Uncomfortable Truths

Tak leaned back on the curved leather couch “Hmmm. You started with the hefty one. You probably guessed this, but this world has had many Rain Wizards. Originally, they were said to be chosen by the gods of harvest and festivals to ensure good crops, and sunshine for festivals. Other theories say that the world itself is alive, and granted the powers of the Rain Wizard to keep balance in the world. But that does beg the question. If the Rain Wizard is such an important role, why do so many disappear? It’s hard to say, but scholars believe it is a matter of cosmic balance. Every decision has consequence, and no person is almighty. Whether it be gods or the world itself, something is put in place to hold balance. I personally theorize that the Rain Wizard cannot hold the title and power permanently without some sort of sacrifice. That is most likely where the terrible luck stems from. Luck, when at its worst, can spell out doom for a person or others around them. Chances are your Luck stat creates an invisible timer, one that will...’take care’ of you in some way, eventually.”

Theo frowns “So...what you’re saying is that I’m fated to die?” Tak taps his green fingers on the couch in thought. “Not necessarily. It’s one of several believed consequences. The others going mad, or simply giving up on life. As long as something prevents them from desiring to holding onto the title of Rain Wizard. I’m not sure if any other Rain Wizard’s currently live, but it is entirely possible. How they handle their daily lives or whether or not they are of sound mind? That I cannot say with certainty.”

“Alright. My second question. How did this world become a world of eternal rain, and why did the Rain Wizard do it?” Theo asked. Tak sighed “Yes...that one makes people of this world uncomfortable. Around 500 years ago is when that happened, and four other Rain Wizard’s since. One confirmed to be gone, the other three disappeared with location unknown. We know the Rain Wizard can control the weather. Some say he intentionally created the Eyeless that appeared after the rain, others claim he died before his ability could reset or alter it, and the Eyeless somehow appeared on their own in the aftermath. A question of my own Theo, past Rain Wizards had skills associated with their past life. What are yours?”

“I can see my skills. But I only started with one to bring out the sun, and I seem to get more as I collect the Rain Wizard’s relics.” Tak narrowed his eyes. “Strange...records show that the Rain Wizard has multiple skills right away, even with bad Luck. Troubling.” Theo sighed “Great. Figures. Okay. I’ve heard enough. Where are the other two relics, and what do they do?” Tak nodded “As you wish. There are two more relics. The Robe of the Rain Wizard, and the Boots of the Rain Wizard. I think the effects differ depending on the Rain Wizard, so I can’t tell you what they do. But the robe should be with the Mermaids. You’ll need a submarine to get there. There’s a fishing village with underwater homes to the south that can offer transportation. Be careful. The Mermaids are dangerous. The boots whereabouts are unknown.”

“Can you tell me more about the three Rain Wizards that went missing? Where they are from?” Tak nodded. “They supposedly come from different timelines but all hail from Earth. Our planet is called the same. One Rain Wizard came from a place called Japan in a continent called Asia. A Shinto priest I believe. Yamada he called himself. Another was from Britain in the continent of Europe, who apparently was a novelist. His name was Johnathan. The oldest one claimed to be different, from the far future, who helped with the artificial sun tied to magic 200 years ago. He said he came from a newly formed country called Notar and called himself Jargus. He found a way to increase his lifespan, and was the lead scientist and doctor of Sol City up until 18 years ago. But disappeared around that time.”

“And the first Rain Wizard? Before any of this trouble started?” Theo asked, becoming more curious.” Tak smiled at his intrigue. “The first was from over 1000 years ago. A man called Tendai. Tendai was from a country called Zimbabwe, in the continent of Africa, belonging to a group of people called the Shona, who was a spirit medium, or ‘svikiro’. Theo rubbed his chin. “Interesting. I have high Wisdom, and it sounds like this Jargus had high intelligence. I’m guess this Johnathan person also probably had high Wisdom. Yamada and Tendai had roles as priests. It sounds like the Rain Wizard is chosen between holy duty, Intelligence, and Wisdom. It seems random though.” Tak snapped his big green fingers with a smile. “Correct! The main thing connecting Rain Wizards is their bad luck and high will power, as discussed. However, we theorize that another requirement is multiple facets of knowledge or creativity, depending on what the world itself needs of the Rain Wizard at the time.”

“Do you have any idea where the three missing might have gone?” Theo asked. Tak shook his head with regret “No, I’m afraid not. Supposedly they all went mad and went into seclusion.”

“Okay, last question. “Do you know anything about the Rain Cult?” Tak huffed. “Sorry, but while they do have some history, they primarily fall under rumor and gossip. They seem only be active when a new Rain Wizard shows up. But we do have people from the kingdom give us news. Supposedly they wear a sun patch that resembles something similar on stuffed animals from the Sun Festival 500 years ago when it was held last. The only person who might be able to tell you more is the king. Is that all, or is there anything else I can tell you? Or would you like coffee or tea? Perhaps use the bathroom.” The scholarly Orc offered again. “Please stop offering tea and coffee.” Theo sighed. “What about the bathroom?” Leo raised his hand “...I could use the bathroom.”

Cleo laughed slightly, and Theo rolled his eyes, but squinted as he caught something in the distance. It was the eyeless old man, sipping on a drink with steam coming out of it with the Tengu mask on the table. He looked over and grinned with several teeth missing. A faint whisper went into Theo’s ears. “You’re going to face some uncomfortable truths soon enough.” the voice said. Theo tried to ignore the old man, thinking it was another illusion and looked ahead with Tak in front of him, with an empty expression. His eyes were missing and his powerful frame lunged forward.