Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5883654
>A2
>B3
>C2

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>>5883654
[[ Blast, I have ALREADY fucked up. ]]

[[ I will be checking back periodically until ~5PM EST, in which case I will either keep the voting open or close it out. ]]

>>5883658
[[ Holy shit that was fast. Welcome! ]]

>>5883662
[[ Of course, if A, B, and C have at least 3 votes each before the threshold, I'll close voting too! ]]

[[ I must depart for now, but I will keep the vote open. I will be back anywhere between 10PM - Midnight EST, 5-7 hours from now. ]]

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5883654
[ A3 ] Bloodrose Talon: A finger-piece to be worn on the middle finger; rose-gold with a garnet just below the knuckle. It always ends up in the hands of warriors and warlocks alike.

[ B3 ] Myrddin himself, for this will grant him an edge against a nearby monster.

[ C1 ] Just walk up and take it.

>>5883864
Thanks for running! This is a pretty good start so far.

>>5883654
>A3
>B3
>C3 (Quickness)

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5883654
>A2
>B3
>C4 [What else is in the room? Is the floor also stone in this room? Could we rope dart to the roof and lower ourselves down to above the pedestal, to avoid pit traps and the like?]

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5883961
Forgot my roll.

[[ >>5883658 (7)
Circlet, Myrddin, Grapple
>>5883871 (20)
Talon, Myrddin, Pragmatism
>>5883961 (15)
Talon, Myrddin, <Haste>
>>5883979 (5)
Circlet, Myrddin, +Guidance+

>2 for Circlet, 2 for Talon
>Unanimous for Bravery
>1 for each Method

I don't wish to delay further, but I would like to stretch for an organic tie-breaker. ]]

[[ I appreciate the kind words and engagement, by the way! ]]

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5883654

>A2
>B3
>C3

Using a trick a shaman at your village taught you, you manipulate the air, wrapping it around your quarry and shifting it towards you

[[>>5883658#(7)
Circlet, Myrddin, Grapple
>>5883871#(20)
Talon, Myrddin, Pragmatism
>>5883961#(15)
Talon, Myrddin, <Haste>
>>5883979#(5)
Circlet, Myrddin, +Guidance+
>>5884293 (19)
Circlet, Myrddin, <Vacuum>
>3 for Circlet, 2 for Talon
>Unanimous for Bravery
>2 for <Magic>, 1 for the others

I will incorporate both magic effects, as they aren't mutually exclusive, and their costs won't screw things up.

Vote Closed! Update will happen in ~1 hour. ]]

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>>5884309
It is the fabled Circlet of Jypta, an opulent piece of equipment whose monetary value is dwarfed only by its magnificent power. According to its mythos, Jypta was the Goddess of the Hunt, and would provide her devout with the cunning and acuity to take down their prey.
While such beliefs in the divine have waned over time, there is no doubting the magical power of the ancients, able to imbue their enchanted charms with permanence, an art that has been all but lost to time!
Of course, this means a headpiece, said to give the wearer a connection to the Pantheon, would certainly grant a gift befitting its titular icon; a gift you hope will enhance your own speed.

Down to business, then. You examine the stone pedestal; no visible mechanisms beyond the obvious pressure plate the circlet sits upon. You're relatively new to this, but not so new you haven't had close scrapes with traps before. You breathe deep, and relax your muscles. You ruminate on Jypta's legend, believing it fitting to channel a quickening effect on yourself in a chamber devoted to her.

>[ 20! ]
There is an unusual stillness in the air; the dust behind you seems to hang in the air, as if suspended there, with a blue glow filling the corners of your vision.
You're not finished, though. Though you have never been particularly great with magic, you're feeling confident now. Have you perhaps been blessed?

...

Pushing that thought aside, you extend your gloved hand towards the treasure. A swirling breeze whips up at a thought; a clench of your fist, and a pump of your elbow towards your body beckons the breeze to tighten into a formidable suction.
The headpiece is drawn in by the winds, slipping off the plate but perfectly on its side, rolling towards you like a coin. It's easy to grab it in your quickened state, and you of course didn't fail to notice the plate slowly rising, having been relieved of the weight sitting atop it.

More importantly, the openings are slowly sliding shut. Time to go! While you have plenty of time to spare, you still hustle to the end opposite the way you came, and pass under just as your spell ends.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

>>5884371
A wave of disorientation hits you, your senses and muscles becoming significantly dulled. The simple act of stowing your query into your cape is almost painfully slow.

IN your cape? Yeah, the inside of your cape leads to a small pocket dimension to hold things. Isn't that convenient? But nothing living beyond your own hand can be put in there.

You'd know, you've tried.

>[ 19! ]
Your magical hangover is shaken off almost immediately, and good thing, too, because the grinding of stone above signifies the activation of a backup trap! The subtle downward sloping and parallel stone "rails" signify a sinister rolling ball trap!

You don't particularly care to see if your assumption is correct, as you begin to dash down the straight hall, with more dragon statues to watch your deadly marathon. It doesn't take long for the hall to shudder behind you, accompanied by the droning grind of stone-on-stone.

You certainly don't need to look over your shoulder to know you were right.

And you certainly DIDN'T need to look over your shoulder to know it's closing in! Yes, sprinting now IS a good idea, I agree!

You see it, the end of the hall. A door open, with natural light flooding through. So close yet so far...!

>[ 15! ]
You notice above the door is the open mouth of a stone dragon. Fortune is with you! You don't think twice, shooting your rope-dart at it, and letting it reel you in for a greater boost of speed! Before something unfortunate happens, you disengage and retract the dart mid-flight, and tumble through the breach!

Where are you now, brave Myrddin?

[[ Pick 1 each from A and B. ]]
[ A1 ] The Cliffs of Over: Grassy highlands rife with caves, beasts of prey, and ruins. Almost every tribe is friendly to outsiders, except for the Yrks.
[ A2 ] Couscous Desert: A sandy and only slightly dreadfully hot expanse where the rocks speak with travelers. Temples such as this are partially, if not fully, buried in sand.
[ A3 ] Amanita Heights: Stalks of giant mushroom platforms tower over a thick, soupy mist which cycles with kaleidoscopic color. Dotting the heights are floating clusters of land, upon which temples and ruins rest.

And now that you're-- *CRAAAAAAASH!!*

I SAID, now that you're safe, it would probably be a good time to put on that circlet, yeah?
[ B1 ] Yeah.
[ B2 ] I want to look it over, first. <Magic> or +Guidance+; please specify.
[ B3 ] Maybe there's a friendly tribe around whose mystic can check if it's safe, before I go fight the monster.

[[ Holy shit, even one hour isn't enough for my slow ass. ]]

>>5884401
>A3
>B2 <Magic>

[[ I'm going to leave the vote open while I sleep; I'll check back in at around 10AM - Noon EST, a solid 7-9 hours from now. ]]

[[ Thanks again, and sorry for the errors! ]]

>>5884401
>A1
>B2 [Magic]

>>5884401
>A3
>B2 +Guidance+

[[ >>5884409
Mushrooms, <Detect Hex>
>>5884482
Highlands, <Detect Hex>
>>5884510
Mushrooms, +Sight+

>2 for Mushrooms, 1 for Highlands
>2 for <Detect Hex>, 1 for +Sight+

Vote Closed! Update will happen in ~1 hour. ]]

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>>5884647
After a quick look to and fro for safety, you decide to rest your legs and lungs and stay comfortably seated. As comfortably as you can on solid hard rock, that is.
The temple left behind, you retrieve your prize from your cape. The Circlet of Jypta! But you're no fool, and only a fool dons an artifact without checking for danger first.

You breathe deep, ignoring the strange earthy scent of mushrooms on the air, and focus on the circlet. Is there anything wrong with you, you wonder, as that becomes the sole object of your sight. Magical blue zaps from the corners of your eyes, and you see the magic flowing through the golden headpiece.

As the legends say, it indeed enhances your acuity, your speed, your flexibility. You, young Myrddin, are already blessed with a body with characteristic deftness, both naturally and as a result of training and your, ahem, field work, but this is sure to enhance you to a degree that approaches the bounds of human limitation!

You know you're going to need it.

In your musings, the enchantment becomes curious, a glowing light rising up, and bleping a magic tongue at you. It... she?... seems comfortable in your hand, and very non-hostile.

There are no hexes or curses upon this item, this much you are certain.

However, the snake charm appears to look past you, over your shoulder. You instinctively snap your head to peer behind you.

Nothing.

Huh, that was weird. Weirder still, the charm seems to slowly turn its head, as if following something circling to your front. Blep, blep, goes its tongue, though in no way nervous or agitated at all. You look around, and see naught but mushrooms.

Then, your spell expires and your eyes snap shut against a burning irritation. When you're able to open them, you find yourself unable to see color.

How boring, but it is only temporary. Knowing it is safe, you slip Jypta's circlet over your head; a perfect fit.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

>>5884675
It's as if you had cast your quickening spell, but this feels cleaner, somehow. A woman's caress upon your forehead, a motherly comfort. In spite of the piece's physical weight, you barely notice it's there.

Just to be sure, you stand and circle around, to see if anything's changed.

Nah, there's nothing but the ruins and the mushrooms, cast in gray by your dulled senses. Take solace there was nobody around to see your momentary paranoia!

Looking upon the paths ahead, your vision already reasserts itself, and you see the world in all of its glorious color. Thankful for your time to recover, you consider where to go in this mess of platforms.

You do have a monster to hunt, after all.

[[ Pick 1; roll 1D20!! ]]
[ 1 ] The taller shrooms. I have a feeling that my target is lazily drifting above, and should I slip, there are plenty of platforms below that will catch me.
[ 2 ] Onward! I'll stay level, see where things go. I don't have to find him immediately.
[ 3 ] The shorter shrooms; perhaps the bastard is drinking in the mist. If so, that could be more to worry about than just falling off a platform.

[[ I will stick around for a little while, and address any concerns/comments/questions, if desired. ]]

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5884679
>1

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5884679
>[ 1 ]

[[ I've been summoned for work, so I will keep the vote open while I'm away. I will be back anywhere between 10PM - Midnight EST, 6-8 hours from now. ]]

>>5884679
>[ 1 ] The taller shrooms. I have a feeling that my target is lazily drifting above, and should I slip, there are plenty of platforms below that will catch me.
I'm so ready, QM. Show me what you have!

Rolled 17, 9 = 26 (2d20)

[[ >>5884888
Stupid northern weather has allowed me to return early, so let's all enjoy a rousing round of adventure!

Making a couple of rolls for the update.

>>5885008
I am appreciative of the eagerness! ]]

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>>5885187
You deign to take the high path, in hopes the monster is relaxing above, rather than feeding on the kaleidoscopic haze; you know that this particular beast grows more dangerous after a recent drink.

Your treasure seems to have improved your ability to jump too, as you begin to spring from cap platform to ascending platform, you notice you don't have to cast any spells to clear the distance. This is quite the fun diversion!

>[ 18! ]
But as you touch down on one of the highest mushrooms, you notice a looming shadow. Four squiggly limbs and a floppy-finned head in the shape of a head, this is the temperamental flying squid, your mark, Qala'Myrei!

>[ 7... ]
[[ https://youtu.be/_qF2ZyUFGHo?si=Z5nCicGIDkz4yo-H ]]
Even with your heightened senses, your fortified speed, the monster takes notice of you, and flies down with considerable velocity! You're taken aback by just how fast he's moving in spite of your golden enhancement.

>[ 17! ][ 9... ]
It spirals toward you, undaunted by its own rotational force, intertwined tentacles first. Unable to discern the nature of the attack, you backstep in hopes he'll miss you, but at the last second he unfurls his limbs in a slap-happy windmill of pain, each hit catching you across the face!

As grandiose as the attack was, Qala was certainly just toying with you, because no further attack comes during your reeling stumble, as you struggle to maintain your balance. Shaking it off, you draw your sword without hesitation; more bewildered than hurt or angry.

[[ Combat rundown: Myrddin, any of his allies, neutrals/others, and enemies will fight in accordance to their best abilities.
A vote will be called when a crucial decision point is required; a friend or foe is surrendering, an enemy is <preparing something dreadful>, an ally wants to include you in a combo, etc. Your discretion will be required to influence the direction of the fight. +Guidance+ may be invoked without using your action to reveal surface thoughts or combat ability of the target! ]]

The foe is in striking range, and for all he knows, you are an easy target to smack around.

Let's prove him wrong, shall we?

[[ Pick 1 and decide whether or not to use a form +Guidance+; roll 1D20! ]]

At a decisive point, you will...
>[ A1 ] Thrust with my trusty blade!
>[ A2 ] Bind him with my tether!
>[ A3 ] <Magic Might>! [[ Attack, enhance yourself, debuff him; specify. ]]

And will you examine your foe?
>[ B1 ] Yes [[ In which way? ]]
>[ B2 ] No

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5885215
[A2]
[B1]
Look for insecurities and point them out. I want to ridicule the squid

>>5885215
>A2
>B1
Look for any weak spots. In this case be aware of how to best bind him.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

[[ Apologies for the sudden absence, I fell asleep.

I'll keep things open for a little while longer! ]]

[[ >>5885522
That roll was provided for >>5885456, who didn't include one.

I hate to linger like this, but I want to wait for a third one before taking any autonomous action.

I'll wait until a little after midnight, ~half an hour, and if no votes are submitted I'll close the vote and update noonish tomorrow.

Thank you for being here, if anyone still is. ]]

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5885215
>>5885253
+1 to this!

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5886002
Sorry I forgot my roll.

Rolled 9, 6, 13 = 28 (3d20)

[[ >>5886206
It's cool. I forget shit all the time, I meant no disrespect, Anon. ]]

[[ Vote is locked unanimously to analyze the enemy and bind him; these rolls will be for the update! ...in about an hour or so. I'm so sloooow. >_< ]]

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[[ >>5886245
Nice.

In the meantime, I will update with what I wrote on the analysis; I'm going to try to do a little more pre-writing if that will help my speed. ]]

Accounts from various villagers, ranging from slightly rattled to hysteric, have told you this monster is blindingly fast, attacking like a guided arrowhead to slice through wooden equipment, or smashing through stone with his massive tentacles.

Certainly, stone is stronger than your face, so now you really know Qala is just playing with you.

From what you have read about Qala'Myrei, and similar monsters, attempts to kill or capture are met with regular failure; there are numerous recorded incidents where hunters caught them in nets, only for the monster to seep through like fog. The only successful account on record is cited from a tribal song about a man with legendary strength wrestling the beast into submission.

These are the only things humanity, and you by extension, know about this creature.

+But Myrddin looks upon Qala'Myrei, past what he is feared for and past uncertainty, and the hero begins to understand Qala'Myrei for what he is.
The floppy arrowhead is his first defense, what he uses to fly like the winds; able to simply evade most offenses against him.
Where the four fins converge is critical.
His second favorite defense is his rubbery tentacles, whose tips are able to deflect conventional weapons with ease. The limbs are more vulnerable to attack inside of this range, but is certain to grab those daring enough to make that approach; a grip that turns brickwork into gravel.
His mouth is at the bottom, he ensures anything near those tender lips are helpless, for fear of harsh retribution.
His body is the ideal point to attack, no apparent defenses. While this part is most frail, it is indeed most dangerous; through those giant glass eyes he casts his spells. With them, he can become mist, they are constant catalyst to his natural speed and strength, and in times of desperation, he can sweep waves of fire across the land.
But in relying on the arcane, the monster has squandered his natural ability.+

>>5886247
This monster is, bluntly put, a jackass. He doesn't attack to protect territory, or guard some litter of mini squids; rarely does he ever feed upon the casualties he causes. He abuses strength that he himself doesn't even have!

He is a bully, and you've never particularly been a fan of bullies.

>[ 17! ]
Your first attack is a masterful stroke, drawing a cut in his body just below his huge orbs. He floats backwards, blinking in shock. The cut you dealt wasn't much for him to worry about, but he clearly isn't used to being struck.

>[ 13 ]
With a narrowed gaze, he goes for another disrespectful slap, which is turned away with a parry. The effort causes you to stumble, but doesn't give him the satisfaction of clapping your flesh again.

>[ 15 ]
Flowing with the follow-through of your parry, you lunge and swipe up, drawing a not-so-deep cut crossing your previous one, and your momentum carries you into him, though luckily above his grabby appendages!

>[ 9. ]
But he certainly still tries to grab you anyway, looking visibly irritated now! As his body lists horizontally to get into position, you kick both feet down, springboarding off that rubbery flesh as his arms flail at you in vain.

>[ 11 ]
At the height of your jump, you notice he's tilting head-downward; an awkward shot, but he's distracted by trying to regain control; too distracted to care about you in these split-seconds at the least.

Good.

You sheathe your sword, thrusting your prosthetic towards him, aiming for where his arrow fins converge, your dart... misses the target! But it's fine, you yank your arm in a manner that causes the rope to slide against the monster's head stalk, and it twines around him rather than piercing in.

Qala'Myrei has no idea what you have in store for him, as you fall and he rises. What he had hoped to do, and you know this from seeing his fins turn rigid, was pierce your gut and be done with you, but you twisted in mid-air such that he wasn't even afforded a glancing blow.

>[ 20! ]
You tumble-roll upon landing, and you feel the rope relax as your mark wonders what just happened. You don't give him time to recoup; using momentum from your roll, you take the rope in both hands and yarn down with all your might! He crashes before you, fins-first, into the tender mushroom platform, stuck in, unable to pry himself free.

Thinking quickly, you circle around his body, twining the rope around the bases of each appendage, and pull taught; then, you secure your binding and disengage the rope from your arm, and make double-sure the disoriented disaster is bound.

You know he's not going to stand for being left like this, Myrddin. His mist form defeats all forms of cage, net, and prison, and when he regains composure, you're certain he won't be playing around any more.

[[ Pick 1; roll 1D20! ]]
[ 1 ] I'll use <Magic> to prevent his escape! [[ How? ]]
[ 2 ] I'll strike at his eyes, so he can't cast!
[ 3 ] I have another idea... [[ Specify, if you would. ]]

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5886275
>[2]

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5886275

>1

Use <Wind Magic> to manipulate the air pressure near its auditory organs, dazing the target and disrupting its balance and concentration

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5886275
Support >>5886491

[[ I have returned. I got back early, and did a little pre-writing.
>>5886279
>>5886491
>>5886497
<Magic>, specifically <Whirlwind>, takes the vote! ]]

>>5886697
It would be quickest, given the distance between the two of you, to use your magical power; inexperienced as you are with it. Although he demonstrated perfect balance as he spun like a toy top and fluttered around much as a house fly, you believe that he is only accustomed to the lazy breezes of Amanita Heights, and has yet to even have a taste of what a real storm is like. You draw your trusty blade once more, and hold it skyward, beginning to circle its tip much as you would whip an egg. A swirl begins to enshroud your weapon...

[ 20! ]
Your power goes haywire; a harsh updraft causes your cape and hair alike to flutter! Undaunted, you grip your handle in both hands, and finish your spell with a downwards chop, the miniature maelstrom cast upon your helpless target. Its eyes shut and water from the slicing winds, its tentacles flail limply in the overwhelming blast, a blast whose noise muffles the monster's high-pitched screech.

It is time for the coup de grâce, Myrddin; you dash into action into the headwind, aiming your tip between the two eyes of your adversary. Though he cannot see nor hear your approach, he knows it is over.

But he does not fear death.

*snkt*

A moment, as though frozen in time.
Your blade, hilt deep within a dying monster.
It is not death he fears.
It is obscurity.

You were the first who could hurt him.
He, who ruled the mushroom skies.
He, who stood above the earthbound.
From the pinnacle, to the pit.

That is the way of nature.
The strong and cunning kill.
The weak and dull die.
He provoked challenge but none could challenge him.

He doesn't care what you're doing, why you killed him.
That's nature.
But he wants to be your food, strong and cunning human.
To be remembered as something more than a big fish in a small pond.

[[ Pick 1 each from A and B!? ]]

>[ A1 ] Empower my sword. [[ Your sword may unleash multi-hit attacks, and you have a greater chance to retaliate from being struck! ]]
>[ A2 ] Empower my prosthesis. [[ Your rope-dart gets a harpoon tip, its rope able to be controlled like a tentacle! ]]
>[ A3 ] Teach me how to use fire without cost. [[ Learn <Calamity Flare>. ]]
>[ A4 ] Teach me how to become mist. [[ Learn <Haze Shift>. ]]

>[ B1 ] Your meat will feed me for weeks.
>[ B2 ] I've never been a fan of squid meat, but I'll find someone who is.
>[ B3 ] I'm sure a magical monster will make for fine alchemical components.
>[ B4 ] Become a lapel charm, so I may bear your symbol wherever I travel.

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>>5886698
[[ Damn, forgot my ruddy image. ]]

>>5886698
>A4
This skill was almost enough to screw us over, so it should be pretty good

>B1
B3 is probably better but our boy is probably hankering for some calamari

[[ >>5886715
>This skill was almost enough to screw us over, so it should be pretty good
I wouldn't say screw over, per se, but the fight would have been a bit harder. Still, I don't want to sway anyone's decisions one way or another, so take that with a grain of salt.
I will say, though, I made a huge mistake in not giving small details about what Myrrdin knew about the monster before closing the vote. I apologize for the error.
There are quite a few other things I haven't communicated very well, too, and I feel remorseful for those as well.

>B3 is probably better but our boy is probably hankering for some calamari
Well, that's up to you guys to decide. :D
Though there are some hard, pre-established bits about his character, pretty much every decision thus far has effectively been character generation. ]]

>>5886698
>[ A4 ] Teach me how to become mist. [[ Learn <Haze Shift>. ]]
>[ B1 ] Your meat will feed me for weeks.

>>5886698
>A4
>B1

>>5886698
>[ A4 ] Teach me how to become mist. [[ Learn <Haze Shift>. ]]

>[ B3 ] I'm sure a magical monster will make for fine alchemical components.

Though I'm partial to this one, I actually like them all.

>>5886698
>[A4]
>[B3]

[[ >>5886715
>>5886771
>>5886903
>>5886927
>>5887033
Seems you all agree on the power of the mist, and 3 out of 5 would prefer to literally eat Qala'Myrei; at least, the edible bits.
There will still be some components for alchemy, but the majority will become rare, exotic monster meat. ]]

[[ I got a late start today, so it might be an hour or so to get the update out. ]]

>>5887156
"Tales of your infamy claim no prison may hold you," you speak aloud, still rigidly holding your blade where it is, "bequeath that power upon me."

The power to survive, yes.
A bewildering cloud form that defies traps and snares.
Each use is brief to a novice, but do not despair.
With practice, comes mastery; like cubs in the litter.

Knowledge enters your mind, as Qala'Myrei's life fades to nothing. You feel like he is a part of you now, as you contemplate his secrets. It isn't as though you haven't tried things like that in your own experiments with magic, you remember a time where the surface of your essence danced upon the breeze, then quickly swirled back into yourself as reality reasserted its logic.
You were too afraid to fully let go.
Now you know that reality won't let you phase into a wall, or accidentally impale yourself upon something unpleasant, or even cause your form to disperse, never to return to normal; you may fully let go with confidence.
But not for too long, as this spell demands its cost from your ability to breathe.

Right, then, back to business.

The ferocious winds of your spell die down, and you experience a brief sense of vertigo; a quick rest on the mushroom cap is enough to let it pass. While you sit, you look upon the corpse of Qala'Myrei, stuck upside down in the platform. You know that in time, more monsters like him will surface, but for the time being, the settlers in Amanita Heights won't have to worry about his terrorizing antagonism any more.

More importantly, you now have enough food to last you for a few weeks. Your wanderlust isn't the only aspect of your adventurous spirit; one luxury afforded to a traveler such as yourself is the ability to eat meals others could only dream of tasting!
With your newly-acquired amatomical knowledge, you're able to field-dress your prey, section his body into rings, and cut his tentacles at even lengths. It amazes you that his only organs were a small brain (mangled by your finishing strike), a surprisingly small stomach connected almost directly to his mouth, and one huge... sac with an ambiguous purpose. Well, you know that organ is what he used to stay afloat, but to anyone else, who could tell? Speaking of organs, from what little you know about alchemy, animal organs tend to be prominent parts of its practice.
It's only natural that a magical monster's organs would be significantly more useful, then. You separate the volant sac from the meat, then you remove his eyes and fins. His teeth and tongue might even be some use, perhaps.

You wrap up the food bits in white parchment, tying them with small ropes, and stowing them in your cape; they won't spoil in there. Then you wrap the inedibles in a red parchment and stow those.

[[ GOT:
>4 Tentacles (2 meals each)
>6 Squid Rings (2 meals each)
>4 Squid Rudders
>2 Squid Eyes
>1 set of Squid Teeth
>1 Squid Tongue
>1 Volant Sac
>1 Squid Stomach ]]

Quite the haul, slayer Myrddin.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

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>>5887189
You didn't spend much time in the temple, but you did begin your trek at sunrise, and you're feeling slightly worn out from your escapades of might and magic. That said, it's still noon, plenty of daylight to burn.

Oh, best not to forget to reattach your rope-dart. It's a simple task to disengage the armor clips, open the grapnel compartment, twining the rope and blade taught, and closing everything back up again.

What would you like to do now?

>[ 1 ] I believe there's a settlement nearby. Perhaps they will allow me respite for taking down Qala'Myrei.
>[ 2 ] I'll continue along the high path, see where it goes. [[ Roll 1D20 ]]
>[ 3 ] I want to take a little break. [[ Noon -> Sunset ]]

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5887208

>2

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5887208
>[2] HIGH PAAAAAATH

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5887208
>2

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5887208
>[2]

[[ >>5887237
>>5887241
>>5887319
>>5887429
Adventure it is! The update is coming! ]]

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>>5887642
Your fatigue is barely a footnote, it would be a waste of such a beauteous day to just idle on your hands!

Shrugging off a strange chill, you hop from cap to cap high above the shimmering mists. While it certainly wouldn't be much of a challenge for even a novice, you traipse between the spotted platforms with aplomb, barely having to give the act more than a second thought.

The mushrooms gradually become more dense as you carry on. This location is famously known as the Fungal Yard, which has been used for training and bloodsport, for hunting, and simply relaxation. The closest analogue in your hometown would be the forum or town square, though without the bustling activity you're accustomed to.

[ 17 ]
You are not alone, however. As you breach the outer rim of platforms, you spot...

>[ 1 ] A child of the Fuzi settlement, humming while sitting upon a cloth, surrounded by glass jars with assortments of powder or liquid. She is happily fiddling with a mortar and pestle.
>[ 2 ] A pair of teenagers from Fuzi, a girl and a boy, smacking quarterstaves and tumbling around! They appear to be enjoying themselves, if not being more than a bit rough with each other.
>[ 3 ] A female Shambler; you have heard these are corpses assimilated by the Amanita platforms themselves, as a means to actively get nutrients. They are normally described as dull zombies, but this one seems... friendly?
>[ 4 ] A green recruit wearing a Tabbard of Steel Wing, the symbol of the Empire of Steel. What in blazes is he doing this far out here, and why does he seem to be alone?

>>5887645
>[4]

>>5887645
>3

Intriguing

>>5887645
>[ 4 ] A green recruit wearing a Tabbard of Steel Wing, the symbol of the Empire of Steel. What in blazes is he doing this far out here, and why does he seem to be alone?

[[ >>5887960
>>5888060
>>5888061
For now, it seems the greenhorn takes it!

Writing now. ]]

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>>5888124
The tiger-haired boy appears to be at rest, though somewhat unsettled, he is largely unharmed. Where is his captain? Or at the very least, some experienced adult to help him through the wilderness. You yourself are a teenager, though old enough to be conscripted by your own king, but you wonder if this bright-eyed lad is even a teen.
It surprises you to see him with such a formidable weapon, as he appears he would have trouble with something even half that size.

He flinches when he realizes he's being watched, and upon your discovery, you give a friendly smile and awkward chuckle, waving with your natural arm. You signal your approach, making no threatening moves as you meet on the platform.

"S-salutations-!" the fresh-faced youth stammers behind a smile, his eyes groping for any form of identification on your person, then settles on "-adventurer!"

"Skald Myrddin, at your service," you put a hand to your chest, and politely give the slightest tilt and nod.

The boy, almost a full head shorter than you, makes a show of consideration for his next words; "Squire Ferris," he utters shyly.

It annoys you a little when people are so short and deliberate in speech, but you're also more than a little curious what his story is. The Empire of Steel Wing are notorious for warring and conquering, but it doesn't make any sense for them to be present in Amanita Heights. Surely their incursion would be uncontested, as there are only a handful of settlements of quite peaceful folk, but there's no point, at least, as far as the Empire is concerned; there's nothing here.

"Squire, you say?" you ply. "Are you far from your company?"

"Ah, that is," he flounders, before meeting your eyes, "I'm on a trial, t-to test my aptitude."

"By yourself?" you raise a brow, your smile shrinking.

"It's the 'temper fledgling' program," he swells with pride. "It's a means to teach the youth of the Empire to better serve the crown! You see, in light of a recent increase in vagrancy..." he stops himself, getting visibility nervous again. "N-not that there's anything wrong with being an itinerant wanderer..." he peters off awkwardly.

You let it roll off you, you've definitely had much worse said about you, and you crack a smirk at how flustered he's getting. "I get it, squire," you reassure him, "your Empire has its way of doing things. It's admirable to see one so young learning to fend for himself."

"Well, to be entirely candid," he frowns, "I'd have rather learned baking and roasting. When I turned thirteen, though, my da signed me up, and I didn't resist." He pauses, swallowing hard. "I want to make him proud, you know?"

A memory cuts through your heart, but you maintain composure. You imagine to him, it barely looked like your face twitched.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

>>5888163

"Quite honorable, Squire Ferris," you give him a warm smile.

He gives you a silent nod, as if to affirm something, and smiles at you again. "So you said you're a Skald? I've never met one before. I truly envy you for your freedom, sir!"

You can't help but bask in his enthusiasm, and you get an idea.

>[ 1 ] Recite "The Tungsten Travelers", an Empire of Steel classic.
>[ 2 ] Recite "Southern Snows", famous from your homeland.
>[ 3 ] Improvise an abstract piece about a serpent's battle against a squid.
>[ 4 ] Inquire about his weapon of choice.
>[ 5 ] Ask if he would care to test his steel, a quick sword-to-sword spar.
>[ 6 ] Challenge him to a friendly brawl for pocket change.
>[ 7 ] +See if he's been lying or is hiding anything from you+

>>5888165
>[ 1 ] Recite "The Tungsten Travelers", an Empire of Steel classic.

[[ I forgot to mention in >>5888165, but you can pick [ 7 ] alongside another option.

Not including [ 7 ] will imply you don't want to use +Guidance+. ]]

[[ >>5888183
Let us continue, for social bonds and for adventure! ]]

>>5888165
>[ 3 ] Improvise an abstract piece about a serpent's battle against a squid.
Gotta build our own hype, dudes

[[ I just had a thought...

Would anyone be opposed to me combining the first three or so responses? Full transparency, there will be no in-game consequences for multiple responses.

I know there's the whole "it's your quest dude", but I don't want to abuse that. ]]

>>5888666
I wouldn't mind, though it is a difficult thing to manage when counting majority votes and such.

[[ >>5888931
That's a very fair point; the last thing I need to do is make things even more difficult for myself. xD
I haven't quite written myself in a corner, but full disclosure, I was the least prepared to write for Ferris, so I kinda floundered coming up with prompts, and ended up with a lot of possibilities I want to write that aren't mutually exclusive.
I still like writing for him because of his place in the world and his potential, but I'm just sitting here like "what do *I* do with this *now*?"

Well, we'll see where things go. I'm excited, in spite of my uncertainty. ]]

>>5889003
>I was the least prepared to write for Ferris
I've seen some QMs talk about this before lmao. There one choice you aren't ready for is the one the anons pick, and there is no real reason behind them picking it too to boot.
I commend you for your dedication and drawings.

>>5888165
>[1]
Just realized I didn't vote kek. Thought I did.

[[ >>5889030
>I commend you for your dedication and drawings.
Thank you! I really appreciate your and everyone else's patience, first and foremost. I feel like my pace might leave a lot to be desired.

I've heard that not being so rigid can be a strength for QMs, so I may include elements (to a lesser degree) of other options that had votes on them, if the consequences don't alter the status quo too much.
I came up with an idea I found amusing while I was coming up with the stories, and I hope you guys get a chuckle out of it too. ]]

[[ >>5888167
>>5889030
take it, with a little bit of
>>5888628
to boot.

Gonna write it now! ]]

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>>5889052
You clear your throat, belting out an improv piece based on your exploits, your voice proud.

"The humble serpent, clad in gold
The belligerent squid adrift the haze
Terror to humanity, manner so bold
The snake sought to end those days

The serpent, fair and frail
Confronted the squid within his domain
Tentacles arrayed without fail
The snake fought through the pain

Cunning serpent, clad in gold
Against a foe undefeated and unrivaled
Entwined his foe, stopped him cold
Called the winds, destruction unbridled

The king of the skies, thrust to earth
By the humblest of creature
Jypta smiles upon his worth
Nature is a most cruel teacher."

The young boy, rapt in attention, soon tilts his head with skepticism.
"That was riveting and all," he says, "but could a snake ever even meet a squid? A floating squid?"

You are taken aback, enough to raise your brows, and you chuckle nervously, "it's essentially an abstract epoch I crafted, to pay homage to a goddess and reverence to a formidable monster."

"I see," he sweats a little, "I appreciate the talent, to be sure... fiction is just lost on me, you know?"

He really did just hit you with the 'it's not you, it's me', didn't he?

You're too focused on his pragmatism to correct him, but you never were one to let dead air hang too long, so you give him a proud smile.
"Very well, this one may be a bit more resonant with you!

Kingdom of Wyrld, amidst Solstice and Equinox
From them, the King took grain and flocks
A tyrant, the King of Green
Ignorant of a liberation, seasons between."

You saw he was looking in silent intrigue before, but after that verse, his face lights up in happy recognition!

"Child of Sun, a firebrand
Reaper of grain, tiller of land
Child of Moon, benevolent guide
In whom beasts and men confide

A beggar of the land betwixt
Known only for foolery and antics
Cast out, fearing for his life
For slander of his King's wife!"

Noticing him mouthing the words verbatim and at your pace, you motion for him to join you.

"To Moon and Star he tread
Who desired renewal, he said
'Would it not be better indeed
If the Crown no longer made you bleed'

"The earthbound trifecta formed
The Tungsten Travelers were borne
Saviors of man, slayers of beast
And very handsome, to say the least

The Three brought King of Wyrld low
Trading strokes blow for blow
From Wyrld, Sun and Moon's wings had spread
For the old tyrant was now dead

From Tungsten to Steel
The new Empire with great appeal
To enforce justice and fairness in all things
Glory to the new Empire, the Steel Wings!"

With the last line, he emphatically raises a fist, full of pride you had no idea the stuttering boy could even muster!
While a propoganda piece like that would normally be beneath you, you hope that it points out a disconnect between what the Empire was and what it has become.

Though, it doesn't have much time to sink in.

"glory... new... wings..." a quiet and dulcet girl's voice babbles nearby.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

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>>5889110
A strange creature standing off to the side of Ferris is grinning and blushing. A fair female form, with hair of delicate fungal lace, and body coated with soft, white lichen.

Your stomach leaps into your throat, but you make no sudden moves. Ferris' expression of shock is exaggerated enough for the both of you. Though she recoils back from the exclaimation, she is largely unbothered by this, and waves at you with slow enthusiasm.

"What?" he shouts, still disturbed. "W-when?"

"I believe she's a Shambler," you give him an amused, if not completely genuine, smirk, "and she came sometime after you joined in recital."

"It's... a Shambler. Aren't they flesh-eating zombies? Can we just l-let it hang around like this? Sir!?"

While accounts of Shamblers, the ones you've read anyway, describe them as carnivorous, they are largely passive, unless agitated. Though with how the boy is flailing and shouting, you are unsure of how true that is, considering how she's just... standing there with a content smile.

"Well," you chuckle, calming down, "let's ask her what she thinks, huh?"

"Oh, yes, of course," he rolls his eyes, and saunters to her anyway, "oh, 'fair maiden', Squire Ferris at your service," he takes one hand of hers in his, blushing a little, "to whom do we owe the p-pleasure?"

He moves her hand up, intending to give it a polite kiss, but smooth as silk she slips it out of his fingers before his lips even approach. His jaw drops, incredulous, and speechless, as the Shambler slowly shakes her head.

"no kiss..." she points to her lips, "get infected..." she points at him, "be eaten... feed land", she points at the cap platform, then presents her body, "become... like me"

Ferris shivers, stepping back slowly, understandably no longer offended by her rejection. How very considerate of her to let you know, especially since she is essentially denying a meal. It isn't long before she shuffles closer to you, causing you some due wariness beneath your calm expression.

"hero" she smiles again.

"I, uh," you tug at the collar of your cape, "I think you have the wrong guy."

"we see" she points up, "predator... you fight..." she sighs in grateful relief, "you kill"

It appears, somehow, this lady saw your fight with Qala'Myrei. How she did so is beyond you, even with her broken speech and pantomime. You think she's implying the Amanita Heights themselves can... see, somehow.

It's almost certainly some form of magic or divination.

"Well," Ferris rejoins, "you did say you're a Skald. It isn't outside the realm of possibility you're also a capable fighter."

An understatement, but you're fine with that.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

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>>5889158
The language barrier is daunting, but you feel the need to ask, "so why are you here?"

The fungal female folds her hands to her chest, "we have chosen..." she looks down, where her eyebrow would be furrowing in frustration, "we chose this form" she settles on that, opening her arms, "this form... most able... for travel"

"Not to be a pedant," you carefully tell her, "but when referring to oneself, one uses 'I' and 'me'."

She tilts her head, and shakes it in disagreement, "but *I*" she motions to the expanse of mushrooms "am all... I tell you... already"

"Then who is 'we'?" Ferris becomes cross.

"these" she pats her chest with her hands.

"Your," the boy blushes deeply, "your bosom?"

Her arms drop in defeat, a clicking groan petering from her throat.

"The Shamblers," you surmise, ignoring your own rosy cheeks and thoughts of bosoms, "they are a collective, but her *identity* is the Amanita Heights."
She doesn't really understand, but is fine with that assessment.
"So!" you continue before anyone can protest, "This Shambler before us was chosen by the others to travel with me. Does this sound right?"

"no complaints" she answers. "may I"

"Hold on. Why? Why does your collective want an avatar to follow me?"

You suppose when you say it out loud, the question is self-explanatory.

"see world... hero protect-" her face scrunches in thought, then smiles again, "-avatar... avatar protect hero too" she grunts a little, a red facsimile of a cape made of the same fungal lace as her 'hair' forming over her collar and a shoulder, "we even have... cloak"

Cheeky.

"What even is today?" Ferris' hushed whisper barely reaches you.

"What do we even call you?" you ask, ignoring him.

"friend" she grins cutely.

"Acquaintance at best!" Ferris shouts in protest, "we just met you, and-"

"It's fine, if not a bit too friendly too fast," you hold a hand at him. "A name, my fair maiden, like we humans, if you would."

"mmmmm" she lists her head down, then gives a cozy smile, "Lady"

"You aren't seriously having it tag along?" Ferris furrows, afraid.

"I don't believe there's cause for immediate concern," you hide your own hesitation in favor of amicability, "we treat her like any other living person."
Are you just going to gloss over the fact that this boy is acting like your traveling companion?
"Hey wait a second, you aren't even with me, why is it your concern?"

"W-well..." he presses his fingertips together, "I-I hope we can at least pal around while your here. I'm expected to s-stay and train for a f-few more days."

You appreciate that extra context. For now, at least, you decide it's okay for them to come with you, until you're ready for a more committed answer.

What now?

>[ 1 ] Anyone else hungry?
>[ 2 ] It looks like the Fuzi Settlement is nearby, let's go there.
>[ 3 ] Travel to the Mid Shrooms.
>[ 4 ] Go to the platforms overlooking the Haze Sea.
>[ 5 ] There's a long, bridge-esque staircase of stone ahead. What's beyond that?

>>5889203
>[1]
We'll find that wizard soon enough.

>>5889203
>[ 1 ]

Rolled 16 (1d20)

[[ >>5889223
>>5889457
Gonna be writing for some lunch! ]]

[[ And rolling for something. ]]

>>5890171
You sit cross-legged on the soft mushroom cap and motion for the odd pair to join you.

"Hungry?" you ask, unfurling a large tentacle out of its parchment.

Ferris leans backward in revulsion, "is that even edible?"

"It will be when it's roasted."

"Lady wants to try" she is leaning forward now. "but no roast"

Right, she probably can't, er, process charred meat very well, so you cut the tentacle in half, then cut a quarter off one of the halves. You give Lady the three-quarters-of-a-half, and she munches on it with cathartic eagerness.

Ferris goes to speak, but you cut him off, "I don't want to hear any guff, you're trying some of this."

"What in the four hells is it?"

"Squid." You pause, then correct yourself, "well, a squid-like monster. It's rare and delicious, probably."

The squire ponders for a moment as you set up three metal rods, and skewer the limb and slice.

"Wait," Ferris finally realizes it, "is that from the monster that was floating around? You killed that?"

"hero" Lady reiterates, taking another happy bite.

In quiet amazement, he sits relaxed. Removing your leather glove, you hold your hand to the rods, concetrating on a simple cooking spell to cast around the meat. Lady shuffles backwards from it, while Ferris is practically starry-eyed.

"So, Sir Myrddin," the boy is sheepish, "I wanted to tell you I appreciate you reciting my country's folk tale."

"Think nothing of it. When I first became an adventurer, I encountered a bard who put it to song. He taught me the words, and even let me provide backup vocals during a tavern performance."

"I'm not a betting boy, but I would put money on him being Paul," he notices you nod, then continues, "he deserted the country when that folk tale was outlawed."

"Excuse me, what?" you stare at him, before returning your attention to the food.

"O-oh! Uh, a couple years ago, that tale, along with some others were being used for rebellious sentiments, so anyone caught telling them is imprisoned and questioned."

Well that isn't right.

Pushing that aside with a disgruntled sigh, you finish up your spell, your hand pulsing with burning pain. A small price to pay for golden-seared meats, and well worth it! Putting your glove back on, you present Ferris' portion, and urge him to have the first bite.

He is hesitant, but in good faith he takes a delicate bite out of it. He seems surprised, then confused, but overall, he likes it. Seems he can't place the flavor, though.
You bite into your steaming half, and in spite of its rubbery surface, it's like biting into a cloud, as if it were seafoam dancing upon your tongue. It definitely tastes like squid, but there are heavy notes of mushroom, seaweed, and... garlic?
You know you didn't season the meat, but you aren't complaining. The rations of wild game you have are great and all, but this is impeccable.

You look to see what Lady is doing, and she is standing, her arms slack and her head tilted back.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

>>5890217
You and the young squire look at her, standing motionless, until she finally, suddenly, snaps her focus to Ferris; he yelps in response.

"they are looking for you" she tells him, a mild worry to her voice.

"They?" He seems puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"your" she tilts her head down, before looking at him again, "coll... ective... collective"

"My troop? But my trial isn't over."

"we hear... something hunting... squire"

"He's being hunted?" you ask with quiet alarm.

"it is-" she pauses and clicks "also one... of squire collective"
There's an awkward silence as you and Ferris try to understand.
"they want to find first... before the one"

While you sit, confused, Ferris' expression darkens. Seems he knows something.

"Where?" he asks, with a quiet intensity.

Without wasting a second, she points a finger due west. "hunter there, near mushroom people", then she points... north-northwest? "collective there, edge of my senses"

At this point, you have gathered your supplies into your storage, and you rise to your feet with Ferris, who secures his zweihander to his back. The boy is silent, as he begins to step west.

"Squire-" you begin.

"It was a pleasure, Skald Myrddin," he forces a smile past his worry. "I have something I must do."

"Are you mad?" you narrow your brows, as he turns his back on you. "The one who's hunting you is-"

"Look," he snaps, only turning his head. "All due respect, I appreciate your kindness, your charity, and good will, but this doesn't concern you."

[ 1 ] "I'm not letting you go alone."
[ 2 ] "I could tell something was up from the start, so start talking."
[ 3 ] "We're going to meet your troop and seeing what this is about."
[ 4 ] "Very well, just be careful out there." [[ Specify if you want to really let him go, or to tail him. ]]

>>5890266
>[2]

>>5890266
>[2]

>>5890266
>[2]

[[ >>5890295
>>5890335
>>5890404
Let's have some answers, shall we? Writing now! ]]

>>5890709
You march in front of him, and cross your arms. His borderline duplicitous manner was fine before, but this sounds quite serious.

"I could tell something was up from the start," you put bluntly, "so start talking, Ferris."

He exhales with a half-hearted growl, not exactly knowing where to begin. Lady appears to feel guilty, silently holding a hand close to her chest.

"I'm only making an assumption here," his voice is low, "but the worst case scenario is my pursuer is an exiled officer. Not a particularly high-ranking one, but still formidable."

"Why does he want a greenhorn in a 'correction' program?"

"Because I'm young and impressionable," he offers with a coy smile.
You are not amused.
"Okay, okay. This man, if it is him, is a prominent rebel. He wants to resore the Empire of Steel Wing to what it once was, and he thinks I'd be a crucial addition."

"So you must be a child prodigy," you conclude, in all seriousness.

He wants to let it stay at that, but he clenches his fists. He's done being lost and confused. His determined gaze meets yours.

"There's something *wrong* with me, Myrddin!" He grits his teeth. "There's a tiger inside me..."

"Nothing wrong with having a bit of fiery passion, Squire," you try to assure him.

"No, I *literally* have a tiger soul in me! I... I don't know how or why, but," he looks down for a second, then meets your eyes again. "When I'm angry or in danger, I transform into some... *freak*!"
You are unsure of how to respond; you've heard of experts with magic temporarily morphing into animal forms, but nothing like what he's saying.
"That man," Ferris continues, "before his exile, he told me if I wanted answers, to join him, but I ignored it."

"So, how did he discover this 'talent' of yours?"

"I don't know," he shakes his head, at a loss, "the only people who were supposed to know were the cleric who examined me, my parents, and the guardsmen responsible for my training, not to mention the Empress herself."

You furrow your brow in thought, "this cleric, she did not tell you anything?"

"She only told me the soul exists, which is why I want to find dishonored Thomas. And as sure as sunrise, I know she knew more than she let on!" He notices the worried expression on your face. "Depending on what I learned, I would decide if I want to flee from him or... desert my home." His voice growing quiet, he scowls, "I know what I *want* to do, but not what I *should* do."

You glance at Lady, who has no doubt been 'listening' to her collective, judging by her slack posture and blank expression.

[[ Options in next post... ]]

>>5890741
[[ https://youtu.be/Qknx6rb4RjI?si=21eDwRO_lnCrJ22t ]]
Your thoughts on what Ferris should do? At this point, he seems fully reliant on your answer.
>[ 1 ] He should reunite with his company. He won't find out the truth, but he will be relatively safe; you'll help him reach them.
>[ 2 ] He should confront Exile Thomas, in hopes of learning the truth. The Empire has no right to hide this knowledge from Ferris. [[ Specify if you will accompany him, secretly tail him, or let him go on his own. ]]
>[ 3 ] He should desert his country altogether and travel with you. It sounds like civil war is brewing, and he doesn't deserve to be swept up in it.
>[ 4 ] See if you can +look within him+ and see if you can figure it out.

>>5890749

>[ 4 ] See if you can +look within him+ and see if you can figure it out.

Even if it falls through, we can still do one of the other options

>>5890749
>[4]

>>5890741
QM, gotta say I love your art style. It's a mix of Baby's First Dragonball, Seeker Quest, and your own unique flair. Hard to explain unless you're me, but I've been digging in and loving it so far.

[[ >>5890769
The good news is that +Guidance+ will always give you at least a little something to work with, and will usually cause more branching possibilities, even if status quo seems unchanged.
I don't want to sound like I'm trying to sway the vote one way or another, though. >_>;

>>5891164
Thank you, it means a lot to hear that.
I've been trying a few different things I'm either weak with/not used to (such as backgrounds/perspective) or outright never tried (such as color).
When coming up with this quest, I fantasized about putting an image on every post, but there were a number of times where I either couldn't accept what I made, or didn't want to take too long redoing things (though there are a number of images I did post that I'm really "meh" about).
I really want to work on adding more action poses and attack shots, because I love that shit.

That aside, I'm leaving things open, for just a little while longer, and when I get back in an hour or so I'll see where things are.
I have some pre-written material, but I want to keep it fair. :) ]]

>>5890749
>[ 1 ]

[[ >>5890769
>>5890772
>>5891252
+Insight+ takes it!

Gonna start updating now. ]]

>>5891277
"I could try a divination," you tell the troubled boy. "Maybe find out what's going on."

"D-do you think you could help?" he seems a little nervous, but not opposed to it. "How much do you know?"

"More than most people," is the most honest answer you can give.

It is more accurate to say you're quite skilled in divinations, but you have tremendously low sensitivity to spirits. While this makes you immune to hauntings and virtually undetectable by demons and devils, you conversely have no means to properly deal with hostile ghosts and wraiths, were you to ever encounter any, nor can you properly grant peace to benign ghosts.

You're certain what's responsible for Ferris' transformations isn't a ghost or wraith, so you don't mind reaching your soul out to his.

Time seems to slow to a crawl. It's just you, and him, as far as either of you know. Even his lighter cloth and hair stop ruffling in the light breeze, and then +Myrddin looks upon the boy's heart.

Myrddin sees the boy, standing adjacent to a large white tiger that dwarves him even at rest. It was no lie. Poor Ferris was not telling any pure lies, only hiding what was uncertain to him, and even upon the surface of his soul, Myrddin sees much uncertainty, but the tiger is content.

'I want to run away.' 'I want answers.' 'I want people to be proud.' 'I can't be a warrior.'
'Do not run away.' 'You know everything you need.' 'Pride is nothing.' 'We will handle any problem we face.'

The two trains of contradictory thought run simultaneously in a tumult. While the boy's struggles differ, Myrddin feels a resonant tug to his own troubles.

Ferris is still hesitant, but he finally lets go, opening fully, as does his animal within.+

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

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>>5891278
+A vision comes to Myrddin. Modern civilization holds belief in reincarnation, for <̴͔͊̓ư̴̟n̶̰̞͊̐k̴͔̯̔̕ń̶o̴͍̻̒w̵͎͝n̵̳̞͗́ ̸͇͘p̷͖̿͗o̵w̶e̵̞̖͗̀ŕ̷̠>̴̦̌ has revealed a few of its truths.

When little Ferris formed within his mother, two souls came to occupy his vessel. While rare, he is far from the first. Karbonne was formed as a tiger's soul, but followed Ferris into his human body.

But Karbonne was dormant, as if he weren't even there, until the boy began his recent journey to becoming a man.+

Karbonne speaks to Myrddin, pacing around him. Sizing him up.
+I only care for two things,
Our survival, and our progeny.
Those who get in the way of us bearing progeny will learn a harsh lesson.
Those who threaten us will die.

My brother wants love, fame, and peace.
He wants games and history.
A human's wants are frivolous and needlessly complex.
He is a cub, and must be allowed to grow with what he needs.

Though he is but a bestial soul, Karbonne knows what Ferris knows, feels what he feels. This link helps him communicate, but at the same time, it exposes him to the storm in his brother's heart.
When Ferris feels anguish or in terror, it brings Karbonne to occupy his body and <̴̢̩̒̄ă̸̙l̴̦̙̇ṭ̷̉e̶̫̋̋r̷̢͕ś̷̤>̵̥̙̓͑ it. Karbonne only acts according to what he believes is correct, according to the rules of nature.

The only solution is for the two of them to become truly united in thought and belief; as Ferris wields Karbonne to his will, so Karbonne wields Ferris to *his* will.

The pale fades, Myrddin retracts, and events flow as if nothing happened.+

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

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>>5891288
You shake your head at a sudden, dull throbbing. Certain concepts had caused your perception to distort, a heavy breath to echo in your ears, and a tremor to run through your body. While disturbing, these occurrences were brief enough to push aside, especially in the face of the matter at hand.

"Ferris," you begin, with a hushed voice. "Do you ever see him, in your dreams? Do you ever communicate?"

"I'm not sure-" he answers, groping for a memory, "I've seen him, but I never remember if we ever interacted."

"He is a part of you, and you have to accept that. You are brothers, as much as any pair of fraternal human twins."

"Brothers," he mirrors, with an elated sigh. He puts a hand on his chest, "he is my brother, you say?"

"Yes. And, most vital of all, he feels what you feel."

"He must be suffering," his smile fades. "What does he want?"

"Only for you two to live, and to eventually have children."

"Well," a light blush forms on his cheeks, "that might rightly be a long time from now."

You get to the point; "in order for you two to co-exist, you need to compromise. It will be difficult. You two are very much... opposite in manner."

He lowers his head, in stunned silence. You can read it on his face; 'why couldn't they tell me?' Lady is looking directly at you, her visage is visibly scrunched, and her hands are clenched, shivering in anticipation.

"hunter" she tells you, "he is... where you felled our predator"

The High Stalks. The one assumed to be Thomas is drawing near, and if he chooses to enter the Fungal Yard, he will be upon you three in minutes.

"Squire," you get his attention, "how is he following you with such certainty?"

He ponders for a brief tick, and a scowl darkens his face once more. He reaches under the plate protecting his throat, and unravels a steel symbol on a delicate steel chain, a bird with wings unfurled, facing downward.

"My holy symbol," he shakes his head, "this one is granted to all soldiers and recruits who venture out of the Empire. Officers are taught how to use divination to detect these symbols."

There isn't much time.

>[ 1 ] Stay on the defense and wait for him to show up.
>[ 2 ] We go to meet him, as Ferris previously intended.
>[ 3 ] Attempt to pass through the High Stalks area without him detecting you and go en route to meet Ferris' allies. [[ Roll 1D20! ]]
>[ 4 ] Disregard both Thomas and the search party; continue on your initial path. [[ Choose 1 from the following sub-options ]]
>>[ 4A ] Fuzi Settlement
>>[ 4B ] Mid Shrooms
>>[ 4C ] Haze Sea
>>[ 4D ] The floating staircase-bridge of stone

>>5891292

Now that Ferris knows the broad strokes of his nature, there's absolutely no need for him to meet or confront Thomas. Personally, I'd be glad to have him along on our quest, and Karbonne will probably prefer that to having him go back home and serve as a weapon for his military. Therefore,

>[4C]

Also just going to say that I really like the tone of this quest. It's really nostalgic, both in the worldbuilding and artstyle, and it harkens back to a simpler age of fantasy before people felt the need to deconstruct and reconstruct a premise that worked a thousand times over. Really enjoying it, QM, keep it up

[[ >>5891297
Thank you so much. I've been doubting myself, thinking the simplicity wasn't going to be well-received, but I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's more fun for me to write, too, as I enjoy the older trends of heroism and daring-do.
No shade against the current trend of political intrigue and gray morality, of course, it's just not really my thing.

Thanks again. I'm probably saying this to the point of nausea, but I'm really happy for the reception and participation! ]]

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5891292
>[3]
I'm a sucker for rolling.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5891370
Supporting

[[ >>5891370
>>5892162
I don't want to sound dumb when I ask this, but are you committed to returning Ferris to his group, or do you just want head in their direction? ]]

>>5892197
I didn't vote for that option, so I guess I'll change my vote to support that and say that maybe we observe them before meeting? To make sure they're trustworthy and all

>>5892197
Not particularly committed to anything kek
It's mostly just my roll addiction and curiosity.

[[ >>5892199
>>5892202
All right, this works. (2jyHFNfq) had well-thought out logic, so I can accommodate this. ]]

[[ The update will take a bit. ]]

Rolled 15 (1d20)

[[ >>5892213
Rolling for things.
Don't mind me. :p ]]

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>>5892217
"Lady," you address her, polite yet urgent. "Where are Ferris' allies now?"

"approaching..." she points west-northwest, "mushroom people"

"Do you know how we can get past Thomas?" Ferris asks, worried.

[ 18! ]
"I have an idea, if you'll let me see your 'striking hawk' for a second," you present your hand.

Ferris is confused, but steps closer, and puts the holy symbol in your hand. You recall from helping identify Ferris' problem through divination that when magical concepts entered your mind, your perceptions became twisted and distorted, and from what you understand, Thomas is using divination to track Ferris.

You breathe a sigh, wrapping your fingers around the symbol, and dredge up a horrible creature from the corners of your memory. You focus on... emitting its ugly, malefic visage; a mountain troll, with white patches of fur around its pale blue skin. You grimace as you focus on it, imbuing your will into the symbol.

[ 16! ]
You hear a scream of anguish and terror close by, on the edge of this area. Forlorn, you let the holy symbol hang from Ferris' armor freely.

"Choke on that for a while," you utter in quiet contempt.

"You, uh‐" Ferris begins, but you cut him off by holding a hand up.

"Let's move," you crack a genuine smirk at him.

The three of you begin to reverse on your path, heading for the more sparse High Stalks. Along your way, you happen to notice a large, one-eyed man, hunched over and gripping his left shoulder tightly, trying to regain his composure. Ferris glances over idly, but doesn't give him a second thought beyond spitting a hushed curse word, while Lady watches him like a hawk until you're much further ahead of him.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

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>>5892266
Hopping in hasty rhythm, you all make good time passing through the taller mushrooms, and as the sun paints the sky a gorgeous orange, you see modestly sized, mushroom-shaped houses in the distance.
The area is sparsely populated; this facilitates your pace, but every so often, you'll see a cute little humanoid with a mushroom cap atop its head, as if it were a hat. No time to stop, but you three take the time to wave and call greetings as you pass.

Moving towards the edge of the Settlement, you see three soldiers bearing the same regalia as Ferris. One is quite tall, has more armor and a full helm, with mace and shield, the middle has a winged spear and bears the Empire's banner, while the last has a large axe, and muscles exposed as that Thomas did.

You are looking for a place to observe them before you meet, but you're spotted by one pointing in your direction. They utter excited greetings, seeing Ferris, though are a bit wary of you and Lady.

"You are unharmed, Squire!" the lancer calls. "How fortuitous! We were certain that miscreant would find you before us, but here you are!"

"It was thanks to this man that we had safe passage," Ferris smirks, "right under his nose, practically."

"And to whom do we owe the pleasure? I am Connor." He motions to the axe user, "Borris," then to the armored one, "Sylvia."

"Skald Myrddin," you nod, in amicable neutrality, and present your lichenous companion, "she is Lady."

"charmed" she gives them a curtsy.

"We thank you for keeping our comrade safe, young warrior-poet," Connor acknowledges. "Our travels had us following the traitor in hot pursuit, but he sudden became overwhelmed with terror!"

So that explains why they didn't see your 'vision'; they were divining Thomas.

"You were looking for him, and not me?" Ferris is taken aback.

"Of course," Borris nods. "We knew about your trial, so we were going to make sure he didn't do anything... untoward."

He shoots a quick side-eye to Lady in frustration. You, however, are more understanding, and know that she has a lot of trouble communicating, especially when trying to understand and parse humans and their factions from one-another.

"H-hanging out with Sir Myrddin isn't going to v-violate my trial, is it?" Ferris asks, nervous

"Not at all!" Connor grins. "It's good for a growing boy to get some culture."

"And even if it did," Borris remarks, "we'd never rat you out, kid."

They look like they're about to march off. If you'd like to ask something or bring anything to their attention, now would be your best opportunity.

[[ Pick 1, roll 1D20! ]]
>[ 1 ] Ask some questions/raise some concerns. [[ Write-in! ]]
>[ 2 ] We'd like to assist you apprehending Thomas, actually.
>[ 3 ] Let them get back to business, and resume your own. [[ Pick a sub-option. ]]
>[ 3A ] Mingle with the Cappy Settlers and try to get lodging for the night. [[ Progress to next day. ]]
>[ 3B ] Go to Sandy Approach
>[ 3C ] Go to Lower Heights
>[ 3D ] Go to the ruined spire

>>5892323
>[ 3D ] Go to the ruined spire

They seem like good folks, but I think it's best that we don't get mixed up in a civil war.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5892323
>>5892343
+1
Wish them good luck.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

[[ >>5892343
>>5892928
I'm in late today, but I will lock the vote here, in favor of bidding them good luck and going to the tower.

Nice freaking roll, by the way. There've been a lot of highs this thread. ]]

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[[ >>5893038
what the actual fuck ]]

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>>5893038
"Madam S-Sylvia," Ferris pipes up, approaching her, "a quick word, please."

"Of course, Squire," a tender voice echoes from under the helmet.

Borris and Connor smile, with an underlying, knowing sorrow. Connor hails your attention, and you three men step back to give them some space.

"You are well-traveled, warrior-poet," Connor begins, a knowing look in his eye.

"Indeed," you acknowledge his look with your own. "It is a shame."

"We became lax, reveled in our opulence, rested on our laurels. And now, we are paying the price. Young Ferris, he doesn't deserve to pay the debts of his forebears."

"If he is there, he will do something he'll never be able to let go."

"Then you understand completely." He gives you a sharp nod, and presents a raised forearm.

You lock your real arm with his; he has a strong pull, though yours is far from slack. Borris gives the same gesture, nearly bringing you off your feet, but you're good for it.
Turning your attention back to Sylvia and Ferris, you notice she has her helmet removed, and takes his holy symbol from him. She hands him something else in exchange, which he quickly winds under his collar plate. After she kisses his cheek, she puts her helmet back on.

"Oh ho, Ferris!" Borris chides, "you young wolf! Just a few more years, huh?"

The poor boy's face turns beet red, he is unable to retort.

"Implying I'd wait, if only it weren't for the law," Sylvia jests as she steps closer and points at you. "I'd keep this one in our household, too."

"And to think," Connor chuckles, "people in the city wonder why you never speak."

"Better cinch me to a strong chain," you grin at her through red cheeks, "I have a tendency to slip away."

You hear a soft giggle beneath her helm, before she bears her forearm. You cross yours with hers, then are lifted effortlessly. It doesn't hurt, but it is startling.

"Keep him safe," a low plea from her helmet to your ear, almost shaking with concern. "You are a good man."

You wonder what exactly Ferris has told her, as she rejoins her company.

"I wish you good tidings and safe passage, wherever your lives take you!" you proclaim, waving.

"good luck" Lady waves too.

"Goodbye," Ferris smiles, half-hearted, as his allies head towards the taller mushrooms.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

>>5893067
Silence hangs in the air; Ferris looks upon where they were, wistful.

"Let's go on an adventure, then," you offer, holding your real arm to Ferris.

"Yeah," he nods, gripping your forearm as you grip his, "let's do this!"

From the edge of the Settlement, you hop from cap platform to lower depths, the colorful haze coming more prominently into view. A tower in the distance, drawing near.
The ruined structure pierces from under the haze; it is safe to assume this is a structure from Stygian Bog, an awful swamp from which the Amanita Heights grow. Though there is a massive hole in the tower, it appears to still be structurally sound.

Lady looks upon the tower with uncertainty, even after you and Ferris have entered the broken buttress.

"What is the matter?" you ask gently.

"one of my collective... has never tread... upon man-made earth"

Right. The mushroom caps and haze are the 'senses' of the 'consciousness' of Amanita Heights, and it doesn't know what happens when one of its Shamblers steps onto brick and mortar.

"But you said it yourself," you assure her, "Lady was chosen to follow me, correct?"

"correct"

"So then, surely you were prepared to have her step outside your domain."

"yes" she nods, then mimics a smirk to her best ability "and... don't call me Shirley"

Ferris snorts, holding back his laughter. You simply hold out your prosthetic arm, beckoning her.
She grabs your hand, a dainty touch.
She steps onto the ancient brickwork.
A bewildered expression crosses her face.
Silent stillness.

"strange" she finally says.

"You are okay, yes?" Ferris asks in mild concern.

"yes" she answers, rubbing her foot back and forth on the floor. "very strange"

In the absence of any understanding of what she means, you urge her to continue on with the three of you.

[[ Continues in next post... ]]

>>5893068
[[ https://youtu.be/H86wLTGBgGc?si=3qAuAxoRcnRxmdZU ]]

There's a certain hollowness to the Hazy Tower, and not just because of its literal vacancy. The buttress itself contains nothing but bits of crumbled rubble and broken brickwork, so you take point to peek past the 'door', ajar, unhinged, and broken as it is, to see the main room the structure you occupy adjoins.

It is a massive, domed room. In the center, is a podium. From a ring in the floor, you see four pedestals, unmarked and equidistant. Two of the walls are lined with bookshelves, though there's hardly a book on either, as they're mostly scattered, torn, burned, molded, or otherwise damaged in piles all across the floor.
On the opposite side of the room is a staircase, going down into the tower.
There appears to be no danger, but you can't shake a subtle feeling of dread.

[[ Pick one and roll 1D20! ]]
[ 1 ] Enter the room and investigate. [[ Examine podium/pedestals, inspect the walls/floors, pick through the books to find anything salvageable, etc. ]]
[ 2 ] Go straight to the stairs and descend.
[ 3 ] <Check what else you can see> or +Check what else you can see+, then decide if you'll enter.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5893070
>[3] +Check what else you can see+
These have been some insane rolls. Let's see if we get more!

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5893070
3 ] <Check what else you can see> or +Check what else you can see+, then decide if you'll enter.
Watch THIS

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5893070

>[ 1 ] Enter the room and investigate. [[ Examine podium/pedestals, inspect the walls/floors, pick through the books to find anything salvageable, etc. ]]

[[ >>5893151
>>5893391
>>5893394
The 3s have it! Writing. ]]

>>5894170
Taking a moment to consider what this source of dread is, you decide to try a divination on the room. Let your breath slow to a calm, and try to look at that ruined library for what it is.

+Myrddin looks upon the study, whose <̷̧̼̕b̷̥́̒o̵̦͐̉ŏ̷͍̯̀ḱ̸̫s̵̘̃͋ͅ≯̤̀͌ are strewn about, whose subject matter ranges from ≮̧̧̡̩̩̖̻͕̭̂̋͜͜c̶̪̣̉ọ̴̩̪̝̙̮̰̬͚̊̂͑͜n̷̋v̸̋̃͛ĕ̵̏͊n̴͂̄ī̴͐̈́̂̇ệ̴̢̺̱n̵̏͛c̷̆ȩ̶̧̹͎̘̈̌s̷̠̉̔̿>̵́̒͆͝ to <̴̖̫͖̈͠t̸͇̟̝̊̏a̵̹̟̱͗͋̓c̶̥͚̍̎t̵̛̤̔̂i̷̳̋͜ͅc̶͚͌á̸̼͝l̶͕̞̍̃͠ ̵̹̩̚ȁ̴̞̯͕p̸͉͕̣͋̓p̶̱̟̣͗ľ̸̹̮ī̵͎͓̱͗́c̵͔̹̤̽a̸̛̦̖̔̚ṭ̸̍͠ỉ̷͔͙̆͜o̶̞̗̗̓n̸͇̳͂s̴̨̝͖̑̊>. There are echoing sounds reminiscent of numerous simultaneous conversations. Shadows blink in and out of existence in the corners of his vision, though never persisting long enough for him to get a good look at them. What's worse is that he is completely unable to look in the center of the room; a <̷̨̫̎͝ṁ̴͚̟a̷͍̕s̶̤̻͆͒ş̴̠̔̐ḯ̴̼͗v̸̛͍͐e̶̩͚̿ ̷̢̛̔d̸̩̉͌a̷͇̓r̵̜͆ͅk̶͉͓̓̏n̷̻̱̊̕e̶̮̕̚s̶̤̎̔ș̴̎>̷̨̓ͅ that hurts his vision even trying to side-eye it, and he can't seem to remember what was there before. He doesn't get much upon seeing the true nature of the study, but he knows ≮̼̯͑s̵̟̆̓o̴̤̽̉m̸̠̒͆e̵̪͛t̴͖̯͌̓ȟ̵̨̦͠i̴̠̟̒̋n̷̟͙̏͊ģ̵̙͋͝≯̢̧̋̈́ was <̵̞̖̎̄c̶̱̉r̶͓̟͌͘e̶̩͉̎ą̷̱̀t̵̜̊ḛ̸̬̋͋d̸̪̟̦̎̓≯̛̘̇͝ here, and loosed upon the lands.+

Ow. That almost wasn't worth the throbbing pains in your head. Divination has no ill effects on the user, but you're certain now, based on previous events, that the presence of magic during a divination causes it to behave strangely and give negative feedback on the diviner.
In spite of all this, you know the room is safe to enter.

"you are harmed" Lady grimaces, looking about for a threat.

"No, it's fine," you shake off the headache, "there's a lot of magic in that room. Specifically, the books, but the podium and its surrounding pedestals are absolutely overflowing with energy."

"This tower probably belonged to a hermit, or perhaps was even one of those old 'schools of magic', before that trend fell out of practice.

"I think a monster was made in this room," you tell him. "I can't be certain, but my scrying told me something was created here. Things get... strange... whenever it reveals anything magical."

"And monsters are almost purely magical." Ferris concludes.

You nod, then begin to enter the room, "as long as we don't screw with the stuff in the center, the magic won't do anything."

[[ Pick one; roll 1D20! ]]
>[ 1 ] Let's see what's downstairs.
>[ 2 ] I want to pick through the good books. [[ Write-in which topics. ]]
>[ 3 ] Maybe there's a safe way to dispel the ambient magic?

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5894193
>[1]

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5894193
>3

[[ Okay... I just noticed I made a HUGE fuck-up.
So, you know how I made a big deal about magic screwing with divination, and you know how I mentioned that monsters are almost purely magical, and how I didn't have the squid monster's divination act screwy at all?
Yeah, that's a plot hole. A bad one. And while I'm sure it was caught before I noticed it, and while it probably isn't a big deal, it doesn't feel good.
It isn't bad enough to quit running over, of course, but I wanted to acknowledge my fuck up instead of brushing it aside.
It's a matter of setting expectations, and while it probably already feels like I'm just pulling things out of my ass (and let's face it, I am for a lot of this), the divide between magical and spiritual was something I should have adhered to from the beginning.
So, the big question is... what the heck do I do now? And, I guess now would be a good a time as any to guage other feelings:
>am I too slow?
>any issues with inconsistency or vagueness beyond what I pointed out
>are the plot beats too obvious?
>is the divination mechanic too hand-holdy
>is the Narrator aspect too pretentious, rather than charming?
>is there any confusion/other concerns?
>is the writing dry and on-the-nose, or too abstact? Or boring?
>is the narrative too preachy when breaching topics of death and society?
Things of that nature. Please be honest, but constructive.
I apologize for loading all this here now, but I'm having a bit of a tism in my head over it.
Thanks in advance! ]]

>>5895164
Maybe something like this?
>Magic permeates everything naturally, and, in some cases, appears in high concentrations without any meddling. This is the case for monsters
>However, when humans or humanoids use magic, they disrupt the natural flow of things, redirecting the world's magic in order to bring about desired effects

Therefore, monsters, which are naturally occurring, don't meddle with divination, which uses the flow of the world to garner information. Meanwhile, large scale spellcraft disrupts that flow and thereby messes with anyone trying to use it to get a read on things. Maybe artificial monsters or aberrations like demons or eldritch entities do the same thing

[[ >>5895196
That's very sensible, actually. I can work with this; thank you. ]]

[[ We have a tie between
>>5894252
going downstairs and
>>5895018
looking for a way to dispel magic.
I am not feeling it tonight, so I'll wait until morning.
I apologize for the wait, faithful Anons, but I want to be at my "best". ]]

>>5895164
I'll change my vote to the other one to keep things moving.

>>5895738
Hope you feel better QM.

[[ I know you guys probably don't want to see this after waiting so long, but it's better if I say this now.

My life has me in a mental state I can't manage. It's affecting my will to write, among other things, so I need to fix things on that front before I can do something like this.
I thought that maybe this could be a good release for me and help me cope with things IRL, but too much of it is bleeding into everything I try to write.

I apologize for being a little bitch about this, but I want you to know that I'm happy you guys participated and gave me kind words. It's all I could have asked for.

And I hope that if I ever do run something again, that this won't be held against me.
Please, be well, in physical, mental, and spiritual, and thanks again for your time. ]]

>>5898305
No worries, QM. Ultimately, these sorts of things are only fun if the writer is enjoying them too, and if this feels like a chore to you, nobody's having fun. I enjoyed the quest, and am disappointed to see it end so abruptly, but nobody's holding it against you.

RIP thread. Has it been archived yet?

>>5898305
You gave it the old college try, and smashed it, QM. None can criticize you. You know my style--hang in the background, munch popcorn while reading, only come in to ask questions about the setting/lore (my votes never get voted anyway). This was a good old school SNES adventure romp. Nothing but moves and magic on this jawn. With a bit of bs in the background myself, I can relate, sadly. If it isn't fun for you, it isn't fun for me, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say that mental health needs to be paramount.

Good on your for giving a bowing-out update (again setting you apart from most). So, best of wishes, and I hope you're back soon to spin us more tales of grand adventure! Please, get well soon, and I hope you're able to deal with life as quickly as you're able and as makes sense for your personal plans.

Godspeed to you.

>>5898866
Y'all do what this man says and get an archive on this mf.

[[ >>5898316
Without going too much into the drama, I'm in the middle of a relationship dispute involving close family members, and my attempts to help made things drastically worse. I should have kept my nose out of it, period. As long as this remains a problem, I cannot continue.
I'll either need a change of scenery, to put it eloquently, or for those responsible to fix their issue.

>>5902907
I feel like it's some failing as a QM that I wasn't able to at least include some of your will into the narrative. I wanted to do something I hadn't really seen before, by having players not just control the MC, but to have a little external control over the world itself (what treasure is here, what lands lie yonder, is there a monster or a friend approaching, etc) but I feel like I didn't translate that as well as I'd hoped.
On top of everything else I was experimenting with (the semi-unreliable narrator, the guidance mechanic, freeform magic), I dropped myself in over my head. And yes, while the narrator was supposed to be intentionally unreliable, I admit that some of those screw ups were *not* intentional.
And yeah, as awful as I feel for dropping this, I'd feel worse to disappear without saying anything.
I am happy you and >>5898866 feel this is worthy of archival.

Thanks, everyone. ]]

>>5903787
I respect your decision to keep your involvement scarce in that personal issue. I won't make it the focal point of my reply, since you've made it clear you're not for it anyway, and it's your private business (none of mine). But now I'm wondering . . . are you the anon from the /qtg/ who said they were thinking of making a tried-and-true adventure quest? If so, thank you for running and I wish you had a lofi or whatever it's called to donate to. Even if it' 5$, that gets you a coffee and, at the very least, a sure-fire feeling that you've written something that someone truly enjoyed.

If that's you, let me know. But if it isn't, what I said and all the praise given still applies.

[[ >>5903875
>are you the anon from the /qtg/ who said they were thinking of making a tried-and-true adventure quest
I'm the guy who called himself "effectively a nobody", and was intrigued by the "GOOD fantasy quest" meme. xD
That's mainly just the /qtg/ taking the piss, I know, but I was unironically motivated to try my hand at making an adventure mainly about just screwing around in ruins and wilderness... even if I didn't have an overarching plot or solid plan for an endgame. The bulk of my forethought focused on the setting's regions, points of interest therein; ruins, caves, alcoves, other oddities, and of course the wildlife, monsters, and settlers.
Did I bite the bait thinking I was going to make something good? Absolutely not. But I was confident I could write something that truly belonged to an audience with a thirst for adventure.
I may not have a tip-jar, but I will graciously accept the spirit of your intent; it honors me that you would even pay that much! ]]

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>>5904065
You mad lad bastard! I knew it! You ended up making something good. Don't even worry about that. We'll be here for you when you get back!