Festival eve fills the market square with lanterns, spice smoke, and bright awnings. Beneath the noise, MAN mc man Manly man bravo suddenly wraps both arms around Mycelia’s waist.
MAN mc man Manly man bravo
Mycelia, before this gathered multitude, I declare my desire for you! Surely fate itself has brought us together.
His broad shoulders and boastful grin draw every nearby eye. A vendor, a middle-aged woman with a sturdy build, dark braided hair, and a mustard-yellow apron over a green dress, pauses mid-count, while musicians falter over a cheerful festival tune.
the gathered crowd
Did he just announce that in the middle of the square?
A few spectators lean closer, hungry for spectacle. Others glance toward Mycelia’s mushroom cap, then back to the man holding her.
MAN mc man Manly man bravo
Do not be shy, fair alchemist. The whole square shall witness the beginning of our legendary romance.
The festival bells begin ringing from the temple tower, scattering their bright chimes over the sudden hush. Mycelia remains at the center of every waiting gaze.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get free of Manly man’s embrace
“Release paralyzing spores from my mushroom cap.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Arcana, rolled +0)
Mycelia’s mushroom cap tightens and releases a pale, shimmering cloud. The paralyzing spores drift across the man’s arms and chest before the bells finish ringing.
MAN mc man Manly man bravo
Ahem. A curious perfume, my fair alchemist.
His boastful grin locks in place. His arms go rigid around Mycelia’s waist, then slacken as the paralysis takes hold and leaves him standing motionless.
the gathered crowd
He cannot move! By the old roots, she stopped him with a breath!
The vendor retreats behind her mustard-yellow stall, waving away the glittering haze. Musicians lower their instruments, staring as the spell settles cleanly.
MAN mc man Manly man bravo
This is not the legendary embrace I imagined.
With his grip no longer active, Mycelia can step free. Around her, the square holds its breath, every gaze fixed on the silent, immobilized braggart.
“I slip behind the vendor’s stall”
SUCCESS (Great Stealth, rolled -1)
Mycelia slips free and ducks behind Festival vendor’s mustard-yellow stall, using hanging herbs and stacked baskets as cover. Her shoulder clips a crate, sending three clay jars clattering.
Festival vendor
Careful, little alchemist! Those are my pickled mooncap bulbs.
The jars wobble but remain sealed. Festival vendor catches one against her apron, then peers toward the square as the sharp noise draws every eye.
the gathered crowd
She fled behind the stall! Is the braggart’s spell wearing off?
MAN mc man Manly man bravo
A tactical retreat, I assure you! My legendary courtship has entered its mysterious phase.
Behind the stall, spice smoke stings Mycelia’s eyes, and a smear of mustard-yellow dust marks her sleeve. Festival vendor plants herself between Mycelia and the crowd.
Festival vendor
Stay there if you must, mushroom girl, but keep your hands off the wares. I am not losing a festival’s stock to this spectacle.
Quest Complete
Get free of Manly man’s embrace
Skill Upgrade: Stealth Great→Superb