Characters present: Punk, Finch, Wizard, Joco
Date: 11/18/23
Season: 3

[A few of the members of Corroded gather in the Warehouse. Finch called a meeting of the faction, and the few individuals who could make it now stand around drinking tea and coffee and waiting for the meeting to start. Joco picks at the stale cake on the table. Finch steps up, and waves their hands in the air to get everyone’s attention.]

[18:22:29] <✦[rp] Finch> Glad you all could make it! Well... uh. all two of you. er. oh well! I have something very very important to discuss!

[Joco points to where Punk has been seated on a small stool.]

[18:22:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Punk's here!

[18:22:54] <✦[rp] Punk> hiii

[18:22:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yeah, I was a bit surprised, what's this all about Finch?

[18:22:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And yeah, Punk good to see you again.

[Punk snaps his fingers in a finger gun at the Wizard.]

[18:23:04] <✦[rp] Punk> good to see u too bossman

[He grimaces.]

[18:23:11] <✦[rp] Punk> wish it were under sexier circumstance

[Finch claps their hands together again. They stand pointedly several feet away from Punk.]

[18:23:09] <✦[rp] Finch> uh! okay first announcement. he's gonna be staying here a little while.

[18:23:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah?

[18:23:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Wow, alright!

[18:23:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Finally moved in with Dan?

[18:23:43] <✦[rp] Punk> yessir ..

[18:23:21] <✦[rp] Finch> second off! something is! uh.

[Finch looks around, suddenly nervous.]

[18:23:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Finch is everything okay?

[18:23:44] <✦[rp] Finch> not. quite. i uh.

[18:24:05] <✦[rp] Finch> prince. prince happened. so i really don't recommend any of you like. touch him or something.

[18:24:21] <✦[rp] Punk> thanks finch

[18:24:30] <✦[rp] Finch> no problem, man. just stay over there

[18:24:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What do you mean...Prince happened?

[18:24:15] <✦[rp] Finch> you might get like. some kind of disease. I don't know.

[18:24:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Disease?!

[18:24:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Like Doc?

[18:24:33] <✦[rp] Finch> ... yeah

[18:24:34] <✦[rp] Punk> uh . sculk yeah

[18:24:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ....Oh no

[18:24:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Punk....

[Joco edges closer to Punk.]

[18:24:38] <✦[rp] Joco> Why are you Blue

[Finch flicks their tail, suddenly even more on edge.]

[18:24:57] <✦[rp] Finch> back away from the guy. i think is a smart. Decision

[18:25:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Kiddo, I've hugged infected Doc, I'm sure it'll be fine

[Joco pulls a potato out of their bag, and holds it out to Punk.]

[18:24:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Do you. Want a potato, bud?

[18:25:03] <✦[rp] Punk> id love a potato man

[Punk takes it, and holds it in his hands.]

[18:25:12] <✦[rp] Punk> thank u

[18:25:29] <✦[rp] Finch> also he's staying here because i think dan would be mad if i just. shoved him out into a random forest

[18:25:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Please don't shove the poor infected soul into the woods

[18:25:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Where is Dan today, by the way?

[18:25:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm surprised he's not here

[18:25:51] <✦[rp] Finch> HOPEFULLY fixing his floors, like a responsible person

[18:25:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, I see

[18:26:19] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah, Finch, have you noticed my fixing that one shop in VD, the one with sculk walls?

[18:26:25] <✦[rp] Finch> yes ive noticed

[18:26:26] <✦[rp] Finch> thank you

[Deadpan: ]

[18:26:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Public safety is my passion

[The Wizard nods, he turns to Punk, pressing his mouth into a thin line.]

[18:25:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I do have to say, I was a bit surprised to see you here Punk

[18:25:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What happened in the Malfaction?

[18:26:08] <✦[rp] Punk> eeh uh i mentioned that iwanted to leave malfaction and he uh. put me in his sculky ass basement for a week

[18:26:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry?!

[18:26:07] <✦[rp] Finch> so. uh.

[18:26:15] <✦[rp] Finch> we should. probably do. something about this. right?

[18:26:18] <✦[rp] Finch> something?

[18:26:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Wait, back up Punk, he did what now

[Half sarcastic.]

[18:26:49] <✦[rp] Punk> hes a crazy guy you know ..

[18:26:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Punk. I'm assuming it wasnt a good basement

[18:27:03] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah we should . probably do something about this. something. you know

[Finch clears their throat expectantly, looking between Joco and the Wizard. They widen their eyes.]

[18:27:09] <✦[rp] Finch> something.

[The Wizard looks confused, but then opens his mouth and then closes it. The Void Project.]

[18:27:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, right

[18:27:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How's that comin by the way?

[18:27:42] <✦[rp] Finch> last i checked. uh. not much. unless its suddenly done something from last i looked at it

[18:27:45] <✦[rp] Finch> joco?

[18:27:47] <✦[rp] Joco> It's. Not really, someone needs to do the other spots and I'm not keen to do it.

[18:27:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mm, I see

[18:27:55] <✦[rp] Joco> So it's at a bit of a standstill

[18:27:57] <✦[rp] Finch> .. i thought cinder was gonna do it.

[Punk watches them talk in half truths with confusion.]

[18:27:57] <✦[rp] Punk> whats this about?

[18:28:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, nothing big

[18:28:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Just a small side project

[A little too eager to hide the topic: ]

[18:28:11] <✦[rp] Finch> don't worry about it

[18:28:21] <✦[rp] Finch> i don't. think we should talk specifics around you

[18:28:26] <✦[rp] Finch> because

[18:28:28] <✦[rp] Finch> yknow

[They gesture to all of Punk.]

[18:28:32] <✦[rp] Finch> that.

[18:28:38] <✦[rp] Joco> We love side projects. This goddamn town is a dozen side projects <3

[18:28:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Trying to fix the sculk problem...one way or another

[18:28:39] <✦[rp] Punk> alright fuck you then

[Joco shakes their head.]

[18:28:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Nothin' against you, buckaroo.

[18:29:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Punk, think of it this way, it's better if the fewer people know about it the better

[18:29:01] <✦[rp] Joco> So! Uh.

[18:29:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Punk were your eyes always sculk colored?

[With thinly veiled anger.]

[18:29:24] <✦[rp] Punk> they were brown when i went in

[18:29:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah.

[18:29:46] <✦[rp] Finch> i always thought they were green, but yeah thats concerning

[The Wizard speaks slowly, tentative.]

[18:30:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He didn't...starve you...did he?

[18:30:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry for asking

[18:30:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But

[18:30:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's...something I heard

[Punk laughs nervously.]

[18:30:35] <✦[rp] Punk> does he seem like the type of guy to feed his prisoners

[18:30:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No, no he does not

[18:30:31] <✦[rp] Joco> I mean, weaker body is more easily infected. It'd make sense

[18:30:51] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah! thats. really messed up

[18:30:53] <✦[rp] Finch> speaking of

[Trying to get everyone back on topic: ]

[18:30:58] <✦[rp] Finch> doing something about prince. any suggestions

[The Wizard draws in a long breath before speaking.]

[18:31:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I saw him last week

[18:31:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We chatted

[18:31:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh?

[18:31:13] <✦[rp] Finch> we have. that.. but! but i wanted to hear if anyone had any more. solutions

[The Wizard holds up a hand.]

[18:31:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm getting there…

[18:31:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He said something, something that's only coming together now

[18:31:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He told me lied to me about everything he said when we talked, but I don't think he did…

[18:31:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah?

[18:31:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The reason he's been lashing out?

[He pauses, making eye contact with each person in the room.]

[18:31:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Lack of orders

[18:31:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ceph's been gone

[18:31:57] <✦[rp] Joco> .... huh?

[18:32:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He's got no one to order him around but himself, it's making him crazy

[18:32:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's why he did all of this

[18:32:07] <✦[rp] Punk> oh wha

[18:32:08] <✦[rp] Finch> so... we get ceph back he stops being like. that?

[18:32:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ....I think so

[18:32:19] <✦[rp] Finch> …

[18:32:27] <✦[rp] Finch> i don't think he'd do that personally.

[18:32:33] <✦[rp] Finch> he'd just get ceph in on his big sculking plan

[18:32:35] <✦[rp] Finch> and itd get worse

[Punk snorts.]

[18:32:47] <✦[rp] Punk> ceph wouldnt do what hes doing

[The Wizard shakes his head.]

[18:32:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No, trust me

[18:32:54] <✦[rp] Finch> and you trust him? you trust that he wouldnt do that?

[18:32:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> If Ceph gives him orders, praises him, the whole nine yards-

[The Wizard snaps.]

[18:33:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He'll turn over like that

[The Wizard turns to look at Punk.]

[18:32:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And Punk, I know this is a big ask-

[18:32:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Do you know where Ceph is?

[Punk raises his hands and shakes them, looking down.]

[18:32:27] <✦[rp] Punk> i wouldnt wanna make ceph deal with his shit right now man

[18:33:02] <✦[rp] Joco> I worry that Ceph, as a one-lifer, might not be the best to send in to a guy who likes to infect folks with a parasite

[18:33:30] <✦[rp] The Wizard> As far as I know it's the only option we've got

[Finch furrows their brow.]

[18:33:17] <✦[rp] Finch> i still dont trust that.

[18:33:23] <✦[rp] Finch> i'd rather........

[Finch looks over at Punk.]

[18:33:36] <✦[rp] Finch> a quicker solution . that might just. solve this. better?

[18:33:46] <✦[rp] Joco> What quicker solution, kid?

[18:34:01] <✦[rp] Finch> you can say it, i'm not.

[Joco taps their finger on the table.]

[18:34:06] <✦[rp] Joco> We can't permakill him, that'd require destroying all the sculk ever.

[18:34:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's true

[18:34:26] <✦[rp] Finch> mmmmm...

[18:34:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It'd be impossible to do, and we're already trying that

[18:34:28] <✦[rp] Finch> fine.

[18:34:42] <✦[rp] Joco> We cannot kill him in any ways that matter, he is one with a damn fungus.

[18:34:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco's right

[18:33:32] <✦[rp] Punk> cant we just like .. i dunno get him a new master or some shit??

[The Wizard considers this, but shakes his head.]

[18:33:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He's latched onto Ceph

[18:33:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He told me himself

[18:34:38] <✦[rp] Finch> so how do you expect to get ceph back

[18:34:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't know

[18:34:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'd only thought this far

[18:34:59] <✦[rp] Finch> plus it'd mean we'd have to deal with ceph again

[18:35:01] <✦[rp] Finch> and nobody wants that

[18:34:59] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm gonna assume Ceph's just like somewhere in the woods having a one-man honeymoon

[18:34:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Punk, you know Ceph

[18:35:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Do you think you could convince them?

[18:35:17] <✦[rp] Finch> its less about convincing

[18:35:19] <✦[rp] Finch> more about finding

[18:35:26] <✦[rp] Finch> as long as we find ceph we can just. drag them back

[18:35:34] <✦[rp] Finch> forcefully if we have to

[18:35:46] <✦[rp] Joco> I don't think dragging them back is a good plan

[18:35:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They'll run farther away

[18:35:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't think it's good idea to send anyone Ceph doesn't like

[18:36:06] <✦[rp] Finch> what about it wouldnt. it'd give prince ceph and that means he'd leave us alone.. if he's telling the truth.

[18:36:20] <✦[rp] Joco> We can't make Ceph do anything they don't want to.

[18:36:27] <✦[rp] Finch> yes we can if we really try

[18:36:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You're both right in a way

[18:35:38] <✦[rp] Punk> theyll come back if they want to

[18:36:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Who does Ceph like besides Punk.

[18:36:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dan, I suppose

[18:36:48] <✦[rp] Finch> don't know

[18:36:55] <✦[rp] Finch> why would anyone care about ceph?

[18:37:01] <✦[rp] Punk> hey man fuck you

[Finch sticks their tongue out at Punk.]

[18:36:58] <✦[rp] Joco> ... hm.

[18:37:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Hey, Punk? How's the rest of your faction?

[18:37:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Besides Prince, of course.

[18:37:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, right, how has the Malfaction been?

[18:37:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Haven't seen anyone but you and Prince since the wedding

[18:37:23] <✦[rp] Joco> We've been a bit worried.

[18:37:21] <✦[rp] Finch> probably dead, id assume

[18:37:34] <✦[rp] Joco> "We" means everyone who isn't Finch

[18:37:42] <✦[rp] Punk> umm .. pyrites with prince now i think .. and the rest of them have all fucked off. god knows where

[18:37:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hmm

[18:37:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Pyrite. Huh.

[18:37:55] <✦[rp] Finch> called it.

[In near unison: ]

[18:38:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That doesn't mean they're dead, Finch

[18:38:05] <✦[rp] Punk> they arent dead shut up

[18:38:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch, fucked off does not mean dead.

[Finch extends a single claw.]

[18:38:11] <✦[rp] Finch> for now.

[18:38:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Pessimistic kit.

[18:38:27] <✦[rp] Finch> im not pessimistic, i'm just being realistic.

[18:38:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Well! If they're lying low, I hope that means they're staying safe!

[18:38:35] <✦[rp] Punk> me too

[Joco looks pointedly at Finch.]

[18:38:36] <✦[rp] Joco> You're being an ass

[18:39:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince has killed no one. No one has turned into another Prince, no one has lost themselves to the sculk. It's just Prince, entrenched in the sculk.

[18:39:29] <✦[rp] Finch> okay and if he found them - alive that is and not. whatever doc is or what punk might become or already is i guess - what are we gonna do with them.

[18:39:38] <✦[rp] Joco> Help.

[18:39:41] <✦[rp] Joco> We are going to help them.

[18:39:43] <✦[rp] Finch> how

[18:39:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Food. Shelter. Whatever we can.

[18:40:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm in agreement

[18:40:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Corroded can be a safehaven

[18:40:14] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm sick of you acting like there's nothing we can do but try and kill the thing. Help the victims while fighting the aggressor.

[18:40:30] <✦[rp] Finch> mmmmmmgrhm. fine.

[18:38:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They're probably off in the tundra somewhere

[18:38:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Punk, do you think you could even find them?

[18:38:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> If you looked?

[18:39:25] <✦[rp] Punk> uhh .. i really havent seen any sign of em at all for a long while now

[18:41:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm surprised Ceph didn't leave any clues to where they'd have gone

[18:41:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You'd think they'd tell at least someone

[18:41:25] <✦[rp] Finch> why would they?

[18:41:36] <✦[rp] Joco> Folks generally try to communicate with loved ones, Finch.

[18:41:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ceph might seem like a loner, but I think they want people to see them

[18:41:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Punk, Dan, Ollie to some extent

[18:42:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Though I still don't entirely understand Ceph and Ollie's relationship

[Finch cocks their head in confusion.]

[18:41:36] <✦[rp] Finch> you don't run away to be found

[18:41:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Many folks do run away to be found.

[18:42:01] <✦[rp] Finch> that doesnt make any sense, joco

[The Wizard shakes his head fondly.]

[18:42:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You'll understand when you're older, Finch

[Joco looks over at Punk.]

[18:42:31] <✦[rp] Joco> They made the wedding plan originally for attention, yes?

[Punk grins.]

[18:42:47] <✦[rp] Punk> heh yeah

[The Wizard chuckles.]

[18:43:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I wouldn't be surprised if they're mad no one's come looking for them yet

[18:43:15] <✦[rp] Finch> why would ceph want to get attention then... leave? doesn't make any sense

[18:43:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, Finch it makes perfect sense

[Joco looks back over at Finch.]

[18:43:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Sometimes, someone might run away because they're upset and want someone to go looking for them. They want someone to care.

[18:43:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They probably wanted someone to follow after them, eventually

[18:43:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Who that person would be remains to be seen, though

[Punk toes at the floor with a shoe.]

[18:44:03] <✦[rp] Punk> i wish they left something. anything. if theyre off in the woods somewhere thinkin i dont care about them ..

[Finch shakes their head.]

[18:44:05] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah that's still a really stupid way of getting it

[18:44:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you sure they didn't leave anything for you, Punk?

[Punk raises his brows. He opens his mouth slightly.]

[18:44:52] <✦[rp] Punk> uh .. i havent really had the chance to check my house since uh . leaving prince. i could go and check i guess

[18:45:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Or we could send someone not sick to check!

[18:45:02] <✦[rp] Finch> i dont. think thats a very good idea

[18:45:08] <✦[rp] Finch> to go back..... there.

[18:45:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hmm, yeah, that seems dangerous

[18:45:16] <✦[rp] Punk> nah man what if someone else gets infected

[18:45:32] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah and what if you die horribly

[18:45:37] <✦[rp] Finch> dad would be upset

[18:45:48] <✦[rp] Finch> i'm not going in there

[18:45:35] <✦[rp] Joco> I take lava baths. I think it'd be fine.

[18:45:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I would trust Joco to do it

[18:45:56] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah joco. you should do it.

[18:46:01] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm so good at disinfecting myself.

[18:46:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And you've got a knack for finding things

[18:46:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Punk, are you alright with me going into your home?

[18:46:35] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah man but are you sure you wanna go alone

[18:47:02] <✦[rp] Joco> I mean. I've done similar stuff before, snooping into enemy territory during a plague.

[18:47:14] <✦[rp] Joco> I was about a foot shorter then, but I'm sure it's the same type of deal.

[18:47:24] <✦[rp] Punk> oh ur badass damn

[18:47:13] <✦[rp] Finch> you've done what....?

[18:47:31] <✦[rp] Joco> I have so much experience in life, kit

[The Wizard laughs.]

[18:47:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Void, Joco, everything I learn about you...

[18:48:18] <✦[rp] Joco> There's a reason I've never written a bibliography, and it's not just because I can't recall it all in order!

[18:48:24] <✦[rp] Joco> It's because it'd take too many books.

[18:48:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Anyways! I could go check now, while we're all hanging out?

[18:48:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Go take a poke round the place?

[18:48:46] <✦[rp] Finch> you can be that quick?

[18:48:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Elytra, Finch.

[18:48:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Sounds fine to me if you think you'll be speedy

[Punk manages a small smile.]

[18:49:02] <✦[rp] Punk> thank you for doing this man

[18:49:05] <✦[rp] Finch> we'll find something to talk about

[18:49:07] <✦[rp] Finch> don't die.

[18:49:10] <✦[rp] Joco> What's your house look like, Punk?

[18:49:18] <✦[rp] Punk> big tower

[18:49:27] <✦[rp] Joco> The one with the crane? or the other one

[18:49:43] <✦[rp] Punk> its near the crane. long and narrow made of blackstone

[18:49:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Alrighty!

[Joco throws their wings over their shoulders and takes a running start. They leap up and their wings activate, taking them up into the sky.]

[18:50:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Off they go…

[18:50:12] <✦[rp] Finch> off they go!

[The Wizard turns back to Punk as they watch Joco become a speck on the horizon.]

[18:50:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Punk, how have you been feeling?

[18:50:30] <✦[rp] Punk> well ive definitely been better

[18:50:40] <✦[rp] Finch> no kidding

[18:50:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Any headaches, muscle aches?

[18:50:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sure you have but just...

[18:50:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Keeping in line with what I've seen happen to Doc

[18:51:26] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah headaches definitely .. still feel a bit weak too but that might just be from the lack of food

[18:51:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Most likely, though Doc starved himself for a good chunk of time

[18:51:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'd assume you may feel better the more you eat

[18:51:58] <✦[rp] Punk> hope so

[18:52:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think lack of food may cause the sculk to spread further into the body looking for nutrients

[18:52:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ....Prince probably starved you for that reason

[18:52:11] <✦[rp] Finch> uh

[18:52:14] <✦[rp] Finch> i have. one of these

[Finch places a piece of steak onto the table next to Punk and pushes it towards him.]

[18:52:34] <✦[rp] Finch> do not approach me

[18:52:47] <✦[rp] Punk> lol thanks finch

[The Wizard half smiles.]

[18:52:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anyway, I'm sure Dan has been keeping you well fed!

[18:52:52] <✦[rp] Finch> mhm

[18:53:05] <✦[rp] Punk> mhm hes a great host

[There’s a whoosh from outside, and Joco lands just at the entrance. They pull up their goggles, lava still dripping off of their clothes, and flames licking across their skin.]

[18:53:49] <✦[rp] Joco> hey gang

[18:53:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You're back already!

[18:53:56] <✦[rp] Punk> hello!!

[18:53:57] <✦[rp] Finch> oh! you're back

[18:54:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Did you find anything?

[Joco pulls a piece of paper out of their pocket.]

[18:54:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeup!

[18:54:16] <✦[rp] Punk> oh shitt

[18:54:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What does it say?

[18:54:28] <✦[rp] Finch> yay! maybe now we can find ceph and make prince stop. doing things.

[Joco hands the paper to Punk, who reads it quickly. They pull a metal flask of lava from their belt, and take a sip, wincing as it goes down.]

[18:56:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Void, Joco

[18:56:25] <✦[rp] Finch> that's certaintly one way to do it! glad you're being cautious

[18:56:36] <✦[rp] Finch> more than. others have. AHEM. dad. AHEM. anyways.

[18:56:41] <✦[rp] Joco> I didn't do a full bath before getting back! I've gotta disinfect my innards

[The Wizard slowly looks away from Joco, who is hiccuping from fire damage, and looks over at Punk.]

[18:56:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> So...Punk do you think you might be able to use that to find them?

[The letter from Ceph to Punk reads:

i'm sorry. i couldn't do it. you probably knew that, though, you knew when we talked in front of the church and you knew when daniel objected that i would take the chance to slink away with my fucking tail between my legs like some dog. you knew i wouldn't go through with prince's dumb political marriage. i'm sorry for proving you right, for what it's worth. i'm sorry for leaving you with him. i don't trust him, but i don't trust anyone right now. It’s just…prince is planning something, and i don’t wanna be anywhere near him right now. stay on your guard. don't let him get you alone. i'm not coming back, by the way. sooo, this is goodbye for now, i guess..??? you can go through what little personal items i left at the village. use them, burn them, throw them into the void, i don't care. i don't remember if i left anything that would reflect badly on me at the village, but at this point, i don't really care. people will hate me, with or without evidence. i just hope you aren't one of them. anyway. enough of that sappy off topic shit. if you need anything desperately, i'm set up in a village around XXXX XXXX. don't let prince find out. i never want to see that freaky ass cat ever again.

yours, ceph

btw im kinda dying lmao

Letter ends.]

[Punk wipes under an eye as he folds the note and shoves it in his pocket, not wanting anyone to see him getting teary eyed.]

[18:56:32] <✦[rp] Punk> its uh…they say theyre doing fine . and that theyre uh .quite far away

[18:57:11] <✦[rp] Finch> wow very helpful. not even anywhere in specific

[18:57:04] <✦[rp] Joco> Far away, like gave directions, or said "im walking and not stopping" type of far away

[18:57:14] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah ill try . i can do it . if theyre still kicking i will find them

[18:57:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You're a saint, Punk

[18:57:43] <✦[rp] Finch> hey! and if you do it might get prince to. maybe stop. if he's being honest. you know.

[18:57:48] <✦[rp] Finch> and that'd be great for everyone

[Punk pats the note in his pocket, half lying.]

[18:57:57] <✦[rp] Punk> theres enough directions for me im an expert navigator

[The Wizard makes eye contact with Punk.]

[18:57:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> For this to work correctly, they have to find Prince and tell him they're proud of him

[18:57:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ...Which might be hard for them to do

[18:58:00] <✦[rp] Finch> i wouldn't imagine ANYONE would wanna tell prince theyre proud of them

[The Wizard is quiet.]

[18:58:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> .....

[18:58:10] <✦[rp] Joco> ....

[18:58:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Sure, sure

[Joco snorts.]

[18:58:26] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm gonna tell him I'm proud of him next time I see him. For spite purposes.

[18:58:36] <✦[rp] Joco> Watch me.

[18:58:39] <✦[rp] Finch> you might encourage him, joco!

[The Wizard waves his hand.]

[18:58:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anyway, Punk if you need anything, all of Corroded is behind you

[18:58:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We're here for you if you need it

[18:58:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Punk you're one of our squad now, we own so many melons.

[Entirely putting on a nice facade: ]

[18:58:52] <✦[rp] Punk> ohhhh thanks i like you guys youre cool

[18:58:57] <✦[rp] Punk> melons ....

[18:59:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Not boobs, sadly. We have.

[18:59:21] <✦[rp] Punk> damn ...

[18:59:22] <✦[rp] Joco> Wow we have .

[18:59:31] <✦[rp] Joco> Do we have any boobs here??

[Joco begins having an existential crisis as they begin counting boobs.]

[18:59:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> As far as I know, no

[He tries to put them back on track.]

[18:59:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But anyway

[18:59:55] <✦[rp] Punk> i can make boobs with enough wool . ill put on a killer drag act someday

[The Wizard snaps his fingers, reminded suddenly of when he was in college.]

[19:00:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh HELL yes, I for one would love to see that

[19:00:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We really need more entertainment here!

[Joco narrows their eyes, trying to remember every time they’ve seen Ceph.]

[19:00:19] <✦[rp] Joco> Does Ceph have boobs???????

[Punk grins.]

[19:00:25] <✦[rp] Punk> they can have if they want em

[19:00:30] <✦[rp] Joco> 'Cause otherwise, all of the boobs are in Wisteria

[19:00:57] <✦[rp] Joco> And by all. I can think of maybe one person. And I don't think we've ever talked.

[19:01:08] <✦[rp] Finch> anyways speaking of ceph

[19:01:22] <✦[rp] Finch> how are we uh. expecting to get them to tell prince the words you want them to, wizard

[19:01:24] <✦[rp] Finch> what's the plan there

[19:01:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't think there's any exact words Ceph has to say

[19:01:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince just wants orders and praise

[19:01:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He just wants his master to be proud of him

[19:01:54] <✦[rp] Finch> hey i have a good idea!

[19:02:05] <✦[rp] Finch> get them to order prince to go fuck off to the middle of the woods somewhere and not come back

[19:02:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I doubt that will work, Prince has to serve them directly, I think

[19:02:25] <✦[rp] Finch> .. darn

[19:02:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But, I think they can be free to send him on wild goose chases

[19:02:45] <✦[rp] Finch> maybe prince could have to . you know .fix everything himself. that's his job now

[19:02:20] <✦[rp] Finch> you know it can be enriching

[19:01:59] <✦[rp] Joco> What if Prince mans the Mickey D's

[19:02:08] <✦[rp] Finch> thats a good idea

[19:02:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Get him a minimum wage job

[19:02:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Ain't Ceph the manager??

[19:03:05] <✦[rp] Finch> i think?

[19:03:36] <✦[rp] Joco> That's serving them directly

[19:04:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm not sure that would work...but let's just shelve it for now

[19:04:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Focus on even making it work in the first place

[Finch sticks their tongue out.]

[19:04:49] <✦[rp] Finch> i don't want my food made and served by prince

[19:04:53] <✦[rp] Finch> might get diseases!

[19:04:56] <✦[rp] Finch> that'd be bad!

[19:05:00] <✦[rp] Finch> that'd be really bad!

[19:05:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Getting Ceph back first, figuring out what to do with Prince second!

[19:05:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch just. Don't go there.

[19:05:12] <✦[rp] Joco> You have food at home.

[19:05:15] <✦[rp] Finch> mmhrgh. okay

[19:05:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Seems good to me, Punk, do you think you've got this?

[Punk shrugs, but nods.]

[19:05:58] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah sure

[19:06:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well then, it's settled

[19:06:14] <✦[rp] Finch> so we got our plan? get back ceph and get prince to shut up finally?

[19:06:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think so!

[19:06:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Then maybe we can finally focus on finding that egg

[19:06:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And of course, our other projects

[19:06:31] <✦[rp] Finch> oh right that. egg.

[19:06:34] <✦[rp] Punk> forgot about the egg

[19:06:43] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah, yes, Punk's step child.

[19:06:53] <✦[rp] Joco> And Finch's adoptive sibling.

[19:06:35] <✦[rp] Finch> you know

[19:06:38] <✦[rp] Finch> when we find the egg

[19:06:40] <✦[rp] Finch> can we eat it

[19:06:42] <✦[rp] Punk> nooooooo

[19:06:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think that's up to Dan, but I have a feeling he'll say no

[19:06:54] <✦[rp] Punk> dont eat the egg think of your father

[19:07:01] <✦[rp] Finch> i am thinking of my father

[19:07:12] <✦[rp] Punk> think harder idiot

[19:07:13] <✦[rp] Finch> and i am getting the feeling he would be soooo supportive of me eating the egg

[19:07:19] <✦[rp] Joco> He literally wouldn't be.

[19:07:30] <✦[rp] Finch> yes he would! because im the most specialest and loved of his kids

[19:07:33] <✦[rp] Finch> he'd let me do anything

[19:07:24] <✦[rp] Joco> Stop going off

[19:07:14] <✦[rp] Joco> You're gonna make your dad depressed

[19:07:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Don't eat your sibling, Finch

[19:07:46] <✦[rp] Finch> i'll eat my sibling if i want to eat my sibling

[19:07:50] <✦[rp] Punk> good god

[19:08:29] <✦[rp] Joco> What species even are you.

[19:08:38] <✦[rp] Finch> uh

[19:08:43] <✦[rp] Finch> i'm me!

[19:08:50] <✦[rp] Joco> The only ones I can think of right now that actively eats siblings are fish

[19:08:57] <✦[rp] Joco> You're not a fish.

[19:09:16] <✦[rp] Finch> okay and whatever is in that egg is also probably not me, thus is probably safe to eat

[19:09:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Whatever is in that egg is probably a dragon, not good to eat

[19:09:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Says the dragon...?

[19:09:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Even dragon egg embryos taste bitter

[19:10:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Okay, well I wouldn't want to eat myself

[Finch opens their mouth to say something, but then realizes that there’s in fact, a dragon in the room.]

[19:10:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Wizard I have to be honest with you, there's some non-sentient dragon species in this one world. Dragon jerky kinda fucked.

[19:10:34] <✦[rp] Joco> It was like 200 years ago. The world is gone, lost to fire, funnily enough. But.

[19:10:37] <✦[rp] Joco> That did happen.

[19:10:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Huh, well-

[19:10:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sure some people taste better than others

[Joco breaks down in laughter while the Wizard cracks a smile.]

[19:11:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We've gotten off topic, I think

[19:11:43] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah it has i guess

[19:11:58] <✦[rp] Finch> so uh

[19:12:05] <✦[rp] Finch> do we have anything else to discuss with the prince plan

[19:12:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> As far as I can tell, I don't think so

[Joco squints, and signs “hole”.]

[19:13:23] <✦[rp] Finch> and plan b.

[19:13:28] <✦[rp] Finch> or a. we can make it plan a still

[19:13:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Punk getting Ceph is Plan A, I Think.

[Finch sighs loudly.]

[19:13:53] <✦[rp] Finch> fiiiiiiiine

[19:13:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yeah, would agree with Joco

[19:13:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We're not killing Prince, Finch

[19:13:58] <✦[rp] Joco> Punk, do you need to rest and heal up before heading into the woods, or are you just going to wing it?

[19:14:29] <✦[rp] Punk> ill just go for it . ill eat good along the way

[19:14:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> If you're sure-

[19:14:49] <✦[rp] Finch> i don't think thats.. very safe

[19:14:51] <✦[rp] Punk> ill be awesome trust me bro

[19:15:06] <✦[rp] Finch> i don't want to hear back from someone you like. exploded badly

[19:15:08] <✦[rp] Finch> and dad be sad

[19:15:13] <✦[rp] Finch> please dont make dad sad

[19:15:47] <✦[rp] Punk> id never make him sad . thats why im gona SURVIVE! in the name of marriage!!!!

[19:16:04] <✦[rp] Finch> i just... told you not to explode?

[19:16:39] <✦[rp] Punk> ummm... in the name of LOVE then!!!!

[19:16:44] <✦[rp] Finch> wooo!

[19:16:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hell yeah!!

[19:15:02] <✦[rp] Joco> You want some produce for the road, or are you going carnivore for the trip?

[19:15:28] <✦[rp] Punk> ill take some extra tatos if you got any brother..

[19:15:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright! Potatoes I can do.

[Joco begins putting potatoes in the Warehouse’s furnaces.]

[19:17:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Hmmm

[19:17:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Is 4 stacks of potatoes enough, or do I need to go get more coal?

[19:17:43] <✦[rp] Punk> 4 stacks is awesome dude you are too good to me

[19:17:22] <✦[rp] Finch> oh!!!

[19:17:25] <✦[rp] Finch> i know what we can do

[19:17:28] <✦[rp] Finch> idea! idea!

[19:17:34] <✦[rp] Finch> before punk goes off to find ceph

[19:17:39] <✦[rp] Finch> we can uhhhhh

[19:17:51] <✦[rp] Finch> host a little going away search party thing! so dad can properly say goodbye to punk

[19:18:20] <✦[rp] Punk> that sounds nice

[19:18:34] <✦[rp] Finch> i just uh. think dad would like to say bye. and also i don't think a diet of just potatos is. very interesting or tasty

[19:18:48] <✦[rp] Joco> It's not just potatoes, it's potatoes and steak!

[19:18:54] <✦[rp] Joco> That's. Yeah no that's not the best diet.

[19:18:54] <✦[rp] Punk> yea!!!!

[19:19:04] <✦[rp] Punk> hey man i eat steak all the time

[19:19:19] <✦[rp] Punk> what do greens do for my rock solid muscle

[19:19:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Need your greens.

[19:19:16] <✦[rp] Finch> like beetreet!

[19:19:20] <✦[rp] Finch> bootroot.

[19:19:26] <✦[rp] Finch> bootreet.

[Joco blinks slowly.]

[19:19:36] <✦[rp] Finch> the red thing

[19:19:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Huh, I can't remember the last time I ate anything other than pie...

[19:19:45] <✦[rp] Joco> what the fuck

[19:19:46] <✦[rp] Punk> youre such a pie guy

[19:20:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What can I say, I like pumpkin pie!

[19:20:34] <✦[rp] Joco> Wizard. That's not GOOD FOR YOU

[19:20:40] <✦[rp] Finch> please eat some meat

[19:20:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But it's delicious.........

[19:20:48] <✦[rp] Joco> You need BRAIN FOOD

[19:20:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ehhh, you're probably right

[19:21:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Fish. Meat. Vegetables that aren't pumpkin.

[19:19:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch what do you eat.

[19:20:02] <✦[rp] Finch> oh!!

[19:20:16] <✦[rp] Finch> steak, uh grass, some chicken, dad makes some really nice omelets..

[19:20:17] <✦[rp] Finch> uh other things

[19:20:21] <✦[rp] Joco> GOOD

[19:20:26] <✦[rp] Joco> The child gets balanced diet.

[19:21:02] <✦[rp] Punk> come have a sweet steak with me sometime dude

[19:21:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh that sounds tasty, sweet steak...

[19:21:44] <✦[rp] Punk> oh i didnt. AH whatever ill engineer you a sweet steak if youd like it

[19:21:57] <✦[rp] Finch> you can just pour sugar on some steak!

[Joco blinks.]

[19:22:02] <✦[rp] Joco> DON'T

[19:22:07] <✦[rp] Joco> DO NOT DO THAT, FINCH

[19:22:21] <✦[rp] Finch> why not?

[The Wizard nods at Punk.]

[19:22:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fascinating, you engineer it?

[19:22:25] <✦[rp] Punk> engineer. pour sugar on . all the same

[19:22:27] <✦[rp] Finch> that'd make sweet steak, wouldnt it?

[19:22:30] <✦[rp] Joco> ....

[19:22:34] <✦[rp] Finch> see? you get it

[19:22:40] <✦[rp] Punk> absolutely

[Joco immediately pulls a dozen eggs out of his inventory.]

[19:22:36] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm gonna re egg this goddamn town

[19:22:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> JOCO PLEASE

[19:22:54] <✦[rp] Finch> i'd give you like. a celebratory high five but uh

[19:22:55] <✦[rp] Finch> you know

[19:22:58] <✦[rp] Finch> stay over there

[19:23:04] <✦[rp] Punk> i got gloves on come onn!!!

[Joco starts throwing eggs at Finch, Finch groans and puffs up.]

[19:23:24] <✦[rp] Finch> OW

[19:23:26] <✦[rp] Finch> STOP

[19:23:35] <✦[rp] Punk> chickens!!!!!

[19:23:37] <✦[rp] Finch> fine. fiiine.

[19:23:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Don't! Put! Sugar! On! Steak!!!!

[The Wizard rubs the bridge of his nose.]

[19:23:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco I swear to the darkness of the Void itself....

[19:23:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Stop egging the town!

[Joco squints, and starts throwing them at the Wizard.]

[19:23:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> VOID

[Across the room, Finch very cautiously approaches Punk.]

[19:23:50] <✦[rp] Finch> air high five

[19:23:57] <✦[rp] Punk> air high five

[Finch puts a little paw up in the air, and Punk does the same with his hand. They move them towards each other in the air, but don’t touch.]

[19:24:33] <✦[rp] Finch> air high five!

[19:24:34] <✦[rp] Finch> yay

[19:24:58] <✦[rp] Finch> anyways. so we should do this little party. sometime soon, right? you know. sooner we get ceph sooner prince stops doing. that.

[19:25:14] <✦[rp] Finch> also probably not tonight, dad must be busy. so tomorrow?

[19:25:18] <✦[rp] Finch> gives punk enough time to get some rest

[19:25:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think time is of the essence

[19:25:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How about a celebratory party after Punk returns?

[19:21:56] <✦[rp] Joco> What if. Steak dinner. AFTER you're not diseased?

[19:22:13] <✦[rp] Punk> sure . victory steak dinner

[19:22:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Victory meal!

[19:25:27] <✦[rp] Finch> mmm

[19:25:28] <✦[rp] Finch> fine

[19:22:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fantastic, sounds incredible

[19:25:41] <✦[rp] Finch> it'd get ceph back quicker i guess

[19:25:48] <✦[rp] Punk> mhmm

[19:25:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Given tonights turnout, maybe having the going away party be smaller could be. Good.

[19:25:50] <✦[rp] Finch> dad would probably still like to say bye to you

[19:26:01] <✦[rp] Punk> dont worry ill say bye to dan in private

[19:26:07] <✦[rp] Joco> Why would Dan not get to say goodbye???

[19:26:19] <✦[rp] Finch> well he's not here right now

[19:26:30] <✦[rp] Finch> and i don't see why you'd travel all the way back to go say bye to someone

[19:26:34] <✦[rp] Finch> then go all the way back to leave

[19:26:47] <✦[rp] Punk> hes my husband id do allotta walkin for him

[19:26:48] <✦[rp] Finch> so i'm reminding him!

[19:26:55] <✦[rp] Finch> dad would be sad if he didn't

[19:26:51] <✦[rp] Joco> You realized that, even if Punk left right now, Dan's place is on the way to Malf?

[19:26:58] <✦[rp] Finch> he.. is?

[19:27:02] <✦[rp] Finch> ... oh right yeah he is

[19:27:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Alright, we should all probably get some sleep

[19:28:15] <✦[rp] Punk> sleep sounds awesome

[19:28:24] <✦[rp] Finch> mhm

[19:28:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Sleep and some good food

[19:28:26] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm going to. Take a full lava bath. The rinse didn't feel like it did enough.

[19:28:42] <✦[rp] Finch> sleep would be nice. and nice food. i want a snack now

[19:29:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well then, I guess I'll see y'all around!

[19:29:09] <✦[rp] Joco> OH the potatoes are done

[19:29:15] <✦[rp] Punk> WOOO!!!

[19:29:20] <✦[rp] Finch> woo!

PREVIOUS NEXT