RQ Network Feed Drop – Planet Arcana: Episode 1–Welcome to Riskotheque

Summary

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The Magnus Archives – RQ Network Feed Drop: Planet Arcana: Episode 1 – Welcome to Riscotheque

Date: April 13, 2026
Podcast Feed: The Magnus Archives / Rusty Quill
Episode: Feed drop feature for Planet Arcana S1E1
Guest Podcast Website: planetarcana.com

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EPISODE OVERVIEW

This special episode of The Magnus Archives podcast is a feed drop dedicated to highlighting Planet Arcana, one of the standout shows from the Rusty Quill’s expanding audio fiction network. Planet Arcana is a science fantasy audio drama set in a retrofuturistic world populated by humans, androids, and arcane technologies. The story follows three unlikely collaborators—Riot (an influencer/rogue), Crater (an aging steam android), and Celestine (a young cowboy android)—as they begin an audacious heist at the luxurious Riscotech Casino in Tropo Neo Vega, a neon-drenched city balanced precariously between law, crime, and magic.

This first episode “Welcome to Riscotheque” introduces the main characters, establishes their relationships and motivations, sets up the heist’s objectives, and immerses the listener in the rich, genre-blending setting of Planet Arcana.

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KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Planet Arcana’s Setting and Lore

• Year of the Fool 182, Fifth Collide: The episode opens with an in-world news broadcast establishing the present as the auspicious “Year of the Fool”, a significant time in a calendar that dictates cycles of fortune, celebration, and superstition.
• Tropo Neo Vega: The heist takes place in this lush, neon-lit metropolis. It features a social hotbed of factional influences—Spectres (religious/occult), Scrappers (underworld figures), Cogs (tech innovators), Deeplows (law enforcement), and Analogues (augmented humans).
• Magico-technological Worldbuilding: Advanced AI, androids with differing eras/styles, pip devices (multi-use social tech), and tarot-inspired elements set the tone. Ritualistic events—like the spinning of the Wheel of Fortune—have real cultural and (possibly) supernatural impact.

[03:03, Game Master] “We only see a few full years in our lifetimes, folks, so make the most of it…many believe it sets the tone for the entire 22-year cycle.”

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2. Character Introductions and Group Dynamic

The Crew:

• Crater Wayne: A massive, old steam Android with a friendly but pragmatic disposition.
• Celestine Wanderoff: A “cowboy” Gears Android, younger, wide-eyed, and untested but sweet-natured and unfailingly loyal.
• Riot: A savvy, charismatic, and highly “modded” human influencer. Cool under pressure, she’s the architect of the heist.

First Impressions & Relationships:

• Crater is the de facto big brother, looking out for naive Celestine and keeping the group grounded.
• Celestine provides comedic and emotional heart, eager to please and quick to tip, but uncertain about crime.
• Riot brings the plan and the street-smarts, and instantly impresses Celestine.

[12:59, Crater & Celestine]

Celestine: “I owe you everything. Nobody's been kind to me like you have since I left Ma and Pa's farm. But this…this business that we're doing, I mean, look, I'm young…”

Crater: “Your thinker is just fine, man.”

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3. The Heist Plan: Stakes, Intel, and the Wheel

The Job

• Objective: Steal a small statue of a dog from a tightly-guarded display after the symbolic “spinning of the Wheel of Fortune” event.

• Key Obstacles:

  • Entry to the display needs a specific keycard, worn by MC Harley “High Stakes” (noted for her rose gold Unicycle Android form).
  • The artifact is protected by laser grids, alarms, and a dangerous (non-sentient) bot called Pentadrone.
  • Two notable guests—Yeehaw McGraw (an Analog partier/cowboy) and Uncle Edict (a famous Spectre preacher)—are flagged as worth interacting with.

• Plan:

  • Obtain the MC’s keycard subtly before the wheel spin.
  • Utilize “Dropsilver” (sci-fi quantum/antigrav drug, single-use) for emergency escapes.
  • Use casino time to scope security, meet persons of interest, and blend in before making their move.

[21:09, Riot]: “The main item that we're looking for is a small statue of a dog...I don’t ask questions. I just get the money.”

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4. Casino Floor—Social Engineering & Table Gameplay

Immersive Casino Intro

• The group enters Riscotech’s casino floor—birds and drone servers in a neon, plant-filled, high-roller wonderland.

Key Table Encounters

• The trio works their way into blackjack games, joined by other VIPs.
• Yeehaw McGraw (analog cowboy gambler) and Uncle Edict (Spectre preacher and local minor celebrity) provide color, potential allies or obstacles.
• Game segments display both the mechanics of the world (gambling with D&D dice) and the development of trust and undercurrents of deception between characters and NPCs.

[35:25, Celestine]: “That’s a majestic wheel up there.”

[47:02, Game Host/Dealer]: “...as you sit down is like, would you like me to deal you in, sir?”

• Riot leans into her charm and skills, Crater takes bold risks, Celestine plays up inexperience (“I have no idea what I’m doing!”). Social leverage and roleplay intertwine with dice luck.

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5. Building Tension – Notable NPCs and Side Missions

• Mesmera: The sultry matriarch of a royal family, offers potential alliances and mutual favors with Riot.
• Boy Baccarat: The harried casino dealer, who becomes increasingly overwhelmed by the escalating antics at the table.
• Uncle Edict: Sees a “greater meaning” to Celestine’s mission, cryptically warns against trusting his current allies.

[78:19, Uncle Edict]: “Whatever you're here for is of far more importance than you or I understand, my boy. And I'm not sure what this feeling means, but I do know that whoever is asking you to do what you came here to do is not to be trusted, and you should come to me after you've completed your time task.”

• Group wins a cache of coins—and valuable tokens (passage tokens and weapon mods)—which could be crucial for future escape or upgrades.

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6. The Wheel Spins & Inciting Incident

Escalation

• Riot, with deft sleight of hand and the help of a distraction from Crater and Celestine, successfully lifts the display room keycard from MC Harley High Stakes ([89:05–89:18]). Mesmera assists with a timely distraction.

[89:05, Game Host/Dealer]: “Just barely do you get this keycard… Mesmera kind of like, wanders up near Harley…gives you a little moment to grab what you're trying to get.”

• As the floor’s attention shifts to the climactic “spinning of the Wheel of Fortune,” the team maneuvers to make their move. The wheel—an ancient, pre-“Big Oops” artifact—lands on The World for the first time ever, amidst cheers, gasps, and immediately punctuated by a distant explosion and blackout.

[91:00+, Narrator/Game Master]: “The wheel begins to slow...for the very first time in recorded history, lands firmly on the world...what sounds like an explosion, distant but alarmingly significant enough to cause a tremor and a flickering of the lights. Then all is still.”

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MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS

• “If you put your finger on Crater, would it sizzle?”

  • Crater: "And then you’d have an annoying blister on your finger for two months afterwards.” ([08:20])

• The Limp Bizkit Gag:

  • Crater: “As the great Limp Bizkit used to say, I’m not scared to break shit.” ([26:11])
  • Celestine: “This philosopher Limp Bizkit is very interesting. Is there a place I can find one of his books?” ([26:30])

• Celestine's Naivete:

  • Celestine: “I have no intention of betraying you with my face or any other part of my body.” ([17:06])

• Riot’s Player Rolling a Critical Sleight of Hand:

  • Crater (player): “If you roll a NAT one here, you have killed all of our characters in the first episode.” ([88:05])
  • Riot (player): (Nat 24 with advantage, successfully nabs the card)

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TIMESTAMPS – IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

• 00:42 – Introduction to Planet Arcana & Arkoo network (Lori)
• 03:03 – In-world broadcast sets the scene: Fifth Collide, Year of the Fool
• 06:21 – The suite at Riscotech Casino; character arrivals and introductions
• 14:20–19:40 – Riot lays out the heist plan and lore of the Wheel of Fortune
• 21:00–26:00 – Heist mechanics: keycard, Pentadrone, Dropsilver, social planning
• 33:25–41:00 – First steps on the casino floor; first interactions with major NPCs
• 47:00–75:00 – The blackjack table: team gambles, builds trust, and wins key items
• 78:00–81:00 – Uncle Edict’s warning and mystical insight to Celestine
• 86:22–89:18 – Riot meets MC Harley, successfully nabs the keycard
• 91:00–92:37 – The Wheel of Fortune spins; the world changes; chaos looms

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FINAL SCENE & OUTRO

With the main team now equipped with the keycard, ins, valuables, and cryptic warnings, the stage is set for the heist’s next move amidst chaos. As the crowd reels from the explosive, world-altering spin, Crater, Celestine, and Riot are poised at the threshold of opportunity—and danger. The episode ends with tantalizing foreshadowing and a masterful blend of roleplaying, worldbuilding, and genre style.

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TL;DR – For New Listeners

Planet Arcana’s debut episode is an energetic, genre-mashing adventure starring a sharp-tongued influencer, a grizzled steam android, and a loyal but naive cowboy bot. They plot to pilfer a mysterious artifact in a magical cyber-noir casino, navigating dangerous tech, dazzling distractions, and occult omens. Witty dialogue, immersive roleplay, and a dynamic world full of supernatural intrigue make this a standout entry point for new listeners.

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FURTHER LISTENING

To continue the story:
Search for Planet Arcana wherever you get your podcasts or visit planetarcana.com.

Transcript

[Billy Hindle]

Hi there, Billy Hindle here, the voice of Alice Dyer in the Magnus Protocol. As part of the Magnus Archive's 10th anniversary, Rusty Quill is hosting a special Magnus Live show at the upcoming Crossed Wires Podcast Festival in Sheffield. Join co creators Jonathan Sims and Alexander J. Newell on 5 July for a new iteration of our live show. Statement Begins where you can hear fan favorite statements such as anglerfish, redlive and gain exclusive insights into the creation and history of the show straight from the creators themselves. You can buy your tickets now, including limited numbers of meet and greet tickets from Crossedwires Live or the link in the description of this episode.

[Lori]

Hi everyone, it's Lori here. Today we are bringing you the first episode from one of the brilliant podcasts that has launched on the Arkoo network. Planet Arcana Planet Arcana is a science fantasy audio fiction presented by two game runners and built through a D&D 5E framework set in a retro futuristic world of humans and androids. An influencer, a drug dealer and a cowboy walk into a casino, then into a vast mystery of science, magic and tarot inspired gods. The world of Planet Arcana is rife with mystery, intrigue and crime and and no answer is ever straightforward. What really happened at the riscotech casino? Who's been stealing Android organs and why? You can listen to more episodes of this series by searching for Planet Arcana wherever you listen to your podcasts by clicking the link in the Show Notes below or visiting rustyquill.com or www.planetarcana.com for more information. Enjoy the episod.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Good evening and thank you for tuning into our broadcast as we enter the summer of Fool182. I'm your host, Shol de Paz. I don't know about you, but this cycle's Year of the fool is shaping up to be a great one all across the fifth collide. We only see a few full years in our lifetimes folks, so make the most of it and have some fun. As always, this cycle marks a year of festivals, competitions and performances honoring newness, folly and marking the first year of our 182nd cycle since the Big Oops. With her coronation festivities in Crown City complete, the Regent Ray is set to begin her grand tour starting from the Crownlands to the good Unwilds, the cold breaks, the thorough lush and finally the Phantom Isles. Across these lands, citizens and factions alike are preparing to receive her with celebration. Speaking of celebration, looks like this year is going to be a popular one for makers, as Years of the fool always are with Regent Ray's devotion to the Sun. Arcana it is said by many to be an especially auspicious year for makers to impart upon their offspring vitality and joy, and many creation points are seen as swell in applications. Excitingly, this means extra activity in the many towns and cities that run adjacent to the traditional walkabout trail. While each region prepares to host their events and receive the region an advisor, Tropo Nio Vega is, as always, doing the year of the full best. Champions, artists and celebrities are pouring into the city eager to gamble, party and try to get a good view for the spinning of the wheel of fortune. As with any year of the fool, the fifth collide will scrutinize the spin closely. As many believe it sets the tone for the entire 22 year cycle. As for this broadcaster, I'll be there live and up close report from the top of Riscotec Tower. See it here first, folks.

[Narrator/Setting Description]

See it here first in Trobonia Vega, the neon jungle city that balances crime, luck, hedonism and law on the edge of a coin. Despite its lawless reputation, each faction maintains a presence here. Spectres hold sermons on every street corner, while in every alleyway, scrappers sell drugs and muscle to the royals who come to party and gamble. The Cogs come to showcase their technological wonders and to woo wealthy investors. The Deeplows come to provide an illusion of order, and the analogues? Well, they say every analog runaway ends up in Tropo Neo Vega. The city feels as though it's stacked in layers, glowing vines and massive palm fronds sprouting from every crack, crevice and skyscraper precipice. Drops of condensation collect on the glass and on the glowing billboard screens, carving glistening paths as they drip down from the canopy level to the pavement far below, refracting the neon lights into a hazy miasma. The androids and humans of Tropo Neo Vega stay up all night and so do the birds. You're so high up that you can't see the ground from the window of your suite at Riscotec Casino, but you can hear the birds.

[Narrator/Game Master]

You find yourself in a Riscotech suite. The room you've been put up in is almost unbearably swank, as all top floor Risotek suites are three rooms, each with a bed the size of a small swimming pool embedded into the floor. In the bathroom there, no tub or shower, but an AI powered blob of warm water that disrobes and engulfingly washes you, finishing you off with a spritz of personalized perfume before returning your clothes cleanly pressed. In the common area, a bar in the back rotates into a DJ station and dance floor at the push of a button. On the wall next to a massive window, a panel of ornate knobs and switches allows you to adjust every little detail of your environment. You could turn the walls, see through if you choose, or create a marvelous jungle tableau. The room is crowded with many divine floral arrangements, and a small feast of delicacies local to the Phantom Isles has been laid out for you and your party. Your employer spared truly no expense. Who do you think of the three of you arrived first in the room?

[Crater]

I feel like. I feel like Crater's pretty punctual.

[Riot]

Yeah, I don't feel like I'm very punctual.

[Celestine]

Celestine wouldn't be going anywhere around here first. Not without Crater.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, Crater, as you enter the room, what do we see?

[Crater]

So what you see is a 7 foot 6 steam Android, very tall, very broad shouldered, a very big, menacing looking creature. As you're looking at him more closely, you'll see that he looks rather old, where his bolts that are holding his limbs together are pretty rusted over at this point. His torso is essentially the size of a boiler. It's a large cylindrical shape with some blotchy black marks on it, which makes it look like it has been burned over years and years and years. And he looks rather hot to the touch. His head is most likely the size and general shape of a milk crate. And in there is two sunken LED lights for eyes that are giving off a faint blue color right now.

[Game Host/Dealer]

If I were to lick my finger and put it on Crater, would it make it like it would do that?

[Crater]

And then you'd have an annoying blister on your finger for like two months afterwards.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Golly spicy.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Okay, so you arrive and you check out the room.

[Riot]

It is.

[Narrator/Game Master]

It's. Maybe you're arriving after going out briefly. It is the night of the event. So maybe you were in here before and you took a quick walk around. Or maybe you're arriving here for the first time. But in either case, you find yourself in this incredibly swank room.

[Crater]

Holy. This is swanky, buddy.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Great.

[Game Host/Dealer]

That's perfect. We got it.

[Narrator/Game Master]

We got it. As you say that, who wants to go next?

[Celestine]

If Celestine arrives a little after Crater, I definitely think that, like, he arrives with the assistance of some hotel staff, because he's definitely gotten lost. This is way too big for him. He's never seen anything like this before. And so someone had to show him to his room. Thank you very much. I really do appreciate you taking the time to help me here today. And you know, I feel mighty embarrassed if I'm honest. You know, I've been here before and then, well, I wandered away and Plum got lost. But here you go. Here's for your time. And then I just like try to give him way too much money as a tip.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Exactly how much?

[Celestine]

I'm sorry. All I've got on me here is about 15 gold. But if you, if you'd like it, you can have it. This is a big city and there's not a lot of friendly faces and you've done me a nice service here. So here you are.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Most generous of you, sir.

[Celestine]

Have yourself a good night. Celestine walks into the room and I think he's sort of like just looks around at all of the swank and is just a little bit uncomfortable. Goes and finds what is probably the least comfortable chair in the room. Just finds like something that's supposed to probably be like a step stool or something like that, not really any cushioning. And sets himself up near the window and see, sits on it.

[Narrator/Game Master]

It's still comfy.

[Celestine]

This is not what I'm used to. Crater. I do thank you for bringing me along here. So Celestine, as he sits down, you see he is as different looking from Crater as he could be. They're both androids, but where crater is huge, 7 foot 6, big and sort of rough and tumble. As a Gears Android and a young Gears Android, Celestine is slender. If he was a human with muscle, you'd call him lean. And he's only about 5, 6. Makes him tall for a Gears Android but like significantly shorter than Crater and you know, most other people. His joints move smoothly. He's a, you know, he's a new Android, but he's still got the kind of stiff walk of a cowboy. The kind of cowboy strut. And he, he dresses the part of a cowboy. From the boots up. He's complete cowboy. Brown leather, dusty, worn boots with little gears where there should be spurs. Got brown leather chaps over top of faded blue jeans. A belt, brown leather belt with a shiny metal disc as a belt buckle. He's got a vest of worn brown leather and underneath that vest is a very nicely pressed, very loud floral blouse that belong to his ma. Around his neck he's got a deep purple bandana with white stars embroidered on it. And he wears a white cowboy hat that's just a bit too big for his head. He Wears a pair of gun holsters on his hips. One of them's completely empty, and the other one is full of stalks of wheat. For chewing, of course. For chewing. And strapped to his back, he typically would carry around a rusted old machete from the farm and a surprisingly, like, fancy looking, shiny chrome hub cap he sort of straps to his back. But I'm not sure what our situation is in terms of, like, carrying weapons into the casino.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah, y' all are. Have been given temporary platinum patron status, so you can have your weapons on you.

[Celestine]

All right, well, that's Celestine, I think. He. He sits down and tries to get himself as comfortable as he can in this too soft kind of room and. And just goes to Crater. Like, Crater. I. As I said, I do appreciate you inviting me along. You know, I don't know really anyone else in town, and I'm not sure what I'd be doing tonight if I wasn't here with you, but. Wish I knew why we were doing this. And I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm not ungrateful for all you've done for me. I probably wouldn't be alive without you. I owe you everything. Nobody's been kind to me like you have since I. I left Ma and Pa's farm. But this. This business that we're doing, I mean, look, I'm young, and there are things that I don't know, as you well know, that you know, some things that I'm not aware of because of the trouble with my thinker. But your.

[Crater]

Your thinker is just fine, man.

[Celestine]

That is very kind of you to say, and that means a great deal to me. I will have you know. But one of the things that I do know is that in most cases, theft is frowned upon. So why are we doing this?

[Crater]

You know, it's definitely not the most legal of jobs to be doing, but I do think that at the end of the day, this is probably going to help both you and I out more than you can really think. I think at the end of the day, it's going to be a net POS Positive. And I don't know, man. Like, it's just some rich people, like, we're not really on their side, are we?

[Celestine]

Crater, you know that I'm on your side no matter what. And if you say that this is just gonna be positive and no one's really gonna get hurt, then.

[Crater]

I didn't say that, but.

[Celestine]

Oh, well, I'm confused and troubled. I would like to think that, you know, if we're just taking something from folk that have a lot, then perhaps they won't miss it.

[Crater]

Yeah, no, and like, I don't know, I'm pretty sure there's insurance in this kind of thing, you know.

[Celestine]

Insurance, right. Yeah, right. Insurance. Okay. Yeah. No, you know what, Crater? I plum forgot about the insurance and I feel a lot better now that you've reminded me. Thank you very much.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I think as you're sort of having this conversation. Our last character walks down the hall and then enters the room.

[Riot]

All right, so Riot walks into the room slowly and deliberately with complete ease of being in this room full of people. She stops at the doorway in a very flattering pose and stretches her body, kind of inviting the eyes of everybody around her. Then she ignores them all and walks right into the room with a very certain and powerful walk, kind of like a lion. This character in my mind is an unbelievably hot modded human with long dark hair done up in a high ponytail with a piece of hair always falling over her one left eye. She has a casual but watchful gaze that misses nothing and a pretty much constant smirk. There are robotic elements permeating her entire left side, including a mechanical left arm. She's currently wearing party attire which involves a purple skin type floor length dress with a slit up to her hip and a small but heavy duty pack strapped to her thigh. And it's unclear what's in there, but there's a vibe as though there could be ammunition, money, illegal material, who knows what else is in there. And she makes a beeline through the room full of people towards Crater and Celestine.

[Game Host/Dealer]

So she's got the slit in her dress and you can see the like she's put the pack on the slit side so it pokes the through.

[Riot]

Yeah, yeah.

[Game Host/Dealer]

That's badass. Yeah, yeah.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I was going to say it's not only your mind that she is unbelievably hot. I will just clarify that this is your. It's like your sleeping quarters at Briscotech. So there aren't. There aren't other people in here. It's just. It's just the three of you.

[Crater]

Yeah. So. But that was just a show for Celestine and I pretty much.

[Riot]

Yeah, totally.

[Celestine]

That was quite the show.

[Riot]

How's it going, lover boys?

[Crater]

Oh, you know, hanging loose. So it's. It's good to see you again. Thanks. Thanks for showing up on time, Gus. Crater looks down at his wrist.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Sorry.

[Celestine]

Celestine immediately stands up the moment she enters the room.

[Riot]

On his feet, hat off the gentleman. Who is this one?

[Celestine]

Ma', am. My name is Celestine Wanderoff. I expect you are Riot. Crater has told me a great deal about you and I just want to say it is a. It is an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance. And that any friend of Crater's is a friend of mine. So I'm at your service.

[Riot]

Oh, so cute. You're wonderful. I'm so happy that you're here. Thank you for getting this together, Crater. Wayne. It's been a while.

[Crater]

It has been a while, has it not? I haven't really known this young gentleman for very long at this point, but I think he's going to be a trustworthy little guy for us. Like, he's. He's so loyal. Look at his face. A face like that could never betray us, right?

[Riot]

He's got a great face. I feel good about this.

[Celestine]

I have no intention of betraying you with my face or any other part of my body.

[Crater]

That's the attitude, son.

[Celestine]

I think Celestine sits up a little straighter when Crater calls him son.

[Crater]

Riot, do we have a timetable we need to be following for tonight?

[Riot]

So I guess I should tell you about where I got this information, right? Is that something you'd want to know to feel comfortable?

[Crater]

I mean, I'm sure it'd be useful information. For sure.

[Riot]

Okay, so my person is a very lofty member of the Royal Court by the name of Lux Booker, the Curationist. You know, he gives me all kinds of diplomatic immunity at parties. I'm usually his go to for any kind of sourcing that he needs for parties, for people to have a good time. And he gave me this info on this job that I think will be in all of our best interests to accomplish. And it involves a main item that's going to be at the auction. After the spinning of the Wheel of Fortune, we're going to be leaving Riscotec with it and we'll be taking it to Demands Junior in Aqua Catch for our reward. So as far as timetable goes, I feel like possibly getting to the auction area before the spinning of the wheel takes place so that we can get this main item and get the heck out of there would be in our best interest.

[Crater]

Sorry, forgive me. This is my first. My first time really at a big event here in Triple Neo Vega. What exactly is the spinning of the Wheel of Fortune?

[Riot]

That's a good question.

[Narrator/Game Master]

So the spinning of the wheel of Fortune is basically, it's just a symbolic gesture at the top of every year. It's done at like Exclusive parties like you're at right now. But the idea is that they spin the wheel and it lands on one of the archetypes. It lays the basis for how the year is going to go. If it's like the Empress or the Lovers, it might be a good year for like harvest and. And things like that. However, at the beginning of the cycle which is where you are now, you're in the full year. This spin also is thought to dictate how the whole cycle is gonna go.

[Game Host/Dealer]

So it's an especially clutch spin this year.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Why don't you make a history check for us?

[Crater]

Just anybody first roll.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah, yeah.

[Celestine]

Anybody who wants to first roll of the campaign. History's not my strong suit.

[Crater]

A natural one.

[Game Host/Dealer]

None.

[Celestine]

Are you kidding?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Wow.

[Celestine]

You're kidding.

[Narrator/Game Master]

First roll.

[Celestine]

The first roll. The first roll of the campaign is

[Game Host/Dealer]

a natural one for voting.

[Riot]

I got a 19.

[Narrator/Game Master]

So.

[Crater]

Okay. There we go.

[Riot]

Better.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Significantly better. So riot. You probably like. You probably know this and have have been thinking about it since you've known about this event coming up. You know things like a long time ago there was one cycle where it started on the tower. And that was some of the worst warfare the world had seen. The last cycle was the Fool. So the last 22 years have been like 22 years of revelry. Like basically big, big party vibes in the last cycle. And all of these spins could very much be attributed to good harvests happen. People go into war. People party a lot. It's almost like a superstition with a lot of coincidences.

[Riot]

Amazing. So everybody will be there watching that.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah. There's going to be like a sort of a. There's going to be like a watch party and then it's also broadcast like over pip.

[Riot]

So I feel like that's our sweet spot to enter the display room from the casino floor. So to get in there we're going to be needing a key card. 001. This key card can be found on a lanyard around the emcee's neck. The display room is guarded by a non sentient bot called Pentadrone. So keep an eye out for him. We're gonna have to disable key abilities as the best course of action there I think. Watch out for a noisy alarm that I've heard down there as well as possibly some other non sentient smaller bots that are also guarding the area.

[Crater]

That should be no problem.

[Riot]

The chamber containing the main item is much more precarious. Laser force fields. The hole works. So we're gonna have to figure that out as we go. But I have faith in our little party. The main item that we're looking for is a small statue of a dog.

[Crater]

A dog?

[Riot]

Yes.

[Celestine]

What may I ask is so valuable about this statue of this little dog?

[Crater]

Like, is it like a really cute dog?

[Celestine]

I mean, if it's a really cute dog, then I'm gonna have trouble giving it up.

[Riot]

I don't ask questions. I just get the money. So the best case scenario when we get that item is to just walk out of the chamber, walk out of the display case, and take the elevator down to the vehicle and get out. But things could go awry. So I guess we should take this moment to steel ourselves because our moment's coming up pretty quick.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Speaking of your vehicle, you all notice that there is a small wrapped box with like a little piece of twine on it in the center table of this room.

[Crater]

I'm assuming this present is for. Is for one of us, eh?

[Riot]

I think you should open it.

[Celestine]

Be my guest.

[Crater]

Right. How about, how about, how about you do the honors? You're the one who got us into the situation.

[Riot]

Fine. I go over and I reach to the thigh on the other side of my dress and get out a small dagger and open up the package.

[Narrator/Game Master]

You open it up and you find enclosed three earpieces.

[Crater]

Oh, dope.

[Narrator/Game Master]

You also have 500 complimentary chips which have been given in this box for the casino. Celestine. You would have the key fob for the vehicle. It basically once you press it, it acts as a. What's the word I'm looking here for, Bea?

[Crater]

Like a valet?

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeah, it's like a valet bot.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Sorry.

[Narrator/Game Master]

So the key fob activates like a valet bot, which will bring your vehicle close to where you need to be. And you find probably Riot and Crater would recognize this. You find three one time doses of drop silver.

[Crater]

Drop silver.

[Narrator/Game Master]

It's sort of a variant of Quicksilver, which is a. It's a common drug found on the fifth collide. Dropsilver has a special property which allows you to basically land safely from a very high fall.

[Crater]

Sick. Oh, sweet. Okay, cool.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Just in case. And like quicksilver it is applied by. It's like a sticker and you put it on your body.

[Celestine]

I think while Riot is opening the package and they're inspecting it, Celestine is. Is sitting there and rolling himself a joint with some of Ma and Pa's good weed.

[Crater]

You better make sure you go easy on that stuff, bud. Like, we do have a big night.

[Celestine]

Ms. Riot said we would. We were Meant to steel ourselves for what's to come. So that. That is. That is what I intend to do.

[Riot]

And.

[Celestine]

Would y' all like some. Well, that's.

[Game Host/Dealer]

That's.

[Celestine]

That's crickets. Sounds like more for me. While we're all talking here, Crater, I must admit that what. What Ms. Riot has just described is a sight more complicated than I was expecting. I thought we were gonna come and take a thing and be on our way. The end bit where we just drive like hell out of town. That. That makes some sense to me. But the rest of this is as. This is terribly complex.

[Crater]

I think. I think you'll find out once we get going. It's probably going to be fine. Like, at worst, we got to fight some robots in a corridor somewhere. But, like, otherwise, I think we're just going to be leaning on Riot to go up and steal a key card and, like, fancy her way through some. Some conversations with some rich folks, and then we'll grab a dog and be out of here. Like, it's.

[Celestine]

Like it's nothing greater. If you're confident, then, of course, naturally, I trust you, Ms. Riot. I feel it's only fair to let you know that Crater asked me to come to be your driver, and that I most certainly can do. But the rest of this is quite new to me.

[Riot]

We could always use a little extra muscle. So come along. You'll learn some things.

[Celestine]

Muscle?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Mm, sure.

[Celestine]

Muscle. Absolutely, ma'. Am. Muscle.

[Riot]

So how long do we have until the wheel happens? The spinning?

[Narrator/Game Master]

It's like maybe like 4pm ish. Like early afternoon, early evening, rather. So you definitely have some time. You can use this time to make any plans that you want to. You basically covered everything that is going to happen in the heist. The only extra thing that I'll add that you would all know is that you've been told that there's two people of note that will be attending the event. So that's a prominent analog partier and an old specter preacher. This information has been given to you as two people who are. Have histories of, like, bringing interesting things to this sort of party. They might be of use to you if you want to talk to them, want to see what they have to say, want to see what they have, like, that sort of thing.

[Riot]

I feel like our first move is getting that key card.

[Crater]

Are we expecting the MC who's wearing this fob to be, like, already in action by the time we get downstairs, or you think we should hit him before he gets up on stage and is visible to everybody?

[Riot]

I Think probably before. I think he'll be milling around. I've seen him before.

[Celestine]

Crater, when you say hit him. Are we. Are you going to. Are you going to hit him? Hit him? Because, like, I've seen you hit people and it's. Well, it's dramatic. Yeah. No, no.

[Crater]

Like, no, no. I. I'm going to. I'm going to contain myself. I'm more here just to help Riot along as she does her sticky bullshit and maybe lifts a card, I think is probably the best way to go about this. But if anyone causes any trouble, you know, as the great Limp Bizkit used to say, like, I'm not scared to break shit.

[Riot]

Bless you.

[Celestine]

Celestine, sort of like under his breath is just like, Limp Bizkit. Limp Bizkit. All right. This philosopher Limp Bizkit is very interesting. Is there a place that I can find one of his books?

[Crater]

I'm sure there's an HMV somewhere in town here.

[Celestine]

Celestine looks more confused, but, like, in a way that's like, other people know a lot of things that I don't.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Celestine, roll a D20 for me. Don't add anything to it.

[Celestine]

That's a six.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Okay, so if it were an 11 or higher, sir, Limp Bizkit would have been in attendance at this party, but unfortunately, he couldn't make it for this event.

[Game Host/Dealer]

He's busy.

[Celestine]

Well, that is a shame. I will have to make my way back to Tropo Neovega to bend the ear of Mr. Bisgood at some point.

[Game Host/Dealer]

He's got HMVs to run.

[Crater]

All right, I'm sorry. Okay, we are getting off topic.

[Narrator/Game Master]

All right?

[Crater]

So we go downstairs, we locate the MC Riot, you do your thing, you lift that card off his neck.

[Riot]

Like, no problem.

[Crater]

Potentially, we could cause a distraction if need be. But you seem like you're pretty good with your hands.

[Riot]

It won't be an issue.

[Crater]

I love the confidence, kid. Do we have access to a map by chance?

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeah, you've been given a map. You. You know, the general layout. It's basically a big room where the, like, event is being held. And then the north end of the event is where you need to go to get to, like, the main room, the display room, rather.

[Riot]

So we head to the casino floor. We have these chips. We might as well use them.

[Celestine]

Well, I mean, I suppose if y' all are willing to show me how to. How to play what they play here.

[Riot]

No problem. I feel like you're going to get a kick out of this.

[Crater]

Yeah. Like, in my experience, kid, you walk up to the first table you see, get all the money that you own to your life, and then bet it all in black and just see what happens.

[Celestine]

All on black. Interesting. Interesting.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Sir, this is poker.

[Celestine]

Exactly.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Exactly.

[Crater]

Do either of you have any fancy ideas about dealing with this? What did you call the Pentadrone in this hallway? That's gonna probably give us some trouble.

[Riot]

Well, I do have one major thought and I kind of like unlatch something in my shoulder with the move of my right arm. This is my mechanic arm. And it flips out into a full on, what I call my firearm, but it's a double barreled pistol. That becomes my left arm.

[Crater]

What?

[Riot]

So this is my go to.

[Celestine]

Oh, my stars. I have never seen the like.

[Crater]

All right, I think. I think we're in good hands here then.

[Celestine]

That is exceptional. Ms. Ryan, you. You continue to surprise and impress. I've known you for all of five minutes and I am, you know, floored.

[Riot]

I like this one. It's a good first go to, but I feel like between the three of us, this thing won't be a problem.

[Celestine]

So perhaps we take a tour around the. Around the casino, get the lay of the land, as it were, and I don't know, see what our exits look like. And y' all seem to have this well in hand without me. But if you. If you need some sort of lookout or whatnot, I'm of course at your disposal.

[Riot]

I feel like there might be some interesting folks to meet down there as well.

[Crater]

Celestine, if you want to be learning this lifestyle, I'm glad to take you on real wing here. This is big. First job, but we'll get your feet wet.

[Celestine]

Well, I mean, Crater, I feel like you've been preparing me for something like this. Having me, you know, make the deliveries that you've been asking me to make. All that medicine that you've been having me deliver to those nice folks who don't feel so well. Packages of medicine that I'm not supposed to open, of course, but you should

[Crater]

never open those packages.

[Celestine]

And I never have and I never will.

[Riot]

Well, should we have out of them there, fellas?

[Celestine]

Yeah, follow your lead, Ms. Riot.

[Crater]

Yeah, let's do it.

[Riot]

Beautiful.

[Crater]

I'm gonna. I'm gonna pop my earpiece in too.

[Riot]

Oh, yeah, let that first.

[Crater]

Yeah.

[Celestine]

Celestine puts his earpiece in and his rolled joint behind his ear and we'll save it for later.

[Narrator/Game Master]

The earpieces are. Once they get put in your ear and they. They work in androids, just. You don't have to worry about it.

[Game Host/Dealer]

It's fine.

[Crater]

I'm assuming there's an ear hole on the side of my head. That's fine.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeah. In any case, once you put them in, they become nearly invisible.

[Narrator/Setting Description]

Perfect.

[Narrator/Game Master]

You can tell that once you move up to big distances, you'll be able to hear each other and communicate, even when you're far away.

[Crater]

All right, let's Ocean's eleven this.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Let's go downstairs, y'.

[Narrator/Game Master]

All.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Exit your suite and make your way to the elevator, which is a clear tube. And in fact, as you enter it, you realize it faces inward towards a massive casino floor far below you. As you descend, you realize the elevators themselves form a complicated network of paths along each wall, traveling not only straight up and down, but horizontally and diagonally as well, the pieces moving constantly as they hurdle guests from one end of Riscotec to another. But this is but one of Riscotec's many casino floors. And in fact, this is the uppermost level, typically reserved for the wealthiest patrons and most exclusive events like the event you're attending tonight. Finally, the elevator reaches the casino floor, and the doors open with a rush of humid tropical air. Welcome to riscotech. Welcome to your big win. Our accepted currencies and daily exchange rates are available at the guest services kiosk. Today's lucky numbers are 11, 47 and the first seven digits of PI. Unless registered in our platinum patrons program, please leave your weapons with the master of arms. Welcome to riscotech. We are not liable, Criscotech. We have no limit play to win it.

[Narrator/Setting Description]

Welcome to Riscotec.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Welcome to your big win. So you reach the casino level and disembark, and you see that the floors are black and glistening. Though they feel stable under your feet, it appears to be moving in slow, sparkling waves. Like your suite, this place is absolutely dripping with greenery. And real birds fly from vine to vine. Decodrones fly overhead, playing music, doling out compliments, and contributing to the neon mood lighting, yes, but also surveying, recording and reporting every detail to the floor manager and MC Harley. High stakes. And despite your intel, Harley is a she. And above it all, suspended and rotating on some invisible platform, floats the fabled wheel of fortune. On each segment of the wheel, an image of one of the archetypes glows and casts a soft neon light on the gamblers and revelers below. It's a large room. It's full of people. They look absolutely exceptional, both Android and human alike. The stench of wealth is all around you, as is the stench of hedonism. Yeah. The floor is yours.

[Crater]

So would you say that, like, we could assume that most of these people are royals too, or is this like, common folk at this event as well?

[Game Host/Dealer]

There are certainly not expected to be a lot of common folk here, but not necessarily all royals, just people who would have business getting an invitation to such an important event. So there's probably some important cogs here who are like, romancing some royal investors with their latest ideas for a technological marvel. But basically anybody who. Who's here, like, is somebody who's.

[Riot]

Who.

[Celestine]

I think Celestine is just, like, just a bit shocked. I don't think he's, like, seen this many people with this kind of wealth gathered in one sort of small place in his memory. So he's just sort of like, doesn't really know what to do first and is sticking very close to Crater.

[Crater]

You want to take a walk around here, see if we see anybody of note?

[Billy Hindle]

Yeah.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Are you looking for anything in particular?

[Riot]

I think we're looking for. For mc, first off.

[Crater]

Yeah. And then like in our. In our docket for this, keeping an eye out for those two people that we said were of importance.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Why doesn't everybody give me a perception roll, please?

[Crater]

Not a natural one.

[Riot]

Oh, damn. I'm rolling quite well.

[Crater]

I want to play D and D.

[Celestine]

That's a 23 for Celestine, 19 for me.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Oh, my God.

[Crater]

11 for Crater.

[Celestine]

Don't you worry, buddy. I got your bag.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Let's start with you, Celestine. What is it that you're in particular looking for?

[Celestine]

I don't know that Celestine's got like. Like a thing that he's looking for. I think he's just trying to like, take it all in and make some sense of it.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right, well, you're looking around the room, Celestine, and a couple of things stick out at you. You do notice one other cowboy hat over at the bar. And you notice it because it is, like, way bigger than yours somehow sitting on top of a human's head. Although their back is to you, but they seem to be like, gesticulating somewhat drunke from the bar. Another thing that catches your eye, I mean, the wheel, right, like it's. It's floating like above the crowd. It looks like super majestic.

[Celestine]

That's a majestic wheel up there.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Riot. Looking through the room, passing over the tables. There's, you know, gamblers sitting at various poker, blackjack, baccarat tables and making the circuit of the room. You see an Android torso atop a unicycle wheel on the Shorter side, a gears Android. And as she sort of cycles through the room, she's boosting herself a little bit higher and a little bit lower if needed. And her face is on a swivel and as it swivels, you can see it cycle through a couple of different expressions. So her face like rolls. You see like a super cheerful one and then a really watchful one for a second, then right back to cheerful as she looks to someone and waves. This is Harley High Stakes and she's doing her round, she's schmoozing, and her rose gold color torso and wheel are accented with ornate jewels of all colors. Damn, Crater, it's a little busy in here and intense and you're just getting this like big rush of noise and sound.

[Crater]

Basically it's loud.

[Riot]

This Harley High Stakes, is this someone who's kind of an authoritative figure?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, sorry, yes. Harley High Stakes is the mc.

[Riot]

Okay, gotcha. Okay.

[Celestine]

That's an important.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Can't you tell from the name? What other job would she have?

[Riot]

So I think what I want to do here and I'm turning to, I guess I don't turn to the other two. I speak with my earpiece. I want to keep an eye on Harley High Stakes there, but I don't want to act just yet. I feel like if we can time ourselves perfectly, we can bide our time and get comfortable in here so we know the lay of the land. I want to find this one analog partier in here who's a high bettor. So everybody keep their eye out for that person and keep an eye as well on Harley High Stakes.

[Celestine]

Do I know what I'm looking for? What does this analog person look like?

[Riot]

Good question. They'll probably not have anything too, you know, geary or fancy.

[Game Host/Dealer]

On with your 20. Whatever perception from earlier, you realize that when you saw the cowboy hat person, you also heard them yell out like yeehaw.

[Crater]

Oh. So we had nailed it on our first try and we're just standing here twiddling our thumbs. Okay.

[Riot]

I feel like Celestine, you might have a bit of a connection here.

[Celestine]

If you think so, I certainly wouldn't mind going to have a chat with a fellow cowboy hat wearing individual. Clearly we have a lot in common and I'm sure there would be a stimulating conversation. Off I go. I tip my hat to Riot and Crater and then I and I and I just saunter right off to the bar.

[Crater]

I think as Celestine walks off, I might just turn to Riot real quick and be like, God, he's such a. He's such a sweet little boy.

[Riot]

He's a gentle bot. You know, I think he's so green, but I think it's a good gamble. I think he's, you know, he's going to be good.

[Crater]

I think it's probably best if we don't tell him absolutely everything. Like, I didn't, I didn't really disclose to him that every other scrapper had turned down this job before him.

[Riot]

Right.

[Crater]

Because he's so naive. I think probably the less he knows, probably for the better for everybody.

[Riot]

Absolutely. I mean, I'm fine to just keep it between you and me, if that's okay with you.

[Crater]

I think it's the best plan of action for now.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeah.

[Riot]

All right, no problem. Lips are sealed. So for now I'm gonna keep an eye on Harley. High stakes. I'm just gonna do a little bit of a mill, but keep me updated in the earpiece for sure.

[Crater]

I think I'll turn and maybe just take a stroll around the floor here and look for bodyguards or security that might be lurking against the walls and just kind of see where everyone's standing.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, so riot, you're going to sort of like low key tail. Harley Crater, you're doing like a sweep of the room, trying to sort of get a. Get a read on security. And Celestine's going over to chat with Cowboy hat.

[Celestine]

That's right.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Let's follow Celestine first. So you make your way through the room. Occasionally a person will notice you and like, look down with a bit of a smile. You make your way up to the bar and this person's got their back to you and they're gesturing.

[Celestine]

Pardon me, sir, but that is an extremely large hat. I'm quite impressed. Where did you get a hat like that?

[Narrator/Game Master]

Turns around really slowly and then spits on the ground, like right in front of you. It's some hat he got there.

[Celestine]

Well, I thank you. It was a gift. It was a gift from my ma.

[Narrator/Game Master]

So just two hat lovers here, huh?

[Celestine]

Well, that's what I figured. I mean, I saw you from across the room. I saw you with that glorious hat, and I knew that you and I were, you know, kindred spirits, you know, that we had. We had much to talk about. So I figured I'd come on over and introduce myself. Celestine wander off. How do you do?

[Narrator/Game Master]

Name's Yeehaw McGraw.

[Celestine]

Not that that is a name I will not soon forget.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Spits on the ground again.

[Celestine]

Mr. McGraw, do you have some sort of malfunction with Your salivary glands. You seem to be spitting on the floor of this place.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Just, just yeehaw is fine son. But no, I just. You know what they serve around here is just. It's not quite what I'm used to. It's a little bit too floury. If you. If you get what I'm putting down.

[Celestine]

I feel like I do. I've had. I've had a few beverages since I've landed myself in tropo neo Vega and none of them quite have the earthiness, that same dirty bite, I should say of. Of Ma and Pa's moonshine. So I. I feel like I do understand your predicament.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Make a persuasion check with Advantage

[Celestine]

14.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Oh my God. Finally I get to talk to someone who knows what's what around here. Because oh man, everybody's so tight. Everybody's so wound up. Everybody's just like on some sort of high up horse and just. It is refreshing to talk to you. So where are you from and who'd you know to get in here?

[Celestine]

Oh well, I mean I'm. I'm not from. Not from around here. I haven't been in Tropo nea Vega very long. I was staying with my mom and PA in the, you know, little farm out in the small dusty town in the good on wilds and you know, found my way here and Well I suppose I came with my friend Crater back there and I just like wildly point to Crater as I'm sure he's trying to not be noticed, but I'm just like right over there. That fellow right there. That's. That's. That's my friend Crater Wayne.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Now you say you're from the good ome wilds?

[Celestine]

Well that is where I was when I. Before I came here, yes.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Mm. He like looks up and down kind of clocks that you're a gears Android. Interesting. And well what. What have you come here to find?

[Celestine]

Well sir, that. That is a nebulous question. I suppose you could say that I've come here to find myself, if it's not too pretentious to say so.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I would say that it is, but I'm still into it. He orders two more drinks and gets one for himself and passes one to you.

[Celestine]

Well sir, that is. That is mighty kind of you. Here, let me. Allow me to reimburse you for your kindness and I take one of my chips and give it to him.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I'm sorry. This is. I think it's worth a bit more. You know what? Nevermind. So your ma and pa, did they give you did they give you this. Whatever you came with to find yourself.

[Celestine]

Give me. I'm sorry, give me what?

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, you got some chips there. Obviously you came with something.

[Celestine]

Oh, I mean, these are. Yeah, these are from Crater. My friend Crater back there. Right over there. You see him over there? That. That big fellow right there? You can't miss him. Yeah, no, he gave me the chips.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, I must say, it was just a delight speaking with you. Maybe we'll see each other at the A table, play a game.

[Celestine]

Oh, okay. All right. I'm getting the sense that this conversation is over for you. And I respect that. And before it becomes awkward, I will take my leave.

[Narrator/Game Master]

He doesn't say anything more, but he just does turn back to the bar.

[Celestine]

Celestine tips his hat to him even though he's not looking at him, and then wanders away, just hands in his pockets. Just wanders away looking at stuff.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, let's cut over to riot. So you're sort of given, like, a easy pursuing of Harley. High stakes. As she makes her way around the room, and as you kind of ease closer and closer, you can hear that, like, every table she passes, she knows somebody. She's giving, like, smiles and salutes and waves. And as her expression, like, cycles through from, like, big smile to bigger smile to, like, impressed look, every now and then, it cycles to, like, a shrewd glance across the room at a floor manager who, like, you know, snaps to attention and, like, goes scurrying across the room with, like, a, you know, a tray of chips for somebody. It seems like she's just very busily at work, both minding her stuff and taking care of the guests.

[Riot]

Okay, I tap on my or, I get my earpiece going. I feel like the time might be right to move sooner rather than later. How does everybody feel about that?

[Crater]

The only thing that we really need to be worrying about is if she notices that the card's missing. So.

[Riot]

So we have to move fast.

[Celestine]

Yeah, well, I have finished my conversation. It was very pleasant. So I am no longer otherwise engaged. I'm ready for whatever you need, Ms. Riot.

[Riot]

Well, listen, I. She's gonna be here for a while. She seems to be involved with the guests. Why don't we play a game where

[Celestine]

we bet it all on black?

[Game Host/Dealer]

I mean, why not?

[Crater]

Celestine, I saw that you made a friend over there, too, so why don't we bring him involved? Maybe try and get some of his money?

[Celestine]

Oh, well, I suppose I could. He did seem to be finished speaking to me, and so perhaps one Of y' all would prefer to speak to him yourself? The gentleman's name was Yeehaw McGraw, which I thought was a very colorful name, and he had a colorful personality to match. I. We spoke for a little while and he seemed friendly enough, if a bit, I don't know, judgy. Is that. Is that an unkind thing to say?

[Crater]

It's not unkind if it's true. So is there a table somewhat close to where he was sitting? He was at a bar. Right.

[Game Host/Dealer]

So if you take a look over at where Yeehaw was sitting, there are a few blackjack tables. Two of them are quite full. One of them has like two or three people sitting at it. The hands seem to be moving, like kind of slower at that table because there's one Android that kind of seems to be like talking quite a bit.

[Crater]

I was more asking that to see if there's one in earshot of him.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, I see. I gotcha. Okay. Yeah, I would say that, like, there's definitely a blackjack table within earshot of Yeehaw. Like he'd have his back facing it, but.

[Crater]

Okay. Well, guys, it looks like there's a. There's a table over there that has a few open spots. Why don't we just meet up over there?

[Riot]

Sounds good to me.

[Celestine]

Celestine is carrying his chips in his hands in front of him, just like looking around like an obvious absolute newbie to a casino. Just like, what do I do with all of these? Where do I. Where do I put them?

[Crater]

And I think as I'm walking closer to the table, I'll follow Celestine's lead and just be like, oh, fuck buds. I don't really know how to play any of these games. I have too much money here. What am I gonna do with all of this?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, so you. You're making a huge noise of like all of the money that you have as you sit down. And that does kind of like perk up Yeehaw's ears. As you take a seat at what turns out to be a blackjack table, the dealer is like, would you like me to deal you in, sir?

[Crater]

Yeah, please.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Table, three seats. Two seats.

[Celestine]

Oh, I will play as well. And I just like dump my chips on the table. Is this enough to play? Am I able to sit here?

[Game Host/Dealer]

The dealer calls the pit boss over and slowly stacks the frickin chips into order for you and pushes them back towards you. Please keep the table clear, sir.

[Celestine]

I do apologize. I'm so sorry. This is my first time in such a place. And I do not know the customs around here. And I give the person who stacked my chips a chip as a tip.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Thank you very much sir. Hits it, puts it in the tip chip drip tray.

[Crater]

What's the minimum bet here?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Minimum bet is $25. As your dealer says that, you look down and realize that all of your chips are $25 each. What a fucking surprise.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Oh damn.

[Riot]

I'm in too. I put two down.

[Celestine]

I feel like I've been overpaying the staff.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right. Alright, so we're going to engage in a game of heads up blackjack. Yeah. Okay, closest to 21 wins, over 21 busts. Everyone puts in 25 minimum to start and grab yourselves a D12. The dealer as you sit down is like, thank you for joining me. My name is Boy Baccarat. Baccarat is my specialty. Tonight I'm dealing blackjack. And as he says that he like looks over like, like MC Harley high stakes. And Harley just sort of like sixth sense like looks over with like a momentary sour flash expression and then flips back to happy. And Boy Bachera sighs and is like, all right, 25 bets in please.

[Celestine]

Yeah, definitely put my bet in.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right, so everyone's in for 25. Everyone roll a D12 for your first card and say it out loud. And everybody make sure you're keeping track of this. Everyone else's cards.

[Celestine]

9, 7, 12.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, so the 10, 11 and 12 are all going to be worth 10 for this game. Cool. And now we're going to do our first round of betting riot. It starts on you. Minimum bet is 25.

[Riot]

I'll put 50.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Woo. Okay, 50 to call.

[Celestine]

Celestine definitely looks at Crater and is like what, what should I do? Is this good? Do I have, do I have a good card? Should I spend the money? Crater, what should I do?

[Crater]

You'll be fine. Trust your gut.

[Celestine]

I throw it in.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yes, that is a fantastic strategy.

[Crater]

I'll call as well.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Three calls at $50. And so we're all going to roll another D12 everybody. Second card. Six, five.

[Crater]

It's a one.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, so a one in this case is an ace or an eleven. So one or eleven, it's totally up to you, but it's actually a really excellent card to get. Boy Baccarat is just like the lady is sitting at 15. We have 13 in the middle seat and 10 or 20 in the anchor seat. Betting action is on you, madam. Any points to riot? I guess 25, a minimum bet from the lady. 25 to call to you. Any points to Celestine.

[Celestine]

I just immediately look at Crater.

[Crater]

I nod.

[Celestine]

Throw it in to you, sir.

[Crater]

500.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, so you're going all in. You don't have 500 left because that's what you started with. We'll just say that all of your 500 is in the pot now. And with that you see Yeehaw. Like really turn around and start to watch the hand and maybe even walk up a little bit behind y'. All.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yee haw. Yeehaw.

[Game Host/Dealer]

The yeehaw of awe.

[Celestine]

This game is so fun.

[Crater]

I have no idea what I'm doing.

[Game Host/Dealer]

We have an alden bet of 500. Madam, do you call?

[Riot]

No.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right. Madam is folding the 15. An excellent call, madam. And you, sir?

[Celestine]

Well, I mean, I've never played this game before, but I have seen Ma and Page with their friends, and this seems to me to be. To be one of those moments where you need to know when you're beat. And as. As PA says, when you're beat, just chuck in the cards and cry. And so I think I will do that.

[Game Host/Dealer]

The philosophizing was very welcome, sir. Thank you. Excellent hand. And the pot goes to user and just pushes the chips. Most of the chips are your 500, but you also receive, let's see, 275. 275 extra of your friend's chips.

[Celestine]

Oh, wow.

[Crater]

This game is fun. We should keep playing. This is Yeehaw looking like he wants to join at any point.

[Narrator/Game Master]

He moved closer and he's standing behind the table. It almost looks like he's waiting for you guys to finish up your hand.

[Game Host/Dealer]

And a very exciting hand. Shall we play? Play another, my friends.

[Riot]

I'm in.

[Crater]

Yeah, I'm. I'm in if you're in.

[Celestine]

But this is fun. Let's. Sure, of course.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, this looks like the most fun that I've seen in this entire party, so I think I'll be joining as well.

[Celestine]

Well, it is mighty nice to see you again. Yeehaw.

[Narrator/Game Master]

And yourself.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Boy, Baccarat, like, looks at Yeehaw like a little bit nervous, like. Excellent. Very good. Four players for the next hand. Mr. McGraw, very nice to see you again. Shall we start off on a.

[Celestine]

A.

[Game Host/Dealer]

On a fresh foot from last time?

[Narrator/Game Master]

Are you addressing me?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Of course not, sir. Of course not. He's been getting a sharp look from Harley across the room, but he does look very sweaty.

[Celestine]

Can I roll some sort of insight check to see, like, what the deal is between the dealer and Yeehaw?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah, roll me an insight. It's a nine even with a Nine. You recognize the look of a service industry employee who's just like, not excited to see an overzealous patron.

[Narrator/Game Master]

All right, why don't you just settle down and deal them cards?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yes, that is, that is what I am being paid to do. Thank you, sir.

[Crater]

Mr. Yeehaw. They're just doing a job. There's no, there's no need for that kind of attitude. We're all years to have some fun, you know, let's, let's play some cards.

[Narrator/Game Master]

And I, I assume that you're the caretaker of this young gentleman.

[Crater]

Oh, is that what he called me? Oh, that's, that's selling it short. This is, it's a very good friend

[Celestine]

of mine, Mr. Yeho. This is the friend I was telling you about. This is, this is crazy. Yes, he is, uh, he is looking out for me.

[Crater]

Yes, that is my real name. Yes, thank you, Celestine.

[Celestine]

Yes.

[Crater]

Well, what?

[Celestine]

Yeah, no, of course, of course it is. Why, I wouldn't, I don't understand.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, of course, yes, we all don't understand. Says Boy Bakara and lays down the first card.

[Celestine]

So we're all putting in 25 more.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah, 25 to start.

[Riot]

Four for me.

[Celestine]

I also got a four, that's an 11, so I guess that's a 10.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeehaw. Got a three.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, first betting round starts with riot. 50 bet of 50.

[Celestine]

Well, I mean this 10 here is better than my seven was the last time, and I, I paid 50 for that. So I, I think by that logic I should pay 50 for this and so I shall.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right, Mini Cowboy has called Crater. Which is your name?

[Celestine]

Mini Cowboy.

[Crater]

You are the biggest cowboy to me, but yeah, I'll call it 50.

[Narrator/Game Master]

And Mr. McGraw, well, I know that you feel a little uncomfortable when I get, get excited, so I'm just gonna keep it at 50 for now.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yes, I, I wouldn't say uncomfortable, sir, but I do appreciate it. And then we're gonna deal the second cards. Everybody's called for 50. Everybody roll another D12.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Four for Celestine, eight for Riot.

[Crater]

That's a six for Crater.

[Narrator/Game Master]

And yeehaw. Got a six as well.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, Riot's at 12, Celestine's at 14, craters at 10, and yeehaws at 9. All right, betting round starts with Riot.

[Riot]

It call 50.

[Game Host/Dealer]

50 bucks in the pot.

[Celestine]

I mean, we're all having fun here. I, I don't want to spoil the party. Here we go. 50.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yes, that is how gambling works. We have another call.

[Crater]

I, I'll do 50 as well.

[Celestine]

Creator, I Think the fella dealing the cards is, is making fun of me. Is that true?

[Crater]

Yeah, that, that's, that's kind of standard around here too.

[Celestine]

No, it's acceptable. I, I, I, I wouldn't want to feel out of place, but if everyone's being made fun of, then I suppose that's all right.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Nobody is being made fun of. And he looks very sweatly over at Harley before, before looking at yeehaw.

[Narrator/Game Master]

200.

[Game Host/Dealer]

And we have a raise to 200. Thank you, Mr. McGraw. Riot, would you like to put another 150 in the pot?

[Riot]

Yeah, why not? I like lean over the table alluringly at Yeehaw.

[Narrator/Game Master]

He looks at you with thirst.

[Celestine]

Oh, that's terrible. That is a, that is a terrible thing to say.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Sorry.

[Celestine]

So seeing Riot's display there, I think Celestine gets nervous and spills the drink that Yeehaw had bought him all over the table. Just gets all flustered by Riot and knocks over his drink onto the chips into the cards. I am so very sorry. I suppose I'm out for this one. I do apologize.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, Mini Cowboy has folded and he gestures for a decodrone to come over. And the decodrone flies over and starts like beaming the liquid up while it's just like, wow, great outfit, great hand,

[Narrator/Game Master]

you're going to win big.

[Game Host/Dealer]

And then like flies away so much. Crater, you going to call that 150?

[Crater]

I'm going to give Yeehaw like a, like an up and down look. All right, buds, you want to, you want to play big? It's the only way I will raise it $25.

[Celestine]

Yeah. Crater, are you sure? That is, that is a bold move, Crater.

[Game Host/Dealer]

So Yeehaw has put in 150 more craters raised it. Yeehaw. Would you like to commit 25 more?

[Narrator/Game Master]

I mean, yeah, I don't. Sure. Why not?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay. All right.

[Crater]

I didn't know if he'd fall for that.

[Game Host/Dealer]

And riot, 25 more.

[Riot]

Sure.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay. Three handed. Very good. And then we're gonna all do the next E12 round. Or actually, sorry, at this point, you may choose whether or not to roll again. If you choose to not roll again and not take another card, you're committed. So Riot, if you don't roll again, 12 is your number for the rest of the hand.

[Riot]

I will roll again, I think.

[Crater]

Okay, yeah, I'm gonna roll as well. Oh, it's a nine.

[Riot]

I got a two.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeehaw rolled an 11.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh my God. So Yeehaw is sitting at 2020 and betting is on you, Riot.

[Riot]

Damn So I don't really play blackjack. Like, where do we go from here?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Madam, I would recommend checking. Not making any bet at this stage.

[Narrator/Game Master]

All right, you could do that if you don't want to be any fun.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Mr. McGraw.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Mr. McGraw, please, I got this. Don't worry about it. Please, please, Miss. The name's Yeehaw McGraw. I come here for a little bit of fun, and you look like you might need a little infusion.

[Riot]

Yeah, I think I need. Need some help.

[Narrator/Game Master]

You want. You want my help?

[Riot]

You seem like a guy who knows what he's doing.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Madam, may I just point out that Mr. McGraw.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Boy, Bakarat, just don't worry about it. I got this. Now, listen, miss, you got yourself not a bad hand. You could. You could take another cart if you're feeling dangerous.

[Riot]

Maybe I will.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Why don't you just slide a little bit of extra money in that pot and make it interesting?

[Game Host/Dealer]

I really must step in, Mr. McGraw. Madam, Mr. McGraw is sitting with a 20.

[Riot]

I have a word of this. This man who seems to know.

[Game Host/Dealer]

No, no, of course not.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I'm a man.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, God. I. You know what? Do what you like.

[Riot]

I'm going to listen to you. Yeehaw. Is it?

[Game Host/Dealer]

It is.

[Narrator/Game Master]

And, sweetheart, listen, if. If things go a little sour for you here at this hand, don't worry. I can cover you for the rest of the night.

[Riot]

Such a gentleman. Okay, I will call 50, I guess.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right. Boy, baccarat is like, freaking. Just like a bet of 50, Mr. Crater.

[Crater]

So, Mr. Baccarat, just. Just so I understand, if I. If I go over 21, I lose, correct? It's one of these kind of games.

[Game Host/Dealer]

That is correct. You are not obligated to take another card, but you may call the bet without taking another card in the next round.

[Crater]

What say you? Yeehaw.

[Game Host/Dealer]

I will say that. But Yeehaw is beating you right now.

[Crater]

No, no, I do. I do understand that, Mr. McGraw over there.

[Narrator/Game Master]

If you're gonna ask me if I'm gonna take away some of my numbers, I think you're sorely mistaken, mister.

[Crater]

No, no, I feel like. Let's try and make this interesting here. I will go all in again if you promise to take another card. And I will also take another card.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Make a persuasion check.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Holy shit.

[Celestine]

Celestine is just looking back and forth here like it's a tennis match. And this is very cool. Complicated. I did not realize that cards could be so serious.

[Crater]

That's a 14.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I tell you what, son, I'm in a pretty nice position here. Right now. And I think that I am not going to take another card on top of my 20, but why don't you meet me right back here for another hand after this, and we could make it real interesting if you'd like to throw in a little extra. What I'm saying is, if that came across a little convoluted, I'm sorry, I've had, like, a lot of these really weird floral drinks. What I'm saying is, why don't you. You just have another hand with me after this, and I'll collect my winnings from you and. And this fine young lady here, and we'll. We'll. We'll make it interesting after this.

[Game Host/Dealer]

As much as I hate to disagree with Mr. McGraw, I would not recommend taking another card or committing any further money to this hand.

[Crater]

All right, Mr. McGraw, I think you won this round. Right? Win me my money back, please. And I pulled.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeehaw. Would you like to call 50?

[Narrator/Game Master]

I would.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, so we're at the rolling for another card part. Ms. Riot, would you like another card?

[Riot]

I would. Oh, damn it. I got nine.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, it's a busteroonie.

[Riot]

Busteroon.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, what a pity. And the pot gets pushed to yeehaw. 11:25 for yeehaw. As it is, Yeehaw has the hand, and y' all have sort of discussed having another one. And as you do, another voice sort of pipes up from behind the table and goes, well, gi. Ha. Looks like we found ourselves at yet another exciting blackjack table. And you turn around and your game has attracted the attention of a very humanoid cloud Android whose eyes glow a warm amber. His body is made of a gray metal with, like, a purplish sheen as it catches the light. And these are, you recognize, sort of like specter robes. They have many elaborate details. Some metal piping on the shoulder, and the fabric falls, like, straight down and obscures his arms within the folds as he, like, appears to glide along the floor towards the blackjack table. And he slides up and he goes, I don't suppose there's room at the table for an old specter.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, I thought that you were never gonna quit talking to that other table. Were you lecturing them?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well. Well, yes. I mean, of course. They were asking me questions about, you know, my purpose, my journey. I'm always happy to speak with those curious about the Arcana. I remember us having such a conversation the last time we found ourselves at the Arkansas.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Were they asking you, or did you just hear someone say that in your ear?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, I hear many things in My ear, my friend and I always answer. And that's all I will say about it. And who do we have here?

[Celestine]

Celestine Wander off, pleased to meet you. And I just reach out my hand.

[Game Host/Dealer]

He reaches out and takes your hand and looks very deeply into your eyes as he shakes it and goes, do you hear that, my boy? Do you hear that?

[Celestine]

Do I hear what?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Never mind, never mind. And then he takes a seat next to you and he says, well, I believe I will join the next hand.

[Crater]

You're getting here just in time for some fun.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yes, it was very nice to meet. This is Celestine. And you, good sir.

[Celestine]

This is my friend, Crater Wayne.

[Crater]

It's Crater. Hi, yes. Nice to meet you, sir.

[Game Host/Dealer]

I am most enchanted by you, Mr. Crater. And the lady down at the end. Hello.

[Riot]

Hi, I'm Riot. And you.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, I'm surprised that none of you recognize me. And he just sort of waits.

[Crater]

Do we recognize him?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Everybody roll a history check. 13, 12, 13. Okay, I would say that everybody, like, vaguely recognizes this voice from, like, over the pit. Pip, this is Uncle Edict, who is a Spectre preacher, basically.

[Riot]

Unkey.

[Crater]

Sorry, what is Pip, exactly? Ah, yes, he sets up for the podcast.

[Game Host/Dealer]

It's the portable combination cell phone, television, social media device that everybody in this world has one. It's for shows. It's for social media. And Uncle Edict has a frequent sermon show on the.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Pip.

[Crater]

Is it like a popular show or is it like, kind of just for, like, the old folks who are, like, at home during the daytime and they have nothing, nothing better to do?

[Game Host/Dealer]

It plays at the same time as Mori.

[Crater]

Okay, say no more. I know exactly what you mean.

[Celestine]

I take my hat off. Oh, my stars. I am so sorry, Uncle Edict, that I did not recognize you immediately. I now recognize you from all the programs that Mom Paul used to play. I must say that it is an honor to be in the same room, let alone at the same table as yourself.

[Game Host/Dealer]

No matter, no matter, no matter. It's always nice to be around pupils and those who are in want of saving. And he looks across the table. Yeehaw.

[Narrator/Game Master]

You're beefing up his old head there, if you're picking up what I'm putting down.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, beef is a most wholesome food, sir, and I accept your compliment. And boy, Bakara's like, shall we play a game of blackjack, friends?

[Crater]

Let's do it, folks.

[Riot]

Hell yeah.

[Game Host/Dealer]

25 in everybody.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeah, 25 if you're feeling boring. But I think we ought to make this one interesting.

[Crater]

We say 200.

[Narrator/Game Master]

What else you Got.

[Celestine]

I've got some mighty fine weed, if you like, if that's your flavor.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Uncle Edict turns to you, Celestine, and is like. You say you brought some weed with you?

[Celestine]

Well, yes, of course. Yeah. I mean, mom Paul grow the greatest cannabis in the fifth collide.

[Crater]

I'm gonna put a hand on Celestine's shoulder and then just like, shake my head.

[Celestine]

Oh, I have no weed. I apologize.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, that is a real shame because it has been exceptionally hard to sneak in libations this year. Not that I have ever done so. But I did notice that many a fewer people seem to be carrying, as the kids call it. Yeah.

[Narrator/Game Master]

So really hoping you got something interesting here because. Well, I mean, I also heard that it was hard to get some stuff in, but. But, well, some of us just find a way, I suppose.

[Game Host/Dealer]

We do, don't we? Pointed. Look at yeehaw. And boy, baccarat is like. Very good. Very good. Yes. Here we go. And deals the first cards every. Everybody. Oh, sorry. No, we didn't do the first betting round. So we're.

[Crater]

Oh, boy, you are rusty.

[Celestine]

I mean, to be fair, this is not how actual blackjack works.

[Narrator/Game Master]

It's true.

[Celestine]

All right, but we are. We're. We're meant to have a full betting round before we ever see a card. Is that. That the thing where, like, it's not just a straight up Annie?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah, everyone has to put like, at least 25 in, but there could be more.

[Celestine]

There's an opportunity to raise before we ever see a card is what you're saying.

[Game Host/Dealer]

This is something I've thought about in advance, and the answer is no, you can only put in 25. This is not a betting round. This is the. This is the ante, which I definitely didn't decide just now. Okay? So Everybody roll your D12 for your first cards and holler it.

[Narrator/Game Master]

10.

[Celestine]

3.

[Crater]

I got a 12, which I think is a 10.

[Game Host/Dealer]

7 for Yeha Edict got a 5, which is a very good place to start for any hand. Betting round is on you, Riot.

[Riot]

I'll raise it 100.

[Game Host/Dealer]

It's 100 to call.

[Celestine]

Well, I mean, I suppose I can only go up from here, so. Sure. Here's my hundred.

[Crater]

That's an easy call.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Now let's talk for a minute. So, miss. Sorry, did I get your name? I'm not sure.

[Riot]

I don't know that you did. It's Riot.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I thought so. I thought I recognized you from the pit machine.

[Riot]

So you know me.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I mean, I've heard of you. Who hasn't? I'M pretty sure that everybody in this place is clocking the fact that you're here.

[Game Host/Dealer]

But this isn't the riot, is it? Surely not, surely not.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Why don't you take another look there, Edict?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Edict. Like. Like turns a dial on the side of his eyes that focuses his eyes. He's like, well, my goodness.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Now, I. I could put in another hundred chips and just play the game as. As Mr. Boy Baccarat would. Would have us do. But I think I would just absolutely

[Game Host/Dealer]

love that if we could just do that.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I mean, Riot, surely you're here for a little more, right?

[Riot]

You could say that. What did you have in mind?

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, actually, I'm interested in what you had in mind. He reached. Reaches into a similar. Likely a pouch around his leg, and he pulls out what looks like a small set of gears that's attached to. It's like a little metal curved piece, and he puts it on the table. Why don't you make a history check?

[Riot]

13 plus 0.

[Crater]

That's a 1715.

[Narrator/Game Master]

So crater, you would recognize. You and Riot would certainly recognize. Recognize that this is a weapon mod. Celestine would as well with that check. But I don't think. Celestine, you've used many of these, but this is a weapon mod that you can add to your weapon with some good tinkering skills and make it, you know, a little bit more interesting.

[Crater]

Crater's eyes turn green when he sees this item up on the table.

[Riot]

Oh, my God.

[Crater]

Okay. Interesting, interesting, interesting.

[Riot]

That is a fine piece of equipment you have. What do you look looking for exactly? For me in return?

[Narrator/Game Master]

What do you got?

[Riot]

I think you've heard what I got. I don't know if I can put it on the table.

[Celestine]

What am I missing? I feel like I am out of the loop on this, my friends. I. I don't. I. What. What is everyone talking about?

[Game Host/Dealer]

I just want to remind everybody that I am only liable and responsible for the chips on the table. Anything happening outside of that riscotech is not liable.

[Riot]

I whisper, kind of just. Just in a way that only the earpiece could be heard. And I say, don't worry about it, and then kind of lock eyes with Celestine and pat the pouch on my thigh.

[Celestine]

Celestine just nods as though he understands.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, if I am not mistaken, betting round is up to me. And if I am aware of what is being discussed here, there is a bit of libations on the line here, and I don't really know what I have to offer except. Oh, yes, and he freaking like Reaches into his pocket, takes out a handful of interesting looking tokens. They're not poker chips and they're not gold. And he sort of like flashes one in his hand and like looks askance at yeehaw and is just sort of

[Narrator/Game Master]

like, oh, now we're talking.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah. Could have used one of these last month, couldn't you? And anybody who wants to roll another history check for me can do so.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Got six.

[Celestine]

Oh, that's a nat 20.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, shit. So these tokens are passage tokens, right? They allow passage, like into and out of sort of like restricted zones.

[Celestine]

Are they hard to come by or are they expensive? Like, what would I know about these tokens?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah, they're not really, like for purchase, really. They have to be like, given to you. And while not rare, they're sort of hard to get your hands on. So yeah, they are a good addition to this pot.

[Narrator/Game Master]

These are also like specter made tokens. Like they're four specters. Yeah. And I think with a Nat20, you would also understand that a restricted zone currently is Tropo Neo Vega, with how big of an event there is going on right now.

[Celestine]

Okay, so a person would need one of these tokens to easily get out of Troponia Vega right Now, one could

[Game Host/Dealer]

assume that with an at 20, it

[Narrator/Game Master]

would make it a little easier.

[Crater]

Okay.

[Celestine]

That is a surprising cache of coins that you've got there. I'm shocked that you just carry that around.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, I don't know why you would be shocked. If you know who I am, I

[Celestine]

think you'll find plenty of things shock me.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, I certainly hope to shock you by the end of this hand. And I just want to make it clear I do not have any interest in the unsavory items being offered. I'm merely here to remove them from circulation and to better the world. Does anybody else hear that? Does anybody hear that? Anyway, never mind. Yes, this is my contribution. And with that, we're gonna take our second cards. Things are already spicy.

[Riot]

All right, all right. Four.

[Celestine]

Celestine got an 11, so 10 more for Celestine.

[Crater]

I rolled a one.

[Celestine]

Oh my God.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Crater just hit a blackjack. Freaking Edict's like, oh my goodness. You're joking me.

[Crater]

Sorry. Is that good? Did I win?

[Game Host/Dealer]

God, is that good? Did you win? EDICT Got a 10, so he's at 15. Yeehaw.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeehaw. Got a 3, so he's at 10.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Now normally in normal blackjack rolls a 10 and an 8 beats any other type of 21, let's say. No, you can still tie Crater for the purposes of good times.

[Riot]

Gotta try.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right, so betting round. We got riot 14, celestine 13, crater with a blackjack. Yeehaw with a 10. And edict with a 15. And round is on Riot.

[Riot]

I'm gonna put in everything, all my chips.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All in. And let's pretend that we count it and we know exactly how much it is. It's all in.

[Celestine]

Well, I must confess, I find this game incredibly confusing. But if I do understand the math correctly, it seems that Crater has the winning hand. So I will sit this one out.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Celestine is folded. Crater, Riot's all in with a 14. Would you like to call?

[Crater]

I am all in as well.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Crater's all in, mister. Yeehaw.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, that is very interesting. And I am.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, surely you're not going to back out of this hand now. You're sitting with a 10. I thought you were. I thought you were the ballsiest gambler this side of the jaggedy jacks.

[Celestine]

Uncle Edict, that is some colorful language that I did not expect to hear from you.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I have the balls that need that are. I have the biggest balls on this side of the jaggedy jacks. You are correct, Edict. I'm just trying to figure out what an appropriate addition to this table is.

[Game Host/Dealer]

You can see that boy baccarat is just sort of like looking across the room at MC Harley, high stakes, just shaking his head and lifting his hands like, like, like mouthing like, I don't know, I don't know.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, if it's chips you're after, then no problem. I can match you. Unless you got anything else that's interesting.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, I'm afraid I put my most interesting items into the pot already.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Although money is going in fine, whatever Edict looks at.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeeha. You know, Mr. McGraw, I think I will be the better and more holy man. And he folds. We got three all in. So now we're just either taking cards or folding.

[Riot]

I'm going to go with another card. Okay, it three.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay, you're sitting at a 17.

[Narrator/Game Master]

And I'm going to pull an ace from this here deck. I pulled two aces in the form of an 11, so.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, crater's sitting at 20. This is getting sweaty. We're all in. So we're just right back around to riot it.

[Riot]

And I got an eight, so.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right. A valiant effort from Riot to hit that 21. Yeehaw. There is one card that will save you, my friend.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I'm going to pull an ace from the stick.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Whoops.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Dropped an ace on the floor. Let Me try again. Right into my DAS box that's on

[Game Host/Dealer]

top of my desk.

[Narrator/Game Master]

I rolled a 9,

[Game Host/Dealer]

and what a shame.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Oh, my God, I did roll a

[Game Host/Dealer]

one on the floor. I. I'm sorry, Mr. McGraw, but floor cards do not count. As we discussed last. Damn it, boy. Baccarat.

[Narrator/Game Master]

You got to give me one.

[Game Host/Dealer]

One of these days, Mr. McGraw, you know I have no control over what happens at this table. We also talked about this last year. Congratulations, Mr. Wayne. And he pushes like, the fricking treat from. Yeehaw. The token from Edict, and just a massive pile of coins that I'm assuming Jay kept track of.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Yeah, I did. It's 400 plus all the all ins, so.

[Game Host/Dealer]

So y' all have.

[Crater]

Let's just call it 1900.

[Game Host/Dealer]

1900.

[Celestine]

I lean over to Crater and just go, oh, my stars, Crater, you are so wealthy. My goodness. I don't even think we need to do what we came here to do tonight. We can just take this and go, can't we? I mean, we don't need to take anything. We just want it all.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Are you saying that out loud, like,

[Celestine]

very quietly, make a stealth check?

[Crater]

Well, I'm. I'm helping because my. I put, like, my arm up on the table to, like, shield our conversation a little bit.

[Riot]

Sure.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Make a stealth check with advantage.

[Celestine]

I do appreciate the advantage there. It was a five, and now it's a dirty 20.

[Crater]

Okay, we are looking pretty rich at the moment, but I don't think it's really enough to really jump ship. I think what we are waiting for is probably a little bit more money than what's currently in our hands.

[Celestine]

More money? Oh, my stars. Well, I mean. All right, well, if you say so, Crater, if you. You know best. I'm. I'm with you, buddy. All right.

[Crater]

And I clap my hands and I disrupt the huddle, and I'm back at attention to the table.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right, well, as you're back at attention to the table, you notice that boy Baccarat and most other people are looking towards the center of the room because MC Harley High St. Has kind of like, levered herself up a little bit and is now addressing the room. Thank you for coming, everybody. It is so marvelous to see all these familiar faces here at Ariscotech Casino. I hope you've all been enjoying yourselves this evening and not getting into too much trouble. But if I may.

[Celestine]

That was amazing.

[Game Host/Dealer]

But if I may interrupt your pretty festivities, I would like to announce the spinning of the Wheel of Fortune will take place in the next five minutes. If you would all like to proceed towards the viewing area. And then she sort of does a very elegant scoot off on her unicycle wheel to go talk to important people and make her way up to the front where indeed everybody is sort of like moving towards the wheel.

[Crater]

Well, folks, I think that's our cue to leave.

[Riot]

Slash go talk to Harley High stakes before she gets up on stage. But I think I can do it

[Crater]

pretty quickly or you know, just maybe get up and go for a washroom break.

[Riot]

That's right.

[Crater]

Right. I don't know.

[Celestine]

This is all very exciting.

[Crater]

Okay, gentlemen, it was. It was a pleasure to meet you. Hopefully we'll see you around town sometime.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Soon as you turn around, you notice that Uncle Edict is like, already gone.

[Crater]

Oh, okay.

[Celestine]

It was a pleasure to meet you in person.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Uncle Edict from actually, like immediately behind you, he's just like, well, it was a pleasure to meet you too, my friend.

[Celestine]

Oh, my stars. You just appeared there. My goodness. I was looking in the entire wrong direction. Oh my.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, I tend to come wherever I am needed. And at that moment I felt I was needed by you. And in fact, my boy, He just like gives a look at Crater real quick. He's like, my boy, would you mind. Could we have a word privately for one minute?

[Celestine]

Privately? Well, I mean, I suppose anything you can say to me, you can say in front of my friend Crater here.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, no, that's not always the case. And I am a man of God, and I think that you should come with gods, and I think that you should come with me just for a moment.

[Celestine]

All right, well, if it's. If it's just a quick word, I

[Game Host/Dealer]

suppose as everybody's sort of milling towards the wheel, Uncle Edict leads you in somewhat of the opposite direction and, you know, just sort of leads you in front of this like one of the massive, like, slot machines, so there's lots of lights and colors surrounding you. It's somewhat private. And he just leans in and he says, whatever you're here for is of far more importance than you or I understand, my boy. And I'm not sure what this feeling means, but I do know that whoever is asking you to do what you came here to do is not to be trusted, and you should come to me after you've completed your time task.

[Celestine]

Well, Uncle Edict, I believe you're trying to give me some sagely advice and I do appreciate the thought, but the implication of your words would suggest that I'm not to trust a friend of mine. And I'm afraid I can't Just jump to that conclusion.

[Game Host/Dealer]

The messages from the arcana are rarely so clear. In fact, if you listen, you can hear the most unexpected things. And right now I'm hearing. Can you hear it? Can you hear the bum, bum, bum,

[Celestine]

bum, bum, bum, bum? No, I'm afraid I don't hear a bum.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, surely you must. But I can hear it. And on top of that, I'm hearing a message about you. And the message is that you need me and that you need to come to me.

[Celestine]

Uncle Edict, actually, can I roll an insight check?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Hell, yeah.

[Celestine]

Not that Celestine's particularly insightful. That's a trick.

[Game Host/Dealer]

He seems to be very certain that the message he is receiving is correct. You notice as you get closer and he's starting to talk about these sorts of things, he's a little bit erratic and maybe even a slight bit twitchy.

[Celestine]

Uncle Edict, I again do appreciate your concern and consideration for one such as myself, and I will give your words some serious thought. But now I must return to my friends, so I bid you a good evening.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Do as you will, my son. And he sort of just like, stands under the slot machine and watches you go.

[Celestine]

All right. Celestine is deeply troubled.

[Game Host/Dealer]

As you sort of break away from Uncle Edict, everyone else is crowding around the Wheel of Fortune and actually. Roll me a history check.

[Celestine]

Oh, that's a nat 20.

[Game Host/Dealer]

That's a nat 20.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Another one.

[Game Host/Dealer]

As you look up at the Wheel, having had this conversation with Edict, your guard is kind of down, and you're a little bit unsettled, and you look up and you just sort of catch a sight of the Wheel, and you feel as though there's something you remember about it, and it comes to you all at once that the Wheel is the only relic that exists that is pre. Oops. So this thing is, like, ancient, and that's sort of like a piece of knowledge that, like, you recall as you look at the Wheel.

[Celestine]

Okay, Crater, I had a very odd conversation with Uncle Edict there, and it seems like he knows something about what we're here to do. And he. He told me that I shouldn't trust the person who brought me here. But, of course, you're the person that brought me here. And, I mean, as you know, I trust you with my life. And so I'm just very. I'm having a confusing moment here, and I'm not sure what to do about it. Uncle Edict feels like I should come to him when all this is said and done. And I suppose that would mean not leaving with you, but doesn't feel right.

[Crater]

I will have you know that I've. I've never crossed anybody that's been on my side before in my entire life. Are we going to believe some celebrity man loses his entire wealth to us in. In a blackjack game and now is all of a sudden trying to get in on the action? I wouldn't pay too much mind to that.

[Celestine]

I suppose there's some sense in that. Is there? Is there anything else about this. This whole business I should know? Anything. Anything you haven't haven't told me yet?

[Crater]

No, I don't think so.

[Celestine]

I knew it. Thank you so much, Crater. You made me feel so much better.

[Crater]

I'll just put a hand on his shoulder and give him a good nod and then turn to watch Riot.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right, so Riot is making her way towards the mc. Yes, that's right. So as you do, a hand reaches out from the crowd and an older human woman who looks to be about mid-80s, dark skin, tall and very long legged with long black hair. She's wearing an elaborate silk red robe that hangs open in layers of drapery, revealing a short matching silk negligee.

[Riot]

Oh, my.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, well, well. They do say that it's not a party unless Riot crashes it.

[Riot]

You know what they say.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Riot. Sweet. Sweetheart, of course you remember me. Mesmera.

[Riot]

Mesmera. So good to see all of you.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Likewise. It's, it's okay. It's been several parties since we've last interacted, but I'm just. I'm so relieved that you're here. I mean, I was kind of hoping that someone might bring some excitement. And I know what you're known for.

[Riot]

I do deal in excitement. I don't know if tonight my night, though. You know, I don't want to detract from the importance of the occasion.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Make a deception check.

[Riot]

All right. All right, I got a 19 plus two 21.

[Narrator/Game Master]

So I'm just understand that you're here to just party.

[Riot]

That's right. I'm in the process of incarnating some chaos in the upcoming events to follow. But tonight, you know, just riding under the radar, enjoying the events, looking at your beautiful face.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed. But I guess I'll also tell you that I'm in Tropo Neo for a little bit. If you'd like to get together, if you need anything. And I mean, if you're not planning anything for this get together, you know, you're always welcome. And at my parties, surely you have something planned for some event Coming up. And I would love to be the host.

[Riot]

That would be unbelievable. I'd be over the moon tonight. I do feel like I'm otherwise engaged, but I. I'm yours next time. I have.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Is that a promise?

[Riot]

You know it is.

[Game Host/Dealer]

All right, Rye, roll me a history check.

[Riot]

All right. 21.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Oh, wow.

[Game Host/Dealer]

You for sure have been around Mesmera. In fact, you know that the Hot and heavy family, which Mesmera is like, the current matriarch of, is, like, known for being these, like, ultra famous legacy family in the royals. They're all of them, like, smoking hot. They're devotees of the Empress, and they tend to throw, like, amazing events. So this is, like, a super fun offer from Besmera. For sure.

[Riot]

Amazing. Do I think that she would appreciate, like, a small libation?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, for sure. She would, like, you know, Ms. Marrow is down for a good reason.

[Riot]

Okay, cool. So I, like, reach down to my, like, bare skin. That's the thigh, and to my pack and unlatch the side to grab a very small package in my hand. And I grab her hand with both of mine and slip it into her palm and close her hand around it. It and say, for you, for your night. Think of me.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Oh, I wish I had something in return, but I do appreciate this. I'm so glad that you brought a

[Riot]

little bit of fun with you every time.

[Crater]

Did I notice that from afar? I'm assuming perception.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah, do it.

[Crater]

Okay. Ooh, Ooh, that's pretty good. What's a new character? Don't know my stats off by heart. Minus one. It's a 15.

[Game Host/Dealer]

From the corner of your eye, you notice that riot has stopped, and so that catches your attention, and you do see that she's had little a. An exchange with this person.

[Crater]

Noted. Thank you.

[Riot]

Okay, so I think I continue on towards the MC at this point. Assuming I can get to her before she gets on stage.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yeah. Are you trying to, like, be sneaky, or are you trying just, like, running

[Riot]

up, like, hey, I know she's gonna know who I am. So I just go up to be like, you look gorgeous kind of thing.

[Game Host/Dealer]

I want her to notice me as you come up. She's, like, sort of making a beeline for the platform. People are gathering, and she sort of sees you coming and does a double take. And you see her flip face is, like, very focused. And as soon as she sees you, it turns to the widest smile possible, and she's like, well, oh, my goodness, what a marvelous delight it is to see you here tonight, Harley.

[Riot]

High stakes. You look fetching.

[Game Host/Dealer]

You know, I do pride myself on knowing all the gossip. And yet I had no idea that you were entrepreneur Vhagar.

[Riot]

Well, I'm kind of everywhere.

[Game Host/Dealer]

That is what they say. Well, you also look marvelous. Although it would be quite a shock if you didn't.

[Riot]

You're too kind. This is an extraordinary event. You really outdone yourself with this one.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, thank you. Kind. Oh, sorry, one second. And she just, like, turns and just like, glares randomly at, like, a floor supervisor who just, like, freezes and like, remembers something and goes, like, fucking running back away. And she's just like, like. Don't worry about that.

[Riot]

Just wanted to thank you for your hospitality and to, you know, wish you luck. This is a big, big day spinning of the wheel.

[Game Host/Dealer]

The biggest. Darling.

[Riot]

Well, so good to see you.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, it's marvelous to see you too. And don't forget, when you post about this on Pippy shirt, I should give a little shout out to Harley.

[Riot]

You know I will. Can I use a sleight of hand to try to get the card from her as I leave?

[Game Host/Dealer]

Yes, you can.

[Crater]

All right, Sky, I'll have you know this whole heist comes down to you at this very moment. If you roll a NAT one here, you have killed all of our characters in the first episode.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Jesus.

[Crater]

I think as I kind of see Riot starting to, like, say goodbye, I might notice like a, like a waiter behind me that's holding like, a thing of like a tray of champagne or something like that. I might, like, back into him, quote, unquote, on accident to create a big noise. Maybe help off, Help out with this.

[Riot]

This is great.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Give me some kind of roll for that. Give me, like a performance, performance role. Yeah.

[Celestine]

Can I give him the help action? I'll. I'll make a. I'll make a scene with him.

[Narrator/Game Master]

Sure, you can give the help action. To give the help action.

[Crater]

Oh, boy. I rolled double 13s, so it's a 14.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Okay. There is a moment where Harley, high stakes, like, gives one of her sharp, like, faint face expression, flips over in

[Narrator/Game Master]

your direction, and in that moment, riot roll your sleight of hand with advantage.

[Riot]

All right, all right. I got the same each time, which was.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, God,

[Riot]

24.

[Celestine]

Oh.

[Crater]

Oh, God, I love rogues so much.

[Celestine]

Oh, man, I was sweating.

[Game Host/Dealer]

I just. Just barely. Do you get this keycard also?

[Narrator/Game Master]

As you go to get it, Mesmera kind of like, wanders up near Harley and she, like, looks at Harley and she's like, don't you know who this is? And she Gives you, like, a little moment to grab what you're trying to get.

[Riot]

Mesmera. Amazing. Okay, well, I'll be like, all right, well, toodle.

[Crater]

Ooh.

[Riot]

Carter, go. Won't keep you from the stage. So good to see you.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Well, thank you so much for coming to pay our respects, darling. And do keep your fingers crossed for your favorite archetype when we spin the wheel.

[Riot]

You know I will.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Good night, darling. Good night, darling. Ms. Mara.

[Crater]

Amazing creator is, like, over top of this. This waiter, like, oh, my God, but I'm so sorry. Here, here. I'll start, like, scooping up some glass and putting it back on the tray.

[Celestine]

Celestine is. Is, like, trying to help, like, clean. Clean the. The champagne off of the waiter's outfit is just, like, witnessing his sleeve, just like, oh, we're gonna get that out. Don't you worry.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Boy Baccarat has been pulled from the blackjack table after that freaking fiasco and is now serving drinks, which you've poured all over him.

[Crater]

Oh, Mr. Boy. Oh, I so sorry for the trouble. Here. Here's 750 coins, gentlemen.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh, God, thank you. This will buy me many new uniforms.

[Crater]

Do you ever feel like you just want to get away? You know, leave his life behind? You find what else is out there past the horizon. Find a new life for yourself.

[Game Host/Dealer]

He puts a hand on your shoulder and leans in, and he's just like,

[Narrator/Game Master]

take me with you.

[Crater]

Oh. I kind of recoil a little bit from that. Oh, God.

[Narrator/Game Master]

As you all deal with the downed boy Baccarat and spilled drinks everywhere and. And for riot, a key card in hand, you start to head to the north side of the room, which is easy at this point because the crowd is currently aflutter as Harley High Stakes steps onto a circular disc platform that begins to move, lifting her up to the wheel's lever. When she arrives, she raises her hand with a flourish and after a dramatic pause, pulls the lever down with a practice snap, sending the wheel and the crowd into a spinning frenzy. The partygoers cheer and shout encouragement to the wheel, entreating it to land on their particular favorite arcana, or pleading for it to avoid the likes of the tower or the devil. After a minute or so, the wheel begins to slow. It clicks past the star and then the moon, and a hopeful gasp as it appears to pause on the sun. But no, past the sun, and the crowd very suddenly falls silent. As will it. Yes, it is. The hand slides past judgment and for the very first time in recorded history, lands firmly on the world. Everyone is motionless. The normally imperturbable. Harley falters for a moment, takes a breath to speak and what sounds like an explosion, distant but alarmingly significant enough to cause a tremor and a flickering of the lights. Then all is still. With a couple of sharp meaningful looks, Harley sends three floor supervisors scampering into action, her orders silently understood. The next moment she is all smiles and addresses the crowd.

[Game Host/Dealer]

Oh well, what a marvelous excitement. Surely just some scrapper overzealous scrapper party going on in the background here. But my goodness, a landmark spinning of the wheel. And if you'll excuse me, I have a couple of things to attend to. And she levers herself down and goes zooming across the floor as everybody sort of like calms down and begins to talk excitedly amongst themselves about the wheel landing on the world.

[Celestine]

Sam.

[Lori]

To listen to more of Planet Arcana and check out their other content, please search Planet Arcana wherever you get your podcast, podcasts or click the link in the description of this episode. You can also visit www.planetarcana.com for more information. Thanks for listening.

[Billy Hindle]

Billy Hindle here the voice of Alice in the Magnus Protocol and I'm here to tell you about from the Library of Jurgen Leitner, an upcoming novel available for pre order right [e-mail] novel Return to the World of the Magnus Archives in From the Library of Jurgen Leitner, an official prequel novel written by Nebula World Fantasy and Aurora Award winning author Preemie Mohammed. With the help of the Magnus Archive's own writer and lead voice, Jonathan Sims, from the Library of Jurgen Leitner explores an infamous organization from the Magnusverse for the first time, the perilous private library of the enigmatic collector Jurgen Leitner, where occult books are guarded and researched at a fatal cost. Leitner's library keeps the dangers of these books in check and the would be reading as safe, or so Lightner claims. For two of Leitner's employees, the risks are worth it. For Hugh Franklin, the library is a place to belong. For Sebastian Everett, the library is an opportunity to indulge arcane ambitions. Though their 10 years at the library were years apart, Hugh and Sebastian's stories unfold in parallel and their footsteps echo down the same eerie aisles, caught in a web spun long before either ever heard the name Jurgen Leitner. Will they find a way out out? Or will the library consume them before it's too late? From the Library of Jurgen Leitner will be published on October 27, 2026and is available for preorder now. Visit rustyquill.com novel for more information. That's rustyquill. Com No V E L.