You are sitting at you computer, taking a sip of your favorite beverage, when you remember to check that thread on 4chan to see if anyone replied to your post. You go to grab your mouse and your hand passes straight through the mouse and the computer desk itself. To your amazement, the computer, computer desk, mouse, and pretty much all your stuff is slowly becoming transparent. You reach out your hands and wave them through the area where your desk is and they pass through as if you were a ghost. But your hands and arms seem solid as ever, everything else seems to be fading and disappearing into a... forest?

You are now sitting on a tree stump in the middle of a clearing in a very strange forest. The first strange thing you notice is that it appears to be midday. True, you haven't exactly checked the time recently but you're fairly certain that it was dark outside. Also, it is in the beginning of fucking February with several feet of snow outside and this feels like a bright spring afternoon.
Also, you're fairly certain that a tree to your left, that has no eyes, just winked at you. The clearing itself is fairly simple and pleasant. It's damn idyllic. The trees surrounding the clearing look to be covered with kudzu-like plants. The only path out of the clearing you see lies a good distance behind the blonde girl in thick rimmed glasses sitting on the grass in front of you.
"So, are you going to say anything or what?" she asks in a pleasant voice hinted with a touch of frustration.

What. The. Fuck.

>The Quest Rules:
>Rule 0: The rules will probably change. You might be informed of the changes.
>Rule 1: This will be a highly narrative quest and therefore stats, abilities, modifiers, and dice rolls will be extremely important. Unfortunately, we don't know what any of them are yet.
>Rule 2: In order to break the ice, after the first vote of the thread, only "write-in" votes will accepted by voters with 1 post. This will make complete scents, trust me.
>Rule 3: There are at least four rules and I will not stop this nonsense until we have achieved our goal. We should probably look into having some sort of goal.

Any questions? Excellent. Let's go!

File: WTFQ_Alice004.png (652 KB, 1071x1600)

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>>4077623
There is an attractive but somewhat awkward looking blonde girl sitting in front of you, expecting a response. Unfortunately, you have no idea who she is, what she's talking about, or where you are. On the other hand, you also haven't been with a pretty girl for a minute and haven't technically had sex since the summer after graduation.
After the great plot contrivance fire that took your family, friends, and everything you cared about, you pretty much just lived off the insurance money and only worked just enough to sustain your hobbies...
What were you thinking about again? Oh, right. The girl:

>Fake It: Pretend everything is perfectly normal until you get your bearings.
>Come Clean: Spill your spaghetti and explain that you have *no* idea what the fuck is going on.
>Pragmatic Third Choice: Turn the tables on her. Ask her questions to trick her into giving you info like in your stories.
>You Damn Psycho: Threaten her until she explans herself.
>Refuse to Grow a Pair: Run off into the woods and hope she doesn't follow.
>Write-In: Any attempt in character is fair play

>>4077641
>Come Clean: Spill your spaghetti and explain that you have *no* idea what the fuck is going on.
As a great man once said, fuck it, I've got nothing on the line here.

>>4077625
>Rule 2: In order to break the ice, after the first vote of the thread, only "write-in" votes will accepted by voters with 1 post.
So you’re encouraging samefagging? Well fuck.
>>4077641
>Refuse to Grow a Pair: Run off into the woods and hope she doesn't follow.

>>4077655
I think he's saying that voters with only one post will be ignored unless they post a fresh write-in. i.e. trying to discourage samefagging via a weird method.

>>4077625
>scents
Imagine the scent

>>4077662
Yeah, it's either one or the other. The wording confused me a bit.

>>4077641
>Refuse to Grow a Pair: Run off into the woods and hope she doesn't follow.
Time for a tactical retreat

>>4077662
Sounds reasonable enough.

>>4077655
>>4077662
>trying to discourage samefagging via a weird method.
This.
Discouraging samefagging while encouraging Write-Ins.
A bit.

>>4077641
>>Refuse to Grow a Pair: Run off into the woods and hope she doesn't follow.

>>4077641
>Come Clean: Spill your spaghetti and explain that you have *no* idea what the fuck is going on.

>>4077685
samefagging is not that crazy here but it's a way to get better write ins

>>4077641
>Write-In
Remember your training and disregard the femoid. Tagalong onaholes will only slow your progress. Begin exploring the forest.

>>4077641
>>Come Clean: Spill your spaghetti and explain that you have *no* idea what the fuck is going on.

>>4077641
>Refuse to Grow a Pair: Run off into the woods and hope she doesn't follow.
>>4077685
Should us mobile posters use names?

>>4077700
>Should us mobile posters use names?
Well, the rules are the rules. So even with names and trips, "1 post by this ID” posts will not count. My hands are tied. Sorry.

Looks like running is winning. Closing voting soon.

>>4077714
They aren’t really tied when the knot is loose and you have the loose end in your grasp but whatever.

>>4077700
>>4077694
>>4077692
>>4077688
>>4077686
>>4077676
>>4077655
>>4077653
>Super Run Away!
You bravely decide to stand up, look the girl square in the eyes, and run away from her into the woods. It's probably for the best. It will give you some breathing room to figure out what to do next.
"Wha- Hey! You are just leaving me here? But my powers still aren't fully working right!" the girl shouts after you as you race quickly through the trees until you find a place where there are less funky plants around and hide in a large hollow tree trunk.

Once it seems clear that she is not following you, you step out and look around. And the distance you can see a path running through the forest. One end seems to go deeper into the woods where the other end seems to stretch on where the trees are thinning.

>Left: Deep innawoods.
>Right: Leave the forest for the trees.
>Forward: Forge your own path through the bizarre plant life.
>Back: Head back to the clearing, maybe the girl is gone by now.
>Write-In

>>4077779
>Back: Head back to the clearing, maybe the girl is gone by now.
Seriously though, we need to find out what's going on by talking to that girl.

>>4077779
>Forward: Forge your own path through the bizarre plant life.
>>4077783
Where’s the fun in that?

>>4077786
Well, the chance to find civilization and get the fuck out of this godforsaken wilderness would certainly be fun.

>>4077791
You’ll have plenty of time to ride the railroad later anon. The QM isn’t going to kill us for taking a little walk.

>>4077779
>Head back to the clearing and spy on the girl
Real stalker hours

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>>4077796
>You’ll have plenty of time to ride the railroad later anon. The QM isn’t going to kill us for taking a little walk
Hahahaha!

>>4077779
>Forward: Forge your own path through the bizarre plant life.
Never look back, never compromise. Create your own way with your own strength.

>>4077779
>Forward: Forge your own path through the bizarre plant life.
Over and onward.
>>4077783
>>4077797
What are you guys, six? We didn't run off just to come back as soon as mommy calls for us.

>>4077822
Hey, I didn't vote for running off in the first place. Choosing to get lost in the woods as your first thing to do in a new world is absolutely braindead.

>>4077808
You laugh as if the same trademark /qst/ occurrences won’t occur. If anything, you’ll engage in them wholeheartedly.

>>4077829
Trust me, I like playing as smart characters and I normally wouldn't have voted to run but I wanted to see what would happen if we did. Like >>4077796 I want to see how elastic this quest will be.

Close one.
I'm going to start writing and check bsck.

>>4077822
I'm voting for watching her bathe you nerd.

>>4077837
I don't see a river and I doubt we're so far from civilization that she would do it out here.

>>4077846
So we follow her home and peek

>>4077850
Well we can certainly try as soon as we take a tour of these sacked-out woods.

>>4077779
Inside: Assess our burgeoning homosexuality

>>4077868
*Whacked-out

>>4077822
>>4077812
>>4077797
>>4077786
>>4077783
>Be an explorer, like Kirk.

You forge your own path through the forest, brushing past the many bizarre and strange plants. Some of the plants look like they are growing on top of other plants and trees.

As you trudge through the forest, you think about that girl. You can't even imagine what could possibly make her so attracted to you. Maybe it was because you were wearing your cool T-shirt, maybe it was because you had such well defined calves, or maybe it was because she just wanted to get to know you better.
All you know is that all these things combined must have made you seem like the perfect guy to her. Yeah. Then, you begin to think about how much fun you would have if we were actually together. But would she really leave you alone to focus on your hobbies? She seemed so clingy. What kind of relationship would that even be like?
Fuck that. Then again, she was kinda cute. But how would you ever learn to trust her completely?
Wait.What?

Suddenly, you realize that you're being irrational and crazy. All these thoughts are making you feel dizzy and nauseous. Your mind is racing and your body feels like it wants to fall asleep. You steady yourself against a tree.
What the fuck are you doing?

You need to be pragmatic. You try to focus on one thought at a time. So, you decide you'll keep thinking about the girl and how you'd spend every waking minute with her.

You smile at her as you stroke the green skinned girl's face. Your fingers trace her eyeless features. They graze along her curled lips and carnivorous teeth surrounded by a leafy maw. Sleepily, you realize that something is very, very wrong here. But you can't quite put your finger on it.
Ah yes, your fingers... Your hands move down to touch the girl's hairless chest covered in thick, rough bark. The girl stares at you with a widened mouth, saliva gracefully dripping from her glistening jagged teeth as you gently caress her tendril vines. Her thorns are hard and erect against your shirt.
She slowly begins to stir in bed, pulling back the leafy covers and silently inviting you to join her.
Maybe nothing is wrong after all.

>Reconsider: Take a step back and clear your thoughts of thots.
>Accept: It would be rude to turn down such an invitation
>Safety first: Check pockets for condoms.
>Run Away!: Signiture move?
>Write-In

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>4077901
I'm torn, honestly. I'll roll for it.
Safety first:1-50
Run Away: 51-100

>>4077913
>>4077901
The dice have spoken
>Safety first: Check pockets for condoms.

>>4077901
>Reconsider: Take a step back and clear your thoughts of thots.
This quest certainly lives up to its name.

>>4077901
>Safety first: Check pockets for condoms.

>>4077901
>Run Away!: Signiture move?
When we join this world’s equivalent of the WWE, Running like a Bitch will be the title of our signature move for sure.
>>4077915
Really dude? Not to be a dick but carnivorous plants that use pheromones to lure in prey is nothing new in fantasy land or real life.

>>4077934
It's the presentation. You don't think this is a WTF moment?

>>4077901
>Escape and then reconsider.
It seems like we're in one of those rapey monstergirl dimensions where betas fantasize about being some horrific chimera's cumslave. We'll need to remain focused and keep thoughts of women out of our mind, lest we join the Lotus Eaters in their hedonism prisons.

>>4077946
Considering the setting, no. I did like getting a look into the MC’s thought process though.

>>4077913
>>4077932
>What have I got in my pocket?

Mechanic Time!
Ah yes, our Inventory.
To determine the contents of our main characters pockets, simply describe the current contents of your actual pockets and roll a 1d100. The anon whose roll is closest to the last two digits of their post number is correct.
Now remember, the mc only has cargo shorts pockets and I will be checking the hidden camera feeds to ensure that nobody is fibbing.

Once our mc has assessed his Inventory, he will:
>>4077915
>>4077950
>Reconsider

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>4077985

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4077985
I’ve got an AR with a beam on it and a Micro Draco with a drum. I even have the key to the city.

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4077985
My pockets contain...
1 (one) cell phone
...that's it, unfortunately.

>>4077991
Oop.
My phone, some change, a 20, and crackers.

>>4077991
So, your pockets are empty?

>>4078001
>>4077997
Ah, I see.

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4077985
One shitty Motorola cellphone encased in a near impregnable phone case covered with the scars of various battles and one relatively fresh orthodontic elastic.

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4077985
I've got two rubber bands and a lighter.

>>4077997
>>4077991
>Horseless

You have a cell phone, some change, a 20 dollar bill, and crackers. No condoms. Damn.
Unwilling to have unprotected sex, you take a step back and reconsider. You look at the carnivorous plant girl before you and wonder what the fuck you are doing as her mouth snaps at you even as you pull away.
"Are you alright?" you ask.
The plant girl nods her head quickly. She doesn't say anything. You start to feel a inexplicable panic and try to explain yourself. "Listen, it's not a judgement on you, I just don't feel comfortable having unprotected sex with..." But she just shakes her head.
You feel a deep pain in your head, pinching your eyes shut. She starts to cry and begs for help. "Please, please, someone help me!" she cries. "Someone save me! Someone save me!"
The sound startles you and your eyes pop open. The plant girl is gone. What you see before you is an Audrey 3.5 flytrap monstrosity. It's then that you realize that the cries for help are coming from you. You turn and run the fuck away.

You've put a good distance between you and the chomping willow when you hear a voice call after you.
"Are you done with whatever was so important in the woods? I hope you covered it with some leaves or something. And what was with all that yelling?" This time, you think it really is the girl from the clearing.
"I'm okay." Out of breath, you try to compose yourself. "I'm fine... There was just this, uh, big maneating plant."

"It was just a nightmare." she states matter of factly, ignoring the fact that you were obviously awake. "And, well, I don't want you running off again. You still haven't told me anything." she rushes. "Come on let me check you out. After a few cursory glances at the scratches on your legs, she nods sagely and says "Yes, yes. Not too bad. A few hours in my celestial aura and you should be fine. Fine. Yes. Now..." She stands up straight, crossing her arms over her chest. "What was it that you wanted to tell me?"

>"I have no idea what the fuck is going on!”
>"Why do you think that I was trying to tell you something?"
>"How do you know that it was a nightmare?"
>"Whst do you mean 'celestial aura'?"
>Write-In

ShortTrip, do you have an update schedule or do you simply run whenever you can?

>>4078136
>"How do I know this isn't a dream too?"

>>4078136
>"Why do you think that I was trying to tell you something?"
So much for “no railroading”. Two votes in our decision to run and you start rubber banding. I’d be disappointed if I didn’t call it earlier.

posting now to avoid rule 2 later

>>4078136

>"I have no idea what the fuck is going on!”

Screaming incoherently and running around got us this far damn it.

>>4078136
>"Why do you think that I was trying to tell you something?"

>>4078136
>"I have no idea what the fuck is going on!”

>>4078136
>>"I have no idea what the fuck is going on!”

>>4078147
I won't lie, that was pretty lame. I guess this won't be as wild and adventurous as advertised.

>>4078175
It’s more than just “lame”, it’s indicative of a larger problem. I know it’s very early in the thread but I’ve seen enough that my bullshit detector is going off. I was right before and I don’t want this to become a pattern so I’ll just declare that the QM is a massive, cum guzzling faggot and take my leave. This is just the beginning you won’t find elasticity here, friend.

>>4078138
>ShortTrip, do you have an update schedule or do you simply run whenever you can?
Nothing set in stone, unfortunately. But The Plan is to run sessions like this on Saturday and Sunday around the same time, and updating at least once a day, probably several times a day, Monday through Friday.

>>4078147
>>4078175
Well, there really, truly are no tracks. I have no idea what happens next.
But when you run screaming in the forest, the one person you know is nearby, might find you. She didn't disappear because you refused her.

>>4078183
Sure, your first prediction was right to a frightening degree but this is only day 1 of the thread. At least give him another chance.

>>4078198
Trust me, my bullshit detector is never wrong. Maybe you’re ok with this kind of behavior but I’ve seen it all before far too many times and I’m not gonna waste my time only to be proven right once again. See you in the ozone, fellow adventurous anon.

>>4078215
>Trust me, my bullshit detector is never wrong
Never believe anyone who starts their sentence with the words "trust me".

>>4078152
>Screaming incoherently and running around got us this far damn it.
Damn straight. Pity your vote doesn't count.

>>4078215
Ok then happy trails, psychic anon.

>>4078136
>"I have no idea what the fuck is going on!”

>>4078215
yeah, I think I'll give it a few more posts before I write this quest off.

>>4078227
At least I don’t go back on my word so blatantly Enjoy this load in your mouth, you pretentious, passive-aggressive hack.

>>4078227
Wait, why doesnt my vote count?

>>4078258
the QM has a zero single id poster rule, your vote doesn't count but hey on the bright side next vote post you can. Don't bother asking the QM to change his mind we have already tried.

>>4078265
Technically it was only Psychic Anon who tried but he was ignored.

>>4078265
Wow, what an absolute retard.
Change your shit, dipshit.
Some people have dynamic IPs or can only post via mobile.
>>4077714
You are being retarded.

Oh well, I'm only here to see how long it takes till you flake anyway.

>>4078282
It won't be long. In case it wasn't obvious from the OP, he made it pretty clear in the /qtg/ that the quest is a joke.

>>4078241
>>4078282
Good to see you lads have standards.

Only a few hours in and a shitstorm has already broken out. Is this some kind of record?

>>4078152
>>4078162
>>4078164
>"I have no idea what the fuck is going on!"

Startled, she raise her hand to her mouth. "I know that! I'm not stupid!" she shouts. "Of course you don't know anything, they wouldn't have told you any details. That's how they operate."
"'They?' They who?"
"The demons of course. They're who got you to bring me out here, right?" she blurts.
What.
"Although, it could have been the celestials I suppose..." she continues, "they sometimes work the same way. They're jealous of me because I am half celestial and half demon. But my wings and horns are ephemeral..."
Urge to run away rising...
"That might be because I'm half vampire as well..."
"That's not how halves work."
"...but I don't need to drink blood and I can walk in sunlight fine." (My God, she's still going) "I'm still waiting for my teeth to come in and-"
"Stop!" You interrupt her before your brain hurts anymore. "You think *I* brought you here?"
"Of course! I'm not stupid! I just... can't remember how you got me here. Or figure out how you are suppressing my powers."

You pinch the bridge of your nose in frustration. "I am telling you that I don't know how *I* got here either. I just appeared in that clearing like magic."
"Magic?" she scoffs. "Magic isn't real. I mean, not for mortals like you."
You stare at her obliviously condescending face.

She might not be the font of exposition you were hoping for.

>Take Command: search for clues in the clearing.
>Take Your Leave: Split up and go deeper into or out of the woods (specify)
>Take off Together: Stick together and go deeper into or out of the woods
>Take More Punishment: Keep talking to her in the hopes of learning something useful.
>Write-in

>>4078258
>Wait, why doesnt my vote count?
Counts just fine now.

>>4078282
>You are being retarded.
Thank you.

>Oh well, I'm only here to see how long it takes till you flake anyway.
Strap in.

>>4078357
>Take Command: search for clues in the clearing.
"Alright. I don't know where we are or how we got here. You don't know where we are or how we got here. Let's try and work together to find out, huh?"

>>4078357
>Take Command: search for clues in the clearing.

>>4078286
>he made it pretty clear in the /qtg/ that the quest is a joke.
It's a joke in terms of being a random isekai mess with waifu frosting, blackjack, and hookers.
The idea is to have fun.
But what happens, happens.

>>4078357
>Take More Punishment: Keep talking to her in the hopes of learning something useful.

>>4078386
>>4078384
>"Alright. I don't know where we are or how we got here. You don't know where we are or how we got here. Let's try and work together to find out, huh?"
She bites her lower lip in the first genuinely cute action she's done since she started speaking. Then she nods once. "Okay." she replies in a serious tone.

The two of you search the clearing and find, in addition to a fuckton of boring forest stuff, traces of a strange sparkling dust on the ground near where we appeared and also an oddly shaped crystal in the treeline.
"This looks like it could be some sort of crystal or gemstone. Let's take a look at it." You show the girl. It seems rounded on one end but sharply broken on the other, as if it had been snapped off a larger stone. It looks vaguely like the big end of a carrot made out a brilliant light blue crystal.
"Wait, so you think this is some kind of gem?"
"...Yes. I literally just said that."
"I know that. You think that I don't know that? I know that... What kind of gem? What does it do?"
"I dunno, maybe it's some sort of magical object that will protect us from whatever evil plants are out there. Or maybe it opens up portals to other worlds. Or maybe it's just a piece of junk."
"No, no, this isn't junk. This is definitely a gem!"
"Sure. But we need to find someone who can tell us for certain. Somebody out there must know something."
"Do you want me to try summoning my celestial cousins?"
"... maybe we could just try walking down one of these paths?"
"Fiiine." she sighs. "I wish my wings were strong enough to let me fly..."

>Explore the path deeper into the woods
>Follow the path out of the woods
>Experiment with the crystal first [suggestions]
Write-In

>>4078468
>Follow the path out of the woods
Maybe the crystal is a save point.

>>4078468
>Experiment with the crystal first [suggestions]

See if we can tranfer energy into it. Somehow. You know, like mana or some shit.

>>4078489
Supporting this

>>4078468
Ah, I get it now! She's retarded or something right? What do they call it again? Chu-something?

>>4078521
The term's delusional, not retarded. It's an important difference. One is a choice, the other's an affliction.

Update delayed by the time it takes me to scrub some dishes.

>>4078531
Delusions are often the result of a disorder so not really.

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>4078491
>>4078489
Okay.
Opposed roll to develop the ability to "transfer energy into a crystal like mana or some shit"
I need rolls, let's say, higher than the the one I've rolled to determine the level of success or failure.

If nobody objects, if the results don't prevent it, I'll move right onto
>>4078477
>>Follow the path out of the woods

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4078603

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>4078603

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>4078603

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4078603

>>4078633
>>4078617
>>4078621
>>4078612
>"Yer not a wizard, Gary."

"Before we go I'd like to try something."
"Oh? What do you want to do?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"I'd like to see if I could maybe, I dunno, charge this crystal. Like with magic?"
"Oh." She rolled her eyes. "I told you, mortals can't do magic like that. But whatever."

You sort of sit in the grass indian style, resting the crystal in your palms, and try your best to channel your energy into it.
Every so often the girl would make snide little comments about how you were trying to "get in touch with the elements of earth, fire, and wind" and giggle to herself.
Eventually, you start to feel something. An odd pressure deep within you. You try to relax and concentrate on it at the same time. You try to harness it and channel the energy. Just as you think you have it completely under control, it slips and... you are in touch with wind gently, but not quietly, leaving your shorts.
"Windmaster!" the girl giggles hysterically.
"Whatever. Let's go." you grumble. As you are leaping to your feet, you catch a glimpse of the crystal, for the briefest of moments, completely colored a shiny mettalic chrome. You try to get it to repeat the action, but nothing happens. But you definitely saw it and did not imagine it. It was real, whatever it means. But it was almost certainly *some* kind of magic.
You pocket the crystal and the two of you set out onto the path out of the woods.

+1 Harmonics!
You have gained a bonus to any Harmonic magic rolls! I wonder what that will mean!

Continued update to follow, feel free to make any Write-Ins you like...

>>4078681
As the two of you walk down the forest path, you see all the bizarre plants growing amongst the normal plants deeper within the forest and it creeps you out. "I wonder what all those weird plants are..." you comment out loud to yourself.
”Oh, they're Trifflids!” The girl chimes in. "The Shadow People planted them because they can walk amongst them without being seen. Shadow People are sooo creepy. Some are just tourists and voyeurs. But many are super nasty and just want to hurt others."
”...How do you know this?"
"I saw them with my demon eyes!” she tips down her glasses dramatically. "Before you had your little nightmare in the woods, I saw them creeping about. They make themselves look just like plants so you can't tell the difference. But I can tell..."
Thankfully, the trees thin out and the path extends towards a deep chasm where it splits off to the left along the cliffside and up to stone pillars supporting a bridge across the chasm. The bridge seems to be made of sturdy planks of wood, although there is a scorchmark several feet wide in the center.
You can make out a village a small distance away across the bridge. You can hear rushing water coming from the depths of the chasm.

>Walk the path along the cliff
>Cross the bridge carefully
>Try to scope out the village from this side of the chasm
>Examine the depths of the chasm
>Write-In

>>4078735
>Blatantly stealing the name for her made-up nonsense from a classic sci-fi novel
Damn it, nameless chuuni girl...

>Cross the bridge carefully

>>4078735
>Try to scope out the village from this side of the chasm after You check how deep the chasm is.

>>4078745
support

I'm going to leave this vote open until the morning. It's time for my beauty sleep.

>>4078735
>Try to scope out the village from this side of the chasm
Maybe it's a village of man-eating plants! Or plant-eating men! Wait...

>>4078735
>Try to scope out the village from this side of the chasm

>>4078735
first post, so I guess I have to make a meaningless write-in before the rest count
>This is getting kind of annoying. Push the girl into the canyon and see if she really can fly.

>>4078735
>Cross the bridge carefully

>>4078911
>>4078896
>>4078819
>>4078767
>>4078745
>Surveying and surveillance

You step up to the edge of the chasm and peer down the edge of the cliffs. The cliff walls are at least 40 feet up and the river is rushing by quickly, so you can only imagine what lies beyond it or how deep it is.

From your position, you can see the edge of the village, but only two or three villagers. The villagers look skinny, emaciated, and sickly pale. A few seem to be paused in the middle of working on simple mundane tasks.
Most of them appear to be either asleep or dead. One villager appears to be trying desperately to keep his balance as he walks across the edge of the simple wooden huts.

You creep down low, so you won't be seen. The girl stands there for a moment, looking from you to the villager. Then she flashes a conspiratorial grin and crouches down next to you, closer than she really needed to.
You watch the villager walking. He seems to be struggling to stay upright, but he keeps going until he reaches a hut the other side of the small village.

He reaches into a leather satchel hanging on a hook and tosses a handful of seeds onto the ground and just stares at them. Nothing happens. You are bored and about to give up when a small bird flies down to peck at the seeds. The villager pounces on the bird with lightning speed, pulling it to his mouth and biting down hard. He is holding it to his mouth and it is hard to tell from this distance, but he seems to be sucking on it like an orange wedge. Ew.

"The birds have mostly stopped coming." a light voice pipes up directly behind you. The unexpected sound makes you jump like a scared little bitch, bumping into the girl pressed next to you. She stumbles forward and grips the edge of the cliff.

>>4079196
"Hey!" She stares down at the river frozen in fear for moment before turning back to you. ”You nearly got me wet!"
Ignoring her, you turn towards the voice. Crouched next to you, like you were all friends and everything was perfectly normal, is a young girl in a simple white dress with brown hair so long it touches the ground as she squats. Standing up, you remember the villager. A quick glance confirms that he is still nursing his bird wedge and hasn't noticed you.
As the girl stands, you realize that she is quite a bit older than you first thought. Your initial impression was that she was, like, twelve or something, but she is just very small and petite. While you and the blonde struggling to her feet next to you are clearly in your early twenties, you would guess this girl is as old 17. No way she wouldn't get carded.
The brown haired girl stands, smiles and offers a wave. "Hi. My name is Anna."
You open you mouth and the blonde blurts out ”Hello Anna, my name is Alicia Angelfire Morningstar, but everyone calls me Alice." The blonde apparently named Alice does a sort of stilted curtsey for some reason.
"Yeah..." You say, returning Anna's wave. "My name is Gary. Wha-”
"I knew that!" Alice chimes in with a wide grin, her eyes excitedly fixed on Anna. "We've been walking through the forest together."
"Uh, yeah." You continue. "What was that about the birds?"

Anna's smile fades slightly. "Oh. Yes. The birds don't fly over to village much anymore. I think that they somehow know it isn't safe. My whole village is cursed. They're vampires, you see."
What.

>>4079199
"Oh my god! ME TOO!" Alice shouts as you facepalm. "Well, half vampire, half celestial, and half demon anyway..."
”That's not how halves work." Anna replies with a confused look.
"Oh my god! So, how did it happen for you? Were you visited by a handsome clan prince with gorgeous purple eyes too? Did he sweep you away in a whirlwind romance?"
"Er- no. Not at all!" Anna replies. Noticing Alice's disappointed look, she adds "But maybe it is because we aren't really, real vampires. I guess. We were cursed by whatever dark things live in that forest and just became this way in a flash all at once. Sunlight doesn't burn us but we need to drink blood and can't cross running water. Our shaman could have explained it better, but he tried to make a protective spell but it didn't work." She points sadly to the scorchmark on the bridge.
"Wait." You say. "You are saying that you are actually a vampire?"
"Yep." She smiles big and toothy like a little kid and points to her clearly long, vampire canines.
"That is SO cool!” Alice gushes, uninvitedly sticking her fingers in Anna's mouth, touching her teeth, pulling her lips up to better look inside. The entire time, Alice is excitely squirming, shifting from one leg to the next."
What the fuck.

>Press "A" for Exposition: Ask Anna all about her village, the curse, life, the universe, and everything.
>One of These Is Not Like The Others: Question why Anna is suspiciously not as weak as her fellow villagers.
>Skip to the Fetch Quest: Ask Anna if there's anything she needs to help with the curse
>Nice Blog: Ask Anna about the crystal
>Write-In something better.

>>4079204
>Nice Blog: Ask Anna about the crystal
Not everything is about you Anna, maybe we need someone to do a fetch quest or something for us instead, y'know?

>>4079204
>One of These Is Not Like The Others: Question why Anna is suspiciously not as weak as her fellow villagers.
Really nogs my jogs

Gonna leave the vote open for a bit and keep checking back while I do stuff. Hopefully I can post the next update in the next couple hours. I figure three or four updates spaced throughout the weekday will work.

>>4079204
>One of These Is Not Like The Others: Question why Anna is suspiciously not as weak as her fellow villagers.
Is it because she's been eating travellers?

>>4079215
>>4079247
Going with this and closing voting. I'm going to try my best to post the update in the next few hours but I've been shanghaied. I can't typewell my hands are tied but so I have to use speech to text to post this.

>>4079371
>I've been shanghaied
Everyday a new word to learn

>>4077655
>>4077662
>>4077673
>>4077679
About time you /qst/ lot stopped whining and found a solution to your problems. It may be weird, but at least OP is taking out the trash as far as samefagging is concerned.

>>4077720
>>4078282
Bitched and bitchpilled.

>>4079540
Why do I get the feeling that you typed that while choking on some cock?

>>4079551
Good one, faggot.

>>4079551
Top kek
Rude though.

File: AnnaReference.jpg (19 KB, 236x354)

19 KB JPG

>Nutritional Content Warning

Wait, why is Anna so much healthier than the other villagers? What has she been eating?
"Anna? Can I ask you a question?"
"Yeshmph?" Anna replies as she gently pulls Alice's fingers away from her mouth. "Yes, Gary? What is it?"
"I was wondering why you seemed so healthy when the rest of your village is, well, not doing so good."
"Oh" she says looking down. "I was outside the village, just over the bridge, when it happened. The river splits and the chasms go all around the village. It used to isolate us from danger, but now it traps them in and keeps me out."
"Right. But since you're free, does that mean you've been eating..."
Alice's eyes widen as she realizes what you're asking.
After a short, quiet pause, Anna looks up, tears in her eyes, and bursts out sobbing. "It's true! I have been! It is so horrible!"
Showing surprising empathy, Alice rushes forward and hugs Anna, consoling her. Grateful for the comfort, Anna wraps her arms around Alice, buries her face in her soft sweatered chest, and sobs.
"There, there." Alice says. "It's okay. We've all had to eat people before. Especially, if you're part demon or vampire."
After a moment, Anna stop sobbing, holds her head back, and wipes her eyes and cheeks with their hands. "Wait, what? Eat people? No, I've been eating mice! I don't think I could ever eat a person, or even feed off of one."
"That's okay." Alice responds, patting Anna on the head. "Not everyone is cut out to be a real vampire. There's no shame in that."

"...So Anna, you've only ever fed on mice?" You try to confirm.
"Yes, well, and other rodents. I leave the birds for the others. Mice are good but they don't last very long. Sometimes... Sometimes I feed on rabbits. I... I didn't know that rabbits screamed when they died..." Her lip trembles slightly, then she turns and collapses back into Alice's arms. As Alice strokes Anna's hair with sisterly compassion, you stare down at the path before you and realize you have to make a very important decision.

>Plus One Party Member. Invite Anna to join you and Alice in your travels.
>As You Were: Leave Anna to her own devices while you and Alice continue on your way.
>Alone At Last: Convince Alice to stay here and help Anna while you go on ahead.
>Write-In

>>4079789
>Plus One Party Member. Invite Anna to join you and Alice in your travels.
Yay, we have our own Shalltear

Btw, regarding freedom:
>>4077797
>>Head back to the clearing and spy on the girl
>Real stalker hours
>>4077993
>I’ve got an AR with a beam on it and a Micro Draco with a drum. I even have the key to the city.
>>4078911
>>This is getting kind of annoying. Push the girl into the canyon and see if she really can fly.
All of these were acceptable Write-Ins, they just didn't win. They would have established certain traits in our mc though. And then, actions contradictory to those traits would be more difficult.
Just FYI.

>>4079204
>Quietly leave the autists to their own devices and try to find a way out of the Forest of Chunnis.

>>4079878
Support, we'll find helpful party members but not here.

Well, it's going to be at least an hour and a half before I can start to write up a proper update, so I will close voting then.
All's fair in love and questing.

>>4079540
>>4079544
>>4079590
Yeah OK OP, you can stop samefagging.
I know it's you.

>>4080076
Nope.
Take off the tinfoil hat, Snu Tronx.

Looks like we have our decision. Voting is closed and so is the chuuni chapter, apparently.
Writing something now.

>>4079931
>>4079878
>Everyone Remember Where We Parked the NPCs

You try to quietly slip away and leave the strange girls to their own devices....
"Gary?"
Fuck.

Turning towards them quickly, you try something else. "I was just thinking... Anna, you couldn't help feed the other villagers because you can't cross the bridge, correct?"
"That's right. I tried, so hard, but I can't even step onto the bridge without it feeling like I'm going to explode."
"But since Alice is a completely different kind of vampire I'll bet she can cross with no problem. I bet you cross running water all the time, Alice. Correct?"
"That's right, I do..."
"Well then, it seems to me that Alice could stay here and take all the mice and whatever that Anna hunts up and toss them to the villagers until they get their strength back. What do you guys think?
Anna adds "And while we're doing that, you can search for some answers and maybe some help!"
"Or something like that, sure, yeah."

"Wait." Alice interjects. "You want to leave me here to stay in the middle of this forest and feed armfuls of rodents to half-starved frenzied vampires for who knows how long while you go off traveling?"
"Uh..."
"That is so fucking cool! Oh my god! This is the best idea!"
"...great! So, I'll leave you girls to it-"

"Wait, Gary! I have something." Alice starts digging around in her sweater pockets. She pulls out a fur lined slipper stuffed with a black sock. She pokes around in the sock for a minute, shakes her head, and hands it to you without looking up. Reaching into her other sweater pocket she pulls out a matching slipper and starts digging through the black sock in that. Looking down at the slipper in your hand you notice that the fur is actually quite soft. You think it might actually be real fur. And the sock is actually a black silk stocking. "Here." Alice shoves a small hard object into your other palm and snatches her slipper back. "It was a gift for my mother, well, I mean my surrogate mother, and I always hated it. She got a sapphire to match my eyes."
Sapphire? You look at the object and it looks like a gold sapphire ring. "Wait, your eyes are brown."
"They're amber actually. But she also got me matching contacts and made me wear them for two years. Anyway, take it, sell it, or trade it for, I don't know, beef jerky and a mule or whatever."
"I can't take this." It's probably fake, but still.
"Please. What do I need with it?" Now go." With that, she stands rigidly straight, arching her back to puff out her chest, and forms a kind salute. "Good luck, Gary... ... Windmaster." She smirks, stifling a giggle.
To her side, Anna stares curiously at Alice's pose and her stretched tight sweater. Turning to face you, she puffs out her own small chest, raises her hand, and waves. "Fare well, Gary, Master of Winds." She says cheerfully. Alice collapses into a fit of laughter, nearly tumbling to the ground, as Anna stares at her confused.
You pocket the ring and, this time, slip away unnoticed.

Yes now it's time to leave them to die and forget about them then start on our own journey. Great

>Gary whistles nonchalantly while walking thinking of what to do now.

>>4080418

You walk alone down the path which eventually pulls away from the edge of the cliff and you can no longer hear the river. The wind blows through your hair and tickles your face, and you smile at how happy you are to be alive and free. The tree line fades away and you soon walking a path through field which then connects to a rural road heavily marked by wagon tracks. You pick a direction and walk down it for a ways until you find a signpost.
You have a hard time making out with the sign post says. The letters seem extremely stylized to you. But eventually you're able to work out that it says that "Ironshod Market" is in the direction that you are calling North. And "Rockcastle" is to the South. Whatever units of measurement they're using, it seems like Rockcastle is further away. The sound of slow hoofbeats draws your attention and you see a large hay wagon being pulled by a truly massive horse coming towards you in the direction of Ironshod Market.
The wagon rider is wearing a large straw hat slid forward, covering their face.
You are considering asking them for help and maybe a ride, when you notice two short men sitting in the back with the hay. One is covered with green scales like a cracked lizard and the other seems to be made entirely of flickering black smoke. The two look to be talking with each other, but are far too distant to hear.
What the fuck?

>Simply greet the fellow travelers in a friendly manner.
>Ask for a ride north.
>Ask for a ride south.
>Run Away!
>Write-In

>>4080508
>>4080510
Pretty much.

>>4080418
>Anons will even abandon cute girls to spite the QM.
This is valuable information.

>>4080520
>Ask for a ride north

> Simply greet the fellow travelers in a friendly manner and ask where they are headed while complimenting their ride, to get on their good side.

>>4080520
>>Write-In
>Punch the lizard looking asshole.
Obviously a lizardman mob.
We need the exp.

>>4080540
OBVIOUSLY a fkin mob

>>4080534
>>4080536
>Everything is Perfectly Normal

As the hay wagon approaches you simply greet them. "Hey there! Where are you headed on such a nice day? That's a mighty fine steed you have there.
"Ayup." The driver lifts his heads as he slows and you can see his face, revealing a man somewhere in his thirties and forties. But with such a sun-baked face it's difficult to say precisely. Long brown hair sticks out from underneath the hat as he squints down at you. "Ol' Gus 'ere has been making this run up to Ironshod fer thirty winters now."
"Oh what's this meatsack crowing about now?" The man with skin like a cracked and broken lizard barks. When he speaks, you can see a glow deep within his mouth and a thin wisp of smoke puffs out. You can also see a similar glow in the deepest parts of the cracks in his skin. It has the effect of making it seem like he has a red hot molten core, despite sitting in dry hay. "Has he gone inkbutter on us? I don't want to find another..."
"Hold on..." The slippery, flickering smoke man makes you eyes feel oily when you look at him. Distracted by trying to make out his features, you miss that he's holding up the black fingers of each hand together, forming a hex pattern and peering through them... In your direction.
After a tense moment, the smoke man shrugs and says "I'm not sure, he seems to be chatting to a signpos-"
"So, I'll be heading on, less'n you feel like riding a spell." The driver spoke over smoke man as if he wasn't even talking. "Don't mind 'n neither does Gus iff'n you don't touch 'em. Then he bites." The drive makes a little laugh and makes room on the wagon for you.
"-amnfool humans talk to dogs. Did you know that? And they name cats. Cats!"
"They're all inkbutter and this one's more than most."
Struggling to makes sense of this, you climb onto the wagon mostly on autopilot. The two men in back ignore you completely. "M'name's Seth."
"Uh, Gary."
"Ayup." The horse lurched the wagon forward.
"Naw, my little meatsack." The green fellowpulls himself forward and thrusts an ornate and delicately carved silver dagger between you and Seth and twists it to place against Seth's neck. "Your name is Entrails and Bait!" Then he falls back into the hay cackling madly. Seth doesn't respond at all.
"Yes. Clever. Delightful." The smoking man snarks. "Just keep your antics to yourself until we get inside."
"Ugh, weird!"
"Now what?"
"That horse's farts smell like beastman blood."
What the fuck now?

>Run Away: Ditch Seth and take your chances alone.
>Try to warn Seth about the men in the back
>Experiment with interacting with the others.
>Write-In

>>4080607
Well this is interesting!

>Experiment with interacting with the others.
By kicking them off the cart. Anyone who objects to naming cats deserves punishment. Also they're evil and creepy.
Seth clearly can't see them so warning him is unlikely to succeed.

>>4080607
>Experiment with interacting with the others.

>>4080686
This, but try to subtle about it. Maybe see if the crystal affects them.

>>4080615
>Addendum: steal all their shit before kicking them.

>>4079878
>>4079931
>>4080508
BASED AF.

welp didnt expect that shiet about the anime girls

>Experiment with interacting with the others.

anyways my choice

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>The Scientific Crystal Method

>After a few moments, the green fellow clambers up closer towards you and Seth. The smoking man asks him, "What are you doing now?"
"Shush! I just want to believe myself haha. The disgusting green fellow puts his foot up on the bench next to your arm and begins on doing the front of his filthy leather pants."
"Your kind and your fluids are so disgusting." The smoking man turns away.

Surreptitiously, when they're definitely not looking, you fish the crystal out of your cargo pocket and slowly jab it into the greenfellas foot.

>Experimentation time!
Everyone roll against the opposed roll. We'll count rolls higher than the target as successes and multiple successes vs. failures as degrees of success, whynot?

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4081185
Ok, good thing our surname is bacon

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>4081185

File: gary_bacon_pixel@2x.png (6 KB, 680x180)

6 KB PNG

>>4081197
>Ok, good thing our surname is bacon
Ha!

....I don't get it.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>4081185
why do you persist.

>>4081216
Google Francis Bacon

>>4081217
>why do you persist
Have to.
Rule 3

Rolled 20 (1d100)

dam at least short rolled worse than myself

>>4080076
I'm not OP faggot.

>>4081690
You’re not fooling anyone bitchboi.

>>4081197
>>4081214
>>4081217
>>4081500
>It's Super Effective!

As soon as the crystal makes contact with his skin, there is a sound like a photo flash charging or an autist approaching from a great distance:
Reeeeee-
A brilliant flash of light blinds you for half a second...
Twuuuwrnn!
And the greenfellow is violently kicked off the wagon by an unseen force.

"See! This is what I told you about your antics! If you get us in trouble I'm telling her it's all your fault!" the smoking man yells after the green fellow who is rolling on the ground clutching his foot as Gus pulls the wagon further away.
Wasting no time, you jab the crystal into the back of the smoking Man. Your hand passes freely passing into his back like water and there's a cool sensation on your skin as another sound, like warblering electricity, builds...
YaWarNehzZezZahrRiiiii!
This time you are prepared for the flash of light and see the smoking man explode into a dissipated cloud of smoke that hovers over the road as you move on with Seth and Gus, neither of them apparently noticing anything amiss.

After a moment, you recover, ensure they aren't retuning, and pocket the crystal. "So..., uh, Seth? Do know anything about, well, small, invisible people?"
"Whatcha mean? Like boggarts? No reason to worry about them as long I've got..." Seth reaches around back behind him and feels around on the wood, eventually his fingers finding an empty nail sticking out. "Well, bugger my hump, it's gone! Damn thing must've fallen off. Happy you mentioned it. I'll need to pick one up in town. Them boggarts can play fair mean sometimes. And ol' Gus won't be sharin' his, eh?" He let's out another short chuckle.
"So, where can I learn about magic things like boggarts and such?"
"Justice! Near 'bouts everyone 'round here know 'nough to keep clear of them. Although, folk do tend to disagree on the details on such..." The seems to be thinking the subject over as you ride in silence.
"I reckon iffin you want regular, useful learning on everyday magic, you can't go wrong with Maggie the Midwife. She lives just west of town, can't miss her. Great lady.
"Iffin you want fancy learnin on all things magic and an earful of everything else, little John is usually drinking tea in the tavern, wearin' out somebody's ear.
"But iffin you're lookin' to mess with magic like a fool girl after a love charm, or iffin you think got hit wit a bad love charm 'cause you start fancying pigs or somethin', the Red Witch in north town is where folk go. Can't says I remember her name and I don't think she's calling herself Red Witch, but she's a witch and is always wearing them red robes. So...."
After a minute you realize that he's done talking and you ride on in thoughtful silence.

---->

>>4082157
Arriving at the town of Ironshod proves uneventful and passing through the massive wooden palisades involves little more than a disinterested nod from a teen in simple leather armor holding a spear and doing a great impression of every bored mall employee ever.
The town itself is fairly active, with many horses, wagons, and people going about their way. The people's clothes and such seem medieval to you, but the buildings, aside from a few older stone ones, appear more like something out of a western. There are false fronts, horse hitches, water troughs, and no magic or fantastic creatures around. Just humans. The normalcy seems odd at this point.
"Ayup. This is where we part ways Gary. I got to go unload the wagon."

>TWO VOTES NEEDED:
>Seth:
>Say goodbye to Seth.
>Try to encourage Seth to join you. >Do everything you can to recruit Seth to the party.
>Write-In

>Next action:
>Go find Maggie the Midwife
>Go find John in the tavern
>Go find the Red Witch
>Write-In

>>4081240
>Francis Bacon
I'd like to think that I would have put together eventually. But thank you.

>>4082159
>Say goodbye to Seth.

>Go find the Red Witch

>>4082159

>Say goodbye and ask for a nearby shop so that you sell something.

>Go find the Red witch (After shopping hopefully)

>>4082159
We didn't steal the boggerts' shit. I'm disappointed.

>Say goodbye to Seth.
>Ask how big this town is
Unless this world works on RPG logic, there's no way we can sell the ring in a dinky township. Nobody will have enough money, nor the connections to sell it further. We need to find a jeweller, or in the worst case a fence.

File: GrainIntoGold.pdf (470 KB, PDF)

470 KB PDF

>>4082190
>>4082216
>>4082258
Gonna close voting and start writing. I think shopping is entirely possible. It's a small town but far from a podunk. They have a town guard, but not much of one. They have trade. Their cartwright is well known in the region.
You can sell the ring here, but anon's right in that we won't get the best price and that it'll be largely store credit.
But I'm not sure how else you'd get any money. You're just not pretty enough to sell your body in this town.
Just factors to consider as I write and hopefully post tonight.

Anons looking to make a Christmas List might as well know that I am simply lifting a selection of items from Grain into Gold rather than generating a whole store. No Bags of Holding or Heads of Vecna.

>>4082332
>Goodbye Seth

You climb down off the wagon. "Thank you for the ride, Seth. Make sure you replace that boggart thing."
"Will do..."
"Hey Seth?"
"Ayup?"
"How big is this town? Do you know where I might be able to sell a bit of jewelry and buy some things?
"Town's not too big. No more than five hundred I reckon. Still, Overland's general store should suit you. Tell Peter that Seth says you're a wary lad. He'll do right by you."
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
Seth gives you a friendly wave as he goes off to his business.
As you walk away from the gate, you notice that there is a small group of people standing outside a central building that could be the town hall or a meeting hall of some sort. The people seem to be waiting for someone or something. You'd normally be curious but as you're looking you spot the general store and head towards it and go inside.
You see several other people inside, but they don't seem to pay any attention to you. They must get travelers fairly often. You're surprised at how the shop is not too dissimilar from a rural country store you stopped in a while back.
A few minutes pass before a man with a short beard approaches you.
He's wearing a blue tunic over a light brown shirt and has dark hair that falls past his shoulders. His face shows placid friendliness and he seems nonplussed by your presence.
"Ah, hello customer." He says. "What can I do for you today?" He only now begins to examine your odd clothing.
"I'm a wary lad."
"Excuse me?"
"Seth sent me, he said to tell Peter that I'm a wary lad?"
Recognition washes ovee the man's face. "Ah yes. You're a friend of Seth's? What can do for you?"
"I have this ring I'd like to sell and perhaps buy a few things." You pull out Alice's ring and show it to him.
He politely takes it from you and examines it. He lets out at low whistle before handing it back. He walks towards a counter in the back and motions for you to follow. Flipping through a thick book of notes on the counter, he makes a few scribbles and says in a lowered voice "It's a fine piece but I don't get much call for such. You could get more in a place like Rockcastle, if you tried. I can only offer you about fifty gold for it and I don't have more than twenty in the shop. I could give you credit and maybe see about some more coin tomorrow. Would that work for you?"

>Accept terms
>Decline
>Write-In

>What are you looking to buy?

>>4082489
First of all, do we have any money ? This dictates whether or not we can wait to sell it for higher

>>4082489
On one hand, 50 gold seems just too low. On the other hand, here we have an in from Seth which presumably will safeguard us from being robbed and murdered for this ring.

Realistically, I think we should sell it here, because otherwise trying to sell it will consume the whole plot and that's not something I'd like to play.

>Accept terms. Get as muc hcoin as we can, including more tomorrow, take the rest in store credit.
We want to visit the Red Witch anyway, so returning tomorrow isn't a bother.

>What are you looking to buy?
Necessities:
- Trail food
- Water canteen
- A good knife - the universal tool.
- Firestarting equipment
- Rope - always useful on an adventure
- Heavy woolen cloak - is warm, protects from rain, can serve as a blanket
- A hat to protect from sun and rain
- A bag or backpack to carry our stuff in.
Take the rest of the store credit in small, light, valuable, easily sellable goods. Salt is a good trade commodity, for example, but ultimately it depends on what the shop has in stock.

>>4082546
Ah, and we should buy some local clothes to not stand out so much.

>>4082546

>support

>>4082546
Agreed, but I'd say to buy a tent too.
Oh, and a ten foot pole. You can never go wrong with one of those.

>>4081775
That's why you're still reading this thread cunt.

>>4082546
>A weeks worth of trail food
26 sp

>Water canteen
3 sp

>A good steel knife, the universal tool, complete with leather sheath
7 sp

>Firestarting equipment
9 cp

>Cotton Rope - always useful on an adventure
4 sp per 10 Head
Wait. What the fuck is a "Head"?
You ask the shopkeeper what it means and he says "It's ten Twings." Seeing your confusion, he holds his hands roughly twelve inches apart from each other.
"Oh, it's a foot."
He glances down at your feet and looks up at you quizzically. "I don't envy the cobblers where you're from, sir."
50 Hd Rope - 20 sp

>Heavy woolen cloak - is warm, protects from rain, can serve as a blanket
8 sp

>An oiled leather backpack to carry our stuff in.
17 sp

>>4082550
>local clothes:
>Cotton shirt
20 sp
>cotton breeches
20 sp
>brown leather coat
60 sp

>A hat to protect from sun and rain
Apparently, everyone around here uses homemade strawhats for that. The only hats he has are for cold weather. A couple more expensive fur hats and some wool knit caps for 6 sp.
(None of the shoes are remotely as comfortable as your sneakers which are, like, brand new)


>Coin purse
6 cp

>>4082635
>tent too.
30 sp

>a ten foot pole
Peter says he can give you directions to the carpenters, if you like.

>Take the rest of the store credit in small, light, valuable, easily sellable goods
After searching around for something that won't weigh a ton, you find a bottle of fine rum in a metal jug. Overland confirms thatbyou should have no trouble selling it for 30 sp and gives it to at that price with a friendly smile.
30 sp.

50 Gold Pieces = 500 Sliver Pieces = 5000 Copper pieces
500 sp -241 sp -15 cp = 2,575 cp
He gives you your coins in 20 gp, 55 sp, and 25 cp.
The copper coins seem to be marked with what looks like to you to be a simple horseshoe stamp. The silver coins are all freshly, but simply, minted with an engraving of a lantern and waves of light shining from it. 15 of the gold coins have a sort of roundish circle broken up in a jigsaw pattern. Five of the gold coins have a crude engraving of a skull upon them that's been stamped off with an X. Seeing you take notice of the five coins, Peter comments that they are supposedly "pirate gold" but they spend just the same. Some of the locals don't like taking them so they've been jangling around his lock box for a while.
Peter thanks you warmly for your business, wishing you well on your travels.

Before you leavee you ask the man if he knows anything about the Red Witch. He looks at you confused for a moment before replying. "No, nothing of importance." He says. "Just that she lives in a house to the north with three large windows. Ileska likes to keep to herself, mostly. She seems nice enough when comes into the store."

>Have stuff, wat do?
This update took longer than I wanted for technical reasons. So I'll follow up with you going to the Red Witch if there's no additional input.

>>4083185
Wait, did we buy the woolen hat? I don't think we need one (who knows if we even live to see the autumn)
>Go to the Red Witch

>>4083064
Aw, did I strike a nerve bitchboi? Maybe I wouldn’t call you out if you weren’t such a neurotic looking faggot. I occasionally tune in to watch your pathetic ass get btfo by the players.

>>4083205
Actually I had to double-check that before clicking "post". No you did not.

>>4081254
Aw.
I pissed away a perfect opportunity to say "Because I choose to." here, didn't I?
Fuck.

Still 'n all, the serendipitous synchrony in this quest is damn near miraculous.

Question Qm is there a slave system in this world and if there is, can we ask if there's a slave shop in this town although i am doubtful about that

Also when we go to the witch we could ask if she knows about curses or atleast something useful to help those vamp villagers before

>>4083581
>help those vamp villagers
I'm rather we never do this. If we head back to chuuni forest that means that the inhabitants will start following us around again.
>>4083185
no additional input

>>4083600

I understand that but we could atleast actually try to help and if we Can't well we leave it at that

>>4083600
Oh stop it you fuck.

>>4083208
Except you're the lifeless faggot who keeps coming back. You can't show up to Wednesday Night Fights, get bodied, and come back and say "Oh I'm BrokenTier Yipes now!"

>At least she's not ginger

You find the house easily enough as it's the only one with three large, frosted windows in front. You cross her small garden along the cobblestone path and knock on her door. A woman wearing lush, fine crafted set of hooded red robes opens the door. She looks to the left and right as if searching for something then she calls out in a sing-song manner. "It isn't very wise to prank a witch!" Then she lets out a soft chuckle and mutters. "Nicker-knocking little scamps."
She pulls her hood back and you can see her ageless face. she has lovely features and high cheekbones and long, curly silver hair held back by a simple white ribbon. You find it difficult to place her age and she appears to you like an actress in her thirties portraying a woman in her fifties or sixties. She breathes in the early evening air and exhales in a gentle sigh while gazing at the view of the town over your shoulder. You open your mouth to say something but halt when she squints at something around your chin. She slowly reaches her hand towards you as if to snatch away a pest. The moment her slender fingers touch your cheek, she pulls her hand back in surprise. "Peace me! Oh my goodnes. You startled me. Your shroud is amazing! Wherever did you get it?" Seemingly seeing you for the first time, she suddenly says "Oh it's you! I've been expecting you for weeks. Have you been shrouded in town all this time? Please, come inside." She turns and beckons you to follow her into her home.

---->

>>4084681

The inside of the large, front room of her house is well lit with a fine floor rug, a comfortable looking sofa, and several chairs arranged in a circle. Small tables and shelves around the walls of the room have books and knick-knacks tastefully arranged on them.
"So tell me why you've come for my help." She says, gesturing to the chairs.
Preferring to stand for the moment, you begin to explain. "I have a lot of questions and I was hoping you might be able to help me with them. But first, well, you seemed to recognize me a moment ago, but I am certain we haven't met..."
"Oh, of course. That must be unsettling for you. Please allow me to explain. Well, roughly once a month or so, I do a little divination work, to help me prepare for the unexpected. Mostly just glimpses, or flashes, of possible futures. But on rare occasions, I receive full visions, like I did with you, standing here in my home."
"With me?" You respond as you back away slightly. "I'm sorry, I don't-"
"Please watch out!" she interrupts, looking behind you.
Turning to see what she means, your backpack accidentally brushes against a translucent blue mask propped up on a shelf behind you. It falls to the floor and shatters into pieces. Bending down to examine the damage, you pick a piece up and see that it's hopelessly broken. Still holding the piece in your hand, you turn to the woman to apologize. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"That's okay." She assures you. "It wasn't anything special, just something I liked. ...Wait. I've seen this. This is it. This is the vision. Yes. You were stand right there, holding that piece, just like that. And I..." The woman looks back snd forth before taking a step to the left. "I... I stand here, right here, and I'm supposed to say something... I say... 'Gary of Earth, I will make every effort to help you in your goal and in exchange, I ask only that when you find the Familiar Symbol, you take it and give it to me. "
She had sort of stiffened slightly when she had repeated the line, but now visibly relaxes as she offers an apologetic smile. "Terribly cryptic, I know."
She steps over and, gathering her robes, settles into a composed but casual position on her sofa. "Hopefully I can answer some of the questions you have and it may convince you to accept my help. I am awfully curious about what the Familiar Symbol could be. Although, there are a great many things I don't know. For example, I've never even heard of the town of 'Earth'. It must be quite far away."
What the fuck.

>So many questions. There is no real time limit at play in this instance, so what you ask is up to you, various topics can lead in various directions.
>Ask about how she can help
>Ask about boggarts
>Ask about the "shroud"
>Ask about the crystal
>Ask about magic
>Ask about her
>Ask about the cursed village of vampires
>Ask about slavery for some inexplicable reason
>Ask about how you got here
>Write-In any questions you like. Supported ones will be added

>>4083574
>is there a slave system in this world
In the world, yes.
In the region? I will be honest and say that I hadn't generated that. I will, so that I will know. But you have to earn free answers... with... boxtops? No, something though.
Anyway, the mc has seen no clear signs of slavery.

>can we ask if there's a slave shop in this town although i am doubtful about that
Technically, you can ask, but this town doesn't have a shop just for clothes, let alone just for slaves. There'd probably be a specific family that handles most of the slave mastering, and everybody would just go through them. No need for a shop, just go see Ma Shackleford. That kind of thing.

I apologize for the delayed post today. I was not given advanced warning that I wouldn't be able to mobile post. And then I deleted half the update when transferring it, like a tired idiot, and had to retype it.

>>4084685
>Ask about how she can help
>Ask about why would she help
>Ask about boggarts
>Ask about the "shroud"
>Ask about the crystal
>Ask about magic
>Ask about her
>Ask about the cursed village of vampires
>Don't ask about slavery because the reason is completely explicable and it's that anon's dirty fetish
>Ask about how you got here
>Ask about WHY you got here
>Ask how to get back (we don't have to, but having the info is better than not having)

>>4084685
Seconding this >>4084750

Woah Anon dirty fetish ... I wonder who's that about Lol >>4084750 no its not a fetish I just thought we could buy someone useful for either combat, luggage carrier and the sorts cause we are not even sure of our fighting power. So my good man there's no dirty thoughts here.
>>4084685
>Ask about the slavery system

>>4084750
Support.
Except for the slave part, pls do ask , sheesh it's not like we have to get a female slave you dunces

>>4084750
>>Ask about her
I have some general deets, but open to any specific inquiries.

>>4084823
Dropped my name.

>>4084816
>I just thought we could buy someone useful for either combat, luggage carrier and the sorts cause we are not even sure of our fighting power
What's the reason that you slipped past "mercenary" or "hireling" and went straight to "slave"?

>>4084826
The fact that we would only have to pay once and keep them forev and that I did not think about mercenarys :P so ya if slaves are no good, mercenarys it is.
Also is there adventurers and that place in nearly all isekais where the MC goes to register? Sorry i'm to lazy to recall the actual Name

Although I gotta say if it's one of those slave systems where we buy them and then they are put under a contract that somehow punish the slave for disobeying or try to kill us would be nice, if not fuk slaves

>>4084816
>Buying a slave who you can't defeat in combat
He'll just kill us and escape. Holy shit, anon, slaves aren't robots.

>>4084838
But they could be... They could be

>>4084750
Oh boy exposition, exposition. Support.

>>4084614
You act as if it takes effort to get to this thread. When it gets bumped and stays on top for a minute I come over to see you get your salad tossed by your own players. I hope you enjoy those warm BBCs sliding down your throat, faggot ass slut. Your quest is nothing speacial and I wouldn’t even call it decent. The fact that your a cowardly, pretentious cunt doesn’t make things better.

>>4084822
>>4084791
>>4084750
>Thog Edit Needed

"How do you feel you could help?"
"Well, it largely depends on what it is you are trying to do. But I have studied longer than I would prefer to say and possess a great deal of mystical knowledge, experience with the local creatures of nature, and more than a fair bit of experience as a wandering shaman and journeyman alchemist. I presume that I can be helpful to whatever your goal is."
"Can you handle yourself in combat if we get attacked or something?"
She raises an eyebrow at your question. "Well, I prefer to avoid violence, but I am more than capable of deflecting and incapacitating, if needed. I would rather not harm others unless it's absolutely necessary."

"Why are you offering to help me?"
"Well, because of the vision of course! 'Familiar Symbol'? Why would I see a vision of myself blanket agreeing to help someone for such a mysteriously vague reward? I am desperately curious and I am convinced that it will be worth it. Besides, it could be fun. ...and you have a sort of... unmolded clay sort of charm about you."

"I had a question about boggarts..."
"Boggarts! You've been talking to the locals haven't you? Do you know what boggarts care about? I'll tell you what they care about. Mud. That's it. Their mud. If you aren't fussing about a boggart's mudhole, they're totally harmless. But one day, some Ironshod housewife comes home to find a boggart in her kitchen after a pie she'd left cooling, and suddenly everything is a boggart. Can you guess how many boggarts are in this region? Three! In the whole region! Boggarts.... Please."
"What about a creature that's all made out of black smoke?"
"Heard stories about False Wraiths? The Shee? Don't worry. They may be dark and violent, but they are hardly ever have been seen unless by someone marked for death. They're mostly just inflated reputation."
"I see... What about green creatures with cracked, scaly skin?"
"Hmmm... Do you mean Chufs? They are awfully rare and tend to stay away from areas with people. Or humans anyway. They can be so destructive, usually, that they get hunted with enchanted iron. Especially when they get as large as draft horses, they just become too unmanageable for their own good."
"Well, this one was less than half my size."
"Wait, you've really seen one?"
"Yeah. Today, he was riding with one of those Shee things on the hay cart I took into town."
She breaks out with a little laugh then quickly silences herself. "Justice. You are being serious. They were really together and riding on a hay cart? What in the world for? I wonder..."

---->

>>4086644
"They said something about 'getting inside' and were threatening Seth, the driver."
"I'm not sure what magic they planned on using to get inside the town walls, but it probably would not have gone well for him. I'm surprised that they didn't harm you."
"They didn't seem to see me. Most people seem to be able to see me fine, but you and they couldn't. What's with this "shroud" you mentioned?"
"Well, my guess is that it is a spell or enchantment that hides you from those with Fair Sight like the Forest Folk and myself. Do you really not have any idea how you came by it?"
"Actually, I think it might have something to do with this." You pull the crystal out of your pocket to show it to her. She reaches to take it and have a closer look. After a moment's thought, you hand it over.
"Oh my, yes. As soon as you let go of this crystal, your shroud vanished. Whatever the source of it is, it is connected to this. But... What is this? Clearly it's a crystal, but it is no naturally occurring one that I have ever seen before. And I have seen quite many. No. I would wager that this was created by someone intentionally, and masterfully so. A pity that this piece seems to have been broken off... It has amazing harmonic structure and seems to be attuned to you, but... I am sensing no magic, no enchantment, nor any spiritual attachment. Either whatever powers this is magic of a very powerful and equally secretive god-level entity, or it isn't magic at all."
"What do you mean? What else could it be if not magic? I touched it to each of those bog- er, Folk, and they were blasted off the wagon."
"Really? Then it's even more powerful than I thought. Definitely not magic." Seeing your confusion, she continues. "Magic, magery, or wizardry is at heart, touching into the true essence of things. Those with the sense can sort of manipulate those true essences with the right practiced methods. The sense allows you to detect active or even passive or potential magic. This crystal has none. Sorcery derives from stellar and cosmic powers that, while I don't fully understand, are even easier to detect. There are also methods that allow certain people to commune with various kinds of spirits. Those sort of techniques leave traces of the spirit. Enchantments leave harmonic resonances and the one I could feel was simply an attunement with you. The kind that can be achieved by an beginning enchanter. Shamanic energy is instantly recognizable to another shaman and alchemy can achieve wondrous things, but simply doesn't produce the kinds of effects we're discussing.
"Of course, there are many wonders in the world, and this could be a power that I am wholy unfamiliar with. There is a monastery in the northern mountains that I learned some shamanic methods from. I saw things there that I cannot explain.
"I'm sorry that I can't tell you more about the crystal, Gary."

---->

>>4086651
"Can you tell me something about yourself?"
"Well, much of my past, my childhood, and learning the ways of the Forest Folk, are all deeply personal to me and I don't really like to discuss it with others. But a while back, I found myself free of obligation for the first time in what seemed like forever. So I wandered around, surviving with what I knew and learning as much as I could. About eight years ago, I found a family here in Ironshod that needed aid and helping them gave me a sort of satisfaction that I never really had before. So I kept returning here, helping others, until I made it my home. I hope that helps you understand me a bit better."

"Speaking of helping others, there is another thing. There is a village between here and the dark forest..."
"I know the place."
"Yes, well, they've been cursed. Cursed into vampires."
"What? I had heard some rumors of a vampire girl on the paths, but the whole village? Are you sure?"
"Definitely. I left a, uh, someone, there to help that girl feed them, but I wasn't sure if there was something that could be done, by someone."
"Help feed them? The forest is full of- Oh! The river! Vampires can't cross running water! How cruel! And ironic, turning the river that protected them into their execution... I know who did this. That bastard."
"What? How? Who?"
"There is a sadistic piece of work Slyph that works for- well, is one of the more powerful Forest Folk. He delights in twisting ironic torment on innocents. I hadn't heard from him since that fool kingdom to the east tried to make war upon the dark forest. I had dearly hoped that he was dead. But this is too perfectly him. Cinnamon."
"I'm sorry?"
"That is what he's called. Cinnamon, Lord Cinnamon, Cinn, or some variation of that. He's just evil. The good news is that he's probably already forgotten about the whole curse and won't cause trouble if someone tries breaking it. But any sort of spell that size would take more fairy dust than I can acquire and they'd need an equal amount to break it."

---->

>>4086654
"Could fairy dust be used to teleport a person?"
"Certainly. A pinch could easily teleport a person thirty feet or more."
"How about from a different world?"
"Like from another plane? Like demons?"
"More like alternate worlds with different humans on them."
"I don't know Gary, that would require more than I could imagine. More than a roomful, I don't know."
"Oh. I think that I found some in the clearing where I arrived in the dark forest, but it was only a little..."
"...what? ...Gary, are you telling me that you were transported here from another world into a clearing in the dark forest? Did this clearing have a stump? Were there any Forest Folk around when you appeared?"
"Um, yes, yes, and no. There was just, uh, just no Forest Folk around."
"This makes absolutely no sense."
"I know right? What the fuck?"
"No. No Gary. Don't you see? Somebody put forth a tremendous amount of power to bring you here and specifically to the dark forest. The Forest Folk could have gathered and done it, I hesitate to guess why they would, but if they did, they would be there to... Um... 'Greet' you. And the paths, and that clearing especially, are where they cannot reach you. So, if it was them, they wouldn't teleport you there. But if it wasn't them, nobody else would teleport you to the Dark Forest at all! It makes no kind of sense."
"Any chance you know how I could get sent back?"
"Well, you and your world share a resonance. So if you find someone powerful enough and knowledgeable in teleportation, there is a good chance. But eventually, your resonance will adapt to this world and I'm not sure how it could be done after that... Oh!"
Ileska the Red Witch blushes in front of you and gently rests her face in her palm.
"What is it?"
"Oh nothing. It's just... 'Earth' isn't the name of a town. Is it?"

>Accept Ileska's offer and choose a goal for her to help you in (This will be her goal with you, not necessarily the quest goal)
>Something Else

>>4086654
>Imagine paying student debts to Fair Folk
Yeesh

>>4086659
It is interesting that chuuni acquaintance also didn't know how she ended up in that clearing. So quite possibly whatever brought us there wasn't targeting specifically us. Or the chuuni is somehow connected to us.
I think we should return and speak to her more, however some anons may object.
I also find it suspicious that the QM avoided mentioned her to Ileska. This makes me want to have them meet even more.

>Accept Ileska's offer
>Goal: find out why we're here and how to get back
If we obtain power, riches and waifus in the procress, we can always stay, but having an exit is always good and we don't have anything else to do anyway.

>>4086659
Seconding this >>4086697

>>4086697
+1

>>4086659
>Accept Ileska's offer and choose a goal for her to help you in (This will be her goal with you, not necessarily the quest goal)
>>4086697
We can go back and see about Vampire village. The other vampire girl may know something about the Macguffin. Once we have the information we need though, we get out of there with none of those girls clinging to us. Let's not have our moment of autonomy be ruined so easily and let's hope this return trip doesn't give the QM an excuse to railroad us again.

>>4086808
>>4086843
>>4086697
>>Accept Ileska's offer
>>Goal: find out why we're here and how to get back
Voting Closed

>>4087058
>Shake on it

You agree to accept her help and she looks at you cautiously.
"So...you're certain about me helping you?" she asks. You nod. "Alright." She stands, rolls up her right sleeve to her elbow, and extends her hand. After a moment, you push back your jacket sleeve and shake her hand. She smiles and says "Like this." With her other hand, she moves yours so that you are clasping each other's wrists. "This means it is a deal. I will make every effort to help you find out why you are here and how you can get back. And in return, when you find the Familiar Symbol, you will take it and give it to me."
"Does this mean I have to steal it, whatever it is?"
She shrugs. "A person 'takes' a purchase. I presume it will be up to you. Now then, it's gotten late. We should get started in the morning. I have a bit research I would like to do before we get into it. And I should make some preparations. Did you get a room at the tavern? I suppose you could stay the night here, but I'm not used to having guests. I don't have much in the way of supper as I am a light eater. You could always have a meal at the tavern and come back if you are looking to save coin. I'll be up late preparing. I don't really mind you sleeping in here, although my neighbors my wag their tongues over such a young man staying over. But it's good to give them some harmless gossip now and then." She gives you a little wink and begins looking through her books.

>Get supper and a room at the tavern
>Have supper at the tavern and return to Ileska's for the night
>Stay her and try to be helpful to her, eating your rations
>Write-In

>>4087107
>Have supper at the tavern and return to Ileska's for the night

>>4087107
>Have supper at the tavern and return to Ileska's for the night

Rolled 1 (1d1)

>>4087107
Rolling a tie-breaker.
1. Have supper at the tavern and return to Ileska's for the night

2. Stay here and try to be helpful to her, eating your rations

3. Get supper and a room at the tavern

>>4088060
>Potatoes, Hold the Sidequest

You head to the tavern where you find that it isn't too busy. You order a drink and a meal and sit down at one of the tables near the door. A few people walk by, but nobody comes up to speak with you.
The woman brings you a bowl of meat and vegetables. It appears to be some sort of stew made out of mostly potatoes and a meat you cannot identify, but actually tastes damn good and is filling. The drink is a thick brown beer that slides across your tongue like room temperature Guinness. (Okay, more like a Guinness knock-off made in New Jersey.) After paying the 8 copper pieces, you begin to eat slowly while the woman seems to linger near the table.
"My name is Natalia, but everyone calls me Tala." She is a young woman who looks around twenty and has olive skin, loose black hair that falls past her shoulders, and a small, faded scar running along her left cheekbone.
She wears a short sleeved dress that goes just above her knees and an ample figure mostly concealed by an apron.

She speaks softly and slowly, looking down often when speaking to you. "I'm sorry about this, sir, I don't mean to bother you, I was just wondering if you had heard anything about that thief that broke into the Cartwright Manor. Have you?"
"No, I haven't."
"Oh... Well, I won't bother you then." she says, sounding slightly disappointed. "Please, enjoy your meal." With that, she turns to walk around, absent-mindedly wiping down tables.
Looking around, it seems like most of the other people in the tavern are older farmers and such talking amongst themselves and relaxing after a hard day's work.

>Ask Tala about this thief
>Chat with Tala to pass the time
>Simply eat your food and drink your beer
>Write-In

>>4088067
>Ask Tala about this thief

It was boggarts. Mud-loving bogarts.

>>4088060
>rolling a 1d1
Dádiva OP-sama
>>4088067
>Ask Tala about this thief

>>4088118
>Dádiva
Sasuga

>>4088067
>Ask Tala about this thief

>>4088067
Start singing, get a karaoke session started.

>>4088067
>Eat your meal quietly while listening to conversation nearby.
We don’t want to stick out, but we do want to know what is going on.

>>4084886
Your mom was special last night, twat.

>>4088398
>>4088118
>>4088076
>"Boggarts Stole Me Mud!"

"Who is this thief?" you ask Tala.
Seeing your interest, she flashes a small smile and walks back over. "He's a man named Thomas who was caught with a bag full of valuables in the Cartwright Manor."
"And why were you so interested in him? What is so special about this thief?"
Tala blushes a little and says
"It's because they say he's a thief! That he stole from the Cartwrights."
"A thief stealing from someone else is nothing unusual, it happens all the time. Are you sure that's why you're so curious?"
She fidgets a little. And then she confesses "Well, sir. I met him. He was in here yesterday..." She whispers conspiratorially "...and I think that he's innocent."
"What? How could you possibly know that?"
"Well, he was in here for a long time. He said he was looking to sell some valuables, for travel expenses. I think that's what he was caught with. Plus, he has such kind eyes and a ticklish, I mean, roguish little beard..."
"Really? What are they saying happened at the manor?"
Her eyebrows furrow a bit "That's just the trouble, sir. People are saying so many different things. Several folk said that he got caught with the second daughter in her bedroom! A few say he fought the guard captain. Elsbeth said she heard that he fought off the whole guard naked, but everyone knows she couldn't carry the truth with both hands and a bucket. I even heard that Thomas, the thief rather, saved someone's life and the whole manor from a fire."

--->

>>4089110

"So what do you think happened?"
"That he was caught naked in the daughter's bedroom? That's what some people say, sir."
"But do you really believe it?"
"Yes, I do. He has that sort of quality to him. He's like The Highwayman stepped out from the bard's song, seeking his love... Er, but I also think that he might have been fighting the captain or something like that, because they seem upset with him."
"Hmm...do you think that there was a really a fire?"
Tala shakes her head quickly. "No. We would have seen the smoke. But I think that the captain was injured. His wife ran across the square earlier and she seemed in an awful hurry."
"You think that the captain was hurt badly enough to need help?"
"I don't know, sir. I guess so."
"Do you think he died? Or did he survive?"
Worry flashes across her face. "I think Thomas saved him after he was injured. I'm sure of it! He was so sweet to me, I can't imagine him hurting anyone!" She clutches her hands to her heart and it seems to you like she's trying to convince herself more than you. "I want to find out more about him. If he was a hero or something, I would like to know. I have been here all day so I haven't been able to find out for myself. Please, sir, come tell me anything you hear. ...I just hope he isn't judged too unfairly."
"Is that possible? How does the law work around here, in this town?" This seems like good information to have.
"Same as most small towns I suppose. The law in town is very strict but little things get overlooked if nobody was hurt. Mostly just about repaying what you owe and the like. Of course, all oathbreakers get branded. And, there aren't many thieves that get caught and even fewer are executed."
"Hm, well I suppose that makes sense. So how much punishment will the thief get?"
"He may get branded, sir. Hopefully not on his lovely face. It depends on the magistrate and the Cartwrights."
"The injured family gets to decide punishment?"
She shakes her head. " No. What the Cartwrights say pretty much goes around here, when they care to speak up. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of others. But there's families, and there's the law, and then there's the Cartwrights."
"So, could he get executed, just for theft?"
"I don't know, sir. The law is very strict. They may hang him or they could just burn him."
"Oh that seems a bit severe. What would you do if they did that?"
A determined settles into her fierce green eyes. "I wouldn't let it happen, sir. Even a brand would be too harsh a punishment for such a gentle man."
"Ah, yes, I think I know what you mean. Thank you for telling me all this and speaking with me. You are quite charming."
Nalia nods at your compliment and smiles for a moment before a tavern patron calls for her. She steps away, seemingly in a brighter and more confident mood, leaving you alone again with your meal.

--->

>>4089111

As you eat, you can't help but consider whether or not the thief deserves execution. On one hand, if he stole from a rich family and others, he's a criminal. On the other hand, does that really deserve this punishment? Still, the fact that he didn't kill the captain when confronted does make him look much better than some thieves. Perhaps he really was a good person who had bad luck. Still, the thief has committed crime and you still understand why that shouldn't be overlooked. Or maybe Tala was actually right and it was all a mistake. Mostly to help push these meandering thoughts out of your head, you sip your beer and say outloud to yourself:
"Maybe Thomas should be given mercy instead."
"Sir, what do you think of the thief?"

You turn around to see a young woman standing near you. She must have just entered the tavern. Her skin is pale and smooth. Her long hair falls down past her waist. She has long, beautiful legs revealed by her short black dress slit to show off her white thighs. Okay, you might have just spent longer than is technically socially appropriate looking at her legs. She doesn't seem to have noticed though. The gold trim on the dress matching a golden necklace, her utter lack of any tan or callouses, and general appearance all scream "wealthy" in contrast to the farm community around you. She seemed nervous as she nervously asks the question and is now looking at you with quiet anticipation.
What the fuck? Why the name of almighty Kek is every woman in this world coming to you with their issues?

>Redirect her to Tala, you don't want all this attention, but listen in if you can
>Invite her to sit down and discuss it
>Run Away: Make an excuse, finish your beer, and duck out of the tavern and back to Ileska's before the full waifu assembly arrives
>Write-In

>Optional Poll:
>What do you feel is, or should be, the mc's opinion on crime and punishment, law and order, and other procedurals?
This may influence the tone of his characterization.

>>4088649
Unfortunately, their karaoke machine is out of order. Boggarts.

>>4089015
Oh I’m sure she was. You must have really enjoyed it when she pissed all over your face. Alright, I’ve kicked the shit out of your dummy IP enough. I’ll deal with you in a more personal manner.
>>4089129
Alright bitch, readjust your tampon, tighten your thong, and stop acting like a prissy little shit. Pretty much everyone agrees that you’re both a jackass and a faggot.

>>4089158
I'm not going to say that you're wrong Psychic Anon, but what are you still doing here? The shitstorm is over at least for now. Why bother getting into another slap fight with this guy?

>>4089119
Sorry QM, this seems like a lengthy sidequest without a tangible reward, and we hadn't even properly started on the main plot.
>Run Away: Make an excuse, finish your beer, and duck out of the tavern and back to Ileska's before the full waifu assembly arrives

>>4089158
You're being a little cunt on your lonesome.

>>4089176
I don’t need any “bullshit detector” to tell me what this pissant is all about. This sorry excuse for a QM has a track record for being a little bitch among other things. And I wouldn’t call it a slap fight. Anyone can call him out on his wrongdoings, but he’s literally drowning in his unwarranted ego. All he’ll do is hide behind a mobile IP and ignore or brush off any legitimate criticisms. Just read this thread, the last few posts he made in the /qtg/ and those Mythic threads.
>>4089184
You can fuck off too. Clearly I’ve been arguing with someone else here so I’m not “on my lonesome”. Just shut the hell up and lick a few more pairs of boots.

>>4089158
You've got a lot of issues. More than the usual 4channer starter set. You should get counselling. The first step is admitting you have a problem.

>>4089245
That statement would’ve had a lot more weight if you A: actually knew anything about me and B: weren’t the QM samefagging. I’m not giving up (You)s to these imposters anymore and since I know you’re too much of a faggot to respond as Shorttrip or whatever the hell you want to call yourself, I think we’re done here.

>>4089119
>Invite her to sit down and discuss it
Let’s save our nigerundayo points for a time that we need

>>4089258
Even your fellow psychos are telling you to chill. See >>4089176 and >>4089184. When even your own kind agrees with me, I think it's time to hang it up.

Aw, who am I kidding? You're too disturbed to quit. You get off on this shit because you're otherwise unworthy of anyone's concern. This is the height of your week, I'd bet.

>>4089269
I decisively object being called a psycho based on 3 completely civil posts.

>>4089269
I'm with this guy >>4089288. You're just as insufferable as him the only difference is that you don't talk as much. Besides, he already said he wouldn't bother arguing with you anymore. Why antagonize him further if you're so well adjusted?

>>4089158
You must really like karaoke.

>>4089212
>a track record for being a little bitch among other things
>those Mythic threads
Okay, feel free to criticize me for this quest and in the /qtg/ if you like, but you really are conflating me with someone else here. I don't know what Mythic threads you're talking about.
I'm not going to banter with you though. I don't feel like it would add to the quest.

>>4089323
Oh come off of it. You deny any fault you may have regardless of how many times they are pointed out or the amount of people who point them out. I know you’re a disingenuous prick so you won’t answer this, but what do you have to gain from all of this lying and deflecting? Virtually no one is buying your shit, at best they tolerate you. Do you simply avoid verbalizing any and all uncomfortable truths for your own sake? I could easily link you back to those threads and you know this but you’re so deluded and two-faced that I don’t even know if it’s worth the effort.

>>4089119
>Invite her to sit down and discuss it
Another side quest. No need to make it a priority, just a detour.

>What do you feel is, or should be, the mc's opinion on crime and punishment, law and order, and other procedurals?
The law should be followed by those we don't know. If its light enough and no one is hurt, we don't care. If we break the law, we know better than to get caught.

>>4089357
>I could easily link you back to those threads and you know this
Well, I assumed that *you* knew what you were talking about, yeah. But I am not sure what you are even talking about. For one, you're calling them threads, not quests. I am not lying when I say I don't know what you are talking about. Were they titled "Mythic"? Is that a thing? My mind immediately goes to rare Magic cards, then just myths in general.
Consider the possibility that, whatever you say about this quest aside, you might actually be capable of making a mistake.

>>4089503
I’d give you points for actually responding but since you did your typical “duck and dodge routine” I can’t even give you partial credit. Threads, quests it’s all semantics when we’re talking about stories run by a QM. Pushing your bullshit aside, it’s obvious that you are the same guy who ran the Mythic Quests//threads. You both cover the same genre, the same concepts and use the same techniques such as using generators to form characters and locations. You utilize the same currency system, you utilize aspects from real life to influence aspects of the quest such as what objects the players possess on their person IRL.

As far as the personality goes, it’s practically one to one. You’re arrogant, disingenuous, you essentially wave off all criticisms with weak excuses and jokes, The most offensive thing about you is that under that veneer of an easy-going, reasonable QM, you’re actually a control freak, and unapologetically petty.

>>4089526
Just leave then anon? Who gives a shit, there are a dozen other quests you can read not run by the guy.

>>4089119
>write in
“I have no idea. I really don’t know anything other than what she just told me, and from what she told me it doesn’t sound like she knows much of what actually happened either, at least other than the supposed thief is a rather charming sort of person. Maybe he is guilty and maybe he isn’t, I got no clue. For all I know it might as well have been boggarts.”
For the poll
>If he stole something really big or is a repeat offender or something, maybe he deserves death, if it was something else like sleeping with their daughter he probably doesn’t. We don’t know the full story so it’s not our place to say, nor do we have any reason to get involved in the first place. Even if he is innocent we aren’t enough of a moralfag to go around saving every person we hear about, especially ones that would likely get us killed. Even if we were we are still weak as shit and in out of our element, so we have no reason to go around picking fights with powerful wealthy families. Just make a mental note not to steal anything from people around here since we don’t want to get killed, burned, or branded.

>>4089862
What exactly did you see when you read my post? If you even believe and agree with a fraction of what I explained in my post, shouldn’t that make you think if only for a moment? Keep in mind, this guy has abruptly dropped his last two threads within a timespan of 3-4 weeks. This is also the same guy who in this very thread, lied straight to the players’ faces and then utilized samefagging to insult everyone who voiced their concerns and criticisms. When you look over the QM’s track record and his behavior in this very thread, what exactly makes you say “Hey I’m ok with this” because I’m at a loss here. Obviously, I can’t make you do anything and I never planned on driving people away from the quest but I am legitimately curious about your thought process here.

>>4089900
Anon, 50% of the quests these days are shitposts or drop after 1 thread. That’s just how the board is. Three of the last 6 I was playing dropped after less than 3 threads. Scp remnant quest and pants quest each only lasted one and were still fun/ interesting while they did On top of that about a third of them are isekai and most of them use some form of tables. Rolling on tables is actually really fucking useful for DMs sometimes and base 10 currencies in a fantasy setting are a dime a dozen. Heck he could even have seen it in whatever thread you hate and thought it was useful for his own plans. In the end, it doesn’t fucking matter. Just stop spamming the thread and move on if you are really convinced it’s the same guy and you don’t like him.

>>4089265
>>4089486
>Begin Journal Entry


You gesture towards an empty chair. "Please sit and down and we can discuss it."
The woman nods in gratitude and sits down next to you. "My name is Adelle. My father's company is called the Cartwright Company. We are an independent merchant house that specializes in making high quality wagons and carriages as well as fine furniture for nobles."
"My name is Gary." After seeing her politely sit, watching me patiently and silently for a moment, I add "I am a traveling scribe of Yelp, seeking information and possible routes of travel." Apparently, announcing one's status or profession is a custom among some locals.
"Yes, I believe I have heard of Yelp. It is located quite far to the northeast of here, is it not? Have you tried visiting Rockcastle yet? It is a great place to find information on potential routes of travel. Are you looking for a way to travel home?"
"Perhaps. It always helps to have the information available to you, even if you never use it. You were asking me what I think about Thomas... Can I ask you why you want to know?"

Adelle smiles slightly and maintains steady eye contact with you. "I would be happy to answer your question, sir. Gary. If would please be so kind as to continue to first answer mine."
"I feel that, although the law should generally be followed, those that break the law, and get caught, don't necessarily deserve punishment if the crime is light enough and no one is hurt. You explain with a smile.
"Just so." Adelle smiles. "And even accidental harm can be... forgiven. I agree."
"So you're saying that they should forgive the thief?"
"Of course. That is how we humans work. We aren't dwarves! But, there is another reason why I asked you."
"What is it?"

"Miss Cartwright!" Tala interrupts. "I'm surprised to see you here. Tonight, I mean. That is, um, wow, you look so lovely tonight!"
"Thank you," Adelle replies.
"But really, I just wanted to thank you. Because I've been thinking about this since earlier today and it occurred to me that maybe I should tell someone. Not because I want to, but because it's the right thing to do."
"The right thing to do?" you reply.
"Definitely." Tala responds to you before turning back to Adelle. "You see, I was talking to sir here before and it helped me decide what I should do. I want to ask you to talk to your family and the guard. I don't think Thomas was out to hurt anybody. I think he is innocent!"
Adelle looks at each of you and nods. "I have spoken to my family. Unfortunately, my father will hear none of it. He wants this over with quickly before the townspeople will talk. Although, clearly it's too late for that. And I don't need defending from the truth, anyway. Nothing untoward or illicit happened. It was all just an unfortunate incident."
"I knew it! It just had to be." Tala sighs and turns away. "It's not fair! He didn't do anything wrong!"

--->

>>4090175

"So what was the other reason you wanted to ask me about Thomas, Adelle?"
"Well, I wasn't sure if you'd be able to help me. I thought that perhaps you might not like the idea of being involved in something like this. Or maybe you wouldn't want to. So I thought it wise for me to ask you."
"Oh, well that makes sense. Well, then let's start with the basics. What did Thomas do?"
Adelle looks down for a moment and says "If we're talking about this we're going to need rum. Tala? Please fetch three glasses and a bottle of the rum I like, you know the kind?"
"Yes Miss Cartwright." Tala says. "But I can't drink. I-"
"Tala, my family isn't here. You can call me Adelle. Now fetch that rum and glasses and sit a spell. I insist."
"Yes Mis-, right away Adelle."
Tala gets the bottle and fills the three glasses, sitting down while looking at Adelle with a curious expression.
"Now, what exactly happened?" you ask.
"I found him in our front hall shortly after he entered our home, obviously, he was there to do business with my father of some sort. Unfortunately, father wasn't there and as I spoke to him I noticed that his shirt was torn."
"His shirt was torn? How did it happen?"
"He didn't mention, but I thought I would be polite and fix it for him since it was just a simple tear. And, I had last left the sewing kit in my bedroom because I had been darning some socks..." Adelle draws a long sip from her glass.
Despite this thin story, Adelle sounds very sincere, so if she is not telling the truth, then it is because she is a very good liar.
"That's why he was in your room! I knew there was an innocent explanation!" Tala exclaims.
"Yes, exactly. And then Captain showed up and mistook the situation for something it wasn't. And poor Thomas tried to get him to understand but the captain wasn't hearing any of it. The two of them struggled for a bit and, well, I've never been around violence before. So when they began bumping into furniture, I snatched up the wash basin and pitcher before they could spill and the captain accidentally bumped his head against the basin I was holding."
"And that's how the captain got hurt? He hit his head?"
"Yes. Of course, the second hit probably didn't help." Adelle calmly emptied her glass and set it infront of Tala, deftly snatching up the untouched glass there. "You see, I was so startled and flustered that, well, I dropped the basin on him."
"That is pretty unbelievable." You reply, unable to handle the pretense.
"Of course it is. But I'm telling you, I saw him fall after bumping into the basin and then when he came to rest on the floor, the wash basin slipped out of my hands!" Adelle swallowed half the rum in her second glass. "And when Thomas saw some blood coming from his ear, he rushed to help the captain and stayed with him while I fetched Maggie Goodwin. When Maggie and I arrived, the guard had already captured Thomas."

--->

>>4090178

"Did you tell anyone else about what happened?"
Adelle shakes her head. "Just my family, but none of them are listening to me. They're going to hurt Thomas tomorrow, badly. We have to do something!"
"We?" you ask.
"If we don't do something now, nobody else will. We won't have much time."
"What should we do?" Tala asks.
Adelle whispers "I can have most of the guards come here. Tala, you can keep them here for as long as we need. Then I can distract whoever's left. But Gary, you are going to have to get him out of the locked room in the town hall they're keeping him in. There won't be any trouble after that, I'm sure of it."

>Agree to help free Thomas with Adelle's plan
>Try to talk the girls out of a jailbreak
>Agree to help Thomas, but come up with a better plan
>Thank Adelle for the rum and get out now
>Write-In

>>4090184
>Thank Adelle for the rum and get out now
Wish the best of luck for them

>>4089526
>You both cover the same genre, the same concepts and use the same techniques such as using generators to form characters and locations. You utilize the same currency system, you utilize aspects from real life to influence aspects of the quest such as what objects the players possess on their person IRL.
Okay, a small of that portion of that is coincidentally similar enough that you seem less crazy now. The rest is just generic. But that isn't me.

>>4089900
>in this very thread, lied straight to the players’ faces
When?

>and then utilized samefagging to insult
That wasn't me either.

I don't think I can convince you or prove it, but I am not that other QM and not the anon wasting time insulting a stranger on the internet. If you believe otherwise and wish to die on that hill? What can I do?
Party on, anon.

>>4090041
The last few iterations of the quest he ran were in fact dropped in one thread so most of your argument is moot. As for the generator, this one obviously makes his use of them well known and implements them in virtually everything he does. Most isekai quests only go as far as Bo3, DC:75. They don’t use dice to generate characters and locations. I’ll give you a bit of leeway on the currency but most QMs mostly stick to one unit if currency is even considered at all. You completely ignored a crucial part of my explaination and also ignored the question I directly posed to you. Since you have been fairly direct, I won’t accuse you of anything but you’re handwaving the softballs and ignoring the main issue.

>>4089313
Then you're just as much of a twatmuncher as he is. Typical though. You lot always throw hissy fits when you don't get your way. Come off it, poofster.

If anyone else is curious, I think that he's talking about the guy at the bottom of this search.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Mythic

I definitely read through one of those because it seems familiar, and if the pockets mechanic is the same, I probably stole it and don't remember.
I personally think our approaches are significantly different. But that's just my opinion.