Lucky Roll
The crew arrives at a tavern to meet Krugne, a glum-looking man on a journey to create true rune dice. Seeing Krugne struggle with finding lodging, (Captain) invites him to join their crew.
The crew decides to stop by a tavern for a meal in a certain town.
Just as they are about to enter the tavern, they hear an angry voice shouting.
Angry Customer: What? I should stay put for a day? What's that supposed to mean?
???: Ha-ha. Well, I don't blame you for not being able to trust a reading from a pessimist like me.
???: But that doesn't change the fact that your results were a fumble. These rune dice are telling me that you'll drown today.
???: I'm not just trying to scare you. It'd be good to avoid going out today... or even better, to not leave this tavern.
Angry Customer: Yeah right! Sounds like a load of crap to me!
Angry Customer: No way I'm paying for your so-called reading!
???: That's fine with me, but do be careful around water.
Angry Customer: Ha, nothin' but a bunch of crap!
Soon after the angry man exits the tavern, the crew hears a cry from outside.
Angry Customer: Ahhh! That's freakin' cold! Where'd this water come from?
Angry Customer: Ergh! And how'd I trip over this bucket?
The man's yells and the sound of splashing continue for a while, just as the fortune-teller had predicted.
Lyria: Ahaha... Looks like the fortune-teller was right after all...
Vyrn: Yeah! Hard to believe he can make predictions like that with nothing but those cubes!
???: C-cubes?
Lyria: H-huh? Is something wrong?
???: Ha-ha... Oh, it's nothing.
???: And cut it out with the praise. What I did back there was nothing more than imitation.
???: This isn't my real job, and my skills pale compared to those of a real fortune-teller.
Vyrn: But c'mon, I saw what you did with the cubes. That obviously makes you a fortune-tel—
???: Ha-ha... That was the third time. The third time, lizard!
Vyrn: Huh? What're you goin' on about!
Vyrn: And I ain't no lizard!
???: Ain't no lizard? Ha-ha.
???: And my dice ain't no mere cubes!
Vyrn: Wha?
???: You hate it when people call you a lizard, right?
???: Well, I hate it when people use an ugly, everyday term like cubes to refer to my dice.
???: I dare you to call them cubes one more time.
???: I'd be happy to reward your ignorance by tearing out your spine and making some rune dice.
Vyrn: Eek! What are you talking about?
???: Ha-ha... You call that an answer?
Vyrn: Okay, okay, I get it... Sorry for callin' your dice "cubes."
???: I accept your apology. Ha-ha.
Lyria: Um... You said fortune-telling isn't your real job. What do you do?
Krugne: Ha-ha. My name is Krugne, and I'm actually a humble rune dice craftsman.
Lyria: Rune dice... Would you mind telling us what they are?
Krugne: Ha-ha, I guess it's no surprise that you've never heard of them. After all, they're relics from the ancient past.
Krugne: Perhaps it'd be easier to just show you what rune dice do than to bore you with an explanation. Take a look!
Krugne throws some dice onto the table. The moment the dice stop rolling, tiny snowflakes appear.
Lyria: So pretty!
Krugne gather the dice and tosses them onto the table again. This time, sparks appear.
Vyrn: Whoa, amazing! How does that work?
Krugne: These are called rune dice. They enable even people who don't have magical powers to easily use magic.
Krugne: Different rune dice have different effects. Right now I'm just playing around, but they can also be used for divination, rituals, and so much more.
Krugne: The bones of monsters with magic are used to make them. Spines are especially suitable for this.
Lyria: I see... So that's what you were talking about with Vyrn earlier...
Vyrn: Hey, that doesn't make it okay!
Vyrn: Anyway, if you're not a fortune-teller, then why were you doing a reading earlier?
Krugne: Ha-ha. I'm actually on a journey to create true rune dice.
Krugne: I use my rune dice for some fortune-telling or gambling to earn the money I need.
Vyrn: I see... But what do you mean by true rune dice?
Krugne: True rune dice enable you to alter fate just by rolling them.
Vyrn: What? There's really something like that out there?
Krugne: Probably. Or at least it sure would be nice if there were...
Vyrn: What! So it's just wishful thinking?
Lyria: So these true rune dice don't actually...
Krugne: Ha-ha. Yeah, it's just something from my imagination that I gave a name to.
Vyrn: Aww... So these true rune dice don't actually exist, huh?
Krugne: Sadly, no... but I'm going to make them no matter what it takes!
Krugne: And I'm not talking about imitation... I'll make them with nothing but my own skills!
Lyria: Hmm... You said something about imitation earlier too. What do you mean by that?
Krugne: Ha-ha... Nothing you need to worry about. Let's talk about something more productive.
Krugne: How'd you like to have your fortune told or maybe gamble with me?
Krugne: The last guy didn't pay, so I don't have enough for a room tonight. Ha-ha... I'm in a tight spot here.
- Then come with us.
- Sorry, but we can't help you.
Choose: Then come with us.Krugne: Huh?
Vyrn: What are you thinking, suddenly saying things like that? Look how uncomfortable you made him!
Krugne: I appreciate the thought, but I could never ask children for help...
Lyria: Ahem... We're not just children!
(Captain) tells Krugne that they are skyfarers.
Choose: Sorry, but we can't help you.Lyria: Oh, (Captain)... Don't tease him like that!
Lyria: Um... If you're in trouble, then why don't you come with us?
Krugne: Huh?
(Captain) reveals that they are skyfarers.
Continue 1Krugne is surprised to hear about the crew and their adventures.
Krugne: It's amazing that kids like you would go on such a journey...
Krugne: I guess lodging won't be a problem if I go with you, and it'll probably be easier to find rune dice materials.
Krugne: I might even learn a thing or two about how to make true rune dice.
Vyrn: But we get into all kinds of battles. Are you gonna be okay with a bit of danger, dice boy?
Krugne: While I do seem like a wimp, I don't consider my fighting skills below average. Why don't we step outside?
Once they are outside the tavern, Krugne throws a pair of rune dice into the air.
The moment the dice hit the ground, a blast of magical energy is unleashed.
Krugne: Sadly, this is about all I can do.
Vyrn: Whoa, are you kidding? You definitely won't have any problems travelin' with us!
Lyria: Yeah! Both you and your rune dice are very impressive, Krugne!
Vyrn: It's really amazing that you can make dice like that!
Krugne: Ha-ha... You're really too kind.
Lyria: Huh? Krugne, did you just laugh?
Vyrn: Hm? He's been doing nothing but laughing... though I guess it was a little mirthless.
Lyria: But the one just now... sounded like a laugh from the heart.
Vyrn: Really?
Krugne: Ha-ha-ha.
Vyrn: Um...
Krugne: Ha-ha-ha.
Vyrn: (Captain)... Let's just hurry up and get him onto the ship.
At Vyrn's suggestion, the crew shows Krugne back to the Grandcypher.
As Krugne follows them, he leisurely tosses some dice in the air.
Krugne: Oh... Double sixes. A crit?
Krugne: Looks like this is going to be quite the journey!
For just a moment, Krugne's usual, dry smile is replaced by one of genuine warmth.
Sour Decision
The crew hears of a skilled rune dice craftsman and visits his village. Krugne is thrilled to see people playing with rune dice when he notices a young man using a loaded die. Furious, he sets out to find the man who made the die.
One day, (Captain) and company hear about a very skilled rune dice craftsman.
Spurred on by Krugne, the crew visits the village where the craftsman lives.
Child: Okay! Ready? Dice roll!
Young Man: Heh heh... You actually think you can beat me?
Krugne: Oh! Oooh!
Krugne is thrilled at the sight of children and youth playing with rune dice.
Krugne: Rune dice are considered relics, but it looks like they're all over the place in this village! This is wonderful!
Lyria: Ha-ha... Look at Krugne. This is my first time seeing him smile so much!
Vyrn: Hey, Krugne. Rune dice seem pretty popular around here, so why is it that we don't see 'em anywhere else?
Krugne: The effects are too random, which makes them difficult to use. But that's actually the beauty of rune dice, and...
Vyrn: Hm? What's wrong?
Krugne, his expression serious, walks up to one of the young men.
He watches the young man roll the die before speaking up.
Krugne: That die... It's loaded, isn't it?
Young Man: Whoa! How in the world did you know?
Young Man: But just because it's loaded doesn't mean anyone can control the outcome. I've spent years honing my skills...
Krugne: Disgusting.
Krugne spits out the word, takes ten rune dice out of his pocket, and tosses them into the air.
When they hit the ground, they all end up showing the same face.
Young Man: Wha? How is that even possible?
Lyria: Wow! That's amazing!
Young Man: Let me guess... Your dice are loaded too, right?
Young Man: No, wait. That wouldn't be enough. Is this some sort of trick, like sleight of hand?
Krugne: Ha-ha... I'm hardly a smart man, but I would never do anything to violate the sanctity of rune dice.
Krugne: I learned it just now. From watching you.
Vyrn: Say what? You can do that?
Krugne: It's a skill I've always had. I can copy any move if I see it once.
Krugne: I instantly become a perfect imitator...
Lyria: Err... Krugne?
Krugne: Who and where is the guy who made that die? Tell me. Now.
Young Man: Huh? Oh, uh... Just past the forest to the north.
Krugne: ...
Vyrn: Hey, don't just leave on your own like that, Krugne! Come on, (Captain)!
Krugne: (That die he was using... I've seen that shape before. But... it can't be...)
Vyrn: H-hey, Krugne! Watch out, there's a monster behind you!
Monster: Grrrr...
Krugne: Ha-ha.... You really caught me at a bad time!
Krugne: I'll rip out your spine and turn it into rune dice!
Sour Decision: Scene 2
The crew finds out that the craftsman who loaded the die was once Krugne's best friend. Accusing Krugne of only being able to copy others, the man summons a monster with his dice and attacks the crew.
Krugne, (Captain), and the crew get through the forest and find a man in front of a small house.
At the sight of the man making dice outside, Krugne's breath catches.
Krugne: So it really is you...
???: Hm? Well, what do we have here. It's been a while, Krugne.
Lyria: Huh? Do you know each other, Krugne?
Krugne: He... was once my best friend.
Vyrn: Wait, what! Really? That means...
Lyria: So it was your best friend who made that rune die?
Krugne's Friend: Ah! So you saw it! The brilliant result of my greatest skills!
Krugne: Your pride sickens me... Don't you realize that your "skills" are defiling rune dice?
Krugne's Friend: Woah now, look who's talking... All you can do is copy others.
Krugne: ...!
Krugne's Friend: Fortune-telling, gambling... all of it! Those were my skills, not yours!
Vyrn: Huh? What's he talking about?
Krugne: You see... Pretty much everything I know, I learned from him. I copied his moves and...
Krugne's Friend: That's right! Not only did he steal my skills... but he was better at them than me. Ugh!
Krugne's Friend: But that's all in the past. Now I have a skill you'll never be able to take from me. Never!
Krugne's friend takes out several dice and throws them into the air.
The moment the dice stop spinning and land on their highest face, a monster appears out of nowhere.
Vyrn: No way... He got them all to land on the same face... and even summoned a monster!
Krugne: It's all my fault that he started making loaded dice.
Krugne: I need to talk to him. Can you lend me a hand, (Captain)?
Krugne's Friend: Ha-ha! The time for talk is over! Now I'll show you my true skills!
Krugne: Here it comes, (Captain)!
Sour Decision: Scene 3
Krugne defeats the monster and convinces his friend that rune dice are wonderful as they are. The crew heads back to the ship, where Krugne opens a gift from his friend only to find citrus cake, which he hates. As he eats the cake, he vows to one day create true rune dice.
Krugne's Friend: No... It can't be...
With the monster defeated, Krugne's friend falls to his knees.
Krugne: Loaded dice you can roll in your favor? You call that your masterpiece?
Krugne: The magical effects of rune dice are random, which is about as inconvenient as it gets.
Krugne: That's why rune dice eventually died out.
Krugne's Friend: ...
Krugne: But can't you see? The randomness itself is what makes rune dice so special!
Krugne: If you want a certain result, then just use magic! You don't need rune dice for that!
Krugne: But the two of us use rune dice. Why do you think that is?
Krugne: It's because not knowing what's going to happen next is about the most exciting thing there is!
Krugne's Friend: Shut up! Do you really think I don't know that?
Krugne's Friend: But what was I supposed to do? No matter what I tried, you just copied me and did it better than I ever could. Who wouldn't be jealous?
Krugne's Friend: So I wanted to learn a skill not even you could copy. I wanted your respect!
Krugne: ...!
Krugne: Ha-ha. Funny, because... I wanted to find a way to earn your respect as well.
Krugne's Friend: What?
Krugne: You know, I'm trying to create true rune dice right now. I'm not even sure such a thing exists.
Krugne: But I want to create something on my own without imitating anyone else... and I want to gain a kind of confidence that can only come from that.
Krugne: And then... I want to prove myself to you.
Krugne's Friend: Ha-ha! What a pair of fools we are!
Krugne's Friend: Sigh... To think we both just wanted to prove ourselves to each other...
Krugne: Ha-ha... Indeed.
Krugne's Friend: So, are you close to making them? These true rune dice.
Krugne: Ha-ha... I don't even know where to begin, to be honest. But I'll find a way, I swear it.
Krugne's Friend: Heh. Well... make sure to show me when you succeed. I'll be looking forward to it.
Krugne's friend extends his hand, and Krugne shakes it firmly.
Lyria: Sniffle. I'm so glad... you're friends again...
Vyrn: Sheesh... Why're you the one crying, Lyria!
Krugne's friend promises to never craft loaded dice again, and gives Krugne a gift to express his apology.
Soon after, the crew return to their ship. All of a sudden, they hear Krugne give a shout.
Vyrn: Eek! You scared the scales right off of me! What's wrong?
Krugne: Th-that little... stupid little... Ugh! He just had to give me what I hate most!
Lyria: Hm? And what is that?
Lyria peers into the box. Several cakes sit inside it, topped with juicy, citrus fruit.
Lyria: Um... Could it be that you don't like fruit, Krugne?
Krugne: I'm fine with fruit... just not citrus! Damn it! I know he did this on purpose!
With tears in his eyes, Krugne grabs a cake and bites into it.
Krugne: Ergh... Blegh! Ack!
Vyrn: Hey! If you don't like it, you don't have to eat it!
Krugne: Urgh... no. He gave these to me. I have to eat them, even if he meant it as a joke...
- I'll help you eat some.
- Yeah, they're all for you.
Choose: I'll help you eat some.Lyria: Hehe... (Captain)'s right—you should share some with us! They look really good!
Krugne: Ngh... Sob... Thanks...
Tears roll down Krugne's face as he continues to eat the fruit cake.
Choose: Yeah, they're all for you.Krugne: Ngh... Gah... Sob...
Vyrn: Wow, that just looks painful. Why don't we help him eat some?
Lyria: Ahaha... Yeah, let's...
Tears roll down Krugne's face as he continues to eat the fruit cake.
Continue 1Certain that his friend is laughing, Krugne endures every last bit of sour citrus as he vows to create true rune dice someday, no matter how long it takes.