The crystal ball glowed with energy. The tiny flaws in the casting caught and refracted the light, making it seem like stars peering out of a cloudy sky. Slowly the fog in the center pulled back.

But all that was revealed was darkness. Just like the last six times she'd tried.

“Focus Vision,” Chase said, turning the ball in her hands.

It wasn't how the skill was supposed to be used, but three tries ago she'd caught on that it did in fact have some synergy with her crystal ball. And like the last few times, the fog peeled back even faster, and the darkness got a slightly-less dark quality.

Your Focus Vision skill is now level 7!

Now, if she just squinted, she could make out an outline in the middle. An outline that could possibly be a human, or a human-like figure.

Except that wasn't all she saw.

PER+1

“There's a line of light. It's part of a doorway, has to be,” Chase said, trying to focus even further on it. And yes, yes it was a door! She could make out a second line stretching across a floor, light spilling under it, illuminating a wisp of color... of tile. For a split-second she thought the things on the edge of the tile were naked halvens, but no, they had wings...

...and then the crystal ball went completely dark.

Your Crystal Ball skill is now level 10!

You are now a level 8 Medium!

CHA+5

LUCK+5

“He's in a dark room, and I still don't know where,” Chase said. “But at least part of the room has a tile floor, and there are these short little guys with wings on it. They're, uh, naked.”

“Okay,” Cagna scratched her nose. “I think I've seen that theme in some of the art around here before everything got...”

“Before everything got burned,” Chase said, opening the curtains and letting light back into the room.

It was a weak light, filtering through the clouds of ash that still drifted above the burned city. It faltered through the clouds, hesitant and fearful. It trailed down fingers of illumination on charred cobblestones, and trickled over fused bricks that had once been walls.

The dragon had swept over the city several times. One of its passes had spewed a line of fire just one street over. It was only by some quirk of city construction, some miracle of the weather, and frankly fate's intervention that the block they'd rented a house in had escaped devastation.

Chase had thanked her much-abused luck for that once they got inside the city... which had been easier than she'd thought, too. There had been no guards at the gate, and the few-people they'd seen on the soot-choked streets fled from them. Everyone was wary, everyone was furtive.

A dragon had come to Gnome, and nobody knew why.

Shards of pottery bit her toes as Chase made her way downstairs, and the halven girl sighed to herself and put shoes back on her mental checklist.

The rest of the downstairs wasn't much better. Some humans had done what some humans did during crises, and used the emergency as an excuse to go break and rob things. Chase's house hadn't been lucky enough to escape that, and they'd arrived to broken windows, shattered doors, and thoroughly searched rooms.

Still, the fact it was there and relatively unburned was miracle enough. And the looters hadn't found the stash of really important things. Like Chase's crystal ball, for one.

And then there was the other thing.

“How is it?” Chase said, pausing inside the doorway to Renny's room. Cagna followed, eyes flicking to the corners, before she took up a guard position outside the door.

Chase had to repeat herself once more to get Renny's attention.

“Oh!” The golem jumped, then looked back down at the green glowing thing in his paws. “It's hard to say. I think we'd need a Wizard or an Enchanter to tell us more.”

“Maybe,” Chase said, staring at the dungeon core. Green, with shifting shapes that looked like numbers... all save for where black, deep flaws spread throughout the crystal.

A few weeks ago the flaw had been barely as big as the tip of Chase's thumbnail. Now it was the size of her entire thumbnail, and far deeper. It ate up a fourth of the interior of the gem.

She'd used the cards to try and turn up more information about it, but all the cards would say was that it was bad, bad news. They refused to go into more detail than that.

Which was fine. Chase had enough to worry about right now, so whatever was going on with this gem could wait. “I think it's time to get everyone and have the talk,” she said, nodding toward the room across from Renny's door. “Please wake her up and let her know what's going on.”

“Sure!” Renny said. He put the core back into its hidey hole, and picked up a broom many times his size. Then he started toward Speranza's door with a smile that showed entirely too many plush teeth.

Chase made it downstairs before the broom started slamming against the wood, shaking her head at Speranza's howl as she was rudely awakened. It was petty but she'd give him that. The Siren was his charge, he was the one who had to handle her... mainly because he had the fastest and most reliable counter to her song.

She found the others assembled in the downstairs bedroom. It was one of the least-vandalized rooms in the place, having nothing of worth and no real decorations worth prying up. It was a bit small by human standards. But then, so am I, Chase thought with a wry smile. “Shall we get down to business?”

“Let's,” Cagna wove her fingers together, and pushed her hands palms out, cracking her joints in a way that made Chase wince. “So the cellar's a mess. Lots of broken jars down there, and the food in that room was pretty much ruined. They broke into the pantry too, but didn't mess up as much of the food there. So between that and what we bought in Setsofbaggage, we're good for a couple of weeks. We won't eat great, but we'll eat. Chase, I'm sorry, you're probably going to get a workout.”

“It's okay,” Chase nodded back. “We might be able to acquire some food around the city. A lot of people have fled, so there's probably plenty left for those who remained.”

“Cheese us, no,” Dijornos snorted. “That's not how it works.”

“You have a lot of experience with dragons and burned out cities?” Cagna snapped at him.

“No. But I have a lot of siege experience, and what we're looking at here is a city that thinks it's going to be under siege soon,” Dijornos shot back. “First you get the refugees fleeing the conflict. They take stuff with them. Then you get the desperate ones with no place to go, and the morons who think everything will just magically be okay, and they loot and riot because why the hell not?” He held up two fingers, flipped out a third. “After that comes the hardasses, the ones that intend to fight or have no place to go but are smarter about things, and they start realizing that food's gonna stop coming into the city. So they steal and guard what's left, start organizing stuff, and either ration it out to folks they think are useful or start selling it at huge markup prices.”

The room had fallen silent, staring at the big man. He looked around, and shrugged. “What? That's how it goes like ninety percent of the time, especially when the leadership gets taken out before the hammer comes down.”

“Sell food?” Yubai glanced up.

“Yeah, they'll be selling food in the black markets.”

The pandaman's eyes lit up at that reply.

“Food's not illegal,” Chase pointed out.

“Selling stolen food is,” Cagna replied.

“There weren't any wagons coming into the city down the Setsofbaggage road,” said Bastien, tugging his beard. “I'd wager the other roads are like that too. Farmers are cautious types. They'll probably wait and see if the dragon goes away before bringing in the last of their harvest.”

“And that's a big concern too,” Chase glanced around as Speranza walked in, with Renny following behind her. They made way for Yubai, as he hurried out. “It's early winter. It's been a mild year so far, but it won't last. People will want enough food to get through the winter, and that'll make them more desperate. Probably raise prices,” Chase said, looking back to Dijornos.

“Oh yeah,” Dijornos said, shrugging. “Hell, they'll start raiding the outlying farms if it goes on long enough.”

“Can it?” Speranza asked. “Can it really? What happens if the dragon picks up and leaves tomorrow?”

“It won't go on forever,” Cagna shook her head. “Even if the duke is dead, he has family elsewhere, and treaties with the neighboring city-states. Someone will move in and claim rulership. Heck, there's probably armies being mustered now. There's only one real complication in this whole mess.”

“The dragon,” Renny pointed out. He hopped up on a stool.

“The dragon that we could choose to fight,” Speranza pointed out. “I'd prefer to avoid that, if at all possible.”

“Yeah, I figured you would,” Dijornos shook his head. “But... what if we do?”

“It's a dragon,” Chase said. “We'll have the choice to fight it or not, that'll be the core of the matter. But common sense and a lifetime of stories tell me that needs to be a last resort sort of thing. The only reason to fight is if it's necessary to find Thomasi. That's what we need to focus on, here,” she decided. “Our goal is finding Thomasi, and getting out of here before the Inquisition gets ahold of him. We have a little under a week to get this done.”

“All right,” Dijornos said, “I'll drop it about the dragon. But I'm saying that if we do, then I've led raids before. I have skills and tricks and experience with this. This? This sort of raiding is what I live for.”

“And all we'd have to do is join your guild,” Speranza said, her voice cutting through the air like a knife slicing silk.

“Well... yeah! Most of the skills I've got wouldn't work on you if you didn't,” Dijornos scowled. “What's it to you? Hell, I could do a lot of things for you if you joined Warring Pizzas! You know all the benefits that guilds have.”

“And all the punishments you can levy if they step out of line. Or if you're having a bad day. Or if you decide—”

Chase didn't even see him move. She jumped when his hand slammed into the wall, through the wall, sending puffs of plaster out next to Speranza's head.

Speranza flinched too, as Dijornos leaned in, staring at her from inches away. “I. Don't. Abuse. My. Guildies!”

Bastien started to stand. Cagna put her hand on his shoulder. “He can't actually hurt her,” Chase heard the dog-woman mutter to the Wrestler.

“Yes,” Speranza finally said. “You're a paragon of leadership and restraint. Which is totally why you just broke the wall.”

Dijornos' jaw worked, and he pulled back his hand, let plaster dribble through his fingers. “I don't. I don't hurt my people. You join my guild you're my people. That's how it works.”

“We'll consider it, if and when it gets to that point,” Chase said, quietly. “But please, we need to figure out how we're going to find Thomasi. That's the first problem to solve. And we'll have to do it without alerting the Inquisition.”

“I can help you there,” Speranza offered. “I know some of the places around here that players used to frequent. I know some of the roleplayers who had blended in to the local society... I can't imagine the Inquisition found all of them. With your permission,” her eyes slid to Renny, “I'll go investigate those. But it will probably have to be alone.”

“I'm not sure about that,” Chase said. “And don't get me wrong, it's not a matter of trust,” she lied, “it's that the Inquisition will be hunting all of you when they figure out where we've gone.”

“I can come back, and you can't,” Speranza pointed out, bluntly. “And there is no telling what's left, no telling what measures they took to evade the Inquisition!”

“Which is why I want you working with Renny. Go follow what leads you can, and work together to ensure you survive the experience,” Chase told her. “You might have me along too, depending on what other options we have. Okay, that's your idea,” she decided, shifting her gaze to Dijornos. “How do you think you can help us find Thomasi?”

“There's no point in dwelling on the past. That crowd you used to run with was all RP creampuffs, no way they survived this long on their own—”

“Hey,” Cagna pointed out. “Don't crap on someone else's idea, just point out a better one. You got anything better, or are you just blowing smoke?”

Dijornos shot her a murderous glare, that turned into a bit of a leer as his eyes dipped downward to her bodice. “Cool it, bi—”

“She's got a point,” Chase held up her hands. “What's your idea? Speranza's doesn't matter, we heard it out. Now we want to hear yours.”

“Right. So...” Dijornos rolled his eyes. “IF I can finish, I was going to say that I know Thomasi's style. He's one of those robin hood types, doesn't like working with the law. I know how cities like this work. I can find the underworld, check the black markets, see who knows where he's hiding.”

“We've had bad luck with the underworld before,” Chase said. “We barely escaped that mess in Arretzi intact. But you're not wrong about Thomasi. Are you sure they'll be helpful? From my experience they always ask a price, and they don't do favors for people who walk in as strangers.”

“If I need to I can drop my name.” Dijornos shrugged. “I can't imagine I don't still have some pull among the guilds that are left from my days.”

“Which will put the Inquisition on your trail like that.” Speranza snapped her fingers. “What a great idea!”

“Hey!” Cagna snapped. “It cuts both ways. Don't you crap on his idea either, lady.”

Dijornos shot her a surprised look.

But Chase was watching Speranza, and saw how her eyes narrowed, just a bit, before she smiled in a too-kindly matter.

Chase turned back to Dijornos. “It is a point, though,” Chase said. “You're a lot more memorable than Speranza because you have a past. You were the Butcher. That's not easily forgotten, and it does mean that word will spread quickly once you resurface. Do you have a way to deal with that?”

“If I do have to drop it, and that's an if, I'll make sure it's to people who won't pass it on,” Dijornos folded his arms.

Chase thought for a bit, then nodded to Bastien. “Can you back him up on this?”

“I don't need backup,” Dijornos shrugged. “Forty-one levels of Mercenary means not sweating the small stuff.”

“It's not that,” Chase said. “It's because he's got a curse.”

“What's this now?” Dijornos stopped, and considered the big Wrestler again.

“We think the Inquisition put them on him when they grabbed Thomasi, but we're not sure,” Chase explained. “He was cursed with Obscurity and Poverty. I managed to lift the Curse of Poverty, but it took a few tries. When we looked into Obscurity, though... we decided to let that one lie, for now.”

“People tend to forget who I am,” Bastien explained. “Once they're away from me for a while, I fade out of their memories. It explains why my career tanked after Circus Venturi split up. Why no matter how hard I worked or how good my shows are, I couldn't get anywhere.”

“It also means that he can help you talk with people, with less risk of getting recognized by the Inquistion,” Chase pointed out. “Think of him as a go-between.” And somebody who can maybe get the job done without putting more deaths on my conscience, Chase thought to herself. “He's also worked for casinos and some shady sorts before, so he's no stranger to the underworld.”

“Wait,” Speranza said, considering The Muscle Wizaard with new eyes. “You were with Circus Venturi? You're THAT Wrestler?”

“I was the only one Circus Venturi had,” Bastien nodded. His spectacles twinkled in the candlelight.

“Oh! Thomasi spoke of you often! I'd love to hear more about you, and him, and the circus. We can maybe have dinner and talk it over?” Speranza's smile warmed the room.

Bastien's face twisted in surprise. “Oh. Er, yeah, sure. I don't see a problem with that—”

“Anyway,” Cagna growled, and Chase caught a dark tone in her voice. “I work best alone. With your permission I'll try to figure out what the state of the city is, who's in charge, and what's going on.”

“Done,” Chase nodded. “I'm going to spend the day on divinations, and minding the house. If need be I can come and back any of you up. But until then I suppose it's just me and Yubai...” her voice trailed off.

Yubai wasn't in the room.

That's right, he'd left the room, hadn't he? Back when Speranza entered?

“Hey,” Chase said. “Where did Yubai go?”

“I thought he had to go to the bathroom or something,” Renny replied. “He looked like he was in a real hurry.”

“He hurried out,” Cagna said slowly, “after we started talking about markets. And selling food.”

“Oh. Oh no!” Speranza said, jumping to her feet. “That stupid bot!”

“Stupid what?” Chase said, as Speranza hurried out to the foyer.

But Chase never got her answer, as her horrified eyes took in the panda paw-print trail across the wreckage on the floor.

And the wide open door, leading out into the sooty streets.

CHASE'S CHARACTER SHEET

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Chase Berrymore

Age: 15 Years

Jobs:

Halven level 11, Cook level 5, Archer level 9, Gambler Level 2, Grifter level 12, Medium level 8, Oracle level 16, Painter level 2, Teacher level 6

Attributes / Pools / Defenses

Strength: 71 Constitution: 38 / Hit Points: 109 / Armor: 10

Intelligence: 69 Wisdom: 120 / Sanity: 189 / Mental Fortitude: 55

Dexterity: 134 Agility: 66 / Stamina: 200 / Endurance: 0

Charisma: 214 Willpower: 55 / Moxie: 269 / Cool: 65

Perception: 99 Luck: 228 / Fortune: 327 / Fate: 45

Generic Skills

Archery – Level 1

Brawling – Level 8

Climb – Level 15

Dagger – Level 2

Dodge – Level 13

Fishing – Level 14

Ride – Level 10

Stealth – Level 18

Swim – Level 7

Throwing – Level 31

Halven Skills

Fate’s Friend – Level N/A

Small in a Good Way – Level N/A

Cook Skills

Cooking - Level 20

Dishwasher – Level N/A

Freshen - Level 12

Archer Skills

Aim – Level 9

Demoralizing Shot – Level 6

Far Shot – Level 1

Missile Mastery – Level N/A

Quickdraw – Level N/A

Rapid Fire – Level N/A

Razor Arrow – Level 8

Ricochet Shot – Level 21

Gambler Skills

Ace in the Hole – Level 2

Assess Challenge – Level N/A

Cardsharp – Level 9

Gambler’s Fortune – Level N/A

Hold’em – Level N/A

Grifter Skills

Feign Death – Level 7

Fools Gold – Level 4

Forgery – Level 11

Master of Disguise – Level 15

Old Buddy – Level 7

Pickpocket – Level 20

Silent Activation – Level 30

Silver Tongue – Level 32

Size Up – Level 8

Unflappable – Level N/A

Medium Skills

Bad Fortune – Level 15

Crystal Ball – Level 10

Focus Vision – Level 7

Fortuna – Level N/A

Good Fortune – Level 16

Palmistry – Level N/A

Séance – Level N/A

Stack Deck – Level N/A

Oracle Skills

Absorb Condition – Level N/A

Afflict Self – Level 1

Diagnose – Level N/A

Divine Pawn – Level N/A

Foresight – Level 45

Grant Vision Level 7

Influence Fate – Level 11

Lesser Healing – Level 45

Omens and Portents – Level N/A

Random Buff – Level 9

Short Vision – Level 16

Transfer Condition – Level 16

Painter Skills

Fast Dry – Level N/A

Painting – Level 5

Teacher Skills

Lecture – Level 24

Red Ink – Level 3

Smarty Pants – Level N/A

Unlocked Jobs

Farmer, Herbalist

Gear

Enrico’s Last Hand

Light Leather Armor