Curse of the Quartz Mummy 1.1

(font: 'Poppins')[**THE CURSE OF THE QUARTZ MUMMY**] This story was written by by (link: "Phantom")[(open-url: "http://phantomdotexe.deviantart.com/")] and featured characters by (link: "Skelebomb.")[(open-url: "http://skelebomb.deviantart.com/")] You can <a href="mailto:phantomdotexe@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here to email Phantom</a> with questions or comments. I'd love to know what you think. [[[START|intro-scene-museum]]] (link-reveal: "**INSTRUCTIONS**")[ You are reading mystery fiction. The objective of the game is to visit people and places, decipher the clues, and above all, find the path that will lead you to solve the mystery as fast as posible. Every time you visit a location, you take up time. The goal is to complete the game with as low a score as possible. **When you are ready to solve the crime** - that is, once you have enough info and want to "commit" to your answers - head back to Nalen's home turf at the Alysa City Prison. There, you can make your claim and see if you were right or wrong.] (link-reveal: "**ARTIST NOTES**")[ I enjoyed writing this piece. I like short fiction. I like detective stories. More than anything else, I like novelty - I have a serious problem with staying on track. It's why some of my commissions are literally years overdue. I'm the worst. But Nalen is awesome; a fabulous design and lots of built-in hooks for kinky fun. Writing this was a treat. As always, there are kinky elements. Plenty of them. It's hard to balance fetish fun with providing an interesting puzzle. This one focuses more on the crime-solving than the kink, but I think readers will find both in appreciable measure. Writing credits takes forever! Definitely took a very long time. Also, coding the end-area where you make guesses took way longer than I would have liked. Inspirations for this story: * *Return of the Obra Dinn* (PC game, 2018) * *Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective* (Board game, 1981, 2012) * *Blades in the Dark* (Tabletop RPG, 2017) ] (link-reveal: "**CREDITS**")[(display: "Credits") ]

=><= (font: 'IM Fell English')[***On Display, 1st Day of Spring*** **THE QUARTZ PHAROAH** **LORD ISHTAR** <img src="https://miss-phantom-stories.neocities.org/Nalen%20Stories/Case2-Curse-of-the-Quartz-Mummy/anubis-logo-vector-line-art-260nw-1086871574%20(2).jpg"</img> --- **Entombed in stone and citrine - 50 stone, 10 hands Recovered by A. REDIFER SANDERS, adventurer and entrepreneur A fearsome and terrible Jackal, worshipped as a God-King by the Nameless Empire** ----- **On display at the Alysa City Exhibitionary, admission 5 coppers Students Free Contact Exhibitionary Office for auction enquiries or testimony.**] |hidden)[ [[A newspaper clipping->newsclip]]] { (live: 5s)[ (stop:) (show: ?hidden) ] }

==> **THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR** <== Attention: Warden Nalen Kara Alysa Prison (font: 'Kalam')[There has been an incident at the museum. They say the mummy came alive. The people are superstitious. Prepare an investigation immediately. Show them that witchcraft has no power in our city! Preliminary findings: The victim was an adventurer named **Calial**. She and **Deanna DuPont** worked together as acquisitors for the museum, alongside Arka **"Red"** Sanders, the face of the department. The other employees are **Kyra McKenzie**, the museum's director; **Helen**, an accountant and curator; **Alex**, a page and attendant; and finally **Nellandra**, the appraiser and auctioneer. All, without exception, claim to have gone home yesterday evening as the building closed - leaving only the hired night guards, **Strongblood** and **Bytetov** . 💖💖💪💪 -Jaime ] [[Nalen put aside the papers.|carriage-firstime]]

<==> (font: 'IM Fell English')[The body of the adventurer and inquisitive Calial was found last night with signs of violence and magic - a mere hair from the mummy of the Pharoah. The strangest part of it all was that there was no living being with her at the time - only the mummy. At 9:46 in the evening last night, a night-guard named Karyn Strongblood heard a scream and noises coming from the room where the Pharaoh was being kept. That exhibit had been recreated as a tomb of Lord Ishtar. It had but a single hallway in and out, and the guards swear they had the door in their sights the whole night - and that none could have left without being seen. There are those that speak of a curse or a just punishment for disturbing the tomb of the Jackal-King. It would seem so. A second mummified body was found on the floor of the exhibit - completely and utterly wrapped in thick, white bandages that glow with arcane light. They are utterly impenetrable, with the adventurer Calial seemingly kept preserved and wrapped for all time as a living mummy! The guard has told the press that the mummy must have made an ornamental vase fall and shatter, releasing some stored curse.] [[An attached letter|intro-letter]]

Morning mist drained from the streets. Frost melted under the heat-gaze of the sun. Bells, clock chimes, and harbor horns banished the night's silence. Nalen shut the carriage door, dismissing the smell of cookfires and furnaces. Her confidante Noémi L'etoine drove the horses. The Warden's car departed the Gullet, passing over a paved avenue. A public fountain on her right was still in the shadow of a looming clock tower. It would be in the sun by noon, inviting the thirsty and playful. Magic was a tool to be controlled and used, much as the water in the fountain. Talk of curses and witchery would simply *not do* in her city. She would close the case quickly and publicly - proving that neither crook nor curse could stop the tides of justice. She needed to answer four questions before going to Jamie: ** 1. What happened to Calial? 2. Was anyone responsible? 3. How did it happen if nobody else was present? 4. What was the motive, if there was one?** Her list of locations included... [[Alysa City Exhibitionary|museum-firsttime]] to interview staff, witnesses, and see the scene of the crime. [[City Watch Headquarters]] to view Calial and reports. [[Alysa Prison - "The Devil's Gullet"->prison]] to speak with Jaime and solve the crime. (set: $visitedmuseum to 'false') (set: $time to 1)

**Kyra**'s long black hair was kept neat by a pink bow that matched her pink blouse. "I've heard talk of an auction?" asked Nalen. "Our staff is well-trained and they are well-paid," responded Kyra. "And a museum needs funds to keep them so properly endowed. Yesterday was the exhibition; we showed all all the goods that were *supposed* to be auctioned today." "And that auction has been postponed." Kyra nodded. "What happened yesterday?" Nalen rolled her fingers, indicating that Kyra continue. "All the museum staff were there, as were a large number of interested visitors!" Kyra noted a few of the interested parties for Nalen, who duly thanked her. "I was talking with Deanna, Nell, and Red in the temporary exhibition hall when Calial suddenly pulled me to the side." Nalen raised an eyebrow. "She asked *urgently* if she could take a look at our mummy. I told her that it *had* been examined time and time again; Deanna and Red had surely looked at it when they first recovered it." "Was she looking at it for the curse?" Kyra shook her head. "I'm afraid the curse is just a bit of marketing. We had a huge turnout at the preview yesterday, so clearly it worked... but no, I don't think there's any truth to the curse." "Where was everyone yesterday evening?" The director huffed. "Well, Helen and I had both gone home; it's a boring alibi, but you can check it. Deanna was at a pub. The rest I'm not sure." (set: $time to it + 1) [[Nalen thanked Kyra and left the office.|inside-museum]] (set: $knownoble to 'true') [You have unlocked additional locations, visitable from the carriage.]

Karyn Strongblood's prodigious height filled out a leather bodice amply. Most would refer to her as an 'adventurer,' or an enterprising private citizen. Nalen referred to her type as a 'person of interest.' "I guarded the outside of the museum; the south entrance. That's the staff one, you see. The other guard and I would alternate our patrols." "Seems boring," said Nalen. "It is. Just biding time until my next adventure. Nobody could have left the museum under my watch, though - I take even cushy jobs like this seriously." "So nobody went out your way?" Karyn leaned against a wall, and crossed her arms to think. "Hmm... I think that some people left around 8:30, after the public presentation. I didn't see Calial leaving, and I didn't see another soul pass through the doors until Bytetov came rushing out around 10:00. We went to the Ishtar display. That jackal was staring at us from his eyes on the golden top of his sarcophagus, which was closed and shut. And that strange ebony form of his was just sitting on the stretcher. Spooky stuff." "You didn't touch anything?" "Nope. We saw the mummified body of Calial and immediately ran to call for help." (set: $time to it + 1) [[Nalen thanked her for her time.|inside-museum]]

Bytetov was a huge creature, with stringy hair, wrinkly skin, and a craggy body. "Mmm. Walked in through the big hall with weapons. Heard noises from the tomb room." Mary raised a finger. "You mean the *recreation* of Lord Ishtar's tomb." Bytetov didn't seem to notice the correction. "Saw light coming from the tomb room. Called out. No answer. Went in. Saw the sarcophagus. Shut and closed. Torches. A big, broken-up vase on floor, next to Calial. Saw her, all wrapped. A lantern on the ground. Must have been Calial's." "You said you heard noises?" asked Nalen. "Mmm. Sound of stone kissing stone. Grinding. Low, loud. Maybe vase." Bytetov coughed. "Then ran, got the other guard. Took five or ten minutes." (set: $time to it + 1) [[Mary and Nalen left the guard's room.|inside-museum]]

Nalen once again approached the Exhibitionary. A few students were loudly chatting about elven lineage. One made a lewd gesture, indicating the purpose of elven ears. [[Inside the Exhibitionary|inside-museum]]

Nothing had been touched from the moment the police arrived last night, according to a watchman on duty. Nalen wasn't well-versed enough in ancient tombs or sandy empires. As such, she couldn't tell how accurate a recreation this was... but it *felt* real. There was only one entrance in or out of a straight corridor that led back to the Temporary Exhibition Gallery. The tomb room contained the large sarcophagus; several shelves of smaller artifacts and jars; and finally, the stretcher with the mummy itself. The shelves bore old vases sealed with wax. Swirling glass jars that contained strange inks. A collection of old papyri that reeked of age and blood. The shelf that had the curios also had a visible empty space where the vase had been... and now lay on the ground in heap of potsherds. The other vases seemed heavy and sturdy, made of clay baked in the sun of an angry god in an elder time. Sturdy enough to survive sand and dust and war and age; definitely sturdy enough to survive a short drop. Calial's body had been removed to the Inspector's Office in another ward of the city. Nalen carefully looked over the interior of the tomb, brushing a gloved hand over the engravings inside and out. She spent a lot of time on the interior especially. It was small; probably form-fitting to the occupant. The lid of the sarcophagus had been propped up against the wall. It seemed to stare back at Nalen as she ran her hands along the inside. Eventually, she turned her attention to the mummy itself. **Lord Ishtar** was a great and terrible king in his own day. In Nalen's day, he was a solid block on the stretcher. According to Mary, the ancient king would live forever entombed in magical ichor; sealed in an impenetrable layer of black rubber; a perfect and permanent seal that had been molded around his body. The mummy itself looked like a sarcophagus, with a snout-shape on top for his head. Two citrine gems - the quartz for which the mummy got its name - stared where the jackal's eyes would be. They were strangely polished and shone as if they were *brand new*. She ran a hand over it. It was completely solid. It felt like rock. [[Nalen stared at the jackal as she left.|inside-museum]]

A long hallway ran from the tomb room - and the scene of the crime - back to the main entry hall, and paths to the other wings of the museum. It was filled with antiques. Warnings and confessions about the cost of the invisible arts, addressed to a student by the seventeenth-century magus (and reputed immortal) Julian Coseley. (link-reveal: "An old sword")[ sits in a display rack. It is a khepesh; a sickle-sword that was a hook, blunt weapon, as well as slicing weapon.] (link-reveal: "The Account of Kanishk at the Spider's Door")[ was written by Lok Kahuli, Kanishk's victim and lover. Possibly posthumously. Didn't seem related to the case.] (link-reveal: "A box labeled *CURSED, DO NOT OPEN*")[ that, when opened, contains six agate-carved scarabs. One of them, however, was cracked and in pieces.] Nalen went to grab it, but Mary stopped her hand. "These! These are burial beetles. They say that the pharoahs of old would bring their beloved servants... and sometimes their enemies... with them to the grave! If broken, the energies within would... prepare a victim for such a fate, wrapping them and preserving them... I'm sorry, you must understand that we weren't going to auction something like this!" Nalen turned up her nose. "How abhorrent. And I trust that this one was used?" She pointed to the cracked one. "Yes! Yes, and very recently, too!" [[Nalen ordered the box be turned over to a royal wizard for inspection.|inside-museum]]

Red was clearly not a long-term employee here, but she'd been given an office regardless. There was something about her that demanded respect. Maybe it was the way that she held herself; perhaps it was her voice. Maybe it was the long, bright red hair. Regardless, it made Nalen suspect she was up to no good. "Miss Sanders - " "Please, everyone calls me ***Red***," she interrupted. Arka was sitting on a chair with her legs crossed, leaning them on top of a **massive** crimson trunk next to her chair. Nalen nodded. "Red, what's your specialty here?" "Artifacts," she said. "I know more about the items in this museum than anyone else. Every scroll and tool and inscription is known to me." Playbills and posters were on the walls of her room. Clearly, "Red" was very proud of her achievements. Even if she didn't always want the limelight, she was always happy to make a big score. Clippings of her machinations and efforts made it clear that she was a woman of considerable skill. Judging by the expensive furniture in the room and fashionable clothes she war, money was *no object* for Red. "Miss Sanders, could you stand up for a moment?" Red complied, standing up straight. She raised an eyebrow. She was shorter than Nalen; possibly shorter than any of the other museum staff, who seemed to be relatively tall. It didn't matter. A sly grin made her seem twice her height; behind it was a powerful personality. "Should I salute?" she said with a chuckle. Nalen shook her head. "No. Please. Do go on. You were telling me about what happened yesterday evening..." [[Her story was the same as the others. Nalen thanked her and departed.|inside-museum]] (set: $time to it + 1)

The young man had short brown hair, a slender form, and a white shirt. He held his hands on his hips; one hand was bandaged. "I really do think it's cursed." "Cursed?" Nalen raised an eyebrow. "I know that there are cursed objects in the world. But surely the museum wouldn't bring one *here*." He shrugged. "See my hand? I hurt it moving that huge sarcophagus for Director Kyra. Oh, the things I could tell you about her..." Alex turned to Mary for a moment. Mary politely smiled, and tried to move Nalen away. The Warden stopped her. "Please, do go on. Vent a little." "Deanna's smart, but she's so danger-prone I'm surprised she's still working. Our auctioneer is an elf who's so stuck-up that I've memorized her chin. Poor Helen isn't making enough. Those bumbling guards are bored out of their minds and looking for attention." "Anyone else?" asked Nalen. "Red is a two-bit four-foot show-off who's always making me lug that huge trunk of hers to and from the museum. She's *constantly* going to parties, rubbing elbows with noblemen. She must have some gentelman as her patron, because there's no way she could live the lifestyle she does on an adventurer's income! I could go on! Calial should never have disturbed that mummy!" (set: $time to it + 1) [[Nalen knew he could go on for a while. She cut the meeting short.|inside-museum]]

Helen shared an office with Nell across the street, overlooking the museum. She had fair skin, short brown hair, and circular glasses. She also had a genuine smile. "I only wanted to ask about the auction," said Nalen. "Believe me, it's not my first choice. But we're a private little museum, and we have to make money somehow. We auction off the majority of each expedition, usually to the city museum and other collectors. Sponsors for knowledge's sake is rare." "Too true," said Nalen. "I have to find unorthodox means to sponsor my research and development at Alysa Prison." Helen nodded. "I visited there last year. I volunteered to be a test subject. Money was a bit tight. It always is in the museum business!" Nalen nodded. "I think I remember you..." The two women stared at each other for a moment before Helen eventually changed the topic. "Ah! Well, I was told that there was a mystical curse on the treasure we found; that Lord Ishtar's wrath would find and "bury" any who disturbed his tomb. That didn't frighten Red, though, who found the tomb! She's so brave." (set: $time to it + 1) [[Nalen left later that evening. Helen might be a good test subject for future long-term projects.|inside-museum]]

Nellandra was an elf with fair skin, silver jewelry, and shockingly bright red hair. She had a cocky smile. Mary waved hello to the elven woman. "Nell, this is Nalen. Hah, your names are so similar! Ahem. Sorry." Nalen nodded. Nell nodded as well. "What was your relationship with Calial?" "We've worked closely together in the past; *very* closely. We elves like to stick together. I think that anything she did, she was probably doing for the good of the museum. I make my livelihood these days by appraising and selling some portion of our findings. Calial was always trying to keep us honest; she'd never want us to sell something worthless for a sack of gold. Reputation is key." Nalen nodded. "Anything unusual happen?" "Yesterday, I assume?" "Correct. Anything unusual happen yesterday?" The elf scratched her chin for a moment. "Hmm... we had the public presentation in the Temporary Exhibition Hall of everything we were going to sell. Gawkers, museum reps, browsers, visitors, some press, nobles - they were all there to see our findings. If anything, it was unusual that Lady Aurora wasn't there. She's got a thing for fine things, if you know what I mean. Besides, she's always in competition with Sir Cirq for goods of a certain sort. ...but as to your question? Nothing strange happened. Around 8, after the exhibition, we put everything back in the display cabinets. Only Red and Deanna were supposed to be handling the mummy. Red's our expert on ancient artifacts and technology, you know. She's the only one who knows how half of that stuff works or what it does." Nalen twirled her hand, indicating that Nell should back up. "Could you elaborate on those two collectors you mentioned?" "Oh yes. Those two are in something of a bidding war, especially for artifacts of this quality! I didn't see anyone from Cirq's estate here, though." (set: $knownoble to 'true') [[Nalen made a note to visit the two of them. |inside-museum]] (font: 'Poppins')[You have unlocked additional locations, visitable from the carriage.]

Nalen dismounted her carriage. The Silkshore District was too dense to navigate. Noémi stayed behind to await her return. Narrow canals, vice dens, food stalls, exotic shops. Silk and fabrics and cloth of all types hang from balconies. Artists and bohemian types along the wide, well maintained roads. Bridges over tiny canals clutter the view. Off the streets, a spider's web of tiny streets, each leading to the den of an aristocrat or poseur. [[Lady Aurora's Residence]] [[Sir Cirq's Residence]] (if: $dewulf is 'true')[[[Visit DeWulf, Artificer|Artificer DeWulf]]] [[Back to Noémi and the carriage|map]]

A skyline in miniature; a dozen four-story buildings networked together with veins of white brick. The Palladian-style building was a temple where justice reigned supreme. Justice was blind, though she always faced the way that the City Watch told her. Blue-coated guards saluted Warden Kara as she passed through the archway into the courtyard. (if: $station is 'visited')[ The staff at the Inspector's Office were busy dealing with another investigation, and therefore couldn't assist her. No matter.] (else:)[[[Inside the Inspector's Office|office]]] [[Back to the city streets.|map]]

(if: $visitedmuseum is 'false')[The man at the entry hall didn't ask Nalen for the customary entry fee. Archaeology was just one wing of the small private museum, but it was the most well-funded for certain. "Nalen Kara!" The Warden had her hand resting on the pommel of her saber as she turned to face the accostant. A grin crossed her face; it was **Mary**, the sister of her trusted officer Elijah. "I was hoping you'd eventually pay me a visit!" Nalen shook Mary's hand, unable to match her energy. "I know you offered me free admission to the musuem. Please accept my apologies for not taking you up on the offer." "Not to worry. A pity that it took an ***incident*** to get you over here." Nalen smiled, but didn't laugh. "Hopefully, my next visit will not involve an inquest."] (if: $visitedmuseum is 'true')[A pair of kepi-wearing guards bar the way to the Archaeology section for all but the City Watch. There are other sections, but they are not relevant to the investigation.] [[Tomb Room|crimescene]] [[Deanna DuPont, Archaeologist and Partner]] [[Kyra McKenzie, Director of the Exhibitionary|director]] [[Arka "Red" Sanders|red]] [[Alex, Page|maintenance-and-cleaning]] [[Helen, Accountant|accounting]] [[Nell, Distributor|auctioneer]] [[Temporary Exhibit Gallery|oldsword]] [[Karyn, Guard|watchman-1]] [[Bytetov, Guard|watchman-2]] [[Somewhere else in the city|map]]

(font: 'Poppins')[Nalen has had (print: $time) scenes so far. Time is short, but if one is stumped, there are always more clues to be had.] Nalen could visit... [[Alysa City Exhibitionary|Visit the museum]] to interview staff, witnesses, and see the scene of the crime. [[City Watch Headquarters]] to view Calial and get a report on her situation. [[Alysa Prison - "The Devil's Gullet"->prison]] to speak with Jaime and solve the crime. (if: $knownoble is 'true')[[[Visit the Silkshore Distict|nobledistrict]]] (if: $dewulf is 'true')[[[Visit DeWulf, Artificer|Artificer DeWulf]]]

Cramped and multi-level streets - some of stone, others of dirt - give way to the Devil's Gullet. Nalen's carriage passed through them and reached the iron fortress that was her work and play. Mud-covered laborers trudged along the street. Bored guards in red coats stared at prisoners being released on parole. Jaime waited eagerly within her office. (font: 'Open Sans')[ [[Solve the crime?|guess]] [[Not yet|map]] ]

Jaime entered the Warden’s office and shut the door behind him. As he closed it, the sparkling sound of *ooohs* and *ahhhs* died down. Jaime wiped his brow. “Whew. Sorry ‘bout that. Guess I have some fans.” Nalen raised her head. “Was that… coming from the prison yard?” Jaime shrugged, closing his one eye. “Listen, we’re not here to solve the mystery of why I’m always so popular. We’re here because you’ve got an answer to our mummy mystery!” He grinned with a smile so white it practically gleamed in the evening sun. The Warden took a moment to eye over Jaime. She never asked him why he was eternally shirtless. She assumed that the answer was that it better showed off his powerful muscles and a body so sculpted that it was statuesque. Jaime would probably say that he just didn’t like shirts, so she didn’t ask. "So, you finish your investigation? What happened to Calial?" Nalen answered. [["She fell victim to an ancient curse."|causewrong]] [["She triggered a trap, left her her by another."|causewrong]] [["She was wrapped by someone using a different artifact in the museum."|causeright]] [["She angered the mummy, which took its vengeance."|causewrong]] [["She was trying to perform an ancient rite, failed, and was thusly punished for failing to attain immortality."|causewrong]]

"Curses? I've ***seen*** curses. Calial and I both have our fair share of perilous situations. First of all, Calial knew the curse was just a bunch of made-up stuff to get the locals interested. Calial wasn't the historian that I am," said Deanna, "but she knew had a passion for adventure. She was a specialist in the Shifting Sands and the Nameless Empire. A real expert." "If she was just a paid adventurer, how did she come to know so much?" **Deanna Ingrid DuPont** was of just above average height and weight, but of an energy and substance that couldn't be contained in her form. Her curves, her hair, her thirst for adventure - it seemed like she was ready to get back to the field. "She was a smart one. She always knew what was expensive. Pretty sure she was a thief at some point. For example, she knew that all the talk about curses was just a bunch of publicity!" "You'd *lie* about a dangerous curse to attract more attention?" Nalen tapped a finger against her chin. "We *exaggerated*. That's no crime." The ruin explorer explained that she hadn't felt or seen anything strange the past few days as they set up the weapons display for the exhibit. However, once the mummy of Lord Ishtar was shown to the audience, Calial had become very agitated. The idea of it being sold seemed to concern her greatly. "What made her so nervous?" "She didn't say. It was as if there was something wrong with it." Deanna was busy re-aligning the gyromotors and encabulators in her steam pickaxe. "The mummy was normally kept in the sarcophagus, and the sarcophagus was kept closed. But we took it out to show off yesterday." Mary nodded. "Oh, that's what the stretcher was for, yes?" "Yep. The jackal-mummy was lighter and smaller than we expected. The lid slides open and Calial would have been able to move him, no problem." (set: $time to it + 1) [[Back to the lobby|inside-museum]]

Angela DeWulf was a mage who specialized in the creation of artifacts. She wasn't eager to chat with Nalen after a run-in a year prior. Her establishment in the Silkshore District was filled with bottled storms, floating stones, shimmering cloaks, fabricated artifacts, and filigree arcanum. A large red trunk that looked familiar rested in a corner. A shiny leather armchair sat next to a fireplace. Several butterflies flitted through the room. "All my work is in order, Miss Warden." Nalen took a look through the room. Everything looked so real! Clearly, DeWulf was a master craftswoman. Those globs of shiny latex probably weren't just for show. "Doesn't look like you get many customers," said Nalen. "And a pricey location too. *And* you seem to have plenty of money to buy raw reagents and magical components for your... experiments." DeWulf squinted. "I'm an expert at crafting things. I could show you some of my recent creations, if you'd like." [[Nalen took the hint and left. She didn't want to get tied down before the case was over.|nobledistrict]]

Students gathered at cafes, discussion the relations between the kingdom and their Orc neighbors. Government workers and scholars rushed across busy streets. Nalen gazed out from her window, meeting the eyes of a portly dwarven banker in a passing carriage. Burly-looking armored guards clanked alongside its shaped-stone wheels. The Alysa City Exhibitionary was on Imperial Avenue. Although a private museum, its exterior - white columns and a stone facade - made it as glamorous as any *official* structure in the district. [[Enter the musuem|inside-museum]] (set: $visitedmuseum to 'true')

Aurora sat on the balcony with a wide brimmed sun hat atop her head. She was watching the people go by below her, sipping from a glass of something that smelled of flowers. "I wasn't brought up to do menial tasks. Why, I've never held anything heavier than a knife and a fork." She took a long sip of her drink. Electric blue hair cascaded down her shoulders and across her chair. "I wasn't there yesterday. I had my servant Hysteria attend. Besides, if I *did* go, I'd mostly be there to drive up the bids." "Why is that?" asked Nalen with a raised eyebrow. "For fun. I'm not sure if the stuff they have that Nell's selling is always **authentic**, eh? Sometimes it's fun to steam up the other bidders, like Cirq. He's obsessed with that ol' mummy; he's got a thing for weird rubbery jackals, I guess. Like, he had a party at his house just to show off some gear he bought last time!" Aurora finished her drink, set it on the table, and looked at Nalen. "They're saying... well, I've heard he got his hands on **something** *really* valuable. A genuine ancient artifact." She returned to staring at the people below. "But I think he just made up the rumor to made me jealous." "Did you know anyone else at the museum?" "I didn't really interact with any of them save Red. She seems to know just about every noble, and is always offering them her 'special finds.' That's how she builds her connections, you know. She's always got a side angle." Nalen knew the discussion was over when Hysteria... *appeared* behind her to escort her out. [[Back to the district|nobledistrict]] (set: $time to it + 1)

Cirq's foyer was crowded with masks and ancient artifacts of all sort. One of them was a huge, roaring mask of gold and porcelain that inspired images of lion, a man, and of warframe. The plaque beneath it read (font: 'Courier')["Lord of the Hunt". Mfg. DeWulf]. Nalen ran her fingers over it idly. It felt hard as a rock. "Ah, one of my recent acquisitions. I work with Miss DeWulf rather often. She's a talented artificer; as good at restoring old things as she is at crafting copies. Of course, nothing at all in my home is a recreation. Everything is **one hundred percent authentic.**" The lord of the house was an attractive young dilettante with short brown hair. He seemed reluctant to let her into his home, and only let her see the entry hall. "So, Sir Cirq - you seem to have quite the collection of antiquities." "Oh yes," he beamed. "Things for work, things for play; ancient swords and exotic toys." Nalen sipped the tea. "You have canopic jars, crystal skulls... I'm surprised you've never thought to buy a real mummy. Think of how powerful, how majestic it would be to have an ancient king *on display* in your living room." Cirq grinned. "Yes. Yes, that would be quite good." His smile couldn't hide that he was hiding something. "So, you're surely disappointed that the auction for Lord Ishtar and his hoard was cancelled." Cirq shrugged. "I wasn't planning on going. I don't need anything they're selling." He seemed truthful. Nalen smiled and placed the tea back on the tray. "Could we maybe see your private collection? I know you've got a reputation for holding priceless antiques. Things from the Nameless Empire. I'm something of a scholar myself." The young noble grinned and turned to invite her into his gallery, but suddenly changed his mind and asked Nalen, politely, to leave the way she came. (set: $dewulf to 'true') (set: $time to it + 1) [[Back to the streets|nobledistrict]]

Nalen took a moment to examine the side-swords wielded by the guards. Often, her own staff used *Merciful* weaponry; enchanted equipment that would wound but not slay the target. It was important to limit options of attack in a prison; in the unlikely event of a prison break, none of the rogues would be able to use them to eliminate the guards. A receptionist guided her through the building. until she arrived at an examination room. Nalen spent a minute simply taking it in. Citrah, a wage-mage dressed in orange and black, was on call to answer questions of a magical nature. After a few minutes, Citrah pointed to the slightly squirming body on the exam table. “Rumor is she broke a vase or something, and a curse was waiting inside?” Nalen shook her head, indicating that the examiner was incorrect, but did not elaborate. “How do we know it’s her?” asked Nalen. Citrah blushed. "Well... take a close look, first." It was a reasonable question. After all, the poor creature before her was utterly, totally, and completely mummified from head to toe and then back again. Vaguely feminine curves had been wrapped over and over and over in soft, white linen bandages. It was a *thick* layer, too; Nalen ran her fingers over it, stroking at the seams and feeling the exterior. Apparently, at least one of the layers had been composed of some mysterious resin. It had thus far proved impossible to cut, leaving the poor creature within totally enclosed. Jewelry covered her body; gemstones around her breasts, kept in place with gold-spun thread. The mage on hand explained that it wasn’t *real* gold - just fabricated magical material. It didn’t much matter; she really looked like an ancient queen. A thick golden collar mated with thread that spun and webbed around the bandages like a harness. It highlighted her curves and features quite amicably. A massive golden mask that was a fairly good likeness of her face covered her head, reducing any sounds she made to nearly nil. A short-cropped black wig was glued to her bandaged head to complete head, completing the image of an eternally young princess. If the face wasn’t enough the mage pointed to an arcane mark on her forehead that read ‘Calial.’ “I’ve done some scrying," said Citrah. "Um... it’s definitely her inside, alive and well. But we can’t get her out, and we can’t ask her any questions about what happened. It’s quite a curse.” “It’s no curse,” said Nalen. [[Nalen leaned her head against the mummified Calial.|mummyexamine]] (set: $time to it + 1)

"I could try to send a *Message* and ask her a question," said Citrah. She clutched her magical implement. "It's worth a try. But just so you know, I can only ask **one question** today. My magic isn't strong enough for a sustained conversation." "If you think that it would not jeopardize the witness, be my guest. I will make a record of your success or failure for the Mage's Guild," said Nalen very matter-of-factly. Citrah opened her spellbook to review the proper incantations. An aura the color of sunset began to mist over Calial's mummiform. A few words of power, and an aura the color of sunset covered Calial. |somehook>[ "What should I ask her?" asked Citrah. (link: "Ask her about the culprit")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Citrah shut her eyes. The glow drained away like fog. The caster appeared apologetic. "Sorry... the best I got was an image of someone *familiar* to her. Humanoid, female. Someone she worked with." ] ] (link: "Ask her how she's feeling")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Citrah shut her eyes. She blushed a bit, and then opened them. The glow trickled away like water. "I think she's feeling something a bit inappropriate, considering the circumstances." Citrah chuckled to herself. "I'd say that being encased like this wasn't her choice, but she's not too angry about it." *What a *deviant*,* thought Nalen.] ] (link: "Ask her if she remembers anything")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Citrah furrowed her brow. Her breathing increased, then relaxed. She seemed chipper. As she spoke, the spell ended and the glow faded from view. "The victim gave me an image of suspicion. She was going to the tomb to examine the mummy because she was suspicious of it." ] ] ] (set: $station to 'visited') [[Nalen thanked the mage and left.|City Watch Headquarters]]

(set: $cause to 'wrong') Jaime scratched his chin. "I follow you. Tell me about the culprit." |somehook>[ Nalen explained the culprit. (link: "It was fellow explorer Deanna")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen explained how Deanna DuPont was behind the attack. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]] ]] (link: "It was Red")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen indicated that it was the carmine-haired Arka. [[Jaime pumped his fist. "Got 'em."|rightsuspect]]] ] (link: "It was her associate Nellandra")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen explained that Nell had done it. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]] ] ] (link: "It was Aurora")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen had always known Aurora was up to no good, and indicated that she'd been behind it. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]]] ] (link: "It was Cirq")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen blamed it on a young nobleman. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]]] ] (link: "It was Lord Ishtar")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen blamed the ancient jackal; that strange mummy was a solid black of strange obsidian, yet still he meddled in the affairs of mortals! [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]]] ] (link: "It was someone else")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen didn't really know who it was. She didn't say that, though. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]]] ] ]

Jaime nodded, tapping his chin. "Yes... I follow you. So, who was most *directly* responsible?" (set: $cause to 'right') |somehook>[ Nalen explained the culprit. (link: "It was fellow explorer Deanna")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen explained how Deanna DuPont was behind the attack. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]] ]] (link: "It was Red")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen indicated that it was the carmine-haired Arka. [[Jaime pumped his fist. "Got 'em."|rightsuspect]]] ] (link: "It was her associate Nellandra")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen explained that Nell had done it. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]] ] ] (link: "It was Aurora")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen had always known Aurora was up to no good, and indicated that she'd been behind it. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]]] ] (link: "It was Cirq")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen blamed it on a young nobleman. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]]] ] (link: "It was Lord Ishtar")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen blamed the ancient jacka; that strange mummy was a solid black of strange obsidian, yet still he meddled in the affairs of mortals! [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]]] ] (link: "It was someone else")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen didn't really know who it was. She didn't say that, though. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongsuspect]]] ] ]

Jaime pulled out a pad of paper. "A'ight, Nalen. So tell me 'bout how this happened? Since nobody else was in the room when the guards got back." (set: $suspect to 'wrong') |somehook>[ Nalen explained how it had been done. (link: "It was a carefully laid magical trap, laid during the expedition")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen indicated that it was a long-term trap, planted months ago to snare someone who tried to examine the mummy too closely.[[Jaime agreed.|wrongmethod]] ]] (link: "It was an accident")[ (replace: ?somehook)[It was an accident, she said; after all, one must know the risks when exploring old tombs. [[Jaime agreed.|wrongmethod]] ] ] (link: "It was an unexpected side effect of the recreation")[ (replace: ?somehook)[The tomb was accurate - too accurate - and Calial had paid the price. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongmethod]] ] ] (link: "The guards were in on it")[ (replace: ?somehook)[The guards were implicated. Nalen explained it very simply - they had done the deed and lied about it.[[Jaime agreed.|wrongmethod]]] ] (link: "It was easy; the attacker hid inside the sarcophagus.")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen indicated that the attacker was small enough to fit inside the sarcophagus of Lord Ishtar. The mummy was on the stretcher, so the criminal did the deed, then hid inside to wait. The attacker was small enough and strong enough to lift the lid back on top of themselves, and when the guards ran out to get the police, the attacker fled. [[Jaime agreed heartily.|rightmethod]]] ] ]

Jaime pulled an ink-pen and a pad of paper, seemingly from nowhere. He wrote faster than Nalen had seen any man write before. "And if it was them, how'd it happen? The room was empty, right?" |somehook>[ Nalen explained how it had been done. (link: "It was a carefully laid magical trap, laid during the expedition")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen indicated that it was a long-term trap, planted months ago to snare someone who tried to examine the mummy too closely.[[Jaime agreed.|wrongmethod]] ]] (link: "It was an accident")[ (replace: ?somehook)[It was an accident, she said; after all, one must know the risks when exploring old tombs. [[Jaime agreed.|wrongmethod]] ] ] (link: "It was an unexpected side effect of the room's setup")[ (replace: ?somehook)[The tomb was accurate - too accurate - and Calial had paid the price. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongmethod]] ] ] (link: "The guards were in on it")[ (replace: ?somehook)[The guards were implicated. Nalen explained it very simply - they had done the deed and lied about it.[[Jaime agreed.|wrongmethod]]] ] (link: "It was easy; the attacker hid inside the sarcophagus.")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen indicated that the attacker was small enough to fit inside the sarcophagus of Lord Ishtar. The mummy was on the stretcher, so the criminal did the deed, then hid inside to wait. The attacker was small enough and strong enough to lift the lid back on top of themselves, and when the guards ran out to get the police, the attacker fled. [[Jaime agreed heartily.|rightmethod]]] ] ] (set: $suspect to 'right')

"And finally, the motive?" |somehook>[ Nalen took a moment to get her thoughts in order before describing the motive for the crime - if there was one. (link: "It was for lust")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen explained how Calial had gotten in the way of someone's whirlwind romance. [["Got it," said Jaime. |wrongmotive]] ]] (link: "It was a mental illness")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen indicated that the criminal simply had no sense of right or wrong. [["Got it," said Jaime. |wrongmotive]]] ] (link: "It was done to cover up another crime")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen was fully aware that sometimes criminals make rational choices; this time, it was done to cover up the theft of the *real* mummy! [["Absolutely! Of course!" shouted Jaime.|rightmotive]] ] ] (link: "It was for revenge")[ (replace: ?somehook)["They say that revenge is a dish best served cold; that it is best done long after the fact, to make it all the sweeter. This is vengeance for something done a long time ago." [["Got it," said Jaime.|wrongmotive]]] ] (link: "It was self-defense")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen blamed it on Calial for instigating the attack. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongmotive]]] ]] (set: $method to 'wrong')

"And finally, the motive?" |somehook>[ Nalen took a moment to get her thoughts in order before describing the motive for the crime - if there was one. (link: "It was done in haste to cover up a crime")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen was fully aware that sometimes criminals make rational choices; this time, it was done to cover up the theft of the *real* mummy! [["Absolutely! Of course!" shouted Jaime.|rightmotive]] ] ] (link: "It was a mental illness")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen indicated that the criminal simply had no sense of right or wrong. [["Got it," said Jaime. |wrongmotive]]] ] (link: "It was done out of revenge")[ (replace: ?somehook)["They say that revenge is a dish best served cold; that it is best done long after the fact, to make it all the sweeter. This is vengeance for something done a long time ago." [["Got it," said Jaime.|wrongmotive]]] ] (link: "It was an act of self-defense against Calial")[ (replace: ?somehook)[Nalen blamed it on Calial for instigating the attack. [[Jaime pursed his lips and nodded.|wrongmotive]]] ] ] (set: $method to 'right')

(set: $motive to 'wrong') Jaime thought for a moment, rubbing a hand against his well-sculpted chin. [["I've given it some thought..."|jaimespeaks]]

(set: $motive to 'right') Jaime thought for a moment, rubbing a hand against his well-sculpted chin. [["I've given it some thought..."|jaimespeaks]]

(if: $cause is 'right' and $suspect is 'right' and $motive is 'right' and $method is 'right')[ (display: "Calialwrap") Nalen rested her case. "Only one person had the motive, method, and opportunity to commit the crime. Red is the only one who could have done it undetected as well. [[It was time to close this case!|goodending]] ] (else:)[Jaime shrugged again. "I'll admit, I don't *totally* follow you. In fact, I think that your outline of the case doesn't quite add up." Nalen scowled slightly. He was correct, of course. The scenario she'd outlined wasn't perfect. (if: $cause is 'wrong')[Nalen identified the wrong cause of Calial's encasement.] (if: $suspect is 'wrong')[Nalen got the suspect wrong.] (if: $method is 'wrong')[She was not correct in how this happened if Calial was supposedly alone.] (if: $motive is 'wrong')[She got the motive wrong.] (font: 'Poppins')[You have not answered correctly. You may try again and [[give Jaime a different answer|guess]] or have [[Jaime solve the case|okayending]] for you instead.] ]

Jaime was awed by Nalen's deductive reasoning skills. "It's quite simple. Red is well-connected; she maintains these connections and her finances by selling artifacts to discerning collectors, and then getting cheap copies made which are then sold at auction. She pockets twice the money - or more! - and her only expenditure is on DeWulf, the artificer who forges the copies. There's an examination of the mummy, and Calial - suspecting it's fake - stays late to confirm it. She's right, but Red is there waiting for her. Red ambushes Calial, using one of those little tomb scarab devices to wrap her and keep her from sharing what she found. Red's the only one who knows how those artifacts work. In this way, she can also blame it on a **curse**, throwing us off the scent. Red hides inside the sarcophagus, popping in when the guards arrive and leaving when they run to get the police. "You and I will arrest Miss Sanders this evening and make a big show of bringing the criminal to justice. In the early hours of the morning, I'm going after her customers, starting with Sir Cirq. Jaime offered Nalen a high five. (font: 'IM Fell English')[ [[The evening broadsheet|goodendingtied]]]

*Nalen narrated the scenario so accurately it felt like a memory. *Calial* entered the display room with haste. She removed the lid from the sarcophagus with energy she hadn't exerted in quite some time, and hauled the solid form of Lord Ishtar onto a stretcher. She knew right away that it was fake. The manufacturing was too new; it was cold as stone. Rather than squishy or spongy, the exterior was solid as steel. It was a fake - a high-quality fake, to be sure, but a fake nonetheless. "Something on your mind?" asked *Red*. Arka was standing behind her. She wore a grin, and was idly leaning against the wall with her hand behind her back. Calial straightened herself. "Where is it?" "Where is what?" responded Red. "The *real* mummy. This one's a fake, a fraud! If I had to guess, the real one is currently in that trunk in your office, ready to be sold off to some indolent noble with a taste for expensive decorations!" Calial crossed her arms. "Did I guess right?" The crimson-haired woman sighed. "Well, you're right and you're wrong." She let loose something cupped in her hands. The flittering sounds of wings filled the room as a single tiny stone beetle came to life. It was too small to swat out of the way, and too fast for Calial to dodge. It soared through the air like an arrow, and as it came to Calial's form, began to dispense bandages summoned from the air. Soft white linen wrapped her legs first, then her arms. The scarab-like device wrapped shackles of silk around her wrists, tugged them across her chest, and then promptly wrapped her torso solid. Calial shouted for help, managing to get out a single gasp before the scarab summoned a gag for her lips and an extra few layers of wrapping for her face! She grew warm, and no amount of squirming was getting her free. Calial couldn't see as another and then another layer of arcane silk coated her form, tightening and squeezing her shut before hardening. Gold-spun thread and jewelry finished her off. Calial could move no more than a fly in a spider's web, or a mummy in a tomb. Red stepped near her, stroking a few fingers over her wrapped chest. "You're wrong, in that the real mummy is right here. Sorry, Calial. It's just business." The sound of footsteps and shouting alerted Arka that she needed to hide. She pocketed the magical device, intending to put it back later, and hopped into the sarcophagus - slamming the lid shut over her. It was a tight fit, but she could manage. It was far less tight than what she'd done to Calial!*

The mage and the warden spent some more time going over all the facts of the incident. With their powers combined, Jaime was able to cut through the cloud of information, his glowing personality and arcane-enhanced wit providing a light that brought them to the truth. "So, Red - the one who found this tomb. There are always rumors swirling about that she's well-connected. I think that she gained those connections through some shady dealings. In this case, she sold the *real* mummy to that nobleman Cirq. He's reluctant to let anyone see his collection right now, and I think that's because he knows he has the real thing. Then Red goes to that artificer DeWulf and has her make a fake copy of Lord Ishtar. Of course, it's not the real thing; the real pharoah was a strange block of solid, rubbery magic and the copy is hard and heavy as stone. There's an examination of the mummy, and Calial - suspecting it's fake - stays late to confirm it. She's right, but Red is there waiting for her. Red ambushes Calial, using one of those little tomb scarab devices to wrap her and keep her from sharing what she found. In this way, she can also blame it on a **curse**, throwing us off the scent. Finally, she hears guards coming. Calial hides inside the sarcophagus itself; she's small enough to fit and strong enough to move the lid. The guards come, and see only the closed tomb and the results of Red's handiwork. They go running, and she hops out and flees the scene of the crime." Nalen couldn't help but agree with the conclusion. To her disappointment, she wouldn't be able to hold them in the Devil's Gullet, but justice would hopefully still be served. She handed this over to Jaime, who would organize the city watch to arrest Red and possibly Cirq. [[It was a job well done.|okaypaper]]

|== [ ||== <a title="Warden Nalen A. Kara" href="http://fav.me/dam70t4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warden Nalen Kara </a>, <a href="http://fav.me/dc1jpwy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deanna Dupont</a>... <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd3sKdzncYf/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lord Ishtar</a>... <a href="http://fav.me/dal0t7w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jaime Bromage</a>... Calial... <a href="http://fav.me/dcrel1s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aurora</a>... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/cheshirequill/art/Spider-s-web-658017512" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Red</a>... Helen... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/chaos111/art/Bondage-Magic-1-553622284" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nellandra</a>... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/kiwikink/favourites/10630132/Karyn-Strongblood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karyn Strongblood</a>... Bytetov... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/cirqlarlogic/art/100K-Thanks-789890056" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cirq</a> <a title="Kyra McKenzie" href="https://plasma-dragon.deviantart.com/art/Kyra-s-Visit-To-The-Library-627051739">Kyra McKenzie</a> Angela DeWulf... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/lukepwner/art/Citrah-the-Novice-Trade-Mage-473715262" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citrah</a>... ===| <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/skelebomb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skelebomb</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slimyblackjackal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SlimyBlackJackal</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/pumpkinpinup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PumpkinPinUp</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/aria-warden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aria-Warden</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/speedy-08">Speedy-08</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/cheshirequill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quill</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/aidenke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aidenke</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/chaos111/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chaos111</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/kiwikink" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kiwikink</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/shennanigma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shennanigma</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/cirqlarlogic">CirQlarLogic</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/zenris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zenris</a>... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/kylite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inky</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/lukepwner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lukepwner</a> ] =|

<a title="Warden Nalen A. Kara" href="http://fav.me/dam70t4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warden Nalen Kara </a>, <a href="http://fav.me/dc1jpwy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deanna Dupont</a> ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/skelebomb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skelebomb</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd3sKdzncYf/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lord Ishtar</a> ... <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slimyblackjackal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SlimyBlackJackal </a> <a href="http://fav.me/dal0t7w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jaime Bromage</a> ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/pumpkinpinup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PumpkinPinUp</a> Calial ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/aria-warden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aria-Warden </a> <a href="http://fav.me/dcrel1s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aurora</a> ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/speedy-08">Speedy-08</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/cheshirequill/art/Spider-s-web-658017512" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Red</a> ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/cheshirequill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quill</a> Helen ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/aidenke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aidenke</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/chaos111/art/Bondage-Magic-1-553622284" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nellandra</a> ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/chaos111/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chaos111</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/kiwikink/favourites/10630132/Karyn-Strongblood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karyn Strongblood</a> ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/kiwikink" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kiwikink</a> Bytetov ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/shennanigma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shennanigma</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/cirqlarlogic/art/100K-Thanks-789890056" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cirq</a> ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/cirqlarlogic">CirQlarLogic</a> <a title="Kyra McKenzie" href="https://plasma-dragon.deviantart.com/art/Kyra-s-Visit-To-The-Library-627051739">Kyra McKenzie</a> ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/zenris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zenris</a> Angela DeWulf ... <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/kylite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inky</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/lukepwner/art/Citrah-the-Novice-Trade-Mage-473715262" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citrah</a> <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/lukepwner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lukepwner</a>

=><= (font: 'IM Fell English')[***A SCANDAL*** **DECORATED EXPLORER ARRESTED** ** BROMAGE SAVES THE DAY AGAIN** --- (align: "<==")[ A recent investigation performed by the renowned and thoroughly handsome wizard **Jaime Bromage** has concluded with the arrest of Ms. A. Redifer **"Red"** Sanders, The mage indicated to this reporter that "Red" had sold a number of artifacts to persons of interest, paying another to manufacture copies, and pocketing the difference. Those involved are also currently under investigation for fraud. To top it off, Jaime's magic has freed the victim, who intends to continue work as an adventurer. Such power! Says Jaime of the task, "I couldn't have done it without lots of help..." although the rest of his modesties were cut off by the platitudes and applause of the gathered crowd. His hair! His style! This reporter admits that there *was* magic in the air... Truly, we are lucky to have such an individual like Jaime, hard at work with Warden Kara and others to protect fair Alysa City. ]] |hidden)[ [[**The End**->endcredits]]] { (live: 5s)[ (stop:) (show: ?hidden) ] }

(font: 'Poppins')[ THE END Thank you for playing! Make sure to comment on the story, check out the respective artists' galleries, and share what you thought of the case. **The Curse of the Quartz Mummy** was written by by (link: "Phantom")[(open-url: "http://phantomdotexe.deviantart.com/")] and featured characters by (link: "Skelebomb.")[(open-url: "http://skelebomb.deviantart.com/")] ] (display: "Credits") You can <a href="mailto:phantomdotexe@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here to email Phantom</a> with further comments or critiques! You can click <a href="http://fav.me/dd346e8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to leave some comments on DeviantArt.</a>

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=><= (font: 'IM Fell English')[***"CURSE" BROKEN*** **EXPLORER ARRESTED** **WARDEN KARA TAKES PERSONAL HAND IN STOPPING CRIME** --- (align: "<==")[ ...this intrepid reporter was able to get a few words with **Warden Kara**. She had arrested A. R. Sanders, who was busy grunting into a heavy gag and struggling against a heavy harness of ropes. "I do not simply imprison others for committing crimes; no, we do it so that others do *not* fall into lives of disorder..." Miss Nalen was a stern mistress, but she and Jaime had certainly proven that there was no avoiding justice - nor the Warden's boot! - if one was a criminal... ...when last we spoke, Nalen was off to a late-night excursion. Does the Warden never tire? ]] |hidden)[ [[**Tomorrow's paper**->Tomorrow's paper]]] { (live: 5s)[ (stop:) (show: ?hidden) ] }

=><= (font: 'IM Fell English')[***WARDEN MISSING*** **"NO LEADS" SAYS BROMAGE** --- (align: "<==")[ The Warden, last seen yesterday by this very reporter, has been reported as missing as of this morning. The Inspector's Office currently has no leads, but plans to mount a search... *Calial freed thanks to efforts of Bromage....(See Page 3)* ]] |hidden)[ [[Elsewhere->tiedend]]] { (live: 3s)[ (stop:) (show: ?hidden) ] }

*"Nmmnnnngh!"* Cirq stamped Nalen's rear with "Special Delivery." It was a needlessly cruel gesture that brought him delight, and forced a low, throaty moan out of his captive. "I really was tempted to treat you like a Pharoah, you know. But I decided against it. You're not worth it." Nalen panted and grunted, squirming against the hogtie. She couldn't get any traction. "Oh, but the padded box was *absolutely* worth it. It'll be warm, cozy, and keep you quite contained until you reach the slavers. It'll be a rather... form-fitting, though. I'm afraid it was made for a woman a bit less ample than yourself." The Warden grunted again, trying to lift herself out of the padded interior of her box. It was in vain - all she could do was groan, squirm in her ropes, and wait for this villain to seal her up! *"Mnnn! Nmmmmmm!"* "I hope you'll forgive the pun, Nalen, but I think we can mark this..." Cirq slammed the lid shut, encasing the merchandise and nailing it shut. "...case closed." [[***"GMMNNNNNGH!"***|endcredits]]