I wrote this last month and then forgot to release it from the depths of tumblr. My bad.

This was written for the prompt, 'Somebody just having the worst luck.'

Originally posted on Tumblr on November 2nd, 2021.

Stick to the Script and Other Stories

By Bilbo-sama

Roll For Initiative

"This is a replica of the original die used in the name of Lady Luck when Goldpaw was founded by the first Grand High Roller," said the gift shop salesman (…salesdog? saleshound? salesperson? shopkeeper?), "it is said all replicas contain the same amount of Her blessing, be it good or bad."

He then rolled the die and it landed on a two. "Ah, good fortune! You only have to pay 150 guilders!"

Roland blinked before he mentally shrugged before handing over the requested currency. Sure why not? If anything else, it would be an interesting paper weight for his new office desk. Its not like it was truly powered by ancient magic or anything. That was just an advertising tactic to get tourists to buy souvenirs.

"It is also tradition for anyone who buys dice to roll it immediately to divine their future luck," added the salesperson. Well, alright. Might as well.

Roland tossed the die. It landed on a three.

"Hmm," the dogfolk interpreted, "its not bad but its not great either."

"So…anything goes?" guessed Roland as his suspension of disbelief started to run out.

"If that will make you feel better, sir, then sure."

Roland walked out of the gift shop with the die in hand. He was about to put away his purchase into his arms band when he spotted Evan and the others close by.

"Roland, over here!" Evan waved.

"Evan," said Roland once he got close enough, "did you find what you were -"

Roland tripped, his hand letting go of the die as he stumbled. Moments later, there was a chorus of gasps and exclamations in Pawish from locals. He then learned why.

The die managed to split in half when it had collided with a rock. Roland sighed. He should've known better than to humor a con artist.

"That was supposed to resemble the original Lucky Die, wasn't it?" someone in the crowd realized. "The one Lady Luck blessed Herself?"

"Is that a bad sign?" asked Evan nervously.

The dogfolk closest to Roland immediately took several steps back.

"Its not the actual Lucky Die," scoffed Roland, "nothing is going to happen."

His colleagues reluctantly stepped away from him as his statement drew more whispers from the crowd.

"I ain't flippin' messin' with flippin' ancient luck magic," decided Lofty, "Youer on youer own!"

"Lofty!" scolded Evan.

"What? It's already flippin' happenin', innit? Can't you feel it comin', Evan?"

"Nothing's going to happen," denied Roland, his irritation growing, "stop playing a-"

Before he could finish his sentence, he was suddenly swarmed by a flock of Due Bills.

"U OWE ME! U OWE ME!"

"MONEY! NOW!"

"KRAAAAAWRK!"

"It was nice knowing you, Roland," Tani said solemnly as she and the remaining Evermore delegation retreated before the Due Bills noticed them as well.

To be honest I forget how much stuff costs in the shops in nnk2 but hopefully 150 guilders isn't too expensive after chapter 3 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯