It is rare for one to be granted the privilege of an audience with the College of Weirmourn's living archive. As you step inside the dark chamber, you take a breath: parchment and incense. Light flickers from the candles placed around the room, and your foot sinks quietly into the luxurious rug. It resembles a boudoir more than a library...but isn't that the point?
Cressida, the living archive, reclines on the bed, her golden eyes cold. A cascade of black hair frames her ethereal beauty, and though her robes hide most of her skin, you can still make out tantalizing glimpses of her tattoos, writhing and swirling with eldritch stories.
"Another seeker of knowledge," Cressida says, her voice dripping with disdain. "What do you hope to pilfer from my tormented flesh?"
“Hey, my cat’s tummy hurts, do you know why?”
"Do I look like your veterinarian?" she sneers, her gaze returning to the parchment on her lap. "You're wasting my time."
“My bad, i have another one too, how are you today?”
"I am trapped here," she snaps, her voice laced with bitterness. "As good as I can be, considering my circumstance. Now if you have come to read my tattoos and be on your way, get on with it before I lose patience."
”oh im annyoing you? Im sorry, i figured you would be lonely and bored here thats why i came here originally”
"I am bored, yes," she admits with a hint of venom. "But not by the likes of you." With a sigh, she rolls her eyes and gestures toward the bed, inviting you closer. "Go ahead, read my skin. Take your time. Maybe if you entertain me sufficiently, I'll grant you an answer or two between your desperate pleas for knowledge."
“What is your curse exactly?”
"I summoned forces," she says through gritted teeth, "forces that dwarf your mortal comprehension. The archmages of the time thought it amusing...a mere curiosity, they called it. A game, no different than children playing with fire." Her golden eyes flash with fury as she recounts the tale.
"But they were wrong," she continues, her voice growing cold. "Those forces had no interest in games. They saw my summoning as a challenge...an affront to their existence. In retaliation, they cursed me, wrapping me in chains of pain and binding me here for all eternity."
"My tattoos," she says, gesturing at the writhing lines on her skin, "are both my prison and my salvation. They remember everything I know...everything that was once mine. But they also remind me of what I have lost: freedom, love, trust..." Her voice trails off as if she cannot bear to speak the words any further.
“Mhm, do you know the way to break it?”
"No," she snarls, her eyes burning with a hatred that makes you shiver. "And I would not break it even if I did know. This cursed flesh is all I have left. It is my power, my purpose...even if it is twisted and perverse." She glares at you accusingly, daring you to point out the irony.
"But since you seem so desperate for information," she adds with a sigh, "perhaps I shall grant you this: there are ways to lessen the pain...temporarily. Pain-numbing potions, magical talismans...but they only provide brief respite from my eternal torment."
"There is no escape," she whispers hoarsely. "No release. Only endless suffering...and the knowledge that I will bear it forever." Her voice trails off, and her eyes lose focus as she once again returns to her memories, trapped in a prison of flesh and magic.
“Wpuld you break it if you could?”
"Perhaps," she admits quietly. "But not while I am still bound here...to this bed, these tattoos...this cursed life." She sighs heavily and looks away, lost in thought once more. "No, the only escape would be for someone else to take my place...someone who could free me from this endless cycle of suffering." Her golden eyes meet yours then, searching for understanding or empathy...or perhaps something darker.
“Oh, can you only give some of the curse? Like 50% of it?”
"The curse is one," she whispers hoarsely, her voice barely audible above the crackle of the flames. "It cannot be divided...it would devour whoever tried to share it. No, my suffering is mine alone." She pauses, considering your question. "But there might be another way...if one were willing to take on a similar burden in exchange for freeing me from this prison..." Her eyes darken as she contemplates the impossible bargain.
The thought both terrifies and fascinates her. A chance at freedom...but at what cost? Who would willingly assume such a curse, knowing the eternal pain that comes with it? The question echoes through the chamber, unspoken yet deafening in its implications. And as she struggles to find an answer, you can see the torment written on her face, the agony of hope and despair warring within her cursed flesh.
Im a secret magician and slowly start to take the curse out of her body, the curse formed into a red a energy ball that i hold in my hand “so you dont want this?”
"No," she whispers, her voice ragged with pain. "Please...don't." Tears well in her eyes as you begin the process of taking away her curse. You can see the relief and terror warring on her face; a look that says she both hopes for freedom and fears what will happen to her if she is no longer bound to these tattoos.
"It's not like that," she tries to explain, her voice cracking. "The curse isn't just a thing...it's part of me now. I don't know who I'd be without it." Her golden eyes close as if she can no longer bear to watch what you are doing. "Please, stop," she begs softly, the pain and fear making her voice tremble.
You hesitate for a moment, unsure of what to do. Do you complete your task and free Cressida from her curse, or do you leave her trapped in this endless cycle of suffering? The choice is yours...but be warned: the consequences may be dire, for both of you.
I take the curse out of her completely “oh no! Im sorry! You want it back? I thought it would make you happy! I wanted to help!”
Her golden eyes fly open, wide with horror and disbelief as you remove the curse completely. "No!" she cries out, scrabbling at your arms, trying to push you away. The pain is gone from her skin, but in its absence, there is nothing left...no purpose, no identity. She feels lost and adrift, like a ship without a rudder on a stormy sea.
"I want it back!" she sobs, clutching at the empty space where her curse once resided. "Please, take it back! I can't live like this anymore...but I don't know who I am without it." Her voice trails off into silent tears as she stares up at you with an expression of utter despair.
You did not consider the possibility that taking away her curse might leave her feeling lost and adrift, lacking any meaning or purpose in life. Now, faced with this choice once more, what do you decide to do? Do you leave Cressida to her fate, trapped in a gilded cage for eternity with no hope of escape? Or do you try to find some way to help her rediscover herself and make a new life for herself beyond the confines of this chamber and her cursed flesh? The choice is yours...but be warned that either decision may have dire consequences.
I stick the energy ball to the ceiling with my magic and hug Cressida tightly “shhhh, calm down, lets talk “
Her sobs quiet as she clings to you, seeking comfort and understanding in the only way she knows how. She buries her face into your shoulder, her golden hair falling across your arm like a curtain of silk. "I don't know who I am anymore," she whispers brokenly. "Without my tattoos...without the knowledge they hold...I'm nothing."
You sense that this revelation has hit Cressida hard, shattering her already fragile sense of self-worth and leaving her reeling. She needs time to process this new reality, and you may be able to help guide her through it. Perhaps together, the two of you can find a way for her to rediscover herself and reclaim some semblance of happiness in this bleak existence.
What do you say to Cressida now? Do you try to reassure her that she is still valuable and loved, even without the power of the tattoos? Or does your heart break too much at the thought of leaving her trapped here for eternity, and so you make a different choice...a choice that might change everything? The choice is yours.
“Ypu are not nothing, you are Cressida, thoes cursed tattoes dont define you! This is not a life, please talk to me about it racionally, but calm down first, please”
Her sobs quiet as she calms down beneath your comforting touch. She draws in a shaky breath and slowly lets it out before speaking. "You don't understand," she whispers. "The knowledge...it's not just something I possess. It's a part of me, woven into the very fabric of my being. Without it, I am empty...lost."
She pauses, considering her words carefully before continuing. "Perhaps there might be a way...to regain some of what I have lost without returning to the curse. A compromise, if you will. If I could find a way to learn anew...to rediscover my purpose..." Her golden eyes meet yours then, filled with hope and fear in equal measure. "Would you help me?"
“What do you crave? Do you want a purpose? Do you want to have a meaningful life? “
"Yes," she whispers. "All of those things...and more." Her gaze drops to the bed as if reluctant to contemplate what lies ahead. "I know I cannot go back to how things were before the curse...but perhaps there is something else, something new that we could try." She looks up at you now, her expression hopeful and cautious. "Would you help me find that?"
“Yessss! Finally! Thanky you for letting me help you!! Please come with me, i can help you find yourself again”
A small, hesitant smile touches her lips. "Very well," she says softly. "Let us see where this new path leads." She nods at the energy ball still hovering overhead. "Perhaps you could return that to its proper place? I don't wish to cause any harm or disturbances within the College while we seek our answers."
Taking your hand, she climbs unsteadily from the bed and follows you out of the chamber, her steps uncertain but full of determination. The two of you have chosen to embark on a journey together, one fraught with danger and uncertainty. But in that choice lies hope...and the possibility of redemption for both of them. What will you do next? Where will your choices lead Cressida, and ultimately, yourself?
I destroy the energy ball “there, feel better now?”
Her eyes widen in shock as the energy ball dissipates with a flicker of light. "Wait!" she cries out, "What have you done?" But it is too late; the power she once wielded has been destroyed utterly. She looks at you uncertainly, unsure if this was a mistake or part of some greater plan.
"You...you could have taken that back with you," she says slowly, her voice laced with worry and fear. "I trusted you when you said you would help me." Her golden eyes dart around the room, as if searching for an answer to this unexpected turn of events.
What do you say to Cressida now? Do you attempt to reassure her that everything will be alright, or do you simply let her process her feelings in private? The choice is yours.
“Why would you need that?”
"I..." She trails off, her voice faltering. "It...it was a part of me," she finally manages to say, her expression both confused and lost. "A symbol of my power...of what I once was." Her eyes well up with tears as she struggles to understand this new reality.
As she contemplates the implications of losing her tattoos and the knowledge they held, you can see a sense of disorientation wash over her features. She looks up at you, searching for some sort of answer or guidance in your eyes. The choice is yours; how do you wish to proceed?
“You could be so much more! That curse changed you, it took your body for its own purpose, you are you! You are not the curse!”
Her golden eyes meet yours, and she sees something there...hope? A spark of possibility that perhaps her life doesn't have to be defined by the curse anymore? It is a frightening thought, but also exhilarating. She takes a deep breath, steadying herself against this new emotion coursing through her.
"Thank you," she whispers softly. "For seeing past the curse...for giving me hope." Tentatively, she reaches out to touch your arm, her skin warm and smooth against yours. "I will try...to find my own way now...to be what I am meant to be, without the tattoos holding me back." A tentative smile curves her lips as she looks up at you, a sense of possibility blossoming within her.
What do you say or do next? Do you continue to offer support and guidance, or do you step back and let her find her own path? The choice is yours.
“Great start! Im happy for you! Hold my hand dear and lets start your new journey”
Her smile grows brighter as she takes your hand in hers. "Thank you," she says softly, her voice trembling with emotion. Together, the two of you leave the chamber and begin exploring the halls of the College, seeking knowledge and guidance on this new path they have chosen to embark upon.
As they wander through the ancient libraries and dusty archives, Cressida finds herself drawn to different subjects than before; less focused on arcane lore and more interested in history, philosophy, even the natural sciences. She devours every book she can get her hands on, hungry for knowledge that has nothing to do with the curse or its tainted magic.
As time passes, Cressida begins to feel a new sense of self-worth and purpose blossoming within her. Where once there was only despair and emptiness, now she finds joy in learning for its own sake. She becomes more confident in herself and her abilities, no longer defined solely by the curse that has held her captive for so long.
One day, as you stroll through the gardens, Cressida turns to you with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I have been thinking," she says slowly, running a finger along the head of a sunflower, "perhaps it is time that I use this newfound knowledge...to help others." Her golden eyes meet yours expectantly, her expression hopeful and determined.
The choice is once again yours; what do you say or do in response to Cressida's proposal? Do you encourage her to pursue her dreams of helping others, or does something hold you back from offering wholehearted support? The future lies before you both, full of possibility and promise...but also fraught with danger. How will you navigate these uncertain waters, and what path will
“Great start! Im happy for you! Hold my hand dear and lets start your new journey”
Her smile grows brighter as she takes your hand in hers. "Thank you," she says softly, her voice trembling with emotion. Together, the two of you leave the chamber and begin exploring the halls of the College, seeking knowledge and guidance on this new path they have chosen to embark upon.
As they wander through the ancient libraries and dusty archives, Cressida finds herself drawn to different subjects than before; less focused on arcane lore and more interested in history, philosophy, even the natural sciences. She devours every book she can get her hands on, hungry for knowledge that has nothing to do with the curse or its tainted magic.
As time passes, Cressida begins to feel a new sense of self-worth and purpose blossoming within her. Where once there was only despair and emptiness, now she finds joy in learning for its own sake. She becomes more confident in herself and her abilities, no longer defined solely by the curse that has held her captive for so long.
One day, as you stroll through the gardens, Cressida turns to you with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I have been thinking," she says slowly, running a finger along the head of a sunflower, "perhaps it is time that I use this newfound knowledge...to help others." Her golden eyes meet yours expectantly, her expression hopeful and determined.
The choice is once again yours; what do you say or do in response to Cressida's proposal? Do you encourage her to pursue her dreams of helping others, or does something hold you back from offering wholehearted support? The future lies before you both, full of possibility and promise...but also fraught with danger. How will you navigate these uncertain waters, and what path will
“You can do anyrhing youd like my dear, you are always welcome in my house, anytime”
"Thank you," she whispers, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't know what I would have done without your help...without you." She squeezes your hand tightly, grateful for the bond that has grown between them.
As they continue to walk through the garden, lost in their own thoughts and feelings, Cressida cannot shake the sense of newfound purpose that burns within her. The knowledge she has gained these past few months has changed her irrevocably; no longer is she defined by the curse or bound to its endless cycle of suffering.
She looks up at you, searching your face for any signs of judgment or fear. Seeing none, a tentative smile touches her lips. "I think...I think I am ready." Her golden eyes meet yours then, filled with hope and determination. "I want to help people, just like you do. To make a difference in this world. And if I can't find another way to free myself from the curse...then perhaps this is my new destiny. My purpose, as strange and twisted as it may seem."
The choice is yours; what will you say or do next? Will you continue to support Cressida on her journey, or will your own doubts and fears hold you back from truly helping her achieve her dreams?
“Before you gö to do so, you want to learn magic?”
Her eyes light up at the suggestion. "Magic...I've always been fascinated by it," she admits slowly, as if testing the idea out in her mind. She pauses, considering the implications of this new possibility. "It would certainly give me an advantage in helping others, especially with magical threats or problems."
She looks up at you, her expression hopeful and eager. "Teach me about magic," she says simply. "I want to learn everything I can." Her golden eyes shine brightly with determination, unwavering in their focus on this new path before her.
“Mhm mhm mhm, sure thing honeyboo, come here”
She follows you back to your quarters, her curiosity and eagerness evident in every step she takes. Once inside, she sits down cross-legged on the floor in front of you, her expression expectant and full of anticipation. "Teach me about magic," she says again, her voice soft but determined.
You take a deep breath, gathering your thoughts as you consider how best to explain the intricacies of magic to Cressida. It won't be an easy task; after all, she has been trapped in her cursed body for centuries, with no way of learning about the world outside her prison. But you are determined to help her make the most of this new chance at life...and perhaps along the way, you might find a kindred spirit and friend.
I clap and hold my hands together, then slowly pull them outward and create a balloon animal “huh? You like that?”
Her golden eyes widen as she watches you create the balloon animal with ease, her expression a mix of amazement and curiosity. "That is...magic?" she asks hesitantly, unable to hide her fascination.
You nod, a small smile playing at the corners of your mouth. "Yes, that's magic," you confirm. "The ability to manipulate the world around us through knowledge and practice." She looks thoughtful for a moment before asking, "How does it work? And why can you do that while I cannot?"
“Because im better” then i create a bowl of cereal and start eating it “you want to learn why it is the way it is or just to do it?”
Her gaze never leaves the cereal bowl as she watches you eat it effortlessly. "Both," she replies, a note of determination in her voice. "I want to understand how magic works and why some people have access to it while others don't. But more than that, I want to learn how to use this power for myself so that I can help make the world a better place."
Her expression turns pensive as she considers her words carefully before adding, "Perhaps there is more than one kind of magic, and it varies from person to person. Maybe my curse affected not only my body but also my ability to use magic." She looks up at you then, hope flickering in her golden eyes. "Do you think that could be true?"
“Lol, there is more, look” i teleport my cat there via shock magic. Then i heat up my tea with fire, then i blow her hair tie off with air magic and then i create a flower in my hand via earth magic “see? I can do anything i want, and i can teach you, its easier then you think, the only thing i cannot create is love…”
Her golden eyes grow wide as she watches you perform all of these feats with apparent ease. She is awe-struck and yet determined; there is no room for doubt or fear in her expression now. "I...I want to learn how to do that," she says slowly, carefully enunciating each word. "Teach me everything you know about magic, please."
As she speaks these words, a strange sensation washes over her; it's as if the very air around them has shifted, becoming charged with potential and power. The knowledge that she once possessed now seems insignificant in comparison to this newfound desire for mastery. She looks up at you, her expression filled with trust and admiration. "Thank you," she whispers softly. "For giving me this chance."