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Challenge #04655-L271: Improper Parcel Preparation

What happens to a poor postal worker delivering a package some idiot wrote “Non-Flammable” on, even though the contents are VERY LIKELY to spontaneously burst into flames? -- Deathshead419

As far as Lyle was concerned, this parcel was plastered with overly specific denials. All hand-written over every possible space. Not flammable, they said, Definitely won't spontaneously combust. It was also laid all over with "Handle With Care" and "Fragile" stickers. One of the hand-written warnings, in worrying crayon, said, Store it in cool, dry place.

There was only one conclusion.

This parcel was packed and labled by an idiot. A very specific degree of idiocy that read all the cautions and the ever-growing list of things that people weren't allowed to send by the mail, and figured straight-up lying would let them get away with this horseshit.

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Challenge #04654-L270: Nibelungen Issues With Betting

Oðinn seeks the Rheingold to pay a gambling debt with Perun, but, he’ll need the wisdom of Thoth in Eagypt to pass the stupid tests to get it and he might run into Siddhartha on his way south. -- Deathshead419

[AN: How to piss off a lot of pagans speedrun ;) FWIW, I am not trying to offend. Of all these mentioned in the prompt, the Buddhists are most likely to be cool with the following]

None can truly die until the

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Challenge #04653-L269: Gold Turned to Dross

In the hilly forests of one of the more Tax-Happy Kingdoms a rogue has arisen who steals from the King’s Tax-Collectors and gives to the poor. Yet, more observant folks have noticed that this thief seems to be keeping most of the pilfered wealth. Perhaps Wraithvine (alone or with someone) can help set this would be Robin Hood straight? -- Deathshead419

The castle at the heart of Drichithia was a beautiful crown atop a small mountain, allowing those resident to see

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Challenge #04652-L268: Awakening

Oh my god some of you nasty [Canadian insult] are crazy af and into some nasty [doo doo]; where your dignity? Your self-respect? What’s your number? you free tonight? -- Anon Guest

[AN: I am unfamiliar with Canadian insults. I shall improvise]

One of the fundamental unwritten laws of the universe is this: There is always more to learn about it. Not merely about the stars, galaxies, and all the things therein. But also about the people you share it with.

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Challenge #04651-L267: Designated Fun Hours

All Personages on [List B9] will report to the [Fun-Park] at [2:30pm] on [Saturday, the 12th] for mandatory fun time. Fun will be had from [2:35pm] until [3:55pm] for all persons on [List B9]. All Persons on [List B9] are to refrain from speaking with anyone on [List B8] or [List C1] except during the times of [2:50pm] and [3:05pm] in the Designated Areas. Thank you [Recipient] and enjoy you time at the [Fun-Park]. -- Deathshead419

They

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Challenge #04650-L266: Not Fighting Words

"Hey there, you damn teuf!"/ Hey yourself filthy ape!

The two eyed each other, tension thick as treacle. Then a sudden laugh, the two hugged each other, the human grabbing his brothers head and giving the hellkin a noogie! "Stop being gone for so long and WRITE once in a while, you ass, I was worried!"/ Sorry, we were helping rebuild two temples the rockslide wrecked.

"C'mon, let's get a drink bro!" -- Anon Guest

As far as Hellkin went, Phil was

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Challenge #04649-L265: Freedom Isn't Free

This was how Deregs start... they had it as a neighborhood association. A way to help each other during emergencies, or when families needed a friend to lean on. But somehow, were tricked, at least some of them, into signing an HOA charter. Those that refused began being harassed, threatened, and then the vandalism began. However, in one house was a person you harass at your own peril. And this whole system was shut down before it really got going. No one

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Challenge #04648-L264: You Expected Moonlight Serenade?

Kevin stands at the hotel lobby alone, he takes a deep breath the eerie quiet made him hear his own heartbeat. As he looks down at the polished marble he notices something red, bloody footprints. A shiver runs down his spine as he slowly backs away but more crimson footprints appear moving toward his location. Maybe the entity didn’t notice him as he moved around but wherever he goes the footprints follow. Suddenly Kevin begins to giggle and the footprints stopped

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Challenge #04647-L263: Just One Won't Hurt

For decades Markus was a marketer for [BRAND] Cigarettes, telling himself lie after lie to justify his job. That was until his brother contracted lung cancer. Now Markus is desperate to use his riches to make amends for his ill deeds. But is there really anything he can do to make up for all the bodies he’s helped to poison? -- Deathshead419

[AN: Had to alter this prompt a little because there is an actual brand name involved. I can not

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Challenge #04646-L262: Hubris in the Temple of Art

A playwright and troop director has crafted his greatest play. Only hitch is he has scorned warnings of restless spirits in the theater. Now ghosts are causing havoc while opening night is almost here. -- Deathshead419

Actors are a superstitious and cowardly lot. In a high-pressure environment where their means of continuing life and relative comfort depends entirely on a combination of extreme good fortunes, superstition is a natural reaction. Their practiced skills could fall victim to any little thing. A random

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Challenge #04645-L261: Tourist Take Warning

My fellow cognisants. There has been a great many interested in visiting that fearsome deathworld known as Earth, though more apt name for it is Terra, as in terrifying. Today, we will go through some of the weather phenomena found there, my own experience, and why it's absolutely essential to listen to your human guides when they tell you to get to shelter when it only looks like a few clouds are overhead.

https://peakd.com/fiction/@internutter/challenge-04544-l160-homicidal-weather-patterns -- Anon Guest

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Challenge #04644-L260: Good Things and Trouble

The storm raged, the roads were almost impassible, the farmers invited Kormwind and his party to stay for the night. The house was small, but warm and pleasant. Everything was very plain, but very well loved. Horses safe in the barn, everyone spending time with the poor farmers, but this relaxing place, cramped as it was, was more peaceful that then strains of "upper crust" society at the Inns of the elite. -- Anon Guest

[AN: This could be an expansion-pack chapter

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Challenge #04643-L259: Found Family Free Fuddlement

They adopted young Oakroot out of compassion, grew to love hir as family, though teaching the little to not steal was harder than it looked. The aftermath of the fight was to sooth the child, and teach the little thief some restraint, and let them know that, no matter what, they'll never NOT be loved as family.

https://peakd.com/fiction/@internutter/challenge-04609-l225-unattended-children-will-be-stolen-by-adventurers -- Anon Guest

They knew that Oakroot was from a bad place when they dug him out of his

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Challenge #04642-L258: Books, Brains, or Boots

"What a tangled web you weave when first you choose to deceive."

The problem is, they got caught in their own web, and now had to come clean.

Fortunately, people were merciful. No magic use except for healing spells for a month, and having to be on dishes-duty for a month. Could've been a lot worse. -- Anon Guest

[AN: Nerd moment - the actual quote is "What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." And yes I

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Challenge #04641-L257: Industry Cottage

They had just graduated school and badly wanted to be a merchant. Seeing a traveling elf with the gnome friend riding on the back of a fluffy, happy, cat, they asked the three adventurers "You've traveled far and wide, adventurers, haven't you? What kind of shops are popular?" -- Anon Guest

[AN: Gnomes are small, but not that small. Something about Mundane-born species having real physical limits, shapeshifting into one means you have to look like one etc etc. TLDR: I'm not

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