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[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

"Thank you, Azalea."

"Indeed. It is time to give up the ghost."

"You came to me as a lover, and I came to you as an executioner, my sun. And you did not know until the end. But… gods, I am sorry that we did not find each other in a kinder universe. One where I did not kill you, or Meena, or…"

"I do not anticipate apologies with words will mean anything. You all deserved better, and you will get your just deserts. To Zach's point - allow me to speak on that."

"My purpose is not to change the order of nature - no, I will rebalance it."

"I can rebalance it. When I claim the Heart, I can give Mother Nature the voice she never had. Across the entire multiverse. I do not exactly know how that will manifest until I claim the Heart, but my wish… my deepest desire is to become Enough to stop anyone’s planet - anyone's - from experiencing the world ending as mine did. Too soon."

"Then, I will send you all home."

"Dear friend - hold my hand?"

It's all over. Balance is restored. It's time to go home.

And with your friends in tow.

We're at the end of the road. A road of many that took you here. A road that now stands out, strongly gazing into beautiful, infinite space. With unlimited horizons in front of you. It's been a long and confusing journey that's taken you here.

But, to state that as if it were some grand realization would be as useless as to ignore the odds you've overcome, to really make it to something that can be called, the end.

To learn, is to grow. To live. Perhaps, the real beginner's guide really is the friends you made along the way. To survive, to live, you need other people. And as hard as it can be to understand in the darkest moments, you need struggle, as well. Conflict can push you to be better, but it can push you too far too many times, as well. But here, as you stand no longer alone, whoever you are, you know that any direction you now choose to go…can be forward.

There's been death here, and life as well. You've lost, and you've found. You've learned more about yourself than you could ever have possibly hoped, or feared. And you've been given new viewpoints. You've had to accept, easy or not, how large the worlds truly are.

At the end of the day, perhaps there is no good, or bad. Perhaps, there's no use in labels, when real crimes, and real acts of heroism, do exist. But even going that far, the only things that are truly real are actions, and the judgments you make of them.

There are things in the multiverse you've never considered, and never thought real. Reality is just a state of mind, and a matter of opinion, of course. You've learned in your time here. You're a beginner, no more.

You've learned that you have to protect those you care about, no matter what.

You've learned not to let your past stop you.

You've learned to embrace who you were, all along.

You've learned to stay bright.

You've learned that even what is lost, can be restored.

You've learned you can't stop searching for the truth.

You've learned that who you are, can be fluid, and you'll figure out who it is eventually.

You've learned you're not the only you, and that's okay.

You've learned you're not the only you, and there's nothing wrong with that.

You've learned everyone can have a purpose.

You've learned that the world is much bigger than you saw, and wider as well.

You've learned it's okay to let people in.

You've learned sometimes, you just have to be yourself, even if people don't get it.

You've learned that others can accept the dark isn't so scary, too.

You've learned you can always come back.

You've learned never to judge too harshly, but to not stop yourself from believing in what you know to be true.

You've learned to trust your instincts, sometimes, above all else.

You've learned that a curious mind is rewarded.

You've learned to let the love of a friend never fade in your mind.

You've learned that there's always someone new who can understand.

You've learned that you're not alone.

You're here, now. At the end of it all. As Game Master sits in her wagon at Xertz's side, and Puzzle Master flits around the scene offering his own last goodbyes, you look into the shining sky in front of you once more, and perhaps wonder what the purpose of this all way. Did so many really have to die, just to learn a lesson? Was there another way this could have gone? Was there a point, to all this? Is there a point to anything, going forward? Was there ever a point, in the past?

There are many questions you can ask, but you don't have to ask what's next, for you know that, right now. You get to go home, or somewhere else. You get to explore, and you get to live, if you wish. You'll get to see new spaces, now. New places, and new faces. You get to make your own future, and experience things you could only have once barely dreamed of.

You look around at these familiar faces, knowing some you'll see again, and some you'll never cross paths with once more. But, what's the most important, is that you know you have the choice on what you want to do next. With the tech they've promised you, you can see any of each other once more, whenever you'd like. But you know, as life knows itself, some of it you see, and some of it you pass. But you know, truly, that those you wish to see again, you won't have to be apart from.

Now, truly, you can go anywhere. You can go, and travel, and see, and live.

You can see what the world truly has to offer, and you can see parts of yours you've never gotten the chance to, as well.

You've got family at home, most likely. And you've likely had family you haven't seen in eons, either.

They have much to learn, as well. Will you tell them what you've been through? Will you return simply to the way things once were, and let this all fade as a dream?

You can decide that.

And you can teach, as well. Now, your life is forever changed. For better, or for worse. There's a whole universe outside for you to understand now.

When you eventually return home, if you choose to do so, you'll get to rest. And you'll get to sleep. But when you wake up, you'll still be you. And you'll have all the time in the world.

You can do whatever you wish, now.

You don't need a guide anymore.

You are truly free.

The universe may be cold and unforgiving.

But you're not.

MM reveal by Charlie and Knightly Escape by Knightly Ending by Star, Knightly, and Charlie

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Well, well.

♫♫♫

Alliria. The demon who crowned herself queen. The woman who went on to rule ten thousand worlds. She who replaced Allison in this nexus of torment. Where Allison was shy and lacked confidence, Alliria was severe and uncompromising. Where Allison was nervous and fearful, Alliria always looked to the horizon. A woman who lived and breathed violence and adventure both in equal measure.

A life of extremes. And her time in the labyrinth was no different. To some, she offered a helping hand - a light in the darkness where there was none to be found. To others, she was a bonfire raging out of control - too dangerous to camp by for the night.

At her best, Alliria is a liberator. A breaker of chains. Someone who killed Tyche in an attempt to free everyone trapped by the game they found themselves caught up in. At her worst, Alliria is a bloodthirsty monster. Someone who killed Tyche for revenge - to see her suffer the same fate she had forced upon everyone else.

But now?

She's none of these things. Her body lies at the floor of the heart of the multiverse, grey and pallid. She looks at peace, a stark contrast to the violence that she wore like a cloak. Her demonic features - borrowed adornments attached to Allison's body - are crumbling to ash.

She's broken free of death's grasp twice, but it seems that she couldn't run forever. The fire has gone out. Art by Pancake

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

"This sham trial ends here and now. As I told Filomena during our last trial - if I decided to kill someone, you would know. And so... it is as you suspect. Tyche Douglas met her end at the point of my spear."

"Oh, stop it, will ya ?"

"I'm not dead, yet. So you can shut it, luv'." "Tell them, Tyche. Why did you drag us here? Why did you force us to kill each other one at a time? That's the first question they asked me after I cut you down, and now they know. So that's the first question they'll ask you. Perhaps you'd be particularly interested in explaining this to Jinhai, seeing as your game is the reason he's dead."

"The dead...the reason why the dead are still here is because of my curse. I didn't know I could do that before this all started but- Everyone who died here is in a state of in between because I'm still here." Another nervous twitch. "The- To advance in this shitty place there's a price. To go forward, there needs to be two deaths- That's--" This is confusing, isn't it? It isn't about to get clearer.

As you enter through the door, before you return to the trial room, you're taken…with a vision. Perhaps, as many times before, you get to see exactly what happened to bring you here.

Alliria is sitting in front of the garden, staring numbly at the monuments to the deceased. Her eyes are closed and her tail is swishing back and forth. She sighs quietly and mumbles something to herself.

Elsewhere in the labyrinth, Tyche pads quietly through the structure, making her way past the garden.

Alliria immediately notices Tyche’s presence, turning towards the other woman. It doesn’t take her too long to pick on the odd power that surrounds Tyche as well. Alliria has an odd look on her face as she starts speaking. Suddenly, her eyes go wide and she gets more alert, taking a step forward. She jabs a finger towards Tyche, her eyes narrowing.

Tyche cringes away from Alliria, clearly not wanting to answer to whatever Alliria said.

Alliria takes a step forward, her teeth bared in a snarl.

She summons a spear into her hand, then pauses. Her snarl fades, and she glares at Tyche, frowning.

“I’m going to tell the others about this. Come with me. Maybe they’ll forgive you, but they’ll decide your fate nevertheless.”

Tyche nods silently and Alliria turns away.

Tyche visibly panics as soon as Alliria turns her back. She picks up a larger rock. A moment later she sets it aside and grabs a smaller rock. Tyche throws it at Alliria’s head with surprising force. The rock nails Alliria directly on the back of the head, causing her to stagger and flames to start curling from the back of her skull.

Alliria staggers under the attack, clearly caught off guard. It takes her a moment to regain her footing, eyes closed.

“I see.” Alliria says quietly, murder in her voice. “One last act of violence, then.” When Alliria opens her eyes again, they’re solid blue. She turns on Tyche. “You can explain yourself when your ghost returns.”

Caught in the glow, Tyche freezes for just a moment.

Alliria roars and charges forward, spear in hand.

Alliria is strong and has an overwhelming amount of magical power, but Tyche is fast. That’s what keeps her alive. The massive fire blasts that Alliria throws at Tyche are dodged time and time again, flames devastating the surrounding landscape.

Confident in her ability to outfight Tyche, Alliria goes all in on a wild offensive style - her attacks are incredibly fast and strong, but she overextends frequently and leaves herself open to counterattacks. The first time she buries her axe in the ground, it gets stuck there. She takes a second to try and pull it free, but gives up after seeing how much ground Tyche gains on her. From now on, whenever a weapon gets stuck Alliria just summons another one.

This plays out a dozen times in the natural baths. Eventually, Tyche manages to duck into the tavern and flee into the Panopticon. Alliria follows her, leaving a trail of burning blood in her wake.

The same scene repeats itself in Ragnarok. At one point, Alliria manages to cut Tyche short by using earth magic to throw a massive boulder into a lava puddle. She runs right through the lava spray, only stopped by Tyche throwing her jewelry into her face.

The two of them make their way to The Empty Below. It’s here that Alliria manages to make some progress. She uses her magic to destroy one of the stairs, causing Tyche to trip and lose a shoe.

As the two of them enter the undersea lab, Tyche is starting to lose some ground. Alliria throws a couple of axes at her, the weapons embedding themselves deep in the computer banks. A spear, axe, and harpoon quickly follow, punching holes in the glass.

The tank starts to leak, and Tyche has to take a moment to regain her balance as she steps in a small puddle of water.

That’s all it takes.

Alliria catches up to her in an instant, ramming her spear through Tyche’s chest. Tyche’s eyes widen in shock and she stumbles backwards a few steps, slumping against the glass as the life leaves her eyes.

The Demon Queen looks down at the corpse with a pitiless expression and wrenches her spear free, then tosses it aside casually.

The others will be here soon enough.

Alliria knows what comes next, and she’s already accepted it. Time to face the consequences of her actions.

Return by Pancake

Reveal by Rei

Splash by Charlie

Faceoff by Knightly

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Body Drop #5

The cat's out of the bag.

[ Fatal Mysteries of the Universe ]: Victim: Tyche Douglas Time of Death: 5:36AM Time of Discovery: 6:21AM Location: The Empty Below Cause of Death: Impalement ♫♫♫

Tyche Douglas, was exactly what you would expect out of someone aligned with feline traits. Laidback, with a penchant for mischief and silly antics, as well as an unending need for naps, she was someone that brought along with her a certain aura that made her fun to be around. While she was not the life of the party, there was just something about those laidback grins of hers and her witty humor- often at her own expense- that just made her the right person to share a pint or a few jokes with.

Sometimes, jokes aren't enough though, and having a drink or two is one bad decision away from ending plastered or full of regrets. Try as she might, there was no escaping that haunted look on her face, and the bags always present under her eyes, even during the most joyous times. Even the class clown needs to cry sometimes. And even the nicest citrusy perfumes can have an underlying bitterness to them.

Que sera, sera, she often said. Somewhere along the way, along the winding path that had been her life following that accursed temple collapsing, Tyche had just decided to go with the flow, rather than fight to swim upstream constantly. She was rather lazy, after all wasn't she ?

She came here with the hope of breaking away from an unending routine, out of curiosity. She longed to escape the monotony and in a way she found it, amongst all of you here, through jokes, through long talks, and through learning to let people close. It was far from making the ever present guilt of her past fade away, but there was a certain joy that came with learning to know the friendly faces of this group, even if it meant being the subject of teasing and dramatic displays.

As she lays here though, lifeless and with those vibrant eyes of her so much more dull, maybe it seems that finally, curiosity has killed the cat.

Body Drop By Pancake

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

"I love y'all!- you're- you're all the first- first friends I've made in- in so long- and I- I don't even want to go home! That's- that's the stupidest fucking part- I- I- Meens was right, I- I'm a coward, and a fool, and I- the only reason I came here was to- to run away- from… everything. And I…" "Of… of course you may, Roxie." "Always. You… you may always." Now, let's do this thing, one last time.

Yes, yes, yes- IT’S TIME FOR THE MAGIC AND MYSTERY OF A LIFETIME, EVERYONE!

Now, for a trick like this, you’re going to have to pay very, very careful attention. We need two goats from the audience for this one, and they’ve already both taken their places on stage! Let’s see how this plays out, shall we?

Meena, and Fifi. Post that terrible motive! We start with Meena going to the Waffle House, for a mysterious snack, what could it be? Well, despite those delicious deals, her hopes are so cut short by seeing that Fifi had gotten here first, leaving goat former to barely be able to take a bite before an argument breaks out!

Oh, it looks fierce, folks. Fifi tries to leave first, elegantly exiting by dropping her phone, spilling her soda, and leaving sticky hooves in her haste! Haven’t we all been there? A double only brings double trouble, as Meena pursues her goatly double, leaving through the lower Panopticon, and all the way to the Celestial Cave! Fifi, now, just wants to get out of here. She doesn’t like how this argument has gone so far, and she’s afraid of where it’ll go next.

To stop her escape, Meena uses those familiar cards, in a fabulous trick, stopping her double in a dead end with a wall of mighty flame! With no other option, Fifi lets loose a mighty punch to the others face, knocking her cards a-scramble! Now, it’s a real fight, goat versus goat. Meena steals free the other’s stun baton, and gives her a shock! Fifi’s lung isn’t doing too good, sending notifications to her phone that she’d surely prefer to be much more secret.

Meena realizes this has gone too far, and decides to try and go get…..honest, true help, for the other. Didn’t mean to do all this. But as her back is turned, Fifi strikes-- lunging out with her baton again, and with a strike to Meena’s scar, she tumbles to the ground; dead, and gone.

Surely, this is when Fifi realizes that she has no option but a trick. Switching her clothes with Meena, including tossing her earrings and prying the cap free from her lung port, look at the magic! Look at the deception, as the true trick begins, the sunglasses now donning the professors face; a spare, of course, not her true ones.

Her shirt is bloodied, so she runs to the mall for a change. Returning to the moon, she grabs evidence to bring with her to destroy in the incinerator at that Strange Academy, once and for all! The bottle of foundation she used on Meena, the shirt, it all goes in--..

And now, with the ‘professor’ returned, alive…

OUR TRICK IS COMPLETE!

Exe by Star and Charlie! Splash by Ana!

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Body Drop #4

Filomena Cabrera - no, not that one, the other one - has been loud and bright from the moment you met her.

[ Fatal Mysteries of the Universe ]: Victim: Filomena Cabrera Time of Death: 3:39 AM Time of Discovery: 4:48 AM Location: Celestial Cave Cause of Death: Massive Internal Trauma ♫♫♫

Filomena Cabrera - no, not that one, the other one - has been loud and bright from the moment you met her. She demanded attention wherever she went, her entrance into any room impossible to miss. A bright pink star, pulling things around in her gravity no matter what she did. She was emotional and expressive, someone who felt deep, who made those feelings known. Even as she hid parts of herself away, tried to maintain control of what you did and did not know about her, she couldn't help but let them shine through her mask.

The truth of Filomena shattered her mask, an impact that cratered the façade she attempted to maintain. The truth that Filomena had, in a way, died once already in her life. A simple accident, a fall, the wicked work of gravity, which crushed the old Filomena. But even under such weight, she marched on. Thrust forward by her unconditional love and endless obligation to her family, Filomena pushed that boulder with every fibre of her being. Maybe, just maybe, if she pushed hard enough, she could someday, one day, reach the top, and…

She was rarely quiet. Beneath Filomena's surface, deeper within her mantle than the intelligence she tried to hide, was another truth of Filomena. She was afraid. In her rare quiet moments, that only those few she allowed into her orbit would witness, perhaps that nervous fear could be seen pressing against her surface. She was, after all, just a normal girl. A normal girl, with a shitty job and an average family. No great world-threatening tragedies, no blood-stained history, no magical strength or far-future tech. Just… just a normal girl, trying to do what she felt was right.

Before you, Filomena Cabrera is uncharacteristically quiet. The bright shine is gone from her rage-twisted eyes. Where once was her grand, demanding presence, was instead an equally grand nothingness. A void, where Filomena Cabrera should be, but… wasn't.

Body Drop By Hannah!

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

RESTORATION...FOUND? A sacrifice, sometimes, must be made. Protecting others from the strangest of foes. People you may have known once in another time, another place. But not now. And as you have to fall, protecting those you love...you know, still somewhere, you'll once more have a place. And everything will be okay. Event Death Art By Chain!

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

“You all… are really weird, you know. Never met a group of people so willin’ to have fun and talk to others as easily as most of you. Even when someone looks like they’d sooner kill you than wanna talk. But… thanks… for talking to me anyway.

“You still think I’m pretty…” You want to know what happened, don't you?

The sky goes blank-- as this time, there's no visual, but instead, only audio. From a very excited sounding, mid 40's man, giving it his very fuckin' all. Folks, hell of a match today, we're gonna give you the play by play, for everyone who wasn't here the first time. No time to lose, so let's get started.

Right now, we got a picnic. Simple, easy. Klara in one corner, and look over there, Una's eating tape. LOOK at that smile at her face, everyone, she knows she's here to win!

Win more than she thinks-- she goes down to the beach, and seems like she has something special to show! What's that in the treasure chest? Well, can't see what it is from here, but that doesn't matter, folks! She's using it, and well….look at those shackles come RIGHT off, and check out that SHINY NEW FORM!'

Klara, now, she's scribbling away on that pad of hers, she's DEAD curious! Now, looks like our newly massive Una wants to check it out…she's curious. She's curious as hell, but with those massive lobster arms, looks a little dangerous. She's gonna try to join her, and OH! OH, OW!

Folks, looks like she sat RIGHT on Klara's legs, she's firing off a single shot to let her know THAT'S NOT OKAY!! Una's getting up, but Klara looks at least a bit sprained from that, but she got her RIGHT off!

Klara's running for the cave, gonna see if she can get her to leave, but that lobster is SCUTTLING after her, she's cornered! Well, she's still got that gun- making a warning, but it's not enough! Una's real stimulated now, she's REAL curious-- AND KLARA FIRES OFF A SHOT AT THE CEILING, AND IT HITS! THAT STALACTITE HITS UNA DEAD ON, THOUGH THE TORSO, AND SHE'S STILL GOING!!!!!!!

Una's fascinated now, maybe she'll check Klara out- SHE'S GOT HER, FOLKS! SHE'S PICKING HER UP, SHE WANTS TO FIGURE HER OUT, AND!

Oh, folks. No, no no no. Couldn't be worse timing, now.

Curious Milo, looks like he was going to take some pictures for a study, and BOY is this a bad scene to scramble upon! Klara, upside down, Una couldn't want to know what the deal was more-- Milo screams and starts CHUCKING those wrenches like mad, folks! Definitely has Una's attention, she's coming closer, for sure!

He's engaging briefly, but it's not going his way, folks! Una even nabs his jacket, so he's going to RUN for it! Now, Una's not the best size for doors anymore, so with those claws…she's RIPPING A HOLE IN SPACE, EVERYONE, AND TAKING MILO WITH HER! Where it seems like poor Milo is running, is….oh, no, folks. That's right, you feared it, it's the infinity tower- WHERE A MASSIVE UNA CRASHES DOWN FROM A PORTAL, LANDING RIGHT ON HIM!

Smearing that red, and folks, it doesn't even seem like she noticed she was ON him at first! Cute little Dr Lucky, now he already went for help, as fast as his little feet weeties can take him, look at that little freaking guy. Una has some time now, she really did want to just check things out…she realizes, these two are hurt REAL bad. This ain't great, folks. Now, as Lucky sees a figure over at the pool….that's right, folks. It's Jinhai.

The jumpy little guy looks at the big guy, who was checking out the pool on his own, and gets him to come over and see this terrible scene. Now, what he sees, is a giant lobster monster with two gravely injured people. The lobster, of course, says they're fine. She means it. But, Jinhai has not a clue. Una says something that comes off the wrong way, folks, a bit too cryptic- and he's not having it. He asks her to move, but she's not listening.

So, folks? What do we see next? Well, it's a HELL of a scene. Jinhai leaps into the pool, and what comes out seems larger than a school bus-- a lithe, massive, monsterous, LONG, shark-like form, with teeth and claws to boot! What we have now is the fight for the ages, folks. And for the ages…it doesn't quite go so well for Klara and Milo. Trying to flee during the brawl as these two titans smash at it, they get knocked into the pool in the process, and with one terrible shock, they're OUT for the count.

Now, Una manages to notice with. That big shine catches her attention, and she absolutely doesn't want to make things worse. With real concern, she hops over, and scoops the pair up, teleporting away to get it done. She takes them to the tower, placing them down gently-- and of course, Jinhai doesn't have a REASON to trust this, folks. Why WOULD he? Why wouldn't he think he was up to something else NEFAROUS?! It seems like we're here for the final fight, folks. They're talking.

They're bantering during it, Una's dong her best to explain, but folks? Neither are in the best of states, right now. He grabs her, and DUNKS into the infinity pool- they go down, down, DOWN folks! By the time they finally get to the singularity, Una gets off another shot, striking one of his teeth, as that white chunk falls to the ground. There's not much time left. Jinhai…goes for it, everyone. THE STEEL CHAIR. Aiming for the target, he strikes true, his massive form sweeping the streets, his claws stabbing away, he HITS THE TARGET, AND SHE'S DOWN, SHE'S DOWN, SHE'S DOWN, FOLKS!

….seems like someone else is there, to talk? Puzzle Master, wastes no time. Seems like they're having a conversation. Can't tell what it is, folks. But…that's it! OUT FOR THE COUNT. DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, AND….

THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE! Splash by Star Exe by Knightly

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Body Drop #3 #2

Stop, drop And drag me into place And lock the fire escapes I'll break your pretty face (Yeah, yeah)

Oh, you clever little things The sycophantic teens What a precious basket case (Yeah, yeah)

...what the hell is this?

[Fatal Mysteries of the Universe] Victim: Una Time of Death: 9:47 PM Time of Discovery: 10:30 PM Location: Singularity Cause of Death: How am I supposed to rule this. She was hit very hard.

♫♫

...you're pretty sure she wasn't that big, last time.

Body Drop by Ysther

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Body Drop #3

It was plain to see, right before your eyes.

[Fatal Mysteries of the Universe]

Victim: Mechanized Independent Learning and Observation [M.I.L.O]

Time of Death: 9:30 PM

Time of Discovery: 10:00 PM

Location: Infinity Pool

Cause of Death: Short Circuiting

[Fatal Mysteries of the Universe]

Victim: Klara Dietrich

Time of Death: 9:30 PM

Time of Discovery: 10:00 PM

Location: Infinity Pool

Cause of Death: Electrocution

♫♫ When you all at first met Milo, it was easy to mistake them as younger than they were. Eager for mischief, and even more eager to please; the true nature of the boy was hardly obvious upon a glance. The eccentric plushie doctor was always someone who appeared so filled with a burning joy for life; with the desire to experience all the vast multiverse had to offer.

And they did, with the group's help. Even as many grew in their suspicions that your pink friend was more than they seemed, they never neglected the company of their peers. Though the youngest in many regards, Milo's unending curiosity propelled him forward.

A robot with emotions. To many it was an oxymoron, but one that Milo embodied fully.

That didn’t come without its downfalls, however. Even Milo’s optimism wasn't endless or infallible. Several times they fell, showing cracks in their cheerful mask to wells of anxiety or self-doubt. There were plenty of things he struggled to understand by his own admission, and in turn he sought the comfort of your company to put those pieces back together. Which, many of you gladly gave.

In truth, Milo was someone who longed for acceptance in a world unwilling to provide it. It was with all of you that they had finally found that comfort.

But in this moment, there was no comfort. No joy or laughter here under the endlessly reflective, uncaring sky that now swallowed two of your friends in its indifference.

The android lays limp in a puddle of his own blood, the spark that once glimmered in those eyes extinguished.

–

There must be people who dare to pierce the darkness with her light for the morning to come, and that job never seems to end in the eyes of Klara Dietrich. Ugly memories linger in the form of stained blood in the air, years-old hurts that refuse to go. She'd give almost everything to be able to forget, but perhaps she deserves the misery of remembering, pushing everyone around her away to prevent being harmed. Born to a reaper, death is nearby, danger and threat follow the job--the loss is just as severe--why let it affect you?

She wasn't the type to talk about love. Friendship. She feels betrayed, not knowing what it is. Of dread. She hasn't known it long enough to understand its dangers, but being born to someone who loves less than her, why let another thing guilt you? It's simply unavoidable.

Though she's in over her head with a heart ablaze for vengeance for those she doesn't even know the names of, when he got what he deserved, who is she but to sit idle in that wake of red, drowning?

Picking up the pieces, attempting to mend what's broken- there's only so much you can do, no matter how angry you are with yourself. Even when worlds collide, it doesn't change who you are or what you want, as you try to keep others out of your own red wake, which you know follows you.

However, there is now a blue wake. And after chasing that break of dawn for so long, that rage has subsided. Only to trip… and fall. Body Drop By Charlie Write-Ups by June and Lila

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

“Maybe I just feel guilty or something, ok? Why is it so hard to believe I’m capable? I’m talking like this cause I’m why she’s dead! You know how much time I had to do it!! I finally stop being passive and you're trying so hard to take it away from me!!!"

“I can’t keep doing this. I need you to trust me. I need you to vote for me.”

“Ok. So I might’ve lied about hurting Cerise.”

THE TRIAL OF THE DEMON AND THE TREE-BOUND ADVENTURER!

Hark! Hear me now, ye adventurers fair A tale of treachery, and dark despair! Of motives foul and godly ascension And a plan to mistrial through deception!

Cerise, with Xertz, her mind did scheme To subvert the death game, as it did seem. Together they did brainstorm and plot, To fool their peers, and not get caught!

Briar's creature did doth inspire, A plan to build a case ‘round ire, And so they worked, day and night, To prepare for Arava’s final flight.

Gathering supplies in the dead of night, They scoured clockworks for tools of fright, And in Moonbase Beta did they doth find, The right machines for a fiendish night!

The setup was complex, to make things look scary, With setpieces prepared to make one wary. After it all, at last, Cerise wrote herself a letter, If all was well, none would know the better!

The narrative then was set in motion, Inviting Cerise to a pitch-black ocean, Of fear and terror, with Xertz's scare, A monster mp3 would fill the air!

Then through the dark, Cerise did stumble, And at the Square she did a tumble, Into the midst of confuzzled bots, A traffic jam did she doth wrought!

Fearing for life, she drove through a gate, A pathway cleared, no time to wait! And into woods did she last flee, Running for her life, as you could see.

But the beast did catch her in the end, And with its deadly claws it would rend. She succumbed to her wounds and did last die, In the Deepest Woods, beneath a nighttime sky.

And then, to complete their heinous scheme, Cerise took her life, a great extreme! In the Woods, she triggered her traps, And fell to the ground, with a final collapse.

Thus ends this tale of treachery and woe, Of a plan to have godhood bestowed. May all learn from this dark history, To be wary of even a corpse’s victory!

Splash by Shirley!

Cerise's Strike Back by Moon!

Trial Circle by Oxbow!

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Body Drop #2

History, the stories of generations of the past, meant to be a guide for those of the future. The stories of large events that will shape the world as seen today. The stories of long abandoned civilization when they were overflowing with life.

[Fatal Mysteries of the Universe] Victim: Cerise Arava Time of Death: 5:00 AM Time of Discovery: 8:00 AM Location: ⁠the-deep-woods Cause of Death: Cervical Spine Injury

The stories of individuals who make their mark on the world.

It is a historian's job to discover what they can about their world's past. A historical research assistant's job to aid them on this journey. Cerise Arava had just began such a journey.

A journey that had led her to horizons she could have never fathomed in their short life. Cerise, so filled with passion and drive, could never leave a mystery alone. The pursuit of knowledge backed by the intensity of curiosity, Cerise wielded the double-edged blade proudly. Eagerly yearning for the past, never quite in the present, hoping for a happy future.

Wherever it took her, whomever she met, whatever she had been through. She could only move forward. True to her plant-like nature, she has bloomed under the experiences given in this adventure of a lifetime.

Treefolk are solitary creatures, born without families. Yet despite that, Cerise still had those waiting for her. Those whom she yearns for. They are a part of her history, just as everyone else within this building is.

History in the making. That is the journey Cerise seems to find herself in. Even if it is for a moment, her present is halted by death. Her past, set in stone. Her future, forever changed.

Body Drop Art by Knightly Body Drop Write-Up by Moon

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Briar blinks, then clutches her chest, breathing heavily. This cannot be happening.

She trembles, but only for a moment, as she stands up straighter. “I- I shan’t allow you closer! Back, foul beast!” She grabs a branch off the ground, wielding it with one hand the way one would a fencing foil, then swallows and grips it with two hands. It’s clear that this isn’t going to work, that this is a fool’s game, but she does not stand down, even as the Sheepsquatch tosses its head back and forth, preparing to charge.

She takes a breath inwards, then dives forward, pushing past anyone who is in her way, and her winged headband slips, hitting the ground. The Sheepsquatch lunges in her direction, snapping the branch she held between its horrid teeth. But Briar does not hesitate, slamming into it while it shakes the splinters out, taking the fight further from the group, trying to keep it away. The Sheepsquatch stumbles back as Briar turns, backing up to move further, and the Sheepsquatch takes the bait, scrambling in her direction and barrelling into her. She hits the dirt, rolling out of the way just before horns meet the space she previously occupied, and it starts to turn back, but she trips it and starts to get up. The Sheepsquatch bleats in horrible discords, thrashing and scratching, catching Briar in the tumble, scarlet blood starting to mix with the mud. There’s a terrible screech, though it’s unclear if it’s Briar or the Sheepsquatch, and a squelch of squeezed gore.

Then, there’s a soft voice, barely audible amongst the noise:

“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name – No, Chorus angelorum supernorum, Da mihi vires, quaeso, portas margaritas-- Nay, —

There’s a crackling voice in a language unknown. Soft and sweet like honey on the tongue, but with the subtlest sting, a sound that feels like falling in love, words beyond any worldly connection, gentle yet commanding, heard so clearly it may as well have been spoken directly into your mind. The smell of lavender is overpowering – finally strong enough that you realize you’re smelling it, a perfectly preserved scent that had been following Briar all along, but hardly ever noticed. The foliage of the forest starts to shift, turning slightly towards the grisly scene, and the flowers that bloomed ever-so-slightly near her footsteps before grow bigger.

There’s a flash of impossibly bright light. Gold glow overtakes Briar’s body, and the Sheepsquatch rears back, forced as the woman slips out, hovering off the ground, rising higher.

Humanity is shed like a cocoon. There’s a moment where all there is are eyes and gold, impossibly beautiful and impossibly forgiving, and another where she is only feathers, as fragile as a dream, and one more still where she is hands and hearts and faith, and ever bright, and when you gaze upon the sight, you involuntarily start to tear up, with only one word projected in the silky Enochian language, brought to your heart: Devotion.

A humanoid form is returned, and the gold swirling up and behind her head as a halo. Her previous garb is lost, somewhere, a white bodysuit covering her. Four wings burst from her back, and another pair from her head, where her headband wings previously sat. The light dims enough to see her face, looking startled, and a glittering sword forms in her left hand. Though terrified, she opens her mouth, voice booming –

”BE NOT AFRAID." Art by Charlie Write-Up by Chain

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

"I've... told most of you about my dreams. I... they're... they're terrible. They're filled with fire... death... twisted wreckage... and malice. S-so much malice..." "And... and yeah. I always.... feel like I'm less... me... and more... someone else... but... but..." "Please… I don't want to die… No. Not yet… Not yet… Please, please." It's time to learn everything that happened! The Nightmare Before Christmas

Twas many nights after motive, as all through the dorms, Everybody was sleeping, with their dreams coming in swarms. But one person wasn't home, they were off in the tavern. Allison slept in the side booth, set dark like a cavern.

And old Santa Claus sensed her sleeping was poor. So he searched for her late, with comfy bed roll in store.

His roommate Milo noticed old Nick had rose from his space, And seeing Allison gone too, he went to find her new place.

Jinhai noticed the shuffling, but the saint was long gone. Santa checked all where he could, even Tyche looking on.

Near 1 AM finally, he found Allison asleep down there in her corner, Pills set for sleeping at her side, and some tea once much warmer.

Santa touches her shoulder, to wake her from her sleep, As she strikes up at his face, a new blow thrown like a leap.

His glasses fall free as his chin bares a new bruise, As the pills and tea are knocked ajar, no fault, and no ruse.

Her fist back to her side, Santa crushing a pill From his surprised stumbling step, from a punch like a drill.

A milk bottle was wielded by the friend of the elves, Splashing Allison with its water, defending himself.

His attempt to wake the sleeping foe had no such success, dropping the bottle to flee, Knife, cloth, broomstick and rope knitted meanwhile to a weapon, from our killer to be.

A shimmering aura blazed 'round Allison's fresh form, As she made her pursuit, looking now much more warm.

Kringle's path was well followed, the Panopticon his next stop, Allison striking from behind, bringing him down with a hop.

A bruise to his brow, a strike with his spear oh so keen, Her target is hit without fair, as she pierces his spleen.

He's dumped in his bag, the man stuffed in his sack, As in Allison's dream, she sees a thief finally pushed back,

His hat fallen alone, the killer from her pocket a journal. As her place once more heats up, like flames so eternal.

Half the pages are burned, the remains tossed in the hat. Then tossed itself to the bag, leftover pages still that.

From her point of view, a nightmare is so fought, In her dreams she's defended, but reality's more fraught.

The large burlap on her shoulder, Allison goes for the ship. Zach knew Hellfire was out on patrol, and noticed the trip.

Our killer finds the vessel depths, incinerator nearby. Spear and bag now tossed in, but no power to fry.

She flees from his space, more evidence to destroy, The bedroll gathered from the tavern, to be tossed in a ploy.

As she arrives to the trash, flames cover her spot, Reducing her journal to ashes, ones that weren't oh too hot.

The bedroll is tossed, the rest of the junk kicked in a heap, Our killer dusts off her hands, still soundly asleep,

A wicked dream she had, but not one she would remember, Her power fading away like a fire's dying ember.

With her foe defeated, and evidence disposed, She would once again return to her place of repose.

There she would lie, dreamless without motion, Until the body was found, her friends in commotion. Splash by Star! Exe by Knightly! Trial Circle by Oxbow!

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Body Drop #1

Upon arrival in the pirate ship’s cabin, you find your new acquaintances have turned up a curious discovery…

A familiar dark brown sack, patched over from decades or more use, resting undamaged inside an old-fashioned home incinerator. Surveying the contraption, one could almost be fooled into thinking the item fell down its impressive chimney. One of your group does not hesitate to move the bag to a central location in the room, opening the flap to reveal a milky, starry, viscous-looking film swirling at its head. 

Placing your hand through the film, you would notice that it doesn't feel slimy - or like any substance at all - but instead triggers a warm, tingly sensation, as if the built-up tension and stress in your arm is melting away into the bag. Despite your best efforts, you can’t seem to see or feel anything inside the bag… at least not without picturing the something you desire in your mind.

Glancing up at the faces watching you rummage through a deceptively expansive space, you can’t help but notice one person missing… and soon after that person comes to mind, a small, woolen object graces your fingertips. Grasping firmly and pulling, the mittened hand comes out easily, trailed by a body far too large to fit inside…

[Fatal Mysteries Of The Universe ]:

Victim: Benigno Giudice, inheritor of the title Santa Claus 

Time of Death: 1:30 AM

Time of Discovery: 9 AM

Location: #mighty-vessel 

Cause of Death: Exsanguination

♫♫

The sight of a jolly old man in a colorful winter suit bringing cookies and milk to gatherings was, without a doubt, curious. One could be forgiven for feeling bewildered or skeptical at first, especially given the prevalence of Santa Claus impersonators in many universes.

Still, the man who proudly declared himself Santa Claus made an effort to endear himself to his fellow players from the beginning, adjusting his approach to better fit the mold of who he felt his conversation partners needed him to be. To some, a doting and approachable old man. To others, a steadfast mentor figure, ready to lend a sympathetic ear to those yearning to be heard. Even some of the more reticent or acerbic personalities proved unable to completely deter his kindhearted soul.

The true believers - those who trusted immediately that the one and only Santa Claus walked among them - might have been delighted to confirm they were irrefutably correct, under happier circumstances. Be that as it may, the revelation that the storied St. Nick inherited his role might leave one wondering what the full story is.

Solace may be found in the knowledge that our friend was but one unassuming human recognized by Elvenkind as an everyday saint - the latest in a succession of carefully chosen mortals, magical only in the sense that they didn’t let the thoughtless cynicism of the world below deter them from acting with kindness and sincerity towards their fellow human being.

For Benigno Giudice - a much-beloved son, brother, husband, and father with friends around the globe - his time playing the role has come to a close. Still, the unstoppable magic of Christmas carries on, as does the title of Santa Claus. Body Drop Art By Charlie. Body Drop Writeup by Jae.

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Well, well! You've been met with a curious fate, haven't you? A box! A box, a box, a box! You and your friends, picked up a box, traveled across time and space, met your new friends, and then found out you're in a KILLING game, on top of that? My, my, my! Well, let's reintroduce all of you, shouldn't we? After meeting a pair of strange hosts in this stranger labyrinths, aren't introductions in order?

You've already been introduced? Really? Well...you didn't have faces, before! Let's try this again, from ground one!

Allison Melander- Barista

Briar Hughes- Topiarist

Cerise Arava- Historical Research Assistant

Conny Cameron- Supreme University Level Video Editor

Filomena Cabrera- Research Assistant

Filomena Cabrera- Maestri of Periplanar Studies

Hellfire- Firefighter of ACT

Jinhai Xi- Lighthouse Keeper

Klara Dietrich- Private Investigator

Marzia Fiorentino- Entomologist

Min-ho ‘Milo’ Satō- Plushie Doctor

Roxanne Decatur- Environmental Warden

Santa Claus- Toy Deliveryman

Sephiroth 'Sephie' Yoshiya- Director

Stella Lunetta- Space Resort Host

Tomoe Kuwesa- ✰ASTRONAUT✰

Tyche Douglas- Antique Shop Owner

Una- World Eater

Xertz- Shopkeep

Zach Walker- Radio Host WELCOME Images by Oxbow

Mascot Splash 'Welcome to our Game!' by Star

Cast art by Star, Knightly, and Charlie

[thebeginnersguide-mkg]

Your Explorers

After clearing pre-prologue content, we are ready to share the full cast list! Enjoy, and thank you to everyone who applied! We really, truly, could not mean it more when we say how difficult picking this cast process was, and appreciate the world of everyone who showed us their support-- as well as to anyone who keeps up with the blog in the future!

There will be more assets to share as we approach Chapter One, so feel free to keep an eye peeled! OUR EXPLORERS

Allison Melander- Barista Briar Hughes- Topiarist Cerise Arava- Historical Research Assistant Conny Cameron- Supreme University Level Video Editor Filomena Cabrera- Research Assistant Filomena Cabrera- Maestri of Periplanar Studies Hellfire- Firefighter of ACT Jinhai Xi- Lighthouse Keeper Klara Dietrich- Private Investigator Marzia Fiorentino- Entomologist Min-ho ‘Milo’ Satō- Plushie Doctor Roxanne Decatur- Environmental Warden Santa Claus- Toy Deliveryman Sephiroth 'Sephie' Yoshiya- Director Stella Lunetta- Space Resort Host Tomoe Kuwesa- ✰ASTRONAUT✰ Tyche Douglas- Antique Shop Owner Una- World Eater Xertz- Shopkeep Zach Walker- Radio Host