosher they rode up on is behind them. Also on the platform is a spike-topped menhir, with a human sign saying "12. Touch.", and an arrow pointing at the menhir.]] Mortimer: And now comes the hard part. Sylvester: ...which is..? Mortimer: Making more decisions. Rosemary: Bodyguard alert! The wallz are all gone! Sunday , January 30 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud is alone in the Shaft. The chute drops into view from above.]] ((RRUMMBBLLEE)) ((SHUNK)) [[Cully is spit out of the chute, dripping some pink liquid.]] ((PAHTUI)) Cully: AAAAIEE! ((THUD)) Crud: Oh, good! Cully! You've returned! [[The lid of the chute ((unflips))]] Crud: Ironically, I was just thinking how lucky you were that you were allowed to /walk/ down here when you were first assigned to this subShaft, and not "greased up" and sent via the chute! Cully: oog. Monday , January 31 , 2011 [[On a platform in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary vigorously waves her hand.]] Mortimer: Walls? Rosemary: Well, the block-thingys all 'round us on the way up! [[The Woosher they had been riding drops back out of view.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: What /is/ this place? Mortimer: All I know is I want to leave. Rosemary, to the Woosher: bye! Sylvester: Why did we even come here? Mortimer: . . . Rosemary.. why /did/ you come down into the Basement? Rosemary: Huh? Oh! We wanted a big ol' pot! Mortimer: . . . [[Outline of a lantern-bearing Mortimer exploring a pot-filled room.]] Rosemary: To dump oil on bad folks! Like Tansy! But we got all.. off track! Mortimer: A siege pot? But there's a whole /room/ full of those over in the Barracks! Mortimer: I guess I.. never told Sylvester about finding that.. Tuesday , February 1 , 2011 [[An outline of Audra the 17th Earl ordering troops into battle.]] Sylvester: Barracks? We have an army? Mortimer: Not anymore. I mean, our great-great-whatever grandmother Audra did. Mortimer: Now it's just us and empty buildings. And I.. we.. have to decide. [[An outline of "Ms. Teree" painting a sign depicting the path of the woosher on which the heroes just rode.]] Mortimer: Like I said before.. Ms Teree I think must know the Woosher took us here to level.. twelve. Mortimer: So.. do we wait, and see if she shows up with explanations... or do we keep following her signs? [[They stand on a ledge in the Ettinworks, with a menhir behind them.]] Rosemary: Bodyguard maybe! 'stead of explan-ations, she shows up with a great big axe! Cuz we're tres-passin! Sylvester: . . . Mortimer: . . . Rosemary: Whack! [[They walk away.]] Sylvester: I think your whole "getting out of here" idea was a good one. Mortimer: Yes. OK. Back to ramp-climbing. Rosemary: Course, a bignuff axe is sorta an explan-nation! Wednesday , February 2 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are on one of the levels in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Ahead of them are ramps going up and down, and a Human-installed signpost.]] Sylvester: So, we go up that ramp? We're underground, aren't we? Mortimer: We keep following the numbers on the signs.. so.. [[A closeup of the sign. One arrow points up, and is numbered 14. It also has a picture of a groundhog being frightened by his shadow, and the word LUGHN- ASADH, and much smaller, PURE. The other arrow points down, and has the number 9, the word IMBOLC, a candle and a frog on a lillypad.]] Mortimer: No. We go down. Even tho, yes, we are underground. Mortimer: This place.. twists around. Sylvester: Some sort of.. tesseract...? Mortimer: I.. don't know. Maybe? Sylvester: Someone gave me.. a lecture on them. A scary woman.. Thursday , February 3 , 2011 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary waves]] Mortimer: Scary woman? That sounds like- Sylvester: She was wearing a hooded robe and a little flat hat. Mortimer: ..A hat? Then I don't.. yes, Rosemary? [[Outline of a bearded man telling a story to two enthusiastic children, with Rosemary as a witness.]] Rosemary: Musta been at the Uni-Versity! On the Caravan, Prof Marvel usta teach there, n' still had his gear! Rosemary: ..Or least he said he usta. Nice, but his whole job-thingy was teilin' stories.. [[Outline of two small figures on a tower.]] Sylvester: University.. yes. There's a memory there. A high tower. Sylvester: I was with Nimue. It was cold. Dark. We looked down, and the lights of a.. city, must have been.. were all spread out below.. I was happy, I think. [[Outline of Sylvester attending a lecture at the university; a model tesseract hangs from wires.]] Sylvester: But anyway. Tesseracts. If.. we go down that ramp, and come back up..we won't necessarily be here, on this level? Mortimer: Um. Yes. We think. Let's go. UpDown to "nine". Friday , February 4 , 2011 [[Descending a ramp in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Getting back to bodyguards.. if she's mine, then she also has to do what /I/ say! Rosemary: Bodyguard clarif kation!! Yes n' no! Mortimer: Um.. Go on, Rosemary. [[Outline of Sylvester eating a fancy meal, while Rosemary lurks behind a large potted plant.]] Rosemary: Hash N' Slack rules: Thingz are OK? The bodyguard stays quiet n' inviz-ible. [[Outline: The Crudbean has appeared, destroying the room. Rosemary fends it off with a large carrot-grater, while holding Sylvester by the collar.]] Rosemary: Thingz go wrong? The bodyguard takez charge! Sylvester: ..And ...things have gone really wrong. Mortimer: Yes. And so you do what Rosemary tells you to do. Rosemary: Yay! Dance like a monkey! Mortimer: ..With.. within reason. Rosemary: Aww! Saturday , February 5 , 2011 [[Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary walk down a ramp in the central tower in the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: Do you remember anything else the Scary Professor said about tesser-whatits? Are they the same thing as twist-points? Sylvester: Twist..? No, I-. Wait. Yes. We.. Humans at least.. can only comprehend three dimensions. Plus time. Tesseracts are.. four dimensional objects. Five. Sylvester: So if we are inside one I don't know we'd.. Mortimer: I do. Mortimer: It /is/ just a fancy word for twistpoints. Means we're the ones who disappeared, not the wall-things.. We stepped onto the platform. Twisted off somewhere... Mortimer: And we're maybe doing it again right now! Sylvester: Um.. OK. Rosemary: Whee! Sunday , February 6 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Cully has returned the Shaft via the chute sticking down from above; he is lying out of sight on the floor. Cully's dart comes blasting through the patch welded on the chute's side.]] ((BAM)) Crud: Isn't Chunner with you? We need him back as well. Cully: Wha? Who? No.. we.. got separated.. [[The chute ((UNSHUNKs)) back out of sight. Cully pokes his head into view.]] Crud: Wait.. if you came down the chute, what.. gratuity.. did you forfeit to Bakeesh that he let you back through the Airlock into Input Processing? Cully: Input..? No.. I was with.. Tuttle. [[Cully holds up the HJ42/Zorper.]] Crud: Tuttle..? Even I don't believe in Tuttle. She is a myth. Cully: Well.. that's what she said her name was. She gave me this. Crud: . . . ! Monday , February 7 , 2011 [[Coming off a ramp onto a level, in the central tower of the Ettinworks. Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary look at the arrow signpost waiting for them. The base is labelled 9.]] [[A closeup of the two arrows. The upward arrow is labelled "7 THE BEST OF TIMES" with possibly a waving hand. The downward arrow is labelled "THE WORST OF TIMES 12", with some miscellaneous scribblings.]] Mortimer: Well.. now I guess we finally find out for sure. Back up the ramp. Please. Tuesday , February 8 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer climb a ramp in the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] [[They come up onto a new level, with a signpost waiting for them, the base of which is marked 7.]] [[Looking at the sign. The upward arrow is marked 6, the downward one 10, along with possibly a drawing of a kite.]] Mortimer: Wow. It's both disturbing and a relief. Sylvester: Does all that extra scribbling mean anything? Rosemary: Bodyguard theory: Tru luv! Wednesday , February 9 , 2011 [[Near a signpost in the Central Tower of the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: "True love?" Rosemary: Sez so on the sign there! [[Closeup of the part of the sign Rosemary talks about.]] Rosemary: NC+AS. NC is prob'ly "Nirvana Clepe", and AS is prob'ly.. Miss Teree! Or.. Ann OminouSSS! Rosemary: 'Less of course, Ms. Clepe has more'n one wife! Mortimer: ..Two wives? [[Outline of a woman and two men holding hands, all with birds sitting on their heads.]] Mortimer: No. Nirvana wouldn't.. Do people do that where you come from? Rosemary: Weelll.. not in Moonin, but those Clanz.. in Erewhon, they get up ta stuff! Mortimer: Wow. The thought of just /one/ wife sort of terrifies me. Sylvester's the one who wants to get married. Rosemary: I know! He'z gonna go look fer one, n' I'll stay here n' take care of stuff! Sylvester: I am? We are? Oh good. Thursday , February 10 , 2011 [[Inside the Ettinworks-tower.]] Sylvester: So.. you.. notice these sort of things, do you? Rosemary: Course! Sack N'- Mortimer: Guys!! Talk /and/ walk! We're /leaving!/ [[They walk up a ramp.]] Rosemary: Moonin! Land o' th' Lobster-fishers! [[A sign labelled 4 pointing down.]] Sylvester: So.. you went to.. some sort of.. school? [[They walk down a ramp.]] Rosemary: ..they showed me howta juggle, it wuz fun- [[A sign labelled 3 pointing up.]] Sylvester: -then they sent you to..guard me..? [[They walk up a ramp.]] Rosemary: And Baldy.. he wuz my boss, sorta.. he said- [[A sign labelled 2 pointing up.]] Sylvester: Wait.. who's Zeke? Was he on this Caravan, too? [[A sign labelled 1 pointing up.]] Rosemary: -then I heard 'bout /Tansy/ and the /Qu-/ Mortimer: Guys! [[They are standing on a ramp which is coming up out of the floor. The base of blocks are visible behind them.]] Mortimer: We're here, I guess. Rosemary: Neato! Friday , February 11 , 2011 [[In the central tower of the Ettinworks. Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer have come up a last ramp and are standing in a large room featuring a collection of blocks and trapezoid-shaped menhirs, one of which is topped with a glowing spike. Two large windows look out onto the darkness of the Ettinwork's pillars. Behind them, a large human-installed sign reads WELCOME TO THE ETTINWORKS. FOLLOW SIGNS TO THE DESIRED LEVEL. DO NOT TOUCH (UNLESS TOLD TO TOUCH). DO NOT WEAR WHITE MESSAGE T-SHIRTS. /OBEY ALL SIGNS/.]] Rosemary: Those are the windowz we saw from downlow! Mortimer: Yes. At least.. I certainly hope so, and that we're out of here. There. Saturday , February 12 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw approach the entrance-gate of the Basement Council chambers. A branch of the Tree grows to one side, to the other is mounted a large bone, on the top of which is perched a C-logo. Overhead reads the word WELCOME. Beyond, a tunnel leads to a lighted area.]] Skradt: I s'pose it's.. no surprise that I've never been here. Comshaw: mm [[Inside the tunnel. Overhead is a large pot of some heated substance. Spears and other weapons poke from holes in the walls. A trapdoor leads to a spiked pit.]] Skradt: ..Is that gate ever closed? I'd've thought after today.. Comshaw: "Anyone who wishes to petition the Council can approach at anytime and do so." Comshaw: ..but be prepared to face the consequences.. Sunday , February 13 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Cully has the Zorper/HJ42]] Cully: You recognize this thing? Crud: In a.. strictly literal sense. I once saw Protus in possession of an object which.. very much resembled that. Crud: What is it? Cully: I'm not entirely.. Tuttle said that I had to ''explain'' to both you and Chunner, and he's Chunner, off-panel: Kid! You're alive! [[Chunner appears behind Cully.]] Chunner: I thought that monstrosity of Callithump's had dusted you! Cully: No. I'm all right. I guess. Crud: What did Callithump build now? Cully: I'll try and ''explain''.. Monday , February 14 , 2011 [[At the entrance to the Basement Council chambers. Witherward the Eyebolt sits behind her desk.]] Comshaw: Hello Witherward. Witherward: Comshaw. And..? [[Witherward puts her hand on the lever mounted on her desk.]] Comshaw: Skradt. He's with me. We want to see the Council. Witherward: Skradt the Troglodyte. Do you /really/ want to s- Comshaw: Just pull the zarking lever. [[Witherward pulls the lever with a ((CLUNK)).]] Skradt: Wait, what happens when she pulls "the [[Skradt and Comshaw fall down a shaft, Comshaw more upright and composed.]] Skradt: l e v e e r r r r ?! Comshaw, thinking: Just think. Some idiot dreamed up this whole arrangement. Then.. evidently.. decided it was a good idea.. Tuesday , February 15 , 2011 [[Comshaw and Skradt come sliding down a ramp into the Basement Council chambers, Comshaw more gracefully. In the background can dimly be seen a large branch of The Tree, and the Council's elaborate aurilnode setup, manned by an eyebolt. There is a gnoll as well, wearing a hat.]] [[Comshaw and Skradt find themselves confronting the Council. Aprat the Helipath, Wunk the Gnoll, Preznit the chairbeing, Doyen the Trog, and Gavzada the Motihaul. Also present are Twiz the Gobule, Snerd the Gnoll, an unnamed Ghast wielding a very large spoon, and Chumley the Boogieman.]] Preznit: Ah, Comshaw. And..? Doyen: That's /Skradt!/ He's one of Nevus's /thugs/! Preznit: Really.. Comshaw: Well, this is disturbingly convenient.. Wednesday , February 16 , 2011 [[In the Basement Council chambers. Skradt looks up as Comshaw walks forward]] Comshaw: Yes, Doyen. Skradt here has worked for Nevus in the past. Doyen the Troglodyte: "In the past?! " He- Comshaw: -is here in a strictly unofficial capacity. Comshaw: He is thinking of becoming a Poker, and is observing my typical day. Skradt: I d- yes. Right. Preznit: Fascinating. However, events have pushed the..human issue.. to the back of the queue. [[Comshaw looks at the female Ghast with the large spoon, she is possibly a "Stirrer".]] Preznit: ..and so, unless you have some other reason for being here- Comshaw: I do. And having such illustrious guests present... makes it all the more relevant. Twiz: We didn't do it! Thursday , February 17 , 2011 [[In the Basement Council Chamber.]] Comshaw: "It", Twiz? Twiz the Gobule: ..!! Twiz: ..Whatever you're here for.. Comshaw: That's a lie. You got yourself selected as Maw's metaphorical righthand guy. And I want him to know about this. [[He turns to the female Ghast with the large spoon.]] Comshaw: And.. I'd say that I'd never met a Stirrer face to face.. but I still haven't, have I? You're not really here. In the actual Council chamber. {{He is speaking in the political sense, not literal physical reality.}} Ghast: Quite. [[Commander Chumley listens.]] Comshaw: Well, if someone could pass this along to the Ghast.. high command, it would be helpful. Comshaw: Commander Chumley. The Boogiemen will, I think, be even more directly interested. [[Comshaw comes to Snerd.]] Comshaw: And then we get to.. . . . Comshaw: Why exactly are /you/ here, Snerd? Snerd: You think this was my idea?! Sina's got me delivering her messages! Friday , February 18 , 2011 [[In the Basement Council chamber.]] Comshaw: Sina. I've been up in the Forest all day, but I got a.. garbled report that she's been busy. Preznit: Indeed. Snerd was about to explain his presence here. Snerd the Gnoll: ...I was? Oh. [[Behind Snerd is a collection of outlines: Wrawa the Troglodyte attacking Crazy Rhid, Othara the Motihaul exploring, Urwyn the small Wyrm watching, and Sina getting a report from Catmorlo and Skuy the Gnolls.]] Snerd: Sina.. and.. and a bunch of us.. kicked Rhid out of his.. place. It turns out it's.. huge. I guess that Othara's still.. poking around, finding stuff. Snerd: ..and she.. Sina.. wanted to tell.. /say/ to you all that.. she supports the Council and everything, but she's.. we're not leaving. Snerd: She also says.. The Council can send.. a watcher. Or something. If you want. Preznit: How kind of her. Does- Twiz the Gobule: You're setting up a new Hall?! [[Comshaw watches this conversation.]] Snerd: What? I dunno. Maybe. Twiz: Have you Contracted a clean-up crew yet? Snerd: I.. no, I don't think so.. Twiz: Are there Guards and walls? Snerd: Fosic's.. building.. stuff..? Twiz: This could be just what we need! Saturday , February 19 , 2011 [[In the Council chamber in the Basement.]] Preznit: Obviously, Snerd, Twiz, you have much to discuss. As for the rest of us.. Preznit: While Rhid had his.. rather infamous flaws.. he /was/ serving a useful- Gavzada: Ahem. Preznit: ...Yes, Gavzada? [[Gavzada is the Miotihaul council member.]] Gavzada: "Was". Snerd. Is Rhid in fact dead? Snerd: um. Last I saw.. heard.. no. I guess Sina sent Kronk.. he's a Trog.. after him, but.. [[Comshaw and Skradt listen to this.]] Preznit: So we work from the assumption that Rhid shall resurface and present us further.. Gavzada: Opportunities. Preznit: Indeed. What can anyone tell me about this Sina? [[Wunk is the Gnollish council member.]] Wunk: She's one of.. she's a gnoll. She's good at organizing birthday parties. Up till now, she hasn't been insane. Preznit: Encouraging, Wunk, as far as it goes. Sunday , February 20 , 2011 [[Sundays in SubShaft 44f.]] Cully: When you ran into the Big Brass Bell.. you woke up Str- ../Ms/. Strode.. Crud: Oh. Yes. Oh dear. Crud: And the two of you ran off? Chunner: Yes. And I suppose you're going to /remember/ now that's a bad idea. Crud: I'm not sure. I've never actually met her. Chunner: Because you're always the one off waking her up. Right. [[Outline of Cully and Chunner running. Ahead of them, a Gnoll and a Troglodyte with Fixits on their heads are looking angrily at some hand-held device.]] Cully: Sirs, please. We ran off. And right outside were these two folks.. we ran through them, and.. Cully: I feel horrible about that. Because.. then they were in Strode's way. Chunner: Don't be, kid. Those were Snitchers. They deserve any zarking thing they get. [[Outline: Cully and Chunner are in a space filled with spikes.]] Cully: Snitch..? Never mind. They gave us a little breathing space.. which was good, because.. then we were in this long twisty corridor which menaced with spikes. Crud: The Twist of Menacing Spikes. I.. assume you didn't touch any of the spikes.. because.. Chunner: We'd be dead. Yes, Crud, I did warn him. Monday , February 21 , 2011 [[In the Basement Council chambers.]] Preznit: Are there any further thoughts? Suggestions? Gavzada the Motihaul: Anything which keeps Othara occupied has my sanction and approval. Preznit: Noted. Doyen? Doyen the Troglodyte: I never liked having Rhid there. I can only hope this is better. Preznit: Aprat? Aprat: Fosic does possess a talent for constructing walls. If he were to deploy it around the Elevator.. they would not hinder an escaped Operator, but.. [[The Ghast "Stirrer". if that's what she is, listens to the conversation.]] Preznit: ..it would discourage others from further disturbing him. yes. [[Comshaw listens as well.]] Preznit: Pass that idea along to Sina, perhaps? And say we will indeed be watching your work with interest. Snerd the Gnoll: Um.. OK? Twiz the Gobule: I gotta go tell Maw! Howdya get /outta/ here? Tuesday , February 22 , 2011 [[In the Basement Council chambers.]] Comshaw: I'll take you to the exit slide, Twiz, after you hear what I have to say. Comshaw: . . . Assuming the Council can now fit me into its schedule? [[Preznit in his seat.]] Preznit: Yes, Comshaw. You may now explain your presence. Comshaw: I grovel in gratitude. [[Comshaw beckons.] Comshaw: Ah. Amd there you are, Widdendreem. Your presence is required as well. [[Widdendreem the Gnoll comes into view. She has some papers, and a Fixit is on her head. Comshaw adjusts his poking stick.]] Comshaw: I'm afraid there's going to be a lot of extra figure-scribbling. Widdendreem: . . . There always is whenever /you/ get inv- [[Comshaw ((BAPs)) the Fixit from her head with his stick. Twiz the Gobule and Snerd the Gnoll watch in surprise.]] Fixit: !?!! Widdendreem: poing Wednesday , February 23 , 2011 [[Inside the Council chambers. Skradt the Trog catches the Fixit which Comshaw has just bapped off Widdendreem's head.]] Comshaw: Don't let it get away! Don't let it latch onto you! Widdendreem: RRRARRGGH! [[She lunges into view.]] Comshaw: /Widdendreem! Please! No!/ Comshaw: We want it alive so w- ((THUMP OOF GLORCH)) Skradt: Sorry, Com- Mr. Comshaw. It was sorta . .flimsy.. [[Snerd the Gnoll comes into view.]] Comshaw: Fratz. OK. Not your fault, Skradt. Preznit, off-screen: Comshaw, you have our undivided attention. Snerd: Did.. did you /see/ that thing?! Thursday , February 24 , 2011 [[In the Basement Council chambers. Widdendreem the Gnoll holds the dead Fixit which was previously riding her. Witnessed by Twiz the Gobule, Snerd the Gnoll, and Skradt.]] Comshaw: Yes, Preznit. Full disclosure. Comshaw: Yes, Snerd, I saw it. Comshaw: Widdendreem. I'm sorry. I didn't know what it might be capable of, physically or morally, if I gave it any warning. [[Comshaw takes the Fixit on his poking stick.]] Widdendreem: . . . Comshaw: Widdendreem? Are you all right? Widdendreem: I hate you so much. Comshaw: I accept that, but like I said, I had to- Widdendreem: Idiot. That's exactly the problem. Friday , February 25 , 2011 [[Outline of Comshaw posing triumphantly after knocking a Fixit off of Widdendreem the Gnoll's head. Sina cheers enthusiastically.]] Comshaw: What /is/ the problem, Widdendreem? Widdendreem: Comshaw the famous Poker, showered with hosannas after tromping in and knocking over your latest.. /slimegrub nest/. [[In the Basement Council chamber. Comshaw has a dead Fixit balanced on his poking stick.]] Comshaw: I don't ex- Widdendreem: And now, thanks to your meddling and poking, I owe you a debt I will never be able to repay. /Don't/ ask me to like you. [[Outline of Comshaw confronting the Basement VIPs, who look down from a balcony.]] Preznit the Eyebolt: Widdendreem, it is my experience that Comshaw positively /relishes/ people not liking him. Can we please turn our attention to more pressing matters? Widdendreem: ...Yes, sir.. [[Comshaw holds up the Fixit.]] Comshaw: What, if anything, can you tell us about this thing? Widdendreem: They're called.. Fixits. Yes. I remember that much. Saturday , February 26 , 2011 [[In the Basement Council chambers, Widdendreem the Gnoll looks at the dead Fixit which had been controlling her.]] Widdendreem: It.. she.. she was a she, she had a name. Snufix? Snurfix? Widdendreem: She never /told/ me that. Or anything..It just.. trickled through.. [[An outline of Snufix being given orders by another Fixit.]] Widdendreem: She worked for God. Didn't know much about him. Never met him. He lives..up high somewhere. Widdendreem: She wasn't told a lot of things. Because..? Comshaw: She might get caught. The best spy is a shrewd ignoramous. Widdendreem: I suppose.. but.. no. There was something.. /specific/... [[Outline of Snufix sneaking up on Widdendreem while the latter sleeps in a nest.]] Preznit: You did not intentionally put on the.. "hat", I assume? Widdendreem: What? No, sir! I.. she got on me.. inside my mind.. while I was asleep.. I think. [[Outline of Widdendreem working, with Snufix on her head.]] Widdendreem: She never exactly.. /made/ me do anything. Just.. listen in. More than I might have otherwise. Widdendreem: ..read all the scribblings with extra thoroughness.. Comshaw: So she /was/ spying? Widdendreem: Oh, yes. Sunday , February 27 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Outline of Cully touching a spiked growth at which arrows point. He is being urged on by Chunner, and watched by two female Gnolls from above.]] {{The females names are Palptat and Proda}} Cully: And then we were in a subShaft where they were all.. suspended.. somehow? From the ceiling? Crud: 44d. I.. assume you /did/ touch some of Palptat's Touchpiles, or- Chunner: /Yes/, Crud. We'd be /worse/ than dead. I warned him about that /too/. [[Outline showing what Cully describes below; also the helmet-wearers are holding a snake, a flower and a chunk of rock. A sign reads AVM.]] {{The helmet-wearers are named Arvak, Mangan, and Vitex.}} Cully: Next there was some shaft where everyone was wearing these..helmet things, and- Chunner: Kid, we can speed this along. He's been in all these places. 44c, Crud. Crud: Ah. Which one did you choose? Cully: ..The flower.. Crud: My goodness. You're brave. [[Outline of Callithump the Gnoll working on her machine, glaring over her shoulder at Cully and Chunner.]] Cully: I almost took the snake, but.. Anyway. Next came Callithump. Which shaft was that? Chunner: 44a. This is where it gets /interesting/.. Monday , February 28 , 2011 [[An outline depicting five different "styles" of Fixits, including one which looks like a witch's hat.]] Comshaw: ..and there /are/ more of these Fixits around? Widdendreem the Gnoll: Oh yes. Lots. She didn't know specifics, but they are all over.. everywhere. [[Outline of a Fixit examining two her fellows in a pit.]] Widdendreem: They get raised in.. cages.. holes..? Somewhere far away. "Beyond the.. Spikeshield", whatever that means. Widdendreem: The "best" get selected by someone. Trained to, yes, spy on us. [[Outline of a sleeping Widdendreem, with "her" Fixit and another eying each other.]] Widdendreem: Another one... I don't know his real name, she thought of him as "Slinker".. He came at night to get reports from her. Widdendreem: ..She didn't like him very much. [[In the Basement Council chamber. Comshaw looks at the dead Fixit balanced on his poking stick.]] Comshaw: So they are people. Not just tools. Widdendreem: Oh yes. I just killed a person. Tuesday , March 1 , 2011 [[In the Basement Council chambers. Comshaw has a dead Fixit on the end of his poking stick.]] Comshaw: I understand what you're feeling, but you need to- Widdendreem the Gnoll: What? ''Get over it?" And how can you possibly understand? Comshaw: . . . [[Outline of Comshaw lying next to a dead Troglodyte. Rocks fall from overhead.]] Widdendreem: Oh. Yes. You killed those insane Trogs. And what? Other people I've never heard about? Comshaw: Yes, I killed the Ravers. Pretty much in cold blood. And if I had to do it again, I would. [[Outline of Comshaw and Widdendreem's spirits rising/sinking in a sea of color. THIS END UP points down.]] Comshaw: But I still see their faces. Comshaw: And when my.. our time comes, our souls will travel to the bottom of the River and face the Brush's judgement. [[The Council and Chumley the Boogieman are in the background.]] Comshaw: But now, you need to.. /put it aside/, and tell us /everything/ you remember. Chumley: Here is what we shall do... Wednesday , March 2 , 2011 [[In the Council chambers, Comshaw has just exposed a Fixit spy.]] Comshaw: Um.. yes, Commander? Chumley: Widdendreem. You shall proceed to your desk and transcribe every detail you can recall of these creatures. [[Widdendreem the Gnoll moves off.]] Widdendreem: ... Yessir. Chumley: Comshaw. You shall detail how /you/ became aware of thier [sic] existence. [[An outline of Camora's meeting with Hax and his previous Pale body.]] Comshaw: I was approached by an /anonymous/ informant who was briefly controlled by one of them. He, the Fixit, openly claimed to be working for God. One of them was controlling Nealguye in Le Tree. It's also dead. So it's not just us. You. Chumley: Very well. [[Chumley's discarded helmet bounces past the feet of the unnamed Ghast "Stirrer".]] Chumley: In light of this expert testimony, i establish Security dictate 27-12. henceforth, No one, no matter their rank, shall wear a hat in this chamber. Thursday , March 3 , 2011 [[Comshaw has exposed a Fixit in the Council chambers, and Chumley made a proclomation.]] Preznit: Commander, you are naturally aware that all security dictates must be approved by a majority Council vote. [[Watched by Comshaw, Skradt, Twiz the Gobule, Snerd the Gnoll, and an unnamed Ghast.]] Chumley: Indeed, and I urge the Council to vote 'Aye' by doffing their hoods. Now. Wunk the Gnoll: Aye! Doyon the Trog: Aye. Gavzada the Motihaul: Aye. [[Apprat the Helipath tosses aside a fake hood.]] Apprat: off. urg. Aye, assuredly. [[Preznit sits.]] Chumley: Chairbeing Preznit. [[Preznit removes some sort of black face-shield from his hood. He is, as previously reported, an Eyebolt.]] Preznit: . . . Very well. Friday , March 4 , 2011 [[Council Chairbeing Preznit has removed his hood.]] Snerd: He's an Eyebolt! Comshaw: No, Snerd, it's a cunning disguise. Preznit: Indeed. I am actually an Ichyoid. Now perhaps we can get on with- Gavzada: /Actually/, no. Preznit: Yes, Gavzada? Gavzada: The logical assumption is that these "Fixits" sit on our heads because that is where our brains are located. Your brain, however... [[Preznit glowers at her.]] [[He has taken off his robe and is standing up on the Council's joint "desk". He is still wearing boots. Wunk the Gnoll watches.]] Preznit: I have.. (cough) I have nothing to hide. {{His font briefly changes to that of a normal Eyebolt.}} Preznit: However, I will put my robe back on, as it has taught me the usefulness of clothes ..and it is rather chilly in here. Saturday , March 5 , 2011 [[The Council discusses Fixits, and related matters.]] Preznit: Now then. Comshaw. Did you just imply that you have recently been inside Le Tree? [[Comshaw looks at the dead Fixit he has on his pointy stick.]] Comshaw: Yes, Preznit. Nevus wanted to talk to me very badly. So I obliged, and told him what little I knew about Fixits. Which didn't even include their name. [[Chumley the Boogieman listens.]] Preznit: But Nealguye, was it? Told him all that Widdendreem just told us? [[Outline of Neilguye looking dazed, and Camora removing Hax from her head.]] Comshaw: ...Not while I was there. He was.. stunnned. I suspect we Gnolls are able to.. resist these things. More. To a degree. Preznit: Why am I not surprised. Preznit: So no one else knows about "these things"? Apart from your informant? Doyon the Troglodyte: We're NOT going to try and keep this a secret! Preznit: No no. Quite the opposite. This is a threat and an opportunity we must immediately face. Sunday , March 6 , 2011 [[Cully has been discussing his previous adventures.]] Narration: Sundays In Subshaft 44f Cully: So Callithump was working on.. I just realized. That was her shaft's Machine, wasn't it? They aren't all mounted overhead, like.. "ours"? Chunner: Yup. They come in all sorts of configurations. Amazingly, This one isn't nearly as bad as some. [[An outline of another sShaft's Machine, moving into a new position.]] Chunner: And.. yeah, we shoulda told you before, those configurations sometimes change /very/ quickly. Crud: Always in motion, are the subShafts.Even when they're not moving.. Chunner: Right. Thank you for that, Crud. [[Outline of Callithump and Crazy Rhid arguing, while each works on a separate project.]] Cully: Um.. I didn't see anyone else in Callithump's shaft.. aren't there always three of us? Chunner: Always? No. Usually? Yes. Callithump is.. a special case. Cully: I heard.. was she really Rhid's /mate?/ Chunner: C'mon, kid, those two? Who knows. They never shared a Nest, at least not officially.. but.. they had some sort of Thing going for a while.. Monday , March 7 , 2011 [[The Council discusses Fixits and God. An outline of "Slinker" the Fixit discovering that his contact is no longer on Widdendreem's head.]] Preznit: We must operate from the assumption that, at best, we have a few hours before God.. or.. his minions..? learn that this spy network has been compromised. Preznit: Even with Nevus having been told as well, The most coldly logical course of action would be to try and contain the knowledge we all now possess before it spreads. Gavzada: After today's idiotic fighting, make it look like we and Nevus killed each other, perhaps? Preznit: Indeed. [[Snerd the Gnoll, Twiz the Gobule and the unnamed Ghast "Stirrer".]] Preznit: Not knowing what other resources god possesses, I urge all non-council members present to go forth and immediately report what you have seen to those whom you represent. Twiz: um.. Comshaw: Well, good. That means I can go home and get some- Gavzada: Actually, Comshaw.. There is perhaps something more /you/ can do. Comshaw: Of course. Tuesday , March 8 , 2011 [[The Council discusses what to do about Fixits.]] Preznit: You have a contribution, Gavzada? Gavzada: I assume, Preznit, that you are going to suggest that we Councilmembers soon go do the same? That is. report back, in our own fashion, to those we represent here? Preznit: Indeed. [[Comshaw tosses the dead Fixit to Chumley., while in the background, Twiz picks up a scrap off the floor with his tongue.]] Gavzada: Well. One Motihaul who /needs/ to be told is Agita, and it might be.. politic.. if instead of /I/ attempting to tell her.. ...it was our resident kicker-over of slime grub nests. Comshaw: Oh very well. I'll do it, as a favor to you. (Might want to secure this, commander..) Gavzada: Of course.. Wednesday , March 9 , 2011 [[In the Council chambers, Gavzada the Motihaul has given Comshaw a job to do.]] Gavzada: ...that is, assuming that you go do it right now. Comshaw: . . . [[Comshaw turns to go. Skradt the Trog eyes Twiz the Gobule. Snerd the Gnoll looks nervous.]] Comshaw: Oh, very well. Come along everyone who's leaving. Off we go to- [[An outline of Comshaw and Niddle meeting Mortimer in the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: Ah, wait. I know, back of the queue, but still.. I confronted another Human up in the Forest today. [[An outline of Mortimer the Wizard and Sylvester the Scary Earl.]] Comshaw: Despite not seeming all that bright, he was able to control a mass of flutterbys. AND he claimed that his "brother Sylvester" is "The Earl". Take /that/ how you will. Thursday , March 10 , 2011 [[Comshaw gives a little more info to the Council. An outline of Nevus telling of Sylvester meeting with Snoot.]] Preznit: ... You are claiming the Earl is real. Comshaw: This Sylvester person exists, and he is going around calling himself that. [[Outline of The Earl of Basement myth, with wings and hook-hands, facing off against Yurp the Demon King.]] Comshaw: Whether he's.. /the/ The Earl.. the one who tore the world in two fighting Yurp the Demon King... We won't know until I talk to him at length. [[The unnamed Ghast stirrer approaches Comshaw.]] Gavzada the Motihaul: And when were you planning on doing that? Comshaw: Once I find out what "the Mansion" is; according to the forest-Human, that is where he currently... Comshaw: Yes? Stirrer: "The Mansion" is an old name for "God's Cactus." Comshaw: Well. I guess I'm going to talk to him tomorrow, then. Stirrer: Good. Friday , March 11 , 2011 [[In the Council chambers.]] Preznit: When, Comshaw, you are able to speak to "The Earl", we will of course listen to your resulting report with great interest. [[And Outline of a mythical Earl nefariously dispatching Fixits.]] Preznit: ...In regards to the immediate issue.. What relationship exists between God and your Humans? Comshaw: What, ''my'' Humans are the ones in charge of sending the Fixts out on their jobs? Comshaw: Or, even better, God and the Earl are going to turn out to have been the same person all along? Gavzada: That would be.. "disturbingly convenient." Doyon: Aren't things scary enough already? Comshaw: The impression I get, Preznit.. What my gut says.. No. The Humans aren't God. They aren't working for God. We're dealing with two separate problems here. Preznit: Well, no doubt by this time tomorrow we shall have more definite answers. Comshaw: Allrighty then. Saturday , March 12 , 2011 [[Comshaw in front of the entire Council. Also present, Chumley the Boogieman (holding a dead Fixit), an unnamed Ghast "Stirrer", and Skradt the Troglodyte.]] Comshaw: So we're done here? Preznit: I believe so. [[Comshaw and Skradt walk off, followed by Twiz the Gobule.]] Sunday , March 13 , 2011 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: But.. anyway. When we got to subShaft.. 44a, Callithump was working on.. her machine. Crud: Of course. And she told you to remove yourself. Cully: Well.. no. She seemed to be expecting us. Expecting /someone/. Chunner: Kid's right. By her standards she was downright friendly. [[Outline of Crud visiting Callithump at some previous point. He is holding a snake, while she guides a connection of her machine into place.]] Crud: She.. does /understand/ this place. Better than anyone, really. Cully: Even /you/, Mr. Crud? Crud: Oh yes. Only Coprolite's been down here longer. Chunner: And /that/ phizzer's lasted by never setting foot outside his office. Crud: Indeed, Chunner. Crud: But Callithump.. she /never/ answers questions. Unless.. Did she..? [[Outline of Cully and Chunner arriving at Callithump's, carrying a flower.]] Cully: No. She said, um, something like.. Callithump in outline: Well well. Finally time, is it? Good. And you brought a flower. Even better. I'm up to my clavin in zarking snakes. Monday , March 14 , 2011 [[Snerd the Gnoll., Twiz the Gobule, Skradt and Comshaw are leaving the Council chambers, watched by Mondegren the Eyebolt at his communication station.]] Comshaw: Anyhoo. The exit slide. This way, everyone. Skradt: They're.. kicking us out, right? Comshaw: Indeed. The relevant information has all been shared, and now they have to- Comshaw: . . . Skradt: What? Comshaw: sigh.. Comshaw: NEVUS SAYS HE'LL BE IN NON-VIOLENT TOUCH! Preznit the Eyebolt, off panel: Duly noted. Tuesday , March 15 , 2011 [[Leaving the Basement Council chambers.]] Twiz the Gobule: Who was that boogieman? Skradt: Chumley. Boss of Council Security. Skradt: . . .A few hours ago.. I was fighting his guys.. Comshaw: He's also the de facto Boogieman rep on the Council. Could probably have a seat and robe, if he wanted them. Skradt: Didn't they offer /you/ a.. a seat. and a robe? Comshaw: Yes. Yes they did. Twiz: And you told them no?? Comshaw: They were less intimidating then. And I'm a kicker over of nests. Not a sitter and an organizer. Snerd the Gnoll: Plus, didn't Camora pitch a big fit when she heard? Comshaw: Naturally, my mate's feelings in the matter were a consideration as well. Wednesday , March 16 , 2011 [[In the Basement.]] Skradt: Why was that-- why would ..some Ghast.. be carrying around a big spoon? Comshaw: With Ghasts, everything always comes back to those breeding pools of theirs. [[Outline: A Troglodyte checking out some gestating eggs.]] Comshaw: It's probably impossible for the rest of us to really understand. We can reproduce anywhere. Skradt: Well.. Comshaw: Yes, yes, it's very /helpful/ for you Trogs to have warm mud for your eggs. But not vital. [[Outline: A Helipath tending the birth of a batch of infants.]] Skradt: . . . But the- Comshaw: No, Helipaths don't absolutely /have/ to use the roof of Heligrow for their nursery-thing. [[Outline: A female Ooze filling a pit, with a male Ooze watching.]] Skradt: . . . What ab- Comshaw: A female Ooze basically /becomes/ a breeding pool. She just needs a decent hole. [[Outline: A female Ghast standing watch over a ??breeding pool??, wielding a large spoon.]] Comshaw: The Ghasts simply can't make new pools outside their ''homebase.'' And trust me, they've /tried./ Comshaw: So. The gals in charge of maintaining the existing pools.. they are /very/ important people. Thursday , March 17 , 2011 [[Leaving the Council Chambers.]] Skradt the Trog: But.. so.. these "Stirrers" really stir the Ghastpools with giant spoons? Comshaw: The Ghasts have never been clear about that, and don't welcome visitors. At all. Ever. [[An outline of Comshaw spying on a Ghast stirrer.]] Comshaw: Personally? I suspect it is more a ceremonial symbol of office. One of my minor goals in life is to find out the truth first-hand. Skradt: And why would one of them know the name of- Snerd the Gnoll: Look, can we just get /out/ of here? Twiz the Gobule: Yes, please. [[A dead-end is ahead, with the words STAND HERE on the floor.]] Comshaw: You fellows' lack of intellectual curiousity is disheartening. But very well. Here we are. Friday , March 18 , 2011 [[Leaving the Basement Council chambers. A large arrow points at a section of floor.]] Comshaw: I know Snerd and Twiz can read. Skradt? Skradt: "Stand here." [[Outline of Espy the Troglodyte giving lessons to a young Skradt and Maggle.]] Comshaw: Ah, good. Skradt: Learned real words and Humanish from old Espy. And counting and stuff. Comshaw: Of course. I forget how systematic you Trogs are sometimes. [[They all stand in the indicated area.]] Skradt: So... Skradt: This part of the floor is gonna drop out from under us, like before? [[A wall/door begins to descend.]] ((CLUNK)) Comshaw: Not exactly: Snerd the Gnoll: Hey! That's some kinda /door/! We're gonna be sealed in here! Saturday , March 19 , 2011 [[Comshaw, Skradt, Snerd the Gnoll and Twiz the Gobule are leaving the Basement Council chambers. As they watch, a door/wall slowly descends behind them.]] ((CLUNK)) [[And down another notch.]] ((CLUNK)) ((CLUNK)) Skradt: So. Anyway. Why would a Ghast know about old names and stuff? Comshaw: Again, this is all second-hand at best... ((CLUNK)) Comshaw: But evidently the Ghasts keep better records than most of us. Writing stuff down on /paper/, even. Snerd: We'll be sealed in! We'll suffocate!! Comshaw: Now that they have easier access to wood from the Forest, who knows what they'll do! Sunday , March 20 , 2011 Narration: Previously in SubShaft 44a. [[Callithump the Gnoll pushes Cully into a waiting arch, as Chunner watches.]] Callithump: Anyway. Over here, handsome. Move move move! Chunner: Callithump, what are- Callithump: Not /now/, Chunner. Callithump: Stand here. Cully: But what- Callithump: No time! Callithump: Where's your little friend? Cully: Mr. Chunner's not- Callithump: Of course not Chunner! [[The dart comes zooming into view. Callithump knees a control on the arch and a panel opens, revealing a small pot.]] Callithump: Ah. Get over here with him! Callithump: Aanndd we bring out the Starter Pot! Monday , March 21 , 2011 [[Leaving the Council chambers. A wall drops in behind Comshaw, Skradt, Snerd the Gnoll and Twiz the Gobule.]] ((CLUNK)) Comshaw: We're not going to suffocate, Snerd. There are air-vents in the ceiling. Comshaw: There are also people watching and listening, so don't share any embarrassing personal secrets. ((CLANG)) Skradt: This is really stupid. Comshaw: In terms of genuine security, probably. Comshaw: Chumley does the best he can.. [[Outline of an Ooze working on ceiling mushrooms, a small Wyrm coming in through a crack, and a Fixit.]] Comshaw: But when you've got folks who can fly, perambulate across ceilings, slip through the smallest crack.. Comshaw: Disguise themselves as /hats/.. Comshaw: All of this... I think its true purpose is to restrict visitors to people who.. Skradt: ''/Really/ want to see the Council..'' Comshaw: Indeed. Tuesday , March 22 , 2011 [[Leaving the Council chambers. Comshaw leans against the wall.]] Comshaw: You all might want to get down on the floor for this part. Snerd the Gnoll: What part? ((CLICK)) [[Skradt has sat down on the floor. Snerd and Twiz the Gobule have not.]] ((CLACK)) Skradt: He's /eating/ some of that Fixit thing. Twiz: I am not! Snerd: /What part?!/ [[The floor drops away at a slant. Twiz and Snerd go tumbling, followed by Skradt, sliding. Comshaw drops neatly to the floor.]] Comshaw: Of course not. ((KLUMP)) [[They all slide out of sight.]] Comshaw: None of us are good enough witnesses for an eating Event. Twiz: Well, actually, after you helped with that- Comshaw: Not helping your own cause here, Twiz. Twiz: OK. Right. Snerd: eep Wednesday , March 23 , 2011 [[The Humans have reached the top of the tower at the center of the Ettinworks. Large windows look out on 'Works. Various Ettin pylons are scattered about. The corner of a Human-built sign is just visible.]] Narration: At the entrance to the Ettinworks Sylvester: ...What /are/ those things out there? Rosemary: Bodyguard info! When you were all normal, you said- Mortimer: No. Sylvester: What? I /didn't/ say anything? Mortimer: You always.. Never mind. I can't believe /I'm/ the one saying this, but-- Mortimer: No. We are not gonna go look out the pooting window. We are not.. accidentally bumping into one of those things. Mortimer: We are leaving. NOW. Thursday , March 24 , 2011 [[At the entrance to the Ettinworks' central tower. Sylvester looks towards the bank of windows overlooking the area.]] Sylvester: All right. OK. If we're going looking for that healer you mentioned. Mortimer: She's not.. Yes. Sylvester: But.. it's weird. I feel a strange curiosity about this place. Part of me wants to stay and.. [[He glances towards Mortimer.]] [[Mortimer is reading the large Human-installed sign. Sylvester goes to him.]] Sylvester: Is that me? Is that who I am? Mortimer: . . . [[Outline of Sylvester taking notes at a desk, surrounded by books and papers. The scene is illuminated by a lamp.]] Mortimer: What? Um. Sorta. You like poking around in old things. But.. more reading. Old books. Rufus is the one who likes fiddling with machines. Friday , March 25 , 2011 [[At the top of the central tower of the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: I see Human-type stairs going up over there. Maybe a good sign, I hope. Rosemary, off-panel: hst! [[Mortimer leaves, Rosemary comes into view.]] Sylvester: ...Yes? Rosemary: Not bodyguard-related! Don't tell Mr. Mortimer! Sylvester: Yes? [[Outline depicting an alternate life-path for Sylvester and his college girlfriend Nimue.]] Rosemary: You told me ya wanted ta be a. arc.. arc all oh gist. Guy who digs for an-ti-quit-ies! Sylvester: Archaeologist? Rosemary: Yeah! But you hadda go home n' do.. Earl-stuff 'stead!! [[Rosemary follows Mortimer.]] Rosemary: So yer still you. Sorta. Hope yer fixed. Then we can be friends gin! Sylvester: . . . Saturday , March 26 , 2011 [[At the entrance to the Ettinworks. A flight of stairs lead up into darkness.]] Mortimer: Well.. I guess it doesn't matter if it's good or not. It's our only choice. Rosemary: Bodyguard core rection! [[Rosemary points. Sylvester watches from the background.]] Mortimer: What? Rosemary: Over there! There'za gap or a crack or a thingie! [[A thick downward-closing door has not been entirely shut, leaving a gap near the floor.]] Mortimer: Double poot. Sunday , March 27 , 2011 Narration: Previously In SubShaft 44a [[Callithump has pushed Cully into the archway of her shaft's Machine, and his dart has joined him there.]] Callithump: Aaannd we plant the flower in the starter pot. [[She does so.]] Chunner: [His dialogue is covered by a large ((FOOM))] {{"What you doing /now/, you crazy pfizzette?!}} [[Cully and the dart are hit with a blast of power, turning them into negative images.]] ((ZZZAPP!!)) [[They have disappeared.]] Callithump: Ah. It worked. There were moments when even I had my doubts. Chunner: !!!!?! Monday , March 28 , 2011 [[At the entrance to the Ettinwork's central tower. Mortimer approaches a downward-dropping door which is not all the way closed.]] [[He gets down and looks through the gap.]] Sylvester: What do you see? Wonderful things? [[Mortimer's POV.]] Mortimer: Not.. no. It's a corridor. With Human-type doors. And I think those are- [[Something falls to the floor from the other side of the door]] ((CLANG)) Sylvester: What was that? Are you.. all right? [[Mortimer drags at the object with the tip of his umbrella. It is a small metal card, with the words KEEP OUT cut into it. It also has a small E.]] Mortimer: Yes. I'm OK. It's.. um.. I guess either a warning or a threat.. Tuesday , March 29 , 2011 [[At the entrance to the Ettinwork's central tower. Mortimer has a "Keep out" card hooked on the tip of his umbrella.]] Mortimer: ..I get the.. feeling that there are Humans behind that crack. Right now. Sylvester: So.. we're going to ignore the.. the... threatwarning? [[Mortimer looks at the card.]] Mortimer: . . . No. We decided to obey the signs, and I am officially declaring this to be another sign. [[He tosses the card back to the floor near the mostly-closed door.]] ((CLANG)) Mortimer: We're still leaving. Sylvester: All right. [[They walk away.]] Sylvester: but... I think.. I hope.. I'll be coming back here some day. Mortimer: That'll be your decision. It might even be a good idea. Wednesday , March 30 , 2011 [[At the entrance/exit to the Ettinworks. A flight of stairs leads up into darkness.]] Rosemary: Bodyguard question! Mortimer: Yes, Rosemary? Rosemary: Am I yer bodyguard, or just Sylvester's?Cuz if I am, I hafta be the one lookin' thru cracks and stuff! [[Behind them, unnoticed, a brown hand appears at the crack at the bottom of the mostly-closed door through which Mortimer previously peered. Power glows from its fingertips.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . . [[The warning card which Mortimer retrieved then dropped ((scrapes)) across the floor to the hand.]] Mortimer: No. Take care of Sylvester. I'll have to take care of myself. Rosemary: Okey Dokey. Mortimer: I don't see /any/ light up these stairs. You guys better turn your lamps on now. Thursday , March 31 , 2011 [[Leaving the Ettinworks. Rosemary ((clicks)) at her helmet light.]] Rosemary: Bodyguard problem! My lamp got.. busted earlier! Only Sylvester's is workin'. Mortimer: . . . [[An outline of Comshaw, possibly, looking into darkness where an Alabaster Sneech is lurking.]] Rosemary: ..And he said, before he got all zapped, that we'd /need/ 'em over this side of the Chasm! Mortimer: Yes. There are just Sneeches, and they don't put up lights. Much. I guess. [[Sylvester turns on his light.]] ((click)) Mortimer: Could still crawl through the crack.. steal one of those posts I saw.. [[They are at the base of some stairs, leading up to darkness.]] Mortimer: No. No. We're leaving. Everyone, look for unforbidden.. torch-making stuff. Sylvester: Wait.. Sneeches?! Friday , April 1 , 2011 [[Climbing stairs away from the Ettinworks. Human graffiti covers the wall.]] Sylvester: We have Sneeches down here.. Mortimer: Was that a question? Yes. We have everything down here, I'm afraid. Except Pales. They live out in the forest. Rosemary: And Wen-digoes and Mugwumps! They're all dead or something! Sylvester: No fooling? [[Outline of two Mugwump corpses drifting in the ocean.]] Sylvester: Aren't Mugwumps dead.. everywhere? Mortimer: I dunno. [[Outline of Ludwig overseeing construction of the Mugwump alarm. An airship flies by in the distance.]] Mortimer: I guess they used to attack the Mansionfrom the ocean or whatever. Mortimer: Ludwig built an alarm on the roof. Saturday , April 2 , 2011 [[Climbing a stairway away from the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Ludwig.. he.. /invented/ things.. didn't he? Mortimer: What? Yes. The Flingomat and stuff. [[Rosemary taps Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Bodyguard query. Sylvester: ...Yes? Rosemary: Yer memory's coming back, ain't it? Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: ..I think maybe it is. Slowly. I'm getting flashes. Sylvester: Yes. Sylvester: Mortimer there. We definitely know each other. Sylvester: You.. I'm sorry, I still don't. . . Are /you/ improving? [[Rosemary taps her helmet.]] Rosemary: Think so. Yeah. Feelin' bit better in cogna-tive fac-ulties Mortimer: Guys! There's a landing! Sunday , April 3 , 2011 Narration: Previously In SubShaft 44a [[Cully has been zapped away by Callithump the Gnoll's arch.]] Chunner: /YOU KILLED HIM!/ Callithump: /They/ are almost certainly not dead. [[Callithump points.]] Callithump: Which is more than anyone will be able to say of you, if you're not careful there. Chunner: /What?/ [[Chunner hastily ducks and Strode the Mothaul's large mallet swings through the space just occupied by his head.]] ((SWING AND A MISS)) Chunner: eep! Monday , April 4 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer climb stairs out of the Ettinworks. The walls have Human graffiti on them.]] Mortimer: I think there's a d- Sylvester: Mortimer. You need to know. We're both feeling better. Mortimer: . . . You're back to normal?! Sylvester: No. "Better" is not "normal." You're still in charge. Sylvester: But maybe we'll be of more help. Mortimer: Oh. OK. After this I'm never going to be in charge of anything except myself. [[Outlines of Amos and Nellie Grubb, and the Woman of Mystery/the Scary Lady. The last named has a large red X covering her.]] Mortimer: OK. All right. If you're going to get better on your own.. if I don't.. You know Amos and Nellie? Rosemary: They're The Neighborz of Uncle Freder-ick! Sylvester said before to ask them for help! Not the Scary Lady! Mortimer: Um. Yes. Exactly. Tuesday , April 5 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer leaving the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: Sylvester.. you usually have a reason for stuff you do. Did you not want Rosemary to know the real name of- - [[Sylvester looks at Rosemary, who shrugs.]] Mortimer: ...aannd you.. probably don't.. remember what I'm talking about right now. Mortimer: And.. I.. shouldn't have asked you with Rosemary standing right there. [[Mortimer points ahead with his umbrella.]] Mortimer: OK. Scary Lady it is. Sylvester: The scary woman with the hat.. her name was.. Professor Thunstone. Rosemary: Thankz! Mortimer: /Moving on/. As I was saying, there's a door down there. [[The door in question, off at the far end of a corridor.]] Mortimer: And as I was telling.. someone.. earlier today, they can be bad news. Wednesday , April 6 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer leave the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: So.. with whom were you discussing dangerous doors? Someone else I should remember? Mortimer: I.. doubt it. She was a scalpsucker. [[Outline of Mortimer talking to the Scalpsucker in the Forest pit.]] {{For ID purposes, her name is Terpsichore.}} Sylvester: Scalpsuckers.. little squidish things? They don't talk.. do they? Mortimer: You always say that! But some of them do, nowadays. She was in that hole I fell in. [[Outline of a young Mortimer falling into a hole amidst trees, witnessed by Sylvester and their brother "Ace".]] Sylvester: Hole.. You.. you fall in holes a lot, don't you? Mortimer: Yes. Yes I do. And there was a door in this one. [[Outline of Mortimer seeing the Shopbot, with a quick jump to Yasmine looking at him lying on a cot.]] Mortimer: And.. it led to this store room.. there was a robot.. a working robot.. Mortimer: And then.. something happened.. Mortimer: And I woke up in Dorian's hut.. Thursday , April 7 , 2011 [[Leaving the Ettinworks. Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are at a door.]] Mortimer: ..And that's where I met-- That's.. not important now. I'll recap my day when.. later. [[A look a the door, which has keypad and a sort of smiley-face drawn on it, using the knob as nose.]] Mortimer: Doors. [[Outline of Mortimer being scanned by a doorlock.]] Rosemary: Bodyguard notice: Sylvester told me! The doors check yer hered-ity.. thingies! Mortimer: Hered.. oh. Yes. Some of them. [[Mortimer looking a door sporting two large locks.]] Mortimer: Others are just locked. Sylvester never trusted me with any keys. Sylvester: I'm.. Sorry? Mortimer: I didn't say he.. you.. were wrong to do so. Rosemary: Sylvester also said there'z no lock you can't open! Mortimer: He did? Wow. That's.. flattering I guess, but.. wrong. Those old Mellon models.. [[Outline of Mortimer dodging being hit with a Bigby-brand fist-on-a-spring trap shooting out of a door.]] Mortimer: Anyway. Then there are the ones which aren't just locked, but.. trapped. Friday , April 8 , 2011 [[Exiting the Ettinworks. A closeup of a number-pad attached to a door, although the numbers are represented by die-pip arrangements.]] Mortimer: Fortunately, this door looks pretty standard. No keys at all. Each button there has a number and you put in the right string. 1-2-3-4 or whatever. Mortimer: And there are some sorta-secret "family numbers" that open a lot of the doors. But, if we enter too many wrong guesses, it can- Rosemary: 2-7-4-8+1! Mortimer: Um..Yes. That's one of them. Did Sylvester teach you.. Rosemary: It'z [sic] written on the wall there 'bove the buttons! [[A better view of the pad shows she is correct.]] Mortimer: . . . Right. OK. Sylvester: He knew that. He was just testing you. Rosemary; I passed! Yay! Saturday , April 9 , 2011 [[Leaving the Ettinworks. Mortimer pushes at the dice-labelled buttons on a wall keypad with the tip of his umbrella.]] ((CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK (PAUSE) CLICK)) [[The door attached to the keypad ((CLANKs)) open.]] [[Mortimer peers through the resulting crack.]] [[In the room beyond, a large shaft-like object with a dangling tip is mounted near the ceiling. Rosemary and Sylvester look up at it.]] Sylvester: I don't know about wonderful this time, but it's.. interesting.. Rosemary: BG fact: It'z a big anti-Sneech stick! Mortimer: Yes. This is a Sneechlock. It's supposed to keep Sneeches out of.. places. Mortimer: Sylvester and Rufus say they don't really work very well. Sunday , April 10 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Chunner: So, at that point I said zark it, and I scarpered. Crud: That was not terribly chivalrous of you. Chunner: Oh please. At this point, Strode deserves whatever she gets. Crud: Leaving her alone with /Callithump/? I'm very disappointed. Chunner: My soul shrivels in shame as we shift to more important matters. Cully: Yes, it turns out that I- Chunner: Well, yes, Kid, but first.. either of you.. Callithump was grumbling.. the word "flippered'.. that means what? Cully: ..An appendage adapted for swimming. Like Motihauls have. Chunner: That's what I thought. She hoped that some "flippered menace".. or something.. was 'happy now.' Crud: I would say she was referring to Strode, but it is my understanding that her failing to hit people invariably has the opposite effect. Chunner: Yeah. Well, I'd go back and ask, but I don't want to. Chunner: So. I circled back around through the CRounder, and here I am. Kid? Monday , April 11 , 2011 [[Just outside the Ettinworks. Mortimer ((SLAMs)) a door shut.]] Mortimer: /This/ door has to be closed before /that/ one will open. Sylvester: "Anti-Sneech stick." We own one of those.. another one, I mean. Rosemary: At the Acade-my, Mr. Scaman-der sez that even the best of 'em don't always work. [[Mortimer walks on ahead.]] Mortimer: I guess. [[He uses the tip of his umbrella to push buttons on the next door's lock.]] ((clickx5 CLANK)) Mortimer: I prefer to just stay away from Sneeches, myself. I've never been i- near their colony-thing. Sylvester: So they might be waiting for us beyond that door. [[Mortimer opens the door, revealing an empty space beyond. A small light glows in the distance.]] Mortimer: Maybe, but I don't.. Mortimer: No. Not immediately. Tuesday , April 12 , 2011 [[Mortimer closes the door on the "Sneechlock" the trio just passed through.]] Rosemary: BG query: What'z that glowy thing out there in that big room? Mortimer: If it is what I think, we're in- Sylvester: What a stroke of luck! In that alcove! [[The alcove in question. An elevator door, next to which stands a large potted plant.]] Sylvester: An elevator! [[Mortimer and Rosemary silently stare.]] Sylvester: If it's working and goes up, maybe we can /use it/ and.. [[They drag/push Sylvester away.]] Sylvester: Wait.. There's also something scary about the elevator, isn't there? Sylvester: Let's just move along. {{It's the Operator.}} Wednesday , April 13 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer have left the Ettinworks, and are in a circular chamber. Music is playing. The wall behind them is covered with Human graffiti: SON OF JEFFER. BLAME SOMEONE ELSE. MR FLIP IS (crossed out)COMING(crossed out) ALREADY COME AND GONE. THIS IS. MODERATELY COOL. HAIL KAYLU. ERNEST IS A FINK.]] Sylvester: I hear music. Mortimer: Yes. That's a good sign. It means it's still working. I hope. [[What they are looking at. In the middle of the chamber is a glowing sphere, floating between two spikes mounted on a pole. Beyond is a pair of locked metal doors, and just barely visible, a staircase going up.]] Mortimer: And to answer your question from before, Rosemary, "it" is another elevator. Sort of. It should be safe. Safer. No. Wait. those are stairs, aren't they? OK. Even better. Thursday , April 14 , 2011 [[At the bottom of a shaft in the Basement. A glowing orb, mounted on a stand, plays a tune.]] Sylvester: We haven't been here before, have we? Mortimer: No one's been here in a while.. I think. But there are some others like this thing around the Mansion. This place. [[A closeup of the orb.]] Sylvester: How does it work? Mortimer: I'm.. not going to tell you. Mortimer: When you get better.. you'll know, and you can teach Rosemary. If you want. Sylvester: But- Mortimer: We're taking the stairs. Sylvester: . . . I've heard that tune before. Mortimer: They all play it. /I've/ heard.. theories. Some from you. Rosemary: "Girl From The Limpho-pho". Franklin hadda sing it alla time on the Caravan! Friday , April 15 , 2011 [[Map of a section of the Deep Jungles.]] Sylvester: Limphopho.. That's a river.. somewhere. Rosemary: Yeah, down south in the jungles. Saw it in Edwird'z atlas! [[Music from the elevator-sphere plays in the background.]] Sylvester: And.. do I know who Franklin is? Rosemary: Nopey dope.. He waz one of the Truba-dours on the Caravan! [[Outline of Franklin very unenthusiastically playing the song in question, as a couple of hicks happily listen.]] Sylvester: You said he.. "had" to sing it? Rosemary: Yeah! It'z all the rubes ever wanted to hear! Drove him nutz! Rosemary: Pretty well burned inta my brain! [[She starts singing, quite badly.]] Rosemary: "The girl from the /Lim-fo-fo/ waz a'standing on th' shore az we went /sai--il-lliing by!/" Saturday , April 16 , 2011 [[At the bottom of a shaft in the Basement.]] Mortimer: Rosemary, you can't sing! Rosemary: Sure I can! Just not real well! Mortimer: No. Well, yes. But what I meant.. we don't want to attract attention down here! Rosemary: Well.. OK.. Mr. Mortimer.. but.. Mortimer: Yes..? [[Rosemary scuffs at the floor with her feet.]] Rosemary: You were right before. When you said no one'z been here inna long time. Air'z all musty, and the floor'z all dusty! Rosemary: With no trackz 'cept ourz anywhere! Sylvester: You're almost singing again. Mortimer: All right. All right. Let's just.. go. Quietly. Mortimer: Sylvester, please shine your light on those arrows marking the steps. What do they... Mortimer: Oh dear. [[The arrows read OPERATION CERTAIN DEATH and SLIMEGRUB PITS.]] Sunday , April 17 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully recounts what Callithump's machine did to him.]] Cully: So, obviously, I didn't die. I was.. sent away. Chunner: That.. lunatic-ette actually managed to /build/ a twistpoint? Cully: No. It wasn't.. [[Outline showing the stages of Cully passing through a twistpoint.]] Cully: I've been through a twistpoint.. that "secret" one in Helignoll Hall that goes way up near God's Cactus? Chunner: Heard of it, of course. Never used it myself. Why did you? Cully: I was curious. It was unpleasant and disorienting. I didn't.. think like myself.. when I first came out. Cully: ..I think using it regularly would cause permanent damage.. Cully: Just now was different. There was a flash, a noise like.. "foom" and I was at the other end. Crud: Aah! "Foom"? Very clever! It sounds as if Callithump was able to scale up one of the System's filtering devices! Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Crud: Neither of you ever played Swoomp The Trundlebug as a child? Monday , April 18 , 2011 [[At the bottom of a shaft in the Basement, the three humans are looking at a staircase running up and down. Behind them, the glowing elevator-orb mounted on the stand plays its tune.]] Sylvester: "/Operation/ Certain Death" isn't the same as saying-- Mortimer: Yes. We're still going to- Rosemary, pointing: Guyz! there'z another glowy thing down there! [[Looking down the stairway to the next landing. As indicated, a small object glows there. Overhead is mounted a statue of a robust-looking man named Dorn the Second.]] {{He is the eleventh Earl of E.}} Mortimer: What? Where? Oh. Mortimer: Oh! [[Mortimer starts down the stairs.]] Mortimer: Wait up there, both of you! Please! Sylvester: It looks rather.. wet.. Rosemary: Watch out for Mugwumpz! Mortimer: I'm just going to the landing... [[A closer look at the glowing star-shaped object. There is also a stick lying nearby.]] Mortimer: At the very least, we've got a torch-stick. And if that..glowy thing.. is what I think.. {{It's a glowgem.}} Tuesday , April 19 , 2011 [[An abandoned stairway-landing in the Basement. Mortimer's hand reaches for a glowgem lying on the ground.]] [[He holds the gem in his hand.]] [[He looks at his umbrella.]] [[He puts the gem on the tip of the umbrella.]] [[The gem stays there and lights up, illuminating the scene. There is Human graffiti on the walls: PASS OVER. COME ZARK OR HIGH (erased by now-receded water.]] [[Mortimer looks down the staircase, which is wet, dark and piled with bits of rubble.]] Wednesday , April 20 , 2011 [[On a stairway landing in the Basement. Mortimer is returning from checking the next landing down.]] Sylvester: What'd he /find/ down- Rosemary: Wow. Sylvester: What? What's wrong now? [[Rosemary looks at her hand, as Sylvester turns away, and looks out into the main room beyond.]] Rosemary: It's right. I'm definite-ly feeling better. More.. yaknow.. normal-ish. Sylvester: Hmph. I'm not. Although some /things/, rather than people.. Rosemary: I'm gonna tell.. /Mortimer/ that I- Sylvester: Like that over there.. you.. put your hand on the glowy part, and.. say... You have to- [[Mortimer pokes his umbrella/glowgem into view, directly into Rosemary's face.]] Mortimer: Hey, guys! Look at /this!/ [[Sylvester turns back to look.]] Mortimer: These are so cool! If you look.. /deep/, you can actually see the power swirling around! Sylvester: A glowstone. No. A glow/gem/. That's what that is. They glow and such. For a while. Rosemary: Deep... Swirl-ing.. Thursday , April 21 , 2011 [[On a stairway landing in the Basement. Rosemary has been inadvertently entranced by the glowgem now mounted on Mortimer's umbrella.]] Sylvester: But I don't.. well.. remember those things being that big... Mortimer: They aren't, normally. And it's freshly charged. Look at how /bright/ it's shining! [[Outline depicting a collection of flooded corridors, in which the glowgem and other debris float.]] Mortimer: You were right, Sylvester. About it being wet. There's been flooding again. Mortimer: The 'Gem must have washed right up from.. wherever they come from. Mortimer: So. Both you please listen to me, and don't argue. First, Sylvester. save your lamp for a.. bigger emergency. [[Sylvester turns off his helmet lamp.]] Sylvester: Welp, you're the boss. Rosemary: !! Mortimer: Next, there's nothing below but debris, slime grubs and foul air. Mortimer: So we head upstairs. We deal with Certain Death, and we go home. Sylvester: Where you lead, we cheerfully follow.. Rosemary: !!! Friday , April 22 , 2011 [[On a stairway landing somewhere in the Basement. Mortimer turns away sharply, breaking Rosemary's inadvertent and unnoticed connection with his glowgem/umbrella.]] Mortimer: So, off we go! Sylvester: Oh, wait, Rosemary here had something that she wanted t- [[There is an enormous earth-shaking ((CRASH))]] [[Noises come down the stairs from above.]] ((CRUNCH BAND THUD)) {{There is a statue of Dorn the Second, the 11th Earl of E.}} Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: What's that? Sylvester: At a guess, Certain Death coming to deal with us. {{A sign-arrow indicated that Operation Certain Death was up the stairs.}} Saturday , April 23 , 2011 Narration: Meanwhile, back out in public.. [[A sign hanging from the ceiling, equipped with arrows, reads COUNCIL LANDING ZONE. KEEP CLEAR BY ORDER OF THE COUNCIL. The walls are covered with Council notices and recommendations. Mingent the Gobule is eating something/someone left lying on the ground. To one side, a slab swings up and out, above a sloping ramp.]] ((CLANG)) [[Comshaw, Skradt, Snerd and Twiz come zooming into view.]] [[The slab shuts behind them.]] ((UNCLANG)) Snerd: So.. we're.. back in public again? Comshaw: Can't get much more public than Mingent. Mingent: Hey guyz! Wassup? Sunday , April 24 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Chunner: "System"? What system are you talking about? Crud: Didn't we discuss this? /The/ System. Everything. The whole world. At least, the.. non-Forest parts. Crud: Light, and heat and water and fresh air.. they all marvellously [sic] flow in and out. [[The dart flies past, displaying an Easter theme.]] Crud: The Tree maintains much of the Balance.. and I suspect the Great Riddler also.. but not all of it. Crud: Of course, I was a grower, not a mechanic like Callithump.. but the Humans' old devices.. they play their part, too. I guess. Crud: And they keep trundlebugs and.. and slimegrubs and all.. out of their workings with filters that.. Crud: Do what you just described. Take intruders and send them someplace else, quickly. And not by.. bringing the other place close.. like twistpoints. Monday , April 25 , 2011 [[At the Council chamber's discharge zone. Twiz the Gobule is lying on the floor, with a bit of Fixit leg in his mouth. Mingent the Gobule looms over him.]] Mingent: Hey, li'l buddy, whatcha got there? Twiz: Umm... Comshaw: It's a new taste treat that's just been discovered. [[Comshaw and Skradt are nearby.]] Comshaw: /That/ piece is going straight to Maw, but if you smell anything like it, give it a try! Mingent: Cool. Oh, heya, Comshaw. Comshaw: Mingent. You're looking.. even more like yourself than usual today. [[Twiz ((FLEEs)), leaving only his outline behind.]] Mingent: Oh, yeah. Got caught in th' Elevator blast. Comshaw: Really? That's rough. Tell me all about it! Tuesday , April 26 , 2011 Narration: One moderately coherent recap later.. [[At the Council Chamber discharge point.]] Mingent the Gobule: N' there wuz fire all over th' place, so I skedaddled. Comshaw: Very sensible. Mingent: N' so, I dunno what happened next. Comshaw: I believe Sina got involved, bringing us to you, Snerd. Snerd the Gnoll: What? Comshaw: What are you going to do now, after you report back to Sina? Snerd: Well.. I.. [[Skradt listens to the conversation.]] Comshaw: Give up your new messenger gig, and go back to.. doing whatever it is you do? Snerd: Hey! I.. [[Comshaw turns to go.]] Snerd: ...I... Comshaw: Indeed. Tell Sina /I/ said... Comshaw: Heh. Tell her I said it sounds like she doesn't need to hear anything from me. Wednesday , April 27 , 2011 [[At the Council Chambers discharge point.]] Snerd the Gnoll: Wait.. Tell Sina you said it sounds like she doesn't.. what? Skradt, leaving: "...Need to hear anything from him." [[Snerd thinks about this.]] Snerd: "Keep the messenger job?!" Snerd: Not a chance! Having to talk to the zarking /Council!?/ And Shona would /never/ agree to me working for her /litter-mate/! Snerd: And I love her. Shona, I mean. Mingent the Gobule: Got no messages for whatsergob, So we done here? Cuz I do got phizz that needs eatin'. Thursday , April 28 , 2011 [[Outside the official exit to the Council chambers, Snerd is talking to Mingent the Gobule.]] Snerd: What? Oh. Yeah. We're done here. Snerd: I'm done. [[He walks off, past a wall covered wtih bits of graffiti: CRY FOR THE LABORER. KISS YOUR MATE. The moving digit writes, and having writ, movez [sic] on.]] {{Slightly mangled quote from Omar Khayy?m}} Snerd, thinking: God's whoever might be waiting around the next corner. Might not make it back to Sina, much less ever see.. [[He climbs some stairs. An arrow sign points to THE LONG PATH. Another advertises LE TREE. Other bits of half-legible graffiti.]] [[He walks away from the viewer, down a passageway past a branch of The Tree.]] Snerd, thinking: "Comshaw said it sounds like you don't need to hear anything from him." God's sending out Hat-things to take over people's brains. The Council will be watching. [[More about Maw the Gobule, but it trails off out of sight beyond the edge of the panel.]] Friday , April 29 , 2011 [[Comshaw and Skradt go from the Council chambers to Root Hall.]] Skradt: What would you do? Comshaw: Eh? Skradt: If you /were/ wearin' one of those robes right now. [[Outline of Preznit the Eyebolt standing opposite Agita, Guttle and Nevus.]] Comshaw: Well.. the Council is steadily gaining power and influence, but there's still only so much they /can/ do. Comshaw: That said.. [[Outline of Comshaw boldly confronting Sylvester The Mysterious Earl.]] Comshaw: I would send some expendable macho idiot to try and /talk/ to "Sylvester", see what he and his Humans really want. Skradt: Uh huh.. [[Outline of a gloved hand reaching out to grab a Fixit which has been suckered in with a decoy poking from a Gnollish nest.]] Comshaw: As for these Fixits.. At least for tonight, I would keep Widdendreem in the Council chambers, and set up an ambush for "Slinker" when he comes for his report. Skradt: . . . Sometimes ambushes don't work real well.. Saturday , April 30 , 2011 [[Outline of a Fixit about to be trapped under a glass dome.]] Comshaw: Yes, ambushes often fail. These Fixits must be good at sneaking around unseen, and they are so fragile that taking one alive could be difficult. [[Outline of Shona the Gnoll looking at the Fixit now on display under the dome, on top of a pillar which is labelled GODS SPY in Manglish.]] Comshaw: But if one were caught, and, say, put on public display, even the Council non-fans would have to pay attention. [[Comshaw and Skradt are going from the Council Chambers to Root Hall. The walls are covered with graffiti.]] Skradt: And you could get them to talk about their boss. Comshaw: There's the ethics of that. And the fragility again. Fortunately, I'm not the one who has- [[They have met a Jibjib Burd carrying a basket and wearing a Fixit on his head.]] Comshaw: -to make these decisions. Sunday , May 1 , 2011 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Crud: Unless.. when you say "Foom", you are referring to the Foomers which we all experienced /here/ a short time ago.. Crud: In which case.. it's... an entirely different phenomenon. Cully: um.. no. Cully: It was.. the first one. [[Outline of a young Cully and his sister dropping a trundlebug down a small shaft. A teleporting-line runs off to a bulb in another room.]] Cully: And yes, I'd forgotten, but Shoomp the Trundlebug was one of the games that Mulct taught my sister and I when we were whelps. Cully: It was the same thing. Only it was me being sent off.. wherever I went. [[Outline of a dazed Cully lying on the ground amidst teleportation bulbs, with Tuttle the Gnoll standing at a nearby control panel.]] Cully: Anyway. I.. we foomed, and there was a another female there. And she said.. Tuttle, in outline: Greetings and solidarity, fellow toilers! Welcome Behind the Scenes! Monday , May 2 , 2011 [[In a graffiti-strewn passageway in the Basement, Comshaw and Skradt have met Schrik, a Jibjib with a Fixit on his head. Schrik is carrying a basket.]] SchrikFixit: What's /yer/ problem? Comshaw: OK. Here's the deal. It's the end of an era. By this time tomorrow, you'll either be dead or in hiding. SchrikFixit: Dunno what yer gabbin about, but I- Comshaw: So, /get off that Jibjib's head/ and come to the Council, where we will offer y- Fixit: !! [[Schrik's feet, turning rapidly away.]] ((FLEE 2!!)) [[Comshaw's hand, ((FLINGing)) his stick.]] [[Skradt darting forward.]] [[The stick hits the Fixit on the back of the "head", knocking him off Schrik, who is stunned. The basket slips from his claw.]] [[Comshaw watches angrily.]] [[Skradt catches Schrk before he hits the ground. The basket lands nearby.]] [[The Fixit lies dead on the floor.]] Cosmhaw: zark it. Tuesday , May 3 , 2011 [[Skradt has caught a falling Jibjib Burd, who low lays in his arms.]] Comshaw: Admirable sentiment and reflexes, Skrad, but a Jibjib can easily survive a fall from a much greater height. Skradt: ...He /is/ pretty light.. Skradt: ..What are we gonna do with him? Comshaw: sigh. Take him to a healer, I suppose, if we can find one who's not already- [[The Jibjib (Schrik) suddenly springs back to life, launching himself into the air.]] Schrik: JIB!!?! Schrik: Whoo! Schrik: Just had the /floopiest/ dream. I was.. something or other.. Comshaw: Really? Tell me all about it. Wednesday , May 4 , 2011 [[Comshaw and Skradt have knocked a Fixit off the head of a Jibjib.]] Schrik: Well, I.. hey! Yer that Comshaw guy!! Comshaw: Yes. Yes I am. This is my assoiciate Skradt. And you are? Schrik: ...Schrik. [[Skradt reaches for the dead Fixit.]] Schrik: Whadda want with me? Comshaw: Well, Schrik, I want to hear about this dream of yours. It's important. [[Outline of a Gnoll being carried across the Great Chasm in a sling by three Jibjibs.]] Schrik: Uh.. well.. I dunno. I was.. all smart. Doin' smart phizz.. Gotta job workin for Flap! On th.. on the Chasm! Comshaw: Hm. And does the word "Fixit" mean anything to you? [[Skradt holds up the Fixit.]] Schrik: No? Comshaw: And you don't recognize /this/? Schrik: Ew! Wut's that thing? Comshaw: "No." Thursday , May 5 , 2011 [[Comshaw and Schrik the Jibjib discuss the dead Fixit that Skradt holds.]] Comshaw: These things are dangerous. If you see a live one, stay away. Especially if it's on someone's head. Schrik: ..OK? [[The basket Schrik had been carrying sits nearby.]] Comshaw: Now, how about that intriguing double-latched basket? Schrik: Huh? Oh. That's sumthin fer Crispin. Yaknow, the Boogie Muck-amuck. Flap said- Schrik: .. that I shud.. be sure'n.. Schrik: tell. [[Comshaw turns to go.]] Schrik: ..that wuz a /dream/. Comshaw: Still, I suggest you take the whatever to Crispin. Then decide if you're still going to follow that dream. Friday , May 6 , 2011 [[In a corridor in the Basement.]] Schrik the Jibjib: /WAIT!/ Comshaw: Yes? Schrik: That thing.. It wuz on /my/ head, wuznt it!? Comshaw: Yes it was. Schrik: /Why?!/ Comshaw: You've heard about "God"? He sent them out to spy on people. [[Outline of two Fixits communicating while Schrik sleeps in his nest.]] Comshaw: The logical assumption is, it was using you to spy on Flap's whole operation. Comshaw: Noting who got oh-so-discreetly hauled across the Chasm.. Comshaw: Who was having little gifts sent to whom.. [[Schrik has collapsed to the ground.]] Schrik: . . . Schrik: . . . Schrik: . . . Schrik: Flap'll /pluck/ me!!! Comshaw: Well, he is more forgiving and easy-going than, say, Guttle, but it is a definite possibility. Saturday , May 7 , 2011 [[In the Basement, in front of a graffiti-covered wall. Schrik the Jibjib looks up at Comshaw from the ground.]] Schrik: Are ya gonna /tell/ Flap bout this!? Comshaw: I have no plans to dash over to the Chasm to spread the word, no. [[Outline of one Jibjib telling another about Fixits.]] Comshaw: But he's going to hear about it from /somebody/, and soon. Comshaw: Maybe if it was you, in person, with evidence, he might.. [[Schrik stares.]] Comshaw: No? OK, then. You've got to go to ground. They say the SubShafts are always looking for folks who can fly. You could.. Comshaw: No again? Comshaw: Fortunately, a new alternative has just today opened up, and you'd be doing /me/ a small favor.. Schrik, even lower: subShafts maybe ain't so bad.. Sunday , May 8 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully, after teleportation, finds himself surrounded by glowing bulbs, with an older female Gnoll wearing a mining helmet, a backpack and an eyepatch.]] Cully: Um.. hello. Tuttle: I am Tuttle! Yes, /really/ Tuttle. Cully: um.. OK. Tuttle: Hmph. And you are.. /ah/.. new down here, aren't you? To the subShafts in general, I mean. Cully: It seems like forever, but.. yes. I guess. How- Tuttle: Ha! You haven't developed any sort of patina yet, /and/ I don't recognize you right off-- Tuttle; Oh! I'm being stupid. You're poor old Cunskite's replacement! The young fellow who ran afoul of that phizzer Nevus! Cully: Um.. yes. Cully. Tuttle: Oohh, right right! Shangie's whelp! I was sorry to hear that she'd passed on. Monday , May 9 , 2011 [[An outline of Crazy Rhid with a blastbulb.]] Comshaw: Have you heard.. you do know about Rhid, know where he lived? Schrik: /Crazy Rhid/? I ain't going near h- Comshaw: I said /lived/ [[Outline of Rhid stuffed into a garbage can, with Sina standing nearby holding a cakeshroom.]] Comshaw: Word has reached me that he has been.. deposed. Do you know a Gnoll named Sina? Schrik: ..She duz birthday things..? [[Outline of Sina in royal regalia, with a bodyguard and Skuy carrying a missive.]] Comshaw: Yes. It appears she's been promoted, and expansion is proceeding apace. [[Outlines of Royal Sina and Schrik, not necessarily to scale.]] Comshaw: You might go investigate, see if you and she both think there is a place for you. Tuesday , May 10 , 2011 [[In front of a graffiti-covered wall in the Basement. Schrik the Jibjib looks up at Comshaw from the floor. Comshaw takes the dead Fixit from Skradt.]] Schrik: Ya.. said sumthing bout a favor? Comshaw: Indeed. Skradt? [[Comshaw holds up the Fixit corpse.]] Comshaw: I want you to deliver this to Sina. Tell her I have a message for her after all: God sent these out to spy on everyone. Schrik: That's.. all? [[Outline of "ruler" Sina hearing testimony from Snerd the Gnoll, even as the Fixit is presented on a platter.]] Comshaw: Yes. Word is in theory even now heading her way, but.. physical proof is always better. Schrik: But why.. [[Comshaw looms over him.]] Comshaw: Because I want everyone to know about these things. To be watching out for them. So what happened to you /never happens again/. Schrik: right! yessir! take th dead thingie ta Sina! Wednesday , May 11 , 2011 [[In front of a graffiti-covered wall in the Basement. Schrik the Jibjib has the dead Fixit which was previously controlling him.]] Comshaw: And now- Schrik: /I'm goin'!/ Comshaw: Indeed. But I should give you some credentials. [[Comshaw pats him on the chest.]] Comshaw: Sina, at least, should recognize my scent. Comshaw: /And/... just a suggestion.. [[Skradt holds up the basket.]] Comshaw: ..you should still deliver the basket to Crispin. Comshaw: One less person to be mad at you. Schrik: ..yeah. ok.. [[Comshaw and Skradt watch as Schrik flies away.]] Thursday , May 12 , 2011 [[After a meeting with Schrik the Jibjib.]] Comshaw: Now then. Where'd my stick get to? Skradt: It's over there. [[The stick lying on the floor, in front of a couple of small holes in the wall.]] Comshaw: Ah.. [[Comshaw's hand reaches down to pick it up.]] Comshaw: So it is. [[They go on.]] Skradt: So is whatisbeak gonna do what you said? Comshaw: Hm? Oh. Yes. He /does/ appear to be pretty much free of the ravages of intellect. Comshaw: ..But he'll make his deliveries. What he does then with his life.. Comshaw: . . . Comshaw: ..is a question /we/ need to be asking. Friday , May 13 , 2011 [[On the wall behind Skradt the Trog and Comshaw is graffiti of Jason Vorhees from Friday the 13th, along with the words IF YOU GO INTO THE WOODS TODAY]] Skradt: Aren't we going to Agita's? Comshaw: Exactly. "We". To quote your possibly-erstwhile employer, Why are you here, Skradt? Really? [[Behind them now is a statue of a leprechaun-type individual standing on a pot of gold, with the word TIRANOG at the base. Graffiti quotes from one of the horror "Leprechaun" movies.]] Skradt: ... ... OK. [[An outline of Skradt standing on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Skradt: My brain's gonna go all blork someday. Comshaw: Yes. I'm sorry. Skradt: Gonna take the Plunge when I feel it coming. Take /something./ Comshaw: Anyone can get Raddled, then have to choose. I plan to stick around. Sniff what happens next, however weak my snout becomes. [[Graffiti on the wall reads FUZZY LITTLE CRITTERS WITH BIG SHARP TEETH, and includes a depiction of one.]] {{Graffiti is references to various horror movies.}} Skradt: Why I joined up with Nevus I think. Yeah. I die in some fight.. solves the problem, nice and quick. Comshaw: mm. Skradt: But now.. I dunno.. Saturday , May 14 , 2011 [[Behind Skradt and Comshaw is a statue of a Human in stereotypical French garb. The base is marked BLEFUSCO.]] Skradt; And you.. yeah, I heard what Preznit and.. Widdendreem? said. 'bout people hating you.. but.. [[Outline of a female Gnoll frantically telling Comshaw about some problem.]] Skradt: A lotta folks like you. Lotta foks are /happy/ when you show up. [[Outline of Cully the Gnoll fleeing Skradt.]] Skradt: /I/ show up anywhere, it means some poor stupid git's phizzed off Nevus. Skradt: ...! I wasn't includin' /you/ in- Comshaw: "Poor"?! I have enough glowgems that Camora's sires are now officially required to acknowledge my existence! Sunday , May 15 , 2011 [[Cully and his dart have been teleported somewhere behind the scenes of the SubShafts. Tuttle the Gnoll is there.]] Cully: ...Does /everyone/ down here know my parents? Tuttle: It's a painfully small world we live in, Cully. But yes, I knew Shangie, before she mated with Cozen, before I.. came here. Tuttle: I'm glad to see she taught you to do the right thing, even if means facing the consequences. Cully: "The right thing".. are ..are you talking about with Nevus? Tuttle: Of course. You mean no one's told you that? Ah, poor kid, but it tends to happen. So. You did the right thing. [[Tuttle turns to go.]] Cully: Fine. Thank you. Why am I here? I'm really not in the mood for more foot-flibbling. Tuttle: Ah, you've been with Dandily and Dipsoma already. Why am I not surprised. Tuttle: No. You're cute enough, I suppose, but you're not my type. You're here because.. I need to give you something. Come with me. Both of you. Monday , May 16 , 2011 [[Comshaw and Skradt walk past an alcove which contains the lower half of a statue; the inscription at the statue's base reads THEKLA.]] {{Thekla is the Human nation just south of "Mansionland."}} Comshaw: So, you think I'm this big hero and you want to dedicate your remaining span of useful existence to emulating my sterling example. Skradt: Dedicate my.. Skradt: I dunno. Skradt: Maybe. [[They walk on.]] [[Their voices come from off-panel.]] Skradt: Plus, you took out me and two other guys using just a stick, and I wanna learn how you did it. Comshaw: Thaaat's better. Off to see Agita. After that..? Tuesday , May 17 , 2011 [[In the Basement, a crack in the wall, near where Comshaw and Skradt have been working together. The wall is covered with bits of graffiti.]] [[Zooming closer to the crack. Frowgler is sitting there.]] Frowgler: The start of a beautiful friendship. [[He ((SPROINGs)) away.]] Frowgler: And speaking of friends.. Frowgler: We move onto the next item on the Agenda. Wednesday , May 18 , 2011 [[In the Basement, at a landing in a staircase. Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester look up the stairs. Arrow-signs on the wall, pointing up and down respectively read OPERATION CERTAIN DEATH and SLIMEGRUB BREEDPITS.]] Approaching whatever: RARG! CRASH! SHOVE! Sylvester: So all we know is, it's big, it's angry, and it's headed this way? Mortimer: . . . Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: Right. Thursday , May 19 , 2011 [[In the Basement, at the bottom of a staircase. Something loudly approaches.]] ((MORE BIG)) Mortimer: What.. What do we do? Rosemary: If you're asking my advice, I would suggest a strategic withdrawal. [[Mortimer and Sylvester stare at her.]] ((NOISES GETTING)) Rosemary: No? OK.. [[Rosemary produces the Can-Opener from her Poke Kit.]] ((CLOSER)) Rosemary: Option #2: We stay here and confront whatever-it-is. Of course, it's cramped in here, so- Mortimer: Yes! No! Everyone out! Back to the elevator! The glowing one! [[She put the weapon away, and pushes Sylvester back out into the main chamber.]] Rosemary: You heard the man, Sylvester! Move! Sylvester: Where the zark did that /Paleslicer/ come from?! Friday , May 20 , 2011 [[Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are at the bottom of a shaft in the Basement, facing a glowing orb mounted on a pole. The orb is producing music. Behind them, something large is coming.]] ((VERY)) Mortimer: OK.OK. Sylvester, you gotta a light, you go first! Put your hand on- Sylvester: I think I remember. [[Sylvester ((GLOMPs> the globe. The music cuts off. Mortimer reaches for Sylvester's shoulder.]] ((NEARLY)) Sylvester: Top floor, please. Mortimer: Nono! [[Mortimer now has his hand on Sylvester's shoulder.]] ((HERE)) Mortimer: You gotta say /door/. Dunno why. "Top door, please." Orb: ping [[Mortimer and Sylvester both ((whooosh)) up out of sight. A large angry pair of eyes can be seen in the background.]] Rosemary: Oh. OK.. Saturday , May 21 , 2011 [[At the bottom of a levitation-elevator shaft. Mortimer and Sylvester are out of sight above, rapidly rising.]] Mortimer: Rosemary! Do the same thinngg! Rosemary: Righty ho. [[She ((glomps)) onto the glowing sphere in front of her, and its music cuts off.]] Rosemary: Top door, please. [[She starts to ((wooosh)) up out of sight; something reaches into the panel.]] [[A greenish hand ((GLOMPs)) onto Rosemary's ankle.]] Sunday , May 22 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between SubShafts [[Cully and Tuttle walk past banks of lights. Cully's dart joins them.]] Cully: "Both of..?" Oh. Tuttle: You have a /lot/ of questions. I will tell you what I can, but some answers just aren't safe. [[Behind them is a tank with various sea-creatures swimming in it.]] Cully: For who? You or me? Tuttle: Yes. Next question. [[They come to a list of what appear to be stock prices.]] Cully: . . . What happened to your eye? [[Tuttle removes the eyepatch she was wearing, revealing a normal eye.]] Tuttle: My.. oh. Heh. Setting all this up, I was switching between.. dark and light places. Don't have to wait for your vision to adjust. Monday , May 23 , 2011 [[While rising up a levitation-elevator shaft, Rosemary has been grabbed by the ankle by Tand, an enormous snake-like creature. Equally enormous words can be half-seen in the darkness behind them. Below them, the elevator's control-globe plays its tune.]] [[Rosemary produces the Can Opener from her Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: Not so cramped out here. Tand: . . . Tand: [unintelligible.]] Tand: -ot rigHT EITHER. AH! Tand: /NOW/ CAN YOU UNDERSTAND ME? Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: . . . Yes. [[Tand strains against the elevator's pull.]] Tand: GOOD. OK. CLEARLY (OOF) YOU'RE IN A HURRY SO I'LL MAKE THIS QUICK. Tuesday , May 24 , 2011 [[Mortimer and Sylvester are ((WOOSHING)) up a levitation-elevator shaft. Rosemary has been left behind down below.]] Sylvester: Certain Death.. it's huge! It's down there with her! Mortimer: There's nothing we can do until we reach the top of the shaft. Mortimer: And even then.. I think... we'd just be getting in her way if we went back. [[Sylvester points at the glowgem connected to Mortimer's umbrella.]] Sylvester: Couldn't you hit it with your.. glow gem? Or something? Sylvester: And how does that stay /on/ there, anyway? Mortimer: Huh? I dunno. There's just a spot where it fits. Mortimer: And.. and.. waving a light in the whatever's face.. or its whatever.. probably won't help. Wednesday , May 25 , 2011 [[Tand the large whatever-she-is has grabbed ahold of the levitating Rosemary's ankle.]] Tand: YOU TELL THOSE TWO IDIOTS, I SAID TO GET OFF THEIR FRELLING BUTTS AND GET ON WITH THE JOB WE CAME HERE TO DO. Rosemary: . . . You.. came here with Sylvester and Mortimer from somewhere? Tand: WHO? NO, NOT /THEM! AHZ AND SKIV!/ DON'T BOTHER TO DENY YOU WERE JUST DOWN THERE! THEIR MARKERS ARE STILL FRESH ON YOU! Rosemary: . . . If you insist. The very next time I talk to.. Ahz and Skiv.. I will tell them.. who is this message from? Tand: OH, THEY'LL KNOW WHEN THEY- Tand: . . . Tand: TAND. I AM TAND. Thursday , May 26 , 2011 [[While using a levitation-elevator, Rosemary has been snagged by the ankle by Tand.]] Tand: YOU'RE NOT ONE OF THOSE HUMANS WHO USED TO COME AROUND. Rosemary: No, I'm not. Tand: YOU'RE NOT LIKE ANY HUMAN (oof) I'VE EVER SAMPLED. Rosemary: I get that a lot. Tand: . . . Rosemary: Now...Tand. I have your message and your name,and I need to catch up to- Tand: THE ONES WHO ARE WITH YOU! YES! Tand: THAT SPARKLY ONE. THERE USED TO (ah) BE LOTS LIKE HIM AROUND, ALWAYS FLARING. Rosemary: If you say so. Tand: THEN THEY ALL WENT AWAY, AND IT GOT VERY (urg) QUIET.. Tand: AND SO WHEN I HEARD HIM JUST NOW.. I HAD TO (uh) BASH DOWN AND SEE! DESPITE.. Friday , May 27 , 2011 [[Mortimer and Sylvester zoom upwards, towards the top of the "glowing orb elevator" shaft.]] [[They safely land.]] ((clunk)) [[They are on a platform sticking out from the wall.]] Sylvester: We made it. Mortimer: Yes. Sylvester: I.. There's a way to go back down, isn't there? [[Closeup of a glowing bulb mounted on the wall, labeled OATIZ.]] Mortimer: Usually it's.. yes. Mounted on the wall. Mortimer: But.. we're not... using it. I hope. Sylvester: What? [[The door ahead of them has been forcibly pried open at some point.]] Mortimer: I think.. yes. Rosemary's all right. We'll wait here for her. Sylvester: Not moving sounds like a good plan.. Saturday , May 28 , 2011 [[While using a levitation-elevator, Rosemary has been snagged by the ankle by a now-straining Tand. Rosemary puts the Can Opener back into her Poke Kit. The scene is lit by a torch Tand is carrying in one of her "hands"]] Rosemary: "Despite"? Tand: ARE YOU (ack) COMING BACK? HUMANS? YOU SPECIFICALLY? Rosemary: Very possibly. Despite /what/? Tand: (ow) THAT HORRIBLE MASK-THING. (gr)! DON'T WANT (ah) TO MEET /HIM/, ESPECIALLY IN THE DARK! Tand: THE SNEECHES ARE ALMOST (ACK) AS BAD! Rosemary: Are you talking about the Operator? Tand: NO! WELL, HIM TOO! OW! BUT /HE'S/ LOCKED UP AAH! THE MASK-THING CAN GO EVERYWHERE! Rosemary: What does he... What's wrong? Tand: I'M STRETCHED PAST MY AARGH LIMIT! TORCH UGH DYING! KEEPING YOU FROM /YOUR/ JOB! I HAVE TO GO! Sunday , May 29 , 2011 Narration: Previously between subShafts.. [[Cully pauses to look at a display that a Human would recognize as being stock-market numbers.]] Cully: What do these.. I was going to say words, but.. letters and numbers mean? Tuttle: Sorry, no idea. And unfortunately, their being displayed here means they are important. [[The display changes.]] ((PING PING)) Cully: Important to w- Cullly: It changed! Tuttle: Yes. They do, regularly. I would study them more, but I generally need to keep on the move. Cully: . . . You.. weren't /assigned/ to work here, were you? Tuttle: If you mean "officially by Coprolite the lump and Draffsack the shadow and ultimately Egrote the spooting phizzer.." No. I was not. Monday , May 30 , 2011 [[Just outside the Ettinworks. Levitating Rosemary has been snagged by the ankle by Tand, who is having trouble holding on.]] Rosemary: Wait! What is this "job" you were sent to do? By who? What are y- Tand: THEY URG SENT USHERE AAH TOGROW OG AGARDEN! [[Tand loses her grip.]] ((slip)) [[They shoot out of sight in opposite directions, leaving the torch Tand was carrying to fall to earth.]] ((TWWANNG)) Tuesday , May 31 , 2011 [[On a platform at the top of a levitation-elevator shaft.]] Sylvester: So.. how long do we wait before we- ((WOOOOOSSHH! clunk)) [[Rosemary has joined Sylvester and Mortimer.]] Rosemary: Wow. That was.. invigorating. How exactly does this thing work? Sylvester: . . . Mortimer: Um.. no one knows anymore. Even Rufus can't... um... Mortimer: You're.. normal again! As well as being all right! Rosemary: As far inside either of those boundries [sic] as I ever stay, yes. Wednesday , June 1 , 2011 [[At the top of a levitation-elevator shaft.]] Mortimer: What was that thing? It didn't hurt you? Rosemary: I didn't get a chance to ask what she was. Her name is Tand. Sylvester: "Tand"? Rosemary: She looked like.. there's another species down here I hadn't even heard about before today.. [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester in the lobby of Le Tree, in the coils of Tabo the Wyrm.]] {{At the time of transcription, Tabo's name has never been spoken aloud.}} Rosemary: They're python-sized, sorta, but they have faces? Not Queen Snakes; we saw one of those, too. Mortimer: Python..? Oh. Um. "Wee-yurms".. They live down in the Hot Zone, I guess. Mostly. But.. they don't get that big! Sylvester: "Tand.." Rosemary: She /looked like/ a.. "Wyrm", but I don't think she was one. I didn't see any mouth, and their skins..hides.. feel very different. Thursday , June 2 , 2011 [[At the top of a levitation-elevator shaft.]] Rosemary: Anyhoo, what Tand wanted was for me.. us.. to pass along a message to "Ahz" and "Skiv" the next time we happen to be talking to them. Mortimer: Who and who? [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester walking past the Uninteresting Growth in Le Tree.]] Rosemary: Ahz and Skiv. She seemed to think I met them today. If so, they never dropped their names. Mortimer: I've.. never heard those names either. [[Outline of Tand, Ahz and Skiv watching some seedlings grow.]] Rosemary: Well, if you do meet them, "Tand says to get off your butts and get on with the job we were sent here to do." Rosemary: ..Which is, evidently, to "grow a garden". Mortimer: . . . Sylvester: I've read the name /Tand/ somewhere. In my.. I have records, right? That I.. consult all the time? Mortimer: ..Yes! And.. we need to get back to them. Right now. Rosemary: Lead on! Friday , June 3 , 2011 [[At the top of a shaft in the Basement.]] Mortimer: Wait.. Sylvester.. You're not back to normal, too? Sylvester: No. Not yet. Like I said, bits and pieces keep coming, but.. [[Outline of Lilith cooking in a pot, while Lenore rides a horse.]] Sylvester: We have two sisters. They're twins. One's a very good cook.. the other rides horses. And wears those ridiculous glasses. But I can't remember their names.. [[Outline of "Crazy" Rosemary crossed out, besides Normal Rosemary.]] Sylvester: And you.. Rosemary. I.. Rosemary: Ytyess? Sylvester: That wasn't you before. You aren't.. Sylvester: I.. I once saw you decapitate a fully-grown Trog! With a sword! Mortimer: Wow. Really? Rosemary: Fraid so. But he did strongly hint he was planning to eat us. Saturday , June 4 , 2011 [[At the top of a levitation-elevator shaft. Mortimer walks on, as Sylvester stares at Rosemary.]] Mortimer: But anyway, let's get off this ledge. Rosemary: Yes. One chasm plummet a day is enough. [[Rosemary leaves.]] Mortimer: Actually, there's a safety.. thing.. that should stop... . . . You fell into.. Mortimer: Never mind. We can talk later. Rosemary: Of course. Debriefings all around. [[Sylvester stares some more.]] [[He turns towards Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Um.. Rosemary.. Rosemary: Yes, Sylvester? Sylvester: I do hope you weren't planning to take offense at any slanderous statements I may have inadvertently issued in the recent past. Rosemary: While I do pick the straw out of my hair these days, As I just said, for me to deny that I am a crazy lady would be foolish. Sunday , June 5 , 2011 [[Narraton: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle walk past a collection of circles.]] Cully: I'm gonna assume that you didn't just come down here on a whim. Tuttle: Why not? It's more or less why Callithump is here. And Chunner, for that matter. I think. Tuttle: But, that said, you're right. I was recruited to.. assume this position. Cully: By.. Tuttle: Again, sorry. I'm not going to tell you his name. You /probably/ don't know him, and either way.. it's one of those dangerous facts. Cully: But- Tuttle: This fellow.. he's been around a long time. Done a lot, seen a lot. Tuttle: And.. he came to realize that the world is not as it seems. We have all been systematically /lied to/. Monday , June 6 , 2011 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer walk a corridor in the Basement. There is lots of Human graffiti on the walls. Stairs lead down.]] Sylvester: It may be surprising, but I actually have a theory.. Mortimer: Not really. You and Rufus always have theories. (Stairs, but they only go down..) Sylvester: Oh. Well. The whatever-it-was didn't affect us in the same way to start with. So maybe the /duration/ won't- Mortimer: Sylvester, hush. Sylvester: What? Why- [[They have come to a large green growth which fills most of the corridor.]] Sylvester: Oh. Sylvester: OK. I can't remember what /that's/ called either, but I do remember it's very dangerous. Mortimer: It's another Sneech growth. thing. Tuesday , June 7 , 2011 [[At the lower edge of the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: "Another". So.. we met a Sneechnode already, and I told you what I know about them. Mortimer: Yes. [[Closeup of the nearest Sneechnode.]] Mortimer: And.. from what you said.. I don't think it's one of the really dangerous ones. Sylvester: So we're going to edge past it? Mortimer: I don't think we have much choice. Rosemary? Rosemary: You're asking my opinion? Mortimer: Of course. Rosemary: While I would like to talk to Tand again if we can work it into the schedule.. I agree right now we should proceed. Mortimer: OK then.. Wednesday , June 8 , 2011 [[At the edge of the Mansion's resident Sneech colony. Mortimer inches by the Sneech-growth which is blocking most of the passageway.]] ((scoot scoot)) [[Rosemary does the same.]] ((inch inch)) [[And Sylvester.]] ((millimeter millimeter)) [[Beyond the corridor is mostly open, with various vines and small growths running away into darkness. The walls have Human graffiti on them: a scalpsucker, the word SHAVUOT above waves, and CHAU-MURKY inside a bottle.]] Thursday , June 9 , 2011 [[At the lower edge of the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: Rosemary? Rosemary: Yes? Mortimer: This may seem like an irrelevant question, but you're sure the.. Tand.. was a gal? [[Outline showing closeup of Tand's face.]] Rosemary: That was the overwhelming impression I got when I looked into her eyes. Mortimer: I see. Mortimer: I'm asking cuz... I'm weighing my options here. Do I want to go into a Sneech den.. Mortimer: Or.. [[Sylvester points at Mortimer.]] Sylvester: Ah! Or.. or does he want to go deal with a /new/ strange and dangerous woman? Rosemary, smiling: I see. Thursday , June 9 , 2011 [[At the lower edge of the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: Rosemary? Rosemary: Yes? Mortimer: This may seem like an irrelevant question, but you're sure the.. Tand.. was a gal? [[Outline showing closeup of Tand's face.]] Rosemary: That was the overwhelming impression I got when I looked into her eyes. Mortimer: I see. Mortimer: I'm asking cuz... I'm weighing my options here. Do I want to go into a Sneech den.. Mortimer: Or.. [[Sylvester points at Mortimer.]] Sylvester: Ah! Or.. or does he want to go deal with a /new/ strange and dangerous woman? Rosemary, smiling: I see. Friday , June 10 , 2011 [[Entering the Mansion's Sneech den. Mortimer turns suddenly towards Rosemary, putting the glowgem in her face. Sylvester walks past behind them.]] Mortimer: Oh, hey.. Rosemary, look, I d- [[He turns his attention to Sylvester.]] Mortimer: Sylvester, where are you- Sylvester: Couple steps forward. [[One of the smaller Sneech-growths in the corridor.]] Sylvester: I want to get a slightly closer look at those Sneech-things. Mortimer: Oh. [[Mortimer stares ahead, lost in thought.]] Mortimer: Well. Anyway.. Rosemary. Again maybe this isn't the best time, but.. No. Sylvester's right, as usual. [[Rosemary stares at the glowgem, entranced. Oblivious, Miortimer continues to talk.]] Mortimer: I mean about me and women. sigh. Mortimer: This is hard. I just.. Sylvester, looking at the growths: It's not hard at all. I /remember/. Women find you completely irresistible. Rosemary: !!! Saturday , June 11 , 2011 [[At the lower edge of the Mansion's Sneech den. Mortimer is unknowingly mind-zapping Rosemary with his glowgem/umbrella. Sylvester is looking at the path ahead.]] Mortimer: Sylvester, that's not.. It's not like I'm Ace. Rosemary: !? Sylvester: Ace? Mortimer: But I get into these relationships, and.. everything goes wrong. Like with Olga. That just.. groan.. Sylvester: Oh. Right. Ace. [[Mortimer gets focused and intense.]] Mortimer: This time.. I want.. things have to work out. Rosemary.. I hope we can be friends, but there will not be even a /sliver/ of, of doubt or uncertainty about our relationship. Rosemary: !!! [[Rosemary is now completely entranced. Sylvester turns back around]] Mortimer: Strictly, ya know.. business. And if Yasmine does come back... there's not going to be /anything/ standing between us. Rosemary: ..!.. Sylvester: Yasmine? Sunday , June 12 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are in front of a collection of labelled arrows.]] Cully: OK, no. Stop. Enough. /Why am I here?/ What do you and this "mystery boss" of yours /want/ from me? Cully: If you're plotting some scheme against Nevus, and you're trying to drag me in too- Tuttle: No, Cully. Tuttle: This isn't about Nevus. Or Guttle, or Agita. They've just managed to claw their way to the top of the pile we've all been heaped in. Cully: Then /who?/ Or is that some big secret, too? Tuttle: It /is/ dangerous, but I'll tell you. God. [[Tuttle points upward.]] Cully: . . . God. /God/ is some eccentric dribblesnout who sits off somewhere counting his digits! Tuttle: What you say may very well be true. But it's not all that he is or does. Tuttle: The tyrant manipulates us from on high, and my "Boss" plans to cast him down. Monday , June 13 , 2011 [[The lower edge of the Sneech den. Rosemary has been accidentally brain-zapped by Mortimer's glowgem. Mortimer obliviously turns to Sylvester, and shines the gem into his eyes.]] Mortimer: Yes, Yasmine. I /told/ you about her! Sylvester: Oh. Yes. The Weirdo Guild.. operative. Mortimer: She's n- What's wrong? Sylvester: That thing's really.. distracting. Mortimer: . . . Huh. OK. Sorry. Good thing you noticed that.. [[He turns back to Rosemary, who has woken up again.]] Mortimer: So. Rosemary.. what I was just saying.. we're.. on the same page? Rosemary: What? Yes! Of course. Our relationship is strictly business! Mortimer: OK. Good. So. Here's what we do- Sylvester, from off-panel: Before you decide that,something's wrong.. Tuesday , June 14 , 2011 [[At the edge of the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: What is it? Sylvester: Well, I say "wrong", but.. I've.. been down here before, haven't I? [[Outline of Frederick giving a "Sneech lesson" to a young Sylvester and Rufus.]] Sylvester: Maybe not this exact spot.. but this Sneech den? Mortimer: Yes. Uncle Frederick gave you lessons. He offered all of us, but.. Rufus was the only one who ever went.. Sylvester: Anyway. I'm not sure what, but something has /changed/. Rosemary: I have an observation.. Mortimer: Yes, Rosemary? [[Closer view of one of the nearby Sneech-growths.]] Rosemary: When we encountered that "Sneechnode" in the Ettinworks,, Sylvester stated that normally they change and move. Just like that one, none of these are active. Wednesday , June 15 , 2011 [[At the edge of the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: Yes. You're right, Rosemary. No movement is a change. But.. there's something else.. I can't remember... yet, I hope. Mortimer: OK. In spite of that, we're still going on. Mortimer: Rosemary, did Sylvester talk to you about "the Sneech rules"? Even I learned those. Rosemary: Yes, he briefed me on the subject. [[Stylized outline of path through Sneech den.]] Rosemary: Stay on the path. Keep moving. Avoid eye-contact. If a Sneech directly gives you anything, accept it but then discard it at the first safe opportunity. Mortimer: Um.. yes. Right. Good. [[They proceed., with Rosemary pushing on Sylvester.]] Mortimer: You.. get all that, Sylvester? Sylvester: I hope I knew what I was talking about. Mortimer: Again, you usually do. Let's go. Rosemary: Also again, you heard the man. Move. Thursday , June 16 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer walk among the growths which line their current corridor, deeper into the Mansion's Sneech den. Mortimer's glowgem takes the light with them.]] [[Darkness falls. One of the growths moves slightly, as if watching them leave.]] Friday , June 17 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw walk through the Basement. A notice on the wall reads TIME HALL, with an arrow pointing in the direction they walk.]] [[They pass through Time Hall, past the Ettin-fountain which currently spews something unpleasant looking.]] [[They approach the front entrance of Root Hall. An empty desk stands beyond the open archway. Large Tree-branches stand on either side.]] Skradt: I hate this place. Normal Eyebolts are annoying. The ones here are /weird/. Comshaw: Now now, as a poker, their glowgems are as shiny as anyone else's. Saturday , June 18 , 2011 [[In the entrance chamber of Root Hall. Skradt points at an unoccupied desk.]] Skradt: Aren't we gonna ring the gong and wait for- Comshaw: I have acquired Class Six status. Comshaw: And so, /this time/, we can skip past a couple of steps. [[They approach one of several doors. A sign above it reads 6-UNROOTED.]] Skradt: Class /Six/?! Skradt: But.. you work for.. with.. the Council ! Agita gave /you/ Class Six? [[Comshaw bangs on the door with his stick.]] Comshaw: As much influence as she has Rootside, in this area Agita is not the sole arbitrator. Comshaw: I strongly suspect she /was/ able to keep me from being granted Class Seven. ((BANG BANG)) Comshaw: Open up. It's me. [[A hatch in the door opens, and Philodox the Eyebolt looks out.]] Skradt: . . . What kinda favors did you /do/ for- ((CLUNK)) Philodox: State your business, Comshaw. Sunday , June 19 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are standing in front of a collection of cryptically-labelled arrows which point in various directions.]] Cully: Fine, it doesn't matter whether I believe any of this. Once again. What do you /want/ from me? Tuttle: First off.. I can't and won't force you to do anything. Whatever happens, I'll send you back to 44f. Tuttle: Tho the trip won't be much fun, I'm afraid. Tuttle: What I want, what.. "the Boss" wants.. what needs to be done, evidently, is for you to take something with you when you go. Cully: "Evidently"? Tuttle: sigh.. Tuttle: Along with the Boss, there's another guy.. hopping around. /Unlike/ the Boss, he just showed up recently. Call him.. the Sage. He's been.. annoyingly helpful. Tuttle: And he said we had to set all this up. And you have /no idea/ how much work it took to get you here in this way. Tuttle: I had to convince the subShafts to get levers pulled /all over/ the zarking place. Monday , June 20 , 2011 [[In the entrance chamber of Root Hall, Comshaw talks to an Eyebolt named Philodox, who has poked her eye through a hatch mounted in a door. Skradt watches.]] Comshaw: State my business? Out here? I'm a Class Six. Philodox: Which is why we are having this conversation eye to eye, and not through a sealed door. Comshaw: When did this start happening, Philodox? Philodox: Following the events of today, the General Condition has been raised from "Aware" to "Vigilant". Philodox: Now, for the last time, state your business. Comshaw: "General Condition". Fine. Comshaw: I want..? need? Let's go with need. I need to talk to Agita. In person. Comshaw: And since you or she will almost certainly ask.. no, it can't wait until morning. Or at least, she'll be sorry if it does. Tuesday , June 21 , 2011 [[The front entrance chamber for Root Hall. Comshaw is talking to the Eyebolt Philodox, who has stuck her eye out of a hatch in a doorway. Skradt watches.]] Philodox: ... Assuming Ms Agita agrees to this, will the Troglodyte be accompanying you? Comshaw: Yes, Skradt will be observing /and/ witnessing our conversation. Comshaw: And yes, I officially acknowledge that I am responsible for his behavior. Comshaw: And yes yet again, I am aware this will reduce my Class to Five for the duration of this visit. Philodox: Very well. Your acceptance is duly recorded. [[She withdraws, and the hatch closes.]] ((UNCLUNK)) Skradt: Couldn't I just wait out here? Comshaw: The short overly-simplistic answer: No. You couldn't. Wednesday , June 22 , 2011 [[At the entrance to Root Hall. A door opens for Comshaw and Skradt. Above is a sign reading 6-UNROOTED]] ((CLANG)) [[They go inside.]] Skradt: How do I observe /and/ witness something? Comshaw: One: You can talk to me, but don't speak to Agita unless she asks you a direct question. Comshaw: Two: If anyone ever asks, you confirm she and I had the conversation in question. [[They meet Philodox the Eyebolt, who is sitting in a chair which is mounted to an adjustable and mobile base.]] Skradt: Right. Skradt: And... they're not.. takin' us straight to her.. are they? Comshaw: Oh no. We have to wait over there. Phildox: Wait over there. [[They are sitting/crouching on a block with varying levels of height. Skradt's is lower and is labelled TROGLODYTE/GOBULE. Comshw's is GNOLL/NOME. Higher up and unoccupied is MOT(IHAUL). Above a large sign with an arrow reads WAIT HERE.]] ((UNCLANG)) Thursday , June 23 , 2011 [[Waiting in a waiting room in Root Hall, Skradt looks at Comshaw.]] [[He looks in the direction that Comshaw is looking.]] [[Opposite them are two Eyebolts, Giddhom and Frampold, working at desks. Giddhom sits in a wheeled chair, while Frampold's chair is attached to an overhead structure.]] [[A zoom closer, emphasizing the fact that they are both also wearing hats that look a lot like Fixits.]] Friday , June 24 , 2011 [[In a waiting room in Root Hall, Skradt and Comshaw have noticed that the local Eyebolts are wearing hats.]] Skradt: Um.. maybe we /should/ wait until morning to see Agita. Go do that other thing we need to... Comshaw: Your suggestion has a degree of merit. [[A closeup of the not-a-Fixit-but-looks-like-one hat that Giddhom the Eyebolt is "wearing".]] Comshaw: /snif snif/ Comshaw: But no. The great Human hunt will have to wait its turn. Comshaw: Giddhom. Giddhom: . . . Giddhom: Yes? Comshaw: As an acting Class Five visitor, I have permission to ask you another question, after this question which I am currently asking, correct? Giddhom: . . . Giddhom: Yes? Frampold the Eyebolt: /Somebody's/ been here before. Saturday , June 25 , 2011 [[In a waiting room in Root Hall.]] Comshaw: Yes, I have been here before, and you, Giddhom, were on duty. You were.. and I emphasize this is a recollection, not my question.. you not wearing that hat. Giddhom the Eyebolt: Oh. No, I guess not. Comshaw: My question.. Since Philodox was not wearing one just now, I assume they are not the result of some new Paradigm? Giddhom: You know about- No, of course not. [[Giddhom takes off his hat and glares at it.]] Giddhom: Just an Observation. People keep saying they help you cogitate "better". So I've been... [[He tosses it on his desk.]] Giddhom: I don't feel any different, and you practically have to glue it on. Frampold the Eyebolt: I have found/ my/ intellect to be particularly scintillating. Sunday , June 26 , 2011 Narration: Previously between SubShafts [[Cully and Tuttle stand before a collection of labelled arrows which point in various directions.]] Cully: But you just said you're not working for Coprolite and.. and them. Tuttle: I'm not talking about those ticks. I'm talking about the actual subShafts. All of this around us. Cully: You're claiming you can control the subShafts. Tuttle: I said "convince", not "tell". The subShafts are willing to do the rough equivalent of listening to me. To work with me. To protect me. Humor me. Tuttle: As demeaning as it might be.. the best way to describe my status really is.."favored pet." Cully: So.. like Crud was sorta saying before.. the subShafts are.. Tuttle: Are alive? Not in the way that we or a Sneech or even the Great Riddler is, but of course they are. And, Cully, I /know/ you're not one to curry favor.. Tuttle: ..but they approve of what we're doing. And having the subShafts' approval.. makes life a /whole/ lot easier. Monday , June 27 , 2011 [[In a waiting room in Root Hall.]] Giddhom the Eyebolt: Comshaw.. Why do you care about hats? Comshaw: One should keep abreast of changes in routine. Especially when one is visiting you people as an acting Class Five. [[Skradt listens to this.]] Comshaw: So. Anything /important/ we should know about? Those "weirders" still causing trouble in the skritchpods? Frampold the Eyebolt: Happily the Anti-Weirdness Squad maintains ceaseless /vigilance/. Comshaw: Oh, good. Good. [[Skradt sidles up to Comshaw.]] Skradt: What's a Skritchpod? Comshaw: A small chamber where endless computations are scratched on tablets. I'll have to earn a higher Classification to learn /why/. Tuesday , June 28 , 2011 [[Inside Root Hall, waiting.]] Skradt: And a weirder? Is that like my cousin Stonwal? Comshaw: Which one is s/he? Skradt: He. He wears that Boogie hat.? Hangs out around the Plunge.site... a lot? [[An outline of Stonwal balancing stuff on his snout.]] Comshaw: Oh. Right, right. The snout-balancer. Based on my second-hand understanding, no. Comshaw: Stonwal is perhaps eccentric. [[An outline of an Eyebolt "weirder" being denouced by one of his fellows.]] Comshaw: The weirders want to.. what is it.. Frampold? Cogitate in a way that's not scrupulously logical, practical and productive? Frampold: The transgressions committed against the established Paradigms by the Weirders are universally indisputable. Comshaw: A classic Scrutineer answer. Well done. Wednesday , June 29 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw are waiting in a waiting room in Root Hall.]] Skradt: But what izzit these Weirders /do/ that's so- Comshaw: They /think wrong/. It's an Eyebolt thing. I don't believe we can understand it. [[Outline of Rosemary facing Percy the Boogieman in Le Tree.]] Comshaw: It's like Boogies wearing big silly hats, and taking their names out of some old Human book. [[Outline of some Helipaths near the Great Chasm.]] Comshaw: Or Helipaths' universal refusal to fly to the far side of the Great Chasm, when they are the one species the Sneeches actually seem to tolerate. Comshaw: Or.. [[Outline of a Troglodyte hanging from the ceiling by a foot.]] Comshaw: ..the fact that so many Trogs sleep hanging upside down. Skradt: Whadda mean? You got to keep your body in Balance, and it's pointed the other direction when you're awake! Thursday , June 30 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw are waiting in a waiting room in Root Hall.]] Skradt: And what about Gnolls? What's your.. thing? Comshaw: Please. We are paragons of sanity and recti- Eyebolt voice #1: /Finaglers./ Eyebolt voice #1: /And/ that preoccupation with the fashion in which their head-fur is trimmed. Eyebolt voice #2: Indeed. I believe 'Haircuts' is the preferred terminology Friday , July 1 , 2011 [[A waiting room in Root Hall. Skradt crouches on the provided crouching-platform.]] [[He thinks of something.]] [[He turns to Comshaw.]] Skradt: "Scrutineer"? Comshaw: Ah yes. You didn't think these two were actually doing /important/ calculations? Comshaw: Right out where any riffraff like us could see them? [[Giddom and Frampold the Eyebolts work at their desks.]] Comshaw: They are assigned here to record and then analyze every word we say. Skradt: But that's... just stupid! Frampold: "Word-we-say. Sardonic. "But-thats--just-stupid. Indignent." Saturday , July 2 , 2011 [[Inside a Root Hall Class-6 waiting chamber, Comshaw and Skradt wait in the officially-designated Troglodyte and Gnoll waiting spots.]] Comshaw: Well, stupid or not, everything you say here will be carefully noted and filed away. Only the Ghasts, as noted before, have older and more extensive records. Comshaw: So. Here's your chance. What do you want history to remember about Skradt the Troglodyte? Skradt: . . . Skradt: I'm gonna be a Poker. I'm gonna try and do something useful with my life. Lemme know if it worked out. Comshaw: OK then. Sunday , July 3 , 2011 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: ..I asked Tuttle, or whoever, what she meant.. and she said that Dandilli and- Cully: That /was/ "Dandilli" who grabbed me? When the lights were out? Chunner: Yes. Dandilli, Dipsoma and.. whatsersnout. Crud: Difonia. I don't mind flibbling /her/ feet. [[The dart does a Fourth of July-themed flyby.]] Cully: Anyway. Tuttle said they have water, and a Tree-branch, because they give the subShafts what it.. they.. want. Cully: While you.. do you want to hear this? It wasn't.. flattering. Chunner: Spit it out, kid. Cully: Crud.. you understand oftentimes what's going on, but.. you're.. Crud: As sane as the next person! Cully: And, you, Mr Chunner.. you're competent, but all.. cynical and closed in and.. "you never stopped competing in the Games." Chunner: And? You just listed all my best features. Monday , July 4 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer walk through the Mansion's Sneech den. Rosemary is gently pushing on Sylvester's back.]] Sylvester: Is this really necessary? Rosemary: You have a history of not keeping moving when told to do so. So until further notice, yes. Sylvester: History of.. Oh. We were in that restaurant down there. Le Tree. Sylvester: Did we ever find out why everybody was so.. uptight.. about napkins? Rosemary: We did not. Please focus on immediate matters. Tuesday , July 5 , 2011 [[Rosemary keeps Sylvester moving through the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: OK. Yes. Sneeches. What else can I remember... [[Outline: A professor at the University points a pointer at a board on which is listed four types of Sneeches, SLATE, CHALK, CHARCOAL, ALABASTER Sylvester: I.. attended a lecture. There are different varieties. Someone.. Aljahiz, that was his name.. he applied.. evidently? arbitrary labels and they stuck. [[Outline of Sylvester previously discussing this topic with Rosemary.]] Sylvester: The ones here.. "Alabaster." Even though they bear.. no resemblance to that mineral. They have eyebeams. And.. and I.. told you about this? [[Outline of a Chalk Sneech doing something unpleasant to some Humans in the distance.]] Rosemary: Yes. Eyebeams. Six arms. Not as xenophobic as some. Sylvester: Um. Right. As far as I currently know. Rosemary: Noted. Wednesday , July 6 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are walking through the Mansion's Sneech den. Numerous large growths sprout behind them. Rosemary is gently pushing Sylvester along.]] Sylvester: But.. there's something else.. Sylvester: I can almost.. [[Sylvester points a growth ahead of them, on which glow some small lights.]] Sylvester: AH! There! Yes! A lot of these growths should have little lights glowing on them! Sylvester: And the walls! The Sneeches construct.. grow.. whatever, their own walls! Thursday , July 7 , 2011 [[Inside the Mansion's Sneech den. Rosemary is pushing against Sylvester's back with her fingertips.]] Mortimer: I know we said.. but.. No. Stop.]] [[Rosemary grabs Sylvester by the collar.]] Sylvester: hrk! Sylvester: Must you be so enthusiastic? Rosemary: Yes. Mortimer: That big growth with the lights.. is that one of the.. guard ones? [[A look at the growth in question.]] Sylvester: What? No, Mortimer. That's.. I know this.. a watcher. It just watches. Rosemary: I'm.. sorry. Friday , July 8 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den. They look at a Sneech growth ahead of them. Rosemary has ahold of Sylvester's collar.]] Mortimer: So now the Sneeches know we're here. Sylvester: What was that, Rosemary? [[Rosemary lets go.]] Mortimer: Sylvester! Sylvester: What? No. Yes. They.. probably knew we were here back in the.. the Ettinworks. [[Outline of two Human scientists, female and male, look at a device which is splitting a beam of light or magic into various colors/types.]] {{"Split the beam, Kronk!!"}} Sylvester: That thing sees.. light and magic and heat and.. /other stuff/. We Humans were.. just starting to learn about it when.. the thing.. the Crash hit. [[Closeup of the Growth in question.]] Mortimer: So those /are/ eyes on it? Sylvester: Yes. No. They're symbolic of eyes? All these shapes have meaning. To.. to a Sneech at least. Saturday , July 9 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer pause in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: OK.. Good. I guess. Mortimer: Don't wanna.. sneak up on anyone.. Rosemary: I.. don't think /I/ want t- [[Mortimer turns abruptly, putting the glowgem on his umbrella in Sylvester and Rosemary's face.]] Mortimer: But that's not the only reason I stopped. Sylvester and Rosemary: . . . [[Mortimer yanks the umbrella away. Sylvester recovers, Rosemary looks very dazed.]] Mortimer: Oh. Sorry. Again. Mortimer: It's not just the walls. it's the floor, too. This is where the Sneech.. thing. really starts, isn't it? Sylvester: Eh? Yes. I guess so. [[Rosemary resumes her previous stance, as Mortimer lifts his foot into view.]] Mortimer: And.. I'm not happy with the idea of walking on that stuff in bare feet. Sylvester: I.. think you'll be all right. Mortimer: You.. /think?/ Sylvester: Right. Sunday , July 10 , 2011 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Chunner points at the Zorper Cully is holding.]] Chunner: But, moving along, in the end you agreed to bring the whatsit back here with you. Cully: Yes. Of course. [[Outline of Cully talking with Tuttle.]] Cully: Right then I said: Cully in outline: Fine. I'll at least look at this stupid thing before I accept or decline. Where is it? Tuttle in outline: Out there is the /place/ we have to.. visit. [[Outline of a pathway leading straight to an ominous-looking ring structure.]] Cully: And she was pointing out into this big.. well, shaft in front of us. There was a sort of bridge.. Cully: ..And out there in the middle of it all.. Monday , July 11 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: I don't suppose either of you see maybe a size-eight pair of shoes lying around? Rosemary: If we could locate two pieces of wood, I could construct sandals. Rosemary: But I have seen no debris at all since we came up the shaft. Sylvester: And you won't, because.. because.. the Sneeches.. collect it? Especially organic stuff.. it.. they do something with it. Sylvester: I forget. [[A view of the "mossy" floor.]] Rosemary: I do have a suggestion. Mortimer: Yes, Rosemary? Rosemary: I notice the floor is soft and springy. Perhaps a pair of ragboots would suffice? [[Rosemary produces the Can-Opener.]] Mortimer: Um.. OK. Rosemary: On it. Tuesday , July 12 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den. Rosemary has produced the Can-Opener.]] Mortimer: Wait! Stop! What.. what do you do to make these things? Rosemary: You need strips of cloth. I intended to cut more off my dress. [[Mortimer offers his umbrella/glowgem to Sylvester.]] Mortimer: What? No! This is my.. Here. Sylvester! Hold this. [[When Sylvester takes the umbrella, the light coming from the glowgem dims considerably.]] Mortimer: Huh. Weird. OK. Won't take long. [[Mortimer offers what's left of his shirt to Rosemary.]] Mortimer: And here. The shirt's done for anyway. Wednesday , July 13 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den. Mortimer holds out the remains of his shirt. Sylvester is holding Mortimer's umbrella; the attached glowgem is producing much less light than before.]] Sylvester: ..um.. you're leaving your entire torso unprotected? Mortimer: Well sure! [[He takes the umbrella back.]] [[The glowgem brightens up again.]] Mortimer: I can't ask Rosemary to uncover her /legs/ for me. [[Rosemary reaches for the shirt.]] Rosemary: Our relationship is strictly business. Mortimer: I was thinking.. but, yeah, that too! [[Rosemary starts slicing up the shirt, using the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: Wrapping some around our palms would be also be tactically prudent. Mortimer: OK! Make it sew! Thursday , July 14 , 2011 [[Inside the Mansion's Sneech den, Rosemary uses the Can-Opener to slice up the remains of Mortimer's shirt.]] Mortimer: So Rosemary! Where did you learn to make "ragboots?" Rosemary: On Gnomin. [[Outline/map of Gnomin Island.]] Mortimer: Sorry? On what? Rosemary: The island on which I was born and raised. It is located in the Bay of Runes. [[A map of "Mansionland", with the Mansion marked "HERE" and Gnomin marked "THERE".]] Sylvester: That's in Moonin province. Out West! Mortimer: I actually knew that, Sylvester. Sylvester: I was.. just realizing /I/ knew that. Mortimer: Oh. /Why/ did you learn, Rosemary? [[Outline of a young Rosemary scrambling barefooted up a hill; a boy watches from below.]] {{Seymour Bellamy is his name.}} Rosemary: Real shoes are a luxury. People make do. Ragboots and driftsandals. Mortimer: Made out of.. scraps of wood? Rosemary: Yes. A lot of the time I just went barefoot, like a Farsider. Friday , July 15 , 2011 [[A rough map of the island of Gnomin, with various broad areas labeled.]] Sylvester: "Farsiders"? Rosemary: They live on the far side of Gnomin from the Village and the Estate. [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den. Rosemary has finished slicing up the remains of Mortimer's shirt, and puts the Can Opener into her Poke-Kit.]] Sylvester: Are they.. Human? Rosemary: Yes. Although they also live rather like Troglodytes. [[Outline of a young Rosemary peering over a rock at a male Farsider.]] Sylvester: And they have something against shoes? Rosemary: They are even poorer than we are. Were. [[Mortimer lifts up his foot so Rosemary can wrap it.]] Mortimer: Um.. If.. this has all been some elaborate plot to marry one of us and gain a fortune.. Rosemary: I have been fully briefed. If the schedule allows for it, we hope to improve everyone's financial situation. Saturday , July 16 , 2011 Narration: A short time later [[Inside the Mansion's Sneech den, in front of a collection of growths. Mortimer wiggles his wrapped foot.]] Rosemary: Wrapping is complete! Mortimer: Hey! Cool! Thanks Rosemary! Mortimer: But now... [[He sets off, followed by Rosemary.]] Mortimer: Enough of this endless dillydallying and shillyshallying! Mortimer: Let's get this whole operation moving! Sylvester: Um... Mortimer? You're headed back where we just came from. [[They turn around.]] Mortimer: Onwards! Rosemary: Check! Sylvester: . . . Sunday , July 17 , 2011 [[Guest art by Tom Truszkowski of the webcomic Station V3.]] Narration: Meanwhile, in an alternate SubShaft.. [[Two Eyebolts are in a SubShaft.]] Eyebolt #1: You know, I've been down here eight years now.. And I've enjoyed every minute! Eyebolt #2: Really? That's weird... [[Eyebolt #1 grins and engages in "weirding", creating a wild display of colors and shapes around himself.]] Eyebolt #1: ...THAT'S weird. Monday , July 18 , 2011 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer walk a corridor in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: Of course, if the Sneeches wanted to make their floors deadly, they would probably eat right through leather. [[They emerge into a larger space; from the ceiling hangs a large growth which runs off vines in various directions. Passages also lead off.]] Sylvester: And, because we're almost certainly not on the.. /main/ main path, we're going to have to stop and make decisions. Mortimer, looking up: um.. Tuesday , July 19 , 2011 [[In a waiting room in Root Hall. Skradt and Comshaw crouch and sit on their assigned seats and wait. A large sign behind them says WAIT HERE.]] [[They wait some more.]] [[Noises come from off-panel.]] ((CLANG klikita klikita)) [[Peripatet the Eyebolt appears, riding in a small wheeled cart labelled VEU23]] Peripatet: Ms. Agita will see you. This way please. Comshaw: Just one moment. There's something I need to do first. Wednesday , July 20 , 2011 [[In a waiting room in Root Hall. Comshaw approaches the desk where Giddhom the Eyebolt is working. Giddhom's hat lays on the desk.]] Comshaw: Giddhom. If you're rejecting the hat, might I borrow it for a spell? Giddhom: um.. [[Giddhom gives Comshaw the hat.]] Comshaw: Of course, fair warning, if Agita kills me or something, you might not get it back. Giddhom: ..OK.. [[Comshaw pokes inside the hat.]] Giddhom: But.. why? Comshaw: Oh, ever since I lost my hair in the accident, I have been That Baldheaded Gnoll. As you say, /haircuts/. [[He puts the hat on.]] Comshaw: So. Maybe I'll become That Gnoll Who Wears A Hat instead. Whadda think? Skradt: um.. Thursday , July 21 , 2011 [[In a waiting room in Root Hall. Skradt looks at the hat that Comshaw has just put on.]] Comshaw: What is it, Skradt? Skradt: . . . [[Skradt carefully pokes a talon into what would be the eye if the hat were a Fixit.]] ((jab SLICE)) [[Giddhom the Eyebolt, owner of the hat, watches this.]] Skradt: It needed an airhole. Comshaw: Oh, absolutely. It enhances the whole wearing experience, Giddhom. Giddhom: Yay..? [[Comshaw turns to the waiting Peripatet the Eyebolt.]] Comshaw: Now then. Peripatet, isn't it? Peripatet: Indeed. This way, please. Friday , July 22 , 2011 [[Inside Root Hall, enroute to Agita's home, following Peripatet the Eyebolt in his tiny wheeled vehicle.]] ((UNCLANG)) ((klikataklikataklikata)) Skradt: So what's the question-asking routine /now/... Comshaw? Comshaw: You can ask Peripatet here anything you want, but he is not a Scrutineer and is under no obligation to answer. Skradt: . . . Skradt: What does VEU mean? Peripatet: This is an officially designated Mark 4 Visitor Escort Unit. ((klikataklikataklikata)) Skradt: . . . Skradt: Why doesn't it have the same number on both sides? Peripatet: That information is not available at your current Class. ((klikataklikataklikata)) [[Outline of Strode the Motihaul standing with her large mallet over the remains of two VEUs, the operators of which stare up at her in horror.]] Comshaw: Rumor has it, it is the.. cleanup? from a particularly eventful Visitor Escort mission. Peripatet: No comment. Saturday , July 23 , 2011 [[Peripatet the Eyebolt escorts Comshaw and Skradt through Root Hall.]] Skradt: So why do the.. scrutineers.. answer questions? Comshaw: You'd be amazed what you can learn from the questions you are asked. Comshaw: For instance, they now know that, yes, despite the AWS's best efforts, word about Weirders has indeed leaked out to the rest of the world. {{AWS="Anti Wierdness Squad"}} Comshaw: And despite the fact that, as you indicated, Skradt, many people have never even heard of skritchpods.. /some/ are taking an /interest/. Peripatet: No comment. Sunday , July 24 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between SubShafts [[Cully, Tuttle and the dart approach the REMNENT/REMNANT, a ring-shaped structure sitting in the middle of a pit, at the end of a walkway.]] Cully: What /is/ that thing? It feels all.. all.. Tuttle: Indeed. That is the Remnent. At least, that is the name it seems to currently prefer. Cully: "Prefers"? /Is/ it a remnent of.. something? Tuttle: The subShafts are constantly changing, expanding.. reinventing themselves. Tuttle: This is almost certainly the oldest, last surviving fragment of.. whatever the 'Shafts were, before. Originally. Monday , July 25 , 2011 [[Comshaw and Skradt are being escorted through Root Hall by Peripatet the Eyebolt. Peripatet's Visitor Escort Unit goes ((klikataklikataklikata)) throughout.]] Comshaw: So, switching to far less sensitive subjects.. Peripatet.. you're not buying into the hat-wearing trend. Peripatet: No. [[Peripatet eyes Comshaw.]] Peripatet: /No./ I have not. Comshaw: Ah. Well. Sometimes, by staying still you end up ahead of the curve. Comshaw: I don't suppose, by any chance, that our route to Agita might be taking us past some folks who are still up and working. Peripatet: No comment. Tuesday , July 26 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer at a decision point in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: You're right, Sylvester. The two main ways are the same. I don't even want to look at that smaller one.. Rosemary: I must make the observation that your first statement is incorrect. Mortimer: Rosemary? What? Rosemary: The passage on the left has a breeze blowing from it. [[Sylvester tests the air with his hand.]] Sylvester: She's right. Definitely fresher air. This is from logic rather than memory, but I say we take it. Mortimer: Of course! [[Mortimer leads them forward.]] Mortimer: All else being equal, we follow the air! Sylvester: Please tell me that's not our family motto.. Wednesday , July 27 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer walking through the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: . . . [[Sylvester dope-((smaks)) Mortimer in the back of the head.]] Mortimer: What? What was /that/ f- Sylvester: "Make it sew". Mortimer: Fair enough. Glad you're almost back to normal! Sylvester: Working on it. Thursday , July 28 , 2011 [[Walking through the Basement's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: And it's not just because you're.. We're gonna come around one of these corners, aren't we... Mortimer:..and there's gonna be Sneeches with.. with torches and pitchforks.. and even with Rosemary's.. Mortimer: What's it called? "Paleslicer?" Sylvester: um.. Rosemary: "Can-Opener." [[Outline: A collection of canned goods sitting on display in a store. the World O[ Pots logo can be seen on the wall behind. The cans are: TRUFFULA FRUIT/SHRIEKING EEL/BOG HOG/ STAR BERRIES/ ICE BERRIES/ PLUMP HELMETS/ LIMA BEANS]] Mortimer: Oh. Heh. We have one of those. For opening cans, I mean. Mortimer: Mr. Hooper sells fancy stuff in World O' Pots for Brushtival. [[Outline: A University-era Sylvester reading a guidbook and looking at a display of Pale weapons mounted in a glass case.]] Mortimer: But Sylvester. Paleslicer.. does it.. slice Pales? Sylvester: That.. just popped in my head when I saw it. Pales make things that look like that. Sort of. I saw some in a.. museum..? Friday , July 29 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: Through here, I guess... Anyway. If, when we meet the Sneeches, Sylvester.. you'll have to talk to them. Sylvester: Why me? Mortimer: That's what you're good at. Being the Earl. Talking folks to d- whoa! [[Mortimer hesitates.]] Sylvester: What? Time to start talking? [[They are at the edge of a large pit crossed with a bridge. growing out of the pit are numerous plants with eyeless "heads" and mouths. The plants are all pointed in the direction of the three Humans.]] Mortimer: No. Or at least it's not Sneeches. Mortimer: It's a whole bunch of Ferns! Saturday , July 30 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den, at the edge of the Fern pit.]] Sylvester: OK.. I've still got some gaps here, but.. those are not ferns! Mortimer: No no, /Fern/. The plant that Linus grew. [[Outline of the "original" Fern in the Hall of Achievement. A root runs out of the bottom of her pot down into the floor.]] Sylvester: Linus.. was one of our ancestors. Mortimer: Yes. And Fern was planted in the Hall of Achievement. Hooked to the Tree, or something! [[Outline of Rosemary and Fern meeting for the first time.]] Mortimer: Oh. Rosemary. Do you know about the Hall of..? Rosemary; Yes. We briefly visited that location this morning. We encountered Fern. Mortimer: Oh. Mortimer: Did.. something happen? Rosemary: I chopped off Fern's mouth with a sword. Mortimer: WHAT? Sunday , July 31 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle stand in front of the Remnent/Remnant, which is a rough-shaped hollow oval to which various devices have been attached.]] Cully: So this thing.. whatever it calls itself.. it's the heart of the subShafts?! Tuttle: No no. /That's/ down somewhere deep and airless, where we flitflies can't literally gum up the gears. Tuttle: But this is still an important.. respected.. part. It's like.. Does old Febrifuge still watch over the Favors Repository? Cully: Yes. Unless everything changed today. Tuttle: This is what you have here. A place to come for advice. Mediation. A neutral zone in which to make.. exchanges. Monday , August 1 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den, at the edge of the Fern pit.]] Mortimer: Fern is dead?! Rosemary: No. Sylvester touched her mouth-part to her neck, and they reattached. Sylvester: I did? [[The Ferns can be seen listening to this conversation.]] Mortimer: Oh. Right. I guess I heard she can do that. Mortimer: But.. /why/ did you chop her mouth off? [[Outline of a traveling Rosemary looking down at a collection of smaller Fern-like plants.]] Rosemary: From previous experience, I assumed she was attacking me. Mortimer: Previous..? Rosemary: Similar plants grow along some riverbanks in Moonin, though they are smaller and don't think. [[Outline of Rosemary confronting Percy the Boogieman in Le Tree.]] Mortimer: Well.. all right. OK. So.. you have a sword as well as the Can-Opener? Rosemary: No. A boogieman named Percy ate it. Tuesday , August 2 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den, at the edge of the Fern pit.]] Mortimer: You fought with a Boogieman, too? Rosemary: Yes. He was crushing Sylvester's head, so I- [[Mortimer turns away.]] Mortimer: No. Never mind. Anything you tell me will just upset me, I guess. Mortimer: Fern's not dead. That's.. that's what matters. Right now. [[He approaches the nearest Fern.]] Mortimer: Um. Hello. Do.. do you understand what I'm saying? Like Fern does? Nearest Fern: [NOD] Sylvester: Crushing my head? [[Mortimer drops to one knee.]] Mortimer: OK. Good. And.. you.. know who Fern is? You.. talk to her? Nearest Fern: [NOD] Mortimer: That's.. probably not so good. Sylvester: I remember the Trog trying to eat us in the Elevator.. Wednesday , August 3 , 2011 [[Inside the Sneech Den's "Fern pit".]] Mortimer: Has.. I'm Mortimer. Has Fern ever.. talked about me? Us? Sylvester and Rufus and.. and Lil? Nearest Fern: [NOD] [[Outline of Mortimer and his sister Lilith feeding treats to Fern in the Hall of Achievement. A cat is also present.]] Mortimer: We used to see her a lot. We brought her puddings to eat. Then.. the Basement got too dangerous. [[Rosemary and Sylvester listen to this talk.]] Mortimer: But maybe that's gonna change now.. Rosemary's here. She's dangerous too. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: But you all know all that, huh? Nearest Fern: [NOD?] Thursday , August 4 , 2011 [[In the Sneech den, Mortimer sits on the ground in front of the nearest Fern in the Fern pit.]] Mortimer: Anyway. We didn't even know you were here. We just want to cross the room. Is that.. going to be a problem? Nearest Fern: . . . Mortimer: What's wrong? [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand nearby.]] Mortimer: Oh. Rosemary, please put the Can-Opener away. That's.. it's not helping. [[Rosemary makes the Can-Opener disappear into Hammerspace. Sylvester: Um.. Mortimer: What is is, Sylvester? Sylvester: Well.. Putting it in the poke-kit doesn't really solve.. she can just pull it back out in a second. Rosemary: He is right, as usual. Mortimer: Yeah. OK. Rosemary. Please bring it here. Carefully. Friday , August 5 , 2011 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester are at the edge of the Fern pit, in the Mansion's Sneech den. Mortimer sits in front of the nearest Fern. Rosemary holds out her Can-Opener.]] Mortimer: Rosemary, put it down right there, please. On the ground. Bridge. Whatever. [[The Can-Opener sits on the ground next to Mortimer, who points.]] Mortimer: So.. what we'll do is.. you Ferns carry the Can-Opener over to the other side. And we walk across, and.. get out of your hair. So to speak. OK? Nearest Fern: . . . NF: [NOD] ((GLOMP)) [[She holds the Can-Opener in her mouth. Sha and two other Ferns express, evidently, surprise or dismay.]] [[The Can-Opener gets rapidly passed to the next Fern.]] [[And the next.]] [[And is spit out on the ground on the far side of the pit.]] ((PTUI)) Mortimer: Um.. OK! Saturday , August 6 , 2011 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer are in the Fernpit in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: Well. OK. Let's do this. Sylvester: If we must. Rosemary: Check. [[They walk across the bridge spanning the pit. All of the Fern-plants watch them go.]] All: . . . All: . . . All: . . . Mortimer: I think maybe we- ((scrabble scrabble)) Gnollish voice: Aargh! ((thud)) Sunday , August 7 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between SubShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are standing before the REMNENT/REMNANT, a large ring-like structure. Tuttle points to a large button/panel emblazoned with "English" and "Manglish" question marks.]] Tuttle: And to answer your next question.. I have no further immediately relevant and useful answers. Tuttle: Put your hand on that panel there, and speak your piece. Cully: . . . [[Cully does so.]] ((CLACK)) Cully: Where's this stupid thing she tells me I'm taking back to 44f? [[The space darkens, and the Remnent lights up.]] Remnent: WITHIN MY STRUCTURE. Monday , August 8 , 2011 [[On the walkway across the Fern pit, in the Mansion's Sneech den. Sylvester, Rosemary, Mortimer and the various Ferns look down at Agorn the Gnoll, who lies on the walkway after having fallen from above.]] All: . . . All: . . . All: . . . All: . . . Mortimer: No! Wait! Mortimer: STOP! Mortimer: Please don't hurt him! Mortimer: Unless.. he's silly enough to.. to /do something/ with that spear... thing? [[Agorn drops his spear.]] ((clunk)) Agorn: Even I'm not that stupid. Tuesday , August 9 , 2011 [[In Root Hall. Comshaw and Skradt are being escorted by Peripatat the Eyebolt along a corridor. Visible below them are four desks; three of them are occupied with Eyebolts. One of them is set on a higher platform, and has a sign on the side reading. NODE8/OGDOAD.]] [[A female Eyebolt is not wearing a hat.]] [[A male Eyebolt is wearing a hat sideways, held on with a string.]] [[A hat with tie-ribbons sits abandoned on the unoccupied desk.]] [[Ogdoad is wearing an actual Fixit.]] Wednesday , August 10 , 2011 [[On the walkway in the middle of the Fern pit, in the Mansion's Sneech den. Agorn the Gnoll lies on the ground.]] Mortimer: Are you all right? Agorn: Yeah. I was trying ta climb down from.. ah. [[Agorn looks up at Mortimer.]] Mortimer: What? Oh. Yes. We're Humans. I guess that's.. special or something. Agorn: One word for it. Mortimer: I'm Mortimer, and that's Rosemary and Sylvester. Agorn: . . . Agorn. [[Outline of Agorn previously, finding a ladder leading down from a new hole in the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: So, what, you're one of those.. Sneech...scroungers? Like Skibble? Agorn: Skib..? Yeah. I saw an opening n' I went in. Like I just said. I'm dumb. Thursday , August 11 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester, Mortimer and Agorn the Gnoll are standing on the walkway going over the Fern pit in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: Speaking of "dumb", could we perhaps continue this conversation elsewhere? Rosemary: That would be tactically wise. Mortimer: Oh. Right. Let's go. [[Agorn's hand reaches for his spear.]] Agorn: Sounds good ta me. I'm takin' my.. "spear thing' w' me. Mortimer: Huh? Oh. OK.. [[As they leave the walkway, one of the Ferns expresses her opinion of Rosemary.]] Fern: pllbbt! [[On the far side of the pit. Rosemary retrieves the Can-Opener from the ground. Agorn is carefully holding his spear in a non-threatening way.]] Mortimer: Anyway. Agorn. We're just trying to get out of here. The Sneech den. You're welcome to.. oh dear. Friday , August 12 , 2011 [[Inside the Mansion's Sneech den. Sylvester, Mortimer and Rosemary talk to the Ferns. Agorn the Gnoll sneaks away.]] Mortimer: We should have asked this before.. this is the way out? To the main corridor-thing? Nearest fern: [NOD] Mortimer: And the Sneeches? Are they.. going to be, well.. upset that we're here? NF: . . . NF: [SHAKE] [[Various other Ferns watch and react.]] Mortimer: OK. Good. We'll quit.. we'll leave now. Please... tell Fern I'll try to visit her? But I can't promise anything.. VOF: . . . VOF: . . . VOF: !!! [[The Humans turn to go. Rosemary makes the Can-Opener disappear into her Poke Kit. The Nearest Fern reaches out, her mouth open..]] [[She has grabbed a hold of Sylvester's sleeve.]] Sylvester: Um.. guys.. It appears we can't quit just yet.. Saturday , August 13 , 2011 [[In the Fern pit, in the Mansion's Sneech den. Sylvester speaks to the nearest Fern.]] Sylvester: I would.. ask "what is the problem", but I don't see how you can- [[The Fern licks his hand.]] Sylvester: ..it's licking my hand.. Mortimer: Oh! Ohoh.. Fern did that! She's spelling! We also had this lettered /board/ tha- Right. Not important now.. Sylvester: Um.. Very well. Start over? Please? Sylvester: N..? N. A.. N.. no, M.. E.. S.. ... U..S.. Sylvester: "Names.. us"? You told them our names already. Mortimer: Oh! No! They want us to give /them/ names! Like Fern! Nearest Fern: [NOD] Sunday , August 14 , 2011 Narration: Previously between SubShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are talking to the REMNENT/REMNANT, a large ring-shaped construction.]] Cully: You.. you can talk? Remnent: I COMMUNICATE. Cully: Um.. "Inside your.." I don't underst- [[The interior hole of the Remnent flashes blindingly white.]] [[The hole now shows a different room.]] Remnent: I AM VAST. I CONTAIN MULTITUDES. Monday , August 15 , 2011 [[In the Fern pit in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: How could you possibly figure that out from just- Mortimer: Poot! Names. I'm terrible with names! Sylvester, you gotta come with something! Sylvester: Me? Right now, I barely remember anyone's.. Sylvester: fine. Sylvester: Fern. Sylvester: Plant names. Sylvester: Violet. [[Outline of seven stylized female figures in a line, with lots of Brush symbols present. Left to right, they have a book, a staff, a bell, a flower, a sword, a lamp and a heart.]] Sylvester: Aah. The.. whatdoyacallums. The Founding Oracles. That's seven names right there.. right? Mortimer: I think.. Rosemary? Rosemary: Confirmed. [[Sylvester turns on his helmet light.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: /Fine./ [[He walks back out amongst the Ferns.]] Tuesday , August 16 , 2011 [[In the Fern-room inside the Sneech den. The Oracle-outlines are embedded inside the larger panels.]] Sylvester: We recited this as kids.. right..? Yes. OK. It's coming back. Sylvester: VIOLET, who carried a book and spoke well the word [[Outline of Violet, speechifying.]] Sylvester: DAISY, who carried a staff and guided the flock. [[Daisy wearing a Brush-tiara and looking displeased.]] Sylvester: JOICE, who carried a bell and sang to the sky. [[Joice, cheerfully singing.]] Sylvester: JENNY, who carried a bloom and nourished the seeds. [[Jenny eying a flower.]] Sylvester: KATHRYNE, who carried a sword and guarded the way. [[Kathryne angrily wielding said sword.]] Sylvester: HETTIE, who carried a lamp and walked in the dark. [[Hettie holding her lantern up underground.]] Sylvester: and... um.. EVANGELINE, right, who carried love and nothing else more. [[Evangeline giving a bottle to a baby.]] Wednesday , August 17 , 2011 [[In the Fern pit in the Mansion's Sneech den. Sylvester is giving the Ferns names.]] Sylvester: Is that every.. Ah. No. There's... one.. two more of you? Nearest Fern: [Nod] [[A fern in the distance. An inset shows a Brush grave-marker.]] Sylvester: How did it go.. thinkthinkthink.. VIVIAN... who fell by the way. [[A third fern. An inset shows a stylized female shape.]] Sylvester: and.. PETUNIA, who.. followed her own.. Sylvester: Ahem. Right. That's everybody. [[Sylvester points at the nearest fern.]] Sylvester: heh. You probably don't know who the Founding Oracles were. They were brave women.. females.. and they changed the world. Sylvester: Mostly for the better, as I currently remember it. So I.. expect no less of all of you. [[He turns off his helmet light.]] Sylvester: But now, we really must move along. This day needs to end. Thursday , August 18 , 2011 [[In the Fern pit in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: /Now/ you're back to normal! Sylvester: No, Mortimer. You're still in charge. Sylvester: For instance, I can see the faces of the /current/ Prime Oracle and Final Guardian, but I can't remember their names. Mortimer: Um.. it's Chime.. and.. and.. heh.. Rosemary.. help! Rosemary: Gong. [[Outline of Chime and Gong, looking grim.]] Sylvester: Ooh right. Right. The comedy duo of Selena and Nehamiah. Mortimer: Comedy.. duo..? I thought they are all.. Oh. You're joking. [[Sylvester looks back at the nearest Fern.]] Sylvester: Yes. Mortimer. So.. Evangeline. Anything else we need to cover before we depart? Evangeline: ... [Nod] Sylvester: Of course. Mortimer, looking behind himself: !! Friday , August 19 , 2011 [[In the Mansion's Sneech den, at the far edge of the Fern-pit. One of the Ferns is attempting to tongue-spell a message on Sylvester's palm.]] Sylvester: S.. N.. E..? Mortimer: What happened to.. uh.. Agorn? Rosemary: He left in a manner I would describe as "hastily and with moderately competent stealth." Saturday , August 20 , 2011 [[Sylvester, Mortimer and Rosemary are in the Fern Pit in the Mansion's Sneech den. A Fern is "talking" to Sylvester. Mortimer and Rosemary discuss the recently-departed Agorn the Gnoll.]] Sylvester: E.. C.. H.. Mortimer: "Moderately competent?" Rosemary: He showed talent but not formal training. [[Outline of Rosemary being instructed on stealth techniques by a woman with a pointy-eared hat.]] Mortimer: Formal.. Have.. you had.. sneak-away training? Rosemary: Yes. I was given basic instruction by Demeter Macavity at the Jonetown Hack N' Slash Academy. Mortimer: Who.. never mind. /Why/ would he leave like that? Rosemary: I can only offer speculation as to his motives. Mortimer: Um.. I see. Please.. speculate for me. Sylvester: "Sneeches"? OK.. [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester walking along, with a Mysterious Individual watching them.]] Rosemary: Earlier today, Sylvester and I were covertly tailed by an unknown person of similar talent level. It is /possible/ it was Agorn. Rosemary: Although he would have to have been very determined and lucky. Sylvester: N.. I.. L.. Saturday , August 20 , 2011 [[Sylvester, Mortimer and Rosemary are in the Fern Pit in the Mansion's Sneech den. A Fern is "talking" to Sylvester. Mortimer and Rosemary discuss the recently-departed Agorn the Gnoll.]] Sylvester: E.. C.. H.. Mortimer: "Moderately competent?" Rosemary: He showed talent but not formal training. [[Outline of Rosemary being instructed on stealth techniques by a woman with a pointy-eared hat.]] Mortimer: Formal.. Have.. you had.. sneak-away training? Rosemary: Yes. I was given basic instruction by Demeter Macavity at the Jonetown Hack N' Slash Academy. Mortimer: Who.. never mind. /Why/ would he leave like that? Rosemary: I can only offer speculation as to his motives. Mortimer: Um.. I see. Please.. speculate for me. Sylvester: "Sneeches"? OK.. [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester walking along, with a Mysterious Individual watching them.]] Rosemary: Earlier today, Sylvester and I were covertly tailed by an unknown person of similar talent level. It is /possible/ it was Agorn. Rosemary: Although he would have to have been very determined and lucky. Sylvester: N.. I.. L.. Sunday , August 21 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between SubShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are in front of the REMNENT/REMNANT, which is now showing a different room through its interior hole.]] Cully: So.. you.. do that.. treewarping thing? Create space inside yourself... Remnent: YES. THIS, HOWEVER, IS A CONNECTION RATHER THAN AN EXPANSION. Tuttle: That's called "the Highest Room" through there. Cully: So you're.. also a twistpoint? Remnent: THEIR EFFECTS ERRATICALLY AND TEMPORARILY REPLICATE MINE. Tuttle: Translation: This is much /much/ smoother and safer. Cully: If this whatchamacallit can do all that, why didn't you just bring me straight to the whatever? Remnent: I AM VAST. I AM NOT INFINITE. Tuttle: Translation: It can connect to a lot of places, but not everywhere. Monday , August 22 , 2011 [[An outline depicting the moment that Rosemary and Sylvester got knocked into the Great Chasm by Kronk the Troglodyte.]] Mortimer: You mean.. Agorn would have had to follow us up out of the Ettinworks? Rosemary: Yes. But prior to that, Sylvester and I were knocked into the Great Chasm. if Agorn was the one following us, he either 1. Jumped in as well 2. Climbed down the side. 3. Obtained a ride from- Mortimer: Stop! Mortimer: You fell into the Great Chasm. Rosemary: We were knocked into the Great Chasm. I believe it was by a Troglodyte, but I had just been struck on the helmet by a slingstone. [[Outline of the Trog-catching Tree-branch on the side of the Chasm.]] Mortimer: You went over the side. Into the Great Chasm. Even I never.. And.. you survived?! Rosemary: Yes. We landed in a branch of the Tree, which Sylvester speculated was grown- [[In the Fern pit of the Mansion's Sneech den . Sylvester is off-panel, "listening" to one of the Ferns.]] Mortimer: No. Again. Please stop. I.. need to hear this story.. but later. Sylvester: "Nil"? Rosemary: Check! Tuesday , August 23 , 2011 [[Inside the Sneech den, in the room of the Ferns. The Ferms have tried to explain something.]] Mortimer: So.. what's the problem? Sylvester: This time, I'm /really/ not sure. A warning about the Sneeches.. Sylvester: But.. you don't.. Are they going to kill us, or, or zap our brains, or something equally horrible? Evangeline the Fern: [shakes head.] [[The glowgem on Mortimer's umbrella flickers.]] Sylvester: But.. something HAS changed..? Evangeline: [nods] Mortimer: um.. Sylvester, we better go. Sylvester: Well, whatever it is, we deal with it when we face it. Thank you all for trying to warn us. Evangeline: [nods] Wednesday , August 24 , 2011 [[Sylvester walks away from the Fern pit in the Mansion's Sneech den. The Ferns watch him go.]] [[He pauses.]] Sylvester: . . . [[He turns back.]] [[The Ferns listen as he talks.]] Sylvester: I guess I am the Earl of E. One of my duties is to... visit folks who dwell within my walls? Yes. However technically. Sylvester: If I survive this day and regain my full faculties, I will find a way to come back here. Sylvester: So don't forget what I said about those names of yours! Thursday , August 25 , 2011 [[The inhabitants of the "fern pit" in the Mansion's Sneech den watch as the light that Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer brought fades away.]] [[The Ferns all turn to each other, now glowing with possibly metaphorical light. Sparks fly.]] Various Ferns: WHEW! VF: THOUGHTSUREHEDPRUNEUSTOO FERNNEVERMENTIONED SUCHANICEYOUNG WHATHAPPENSIFTHESNEECHES AHHALLMEATBAGSARE WHATSAHETTIE THATSLIVERWASFRESH PITYTHEGNOLLDIDNTCOMEJUST Friday , August 26 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Mortimer and Sylvester walk though the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: What were you doing? Sylvester: Making a promise that'll probably get me killed. Mortimer: Oh. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: I was going to ask you about the.. Chime.. but this isn't the time. Sylvester: For a variety of reasons, I would think. Mortimer: Why do /you/ think Agorn left? Sylvester: I don't know. But handing a fellow an excuse on a silver platter after he falls from the sky doesn't help. [[Outline of Mortimer in Eetown, watching as Sylvester argues with a man.]] {{This Waldo Weesquash, who at the time this was transcribed has not yet appeared in-strip.}} Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: OK. Again, this is why I /never/ wanted to be Earl. Every conversation is.. is a little war! Sylvester: I believe.. yes.. that's one of the reasons I keep you around. To have someone to just talk to. Saturday , August 27 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: And that's why.. yes. I've been getting distracted with Rosemary all day. I can talk to her and.. Mortimer: What? What's wrong? Sylvester: Rosemary. I've only known you for.. one day..? Rosemary: I would estimate it has indeed been roughly twenty hours. [[They emerge into a tall and wide corridor, which is lined with towering growths.]] Sylvester: Wow. good thing I didn't remember /that/ when I was.. Mortimer: What? Was what? Sylvester: Never mind. I'm pretty sure I've.. been here before. Which means..this is the main corridor? Rosemary: I possess only fragmentary intel, but I would say it was likely. Sunday , August 28 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between SubShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are before the REMNENT/REMNANT, which currently displays a different room through its interior hole.]] Cully: And.. in addition to all that.. you answer questions? Remnent: YES. Cully: Fine. Before I step through that hole, I have questions, for which I take full responsibility. Tuttle: Oh dear. Cully: First, who is this "Boss" person I'm sort of agreeing to work for? What is his /real name/? Remnent: RODOLPH THE BOOGIEMAN. Cully: . . . Tuttle: . . . [[Cully turns to Tuttle.]] Cully: OK. Fine. You were right. I've never heard of him. Tuttle: "..Rodolph"? Rement: YES. Monday , August 29 , 2011 [[Peripatet the Eyebolt leads Comshaw and Skradt the Troglodyte through Root hall. A closed shutter is mounted in the wall.]] [[The shutter ((CLANGs)) open, revealing a female Eyebolt (Pulvinar)]] Pulvinar: ATTENTION! Pulvinar: You now depart the Rooted Zone! Pulvinar: You now enter the Grafted Zone! Pulvinar: Prepare to deploy your personal illumination device! [[A closeup of the front of Peripatet's wheeled cart.]] Pulvinar: 3.. 2.. 1.. [[A light flips into view.]] Pulvinar: 0! [[The shutter ((UNCLANGs)) behind the walkers. Two large signs repeating what Pulvinar just said are mounted on the wall.]] Skradt: Don't 'spose that's a punishment or make-work thing,, and that folks don't really /need/ ta be told.. Comshaw: Well.. some people can't read, and some people don't listen so good.. Tuesday , August 30 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw walk through Root Hall, escorted by Peripatet the eyebolt in his wheeled cart. Signs adorn the walls. It is darker ahead of them.]] Skradt: So.. it's true they keep out the GBOL lights in here? Comshaw: It is considered an "infiltration issue". Lighting is mostly done "on site" using a classified method. Skradt: And they.. refuse to light /Agita's/ corridors? Comshaw: No no. They'll light anyone's corridors twenty hours a day. [[Ahead of them, the corrider splits in two. One way is AGITA, the other is ALL OTHERS. Agita's passage is lit, the other is dark.]] Skradt: ..if.. yer a big enough nob to be able to pay for it. ? Comshaw: Correct again. Wednesday , August 31 , 2011 [[In Root Hall. Comshaw and Skadt, escorted by Peripatet the Eyebolt, approach an open doorway, with a change in color-scheme beyond.]] Peripatet: Miss Agita is waiting through there, please. Skradt: No gong to ring, shutters ta roll up? Peripatet: No. [[Standing in the doorway.]] Agita, off-panel: Comshaw. Comshaw: Agita. Agita: ..and Mr. Skradt.. isn't it? [[Agita sits at a two-level table. A bowl of apples sits on the table. A low platform sits behind the table. Fibbergib the Eyebolt mans a station. There are numerous large potted plants.]] Comshaw: Yes. And hello to you too, Flibbergib. Agita: They did not tell me you were wearing one of those ridiculous hats. Comshaw: Yeah, well, I was half expecting to find /you/ sporting one. Agita: ..Have a seat, won't you? Comshaw: Thank you. Thursday , September 1 , 2011 [[In Agita's receiving room, in Root Hall. Agita and Comshaw face each other across her table. Skradt crouches nearby.]] Agita: Would you care for an apple? Comshaw: Thank you again. [[He takes one for himself, and passes one to Skradt.]] Comshaw: Haven't had one of these since Boffin died. Comshaw: With the tunnel dug, maybe there will be more trading and visits with the forest. Agita: Indeed. [[Comshaw takes a bite of apple.]] ((choff)) [[Comshaw tosses the hat he borrowed onto the pile of apples.]] Comshaw: An interested party asked me to stop by. One who shares your evident dislike of hats. Agita: Does she now? Friday , September 2 , 2011 [[[In Agita's receiving room, in Root Hall. The hat Comshaw borrowed sits on the bowl of apples between him and Agita.]] Comshaw: I'm going to assume, then, that none of your close personal support staff wears a hat like this? Agita: Of course not. Comshaw: Well. In the long run, that may be among the best decisions you have ever made. Comshaw: In the short term.. it complicates matters. Agita: Go on.. Comshaw: There's a fellow named, I believe, Ogdoad. Can we get him in here? Comshaw: Without... /alarming/ him in the process? Agita: . . . Agita: Flittergib. Dispatch a missive to Ogdoad that I wish to Transact with him. [[Flittergib picks up some tools.]] Flittergib: Yes, Miss Agita. At once. Saturday , September 3 , 2011 [[In Agita's receiving parlor. Skradt is present. Flibbergib the Eyebolt works on a "missive."]] Agita: This is going to be costly. Agita: Ogdoad, in his way, is an important personage. Comshaw: Of course. It's the most important /thing/ you're going to do all day. And that's saying something, no? Agita: . . . [[Comshaw touches the bowl in front of him.]] Comshaw: Oh. I don't suppose you have an empty bowl or pot on hand, a bit larger or at least deeper than this apple-holder? Agita: What does supplying all of this /get me/? Comshaw: High-quality poking services. A possible leg up on the competition. Including the Council. Agita: . . . Agita: I believe I can accommodate you. Sunday , September 4 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between SubShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are standing before the large ring-like REMNENT/REMNANT, which is showing in its central hole a different room.]] Cully: And what is this thing I'm supposedly taking back to.. my subShaft? Remnant: A DEVICE TO ASSIST IN REMOTE VIEWING. Cully: So.. it's not a weapon, or.. one of Crazy Rhid'sbomb-things? Remnant: NO. NO. Cully: What's /its/ name? Remnant: I KNOW ONLY LABELS. THE MOST COMMON BEING "THE 42ND NOTEWORTHY ITEM COLLECTED BY THE HENRICK JOOST EXPEDITION", AS CATALOGED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM OF AZIMUTH. {{Azimuth is a Human nation.}} Remnant: OR THE "HJ42" FOR THE SAKE OF BREVITY. Cully: ...Right. Remnant: IT IS ALSO CALLED THE ZORPER, AFTER THE NOISE IT EMITS WHEN PERFORMING ITS FUNCTION. Monday , September 5 , 2011 [[On one side of a brambly hedge, the Humans Arlen Grubb and his young daughter Juniper work on expanding an already-deep ditch. With the expertise of long practice, Arlen tosses dirt into a waiting wheelbarrow which is marked with a double "Ee"]] {{ Done as Labor Day fliller. The words HAPPY LABOR DAY are worked into the scene.}} Tuesday , September 6 , 2011 [[In Agita's receiving room.]] Agita: Anything /else/? Comshaw: If you really want my itemized list.. what was being auctioned to you, Nevus and Guttle out in the forest today? Agita: ... If only to direct your inevitable snooping to more productive channels.. Agita: A small white object which produces an enormous flash of light when a button on its side is pressed. I suspect it has other powers as well. Comshaw: The auctioneer... wouldn't happened to have been /Human/, would he? Agita: ? [[Outline of Mortimer the Human spewing vile breath.]] Comshaw: A double-sized Nome, with small ears and fair spiky hair? Agita: . . . The skin around his mouth tasted particularly foul. Wednesday , September 7 , 2011 [[In Root Hall, in Agita's receiving room.]] Comshaw: The reason I asked.. I encountered the same fellow today. I believe. [[Outline of Comshaw, Niddle and Mortimer meeting in the Forest of E.]] Comshaw: He never dropped his /name/ but.. Comshaw: He admitted.. claimed.. to be Human. And that his brother, Sylvester, is "The Earl". [[Outline of Comshaw, Niddle, Mortimer, Snerk and Ig the Saurs and the Beaver Shark getting caught in the explosive/teleport-inducing meeting of the Zorper/HJ42 and the Hitchhiking Gem.]] Comshaw: Things then got a little.. hectic.. in part, I think, because he was carrying an object very much like you describe. Comshaw: Only this all happened.. must have happened.. long after the auction was over. Comshaw: So.. one more question.. Agita: Yes. Thursday , September 8 , 2011 [[Agita and her guest Comshaw swap some info, while Flibbergib the Eyebolt prepares a message to be sent. An outline of Snerk the Saur running through the Forest of E, carrying the zorper/HJ42.]] ((stuff stuff)) Comshaw: Good. I wa- Agita: Yes, /someone/ won the auction. Mortimer was not carrying the zorper when he left the clearing. [[An outline of one of the zorper's blasts in the Forest.]] ((screw screw)) Comshaw: . . ."Zorper". Agita: That is the noise it made when it operated. [[An outline of Mortimer selling piles of zorpers from a stall labeled Mortimer's World O' Zorpers.]] ((SHOOMP!)) Comshaw: So. He's either got more than one of these things.. Agita: The situation is very complicated. Yes. [[An outline of a female Motihaul hearing a story from a female Nome war-refugee. A baby Nome sits in a basket.]] Comshaw: . . . You're aware that Mortimer was the name of the "demon".. Agita: ...Who triggered the Nome War. Yes. I heard old Axilla's refugee stories. Flibbergib: Missive dispatched, Miss Agita! Agita: Thank you, Flibbergib. Friday , September 9 , 2011 [[Outline of a young Mortimer accidentally disrupting a delicate operation in Nome mine.]] Comshaw: So. Agita: So. Comshaw: Assuming he /was/ the.. individual in that Nome mine that fateful day.. Did he strike you as being particularly elderly or decrepit? Agita: Not physically. [[Outline of Mortimer fleeing the resulting chaos, with one Nome yelling at him.]] Comshaw: Heh. So... Humans live an exceptionally long time, have access to strange.. devices.. and do not come across as being terribly bright. Agita: Indeed. Perhaps a qualified individual will attempt to ascertain if "Sylvester the Earl" is an exception. Comshaw: Perhaps. Saturday , September 10 , 2011 [[In Root Hall, in Agita's receiving room. Comshaw picks up his borrowed hat.]] Comshaw: But that is tomorrow. Now that Ogdoad is rushing swiftly hither, we deal with the /other/ end to our world. [[A young female Motihaul appears holding a large pot.]] Comshaw: Assuming that.. ah. Hello, Rishathra. Rishathra: Hello, Mr. Comshaw. Comshaw: Thank you. Just give that to Mr. Skradt. [[Skradt takes the pot.]] Comshaw: Peripatet. You should probably make a discreet withdrawal. Peripatet the Eyebolt: Right. [[Rishathra stares and Agita glowers.]] Comshaw: And Agita, you'll no doubt want to drag out your "Meeting With An Important Eyebolt Table". And maybe put on some "shoes." Sunday , September 11 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are standing in front of the REMNENT/REMNANT; the latter's interior hole now shows a different room.]] Cully: And what is- Tuttle: Oh, Cully! Wasn't that enough? Did you understand /any/ of that? Cully: Two somebodies went on a long trip to see what they could see. Like Othara does. Cully: And things they brought back were put on display. In a place that collects.. things. Worth displaying. Like the Deathallers do. Or /Nevus/. Tuttle: Oh. Tuttle: But still.. Cully: I don't care what you or Chunner or anyone says. I'm going to ask questions. Like.. what's that stick sticking out the bottom of your.. pack. thing? Tuttle: Eh? Oh. It's a scent disperser. It.. disperses my scent. Makes it much harder to track me. Speaking of which.. We really should /go/. Monday , September 12 , 2011 [[Inside Agita's quarters. Agita's daughter Rishathra and Flibbergib the Eyebolt listen to the conversation.]] Agita: And what is going to be your contribution to all of this, Mr. Comshaw? Comshaw: I will be hiding in the bushes on one side of the door, and Mr. Skradt will be hiding on the other side. Comshaw: I'll finish eating this apple, and when Mr. Ogdoad appears, I will do what I do best. Agita: If he's damaged, this visit will be even more costly. Comshaw: I won't harm a metaphorical hair on his equally-metaphorical head. Skradt: Oh. OK. Tuesday , September 13 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw are standing on either side of Agita's front doorway. Skradt wiggles the large upside down pot he is holding.]] Skradt: So.. yer gonna.. and I'm gonna..? Comshaw: In broad strokes, yes. Agita: Rishathra, go get my boots. Rishathra: Yes, Mother. [[Skradt looks at the apple balanced on top of the pot.]] Agita: Flibbergib. Have my "Impotant Meeting with an Eyebolt" Table.. dragged out. Flibbergib the Eyebolt: Yes, Miss Agita! ((CHOMP)) [[A large bite has been taken out of the apple.]] Skradt: It.. tastes sorta like Treefruit.. Only better. Comshaw: The similarity has been noted. [[Outline of The Earl of Basement myth zapping Fruit onto a branch of the Tree.]] Agita: There is a very old story that the Earl /created/ Treefruilt so that those of us who live without the Sun could have apples. Comshaw: Really. Well, nobody gets everything right.. Wednesday , September 14 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw wait on either side of Agita's front door, as noises come from off-panel. Skradt holds a bowl, Comshaw has an apple.]] ((slide shove)) Skradt: So.. shouldn't we be helping with.. Comshaw: A Poker isn't too proud to help drag around cumbersome oddly-shaped tables, as long as s-he's getting paid to do it. Agita, are we getting p- Agita: NO. Comshaw: OK Then. Voice: urg. [[Comshaw takes a bite of apple.]] ((push drag clatter)) Voice: oof! Comshaw: choff Thursday , September 15 , 2011 Narration: In the vicinity of Crazy Rhid's former place.. [[Sprocket looks up angrily. Maggle the Trog's voice comes from behind him.]] Maggle: Sprocket? Maggle: Oh! There you are! [[Pulling back to reveal that Sprocket is at a low spiky wall, looking beyond at a towering piece of machinery, which is surrounded by rings and covered with cryptic notations. Large two-pronged forks zap electricity or magic back and forth.]] Sprocket: I hate this. Maggle: Miss Sina wants to see you! Friday , September 16 , 2011 [[Somewhere in Crazy Rhid's former place.]] Maggle the Troglodyte: You want me to tell Miss Sina that? Sprocket: What? Sina? No! I'm coming. Maggle: I thought you and Flange enjoyed working with those. . . machine things. Sprocket: I did! I do! Maggle: So what do you hate about this? [[Outline of Sprocket working a battered-looking machine.]] Sprocket: Aww, I don't.. I was just thinking. All the cobbling old bits and pieces back together I've.. we've done. [[Outline of Pergola the Gnoll showing Sprocket a device which is spewing vast amounts of pink fluid.]] Sprocket: And now Pergola shows me that Spewer, and it's.. Spewing. All the others.. they've been, I dunno, Dribblers. At best. And that was just the start.. Saturday , September 17 , 2011 [[Somewhere in Rhid's former place. Sprocket put a tool in his toolbox.]] Sprocket: Spewers have this cont- thing that's supposed to cause them to stop spewing. Maggle the Troglodyte: I'll take your word for that. [[They walk past an opened metal gate which has large E mounted on it.]] Sprocket: This one worked, first try. And then I followed the.. spewsource back, bobbled these gates open.. and found all that back there. Maggle: uh huh. [[Outline of Sprocket in a hypothetical SubShaft.]] Sprocket: Row of huge machines, all still working. Maggle: If you want working.. things, you could always- Sprocket: "Go live in the subShafts." Yeah. Thanks. [[Crazy Rhid sits and waits in an abandoned-looking room.]] Sprocket: If Rhid /knew/ all this was here, and concealed it from everyone.. I don't care how crazy he is, I meet him I'm punching him in the snout! Sunday , September 18 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle stand before the REMNENT/REMNANT, the interior hole of which now opens into a different room.]] Cully: OK. Fine. One more question, for today, then we can go in there. It's for you, not her. Cully: What are the subShafts? Remnent: MYSELF AND OTHERS INTERTWINED. Remnent: A VAST WARREN OF CHAMBERS AND INTERLINKED MACHINES Remnent: AN ABANDONED EXPERIMENT Remnent: A REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS LONG DEPARTED. Remnent: A NEWLY PLANTED SEED. Remnent: THE BEGINNING OF THE END. [[Cully climbs over the lip of the opening.]] Tuttle: OK. That.. wasn't a bad question. Cully: Thank you. We just climb overthis lip here? Remnent: YES. Tuttle: Yes. Monday , September 19 , 2011 [[Walking through Rhid's former place.]] Sprocket: But.. anyway. You probably don't care about that. Maggle: Not really! [[They walk past Wittol the Gnoll, who leaning against a wall. Sprocket eyes him.]] Sprocket: ...Where are we going? Maggle: Miss Sina's office. [[Delfa the Gnoll and Fosic the Helipath go by in the opposite direction.]] Sprocket: . . . Sprocket: She has an office? Maggle: uh huh! In here! [[She pushes Sprocket before Nikhedonia, an Eyebolt sitting at an improvised desk.]] Nikhedonia: Hello, Mr. Sprocket. You are on the List. Go on in. Sprocket: . . . Sprocket: OK? Sprocket: She has an Eyebolt? And a List? Maggle: And you're at the top of it! Congrats! Tuesday , September 20 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place. Sprocket comes in, and sees Sina at her desk.]] Sprocket: Hi, Sina. Sina: Hi, Sprocket. Sprocket: You have a desk. Sina: It's more of a rock. Sprocket: um.. hm. Perhaps this will get me kicked right back out, but.. all this is.. Sina: Unimpressive? Sprocket: I was going to say cramped, but.. yeah. Sina: It's carved out of solid rock. No secret passages for Rhid, we hope. Officially, you're here to check. Wednesday , September 21 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Sprocket: Check? Check for what? Sina: Any.. machine-type things we might have missed. You're our resident expert, after all. Sprocket: Oh. Well. No. I don't see any.. "Official"? Sina: I also just wanted to see you. You're.. Sina: You're the only one left who doesn't call me /Miss/ Sina. Sina: Even Catmorlo is.. and this morning, she had hired me to run her /birthday party/. Sprocket: ... Sprocket: Resident? Sina: I'd like to think so. [[Sina watches.]] Sprocket: ... Sprocket: ... [[He puts down his toolbox near Sina's desk. Skuy sleeps on the floor.]] ((CLUNK)) Sprocket: Wait here. Sprocket: I'll be right back. Thursday , September 22 , 2011 [[Sprocket walks past Nikhedonia the Eyebolt who is working at her improvised desk.]] [[He walks past a Motihaul carrying a Sack.]] [[He comes to where Wittol the Gnoll is leaning against a wall.]] Sprocket: How did you /know/, you zarking crumb? Wittol: Haven't you heard? I'm the second-best Finagler in the world. [[Flange appears.]] Flange: You rank yourselves? Wittol: Ah, good. Flange. You got my message. Sprocket: /Please/ tell me you didn't send for my sires! Friday , September 23 , 2011 [[In Rhid's former place.]] Wittol: Of course I didn't invite any of your or Sina's family, Sprocket. Everyone who needs to be here is here. [[Outline depicting a lineup of Finaglers.]] Wittol: Tho we need to /talk/ about your sires. And Shona. Wittol: And yes, Flange. We rank ourselves. And to answer your next question, Niddle is number one. He always will be. [[Outline of Niddle being all Finagler-like.]] Wittol: Why? All I can say in.. non-Finagler terms.. He.. went places no one else dared go. Can go. And now he's perfect. Wittol: Let's get this over with, shall we? Or get it started. Whichever you prefer. [[He pushes Sprocket back towards Sina's office.]] Wittol, thinking: So perfect he might not even be a Finagler anymore. May have to broach a Topic at the next Conclave. Saturday , September 24 , 2011 [[Outside Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Sprocket: So.. Miss.. . . . What's your name again? Nikhedonia the Eyebolt: Nikhedonia, Mr. Sprocket. Sprocket: Nikhedonia. Am I authorized to add names to The List? Nikhedonia: Yes, sir. [[Sprocket walks past her desk.]] Sprocket: Well then, add these two. Wittol. Flange. Nikhedonia: Yes, sir. Flange: "The List"? Wittol: Hello, Nikhedonia. I'm Wittol, he's Flange. And there are two t's in- Nikhedonia: /Yes/, sir. Sunday , September 25 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between SubShafts.. [[Cully and Tuttle are in a room with a large metal bin. Covered shafts are on display high up on the wall.]] Cully: The "Highest Room', you said? We're still in the subShafts? Tuttle: Yes. The 'Shafts are such a tangle that being definite is impossible, but.. we're /near/ the top of it all. Tuttle: It would take me three hours to climb up from where we just were. [[Cully points.]] Cully: And so.. those door-hatch things lead to /what/? Tuttle: Chutes. The upper ends are in various discreet places back in the.. for lack of a better phrase, "real world.'" Cully: But who.. where.. Oh, never mind. Stuff gets tossed in the chute-things, lands in the bin-thing? Tuttle: Yes. And we'll find the.. thing-things we're looking for in there. Monday , September 26 , 2011 [[Inside Sina's new office. Sprocket has returned with Wittol the Gnoll and Flange.]] Sina: All right, what's go- oh. Oh my. Kronk the Trog: What? Who's that? Maggle the Trog: That's Wittol the Finagler, silly. They're gonna go eat bad Treefruit in the Fluffy Foo Foo Cave! Kronk: ...Oh. Wittol: Actually.. Maggle, isn't it? Wittol: They don't /need/ to go to the Fluffy Foo-Foo Cave. Sprocket: We don't? Wittol: Just yet. Sprocket: Oh. Tuesday , September 27 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: At the very least, I need to get a Tweebowl to use! Wittol: Actually, Sina, I'll let you in on a little secret here. [[A bucket sits nearby.]] Wittol: That bucket would work just fine. The idea that you have to have an "Official" Tweebowl was drummed up by people who make "Official" Tweebowls. Sina: But- Wittol: But of course if you must have one, /I/ will get you an Official Tweebowl. Maggle the Troglodyte: What do you /do/ with those bowls, anyway? Wittol: That's a secret I'm /not/ going to share. Maggle: But why- Wittol: No, Maggle. I can't. Here. Instead, let me spill the biggest secret of all.. Wednesday , September 28 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: Um.. Wittol.. Wittol: Well, it's more an embarrassment than a secret... [[Outline: A Trog couple holds hands amidst confetti.]] Wittol: Maggle. When two Trogs decide to mate, they just announce it and move into private quarters near the egg-laying grounds, yes? Maggle: Well . . sometimes there's a party.. but.. yes? [[Outline: A dead Helipath hangs upside-down from a beam, with new growths emerging from his body.]] Wittol: While you Helipaths, Flange, just.. what's the phrase? Efficiently bypass the whole process? Flange: If your focus is solely on reproduction of the species.. yes. [[Three Gnolls ripple their arms and legs as they dance.]] Wittol: And then there's us, with our secret rituals, us Finaglers advising and prodding and naming.. Wittol: We don't do all this because it's fun, or to be /mysterious/.. Thursday , September 29 , 2011 [[Outline of a Gnoll in front of a scene of fiery destruction.]] Wittol: We do them because they /work/. Gnolls who don't use Finaglers.. who go around spilling the /real/ secrets.. bad things happen. [[Outline of a young Maggle the Troglodyte talking to elderly male and female Gnolls.]] Maggle: Huh? Old Mafick and Lepid, usta live near the Trogpile? They seemed all happy. And they didn't have a- Wittol: Ah. Yes. No. They were never /officially/ mated. [[Two Gnolls looking at an elaborate lighting display.]] Wittol: They "just" Fooled Around their whole lives. And for many folks, like, oh, Niff and Folla, that's the /right thing to do/. Wittol: They'll never make it past the Cavern of Serene Shimmering. And be quite happy. Flange: Perhaps this is a silly question.. How is all this is an embarrassment? Wittol: No no. That's this: We don't know why any of this is true. No idea at all. Friday , September 30 , 2011 [[Inside Sina's new office.]] Sina: But when I was visting Shona once, I heard Wubb say- Wittol: Wubb? He's competent enough, but not a great... thinker. [[Outline of Comshaw, possibly, giving a thumbs-up in front of a large Brush symbol.]] Wittol: Still.. Everybody has /theories/. Wittol: "We've been chosen by the Brush for a special destiny" is popular. Wittol: That's just..ugh. [[Outline of Wittol on the bucketchain, looking down at a stunned Helipath and Eyebolt, following the Operator's magical blast.]] Flange: What is /your/ theory? Wittol: Well, there's /something/ going on. Today, when the Operator sent out that blast of.. [[Skuy is asleep on the floor.]] Wittol: But /anyway/. Sina, Sprocket. You need to visit the Fluffy Foo Foo Cave before you have whelps. Wittol: For now.. ah. Need to wake up Skuy for this part.. Saturday , October 1 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Maggle the Troglodyte: This part? Wittol: This part of the mating ritual. Technically, Skuy should have been awake for all of it... [[Outline of Skuy and Cully separated by a black crack.]] Wittol: ..but after what happened with her and Cully, I wasn't going to force her to suffer listening through all that. Flange: Cully. He was the one whom Nevus- Wittol: Yes. Moving on. [[Grak/Grik the Troglodyte hangs asleep from the ceiling.]] Maggle: What about Grak? Do we wake him up, too? Wittol: Your fellow Troglodyte? No. Wittol: Unless.. I assumed you wanted Skuy to be your witness. If you /want/ Grak, or Shona, I can- Sina, turning quickly: No! Yes! I choose Skuy! I'll wake her up. Sunday , October 2 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are in a room with a large metal bin. Some Sealed shafts are mounted high up on the wall.]] Cully: "Things." Plural. Tuttle: Yes. There's the.. Zorper. And something for your little friend. Cully: My what? Oh. How can that carry anything? Tuttle: It's won't. It's.. Let's just look in there, shall we? Cully: sigh.. Fine. [[They look in the bin, which is mostly filled with fluff. A few items poke into view: The zorper/HJ42. A jackolantern. A gun attached to a pack via a cord. A fleeb.]] Cully: . . . Cully: Which one's mine? Tuttle: The egg-shaped thing. I am informed "as long as you don't push the buttons or try to take it apart, it's perfectly safe." Your friend's is the gun. Cully: Is the what? Tuttle: It's like a bow and arrow, only it shoots.. well, here... [[Tuttle takes the gun and shoots a blast which hits Cully's tagalong dart.]] Tuttle: It shoots a bit of Fire. River-of-Fire Fire. The real name of which, by the by, is /magic/. Monday , October 3 , 2011 Narration: A Memorial Flashback [[Somewhere in the Basement, a young Crud the Gnoll has come across a a real cat sitting next to a large cat statue; the former is orange and sports an eyepatch, the latter is dedicated to SIMON. Various names are scribbled on the stone below the statue. Crud has a lidded basket strapped to his back.]] Crud, thinking: That's a "cat". A real cat, just like in Crispin's book. Walking alone. Crud, thinking: Does that mean that all the rest of it was true, too? Crud, thinking: Is the world even stranger than it already appears? Crud, thinking: This.. urges further consideration.. Tuesday , October 4 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Flange: And I am Sprocket's.. witness? Wittol: Well, is he? Sprocket: What? Yes! Of course. [[Closeup of Flange's lower half.]] Wittol: Fortunately, the only requirement is.. you.. do have ears, obviously..? Flange: They are located on my underside, away from my liftinator. Sina, off-panel: Skuy? Wake up.. [[Skuy wakes up abruptly.]] Flange: What shall I listen to? Wittol: You just stand.. um.. float.. hover? there and listen to me blather. Sina: Sk- Skuy: AHH! Wittol: And you've done OK with that so far, so I anticipate no problems. Sina: I'm sorry, Skuy, but this is important. Skuy: There was that Wyrm! He couldn't. hear m- No. It was just a dream. Wednesday , October 5 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: Come here, Skuy. This won't take long. /Will it/, Wittol? Wittol: No, no. Skuy: What won't..? Oh. Oh my. But I don't have.. I'll find something. Maggle: What 'bout Kronk and me? Are we witnesses, too? Wittol: Literally yes. Technically no. So the pressure's off! Kronk: whew Wittol: Oh.. Flange.. Wittol: ..Since you've got it.. /hold/ that size 42 slug-wrench of yours. Very symbolic! Flange: You.. are familiar with slug-wrenches? [[Wittol and Sina exchange glances.]] Wittol: Now what kind of Finagler would I be to Sprocket if I didn't learn the tools he uses? Wittol: I also studied birthday party procedure, but /that/ may have been a waste of time.. Thursday , October 6 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place. Wittol performs a mating ceremony, with Skuy and Flange in attendance.]] Wittol: OK. As noted, we're all busy people here, so, we have a Tool, we have.. a Blossom, well done, Skuy, let's.. just boil this down. For now. Flange: For now? Wittol: We're also becoming, well.. important people, and we /may/ have to re-do this with all the.. the trimmings. /For now/.. Wittol: Sina. Do you love Sprocket, and want to be his mate? Sina: You came today when I needed you the most. /You're/ my hero. Yes. Wittol: Sprocket. Do you love Sina and want to be her mate? Sprocket: I care more.. if all this means I have to give up being a mechanic.. I will. Yes. Wittol: OK then! Friday , October 7 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, Wittol the Gnoll performs a ceremony.]] Wittol: And do you accept me as your Finagler, here to help with the inevitable quarrels, to walk ahead in the gloom, yadda yadda? Sina: Of course. Sprocket: Yes. [[Kronk and Maggle the Troglodytes watch from nearby.]] Wittol: Any objections from those here assembled? Kronk: Dunno. Guess not. Maggle: Woo! Go for it! Wittol: Thank you. [[The Gnolls all look at the ceiling.]] Wittol: How about you, Brush? Anything to say? All: ... ... ... Wittol: No. And so it is, and so it shall be, for as long as we can. Flange: Are you implying there /have/ been instances where the Brush- Gnollish voice, off-panel: AAAAIIIEEE!! Sprocket: HAH! Too late! Saturday , October 8 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Kronk: That was a /scream./ Sina: Yes, Kronk. Sina: /Grak!/ What's happening out there? [[Kronk and Flange listen to Grak's reply from off-panel.]] Grak: Nothing, Miss Sina! Grak: It's merely Snerd, He's returned from the Council. [[Looking at Grak.]] Sina: If he's screaming, it's not "merely nothing"! Grak: He is evidently protesting Nikhedonia's choice in headwear. [[At Nikhedonia the Eyebolt's impromptu desk. A hat hangs from the back of her "chair". Snerd is pointing dramatically.]] Sina: What is the problem, Snerd? Snerd: SHE'S ONE OF /THEM!/ Nikhedonia: Regretfully, Miss Sina, I can at present neither confirm nor deny this charge. Sunday , October 9 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are in a room with a large bin and covered shafts in the walls. As Cully starts to speak, his dart suddenly springs back to life. Tuttle tosses the gun she just used back into the bin.]] Cully: You.. killed it! Why d- Whoa! Tuttle: Whew. Now it will be better able to help you with.. whatever you need help with. I hope. Cully: How did- Tuttle: No idea. Sorry. [[Cully reaches into the bin.]] Cully: . . . Cully: Fine. I suspect this was inevitable. Tuttle: Thank you, Cully. [[Cully holds up the HJ42/Zorper.]] Cully: Well, it didn't instantly strike me dead. That's something, I guess. Tuttle: Now we get you to the chute, and back where you need to be. Monday , October 10 , 2011 Narration: One update on current events later.. [[In Sina's new office in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: Snerd.. I'm.. having trouble believing any of this. This is just a hat. Snerd: OK, /that/ one is! The one in the Council Chamber was- Catmorlo, off-panel: Miss Sina? Sina: Yes, Catmorlo? Catmorlo: There's a Jibjib at the Front Gate. Comshaw sent him, and he has this horrible /dead thing/ that looks like.. Catmorlo: like.. [[Skuy looks at the hat laying on Sina's desk.]] Sina: Yes? Catmorlo: ...well, very much like that hat there, actually. Sina: . . . Sina: Show him in, Catmorlo. Catmorlo: Yes, Miss Sina. Sina: And Sprocket and I have mated. Wittol is our Finagler. Please spread the word they don't need to ask to see me. Ever. Catmorlo: Oh! Congratuations! I will.. do that! Tuesday , October 11 , 2011 Narration: Following a delivery and another recap... [[Inside Sina's new office. Schrik the Jibjib flies away, leaving the dead Fixit he delivered sitting on Sina's desk.]] Sina: OK. Fine. Sina: New rule. Sina: Nobody wears a hat in here. Including me. Sina: Sprocket, Wittol. That's the first of your official duties. If I ever show up wearing one, take it off me. Wittol: Right. Sprocket: Check. Sina: Maggle. Take this.. "Fixit" around- Maggle: EW! Sina: -in that bucket, and show it to everyone. Sina: Kronk. Go with her. Take off people's hats. If they're alive, kill them. Kronk: OK, Mz Sina. Sina: . . . The hats, not- Kronk: not the folks. Not /that/ big a dummy. Sina: Duly noted. Wednesday , October 12 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: I'm sorry, Snerd. I didn't believe you. Snerd: Yeah well. I gotta go. Snerd: It's not- I have to go home and see if Shona and Wubb are OK. Sina: Of course. Sina: And you'll have to Announce to them that Sprocket and I are mated. ..You did hear that? Snerd: What? Oh. Right. Snerd: I guess I was trying not to think about that. Wittol: And eventually, all six of us will have to.. Do Certain Things together. [[Snerd facepalms as Wittol pats him on the back. Sprocket looks on.]] Snerd: Things? What Th- Oh. Oh no. Wittol: Oh yes. Flange: Speaking of secret rites, I should be going as well. Thursday , October 13 , 2011 [[In Rhid's former place.]] Sprocket: Where are you going? Flange: In the short term, my sleep-nitch. It has been a long day. [[Outline of a cross-section of Project-Y node.]] Sprocket: "Secret rites?" Flange: The world turns upside down. Flange: /I/ must remind /you/ of our powerful client and his personal Project. [[Outline of Sprocket taking a very angry Aurilnode call.]] Flange: If you disappear into the machines here.. cease being a Mechanic entirely.. he will..? Sprocket: Oh. Phizz. [[Flange touches Sprocket' s shoulder.]] Sprocket: Can we talk about this in the morning? Flange: Of course. You have happier and more pressing matters to deal with. I will come in the morning. Friday , October 14 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Snerd the Gnoll: Anyway. I.. might be back tomorrow. Maybe not. Sina: I understand. Probably better than anyone in the world. Snerd: Oh, wait.. Snerd: Comshaw said... Sina: Yes? Snerd: No. No. Doesn't matter now. [[Outline of Maw and Twiz the Gobules.]] Snerd: But you know Maw.. the Gobule? Sina: With the foot? And the eye? Snerd: Yeah. His.. flunky? Twiz? Was there. He was.. maybe they'll be coming to see you. Gobule stuff, I guess. [[Outline of Preznit the Eyebolt studying Sina and taking notes.]] Sina: Hm. Well, we're going to need some around. Snerd: And the Council said.. they'll be watching us. You. Sina: Lovely. Thank you. Good night. Saturday , October 15 , 2011 [[In Rhid's former place.]] Flange: Oh.. Did you hear? Rubrak is dead. Sprocket: What? No! When? Flange: He encountered Chauncy and Edgar. [[Outline of Rubrak and Snipe the Jibjib looking at a 12 TONZ weight.]] Sprocket: Oh phizz. I never really.. /liked/ the guy, but.. he did competent work. Flange: So I was informed. A loss diminishes us all. [[Outline of a Helipath version of a cemetery.]] Sprocket: You all.. don't have funerals or anything, right? Flange: He will have already been interred in a Decomposition Nitch. [[Flange floats away.]] Sprocket: ... Sprocket: Snipe will be looking for a new job now. Assuming /he's/ still- Flange: Yes. He will. Flange: I will see you in the morning. Sunday , October 16 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are in a room with a large bin; there are closed hatches mounted in the wall.]] Cully: Now that I've got this HJ42, what do I do with it? Tuttle: Oh. Heh. Right. This is important, you need to explain this to Chunner and Crud as well. Tuttle: Nothing. Do absolutely /nothing/ with it. Don't push the buttons, don't fiddle with it, don't try and take it apart and see how it works. Cully: I guess I can handle that. Tuttle: Tomorrow, a "familiar face" will come to 44f and reclaim it. And hopefully neither of us will never see it again. Cully: . . . Tuttle: And no, I don't know who this face will be attached to, and no, I don't know why my "boss" and the Sage want it with you. Tuttle: Except that it will be "safe" there. Cully: . . . I suppose you don't get many idle thieves in the subShafts... Tuttle: You'd be surprised. Keep a sweet tight grip on it. Monday , October 17 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place. Snerd the Gnoll is leaving.]] Snerd: See you around, I guess. Sprocket: Right. Sina: What's wrong? Specifically? Sprocket: I don't know. I think that.. Wittol: He and Flange are probably going to cease to be partners. Sina: What?! I.. didn't want you to /literally/.. Being a Mechanic is who you are! Sprocket: Well I- Wittol: Of course he'll still be a Mechanic. Just maybe by himself. Or with someone new. Sprocket: ..Snipe might be crazy enough to fly up to those big Machines.. Tuesday , October 18 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Sprocket: Whatever happens, Flange and I... This is dangerous, what I have to tell you. Wittol: Well then, I'll be over here with Skuy. Sprocket and Sina: What? Wittol: You don't know me /nearly/ well enough yet to be sharing dangerous non-Finagler secrets with me. Sina: But.. keeping secrets! That's what you Finaglers /do/! All the time! Wittol: Yes. But do you believe that Sprocket, deep down enough to risk Sina's life? Sprocket and Sina: . . . Wittol: I'll be over with Skuy. Wednesday , October 19 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office in Rhid's former place.]] Sprocket: You ever hear of someone named "Mr. Hand"? Sina: No... Wait. Have I? Mentioned at one of the parties I hosted? Maybe? [[Outline of Sprocket examining a collection of Fleebs.]] Sprocket: He's a big client of Flange and I. The biggest. Lots of fleebs to throw around. Sprocket: Before just now.. I thought.. managed to pretend... he was some Crescent Hall nob, using an alias. [[Outline of a literal "Mr. Hand" and a Nome talking.]] Sina: How could he hide- Sprocket: We only talk via A-Node. He sounds /sort of/ like a.. a Nome with a deep voice but.. Nah. [[Outline depicting the meeting which Sprocket describes below.]] Sina: "Just now"? Sprocket: Gal who put us in touch. Motihaul. Never seen her before. Never seen her since. Sina: She was wearing a Fixit? It was.. wearing her? Sprocket: She had a hat like that on. So. Yeah. Thursday , October 20 , 2011 [[In Sina's newly-constructed office in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: So.. this "Mr Hand" is really God again? Sprocket: I didn't say that, but maybe. [[An outline of Sprocket approaching the remains of a robot/metalmin embedded in a wall.]] Sina: What did he hire you to do? Sprocket: Sometimes, just.. repair. Patching stuff. Scrounging up bits of Human tech. [[An outline of a Gnoll hearing something that a Motihaul doesn't.]] Sprocket: But the big thing is "Project Y'. We go around, install these.. Sprocket: You know how we can hear stuff a Motihaul, or whatever, can't? Sina: And Trogs see better than us? Yes..? [[An outline of one of the Project Y nodes, surrounded by various small critters: A fuzz, a slimegrub, a fleeb, and a Smyt.]] Sprocket: These things, they make a.. "noise" that only phizzers like slimegrubs and fleebs can hear. Sina: OK... Attracting them or driving them away? Sprocket: . . . Friday , October 21 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: What? Sprocket: You didn't ask "is that possible" or "why would anyone make that." [[An outline of a Project Y node repelling a slimegrub.]] Sina: Oh. You have your flaws, mate of mine, but working on frivolous projects isn't one of them. Sprocket: Yeah. Well, this project sends this "noise" out a long ways, but it only repels s-grubs, sadly, at extreme short range.. [[Outline of a fleeb reacting to a Y-node.]] Sprocket: Fleebs aren't attracted to Y-Nodes, but they are.. uh.. aware.. of them. Sprocket: Bring a Fleeb near one, it will turn to face it. And go back to staring. Sina: Um.. OK.. now I have to ask.. Sprocket: "Why would anyone build that?" We were explicitly paid not to ask questions, but I have theories.. Saturday , October 22 , 2011 [[A outline/montage of numerous "Project Y" nodes.]] Sprocket: First off.. I've never seen a Y-Node that Flange and I didn't install, but.. Sprocket: I suspect.. No, I /calculate/ there are more of them. Maybe a /lot/ more. [[Sprocket and Sina are in Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: And.. and what? This Hand is going to.. to make every Fleeb in the world go rabid all at once? Sprocket: No. /No/. I'm not good with.. people.. but that's not.. that's just not him. [[Outline of Sprocket working for Upernavik.]] Sprocket: He reminds me of.. you know Upernavik and Angmagslika? Run things in Sidestep? Sina: Well, yes. Unless you mean /personally/! Sprocket: I've met 'em both. Fixing phizz. [[Outline of Sprocket working for Angmagslika.]] Sprocket: You get in their way.. yeah, they stomp you like.. like a slimegrub. Sprocket: But at the end.. They're trying to.. keep /everything working/. Sunday , October 23 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between SubShafts [[Tuttle and Cully walk away from a bin filled with fluff and various deposited items. Tuttle reaches for her backpack.]] Tuttle: And now we get you back to 44f. Cully: Do we go back through the.. it's gone! Or is it.. invisible on this side? Like a twistpoint? Tuttle: No, the connection closed as soon as we stepped through. [[They approach a set of doors. Tuttle now holds the object which has been sticking out of her pack.]] Cully: But- Tuttle: We don't need it. Where we are going is not far away, though this door. Tuttle: However, opening said door sets off an alarm, so we will need to /move/ after this. Tuttle: Any more questions? Cully: . . . /No./ [[Tulle shake the thing she has, and it goes ((DANGLE DANGLE)). The doors pop open with a ((CLANG)).]] ((BREEP BREEP BREEP...)) Tuttle: Oh, good. Monday , October 24 , 2011 [[Inside Sina's new office.]] Sina: ..Of course, these people want things to "keep working" on their terms, with them in charge. Sprocket: Even I figured that out. [[Outline of a Fixit looking unhappily at Flange's lack of a head.]] Sina: So.. you saw that Motihaul.. but this voice on the 'node.. /character-wise/ would he use Fixits? Sprocket: Yes. /I'm/ probably not wearing one only because Flange doesn't have a zarking head. [[Outlines of various people who have joined with Sina in taking over Rhid's former place: Mowder the Troglodyte, Finimbrun the Gnoll, Kronk the Trog and a female Motihaul who used to wear a hat, Kottle the Gnoll the Healer and Wrawa the Trog his patient.]] Sina: ...And how's he going to feel about us? All this? Sprocket: No idea. But he'd be /phizzed/ if he found out I told you this. Sina: Wittol was right. We can't tell anyone /else/ about this. Not yet. Sprocket: Except Comshaw. Tuesday , October 25 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: sigh.. Sprocket, I will always admire Comshaw, but I.. oh. You're being serious! Sprocket: Of course I am. [[Outline of Comshaw battling an enormous fanged Fixit.]] Sprocket: He sent us.. you.. the dead one. Doesn't that mean he's trying to stop them? Sina: Well, yes? [[Outline of Comshaw accepting a reward for killing the Fixit.]] Sina: OK. Yes. You're right. Tomorrow, we try and get Comshaw in here.. and.. tell him.. hire him? Sprocket: I think he charges almost as much as I do.. [[Some of the objects currently stacked against the walls: A box labelled THNEED from which poke pointy objects, some of which are also labelled: A SHOE. SOUR. ADAMANTINE.]] Sina: Well.. Rhid had all sorts of.. stuff piled up in here. Or.. someone did. Maybe we have something Comshaw wants.. Sina: Maybe even just information... Wednesday , October 26 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office in Rhid's former place.]] Sina: OK. Have to ask. Your best guess. Are God and Hand the same person? Sprocket: . . . Sprocket: No. Sprocket: In fact.. yeah.. I remember now.. he /mentioned/ God once.. something about how.. we all have to "put up with him?" Sprocket: I didn't understand. Sina: You weren't being paid to understand. Sprocket: sigh.. No. Sina: So they put up with each other? Is that better or worse than them being best pals? Sprocket: Scratch a rock, I guess. Toss it in the air. Sina: sigh. Yeah. [[Wittol and Skuy stand nearby.]] Sina: Wittol! We're done! For today! Wittol: Oh good. In that case, I can perform my second official duty as Finagler.. Thursday , October 27 , 2011 [[In Sina's new office, in Rhid's former place.]] Sprocket: What are you talking about? Wittol: I'm going to tell you and Sina to go under that Branch... [[He pushes gently at Skuy's back.]] Wittol: ..While Skuy and I get to know Nikdedonia and.. I'm sorry, I forget the Troglodyte's name. Sina: Grak. What are we.. [[Wittol and Skuy leave.]] Wittol: Before the next killer-hat attack, or.. whatever, you're going to celebrate your mating. Of course. Sprocket: . . . Wittol: I'm hopeful you can think of /something/ to do, without my having to get directly involved. Sina: . . . Friday , October 28 , 2011 [[In Sina's newly-made office.]] Sina: So. "As much as I do". Does that mean you're rich? Sprocket: Never really count it. Just pile it up. Except when I need Hesper to make a new tool. [[Sina's hand gestures towards her desk.]] Sina: But if /this/ doesn't work out, you can maintain Wittol and I in the style to which we have become accustomed? Sprocket: Oh yeah. Sina: Oh, /good/. [[A view of the desk.]] Both: . . . . . . [[Grik or Grak the Troglodyte hanging from the ceiling, asleep. Little hearts float into view.]] Sprocket: Good thing I brought my two-pronged flank diddler along today! Sina: /giggle/ Grik/Grak: ZZZ Saturday , October 29 , 2011 Narration: Soon, in a typical Gnollish home. [[Shona is sitting on a block. There are various things on shelves behind her. Snerd comes in.]] Shona: So. There you are. Where have you been? Snerd: Working on a bucket-chain. Delivering messages. Snerd: You.. do that forest thing with Mr. Nevus? Shona: Yes. [[Shona in front of memories of her forest experiences.]] Snerd: What was it like? The forest? Snerd: . . . Snerd: Shona? [[She gets up.]] Shona: /Niddle/ was there. He told me.. Wubb's already in the nest. Let's join him. Snerd: Um.. OK. Snerd: . . . Sina and Sprocket have mated. Shona: Of course. Snerd: Wittol is their Finagler. Shona: The perfect ending to a perfect day. Sunday , October 30 , 2011 Narration: Previously, between subShafts [[Cully and Tuttle are in a room with numerous signs,warnings and displays on the walls. Tuttle is at a device labeled, possibly, "CHUTE LUBE TEST STATION".]] ((BREEP BREEP BREEP)) Cully: What does that noise attract? Tuttle: People neither of us want to meet. Tuttle: But you at least will be out of range in mere moments. Stay right there. [[Tuttle operates a control. Nozzles poke into view and thoroughly spray Cully with some pinkish fluid.]] ((SHUNK x4, KA-SPLOOSH)) Cully: Are you going to "foom" me ag- Tuttle: Foom? Ah. no. That fluid will help you slide down the chute easier. Cully: Chute?! What ch- [[A large downward-angled chute ((SHUNKs)) into view.]] Tuttle: Good luck Cully. Keep your snout up. Figuratively; that chute's gonna be narrow. Sometimes things /do/ work out for the best. Monday , October 31 , 2011 Narration: Happy Halloween! To the Mansion of E From the Flying Tigers. [[Halloween costume-swap art from Rob O'Brien of the above-mentioned webcomic. His characters Nolan, Harli and Storm are dressed as Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer respectively. Storm is wearing Mortimer's mining helmet and playing with the propeller-top. Nolan's also carrying a morning-star club.]] Nolan: I don't think that she's all there. Harli: Mmm. Tuesday , November 1 , 2011 Narration: In Agita's Reception Room.. [[Skradt and Comshaw lurk on either side of the door. Comshaw is eating an apple. Skradt has one balanced on the pot he is holding.]] Skradt: Um.. Comshaw? Comshaw: Yes, Skradt? Skradt: If.. Plan A doesn't work.. what's... our priority here? Comshaw: ..No escapees. Skradt: Right. [[Agita and Flibbergib the Eyebolt listen to this discussion.]] Comshaw: And Skradt, either eat that apple our hostess has generously provided, or put it where it can't fall and roll into sight at an unfortunate moment. ((CHOFF)) [[Skradt chews on the apple.]] Comshaw: Good choice. Agita: Indeed. My feelings would have been irreparably [sic] shattered. Tuesday , November 1 , 2011 Narration: In Agita's Reception Room.. [[Skradt and Comshaw lurk on either side of the door. Comshaw is eating an apple. Skradt has one balanced on the pot he is holding.]] Skradt: Um.. Comshaw? Comshaw: Yes, Skradt? Skradt: If.. Plan A doesn't work.. what's... our priority here? Comshaw: ..No escapees. Skradt: Right. [[Agita and Flibbergib the Eyebolt listen to this discussion.]] Comshaw: And Skradt, either eat that apple our hostess has generously provided, or put it where it can't fall and roll into sight at an unfortunate moment. ((CHOFF)) [[Skradt chews on the apple.]] Comshaw: Good choice. Agita: Indeed. My feelings would have been irreparably [sic] shattered. Wednesday , November 2 , 2011 [[Inside Agita's quarters. Ogdoad the Eyebolt appears at the front door. Skradt the Trog is waiting with his pot.]] Narration: Eventually, at all deliberate speed.. [[Ogdoad turns to look into the room, but does not enter. Comshaw waits on the other side of the door.]] Ogdoad: Miss Agita. Agita: Ogdoad. [[Agita sitting at her table, with Flibbergib the Eyebolt behind her.]] Agita: Please. Come in. Ogdoad: No, Miss Agita. I don't think so... Thursday , November 3 , 2011 [[Ogdoad the Eyebolt lingers in the doorway to Agita's quarters in Root Hall. Comshaw lurks to one side with his stick.]] Ogdoad: ..At least, not until you send to RecordPod a Chit granting me Grade One-A Immunity and an Exclusive Dispensing Option. Comshaw: . . . Agita: Absolutely /not/. Agita: Grade Three. Tempered Option. Ogdoad: . . . Grade Two-C. Agita: Done. Send off the Chit, Flibbergib. Flibbergib: Yes, Miss Agita. ((scritchscritch stamp SHOOMP)) Agita: Now get in here. Ogdoad: All right. Ogdoad: If this is about those Sneech squeezings, /Thibblerig/ told m- [[Comshaw ((BAPs)) off the Fixit which is riding on Ogdoad's head.]] Friday , November 4 , 2011 [[In Agita's receiving room in Root Hall. A bapped Fixit lands near Skradt's feet.]] Fixit: Oof! [[Skradt ((CLANGs)) a metal pot down on top of it.]] [[The Fixit can be heard ((scrabbling)) inside.]] Fixit: ?? Fixit: !!! Comshaw: Well done. They're so light and flimsy they can't be very strong but k Comshaw: eep a firm grip until we- [[From inside the pot comes an unpleasant ((CRACK))]] Saturday , November 5 , 2011 [[In Agita's receiving room. As Comshaw looms menacingly, Skradt sits on a pot trapping a Fixit.]] Comshaw: /Please/ tell me it didn't just punch through a metal pot and latch onto you. Skradt, waving hands: No! It didn't! I'm fine! Comshaw: OK. Good. Now we.. Skradt: What? Comshaw: snif Comshaw: snif snif Comshaw: . . . Get off it. Lift it up. Yes. I'm sure. Skradt: snif? [[Skradt lifts up the pot, revealing that the Fixit is dead.]] Skradt: So. um.. Comshaw: So now we know they can kill themselves. Agita: Gentlemen.. [[Agita, Flittergib the Eyebolt and Termagant the Gnoll all look on.]] Agita: I am going to make a leap here.. Agita: ...and assume that "we" know /other/ things about them. Sunday , November 6 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully has been recounting his adventures with Tuttle.]] Cully: And.. then /I/ said goodbye, and got in the chute, and.. slid all the way back down here. Chunner: Wow. That's.. Not sure what to say here, kid. Chunner: I've never even heard of this "Remnant".. Cully: Remnent. Chunner: Whatever. Crud? Crud: I'd heard.. stories.. but I.. thought it long destroyed. Or a myth, like Tuttle. ((fwap clunk)) Chunner: Now /her/, I've heard of. Cully: What stories were /I/ supposed to have heard? Chunner: Well.. what you just said. She slips around causing trouble for Egrote and Company. Has a fan-club. Crud: The Tuttle stories have been circulating for a /long/ time.. [[Behind Cully, a mechanical hand ((shreks)) into view.]] Chunner: Kid.. I'd say.. don't tell anyone else about this. Probably shouldn't have told us. Chunner: If Tuttle's real.. the nobs will want her dealt with, bad. They find out you know.. Cully: Tuttle? She's just a myth. Chunner: Yeah. Crud: Does this mean the Infinity Pit and the /Blorgons/ are real, too? Monday , November 7 , 2011 [[Inside Agita's receiving room, in Root Hall. Comshaw and Skradt now have a dead Fixit on their hands.]] Termagant the Gnoll: Whatever that thing is, don't bring it one step closer. Comshaw: Hello to you, too, Termagant. [[Agita's young daughter Rishathra watches from behind some plants.]] Comshaw: It's called a Fixit, Agita. God has been sending them out to spy on everyone. Except you, of course. Comshaw: The Council, Nevus, Flap. Comshaw: They control whoever's head they attach to, so whatever your feelings about Ogdoad, all this wasn't his idea... Agita: Duly noted. [[Comshaw looks at Ogdoad the Eyebolt, who sits looking stunned.]] Agita: Is he going to recover? I granted him /immunity./ Comshaw: ..I don't know. A Gnoll and a Jibjib sprang right back. A Motihaul seemed more.. like this... Tuesday , November 8 , 2011 [[In Agita's receiving room, in Root Hall. Ogdoad the Eyebolt has had a Fixit knocked off his head.]] Ogdoad: . . . Ogdoad: . . . Ogdoad: AARRGH!! Comshaw: Feeling better? Ogdoad: He's /dead!/ . . . You. You /killed/ him, didn't you! [[Termagant the Gnoll and Skradt listen to the conversation.]] Comshaw: I bapped "him" off your head. He killed himself. Ogdoad: You've ruined everything! [[As does Agita and Flibbergib the Eyebolt.]] Comshaw: He.. /it/ was controlling you! Ogdoad: Only in the beginning! Once we started to mesh, all of that changed! Wednesday , November 9 , 2011 [[In Agita's home in Root Hall.]] Comshaw: "Mesh"? Ogdoad the Eyebolt: You couldn't begin to understand. Seeing the world in /depth/, through two eyes.. we were /more/ together. Comshaw: You might be surprised what I understand. That thing was spying- Ogdoad: -For God. I knew that. We didn't hide anything from each other. We /couldn't/ Agita: You were willingly helping that creature?. Ogdoad: I was /half/ of that "creature". Ogdoad: And now what? You all are going to go up against God? Ogdoad: HAH! HeWe saw a fraction of what's going on, and just from that, he's going to squash you like T-bugs! Ogdoad: Yes, even you, /Miss/ Agita. You can be sure that God knows /all/ your secrets. Thursday , November 10 , 2011 [[Inside Agita's receiving room.]] Comshaw: Your.. partner's actions indicate he might not have as been as optimistic as you. Ogdoad the Eyebolt: Whatever. Just get on with it. Comshaw: Get on with what? Ogdoad: Finishing what you started. Isn't that why Miss Agita /brought/ you here? Comshaw: Agita is not paying me to- Agita: To do /anything./ [[Skradt and Termagant the Gnoll look at each other.]] Agita: In fact, I believe we are done here. Message received. Thank you. /Good night/. [[Skradt turns to Comshaw.]] Skradt: I don't know about you, but /I'm/ leaving. Comshaw: Oh yes. I imagine /someone/ will turn up to guide us to the correct exit. Friday , November 11 , 2011 [[At Agita's front door in Root Hall. Comshaw leaves. Skradt, holding a dead Fixit, approaches Ogdoad the Eyebolt.]] Skradt: . . . Ogdoad: . . . [[Skradt offers him the Fixit.]] Skradt: He.. We tried to capture him alive. Sorry it didn't work. Sounds they're all gonna be dead by tomorrow.. [[Skradt leaves. Ogdoad looks down at the body.]] Ogdoad: . . . [[Termagant the Gnoll comes into view.]] Agita, off-screen: Now then.. Mr. Ogdoad. Distractions removed. Come with me. Termagant: The hat-thing /stays here/. Agita: No, it.. he.. needs to come along as well.. Saturday , November 12 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw have finished their meeting with Agita. Peripatet the Eyebolt waits in his wheeled cart.]] Comshaw: Ah, Peripatet. Peripatet: Mr. Comshaw. Mr. Skradt. Comshaw: Can you direct us to the correct Egress for ones of our station.. whatever that station may now be? Peripatet: This way, please. [[Comshaw hands him the hat he was wearing.]] Comshaw: Oh.. and could you see to it that Giddhom has the chance to reclaim possession of his hat.. should he still wish to? Peripatet: If at all possible. Skradt: Comshaw.. What's Agita gonna do with.. to? Ogdoad? Comshaw: No comment. Sunday , November 13 , 2011 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A mechanical hand has extended, and it now pushes one of the buttons on the Zorper/HJ42 which Cully is holding.]] Cully: Is the "Infinity Pit"anything like the Eternity T- Zorper: BEEP All: ... All: ... All: ... [[The hand retracts.]] ((shrek)) Cully: Oh, come /on/!! Chunner: That.. indicates it was pretty much inevitable, kid. Crud: ...And nothing appears to be happening, so perha- [[In Callithump the Gnoll's shaft, she has Strode the Miotihaul wired into the complex machine she previously used to teleport Cully. From the direction of 44f, there is a flash of light and a gigantic ((ZORP)).]] Callithump: What are those zarking idiots doing /now/? Monday , November 14 , 2011 [[Walking through Agita's home in Root Hall. Termagant the Gnoll carries a dead Fixit on her spear.]] Ogdoad the Eyebolt: Where are you taking me? Agita: First off, Mr. Ogdoad, at no point did I say I was "going up against God". Agita: I have of course made discreet inquiries. He should not take it personally, as I make discreet inquires about /everybody/. Agita: I learned embarrassingly little. Before today.. your coming through my door.. I was not aware these "Fixits" existed. Ogdoad: So you're /not/ going to kill me? Agita, beckoning: I dispatched a /Tempered Immunity Chit/ to Records. /Do/ try to keep up, Mr. Ogdoad. Tuesday , November 15 , 2011 [[Agita leads Ogdoad the Eyebolt through her quarters. Termagant follows, carrying a dead Fixit on her spear.]] Agita: So.. this Fixit.. Since he was a "he", I assume he had a name? Ogdoad: What? Yes. Endix. [[Agita reaches for small bin holding an umbrella, a staff with an eye on it, and a sword.]] Agita: And God knew this "meshing" could occur before Endix was.. assigned to you? Ogdoad: We were never.. yeah. He did. [[Agita has taken the umbrella.]] Agita: Which means he, Endix, was deliberately kept uninformed about.. everything possible? Ogdoad: We thought.. yes. How did you- [[Agita's daughter Rishathra watches all of this from a distance.]] Agita: Because that's what I would have done. Agita: And so /perhaps/ your confusion is forgivable. Wednesday , November 16 , 2011 [[Agita leads Ogdoad the Eyebolt and Termagant the Gnoll through her home. Agita has her umbrella. Termagant carries the dead Fixit Endix on her spear.]] Ogdoad: What /do/ you want? Agita: I agree with God, at least in that The Truth is precious and must be dispensed in carefully controlled doses. Agita: I /strongly/ suspect Comshaw shares our philosophy. [[They approach a female Motihaul doing the Basement-equivalent of paperwork at a desk. She has a Fixit on her head.]] Ogdoad: What are you /talking/ about? Agita: Hello, Marritza. My numbers flowing smoothly? Marritza: Of course, Miss Agita. Nearly done for the day. Thursday , November 17 , 2011 [[Inside Agita's home in Root Hall. She has come to where her clerk Marritza the Motihaul is working, with Arnix the Fixit on her head.]] Agita: Well good. [[Agita points the tip of her umbrella at Arnix's eye.]] Agita: My next question is.. [[The hidden blade pops from the tip, almost touching Arnix's eyeball.]] ((snik)) Agita: ...directed at the individual currently sitting on top of your head. Agita: Do I, Agita, have your undivided attention? Arnix: !! Agita: Good again. Friday , November 18 , 2011 [[In Agita's home in Root Hall. Agita is pointing the dagger-tip of her umbrella at the eye of Arnix, the Fixit who has been controlling Agita's clerk Marritza. Ogdoad the Eyebolt and Termagant the Gnoll watch. Termagant has a dead Fixit on her spear.]] Agita: So. Getting in before you follow the example of your compatriot here and kill yourself.. Agita: You are a "Fixit". You were sent here, by God, to spy on me. Agita: As we speak Comshaw is, as is his wont, rampaging about, exposing you to all and sundry. It is the end of an era. [[A close-up of Arnix.]] Agita: So again. Do you want to die for God, or go on living for God, and maybe salvage something from all of this? Arnix: . . . Arnix: . . . [[Arnix pops out his antenna. Agita retracts the dagger.]] ((POING)) Arnix: I'm listening.. Agita: Even better than good..! Saturday , November 19 , 2011 [[Inside Agita's home in Root Hall. Agita speaks to Arnix, the Fixit who has been controlling her clerk Marritza.]] Agita: Obviously, any detailed negotiations will have to wait, Mr..? Arnix: ...Arnix. Agita: For now, I offer you access to an aurilnode, with only one condition. [[Agita gestures at Ogdoad, who is listening. Termagant the Gnoll has a dead Fixit on her spear.]] Arnix: Still listening. Agita: You ride on Ogdoad here. You /remain/ with Ogdoad. He was Endix's.. half, is not my employee, and knows the routine. Agita: Assuming of course, /you/ agree, Ogdoad? A new career? A second chance? Ogdoad: . . . Yeah. OK. [[Arnix rises to his suckered feet.]] Arnix: Agreed. Agita: And so the new era begins. Marritza: zzz... Sunday , November 20 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[Cully is standing in front of a depiction of an enormous Flutterby, its wings spread. Below that is an altar-like object on which grows a small branch of the Tree, and which is occupied with numerous glowing objects.]] Cully: . . . Cully: All of that, and it's just another twist-point-making thing. Cully: Of course, before today, that would h- LizShella the Gnoll: Oh! Oh my! Salutations and welcome! [[She is a very tall Gnoll, wearing clothes, with green hair mostly covered with a cloth. She has a necklace and a gun in a holster.]] Cully: Where am I /now/? LizShella: I am sorry? SubShrine Forty Four, Alcove of Flutterbys. You must come. Cully: /What/ are y- LizShella: There be no time! [[She pushes him from the room.]] LizShella: He be waiting. Please. Cully: Hey! If you're taking me to Egrote, I don't know /anything/! LizShella: I know no Egrote. Mr. Flip be waiting. Monday , November 21 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw leave Root Hall, Escorted by the Eyebolt Peripatet. They reach a distinct line where the general color scheme changes from gray to orange. Two large signs are mounted on the wall; reading ATTENTION/YOU NOW DEPART THE GRAFTED ZONE/ YOU NOW ENTER THE EGRESS ZONE and PREPARE TO DEPLOY YOUR PERSONAL BRAKING DEVICE]] [[The cover of a window [[CLANGs]] open, revealing a female Eyebolt.]] FE: ATTENTION! FE: You now depart the Grafted Zone! FE: You now enter the Egress Zone! FE: Prepare to deploy your personal braking device! [[Closeup of Peripatet's wheeled cart.]] FE: 2 1 0 Cart: KLIK [[The window closes. A sign reads PREPARE FOR SCRUTINIZATION AND JUDGEMENT. The floor begins to slope downward.]] ((UNCLANG)) Skradt: That wasn't the same- Comshaw: No. Slightly different ring-patterns. Skradt: What does it mean, scrutinization and- Comshaw: Everyone leaves via the Egress Zone. No one arrives by it. Skradt: How does a "braking device"- Comshaw: And here my knowledge ends. Ask Sprocket; he probably designed them. Tuesday , November 22 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw are leaving Root Hall, being Escorted by Peripatet the Eyebolt. The wall behind them is covered with old Human stencils and Eyebolt notice signs.]] Skradt: Does this mean.. Paripatet [sic] has to go out with us and back around to the entrance? Comshaw: No. [[Outline of a Peripatet driving his cart up a very steep ramp, and facing a door manned by another Eyebolt.]] Comshaw: But where exactly Visitor Escorts /do/ go is something I'm still working on. Comshaw: My current theory: a second ramp, up into a high-Class entrance? Peripatet: No comment. Skradt: Why does /everybody/ make leaving so complicated? ((CLANG)) Eyebolt voice: I can't speak for the Council, Mr. Skradt.. [[The owner of the voice is an anonymous Eyebolt looking down from a small barred window.]] "Root Hall #1": But /we/ want to be absolutely sure we can ask vital questions before Visitors slip away. Wednesday , November 23 , 2011 [[Leaving Root Hall. Skradt and Comshaw and their Escort Paripatet are confronted by an anonymous Eyebolt looking down from a small barred window.]] Comshaw: And.. your question is? "Root Hall #1": Actually, I misspeak. There's no question at all. Comshaw: Oh? RH#1: Agita admits you at this hour, she summons Ogdoad, who's gotten oh-so-clever of late. RH#1: His and Thibblerig's wretched little Sneech-squeezing scheme is coming unravelled. RH#1: And now.. yes.. Gavzada and the Council, /and/ Nevus, are getting involved. Skradt: . . . Comshaw: . . . Paripatet: . . . Comshaw: Under acting-Class Five Regulations, any conversations I.. we.. may have had with Agita and/or Ogdoad regarding Sneech-squeezings.. RH#1: ...are strictly confidential. As I said, there is no question. Thursday , November 24 , 2011 Narration: Be Thankful; Things Could Always Be Much Worse... [[Mortimer and Sylvester are bearded, and wear leather or skins. Mortimer is missing an eye, and carries a large bone on which is perched a glowgem. Sylvester wears a crude crown, and carries a staff with an equally-crude E-shape at the top. Rosemary, wearing a ragged skin-dress, is standing in triumph over a large dead Jibjib burd.]] Mortimer: Frizzlegarb! What happened, brother? What did I miss here? Sylvester: The latest stray you brought home; she killed the daily Jubjub, lonehanded. Hmm.. we just may be thanking the Brush she turned up at our door.. Sylvester: Take her to see Lady Scary.. Rosemary, thinking: Me glad me found this place. Him cute. Me sensing possibility of rapid personal advancement.. Friday , November 25 , 2011 [[Leaving Root Hall. Skradt and Comshaw talk to an Eyebolt who looks down from a small barred window.]] "Root Halll #1": When you two report back to Preznit and Nevus, tell them we will deal with this situation, and they can go back to jabbing each other with pointy sticks. Comshaw: The very next time we speak to them, we will pass that along. Who exactly is this message from again? RH#1: Root RH#1: Hall. [[The metal cover on the window ((UNCLANGs)) shut.]] [[Ahead of the visitors and their guide Peripatet is a long row of similar windows, all currently covered. Peripatet moves past them.]] Skradt: Are we gonna have to go through this with /every one/ of these? Skradt: Our Escort seems to think not. Here's hoping his instincts are correct.. Saturday , November 26 , 2011 [[Skradt and Comshaw are leaving Root Hall, led by Peripatet the Eyebolt. A large sign on the wall reads THE BEGINNING OF THE END. A small metal hatch in the wall ((CLANGs)) open, and another Eyebolt is looking out from behind some bars.]] Comshaw: Oh look. It's Root Hall again. "Root Hall #2": Indeed. Regarding our previous conversation.. Comshaw: Yyyes? RH#2: No doubt your words were completely honest, but perhaps there is something /more/ you could have said? [[Skradt walks on.]] Skradt: Maybe, but.. but we'll just keep it under our hat. [[Comshaw follows suit.]] Comshaw: What he said. Sunday , November 27 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[A time-shifted Cully has been brought just outside the shaft by LizShella the Gnoll. An elderly Human waits for him, seated in a chair with some sort of display device attached. A large semitransparent letter O overlays the panel.]] LizShella: I have brought him. Mr. Flip: Thank you LizShella. Mr. Flip: Hello Cully. I would have met you, but Humans still aren't allowed in the actual Shrines. Cully: Y- Mr. Flip: We have a limited amount of time, so... Yes, I know your name. Cully: Y- Mr. Flip: Yes, I am a Human. Yes, we're just overgrown Nomes. Always have been. Mr. Flip: You did not leave subShaft 44f, you have travelled in time. Mr. Flip: The day you were born, label it Day A. The day you entered the subShafts, Day D. The day you, yes, die, Day H. This is Day, oh.. J. Or maybe G. Monday , November 28 , 2011 [[Comshaw and Skradt are being escorted from Root Hall by Peripatet the Eyebolt. Numerous closed shutters/hatches are mounted in the wall.]] Comshaw: You can mostly relax now. We're in the Deep Egress Zone. No more questions with lurking consequences. Comshaw: Officially at least. Anything you want to know, Peripatet? Comshaw: Or maybe you have a reason for us to visit Guttle? It /would/ make the day nicely symmetrical. Peripatet: . . . Peripatet: . . . Peripatet: No. Peripatet: Thank you. [[One of the hatches ((CLANGs)) open.]] Peripatet: The Egress. Comshaw: Thank /you/, Peripatet. Let's go home, Skradt. Tuesday , November 29 , 2011 [[Comshaw and Skradt leave Root Hall through a low passage.]] Comshaw: Actually, I tell a lie. We need to make one more quick stop, /then/ home. Skradt: . . . Comshaw: There's a problem? Skradt: "Home." You /trust/ me? [[A door ((CLANGs)) shut behind them.]] [[They emerge into the open. Another door/block starts to slowly rise up. Nearby a standing stone which reads YOU HAVE LEFT ROOT HALL.]] Comshaw: What? You're not stupid enough to try something until I've shared at least /some/ Poker Secrets with you. ((RUMBLE RUMBLE)) [[An Eyebolt peers out of a hidden spyhole in the stone.]] Comshaw: Plus, even if you were, I would just kick your tail again. Happy now? Skradt: Yeah. OK. That's better. Wednesday , November 30 , 2011 [[In front of a branch of the Tree, Skradt and Comshaw meet Rezrov the Nome, who has evidently been burnt and partially submerged in green slime.]] Skradt: Also.. We would have /told/ "Root Hall" about the Fixits. right? If they hadn't been all- Comshaw: -a bunch of paranoid locked up weirdoes? Yes, of course we- Comshaw: . . . Comshaw: Rezrov? Rezrov: Comshaw. [[Rezrov walks past them. He is holding one end of a string in his hand.]] [[The other end is loosely tied around the neck of Hogminny the Trog. She is smiling, and she wiggles her equivalent of eyebrows at Skradt as she goes past.]] [[Skradt and Comshaw go on.]] Skradt: I... assume everyone knows that some Trogs and some Nomes.. Comshaw: ..have this whole /thing/ going on? Dunno about everybody, but /I/ do. Thursday , December 1 , 2011 [[Approaching Helignoll Hall.]] Comshaw: I'm assuming that wasn't your mate or something. Skradt: What? No! That was Hogminny. She mostly works.. worked? down in the firepits. [[At one of the Hall's gates.]] Skradt: Earlier today, she.... No. I don't have a mate. Just some.. going behind the rocks. Comshaw: Rocks? Skradt: You Gnolls call it Fooling Around. I think. Comshaw: Ah. Yes. [[They climb some stairs. A wire strung overhead is labelled [sic] DONT TUCH.]] [[They approach an aurilnode.]] Skradt: Spose if I had to ask someone it'd be Maggle, but.. she's such a fuzzbrain. Comshaw: Hey, sometimes people can surprise you. Just ask Camora. Friday , December 2 , 2011 [[Comshaw speaks to the Council via Aurilnode. Skradt stands watch.]] Comshaw: It's me. . . . Yes. Please tell Gavzada that her message has been delivered. What the recipient chooses to do now.. . . . Yeah. Comshaw: Also, a message for Preznit from Root Hall: There's an Eyebolt named Ogdoad who has gotten into a Sneech-squeezing scheme.. Comshaw: ..and Root Hall will deal with the problem. . . . Thank you. I'm going home now. I'll.. check in tomorrow. If we're still alive . . . Yeah. [[He and Skradt walk away.]] Comshaw: Just so my reputation for flawless honesty remains unbesmirched, the very next time /you/ talk to Nevus- Skradt: "Root Hall will deal with Ogdoad's Sneech-squeezing scheme." Check. Saturday , December 3 , 2011 [[Inside Helignoll Hall.]] Skradt: It's.. possible Carignan and Lumpen are still lurking about. Comshaw: Who? Skradt: The two who were here with me. Before. [[Outline of Carignan and Lumpen facing an angry Nevus.]] Comshaw: Is it /likely/? Skradt: Nnoo.. they probably went home to report. Or hide from reporting. Comshaw: That /is/ a problem we are going to have to face at some point. Skradt: I'm going to have to face. [[They are at Comshaw's front door.]] Comshaw: /We/, Skradt. But for now.. here we are, unassaulted or faced with immediate moral dilemmas. Sunday , December 4 , 2011 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A time-shifted Cully has met Mr. Flip the Human. LizShalla the Gnoll listens to their conversation. A large nearly transparent R floats over the panel.]] Flip: Yes, this travel is possible, but for.. non-Protuses.. very difficult. The HJ42 used Protus's Time Pylons to thrust you forward, but you will soon irresistibly snap back to your own time. Cully: . . . Cully: I- I /believe/ you. There's something.. different.. about ..everything.. [[A long series of numbers flash on the display board which is mounted to Flip's chair.]] Flip: Yes, the subShafts are a better place now. And it's not just good ventilation, more Tree branches. And that's partly why you're here. Flip: To see /this/. Because you Gnolls, while annoying at times, are also /special/. You will remember this. So. Remember /this/. Things /will/ get better, and you'll be helping make it happen. Cully: "Partly"? Flip: There's that annoying part again. I also needed to give you something to take back with you. Sadly it wasn't anything strictly material. Monday , December 5 , 2011 [[Inside Comshaw and Camora's home.]] Comshaw: I'm home. Camora: You're alive. Comshaw: That too. [[Skradt pokes his head into view.]] Comshaw: And I spread the word about the..Fixits. They're called Fixits. Camora: Of course you did. I n- oh. Who's this? Comshaw: This is Skradt. He's... Skradt: I'm his new flunky, Ma'am. Camora: . . . Really. Comshaw: Camora, I- Camora: It was about time he acquired one. I was starting to worry. I know Troglodytes prefer your food warm, but let's see what's in the larder.. Tuesday , December 6 , 2011 [[Inside Comshaw and Camora's home, next to their nest.]] Camora: Put your Stick /away/, Comshaw, don't just toss it on the floor. Camora: In the nest there, Mr. Skradt, is our Fi- [[Niddle pops up into view.]] Niddle: wha?who? Niddle: Oh! It's you, Skradt! Hi! [[He flops back out of sight.]] Camora: . . .Whom you've met? Skradt: ...sort of, Ma'am. Once. Niddle: zzzz Wednesday , December 7 , 2011 [[Inside Comshaw and Camora's home.]] Skradt: It was at a meeting he had.. here.. out in the hall.. with some other Finaglers. I guess. Camora: What?! Comshaw: Yes. [[Outline of Skradt escorting a Finagler.]] Comshaw: I just learned today, Camora. They come talk to him through the closed door. Skradt: Yeah. I was.. assigned to make sure ..a certain Finagler made it here... there OK. Someone owed someone a favor. [[Outline of Wittol the Finagler talking to Skradt.]] Camora: And they didn't mind you being there? Skradt: No. They asked /me/ questions. Had I ever listened to a Smyt. Had I heard of.. someplace no one talks about.. Skradt: That's one reason I was out there today. Earlier. I knew where you li- [[Comshaw lightly ((baps)) him on the back of the head with his poking stick.]] Camora: I don't want to know how /you two/ met, do I? Thursday , December 8 , 2011 [[Inside Comshaw and Camora's home.]] Camora: But, be that as it may, if Niddle likes you, that's definitely a point in your favor. Skradt: Thank you, Ma'am. Camora: Now, about that food..? Skradt: If it's all the same to you, Ma'am.. I just ate. Comshaw: Agita fed us apples. Camora: Oh. Well. Since you are our guest, what /would/ you like to do? [[A view of the apartment's guest alcove, along with a chest of drawers on which sit two objects of obscure function.]] Skradt: . . . Maybe just get some sleep? Camora: Mm. It /has/ been a long day. We have a guest alcove with a.. bed and, I hope, a suitable ceiling for "clinging?" Skradt: Should be fine. Thank you, Ma'am. Comshaw, beckoning: Walk this way. Camora: And I suspect Comshaw and I will soon follow your example. Friday , December 9 , 2011 [[Skradt hangs from the ceiling, asleep.]] Skradt: zzz Camora: Well. He's certainly the most /agreeable/ guest you've brought in here with no warning. Comshaw: Thank you. On that subject.. [[Camora is in their nest. Comshaw stands outside.]] Comshaw: You usually speak your mind, but.. sometimes.. in complex social situations.. you /do/ take after your mother.. Camora: Go on.. [[He joins her in the nest.]] Comshaw: You really don't have a problem with me having.. an assistant? Camora: No! Of course not! I'm /glad/ if you'll have someone to.. "watch your back" while you're out there. [[They sink lower into the grass.]] Camora: But.. if he really is going to /live/ here.. we're going to get cramped. Comshaw: Yeah. I think after today a lot of things are going to change. Saturday , December 10 , 2011 [[An outline/map of a section of the Basement between Helignoll and Crescent Halls.]] Camora: You're finally willing to move to Crescent Hall? It would solve about.. 40% of your problems with my mother. Comshaw: It's a possibility. Let's see what tomorrow brings. Those Fixits were everywhere. [[Outline of Comshaw's mother assisting Telic as the healer wraps some unfortunate completely in bandages.]] Comshaw: Heh.. since we're on the subject, /my/ mother's working for Telic now. Camora: Oh good. If it keeps her busy and away from Niddle, that solves about 90% of /my/ problems with /her/. [An outline of Comshaw's lost backpack.]] Comshaw: And tomorrow.. if it's safe.. if Niddle's better.. I'd like you to go haggle a new backpack from Gusset. I lost ours in the Forest. Plus.. some other things. Camora: Now.. why should I agree to do /that/? [[They are out of sight in their nest.]] Comshaw: Because you're a more aggressive and vicious haggler than I could ever hope to be. Plus also too... Camora: Oh. Camora: /oooooh.../ Sunday , December 11 , 2011 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[A time-shifted Cully has met Mr. Flip the Human. LizShalla the Gnoll listens to their conversation. A large semitransparent P floats over the panel.]] Flip: Those numbers that I just briefly displayed. Cully, what were they? Cully: 314 159 265 358 97 93 23 846. . . . Cully: How.. how did I.. Flip: You're special. When things are darkest, when you and your comrades-in-arms find yourself facing the ultimate challenge.. Say those numbers aloud, and, hopefully, help will come. Cully: "Ultimate..?" My head hurts [[Cully begins to fade from sight.]] Flip: Good luck. Be seeing you. [[A giant P flashes, the last letter of ZORP.]] Monday , December 12 , 2011 [[Comshaw, Camora and Niddle are all in their grassy nest. Camora and Niddle are asleep.]] Comshaw, thinking: spose a real Heroic Poker'd go out again. whole world's changin'. right now. [[He looks at Camora next to him.]] Comshaw: . . . Camora: zzz [[He closes his eyes.]] Comshaw, thinking: zark it. Camora: zzz Comshaw and Camora: zzz Tuesday , December 13 , 2011 Narration: In the male half of Sidestep Hall.. [[Lechiam the Motihaul sits at a table, stacking rocks (the Basement equilivent of Solitaire.) A door is ((SLAMmed)) open behind him.]] {{At the time of transcription, Lechiam's name has not been given in-strip.}} [[The door-slammer is Snoot the Motihaul.]] Lechiam: Well, look who's here. Re-opened the Gates ahead of schedule, did they? Snoot: The Rear.. (ugh) the Rear Gates. Yes. (His dialogue-font changes at Ugh to Motihaul-standard.) [[Snoot walks past the table, out of sight.]] Lechiam: People /were/ raising a fuss. Lechiam: Apart from that, how was your day? Snoot: RAAARRGH! Snoot: RAAARRGH! [[The rock-stack tumbles.]] [[Lechiam sweeps away the rest.]] Lechiam: Oh dear. A /two/-screamer. Snoot: No. I'm /pacing/ myself. Wednesday , December 14 , 2011 Narration: Down in the Hot Zone.. [[GeezerRock sits in "his" alcove.]] GR: dodedodedoo GR: dumdedumdedoh ((scrabble)) GR: dididumd- ((scrabble scrabble)) GR: Eh? [[SuperRock comes into view from below, landing with a thud.]] SR: Oof! SR: /Whew!/ [[Nothing happens.]] GR: You just gonna /sit/ there, sonny? SR: for the... next while.. yes. Then... we'll see. Thursday , December 15 , 2011 Narration: In a discreet corner... [[A discreet corner of the Basement.]] [[Digger comes into view.]] Frowgler, off-panel: Ah, there you are. Fashionably late as always. [[Frowgler is sitting on a ledge as Digger approaches, and comes more fully into view; he is wearing a gas mask.]] Frowgler: So, everything go like we hoped today? Digger: Aye. Frowgler: Good. ahem. [His voice-font changes.] anything you need? Need to know? Digger: Nay. [[Digger turns to go.]] Frowgler: So, unlike me, you are headed home for some well-deserved rest? Digger: Aye. Frowgler, cheerfully: Someday, "Odel", you /will/ break down and ask me a question! Friday , December 16 , 2011 Narration: Back upstairs.. [[At Frederick and the Grubbs' front doors. Nellie and Amos are both armed.]] Nellie: Still no sign of Sylvester or Mortimer or.. anyone? Amos: Nup. [[They go in their door.]] Nellie: ...Apart from that /feelin/' in the air? Wherever she is.. Amos: ..she's fixin' to blow. Ayup. Let's get inside. Amos: ...Got books that need to be quietly mended. [[They close the door behind them.]] [[Frederick cheerfully slams his door open. He is carrying/wearing his Fugehorn.]] ((click clunk blerp shunk boop)) ((SLAM)) Frederick: All right. Let's get this day started! Saturday , December 17 , 2011 [[In the Forest of E. Fizmo the Nome and Antlerhelper and Flaghelper the Pales look up at the Spike in the distance, which is glowing, flashing lights and zapping bolts of power. Thrash the Pale walks on, unimpressed. Nearby stands a rusty crumbling Human construction: the number 3000 mounted on a base. Below that is the remains of a wall marked with WOO HOO.]] Sunday , December 18 , 2011 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully is back in the drab unpleasant present, between shafts. Various pipes and machinery poke into view. One of them trickles purple smoke. Injuctions are scrawled on the walls.]] [[The device over him drops a small sphere on his head.]] ((BONK)) [[He turns to go, just as his dart zooms into view.]] Cully: OK then. Let's do this. Monday , December 19 , 2011 [[Inside the Sneech den. All dialogue is internal.]] Agorn the Gnoll: More Humans. Inside the phizzing /Sneech.. place./ Agorn: Why the /Zark/ did I ever climb down that hole? Agorn: Getting old. Losing it. Agorn: Get outta here. Go report in. Or maybe go /hide/ in the s- [[A section of the wall explodes.]] ((BOOM)) Tuesday , December 20 , 2011 [[In the Mansion's Sneech den. Agorn the Gnoll finds himself facing Hopobefevfer.]] [[She comes closer and looks down at him.]] Agorn, thinking: OK. Fine. When I go down, I'm taking one of your eyes w- [[Hopobefevfer walks past him.]] Hopobefevfer: Go about your business, citizens. [[Agorn flees.]] Agorn, thinking: "Get as far away as possible before the Sneeches learn you've been smashing holes in their walls." [[He pauses.]] Agorn: . . . Agorn: . . . Agorn, thinking: "CitizenS"? Wednesday , December 21 , 2011 [[Inside the Mansion's Sneech den. Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer have emerged from a side passage into the main corridor of the den. Towering growths with dangling arms line the passage. Sylvester looks up at the nearest.]] Mortimer: Sylvester? We should go. Which way? Sylvester: I'm not sure. Mortimer: Your memory /still/ isn't coming back? Sylvester: It /is/ coming back. I remember doing the walk.. thing. But I remember it all /differently/. Thursday , December 22 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are in the main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: I said this, before, right? Yes. But.. even more now.. this is all wrong! Sylvester: Those.. arm-things on those.. tower-things. [[Close-up of one of the arm-things.]] Sylvester: They were all waving around. Sylvester: And there were smells, yeah, and all sorts of noises. [[Outline of a torch-bearing Sylvester dodging a thing scuttling on the floor.]] Sylvester: And.. and big.. bugs? Scuttling around on the floor, trailing wire.. vine.. stuff.. Mortimer: Maybe the Sneeches are all asleep. Sylvester: No! It was never like this! All the times that.. that the bearded.. Frederick brought me to the edges of the Den! The Ferns were right. Something /drastic/ has changed! Mortimer: Well.. OK.. but one thing hasn't changed for us... Friday , December 23 , 2011 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester are in the main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: We still have to get /out of here/. Which way do we go? Rosemary: I do not currently possess adequate intel to answer that question. Mortimer: Sylvester! Sylvester: What? Yes. Right. [[Outline of a vertical cross-section of the Den.]] Sylvester: C'mon. Think. Think. Sylvester: if this.. is the main passage.. yeah.. it slowly slopes up from.. somewhere. Sylvester: We want to go uphill. Mortimer: Which way is that? Rosemary: Currently, that direction. Sylvester: I think she's right. [[They move off.]] Mortimer: All right! Let's go! Rosemary: Check! Sylvester: . . . Saturday , December 24 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: Sylvester, how long is the passage? Sylvester: . . . What? [[The real Sylvester stands in front of a jumble of outlines: His college girlfriend Nimue, Hamble the Troglodyte being zapped, a Panegate showing an orange world beyond, and more.]] Mortimer: What's the matter with you? You said you were getting better! Sylvester: I am! That's the problem! I'm learning about this world from this.. trickle of tiny random chunks! Sylvester: It's rather maddening! [[An outline of Sylvester and his siblings ice-skating as his parents watch. The Mansion looms in the background.]] Sylvester: One Brushtival.. we all went ice-skating on the lake. Dad and Mom even both came along. Sylvester: That was a good day... [[Sylvester stands in front of his father's tomb.]] Sylvester: And when he died.. Dad.. I didn't even find out until after the funeral was over.. Sylvester: ..And none of this is important right now. /Focus./ Sunday , December 25 , 2011 [[2011 Secret Santa art from William Chrapcynski, creator of the webcomic Binary Souls/Other Dimensions. A Gnoll meets a Helipath who is carrying a baseball bat and a ball, and is wearing gloves on his other five tentacles.]] Gnoll: So, what position do you play? Helipath: All of them! Monday , December 26 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: My walk through before seemed to take forever, but.. it didn't really. Maybe fifteen minutes actually inside the Den? [[Sylvester indicates the tall Sneech-growth they are passing.]] Sylvester: What else, what else? Oh. If those arms /do/ start moving. don't look at the lights. They aren't.. hypnotic.. like some? But they'll make you woozy. Rosemary: I never look at the lights. Mortimer: Hyp.. Oh oh. Like that gal who came to the village with that troupe. "Go to sleep, but act like you're still awake!" Sylvester: Troupe? [[Outline of a woman walking a tightrope above two jugglers.]] Mortimer: Yeah! There was that twister-guy, and the jugglers, and the other gal, who walked up in the air on a rope? Sylvester: No.. I guess that one's still gone.. Tuesday , December 27 , 2011 [[An outline of University student Sylvester and his friend/classmate watching a firebreather perform in possibly a circus.]] {{The friend's name is Bertie.}} Sylvester: I.. do recall seeing something similar, but not.. in the village.. Mortimer: Oh. Wait. That's /right/! The troupe came while you were away! [[Outline of an entertainer disrupting a doctor's attempted examination of Mortimer.]] Mortimer: They tagged along with the Medical Caravan. Mortimer: I.. guess it didn't work out. Or something. [[Outline of Mortimer and a woman eying each other as she does something with a rope.]] Mortimer: Anyway, they never came back. Pity. That rope-gal was.. Mortimer: . . . Sylvester: Was what? [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den. Sylvester looks up at a flutterby flying past.]] Mortimer: A missed opportunity, I now maybe think. Mortimer: Take a note! I am /not/ going to keep making these mistakes with women! Rosemary: Noted! Sylvester: Um.. OK. Wednesday , December 28 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: Which is why we need to get out of here. So I can see if Yasmine was right about Uncle Frederick. Mortimer: If she wasn't.. I'm going to /find/ someone. Leave the Mansion if I have to. Mortimer: Maybe even.. if I get desperate enough.. Sylvester: Um.. Frederick. That reminds me of something. About here. [[An outline of Sylvester leaving the Sneech den, with Omega and Frederick waiting for him.]] Mortimer: Yes? Sylvester: Or some/one/. When I did the walk.. Frederick was waiting for me. Along with.. a small elderly woman, with.. strange hair? Sylvester: Maybe she.. lives around here or something? [[An outline of Sylvester and Omega in full regalia, glaring at each other.]] Mortimer: Oh. No. No no. That was Omega. She was the Oracle. Before Threnody. Mortimer: You and she.. didn't get along real well. Thursday , December 29 , 2011 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: Of course.. Omega was not.. the easiest person in the world to get along with. Sylvester: . . . Mortimer: "Do as you're told! Stay in your place! Speak only when spoken to! The Brush wills it!" [[Sylvester stares at the ground while Rosemary silently reacts to these comments.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Oh. Yeah. OK. You're right. Rosemary: !! [[Mortimer points ahead of them.]] Sylvester: i think maybe I didn't /want/ to remember about her. Mortimer: I like Threnody better t- What's that? Friday , December 30 , 2011 [[The main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den. Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer walk past a large squat Sneech growth.]] Sylvester: If I.. remember correctly.. that is the last.. or first.. of the large towers. Sylvester: After this is.. yes.. the part where we really need to bring along our own light.. Sylvester: But it's also the /last/ part. We're almost out of here. Sylvester: And Mortimer, if.. if you add anything like.. "And without meeting any Sneeches!", I will smack you upside the head again. Mortimer: Check. Saturday , December 31 , 2011 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer In the dark in the Mansion's Sneech den.]] All: . . . All: . . . Mortimer: Sylvester...I have to say something. Even though you're.. gonna slap me. Sylvester: All right. At least you thought about it first. Mortimer: I can't give any.. solid reasons, but I really... don't think we're going to meet any Sneeches. Here. Now. Mortimer: Course, we shall stay totally /focused and aware/! Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: /I/ think- [[From off-panel ahead of them comes a bright green ((ZZAP))]] Sunday , January 1 , 2012 [[2011 Secret Santa art from Vinnie D., creator of the webcomic AntiBunny: Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are on the roof of the Mansion on a snowy night. Rosemary has a rifle, Sylvester is scanning the sky with binoculars, and Mortimer is preparing a BBQ grill.]] Rosemary: So what kind of monster are we hunting? Sylvester: Airbourne venison. Mortimer: Good eatin'. Monday , January 2 , 2012 [[The main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den. The backs of Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer's heads as they look at the newly-encountered Dohickey standing in front of them, surrounded by a glowing interlinked message suspended in the air: OUR TRAJECTORYS [sic] DIVERGE. PAYMENT FOR YE ASSISTANCE.]] Tuesday , January 3 , 2012 [[In the main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den, Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester look at the strange glowing message floating in the air before them.]] [[The message ((SHATTERs)).]] [[The pieces fall to the ground around the Dohickey.]] ((KERSMASH)) Wednesday , January 4 , 2012 [[In the main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer face the Dohickey.]] Mortimer: Um.. Sylvester...? Was that.. saying the Sneehes have.. /moved/? Sylvester: That would be my guess, yes. Mortimer: Where? Out to the forest like the . . . Mortimer: And.. you wouldn't know. Sylvester: Not the forest, I'd guess Mortimer: . . . The Sneeches made it for /you/, didn't they? Sylvester: Yes. I think... Yes. [[A close up look at the symbol on the Dohickey's side.]] Mortimer: We're taking it with us, aren't we? Sylvester: Either now, or we come back for it. Thursday , January 5 , 2012 [[In the main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer face the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: You understand, right? Like I was saying to the.. the Ferns. I'm the Earl. I remember that much. I have responsibilities! Mortimer: I- Sylvester: And if the Sneeches /are/ gone.. Sylvester: Then.. we.. /I/ can't just leave this.. my thing sitting here. Mortimer: Of course I understand! Like /I/ was saying to.. someone.. I'm not totally stupid! [[Outline of a collection of ominous objects: a crystal, a Triforce, a cymbal-monkey, an Ichyoid/Cthulhu statuette, a small flower, and a crescent-moon shaped object mounted on a stand.]] Mortimer: We'll go stuff it in the Quiet Room, with all that other.. stuff! Sylvester: Quiet... Right. Good. Thank you. [[They look at the Dohickey.]] Mortimer: 'Course.. that /does/ mean touching it. Mortimer: It does indeed. Thursday , January 5 , 2012 [[In the main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer face the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: You understand, right? Like I was saying to the.. the Ferns. I'm the Earl. I remember that much. I have responsibilities! Mortimer: I- Sylvester: And if the Sneeches /are/ gone.. Sylvester: Then.. we.. /I/ can't just leave this.. my thing sitting here. Mortimer: Of course I understand! Like /I/ was saying to.. someone.. I'm not totally stupid! [[Outline of a collection of ominous objects: a crystal, a Triforce, a cymbal-monkey, an Ichyoid/Cthulhu statuette, a small flower, and a crescent-moon shaped object mounted on a stand.]] Mortimer: We'll go stuff it in the Quiet Room, with all that other.. stuff! Sylvester: Quiet... Right. Good. Thank you. [[They look at the Dohickey.]] Mortimer: 'Course.. that /does/ mean touching it. Mortimer: It does indeed. Friday , January 6 , 2012 [[In the main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer face the newly-discovered Dohickey.]] Sylvester: Guess we need to at least see how heavy this thing is.. If we get a winchcart or something.. Mortimer: Oh! Hey! Rosemary! You still have some of my shirt stored in your Poke-kit, right? Rosemary: Yes, Mortimer. [[She produces some scraps.]] Mortimer: Cool! Give it to me, please! Rosemary: Yes, Mortimer. Mortimer: Thanks! [[Mortimer passes them to Sylvester.]] Mortimer: Here! Sylvester! Wrap it around your fingers. You can.. you know.. not touch it when you touch it.. Sylvester: Huh? Yeah. OK. Mortimer: ..Unless you want to poke it with the umbrella. Or.. the Can-Opener. Sylvester: Um.. no. [[Sylvester hovers his wrapped hand over the Dohickey.]] [[He touches it.]] Saturday , January 7 , 2012 [[In the main corridor of the Mansion's Sneech den, Sylvester has touched the Dohickey.]] Mortimer: Did it strike you dead? Sylvester: No. Mortimer: What /did/ it do? [[Sylvester ((pushes)) at the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: Nothing. Sylvester: But it /felt/.. [[The Dohickey does an ((ominous glide)) a ways across the floor.]] Sylvester: I suppose that's technically a useful development, but.. Mortimer: Let's just get out of here! Sunday , January 8 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Chunner and Crud recover from the blast of the Zorper.]] Chunner: ugh. [[Cully and his dart come into view.]] Chunner: kid? Chunner: What'd that thing do? [[Cully get back in his usual place.]] Cully: . . . Cully: Turns out it's a short-range twistpoint generator. It dumped me out in the passageway there. Chunner: Heh. Should have known, after all that build-up. Chunner: Still, can see how people'd want it. Hopefully Mr. whozits /will/ come tomorrow and get it outta here. Crud: . . . Monday , January 9 , 2012 [[Rosemary, Mortimer and Sylvester leave the Mansion's Sneech den, pushing the Dohickey.]] Mortimer: . . . Sylvester: . . . Mortimer: Sylvester.. /do/ you.. remember assisting the Sneeches with anything? Sylvester: I'm.. almost positive.. the only time I ever came in here was when I did the walk to become Earl. Mortimer: Maybe somehow that assisted them? Sylvester: At the moment, I'm not going to discount any theory out of hand.. Tuesday , January 10 , 2012 [[The last/first of the large growths in the Sneech den's main corridor, its various bulbs glowing dimly.]] [[Hopobefevfer stalks past, following Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer.]] Wednesday , January 11 , 2012 [[Leaving the Mansion's Sneech den, pushing the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: I suppose we need to give this thing a name. Mortimer: We do? [[An outline of the Can-Opener.]] [[Sylvester points at the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: Oh. Hey. Rosemary. I got to... name your dangerous new toy. Yes. So it's only fair.. what would you call this? Rosemary, clearly not herself: It is a Dohickey! [[Sylvester eyes her.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Um..Yes. Well done. That's what it is all right.. Mortimer: Mine's just an umbrella! Sylvester: Sure, Mortimer. Rosemary, are you fee- OOF! [[He collides with the Dohickey.]] Thursday , January 12 , 2012 [[Sylvester has stopped while leaving the Mansion's Sneech Den.]] Mortimer: What's wrong? What happened? Sylvester: The.. Dohickey stopped moving. Sylvester: Because.. whoa.. there's a hole in the floor. [[Sylvester rotates the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: This wasn't here before. Mortimer: Can we get around it? Sylvester: /We/ can. The Dohickey.. yeah. OK. [[Sylvester pushes the Dohickey past the hole.]] Mortimer: Rosemary, you go around first. I'll keep it lit. Rosemary: Yes, Mortimer. Sylvester: I see light and movement down there. Mortimer: If we ignore it, maybe it'll go away. Friday , January 13 , 2012 [[In the Mansion's Sneech den, at the edge of a hole.]] Sylvester: There's definitely somebody climbing up here. Mortimer: Let's just /go!/ Sylvester: I'm almost positive that a Sneech wouldn't be able to squeeze through that hole, if that's what- Mortimer: Fine! I just.. /know/ somehow that.. dangerous things have come out of there! Recently! [[A closeup of the hole.]] Mortimer: So if I'm still really in charge, we are going to- Motihaul voice: oof! Motihaul: ow! Motihaul: Zark! Where's Othara when you really /need/ her! [[Matagam the Motihaul sticks his head out of the hole, and he and the Humans look at each other. He has a lamp on the end of a pole.]] Matagam: . . . Humans: . . . Saturday , January 14 , 2012 [[In the Mansion's Sneech den, Matagam the Motihaul has emerged from a hole in the floor to meet Sylvester and Mortimer.]] Matagam: You again. Mortimer: I'm sorry? Sylvester: You were leading that.. Anti-Edgar.. guy.. squad. In Sidestep! Matagam: And you're the forest Nomes. [[Mortimer turns to leave.]] Matagam: And.. this is not the forest. Sylvester: um. No. It's the.. upper edge of the Sneech den. Matagam: ...Really. Mortimer: Hello. Goodbye. Sylvester: Is that.. the hole Edgar and.. and Chauncy made when they left Sidestep? Matagam: Yes. Have you seen them? Sylvester: No. It's been.. very quiet. In fact- Mortimer, off-panel: Sylvester! [[Sylvester turns to go as well.]] Mortimer: We are leaving! /Please/! Sylvester: You might tell.. whoever gives you these jobs.. that the Sneeches might be.. gone. Good luck. Sunday , January 15 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: At this point.. I fully expect /someone/ to show up tomorrow. Who..I have no idea. Cully: And then there's my little friend there. Gonna need it.. him.. for something before this is over. Chunner: Almost certainly. Cully: . . . Cully: Mr Crud? What is the "Infinity Pit"? Supposedly? Chunner: Ah, /this/ one I've heard, kid. The story says it's the deepest hole in the world. Starts 'round here /somewhere/, and goes straight to the bottom. Cully: You mean the Hot Zone? There are lots of passages that- Crud: No no. Crud: "The Infinity Pit falls through the Hot Zone down and down, to the very Bones of the World, from whence there is no return." Monday , January 16 , 2012 [[Sylvester, Mortimer and Rosemary leave the Mansion's Sneech den. Sylvester pushes the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: Wow. Mortimer: What? What now? Sylvester: No. Sorry. It's just.. if that Motihaul really did climb all the way up here from Sidestep through that hole.. Sylvester: Someone might have had a longer, more aggravating day than us. Wouldn't have thought that possible. Mortimer: Oh. Sylvester: Sidestep is the.. Motihaul den.. in the Basement. Evidently. If you were wondering. Mortimer: OK. Sylvester: And.. Chauncy and Edgar are demons. From Fratz. Look like a miniature ichyoid and Wendigo. If we meet them.. run away. Mortimer: . . . Sylvester: ..or did we already mention them? Mortimer: I don't.. think so. Thank you. Tuesday , January 17 , 2012 [[Inside the Mansion Sneech den. Matagam the Motihaul has climbed out of a hole in the ground. Geoff the Boogieman is still inside.]] Matagam: You heard all that? Geoff: Yes, Matagam. [[Geoff smashes the hole wider using his enormous "cold forged iron" hammer.]] ((CRASH)) Matagam: Suggestions? Geoff: We follow them. Matagam: Yes. the C&E holes end here, so they went one way or the other. Matagam: And I think "Sylvester" was telling the truth about where we are, so we can use the Council-tunnel to get back home. [[Geoff has climbed out of the hole. He is wearing a large lantern on his helmet.]] Geoff: They know where they are going. Matagam: There you go, Geoff, getting all philosophical on duty again. Wednesday , January 18 , 2012 [[At the edge of the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Sylvester: I guess I'm still not thinking straight. Sylvester: So, yes, Mortimer, you're still in charge. At least until we get out of here. Mortimer: Right. [[They and Rosemary walk past a sign reading: SNEECH DEN KEEP OUT/Any & All unsolicitied [sic] interaction with the inhabitants of this complex are FORBIDDEN by official DECREE./Reaffirmed by Lord SYLVESTER 23rd Earl of E. The walls change to ordinary stone blocks instead of the Sneech "organic" look.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: By "here" I meant the Basement as a whole. Mortimer: Right. I've been here. I know where we are! Thursday , January 19 , 2012 [[Leaving the Mansion's Sneech den, Sylvester, the Dohickey, Mortimer and Rosemary walk past an opening in the wall which has writing in Manglish around it: to either side arrows and SNEECHS and HUMANS, and above HOME.]] [[Sylvester pushes the Dohickey.]] [[He looks back suspiciously.]] Sylvester: Was that passageway always there? Mortimer: Huh? I don't remember. Friday , January 20 , 2012 [[Leaving the Mansion's Sneech den.]] Mortimer: But that was there before! The exit out of here! [[An open archway with light beyond, framed with two fire-spewing nozzles and sharp spikes.]] Mortimer: Be careful going through there, Rosemary! Those flames and spike.. things are hot! And sharp! Rosemary: Yes, Mortimer. [[They approach the archway, which is topped with a sculpture of a monster-head and claws.]] Sylvester: Stalagmites. Mortimer: Nnno. Stalag-thingies are natural, right? One of our.. goofhead.. ancestors installed those. Or something. Saturday , January 21 , 2012 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer have emerged from the tunnel leading to the Sneech den.]] Sylvester: And here we are. Again. Mortimer: Yes. Tho I haven't been through here in.. weeks? [[The Mansion-level elevator doors.]] Sylvester: And.. that's the Elevator. Again. Which we want to avoid. Mortimer: Yes. [[An open doorway at a distance, next to a branch of the Tree.]] Sylvester: And the other way, the door we /do/ want do go through. And..a branch of the Tree! I'd forgotten about the Tree! Mortimer: Yes. [[A stone wall with the large words BEWARE MR FLIP graffitited on it.]] Sylvester: And directly ahead.. Flip? Did someone mention that name today? No. Flap. That Gobule, Theo-whosis, mentioned "Flap." Mortimer: That's been there my whole life. I don't know who he was. Let's go. Sunday , January 22 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f Cully: So.. is the Infinity Pit.. just another name for the EarlBreak? Crud: I'm sorry? The what? Cully: Oh. Is that only us Ludwigites? Chunner: Uh oh. Going to spill secret doctrine? Cully: Ludwig believed in /sharing/ knowledge. Cully: The Earl 'cracked deep' the earth, to reach the Far-Cave of Yurp. The Demon King? And it caused the world to break in two. Cully: The Earl and Yurp /both/ dropped out of the world, leaving flame and rubble behind. Cully: And King Opolis set Ludwig to stitching it all back together. It took Ludwig his whole life. Crud: . . . Crud: I'm sorry. I do not know. Crud: Although.. /one/ story says the /Infinity/ Pit has always been there, that the rest of the world grew out of it.. Chunner: You both need to get out more. Monday , January 23 , 2012 [[Matagam the Motihaul and Geoff the Boogieman are at the mouth of the Council's Mansion-tunnel.]] Matagam: OK. The Council tunnel. So, do we go see what those Nomes are up to, or go h- Geoff: I hear people coming. [[Hopobefevfer appears.]] Matagam: . . . Matagam: Squad-leader Hopobefevfer. Matagam: I was under the impression this tunnel was free for use by- [[Hopobefevfer walks past him.]] Hopobefevfer: Go about your business, Captain. Geoff: Or go home? Matagam: Yyyes, I suppose that would be th- Wait. What did you just say? Tuesday , January 24 , 2012 [[Between the Mansion and the Sneech den, pushing the Dohickey along.]] Sylvester: It's not.. GBOLs that make light in here, right? Mortimer: No. The Gatestone soaks up light and.. lets it go? I don't pretend to understand. [[They and Rosemary approach an open doorway.]] Mortimer: Unfortunately, it doesn't let it go.. everywhere. So we need GBOLs and candles. We're always running short. Especially GBOLs. [[A ladder leads up into darkness. It is labelled NO CRACKER CROAKERS.]] Sylvester: And we're.. not climbing that ladder. No. I remember. It just dead-ends up there. Mortimer: No. [[An arched wooden door at the end of a corridor. Written above it is "EGRESS".]] Mortimer: I mean, that's right. We turn left, go through that door, lock it behind us, and we are sorta-officially out of the Basement. Wednesday , January 25 , 2012 [[At the Mansion's Basement door.]] Mortimer: So we just unlock the door, and we're out of here! Sylvester: Right. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: That is... you unlock the door, Sylvester. You never trust me with a key. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Oh. Sorry. Sylvester: Although.. I did have a good reason for that. I think. Mortimer: I suppose. You always carry one in your pocket there. [[Sylvester reveals his pockets are empty.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: I do? Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . . Thursday , January 26 , 2012 [[Outside the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: Wait.. aren't you good at opening locks? Without keys? Mortimer: Erm.. that's a Terwilliger Lockmitight. Those things are nasty. [[Rosemary taps Mortimer on the shoulder.]] Mortimer: I think which is why you had Rufus install- [[He turns to her, and she points behind them.]] Mortimer: Oh. Rosemary! I guess you /could/ smash the door down with your.. Palethingie.. but..that should be.. Mortimer: our last.. Mortimer: oh. [[The Operator-influenced Hopobefevfer is standing there, looking very angry.]] Mortimer: Oh dear. Friday , January 27 , 2012 [[Outside the Mansion's Basement door, the Operator-influenced Hopobefevfer has caught up with the Humans.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: This is horrible! [[He approaches Hopobefevfer.]] Mortimer: Who /did/ this to you? Hopobefevfer: ..Sir. This is official business. Please stand aside. Mortimer: Huh?That doesn't make it /right!/ There must be something we can do to help! Hopobefevfer: Sir.. [[Hopobefevfer's speech bubble changes color slightly.]] Mortimer: Worst comes to worst, there is.. our aunt. She /is/ scary, but.. she knows stuff. Hopobefevfer: Sir.. if you do not stand aside, I will regretfully be forced to- Ghast-voice: Private Hpbfvr! Saturday , January 28 , 2012 Narration: Previously.. [[Sopobevefe the Ghast reacts as the Operator-influenced Hopobefevfer walks by in the background. No dialogue supplied throughout.]] {{His name has never been given in-strip.}} [[Sopobevefe is running through the Basement, towards Amorph Hall. In the background can be seen Rezrov the Nome and Hogminy the Trog, having an intense discussion.]] [[Sopobevefe reports to Commander Hipthvo, who listens from a secure position.]] [[Sopobevefe, Hipthvo and two of the latter's assistants are back where Sopobevefe encountered Hopobefevfer. Her trail leads away.]] [[ Hipthvo and her assistants foillow Hopobefevfer's trail across a bridge spanning the Great Chasm, witnessed by a bridge-guarding Gnoll and Ichyoid.]] [[Inside the Sneech den, one of Hipthvo's assistants makes her wait while he checks the situation.]] [[Hipthvo is talking to Matagam the Motihaul, who indicates where Hopobefevfer has gone.]] Sunday , January 29 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: But that would m- Difonia the Gnoll, off-panel: /BEWARE!/ [[She passes through the Shaft, trailed by her own version of Cully' "dart".]] Difonia: /IT COMES!/ Difonia: /COMES RUSHING!/ Difonia: /NEARLY HERE!? [[She disappears from sight. Cully's dart chases off after her dart.]] Difonia: /BEWARE!/ Cully: . . . Cully: ..so.. are we dealing with a.. reliable source of information here? Chunner: I dunno, kid. That was whatsersnout. Crud: Difonia. Chunner: Yeah. Her. She's never given out information before. Crud: Not publicly, at least. Monday , January 30 , 2012 [[Outside the Mansion's Basement door. Commander Hpthvo and her two nameless assistants have come up behind Hopobefevfer.]] Hpthvo: Private Hpbfvr! Hpthvo: This is a /direct order/. Level One Priority. [[Mortimer watches as Hopobefevfer curls her fingers into claws.]] Hpthvo: /Stand down./ Hpthvo: Stand down and return to barracks. Hopobefevfer: . . . [[The Operator's influence zaps away, returning Hopobefevfer's eyes to normal.]] Hopobefevfer: Yes, sir. Hopobefevfer: Thank you, sir. Tuesday , January 31 , 2012 [[Outside the Mansion's Basement door. Hopobefevfer faces Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester]] Hopobefevfer: . . . Hopobefevfer: /You two./ Hopobefevfer: Sir. [[She turns angrily away.]] Mortimer: Did you.. know her? Sylvester: Um.. Rosemary: Yes, Mortimer. She was Squad-Leader "Hopobfivfir" of the Council Police! [[Commander Hpthvo appears.]] Mortimer: Oh. Mortimer: How about her? Rosemary: No, Mortimer. She is all-new! Wednesday , February 1 , 2012 [[Outside the Mansion's Basement door.]] Mortimer: So.. um.. is..Hopobefivefour? going to be all right? Hpthvo: While the sentiment is appreciated, she is no longer your concern. Mortimer: Um.. OK. Miss..? Hpthvo: /Commander/ Hpthvo Mortimer: Oh. What /is/ our concern.. Commander? Hpthvo: Your name is "Mortimer"? Mortimer: Yes? Well.. Mortimer Eman.. because we're going to be all.. formal.. [[Rosemary reacts to this.]] Hpthvo: The same as the "demon" who triggered the Nome War? Mortimer: Is.. this what Agita was.. Yes? Demon? No! Maybe? Hpthvo: . . . Mortimer: I don't know! Can you repeat the question? Thursday , February 2 , 2012 [[Hopobefevfer and one of Commander Hpthvo's unnamed subordinates silently walk back towards the Basement.]] [[They are near the doors of the Elevator.]] Hopobefevfer: . . . Hopobefevfer: . . . Hopobefevfer: . . . Hopobefevfer: /Die./ [[They disappeared down the passage towards the Sneech den.]] [[The Operator in his uniform inside the Elevator. He looks up and her half-smiles.]] Operator: Curses. [[His dialogue font changes.]] Operator: Foiled again. Friday , February 3 , 2012 [[Outside the Mansion's Basement door, Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer are confronted by Ghast Commander Hpthvo and her unnamed male subordinate.]] Hpthvo: Then there is the question of your species. /You/, at the very least, are clearly not a Nome. Mortimer: Huh? Why is everyone.. we're Humans! Hpthvo: /Really./ Hpthvo: . . . In that case, I have no choice but to- [[Behind Sylvester, the Basement door ((SLAMs)) open, revealing the Woman of Mystery and her pet balloon.]] [[The two Ghasts react to this development.]] [[They have departed, rapidly.]] Saturday , February 4 , 2012 [[Outside the Mansion's Basement door, Sylvester and Mortimer look back. Rosemary doesn't.]] [[Framed in the open doorway, the Woman of Mystery looks at them.]] [[Mortimer turns.]] Mortimer: Out! Out! Everyone! Now! Before any /more/ angry Ghasts show up! [[The three of them go past the WoM.]] Sylvester: Right. Rosemary: Yes Mr. Eman sir. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: ..Except you, of course. M'am. You can stay. If you want. WoM: . . . [[She follows them.]] WoM: Oh, Mortimer. I wouldn't miss /this/ for anything. Sunday , February 5 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Following an ominous proclamation, the three Gnolls looks around.]] [[Two flutterbys fly overhead, colored in strips of blue, red, gray and/or white. They trail small banners: HURL THAT SPHERIOD (sic)/ DOWN THE FIELD]] {{References to the song "Fight Fiercely, Harvard" by Tom Lehrer, and the 2012 Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and New York Giants.}} Cully: I don't suppose there's any chance that that was "it". Chunner: Much as I'd like to think so, I really doubt it, kid. Crud: That was a they, not an it. It's still coming. ((CLANG)) Monday , February 6 , 2012 [[The Woman of Mystery passes through the Mansion's Basement door, trailed by her "pet" balloon.]] [[She closes the door behind them.]] ((CLUNIK)) [[She approaches Sylvester, who is standing near the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: . . . WoM: . . . WoM: Hello, /Sylvester/. Sylvester, pointing: AAGH! Tuesday , February 7 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: I remember you! You're the Scary Lady! Scary Lady/Woman of Mystery: . . . [[She pokes at his forehead, and he looks stunned.]] ((poke)) [[He turns violently away.]] Sylvester: AAAGGH! [[He is calm and his eyes are back to normal.]] [[He looks at the WoM from the corner of his eye.]] Sylvester: . . . [He faces her again.]] Sylvester: Thank you. WoM: Of course. Sylvester: I am nevertheless contractually obligated to point out that I did not /ask/ you to do that. WoM: Of course. Wednesday , February 8 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] The Woman of Mystery: However did you end up like that? Sylvester: We were down in the... I assume /you/ were aware the Ettinworks actually still exists. [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester being brain-zapped when Mortimer touches a menhir in the Ettinworks.]] WoM: Now /there/ is a name from the history books! Whatever were you doing in /that/ tedious place? Sylvester: Trying to get out. Rosemary and I got zapped by- . . . [[Sylvester turns to look.]] Sylvester: Something's still very wrong with Rosemary. Sylvester: She was back to norm.. being herself for a little while.. but then- Sylvester: But then, this is a problem I need to deal with by myself. On my own. Alone. Over there. WoM: Of course. Thursday , February 9 , 2012 [[At the Mansion's door to the Basement. Sylvester leaves the Woman of Mystery alone with the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: Mortimer! Rosemary! Stop! [[Voices can be indistinctly heard. The Woman of Mystery extends her hand, and sends a bit of magic towards the Dohickey.]] [[She receives a powerful blast in return.]] ((FAINT FIZZING NOISE)) [[She holds up her smarting hand, but seems not to be annoyed.]] WoM: . . . WoM: Duly noted. Friday , February 10 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Mortimer: Are you done talking to her, Sylvester? Can we go? Sylvester: /I'm/ not done by a long shot, I expect. Rosemary, what's wrong? Rosemary: Nothing is wrong, Sylvester. Sylvester: /Something/ is. You're still not acting like yourself at all. Mortimer: She isn't? Sylvester: No, Mortimer! You spent /some/ time with her yesterday! Is /this/ what she was like? Mortimer: Well, I.. You're sure you feel all right, Rosemary? Rosemary: I feel very well, Mr. Eman sir. Mortimer: . . . Sylvester: . . . Saturday , February 11 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Mortimer: I'm not.. Rosemary, why did you call me Mr. Eman? Rosemary: We are being all formal, Mr. Eman sir. [[The Woman of Mystery watches this with amusement.]] Mortimer: What? We are? Why? Rosemary: Because you said so, Mr. Eman sir. WoM, thinking: He did this by /accident/. That is.. almost /more/ impressive. Mortimer: I did? When? Rosemary: I'm sorry, Mr. Eman sir, I can't seem to remember. Sylvester: /Just now/, Mortimer! Talking to that Ghast, Commander..whatsis, "Hipthvo"! [[Mortimer is horrified.]] Mortimer: . . . Since when does anyone listen to anything /I/ say? Rosemary: Since always, Mr. Eman sir. You are my boss. Where you lead I cheerfully follow. Sunday , February 12 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: What was that CLANG noise? Chunner: /That/, kid, was one of an s-shaft's emergency exit shutters.. shutting. Crud: Between 44g and 44i, I would guess. [[From various distances:]] ((CLANG)) ((CLANG)) ((CLANG)) [[And finally, much closer:]] ((CLANG CLANG)) Cully: And that's /our/ shutters closing? Chunner: Yes. It would appear our recent visitor is a reliable source of information. Crud: Difonia. I hope she made it somewhere safe. Monday , February 13 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Mortimer: Rosemary, I'm not.. if anyone's "Mr. Eman", It's Sylvester! I'm just.. Call me Mortimer! Please! Rosemary: Yes Mr. Mortimer, Sir. [[The Woman of Mystery watches all of this.]] Mortimer: No! Just use Mortimer! No Mister! No Sir! Rosemary: Yes, Mortimer. WoM, thinking: And with every order your new thrall accepts, the pathways widen. She falls deeper under your evil spell. Mortimer: OK. Good. Wait. "Boss"!? Sylvester.. did she just say "Boss"? Sylvester: Yes, she did. Mortimer: But that's.. OK, Sometimes I.. but I would /never/ call myself that! Sylvester: No. You wouldn't. Tuesday , February 14 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: Rosemary.. is this how you acted with your.. /Hack N' Slash/ bosses? Rosemary: I do as I'm told, Sylvester. Mortimer's orders are irresistible. Mortimer: WHAT? Mortimer: This.. this is /ridiculous/! Here! I'll /prove/.. Rosemary.. bark.. bark like a dog. Rosemary: Arf! Mortimer: ... Mortimer: ... Mortimer: /Be/ a dog. Sylvester: ... [[Rosemary is down on her hands and knees.]] Rosemary: ARF! Mortimer: - Sylvester: And here I thought this day couldn't get any more strange or disturbing. Wednesday , February 15 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door. Rosemary now thinks she is a dog, and cheerfully greets Sylvester.]] Sylvester: Well. Now you really will have to feed her and take her for walks. Mortimer: I.. Rosemary: ARF! [[Rosemary crawls past Sylvester.]] Mortimer: I.. didn't think she'd actually /do it/! Sylvester: Hmm. Mortimer: No! Really! [[Rosemary approaches the Woman of Mystery.]] Mortimer: I thought she'd.. she'd tell me to go jump off the Seaciiff, or something! WoM, thinking: Not a bad idea, but you've taken your thrall too deep. You'll have to be much more.. extreme. [[The WoM raises her hand, makes a bit of magic.]] Mortimer: This.. this is /serious!/ WoM, thinking: Indeed. I'd /love/ to see how you would deal with a permabonded thrall.. But since she has come /over here/.. WoM, thinking: I suppose (sigh) I must interfere.. Rosemary, growling: rrrrrrr Thursday , February 16 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: "Cheerfully follow.." She's.. repeating.. things I said, too. Yes. But I was being facetious. Maybe it was a lingering effect from that zap, but I w- Mortimer: Sylvester! NO! I.. I don't care what /caused/ this! [[Rosemary the "dog" turns away from The Woman of Mystery. who breaks off with her magical intervention.]] Mortimer: Rosemary! Come here! Please! WoM, thinking: Oh /well./ Take her just a little deeper, and she will belong to you forever. [[Rosemary returns to Mortimer.]] Rosemary: ARF! Mortimer: And.. and /get up/! Be a Human! Be /yourself/! Rosemary: . . . [[She gets up.]] Rosemary: Yes, Mis.. Mortimer. Mortimer: OK. Good. /Fine. Orders/. Friday , February 17 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door. Magic flows between Mortimer's umbrella and Rosemary's head.]] Mortimer: Please listen carefully, Rosemary. Rosemary: Yes Mast.. Mortimer. Mortimer: Because these are the /last/ orders I am giving you. Ever. Mortimer: From now on, don't take any orders from anyone! Especially me! [[The Woman of Mystery watches all this.]] Mortimer: Listen.. listen to advice from people you trust but.. don't let anyone push you around or tell you what to do! Mortimer: Think for yourself! Make your own decisions! Live your own life! Dream.. dream your own dreams! Mortimer: Please tell me you understand! Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: . . . Saturday , February 18 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door. Magic flows between Mortimer's umbrella and Rosemary's head.]] Mortimer: ...Rosemary? [[Rosemary turns to face Sylvester.]] Rosemary: What do /you/ think, Sylvester? Sylvester: Me? Rosemary: I was so /happy/. There was no doubt or uncertainty. Now it's all.. and I'm not thinking right. Please give me advice. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: For maybe the first time in my life, I can say "I agree with everything Mortimer just said." Sylvester: And.. either way.. technically.. you'll be obeying him. So.. the choice is yours, Rosemary Imogene Ripley. [[Rosemary thinks.]] Rosemary: . . . [[Her eyes turns back to normal, as she looks back at Sylvester.]] Rosemary: OK then, Sylvester Winston Humphrey. Sunday , February 19 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f Cully: So what happens now? Chunner: Amazingly, after the Mandatory Waiting Period, we can open the shutters from here. Crud: There's a knob-thing you twist on them. The shutters. Chunner: But until we know which side we want to- ((BEEP BEEP BEEP)) Chunner: What's that? Crud: That's the Individual Emergency Shelter Pods activating. I think. Chunner: Aren't they already "active?" Crud: Oh no. This is just Standby Mode. I think. When they fully deploy, th- [[The Pods slam shut, sealing all three inside.]] ((RRRUUUMMMMBBBLLE)) ((CLA-CLUNK)) Monday , February 20 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: So, Sylvester, why are we just standing around here? Mortimer: You're.. you're feeling all right, Rosemary? Rosemary: What? Yes, of course I am. Mortimer: ...I..I /order/ you to.. to stick out your tongue and hop up and down! Rosemary: How about I smack you upside the head, instead? Cuz /that's/ the urge I suddenly have. [[Mortimer turns to go.]] Mortimer: Oh, thank the Brush. I'm outta here! [[The Woman of Mystery observes all of this.]] Rosemary: Your brother is very strange. Sylvester: Yeah, but I love him just the same. WoM, thinking: I honestly can't decide. Am I proud or utterly disgusted? Tuesday , February 21 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Mortimer: Oh.. Sylvester. You're.. OK now, too? I /can/ go? Sylvester: Yes, Mortimer. I'm as fine as /I/ ever get. But.. Mortimer: Yes? [[Sylvester holds out his hand.]] Sylvester: I think that glowgem caused the problem with Rosemary. So.. hand it over. Please. Mortimer: What? Oh. Sure. [[The Gem falls off the umbrella onto Sylvester's hand.]] Mortimer: But I'm /keeping/ the umbrella! Sylvester: I guess you are. Just /try/ not to poke anyone's eye out. Mortimer: OK. [[Mortimer walks away.]] Sylvester: Where are you off to, again? Mortimer: I'm going to talk to Uncle Frederick. Right now. Wednesday , February 22 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door. Sylvester holds out a glowgem.]] Rosemary: What are you going to do with that thing? Sylvester: Nothing, I hope. In fact.. You keep it tucked away. Someplace safe. Please. [[Rosemary takes it.]] Rosemary: OK. And we take the.. Dohickey to this Quiet Room of yours? Sylvester: Yes. And use a drophole, and get something to eat. Find you some.. new clothes, maybe? [[Rosemary slips the glowgem from her hand.]] Rosemary: Sounds good! Let's g- Sylvester: But.. before we do all that.. Rosemary: What? [[The Woman of Mystery waits in front of the Dohickey and the door.]] Sylvester: It's time for.. yes.. the most dangerous and scary thing I have yet done today. Thursday , February 23 , 2012 [[Near the Basement door. Rosemary and Sylvester approach the Woman of Mystery/Scary Lady.]] Sylvester, thinking: So anyway. Sylvester, thinking: Deep breath. Sylvester: Myrrh. This is Rosemary Ripley. She'll be.. staying with us. Indefinitely. WoM: Will she now. Sylvester: Rosemary, this is Myrrh. Uncle Frederick's.. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Oh what the Zark. Wife. Rosemary: Is she now? WoM: Close enough for government work. Friday , February 24 , 2012 [[At the Mansion's Basement door. Rosemary is present, glaring.]] Sylvester: Well! Anyway! That's done, and we're all busy people here, places to g- The Woman of Mystery: It /was/ you, wasn't it, Sylvester? Sylvester: I'm.. I'm sorry? WoM: Who sent those two idiots to further waste my, as you say, valuable time. [[Outline of WoM meeting Chauncy and Edgar.]] Sylvester: Two id.. oh. If you mean Edgar and.. and Chauncy.. Yes. Um. I did.. tell them to be polite. Were you..able to help them? WoM: I gave them what they said they wanted. [[Chauncy watches as Edgar reaches toward, possibly, a cactus. Stars shine overhead.]] Sylvester: Oh. Good. So.. they won't.. turn up again? WoM: Not anytime soon, I would imagine, but the world is Wide and the future vast. Saturday , February 25 , 2012 [[At the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: So we can- The Woman of Mystery: Then there is the question of that object behind me. It is of the Sneeches, yes? [[The side of the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: Yes. They gave.. left it for me. You.. were aware they seem to have gone.. moved? WoM: I had begun to suspect, and was /once again/ on my way to confirm that fact. Sylvester: So y- WoM: But before I resume my journey.. [[The WoM points at Rosemary.]] WoM: ..Rosemary and I will have a little girl-talk. On our own. By ourselves. Over there. Sylvester: ...Of course. [[Rosemary and the WoM walk off together, followed by the WoM's balloon.]] Sylvester: ...Please don't make her angry.. WoM: I shall be the very model of discretion and tact. Sunday , February 26 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The three Gnolls have been sealed inside their emergency pods.]] ((RRRUUUMMMMBBBLLE)) Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Crud: . . . ((RRROARRR)) Cully: This is surprisingly comfortable. Chunner: Yeah. Not that bad, at all. Crud: The pods are designed for long-term habitation. Some Emergencies can be quite extensive, I hear. [[A giant splash of water pours into the Shaft from above.]] ((KaSPLOooOSH)) Cully: And.. they're designed so we can hear each other, too? Chunner: Sure sounds like it, kid. Crud: Yes. We can stay in verbal contact no matter the conditions outside. Monday , February 27 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] The Woman of Mystery: Now then, Rosemary R- Rosemary: Does your "husband" know what you /are/? [[Outline of the WoM floating up to where Frederick is sitting on a bed.]] WoM: Oh, Frederick had learned all there was to know about /me/ twenty years before you were born. WoM: And whatever Hack N' Slash.. You /did/ end up with them, yes, after your meeting with poor befuddled Scratch? Rosemary: . . . Yes. WoM: Oh good. The rumor mill on occasion produces only chaff. [[Outline of Myrrh enthusiastically pushing Frederick onto the bed.]] WoM: Whatever those stalwart heroes taught you about people like me, whatever you've read... know this.. WoM: I /love/ Frederick. Tuesday , February 28 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door. An outline of the Woman of Mystery facing a Dornbeast.]] WoM: And.. if anyone or anything threatens Frederick's safety or happiness.. [[Outline of the WoM's hand yanking a young Mortimer away from some very dangerous-looking "rare diseased electrospikes".]] WoM: (..the latter of which includes, yes, endangering his idiot relatives..) [[The WoM and Rosemary are in each other's face.]] WoM: ..they will be cheerfully reduced to however many pieces it takes to be non-threatening. Rosemary: I'll bear that in mind. WoM: You do that. Tuesday , February 28 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door. An outline of the Woman of Mystery facing a Dornbeast.]] WoM: And.. if anyone or anything threatens Frederick's safety or happiness.. [[Outline of the WoM's hand yanking a young Mortimer away from some very dangerous-looking "rare diseased electrospikes".]] WoM: (..the latter of which includes, yes, endangering his idiot relatives..) [[The WoM and Rosemary are in each other's face.]] WoM: ..they will be cheerfully reduced to however many pieces it takes to be non-threatening. Rosemary: I'll bear that in mind. WoM: You do that. Wednesday , February 29 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] The Woman of Mystery: But anyway. Leaping to the /real/ reason we're having this little chat. Rosemary: Which is? WoM: Further discussion of the subject on which my great-nephew was expounding before his hasty departure. Rosemary: You disagree, I imagine. WoM: Quite the contrary. You need to stick to that decision you just made. Like glue. WoM: Because you are going to be meeting people who will try to convince y- [[Outlines of folks encountered by Rosemary in the Basement at various points: Protus the Willygig, The Aspect Minor, The Great Riddler, the Operator, the Djinnoscope, Tand and The Gibber.]] Thursday , March 1 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door. Myrrh/The Woman of Mystery looks at Rosemary's helmet.]] Myrrh: So. To be.. all official. I have no objection to you staying here. Myrrh: ..heh. It's already proving amusing. [[She extends a finger. The damaged wing on the helmet bends back into place. The trundlebug is visible in the helmet light.]] Myrrh: But.. if you /do/ stay.. be very sure. Don't let anyone tell you what to do. Make your own decisions. Myrrh: Live your own life. [[She looks at the trundlebug, now perched on her finger.]] Myrrh: Dream your own dreams. Myrrh: That is all. [[Myrrh walks away.]] Rosemary: I didn't ask for advice or helmet repair, but.. thank you. Auntie "Myrrh". Myrrh: That's my name. Don't wear it out. Friday , March 2 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: And now? Myrrh/Woman of Mystery: I shall FINALLY confirm that the Sneehes have in fact departed. Sylvester: Sounds good. [[Myrrh walks away.]] Myrrh: . . . Myrrh: Although I /do/ have one more question. Sylvester: Which is? [[Outline of Mortimer pushing over a large smelly box.]] Myrrh: What was that rather distinctive odor which Mortimer was trailing? Sylvester: Sphagnum dust. Evidently. Myrrh: Oh dear dear. There goes his date with Sharona on Friday. Sylvester: Good night, Myrrh. Myrrh: Be seeing you. Saturday , March 3 , 2012 [[Seen from behind, The Woman of Mystery approaches the Basement door, and unlocks it magically. Her balloon follows her.]] ((click)) [[She opens the door.]] [[The door closes behind her/them.]] ((CLUNK)) [[Sylvester and Rosemary watch this.]] Sylvester: Sharona Stout's a gal in the village. Works for her aunt Saffron at the inn. Rosemary: Thank you. I /was/ mildly curious. Sunday , March 4 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[Water pours into the shaft, filling it. The Gnolls are all inside their emergency pods.]] Cully: Are we going to be able to.. open these things? Eventually? Chunner: Crud? Crud: Hmm? Oh. Yes.. what was it.. ah.. do you both feel, smell, a row of small.. protrusions? Crud: "Knobs" I believe is the technical term.. [[The pods are completely submerged.]] Cully: Yes. Chunner: Yeah. Crud: You push all of them at once, three times, and the pod will re-open. I think. Chunner: You think. Great. [[Crud's eyes appear]] ((CLACK)) Cully: But.. if we can't see what's happening outside, how can we.. Crud: Oh, there are viewing.. thingies. Which knob was it.. the one that smells like snoopvines...? Crud: Ah. Yes. Oh dear. Monday , March 5 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: I suppose she's lurking behind that door, listening. Sylvester: That's.. really not her style. [[The closed door.]] Sylvester: Although you should never, /ever/ assume that she's out of earshot. Sylvester: Still.. it's safe enough to go ahead and say what you want to say. Rosemary: . . . [[Outline of the Woman of Mystery and the Operator standing side by side, with a portal to "Zark" behind them.]] Rosemary: "Scary /Lady/"?! Do /you/ know what she is? Sylvester: My great-aunt Myrrh is a "demon". From "Zark". Like the Zarking Operator. Tuesday , March 6 , 2012 [[Outline of the Woman of Mystery turning her back on the Operator.]] Rosemary: So, what, she and the Operator- Sylvester: Are not friends, and are not working together in any capacity. [[Outline of Frederick in the process of summoning up the WoM.]] Rosemary: But you let her sleep with Fred- Sylvester: "Let her". Rosemary, Frederick is the one who summoned Myrrh up in the first place. Rosemary: Your uncle /summons up demons/?! [[University students Sylvester and Nimue talking to Irk the Djinn.]] Sylvester: Not as a /habit/. This was.. before me. Before the Crash. He was a very talented.. very overconfident young wizard. He.. Look. Sylvester: I told you about Irk, right? The resident Djinn at the University? Rosemary: You.. mentioned that name, yes. [[A map of a portion of the Known World.]] Sylvester: First, down south in the "Djinnwaste", it is relatively easy to, yes, summon up Djinns. But almost impossible here, in the "Forests of Kaylu". Wednesday , March 7 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: "Forests of /Kaylu/?" Sylvester: That's what people in the Djinnwaste call the Near World. Sylvester: And, for whatever obscure reason, they consider "Djinnwaste" to be offensive. [[Outline of University wizard and witch surrounded by equipment blasting magic, all focusing on Irk in the the corner.]] Sylvester: But back to Irk. Even though he also comes from Zark, It took the University's entire senior Magical Research staff months to summon him, instead of a demon. [[Outline of the youngish Quincy talking to Irk, who is still surrounded with equipment dosing him with magic.]] Sylvester: Quincy, Frederick's brother, was.. wandering aimlessly about the University at the time, and got to know Irk. Sylvester: Quincy went home, told folks about Irk. Frederick (sigh) decided he knew better than a bunch of doddering old University.. [[Outline of Frederick reading and making plans on a large chart.]] Rosemary: Fuddie-duddies? Sylvester: Yes. Thank you. And after months of planning.. Thursday , March 8 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: ..He tried the summoning, and he got /Myrrh/. Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: And how many people did she /kill/? Sylvester: Zero, evidently. [[An outline of a ruined house, with a military-style fence strung and a demon-warning sign mounted on the roof. An airship flies overhead in the distance, broadcasting magic of some sort.]] Rosemary: Pah! Aunt Eva had a copy of Lobcock's book. About what happened at Thricklefork, if he wrote others. Sylvester: Frederick had, as it happens, also read "The Thricklefork Demon Massacre" He knew what he had to do. [[Outline of Frederick putting the collar on Myrrh.]] Sylvester: He was able to.. contain her. With that collar she's wearing. At the cost of burning out his power. Rosemary: And he didn't send her /back/?! [[Outline of Frederick and Myrrh posing as they do on the MoE's cast-page.]] Sylvester: He wasn't a wizard anymore. And she proved to be useful. And they came to an Understanding. And the Crash hit. And so it goes. Friday , March 9 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: ...And that collar has kept her in check, all these years? Sylvester: Oh no. If she had ever wanted it off, it would have come off. Decades ago. [[Outline of Rufus watching as the WoM magically interfaces with a device burrowed into a wall. Sylvester: Rufus's theory is that she.. uses it somehow. He's usually right when it comes to devices. Rosemary: Rufus. Another brother, right? [[Outline of the WoM appearing with a first-aid kit as a young Sylvester worriedly crouches over a damaged Mortimer.]] Sylvester: Yes. And Rosemary.. our whole lives.. she and Frederick.. very much unlike our parents.. they have always been there, Sylvester: And it may cost you, but Myrrh /will/ solve your problem if you ask her. Sylvester: So.. if you decide to take her out with the Can-Opener..you'll also have to take a moment to knock me down and trample me underfoot first. Rosemary: sssigh. Saturday , March 10 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: I should just leave. Walk out of this madhouse, and not look back. Sylvester: But you're not going to. Rosemary: No. I'm not. Rosemary: . . . Don't ask me to trust her, Sylvester, or be friends with her. Sylvester: No. I doubt that's going to happen anytime soon. Either way. [[Outline of the blade-end of the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: And if she doesn't already know somehow, don't tell her about the Can-Opener. Sylvester: Oh no. We're not telling /anyone/ about that who doesn't need to know. [[Outline of Rosemary facing her sort-of duplicate, holding another Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: Does someone besides us need to know? Sylvester: You said you needed a sparring partner. But we'll worry about that tomorrow afternoon, perhaps.. Sunday , March 11 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is flooded. The three Gnolls are sealed inside their emergency pods. Cully and Chunner pop open their pods' viewing ports.]] ((CLACK CLACK)) [[The three of them silently look around. An apple labelled JA floats by.]] {{Strip was posted on "Johnny Appleseed Day"}} [[A twisty shape labelled FORWARD floats by.]] {{It was time to Spring Forward.}} Chunner: So. These things are water.. fluid-proof, are they? Crud: Well.. So far, they appear to be. Chunner: Terrific. Monday , March 12 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: What happens tomorrow morning? Sylvester: We have that probably quite long talk we need to have. Rosemary: I... assumed we'd be doing that tonight. After the clothes and.. during the food. Sylvester: No. Because it will be a /private/ talk. [[Sylvester eyes the Dohickey sitting nearby.]] Sylvester: And I have come to the belated conclusion that it is impossible to have one of those here. Rosemary: Aaannd you're not giving me the scheduled talk-location because /that's/ private too. Sylvester: Classified double-restricted on orders of the /Earl himself./ Tuesday , March 13 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: So. Any more /immediate/ questions or concerns? Rosemary: Um.. OK. Djinns and Demons. I don't get.. the difference here. [[Outline of Ludwig the Earl constructing the Djinnoscope.]] Sylvester: Well, Djinns, while not safe, are /safer/, more wiling to supply genuine help and answer questions. Sylvester: Which is why Ludwig's last and greatest project was constructing a /mechanical/- [[Outline of Chauncy and Edgar emerging from a portal to their home of Fratz.]] Rosemary: Yeah, yeah, I get that. I mean, the "Scratch and Chauncy and Edgar" types come from Fratz, right? Sylvester: Right. Rosemary: And so are more..ugh.. /straight-forward/, I guess? Sylvester:Yes. [[Outline of a Demon and Djinn eying each other.]] Rosemary: So if the Djinns also come from Zark, why are they different than Demons? Sylvester: There are a million theories. Even, I gather, among the "two Ds" themselves. Wednesday , March 14 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: So.. then.. what about demons in other places? Lobcock mentioned some author named Vetala..? Sylvester: Uh huh. Another book for your list: Rakshasa Vetala's "Codex of Eventful Visitations." [[Outline: Ms. Vetala enthusiastically leads an expedition through a jungle.]] Sylvester: She was a Zanduan. Distantly related to Linus's wife Padma. Travelled all over the Known World documenting demon encounters. I suspect you and she would have got along like a house on fire. [[Outline: A large rocky Snowgrass Demon.]] Rosemary: Thanks. I think. Sylvester: She found in the Snowgrass, demons tend to be more.. natural-looking. Sylvester: That is.. big, slow-moving, slow-tempered but remorseless rock/tree/metal.. things. [[Outline: a cheerful moth-like Demon evidently annoys a Human male.]] Sylvester: While down in the Deep Jungles, they can be.. really weird and unpredictable.. both physically and mentally,. Sylvester: She speculated that the Fratzers were getting "mixed in" somehow. Thursday , March 15 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: So wh- Sylvester: /But/.. we're getting off the subject. Again. Shame that Mortimer left. He, of all folks, was keeping us focused. Rosemary: Um. Yeah. OK. So what is the subject? Sylvester: First, please give me your helmet for a minute. Rosemary: What? you think that Myrrh- Sylvester: No no. I was going to remove the battery. Like you wanted? Prevent head-explosions? [[She hands him the helmet.]] Rosemary: Oh. Right. Of course. So your memory really is back. Sylvester: Hopefully. You will have to write me a new to-do list, I'm afraid. [[He fiddles inside the helmet.]] Rosemary: I'll get right on that. Got some other writing to do as well. Sylvester: As do I. And.. while you've got the helmet off.. I also have a request.. Friday , March 16 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Rosemary: Yyyes? Sylvester: The Djinnoscope thinks you're Human, but.. just for my peace of mind.. could I see your ears? Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: Oh very well. [[She pushes her hair back to reveal a normal-looking ear.]] Rosemary: This doesn't mean we're betrothed, does it? Sylvester: Thank you. No no. That's over in Thull. And just to be fair.. [[Off-panel, he ((REVEALs)) his ears.]] Rosemary: Whoa! Yeah, OK, you're Human too, but I can see why you.. Sylvester: Quite. I'll just.. put them away again. Here's your non-explodey helmet. Rosemary: Thanks. Anything else that's important? Sylvester: We can walk and talk en route to the Quiet Room, but.. Sylvester: There is one matter which may demand our complete attention.. Saturday , March 17 , 2012 [[Near the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: You're really all right about what just happened? Not Myrrh. but with Mortimer. And, yes, me. Rosemary: Huh? Yes. Of course I am. [[Outline of Rosemary preparing to pour boiling oil on Sylvester and Mortimer from above.]] Sylvester: So .. apart from considering slapping my well-meaning but painfully oblivious brother upside the head, you're not plotting vengeance? Rosemary: Should I be? Sylvester: Well, no, but you.. might be embarrassed by- Sylvester: I do have the excuse wasn't exactly in my right mind, either. [[Rosemary touches his shoulder.]] Rosemary: Of course you do! [[Outline of a Successful Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Rosemary: And.. Zark, I was happy there. It felt nice. Rosemary: But now it's time to go dream our own dreams! Sunday , March 18 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods.]] Cully: Looks like the shaft has flooded all the way to the top.. Chunner: Yeah. So even if we don't drown, we're going to starve down here before anyone even maybe thinks about fixing this. Crud: No no. There's food and potable water. A pair of tubes that you suck at? Cully: ... Cully: sip Chunner: ... Chunner: slurp Crud: And waste.. removal.. is provided as well. Cully: That's.. actually quite tasty. Chunner: These things are being suspiciously helpful and competent. I don't like it. Crud: Legend has it they were designed by Ludwig himself. Monday , March 19 , 2012 [[Walking away from the Mansion's Basement door, pushing the Dohickey.]] Rosemary: ... Rosemary: ... Rosemary: That said, when we get rich, we /are/ hiring some sort of minder to keep watch over your idiot brother. Sylvester: Now you're being silly, Rosemary. [[On the wall behind them are theater posters for "Springtime For Kaylu" and "The Shaftrunner".]] Rosemary: Oh? Sylvester: Twenty hour a day coverage will require /at least/ two minders. Maybe even three or four. Rosemary: Of course. Whatever was I thinking. Sylvester: We might qualify for the bulk rate from the Guild. Tuesday , March 20 , 2012 [[In the E family storage area, Mortimer walks past the Ominous Clicking Device in its alcove. The Ludwig-constructed timer strapped to the front of the OCD reads 000315313092, although the 1s looks like upside down 7s.]] OCD: click Mortimer: I'm sorry, but I'm really not in the mood tonight. [[Closeup of the timer, with the label LUDWIG'S AUTOMAGIC COUNTDOWN TRANSLATOR. The last 2 turns to a 1.]] OCD: click Wednesday , March 21 , 2012 [[Pushing the Dohickey past a row of theater posters.]] Sylvester: So.. slightly less important questions. Rosemary: What's her.. /Myrrh's/.. Demon-Djinn theory? Sylvester: Something like "we all get squeezed through our tube and get shaped, wherever it is we come from." Rosemary: . . . She answers questions. And helps folks. Sylvester: Uh huh. Perhaps I am indulging in unwarranted familial pride... Sylvester: But.. yes, I sometimes think /maybe/ Frederick the brash wunderkind was in fact on the right track. [[Outlines of Myrrh and Operator, behaving atypically.]] Sylvester: . . .Or maybe Demons are just people. Rosemary: If you decide to find out by resuming his research, I really am leaving. Thursday , March 22 , 2012 [[Rosemary and Sylvester emerge with the Dohickey into the E Family storage halls.]] Sylvester: Even if I /was/ a wizard, since the Crash, summoning or banishing Demons is almost imposs.. Sylvester: But you know this. You told Edgar as much. Rosemary: Yes. Hack N' Slash briefings again. Rosemary: And they said you don't have to be a wizard to do it. Sylvester: No, but it makes the whole process exponentially easier. [[Outline of University-student Sylvester reading a book titled HERE THERE BE DEMONS.]] Rosemary: So you /have/ researched the subject. Sylvester: /Of course/ I read what /books/ I could find, once I truly realized who Myrrh was. [[Outline of Frederick hauling away a pile of books, as Amos glowers.]] Sylvester: But even that mostly had to wait until I reached the University.. Sylvester: Uncle Frederick made very sure there were none lying around here. Rosemary: Well good for him! Friday , March 23 , 2012 [[Pushing the Dohickey through the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: Well.. I understand his caution, but honestly, I think he went overboard when it came to "protecting" us from being exposed to all forms of.. [[He realizes something.]] Sylvester: ..magic ...use. Rosemary: What? What's wrong? Sylvester: Have you ever had one of those moments when.. you realize you may have been doubly stupid about something your /whole life/? [[An outline of a woman knocking a sword from Rosemary's hand.]] Rosemary: Um. Well. Rosemary: I don't know about doubly stupid.. Rosemary: But there was a moment in an Ootopan swordpit that got halfway there.. Saturday , March 24 , 2012 [[In the E family Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: "Swordpit"? Rosemary: You know where Ootope is, right? [[An outline/map depicting the location of the city of Ootope.]] Sylvester: It's.. a port city at the mouth of the.. Merrow? On the border between Morlock and Erewhon? Rosemary: ..And Moonin, too, pretty much. Yes. [[Outline of two traders making a deal, as their guards watch over the discussion.]] Rosemary: And so, lots of trading. And smuggling. And these days, fighting. Lots of call for.. Heroes for Hire. Rosemary: And so, again, they're always holding these tournaments. [[Outline of Rosemary signing a piece of paper, witnessed unenthusiastically by the paper-provider.]] Rosemary: Chance to show your stuff, make a name for yourself. Rosemary: I had some time off from the Caravan, so I entered one.. Sunday , March 25 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their survival pods. Cully's dart, barely visible, falls through the water]] Chunner: So how come you know so much about these things, and I had never even heard of them before all this? Crud: Um.. was it Bokonon who told me? No... Crud: It couldn't have been Cunskite, could it? [[The dart sparks.]] Chunner: Oh, /never mind./ Cully: Not that it matters now but.. where did we dispose of our waste before this? Chunner: There's a drophole, of sorts, over there in the corner, kid. Crud: Was it before I even came down here? [[The dart springs back to life, now colored differently.]] Chunner: And for sleeping, there's this barely serviceable sort- of nest-thing you can trigger to rise up out of the floor. But only after "dark". Cully: You'll have to show it to me. If we ever.. Chunner: Right. Crud: Surely it wasn't /Rhid/.. Monday , March 26 , 2012 [[In the E Family storage halls.]] Sylvester: And.. you didn't win. Rosemary: I got blown out in the quarter-finals. [[Outline: Haruka stands in triumph over another defeated opponent. Rosemary: It was the woman who did go on to win, at least. Haruka Sol. There's a name I'll never forget. Sylvester: That would be depressing, but.. I.. don't see what's so /life-changingly/ traumatic.. Rosemary: It was the first /real/ fight I'd lost. Not some Academy training exercise [[Outline of Rosemary lying in the dirt.]] Rosemary: And she curb-stomped me. And as I lay there in the dirt, my ears ringing, it truly dawned on me, for the first time, that I could /die/ doing this. Sylvester: Um.. wow. Yeah. OK. Tuesday , March 27 , 2012 [[Outline of Franklin the minstrel singing of Rosemary's fictional victory.]] Sylvester: And I suppose you spent months training, came back and beat Ms. Sol at the next tournament. Rosemary: If this was one of Franklin's silly ballads, maybe. [[Outline of Rosemary reading a bulletin board.]] Rosemary: But no. I never saw her again. And when the Caravan came back to Ootope, her name was on one of the official casualty lists. Sylvester: Which.. I again suppose really drove the lesson home? [[Outline of Haruka Sol succumbing to food poisoning.]] Rosemary: Yes and no.. Maybe someone stabbed her in her sleep, or she ate a bad plate of Squid a la Clavin. Or the list was wrong. [[Rosemary and Sylvester pass a door marked ROLLS OF THE DEAD.]] Sylvester: Like the one that has /your/ name on it? Rosemary: Well, I'm certainly on /some/ sort of list right now. Wednesday , March 28 , 2012 [[Sylvester and Rosemary push the Dohickey through the E family storage halls. Door sign reads LOWER SLUBOVIAN SNOODS]] Rosemary: But anyway. What's /your/ new stupidity? Sylvester: I'm assuming.. hoping that Mortimer is dealing with half of it right now. [[Next door sign is DADA WEEDS.]] Sylvester: If not.. in the morning.. I'll add it to my to-do list. Rosemary: And the other half? Sylvester: Doesn't matter anymore. [[They reach a staircase going up. Arrows point to the STORAGE HALLS and QUIET ROOM.]] Sylvester: Except my pride. Sylvester: I suppose this is going to be fun. Thursday , March 29 , 2012 [[In the E family storage halls. Mortimer approaches the front doors of Frederick and the Grubbs. The one he currently passes is labelled as storing types of stone.]] [[He pauses in front of Frederick's door.]] Mortimer: . . . [[He knocks.]] Friday , March 30 , 2012 [[Outside Frederick and the Grubbs' homes.]] Nellie, through door: Hello? Nellie: Is someone there? Nellie: What's that horrible /smell/? Mortimer: It's just me, Mz Nellie. [[Nellie comes out.]] Nellie: Mortimer?! Nellie: What's happened? Are you.. all right? Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Have I /ever/ been all right? Nellie: Oh, Mortimer. Of course you have. Mortimer: I wish I could believe that. Nellie: Is.. Nellie: Have you seen Sylvester? Mortimer: Yes. He's fine. Nellie: Amos saw him with some strange woman! Heard they're in the Basement! Mortimer: We were. They're talking to Myrrh or something at the Basement door. Saturday , March 31 , 2012 [[Outside the Grubbs and Frederick's quarters.]] Nellie: So this woman is one of Her Nibs' ghastly.. friends? Mortimer: Huh? Oh. No. She's normal. More normal than that. [[Outline of Nellie seeing "stupid" Mortimer and "crazy" Rosemary.]] Mortimer: She's from Moonin, I think she said. She followed me home yesterday evening. Nellie: I see. That's.. Mortimer: "Almost as bad". Yeah. No. She's not.. I met.. Like you said Amos said. She's with Sylvester now. If she's with anyone. Nellie: . . . [[Outline of "Jealous Mortimer" breaking a glass in his hand as Sylvester and Rosemary "get married".]] Mortimer: What? Isn't that what everybody around here /wants/? Nellie: Yes. Of course. It's just.. Sylvester..? Sunday , April 1 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their survival pods. A palm frond and foo's cap float by. Cully's accompanying ship buzzes about.]] Cully: ...heh. Chunner: What it is kid? I could use a laugh right about now. Cully: I was.. wondering if that water is fresh.. well.. not salty.. Chunner: Go on.. [[Two bitey fish appear.]] Cully: Well.. Ichyoids only go in salt water, and Motihauls only in fresh. Except Othar, I guess. Chunner: That's how the story goes. And..? Cully: If- Crud: Oh my. Chompersnaps. Cully: Ah. Of course. So it's fresh. Cully: We're in the subShafts, sealed in protective pods, at the bottom of an Ichyoid- proof flood, surrounded by vicious biting fish. Cully: This thing I've got here is now indeed very very safe. Chunner: . . . Chunner: Yeah. OK. Heh. Sunday , April 1 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their survival pods. A palm frond and foo's cap float by. Cully's accompanying ship buzzes about.]] Cully: ...heh. Chunner: What it is kid? I could use a laugh right about now. Cully: I was.. wondering if that water is fresh.. well.. not salty.. Chunner: Go on.. [[Two bitey fish appear.]] Cully: Well.. Ichyoids only go in salt water, and Motihauls only in fresh. Except Othar, I guess. Chunner: That's how the story goes. And..? Cully: If- Crud: Oh my. Chompersnaps. Cully: Ah. Of course. So it's fresh. Cully: We're in the subShafts, sealed in protective pods, at the bottom of an Ichyoid- proof flood, surrounded by vicious biting fish. Cully: This thing I've got here is now indeed very very safe. Chunner: . . . Chunner: Yeah. OK. Heh. Monday , April 2 , 2012 [[Outside the Grubb's apartment.]] Mortimer: But anyway. I guess that Sylvester will bring Rosemary.. that's her name., Rosemary Ripple.. Or something .. around to meet you and Amos. Nellie: ..All right..? Mortimer: I was looking for my uncle. Have /you/ seen h- [[Music comes in from off-screen.]] Mortimer: Oh. 'Course. Never mind. [[Mortimer turns to go. Music continues throughout.]] Nellie: Mortimer, wait! Something's truly /wrong/! Why're you.. [[She looks down.]] [[Mortimer's hand holding the umbrella.]] Tuesday , April 3 , 2012 [[Outside the Grubb's apartment. Mortimer has turned to go, but sees Nellie staring down at his umbrella. Music plays in the distance.]] [[They look at each other.]] [[He walks off, and she buries her face in her hands.]] Mortimer: OK then. Wednesday , April 4 , 2012 [[Amos works at a desk; he was a book clamped in place before him.]] [[Nellie appears behind him.]] Amos: . . . Amos: . . . Amos: Annd.. still managed to get in trouble. What'd I do now? [[Nellie touches his head.]] Nellie: Please.. /please/ be careful, you old fool. Amos: . . . Amos: . . . [[She has gone. He returns to his work.]] Amos: OK then? Thursday , April 5 , 2012 Narration: Back in the Sneech Den [[The hole which Chauncy and Edgar previously made in the floor. Following the dialogue below, a frog-foot ((glomps)) at the hole's edge.]] Frowgler: oof Frowgler: urg. [[Panning to one side slightly, the lower half of Myrrh/The Woman of Mystery's body is visible beside the hole.]] Myrrh: Hello, /Frowgler./ Frowgler: Myrrh. Fifty years already? How time flies. [[She now holds him in her hand. Her balloon is supplying light.]] Myrrh: My husband is going to be /extremely/ upset. Frowgler: As always, I did what needed to be done. [[She holds him closer, and they glow.]] Myrrh: And on that note.. /let's talk/. Frowgler: As it happens, that was the next item on my agenda. Friday , April 6 , 2012 [[Mortimer walks along a corridor in the Mansion. Halfway along, it changes from the "Storage Halls" color-scheme to "Party Palace", with labeling arrows pointed in the appropriate directions. Music is playing from off-panel.]] [[He continues along. A side-passage leads to a bank of stairs which, according to a sign, lead to a variety of stages. His destination is labelled The Kevin T. Riley Memorial Acoustatorium. The music plays louder.]] Saturday , April 7 , 2012 [[In the Party Palace's Acoustatorium, which is a towering metal apparatus from which flared horns poke in every direction. On a ledge halfway up, Uncle Frederick is playing his fugehorn; the note are sucked into one opening and pop out of the various horns. Mortimer approaches him along a walkway.]] [[Frederick pauses in his playing and sniffs the air quizzically.]] [[Mortimer appears next to him.]] Frederick: Oh. Mortimer me boy. What brings ya by this.. [[Mortimer silently holds up the umbrella he is carrying.]] Frederick: fine Federick: . . . Sunday , April 8 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f. [[The shaft is flooded, and the Gnolls are in their emergency pods.]] Cully: So. Anyway. We're not going to drown or starve or suffocate. But we still can't stay in these pods indefinitely. Cully: Is there any way, even just in.. in theory, that we, or /someone/, can drain out the shaft? Chunner: Sorry kid. There /are/ drains out of here, for bathtime and such, but they just aren't big enough. Chunner: And even if they were, we don't know how wide-spread this phizz is. Could be just us. Could be.. everybody. Cully: sigh. How about these other knob-things in the pods, Mr. Crud? Do they do anything? Crud: Mm? Oh. I do not know. I'm sorry. Crud: . . . Crud: "Everybody." Chunner: Oh /great/. You've got an idea. Crud: Well.. yes. It's.. You're not going to like it. Chunner: Spit it out, Crud. Crud: It's.. one of the stories about SubShaft 86p. Crud: They /say/ it is home of the Master System Controls. Down where.. no living thing can get at them. Monday , April 9 , 2012 [[In the Party Palace's Acoustatorium, Mortimer has confronted Uncle Frederick with his new umbrella.]] Mortimer: /Well?/ Frederick: Get rid of it, son. Please just chuck it over the side here n' walk away. [[Mortimer lowers the umbrella.]] Mortimer: No. Mortimer: And if you won't tell me what's going on with this, I'll find someone who /will/. Even.. even if I have to go visit /Myrrh/. Frederick: . . . Frederick: She wasn't the one who gave you the zarking phizzing thing. Mortimer: No! It was just- Hey! Mortimer: I'm not here to /answer/ questions! Frederick: There's a magic wand in the handle. And you're a wizard. Tuesday , April 10 , 2012 [[Mortimer has confronted Uncle Frederick in the Party Palace.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: /I'm being serious!/ Frederick: So'm I. You're a wizard. The magic flows through ya. Faster, stronger, easier than normal folks. [[Outline of Mortimer, depicting a rainbow of magic breaking up as it reaches him, sending out steamers of different colors.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Wait.. Mortimer: All that.. /stuff/.. that keeps happening to me.. Frederick: It's the magic. Findin' the nearest outlet. [[Outline of a younger Myrrh and Frederick glaring at each other.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . .And you, and Nellie, and... /everybody/ kept this from me. Frederick: /Me/ bein' a wizard brought nothin' but misery n' grief. To, yeah, everybody. [[Frederick holding Mortimer as a baby.]] Frederick: And then the Crash came. And everyone got their zarking hands n' heads blown off. Frederick: Wasn't gonna happen to anyone I cared.. loved. Wednesday , April 11 , 2012 [[In the Party Palace.]] Mortimer: This wasn't your decision to make. Frederick: It was. I'd do it again, exactly the same. Frederick: And to answer yer next question, no, I'm not gonna teach ya how to use that thing. /Throw it away/. Save yerself. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Then I guess we don't have anything more to say to each other for now. Except.. [[He walks away.]] Mortimer: ..You love Myrrh. And she loves you. So it isn't /all/ misery and grief. Mortimer: I forgive you, Uncle Frederick. Thursday , April 12 , 2012 [[Uncle Frederick stands silently beneath the Acoustatorium's tower.] [[He looks over at the tower's controls.]] [[His hand makes adjustments to those controls]] ((twist adjust)) [[He plays his fugehorn, sending the music into the waiting dish.]] [[Amos working at his desk. The music comes out of an overhead horn; it is tinged red.]] Amos: . . . Amos: Ohhh. Friday , April 13 , 2012 [[In the Grubbs' quarters. Amos approaches Nellie, who is working at a table. Frederick's Fugehorn plays in the background.]] Amos: So is /Sylvester/ all right? Nellie: Mortimer said he and this new woman are talking to Her Nibs. Amos: So.. maybe. Nellie: Yes. ..Rosemary Ripple. That's her name. Evidently. Amos: . . . Did she.. either of those shes.. tell him? Nellie: He ended up somehow with that horrid umbrella. Amos: Oh. Well. That does mean I can be even /more/ careful. [[They clasp hands.]] Amos: And I /will/ be careful, Nellie. I ain't dying till Sylvester can spring for a new librarian. Nellie: So I've got ya for at least ten more years? Good. Saturday , April 14 , 2012 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are taking the Dohickey to the Quiet Room, and have just gone up a flight of stairs.]] Rosemary: Well, that went smoothly enough. Sylvester: Let's just get this Dohickey of mine put away before something /weird/ happens. Rosemary: Yeah, OK. [[They hear Frederick's red-tinged fugehorn music.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: A fugehorn. Is that Uncle Frederick? Sylvester: Um.. yes.. how did you..? Rosemary: Well, Amos.. wasn't it you said? Uncle Frederick's neighbor? He.. vociferated about it. This morning? Sylvester: Oh. Right. Yes. And Yes again. So.. [[Outline of Caravan-employee Rosemary's juggling being interrupted by bad fugehorn playing.]] Sylvester: ..You've heard one being played? They're pretty rare anymore.. Rosemary: Topaz Gonagall.. A troubadour on the Caravan. She got ahold of one somewhere. It was.. ugh. Sunday , April 15 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Bits and pieces float past.]] Cully: Tut- I did hear somewhere that all the important controls are down deep. Crud: There are sealed passages running down into the Hot Zone, even out to the Great Chasm. If we could.. I don't know.. open every hatch and door and shutter.. [[A number 42 floats past.]] Chunner: You're right, Crud. Crud: I am? Chunner: I don't zarking like it. We couldn't get down there even before all of this new phizz! Chunner: And now.. we'd need to squeeze through fratzing cracks and survive without air! [[Cully and Crud look up as the dart goes past, chased by three Chompersnaps.]] Cully: . . . Chunner: What? Monday , April 16 , 2012 [[Rosemary and Sylvester approach the Quiet Room. Frederick's fugehorn music can be heard.]] Rosemary: ..But this is.. really pretty good! Sylvester: A fugehorn demands /years/ of practice to master. I can personally attest that Frederick invested them. [[Outline of a man writing at a cramped desk; stars or snowflakes swirl around him.]] Rosemary: Much too sad for a Caravan Troubadour, though. What song is this? Sylvester: "Threnody for.." or sometimes "Lament for the Victims of the Crash." Rosemary: Lament.. Oh! I read about this somewhere! It was written by a.. Slobovian, who.. survived the thing? [[Outline of University student Sylvester listening to music, along with his classmates Nimue and Bertie. They are wearing masks.]] Sylvester: Yeah. Comerecki. The Royal Orchestra plays it every year, during the Brushtival. Got to hear it once. Rosemary: ..On the.. Day of Remembrance, I'm guessing? Sylvester: ...yeah. [[Outline of Threnody the Oracle-to-be writing in a large book, witnessed by Dirge.]] Sylvester: And it.. was, incidentally, the inspiration for our Oracle down in the village, when it came time for her and Dirge to choose their new names. Tuesday , April 17 , 2012 [[Rosemary and Sylvester approach the Quiet Room. Frederick's fugehorn music plays from a tube in the ceiling.]] Rosemary: So.. is Frederick around here somewhere? Are he and I going to meet all formally? Sylvester: No, sounds like.. yeah, he's in the Ac.. Party Palace. [[Outline of part of the Hall of Achievement.]] Sylvester: Which is the section of the Mansion dedicated to The Arts. Especially plays. Sylvester: /It's/ really Ernest's great Achievement, not those wretched forgeries in the Basement. [[Outline of a pre-Crash Party Palace in all its finery.]] Sylvester: He spent a good chunk of the family fortune to make it the most prestigious and state-of-the-art venue.. zark, east of the Capital. [[Outline of Ernest watching two actors perform a play.]] Sylvester: The man had his glaring faults, but he recognized and nurtured artistic talent. Sylvester: I subscribe to the theory he was only truly happy when exposed to its presence. Wednesday , April 18 , 2012 [[Sylvester and Rosemary approach the Quiet Room, pushing the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: But anyway. Rosemary: Indeed. Sylvester: He was still a jerk, and it got him killed. Rosemary: So it goes. [[They turn to look at a door labeled EA 3117]] Sylvester: And here we are at.. an emergency arsenal. A sword! You said you wanted a sword! [[Sylvester turns away.]] Rosemary: At one point that was the general thrust of my remarks, yes. Sylvester: We'll just- No. /No/. First we put this thing away. [[They come to a couple more steps.]] Rosemary: OK, but if you need any more Troglodytes decapitated, it might take a couple of tries with the Can-Opener. Sylvester: Won't take a minute. I hope. Thursday , April 19 , 2012 [[Mortimer walks through the Mansion's Storage Halls.]] [[He pauses.]] Mortimer: . . . [[He looks back the way he came.]] Mortimer: . . . [[He looks forward again.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . . [[He looks up.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: ! [[He walks on. In a nearby corridor, unnoticed, Amos walks by in the opposite direction,wearing a coat and a hat.]] Friday , April 20 , 2012 [[Rosemary and Sylvester approach the Quiet Room, pushing the Dohickey.]] Rosemary: This isn't going to be a room at all, is it? Sylvester: No. As I think I said before, it's more of a gap. [[Rosemary's Can-Opener pops suddenly into view, and she grabs it.]] Sylvester: Someone stumbled across it during one of the endless rebuil- Rosemary: Hey! Rosemary: I didn't do that! Sylvester: Yes. No. The magic is weakening. Your Poke Kit's internal storage space is contracting. Sylvester: I'm guessing. [[Sylvester resumes pushing the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: So.. yeah. It would maybe be better if you and your various goodies just stayed right there. Rosemary: Well, if you absolutely insist. Sylvester: I'll make this /very/ quick. Saturday , April 21 , 2012 [[Sylvester approaches the door of the Quiet Room with the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: Oof. You're getting harder to push. Sylvester: Is the lack of magic actually slowing you down.. [[At the door.]] Sylvester: Or are you objecting to this whole procedure? [[His finger pushes at the buttons on the door's lock.]] ((click click clunk)) [[He pushes the door open.]] ((CLANG)) [[He ((sshhoves)) the Dohickey inside, past a remote-grasping device.]] [[It comes to rest, next to a glowing crystal and a triangular object.]] ((THUD)) Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Well, either way, I guess this is the end of the line for now. Sunday , April 22 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A school of chompersnaps are chasing the dart. Crud's flutterfly net floats nearby.]] Chunner: . . . Chunner: To offer up a pertinent quote.. oh come on! Chunner: You want to send /that/.. phizzing thing down to.. /operate controls/.. in some place that probably doesn't even esist? [[One of the fish has gotten caught in the net.]] Chunner: And even /if/ it could do that, and even /if/ ss86p.. or something like it.. really does exist, how the zark do we tell it what we- [[The dart zooms down out of sight.]] [[A world-in-a-hoop thing floats past.]] {{Earth Day and Taurus the bull.]] Crud: It would appear we are going to find out. Monday , April 23 , 2012 [[Sylvester has pushed the Dohickey into the Quiet Room.]] Sylvester: So. Do you really belong to me? Or I to you? Sylvester: And whatever you do.. are you doing it right now? Have to assume that you are. [[Back outside.]] Rosemary: I can hear you talking in there.. Sylvester: Still.. your predecessors tended, in their alien, Sneechy way, to help my predecessors... [[He touches the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: Be seeing you. [[He leaves the Dohickey with the other objects stored there: a crystal and a triangular object, with another just off panel.]] [[The door closes, and it gets dark except for the glow coming off the various objects.]] Tuesday , April 24 , 2012 [[The various items now in the Quiet Room: The Dohickey, a shard of crystal. a triangles-in-triangle object, a cymbal-monkey, a statue of a winged Ichyoid, a flower, and a crescent mounted on a stand. All except the last glow in places, to some degree.]] [[All except the crescent produces sparks or bits of magic.]] Crescent: HI! Wednesday , April 25 , 2012 [[Sylvester leaves the Quiet Room.]] Sylvester: Did you say something just now? Rosemary: Who, me? [[Sylvester removes the wrappings on his hand. Rosemary puts the Can Opener in her Poke Kit.]] Sylvester: OK. All right. Guess we can take these off now. Rosemary: Hm. Speaking as a bodyguard, I suggest wearing gloves next time. Sylvester: Gloves. Sword. Clothes. Right. And get the spare key for the Basement door, and /chain/ it- Rosemary: Actually, if possible, I would /also/ suggest replacing the whole lock. [[Outline of CamoraHax brandishing the key, and leading Hopobefevfer and Snoot out of the Basement.]] Sylvester: Huh? Rosemary: Presumably, just about anyone in the Basement could now have the key you lost? Sylvester: sigh.. I still had it in the Riddle Grotto, that narrows it down a /little/.. Thursday , April 26 , 2012 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk down a hallway. Behind them is graffiti of a bird, perhaps a duck.]] / Sylvester: I /think/ I can scrounge up another lock somewhere.. Rosemary: If this requires a Second Basement Expedition, let's just board up the door for the night. [[Outline of three storage room doors labeled 'Sprockets Stembolts Washers Flanges Screws Nuts Nails', 'Boards' and 'Misc Blunt Objects' respectively.]] Rosemary: ..Assuming a board, some nails and a hammer would be easier to find. Sylvester: Actually, yes, we have.. but.. no. [[Outline of the boarded-up door to the Basement, which has had a hole blasted through it by the Myrrh/Scary Lady/Woman of Mystery.]] Sylvester: Presumably, Myrrh is still down there somewhere, and that would.. annoy her. Sylvester: And we will, /if possible/, avoid doing that. Rosemary: Oh, very well. [[Outline of Zeke instructing a young Rosemary, who is holding a hammer.]] Sylvester: So.. we get serious. How /are/ you with hammers? Rosemary: Zeke taught me a few things. Sylvester: OK. Good. Ugh. This day is never going to end. Friday , April 27 , 2012 [[Near the Quiet Room, Sylvester opens the door to an Emergency Arsenal.]] ((click click clunk)) Sylvester: OK.. Let's see what we've got /here/.. [[He goes inside; Rosemary looks in the door.]] Sylvester: Oh my.. Rosemary: That bad, huh? [[His hand reemerges.]] Sylvester: Actually.. just the opposite.. Sylvester: Here's a sword, it appears. [[As Rosemary unwraps the sword, Sylvester comes out wearing a backpack-based fork-weapon which faintly glows with power.]] Rosemary: Hm. Better than that one I had this morning. Could use a bit of oiling and sharpening.. Sylvester: And maybe you don't need to build that flamethrower.. Saturday , April 28 , 2012 [[Near the Quiet Room. Sylvester has a new backpack- based weapon.]] Rosemary: Is.. that a Zap-Trident? And it's /working/? Sylvester: Appears to be. If I had known we had one of these this morning.. [[Outline of the trident doing what Sylvester describes below.]] Sylvester: ..But.. No. It's just as well I didn't. That Confuflux of Ludwig's was a restrained prototype. Sylvester: This thing.. reportedly.. punches holes in walls, and kills people. [[Outlne of Sylvester backed into a corner by Hopobefevfer and Snoot.]] Rosemary: Sylvester.. Sylvester: Yes, I really hope things never get so desperate we have to actually use it, but- Rosemary: Yes. No. Hack N' Slash.. they've got a standing reward for anyone who brings in a functional one. A big reward. Sylvester: Oh. Wow. OK. Sunday , April 29 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. The dart has departed on a mission. Biting fish swim back and forth.]] Chunner: And you really think this is going to work. Cully: I certainly hope so. Chunner: And when it doesn't? Cully: Well.. I guess I'm going to try and get some sleep. And if.. in the "morning" nothing has changed... Cully: I'll start pushing these knobs, and hope, again, that they somehow do something useful. {{Yellow Submarine}} Cully: If you don't want to wait until then.. sir.. you can go ahead now. Chunner: . . . Crud: zzz Monday , April 30 , 2012 [[Near the Quiet Room, Sylvester has found a new weapon, a Zap-Trident.]] Sylvester: Wait..When you say "anyone", do you mean any mook off the street, or any Hack N' Slash employee? Rosemary: Um.. well.. [[Outline of Sylvester and Rosemary meeting the vision of Baldy near the River of Fire.]] Sylvester: Uh huh. And what your Baldy-image was saying.. you personally don't want to go into any H&S office right now? Rosemary: That would be.. risky, yeah. [[Map showing the cities Sylvester mentions below.]] Sylvester: And even if.. The nearest H&S office is.. well, they, I think, still have a hole in the wall in Glome, but.. Sylvester: For this.. we'd probably have to go all the way to /Rowan/. [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester splitting the profits after selling the trident to a possibly-untrustworthy individual.]] Sylvester: OK. Still. Better than using it to kill someone. We get desperate enough for Simoleans, we have an option. Thank you. Rosemary: Gratitude is nice, but won't distract me from my finder's fee! Sylvester: Curses! Foiled again! Tuesday , May 1 , 2012 [[Outside an Emergency Arsenal, near the Quiet Room. Sylvester has a zap-trident strapped to his back.]] Rosemary: In the meantime, are you going to lug it around with you everywhere? Sylvester: Which presents another problem. The Crash, they say, turned these things into bombs. Rosemary: That's what I was told as well. [[Sylvester puts the trident back on its rack in the arsenal.]] Sylvester: We have to assume this one is intact due to its proximity to the Quiet Room. [[He comes out and closes the door. Rosemary holds up the sword she was just given.]] ((UNCLUNK)) Sylvester: So.. for a variety of reasons, back into the arsenal it goes. Rosemary: That would have been my advice. [[They walk away; Rosemary puts the sword into her Poke Kit.]] Sylvester: And you of course noticed what the door-code was there. Rosemary: . . .2342. Sylvester: Yes. That will open pretty much any Emergency Arsenal in the Mansion. Rosemary: Thank you. Wednesday , May 2 , 2012 [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester retreating from Villipend and Hamble's Troglodyte habitat.]] Rosemary: I don't need to spit on the locks or anything? Sylvester: Huh? Oh. No. The Arsenals were for the family's guards.. not the family. Per se. Rosemary: "Were." [[Outline of the BarrackStack section of the Mansion.]] Sylvester: Which is.. another thing we need to do: Sylvester: Visit the Central Arsenal under the BarrackStack. Or just "the Barracks" anymore, I suppose. Rosemary: Where we will..? [[Outline of various sword accessories: a scabbard, a sharpening stone, and a bottle of Stormshadow Blade Oil.]] Sylvester: Put you into what Herediscan systems that we can. And get you a sharpening stone, and sword oil, and a scabbard. Rosemary: Scabbard? [[They walk away from the Emergency Arsenal.]] Sylvester: Just.. thinking ahead here. Sylvester: But that's /ahead./ Tomorrow. Now, we go deal with that door. Wednesday , May 2 , 2012 [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester retreating from Villipend and Hamble's Troglodyte habitat.]] Rosemary: I don't need to spit on the locks or anything? Sylvester: Huh? Oh. No. The Arsenals were for the family's guards.. not the family. Per se. Rosemary: "Were." [[Outline of the BarrackStack section of the Mansion.]] Sylvester: Which is.. another thing we need to do: Sylvester: Visit the Central Arsenal under the BarrackStack. Or just "the Barracks" anymore, I suppose. Rosemary: Where we will..? [[Outline of various sword accessories: a scabbard, a sharpening stone, and a bottle of Stormshadow Blade Oil.]] Sylvester: Put you into what Herediscan systems that we can. And get you a sharpening stone, and sword oil, and a scabbard. Rosemary: Scabbard? [[They walk away from the Emergency Arsenal.]] Sylvester: Just.. thinking ahead here. Sylvester: But that's /ahead./ Tomorrow. Now, we go deal with that door. Thursday , May 3 , 2012 [[Leaving the Quiet Room.]] Sylvester: .. I say we, but.. you don't have to do this. You know that, right? You never have to- Rosemary: Of course I do. If I don't oversee, you'll just get into trouble again. [[Frederick's fugehorn-music plays overhead.]] Sylvester: Well, that is true. Rosemary: I do have an immediate question, though. Sylvester: Yes? [[Outline of a dangerous artifact being defenestrated.]] Rosemary: If those things in the Quiet Room are so awful, why not just.. toss them in the Great Chasm? Sylvester: Yeah. Someone tried that once. [[Outline of an earth-tremor interrupting Hector the robot's cooking.]] Sylvester: It wasn't as bad as Audra's poking, but there were system glitches and minor quakes for /months/. Sylvester: Better to just let them... quietly drain away. Friday , May 4 , 2012 [[Returning to the Storage Halls.]] Rosemary: So these Sneech-gifts do eventually.. die? Sylvester: Stop functioning. Whatever. Usually. When the /recipient/ dies, if not before. Rosemary: That's.. creepy. [[Outline showing the construction of the Cymbal Monkey in a "Kaylu" location.]] Sylvester: Yes. The stuff in the Quiet Room is the.. worst of the worst. And they're not all Sneech-gifts. Humans can come up with horrors on their own.. Sylvester: Again, I'm sorry if you really wanted to see- Rosemary: No no. I currently have /no/ need to go into the Quiet Room. Sylvester: OK. Still.. watch out for triangles in a triangle, a shard of crystal, a monkey with cymbals, a winged Ichyoid figurine, and a small potted plant. [[Rosemary gives a thumb's up.]] Rosemary: Right. Saturday , May 5 , 2012 [[Sylvester and Rosemary in the Storage Halls. A door label reads Theklan Cordobes]] Sylvester: Oh, and there's that crescent-thing, but that was put in there mostly because it was so annoy- Mortimer, off-panel: Sylvester! [[Mortimer is standing there, looking strained. Another door reads Upper Slubovian Tichels]] Sylvester: Mortimer? Mortimer: Did /you/ know? Sylvester: ..No. Sylvester: Before you fell out of the.. "sky" with that umbrella, you were just my trouble-magnet little brother. Sylvester: It never occurred to me that there might be a specific /reason/ for your affliction. It should have. I'm sorry. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: OK. Saturday , May 5 , 2012 [[Sylvester and Rosemary in the Storage Halls. A door label reads Theklan Cordobes]] Sylvester: Oh, and there's that crescent-thing, but that was put in there mostly because it was so annoy- Mortimer, off-panel: Sylvester! [[Mortimer is standing there, looking strained. Another door reads Upper Slubovian Tichels]] Sylvester: Mortimer? Mortimer: Did /you/ know? Sylvester: ..No. Sylvester: Before you fell out of the.. "sky" with that umbrella, you were just my trouble-magnet little brother. Sylvester: It never occurred to me that there might be a specific /reason/ for your affliction. It should have. I'm sorry. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: OK. Sunday , May 6 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Crud is sleeping.]] Chunner: . . . Fine. I hope this zarking "plan" works, too. Cully: I know, sir. Crud: zzz [[Some sort of fake crocogator floats past, labelled SMOKE ME A KIPPER.]] {{Red Dwarf's Ace Rimmer.}} Crud: zzz Chunner: All else fails.. you got my formal permission.. no, /encouragement/ to use that zorper-twistpoint thing to save yourself. Cully: . . .If by some miracle it.. I swear I'll try and get down to those imaginary controls myself. Chunner: Of course you will, kid. Crud: zzz Monday , May 7 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: It's not, Mortimer. If I can ever make it up t- Mortimer: Sylvester, It's /OK/. Mortimer: ..If you had known, though.. I would have left. Tonight. The Mansion, I mean. Sylvester: I get it. Where would you go? [[Rosemary listens to the conversation.]] Mortimer: I dunno. Hadn't.. No. I would go find Yasmine. /She/ was the one who told me, really. Sylvester: It.. may still come to that, Mortimer. Mortimer: Huh? [[Outline of Mortimer reaching out for Yasmine in the distance.]] Sylvester: I hope you stick around, but you need to do what's right for /you/. Sylvester: And that might mean.. chasing after this Yasmine. Tuesday , May 8 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Mortimer: I'll stick around. I.. think she'll come back some day. Sylvester: Well, if she does, and she is The One for you.. don't screw it up like I did. Do what you have to, to make it work. [[Rosemary listens to the conversation.]] Mortimer: But Rosemary.. Oh. You mean that Nimue person. Sylvester: But if she, Yasmine, really is in the Weirdo Guild, you may face a painful decision. [[Stylized outline of the Weirdo and Yasmine in the Attic.]] Mortimer: Huh.. again? Sylvester: Whatever she and "our" Weirdo and Fantod are up to, they're hiding it from us. From me. [[Outline of a blade-wielding Fantod menacing a sleeping Sylvester.]] Sylvester: What will you do, if it turns out their plan includes, oh, knifing me in my sleep? Mortimer: . . . She wouldn't.. . . . Wednesday , May 9 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Mortimer: . . . Sylvester: And this may make things better or worse, but in case Uncle Frederick didn't say.. [[Outline of a young Mortimer with his parents.]] Sylvester: I don't think Mom or Dad kept your truth from you, either. Sylvester: In fact.. I now suspect that Dad could have.. used an umbrella, too. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Dad? Sylvester: Would you have been comfortable telling him? Handing him one ? Mortimer: /Dad?!/ Thursday , May 10 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls. Mortimer turns away from his conversation with Sylvester.]] Mortimer: ..I need to go think about.. everything. Sylvester: Often a good plan. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: If you want to "make it up to me", believe what I just.. what I'm about to tell you. Sylvester: OK. Mortimer: I know the difference between fantasy and real life. Sylvester: I never- [[Outline of Mortimer meeting Frowgler and Thrash the Pale in the Forest of E.]] Mortimer: /No/ Sylvester. That was just.. the, the preamble. A guy, out in the forest. He.. yeah. He was all sneaky about it, but he gave me this umbrella. Sylvester: And? [[Sylvester and Rosemary exchange a look.]] Mortimer: And he was a talking frog-demon.. thing. Named Frowgler. Yes, just like the character in Roshambo. The made-up comic strip. In the Times. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: That /was/ the name that- Rosemary: So my trusted native guide claimed at the time, yes. Friday , May 11 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Mortimer: You believe me. Sylvester: We went through the Riddle Grotto today. [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester meeting the Great Riddler.]] Mortimer: Frowgler wasn't.. there, too? Sylvester: No, but the Great Riddler /asked/ about him, by name. [[Outlines of the two Frowglers.]] Sylvester: We.. I.. thought he meant, yes, the comic strip character. Sylvester: But.. now.. he was asking about the guy in the forest handing out umbrellas. Mortimer: ...He had some Pales with him. Sylvester: Although why he would think I would know any.. what? Pales. Right. Why not. Rosemary: While debriefings /are/ better held when memory is fresh, I recommend we have ours tomorrow. In private. Saturday , May 12 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: You're right, Rosemary. Day's not over. We'll /all/ talk privately tomorrow. Rosemary: That said.. [[Outline of a E-family soldier using a pot to dump oil on an attacker.]] Rosemary: Mortimer, /you/ said you found "siege pots" in this Barracks place? Sylvester: He did? Mortimer: Huh? Oh. Yeah. [[Outline of Mortimer exploring a darkened space with a lantern on the end of a stick. Scrawled on the wall is a limerick: There was a young lady of Fenwick Who once became terribly sick When quizzed what ailed her Her composure quite failed her And she screeched..]] {{Come up with your own ending..}} Mortimer: It's a room off the Jagged Corridor. Third or fourth door on the right after you come down the Acid Stairs. Sylvester: What were you doing down /there/? Mortimer: Just wandering around. [[Mortimer walks away.]] Mortimer: Didn't have anything better to do. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Already feeling nostalgic. Sunday , May 13 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods.]] Cully: . . . Cully: You spent time with my father.. Chunner: What, you want to "know what he was like"? C'mon, kid. Crud: zzz Cully: No. I knew my father. I was.. wondering what /your/ parents were like. Chunner: Uhn. Mine? Dad got eaten by a Dornbeast when I was a whelp. Chunner: Or something. Never did get a straight answer about that. Crud: zzz Chunner: Mom worked for old Fizywug. Sort of the Nevus of his day. Cully: I heard.. Wasn't he.. nicer? Chunner: Had a more sparkling personality at least. Mom was... she was sorta /careless/. Guess it rubbed off on me, didn't it. Still loved the old bat, and was sorry to see her go. Crud: zzz Monday , May 14 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls. Mortimer is leaving.]] Sylvester: Mortimer.. you did good today. Especially with the Ferns. Sylvester: If that was the new you.. I at least approve. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Thanks! [[Rosemary and Sylvester look at each other.]] Both: . . . [[They walk on as well.]] Sylvester: ..Apart from the whole accidental brainzaping.. Rosemary: That will never happen again. Sylvester: No. It will not. Ever. Tuesday , May 15 , 2012 [[Mortimer walks through the Storage Halls. Ahead of him is a door whose sign is tinged slightly purple, and reads SIGNS OF CHANGE.]] [[Mortimer pauses and looks at this.]] Mortimer: . . . [[All of Mortimer's dialogue is internal.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: /oh./ Mortimer: So /that's/ why.. [[A closeup of his umbrella's tip hovering over the sign.]] Mortimer: So if I.. [[The umbrella touches the sign, and the font changes.]] ((CLICK)) Mortimer: Uh /huh/. Mortimer: oh dear. [[He walks on. The font on all the doors has changed.]] Mortimer: If I go on.. I'll be doing nothing /but/ metaphorical button-pushing.. Mortimer: I need to go /brood/ on this.. Wednesday , May 16 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Rosemary: Do you really think this Weirdo of yours might stab you, us, in our sleep? Sylvester: ugh. No. I don't think so. And I can't believe Myrrh would.. [[Outline of Sylvester signing a Contract with the Weirdo and Jack Kench.]] Rosemary: So you're /not/ sure. Sylvester: ...If this Yasmine person of Mortimer's really is from the Weirdo Guild, her visit was technically a violation of our Contract. [[Outline of the Weirdo and Fantod hitting the road with the Can-Opener pointed at them.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: I am rather tempted to go up to the Attic and march him off the property at sword or Can-Opener point, and hang the consequences. Rosemary: "Friends in high places." [[Outline of a closeup of Fantod.]] Sylvester: Yeah. So. I at least want to hear your impressions after you meet him and Fantod under..slightly more casual circumstances. Rosemary: You've made reference to that second name as well. Sylvester: Let's.. not prejudice you. I'm really curious what you'll think of him.. Thursday , May 17 , 2012 [[Stylized outlines of a Weirdo and an Oracle.]] Rosemary: So what do these Weirdoes do? Officially? Sylvester: At their best, they are.. an Oracle for a Mansion or Castle instead of a Town. [[Outline of a newly-arrived Oracle witnessing an argument between a woman with a flutterby net and a one wearing a S-topped helmet.]] Sylvester: They are both, in part, in theory, a neutral outsider, who.. comes in with no stake in any entanglements built up over the years. Rosemary: Mmm. [[Outline of a female Weirdo performing before a woman seated on an S-topped throne.]] Sylvester: They speak unfortunate truths, with varying degrees of immunity. Not as delicate an operation as it used to be, I guess. [[Outline of a male Weirdo standing between Sylvester and Lenore, who face in opposite directions.]] Sylvester: They.. run interference. Captain Tin-Throatwobbler, the previous Weirdo, did it with me and Lenore. It helped somewhat.. Friday , May 18 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: ...Unless that's not how the whole Oracle thing works Out West. I got the impression from Nimue.. Rosemary: No no. That's the drill. Except in Erewhon, of course. [[Outline of Oracles with a parents and a new baby, and bringing a cup of poison to a terminally ill man.]] Rosemary: I am assuming that Weirdoes don't perform midwifing and.. Sylvester: Euthanasia duties? No. Sylvester: Well... With /ideas/, sometimes. But Oracles do that too. [[Outline of the MoE Weirdo snooping, and the Oracle Omega looking unpleasant.]] Sylvester: And of course.. it's all an ideal to shoot for. Rosemary: People are people. Sylvester: Indeed. So. What was the Oracle on Gnomin like? [[Outline of Dandelion the Oracle and Ragweed the Guardian.]] Rosemary: Heh. Dandelion. She was a sweetie. The Farsiders even let her go hold Temple over there. Rosemary: Not the.. brightest bloom on the bush, true, but she had Ragweed to help with that... Saturday , May 19 , 2012 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: "Ragweed", huh? Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: Well, not as bad as some I've heard. Rosemary: Is- Sylvester: No, Fantod is not the Weirdo's Guardian. I don't think. [[Outline of a young Sylvester and a half-remembered female Weirdo.]] Sylvester: Weirdoes generally come alone. And, yes,they are both male and.. Sylvester: Before Captain TTW, we had Sarah Bellum, tho I only just vaguely.. Ah. [[Ahead of them, the wallpaper and general blue color scheme stops, leaving stone walls. A DIRECTORY is mounted on the wall.]] Rosemary: Now what? Sylvester: Here we are, leaving the /Storage Halls/. Sylvester: Over /there/, we just stockpile useful stuff by general category. Sunday , May 20 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Crud is sleeping.]] Cully: Wait.. Didn't you say your sire.. father.. told you stories about the Nome War? If you never knew him- Chunner: Never said I never /knew him/, just that he died when I was still a whelp. Crud: zzz Chunner: Course, those stories are about all I really remember about him. Comin' in from.. whatever he did, never really got an answer on that, either. Chunner: Comin' in with my sis and me tucked in the nest, tellin' us about Compline and Caytid and Shiv. Crud: zzz {{hat=Eliza Doolittle Day}} Cully: You have a sister, too? Chunner: Maybe she lives still. Cully: What? Oh. So she was a.. she's down.. up.. over in the.. place? Chunner: That's the theory. I liked her a lot, too, but not planning on testing it. Crud: zzz {{glowing ball=RIP Donna Summers}} Monday , May 21 , 2012 [[Sylvester is consulting a DIRECTORY on the wall.]] Rosemary: So, why didn't we come /here/ this morning? Sylvester: It's mostly raw material, not Basement-exploring equipment. [[Outline of Izchak the Motihaul weapon-seller being happy when offered paper as payment.]] Sylvester: Bricks. Wood. Cloth. Leather. Paper. Tools. Fixtures. Sylvester: And yes, we could have used paper to pay bribes or.. whatever. [[Outline of an armored Rosemary cutting down Villipend the Troglodyte with a sword.]] Sylvester: ..Of course.. If I had truly grasped your.. skill set, we would have hit the Central Arsenal and gotten you.. a real sword, and shield.. armor? Sylvester: /Do/ you ever wear armor? Rosemary: I've used light chain and leather on occasion. Never full plate. That's for the knights and the shock troops. Sylvester: Shock troops? Who.. no. Never mind. Tuesday , May 22 , 2012 [[Sylvester consults a DIRECTORY for needed materials.]] Sylvester: Of course.. a lot of this stuff's been down here so long, it's rusted or rotted or whatever, but a lot's also still useable. Sylvester: Let's see.. we'll need brackets.. stone nails.. a hammer.. some sort of length.. [[A closeup of a section of the directory.]] Rosemary: Ballista arrows? Catapult axles? Sylvester: This is technically sort of part of the BarrackStack. Sylvester: And yes, there are assembled siege engines mounted in.. bunkers. Top of the Main Tower. Sylvester: Whether they still work.. I'll guess we'll have to go see. [[They walk away from the directory.]] Sylvester: But now.. let's start over here. Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: So what was the story with the balloon? Sylvester: Myrrh's been visiting Uncle Bob's Landing O' Family Fun. I'll take you there when we need a vacation. Sylvester: The flower, though, that's a new one. Wednesday , May 23 , 2012 [[In a storage area in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: "Uncle Bob.." I saw a sign somewhere today, advertising his.. place. Sylvester: Yeah, some joker went around posting them. On landings. [[Graffiti on the wall reads THE TURTLE MOVES.]] Sylvester: And no, I don't know why. Sylvester: I don't know why anything. [[Outline of Sylvester working at a desk.]] Sylvester: I thought maybe I did. Before you.. before today. Sylvester: Everything was just.. abandoned and falling apart, and I was scrimping along until I made enough money off our investments to.. fix it. Sylvester: That was my.. /big plan/, if you were ever wondering. Rosemary: Maybe earlier. Sylvester: And now.. in one day.. I don't know this place. Sylvester: I have lived here in.. "God's Cactus".. my whole life, and I have /no/ idea what's really going on. Thursday , May 24 , 2012 [[In a storage area in the Mansion.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Everybody else is threatening to leave tonight. Sylvester: Maybe I should join the rush to the exits. [[Outline showing Sylvester the stock-trader, Rosemary the admiral, and Mortimer the wizard; Mortimer confronts something mysterious.]] Sylvester: We turn in the Zap-Trident. Live in Rowen. It's pleasant, as cities go. I could work the market harder. You, go clean out the pyriters on Lake Leng. And Mortimer- Rosemary: Sylvester, for the last time, stop it. Rosemary: You are /not leaving/. Not for good. Rosemary: You'll solve all the mysteries, and fix everything, and I.. /we all/ will help you do it. Rosemary: The Gibber said so, didn't it? [[Outline of Rosemary flying away via jetpack, leaving Sylvester in a pile of rubble.]] Sylvester: . . . Before you wreck everything and fly away forever, huh? Rosemary: Yes. I promise. Sylvester: Well. OK then. Let's go take care of the zarking door. Friday , May 25 , 2012 [[Mortimer walks through the Storage Halls, approaching a sort of junction. A door is labelled SPOKES AND CHAINS.]] [[He crosses the junction, going behind a wall.]] [[He leaves the Storage Halls, and comes to set a of stairs going up. The sign announces the stairs lead to the North Tower, which features a "Brooding Balcony", and "Exhaultation [sic] Balcony", a towel room, a wigout gallery, and a biscuitbeast chamber. Also "BEWARE MOVING WALLS."]] Saturday , May 26 , 2012 Narration: Following some authorized pillaging.. [[A storage area in the Mansion. Sylvester closes a door as he hands an object to Rosemary.]] Sylvester: OK. I think that's everything. Rosemary: I suppose technically you could use this as a hammer. Sylvester: Yeah yeah. It's a nailplanter. Better than a hammer, when you're working with stone. You'll see, hopefully. Rosemary: OK. [[Rosemary puts the nailplanter in her Poke Kit, and hands a purple board to Sylvester.]] Rosemary: And the Poke Kit's almost full. The board won't fit. What's it made of, anyway? Sylvester: No one really knows. Ettinstuff. So we call them "lengths" instead of boards. [[Closeup of the length.]] Sylvester: Despite its looks, it's as strong as iron. Stronger. Sylvester: Even Edgar might have to swipe at it a couple of times. Sunday , May 27 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Crud is sleeping and saying "ZZZ" throughout.]] Cully: What about Mr. Crud? Chunner: What about him? Cully: What where his parents like? Chunner: Zark kid, I dunno. It wasn't like we were friends before we ended up down here. He was just someone I saw around sometimes. Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Chunner: sigh.. Chunner: They were dull, hard-working respectable fungifarmers. Chunner: So, no, they didn't conduct some.. weird experiment like Rhid's sires did. Chunner: Sometimes a life just veers off down the wrong tunnel. But you know that. Cully: I suppose I do. Monday , May 28 , 2012 Narration: Back near the Basement door [[Rosemary point overs her shoulder. Sylvester carries a length.]] Rosemary: So that's why all these theater posters are here? Sylvester: Huh? Rosemary: Ernest. And the "Party Palace." [[Close up of the poster for the play Big Brother Is Watching You, by one Eric Blair: SEVEN DAYS ONLY/MAY 01-07/MAIN STAGE/PARTY PALACE/ STARRING B. MARX/H. WATSON/L. CROWNE/M. MOND]] Sylvester: Oh. Yes. Most of them were performed here in the Mansion. Or another theater in Eetown. Sylvester: Heh. Remember what I said about Ernest and talent? Sardoodle himself directed Phallic Object here. [[Outline of two actors giving a play before, presumably, the king of "Mansionland.".]] Sylvester: This was years before he became famous, did Zumbooruck and the Sand Star and all... Sylvester: You.. do know who..? Rosemary: Yes, Sylvester. Stanton Sardoodle. Rosemary: One of Aunt Eva's books was a collection of his plays. I could recite any of them for you, if you like. Sylvester: Let's save something for the long winter nights. Rosemary: I'm crushed. Sylvester: And I'm being more than half serious. Tuesday , May 29 , 2012 [[At the basement door.]] Rosemary: That said.. I didn't learn about "Phallic Object" there until I was serving on the Caravan. Sylvester: Yeah. That one gets left out of Sardoodle collections, sometimes. [[Outline of Rosemary and other audience members laughing as various objects are tossed off a stage.]] Rosemary: And the fact that Ernest had it staged here fills in /his/ character sketch a little more. Sylvester: What, you didn't like it? Rosemary: Laughed every time I watched it. [[Outline of Rosemary attempting to perform as a witch in a play.]] Sylvester: So. I suppose you actually /appeared/ in some of his plays, then? Rosemary: No.. turns out I can't.. /lie/ real well when I've got an audience.. um.. expecting it of me. I guess. It's a thing. Sylvester: Uh huh. [[Rosemary juggles the nailplanter and two brackets.]] Rosemary: Did prompting duty. Oh. And I played one of the court entertainers whenever they did the banquet scene in All Hail The Crimson King. Sylvester: Juggle and dodge the various and sundry projectiles, eh? Rosemary: /That/ I could handle. Wednesday , May 30 , 2012 [[At the Basement door. Rosemary holds brackets and a nailplanter as Sylvester tests a length against the door.]] Rosemary: So.. did plays keep getting staged here even after the Crash? Sylvester: Not in my lifetime. Why? [[A closeup of the poster for the play SPRINGTIME FOR KAYLU, by Maxwell Rivers, at the Royal Stage. 19:00 M-F, starring L. Bloom, L. S. Dublaw, F. Fronkensteen, Directed by H. Lamar.]] Rosemary: One of the posters is for Springtime For Kaylu. Didn't whatisface.. Rivers.. write it just twenty years ago? Sylvester: Oh. Yeah. Heh. /I/ put that one up. Brought it back from the Capital. Sylvester: Guess we'll have to put the brackets on the doorframe.. [[Rosmary hands him a bracket.]] Rosemary: You actually saw the real thing? In a theater? Sylvester: From the back of the balcony, but yes. Could I have one of.. thanks. [[Outline of an actress receiving a hostile reception.]] Sylvester: And you.. staged it on your Caravan? You mentioned the tapdancing I think. Rosemary: They.. we.. tried doing some scenes. Once or twice. Thursday , May 31 , 2012 [[At the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: Your audiences were OK with Phallic Object, but not- Rosemary: Eh. They were mostly Morlockian farmers and shopkeepers. [[Outline of a Mooninite couple eying a Morlockian one, who are covered with CENSORED banners.]] Sylvester: And so..? Rosemary: They sorta picked up phizz from the Erewhonians when it comes to, y'know, sex. Maybe it's a good thing. I dunno. We don't get it at all in Moonin. [[Outline of the Infernal Engine on the day of the Crash.]] Rosemary: Plus I guess the Infernal Engine really went crazy during the Crash. Rosemary: Spewed poison or something. Still a very touchy subject. And SFK ends with.. you know. Sylvester: Hm. Indeed. Sylvester: What did you think of it? Springtime for Kaylu. Rosemary: . . . It was funny enough. The parts I understood. Friday , June 1 , 2012 [[At the Mansion's Basement door. Sylvester takes the nailplanter from Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Yes, Rivers didn't insult his audience's intelligence. You'll enjoy.. understand.. the play more if you read the novel "Summer of Kaylu".. and a book on Tomanian history. [[He pulls something from the planter's side with a ((CLICK)).]] Rosemary: We have those in the library? Sylvester: Oh yes. Ask Amos for.. oh.. Akkcam's "Question of Culpabiliity. " Sylvester: sigh. [[Outline of a sword-wielding Kayluite standing on a block that has been relabeled from "TOMANIA" to "KAYLU".]] Sylvester: Goes into gruesome detail how a previously sane country suddenly.. Rosemary: Ends up being run by a crazy monkey-themed cult? [[Map showing Kaylu spilling into the neighboring countries.]] Sylvester: Essentially. Which then overruns the Near World. The Crash hadn't come along, we'd all probably be worshiping those two-tailed travesties here. Saturday , June 2 , 2012 [[At the Mansion's Basement door.]] Sylvester: But.. the Crash /did/ happen, Kaylu's empire fell apart in essentially a day, and here we are. Rosemary: With a nailthumper. Sylvester: "Planter." [[Sylvester turns the Nailplanter's handle.]] ((click click click)) Sylvester: There are already some nails loaded inside. You power it up by winding this crank a few times. Sylvester: And if you'll hold the first bracket in place there.. [[Outline of a "Mansionland" soldier in a trench, using a nailthumper as a magical device above him gets hit with a blast.]] Sylvester: Thanks. There were models that ran on magic, but this is for /combat/ construction, when using magic devices could, evidently, zero in unwanted attention. [[Rosemary's hand holds the bracket as the planter is used.]] Rosemary: Or for when a Crash happens. Sylvester: Indeed. Watch your fingers. And you push the tip into position and twist the safety dohickey here in the base, and.. ((PLANT)) Sunday , June 3 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Crud is asleep.]] Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Crud: zzz Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Crud: zzz Cully: Of course.. unless that's a nickname.. their Finagler or Schemer.. or whatever /did/ name him "Crud"... Chunner: Far as I know.. yes he did. Maybe the poor doof really was doomed to this from the start. Crud: zzz Monday , June 4 , 2012 [[At the Basement door. A bracket swings around its one planted nail.]] Rosemary: Wow.. that was... The nail went right in? Sylvester: Yes. [[Sylvester winds up the nailplanter again.]] ((click click click)) Rosemary: I didn't believe.. I wouldn't have juggled it if I had known. Sylvester: Has to be wound up, the tip has to be depressed, and the safety actively disengaged.. but yes. Sylvester: People have been killed by them, accidentally and.. otherwise. Sylvester: ...Of course, the same's true of rock-hammers. Rosemary: Yeah. And Zeke would still love having one. [[Rosemary holds the bracket as Sylvester plants another nail.]] ((PLANT)) Sylvester: Yes, we could likely sell this too. Or contract with some clever bugger in Wirtwam to make new ones. Don't think it needs magic. It's added to the official List of Possibilities. Tuesday , June 5 , 2012 Narration: Before terribly long.. [[Sylvester drops the length into place in the mounted brackets, barring the Basement door.]] Sylvester: Well, there we are. For now. Rosemary: Sure enough. Woo hoo. Sylvester: Although.. what we saw in Le Tree.. if an angry Ghast does decide to visit.. it will probably just slow her down. Rosemary: She'll make a racket. Give us a little warning, maybe. [[Sylvester reaches for the length.]] Sylvester: Here's hoping. Sylvester: And of course until Myrrh gets back, we can't actually /use/ it. [[He leans the length against the door.]] Rosemary: While the tactically shrewd thing to do would be camp here until she returns.. Sylvester: No. I declare our business with the Basement /done/ for the day. Wednesday , June 6 , 2012 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk away from the Basement door. Sylvester carries the nailplanter.]] Rosemary: Really? You promise. Sylvester: Anyone thinks differently, I guess they know where to find me. Rosemary: But we are going back down there at some point. Sylvester: Oh yes. [[An outline of the various things and people Sylvester mentions.]] Sylvester: At the very least.. I'm going to visit those Ferns. Again, I promised. Sylvester: And after I consult the records.. the Ettinworks. And this Tand person, if you are interested. [[Outline of the passageway entrance dug by the Basement Council.]] Rosemary: Oh yes. Sylvester: And that "home" tunnel near the Sneech den /was/ new. Sylvester: If that was how "Comshaw" and that Dornbeast got up here.. we just might return the favor.. Thursday , June 7 , 2012 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk away from the Basement door, past the various theater posters on the walls.]] Rosemary: So if the Basement is behind us, what are we doing now? Sylvester: We're going to put the nailplanter and my helmet and the spare battery back in the useful-stuff closet. [[Rosemary points at her helmet.]] Rosemary: But not my helmet. Sylvester: Ooh no. For what comes after that, you're going to still need your helmet. Friday , June 8 , 2012 [[Frederick, carrying his fugehorn, approaches his and the Woman of Mystery's front door.]] [[He opens the door.]] [[He stands in the doorway.]] Frederick: You here? [[He puts the fugehorn aside and walks deeper into the apartment.]] Frederick: . . . Frederick, thinking: Course she isn't. Saturday , June 9 , 2012 [[In his apartment, Frederick pulls open a filing cabinet and reaches inside.]] [[He extracts a brown rectangular object and studies it.]] [[He almost smiles.]] Frederick: . . . [[It's a framed black and white photograph of a group of people: Frederick, Nellie and Amos as young people, along with a dark-haired woman wearing possibly a Fixit-like witch-hat, and a hatless glasses-wearing man with lots of pockets on his jacket.]] Frederick: It /was/ fun while it lasted. Sunday , June 10 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods.]] Chunner: Well. Unless you have any more questions, I'll.. never thought I'd say this.. follow Crud's example. Get some sleep. Cully: I'll always have questions. Even though.. as.. everyone knows.. asking them is what landed me here. Chunner: Uh huh. Crud: zzz [[A moon, star and planet drift by.]] Cully: But for now.. Cully: Is /every/ day going to be like this? Assuming.. we don't.. things get back to relatively-normal? Chunner: Nah, kid. Some ''days'' the biggest threat down here is boredom. Crud: zzz Chunner: Though lately.. more stuff does seem to be happening more often. Chunner: You want to know /why/.. Ask Crud, or Ignavia, over in 32g. Someone who passes their time spinning theories. Cully: ... I may do that. Good night, sir. Chunner: Mm. Crud: zzz Monday , June 11 , 2012 [[Chapter Title: CAREER PATHS [[A pile of rocks leans against a wall.]] [[The rocks quiver and shift.]] [[The rocks fall away, pried by a pole emerging from a previously-blocked cave-mouth.]] [[Agorn the Gnoll pokes his head out.]] [[The POV pulls back to show that he is on the edge of the Great Chasm. A sign mounted on the sloping wall reads GREAT CHASM/ DON'T FALL IN; one of the falling rocks bounces off the attached arrow. A narrow ledge run along below. In the background can be seen a bridge spanning the Chasm.]] Agorn, thinking: Finally. Thank the Zarking Brush. Tuesday , June 12 , 2012 [[Agorn the Gnoll and his spear emerge from a cave on the side of the Great Chasm. A sign attached to the sloping wall reads GREAT CHASM/ DON'T FALL IN, with a downward-pointing arrow marked with an E. A narrow ledge runs along the cliff below.]] Agorn, thinking: And thanks Mr. Long-Dead Human. Best advice I've heard all day. [[He attaches his spear to his back.]] [[He climbs down the cliff, using the sign's support-posts.]] [[He reaches the ledge.]] Agorn, thinking: And to you /too/, Mr. Inventor of Back-Clinging. Wednesday , June 13 , 2012 [[On a ledge on the Great Chasm, Agorn peers around a "DON'T FALL IN" arrow.]] [[A bridge can be seen in the distance.]] Agorn, thinking: That /was/ the Last Bridge. Even closer than I realized. [[He inches along the ledge; the wall behind him is covered with bits of graffiti in both Manglish and English.]] {{RIP Ray Bradbury}} Agorn, thinking: Course.. close is always relative.. Agorn, thinking: Hot Zone's one step away right now.. Thursday , June 14 , 2012 [[Agorn is on a narrow ledge on the edge of the Great Chasm. He inches around a bend.]] Agorn, thinking: One more bend, and maybe I'll be at the bridge. 'Less this ledge gives out on me, or.. [[A closeup of his head.]] Agorn, thinking: Or.. [[The ledge widens out a bit, and in the wide spot is a large nest with two blue eggs in it. Sitting on one of the eggs is the Gnoll Furphy, facing away from where Agorn watches.]] Friday , June 15 , 2012 [[On a narrow ledge on the edge of the Great Chasm. Agorn approaches Furphy the Gnoll, who is sitting on a large egg in a nest.]] Agorn: Furphy. Furphy: . . . Furphy: I'm- Agorn: Yes yes You're not really here. This isn't happening. [[Agorn points.]] Agorn: And that bein' the case, you.. won't gripe if I just toddle on by. Furphy: Don't step on any /eggs/ you might see. Agorn: Right. [[Agorn goes past, and works his way on down the ledge.]] Agorn: . . . Furphy: . . . Agorn, thinking: Spose I'm biased, but what really worries me is that.. I suspect he just acts crazy.. Furphy: . . . Mind the gap sir. Whatever's down there.. that's pretty real. Saturday , June 16 , 2012 [[Agorn is on a ledge on the edge of the Great Chasm. He has reached a spot where the ledge has crumbled away. Graffiti on the wall marks the spot as THE GAP. An arrow points ahead to LAST BRIDGE + SNEECHES, and one points back to BLOOMSCAVE.]] Agorn, thinking: Sure enough. [[He hops over the gap.]] [[He has reached the Sneech-end of the Last Bridge. The windows and archway in the wall show blast damage. A large squared off stone sits in the middle of the bridge, with something written on it. A large pot sits to either side of the stone, with something growing in it.]] Agorn, thinking: Hoo rah. Sunday , June 17 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Chunner has closed his eyes.]] Cully: . . . Crud: zzz [[Something resembling a stereotypical desert island floats by.]] Cully, thinking: I shouldn't have come here. I should have taken Skuy and gone.. somewhere. Chunner: zz Crud: zz [[Cully closes his eyes.]] Cully, thinking: The forest? No. There must be.. Somewhere Else. That's my goal, Skuy. Find it, and if you're willing, we go there. Together. I promise. Chunner: zzz Crud: z.. Monday , June 18 , 2012 [[Agorn arrives at the Last Bridge over the Great Chasm, on the side with the Sneech den. He reaches for the spear held on his back. A large block reads in Manglish HERE THERE BE SNEECHS. Two pots have plants in them.]] Agorn: snif snif Agorn, thinking: So.. buncha Ghasts last came thru here. Maybe that one I "talked" to. No Humans. No Sneeches. Agorn, thinking: So again. Do I go report in, go hide in a hole, or go back and ask the boy what the bloomscave is? [[He starts across the bridge, holding his spear ahead of him.]] Agorn: sigh Tuesday , June 19 , 2012 [[The Last Bridge over the Great Chasm. Agorn approaches the "Basement end", which is guarded by Varuna, a female Gnoll, and an unnamed Ichyoid.]] {{He is called Argus, tho that is almost certainly not his real name.}} [[Agorn halts in front of the armored station Varuna occupies.]] Agorn: Varuna. Varuna: Agorn. snif. Agorn: . . . Agorn: I'm not a Sneech. Varuna: No, but you, like those Ghasts, have been /hobnobbing/ with them. Wednesday , June 20 , 2012 [[At the Basement end of the Last Bridge. Agorn stands before bridge-guard Varuna, who is a female Gnoll.]] Agorn: If by that you mean I was in the Sneech den, then yes. Agorn: I did not meet any Sneeches, or pick up or touch anything. Agorn: Except the /ground./ So can I proceed? Varuna: . . . Yes. Of course. [[Agorn stalks past her and her fellow Ichyoid guard.]] {{The Ichyoid's co-workers call him Argus.}} [[As Agorn goes past, Argus's face-tentacles react to something.]] Varuna: You tell that vile employer of yours that if the nobs keep poking around in there, the Sneeches /will/ someday poke back. Agorn: I'll pass that along. Argus: / / / Thursday , June 21 , 2012 [[Agorn has crossed the Last Bridge over the Great Chasm, and walks away from guards Varuna the Gnoll and "Argus" the Ichyoid. Ahead of him is an large open archway, flanked on either side by equally large branches of the Tree. An E family crest carved in the wall overhead has been painted over with the words CRESCENT HALL.]] [[Agorn looks up at this.]] Agorn, thinking: Sneeches ever do come, they'll be the first to get it, and nobs fight to live here. Agorn, thinking: Least my.. boss ain't that stupid.. Friday , June 22 , 2012 [[Agorn walks away from the Last Bridge over the Great Chasm. On the wall is painted in large letters CRESCENT HALL CHASMVIEW ENTRANCE. Ahead is a closed metal door with no handle, and three shuttered windows, one above the next.]] [[As he approaches, the lowest window ((CLANGs)) open, and another Gnoll looks out.]] Scibile the Gnoll: Who goes.. oh. 'lo Agorn. Agorn: Hey, Scibile. Scibile: Sorry, even if yer here officially, can't let ya in. Lock down, crisis mode, yadda yadda. Agorn, pointing ahead: No worries. I'm just Passin' Through. Scibile: Doubt ya /just/ do anything, but thanks. Agorn: Sure. So.. "Crisis". Been outa touch all day. What'm I walking into here? [[He ((JABs)) ahead with his spear.]] Saturday , June 23 , 2012 Narration: One recap of events later.. [[Agorn is at the sealed Chasmside Entrance to Crescent Hall, and is talking to his fellow Gnoll Scibile, who is the door-guard.]] Scibile: ..Oh, n' Cerbis said Skibble said "somethin' weird's" happenin' down at the Observatory. Not sure that's "news". Agorn: . . . Scibile: But now.. it's gotten reeaal quiet out there. Agorn: ...So. Is Rhid /dead/? Scibile: Dunno. Maybe. Agorn: ..And these "giant Nomes".. Motihaul-sized, were they? [[He makes a height-measuring gesture.]] Scibile: Dunno. /You/ see some? Agorn: Yeah. May have been the same ones, even. Didn't linger. [[He goes on past the door.]] Agorn: Gotta go. Scibile: Figured. Watch yer back. Agorn: Thanks and thanks. You too. Sunday , June 24 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Cully has his eyes closed, Chunner is asleep. Crud's eyes are open.]] Chunner: zzz Crud: . . . [[Crud looks towards Cully.]] Crud: . . . Crud: . . . Crud: . . . Chunner: zzz [[Cully opens his eyes. A red chess/warboard piece and a bed-like object with long bending legs float by overhead, unnoticed.]] Cully: . . ? Cully: Mr. Crud? I thought you were asleep. Crud: I believe I was. Crud: But I also believe I need to be awake again. For a moment. Monday , June 25 , 2012 [[Near the Chasmside entrance to Crescent Hall, Agorn walks towards an open doorway which is labelled STAIRS. He holds his spear high, and the hitchhiking Gem glows.]] [[He walks down the stairs.]] [[He walks down more stairs. Graffiti starts appearing on the walls.]] [[He approaches another open archway which is labelled MORE STAIRS. A large notice painted on the wall reads SNEECHS + PALES, with an arrow pointing back the way he came. The graffiti is thick now.]] Tuesday , June 26 , 2012 [[Somewhere in the general vicinity of Crescent Hall, Agorn reaches a sort of landing. On his spear, the Hitchhiking Gem glows brightly. Stairs labelled DEPTHS go down, while ones called HOME go up. There is graffiti all over the walls. All dialogue is internal.]] Agorn: OK. Got a choice. Agorn: I crawl down into a nice safe hole, or I go up. Report in. Agorn: . . . Agorn: What the zark is /wrong/ with me today? I'm /not/ hidin' in any zarking hole! [[With a loud CLUNK, the gem falls off the spear.]] [[Agorn bends over.]] [[He straightens up, holding the Gem in puzzlement.]] Wednesday , June 27 , 2012 [[At landing in a stairway complex, somewhere near Crescent Hall. Agorn is holding the Hitchhiking Gem.]] Agorn: Oh, this is phizzin' /great/! I musta "stolen" you from the Sneeches! Agorn: So, what? Take you back? Zark that! Agorn: I gotta.. [[A closer look at the door of a hopper mounted in a nearby wall.]] Agorn: Oh.. Oh ho. Yes! Perfect! [[He goes to the hopper, and sets down his spear.]] [[He opens the hopper with a ((CLANG)).]] [[He tosses the Gem in, and it falls down a waiting shaft.]] Thursday , June 28 , 2012 [[On a landing in a stairway complex, somewhere near Crescent Hall. Agorn lets the wall-mounted hopper he has just used swing shut with an ((UNCLANG)), as he also reaches for his spear.]] [[He heads for the stairway going up, labelled HOME.]] [[He disappears out of sight up the stairs.]] [[A stalagmite-shaped object in the foreground silently makes a minute adjustment to itself, accompanied by a bit of green light.]] Friday , June 29 , 2012 [[Agorn holds his spear at the ready as he climbs a set of switch-backing staircases. The walls are covered with notices and graffiti. Strange devices poke into view. A branch of the Tree is visible at the bottom.]] [[The hitchhiking Gem falls down a narrow shaft, bouncing off a bit of padding attached at a strategic point. In a side chamber, a Fuzz of some sort holds a small torch and confronts a collection of colored spikes, each labelled with a vowel.]] Saturday , June 30 , 2012 [[Agorn has finished coming up some stairs and is now walking along a sloping corridor. Signs on the wall point to HOME and back to THE SNEECHES and THE DEPTHS.]] [[He approaches an opening out onto another corridor.]] [[An archway is ahead of him. On the wall around it is a collection of arrows pointing the way to various Halls.]] [[He turns to the left, walking past more arrows and Hall names.]] Agorn, thinking: What a relief. Civilization. Sunday , July 1 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Chunner is asleep. Floating debris make a rough Canadian flag.]] {{Posted on Canada day.}} Cully: What is it? What's wrong? Crud: Before.. that object of Protus's.. to where did it actually send you? Chunner: zzz Cully: . . . Cully: I went to.. here. In the future. I met a beautiful giantess. And a Human. They're big Nomes. He gave me.. something to use when things get.. /really/ bad. Chunner: zzz Crud: Mm. Like Othar. I did wonder. Thank you. Cully: I didn't tell Mr. Chunner- Crud: And you should not tell anyone else. I think. [[A small flying saucer floats past, trailing a banner reading ALL'S WELL THAT ROSWELL.]] Cully: The Human also said- Crud: No. No no. Don't tell /me/ any more. That was all I needed. Good night.. Cully. Cully: ..Good night, Sir. Chunner: zzz Monday , July 2 , 2012 Narration: A short walk later.. [[Agorn enters Time Hall. The Fountain spews in the foreground. The floor is blackened. There is no one else in sight.]] [[A close-up of Agorn's face, as he looks around.]] [[He goes to the entrance to Root Hall. Still no one in sight.]] [[He enters and turns to one side.]] Agorn, thinking: ...Real quiet.. Tuesday , July 3 , 2012 [[Inside Root Hall. Agorn knock on a door labelled 7-GRAFTED in Manglish.]] ((BANG BANG BA-BANG)) [[A hatch in the door ((CLUNKs)) open, and Enchiridon the Eyebolt looks out.]] Agorn: . . . Enchiridon: . . . [[Enchiridon disappears back out of sight with an ((UNCLUNK)).]] [[The door ((CLANGs)) open.]] [[Agorn goes inside. Enchiridon is there, sitting in a mobile chair. A Fixit-type hat sits on the back of the of chair.]] Enchiridon: Word will be sent you have arrived. Please wait over there. In the usual place.. Agorn: 'lo, Enchiridon. [[Agorn is sitting on a sort of bench. There is a convenient hole in which he has stuck his spear, and a bowl of eatables to one side; he helps himself.]] ((UNCLANG)) Wednesday , July 4 , 2012 [[Inside Root Hall. Agorn is sitting on a bench. Opposite him is Hypothimia the Scrutineer Eyebolt, at her desk. Beyond them is a closed door. She is clearly upset about something, and glares at the desk surface. Agorn munches on a supplied eatable.]] [[Agorn holds his morsel up.]] Agorn: Congrats to the growers; they've made the blobwart slices even /more/ bland and tasteless. Hypothimia: The less you blather, Agorn, the less time I waste having to record it. Thursday , July 5 , 2012 [[In Root Hall. Agorn sits opposite Hypothimia the Eyebolt, who is glowering at her desk.]] Agorn, thinking: . . . Agorn, thinking: ..does she really want me to shut up, or is this some new reverse-Scrutineer-thing, cuz it sure makes me want to.. [[He pops the rest of his blobwart slice in his mouth.]] Agorn, thinking: Eh. Rule Two remains in force. Whenever there's any kinda doubt.. shut up. [[He looks towards her.]] Agorn: . . . [[Hypothimia looks up as he speaks aloud.]] Agorn: What's wrong? Friday , July 6 , 2012 [[In Root Hall. Hypothimia the Eyebolt at her desk.]] Hypothimia: What's /wrong/? Hypothimia: Chauncy and Edgar are loose, the Elevator's been burning, and now they're saying the Humans are back. [[Agorn sits on a bench opposite.]] Hypothimia: And instead of being with my mate and younglings, I have to sit here and record you, and your employer, and Comshaw's squalid little schemes. Agorn: . . . Agorn: . . . Agorn: I th- [[The door behind and between them ((CLANGs)) open, revealing Peripatet the Eyebolt escort, in his wheeled cart.]] Peripatet: This way, please. Behind them is a door.]] Saturday , July 7 , 2012 [[In Root Hall. Agorn gets up from the bench on which he has been sitting. Peripatet the Eyebolt watches from his wheeled cart.]] Agorn: Just a tic, Peripatet. Peripatet: Of course. [[Agorn crosses the room to where Hypothimia the scrutineer is sitting at her desk.]] Agorn: Here's something to write down n' file away. Agorn: Got your official scribbler all ready? Agorn: Yeah. Sometimes Chauncy and Edgar come through your door, and you lose your mate and your "youngling". Hypothimia: Your mate isn't d- Agorn: /There's more than one way to lose folks./ Sunday , July 8 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Bits of debris and Snapperchomps swim out of sight. Cully closes his eyes.]] Chunner: zzz Crud: zzz [[The last of the fish disappear. Cully opens his eyes.]] Cully: . . . Cully: "Like Othar"? Chunner: zzz Crud: zzz [[He closes his eyes again. The shaft water is empty.]] Cully: Mr. Crud? What did you.. Cully: /sigh/. Cully: Tomorrow. Chunner: zzz Crud: zzz Monday , July 9 , 2012 [[In Root Hall. Agorn is talking to Hypothimia the Eyebolt Scrutineer, who is at her desk.]] Agorn: We lost each other. And our whelp has.. I dunno.. run off to some far cave and left his body behind? Nah. That's not it. [[Peripatet the Eyebolt listens.]] Agorn: But you pick yerself up, and get on with life. Do what you can to make things better. [[A closer view of a window-like object on the wall.]] Agorn: Even if it's just askin' what's wrong, when the /tactical/ thing to do is clamp your snout. [[Agorn turns away from the desk.]] Agorn: Be seeing you, I 'spect. Tell ol' Brimborion you love 'im, if you do. Tuesday , July 10 , 2012 [[A corridor in Root Hall. Agorn follows Peripatet the Eyebolt, who is in his wheeled cart which goes ((klikataklikataklikata)) throughout. Behind them, a door ((UNCLANGs))]] Peripatet: This way, please. Agorn: . . . Agorn: Oh kay. [[They move along.]] Agorn: snif snif Agorn: So who was the Trog with Comshaw? Peripatet: "Skradt". evidently. Agorn: The one who works for Nevus. Peripatet: Insufficient data. [[Behind them on the wall a sign reads REMONTADO/DECIDED SHE HAD HAD O/ NUFF SHAFT FOLDERAL/ AND SO OFF SHE WENT AND UPROOTED US ALL.]] Agorn: /You're/ not mated, right? Peripatet: Glossolalia and I continue to hammer out an Understanding. Wednesday , July 11 , 2012 [[Agorn and Peripatet the Eyebolt walk along a corridor in Root Hall. A female Eyebolt goes by in the opposite direction. She has a box on her cart, and is wearing, evidently, a Fixit.]] [[They walk past a door labeled SKRITCH POD 204]] [[A sudden blast of Weirdness comes from behind the door, turning the scene to full color for one panel.]] [[Agorn pauses, Peripatet keeps moving.]] Agorn: Did we just.. experience that? Peripatet: We most officially did not. Thursday , July 12 , 2012 [[Agorn and Peripatet the Eyebolt proceed along a corridor in Root Hall.]] [[Peripatet stops his wheeled cart near a closed door.]] Agorn: What's not wrong now? Peripatet: We have arrived at our destination. [[The door ((CLANGs>. open, revealing darkness and a collection of sinister looking objects lurking in the shadows.]] Friday , July 13 , 2012 [[Agorn and Peripatet the Eyebolt are outside a darkened chamber, somewhere in Root Hall. Agorn looks at the ominous devices inside. A sign the wall reads LEAVE WEAPON HERE]] Agorn: Um.. Agorn: Yeah. Agorn: No. I ain't goin' in there even /with/ my spear. [[He faces Peripatet, spear at the ready.]] Agorn: Does this mean we're gonna have tr- [[The door ((UNCLANGs)), while a small panel mounted on the wall ((CLANGs)) open enough to reveal a crack.]] [[An Eyebolt voice speaks from the crack.]] Voice: So. You do have a brain, Mr. Agorn. Good. Voice: Thank you, Peripatet. We'll take it from here. [[Peripatet has gone.]] Agorn: He starts pushin' with his feet, he can really make that cart move. Voice: Indeed. He regularly "cleans up" at the races. Saturday , July 14 , 2012 [[In Root Hall. Agorn is talking to a mysterious Eyebolt voice through a slightly-opened panel in the wall.]] Agorn: "Races"? Voice: They are highly clandestine, and held after-hours down on the lower levels. Voice: If anyone in authority were ever to notice, there could be consequences. Agorn: Mm. Learn somethin' every day. But that's not why I'm here. Voice: No. You were diverted to discuss your illustrious employer. Agorn: Gettin' this from all sides today. Voice: This may come as a surprise, Mr. Agorn, but we are not all complete idiots. Voice: We.. some of us.. are aware of what you all are doing Voice: And we actually, in broad strokes, /approve/. Sunday , July 15 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. Cully's eyes are closed. A glowing object pokes into view from one side.]] Chunner: zzz Crud: zzz [[It is revealed to be the "tongue" of an enormous glowing fancy-finned fish. This creature swims silently past the pods. Cully does not open his eyes. On the side of the fish is sort of written 9 YEARS.]] Chunner: zzz Crud: zzz [[The fish swims on. Its tail spells WOO HOO!]] Cully: zzz Chunner: zzz Crud: zzz Monday , July 16 , 2012 [[Inside Root Hall. Agorn is talking to a mysterious Eyebolt voice through a panel in the wall.]] Agorn: That's nice. You want me to pass that along, do you? Voice: I leave it to your discretion. The reason you are here is that, due to said approval.. [[The action cuts to a different room, but their voices "narrate". A small object falls out a tube suspended from the ceiling, ((BLOOMPs)) off a padded surface, heading for a waiting hopper to which is attached a bell and a light. A sign on the wall reads DROP STATION E/ RECORDS]] Voice: You, Mr. Agorn, have been granted class Eight status. Agorn: ...Really. Voice: Yes. Really. An official Chit has been dispatched to Records. [[The object lands in the hopper with a ((CLUNK)), causing the bell to ((DING)).]] Voice: ...Where. I'm sure, it is being rapidly Processed even as we speak. Agorn: ... I'll have to go /confirm/ this. [[A male Eyebolt appears, in a chair, holding a wrench-like device.]] Voice: Of course. And no, my name will not be on the Chit. You have now for the first time heard my voice, and yes, smelled my scent. Any more you will have to work out on your own. Tuesday , July 17 , 2012 [[In Root Hall. Agorn is talking to a mysterious Eyebolt voice through a panel in the wall.]] Agorn: Class Eight. No more escorts. Voice: Yes. Some sectors of the Hall are still closed to you, but you are free now to come and go. Agorn: And what do /you/ get outta this, "Mr. Muckymuck"? Muckymuck: You carrying on your work. Muckymuck: /And/.. if you do learn anything that is of immediate interest to Root Hall.. Muckymuck: ..somebody will always be here to hear it. Agorn: . . . [[Outline of Agorn meeting Mortimer in the Sneech den, amidst the Ferns.]] Agorn: . . . Humans are real. Met three of 'em, other side of the Chasm. Look like double-sized Nomes. Muckymuck: Thank you, Mr. Agorn. Wednesday , July 18 , 2012 [[In Root Hall. Agorn is talking through a panel in a wall to an Eyebolt he has named Muckymuck.]] Agorn: So. If we're done here, I should go.. report in. Muckymuck: Yes, normally Agita would be counting the moments until your arrival. Agorn: . . . Agorn: "Normally." Muckymuck: Things have been hectic in your absence. Muckymuck: She even had Comshaw stopping by for an after-hours visit. [[Outline of Agorn covertly observing Comshaw in the Forest of E.]] Agorn: . . . Agorn: Comshaw? He's.. Agorn: He n' I ain't in the business of checkin' in with each other. [[Outline of an Eyebolt covertly observing Comshaw and Skradt in Root Hall.]] Muckymuck: ..possibly to discuss the subject of /hats/. Agorn: . . . Agorn: Hats?? Thursday , July 19 , 2012 [[In Root Hall. Agorn is talking to "Muckymuck" the Eyebolt through a panel in the wall.]] Muckymuck: You have an opinion on the subject, then? Agorn: . . . Agorn: Hats either protect your head from somethin', or they're useless. [[Agorn starts to leave.]] Agorn: Be smelling you. Muckymuck: You do not wish an Escort down to the Confirmation Pod? [[Agorn keeps walking.]] Agorn: Oh no. I trust you. [[A shot of the panel cracked open.]] [[The panel ((UNCLANGs)) shut.]] Friday , July 20 , 2012 [[In the depths of Root Hall, an unnamed male Eyebolt ((CLICKs)) along in his wheeled chair, carrying a small container in a clamp-like tool. On the wall behind him is a sign reading EXTRACTION CLAMPS, with a pointing arrow, and the word RECORDS.]] {{His name is Symposiarch.}} [[His hand extends the container towards one the the aformentioned clamps.]] [[The clamp firmly ((GLOMPs)) onto the container.]] [[The clamp ((KLIKs)) the container's lid up, revealing a small chunk of something on which marks are scratched.]] [[Symposiarch looks at the markings.]] Symposiarch: Huh. [[He ((POKEs)) the chunk with his tool, and it ((CRUMBLEs)).]] Symposiarch: This will attract some eyeballs.. Saturday , July 21 , 2012 [[Deep in Root Hall, an unnamed male Eyebolt ((CLICKs)) his wheeled chair along. On the wall behind him is a sign which reads MISSIVE INSCRIBERS along with an arrow and the word RECORDS.]] {{His name is Symposiarch.}} [[He comes to a setup which has objects stacked on small shelves, and topped with an angled spike. He reaches for one of the stored objects; a lid.]] [[He jabs the spiked lid into a waiting white cylinder.]] [[Using the spike, he ((SCRITCHes and SCRATCHes)) markings onto the cylinder.]] [[The cylinder/lid combo is ((CLICKed)) into a larger container.]] [[The container is placed in a waiting tube with a ((FOOMP))]] Sunday , July 22 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A small glowing strand floats in the water above Cully.]] Cully, Chunner and Crud: zzz [[The view zooms in on the strand.]] Cully and Chunner: zzz [[Closer still. The strand sprouts sub-strands at one end.]] ((bip bip bip)) Cully: zzz Monday , July 23 , 2012 [[Somewhere in Root Hall, a container sits in a tube labeled GRAFT-ROOT EDGE. From off-panel comes ((SCRITCHing)).]] ((tic toc tak)) [[The container gets ((SHOOMPed)) up the tube.]] [[The container travelling up the tube. Other tubes are visible, currently empty. A sign in an alcove reads H.E.F.Y.?]] {{Hot Enough For You?}} [[The other end of the tube, with a bell and the label RECORDS.]] [[The container arrives.]] ((THUMP DING)) [[A hand reaches for the container.]] Tuesday , July 24 , 2012 [[Somewhere in Root Hall, in a darkened space, a female Eyebolt sits in a swiveling chair and opens a container which has arrived via pneumatic tube. Dim shapes are visible behind her, covered with writing.]] ((POK)) {{Her name is Pulvinar}} [[She examines the scratches on the small cylinder attached to the container's lid.]] Pulvinar: . . . [[She swivels around to where a spike waits, attached to the end of a jointed metal arm.]] [[She uses the spike to ((SCRATCH and SCRITCH)) marks onto a much larger cylinder, which already features a collection of them.]] Wednesday , July 25 , 2012 [[Somewhere in Root Hall. A female Eyebolt has just finished scratching significant marks onto a mounted drum, using a jointed spike. She ((crunches)) on the small cylinder she is holding.]] {{Her name is Pulvinar}} [[She hears or senses a ((barely audible)) noise.]] [[Crunching the rest of the cylinder, she turns her seat so she is looking into a periscope-like device, using her antenna to adjust it.]] Pulvinar, thinking: uh /huh/ [[The cylinder lid gets tossed into a waiting receptacle.]] Pulvinar, thinking: Events proceed apace. Thursday , July 26 , 2012 [[A corridor in Root Hall. Agorn walks along, carrying his spear loosely. A shuttered opening is mounted in the wall ahead.]] [[The shutter ((CLANGs)) open, revealing a female Eyebolt and dim shapes beyond.]] {{Her name is Pulvinar.}} Pulvinar: ATTENTION! Pulvinar: You now depart the Rooted Zone! Pulvinar: You now enter the Grafted Zone! Pulvinar: Prepare to deploy your personal illumination device! [[Agorn looks at her.]] Agorn: . . . Pulvinar: Just hold up your spear, newbie. [[Agorn does so, and off-panel something ((clinks)) against it.]] [[Agorn walks on, a lantern hanging from the tip of his spear. A set of signs repeating Pulvinar's dialogue are mounted on the wall.]] Agorn, thinking: What the zark. I choose to be amused. Friday , July 27 , 2012 [[Agorn walks along a darkening corridor in Root Hall. He carries a lantern which hangs from the tip of his spear.]] [[He comes to a T-junction. Signs point to AGITA and ALL OTHERS.]] [[He approaches Agita's receiving room.]] [[He is inside the room. Flibbergib the Eyebolt sits at her desk in the gloom; her desk-lamp provides some light. Agorn waves to her.]] Agorn: Hello, Flibbergib. Flibbergib: Agorn? You're- Agorn: Alive. Yes. Saturday , July 28 , 2012 [[Inside Agita's darkened receiving room. Flibbergib the Eyebolt watches as Agorn ((PLOPs)) down his lantern.]] Flibbergib: Miss Agita is- Agorn: Busy, like always, I 'spect. [[He leans his spear against her desk and walks closer.]] Flibbergib: She is in private conference. Agorn: Mm hm. [[He reaches over the lip of her desk for something.]] Agorn: Still, I also 'spect she'll want ta hear my report. [[He pulls forth a blank writing-slab.]] Agorn: I'll just wait here, 'til she has some time to spare. Sunday , July 29 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is dark and filled with water. A glowing strand swims upward.]] [[It swims some more.]] [[It reaches an upper wall of the shaft, where it possibly pauses. A narrow tunnel leads into the wall. Various objects are attached to the wall: glowing lights, a layered stack, and a mounted prong. Nearby looms a comparatively large pipe-like object.]] Monday , July 30 , 2012 [[In Agita's darkened receiving room. Agorn has taken a seat, leaning against the front of Flibbergib the Eyebolt's desk. She looks down at him as he holds a lantern in one hand, and a writing slab in the other.]] Flibbergib: I'll.. see if I can get a message to her. Miss Agita. Agorn: Thank you, Flibbergib. [[He has placed the lantern in his lap, so it shines on the tablet, which he begins to ((scritch)) at with a digit-tip. Off panel, Flubbergib does something which makes ((clacking)) noises.]] Tuesday , July 31 , 2012 [[In Agita's darkened receiving room. Flibbergib the Eyebolt ((KLAKs)) her chair-back into position, while Agorn leans against her desk and scratches at a writing tablet with a digit-tip.]] Flibbergib: You've.. been out in the forest all this time? Agorn: I took the long way home. But yeah. [[Outline of Mortimer and Yasmine talking in the Forest.]] Flibbergib: Were any of those horrible hat-things out /there/? Agorn: . . . Hat-things. Nope.. no hats sighted. [[Outline of a surprised Fixit bouncing on floor, after being bapped by Comshaw. Skradt's feet are visible.]] Flibergib: It was on Ogdoad. Comshaw /killed/ it. Or.. or it killed itself, I guess. [[She stares ahead.]] Flibbergib: And now.. I don't know /what/ Miss Agita's going to do! Agorn: ..work things to her 'vantage, I spect. Wednesday , August 1 , 2012 [[In Agita's darkened receiving room. Agorn leans up against Flibbergib the eyebolt's desk, scratching at a tablet.]] Flibbergib: Did you hear about.. everything else? Agorn: Think so. The Elevator. Chauncy and Edgar. Nevus n' the Council. Giant Nomes. Flibbergib: . . . [[Agorn fiddles with the lamp he was carrying.]] Flibbergib: They're saying something's happened with.. to.. the Gibber. Agorn: Mm. That's a new one. Thanks. [[The lamp turns off]] [[Agorn closes his eyes.]] Agorn: Wake me if there's 'nother fire, wouldya? Flibbergib: Um.. of course. Thursday , August 2 , 2012 Narration: Around and About.. [[Bung the Gobule sleeps, along with the small plant given to him by Faddle the Gnoll.]] Bung: zzz Plant: zzz [[Tuft the Gobule and Dap the Gnoll sleep in their alcove. Odum the Troglodyte sleeps out of sight, hanging from the roof.]] All: zzz [[Clochard and Anathama the Gnolls sleep in a nest.]] Both: zzz [[Squeeb the small Wyrm lies on a stone floor amid bits of rubble.]] Squeeb: xxx [[Closeup of Faddle. looking concerned. The room is tinged yellow, and a crystal grows out the wall above.]] Faddle: !!! Friday , August 3 , 2012 Narration: Some Place [[The place is yellow-tinged, and has crystals either growing out of or mounted into the stone walls.]] Faddle, thinking: Think I finally shook 'em off. Faddle, thinking: Why'd I even come here. Wuz goin' /home/. [[He climbs a jagged cliff.]] Faddle, thinking: Exit's just there. I get outta this zark-hole and /never/ talk about- [[He reaches the top and finds at least two female Gnolls waiting for him. Their faces are out of sight. One carries a staff with one of the crystals mounted on it.]] Faddle: . . . Faddle, aloud: /Ohh/. Now I /gettit/. Fine. Let's get this phizz over with. [[Faddle is sleeping a nest with several female Gnolls, all with long light hair, and wearing collars with a round object mounted on the front. The females all look pleased. Faddle does not.]] Saturday , August 4 , 2012 [[Inside Agita's darkened receiving room. Flibbergib the Eyebolt sits at her desk. Agorn leans against it, his eyes closed. All of Fliibbergib's dialogue is internal.]] Flibbergib: . . . Flibbergib: . . . Flibbergib: "Her advantage." [[Her antenna flash a little.]] Flibbergib: The world's turning upside down. It's not just those weirders. I can /sense/ it Flibbergib: And when that happens.. /Someone's/ going to get squashed like a trundleb- [[With a ((CLICK)) the lights turn on.]] Sunday , August 5 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[A glowing strand has swum up the flooded shaft to a small tunnel leading into the wall, guarded by various protrusions, one resembling a trident. A comparatively huge pipe-like object looks nearby.]] [[A blast of magic/power blasts off the fork, arcing to another protrusion, repelling the strand and blocking the tunnel. Bubbles form at the pipe's mouth]] ((FZAPP)) [[The strand is ((SLLURRPed)) into the pipe. Another protrusion turns from red layered to green.]] Monday , August 6 , 2012 [[Inside Agita's receiving room. Agorn leans against Flibbergib the Eyebolt's desk.]] Agorn: Ah. Agita, off-panel: Mr. Agorn, I presume. [[Agita has appeared.]] Agorn: Ma'am. Agita: Ah indeed. I was beginning to wonder if I had finally found an assignment even you couldn't complete. [[Agorn has gotten up. He hands her a tablet on which he has been scratching.]] Agorn: Took the long route home, Ma'am. Agita: Mm. [[Agita's hand holds the tablet. On it is scratched in Manglish "BEEN PROMOTED TO CLASS-8 ROOT-SPY".]] Agita: Refresh my memory. Agita: The long route from /where/ exactly? Tuesday , August 7 , 2012 Narration: Previously, following an auction... [[In the Forest of E. Nevus ((SPROINGs)) onto Mimsy the Gnoll's head.]] Nevus: ...That being the case, I shall gather my retinue and depart. [[They walk past Agita.]] Nevus: What /you/ choose to do is, as always, your affair. Agita: . . . [[She turns to go as well, opening her umbrella. All dialogue is internal.]] Agita: Fine. Agita: Very well. Agita: For a certain value of 'depart'.. [[They witness a giant off-panel flash of light, accompanied by a ((PROZ)).]] Nevus: Yup.. definitely time to be going. Wednesday , August 8 , 2012 Narration: Previously, in the Forest of E [[Agita, Nevus and Mimsy arrive at the former auction security perimeter. Agorn, Capper the Gobule and Orfis the blindfolded Troglodyte are here.]] Nevus: All right. Orfis. Let the word go forth. We are leaving. Now. Orfis: ... Yes, sir. [[Capper approaches Nevus.]] Capper: Where'z Mr. Guttle? Nevus: Waiting for you, Capper, in yonder clearing with baited breath. [[Agorn faces Agita.]] Agorn: You OK, Ma'am? Agita: As noted, I am going home, Mr. Agorn. Thursday , August 9 , 2012 Narration: Previously, in the Forest of E [[Agorn, Agita, Nevus and Mimsy the Gnoll walk along.]] Agorn: A Saur ran past, outta the site. Agita: Snerk. We leave /him/ to his devices. Nevus: Mimsy. Take a note. Soon as we get back, I want to find- [[A rainbow-beam of magic shoots into the sky beyond the distant trees. They look in silence.]] [[Orfis the blindfolded Troglodyte arrives.]] Orfis: What? I don't smell or hear anything. Agorn: Outta range. RiverFire. Beam into the sky. Probably that Pit thing. Friday , August 10 , 2012 Narration: Previously, in the Forest of E [[Nevus, Mimsy the Gnoll, Agita and Agorn look skyward. Orfis the blindfolded Troglodyte stands nearby.]] Agita: The "Pit" is not between us and the tunnel home, correct? Agorn: Right, Ma'am. [[The beam of magic shoots skyward in the distance.]] Nevus: So we just get the Zark out of here. Agita: For once, I concur. [[They proceed along in silence.]] [[Shona appears in front of them.]] Shona: Oh, Mr. Nevus! There you are! Thank the Brush! Saturday , August 11 , 2012 Narration: Previously, in the Forest of E [[Shona faces her employer Nevus, who is riding on Mimsy the Gnoll.]] Shona: I've got all sorts of /important news/! Nevus: . . . Fine Shona. Over there. [[They all go off, along with Orfis the Troglodyte, leaving Agita and Agorn alone.]] Agita: Since we're having private conferences.. Agorn: Ma'am? Agita: I have a assignment for you. It is dangerous, but does not involve any of these.. displays.. we've all just witnessed. Agorn: Good to hear, Ma'am Sunday , August 12 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[A glowing strand has been sucked into a pipe. The jointed pipe runs up a shaft in near darkness, attached at various points to the walls. Attached to the "ceiling" is a replica of pointing hand labelled "SINISTER+1". A small wheeled object stands at the head of another shaft running off to one side; the object shines a light up at the pipe.]] {{Homage to the Mars Curiosity probe.}} ((gurgle)) [[The pipe joins several others running to a hub labelled LUDWIG'S AUTOMAGIC FLOTSAM/JETSAM SORTING MACHINE. Three outgoing pipes are marked with indicator lights.]] ((cliunk bobble bobble)) [[One of the indicators lights up green.]] ((click)) Monday , August 13 , 2012 [[In the Forest of E, Agita gives orders to Agorn.]] Agita: Make a dignified departure from our merry little band. Return to the clearing.. Agita: Avoiding, of course, Guttle.. [[Mortimer in the former World O' Pots basement, covered in Sploo.]] Agita, "narrating": Pick up the trail of our auctioneer: A double-sized Nome with hair like.. a finagler's. Carrying a bag of fleebs. [[Outline of Mortimer kissing Agita.]] Agita: His scent, I imagine, is still clinging to me? Agorn: Yes Ma'am. [[A ways off, Shona gives a report to Nevus, witnessed by Mimsy the Gnoll and Orfis the Troglodyte; her dialogue is inaudible.]] Agita: Follow him. Learn what you can. Do not engage him. In the unlikely event you are spotted, withdraw. [[Outline of Agorn later standing at the edge of the new crater in the Forest.]] Agita: How long, how far, I hear you ask? Agita: I'll leave that to your expert discretion. Agorn: Yes, Ma'am. Narration: Previously, in the Forest of E Tuesday , August 14 , 2012 [[In Agita's receiving room. Agita flips over the slab she is holding, while rummaging in her pocket. Flibbergib the Eyebolt watches the conversation.]] Agita: Oh yes. It all comes back to me. And what happened next? Agorn: Dodged Guttle n' Capper. Agorn: Followed the.. Nome guy. [[Agita has produced a sharp tool and is ((skritch))ing on the tablet.]] Agita: The current consensus is that he is in fact a Human. Agorn: ...Right. [[Outline of Agorn kneeling at the edge of a hole in the forest.]] Agorn: ... Followed his scent to a big hole in the ground. Didn't see it, but from the marks, I'd wager he fell in. Agita: Hm. From my regrettably limited interaction with him.. this comes as little surprise. Agita: Since you would have been back much sooner if he died.... [[Outline of Agorn watching from behind a bush as Mortimer is carried by his brother Rufus and his mysterious acquaintance Eunice.]] Agorn: When he came back out, he was still knocked out, or somethin', And bein' carried, by two more Humans. Agorn: Male n' female. Wednesday , August 15 , 2012 [[Outline of Mortimer being carried through the Forest of E by his brother Rufus and the mysterious Eunice.]] Agorn: Both youngish lookin'. Same as the auction guy. Female had.. rustmoss hair. Male's was black. Agita: A mated couple, perhaps? Agorn: If Humans are like Nomes.. inside.. no. They were /arguin'/. Not just mate- squabblin'. Agita: Mm. I bow to your more extensive knowledge on the nuances. [[Outline of "Dorian's hut" in the Forest, with its surrounding repeller poles.]] Agorn: Ma'am. They carried him to a.. you know what a "hut" is, Ma'am? Agita: A collection of walls and a ceiling, exposed to the sky. Yes. [[Outline of the Spike looming above the trees of the Forest, with the sun overhead.]] Agorn: Yeah. Put him inside, went off direction of the ravine. Still.. blattin' at each other. Agorn: Think I heard mention of the Spike. Agita: Oh, /dear/. Thursday , August 16 , 2012 [[Outline of a stylized Forest of E, with Humans literally chewing their way through the ground away from the Spike, as witnessed by various forest dwellers: a Saur, a Gnoll and a Nome.]] Agita: So, Humans are Nomes who lingered too long in the shadow of the Spike, and are now spreading out across the forest? Agorn: Difficult to say, Ma'am. Agita: Indeed. And not immediately important. Continue, please. [[Outline of a "repeller pole".]] Agorn: All 'round the hut were those repeller poles. Same ones 'round "God's Cactus'. That big stone-? Agita: Where the other new tunnel goes. Yesyes. Giving you a whole plethora of reasons to not venture inside. [[Outline of Yasmine Fotheringby.]] Agorn: No Ma'am. Waited, n' finally Human /#4/ came 'long, from pretty much where 2 and 3 went. Agorn: 'Nother female. Wore a hood., carried a staff. Or maybe a pokin' stick. Friday , August 17 , 2012 [[Outline of a female Gnoll recoiling from a repeller pole.]] Agita: Wait.. you're saying these Humans all just walked right past the repellers. Agorn: Yeah. Cept Ms. Hood. She did the usual spit-test on one of 'em first. [[Outline of Agorn watching Mortimer and Yasmine's conversation in the Forest of E.]] Agita: Hm. Intriguing. Agorn: Anyway. She went in, n' the auction guy woke up, n' they came out, talked awhile. Couldn't hear what about, but.. [[Agita continues to ((skritch)) on the slab she is holding. Behind the two of them is a large cactus.]] Agita: Yes? Agorn: They weren't arguin'. He gave her the sack', n' she went off sorta towards God's Cactus. [[Outline of Comshaw, Niddle and Ig the Saur in the Forest.]] Agita: And.. the "auction guy"? Agorn: Well.. right 'bout then, Comshaw n' Niddle showed up with some Saur, so I hadta make myself extra-scarce. Agita: Yes. Of course he did. Saturday , August 18 , 2012 [[Outline of a helmet-wearing Rhid standing over a small smoking crater.]] Agorn: They all went the same way. Ended up at a big hole. 'CeptI think it was one of them.. quick holes. Craters. Agita: Yes. Like Rhid was so fond of producing. [[Outline of Agorn watching a bright light in the Forest of E.]] Agorn: They all went down in, cept the Saur. Then /'nother/ Saur showed up, bein' chased by one of those shark-things. Agorn: They went in too, n' there was a big white flash. Not like the others. All quiet. [[Outline of Agorn climbing down a ladder, looking at the top of a second ladder leading further down.]] Agorn: They were all gone. Even the first Saur. Sight n' smell. Agorn: I went down, Found a shaft, a ladder, went down more.. [[Agorn in a rubble-choked passageway.]] Agita: And there was still no sign of them. A twistpoint no doubt. Agorn: Ended up in the Sneech den. Didn't see any Sneeches. Spent the rest of the day gettin' back to the Chasm. Sunday , August 19 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts. [[A green tube runs up a narrow shaft, hooked to the walls at various points. Various protrusions are attached to the walls as well.]] [[The tube runs up some more.]] [[The tube ends at a glass container resembling a lava lamp. There is an indicator light attached. The shaft opens out into a larger space.]] [[The container fills with a dose of water, as well as the glowing strand. The light turns on.]] ((SHOOMP PING)) [[A male Gnoll looms into view, eying the strand.]] Gnoll: . . . Gnoll: Huh. {{His name is Impavid.}} Monday , August 20 , 2012 [[In Agita's receiving room. Agita reviews what she has written on the slab she is holding. Flibbergib the Eyebolt listens to the conversation.]] Agita: But you did eventually reach and cross the Chasm, and here we are. Agorn: 'Pears so, Ma'am. Agita: With much to think about. [[She shows the slab to Agorn.]] Agita: But events have proceeded apace in your absence, and I, as always, have competing demands on my time. Agorn: . . . [[His view of the slab. The message reads: NOTED. / NOW: WITHDRAW FROM SOCIETY. TOMORROW: RESURFACE. [a drawing of a Fixit] HATS WITH EYES: ALIVE. HOSTILE. SPEAR ON SIGHT. EVEN WORN BY *ME*.]] Agita: ...and no doubt you'll want to go get some rest. Agorn: Sounds good, Ma'am. [[He turns to go.]] Agita: There may be follow-up questions tomorrow. Agorn: Imagine so, Ma'am. Tuesday , August 21 , 2012 [[Agita's receiving room. Agorn departs, using his spear to hold up the lamp he was given. Flibbergib the Eyebolt and Agita watch him go.]] Flibbergib: But, Miss Agita, what did y- Agita: Flibbergib. Do you know Agorn's most attractive attribute, apart from his general competence? [[Agita ((SSSCRRRAAAPPEs)) the tablet she is holding along the edge of Flibbergib's desk.]] Fliibbergib: ..No? Agita: He so very seldom wastes my time asking frivolous questions. Wednesday , August 22 , 2012 [[A corridor in Root Hall. Agorn approaches a wall-band which divides the general color scheme between "gray" and "yellowish". A metal shutter covers an opening the wall ahead. On the wall is mounted two large signs: ATTENTION YOU NOW DEPART GRAFTED ZONE/ YOU NOW ENTER EGRESS ZONE. PREPARE TO DEPLOY YOUR PERSONAL BREAKING DEVICE.]] [[The shutter ((CLANGs)) open, revealing a female Eyebolt.]] {{Her name is Purlicue}} Purlicue: ATTENTION! Purlicue: You now depart the Grafted Zone! Purlicue: You now enter the Egress Zone! Purlicue: Please return your personal illumination device! [[She takes the lamp off the tip of Agorn's spear.]] Purlicue: Thank you. Purlicue: Have a productive day. [[The shutter ((UNCLANGs)) as Agorn walks on. Two more signs read ATTENTION YOU NOW DEPART EGRESS ZONE YOU NOW ENTER GRAFTED ZONE/ PREPARE TO FACE SCRUTINIZATION AND JUDGEMENT.]] Agorn, thinking: Withdrawin' from society soundin' better all the time.. Thursday , August 23 , 2012 [[In the Egress Zone of Root Hall. Agorn walks past a row of small shutters. None of them are open. A large sign reads THE BEGINNING OF THE END.]] Agorn: . . . Agorn: What? No questions /at all/? [[Close up of a shutter. It remains closed.]] [[Agorn goes on, holding his spear more at the ready.]] Agorn, thinking: Not good. Not good at all. Friday , August 24 , 2012 [[In the Egress Zone of Root Hall. A door ((CLANGs)) open in front of Agorn, as he proceeds along with his spear.]] [[Beyond, he is in a low corridor. The door ((CLANGs)) behind him.]] Agorn, thinking: Wonder if that last snoop in the menhir is on duty this time a'night. [[He is outside, looking at the "menhir", a standing stone, as a large block ((RUMBLES)) up into place behind him.]] [[Seeing the front view. The words YOU HAVE LEFT ROOT HALL are painted on the menhir. The interior of the O is an open hole. From the lower edge drips a reddish stain.]] Agorn, thinking: Guess not. Saturday , August 25 , 2012 [[Just outside Root Hall, Agorn looks at a menhir. All dialogue internal.]] Agorn: Waita minute. ((snif)) [[A closeup of the hole in the menhir, which is dripping a purplish stain.]] Agorn: That ain't blood Agorn: Stainbulb phizz Agorn: Why'd someon- Agorn: !! [[He ducks, and an arrow just misses hitting him.]] Agorn: Getchata standn gawp, yazarkin moron. Sunday , August 26 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 32g [[Imbosk the Gnoll sits on a chair on a ledge amidst towers of stone which are studded here and there with empty glass bulbs. He looks up at Impavid the Gnoll, who is out of sight above. A glowing sign reads WATERWORKS]] ((click clack)) Imbosk: Long day. What is it this time, Impavid? ((CLAMP)) Impavid: I'm afraid I haven't a clue. [[Impavid descends into view, sitting on a chair attached to a scissor-like support hanging down from above; he controls his movements with a lever on the chair. He is younger than Imbosk. There is a water-filled bulb clamped in between his legs. In the bulb is a glowing strand. Sign changes to ON THE LEVEL.]] ((KA-CHUNK KA-CHUNK)) [[He stops before Imbosk. Sign = SLIPPED US THE FIN]] Impavid: How about you? Have knowledge you're willing to share? Imbosk: Well well. I do believe that's a fish-strand! Monday , August 27 , 2012 [[Outside the exit of Root Hall, Agorn crouches behind the shelter of a standing stone, and looks at the arrow which was just shot at him, now laying on the ground.]] Agorn: snif Agorn, thinking: Huh. [[He looks behind him.]] Agorn, thinking: Came off the overhang.. [[He looks down.]] Agorn, thinking: So over the side. Yeah. [[He slides down a steep slope, holding his spear aloft.]] [[His feet hit the ground below.]] Agorn: oof [[He proceeds along quickly.]] Agorn, thinking: So, who paid em? Muckymuck's got enemies, you can bet. Or Agita.. yeah. Could be. Set it up awful quick.. or they waitin' /all day/ for me? Narration: Back at the "overhang".. Archeress Gnoll: BOWBING ZARK! That wasn't the Target at all, that was /Agorn!/ AG: We're DEAD! Her female associate: Whaddaya mean, "we"? {{Their names are Fanga and Shabash.}} {{RIP Harry Harrison and Phyllis Diller}} Tuesday , August 28 , 2012 [[Agorn hurries across a bridge over a sea of stalagmites or artificial spikes. A half-broken light overhead provides some illumination. A solitary branch of the Tree pokes up at one point. The bridge supports are numbered 1 through 4, and one is additionally labeled with the E family symbol. ]] Wednesday , August 29 , 2012 [[Agorn hurries along a dimly-lit corridor. Beyond, around a bend, can be seen a branch of the Tree and a closed metal gate, the latter labeled with a sign reading FRINGE GATE 54 and a Basement Council symbol. On the wall beside Agorn is various bits of graffiti. One is a large fanged face with the words 1 2 3 4, 4 WONDERFUL BRIDGE SUPPORTS AH AH AH. Further along is a bird-headed figure, and then words ONE GIANT LEAP.]] ((RIP Jerry Nelson and Neil Armstrong}} [[Agorn stops by the bird-figure and looks back the way he came.]] [[He ((SCRATCHes)) and ((POKEs)) at a light patch on the wall.]] [[A hidden door in the wall ((WHEEZes)) open a bit.]] Thursday , August 30 , 2012 [[Agorn waits in a dim corridor as a hidden door slowly ((WHEEZs)) open.]] [[It rises high enough for him to step into the darkened space beyond.]] [[The door gives up and ((CLANGs)) shut.]] [[Agorn stands in a nearly dark space.]] [[A small light is just visible across the room.]] [[It's a kerosene-type lamp; he turns the control and it brightens. It's sitting on a table.]] Friday , August 31 , 2012 [[Agorn is in a room lit by a oil lamp sitting on a dusty table, against which he leans his spear. Also on the table is an orange and black box. A drawing of a pot is attached to one wall. There is also an actual low pot with the letter P on its side and a plant growing out of it, a chair sitting on top of a chest of drawers and a padlocked cabinet.]] [[He sees something on table.]] Agorn: ! [[Written in the dust is SHE THOUGHT YOU WERE SOMEONE ELSE, along with the shape of a feathered arrow. All of this is surrounded with small footprints.]] Agorn: . . . [[He wipes out the message with his hand.]] Saturday , September 1 , 2012 [[A chair on top of a chest of drawers in a dimly-lit room. Agorn is off-panel.]] ((sss)) Agorn: aah [[He comes into view.]] [[He opens one of the drawers and reaches inside.]] [[He is now sitting in the chair, with his spear at hand and his feet propped up on a nearby table. He is sucking fluid from a straw attached to a bulb.]] ((FOOSH)) Sunday , September 2 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 32g [[Impavid the Gnoll sits on a chair attached to a hinged support running up out of sight. Imbosk the Gnoll sits in a chair on a ledge of a rock tower. Around them are empty glass bulbs. Between Impavid's legs is a water-filled bulb with a glowing strand. A glowing sign on the wall reads THE KRAKEN WAKES]] Impavid: A.. "fish strand"? Imbosk: Yes. There's this type of, well, large fish that they say lives waaay down in the.. hm. [[The sign changes to IN A JAM/ VJ-1]] Impavid: What? Imbosk, what? Imbosk: If we got one.. there must have been flooding again. Sometimes we're lucky we're bottled in here. Impavid: If you say so. [[The sign changes to WORK TOIL GRIND]] Imbosk: But anyway. These "Dreamfish", they.. shed off these strands, which are.. sort of alive. /Why/.. go wake up Ignavia and ask for a theory. Impavid: Yyeah. Maybe in the morning. Do we have some place to forward this? Imbosk: Oh yes Imbosk: This is one that has a standing order. Monday , September 3 , 2012 [[Agorn is sitting on a chair in a dimly-lit room, holding a bulb of liquid. Off-panel, a door ((UNFOOSHes)).]] [[Digger Odel comes into view.]] Agorn: Welcome home. Boss. As home as you ever get. Digger: Lad. Agorn: Is Rhid dead? Digger: Nay. Agorn: Everyone else OK? Flibbergib said the Gibber... Digger: All fine. Last I know. [[A closer look at Digger.]] Agorn: ... Good. Agorn: Agita found out 'bout the Fixits. Comshaw told her, seems. Digger: Aye. He is telling everyone it seems. Tuesday , September 4 , 2012 [[Agorn is in a dimly lit room, giving a report to Digger.]] Agorn: So anyway. Turns out the mystery auctioneer is /Mortimer/. The Human. The doof Skibble talks to? Digger: Aye. [[An outline of one of the Zorper's blasts in the Forest of E.]] Agorn: Didn't get a real look at what he was sellin', but it makes big flashes that go ZORP and PROZ. Don't seem to kill folks. [[Outline of Agorn and Capper the Gobule watching Snerk ((ZIP)) past them.]] Agorn: A Saur name of Snerk won it. Or least ran off with it. [[Outline of Agorn in the hole in the forest exchanging looks with "Terpsichore" the Scalpsucker.]] Agorn: Agita had me follow him. Mortimer. He fell in a hole. Agorn: Didn't tell Agita I went down the hole after him... Agorn: Not cuz of the scalpsucker.. Wednesday , September 5 , 2012 [[Outline of Agorn in the storeroom in the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Agorn: Cuz the hole led into a room. Smelled nasty. Kinda..dunno.. like that grit the Ghasts use ta pen Dornbeasts. Agorn: N' it was all stacked up with boxes n'.. crates n' phizz. Human. Still sealed. [[Outline of Agorn looking at the WoP shopbot.]] Agorn: Got through that.. n' there was a metalmin. A whole, workin' metalmin. Looked sorta like an Ecadem, with wheels, n' its head on its stinger. Agorn: Least.. think it was workin'. Its eye-thing was glowin'. Agorn: N' that was just the start.. Thursday , September 6 , 2012 [[Outline of Agorn probing with his spear at the cloakring in the former basement of the Eetown World O' Pots.]] Agorn: After the metalmin was a.. big thick line. Floor, walls, ceiling. Marked with shapes. Felt.. weird. Can't splain any better. [[Outline of Agorn walking past a collection of former WoP merchandise.]] Agorn: Then hallways full of more Human phizz. Intact. Stuff I ain't seen before. Agorn: Can't let Agita or the other nobs near it. 'Specially if we've lost all of Rhid's stash. Digger: Aye. Mortimer? [[In a dimly lit room, Diggers "home", a collection of drawings are posted on the wall: Sylvester, labelled EYEPLATES, Mortimer, labelled MORTIMER, Rufus, labelled SNOOP ONE-HEAD, The Weirdo, labelled SNOOP TWO-HEAD, and The Woman of Mystery, labelled CLAWBLASTER.]] Agorn: He got into somethin', left a can't-miss trail. Followed it, n' almost met him bein' lugged by two more Humans. Agorn: One of them was Snoop One-Head. Think I heard the other call him "Rufus". Agorn: She's youngish. Rustmoss hair. Not the Clawblaster. Friday , September 7 , 2012 [[Outline of Mortimer getting zapped as Rufus watches.]] Agorn: Anyhow. Mortimer wasn't dead, just out. Don't think it was the fall. [[Outline of Agorn watching Rufus carry Mortimer out a doorway.]] Agorn: Had to hang back, but followed 'em to the real exit, a door n' all. Agorn: They were arguin' the whole way, somethin' about the Spike. [[An Outline-map of the section of the forest where much of the Endless Day's action occurred, including the auction site, the Pit, Dorian's hut, and the tunnel to the Basement.]] Agorn: There was a hut right there, with repellers all 'round, n' they left 'im there, went off towards, yeah, the Spike. [[Outline of Agorn holding a bloom from a bush, looking back at something off-screen.]] Agorn: Waited for Mortimer to wake up or whatever, rubbed some puffbloom on me to cut that grit smell.. Then things got /interestin'/... Saturday , September 8 , 2012 [[An outline-lineup of Mortimer, Rufus, Eunice, and Yasmine, with various measures attached; Yasmine is set apart in a category of her own.]] Agorn: Second female human turned up, comin' /from/ the Spike. Wore a.. whatchum.. like a candle monk, hood. Had a staff. Told Agita about her. Agorn: What I didn't say.. this one.. name's "Yas-meen", guess. She was.. /different/ than all the others. Somethin'.. not quite a smell.. can't explain it. [[Outline of Mortimer sending off a flutterby, watched by Yasmine and then Agorn.]] Agorn: She spit-tested the repellers, went inside, came back out. Then Mortimer, who was walkin' on his own. Agorn: N' he.. did something to.. with.. a flutterby. It went zoomin' off somewhere. Never seen one move so fast. Agorn: Think Yasmeen was 'prised as me.. Sunday , September 9 , 2012 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 32g [[A row of glass bulbs mounted in the "ceiling" of the shaft, all empty. Each has a rod beside it, and a unlit indicator. Impavid the Gnoll's hand reaches up and removes the last one with a ((CLICK)).]] Imbosk the Gnoll: It goes in tower three, level two, cluster six, socket five. ((KA-CHUNK KA-CHUNK)) Impavid: This one here? Imbosk: Indeed. [[The socket for the removed bulb stands empty.]] Imbosk: It connects to somewhere quite high up in these Shafts of ours, I gather, but where exactly... [[Impavid has installed a bulb in which is water and glowing strand.]] Impavid: Yeah, yeah. Ask Ignavia. [[He pushes up on the appropriate rod, and the water/strand are ((SLURPed)) out of sight.]] Impavid: Maybe I even will, if I get desperate enough for entertainment. Monday , September 10 , 2012 [[Outline of Agorn in the Forest of E, behind a chunk of rubble, listening to Mortimer and Yasmine's off-panel conversation about Spyders, Flutterbys, Schmetterling, Niblung, and Frederick.]] Agorn: After that, they talked bout phizz I didn't understand t'all. Did drop 'nother name.. "Fred-rick." Someone Mortimer knows. [[Outline of Yasmine heading towards the Mansion.]] Agorn: He gave her a fleeb-sack.. had it down below, musta got it from the auction, n' she went off towards the Mansion. [[Outline of Mortimer meeting Frowgler and Thrash the Pale.]] Agorn: He sorta wandered off in 'nother direction.. and.. we get ta 'nother part I didn't tell Agita. Agorn: Cuz, surprise, You-Know-Who turned up. Looked like he'd been in a fight or somethin'. One of his horns was busted. Agorn: Had a couple-three Pales in tow, led by one of those hardcases with the extra head-bits. Tuesday , September 11 , 2012 [[Outline of Agorn behind a bush in the Forest of E, with inaudible dialogue coming in.]] Agorn: With both a Pale and YouKnow there, hadta hang way back, so I dunno what they talked 'bout. Agorn: Course, YonKnow probably knew I was there anyway. [[Agorn in a chair in Digger's hideout.]] Agorn: . . . Agorn: ..spose /you/ could go ask him. Digger: Aye. [[Outline of Agita and Agorn in the Forest.]] Agorn: But when they were done, they went off different ways, and Mortimer had an umbrella. Agorn: Sun-blocker thing. Like Agita's? Digger: Aye. [[Outline of Mortimer looking at his umbrella, which is displaying power.]] Agorn: Only, it ain't like Agita's at all. Agorn: It.. again.. dunno.. stood out. Somethin' special 'bout it. Later, when.. well.. get to /that/ inna minute.. Wednesday , September 12 , 2012 [[Outline of Agorn watching Boffin the Gnoll and Ig the Saur from behind a bush.]] Agorn: Next to show up was Comshaw. Had Niddle with him, n' a Saur. Agorn: Think it was Ig, the one useta work with Boffin. [[Agorn flips the corner of the pot-depicting paper tacked to the wall.]] Agorn: sigh.. thought at the time, 'gain, wish we could bring ''im in, Comshaw. Tell him the truth 'bout phizz, what hap- Digger: Nay. Agorn: Yeah. Yeah. Someday. tho. When this is all over. Agorn: They followed Mortimer, I followed them, n' there was a "crater", all big n' fresh.. Thursday , September 13 , 2012 Narration: One crater recap later.. [[Outline of Agorn climbing down a ladder.]] Agorn: ..n then.. I climbed down inta the hole I found. Agorn: Stupid, but.. I think now.. yeah.. I was bein' nudged by somethin'. [[Outline of Agorn sliding down an angled shaft.]] Agorn: Goin' got harder. Finally slipped.. fell.. fell some more.. [[Outline of Agorn lying on ground, with Ferns around him.]] Agorn: I was in the zarking Sneechnest. Big space /fulla/ plants like that one in the Death Hall. [[Outline of Mortimer with his glowgem and umbrella, Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Agorn: N' the Humans were there. Mortimer 'gain. N' his Special umbrella, which was glowin'. N' his two.. whatever they were. Friday , September 14 , 2012 [[Outline of Sylvester in the MoE Sneech den.]] Agorn: Pretty sure one of the others was "Eyeplates". Mortimer said his name's "Silvester". Guess Skibble was right 'bout that. Looked.. youngish. [[Outline of Agorn watching from behind a bush as Umboz and his brother Frotz have a discussion in the Forest of E.]] Agorn: N yeah, if Humans are like Nomes, from the smell.. they're littermates. Or somethin'. Oh.. forgot.. I think Rufus is too.. None of the gals are. [[Outline of Agorn eying Rosemary as slips away from their Sneech-den meeting.]] Agorn: Which leads to the other one. "Nother new female. "Rosemary", like the forest-plant, guess. Saturday , September 15 , 2012 [[Agorn in Digger's "home".]] Agorn: First off.. you, specially, know how it is. Some folks, you can just tell are.. all scary. [[Outline of Pliskin the Gnoll and Strode the Motihaul.]] Agorn: Don't mean "crazy scary", like Pliskin, or whatsersnout, that fem gillsider with the hammer. Digger: Strode. Agorn: Yeah. Aye. [[Outline of Comshaw confronting Thrash the Pale in the Forest of E.]] Agorn: But folks who can take a fight. Comshaw. Those Pale Hardcases 'gain. [[Outline of the Can-Opener.]] Agorn: "Rosemary's" one. Plus, she's got a stabber, never seen it before. Sorta like the ones the Pales use. But..more so. Agorn: It was special 'gain. Sunday , September 16 , 2012 [[A collection of water-pipes run upwards in the SubShafts, one of them carrying the 'fish-strand'.]] ((gurgle)) upside down [[The pipe goes on, past a battered-looking Fixit, one of whose feet is a spike-replacement.]] ((glub)) upside down {{His name is Oblix}} [[The pipe feeds into a device labelled O-ZONE 2374 MULEDSPNCR. Two identical objects are attached to the device's underside. A panel on the device lights up.]] ((PING)) Monday , September 17 , 2012 [[Outline of Eunice, Yasmine and Rosemary lined against a scale running from NORMAL to ABYNORMAL (sic)]] Agorn: N beyond all that.. she was nother one like Yasmeen. But even moreso. [[Outline of red-tinged room covered with growths, being worked by an adult male Gnoll and a young male. An adult female comes from one side, with a blue-tinge around her.]] {{This is probably a young Agorn and his parents.}} Agorn: It's like.. huh.. rustmoss. Ya work down in an r-moss cave, it gets inta everything.. Agorn: Someone comes in, been over in the sweet-moss, they.. don't fit. [[Outline of Camora with Hax riding on her head.]] Agorn: Only.. like I said? This /ain't a smell/. She smelled like a Nome, mostly.. N Camora...? Tuesday , September 18 , 2012 [[Outline of Rosemary confronting Villipend the Trog; Villipend is mostly obscured by a mist coming in from the side of the panel.]] Agorn: Yeah, I'd say Rosemary n Silvester spent time with Camora today. N.. maybe some Trog. Dunno who. [[Outline of Mortimer, who is the source of the "mist".]] Agorn: Can't say more, cuz Mortimer was still reekin' with that grit-smell from the Forest hole. Even you no-nose types woulda got a snoutful. Digger: And Silvester? [[Outline of Anathama the Gnoll, with evil Sylvester and Woman of Mystery shadows sprouting behind her.]] Agorn: Him? He was.. just sorta there. Spite Anathama's tales bout him n the Clawblaster. [[Outline of Agorn proceeding along the main corridor of the Sneech den, with one of the resident towers nearby.]] Agorn: Mortimer seemed to be in charge, but, again, left soon as I could. Found myself out in that main tunnel. Agorn: Skibble's your Sneech-prober, but..now I think bout it.. it was all real quiet n dark.. Wednesday , September 19 , 2012 [[Outline of Hopobefever walking past Agorn in the Sneech Den.]] Agorn: Up 'til that fem-Ghast came bustin' through a wall. Agorn: Way she was lookin', thought she was gonna kill me. But she just went past, told me to.. go 'way. Agorn: So I did. Real quick. [[Outline of Hopobefever's Little Floaty Thing, with various measurements around it.]] Agorn: N yer gonna wanna know who she was. Dunno. Rhid's the one who tells the wall-lickers apart. All smell alike. Agorn: But her floatything was a big triangle pointin' down, two little circles. [[OUtline of Hopobefever with the Operator as her "shadow".]] Digger: Hopobefever. Agorn: Oh. Yeah. Works for the Council? Didn't..somethin' weird goin' on with her, too.. Agorn: Like I say, didn't stick around to find out. Thursday , September 20 , 2012 [[Outline of Agorn facing a rubble-choked passage in the MoE Sneech den.]] Agorn: Which was.. tough. Cuz I got off the main passage. Or it petered out.. Agorn: Everything's all blocked off n' piled with phizz. [[Outline of the hitchhiking Gem clinging to Agorn's spear.]] Agorn: N.. while pryin, I think, a piecea that phizz 'ttached itself to my spear. Like a glowgem, sorta, but not. [[Digger looks at the shaft of the spear.]] Digger: What did you do with it? Agorn: Huh? Oh. Tossed it in a s-shaft hopper. [[Outline of Agorn prying away the last obstruction blocking his way to the Great Chasm.]] Agorn: But that was later. First, finally got to the zarking Chasm. Agorn: N then the bridge.. Agorn: Varuna n Argus were on duty, like usual. Friday , September 21 , 2012 Narration: Following further recaps.. [[Outline of Agorn newly arrived in Digger's "home".]] Agorn: N then I came here, used yer P-pot, drank some of yer water, n reported in. [[The spot on the table where Agorn wiped away the dust.]] Agorn: Oh. N yer tabledust.. 'long with makin' flipper-prints, said.. maybe, the arrow-shooter thought I was someone else. [[Agorn ((sliurps)) water from the bulb he has, as Digger stands below.]] [[Sylvester's sketch on the wall, next to a hutch with a mobile-like object mounted above it.]] {{The mobile has "repellers" on its arms.}} Agorn: So, after I do up pics of these new fem-Humans, am I done for the day? Digger: Aye. Thank you, lad. Saturday , September 22 , 2012 [[In Digger's 'home', Digger looks at some pieces of paper, while Agorn stands nearby.]] Agorn: So, that everything? Digger: Aye. Agorn Then I'll be goin'. Digger: . . .Safer to stay here. [[Close-up of Agorn.]] Agorn: Yeah. Well. The.. table's usually right, so likely no one's tryin' to kill me. Directly. Agorn: N' there's somethin' I need to do, 'fore I reRoot myself tomorrow. [[Digger's eye view of the papers, on which are draw pictures of the female Humans Agorn encountered previously in the day.]] Agorn: Personal. Nothin' with you, or the Humans, or zarkin' God. Digger: . . . Digger: All right, lad. [[Agorn starts to leave.]] Digger: . . . Digger: Actually.. nay. since we speak of Root Hall..There is one more thing.. Sunday , September 23 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The fish-strand is inside a/the O-Zone 2375 MULEDSPNCR. A display on the wall reads FISH COVER.]] ((BOOBLE BOBBLE BLUP)) [[One of the lights on the 2375 switches off, the other switches on. An additional light turns on next to one of the two objects hanging below. A display on the side of the object lights up as well. Display changes to DO RE MI]] ((PING FLUSH)) [[Both lights on the 2375 switch off with a ((KLUNK)). The illuminated object begins to ((WINCH)) towards the sloped floor below, hanging from a flexible cable. Display changes to IN THE BAL ANCE]] Monday , September 24 , 2012 [[Inside Digger's 'home'.]] Agorn: Somethin' you want me to do tomorrow? Digger: Perhaps. [[Outline of Agorn talking to "Muckymuck" the Eyebolt.]] Digger: ?Muckymuck.? he say he be approving of the work /Agita/ does, or what /your boss/ does? Agorn: I dunno. it was.. "Your boss", I think. No. Wait. Somethin' like "Lustrious Employer." Why? [[Agorn looks down towards Digger.]] Digger: Agita's work be getting more power for agita. Always has been. Roothallers be aware of this. Agorn: . . . [[Digger turns away. Agorn realizes something.]] Agorn: . . . Agorn: ! Digger: Good night lad. Be careful out there. Tuesday , September 25 , 2012 [[Agorn pauses inside Digger's 'home'.]] Agorn, thinking: So.. what, our enemy's maybe got himself some enemies with big nobby Roots? [[He turns to go.]] Agorn, thinking: Spect it ain't gonna make my life one bit simpler. [[He silently walks back across the bridge over the chamber full of spikes, past the signpost pointing to FRINGE, CIVILIZATION and SPIKES.]] Wednesday , September 26 , 2012 [[In a tunnel in the Basement, Agorn meets a male Gnoll who looks quite a bit like him, and carries a spear. Graffiti includes JA in an apple, and BURE FLUX.]] Agorn: Bromir. You m- Bromir: Would love to chat, Agorn, but I have reason to believe Sooterkin of Root Hall has hired Fanga and Shabash to assassinate me. [[Bromir walks on past.]] Bromir: That said, I hear Fuglemin gave you an upgrade. Congratulations, talk to you tomrrow in the Class Eight Nook, there's a good chap. [[Agorn walks on himself. Written on the wall is FLASH HEART]] Agorn, thinking: OK then.. Thursday , September 27 , 2012 [[Agorn in the Basement, emerging from an archway. Written around the arch are the names of various Halls, along with, barely visible, "OTHAR'S TREASURE VAULT".]] [[Agorn coming down off a stairway, going around a corner. It is vary dark,and the graffiti is mostly unreadable. One large word is DEPTHS, with a downward pointing arrow.]] [[Agorn walking past the closed door to Crescent Hall.]] [[He is on the edge of the Great Chasm, behind Varuna the Gnoll and Argus the Ichyoid manning their guard stations at the head of the Last Bridge.]] Agorn: Hey, Varuna. Me 'gin. Friday , September 28 , 2012 [[The Great Chasm. Agorn walks out onto the Last Bridge, past the guard station manned by Varuna the Gnoll and Argus the Ichyoid.]] Varuna: You're /going back/ to the Sneeches. Agorn: Nah. Not goin' anywhere near Sneeches. Near by my lights, anyhoo. Agorn: Just withdrawin' from society for the night. [[He pauses.]] Agorn: . . . Varuna: /What?/ Agorn, pointing at the pillbox she is manning: /Do/ ya ever get outta that zarkin' thing? Varuna: I'm not discussing security concerns with /you/, Agorn. Agorn: Fair 'nuff. Movin' on. Saturday , September 29 , 2012 [[The Great Chasm, on the Last Bridge, at Varuna the Gnoll's guard station.]] Agorn: Aaah, second thought, no. Agorn: If both our.. "careers?", yeah.. ever 'llow it, how 'bout you and I go do somethin'? [[Argus the Ichyoid looms silently in the background.]] Varuna: "Do something". Agorn: Nothin' /important./ Like.. bet you've never been to the fishin' grottos. [[Agorn demonstrates fishing-pole action with his spear.]] Varuna: . . . No. Agorn: Awen n' I useta do it, 'fore.. eh. It's fun. They got these "poles" ya can use, 'stead of- Varuna: Will you just /go?/ Agorn: Right. Seeya in the mornin'. [[He goes.]] [[Close up of Varuna.]] Varuna: . . . Argus: [Tell him yes] Varuna: Your input is duly noted, Argus. Sunday , September 30 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[A device labelled "O-Zone 2374 MULEDSPCR" sticks out from a wall. It has lowered one of two small objects to the slanted floor below via a flexible cable. A display on the wall shows a lemon and a branch.]] ((CLUNK)) [[The cable ((DE TATCHES)).]] [[The cable ((SHOOMPs)) back into the MULEDSPCR, which ((KLICKs)) off. The object below ((BEEPs)) and displays a new light.]] Monday , October 1 , 2012 [[In the gloom, Agorn walks back across the Last Bridge crossing the Great Chasm, arriving on the "Sneechside".]] [[He comes to the gap in the ledge running alongside the Chasm.]] [[He stops for a moment.]] [[He continues on along the ledge, his spear having been left behind on the far side of the gap.]] Tuesday , October 2 , 2012 [[Agorn has gone along the ledge alongside the Great Chasm, and arrived back at the wide spot where Furphy the Gnoll is sitting two large eggs in a nest. They look at each other in silence.]] [[Agorn edges past Furphy.]] Agorn: Scoot over, son. [[Agorn is now sitting on one of the eggs.]] Agorn:. . . Agorn: Make my head hurt, but.. why 'gain you think none of this is happenin'? Furphy: . . . Furphy: Because things keep changing. Not people-things like thoughts n'.. and opinions and matings. Furphy: But real things. Stone and iron and flesh. Today was.. bad. Wednesday , October 3 , 2012 [[Agorn and Furphy the Gnolls are sitting back to back on eggs alongside the Great Chasm. It is dark.]] Agorn: . . . There were plosions in the Forest. Humans are stompin' 'round 'gain. Furphy: No no. Yes. No. It's more than messages and species. Furphy: This mornin'... /everything/ was different. Furphy: The shapes /and/ the sounds. And we don't /remember./ [[Agorn thinks about this.]] [[He thinks about it some more, looking up and behind him.]] Agorn: Cept you? Furphy: No no. There are /others./ Thursday , October 4 , 2012 [[Outline of the Ooze known as The Observer in her cart, peering through a hole in the floor and making notes on a piece of paper.]] Furphy: The Observer is one. I've carried her messages sometimes. Furphy: She peers into her stretch of the River, and sees the Changes coming. [[Outline of the meeting between Noet the Ooze, Blit the Gnoll, and Vipthiboo the Ghast.]] Furphy: ...She did try to warn people today. [[Outline of Furphy listening to The Gibber.]] Furphy: The Gibber.. I think.. is another. Tho it.. he.. only talks about.. Agorn: ..What he wants to talk 'bout. Yeah. [[Agorn and Furphy, sitting back to back. Agorn points.]] Agorn: Scibile said somthin' 'bout, it's stopped talkin' at all. That one of your Changes? Furphy: ..I ..hadn't heard that. If people speak of it.. no. I guess. Friday , October 5 , 2012 [[Agorn and Furphy the Gnolls sit on large eggs alongside the Great Chasm.]] Agorn: Course.. Change ain't always bad. These of yours, makin' things worse, or just different? Furphy: . . . Furphy: I'm.. not sure sir. Agorn: N, is there anythin' we can do 'bout 'em right now? Furphy: . . . Furphy: I'm.. I don't think I've gotten that far. Agorn: Well, you need me, you.. usually.. know whereta find me. Furphy: Thank you, sir. Saturday , October 6 , 2012 [[Furphy and Agorn the Gnolls sit on large eggs alongside the Great Chasm.]] Furphy: ...Are you.. dying.. sir? Is that why you are here? Agorn: Not sick or anythin'. But.. yeah, phizz is gettin'.. messy at work. [[Outline of a grave with a Brush-symbol at the head. A spear leans against the symbol.]] Agorn: Someday I'll duck too late. Knew it when I took the job. Agorn: Glad you.. found your own path. Even if it led to.. yeah. [[Outline of the Basement depiction of the afterlife, with Agorn berating Furphy against a rainbow background.]] Agorn: Still, you be careful runnin' yer messages. If I outlive ya, we're havin' /words./ Furphy: But if we.. I'll try, sir. Sunday , October 7 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[A Strand-mule has disconnected from an overhanging MULEDSPNCR, and now powers up, with various bits extending from the body: a tail, nubs of wheels, and a head.]] ((BLIP)) [[The S-mule "exapands" further, producing a longer tail, full wheels and a head on the end of a neck.]] ((BLOOP)) [[The S-mule, being on an incline, goes ((ZOOMing)) out of sight, and ((THUDs)) against something.]] Monday , October 8 , 2012 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, Agorn and Furphy the Gnolls sit back to back on some large eggs.]] Agorn: So. 'long the same lines.. you seen your mother recently? Furphy: ... Furphy: Not.. really. [[Outline of a Gnollish hand holding a heart-shaped flower.]] Agorn: Mm. You should. Take her a bloom, tell her you love her. Specially after today. Furphy: ... Furphy: Have /you/.. been to see her? Agorn: Seen her 'round. [[A Gnoll holding a shattered Bloom.]] Agorn: ../I/ take her a bloom, it'd be a lie. Try not to spew those even at work. With folks I care 'bout.. no. Tuesday , October 9 , 2012 [[Agorn and Furphy the Gnolls sit back to back on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Furphy: You care. Agorn: Course. /Not/ the same thing as love. Agorn: Still got time to learn that yourself. [[Furphy glares.]] Furphy: I will never be makin'.. /making/ the trek to the Serene Shimmering. Ever. [[Agorn closes his eyes.]] Agorn: Yes, son. I know. Agorn: But 'gain, matin' n' lovin'.. not the same. [[Outline of Furphy eying Dandilli the Gnoll as she speaks.]] Agorn: Anathama and Clochard, fer instance, do all right. Furphy: Dandilli was the last. Ever. Agorn: Dand.. oh. Right. The one who went to the sub-Shafts. Wednesday , October 10 , 2012 [[Agorn and Furphy the Gnolls sit back to back on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Agorn: ... Agorn: These zarkin'' Changes... Furphy: Sir? [[Outline of an alternate Agorn and Furphy.]] {{The adult female Gnoll is Pergola; her relationship with the real Furphy, if any, is unknown.}} Agorn: ..we gonna turn round one day, n' Awen n' me'll still be together, poor ol' Denthir'll still be alive, you'll.. not still anything? [[Outliine of Dpebfo the Ghast and Fang the Ooze fighting.]] Furphy: I don't think.. that's the way it works. Even if nothing else.. death is real. [[They sit together.]] Furphy: But then.. so is love? Yes. Father. Agorn: Good to know. Thursday , October 11 , 2012 [[Agorn and Furphy sit back to back alongside the Great Chasm.]] Agorn: . . . Furphy: . . . Agorn: sigh. Agorn: Son? Furphy: Yes, sir? Agorn: Why're we sittin' on Jibjib eggs? [[Outline of a Jibjib carrying an envelope up to a pair of eyes lurking in a cave roof.]] Furphy: Eggs? Oh. I.. we.. are guarding them for Snurge. And Scumble. I owed them a favor. They helped me deliver a message. Agorn: Ah. Do I needta be gone when they get home? Furphy: Oh no. They will be.. impressed you are here. I think. Friday , October 12 , 2012 [[Agorn and Furphy the Gnolls are sitting back to back alongside the Great Chasm, on a Jibjib nest.]] Agorn: Am I gonna need my spear? Furphy: Spear? Oh. No. Egg bandits are opportunistic snatchers. Usually. [[Agorn thinks about this.]] [[He thinks some more.]] [[His position has shifted slightly, and his now holding his spear.]] Agorn: ssigh.. Saturday , October 13 , 2012 [[Agorn and Furphy the Gnolls are sitting on Jibjibs alongside the Great Chasm. Agorn has his spear.]] [[He looks up at something.]] [[It is a pair of Jibjibs flying past. All of Agorn's dialogue is internal.]] Agorn: Paira Jibjibs. Is that.. Nah. Met "Scumble" that time. Agorn: N' that ain't quite how I 'member.. her.. lookin'.. Agorn: . . . [[Closer look at Agorn's face.]] Agorn: Did that.. change.. somehow? Agorn: double sigh. Guess there is somethin' to do about it. Tell Digger. Sunday , October 14 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts. [[The Strand-Mule has zoomed off a slope and butted up against a square object with an antenna and a display on the side. The display reads in both English and Manglish: 3300. Subdisplays show lines]] [[The S-Mule backs up and looks at the block. The subdisplays change to arrows pointing away from the S-Mule]] [[The S-Mule charges forward and ((RE-THUDs)) against the block. The display changes to WOO.]] [[The S-Mule pushes the block with a great ((SSCCRRAPE)). Display= HOO!]] Monday , October 15 , 2012 [[Agorn and Furphy the Gnolls sit on eggs alongside the Great Chasm. The cliff that Agorn climbed down previously is visible in the background. A brown Jijbjib can just be seen fliying past. All of Agorn's dialogue is internal.]] Agorn: 'Ssuming I live to see him 'gain. Agorn: N' probably knows all 'bout it already. Agorn: But that's tomorrow, if it ever comes. Agorn: I'm done for today. Tuesday , October 16 , 2012 [[A male and female Jibjib fly above the Great Chasm,heading for an enormous cluster of stalactites hanging from the ceiling.]] ((They are named Ruck and Smew)) [[A closer look at one of the holes in the side of the cluster. A few letters are just visible on the hole's lower lip.]] Wednesday , October 17 , 2012 [[Ruck and Smew the Jibjibs arrive at a hiole in the side of a cluster of stalactites hanging above the Great Chasm.]] [[Ruck, the male, goes in first. Inside is a large nest.]] [[He lands in it, followed by Smew.]] [[Ruck places his head on a ledge.]] Ruck: . . . Ruck: We're here. Thursday , October 18 , 2012 [[Smew and Ruck the Jibjibs are in a nest above the Great Chasm. Smew watches Ruck, who has his head resting on a ledge.]] Ruck: ... Ruck: um.. Sir? [[A small Wyrm appears from the feathers on Ruck's head.]] {{This is Zugo, who has previously appeared.}} [[Zugo ((SPROINGs)) onto the ledge. He has a pack or basket strapped to his back.]] Zugo: Thanks. [[He heads off.]] Zugo: Wait here. Ruck: Right. Sir. Friday , October 19 , 2012 [[Ruck and Smew the Jibjibs are in a nest above the Great Chasm. The Wyrm they brought here (Zugo) has just departed. Ruck has his head on a ledge.]] Smew: Ruck? Did you hear any name when we piclked him up? Ruck: No., Smew. Don't think so. Smew: He's not.. Nevus? Didn't you give him a Lift once? Before we paired off? Ruck: Yeah. No. Their head-thingies /are/ kinda alike. [[Outline comparing Zugo and Nevus.]] Ruck: But this one's big. For a Client. Ruck: His body, I mean. No one's bigger than Nevus. Smew: I wonder sometimes... Ruck: Plus he said /thanks/. Saturday , October 20 , 2012 [[Ruck and Smew the Jibjibs are in a nest above the Great Chasm.]] Ruck: Sorry.. Wonder about what? Smew: I dunno.. it's just.. [[Outline of Nevus atop a collection of Fleebs and glowgems.]] Smew: Nevus has lotsa Fleebs and glowgems, and phizz but.. Smew: He's right out in the open. And there's.. just him. Smew: These Ring-things of the Clients.. they're /all over/. We keep doing Lifts to new ones. Smew: And I don't think anyone else even knows about them. We're paid to not get snoopy, but.. whadda they /do/ in there, in the dark? Ruck: . . Like you say. I dunno. Sunday , October 21 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The strand-Mule is pushing a square device along the floor. The device's display reads HOLD.]] ((SSCCRRAPE)) [[More pushing. The display changes to WAIT.]] ((SCCRRAAAPPE)) [[The display changes to DEPLOY, and a lower part of the device shoots forward like a cash register drawer opening.]] ((SCRRAAPPE)) [[Still more pushing. Display reads HOLD2]] ((SCRRAPPPPE)) Monday , October 22 , 2012 [[Ruck and Smew the Jibjibs are in a nest above the Great Chasm. Ruck has his head on a ledge.]] Ruck: We could try and find a "normal" Wyrm to ask, instead of a Client. Smew: Nah. Even if we got away with it.. Smew: I.. think they wouldn't know anymore than we do. Smew: . . . Ruck: . . . [[Ruck turns away from the ledge.]] Ruck: Ah, zark it. This one means "wait in the nest" and not "wait in Position." Smew: I agree. [[Smew looks down.]] Smew: . . . Smew: It /is/ a nice nest. Big, too. Ruck: Uh oh. Tuesday , October 23 , 2012 [[Ruck and Smew the Jibjibs are in a nest above the Great Chasm.]] Ruck: Thinking about The Egg Thing? Smew: Huh? No! Well.. always, but that wasn't.. Smew: I watch what the ones who do go through TET... pecking into that ukky Bloomscave, and then.. ugh. [[Ruck holds out a wing.]] Smew: ..and I'll never go through it. Because I don't have the urge. And never will. Smew: (sigh) [[They cuddle.]] Ruck: . . . Ruck: Figured out what the Clients do: they sit around and wonder about TET. Smew: heh. Wednesday , October 24 , 2012 [[In a cave above the Great Chasm, Ruck and Smew the Jibjibs cuddle in a nest.]] [[The view pans up, among the rocks overhead.]] [[A small wyrm has poked partway through a small hole in the ceiling, and is watching them.]] [[A closer view.]] {{He is Sneckdraw.}} [[Sneckdraw turns at the sound of Wyrm voices.]] Voice #1: What? Nothin's happened all day. Voice #2: Word came up. Go check anyway. Thursday , October 25 , 2012 [[In a tunnel complex above the Great Chasm. Sneckdraw the small Wyrm has been snooping; he looks behind himself.]] [[He leaves, ((SMACKing)) a rock back into a hole with his tail as he goes.]] [[Two other Wyrms appear, wearing metal helmets.]] Crot: There, ya see, Vim? Nothing. Let's go back and.. what? Vim: The Seal-Marks don't match on this Plug. Someone's been /snooping./ Vim: Crot. Go sound the alarm. Friday , October 26 , 2012 [[In a tunnel complex above the Great Chasm, Sneckdraw the small Wyrm climbs up a jagged shaft.]] [[Vim the guard Wyrm appears at the bottom of the shaft.]] [[Vim follows Sneckdraw upwards; he has a metal tip on his tail. An alarm begins to sound.]] ((CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG)) Saturday , October 27 , 2012 [[In a tunnel complex above the Great Chasm. An alarm ((CLANGs)) throughout. Sneckdraw the small Wyrm reaches a branch in the system, and hesitates.]] Sneckdraw: . . . [[A voice comes from the lower branch.]] Voice: SNOOPER! TUNNEL 27! Sneckdraw: !! [[Sneckdraw takes the upper branch. Vim and Ang the guard-Wyrms appear in the other two tunnels.]] [[Vim proceeds on.]] Vim, quietly: hold here. Ang: check. Ang: SNOOPER SIGHTED! TUNNEL 2 - 7 UP! Sunday , October 28 , 2012 Narration: Sunday in the SubShafts [[The strand-Mule pushes a square object across the floor. The device's display reads WAIT2. An extension protrudes from the device's lower half.]] ((SSCCRRAPE)) [[A gap in the floor appears. The extension allows the device to bridge it. Display changes to AND]] ((SCCRRAAAPPE)) [[The device is directly over the gap. The extension retracts, and a plug emerges from the bottom of the device.]] ((CLUNK. CLUNK)) [[The device fills the gap with a ((CLICK)). Lines light up on the wall behind. The mule continues on.]] Monday , October 29 , 2012 [[In a tunnel complex above the Great Chasm. Sneckdraw the small Wyrm reaches a fork, one branch of which is plugged with two small rocks. An alarm ((CLANGs)) throughout.]] [[Sneckdraw knocks the rocks aside and goes down the narrow branch.]] [[The branch ends at a ledge. Behind Sneckdraw, Vim the guard-Wyrm appears.]] Tuesday , October 30 , 2012 [[On a ledge above the Great Chasm. Sneckdraw the small Wyrm looks down. Vim the Guard-Wyrm closes in, with another guard close behind.]] [[Sneckdraw loudly whistles a note.]] [[He ((SPROINGs)) off the ledge; Vim just misses ((CHOMPing)) on his tail.]] Wednesday , October 31 , 2012 [[Halloween guest art for 2012 by Michelle Mau/VeryCuddlyCornpone of the ComicGenesis webcomic Loud Era; several of her characters dressed as Mansion residents.]] Thursday , November 1 , 2012 [[On a ledge above the Great Chasm, Diet and Vim the guard-Wyrms have just watched Sneckdraw the Wyrm jump off. An alarm is ((CLANGing))]] Diet: Um. Wow. Solves that problem! Diet: C'ptain Vim? Want me to cancel the alarm? Vim: . . . [[Vim zips past Diet]] Vim: That was /Sneckdraw/. [[Vim goes back down the tunnel.]] Vim: I'll believe that phizzer's kacked it when I see his severed /head/. Plus... Friday , November 2 , 2012 [[Sneckdraw the small Wyrm falls into the Great Chasm.]] [[A bat swoops into view, and Sneckdraw lands on its back with an OOF.]] [[Back inside the stalactite cluster, Vim and Diet the guard-Wyrms go down a tunnel. An alarm ((CLANGs))]] Vim: ...if he's here, so's that zarking /bat/. Saturday , November 3 , 2012 [[Four guard-Wyrms meet at a junction of tunnels. An alarm ((CLANGs))]] Diet: But wh- Vim: Shuddup, Diet. Vim: Ang. It was Sneckdraw. Probably already too late, but.. Vim: Trail 'em. Catch 'em if you can. Use one of the haulers. I cover you. Ang, turning to go: On it. Vim: Crot. Take everyone else, do a full sweep, replace the Seals. Crot: OK [[Vim fiollows Ang out of sight.]] Crot: You'll be reporting in? Vim: Hearing how this is all /my/ fault. Sunday , November 4 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The strand-mule rolls along the floor. Ahead, a block sticks into view from above.]] [[The mule breaks a beam coming from a pointy extension on the block.]] ((beep)) [[Walls ((CLUNK)) down on either side, sealing the mule in.]] [[A panel ((FLIPs)) open above, and another robot-"face" peeks into view.]] Monday , November 5 , 2012 [[Ruck and Smew the Jibjibs are sitting in a nest in a cave hangiing above the Great Chasm. An alarm ((CLANGs)).]] Smew: Suppse we should be worrying about that noise? Ruck: Eh. whatever's happening, we'll never learn- [[Ang the guard-Wyrm ((PLOPs)) onto Ruck's head from above.]] Ang: You. The one I'm sitting on. Go! Tuesday , November 6 , 2012 [[In a chamber in the Uppermost Spire above the Great Chasm. Ang the Guard-Wyrm is sitting on Ruck the Jibjib's head. Smew the Jibjib watches.]] Ruck: Go where? Ang: /Fly/. Circle around the.. this place. Ruck: This is Allowed, but'll leave the Official client without a Backup- Ang: It's been covered. GO. [[From a distance, a view of Ruck emerging from the hole in the Spire.]] Wednesday , November 7 , 2012 [[Ang the Wyrm is riding on the head of Ruck the Jibjb, who is flying around the Uppermost Spire above the Great Chasm.]] Ang: Circle the main spike. Climb. Ruck: What are -- you.. look -- ing for? Ang: A bat trail Ruck: "Trail.". Those are -- everywhere! [[Ruck climbs as ordered.]] Ang: I'll know this one when I find it. Ruck: ...You're one -- of those -- clients who can- Ang: Yes. Quiet. Thursday , November 8 , 2012 [[Above the Great Chasm, Ang the Guard-Wyrm rides on the head of Ruck the Jibjib. Ang tests the air.]] Ang, thinking: We must be close, but I don't.. Ang: . . . Ang, thinking: Aah.. He masked the bat's scent.. but /he's/ been snooping in our tunnels.. [[Ang ((POKEs)) and ((STEERs)) Ruck]] Ang: That way. Ang: Homeside of the Chasm. Go. Friday , November 9 , 2012 [[Above the Great Chasm, Sneckdraw the Wyrm rides on the back of a bat.]] [[A more distant view of the same.]] [[The spot they just passed through, now empty.]] [[Ruck the Jibjib comes into view, with Ang the Wyrm riding on his head.]] Ang: Hm. We're gaining on them. Ruck: . . . Ang: Make /relevant/ comments. Ruck: I'm fast. Why -- I'm here. Saturday , November 10 , 2012 [[Above the Great Chasm. Ang the Guard-Wyrm rides on the head of Ruck the Jibjib. Ang steers Ruck with ((POKEs))]] Ang: We do catch them, take them down. Ruck: -- "Them"? Ang: Wyrm riding on it. Problem? Ruck: Member of -- what Ring? {{They refer to Sneckdraw the Wyrm, riding a bat.}} Ang: Officially. ..None. Ruck: Not a -- Client, not -- a problem. Sunday , November 11 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The strand-mule is sealed in by two walls. A further object descends, with a robot-type head, a button, and the word "YES" in blue.]] [[The mule pushes the button with its "nose".]] ((BEEP)) [[The walls and the button-device all retract.]] ((UNCLUNK)) [[The mule proceeds onward. Where it had just been standing, A large weight ((WHAMs)) down.]] Monday , November 12 , 2012 [[Flying above the Great Chasm, Ang the Guardwyrm and Ruck the Jibjib close in on Sneckdraw the Wyrm, who is riding on a bat.]] Tuesday , November 13 , 2012 [[Flying above the Great Chasm, Ang the Guardwyrm and Ruck the Jibjib chase Sneckdraw, who is riding on a bat.]] [[Sneckdraw goes zooming into a small tunnel on the side of the Chasm; Ruck is forced to veer off.]] Ang: ZARK! Ruck: JIB! Wednesday , November 14 , 2012 [[Ang the Guardwyrm is riding on Ruck the Jibjib, looking at a small passage into the wall of the Great Chasm.]] Ruck: I'm not-- crawlin' in-- there. Ang: No. No point. Back to the.. spike. [[They fly back towards the Uppermost Spire.]] [[Sneckdraw the Wyrm rides on his bat, flying through a small jagged corridor marked with glowing objects, and a branch of the Tree. From an observation post, another Wyrm watches them pass.]] Thursday , November 15 , 2012 [[Sneckdraw the small Wyrm rides his bat through a long twisty corridor, studded with various obscure objects; some of these glow to provide light. In a separate chamber, an older female Gnoll looks at a glowgem she has taken from a chest. An oil lamp provides light behind her.]] [[More corridor, more glowing items.]] Friday , November 16 , 2012 [[Sneckdraw the small Wyrm ride on his bat, flying through a long jagged corridor. A cobwebby chamber has an access hatch, and a ladder leads up out of sight.]] [[More corridor, with lots cracks and even more jagged edges. The light begins to fade.]] [[More corridor, almost completely dark.]] Saturday , November 17 , 2012 [[A corridor connection, forming an upside down T. In the middle of it all is a collection glowing blue orbs, with the inscription on the wall above "The Ring of the Newborn Word". On arm of the T leads off into darkness.]] [[Sneckdraw the Wyrm's bat comes swooping into view from out of the darkness. Sneckdraw hops off.]] [[In the other branch of the T, a glowing fork points in Sneckdraw's direction.]] Wyrm-voice: Halt! Wyrm-voice: Who attempts to overhear the birthcry of the Word? Sunday , November 18 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The strand-mule faces a block hanging down from above. Two glowing buttons on the side of the block are labeled NO and YES. The YES button is recessed further into the block. A display on the block reads 33/34.]] [[The mule produces a bulb on a stem from its "chest". The display reads STATE/WIRE]] ((boop)) [[The stem extends, becomes multi-jointed, allowing the Mule to push the YES button with the bulb. Display: PILL/TEAM.]] [[The block has risen out of the way, and the Mule proceeds.]] ((CLUNK)) Monday , November 19 , 2012 [[Sneckdraw the Small Wyrm has arrived at the entrance to the Ring of the Newborn Word, and faces a pronged weapon mounted in a block.]] Sneckdraw: It's me. Wyrm-voice: ... Wyrm-voice: /Who/ attempt- Sneckdraw: Sneckdraw. Of no particular Ring. {{The voice belongs to Conspue.}} Wyrm-voice: You successfully penetrated the Uppermost Spire? Sneckdraw: Yes. Wyrm-voice: . . . Both: . . . [[The weapon powers down and ((CLUNKs)) upward.]] [[A hatch ((CLANGS)) open and a small blue object is tossed out, landing on the ground.]] Tuesday , November 20 , 2012 [[At the entrance to the Ring of the Newborn Word, Sneckdraw the Small Wyrm ((snifs)) a small blue/white root-like object which has been tossed in his direction.]] [[He ((nudges)) it.]] [[He ((slurps)) it into his mouth.]] [[He is facing a block in the passageway, with a Wyrm-voice speaking beyond. The object can be seen in his mouth.]] Sneckdraw: OK. Like I said to your hirer, this short notice, I only penetrated the outer.. layer Wyrm-voice: /Circle/. But you saw /something/? Sneckdraw: Yeah. Zugo. The big one from Dunktyn Stone. Came in on Ruck. Alone. Had a gathering basket on. Wyrm-voice: . . . Wyrm-voice: Thank you. Go away. {{The voice belongs to Conspue.}} [[The pronged weapon mounted in the block ((UNCLUNKs)) so it is pointed at Sneckdraw, and an open hatch ((UNCLANGs)) shut.]] Wednesday , November 21 , 2012 [[At the entrance to the Ring of the Newborn Song, Sneckdraw the Small Wyrm departs.]] [[The view shifts to show the other side of the weapon-block, where there are two helmeted Guard-Wyrms. Conspue mans the weapon, Fream is just there.]] Fream: So.. Conspue.. you know why's this Zugo guy's so all-snarled important? [[Conspue pointedly does not reply.]] [[Fream turns to go.]] Fream: Right. Fream: I'll just go pass the info inward. Conspue: You do that. Thursday , November 22 , 2012 [[In the Ring of the Newborn Word, Fream the Guard-Wyrm "plods" along a corridor. Below him, in a separate chamber, another smug-looking Wyrm prepares to tuck into the fine repast spread before him on a sort of table.]] {{The Wyrm's name is Smoog. Comic celebrates Thanksgiving, 2012.}} Friday , November 23 , 2012 [[Fream the Guard-Wyrm metaphorically plods along a corridor in the Ring of the Newborn Word. He thinks.]] Fream: Grump. I understand, can't let those Dunktyn droolers win, but sometimes... Fream: be nice if the Inner nobs rolled back the whatsit.. paranoia, just a l- [[An off-panel Wyrm-voice speaks.]] {{This is Pavis, though her name is never said aloud.}} Voice: HALT! Voice: Who infringes on the Word's nursery? [[Fream is in front of a block on which is mounted a blunderbuss-like weapon.]] Fream: Fream. Message Guard of the OuterCircle. Sneckdraw reports "Zugo" has visited the Uppermost Spire, riding on- Voice: Noted. Confirmed. Retrieve a progress update from Glink. [[Fream heads down a ramp.]] Fream: Right. Ma'am. Saturday , November 24 , 2012 [[Fream the Guard-Wyrm descends a ramp in the Ring of the Newborn Word. Bits of rocks and rubble are piled around. A small blue light illuminates the scene.]] [[Down a much steeper ramp, almost a cliff. Another blue light]] [[A ramp, sort of, very crumbly and crudely carved.]] [[Now more of a mine, with Fream poking his head down from above. Glink the Wyrm is studying a blocking pile of rock. She has on a mining helmet with another light, and wears a sort of pick on her tail.]] Fream: Mz Glink? The nobs want- Glink, quietly: hs! Fream, keep your voice down! {{She is the first female Wyrm to appear on-screen.}} Sunday , November 25 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts. [[The Strand-mule approaches a hanging block, on the side of which are two identically-shaped slots, one labeled NO, the other YES. A key-like object lies on the ground. Displays on the block read MAJOR, BOARD and FNORD.]] [[The mule produces an arm from its chest, and adds fingers. Displays change to SKEL, ETON and IZ.]] ((boop bip bip)) [[The key has been inserted into the YES slot, the block has risen, and the mule proceeds on its way. The visible display reads HERE.]] Monday , November 26 , 2012 [[In a fresh tunnel in the Ring of the Newborn Word, Fream the Guard-Wyrm looks down at Glink, who is digging using her tail-pick. They speak quietly.]] Glink: Some of them down there have sharp hearing. Fream: Sorry Mz Glink. Fream: The nobs want a progress.. where's everyone else? Glink: Mm? Oh. It's late. I sent them to get some rest. Fream: Mz Glink, you can't be down here alone. Glink: Don't be silly, Fream. I'll be fine. Fream: Anything happens to you.. /I/ won't be! Glink: . . . Gink: What? Tuesday , November 27 , 2012 [[In a fresh tunnel in the Ring of the Newborn Word, Fream the Guard-Wyrm looks down at Glink the digger.]] Fream: I mean, anything happens to you, me n' the other guards'll get it! Please! Glink: Sigh.. all right, Fream. It is late. And.. ugh.. I'm tired too. [[They climb up out of sight.]] Glink: I'll go give that report to.. them.. in person. Fream: Thanks, Mz. [[The POV pans downward through the rock.]] [[An opening appears below.]] [[Grik the Troglodyte listens to Sina and Maw the Gobule's off-screen conversation.]] Sina: So.. we have an arrangement? Maw: Yes. I suppose we do. Wednesday , November 28 , 2012 [[Sina sits behind her "desk" in her new office, talkng to Maw the Gobule. Also present are Twiz the Gobule, Grik, Grak and Kronk the Troglodytes, Skuy and Sprocket.]] Sina: OK then! Let the word go forth that Maw and his folks are henceforth the official cleanup crew for... Sina: I guess the next order of business is coming up with a name for this place. Thursday , November 29 , 2012 [[In Sina's office.]] Skuy: Aren't we going to call it Sina Hall? Sina: What? Absolutely not! Sprocket: And suppose "Rhid Hall" is right out. Sina: Yes. As is "Elevator". Kronk the Troglodyte: Leny. Sina: What, Kronk? Kronk: Should name us after Leny. Sina: . . . Sina: OK. Maw.. Twiz.. Welcome to Leny Hall. Twiz the Gobule: Leny? Wasn't he the Trog who- Maw the Gobule: /Yes/, Twiz.Thank you, Miss Sina. May we be a credit to his memory. Friday , November 30 , 2012 [[In Sina's office, she and Maw the Gobule have an off-panel discussion. Maggle the Troglodyte arrives behind her compatriot Grik.]] Sina: We'll work out the details later Maw: Of course. Grik: Hey Maggle. Maggle: Grik? What's going on? Grik: Miss Sina said Maw's lair is gonna be the cleanup crew for Leny Hall. Maggle: Leny? Where.. Oh. Our Leny? [[Grik smiles.]] Grik: Yup. Maggle: . . . Maggle: Does.. Miss Sina know about Leny's- Grik: Probably not. Grik: And he's a dead hero now. So you may as well go spread the word. About the name, and Maw. Maggle: Yessir. [[Maggle leaves.]] Saturday , December 1 , 2012 Narration: Spreading the word [[Maggle the Trog is telling everyone about the new name for Leny Hall, and the hiring of Maw the Gobule's lair as cleanup crew. She starts with Nikadonia the Eyebolt.]] Nkadonia: Duly noted. The Lists shall be adjusted. [[Kottle the Gnollish healer is tending to a Troglodyte patient.]] Kottle: Well good. Got stuff pilin' up that needs haulin' away. Kottle: And no, not bodies. Not yet, anyway. [[Fosic the Helipath hovers near an archway.]] Fosic: Thank you. In the morning, I shall begin work on an entrance inscription. [[Pergola the Gnoll has climbed up a tunnel and is studying some plants.]] Pergola: Um.. OK? Sunday , December 2 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The Stand-Mule approaches another hanging block, this with a labeled slide mounted on the side.]] [[The slide has been slid, the block raised, revealing one with a winding key.]] [[Again, it has been wound. The next has two key-like objects and is labelled SWAP.]] [[A wall instead of a block, on which is written GET MY ATTENTION. The S-Mule pauses here.]] Monday , December 3 , 2012 [[Pergola the Gnoll is in a tunnel with various plants. Maggle the Troglodyte looks up from below.]] Maggle: Whatcha doing up th- Oh. You're the one who's inta plants, right? Pergola: Yes. I've never seen these.. exactly.. before. [[The POV pans up the tunnel, showing more plants, including a branch of the Tree. Pergola and Maggle's voices fade in the distance.]] Pergola: And I can smell more.. Pergola: I'm hoping in the morning there will be more light.. [[Further up the tunnel, with more plants and fungi, and a small pool of water.]] Pergola: and maybe I can climb higher Maggle: [Should get whatsersnout, Othara..] [[Following a crack in the ceiling to a higher level leads to another low tunnel, along which Slix the Fixit walks.]] Slix, thinking: Great, Now I'm hearing voices.. Tuesday , December 4 , 2012 [[Slix the male Fixit walks along a low, dark, fungi-filled corridor.]] Slix, thinking: Hate this. Slix, thinking: Hate this. Slix: Astex? You here? Astex, off-screen: Of course, Slix. [[Astex is a female Fixit sitting on rock, amidst a cluster of Tree branches. A pond of water stretches beyond; a fishing line, perhaps, dangles in the water from a branch.]] Astex: Where else would I be? Slix: I dunno. Gone and jumped into the infinity pit, maybe. Astex: Mm. Intriguing notion, but not today. Wednesday , December 5 , 2012 [[Slix the Fixit is visiting Astex the Fixit in the latter's watery cave.]] Astex: What's the problem this time in Elevator Sector Command? Slix: We don't know. Slix: Something's happened, /apart/ from Rhid being kicked out and the Humans coming down. Upspike they're all bouncing off the walls, and no one will answer questions. Slix: So, despite the lock-down order, Ms. Poinx sent me out to ask our resident.. you: what's the problem? Astex: Mm. As you say, much has happened today. But I suspect.. "upspike".. they are reacting to the Shield being breached. Thursday , December 6 , 2012 [[In a small watery cave beneath the Forest of E.]] Slix the Fixit: "The shield". You mean the S-shield, That surrounds.. Astex the Fixit: Everything. yes. And keeps the Evil Monsters out. Astex: Or in, as the case may be. Slix: But.. that's not.. [[Outline showing Astex perching on the local branch of the Tree, minus the surrounding ground.]] Astex: It was only for a second, but it was loud enough that I'm sure everyone.. everyone with ears.. heard it. [[Slix dashes out of sight.]] Slix: Thankyou gottago. Astex: I don't think anything came /in/.. Friday , December 7 , 2012 [[Astex the Fixit sits on her large rock in her watery cave.]] Astex: Or maybe they are worried about whatever has happened with the Sneech- [[She sees that her audience has left.]] Astex: Oh. Never mind then. [[The POV shifts to one side.]] Astex: . . . Astex: The Infinity Pit. [[The POV goes up a narrow tunnel in the ceiling.]] [[The tunnel/hole emerges into the open air at the base of two evergreen trees.]] Astex: I'll have to ask Frowgler if he knows where it is. Saturday , December 8 , 2012 [[A view of the main towers of the Mansion of E, looming behind the trees of the forest. The moon rises in the sky.]] [[Zooming in closer on the North Tower.]] [[Closer still. A window reveals Mortimer ascending a staircase, holding his umbrella.]] Sunday , December 9 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The strand-mule faces a wall on which is written GET MY ATTENTION. The mule creates a "fist" and knocks.]] ((knock? knock knock)) [[A further knock is interrupted.]] ((kn- BREEP!)) [[Noises come from the wall. The mule backs off, retracts its fist.]] ((clunk BANG beep beep beep)) [[A door opens in the wall, revealing Grump the shallow wyrm. She lives up to her nickname.]] ((CLANG)) Grump: Yeah, yeah, congratulations, you passed, welcome to life. Monday , December 10 , 2012 [[Mortimer climbs to the top of a set of stairs in the evening gloom. A large sign on the wall reads NORTH TOWER BROODING BALCONY, with an arrow pointing ahead.]] [[A Human voice comes from that direction.]] Voice: Ah. Thought I smelled sphagnum grit before. Musta just missed you. [[Amos is standing on the balcony, looking out at the forest.]] [[Mortimer comes closer. To one side is a statue of a plant in a pot.]] Mortimer: Mr. Grubb. Amos: Also thought you might find your way up here. If not.. had some things to brood 'bout myself. Tuesday , December 11 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony of the Mansion of E's North Tower. It is night time.]] Amos: Time was, you stand on this balcony this time of night, you'd be looking out [sic] a sea of light. Amos: Houses, shops, autos, airships comin' and goin'. Could hardly even see Nibiru. [[Amos and Mortimer look out at the forest. The large purple ringed planet Nibiru rises to one side. To the other, lights glow around the Spike.]] Amos: Now it and the Moon are all that's left. Amos: And the Spike of course. Looks like everyone's havin' a busy day today. Wednesday , December 12 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Amos: One day. All it takes to change everything. Mortimer: You knew too. About me. [[Outline of Amos eying a young Mortimer.]] Amos: ' Course i did. Someone gets hit with as big a dose as you, the signs come early. [[Outline of an alternate-timeline Mortimer attending a showy magical lecture.]] Mortimer: ..."big a dose"? Amos: Ayup. The Crash hadn't happened, the Thaumalogical Academy'd have snapped /you/ up in a heartbeat. [[Mortimer eyes Amos on the balcony.]] Amos: In fact, I spect we lived more in to the center of things, you'd have still been snapped up, Crash or no Crash. Thursday , December 13 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: All the wizards died in the Crash. Amos: No, just the ones who were wearin' their hats at the time. [[Outline of a wizard sleeping in his bed, holding his wand, his hat o his head.]] Amos: And they.. we.. didn't wear 'em twenty hours a day. Amos: ..well.. most of us didn't. [[Outline of Amos throwing away a hat and wand.]] Mortimer: You.. weren't wearing yours. Amos: Tossed my hat and wand in the Chasm, after what happened with Her Nibs. Mortimer: Myrrh. [[Outline of a Crash-day Amos watching a light fixture explode.]] Amos: Ayup. Long before the Crash. I was workin' safe and snug in the Ivory Tower that day. Amos: ..well, safer than some.. Friday , December 14 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Amos: The point bein', I'd wager a whole Octagon there are still wizwitches out there. Trained ones. Amos: Just don't swan around in public in the pointy hats anymore. [[Mortimer looks at his umbrella.]] Amos: Probably stick close to the tricklepoints. Amos: And hide their wands in umbrella handles, or somesuch. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: So.. there's some new wizard-school thing somewhere I could have gone to, and you didn't tell me. Or Dad. Amos: /Maybe/ there is. And no. I didn't. Amos: Mostly cuz Frederick and Nellie begged me not to, and I want to make her, least, happy. I agreed., on one condition. Saturday , December 15 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: What condition Amos: Leads to the other reason I didn't say anything. Amos: I like ya. Liked Willoughby too. He was a decent fella. And yeah, he had a.. dose too. But.. it was probably just as well he never picked up a wand. [[Outline of Mortimer and Sylvester, comparing their intellect.]] Mortimer: What? He.. we aren't smart enough? Amos: That was part of it. But not.. Sylvester, for instance, has a fair touch of the gift, but'll never be a wizard. [[Outline of Amos studying Willoughby's intellect.]] Amos: The big part of it. Your father was.. what's the word I'm lookin' for here.. /frivolous/. Sunday , December 16 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[Grump the Wyrm crooks her tail at the strand-Mule as she turns away.]] Grump: Get on in here. Grump: And, yeah, I know what you're gonna "say", you were alive before. But you weren't. Not really. [[They proceed along a corridor with glowing panels on the walls.]] Grump: You were a bit of twitching flotsam cast off from some fish somewhere, and a.. don't wanna say empty, exactly... Grump: A /primed/ shell, waiting to be filled. [[More corridor.]] Grump: And now, here you are, all merged and fused together. Grump: Ready to look up at the lights and to reach out and touch the world. [[They reach some sort of control room, with more panels and a central column.]] Grump: Or, put less idealistically, able to do some of the scut-work that helps keep the SubShafts running. Grump: They call me Grump, if it matters to you. Monday , December 17 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: Sylvester c- Amos: All the years I knew your father, near as I could tell, he took one thing seriously. [[Outline of Mortimer's mother, in her younger days.]] Amos: And that was your mother. Amos: Everything else... Amos: Goin' to the University.. Amos: Bein' Earl.. Amos: Bein' your father.. [[Outline of Sylvester toiling at his desk.]] Amos: He had a tendency to half-ass it. The Earl part was bad 'nough. Sylvester's gonna be another ten years, at least, fixin' that. Mortimer: I know all th- [[Amos points at Mortimer's umbrella.]] Amos: And that's /nothing/ compared to that thing you're holdin' in your hand there. Tuesday , December 18 , 2012 [[Outline of a man watching a wizard get blown up by his hat and wand on the day of the Crash.]] Mortimer: Yes, I understand. There could be another Crash, I could lose my.. die. Amos: No. Well.. yes, and that's 'nother reason I kept quiet. [[Outline of a witch killing another magic-user with a blast from her wand.]] Amos: But even under.. perfect conditions.. that wand is a dangerous thing. You can easily kill other people. Summon up demons. Blow holes in the world. [[Outline of man reading a book labelled Happyology.]] Amos: After Olaf and I helped Frederick burn down his life, I decided I wasn't worthy. Went off, became a librarian. (Tho, course, books can blow their own sort of holes.) [[Outline of Mortimer encountering the umbrella in the Forest of E.]] Amos: And then along comes your dad, who is frivolous, and never finds a wand. Mortimer: And then me, And I do find one. Amos: Did you? Wednesday , December 19 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower. Mortimer shows his umbrella to Amos.]] Mortimer: What do you mean? Here it is. Amos: You /did/ find it somewhere. H.. Myrrh didn't give it to you. Mortimer: Why is everyone.. I wouldn't accept any gifts from her! Not after what happened last time! Amos: But.. it is one of her umbrellas? Yes. Mortimer: Is it? It doesn't.. /feel/ like it belongs to her. Amos: No. It doesn't. [[Outline of the Woman of Mystery/Myrrh with the umbrella.]] Mortimer: That feeling.. that's.. that's a wizard thing, isn't it? Amos: Ayup. Objects, 'specially wands, pick up.. tinges.. from their owner. Amos: Which makes this one.. odd. Thursday , December 20 , 2012 [[Outlines of the Operator, Myrrh, Mortimer and Sylvester, showing their relative auras.]] Mortimer: Odd how? Amos: These tinges.. "auras" is the fancy word for 'em.. get really strong when you're dealin' with.. people like Myrrh. [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower, looking at Mortimer's umbrella.]] Amos: This.. I'm rusty, yeah, but.. I get just a whisper of her. Amos: Which means.. if it's one of her "regulars".. it's been cleansed. [[An outline of a masked figure watches a wand being hit with beams radiating from a collection of forks.]] Mortimer: You can do that? Amos: Me in person? No. But there was a whole.. industry before the Crash. Amos: So where /did/ you find it? Mortimer: It was.. /sigh/.. this talking frog. In the forest. He gave it to me. Friday , December 21 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Amos: A talking "frog". Mortimer: Yes. And I know how stupid- Amos: Was it human-sized? [[Outline of a Mugwump lurking under the sea with a trident.]] Mortimer: What? He wasn't a Motihaul! He was frog-sized. With horns. And a shovel-tail. Amos: Thinkin' of a Mugwump, actually. Hate to see /them/ start turnin' up again. Mortimer: Oh. No. I've seen pictures.. no. [[Outlines of Chauncy, Edgar and Frowgler.]] Amos: Maybe somethin' from Fratz has leaked in somehow. Mortimer: Fratz? I don't.. he didn't /feel/ like Myrrh. Mortimer: Or.. are the ones from.. there.. the same as Myrrh or.. or the Operator? Amos: As I heard it, even more so., which means.. the World's churned up somethin' new? Saturday , December 22 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: But.. couldn't you.. we.. tell who Frowgler.. his name's Frowgler.. really is? By this.. aura? Amos: Nup. Auras take time to build up. Even with... "Frowgler"? Mortimer: Yea, like with Roshambo in the Times. And he didn't exactly give.. he left the umbrella for me to pick up. [[Amos winces]] Amos: Uhh. [[Outline of, possibly, the Times version of Frowgler blasting magic about.]] Amos: Well, whatever's goin' on, 'magine we'll find out in time, good or bad. Mortimer: I guess. What did you mean, Sylvester has a.. dose, but can't be a wizard? [[Outlines of Amos, Nellie and their son Arlen, measured against a scale.]] Amos: The talent's not like a candle, only lit or snuffed. Level varies from folk to folk. Amos: I got a fair dose. My Nellie, bless her, is almost completely dry. Arlen, he /mostly/ takes after her in that. Sunday , December 23 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[Grump the Wyrm leads the strand-Mule into a control room.]] Grump: Next question, of course, what are the SubShafts? Grump: The whole world, as far as you and I are concerned, everything in all directions. [[Grump assumes a station at a control panel.]] Grump: And it's all one big thing, changing and shifting, sucking up juice and getting even bigger down there in the dark. Grump: I suppose maybe that fish of yours swam beyond its boundaries, but.. I doubt it. [[An orange-knobbed shaft ((CLUNKs)) up into view from the control panel.]] Grump: The stories hint once upon a time, it was little more than a strand and shell. Grump: So look what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it. [[A yellow prong ((flips)) into view from the knob.]] Grump: Which brings us back to your being alive. You have a mind, so now you get a name, too. Grump: Or, less idealistically, a label on which blame can be pinned. Monday , December 24 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower. Mortimer looks at his umbrella.]] Mortimer: So it's.. what.. all down to who your parents are? Amos: Some families, you get strong wizards most of the time, the Cravens, the Dresdens, the Silverjohns. ((Corman film The Raven. Harry Dresden, Manly Wade Wellman references.}} [[Outline of two disappointed wizwitch parents looking down at underachieving son.]] Amos: But never always. No matter how big a dose the folks have. Mortimer: Why? Amos: Heh. Got a whole shelf of books in the library arguin' /that/ point. Amos: There's also evidence that bein' born, growin' up on a Tricklepoint can make it stronger. Amos: So, your folks, your home, no big surprise. [[Outline of Mortimer's mother holding a cane.]] Mortimer: My folks? Mom is.. wait. Is this why she sometimes.. hears stuff ? Amos: Ayup. Not as big a dose as your dad, but more.. usable without any trainin'. Tuesday , December 25 , 2012 [[A Secret Santa guest-comic by Stretch Longfellow of the webcomic Spoofy Randomness. Percy of SR, in his role as Santa, tosses presents to Sylvester and Amos, who are standing on a balcony of the Mansion of E.]] Percy/Santa: Merry Christmas! Ho ho ho! Mortimer: Thanks, Santa! [[Mortimer tears into his present.]] Mortimer: I wonder if this is a magic hat! Amos: But a second Crash could kill you.. Mortimer: I didn't say I'd wear it... it would just be cool. [[Mortimer holds up his gift.]] Mortimer: Aww, just a "Harry Potter" t-shirt. Doesn't have quite the same oomph. Mortimer: Eh, whatever, I'm feeling a bit drafty. [[He has put on the shirt. Amos waves his gift angrily.]] Mortimer: But is it just me, or is this the tenth time that St. Nick's flown by today? I think he's lost. Amos: He lost my list, that's for sure! Every time he brings me Brylcreem! I don't need no stinkin' Brylcreem! {{Santa has indeed appeared in most MoE Christmas-swap during the last ten years of the strip's run.}} Wednesday , December 26 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: But.. anyway.. in my family.. I'm still the only one who's "really" a wizard? Amos: Ayup. Lil has the second biggest dose. Amos: Pre-crash, she could've made it to hedgewitch. [[Outline of a hedgewizard casting an anti-bird charm on a farmer's scarecrow, as he and the farmer chat.]] Mortimer: Hedgew..? Amos: Good in one or two disciplines, but not the whole package. Lotsa of 'em around in the day, doin' scut-charms out in the sticks. Mortimer: And I have the "whole package". Amos: No wizard, no Human wizard, least, is able to do everything, but.. pretty much. [[Outline of E family member Hindenburgh the wizard, measured against a scale on which he ranks high.]] Amos: We'd have to run you through the tests to peg yer level, but.. Amos: You're least as strong as Frederick was, before.. he wasn't anymore. Maybe even up to ol' Hindenburgh. Thursday , December 27 , 2012 [[Outline of Hindenburgh giving a wizard lesson to young Frederick and Amos.]] Mortimer: Hindenburgh. He.. trained you and Uncle Frederick.. right? Instead of you going to that Academy? Amos: Ayup. Happened often enough, with the Right Sort of families, and their hangers-on. [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: . . . Was he a good teacher? Amos: Eh. Knew the subject back and forth and upside down, but.. Amos: ..Coulda maybe pushed a little harder on the whole ethics and restraint side of things. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: . . . But.. you're not against the /idea/ of private teaching. Instead of.. going off to some weird secret school. Amos, smiling: No no. Not at all. Friday , December 28 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower. Amos forms a magical spark in his hand.]] Mortimer: . . . What was your condition for not telling me? Amos: If this day ever came, we'd have this talk.To start with. [[The spark becomes three, they float up.]] Mortimer: But.. you threw your wand and hat away. Amos: Was the right thing for me. At the time. Even /more/ can change in sixty-odd years. [[Amos pats Mortimer on the back.]] Amos: I think you'll do all right. Not plannin' on any Djinn-summonin', are you? Mortimer: No! I.. I don't even know what I /can/ do with this thing! Mortimer: Will you.. will you please show me? Amos: If that's what you decide you want, yes. Yes I will. Amos: But.. Saturday , December 29 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower. Three magical sparks float overhead.]] Mortimer: But? Amos: /Before/ you decide, you need to brood some more. In fact, sleep on it. [[Outline of Mortimer in wizard garb, surrounded by blackness and a collection of eyes.]] Mortimer: Oh. OK. Amos: ..And it's not just the Crash-danger. You become a wizard.. even if you never leave the Mansion, yer gonna attract notice, lots of it bad. Mortimer: I see. [[Amos points.]] Amos: No, you don't. Not really. Not yet. Amos: You know all the hassles Sylvester has down in town? [[Outline of Omega and Threnody the Oracles.]] Mortimer: Well, yeah. I was just- Amos: You'll start havin' them, too. Maybe even worse. Remember Omega? She was 'nother reason I clammed up. Threnody's got sense, but.. who knows. Sunday , December 30 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[Grump the Wyrm mans a control panel, which has a pole rising from the center, from which a point aims at 3375 the robot.]] Grump: Hold still. [[A bright zap comes from the point, the resulting words obscuring 3375.]] ((AULD LANG)) [[More zapping.]] ((SYNE !!!)) [[3375's name is now written on its side.]] Grump: Congrats...3375, another milestone passed. Grump: And no, got no idea why the namezapper chooses the names, or makes the zarking noises it does. {{This was MoE strip #3375, and done around New Year's 2013.}} Sunday , December 30 , 2012 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[Grump the Wyrm mans a control panel, which has a pole rising from the center, from which a point aims at 3375 the robot.]] Grump: Hold still. [[A bright zap comes from the point, the resulting words obscuring 3375.]] ((AULD LANG)) [[More zapping.]] ((SYNE !!!)) [[3375's name is now written on its side.]] Grump: Congrats...3375, another milestone passed. Grump: And no, got no idea why the namezapper chooses the names, or makes the zarking noises it does. {{This was MoE strip #3375, and done around New Year's 2013.}} Monday , December 31 , 2012 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower. Three magical sparks float overhead.]] Mortimer: The people in town wouldn't.. would they? Amos: We came close to havin' a mob turn up at the library. And that was over /books/, not actual magic. Mortimer: . . . Amos: And those are the folks who know and mostly like you. You decide to go to Noodle or somethin'.. Mortimer: . . . Amos: Anyhoo, can't do serious teaching until.. oh.. tomorrow afternoon. Mortimer: ..Huh? Why not? [[Outline of Amos watching Frederick haul away a pile of books; more books are concealed behind a wall.]] Amos: When /Frederick/ went on his big clean-out, I made sure he didn't find everything. Amos: I'll hafta go.. dig up.. the materials Tuesday , January 1 , 2013 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower. Amos has created three floating sparks of light.]] Mortimer: . . . So.. those lights are.. like the ones we used to make down by the River of Fire? Amos: Ayup. Both bang together magic, air molecules, bits of dust. [[Amos drops his hand, and the sparks vanish.]] Amos: But away from the River.. can't get real fancy, and stop concentrating for even a second, and.. Amos: poof Amos: Easier to use a candle. Amos: I had a wand, I could make 'em larger and brighter, wouldn't hafta concentrate nearly as hard. [[Mortimer offers Amos his umbrella.]] Mortimer: So if I loaned you mine, you could- Amos: No. No no. First /real/ lesson: from now on, /no one/ touches that umbrella but you. Wednesday , January 2 , 2013 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower, speaking of Mortimer's umbrella/wand.]] Mortimer: Oh. Cuz it's dangerous? Amos: Ayup. Also, auras take time to build, but, long run, it'll work better for you the less other folks handle it. [[Mortimer lifts one of his wrapped feet.]] Mortimer: I.. I had Sylvester hold it. Just for a minute, while I.. took off my shirt. So Rosemary could make these shoe-things. Amos: Well, guess he survived, but wouldn't do it again. [[Outline of Sylvester holding the umbrella.]] Mortimer: Oh. If Sylvester is.. That's why the Glowgem turned /down/, but didn't.. Amos: Glowgem? [[Outline of the glowgem being attached to the tip of the umbrella.]] Mortimer: We needed light. I.. balanced a Glowgem on the umbrella. It just.. fit. Amos: Uuh. Well, they usually do. Amos: But not always. The magic flows though those zarkin' things.. odd-like. Amos: They can be real helpful, or real trouble. Thursday , January 3 , 2013 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Amos: Where's the glowgem now? Mortimer: Um.. Sylvester impounded it. Cuz.. to keep it.. me.. from causing trouble, I guess. Amos: Heh. Smart fella, your brother. Mortimer: Yeah, except when.. yeah. Amos: If we do go into this, we'll get back to usin' them. Glowgems. 'ventually. Mortimer: . . .OK Mortimer: . . . Amos: . . . [[Outline showing sorta-Mortimer pushing himself off the floor with a magical assembly, and a wizard falling from a great height.]] Mortimer: Would I be able to fly? Maybe? Someday? Amos: Push a meter or two 'bove the ground, probably. Zoom up into the clouds, sorry, nup. Friday , January 4 , 2013 [[Outline of Mortimer's umbrella zapping magic into a lock.]] Amos: What else? Wizards can move other objects without touchin' them. Mortimer: Like... lock parts? Amos: Ayup. Bigger stuff, too, with practice. [[Outline of Mortimer lookiing worried, with a vague Sneech-shape in the background.]] Mortimer: The Sneeches.. when we were in the Basement earlier.. I could tell they'd been places.. Amos: Auras again. They cling to places, well as things. Specially with Sneeches. Zarkers and Fratzers. [[Outline of Mortimer waving at an approaching flutterby.]] Mortimer: And Flutterbys. I can sorta talk to Flutterbys. Amos: Ayup. Other critters, too, tho which ones, exactly, vary between folks. [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower. They look out over the forest.]] Amos: And you'll be able to "sorta" talk to some people. Another place you gotta be real careful. Mortimer: . . . Saturday , January 5 , 2013 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: You, we, can.. what.. read people's minds ? Amos: This was never one of my strong areas. Better with the physical stuff. [[Outline of Mortimer's head, depicting his mental landscape.]] Amos: But.. minds ain't books, that you can just flip through. Amos: More like buildings. You can suss their.. structure easier than the contents. Your dose, that was a big shiny "tower". [[Outline showing closer look at Mortimer's "mansion".]] Amos: And if you do try to push in.. it's like.. well.. heh.. the Mansion here. Amos: Dark jumbled rooms, corridors runnin' all in a mess. [[Sorta-Mortimer getting blasted at the door of a mental castle.]] Mortimer: And so.. you have to be careful. If you do.. go exploring? Amos: Ayup. Stuff can get broken real easy. On either side. Sunday , January 6 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3775 and Grump the Wyrm are in a control room. A zapping-prongs ((DEFOLDs)) into its pole on top of the control panel Grump is using.]] Grump: All righty. Been born, been given a name. [[The pole ((KA-CLUNKs)) out of sight, and a different one rises up.]] Grump: And the /next/ traditional step, if you're still curious.. [[She works the controls. The pole goes ((bzt bzt)).]] [[A sucker launches off the pole, trailing a wire, and stick's to 3775's "forehead".]] ((POOTTHWAP)) Grump: Break out the Edjumacator Monday , January 7 , 2013 [[Outline of Mortimer poking his metaphorical head into someone's mental castle.]] Amos: But then, to stretch our metaphor a hair, there's a lot of daylight 'tween "smashin' in to pry out the thought stashed in, oh, room 33, corridor 83".. [[Outline of Mortimer looking in a mental window and seeing the words " What's that jester staring at?"] Amos: ..and "peepin' in the windows." Looking at the thoughts and feelins right there on the surface. Mortimer: ...Feelings, too? [[Outline of a row of people coming into a room, with a wizard in balcony overhead looking down at them.]] Amos: Ayup. Again, back in the day, banks and such would hire, train, wizempaths to quick-scan people comin' in, lookin' for... Mortimer: Bad guys? Amos: Troublemakers. [[Outline of a woman in the group from the previous panel displaying a bomb with a lit fuse.]] Amos: 'Course, some folks are real good at puttin' up a false window display, even if they haven't got a drop of magic in 'em.. Tuesday , January 8 , 2013 [[Outline of a young Amos watching as Hindenburgh and a female Motihaul engage in magic.]] Amos: Should step back and say this applies to all us.. normal types. Nomes and Pales and such. They can be wizwitches, too; a fem Motihaul visited Hindenburgh once, from Fenwick. [[Outline of "Mortimer" looking at a non-Human's mind-castle.]] Amos: Tho pokin' around in one of their "buildings" is even more risky; we're alike in a lotta ways, but, still, they don't think like we do. [[Outline of the Operator waving, with a Chalk Sneech looming in the background.]] Mortimer: And people like Myrrh are.. not normal. Amos: Ayup. And the Sneeches. For them, the rules appear to be all different. [[Outline of young Myrrh brain-zapping Snerk the Saur.]] Amos: Both in terms of what's inside their heads.. those that have heads.. and what they can do some times. Stroll right in and make changes... Wednesday , January 9 , 2013 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: ...But.. it is /possible/ for us to.. change people? Amos: Not as easily, but ayup. Mortimer: I.. wouldn't try to.. do that to anyone. Amos: Wouldn't be havin' this talk if I thought that. But..? [[Outline of the spiky pillars of the Ettinworks.]] Mortimer: I may have.. Did you know about the.. um.. Ettinworks? Amos: Heard about 'em, of course. Never actually seen 'em. [[Outline of Amos shouting at Sylvester and Rosemary earlier that morning.]] Mortimer: We ended up down there. Me and Sylvester and.. have you met Rosemary? Amos: Not formally, nup. Thursday , January 10 , 2013 [[Outline of Mortimer touching an Ettin structure with his umbrella, resulting in Rosemary and Sylvester getting zapped.]] Mortimer: Anyway. We, Sylvester and Rosemary and me, ended up down in the Ettinworks. I guess. Mortimer: And they got.. zapped by this.. Ettin thing. Amos: "Ettin thing." Mortimer: It was this tall sorta sloping block? With spikes on top? Amos: Mm. A Menhir. That's what.. professional Ettin-thing-pokers call 'em. Never know what one will do, they say. Avoidin' findin' out myself. [[Outline of Sylvester dope-slapping Mortimer.]] Mortimer: Professional.. OK. Well.. they got zapped.. and they started acting weird. I had to.. Mortimer: But they started getting better, slowly, thank the Brush. [[Outline of a hypnotized Rosemary acting like a dog as Mortimer and Sylvester watch.]] Mortimer: But then all of a sudden Rosemary was acting weird again. Sylvester I guess thought I'd done it, but I just..I didn't really believe him. Amos: And now you do. Friday , January 11 , 2013 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower. Mortimer points at his own head.]] Mortimer: I dunno! I certainly wasn't trying to.. see inside Rosemary's head-building! Mortimer: I wasn't trying to do anything, except get out of there! [[Outline of Mortimer in a field, surrounded by Flutterbys.]] Mortimer: But if it was me.. I... maybe I'm not worthy either. Mortimer: Maybe I /should/ toss this thing away. Go.. raise flutterbys or something. Amos: Mm. Not to cut in on a good mope, my boy.. [[Outline of a young male Miotihaul unintentionally blasting away at a ceiling with a wand.]] Amos: But wouldn't be the first time an upcoming wizwitch got hir hands on a wand and got into trouble. It happens. Amos: And you didn't leave her acting "weird", right? [[Outline of Rosemary and Mortimer meeting in the Forest of E; Rosemary is storing something in her Poke Kit.]] Mortimer: NO! Course not! She was back to being.. I was going to say normal.. but.. and this is me saying it.. she's kinda strange anyway. From the little I've seen. Amos: "Strange", eh? That might have contributed to the problem. Saturday , January 12 , 2013 [[Outline showing a glowgem, Mortimer's umbrella, and an Ettin "Menhir", all glowing with power.]] Mortimer: What do you mean? Amos: To start with, if you were messin' with a glowgem, /and/ she'd been zapped by Ettinphizz.. just about anything could happen. [[Amos on the Brooding Balcony.]] Amos: But beyond that.. some folks are just more 'ceptable to havin' their "head-buildings" disarranged. [[Outline of the Operator, probably, brainzapping a male professor-type.]] Amos: And, no, it ain't because they're stupid or weak-minded. Their rooms are just.. set up differently. Again.. why? Lots of theories. [[Outline of a witch repelling a brain-zapping attempt by a young Myrrh.]] Amos: You'd think, the magic flowing stronger through.. us, we wizards would be more vulnerable, but, no. Flipped: even a Zarker will've a hard time gettin' in your head. Sunday , January 13 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 and Grump the Wyrm are in a control room. 3375 has a suction cup stuck to its "forehead", with a wire running to a pole protruding from a control panel. Grump mans the controls.]] ((bip bap oop fiz)) Grump: Are we done? Grump: . . . Grump: No? ((rup nip ooz)) [[The glowing line on 3375's side breaks into three parts.]] Grump: . . . Grump: . . . Grump: OK, how about now? [[The parts form the word "AYE". Grump ((FLIPs)) a switch, and the suction cup pops off.]] Grump: Wonderful. Moving on. Monday , January 14 , 2013 [[Mortimer and Amos are on the Brooding Balcony on the Mansion of E's North Tower.]] Mortimer: So.. Rosemary might be.. more vulnerable to being.. messed with? Amos: Couldn't say. Mortimer: Until.. you meet her. Right. Will.. I know you said.. but will you come with me and do that? Right now? Amos: Oh, I pretty much have to. [[They turn to go.]] Mortimer: Thank you, Mr. Grubb. Amos: Course. [[They walk towards the stairs.]] Mortimer: Plus... Can a wizard use magic to keep warm? Amos: Agitate the air molecules to produce heat. Usually easier to just get yerself a shirt. Tuesday , January 15 , 2013 [[The now-empty Brooding Balcony. Mortimer and Amos's voices come from off-panel.]] Mortimer: . . . How did you know that was sphagnum dust.. or grit or whatever that I got into? Amos: Heh. I sprinkle it 'round the books to keep off the chompers and siimegrubs. [[The POV passes off the balcony, and out into the Forest of E.]] Amos: Could use some more. Suppose you got into a stash in the Basement? Mortimer: Um.. no. It was.. out in the.. under the forest. I.. fell in another hole. [[Further out into the Forest.]] Amos: Ah. Mortimer: It led to this old storeroom.. and.. something happened.. and I woke up... Mortimer: ..and I was.. [[Further still. The watchtower of the Pale Camp is visible over the trees. The planet Nibiru is visible in the sky.]] Amos: Was what? Mortimer: Do you have any books about the Weirdo Guild? Wednesday , January 16 , 2013 [[The Pale Camp looms dark in the nighttime Forest of E; a few stars shine overhead.]] [[The POV zooms in closer to the attached Hometree, where a single point of light can be seen.]] [[Nitfol the Nome sits inside the tree, at the table. The light comes from lamp powered by glowing specks.]] [[Piu appears to one side.]] Piu: I've thought of a problem with our grand strategy. Nitfol: Only one? I'll be expecting greater effort from your division in the future, Piu. Thursday , January 17 , 2013 [[Inside the Hometree attached to the Pale Camp. The scene is illuminated by glowing flecks under glass.]] Piu: If you become Mayor, Nitfol, you can probably get away with not having children- [[Umboz comes into view.]] Nitfol: Actually, it will be /better/ if I don't. We can set up some kind of.. official test.. to choose my replacement. [[Closer view of Nitfol.]] Piu: -but you are going to have to get married. That's just.. unavoidable. [[All of them, around the table.]] Piu: And the candidates available in the village... they are.. Umboz: 'The dregs' Nitfol: ..one of the reasons I went off to live in my late lamented tree. Friday , January 18 , 2013 [[Inside the dimly-illuminated hometree attached to the Pale Camp. Nitfol, Umboz and Piu surround the table.]] Nitfol: sigh.. why did the one I.. could have tolerated.. have to wander off somewhere and get hers- ((WARP)) [[A Nome's voice comes from off-panel.]] Voice: Look, guys, this trip has all been impressively weird and phizz, but where the bowb are you taking me.. [[Its owner is revealed to be Fizmo, standing in the entry crack accompanied by a Pale.]] Fizmo: . . . now. [[The other three Nomes stare at her. The Pale turns to go.]] Fizmo: Huh. Not sure who the zark I was expecting to be here, but /you all/ weren't it. Saturday , January 19 , 2013 [[Fizmo, Nitfol, Umboz and Piu the Nomes are inside the Hometree attached to the Pale Camp.]] ((UNWARP)) Fizmo: What the zark are you all googling at? Piu: Fizmo.. dear.. everyone thought you were dead. Nitfol: Where have you been? Fizmo: This phizzer hired me to go work down in the deepest hole in the world. [[Outline of Fizmo in her protective suit, watching SuperRock walk away.]] Fizmo: Kulkad was there, too. But we weren't, ya know.. together. Things finally got too zarkin' freaky, Worse than this place, even. There was this rock that.. I climbed out. Umboz: . . . Where did you get that /hat/? Fizmo: This is a gift from.. my boss, for being a good little minion. Sunday , January 20 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 and Grump the Wyrm are in a control room. A suction cup rewinds back into its support pillar.]] ((SLURP)) Grump: So. Any comments, questions, criticism, constructive or otherwise? [[The cup finishes its trip.]] 3375: N A Y Grump: OK then. School's out. And our time together is done. Go on down there, and the Assigninator will assign you a duty station. [[3375 rolls out of sight. The support pole retracts with a ((CLUNK))]] Grump, thinking: sigh. Grump, thinking: Keep hoping that maybe some day, just one of them will answer "AYE" to that question.. Monday , January 21 , 2013 [[In the Pale Camp's Hometree. Umboz listens silently.]] Nitfol: So you took the hat with you when you left this hole. Fizmo: Huh? Oh. Nah, different boss. New boss. Fizmo: Well.. I say "boss".. it's not like he hired me zarkin' specific-like, but from now on, he tells me to do something, I'm doin' it. Piu: /You/, of all people, are- Fizmo: ..Cuz, Mz Piu, he's a scary magicker. And he's always right about phizz. [[Nitfol looks pained.]] Nitfol: . . . Nitfol: Please tell me he's not a talking frog. Fizmo: Oh, you work for Mr. Frowgler, too? Should've known! Tuesday , January 22 , 2013 [[In the Pale Camp's Hometree.]] Nitfol: I'm not working for Frowgler. It appears I am working /with/ him. Fizmo: OK then. Doing what, exactly? [[Piu turns to go.]] Piu: It's Nitfol's plan. Umboz and I will leave explaining it in his capable hands. Umboz: We will? Oh. Right. [[Umboz leaves as well.]] Nitfol: . . . Fizmo: . . . Fizmo: Hi! Nitfol: Hello. Let's.. go sit down. Fizmo: Sounds like a plan! Wednesday , January 23 , 2013 [[In the Pale Camp's Hometree. Fizmo and Nitfol approach the sofa.]] Fizmo: So.. Umboz and Mz Piu. Are they..? [[She twirls her finger.]] Nitfol: Evidently so, yes. [[They sit down. Fizmo puts down her pruning pole.]] Fizmo: Heh. Coulda gone for him, he wasn't such a zarkin' doof. Plus he's got that sprog tagging along. She here, too, I figger? Nitfol: Yes, Vezza's up in the Sleeping Chamber. Fizmo: Anybody else? Nitfol: Not until your employer sends them here. Fizmo: OK then. Nitfol: ...Did they feed you? Fizmo: Oh, I'm good. Thursday , January 24 , 2013 Narration: Up in the Sleep(ing) Chamber.. [[Umboz thumbs back over his shoulder.]] Umboz: You don't like her, do you? Piu: I'm not going to pretend she's one of my favorite people. [[Piu faces him, smiling.]] Piu: But I'm glad she's not dead, and this Frowgler could have sent us far worse. Piu: Plus, one way or another, she'll keep Nitfol busy for a while. [[Vezza, sleeping in a bunk. Her hat hangs from hook.]] Piu: /And/ I see that Vezza is asleep again. Umboz: Why do you.. oh. [[The exterior of the Hometree, dark except for the single point of light.]] [[The light goes out.]] Friday , January 25 , 2013 [[The Forest of E, at night. The Pale Camp's darkened watchtower pokes into view above the treeline.]] [[The POV pans across the dark trees and bits of ruin.]] [[The brightly illuminated Spike comes into view.]] [[Zooming in on the top of the Spike.]] Saturday , January 26 , 2013 [[A section of the Spike at night, including one of the large "windows" mounted on each side.]] [[Zooming in on a particular window.]] [[Zooming closer.]] [[The window fills the view. A figure wearing a hat with a feather can be seen against the glow coming from inside.]] {{This is Eunice Kelso.}} Sunday , January 27 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 approaches the end of the current path, which is a sort of balcony overlooking a large open space. A lamp glows there.]] [[On the balcony.]] [[A large robot hand ((GLOMPS)) 3375]] [[3375 has been lifted into the air, and is facing the hand's owner, a robot head whose neck descends from somewhere above. This is the Assigninator.]] Assigninator: Hmm Monday , January 28 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Closeup of Eunice looking angry.]] [[POV pulls back to reveal she is sitting on a large block of unknown material. Stretched out a similar slab is Rufus, his eyes closed.]] [[Rufus wakes up.]] Rufus: GRAH! Rufus: . . . Rufus: Eunice. What are you doing here? Eunice: Sitting and waiting for you to wake up. Or die, or whatever. Tuesday , January 29 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Eunice sits on a block. Rufus is stretched out on a slab. Eunice points upward.]] Eunice: You came back down from getting your questions answered, presumably, and collapsed. Eunice: Dorian seemed to be expecting it, had you put in here. [[Rufus looks upward.]] Rufus: Dorian. Dorian the "hermit". Eunice the "villager". Rufus the stooge. God the.. employer. Rufus: Yes, all of my questions have been answered. Rufus: Except, again, why are you /here/? Eunice: Everybody important got busy. Seems bad evil things have been happening. [[Rufus begins to work himself upright.]] Eunice: ..And no, I don't know what things, because- Rufus: ..You're not considered important. Fortunately, I am. And as soon as my legs start working, we'll go find out. Wednesday , January 30 , 2013 [[In the Spike. Rufus lies on a slab. Eunice sits nearby.]] Eunice: ...Getting questions answered got you knocked out and your legs broken. Rufus, pointing upward: "Broken" is perhaps.. You've never been all the way up. [[Eunice hops to her feet.]] Eunice: Of course I've never been up there! This is only the.. what.. third time I've even been in the Spike, and never this high! Eunice: And "we're" not doing anything! Now that you're awake, I'm down and out of here! [[She walks past him.]] Rufus: You would rather walk through the forest, at night, than- Eunice: I'll use a service tunnel! And /you're/ the one who likes poking zarking Ettin gizmoes! [[Rufus thinks about this.]] Rufus: Yes I do. And exploring this place will be one of the joys of my.. "new" job. The rest.. hmm.. Thursday , January 31 , 2013 [[In the Spike. From his slab, Rufus looks at Eunice.]] Rufus: Eunice, please wait. Eunice: /What?/ [[Eunice looks back.]] Rufus: oof. urg. First off, "Eunice Kelso" is your real name, correct? Eunice: Of course. [[Rufus is now sitting up on the slab.]] Rufus: Good. Yes. Things are becoming.. a whole lot clearer. Rufus: Huh. Rufus: Mortimer's a wizard. And Lenore.. Ooh. Poor Lenore. I'll help both of them, I get the chance. [[Eunice waves dismissively, as she continues to leave.]] Rufus: And you as well, Eunice. Ms. Kelso. Eunice: You. Help me. You're messed up. But you're not my problem anymore. Goodbye, Rufus, or whatever /your/ name is now. Friday , February 1 , 2013 [[In the Spike. Rufus sits on a slab. He points downward.]] Rufus: sigh. Rufus: Ms. Kelso. Please. Come. /Here./ [[He ((PUSHes)) himself and ((SLIDEs)) forward on the slab.]] [[He sits on the edge of the slab, his legs hanging off. Eunice appears, glaring at him.]] Rufus: Thank you. Rufus: I understand all too well why you are eager to leave. Rufus: The "old" Rufus would in turn be eager to see the back of you. Rufus: But as you say.. things.. /I/ have changed. Saturday , February 2 , 2013 [[In the Spike. Rufus sits on a slab. Eunice stands nearby.]] Rufus: You lied to me, pretended to.. ahh.. be my friend, /and/ you shot Mortimer with that.. Rufus: You still have the device tucked away? May I see it, please? [[Eunice hand him the device, which is a black stick with a glowing tip.]] Rufus: Thank you. [[A closeup of Rufus's hand holding it.]] Rufus: Hmm. Interesting! I assume it's an Nth generation refinement of Ludwig's Confuflux? Eunice: Conwhat? It's a Zapstick. They issued it to me down in Stores. [[Rufus gives it back to her.]] Rufus: sigh. I suppose it was designed /before/ the... No. You're right. Not important. Rufus: What I was leading up to was, I forgive you. Sunday , February 3 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The Assigninator is holding 3375.]] Assigninator: A place for everyone. [[3375 is lowered through the darkness.]] [[3375 is placed on a platform lit by a lamp.]] [[It is revealed the platform leads nowhere, with a lamp at the other end.]] Assigninator: Everyone in their place. Monday , February 4 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Rufus sits on a slab. Eunice stands nearby, holding a zapstick.]] Eunice: You forgive me. Hooray. Now are we done here? Rufus: No. That was just the preamble, as old Oswald used to say. [[A closeup of Rufus.]] Rufus: In the past, my, ah, people-skills have been rather lacking. But now.. Rufus: As you astutely observed, your career as "naif-minder" is over. [[Eunice glares.]] Rufus: At any point has Dorian, or someone, suggested what would happen to you when this day finally, inevitably, arrived? Eunice: Of course. I'll be reassigned somewhere. They'll send word. [[Rufus looks aside.]] Rufus: Uh /huh/. Eunice: And what's /that/ supposed to mean? Tuesday , February 5 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Rufus waves his hand. Eunice holds a zapstick.]] Rufus: It means, Ms Kelso, you may not be important, but you know important things. About the Spike, about, oof, Mr. Hand, about me. [[Outline of Eunice holding a large shovel near a smelly breeding pen.]] Rufus: So where can Dorian, or whoever, reassign you that is /safe/? Not out on the frontline. Rufus: Down in "Stores"? Mucking out these breeding pens I hear about? [[Rufus crooks his finger.]] Rufus: Or, maybe there's a quick and easy solution.. [[Eunice comes closer.]] Rufus: They just send you into my.. office? yes, good word, alone, to wait for me to wake up. Wednesday , February 6 , 2013 [[In the Spike. Rufus is on his slab. Euince holds a zapstick.]] Eunice: I'm supposed to believe that Dorian sent me in here to be killed. Rufus: At the moment, I can only speculate. [[He wiggles a finger upward.]] Rufus: How well do /you/ know him? How ruthless is he? And remember, Ms Kelso, he is, or was, as good an actor as you. Eunice: . . . Rufus: Of course, killing is not the only option on the metaphorical table. Eunice: What? Rufus: Perhaps he.. they.. are just seeing how.. compatible our new configuration is. Eunice: Compat.. oh, come on! Thursday , February 7 , 2013 [[In the Spike. Eunice holds a zapstick. Rufus waves a hand.]] Eunice: If this is some kind of sick- Rufus: I, at least, will be speaking in strictly professional terms. [[He looks upward.]] Rufus: But for /some/ of us, it's all about the breeding, isn't it? Eunice: Professional what? [[Rufus holds out his hand.]] Rufus: Isn't it obvious? You're clever, ruthless, organized, already established down in the village.. Eunice: Wait a minute here- Rufus: All of which are qualities I will need in my Chief Assistant. Eunice: ...!! Friday , February 8 , 2013 [[In the Spike.]] Eunice: This is a- Wait. "Chief" Assistant? You're going to have more than one? Rufus: Almost certainly. Eventually. Rufus: We can go with "Executive Assistant", if you prefer. Eunice: . . . You'd.. be insane to trust me. [[Rufus points.]] Rufus: I trust you implicitly, Ms Kelso. Plus, you demonstrate another qualification for the job: you will never be afraid to speak your mind or tell me the truth. Eunice: . . . Afraid? Eunice: /Afraid/? Rufus: And I suspect I'm going to be dealing with yes-people aplenty before this is over. Saturday , February 9 , 2013 [[In the Spike. Rufus holds up a hand.]] Eunice: I will never be afraid of /you/, no matter how bloated your title gets! As for being your Executive Assistant- Rufus: Wait. [[He wags a finger as she backs off.]] Rufus: Even if you were about to accept, wait. Let's go hear Dorian's plan. He might make you a better offer. [[He hops to his feet off the slab on which he has been sitting.]] Rufus: And if you don't like either.. I will escort you to that tunnel, and you can go your own way. Rufus: But, Ms. Kelso.. if you do leave.. go far. Become a Shaftrunner. Paddle off to Solla Sollew. Anywhere but- Eunice: "Out West." Yes. Thank you. Sunday , February 10 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 is standing on a small platform with lights at either end.]] [[Panning downward reveals the platform is held up by a jointed support.]] [[The support is mounted on a low-slung wheeled vehicle/robot, trailing a cord behind it.]] ((vrrrmmm)) [[The vehicle begins to move.]] Monday , February 11 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Rufus and Eunice look down at what she is holding.]] Rufus: And now we.. oh, actually no. The Zapstick.. can the.. dose it dispenses be increased? Eunice: No. And it takes a while to work again. Especially away from.. here.. Rufus: Uh huh. Away from the tricklepoint. So you have something more immediately- [[Eunice holds up a dagger.]] Rufus: Ah. Rufus: And you've been well trained in its use. Eunice: Of course. [[Rufus walks past her, pointing.]] Rufus: Good. Rufus: Because I suspect whatever your decision is, you may end up needing it. Tuesday , February 12 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Eunice eyes Rufus as he walks away.]] Eunice: /You/ are planning on killing people. Rufus: Planning? No. But along with yes-people, I also expect to start piling up enemies. [[He pauses.]] Rufus: And if you're with me, I want to be... Rufus: . . . [[His finger ((pokes)) at the Fixit-like hat Eunice is wearing.]] [[He walks away again.]] Eunice: It hasn't got an eye. I would never let one of those little creeps get on my head. Rufus: If you're with me, I want to be sure. Wednesday , February 13 , 2013 [[In the Spike. Rufus is walking away from Eunice, who holds a dagger.]] Eunice: You still don't know anything about me. Rufus: Don't I? Well then. As we walk towards our future, whatever that may be, tell me about your past. [[She follows him.]] Eunice: The part about being born down the coast in Fosfris, that's true enough. My father did make sails.. Rufus: And your mother was a weaver. You said, I think. [[Outline of a young Eunice meeting Ms. Wentworth.]] Eunice: Yeah. Hated it. Left.. Was gonna go to the Capital, but only got as far as Noodle. Eunice: Met this old.. posh lady. [[Outline of Eunice throwing daggers at a target.]] Eunice: Told me she had a job for me Took me to this school. Sorta. Taught me to.. Rufus: How to mind naifs. Eunice: Yeah. Pretty much. Thursday , February 14 , 2013 [[Outline of Rufus sitting at a table, eying Eunice as she carries a tray of mugs by.]] Rufus: And then you were moved to Eetown to meet me. Eunice: Yeah. [[In the Spike. Rufus and Eunice walk away from the slab where he woke up.]] Rufus: There. Now I know you. That wasn't so hard, was it? Eunice: . . . Eunice: You /do/ know how long God and Dorian and.. /her/ name was Miss Wentworth.. and whoever else have been planning all this, right? Rufus: Since before either of us was born. Yes, Ms. Kelso, I am now painfully aware. Rufus: But here we are, and all we can do is attempt to play our part. As best as we can. Friday , February 15 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Their backs to the viewer, Eunice and Rufus stand at a tall door. Ettin-symbols down the wall on one side.]] [[Eunice looks at him.]] Eunice: . . . I'm /not/ opening your zarking doors for you. Rufus: Hm? No no. But opening it will not be my first official act, either.. [[He slaps a portion of the symbols.]] Rufus: ..But rather, confirming something I've long wondered about Ettins, and their.. dual-brained nature. [[Eunice turns to stare as the walls change color and the symbols transform to a different font.]] {{Changed from Dusharnbi to Roswell Wreckage.}} ((BIP)) Rufus: Uh /huh/. And with the added bonus that if Dorian wasn't already waiting, he'll be coming along any moment now. Friday , February 15 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Their backs to the viewer, Eunice and Rufus stand at a tall door. Ettin-symbols down the wall on one side.]] [[Eunice looks at him.]] Eunice: . . . I'm /not/ opening your zarking doors for you. Rufus: Hm? No no. But opening it will not be my first official act, either.. [[He slaps a portion of the symbols.]] Rufus: ..But rather, confirming something I've long wondered about Ettins, and their.. dual-brained nature. [[Eunice turns to stare as the walls change color and the symbols transform to a different font.]] {{Changed from Dusharnbi to Roswell Wreckage.}} ((BIP)) Rufus: Uh /huh/. And with the added bonus that if Dorian wasn't already waiting, he'll be coming along any moment now. Saturday , February 16 , 2013 [[Inside the Spike. Eunice and Rufus stand at a tall door. Eunice looks at the newly-changed walls. Rufus has his back to the viewer.]] Eunice: You changed all the... . . . I realize now.. I didn't really believe it. But... You really are going to.. be another.. Rufus: Yes, Ms. Kelso. [[Closeup of Eunice as she thinks about this.]] Eunice: . . . [[She silently turns to face the door.]] [[With a ((CLANG)), the door opens, revealing Dorian and his Fixit. Dorian looks angry.]] [[His expression changes as he looks at Rufus.]] Rufus: Hello, Dorian. Dorian: . . . [[The view changes to show the exterior of the Spike, which has changed color.]] Dorian: Sir. Rufus: Let's get this day started. Brief us about the bad evil things. Sunday , February 17 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 rides on a mobile lighted platform, which approaches a tunnel or at least an overhang.]] [[The platform drops just enough to allow the platform's lights to pass undamaged.]] [[Further down the tunnel.]] [[The tunnel ends at a spiked wall. A new tunnel, also spiked, rises upward.]] Monday , February 18 , 2013 [[Chapter title: The End of the Day [[Two statues stand on pedestals between two open archways in a stone corridor. One is female, with an E-labelled shield, and one is male with a spear. They each point at the archway they are closest to. Partial walls block the view beyond the arches.]] [[Noises come from inside the archways.]] ((SPLASH SPLASH)) ((FLOOSH!! gurgle gurgle blub)) Tuesday , February 19 , 2013 [[Rosemary emerges from one of two archways leading to bathrooms. Female and male statues stand on pedestals. Noises come from the other archway.]] ((SPLASH SPLASH)) [[She touches the shaft of the large spear being held by the male statue. Sylvester's voice comes from off-panel]] Sylvester: Yeah, yeah. The symbolism is blatant. [[He comes out of the other archway and Rosemary joins him.]] Rosemary: Actually, I was noticing that's a real spear and shield. Sylvester: Oh. Yes. Someone's idea for "Concealed Emergency Gear". Feel free to use it, if the need arises. Wednesday , February 20 , 2013 [[A corridor in the Mansion. Rosemary holds up her hand.]] Sylvester: But anyway. I've jettisoned my excess baggage, and you..? Rosemary: Rinsed off the top layer of grime, at least. [[They walk along.]] Sylvester: Now to get you some proper clothes. It's just down here. Rosemary: "Proper." [[Outline of Nellie staring at a subjectively dangerous Rosemary, complete with flaming helmet and battleaxe.]] Sylvester: First impressions. If we can make a good one with.. well, Amos already had his this morning, I guess.. but there's still Nellie.. it will help a lot. Rosemary: Ah. Sylvester: For instance, would you be willing to stow away the chinstrap for now? It's a little.. um.. utilitarian. Rosemary: You're the expert, evidently. Thursday , February 21 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Mansion. Rosemary stows away her helmet's chinstrap.]] Sylvester: Expert. Well I did learn a few things from Aunt Ag- Oh. Rosemary. No! [[He turns to face her as she puts the helmet back on.]] Sylvester: This is just for this one meeting, you understand that, right? I'm not.. pick out whatever you want to wear as well. Rosemary: Sure. [[She points at him as he fingers his tie.]] Rosemary: ..but I am curious. I'm guessing you picked that outfit out of this collection as well? Sylvester: Um.. no, actually. [[Outline of a disgruntled Sylvester waiting as a man sews on some clothes.]] Sylvester: I had Genrick... Genrick Gaberdine, the tailor down in the village, make most of it. Rosemary: I thought you were trying to save money. Sylvester: Yeah. Well.. Friday , February 22 , 2013 [[Outline of Sylvester paying for goods in a shop.]] Sylvester: It's.. politic.. if I inject money into the village economy whenever I can spare it. Rosemary: I see, I guess. [[They walk along a corridor.]] Sylvester: Plus.. you wouldn't think it would matter out here at the end of the world, but the stuff we're about to see is, well, out of style. [[Outline of Rosemary juggling wearing a silly hat.]] Sylvester: I.. assumed you wouldn't have a problem with that. Rosemary: As long as I never have to wear another of those Juggling Hats, I'm happy. Sylvester: Don't /think/ we have any of those.. [[Outline of a picture from the Times of dignitaries in dress outfits attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony.]] Sylvester: But being, yes, stylish helps the Earl on occasion. So I get daguerreotypes out of the Times, and Genrick knocks out a couple of white ties for me. Or whatever. Saturday , February 23 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Mansion.]] Sylvester: So.. OK. The look we're going for here is.. Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: Yes? Sylvester: I just had a thought. Rosemary: Unavoidable, I suppose. [[He faces her.]] Sylvester: I said before.. you being here is going to cause questions. Rosemary: Uh huh. Sylvester: So.. we need a reason why you are here. An official reason. Sylvester: And being each other's bodyguard and native guide isn't going to cut it. Sunday , February 24 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts. [[3375 rides up a spiked shaft on a small platform with poled lights at either end.]] ((CLUNK CLUNK)) [[The platform butts up against a waiting ledge.]] ((CLANG)) [[A plunger-like device descends through a hole in the ceiling and latches on one of the light poles with a ((GLOMP))]] [[The light pole is ((YOINKed)) from its socket by the plunger, and the platform ((CLANGs)) forward against the ledge, leaving 3375 free to roll forward, which it does.]] Monday , February 25 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Mansion. A square shape can be seen beyond a T-junction.]] Rosemary: Now I /know/ you're not about to propose marriage. Sylvester: Huh? No. Back this morning, in Le Tree, you asked about my talking to the wall. Rosemary: Yeah. So now's the time for us to finally talk about it? Sylvester: Yes. We need to test and see.. Oh! Hey! There's one right over there! [[They go down the T-junction.]] Rosemary: One /what/? Sylvester: Well, somewhat metaphorically.. [[His hand indicates the square, which a panel built into the wall. It features a row of three shapes, and a vertical strip of lights, all of them currently off.]] Sylvester: ..a wall to talk to. Tuesday , February 26 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand in front of an Ettin "Quizslab".]] Rosemary: So what is it? Sylvester: Officially? Ask an Ettin. There are several scattered around the Mansion. Sylvester: The main thing we use them for is testing people's.. compatibility. Towards, well, the entire system. [[Outline showing the slab as part of a stylized assembly of devices.]] Sylvester: By which I mean all the.. interconnected gizmos and widgets that keep the Mansion functioning. Alive. [[Outline of a human male being badly zapped by one of the devices.]] Rosemary: What happens if I'm not compatible? Sylvester: Mostly the stuff won't work. But.. yeah.. once or twice.. there've been.. problems. Wednesday , February 27 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand in front of an Ettin Quizslab.]] Sylvester: That said, there is no record of any Quizslab ever hurting anyone. Rosemary: Fine fine. What do I have to do here? [[Sylvester's hand points at the three symbols on the slab's face.]] Sylvester: Just touch one of these three shapes. Doesn't matter which. Rosemary: ...Right. [[She touches the middle triangle. Five of the eight lights alongside light up.]] ((BEEP boop boop boop)) Rosemary: That's it? Sylvester: That's it! Five out of eight. You more than pass. Thursday , February 28 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand in front of an Ettin Quizslab. Five of the eight lights on the slab are illuminated.]] Rosemary: What happens when you don't "pass"? Sylvester: The lights don't come on. [[The lights turn off.]] Sylvester: The more lights you get, the better.. in tune... you are. Rosemary: What do /you/ get? [[Sylvester touches the bottom shape on the slab, and six lights come on.]] Sylvester: Six or seven. Yes, it varies. Sylvester: ..and, for whatever reason, my sequence descends because I'm male. Sylvester: Lil and Nirvana got seven or eight. Nellie gets two or three. Rosemary: Ah. OK. /Fine./ I'll do it. Friday , March 1 , 2013 [[After testing Rosemary with an Ettin Quizslab.]] Sylvester: Do it? Rosemary: C'mon, Sylvester. You do this test, you mention Ms.. Clef.. Clepe? Rosemary: Since it looks like the next part of my life will be spent dealing with recalcitrant Ettin dohickeys anyway.. I might as well get paid for it. Rosemary: This job /does/ come with pay, along with the uniform? Sylvester: . . . [[Sylvester walks away.]] Sylvester: Oh, I imagine we'll work something out. Rosemary: You forgot the cynical manipulative laugh. Sylvester: Of course. How sloppy of me. "Heh heh heh." Saturday , March 2 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk past a two-part sign reading Milady's Boudoir and CLOTHES. Other smaller signs surround it, advertising clothing-related companies.]] Sylvester: But seriously, if only to maintain your cover, I'll pay you what I paid Nirvana. Write it up all official in the Records and everything. Rosemary: Yay! [[More signs, including one for "the Clotheshorse".]] Sylvester: Plus of course, a bed to sleep in, out of date clothes to wear, and all the Dornbeast.. "basement monster".. and treefruit you can eat. Rosemary: /And/ use of your fancy dropholes. Sylvester: Oh very well. But be aware, I had Rufus shut most of those off, to save water. Rosemary: Save.. Where does the water come from? Magic? Sylvester: No no. Mostly, rainwater is channeled off various roofs, filtered, and fed into cisterns. So.. maybe limit baths to one a day. Rosemary: A day. Right. Sunday , March 3 , 2013 Narration: Sunday in the SubShafts [[3375 rolls off a platform and down a corridor. A video screen mounted on the wall reads MUSH.]] [[More corridor. Another screen reads ROUND + ROUND THE RUGGED]] [[The corridor opens out into a larger space. The screen changes to ROCK THE RAGGED RASCAL RAN. A third screen reads HAPPINESS IS MANDATORY.]] Graf the Symt, from off-panel: Well, 'lo there. [[Graf is overhead in a sort of balcony. Another strand-mule just pokes into view.]] Graf: Yer justin time! Monday , March 4 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are in a corridor lined with closet doors.]] Sylvester: But anyway. Here we are. Rosemary: All of this is clothes. Sylvester: Yes. /Lucidia's/ great achievement. Rosemary: You said Audra was the only female Earl. [[Outline of Lucidia examining clothing being held by a maid.]] Sylvester: Did I? No, that's- She was Ernest's wife. Really liked clothes. Had stuff brought in from all over the world by airship. Rosemary: Ernest was married? I somehow got the impression.. [[Outline of Lucidia and Ernest arguing.]] Sylvester: Oh yes. Their relationship was, fraught with.. well, everything. Sylvester: But at least his plays always had excellent costuming. Tuesday , March 5 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk along the corridor of Milady's Boudoir, with closet doors behind them.]] Sylvester: Of course, other people added to all this over the years. [[Outline of Hepzibah displaying herself theatrically.]] Sylvester: Hepzibah, Philbert's wife, for instance, wasn't as.. driven as her mother-in-law, but understood the importance of being stylish. [[Outline of the background Hepzibah had been posing against, now empty and suffering the Crash.]] Rosemary: Importance. Sylvester: It was among her, ah, duties to make a splash with the latest batch of.. of Paydonite tin barons. or whoever, attending one of Philbert's fundraisers. Sylvester: But then he died, the Crash hit, she died.. Rosemary: And fifty years later, as noted, here we are. Sylvester: Looking for /formal/ work clothes. Wednesday , March 6 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester in Milady's Boudoir, with closet doors behind them.]] Rosemary: You know where to look? I'm noticing a lack of labels, for once. Sylvester, pointing: It's not rigidly organized, but that was mostly male work-formal. Sylvester: This section here is female work-formal. Sylvester: The full-formal stuff's down past the changing rooms. [[He opens one of the sets of doors.]] ((CLUNK)) [[They look inside.]] Sylvester: If you're ever planning a visit to. say. either of the Slubovias, some of the really exotic foreign items ended up in the Storage Halls. Thursday , March 7 , 2013 [[Sylvester is in a closet in Milady's Boudoir. Rosemary looks on from the corridor.]] Sylvester: These are standard pre-Crash dress uniforms. What size do you wear? Rosemary: Um.. F42. I guess. Sylvester: You guess? Rosemary: I.. haven't bought a lot of clothes. In shops. That's what the H&S quartermaster measured. Sylvester: Oh. OK. Ah. Here! I think this will work, for tonight at least. [[He offers her a shrouded object attached to a hanger.]] Sylvester: Why don't you go on down to the changing room, while I look for boots. Know your size for those? Rosemary: . . . Trout34. Narrow. Friday , March 8 , 2013 [[In Milady's Boudoir. Rosemary holds the shrouded uniform which Sylvester gave her. Sylvester closes a closet door.]] ((UNCLUNK)) Rosemary: This is a uniform? Sylvester: Inside a long-term protective wrapping. Just peel it off. [[They walk along the corridor.]] Rosemary: So, what, Lucidia knew the Crash was coming? Sylvester: No, she was just a fanatic about preserving clothes. [[He points a door.]] Sylvester: There's the changing room. [[Rosemary goes inside. There is a large mirror, a table with a small chest of drawers sitting on it, the latter labelled SEGAR, a chair, and an oil lamp on an arm attached to the ceiling.]] Saturday , March 9 , 2013 [[Inside a changing room in Milady's Boudoir. Rosemary hangs a shrouded uniform on a wall-peg.]] [[She strikes a match from a container attached to a waiting lamp.]] [[She lights the lamp.]] [[Off-panel, she ((PEELs)) off the shroud, and tosses it into a garbage can.]] Rosemary, thinking: ... huh. [[Her blouse gets tossed onto the resident table.]] Rosemary, thinking: OK then. Sunday , March 10 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 looks up at Graf the Smyt, who is on a sort of balcony. Below is 3438.]] Graf: Oh, right. Gotta splain. Im Graf, thats 3438 Graf: Yeah, he's gotta bigger number. Dunno how they're given. Graf: Others round too. We all move bits. Keep this little chunka the Shafts workin. [[Graf looks at the looming shapes in the background.]] Graf: Plug n unplug all that over there, drag n haul. [[A noise comes from off-panel, and they all turn in that direction.]] ((CLANG CLANG CLANG)) Graf: N when stuff comes down the chute, we pass it on. Monday , March 11 , 2013 [[A mirror in a changing room in Milady's Boudoir.]] [[Rosemary appears in the mirror. She is now wearing a blue E family uniform with a slit knee-length skirt and leather gloves. All of her dialogue is internal.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: mm. Sure nuff. A Changing Room. Rosemary: OK then. Tuesday , March 12 , 2013 [[In a changing room in Milady's Boudoir. Rosemary looks down at the battered clothes she has been wearing since arriving at the Mansion; they are lying on the resident table.]] [[She picks up the blouse.]] [[She has the clothes and shoes piled in a neat stack.]] Rosemary: . . . [[She puts them all into her magical Poke Kit.]] Wednesday , March 13 , 2013 [[Rosemary emerges from a changing room in Milady's Boudoir. Sylvester is waiting in the corridor. He is now wearing a suit-jacket.]] Sylvester: Oh. Hey. Does it fit? Rosemary: As someone or other once said, close enough for government work. [[A better look at Sylvester's outfit.]] Rosemary: I see you found something as well. Sylvester: If we're going to do this, we may as well all do it right. Tho double- breasted suits have been out of style for at least ten years. [[Sylvester hands her some items.]] Sylvester: Here's some boots. Sylvester: Oh. And an actual leather chinstrap for your helmet. If you want it. Rosemary: Thanks. [[Sylvester turns to go.]] Sylvester: Now something for you to wear normally. Rosemary: Actually, no. Thursday , March 14 , 2013 [[In Milady's Boudoir. Rosemary is wearing the uniform Sylvester gave her.]] Sylvester: What's wrong? Rosemary: Nothing. This is fine, for "normally". Well, with one condition. [[The small chest of drawers in the changing room labelled SEGAR.]] Sylvester: What's that? Rosemary: "Segar". They make sewing supplies, right? That's what's in the box there? Sylvester: Yes? [[Rosemary goes back into the changing room.]] Rosemary: Fine. Be right back. Sylvester: OK? [[The door is closed. Sylvester waits.]] [[He waits some more.]] [[Rosemary reappears. The E on her uniform has been removed.]] Rosemary: For now at least, I prefer not to advertise my affiliations quite so blatantly. Sylvester: Huh? Oh. Sure. OK. Friday , March 15 , 2013 [[Leaving Milady's Boudoir.]] Sylvester: I'd ask if you were sure about this, but.. yeah. Rosemary: Having only one set of clothes is pretty much my default. [[Sylvester thumbs behind them.]] Sylvester: If you change your mind.. Rosemary: One of the perks of the job. Right. Rosemary: And when we go back to the Basement, I'll need some armor. [[A shot of their feet, with Rosemary now wearing boots.]] Sylvester: Basement. Right. . . . Boots fit OK? Rosemary: Yes. And they're the best-made pair I've ever worn. I'm ready to meet Amos and Nellie.. I assume they have a last name? [[They are back out in a normal corridor.]] Sylvester: Grubb. With two Bs. Sylvester: And I guess.. yes, we're pretty much ready. Saturday , March 16 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: "Pretty much?" Sylvester: We've done what we can. It's just.. /sigh/.. [[Outline of Sylvester mediating Rosemary and Myrrh's first meeting.]] Sylvester: Introducing you to Myrrh.. scary as it was.. bad or good, that was all of it. Right there out in the open. Sylvester: And Amos.. he'll be fine. [[Outline of Nellie giving Amos a lecture.]] Rosemary: Nellie won't be? Sylvester: She's a good person and I am fond of her, but.. sometimes she has Views [[Rosemary thinks about all this.]] Sylvester: And again very much unlike Myrrh, she's popular in the village. Sylvester: If she accepts you being here.. it will smooth things immensely. Sunday , March 17 , 2013 [[Guest art of a sword-wielding Rosemary going into battle versus a Dornbeast. Created by ComicGenesis forum-goer Cope of the webcomics Cerintha and Atavism.]] Monday , March 18 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: So.. any hints or suggestions? Sylvester: Well, yes, one, actually. [[Outline of a sword-wielding Rosemary standing unhappily over a fallen enemy.]] Sylvester: Morally and tactically, it's better not to lie, but.. please don't go out of your way to tell Nellie you've killed people. Human people. Rosemary: Right. [[Outline of Rosemary killing the Dornbeast with the vase.]] Rosemary: But the Dornbeast, that Troglodyte, the one at the Elevator, that's OK? Sylvester: Any Basement denizen. Definitely. [[Outline of an armored Can-Opener wielding Rosemary standing over defeated Gnoll and Motihaul.]] Sylvester: Though /I/ won't be exactly thrilled if you start massacring Gnolls and Motihauls, however annoying. Rosemary: Right. Tuesday , March 19 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Mansion.]] Sylvester: And also.. heh.. gonna go out a limb here and think you left that farm of your aunt's to.. get away from farming? Rosemary: Well, yeah, that was part of it. [[Outline of Rosemary riding a horse near some fenced crops, with a large windmill in the background.]] Rosemary: Though I ended up working on a couple of bigger farms, on the Mainland, before.. Edwird and Hack N' Slash. Why? [[Outline of Rosemary standing over a row of vegetables with a garden fork.]] Sylvester: Well.. if you want to get on Nellie's good side, see if you can help with her gardening. Rosemary: Gardening. Right. [[Outline of Sylvester sitting at a table with a very small serving of greens.]] Rosemary: Wait.. if you.. we have a garden, why do you "live off of" Treefruit? Sylvester: /Nellie/ has a garden. We do get her overflow. In season. Wednesday , March 20 , 2013 [[Outline of Sylvester erecting a pole under Nellie's supervision.]] Sylvester: Having said that, I'm not a total sponge, I do help sometimes in the garden. Rosemary: You're not afraid to get your hands dirty. [[Outline of an angry Nellie sending away Mortimer.]] Sylvester: Yeah. So did Mortimer, until that unfortunate incident with the pudd.. huh. Rosemary: What? Sylvester: Wonder if that was another wizard thing.. [[Outline of Sylvester working in an orchard with a pruning pole.]] Sylvester: Anyway. We /all/ pitch in with the orchard.. we have an orchard, produces good apples, ovoids, cherries, nuts. Helps pay your salary! Rosemary: I'm in favor of it, then. [[Outline of Myrrh picking fruit.]] Sylvester: Even Myrrh turns out for the harvest. She's a.. natural picker. Rosemary: I'm sure. /Speaking/ of your great-aunt.. Thursday , March 21 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Mansion.]] Sylvester: What about Myrrh? Rosemary: They know about her in the village? [[Outline of a young Myrrh standing in a blasted doorway.]] Sylvester: Oh yes. I gather she.. cut quite a swath before the Crash. Tho again, I've never specifically heard that she killed anyone. Sylvester: And in my lifetime, she's kept a very low profile, but still.. her being around is another reason I try.. we need to tread lightly in the village. Rosemary: . . . "Myrrh" almost certainly isn't her real name. Sylvester: She's been using it for fifty years now. When does a name become real? Friday , March 22 , 2013 [[A corridor in the Mansion. A sign points towards the STORAGE HALLS.]] Sylvester: Well, we're almost there. Any more questions or issues before we rejoin society? /Besides/ Myrrh? Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: What's the plan? /The/ plan. I know you have one. Sylvester: The plan. Sylvester: We introduce you to people. We go have that long private talk. We take you on a proper tour of the Mansion. Sylvester: We go on scrimping and saving and conservatively investing. We look for more Useful and Interesting things to sell in Glome or even Rowan. Sylvester: We restore this wretched pile of mine to its former glory, and we find out what's really going on. [[They re-enter the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: And then I save the world after you smash it, nobody dies, and everyone lives happily ever after. Rosemary: A brilliant plan! It's a privilege to help put it into action! Saturday , March 23 , 2013 [[In the Storage Halls. Sylvester and Rosemary approach the front doors of Frederick and The Neighbors. (The Grubbs.)]] [[Sylvester knocks on the Grubbs' door.]] ((knock kn-)) [[Nellie opens the door.]] Sylvester: Hello, Nellie. Nellie: Sylvester. [[Nellie looks at Rosemary.]] Nellie: Miss Ripple, I assume. Nellie: Won't you come in? Sunday , March 24 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[Graf the Smyt speaks from balcony to 3375 and 3438.]] Graf: Chute comes from lotsa places. Graf: /Three/ clangs means something bein dropped by some highsorter. [[They walk and roll towards the clangs.]] Graf: Means its new to the 'shafts. From /outside/, not born, like you. Graf: Hafta go see. [[They all stand near the open chute, which has a "CHUTE BIN" postioned underneath.]] Graf: and here it comes... [[The Hitchhiking Gem drops into view from the chute, and land in the bin, which is filled with padding.]] ((foomp)) Monday , March 25 , 2013 [[Inside Amos and Nellie Grubb's apartment in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: Ripple. You've.. been talking to Mortimer? Nellie: Yes. Sylvester: Oh. Well. You know how he is with names. ..It's Dapple. Rosemary Aurora Dapple. Nellie: Oh. I'm sorry. Miss Dapple. Sylvester: Rosemary. Nellie Illingsworth Grubb. Rosemary: Ma'am. Nellie: Won't you have a seat? I'll get some tea. Rosemary: Thank you. [[Rosemary and Sylvester sit on the resident sofa. Rosemary has taken off her helmet.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: . . . Tuesday , March 26 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment, Nellie has served tea to Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Thanks. Sylvester: Thank you. Nellie: Of course. [[Nellie carries away her cup of tea.]] Sylvester: So.. Amos is out at the moment? Nellie: Yes. He felt the need to.. go brood. [[Nellie sits down in a chair, with the tray on a table beside her.]] Sylvester: And you didn't. Even after talking to Mortimer. Nellie: Not officially, no. [[They face each other across the room. Rosemary examines her tea.]] Nellie: . . . Nellie: Did you give him that umbrella? Sylvester: No, Nellie. Unless you count not trying to confiscate it from him. Sylvester: And to answer your next question, no, Myrrh didn't give it to him, either. He found it in the forest. Wednesday , March 27 , 2013 [[Seated in the Grubb's apartment in the Mansion. Rosemary samples her tea.]] Nellie: ..And now Amos is going to offer to teach him to /use/ that horrible thing. Sylvester: I see. Nellie: You could stop it. Mortimer listens to you. Sylvester: It is possible that is normally true. But not this time. [[Nellie listens.]] Sylvester: ..And even if it is.. I'm not going to interfere. Sylvester: I think Mortimer needs to do this. Sylvester: After what we saw and heard today downstairs.. /I/ may need him to do it. Sylvester: Which brings us to the /main/ reason for our visit. Nellie: . . . Miss Dapple. Rosemary: Me. Thursday , March 28 , 2013 [[Seated in the Grubs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Sylvester: So what exactly did Mortimer tell you about Rosemary? Besides her name. Nellie: He said you were from.. Out West. And that you followed him home. Like Olga. [[Sylvester looks pained.]] Sylvester: Olga. Ugh. No. Nellie, I give you my absolute guarantee, Rosemary is nothing like.. hm.. Sylvester: ..OK. Almost nothing like Olga. Nellie: ..And that she's "with you" now. [[Rosemary and Sylvester exchange a look.]] Sylvester: Um.. No, not in the sense that you probably- Nellie: And /I/ went to the village. Miss Dapple. Nobody there knew anything about you. Friday , March 29 , 2013 [[Seated in the Grubbs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: Yes, Mrs Grubb, I bypassed the village entirely when I came here. Sylvester: Because.. it was better to check her qualifications discreetly. Nellie: Qualifications? Sylvester: No doubt the village will be disappointed to learn that Rosemary is not here to marry me... [[Nellie listening.]] Sylvester: ..but I hope you will be happy to hear that Rosemary is our new official Taskmistress. [[Nellie stares.]] [[She smiles in disbelief.]] Nellie: Really? Sylvester: Really. Congratulations. You're fired! Saturday , March 30 , 2013 [[Seated in the Grubbs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Nellie: Qualified... Sylvester, you /did/ check.. Sylvester: I said she wasn't like Olga. A Quizslab approved her. Sylvester: And I've spent the day confirming she has other useful skills. Sylvester: Like an aptitude for firmly dealing with intrusions from the Basement. Nellie: Intrusions? Was there another- Sylvester: Yes. And there is now fresh meat and tallow and.. whatnot.. available in the Low Kitchen. [[Rosemary shows her ear.]] Nellie: Miss Dapple? You.. killed one of those things? All by yourself? Rosemary: Yes, Ma'am. And yes, I am Human. Sunday , March 31 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[Graf the Smyt, 3375 and 3483 look at the Hitchhiking Gem, which has come down a chute and landed in a waiting bin.]] Graf: Don't like it. [[A control panel ((kliks)) up in front of Graf, and he touches it. The chute ((CLANGs)) shut, and a jointed mechanical spike ((KLUNKs)) into view.]] Graf: Lets get it outta here. [[The spike ((THUNKs)) over the lip of the bin.]] Graf: Goin to the... forties. Graf: So lets load ya up. [The spike drags the bin out from under the chute. 3483 follows it.]] ((scccrrapppe)) Monday , April 1 , 2013 [[In the Grubb's apartment in the Mansion.]] Nellie: So.. was Mortimer right about your being from.. Erewhon? Rosemary: Moonin, Ma'am. [[A map of Moonin and its various outlying islands, with a three-pronged shape in the sea.]] Nellie: Oh. That's on the Bay of Runes? With those three.. Beacons? Rosemary: Yes. And yes, they are as big and scary and beautiful as the stories probably say. [[A closer look at the islands, with arrows pointing at one.]] Rosemary: Only desperate fools go out any further than Dyngusmyles. That's an island. The last island. Nellie: ...Oh. [[Outline contrasting Mooninite and Erewhonian houses of worship.]] Nellie: ..And you do have Temples? Not those.. Erewhon things? Rosemary: We don't do /anything/ that Erewhonians do, Ma'am. Tuesday , April 2 , 2013 [[Outline of a spear-wielding human hunting a Saur.]] Nellie: I'm sorry, Miss Dapple. I.. obviously know very little about Moonin Rosemary: Not much to know. We.. they catch lobsters. Farm. Hunt Saurs. [[Rosemary looks at Sylvester.]] Rosemary: I'm going to guess we have Saurs here? Sylvester: In the Forest. Not as big as the ones in Moonin, I gather. [[Nellie holds her teacup.]] Nellie: And you travelled all the way across the country to here? Rosemary: Well.. yes. It was something of a spur of the moment decision. [[Sylvester drinks his tea.]] Rosemary: Impulsiveness is a character flaw of mine I'm working to correct.. Sylvester: You're doing better already. Wednesday , April 3 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Nellie: So you were a "Saur-hunter?" Where you learned how to.. deal with those Basement monsters? Rosemary: Um.. Rosemary: Yes. I /did/ get some training.. Sylvester: So don't be too alarmed if you see her wearing one. Nellie: If I can handle my husband waving his axe around, I can live with a sword. Nellie: Sylvester.. when I walked back from the village... Sheriff Skragg came with me. Nellie: He couldn't wait for you to, ah, /finish/, but.. he and Saffron would.. Sylvester: Like to meet Rosemary. Of course. That was on the List anyway. Thursday , April 4 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: So, Ma'am, how did you and Mr. Grubb come to be here? Nellie: Sylvester didn't tell you all that? Sylvester: Not really, No. Nellie: We've always been here. Or.. no. Nellie: I was /born/ in Zebadee, but my family moved here.. to Eetown, not the Mansion.. when I was a youngling. [[Outline of a young Nellie and (presumably) her father in a pre-Crash Eetown.]] Nellie: Which many folks were doing. Coming in from everywhere. This was before the Crash, 'course. Nellie: It was a different world. [[Outline of a group portrait of the people Nellie mentions below.]] Nellie: Amos and, and Frederick were born here. They were friends early on. We became a.. group. We and Olaf and poor Mamie. Friday , April 5 , 2013 [[Hindenburgh the Wizard in his magical dining room.]] Nellie: Amos and Frederick learned wizarding from Hindenburgh. He was- Rosemary: The one who built that dining room.Yes, Ma'am. [[Outline of newlyweds Nellie and Amos, witnessed by Frederick.]] Nellie: Yes. And I had to choose.. and I chose Amos. Nellie: Mamie chose Olaf. [[Outline of Nellie watching Myrrh and Frederick interact.]] Nellie: And.. Sylvester /must/ have told you about Her N.. /Myrrh/. Rosemary: Yes, Ma'am. [[Outline of Nellie and Olaf standing over Mamie's body on the day of the Crash.]] Nellie: Amos gave up wizarding after that, thank the Brush, because then.. the Crash. Nellie: Mamie died. Everybody died. Saturday , April 6 , 2013 [[Outline of the people Nellie lists below, just after the Crash.]] Sylvester: Not literally everyone, Nellie. Nellie: No. Suppose not. Your grandfather made it back, and he had Agnes with him. Frederick. Myrrh. Of course. [[Outline of Ilsa Lundquist the former head housekeeper.]] Nellie: Amos and I.. and Ilsa, she made it through, too.. we worked for him, Mr. Quincy, and then Willoughby, when he came 'long. [[Arlen and Eloise Grubb, along with their then-unborn child.]] Nellie: We thought /we'd/ never.. but then we had Arlen. Nellie: He's the Hedgemaster now. In the village. Him and Eloise and the children. Rosemary: "Hedgemaster." Sounds like your son followed in your footsteps, Ma'am. Nellie: I guess so. Tho it was Amos who got him started with those bees. Sunday , April 7 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 and 3438 watch as a pair of robotic graspers reach down toward the hitchhiking Gem, which is sitting in a chute bin.]] [[The graspers ((GLOMP)) onto the Gem and lift it. The robotic hook which previously dragged the bin out from under the chute lifts up as well.]] [[The hook pushes up against the bin's side with its "knuckle"]] ((CLUNK)) [[The bin is pushed back out from under the Gem, and 3438 rolls forward.]] Monday , April 8 , 2013 [[Drinking tea in the Grubbs' apartment.]] Nellie: So, Miss Dapple. Were /your/ parents Saur-hunters? Sylvester: She grew up on a small and remote farm. Nellie: Oh? Rosemary: Yes. And I am.. /willing/ to help in your garden, if you want me to. Nellie: Ah. Sylvester suggested that, did he? Sylvester: Yes. Yes I did, Nellie. Rosemary: I imagine you have a few Jibjibs? Nellie: Doesn't everyone? Rosemary: They don't /talk/, do they? Nellie: No..? Rosemary: Good. The oversized ones in your.. our Basement do. Tuesday , April 9 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Nellie: You.. talked to Jibjibs in the Basement? Rosemary: I talked to one. And yes, it.. he? talked back. [[Outline of Rosemary talking to a Jibjib waiter in Le Tree as Sylvester sits stunned.]] Rosemary: Sylvester was a bit distracted at the time. Sylvester: Yeah. sigh. Nellie.. we also met two.. Myrrh indicated she's dealt with them, but.. [[Outline of Chauncy and Edgar.]] Sylvester: If you see a small Wendigo and/or Ichyoid.. type.. critter.. floating around.. run away. Nellie: "Wendi.." Someone's started summoning /Fratzers/ again?! [[Outline of a young Nellie receiving demon-identifying training from a woman named R. Jenkins.]] Rosemary: Wasn't clear how long.. Ma'am, you know about.. oh right. Myrrh. Nellie: Even before that, Thricklefork had happened! Didn't they teach the lessons in Moonin? Rosemary: Um.. if they did, I never heard about them... Wednesday , April 10 , 2013 [[Drinking tea in the Grubbs' apartment.]] Nellie: Why did you go down into the Basement anyway? Sylvester: Honestly, Nellie? A mad impulse. Sylvester: But I don't regret it. Confirmed that Rosemary is the woman for the job. [[Chumley the Boogieman stands before a table on which dead Fixits are being collected. Another gets tossed into view.]] Sylvester, narrating: Learned the Basement folks are more organized, have these "Halls", and some sort of governing Council. Off-panel Gnoll: Here's another one. Dead. [[Annabelle the Human is somewhere in the Ettinworks, evidently.]] Sylvester, narrating: Learned that the Ettinworks exist, still exist, and there's another new Human woman.. working? living? there.. Off-panel Human: Annabelle! There you are! Where have you /been!?/ Annabelle: Everywhere. I had to circle all the way around! It's all gone.. ..wrong? [[Myrrh holds Frowgler in her hand. Her balloon floats nearby.]] Sylvester, narrating: And it appears the Sneeches are gone. We don't know if they died like the Wendigoes, or left or... what. Myrrh said she would be checking right now. Frowgler: Her name is now Rosemary Aurora Dapple. Myrrh: How pretty. Thursday , April 11 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Sylvester: But all of that is my problem, not yours. [[Nellie listens.]] Sylvester: I don't think there's anything else you w.. oh, wait.. [[Outline of Nellie watching a branch of the Tree behaving oddly.]] Sylvester: You remember a few years ago, that day when all the Treefruit.. "blew up"? Nellie: What? Oh. Yes. Sylvester: Evidentally some fool down there was messing with the River of Fire. [[Outline of Sylvester being touched by the River, with Rosemary and the Aspect Minor in the background.]] Nellie: The River can change things all the way up here?! Sylvester: Yes. And the River itself has.. changed. Not that /you/ need to be told, but stay well away from it. [[Back in the apartment.]] Sylvester: Oh, and we've installed a bar on the Basement door. Yes, you'd prefer it be sealed off entirely, but- Nellie: I know, Sylvester. It's complicated. Friday , April 12 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment. Sylvester puts down his teacup.]] Sylvester: And there's.. probably some thing I am forgetting, but it's been a very long day, and it's not over yet. Sylvester: So, thank you for the tea, Nellie, but Rosemary and I need to move along. Go and brood with Amos, perhaps. [[Nellie puts her cup down as well.]] Nellie: Of course. Rosemary: Actually.. [[Sylvester looks down at her.]] Rosemary: ...there's that thing you said I should discuss with Nellie. In private. Sylvester: . . . [[He leaves.]] Sylvester: Oh. Right. Sylvester: I'll be in the hall. Saturday , April 13 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Nellie: Yes, Miss Dapple? Rosemary: Rosemary, Ma'am. Please. Nellie: . . . All right. Rosemary. Rosemary: First, I understand this is /far/ from your favorite pastime, but I hope I will be able to get your input with some of these.. devices I'll be dealing with. Nellie: I.. can't imagine what real help I can offer, but.. of course. Rosemary: Thank you, Ma'am. Nellie: Surely that's not what you and Sylvester were just- Rosemary: No. We were speaking of /stiflebloom/. Sunday , April 14 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 and 3438 roll forward, while behind them the chute-bin is pushed back by a robotic appendage. Overhead, the hitchhiking gem is held in a pair of graspers.]] [[They get in position beneath the gem. The appendage retracts.]] [[The appendage withdraws further. 3438 sprouts a pair of 'horns' from the panel on its topside.]] [[3375 produces an arm and grabs one end of the lowered gem, while 3438's upper panel extended and supports the other. The appendage disappears off-panel.]] Monday , April 15 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment in the Mansion.]] Nellie: Stiflebloom? Do you.. need some? Rosemary: Not immediately, but that's not the point. Rosemary: Sylvester.. implied.. that sometimes it doesn't /work/ here. Nellie: Sylvester.. talked about- [[Outline of a stiflebloom bush.]] Rosemary: Ma'am, /I'm/ the one who brought the subject up. Rosemary: And he said I needed to talk to you about it. [[Outline of Rosemary and her Hack N' Slash supervisor Baldy joking as they walk past a road-arrow sign which reads JONETON, GRIFIN FORK, CAVORTAX and ALLOY. Baldy is holding a stiflebloom clump in his hand.]] Nellie: Talk. Out west.. you just /talk/ about it? Outside the Temple? With men? Rosemary: What? In Moonin we do. And, yes, we're the uptight ones! Tuesday , April 16 , 2013 [[Outline of Sylvester eying his college girlfriend Nimue, who is lounging seductively on a bed.]] Nellie: Uptight? Rosemary: About.. you know. Why we use the.. stuff in the first place. Compared to the Morlockians and /especially/ the Abaloners. [[Rosemary and Nellie are in the Grubbs' apartment.]] Nellie: Miss.. Rosemary. I'm not /that/ much a dried up old biddy. It's not about the sex. It's about the /freedom/. Rosemary: Freedom? [[Nellie spreads her arms.]] Nellie: Stiflebloom is one of the precious gifts the Brush gave us when he painted the Wide World. Nellie: Imagine facin' the.. potential of creating a child /every single time/ you've.. loved. Nellie: And don't know 'bout Moonin, those places, but here., there've been /men/ who tried to take that freedom away. Wednesday , April 17 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Nellie are in the Grubbs' apartment.]] Rosemary: Surely /Sylvester/ never- Nellie: No! No no. Sylvester is a fine young man.(Tho he does need to get married..) [[Stylized outline of women standing around a stiflebloom bush.]] Nellie: This was.. some time ago, and most men seem to have learned better. But we make sure. We form the Circle and we never forget. Rosemary: The Circle? [[Outline of two women suspiciously eying a third.]] Nellie: The Women's Circle. In the Temple. If you want to.. talk about this more, you should come. Rosemary: . . . Do I qualify? Back on.. home, "Outsiders" were- Nellie: No. 'Course you do. Even Eunice attends the Circle. Rosemary: But not Myrrh, I'm guessing? Nellie: She never comes, but.. she would be.. allowed if she did. Thursday , April 18 , 2013 [[In the Grubbs' apartment.]] Rosemary: But still.. Ma'am, I'm sorry, but.. it doesn't work sometimes here? Nellie: It was just one bush. But we don't have many to spare. Rosemary: Ma'am? [[Outline of Rosemary juggling amidst flourishing stiflebloom bushes.]] Nellie: I've read in my garden books. It grows better Out West? Different soil, drier. Rosemary: I.. yes. South of the Merrow, especially, it's everywhere. Rosemary: Huh. I wonder if that's why the Abaloners- Nellie: Rosemary. I /would/ like to hear more. /Inside the Circle./ [[Rosemary leaves.]] Rosemary: Right. I'll be there. Night, Mrs Grubb. Nellie: Good night. Friday , April 19 , 2013 [[Outside Frederick's apartment. Rosemary appears.]] Sylvester: Rosemary. Look, I- Rosemary: Oh, relax, Sylvester. /Her/, I'm willing to be friendly with. Like Zeke used to say, she's a type. Had 'em back home. Sylvester: Oh, well, good, but I- Rosemary: And this Olga person is not here anymore? Sylvester: No. She's long gone. She was a.. horrible mistake on Mortimer's part. Rosemary: Ah. Another of his "strange and dangerous" women? [[Rosemary turns.]] Sylvester: Oh. Yeah. Rosemary: Well, anymore of 'em show up, we tell them that position is /also/ filled! Saturday , April 20 , 2013 [[In the Storage Halls.]] Rosemary: Also, was that.. /tea/ tea? The real thing, not rosehips or pine needles or something? Sylvester: Yes. Schlepped all the way from Zandu. One of /Nellie's/ few extravagances. Rosemary: What else? Oh, yeah. Who's "Saffron?" Sylvester: Saffron Stout. She's more or less the mayor in the village. [[Outline of Saffron posing with a broom.]] Rosemary: More or less? Sylvester: She owns the inn. Social center of the village. One of these years, they'll make it official, I imagine. [[Outline of Sheriff Skragg.]] Rosemary: Aaannd.. do we get along with /her/? Sylvester: Eh. We're not bestest friends ever, but she's not a bad person. And before you ask, ditto Sheriff Patrick Skragg. Rosemary: Can I marry /him/? Sylvester: Sorry, Halcyone Biddle got there first. Saffron's available, though. Sunday , April 21 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 and 3438 carry the hitchhiking gem in their graspers. Overhead are various robotic manipulators.]] [[They roll into a tunnel.]] [[A double-sized panel, revealing that a section of the floor ahead of them is actually a platform held up on a long support pole, descending into darkness.]] Monday , April 22 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are outside Uncle Frederick's apartment.]] Sylvester: But anyway, I know what I said about lying- ((CLICK)) [[The apartment door has been opened, revealing Frederick.]] Frederick: What about lying? Sylvester: We've been talking to Nellie, Uncle Frederick. Frederick: Ah. [[He ((pokes)) the visor of Rosemary's helmet.]] Frederick: So. You are real. Did see you this morning. Rosemary: Yes, sir. Real as anyone. Sylvester: Rosemary, say hello to my great uncle Frederick. Rosemary: Hello, Uncle Frederick. Frederick: ...Hello. Tuesday , April 23 , 2013 [[Outside Uncle Frederick's apartment.]] Sylvester: So, Rosemary here.. Rosemary: Rosemary Dapple. Sylvester: Yes. She's from Moonin. She's the new taskmistress. Frederick: . . . Frederick: Tested her on a 'slab? Sylvester: Yes. Frederick: Myrrh knows she's here? Sylvester: Yes. [[Frederick goes back into the apartment.]] Frederick: OK then. Sylvester: You'll need to be friendly with him, too. Rosemary: OK then. ((CLICK)) Wednesday , April 24 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are in the Storage Halls. Doors behind them are labelled 4T-CAKE TOPPERS and MOBABIAN PARTY FAVORS.]] Sylvester: . . . But as I believe I also said, people are, unavoidably, going to be asking questions about you. Sylvester: Possibly to official sources. And things will, ah, probably go smoother if your name is not on anybody's.. wanted list. Rosemary: Of course. Rosemary Dapple is a gainfully-employed and clean-living citizen. [[They approach an archway. Beyond can be seen a door labelled SPOKES AND CHAINS.]] Sylvester: Indeed. Who tells the truth whenever possible, but also keeps her past as vague as possible. Sylvester: She especially doesn't volunteer that she once worked for Hack N' Slash. Sylvester: Please. Rosemary: Of course. Rosemary: While Sylvester is more than willing to explain about his Mansion's Official Brooding Chamber. Thursday , April 25 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are at the edge of the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: It's a balcony, not a chamber, but that's irrelevent, because here he.. they come. [[Amos and Mortimer come into view. Behind them the wall changes to plain stone, with a small display reading "DNAmy."]] Amos: Sylvester. Sylvester: Amos. Sylvester: Since we didn't do this properly this morning.. Sylvester: Rosemary, Amos Grubb. Amos, Rosemary Dapple. Our new taskmistress. Rosemary: Sir. Amos: How do. [[The display now reads PNGwen.]] Mortimer: ..Well? Amos: Hm. Sylvester: ...Well /what?/ Amos: Well, you're definitely from Out West. Friday , April 26 , 2013 [[Sylvester, Rosemary, Amos and Mortimer At the edge of the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: Mortimer.. well /what?/ Mortimer: I had to be sure! That Rosemary really is all right! After.. whatever it was that I did! Rosemary: And you can tell, Mr. Grubb? Even though you "gave up" wizarding? Amos, pointing: Could still see if there's some.. /link/ between you two. There ain't, happy to say. [[Outline showing Baldy and Rosemary's interior metaphorical brain-structure.]] Rosemary: So.. Out West. it wasn't my accent that gave me away. Amos: That, too. But folks from the same parts have similar.. overall structures. The thoughts inside, that's a whole other matter. [[Map of the various countries around the Sea of Plinths.]] Amos: Out West, down 'round the Sea of Plinths, further afield. With practice, you can tell. Amos: Again, lotsa theories /why/, no real facts. Saturday , April 27 , 2013 [[At the edge of the Storage Halls. Mortimer listens to the conversation.]] Sylvester: OK, interesting, but you.. "see" no reason why Rosemary can't be the new Taskmistress? Amos: Can't say that I do. Welcome aboard. Rosemary: Thank you, Mr. Grubb. Amos: Amos, please. Rosemary: All right. Amos. Amos: 'Course, that you're crazy 'nuff to willingly stay in this madhouse /is/ a strike against you. Sylvester: Yeah yeah, we take what we can get in the way of help. Sylvester: And on a somewhat related note.. As we just finished telling Nellie.. there's some things you probably want to know about the Basement, and Rosemary.. Amos: Ah. Sunday , April 28 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 and 3438 carry the hitchhiking gem in their graspers.]] [[They lower it onto the section of the floor which is a platform held up by a long support pole.]] [[They both move so they are no longer on the platform.]] [[As they watch, the platform begins to lower.]] ((clunk)) Monday , April 29 , 2013 Narration: One recap of events later.. [[Mortimer, Amos, Sylvester and Rosemary are at the edge of the Storage Halls.]] Amos: Well then. Sylvester: And then there's what I /didn't/ just tell Nellie. Amos: Ah again. Sylvester: I'm displaying leadership and /delegating/. If you think she needs to know, tell her. [[Outline of the Dohickey.]] Sylvester: First, the Sneeches, for whatever reason, left behind a gift for me. It's a.. menhir-shaped Dohickey, about yay high, with an.. eye-like symbol on one side. [[A small display on the wall reads ZIPPER DANCE.]] Amos: That tall. Sylvester: Uh huh. We stuffed it in the Quiet Room, and that is very firmly where it is going to stay for the indefinite future. Tuesday , April 30 , 2013 [[Mortimer, Amos, Sylvester and Rosemary are at the edge of the Storage Halls.]] Amos: Sounds like a good plan. And.. "first"? Sylvester: Yeah. Does the name "Tand" mean anything to you? Amos: ...Not off-hand. [[Outline of Tand holding the levitating Rosemary by one foot.]] Sylvester: Today, between the Ettinworks and the Sneeches, Rosemary met a.. very big person by that name.. who sort of looked like a Wyrm.. but wasn't. Sylvester: Possibly linked to some /family/ project called Operation Certain Death. Sylvester: ..And I know /I've/ read "Tand" somewhere. I think in the Records. Amos: Well. I'll do some diggin'. Sylvester: Thank you, Amos. [[Outline of Nellie looking at the Pitflare in the forest.]] Amos: In turn.. Nellie tell you the sheriff- Sylvester: Yes. Amos: And about the Pitflare? Sylvester: ...No. Amos: Well, there was one today, 'pparently. Wednesday , May 1 , 2013 [[Mortimer, Amos, Sylvester and Rosemary are at the edge of the Storage Halls.]] Sylvester: Ug. Everything else has happened today, why not.. Sylvester: Oh, right, sorry, Rosemary. [[Outline of the Pit in the Forest.]] Sylvester: The Pit is this.. well, despite the name, it's a /hill/ in the Forest. Sylvester: Before the Crash.. PIT was an acronym. The Pulse-Ignition Thaumnode.. right? [[Outline of the pre-Crash PIT shooting a beam of energy at an airship.]] Amos: Ayup. Amos: Buncha interlaced.. ah.. /wizardry/. Ol' Hindenburgh consulted on it. Boosted airships off towards the Far Eastern Shore. Saved on battery use. [[Outline of a Human family, plus their dog, looking at an off-panel bright light in the night sky.]] Amos: /Mostly/ wrecked in the Crash, but it still vents off blasts of magic. Sylvester: From the stories, it's rather like a tiny Daynight. Relatively. Thursday , May 2 , 2013 [[At the edge of the Storage Halls.]] Rosemary: So this Pit can affect us? Cuz we all know what the Daynight did. Sylvester: I wouldn't want to be.. standing on it when it flares, but.. Here? No. Amos: Would bet against it. Sylvester: Conversely, for all I know, /we/ triggered it, messing around down in the.. Sylvester: Mortimer.. /you/ didn't go near it with that- Mortimer: No! That place is creepy! Sylvester: Fine. Anyway, Amos. I think, hope, that's everything. That we want to share. For now. Amos: Ayup. I'll go home and maybe talk to the wife. Friday , May 3 , 2013 [[At the edge of the Storage Halls. Amos walks away.]] Rosemary: So you /are/ in charge of finding books and stuff here? Amos: Ayup. Rosemary: Mm. Sylvester: Mortimer, maybe you should go put some clothes on. Mortimer: Um.. yeah. OK. Rosemary, off-panel: Actually, no. Sylvester: No? Rosemary: There's something we need to do, right now, before anything else, and we may need his help. Sylvester: Umm. OK? Saturday , May 4 , 2013 [[In the Mansion. Sylvester has left behind his jacket, and is carrying a lantern on a pole. Mortimer is leading him and Rosemary down some stairs.]] [[The three of them look at a large crate, with dark shapes looming in the background.]] [[Rosemary and Mortimer push the crate, as Sylvester now points and leads the way.]] [[The crate is being hauled up a hand-powered open elevator/lift by Rosemary and Mortimer's hands. as the lantern provides light.]] Sunday , May 5 , 2013 Narration: Sunday on the West Tower [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer look at a crate. Sylvester is holding a lantern on a pole. Rosemary is poking the crate with the Can-Opener.]] Sylvester: OK.. Evidently we're.. supposed to poke that spot that says POKE HERE. Rosemary, if you'll do the honors? Rosemary: On it! [[The crate goes ((FLUMP CLANG SPROING)) and spits out a piece of paper, which Rosemary catches.]] [[A complex-looking arrangement has popped out of the top of the crate, centered around a large pot. Rosemary reads from the paper. Mortimer turns to go.]] Rosemary: "Congratulations on purchasing your new Woothoot 3500 Siegeoil Pot. Read these instructions carefully and it will provide years of trouble-free defensive service for your Castle, Estate and/or Mansion." Sylvester: Arriba! Mortimer: I'm.. gonna go put on some clothes.. Monday , May 6 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the top of the West Tower, next to a newly-deployed seigeoil pot. She is reading a pamphlet which the pot mechanism spit out.]] Rosemary: Wow. There's /pages/ here. Sylvester: I leave the task of perusing them in your capable hands. Rosemary: Thanks! [[She put the pamphlet in her Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: But that intro does bring up a question I have about this place's name. Sylvester: Ah. Well, originally, it was called the Tow- [[A view of the Mansion's towers in the starlight.]] Rosemary: Why "Mansion"? It's a castle! Sylvester: Oh, no. Not in any /important/ sense. Rosemary: Huh? Sylvester: It's a Bureaucracy thing. /And/ an aristocracy thing. Tuesday , May 7 , 2013 [[A pre-Crash outline, with a Tram and a "Kwalish" airship going by a "Hammerspace" factory.]] Sylvester: As you have noted, the aristocracy wasn't what it once was, even before the Crash. Sylvester: Airships and trams.. and factories springing up.. [[Post-crash outline. Three stylized buildings in a row, with matching symbols overhead.]] Sylvester: But.. it still exists, and still possesses influence. And rules. Sylvester: Castles, Estates and Mansions are officially registered categories. [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the West Tower. Sylvester aims a thumb back over his shoulder.]] Sylvester: ..which come with certain, mostly tedious, rights and responsibilities. Sylvester: "Castle" is the highest. "Mansion" is, of course, the lowest. [[They both look up, towards the Main Tower.]] Rosemary: So.. if we wanted to become the "Estate of E".. Sylvester: Install frills. Fill out mounds of paperwork. Pay formal bribes. /None/ of the Earls have felt it worth the trouble. Wednesday , May 8 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the West Tower under the stars. Sylvester turns down the light on the lantern he is carrying.]] ((klik)) Sylvester: But anyway.. getting back to more immediate concerns.. and since I forgot this morning.. [[They look out over the Forest of E.]] Sylvester: Those lights over there. That's the Spike. Rosemary: I see. And "folk" live at the base of it? Sylvester: Uh huh. If you can call it living. [[A slightly closer look at the Spike.]] Rosemary: And folks live /in/ it as well, I'm guessing? Sylvester: /Something's/ obviously happening. It's gotten /more active/ since the Crash. Tonight.. that's about the.. busiest I've ever seen it. Rosemary: You've never climbed up to get more details? Sylvester: Zark, no. That thing is dangerous. Even moreso than the Mansion, it's one big, churning, machine. Thursday , May 9 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on the West Tower at night, looking out at the forest.]] Rosemary: So.. you own all that out there? The Spike and the forest? Sylvester: Oh no. [[A map of the Mansion and immediate surrounding area.]] Sylvester: We only have free and clear claim to the Mansion and the immediate surrounding land. The orchard I mentioned before, other bits. [[Outline of Sylvester and Peter pouring over paperwork.]] Sylvester: Officially re-establishing that fact.. chewed up far too much of my and Peter's time. He's the solicitor in the village. Among other things. Rosemary: So who /does-/ Sylvester: Somebody. Nobody. Friday , May 10 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the West Tower.]] Rosemary: I don't understand. Sylvester: Well, /some/ of it's simple enough. Like.. oh.. World O' Pots. [[Outline of the remains of the WoP store in the Forest of E.]] Sylvester: Before the Crash, WoP had a big store here in town, and presumably there's a piece of paper somewhere saying it still owns the current rubble-pile. [[Outline of more ruins, studded with Brush-shaped grave-markers.]] Sylvester: But other Outfits.. Schlockmart, Huladyne.. they're /gone/. Sylvester: And so many /biological/ people, too. Sylvester: Property owner X died, their child Y died, their.. goofhead cousin Z in Fenwick died. Sylvester: So who owns the land? Somebody. Rosemary: Nobody. Right. Different back home. Saturday , May 11 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on top of the West Tower at night.]] Sylvester: ..The Crash was the same everywhere. Rosemary: All /technically/, I'm sure you're right as usual, but the.. effects weren't. Sylvester: Now /I/ don't understand. Rosemary: The things you and Amos and.. everyone's talked about.. Trams and giant World O' Pots and.. and airships zooming off to the Far Eastern Shore... [[Pre-Crash island outline, with a male farmer looking out at a couple of boats and a scattering of other islands. An airship is in the far distance.]] Rosemary: Back home.. from the stories I heard.. there was none of that even /before/ the Crash. Not out on the Islands. People were farmers or lobsterfishers. Rosemary: Magic was mostly something rich Outsiders used. Airships were distant specks in the sky. Sunday , May 12 , 2013 [[In Root Hall, Rithathra the young Motihaul gives her mother Agita a flower, with the words HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY behind them.]] Monday , May 13 , 2013 [[Outline of a pre-Crash Gnomin farmer watching birds being magically repelled from her field.]] Sylvester: People on Gnomin didn't use magic /at all/? Rosemary: Well, some. Birdhexes on their crowspookers, little stuff like that. [[Outline of the same farmer, post-Crash, chucking rocks at birds.]] Rosemary: But the only.. whatchum.. thaumnode on the island was at the Manor. Rosemary: After the Crash, life got harder, but.. for most folks, it went on. [[Outline of a young Aunt Eva, standing at the bow of a boat, with a male figurehead below.]] Sylvester: But you said your aunt was reduced to eating tunnelrats in the AfterCrash. Rosemary: Well, yeah. She'd run away.. sailed away.. from home, first chance she got. [[Outline of Eva suffering through the Crash in the city of Nye.]] Rosemary: Been on the mainland for.. I think, two years when the Crash hit. She was in Nye, which was as bad as here, sounds like. Tuesday , May 14 , 2013 [[Outline of the city of Nye, with hot-air balloons floating on strings.]] Sylvester: ..Of course, Nye sprang right back. [[Sylvester on the West Tower, with a pole-lantern.]] Sylvester: And here /we/ are. Farmers and fisherfolk. Rosemary: ...Not lobsters, I hope. Sylvester: We have a little of everything around, but commercially.. Tooterfish are the big catch. [[Outline of Sylvester unenthusiastically eating a tooterfish by lantern light.]] Rosemary: They.. get used to make lamp oil, right? Sylvester: Mostly. They are technically edible as well. Sylvester: . . . [[They turn to leave the tower-top.]] Rosemary: Speaking of which.. Sylvester: Indeed. That's next on the agenda. Let's go. Wednesday , May 15 , 2013 [[The upper edge of the Sneech den, with the first of the towers looming.]] [[Myrrh appears, her trailing balloon providing light.]] Myrrh: knock knock. Myrrh: Anybody home? Thursday , May 16 , 2013 [[Amos approaches a line of unmarked doors mounted in the side of something.]] [[He stops to open one of them.]] [[Now carrying a wrapped package, he walks on past the end of the device, which is LUDWIG'S AUTOMAGIC BASEMENT MONSTER BONER/SKINNER/TANNER TALLOW-EXTRACTION MACHINE. Another sign reads INSERT CORPSE HERE, pointing to a waiting funnel, while a third says AFTER PROCESSING SELECT DESIRED COMPONENT FROM APPROPRIATE STORAGE AREA, followed by a minutely detailed list and one last arrow.]] Friday , May 17 , 2013 [[Nellie sits in her and Amos's apartment. Amos's coat gets tossed onto the other chair, and his voice comes from the same direction.]] Amos: I'm back. Nellie: . . . [[Amos appears, carrying a wrapped package.]] Nellie: You're going to do it, aren't you? Amos: Probably. Told him to sleep on it. [[He hands her the package.]] Amos: For you. Happy taskmistressin' retirement. [[She holds it in her hands.]] Nellie: Mmm. Finally /almost/ got you all trained. Amos: Ayup. Let's cook up the thing. Saturday , May 18 , 2013 [[Inside the Grubb's apartment. Nellie carries a package.]] Nellie: . . . Nellie: She's polite. And wearing the uniform. Amos, holding up two fingers: Puts her two up on Olga already. [[Outline of Rosemary's general inner head-structure.]] Nellie: What else did you.. see in her? Amos: Definitely from Moonin. Got a smallish dose of you-know-what. Very.. self-possessed. [[Outline of "Rosemary" and "Baldy" grinning at each other behind a stiflebloom bush.]] Nellie: She asked me.. things /are/ all different Out West. Amos: Eh. People are people. [[Nellie puts the package on a counter.]] Nellie: I'm not sure I like her.. but.. I feel I can trust her. Amos: To at least do her job. Ayup. Sunday , May 19 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 and 3438 watch as the Hitchhiking Gem is lowered out of sight on a platform.]] ((clunk)) [[It disappears down a shaft.]] ((clunk clunk clunk)) [[More noises from below.]] ((clunk clang sproing)) [[A jet of water comes shooting up from out of the shaft.]] ((SPLOOSH)) Monday , May 20 , 2013 [[In the Grubb's apartment. Nellie has a wrapped piece of meat on a counter. A box on a shelf reads DOOLITTLE.]] Amos:..That said, we ain't been told close to the full story how she ended up here. Nellie: . . . Amos: 'Course, we also ain't exactly in a position to complain about people witholdin' information. Nellie: No. Nellie: I suppose not. Amos: Sylvester did tell me a couple other things, Nellie. Don't think you need to hear them. Do you /want/ to hear them? Nellie: . . . Nellie: Go get a couple of onions, would you? Amos: Ayup. Tuesday , May 21 , 2013 [[Mortimer, carrying his umbrella, opens a door labeled E3 MORTIMER.]] [[He puts the umbrella on a dresser, next to a toy model of a cyclops.]] {{RIP Ray Harryhousen}} [[He turns on a hanging lamp. A poster of Roshambo the Warrior Beetle is on the wall behind him.]] [[He discards the wraps he had around his hands.]] [[He holds the remains of his pants in one hand and sniffs at himself.]] [[He is taking a bath in a tub.]] [[Wrapped in a towel, he examines his clothes closet.]] Wednesday , May 22 , 2013 [[A corridor in the Mansion. Sylvester offers his extinguished pole-lantern to Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Want to put this in your Poke Kit? Tooteroil powered. Rosemary: Sure. Might come in handy. [[Rosemary stores it away.]] Rosemary: Oof. pretty well fills it, though. Have to get that scabbard for the sword. Rosemary: ..But later. Now, we /are/ going to go eat? Sylvester: Yes. Tho.. ah. One short stop, since it's important. [[Ahead of them is a Panegate, looking out onto a sea of grass, with a few stones piled here and there. There is also a large vase on a pedestal, and a ringed bullet-shaped object.]] Sylvester: ..And right here. Rosemary: ..Ooh. That's a magic window. Or to use the fancy technical term..? Sylvester: A Panegate. Yes. Thursday , May 23 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are looking through a Panegate at a sea of grass, with a small pile of rocks in the foreground.]] Sylvester: Before you ask.. that's our world over.. through.. there, not an alternate one. [[A better view of the other side.]] Sylvester: From astronomy, climate.. wildlife, clothes.. it's the Thembrian steppes. Likely near the city of Chelm. Rosemary: Clothes? You do.. see people? [[Sylvester points. Behind them is a model of Terry Pratchett's Discworld.]] Sylvester: Occasionally a horseman goes by in the distance. Sylvester: And yes, if you don't fiddle with the controls, it's quite safe to touch. [[Rosemary slaps her gloved hand against the gate's clear substance.]] ((BWUMP)) Rosemary: ...That's not glass. Sylvester: No. [[Outline of Ludwig manning a laser-blasting device/gun.]] Sylvester: ..And even Ludwig wasn't able to find a way to break it. Friday , May 24 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in front of a Panegate.]] Rosemary: So you've never roamed the steppes of Thembria. Sylvester: Far as I know, no non-Ettin has ever managed to open this Pgate. Not even Ludwig or.. anyone. [[They walk away.]] Sylvester: As I think i said before, none of them are /easy/ to open. Sylvester: But ones that connect to distant parts of /our/ Wide World.. are especially difficult. [[Outline of a Panegate showing a Sneech on the far side.]] Sylvester: Rufus's theory is they have extra "locks" latched on, possibly due to the war with the Sneeches. Rosemary: Mm. [[They walk past a painting of an individual with rainbow-colored hair.]] Sylvester: ...And now of course you're going to want to go through one. Rosemary: Of course. /After/ we eat. Friday , May 24 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in front of a Panegate.]] Rosemary: So you've never roamed the steppes of Thembria. Sylvester: Far as I know, no non-Ettin has ever managed to open this Pgate. Not even Ludwig or.. anyone. [[They walk away.]] Sylvester: As I think i said before, none of them are /easy/ to open. Sylvester: But ones that connect to distant parts of /our/ Wide World.. are especially difficult. [[Outline of a Panegate showing a Sneech on the far side.]] Sylvester: Rufus's theory is they have extra "locks" latched on, possibly due to the war with the Sneeches. Rosemary: Mm. [[They walk past a painting of an individual with rainbow-colored hair.]] Sylvester: ...And now of course you're going to want to go through one. Rosemary: Of course. /After/ we eat. Saturday , May 25 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a dining room, eating Dornbeast.]] Rosemary: OK.. still tasty, but we /are/ going to get some variety in our food. Sylvester: Well, with you here, we can risk re-opening the.. [[Mortimer appears at the table.]] Rosemary: The what? Sylvester: /sniff/. Mortimer. Thought you'd go take a bath. Mortimer: I did. [[Mortimer sits down with them. His shirt reads TOWEL.]] Sylvester: Ah. ..Where's the umbrella? Mortimer: I.. decided not to pick it up again. Unless I do so.. for good. [[Sylvester passes him a serving plate.]] Sylvester: Ah again. Care for some tendril? Mortimer: Yes. Thank you. Sunday , May 26 , 2013 Narration: Memorial Day Out West [[Nighttime. A burly blonde-haired man with a prominent chin perches on a rock amidst some trees. He is wielding a spear and wearing a backpack. There is a campfire burning inside a ring of stones. The man is looking a small collection of graves, each marked with a Brush-symbol.]] {{This is Sylvester's brother Ace.}} Monday , May 27 , 2013 [[In the Mansion's Low Kitchen. Rosemary pulls back on her gloves.]] Rosemary: OK. Better. Now.. re-open the /what/? Sylvester: Oh. There's a bit of beach. Lots of fish and such. Even seaweed, which is tastier than you m- [[Outline of a young Rosemary eating from a bowl at a table.]] Rosemary: Yes. Frillstreamer. Grew up on an island, remember? Sylvester: Right. The Ichyoids have been peaceable, but, still hesitant about going down there.. alone. [[Rosemary puts her helmet back on.]] Sylvester: And even now, that is a /daytime/ trip. As is the Panegate jaunt and barracks stuff and all the rest. Mortimer: I'm gonna go look at- [[Sylvester places his hand on Mortimer's shoulder. A canister behind Rosemary is revealed to be labelled ZGWORTZ]] Sylvester: Actually, no, Mortimer. There is one more thing to do tonight, and it would be helpful if you were along. Mortimer: ..OK? Maybe? Tuesday , May 28 , 2013 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer are at a lectern on which is a book and a small rubber stamp. Rosemary is writing in it. Behind them are wall-cabinets marked with the E symbol.]] Sylvester: OK.. Make your mark.. which means in your case.. sign your name.. Rosemary: Right. [[Sylvester takes his turn.]] Sylvester: And I sign here.. Sylvester: Date and initial here.. [[Now Mortimer.]] Sylvester: And then you, Mortimer, sign the witness spot. Mortimer: Right. [[Sylvester ((STAMPs)) the page.]] Sylvester: And.. Rosemary Dapple is now officially the Taskmistress of E. Rosemary: Great! When do I get paid? Sylvester: After you do some work, slacker. Mortimer: Dapple? I gotta do better with names. Wednesday , May 29 , 2013 [[In an official part of the Mansion.]] Rosemary: What now? Sylvester: Well.. /I/ need to go and do mind-numbingly dull Earl-type things. [[He turns to go.]] Sylvester: You can watch me do them.. or.. Rosemary: Find my own way around. Entertain myself. For a few hours. OK. [[Sylvester leaves.]] Sylvester: I'll leave you to it, then. Rosemary: Good night. [[Mortimer turns to leave.]] Rosemary: How about you, Mortimer? Mortimer: Entertain.. No, I guess I.. Good night. Thursday , May 30 , 2013 [[Sylvester climbs some stairs, holding onto the railing as he does so.]] [[He opens a door labeled E23.]] [[In a darkened room, he sprinkles flakes into a coffee cup.]] [[He carries the cup to a small desk, on which is flat-topped lamp, a pen-stand and a green visor.]] [[He writes on paperwork with the pen, wearing the visor. The lamp, now lit, warms the coffee cup.]] Friday , May 31 , 2013 [[Mortimer enters the clothes-storage area of the Mansion.]] [[He opens one of the closets and looks inside.]] [[His reflection in a dressing-room mirror. He is wearing a robe with a stripe down the front and on the sleeves.]] [[Now he has on a purplish suit with star-shaped buttons.]] [[An E-family uniform with the E logo inside a star.]] [[A t-shirt and jeans, with a star-outline on the former.]] Saturday , June 1 , 2013 [[Rosemary approaches the door of Amos and Nellie's apartment, which is labelled THE NEIGHBORS.]] [[Her gloved hand ((KNOCKS)) at the door.]] [[Amos appears in the doorway.]] Amos: Ah. Amos: Me or Nellie? Rosemary: You. If you have the time, I'd like very much to see your library. Amos: . . . Rosemary: . . .Because I want to read all the books in it. [[Amos turns away.]] Amos: Oh! OK then! Just gimme a moment. [[Amos has put his coat on. They walk past a Storage Hall door which has a hole where its sign used to be.]] {{This is the Pointy Stick room, the door to which Rosemary opened earlier in the day.}} Rosemary: ((sniff?)) Amos: Dornbeast liver. Nellie loves the vile things. Amos: But she's also willin' to grow Incanan spice-melons for me,so I guess that makes us equal. Sunday , June 2 , 2013 Narration: Sunday in the SubShafts [[3375 and 3438 watch as water comes spewing out of a shaft between them.]] ((SPLASH)) [[The water splashes wider, hitting them.]] ((KA-SPLOOSH)) [[The water rises to the point that it is flooding their current level.]] ((SLOOOSH)) [[It rises more, and the two of them start to float.]] ((BLUB)) Monday , June 3 , 2013 [[In a darkened room, Amos and Rosemary approach a Safety Lantern Station.]] Amos: So Mooninites are in favor of reading? Rosemary: Broadly. Tho actual books are rare out in the.. boonies. Apart from The Words of Violet, 'course. [[Amos uses a tool to light the lantern.]] Amos: Course. Rosemary: And you've got a whole tower full of them? [[Amos now holding the lamp, they approach a pair of sliding doors.]] Amos: All technical, no. The tower proper's got labs, the observatory, Ludwig's apartment. Rosemary: Observatory? Like the Royal Barnevelt? In the Ridgebacks? [[They pass through the doors and stand between two rows of bookshelves.]] Amos: Ayup. On a much smaller scale, I gather. Amos: Bulk of the books are down here, /under/ the tower. Tuesday , June 4 , 2013 [[Amos leads Rosemary into the Mansion's library.]] Amos: Come when you want, but after dark, /please/ use a safety lamp, or that helmet light of yours. No open flames. Rosemary: Right. [[They are under a light hanging down from above.]] Amos: There are skylights.. shafts, so daytime's better. And no, those lights up there don't work anymore. Rosemary: OK [[Rosemary looks around in the gloom.]] Amos: Also, keep the section-doors closed. Non-fiction here. Fiction over there, newspapers there. Got the Times, the Globe, from Glome, and the old Elucidator. From before the Crash. Rosemary: ...Um. Wow. I didn't really.. Has /Sylvester/ read all of these? Amos: Doubt anyone's done that. He and Rufus have both made a fair dent. Tuesday , June 4 , 2013 [[Amos leads Rosemary into the Mansion's library.]] Amos: Come when you want, but after dark, /please/ use a safety lamp, or that helmet light of yours. No open flames. Rosemary: Right. [[They are under a light hanging down from above.]] Amos: There are skylights.. shafts, so daytime's better. And no, those lights up there don't work anymore. Rosemary: OK [[Rosemary looks around in the gloom.]] Amos: Also, keep the section-doors closed. Non-fiction here. Fiction over there, newspapers there. Got the Times, the Globe, from Glome, and the old Elucidator. From before the Crash. Rosemary: ...Um. Wow. I didn't really.. Has /Sylvester/ read all of these? Amos: Doubt anyone's done that. He and Rufus have both made a fair dent. Wednesday , June 5 , 2013 [[Amos and Rosemary are in the Mansion's library]] Amos: So, there some particular place you want to start reading it all? Rosemary: Um, yes, actually. [[Outlines of the three pen-wielding authors that Rosemary lists below.]] Rosemary: If possible, I'd like.. Akk-am's "Question of Culpability", "Summer of Kaylu" by.. Phillip Kick. and "Codex of Eventful Visitations" by.. some Zanduan woman. Amos: Rakshasa Vetala. Amos: And "Philkick" is Hawthorne's last name. And yes, we have all those. Rosemary: Right. OK. Amos: I'll go get them. Rosemary: Oh. And.. um.. anything by Cinnamon Crume /except/ Clan-Sects of Erewhon. Amos: "A Brief History of Erewhon Volume One" it is. All excellent places to start. Wednesday , June 5 , 2013 [[Amos and Rosemary are in the Mansion's library]] Amos: So, there some particular place you want to start reading it all? Rosemary: Um, yes, actually. [[Outlines of the three pen-wielding authors that Rosemary lists below.]] Rosemary: If possible, I'd like.. Akk-am's "Question of Culpability", "Summer of Kaylu" by.. Phillip Kick. and "Codex of Eventful Visitations" by.. some Zanduan woman. Amos: Rakshasa Vetala. Amos: And "Philkick" is Hawthorne's last name. And yes, we have all those. Rosemary: Right. OK. Amos: I'll go get them. Rosemary: Oh. And.. um.. anything by Cinnamon Crume /except/ Clan-Sects of Erewhon. Amos: "A Brief History of Erewhon Volume One" it is. All excellent places to start. Thursday , June 6 , 2013 [[Amos and Rosemary are in the Mansion's library. She holds a stack of books, and he offers her one more.]] Amos: ..And, 'haps now you'd be interested in Blevin's "Northwoods Narrative"? He's sorta the Crume of Audravania. Rosemary: Um.. Yes! Thank you! This should do me for a day or two. [[They walk back towards the Storage Halls.]] Amos: You can find your way back to.. you /do/ have a room? Rosemary: Yes. /The/ Guest Room, I'm told. And yes. Thank you, Amos. [[Amos leaves.]] Amos: Good night, then. And again, welcome. Rosemary: Good night. [[Rosemary walks alone with the books. She passes a door labeled OPTIC POCKETKNIVES.]] [[She pauses.]] [[She looks up, annoyed.]] Friday , June 7 , 2013 [[Rosemary glares upward from the base of the stairs which lead to the Quiet Room. She carries a stack of books from the Mansion's library.]] [[She puts down the books.]] [[She removes a sword and lamp from her Poke Kit and puts them down as well.]] [[She has climbed the stairs, and walks along the corridor.]] [[She passes a sign reading APPROACHING QUIET ROOM. STOW ALL DEVICES OF A MAGICAL NATURE. She produces the Can Opener from her Poke Kit.]] [[She stands before the door to the Quiet Room.]] Rosemary: I have about ten thousand better things to do with my time than talk to /you/, so whatever it is, make it quick. Saturday , June 8 , 2013 [[Rosemary stands before the Quiet Room, Can-Opener at the ready.]] Quiet-Room Inhabitant: -? Rosemary: I said before I could hear you. Maybe cuz you /touched/ me while we were putting you in there. For the last time, what do you want? {{So she's talking to the Dohickey.}} Dohickey: -? Rosemary: Rosemary Aurora Dapple. I live my own life, and I dream my own dreams. Dohickey: --? Rosemary: You generally can't have one without the other. At least with us Humans. [[The door to the Quiet Room.]] Dohickey: -? Rosemary: He's my trusted native guide. And.. like you..? I'm his bodyguard. So we all want the same thing, right? Dohickey: --. Rosemary: OK then. Sunday , June 9 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts. [[The hallway has filled entirely with water. 3375 and 3438 float.]] [[The water begins to drain off in one direction, taking the two mules with it.]] ((SLOSH)) [[3438 drifts into a depression in the hall and ((THUMPs)) up against a barricade.]] [[3438 attempts to ((GLOMP.)) 3375 as the latter floats by overhead, but ((MISSes)).]] Monday , June 10 , 2013 [[Rosemary is outside the Quiet Room, talking to the Dohickey.]] Rosemary: On this theme... he's the Earl of E. That means, it seems, his phizzy job is to try and /fix/ everything. Rosemary: Nothing's currently broken here, so I won't bring it to his attention. Rosemary: But. There's also /my/ shiny new role. I am now the Taskmistress of E.. Rosemary: ..And it is evidently /my/ job to deal with recalcitrant devices. [[Closeup of her looking scary.]] Rosemary: So.. right here, right now. If you, /any of you/ in there, cause trouble, I'll get that zap-trident, blow this door off its hinges and throw you all into the Great Chasm. [[The door to the Quiet Room.]] Rosemary: Do we /understand/ each other? Quiet Room Inhabitants: ! ! ! ! ! ! eep Rosemary: OK then. Tuesday , June 11 , 2013 [[Rosemary walks away from the Quiet Room.]] Rosemary: Now, I've got a library full of books to read. Rosemary: If you want to do something useful, keep an eye on the Basement door. Or maybe this Weirdo person. [[She is gone. The corridor stands quiet.]] [[There is a hole in the wall down near the floor. A pair of eyes appears there.]] [[They belong to Frowgler. He watches in the direction Rosemary left.]] Dohickey: --? Frowgler: Yes, it's me. And you heard the lady. Wednesday , June 12 , 2013 [[A levitation-elevator shaft in the Basement, between the Sneech Den and the Ettinworks. At the bottom is a small glowing sphere mounted on a pole. It plays music.]] [[The sphere stops playing, goes ((PING)).]] [[Myrrh/The Scary Lady ((WOOSHES)) into view from above, holding her balloon, which is also glowing.]] Thursday , June 13 , 2013 [[Rosemary approaches the Mansion's Guest Room, carrying her stack of library books.]] [[Inside the darkened room, looking at the desk with its lamp overhead, the bed, the chest of drawers. On the wall is a painting of a skunk wearing a tutu-like garment.]] {{The painting is a Walt Kelly homage: Miz Ma'm'selle Hepzibah from his newspaper comic Pogo.}} [[Rosemary puts the books on the desk, revealing their titles: Northwood Narrative, Codex of Eventual Visitations, Summer of Kaylu, Question Of Culpability and A Brief History Of Erewhon, Volume One.]] [[She lights the lamp.]] [[She produces her old clothes from her Poke Kit.]] [[She puts the clothes in a drawer.]] [[And closes the drawer.]] Friday , June 14 , 2013 [[In the Mansion's Guest Room. Rosemary looks at the resident desk.]] [[A series of verbs cover the scene.]] ((PUSH DRAG SHOVE SCRRAAPE REARRANGE)) [[Rosemary stands behind the desk, which is now facing toward the room's door. All of Rosemary's dialogue is non-verbal.]] Rosemary: There. Much more strategic. Rosemary: Now then. [[She has removed her helmet and gloves, and is seated at the desk, writing.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: "Dear Aunt Eva.." Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: "..And Zeke.." Saturday , June 15 , 2013 [[In the Mansion's Guest Room, Rosemary sits at a desk, writing a letter to her Aunt Eva and Zeke.]] [[She finishes, and puts it in an envelope.]] [[She sits and eyes the stack of books next to her.]] [[She is in the tub in the attached bathroom, reading the book Northwood Narrative by candlelight.]] Sunday , June 16 , 2013 Narration: Father's Day in The Capital [[Lenore lurks in an archway with a pencil and notepad, looking out as Shackleforth Ferule walks under a lamppost, accompanied by, presumably, his grown son and young granddaughter. A sign on the building behind reads BLOOM FUDGINGWORKS 3541 SPAREOOM ST.]] Lenore, thinking: .. That's who he was meeting!? URG! This entire day has now officially been a complete waste of my bowbing time! Monday , June 17 , 2013 [[Rosemary lies in bed, reading the book Northwoods Narrative.]] [[She blinks and sighs. An inset panel shows the candle she is using as light.]] [[She lays in the now-darkened room and looks at the ceiling. The candle has been snuffed.]] [[She starts to close her eyes.]] [[They are closed.]] [[A dreamscape. Rosemary is wearing her helmet and the clothes she had when arriving at the Mansion. She glances behind herself.]] Gnollish voice: No! {{Revealed to be Skuy in the next strip.}} Tuesday , June 18 , 2013 [[A dreamscape. Rosemary watches as Skuy flaps her hands at Spot the Gobule.]] Spot: But I /gotta/.. Skuy: I said no! Go.. go eat something! Shoo! [[Spot leaves, walking past Rosemary.]] Spot: OK. Yeah. I'll.. yeah. [[Rosemary and Skuy stare at each other.]] Both: . . . [[Rosemary walks past Skuy.]] Skuy: You.. um...really don't want to go.. Skuy: oh dear.. Wednesday , June 19 , 2013 [[A dreamscape. Rosemary walks with her back to the viewer.]] [[A rectangular shape forms ahead of her.]] [[The shape becomes doors to the Elevator, which open.]] [[The Operator stands before the Elevator sign, the letters of which are jumbled.]] Operator: Good evening, Miss Ripley. Thursday , June 20 , 2013 [[A dreamscape set in the Mansion's Elevator. The "wall" behind the Operator begins to distort.]] Operator: The redoubtable Squad-Leader was a lost cause, and that wretched little Gnoll is keeping the other bucketchain members away.. [[The Operator's eyes begin to sprout circles.]] Operator: But happily /you/ did not let me down. Please, enter. and we will continue our previous... [[A closeup of the Operator's spiral-eye.]] Operator: discussion. [[Rosemary is wearing her old clothes. She looks unaffected and unimpressed.]] Rosemary: Yyyeah. [[She is now dressed in her new Taskmistress uniform and is holding a large mallet with an anti-Operator logo painted on its face.]] Rosemary: No. [[The Operator's reaction to this development.]] ((WHAM)) Friday , June 21 , 2013 [[A dreamscape. Rosemary returns from confronting the Operator, still holding the large mallet she summoned up. Skuy stares.]] [[Rosemary hands the mallet to Skuy.]] Skuy: He didn't.. You're not.. Rosemary: No. That's never going to happen again. [[Rosemary goes on, but glances back.]] Rosemary: ..Assuming /you/ keep up the good work. Skuy: Yes, Ma'am. [[Rosemary asleep in bed.]] [[Skuy asleep somewhere in Leny Hall.]] Saturday , June 22 , 2013 [[The Mansion's elevator, in a dreamscape. The Operator is upside down and smashed into the wall, as a result of Rosemary's mallet-strike. His hat lays on the ground.]] [[The real elevator, darkened. The Operator stands in front of the sign. All of his dialogue is internal.]] Operator: . . . Operator: That should not have happened. [[He looks to one side.]] Operator: I must mull the implications of this... Sunday , June 23 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the Subshafts [[3375 is caught in a flood, and floating down a sloped corridor, which has spike-like objects mounted in the floor and ceiling. [[The corridor spills out into a vertical shaft; 3375 and the water fall into it.]] Monday , June 24 , 2013 [[Nellie and Amos asleep in bed in their apartment.]] [[Umboz and Piu asleep in bed in the tree in the Pale Camp.]] [[Gorp and Phiga the Gobules, sleeping back to back in some nook out in the Fringes.]] [[Mortimer lying awake in bed.]] [[Yasmine sitting under a tree next to a campfire, looking at the fleeb she is holding in her hand. Her horse stands in the background.]] Tuesday , June 25 , 2013 [[Myrrh descends some steps, her way illuminated by her balloon. The walls are covered with Human graffiti.]] [[She is at the top of the Ettinworks. Ahead of her. through an archway. is the large welcome/warning sign.]] [[She hears a ((CLANG)) from one side.]] [[A small green square lies on the ground on the other side of a second cracked-open archway.]] [[She reaches out magically with her hand.]] [[The card floats before her. It has holes cut in it, forming the words IN HER, with an final E added with paint.]] Wednesday , June 26 , 2013 [[At the top of the Ettinworks. Myrrh and her balloon stand before a slightly-open archway. She drops the small metal square she has been holding aloft magically.]] [[The door of the archway ((wooshes)) open, revealing a corridor with human-sized doors filling Ettin-sized archways.]] [[The duo pass inside. A door opens down the corridor, revealing a collection of lights.]] [[The archway ((unwooshes)), cutting of the view of the corridor.]] Thursday , June 27 , 2013 [[Somewhere at the top of the Spike. Eunice the human stands holding her knife at the ready.]] Someone off-panel: !!? [[Cox the Fixit appears, riding on his Pale mount.]] Eunice: What? Cox: My fellow minions have nominated me to request a status report. Eunice: I don't pretend to understand half of what they are talking about.. Eunice: ..but the gist is.. Rufus.. Mr. Rufus.. sez we're all lucky this phizzpile hasn't imploded and fallen in the swamp. [[Cox turns to leave.]] Cox: Thank you. Cox: Our newest arrival has a commendably quick grasp of the obvious. Friday , June 28 , 2013 [[Somewhere near the quarters of Mr. Hand. Hector and Nunsuch the robots meet. There is some "Ettinese" on a panel on the wall.]] Nunsuch: [Hector-symbol] Hector: Yes. Here I am, finally. Nunsuch: [dome-symbol] Hector: Reportedly.The only certainty is that the daily schedule has been /completely/ disrupted. ((CLUNK scrape)) [[With a ((BLIP)) the Ettinese begins to change from one style to another.]] Hector: Sir wishes you and Penfold to interface with the Spindizzies concerning- [[With a ((PING))>, the symbols all change. The two turn to look at them, and the lights on their antennas change as well.]] Nunsuch: [Nunsuch-symbol] Hector: Oh my. Nunsuch: [hand-symbol] Hector: Approximately twenty years late, but yes. Revised schedule engaged. Saturday , June 29 , 2013 [[Sylvester works at his desk, writing and shuffling papers.]] [[He pauses and sighs.]] [[He has put away his feather-pen, and now drops his eye-shade on the desk.]] [[The light on the desk has been doused, and he walks away, undoing his tie as he does so.]] [[He is in bed, his back to the viewer, his clothes hanging from hooks, his glasses sitting on a nearby dresser.]] Sunday , June 30 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[3375 falls into a deep shaft, along with lots of water.]] [[And falls, dwindling out of sight..]] [[And falls..]] [[And disappears into the red-tinted distance.]] Monday , July 1 , 2013 [[A dark stone corridor.]] [[A magical doorway opens with a ((FZZT)), spilling light into the space. Myrrh and her balloon are on the far side.]] [[They pass through the doorway.]] [[The door disappears, leaving them behind. The balloon starts to glow.]] ((UNFZZT)) Myrrh: . . . [[The POV changes to show they are standing outside the door between the Mansion and the Basement. The balloon glows brighter.]] Myrrh: Well. Once again, here we are. Tuesday , July 2 , 2013 [[The Mansion's official Basement Door, with waiting brackets and an Ettin "length" leaning against it.]] [[The door swings open, knocking the length to the ground.]] ((CLUNK clatter)) [[Myrrh appears in the open doorway, looking down at the ground.]] [[She magically levitates the length.]] [[And drops it into the brackets, in front of the now-closed door.]] [[She begins marking the length with her finger.]] [[The result is the glowing words KEEP OUT, oriented to be read by someone on the other side of the door. The glow spreads out from the length into the cracks of the door.]] Wednesday , July 3 , 2013 [[Myrrh approaches a Panegate with her balloon. Beyond the gate is a jungle of some sort.]] [[Close up of the gate's control panel, with her fingers pushing at it.]] ((beep beep boop)) [[The panel ((SNAPs)) and zaps power, repelling her.]] [[She resumes pushing buttons.]] ((beep beep be-beep BEEP)) [[The control buttons change color to blue, and the gate opens.]] ((SHUNK)) Thursday , July 4 , 2013 [[Outside a Panegate, Myrrh holds up a finger, on which is perched a trundlebug. Nearby, the balloon extends its string in their direction.]] [[The trundlebug steps onto the string.]] [[Myrrh points, and the balloon and bug float through the gate, into a jungle.]] [[Myrrh watches in the distance as the duo floats along.]] [[Further away. She can be seen touching the Gate controls.]] [[The gate closes and disappears.]] Friday , July 5 , 2013 [[A balloon floats through a green jungle, carrying a trundlebug on its string. Below them is flourishing purple undergrowth.]] [[The balloon drops off the bug on a convenient branch.]] [[As the balloon floats up, another trundlebug emerges from behind a leaf.]] [[The balloon floats away as the bugs come nose to nose.]] Bug 1: ! Bug 2: ! [[The bugs march off together, while in the distance, the balloon is approaching two round objects floating on tethers.]] Saturday , July 6 , 2013 [[Inside Frederick and Myrrh's apartment. Frederick sits on one end of the sofa. A painting behind him depicts a banana split. From off-panel comes a noise:]] ((CLICK)) [[Myrrh comes into view, and they look at each other. The painting changes to a close up of a cherry.]] [[She silently sits next to Frederick on the sofa. The painting shows a cherry tree.]] [[The painting is mostly covered by dialogue, but shows two figures sitting on a tree-branch.]] Myrrh: Yes, It was my umbrella. No, I did not directly hand it to him. Frederick, flapping hand: Nnn. What's done is done, woman. Sunday , July 7 , 2013 Narration: Sunday in Frederick and Myrrh's [[Myrrh and Frederick sit on their couch. A painting behind them shows a candy bar.]] Frederick: It's up to him and Grubb now. Kept him alive as long as I could. Frederick: But /you/ know how that works. Myrrh: I suppose I do. [[They sit. The candy bar changes shape.]] Both: . . . Myrrh: So, what do you want to do now? Frederick: I dunno. Both: . . . [[Frederick smiles a little and looks at her.]] Frederick: Whadda /you/ want to do? [[Myrrh smiles. A winged waffle flies behind her.]] Monday , July 8 , 2013 [[A dark purple-tinged space. A voice speaks jaggedly from the floor, out of frame.]] Voice: urg.. ga.. wha? [[Its owner rises into view. It's Squeeb the small Wyrm.]] [[He looks around.]] Squeeb: Where th' zark am I? [[A Trog's hand reaches into view and ((GLOMPs)) onto him.]] Squeeb: gluk [[It's Hamble, with the two prongs from Sylvester's Concuflux attack still stuck in his chest.]] Hamble: A sealed Trog.. cage.. on the Sneechside of the Great Chasm. Hamble: A very unpleasant place, I'm afraid. Tuesday , July 9 , 2013 [[In a secretive Trog habitat, Hamble the Trog holds Sqeeb the Wyrm. Hamble has two Confuflux prongs stuck in his chest.]] Hamble: Only . . no. The air is moving. [[A sliding doorway, standing open.]] Hamble: Mm. So. NOT sealed anymore.. [[A Lurker lurks behind a rock.]] Hamble: But no other sign of Villipend OR the . . recent visitors.. Just- Hamble: Hello, Blinky. Blinky: rrr [[A larger view of the habitat.]] Hamble: In fact.. there is a distinctly Villipend-shaped hole in the . . general scheme of things. [[He yanks the prongs from his chest.]] ((poink)) Hamble: Which presumably means he is . . out of range. Hamble: One way or another. Wednesday , July 10 , 2013 [[In a formerly-sealed Trog habitat, Hamble the Trog grips Squeeb the Wyrm.]] Hamble: But anyway. You are..? Squeeb: Squeeb. An' I- [[Outline of Squeeb being launched towards the backpack of an unknowing Sylvester.]] Hamble: . . And your scent indicates you came in here with the . .were they really Humans? Squeeb: Wha? Snoot got me ta cling ta those big Nome-things but I- [[Hamble puts on a tighter squeeze.]] Hamble: "Snoot". One of the . . muckamucks of your Ring or Circle, I take it. Squeeb: Ain't stuck in no bowbin' Ring! An' when Nevus hears- gak! [[Hamble holds Squeeb closer.]] Hamble: Nevus. I've been out of touch. Yes, tell me about Nevus. And Snoot. Tell me about /everything./ Squeeb: ?! Thursday , July 11 , 2013 [[Hamble the Trog holds Squeeb the Wyrm, and looks at a now-opened door.]] Squeeb: who.. /what/ are you? Hamble: Mm? Oh. You've heard of Villipend, I assume? [[Outline of Villipend being gleefully destructive.]] Squeeb: wha? yeah.. that Trog who went around breakin' phizz.. yer him? But.. you were just sayin'- Hamble: Indeed. He cut a swath. My name is Hamble. You have never heard of me. [[Outline of Hamble tending large mushrooms, wearing a hat, a basket strapped to his back.]] Squeeb: no.. Hamble: I was hatched. I grew up. I toiled on a fungi farm. My brain . . . started to rot, I took the Plunge into the Great Chasm. Hamble: The end. [[Squeeb looks affected.]] Hamble: Only it wasn't. I got. . . diverted into here. And this place . .does things to people. You can feel it, /can't you?/ Sqiueeb: ...yes... Friday , July 12 , 2013 [[Hamble the Trog steps through an opened door to a Trog habitat. He carries Squeeb the small Wyrm.]] Hamble: snif Hamble: hm. [[They approach a stairway. A large sign is half-visible in the background. The word EXIT is painted large on the wall, with an arrow pointing up the stairs.]] Hamble: All this time down here . . you wouldn't /believe/ what this place did to Villipend. Hamble: And to me. [[They approach the end of the corridor, which opens onto the darkened Ettinworks.]] Hamble: And now.. thanks to the Earl's kindly intervention . . Hamble: Whole new vista open up. [[They stand on a walkway amidst the 'Work's towers.]] Hamble: snif. Hm again. odd extra smells.. but the Earl and company went on . . . while Villipend . . . Hamble: irony. He taught me to know . . . Trog-death when I smell it. Saturday , July 13 , 2013 [[Hamble the Trog carries Squeeb the Wyrm away from the Ettinworks, back towards the formerly-sealed Trog-habitat.]] Hamble: So the Earl did kill Villipend. Two favors I owe him. Squeeb: what wuz tha place? Hamble: Someplace Sneeches have been. Right now... [[Hamble stands at the opened habitat-doorway.]] Hamble: snif snif [[What he is looking at: a blank stretch of wall, except for a small hole near one wall.]] Squeeb: it's a wall [[Hamble puts his hand in the hold.]] Hamble: I've gotten better at noticing things. [[The wall is actually a sliding door, which Hamble opens, revealing a room beyond with boxes on shelves.]] ((CLUNK)) Sunday , July 14 , 2013 [[Hamble the Trog and Squeeb the Wyrm have entered a shelved room.]] Squeeb: wha? Hamble: This is evidently . . an "Emergeny Bolthole". With more doors. Hamble: We shall . . . conduct inventory and explore. Narration: Before long... [[The side of the Great Chasm, next to the tube which feeds into Hamble's former prison.]] [[A hatch swings open with a ((CLANG)) and Hamble looks out.]] Hamble: Well well. [[He stands on the top of the tube, looking towards the other side of the Chasm.]] [[A closer look. He has tied Squeeb to his upper arm.]] Squeeb: what... what are we gonna do? [[Hamble's eyes.]] Hamble: A bolthole. stocked by Humans . .an up-to-date source of information,. . A covert path back to civilization. Hamble: Perhaps . . . I will start cutting my own swath. Squeeb: eep Narration: A New Day on the Great Chasm Monday , July 15 , 2013 Narration: Meanwhile, Far to the West.. [[A bearded human in a red cloak climbs a damaged stone stairway.]] [[He enters a broken doorway.]] Human voice: Nathan. Nathan: Turner's squad found a horse, gear, stashed other side of the village, probably hers. [[The voice's owner is a blonde woman also wearing a red cloak, sitting at a desk, holding a sphere in a gloved hand.]] Woman: Nothing else. Nathan: No. You saw. She coulda gone zarkin' /anywhere/. [[The woman shatters the sphere.]] Woman: We're gonna find her. We're gonna find that phizette if she zapped off to bowbing /Yuggoth/ and we hafta /burn down the World/ to get her. Nathan: Yeah. Kinda figured that, Tansy. Tuesday , July 16 , 2013 Narration: Finally, in the Deep Jungles [[A young Human woman carrying a bowl with glowing specks floating above it comes out onto a balcony, on which is standing an elderly woman. A Nome is visible lower down through a window.]] Young Woman: There you are! Young Woman: Mother, the banquet was in your honor, and we- Mother: Lilith. {{This is Sylvester's sister Lilith and his mother Dorothea.}} [[A closer look at them.]] Mother: I was.. starting to think I'd be happy to just /stay/ here. Mother: But I've received a missive. Tomorrow we must start for... home. Lilith: It's been /months/ since.. Are you.. Lilith: . . . Mother: . . . [[Lilith turns to go.]] Lilith: Of course you're sure. /sigh/.. I'll start packing. Mother: One of these years.. /someone/ needs to get serious about figuring out Panegates. Wednesday , July 17 , 2013 [[Sylvester stands overlooking a wall, holding hands with his college girlfriend Nimue. Nearby is a blonde man with a stick, and a blonde woman with her hand on his shoulder. All wear University uniforms. Behind them is a yellow statue of a pig, and further back, a roof with a couple of evidently scientific devices mounted on it. The front wall is labeled CORRIGAN WALLWAY. A smaller sign on a rear wall reads SILVERJOHN.]] {{The other two are/were friends of Sylvester at University, Bertie and Honoria.}} Thursday , July 18 , 2013 [[On a small farm on the Mooninite island of Gnomin, a young Rosemary "threatens" her role-model Zeke with a toy wooden sword, and he acts appropriately alarmed. He is carrying a pitchfork and has a large knife in his belt. Behind them is a fence, a scarecrow/"crowspook" in a field of Mandela Spear plants.]] Friday , July 19 , 2013 [[Guest art: realistic pencil drawings of Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer, as done by Whitehound.]] Saturday , July 20 , 2013 [[Sylvester's great-great uncle, Hindenburgh the wizard, eating in his magical dining room. He levitates food towards his mouth using a fork/wand. Along with a plate of food and other condiments, a bottle of Lollipop Sauce sits on the table. Behind him is a picture of the moon and two stars by "HK".]] Sunday , July 21 , 2013 [[A portrait of the seven official Founding Oracles of the current religion of the MoELand humans: Violet with a book, Daisy with a staff, Joice with a bell, Jennie with a plant in a pot (and wearing garden boots), Kathryn with a sword (and wearing war boots), Hettie with a lamp perched on her hat and no shoes at all, and Evangeline, with nothing at all. Behind them a straight-lined rainbow shoots skyward from beyond a row of mountains. Two stars and the moon are visible in the sky.]] Monday , July 22 , 2013 [[A portrait of two of Comshaw's grandparents, Kaytid and Compline, along with their Schemer/Finagler Shiv. Fires burn in the background, and bits of rubble are scattered about. Kaytid is forming a bit of magic in her hand, Compline holds a Gnoll-hand banner on a pole, and Shiv is armed with two knives.]] Tuesday , July 23 , 2013 [[A portrait of a female Ettin, magically levitating various mysterious objects and manipulating a collection of interface-controls with her foot-tentacles.]] Wednesday , July 24 , 2013 [[A portrait of the comic-strip character Roshambo the Warrior Beetle, wielding his flaming sword. The fictional version of Frowgler lurks behind him. A smiling plant grows from the same wall, and beyond them is a row of rocks which glow with a red aura.]] Thursday , July 25 , 2013 [[A depiction of the solar system in which the Mansion of E takes place. Along with the Wide World, there is the large, purplish, ringed Nibiru, the green Perelandra, the red Barsoom, and the grey Yuggoth. All are in color except the WW.]] {{Crackpot theory, C. S. Lewis, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and H. P. Lovecraft.}} Friday , July 26 , 2013 [[A view of the Known World from orbit.]] [[A view of "MoELand" from orbit.]] Saturday , July 27 , 2013 [[The Province of Audravania as seen from orbit.]] [[The Valley of E as seen from orbit.]] [[The Mansion of E as seen from high above.]] Sunday , July 28 , 2013 [[The Mansion of E, surrounded by the Forest of E, with the Specific Ocean beyond it, and the morning sun rising overhead. A few clouds float in the sky.]] Monday , July 29 , 2013 [[The Main Tower of the Mansion of E.]] [[Zooming closer to a window in its side, where a figure is visible.]] [[It is Mortimer looking out on the forest, wearing a blue T-shirt with a star on it. All of his dialogue is internal.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: It's not just Rosemary arriving.]] [[He lifts the umbrella-wand he holds in his hand. A sign behind him points towards the Lasagna Gallery, the Jibjib Wingroom and the Rain Closet.]] Mortimer: And me.. setting out.. Mortimer: Feels like.. /everything/ has changed... Tuesday , July 30 , 2013 [[Sylvester's empty desk, with his green visor sitting on it, on top of a pile of paperwork.]] [[Sylvester comes into view, tying his tie as he walks.]] [[He sits at the desk, puts on the visor.]] [[He resumes writing at the pile of paperwork.]] ((skritch skritch skritch)) Wednesday , July 31 , 2013 [[Rosemary walks away from the door to the Mansion's official Guest Room.]] [[She enters a stretch of hallway with a large sign mounted on the wall. The sign lists a variety of rooms, each paired with an arrow squiggling off in a different direction: CHAMBER OF APOCRYPHAL INSTUMENTALITY (sic). SPIN-DIZZIES. SUMA-TRAN ROOM. BUCKMOONS. PADMA ARBORETUM. KEVIN T. REILLY ACOUSTATORIUM. UNCLE BOB'S LANDING O' FAMILY FUN. A second smaller sign reads LOWER SIGN REPOSITORY.]] [[Rosemary studied a large rope hanging from the ceiling. An accompanying sign reads PULL FOR SERVICE.]] [[Mortimer hears a ((BRRONGG)).]] Thursday , August 1 , 2013 [[Mortimer in a stretch of Mansion hallway, holding up his umbrella. A sign behind him, partially blocked by the umbrella, reads ROUNDS RE??UNDING R?TUNDA.]] Mortimer: Hello? Rosemary, off-panel: Oh. Hello there, Mortimer. [[Rosemary comes into view. Signs behind them read WIDE WORLD WEBBING WARDROBE, LUGHNASADH LOBBY, ALLITERATION ANNEX and GUEST ROOM.]] Mortimer: Rosemary. Um. Good morning.You pulled the request rope? Rosemary: Yes, tho I didn't actually expect it to produce any results. Mortimer: I happened to be nearby. You couldn't sleep, either, huh? Rosemary: Well, actually- ((SHUNK)) [[A door has slid open, revealing Schmedley Brittle the Mansion's Chief Butler.]] Schmedley: you rang? Mortimer: (All technically, it's the /butler request/ rope) Rosemary: (Ah) Rosemary: Yes, Mr. Schmedley. I did. Friday , August 2 , 2013 [[Schmedley the butler, Mortimer and Rosemary are in a stretch of Mansion corridor.]] Mortimer: So.. what /did/ you need? Rosemary: First of all, Mr. Schmedley and I have not been formally introduced. [[Mortimer gestures towards her. Behind them a partially-obscured sign reads something about ICE CREAM.]] Mortimer: Oh. I didn't... Schmedley, this is Rosemary.. Dapple.. right? Rosemary: Right. [[Schmedley listens.]] Mortimer: She's the new Taskmistress. Schmedley: . . . Schmedley: . . . undergone testing via a Quizslab? Mortimer: um.. Rosemary: I got a five out of eight. Schmedley: . . .Ms Myrrh is aware of her presence? Rosemary: She said I could stay. Schmedley: . . . Welcome to the Mansion of E, Miss Dapple. Rosemary: Thank you, Mr. Schmedley. Mortimer: This is Schmedley Brittle. The Butler. Chief Butler. Saturday , August 3 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Mansion. Schmedley's dialogue is very quiet]] Rosemary: And my second question: where is Sylvester's room from here? Schmedley Brittle: Mister Sylvester possesses several "rooms". However, he iis likely in his Working Office. Proceed down this corridor, ascend the staircase two floors, turn left and enter the Private Chambers. The office is the third door on the left. Rosemary: "...third door on the left." Thank you, Mr. Schmedley. Schmedley: Of course, Miss Dapple. [[Schmedley turns to go.]] Schmedley: If there is nothing further, we shall both proceed with our duties. Rosemary: Indeed. How about you, Mortimer? Mortimer: . . . [[Rosemary goes off in the opposite direction.]] Mortimer:Before yesterday I never... I'm going to learn how to use the, MY, umbrella. Rosemary: Now /there's/ an interesting duty. Rosemary: I'll pass the news along to Sylvester. Sunday , August 4 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is fllooded. Cully, Chunner and Crud are asleep in their survival pods. A stuffed dog-toy floats past.]] All: zzz [[A large chocolate chip floats past. Cully wakes up.]] Cully: z- Chunner and Crud: zzz [[Cully realizes his situation.]] Cully: . . . Cully: sigh.. Chunner and Crud: zzz Monday , August 5 , 2013 [[Mortimer is in a sign-covered corridor of the Mansion, with his umbrella.]] Mortimer: Pass the news. Yes, It's only fair that I- Mortimer: Schmedley! Wait a second! [[Schmedley turns back. Behind them are more signs: OYSTER BEER OFFICE, HINDRANCE DOG DEPT., UNDERWEAR ARENA.]] Schmedley: . . . Yes, Mr.Mortimer? Mortimer: I.. you should know. Or /did/ you know, too? That I 'm actually a wizard. [[Mortimer holds up the umbrella.]] Schmedley: . . . I had harbored certain suspicions, Mr. Mortimer, both in regards to you and your late father, but it was not- Mortimer: "..your place to say anything." Right. Well. There's a wand in this thing. And Amos is going to teach me how to use it. [[Schmedley turns again to go. Mortimer stares at the umbrella.]] Schmedley: . . . Very good, Mr. Mortimer. Mortimer: I hope it is, Schmedley. I really do. Tuesday , August 6 , 2013 [[The Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic lies in his bed. His bedframe is Mintyfresh brand. His clock goes ((TOC TIC)).]] [[The view pans back to show Fantod staring at him.]] ((TOC TIC)) [[The Weirdo does not open his eyes.]] ((TOC TIC)) Weirdo: What? ((TOC TIC)) Fantod: Yer just gonna lie there all day? Weirdo: It is a distinct possibility. Wednesday , August 7 , 2013 [[Sylvester works at his desk.]] [[He realizes something.]] [[The closed door of his office, seen from the outside.]] [[Sylvester ((SLAMs)) the door open.]] [[He sees that Rosemary is standing nearby in the corridor.]] [[He looks pained.]] Sylvester: You /did/ find a bed to use? You didn't stand /here/ all night? Rosemary: Yes I did. And no, I did not. Thursday , August 8 , 2013 [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester previously saying good night.]] Sylvester: I don't apologize for not showing you a bed that first night.. Rosemary: uh huh. [[Outline of Mortimer showing Rosemary the Mansion guest room.]] Sylvester: But last night.. yes, I'm sorry. Where did you..? Rosemary: That first night, Mortimer showed me our guest room. Sylvester: And.. how did you get /here/? Rosemary: I was formally introduced to Mr. Schmedley, who was kind enough to give me directions. [[Sylvester points.]] Sylvester: Ah. Good. So. Along with a snazzy uniform and food, the Taskmistress position also comes with an official office, and attached apartment. [[They walk together.]] Sylvester: ..Much better than the guest room. At least, once we get the water turned on. C'mon. Rosemary: Better than- Right. Of course. Friday , August 9 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk past a slab labelled KANG. The wall reads INDIGENOUS VEEP ART.]] {{RIP Michael Ansara.}} Sylvester: And speaking of Schmedley.. It won't matter except in certain ceremonial situations, but.. Rosemary: Yes? [[Outline showing Schmedley and Rosemary's rankings.]] Sylvester: ..as Chief Butler he is technically your superior in the.. Mansion hierarchy. Rosemary: I shall bear that firmly in mind. What about Amos? And Nellie? [[Outline showing positions' rankings.]] Sylvester: They are both /officially/ retired, so, doesn't apply. If.. when.. we hire replacements, you will out-rank them. Sylvester: Or.. more precisely, your.. department will have /priority/ over theirs. Rosemary: Goodie! And /Myrrh?/ [[Outline of Frederick above Schmedley.]] Sylvester: She.. retired too. When Ilsa quit as Head Housekeeper. Who would be /Schmedley's/ superior. Sylvester: And above /that/ is the Estate Manager and Regent. Who is.. well, Frederick. Saturday , August 10 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk past a door labeled STRATEGIC SMORE RESERVE.]] Rosemary: Frederick? Sylvester: Yes, well, the Regent's job is to be in charge while I'm away. And... [[They walk past a bowl mounted on a pedestal labelled PRAYER SAVER. A picture of a dining wolf is on the wall.]] Rosemary: You're never away. You said. Sylvester: Yeah. Pretty much. [[Outline of them symbolically performing separate duties in different locations.]] Rosemary: You also said something about my staying here while you went and made money faster. Sylvester: Literally, physically, yes. Maybe. Officially.. no. [[A partially visible sign reads SON OF-]] Sylvester: You just being here, being appointed Taskmistress is going to cause enough of a brouhaha in the village. Rosemary: Uh huh. Oh well. Sunday , August 11 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is flooded. Cully, Chunner and Crud are in their emergency pods. Cully watches as Crud wakes up.]] Chunner: zzz Crud: zz-? Crud: Oh. Yes. Oh dear. Cully: Good morning, Mr. Crud. Or.. evening, as the case may be. Chunner: zzz Crud: We have just awoken and so yes it is.. good morning. Cully. Cully: . . . Cully: We.. should.. wait for Mr. Chunner to wake up before we make any decisions. About our next move. Chunner: zzz Crud: Oh, my yes. He would feel left out, otherwise. Crud: He does tend to sleep in, however. Monday , August 12 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a corridor in the Mansion. Rosemary points at a round sign on the wall which reads RECORD SEWING ROOM.]] Rosemary: Somewhat related.. who's in charge of all these signs? I saw a misspelling earlier. Sylvester: Funny you should mention that.. [[Outline of a pre-Crash Taskmistress being handed a magically-powered list. A sign behind her advertises a performing named Zara Day appearing on the Mansion's Darkstage.]] Rosemary: Uh oh. Sylvester: Because Tasks tend to come erratically, the Taskmistress has had other duties lumped under her purview over the years. [[The same taskmistress points a male painter towards his duties. Signs read SIGNS and PORTENTS.]] Rosemary: So I /also/ have to- Sylvester: -hire and supervise the Notification Artificer. We haven't had one since The Crash. That said- [[Rosemary gives a thumbs-up.]] Sylvester: ..if you happen across someone who likes painting signs and working really cheap, you have the Earl's official permission to engage hir services. Rosemary: On it. Tuesday , August 13 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk past a sign reading E ADMINISTRATION CORRIDOR RESTRICTED ZONE.]] Rosemary: Anything /else/ I need to know about this new job of mine? Sylvester: Since the Crash, all that really matters are the actual Tasks. [[Outline of Sylvester looking at and being looked at by a wall-panel of eyes.]] Rosemary: And.. when do I start doing those? Sylvester: Fortunately, that one I was doing when we met was the last one, for either of us for.. [[Sylvester looks at his wristwatch. A door is labelled PRIME MECHANIC]] Sylvester: ..three days, six hours and.. oh, fifteen minutes. That's one of mine. Rosemary: OK. And me? [[An outline of a device with bumps on its side, and streams of power glowing from the top.]] Sylvester: ..five days, three hours and.. change. You'll have to tap that panel in the Lefthanded Loft. Rosemary: ..I begin to see why Mortimer never wanted /your/ job. Wednesday , August 14 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in the Administration Corridor. They walk past a door labelled HOUSE WIZWITCH.]] Rosemary: Ah. That reminds me. I saw Mortimer, too. He is going to learn to use the umbrella. Sylvester: . . .Right. [[Outline of Mortimer standing on a small crumbling hill as two stars and a crescent moon whiz past.]] Rosemary: You wish he wouldn't? Sylvester: I wish there was some easy happy choice for him. But.. there isn't. Rosemary: Mm. Sylvester: Anyway. Here we are. [[Rosemary twirls her finger. Sylvester points his thumb over his shoulder.]] Rosemary: If this is where we nobs hang out, why isn't /your/ office here? Sylvester: My formal office is the last door. I only use it on.. well.. formal occasions. Thursday , August 15 , 2013 [[Rosemary passes through the door of her new office. Sylvester is behind her in the hallway. A coatrack with an E on top of it stands to one side.]] [[Sylvester comes in as well, and points.]] Sylvester: This is the office, the apartment's through there. Rosemary: . . . [[The office, with a wooden desk between two windows. Sitting on the desk is a lamp and an in-out box. There is also a bookshelf and several file cabinets.]] Rosemary: Right. Friday , August 16 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are by the front door of her new office.]] Sylvester: Something wrong? Rosemary: No, just the opposite. [[Outline of a helmeted man sitting behind a desk. A weapon rack with a spear on it stands to one side.]] Rosemary: Before today, the biggest fanciest office I'd seen.. it'd be Commandant Spangler's at the Academy. [[A closer look at Rosemary's new desk.]] Rosemary: And now /this/ is mine. Rosemary: And I assume yours is even nicer? [[Sylvester points in two directions as they walk toward the door to the attached apartment.]] Sylvester: I suppose. You want to see it, after your apartment? Rosemary: Oh yes. Saturday , August 17 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are in her new Taskmistress's office.]] Sylvester: If you were perhaps wondering what's /in/ all these cabinets.. Rosemary: I suppose I was. [[The office's row of filing cabinets.]] Sylvester: Again, a lot of it doesn't matter anymore. Personnel records. Reports from defunct departments. Sylvester: I think some of them haven't been opened in my lifetime. [[They stand in front of a door marked PRIVATE.]] Sylvester: The rest.. records. Statistics. Hints from previous Taskmistresses. Tools. Rosemary: "Tools." [[An outline of a pre-Crash Taskmistress poking at a device with an artificially-lengthened forefinger.]] Sylvester: Some of the bits you will have to poke require an.. extra effort. Rosemary: Of course. Sunday , August 18 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. Cully, Chunner and Crud are in their emergency pods. A box floats past labelled FREDDLED GRUNTBUGGLIES 1 gross.]] Cully: Mr. Crud.. last night.. when I told you.. where the Zorper sent me, you said it was "like Othar". Chunner: zzz Crud: Hm? Did I? Oh. Yes. Of course, you must remember Othar was full of stories. [[Three long tan objects float past.]] Cully: ..He didn't really do all those things? Go visit the Ichyoids and the Far Fringes? Chunner: zzz Crud: Oh, no. Or rather yes, he did. But he also never worried about.. I don't know.. keeping details straight. [[A bottle labelled GONAGALL'S STIFLEBLOOM TONIC]] Cully: So.. what was his story? Chunner: zzz Crud: He.. what was it? ..swam through the "Serendipty Pool" and met a talking frog. Who said they were.. talking.. in the future. Monday , August 19 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand in a door-lined hallway. Sylvester waves an arm.]] Rosemary: I.. have a hallway. Sylvester: Yes. Behind the unframed door here, you also have a closet. [[Sylvester points.]] Sylvester: Over there is the living/dining room, and then the bedroom. [[Rosemary looks pensive.]] Sylvester: And on this side, there's the bathroom and the extra room. Rosemary: . . . Tuesday , August 20 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in her new apartment.]] Rosemary: Extra room? Sylvester: It's been a nursery, a private study, gymnasium. Nirvana and Mariah stored stuff in it. [[Outline of Rosemary reading in her swanky Extra Room, complete with lava lamp and Gump head on the wall.]] Rosemary: I see. Sylvester: Store your Secret Weapons in it! Whatever you decide, furniture is another thing we are not short of. [[A Diogenes-brand oil lamp sits on a nearby side table, along with a vase.]] Rosemary: I'll get right on that. Sylvester: As you can also see, light gets filtered in here during the day. At night you'll need to use the lamps. Tooterfish oil again. [[Rosemary's gloved hand touches the lamp.]] Rosemary: It's all very- clean. Sylvester: Of course. I /have/ been hoping to recruit a new Taskmistress. Wednesday , August 21 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand in a living room. There is a sofa, a tall narrow cabinet and a dining table. On the wall are pictures of a rural couple and a mouse holding a flower.]] Sylvester: Anyway. The living room. Sylvester: That door over there also leads to the bedroom. [[In front of them are windows and large glass doors.]] Sylvester: Those go out onto the balcony. [[A kitchen, with a sink, stove, and drawers, and various accessories.]] Sylvester: And there's a kitchen, of sorts, if you're into that sort of thing. Rosemary: Mm. A balcony, you say? Thursday , August 22 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on her apartment's balcony. A branch of the Tree grows in a pot.]] Sylvester: You'll be happy to hear these windows are already equipped with shutters you can roll down. Rosemary: Oh good. [[The POV pulls back as they look out.]] [[Pulling much further back. They are high up on the side of the Mansion's Main Tower, looking towards the sea. Other parts of the Mansion are visible: The Ivory Tower, the Temple of the Brush, the Party Palace, and the remains of a large motorized ship.]] Sylvester: Plus there's a view. Rosemary: Right. Friday , August 23 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on her new balcony.]] Sylvester: You're sure that nothing's- Rosemary: Wrong? No. But still.. where to begin... [[She looks out at the ocean.]] Rosemary: I've never actually seen the sea before. Sylvester: You.. said you grew up on an island. [[An outline/map of the Bay of Runes, with the surrounding cities labeled: On the west, Chroma, Mahawa, Zulora, Arowhena, Chowbok along with the Nodnol Peninsula, on the east Port Snif, Port Snork, Snufkin and Soundkeep.]] Rosemary: In the Bay of Runes. Seven out of eight directions you sail, you hit a fishing port. Rosemary: Or, yes, the Haroons. Or the Beacons. [[The view out to sea, with clouds floating by.]] Rosemary: This is the /real/ sea. The Specific Ocean. The next land, beyond those three rocks, is the Far Eastern Shore, right? Sylvester: ..The island of Katan is out there.. halfway, but.. essentially, yes. Friday , August 23 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on her new balcony.]] Sylvester: You're sure that nothing's- Rosemary: Wrong? No. But still.. where to begin... [[She looks out at the ocean.]] Rosemary: I've never actually seen the sea before. Sylvester: You.. said you grew up on an island. [[An outline/map of the Bay of Runes, with the surrounding cities labeled: On the west, Chroma, Mahawa, Zulora, Arowhena, Chowbok along with the Nodnol Peninsula, on the east Port Snif, Port Snork, Snufkin and Soundkeep.]] Rosemary: In the Bay of Runes. Seven out of eight directions you sail, you hit a fishing port. Rosemary: Or, yes, the Haroons. Or the Beacons. [[The view out to sea, with clouds floating by.]] Rosemary: This is the /real/ sea. The Specific Ocean. The next land, beyond those three rocks, is the Far Eastern Shore, right? Sylvester: ..The island of Katan is out there.. halfway, but.. essentially, yes. Saturday , August 24 , 2013 [[Rosemary looks out to sea from her balcony. Sylvester looks at her.]] Rosemary: We should go there. Sylvester: Where? Katan? [[A map of a portion of the Known World, with the MoE and Opar's locations labelled.]] Rosemary: There too. But I meant the Far Eastern Shore. Sylvester: Um.. well, there /are/ rumors the Oparites are planning an expedition... [[Outline of a Panegate, with a "Forbidden" symbol showing on the other side.]] Rosemary: I was thinking more of prying open a Panegate. Sylvester: Oh. No. Well, probably not. [[A map of the entire Known World, with possible Panegate paths spreading out from the Mansion's location.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: Because we don't know for an absolute /fact/ that any 'gate links beyond the borders of the Known World. Sunday , August 25 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. An eye and a pool ball float past.]] Cully: "Serendipity Pool"? Chunner: zzz Crud: If I understood correctly.. it appears only when you are not looking for it. Crud: The concept made for a lively discussion at the next Paradox Society Scattering! [[Two more eyes and a green spiky thing.]] Cully: I see. I guess. And frogs.. they're those little Motihaul-like things that live in Nubby's Crocogator Pit. Chunner: zzz Crud: Yes. I.. believe they can be found in the Forest as well. [[A single glowing eye.]] Cully: I've never heard of any of them even having.. you know.. the spark. In their eyes. Much less talking. Chunner: zzz Crud: No. Although.. No. Monday , August 26 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on her balcony, overlooking the Specific Ocean.]] Sylvester, twirling finger: Better back up a step here. Since we can't open most of the Pgates.. we can only guess where they go. Rosemary: uh huh. [[Outline of the Thembrian Panegate.]] Sylvester: Sometimes, it's a pretty /educated/ guess. Rosemary: Like the one you showed me. Thembria. [[Outline of a gate showing beyond a "forbidden" symbol. A man is reaching up into view and discovering he can wipe away a portion of the symbol with his hand.]] Sylvester: Yes. Right. And a few, over the generations, various folks have confirmed, by finding the other end the hard way. Well.. /long/ way. [[Outline of a gate, beyond which is some form of wall, on which has been scratched an E surrounded by a heart.]] Sylvester: Mom and Lil did it on their current trip; they confirmed that one comes out near Shahryar. In Agrada. You can still see the.. message they scratched for us. Tuesday , August 27 , 2013 [[Outline of half of a Panegate with vague jagged lines beyond it.]] Sylvester: Anyway. When it comes to making those guesses, often there are far fewer clues to work with. [[The other half of the gate, with a few more shapes.]] Sylvester: No people.. Human or otherwise.. ever wander past. You can't see the stars. And/or the plant life is scant or non-existent. Sylvester: Extreme cases, all you get is "day and night". [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on her balcony above the Specific Ocean. Rosemary thumbs over her shoulder.]] Rosemary: Wouldn't.. even /that/ be enough to tell- Sylvester: Indeed. [[He stretches his hand out toward the horizon.]] Sylvester: If it's day here, it is presumably night over /there/. And there is no 'Gate I know of where this is the case. Wednesday , August 28 , 2013 [[Outline of a hypothetical alternate Rosemary working in a muckroot patch.]] Rosemary: What about the Gates that lead to.. other histories, or whatever? The idiot-me marrying Seymour and stuff. Sylvester: Eh? Oh. Right. Yes. Well. [[An outline split in two, showing a section of forest with the sun in the same position in both sides: a Saur occupies the "real" world, while the alternate has a large wildcat.]] {{It is a "hillcat".}} Sylvester: The more.. normal ones at least... they invariably appear to link to, well, here. The exact same spot on the other World's hide. Day and night synch up. [[Outline of a Wilf standing under an exotic-looking tree, with the night sky overhead.]] Rosemary: "Normal." Sylvester: Where there is a moon, and stars, and a sun. And /ground./ [[Outline of a Panegate beyond which is a swirling purplish mass.]] {{This is the Pgate through which Myrrh sent the visitor Zay.}} Rosemary: Some of these.. places lack..? Sylvester: One or more of those, yes. Rosemary: Oh, now I /have/ to see this. Sylvester: Of course you do. Thursday , August 29 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on her apartment's balcony.]] Sylvester: ..But that can wait. More immediately, what else is not-wrong? Rosemary: Oh, this whole place. [[Outline of a small farmhouse, presumably Rosemary's childhood home.]] Rosemary: What you've shown me so far is already bigger than the entire house I grew up in.. Rosemary: ..and it's just a tiny corner of the Mansion. [[Outline of a city lamplighter going about his duties, next to an outhouse.]] Rosemary: ..and you've got.. stored sunlight at night, or whatever. Flush toilets that actually flush. Rosemary: Even downtown Ootope mostly uses oil lamps and privvies. [[Outline of Sylvester-The-Earl exchanging glares with Eetownsfolk.]] Rosemary: Why aren't more people /living here/? Sylvester: Well, to start with. the villagers would rather die than submit to.. /the Earl's/ authority. Friday , August 30 , 2013 [[Outline of a generic Earl of E knocking over a villager's candle.]] Rosemary: Did you knock over these people's special candle or something? Sylvester: /The Earl/ did. Essentially. Years before I was born. [[Outline of a woman looking scared as Mortimer uses glowing spikes to toast some food on a stick.]] Sylvester: And there /are/ other reasons no one lives here, like some folks being turned off by the whole "zappy-deathtraps-and-monster-infested-Basement" thing. Rosemary: Huh. Weird. [[Outline of a dream: Sylvester, Rosemary and Nimue attend Professor Protus's frog-lecture at the University. Sylvester has forgotten to bring his frog along.]] Rosemary: Tho that /does/ bring up another point. I had a dream about the Operator last night. Did you? Sylvester: Um.. No. Did he.. [[Outline of a dream: The Operator getting hit with a large anti-demon hammer.]] Rosemary: Don't worry. It all went smashingly well. Sylvester: Oh. Good. Saturday , August 31 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on her apartment's balcony.]] Sylvester: Of course, no matter how.. successful.. your dream was, we're not going anywhere near him again. {{him=the Operator}} Rosemary: Of course. [[They look out over the ocean.]] Sylvester: What else? Rosemary: . . . [[A large ship sits on a foundation next to the Mansion's outer wall. A branch of the Tree grows next to it. There are bits of rubble and debris scattered around.]] Rosemary: Why is there a churnboat down there? Sylvester: It was Philbert's big project. "The Boathouse". Bought it. Had it hoisted up the cliff. Was going to be.. well, a /conversation piece/. So, yes, it succeeds at its intended task. [[A closer look at the ship's bridge, with decay and rust visible.]] Sylvester: But after he died, and the Crash hit, it's also a rusted-out hulk. Along with the Elevator, access is triple-restricted on orders of The Earl. Rosemary: Aw phooey. Sunday , September 1 , 2013 Narration: Sundays In SubShaft 44f [[The Shaft is flooded. Cully, Chunner and Crud are in their emergency pods. A maple leaf floats past.]] Cully: So.. you were friends with Othar? You actually heard his stories? In person? Chunner: zzz Crud: Friends? Oh. No. I merely attended some of his public talks. I was quite young, of course, but they were memorable. [[A nut labelled EMMA floats past.]] Crud: Although I did become.. acquainted with Otharson. His son. After he died. Cully: Died? Didn't he just disappear? Othar, I mean. /Everyone/ knows what happened to Otharson. Crud: Well, yes, but.. it has been a long time. Chunner: zzz [[A dolphin-shaped labelled Taiji]] Cully: Maybe he swam through the.. Serendipity Pool again. For good. Crud: . . .Hm. Yes. Perhaps he did. That would be his best story ever.. Chunner: zzz Monday , September 2 , 2013 [[The Panegate which leads to (evidently) the country of Thembria. A cylindrical object stands to one side.]] [[A better look at the object, which has a panel attached to it, and "satellite dishes" mounted on its top.]] [[Mortimer walks into view.The object begins to ((beep)), and one of the dishes points towards him.]] [[As he nervously walks past, the panel lights up reading WIZWITCH DETECTED. The dishes all point in his direction.]] ((BREEP BREEP BREEP)) Tuesday , September 3 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester on her apartment's balcony.]] Rosemary: "Restricted." "Triple Restricted". I saw that sign out in the.. main? hallway. What's the difference? Sylvester: Not much anymore. [[Outline of an E family janitor with a broom and taskmistress performing her duties. A sign in the background advertises Paydon Rarebit in a cafeteria]] Sylvester: But technically, if you work for the family, in whatever capacity, you get Restricted access. Sylvester: As Taskmistress, you get Double-Restricted, which lets you in just about everywhere in the Mansion. [[Outline of Amos facing a fanged book, while Nellie tends to a flower.]] Sylvester: Schmedley, Amos, Ilsa.. the Head Housekeeper, they all have or had it, too. Rosemary: But not Nellie? Sylvester: No, actually, Head Gardener is just Restricted. [[Outline of Audra the Earl stalking past a security guard at a desk. A sign behind them IDs the location as Project Icebreaker.]] Sylvester: Triple-Restricted.. means essentially only the Earl.. the Regent.. get in. Sylvester: And there are a couple of rooms where.. hm. Yeah. Tuesday , September 3 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester on her apartment's balcony.]] Rosemary: "Restricted." "Triple Restricted". I saw that sign out in the.. main? hallway. What's the difference? Sylvester: Not much anymore. [[Outline of an E family janitor with a broom and taskmistress performing her duties. A sign in the background advertises Paydon Rarebit in a cafeteria]] Sylvester: But technically, if you work for the family, in whatever capacity, you get Restricted access. Sylvester: As Taskmistress, you get Double-Restricted, which lets you in just about everywhere in the Mansion. [[Outline of Amos facing a fanged book, while Nellie tends to a flower.]] Sylvester: Schmedley, Amos, Ilsa.. the Head Housekeeper, they all have or had it, too. Rosemary: But not Nellie? Sylvester: No, actually, Head Gardener is just Restricted. [[Outline of Audra the Earl stalking past a security guard at a desk. A sign behind them IDs the location as Project Icebreaker.]] Sylvester: Triple-Restricted.. means essentially only the Earl.. the Regent.. get in. Sylvester: And there are a couple of rooms where.. hm. Yeah. Wednesday , September 4 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on her apartment's balcony.]] Rosemary: Now /you've/ got something wrong? Sylvester: Yes. We need to go back to the Barrackstack. Do what we should have done last night. Sylvester: Get you entered into the Mansion's system. Get you a scabbard. And.. everything else we need. Rosemary: OK then. Let's go. [[Two gulls fly by in the background.]] Sylvester: You don't have any more immediate problems or revelations? Rosemary: Hm.. Oh. I had Amos show me the library last night. That count? Sylvester: I suppose, if only because you now have a pile of books to move over here. Rosemary: Oh yes. Mostly ones recommended to me by my new employer. Thursday , September 5 , 2013 [[Inside Rosemary's new apartment.]] Sylvester: But first, we tour the rest of your- Wait.. "mostly"? Rosemary: He gave me a copy of Blevin's Northwoods Narrative, too. [[They walk across the room.]] Sylvester: Ah. What'd you think of /that/? Rosemary: Well, I'm learning a lot, but.. his writing is a little.. florid? [[Outline of Austin Blevins interviewing a lumberjack.]] Sylvester: Yes, ol' Austin never used one syllable, or word, when he could use two or three. Knew his subject, though. Sylvester: Interviewed people all over the Province, collecting the old stories. [[Rosemary points at a painting on the wall. There is also a small statue of a rearing horse, and a Brush symbol.]] Rosemary: At least now I know why everyone here has paintings of a Winged Waffle in their home. Sylvester: Heh. Yes. Mariah was into that whole thing more than Nirvana. Sylvester: And we have lots of other paintings if you want to swap. Friday , September 6 , 2013 [[At the door to Rosemary's new bedroom.]] Rosemary: That said.. one thing Blevins didn't really make clear.. Sylvester: Only one? Oh good. [[Outline of Frizzlegarb amidst some evergreens,with the Winged Waffle on a string. There is also an acorn, and an egg with legs.]] Rosemary: The Waffle's owner or whatever.. This "Frizzlegarb" person. Was she.. he.. /real/? Sylvester: Nobody knows for sure. [[Various possible Frizzlegarbs, as listed by Sylvester below.]] Sylvester: I personally think, yes, s/he existed in /some/ form. A talented wizard, long before thaumnodes. A demon. This World's very last Wilf. [[Outline of Protus the Willygig interviewing Frizzlegarb, who holds a jagged circular object on a stick.]] Rosemary: We'll have to get Protus to go back and check for us. Sylvester: . . . Huh. Funny you'd say that, actually. Saturday , September 7 , 2013 [[Outline of the author Austin Blevins writing at his desk.]] Rosemary: I was joking. Sylvester: Yes, but.. you're right. Blevins was deliberately vague about who or what Frizzlegarb was. In his sesquipedalian way, he just recorded the stories. [[Outline of an acorn hatching out a mass of vines which fruit various objects, a whole tree, a star, moon and heart, a raincloud, a sort-of peace symbol.]] Sylvester: And those included in Narrative are the ones woven into the.. official history of Audravania. Sylvester: The founding of Glome, growing the first pudding, the acorn which became the Forest of Burzee. [[Outline of Frizzlegarb the postman delivering a salami to a Nome or Wilf who is eying him/her suspiciously as she pokes her head of out a hole in a tree. The tree's sap is being dripped into an attached bucket.]] Sylvester: He put out another book, /Tales From the Trees/, which had the.. ah.. side stuff.. he deemed too crazy to be remotely true, but still deserving to be remembered. [[Outline of Frizzlegarb emerging from a pool, looking at a sort-of Willygig-shaped creature who is holding a star-like object in one hand.]] Sylvester: And.. in one of /those/ stories, Frizzlegarb swims through a pool and meets a "Critter" who greatly resembles a Willygig. Sunday , September 8 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. An alphabet block and Brush symbol float past.]] Cully: . . . Cully: I know Othara well enough, but what about Otharson? You only ever hear about how he died. Not how he, you know.. lived. Chunner: zzz Crud: Hm? Oh. It was a sad thing. He.. [[A "wand" comes out of a "present".]] Crud: He had his own talents, but he.. did not share his father's gifts. Chunner: zzz Crud: And recreating those talents was why he was.. you understand that Motihauls do not breed the way that others do? [[An "egg" and a "sperm".]] Cully: Yes. They don't even have to.. touch or anything. Crud: Indeed. His very creation was a failed.. experiment. Business transaction. It tainted all that came after. Chunner: zzz Crud: I tried to warn him, but.. he went down the wrong path. Monday , September 9 , 2013 [[Outline of Protus the Willygig talking the Jibjib waiter in Le Tree.]] {{The Jibjib's name is Swill.}} Sylvester: But.. since I guess we /already/ owe him a favor, I'm not planning on pestering Protus about it. Rosemary: 'Spose not. [[Outline of Amos's hand offering Rosemary a copy of Tales From The Trees to add to the pile of books she already has.]] Sylvester: And yes, we have a copy of /Trees/ in the library. Have Amos add it to your next stack. If you want. Rosemary: Right. [[At the door to Rosemary's new bedroom.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Still having trouble integrating the fact that Willygigs actually exist. The implications.. Rosemary: Yeah. [[Sylvester goes inside, and Rosemary follows.]] Sylvester: Reminds me, /I/ need to ask Amos about that /Cyclopedia of Night... Beasts/, was it? Rosemary: Beasties. It only briefly mentions them.. Because they're myths. Tuesday , September 10 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester in her new bedroom. There is a double bed, Two sets of drawers, each with a lamp on top, and curtained windows at which Sylvester points. A painting on the wall depicts a spiderweb strung between blades of grass, while another shows two exclamation marks inside speech bubbles.]] Sylvester: Your bedroom. Sylvester: Yes, it comes with curtains as well as shutters, if you prefer homey to functional. Wednesday , September 11 , 2013 [[Inside the bedroom of Rosemary's new apartment. The piece of furniture which Sylvester mentions below.]] Sylvester: On the vanity-desk, there are panels you can slide shut, if you don't like watching yourself work. And.. [[He hands her a set of keys, with a circular object attached.]] Sylvester: ..Here's your official keyring. Has the key for this place, others you'll need eventually. [[The object is a pocketwatch, the lid of which ((FLIPs)) open in Rosemary's palm.]] Sylvester: And yes, it comes with a pocketwatch. Ever use one before? [[Sylvester reaches out to take it back.]] Rosemary: Umm.. no. Sylvester: OK. Lesson time. Need to set it anyway. Thursday , September 12 , 2013 Narration: One Watch-Operation Lesson Later.. [[In Rosemary's new bedroom. She studies her new pocketwatch.]] Rosemary: So.. it isn't magic-powered. Sylvester: No. It and my.. the Earl's.. watch run on a coiled spring. They won't explode. Well. Not spontaneously. [[Map of the Near World, showing the relative locations of the MoE and the country of Azimuth.]] Sylvester: And while they're sturdy, if they do get broken.. we'd probably have to go to Azimuth to get them repaired. That's where they were made, originally. Sylvester: And no, there's no known Panegate. [[Sylvester points at Rosemary's waist. She tucks away her new keychain]] Sylvester: There /is/.. should be.. a pouch in your outfit's "belt", so we can keep your Poke Kit on a... Rosemary: "Need to know" basis. Right. [[They turn to go.]] Sylvester: And I'll scrounge up the instruction book for the P-Kit we had. Sylvester: If you are interested. Rosemary: Very much so. Thanks. Friday , September 13 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary stand in a mostly-empty room. unlit oil lamps sit on boxes labeled SNOZZ BERRY FARM, CELIAC'S CHOC PEANUTS, and one with a sketch of a creature coming over a hill.]] {{The creature is a Raviner.}} Sylvester: And the Extra Room. Rosemary: . . . I can't help but notice that it's lighter in here than the room with the albeit-curtained windows. [[One corner of the room. Another lamp and box labelled YOM K PRO GRAMS.]] Sylvester: Yes. It was designed, I'm told, on the theory that you mostly go into the bedroom to sleep. [[Another corner, with bits of debris and a device with a set of prongs poking out of the top.]] Sylvester: That said, you are of course free to expand your sleep-related activities to this space if you so wish. Rosemary: Thank you. Sylvester: ..And hey! This is lucky.. Saturday , September 14 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are in her apartment's Extra Room.]] Rosemary: Lucky? Sylvester: The device in the corner there! Sylvester: It's a.. well, here, let me show you. [[Rosemary produces the Glowgem from her Poke Kit.]] Sylvester: ..Assuming you didn't stash Mortimer's glowgem away. Rosemary: Oh, no. [[He walks away.]] Sylvester: OK! Good! ((DRAG))((SCCRAPE))((rearrange))((STACK)) [[The device from the room's corner is now sitting on top of the box from SNOZZ BERRY FARM.]] Sylvester: /This/ is a Glowgem Testometer. Sunday , September 15 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A collection of pink triangles and a ballot box float past.]] Cully: . . . Crud: And yes. I am painfully, bitterly, aware of the irony of /my/ warning someone they were going down the wrong path. Chunner: zzz [[A blue letter G and an orange dot labeled DOT.]] Crud: When I said it to Otharson, things were.. very different. Cacocala was still alive. After she died.. Crud: My work with the.. my Bean was all I had left. I put everything into it. And.. in the end, everything burned down. Chunner: zzz [[A dead Fixit and a green letter G.]] Cully: I'm sorry, Mr. Crud. I even sort of understand. I lost Skuy. She's not dead, but.. Crud: Indeed. I.. am actually glad this.. horrid place exists. Here.. I can be useful. I think. I hope. Crud: At least I am not always the most frightening and unstable thing in the room. Chunner: zzz Monday , September 16 , 2013 [[Inside Rosemary's Extra Room, in front of a Glowgem Testometer. Rosemary holds her glowgem in her hand.]] Sylvester:The testometer is.. how much do you know about Glowgems? Rosemary: I never heard of them before yesterday. [[Closer look at the Glowgem.]] Sylvester: Right. I'm not surprised. They are not unique to the Mansion, but they are quite rare. [[Outline of Sylvester at the University, looking at a large glowgem inside a glass case. A sign points an arrow and reads ACHILLES CHAMBER.]] Sylvester: They turn up in the Infernal Engine; the University had some big ones the Bradstreet Expedition brought back. And in the deep Shafts under the Brushspire Peaks. [[A map of the Brushspire Peaks and the surrounding Human countries.]] Sylvester: ..You know about /those/, right? Nothing to do with the subShafts here- Rosemary: Yes, Edwird had a copy of The Shaftrunner. Mayflower's book., not that silly play. Sylvester: Good.Yes. One of the classics. Tuesday , September 17 , 2013 [[Outline of a male Human miner finding a glowgem.]] Sylvester: I guess they find them in Paydon too, Some force down in the Bones of the World produces them and churns them up to.. nearer.. the surface. [[Outline of a young Amos zapping a glowgem with a wand.]] Sylvester: As for what they /are/.. no Human truly knows. Sylvester: (sigh) Amos would be better for this. At least he received training in their use when he learned wizardry. [[Outline of Caytid the Gnoll using a glowgem to enhance her magical abilities and lift a stick.]] Sylvester: Because.. as I guess we saw.. they enhance the flow of magic. They store tappable but finite power. They did not blow up during the Crash. They are not alive, have nothing resembling a mind. [[Outline of three glowgems.]] Sylvester: The bigger they are, the more power they tend to have. And at least in my experience, they come in.. flavors. Some of them just.. feel different. Sylvester: Not that I have engaged in much experimenting.. Wednesday , September 18 , 2013 [[Outline of Griffington the Earl assembling a Glowgem Testometer.]] Rosemary: So, lemme guess, Ludwig invented the "testometer" to ID these different types? Sylvester: Griffington, actually. He wasn't the polymath that Ludwig was, but he had a knack for devices. [[A testometer in the Extra Room, in front of Rosemary and Sylvester. Rosemary holds a glowgem.]] Rosemary: He's the one who invented that.. heredity scanner thing? Sylvester: Yes. The fifteenth Earl. And, in theory, yes, this identifies types. [[A closer look at the Testometer's controls.]] Sylvester: But in practice, the only /reliable/ information you get off it is how much power a 'Gem has left. Sylvester: He cribbed the idea from the quizslabs: the more and brighter the lights, the more charge it has. Sylvester: Go ahead and balance yours on that prong there. Thursday , September 19 , 2013 [[A pirate-dressed Hamster, an Amorphous Ball of Light and a Plant are on a small toy boat, ((PUTTing)) their way down an underground canal. The boat is named Prettylady. Graffiti on the wall points to SEA. There is a branch of the Tree in the background, and a pile of Treefruit in the boat.]] Hamster: ARR! We be free of th' Gaol, have a beauty of a ship, and be stocked to th' scuppers with provisions! Mr. Abol! Batten down th' hatches! Mr. Plant! run up th' mizzen-mast! ABOL: aye aye cap'n hamster! Plant: I.. don't suppose there's any possibility I could just be returned to my display case...? {{Done for Talk Like a Pirate Day, 2013. Characters are from the webcomics Furmentation, Reasoned Cognition, and Station V3}} Friday , September 20 , 2013 [[In Rosemary's new Extra Room. She puts her Glowgem onto the prongs of the Testometer.]] Rosemary: OK.. ((CLICK)) [[There is a a ((CLACK)) and a ((BREEP)). Above a row of buttons, the display on the Testometer lights up most of the way.]] Sylvester: Whoa. That's the punchiest charge I've seen in years. Sylvester: Must have washed up directly from.. wherever they wash up from. Sylvester: And if you're curious, in theory those buttons test the Gem's flavor, but as noted, they never work very well. Rosemary: Still, maybe I'll scrabble with them later. Assuming that's not a risk? Sylvester: ..As far as I know, no. I was going to haul the unit away to storage, but if you- Rosemary: Since I have a Glowgem, I may as well have a Glowgem tester. Sylvester: OK Then. Saturday , September 21 , 2013 [[In Rosemary's Extra Room. She reaches out to take the Glowgem currently sitting on the prongs of a Testometer.]] Sylvester: But for now, you should remove the Gem from the testometer, because it will run the charge down. Rosemary: Right. [[They turns to go. She puts the Glowgem in her Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: Do we have any /more/ of these things? Glowgems. Sylvester: Oh, a couple of mostly-drained ones in one or other of the vaults. Sylvester: And yes, fresh ones would be a revenue source, in the right market. [[Outline of some Glowgems undergoing the process Sylvester describes below.]] Sylvester: ..And yes again, some crazed non-Ludwig genius discovered they can be recharged. If they are physically submerged in the River of Fire for a few days. [[Outline of the described structure.]] Sylvester: ..They have to be lowered in via a long chain for the process to be remotely safe. We.. the family.. did it from a bridge-station high over the River. Sylvester: It all got wrecked in the Crash, of course. Sunday , September 22 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A pair of scales and an elephant-model with an ice cream cone float past.]] Cully: . . . Cully: So.. is there anything else we need to talk about? Before Mr. Chunner wakes up? Chunner: zzz Crud: I'm sorry? [[A grinning knife-wielding Hobbit or Halfling marionette.]] Cully: What you said "yesterday". About my taking your place here. And you teaching me.. stuff. Chunner: zzz Crud: Oh. Well, yes. There is always more. There are things that have not yet been explained to me. [[White chocolate bar with green-figure wrapper.]] Crud: For one.. perhaps I am being unkind, but.. I sometimes was forced to suspect that Bokonon did not share everything he knew about this place. Cully: Did he explain about "the cat" and the "the cradle"? Chunner: zzz Crud: Ah. Those. No, he brought /those/ with him. {{So it goes}} Monday , September 23 , 2013 [[The hallway of Rosemary's new apartment.]] Rosemary: And we're not going back to the River any time soon. Sylvester: No. So save the 'Gem for Official Important Stuff. [[They come to a door.]] Rosemary: Do we know what that Stuff is going to be? Sylvester: Apart from you figuring out the Testometer, not a clue! [[They are in a bathroom, which is filled with a toilet, sink, bathtub, stove and laundry washtub, all hooked together with an assortment of pipes. There are cabinets mounted in the walls.]] Sylvester: Here is your bath room. And laundry, if you ever have any clothes to wash. I'll show you how- Rosemary: It's a Kwalish Fullscrub. Sylvester: Um... yes. Rosemary: There was no toilet, and we had to pour the water in by hand, but there was one in the barracks in the Academy. Tuesday , September 24 , 2013 [[In Rosemary's new bathroom. Sylvester twists a water valve.]] ((squeak squeak BLUB)) Sylvester: Well. OK. Turn this valve here to get the water flowing here and to that sink in the kitchen. Or shut it off again. Rosemary: Right. [[Sylvester opens a cabinet.]] Sylvester: And there's wood, matches, towels, soap, scrubbers and such, in the cabinets. Plus more storage space, if you ever need it. Rosemary: More.. Rosemary: ..Did my predecessors really collect that much /stuff/? Sylvester: Few people travel as light as you evidently do, Rosemary. [[Outline of a previous Taskmistress and her husband and two young children, a girl and a boy.]] Sylvester: And many of them got married, and had kids. It's my vague understanding doing that causes said stuff to accumulate. Rosemary: Yes. So I hear. Wednesday , September 25 , 2013 [[Leaving Rosemary's new bathroom.]] Rosemary: That's all the rooms you mentioned. Sylvester: Yes? [[Their POV down the hallway.]] Rosemary: So where does that door at the other end of the hall go? Sylvester: Yes, I was getting to that. [[He opens the door in question, revealing another beyond, in a darkened hallway.]] Sylvester: This is your.. semi-private entrance, so you don't have to go out through your office. You share the stairway with the House Wizwitch, next door. [[They go out. On one side is a metal railing, on the other stairs leading down. A metal box attached to the wall reads E MAIL. Sylvester thumbs towards the railing.]] Sylvester: Back there's the furniture hoist-shaft. Don't fall in. Rosemary: Right. We have a House Wizwitch? Sylvester: Well. It would appear we do /now/. But I suspect he'll prefer to stay in his current room. Thursday , September 26 , 2013 [[A large mass of glowing purplish spikes. Signs on the wall read CURED ELECTRO SPIKES. DO NOT TOUCH. A small display mounted on a bent pole reads BURE.]] [[Mortimer comes into view, holding his umbrella. The display changes to FLUX.]] [[Mortimer looks up at the spikes. The display shows an apple.]] Mortimer: . . . [[The display shows a whale. Nothing else changes.]] Mortimer: I guess I was expecting to provoke some new reaction from you, as well. Mortimer: It's good that I was wrong, isn't it? Friday , September 27 , 2013 [[Mortimer stands in front of a mass of glowing spikes. Signs on the wall read CURED ELECTRO SPIKES. DO NOT TOUCH. A small display reads ASK A STUPID ?]] Mortimer: Of course, I'm just stalling at this point. It's time to- [[Mortimer lowers his umbrella. The display changes to TAKE A TOUR.]] Mortimer: No. I take that back. I'm not stalling. Before I go to Amos, I should do, I dunno, something. [[He snaps the umbrella back up into position. The display reads WALK TO WORK]] Mortimer: ! [[He turns to go. SAVE A DROP BEAR.]] Mortimer: To commemorate the day I finally grew up. And got a job. Yes. Mortimer: There's only one possible place to go! Saturday , September 28 , 2013 [[The tiny figure of Mortimer arrives at the base of a staircase in the Mansion. A separate cave overhead holds a branch of the Tree.]] [[He climbs the stairs.]] [[And some more.]] [[He arrives at Uncle Bob's Landing O' Family Fun, which features Spyderburgers, The Star Board, the Whirl-A-Puke, the Fish Museum and the Tunnel of Shove. A faded sign high on the wall advertises "This Week Only: Mystic Spiral". There is also an "E" symbol. Lights and sound systems poke out from the walls and ceiling.]] {{Named after Bob Oosterwijk, a former Comic Genesis webcartoonist.}} Sunday , September 29 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A cup labeled COF E floats past]] Crud: Unfortunately.. there is little we can do under our present circumstances which would be.. productive. Cully: I understand. Chunner: zzz [[A berry labelled with a Gnollish skull and crossbones.]] Cully: Still, is there anything you can tell me if I have to use this.. thing of mine? Where is the most useful place I could, well, run to? Crud: I can only offer.. There is a Heart Ladder a span down the corridor from your side's exit. Hopefully it will still be there.. /when/ you arrive. Climb as high as you can, and.. perhaps.. Chunner: zzz [[A square with a star on it.]] Cully: Right. Thank you. Crud: If you.. have a chance after that, go to subShaft 32g, and see, um.. /Ignavia/. Yes. He has knowledge, and unlike some.. is willing to share it. Crud: Too willing, perhaps. He is here because he told everyone about- Cully: Yes, the V.F.W. Thank you again. Chunner: zzz Monday , September 30 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase away from her new apartment.]] Sylvester: So what was he like? Rosemary: Who? Sylvester: Commandant Spangler. [[Outline of a scary Spangler-shadow being thrown on a wall.]] Rosemary: Oh. Honestly, personally? I have no idea. Rosemary: He was built up as this scary monster who would eat you if you got out of line, but.. [[Outline of Rosemary and two other Hack and Slash recruits hearing words from Spangler.]] Sylvester: Necessary propaganda? Rosemary: I suppose. Only "talked" to him face-to-face, what, two, three times? Seemed competent and smart enough. [[Outline of Agnes ordering around Rosemary and another female recruit, who are both carrying flowerpots.]] Rosemary: Had a wife, a couple of grown kids. Rosemary: Heh. Ol' /Agnes/, we female recruits at least got to know. Tuesday , October 1 , 2013 [[An outline of Agnes and Quincy holding hands, with a wrecked truck behind them labelled CD'S VEGGIES.]] Sylvester: "Agnes". My grandmother, Quincy's wife, was an Agnes. Sylvester: Though unless yours came from East Arcadia, it's likely that's only thing the two had in common. [[Sylvester looks sad.]] Rosemary: Oh no. Mine and.. Edwin were both native Mooninites. Rosemary: . . . "Was". I assume yours has gone off to the pole. Sylvester: Oh yes. [[Outline of a young Sylvester being served a pudding by Agnes and Lilith.]] Sylvester: She died when I was.. what, ten? Quincy.. five years before that. Sylvester: Not a.. dazzling intellect, but a wonderful person. And cook, got Lil started doing that. [[Rosemary looks sad.]] Rosemary: Never knew any of my grandparents. My folks were coming back from my grandmother Verity's funeral when they died. Sylvester: Ouch. Sorry. Rosemary: Yeah. Wednesday , October 2 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester pause while descending a staircase. A sign read NO FARM ANIMALS BEYOND THIS POINT and CONFINE VIOLENCE TO THE UNDERWEAR ARENA.]] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: What's wrong? Sylvester: Nothing serious. I just realized we never shared our parents' names with each other. [[Outline of Sylvester's parents.]] Rosemary: Not really, no. Sylvester: Willoughby Winston Sterling Eman, and Dorothea Anne Mundivagant. [[Outline of Rosemary's parents, with the name RIPLEY on a sign.]] Rosemary: Connor Sandhall Dapple, and Paprika Pilkington. No middle name. Sylvester: . . . [A sign behind them offers LIMPHOPHO RIVER TOURS by FOGG TRAVEL, a notice about CUSTODIAL WORKERS, and CAFETERIA: FRIED SCALLOPS]] Sylvester: "Paprika.." Rosemary: Yes. I have gotten the distinct impression that my mother's name was easily the most interesting thing about her. Thursday , October 3 , 2013 [[In a corridor in the Administration area.]] Sylvester: All that said, you were actually /raised/ by.. Rosemary: Evangeline Yvon Dapple and Zeke Hickory Unwin. [[A map of the Province of Alfibay.]] Sylvester: "Hickory Unwin". Came from Alfibay, did he? Rosemary: Yeah, tho he split first chance he got. "Wasn't gonna spend my life chopping trees and dodging Leafhead blowdarts." [[An outline of a younger Rosemary climbing a jagged wall or cliff.]] Rosemary: ... Rosemary: Maybe I said this already, but.. I was never that crushed about my parents. They were these dull-sounding strangers people went on about. Rosemary: I had /fun/ growing up with him and Eva. [[She looks pensive.]] Rosemary: And.. now.. Protus. Maybe I can /go back/ and save them? At the price of.. Rosemary Bellamy spending her life grubbing on a muckroot farm? Sylvester: Realistically, I'd say the chances are remote. But.. yeah. Friday , October 4 , 2013 [[The front door of Frederick and Myrrh's apartment in the Storage Halls.]] [[Fred pushes the door open, with Myrrh coming along behind him.]] [[They stand in the hallway.]] Myrrh: You're still willing to do this, in the cold light of day? Frederick: Yeah, Myrrh, I suppose I am. [[They walk off hand in hand.]] Myrrh: Well, let's do it /properly/, then. Frederick: Lead on. Saturday , October 5 , 2013 [[The front door of Amos and Nellie's apartment in the Storage Halls.]] [[Nellie opens the door, with Amos coming along behind her. She is dressed in gardening wear.]] [[They touch noses/foreheads.]] [[Nellie goes off. Amos is holding a book titled TEACH.]] Nellie: I'll be in the garden. Amos: I'll be around. Sunday , October 6 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. The Mad Hater's hat from Alice in Wonderland floats past.]] Crud: Oh.. Coprolite does still present new arrivals with his ''briefing'' when they.. you.. first come here, yes? Cully: Well, yes. Although it's turned out it wasn't very.. in depth. Chunner: zzz [[A model of a snake floats past.]] Crud: Did he at least explain about the different types of Ladders? Cully: Err.. Yes. I guess so. Brain Ladders are always safe to use. Heart Ladders are safe down to about.. well, here? /Here/ here. Chunner: zzz Crud: Yes. Perhaps even one more level down, in an emergency. Though.. it is nearly always an emergency, isn't it? [[A chattery teeth toy floats past.]] Cully: And, um, never use one of the Spleen Ladders. Crud: Never /ever/ use a Spleen Ladder. I fear that simply cannot be emphasized enough. Especially after what happened to Temmy. Chunner: zzz Crud: Poor Temmy.. Monday , October 7 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a corridor in the Administration area. Sylvester displays a set of keys on a chain. Signs on the wall mark corridors leading to (--)CLERK/QUARTERMASTER and TASKMISTRESS/HOUSE WIZWITCH]] Sylvester: But anyway. All of the various Administration apartments, on their various floors, have stairways leading down to this private corridor. Sylvester: Again, not that "private" or "public" have much meaning anymore, except we need our keys to unlock the doors. Rosemary: Right. [[They walk along the corridor. Another doorway leads to CABINETS/CREDENZAS. A large elaborate cabinet sits in the corridor. Signs on the walls speak of the NIBLUNG DIASPORA and offer FREE LECTURES on CHILD HEALTH and HABITAT.]] Sylvester: The.. "default" extra furniture and paintings are stored along this side, but you're of course free to haul in anything you find around. Sylvester: ..Assuming you, I and maybe Mortimer are capable of lugging it up a flight of stairs. Rosemary: Duly noted. Tuesday , October 8 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk along a corridor in the Mansion's Administration area. Rosemary points at a sign which reads HEAD LIBRARIAN/PRIME GLOWMASTER.]] Rosemary: "Head Librarian". We aren't anywhere near Amos and Nellie's apartment. Sylvester: No. He's never used it. Even before he "retired". [[They pass a wanted poster for one York Pierogy, who is/was wanted for Octopus Rustling, Futtermuttering and Applejacking. Another sign reads FACE YOUR FEARS.]] Sylvester: It was his.. their.. idea to live down in the Storage Halls. Right next to Frederick and Myrrh, because- Rosemary: "They have a History." [[An outline of a snooty pre-Crash man going past a resentful-looking woman; both are dressed in E family uniforms.]] Sylvester: Yes. And yes, it would have made sense to put the Librarian's quarters by the Library, but having an apartment here was once a bitterly-sought privilege. Sylvester: You do get windows, so it wasn't /totally/ irrational.. [[Outline of a run-down looking cottage.]] Sylvester: The Head Gardener did have a sort of separate cottage, by the gardens, but the water and light connections got mangled in the Crash and never repaired. One more thing on the List. Wednesday , October 9 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a corridor in the Mansion's Administration area. A side passage goes up a flight of stairs, partially blocked by a square labelled with a chess knight logo.]] Sylvester: We go up here to get to my official office. This thing was a guard station. [[Outline of Audra on her throne, looking on as a would-be assassin gets speared through the heart; the spear came from a hole in the ceiling.]] Sylvester: Though it really wasn't necessary. The last Earl who had people actively trying to kill her was Audra. [[They start up the steps.]] Both: . . . [[There is a ship and a submarine sketched on the wall.]] Sylvester: Well, OK, yes, Ernest ended up.. but he never spent any time in the office. Rosemary: Bodyguard alert: people were trying to kill you yesterday. Thursday , October 10 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary climb a staircase towards his formal office.]] Sylvester: Yesterday.. well, yes and no. [[Outlines of Snoot the Motihaul, Villipend the Trog, and Hopobefever the Ghast.]] Sylvester: People were trying to kill me.. /us/ because we annoyed them, or crossed them or.. or they were demented lunatics. [[Outline of Ernest chatting up a woman at a party while another man watches and glares. Signs read Bonza Bottler, Squid Porridge, and Newsboy.]] Sylvester: Same with Ernest, really. He died because, well, he was a hedonistic womanizing phizzer. [[Outline of Milo the 9th Earl running a knife-wielding attacker through with a large spear.]] Sylvester: Just about everyone before Ludwig.. they faced assassination attempts simply because they were the Earl Of E. Friday , October 11 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary arrive at the door of his formal office.]] Sylvester: Now I suppose you're going to say there's no difference- Rosemary: No, you're right, of course. [[Outline of a student Rosemary hearing a lecture from a balding man.]] Rosemary: Even had briefings about it at the Academy from Mr. Shawn, though I ended up in the "General Security" track, rather than "Personal". [[Outline of the two men, one with a fancy hat and stick, and a taller man in a helmet.]] Sylvester: You guarded the whole Caravan, not just Mr. or Ms. Muckamuck. Rosemary: Yes. Mr. Tumler. He had his own guard. [[Outline of Rosemary juggling as she eyes a ditzy-looking woman with a spindly umbrella.]] Rosemary: Or rather guards. Kraken was the official one, but his Fluffly Little Travelling Companion.. Miss "Gritz". /There/ was a good actress. Saturday , October 12 , 2013 [[Outline of Rosemary looking harmless and juggling.]] Rosemary: ..And yes, I /am/ aware that by posing as a Harmless Juggler Girl I was doing the exact same thing I'm accusing Miss Gritz of. [[Outline of Rosemary with a sword, at the bottom of large metaphorical steps.]] Rosemary: ..And no, I don't know for a /fact/ she was working for H&S. There are.. factions and divisions and layers upon layers.. Rosemary: ..and I was waaay down in the mud. [[Outline of Rosemary sharing her suspicions with a nonchalant Baldy.]] Sylvester: Wouldn't ol' Baldy have known? Rosemary: He was only two or three layers above me.He said he'd never seen or heard of her before, and I believe him. [[Sylvester and Rosemary are outside his formal office. Rosemary shows three fingers.]] Sylvester: And.. he also said "Don't ask her", didn't he? Rosemary: H&S Lesson #3: "Avoid Unnecessary Questions." Sunday , October 13 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A model dog's head floats past.]] Cully: He also said I if I ever come across a sankofit that I /should/ touch- ... Wait, Temmy? The one who kept falling in holes all the time? Crud: Yes? Cully: She came down here? Chunner: zzz Crud: ''Came'' would imply a.. she resides here, yes. [[A red chess piece floats past.]] Cully: I just.. when she disappeared, everyone assumed she finally fell into a really /deep/ hole. Crud: Is.. that not what this place essentially is? Chunner: zzz [[A model of a navy "churnboat"]] Cully: Um.. Yes. I guess it is. So she is still.. alive? Crud: The last I was aware, yes. It is a great pity. I suspect she would be happier if she were to go to the Place No One Talks About. Chunner: zzz Monday , October 14 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary stand outside a door with a large E on it. Rosemary points at it.]] Rosemary: But anyway. Now I get to see /your/ snazzy apartment. Sylvester: No, actually. [[His hand reaches for the doorknob.]] Sylvester: The Earl has a /private/ private entrance. More than one. Sylvester: This leads to my snazzy office. [[They are inside the office. Along with a desk, there is a clock on the wall, a sofa and table, and a stand on which sit symbols of "Mansionland", the Temple, and the E family. A set of double doors is in the wall opposite.]] Rosemary: It's.. not that much fancier than mine. Sylvester: Yeah. This is for my.. the Private Secretary. The main office is through those doors there. Rosemary: ..Oh. Tuesday , October 15 , 2013 [[An outline of Ludwig the Earl and a short woman in glasses who is taking notes.]] Sylvester: To answer the first obvious question.. no, I do not currently employ a private secretary. [[An outline of Griffington the Earl and a man in a bowler hat riding in some sort of open carriage with a driver. The bowler-wearer is adjusting Griff's top hat.]] Sylvester: Or a personal valet.. Sylvester: Or a chauffeur.. [[An outline of a seated Ernest the Earl being served a fish, having his shoes worked over, and being measured with a tape.]] Sylvester: Or a chef, or any of the other.. cruft that once accumulated around my position. [[An outline of a previously-unseen Earl sitting at a table touching a block labeled BIG BLOCK OF ROCK. A man with a spear and a horned helmet stands guard nearby.]] Rosemary: Except a bodyguard. Sylvester: sigh.. Yes. Recent events have prompted the retainment of a bodyguard. Wednesday , October 16 , 2013 [[In the office of the Earl's private secretary. Rosemary points at some doors.]] Rosemary: So, the public hallway is back through those doors, I'm guessing? Sylvester: Yes. [[Closer look at the symbols sitting on a small table: "Mansionland", the E family and the Brush.]] Sylvester: This is of course here because.. sometimes busy people don't know which country and/or Province they are in. Rosemary: Huh. [[The telephone sitting on the desk. It is a DictionAire brand.]] Sylvester: And, no, the telephone doesn't work. They just got left in place as a sort of.. memorial Rosemary: Yes. So you said to Camora. [[A low empty stand, with a circle/spiral mounted on the wall behind. The stand is labelled CARYATID.]] Sylvester: And /that/.. is the remains of some.. robot security system. I guess. Even before the Crash, it had been dismantled and sold off. Or something. Sylvester: Never did get a straight answer about that. Thursday , October 17 , 2013 [[At the doors to Sylvester's formal office.]] Rosemary: So, we go in? Sylvester: Actually, wait here a moment, would you? [[She waits.]] [[She goes ((tap tap)) at the circle/spiral object mounted on the wall. Sylvester's voice comes through the cracked door.]] Sylvester: OK! Come on in. [[She stands before Sylvester's large desk. He is now wearing a hat and jacket. A large E symbol is mounted on the wall behind him, with the number 23 added. To either side stand sloping pillars, also labelled with an E, and in front of them are floor lamps. On the desk are candelabras, a telephone, and a pen in a stand.]] Sylvester: There. [[He smiles.]] Sylvester: Do I look intimidating and/or authoritative? [[She does as well. Beside her is sign or notice board reading DADA STORAGE, LASAGNA GALLERY, and MULLIGAN RESERVE.]] Rosemary: Friday , October 18 , 2013 [[A large boulder in the forest of E. A seagull is standing on the small knob at the top of it all. A smaller rock in front is labeled with arrows pointing to "Ee" and the various dangerous critters of the forest: Spyders, sharks and tree squids.]] {{Ee = Eetown, the local village.}} [[The knob suddenly pops up a notch, displacing the surprised gull and revealing a periscope-type arrangement.]] ((CLUNK)) [[The periscope ((ssswwivel))s as the gull flies off.]] [[The periscope drops back out of sight.]] ((UNCLUNK)) [[A section of the boulder slides to one side, revealing Eunice Kelso standing in the hollow, darkened interior.]] ((SCCCRRRAPE)) ((THUD)) [[She walks in the direction of "Ee". The boulder shuts behind her.]] ((UNSCCCRRRAPE)) ((UNTHUD)) Saturday , October 19 , 2013 [[A stretch of fairly open grassy countryside, with the stone foundation of a long-ruined building prominent. Yasmine Fotheringby rides by on her horse. A rock is labelled with arrows pointing to NOODLE and EETOWN. Butterflies flit about, and a rabbit watches her. In the background a Brush-symbol marker made of stone, labelled HAGFISH.]] Yasmine, thinking: ..Good. Another hour and I'll be far enough away I can take off this zarking hood.. Sunday , October 20 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A trio of linked small linked devil-masks float past.]] Cully: The Place No One.. but Temmy wasn't.. isn't a.. you know.. /candidate/ for going down there. Was she? Chunner: zzz Crud: Candidate? Oh. Well, I am far from an expert in such things, but from what I saw, she seems to have the appropriate outlook. [[An angel-like cutout with a tail rather than feet.]] Cully: What you.. Mr. Crud.. Are you saying you /went down/ to the Place That.. that we're.. talking about? Crud: Again, ''went down'' might improperly imply it was a, ah.. planned expedition on my part, but yes, I.. found myself there during my specimen collecting trips. Chunner: zzz [[A top-shaped purple and blue object, with flat.. top.]] Cully: And they.. let you live? Crud: Of course. What use would I be to them dead? Incidentally, it was seeing the crystals there that inspired.. or rather solidified my desire to visit the true Hot Zone. Chunner: zzz Crud: ..which I later did. Intentionally. Monday , October 21 , 2013 [[Sylvester sits behind the desk in his official office with Rosemary on the other side. A grandfather clock stand in the background. A stone bust of man wearing a laurel wreath sits on a wooden table.]] Sylvester: That is this edifice's purpose, to be intimidating. It's certainly not an office to actually work in. Sylvester: And yes, even I have /officially/ used it thus a time or two. Rosemary: I see, I guess. Tho wouldn't an actual throne be even more impressive? [[An outline of a disused-looking throne marked with "Mansionland" symbols. There are cobwebs, and a small lizard. A small opened box labelled IODINE sits to one side of the throne.]] Sylvester: We.. actually have one of those, too. Down near the front gate. Audra was the last Earl to sit in it. Sylvester: Since Unification, it belongs to again, officially, the king. Should he ever decide to pop by for a visit. Tuesday , October 22 , 2013 [[At Sylvester's big formal desk, with bank of large windows in the background.]] Rosemary: Um.. probably a stupid question, but.. that's not going to happen, right? The king stopping by. Sylvester: Not as stupid as you might think. [[Outline of a surprised nobleman finding the king's herald and trumpet-player at his front door.]] Sylvester: As a member of the aristocracy, I am officially required to have that throne available, and to house the king and his retinue if they visit. [[Outline of a large impressive "Mansionland" airship, with accompanying defenders, all flying over the countryside. A sign on the ground reads CAPLOCK.]] Sylvester: And during Philbert's time, Eetown had become big and important enough that Yorik III was planning to fly in aboard the Velvet Glove. [[Outline of the Velvet Glove being destroyed in-flight on the day of the Crash. A building on the ground labelled W. Miller blows up as well.]] Sylvester: And if he had, presumably he would have stayed here in the Mansion. But then- Rosemary: Yeah. Wednesday , October 23 , 2013 [[Sylvester pushes himself away from his official desk as Rosemary watches.]] ((SLIDE)) Sylvester: But to answer in.. bodyguard terms, Yancy II doesn't stray far from the Capital. [[The official portrait of Yancy II on the wall of the office.]] Sylvester: Chances of him turning up here, in person, are pretty much zero. Rosemary: Noted. [[Sylvester opens a concealed cabinet in the wall, which holds various items of clothing. He reaches for his hat.]] ((SHOOP)) Sylvester: However.. Sylvester: We might get an official representative. One was sent forth when I became Earl. That was one of the times I used this office. [[Outline of Sylvester and Omega the Oracle exchanging glances as another man pontificates.]] Sylvester: Heh. Disliking that pompous, well, twit.. Dorwin was his name.. may have been the one time that Omega and I agreed about /anything/. Thursday , October 24 , 2013 [[Inside Sylvester's official office. Rosemary looks at the indicated stretch of wall.]] Sylvester: More immediately.. the door to the Earl's official chambers is over there.Opens like these closets behind the desk. [[Sylvester joins her.]] Sylvester: And no, we're not going up there, because it is not clean or presentable. Rosemary: Aww.. [[A closer look at a part of Sylvester's desk, including the Maladay-brand pen set.]] Sylvester: There's an escape hatch under the desk, and the bulk of the thing is made of Lengths, rather than wood; claim is, it'll stop anything short of a ballista bolt. Rosemary: Or a demon. [[A view of the office's towering bank of windows, looking out at the sea.]] Sylvester: Yes. The windows are just glass, but it's /thick/ glass, and there are both light blinds and heavy shutters that can be rolled down. Rosemary: And no balcony for uninvited guests to drop onto. Sylvester: Again, yes. Well done. Friday , October 25 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand in front of the windows of his official office.]] Rosemary: You said "up". So your.. the Earl's quarters are above us? Sylvester: Yes. [[The view of the window from outside.]] Sylvester: Pretty much the highest spot in the Mansion. Well. Highest habitable spot. Except the Attic, of course. [[The upper reaches of the Mansion, including the roof and the High Tower.]] Sylvester: Above that is.. roof-stuff. The Flingomat bunkers. Miniair mooring. Gargoyle dens. I'll take you up later. Sylvester: Oh, and the High Tower. But that has been sealed off.. forever, as far as I know. [[Outline of Rufus going confidently past Sylvester, as the latter reads a newspaper. Rufus is carrying a box full of miscellaneous items. A sign points arrows towards the Attic and the Lasagna Gallery, which comes with Breadstix Annex. A portrait on the wall shows a man in a bandanna sucking a lemon. There is also a presumably-stuffed star-nosed mole.]] Sylvester: ...Rufus was saying something about "cracking his way in", but I don't think he ever managed it. Saturday , October 26 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand before the windows of his formal office.]] Rosemary: So where is this Rufus living now? Moved to the Capital like "Lenore"? Sylvester: No. Well. I don't know, exactly. [[Outline of Uncle Frederick and Myrrh walking in the rain. Myrrh uses her umbrella.]] Sylvester: He has a tendency to go off.. Rosemary: ..wandering, like his Great-Uncle? [[Outline of a fully-equipped Rufus setting forth, past a MULE in a bell jar.]] Sylvester: Oh no. Rufus does not wander. He embarks on purposeful expeditions. And I guess I gave a false impression. In strict physical terms, he never gets all that far from home. Here. Sylvester: . . . [[Outline of Sylvester trying to give some paperwork to Rufus.]] Sylvester: He /should/ go to the Capital. I tried to get him to apply for a University merit scholarship. But he just... "This is where I'm going to be." Sunday , October 27 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A Brush symbol mounted on a strip of "grass" floats past, while the prow of a model ship pokes into view.]] Cully: You.. told us about the Hot Zone. Meeting the female Wyrm. Crud: I did? Oh. Good. Chunner: zzz Cully: But getting back to.. Are you saying that Temmy is like a female.. Faddle? Crud: I am afraid I am not familiar with that name. I have been out of touch. [[A piece of paper nailed to a chunk of wood floats past. The paper has 95 written on it.]] Cully: He's this.. all technically, he's a Finagler, but it.. didn't work for some reason. So he never actually.. does it.. with anyone. Crud: Ah. It is my understanding that does sadly happen on occasion. I do not have enough data to offer a further opinion. [[A model ladder, a small mirror and black cat-head model.]] Cully: Well, there's something weird going on with him. He's insanely.. lucky. Or so unlucky it bends all the way around somehow. Crud: It could be argued that is true of all Finaglers. And their.. equivalents. But we don't talk about that, ever! Chunner: zzz Monday , October 28 , 2013 [[At the window of Sylvester's formal office.]] Sylvester: But anyway. wherever he is, Rufus is all grown up, and has to make his own decisions, and take care of himself. Any more bodyguard questions? Rosemary: Oh so many. [[Behind her can be seen a large vase and a small portrait mounted into the center of a large frame.]] Rosemary: ...But I'll start with the most immediate. Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: Where does the hatch under the desk escape to? [[Behind Sylvester is a possibly lfe-size wooden statue of a long-legged antelope-like animal.]] Sylvester: Ah. Since that ties in with the next item on our agenda.. after I close the window shutters.. let's go see, shall we? Rosemary: Next item? [[Sylvester's hand taps at the window pane.]] ((CLUNK CLUNK)) Sylvester: It's time for some native guiding. We shall make the trek to our ancestral fishing grounds and acquire some breakfast! Tuesday , October 29 , 2013 [[In Sylvester's formal office. He goes behind his desk, while Rosemary kicks at the base on which sits a pole-lamp, in front of the backstop labelled with the E family symbol.]] ((THUMP THUMP)) Sylvester: Those backstop.. dohickeys.. are if anything even better armored than the desk. Rosemary: Good to know. [[Sylvester's hand pokes at one of the row of buttons mounted on the user side of the desk. The desk is a Baxter brand.]] Sylvester: The various room controls.. the ones that still work..are installed here. [[The room's row of windows, looking out over the ocean.]] Sylvester: And that's one selfish reason I'm glad that Rufus sticks around.. ((CLICK)) [[Shutters comes down outside the windows, plunging the room into gloom.]] ((WOOSH)) Sylvester: ..He's /very/ good with devices. Much of the stuff that does work is thanks to his tinkering. Wednesday , October 30 , 2013 [[In Sylvester's formal office. He and Rosemary stand behind his desk, with a pole-lamp and backstop to either side. The room is dimly lit. Sylvester pokes at a control on his side of the desk.]] ((click CLUNK)) Sylvester: And this /here/ opens the escape hatch. Rosemary: Sure enough. Sylvester: As for where the hatch leads to.. [[Two walls in a different room, with an unreadable checklist mounted on the more distant.]] [[A hatch swings up and open on the nearer side wall, and Sylvester slides into view through the resulting hole. his feet landing on a small slanting platform.]] ((CLANG THUMP)) [[Sylvester has stepped off the platform, and Rosemary slides into view.]] Sylvester: This is the Mischief Room, inside a.. what was once a major guard station. Rosemary: Very practical. Thursday , October 31 , 2013 [[A one-panel comic with the glowing words HAPPY HALLOWEEN floating at the top. Rosemary the werewolf, Sylvester the vampire and Mortimer the zombie are all in the forest near the Mansion on a moonlit night. There are jack o' lanterns, one fleeb-shaped, one traditional, and one sporting the E family logo. Behind the three Humans are graves: Belle Tain, Liddel Ole Ladihoo (Carmel Apple) and Samuel Hain.]] Friday , November 1 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a panic room (AKA mischief room), looking up at the sloped shaft they both just slid down.]] Rosemary: More secure than a ladder. Sylvester: That was the idea. Again, pre-Crash, there were magical.. blocks and such, too. [[Outline of a young Mortimer sliding down the shaft.]] Rosemary: Plus it's fun. Sylvester: Yes. As kids, we used it in that capacity all the time. [[An outline of an abandoned desk at the other end of the shaft, in Sylvester's formal office. A woman is holding a steaming bowl of something, evidently looking for the desk's former occupant.]] Rosemary: Has anyone ever actually used it as intended? Sylvester: No. Well, at least not to flee from malicious assassins. [[Sylvester's hand pulls at a lever. A sign on the wall reads AUTHORS OF THE MONTH: V. KREIGSPEIL / E. M. ALLHALLOW.]] Sylvester: You give this lever a tug to close the hatch at this end. ((tug)) [[The hatch for the shaft swings shut. Above it is a larger slab.]] ((UNCLANG)) Sylvester: If it ever /is/ life and death, pull it hard, all the way down, and in theory it will drop that sealer-slab. Saturday , November 2 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are inside a panic room/mischief room.]] Sylvester: These cabinets had weapons, emergency supplies, but they're mostly empty now. [[More cabinets, one of which is lacking a door, and is indeed empty except for a cobweb.]] Rosemary: So I see. Sylvester, pointing: The actual station is through here. [[They walk past a desk and a sign 1. promoting a Starball League listing the following matches: DEVILEGGS vs EPITATHS (sic) and SADIEHAWKS vs ALLSOULS. 2. Announcing that a "biscuit monster alert" is still in effect.]] Rosemary: I'm guessing it's no longer staffed. Sylvester: No. By Philbert's time.. even after Ernest's death.. It was pretty much down to.. night watchmen. Sylvester: Then, once again, the Crash hit and even they were gone. [[Outline of two nogoodnik/bandit types skulking away as Myrrh looms ominously in the distance.]] Rosemary: Pity. You must have needed guards /more/ during the afterCrash. Sylvester: Yes, well.. Myrrh. Saturday , November 2 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are inside a panic room/mischief room.]] Sylvester: These cabinets had weapons, emergency supplies, but they're mostly empty now. [[More cabinets, one of which is lacking a door, and is indeed empty except for a cobweb.]] Rosemary: So I see. Sylvester, pointing: The actual station is through here. [[They walk past a desk and a sign 1. promoting a Starball League listing the following matches: DEVILEGGS vs EPITATHS (sic) and SADIEHAWKS vs ALLSOULS. 2. Announcing that a "biscuit monster alert" is still in effect.]] Rosemary: I'm guessing it's no longer staffed. Sylvester: No. By Philbert's time.. even after Ernest's death.. It was pretty much down to.. night watchmen. Sylvester: Then, once again, the Crash hit and even they were gone. [[Outline of two nogoodnik/bandit types skulking away as Myrrh looms ominously in the distance.]] Rosemary: Pity. You must have needed guards /more/ during the afterCrash. Sylvester: Yes, well.. Myrrh. Sunday , November 3 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. An autumn-colored strip with the word FALLBACK floats past.]] Cully: But we.. right. Not talking about it. Cully: So... Where /else/ did you go? Chunner: zzz Crud: I'm sorry? [[A frayed knot floats past]] Cully: With your specimen collecting. (sigh) I don't suppose you know some way to survive underwater, so you could.. visit the Ichyoids? Like Othar did? Crud: Survive.. No. I am afraid not. I never ventured any further than the Grotto of the Jellyfish. Chunner: zzz [[A very stylized model of a sandwich.]] Cully: Grotto of.. But that means you /did/ get past Diwali and her Lights. /And/ the Zero Task Cavern! Crud: Who? Oh. No. Or.. yes, but.. All of that was very different. Before the Breach. Chunner: zzz Monday , November 4 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a former MoE guard-post. Behind them is a Commoncent brand spear-storage rack and a door leading to ARCHERY BUTTS.]] Rosemary: So.. all of this.. Sylvester: Yes? [[They pass a REMINDER board with notes about traffic control, stapler refilling, and fluttermuttering.]] Rosemary: Apart from Ernest, did any of those assassination attempts /succeed/? Sylvester: Weeelll... again, that depends on how exactingly you draw the line between "assassinate" and "murder". [[Outline of two battered men fighting with spiked maces. One of them is down on the ground, still defiant. Behind them are poles with star-signs on their tops.]] Sylvester: In the early era, the new Earl openly hacking down the old one was evidently the default method of transfer. Milo was the last to do it that way. [[Outline of a spear-toting man in a forest about to be hit with an arrow.]] Sylvester: After that.. there was Dorn the 2nd. Milo's grandson. He died in a hunting accident that almost certainly.. wasn't one. Tuesday , November 5 , 2013 [[In a now-empty MoE guard post. A sign on the wall reads REMEMBER REMEMBER VOTE SADIE HAWKINS GUARD OF THE MONTH.]] Rosemary: So if the.. "Mansion of S" or whoever had Dorn #2 killed, how is that not an assassination? Sylvester: I told you about..? Oh. No. [[Outline of Dorn #2 sharing a cordial drink with a man wearing S-topped crown. An enormous taxidermy bug looms behind them.]] Sylvester: We were /friends/.. well, allies with the S folks in the Dorn years. The falling-out came later. Sylvester: No. It was Charlotte, Dorn #2's own daughter in law. [[Outline of Charlotte, with Lemuel behind her, and then a Panegate.]] Rosemary: I've lost track. That means she was married to who? Sylvester: Lemuel. #12. The Panegate expert. [[Outline of Charlotte giving orders to MoE minions, as Lemuel stands before a large clam-like sphere, which stands open, revealing a glowing stylized model of the Mansion's Main Tower.]] Sylvester: As for why.. She was impatient to seize the reins. And seize them she did. She was the Earl in all but name, which suited Lemuel just fine. Wednesday , November 6 , 2013 [[In an unstaffed MoE guard-post. Rosemary and Sylvester walk past a door labelled CHIEF GUARD.]] Rosemary: So.. Lemuel stayed married to the woman who murdered his father? Sylvester: Well.. it is possible I am slandering her. [[Outline of Charlotte arguing with an unidentified woman and man. The woman has a staff topped with an E, the man wears a hat with horns on it.]] Sylvester: It was never /proved/ Charlotte did it. Arranged it; she definitely didn't commit the actual physical act. And she denied being involved to her dying day. [[Outline of Lemuel pushing a loaded cart, waiting as wall/door in the Mansion opens. He consults a clock mounted on the cart. Behind him are signs featuring arrows and reading PANEGATES 36/83 and VELVET UNDERGROUND.]] {{RIP Lou Reed}} Sylvester: But yes. He stayed married to her. He wasn't one to rock the boat. And having her around meant he could devote himself pretty much exclusively to his Panegate expeditions. [[Outline of Lemuel sitting at Charlotte's bedside; holding her hand. He looks unhappy, she looks unwell. His hat hangs on one of the bedposts. The wall behind them is rough-looking.]] Sylvester: And by most accounts.. In their separate flawed ways.. they genuinely loved each other. Thursday , November 7 , 2013 [[Halloween guest art by ComicGenesis artist akaScooby, from hir comic Maelstrom Heart: Snow, Wind and Aiyce dressed as Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary.]] Friday , November 8 , 2013 [[Halloween 2013 guest art from IVStudios, depicting four characters from his comic Inhumanation (Marco, Theodore, Kame, and Claire) dressed as characters from the MoE, an untitled comic by akaScooby and MitchellBravo's Loud Era.]] Saturday , November 9 , 2013 [[Halloween 2013 guest art from MitchellBravo of Loud Era, showing his characters Eddie, Tony and Frank dressed as Sylvester, Comshaw and Rosemary.]] Sunday , November 10 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A paper advertising Peter Piper Pickled Peppers floats past.]] Cully: The Breach.. changed things in the Grottos, too? I'd never heard that. Chunner: zzz Crud: Yes.. well.. it was not like the Gibber gobbling Helinew. Only.. outliers like myself visited them at the best of times. Crud: The Ichyoids do not encourage visitors. [[A small green sign labelled SEZME STREET]] Cully: The Breach. I've heard so many conflicting stories.. can you tell me what happened to /you/ that day? Chunner: zzz Crud: . . . [[A broken window, showing possibly stars beyond.]] Cully: I'm sorry. If it was that unpleasant- Chunner: zzz Crud: No. It is not that. I believe Chunner had the truly distressing experience. What Cacocala and I witnessed was.. very cryptic. Monday , November 11 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester walk past a door labelled VETERAN'S PENSION OFFICE, with a large Brush-symbol on the wall, adorned with poppies and the words OUR THANKS.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Of course, there was also the fact that Lemuel and his father were practically strangers. [[Outline of Dorn 2nd giving orders to horned-hat minion in the midst of an arrow-fight in a forest.]] Sylvester: Dorn II was always away, being Earl.. [[Outline of Dorn 2nd holding a star-marked ball with small spikes on it in one hand, pushing hard against an opponent with the other. Both are wearing armor.]] Sylvester: Or playing the era's version of Starball which, even more than now, was marginally restrained combat. [[Outline of Dorn 2nd smiling as he faces an enormous insect. He is scratched and wields a spear.]] Sylvester: Or yes, hunting large dangerous animals, which was his true passion in life. Sylvester: He probably wouldn't have lived to a ripe old age in any event. Tuesday , November 12 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester leave a defunct guard post. A sign on the wall reads ENTERING RESTRICTED ZONE.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: OK, I know you're not shedding tears over this. Rosemary: Oh no. It's just.. you /also/ know all this, about your great-great.. great.. whatever grandfather. [[Outline of a younger Sylvester questioning his mother, as she clips at a plant in a pot.]] Rosemary: ..I suppose it's the same on your mother's side? Sylvester: Ah. No. Don't have access to the records. And Mom.. I mentioned the vagueness. [[Outline of Sylvester meeting Humphrey, holding a glass of (presumably) wine. A sign on the wall has the acronym FSTGA, and a picture of a root-type vegetable.]] Sylvester: But.. The Mundivagants have long been big wheels in Fredonia. And her father Humphrey has carried on that tradition. I met.. was summoned.. to meet him a couple times, in the Capital. [[Rosemary and Sylvester pass through a doorway. A partially-visible sign announces the Guard Post.]] Rosemary: ... That bad, huh? Sylvester: Evil-bad? No. But I vowed early on to never ask him for the smallest favor. May be the only thing that Lenore and I agree about. Wednesday , November 13 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester in a corridor in the Mansion. Graffiti on the wall reads SHOW KINDNESS TO ASHURA. Bands of color glow in frames of various shapes.]] Rosemary: And here we are back in the present day. Sylvester: Yes, where Humphrey is very elderly and... physically frail, but at last report still alive. [[Outline of Sylvester's brother Ace, wielding a spear.]] Rosemary: So you are at least talking to each other. Sylvester: Yes, tho /that/ report came from our brother. Ace. He's in Fredonia, working for.. well, these days, Uncle Dalton. [[Closeup of Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Even tho you didn't want to accept favors.. Sylvester: Eh? Oh, no. I had no problem with that. Ace is earning his keep. And it means he's not- Yes. [[Outline/map showing a journey from the MoE to Fredonia.]] Sylvester: And that trip Mom and Lil are on.. it was financed by the inheritance Mom got when Grandma Annmarie died. Only had to pay their way to Marksburg to collect it. Thursday , November 14 , 2013 [[Outline of Sylvester reading a letter while consulting from a pile of books including an atlas, Ruratana: A History, and Convict of Hassenstadt.]] Rosemary: You're not upset your mom's off spending that money instead of.. buying stocks or something? Sylvester: Eh. Lil's letters and postcards have been surprisingly informative. [[Outline of a college-age Sylvester having tea with Annmarie in the Teddy Bear Pickle Cafe.]] Rosemary: And.. "Annmarie" was nicer than her husband? Sylvester: Again, only met her a couple of times, but, overtly, yes. [[Outline of a factory with a pair of smokestacks and the word CADWALLADER on the side.]] Sylvester: However, she was a Cadwallader, and if anything, they are even bigger and more ruthless wheels than the Mundivagants. [[Outline of Rosemary on Caravan duty, eating some chocolate. A sign in the background advertises a play called Loosen Up Lighten Up]] Rosemary: Cadwallader..? That was the name of the Outfit who made the chocolate the Caravan carried.. Is that the same- Sylvester: Yup. That's them. Friday , November 15 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary approach a staircase with an arrow-sign reading THE BEACH. A door is labelled RECYCLED PHILANTHROPY DEPARTMENT.]] Sylvester: So what about you? You mentioned a grandfather.. Elwin, the muckroot farmer? Rosemary: Yes. I think I heard /his/ father was named Dwight. [[Outline of Elwin giving a flower to Hettie.]] Rosemary: He, Elwin, married Hettie Sandhall. Both families had been grubbing muckroots on Gnomin for.. ever. [[Outline of Verity giving a flower to Jasper.]] Rosemary: And over on Genny, Verity Wolfert married inkvine farmer Jasper Pilkington, had my mother. Who moved to Gnomin when she married my father. [[Rosemary and Sylvester go down the stairs. An arrow-sign points back the way they came, THE ROOF. A small hinged panel in the wall is labelled EMERGENCY BUNDT STORAGE.]] Rosemary: But now.. it's just Aunt Eva and me. Forever's come to an end. Sylvester: It happens, eventually. Saturday , November 16 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk down some stairs. An enormous button hangs from a string, with a sign claiming it is the fourth largest in the Known World.]] Sylvester: So. Next bodyguard question. Rosemary, thumbing over her shoulder: OK. Inspired by that sign back there.. the roof. [[Outline of a Flingomat throwing a rock off the Mansion's roof; also visible are the flagpole and the Mugwump alarm.]] Rosemary: "Flingomats" are some sort of seige engine, I'm guessing? Sylvester: Yes. Ludwig's version of catapults. He had them installed due to Mugwump attacks. They should still work. [[Outline a two-person airship aloft. It has an E family symbol on the side.]] Rosemary: And "Miniair".. I read in one of Edwird's books.. small airships, right? Carry one or two people? Sylvester: Yes. There's a couple still up there. Again, they could sort of work, if there was enough liftgas. [[They descend past a sign advertising a play called TOLERANCE, by one Dillon Wagner. Graffiti reads BY THE BRUSH, IT'S GROTESQUE!]] Rosemary: But "Gargoyle pits" has me stumped. Sylvester: Yes. Introducing you to the Gargoyles.. and the Spindizzies.. is definitely on the agenda. Sunday , November 17 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. The letters HPL float past.]] Crud: We were... we discussed this many times, afterwards. Crud: At the moment the Breach actually occurred, we both had the distinct impression of.. being surrounded by these vastly tall shapes.. Chunner: zzz [[The letters LHC.]] Crud: Or more exactly.. structures. Like.. have you been to the Sparkloom? At the end of the Long Path? Cully: Yes. Crud: Like the objects there, only even larger, more complex. And even more... unfinished. Chunner: zzz [[The multicolored letters DNA]] Crud: Cacocala once put it best.. she always saw further than I did.. It was as if they were bodies, in the process of being built.. Crud: ..and only the skeletons and some of the muscles, perhaps, had yet been strung into place... Chunner: zzz Monday , November 18 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase. A telephone-like shape on the wall is labelled SIL.]] Rosemary: Gargoyles to me mean carved stone drainspouts. They love them in Alloy. Rosemary: But Spindizzies.. Another new species I've never heard of before. Sylvester: "Species".. No. Not exactly. [[He thumbs over his shoulder.]] Sylvester: The Mansion.. Sylvester: OK. Those Tasks we'll be doing? We don't.. /have/ to do them. [[Rosemary listens. There are mystical-type shapes on the wall.]] Sylvester: In the sense that.. if they don't get done.. in the relative short term.. things will still run. Just not as smoothly or as fast. [[They reach a landing. A harp-shaped structure protrudes from the wall. A sign advertises Uncle Bob's Landing O' Family Fun.]] Sylvester: The Mansion continues to function after all this time with no Ettins around because.. for the most part, it is self-regulating. Sylvester: It is a living thing. Tuesday , November 19 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on a landing of a staircase. A harp-like structure protrudes from the wall. A sign advertises Uncle Bob's Landing O' Family Fun.]] Sylvester: And.. no, I don't mean biologically alive. The Mansion is made of minerals and metal. [[He gestures at the "harp".]] Sylvester: However exotic they may be, in some cases.. Sylvester: (Careful not to touch those "strings". It's called a shockharp for a reason..) [[They go on down the stairs. Graffiti reads MOOSE & SQUIRREL and HAVE BAD DAY.]] Rosemary: Right. Sylvester: And I am of the opinion there's no central distinct..personality like.. Sylvester: oh, the Castle of the Combynes. [[There is a crack in the wall.]] Sylvester: But nevertheless, it is alive. It reacts to its surroundings. It consumes needed "nutrients". And.. when it can.. it binds up its wounds. Wednesday , November 20 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase. A sign on the wall reads OFFICIALLY SANCTIONED DESSERT OF THE WEEK: PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE.]] Rosemary: "When it can." Sylvester: Yes. Being alive has its advantages, but also its drawbacks. [[Outline of a three graves under a tree, against a setting sun.]] Sylvester: ..One of the bigger ones being, eventually, inevitably.. Rosemary: You stop doing it? [[Outline of a potential elderly grandson looking a collection of electrospikes.]] Sylvester: Uh huh. The Mansion will outlive us.. zark.. Sylvester: You or I have grand-kids, it'll outlive /them/. [[Rosemary listens. Graffiti reads MY NAME IS]] Sylvester: Nevertheless the Mansion is slowly dying. And ultimately there is nothing we can do about it. Thursday , November 21 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase. A sign bans pipe smoking and "STUFF". There is graffiti of a wine bottle and a walrus with antlers.]] Rosemary: Nothing at all? Sylvester: Well.. find some living Ettins. [[A map of the Near World, with an arrow pointing east and another pointing southwest.]] Sylvester: And.. yes, despite forever ending, I like to believe they aren't all dead, that some still live somewhere. Beyond the Far Eastern Shore. Rosemary: Solla Sollew. Sylvester: Yeah, that'd work too. [[A outline of the two of them finding a large lever labeled MAGIC/NO MAGIC. Sylvester wears a pith helmet, Rosemary carries an E flag on a pole.]] Sylvester: Failing that, finding the presumably-metaphorical switch that turns the Magic back on would help. [[Outline of a pre-Crash Mansion interacting with a leyline overhead. There are buildings in the background.]] Rosemary: ..The Mansion survived the Crash.. Sylvester: Yes, it can power itself off the tricklepoint, but it and its repairers also used the stuff coming off the leylines.. Friday , November 22 , 2013 [[Sylvester and Rosemary descend a staircase. A sign reads: OFFICIAL EDICT: BE HUMANE.]] Sylvester: ..Which brings us back to the Gargoyles and Spindizzies. Sylvester: They /are/ the Mansion's repairfolks. System. [[He gestures a tangle of shapes emerging from the ceiling overhead. Graffiti reads GO FOR A RIDE, and inside a dotted line, KINGDOM OF MELLLVAR.]] Sylvester: While they have a degree of independence, they are ultimately part of the Mansion's.. basic structure.. and cannot leave it. [[Outline of Sylvester on the roof, with a Gargoyle peering at him from a distance.]] Sylvester: The Gargoyles work on the roof and outer shell. If they were, ah, "Hoo-man", you'd put them somewhere between "shy" and "reclusive".. [[Outline of a Human-made gargoyle on the side of a building in the rain, spewing water from its mouth.]] Sylvester: And it appears they were the namesake and inspiration for the aforementioned drainspouts; they were standard issue on Ettin outposts throughout the Known World. Sylvester: Though.. the sculptors tend to be a bit.. fanciful.. Saturday , November 23 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase. A notice on the wall announces AURA SCANS TUES 12-14 ADAPTION ALCOVE. A panel is labelled SUICIDE SURVIVAL. There is also a graffiti TARDIS.]] {{Happy 50th, Doctor Who!}} Rosemary: And the Spindizzies? Sylvester: They work behind the walls, especially down around the BaseCore. [[An outline of a cross-section of the BaseCore.]] Sylvester: (Which is one gigantic inaccessable churn of zappy machinery.) Sylvester: As for what they are like... they are more friendly than the Gargoyles, but.. [[Rosemary's head.]] Sylvester: Ironically, perhaps, they are rather less Hoo-man. Rosemary: Should I be offended? I seem to recall an offhand comment about them loving me. [[Sylvester's head.]] Sylvester: No. And yes. You're going to offer them a challenge. Sylvester: And that is.. almost literally what they live for. Sunday , November 24 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A fish-shape with legs floats past.]] Cully: So.. do you think those shapes were.. real? Crud: I don't know. Cacocala thought so. She had the ideas and talent for further investigations. But it.. was not to be. Chunner: zzz [[A bird-shape, wearing a top-hat.]] Cully: How exactly did she.. Crud: Yes? Chunner: zz.. [[The letter DBC, attached to a parachute. Chunner wakes up.]] Cully: No.. never mind. These pods seem sturdy, but I'd better wait until the drowning danger is gone before asking you.. difficult questions. Crud: ...You should never- Chunner: GRAH! Stupid zarking BLOBWARTS!! Monday , November 25 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester turn to go through a doorway. A sign beyond reads TO THE BEACH.]] Rosemary: .."A challenge." Sylvester: Intellectually speaking. [[He turns away from the doorway.]] Sylvester: But that's later. I'll take you up to the roof, and announce you. The Gargoyles may even come out. Then- Sylvester: Oh. Hey. Rosemary: What? [[He points.]] Sylvester: The wall is.. the walls move. Some of the Ettin-made ones can. The one at the end of this hall.. it's shifted for the day. [[They are looking at an open archway, beyond which a square bounded by purple spikes, with a swirling mass beyond. A sign reads BC ACCESS PORTAL 0037 BLASE PARFAIT. Some Ettienese is marked over the archway. On the other side of the archway is an E family symbol.]] Rosemary: Oh kay. Sylvester: Which means, coincidentally, we can do this right now! Sylvester: You'll want to get the Can Opener out. Tuesday , November 26 , 2013 [[Rosemary produces the Can Opener from her Poke Kit, as she and Sylvester pass through an archway.]] Rosemary: Are we about to be attacked by something? Sylvester: Hm? No no. [[They stand on a platform edged with purple spikes. More spikes protrude from the walls of the vast space into which the platform protrudes. There is Ettinese written on the side of the platform. Lines run up the distant walls, and a pair of wavy bands flow overhead.]] Sylvester: We're about to meet some Spindizzies. And we're not telling /anyone/ about your Poke Kit that doesn't need to know. Rosemary: Ah. Sylvester: ...And the Can Opener is going to be an integral part of your challenge. Rosemary: Ah. Again. Wednesday , November 27 , 2013 [[Chapter title: FISHING AROUND [[An undersea scene: An unclothed Ichyoid floats near the seafloor, with a node-studded panel attached to his chest. He is in front of a growth/pole which rises from the sand, and is topped with various obscure protuberances. Sealife swims past: fish of various types, an eel, a jellyfish. A crab crawls on the sand. Long strands of seaweed sprout from a cluster of rocks, which feature starfish. The rusted remains of a trident can be seen near the crab, and in the background is a shipwreck.]] Thursday , November 28 , 2013 [[Title: HAPPY THANKSGIVING [[Rosemary, seated in the E family dining room, holds her knife and fork aloft as she prepares to tuck into a traditional Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, potatoes, yams, rolls, cranberry sauce, etc. She is wearing a pilgrim-type hat with a buckle, that is not a Fixit.]] Friday , November 29 , 2013 [[Rosemary holds the Can Opener. She and Sylvester stand on a platform edged with purple spikes.]] Rosemary: What is this place? Sylvester: The upper edge.. one of them.. of the BaseCore. [[A view looking down on them from above. Below the platform is a collection as described by Sylvester, with lines radiating from it.]] Sylvester: That thing down there, with the lights and spikes, it can manipulate the.. very fabric of this space. Sylvester: Everything beyond this platform should be considered.. permanently optional and flexible. Saturday , November 30 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on a platform in a vast purplish-tinted space. Rosemary holds the Can Opener.]] Rosemary: I didn't understand any of that. Sylvester: No. But hopefully you'll see when the Spindizzies show up. [[He points at the large spike which marks one corner of the platform.]] Sylvester: Which, if things follow the usual routine, will be shortly; stepping out here triggers an alarm. [[Sylvester's head.]] Rosemary: Anything else I should know before that happens? Sylvester: . . . [[Rosemary's head.]] Sylvester: Spindizzies also exist to distribute information. They will fulfiill this fuction rapidly and /indiscriminately/. Rosemary: . . . Sunday , December 1 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. An apple-themed advent window floats past.]] Chunner: Just a zarking dream. Where.. Oh. Right. Chunner: So. Totally unsurprisingly, we are still stuck in here. [[A model bus labelled RP.]] Cully: ..The chompersnaps are gone. But yes, Mr. Chunner. Chunner: Mm. And what have you two been talking about? Cully: . . .We have been holding a scattering of the Paradox Society. Chunner: Great. [[A red ribbon.]] Cully: But now. We.. we have to decide. Do we start pushing the buttons in the pods, or do I use this.. transporter I have. Chunner: Right. Terrific. Crud: Clearly, we must- Alarm: BA-REEP! Monday , December 2 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand on a platform, awaiting the arrival of Spindizzies. Purple lines crawl up the walls behind them.]] Sylvester: ..And simultaneously, maddeningly, they can incorrectly assume you know /old/ important facts, because.. /they/ always share everything new. Immediately. Rosemary: I see. I guess. Rosemary: . . . [[A view of the lines, reaching towards the bands above.]] Rosemary: Those.. line-things are.. growing? Sylvester: Yes. And when they, the mergelines, touch the shiftbands- [[The room flares white around them.]] ((TOUCH)) [[Two winged Spindizzies, male and female, are floating next to the platform.]] {{Their names are soon revealed to be Horace and Emily.}} Horace: Interface commenced! Tuesday , December 3 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy interface chamber.]] Horace: Executor of Tasks, Male. Sylvester. Sylvester: Yes. Hello. Emily: Unfamiliar female. Your reproduction associate? Sylvester: Um. No. I'm still looking for one of those. Sylvester: This is Rosemary. She is the new Executor of female tasks. Rosemary: Hello. Horace and Emily: . . . Sylvester: Is.. that going to be a problem? Horace: Prunella has ceased to function? Emily: Sorrow. Wednesday , December 4 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: Prunella is not dead. She has.. been reassigned to nutrient-cultivation. For which she is better calibrated. Horace and Emily: . . . [[Horace and Emily turn and silently confer, with symbols and lines forming in the air around them.]] [[Rosemary and Sylvester speak quietly.]] Rosemary: (..Are they sharing this information with.. everybody?) Sylvester: (/And/ debating its ramifications.) [[The Spindizzies turn back to the Humans.]] Horace: Ah. Less sorrow. Sylvester: Yes. Thursday , December 5 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: And the second reason that we are here- Horace: Affirmative! Horace: Requisition request! Sylvester: Um.. right. What do you need? Horace: 37.08 grams of Element 51 are useful! Rosemary: (..I suppose that's gold.) Sylvester: (No, mercifully. Antimony.) Sylvester: "Useful." Not "urgent." Horace: Confirmed! Sylvester: All right. One will return with.. forty grams. Emily: Only 37.08 grams are- Sylvester: You may place it in the Balance. Confirmed. Friday , December 6 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Horace: ..Confirmed. Sylvester: Now the /third/ reason we are here... [[He pushes Rosemary and the Can-Opener forward. Emily touches the weapon.]] Sylvester: ..is the ..tool that Rosemary is holding. First, are you able to tell us what it is constructed of? [[Horace and Emily silently confer, with symbols and lines in the air around them.]] [[They turn back to the Humans.]] Horace: Negative. Emily: Sorrow. Rosemary: Oh well. Saturday , December 7 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy interface chamber. Rosemary holds the Can Opener.]] Sylvester: Second question: Can you duplicate the.. parameters of the tool? Horace and Emily: . . . [[Emily floats the Can Opener from Rosemary's grasp.]] [[She and Horace hover next to the weapon in midair, with symbols and lines surrounding them. Rosemary and Sylvester look on.]] [[Emily rotates to talk to Rosemary upside down. Two more Spindizzies, Chester and Matilda appear.]] Emily: A possibility! Emily: Further deliberations required! Rosemary: Understood. Although.. Sunday , December 8 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The shaft is flooded. The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A model of a row of singers floats past, labelled ALSO MADE FALSE TEETH.]] Alarm: BA-REEP! Cully: What's that? Alarm: BA-REEP! Chunner: New one on me, kid. Alarm: BA-REEP! Crud: I.. /believe/ it might be.. [[The letters AF mounted on a base labelled FLUX. A lit candle, with the words FURTHER ?s.]] Loud Alarm: BA-REEP! ((UNCLANG)) [[A panel opens in the wall behind the Gnolls, revealing a large robot-head.]] [[The water drains away. The robot-head disappears.]] ((GLOOSH)) Monday , December 9 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy interface chamber. Emily hovers upside down in front of Rosemary. Sylvester watches. Behind Emily other Spindizzies work on the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: Before you go.. do you have a name? Emily: A name! Emily: Individual identification label verbally assigned in semi-arbitrary fashion! Affirmative! Rosemary: . . . Emily: . . . Rosemary: What is your name? Emily: Emily! Tuesday , December 10 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Emily floats upside down.]] Rosemary: That is all the questions I have. Right now. For you. Emily: Affirmative! [[Emily goes back to work, Rosemary faces Sylvester.]] Rosemary: "Emily"? Sylvester: Arbitrary verbal labels just aren't /important/ to them, like they are to us Humans. [[Outline of a Spindizzy picking her name off a long list.]] Sylvester: ..And so, as I understand it, they only adapted their use.. compiled a list... to, well.. humor us. [[Horace works on the Can-Opener.]] Sylvester: ..Which is why I didn't bother using Horace's there when he showed up. Wednesday , December 11 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: You recognized.. Horace? Sylvester: Oh. Yes. He's the one assigned to talk to me when I interface. [[Emily works on the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: So.. Emily.. Sylvester: Yes. From now on, she will usually be the one who appears for you. [[Chester and Matilda work on the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: "Usually"? Sylvester: They /do/ have other duties. A couple of times for me it's been- ah. Chester. That's him there. [[An outline of a young Sylvester and Horace.]] Rosemary: ...How long do they live? Sylvester: As long as us, roughly. Horace has been around pretty much all my life. Sylvester: Not a bad thing, having someone who's /always/ happy to talk to you.. Thursday , December 12 , 2013 [[Rosemary and Sylvester watch as a group of Spindizzies work around the floating Can-Opener.]] Sylvester: And you, the Taskmistress, need to do that. Come talk, once a week. Rosemary: . . . [[Outline of Mortimer and Charles.]] Rosemary: Everybody has their own Spindizzy. Mortimer. Sylvester: 'Has", maybe not the right word, but.. Yes. Charles. [[Outline of Nellie and Spindizzy.]] Rosemary: And Nellie. Sylvester: Ginger. [[Outline of Myrrh and Spindizzy, from a distance.]] Rosemary: . . Rosemary: /Myrrh?/ Sylvester: Yes. Tho I've never had the nerve to ask what she and Poinsettia talk about. Friday , December 13 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber, a shape forms in the air.]] Sylvester: But, getting back to more immediate concerns. As you probably just deduced.. [[Sylvester and Rosemary watch.]] Sylvester: When asking a Spindizzy a question, be as precise and literal as possible. Avoid metaphors and similes.. Rosemary: Like the Siege Plague? Sylvester: Yes. Sylvester: And yes, I still get it wrong on occasion, even after all these years. [[Rosemary looks thoughtful.]] Sylvester: Sometimes, it helps to write it out beforehand. You'll want to carry a notebook, probably. Useful for Basement bribes, as well, it would seem. Rosemary: Mm. Saturday , December 14 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: And I suppose your next question is about- Rosemary: /Moving walls./ Are we going to get trapped in here? [[The open archway to the Chamber, which is not sky-ish color like the rest of the room.]] Sylvester: Hm? Oh. No. Sylvester: That particular wall is either open or closed during daylight hours. [[A look at the sliding wall in question.]] Sylvester: And it's close enough, the Spindizzies can open it, temporarily. Rosemary: "Close enough"? [[An outline of a Panegate, showing a green-tinted world beyond, on which a monkey-like figure rides a horse.]] Sylvester: The Spindizzies can't go beyond the archway, but are able to influence the.. workings within a certain radius. Sylvester: As for /why/ the walls move in the first place.. Sunday , December 15 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. A large panel opens onto blackness behind them. Water drips from the ceiling.]] Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Crud: . . . [[More of the same.]] Cully: . . . Chunner: . . . Crud: . . . Chunner: I hereby invoke my right to ungratefully declare the fact that that ''plan'' actually worked to be deeply suspicious and unsettling! Cully: . . . Well.. we don't know for an actual fact that it did.. Monday , December 16 , 2013 Narration: Following an explanation.. [[Outline of Mortimer walking through an open wall.]] Sylvester: ..And so moving walls can be found throughout the Main Tower. [[Outline of the wall slamming shut behind Mortimer.]] Sylvester: Fortunately, they are rigged to.. just barely.. not close when blocked. [[Not-To-Scale outline of Myrrh and Zay's trip through the Mansion.]] Sylvester: And it's rare they trap you anywhere. There's almost always another passage, however roundabout. The Ettins were great believers in.. emergency redundancies. [[Outline of the Main Tower.]] Rosemary: ..The whole Main Tower. Sylvester: Yes. Lemuel and Ludwig both thought it wasn't actually meant to be lived in. [[Outline of a possibly-hypothetical Ettin relaxing in her pad.]] Rosemary: ..So where /did/ the Ettins live? Sylvester: That remains a point of vigorous debate. Tuesday , December 17 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: Next question? Rosemary: ..Can't we ask the Spindizzies about the Ettins? [[Outline of a pre-Crash Spindizzy working at controls, while an Eyebolt writes aboard a floating desk.]] Sylvester: We have. But fixing things, meeting technical challenges, is what they do. Not keeping records. Rigidly separating their.. minions' task-sets was evidently another Ettin "thing". [[Outline of a Spindizzy looking at a looming ominous Ettin.]] Sylvester: And again, no Spindizzy alive today has ever met an Ettin. They're myths to them as much as they are to us. [[Emily creates a shape in the air behind Sylvester and Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Despite what I said about hoping Ettins still exist.. It gives one pause to think socially at least, we Humans might have been a step up. Wednesday , December 18 , 2013 [[Outline of the Mansion, in magic-enhanced color with a green tinge. A large Ettin flying machine destroys all the Human structures surrounding the Main Tower. Another machine floats in the background.]] {{The ships' design is a copy of Martian devices from The War of the Worlds.}} Sylvester: And in my darker moments.. I wonder what the Ettins' reaction would be.. if the Magic does come back.. if they come back.. Sylvester: And find us squatting on their property... Thursday , December 19 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: But anyway. Rosemary: Yeah. [[They look up at Emily, who is working with the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: They.. these guys here.. don't mind us talking about them like this? Sylvester: Oh no. They do exactly the same. [[Emily and Horace.]] Rosemary: So.. unlike the Mansion.. they are actually alive? They're not robots.. or something? [[Chester and Matilda.]] Sylvester: They are biological. They love and breed. In their way. Chester and Matilda there.. they are..reproduction associates. Friday , December 20 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber, Horace and Emily work on the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: ..And I suppose Emily is Horace's.. galpal? Sylvester: No. His is Clementine, whom I've met two or three times.. Sylvester: I don't think I've ever seen Emily before. [[Rosemary and Sylvester watch.]] Sylvester: Oh dear.. Rosemary: What? Sylvester: I hope they weren't.. holding her back to be assigned to /my/ reproduction associate.. Rosemary: That's a possibility? Sylvester: It's not.. impossible. My producing a replacement /is/ one thing they care about. Saturday , December 21 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: So literally /everybody/ within a fifty kilometer radius is worried about you not getting married. Sylvester: No no, that's a definite exaggeration. Twenty, thirty kilometers at most. [[Horace and Emily work on the Can-Opener.]] Sylvester: At least with the Spindizzies, uniquely, refreshingly.. they don't give the slightest phizz about me being the Earl of E. Sylvester: All that matters to /them/ is that I eventually produce a replacement Male Task-performer. Sunday , December 22 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are in their survival pods. A large hatch opens onto darkness. Water drips from the ceiling.]] Chunner: What do you mean? Cully: Well... we don't know.. probably never will know.. if my.. ''my''.. dart-thing made it down to.. wherever. Cully: Couldn't something else have.. evidently.. opened the hatches? Chunner: . . . Crud: It is possible the flooding finally triggered an automatic draining action. There remains much we do not know. [[A zapping-fork ((SHUNKS)) into view from above.]] Chunner: If this zarking place is suddenly pretending to be helpful, then it is just trying to soften us up before making things forty times worse! Crud: This is also sadly not entirely outside the realm of the possible. Monday , December 23 , 2013 [[Outline of a male and female Spindizzy meeting in a sloping corridor.]] Rosemary: So how does this whole reproduction associate thing work? Sylvester: Well, firstly, they 're always /assigned/ to each other. [[Pre-Crash Outline of Griffington, the 15th Earl of E, and a woman, sitting unenthusiastically back to back and working on separate projects.]] {{This is his wife Zenobia}} Sylvester: ..Which seems to work well enough for them. Sylvester: Of course, they are a lot more.. scientific about it than we have tended to be. [[Outline of a male and female Motihaul meeting. She holds a bowl, he has a stoppered bottle.]] Sylvester: When it comes time to crank out a replacement.. you know how it is with Motihauls? Rosemary: ..She presents an egg, he.. contributes his bit? [[Outline depicting what Sylvester describes below.]] Sylvester: Essentially. Same general idea, though the Spindizzies place the resulting gestalt in some sort of incubator-device, which eventually produces a nearly fully-formed adult. Tuesday , December 24 , 2013 [[Outline of a Human in a pressure suit inside a cage-like structure at the end of a cable, descending between jagged and encrusted walls of tech, with Spindizzies accompanying him, holding leads attached to the cage.]] Rosemary: So.. you only have the Spindizzies' description of this incubator.. thing? Sylvester: Actually, no. Humans have been down that far, at least before the Crash. Well.. /a/ Human. Ludwig developed this.. system. Rosemary: He went down there? Sylvester: Oh no. Penelope, and his other advisors, put their collective feet down. And thus a young daredevil by the name James Neil Pakson secured an as-yet unique place in history. Wednesday , December 25 , 2013 [[2013 Secret-Santa guest art depicting an angry Uncle Frederick with his axe, drawn by the creator of the webcomic Charles & Victor.]] Thursday , December 26 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: "Unique"? Sylvester: Even with the Spindizzies' enthusiastic help, Pakson barely made it back in one piece. It was decided it was too dangerous to do again. [[Rosemary smiles and looks down.]] Rosemary: Hmmm. Sylvester: /No/. While we still have the thing he rode down in, it required massive amounts of magic, more than we currently have access to. [[Outline of a staff-wielding woman on an expedition among tall exotic-looking plants.]] Rosemary: Oh well. Wait.. Pakson. I've heard that name.. Sylvester: "Jimmy" went on to lead a long and eventful life, but you're probably thinking of his grand-daughter, Nicole. [[Outline of Nicole angrily describing something to a skeptical woman behind a desk.]] Rosemary: Oh! Right! She was in "Tales of the Far Eastern Shore"! ..Do you think she was telling the truth? Sylvester: Who knows. If even half of the stories from over there were true... Friday , December 27 , 2013 [[Pre-Crash outline of a woman overlooking a sea-side Human city, with various boats in the water and airships sailing overhead. Odd jumbled shapes loom in the background.]] Rosemary: But then the Crash hit, and swept all those questions away. Sylvester: Did it? Several of the Eastern colonies.. Port Dyer, Feijoada, New Khokarsa.. were well-established. Sylvester: One way or another, Nicole is long dead, but again, I like to think /her/ grandchildren are maybe still alive over there.. Saturday , December 28 , 2013 [[Pre-Crash Outline of a small Human city on a shore, with various large "question marks" looming over it as the land rises away from the sea.]] Rosemary: You've asked the Spindizzies about all that, of course. Sylvester: Oh yes. And no, they don't know anything about the Far East. [[Outline of Mansion-type buildings stretching the opposite direction from a shore.]] Sylvester: ..or other Ettin edifices on /this/ side of the ocean. [[Outlines of the items Sylvester lists below.]] Sylvester: ..or the phizz where we aren't sure /who/ made it: the Infernal Engine, the Beacons, the Sandwall.. [[Pre-Crash outline of a row of mountains glowing purple with large rocks floating the in air; a Human airship is a speck in the sky.]] Rosemary: That whole mountain range that supposedly looks like big chunks of glowing candy... Sylvester: Indeed. Tho the Crash may have had something to say about that one.. Sunday , December 29 , 2013 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are in their survival pods. A panel stands open behind them. A zap-fork has lowered into view.]] Cully: So.. keeping that possibility in mind.. do we open the pods right away.. or wait and see if the water comes pouring back in? Chunner: . . . Crud: Perhaps we- Gnollish voice: REJOICE! [[The voice's owner is Difonia, who passes through the subShaft behind the pods. The fork begins to glow.]] Difonia: A new day arrives! Difonia: A new openness blossoms forth! Difonia: Though dangers and perils still lurk! [[Difonia disappears from view. The fork produces glowing letters, in the second version of Ettinscript: [TICK TOCK].]] Difonia: REJOICE! Cully: OK then... Monday , December 30 , 2013 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: And guessing your next question.. no, the Spindizzies have no explanation about the Crash. Rosemary: Mm. What about all that down- Horace: Confirmed! [[Horace and Emily have the original Can-Opener floating in midair, with a glowing duplicate next to it.]] Horace: Human Tool #3732 parameter-duplication possible! Emily: Permanent template storage (A/N)? Tuesday , December 31 , 2013 [[Filler non-canon art depicting Mortimer attending a 2014 New Year's Party with characters from other webcomiics, whose creators hang on the ComicGenesis official forum: Cara of Flying Tigers, Jak of Breath of Life, Meli AKA Rat of Masadjra, Joseph of Loud Era, and Freakboy of the comic of the same name. Mortimer produces the words HAPPY NEW YEAR in magical color with his umbrella. Everyone drinks champagne.]] Wednesday , January 1 , 2014 [[Guest art by Peripheral Descent of the webcomic Breath of Life, depicting a 2014 New Years Eve party attended by characters from various webcomics. The Mansion of E is represented by Flange the Helipath, who is busy inflating party balloons.]] {{Helipaths don't have mouths per se, rather communicating by altering the drone of their rotors, but at New Years anything goes!}} Wednesday , January 1 , 2014 [[Guest art by Peripheral Descent of the webcomic Breath of Life, depicting a 2014 New Years Eve party attended by characters from various webcomics. The Mansion of E is represented by Flange the Helipath, who is busy inflating party balloons.]] {{Helipaths don't have mouths per se, rather communicating by altering the drone of their rotors, but at New Years anything goes!}} Thursday , January 2 , 2014 [[Mortimer in the Fish Museum section of Uncle Bob's Landing O' Family Fun. He is wearing a pointy hat and eating a Spyderburger. He studies a display showing a Cream Puff Fish. Behind him is one for a Mew Eel, and against the wall is a Buffet Weed seaweed. Pictures depict a Dreamcarp and a grinning man with sideburns holding a robotic fish.]] {{Happy B-Day, Dr. Asimov.}} Friday , January 3 , 2014 [[Nellie in the Mansion of E garden, distributing feed for a flock of small non-sentient Jibjib Burds. An orange cat lounges on a water barrel. A low tree or bush produces colorful drinking straw-shaped objects. A seagull stands on the roof of a shed. Plants labelled as Old Toby grow in a planter.]] Saturday , January 4 , 2014 [[Amos in a low-ceilinged alcove lit by a Diogenes brand lantern hanging from the ceiling by a chain. He is wearing a heavy glove on one hand, and holding a pair of metal tongs, in which is gripped a magic wand. The case from which the wand was extracted sits on top of a pile of crates and books. The title of one of the books is Peri Helion.]] Sunday , January 5 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. The zapfork is deployed, and displays messages in Ettinese. A panel opens into darkness.]] Cully: To open my pod.. I push all the knobs three times. Crud: I believe.. yes. Fork: [CHIRP CHEEP] Chunner: Kid.. Cully: It has to be me. Fork: [TOOT BLAT] [[Cully pushes the controls.]] ((CLACK CLACK CLACK)) Fork: [MUNG MING] Monday , January 6 , 2014 [[A path near the Forest of E. Eunice Kelso walks past an elderly bearded man who is stilling on a chunk of rock, with a white dog asleep at his feet. The man points back the way she has come with a whittling knife.]] Flem: ...Kelso Eunice: Good morning, Mr. Flem. Byron. Flem: Girl, you keep wandering around out there in those woods, yer gonna /die/. Eunice: Once a Guardian, always a Guardian, Mr. Flem? Tuesday , January 7 , 2014 [[Guest art by akascooby, of Flying Tigers and other comics. Depicts snapshots of characters from various webcomics, including Mortimer, having fun at a 2014 New Year's pool party. Mortimer is unsuccessfully chatting up a gal.]] Wednesday , January 8 , 2014 [[The hungover Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic is taking a bath by candellight. There is no immediate sign of Fantod. A small shelf has bath items on it, including a container labelled JOY GERMS.]] [[Myrrh/The Woman of Mystery is in a dark narrow space. Behind her, out in the lighted main corridor, can be seen Frederick.]] [[Schmedley the butler is in, perhaps, a pantry. Boxes on the shelf: FROBOZZ and CADWALLADER TOFFEE.]] Off-screen "demonic" voice: Hello, Schmedley. Thursday , January 9 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. The original Can-Opener and the Spindizzy-created copy float in the air.]] Sylvester: Affirmative. Permanent template storage of Human Tool.. 3732 requested. Emily: Confirmed! Stored! [[Rosemary looks at the copy.]] Rosemary: So.. it's safe to touch? Sylvester: Oh yes. Go ahead. [[Her gloved hand grabs ahold of the copy.]] Sylvester: If the Spindizzies are present.. you can get hurt here, but you have to work at it. Friday , January 10 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary holds the copy of the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: It feels.. Sylvester: Slightly off? Rosemary: Yes. [[Emily and Horace listen to the conversation.]] Sylvester: Because it's not exactly real. The Spindizzies are duplicating the parameters of the original. How? Ask them and they will cheerfully.. explain. At length. [[Closeup on Rosemary.]] Rosemary: ..Right. Sylvester: And so, it can only exist within an Interface Chamber. If you took it through the arch, it would disappear. [[Sylvester raises a finger.]] Rosemary: Um.. OK.. this is certainly interesting, but- Sylvester: What's the point? Ah! They can simulate /other/ things as well. Saturday , January 11 , 2014 [[Inside a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: For example.. Horace, please produce Human Tool #2741, here on the platform. Horace: Affirmative! [[A shape takes form behind Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: "Tool"? That's a.. comfortable-looking chair. Sylvester: Affirmative! Sylvester: The Spindizzies lump all of the.. artifacts of our civilization.. under "Tools". [[He sits in the chair.]] Rosemary: I see. Do /I/ get one? Sylvester: Oh no. There's something much more appropriate for /you/. Sunday , January 12 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. The zapfork is deployed, and displays messages in Ettinese. A panel opens into darkness.]] Cully: . . . Cully: Nothing. I guess I'm going to have to- Chunner: . . . Crud: . . . ((BEEP)) Fork: [marz ipan] [[Cully's pod makes noises.]] ((BEEP BEEP BEEP)) Fork: [pharm acist] [[Cully's pod opens, revealing him and his "pod-hair"]] ((UN CLA-CLUNK)) Fork: [nonse quitor] Monday , January 13 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Sylvester sits in a comfortable chair. Rosemary holds a Spindizzy copy of the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: And what would that be? Sylvester: Not a "what" per se. Sylvester: Horace, please produce Human Female #43. Horace, off-panel: Affirmative! [[Rosemary silently turns to see a glowing female figure with white eyes, standing in front of Horace and Emily. The real Can-Opener floats in the air between them.]] Tuesday , January 14 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary looks at Human Female #43.]] Rosemary: The Spindizzies can.. create Humans. Sylvester: No. They can create simulated approximations of Humans. [[Sylvester sits in a comfortable chair.]] Sylvester: That is their generic Youngish Standard-Body-Type Female. There are various ages and, ah, shapes available. [[Closeup of Rosemary.]] Rosemary: Does it.. /do/ anything? Sylvester: Yes. It can do things. [[Closeup of #43.]] Sylvester: Say things.. think things? that gets a little more problematic. Wednesday , January 15 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Sylvester sits in a comfortable chair.]] Sylvester: The Spindizzies don't think the way we do, so their attempts at simulating Human mental behavior are.. [[Rosemary hold a Can-Opener copy.]] Rosemary: ..A little off? [[Outline of Ludwig's wife Penelope talking to a Spindizzy.]] Sylvester: Yes. But. They've also accumulated much interaction with us, allowing ongoing refinement of the more standard models. [[Outline of a more armored Rosemary talking to a male Spindizzy-human wearing imperialistic gear.]] Sylvester: So, while we're not going to be summoning up Glurge to discuss philosophy, or talking military tactics with Rufinus I... [[43 and Emily and Horace.]] Sylvester: ...ol' 43 there will hopefully be able to supply you with what you said you needed. Thursday , January 16 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Sylvester is in a comfy chair. Rosemary looks at Spindizzy-generated Human Female #23.]] Rosemary: What I.. ah. a sparring partner. Sylvester: Yes. And, amazingly enough, thanks to my dabbling in the art of fencing, I can even offer an amateur's critique of her, and her fellow constructs', abilities. [[Outline of a rapier-wielding Sylvester running through an unaffected, unresponsive Male Human wielding a wide-bladed sword.]] Sylvester: Positive: they are not Human, so you don't have to hold back. Also, The System offers a wide variety of lethal tools they can wield. [[Outline of Sylvester facing a fencer-Male Human who is facing the wrong direction.]] Sylvester: Negative: Not Human. As noted, their reactions will not be entirely normal. And, they /will/ hold back. The Spindizzies will not allow you to be hurt. Ever. Friday , January 17 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: Well then. Now I /have/ to give it a try. Sylvester, off-panel: Of course. Rosemary: Although.. [[Rosemary's feet stand at the edge of the chamber's platform. Female Human #23 "stands" on nothing at all.]] Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: She /does/ have the unfair advantage of being able to fly. [[Sylvester in his comfy chair.]] Sylvester: Ah. You can "fly" in here too, if you want. But For today.. Sylvester: Horace, will you please generate a #7 floor? [[A floor appears attached to the platform.]] Horace: Affirmative! Saturday , January 18 , 2014 [[Guest art for the ComicGenesis forumites' New Year's Party, by djracodex, creator of Masadjra. Mortimer and IgSaur are among the revelers piling into a flying taxi-car in some futuristic city. Ig wears a tie, Mortimer earnestly converses with the glum driver, played by Freakboy of the same comic.]] Sunday , January 19 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are in their emergency pods. though Cully's is now open. The zapfork is deployed, and displays messages in Ettinese. A panel opens into darkness.]] Cully: EEP! Chunner: Kid? What is it? Fork: [winnie plus1] [[Cully's "hat hair" ((FOOMPs)) back into place.]] Cully: That zappy.. fork thing is back! That was blasting us when the lights were out! Chunner: Oh. Right. Is it displaying cryptic gibberish? Fork: [poeto aster] Cully: ...Yes. Chunner: That's what it normally does. Not blast people. Hopefully that's true. Now. Again. Crud: I would expect that to be the case. As long as the lights are on. Crud: Which reminds me. Never ever clap. Fork: [tincan popcorn] Monday , January 20 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary stands before a newly-created floor, on which stands Human Female #23. He holds the Spindizzy-created copy of the Can-Opener, while the original floats in the air nearby.]] Rosemary: Hm. [[Sylvester sits up in his comfy chair.]] Sylvester: Oh. You need me to go first and prove- [[Rosemary waves him off and steps onto the floor.]] Rosemary: Oh no. [[Emily the Spindizzy is in view.]] Rosemary: I was wondering.. Emily.. does Ms 43 here understand and respond to my orders? Emily: Affirmative! [[Rosemary hands the copy to 23.]] Rosemary: Good. In that case.. 43, take this. Tuesday , January 21 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary reaches for the floating Can-Opener. Human Female #23 holds the Can-Opener copy.]] Rosemary: /And/. testing the hypothesis which springs inevitably forth.. [[Emily gestures.]] Rosemary: Emily. If possible, please generate wall #.. oh.. 37. Emily: Affirmative! [[The wall turns into a towering depiction of two stylized squirrels embracing, looming over the two Humans, #23, and Emily and Horace.]] Rosemary: Wow. Which is..? Sylvester: An attempted recreation of a section of the Citadel of the Hugging Squirrels, of course. Rosemary: ..Of course. Wednesday , January 22 , 2014 [[Outline of a small, heavily sculpted and modified island, featuring among other things two large squirrels facing each other, and a smaller cat with a question mark on its head. A small boat sails by.]] Rosemary: Hugging Squirrels. What is.. No. Wait. I've read about this, too. It's one of those Sculpture Islands. In Isdanlia? Sylvester: Sculpted Isles. Yes. [[Outline of Dorn I showing a squirrel in a small cage to a Spindizzy.]] Sylvester: Dorn, Dorn I, got the Spindizzies of the era to construct the wall for his mother, Nattana, when she got homesick. Sylvester: Took massive amounts of coaching, measurements, haulling in samples.. Sylvester: But again, the man liked solving puzzles... Thursday , January 23 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Sylvester sits in a comfy chair, Rosemary looks at the wall depicting hugging squirrels. Human Female #43 hold a copy of the Can-Opener. Emily and Horace listen.]] Sylvester: I'm told that, even so, what we ended up with here isn't terribly accurate. Rosemary: Told by who? Sylvester: Uncle Frederick. He, and Myrrh, have been there. Isdanlia. The Citadel itself. It's right outside Wrytown. [[Outline of Frederick, Myrrh and Quincy on a boat, looking at the Citadel as they sail past; the Citadel glows with various lights. Another smaller island is nearby, topped with a pie-shape and a spork-shape.]] Rosemary: He wanders that far? Sylvester: Eh? No, this was before the Crash, when it was even more impressive. Friday , January 24 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Sylvester is in a comfy chair. Rosemary stands with the Can-Opener, along with Human Female #43 and her copy of the weapon.]] Sylvester: But anyway. We can discuss DawnEra architecture anytime. We came here so you could test sparring possibilities. Rosemary: Right. And you're.. going to watch? Sylvester: No. While I'm sure you're getting all the sleep you need.. Rosemary: I certainly hope so, because if I'm not- [[Sylvester closes his eyes.]] Sylvester: ..Yeah, yeah. I'm going to take a brief nap. Wake me if there's a fire. Rosemary: Right. [[She eyes #43. Emily hovers nearby.]] Rosemary: . . . Saturday , January 25 , 2014 [[Two scenes from a ComicGenesis Forum New Year's Party, drawn by VeryCuddlyCornpone, creator of Loud Era, showing MoE characters interacting with Loud Era folks. The first depicts Rosemary getting served a drink of non-alcoholic beverage by Cecilia, while Mortimer assists Cal in the baking of mini hot dogs. The second has Sylvester among those sitting up on a roof in cold weather, discussing the Mansion with a somewhat nonplussed Aggie.]] Sunday , January 26 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully has emerged from his emergency pod, and is looking at the open door/panel at the back of the shaft. Chunner and Crud are still sealed in their pods. A zap-fork displays short messages in Ettenese]] Chunner: Well, if that's the worst that's immediately gonna be thrown at us, we may as well come out. Culy: . . . Fork: [GDAY MATE] [[Cully faces them, and Chunner sees his expression.]] Chunner: Oh. There's more. Should have known. Cully: Um.. more /wrong/? I guess it's not exactly.. Did you know that- ((APPEAR)) Fork: [auldla ngsyne] [[Protus the Willygig floats silently over Chunner and Crud's pods, looking down at Cully.]] Fork: [TOADH OLLOW] Monday , January 27 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary faces Human Female #43, who is holding a copy of the Can-Opener. Emily floats nearby.]] Rosemary: Well. The /first/ thing we have to do, obviously.. Rosemary: Emily. Please arm.. equip.. #43 here with Human Tool #1. Emily: Affirmative! [[43 is now holding a short pointy stick. complete with an attached leaf.]] Rosemary: Ah. Right. Was either that or a rock, I guess. Tuesday , January 28 , 2014 [[A Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary, with the Can-Opener, faces Human Female #43, who is currently equipped with Human Tool #1, a stick. Emily floats nearby.]] Rosemary: So.. What the Zark. Please produce /Ettin/ Tool #1. Emily: Sorrow. Emily: Designated Tool is classified personal and encrypted. [[Rosemary thinks about this.]] Rosemary: . . . [[A closeup of the Can-Opener and the stick.]] Rosemary: Are we Humans allowed to "encrypt" tools? Emily: Affirmative! [[Closeup of Emily.]] Rosemary: All right. If possible, please encrypt and ...personalize Human Tool #3732 to me. And Sylvester. Emily: Confirmed! Wednesday , January 29 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary faces Human Female #43 and Emily.]] Rosemary: So.. can.. Eh. 43. Go stand over there. Between me and Sylvester. [[43 does so, leaving Rosemary and Emily face to face.]] Rosemary: So.. Emily. Can /anyone/ come into.. one of these chambers and encrypt and personalize tools? Emily: . . . [[Emily turns and silently consults with Horace.]] [[She turns back.]] Emily: Negative. Dictates allow preference towards productive individuals! Rosemary: Good. I think. Thursday , January 30 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: So, are there /any/ Ettin tools that are not encrypted and personal? Emily: Affirmative! [[Closeup on Rosemary.]] Rosemary: OK then. Please produce the.. lowest numbered Ettin tool of that category. Emily: Affirmative! [[Human Female #43's hand comes into view, holding a small trident-shape, each of three tongs topped with a different shape.]] ((It's a USB symbol)) Rosemary: Ah. Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: And what function does the tool in question perform? [[A closer look at the tool.]] Emily: Calibration and connection of anterior-hemisphere subprocessing modules! Rosemary: Of course. Emily: Would be useful if produced in actuality! Rosemary: Would.. oh. I'll keep my eyes open for one... Friday , January 31 , 2014 [[Rosemary faces Emily in a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: But.. getting back to why we came to see you.. [[Sylvester dozes in a comfy chair.]] Sylvester: zzz Rosemary: Sort of.. [[Rosemary lifts the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: Emily. Please describe Human Tool 3732. Emily: Dual-equipped aggressive physical interface extension! [[Emily almost touches the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: Mm. And to /rephrase/ a previous question.. do you know what it is constructed of? Emily: . . . Emily: Negative. Sorrow. Saturday , February 1 , 2014 Narration: A Memorial Flashback [[University students Bertie and Sylvester are in the Capital, listening to a trio of street-musicians play: a female Nome beats on a drum, an older bearded male Human plays a banjo, and a younger male with black hair plays a guitar. Bertie is pitching a coin into a waiting hat. Various signs on a wall: 2Flower Cart Insurance. Juvenile Library. Freedom Tribunal. Password Alterations. A shop is there as well: Crusoe Candy Decorators, of 3760 Hulacoola Avenue, which offers baked Thull and ice cream breakfasts. Building-covered hills can be seen in the background.]] Narration: Pete Seeger, 1919-2014. {{The other two musicians are modeled after Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash.}} Sunday , February 2 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully has emerged from his emergency pod, and is looking up at Protus, who has just appeared overhead. Chunner and Crud are still sealed in their pods. A zap-fork displays short messages in Ettenese]] Protus: All very amusing and instructive, but it's time for it to go back where it belongs. Cully: . . . Fork: [groun dhog] [[Cully hands the zorper/HJ42 to Protus.]] Protus: Thank you, Cully. Cully: Um.. Yes. Mr. Protus. Protus: Oh. And tell Temmy.. her suspicions concerning the Remnent were quite correct. Fork: imbolic cndlms [[Protus ((disappears))]] Cully: . . . Right. Fork: gosea hawks Monday , February 3 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: Hm. Why did you hesitate there, Emily, but not consult with Horace? Emily: Personal ambiguity exists. [[Emily and Horace look at each other.]] Rosemary: Which you hate. OK. Could you find out what this tool is made, constructed, of? Emily: General ambiguity exists. Rosemary: Urg. "Precise and literal." Is it impossible under any circumstances for you to find out what this tool is constructed of? Emily: Negative. Rosemary: So.. some.. theoretically removable obstacle.. is.. currently preventing you from determining this? Emily: Affirmative. Tuesday , February 4 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: I don't suppose.. This isn't some physical barrier I can chop apart with the 3732? Emily: Negative. Rosemary: What is the nature of the obstacle? Emily: Terminology is lacking. Horace: Sorrow. [[Outline of Horace and Emily facing a metaphorical block in a passage, labelled 7-63. Words surround them, on the other side of the block is a symbol of the Can-Opener. Rosemary: Well. Give it your.. Please attempt to describe it. Emily: Knowledge Conduits are Locked. Below Level 7-63 Rosemary: . . . [[The Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: Is this.. something the Ettins did? Emily: /Negative./ Wednesday , February 5 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Human Female #43's hand holds a duplication of an Ettin tool.]] Rosemary: But someone or something did deliberately erect this.. barrier? Emily: Affirmative. [[Horace listens to the conversation.]] Rosemary: Who.. or what.. was it? Emily: Data is insufficient. [[Sylvester dozes in a comfy chair.]] Rosemary: Well. I can't fix this right now. I doubt even /Sylvester/ can fix it. Emily: Affirmative. Sylvester: zzz [[Rosemary thumbs behind herself.]] Rosemary: ...How about this Rufus person, who is "good with devices"? Emily/Horace: . . . Emily/Horace: Possibility. Thursday , February 6 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: Assuming Rufus is even still.. do /you/ know where he currently is.. located? Physically? Emily: . . . [[Emily and Horace silently confer.]] [[A third Spindizzy appears below them and makes an emphatic contribution.]] [[Emily turns back to Rosemary.]] Emily: Tanith reports Semi-Autonomous Research Structure #001. Rosemary: ..Right. Friday , February 7 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary speaks to Emily, and looks back at Human Female #43, who holds a copy of an Ettin tool.]] Rosemary: OK. That, and he, are probably going to have to wait. Rosemary: As for right now.. Rosemary: No. I start testing 43's tool-using abilities.. We'll be here all day. And Sylvester and I have other things to do. Like eat. [[43 and the tool disappear.]] Rosemary: So please put her, and the.. module-calibrator.. back in storage. For now. Emily: Affirmative! [[Rosemary leans the Can-Opener against the forked pole which marks one corner of the chamber's platform.]] Rosemary: Right. But, before we go collect some food, there is one thing I simply must do.. Rosemary: ..Assuming you can also replace the wall with some sky? Emily: Affirmative! Saturday , February 8 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. A close up of Rosemary's face.]] Rosemary: ...Weird. This is somehow.. familiar. Rosemary: . . . [[Closeup of Emily's face.]] Rosemary: Emily, are /you/ aware that I am currently.. [[A wider view reveals that Rosemary is flying/being levitated against the backdrop of a fake sky, with clouds, a kite and a "bird". Emily and Horace hover nearby, keeping her aloft.]] Rosemary: Never mind. I withdraw the question. Emily: Affirmative! Sunday , February 9 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully sits in his opened emergency pod. Chunner and Crud are still sealed in their pods. The shaft's chute ((SHUNKs)) into view, and flips open. A zap-fork displays short messages in Ettenese]] Cully: Well. Um.. I guess that- Fork: [inco ming] [[The Hitchhiking Gem comes flying out of the chute and bounces off Cully's head.]] ((ptui BONK)) Cully: ow! Fork: [head ache] [[The chute's flap flips shut.]] Cully: ...Means things are back to normal. Chunner: Not so sure about that, kid.. was that a /glowgem/? Fork: [hitch hiker] Monday , February 10 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Sylvester dozes in a comfy chair.]] Rosemary: Hey boss... Sylvester: zzz Rosemary: There's a fire. [[Sylvester jerks awake.]] Sylvester: What? What's Rufus done /now/? [[Sylvester gets up.]] Rosemary: ..At least, I'm guessing there's always one somewhere. We'd better go find it and put it out. Sylvester: ... Yeah. OK. [[He points towards the Can-Opener.]] Sylvester: Did it work? The sparring thing? Rosemary: I got what /I/ needed for now. Although. speaking of Rufus.. Tuesday , February 11 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: Tanith stopped by.. Sylvester: Tanith?! Rosemary: Evidently. And she reported that he, Rufus, is in the.. [[Emily and Horace hover nearby.]] Rosemary: Semi-Autonomous.. Research Structure #001, was it, Emily? Emily: Affirmative! [[Sylvester stares.]] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: That's bad, I take it? [[Outline of the Spike, towering over the Forest of E.]] Sylvester: It's the Spike. The stupid zarking idiot's gone to the zarking Spike. Sylvester: /sigh/.. I suppose it was his inevitable destiny.. Wednesday , February 12 , 2014 [[Outline of Rufus looking towards the Spike in the Forest of E.]] Sylvester: And, no, I don't mean that literally. It's just.. he loves poking devices, and.. Rosemary: The Spike is the biggest device around? [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: Yeah. Rosemary: Is.. is it really a death sentence to go there? [[Outline of Cox the Fixit on Pale mount, looking back at a Woosher zooming past.]] Sylvester: ugh. Again, no, not literally. But it is incredibly dangerous. Sylvester: Unlike the Mansion walls, there are no safeguards. Sylvester: The wooshers there can and have squashed.. Sylvester: . . . [[Outline of Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer riding up on a woosher in the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: We /did/ see.. ride on.. a woosher yesterday, right? Rosemary: So we were informed, by a somewhat less reliable source. Thursday , February 13 , 2014 [[Outline of the Forest of E, featuring a killer tree, a tree squid, a giant spyder, and a shark fin. The Spike can be seen in the background.]] Sylvester: Then there's the fact the stupid thing's in the middle of the Forest, which.. Sylvester: Even you, Rosemary, should not go in without a very good reason. [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: Is going off to rescue your brother that sort of reason? Sylvester: No. No, it is not. He's on his.. he knew /exactly/ what he was getting into. [[Outline of Nirvana talking to Tanith in another Interface Chamber.]] Rosemary: Mm. Of course, this assumes that Tanith is a /reliable/ source. Sylvester: Eh? Ohh yes. She.. was.. Nirvana's assigned contact. [[Horace and Emily float nearby.]] Sylvester: The Spindizzies do have a hierarchy, and she is.. what is her position now, Horace? Horace: Senior Executive Task Allocator! Sylvester: Ah, /Senior/ Executive... Friday , February 14 , 2014 [[Valentine's Day strip, featuring Eetown sheriff Patrick Skragg giving a flower to his wife Halcyone in their home. Their young son Stephen sits on a chest of drawers in front of a window, reading a Willy the Wendigo book. A large black dog sits at the sheriff's feet.]] {{The dog's name is Wuff}} Saturday , February 15 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: Oh.. Speaking of Nirvana.. have you.. the Spindizzies.. had any contact with her? Since she retired and moved away? Horace: Negative. [[Emily witnesses the conversation.]] Rosemary: Or a fairly young female Human with light hair? Sylvester: ..Yes. Since Nirvana's departure? Horace: Affirmative! [[Outline of Mortimer introducing Sharona Stout to the Spindizzies.]] Sylvester: Who? What was her name? Horace: Potential reproduction associate of Mortimer! Sharona! [[Sylvester closes his eyes and waves his hand.]] Sylvester: Oh. Right. Of course. Rosemary: Sylvester, we really do need to go.. fish. Sylvester: Yes, yes.. what else before we go.. Sunday , February 16 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully sits in his opened emergency pod. Chunner and Crud are still sealed in their pods. The shaft's chute has dumped out the Hitchhiking Gem, which Cully holds up. A zap-fork displays short messages in Ettenese]] Crud: While that is a gem-like object which glows.. Chunner: Yeah. Huh. Looks more like a actual gem, one of old Almind's diamonds, than a Glowgem. Fork: hello imust [[The chute ((SHUNKs)) back out of sight.]] Cully: So. this isn't another.. snoutbonker.. or something? Chunner: No. Or at least, it's a new one for me. Crud: It does.. resemble the ones found in the Place That- Fork: bego ing [[The Gem ((blips)) and goes dark. The Fork retracts.]] Chunner: Aw, look at that, kid. You broke it already. Cully: Oh well. Sir. Monday , February 17 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Sylvester speaks to Horace.]] Sylvester: Oh.. right. Were you, the Spindizzies, aware the Sneeches appear to have abandoned their colony, en mass, and departed for an unknown destination? [[Horace and Emily silently consult.]] [[Two more Spindizzies join the silent conversation.]] {{They are Chester and Poinsettia.}} [[Horace faces Sylvester. Rosemary listens.]] Horace: Negative. Sylvester: Well, they have. Further bulletins as events warrant. Horace: Affirmative. Tuesday , February 18 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Sylvester: Two last.. topics. First topic. Do you.. what is a Willygig? Horace: Biological entity, class uncertain. Capable of nonlinear temporal movement. Sylvester: Yes. Are you aware there is at least one of them currently operating in the vicinity of the Mansion? Horace: Affirmative. [[Outline showing two Spindizzies seeing Protus beyond a mass of spikes.]] Sylvester: /Affirm/.. You, the Spindizzies, have ..interfaced.. with him? Horace: Negative. Indirect visual contact only. Entity's appearance matched transcribed description. [[Sylvester looks fatigued.]] Sylvester: ..When was that contact first made? Horace: -37.77 days Sylvester: A month. Well, there have been longer gaps. Wednesday , February 19 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Rosemary and Emily listen to Horace and Sylvester's conversation.]] Sylvester: And finally, how about Frowgler? Horace: Confusion. [[Outline of a typical frog catching a fly with its tongue.]] Sylvester: OK. Sorry. What is a frog? Horace: Small nonsapient amphibious insectivore. [[Outline of Frowgler looking mysterious.]] Sylvester: Yes. Have you, the Spindizzies, had contact, of any sort, with a thinking, talking frog named Frowgler? Horace: Negative. Sylvester: Well, evidently such a being exists. Horace: Noted. [[A wider view of the platform.]] Sylvester: OK. Thank you, Horace. Emily. Good bye for now. I.. someone.. will bring you the Element 51. Horace and Emily: Confirmed. Thursday , February 20 , 2014 [[Sylvester and Rosemary leave a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Horace and Emily depart in the opposite direction. The chamber's walls mimic a sky, and a comfy chair sits on the Humans' platform.]] Sylvester: And you can turn off the chair. And the sky. Horace: Confirmed. [[The chamber is empty. The chair is gone. The walls have turned back to purplish with lines.]] Friday , February 21 , 2014 [[Emily and Horace the Spindizzies descend through a tunnel in the BaseCore, surrounded by zapping bits of machinery.]] [[They split up into different side tunnels, and below them, a third male Spindizzy emerges from another tunnel.]] [[He travels downward.]] [[He approaches an opening.]] {{His name is Waldo.}} Saturday , February 22 , 2014 [[A narrow field of white, with a ((TOUCH)) happening.]] [[A Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Various odds and ends are scattered across the platform. including a box labelled SWANKY's SWORD SWALLOWER'S SALVE. Cloud-like shapes flow by in the background. Sprocket the Gnoll stand on the platform, with a sort of lantern made of a glowgem. He stares up at a male Spindizzy who is hovering overhead.]] {{The Spindizzy's name is Waldo.}} Spindizzy: Interface commenced! Sunday , February 23 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully sits in his opened emergency pod, holding the darkened Hitchhiking Gem. Chunner and Crud are still sealed in their pods. A zapfork pokes into view above.]] Chunner: Seriously, tho, you should ditch that thing. Never know what new phizz down here can do to you. Cully: Yes, I'll just- [[Crud pushes the opening buttons on his pod.]] ((CLACK CLACK CLACK)) [[Cully and Chunner look at him. The fork ((UNSHUNKs)) up out of sight.]] Cully: . . . Chunner: ...Crud? Crud: Despite the fact that I may deserve it.. with the water gone, I am not going to stay sealed up in this device. ((BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP)) [[Crud's pod opens. Chunner pushes his own buttons.]] ((UN CLA-CLUNK)) ((CLACK CLACK CLACK)) Chunner: Right. Chunner: Fine. All the bump-things, three times? Crud: Yes. Monday , February 24 , 2014 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk towards a doorway with a sign beyond reading TO THE BEACH, with steps leading down.]] Sylvester:. . . Sylvester: Is something /specifically/ wrong? Rosemary: We're going back to the Basement to get antimony, aren't we? [[They start down the steps. Rosemary puts the Can-Opener into her PokeKit. A chute-hatch is labelled as belonging to "Nevill".]] Sylvester: Ohh no. We are not going to the Basement. Not today. In fact, I'm starting to think... Sylvester: Eh. Later. We have antimony. In storage. Up here. Right now, as noted, we're going fishing. Rosemary: Oh, good. Twice. Tuesday , February 25 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase past a sign advertising the specials for the Mansion's Beach Canteen.]] Sylvester: ..Tho for future reference.. the Spindizzies may request other substances, and we have them stored as well. [[Outline showing bars of metal stacked in storage.]] Rosemary: ..Such as? Sylvester: Copper and zinc are two of the more common ones. [[Outline of Horace the Spindizzy looking at balance on which are perched various small items. Two spikes rise up under the balance's two sides.]] Rosemary: Why- Sylvester: ..don't we just let them store the phizz? They really don't like to, beyond small amounts; something about "disrupting the Balance." [[Outline of a smaller bar of gold in storage.]] Rosemary: ../Do/ they ever ask for gold? Sylvester: It has happened. And yes, we have a little. For both technical and financial emergencies. Sylvester: Which is another fact I.. we... /really/ don't spread around. Rosemary: Check. Wednesday , February 26 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase. A sign on the wall announces they are in the Beach Zone. Graffiti claims that Notch Johnson Lives.]] Rosemary: Speaking of forbidden topics.. Sylvester: uh oh. [[Closeup of Rosemary.]] Rosemary: I questioned Emily more about the Can Opener. And.. maybe they can find out what it's made of, but somebody, not the Ettins, has put up some kind of.. sciencey.. Mansiony.. block-thing. Rosemary: ...That maybe only Rufus can understand. And remove. [[Sylvester silently reacts to this information.]] Rosemary: ..We're still not going to charge off into the forest and rescue him, are we? Sylvester: No. We are going /fishing/. Thursday , February 27 , 2014 [[Outline of Izchak the Motihaul holding the Can-Opener.]] Rosemary: So.. Sylvester: Unless Izchak was lying his head off about that airbox, which, yes, I assume he's quite capable of.. [[Outline of Rosemary holding the Can-Opener for the first time, with Sylvester and Izchak looking on.]] Sylvester: I stand by my theory that someone, somehow, deliberately planted the Can Opener with him, for us to find. [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend stairs towards a small landing. A sign featuring a polar bear is on the wall. A battered and graffitied door leads off the landing.]] Sylvester: And we now have to also assume that this same secretive and powerful Benefactor installed Emily's block-thing. [[They continue down the stairs.]] Sylvester: And this is the part where you tell me I'm being paranoid and it's all a big coincidence. Rosemary: ..I was going to say, maybe there are two competing factions here trying to thwart each other, but if that's what you want.. Friday , February 28 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase toward the MoE beach. A sign orders READ ME.]] Rosemary: Something else that came up while you were deploying the chair-tool.. Sylvester: ..Yes? [[Outline of younger Sylvester and Rufus standing at a table in a Spindizzy Interface Chamber, with Horace hovering overhead.]] Rosemary: You /did/ know about that whole "encrypting and personalizing" thing? Sylvester: Eh? Oh. Yes. Rufus and I invented this game.. Not important. You used it? [[Outline showing row of numbered Human tools, with the Can-Opener stamped with a forbidden symbol.]] Rosemary: Yes. I had them do it. To the Can-Opener copy. Just you and me. Sylvester: Right. Probably a good idea. [[Close-up of Sylvester.]] Rosemary: And if you ever come across an Ettin module-calibrator, they could use one. Sylvester: The small trident-shaped device. Yes, sorry I forgot to mention that before searching the Basement.. Saturday , March 1 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend stairs towards the beach. A sign advertises David's Horse Protection.]] Rosemary: And we're not telling the Spindizzies that my predecessor might be back. Sylvester: It pains me, but.. no. [[Outline of a sign in the Ettinworks.]] Sylvester: Nirvana was an excellent and discreet Taskmistress, and those signs got us out of the Ettinworks. So.. [[Outline of "Miss Teree"]] {{It's been revealed elsewhere her name is Annabelle.}} Sylvester: If she has a reason for being.. covert.. I will give her and/or "Miss Teree" a chance to proffer it. [[Outline of Tand.]] Rosemary: Which means we /are/ going back to the Ettinworks. Sylvester: As soon as I and hopefully Amos have time to do some research about that Tand person, yes. Sunday , March 2 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Crud sit in their opened emergency pods. Chunner is still sealed in his, though he has pushed the buttons to open it. An open panel into darkness looms behind them.]] ((BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP)) [[Chunner's pod opens.]] ((UN CLA-CLUNK)) Chunner: So. Kid. Before we were interrupted, what did you start to- [[They all turn to look at the opening.]] Chunner: Oh. Chunner: Please tell me you didn't know about this, Crud. Crud: No. I did not. Monday , March 3 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester arrive at the bottom of a stairs. There is a colorful cabinet labelled PLAY and a metal one labelled WORK. A message board on the wall reads TO DO: BUY COLD CUTS LEARN NATIONAL ANTHEM / OF THE FOREST DEW OF THE SEA.]] Sylvester: But for now.. here we are. [In front of them is a heavy metal door labelled THE BEACH. Sylvester points to one side.]] Rosemary: The Beach. Sylvester: Indeed. This was the "service" egress. Then the Crash hit, and now.. it's the only egress. Tuesday , March 4 , 2014 [[At the Beach entrance, Rosemary and Sylvester walk past the Play cabinet.]] Rosemary: I assume we are here to Work. Sylvester: Yes. Sylvester: The Play cabinet has beach chairs, umbrella, bucket and spade, clamshuffers, that sort of thing.. [[He continues on past the Work cabinet.]] Sylvester: The Work cabinet has mostly, yes. fishing gear. Rosemary: ..but first? Sylvester: Before we march forth.. [[A closeup of the C&A Snoop-o-matic mounted by the Beach door.]] Sylvester: We deploy the Snoop-o-matic and make sure there's no one lurking about, waiting to launch a preemptive strike. Wednesday , March 5 , 2014 [[At the Beach entrance, in front of the Work cabinet. Rosemary touches Sylvester's back.]] Rosemary: Wait. Wait. That's a possibility? Sylvester: The Mugwumps are apparently all dead, and the Ichyoids are peaceable enough.. [[Outline of an Ichyoid claw chopping up a net.]] Sylvester: ..but the latter /do/ tend chop up any.. commercial grade fishing nets that get spread near the Mansion. Sylvester: So I check before going out there. [[Outline of a pre-Crash Human fishing boat, with its owner cursing over the cut net he is pulling up.]] Rosemary: Chop.. If they are anything like the fisherfolk back home, your vassals must just /love/ that. Sylvester: My.. Well, yes, it /was/ becoming a problem, but.. [[Outline of a ragged Human Crash survivor, looking down a dead Ichyoid floating in the sea.]] Sylvester: One tiny silver lining to the Crash.. there are once again plenty of fish to go around. Rosemary: Yeah. Hey, maybe it was some talking sentient Tooterfish that instigated the Crash. Sylvester: Heh. I've heard crazier theories. Thursday , March 6 , 2014 [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester hypothetically facing a collection of Basement inhabitants on the beach: Snoot, Hopobefever, Edgar, and the (barely visible) the Great Riddler.]] Sylvester: Plus there's the possibility that someone from the Basement finds their way up here.. Rosemary: Bodyguard question: Again, is that a /serious/ possibility? [[Cap'n Hamster and his crew, the ABOL and the Plant ride their boat out toward the sea through a rocky passage.]] Sylvester: Well.. they'd have to be really determined.. and I think a good swimmer.. Sylvester: But yes. we work from the assumption It is possible. Friday , March 7 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are at the door leading out onto the MoE's beach. Rosemary points towards the Snoop-o-matic.]] Rosemary: So.. I should probably learn how to use the thingy there. Sylvester: Eh? Oh. Right. Simple enough. [[Rosemary approaches the Snoop-o-matic.]] Sylvester: It's essentially a.. you know what a periscope is? Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: Look in the slot, and turn the twiddler to swivel the view. [[Rosemary twiddles.]] Rosemary: Oh. Sure enough Water. Sand- [[She reacts in surprise.]] Rosemary: Whoa! Sylvester: What? Somebody /is/ there? [[A view of the Snoop-o-matic's slit reveals a closeup of a gull-head.]] Rosemary: That depends. Are your beachgulls all weird as well? Sylvester: Beach.. Oh. They're thieving little nuisances. Rosemary: So then, no, they aren't. And no, nobody's there. Saturday , March 8 , 2014 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are at the door leading to the MoE beach.]] Sylvester: ...Tho you'll get some strange looks from folks if you use that name- here they're surfgulls. Rosemary: So.. maybe they /aren't/ the same- [[Outline of three types of gulls, which look pretty much alike.]] Sylvester: Oh no. Bertie, Nimue and I compared notes once at the University. Apart from minor regional variations, They're definitely the same species. [[A map of a portion of "Mansionland".]] Rosemary: Nimue was from.. Abalone, right? Sylvester: Yes. And Bertie came from Lagado. On the shore of Lake Lugnag. Sylvester: Which yes, doesn't preclude the gulls in /Moonin/ from being- [[Outline showing a page from a book,detailing gulls. The subtitle "structure" is spelled incorrectly..]] Rosemary: No no. In fact.. yes. I remember now. That Common Bestiary that Edwird had, it mentioned both names. Rosemary: Tho.. the book tended to be a little sloppy with details sometimes.. Sunday , March 9 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The gnolls sit in their opened emergency pods, their backs to the viewer, looking at the open panel leading into darkness.]] Chunner: So. Either of you able to /see/ anything in there? Cully: No. Crud: No. Not even a floor. Chunner: Eh? Crud: The opening appears to feed directly into some variety of shaft. Crud: A literal vertical tunnel, not a- Cully: We understand, Mr. Crud. [[The view shifts so the reader is seeing the Gnolls' faces. Behind them is a wall with three written panels: PAN/IC. GET OVER/IT. SPRIN/GFOR/WARD.]] Chunner: Still.. suppose this changes everything.. Cully: I think I do /smell/ something.. Monday , March 10 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester turn away from the door to the Mansion's beach. A painted sign on the wall advertises "SHUB'S AWESOME DREAM NAPS."]] Rosemary: So we're going out there? Sylvester: Yes, we shall gather our equipment and go to Work. [[An open doorway is labelled BOAT NOOK. A shape can be seen beyond.]] Sylvester: Oh, and speaking of which.. as you have no doubt noticed, over there is the Boat Nook. [[In the Nook, they look at a small boat called the MARIO. Oars and a collapsible mast are stored along the wall.]] {{Thus named because it was MAR 10.}} Sylvester: And yes, assuming the mast is not attached, it is possible to fit it, barely, through the doorways. Rosemary: Oh good. I was worried. Tuesday , March 11 , 2014 [[In the Book Nook near the beach, Rosemary check outs out the Mario.]] Rosemary: Hmm. If we only have one boat, at least it's a well-made one. Sylvester: We actually- yes. [[A map of an eastern section of a pre-unification "Mansionland".]] Sylvester: It's been refurbished, more than once, but Linus originally had it brought here from East Arcadia.. Nod, in those days. [[An outline of a pipe-smoker directing ship-construction.]] Sylvester: Even then, they were the people to see for such things. Rosemary: So I hear. That big shipyard in Ootope was run by a Nodder. [[Pre-Crash outline of a man on a sailing ship, looking through a telescope.]] Sylvester: He named it after Mario Semidemela, who was- Rosemary: -the Incanan explorer who first sailed all the way to the Terrific Ocean. Yes, I've heard of him, too. Sylvester: ..Broadly, yes. Wednesday , March 12 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester leave the Boat Nook.]] Rosemary: "Broadly"? Sylvester: Semidemela was born in what is now Incana, and yes, he did successfully lead an expedition to the Terrific Ocean. [[Map of the Known World, showing Mario's route.]] Sylvester: But. He sailed for and from Zandu. And some anonymous Oparite almost certainly got there first. Sylvester: Which doesn't negate Mario's achievement, especially since he had to avoid stopping in Opar. [[Sylvester opens the beach Work cabinet.]] Sylvester: And he inspired Linus to make his own trek into the Deep Jungles. Sylvester: ..and return with a pile of specimens and a wife, which kept him happily occupied the rest of his life. [[He and Rosemary return to the Beach Door, now bearing fishing gear and a basket. Sylvester is wearing a fishing hat.]] Rosemary: Mm. So maybe /you/ need to- Sylvester: Maybe! Let us see what specimens and/or women await us on the beach. Thursday , March 13 , 2014 [[The outer side of the Mansion's Beach door. The door is closed.]] [[Rosemary and Sylvester emerge from the door with fishing gear. Sylvester has removed his shoes and rolled up his sleeves/pants legs. A gull sits on a nearby rock.]] [[Sylvester and Rosemary look out over the Specific Ocean.]] Sylvester: Hey look, there /is/ a woman out here! Rosemary: Where? Oh. Right. Friday , March 14 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the Beach of E with fishing gear. A gull sits on a rock behind them.]] Rosemary: Sylvester.. We've only known each other two days, and so of course this could still change, but.. Sylvester: Yes? [[The gull flies away.]] Rosemary: You're smart, and.. funny, and trustworthy, and a good person, and, yes, sorta cute, but.. Sylvester: uh huh. [[Outline of Lil playfully annoying Sylvester as he reads a newspaper.]] Rosemary: Somehow, I just know it's never.. is this what having a brother is like? Sylvester: Pretty much. When it works like it is supposed to. Rosemary: Neat. Sylvester: Plus for me, there's the fact you're sort of terrifying physically. So.. welcome to the family. Rosemary: Thank you. Saturday , March 15 , 2014 [[A wide shot of Rosemary and Sylvester on the Beach of E.]] Rosemary: Anyway. Nice beach. Sylvester: Thanks. Sylvester: And I can even sort of take credit for it... [[Outline of a spear-carrying figure looking out over the sea from the side of a cliff.]] Sylvester: In that pretty much everything you see is an artificial construction. The cliff was originally pretty sheer. [[Outline of an Earl examining a rock being lowered on a rope.]] Sylvester: Various Earls chopped and zapped away, and had rocks and sand and more rocks hauled in.. [[Another Earl fishes from a chair, with a barefooted woman standing behind him, and a buzzard sitting on a perch.]] Sylvester: So that ultimately, they could have a, yes, nice private beach and fishing ground. Sunday , March 16 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The gnolls sit in their opened emergency pods. The signs behind them read PAN/IC, GET OVER/IT and SPRI/NGFO/WARD.]] Chunner: Smell? Cully: Or.. Not a smell exactly.. but /something/ coming up from down there. [[Center sign changes to GODDARD URHO]] Crud: A smell in your mind, not in your nose. Cully: ..Yes. Chunner: Oh. Yeah. Used to get that sometimes, down in the depths, back in my gem-hunting days. [[PAN/IC becomes PUR/IM. Crud holds up a short length of string.]] Cully: Speaking of.. we don't have a glowgem.. or something.. we could lower down in there? Chunner: You ask that, kid, after what we went through with the lights? Crud: We do have Bokonon's string.. Monday , March 17 , 2014 Narration: A Holiday Flashback [[Dorothea and Lilith, dressed for travel, stand at the base of a flat-topped stone on which is set up a stone table. A woman and man, red-haired and dressed in green, sit at the table eating a meal.]] Dorothea: Greetings and salutations! We are- Woman, speaking in a Gaelic-type font: Weary travelers from across th' Sea o' Shells, to be sure! We have been savin' a place for ye! {{This scene takes place in the Human nation of Tiranog. The welcoming duo are named Brigit and Shamus.}} Tuesday , March 18 , 2014 [[Outline of three warships on the ocean, one sail-powered, the other two magical churnboats.]] Sylvester: ..and a place from which to launch boating expeditions. Sylvester: Or even, Zark, Audra launched an entire fleet. [[Outline of a more peaceful ship named the Awkward Moment.]] Sylvester: After she and Cyrus.. flamed out, most of it was confiscated, or scrapped, or sold. Sylvester: But even by Philbert's day, we still had a few pretty snazzy boats. [[Rosemary and Sylvester are on the MoE beach. Sylvester gestures with the fishing rod he holds.]] Sylvester: And a private marina. Which is still down in that direction. But.. it's also a secure marina, carved out of a seacave, and protected by heavy blastdoors. Rosemary: ..Ah. [[A view of said doors.]] Rosemary: ..Which.. use magic to open? Sylvester: Or a vast amount of folkpower. Yes. So eventually Dad and Frederick dragged /the/ boat over here. Wednesday , March 19 , 2014 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk down the MoE Beach, past a large pile of boulders.]] Sylvester: While in this direction.. Sylvester: ..we have the Official Beach Egress. Rosemary: mm. Rubbily! [[They come to where the beach ends in a collection of tidepools.]] Sylvester: And then the Tidal Pools, which were deliberately designed and sculpted to attract.. Rosemary: Breakfast? Sylvester: Indeed. Thursday , March 20 , 2014 [[Sylvester and Rosemary stand amidst the Tidal Pools which mark the end of the MoE beach. Sylvester fishes with a rod, while Rosemary pulls a net back out of the water. The ocean is behind them, marked with islands and distant boats.]] Sylvester: As with your living quarters, being allowed to collect breakfast from this spot was once a bitterly-guarded privilege. So.. congratulations. Rosemary: Woohoo! Friday , March 21 , 2014 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on the MoE beach with the results of their fishing expedition, fish and eatable seaweed.]] Sylvester: OK. I think that's enough for today, at least. Rosemary: Imagine so. [[They turn to go.]] Sylvester: To the Earl's Official Fish-Cleaning Station! Rosemary: And the Seaweed Scrubbing Annex. Attachment. Whatever. Sylvester: Indeed! [[Rosemary looks out to sea, where the bow of a boat pokes into view.]] Rosemary: ...Although there is a small boat out there... Sylvester: Yes, well, again, the days when the Earl controlled and regulated such things are long gone. [[She follows Sylvester out of frame. The boat continues by; it appears to have a single occupant with a hat.]] Sylvester: And the Ichyoids don't typically care about anything that size. Rosemary: Right. Saturday , March 22 , 2014 [[An elderly Human male drives his small magic-powered boat called the Mamie past the Mansion's beach. He is equipped with a butterfly net.]] ((whhiiirr)) [[Another boat ((PUTTs)) into view from the opposite direction.]] [[It is the Prettylady, with Cap'n Hamster, the ABOL, and the Plant. The Human tilts the Mamie's engine out of the water.]] Hamster: Avast, ye spavinspleened soilstroker! Heave to n' prepare to be boarded! Human, thinking: ...Once again, I'm forced ta 'peculate that every last Tribble-Tounged Hamster in existence is dribblingly insane. {{SPOILER below: 1 2 3 The Human's name is Olaf Larssen.}} Sunday , March 23 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The gnolls sit in their opened emergency pods. The signs behind them read PUR/IM, GODDARD/URHO, and SPRI/NGFO/WARD. Crud points.]] Cully: You said before about some of the other Shafts producing.. stuff. None of them make light sources? Chunner: Not really, kid. Crud: There are the Shimmerstacks in 44i. [[The third sign changes to NEAR/MISS/DAY.]] Chunner: Right. Yes. But they're too bulky and fragile to move. Chunner: ..and even if we could... you broke them all. Again. It'll take /days/ to grow new ones. Crud: I did? Oh. [[First sign changes to OK/!!!]] Crud: . . . Chunner: . . . Cully: . . . What about these pods? Monday , March 24 , 2014 [[An overgrown part of the Forest of E. There are thorn bushes, and bits of rubble. Fizmo and Nitfol the Nomes are here, now wearing boot-like objects and backpacks. Also present are Thrash and his two helpers, equipped with shields along with their usual weapons. "Flaghelper" scouts the scene from atop a large rock, "Antlerhelper" looks back behind them.]] Nitfol: You can still turn back, Fizmo- the plan doesn't /require/ your presence. Fizmo: Your plan doesn't, no doubt. Tuesday , March 25 , 2014 [[Yasmine rides her horse through some woods.]] [[A closer look at her.]] Yasmine: This is far enough away, I think. Now I can- [[She notices that the sack of fleebs she has attached to her robe's side is moving.]] Yasmine: ? [[She opens the bag, and several of the fleebs vigorously ((SPROING)) out in various directions.]] Yasmine: ?! Wednesday , March 26 , 2014 [[In the Mansion's Low Kitchen. Amos has goggles around his neck. Nellie carries a large bowl of Jibjib eggs.]] Amos: 'Lo. Nellie: Hello. Amos: Zoroaster and the girls were productive today? Nellie: Yes. I was going to offer some to.. [[Rosemary and Sylvester appear, carrying seaweed and fish.]] Nellie: ..oh. everybody. Good morning. Rosemary: Morning, Ma'am. Amos. Sylvester: We have sea-type food! [[Mortimer appears, carrying a large bottle and wearing a pointy hat.]] Sylvester: ..And Mortimer has.. a bottle of Yurple Juice(tm)? Mortimer: I won it. Playing the Star Board. At Uncle Bob's. [[Mortimer looks at the bottle.]] Amos: Mayhap we should make some breakfast then. Sylvester: Or maybe brunch. Sounds like a plan! Mortimer: I never won /anything/ there before. I think I cheated. Thursday , March 27 , 2014 [[Breakfast is made in the Low Kitchen: Nellie cooks on the stove, Amos wears his goggles while he combines Zgwortz and Yurple Juice, Rosemary washes seaweed, Sylvester guts fish, tossing the remains into a bowl held by Mortimer. Mortimer wears a pointy hat. His umbrella sits on a cabinet.]] [[They all eat and drink the results in the dining room. Mortimer's hat is on one of the chairs.]] Amos: Everything alright? Rosemary: Yes! It's delicious. I haven't had fresh eggs in quite a while. And real Yurple Juice(tm).. It's been years. I'd forgotten how.. Amos: Ayup. Friday , March 28 , 2014 [[In a dining room in the Mansion. Rosemary points.]] Amos: "Years"? So Out West these days, they don't have- Rosemary: I'm sorry, but.. who is that? [[The Weirdo and Fantod appear on the scene. Sylvester comes into view as well.]] Amos: Ah. You three ain't been introduced yet? Sylvester: No, Amos, they have not. Sylvester: Rosemary, this is the Weirdo Who Lives In the Attic, and Fantod. [[Rosemary, the Weirdo and Fantod look at each other.]] Sylvester: You guys.. this is Rosemary Dapple. The new Taskmistress. [[More looking.]] Rosemary: Hello. Weirdo: Greetings. Fantod: Heya. All: . . . [[Rosemary points at Fantod.]] Rosemary: So.. /you're/ Fantod, and /he's/- Fantod: Zark yeah. I ain't no zarkin' weirdo! Saturday , March 29 , 2014 [[In a dining room in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: I guess we almost met yesterday. In the Basement. Weirdo: Our paths did lead us there for a time. [[Sylvester points, as Amos appears, holding a goblet of Yurple Juice.]] Sylvester: Would you like to join us for some food? Weirdo: Alas, but my appetite has fallen by the wayside. [[Amos hand the goblet to the Weirdo.]] Amos: Well, son, at least have some Yurple Juice(tm). It'll do ya good, after.. yesterday. Weirdo: . . . Weirdo: My thanks. [[He drinks, as Fantod watches disapprovingly.]] [[He looks happy.]] Fantod: Ya do know what they put in that phizz, right? Weirdo: mmm Myrrh, from off-screen: Oh good. You're almost all here. That simplifies matters. Sunday , March 30 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The gnolls sit in their opened emergency pods. The signs behind them read OK/!!!, GODDARD/URHO and NEAR/MISS/DAY.]] Chunner: What do you mean? Cully: Well.. they've got all these.. "knobs" to push. Maybe they /do/ something. Besides open the pods, and raise those view-windows. [[The last sign changes to PEN/CIL/DAY]] Chunner: Well, how about it, Crud? You're the expert with these things. Crud: I never laid claim to that status. Did I? Cully: No. In fact, you said you don't know what the other knobs do. [[The middle sign changes to DOCTOR/WHO?]] Chunner: So you want to start /experimenting/. Like Rhid. Cully: ''Want'' maybe isn't the right word, but.. yes. Monday , March 31 , 2014 [[Myrrh and Frederick stand in the doorway leading from the dining room to the Low Kitchen. They are wearing new clothes. There are lamps on the floor to either side of them.]] {{Bunsen Burner Day/Crayon Day/Chavez Day/Eiffel Tower Day}} Myrrh: Frederick and I have an announcement. Tuesday , April 1 , 2014 [[In a dining room in the Mansion. Amos, the Weirdo, Fantod and Frederick listen to the conversation.]] Sylvester: Yes, Myrrh? Myrrh: I take back what I said to Miss Dapple yesterday. [[Rosemary replies]] Rosemary: You are suggesting I leave. [[Sylvester and Rosemary listen.]] Myrrh: Oh, no no no. That would be foolish. The /other/ thing I said. [[Nellie and Mortimer listen.]] Myrrh: We quit. We retire, from our duties formal or otherwise. [[Back to Myrrh.]] Myrrh: From now on, you.. all.. are responsible for keeping yourselves alive. Wednesday , April 2 , 2014 [[In a dining room. Myrrh gestures the Weirdo and Fantod closer as Fred watches.]] Myrrh: Oh... and you two.. Weirdo: Yes, madam? Myrrh: To celebrate, an attempt to satisfy your /insatiable/ curiosity.. [[Myrrh covers her face with her hands.]] Weirdo: ? Fantod: ? [[She reveals her now more-demonic features, in full color.]] Myrrh, in a demonic font: boo. [[She is back to normal, walking away. Amos watches.]] All: . . . Fantod: Well, /mine's/ all slaked. Myrrh: Oh, good. Thursday , April 3 , 2014 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Amos watch the Weirdo and Fantod leave the dining room, following Myrrh's revelation of her true nature.]] Rosemary: They didn't know. Sylvester: The.. unspoken rule is /Myrrh/ decides when someone learns. Amos: I spect there's some folks in town that still haven't been twigged. [[Sylvester looks behind him.]] Sylvester: But anyway. Congratulations, Mortimer. You're the new regent. [[Mortimer pulls his napkin off his neck as Nellie watches.]] Mortimer: Me?! [[He goes to Sylvester and Rosemary.]] Mortimer: NOO!! Sylvester: Excellent. Exactly the attitude the job demands. Friday , April 4 , 2014 [[In the dining room. Rosemary waves. Nellie and Amos listen to the conversation.]] Mortimer: I can't! I'm not going to- Sylvester: Relax, Mortimer. Your new job is really quite simple: Sylvester: Just do whatever Rosemary tells you to do. [[Mortimer thinks about this.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Oh. Mortimer: OK. [[He turns to go, but Sylvester grabs him by the collar.]] Mortimer: ..I'll go get the monkey-suit out of- Sylvester: /When I'm not here./ Amos: So, essentially, nothin's changed. Saturday , April 5 , 2014 [[In the dining room.]] Sylvester: As for the rest of us.. Amos, Nellie. It's going to be d- even more dangerous around here. [[Outline of Ilsa pushing a wheeled cart through the forest, loaded with various possessions and a small dog.]] Sylvester: I would be sad, but I wouldn't blame you if you followed Ilsa's sensible example and moved into the village. [[Nellie and Amos look at each other.]] [[Rosemary listens to the conversation.]] Nellie: This is our home. Amos: I ain't leavin' till you find me a replacement librarian to train. Sylvester: Thank you. I'll keep my eyes open. Mortimer: /And/ until he teaches me to use the umbrella! Sunday , April 6 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls sit in their opened emergency pods. The signs behind them read OK/!!!, DOCTOR/WHO and PEN/CIL/DAY.]] Chunner: So what are we.. which is to say, you, going to try? Cully: sigh.. the first obvious step is to see if pushing all the knobs closes the pod, as well as opens it. ((CLACK CLACK CLACK)) [[Cully's pod ((BEEPs)) four times. The first sign changes to TAR/TAN.]] [[Cully's pod closes. The third sign changes to NEW/BEER/EVE]] ((CLA-CLUNK)) Chunner: Well. Yup. Can you still hear us out here? Cully: Yes. Can you hear me? Chunner: Yup. Crud: It /was/ Rhid who told me about these, wasn't it? Monday , April 7 , 2014 [[In the dining room.]] Amos: So, son, you still want to do this. Mortimer: Yes. Very much. And.. now.. even if I didn't.. I think I /have/ to do it. [[Amos goes to Sylvester.]] Amos: This afternoon, then. I'll start gatherin' the materials. Amos: ..And I'll see what I can find 'bout.. "Tand", was it? Sylvester: Yes. Thank you, Amos. [[Mortimer and Nellie face each other.]] Nellie: . . . Mortimer: I'm sorry, Nellie. [[Nellie smiles and pats Mortimer's chest.]] [[As she leaves..} Sylvester: And now the Earl of E, his Wizard-Regent and his Taskmistress shall clean up the breakfast dishes. Mortimer: Yeah. OK. Tuesday , April 8 , 2014 Narration: One dishwashing session later... [[In the Low Kitchen. Mortimer listens to the conversation as Rosemary pulls on her gloves.]] Rosemary: So, now what? You show me around the Mansion? Sylvester: sigh.. [[Close on Sylvester.]] Sylvester: I'd like to. I will. But, to paraphrase my brother, recent events and the overarching political scene sadly dictate our immediate actions. [[Rosemary and Mortimer listen.]] Sylvester: ..Requiring us to instead undertake a task that is simultaneously rather tedious and frought with potential peril. [[Sylvester thumbs over his shoulder.]] Rosemary: In other words..? Sylvester: We're going into the village. Wednesday , April 9 , 2014 [[In the Low Kitchen.]] Mortimer and Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: /Why/ are we going? We need to officially inform Saffron.. and everyone.. about all our personnel changes. [[They leave the kitchen. Rosemary retrieves her helmet.]] Sylvester: And I evidently need to go to the Temple more often, and Threnody's holding a service today. You can also meet her. And Dirge. [[They approach Ludwig's corpse-processing machine.]] Sylvester: /And.../ [[He displays a wrapped package, taken from one of the machine's cabinets.]] Sylvester: I've got expenses to cover, and miscellaneous Dornbeast organs to sell. Mortimer: Can.. I'm going too. Thursday , April 10 , 2014 [[In front of a dispensing machine labelled OCKHAM, with pictures of a pig, a safety pin and a II-shaped symbol.]] Sylvester: You don't have to go, Mortimer. Mortimer: Yes. I do. I'm the Regent now. [[Mortimer looks thoughtful.]] Mortimer: And I need to go to the Temple. Light a candle for.. Nitfol. I am going to remember that his name was Nitfol. I don't know if Nomes do that but.. it was my fault. [[He looks at his umbrella.]] Mortimer: And.. after I learn some things.. even if I can't.. I'm going to go back out there. To tell them. Rosemary: Out where to tell who? Mortimer: Someone. In that village grove-thing they have. The Nomes. In the forest. His.. wife and.. and kids if he had any. Friday , April 11 , 2014 [[Next to Ludwig's corpse-processing machine.]] Mortimer: Tho.. he didn't strike me as the sort to have kids.. Rosemary: "Grove-thing"? Do your Nomes live in trees? Like they say they do in the Deep Jungles? Sylvester: Technically, no. [[An outline of a Nomish Home-Tree.]] Sylvester: ..in that you mean "treehouses". Literally yes, in that they actually live /inside/ trees. Sylvester: They create, essentially, enormous, immobile Poke-Kits. [[Outline of more Home Trees, with magic/a rainbow flaring behind them.]] Sylvester: Go ask Amos if you want a knowledgeable lecture, but as I understand it, the "flavor" of our local Trickle encourages such things. Along with twistpoints. [[Outline of Faldstool the Eyebolt working in Nevus's office, with Mulch and Grind the Troglodytes squeezed into an extra-dimensional hiding spot.]] Sylvester: And for some reason, they are easier to create inside living trees, but smaller ones can be made inside stone as well.. Saturday , April 12 , 2014 [[Sylvester closes a cabinet door on Ludwig's corpse-processing machine.]] ((clunk)) Sylvester: Which actually brings us back to the topic at hand. /Your/ Poke Kit, Rosemary, will almost certainly lose carrying capacity away from the tricklepoint.. [[Outline of a sword sheath, a sharpening stone, and a bottle of Wyldside Blade Oil.]] Sylvester: So, we should keep the Can Opener secret, stash it in a weaponvault in the Barrackstack. Sylvester: ..Which we need to go visit anyway. For a sword sheath and such. [[Sylvester hands Rosemary a wrapped package of Dornbeast organs.]] Rosemary: Well, not thrilled, but no doubt you're right. Sylvester: And you might as well put this in there. The wrappings will keep it fresh. Rosemary: Right. [[Rosemary puts the package in her Poke Kit.]] Mortimer: Should I- Sylvester: Don't worry. I have a job for you too, Mortimer. Sunday , April 13 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud and Chunner sit in their opened emergency pods; Cully's is closed. The signs behind them read TAR/TAN, DOCTOR/WHO and NEW/BEER/EVE.]] Chunner: And now you start pushing knobs. Cully: Yes. ((CLACK)) [[Nothing happens, except the first sign changes to SCRA/BBLE.]] All three: . . . [[The center sign changes to SUNDAY/PALMS.]] Chunner: Amazing. We may survive long enough for this to become tedious. ((CLACK)) Monday , April 14 , 2014 [[Next to Ludwig's corpse-processing machine.]] Mortimer: Another job? Sylvester: A task. The Spindizzies want 40 grams of antimony. If you'd take it to them, I'd be grateful. Mortimer: . . . You'd trust me to do that? Sylvester: Yes. I do. [[Mortimer turns to go.]] Mortimer: OK! [[Rosemary and Sylvester leave.]] Rosemary: That was nice. Sylvester: Well, if they had /needed/ the antimony, I might not have risked it. Tuesday , April 15 , 2014 [[Walking along a stone-lined corridor.]] Sylvester: And.. my brother is /not/ a blabbermouth, but he is also not the world's best secret-keeper. Rosemary: Uh huh. Before we get to that, I have a question. [[She thumbs behind them.]] Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: That corpse-processing monstrosity still /works/. Like a lot of things here. After the Crash. [[An outline of the Mansion, with a protective blue nimbus surrounded by the red of the Crash.]] Sylvester: Yes. Well. There are only theories. One is that the tricklepoint-magic.. or the Mansion itself.. somehow shielded some of its contents. [[Outline of Ludwig, holding up a multi-pronged tool.]] Sylvester: And then there's the guy who originally constructed so many of those contents.. Rosemary: . . . Ludwig? Sylvester: Ludwig. Wednesday , April 16 , 2014 [[In a corridor in the Mansion.]] Rosemary: So.. what, Ludwig /knew/ the Crash was coming? Sylvester: As you've seen, his devices tended to survive it. But there's no.. /sigh/. [[Outline of Ludwig writing at desk.]] Sylvester: Maybe he knew. Maybe he even wrote it down: Sylvester: "Three generations from now, on a spring afternoon, the Magic will go crazy." [[Outline of Ludwig at desk, next to shelves packed with written material.]] Sylvester: Problem is, he left behind shelves of journals and notes and theories, which have never been properly sorted or catalogued. [[Rosemary and Sylvester go down a staircase. A sign points towards a Book Mobile Chamber.]] Rosemary: I'm surprised that /you/ didn't- Sylvester: /Long/ shelves. When we are wealthy, I'm assembling a team. Thursday , April 17 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester are in a corridor in the Mansion, enroute to the Barrackstack.]] Rosemary: So.. it's even possible that Ludwig wouldn't try to /warn/ people about the Crash? Sylvester: You're asking what kind of person he was? Apart from "smart"? [[Outline of University student Ludwig, with a female student showing interest in him. He holds a trigger attached to a box.]] Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: He was popular. People liked him. Especially women. I've never found a single record of him being deliberately cruel or unkind. [[Ludwig triggers the box, which causes a mechanical bat to spring out and flap around, startling the woman.]] Rosemary: . . . "They called him mad at the University". Sylvester: But. He was.. very very smart. He operated on a whole different level. [[Ludwig stands as the bat flaps around; the woman has left.]] Sylvester: And we talked about this yesterday. Edwird and Rufus and "Telic". Double and redouble that. So, yeah, sometimes his thought processes went where we can't follow. Friday , April 18 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend a staircase. A sign points down to the Barrackstack. A faded announcement on the wall promotes the work of J.J. Hunsecker in the Times.]] Sylvester: But until the team presents its findings, this is all hypothetical. For whatever reason, Ludwig's devices work. Sylvester: ..with the corpse-processor specifically, if you leave the meat in the wrappings, in the cabinets, they stay good for months. Just the wrappings.. it'll last a week. [[More stairs. A sign advertises Golfimbul's Head Alehouse on Pijama Street.]] Sylvester: The skin, bones and tallow are being processed, and will be deposited when they are ready. Rosemary: ..Are we going to have to scrounge more 4-Simoleon coins? Sylvester: Not for the device in question. Unsurprisingly, it /does/ require the input of tannin and other raw materials. Saturday , April 19 , 2014 [[Enroute to the Barrackstack.]] Sylvester: So. I realize this will be a snap judgement, but.. the Weirdo and Fantod. Rosemary: I actual got a bit of formal training in snap judgements. [[Sylvester eyes her.]] Sylvester: Ah. Good. Rosemary: He... the Weirdo.. is more.. competent than he might first look. The way he carries himself. I'd say he's had /training/ as well. [[They pass the door to the Garlic Records.]] Sylvester: Makes sense, if he's giving secret reports to this Yasmine person. How about Fantod? Rosemary: Eh, annoying but harmless enough. [[She thumbs behind them as they descend some stairs. A sign advertises an estate sale.]] Rosemary: I don't suppose we could just keep /him/ around and ditch the Weirdo? Sylvester: Sadly, they appear to be a package deal. Sunday , April 20 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[Crud and Chunner sit in their opened emergency pods; Cully's is closed. The signs behind them read SCRA/BBLE, SUNDAY/PALMS and NEW/BEER/EVE. Crud does something inside his pod.]] ((CLACK CLACK CLACK)) Chunner: What are /you/ doing? ((CLACK)) [[Crud's pod ((BREEPs)) four times.]] Crud: Resuming my life of experimentation. [[Crud's pod closes.]] ((CLA-CLUNK)) Crud: Perhaps I can start to make up for my first attempt. Chunner: I am surrounded by idiots. Cully: Isn't that.. sort of a given here, sir? Monday , April 21 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester descend stairs towards the Barrackstack. A sign advertises scheduled matches in the Underwear Arena.]] Rosemary: Oh, and he.. the Weirdo.. is either ill or hungover. Sylvester: Uh. Sylvester: Wouldn't that be ironic. Rosemary: I'm sorry? Sylvester: If he was drinking with "Yasmine". Because she's his girlfriend. Or wife. Rosemary: You don't really think.. Sylvester: No. And if she was, then Mortimer would be chasing.. Sylvester: sigh.. [[The wall changes, and a notice reads NOW ENTERING A RESTRICTED AREA.]] Sylvester: Anyway. We keep out of their way. We tell them nothing. We start locking our doors at night. Rosemary: Check. Tuesday , April 22 , 2014 [[Sylvester waves his hand as Rosemary looks up.]] Sylvester: And here we are. The Barrackstack. Only, you've already been here. Rosemary: Yes, but not /here/ here. [[Outline of them and Mortimer going down a staircase the previous evening.]] Sylvester: Oh right. We came down the back staircase, didn't we? [[They are standing in front of a large and imposing doorway, with the toothed door ready to drop down from above. Signs point towards the Party Palace and the the Temple of the Brush. The former also lists MAIN STAGE, STARBALL COURT, UNDERWEAR ARENA, HANGOUT HIPPODROME, ACOUSTITORIUM, QUINCUNX DEN, and PORTRAIT GALLERY. ]] Sylvester: ..The existence of which would enrage this place's creators, if they were around to see it.. Wednesday , April 23 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester stand in front of the main entrance to the Barrackstack.]] Rosemary: Creators? The Ettins again, I assume? Sylvester: Oh no. Only the central tower was constructed by them. [[A closer look at the gate.]] Sylvester: All the cruft around it was built by one or another of my predecessors ...Although they often used scavenged Ettin materials. Sylvester: Like that dropdoor there.. [[Outline of Milo the 9th Earl, in front of an early version of the Barrackstack.]] Sylvester: The Barrackstack.. tho a version of it already existed as far back as Milo's day... [[Outline of Angus and his daughter Audra, in front of a more modern structure.]] Sylvester: ..like Ernest and the Party Palace.. this is Angus and Audra's true Achievement. Thursday , April 24 , 2014 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are at the bottom of a staircase.]] Sylvester: This was designed as an inner fortress, a place to retreat to if the Mansion was ever overrun. Sylvester: But it was never needed. [[Outline of Angus the Earl standing triumphant, with a younger Audra and an unidentified man eying each other.]] {{This is Angus's brother Cyrus}} Sylvester: Angus won every.. well, every /important/ battle he ever fought. Rosemary: And.. Audra blew /herself/ up? Sylvester: Yes. [[Outline of Ludwig watching/taking readings as a soldier fires a large laser-gun at an off-screen target.]] Sylvester: And.. after that.. the only military threat was the occasional Mugwump raid during Ludwig's reign. And once they all died.. or whatever.. [[Outline of Philbert giving orders to a worker who using a laser-tool of some sort.]] Sylvester: Ernest and Philbert had staircases cut in for convenience or esthetics or maybe just random whim.. Friday , April 25 , 2014 [[At the entrance to the Barrackstack.]] Rosemary: So this was originally the only way in and out? Sylvester: Officially, yes, but there were two or three ultra-secret escape tunnels. [[Outline of a tunnel blocked and sealed off, with some sort of large industrial tank labelled ARBOR filling a basement.]] Sylvester: As Eetown's population exploded and new buildings overran their exit points, they were sealed off. Rosemary: Hence Angus and Audra's rage in the hereafter? [[Stylized outline depicting the Barrackstack's structure reaching down into the earth.]] Sylvester: Yes. Also, we are now underground. The true bulk of the Barrackstack was carved out of the earth. [[A sign on the wall pointing to the Party Palace, with the following attractions: MAIN STAGE / STARBALL COURT / UNDERWEAR ARENA / HANGOUT HIPPODROME / ACOUSTITORIUM / QUINCUNX DEN / PORTRAIT GALLERY.]] Sylvester: As is also the case with the Factor E, the Party Palace, and- Rosemary: The Ivory Tower. Amos told me that when he showed me . . . Sylvester: What? Rosemary: "Quincunx Den"?! Saturday , April 26 , 2014 [[At the entrance to the Barrackstack.]] Sylvester: Quin.. Oh. Yes. No surprise if you've never heard of it. It's this.. I was going to say "stupid", but.. no. This /insanely complicated/ game. Rosemary: Game? [[Outline depicting a Quincunx layout.]] Sylvester: Yes. You lay out cards, and stack up dice and coins, and the rules change according to what day of the week it is, and I forget what all. [[Outline of Milo the Earl playing the game with another man.]] Sylvester: For whatever bizarre reason, it used to be quite popular. Milo enjoyed playing a version of it, evidently. Rosemary: "Forget?" So.. you've played it? [[Outline of Sylvester and Rufus about to abandon playing the game.]] Sylvester: Rufus and I did a couple of times. Eventually, tho, even /he/ declared it to be "the Game for Masochists". Sunday , April 27 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are in their emergency pods; Crud and Cully's are closed. The signs behind them read FOUR/20, SUNDAY/PALMS and FER/TIL/ITY.]] ((CLACK)) Chunner: So, what, now I'm supposed to have my cynicism cracked, and join in with this whole insanity? Cully: Well, actually, sir.. it would probably be better if one of us kept his pod unsealed. In case something goes wrong. [[Chunner eyes Cully's pod angrily. The second sign changes to MANTAN/ZASMULE.]] ((CLACK)) [[He smiles a little. The first sign changes to DIT/DAH.]] ((CLACK)) Chunner: Oh just zarking great. Now you've got me being /helpful/. Cully: Sorry, Mr. Chunner. Monday , April 28 , 2014 [[Entering the Barrackstack.]] Rosemary: OK. Moving on. Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: ... I see we also have an Underwear Arena. Sylvester: Surely a traveller such as yourself has heard of- [[Map of Out West, centered around the cities Rosemary lists below.]] Rosemary: Of course I have! Jonetown, Ootope and Alloy all have one. But folks said even Ootope's didn't work as well after the Crash. Sylvester: Ah. Yes. Ours took a hit, but not as bad as many. [[Rosemary looks eager, Sylvester reluctant.]] Rosemary: In that case, we have got to try it! Sylvester: Eh... [[Outline of university students Sylvester and Nimue holding hands at an Olympics-type award presentation.]] Rosemary: What? Oh, Sylvester, you're one of those stick-in-mud Shrouders? Sylvester: Please. Nimue and I won the silver in the University Tourney! Tuesday , April 29 , 2014 [[In the Barrackstack, discussing Underwear Arenas.]] Rosemary: So what is the problem? Sylvester: The only people with whom we can /use/ the Arena are Nellie and Amos. [[They pass a small notice board advertising events in various rooms.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: ..who have been happily married for over fifty years. Rosemary: . . . [[Closeup of Rosemary.]] Rosemary: ..And so they'd wipe the floor with us. Sylvester: Yes. Sylvester: And yes, everyone in the village is a Shrouder. To the point most of them wouldn't know what you meant if you called them that. [[They pass an archway labelled FIREBALL STAIRS.]] Rosemary: Poot. Well, now we have a /real/ reason to get Yasmine back here! Sylvester: Indeed. Wednesday , April 30 , 2014 [[Mortimer measures some antimony into one pan of a balance scale; the other pan has weights in it.]] [[He is walking down a corridor holding a small box and his umbrella. A door is labelled JAZZ. A sign reads ARSENIC ALUMINUM SELENIUM HYDROGEN OXYGEN NITROGEN RHENIUM. Another points an arrow towards an HONESTY NOOK and a FALSEHOOD CRANNY.]] [[Mortimer enters a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] ((TOUCH)) [[Charles the Spindizzy floats overhead upside down. The walls have turned to "sky"]] Charles: Interface commenced! Mortimer: Hi, Charles. Wednesday , April 30 , 2014 [[Mortimer measures some antimony into one pan of a balance scale; the other pan has weights in it.]] [[He is walking down a corridor holding a small box and his umbrella. A door is labelled JAZZ. A sign reads ARSENIC ALUMINUM SELENIUM HYDROGEN OXYGEN NITROGEN RHENIUM. Another points an arrow towards an HONESTY NOOK and a FALSEHOOD CRANNY.]] [[Mortimer enters a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] ((TOUCH)) [[Charles the Spindizzy floats overhead upside down. The walls have turned to "sky"]] Charles: Interface commenced! Mortimer: Hi, Charles. Thursday , May 1 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber.]] Mortimer: Sylvester said you all needed 40 grams of antimony? Charles: 37.08 grams would be useful! [[Mortimer hands Charles the small box he is carrying.]] Mortimer: Well, here's 40 grams of antimony. Charles: Affirmative! Gratitude! [[They look at each other.]] Mortimer: . . . Charles: . . . [[Mortimer holds up his umbrella.]] Mortimer: I have a new tool. Charles: Affirmative! Thaumalogical flow enhancer and regulator! Friday , May 2 , 2014 [[In a Spindizzy Interface Chamber. Mortimer has his umbrella. Charles holds a small box of antimony.]] Mortimer: Did you know that I am.. highly qualified to use this tool? Charles: Affirmative! [[Mortimer looks pained.]] Mortimer: And.. if I'd ever thought to ask you, you'd have told me. Charles: Affirmative! [[A closeup of Charles.]] Mortimer: Is there anything else I need to know? Charles: Negative! [[Another Interface Chamber. Sina is talking to Clementine, with Sprocket and one of her bodyguards listening.]] Sina: Wait.. Clementine.. You're saying you, personally, have met The Earl? Clementine: Affirmative! Saturday , May 3 , 2014 [[A "warren" of female Gnolls in the Basement, which is a ramshackle collection of stacked and labelled cubicles with green bedding and various personal possessions. Hiltsa is angrily throwing a pebble at her shared wall with Lawnja. Piranom can only be seen from the waist down, but has very long hair and is wearing a blue shoe. Irnissa works on her small collection of small potted plants. Somebody's hand reaches into the shot to pick up a large chess-piece like object. Skuy and Pergola's cubicles are empty.]] ((clunk)) [[Hiltsa throws another pebble. Piranom turns to reveal that her other shoe is colored red.]] ((clunk)) Irnissa: Pergola and Skuy never came home last night. Lawnja: You don't say. Sunday , May 4 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in SubShaft 44f [[The Gnolls are in their emergency pods; Crud and Cully's are closed. The signs behind them read DIH DAH, MANTAN ZASMULE, and FER TIL ITY.]] ((CLACK)) [[The first sign changes to HIH DAH, the second one to MAY4TH BEW/YOU.]] ((CLACK)) [[First sign= HAH HAH. Third sign = HELLO IMUST BEGOING.]] ((CLACK CLACK)) Chunner, thinking: Suppose after yesterday I should be grateful that nothing much is gonna be happening for a while.. Monday , May 5 , 2014 [[In a corridor in the Barrackstack. Doors lead to FERRET DEN and CARTOONIST PEN. Sylvester points.]] Sylvester: Here comes one of the weapons vaults, for the Can-Opener. I'll put you in The System, so you can open it on your own. Rosemary: Right. [[Sylvester works controls next to a vault door labelled THEKLA. A small broken panel spews wiring. A small door is labelled BONZA BOTTLES.]] Sylvester: You're going to find a lot of things here are randomly named. Theoretically, it was a security measure. Sylvester: And you'll want to stand over here while I open the door. Rosemary: Right. Tuesday , May 6 , 2014 [[Outside the THEKLA weapon vault in the Barrackstack. Sylvester works a control panel. Various small doors are mounted in the wall.]] Sylvester: You rub your finger on the herediscan pad here... [[A closeup of his hand working the controls.]] ((CLACK)) Sylvester: Clack the clackers in this order.. [[The vault door slams open.]] ((CLACK CLACK CLACK)) ((CLANG)) Sylvester: And slide the slider. [[Rosemary stares at this.]] Rosemary: Must it be so.. emphatic? Sylvester: The theory was, someone's forcing you to open the door, you get 'em to stand there. Wednesday , May 7 , 2014 [[Inside the dark interior of the THEKLA weapon vault. Sylvester works at something on a cabinet.]] Sylvester: As you can.. not see.. we come down here so rarely, I've scavenged most of the lights to use elsewhere. Rosemary: Do I need to get my pole-lamp out as well? Sylvester: Eh? Oh no. Here we go. [[He has lit an oil lamp, revealing a long line of spear-type weapons and swords wrapped and stored.]] Rosemary: Oooo! Sylvester: Yes. /You/ might come down here. Thursday , May 8 , 2014 [[In the THEKLA weapon vault.]] Rosemary: Ah.. this is refreshing. Sylvester: Sorry? [[Outline of Izchak the Motihaul holding up a shoddy-looking spear.]] Rosemary: These are /real/ weapons, not that phizz Izchak was peddling. Sylvester: Ah. I should hope so. This is technically my.. the Earl's "private stash". Or part of it. [[Outline of a zap-trident and a sword with a gem in the handle.]] Rosemary: No zap-tridents or such. All blew up, I assume? Sylvester: Yup. And none of these are the /official/ family sword. [[Outline of an Earl sitting on a throne with several weapons, enduring some sort of ritual in which he is presented with a red cross and crescent. Some cryptic banners hang overhead.]] Sylvester: Or spear. Or bow. Or shield. Dorn 2nd was the last to regularly use them. Non-ceremonially. They are On Display. In the Gatestone. Friday , May 9 , 2014 [[In the Thekla weapon vault. Sylvester holds a lamp.]] Sylvester: But anyway. You see something better than the sword you got last night, feel free. Rosemary: Nnno.. what I have is fine. Good to know there's some backups, of course. So.. [[A closer look at the weapon racks.]] Rosemary: ..I put the Can-Opener in one of these empty slots. Sylvester: Not sure it will fit. And besides.. [[The back of the weapon-vault.]] Sylvester: That's a sub-vault there. Not an airbox, sadly, but it does let you set the clacker-combo on the lock. Rosemary: Snazzy! Ludwig again? Sylvester: No, it was a fellow named Drowpole; one of Griffington's.. minions. Saturday , May 10 , 2014 [[In a Warren. Piranom's feet can be seen above.]] Irnissa: Skuy! Skuy: Hello, Irnissa. [[Irnissa points.]] Irnissa: All those terrible things still going on out there! Irnissa: We.. I.. thought something had happened to.. [[Skuy walks past Irnissa to her alcove.]] [[Skuy looks up at her glowing globes.]] Irnissa: Something /did/ happen to you. Skuy: I'm.. moving out. I just came to get some of my things. Sunday , May 11 , 2014 Narration: Sunday In Root Hall [[Agita enters a room in which her daughter Rishathra is sitting at a table reading Human-made books. Two titles visible are Along The Root Canel and Eat What You Want. A flowerpot is labelled HAVISHAM.]] Agita: Ah. There you are. Rishathra: Hello, Mother. Agita: I didn't get a chance to talk with you last night. Things are rather hectic. Rishathra: Yes, Mother. [[Rishathra pauses in her reading. There is also a small statue on the table, perhaps of a swimming figure.]] Agita: I am curious to hear your impressions. Rishathra: It's interesting when Mr. Comshaw comes. Agita: Oh? Rishathra: He and Father are 'bout the only visitors you.. talk with. Instead of at. [[Rishathra resumes reading.]] Agita: . . . That is because, Rishathra, most people are only /worth/ talking at. Rishathra: Yes, Mother. Monday , May 12 , 2014 [[Inside the THEKLA weaponvault. Rosemary places the Can-Opener in the sub-vault.]] Sylvester: You got the combo? Rosemary: Third, than eighth, then sixth. Got it. ((clack clack cl-clack)) [[Sylvester closes the sub-vault door; it is revealed to be a LIMERICK brand.]] ((CLANG)) Sylvester: Please don't tell me you have some premonition about 'never seeing it again'. Rosemary: Oh no. And if I don't.. that was another H&S lesson: it's a tool. And tools, even valuable ones, can be replaced. Tuesday , May 13 , 2014 [[In the THEKLA subvault. Sylvester holds a lamp and points.]] Sylvester: And back over here to put you into the system. Some of the system. Sylvester: You'll have to take a glove off. Rosemary: Right. [[Sylvester puts down the lamp near a control panel on the wall.]] Rosemary: Why "limerick"? Sylvester: Huh? Rosemary: On the sub-vault. [[Sylvester works at the panel, points at a spot on it.]] ((clack clack slide)) Sylvester: Oh. They, we sold them under that name. Griff collected.. colorful.. examples of the artform. Sylvester: Put your finger here, please. There'll be a prick. [[Rosemary touches the spot.]] ((BZZT)) Rosemary: Ow. So.. Griff sold stuff, did he? Sylvester: Oh yes. Lots. He built the Factor E, did I mention that? Wednesday , May 14 , 2014 [[Leaving the THEKLA weapon-vault. Rosemary pulls back on her glove.]] Rosemary: So I'm "in The System" now. Sylvester: Some of the herediscans will now recognize you. We'll have to do this in a couple more places, later. [[Walking through the vault's doorway.]] Sylvester: Partly another security gesture, and partly.. the System is all.. Rosemary: "Complicated?" Sylvester: Yeah. [[Outside, Sylvester touches a control and the vault ((CLANGs)) shut.]] Rosemary: And yes, you mentioned Griff. He had minions, did he? Sylvester: Ooh yes. [[Outline of the two minions mentioned below, one observing an existing device, one gleefully building a mechanical Jibjib.]] Sylvester: Krell and Drowpole were the two main ones. Essentially.. Sylvester: Krell poked at old devices, and Drowpole built new ones. Thursday , May 15 , 2014 [[Outline of a one man selling a mechanical Jibjib burd-device to second.]] Sylvester: Oh.. and there was also whatisface.. Strauhatt. He was in charge of going around and selling the things. As far away as Wirtwam, I guess. [[Outline of Quincy being aggressively advised by a couple of minions.]] Sylvester: And their numbers only increased with each generation. Rosemary: "Bleeding simoleons from every pore." Sylvester: Indeed. Even /Quincy/ technically had minions. [[Outline of Quincy sitting alone on a post-Crash pile of rubble.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: For about a month I guess. Sylvester: And then.. like so much else.. they all got swept away. [[Sylvester and Rosemary in the Barrackstack. A signboard lists a Starball Tourney schedule.]] Rosemary: So I'm /your/ very first minion. Sylvester: Well, no. Nirvana was my first. But you're certainly my chief minion! Rosemary: OK then. Friday , May 16 , 2014 [[In the Barrackstack, Rosemary looks up at a large stone statue of a bipedal creature with a long head and nesting jaws. Sylvester walks on, pointing.]] Rosemary: Is this another Panegate.. visitor you failed to mention? Sylvester: No no. That's an Obsidian Sneech. Rosemary: That's.. not what the pictures that /I've/ seen- Sylvester: Yes. The artist was aiming for "nightmare-inducing" rather than "realistic." We'll get your sword accessories over here. {{Loosely modeled after a Xenomorph from the Alien film franchise, as a homage to H. R. Giger (RIP)}} Saturday , May 17 , 2014 [[In a Warren in the Basement.]] Irnissa: Moving.. you're mating someone? I thought- Skuy: I'm never getting mated. [[Skuy reaches for one of her glowing globes.]] Skuy: I have a real job. Duties. Miss Sina's assistant. I need to get back before she finishes her private meeting. [[Irnissa listens.]] Skuy: Pergola's there, too. Leny Hall. I guess she's finding all sorts of new plants. [[Skuy leaves with her possessions.]] Irnissa: ''Miss'' Sina? Piranom: They say she's famous now. Skuy: See you later, maybe. Sunday , May 18 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in Root Hall [[Agita stands behind Rishathra, who is seated at a table reading a book. Two more books are piled on the table: ALONG THE ROOT CANAL and EAT WHAT YOU WANT. Also on the table are a small sculpture in a diving-like pose and a plant in a pot, with the pot labelled MSH.]] Agita: . . . Agita: You have taught yourself to read my Human books. Rishathra: Yes Mother. It's not real different than real writing. Agita: Indeed. Rishathra: Tho there are words I don't understand. "Prairie." "Snowflake." "Birchlemon." Agita: That is... a common reaction. [[Agita turns to go.]] Rishathra: If you meet the Human again, you can ask about them! Agita: That will not be our first topic of discussion, but the subject may come up. Monday , May 19 , 2014 [[In the THEKLA weapon vault. Sylvester holds up two glass bottles. Rosemary holds a collection of items in her arms, as listed by Sylvester's dialogue. A box filled with powder balls and labelled MAYRAY sits on a cabinet behind them.]] Sylvester: OK.. scabbard and sharpening stone, powder ball, wiping cloth annnd.. Sylvester: ..We have either Wyldside or Stormshadow Blade Oil, since I gather that some folks have strong opinions about which is- Rosemary: Sylvester.. If I ever catch you using Wyldside Blade Oil on your fencing rapier, I will be forced to hit you over the head again. Tuesday , May 20 , 2014 [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk down a corridor towards a ladder. Sylvester points at the single dim light overhead. A sign on the wall points an arrow towards a CALCULUS LECTURE.]] Sylvester: Again, sorry about the lights, but I haven't been down here since.. ugh. Years now. Rosemary: uh huh. [[They walk down another corridor, in the opposite direction, towards an even-sketchier pole-ladder. Another sign reads BLOBWART SCRUBBING STATION.]] Rosemary: . . . I notice the air is stale as well. Sylvester: Yes. Few branches of the Tree around. It's actually getting better, as the Tree expands. [[The end of another corridor, at a control panel. A last sign reads FASTING AND REPENTANCE ALCOVE.]] Sylvester: OK. The other panels we need to visit are up in the Main Tower. Sylvester: This one's way down here because- Rosemary: Security. The signs are a nice touch: never resort to scaring people when you can /bore/ them away. Wednesday , May 21 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester climb stairs onto a landing. There is a small cabinet, on which sits Sylvester's jacket and a figurine of a striding human. On the wall is the phrase DO DA DO DA.]] Rosemary: So that's everything down here? Sylvester: Oh, no doubt I've forgotten something, but.. ah! /Exactly as I planned it all along/, I left that jacket here last night, saving me an extra trip! Sylvester: We need to go talk to Amos, find Mortimer, and we can be on our way. Thursday , May 22 , 2014 [[Rosemary and Sylvester climb stairs out of the Barrackstack as he adjusts his suit and tie. An old sign on the wall advertises the Eetown Maritime Museum, which was scheduled to open July 11. Graffiti reads THE POLARITES ARE COMING and ALL SORTS OF LIFE.]] Rosemary: It looks OK to me, but didn't you say something about that suit being all out of date? Sylvester: Ah. Yes. But since I can safely predict everyone's attention will be fixed firmly upon you and I will be merely a backdrop, it will serve our purposes . Sylvester: Hopefully Amos will be in the general vicinity of the Library.. Friday , May 23 , 2014 [[In a corridor in the Mansion. Signs read FLYING PROHIBITED, WIGGING OUT MANDATORY, and TRY TURTLE TAFFY.]] Rosemary: So now we're back in the Main Tower. Sylvester: In the sense we are back in an Ettin-built area, but we are also still below ground. [[They come to a place where the walls change color, marked with the words MAIN and IVORY.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: And now.. Rosemary: We're in the Ivory Tower, but not IN the Ivory Tower. Amos explained that last night. Sylvester: Yes. And while we're entering a section with a great deal of miscellaneous paperwork, we are also not in "The Library" yet. Saturday , May 24 , 2014 [[In a warren. Only the lower half of Piranom's body is visible; she is dripping a liquid into a waiting container.]] Irnissa: "Leny Hall"? Piranom: Evidently that is now what they are calling Crazy Rhid's home. Former home. Irnissa: Skuy's going to live /there?/ That's.. she's gone insane! [[Irnissa touches one of her plants, which sends out glowing lines that touch her face and eyes. Piranom's container send out similar lines.]] Piranom: Mmm. Febrifuge says that life is risk. Irnissa: That old pooter is nuts, too. I'm staying right here where it's safe! Sunday , May 25 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in the SubShafts. [[Dandilli and Dipsoma stand over the water collector in their shaft. Dandilli is dangling a string in the water, while Dipsoma holds a small handled net.]] Dandilli:. . . Dipsoma: . . . [[Dandilli lifts the string, revealing a small yellow fish. Dipsoma moves in the net.]] Dandilli: So Difonia never came back from her little tour? Dipsoma: Evidently not. [[The scene shifts to Callithump's shaft, with her and Difonia standing on either side of Callithump's arch-device, and Strode the Motihaul in the middle, holding a towel which is labelled 42. They are all attached to the machine via wires.]] Difonia: Miss Callithump, my brain itches. Callithump: Quiet, you. Monday , May 26 , 2014 [[A corridor in the Basement. Skuy walks along, holding her possessions. Also in the scene are Dipixbofo the Ghast and Findfor and Forfind the Gnolls, who are glaring at each other. An Ooze looks down from above, and a branch of the Tree pokes into view as well. The wall is labelled THE NOME WAR, and is erratically but heavily covered with Brush symbols.]] {{Memorial Day 2014}} Tuesday , May 27 , 2014 [[Arthur/The Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic and Fantod sit in the alcove with the Mysterious Clicking Device. A wine goblet sits on the Device's stand.]] [[The device ((CLICKs))]] Fantod: Well that splains a few things. Weirdo: I must assume that she knew all along. [[Fantod looks at him.]] Fantod: Knew what? Weirdo: . . . [[The Weirdo gets up and takes the goblet.]] Fantod: What are ya gonna do? Weirdo: I do believe I shall return this goblet to the kitchen, and then I shall follow Mr. Grubb's excellent advice. Wednesday , May 28 , 2014 [[In the Ivory Tower section of the Mansion, Rosemary and Sylvester walk past a door labelled READING PARLOR, which has a small stand labelled CARY- and a wall-mounted disk next to it.]] Sylvester: The Earl's private reading parlor, which, yes, I do use. Down there are all of Ludwig's notes, along with.. [[Sylvester pauses at a door labelled ASSORTED DOCUMENTATION. There is a sofa here as well.]] Sylvester: Oh hey, look where we are. Sylvester: Wait a moment, please, whilst I rummage.. [[He goes in the door, leaving Rosemary outside. She looks back the way they came.]] [[Sylvester reappears and hands her a small green booklet.]] Sylvester: Here you go. The instruction book for the Poke Kit my family used to own. Rosemary: Ooo! Again! Thursday , May 29 , 2014 [[In the Ivory Tower section of the Mansio, outside the ASSORTED DOCUMENTATION room. Rosemary holds the E family's Poke Kit instruction booklet.]] Sylvester: Now, Amos is likely to be around here somewhere. Once we find him- Rosemary: Actually.. Sylvester: Yes? [[The sofa which sits nearby.]] Rosemary: Does the Taskmistress absolutely need to be present for that meeting? Cuz she now has important reading material, and a place to sit and read it. Sylvester: Um.. no. I guess not. [[Outline of Wuttgutt encountering a female Eyebolt at a mushroom-covered rock.]] Sylvester: Oh, except.. it was "Wuttgutt"? Who wrote 'Cyclopedia of Night Beasties'? Rosemary: Yes. Obadiah. With two double ts. [[Sylvester walks off, as Rosemary starts reading.]] Sylvester: OK, now I /know/ I've heard that name somewhere.. Back shortly. Rosemary: Mm. Friday , May 30 , 2014 [[Rosemary sits on a sofa in the Ivory Tower area of the Mansion, reading a Poke Kit instruction booklet. Her dialogue is all internal.]] Rosemary: "Congratulations on purchasing your Model 38-78 Poke Kit(tm), another fine product of Hammersp.." yeah yeah, that much I already knew.. [[Outline of a Thuamnode/magic rebroadcaster, before and after the Crash.]] Rosemary: "Typical internal carrying capacity while in range of a regulation Public-Access Thaumnode.." Wow. Moving on.. [[Outlines of the various items described in the dialogue below.]] Rosemary: "Do not store objects longer than four (4) meters, do not open underwater, do not expose to bonfire-grade flames, caustic acid or Yurple Juice." OK.. [[Rosemary looks surprised as she reads.]] Rosemary: "To use your Poke-Kit extend hand towards.." yadda yadda "To.. /create a secured sub-pocket/"?! Saturday , May 31 , 2014 [[A darkened space inside what was once "HELIGNOLL WEST".]] [[A glowgem is poked into view, perched on the end of of Poker's stick.]] [[The stick's owner is revealed to be Scarrow, a Gnoll. Bromir the Gnoll is with him as well. Graffiti reads WHAT YOU THINK UPON GROWS.]] [[A third Gnoll, Deodand,l emerges from behind a rock, he is white-haired and disheveled.]] Scarrow: So. Scarrow: The Gibber really is dead. Gone. Bromir: I shall believe that when- Deodend: AAAARRGH! Sunday , June 1 , 2014 Narration: Sundays In The SubShafts [[Subshaft 32g. Impavid sits on his moveable seat with a specimen in a glass tube, Imbosk on his non-moveable one. Ignavia is out of view below them.]] Imbosk: What's that? Anything new? Impavid: Naw. Just another rabid Fleeb. Send it on to the usual place? Ignavia: Speak up! RADDLED PEAS?! Imbosk: Yes. The usual place. Sounds like things are getting back to normal. [[Subshaft 44d. Three female Gnolls with purple-tinted hair hang somehow from the ceiling, looking at the "Touchpiles" below them, one of which has sprouted a butterfly-shaped extension.]] Proda: Palptat? What's that? Palptat: I have no idea, Proda. Something has gone horribly wrong. {{The third unspeaking Gnoll is named Pok.}} [[Subshaft 44c. Three male Gnolls wear motorcycle-type helmets which cover their entire heads, and have cables/hoses attached to their tops, running up out of sight overhead. They hold, respectively, a snake, a chunk of rock, and a flower.]] {{Names have not been given in-strip.}} Arvak: mmph. mm mp, mmph mmp. Mangan: mmph mpm mmph? Vitex: Mmmph! Mm mmph mm mm! Monday , June 2 , 2014 [[Rosemary is sitting on a sofa under the Ivory Tower, pausing in her reading of an instruction booklet for a Hammerspace brand Poke Kit. All dialogue is internal.]] Rosemary: . . . "secured subpocket".. did I.. hear about this somewhere before? [[A vague outline of the Minor Aspect whom Rosemary encountered in the River of Fire.]] Rosemary: . . . [[She resumes reading.]] Rosemary: Of course not. I'd remember something like that! [[She produces her glowgem from the Poke Kit.]] Tuesday , June 3 , 2014 [[Rosemary sits on a sofa in the vicinity of the Ivory Tower, reading a Poke Kit instruction booklet. The Poke Kit reaches out to the glowgem she is holding.]] Rosemary: "..Pinch off a secure subpocket." Rosemary: "Establish authorization code. 3. 2. 1." [[The gem disappears into the Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: "And Lock." [[Rosemary flexes her now-empty hand.]] Rosemary, thinking: And I try and pull it out and.. as promised.. it's like it's not even there.. [[The glowgem reappears.]] Rosemary: 3. 2. 1. Wednesday , June 4 , 2014 [[Rosemary sits on a sofa under the Ivory Tower, reading a Poke Kit instruction booklet.]] Rosemary, thinking: Ssso.. Can I put something in a subpocket without taking it out of.. Rosemary, thinking: Yes. [[She reads more.]] Rosemary, thinking: And there's no way to tell if a Poke Kit has any active subpockets without taking it to an 'authorized service-folk..' [[She looks to one side.]] [[She holds the Poke Kit close to her mouth, and whispers some commands.]] Thursday , June 5 , 2014 [[Sylvester is in the Mansion's library. Books on the shelves behind him include Sex Is My Adventure, Lhuneshine by June Feevth, Hot Air 2, Balloon Juice, The Shaftrunner by Ridley Mayflower, and Return to the Festival of Popular Delusions, by Apple.]] Sylvester: Amos? [[A wider view.]] Sylvester: Amos? You in here? Amos, off-panel: Ayup. [[Amos comes into view. He has a pair of goggles around his neck.]] Sylvester: Rosemary, Mortimer and I are going into town, because.. Well.. you know better than anyone why we're going into town. Amos: Ayup. Sylvester: We'll be back as soon as we can, but.. again.. Amos: I know how it is. Ayup. Friday , June 6 , 2014 [[In the Mansion's library.]] Sylvester: And, while I'm here, I'm in need of Obadiah Wuttgutt's book- Amos: Wuttgutt? Right over here. Hold on a moment. [[Amos hands Sylvester a thick book. In the background can be seen Crullers of Mechana, Blintzs of Upper Slubovia, Fritters of Lower Slubovia, Idioms and Notions of Thembria by Dunder and Spiggot, Dark Gardens of Uluthec, The Wyverns of Honaly, and Yo Yo by Bill "Bonza" Bollle.]] Amos: Here ya are. Sylvester: Thank you. [[Sylvester looks at the book's title.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Ah. Yes. [[Still looking at it.]] Sylvester: "Ye Compleat and Illuminated Historie of ye Mosses and ye Lichens." /That's/ where I heard the name. Amos: While it /is/ the definitive work, I gotta admit to a certain curiosity as to why you need it. Saturday , June 7 , 2014 [[In the darkened ruin which used to be Helignoll West. Deodand's text-font varies when he first talks.]] Deodand: Aah! Scarrow! The Poker! Bromir!.. not a Poker! Bromir: I'm sorry? We've met? [[Deodand grips at the rock he is behind.]] Deodand: Of course! Yes yes! You both came by.. our.. Deodand: . . . Deodand: Deodand. My.. /my/ name is Deodand. [[Closeup on Bromir and Scarrow.]] Bromir: But you /were/ a we. Scarrow: What? Deodand: Yes. Yes. [[Deodand gestures widely.]] Deodand: The Breach happened, and.. and something boiled up... Deodand: And we /became/ the Gibber. All of us who were here. Sunday , June 8 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts {{Only Vanbrawn's name has been mentioned in-strip.}} [[SubShaft 44j. Quaz the Gnoll stands next to the Big Brass Bell, holding a mallet. Over his head are the Medium Brass Bell and the Small Brass Bell, which have their own poised strikers. The BBB is dented in two places.]] [[SubShaft 45d. Sentila the Gnoll stands inside her small open-faced box, holding a small spear. Around her are three sealed boxes or cells, labelled with who is presumably inside: Strode, Vlada and Upsy. The door to Strode's box has had a large jagged hole smashed in it, and the box is empty.]] [[SubShaft 44h. Vonbrawn the Gnoll stands next to, possibly, a glass with a bendy straw in it. He is sporting bandages, and has his arm in a sling. An object of indeterminate function is suspended above him.]] {{The bandages are from when he was attacked by Crud.}} Monday , June 9 , 2014 [[In the Mansion's library. Sylvester hand the copy of Ye Compleat and Illuminated Historie of ye Mosses and ye Lichens back to Amos.]] Sylvester: While it is possible there have been two Obadiah Wuttgutts, it is more likely the man wrote another book. Amos: Ah. [[Closeup of Amos.]] Sylvester: "Cyclopedia of Night Beasties". Ever hear of it? Amos: Can't say that I have, offhand. Amos: I'll check the YearLists, 'long with the records for that "Tand." When I get the chance. [[Closeup of Sylvester. Books on the shelf behind him include two volumes by Willawaw Squamish: Wind and Water, Island Escape by Royland Hinkley, and two volumes of Enraged Waterfowl by Ronald Ruck.]] Sylvester: Right. Thank you. Sylvester: Try not to get yourself and Mortimer killed. I need you both alive. Amos: Workin' on it. [[Sylvester turns to go.]] Sylvester: Any messages for anyone in the village? Amos: . . . you happen to bump inta Olaf.. tell 'im.. he n' I need to talk. Sylvester: . . . Right. Tuesday , June 10 , 2014 [[Rosemary sits on a sofa under the Ivory Tower, reading a Poke Kit instruction book; she pulls her glowgem out of her Poke Kit.]] Rosemary, thinking: "Catagorization of Poke Kit Contents." Huh. Aunt Eva taught me that grasping trick, but we never knew why- [[She notices the glowgem is sending off a small streamer of energy..]] [[..Towards the "Caryatid'' disk mounted on the wall nearby.]] Wednesday , June 11 , 2014 [[Under the Ivory Tower, Rosemary approaches the "Caryatid" pedestal/walldisk combo, holding up her glowgem, which sends a streamer of energy towards the disk. She hold the Poke Kit instruction book in one hand.]] [[She brings the 'gem up to almost touch the disk, which causes the disk to light up.]] ((BLOOP)) Thursday , June 12 , 2014 [[Under the Ivory Tower, a close-up look at the Caryatid wall-disk, which is now glowing.]] [[Rosemary, looking at the disk with suspicion. Paintings on the wall behind her feature the word LOVING, and a large red S.]] [[She stands before the disk, at it continues to glow.]] [[A closeup on her eyes, reflecting a bit of the light.]] [[The disk shuts off]] ((UNBOOP)) Sylvester, off-panel: Learn anything? Rosemary: . . . Friday , June 13 , 2014 [[Under the Ivory Tower, near a Caryatid wall-disk. Rosemary holds up the Poke Kit instruction booklet.]] Rosemary: Eh? Oh. The Poke Kit. Yes. Rosemary: I assume /you've/ read the booklet. Sylvester: I.. skimmed it. Years ago. Rosemary: So you knew it could create "locked" sub-pockets. Sylvester: Um.. I guess. Technically. [[He walks on, pointing.]] Rosemary: I didn't. Now I do. And learned a couple minor facts as well. Sylvester: Well, at least /something/ got accomplished here. Let's go! Rosemary: Right. [[They both walk. Rosemary holds up her Poke Kit.]] Rosemary: ...It's creepy, in a way. Sylvester: mm? Rosemary: Brush knows how many different people owned this thing, used it, before Aunt Eva and me... Saturday , June 14 , 2014 [[In the ruins of the Gibber/Helignoll West, Bromir and Scarrow listen to Deodand.]] Deodand: Only.. as the Gibber.. we became more.. more than the sum of our parts. [[Outline showing the various things that Deodand lists in his dialogue, all surrounding the text-bubble.]] Deodand: We were.. connected.. to.. to everything. The Tree. The River. The Sneeches. God's tunnels, down there in the dark. Even Protus's Time.. Pylon.. things. [[Outline showing Comshaw's grandfather Complinel, Sylvester, an unknown Wyrm, and LizShalla the future-Gnoll.]] Deodand: We could see.. /so much/. The far Fringes. The Hot Zone below and the Humans above. The past. /The future./ [[Closeup of Deodand.]] Deodand: But our eyes.. "'eyes''.. were all pointed.. outward. We could not see, remember, who we were. Where the connections /ended/, where we /began/... Sunday , June 15 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in SubShaft 44h [[Vonbrawn the Gnoll sits under the object which hands from the ceiling. A wall-display reads DA DA]] [[Vonbrawn looks up as a narrow tongue-like object pokes out of the overhead object. The display reads MAG MA]] ((pbbbt)) [[The object flips open a hatchway on its underside. The display reads UH OH]] ((CLANG)) Vonbrawn, deadpan: Oh dear. Oh no. Watch out, everyone. Here comes another one. Monday , June 16 , 2014 [[Walking away from the MoE library. Rosemary reads the Poke Kit instruction booklet.]] Sylvester: Creepy? Rosemary: Says there's no way to tell if there are active sub-pockets, without.. what was it...? [[Outline of a Poke Kit's sub-pockets being extracted via some device.]] Rosemary: Ah. Taking "...your Poke-Kit(tm) to your officially registered Hammerspace maintenence representative." [[Outline of a woman wearing a hat, standing next to a Hammerspace logo.]] Rosemary: Who in this case is.. was.. "Leonora Bloom, 21 Fudge Street, Eetown, Audravania." . . . Fudge Street? [[Outline of a factory with a large B on the front.]] Sylvester: It ran by the Barnacle Fudgeworks. Quite the going concern; they also made Turtle Taffy and Boylan's Birchlemon Brittle. Tuesday , June 17 , 2014 [[Outline of a might-have-been scene with a figure bursting forth from Rosemary's Poke Kit, as witnessed by her, Baldy and a sword-wielding man.]] Rosemary: It just.. all this time... someone might have said the right random word, and Brush-knows-what would have come spewing out. [[Sylvester and Rosemary walk along.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: "Quagmire." "Flabbergast" "Upholstery" Rosemary: Sylvester! [[They pass a sign listing AUTHORIZED DESSERTS: Apple Strudel / Cherry Tart / Caveberry Pie / Ovoid Puffs / Pudding.]] Sylvester: Right, sorry. Unfortunately, if we want to be truly careful, we'll have to communicate solely via- Rosemary: I've /heard/ all those! You can do better than that! [[Another sign listing AUTHORIZED DESERTS: Shibolith / Euphoric / Refutation / Kadath / The Great Dry.]] Sylvester: Ah. So you wish me to deploy true sesquipedalian loquaciousness! Rosemary: . . . Yes. Maybe. Wednesday , June 18 , 2014 [[Passing a door labeled SPLURGe (sic)]] Sylvester: I suppose we could take it into the Quiet Room, and maybe- Rosemary: Oh no. Quite apart from the "horrible spewing", the book talked about that. [[Sylvester turns to look at her.]] Sylvester: The booklet talked about the Quiet Room? Rosemary: Not /specifically/, but.. lemme see.. here. [[Outline of a Poke Kit suffering catastrophic failure.]] Rosemary: "WARNING: Exposing Poke Kit(tm) secured subpockets to an abnormally low magical environment may result in severe internal damage to the unit." Sylvester: Ah. So. Horrible /ruptures/. Rosemary: Evidently. [[They resume walking.]] Sylvester: Good thing you didn't get any closer than you did. Rosemary: Indeed. Rosemary: On a slightly related topic, I will never put the booklet inside the Poke Kit. Thursday , June 19 , 2014 [[Walking past graffiti of a star and the phrase "That is one ugly puppet".]] Rosemary: "Something accomplished." We don't have a copy of the Cyclopedia? Sylvester: No. Amos hadn't heard of it either. [[A map of the route from the Mansion to the Audravanian capital Glome.]] Rosemary: Could he.. we... get a copy somewhere? Sylvester: We do budget a few book purchases each year. But it takes time. I'll have to write to Loompinick's. That's a bookseller in Glome. {{RIP Loompanics}} [[Outline of Rosemary reading the Cyclopedia at the Hack N' Slash Academy in Jonetown; another female student sharpens a small sickle.]] Sylvester: You said you read it at the.. Academy? You don't have it memorized? Rosemary: Not like the books I grew up with. But I did read it several times. [[Leaving the official Ivory Tower.]] Sylvester: OK. If we ever have a spare moment, you might start writing down what you /do/ remember. Rosemary: Right. Rosemary: Speaking of writing letters.. Friday , June 20 , 2014 [[Leaving the Ivory Tower, re-entering the Main.]] Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: You did say yesterday there is a post office in the village? An official one? [[Graffiti on the wall reads IGGLE and PRODUCTIVITY REFUGEE]] Sylvester: They're all the same guy, but yes, we rate an office, and a Clerk, and a Sparkwire line. Rosemary: Good. I've written a letter to Aunt Eva. And Zeke. Sylvester: ...Telling them where you are? Rosemary: Yes! And yes, I know where that is now, thanks to that map in the Northwoods Narrative! [[Sylvester stops and faces her.]] Sylvester: ... Rosemary: What? It's not accurate? Saturday , June 21 , 2014 [[In the remains of Helignoll West/the Gibber. Bromir and Scarrow listen.]] Deodand: ..And we were kept alive.. all those extra years.. Deodand: Oh.. Kokshuta.. my love.. your entire span... come and gone.. [[He sinks lower.]] Deodand: Only no.. not alive.. suspended.. sustained.. Deodand: stretched out.. [[Lower still]] Deodand: Until finally... one of those connections... Deodand: broke.. Deodand: woo hoo.. [[He dies, with Xs in his eyes.]] Sunday , June 22 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in SubShaft 44h [[Vonbrawn the Gnoll sits under the Shaft's device, which has opened up a hatch on its underside. The wall display reads 5 4.]] ((click click clack boop)) [[An object descends from the hatch opening. It has another small hatch in its side and a red light on its end. The display reads 3 2.]] ((CLUNK)) [[The the object telescopes itself longer, reaching towards the ground, and a mechanical voice speaks in "Ettinese".]] Voice: [ONION RINGS OR CHOCOLATE ECLAIRS] Vonbrawn: I get a choice this time? Then "Un-yun Rings", definitely. Voice: [ONION RINGS] {{The voice switches to the other Ettin-font}} Voice: [CON FIRMED] Monday , June 23 , 2014 [[In the Mansion. Rosemary has a letter ready to mail. Wall notes read LORD FLASHHEART and NORVILLE ROGERS]] {{RIP Rik Mayall and Casey Kasem.}} Rosemary: Or is it.. I am going to explain how I got here, but I thought you wanted to wait- Sylvester: It's this army that you've got chasing you. Or whatever. As you say, we will discuss it. Sylvester: Is there /any/ chance they could intercept that letter? Or find Aunt Eva and.. get it off her? Rosemary: What? No! Of course not! [[Rosemary thinks about this.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: . . . [[She looks back the way they came.]] Rosemary: At least.. I don't think so.. Sylvester: Uh huh. /We/ will write a letter. Tuesday , June 24 , 2014 [[Sylvester points ahead.]] Sylvester: There's a desk with the stuff we need near the entrance. Sylvester: You write.. whatever detail-free personal message and warning you need. Sylvester: I will put it inside another letter, and send /that/ to Mr. Ferule's firm in the Capital, request them to forward it. Rosemary: But that's.. I'm not risking his life either. [[Outline of an unaware Aunt Eva getting a letter slipped in through her window.]] Sylvester: Oh, don't worry about that. If anyone in the Wide World knows how to send a discreet anonymous letter, it's Quibble, Flitch & Ferule. Rosemary: Oh. OK. But.. [[Rosemary rips her letter open.]] Rosemary: ..I'm keeping this letter. Some day I /will/ give it to them. Sylvester: Of course. But take it out of the envelope. Or some well-meaning soul will inevitably find it and mail it. Rosemary: Right. Wednesday , June 25 , 2014 [[Approaching a staircase in the Mansion.]] Sylvester: And one last thing before we rejoin society.. Sylvester: This army. Do they.. does it have a name? Rosemary: Indeed they do. [[Closeup of Rosemary.]] Rosemary: They call themselves the Quincunx. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Like the game. Rosemary: Evidently so. [[Sylvester walks past a wall fixture labeled SUB SCRIBERS.]] Sylvester: ...We'll wonder about /that/ later. Rosemary: I have no doubt that you're right. [[Outline of the Quincunx symbol painted in red on a wall.]] Rosemary: Oh. And their symbol is a triangle inside a circle. They plaster it on everything. Sylvester: Right. Duly noted. Something we will watch out for. Thursday , June 26 , 2014 [[Climbing stairs in the Mansion. Signs read EVERYBODY SHAKE YOUR HANDS and EVERYBODY EAT CHOCOLATE PUDDING.]] Sylvester: ..But my real question was.. you said we have months. You're sure "the Quincunx" can't just.. show up herethe same way that you did? Rosemary: Yes. I'm sure. That's the whole point of.. everything. [[Outline of a Quincunx member finding Rosemary's horse.]] Rosemary: As for tracking me.. I certainly didn't tell them my name, but.. Rosemary: It was unavoidable that I left some clues behind. [[Map of "Out West".]] Rosemary: Still.. even if they learn it somehow, locate me... parts of the West are a mess, but they can't openly march across the whole country. ..Right? Sylvester: An actual army? No. They'd be lucky to reach Impass. Which.. as the name implies, is very defendable. [[Map of "Back East".]] Rosemary: So. They'd have to learn subtlety, which is not their natural state. Get people all the way here, with gear, without attracting attention.. Rosemary: Six months, /at least/. Friday , June 27 , 2014 [[Climbing stairs in the Mansion. A plaque on the wall reads IWW.]] Sylvester: OK, second-worst case scenerio. They somehow know exactly where you are and send a.. an assassination.. team. Or something. Rosemary: An assassination team I can deal with. Probably. [[Map of the landmass being discussed, with the following cities marked: Chroma, Senoj, Thims, Arowhena, Zulora, and Mahrwa. There is also "(Yudgrun)".]] Rosemary: But.. how long it would take..? From the Nodnol Peninsula. You know where..? Sylvester: ..Is it.. also called the Lawnrock Peninsula? The maps I've seen.. Rosemary: Oh. Yes. It is called that. By.. fine. Yes. [[A map of the peninsula and the Bay of Runes.]] Rosemary: So.. from the tip of the /Lawnrock/, three or four days to sail across the Bay of Runes.. Rosemary: Assuming they risk going past the Beacons, instead of hugging the shore.. [[A map of the southern portion of the Bay.]] Rosemary: Bringing them to either Chowbok or Mymble.. Rosemary: Unless they just head straight to Ootope.. Saturday , June 28 , 2014 [[The ruins of Helignoll, looking at Deodand's body.]] Scarrow: Well. That was.. ugh. Bromir: Indeed. Scarrow: I suppose everyone else here is.. gone, too. Bromir: Yes. In fact, I would not be surprised if our late friend kept himself alive solely to pass along the information that he did. [[They turn to go.]] Bromir: Fortunately, we have accomplished the task we were engaged to perform, and thus can depart to give our report. Scarrow: Um.. yeah. Scarrow: Safe journey to the end of the River.. Deodand. [[They are gone, taking the light-source with them.]] Sunday , June 29 , 2014 Narration: Sunday In SubShaft 44h [[Vonbrawn looks up at the shaft's extended mechanism, which ((BEEPs.)) The wall-display reads (44x02) +004 ALL]] [[The tip of the mechanism swivels, pointing the hatch in its side in his general direction. The display reads SYS STE MS]] ((BEEP)) ((CLUNK)) [[He is inching his way under the mechanism, getting out of the way. The hatch opens. The display reads ARE ONL INE.]] ((FLIP)) Monday , June 30 , 2014 [[A map of the provinces of Moonin and Morlock.]] Rosemary: From Ootope.. with one of those new speed-barges.. up the Marrow is a week, ten days. Rosemary: After they reach Nye.. I'd have to turn to you. [[A map of Florin, Impass, Fredonia and Leputa.]] Sylvester: Um. OK. There's talk of digging a canal to Nye, but for now.. assuming they're aiming for speed.. they'd ride north.. Sylvester: Reach the south fork of the Nowbella, sail down to Lake Laputa. [[Laputa, Fenwick, Wirtwam, Arcadia.]] Sylvester: All the way across Laputa, down the Wibberly to Puddleby, and Lake Stubbins.. Sylvester: The current would be with them, but by definition it gets swampy in Fenwick.. [[Audravania and Lhune.]] Sylvester: Then down the Nocturne to the Bay of Moons.. and sail up the coast to here. So.. Sylvester: /In theory/.. someone could be here in a month and a half. Tuesday , July 1 , 2014 [[Climbing stairs in the Mansion, towards the Gatestone.]] Sylvester: . . . Or no. There's a /worse/ worst-case scenerio. Rosemary: There always is. [[Outline of a cloaked and hooded horseperson riding past a signpost labelled GLOME, ZEBEDEE, NOODLE, OBTOWN and EETOWN.]] Sylvester: The Quincunx knows exactly where you are, hired the local H&S assassin by sparkwire, and s/he is riding hard from Glome. [[Outline of an assassin lurking in wait as Rosemary and Sylvester approach.]] Rosemary: /Or/ you have an assassin in disguise already hanging around the village. Sylvester: Right. Of course. Waiting for us to walk into hir ambush. Sylvester: . . . [[Outline of Rosemary and Baldy looking back towards a distant lurking figure.]] Sylvester: I assume that Hack N' Slash does have them? Assassins? Rosemary: Oh yes. Not officially of course, and I was a mere peon, but.. word gets around. Wednesday , July 2 , 2014 [[Walking past the door to the I Forgot Room.]] Sylvester: . . . I don't suppose there's any chance of a best-case scenerio? Rosemary: It's certainly /possible/ they'll get wiped out by somebody, but I'm not counting on it. Sylvester: I was more thinking they give you up as a lost cause and move on. Rosemary: Oh. Rosemary: No. [[Outline of Tansy, looking menacing.]] Rosemary: Tansy.. their leader.. she's used more than one last name.. from what I've seen, heard... she is not one to let things go. Ever. Sylvester: Right. Rosemary, thinking: And neither am I. You saw that poor Gnoll, and you saw her and me. Rosemary, thinking: One way or another. If she doesn't find me, I'll get ready and find her. Sylvester, aloud: But anyway. Here we are. The Gatestone. Thursday , July 3 , 2014 [[In a corridor in the Mansion. A small panel in the wall is labelled with a picture of an umbrella. Sylvester points.]] Sylvester: ..Or at least, the entrance to it is right over there. Sylvester: Hopefully, Mortimer is waiting at the Assembly Alcove. [[He closes his eyes, lowers his head.]] Sylvester: So.. our last more or less private moment. Rosemary: Uh huh. Sylvester: sigh... [[He faces Rosemary.]] Sylvester: I hate this. Keeping horrible secrets, jerking people around.. Sylvester: But we can't tell /anyone/ about "the Quincunx." Not even Amos. Not yet. Rosemary: Uh huh. [[He points at himself.]] Sylvester: Anything else /I/ immediately need to know? Rosemary: No. Let's do this. Friday , July 4 , 2014 [[At one of the entrances to the Gatestone; the walls are black, with alcoves holding obscure objects.]] Rosemary: While, yes, I saw it when I first arrived here, I still have to ask.. what is this Gatestone? Sylvester: Nobody really knows. An artifact. Ludwig speculated it might even predate the Ettins. [[Outline of a small figure standing atop the Gatestone.]] Sylvester: Family legend has it that Ettric, the second Earl, "whose strength was such that he himself placed it here". Rosemary: "..Ettric". I don't think you've mentioned him before. Sylvester: Probably not, because that "fact" I just gave you is pretty much everything we know about him. [[Outline of a helmeted figure holding a large root vegetable and holding his hand up to a female figure.]] Sylvester: Oh, except he gained that strength by "renouncing the flesh." There have been debates whether this meant sexual abstinence or vegetarianism. Saturday , July 5 , 2014 [[In the ruins of Helinew/the Gibber. Scarrow's glowgem, perched at the end of his Poker stick, illuminates the scene.]] Scarrow: So.. what.. was the "broken connection" that caused this? Bromir: Since he mentioned the Sneeches, their reported disappearance would be the obvious first suspect. Scarrow: Yeah. Wonder who the nobs hired to to go check on /that/? Skibble, probably. Bromir: He would be a logical choice. [[A darkened section of the Sneech den.]] [[Othara the Motihaul appears, lighting the scene with a candle on her helmet.]] Othara: Hail, Sneeches! It is I, Othara, Motihaul by birth, Explorer by destiny and choice! I come to confirm your lack of presence! Sunday , July 6 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in SubShaft 44h [[Vonbrawn stands beneath the Shaft's device, which has opened a flap in its side. The wall-display reads (44x2) -003]] ((BEEP)) [[There are two small diases in the Shaft; on one was something resembling a drink with a straw, which now gets sucked out of sight. On the other dias, next to Vonbrawn, a triangular stemmed object appears. Vonbrawn stares at this. Something pokes out of the side of the device. The display reads 002]] ((BEEP slurp BOOP)) [[The object pokes out further, and smoke trickles. The display reads 001.]] Vonbrawn: Oppen! WAKE UP! Oppen, out of sight below: . . . Monday , July 7 , 2014 [[Inside the Gatestone. Mortimer passes a desk as he approaches the Official E Departure Assembly Alcove. In the Alcove are a hatrack, a cabinet, and a CARYATID setup, dias and disk.]] [[Mortimer stands and waits.]] [[The Weirdo and Fantod abruptly appear.]] Weirdo: Greetings. Fantod: Heya. Mortimer: AAH! [[They all look at each other.]] Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: Hi. [[Mortimer lowers his umbrella-wand.]] Weirdo: You are uncharacteristically ill at ease. Mortimer: What? No! You guys.. just startled me. Tuesday , July 8 , 2014 [[In the Official E Departure Assembly Alcove, in the Gatestone. There is "SCUD"-shaped sculpture on a cabinet.]] Weirdo: Plus, of course, Ms. Myrrh and Mr. Frederick resigning their.. positions. Mortimer: Yes. I'm Regent now. Did you hear that? [[Mortimer points his thumb.]] Weirdo: No. Fantod: Congrats. Mortimer: . . .Thanks. We're going into town. Me and Sylvester. And Rosemary. Miss Dapple. Tell people I guess. Weirdo: Ah. We shall accompany you. We have business in the village as well. Mortimer: Oh. Mortimer: OK. All: . . . Fantod: You expectin' rain, or somethin? Mortimer: Rain? Wh.. Yes. That's right. Or maybe the sun will be really bright. Fantod: Mebbe I better get one! Weirdo: That would necessitate nailing it to your "hand". Wednesday , July 9 , 2014 [[In the Official E Departure Assembly Alcove, in the Gatestone. Discussing umbrellas..]] Fantod: We could glue it on. We've got that big bottle of Blucher's- Weirdo: Very well. We will discuss it later. [[They and Mortimer stand and wait. The Weirdo sniffs.]] All: . . . [[Outline of Mortimer pushing a large box of sphagnum dust in the former World o' Pots basement.]] Weirdo: Sphagnum dust? Mortimer: What? Yes. I.. got into some in..You know about it, too? [[Outline of the Weirdo at a desk in barred room. A diagram on the wall details how to WALK THIS WAY.]] Weirdo: Oh indeed. Sugar Kookie, one of my classmates at the Academy, hailed from Sphaghill, in Wirtvale. It was six months before she was entirely free of the odor. Mortimer: . . . Oh. Fantod: I don't smell nothin'. Weirdo: Consider yourself fortunate. Thursday , July 10 , 2014 [[In the Official E Departure Assembly Alcove, in the Gatestone.]] Mortimer: "Academy". I guess your.. classmates are scattered all over the place, huh? Weirdo: Indeed. Such is a Weirdo's lot in life. [[Outline of Sugar Kookie in Weirdoing regalia.]] Mortimer: Where did.. Sugar Kookie end up doing her weirdoing? Or whatever? Weirdo: Regrettably, perhaps, we did not remain in close contact. [[Map of the province of Gilad.]] Weirdo: However, it is my second-hand understanding she secured a position with the Duchess Bowdler of Aytewon. Mortimer: Aytewon? That's in.. Gilad, isn't it? Weirdo: Yes. [[Closeup of the Weirdo and Fantod.]] Mortimer: . . . Maybe you'll get to see some of them again. Some day. Weirdo: Some of them. Perhaps. Friday , July 11 , 2014 [[In the Official E Departure Assembly Alcove, in the Gatestone.]] Mortimer: So.. if you're a Weirdo.. are you allowed to- Sylvester, off-panel: Hello. [[Sylvester and Rosemary arrive.]] Mortimer: Oh. Hey guys. I gave Charles the.. stuff. Sylvester: Thank you, Mortimer. [[Sylvester and Rosemary go to the nearby desk.]] Mortimer: And.. the Weirdo and Fantod are coming with us. To town. Weirdo: If only as far as the Temple. Fantod: Gonna light a candle. Sylvester: Well. Obviously, or you wouldn't be here in the alcove. Sylvester: Rosemary and I have a bit of paperwork to fill out, and then we will all be on our way. Saturday , July 12 , 2014 [[In the Mansion's Sneech den. Othara looks at a Sneech growth.]] [[She pokes it with the long pole she is carrying.]] ((PROD PROD)) Othara: It would truly appear you have all departed for points unknown! [[She turns to go.]] Othara: . . . Othara: That would mean the /entire far side/ of the Chasm is now open to exploration! [[Hamble the Trog's head appears out of a hole in the ground.]] Hamlble, thinking: Indeed. Sunday , July 13 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in SubShaft 44h. Something pokes its nose out of the side of the Shaft's device, and spews smoke. Oppen the Gnoll grumpily pokes his head into view from below. Vonbrawn points at the stemmed triangular object next to him The wall-screen reads 000.]] Oppen: What? Vonbrawn, did you wake me up for a /Launch/? Vonbrawn: No, for /this/! [[The nose-owner launches from the device, it is a sort of small missile. The two Gnolls ignore it. The display read TOTH EDEP THS]] ((KA-BLAM)) [[They look at the stemmed triangle. The display reads ..X15 ..003 BEGRU NTLED.]] Oppen: Where did you find that? Vonbrawn: I didn't "find" it! It blooped out of the blooper! Oppen: That.. is not possible. Monday , July 14 , 2014 [[A new chapter: EETOWN [[In the forest, in front of the ruins of the Eetown Maritime Museum. Ig the Saur sits on top of a large chunk of rock, holding a glowgem. Buzz the Saur approaches him through the tall grass.]] Ig: Well, well. Buzz. Long time no see. Buzz: Ig. Buzz: ...What's that you've got there? [[Closeup on Ig and the glowgem.]] Ig: Dunno. I got a "bag" of underground stuff. Gave the rest to Narda, but I kept this, cuz it's pretty. Buzz: . . . Whatever. Have you seen Snerk? Ig: Why yes. Last night. Briefly. [[Closeup on Buzz.]] Buzz: Where? Ig: You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Buzz: You'd be surprised what I believe now. /Tell me/. Tuesday , July 15 , 2014 [[At the Official Departure Assembly Alcove, in the Gatestone. Sylvester and Rosemary work at the desk.]] Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic: You had a further query for me? Mortimer: Um. Yeah. You're not like Oracles, right? Mortimer: I mean.. You are allowed to.. get married? Mortimer: If you want. [[Outline of a male and female Weirdo arguing in front of a blackboard full of scribbled notes.]] Weirdo: There are those who adhere to the Swithin Doctrine, that the state of matrimony fundamentally conflicts with our duties. Weirdo: I, however, am a Bonavenite, believing it is ultimately my choice as a free individual. [[The opposite side of the hallway is revealed to be a Confuflux display, which is being refurbished, according to a cobwebby sign.]] Mortimer: ...But.. you're not married? Weirdo: I currently retain my status as bachelor, yes. Fantod: He n' that gal in the village been /eyin'/ each other. Wednesday , July 16 , 2014 [[Tuft the Gobule and Dap the Gnoll are lounging in their alcove. Carmal the Gnoll approaches, carrying a purplish blob on a tray.]] Dap: Well, it's Carmal. What do you have there? [[Carmal silently smushes the object into Dap's face.]] ((SPLUT)) [[She walks away, taking the small blue object that Tuft offers up on the end of his tongue. The object remains stuck to Dap's face.]] [[Dap makes no effort to remove it as Carmal disappears from sight.]] Dap: Ah. A splutpuff! Tuft: Happy anniversary. Dap: You remembered! {{The strip's 11th birthday.}} Thursday , July 17 , 2014 [[In the Gatestone, in front of the empty Confuflux display.]] Mortimer: Gal? What gal? Weirdo Who Lives In The Attic: As is so often the case, I have no idea what he is talking about. Fantod: Aw, c'mon. [[Outline of the gal in question, smiling and waving, with her pet lurking nervously at her feet.]] Fantod: Whatserface. With the hair. And that whimpswine. Mortimer: Oh. Melba Corrigan. Lilith's friend. She's nice.. though.. [[Mortimer thumbs behind himself.]] Mortimer: Heh. Now that I think about it, she could maybe make a pretty good Weirdo! Fantod: Yeah, she could take the swine with her and- Weirdo: No. Ms Corrigan is, as you say, nice. I would not- [[Outline of Academy-student Weirdo studying a book titled EXPLAINING YE JOKE.]] Weirdo: She, paradoxically perhaps, possesses too great a degree of.. unfocused frivolity to be a Weirdo. Mortimer: ..Oh. Friday , July 18 , 2014 [[At the Official Departure Assembly Alcove in the Gatestone. The Weirdo Who Live In The Attic and Fantod are present.]] Mortimer: But anyway. I guess our old Weirdos disagreed with you. About marriage. Not Melba. Sylvester: Actually.. while Captain Tin-Throatwobbler was indeed a high arch Swithinite... [[Pre-Crash outline of Sarah Bellum and her husband at a table together.]] Sylvester: ...It is my understanding that Sarah Bellum was in fact married at one point. To a non-Weirdo. Mortimer: ..She was? [[Sarah Bellum at a grave, sill pre-Crash.]] Sylvester: But he was gone.. dead, apparently, long before we came along. Mortimer: Oh. Did I hear that before? [[Sylvester walks on.]] Sylvester: Well, Oswald never gave us a lecture about it. Let's be off. Mortimer: Isn't Rosemary coming? Sylvester: She'll catch up. Saturday , July 19 , 2014 [[In a hole, in the abandoned Sneech colony.]] Hamble: So. Othara. Othar's grandtad, yes? Squeeb: Yeah. She can't do that magicker phizz, but.. she's tougher.. smarter.. than she looks. Squeeb: If.. if yer thinkin' about... doin' somethin'.. Hamble: mm. Having the first and most enthusiastic explorers vanish /would/ delay the incoming rush. [[He turns to go.]] Hamble: ..But only delay it. And in the long run, Othara will be /far/ more useful following her current trajectory. [[They disappear into the hole, and darkness falls.]] Hamble: No. Hamble: The ones we want will be along soon enough. Sunday , July 20 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in SubShaft 44f [[Cully and Crud are inside their pods, testing controls. Chunner watches as the missile launched from 44h zooms into view. The wall displays read SUNS HINE, LOLLIPOP RAINBOW and ONEG IANT LEAP.]] ((WHEEEEE))((CLACK))((CLACK)) [[The missile goes through and down the open panel in the wall.]] ((WHEEEEE)) [[It falls down a darkened shaft, witnessed by Giant Robot Head 071.]] ((WHEEEE)) Cully: Did you say something, Mr. Chunner? Chunner: No. Monday , July 21 , 2014 [[An alcove in the Gatestone. Rosemary approaches a large Legal Plinthian Imbibing Urn stands on a labelled pedestal.]] [[She tosses the Poke Kit instruction booklet inside the urn.]] [[She produces the pole lantern from the Poke Kit.]] [[She puts the lantern in the urn.]] [[She puts a bottle of blade oil in the urn.]] [[She walks away from the urn.]] Tuesday , July 22 , 2014 [[In the Gatestone, walking past a Mechanan Ice Cream and Pie Table. Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are present.]] Rosemary: So. Anyway. Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: Do we know why all this stuff is here? Sylvester: It's no secret that various Earls collected and displayed it to impress arriving visitors. [[Outline of university-student Sylvester taking notes for Mr. Penuche as they look at two pieces of artwork: a rat-figure in a cage and the numbers 9 and 6 artistically arranged.]] Rosemary: So.. it's valuable? Sylvester: Amazingly, some of it still is, tho we'd have to haul it all the way to probably the Capital to find a buyer. Sylvester: Heh. Old Penuche, merchant I.. knew there.. his eyes would pop if he saw some of it.. Wednesday , July 23 , 2014 [[At the entrance to the Gatestone. An empty pedestal stands next to a flight of stairs going down. Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are also present.]] Rosemary: This is where I.. Mr. Schmedley mans his station. Sylvester: Yes, tho he's obviously slacking off. I shall issue a severe reprimand. [[The group approaches a large set of metal doors, with a smaller Human-sized aperture set into one of them.]] Rosemary: Can the /big/ doors actually open? Sylvester: In theory, but it's been years since anyone tried. [[They are outside, in a rubble-strewn courtyard. Branches of the Tree frame either side of the door.]] Sylvester: Sigh.. always mean to clean up out here, but... Rosemary: We'll add it to The List. Thursday , July 24 , 2014 [[Rosemary, Sylvester, Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are outside the entrance to the Gatestone.]] Rosemary: So.. is it really a stone? Sylvester: Some extremely tough crystalline mineral. Rosemary: And it.. soaks up light, spreads it around. Sylvester: Yes. [[They look up at the Gatestone.]] Rosemary: Are there any others anywhere? Sylvester: There's one in Athalia. In Plinth. Another got a pyramid built around it in Akbar. [[Outline of Gatestones in a jungle setting.]] Sylvester: And there are rumors of enormous ones hidden in the jungles of Sybola. But.. Rosemary: There are rumors about /everything/ there. Sylvester: Yes. Friday , July 25 , 2014 [[Sylvester, Rosemary, Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are at the front gate of the Mansion, which is built into the Mansion's encircling wall. There is rubble scattered around, with much of it piled up in front of the gate-doors. A smaller Human-sized door stands to one side.]] Sylvester: And before the Crash, this was a guardhouse. With lots of fancy magical equipment. Rosemary: Uh huh. Sylvester: After the Crash.. all that was deliberately piled up in front of the main gates, to keep them from opening inward. Rosemary: Sensible enough.. Saturday , July 26 , 2014 [[Wrawa the Trog lies bandaged on a rock slab in Leny Hall.]] [[She abruptly opens her eyes and sits up.]] [[Kottle the Gnollish healer comes into view behind her.]] Kottle: Oh, good! Wrawa! You weren't gonna die, but with all that Rhid- phizz you got hit with, I couldn't be sure what- [[Wrawa zooms away.]] Kottle: -effects there were gonna be.. Sunday , July 27 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The rocket launched from SubShaft 44h falls down a darkened shaft, going off into a side passage lined with spiky protuberances. It is silently watched by Giant Robot Head 071 and Giant Robot Head 064.]] Monday , July 28 , 2014 [[At the front gate of the Mansion. Rosemary looks up at the wall as Sylvester opens the Human-sized door. Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are also present.]] Rosemary: The wall /looks/ sturdy, all things considered. Sylvester: Yes. [[Outline of the wall under construction, with the Temple of the Brush in the background.]] Sylvester: Ever since Ettric the Third piled up the original version, doing what one can to maintain it has been one of the Earl's official duties. [[Outline of a female figure Doing Something to or with the wall while a male spear-weilder watches.]] Sylvester: And, yes, some of us have been able to do more than others, but everyone has tried. Quincy. My father. Me. Even /Ernest/ made an effort, if only for aesthetics. [[Outline of a fortress's walls being blasted by magical energy weapons from an airship and a battletank.]] Sylvester: And, yes, even though for a long time there, it was fairly useless in defensive terms. Sylvester: Though not completely. There /are/ duraslabs built into its core. Tuesday , July 29 , 2014 [[Sylvester, Rosemary, Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod pass through the Mansion's outer wall.]] Sylvester: Unfortunately, even back in our days of power and glory, duraslabs were expensive, and so there are now gaps. Sylvester: ..including one we shamefully use as our "back door", when we normally go into the village. (You'll see it, shortly..) [[They all emerge onto the permanent stone bridge across the moat. The large gates loom behind them.]] Sylvester: It's not part of your Taskmistress duties, but since you'll have spare time, perhaps you'd be willing to help patch it. [[Mortimer stares at Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Rosemary: I imagine I could. Sylvester: Good. I think we've even got a spare duraslab we could wedge into it. Mortimer: . . . Wednesday , July 30 , 2014 [[Outside the front gates of the Mansion. Sylvester points at an object in the foreground.]] Sylvester: And if you're wondering why we don't have forest critters just wandering in- Rosemary: Barrier poles. Yes. The bigger farms use them out west. Sylvester: They're called repeller poles here, but yes. Mortimer: . . . Oh. I see. You don't want to- Fantod: We don't wanna what? [[Closeup of Mortimer.]] Mortimer: Um.. nothing. Just me being stupid. Like usual. [[Fantod and the Weirdo.]] Fantod: Yer no genius, but yer not /stupid/ - stupid. Weirdo: In terms of individuals behaving.. foolishly.. I am in a position to confirm my colleague's assessment. Mortimer: ..Thanks. Guys. Thursday , July 31 , 2014 [[In front of the Mansion, with Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer looking a signpost pointing towards Eetown and the Valley of S. There is also a repeller pole. Sylvester points towards Eetown.]] Sylvester: After the crash, someone found an assortment of poles in a storeroom. We ... Frederick, Amos, our father ... installed them along the path to the village. [[The Weirdo and Fantod stand on the path leading towards Eetown.]] Rosemary: So it's pretty much safe. [[The view north from their location, with grassy ground, trees, and bits of stone rubble.]] Sylvester: North...the poles also surround the orchard. Beyond that ... the path to the Mansion of S ... the /Tower/ of S ... it's not even really a path anymore. Friday , August 1 , 2014 [[A shot of the entire Mansion, viewed from the north, with the Temple in front, next to the Barrackstack and the Gatestone. Behind is the Party Palace, and just visible behind the Main Tower, the Ivory Tower and the Factor E. The forest surrounds it, and the Specific Ocean stretches behind. Sylvester, Rosemary, Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are dots by the front gates.]] Voice #1: So we head north. Voice #2: Indeed. Saturday , August 2 , 2014 [[Guest art: a CGI-created version of the Mansion of E, as done by reader eman.]] Sunday , August 3 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The rocket from SubShaft 44h falls down a vertical shaft lined with spiky protrusions on either side. Objects resembling a watermelon and a voodoo doll also stick out from the side, attached to poles.]] [[The rocket continues to fall down the shaft, which grows rougher and cruder.]] Monday , August 4 , 2014 [[The Weirdo, Fantod, Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester walk along the path to Eetown from the Mansion.]] Rosemary: So Ettric the 3rd was Ettric's grandson? Sylvester: Yes. The Fourth Earl. And again, the fact that he "Built The Wall" is pretty much everything we know about him. [[Outline of the wall being built, with the Main Tower in the background.]] Sylvester: The general consensus is that he replaced an existing wooden palisade with some sort of stonepile. Sylvester: It's highly unlikely that any of his work still exists but It, the wall, is still considered his official Achievement. [[Closeup of Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Rosemary: Eh. There are worse legacies. Sylvester: Indeed. Ettric the 2nd "Dug The Moat". Tuesday , August 5 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown, going past the Mansion's outer wall. Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are also present.]] Rosemary: So.. I have to ask.. what was the name of the /first/ Earl? Ettric the Zeroth? Sylvester: Heh. Very possibly. We don't know. He's just "The Earl" or "The First Earl". [[A wide view, showing the other entrance to the Mansion, which is a crack in the wall, and bridge over the moat.]] Sylvester: He supposedly.. eh. Anyway. Sylvester: There's the back entrance we need to seal. Rosemary: Right. Wednesday , August 6 , 2014 [[At the T in the path which leads to Eetown, and the Mansion's front and back entrances. Rosemary points at the signpost labeling all of these. The Weirdo and Fantod are also present.]] Rosemary: OK. The next obvious question. Why the Zark is it "Eetown" with two Es? Sylvester: sigh. Mortimer: I dunno. It's always just been that. Sylvester: No. It hasn't. It was originally.. at one point it was E-T-O-W-N. And then Unification came along.. Thursday , August 7 , 2014 [[A pre-Crash map of the province of Shibolith.]] Sylvester: You are aware, I hope, that since Unification, Shibolith has been under direct military rule, due to the Theklans? Rosemary: Isn't everyone..? Mortimer: Even I know that! Sylvester: You'd be surprised. [[Outline of the Etown military base in Shibolith.]] Sylvester: This being the case, it has numerous fort-cum-watering stations. One string of them was labeled ATown through.. GTown, I believe. [[Map of part of "Mansionland", showing the locations of the two Etowns, one in Shibolith, one in Audravania.]] Sylvester: Some.. very important person came to the determination that having two Etowns, at opposite ends of the country, was "dangerously confusing", and demanded that the situation be remedied. Sylvester: There ensued much debate. [[Map of Audravania, showing Eetown's new name.]] Sylvester: Eventually, someone else threw up hir hands, said "fine!" and jammed an extra E into this one's name. Sylvester: And, yay, everybody important was happy. Friday , August 8 , 2014 [[An outline of Rosemary arriving in a Mooninite village called Odieton and receiving an indifferent greeting.]] Rosemary: But that's.. I've been /in/ two towns with the same name! Sylvester: Were either of them a front-line military base? [[Outline of an indifferent Caravan-member Rosemary arriving in a Morlockian village called Odieton and receiving an enthusiastic welcome.]] Rosemary: Well.. no. They were a couple o' flitspecks. But still. You're not defending this! Sylvester: No. But it was a special case. [[Pre-Crash outline of a man carrying away the "welcome to Etown" sign he has just replaced.]] Rosemary: But.. the people here.. just.. accepted.. Sylvester: After some grumbling, yes. [[Outline of the old sign being tossed on a rubbish heap.]] Sylvester: The relationship between The Mansion and The Town has always been.. fraught. Anything that.. separated them wasn't rejected out of hand. And the name of the whole area had already been changed. Rosemary: Oh. Yes. Blevin mentioned that in the intro to his book. Saturday , August 9 , 2014 [[In Leny Hall. Maggle the Trog is storing purple objects in a bin, when Wrawa appears.]] Maggle: Oh! Hey, Ms Wrawa! Glad to see yer- [[Wrawa goes past her without a word.]] Maggle: -feeling better. [[Kottle the Healer appears.]] Maggle: ... Should we go after her or something? Kottle: "We." I have other patients, and she's way too fast for me to- [[Maggle goes after Wrawa.]] Maggle: Yeah, yeah, OK, I getcha, Heal. {{Heal is the equivalent of "Doc"}} Kottle: Thank you, Maggle. Do what you can to keep her from hurting herself. Sunday , August 10 , 2014 Narration: Sunday Beneath the Subshafts [[The rocket from SubShaft 44h falls down a curving vertical shaft made of rough rock; a red glow is visible at the bottom of the panel.]] [[The shaft merges into a larger one, which falls straight and changes into something purposefully constructed: blue walls with glowing points and an inscription in an non-readable script.]] Monday , August 11 , 2014 [[The Weirdo, Fantod, Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester walk on the path from the Mansion to the village of Eetown. A rusted metal remnant is labelled INGERSOLL 50.]] Rosemary: So.. what.. Audra renamed the Province after herself? Blevin wasn't real clear.. Sylvester: Hm? Oh. no. [[Outline of Audra's self-selected statue in the Hall of Achievement, along with Ernest's forged paintings.]] Sylvester: As you've seen, the woman had an ego, but... No. It was done after she died. [[A map of the northeast corner of Mansionland, in Audra's pre-Unification days, with Hoar Hall, Northwooods, the Fens of Wick and Lhune.]] Sylvester: And to possibly answer your next question, yes, she, one of my, our, ancestors, did for a time rule all of "Audravania." Sylvester: Plus maybe half of Lhune and chunks of Thull. Tuesday , August 12 , 2014 [[On the path from the Mansion to Eetown. Mortimer is present.]] Sylvester: But then, Audra and Cyrus poked the Hot Zone, and that was the end of that.. Rosemary: Cyrus? Her husband, I'm guessing? [[Outline of Angus triumphant, with Cyrus and Audra eying each other.]] Sylvester: Oh. No. He was her uncle. Angus's younger brother. Their relationship was yet another fraught-ridden [sic] one.. [[A map of the Province of Thull.]] Sylvester: Her.. husband.. Ludwig's father.. was a man named John Harfang. Rosemary: Harfang. As in "Thull's capital" Harfang. Sylvester: Yes. [[An outline of Audra and John Harfang standing back to back.]] Sylvester: Unlike some Earls' marriages, it was voluntary, but, appropriately perhaps with Thull, it was also a cold-blooded political pairing. Wednesday , August 13 , 2014 [[Outline of Milo the Earl and his wife Nattana, with their newly born son Dorn.]] Rosemary: Wait.. "voluntary"? If you're the Earl, the guy or gal in charge, how- Sylvester: You're not born being Earl. At least, none of us has yet. [[Outline of an older Dorn connected to a young woman via a string on their wrists.]] {{This is his wife-to-be, named Aimee.}} Sylvester: But some of us have been betrothed at an early age to cement some political alliance or other. [[Outline of Yancy and Fluer in the same situation, showing far less emotion.]] Rosemary: You mean.. like King Yancy did. With Queen Fluer? Sylvester: Uh huh. On a less grandiose scale, perhaps. [[Outline of Sylvester at the University, reacting warily to a female fellow student.]] Rosemary: But.. /your/ parents didn't.. Sylvester: Oh no. For us, that ended with Audra. Tho some non-kings still do it. Met a few at the University. Thursday , August 14 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown with Fantod, the Weirdo and Mortimer.]] Rosemary: So.. what.. some gold-grubbing phizzette tried to- Sylvester: Oh no. Sylvester: The University is a very snobbish place, and yes, it costs a lot of money to attend it. [[Outline of University-student Sylvester, with the pros and cons of his situation on display.]] Sylvester: ..And I was a Scholarship Boy, and /everyone/ knew it. Sylvester: But I was also a member of the Aristocracy. And yes, that mattered. [[Outline of Sylvester at the University, being eyed by two fellow male students.]] Sylvester: It also complicated things. People were never quite sure how to treat me, where I should be slotted into the pecking order. [[Closeup on Sylvester and Rosemary.]] Sylvester: But. The point. There were gals there who would have loved to become "Lady E." The fact that this title had a husband dangling along behind was a.. distracting side-issue. At best. Friday , August 15 , 2014 [[Walking to Eetown from the Mansion. The Weirdo and Fantod are also present.]] All:. . . Rosemary: So.. you could, even now, maybe solve the money problem by moving back to the Capital and becoming an amoral gold-grubbing phizzer? Sylvester: Yes, I suppose perhaps I could. [[They pass a pile of rock on which is a faded pre-Crash advertisement for Chauvin's Barbershop, located at 46 Checkchip Street.]] Mortimer: He'd never do that! Rosemary: Of course. You no doubt hate that sort of person.. Sylvester: Yes. I suppose I do. Saturday , August 16 , 2014 [[Wrawa the Trog runs through the entrance hall to Leny Hall. Silently witnessing this are Hiblehoy the Motihaul, Devura the Gobule and Catmorlo the Gnoll. Ploot the Wyrm can be seen in the background.]] [[She passes on, down the hallway where the Hall's new front gate is under construction. Timf the Gnoll, Mowder the Trog, and Satyrsong the Gnoll watch her go.]] Timf: Was that Wrawa? Mowder: Yes. Satyrsong: It /was/ Wrawa, I'm not sure it is anymore.. Sunday , August 17 , 2014 Narration: Sunday Beneath the SubShafts [[The rocket from SubShaft 44h falls down a straight vertical shaft which is blue and is marked with dots of light. Surrounding the shaft is glowing red and yellow rock which gets progressively brighter the further down it goes.]] Monday , August 18 , 2014 [[On the path from the Mansion to Eetown. Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are also present.]] Sylvester: Heh. Rosemary: What? Sylvester: Yancy and Fluer. Did I tell you? I attended their wedding-coronation. [[Outline of university-student Sylvester being presented with a fancy ticket on a tray.]] Rosemary: How did you.. Sylvester: I was at the University when it happened. We, the family, rated one and only one ticket. [[Outline of Sylvester and two other people peering down from high bleachers.]] Rosemary: You've.. met the king and queen? Sylvester: I was in the cheap seats at the far fringe of the Royal Temple, so.. technically yes? Tuesday , August 19 , 2014 [[An outline of the Royal Temple, with University students Sylvester, Nimue and Bertie being given a tour.]] Rosemary: So.. you've been in the Royal Temple. Sylvester: There, I can give an unambiguous yes. Sylvester: Went on the Official Tour a couple of times, because it was free. [[An outliine of the pre-Crash Royal Temple, with Frederick and Amos being given the tour.]] Rosemary: What's it like? Sylvester: Big. Impressive. Maybe too big and impressive. Though I gather that was essentially the point in building it. Sylvester: And according to Amos, even after all of Phoenix's rebuilding efforts, it's a shadow of what it was before the Crash. Wednesday , August 20 , 2014 [[On the path from the Mansion to Eetown.]] Rosemary: Amos has been to the Capital? Sylvester: Once, before the Crash. [[Map of the tramline from Eetown to the Capital.]] Sylvester: In his words, he "tagged along" with Frederick. Even then, riding Trams, it wasn't a cheap or casual trip. [[Outline of Amos reading the Times.]] Sylvester: And so, yes, he based his post-Crash Royal Temple comment on pictures in the Times. [[Map of the tramline from Eetown to Rowen.]] Rosemary: Nellie didn't get to go? Sylvester: She's never been outside Audra.. No. Strike that. They went to Rowen on their honeymoon, which was the trendy new thing to do. Thursday , August 21 , 2014 [[Outline of the island of Alwin.]] Rosemary: I'm guessing that Rowen is no longer the honeymoon destination of choice. Sylvester: No. Sylvester: There's an island offshore of the village. Alwin, it's called. It's quite pretty. [[Outline of a cabin in the woods.]] Sylvester: It has, among other things, a cabin. We, the E Family, still own it. We permit happy couples to use it, and rigorously forbid interlopers at any other time. [[The group on the trail to Eetown. The Mansion is visible in the background.]] Rosemary: Post an armed guard, do we? Sylvester: There is perhaps a certain.. /ceremonial/ flavor to the whole arrangement. Friday , August 22 , 2014 [[Walking the path to Eetown from the Mansion. Rosemary, the Weirdo and Fantod are also present.]] Mortimer: Alwin does matter to people! It's important! Sylvester: Mortimer.. [[Mortimer walks past graffiti saying THE BEGINNING OF THE END.]] Mortimer: No! It's true! As... as Regent! You don't go into the village enough. You're the Earl. Things happen. Change. And you need to know. [[Sylvester thinks about this.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Fine. What's happening in the village? Mortimer: Well.. um.. the big argument's still the Inside-Out fight. And there was that weird robbery.. thing.. at Genrick's place! Saturday , August 23 , 2014 Narration: Following Wrawa's scent-trail [[Maggle the Trog stands in the doorway leading to Basement Well #3, and, newly labelled, Leny Hall. A female Motihaul walks past carrying bag.]] [[Maggle goes down the Long Path past the entrance to Le Tree, which being guarded by a male Gnoll. A female Gnoll pushes a wheeled cart.]] {{The guard is Frag, a Nevus-minion. The cart-pusher has not previously appeared in-person but her name is Cimex.}} [[Maggle reaches the point where the Long Path's wall becomes more finished. A male Jibjib flies overhead, carrying a bone, and the tail of a Large Wyrm can be seen.]] {{One Jibjib pretty much looks like another.}} Maggle, thinking: Down there? There's nothing down there but.. [[She hurries on, past the hole in the wall which leads to the Time Hall. The direction she is going is labelled SPARKLOOM + GREAT CHASM DON'T FALL IN. Two Gobules walk past beyond the hole.]] {{The Gobules have not appeared before. Their names are Valn and Tono.}} Maggle, thinking: Oh no. Saturday , August 23 , 2014 Narration: Following Wrawa's scent-trail [[Maggle the Trog stands in the doorway leading to Basement Well #3, and, newly labelled, Leny Hall. A female Motihaul walks past carrying bag.]] [[Maggle goes down the Long Path past the entrance to Le Tree, which being guarded by a male Gnoll. A female Gnoll pushes a wheeled cart.]] {{The guard is Frag, a Nevus-minion. The cart-pusher has not previously appeared in-person but her name is Cimex.}} [[Maggle reaches the point where the Long Path's wall becomes more finished. A male Jibjib flies overhead, carrying a bone, and the tail of a Large Wyrm can be seen.]] {{One Jibjib pretty much looks like another.}} Maggle, thinking: Down there? There's nothing down there but.. [[She hurries on, past the hole in the wall which leads to the Time Hall. The direction she is going is labelled SPARKLOOM + GREAT CHASM DON'T FALL IN. Two Gobules walk past beyond the hole.]] {{The Gobules have not appeared before. Their names are Valn and Tono.}} Maggle, thinking: Oh no. Sunday , August 24 , 2014 Narration: Sunday Beneath the Basement [[The rocket from SubShaft44h falls from a vertical shaft into an expanding open space; various colors can be seen swirling beyond the edges of the space's thick blue walls. Far down in the space is a thin curled line, which glows faintly. Monday , August 25 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown. The Weirdo is also present.]] Mortimer: Oh.. hey! Rosemary! This is where you and I- Rosemary: "Inside Out?" [[Outline of Arlen Grubb at the Eetown hedge/moat with a shovel.]] Mortimer: Oh. Right. You don't know.. The whole village is surrounded by this big hedge. And moat. Rosemary: "Arlen Grubb the Hedgemaster." [[Mortimer points.]] Mortimer: Um. Yeah. He tends it, digs the moat. Everyone lives inside. Fantod: Not EVERYONE. Mortimer: ... Right. There are.. farms and things. We're coming to Flem's swine ranch. By the town dump. Rosemary: "Old Man Larssen, who lives on the far side of the village." Sylvester: Indeed. The rules don't really apply to him. And he was here before the hedge was. Tuesday , August 26 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown. The Weirdo is also present.]] Mortimer: But... anyway. The village is.. is getting bigger. Mortimer: That is.. there are more people. [[Outline of Eunice working as barmaid.]] Mortimer: Folks are even moving here, instead of running off to Noodle. Like whatserface. Rufus's friend. Works at the inn. Fantod: Eunice Eliot Kelso. Mortimer: Right. [[Outline of Eetownites having a discussion. A dog is also present.]] {{The mayor Saffron Stout, VIP Waldo Weequash, and solicitor Peter Nigultrum.}} Mortimer: So.. things are getting cramped. So.. the big fight is, do they build bigger houses? Or expand the hedge? Or, or let people live outside it? Rosemary: Mm. Inside or Out. And what is the Mansion's opinion on all this? Sylvester: The Mansion very officially has no opinion on this particular subject. Wednesday , August 27 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown. Rosemary starts to speak to Sylvester]] Rosemary: And what about- [[She pauses and looks behind her.]] [[The Weirdo and Fantod.]] [[Back to Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Rosemary: -This weird robbery thing? Sylvester: /That/ I heard about. Someone broke into the village tailor shop and stole some clothes. [[Outline of Genrick Gaberdine in his shop after the robbery.]] Mortimer: They didn't! They took stuff, and left cash! More than it was worth, Genrick said. . . . Genrick's the tailor. Rosemary: Genrick Gaberdine. Yes. And yes, that is weird. Thursday , August 28 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown.]] Sylvester: So. Anything else, Mortimer? Mortimer: Um.. Oh. Mr. Nigultrum and Ida have gotten engaged. [[Outline of Ida and Nigultrum.]] Sylvester: Heh. Finally reeled in the poor doomed fool, did she? Mortimer: I guess. Sylvester: Maybe Hooper and Pandowny will make it a double wedding. [[Outline of Sylvester helping celebrate the aforementioned (male) duo's wedding.]] Mortimer: I guess. Like I said.. you need to be there if.. when they do. It'll help. I think. Sylvester: OK then. [[Closeup on Sylvester.]] Mortimer: And.. Mr. Grumby says the new tooterboat.. the Pinkeen? It's almost ready to launch. Sylvester: Already? Ugh. I /have/ been out of touch. Friday , August 29 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown. Sylvester, Rosemary, Mortimer, Fantod and the Weirdo arrive at a fork, where an older bearded man is sitting on a rock. A white dog sleeps at his feet.]] Mortimer: So, coming up here's.. oh. Hello, Mr. Flem. Byron. Flem: 'Lo Mortimer. Yer Grace. N' our officially designated iconoclasts. Sylvester: Hello, Terin. Flem: N'.. I'm guessin' this is the new arrival that's got folks all in a tizzy. Sylvester: Word does get around. Saturday , August 30 , 2014 [[Maggle the Troglodyte comes to the end of the Long Path, which is marked by towering structures on either side which shoot bolts of energy back and forth. Graffiti on the wall reads SPARKLOOM DO NOT TOUCH. A Gnoll is visible beyond a hole in the wall. The path slopes downward.]] [[Maggle continues on, raising an arm as she passes the brightly-glowing structures.]] [[She reaches a section where the structures are unfinished.]] [[She emerges onto a ledge on the side of the Great Chasm. Graffiti reads THE PLUNGE, with a pointing arrow. Other, less-readable graffiti reads ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE. Sunday , August 31 , 2014 Narration: Sunday Beneath the Basement [[The rocket from subShaft 44h falls into a large blue space. A curled line pokes into view from below.]] [[The rocket explodes, producing the words HEY YOU in red, white and blue. The line sprouts a branch/bubble which creates glowing text.]] Line: EH? Monday , September 1 , 2014 [[On the path from the Mansion to Eetown. Mortimer, Fantod, and the Weirdo are also present.]] Sylvester: So. Terin. This is Rosemary Dapple. The new Taskmistress for the Mansion of E. Terin Flem: Well well. Greetings. Sylvester: Rosemary, Terin Flem. He was Omega's Guardian. His family runs the swine ranch. Rosemary: Hello Mr. Flem. [[Closeup of Flem.]] Flem: Mm. Rosemary: Is there a problem, Mr. Flem? [[Closeup of Rosemary.]] Flem: Never thought I'd be hearing a /Moonin/ accent again. Rosemary: ..You sound like a local yourself. Flem: Ayup. Left the banks of the Merrow a lifetime ago. Tuesday , September 2 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown from the Mansion.]] Flem: Not just any gal can do this job of yers. Sylvester: I am satisfied with Ms. Dapple's qualifications. [[Mortimer listens to the conversation.]] Flem: And, Missy. They make it clear what yer signin' up for here? Rosemary: His Grace has been very thorough. [[Outline of Eunice previously walking past Flem.]] Rosemary: And I appreciate your concern on my behalf, Mr. Flem. Flem: Well. See young Dirge if ya need official assistance, but I'm told once a Guardian, always a Guardian. [[Sylvester walks past Flem.]] Sylvester: And now we're going into the village to repeat this conversation. Several times. Flem: Ayup. Wednesday , September 3 , 2014 [[Rosemary walks past Terin Flem, heading for Eetown.]] Rosemary: Be seeing you Mr. Flem, I imagine. Flem: 'Magine so. [[Mortimer passes by.]] Mortimer: I'm sorry Mr. Flem. Is there.. anything I.. Flem: Eh? Oh. Thank ye, my boy. Mebbe ask Dirge ta come by, he gets a chance? Mortimer: Yes. OK. [[Fantod and the Weirdo pass by.]] Weirdo: . . . Flem: . . . [[Fantod pokes back into view, talking to Byron the dog at Flem's feet.]] Fantod: Byron! I ain't forgotten 'bout those rarebits! Byron: woof. Fantod: OK then! Flem: "Rarebits"?! Stupid mutt! What kinda trouble ya gotten yerself in this time! Thursday , September 4 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown.]] Rosemary: So the dog was alive. I was wondering. Mortimer: Byron is a great believer in the conservation of resources in advance of emergency situations. [[A view of the rock they have just passed, on which is written DUMP and BECHDEL.]] Rosemary: Right. And what's "Bechdel"? Mortimer: Huh? Oh. That's the.. real name of the swine ranch. Mortimer: Mr. Flem's daughter, Zandra, married Mr. Bechdel. Albert. He was a hand on the Sparrow. [[An outline of newlyweds Flem and Zeta holding hands.]] Rosemary: Daughter. So he, Flem, was married while he was Guardian.. Or..? Mortimer: Yes. He and Ms Zeta got married. It's allowed and everything. Or.. [[An outline of Omega, looking dour.]] Mortimer: At least.. Omega didn't stop it. And if /she/- Rosemary: Oh yes. I've heard of it happening before. It's just rare. Friday , September 5 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown. The ocean is visible in the distance.]] Rosemary: But.. If Omega was all that I'm hearing- Sylvester: Terin.. "Finale".. was always something of an afterthought as far as Omega was concerned. [[Outline of Omega and Finale, just after the Crash.]] Sylvester: He was a replacement for her original Guardian, and rather younger than her. The Crash. Rosemary: Ah. Sylvester: For that reason, I try not to have anything /personal/ against him. Rosemary: ..Uh huh. While you and Omega.. [[Outline of Omega and Sylvester glaring at each other.]] Sylvester: I'm guessing that was pretty clear; If not, I certainly wasn't intentionally keeping it a secret. Rosemary: You and she didn't get along real well. Sylvester: Omega and I despised each other. Saturday , September 6 , 2014 [[On the edge of the Great Chasm, Wrawa the Trog stands at the site where male Trogs take the Plunge. Maggle the Trog stands nearby.]] Maggle: NO! Maggle: Ms Wrawa! Don't do it! However bad it is, we.. we can.. [[Wrawa looks down into the Chasm.]] Wrawa: . . . [[She looks towards Maggle. Her speech-font is badly warped.]] Wrawa: dont do what? Sunday , September 7 , 2014 Narration: Sunday Beneath the Basement [[A blue void, lit by the explosion of the rocket from 44h. A curled glowing white line pokes into view from below, with four small dots near it.]] Line: Who's there? [[A closer look at the dots: they are the robot 3375, a rock, and two random bits of machinery.]] {{They're actually an oscillation overthruster and a self-sealing stembolt.}} Line: Oh. Hello. Monday , September 8 , 2014 [[A subjective outline of Omega the Oracle from Sylvester's perspective.]] Rosemary: And... what exactly was the bone of contention between the two of you? Sylvester: Bone? We piled up a whole collection of skeletons. Sylvester: She was.. I considered Omega to be a vindictive, reactionary, closed-minded, bitter, dried up old hag. [[A subjective outline of Sylvester, from Omega's perspective.]] Sylvester: And I was a Mr. Clever-Clever, who, even after The Crash burned a warning across the very sky, thumbed his nose at the Brush, Zark-bent on dragging himself and everyone around him into the fiery pit. Rosemary: ..That.. was pretty much verbatim, wasn't it? Sylvester: You asked why I don't go to the Temple much? I sat through /years/ of Omega's sermons. Tuesday , September 9 , 2014 [[Outline of a young Sylvester and Mortimer sitting in pews at the Temple.]] Sylvester: Even growing up, as a kid, I was never exactly Omega's biggest fan. And then.. Rosemary: You went to the University? [[Outline of Sylvester and his friend-to-be Bertie sitting in pews at the University.]] Sylvester: I went to the University. I'll never forget the first time I attended Temple there. The resident Oracle.. [[Outline of Wonder the Oracle at her pulpit.]] Sylvester: Wonder was her name. She laughed. Sylvester: Zark, she /smiled/. She told jokes. Sylvester: She engaged people in conversation instead of hectoring them. [[Outline of Omega the Oracle at her pulpit.]] Sylvester: And yes, I am aware she was dealing with privileged and clever scions of power, and not.. Rosemary: A bunch of tooter-fishing yokels. Sylvester: Perhaps. Still. She went through the same horrors that Omega did, and came out the other side.. walking erect. Wednesday , September 10 , 2014 [[Outline of University-student Sylvester soaking up knowledge from a bearded professor.]] Sylvester: But anyway. I attended the University. I learned.. so much. Ways to make things better. For everyone. Economically. Scientifically. [[Outline of Sylvester in full Earl-regalia.]] Sylvester: Our father died. I graduated, came back, officially became the Earl. Took up my duties. As I saw them. [[Outlne of Sylvester and Omega facing each other.]] Sylvester: And waiting for me was Omega, Ms. "Change Is Evil", standing athwart the doorway. Sylvester: And so our battle commenced. [[Sylvester walking the path to Eetown.]] Sylvester: ...And in a way we're still fighting it, even with her bones long taken away and buried. Thursday , September 11 , 2014 [[Outline of Omega walking away from two gobsmacked Eetownites.]] Rosemary: So.. it was all ideological? She wasn't a.. thief or liar or.. Sylvester: A liar? Hah! Lying Was A Sin. Omega was.. renowned.. for her absolutely brutal honesty. [[Outline of Omega conducting Sylvester's investment as Earl, with Uncle Frederick and Dorothea in attendance.]] Sylvester: And she always, /always/ did her job. Tradition required she be there for my official investment ceremony, and she was there, doing her assigned duties with precision. [[Outline of Amos sadly dusting unused books in the Mansion library.]] Sylvester: And if that mob /had/ turned up at our Library? She would have never explicitly sent it. Destroying Other People's Property Was Also A Sin. Sylvester: She just made sure no one in the village /ever/ read any of those books. [[Sylvester on the path to Eetown.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: I suppose the highest honest praise I can give her is.. Sylvester: She was no hypocrite. She never once asked anything of anyone she wasn't 110% willing to do herself. Friday , September 12 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown from the Mansion.]] Rosemary: So. How about the rest of you? How did you and Omega get along? Mortimer: Um... OK. I guess. Fantod: Never knew the old bat. Weirdo: By that, Fantod means the lady in question passed on before we arrived to assume our duties. [[Mortimer looks down.]] [[The umbrella he holds in his hand.]] Mortimer: I never once tried to change anything. So I was.. I was just another after-thought. Saturday , September 13 , 2014 [[At the Plunge-site on the edge of the Great Chasm.]] Maggle the Trog: Don't.. don't.. take the Plunge! Wrawa the Trog: . . . Wrawa: the Plunge? Wrawa: MALES take the- [[Closeup of Maggle.]] Wrawa: . . . Wrawa: can you not hear it? smell it on the breeze? Maggle: Hear...? [[Closeup of Wrawa.]] Wrawa: no. You cannot. not yet. Wrawa: i am the first. no. the second. Sunday , September 14 , 2014 Narration: Sunday Beneath the Basement [[A blue void. 3375 the robot, two bits of machinery and a rock all float next to the curling white line which pokes into view from below.]] Line: You 3 are easy. [[All the floaters but 3375 disappear.]] Line: You go Line: Over there. [[3375 floats closer.]] Line: But you . . . hmm Monday , September 15 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown.]] Sylvester: Mortimer, I never blamed you for- Mortimer: Yes you did. And you should! All of us. Lil.. /Lil/ was the only one who ever even /tried/ to... Mortimer: Ace ran off to the West, Rufus just.. pokes at zappy things with sticks, and /Lenore/... [[Mortimer's umbrella spits a bit of magic. A gull can be seen in the background.]] Sylvester: Leaving was the very best thing Ace could have done. You and Rufus should have followed his, and Lenore's, example. Mortimer: No! That's.. Everything changes. Starting today. Right now. /Yesterday/. Tuesday , September 16 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown.]] Sylvester: Mortimer.. Mortimer: I'm serious! I mean it! Sylvester: . . . [[Sylvester turns to face Mortimer, with Rosemary listening between them.]] Sylvester:You want to help change things. Mortimer: Yes! [[Sylvester and Mortimer walk off.]] Sylvester: We, the two of us, need to have a private conversation. Sylvester: By ourselves, over here, please. Wednesday , September 17 , 2014 [[In front of a walled patch of Steuban beans, near the Eetown path.]] Mortimer: You don't believe me. Sylvester: I believe that change, real change, is very hard and.. and precious and rare, Mortimer. Sylvester: But at the same time.. once in a while.. reality whips around and.. [[Closeup of Mortimer's umbrella.]] Sylvester: That thing you're holding there. Sylvester: You start.. /keep/ using it, your life is going to be very different. Sylvester: Whether you change with it.. that's up to you. [[Sylvester thumbs towards town.]] Sylvester: But today, right now, while we are here in town.. please.. don't change. Thursday , September 18 , 2014 [[Next to a patch of Steuban beans.]] Mortimer: I don't understand. Sylvester: I'm.. /we're/.. about to walk into the Eetown brushpile carrying a flaming Rosemary. [[Eetown is visible behind Sylvester.]] Sylvester: There's going to be some scorching, but if we are careful, we can get through this without triggering a general conflagration. Sylvester: You becoming /Regent/ will be.. well, sorry, an afterthought. Any more than that- [[Behind Mortimer, the top of the Mansion can just be seen above the trees of the forest.]] Mortimer: /I wasn't gonna/- Yeah. Amos explained that. About my being a.. using the umbrella. How folks might not.. take it well. Sylvester: Sadly, yes. While it is clearing, that particular well is still poisoned for, oh, another ten years. [[Mortimer lowers his umbrella.]] Mortimer: I.. I already lied, sorta, to Fantod and the Weirdo about it. That was right.. right? Sylvester: That was the tactically shrewd thing to do, yes. Well done. Friday , September 19 , 2014 [[Beside the path to Eetown.]] Sylvester: Still, they will find out soon enough. Everyone will, no matter how discreet you and Amos are. Mortimer: Yeah. Nellie knows. And.. she's.. [[Outline of Nellie gossiping with two female Eetownites.]] Sylvester: Despite her many fine qualities, not exactly a paragon of discretion. Mortimer: Para.. yeah. [[Outline of future-Mortimer with his two "playmates".]] Sylvester: Nevertheless, It would be.. helpful if we can keep your changes, whatever form they take, from being directly linked to Rosemary's arrival. [[Sylvester walks off.]] Mortimer: OK. I'll.. keep quiet. Today at least. Sylvester: Thank you, Mortimer. Let's get this over with. Saturday , September 20 , 2014 [[At the Plunge-site on the Great Chasm.]] Maggle: What..? Who.. Rhid did this to /someone else/? Wrawa: Rhid? no. i believe... he travels a longer path. [[Wrawa shushes Maggle.]] Maggle: But I don't- Wrawa: sh [[Wrawa looks down into the Chasm.]] Wrawa: i will go and prepare. when you are ready... i will be there. [[She hops off the edge.]] ((hop)) [[Maggle stands alone on the ledge, looking down.]] Sunday , September 21 , 2014 Narration: Sundays in the SubShafts [[The robot 3375 floats in a blue void. A white line curls into view from below.]] Line: too late to Line: send you back Line: so Line: send you Line: on ahead [[The line sends out streamers which attach to 3375, causing a general glow.]] Line: for that. . . Line: change Monday , September 22 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown.]] All: . . . Fantod: So yer from Moonin, huh? Rosemary: Yes. Where are you two from? [[Close on Fantod]] Fantod: Me? Don't remember. He's from Mabon Woods. That's in Alfibay. Rosemary: Really. Since we were speaking of accents, he doesn't have one. Weirdo: I am from the Weirdo Academy. Anything that came before that is... "ay-fficially eee-relevent." Fantod: They taught him to not- Rosemary: Yes, Fantod. Thank you. Tuesday , September 23 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown.]] Fantod: So how'd you end up way out here? Rosemary: I left home. Travelled around a while. Then one day, I made an impulsive decision, and the next thing I know.. here I am. Fantod: Huh. That's kinda how... life'll do that to ya. Rosemary: Indeed. I hope in the future to present it with less chances to do so. Fantod: But how didya- Rosemary: My experience with Weirdoes is sadly limited. What exactly is you guys' contribution to our little team? Weirdo: We are the sluice gate which prevent overflows. We speak needed truth to power. Which, yes, my predecessor evidently failed to do with Miss Omega. Wednesday , September 24 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown.]] Weirdo: ..This being the case, if you are ever in need of someone of a more neutral and impartial bent, our door is always open. Rosemary: Right. Thanks. [[Outline of the Basement door, with its new Myrrh-enhanced crossbar.]] Rosemary: Speaking of doors. You do sometimes venture beyond the one leading to the Basement. Weirdo: It is, on occasion, included in our itinerary. [[Outline of a Sneech, the Council's tunnel-entrance, and the Operator.]] Rosemary: And there /is/ a route down there which avoids both the Operator and the Sneeches. Weirdo: ...Yes. There is a tunnel which was constructed by the other.. inhabitants. Weirdo: ..Miss Dapple.. I would /strongly/ recommend using it. The Sneeches are dangerous, and the Operator is- Rosemary: Yes. Duly noted. Thanks again. Tho something may have happened to or with the Sneeches. Thursday , September 25 , 2014 [[On the path to Eetown. Sylvester and Mortimer re-approach Rosemary, the Weirdo and Fantod.]] Fantod: "Happened to the-?" Rosemary: So. We're moving on? Sylvester: Yes. [[They walk on.]] Rosemary: "Bones." Omega did eventually die. Sylvester: She hung on like.. grim death.. but yes. [[Outline of Sylvester at Omega's coffin.]] Sylvester: And yes, that fact was always hovering in the background: we both knew I would almost certainly outlast her. [[Outline of Sylvester getting a bandage on his arm from Omega, as Mortimer watches.]] Rosemary: Hope you never had to go to her for medical care. Sylvester: Nothing serious, but I /did/. Without hesitation. Healing injuries was, literally, part of her sacred duty. And she was.. coldly proficient at it. Friday , September 26 , 2014 [[Mortimer, Sylvester, Rosemary, the Weirdo and Fantod walk past some garden plots surrounded by low stone walls.]] Sylvester: But getting back to the present.. here we are on the Outskirts of Eetown. Sylvester: A complicated mish-mash of townsfolk own and maintain these plots. [[A look ahead, with more wooden-fenced plots, a low bridge over a stream, and the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: Irrigation comes from that stream, it's artificial, dug from Lake E. It also supplies water to the town. Sylvester: Another ongoing debate is whether to try and put it in some sort of big pipe, so it doesn't freeze in the winter. Saturday , September 27 , 2014 [[In Leny Hall. Maggle approaches Kottle the Gnollish healer.]] Maggle: She's gone. [[Kottle angrily throws the green sphere he was holding, smashing a rabbit-shaped object nearby. Maggle leaves.]] Kottle: ZARK IT! Should've tied her down! [[Maggle walks along, meeting Delfa the Gnoll who is carrying a large number 3.]] Maggle, thinking: . . . at least for now.. Sunday , September 28 , 2014 Narration: Sunday Beneath the Basement [[A blue void. 3375 the robot is enveloped in glowing strands from the line that pokes into view from below.]] Line: inside [[The glow gets brighter.]] Line: and [[It nearly fills the panel.]] Line: out Monday , September 29 , 2014 [[Mortimer, Sylvester, Rosemary, the Weirdo and Fantod cross a low stone bridge over the stream that flows into Eetown. A gull floats in the water.]] All: . . . Fantod: Yer Grace? Somethin' happened with the Sneeches? Sylvester: ... Yes, Fantod. Their colony appears to have been abandoned. Sylvester: Myrrh's.. last official act before retiring was going to confirm that. Sylvester: If she's still in Mansion.. we.. I.. need to ask her what she found. Fantod: . . . Oh. Tuesday , September 30 , 2014 [[Sylvester, Rosemary, Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod arrive at the front gate of Eetown, next to the town Temple. A hedge and ditch surround the town.]] Sylvester: So. Here we are. Rosemary: Woo hoo. Wednesday , October 1 , 2014 [[Sylvester, Rosemary, Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod at the end of the path to Eetown.]] Sylvester: So what do you think? Rosemary: ...Some of it is normal. [[A closer look at a nearby crop of plants.]] Sylvester: Oh? Rosemary: You have your wipeleaf and bindstrip patches right by the front gate.. [[A look at the Temple.]] Rosemary: And your.. our.. Temple /looks/ normal enough.. Sylvester: But? [[Outline of a Temple surrounded by other buildings.]] Rosemary: Why is it here? Outside the hedge no less? Not at or near the center of town? Sylvester: Well, that's Omega for you again.. Thursday , October 2 , 2014 [[Outline of the Eetown temple under construction.]] Sylvester: First of all, trust me there is no /official rule/ stating a Temple has to be built in the middle of town. Sylvester: ..because if there had been, then that's where Omega would have had it built. [[Outline of a/the completed Temple standing among ruins.]] Sylvester: Putting it here was, as I understand it, rather like.. well.. having your town's wipeleaf patch on immediate display. Sylvester: ..announcing, in its way, to new arrivals "This is an outpost of culture and civilization." And.. right after the Crash.. maybe it was more important to do so.. Friday , October 3 , 2014 [[Outline of a Brush-symbol standing among flames.]] Sylvester: As for the Temple being outside the hedge.. Sylvester: At one level.. everything that Omega ever did was about fear.. [[Outline of Omega confronting a bearded man.]] Sylvester: But at another.. I wouldn't be surprised if the woman never once in her life experienced a moment of /physical/ fear. Sylvester: "The Brush will protect the true believer." Rosemary: And.. it did? Sylvester: Maybe. Who am I to say? Saturday , October 4 , 2014 [[Wrawa falls into the darkness of the Great Chasm.]] Wrawa, thinking: . . . [[She hits the cushioning of the local Tree branch.]] ((PAFF)) ((PAFF)) ((PAFF)) ((PAFF)) ((PAFF)) Wrawa, thinking: ah... Sunday , October 5 , 2014 Narration: Sundays Sent On Ahead [[Whiteness]] [[A scene begins to appear]] [[A plain with gray background. There is a plant, and a couple of rocks poking up.]] [[A crack appears in the ground.]] ((CRACK)) Monday , October 6 , 2014 [[Mortimer, Rosemary, Sylvester, the Weirdo and Fantod look at the Eetown temple.]] Rosemary: So.. Omega built that? Sylvester: Oversaw its construction, yes, when she and Finale arrived here. [[A map of part of "Mansionland"]] Rosemary: Arrived? Sylvester: Maybe I wasn't clear. She got re-assigned here after the Crash. Sylvester: Her original posting.. some town in Wirtwam. was /gone/. [[Outline of rocks being collected from the previous temple.]] Sylvester: The Eetown Temple was also pretty much leveled. The Oracle.. Riverbend was her name.. was killed. Omega insisted on using blocks from it for this one. [[A closer look at the front of the Temple.]] Rosemary: It's.. nice, actually. Sylvester: The Elements were arranged rather randomly, but yes, I've seen much worse. Always surprised she had it in her. Tuesday , October 7 , 2014 [[At the front gate of Eetown. The Mansion can be seen in the background.]] Sylvester: ..But you can't see those until we go through the... Sylvester: What? Rosemary: That signpost. [[The signpost in question.]] Rosemary: It didn't click before, but now that.. something else I heard about Audravania- the Noodle Incident! [[Mortimer comes into view.]] Rosemary: 'Least, that's what folks out West called it. The way I heard it, some idiot went... and.. [[She sees Sylvester's expression.]] Rosemary: Oh dear. Mortimer: It was Dad. Officially. Sort of. Mortimer: And.. he died in it. Wednesday , October 8 , 2014 [[Near the entrance to Eetown.]] Rosemary: "Sort of official?" Mortimer: Well.. at the.. trial-thing.. afterwards.. [[The Weirdo and Fantod listen.]] Mortimer: They said that that circus was responsible for the elifino stampede, cuz they didn't properly chain.. or pen.. or.. or.. whatever it is you're supposed to do with elifinos. Rosemary: Uh huh. Mortimer: But the rest.. yeah. Dad got blamed. I guess cuz he was dead. And.. anyway. Rosemary: Right. [[Rosemary looks at Sylvester.]] Mortimer: After that.. and what Sylvester's been doing.. Mortimer: We.. the family.. we're not real popular in Noodle. Thursday , October 9 , 2014 [[At the entrance of Eetown.]] Rosemary: And what have /you/ been doing? Sylvester: My job. [[The Eetown gate.]] Sylvester: Trying to make things better for.. the people here in the village. [[Outline of Sylvester in full E regalia, confronting a man behind a desk. The man wears a hat with a fish on it.]] Sylvester: This, it turns out, requires cutting into the profits of the Noodle Fish-Mongers Association. Rosemary: Ah. Sylvester: We can go over the thrilling details later. Right now, let's move on. Rosemary: Yes. Let's. We're being watched. Friday , October 10 , 2014 [[The Weirdo, Fantod, Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer at the front entrance to Eetown. Rosemary points.]] Sylvester: Watched? Rosemary: By her. [[Juniper Grubb stands by the hedge which surrounds the Eetown temple.]] Sylvester: Ah. [[He approaches Juniper.]] Sylvester: Hello, Juniper. Juniper: Hello, yer Grace. [[Rosemary comes into view.]] Juniper: ...Is she the lady everyone's talkin' about in the Temple? Sylvester: I imagine so. We're going to go see. Saturday , October 11 , 2014 Narration: In the Great Chasm [[The atypical Tree growth under the Trog plunge-site. Wrawa looks at the smoldering pot of Trog-repellant.]] Wrawa: snif [[She looks at the metalwork wrapped around the local Tree-branch.]] Wrawa: snif snif [[She stands before the tube which previously sucked in Rosemary and Sylvester.]] [[She is hopping down the top of the tube, over the Chasm.]] Sunday , October 12 , 2014 Narration: Sundays Sent On Ahead [[A dirt field, with a plant and rocky protuberances. A gray wall in the background. A crack in the ground grows bigger.]] ((crack crack)) [[3375's head bursts from the ground.]] ((BAM)) [[3375 punches a hand into view.]] ((PUNCH)) Monday , October 13 , 2014 [[At the entrance to Eetown. Mortimer is also present.]] Sylvester: Juniper, this is Miss Dapple. She is the new Taskmistress at the Mansion. Juniper Grubb: Oh. Hello, Ma'am. Rosemary: Hello. Sylvester: And Rosemary, this is Juniper Grubb, Nellie and Amos's granddaughter. Rosemary: Ah. Your father is the Hedgemaster? Juniper: Yes, Ma'am. [[Outline of Eloise Grubb working on a beehive, with her young son Raymond strapped to her back.]] Rosemary: And your mother? Juniper: She takes care of the bees, Ma'am. N' Raymond. N' makes candles n' things. Tuesday , October 14 , 2014 [[At the entrance to Eetown.]] Rosemary: So do you prefer to help your mother or your father? Juniper Grubb: ..I like diggin' with Pa, Ma'am. Ma sez Raymond helps with the bees.. but I think she's just bein' nice. Rosemary: Ah. Sylvester: Juniper, when you say "everyone" is in the Temple, does that include your father? Juniper: Uh huh. N' Miss Stout, n' Mr. Weequash n' the Sheriff... Sylvester: Well, that simplifies things. Juniper: Huh? Sylvester: It's not important, Juniper. Will you show us where they are, please? Juniper: ..OK... [[They walk to where Mortimer is standing.]] Mortimer: Hello, Juniper. Juniper: Hi Mr. Mortimer. . . . What's that /smell/? Mortimer: Sphagnum dust. Don't ever get any on /you/. Juniper: ...OK. Tuesday , October 14 , 2014 [[At the entrance to Eetown.]] Rosemary: So do you prefer to help your mother or your father? Juniper Grubb: ..I like diggin' with Pa, Ma'am. Ma sez Raymond helps with the bees.. but I think she's just bein' nice. Rosemary: Ah. Sylvester: Juniper, when you say "everyone" is in the Temple, does that include your father? Juniper: Uh huh. N' Miss Stout, n' Mr. Weequash n' the Sheriff... Sylvester: Well, that simplifies things. Juniper: Huh? Sylvester: It's not important, Juniper. Will you show us where they are, please? Juniper: ..OK... [[They walk to where Mortimer is standing.]] Mortimer: Hello, Juniper. Juniper: Hi Mr. Mortimer. . . . What's that /smell/? Mortimer: Sphagnum dust. Don't ever get any on /you/. Juniper: ...OK. Wednesday , October 15 , 2014 [[At the entrance to Eetown.]] The Weirdo: Miss Grubb. Juniper: Hello, Mr. Weirdo. Juniper: Hi, Fantod! Fantod: Hey, kiddo. Juniper: I've been practicin', like you said! You wanna see? Fantod: Sorry, but gotta go do stuff right now. Later, tho, I promise. Juniper: OK! Rosemary: You and Fantod are friends, Juniper? Juniper: /He/ always keeps his promises! Rosemary: I shall remember that. Thursday , October 16 , 2014 [[By the Eetown Temple's hedge.]] Sylvester: Juniper.. again, you say /everybody?/ Threnody is holding a Service today? Juniper Grubb: That happened already. [[Outline of Jennie the founding Oracle working on a stiflebloom bush.]] Juniper: She Spoke 'bout Jennie n' her garden. [[Sylvester looks back at Rosemary.]] Juniper: Then the boats went tooterin'. Pa n' the others are just talkin'. He said I didn't hafta listen. Sylvester: Ah. We'll have to get an earlier start next time. Friday , October 17 , 2014 [[At the gate of the Eetown Temple. Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod are also present.]] Sylvester: Like the main building, all of this, except the actual hedge, was made out of remains from the old Temple. Juniper Grubb: I knew that, yer Grace! Grandpa Efflore usta talk 'bout it. 'Fore he died.. Rosemary: I didn't know, Juniper. Juniper: Oh. OK.. Saturday , October 18 , 2014 Narration: In the Great Chasm [[Wrawa comes along the top the the tube which funnels captives into the Trogtrap.]] [[She reaches the point where the tube disappears into the Chasm wall.]] Wrawa: that was careless. [[She goes through the hatch.]] [[She closes the hatch behind her.]] Wrawa: anyone could wander in. ((UNCLANG)) Sunday , October 19 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in a hole [[Robot 3375's head pokes out of a hole. It flexes its hand.]] ((flex flex)) [[3375 picks up a clump of earth.]] ((grab)) [[The clump crumbles in its grip.]] Off-screen voice: Yeah. It's called "dirt." Monday , October 20 , 2014 [[Outside the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: So. Around that way is the Guardian hut, the Garden, and the Inner Garden. Standard stuff, I think. Rosemary: Uh huh. Is that.. actual templestone? Not just whitewash? Sylvester: An outer sheath of it, yes, over granite. The Touchstone is a solid chunk of it. [[Outline of the pre-Crash Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: OK.. even so.. How could.. we.. possibly afford- Sylvester: Again, scavenged from the old Temple. There was a /lot/ of money pouring into Eetown before the Crash. The Temple was about the fanciest one east of Rowen. At the least. Tuesday , October 21 , 2014 [[In front of the Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: No stained glass windows, tho, I see. Sylvester: No. Omega considered them useless frippery, and.. guess that's /two/ things she and I agreed about. The plain ones are expensive enough. Juniper: ...Hey! Sylvester: Yes, Juniper? Juniper: Taskmistress stuff is what Gramma Grubb's been doin'! [[Outline of Juniper and her uncle Lintel.]] Sylvester: Yes, it is. Juniper: Are you the new /gardener/, too, Ma'am? Like.. with Grandpa Efflore and Uncle Lintel? [[Outside the Temple.]] Sylvester: Your grandmother still is and will be the gardener for as long as she wants to be. Juniper: Oh. Good. But Pa n' Ma are still gonna wanna hear 'bout this! Sylvester: Indeed. Wednesday , October 22 , 2014 [[At the front of the Eetown Temple. Rosemary, Mortimer, Juniper Grubb, the Weirdo and Fantod are also present. There is a firepit, a bench, a tree, a pool and a white menhir of stone.]] Sylvester: But first.. the rest of us have a couple-four things to do... Thursday , October 23 , 2014 [[Fantod, the Weirdo, Rosemary, Sylvester, Juniper Grubb and Mortimer are in front of the firepit of the Eetown Temple.]] All: Watch the flames. [[Rosemary thumbs back in the direction they came from.]] Rosemary: So along with wipeleaf for our dropholes, we have blazewood for our..forge and oven? Sylvester: Oh yes. Grove's south of the town. [[Outline of the Eetown blacksmith, Sheldon Stout, working at his forge.]] Sylvester: And yes. We also have a forge. I imagine you'll be meeting Sheldon quite soon. Is he in the Temple, Juniper? Mr. Stout? Juniper: Um. No, Yer Grace. What's a drophole? Mortimer: I.. can answer that! Skib.. a guy told me. It's another word for privy. Juniper: Oh. Sylvester: No surprise. Sheldon has never had much use for politics. Friday , October 24 , 2014 [[Rosemary, Sylvester, Juniper Grubb, Mortimer, Fantod and the Weirdo in front of the Eetown Temple's tree.]] All: Smell the blossoms. Rosemary: ..Metaphorically. Literally, in another month or so? Sylvester: Yes. [[Outline of a younger Finale the Guardian watering a younger tree.]] Rosemary: .. and that tree can't possibly be fifty years old. Sylvester: No. The old one died about 15 years back. Branchblight. The High Temple sent a new seedling. Saturday , October 25 , 2014 Narration: Beyond the Great Chasm [[Wrawa is in a darkened room with shelving along the wall.]] Wrawa: snif [[Noises come from off-panel.]] ((clunk clang)) [[Hamble and Squeeb come into view.]] Wrawa: . . . Hamble: . . . Squeeb: ?! Sunday , October 26 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in a hole [[Robot 3375's head is visible. A red Fuzz-like creature comes into view, wearing a clashing hat and backpack.]] Creature: Didn't have it back where you came from, right? Dirt, I mean. 3375: . . . {{The creature's name is eventually revealed to be Frizzlegarb.}} Creature: ...Ol' Whosis Bigshot Downbelow did send you up here, like the others? 3375: nod Creature: Right. Creature: So you can't talk. Dada can help with that, if we can find him. Creature: And a /hat/. Gotta gitcha a hat. Monday , October 27 , 2014 [[In the courtyard of the Eetown Temple. An overhead view as Fantod, the Weirdo, Juniper Grubb, Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer all take a finger of water from the resident pool.]] All: Taste the water. [[Rosemary tastes it.]] Rosemary: Heh. Out West, only the poshest Temples have a flavor-pudding growing in their Pools. Sylvester: Yes, although.. [[The rest of the pool, with a pudding plant growing under the water in the middle. A snail-like skimgibber works its way along the inner side of the pool.]] Sylvester: Ironically, until Threnody came, this Pool contained water and a couple of skimgibbers. Anything else was "More useless frivolity." Tuesday , October 28 , 2014 [[The Weirdo, Fantod, Juniper Grubb, Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary all touch the touchstone in the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] All: Touch the earth. Rosemary: It's awfully.. big. Sylvester: Yes. It was originally in the /old/ old Temple, the one by the Mansion. It fit better there. [[Outline of Violet the Founding Oracle preaching the word to two listeners.]] {{They are Milo the 9th Earl of E and his wife Nattana.}} Sylvester: Supposedly Violet herself consecrated it. She did come here, to the North Woods, relent.. tirelessly spreading the word, as was her wont. Wednesday , October 29 , 2014 [[At the Brushbench in the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: And does anyone present feel the need to listen to the Brush? Juniper Grubb: No, yer Grace. Rosemary: I'm good. The Weirdo: . . . Mortimer: . . . [[The Weirdo, Fantod and Mortimer are sitting on the bench.]] Fantod: I never hear a zarkin' thing when we do this. Weirdo: Hush. Thursday , October 30 , 2014 [[In the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: So, what's that Brushbench made out of? Juniper Grubb: Somethin' Valuable n' Precious n'- [[Outline of purple goo being poured out of a barrel and forming itself into a bench shape.]] Rosemary: "And Distinctive and Rare". Yes, Juniper. But I was speaking more.. specifically. Juniper: Spe..cif.. Oh. It's /Ettinstuff/. Grandpa Grubb sez they poured it outta a /barrel/. [[Outline of a more realistic pouring procedure, witnessed by an individual in goggles.]] Sylvester: A hermetically sealed vat. Into a mold. It's lighter than metal, but almost as strong as iron, and so far quite weatherproof. Rosemary: Oh. [[A closer look at one end of the bench, with the Weirdo sitting on it. The courtyard is floored with bits of white stone or gravel.]] Sylvester: And if one were to find an intact unpunctured vat today, it would be.. even more valuable and precious and rare. Rosemary: I can imagine. Friday , October 31 , 2014 Narration: A Holiday Interlude. [[Glorf the Nome is herding a highly-unwilling Frotz the Nome in the direction of the forest Gnoll village. Another Nome is behind them.]] Glorf: Move it, Frotz. Frotz, thinking: How did this happen? Brush, anyone, please, get me outta this! [[Something goes FOOMPH from off-panel, colored brightly orange and green.]] [[A pumpkin-headed apparition is floating towards them, arms extended. They are all fleeing for their lives.]] Frotz, thinking: Thankyouthankyouthainkyouoh thankyou!!! Saturday , November 1 , 2014 [[In the Forest of E. An ominous glowing pumpkin-headed figure floats along; the foot of Glorf the Nome can just be seen as he flees from it.]] [[The figure stops glowing and droops towards the ground.]] [[The figure CRUNCHes to earth, its arms being revealed to made of wood.]] [[The top of the pumpkin flips open and back.]] [[Frowgler the Horned Frog looks out in the direction of the fleeing Nomes.]] Sunday , November 2 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in a hole [[3375 in is a hole. Frizzlegarb stands over him.]] Frizzlegarb: And yeah, if you're wondering, it wasn't a coincidence I came along. Frizzlegarb: It's my job.. one of my jobs.. ta help out when one of you guys pop up. Frizzlegarb: The Zerotasker itself gave it to me, so you better believe I make sure it gets done. Frizzlegarb: So. I'd ask your name, but.. you don't have one. Just a number, right? 3375: ...nod Frizzlegarb: The hat's more important, but We'll get that fixed too. I'm Frizzlegarb. Someday you might care. Monday , November 3 , 2014 [[In the Eetown temple courtyard.]] Juniper Grubb: ...Miss Dapple? Rosemary: Yes, Juniper? Juniper: Are you from Noodle, too? Like Miss Kelso and Mister Swandich? Rosemary: No. I'm from the Province of Moonin. ..Do you know where that is? [[A wall map of "Mansionland".]] Juniper: Um. Ayup. Miss Threnody showed us the map. Juniper: . . . What's the Brushbench made of there? [[Outline of a young Rosemary sitting on the Gnomin Island Brushbench.]] Rosemary: Whalebones. Decorated with bits of kraken shell and walrus ivory. Juniper: ...Oh. [[Outline of an anatomically-incorrect walrus.]] Juniper: . . .What's a walrus? Sylvester: It's sort of a large seal. With a mustache and two pointy teeth. Like a narwhal's. Juniper: Oh. Tuesday , November 4 , 2014 [[In the Eetown temple courtyard.]] Rosemary: So.. no walruses in this part of the World? Juniper Grubb: No Ma'am. Sylvester: Sadly just seals. [[Outline of Sylvester looking at a badly taxidermed seal.]] Sylvester: There's one on display in the Royal Museum at the Capital. A walrus. Tho considering what their seal looked like, I had my suspicions in regards to the quality of the taxidermy [[Outline of Juniper looking at a taxidermy squirrel.]] Juniper: Taxi..? Sylvester: Stuffed and displayed, Juniper. Like Mr. Larssen has in his frontroom. Juniper: Oh. [[A map of the Bay of Runes and the Iceshore.]] Rosemary: Well, I've only seen live walruses ...twice that I remember. They generally stay up north, past even the Haroons, on the Iceshore. Wednesday , November 5 , 2014 [[Outline of a sailing ship at rest among icebergs, with a smaller boat sailing away from it, towards a meeting with a kayak-type craft.]] Sylvester: The Iceshore. There's a /distant/ name. Humans.. "Tunits?" actually live up there, year-round? I read reports at the University, but.. Rosemary: I've met sailors who've served in the frostfleet, and they have confirmed that is indeed the case. [[A closer look at the boat and the kayak and their inhabitants.]] Sylvester: And before the Crash they, the Tunits, /were/ allied with the Polarites in some nebulous fashion? Rosemary: My sources were not historians, and Tunits aren't the most talkative of folks. Friendlier than the Haroons, more willing to trade, but then, who isn't? Juniper Grubb: Aw.. Miss Lundquist ain't as bad as folks say! Thursday , November 6 , 2014 [[In the Eetown Temple courtyard.]] Sylvester: sigh.. Miss Lundquist is not a Haroon, Juniper. Juniper Grubb: But she- [[A pre-Crash outline of a female figure leaving a forest.]] Sylvester: Yes, her mother was born a Haroon. But.. Miss Dapple..? Once she, the mother, left the Haroons' forest..? Rosemary: She was no longer considered to be a Haroon by the ones still there, yes. [[Outline of a man at the edge of the forest, with darts being shot at him.]] Sylvester: And if Miss Lundquist were to go back to that forest, /despite her hair/, the Haroons would treat her like they treat all visitors. Sylvester: Which is to say, badly. [[Outline of Ilsa Lundquist holding a small sign reading "Ee."]] Juniper: ... She can't ever go home? Sylvester: Eetown is her home. And even if she ever has the desire to go back to where she was born, that would be the Capital. Friday , November 7 , 2014 [[In the Eetown Temple courtyard.]] Rosemary: And the name for /our/ stretch of far northern shore is.. "Skralland", yes? Sylvester: Wow. I'm impressed. [[A map of Audravania and Skralland.]] Rosemary: I read it in Edwird's atlas. But I couldn't find out why it was called that. Sylvester: Nobody really knows. There /might/ have been a.. person actually named Skral but.. [[An outline of the forbidding Skralland ocean and shore.]] Sylvester: If he existed, he makes Frizzlegarb look well-documented and clear-cut. Sylvester: He certainly never lived up there. No Humans ever have. Take everything bad about the Iceshore, and redouble it. Sylvester: Freezing, rocky, icy, stormy, horrible currents and tides, and still today, wild surges of Polemagic. Nothing even for a frostfleet to go scrounging for. Saturday , November 8 , 2014 Narration: Beyond the Great Chasm Hamble: ..You are one of Eksrah's hatchlings. Wrawa. Wrawa: and you are Hamble. and Squeeb. [[Outline of much younger versions of them talking.]] Hamble: You remember me. Wrawa: you were kind. you answered my questions. Hamble: That's me. Mr. Helpful. [[Outline of Wrawa and Crazy Rhid getting caught in a series of explosions.]] Hamble: Is there another trap? For females? I ..detect a certain similarity in our conditions. Wrawa: trap? no. it was rhid. [[Wrawa walks past Hamble and Squeeb.]] Hamble: Rhid. Squeeb: /Crazy/ Rhid?? Tha Gnoll with th' blast bulbs?! Wrawa: i came to experience your trap. Sunday , November 9 , 2014 Narration: Sunday with Frizzlegarb [[3375 is in a hole, with only his head visible.]] Frizzlegarb: But the first thing you hafta do is something that I can't help with. Frizzlegarb: Get yourself outta that hole before the Crackle-Crunching Crisp-Cruster crunches and crusts it. 3375: . . . [[3375 positions himself.]] ((shuffle scrape)) [[3375 stands up, revealing his new humanoid body.]] ((hoist)) Frizzlegarb: Hey, that's a good start! You're already doing better than a lotta folks! Monday , November 10 , 2014 [[A map of the northern Audravanian coast.]] Rosemary: So... /we're/ not the northern-most bunch of Humans on this coast, are we? Sylvester: There is stuff north of us, but anymore it's all /pretty/ much military outposts and the inevitable hangers-on. Sylvester: The army has Fort Ess, the navy Essport. Sylvester: Much of it is... symbolically marking the official edge of our fair country, but they do run anti-pyrite patrols, and keep an eye on Skralland.. and the old Polarite entrance. Rosemary: What?! Tuesday , November 11 , 2014 [[In the Eetown Temple courtyard.]] Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: "Polarite entrance"? Sylvester: Ah. [[A pre-Crash map of the province of Paydon, and the Polarite gate there.]] Sylvester: Despite the Great Underearth Empire of the Northern Pole's tendency towards.. introverted seclusion, said realm did have more than one egress. Sylvester: Along with the famed Gate of Diplomacy in Paydon.. [[An outline of a female Polarite peering out of a small hole, observed by a Tunit in a parka.]] Sylvester: There was at least one on the Iceshore, which was not nearly as celebrated. Rumor and gossip have cryptically labelled it the Gate of Remembrance [[An outline of a male and female Polarite ceremonially meeting two male "Mansionlanders" amidst balloons and confetti.]] Sylvester: And, one here in Audravania. It was far from secret, but was only open for.. five years? ..Before the Crash hit, and so has faded from history. Wednesday , November 12 , 2014 [[An outline of a bustling pre-Crash Eetown, with airships flying overhead.]] Rosemary: But why? Why did they open a gate here? Sylvester: Money of course. The Eetown boom was in full swing, and the Far Eastern Shore metaphorically beckoned. Sylvester: At least they were honest about it. It was even called the Gate of Commerce. [[The mountains that can be seen north of Eetown and the Mansion.]] Sylvester: And yes, there was at the time an actual road north, through the mountains there, which started getting heavy use. Sylvester: They had just broken ground on a tramline when the Crash hit. Sylvester: The Polarites all died, and the forest grew back in. Thursday , November 13 , 2014 [[Outline of a male Human miner finding a mysterious object.]] Rosemary: So, what, we've got a whole "Salvagetown" going on here, like they do in Paydon? [[Very incomplete map of the Polarite former empire, with much of it DARKNESS AND SILENCE.]] Sylvester: Not really, no. The Gate of Diplomacy was much more centrally located. Sylvester: It evidently took the Polarites years to specially map out or extend a tunnel here, or however it worked. [[Outline of a female Polarite arguing with a male "Mansionlander".]] Sylvester: Maybe it's just as well. Enough Polarites survived in Paydon and the Capital, with enough money, that the legal hassle over Salvagetown- Rosemary: Is still roiling away. Yeah. [[In the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Juniper Grubb: . . . Mr. Nigultrum survived, too. Or.. or his pa did, right? Sylvester: Peter Nigultrum's father survived the Crash, yes. Friday , November 14 , 2014 [[Outline of Pytor Nigultrum standing guard duty in the pre-Crash Polarite empire, as a higher-ranking male Polarite works at a desk.]] Sylvester: Pytor Nigultrum was a low.. er.. /high/-level guard at the Gate of Commerce. [[Outline of Pytor experiencing the Crash.]] Sylvester: The day the Crash hit, he happened to be off duty and aboveground, and he survived. Most of his co-workers.. his family.. did not. [[Outline of Pytor meeting a bearded man in the ruins of Eetown.]] Sylvester: In the chaos that followed, he ended up here, in the ruins of Eetown. After a rocky start.. he stayed, helped with the rebuilding. [[Outline of Pytor, his new wife and son.]] Sylvester: He remarried, a local gal, Ariella Obtund; she'd also.. lost people in the Crash. They lived happily enough, had Peter. They've both been gone a few years now. Saturday , November 15 , 2014 [[Approaching the Chasm-side Trogtrap.]] Hamble: So.. Rhid is down here as well? Wrawa: not that I am aware. Wrawa: our meeting was.. yesterday? yes. elsewhere. [[She points ahead.]] Wrawa: When i woke up i "heard" your trap. i assume. in my mind. [[Hamble glances backwards.]] Hamble: That.. is not something I was expecting to hear. Wrawa: as stated, we are both now unique. Sunday , November 16 , 2014 Narration: Sundays with Frizzlegarb [[3375 is standing erect in the hole from which he emerged.]] 3375: ... Frizzlegarb: Just remember, you got legs now, instead of wheels. They're a bit harder to learn to use. [[3375 ((Face plants)), driving his nose into the soil.]] Frizzlegarb: Yeah. Again, you gotta be warned: it takes some folks months to figure it out. Frizzlegarb: Also, the dirt mostly can't hurt you, but there are things here that can. Monday , November 17 , 2014 [[Outline of Peter Nigultrum reading books in the MoE library, talking to Amos.]] Sylvester: And Peter grew up, and took to haunting the Mansion's library. (This was before Omega and I.. had our serious disagreements.) [[Outline of Peter's mother bringing him a snack as he burns the midnight oil.]] Sylvester: He developed an interest in business and law, ground through a series of correspondence courses.. [[A map of the route from Eetown the provincial capital of Glome.]] Sylvester: And then, I'm happy to report, trekked to Glome and successfully passed the provincal solicitor accreditation examination. Rosemary: Thus, as you previously mentioned, making him the Eetown solicitor. [[In the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: Yes. Is /he/ in the Temple, Juniper? Juniper Grubb: No yer Grace. He went to the Bank. I guess. Sylvester: /(sigh)/ Of course. Tuesday , November 18 , 2014 [[The Weirdo and Mortimer sit on the Bench in front of the Eetown Temple. Fantod is also present. Voices come from off-panel.]] Sylvester: ..So, one more item for the agenda. We have to see him, too, after we get done with the Temple. Weirdo and Mortimer, thinking: Am I doing the right thing here? Sylvester: Introduce the two of you, and I've got a couple unrelated items to discuss with him.. Rosemary: Paperwork? Sylvester: Paperwork. Mortimer, thinking: I suppose so. Weirdo: Yes. Yes I am. Wednesday , November 19 , 2014 [[At the Brushbench in the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: OK, guys. Rosemary and I, at least, are going inside now. Sylvester: Care to join us? Weirdo: Very well. Mortimer: OK. [[Juniper Grubb looks pensive.]] Juniper: . . . [[Fantod pokes into view.]] Fantod: What's wrong, kiddo? 'Part from havin' to do this falderol twice in one day? Juniper: . . . I don't get ta see Gramma and Grandpa Grubb much. Thursday , November 20 , 2014 [[In the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Juniper Grubb: ..cuz Ma and Pa almost never let me go ta the Mansion. Fantod: They're keeping you safe. It can be a scary place. Juniper: I guess. [[Outline of Juniper listening to her grandfather rant about something. She has stuffed toy bug.]] Juniper: I like.. promise not tell anyone? Fantod: 'Long as it ain't hurting anyone, I promise. Juniper: I like Gramma and Grandpa Grubb better 'n I liked Grandpa Efflore. Juniper: He was all grouchy n' bossy. Fantod: uh huh. Juniper: But what I was thinkin' was.. I do get to see 'em /sometimes/. [[Fantod points towards the Weirdo.]] Juniper: And Mr. Nigultrum and Miss Lundquist.. they never got ta meet their grandfolks at all, right? Fantod: Guess not. Juniper: What about you, Fantod? You moved here too.. Fantod: It don't work like that for me. /Him/ there, he knew his. Friday , November 21 , 2014 [[In the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Juniper Grubb: 'N His Grace was talkin' 'bout Mr. Nigultrum growin' up. Like I'll do, I guess. Fantod: That's how it goes with you all. Juniper: 'N.. I /do/ like workin' with Pa.. but folks.. they don't think I listen. But I do. They all just /ass-soom/ I'm gonna... [[Outline of Juniper and Stephan Skragg.]] Juniper: Stephen was readin' a book. From Grandpa Grubb's library. It was just 'bout Willie the Wen-di-goh, but still.. [[Outline of a possible future Juniper.]] Juniper: When I grow up, I'm gonna go read from the library, too! N.. And maybe.. Fantod: ..You'll decide to be something else. A solicitor. A librarian. An Oracle. Or something that ain't even been invented yet. Juniper: Ayup! Saturday , November 22 , 2014 Narration: Approaching the Trogtrap Hamble: By what process did Rhid provoke this transformation? Wrawa: i attacked him. After- [[Outline of Wrawa launching herself at Rhid.]] Wrawa: he killed Leny. Leny is dead. it was my fault. Hamble: Ah. A pity. Hamble: I was somewhat surprised that he, Leny, never turned up down here. Wrawa: he was of no use to you. he was happy. [[Rhid lies on a table, heavily bandaged.]] Wrawa, narrating: Rhid and i were dosed with . . all of Rhid's processes. the effect on HIM is unknown. Sunday , November 23 , 2014 Narration: Eventually.. Frizzlegarb: OK! I think yer starting to get it! We'll trying walking over there now! Frizzlegarb: Tho... hey.. It ain't like I'm yer boss or nothing! Yer free now to do.. go wherever you want! [[Frizzlegarb walks off. 3375 looks in the other direction.]] 3375: . . . [[3375 follows Frizzlegarb.]] Monday , November 24 , 2014 [[In the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Juniper Grubb: ..But what I was /really/ thinkin' was.. I'm gonna grow up n' I guess marry Stephen.. or Billy.. or.. Fantod: Or some guy you ain't even met yet. [[Outline of a young fellow looking at a normal-sized spider.]] Juniper: ...wow... Ayup.. Juniper: N' I'll have a daughter n'.. maybe we'll move away. To Noodle or Moonin. Juniper: But.. this'll still be /home/. N' we'll be able to come back here. Juniper: N' Miss Lundquist n' Mr. Nigultrum can't even.. it's not fair. Fantod: Well, mebbe you'll be the one who figgers out howta get the Haroons talk to folks. Juniper: ...Yes. Mebbe I will! Weirdo: But for the moment, we should be moving along. Tuesday , November 25 , 2014 [[In the courtyard of the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: /sigh/.. Should have done a briefing. Real quick.. in there, along with Juniper's father Arlen, it's likely to be Threnody, Dirge, Skragg the Sheriff, Saffron the mayor.. Waldo Weequash, head of the Fisher's Guild. Probably his wife Permelia. /Maybe/ Old Man Larssen. Sylvester: Threnody will be fine. Arlen will be fine. Dirge will just glower at us.. /me/ a lot. Saffron and the Sheriff.. distant but reasonable. The Weequashes will be pains. [[Rosemary reaches for her helmet.]] Rosemary: And the venerable Mr. Larssen? Sylvester: ..Will do whatever he zarking well feels like. So just try to roll with it. Rosemary: Check. Wednesday , November 26 , 2014 [[Rosemary, Sylvester, Mortimer, Fantod, the Weirdo and Juniper Grubb are at the door of the Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: I don't pretend to understand all the.. paperwork stuff, but wouldn't the town solicitor want to be here for this? Sylvester: Most definitely. If he had been invited. Rosemary: Ah. Thursday , November 27 , 2014 Narration: A holiday interlude [[Frederick prepares to eat a large Thanksgiving-type meal, while Myrrh has a much smaller meal with alien ingredients and eating utensils which attach to her fingers.]] ** BEGINNING OF COMICFURY BACKUP STRIPS Friday , November 28 , 2014 [[ [[Sylvester pushes open the front doors of the Eetown Temple. Rosemary, Mortimer and Juniper Grubb are present.]] Sylvester: Ah. [[A group stands near the Temple's altar. Dirge the Guardian, Waldo and Permelia Weequash, Threnody the Oracle, Saffron Stout the mayor, Patrick Skragg the sheriff, Wuff the sheriff's dog, and Arlen Grubb the hedgemaster.]] Sylvester: scrap Larssen.add Wuff. Rosemary: check. Saturday , November 29 , 2014 [[ Narration: Across the Chasm in the Trogtrap [[Inside the actual trap. There is fire, water, and plants for eating. Villipend's name on the bench has been scratched through. Wrawa just stands there.]] All: . . . Squeeb: She's just standin' there. Hamble: Hush. Sunday , November 30 , 2014 [[ Narration: Sunday at an Abandoned Hole [[The dirt-hole that 3375 emerged from.]] [[A shadow falls over the hole.]] [[A half-sphere mechanical object at the end of a cable or tube falls from above and lands heavily covering the hole.]] ((CRUNCH)) Monday , December 1 , 2014 [[ [[Inside the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: Hello, Threnody. Dirge. Threnody: Greetings, Sylvester. Mortimer. Mr. Weirdo. Fantod. Dirge: . . . [[Rosemary approaches Threnody.]] Sylvester: And Rosemary Aurora Dapple, a Templedweller late of Moonin and.. the roads, requesting shelter and succor. Threnody: Miss Dapple. Rosemary: Ma'am. [[Rosemary kneels and Threnody extends a hand.]] Threnody: Do you accept the words of the Brush, as given to us by its inspired messengers? Rosemary: I do, Ma'am. Threnody: Then we welcome you into the Eetown Temple of the Brush. Tuesday , December 2 , 2014 [[ [[Inside the Eetown Temple of the Brush.]] Sylvester: Now then, Rosemary. Along with Threnody and Dirge.. [[An older couple eyes Sylvester and Rosemary suspiciously.]] Sylvester: May I present Waldo and Permelia Weequash. Mr. Weequash is the head of the Eetown Guild of Fisherfolk and Octopus Wranglers. Waldo: Madam. [[A middle-aged woman, Sheriff Skragg and a large black dog.]] Sylvester: Miss Saffron Stout, owner of the Moose and Squirrel Publichouse, Eetown Sheriff Patrick Skragg, and the Sherrif's able assistant Wuff. Saffron: Your Grace. Skragg: Miss. [[Arlen Grubb, on his own. He waves]] Sylvester: And, Arlen Grubb, son of Amos and Nellie, father of Juniper and Hedgemaster for Eetown. Juniper: Hi, Pa! Rosemary: Indeed. Hello to all of you. Arlen: um. Hi. Wednesday , December 3 , 2014 [[[ [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush. Threnody and Dirge listen.]] Sylvester: And to answer the first volley of questions.. since my family has within living memory displayed a regrettable tendency in these matters... [[An outline of Myrrh looking ominous, and an angry woman wielding a rolling pin.]] {{The woman is Olga, a departed ex-girlfriend of Mortimer's.}} Sylvester: Yes, Miss Dapple is Human. Sylvester: Yes, I privately vetted her before introducing her to society, and I find her to be highly qualified, physically and mentally. [[The Weirdo, Fantod, Mortimer and Juniper listen.]] Sylvester: And despite the fact it would greatly simplify my own life, no, she is not here to marry me. [[The Weequashes, Saffron, Sheriff Skragg, and Wuff.]] Sylvester: Before this assemblage of prominent citizens, I officially announce Rosemary.. Aurora.. Dapple as the new Taskmistress of E, with all attached responsibilities and privileges. Sylvester: And /then/. Thursday , December 4 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush.]] Sylvester: Frederick Gerald Howard Eman has announced his retirement from the post of Regent of E, effective immediately [[Arlen Grubb]] Sylvester: And so, before this assemblage of prominent citizens, I officially announce Mortimer Nigel Mundivagant Eman as the new Regent of E, with all attached responsibilities and privileges. Arlen: Mortimer? [[Mortimer, the Weirdo, Fantod, and Juniper Grubb.]] Mortimer: Am I really going to be that much worse than Uncle Frederick? Eetownites: . . . [[Saffron Stout and Sheriff Skragg.]] Saffron: Suppose not. Congrats, son. Skragg: Ayup. Tho since we're bein' all.. official.. here.. Friday , December 5 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush.]] Sylvester: Yes, Sheriff? Sheriff Skragg: Miss Dapple. His Grace says he's checked you out. Skragg: And while we don't always see eye t' eye.. OK then. [[Outline of Eunice Kelso on the road from here to there.]] Skragg: But folks who turn up here.. they're lotta times runnin' from something, even if it's just.. life with the same folks over and over. [[Outline of the Sheriff hauling a nogoodnik in chains towards a paddy wagon.]] Skragg: If it's something more serious.. the King's Law reaches this far. Skragg: We have and will enforce it. Rosemary: Understood. And I swear before.. any and all witnesses.. that no agent of the King's Law currently seeks me. Skragg: OK then. Rosemary: That said.. Saturday , December 6 , 2014 [[ [[In the Trogtrap on the far side of the Great Chasm.]] Wrawa: yes. this is what i heard. Wrawa: and now i will be able to feel and taste it. Hamble: Prolonged exposure to this place tends to have an /effect/ on people. [[Wrawa walks across the room.]] Wrawa: i should hope so. i shall just be over here. Squeeb: She's.. she's already crazy! If she stays here.. Hamble: It will be interesting, yes. Although. Sunday , December 7 , 2014 Narration: Sunday at an Abandoned Hole [[A hemisphere at the end of a cable covers the hole.]] {{It's a/the Crackle-Crunching Crisp-Cruster}} ((BOOP BEEP)) [[Four hoses extend out from the side of the hemisphere.]] ((KA CHUNK)) [[The hoses begin sucking up rubble around the hole.]] ((crakitycrunch crakitycrunch crakitycrunch)) ((slurp sloop)) Monday , December 8 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: I assume everyone here is aware.. [[She looks behind her.]] Rosemary: . . . [[Juniper Grubb is looking back.]] [[The Weirdo and Fantod.]] Rosemary: Mr. Weirdo. Fantod. Do either of you have official announcements to make? Weirdo: No. I am here in a strictly personal capacity. Fantod: I'm never official 'bout anything. [[Juniper, Fantod and the Weirdo leave.]] Rosemary: Everyone here is aware that now, Juniper, would be a good time to go show Fantod how you've been practicing. Juniper: Oh! OK! Fantod: Right. Tuesday , December 9 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: Now. I assume that everyone here is painfully aware of exactly who and what Myrrh is..? [[Saffron Stout and Arlen Grubb look at her.]] Rosemary: Yes. Good. [[Permelia and Waldo Weequash.]] Rosemary: And while I gather that her duties have been somewhat unofficial and self-assigned... [[Threnody the Oracle, Sheriff Patrick Skragg, Dirge the Guardian.]] Sylvester: Nowadays, that is essentially the case. Rosemary: Thank you, Your Grace. She nevertheless has also announced her retirement from those duties. Rosemary: Combined with the reality that under present conditions Taskmistress is not a full-time position.. Rosemary: And despite the previously-noted fact that I lack many of her.. /special gifts/.. Wednesday , December 10 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Threnody: ..You are announcing that you have taken responsibilty for .. Myrrh's duties. Rosemary: Yes, Ma'am. Threnody: ..My interactions with Myrrh have been extremely limited, but it is my understanding that those duties.. Sylvester: Have regrettably sometimes entailed the deployment of physical violence. Yes. Rosemary: And so, in our future interactions, at least outside of the Temple, I shall be wearing a sword supplied by His Grace. And yes, in my travels on the roads, I have received training in its use. Threnody: ...I see. Thursday , December 11 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: Well, I believe- Dirge: Ever /used/ it? Rosemary: My training? Yes, Sir. I have. [[Outline of a sword-wielding Rosemary standing over a dead male opponent.]] Rosemary: I try to say this with neither pride nor shame. Rosemary: It was something that had to be done. [[Outline of a hypothetical Rosemary in the afterlife, rising against a rainbow background.]] Rosemary: I repeat that the King's Law does not seek me, and that in my opinion it has no reason to. And when I face the Brush, in this matter at least, I shall do so with my conscience clear. Friday , December 12 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Threnody: I see. Again. And, Rosemary. I cannot say that I forgive what you may have done. [[Outline of a Guardian and Oracle standing over a defeated opponent.]] Threnody: But to automatically condemn it would be hypocritical. Guardians receive similar training. And have been forced to use it. [[Outline of Dirge helping Sheriff Skragg put a nogoodnik in handcuffs.]] Threnody: By the grace of the Brush, except when assisting Sheriff Skragg, Dirge has not had to do so. [[Outline of Rosemary on a horse, looking at some ruins.]] Threnody: And.. I can believe it has been necessary for you. I receive word from my sisters. The roads of the West are no longer safe. Rosemary: In places, Ma'am, no. They aren't. Saturday , December 13 , 2014 [[ [[In the Chasmside Trogtrap.]] Hamble: Wrawa. "No use to me". You feel you are aware of my intentions? Wrawa: mm? Wrawa: oh. you intend to rise up from the depths into which you plunged and make your mark on the word. Hamble: And /you/ don't intend to interfere? Wrawa: of course not. Hamble: Or to assist me. Wrawa: not immediately or directly. [[Hamble leaves]] Hamble: I guess we can all live with that. Wrawa, thinking: i suspect it will all end the same way whatever i do Sunday , December 14 , 2014 Narration: Sunday At An Abandoned Hole [[The Crackle-Crunching Crisp-Cruster finishing working at repairing the hole and surrounding blemishes.]] ((crackitycrunch crackitycrunch crackity/crunch/ scrub polish)) [[The CCCC's suction arms retract.]] ((sloop)) [[The CCCC gets ((yoinked)) back up and out of sight, leaving a pristine floor.]] Monday , December 15 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: Along these lines.. Sheriff Skragg, I also offer my service in the town militia, if it would be useful. Patrick Skragg: Milita. Skragg: Right. There ain't been much call for that in these parts. [[Skragg indicates Dirge behind him, as Waldo Weequash comes into view.]] Skragg: But.. we get ta know each other better, might find a use for another deputy 'sides Dirge here who knows what she's doin'. Weequash: I can't believe this! Tuesday , December 16 , 2014 [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Threnody: Yes Waldo? Waldo Weequash: We're going to just allow this.. vagabond.. to come wandering in from Brush-knows-where? Threnody: She /is/ from Moonin. We had fellow acolytes at the High Temple who shared her accent. Weequash: Fine. We're just going to take this /Mooninite/ vagabond's word that she won't.. drag in a criminal element, let her live among us? Saffron Stout: No. /We/ ain't doing that. Wednesday , December 17 , 2014 [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Waldo Weequash: /Thank/ you, Saffron! I'm glad s- Saffron Stout: ..Cuz she won't be here in town. Saffron: Much. I 'magine. What I've seen over the years, that Mansion tends to keep folks busy. Almost as bad as keepin' a town runnin'. Sylvester: Possibly, yes. Saffron: And I'll throw in with Patrick. Whatever else ya are, Your Grace, ya ain't stupid. Ya say she'll work out.. she likely will. Saffron: So. Fer now, 'least.. welcome to.. the area, Rosemary. Rosemary: Thank you. Miss Stout. Saffron: That said.. Thursday , December 18 , 2014 [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: Yes? Saffron Stout: Is Frederick all right? Speakin' personal-like, I'm fond of the old coot. Sylvester: Oh. Yes. Yes, he's as well as he ever is. I'm not sure what plans he and Myrrh have now. [[Outline of a blast of magic shooting into the sky from the Pit/P.I.T. in the Forest.]] Saffron: Good to hear. And.. any of you know anything about that flare came up out of your woods yesterday? Sylvester: Mercifully, for once, I can say that no, to the best of my knowledge, none of my household had any involvement with that. Sylvester: Except of course my great-great uncle helped build the wretched device that presumably caused it. Saffron: Ayup. Friday , December 19 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: So. I think that covers everything official. For now. Unless you have something to contribute, Arlen? Sylvester: Permelia. Permelia Weequash: No. Sylvester. Arlen Grubb: I'm.. gonna go work on the Hedge. Sylvester: OK. Threnody and Dirge. I believe Mortimer has some Temple business. Mortimer: ..And the Weirdo. Yeah. Threnody: Yes, Sylvester and Rosemary. I would have a private word, as well. [[Saffron Stout pushes at Waldo Weequash's back.]] Saffron: A private word sounds good right now. Patrick Skragg: Ayup. Let's go. Saturday , December 20 , 2014 [[ [[Inside the Chasmside Trogtrap, Wrawa silently climbs a rocky jagged wall.]] [[She hangs upside down from the spiky ceiling, her eyes closed.]] Sunday , December 21 , 2014 [[ Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[3375 watches a bug ((hmmmm)) past. In the background is a "menorah" and a "Dalek"]] Frizzlegarb: So. Anyhoo. You came from a "Shaft"? This is a Hollow. Least, that's what I call it. Frizzlegarb: The Arrival Hollow. Cuz.. this is where a lotta you guys turn up. And relax, everything here's safe enough. [[There is a flame-like shape growing from the ground, a cross-word shape on the wall. Frizzlegarb points off-panel.]] Frizzlegarb: But yeah, there are others where that ain't true. At all. Even for you. The Fogg Hollow. The Yalda Hollow. Frizzlegarb: And gettin' /between/ them can be..sorta tricky. See that over there? Monday , December 22 , 2014 [[ [[The Eetown VIPs leave the Temple: Permelia and Waldo Weequash, Arlen Grubb, Sheriff Skragg, Saffron Stout. Mortimer and Sylvester watch.]] Saffron: Your Grace. You have time, maybe stop by the Inn later? Couple of non-official things to talk about. Sylvester: After we do a few more introductions around town, certainly. [[Facing Threnody and Dirge.]] Sylvester: So. Anyway. Threnody: Anyway. Rosemary. Where did you last take shelter in the Temple? Rosemary: Officially? Um. Wow. I've.. been on the roads longer than I.. Jonetown East. The Oracle was Blackbird. [[An outline of Blackbird and Raven.]] Threnody: Ah. Yes. And Raven is her Guardian. Tuesday , December 23 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: Ma'am? You know the names of all your fellow Oracles..? Threnody: Oh no. Only the Keeper of the Book can list all of us. [[Outline of Threnody reading at a desk. Bunches of drying plants hang overhead.]] Threnody: But I do try to keep up with which of my sisters are assigned to the larger Temples. Such as Jonetown North and East. Threnody: And those, such as Blackbird, who may some day be Prime Oracle. Rosemary: Couldn't /you/ some day be Prime Oracle? [[Threnody and Dirge exchange a look.]] [[Threnody smiles.]] Threnody: In theory, yes. If the Brush were to will it. So far, it seems to prefer I remain here. Wednesday , December 24 , 2014 [[ [[Outline of Threnody tapping at a control in the Mansion while Sylvester and Dirge glare at each other.]] Threnody: Still... speaking of matters of employment. Sylvester. Sylvester: Yes? Threnody: I assume that Rosemary's arrival means that I have been dismissed from my position as emergency back-up Taskmistress? [[In the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: Ah. Technically no, but regrettably we will cut back your hours. Threnody: Fair enough. Though sad, since we see so little of you as it is. Sylvester: Yes. Well. Rosemary: His Grace and I were just discussing this yesterday. Threnody: Ah. Sylvester: sigh.. Thursday , December 25 , 2014 [[ [[A portrait of Sylvester and Rosemary looking concerned, as done by 2015 Secret Santa Aero Zero, author of the comic Kyria.]] Friday , December 26 , 2014 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple. The Weirdo and Fantod rejoin the scene. Threnody looks at Dirge as she speaks.]] Sylvester: Yes. Fine. In the future- Rosemary: He will have me around to make sure he regularly attends Temple gatherings. Threnody: I.. /we/ are glad to hear that. Sylvester: I did intend to be here for today's, but.. it's probably just as well Rosemary went through.. Threnody: A private introduction first? Yes. I agree. Next week she shall meet the whole town. /I/ will make sure of that. Saturday , December 27 , 2014 [[ [[A closeup of Hopobefever's closed eyes.]] [[She floats in a Ghast-colored goo.]] Mysterious Voice: All right. Squad Leader. Time to face the world. [[She opens her eyes.]] Voice: That's better. Sunday , December 28 , 2014 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[3375 and Frizzlegarb stand next to a tall yellow object]] {{Going to call it a pylon.}} Frizzlegarb: May not look like it, but it's the door outta here. Well.. the easiest door. [[Frizzlegarb wiggles a hand, and the pylon sprouts a hostile-looking eystalk along with arms/tentacles with various things at their ends, hands, pinchers, a chocolate bar..]] Frizzlegarb: You get a movin' body part, metal or meat, close enough, and- Pylon: HALT Pylon: CEASE Pylon: DESIST Pylon: THE WAY IS SHUT Monday , December 29 , 2014 [[ [[Outside the Eetown Temple. Arlen and Nellie Grubb walk away from the conversation. Permelia Weequash is listening.]] Waldo Weequash: I can't /believe/ that you all are just- Saffron Stout: Stuff it, Waldo. We ain't "just" anything. We all keep an eye on her. Patrick, you're gonna..? Sheriff Skragg: Shoot her name and description to Mallory in Noodle. Ayup. [[Outline of a theoretical prisoner-Rosemary being herded into a prison cell at spear point.]] Skragg: That lights up any fires, we send her on her way. Even if I hafta get Fletwite's troop in here. [[Outline of Rosemary with an oversized helmet and sword.]] Saffron: Ayup. And she seems watertight enuff. That stands even halfway, still better than /Myrrh./ [[Outline of Rosemary and Sylvester getting married.]] Saffron: /And/ 'spite what he said, she works with His Grace, maybe they hit it off, /'nother/ problem gets fixed. Tuesday , December 30 , 2014 [[ [[Inside the Eetown Temple of the Brush.]] Threnody: Now then. Welcome to the Temple of the Brush. How may we help ? Mortimer: Um. We both need to light a candle... Right? Weirdo: Right. Threnody: Somebody has passed on? Mortimer: Um. Yes. For me it was.. you know we have Nomes? Living in the forest? [[Outline of Mortimer first meeting Nitfol in the latter's tree.]] Threnody: So I have been informed, yes. Mortimer: One of them.. his name was Nitfol. I didn't mean.. [[Outline of Mortimer at the edge of the crater in the forest.]] Mortimer: I was in the forest. And.. he got caught up in.. my problems. Someday after I.. I'm going to go tell the others. His family. But for now.. all I can do is light a candle. Threnody: I see. Wednesday , December 31 , 2014 [[[ [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush.]] Mortimer: Are.. you not OK with this? Lighting a candle for a Nome? Threnody: Of course it is all right, Mortimer. Threnody: Nitfol is now with the Brush, but the untimely death of any sentient being diminishes us all. Mortimer: I.. never really thought about.. what does the Temple do about.. with.. Nomes? And Motihauls.. and all the rest? Threnody: It is the stated belief of the Temple of the Brush.. [[Sylvester, Rosemary, the Weirdo and Fantod listening.]] Threnody: ..that any who accept the words of the Brush as given by its inspired messengers are welcome here. Sylvester, quietly: That is indeed the official policy. Threnody: That said.. Thursday , January 1 , 2015 [[Rosemary having a girls-only ComicGenesis New Year's Eve party with Marie of Loud Era, Crystal of Living The Dream, Fuchsia of Alternate Delusions and Cerintha of the eponymous strip.]] Friday , January 2 , 2015 [[ [[Pre-Crash outline of a Nome and two Human acolytes undergoing Oracle training.]] Threnody: ..While there have been both Nomes and Motihauls who journeyed to the High Temple and returned to their peoples as Oracles.. [[Outline of a Human Oracle facing a hostile group of Pales.]] Threnody: ..Attempts to spread the words of the Founding Oracles to non-Humans within our borders have not always been the successes hoped. [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush. Dirge glares at Mortimer.]] Threnody: Still.. if it could be safely arranged, I would be interested in going with you to visit the Nomes in the Forest. If only for purposes of comparison. Mortimer: Um.. Right. It won't happen anytime soon. Threnody: Of course. Sylvester: We recently heard a second-hand report that a male "priest" attends to their spiritual needs. Threnody: There. I would very much enjoy meeting him. Saturday , January 3 , 2015 [[ Narration: Somewhat Previously [[Urwyn the Wyrm rests on some rocks near the Elevator. There is food and water and bedding nearby. Two Smyts go past, one of them lugging a Human-sized ring.]] [[Ploot the Wyrm comes into view.]] Ploot: Hello, Urwyn. Urwyn: Oh. Hello. Ploot: Bored out of your skull, I hope? Urwyn: Um. No, Mr. Ploot. I mean, nothing's happened. With the Elevator. Urwyn: It's been very.. quiet. [[A grungy-looking Smyt goes past.]] {{Lord of the Rings reference}} Ploot: Well, /that's/ going to change! Urwyn: Um.. OK..? Sunday , January 4 , 2015 [[ Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[Frizzlegarb steps towards an entrance pylon as 3375 watches.]] Frizzlegarb: Looks scary, I know, but don't worry. Pylon: WARNING Frizzlegarb: Ya had tests ta pass, back in the Shaft, prove you were workin' right after ya got shed offa that fish-thing? 3375: ..nod Pylon: DANGER [[Frizzlegarb touches one of the Pylon's "arms" and a hole opens in the Pylon's side.]] Pylon: MY ARMS ARE FLAILING WILDLY Frizzlegarb: Same idea here, sorta, I think. Frizzlegarb: Tho maybe a little more subtle.. ((boop)) Monday , January 5 , 2015 [[ [[Two pieces of guest-art by Cope, creator of the webcomic Cerintha. One shows Rosemary and some other ComicGenesis gals in rather skimpy summer attire; Rosemary is chasing Cerintha with a sword. The second shows Sylvester attending an unsuccessful New Year's Eve party with other CG denizens. ]] Tuesday , January 6 , 2015 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple. Threnody speaks to the Weirdo and Fantod.]] Threnody: And you gentlemen? Weirdo: I received a report that a friend of mine has died. A Human friend. He lived Out West. Fantod: I'm good. Threnody: I sorrow that the mail brought you these tidings. [[She and Dirge lead Mortimer and them away. Mortimer looks back as Sylvester wags a finger.]] Weirdo: Yes. Mortimer: . . . Threnody: We will do what we can to ease his passage. This way, please. Wednesday , January 7 , 2015 [[A corner of the Eetown Temple, with a cabinet on which sits a lit candle. A painting hangs on the wall, depicting a white Brush-symbol against a black background. Threnody stands on one side, Dirge on the other, with Mortimer, the Weirdo and Fantod all present.]] Threnody: Death comes to all living things. Threnody: The journey ends with a final step into the darkness where the Brush's judgement waits. Threnody: Those of us who yet remain behind can only attempt to light the way of those who go on ahead... Thursday , January 8 , 2015 [[Inside the Eetown Temple of the Brush.]] Threnody: Mortimer. You may light.. Nitfol's way. Mortimer: Thank you. [[He opens one door of the cabinet in the corner of the Temple, revealing numerous candles.]] [[He lights one from the one already burning on top of the cabinet.]] Mortimer: Nitfol. The Nome. um. Of the Forest of E. [[The two candles sit under the painting of the Brush-symbol against a black background.]] Mortimer: I'm sorry. May this light speed your passage through the darkness. Friday , January 9 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush. Threnody and the Weirdo speak from off-panel. Rosemary points.]] Threnody: Mr. Weirdo. You may light.. your friend's way. Weirdo: Thank you. Rosemary: This is why Hettie's always been my Founding Oracle. Sylvester: Really? [[The Temple's portrait of Kathryn.]] Sylvester: I would have thought Kathryn. Rosemary: Bah! Kathryn sat around on her butt guarding Daisy. Weirdo: James Nosnibor Tulip.. Weirdo: You were my closest friend. May this light speed your passage through the darkness. [[The portrait of Hettie.]] Rosemary: Hettie strode forth to Explore, took darkness, took the unknown and made it.. well, /important, useful/, showed it was part of the Brush. Rosemary: I suppose /yours/ is either Violet or Daisy. [[The portrait of Joice.]] Sylvester: Actually.. while Knowledge and Order are indeed me, and even tho she was (sigh) a ditz who got herself rather pointlessly killed, I've always been oddly drawn to Joice, and Inspiration. Saturday , January 10 , 2015 [[Near the Leny Hall Elevator entrance.]] Urwyn: What's happening? Ploot: We're putting up a wall.Well. That is to say.. [[Outline of Fosic piling stones.]] Ploot: ...Fosic the Helipath is putting up a wall. He's been collecting materials, so he can do it as quickly as possible. Urwyn: Oh. Ploot: Don't worry, you'll still have a job, if you want it. He'll leave a spy-crack. Urwyn: Oh. Ploot: And I imagine Miss Sina will find other uses for your talents. [[Two Ghasts with a wheeled object labelled PORTAPOOL 4.]] Ploot: But before that.. there are two Ghasts here with a.. cart, I guess is the word. Ghast #1: A Porta-Pool is technically a species of cart, yes. Sunday , January 11 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[Frizzlegarb is inside the opened Pylon, 3375 still outside. A Plant grows to one side.]] Pylon: INTER IOR SUC CESSFUL LY BRE ACHED Frizzlegarb: We both just climb in. You do know what I mean, "climb"? [[3375 has joined him inside.]] Pylon: ENGA GING PROT OCOL 4100 Pylon: WOO H- Frizzlegarb: You got it! Now I just push this h- [[The Pylon seals up and fall silent.]] Monday , January 12 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush.]] Threnody: Now then. If that is all that you require from us officially..? Weirdo: Fantod and I may sit for a time, but yes. Fantod: Tho for me that's one of those metaphor things. Mortimer: Um.. yes. No. I'm done. Thank you. Threnody: Good. Then, if only as your designated healer.. [[The Weirdo and Fantod go off to sit.]] Threnody: Is that.. distinctive odor something to be concerned about? Mortimer: Oh. No. I... it's sphagnum grit. I spilled a big box of it. Threnody: Ah. Of course. In that case, I prescribe several more baths. Mortimer: Right. Tuesday , January 13 , 2015 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush. A pipe organ is visible in the background.]] Threnody: Now. If that is all for you as well, Sylvester, I at least will take my leave. As always, my schedule is rather full. Sylvester: Of course. I think that's everything for today. Mortimer: Oh.. Wait.. Sylvester: Or not.Yes, Mortimer? Mortimer: Dirge. I almost forgot.. Mortimer: I'm sorry about mentioning.. Anyway. We saw Mr Flem.. Finale. And he'd like to talk to you. If you have time. I guess. Dirge: Thanks. [[Mortimer walks away. Dirge sighs sadly.]] Wednesday , January 14 , 2015 [[ [[In the Eetown Temple of the Brush. Threnody and Dirge walk one way, Rosemary, Mortimer and Sylvester the other.]] Rosemary: So. Sylvester: So. Rosemary: Does the pipe organ actually work? Sylvester: More or less; Rufus helps keep it running. It was dug out of some storeroom after the Crash, but before we were born. [[The portrait of Jennie and the small weather station.]] Sylvester: Same with the clock and the weather station. And yes, the paintings were scrounged and traded for and even commissioned at various times. [[Outline of Omega arguing with an artist.]] Rosemary: Oh, I've seen much worse while on the roads. Sylvester: Credit where it's due, Omega was an expert haggler. Thursday , January 15 , 2015 [[ [[At the front doors of the Eetown Temple of the Brush. Sylvester eyes Mortimer as Rosemary pulls on her gloves.]] Mortimer: So just now when you.. [[Threnody and Dirge pass through a side door as the Weirdo and Fantod sit in one of the pews.]] Mortimer: oh. [[The threesome faces the door, which is now open.]] Mortimer: Never mind. [[They have left, and closed the door behind them.]] Friday , January 16 , 2015 [[Outside the front doors of the Eetown Temple of the Brush.]] Mortimer: So /now/ can we- [[He sees Sylvester and Rosemary's expressions.]] [[They walk away.]] Mortimer, thinking: No. Not Yet. Got it. Saturday , January 17 , 2015 Narration: Near the Elevator Urwyn: What is a "porta.." Ploot: Ghasts use them to transport their wounded. And dead. [[The two Ghast mediks with the portapool.]] Urwyn: Oh. You're here for.. um.. I'm sorry, I never heard his name.. Vptwbotw: Hpthbvtw. "Hepthbavtow" if you must. Vpfbotw: We are Medik Vptwbotw and Medik Vpfbotw. [[Urwyn points.]] Urwyn: Right. Um. Are you going to take the Gobule, too? I don't know his name either. Ploot: /I/ will take him to Maw, tho I gather Gobules are not terribly /formal/ about such things. [[Ploot and the Ghasts go past Urwyn's observation post.]] Ploot: Let's make this quick, fellows. Vpfbotw: Indeed. Sunday , January 18 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[The entrance pylon sits silent next to a Plant.]] [[A shadow appears on the ground next to the pylon.]] [[An object slams into the ground from above, a metal thing with antennae and lights on it, with a tether on top running up out of sight.]] ((THUD)) Monday , January 19 , 2015 [[ Narration: Omega and Finale, [[Oracle and Guardian for the Eetown Temple of the Brush. [[The two stand in front of a wooded/ruins scene. Despite being far taller and stronger than Omega, Finale eyes her somewhat nervously.]] Tuesday , January 20 , 2015 Narration: Chime, the 21st Prime Oracle of the High Temple of the Brush. Her Final Guardian Gong. [[The two of them stand in front of a large Brush symbol/altar, wearing their formal uniforms, respectively a pinkish robe and Brush-symbol staff and soldier-like garb. Both are older and rather dour-looking.]] Wednesday , January 21 , 2015 Narration: Humphrey Mundivagant, Agatha Mundivagant Gregson Dalton Mundivagant [[The three are in a formal-looking room. Humphrey is quite elderly and in a wheelchair. Agatha looks scary in a Grande-Dame kind of way, while Dalton looks business-like. Dalton also looks a great deal like his nephew Sylvester.]] Thursday , January 22 , 2015 Narration: Grand Offical Poobah of the Weirdo Guild Oliver Nihlarian [[He is an older grinning man in a somewhat soldier-like uniform, with something on a spring emerging from behind his back.]] Narration: Chief Hero of Hack N' Slash Heroes For Hire Ted Grooberman. [[Not quite as old, but grinning as well, displaying at least one missing tooth. He is in definite soldier-gear, with a shield emblazoned with the H&S logo, and wielding a large mace. He has various weapons pointed at him from off-panel.]] Friday , January 23 , 2015 Narration: Teachers Narration: Ms. Macavity Narration: Mr. Montoya Narration: Mr. Shawn [[Three staff members at the Jonetown Hack and Slash Academy. Macavity is older, and wears a hood with pointy ear-like extensions; she peers out from behind a potted bush. Montoya, a man with curly brown hair and a sword at his side, eyes the short balding Shawn, who grins and balances a couple of small objects on one finger.]] Narration: Professor Thunstone Narration: Professor Pritcher Narration: Professor Dissmel [[Thunstone is an older woman with her hair in a bun. She looks disapprovingly at Pritcher, a tall bearded man who is displaying a glass beaker in which swirls a green liquid. Dismell, shorter with a curly beard, looks more tolerant, and is holding a wine goblet.]] Saturday , January 24 , 2015 Narration: Othar Narration: Groat Narration: Loomboggle [[Three famous Basement-dwellers of yesteryear. Othar is a Motihaul wearing rugged exploring gear, with a sword at his side. Groat is a Gnoll, with a hood and a sort of half-cloak. He carries a staff with various small symbols attached, and wears some sort of forearm protectors. Loomboggle is an Eyebolt healer, who sits in a large pot with her name on it. She has a pouched strap across her chest, and a small bottle smoking next to her.]] Sunday , January 25 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[A large purple metal object sits next to the entrance pylon, which sits next to a Plant. The purple object has antennae and lights on it. Two shutters on it open two reveal pairs of eyes behind them, one with purple irises, the other with green irises.]] ((CLANG)) ((CLANG)) Purple-eyes: Any sign of the new guy? Green-eyes: No, Zark it! That bowber Frizzlegarb musta got here ahead of us! The masters gonna be phizzed. Retract! [[The metal object quickly rises upward.]] ((YOINK)) Plant, thinking: sigh.. I suppose I'd better report all of this.. Monday , January 26 , 2015 Narration: Rosemary's Roots [[A portrait of Rosemary's grandparents and father on a stylized Gnomin Island.]] Narration: Elwin Ripley Narration: Hettie Ripley Narration: Connor Ripley [[A portrait of Rosemary's other grandparents and mother on a stylized Genny Island.]] Narration: Verity Pilkington Narration: Jasper Pilkington Narration: Paprika Pilkington Tuesday , January 27 , 2015 Narration: King Yancy the 2nd Narration: Queen Fluer [[The royal couple of "Mansionland" pose for their portrait, smiling and holding hands.]] Wednesday , January 28 , 2015 [[At the entrance to Eetown. Sylvester and Rosemary walk away from the gate.]] Mortimer: ...We're.. not going into the village? Sylvester: Oh, yes. In a short while. Sylvester: I wanted to show Rosemary something first. [[They stand in front a large boulder, near a fenced field of wipeleaves.]] Sylvester: Here. Folks call it "The Town Rock." Rosemary: Nicely scenic. And isolated! Sylvester: Indeed! Its semi-official status makes it exempt from the Efflore family's multi-generational recycling efforts. Thursday , January 29 , 2015 [[At the Town Rock of Eetown.]] Sylvester: But, in your professional opinion, is it isolated enough for our purposes? Rosemary: You always assume someone's in earshot, but /also/ assuming this will just be another short briefing, then yes. [[Mortimer.]] Sylvester: OK. Mortimer. Now. What were you saying? Mortimer: Oh. um. [[He points towards town.]] Mortimer: When you.. wagged at me.. The Weirdo didn't learn about his friend through the mail at all, did he? Sylvester: Almost certainly not. The logical assumption is that /your/ friend "Yasmine" told him. [[Outline of Yasmine.]] Sylvester: I just wish I could believe for even a second that that is the only reason she came all this way. Friday , January 30 , 2015 [[At the Town Rock of Eetown.]] Sylvester: I'm just surprised she admitted she was a Weirdo in the first place. Mortimer: She didn't. I mean, I told her I knew she was one. [[Outline of Yasmine, possibly, wearing a Weirdo/jester suit.]] Sylvester: What, she was wearing one of the official outfits? Mortimer: No, she.. I never told you? I can.. Weirdoes just /look/ different. [[Mortimer turns away.]] Mortimer: Only.. "look" isn't the right word. It's.. Whatever. It's stupid, I know. Sylvester: ..Well. Again, logic dictates you've been unknowingly "seeing" their mind-shapes. [[Outline of Sylvester reading Tobin's Thaumology. Other books piled nearby include Ignored Epiphanies, Inane Answerings, and Croissants of Sirap.]] Mortimer: . . . Amos talked about.. You know about that? Sylvester: I read a lot of books, Mortimer. And yet again, I'm sorry that none of them ever made me realize what you are. Saturday , January 31 , 2015 [[At the Elevator, the Ghast Mediks Vopfobotow and Voptwobotow collect Sepferb's body and put it in Portapool 4.]] Voptwobotow: . . . [[Ploot looks at a dead Gobule.]] Voptwobotow: Are you /not/ physically able to- Ploot: Oh yes. For all practical purposes my tail is a rather strong hand. It is I know this fellow. [[The closed elevator door.]] Ploot: That is, while I do not remember his name, I recognize him as one of Guttle's.. employees. Ploot: If I had known, perhaps I would have.. sigh.. [[Ploot has grabbed the body with his tail and is dragging it away.]] Sunday , February 1 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[The/a Plant grows next to the entrance pylon. All dialogue is internal.]] Plant: OK. All right. You can do this. Plant: Remember your training. [[Two flutterbys zoom by in the background, with a small brown spheroid]] {{Superbowl 49}} Plant: Relax.. relax everything and flow.. Plant: Taint the juices and let them flow.. [A small pink bulb pops into view on one of the Plant's upper branches.]] ((BLUP)) Plant: YES! Monday , February 2 , 2015 [[At the Town Rock of Eetown.]] Sylvester: Oh, sorry, Rosemary. Wizwitches can't exactly read minds- Rosemary: Yes. I read about that in one of Edwird's books. [[Rosemary reading a book. A pile of more of them beside her include a dictionary, an atlas and Gobbler's Knob.]] Sylvester: Ah, let me guess, either Tobin's Thaumology or Imbolic's Incantations. Rosemary: The Imbolic one. Sylvester: OK. That's not /bad/, but Tobin's the authoratative expert, and you, /both/ of you, should add it to your reading list. Mortimer: But... OK. Rosemary: Right. Sylvester: How about the H&S Academy? Get any interesting secret "briefings"? Rosemary: There are several subjects about which I very pointedly did not get briefed while at the Academy. Tuesday , February 3 , 2015 [[At the Eetown Town Rock.]] Sylvester: What? You're saying the Academy didn't- Rosemary: I will always be grateful for the time I got to spend at the Academy. [[Outline of Montoya and a larger man being caught in the act of.. something involving possibly a cake.]] Rosemary: Particularly my lessons with Mr. Montoya. My sword teacher. The guy was brilliant, should have been teaching in the Capital, but there was some kind of scandal.. [[Outline of Upper Class University Graduate Sylvester snootily passing by Peasant Girl Rosemary.]] Rosemary: That said.. The point of the /University/ is to educate people, right? Sylvester: . . . Broadly speaking, yes. [[Outline of a large female H&S employee being sicced on a male knife-wielding Motihaul.]] Rosemary: The point of an H&S Academy is to produce effective and efficient H&S employees. Any /education/ that occurs is purely a coincidental by-product. Sylvester: Ah. Wednesday , February 4 , 2015 [[At the Eetown Town Rock.]] Sylvester: But- Rosemary: "Wouldn't an effective H&S employee be one who knows the facts about magic?" [[Outline of H&S employee Rosemary looking up some big metaphorical steps.]] Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: I can only offer one bottom-dwelling peon's theories. Rosemary: First, they, "They", /may/ have simply decided it wasn't an important enough subject to.. expend resources on. And, well.. Rosemary: Mortimer. I've done a fair bit of traveling, and, as far as I know, you.. and Amos, I guess? are indeed the first wizwitches I have ever met in my entire life. Mortimer: Um.. [[Outline of the Demon Scratch.]] Rosemary: While Demons, on the other hand, /those/ we got briefings on. And the ones here.. in the Mansion.. are not the first ones I've met. Sylvester: Your friend Scratch. Rosemary: Yes. And... There was that fellow at the SAR.. Thursday , February 5 , 2015 [[At the Eetown Town Rock.]] Sylvester: Fellow at.. never mind. Carry on. Rosemary: Thanks. But more likely is Theory Number Two. Rosemary: While Hack N' Slash presents itself to civilians as a.. monolith, with a single leader.. Sylvester: Head Hero Ted Grooberman. Rosemary: Right.. How did you know..? [[Outline of a newspaper article.]] Sylvester: He got a write-up in a recent issue of the Times. "Recent" in terms of arriving at our PO Box, at least.. Rosemary: Mm. He's lasted longer than a lot of them. Rosemary: Cuz H&S is really a bunch of competing.. fiefdoms, yeah, all cut up by geography, specialty, seniority, Brush knows what all. Sylvester: Like pretty much everything else in this country. Rosemary: ...Yeah, I guess. Friday , February 6 , 2015 [[Outline of Rosemary rooting through files in a cabinet in a darkened room.]] Rosemary: Being a big pointy-nosed snoop is not an encouraged character trait in a Hack N' Slash swordperson... Sylvester: But it is nevertheless who you are. Rosemary: Indeed! So I snooped, and found that before the Crash, at least, H&S did have a Wizwitch Brigade. [[Outline of numerous wizwitches eying each other from bits of cover.]] Sylvester: Of course. /Everyone/ had a brigade. Or /something/. The military, the YOSA, all the big Outfits.. Rosemary: Right. And I figure if H&S, or anyone, has one now, they have even more reasons to keep it on the low-down, even internally. Mortimer: Amos talked about.. He said there are secret wizwitch schools I could have gone to. Maybe. Sylvester: Well, Mortimer, he's probably right, but- Mortimer: But we're getting way off the subject. The Weirdo. The village. Sylvester: Right. Rosemary: Yes. Saturday , February 7 , 2015 [[Near the Elevator. The Ghast Mediks push away their Portapool. Ploot has a dead Gobule with him.]] Ploot: Well, there. And hopefully once we get the wall up they will be the last ones to ever die in this wretched place. Urwyn: I hope so . . . What about the Troglodyte? Ploot: I'm told unless they "interfere with civilization" Feral Trogs stay where they fall [[The POV zooms in on a crack in the wall behind them.]] Ploot: And no, I'm not entirely clear why. Is there anything else that you need at the moment, Urwyn? Urwyn: Um.. no. Thank you. Mr. Ploot. [[Zugo the small Wyrm is in the crack, wearing some armor.]] Urwyn: Thank you for watching out for me. Ploot: Well, somebody has to, don't they? Sunday , February 8 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[A Plant is next to a Pylon. A small bulb has sprouted on one of the Plant's branches. All dialogue internal]] Plant: grrh Plant: errgh Plant: OOF [[The bulb separates from the plant, but is still connected by a thin green strand.]] ((poink)) Plant: aaahh [[The bulb rises, stretching the strand behind it.]] Plant: /Somebody/ needs to figure out how to grow a more permanent and wide-reaching plant-based communications network... Monday , February 9 , 2015 [[At the Eetown Town Rock.]] Sylvester: So. The Weirdoes. You noticed this difference with all of them, Mortimer? Captain TTW? Sarah Bellum? Mortimer: Um.. [[Outline of Captain Tin-Throatwobbler and Sarah Bellum.]] Mortimer: I guess. With the Captain, anyway. I don't.. really remember Sarah. Sylvester: Well, yes, you were only, what, two or three when she retired. [[He sees Rosemary's expression.]] Sylvester: But if it is their headshapes that you've been "seeing".. it raises the question of what they do at /their/ Academy.. Sylvester: Oh. Right. Sorry, Rosemary. [[A map of the Province of Fredonia.]] Sylvester: If you want to be a Weirdo, you have to go get trained at the official Academy. It's in Marksburg. Rosemary: ..The one in.. the capital of /Fredonia/? Sylvester: Yes. Tuesday , February 10 , 2015 [[A male and female Fredonian standing in a patch of sweettube plants.]] Sylvester: And you express increduality because "isn't Marksburg a byword for non-weird sweettube-growing dullness?" Rosemary: Well... yes. [[Outline of Dorothea and her two older siblings, Agatha and Dalton, as children.]] Sylvester: Our mother also "grew" there and while she is not the most.. sharp-eyed and coherent of observers, she has confirmed this reputation is earned. [[Pre-Crash outline of a Weirdo standing at the forefront while a medieval-style castle-siege occurs in the background.]] Sylvester: So.. why are the Weirdoes there? That's where they've always been. Before the illustrious Markus Fredon unified the place, before the border-wars with Florin, before Yorik the First unified /everything/. Sylvester: And all those events I just listed? In generations past, Marksburg, as it came to be called, has been /far/ from dull. Wednesday , February 11 , 2015 [[Outline of Milo watching his Weirdo perform.]] Rosemary: People were hiring Weirdoes before Unification? Sylvester: Oh yes. Long before. Milo was the first Earl to import one. It was a desperately-craved sign of sophistication. [[Outline of two competing Weirdoes eying each other angrily.]] Sylvester: Although, back then, there were numerous competing schools turning them out, some not even in Fredonia. Zark, they didn't even agree on what name they . . . Rosemary: What? [[At the Eetown Town Rock.]] Sylvester: Heh. You /had/ heard of them before coming here. Weirdoes. Rosemary: Sylvester, I really hadn't. Sylvester: Or read about one, at least. In Lo The Plow Shall Til The Soil Of Redemption. Alva, the "Tomfool". Barkin just /loved/ his archaic language. Rosemary: . . . Thursday , February 12 , 2015 [[Outline depicting a scene from the book Lo The Plow Shall Till The Soil of Redemption; it features Alva the Tomfool.]] Rosemary: Alva? Alva just pops in and out of the story wearing that ridiculous hat and pretending to... to.. Sylvester: Be stupid? /Weird/? Yes. And congratulations; many folks who read it never clue in on the whole "pretending" part. [[Outside of Eetown.]] Rosemary: I did plow through it like 4132 times. . . . The Weirdo.. our Weirdo.. doesn't wear a hat. Mortimer: He does sometimes. Sylvester: On certain formal occasions, yes. [[Outline of University-student Sylvester eying the outfit of a Weirdo at a party.]] Sylvester: Weirdoes are allowed, encouraged even, to design their own garb. At least by the Guild. Captain TTW was fairly restrained. Sarah Bellum went to town. Others I've met.. went to a whole other country. Rosemary: "By The Guild"? Sylvester: Some clients insist on the whole ensemble. Rosemary: And you don't? Sylvester: He wears something resembling actual clothes, I'm good. Friday , February 13 , 2015 [[Outline of a Weirdo's hand holding a head-on-a-stick type puppet.]] Sylvester: And to answer your next likely question, no, it is not unknown to have a.. partner? Sidekick? Whatever Fantod's title is. But he's the only one I've ever actually met. Rosemary: I did wonder. Sylvester: Which leads us to of all the others present at our recent meeting. Sylvester: (Which, by the way. actually went better than I dared hope..) Rosemary: Mm. Our Mr. Weequash is a charmer, isn't he. [[Outline of Waldo seething at Sylvester's fancier status and garb.]] Sylvester: Waldo Weequash owns two of the boats in the town fishing fleet, making him.. ah..a big fish in a very small pond. Sylvester: The mere fact that I /exist/ threatens that status. [[Outline of Waldo still seething as a hand dumps coins in a chest he is holding.]] Sylvester: The additional fact that actions I have undertaken have directly brought him more wealth.. Rosemary: ..requires him to feel gratitude, a situation which crams itself sideways in his craw. Sylvester: Ayup. Saturday , February 14 , 2015 Narration: In Leny Hall [[A corridor with a hole in the wall revealing more corridors beyond. The two Ghast Mediks Voptwobotow and Vopfobotow push Portapool #4, which holds the remains of their compatriot Hepthbavtow. On a side platform, Niff the Gnoll hands Folla the Gnoll a heart-like object. In the background two Gobules from Maw's tribe push a large round object up an incline.]] Sunday , February 15 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[A tethered bulb sprouted from a Plant floats up past the door Pylon.]] [[The bulb rises past a line on the wall, marked with obscure symbols.]] [[Rises more.]] [[Rises more.]] [[A second Plant comes into view, poking down from above.]] Plant #2: Oh, joy. Monday , February 16 , 2015 [[Outline of Permelia Weequash.]] Rosemary: So anything we're in favor of, Waldo's likely to oppose. Sylvester: Reflexively, yes. Rosemary: And Permelia? Sylvester: ..Is smarter than her husband, and far more.. strategic. Sylvester: She was born an Atchison, in Obtown. The next village south. [[At the Eetown Town Rock.]] Sylvester: They do love each other, I'll give them that, but.. if you ever have to choose one to get on the good side of.. Rosemary: Pick her. Got it. [[Outline of Sheriff Skragg.]] Rosemary: Sheriff Skragg. Seems sensible enough. Sylvester: Yes. Does his duty, as he sees it, competently, though to be brutally honest, his job is not currently terribly strenuous. [[Outline of Wuff the dog.]] Rosemary: And deputy.. "Wuff"? Sylvester:When the deputy came on board, The Sheriff's son Stephen was put in charge of the naming process. Rosemary: Ah. Tuesday , February 17 , 2015 [[Outline of Arlen and Juniper Grubb checking the Eetown hedge.]] Rosemary: I'm not sensing any problems with Mr. Grubb Jr. Sylvester: Yes, don't fill in his moat or set fire to his hedge, and you're good. Though with the whole Inside Out business, that's what some folks are sort of proposing.. [[Outline of Saffron Stout, smoking a pipe and holding a mug.]] Rosemary: I get a less clear picture with Miss Stout.. you did say "Miss" back there? Sylvester: Yes. She's never been married, probably never will. It's simply not her thing. She has had a gentleman friend or two.. [[At the canal flowing into Eetown.]] Rosemary: It's just.. something else you said. To Juniper. The smithy's also a Stout? He's her..? Sylvester: Older brother. She inherited the inn from their father because she wanted to. Sheldon wants to be a smith. Rosemary: And you and she disagree about..? Sylvester: Money, mostly, unsurprisingly. She doesn't want to spend it, I think she should. Wednesday , February 18 , 2015 [[ [[At the Eetown town rock.]] Sylvester: I like Saffron well enough as a person. We're just on different sides of the issues. Rosemary: Mm. What "issue" do you want to spend Saffron's money on? Sylvester: Currently, the big one is Threnody. Rosemary: Thr.. She doesn't work for free, does she? Even the most selfless Oracle... [[Outline of Threnody bandaging a man's head, while Juniper Grubb tries to give her some schoolwork.]] Sylvester: No, of course she gets paid. And she ably serves as both healer and teacher. But even with Larssen and the Medical Caravan helping, Eetown is getting too big. She can't keep doing both. Sylvester: We need to go to the Healer's Guild and bring in one of their members full-time. Saffron knows this, and eventually I /will/ wear her down. Thursday , February 19 , 2015 [[ [[At the Eetown town rock.]] Rosemary: Why focus on the healing? Sylvester: Sorry? Rosemary: Why not go to the.. there /is/ a Teacher's Guild, right? [[Outline of Threnody teaching Juniper Grubb and two other children.]] Sylvester: Indeed. Tho it is officially the "Scholar's" Guild. As for why I'm not pushing for them... Sylvester: First, Threnody is a competent enough healer, but she's a /good/ teacher. [[Outline of a hypothetical adult Juniper, reading a presented contract with a magnifying glass.]] Sylvester: Second, Omega's.. influence lingers. Threnody's gently reminded folks that their kids will need to be able to read and add when a Noodle fishmonger sticks a contract under their nose.. [[Mortimer listens.]] Sylvester: ..and she crams in what history and geography and culture she can. Five more years, kids'll be coming to my library again. Sylvester: But asking the parents to pay /extra money/? Ha. Once again, I choose my battles. Friday , February 20 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of Peter Nigultrum working at his desk.]] Rosemary: Did Omega really.. no. Never mind. Moving on. To people who weren't at the meeting. Mr. Nigultrum the solicitor. Sylvester: Yes. To start with. [[Near the Eetown town rock.]] Rosemary: /Please/ tell me it's not because his father was a Polarite. Mortimer: He was born here! He's Local. Sylvester: Yes. And even Waldo grasps how useful he is to have around. Sylvester: It's because they were talking about me, and he's considered to be my ally. Which he is. And my friend. The only one of /those/ I really have in the village. Sylvester: Well, him and Captain Tugwart. But as Juniper said, this time of day, he'll be out on the Fluer. [[Outline of a young Ida and Peter, along with a goat.]] Rosemary: I.. see. So you approve of him, Nigultrum, getting hitched to.. "Ida", was it? Mortimer: Ida Mossett. Sylvester: Oh sure. It was pretty inevitable, they have essentially been courting their whole lives. He just displays caution like a good solicitor. Saturday , February 21 , 2015 [[ [[At the front entrance of Leny Hall. The two Ghast Mediks Voptwobotow and Vopfobotow push Portapool #4. Nitid the painter Helipath works on a sign over the opened bim toggle hole, while Krink the Gnoll holds a bowl of paint. Catmorlo the Gnoll gives directions to Furphy the Gnoll, who is holding a message of some sort. Voog the Wyrm is present, as is a female Motihaul carrying a sack, and a grinning individual whose identity is somewhat concealed.]] Sunday , February 22 , 2015 [[ Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[An entrance pylon, between two statues, one that looks like a crowned Oscar statuette with a shovel instead of a sword, and a riff on The Thinker, wearing a pointy wizard hat.]] [[The pylon sprouts eyes and arms.]] Pylon: WOOT [[The door in the pylon opens, revealing 3375 and Frizzlegarb.]] Pylon: PROTOCOL 4142 ENGAGED Pylon: INTERIOR SUCCESSFULLY EXPOSED Frizzlegarb: -d Frim's your uncle! Monday , February 23 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of Sherman Gray.]] Sylvester: And then there's the /other/ person who should have been there: Sherman Gray, the town Clerk. Sylvester: He wasn't present because, yes, he's not Local. Obviously. [[At the Eetown town rock.]] Rosemary: ..Neither are Threnody and Dirge.. right? Sylvester: The Oracle is the one exception to the rule. Oh, and Old Man Larssen. [[Outline of Ilsa Lundquist in her MoE Head Housekeeper uniform.]] Sylvester: And it's.. You heard Juniper talking about Ilsa. It doesn't matter she's been here over /fifty years/. Sylvester: She's "a Haroon", while Peter's not "a Polarite", because she wasn't born here. Sylvester: Of course, her working in the Mansion didn't help her cause.. [[Outline of Zeke and two Gnomin Islanders.]] Rosemary: Yeah. I get it. It was the same way on Gnomin, Nearsiders and Farsiders and /Outsiders/. Rosemary: Although.. Tuesday , February 24 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of a bindle-carrying Rosemary looking at a wall with an Eetown arrow-sign pointing skyward.]] Rosemary: Nellie said I'd be welcome at this Women's Circle of hers. Sylvester: Oh yes. Here at least it's.. it's a somewhat fuzzy line, not a wall. [[Outline of Rosemary visiting an Eetown shop with a bag of money, and a pair of eyes withing studying her suspiciously.]] Sylvester: You'll be welcome to come to Temple, go to the Circle, buy stuff in the stores, visit people's homes in broad daylight.. Rosemary: But? [[Outline of bride Rosemary and a rather generic groom, with disapproving glares all around.]] Sylvester: But. If you, oh, find a Local guy to marry, besides us, it'll be /allowed/, but there'll be much grumbling. Sylvester: Ilsa never married, tho she.. anyway. [[Outline of Rosemary, Tyrant queen of Eetown, seated on her throne with her flaming sword, surrounded by her despairing subjects.]] Sylvester: In the unlikely event you're living here fifty years from now, you'll still be "The Mooninite". Rosemary: Right. Well. I'll at least find a way to earn a more distinctive label than /that/. Wednesday , February 25 , 2015 [[ [[At the Eetown town rock.]] Sylvester: Oh. /You/ have any thoughts on Threnody and Dirge? Rosemary: Mm. Threnody seems pleasant, and typical, enough. Dirge.. isn't much of a talker, is he? Sylvester: No. His actually asking you a question in the meeting was rather surprising. Rosemary: Duly noted. [[Outline of Ragweed the Guardian teaching a young Rosemary and her neighbor Seymour.]] Sylvester: So, also no, his taking over the teaching duties isn't really an option, as sometimes happens. Rosemary: Uh huh. Ragweed did it, on Gnomin. He did all right, but Edwird was a whole lot better. Sylvester: Maybe one of these decades the High Temple will wise up and start giving Guardians full Healer training. Rosemary: Maybe. But speaking of Guardian training.. Thursday , February 26 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of three Oracles, looking pretty much alike.]] Rosemary: One thing that H&S did teach, is that while High Temple training is mostly pretty.. standardized..? That's the word, right? Sylvester: Yes. But? [[Outline of three Guardians, with extras: a fishing spear, an oar and a bat on a string.]] Rosemary: But. Oracles and particularly Guardians sometimes get extra training depending on where they've been assigned. Sylvester: So I have heard as well. [[At the Eetown town rock.]] Rosemary: Well. This is again first impression, but.. Dirge is even more formidable than he appears. Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: So the question becomes.. Sylvester: Why did the High Temple feel he was what was needed to be sent to a sleepy fishing village in a peaceful province? Rosemary: Pretty much! Friday , February 27 , 2015 [[ [[At the Eetown town rock.]] Rosemary: Although.. "sleepy"? Sylvester: The town proper, where he spends the vast majority of his time? Yes. [[A view towards the town hedge.]] Rosemary: None of the Nomes and Pales and Saurs ever wander in from the forest? Sylvester: Almost never. Tho they and the Spyders and the Tree-Squids are a major reason for the hedge. [[Outline of a Giant Spyder.]] Rosemary: . . . Spyders. With a Y. The giant ones that live up with the Haroons. Sylvester: Yes. [[Outline of a Tree Squid.]] Rosemary: And actual living Tree-Squids. Like the ones in Flight Along the River Yann. Sylvester: Yes. And yes, the book's description of them is essentially accurate. Saturday , February 28 , 2015 [[ [[The two Ghast Mediks Voptwobotow and Vopfobotow push Portapool #4 past Well #3, which is guarded by an Ichyoid. They are watched by a female Nome who has a male Troglodyte on a leash. The Trog carries a bucket.]] [[The Ghasts go past Le Tree. Frag the Gnoll is on guard duty. A female Motihaul wearing a yellow coat pushes a wheeled cart in which are tethered objects under glass domes. The name or word Diwali is on the side of the cart.]] Sunday , March 1 , 2015 [[ Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[Frizzlegarb and 3375 stand next to a entrance pylon. A crowned Oscar-like statue with a shovel and shield looms nearby. Another Plant is also present.]] Frizzlegarb: This is the Hollow of Statues. Frizzlegarb: Cuz.. it's got statues. Frizzlegarb: Statues are.. Whatcha see. People-shaped, made of metal, stone, wood, even. And yeah, they're safe to touch. Pylon: DEPARTURE COMPLETE SEALING APERTURE [[3375 touches the statue.]] Frizzlegarb: This one's a copy of Kinger Chybald. Kinger means he ran /all/ the Hollows, long ago. That shovel was 'magic', let him dig thru any wall, pop up anywhere. Plant, thinking: It's 'King R-Chybald'. Not that he ever existed. Pylon: WITHDRAWING APPENDAGES Monday , March 2 , 2015 [[ [[In front of Eetown.]] Rosemary: So.. what, more Ettin zoo escapees? Sylvester: No. It was Humans. Well. The T-Squids at least. And for once it wasn't our family. [[Outline of a Tree Squid escaping from an enclosure.]] Sylvester: Some idiot caught a batch in the Deep Jungles, imported them. Had this plan for breeding, /training/ them for use as guard-beasts. Sylvester: Didn't work. Then the Crash hit and they got loose. [[Outline of an airship making a nighttime flight carrying a spyder-marked crate at the end of a cable.]] Sylvester: As for the Spyders.. Presumably, again, someone, possibly even an Earl, brought, smuggled, them here from Alfibay, but.. [[The mountains north of Eetown.]] Sylvester: Whoever it was didn't "go public." Early as Ernest's day, they were trickling down out of the Ennits. Those mountains over there. Sylvester: And then.. Crash. They also got out of wherever, took over the northern ruins. Tuesday , March 3 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of a Giant Spyder being spit out of a mysterious opening.]] Rosemary: So, it's possible it /was/- Sylvester: Yes, an Ettin zoo. Or maybe there's literally an Ettin.. Spyder-o-matic popping out the zarking things. [[Outline of a Spyder and Tree-Squid facing each other.]] Sylvester: But probably not. Their population /seems/ to be fairly stable. Sylvester: Of course, they and the T-Squids do prey on each other constantly. [[Outline of Mortimer being tossed away by a Spyder.]] Sylvester: Fortunately, unlike T-Squids, Spyders don't actually attack people.. Humans..that much. Mortimer: Yeah! That one whose web I landed in tossed me away as soon as it saw Nitfol! [[Rosemary and Sylvester stare at Mortimer.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: . . . Mortimer: What? You said we were gonna talk today about yesterday! Wednesday , March 4 , 2015 [[ [[Just outside of Eetown.]] Sylvester: You ran into a Spyder web when the shark chased you. Mortimer: Yes. No! I tried to climb a tree, like you said, but it was a killer tree, and then- Rosemary: /Killer tree./ Sylvester: Yes. They possess sort of small Poke Kits in their trunk, which- [[Outline of Killer Tree.]] Rosemary: -sprout weapons. Yes, I /know/ what they are. Sylvester: Oh, good. They are fairly rare anymore, what with the Crash and people not liking magic.. Rosemary: Enough nobs still have them in their hunting preserves that H&S gives briefings on them. [[Outline of a pre-Crash Killer-Tree booth, being run by a man and a woman, with the label ARBORS SANGUINARY.]] {{Their names were Strahatt and Capuchon.}} Sylvester: Ah. Yes. We, the family, used to breed and sell them to our fellow nobs. They grow well here, thanks to the tricklepoint. Thursday , March 5 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of IgSaur and Vezza and Umboz the Gnolls eyeing Thrash the Pale.]] Rosemary: Fine. Great. My point was, we have all these.. things.. crammed into the forest. Saurs. Spyders. Squids, Killer Trees. Nomes. /Pales/. Sylvester: Well, yes. Rosemary: Anything else I should know about? [[Outline of Mortimer and Nitfol the Nome hanging from stretchy Tree-Squid tentacles, as witnessed by Louch and Scrof the Gnolls.]] Mortimer: There are Gnolls. Or.. I saw two of them at least. While I was.. out there. [[Outline of a Lurker, a Tunnel-Rat and a Raviner.]] Sylvester: Yes. They have a village or something. And there's Lurkers and Tunnelrats in all the old basements. Sylvester: Oh. And Raviners. Rosemary: "Raviners." [[Outline of a younger Rosemary looking up at a Raviner on a hillside.]] Sylvester: Which.. are.. also called Goggltins. Stalksnoops. Peergrips? You find them lots of places.. Rosemary: Oh. Right. Hill-crabs. Friday , March 6 , 2015 [[ [[At the Eetown Town Rock.]] Mortimer: "Hill-crabs"? Except for the eye-stalks, they don't really look anything like- Rosemary: It was someone's game attempt at.. what's the word? Marketing, I guess. [[Outline of young Rosemary eating a Hill-Crab/Raviner dish.]] Mortimer: What? Mooninites /eat/ them? I'm.. I'm sorry, but yuck! Rosemary: They are.. edible.. if cooked properly. Rosemary: But yes, they are for really poor people, or folks really sick of fish. Sylvester: OK, enough, now you're the one getting off the subject, Mortimer. Mortimer: Right. Sorry. Sylvester: We /will/ recap your day, but not now. We've been standing out here too long as it is. Sylvester: Let's really go to town. Saturday , March 7 , 2015 [[ [[Voptwobotow and Vopfobotow the Ghast mediks push Porta-Pool #4 through Time Hall in the Basement, past the enormous Ettin clock/fountain, which is currently spewing green. A male Trog is collecting this fluid, wearing gloves. Crumpton the Motihaul Candle Monk is talking to Pizzle the Gnoll. An Ooze goes by, wearing a fungi-farmer hat. There is a warning sign about Fixits posted on a wall.]] {{The Trog, Ghee, has been seen working in Bowel Hall.}} Sunday , March 8 , 2015 [[ Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[3375 and Frizzlegarb look at two statues.]] {{The Thinker and RIP Leonard Nimoy.}} Frizzlegarb: Here we have The Ponderer and The Stoic Frizzlegarb: Those are just.. labels folks gave them. If they were someone real, no one remembers anymore. Frizzlegarb: And yeah, you can just choose statue shapes right out of your head. I've watched Payslee do it. Monday , March 9 , 2015 [[ [[Near the Eetown Town Rock.]] Rosemary: You're right. Let's go. Rosemary: But still.. "Raviners"? [[Outline of Raviners in the ravine.]] Sylvester: There's a ravine. "The" Ravine. In the forest. With a stream that empties into Lake E. Sylvester: Even before the Crash, it was a park or somesuch. Sylvester: That's where the critters live. Mostly. There's a good-sized colony, nowadays. Rosemary: Ah. [[Outline of a wrench-holding Rufus glaring up at a Raviner.]] Mortimer: They turn up other places. Down in the Basement. Sylvester: Yes. Rufus grumbles about them getting into machinery.. Tuesday , March 10 , 2015 [[ [[Walking away from the Eetown Town Rock with Mortimer trailling behind.]] Rosemary: Do they behave normally here? No talking, or flying, or spitting acid? Sylvester: No. None of that. [[A male Raviner pokes his eyestalks into view on top of the rock as Mortimer walk out of sight.]] Sylvester: Although.. Rosemary: Yyyes? [[The Raviner brings up his claws.]] Sylvester: Dorn studied them, and had some sort of a theory that under the "right circumstances" [[A female Raviner pokes into view next to the male.]] Female: ? Male: ! Sylvester: they might be able to be.. provoked into spewing a useful sort of ichor.. Wednesday , March 11 , 2015 [[ [[In front of the Eetown Temple.]] Rosemary: So. This whole Outsider thing. I s'pose Omega stoked that, too? Sylvester: Well, actually.. no. Sylvester: Again, the woman was no hypocrite. Sylvester: She wasn't literally Local, so she didn't consider herself Local. [[Outline of Ilsa Lundquist and Permelia Weequash sitting in Temple pews.]] Sylvester: You paid your tithe, you planted your butt in the pew, you did as you were told.. [[Outline of Omega preaching to a female Barsoomian.]] {{Scene should be considered hypothetical.}} Sylvester: ..and you could be from Eetown, Obtown (which is Local, by the way, except during the yearly fuzzball match) Alfibay or.. /Barsoom/ for all she cared. Thursday , March 12 , 2015 [[ [[Walking past the Eetown Temple.]] Sylvester: So, Rosemary. In your experience with Oracles, Threnody is "typical"? Rosemary: Yes. Pretty much. Tho the veil-look is rare in both Moonin and Morlock. Most go for the tiara. Sylvester: Yes. You told me about Dandelion, (her Oracle when she was young, Mortimer) but how about the famous Blackbird? [[Outline of Rosemary looking up at large Temple building.]] Rosemary: Can't offer any deep insights. Like Threnody said, the Jonetown East Temple is really big. Rosemary: I'll always remember the day Edwird first took me to see it.. [[Outline of Blackbird preaching.]] Sylvester: Indeed. Second biggest Out West after the Triumph Temple in Bitler City, I hear. So you mostly dealt with Acolytes. Rosemary: Yes. She, Blackbird, is certainly a dynamic speaker. The Acolytes did their duties. The Temple was efficiently run. Friday , March 13 , 2015 [[ [[Outlines of five different Ocacles, for the towns Odieton, Cavortax, Grifin Fork, Fumbremuf and Shabbaton.]] Rosemary: And then on the Caravan, there was one in every new town we passed through.. Rosemary: So at least I got to meet a shallow but broad.. I dunno.. Sylvester: "Cross sample". Rosemary: Right. [[At the gates of Eetown, with Mortimer.]] Rosemary: And, speaking of arriving in new places.. Sylvester: Indeed. The fearsome guardians have been appeased and the barriers overcome. Welcome, Rosemary, to Eetown and the East Road Gate. Saturday , March 14 , 2015 [[ [[Voptwobotow and Vopfobotow the Ghast Mediks push PortaPool #4 past Basement well #2,where a female Ichyoid guard brings up water for a female Gnoll pushing a cart labelled Bujold's Water. A male ooze is also present, with a bucket.]] [[The PortaPool is taken past the entrance to the Council chambers, where a Boogieman shows a dead Fixit under glass to a male Gnoll with a flower on his head, Mingent the Gobule and Stonwal the Trog. ]] Sunday , March 15 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[3375 and Frizzlegarb stand at the base of a layered pile of material.]] Frizzlegarb: This is called The Heap. We gotta go up it, so now you get to practice climbing. [[They climb to a statue of a vulture.]] Frizzlegarb: And this is called Mortality. Again, nobody remembers why. Lots of stuff like this around... Frizzlegarb: Left behind by.. whoever. Folks come and go. Scraps get passed along.. Monday , March 16 , 2015 [[An alcove in the Mansion. A large statue of a turtle with two ellifinos on its back, they in turn supporting a flat disc of a "planet"]] [[Schmedley the butler comes into view, carrying a small box on a tray.]] [[He has put the tray on the turtle's head, the box is open, and he doing something to the statue.]] [[He walks away. Black 'arm'bands have been attached to the turtle and the ellifinos.]] {{RIP Terry Pratchett}} Tuesday , March 17 , 2015 Narration: Meanwhile, across the Sea of Shells.. [[A druid-like woman, a scholarly book-baring man and warrior queen, all with reddish hair, stand in front of a barred gate in a high stone wall with spikes at the top. A sinister male figure can be seen lurking in the shadows on the other side.]] {{This is the country of Tiranog. The trio are respectively named Ciuinmuir. Rosmhuire and Lady Foraois.}} Rosmhuire: Ah.. My Lady Foraois.. to be speaking o' arrival in new locales... Lady Foraois: Aye. Welcome Mr. Rosmhuire, to th' Baile of Snech and th' West Barb Gate! Lady Foraois: We best be hopin' that brain o' yours and Ciuinmuir's talents be up th' daunting tasks ahead! Wednesday , March 18 , 2015 [[Under the arch at the front gate of Eetown. Mortimer is also present.]] Rosemary: ...Hm Sylvester: Your thoughts? Rosemary: Well, despite my shutter plans, anti-siege construction is not my /main/ area of expertise. Sylvester: Duly noted. [[Rosemary gestures at the actual gate.]] Rosemary: Still.. While the hedge and ditch are fairly impressive, this gate is not exactly... Sylvester: Impenetrable, no. Fortunately, this thing we're standing on is a species of drawbridge. [[A closeup of a gate control wheel.]] Sylvester: These wheels on either side of the gate crank it up and down. Two people, in theory, can do it but.. four works better. Sylvester: So, most nights they just close and lock the gate. Unless there are troubling rumors and/or strange things happening in the forest. Thursday , March 19 , 2015 [[An outline-map of Eetown.]] Rosemary: And.. since this gate is not "the" gate, I assume there are others? Sylvester: Yes. Two. The Southroad Gate leads.. south. To Old Man Larssen's, on down the coast to Obtouwn. Sylvester: The Northpath Gate goes by the Hedgemaster's house, Eloise's beehives, leads out to the town orchard. Sylvester: The Hedge curves down to meet the shore, where they've piled up sharp jagged rocks. Folks add to both piles in the winter when there's nothing better to do. Friday , March 20 , 2015 [[Rosemary checks out a control wheel on the Eetown front gate's drawbridge.]] Sylvester: ..And yes, all three of the gates have these drawbridges. Or something similar. Sylvester: They were scrounged after the Crash. Folks had had them installed in their front drives in Crestheights. [[Outline of a fancy pre-Crash house.]] Sylvester: Which was one of the more, ah, /nobbish/ sections of town, back nearer the Mansion. Rosemary: Uh huh. Like Ostara in Jonetown. [[A view of an old Tram-pole, now used to string spark-wire.]] Sylvester: Unimaginatively, this was The Harbor, where the Tramline also came into town. Seedy, but becoming more.. do you know the word "tourist"? Rosemary: Yes. Tho only because I read Edwird's copy of Ianjays. The dictionary? Sylvester: Uh huh. Decent, tho the one put out by the High University of Azimuth is considered definitive. Saturday , March 21 , 2015 [[Two Ghast Mediks at the gate of Amoph Hall in the Basement, pushing Porta Pool #4. The gate is made of metal bars, with various bits of metal plate attached to them. Warning signs read AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS ONLY and INTRUDERS WILL BE TERMINATED.]] Vpfbotw: Medik Vptwbotw and Medik Vpfbotw. Vptwbotw: We return the remains of Hpthbvtw. [[The gate opens.]] ((CLANG)) [[They push the portapool inside, into the waiting darkness.]] [[The gate closes.]] ((UNCLANG)) Sunday , March 22 , 2015 [[ Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[3375 and Frizzlegarb stand next to a vaguely mushroom-shaped sculpture.]] Frizzlegarb: This is Fire and Water. If you've never seen either, they're both real things. The Water's the blue flow on top, the Fire is the red flash below. Frizzlegarb: You go far 'nuff, you're gonna find Hollows full of both. Tho not normally at the same time. Frizzlegarb: As a Metmin, you're safer against them than some of us. Still.. be careful. Specially with the Fire. Monday , March 23 , 2015 [[ [[At the front gate of Eetown.]] Sylvester: Returning to the present. Yes, I am aware of, ah, potential flaws in this security system. Rosemary: But, you're not the one living here. Sylvester: As you say. Of those who are, Saffron and the Sheriff, at the least, are not.. unaware of this situation. I believe. Sylvester: Of course, it's not as if we have had the threat of attacks by rampaging armies of opportunistic bandits hanging over us. Mortimer: I know you said present, but.. From the stories Amos tells, right after the Crash we.. they.. sorta /did/. Until Myrrh got back, of course. Tuesday , March 24 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of a ship sailing near a shoreline.]] Sylvester: Yes, Mortimer. Which is why, Rosemary, the hedge got made in the first- Rosemary: "Got back"? Sylvester: sssigh. Yes. Myrrh, Frederick and Quincy were not in Eetown on the day of the Crash. Sylvester: They had just interred Philbert, gone through Quincy becoming Earl. They decided to take a.. vacation. [[Map of a section of the Near World, showing the trip-route.]] Rosemary: A vacation. Sylvester: They followed your suggestion, and sailed down to Aruba via Isdanlia. Sylvester: Their absence.. caused problems. But that day, Aruba was about the safest place to be in the entire Known World. Rosemary: Because no magic. Sylvester: Yes. I do wonder how Myrrh's collar would have reacted if she'd been here.. Wednesday , March 25 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of Quincy, Myrrh and Frederick meeting Agnes in some post-Crash ruins.]] Rosemary: Wait, they made it all the way back here from Aruba? Right after the Crash? If even half the stories I've heard are true.. Sylvester: Yes. Myrrh was there, of course, but it was a long and eventful trip. Sylvester: Not the least of which, Quincy met Agnes. Rosemary: Ah. Right. Nellie made a comment about that. Sylvester: Indeed. But. We're discussing what was happening here in Eetown. Thursday , March 26 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of wall of wrecked cars, with people peering through gaps.]] Sylvester: The Eetown Crash survivors who stayed in the area, stayed sane and civilized, had one thing in abundence: smashed and broken hulks of autos. Rosemary: Uh huh. There are still piles of their frames near Jonetown. Sylvester: So, to combat the crazy uncivilized people, they dragged them into a defensive ring. [[Outline of the proto-Hedge being tended to by a bearded man.]] Sylvester: And when things were a little more calm, they staked out formal boundries for the "new" town, planted the hedge in among the wrecks, let it grow up over and around them. Sylvester: It was organized by a guy who had worked as a gardener up in Crestheights. Henry Wise. He became the first Hedgemaster. Arlen was his apprentice. Friday , March 27 , 2015 [[ [[Looking at the large tree next to the front gate of Eetown.]] Rosemary: And.. I'm guessing one of the shifts in the hedge was to include this.. um, I don't recognize this tree's type offhand. Mortimer: It's a.. /The/ Old Oakapple. They're kinda rare. Sylvester: Indeed; and yes, this one is inside the hedge because it was and is considered to be good luck. Rosemary: Is it? Sylvester: Well, as Mortimer says, /it's/ lucky it's still here; for some.. complicated technical reason the wood made particularly good wizwitch wands. Saturday , March 28 , 2015 [[ [[Inside Amorph Hall. The Mediks Vpfbotw and Vptwbotw push Portapool #4. Doors lead to DADAWEED CHAMBER and STARS ON A STICK CHAMBER.]] Vpfbotw: Never thought I'd see the day we Return with Remains and there's absolutely /nobody/-- Vptwbotw: All those Alerts yesterday .Every lockdown protocol I know of is still engaged. Vptwbotw: And, I would suspect, some that I /don't/ know of. Vpfbotw: Yeah. So, it'll just be-- Vptwbotw: Stirrer Hptwfvth. [[Stirrer Hptwfvth and Apprentice Stirrer Hpthfvx stand in front of them. A triangular door to a TRIANGLE CHAMBER can be seen.]] Vpfbotw: Right. Stirrer Hptwfvth: Gentlemen. Sunday , March 29 , 2015 [[ Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[3375 and Frizzlegarb climb steps towards a sculpture which incorporates glass.]] Frizzlegarb: Then there's Smoke and Mirrors. More of a metaphor for sneakiness than something you'll actually find. Frizzlegarb: Well. 'Cept in the Hollow of the Smoking Mirror, of course. [[3375 looks at his reflection.]] Frizzlegarb: You ever find yourself /there/, don't listen to the Mirror, it's a filthy liar who.. Frizzlegarb: Oh right. That's an ordinary mirror. And no lie, that's you. Least, that's what you look like. Monday , March 30 , 2015 [[ [[At the front gate of Eetown, next to the Old Oakapple.]] Rosemary: But the tree isn't.. /actively/ magical. Sylvester: Well, every tree in the Wide World is magical in its way. But no. Turning our attention inward.. [[The side of the Moose and Squirrel.]] Sylvester: To possibly answer your next questions.. Yes, again for luck, many of the other trees planted inside the Hedge were grown from this one's seeds. Sylvester: And no, the tree is not the reason the survivors rallied here particularly. That was due to the venerable building before us. The Moose and Squirrel Public House. Tuesday , March 31 , 2015 [[ [[Outline of a previous version of the Moose and Squirrel.]] Sylvester: There has been an inn on this site serving the harbor trade since at least Griff's reign; It was under him that the family's commercial enterprises really took off. He was- Rosemary: The fifteenth Earl. Gadget-tinkerer. Built the Factor E. Bad sense of humor. Yes, you told me. [[Outline of the current version being built.]] Sylvester: ...Right. Of course, it's been built and re-built numerous times. The current structure dates from when the tramline got pushed through to, well, its front door. Sylvester: Which was about.. eighty five years ago. Lots of things got torn down, replaced and/or expanded around then. * END OF COMICFURY TRANSCRIPTS/ALT TEXT 2 Wednesday , April 1 , 2015 [[At the side of the Moose and Squirrel. Ricky and Wendell emerge from the front side, walking away from the Mansion visitors.]] Rosemary: Seems typical enough. Tho harbor-inns in /Moonin/ all have names like the Foolish Flounder or the Rusty Harpoon. Sylvester: Not surprising. Sadly, the origin of this one's name is lost in the mists of history. Ricky: Wendell, this never works! Wendell: This time for sure, Ricky! [[Shadowy outline of Simon Stout and a hooded figure.]] Rosemary: ..And I suppose the Stouts have owned it all the way back into those mists. Sylvester: Actually no. Saffron's father Simon acquired ownership under.. ahem.. muddled circumstances. [[Outline of Simon working at the inn's bar.]] Rosemary: Ah. Sylvester: But by all accounts he ran it competently enough before the Crash hit. Thursday , April 2 , 2015 [[Outline of the Moose and Squirrel suffering through the Crash.]] Sylvester: And then.. the Crash hit. Because it was, to be blunt, a low-end establishment, the Moose and Squirrel skimped on magic-use and thus came through relatively intact. Sylvester: (Though it took damage from the tram station blowing up..) [[Outline of Simon Stout, pointing heroically, surrounded by Eetownites including Pytor Nigultrum.]] Sylvester: And to everyone's surprise, probably even his own, Simon and his battered little inn became the rock around which the survivors rallied. Sylvester: He organized the auto-wall, the defenses, the clean-up. Sylvester: The burials. Like everywhere, so many burials. They used a pit on Scraggy, another island, as a mass grave site. Friday , April 3 , 2015 [[Outline/montage of Myrrh and various Eetownites.]] Sylvester: But eventually.. things stabilized. Especially, as noted, when Myrrh finally got back. Sylvester: Omega came. Also Hubert Appleby, the new town Clerk, around the same time. A Temple and Office were constructed for them. Sylvester: And like everywhere, folks re-learned to farm, fish, build ships.. /live/ without magic. Mostly. [[Outline of Simon Stout, working late at night.]] Sylvester: And Simon served as sorta-Mayor until being replaced by his daughter. Sylvester: Yes. Ably, for the most part. I'm sure he could have made it official if he'd wanted to, but.. Sylvester: My theory is, he always cherished the illusion he could just chuck it all and leave. Saturday , April 4 , 2015 [[In Amorph Hall. Two Mediks with Portapool #4 meet two Stirrers. Septwbfn is pushing a cart labelled TANGIBLE KARMA on which sits a tunnelrat.]] Vpfbotw: Ahem. Stirrer Hptwfvth. Apprentice Stirrer Hpthfvx. Vptwbotw: We Return with the Remains of High Pool Third of Batch Three Hundred and Fifty Two.. We- Hptwfvth: Yes. Gratitude is extended. We'll take it from here. Vptwbotw: Right. [[The Stirrers push the portapool away. Septwbfn tosses an object to Vptwbotw.]] Vpfbotw: You suppose they actually stir the Pools with those spoons? Vptwbotw: Some mysteries are eternal. Septwbfn: Here's your Going-Near-The-Operator Bonus Fungal Node. Vptwbotw: Thanks, Septwbfn. Still having problems with slime-grubs eating the stock? Septwbfn: Not since I got Mandibles here. Mandibles: rrr Sunday , April 5 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[3375 and Frizzlegarb look up at large Easter Egg mounted on a base.]] Frizzlegarb: This is The Painted Egg. Eggs are.. um.. this is sorta complicated. Real ones aren't ever painted, to start with. [[He faces 3375]] Frizzlegarb: Folks like you are made, all at once, and get a fish-thing stuck in, and you're off. Frizzlegarb: Folks like me are /grown/. Small, then get bigger. Takes longer. I was grown inside another Fuzz. But some, Flutterbys, are grown inside eggs. Frizzlegarb: If this was a real egg, it could- Egg: CRACK Monday , April 6 , 2015 [[Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer are alongside the Moose and Squirrel.]] Sylvester: But anyway. The inn's stables are on around behind there.. Sylvester: And the public room is on around the front, which is where we'll find Saffron, of course. [[The building across the square, behind Mortimer, is shown.]] Sylvester: The people we need to see first, however.. Rosemary: Are in that official-looking building, I'm guessing. Sylvester: Indeed. The Eetown Administrative Center, Registered #YL-4185 Mortimer: Everyone calls it the Government House. Tuesday , April 7 , 2015 [[Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer cross the Eetown town square. Three people can be seen down the street.]] Sylvester: So. The town square. Sylvester: Another ongoing argument involves coughing up the money and time to lay cobbles or somesuch. Rosemary: You did build a /working/ fountain. [[A closeup of the small fountain at the center of the square.]] Sylvester: What? Oh, yes. It's gravity fed, sourced from that stream we crossed earlier. There's a.. Sylvester: Ahem. This calls for a quick overview. Rosemary: Better also make it confident and authoritative; we've got an audience up the street. Sylvester: ..Righty ho. Wednesday , April 8 , 2015 [[The front of the Moose and Squirrel.]] Sylvester: Apart from the Old Oakapple, the inn's about all that's left from before the Crash. Sylvester: Next door they built the Bath House, which is.. Surely you know. The Hygiene Bureau in the Capital encourages their construction everywhere. [[The Bath House and attached mill.]] Rosemary: A communal structure for washing bodies and clothes. Yes. A Brushsend on the Caravan. Sylvester: I can imagine. And the Grind Mill and bakery. The Stoudmeals, Sten and Dulcibella, run that. Sylvester: They all use water, and waterpower, from the town pond. Again, around back. Thursday , April 9 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square, looking towards the sea.]] Sylvester: On this side, we have the smithy. Maybe Shelbert will get around to re-painting his sign one of these years. Sylvester: Back there with our audience are various warehouses where fish and agricultural products are processed and stored. Sylvester: And over here, the town hall, for more, ah, secular gatherings. The basement is the town icehouse. [[Them and Mortimer, looking up.]] Rosemary: And that's a watchtower up there? Good. Sylvester: Yes. Well. [[A closer look at the tower on the roof of one of the warehouses.]] Sylvester: A better name for it these days might be the town "semi-private social refuge" tower. It's /scandalously popular/ with.. ahem.. the younger set. Friday , April 10 , 2015 [[A view of the buildings discussed in the dialogue.]] Sylvester: The Clotheshorse, site of the Mysterious Midnight Garment Purchase. Pandowny the cobbler, another Peter, shares the space with Genrick and Mrs. Gaberdine, Hailey. She runs the loom. Rosemary: And of course a World O' Pots. Sylvester: Indeed, staffed by one Horace Hooper. Despite his alliterative name, he was born in foreign climes. [[The two of them and Mortimer.]] Rosemary: Which brings us back to the Government House. Sylvester: Actually, first.. [[Five Eetownites further down the street, next to a wagon and a horse.]] Sylvester: ..Their performance complete, the Earl of E and his new Taskmistress and Regent must mingle with their audience. Rosemary: Ah. Right. Saturday , April 11 , 2015 [[In the gloom of Amorph Hall. The two Ghast stirrers push PortaPool #4. A door is labelled SLOW ART ROOM. A notice on the wall warns that the Breeding Pool Zone is ahead, with guarddorns.]] Hpthbfvx:He was killed by an Operator Blast. Are we really going to risk contamination by- Hptwfvth: Accounts indicate it was an Involuntary Revival Blast, which Records show removes most of the risk. Nevertheless, there are indeed cleansing protocols that you shall now learn. Hpthbfvx: ... I see. Sunday , April 12 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[Frizzlegarb and 3375 look at an "easter egg" which has cracked its top, and lifts that section on a stalk.]] Frizzlegarb: OK.. That shouldnta happened. The Painted Egg isn't real, alive-real, you can smell that it- ((CLICK)) Monday , April 13 , 2015 [[Rosemary and Sylvester whisper has they and Mortimer leave the Eetown town square and head into the warehouse "district".]] Rosemary: So this conversation is considered necessary? Sylvester: In overarching political terms, yes. [[Six Eetownites look at them, along with a cat. A horse stands hitched to a cart.]] Sylvester: But we'll also try to keep it as short as possible, as I am keeping folks from their work, and tend to make them nervous. Tuesday , April 14 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester meet a gaggle of Eetownites outside "The Barn".]] Sylvester: Hello, Stanley. Loretta. Arnold. Everyone. Stanley Stirling: Morning, yer Grace. Mister Mortimer... Miss. Sylvester: Yes. This is Miss Rosemary Dapple. She has accepted a position as the new Taskmistress for the Mansion. Townsfolk: . . . Townsfolk: . . . [[Rosemary steps forward. An older woman dressed in black joins the throng.]] Sylvester: Rosemary.. Stanley Stirling, Loretta Stout, Arnold Tonbee, Tim Tonbee, Inez Inglemore, Violet Hopkirk and Mrs. Hettie Warnock. Rosemary: Hello, everyone. Townsfolk: . . . Arnold: Um.. how do, Miss. Miss Dapple. Townsfolk: . . . Hettie: What accent is /that/? Wednesday , April 15 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary meet a bunch of Eetownites.]] Sylvester: Miss Dapple is from Moonin. Loretta Stout: ...The Province? Yer Grace? Out West? Sylvester: Yes. Loretta: Wow. Um.. [[Two young boys stare up at Mortimer and Sylvester.]] Sylvester: Wow indeed. I'm sure there are many questions, but, since we all have duties to return to... {{The boys are named Billy Warnock (no hat) and Tobias Blake (hat)}} [[The larger group. Two more women have appeared, one teenaged, one older. Hettie Warnock walks away.]] Sylvester: ..there will be a formal introduction at the next Temple meeting. I ask you all to help Threnody spread the word. Stanley Stirling: Of course, yer Grace. Loretta: Right. Teen girls: (whispering among themselves) Hettie: Fine. Least this one's /Human/. Wednesday , April 15 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary meet a bunch of Eetownites.]] Sylvester: Miss Dapple is from Moonin. Loretta Stout: ...The Province? Yer Grace? Out West? Sylvester: Yes. Loretta: Wow. Um.. [[Two young boys stare up at Mortimer and Sylvester.]] Sylvester: Wow indeed. I'm sure there are many questions, but, since we all have duties to return to... {{The boys are named Billy Warnock (no hat) and Tobias Blake (hat)}} [[The larger group. Two more women have appeared, one teenaged, one older. Hettie Warnock walks away.]] Sylvester: ..there will be a formal introduction at the next Temple meeting. I ask you all to help Threnody spread the word. Stanley Stirling: Of course, yer Grace. Loretta: Right. Teen girls: (whispering among themselves) Hettie: Fine. Least this one's /Human/. Thursday , April 16 , 2015 [[Meeting lots of Eetownites.]] Rosemary: So.. The Barn? Sylvester: It's where animals are housed. And.. processed. Stanley and Loretta here run it. Rosemary: Ah. [[Stanley Stirling and Loretta Stout.]] Sylvester: The town butcher is Ichabod Obtund. Not around at the moment? Loretta: Um, he n' Katrina are at the tanning pit, yer Grace. [[Outline of a masked/goggled figure working at a very smelly tanning vat.]] Sylvester: Which is /outside/ of the Hedge. Rosemary: Naturally. And the Mr. Tonbees? [[Arnold and his teen-aged son Tim.]] Sylvester: Arnold owns the High Four, a farm out west of town. Everything going well, I hope? Arnold: Yes, thanks yer Grace. Arnold: For everything. Friday , April 17 , 2015 [[Meeting a gaggle of Eetownites.]] Rosemary: His Grace has been helpful? Arnold Tonbee: Oh yes! Those talks he gave at the Guild meetings were great! Sylvester: And you ladies.. hello, Belinda, Hanna.. are helping out with the animals today? Inez and Belinda: Yes, yer Grace! Sylvester: Well, I'll leave you to it, then. [[Another woman, a carried baby, two children and a dog appear in view.]] Off-panel voice: So.. um.. is that hat.. required? Inez, Belinda and Hanna: Hi, Mister Mortimer! Mortimer: Hello. Hanna: You smell like /sphagnum dust!/ Sylvester: Hello Rosalind. Sylvester: Hello Silence. Rosalind: (silent wave) Silence: Your Grace. I was just saying to Francis how you never come into town to play anymore. Sylvester: I'm trying to find more time in my schedule. Friday , April 17 , 2015 [[Meeting a gaggle of Eetownites.]] Rosemary: His Grace has been helpful? Arnold Tonbee: Oh yes! Those talks he gave at the Guild meetings were great! Sylvester: And you ladies.. hello, Belinda, Hanna.. are helping out with the animals today? Inez and Belinda: Yes, yer Grace! Sylvester: Well, I'll leave you to it, then. [[Another woman, a carried baby, two children and a dog appear in view.]] Off-panel voice: So.. um.. is that hat.. required? Inez, Belinda and Hanna: Hi, Mister Mortimer! Mortimer: Hello. Hanna: You smell like /sphagnum dust!/ Sylvester: Hello Rosalind. Sylvester: Hello Silence. Rosalind: (silent wave) Silence: Your Grace. I was just saying to Francis how you never come into town to play anymore. Sylvester: I'm trying to find more time in my schedule. Saturday , April 18 , 2015 [[Hptwfvth the Stirrer and Hpthbfvx her apprentice push portapool #4 inside Amorph Hall. A watch-Dornbeast looms nearby.]] Hptwfvth: You are dissatisfied. Speak. Hpthbfvx: OK. Fine, Ma'am. I lied. I didn't see. There have been other Operator Blasts, but when was that sploosher ever involuntarily revived? Hptwfvth: You are not yet rated fora full briefing, but... the Operator is not the only of his kind . [[Outline of Myrrh blasting a Troglodyte with magic; the background bleeds into a stylized picture of The World and Stars.]] Hpthbfvx: What, you're saying that the /Collared Lurker/.. no. She's only Zapped people, she's never- Hptwfvth: The Records are Vast and deep, Apprentice Hpthbfvx. and the world may be somewhat larger than you might suppose. Sunday , April 19 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow. [[3375 and Frizzlegarb look up at a Boonbot, which has been disguised a large Easter egg.]] Frizzlegarb: Fine.. who.. what the Zark are you? Boonbot: UNIT DESIGNATION BOONBOT MODEL 4200-2 Frizzlegarb: Boonbot? Wait.. Hofmin told me about.. you /give/ things to folks. [[The Boonbot thrusts a key-like object at Frizzlegarb.]] Boonbot: CONFIRMED Boonbot: REJOICE ((CLANG)) Boonbot: BOON 1OF2 BESTOWED Monday , April 20 , 2015 [[Outside the Eetown Barn. Rosalind walks away.]] Sylvester: So. Silence: So. [[Sylvester wiggles a finger at Silence's baby.]] Silence: You finally found yourself a Taskmistress. Sylvester: Yes. And yes, Miss Dapple's aware of what the job entails. Silence: 'Course she is. Both: . . . [[Close on Silence.]] Sylvester: ..I toyed a time or two, in my more desperate moments, with offering you the position, but.. Silence: ..I'd have said no, cuz I know what the job would have entailed. [[Sylvester.]] Silence: Fortunately, all /she'll/ have to deal with are your insane zappy machines. Sylvester: Oh, I expect she'll be interacting with you all often enough.. Tuesday , April 21 , 2015 [[Outside the Eetown Barn. A horse stands in the background. Two children silently observe.]] Silence: What's that supposed to mean? Sylvester: Touching insane zappy machines generally only makes up part of a Taskmistress's duties. [[Rosemary talking to Arnold Tonbee, with Arnold's son Tim watching.]] Sylvester: I have hopes that Miss Dapple can also serve as a Mature and Responsible Adult. Silence: You.. need one of those? I mean.. specifically? [[Back to Sylvester and Silence.]] Sylvester: ..If I'm finally going to go find a wife, yes, I do. Silence: . . . Oh. Sylvester: And while Miss Dapple has many fine qualities, no, she is not what I seek in a spouse. [[Sylvester turns to go.]] Silence: I always . . . There's someone out there. Sylvester. I hope you find her. Sylvester: Thanks. After I do, we'll all get together, you and I and her and Francis, and actually talk. Wednesday , April 22 , 2015 [[Sylvester approaches as Mortimer talks to his teen Eetown fanclub. Violet Hopkirk is present but does not speak.]] Hanna: Yer so rich ya got /another/ new shirt! Mortimer: My old one got all ripped to pieces. Inez: ..Why do ya have an umbrella? It ain't.. isn't gonna rain! Mortimer: I'm trying to be better prepared. You'd.. be surprised how fast a storm can blow up. [[Close on Inez and Mortimer.]] Mortimer: Something might come along any minute that.. changes everything. Sylvester: Sound words, ladies. But now Mortimer, Miss Dapple and I need to go talk to some other folks. Hanna, Belinda and Inez: Aw!! Thursday , April 23 , 2015 [[Outside the Eetown Barn.]] Belinda: I wish he coulda... what's wrong? Inez: That storm thing is real. Something bad's gonna happen. [[Belinda looks skyward.]] Belinda: Sure don't look like rain. Inez: Sometimes yer a dummy, Belinda. [[Mortimer holds up his umbrella.]] Mortimer: ..That might have been the last time I'll talk to them without everyone treating me like.. you. Sylvester: That is a possibility, yes. Friday , April 24 , 2015 [[Outside the Eetown Barn.]] Rosemary: Well, as noted, we all have get back to work. Arnold Tonbee: Ayup. See you soon, ma'am, Yer Grace. Sylvester: Gentlemen. [[Stanley Stirling and Loretta Stout.]] Stanley: Um.. yer Grace? Ya said Threnody, but does Ms Stout and the Sheriff and.. them.. know 'bout... er..? Sylvester: Everybody /knew/ about Miss Dapple yesterday, but yes, the two individuals in question have met her. Sylvester: And she is still here. And we are on our way this very moment to talk with those who have not. Stanley: Oh. OK. We'll.. get back ta work then. Too. Saturday , April 25 , 2015 [[Pushing PortaPool #4 inside the gloom of Amorph Hall.]] Hptwfvth: We are here. Hpthbfvx: "Here"? There's nothing here but that sankofit mark on the floor. Hptwfvth: Yes. Park the pool on it. Hpthbfvx: . . . [[Hptwfvth prods something overhead with her spoon.]] Hpthbfvx:? [[A large complex device drops into view from above.]] {{SHUNK}} Hpthbfvx: But.. I.. didn't even sense that! Hptwfvth: Yes. It cloaks itself in a fashion I do not pretend to understand. Sunday , April 26 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[The Boonbot has handed Frizzlegarb a long blue object. The Boonbot pokes forth a sphere-tipped appendage, as does the cake sculpture behind Frizzlegarb and 3375.]] Frizzlegarb: But this is.. is this a /Keystaff?/ Boonbot: CONFIRMED Frizzlegarb: But they were all destroyed. In that Winnifite revolt. When they stormed the Baliwick. Boonbot: DATA UNAVAILABLE Frizzlegarb: Course. But whic- [[3375 and Frizzlegarb and the keystaff get zapped by the spheres.]] Boonbot: BOON2OF2 BESTOWED ((FOOM)) ((zzZAPP!!)) [[The targets of the zap have disappeared.]] Monday , April 27 , 2015 [[Outside the Eetown Barn. Adult Eetownites walk away from Rosemary, Sylvester and Mortimer, while some children still stare.]] Sylvester: Be aware we've attracted a following. Rosemary: Surprised it took this long. Sylvester: So... what were you and Arnold talking about? Rosemary: Pudding farming. Sylvester: Ah. [[Outline of a farmer looking at a pathetic pudding crop.]] Rosemary: Actually. It was interesting. They're impossible to grow Out West. People have tried. [[Outline of a woman carefully tending to a single pudding.]] Mortimer: Didn't you say the Temples have them in- Rosemary: Fine. Commercially impractical. You can keep one alive if you baby it enough. Tuesday , April 28 , 2015 [[By a fence in Eetown]] Sylvester: Yes, the fact that puddings only grow well in Audravania is something of a mystery. Sylvester: Not one that folks here feel inclined to investigate too closely, as they are a major cash crop. [[Outline of Rosemary looking at a pudding under glass in a shop.]] Rosemary: Uh huh. They're /very/ expensive out west. Sylvester: So.. you've never eaten one? [[Outline of Rosemary, Baldy and two others on the Caravan, bundled up against the cold and eating off plates around a fire.]] Rosemary: Baldy and I and a couple of others bought a /canned/ one at Brushtival. They're cheaper. Slightly. Rosemary: It was tasty enough, but we weren't tempted to repeat. Sylvester: Yes. They're better fresh. Maybe we'll go out to the High Four and buy one.. Rosemary: I would like that. Wednesday , April 29 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Sylvester and Rosemary are in Eetown, being trailed by a staring group of children.]] Sylvester: So.. "Surprised it took this long"? Rosemary: I have a fair amount of experience being the new face arriving in a small town. [[Outline of Rosemary being a new face arriving in a small town.]] Rosemary: Even if it's just you, a solitary traveler, as soon as you pass through the gate.. [[Outline of Rosemary being stared at by several children. The town's name is revealed to be Dancezipper, in Moonin.]] Rosemary: ..a mob of gawk.. assembly of curious onlookers, often composed of children, will generally twistpoint itself into immediate existence. Rosemary: Apart from the delay, however, this one is fairly typical. Thursday , April 30 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square.]] Rosemary: And besides Mortimer's fan-club, who was that you were talking to? Sylvester: Silence Krenshaw. And yes, that's really her first name. And no, her parents weren't Erewhonian, just imaginative. Sylvester: /Our/ father was not the most.. attentive of parents. But he /did/ make sure we got into town to.. interact with folks. [[Outline of young Silence, Sylvester and Francis.]] Rosemary: And Ms. Krenshaw was one of them? Sylvester: To my eternal gratitude, Silence Beltane's parents also allowed her and I to play on occasion. While there was never any chance... I've always liked her. Sylvester: She married Francis Krenshaw eventually. Works on one of the boats. Decent guy, tho, honestly, rather.. stolid. Even as a child. Friday , May 1 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square.]] Sylvester: And if you hadn't come along, I might have- Mortimer: I don't have a 'fan club!' [[Mortimer looks at the children who are following them.]] Sylvester: Yes you do, Mortimer. Possibly even officially, with Inez as the chairwoman, I'd imagine. Mortimer: What? Inez? She's just a kid! I'd /never/- Mortimer: um.. you know.. [[Close on Sylvester]] Sylvester: Of course not. Which is why a.. latitude of toleration exists. Sylvester: And yes, I experience covetousness vis-a-vis my sibling's popularity with the feminine population. [[Close on Rosemary.]] Sylvester: But simultaneously, I possess profound /gratitude/ that the metropolis's distaff juvenile contingent doesn't readily congregate about my personage. Rosemary: Indubitably. Saturday , May 2 , 2015 [[In Amorph Hall, studying a hanging device which has submerged its probes into the Porta Pool holding the remains of Sepferb the Ghast.]] Hpthbfvx the apprentice: But what- Hptwfvth the Stirrer: It is a device from, or at least created in, a subShaft. It was acquired via a trade, it in exchange for information from the Records. Hpthbfvx: oh. ((bloop blurp burble)) Sunday , May 3 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[The local Boonbot and accompanying "cake" have various appendages extended.]] Boonbot: BOONS BESTOWED Boonbot: REVERT [[They both close up, looking again like sculptures of a cake and a large Easter egg.]] ((UNCLICK)) [[An armored pod drops out of the sky at the end of a tether.]] ((THUD)) Monday , May 4 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square, being watched by a group of children. A male dog is also present.]] Rosemary: So. The "Government House". Which includes a bank. Sylvester: Yes. Mortimer: Sylvester /founded/ it! Sylvester: It existed before The Crash. I helped re-establish it. Rosemary: Can you explain, using /small/ words, why a town this size needs a bank? Sylvester: Having our own.. "Official" Bank helps us out from under the thumb of the Noodle Fish-Monger's Association. Sylvester: Any further details would require lengthy interlocking collections of syllables and numerals. Rosemary: Thanks. I think I'm good for now. Tuesday , May 5 , 2015 [[Outside the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: And, because the Taskmistress might end up dealing with Royal Treasury Inspectors, here are the requirements for a bank to maintain its Official status. Rosemary: Uh oh. [[The bank's front.]] Sylvester: It's not so awful, really. One, an actual physical presence. Hence, this stately and sturdy addition to the Government House. [[Outline of Shedon at his forge, and Permelia and Waldo at Waldo's desk.]] Sylvester: Two. Some paid employees. So, along with Peter the Director, Sheldon is the Head Guard, and Permelia is Chief Teller. Sylvester: Their salaries are, ah, ceremonial, and Shelbert.. guards the bank from his forge Permelia, however, is actually good with numbers, and helps Peter check his figures. Tuesday , May 5 , 2015 [[Outside the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: And, because the Taskmistress might end up dealing with Royal Treasury Inspectors, here are the requirements for a bank to maintain its Official status. Rosemary: Uh oh. [[The bank's front.]] Sylvester: It's not so awful, really. One, an actual physical presence. Hence, this stately and sturdy addition to the Government House. [[Outline of Shedon at his forge, and Permelia and Waldo at Waldo's desk.]] Sylvester: Two. Some paid employees. So, along with Peter the Director, Sheldon is the Head Guard, and Permelia is Chief Teller. Sylvester: Their salaries are, ah, ceremonial, and Shelbert.. guards the bank from his forge Permelia, however, is actually good with numbers, and helps Peter check his figures. Wednesday , May 6 , 2015 [[In front of the Bank of E.]] Rosemary: Why don't you make the Sheriff the Head Guard, since he's right next door anyway? Sylvester: In practical terms he has the job. [[The Sheriff's office.]] Sylvester: But there was a big messy scandal in the Capital twenty years back and now it's.. essentially illegal for any active agent of the King's Law to officially work for a bank. Rosemary: Not to encourage anarchy, but if he's the one enforcing the laws, then.. ah. [[Outline of most of the Bank of E's Board of Directors.]] Rosemary: We have to toe the line because the Noodle group- Sylvester: Ayup. Moving on, there's the Board of Directors. Sylvester: Me, Saffron, Weequash, Joe Brackett, and Franklin Nelson. They're the other big names in the Fisher's Guild. Sylvester: Oh, and Old Man Larssen, but he never bothers to show up for any of the meetings. Thursday , May 7 , 2015 [[Outline of Sylvester giving a presentation to the other Directors of the Bank of E.]] Rosemary: So.. you're outnumbered? Sylvester: Not exactly. Everyone genuinely wants the bank to work, Saffron, at least, recognizes my expertise, and.. ah.. disapprobation of /me/ is not the.. sole social axis around which this community revolves. [[Outline of a young Rosemary witnessing her Aunt Eva dealing with a collection of Gnomin Islandites.]] Rosemary: Ah. For a few glorious years I managed to escape having to deal with small town government. Sylvester: Yes, I on occasion also find myself nostalgic for more cosmopolitan climes. Friday , May 8 , 2015 [[Approaching the entrance to the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: So, ready to be introduced to Peter? Rosemary: Certainly. Tho, he runs the bank, /and/ is the village solicitor? Sylvester: And manages what small stock portfolios the "nobs" have, and helps people with their taxes, and writes letters for those who... ah.. [[Outline of wanderer Rosemary arriving in a very backwards community.]] Sylvester: ..everyone can /read/, even Omega didn't.. but some folks are a little.. rustic. Rosemary: Uh huh. Trust me on this, you haven't seen "rustic" until you visit some of the deeper back woods of Moonin. Sylvester: Your word is gladly taken. Saturday , May 9 , 2015 [[In Amorph Hall, a Ghast Stirrer and her apprentice watch as a device extracts its probes from a Portapool.]] Hpthbfvx: Wow.. it really.. I don't sense /any/ contamination! Hptwfvth: Yes. Hpthbfvx: But still.. [[Outline of a female Ghast meeting with a SubShaft device.]] Hpthbfvx: Everything I have heard about him.. making a deal with /Egrote/.. Hptwfvth: Egrote was not involved. This arrangement was with the /subShafts/. Sunday , May 10 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow. [[An armored drop-pod has landed at the end of a tether, next to the local Boonbot and cake sculpture. Eye slits open.]] ((CLANG CLANG)) {{The pod's two occupants are named Matachin and Mirador.}} Matachin: Bowb! They're not here! They /have/ to be here! Mirador: Maybe they're.. dawdling? Deploy the sniffer! Matachin: Right! [[A mechanical nose pokes out of the side of the pod.]] ((VOOP snuff snort)) Both: . . . Mirador: /Well?/ Matachin: There is a trail. It just /ends/. Right here. Mirador: So what, the bowber can now turn himself /invisible/? [[The sniffer retracts.]] ((UNVOOP)) Matachin: Maybe he found Chybald's shovel. Mirador: Matachin, Will you at least /try/ to be bowbing serious? Monday , May 11 , 2015 [[As Sylvester reaches for the door of the Bank of E, Ida Mossett emerges from inside, looking flushed.]] Sylvester: But anyway, we- whoa. Ida: Oh! [[Witnessed by Rosemary and Mortimer.]] Sylvester: Hello, Ida. Ida: Yer Grace! Um.. Hi! Hello! Sylvester: Peter is in, I take it? Ida: No! Yes! He and I were just.. um- Sylvester: Talking. Ida: Talking! Ayup! We were talking! Tuesday , May 12 , 2015 [[On the front step of the Bank of E, as witnessed by Mortimer and a young Eetownite.]] Sylvester: But seriously, I understand congratulations are in order. Have you and Peter set a date yet? Ida: Um.. thanks Yer Grace. And.. and no. But soon. I hope. We're gonna talk to Threnody about it. [[Sylvester presents Rosemary.]] Sylvester: Well, good. Be sure and send us "Mansion folks" an invitation. Including Miss Dapple here. She is the new Taskmistress. Ida: Oh. Um. OK. Hello, Ma'am. Rosemary: Hi. Yes, I'm Human. And from Moonin. Ida: Oh. Good? Wednesday , May 13 , 2015 [[At the front of the Bank of E.]] Ida Mossett: I mean.. good yer Human, Ma'am.. not that..I don't know anything about Moonin. Except those Beacon-things. Rosemary: Yes. It was them or a lobster to put on the Provincial flag. [[An outline of the Beacons, with a small ship getting too close.]] Ida: But.. what are they, Ma'am? The Beacons? You've /seen/ them? The stories are all.. Rosemary: They are three giant pillars that poke out of the Bay of Runes. They glow and shimmer inthe moonlight. Bad.. well.. odd things tend to happen to people who get too close to them. Rosemary: But what /are/ they? Nobody knows, tho the scholars say they're as old as the Dawn Wars... Thursday , May 14 , 2015 [[At the front of the Bank of E.]] Ida Mossett: Wow. We don't have anything like that /here/! Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: Well, nothing that big or old or famous, at least. Except perhaps the Forest of Burzee. Ida: I.. s'pose it's famous, Yer Grace, but.. that's just a buncha trees! Sylvester: True, that is the very definition of "forest". [[Outline of Daisy the Founding Oracle.]] Ida: Oh! And Moonin's where Daisy came from. Y'know. /The/ Daisy. The Oracle. [[Outline of Sylvester among the visitors to a Shrine.]] Rosemary: ..Yes, Daisy was born in Moonin. I visited her shrine and everything. Ida: ..Shrine? Sylvester: All seven of the Founding Oracles had their childhood homes turned into ah.. small Temples, Ida. I visited Evangeline's when I was in the Capital. Ida: Oh. Wow. Friday , May 15 , 2015 [[At the front of the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: But I'm sure you have a thousand things to do, Ida, and there'll be an official welcome for Miss Dapple at the next Temple meeting. Ida Mossett: Right, yer Grace! [[Ida leaves, passing Mortimer in the process.]] Ida: ... Hi, Mr. Mortimer. Mortimer: Hello, Ida. Sylvester: Before you ask, many folks in the village have never truly.. /experienced/ the Mansion. It becomes a.. background detail. [[Outline of Rosemary on a boat, looking at the Beacons in the distance.]] Sylvester: And, honestly, I will take that.. /lack/ of reputation over the Beacons'.. would calling them "foreboding spectres" be roughly accurate? Rosemary: That actually sums it up pretty well. Friday , May 15 , 2015 [[At the front of the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: But I'm sure you have a thousand things to do, Ida, and there'll be an official welcome for Miss Dapple at the next Temple meeting. Ida Mossett: Right, yer Grace! [[Ida leaves, passing Mortimer in the process.]] Ida: ... Hi, Mr. Mortimer. Mortimer: Hello, Ida. Sylvester: Before you ask, many folks in the village have never truly.. /experienced/ the Mansion. It becomes a.. background detail. [[Outline of Rosemary on a boat, looking at the Beacons in the distance.]] Sylvester: And, honestly, I will take that.. /lack/ of reputation over the Beacons'.. would calling them "foreboding spectres" be roughly accurate? Rosemary: That actually sums it up pretty well. Saturday , May 16 , 2015 [[Pushing Portapool #4 inside of Amorph Hall.]] Hpthbfvx the apprentice: Wait.. I know the subShafts are.. alive, in a way.. but they also think? With a.. unified mind? Hptwfvth the Stirrer: We stray ever farther from my, /our/, area of expertise. I suggest you talk to Hpobfz; he leads the study squad on the subShafts. On your own time. Hpthbfvx: Right. Ma;am. So now we Stir the remains in. Just like n- in the properly approved fashion? Hptwfvth: Yes. Sunday , May 17 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[An armored drop-pod sits next to the local boonbot. Its inhabitants talk.]] Matachin: So what the bowb do we do now, Mirador? Mirador: Go report in, of course. At least he won't be able to accuse us of lying to him. [[The pod's viewing slits ((UNCLANG))]] Matachin: Yeah. But we'll still have to stand there and listen to him rant and dribble, won't we? Mirador: Of course we will. He's our Master now. Mirador: . . . Mirador: I wonder.. Frizzlegarb.. At least he's sane... [[The pod retracts back up out of view. A flutterby zooms into view.]] ((YOINK)) Matachin: Huh? Sorry? Whaddya say? Mirador: Nothing. Monday , May 18 , 2015 [[Outside the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: ..And did I detect a note of /unenthusiasm/ in regards to Daisy? Rosemary: Every Mooninite is proud the first Prime Oracle came from there. [[Outline of a row of figures climbing a hill towards mountains. The sky overhead shows tinges of rainbow/magic.]] Sylvester: But..? Rosemary: But. After the Daynight.. y'know, happened, she made her Trek to Gilad, linked up with the other Founding Oracles, became famous.. [[Outline of Daisy making an appearance before a crowd. Fellow Founding Oracle Kathryn stands on guard with a sword. A lobster-adorned flag fles nearby.]] Rosemary: ..And always treated her background as a.. I dunno.. rustic embarrassment. Rosemary: Travel was harder in those days, but it still stung that she came back only twice, briefly, and that was under "bureaucratic duress", as Edwird put it. Tuesday , May 19 , 2015 [[Going in the Bank of E. Mortimer is also present, and a couple of Eetownite kids.]] Sylvester: Well, if Blackbird makes the cut, here's hoping she's more appreciative. Rosemary: Indeed. Of course, I believe she was /born/ in Wirtwam. Sylvester: ..although, I'm sorry, but I'm rooting for Jackstraw, who runs the main Temple in Glome; we've never had an Audravanian Prime Oracle. [[Inside the bank. Peter Nigultrum sits behind his desk.]] Rosemary: Fair enough. Sylvester: But here we are. Hello, Peter. Peter: Hello, Sylvester. And this must be your new.. Taskmistress. Wednesday , May 20 , 2015 [[Inside the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: You heard us talking to Ida. Peter Nigultrum: Talking to.. Oh. No, actually. [[Peter at his desk]] Peter: If you appear in the village with a woman I've never seen before, she's either going to be /your/ fiancee, or your new Taskmistress. [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester.]] Peter: And your fiancee, even if she was /also/ the new Taskmistress, would not be dressed in a Mansion uniform, heavy gloves and a sturdy mining helmet. [[Sylvester brings Rosemary forward.]] Sylvester: Right. Rosemary Dapple. Mooninite Taskmistress and Mature Responsible Adult. Peter Nigultrum. Half-Polarite Solicitor and Bank Manager. Rosemary: Hi. Peter: Hello. Thursday , May 21 , 2015 [[Inside the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: Annnd.. both Frederick and Myrrh have announced their official retirement. Mortimer is now the Regent. Mortimer: Hi. Peter Nigultrum: OK. /That/ I was not expecting. [[Mortimer holds up his umbrella.]] Sylvester: And something we /haven't/ told people, tho everyone will hear about it soon enough. Mortimer is a wizard. He and I didn't know until yesterday. That thing he is carrying is /also/ a wand. Peter: . . . Peter: That is.. actually less surprising than learning Myrrh is capable of retiring. Friday , May 22 , 2015 [[Inside the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: We have told the Important People about Frederick and Myrrh. We crashed a.. meeting in the Temple. Peter Nigultrum: Ayup. I noticed Waldo being covert and stealthy after Threnody had finished. Peter: So.. how.. exactly are they /spending/ their retirement? [[Frederick and three sinister black and red robots look down into a pit from which various objects are flying. Frederick is eating pie and drinking tea.]] Sylvester, narrating: I don't imagine they'll be sitting around having tea and tarts. Robot #1: eep! Robot #2: Oh, I say! Robot #3: My word! Frederick: Ayup. My gal's been needin' to get out and kick up her heels for a long time now. Saturday , May 23 , 2015 [[Inside the gloom of Amorph Hall. Hptwfvth the Stirrer and Hpthbfvx her apprentice push a portapool through a collection of defenses.]] Hptwfvth: High Pool Third of Batch Three Hundred and Fifty Two.. [[They pass through a doorway, with glowing pools in the darkness beyond.]] Hptwfvth: We return you now to from where you came. You will be stirred back into that from which you once separated, bringing with you sights seen, vistas explored, dreams dreamed. Hptwfvth: We who shall one day follow you await your contributions to the Official Records with joy and sadness, expectation and terror. Sunday , May 24 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[Two hand-shaped constructs point towards each other, in front of a metal wall. A couple smaller objects poke into view at the end of rods. The various wall-panels make a stylized human-ish figure to go with the hands.]] [[The tips of the fingers ((CRACK)) and ((CRICK)) lines of opening.]] [[The tips ((FLIP)) and ((FLUP)) up and open on hinges.]] [[Two teleporter-nodes poke into view.]] ((boop blip)) Monday , May 25 , 2015 [[On a street in Eetown, Ida Mossett talks to two of her fellow townswomen, one of whom is a housewife carrying a large wicker basket, the other a portable sausage-grill. A housecat is also present, and a statue commemorating the The Northwoods War looms in the background, beside a door labelled Apple House.]] Ida: Yes, she's Human, but she's wearing this /helmet/ like a.. a.. one of those Spelunkers who come through town sometimes! Basket-carrier: My goodness. Well, Gregory and I will certainly be at the Temple meeting! Sausage-cooker: Bah. Them Mansion folks are always gettin' up to their frivolous shenanigans. Wanna sausage? {{The two women are named Shirley Stubb and Claudia Overton. Probably.}} Tuesday , May 26 , 2015 [[Inside the Bank of E.]] Peter Nigultrum: Well, Mortimer, this does explain a few things about you... Mortimer: I guess. Peter: And I'm guessing.. hoping.. Amos is going to be giving you some lessons. [[Outline of Mortimer looking at Schmedley the butler, Frederick and Myrrh, with ever-increasing NOs in the background.]] Mortimer: ..How did you.. Peter: If you're the Regent, that means you're not leaving to find someone, and... I mean, Frederick presumably could, but.. we've all heard him.. ah.. talk about magic. And Myrrh.. Peter: Amos is the only one who's knowledgeable, presumably willing and remotely safe. Although.. Wednesday , May 27 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Mortimer: What? Peter Nigultrum: I'm sorry, Mortimer, but.. Amos, Frederick.. if you really are.. they /must/ have known all along. Mortimer: Yes. They didn't tell me. Cuz of the Crash. And Omega. And Myrrh. I.. found out on my own. Peter: Ah. Right. The few stories /my/ father was willing to tell.. [[Guardian Emeritus Flem/Finale sits beside the Mansion-Eetown path.]] Peter, narrating: Mortimer, you are still, always, welcome in this office, but.. there's going to be trouble about this. [[Current Guardian Dirge comes into view.]] Mortimer: I know. Sylvester told me. Peter: You should both.. probably assume that he understated things. Thursday , May 28 , 2015 [[Alongside the Eetown-Mansion path. Two Guardians talk.]] Flem/Finale: They stopped by the Temple, course. His Grace does the dance well. Dirge: Yup. Flem: When they came past /here/, Mortimer was carryin' one of the Demon's umbrellas. Dirge: Yup. Flem: They say anything about it to /you/? Dirge: Nope. Flem: Now. After all this time. This new Taskmistress musta set it off. Somehow. Dirge: She's the new Myrrh. Flem: . . .Son, I may be gettin' old n' raddled, but I know a /Human/ when I see her. Dirge: Myrrh and Frederick retired. Flem: Retired? Ya can't /retire/ from- . . . Friday , May 29 , 2015 [[Alongside the Eetown-Mansion path.]] Flem/Finale: Ah. Flem: Mortimer's the Regent now. Dirge: Yup. Flem: They didn't tell /me/ that. Dirge: /Retired./ Flem: Ayup. [[Outlines of Rosemary and Mortimer standing back to back with sword and wand/umbrella, with Myrrh looming in the background.]] Dirge: New one's a swordbunny. Flem: Knew she was something. So, he learns it right, from Grubb, I 'magine... 'tween them they could.. Flem: None of this changes the fact that y..the Guardian of the Eetown Temple has a decision ta make. Dirge: Yup. Saturday , May 30 , 2015 [[Inside Amorph Hall, a small railed platform sticks out over a breeding pool.]] [[PortaPool #4 is pushed out onto the platform by a Ghast, bumping against a trigger.]] ((boop)) [[The platform descends into the pool, just far enough so the underside of the PortaPool is submerged.]] ((CLACK CLACK CLUNK)) [[A panel drops open in the bottom the PortaPool, allowing its contents (Hepthbav's remains) to mix with the main pool. A chorus of fragmented voices/dialogue can barely be seen in the swirl of the pool.]] ((CLICK)) Sunday , May 31 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow. [[3375, Frizzlegarb and a keystaff teleport into view between finger-shaped nodes.]] ((FOOM PAZ!!)) [[They all drop to the ground. 3375 lands on his feet, Frizzlegarb ((Splats)). The keystaff ((tings)).]] [[The nodes withdraw into the fingers. 3375 looks down at Frizzlegarb.]] ((unboop unblip)) Frizzlegarb: urg. Monday , June 1 , 2015 [[On the path between Eetown and the Mansion. Dirge listens.]] Flem/Finale; Magic. sigh. Nuff of us Crashers have died now, it's turnin' to boogity-boo. Back in my day.. thirty years on, it was still BAD. EVIL. [[A younger Dirge sees a much younger Mortimer magically open a lock.]] Flem: N' Mortimer comes along, n' the Signs are all there, "textbook case". [[A never-happened scene of young Mortimer being given by Omega to a tall sinister figure.]] Flem: If'n I'd done my Duty, told Omega, she'd have fired off word right split, and /someone/ woulda come for him. [[Young Finale laying awake in bed at night.]] Flem: N'.. he wasn't hurtin' anything. Not really. N' I /liked/ the lad. Still do. N' so.. I dummied up. Kept quiet. Tuesday , June 2 , 2015 [[Outline of Hubert Appleby the former Eetown Clerk sitting upright at his desk.]] Flem/Finale: N' there was Appleby. As big an i-dotter as Omega, n' the sidetalk said the bureaucrat-nobs cared 'bout magic as much as the High Temple. Dirge: Yup. Flem: But he never did.. Only thing I can figger is that he was so rooted behind that desk of his, he never saw any of the Signs. [[Outline of the current clerk, Sherman Gray, with his feet up on his desk, smoking a pipe.]] Flem: The new fella, course, not so much of a question. Dirge: Yup. Wednesday , June 3 , 2015 [[On the path between Eetown and the Mansion.]] Flem/Finale: Course, you've heard all this before. Thanks for listenin' again. Dirge: Sure. [[Flem looks at his whittling knife.]] Flem: So. What /are/ ya gonna do? Tell Threnody? Dirge: Probably. Flem: Good. And then? 'Suming it's up to you? [[Dirge looks back toward the village. Flem starts whittling.]] Dirge: Wait and see. Dirge: Goes bad.. maybe ask if he /wants/ somebody to come. Flem: Hmph. You youngins n' yer crazy newfangled approaches. Thursday , June 4 , 2015 [[On the path between Eetown and the Mansion.]] Dirge: Need to get back. Flem/Finale: Course. Flem: Oh. One other thing, tho. Dirge: Yup? [[Outline of Eunice walking past Flem.]] Flem: Kelso.. Miss Kelso.. was out in the woods again. Flem: That gal ain't no nature lover. Hopefully she's just pokin' for Crashloot. But if it's more.. Dirge: Yup. Watchin' her, too. Friday , June 5 , 2015 [[On the path between Eetown and the Mansion. Dirge walks towards the village, Flem/Finale watches him go. Byron the dog sleeps at his feet.] [[Flem holds up the final product of his whittling, a small sword-shaped thing, and speaks to Bryon.]] Flem: I envy 'em. Dirge n' Threnody. Gettin' along so well. Flem: Tell anyone I said this n' I'll strangle ya, mutt, but.. Flem: Didn't grasp it till the end, the day I sent that sparkwire sayin' she was dyin'.. Flem: And mebbe not as much as His Grace n' Grubb, but.. ayup. I hated that woman. Bryon: woof Saturday , June 6 , 2015 [[In the depths of a Ghast breeding pool in Amorph Hall. The remains of Hepthbavtow the Ghast filter downward, with faint sentence fragments around him/them.]] [[Further down. More words.]] [[The remains come to where Hopobefever the Ghast floats, her eyes closed. Lots of text snippets]] A nonverbal voice: All right. Squad Leader. Time to face the world. Sunday , June 7 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow. [[3375 looks down at Frizzlegarb, who is lying on the ground, along with his hat and a keystaff. The "fingers" which teleported them in are above on either side, their covers open.]] [[The fingers flip shut.]] ((unflip unflup)) Frizzlegarb: This is something I'm not usually forced to say, but.. Frizzlegarb: I got no idea what just happened. Monday , June 8 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E. Sylvester is listening.]] Peter Nigultrum: Of course.. Mortimer.. there are rumors about other wizwitches being around.. perhaps even a school still.. Mortimer: Yes. Amos sorta said something about that. Peter: Doesn't work with him.. you might consider asking Mr. Gray. Or even Threnody. They can presumably make discreet inquiries for you.. Mortimer: Right. Rosemary: Don't you approve of Amos as a teacher? Peter: I can wholeheartedly recommend his services if you want help becoming an official registered Audravanian solicitor, but this? I don't know. Tuesday , June 9 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Rosemary: So.. no offense, hopefully, but.. the stories they tell in Moonin about your father's people.. [[Outline of Peter's father Pytor Nigultrum looking through and down a spiky gap at a tech-filled space in which another Polarite maneuvers a small floating work-vehicle at the end of a tether.]] Rosemary: /You're/ not a wizard? Peter: Oh no. The Polarites were great users of.. devices, far beyond anything, heh.. my mother's people.. did. Peter: But there were not particularly more, or less, actual wizwitches. Peter: At least.. according to my father's somewhat limited perspective. Wednesday , June 10 , 2015 [[Outline of two Zanduan men pre-Crash, one high caste, one low, with the national flag behind them.]] Rosemary: Limited? Sylvester implied your father was.. like what the Zanduans do? "Low caste"? Peter Nigultrum: Essentially, yes, though the Polarites never used that word, and it was.. sigh. [[The high-caste Zanduan speaks proudly to a man under a cross-like flag.]] {{He is Niblungian.}} Peter: The Zanduans go around proudly announcing their.. conventions, yes, Sylvester? Sylvester: Yes, although.. [[The two Zanduans now in an after-Crash panel, somewhat the worse for wear.]] Sylvester: Both the conventions and the pronouncements have dwindled somewhat in the wake of the Crash. [[A pre-Crash "Mansionland" woman looks at two Polarite women who are inside small sealed but high-tech chambers; the nearer of the two glares back.]] Peter: Right. With the Polarites.. it was all secrecy and paranoia and.. compartmentalization. Thursday , June 11 , 2015 [[Outline of Pytor Nigultrum being given a tablet of orders by his superior.]] Peter: I assume Sylvester told you my father was employed as..? Rosemary: A guard at this "Gate of Commerce", yes. Peter: Ayup. A fairly menial guard, by his own account, officially told only what he needed to do his job. [[Outline of guarding Pytor overhearing an argument between his assigned protectee and another official.]] Peter: But that did make him a member of the Security Strata, which, ah, positioned him better than some "castes". Rosemary: And in the course of doing their jobs, guards often /unofficially/ hear things. Peter: Um.. indeed. But still.. Friday , June 12 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E. Sylvester and Mortimer are also present.]] Peter Nigultrum: In the end, my father knew a limited amount about his own sub-Branch, and almost nothing about the others. Peter: He, and I, have no vast juicy secrets of the Great Underearth Empire of the Northern Pole to share. [[Map of the three branches of the Polarite empire, labelled: Bism, Mahar, Symm. To the south are the Abovegrounders.]] Rosemary: OK. Although.. "sub-Branch"? Peter: Ah. Well. Maybe I can be squeezed just a bit. Peter: Physically.. socially.. even genetically.. the empire was organized into three very distinct parts. Saturday , June 13 , 2015 [[In a Ghast breeding pool, in Amorph Hall. Hopobefever glares at a vision of Hepthbavtow. All dialogue is non-verbal. More bits of text float around them throughout.]] Hopobefever: . . . "Hepthbavtow": That's better. Hopobefever: You are not Hpthbvtw. "Hepthbavtow": No. I am not. Hopobefever: He is dead. "Hepthbavtow": Yes. But part of what I am is now constructed from his memories. Hopobefever: You do not need to explain to /me/ what you are. "Hepthbavtow": We both know that is not true. Sunday , June 14 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow. [[Frizzlegarb is lying on the ground, with 3375 looking down at him. Frizzlegarb's hat and a keystaff lie nearby as well.]] Frizzlegarb: Wait.. are we..? [[Frizzlegarb ((sproings)) to his feet. One of two teleport-apparatus tubes flips open and displays a flag on a pole, adorned with two question marks, one "English", one "Manglish".]] [[The flag ((unflips)) out of sight.]] Frizzlegarb: OK.. I do know /what/ happened, but.. /how/ it happened..? Frizzlegarb: We shouldn't have reached here for.. a long time. At all. Together. Monday , June 15 , 2015 [[A tall white-haired Human male, two younger shorter women (all wearing green robes/dresses), a tiny robot and a large robot (both black and red) stand around a pit. The robots and one of the women are looking into the pit. The second woman holds a tray with a wineglass and a bit of food. Object tumble into view down in the pit.]] Large robot: Those are not supposed to bend like that! Small robot: Much less become detached.. Man: Report, Magna. Magna: ...The situation continues to deteriorate, father. Man: Very well. You win this round, Eman, but you shall hear of me again! {{RIP Sir Christopher Lee}} Tuesday , June 16 , 2015 [[Outline of a meeting of two Polarite officials and their guards, one of the latter being Pytor Nigultrum.]] Rosemary: So your father was a.. Symmer? Or.. not "Symmian", I hope.. Peter: Symmite. Yes. He only met.. encountered.. members of another branch two or three times in his whole life. Tho he said they didn't seem all that different. [[Peter in the Bank of E.]] Peter: ...Which is better than I've managed. I am yet to meet any of my fellows. [[Outline of Sylvester at the University, with a female Polarite going by.]] Sylvester: There were one or two hard-core "Exiles" at the University. Peter: I've thought about going to visit their.. colonies.. in the Capital, but what would we have to say to each other? Wednesday , June 17 , 2015 [[Outline of a hypothetical meeting between Peter Nigultrum and some of his fellow Polarite exiles/descendants.]] Sylvester: Sadly, Peter, my experience suggests if a bearded Symmite "half-breed" appeared on the doorstep of some of the Colonies, the inhabitants would have /plenty/ to say. Peter: (sigh) Ayup. Rosemary: "Bearded"? [[Outline of a Polarite barber shaving a client's head.]] Rosemary: What does that have to do with anything? Sylvester: Polarites, past and present, have issues in regards to body hair. [[Outline of Pytor Nigultrum looking at his bearded reflection in a mirror, being comforted by his Eetown-born wife Ariella.]] Peter: Indeed. It was a major event when my father finally broke down and officially grew his beard to help protect his skin. Peter: Thursday , June 18 , 2015 [[Outline of two Polarites engaging in (presumably) a wedding ceremony.]] Rosemary: And "half breed"? What, these Polarites, even now, only marry each other? Sylvester: That is the ideal towards which they loudly and publicly strive. [[Outline of a Polarite scoping out a male University student's attributes.]] Sylvester: But at the University at least, it was rumored some of the colonies had covert recruiters on campus sniffing out "qualified" outsiders. Rosemary: So maybe Peter would be welcome? I mean, wouldn't "half" a Polarite be better than.. Mortimer, off-panel: Guys! Mortimer: He's not going to the Capital! He's staying here and marrying Ida, and this is all.. pointless! Peter: Indeed I am. Sylvester: Right. Rosemary: Sorry. Friday , June 19 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Rosemary: But.. Getting back to these parts.. this Gate of Commerce was only open for like five years before the Crash? Rosemary: Your father wasn't born.. "here"? Peter Nigultrum: No. [[Outline of powerful Polarites arguing.]] Peter: Once the Far East boom began, there were extended negotiations; the Maharians jealously guarded the privilege of controlling the only publicly acknowledged Gate. [[Outline of a Polarite miner and his robotic mule-like assistant peering into a cluttered narrow tunnel.]] Peter: But greed finally overcame pride, deals were cut, and the Symmites were allowed to officially map out, open up a long new set of tunnels. Peter: And then the Vril Undercroft- Rosemary: I'm sorry, the what? [[Outline of a row of magic-powered trucks of various configurations driving along a large well-lit tunnel.]] Sylvester: That was the name of his father's subbranch, for some officially- classified reason. Sorry I failed to mention that. Peter: Yes. They were transferred here en masse; they were originally located north of Paydon. Saturday , June 20 , 2015 [[Hopobefever floats inside a Ghast breeding pool, non-verbally talking to an image of Sepferbfrix. Small snippets of phrases can be seen around them.]] Hopo: What is that supposed to mean? Image: Explaining things is one of my primary functions. Image: Along with remembering things, and making sure- Hopo: -That I don't have any more "demon taint". Yes. Fine. Hopo: But if we are to continue this conversation, you will stop using his face. Image: Very well. [[The image changes to that of a female Ghast.]] Hopo: . . . Hpobvo. Fine again. But why her, particularly? Image: She was your mother. Sunday , June 21 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[Frizzlegarb talks to 3375.]] Frizzlegarb: Bowb. So many things I... Frizzlegarb: OK. Normally.. one of you guys pops outta the ground, I take you around a while, ease you in, get you the stuff you need. [[Frizzlegarb retrieves his hat off the ground.]] Frizzlegarb: And 'fore long, you don't need me anymore. You always.. find something to do. And you go off and do it. [[He puts the hat on.]] Frizzlegarb: But now.. I've /been/ in this Hollow, Summerfather, but not for a long time. Not with any of you. Frizzlegarb: I'm.. not sure how folks are gonna react. And yeah. Unlike those "intro" Hollows, folks live here. Monday , June 22 , 2015 Narration: The two lives of Pytor Nigultrum. [[Pytor wearing his full Polarite armor, helmet and glasses, toting a large zap-trident hooked to his backpack.]] [[Pytor in Eetown with his young son Peter, wearing local garb and sporting a beard.]] Tuesday , June 23 , 2015 [[Outline of Polarite guard Pytor Nigultrum eying a male and female pair of "Mansionlanders".]] Peter: And they settled in, and the Gate opened, and trade flowed. Rosemary: And.. Lemme see.. they were a long way from the nobs giving the orders, even with telephones and trams and such, meeting a bunch of us Yu.. /heathenish outsiders/, with lots of money sloshing around? Peter: Indeed. Well spotted! [[Pytor outdoors in the woods, with airships flying overhead and mountains in the background. A bird flies over him, and a rabbit can be seen in the grass.]] Peter: They were still loyal Polarites, but a certain looseness began to creep in. Peter: Normally, my father would never have been allowed to go wandering around alone on the surface. It wouldn't have even occurred to him to try. Wednesday , June 24 , 2015 [[Outline of Pytor Nigultrum shedding his various Polarite gadgets.]] Peter: My father's trips did get him generally branded as an eccentric. No one joined him, and he had to leave behind all of his Secret Polarite Gadgets. But.. [[Outline of Pytor in the woods experiencing the Crash.]] Rosemary: It saved his life. Peter: Ayup. He was above ground, alone, with only the clothes on his back when the Crash hit. [[Outline of Pytor amidst the freshly-smashed ruins of the Gate of Commerce.]] Rosemary: And Sylvester told me the rest. He made his way here, met.. Ariella.. was it? And had you. Peter: Pretty much. Although.. Peter: "Making his way here" was a lengthy and painful process that he was very seldom inclined to discuss. Thursday , June 25 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Rosemary: I'm sorry if this is painful for /you/. Peter Nigultrum: Oh no. If anything, it's refreshing telling all this to somebody new. [[Outline of Rosemary's father Connor Ripley.]] Peter: Speaking of which, what is /your/ father's story? Rosemary: Ah. Well. My father was a Mooninite muckroot farmer. [[Outline of Rosemary being hunted by Tansy and her followers.]] Rosemary: His father was a Mooninite muckroot farmer. /His/ father was- Peter: Thank you, Miss Dapple. I believe I have deduced the pattern. Peter: And.. you decided that you did not want to spend your life being the wife of a Mooninite muckroot farmer. Rosemary: And one thing led to another and here I am! Friday , June 26 , 2015 [[In the Bank of e. Mortimer and Rosemary are also present.]] Sylvester: And one useful skill she picked up in that process was how to use a sword. So she'll be wearing one from now on when she comes into the village. Peter Nigultrum: I see. Well, if you're going to be living in the Mansion, that.. might very well prove to be useful. [[Outline of Peter having an intellectual discussion with a Spindizzy. Various logic-symbols have been generated, along with a table on which sit some real books and a plate of food.]] Sylvester: And unlike some in the village, Rosemary, he's actually speaking from personal experience, beyond working in the library. He even has a Spindizzy. Peter: Ah, Alfred. He did wonders with sharpening my logic skills. Peter: Tho I haven't been to see him in quite some time; I have been too busy here in town. ...speaking of which.. Saturday , June 27 , 2015 Narration: In a Ghast breeding pool [[Outline of Hopobefever's biological parents, face to face.]] Hopobefever: My "mother". Image of Hpobvo: In the sense that she mated with a male .. [[Outline of a Hopo-to-be being put into a breeding pool.]] Image: ..the result was deposited in the High Pool.. [[Outline of a young Hopo emerging.]] Image: ..and you eventually emerged, yes. [[Floating in the pool.]] Hopo: And this is supposed to matter to me.. because? Image: Since you ask.. There is a great deal of her in you. Image: And not just physically, with the shape of your Little Floaty Things and such. Sunday , June 28 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[Frizzlegarb talks to 3375.]] Frizzlegarb: I'm gonna be honest with ya; short-term, the smart thing would be to just ditch ya and get myself outta here. Frizzlegarb: But, I won't do that. [[A tube ((flips)) open, displaying a flag with a Tau symbol on it.]] Frizzlegarb: Partly cuz sticking's the right thing, But mostly cuz long-term, the Zero-Tasker's the one who sent me to help ya, and ya know how he gets when.. Frizzlegarb: Oh. Right. You don't. [[The tube ((unflips))]] Frizzlegarb: OK. The Zero-Tasker's this nob who lurks off somewhere. Only talks through these.. sorta bot-things. And he knows stuff. Somehow. Knew you were gonna pop out. Frizzlegarb: And you /really/ don't want to get on his bad side. Monday , June 29 , 2015 [[Rosemary's former Hack N' Slash supervisor Baldy walks hand in hand with his caravan boyfriend Orvin in the woods. Some rainbow-colored flutterbys fly overhead. A stiflebloom bush is on display.]] {{Done to celebrate the June 2015 passage of full gay marriage rights in the US.}} Tuesday , June 30 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Peter Nigultrum: ..We all need to get back to work. Miss Dapple. Is there any official business I can assist you with? Opening a savings account, perhaps? We offer the standard rate of interest. Rosemary: Savings? Um.. no. Thank you. Not right now at least. Peter: Of course. Sylvester. There's paperwork regarding the Ipcress business which we need to go over. Sylvester: Ugh. Right. Mortimer, this is going to be tedious even for Peter and I; will you please introduce Rosemary to Shadrik while we deal with it? Mortimer: Who? Oh. Right. Wednesday , July 1 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E. Mortimer and Rosemary leave together, to "meet Shadrik". Sylvester and Peter Nigultrum remain at Peter's desk.]] Mortimer: He's, um.. back outside.. Rosemary: In the shed next door. Yes. I saw the sign. Sylvester: So. Peter: So. Sylvester: Congratulations. Again. Peter: Thank you. [[Sylvester sits down at the desk.]] Sylvester: What prompted you to finally take the plunge? Peter: I suppose I had a sort of revelation.. Thursday , July 2 , 2015 [[At Peter Nigultrum's desk in the Bank of E.]] Peter: It came in part from watching your romantic travails, actually. Sylvester: Oh? [[A hypothetical Sylvester leaving a party, watched by three Eetownite women, one of them Silence.]] Peter: People here in town, getting all worked up about you marrying one of "our women." You never would have or will. Even if folks freely gave their blessing. Sylvester: Oh? [[A hypothetical Sylvester sitting next to a fireplace with his college girlfriend Nimue, who is reading a book called The Ethics of Memory.]] Peter: You require a.. fellow intellectual. Someone to sit with next to the fire and discuss Schmetterling and Sofostypos. And while Silence.. some others.. are far from stupid.. you won't find this here. Sylvester: Mm. [[Peter's fiancee Ida reading a book titled Rich Radiant Romance.]] Peter: And while she does occasionally read actual books, that very definitely includes Ida. Sylvester: Yes. Friday , July 3 , 2015 [[Outline of Ida Mossett bringing her fiance Peter Nigultrum a covered tray.]] Peter: And despite the jokes, I've always been aware of how she feels about me. How I feel about her. But there's also always been the nagging thought.. we might /both/ be.. settling. For the first thing that came along. [[At Peter's desk in the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: But then a revelation. Peter: I enjoy my work. It is challenging and fulfilling. [[Outline of Peter relaxing with a goblet.]] Peter: But I finally realized.. when I go home at night, the very last thing I want to do is discuss chaos theory. Peter: Ida is.. restful. [[Outline of Peter eating from the tray.]] Sylvester: /And/ an excellent cook. Peter: Indeed. Now that Widow Hoskins has passed on, she's officially been elevated to third in the rankings! Saturday , July 4 , 2015 Narration: In a Ghast Breeding Pool [[Hopobefever talks to a vision.]] Vision: You share with Hopobvo bravery, intelligence, an independence of spirit.. a quite /scandalous/ willingness to defy convention. Hopo: . . . Vision: Of course, you both have your flaws as well. Vision: Stubbornness, the occasional lack of empathy, over-confidence in your abilities.. Hopo: /Fine/. Sunday , July 5 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow. [[Frizzlegarb lectures to 3375. A keystaff lies on the ground.]] Frizzlegarb: Course, don't get me wrong here. It ain't like the Zero-Tasker /forces/ ya to do stuff. Yer free to say no. Frizzlegarb: I have, couple of times, when I had other stuff already going. Frizzlegarb: And he pays ya. Mostly by giving ya info you might otherwise not hear 'bout. And again, he knows stuff. Tells ya something, it's solid. [[The tip of a large mechanical "finger" ((flips)) open, revealing a bikini-like shape on a stick.]] Frizzlegarb: Some folks say, he should just give it away. That was one thing the Winnifrites always went on about. Not me. Everyone's gotta eat. Frizzlegarb: Or in yer case, recharge. There are places where ya can do that. For a price. Monday , July 6 , 2015 [[Outline of Ida Mossett working with files and a filing cabinet.]] Peter Nigultrum: And Ida /can/ be organized and efficient. When she wants to be. We get just a little more busy here, and we'll be able to legally justify giving her the title "filing clerk." [[The Bank of E. Flowers in a pot, next to a barred window.]] Sylvester: I did notice the flowers. Peter: Yes. And she's even working on some curtains for the windows. Peter: . . . Peter: Will you do me the honor of being my best man? Sylvester: Of course. [[Outline of Mortimer in official E regalia.]] Sylvester: And, hey, this way, my new Regent gets to be the one who sits in the Earl's Chair and wears that outfit. Peter: A bonus! Tuesday , July 7 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E, at Peter Nigultrum's desk.]] Peter: So.. Miss Dapple. How in the world did you recruit her without anyone finding out? Sylvester: sigh. [[Outline of Sylvester and Rosemary's first meeting.]] Sylvester: She followed Mortimer back to the Mansion two days ago. That was the first time I knew she existed. Peter: . . . Sylvester: And Dapple isn't her real last name, because it's possible that's attached to some kind of warrant or alert. Peter: . . .! Wednesday , July 8 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E, at Peter Nigultrum's desk.]] Peter: But.. I.. /Two days/? Sylvester: It's been an /eventful/ two days. [[Outline of Sylvester and Rosemary confronting Villipend the Troglodyte.]] Sylvester: Rosemary and I have already been through things together that.. I trust her. Sylvester: In a way that.. since I suspect you are about to bring her up.. I never trusted Olga. They do share, ah, certain similarities, but Rosemary is far more intelligent, professional and.. balanced. Sylvester: But still.. I trust you /more/, Peter. Which is why you, alone of anyone in the village, are hearing this. Thursday , July 9 , 2015 [[Outline of two wanted posters on a wall.]] Sylvester: As for the warrant.. she has said that she isn't wanted by the King's Law, and I believe her. [[Outline of Rosemary leading a horse under cover of night, carrying a lantern.]] Sylvester: But, she is, as I understand it, absent without leave from her current official employers. [[Map of the route between "Out West" and the Mansion of E.]] Sylvester: It's not Sheriff Skragg's duty to hunt down contract violators, and even with sparkwires, it's hard to believe they'd send the info from all the way Out West. [[Outline of Sylvester and Rosemary being confronted by a looming Hack N' Slash figure.]] Peter: But..? Sylvester: But it is within the realm of possibility that some individual In Authority will turn up looking for her. Friday , July 10 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: ..And, while I trust you more than just about anyone, no, I'm not telling you Rosemary's birth name or who she was working for, because - Peter Nigultrum: Of course. And since you wouldn't be telling me this at /all/ otherwise.. What do you want from me? Sylvester: If something comes along, and you can safely post a warning through the usual channel, give her a chance to slip away.. Peter: OK. Let's make it.. Rose, Pine, and.. Apple. Sylvester: Rose, Pine, Apple. Right. And if it isn't safe, for you or Ida, then you /walk away/. No regrets, no recriminations. Peter: Understood. Saturday , July 11 , 2015 Narration: In a Ghast Breeding Pool Hopobefever: You, of all.. people. Saying that defying convention is a good thing. Vision: Necessity and convention are not the same thing. Vision: Do I need Stirrers? Yes. Is there some biological requirement that they all be from the High Pool? No, there is not. Vision: In the long term, what I need, we need, is for you all to get out and engage the world, not stay hunkered down in static paranoia. Especially now. Sunday , July 12 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow Frizzlegarb: But, ya don't need to worry about that for a long while, since yer all new. Frizzlegarb: sigh.. what else? ((unflip)) [[3375 points at the keystaff lying on the ground.]] Frizzlegarb: Eh? Oh. Yeah. Right. The keystaff. Frizzlegarb: They.. you know about keys. You used one, I guess, sorta, when you got tested in the Shafts? These opened certain.. special.. doors. Frizzlegarb: But they say they did.. other things. There were /big/ fights over who got to have them. Frizzlegarb: So big, like I think I said, they were all destroyed. Supposed to be. Frizzlegarb: I ain't sure I should even pick this one back up. Monday , July 13 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: Also.. neither Mortimer nor I currently have any interest in marrying Rosemary. Of course.. Peter Nigultrum: It's only been two days. Sylvester: Yes. [[Outline of Sylvester looking at off-screen mayhem.]] Sylvester: But. For me at least.. while she is bright and brave and seeks knowledge, she has had very little formal schooling and no, is not an intellectual. Sylvester: Plus she's rather terrifying physically. [[Outline of Rosemary as Taskmistress.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Which makes her a just about perfect Taskmistress. Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Perfect. One of the two women I most desperately need has almost literally dropped out the sky and landed at my feet. Tuesday , July 14 , 2015 [[Outline of Rosemary as Evil Spy passing along secret documents.]] Peter Nigultrum: But you said- Sylvester: I don't believe Rosemary has lied to me, or that she's a spy or somesuch. [[Outline of Rosemary finding herself on the path between Eetown and the Mansion.]] Sylvester: In fact, if she is telling the truth, she didn't intend to end up here at all... [[Outline of Rosemary getting the Can-Opener, as witnessed by Sylvester, Camora and Izchak the Motihaul.]] Sylvester: But along with one or two other things that happened yesterday... Sylvester: I have to suspect someone.. important.. is helping me. Or at least using me and Rosemary. Wednesday , July 15 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Peter Nigultrum: So important it might not be a person at all? Sylvester: I don't think for a second it's /the Brush/, but.. Sylvester: Anyway. Whatever happens, happens. Peter: That's how it usually works. [[Peter holds up paperwork.]] Sylvester: . . . Is there really something with Ipcress? Peter: Ayup. A couple of the usual forms for you to read and sign. [[Sylvester signs them.]] Sylvester: It's almost comforting that whatever happens, the paperwork will still be here. Peter: If the Crash couldn't kill it, nothing could. And initial here. Thursday , July 16 , 2015 [[A small knob of rock in the ocean, with various holes in its side. The top is mounted with a large Sea-Plant.]] [[The pirate ship Pretty Lady comes into view, manned by Cap'n Hamster, The ABOL and the Plant originally encountered in Le Tree. A gull pokes its head into view on the rock.]] Cap'n Hamster: ARR! This be it, lads! Our safe harbor against th' storm, n' th' impregnable storehouse o' our booty! ABOL: HUZZAH! Sea-Plant: Well, well, well. Look who it is. How long has it been? Twelve years? Plant: phizz. Friday , July 17 , 2015 Narration: Inside the Moose and Squirrel [[A darkened storeroom.]] Saffron Stout: Eunice? You down here? Eunice: Kelso: Yes, Saffron. [[Eunice is carrying a large jar.]] Eunice: Gormind wants peaches. He's going to make ice cream. Or rather, I will be making ice cream. Saffron: Right. [[They leave together.]] Saffron: Sylvester's coming by, with this new Taskmistress of his. Eunice: So I hear. [[On one of the shelves, Frowgler pokes his nose into view.]] Saffron: I'll be busy with that, so after you finish, I want you to go find those two idiots Ricky and Wendell- Saturday , July 18 , 2015 [[In a Ghast breeding pool.]] Hopobefever: ""Especially now""? Vision: You, of all people, should understand. Humans have returned to the world. [[Outline of Hopobefever encountering Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer.]] Vision: Or more precisely, for some as yet undetermined reason, after all these years. they have resumed interacting with the rest of society. [[Outline of Hopobefever in the empty Sneech den.]] Vision: But even /that/ pales in regard to the Sneeches abandoning their holdings for parts unknown. Vision: While we calculate that even now the Humans have a degree of influence.. the Sneeches were, are, /important/. Sunday , July 19 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[Frizzlegarb and 3375 look at a keystaff laying on the ground. A tube ((FLIPs)), showing a 'swan up' flag.]] Frizzlegarb: Right. Fine. [[Frizzlegarb has picked up the keystaff.]] ((UNFLIP)) Frizzlegarb: ...OK. Oh. Yeah. One more thing. Frizzlegarb: Since we're gonna be meeting people now, you need a name. So.For now, what was the number they gave you in the Shafts? [[3375 shows on his fingers.]] Frizzlegarb: 3..3..7..5. Right. Eventually, you'll pick something that means something. Like old Flitch did. Heh. Wonder what happened to him. Frizzlegarb: Let's get this over with. Monday , July 20 , 2015 [[Outside the Bank of E.]] Mortimer: So. um... Shadrik is- Claudia, off panel: Heya. [[She comes into view, carrying her portable sausage-cooking and serving tray.]] Mortimer: Oh. Hello, Claudia. This is- Claudia: Yeah yeah. Taskmistress. Welcome to Eetown. Wanna sausage? [[Rosemary and Mortimer are eating sausages, walking towards Shadrik's shed.]] Rosemary: So we do have a Sausage Stroller. I was starting to wonder. Mortimer: Of course we do. We're not barbarians. Mortimer: And they say the town might soon be big enough to finally qualify for a Lollipop Perambulator as well! Tuesday , July 21 , 2015 [[In front of Shadrik's shed, eating sausages.]] Rosemary: Interesting flavor. It's swinemeat, I assume? Mortimer: I guess. Claudia goes and picks secret herbs and.. stuff. Rosemary: That's how it usually works. [[Mortimer notices a young Eetownite listening in.]] Mortimer: Rosemary.. I'm kinda glad we got a chance to.. Rosemary: Yes? [[Mortimer waves his umbrella at the listener and two other kids, who leave.]] Mortimer: Guys, I need to talk to Miss Dapple alone. Go on. Shoo. Listener: Aww! {{His name is Tobias Blake. The other two are Patricia Dwamish and Kip Gumby.}} Rosemary: ...to talk alone. Mortimer: Yes. Wednesday , July 22 , 2015 [[Eetown town square.]] Mortimer: Of course, Sylvester says you can't really have a private conversation here in town. At least outdoors. I suppose he's right. Rosemary: He usually is. Mortimer: So I shouldn't get too- I just wanted to ask you about yesterday. Again. Rosemary: Could you maybe be a little more specific? [[Outline of Mortimer with Sylvester and a hypnotized Rosemary.]] Mortimer: You know, what happened between us. Accidentally. You're really all right? You're not mad at me? Rosemary: No, Mortimer, I'm really not mad at you. [[Mortimer turns away, Rosemary raises her fist.]] Mortimer: Maybe you /should/ be. A person messes up, there should be, I dunno, /consequences/. Rosemary: All right, fine. Thursday , July 23 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square. Rosemary's fist is over Mortimer's head.]] Mortimer: Wait.. what? Rosemary: Hold still. [[She ((bonks)) him lightly on the head.]] Rosemary: There. Punishment inflicted. Don't do it again. Unless. of course, you cross paths with an informed and willing "victim." Thursday , July 23 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square. Rosemary's fist is over Mortimer's head.]] Mortimer: Wait.. what? Rosemary: Hold still. [[She ((bonks)) him lightly on the head.]] Rosemary: There. Punishment inflicted. Don't do it again. Unless. of course, you cross paths with an informed and willing "victim." Friday , July 24 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square.]] Mortimer: ...Informed and willing..? Rosemary: As one of my instructors was fond of saying.. [[Outline of the instructor, a grinning balding man.]] {{His name is Walbert Shawn.}} Rosemary: It's a rare human ability that can't be turned towards /some/ sort of productive use. Rosemary: ...Or, rather, his exact phrase was "profitable use".. [[Outline of him counting gold late at night.]] Rosemary: ..But you and he have rather different priorities. By which I mean, while I am glad I took his classes, you are a better person than him in almost every conceivable way. [[Outline of Rosemary under Mortimer's unintentional spell.]] Rosemary: ..And Mortimer, one reason I'm not angry with you, it was actually mostly an enjoyable experience. Something to think about. Mortimer: ... Saturday , July 25 , 2015 Narration: In a Ghast Breeding Pool Hopobefever: Important how? Vision: Our world does not just happen, Squad-Leader. [[Outline of an unsuspecting Dap the Gnoll, with systems and devices hidden in the hall behind him.]] Vision: There are systems, sets of systems, constantly churning away behind the walls. Vision: We do not pretend to fully understand how they all work, are maintained. [[More devices ,with water, fire, air, Sneech squeezings swirling about.]] Vision: But along with the cycling air, and water, and power, there are the Sneech ''squeezings.'' Vision: Which are produced possibly not by the Sneeches themselves, but their colony. [[Outline of a dormant Sneech growth, no longer producing squeezings.]] Vision: Either way. The Sneeches are gone. The colony lies dormant. Vision: And the systems we can observe are already showing flickers of disruption. Sunday , July 26 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in a Hollow [[3375 and Frizzlegarb walk away from their arrival point. 3375 looks back to see a "finger" ((FLIP)) open and display a cryptic flag.]] Frizzlegarb: And again.. since we're on the subject.. if you're wondering why the Zero-Tasker calls himself that.. [[They walk past a "hand".]] Frizzlegarb: Nobody knows. I spose he might tell you if you ask, but, like I say, he sells info, doesn't give it away. Frizzlegarb: So far, /I've/ always had other more important stuff to ask about. Spose someday I'll get curious enough. I usually do. Character flaw. Fuzz-voice: You! Monday , July 27 , 2015 [[In front of Shadrik's shed.]] Rosemary: I'm curious, Mortimer. Have you ever been outside of Eetown? Mortimer: Huh? [[Outline of Mortimer and a stilt-walker watching (more of) The Noodle Incident happen off-panel.]] Mortimer: Oh. Yes. I've been to Noodle a few times. I was there when Dad.. anyway. [[Outline of Mortimer and Sylvester among some buildings, one of which with the sign BARBIE'S BLENDINGS.]] Mortimer: And I went to Glome once, with Sylvester. Lots of big buildings, but.. It was all kinda.. I dunno..drab, I guess? They say it looked better before Unification. [[Outline of a line of E family siblings, as children, with minders.]] Mortimer: And we all went to the Forest of Burzee when we were kids. Except Rufus. He was sick or something. Mortimer: . . . If /he's/ ever been further than the village, I don't remember it.. Tuesday , July 28 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square.]] Mortimer: Why do you ask about me leaving town? Rosemary: To be blunt, Mortimer, while you clearly have more.. practical experience.. in certain areas than me, you come across as being pretty sheltered. [[Map of "Mansionland", with various areas censored.]] Mortimer: Oh. Well. Yeah. I suppose. I suppose /everybody/ here is. You hear stories about what other folks get up to. In the Capital. Out West. Mortimer: Err. In Erewhon. And Abalone. Rosemary: Indeed. [[Outline showing three people, and a memorial.]] Mortimer: Locals who don't like.. being sheltered leave. Lenore. Ace. Vera Hoskins joined the navy. Sylvester's friend Tom... Sad about him. Wednesday , July 29 , 2015 [[In front of Shadrik's shed.]] Rosemary: You ever thought about leaving yourself? Mortimer: Of course I thought about it. But like I was saying to Y- um, someone yesterday, that meant...work. Responsibility. [[Outline of Mortimer getting blasted.]] Mortimer: And I think I thought, knew, that even if I tried, it would all just.. blow up in my face. Like things always did. [[He looks at his umbrella.]] Mortimer: But now... responsibility has.. has been thrust on me. In more ways than one. And.. if it all blows up, at least I will know /why/. Mortimer: For now, I'm not going anywhere. Thursday , July 30 , 2015 [[Outline of Rosemary harvesting with another youngish female Gnominite.]] Mortimer: What about you, Rosemary? Did you, um, run away from shelter, too? Rosemary: Yes. Maybe even more so than here. Physically /and/ mentally. [[Outline of the Gnomin Island Tower.]] Mortimer: Did you have a Mansion? Rosemary: Depends on what you mean. We had a Manor House, built by Humans. Rosemary: And the remains of a tower, built way back, for the Dawn Wars by Gobblems. Or so the stories say. Rosemary: Broken and dead and silent, but still zarking impressive. Friday , July 31 , 2015 [[Outline of a young Rosemary at the top of the Gnomin Island Tower.]] Mortimer: So.. nobody lived in this tower-thing? Rosemary: Oh, no. Well. Most of the time, no. But people climbed it. It was sort of a rite of passage. Mortimer: Like swimming out to Ranger Rock. Rosemary: I imagine so. I went up as soon as I could. [[Outline of a slightly older Rosemary on the tower.]] Rosemary: I went up more than once. I guess it's also like that watchtower there, only better. You were really alone, most of the time... Rosemary: And you could see all the way to.. well.. the end of the world, it seemed like. Rosemary: I decided I was going to go visit all those places. Saturday , August 1 , 2015 Narration: In a Ghast Breeding Pool [[Hopobefever the Ghast talks to a vision of her biological mother.]] Hopobefever: There's a reason you're telling me all this, even when there is nothing I can do about it. Vision: Directly, perhaps not. But we, and the Council, and everyone else, need any information regarding the Sneeches we can get. And a potential source has emerged. [[Outline of Hopobefever meeting Sylvester, Rosemary and Mortimer.]] Hopobefever: . . . Hopobefever: You want me to go find and talk to the blorping Humans. Vision: Only you and Hpthvo have been cleanly exposed to their current vibrations, and Hpthvo is not- Hopobefever: Right. Fine. /Again/. Sunday , August 2 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow. [[3375 and Frizzlegarb talk to Takapeny the Fuzz. A lidded menhir stands nearby]] Takapeny: Frizzlegarb. It is you. Never thought we'd be seeing you again. Frizzlegarb: Yeah, well.. Takapeny, isn't it? Takapeny: How flattering. You remember. [[The lid ((cliks)), and pokes up a sign reading DADA.]] Takapeny: And.. a bot? A bot agreed to come /here/? Frizzlegarb: It was sorta a sudden thing. Takapeny: Look, sir, I dunno what this.. /gadabout/ told you 'bout Summerfather, but- ((unclik)) Frizzlegarb: His name's 3375. He doesn't talk. Takapeny: . . . Takapeny: Yeah, right. No offense.. Mr. 3375, but pretty much all bots /do/ is talk! Frizzlegarb: He /doesn't talk/. Monday , August 3 , 2015 [[A map of the Bay of Runes in the West of "Mansionland", with various towns checked off in green as having been visited by Rosemary. The Beacons are marked with a red X. Town names: Wattermallon, Tove, Hattifatt, Soundkeep, Snufkin, Mymble, Chowbok, Port Snork, Port Snif, and inland, Jonetown.]] Mortimer: And did you? Visit them all? Rosemary: I actually made it to a lot of them, yes. Rosemary: And then I set out for the places I'd only read about. Starting with /the big city/, Jonetown. Tuesday , August 4 , 2015 [[Outline of Rosemary the wanderer outside the city wall of Jonetown, Moonin.]] Mortimer: What's it like? Jonetown? Rosemary: Well, Mortimer, my experience has been, apart from quirks of architecture.. [[Outline of Rosemary the juggler outside the city wall of Alloy, Morlock.]] Rosemary: ..If you've seen one Provincial capital, you've pretty much seen them all. [[Outline of a pre-Crash wrecked city, with various military equipment present, including airships.]] Rosemary: As for why.. while Sylvester is the historian, it is my understanding that Glome wasn't the only one Yorik I had to rebuild after Unification. Mortimer: Oh. Yeah. Oswald.. our tutor when we were kids? said something about that once. Wednesday , August 5 , 2015 [[Outline of Sylvester and Mortimer and siblings being tutored as children.]] Rosemary: You actually had a private tutor, huh? He's the one who gave you the lecture on Willygigs that you didn't listen to? Mortimer: What? Oh. Um. Yeah. Oswald Pavinpan. He was an official Tutor's Guild member and everything. [[Outline of a young Rosemary being distracted from a lesson by a flutterby.]] Rosemary: I'd berate you for that, but I sometimes didn't do all that well with the few formal lessons I got as a kid. I ilke to think I did better after I grew up. Mortimer: Of course I regret it now. But.. Honestly? Only a little? He was more important for Sylvester. And Lenore and Rufus, I guess. Thursday , August 6 , 2015 [[Outside Shadrik's shed.]] Rosemary: Speaking of Rufus, am I likely to meet him soon? Mortimer: Maybe? He might be around, he does come into town pretty often. Mortimer: He and Eunice.. Eunice Kelso, she works in the inn. They have a thing going on. Or something. Rosemary: You disapprove? Mortimer: Huh? No. I wouldn't choose Eunice as a girlfriend, or.. whatever, but then Rufus is... I love him and all, he's really smart, but he's kinda weird. And, well, stuck up. [[Outline of Mortimer getting zapped in Rufus's presence.]] Mortimer: What I was really thinking was, you mention meeting Rufus and... it's like I'm forgetting something... Friday , August 7 , 2015 [[In front of Shadrik's shed in Eetown. Mortimer finishes his sausage and tossed the stick away.]] Mortimer: But, um. Anyway. Shadrik. Rosemary: Shadrik. Mortimer: I'll just get the doors here.. [[The doors are open, showing that Shadrik is a large wheeled robot.]] Saturday , August 8 , 2015 Narration: Departing a Ghast Breeding Pool [[Hopobefever rises up, leaving a vision of her biological mother behind.]] Hopo: Find some Humans. See what they know about Sneeches. Vision: And- Hopo: Yes, yes., If it's those two idiots from Le Tree, don't kill them. Hopo: Of course it /will/ be them. . . . Hopo: I'd actually /like/ to talk to that other one again. He was... different. Vision: Indeed he is. It is reported that his name is ''Mortimer.'' Hopo: Thank you. Sunday , August 9 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[Next to a lidded menhir.]] Takapeny the Fuzz: ...You really don't talk? 3375: [shake] Takapeny: Um. Wow. OK. I just.. I hope you didn't take offense, sir, but all the bots I've ever met.. Takapeny: . . . [[The menhir ((cliks)) open, and displays a sign reading VEEP.]] Takapeny: ..You're not wearing a hat. Frizzlegarb: Sure enuf. Let's go get 'im one while we're here. Monday , August 10 , 2015 [[In Eetown. Looking at Shadrik in his shed.]] Rosemary: I'm aware I'm stating the obvious here, but.. Rosemary: It's a robot. Mortimer: Yes. Tho everyone calls him "he". [[Mortimer thumbs behind himself.]] Rosemary: I guess I was expecting a horse. Rosemary: Or /maybe/ some sort of "Weirdo Who Lives In The Shed" type arrangement. Mortimer: Oh no. /He/ moved away years ago. Or died. Or something. Tuesday , August 11 , 2015 [[In front of Shadrik the robot in Eetown.]] Rosemary: ..I was joking. There really was a..? Mortimer: Oh. Um. Not... not /officially/ or anything. It was just a sort of nickname he picked up. His real name was Dorian.. um.. Ingersoll? Yeah. [[Outline of Dorian.]] Mortimer: He was a hermit, he lived out in- Rosemary: -The forest, when you were kids. Got it. You mentioned him yesterday while we were /exploring/. Mortimer: I did? Oh. OK. You have.. there are hermits Out West? [[Outline of Rosemary the juggler approaching a hermit sitting on small hill. The hermit wears a large hat of some sort.]] Rosemary: Oh yes. I have had my encounters with hermits. Rosemary: Both at home and after I started travelling. Rosemary: One who lived near the SAR proved to a.. surprisingly interesting conversationalist. Wednesday , August 12 , 2015 [[Outline of Dorian the hermit talking to Mortimer, Ace and Rufus as children.]] Mortimer: The SAR? Oh. That Motihaul place. Dorian, was.. um.. kinda a grump, but... sometimes he would talk, too. Mortimer: And yeah.. it was always interesting when he did. [[Outline of a hypothetical Hermit Academy.]] Mortimer: .../Hermits/ don't all go to some Academy, too, do they? Rosemary: I don't believe so, no. [[Outline showing a Tree Squid, a Killer Tree and a Giant Spyder.]] Mortimer: But eventually he just sorta disappeared. Rosemary: Well, Mortimer, considering what I heard earlier about Tree Squids and Giant Spyders and Killer Trees, I'm sorry, but is that so surprising? Mortimer: ...Yeah. I guess. Thursday , August 13 , 2015 [[In front of Shadrik the robot's shed in Eetown.]] Rosemary: But anyway. Shadrik. I've seen robots on display before, but never one that looks in this good of shape. Mortimer: Yes. Tho I admit it, I sorta forget he's even here, since they don't use him much anymore. Rufus- Rosemary: Wait. What? "Use"? He actually /works/? Mortimer: Sorta? Mortimer: His battery-thing's all run down. Rufus has been trying to figure out how to.. zap it, or whatever. Mortimer: The ones in the Mansion are.. hooked in, I guess, so they keep working. Friday , August 14 , 2015 [[Outline of someone getting blasted by a Guardbot's flamethrower.]] Rosemary: Oh. Wait. Sylvester said something about this yesterday. I guess I didn't really believe.. "Guardbots", was it? Mortimer: Yeah. They.. guard important corridors. Used to be important, anyway.They don't move. Move around. And they're pretty stupid. But you don't wanna mess with them. [[Side view of Shadrik the robot in his shed in Eetown.]] Rosemary: Noted. And Shadrik? Mortimer: He's a little.. smarter. And doesn't have any weapons. Or arms, even. Mortimer: He's strong tho. Can pull really heavy stuff, even a tooterboat up onto the shore when they need to beach one. Saturday , August 15 , 2015 Narration: A Whole New Scene [[A dark space in the Basement. Graffiti on the wall points to SPARKLOOM.]] [[Shabash the Gnolls comes into view, looking behind herself. In front of her go a small Lizhopper and a Doombee.]] Doombee: doom Sunday , August 16 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[Next to a flip-topped object which has just closed.]] ((unclik)) Takapeny: You..want to get a hat.. here? Frizzlegarb: What's the problem? You've gotta hat tree, right? [[Takapeny faces Frizzlegarb]] Takapeny: Yes, of course we nurture a hat tree! We're not a bunch of.. of Purple-Zone savages! Takapeny: It's just.. it's not.. Frizzlegarb: It's not a Grade AAA hat tree? [[Takapeny turns back to 3375.]] Takapeny: No. I'm sorry, sir. It's only Grade A. Frizzlegarb: I imagine we can live with that, Mr. 3375? 3375: nod? Monday , August 17 , 2015 [[At Shadrik the robot's shed in Eetown.]] Rosemary: So we're not going to see Shadrik here operate? Mortimer: Um..No. Even if he was working.. right.. only Sylvester, Saffron and Sheriff Skragg can give him orders. That he'll listen to. Mortimer: But the Sheriff gets final say. Being the.. robot guy.. is part of his official duties. Rosemary: Sensible. Rosemary: Tho it does sort of confirm my suspicion. Mortimer: Huh? Rosemary: That Sylvester sent us out here because he wanted to talk to his friend alone. Mortimer: ...Oh. Tuesday , August 18 , 2015 [[In the Eetown town square.]] Mortimer: So.. we probably shouldn't go back in the Bank... Rosemary: I'm only speculating, but probably not. Mortimer: And.. Sylvester probably wouldn't want me to introduce you to anyone without him being there. Rosemary: No. Mortimer: . . . Rosemary: . . . [[A view of the town watchtower on top of a nearby warehouse.]] Rosemary: There /is/ something vaguely productive I'd like to do, assuming it doesn't require a key and/or permission... Wednesday , August 19 , 2015 [[Walking past the Eetown World O' Pots and Clotheshorse stores.]] Mortimer: You want to go up the watchtower? Um.. Yeah, OK. Parts of the building are locked, but the hall to the tower should be open. Mortimer: The entrance we want is down there on Larssen Street, past the Clotheshorse, and around the corner. [[In front of a door labelled APPLE HOUSE.]] Rosemary: "Apple house"? Mortimer: A lot of apples and stuff from the farms are stored here. The Fishhouse is down by the water. Thursday , August 20 , 2015 [[Inside the Eetown Apple house. A raised walkway amid a collection of doors, metal bars and bins.]] Rosemary: This place is almost as bad... interesting.. as the Mansion. Mortimer: Yeah, it's been... redone and added to and.. and all redivided for years. Mortimer: The next staircase we want is over here. Friday , August 21 , 2015 [[Climbing steps inside the gloom of the Eetown Apple House.]] Mortimer: Hopefully there's no one up here this time of day. Mortimer: ..Except of course for our B- Voice: Heya, Mr. Mortimer. [[A woman wearing a bat costume comes down from above.]] Mortimer: Hi. Bat Lady: Check out the new /umbrella/! Mortimer: Yes. [[The Bat Lady descends the steps.]] Bat Lady: N' welcome to Eetown, Miss Dapple! Rosemary: Thank you, Ma'am. [[The Bat Lady disappears on down below.]] Rosemary: It's sort of.. unnerving.. how quickly they Hear about things. Mortimer: Yeah, you almost think the Ears are real! Saturday , August 22 , 2015 [[The Soarkloom area of the Basement. Shabash the Gnoll stands in the shadows as Maggle the Trog runs past out in the main corridor.]] [[Shabash walks on in the gloom, coming to a pile of rubble.]] [[Faddle the Gnoll bursts out of the pile, wearing a backpack.]] Faddle: GRAH! Shabash: EEP! Sunday , August 23 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny walk past a large block to which was once attached an equally large chain.]] Frizzlegarb: So.. Takapeny. We weren't expecting to meet anyone so soon. What're you doing way out here? Takapeny: I came out to talk to the Gr.. Actually, Mr. 3375, it's really none of your, um, concern why I'm out here. Frizzlegarb: Fair enuf. But if it was important, we can get ourselves to the hat tree. Takapeny: ...More important than.. no! No, of course not! [[A large Growth topped with three heads, two male, one female, all looking in the same direction. There is also a branch of the Tree and two flip-top rhomboids; one of them is open and displaying a sign reading RED ALERT.]] Male #1: Odd. Takapeny should have been here by now. Female: Indeed. Male #2: This could throw the entire Summerfather Operation into serious jeopardy! Monday , August 24 , 2015 [[A dark corridor inside the Eetown Apple House. A fluttering bat carrying a paper message interrupts Mortimer's dialogue. A door has a picture of female stick figure wearing a bat outfit.]] Rosemary: So.. she lives here in the Belfry, I take it? Like usual? Mortimer: Uh huh. She's the- [[Mortimer reads the message aloud.]] Mortimer: . . . "Almost forgot, Mr. Regent. Tell Rufus I dunno what he and Eunice are up to, but I've got my eye on BOTH of them." Mortimer: So. Um. She's the manager and.. and guard for the Apple House. Mortimer: Like I said before, they do keep things locked up, but honestly, with her around.. Rosemary: Right. [[Mortimer points at a ladder going up. Attached to the ladder in a holder is a knife or dagger.]] Mortimer: Anyway. Here's the ladder. It goes up. Rosemary: Right. Tuesday , August 25 , 2015 [[Mortimer and Rosemary climb the ladder leading up to the Eetown watchtower. Mortimer holds the handle of his umbrella in his teeth.]] [[They look out through the observation slot of the tower.]] Both: . . . Mortimer: You wanted to come up to look, right, not to- Rosemary: When you find yourself in a new situation, get to the high ground and survey the terrain. Mortimer: Oh. Right. Wednesday , August 26 , 2015 [[Looking down on a section of Eetown from overhead, including Mortimer and Rosemary in the town watchtower on top of the Apple House.]] Mortimer: So.. um.. We're looking down at the town square. Rosemary: Right. Mortimer: And that's the fuzzball field right below us there. Rosemary: Yes, I saw the Pole and the Targets. And yes, we play fuzzball out west. I was usually Upperleft Flankswoman. Mortimer: Um. Right. Ace.. was always really the Fuzzball player in our family. Thursday , August 27 , 2015 [[An overhead look at a section of Eetown.]] Mortimer: And.. over here.. south.. those houses are where the tootermen.. the guys out on the boats.. mostly live. And their families. Rosemary: Uh huh. And those roads? Mortimer: Um.. one goes to the town commons. The grazing field. And the other to the leather pit, the blazewood grove. Stuff like that. [[An overhead look at a house outside the main hedge, with its own hedge, various outbuildings and numerous fences.]] Rosemary: And, shot in the dark, that house on the far side of the hedge is Old Man Larssen's? Mortimer: Oh. Yeah. Him and.. yeah. Friday , August 28 , 2015 [[An overhead look at a section of Eetown's waterfront.]] Mortimer: And east, there's the, um. warehouses. And docks. That fancy building is the Fisher Guildhall. Mortimer: And.. [[Rosemary looks out from the town watchtower.]] Rosemary: The Specific Ocean Mortimer: Yeah. [[The ocean, with two islands visible.]] Rosemary: It was always on my To-Do List, but.. I never thought I'd actually see it. Rosemary: Is that Alwin Island there? Mortimer: Alw.. Oh. Sylvester told you.Yeah. And Scraggy further out. Saturday , August 29 , 2015 [[In the Basement, near the Sparkloom. Faddle the Gnoll has emerged from a hole, wearing a backpack.]] Shabash: Oh. It's just you, Faddle. Faddle: Shabash. Perfect. Ya n' Fanga.. [[He looks around.]] Faddle: Where's Fanga? Shabash: I got no idea watchyer talkin'... /snif/ ..That /smell/.. [[Faddle looks the other way. Shabash points at him.]] Faddle: Terrif. Ya pick /today/ ta spat. Fine. We'll nab someone else. Shabash: You've been down in the.. the.. Faddle: The Place No One Talks About. Yeah. Wasn't my idea. Shabash: !! Sunday , August 30 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny walk past a large and complicated looking device.]] Frizzlegarb: Well, well. Lookit that! Frizzlegarb: A /Jumbo/-Grade Marshmallow Extruder and Toaster, for the efficient and civilized production of tasty foodstuffs! Takapeny: Yes. [[More of the device is shown.]] Frizzlegarb: It's way out here cuz of the ever-present danger of.. heh.. overspewing? Takapeny: Yes. Frizzlegarb: Waaait.. if ya upGraded from Standard.. that means you Summerfatherers got yer mitts on a /Component Fabricator/! Takapeny: No comment. Monday , August 31 , 2015 [[Inside the Eetown watchtower.]] Mortimer: You have a To-Do List? Rosemary: Of course! [[All the following are outlines. A large collection of square glowing shapes float over some torch-topped towers.]] Rosemary: Relatively locally, there's see a lightballoon show in Nye.. [[A possibly-Human figure peering at a collection of large crystal-shapes underground.]] Rosemary: Go down into the Frostsalt Caverns in Thull. [[A boat sailing past a heavily-shaped island which makes music at the breeze blows through it.]] Rosemary: Listen to windsong in the Sculpted Isles.. [[Large clams on a bridge between two flat-topped buildings.]] Rosemary: Attend the Running of the Clams in Woldercan. [[Eels in the water in front of another island, making a racket.]] Mortimer: And.. and.. visit The Forest of Burzee? Rosemary: That /was/ on the list, but now... maybe I'll go to Lake Lugnag and hear the Shrieking Eels.. Tuesday , September 1 , 2015 [[Inside the Eetown watchtower.]] Mortimer: Wow. Mortimer: I never really thought about- Rosemary: And after /that/, there's the rest of the Known World. [[Outline-montage of some of the things that Rosemary lists.]] Rosemary: The Plinths, the Sandwall, the Spires of Mechana, the Pyramids of Akbar. Whatever it is they really have in Sybola. Rosemary: But I gather your mother and sister have already gotten a big head start on me. Mortimer: ...I guess they couldn't get into Sybola. And Lil said that Mechana was "really creepy". They didn't stay long. Wednesday , September 2 , 2015 [[Inside the Eetown watchtower.]] Mortimer: I guess I need to make a List, too. Rosemary: Well, of course, /but/.. Mortimer: But? Rosemary: From what I've seen.. You're not the kind of person to.. Go Places and See Things. And there's nothing wrong with that. [[Mortimer's umbrella.]] Rosemary: At the top of your List right now should be, learn to use that umbrella. [[Outline of Mortimer and umbrella, glowing on top of a pile amid stars.]] Rosemary: And after that.. I don't know much about.. such things, but I wouldn't be surprised if item number two turns out to be "learn to use it more and better." Thursday , September 3 , 2015 [[Overhead view of part of the Eetown waterfront.]] Mortimer: And.. then.. I won't know what to do until I know.. what I /can/ do. Rosemary: Indeed. But back to more immediate worries. What's all that over to the northeast? Mortimer: Oh. That's the Woodhouse. And the Shipwright shop. Lumber storage. Carpentry stuff. Mr. Grumby.. Jonus.. runs all that. There's also a ropewalk. {{A ropewalk is a long narrow structure where rope is created from from hemp or whatever.}} Mortimer: Building a new longer one of those somewhere is another argument folks are having. Rosemary: Uh huh. Friday , September 4 , 2015 [[Overhead view of northwest Eetown.]] Mortimer: And over there's the town pond. There's this gate-arch... aqueduct.. setup that gets the water through the hedge. Mortimer: It's the.. um.. fancy part of town? From the stream, it's the Becketts, Mr and Mrs Nelson, the Weequashs and Sheldon and Nanette. Mortimer: Oh. And the Hedgemaster's house. By the Hedge. Rosemary: Got it. So. Better head back, I think we've given Sylvester enough time. Saturday , September 5 , 2015 [[In a darkened corner of the Basement, under a branch of the Tree. Shabash the Gnoll turns to leave.]] Shabashl: I'm outta here. Faddle: I was down there cuz the.. Placettes /wanted/ me down there. Faddle: And, 'long with the usual phizz.. ya know what they're like 'bout splainin' things, but.. turns out the world's endin'. Or somethin'. Faddle: And so, they gave me a job. All official like. Faddle: And ya know what that means, too. Shabash: . . . [[She faces Faddle again.]] Shabash: Yeah. Shabash: I know what that means. Shabash: Sir. Faddle: Terrif. Sunday , September 6 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny walk along.]] Frizzlegarb: We'd go see the Component Fabricator, Mr. 3375, but of course it'll be in Summerfather's VSA, where not even visitin' bots are allowed. Right, Takapeny: Yes. No. Visitors are not allowed in the Very Secure Area. [[A bug-sculpture with heart antenna comes into view.]] Frizzlegarb: Cuz that's where a Hollow works on assemblin' its Central Device, and ya don't want, oh, those phizzers in Wintermother sendin' in spies or flitwrenchers. Takapeny: . . . Maybe you should be in /your/ home Hollow working on /your/ Central Device. [[The 53 bug is on a dais with a large glove-shape tipped with long claws or blades.]] {{RIP Dean Jones and Wes Craven}} Frizzlegarb: What, ya think I started gaddin' about cuz I enjoyed it? Frizzlegarb: I have no home Hollow. Not anymore. Takapeny: . . . Monday , September 7 , 2015 Narration: Laboring in Eetown [[Violet Hopkirk carries a pig.]] [[Sheldon Stout the smith works at his forge.]] [[Gendrick Gaberdine the tailor sews.]] [[Jonus Grumby the carpenter/shipwright saws.]] [[A bearded pipesmoking fisherman hauls netted tooterfish into his boat.]] {{His name is probably Tom Bawcock.}} [[The Eetown Flittermouse draws at something mounted on a slanted board.]] {{Labor Day 2015}} Tuesday , September 8 , 2015 [[In the Bank of E.]] Peter Nigultrum: So. Anything else? Sylvester: Almost certainly. But we'll be back soon for Rosemary's official intro to everyone. Peter: Until then, then. [[Sylvester leaves.]] Sylvester: sigh.. [[He is outside. There is no one in sight.]] Sylvester: groan... [[Rosemary and Mortimer walk into view from the side.]] Rosemary: Relax, here we are. And we hardly talked to anybody! Sylvester: woo hoo. Wednesday , September 9 , 2015 [[Outside the Bank of E.]] Sylvester: So who /did/ you talk to? Mortimer: We went up in the watchtower, and, um- Sylvester: Ah. And thus met our Flittermouse, who naturally had heard everything. [[Rosemary produces an envelope from her Poke Kit.]] Mortimer: Flit.. Oh. Yeah. And Claudia was here, and I'm sorry, but we didn't save anything for you. Sylvester: I will live. All right. Moving on. Rosemary: ..To next door? [[The next door over, labelled OFFICE.]] Sylvester: Indeed! Time for you to meet Mr. Sherman P. Gray. [[Outline of someone shoveling snow outside their buried house.]] Sylvester: The "new" Clerk of Eetown, late of the Bureaucrat Academy, and before that, a Brush-forsaken frozen-over flyspeck in northern Thull called, I believe, Crag Sinsoss. Thursday , September 10 , 2015 [[All of the following are outlines. Mr. Gray waves at a suspicious Prunella Weequash.]] Sylvester: OK. Even tho he's been here.. wow.. seven, eight years now? Mr. Gray is still "the new guy". [[Hubert Appleby alive behind his desk.]] Sylvester: ..Because the guy before him, Hubert Appleby.. I think I already said.. he was appointed here after the Crash, and spentthe long ensuing decades planted rigid and upright behind his desk. [[Appleby dead at his desk.]] Sylvester: ..He died at his post, even. Rosemary: Let me guess, "it was days before anyone even noticed." Sylvester: That is the standard joke, yes. Rosemary: So did /you/ get along with him? Appleby? [[Appleby and Omega gaze levelly at each other.]] Sylvester: Mm. He was a personality-free stick-in-the-mud, but compared to Omega... Heh. They didn't get along very well. Their views on Church and State were... fundamentally incompatible. Friday , September 11 , 2015 [[Outline of Omega glaring at Sherman Gray, who waves.]] Sylvester: But Appleby did pass on, and Gray arrived as his replacement, and, as far as Omega was concerned, was even worse. Rosemary: Because he possessed a personality. [[The Sparkwire sign posted by the door of the Eetown Office.]] Sylvester: In part, but more because he brought the Sparkwire with him. Rosemary: She was against..? Sparkwires don't use magic as a power source. ..Do they? [[Outline of Gray turning a hand-crank.]] Sylvester: Nope. Like most everyone, Gray charges his station-batteries with a hand-crank. To Omega, in her grinding old age, this was an irrelevant distinction. Sylvester: When it was clear she was finally dying.. [[Gray operates his Sparkwire station, with Finale the Guardian standing next to him.]] Sylvester: ..the fact that Finale used it to send word to the High Temple.. I probably derive more pleasure out of that than I should. Saturday , September 12 , 2015 [[A darkened fringe of the Basement.]] Shabash the Gnoll: So what's this about the world ending, Sir? Faddle the Gnoll: Knock it off. My name ain't Sir. [[Faddle twirls a finger.]] Shabash: It is now, /Sir/. What's this about- Faddle: Fine! But I'm only explainin' this once, and there needs ta be three of us. Fanga really not around? [[Outline of Fanga and Shabash going their separate ways.]] Shabash: No, Sir. An assignment went bad somehow, and we split up, went to ground. Faddle: Somehow. Yeah. Shabash: What's that spose to.. [[Shabash pauses.]] Shabash: I know the.. Placettes can do phizz, but.. Sir.. you don't really think they... Faddle: I needed ya, and, lookie, here ya are. Sunday , September 13 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny walk past a sculpture of a Vermicious Knid forming the letter S.]] Takapeny: I... OK, first, I have to say it, yes, Frizzlegarb, you enjoy gadding around a great deal. Frizzlegarb: Heh. Fair enuf. Takapeny: And.. second, if you managed to get yourself banished from your home Hollow, I.. I'm sorry, but- [[Two more scupltures forming a C and an R.]] Frizzlegarb: Didn't get kicked out. Mebbe wasn't Mr. Popular when I left, but officially, I coulda come back. Takapeny: But then- Frizzlegarb: Good thing for me I didn't, eh? Takapeny: . . . [[Two more, A and M.]] Takapeny: I'm sorry. Frizzlegarb: Yeah yeah. Ancient history. Shouldn't have mentioned it. Monday , September 14 , 2015 [[All panels are outlines. This one shows Eetown clerk Sherman Gray measuring a baby in various ways and taking an official footprint.]] Sylvester: As for Gray.. he's a decent if, well, unexceptional fellow who in my opinion does his various duties, official and otherwise, competently enough. [[Eetown tailor Genrick Gaberdine unenthusiastically dropping some coins into tax-collector Gray's chest.]] Rosemary: And in other people's opinion? Sylvester: There are accusations of laziness, ironically /because/ he gets out from behind his desk. [[Former MoE Head Housekeeper Ilsa Lundquist handing Gray a letter to be mailed.]] Sylvester: I'm assuming you know what those duties are- Rosemary: Well, that's a familiar collection of official Seals by the door there. [[Gray Adjudicating a Fuzzball game, with player/Eetown carpenter Jonus Grumby.]] Mortimer: Um.. he Adjudicates all the fuzzball games. Sylvester: Indeed. Again in some quarters, it's considered his most vital duty. Tuesday , September 15 , 2015 [[Sylvester, Mortimer and Rosemary entering the Eetown Bureaucracy office.]] Sylvester: But even with the Sparkwire, and all the rest, and the growing population of the village... [[They find Eetown clerk Sherman Gray at his desk building a house of cards.]] Sylvester, quietly: He still sometimes finds himself with time to kill. Gray: Eh? Ah, Your Grace! Greetings! Wednesday , September 16 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester in the Eetown Bureaucracy Office. Clerk Sherman Gray sweeps together the house of cards he had been building.]] Gray: And.. ah. A new arrival, or another straggler coming in from the hinterlands? Sylvester: A new arrival, so you'll need to break out the paperwork. [[Sylvester presents Rosemary, who waves.]] Sylvester: Rosemary Dapple. The new Taskmistress of E, late of Moonin and the roads. Rosemary: Hello. Gray: Greetings. Taskmis.. Ah. Yes. Like Ms.. Clip, no Clepe. She departed shortly after I myself arrived here. Thursday , September 17 , 2015 [[An outline depicting a collection of rather in-bred looking individuals peering out from rural-type scenery.]] Sylvester: The hinterlands being the various and sundry outlying farms, some of the inhabitants of which- Rosemary: -wouldn't come into the village even if Mr. Gray was handing out Octagon coins in the town square. Yes, I am familiar with the phenomenon. Rosemary: ..And since you are in fact the local tax collector... Sherman Gray: It's a sad fact of life that people do not go out of their way to meet me. Yes. We even had lectures on the subject at the Academy. [[Rosemary and Sylvester in the Eetown Bureaucracy Office. Rosemary holds up a letter. Gray pushes his chair away from his desk, towards a collection of filing cabinets.]] Rosemary: But at least folks are usually happy to see a /mailman/. Gray: The two do offset each other somewhat. You'll be wanting postage for that, I'm guessing, along with your 43-48+1 Residency Form.. Friday , September 18 , 2015 [[in the Eetown Bureaucracy Office. Clerk Sherman Gray sits in front of his collection of filing cabinets.]] Sylvester: And... I believe you, the Bureaucracy, also has a form for noting a change of familial Regency? Gray: . . . Yes. There are actually two possible forms, depending on.. [[Sylvester]] Gray: Has Frederick.. Sylvester: Frederick is not dead. He announced his retirement earlier today. Effective immediately. Mortimer is the new Regent of E. [[Mortimer]] Gray: Well. Congratulations, Mortimer. Mortimer: Um.. Thanks. Gray: The 09-18A, then. I am required to remind you it is traditional, tho not officially mandated, to make a public announcement regarding the change. [[Gray, looking slightly sour.]] Sylvester: We have done so, again this very day. Before an assemblage of prominent local citizens in the Eetown Temple of the Brush. Gray: Of course. Saturday , September 19 , 2015 [[On a small island offshore of the Mansion. The crew of the Pretty Lady meet a local gull.]] Cap'n Hamster: ARR! What have we here, me hearties? An interloper on Piratestash Island! Truly, there can be only one response to such impudence n' darin'! SeaPlant: . . . LeTreePlant: . . . [[The gull is now wearing a sailor-type hat.]] Cap'n Hamster: Welcome to th' crew o' th' Pretty Lady, Mr. Gull! Now we celebrate w' lashin's of grog n' hearty huzzahs! Amorphous Ball of Light: Huzzah! SeaPlant: Unlike you, I suspect, I find your colleagues' buffoonish antics rather diverting. LeTreePlant: huzzah. SeaPlant: And leaving you in their presence would be greater punishment than anything I could devise, yes? LeTreePlant: ...groan. Sunday , September 20 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny walk past an enormous door covered with locks and a bar, with the word SCRAM running down it vertically. There are two places where locks might have been, but are now vacant.]] Frizzlegarb: Oh. Look at that. Ya got yer Cyan Lock offa yer Forbidden Closet of Mystery. Takapeny: Yes. Frizzlegarb: Ya know, if Hollows /cooperated/ on this kinda phizz, someone woulda probably gotten one open by now. Takapeny: That's easy for you to say. And.. and again, I'm sorry it's easy. Monday , September 21 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Bureaucracy Office. Clerk Sherman Gray hands Rosemary a form.]] Gray: Your 43-48+1, Ms. Dapple. Rosemary: Thanks. [[Gray hands a form to Mortimer.]] Gray: The 09-18A for.. /Mr./ Mortimer. Mortimer: . . . OK. Gray: Oh, and Your Grace.. [[He hands a different-looking form to Sylvester.]] Gray: The Keepers of the Vault of the Tome of Royal Succession formally request that as a Listee in said Tome... Gray: ..you dispatch to them notice of any high-ranking additions and/or changes to your official retinue. [[Sylvester studies the form.]] Sylvester: This is new. Gray: Yes. The resolution passed out of the Conclave of the Vault only six months ago. Tuesday , September 22 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester in the Eetown Bureaucracy Office. Clerk Sherman Gray sits at his desk.]] Sylvester: The Tome, Rosemary- Rosemary: A list of who gets to be king? You mentioned something by that name. Sylvester: Yes. Correct. The Keepers- Mortimer: They mail you that book every year. Not the.. the Tome itself, but- Gray: The Fully Comprehensive Abbreviated Summary. [[Outline split in two: a woman holding a baby, both with large curly hair, and someone being attacked by an angry wounded Saur.]] Sylvester: Yes. It only lists recent changes in the order of royal succession, who has produced offspring, who has passed on.. Rosemary: They don't just send a copy of the whole thing? [[Outline of Sylvester making an entry in the Tome, with two Keepers in attendance.]] Gray: The actual Tome is reportedly quite enormous and never removed from its aforementioned vault. Sylvester: I can confirm that, as I agreed to sign and fingerprint my entry in it. Wednesday , September 23 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester in the Eetown Bureaucracy Office. Sylvester holds up the form he has been given by Clerk Sherman Gray. Mortimer looks at the form he was given.]] Rosemary: "Agreed" to sign the Tome? Sylvester: Yes. As indicated by the conspicuous lack of a royal seal on this form.. [[A closeup of Mortimer's form, with the seal.]] Sylvester: The Vault and any associated personnel are not registered governmental entities. Correct, Mr. Gray? [[A closeup of Sylvester's form.]] Gray: Essentially correct, Your Grace [[Gray at his desk.]] Gray: You are under no legal obligation to complete that /questionnaire/. Sylvester: Ah. Right. [[Outline of another Clerk glaring at a letter floating down from the darkness above.]] Sylvester: Nevertheless, the Vault has a great deal of... nonofficial influence, and it will make my life simpler if I supply the requested information. Thursday , September 24 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Bureaucracy Office.]] Rosemary: But then w- Mr. Mortimer and I /are/ required to fill out our forms. Clerk Sherman Gray: Yes, Ms Dapple, I am afraid that I, or rather, the Bureaucracy, does insist. Mortimer: I'm.. not trying to make more work for Rosemary or anything, but.. doesn't she also need to.. tell about being Taskmistress, along with, um, moving here? Sylvester: I can answer that. No. The Bureaucracy only officially insists on knowing who my Regent is. For any emergency situations. Only the Vault worries about the rest of my Minions. Gray: Indeed. Mortimer: Emer..? Oh. Friday , September 25 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester in the Eetown Bureaucracy Office. Clerk Sherman Gray gestures from his desk.]] Gray: So. The Form-Completion Stations are over there, "in" the Post Office. And I shall calculate the postage for Ms. Dapple's letter. Sylvester: It's my letter, actually. One of my missives to the Capital. Gray: Ah. That simplifies matters. [[The three Mansionites in front of a bank of small closed doors, with pens on a counter.]] Gray: And you have a bit of incoming mail in your box, Your Grace. Sylvester: Thank you. I was hoping that might be the case. Rosemary: They even have doors! Swanky! Mortimer: They.. found them somewhere. And Mr. Grumby refinished them. Saturday , September 26 , 2015 [[Shabash and Faddle the Gnolls walk through a darkened corner of the Basement.]] Shabash: No. No, Sir, I refuse to believe that- Voice off-panel: Oh. It's you, Faddle. [[Carmal the Gnoll comes into view.]] Faddle: Carmal. Carmal: And Shabash. Well. Could be worse. Shabash: Whadda mean by that? Carmal: Vision said to meet the Placettes' Assigned One here. Could have been anybody. [[Outline of Carmal meeting the large rabbit-like Vision.]] Shabash: ...A Vision /told/ you to do something? Carmal: Yes. Can we get whatever this is over with? Faddle: Right. Sunday , September 27 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny walk along. Frizzlegarb looks at the keystaff he is carrying.]] [[He looks back, as does 3375, in the direction of the locked door they passed in the previous Sunday strip.]] 3375: ? [[They continue on.]] 3375: ! Takapeny: Something wrong? Frizzlegarb: Nope. Monday , September 28 , 2015 [[Mortimer, Rosemary and Sylvester in the Eetown Bureaucracy Office, filling out forms in front of a bank of post office boxes.]] Rosemary: . . . Mortimer: . . . [[Rosemary and Mortimer face each other.]] Mortimer: Is today the 13th? Rosemary: I'm afraid my best guess would be "Mid-Aprilish" Sylvester: Today is Monday, April 14, 5423 HC. Tuesday , September 29 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Bureaucracy Office. Clerk Sherman Gray takes a completed form from Sylvester.]] Gray: Your Grace. Efficient as always. Sylvester: I strive to please, Mr. Gray. [[Mortimer gives his form.]] Gray: Mr. Mortimer. Or would you prefer "Mr. Eman"? Mortimer: Um. No. Mortimer is.. is fine. [[Rosemary gives her form.]] Gray: And Ms. Dapple. Thank you. Rosemary: Sure. [[Rosemary.]] Gray: You've taken up your new position alone? No spouse or children needing to be.. cajoled into appearing? Rosemary: Oh no. It's just me. Always just me. Gray: I see. And place of birth.. Ah. Speaking of hinterlands! Dyngusmyles Island. Wednesday , September 30 , 2015 [[A map of the islands in the Bay of Runes: Muddler, Tullipa, Maiden, Hoopy, Snood, Frood, Fillyjonk, Joxter, Littlemy, Hobgoble, Gnomin, Fuzzbar, Whittle, Toffle, Groke, Genny, Thingummy, Miffle, and Dyngusmyles. A red arrow points in the direction of the Beacons.]] Rosemary: You're familiar with- Sherman Gray: As a Clerk for our fair country, I am expected to have a knowledge of its geography. Gray: I believe I can still name the "Twenty Islands of County Tove." Rosemary: There's only nineteen of them with actual permanent towns, and that's not necessary Mr. Gray. Gray: Of course. But Dyngusmyles in particular.. Thursday , October 1 , 2015 [[A map of Dyngusmyle Island in the Bay of Rune.]] Sherman Gray: I had a classmate or two at the Academy who hailed from Moonin, and on occasion they spoke of your origin point in.. intriguing terms. Rosemary: Oh? Maybe I know them. [[Outline of a building built on a steep slope amid evergreen trees.]] Gray: Unlikely. They were both... deep landsiders? Rosemary: Ah. That means, Your Grace, they're from the mainland. More exactly, the high foothills of the Ridgebacks. [[The Eetown Office. Rosemary pulls on her gloves.]] Mortimer: . . . Sylvester: Right. Rosemary: And.. let me guess, they said Dyngusmylesians are all unbathed asocial lunatics? Gray: Ah.. they.. spoke more on the island's physical attributes than the ature of its inhabitants. Rosemary: Mm. Friday , October 2 , 2015 [[An outline of a section of Dyngusmyles Island, with the Beacons flaring in the background.]] Rosemary: It is true that being so close to the Beacons, Dyngusmyles does experience some very.. what's the word.. eccentric? weather and biological phenomena. Rosemary: Before the Crash, there was even a University research outpost there. Attracted scholars from as far away as Azimuth. Rosemary: That's ancient history now of course. Tho there are still visitors. The Beacons continue to put on quite a show for anyone brave enough to watch. Rosemary: I won't be among them. My parents are deceased, I have no siblings. I have no reason to return to Dyngusmyles Island. Saturday , October 3 , 2015 [[In a darkened corner of the Basement.]] Shabash: What'd the Vision look like? Carmal: Kind of like one of those s- Faddle: We can talk 'bout that /later./ [[Faddle reaches into his pack.]] Shabash: But- Faddle: Assigned One! Shabash: ..yes, sir. Carmal: Right. [[Faddle displays a glowing pyramidal object.]] Faddle: The Placettes gave me three glow-gemmy-things. We gotta find some thingamabob and plug them into it. [[Outline of an octagonal object.]] Shabash: "Plug"? Sir? Carmal: Like those shapeboards that whelps play with? Faddle: Yeah. Pretty much, sounds like. Sunday , October 4 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[Frizzlegarb looks back at 3375.]] Takapeny: You know... you /can/ get a new home Hollow.. Frizzlegarb: Uh huh. Frizzlegarb: If somefuzz sponsors me. You willin' to do that here? Takapeny: . . . Frizzlegarb: Nah, nah. Don't hafta answer that. [[Frizzlegarb jiggles his keystaff for 3375.]] Frizzlegarb: I could find an Unstaked Hollow, claim it as mine. More likely to do that someday. Takapeny: ..Most Unstaked Hollows are that way because they aren't very- Frizzlegarb: Oh yah. For now I'm gaddin'. Tryin' not to interfere too much. Givin' unfair advantage. Monday , October 5 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Office.]] Rosemary: But anyway. I gather /you/ know something of hinterlands, being, I hear, from northern Thull? Sherman Gray: Now, now, Ms Dapple. [[Outline of "Frost miners" at work.]] Gray: Again in my official position, I can report the frost mines of the Crags of Thull are a thriving and beneficent industry that we can all be proud of. Rosemary: And speaking /non/-officially? [[Gray takes off his hat and tosses it on his desk.]] [[Outline of a younger Gray gleefully giving his notice to a frost mine supervisor.]] Gray: The fact that my talents were determined to be better applied in the Bureaucracy than Mine Sinsoss has also always been a matter for quiet pride. Tuesday , October 6 , 2015 [[A map of Thull and Audravania.]] Rosemary: I know the Bureaucracy makes a point of never sending its new members back to their home Province, but you didn't actually end up all that far away, I guess. Sherman Gray: Indeed. I admit I was a bit.. taken aback when I learned I was being posted somewhere that is in fact further north than Crag Sinsoss. [[A casually-dressed Gray greeting a bundled Eetownite during a snowfall.]] Gray: But upon arriving here, I was happy to learn that climate is not always a rigid slave to geography. Sylvester: Yes. We do generally get some snow around December-ish, but our winters tend to be more stormy, wet and gloomy. Gray: I am afraid I must disagree, Your Grace. We do not get /snow/ here. We get a gentle and scenic dusting of the terrain. Wednesday , October 7 , 2015 [[Outline of Rosemary Out West walking into a strong wind.]] Sherman Gray: And /your/ winters, Ms. Dapple? Rosemary: Winters on all the Twenty Islands tend to be chilly, dry and windy. [[It begins to pour rain on her.]] Rosemary: That said.. while Dyngusmyles is the worst, all throughout the Bay of Runes, storms can blow up suddenly and with very little warning. Rosemary: That was one thing I did /not/ miss when I left home and travelled Landside. Rosemary: Knocked around further afield Out West.. one thing led to another, and suddenly here I am. Thursday , October 8 , 2015 [[Outline of Rosemary defending against Comshaw's Evil Basement Invasion.]] Sylvester: And while this is officially more the Sheriff's purview, Mr. Gray, you deserve to know that one thing Rosemary learned during those travels is sword-fighting. Sylvester: And since the Taskmistress's duties now include guarding against unwelcome visitors from the Mansion's Basement, in future she will be wearing one. Sherman Gray: Oh. Well, as you say, Your Grace.. [[An umbrella stand in the Eetown Office, next to the front door.]] Gray: ..It is indeed the decision of a municipality's designated upholder of the King's Law whether weapons can be carried, openly or otherwise, within said area's boundaries. Gray: However, since this Office is directly the territory of His Majesty's Government.. Gray: I am required to request that while conducting official business within its walls, you deposit any personal weapons in the approved storage receptacle. Gray: Which in this case, Ms Dapple, is that umbrella stand there by the door. Rosemary: Duly noted. And again, compared to some Weapons Receptacles I've encountered yours is downright plush. Friday , October 9 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Office. Mortimer looks behind himself as Sylvester speaks.]] Sylvester: But anyway, we- [[Mortimer turns.]] [[He puts his umbrella in the waiting stand.]] [[Gray puts his hat back on.]] Mortimer: It's an umbrella stand. And I could.. hit you over the head or poke you in the eye. Gray: Indeed. Saturday , October 10 , 2015 [[Three Gnolls (the two below and Shabash) in a darkened corner of the Basement. Faddle takes a glowing purple pyramid from Carmal.]] Carmal: This is ridiculous. What do you need /us/ for, if you're just sticking these in holes? Faddle: Cuz, they all hafta be stuck in at exactly the same time, and the holes are too far apart for one person to do it. Carmal: . . . Carmal: The only /sane/ reason for the.. thingamabob builders to make it that way would be.. they didn't want people just /casually/ turning it on, or changing it, or whatever the zark we're doing. Faddle: Figgured that out all by yerself, did ya? Yeah. The thingamabob is /important/. Sunday , October 11 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny walk past a wall drawing of a cheerful female Fuzz.]] Takapeny: "Unfair advantage"? You have a rather high opinion of yourself. Frizzlegarb: Heh. So, after I finish helpin' Mr. 3375 you'd have no problem with me gaddin' over the Wall to Wintermother and helpin' them get their FCM open? Takapeny: . . . [[They come to a rainbow-themed wall painting.]] Takapeny: . . .Fine. You're a genius. Frizzlegarb: 'Course. Don't worry, tho. I'm even less welcome over there than I am here. Monday , October 12 , 2015 Narration: The Intrepid Explorer encounters a Member of the Indigenous Population [[Presumably in the Province of Alfibay, a female Haroon stares down at a male "Mansionlander" who is sitting under a tree. He stares back, holding a flute or recorder he was playing before she appeared.]] {{Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day 2015}} Tuesday , October 13 , 2015 [[In the Eetown office.]] Sylvester: Now what was I going to.. oh. Well, there will be a formal introduction for Rosemary at the next Temple meeting. Threnody, at least, should keep you informed. Sherman Gray: Yes. I am grateful for her efforts. [[The office's Sparkwire device/telegraph.]] Sylvester: And on a similar note, have there been any urgent Flashes in on the Sparkwire of late? It's been pointed out I don't get into town as much as I should. Gray: Nothing of local interest Your Grace. [[A portrait on the wall, of an older balding man with glasses.]] Gray: Apart from the Provincial Conclave affirming His Majesty's appointment of Governator Hebetude for another term in office. Sylvester: Well. No real surprise on that front. Wednesday , October 14 , 2015 [[In the Eetown office.]] Sylvester: And any /non/-local news I might be interested in? Sherman Gray: Let me think.. [[Outline of a Bureaucrat replacing one lying dead on a slab.]] Gray: Following Ignatz Dotterel's sad passing, Theodore Fosil has been named the new head of the Department of Secondary Overlap. Sylvester: Heh. The only way old Dotterel was ever leaving that office was feet-first. [[Outline of a distinguishly dressed fellow with a walking stick.]] Gray: Fritz von Tarlenheim has presented himself to his Majesty as the new ambassador from Ruratana. Sylvester: Hm. That family name is always popping up in government circles in those parts. [[Outline of a white ship arriving at a sprawling harbor.]] Gray: And somewhat less officially, word has come from Woldercan that a Coradinean ship has visited the city. Sylvester: /Coradine/? Wow. They're a long and perilous way from home... Thursday , October 15 , 2015 [[Map of a section of the Known World.]] Rosemary: Coradine is an island in the Sea of Grass, correct? I only know it from.. an atlas I read once. Sylvester: A group of islands, yes. A lot of Motihauls live there. Very beautiful, the stories say. Add Caccitore's book The Crystal Towers to your reading list, if you're interested. [[Outline of Lilith and Dorothea meeting a welcoming female Motihaul in a tent-like structure.]] Rosemary: Didn't your mother and sister send a full report? Sylvester: You have to undergo lengthy and elaborate purification rituals before they let you in. Even our mother decided it wasn't worth the hassle. So they just visited the "Offshore Trader's Isle", which is still evidently quite the place. Friday , October 16 , 2015 [[Map showing Dorothea and Lilith's travel route to Coradine.]] Rosemary: So it is possible to get from here to there. Sylvester: Well, yes, but Mom and Lilith went via the Sea of Pylons, and then through the Sandwall, Uluthec, and down the Refutation. Saw the Pyramids of Zumbooruk. Sylvester: Even our mother isn't.. adventuresome enough to want to visit /Kadath/. [[Outline of a trio of Wendigoes.]] Sylvester: The Coradineans had to go all the way around that miserable heap of rock and icebergs. I gather the Wendigoes don't use boats all that much, but still.. [[Outline of a souped-up Viking-like ship with a Hamster logo on the sail.]] Sylvester: ..and then they'd meet the Honalyan sea-raiders... Rosemary: ...who pretty much live in their boats. Right. Saturday , October 17 , 2015 [[Three Gnolls in a darkened corner of the Basement. Faddle shows Shabash a pyramidal gem object.]] Shabash: If.. if this is so important, why are you.. we, doing it? Shouldn't they get Comshaw or.. or Skoil or someone? Faddle: The Placettes, use zarkin' Comshaw for their phizz? /Hah!/ He's.. already busy. Carmal: And Skibble said Skoil got trampled or something yesterday during the fighting. Shabash: Trampled? To death? Faddle: To further answer yer important question, 'pparently it's not safe for normal folks to handle these things "for an extended period". So lucky me, I get the job. Carmal: You might have mentioned that before letting me hold the stupid thing. Sunday , October 18 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny come to a wall drawing of a frog confronting a skeleton.]] Takapeny: Ssigh.. you're welcome here, Frizzlegarb, to visit at least, it's just that you're always so... Frizzlegarb: Yes? [[Takapeny stops and faces him.]] Takapeny: You've been to Wintermother Hollow? Frizzlegarb: I've been just 'bout everywhere kiddo. I've even been to the Purple Zone. Takapeny: . . . Frizzlegarb: And since it's gonna be your next question, /no/, I didn't tell the Wintermotherers any of your secrets. And I'm not telling you any of theirs. Takapeny: This is what I was just.. fine, I can believe you /somehow/ got over the Wall to Wintermother, but you have not been to the Purple Zone! Monday , October 19 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Office.]] Mortimer: This is interesting, I guess, but.. shouldn't we go do that.. other stuff? Sylvester: You're right at one level, Mortimer, but this sort of thing is important, if not urgent. Mr Gray, did you hear why the Coradineans came to Woldercan? Sherman Gray: No, sadly it was just a bit of gossip making the rounds. [[An outline of a shipment of Yurple Juice being carried across a desert on a camel.]] Rosemary: Maybe they came for Yurple Juice. Folks say it gets shipped everywhere. [[Outline of Lil expressing shock at the price of small bottle of Yurple Juice in a shop with a turbaned proprietor.]] Sylvester: That is actually a reasonable possibility. It is popular, and if you think it's expensive here... Mom and Lil always get asked if they have any when people find out where they're from. Tuesday , October 20 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Office.]] Sylvester: Well, whatever happened in Woldercan, maybe there'll be an article about it in the Times. In a few months. Sherman Gray: The latest issue is in your box. Sylvester: Good, but as my regent reminds me, we still have things to do in town. I will swing back by for it. Gray: It and I will be here. Speaking of which, Ms Dapple, would you like to sign up for your own box now? Rosemary: My own.. I just assumed I'd be using His Grace's. [[Outline of Amos, Schemdley the butler, and Frederick collecting packages.]] Sylvester: Mortimer and I share a box, but the Grubbs, and Uncle Frederick and Schmedley and everyone has their own. Rosemary: Oh. Well. Maybe I'll come back later. Gray: All right then. Wednesday , October 21 , 2015 [[An outline of the Pitflare in the Forest of E.]] Sylvester: So.. anything else. before we depart.. Oh. Yes. I state in this official venue that to the best of my knowledge nobody in my household was directly involved in the production of yesterday's pitflare. Sherman Gray: Noted. His Majesty's government thanks you. Sylvester: You.. ah.. did /know/ about the pitflare? Out in the forest? Gray: Yes, I actually witnessed it. As did most of the town. Sylvester: OK. Good. [[Outline of three Human fishermen in a boat called the Seacat poking with a pole-hook at a dead Ichyoid floating in the water.]] Rosemary: Did you send out a Flash about it? Gray: As it was a reoccurring event, with an established cause, I merely made a note in the official town record. Gray: The last Flash I dispatched concerned that dead Ichyoid that washed up in the harbor. Thursday , October 22 , 2015 [[In the Eetown Office.]] Rosemary: "Dead Ichyoid"? Sylvester: It washed up. It was very dead. You now know as much as we do. Sylvester: And I suspect, Mr. Gray, our inactivity streak is about to be broken. Sherman Gray: Indeed. Even before the forms, a Flash regarding Mr. Mortimer's ascension will be zipping its way to Noodle, where no doubt it will provoke some comment and attention. [[Mortimer turns to leave. Gray goes to work with a form-stamp.]] Mortimer: . . .We really need to go. Sylvester: Indeed. For the moment at least, I and my new collection of loyal minions shall leave you to your work, Mr. Gray. Gray: Busy busy busy... Friday , October 23 , 2015 [[Leaving the Eetown Office.]] Sherman Gray: And welcome to Eetown, Ms Dapple. Rosemary: Thanks. Hopefully we will in fact be getting into town more often. Gray: I look forward to it. [[Mortimer reaches for his umbrella in the waiting stand.]] [[He holds it upright as he leaves.]] [[Gray observes this.]] Saturday , October 24 , 2015 [[Somewhere in the Basement. Faddle stores away his assign gem-like object in his backpack.]] Faddle: Relax, Carmal. Just a few seconds holdin' them won't hurt ya. And no, it's not just me promisin' that. Faddle: And this bag-thing is lined with phizz that blocks whatever it is. Partly. Carmal: . . . Fine. [[Faddle points.]] Shabash: If anyone knows.. glow gemmy things.. it's the Placettes. Carmal: I said "fine", Shabash. So, Faddle, where are we going, exactly? Faddle: Up, 'course. If it were down, 'gin they wouldn't need us. Sunday , October 25 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[Frizzlegarb gestures behind him with the keystaff he carries. 3375 looks that way.]] Frizzlegarb: Ah. Yeah yeah. No one's ever come back from visiting the Purple Zone away over there beyond Terminus Hollow cuz they're all baby-eating unBrush-worshipping savages. Takapeny: Yes! [[Outline depicting the common view of Purple-Zone inhabitants.]] Frizzlegarb: But if no one's ever ever made it back, how do we /know/ it was the inhabitants that killed them? Takapeny: . . . Frizzlegarb: That said, no, the stories aren't /all/ lies. [[Outline of Frizzlegarb scrabbling up a cliff, as a real male Purple-Zoner Fuzz chucks a rock after him. A female one shelters a baby.]] Frizzlegarb: Purple-zoners look different than us Brick- zoners. Do some things all strange-like. My visit wasn't 'xactly fun. Frizzlegarb: But end of it all, they're folks like us. Worship the Brush, in their way. Love their babies, 'stead of eating 'em. Takapeny: . . . oh. Monday , October 26 , 2015 [[Outside the Eetown Office.]] Rosemary: So. Sylvester: So. Rosemary: I've encountered worse Town Clerks over the years. Sylvester: Yes, like Threnody, considering how far out in the, ahem, hinterlands we are, we're probably lucky to have him. Rosemary: And is /he/ married? Clerks have sort of the same problem as you, sometimes. Sylvester: At least they can offer any would-be spouses a steady paybag. But no. He was seeing that girl in Obtown, but I think... Mortimer: She married whatisface. Dadaton. The baker down there. Tuesday , October 27 , 2015 [[Outside the Eetown Office. Sylvester eyes a glowering Mortimer.]] Rosemary: And I'm assuming he knows about Myrrh. What you said about her reputation after the Crash... Sylvester: Eh? Oh. Yes. She sticks close to the Mansion these days, but Gray knew about her before he ever arrived here; she has her own listing in the Official Threats Compendium. [[Outline of a younger Myrrh pursuing Ilsa Lundquist.]] Sylvester: And she attained that honor even before the Crash. She- Rosemary: Cut a swath, but didn't kill anybody. Yes, you said. [[A Human witch using a complex setup to banish an Edgar-like Demon.]] Sylvester: Right. And banishing a.. her kind is dangerous and expensive at the best of times. So evidently she's never been rated a High-Grade Official Threat. Wednesday , October 28 , 2015 [[Outside the Eetown Office.]] Rosemary: And.. you didn't pay for the letter. Sylvester: Mr. Gray lets me run a monthly account. Rosemary: ...is that entirely- Sylvester: Legal? Thanks to my being an official member of the aristocracy, yes. It explicitly is. [[Outline of Saffron Stout, Waldo Weequash and Sheriff Skragg.]] Sylvester: Tho he grants the privilege to certain other prominent citizens as well. Rosemary: uh huh. [[Three rich Capital nobs in their native habitat.]] Rosemary: Sorta related.. if these Vault people aren't government, how do they fund themselves? Sylvester: Donations. They serve as a useful front group for the more affulent of my fellow nobs. Thursday , October 29 , 2015 [[In front of the Eetown Office.]] Sylvester: But we can continue this line of discussion later. Rosemary: Right. Sylvester: What's wrong, Mortimer? Mortimer: . . . Nothing. Sylvester: No. You're my Regent now. You have a problem, I need to hear about it. Mortimer: . . . Mortimer: OK. I.. part of it is, an official Flash is being sent. About me. And Mr. Gray's right, isn't he? When they hear about this in Noodle.. they're going to notice. Pay attention. Sylvester: Yes. They will. And the other part? [[They turn to face the Moose and Squirrel.]] Mortimer: You and Rosemary just.. No. Not here. Not now. Let's just go talk to Saffron or whatever. Sylvester: OK. And Larssen. And then we'll all talk to each other. Friday , October 30 , 2015 [[Sherman Gray in his chair in the Eetown Office, thinking.]] [[He has gotten up, leaving the chair behind.]] [[He pulls a book from a full case of them.]] [[It is a copy of the Official Threats Compendium.]] [[A page reveals a diagram of the type of umbrella/concealed magical wand Mortimer is now carrying.]] Gray, thinking: poke my eye out.. Saturday , October 31 , 2015 [[Somewhere dark in the Basement.]] Faddle: Let's do this. Guess if we wanna go up from here, we hafta go thru the Wintergate Cave. [[He, Shabash and Carmal walk past a large glowing Halloween-themed display with Jack o' lantern, bat and ghost. They are all now wearing hats: Jester, Witch and Rich Nob.]] [[Back into darkness. The hats disappear.]] Shabash: Why do they call it that, anyway? Carmal: No idea. But speaking of "hats", Faddle, you hear about these Fixit things yet? Faddle: Fixwhat? No. I've been outta touch. Sunday , November 1 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375 listens to the conversation.]] Frizzlegarb: Aaanndd... I didn't climb over the wall to Wintermother. I went round the long way. 'Ventually. Takapeny: Around..? But that would take forever! And you'd have to climb the Steps of the Dead! [[Outline of Frizzlegarb at the Steps, which are quite large and marked with skull designs.]] {{Day of the Dead 2015}} Frizzlegarb: Yup. Every last one of 'em. Frizzlegarb: There are times I wish this world o' ours was a little more.. organized. Physical-like. The way things are mental-like is fine by me. [[He and 3375 look at his keystaff.]] Frizzlegarb: But maybe someday I'll find R-Chybold's shovel. Or something. Takapeny: Have.. have you been to the /Central/ Hollow? Monday , November 2 , 2015 [[Outside the Moose and Squirrel]] Rosemary: I'm aware we need to move on here, but.. the Department of Secondary Overlap... Sylvester: Yes. [[Outline of Edwird showing a confused Rosemary a complicated chart.]] Rosemary: Edwird tried to educate me about the various bits of the Bureaucracy. It never really sank in. But.. still.. that one's actually important somehow, right? Sylvester: Yes. [[A bureaucrat at a small desk, surrounded by files.]] Sylvester: Facts from the army, the OSA, everywhere, are meticulously collected, sorted, correlated, in the Department of Redundancy. [[A bureaucrat at a larger desk, getting handed some files.]] Sylvester: The important stuff gets passed on, to Secondary Overlap. [[A bureaucrat at a largest desk, getting a single small urgent file.]] Sylvester: And from there, the urgent emergency /phizz/ is rushed to- Rosemary: Oh! Tertiary Retainment! Sylvester: Full marks. There are inevitable rumors of a super-secret "Quad Quorum," but.. eh. Tuesday , November 3 , 2015 [[Outside the Moose and Squirrel.]] Sylvester: So. I'm assuming you're something of an expert when it comes to small village inns. Rosemary: Oh yes. [[Outline of Rosemary outside a rather fortified inn with a banged-up owner.]] Rosemary: And at first glance yours here is nothing special. But in this field of study, most of the time "special" is not a good word . [[Outline of Sylvester in front of a rather seedy-looking inn with a female Motihaul sleeping, and evidently a possum.]] Sylvester: My experience is limited mostly to going to and from the Capital, but yes, "agreeably prosaic" about sums it up. [[Outline of a luckless individual being tossed out a hatch into pit occupied by large Saurs.]] Sylvester: Saffron knows what's she's doing, keeps the place clean.. Rosemary: Doesn't toss guests into the Saur pit out back. Sylvester: No. She'd have to install one, first. Wednesday , November 4 , 2015 [[Outline of an angry innkeeper expelling Rosemary and Baldy from his establishment.]] Mortimer: ..Someone tried to throw you in a Saur pit? Rosemary: Mm? Oh. While I have had my clashes with innkeepers, no. [[Outline of a grinning man holding a combo lantern/dagger gadget.]] Rosemary: A fellow in Moonin did do it to some of his guests, tho. Ten, twelve years back. Rory Vinsmith, his name was. [[Outline of Vinsmith being led to his execution, with a Guardian in attendance.]] Sylvester: And I suppose like Nubby he really got into his work in the end? Rosemary: Probably should have, but no. The Woodstroopers caught him. Even gave him a trial before sending him to the killamajig. [[Outline of Rosemary at an inn sign reading The Saur Pit.]] Rosemary: It made quite a splash. The new owners of the inn renamed it in honor of the whole affair. Sylvester: And you went and /stayed/ there, didn't you? Rosemary: Heh. Course I did! Thursday , November 5 , 2015 [[Outside the Moose and Squirrel.]] Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: What're you thinking there? Rosemary: This country is so big. [[Outline of a Mooninte innkeeper being annoyed by a customer's factitious question.]] Rosemary: /Everybody/ in Moonin knows who Rory Vinsmith was. Rosemary: His name is a curse word among innkeepers. Rosemary: And.. before today, you guys had never even heard of him. Right? Mortimer: Um.. right. Sylvester: Well, technically.. Sylvester: ..ten or so years ago I probably saw his name on the Provincial execution list in the King's Law section of the Times, but yes. Right. Sylvester: That said.. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Saffron had heard of him. Let's go and /not/ ask her about it. Friday , November 6 , 2015 [[Climbing the steps of the Moose and Squirrel.]] Sylvester: Still, /some/ word gets around. You hear about the Noodle Incident. We hear about the Drumshambo Massacre. Ah. That wasn't.. Rosemary: No. I was in Morlock by then. Sylvester: Oh, good. Rosemary: ..Saffron's better informed than you? [[Rosemary's Aunt Eva playing cards with two other gamblers.]] Sylvester: As far as innkeeping news, absolutely. And related areas. In fact, if you were to mention someone who achieved fame Out West via, oh, cooking or gambling, it's possible she'll have heard of them. Rosemary: Huh. OK. [[Saffron carrying mugs on a tray past a curly-haired man playing an accordion.]] Rosemary: What about troubadours, folks like that? Sylvester: Eh. She'll pay one the usual Guild rates if s-he happens by, but it's not something she seeks out. [[At the doors.]] Mortimer: . . . Oh. OK. She might get /mad/ if we mention an innkeeper who- Sylvester: Yes, Mortimer. Saturday , November 7 , 2015 [[Shabash, Carmal and Faddle the Gnolls climb a slope in the Fringes of the Basement.]] Carmal: ...And now Nevus and the Council still hate... well, are all glaring at each other even worse than usual, but are actually agreeing about these things being sent out by God. Faddle: How bout the other nobs? Agita n' Guttle? Carmal: You care? Wow. Agita publicly says it appears they really were spying, but there's no proof God sent them, tho Skibble says privately she believes it, too. Carmal: Guttle yells it's all a trick come up with by.. somebody. Faddle: 'Sides God? Right. Sunday , November 8 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[Frizzlegarb looks at 3375 as he answers Takapeny's question.]] Frizzlegarb: The Central Hollow. The place physically at the heart of.. well, everything around here? Takapeny: Yes, of course! There's only one /Central/ Hollow! [[Outline of Frizzlegarb looking up at three other Fuzzes standing on tall pillars, wearing pointy wizwitch-type hats.]] Frizzlegarb: Right name for it then. But yes. Yes, I've been to the Central Hollow. Frizzlegarb: It's.. worth the trip. Beautiful n' calm n' peaceful n'...Eh. I'll say it. Not my kind of place. Frizzlegarb: ..Not that I'd have been allowed to stay. Monday , November 9 , 2015 [[At the front door of the Moose and Squirrel.]] Rosemary: Who are we about to meet here? Sylvester: Ah. Right. Intelligence. [[Outlines of Saffron and Sharona Stout.]] Sylvester: Apart from Saffron, there's her niece Sharona, Sheldon's daughter. Second in command and heir apparent. [[Outline of the barmaids.]] Sylvester: Barmaids. Who's there now, Mortimer? Eunice Kelso, and..? Mortimer: Huh? Oh. Mavis Mossett. And Flossy Efflore, sometimes. [[Outline of a cook staring at a large pot with a tentacle emerging.]] Sylvester: The cook's Gormind Trencherman. Pretty good, if you like fish, apples and pudding. [[Outline of a man and a horse.]] Sylvester: And Hobson, who runs the stables and does bouncing duties as needed. I'm.. not sure he /has/ a first name. Rosemary: Percy, maybe. Sylvester: Maybe! Tuesday , November 10 , 2015 [[Sylvester pushes open the front doors of the Moose and Squirrel; this is seen from the inside. There are moose antlers over the door and lots of pegs for coats.]] [[The bar of the inn, with a large moose-and-squirrel painting behind it. Standing in front of the bar is Sharona Stout.]] Sharona: Oh! Hello, Your Grace! Sharona: Aunt Saffron said you'd be stopping by! Wednesday , November 11 , 2015 [[Two armored soldiers face each other in a desert canyon, one from "Mansionland", one from the country to the south, Thekla.]] Narration: Abruptly the two men turned and found themselves staring at each other Narration: Time hung suspended. Neither of them said anything. [[The Mansionlander, now elderly, sitting on a porch, getting a flower from his young granddaughter.]] [[The Theklan, in essentially the same situation.]] Narration: Finally, silently, they edged away from one another... {{Veteran's Day 2015}} Thursday , November 12 , 2015 [[In the Moose and Squirrel.]] Sylvester: So. This is Rosemary Dapple. The new Taskmistress. And Sharona Stout. Sharona: Hello. Rosemary: Hi. Sharona: Your Grace. Miss Dapple.. I'm sorry if this is.. but you're really going to work up in the Mansion? Rosemary: Yes. [[Outline of Mortimer showing Sharona a glowing mass of ElectroSpikes.]] Sharona: It's just.. unlike a lot of folks, I've been up there, and /seen/... Rosemary: How dangerous it can be? Sharona: Well.. yes. [[Outline of an alcohol distillery operation.]] Rosemary: If I was smart enough to avoid danger, right now I'd be grubbing muckroots in Moonin Province. Sharona: ...Oh. They make a liquor out of those, don't they? Rosemary: Among other things, yes. Friday , November 13 , 2015 [[In the Moose and Squirrel.]] Sylvester: And of course, you know my new Regent. Sharona: Ayup. Sharona: Yes, Your Grace. Mortimer: Sharona.. I.. Sharona: sniff.. (urk) what is that /smell/? Mortimer: Oh. I.. spilled a big box of sphagnum grit. Sharona: (gak) Oh, Mortimer! [[Sharona recoils]] Sharona: ..you're (ak) a nice guy, a great.. kisser, but.. (ulp..) I.. I can't do this anymore. Sharona: People are talking, and you just.. (blarg!) [[Sharona flees]] Sharona: BLARRGH! Mortimer: I'm a horrible person. I didn't even think about her until we came in here. Sylvester: Yes, well, try and make it up to her someday, you vile brute. Saturday , November 14 , 2015 [[In the Fringes of the Basement. Faddle points ahead.]] Faddle: OK, you two. We're really leavin' civilization now, so we needta be... [[He is suddenly face to face with a large Queen Snake.]] Faddle: ..extra careful. Shabash: Yes, Sir. Carmal: Right. Sunday , November 15 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow Frizzlegarb: And no, they didn't kick me outta the Central Hollow. They're... genteel. But you hafta be useful to stay there. Frizzlegarb: You might qualify, Takapeny. N' Mr. 3375 definitely would. They're always lookin' for bots. Takapeny: You think I should go to the Central Hollow? [[Outline of Frizzlegarb facing an armored sword-wielding figure.]] Frizzlegarb: Ugh. Lemme clarify. The trip was worth it for me. Frizzlegarb: But it was long n' eventful. Dangerous even. N' I dunno what's right for you. [[Outline of a cryptic and crowded landscape of towers covering a hill-like shape.]] Frizzlegarb: Well.. 'cept you wanna stay well away from Bundtmoc Hollow. N' yes. All the stories about it are true. Monday , November 16 , 2015 [[In the Moose and Squirrel.]] Mavis Mossett: What's going on out.. oh. Hello, Your Grace. Sylvester: Hello, Mavis. I'm afraid Sharona got a dose of Sphagnum grit. [[Mavis turns to look.]] Mavis: Oh. Oh dear. I'd better get the Clingweed Tonic. Sylvester: Indeed. But since we're here.. this is Rosemary Dapple. The Mansion's new Taskmistress. Mavis: Huh? Oh. OK. Hello, Ma'am. Rosemary: Hi. Sylvester: And is /Saffron/ here? She wanted to see us. Mavis: She's talking to, um, Mrs Bechdel, Your Grace. I think they're almost.. I'll tell her.. you're here. Sylvester: Thank you. Tuesday , November 17 , 2015 [[In the Moose and Squirrel.]] Rosemary: Actually, here she comes now, I believe. Mavis Mossett: Oh. Yes. Saffron Stout: Look, Bechdel, just get me the swine I /paid/ for, and we'll be fine. Zandra Bechdel: Yeah, yeah. Saffron: Oh. Hello again. Rosemary: Hi. Saffron: Bechdel. Zandra. This is Rosemary Dapple. The new Taskmistress. Zandra: mm. [[Mavis goes back towards the kitchen.]] Saffron: And Ms. Dapple. Zandra here- Rosemary: Runs a swine ranch, I have been informed. Saffron: Ayup. [[Zandra leaves. Rosemary gives a thumbs-up.]] Zandra: Terrific. Nice to meet you. Good luck with that. Rosemary: Likewise, I'm sure. Wednesday , November 18 , 2015 [[In the Moose and Squirrel. Sylvester watches Zandra Bechdel leave.]] Saffron: Anyway. Your Grace. Thanks for stopping by. Sylvester: Certainly. Tho I hope my coming isn't driving people away. Saffron: Folks're out fishing or thinking pious thoughts after Temple. Things'll pick up later. Sylvester: Ah good. So what do we need to discuss? Saffron: To start, I wanted to see Ms Dapple here in less formal circumstances. Saffron : Towards that, I'll stand you all a drink. On the house. Sylvester: Sounds good. Mortimer: Um.. Ma'am? I think Sharona and I just.. broke up. You.. need to know that, now. Saffron: . . . I see. Thank you. Mr. Mortimer. Thursday , November 19 , 2015 [[At the bar of the Moose and Squirrel. Saffron Stout puts out some glasses.]] Sylvester: So.. we've met Sharona and Mavis. Is Eunice around? Saffron: She's making ice cream. Did you need to talk to her? Sylvester: /Need/ no. But perhaps we'll go meet her and Gormind.. and Hobson.. before we leave. [[Saffron reaches for a bottle behind the bar.]] Saffron: 'Course. Sylvester: Oh.. not that you pay them to be here, but no Wendell and Ricky? [[She pours some of the bottle's contents into one of the glasses.]] Saffron: Thay were here earlier, but Wendell.. suffered an enthusiasm. Sylvester: Ah. Of course. [[Saffron hands two glasses to Rosemary and Mortimer.]] Saffron: For those who are being paid to be here. Rosemary: Thank you. Mortimer: Paid? [[Sylvester examines his own glass.]] Sylvester: Hm. Interesting boquet. Is this another of your originals? Saffron: Ayup. Pudding Liquor. Just uncorked it today. Friday , November 20 , 2015 [[At the bar of the Moose and Squirrel. A toast is made.]] Saffron: To the Royal Couple. Sylvester/Rosemary/Mortimer: To the Royal Couple. [[All ((gulp)) their pudding liquor.]] [[Sylvester looks pole-axed, and drops his glass.]] ((POING)) [[He falls to the ground as the others watch.]] ((THUD)) Rosemary: Heh. Can't hold his booze. [[She places her hands on her hips.]] Rosemary: Now.. who let all these glowing flutterby things in here? [[She waves her hand at thin air, as Saffron pours Mortimer another shot.]] Rosemary: Shoo! Mortimer: Hit me again! Saffron: OK! Saturday , November 21 , 2015 [[In the Fringes of the Basement. Faddle, Shabash and Carmal the Gnolls face a large Queen Snake.]] Faddle: Oh. It's you, Marsslina. Didn't think to see you 'gin anytime soon. Marsslina: Ssss. Faddle: 'Specially here. We got pressganged. What're you doing here? Marsslina: Ssss. [[Outline of a Queen Snake taking an offering off a multi-tiered display of (probably) foodstuffs.]] Marsslina: S sss sssss s ss Ssss Sss s sssss s ss ss "sssss" Ssssss sss ssss ss ss ssss ss ss ssssss Ssss s Sssss [[Outline of two small Biters breaking into a sealed area and eating a potted growth.]] Faddle: But doncha all and the Ecadems own that garden thing for growing- Marsslina: Sssss sssss ss ss sss ssss sss. Faddle: Oh. Sorry 'bout that. Sunday , November 22 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375 is also present.]] Frizzlegarb: But anyhoo. The hat tree. Takapeny: What? Oh. Yes. Takapeny: . . . Takapeny: Some of the stories I've heard about Bundtmoc contradict each other. Frizzlegarb: N' they're all true. Stay away from it. Frizzlegarb: N' I'm probably just /encourgin'/ ya. Look.. [[Outline of Frizzlegarb at an archery range, being instructed by a monk.]] Frizzlegarb: Ya ever /need/ to visit 'nother Hollow? Go to Humsoc. It's just two jumps from here, n' if ya donate somethin', the monks'll teach ya to shoot a bow n' ride a peddlebug. Monday , November 23 , 2015 Narration: A look at a far distant place. [[A view through a panegate shows two Trapezoids with eyes sitting on (evidently) a third much larger one, which is glaring up at them. Another large Trapezoid glares down from the background.]] Trapezoid #001: There it is again.. the inescapable feeling that I am being /watched/. Trapezoid #002: No one would waste their time watching you. Apart from your baseless paranoia, you are the dullest individual in existence. Monday , November 23 , 2015 Narration: A look at a far distant place. [[A view through a panegate shows two Trapezoids with eyes sitting on (evidently) a third much larger one, which is glaring up at them. Another large Trapezoid glares down from the background.]] Trapezoid #001: There it is again.. the inescapable feeling that I am being /watched/. Trapezoid #002: No one would waste their time watching you. Apart from your baseless paranoia, you are the dullest individual in existence. Tuesday , November 24 , 2015 [[In a far distant place, at least sixteen Trapezoids sit stacked in a careful pyramid. At the very bottom of the stack is Trapezoid #020.]] Trapezoid #020: Increasingly, I find myself wondering if this whole arrangement is entirely fair and equitable.. Tuesday , November 24 , 2015 [[In a far distant place, at least sixteen Trapezoids sit stacked in a careful pyramid. At the very bottom of the stack is Trapezoid #020.]] Trapezoid #020: Increasingly, I find myself wondering if this whole arrangement is entirely fair and equitable.. Wednesday , November 25 , 2015 [[In a far distant place, Trapezoid #021 is nearly skewered by a falling stalactite-like object. Next to him is Trapezoid #022, over which looms an even larger fallen object. A piece has broken off it and sits on his head.]] Trapezoid #021: Whoa! That was close! Trapezoid #022: Meh. I've seen closer. Thursday , November 26 , 2015 [[In a far distant place, three Trapezoids stand around a "table" on which are displayed three small items.]] Trapezoid #023: Let the semiformal late Seasonal ceremony of the Giving of Thanks officially commence! Trapezoid #024: Oh my, it all looks so good! Trapezoid #025: Bah! A spotlump and a wiggleblock? it has become a degraded orgy of mindless overstuffed consumerism! Friday , November 27 , 2015 [[In a far distant place, three Trapezoids, #026, #027 and #028, sit in a row.]] Trapezoid #026: ! [[His color changes from purple to glowing rainbow.]] Trapezoid #026: At last! After endless struggle and effort, I have achieved [[His font changes as well.]] Trapezoid #026: COSMIC ENLIGHTENMENT Trapezoid #026: I ASCEND NOW TO THE NEXT LEVEL [[He floats up out of sight.]] Trapezoid #026: FAREWELL! Trapezoid #027: ..so whaddaya wanna do today? Trapezoid #028: I dunno. Whadda you wanna do? Saturday , November 28 , 2015 [[In the Fringes of the Basement. Faddle, Shabash and Carnal the Gnolls have met Marsslina the Queen Snake.]] Faddle: So anyway. We gotta get goin'. Luck to ya. Marsslina: Ssss [[They pass by each other.]] Shabash: I never understand what Queen Snakes are talking about. Carmal: "Empress Snakes". Shabash: What? Carmal: They prefer to be called "Empress Snakes". Shabash: See, now this is what I mean! What the Zark's an "Empress"? Carmal: You don't even know what a Queen is. Sunday , November 29 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow Takapeny: Donate what? Frizzlegarb: Eh? Oh. It's sorta symbolic, so.. anything useful. Food's always good. [[They and 3375 reach a bed of very tall bendy square-topped plants.]] Frizzlegarb: What is it 'gain, ya all grow h... oh, right. Square Dancers. Takapeny: Mostly. And Rhumba Stalks Frizzlegarb: Either of those would work. Monday , November 30 , 2015 [[A close up of Mortimer's wand-umbrella, flaring magic, surrounded by numerous sets of eyeballs, receding into distance and darkness.]] A Human voice: Of course... A Human voice: It's all so /clear/ now! Tuesday , December 1 , 2015 [[Blackness.]] [[Lighter, revealing a closeup of Sylvester's face, his eyes closed.]] [[More light, the view pulling back.]] [[Full light, Sylvester opens his eyes. He is lying on some wooden boards.]] {{It's a dock on the island of Alwin.}} Wednesday , December 2 , 2015 [[Sylvester is lying on his back on a wooden dock, looking over at something.]] [[It's a gull standing on top of one of the dock's posts.]] [[He flaps his hand at it and it flies away.]] Sylvester: It appears I am not dead yet, so shoo. Voice: /I'm/ glad to hear that. {{The dock is on Alwin island.}} Thursday , December 3 , 2015 [[Sylvester and Rosemary are on a dock on Alwin Island.]] Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: . . . Sylvester: ..So what does /muckroot/ liquor taste like? As vile as Grokeberries? Rosemary: It's actually tasty when done right, but real easy to mess up. Sylvester: uh huh. Rosemary: Who are Ricky and Wendell? Sylvester: The town streetmen and general oddjobbers. They do their assigned tasks, but they also hang out in the inn a great deal. Until Wendell gets enthusiastic. Rosemary: uh huh Sylvester: Which sometimes leads them far afield. I imagine they'll be joining us here any minute now. Rosemary: . . . You know where we are? Friday , December 4 , 2015 [[On a wooden dock.]] Rosemary: I mean.. apart from " a dock." Rosemary: I suppose I'm glad I don't recognize it, cuz that would mean we're back in Moonin. Sylvester: Yes. I know what dock we are on. Sylvester: I have been here numerous times. Sylvester: But I am mildly disappointed you didn't already figure it out for yourself. Rosemary; . . . Rosemary: oh. [[A view of the shore, a scenic collection of evergreen trees and fanciably-carved rock formations. An arch at the end of the dock sports the word ALWIN.]] Rosemary: It's that island you were telling me about. Sylvester: Welcome to Alwin. Sylvester: ..Tho who lugged us here after we passed out, I can only speculate.. Saturday , December 5 , 2015 [[Shabash, Carmal and Faddle are in the Fringes of the Basement.]] Shabash: Hey, /Carmal/, I do too know what a Queen is! She's a big important gal in charge of stuff, like Agita! Carmal: Mm. Broadly correct, tho even Agita doesn't have the nerve to call herself that. Yet. Carmal: If that whelp of hers is able to hold on to everything when the time comes.. then maybe. [[Outline of a Nome Queen.]] Carmal: The last Queen worthy of the name was the Nome Obidil. Before the War. [[Outline of a menacing sorta-human individual.]] Carmal: But, to answer your question, an Empress is a.. super-Queen. One that runs the whole world. Carmal: "Emperor" if he's male. There are old stories that say there was one, long ago, Emperor Ett. Human, presumably. Sunday , December 6 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow. [[3375 looks up at the towering "square dancer" plants overhead.]] Frizzlegarb: But if you do go.. oh. Wait. Last time I was here, you were gonna marry.. that fella. Better see if he wants to come 'long. Takapeny: I'm not married. He.. It didn't work out. [[3375 touches one of the plant stalks/trunks.]] Frizzlegarb: Ah. Sorry. Know how that goes. Neither of my marriages worked out, either. Takapeny: . . . [[She walks on, 3375 catches up with them.]] Takapeny: You know what? I'm not even going to touch that one. Frizzlegarb: Suit yerself. I'm easy. Monday , December 7 , 2015 [[On a dock on Alwin Island.]] Rosemary: ...You were the only one who passed out. At least right away. Sylvester: ... Of course. Rosemary: Everyone was /affected/, I think. I was. I started chasing.. flutterbys? Rosemary: And then Mortimer.. asked me something? It's all jumbled. [[A large gray cat stalks into view from the water-end of the dock.]] Rosemary: And then we were here. Just the two of us. Rosemary: . . .More or less. Sylvester: So I see. Tuesday , December 8 , 2015 [[On a dock on Alwin Island. A large gray cat stalks past.]] Rosemary: I think she was hanging out on the Inn's porch. Sylvester: Fine. Assuming it.. she.. came with us.. You're sure it's just the three of us? No Mortimer? Or, Brush forbid, anyone else? [[A larger view of the dock. There is a bench or chair, a ladder, and an orange cone.]] Rosemary: Until Ricky and Wendell arrive, it seems so. Sylvester: Well. That's a small mercy. Sylvester: What a Zarking mess. Physically /and/ socially. Wednesday , December 9 , 2015 [[On a dock on Alwin Island. Sylvester spins around on his butt to face Rosemary.]] Rosemary: That might be even more true than you realize. Sylvester: Eh? [[Outline of Mortimer holding his own in the Moose and Squirrel with two large bearded guys.]] Rosemary: I'm.. assuming you're not much of a drinker. Sylvester: Look, I may not have /Mortimer's/ iron-clad stomach, but I... [[Outline of Rosemary on her caravan, watching a guy display his intoxication.]] Sylvester: ...No. Not since my University days. Rosemary: I've never been much of one. But I suspect I've spent more time around such folks. Sylvester: ...And? Rosemary: And even before we.. ended up here.. what just happened is not /normal/. Thursday , December 10 , 2015 [[All outlines. A guy reacting badly to a very dangerous and powerful drink being poured out for him in a bar.]] Sylvester: What do you mean? Rosemary: People make jokes about.. superbooze that gets you drunk just by.. I dunno.. sniffing it. [[A man taking a shot of a more realistic but still powerful booze.]] Rosemary: But in real life, even if that had been, oh, Oopakirk Joy Juice we quaffed, one smallish shot wouldn't have caused all of us to /instantly/ get smashed. Sylvester: But we.. [[A row of pudding liquor bottles from various manufacturers.]] Rosemary: One step at a time. I'm thinking Saffron Stout is /not/ the first gal ever to make pudding liquor? Sylvester: What? No. There are numerous commercial brands. [[A man tripping out after nibbling on a small greenish-purple berry.]] Rosemary; And are puddings known to cause...drunk-like behavior? Sylvester: You mean like glitterberries. Rosemary: Yes. Sylvester: No. If anything, they are accused of being bland and mild. Rosemary: OK then. Friday , December 11 , 2015 [[On a dock on Alwin.]] Rosemary: So. If it's not the booze, and it's not the puddings that went into the booze.. Sylvester: . . . [[Outline of an innkeeper covertly adulterating a vat of hooch with something.]] Rosemary: How careful and conscientious is Saffron when she brews one of her "specials"? Rosemary: Cuz, again, I've been around innkeepers, and some of them have been known to.. cut corners. Sylvester: She.. no. She's never.. had any problems like that. Rosemary: OK. That leads to a question that your bodyguard must ask. Rosemary: Just how /acrimonious/ is your relationship with this woman? Saturday , December 12 , 2015 [[Shabash, Carmal and Faddle are in the Fringes of the Basement.]] Shabash: I've never heard any "stories" about some "Emperor" guy. Carmal: I'm not surprised. Shabash: What's that mean? [[Outline of a young Carmal and another female Gnoll hearing a story from an adult male Gnoll.]] {{The other whelp is Carmal's littermate Delfa.}} Carmal: It means most people haven't. My finagler as a whelp, Berrtin, he went out of his way to collect them. Ett "lived forever" and was "twice as smart" as any who followed. [[Outline depicting a food-chain, Empress Snake to Tunnelrat to Slimegrub.]] Shabash: Fine. Whatever. What was whatsersnout sssing about, looking for a "perfect blobwart" for some Feast? They eat tunnelrats! Carmal: Not exclusively. [[Outline of an Empress Snake and an Ecadem eying the viewer suspiciously.]] Carmal: But yes, I too am not entirely clear on this whole "Feast of Thanks" they do with the Ecadems. Carmal: It's not like they cheerfully encourage inquiries about it. Sunday , December 13 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny walk past some crops growing in planters.]] Takapeny: . . . Takapeny: . . . Takapeny: Did they.. travel around with you? [[Outline of Frizzlegarb and a female Fuzz climbing some rough steps.]] Frizzlegarb: One of 'em.. that's all we did. But I couldn't give her what she needed. 'Magine, hope, she's still out there somewhere. Bein' all serious. [[Outline of Frizzlegarb in front of a spiky fortress; a Fuzz watches from a distant balcony.]] Frizzlegarb: The other.. heh. He's not 'lowed to even leave his Bailiwick. So no, we never gadded 'bout together. Monday , December 14 , 2015 [[On the dock on Alwin.]] Sylvester: I have, obviously, known Saffron Stout my entire life. [[Outline of Sylvester and Saffron arguing about something.]] Sylvester: And yes, we have had our disagreements. Vehement ones, on occasion. [[Outline of the two of them walking away from each other, looking strained and sad.]] Sylvester: But we don't hate each other the way Omega and I did. Sylvester: If one or both of us ever abdicates.. we might even be able to be friends. [[Rosemary]] Sylvester: She is ultimately a good person. And if you are suggesting that she- Rosemary: No. Not seriously. First, I'm pretty sure she was affected by whatever-it-was along with the rest of us. Tuesday , December 15 , 2015 [[Outline of Rosemary's instructor Mr. Shawn giving a lecture, using an unenthusiastic volunteer.]] Sylvester: And secondly? Rosemary: I've had Hack N' Slash training. [[Outline of juggler Rosemary being unimpressed by female Caravan member Topaz Gonnagal.]] Rosemary: .../And/ spent extended time around professional grade actors. [[Outline of an Evil Saffron Stout and her victim Sylvester.]] Rosemary: And while Saffron was a little nervous, which I bet is /her/ usual state of mind around /you/.. Rosemary: ...I didn't get even a twinge of genuine.. ah.. menace off her. Rosemary: So unless she's a ruthless ice-cold life-long undercover master actress.. [[In the Moose and Squirrel, Flossy the barmaid looks down behind the inn's bar. She is holding a bottle.]] Sylvester, "narrating": ...She didn't do this. Rosemary, "narrating": No. Flossy: Um.. Ma'am? What are you.. doing down there? Saffron's voice: . . . I don't know. But since you're here, pour me out a shot of that clingweed tonic. Flossy: Yes Ma'am. Wednesday , December 16 , 2015 [[On the dock on Alwin. Sylvester scoots closer to Rosemary.]] Rosemary: But, you /do/ have enemies. To start with the ones I've met.. Rosemary: Waldo and Permelia Weequash don't like you. They /really/ don't like you. Sylvester: No. They don't. Rosemary: So. Brutal honesty. Are either of /them/ capable of something like this? Sylvester: Well, no! They.. Sylvester: . . . [[Outline of the Weequashes.]] Sylvester: Waldo's a blowhard. Sylvester: But Permelia.. It's not like she makes a /habit/ of poisoning people.. Rosemary: uh huh. Sylvester: But if she was angry and desperate enough.. if.. if she thought it would save Waldo or her children's lives... she just might be. Thursday , December 17 , 2015 [[Outline of Permelia getting caught with poison in the M&S by Saffron.]] Sylvester: But.. she's as far from being a fixture in the M&S as you can get. If she'd tried.. poking around in there.. Rosemary: She could pay someone. [[Outline of Threnody the Oracle working with a dangerous-looking plant.]] Sylvester: Well, yes, but even then.. she doesn't hang around people with a knowledge of exotic.. drugs? Unless you count Threnody, and that's just.. [[On the dock on Alwin.]] Rosemary: Yes? Sylvester: Old Man Larssen. Brush knows what /he's/ picked up over the years. Know-how and materials. Sylvester: And he's capable of.. ugh. Sylvester: If he thought dosing me, us, the entire village, would help with his... He just might do it. Friday , December 18 , 2015 [[On the dock on Alwin.]] Sylvester: And now you ask why I'm selling this man Dornbeast organs. Rosemary: Sure. Sylvester: He and I get along well enough. 85% of the time, the things he does /help/ the village. [[Outline of a graduating Larssen, in a large scarf.]] Sylvester: Officially, he's the town vet. He has a degree even, pre-Crash, from Whovian College. In Rowen? [[Outline of Omega and Larssen stitching up a patient.]] Rosemary: Yes. "The Fighting Scarfmen". Edwird had Bester's Catalogue of Institutions. Sylvester: Good book. And he, Larssen, has helped Threnody, and Omega before her, with.. humans. [[Outline of Larssen lurking amid a complex tangle of devices.]] Sylvester: But that's just how he pays the bills. He has.. hobbies, about which he is rather secretive and obsessive. Saturday , December 19 , 2015 [[In the Fringes of the Basement.]] Shabash: ..My Finagler never told stories or anything. Carmal: I'm not surprised. Carmal: And by that, I mean you ended up going around shooting people with /arrows/. Shabash: Oh, comin' from /you/, that's just- Carmal: I am willing to do silly and pointless things if I get paid. Yes. But I do not /shoot people with arrows/. Faddle: We all got reasons to be mad at ourselves. Probably why we're /here/. Sunday , December 20 , 2015 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny are in front of some crops in planters.]] Takapeny: . . . Frizzlegarb: Yes? Takapeny: You /married/.. a Bailiwicker. Frizzlegarb: Yes. [[Outline of a Bailiwick, presumably.]] Takapeny: They don't even let outsiders /into/ those places, and you... Frizzlegarb: If it's worth anything, I'm not lying. Takapeny: It's not that! I know you're not lying! Takapeny: It's.. it's /all of you!/ How do you.. go around doing these impossible things!? Frizzlegarb: They were impossible? Glad ya didn't tell me that 'fore! Takapeny: /I'm being serious!/ Monday , December 21 , 2015 [[On the dock on Alwin.]] Sylvester: Which I think is why, despite much pleading, he's never taken on an apprentice. Sylvester: When he finally does pass on, Saffron and I are going to have to- Rosemary: Getting off the subject here. Sylvester: Right. Sorry. So. Despite my previous comments.. do I think he did this? No. Probably not. Rosemary: But he stays on the suspect list. Sylvester: Oh, yes. Rosemary: And we move on to the rest of the second-handers. Tuesday , December 22 , 2015 [[Outline of the gentlemen listed.]] Sylvester: Second-handers? Rosemary: Two names you mentioned were Joe Brackett and Franklin Nelson. [[A depiction of a fish logo.]] Sylvester: Oh. Well. Yes. They are /possibilities/, but..the Weequashes are well ahead of them on the list. Rosemary: Noted. And there was the.. what was it.. "Noodle Fishmonger's Association." Sylvester: Ah, yes. Rosemary: They're merchants. You've implied you've taken money from their coffers. I'm guessing they make the Weequashes seem practically chummy. Sylvester: Uncanny. [[Outline of an angry-looking man in a fish-topped hat.]] Rosemary: How so? Sylvester: It's as if you've already met Senior Association Chairman Zale Beachman. Wednesday , December 23 , 2015 [[All panels are outlines. This shows Zale Beachman and Saffron eying each other at a party.]] Rosemary: So is /he/ capable of doing this? Sylvester: I... don't know. He certainly hates me. And he's not exactly fond of Saffron, either. [[Baldy earnestly talking to Rosemary following a fatal sword-fight.]] Sylvester: But.. if he did do it..why didn't he just use actual poison? Rosemary: It's actually hard for most people, even a vile moneygrubber, to work themselves up to kill someone. [[In the Moose and Squirrel, a gloved hand slips a pill into a bottle while Saffron's back is turned.]] Rosemary: And as you said, all this might cause you social embarrassment. Anything that takes your opponent down a peg.. Rosemary: Hack N' Slash has a whole division that deals in this sort of thing. [[Eunice Kelso.]] Sylvester: So maybe he.. what.. contracted it out? Rosemary: Maybe. Any likely suspects? Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: Rufus's.. friend. Or whatever they are to each other. Eunice Kelso. Thursday , December 24 , 2015 [[On the dock on Alwin.]] Rosemary: She's the one who works in the Inn, and moved here from Noodle. Sylvester: Yes. Rosemary: So, yes. She's an excellent suspect. [[Outline of Eunice working in the inn as Sylvester and Saffron talk.]] Sylvester: As for what she's like.. I haven't spent much time around her.. and.. Sylvester: ..if I have describe her.. all I can come up with is "quiet non-entity". She's just sort of been there. Sylvester: ..which is exactly what you'd expect if she was an H&S covert operative.. right? Rosemary: I didn't receive /extensive/ training on this, but yes, that's a popular option. Sylvester: You and she are simply going to /have/ to meet. Rosemary: I'm looking forward to it. Friday , December 25 , 2015 [[A Smyt in a green Christmas hat looks across a chasm at a small evergreen tree, which has bits of colored light dancing around it.]] {{Christmas 2016}} Saturday , December 26 , 2015 [[Shabash, Carmal and Faddle in the Fringes of the Basement.]] Faddle: Oh, don't lookit me like that. You've /heard/, least, what the Placettes are like. Faddle: N' tho this ain't a suicide job, they promised that, n' they don't lie 'bout phizz.. Faddle: ..pokin' 'round the Fringes is dangerous. Faddle: So they send folks they /calculate/ they can 'ford to lose. Shabash: . . . Carmal: . . . Faddle: Don't like it? Fine. Make yerself worth somethin' to 'em. Ain't gonna see Mimsy or Piranom here. Sunday , December 27 , 2015 [[2015 Secret Santa art by Maryanne Rose Papke, creator of the comic Xylobone Tomes, depicting Hopobefever the Ghast unenthusiastically holding up a sign saying Happy Holidays.]] Monday , December 28 , 2015 [[On the dock on Alwin.]] Sylvester: But we're /not/ marching back into the village and accusing Ms Kelso of this. Sylvester: We have no /proof/ she did anything, and I am not getting an innocent woman fired from her job, or worse. Rosemary: Right. [[Outline of Eunice hypothetically riding a horse.]] Sylvester: Of course.. one way or another...by the time we get back, she might already be gone. Rosemary: That is a possibility, yes. [[Eunice making ice cream in the Moose and Squirrel, listening to an off-screen conversation.]] Mavis: Ma'am? Are you sure that- Saffron: I'm fine! Everyone get back to work! Eunice, thinking: Got no idea what the Zark just happened out there, but better report on it anyway.. Tuesday , December 29 , 2015 [[All panels are outlines. A non-existent robot-boat approaching the Alwin dock.]] Rosemary: Speaking of marching to the village... I don't suppose a convenient robo-ferry visits this island every hour? Sylvester: Sadly, no. [[Sheriff Skragg marches a perpetrator down the dock to a waiting boat, on which is Wuff the dog.]] Sylvester: And it's not likely any human-powered boats will come by. It's not as if it's a /law/ or anything.. [[A man carries his new bride up the dock.]] Sylvester: ..but people aren't "supposed" to come here except on their honeymoon. Or to prepare the place for a honeymoon. Rosemary: Ah. But surely- [[Two youngin's in a boat are unhappily surprised to see authority-figure Sylvester sitting on the dock.]] Sylvester: Yes, of course kids sneak around. But none of them want to meet an adult while doing it. /Especially/ me. Rosemary: Ah. So we're stuck here until Peter and Ida get hitched. Wednesday , December 30 , 2015 [[Sylvester and Rosemary sit/crouch on the dock on Alwin.]] Sylvester: Actually, no. There is a rowboat hidden away. For folks who want to do honeymoon-type things afloat. Or perhaps even take a break and admire the scenery. Rosemary: Uh huh. Sylvester: . . . Rosemary: . . . [[Sylvester flops back onto the dock.]] Sylvester: Of course, getting to it does entail standing up. Rosemary: I was going to point out that flaw in your plan. Thursday , December 31 , 2015 [[Sylvester is lying on his back on the Alwin Island dock. Rosemary is on her hands and knees. The gray cat looks at him.]] Sylvester: OK. All right. I am the Earl of E! I can do this! [[Rosemary watches his off-screen actions.]] Sylvester: OOF. URG. UGH. BLEG. [[He is now standing.]] Sylvester: Haha! There. And if I can do it, you certainly can! Up and at 'em, Taskmistress! Rosemary: Oh very well. [[She is standing.]] Rosemary: But at who? The cat? Sylvester: Tempting, but only if it turns out to be the one who spiked our drinks. Otherwise,the Universe in general. Friday , January 1 , 2016 [[A large group of Smyts and a couple of Fuzzes stand around SooperSmyt and Loos as the former holds the latter and a large glowing ball in the air. The ball produces glowing letters and numbers: 3 2 1 WOO HOO.]] {{New Year's Eve 2016}} Saturday , January 2 , 2016 [[In the darkened Fringes of the Basement. Carmal stands, Faddle walks on.]] Carmal: But this is.. this.. Faddle: Unfair or somethin'? Right. Faddle: You know who to gripe to, and it ain't me. [[Shabash walks past Carmal]] Shabash: /I/ didn't say that, sir. Carmal: . . . [[She follows the other two.]] Sunday , January 3 , 2016 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375 listens as Frizzlegarb talks to Takapeny.]] Frizzlegarb: I'm bein' serious, too. Well, as serious as I ever be. Frizzlegarb: Thing about impossible things.. [[Outline of Frizzlegarb climbing a steep incline.]] Frizzlegarb: A lot of 'em are "impossible" cuz people just decide they are. Frizzlegarb: So. Instead of just accepting it. go try 'em anyway. [[He falls back down.]] Frizzlegarb: Sometimes, ya end up marryin' a Bailiwicker. Frizzlegarb: Other times, yeah, ya learn that it's also impossible cuz it can't be done. Monday , January 4 , 2016 [[At the "entrance" to Alwin Island. Sylvester points.]] Sylvester: So the boat is- Rosemary: I have a thought. Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: Maybe us trying to row a small boat across open ocean isn't the best idea right now. Rosemary: And.. we were going to talk. In private. And.. it sounds like we aren't going to get much more private than this island. [[Sylvester thinks about this.]] Sylvester: Right. OK. Let's go talk. Tuesday , January 5 , 2016 [[On Alwin Island.]] Sylvester: And I can show you around while we- Rosemary: Is it /necessary/ for the Taskmistress to know about Alwin? [[A section of the island's stoneworks, with a roof poking into view.]] Sylvester: Well.. actually.. Among other things, you will lead the group who prepares the honeymoon cabin for weddings. Sylvester: Turn around. You can just see it behind The Bird. [[Outline of Rosemary holding an E family symbol on a pole.]] Rosemary: Sure enough. "Lead"? Sylvester: In practice, it means standing around and looking official. In fact, /don't/ try to do any actual work. With your helmet you're halfway there. Sylvester: Lil and Nellie have been doing it, but it's been.. Once again, I'm so glad you came along. Rosemary: No problem. Wednesday , January 6 , 2016 [[Outline of five Eetownite women.]] Rosemary: So who is this group? Sylvester: Mature ladies of greatest rectitude and probity. You met one of them earlier. Mrs. Warnock. Rosemary: ..This is this Women's Circle again, isn't it? Sylvester: There is a degree of overlap. And.. hm.. They might prefer being the ones who show you about... [[Outline of a woman pointing and denouncing the two of them.]] Sylvester: ..And if anyone /respectable/ did see us wandering around the island together.. Rosemary: Hideous career-ending scandal? [[On Alwin]] Sylvester: Essentially. So. Fine. Let's just go sit on the zarking dock. It's sort of neutral territory. Rosemary: Right. Tho I do have to ask one question.. Thursday , January 7 , 2016 [[Two statues on Alwin Island's shoreline, a "seal" and a "basketball player".]] Rosemary: The whole island is ..Sculpted? Like in Isdanlia? Sylvester: Yes. Very much like that. Except it was done by a Human, not back in the Dawn Era. [[A section of the island's treeline, with sculptures poking up on poles.]] Sylvester: And yes, that Human was one of my predecessors. Rosemary: Of course. [[One half of the center hill/cliff of the island.]] Rosemary: And what's that big thing up top there? With the arch? Sylvester: The Tomb. Alwin's tomb. The fellow the island is named after. [[The other half.]] Sylvester: He was.. is one of the things we will now go talk about. Rosemary: Right. Friday , January 8 , 2016 [[On Alwin. Rosemary and Sylvester walk past the gray cat.]] Sylvester: I just hope the /cat/ isn't a spy for somebody. [[Zooming in on the cat.]] [[Zooming closer.]] [[The cat licks her paw.]] Cat, non-verbally: meow. Rosemary: Cats are always spying. But the only ones they work for are themselves. Sylvester: Oh good. Saturday , January 9 , 2016 [[In a mass of Tree trunks in the Fringes of the Basement. Shabash is also present.]] Carmal: . . . Carmal: They say anything about all this? Faddle: No, but if I hadda guess, /I'd/ say it's somethin' to do with the whatever's bein' /important/. Faddle: I think we're almost there. Sunday , January 10 , 2016 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[All panels are outlines. Frizzlegarb climbs a very steep hill.]] Takapeny: And.. OK.. what things are really impossible? In your opinion? Frizzlegarb: Hm. Well. Reachin' the /Inner/ Central Hollow. [[Frizzlegarb looking into a stretch of water in which are some unwelcoming looking fish.]] Frizzlegarb: Sailin' on the Snapperchomp Sea. [[A Smyt standing alone on a distant flat-topped mound.]] Frizzlegarb: N' course, meetin' a Smyt. Takapeny: . . . What's a "Smyt"? Frizzlegarb: ..Ya never even heard of.. /sigh/ Monday , January 11 , 2016 [[On the Alwin Dock.]] Sylvester: Obviously.. we're around on the far side from the mainland. Dock takes a beating in winter. There's a Repair Party every spring, but that's one of /my/ responsibilities. Rosemary: Right. [[A rocky-looking island in the distance.]] Rosemary: And that's "Scraggy" Island, Mortimer said? Sylvester: Yes. Pretty barren. [[Outline of graves and a lighthouse.]] Sylvester: Along with the town graveyard, there's a lighthouse. The keeper's Dougal Izzard. He has a telescope, of course, so he could be spying on us, but.. [[Outline of Dougal studying the sky through his telescope and taking notes.]] Rosemary: You don't become a keeper if you have an abiding interest in what other people are doing? Sylvester: Right. Along with his official records, He's a Cloudmapper. Tuesday , January 12 , 2016 [[On the Alwin dock.]] Sylvester: Wait.. you do have Cloudmappers out west, right? Rosemary: Ooh yes. [[Outline of scraggly-looking Mooninite man watching clouds.]] Rosemary: It's a popular hobby on the Twenty Islands, because it's cheap. If you don't officially register and everything. Sylvester: Indeed. [[Outline of a woman rowing a boat away from a small dock, watched by a man and girl on the shore.]] Sylvester: And Dougal did.. /interact/ enough to marry. Selene Perkins was her name. They had a daughter, Shelby, but in the end Selene departed for drier climes. Sylvester: Shelby stayed. Etiquette and survival tip- /never/ mention her mother's name. Rosemary: Check. [[Outline of a youngish boy looking out over a railing.]] Sylvester: Married Grumby, the carpenter. Their son Edston is apprenticing with Dougal. So he might be watching, too. Rosemary: Hi, Edston! Wednesday , January 13 , 2016 [[On the Alwin dock. Sylvester gestures at the bench. The gray cat is also present.]] Sylvester: So, pick your seat. Rosemary: OK. [[Rosemary perches on the one of the dock's pilings.]] Sylvester: . . . Sylvester: ...There's.. room for two on the bench. That's sort of the whole point. Rosemary: I'm good, thanks. [[Sylvester sits on the bench.]] Sylvester: Right. [[The joins him on the bench.]] Rosemary: Besides, it looks like it's already been taken. Sylvester: Right. Thursday , January 14 , 2016 [[Sylvester is sitting on the Alwin dock bench. The gray cat is also present.]] Sylvester: So. Rosemary: So. Sylvester: Where to begin. [[Rosemary sits on a piling.]] Rosemary: The traditional place is the beginning. [[The cat gets in Sylvester's unenthusiastic lap.]] Sylvester: But where's . . . that? [[He pushes the cat back off.]] Sylvester: Fine. OK. [[A literally empty panel, only the strip background color.]] Sylvester: In the beginning, there was nothing. Sylvester: Or so they say. This is all second-hand. Rosemary: Duly noted. [[Blackness and a Brush.]] Sylvester: And then suddenly there was darkness, and in the midst of darkness there was the Brush. Friday , January 15 , 2016 [[The Brush in blackness.]] Sylvester: And the Brush Meditated on the Darkness and Was Inspired. [[The Brush and The Sun.]] Sylvester: And the Brush Ignited the Sun. [[The Brush and The Stars.]] Sylvester: And the Brush Forged the Stars and Hung them in the sky. Rosemary: I think I heard this story once!]] [[The Brush and the planets, Nibiru, Perelandra, the Wide World, Barsoom, and Yuggoth, and their various rings and moons.]] Sylvester: And the Brush Painted the Wide World and all the other Spheres. Sylvester: And Set them to Spinning. [[The Brush and a brand new green Plant.]] Sylvester: And on the Wide World (and Perelandra and Barsoom at least...) Sylvester: The Brush Created Life. Saturday , January 16 , 2016 [[Frederick and another elderly man play a board game, watched by Myrrh and male demon from Zark. Tall green structures loom in the background.]] {{RIP David Bowie and Angus Scrimm.}} Sunday , January 17 , 2016 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow. Frizzlegarb: Actually, not a surprise ya haven't heard of 'em. Whole idea makes folks.. uncomfortable. Takapeny: /What/ whole idea? [[Outline of Frizzlegarb being shown the remains of a Smyt in a large glass jar.]] Frizzlegarb: First.. they /do/ exist. There's a dead one.. part of a dead one.. on view in the Arcanium... In Fadewell Hollow? Takapeny: Yes, I have heard of the Curators! Frizzlegarb: OK. Smyts, they say, are critters that aren't Fuzzes or Bots. But they think. Talk. Takapeny: That's impossible! Frizzlegarb: There's that word 'gin! Monday , January 18 , 2016 [[A dark red Smyt has gotten across a chasm using a hook and knotted rope, and then up a cliff using a small pine tree and another rope, leading to him being outside above aground, among some flowering shrubs.]] {{Martin Luther King Jr. Day}} Tuesday , January 19 , 2016 [[The planet Perelandra.]] Rosemary: I'm sorry to interrupt already, but.. Sylvester: Yes? Rosemary: ..while I know that Perelandra is one big, um, jungleswamp.. [[The planet Barsoom and its two moons.]] Rosemary: I thought Barsoom was one big desert. Sylvester: Mostly. But it's been confirmed there are patches of presumably tree.. ish vegetation. [[The planet Nibiru and its ring.]] Rosemary: Huh. Cool. Sylvester: Yes. As for the others... Nibiru is always covered in clouds, so who knows there. [[The planet Yuggoth and its three moons.]] Rosemary: And Yuggoth is too far away? Sylvester: Yes. Even with that new telescope they have at Poetoaster in Azimuth, it's just a grayish dot. Wednesday , January 20 , 2016 [[A possibly-hypothetical outline of tree(ish) growths on the planet Perelandra.]] Sylvester: But are there sapient Barsoomians or Perelandrites? No one knows. [[A possibly-hypothetical outline of an Ettin probe or ship landing on the planet Barsoom.]] Sylvester: Well.. no Human. The Ettins probably knew. They may have even /gone/ there. [[A collection of Dawn Era species.]] Sylvester: But anyway. Back here at home, life in wild variety was Drawn Forth. It was the Dawn. Sylvester: Wilfs and Gobblems and Draggons and Monocorns and.. Rosemary: Brush knows what all? Literally? Sylvester: Indeed. Thursday , January 21 , 2016 [[An elaborate Dawn-Era structure rising out of some sea, surrounded by smaller vessels and critters.]] Sylvester: But predominant, so the stories say, were the Wilfs and the Gobblems. Sylvester: The Dreamers and The Builders Sylvester: And between them they achieved wonders beyond imagining. Sylvester: They carved entire islands. Sylvester: They spanned the seas with shining bridges. Sylvester: They built their crystal towers on the Moon. Friday , January 22 , 2016 [[All panes are outlines. A Wilf and a Gobblem confronting each other.]] Sylvester: But then, evidently, the Wilfs and the Gobblems fell into conflict. [[A giant Star falls out of the sky onto a Dawn-Era building in the middle of the sea.]] Sylvester: And thus was the Dawn War. Sylvester: And Forests burned, and Seas boiled and Mountains crumbled down. The very Stars were pulled down from the sky. Sylvester: . . . There's speculation nowadays that last one might be a bit of an exaggeration. Rosemary: Uh huh? [[A Wyvern and a Squirrel amid rubble.]] Sylvester: But even so. Nobody won. In the end, everyone was bits of bone. Scraps of flesh. Dust on the wind. Nearly everyone. Sylvester: At least here in the Known World. Saturday , January 23 , 2016 [[Carmal, Shabash and Faddle the Gnolls in the the Fringes of the Basement, amid many branches of The Tree. They silently look at something glowing ahead of them.]] [[The light-producing object is a horned trapezoidal object beyond a smashed doorway. Said green lights resemble eyes in their positioning.]] Sunday , January 24 , 2016 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow Takapeny: In the Beginning, when we were Created, we were /Promised/- Frizzlegarb: Yeh yeh yeh. Fine. The stories 'bout the talkin are a loada hooey. [[Frizzlegarb glances at 3375.]] Frizzlegarb: Still like to meet.. see.. one. But like I say. Impossible. The only reason we even know the name "Smyt" is tales told by.. Takapeny: What? [[They all walk on.]] Frizzlegarb: Never mind. We all got places to go. People to see. Frizzlegarb: Show us the hat tree n' we'll get outta yer hair. Takapeny: Over here. Monday , January 25 , 2016 [[Outline of Sylvester looking through a Panegate.]] Rosemary: . . . Rosemary: You said you've actually /seen/ Wilfs and Gobblems? Through a Panegate? Sylvester: Yes. Well. Once. Briefly. Maybe. Sylvester: We only have a rough idea of what the two species looked like, and the two.. individuals I glimpsed matched that description. [[Outline of Sylvester looking at a glowing display inside a clam-like structure.]] Sylvester: I'd show it to you, but.. the Mansion's interior.. changes. Cycles. Some remote areas are only periodically accessible. Sylvester: I was able to time my visit thanks to Lemuel's mapping efforts. Rosemary: ..I see. And the next time it'll be open? Sylvester: Unfortunately the map is located in the Basement, so.. from memory.. 15 years. Tuesday , January 26 , 2016 [[All panel are outlines. An Ettin and a Sneech poke their heads into view amid rubble.]] Sylvester: But anyway. "Our" Wilfs and Gobblems were, are, gone, and one way or another,the Ettins and Sneeches Rose Up in their place. [[An Ettin and Sneech being "painted" by The Brush.]] Rosemary: "One way or another"? You of all people have to know The Words of Violet say the Brush- Sylvester: -painted them as direct replacements. Yes. Violet was many things, but "trained historian or archaeologist" were not among them. [[A Wilf and Gobblem hand push down on an Ettin and Sneech.]] Sylvester: Still, maybe it did. And told Violet about it in person. Or maybe they were always around, but kept trampled underfoot until the feet removed themselves. [[A Human finds a small Ettin artifact in an underground setting.]] Sylvester: The Ettin records we Humans have scrounged are both fragmentary and contradictory. Sylvester: And the Sneeches aren't talking. Wednesday , January 27 , 2016 [[All panels are outlines. An Ettin structure built on the sea, with the ruins of a larger older structure behind it. There are also an airplane and boat present.]] Sylvester: And the Ettins, at least, built up a civilization, maybe not to the heights of the DawnEra, but pretty zarking high.. [[A missile-like object falls out the sky towards the structure.]] Rosemary: But like you said yesterday, there was another war, and it all fell down again. Sylvester: Again, in the Known World, yes. Rosemary: And while bad, it's pretty clear it wasn't as.. ah.. World-shattering. [[A Human and a Nome poke their head into view among jungle foliage.]] Rosemary: And then this story gets interesting and important, because WE Rose Up from.. wherever. The Deep Jungles. And the Nomes, too, I guess? [[An Ettin riding on a floating platform/vehicle amid pine trees.]] Sylvester: Indeed! But before those things happened, there were events of interest more locally... Thursday , January 28 , 2016 [[All panels are outlines. The Spike towering above the trees.]] Sylvester: At some point before the war, Ettins arrived in this remote corner of the World and built the Spike. [[The Mansion of S.]] Sylvester: And the Mansion of S, now long defunct and abandoned. [[A lattice-like structure, tipped with lights.]] Sylvester: And one or two other things.. [[The Mansion of E.]] Sylvester: But most interestingly and importantly, high on a cliff overlooking the Specific Ocean, they built.. The Main Tower. Sylvester: Just the Main Tower, all by itself, evidently, with the forest lapping right at its base. Rosemary: "God's Cactus" Sylvester: Eh? Oh. Right. That /is/ a bit catchier. Rosemary: Camora gave the reason for her name for the thing. What's yours? Not "Main Tower", but- Sylvester: No no. I understand. And I guess I assumed it was fairly obvious.. Friday , January 29 , 2016 [[All panels are outlines. A cryptic Ettin sign, using magic to float.]] Sylvester: First of all, the Spindizzies say the Ettin name for the place was.. is.. the equivalent of "PRF04223". It's likely that's an acronym, but for what, the Ettins never bothered to share. [[A crude Human-made display, complete with bones and skulls.]] Sylvester: When we Humans.. arrived on the scene, it was originally (and rather unoriginally) called The Tower of the Ettins. [[A more sophisticated sign reading Ett.]] Sylvester: And by the time anyone started writing anything down in any systematic way, it had contracted to The Tower of the Etts. [[A fancy and formal Human sign. E.]] Sylvester: And then finally, a few /more/ generations along... Rosemary: The Bureaucracy forced you to change it to "The /Mansion/ of E". Sylvester: Indeed. Saturday , January 30 , 2016 [[In a room of machines in the Fringes of the Basement.]] Carmal: OK.. I now officially don't like this place. Shabash: Everything smells weird. Faddle: Yeah. [[Plug-in device #1]] Faddle: ..wouldn't wanna /live/ anywhere near all this. Who knows what it'd do to ya. [[Plug-in device #2]] Faddle: But we ain't gonna be here long. There are the three plug-holes. [[Plug-in device #3]] Faddle: We do this and we scram. Sunday , January 31 , 2016 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[3375, Frizzlegarb and Takapeny approach a growth with hats attached to its tips.]] Takapeny: Here we are. Summerfather Hollow presents its Hat Tree. Select Freely What You Will, Honored Traveler. Frizzlegarb: Mm. Gettin' bigger. You'll have it up to Stage Three 'fore long. Then you'll have fancier bronze-level hats. [[A more complete view of the Hat Tree.]] Takapeny: I /know/ what a Level-Three Hat Tree is, Frizzlegarb. Frizzlegarb: Course ya do. My apologies. Monday , February 1 , 2016 [[All panels are outlines. The Mansion of S.]] Rosemary: What about the Mansion of S? Sylvester: I'm sorry? [[A closer view of part of the Mansion of S, spouting flames.]] Rosemary: If the Ettins built it too, why was it called that? Sylvester: Ah. Well. An extra disclaimer. Any official records they.. the S-based humans.. possessed went up in flames when Angus sacked the place. [[A glowing S.]] Sylvester: That said, the story we got, before that, but still long after the fact, was there was this S-shaped mark or symbol on prominent display somewhere. [[A female Scion of S sitting on her throne.]] Sylvester: ..And so the Scions, their Earl-equivalents, took it as their symbol. And name. Tuesday , February 2 , 2016 [[A dimly-glowing squarish object in a dark room. It has an indicator with a needle balanced between S and N.]] [[Two female Smyts approach, one of them carrying a tool of some sort.]] [[They stand next to the object.]] Twan: whatit, Punx? Punx: dunno, Twan! [[Punx ((pokes)) the device with her tool.]] [[It switches on, casting red-eyed shadows of the two Smyts on the wall behind.]] ((CLICK)) [[They turn to look at the shadows, which do not "turn" in response. The indicator ((clacks)) to S.]] Twan: Lookit! Punx: Neat! {{Groundhog Day 2016}} Wednesday , February 3 , 2016 [[Outline of Lemuel and Charlotte meeting with a female Scion of S.]] Sylvester: So, ironically perhaps, they were always the "Tower of S" when we were, ah, interacting with them. [[A map of proto-Audravania, showing Angus's spreading takeover.]] Rosemary: But.. Angus was before Unification, right? I mean, if he was going around sacking people's castles.. Sylvester: Oh yes. He went on to conquer large chunks of what is now Audravania. [[Rosemary and Sylvester on the Alwin dock.]] Rosemary: So why did you call it the "Mansion of S" yesterday? Sylvester: Heh. well.. [[Outline of an official notice posted in front of the Mansion of S.]] Sylvester: When our name got switched, the Tower of S's did as well.The fact that it was a broken abandoned ruin was irrelevant to the mentalities involved. That is, my fellow nobs. Sylvester: Evidently they even posted an official notification at the actual ruins. Thursday , February 4 , 2016 [[Outline of a primitive couple, child and dog.]] Sylvester: But anyway. The Ettins built all this, the war was fought but somehow passed this region by.. and then we showed up. Sylvester: The first bands of wandering Humans. [[Map of the Known World, showing Human migration routes.]] Sylvester: ..reaching the end of our long and winding trek which started somewhere down in the Deep Jungles. [[Map of the eastern half of "Mansionland".]] Sylvester: And when I say "end", I mean it. There is evidence this was among the very last areas in the Known World to be.. overrun by Humans. [[A relatively sophisticated farming couple and child.]] Sylvester: We hadn't even figured out farming, but down in Ackbar, along the banks of the Refutation, there was already a full-blown civilization. Friday , February 5 , 2016 [[Rosemary, Sylvester, and the grey cat on the Alwin Island dock.]] Sylvester: Which brings us to the part of the story where... Rosemary: Yes? Sylvester: OK. What I'm telling you is the Official Family History, all written down. Sylvester: But.. It can't.. It just.. [[Outline of some Humans encountering an Ettin in the shadow of the Mansion.]] Sylvester: The History states.. my ancestor, the first Earl, the one we don't even have a name for, led his..tribe, I guess, into the Valley of E. Sylvester: And there were still Ettins here, living in God's Cactus. [[Outline of The Earl, dying as he stands on the corpse of an Ettin.]] Sylvester: And he killed them. And died himself in the process. Saturday , February 6 , 2016 [[In a machine-filled room in the Fringes. Faddle hands out plug-in shards.]] Faddle: Here's yers. Shabash: ...It doesn't look the same as before. Faddle: Probably means we're in the right place. Over there. Go. Please. [[He gives one to Carmal.]] Faddle: And yers. Carmal: This thing is not in /any way/ m- Faddle: Yeah yeah. Just go. Sunday , February 7 , 2016 Narration: Sunday in Summerfather Hollow [[At the Hollow's hat tree.]] Frizzlegarb: Ya do mean /any/ of them? Some Hollows are a mite.. touchy 'bout that. Takapeny: What? Of course. Hats are free to all. [[3375 walks along, looking at the hats on display.]] Frizzlegarb: OK, Mr. 3375. Choose, n' pick the hat that speaks to you. Not literally. Hats don't talk, far as I know. Takapeny: Something you haven't seen? I'm amazed. [[3375 stops and looks a blue hat that matches his own coloring well.]] Frizzlegarb: Aww.. was hopin' he go for the pink one. Takapeny: You have no taste. Frizzlegarb: Been told that, yeah. Monday , February 8 , 2016 [[On the Alwin Island dock with the gray cat.]] Rosemary: Well, Sylvester.. Sylvester: And before you ask, no, it's not the /morality/ that I question here. [[Milo the Earl on a body-strewn battlefield.]] Sylvester: I've long been aware that many of my ancestors were tyrannical warmongering phizzers. [[The first Earl leading his scraggly followers.]] Sylvester: It's the /logistics/. Like I just said, the evidence, historical, archaeological, indicates the local Humans of the era were armed with... spears and bows and slings. [[An airborne Ettin war machine obliterates them/some Humans with an energy blast.]] Sylvester: And so.. with a functioning Mansion.. all of their magical powers and devices.. the Ettins should have squashed an attacking mob of them like bugs. Tuesday , February 9 , 2016 [[All panels are outlines. A view of the Main Tower, with some sort of explosion or blast radiating from it.]] Sylvester: ..I should add that the exact wording of the history is "the Earl stormed the heights, and the heights broke with thunder, and none ever came back down." [[Milo the earl telling the story of the first Earl's defeat of the Ettins to two young children.]] {{They are his son and daughter.}} Sylvester: So.. maybe I'm misinterpreting. Or the Ettins were already dead, and the Earl conned his followers. Or someone else made up the whole story later. In fact- Rosemary: Anyway. [[An Ettin skull perched on the peak of a Human roof.]] Sylvester: Yes. Whatever happened, the Ettins were gone. Except one's skull, that was dragged around forever after as a symbol of authority. [[The same skull, slightly battered, with horns attached.]] Rosemary: It's that thing down in the Hall of Achievement, isn't it? Sylvester: Well spotted. At some point, someone got artistic and attached a couple of Wyvern horns to it. Wednesday , February 10 , 2016 [[A view of the Mansion cut into four panels, each panel set in a different day/season/year.]] Sylvester: And yes, "The Heights" is, or was, yet another name for the Main Tower. Sylvester: Whatever happened between the Ettins and the Earl, it made quite an impression. Sylvester: The Heights became taboo, and it was quite some time before anyone was brave enough.. or the memory faded enough.. to violate that. Sylvester: The tribe now led by The Earl's.. well.. heir, possibly son.. Ettric, camped out in the thing's shadow. Sylvester: And the camp became ever more permanent and fortified. Rosemary: They Built the Wall and Dug the Moat. Sylvester: Yes. And dragged in, installed, the Gatestone. Thursday , February 11 , 2016 [[A map of the northern Known world,, showing the pushing and conflicting of various ancient Human empires.]] Sylvester: And it turned out they needed that wall and moat. Sylvester: Nations were forming down south, and events rippled. [[The Barrier Peaks and the Specific Ocean.]] Sylvester: And like I said, it was the end of the line. Impassable mountains to the north, endless ocean to the east... [[An outline of the Mansion, as seen from the ocean.]] Sylvester: More specifically, the Mansion attracted attention, not to mention the excellent local fishing and seaweed harvests. [[An Earl leading his forces in a pitched medieval battle.]] Sylvester: The history says the fighting got pretty desperate at times, but somehow, time and again, The Earl's heirs hung on... Friday , February 12 , 2016 [[All panels are outlines. Ettric 1st touching the side of the Gatestone.]] Sylvester: These battles were fought all through the rule of Ettric the First and his renounced flesh and his Gatestone. [[Ettric 2nd working with a shovel.]] Sylvester: And Ettric the Second.. Rosemary: ..Who Dug the Moat. [[Ettric 3rd working with a trowel.]] Sylvester: Yes. And Ettric the Third, who Built the Wall. Sylvester: And evidently lost an eye at some point.. [[Ettric 3rd getting stabbed with a spear by an enemy soldier.]] Sylvester: That second one was a hint that we now approach the Darkest Hour. Better-armed hordes pushed in, Ettric 3 was cut down... [[Ettrath cutting down Ettric's killer with a sword.]] Sylvester: And his young son Ettrath pulled off some sort of miracle, rallied the troops and "Saved The Family". The fact I'm here to tell you this is his official Achievement.