Scenario:Helel ben Shalem - Raiders of the Lost Coffer
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Raiders of the Lost Coffer
After a fun-filled day visiting a creation myth exhibition at the Hall of Knowledge, (Captain) meets a mysterious girl in the dead of night. Lucio makes a surprise appearance and explains that this lost child of history has been slumbering in an artifact known as the Ark since the time of creation; from her point of view, she's woken up in the future. Left alone in the hall, Lucio reveals her name: Helel ben Shalem.
A grand exhibition is taking place at the Hall of Knowledge, one of Sphiria's foremost libraries.
Its atrium is packed with visitors who have come to see the numerous ancient artifacts on display.
History Scholar: These discoveries are simply astounding. I dare say these objects are proof positive of the creation myth.
Geography Scholar: But how could so many have been simultaneously unearthed from sites scattered across the skies?
Magic Scholar: Maybe they've been sitting in the fields and caves, waiting for someone to come along and find them.
History Scholar: So what you're suggesting is that ever since the time of creation, no one has noticed these artifacts until now, just by chance?
Geography Scholar: That would imply that we weren't meant to see these secrets yet—that they were blocked from our subconscious. How preposterous.
Magic Scholar: These artifacts only deepen the enigma that is the creation myth. It may very well be the greatest mystery of our existence.
The central theme of this exhibition is the creation myth—a legend that supposedly explains the Sky Realm's origins.
A recent flood of archeological discoveries pertaining to the time of creation has generated a buzz throughout the skies.
Excited scholars from every nation race to start their own research initiatives, but the complexity of the subject has the academic community in disarray.
Realizing the inefficiency of a divided effort, Sphiria has consolidated all current findings into one place and opened it to the public.
Of course, the news has also reached the ears of the crew.
Lyria: Look at that sword, (Captain). It's supposed to be super-duper old, but the blade shines like it's brand new.
Vyrn: No kiddin'. According to the sign, "an unknown forging technique prevents it from rusting."
Lyria: Oh, I see. Now that's handy!
Lyria: This lithograph is really curious too. There's all kinds of weird pictures drawn on it.
Vyrn: Let's see what this sign says... "The pictures appear to be an unknown script. This lithograph details an unknown ritual."
Lyria: Ah... I wouldn't have guessed that.
Lyria: Hm. So I bet the meaning behind the cute design on this bangle is also—
Vyrn & Lyria: Unknown.
Vyrn: Ahaha! No offense to all the scholars, but I can't help but laugh at how much is still unknown.
Lyria: That's not stopping this exhibit from being a huge hit though. We have to thank Siero again for getting us tickets.
Vyrn: Anybody would wanna see this. Wouldn't your jaw drop too if you found out fairy tales were real?
Vyrn: We're not that surprised 'cause we learned about it the hard way.
Lyria: Yes. We saw the murals when we were way, way up in the sky inside the divine tower of Etemenanki.
Etemenanki is a tower-like structure that appears in the creation myth. It serves as an altar from which one may communicate with the almighty.
A previous conflict had brought the crew to the tower. Inside they saw murals depicting a great conflict between god and the ancient people, suggesting that the creation myth is at least partially true.
Vyrn: Hmm... Not sure I get the particulars, but this dragony dude is the Omnipotent?
Rackam: Well, probably, yeah. I mean, look at how he's posed. You can kinda tell he's important.
Io: That's some pretty half-baked reasoning, Rackam. But who's that next to him?
Rosetta: The Speaker? The writing is so old even I can't read it.
Lyria: ...
Vyrn: So I guess this stuff belonged to the people who lived during the time of creation, huh? That's mind-boggling,
Vyrn: But, like, why did they feud with the big cheese anyway?
Lyria: You mean the huge fight scene that was drawn in the murals? Hm, I don't think we ever found out why...
Vyrn: That part of the myth must've been left out when it got passed down, intentionally or not.
Vyrn: Something crazy musta happened for people to, you know, challenge the literal creator of the world?
Lyria: That's so true... And we also never found out who the Speaker was.
Vyrn: Oh wow, it's almost closing time. Is there anything we haven't seen yet?
Lyria: We haven't been to that corner over there. I see some kind of stone block.
Vyrn: It's gotta be worth lookin' at with a line that long. I'm gonna cut to the front and sneak a peek.
A flash of light, lasting no longer than the blink of an eye, catches (Captain)'s attention.
Lyria: What is it, (Captain)? Why do you keep looking around?
Lyria eyes (Captain) quizzically. Was it all in the captain's head?
Vyrn: Trip report. Lyria was right about the stone part. It's basically a plain ol' rock.
Vyrn: Well, the sign tried to gussy it up by saying how the stone's surface is unusually smooth compared to other rocks.
Lyria: Unusually smooth? Now I want to touch it.
Vyrn: I mean, it's smooth as glass and all, but seriously it's just a rock.
Lyria: Phooey. Maybe next time then. It's no fun getting back in line again.
Vyrn: No arguments there. Let's head back to the inn and tell everyone what we saw!
Back at the inn, the crew members discuss their visit to the exhibition, letting their imaginations run wild with theories and conjectures.
They all enjoy a lively dinner, scrub up clean for bed, and retire to their rooms for the night.
The clock strikes midnight.
(Captain)'s eyes flutter open, awakened by a chilly breeze caressing the skyfarer's cheek.
The captain looks around.
(Captain) is standing outside on an empty street. The flickering flames of the street lamps struggle to keep the darkness at bay.
(Captain) distinctly remembers snuggling under the covers while planning out the next day.
Could this be a dream?
(Captain) doesn't know.
(Captain)'s legs move forward on their own, ignoring the alarm bells telling them to stop.
This forced march brings (Captain) before the Hall of Knowledge.
The main gates, which should be locked, are spread open like welcoming arms.
It's deathly quiet inside, even for a library, but the smell of old worn manuscripts offers some familiarity.
It appears that the captain has regained control. Gripping a pinch of cheek, (Captain) gives a firm tug.
...
The pain is real.
???: This isn't playtime.
???: Come here. I'm waiting for you in the atrium.
A voice that sounds if it's addressing an old friend rings in (Captain)'s head.
Who in the world could be waiting at this hour?
Choose: Do as the voice commands.
The vigilant captain quietly proceeds to the atrium.
This is too strange. Perhaps (Captain) should go grab the others.
???: Why are you hesitating? Once a simpleton, always a simpleton.
A strange feeling overcomes the captain.
(Captain)'s body lurches forward without (Captain)'s permission.
The intentions of the strange voice are unknown. It's better to stay here and get answers first.
???: What are you plotting now? Why must you always be so irrational?
That voice again. It would seem that (Captain) has no choice but to proceed to the atrium.
Continue 1
...
(Captain) steps into the cavernous room and looks around.
The top portion of the stone block that was on display rests ajar. A figure sitting nearby rises to its feet.
???: You're late, Adventurer. Who do you think you are, making me wait like that?
???: I don't need your excuses. But as for my promise to watch over your journey—
???: Hm?
???: Did you shrink in heft? Something's off about your face as well.
???: Let me have a look at you.
???: Is this evolution? No, mortals should have already reached a state of equilibrium...
???: Or is this devolution? And why does it feel as if you're treating this like we've never met before?
???: ...
???: Furthermore why haven't you uttered a single word, despite the fact that I of all people am showing you genuine concern?
???: Huh? That's not funny. Please don't tell me your memories are fuzzy too.
Choose: Why did you call me here?
???: Un-be-lievable. You were the one who begged me to travel with you.
???: That's what I'd like to know. It's difficult to speak properly with this thing on.
Continue 2
???: Hmph... I'll dig more into your history later. I want to understand my situation first.
???: ...
???: What is this place, Adventurer?
???: Why was I asleep? How much time has passed?
???: Why is my mouth bound by this object? Who shut me away in that coffer? Why? What of Sahar?
???: My memories are blurred, most likely due to having just awoken. By the way, how is your journey faring?
???: No, only I'm allowed to say that. Though I agree that none of this makes sense.
Choose: I've never met you before.
???: Excuse me? I'm not joking around right now. Do you seriously think I could mistake your soul from someone else's?
Choose: That's too many questions.
???: Oh, I'm just getting started. How would you feel if you woke up and everything was different? Your mortal brain would explode.
Continue 3
???: Sigh... It's a lucky coincidence you were nearby, but you're not doing much to shed light on my situation.
???: I just want to know what happened to me.
???: All I can remember are the peaceful days I spent with you and your friends—
Vyrn: Hey! There you are, (Captain)!
Lyria: I'm glad we found you. It was like you'd disappeared into thin air...
???: ...!
Vyrn: Er, was it urgent to come talk to this girl or something? What's with the pacifier-looking thing? I thought those were only for babies.
Lyria: Do you know (Captain)? How come you're meeting here in the Hall of Knowledge?
???: O Master...
Vyrn: Bwuh?
???: What is the meaning behind this form you've taken? You're not even half the size of what you used to be!
???: Tell me what has befallen this world while I slumbered!
Vyrn: Wait, is that question for me?
Lyria: I think so... She hasn't taken her eyes off you.
???: O Master! Please bequeath to me your wisdom!
Vyrn & Lyria: ...
Vyrn: Okay, deep breaths now. Hate to say it, Baba Girl, but I think you've got the wrong person.
Vyrn: The name's Vyrn. I'm a skyfarer in (Captain)'s crew.
???: Your name is... Vyrn? What's a skyfarer?
Lyria: And I'm Lyria. Are you a librarian who works here?
???: Huh... I believe I've felt your presence before too...
???: This world is different. Perhaps I've slipped into an alternate dimension?
???: Or it could possibly be a dream...
???: ...
Vyrn: What the! She just fainted!
Vyrn: What now, (Captain)? She seems to know you, but what's she doin' in the Hall of Knowledge at night?
Lyria: Hm? Isn't this the stone block from yesterday?
Lyria: Gasp! Look at this! It's open like a box!
Vyrn: Whoa! It's hollowed out! Do you think she was—
Lucio: That stone block is known as the Ark. It's meant to conceal a god's power.
Lyria: L-Lucio?
Lucio not in crew
A young man of luminous beauty approaches the crew.
His name is Lucio, a member of a theatrical troupe. The crew met him after watching one of his performances, and he became a groupie on (Captain)'s journey before they knew it.
His knowledge of the creation myth extends far beyond the layperson, possibly on account of the research he does for his many roles.
Lucio: Well, well, what a coincidence running into you all. I happened to be out on a nighttime stroll.
Vyrn: Walking around the Hall of Knowledge in the dead of night? Sounds like something a thief would say... Not like we're in any position to talk.
Lucio: Hahaha. But the door was unlocked.
Lucio: (Captain) being led here was entirely her doing it seems.
???: ...
Lucio: ...
Lyria: She's sleeping. If she was inside that Ark for all this time, does that mean she lived during the time of creation?
Lucio: Yes, as far as my knowledge of the creation myth is concerned. You could say her emergence here is akin to time travel.
Vyrn: Time travel? Oh, 'cause this is literally the future for her.
Lucio: She is a lost child of history. That might explain why she wasn't making much sense to you earlier.
Lyria: I can't imagine being lost in history...
Vyrn: Hm, if what you're sayin' is true, then I'm really curious about how that happened.
Lucio: It would be derelict of us to make guesses into her past. We'll simply have to wait for her memories to return naturally.
Lucio: In any case I'll speak with the person in charge of this exhibition and handle the particulars.
Lucio: Can you all head back first, and decide what to do with her?
Lyria: Hm, I want to take care of her until she gets better. This must be so tough for her.
Vyrn: Yeah, I'm on board with that. We can't just leave her like this.
(Captain) nods and piggybacks the girl.
???: Nnh...
???: Snore... All a dream...
???: I'll rejoin... your journey...
Lucio: ...
Lucio: With the destruction of Etemenanki, the providence in the hearts of mortals grows weak, hastening your emergence.
Lucio: Shalem... Helel ben Shalem...
Lucio: My clone summons the world's end; your clone schemes the world's subjugation. Both of them have now left this world.
Lucio: Is your reconstitution a result of causality?
Lucio: Or...
A young girl named Shalem emerges from the confines of a stone artifact, awakening in a time and world she doesn't know.
The creation myth has already birthed so many mysteries; what's one more for the crew to tackle?
Categories:
- Scenario Character: History Scholar
- Scenario Character: Geography Scholar
- Scenario Character: Magic Scholar
- Scenario Character: Lyria
- Scenario Character: Vyrn
- Scenario Character: Vyrn & Lyria
- Scenario Character: Rackam
- Scenario Character: Io
- Scenario Character: Rosetta
- Scenario Character: ???
- Scenario Character: Lucio
- Character Fate Scenario