Dots in the Sand

[1D17]

The desert sand.

An explosion--a crash.

A crater. Smoke.

[Blaze]

Felix!

More specifically, Felix carrying a single, giant tooth strapped to his back, making his way back to civilization, when he hears the impact and spots the rising smoke over a nearby doom. With some effort, he climbs the sandy hill and slides down the other side, towards the crater.

[1D17]

Black crater, brown smoke.

(The desert wind sends the ashes curling up in a semispiral, disintegrating as they cross the beams of the setting sun.)

A figure, a voice.

And what exotic land do I find myself in?
These are no shining plains, and you are not the patron we were promised.

[Blaze]

Felix squats down at the edge of the crater, peering through the smoke at the curious, die-headed being that stands there.

"Yeah? Well I gotta say buddy, I wasn't expecting something like you either. Need a hand outta there?"

[1D17]

A face, blank.

(Figuratively. A 00 looks quizzically to the cat.)

A hand? I think you misjudge me.

(Climbing from the crater, holding out an empty sleeve.)

But the offer is genteel of you. I am Parson Tiles. Your sobriquet?

[Blaze]

Felix withdraws his hand, watching the curious entity climb out himself. Watching his empty sleeve, he slowly reaches out and takes it's cuff in his hand, shaking it.

"M'name's Felix if that's what you're asking."

[1D17]

A nod.

(A curious whirling of the creature's decahedronal head, spying at the cat's uncertain clenching of its sleeve.)

Correct! Well-met then, Felix. And where is this place that we have landed...?
I do not recognize it from the holy charts."

[Blaze]

"Ah, this is the Savory Desert. Nobody lives here I don't think, I'm just here on a job."

He pats the incisor on his back, assuming the die-man can see.

"Heading back to town now, if you'd like to tag along."

[1D17]

A pause.

(One quick spin of the die. A look behind him? A wait, a nod?)

Certainly. I will follow you. My companions can set up alone.

And what is your job?

[Blaze]

"Right! Follow me then."

He takes out a compass, consulting it for a moment before starting to walk around the dune.

"Ah, you know. Mercenary, hunter, bodyguard... whatever's paying good. How about you?"

[1D17]

Parson.

A step after the mercenary.

(And as they leave, in the crater, motion, activity.)

It is an honorary position.

[Blaze]

Felix mulls over that for a moment... eventually, taking out a smartphone and looking up 'Parson.'

"Oh! Like a priest, gotcha. What's your church?"

The desert stretches out before them. It's gonna be a long walk...

[1D17]

It is...

A pause. Footprints in the sand from empty boots.

...An honorary position, as I said. We travel under the sign of Sacred Chance. I do not worship, as our deacon, Century, would have it, but respect the Chance in my own manner.

A second pause.

This is new to you, young Felix?

[Blaze]

"Yeah it is. Never heard of this religion before. And hey, don't listen to this Century guy. Worship how you like."

Felix begins to slow down, looking around.

"I think it was... over here."

He wanders down a slight slope... before the sound of a revving engine is heard. He drives back up on an ATV, a pair of goggles protecting his eyes.

"Hop on!"

[1D17]

A sound, muffled clattering. Laughter?

Understand, I do not.

(The dice-man clambers on board after Felix, nodding.)

But everything in its time and place. It is Chance that we crashed here, and I expect that this means we will be staying for some time.

I know the Deacon will want this, at least.