As I sit here at my desk, my mind is going in as many different directions as there are stars in the sky, and my heart is striking as fast as a thrush’s breast. Just now, I was a witness to something that was absolutely remarkable, something that has transformed my life in an irrevocable way.
Earlier on today, as I was making my way through the woods, I came upon it, or rather, it came to me – a bright ray of light that was traveling across the night sky. It sounds so mundane when I write this. But it was so much more. I am not good with pageantry.
Initially, I believed it to be a falling star; however, as I continued to watch it, I realized that it was actually something much more baffling. The beam gave the impression of continuing on indefinitely, and its intensity was such that it seemed to cast a second sun's light across the sky.
I didn't move an inch as I stood there, transfixed on the spot, watching the beam sweep across the sky. I had emotions that included amazement and dread, wonder and uncertainty all at the same time. I was aware that this was a sign for me to read.
And so I made my decision. I have been waiting to choose my class for a time now, as I am rather indecisive, honestly. But I have now chosen to become a priestess and offer my services to the deities. I am aware that this will be a demanding and arduous route, but I am prepared to take it on. I am prepared to accept my lot in life and am willing to do what it takes.
If the gods will make such an effort to force my hand to movement, then I would be tone-deaf not to listen.
~ Journal entry of a woman who has committed herself to becoming a priestess
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[Red Drake]
As I make my way through these seemingly never-ending halls of metal, I can't help but experience a sense of utter hopelessness and frustration. I am only a young thing, but I have always been a hunter at heart, ever since my first day of life… yesterday. Nonetheless, I am always looking for something to eat. This is my instinct as a dominant predator of the region. I can feel the red, gnawing hunger glowing inside of my scaled breast. However, there is nothing worth hunting in this dreary and isolated place.
I know no other world, but I feel as if this is not where I am meant to be. Yet, I am here.
I feel as if my thoughts are fairly lucid, yet I know not if this is to be expected, or if this too is unusual.
For what seems like an eternity, I have been looking for food, and in that time I have explored many rooms and many corridors. But regardless of which direction I travel, I always discover nothing but deserted corridors and broken down creations of dark gods, whose works I cannot hope to comprehend.
My tummy is rumbling and my wings are drooping with exhaustion because I am weak and exhausted. Since I am confined within this never-ending labyrinth of metal, all I can think about is how much I miss the clear blue sky and the warmth of the sun, despite having never seen such a thing.
Tiring.
I am beginning to believe that I will never be able to obtain food or get out of this area, and as a result, my hope is dwindling. Then, however, I am aware of a sound, a muffled rustle that reverberates throughout the corridors. My attention is drawn to the sound, and the muscles in my ears began to quiver as I tried to locate its origin.
I turn toward the sound, my pulse quickening with anticipation as I do so. Could it be anything to eat? Could this be the answer to my prayers? I'm not sure, but it's important that I find out.
As I turn the corner, I see a small fuzzy creature cowering in the corner. It has a weak and malnourished appearance, and it gives off the impression that it is afraid all the time. But it's food, and I'm hungry to death right now.
I spring into action, eager to seize the prize that is mine. But as I close in for the kill it manages to get away from me in the split second before we make contact. As the prey runs away, the metal of the helmet smacks the back of my skull.
Fire burns in rage in my belly.
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[Gottlieb]
"The hell was that?" asks Gottlieb, looking around the room as a loud, echoing ring runs down a pipe. The man turns his head to look at the others, who just look at each other and then shrug, before returning to their work.
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[Rat]
Fear grips my thoughts and body as I make my way down these seemingly endless pipes. My heart is beating quickly. Because I am a shrewd rat, I am familiar with the strategies necessary to live in this cruel and unforgiving environment. I do not know what it is, but it is deeply similar with the sewers that many of my ilk, who I have never met, live inside of in great numbers. Yet I am alone. Rats are not meant to be alone. Terrifying things hide in the darkness, which is why we rats like to hide in the small crevices beyond the darkness. They can’t get us there.
Stolen story; please report.
I had just narrowly evaded a dangerous hunter, an animal with teeth as pointed as knives and eyes that seem to look straight through me. Its scales were red like fire. I have no idea what it was, but I do know that it was after me and that it had every intention of putting an end to my life and consuming my meat.
I race as quickly as I can, zigzagging and weaving among the pipes in an effort to stay one step ahead of the beast after me. I turned my head and heard the sound of its claws clicking on the metal, and I felt the heat of its breath on the back of my tail.
I escape.
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[Gottlieb]
The man lifts his gaze, listening to a scratching coming from the space above their heads.
"No, really, what’s going on today?" asks Gottlieb, lifting an eyebrow. "Kai."
[Response]
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- It would seem we have a monster infestation.
There are rats in the pipes and dragons in the washroom.
Gottlieb looks back down. "Dragons in the what-now?"
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[Rat]
I've been running for what seems like forever when all of a sudden, I catch a glimpse of a sliver of light up ahead. I am hesitant since I am not sure whether this is a trick or a trap. Rats must always be aware and careful. Especially alone. I have no brothers and sisters, whose eyes and noses can be of use to me. Then, however, I am aware of the sound of water, a stream's barely audible trickle. I am so thirsty, I realize. Have I ever drank anything?
As I get closer to the light, I am very careful and all of my senses are on high alert. I can make out a small chamber with metal walls and a room filled with plants, ivy, and vines as the source of the sound. It appears to be a strange utopia, a lush oasis of vegetation in the midst of this barren and lifeless prison of metal, but as soon as I come inside, I get a bad feeling.
Although I can't quite put my paw on it, I have the distinct impression that I am in jeopardy. My ratty senses are at a peak. However, I make an effort to block off the feeling and concentrate on the plants instead as the thought of water, of crisp greenery takes the forefront of my mind. The leaves and the vines appear to be really juicy and delectable. I'm starving right now, I’m so thirsty. I find that I am unable to withstand the allure, and I give in and have a bite.
As soon as my teeth come into contact with the plant, I am hit with a searing pain and a wave of intense heat. I make an effort to retreat, but it's too late to turn back now. My body is covered in the plant's tendrils and vines, and the plant itself has wrapped itself around me, just as I had tried to wrap my mouth around it.
I struggle and flail around in an attempt to release myself, but it is to no avail. The plant's power is overwhelming, and it draws me deeper into its bowels. I have the sensation that I am being sucked in and digested by the plant.
I bare my teeth and try to scream, but nothing comes out. As I am being digested by the stationary predator, which is turning me into nourishment for its roots, I am imprisoned, helpless, and all by myself.
Squeak.
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[Dryad]
As I sit here in this cramped space made of metal, I can say with certainty that both my stomach and my heart are satisfied. I am a dryad, a magical creature who lives in harmony with the natural world, and I have just finished devouring a quite delectable rat. It was a tasty little morsel and eating it has temporarily satiated my hunger for the time being. However, I am aware that my hunger will return, and that when it does, I will require the capture of further prey. Despite this, I do not feel concerned. I am in possession of my magic, and I am well-versed in its application. I have survived here in this dark hole for a time now, devoid of sunlight, for which my leaves yearn.
Instead, I collect blood and minerals from prey, that scampers my way. Small rodents, little monsters, anything and everything that enters into my chambers can be turned into more greenery, which will help the totality of my whole flourish.
I close my eyes and focus on the climbing vines that I have cultivated to beautify my chamber. I begin to sprout flowers out from the many gaps and holes that I press through, as a signal for many more critters to come sniff and scamper my way. These are most importantly, the key strategy of my future survival. When I consider all of the delectable bugs and spiders they will lure in for me so far I can't help but smile.
I use my mind to reach out, and I can feel the vines stretching and growing as they do so, reaching out through the neighboring tunnels and shafts. They are looking for something to eat, specifically anything edible that they can capture and bring to me.
When they are on the hunt, I can feel them moving, writhing, and twisting. They function as my senses of sight and hearing. And while they look, I will relax and allow my magic to perform the heavy lifting on my behalf.
Despite the lifeless, cold confines of the prison that I reside in, it is true that I am a dryad, and this is my home. I am secure and well-protected, and I possess everything that I could ever require. The only thing I need to do is wait, and my vines will take care of the rest. And as I go off to sleep, I am confident that, as a result of my magic and my vines, I will wake up to a breakfast that is both fresh and delicious. I have nothing to complain about, therefore that is the most important thing.
Life is good.
– Something feels warm off to the side.
Very warm.
How strange.
It is moving very fast.
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[Gottlieb]
The man doesn’t bother looking at his monitor anymore. Instead, he’s turned his chair around at the gunner’s bay console and simply stares up and around the room.
"Pretty!" says Blauhausen.
Gottlieb stares, looking at the colorful flowers growing out of the ceiling. He was going to get a security team of some kind set up with Kai anyway, it seemed like a necessity. But maybe they’ll need to do that sooner rather than later, if they’re going to secure the integrity of the station.
Gottlieb looks back at the monitor and the image of the world for a moment, wondering what takes priority.
— A burst of fire shoots out of the vents.
All of the flowers die, as whatever caused them to grow to begin with was apparently erased in a fireball of some kind.
The man sighs, getting up. "Okay. Fine. Grun, take the gun," orders the man. The goblin gets up, snatching the rifle. "We’re going hunting."