Jammers

Moments ago, you were sorting through dozens of resumes. But a strange heat emanates from your computer. You feel a sense of adventure. An escape from the world of mundane office work. Will you... (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"smear")[[Answer the call]]] Estimated time of journey completion: 3 minutes

"Welcome to The Underground, Shrimp," a booming voice echoes through the tunnels. Your eyes slowly adjust to the darkness. All around you, strange creatures press close against you, their bodies warm. They remind you of something out of a book... *Could it possibly be from the Dungeons and Dragons' 2024 5th edition Player's Handbook?* An unnaturally short woman standing on a box yells over the crowd. "You're all here because you've seen King Ugo's destruction across every single sector of this city. We have the information to end his tranny. To save our city! To save the world! But this information lies with an informant who has been compromised and thrown in the castle's dungeon. One of you Shrimps will bring her back. She has *vital* information. This is world-shattering news. Fail, and the city is doomed. Get her out, or at least retrieve the intel. I don't care how you do it; lie, cheat, steal, kill—whatever it takes." She steps down. "Everyone, we have a small number of supplies. Take one construct. Choose wisely!" Small machines and vials of red liquid are passed out. A nervous-looking elf hands you two machines made of gears and cogs. "I can't decide. Which one do you want?" [(text-colour:#ffe066)[[A pair of googles which change shape the longer you look at them]]] [(text-colour:#e67700)[[A beautiful stopwatch that spins wildly stuck between 10 and 20]]]

You carefully take the goggles. Something about them is so beautiful, but the moment you notice its beauty, it changes. You stare at the ever-changing googles, mesmerized. The man pockets the other constructs and hands you two small vials containing swirling red liquid. Seeing your puzzled expression, he asks, "Have you never seen a construct?" (text-colour:#ffe066)[["Yeah, of course..."]] (text-colour:#f59f00)[["A construct...? What is that?"]]

"Okay, Pal, whatever you say," he grumbles, skepticism evident in the furrow of his brow. The motley crew of rebels, each armed with intricate constructs and vials, began to shift restlessly. Following the group through winding tunnels, you emerge from a disguised tavern entrance. Inclosing a long stretch of urban development loomed 40-foot walls, with a colossal gate equally as menacing, pointing you towards the direction of the castle. Five King's Guard soldiers stand watch before the gate, standing in front of the large chain mechanism that opened the towering gate. You must get through them. You need that information. People are counting on you. *I'm counting on you.* How will you get through the gates? Remember, whatever it takes. (text-colour:#ffe066)[[Lie]], (text-colour:#fcc419)[[Cheat]], (text-colour:#f59f00)[[Steal]], or (text-colour:#c92a2a)[[Kill]]

"Ah, you must be one of the new recruits from way out in Skikkur. First of all, welcome to the Ika. I'm sure you heard about our fancy little revolution a few years back. You might have heard that the Mages that ran this city were nice. *Well...* they weren't. And in the Ikan way, now they're dead. After the revolution, the new king put bracelets on anyone who does magic to prevent anyone from abusing their powers. But this city is not without magic; these machines, called constructs, use elixirs to cast cantrips. In an emergency, pop a vial. Each construct does a different spell, so choose wisely." The crowded group of rebels surged through the tunnels and back into the heart of the city. You followed a few people to the inner gates of the capitol, which is guarded by five hulking King's Gaurd. How do you plan to get past them? *Remember, do whatever it takes.* Even if you have to... (text-colour:#ffe066)[[Lie]] , (text-colour:#fcc419)[[Cheat]], (text-colour:#f59f00)[[Steal]], or (text-colour:#c92a2a)[[Kill]]

You carefully pick up a stopwatch that appears to have infinite depth, with spinning cogs creating an unending vortex. You can hear the loud ticking and spinning of the cogs within the mechanism. The man pockets the other construct and hands you two small vials containing swirling red liquid. Seeing your puzzled expression, he asks, "Have you never seen a device like this before?" (text-colour:#ffe066)[["Yeah... of course."]] (text-colour:#f59f00)[["Is this not a fancy watch?"]]

You stride up to the guards as confidently as possible for a hiring manager who is just being conscious in an RPG game. You claim you know the King, and he is expecting your presence. The closest guard narrows his eyes and looks you up and down. "The King...? Do you not know the King's name?" *You know, for a hiring manager, you'd think you'd have remembered his name.* You studder over a few words... a few excuses... *The secret information to save literally the whole universe is wayyyy too important for you to not even make it into the gate.* Suddenly, as if by divine intervention, the name *(text-style:"blur")[Ugo Ortakas]* floats into your mind. (text-colour:#ffa94d)[["It's *Ugo Ortakas*... obviously]]

You approach the castle gates, where the grumpy guards stand, looking like they've been stuck on duty for far too long. One raises an eyebrow at you, blocking your path with a spear, his voice a low growl. "No visitors." You flash an awkward grin and pull out a large pouch of coins. *Boy, I wonder what kind and generous soul gave you that. Make sure to put that on my resume.* The other guard perks up, suddenly interested. "Well, well, well… looks like someone donated to the 'We Don't Get Paid Enough' fund." He grabs the pouch, giving it a jingle. With a wink, they shuffle aside, opening the gate just enough for you to squeeze through. "Enjoy your stay at Castle Ugo," one calls after you, "but don't tell anyone about this—strictly off the books!" *Good thing there is (text-style:"underline")[definitely] no written record of every decision you make here.* Only one path from here; you need to save the world. All that stands in your way is that the informant can't shout loud enough for you to hear them on this side of the wall. Honestly, their voice wouldn't even leave the dungeon walls, but that's neither here nor there. Definitely not here. (text-colour:#ffa94d)[[Only way is forward is through]]

You eye the castle gates, guarded by five burly soldiers in matching gleaming armor and oversized offical-looking bronze emblems. There's no talking your way through this one—time to get creative. As you scan the area, your eyes land on a King’s Guard slumped against a wall in the alley, dozing off with his helmet tipped over his eyes. You glance around, making sure no one's watching, then quietly sneak over. With careful hands, you snatch his King's Guard badge and snag a few loose pieces of armor of a nearby smithing store —enough to make you look *somewhat* official. It doesn’t fit quite right, and the breastplate’s on backwards, but who’s really paying attention? With a deep breath, you march confidently toward the gates. The guards exchange a look, then shrug. “Must be one of the new guys,” one mutters. “ The five guards barely pay you any mind as the word together hositing up heavy chains. The gate doors swing open. (text-colour:#ffa94d)[[Only way is forward is through]]

*Really?* You draw a sword that you did not know you had. *I didn't know you had that either.* *You know Dungeon and Dragons is about more than just fighting people -- oh there you go anyways.* In a masterfel feat of strength and aglitiy, you cut down three guards in a single swipe of your blade. *Oh really, we're showing off now? You know those guards have wives? You should really meet Susan shes quite nice.* The two remaining guards, terrified for their lives, began to pull on the large chains that connect to gate. They grunt and heave as they try to open the 60 foot gate. *You know this would have been easier if you only killed one of the gaurds* The gate slowly creaks open, the gaurds hold it open but their grip is quickly slipping. (text-colour:#ffa94d)[[Only way is forward is through]]

"Right... well, that definitely seems like enough information to prove you are telling the truth about knowing the King. Head right on in!" He motions to the two guards on both sides, who sigh and begin pulling on chains. They grunt as the giant gate slowly begins to open. *That looks hard to do. Aren't you glad didn't wake up as one of them?* When the gate is finally wide open enough to slip through, the guards wave you to go through. They seem desperate to let the gate close as they hold the chains with all their might. (text-colour:#ffa94d)[[Only way is forward is through]]

As you slip through the castle gates, the weight of your task presses down with every step. The castle halls are eerily quiet, save for the distant echoes of your footsteps. *You're looking for the dungeon. She'll be in there.* Your eyes catch a weathered sign nailed to the stone wall: "DUNGEON THIS WAY." *Oh, how convenient for you.* Following the twisting, dimly lit tunnels, you arrive at a heavy, iron-bound door. Etched above it: "DUNGEON." Just as your hand reaches for the door, a guard rounds the corner, eyes locking onto yours—his blade gleams in the torchlight, unsheathed in an instant. "You there!" he shouts, sword raised, ready to strike—or worse. *As someone who knows the ending of this encounter, this would be a great time to hit your "oh shit" button. You know, the machinery and fancy little red vials you picked up?"* You fumbled your pockets open and fooled around, trying to find the vials. With a clicking sound, the vial snaps into place and begins draining, and the cogs in your construct spin faster. The hand on the stopwatch starts to spin backward. *Oh, come on now. You're going to need more than that! What are you even going to use the vials for after this? Office decoration?* (text-colour:#ffe066)[[Stick to one vial]] (text-colour:#f59f00)[[Overload your construct]]

You keep the other two vials tucked away in your pocket. Your Friends cantrip spell does not work as well as you hoped. *Friends- Enchantment cantrip: For the duration, you have advantage on all Charisma checks directed at one creature of your choice that isn't hostile toward you.* *I hate to be the bear of bad news but this gaurd IS hostile towards you.* The gaurd doesn't even notice your futial attempt at using your cantrip to perwaid him to let you go. *Come on I didn't finish this path for a reason. Let me have my fun.* (text-colour:#ffa94d)[[Overload your construct]]

*Now we're talking.* Before the guard has a moment to charge at you, your fingers find the remaining two vials. You hastily shove the two extra vials into the machinery. *Hey, be careful. Overpowered-kitted constructs are expensive! We're trying to keep our Q4 budget low.* Something in the guard's expression changes, and he lowers his sword. "Sorry, friend, I confused you with someone else," he says hesitantly as if he doesn't believe himself. Regardless, he turns back down the hallway and continues on his way. It's now or never. You need to get the information this spy has. The fate of *...well, everything...* depends on this. (text-style:"double-underline")[*Act quicky.*] (text-colour:#ffa94d)[[Enter ''The Dungeon'']]

"Ah, you must be one of the new recruits from way out in Skikkur. First of all, welcome to the Ika. I'm sure you heard about our fancy little revolution a few years back. You might have heard that the Mages that ran this city were nice. *Well...* they weren't. And in the Ikan way, now they're dead. After the revolution, the new king put bracelets on anyone who does magic to prevent anyone from abusing their powers. But this city is not without magic; these machines, called constructs, use elixirs to cast cantrips. In an emergency, pop a vial. Each construct does a different spell, so choose wisely." The crowded group of rebels surged through the tunnels and back into the heart of the city. You followed a few people to the inner gates of the capitol, which is guarded by five hulking King's Gaurd. How do you plan to get past them? *Remember, do whatever it takes.* Even if you have to... [(text-colour:#ffe066)[[ Lie ]] ], (text-colour:#fcc419)[[ Cheat ]], (text-colour:#f59f00)[[ Steal ]], or (text-colour:#c92a2a)[[ Kill ]]

"Okay, Pal, whatever you say," he grumbles, skepticism evident in the furrow of his brow. The motley crew of rebels, each armed with intricate constructs and vials, began to shift restlessly. Following the group through winding tunnels, you emerge from a disguised tavern entrance. Inclosing a long stretch of urban development loomed 40-foot walls, with a colossal gate equally as menacing, pointing you towards the direction of the castle. Five King's Guard soldiers stand watch before the gate, standing in front of the large chain mechanism that opened the towering gate. You must get through them. You need that information. People are counting on you. *I'm counting on you.* How will you get through the gates? Remember, whatever it takes. Remember anythings on the table, you can... [(text-colour:#ffe066)[[ Lie ]] ], (text-colour:#fcc419)[[ Cheat ]], (text-colour:#f59f00)[[ Steal ]], or (text-colour:#c92a2a)[[ Kill ]]

As you slip through the castle gates, the weight of your task presses down with every step. The castle halls are eerily quiet, save for the distant echoes of your footsteps. *You're looking for the dungeon. She'll be in there.* Your eyes catch a weathered sign nailed to the stone wall: "DUNGEON THIS WAY." *Oh, how convenient for you.* Following the twisting, dimly lit tunnels, you arrive at a heavy, iron-bound door. Etched above it: "DUNGEON." Just as your hand reaches for the door, a guard rounds the corner, eyes locking onto yours—his blade gleams in the torchlight, unsheathed in an instant. "You there!" he shouts, sword raised, ready to strike—or worse. *As someone who knows the ending of this encounter, this would be a great time to hit your "oh shit" button. You know, the machinery and fancy little red vials you picked up?"* You fumbled your pockets open and fooled around, trying to find the vials. With a clicking sound, the vial snaps into place and begins draining, and the cogs in your construct spin faster. The hand on the stopwatch starts to spin backward. *Oh, come on now. You're going to need more than that! What are you even going to use the vials for after this? Office decoration?* (text-colour:#ffe066)[ [[ Stick to one vial ]] ] (text-colour:#f59f00)[[ Overload your construct ]]

It's cold and dark. You can barely see the path in front of you as you move as quickly as your feet will take you. It seems this dungeon is just one long hall. *Is there only a prisoner in here?* It must be because of how'' (text-style:"smear")[//important//] ''and ''(text-style:"outline")[(text-style:"double-underline")[world changing]]'' the information the King's spy must have. At the end of a *very, very* long hallway, you see a dim light. As you approach the light, you see a dead end and a shadowy outline of a thin female figure. "You must be here to ensure that the information ''(text-style:"double-underline")[necessary]'' to ''(text-style:"smear")[save the world]'', gets back to the right people." *You've finally made it.* *You're actually going to learn to key to the most ''paramount'' of tasks. *Everything you've done has led up to this.* *Surely, you will get a City's Blessing to recognize these '(text-style:"underline")['critical'', ''fundamental'','' essential']' tips to save the world.* We'll now is your chance. (text-colour:#ffa94d)[[Ask her what the information is]]

She speaks with shaking breaths, "The secret to saving the world..." *Yes, that's it. Come on...* "and preventing the spread of all that is evil..." *I'm on the edge of my seat, lady. Hurry up.* "and everything comes down to this one action. You must..." (text-colour:#ffa94d)[["I must what?"]]

"Interview Bethany Fell."

You keep the other two vials tucked safely in your pocket. As you activate the stopwatch, time begins to shudder and ripple. The air thickens, and the world around you blurs into a kaleidoscope of colors. The guard, caught mid-stride, abruptly jerks backward, his movements distorted as if he’s being pulled by an unseen force. Each tick of the stopwatch pulls reality ten notches back, the hallway reassembling itself in reverse. Shadows stretch and swirl, echoes of footsteps fading into silence as he vanishes around the corner. Time lurges to present. Reality starts to right itself. You are standing where you were 10 seconds ago. The guard is also standing where he was 10 seconds ago. Sadly, that is only a few steps away from you. You better move quickly! You lunge for the door, but just as you grasp the handle, the guard lunges at you from behind, a bewildered look on his face. *Looks like you didn’t rewind enough.* *Who would’ve guessed? It’s not like I told you to use all three vials or anything!* (text-colour:#ffa94d) [[ Overload your construct ]]