>>38813691

Well, familiar for only you, you realize as you’re on the receiving end of disgusted stares as you tear off the moldier parts of the bread and stuff the rest into your mouth.

“Don’t be such picky children.” You comment with a mouth full of food and then sit yourself down.

The three of them only give tentative glances to rotting pile in front of them.

“We should stock up on food anyway, right? This much won’t…last us for very long.” Ellie turns to you with a cheerful look on her face. “We can all go this time, it will be fun.” She reaches for a piece of bread and tears off the inedible bits.

She’s right, it will last you another day or two at the most, but you’re not in any sort of mood to deal with what’s at the market, plus you’re expecting Matthias to arrive at any moment now. Then there’s the matter of your source of income being eaten, so just how much exactly should you be spending right now?

You sigh, you could definitely get food cheaper from Ali at this point, but you don’t want to give her even the slightest whiff of your affairs.

>Tell them to buy food from Ali.

>Tell them to buy food from someone else.

>Tell them to forget it.

>Write in.

>>38813738
>>Tell them to buy food from Ali.

>>38813747

Hello there!

I'll write this update, but if it stays with only one player then I'll have to postpone this thread.

>Writing

>>38813738
>>Tell them to buy food from Ali.

>>38813738
>Tell them to buy food from Ali.

I guess it gives us another excuse to talk to her.

>>38814264
>>38814737
That vote already closed, but it's good to see more players around.


>>38813927

You’re not exactly sure how long it will be before you can replace your leech, so a bit a frugality is an unfortunate necessity.

You vigorously rub your forehead with your thumb. “I’ll have to stay here to wait for Matthias, so the three go purchase a week’s worth of food from Ali.” You quickly raise your head and hold out a firm finger to all of them. “Tell her you’re buying food with my credit, and nothing else. If she asks why we’re buying food so soon then…” You turn your glance to Laurent. “Tell her that he’s a glutton.”

“Understood!” Ellie affirms with a beaming smile. But Marissa and Laurent simply give a quiet nod.

It’s obvious why Laurent isn’t overly peppy, given the amount of work he head to do last night, but Marissa has no real reason to look so under the weather, probably.

You cross your arms and lean back in your seat. “Well then, unless you’re planning on eating what’s in front of you, get going. Aya doesn’t take kindly to crowds.”

Entirely opposed to your offer, the three of them rise from their seats and head out without another word.

You inhale and exhale deeply and just enjoy the rare moment of quiet in your house, one of the many things you miss about working alone. You lazily watch dust particles float around in the sunlight while thinking about what you want to do today.

You don’t get to enjoy the satisfying silence for very long, as a rapid and familiar rhythm of pounding at the door snaps you from your day dream.

[1/2]

>>38814815

“Come in!” You call out, not wanting to get up.

A few moments later Aya and Matthias appear in front of you. Both of them donning a leather jacket, Aya gives you a shy wave, while Matthias scoffs at your laziness.

You finally rise from your seat. “The two of you look more like a couple every day.” You give Matthias a cheeky grin as you see him reddening from your comment.

“It was cold out, and that’s what she wanted to wear!” Matthias says defensively. “Anyway, why did you want me to come over so damn early anyway?” He rubs a bit of crust from his eye.

You catch him up with your encounters with Manolo, going into vivid detail of how you skillfully managed to kill off his pets with only your pyromancy.

By the end of your tale Matthias looks plenty amused, but not all that surprised.

He shrugs. “I did warn you that they’d be in the area. So what, do you really plan on killing him now?”

The thought has occurred to you many times, but when you really think about it, you haven’t ever killed a human being with your own hands before.

Matthias stares at you expectantly.

>”Of course.”

>”I’m not sure yet…”

>Write in.

>>38814839
>"I'm not sure yet..."

>>38814839
>”I’m not sure yet…”
>"If I see him again I'll probably at least beat the shit out of him"

>>38814839
>”I’m not sure yet…”

>>38814839
>”I’m not sure yet…”
But if he keeps it up I will really have no choice. He's tried to threaten and cow me. I never take that lying down.

>>38814839
"Of course."
He did try to kill us afterall

>>38814881
>>38814900
>>38814902
>>38814916
It's too early in the morning to be murderous.

>Writing

>>38815000
But pissed is totally justifiable.

>>38815022
Pissed is most people's default in the morning

>>38815000

You turn away from his glance. “I’m not sure yet…I’ll probably at least beat him so that he think’s twice about messing with me, but if he keeps it up I might not have a choice.”

Matthias pulls out a seat for Aya. “I wouldn’t expect any less.” He leans against her chair. “It might just bring you more trouble in the future.”

You pull Matthias in the kitchen to help make some coffee, at least you have some of that left. “What do you mean by more trouble?” You ask while letting the coffee steep.

He pulls out three mugs from where you usually keep them. “Not every Occultist works like we do, Soph. In fact, the majority of them belong to some sort of faction like the guild.” He leans back against the counter. “Manolo happens to belong to strongest faction of Occultists that probably ever was.”

You scoff. “If that’s true, then they’d probably thank me for getting rid of that trash.”

Matthias laughs scornfully. “It’s just your luck that he’s one of the heads.”

You pour the coffee into the mugs and slam the container down. “So what exactly do they want with me then?!”

Matthias holds up his hands in mock defense. “I never said that. For whatever reason Manolo has taken an interest in you, but he appears to be alone this.” He grabs two of the mugs and heads back for the dining room. “But don’t for a moment that they’d stand to let one of their heads die without some sort of vengeance.”

[1/2]

>>38815996

You grab your mug and follow after him. “How did you get so knowledgeable about all of this anyway?”

“It helps to not have everyone at the guild hate you.” Matthias teases you.

The three of you sit down and quietly enjoy your drink. Aya happily sways back and forth while drinking.

Matthias looks up in sudden realization. “Damn. I’m guessing there isn’t anything to eat here?”

You shake your head, not wanting to embarrass yourself by offering him moldy bread. “I’m having the others go secure some from the market right now.”

He stands up quickly. “We’re going to have to get going for now. We didn’t eat breakfast, and t’s really not good to have her go too long without food, trust me.” He helps Aya out of her seat.

You see them to the door.

Matthias turns back to you just as he’s leaving. “Regardless of everything that I said, don’t let that shit push you around. Whatever he wants, I doubt it’s any good.”

You grab onto the doorknob. “Don’t worry, I’ve had a lifetime of experience with annoying guys.” You shut the door before he has a chance to respond.

Ahh, peace and quiet once again. You’ve been wanting to practice some aspects of your pyromancy for some time now, perhaps more now that you have used it in self-defense now. Although, there are a few other things that you’ve been meaning to do as well.

>Practice pyromancy (Write in how.)

>Continue with the Necromancy tome.

>Write in.

>>38816018
>Practice pyromancy (Write in how.)
Set up some targets in the back and shot at them, Try flaming fro different body parts as well as affecting accuracy and power.

>>38816018
>Practice pyromancy
Go shoot fireballs and flamethrower style streams of fire at spots in your yard that aren't fire hazardous.

>>38816076
>>38816077
You guys vastly overestimate our capabilties.
>Practice pyromancy.
Try to absorb flames from other sources into our hand.

>>38816076
>>38816077
You're not quite at that level yet, but I've got something planned.
>>38816197

>Writing.

>>38816249

Given that you’ve done little more than invoke your flame around your right hand, what you can practice is a bit limited.

You think back to the moment where you used your flame to sear through that creature’s throat. How strong the flame felt when it was directed at something sticks out to you the most. The flame practically jumped out to meet its flesh, perhaps you can use this phenomenon to your advantage.

After rushing to get bucket and paper, you head outside to practice your idea more safely.

You crumple one sheet of paper and toss it into the bucket. With the smallest fire you can muster, you spark the paper to begin burning, and allow the fire to eat through the fuel hungrily. You carefully as the flame rapidly grows larger and larger, and just before the paper reaches its end, you invoke your flame and stick your hand into the bucket.
When you triumphantly pull your hand out, you see that your flame is a bit larger than you could manage to make it on your own.

You snuff the flame and excitedly rush back inside to retrieve one of the larger tubs, and much more paper.

Your heart pounds as you stare at the metal tub filled to the brim with crumpled up sheets of paper. You begin.


[1/2]

File: L-2.1.png (1.01 MB, 632x765)

1.01 MB PNG

>>38817047

This time it’s no small fire, but a blaze starts up in front of you inside the tub. You don’t take any time to wait for the flame to grow this time before stuffing your flame invoked hand inside.

Immediately you have to slam your eyes shut from the sheer movement of heat that occurs in front of you, the wave of heat assaults all of your exposed skin. Instinctively you shove your hand as far away as you possibly can from your body, and when you’re finally able to open your eyes, you see large pillar of flame shooting out several feet in front of your hand, before quickly dying out.

You suddenly gasp in air, and laugh hysterically at the display of power you just exhibited.

Technically, the energy for the flame didn’t originate from you, but you had control over its movement, and the sheer thought of that alone sends a tingling sensation throughout your body.

“You need more control.” A sudden thought occurs in your head. You’re not sure whether it originated from your own mind or not, but you don’t disagree with it at all.

Creative practice may be good and all, but there’s a more surefire way to improve your ability knowledge. The only problem comes with all the advice you’ve heard throughout your life about allowing for more than a day between delves. But surely all those unremarkable people who came up with all that rule weren’t nearly as capable as you are now.

>Delve today.

>Be patient and wait.

>Write in.

>>38817072

>Delve today.
They see us delving
they hating

>>38817072
>Be patient and wait.
Let's not listen to voices in our head, this time.

>>38817072
>Be patient and wait.
overconfidence leads to hubris, hubris leads to failure.

>>38817072
>Be patient and wait.

>>38817072
>Be patient and wait.

>>38817155
>>38817179
>>38817189
>>38817290
We shall wait.

>Writing.

>>38817327

“No.” You say to yourself and take a moment to calm down.

Surely a day or two more won’t make a difference in this matter, so you’re not willing to potentially risk your life due to impatience.

A bitter taste forms in your mouth, but you accept your decision and head back inside.

~

You’re companions finally return from their shopping trip, but you notice that all of them, even Ellie look incredibly exhausted. Another unusual aspect you notice is that they carried the food back with them instead of opting for it to be delivered.

Ellie throws herself onto the couch and kicks off her shoes. “There were so~ many people there!”

Marissa nods in agreement and sighs. “In all the years I lived around there, I don’t think I ever saw that many people in a single week.” She says quietly.

Ali’s changes are becoming more drastic, but surely she can’t be the sole cause for all of this.

“Did you manage to get a fair deal with Ali?” You ask the three of them.

Ellie sits up eagerly. “She wasn’t there anymore, but every merchant that was there worked under her, so it was fine I guess.” She quickly looks to Laurent. “Give her the letter already.” She smiles. “It was good that he came along, sometimes people practically jumped out of his way when he walked.” She laughs.

[1/2]

>>38818241

Laurent nods shyly in conformation and then hands you yet another letter. Given the contents of the last one, you’re a bit more wary when opening this one, but finally you gather the will to peer over its contents.

>”Your new neighbor is holed up at the following address. I’ve got extremely important and extended business to take care of, so consider this a going away present. I look forward to when we next meet! -A"

You sigh heavily and burn the letter in your hand. If what she wrote is true then Manolo is actually quite close to where your home and that is too much of a threat to ignore for long. What is it exactly that he wants?

You think about what Matthias told you earlier. Eliminating him would potentially bring up a whole new source of problems, so perhaps you can simply scare him off. But given his demeanor and his strange pets, you wonder how easy that would be as well.

"What was it, Sophia?" Laurent approaches you with concern.

>Ignore the letter for now.

>Set up an attack.

>Visit Manolo normally.

>Write in

>>38818289
>Visit Manolo normally.
Have Laurent With us. If Manolo tries something stupid torch him.

>>38818289
>>Set up an attack.

>>38818289
>>38818399
this but if they are exhausted shouldn't they eat and rest first?

>>38818289
>Visit Manolo normally.
>>38818460
I think it's just us and Laurent that's going.

>>38818399
>>38818460
The visit isn't going to happen immediately, some preparation will happen first.
>>38818570

>Writing

>>38818570
laurent is exhausted too so thats really what i was going after

>>38818620

You flick away the ashes from your hand. “Nothing much.” You flash a small smile. “Just rest up for now, we’ll be heading out later.”

Laurent seems taken aback by your words, but relents. “You know…” He starts again quietly. “You know that I want to protect you, right?”

“That’s why I bringing you along, isn’t it?” You flick him away with your hands. “Now go catch your breath to make sure that I don’t have to do any work.”

He finally heeds your words and heads into the kitchen and you head to your room.

You suppose this is your time to shine, in the formulation of the plan. There has to be a reason why Manolo keeps attacking your home, and you figure it has to do with the first time he visited.

At the time he seemed keen on entering your home, but naturally you didn’t let him. He was looking for something. You remember that the whole reason he was sent out to this area was because supposedly someone had stolen something important from his faction.

So if you clear up that you don’t have anything to do with that, then he will stop pursuing you, probably.

You sit around for quite some time before finally getting up and heading for your dresser. You pack the Fidelis stone and your newly acquired dagger with you, head back downstairs, and collect your real weapon before heading out.

The low light of the afternoon sun extends the shadows of all things you walk by far and darkens them. The dagger taps at your hip as you walk with Laurent in silence. The destination isn’t far.

You turn to him. “We’re just going to talk to Manolo for now. But if he tries anything foolish…” You show him a confident smile. “Then you’ll have to protect me.”

“Without a doubt.” He says more to himself than you.

[1/2]

File: 8.jpg (86 KB, 648x399)

86 KB JPG

>>38819810

Your destination finally comes into view. Leave it Manolo to pick one of the oldest and largest houses in the area. The sun setting behind the place makes the faded paint seem much darker than it actually is. Countless dead trees around the property extend their gnarled branches ever upward, but no longer bear any leaves or fruit.

The two of you approach the door.

“Protect me.” You whisper. “But also protect yourself.

You knock on the large wood door in front of you with its brass handle. The hollow thumping sound can be heard quite a distance away and a few moments after it, you hear scrambling come from inside the house.

The door opens.

Manolo appears to be surprised for the slightest fraction of a second, but recovers with one of his most charming smiles. “So nice and neighborly for you to visit me, Sophia.”

You don’t know how he came about your name. “I was hoping that we could talk.” You say flatly, not showing any emotion positive or negative.
“Why, of course!” He swings the door open widely for the both of you.

Laurent gives you a hesitant look, but you intend to get to the bottom of all this so you for him to head inside.

The door swings shut behind you, and you enter the candle lit manor that Manolo has taken residence in.

“Everyone!” Manolo shouts out in a sing song voice.. “Come out and give our visitors your best welcome!”

In many unseen rooms and closets, shadows stir and occasionally poke out to take a peek at you. In this place, you are Manolo's guest now.

~

>>38819868

Okay, that's a good place to end it for tonight.

Firstly, I want to thank everyone that played today! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to post them in the thread, and I will do my best to respond to them.

If not, then I wish you a good day/night and hope to see you again next time!


>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri

>>38819912
Thanks for running even though I hate that you ended it there...

>>38819912
thx 4 runin budi gud thred

>>38819912
Thanks for running. SO how badly did we step in it?

>>38819912
Thanks for running Auri! So we can improve our abilities through regular practice too?

>>38819956
You're very welcome! Please come back next time to see where it goes.
>>38819988
You're also very welcome!
>>38820022
You're very welcome! I don't know, this Manolo character seems to be a pretty charming guy, it won't be so bad, probably.
>>38820039
You're very welcome! Yes, of course. But the more creative, but also plausible, the type of the more likely you are to improve.

>>38820116
the type of practice, the more likely you are to improve*

Bleh.

>>38820116
>it won't be so bad, probably.
Auri You're scaring me.

>>38820174
Probably is bad word when Auri says it.

>>38820202
Exactly why I am scared. Last time probably was used was right before bad end in Otherworldly Arboretum.

>>38820174
>>38820202
We'll be fine. SURELY Manolo has the best intentions in heart when he invited us in.

But in all seriousness, work together, be creative, and pay at least some attention to the details and you should be able to overcome anything I throw at you.

>>38820312
Will do, sir.

>>38820312
As you say.


PTSD of MIASMA QUEST AND OTHERWORLDY ARBORETUM INTENSIFIES.

>>38820312
When I do that I vote against drinking tea and then get overwhelmed by teafags tho

>>38820412
>>38820412
The tea was delicious and I regret nothing. I regret EVERYTHING

>>38820507
I really wish I was in time to vote against the tea, but alas too late.

>>38820312
Is otherworldly done for good? You said it wasn't but we haven't played in a while.

>>38820537
At the time I shelved it because there was quite a bit of negativity floating around. I really have to get back to it. I thought about just doing a quick run to wrap it up, and then an epilogue /Q&A, but I'm not sure if that's how the players want it to go.

>>38820641
I think part of what pissed players off was that the guardian seemed to be completely unbeatable by any means. Can control emotions and thoughts at will, can appear and disappear at will, can teleport in dopplegangers at will, can completely subsume someone's identity at will and we get no way to save from any of it ever. It seems like we were instead of fighting a tough opponent we were fighting what would be a that gm's equivalent of shitty self insert DMpc.

>>38820691
That was not my intention at all, so I'm very sorry if it came across that way. I made that encounter too dependent on minute details, and really messed up because of it.

>>38820799
Looking back at it now I understand. Then? I was pretty upset. As far as that stuff? It happens to the best of us Auri. And you are one of the best OC qms here.

>>38820834
Thank you very much for the compliment, I hope to continue improving.

With that, I'll be stepping out now so I hope to see everyone again next time!

>>38819810
>You remember that the whole reason he was sent out to this area was because supposedly someone had stolen something important from his faction.
ITS THE JOURNAL